WMOD00301 ‎(2)‎

• Title: Conceptual Plan to Develop Water Augmentation by Weather Modification in the Colorado River
• Date: 5/14/1979
• Weather Modification - Doc Type: Report

D R AFT

studies. Decisions on the Operational Phase would depend largely
upon results of the proposed research and the future water resources
situation.

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This phased approach toward full operational development is consistent
with recommendations in the Weather Modification Advisory Board
report 4/ and the Department of the Interior investigations of
westwide water supply ~ authorized by Title II of Public Law
90-537.

The first three phases are collectively named the "Co lorado River
Basin Augmentation Demonstration Program" and can be undertaken
as research within the Bureau's Atmospheric Water Resources Management
Program, with cooperation and cost sharing from local and state
groups. The confirmatory experiment is termed "SNOWCASrn for Snow
increase fonfirmation And System Test.

The total program is within the existing authority of the Secretary
of the Interior including responsibilities in the Colorado River Basin
Project Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-537). However, major policy and
legal issues may be involved in considering an Operational Phase
to apply cloud seeding basinwide for continuing water augmentation.

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The assumption made in preparing the proposed program schedule is
that there is sufficient time to complete the remaining development
and resolution of associated weather modification issues before
Colorado River water problems reach critical stages.

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