Supercell storms come in different shapes and sizes, as observed on radar and by the human eye. Some are very prolific rain producers, whereas others are drier than the average supercell.

This is a westward view of a "wet" supercell approaching in the evening light.

This slide shows the problem that frequently arises in viewing a tornadic storm to the north -- lack of contrast. The dark precipitation area all too often blends in with wall clouds, tornadoes, etc. However, important clues as to the nature of this particular storm are visible, including the circular, mid-level cloud bands we saw in an earlier storm. These bands suggest rotation, and this storm did produce at least one tornado.

Also note the flat, elongated cloud on the right side of this photo. This is another type of "tail cloud," with the appearance of a beaver's tail. The east-west oriented cloud frequently is seen in the vicinity of the stationary gustfront or "pseudo-warm front," which is northeast of the rotating updraft. The "beaver's tail" usually is at rain-free base level, slightly higher than the tail cloud associated with a wall cloud. Storm chase veterans consider these clues to be strong evidence of a supercell and suggestive of possible tornado formation, although not every tornadic supercell has pronounced mid-level rotating cloud bands and inflowing tail clouds.