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1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I r l l The ultimate question is, How much additional precipitation and increased snowpack can be produced by an operational winter orographic cloud seeding program? This translates to, What are the economic benefits or disbenefits experienced by the local populace and Coloradoans in general as a result of the additional precipitation? These questions can be addressed only if meteoro- logical observations, especially precipitation accumulations, are made and evaluated. The natural variability in winter precipita- tion makes this evaluation difficult. (For example, winter precipitation amounts across Southwestern Colorado ranged from 35 to 50 percent of average during the drought winter of 1976-77. During the 1978-79 winter, precipitation amounts ranged from 190 to 230 percent of average across this same region.) Therefore~ a coordinated, long-term commitment will be required to resolve the uncertainties. At some time in the future, questions will arise regarding ownership of the additional water created through weather modifi- cation. This program is designed to better define the increases in water supply attainable through weather modification and will be helpful in arriving at answers to those future questions regarding ownership. In summary, we have stated in this sectiop that it has been demonstrated that cloud seeding works under certain conditions and that the generalized atmospheric conditions necessary for in- creasing precipitation by cloud seeding are known. We have also stated that some uncertainties still exist in the areas of recog- nition of opportunity, treatment of opportunity, downwind effects, environmental impacts, and economic benefits. This does not ITlean that the seeding of winter orographic clouds using present knowledge and techniques is not effective or beneficial. It does mean, however, that cloud seeding technology needs further development and refinement in order to derive the optimum benefit from routine applications. Colorado has a substantial stake in weather modification with regard to its potential for augmenting the limited water supplies. Balanced, long-term programs, in contrast to piecemeal efforts, -15-