WMOD00305 ‎(2)‎

• Title: Demonstrating Water Augmentation by Cloud Seeding in the Colorado River Basin
• Date: 5/1/1974
• Weather Modification - Doc Type: Report

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I. PROPOSED PROJECT AND OBJECTIVES

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The Bureau of Reclamation proposes a 10-year weather modi'-

fication project to provide a clear demonstration of how

winter orographic cloud seeding can enhance the flow of

the Colorado River.

Results of Bureau research and analytical evaluation of

other orographic seeding programs indicate there is a

10- to 20-percent increase in winter snowpacks available

to the arid West. Continuing environmental studies show

that, with reasonable precautions, ecological effects would

not be adverse. It is believed a seeding potential of at

least 1.3 million acre-feet of new water exists in the

Upper Colorado River Basin at a production cost of about

$2.50 per acre-foot.

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Before decisions to implement a continuing operational

program can be made, a substantial demonstration and

verification of the technology is required. The operational

demonstration project, ~iith the resolution of remaining

social-environmental and scientific uncertainties should

be completed prior to 1990 when water problems in the

Colorado will become increasingly critical.

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