This thread has comments nearly identical as the one started on Jan.5 regarding an Air Canada Boeing 777 diverting to CYYC due to severe turbulence. The media reports and passenger comments are also predictably similar..
Any current research being done on CAT (Clear Air Turbulence)?
Northwest's (Northwest Orient Airlines) meteorologists, led by Dan Sowa, pioneered the first clear-air turbulence forecasting system in 1957, important since the airline flew many northern routes over turbulence-prone mountain areas. Northwest remained a leader in turbulence prediction, providing TPAWS (turbulence prediction and warning services) to other airlines.
A strong predictor of CAT is a sudden rise of OAT, (outside air temperature). Flying near the warm sector of the jet stream core also counts for plenty.. I think they experimented with a warning system that would alert pilots if the OAT rose rapidly while in cruise above a predetermined flight level. Whether the warning would be enough time for the pilot to react and the passengers and aircrew to buckle-in remains a question.