WMOD00565

• Title: Snow Augmentation Research Needs - A History of Weather Modification in Colorado
• Date: 6/1/1982
• State: CO
• Weather Modification - Doc Type: Report

Colorado Weather Modification Program Network

The Department of Natural Resources interacts closely with the network of
individuals and organizations in the state with expertise and interest ~n weather
modification, climatology and drought analysis.

Organizations and committees on which the state relies for various kinds of
expertise and valuable assistance in weather modification activities include:

The Colorado Weather Modification Advisory Committee, prescribed in
the Weather Modification Statute of 1972, which consists of ten
members appointed by the governor, five members must have technical
expertise in weather modification and five members represent the
various river basin districts in the state. Members review permit
applications, assist at public meetings and hearings, and provide
policy suggestions as requested.

Project Citizen Review Councils are appointed by the Department of
Natural Resources to review and advise on the regulation of
individual projects. Councils usually meet once or twice during the
course of a project and are in telephone contact with the Department
as needed.

Divisions of the Colorado Department o.f Natural Resources providing
weather modification related information to the Executive Director's
Office include the State Engineer's Office, the Colorado Water
Conservation Board and the Division of Wildlife.

The Colorado Department of Highways frequently provides information
regarding highway maintenance.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture shares expertise regarding
the agricultural community and water needs in the state.

The Avalanche Forecast Office, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range
Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Fort Collins, advises the Department and operators of commercial and
research projects regarding possible avalanche activity. The
Avalanche Forecast Office also works closely with the Department to
determine when seeding suspension is advisable.

The Snow Survey Unit, Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture takes snow measurements during the winter months, makes
runoff forecasts, and undertakes specific measurements and readings
as needed to assist with the regulation of winter cloud seeding
projects in the state. The Snow Survey Unit researches and prepares
information when requested and provides special help to the
Department in determining the most appropriate suspension criteria
and project starting and ending dates.

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