The purpose was to develop a practical, data-based procedure for estimating effective plume rise and plume rise versus distance from a large coal-fired power plants. The results are presented of an investigation of the relationships of the meteorological, plant design, and operating conditions to the: initial plume rise within 152 meters from the source; rate of plume rise with downwind distance; and distance where the maximum rise occurs. More than 1,100 photographs were used in this evaluation, incorporating special methods. For a known stability range, an expression may be determined for estimating the effective plume rise at various distances from the stack. An equation for estimating the effective plume rise at any downwind distance up to 3,000 meters during neutral conditions, stable conditions, and very stable conditions is determined. For a selected downwind distance, an expression is determined for estimating the effective plume rise during any stability conditions. (Author)