WMOD00392

• Contract/Permit #: 14-06-D-7659
• Title: Weather Modification Design Study for Streamflow Augmentation in the Northern Sierra Nevada
• Date: 7/1/1976
• Weather Modification - Doc Type: Report

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actual range condition should be combined with the best available models
for seeding effects, giving specific consideration to the seeding policies
presently contemplated and to possible deviations from these policies.

. Additional field evaluations should be made of the
status and requirements, present and future, of the peregrine falcon,
the wolverine, and the California bighorn. Estimates should be made
of how these rare species might be affected by increase in snow accumu-
lation during dry years. This evaluation should take full advantage of
investigations currently in progress by the California Department of
Fish and Game and by other organizations.

. Field study, based on knowledge of the specific
habitat and climatic requirements of each fcnn involved, should be
conducted to evaluate potential effects of weathe l' modification on rare
and endangered plants and amphibians, in particular, which are known
to occur in the target area.

Negotiations are presently underway with the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a complete study addressing
the above recommendations. Again, where appropriate, a team of
experts will be used to assist in identifying what constitutes endangered
species and anticipated impacts of snow augmentation on them. One
major input to these studies is the anticipated extension in the life of
the snowpack. This subject has not been addressed elsewhere in this
report since the evaluation of snowmelt duration under augmented
conditions is ongoing. This question is also being addressed in part
by Dr. Smith. Preliminary results indicate, however, that it is most
likely that extensions in the life of the snowpack due to augmentation
will be well within the range of natural variability. Since the des ign
is intended to increase precipitation within the range of the natural
extremes, no single snowpack would be expected to extend beyond
the maximum observed under natural conditions. An adjustment in
the year-to-year average may occur, however, and the impact of
such a change should be assessed.

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