IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES
Cloud Seeding Program
What is Cloud Seeding?
Cloud seeding is a form of weather modification that increases the efficiency of a cloud by enhancing its natural ability to produce precipitation.
Why do we seed clouds?
In Idaho, cloud seeding is used during the cold season to augment high elevation snowpack, our primary storage reservoirs. In other areas of the United States and around the world, cloud seeding is also used for rain enhancement during warm seasons, hail mitigation to reduce damage to crops and infrastructure, and for fog suppression around airports.
Active Cloud Seeding Programs in Idaho
The Idaho Collaborative Cloud Seeding Program | Boise, Wood, and Upper Snake River Basins
• Operated by Idaho Power Company (IPC) in partnership with the IWRB and local water users
• Remote Ground & Aircraft
Idaho Power Company | Payette River Basin
• Operated by Idaho Power Company in coordination with the Idaho Collaborative Cloud Seeding Program
• Remote ground & aircraft
High Country Resource Conservation & Development (HCRCD) | Upper Snake River Basin
• Operated by Let it Snow, Inc
• Manual ground
State of Utah | Box Elder and Cache County
• Operated by North American Weather Consultants
• Manual ground
What does the material “seeded” into the clouds contain? What effect does it cause to the foliage, lakes and streams? Questions I would like answers to.