Scientists and farmers light up to make it rain


Utah State University meteorologists visited a cloud seeding site in Tremonton on Tuesday as a precursor to upcoming research proposals assessing the impacts of weather modification. According to Binod Pokharel, a USU climate scientist specializing in weather modification, Utah practices cloud seeding for more land area than any other state, yet scientists still struggle to quantify the impact of this weather modification.

Theoretically, cloud seeding is fairly simple; it works through the introduction of small particles that create additional surfaces for water molecules to condense on promoting increased precipitation during appropriate weather events. Practically, scientists have a much harder time assessing its impact.

“We know it occurs but quantifying our impact on snowfall statistically is virtually impossible absent of a few specific case studies,” said Jon Meyer, a climatologist at the Utah Climate Center.

Meyer views cloud seeding as an important part of the equation for water management in Utah.

“The states canal system is extremely outdated and leads to a lot of water loss but it’s a billion-dollar project to invest into,” Meyer said. “We’re going to need all hands-on deck from all angles when it comes to water conservation, especially when you think about the state’s population doubling in 30 years.”

Pokharel and Meyer plan to improve local weather forecasts and models to better manage seeding generators for use in optimal atmospheric conditions. They also aim to bolster observational data on the efficiency and practicality of cloud seeding which is currently hard to find.

Some of the few referenced case studies of successful cloud seeding observations were carried out with the help of Pokharel in the Wyoming Weather Modification Pilot Program. This study used advanced high-resolution models to quantify precipitation enhancement form cloud seeding and resulted in cases of 10 to 15 percent increases in precipitation attributed to cloud seeding. However, Pokharel said, “in some cases we saw a really good seeding signature, and in some cases we didn’t.”

Cache Valley farmer Charlie Holmgren is a 30-year volunteer for a cloud seeding program in the region, operating a propane combusting cloud seeding generator consisting of an external tank and 4-foot-tall burner — an inconspicuous rig for weather modification.

“When we were starting the process, we hoped this is for the benefit of Cache Valley,” Holmgren said as he struggled to get a lighter to stay aflame in the wind. “I’m a huge water user and anything that lands east of me is either going to benefit the Bear River or Bear lake.”

The location of Holmgren’s generator just west of the Wasatch Mountains is crucial for the mixing of silver iodide particles into the turbulent flow over the range.

“I’m going to get a haircut,” said Holmgren as he peered into the burner, flicking the lighter next to the propane nozzle feeding fuel into the generator.

“Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it,” Holmgren continued as he successfully lit the seeding generator placed next to his suite of personal weather monitors.

Holmgren is committed to the cloud seeding project to improve water availability not just for farmers but for ecosystems and conservation. “I want to see more water get to the Great Salt Lake too,” Holmgren said, but the recent droughts have been difficult for irrigated farmers like him.


“There were periods of time when I liked a mild winter,” Holmgren said, “but they’re all mild now.”

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