Utah holds its first cloud seeding symposium

Utah holds its first cloud seeding symposium

Published 09-28-23

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 28, 2023) – Today marked the commencement of the highly anticipated Utah Cloud Seeding Symposium at Snowbird Resort. The landmark event proved to be a pivotal moment in the realm of weather modification, bringing together leading experts, researchers and stakeholders to explore the multifaceted world of cloud seeding.

“The Utah Cloud Seeding Symposium underscores the critical role of weather modification in addressing our state’s water resource challenges,” Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, said. “By bringing together experts, researchers and policymakers, we are fostering a collaborative environment where innovative ideas can thrive. Weather modification is not just a science. It’s a crucial tool for ensuring water sustainability in our arid region.”

Utah has been cloud seeding since the early 1950s to help augment the state’s water supply. Cloud seeding is a low-cost, low-risk, non-structural method that can increase water supply between 5-15% in seeded areas at a cost between $10 -$15 per acre-foot for the additional water. In 2023, the Utah Legislature allocated $12 million in one-time funding and provided an annual budget of $5 million to expand the program. Utah currently has around 170 cloud seeders statewide. Utah intends to add an additional 60 manual generators and 120 remote generators over the next few years. 

“The investment from the legislature has been incredible. As we discuss cloud seeding’s scientific foundations, operational nuances and environmental implications, we look forward to charting a path that enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of cloud seeding programs in Utah and beyond,” said Ferry.

Utah’s cloud seeding program exemplifies regional collaboration, with enthusiastic support from neighboring states. This collaborative effort transcends state boundaries as experts and policymakers come together to tackle the shared challenge of water resource management in arid regions. By combining resources, knowledge, and the collective commitment to cloud seeding, Utah and its neighboring states are working in unison to enhance water supplies and ensure a resilient water supply for the entire region. 

“Collaboration between states is not only about improving individual programs but also has the intention of providing more water supply for the entire region,” Tom Ryan, Resource Specialist, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, said. “The challenges we face with water scarcity do not adhere to state borders, and through initiatives like cloud seeding, we can collectively bolster our water resources.”

Note to Editors:

  • High-resolution images of the event are available in this folder.

###

For more information, contact Michael Sanchez, public information officer, at 385-226-8967 or email msanchez@utah.gov.

Published November 1, 2023

Draft Statewide Water Marketing Strategies Report, water marketing website, and dynamic resources. Please join us for a public open house on Nov. 7, details below. SALT LAKE CITY, (Nov. 1) — The Board of Water Resources is pleased to announce pivotal milestones in water management with the release of the draft Statewide Marketing Strategies Report, …

Read Full Article
Fall trees and grass
Published October 17, 2023

Healthy, functional lawn areas (sometimes referred to as turfgrass) perform a vital role in the urban landscape. Though grass doesn’t belong everywhere — and folks can get cash for tearing it out and replacing it with drought-tolerant landscaping in places where it’s not being used — lawns provide durable areas for outside play, as well as ecosystem services and benefits. That’s why we’ve teamed up with turfgrass science experts at USU Extension to put together these tips that’ll help you prep your grass for wintertime and increase its drought tolerance.

Read Full Article
Published October 12, 2023

SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 12, 2023) – As the new water year begins, Utah reservoirs and soil moisture are in a good spot as water managers start tracking data such as snow accumulation, stream flows and soil moisture.  “A water year, spanning from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, aligns with natural precipitation and snowmelt patterns, …

Read Full Article