WMOD00317 ‎(2)‎

• Title: A Comparison of the Potential of Cloud Seeding to Enhance Mountain Snowpack in Colorado During Dry, Normal and Wet Winters
• Date: 1/1/1983
• State: CO
• Weather Modification - Doc Type: Report

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Results

o The number of seedable storms identified each winter from
interpolated soundings did not vary much in the wet, normal or
moderately dry winters studied. Neither did the percentage increase
in the water content of seasonal snowfall expected in various
drainage basins in four mountainous sub-regions of the state if all
eligible storms were se.:ded. This percentage increase ranged from
2.5 to 10.5 percent. These estimated increases are probably
conservative be<::ause some seedable storms may not 'have been
detected. Results of scientific field experiments indicate that
water content increases of 10 to 15 percent are possible.

Conclusion

o Seeding appears to offer comparable percentage increases in mountain
snowpack in moderately dry, normal and wet winters. While the
amount of additional sno,,, expected from seeding may be lower in dry
winters than in wet ones, its value to the state's water-users in
dry winters may be substantial.

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