Several researchers have examined the concept of flame stability and there has been little agreement regarding the reasons governing this phenomenon. The experiments described within were devised to establish the dominating stabilization mechanism in lifted flames. Specifically, the flame base of lifted methane-jet diffusion flames were examined through the use of various combinations of synchronized laser-based techniques involving particle image velocimetry (PIV), planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), and Rayleigh scattering. Results indicate the presence of a structure termed a flame. Results involving the gradient in the Rayleigh signal across the flame base, in addition to two-shot CH-PLIF interpretations support the leading-edge flame as a primary stabilization mechanism. The extent of premixing upstream of the flame base has been a major source of disagreement in the past. The simultaneous Rayleigh and CH-PLIF images indicate the base of the lifted flame lies in a region that is within the flammability limits of methane burning in air. Furthermore, the average velocity at the stabilization point is 1.18 m/s (as determined from the simultaneous CH-PLIF and PIV investigation); this value is comparable to three times the laminar burning velocity of methane (~ 3S), thereby supporting previous numerical triple flame simulations. Results from the joint two-shot CH-PLIF and PIV technique show that the flame base velocity is independent of the flow conditions when the flame is stationary during the time separation of the CH-PLIF pulses. Specifically, flames with Re flow conditions. Finally, regions of local extinction — as indicated by openings in the CH profiles — were examined. Results from four experiments (simultaneous CH-PLIF and PIV, simultaneous CH-PLIF and OH-PLIF, simultaneous CH-PLIF and Rayleigh scattering, and simultaneous two-shot CH-PLIF and PIV) provide complementary information regarding the role of large-scale fuel vortices in initiating local flame extinction as they penetrate the reaction zone.