BOARD02617

• Board Meeting Date: 3/24/2003
• Description: CWCB Director's Report
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

The history of cloud seeding began with Vince Schaefer;' s (1948) discovery that introduction of dry ice

into a freezer containing cloud droplets colder than 00C(+320F) produced copious ice crystals. As a
result, the optimurn temperature for seeding clouds is -IOoC to -250C. There is a wind window that
means that weak winds may permit natural precipitation processes to be effective. Moderate winds .
may not allow sufficient time for natural processes but seeding may enhance precipitation. Strong
winds may not provide enough time even for seeding to .produce precipitation.

Dr. Cotton believes that seeding winter orographic clouds in Colorado does not result in increases in
precipitation under all meteorological conditions. The most favorable conditions are clouds with tops
warmer than -25C, having moderate to high water contebts, and moderate speed winds perpendicular
to the barrier. Blanket seeding throughout a winter seasqn should results in both increases and
decreases of precipitation, but for central and northern Colorado one should expect season-long
snowpack water equivalent enhancement of 10-15%.

Colorado Flood Task Force: The CWCB meets during prime flood season April through mid summer
every year to monitor conditions and coordinate local, state, and federal programs and activities.
Agencies that typically attend are the Colorado Office of Emergency Management, FEMA, the
Weather forecasting services are contracted for through ,John Henz ofHDR, Inc. and the meeting
minutes and presentations are posted on the CWCB weQsite. This year's kick off meeting is slated for
April 8th at the NRCS offices in Lakewood. In addition:to normal reporting activities this year the
Corps of Engineers will make a presentation about programs and activities and the CWCB, USGS, and
FEMA will discuss post wildfire floodplain mapping activities. CWCB staff anticipates meeting once
a month April - August.

Colorado Agricultural Outlook Forum: The Colorado Agricultural Outlook Forum was held on Feb.
20 in Denver. The theme was "Weathering Tough Tim~s Together, " referring to pressures of drought,
market conditions, and urbanization facing agricultural:producers. Board members Ken Salazar, Eric .
Wilkinson, and Don Ament made presentations at the well-attended event and may wish to brief the
Board on the issues discussed at the Forum.

County Profiles: The updated County Profiles Report is available at www.dur.state.co.us.This report
contains information about the activities ofDNR agencies, including the CWCB, in each county. We
spent great deal of time updating this important reference that is given to legislators each year.

GreenCO Survey Results: Our partner in developing :$MPs for landscaping, Green Industries of
Colorado (GreenCO), has completed a survey of 600 hqmeowners in the Front Range to learn about
resident perceptions of the drought in Colorado and resident water use and conservation practices. The
survey results will be used as part of a strategic process !surrounding water use and landscaping. A
copy of the executive summary of the survey is attached.

2002 Fires Increase Spring Flood Hazard: Spring flood season will soon revisit Colorado. As a
result, individuals and business owners should consider. purchasing federal flood insurance.

This year's flood season poses a special risk. Those properties located within and downstream of last
year's major wildfires are particularly vulnerable. The CWCB, in conjunction with FEMA, has
prepared Post Wildfire Hazard Recormaissance Maps of the Missionary Ridge, Hayman, and Coal
Seam bum areas, as wells as other burn areas. The maps display an assessment of the increased risk for
rapid runoff, mudslides, and soil erosion. These maps are available in the local communities where the
major fires occurred.

With nearly one million acres burned in Colorado last summer, many areas are at risk for flooding.
Colorado averages $14 million annually in flood damages annually. Currently there are 15,429 flood .
insurance policies in force statewide with coverage of $2,440,967,400 (as of November 2002). While
you can purchase flood insurance at any time, there is ~ 30-day waiting period after you've applied and
paid the premium before the policy is effective with th(j following exceptions:

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