WMOD00568

• Project Name: Snowater
• Title: Snow Water Augmentation for the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies - Stage I: Technology Adaptation
• Date: 6/1/1986
• Weather Modification - Doc Type: Report

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The third major component of snow augmentation technology is the
Physical Effects Measurement System. Some of the equipment used in the
previous systems can also be used to look for physical effects. The
following would be important for physical studies:

Research aircraft - to measure microphysical characteristics of
seeded and un seeded clouds.

Dooolerized weather radar to document changes in radar
characteristics following seeding.

Meteorological
meteorological
sites.

data collection olatforms - to measure surface
conditions continuously at remote, unmanned

Computer hardware, software and data linkage networks for all SNOWATER
systems would be critical. This would include data acquisition systems
and software for upper air equipment, real-time remote monitoring of
meteorological instrumentation and seeding generators, making
operation and real time analysis more efficient and cost effective.
Proper utilization of computer resources would decrease costs and
permit real time data quality assurance.

2.4.2 SEEDING TRIALS

Controlled seeding trials using ground generators and seeder aircraft
would be carried out to test the seeding delivery systems. Transport
and diffusion studies would be a key element of these trials.
Contracts for the installation and operation of a network of
ground-based silver iodide generators and an airborne seeding contract
would also be let. All systems required for the proposed Full-Scale
Experimental Seeding Stage (SNOWATER II) would be put through a "dry
run" operations during Year Three.

To help develop expertise and experience in snow augmentation
operat ions and research, the SNOWATER strategy wou ld emphas i ze a. joi nt
studies program whereby staff and equipment participate in similar
field programs elsewhere. In turn, personnel from projects such as the
Colorado River Enhanced Snowpack Test (CREST), Sierra Cooperative
Pilot Project (SCPP), Bridger Range Experiment (BRE) in Montana, and
the Colorado State University project near Steamboat Springs would be
invited to visit and participate in SNOWATER.

2.4.3 SUPPORT STUDIES

Because of the scope of SNOWATER, contracts for services from
universities and the private sector would be procured beginning in
Year One. These include studies in climatology, hydrology, numerical
modelling, impacts assessment, benefit/cost analysis, experimental
design, and statistical evaluation.

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