Operations Status
Seeding Operations. Seeding Operations were performed in the Medicine Bow, Sierra Madre, and southern portion of the Wind River ranges via ground based generators during the 2006-2007 winter season. Aircraft was also used over the southern tip of the Wind River range. Seeding operations for the 2006-2007 season commenced in January 2007 and ended March 31, 2007. Please contact WWDC for more information.
RT-FDDA Forecast
The NCAR/RAL Real-Time Four Dimensional Data Assimilation system will be re-implemented around 1 October 2006 for the 2006-2007 operational season. Forecast graphics will be available at at that time by following this link: View Forecast >
Instrumentation
Seeding Generators
Ground-based efforts will involve the development of roughly three to seven small generator sites, located approximately 12 to 20 km upwind of a target area. Local topography (valleys, draws, ridges, etc.) and upslope wind conditions would be considered when identifying the siting zones. Generators would be remotely controlled and would use the latest technology for sustainability (solar and wind power). The equipment at each site would include a 10-20 foot tower, so that the seeding agent would catch the wind. At four sites, additional weather instruments would be deployed requiring a second tower. View example of generator
Aircraft-based efforts cloud seeding efforts will target the same areas as ground-based operations. Burn-in-place flares will be used to generate the seeding agent. These flares are affixed to the aircraft wing via a rack. Flares will be lit when the aircraft is in a favorable cloudy region.
Read more about seeding generators on the WMI site
Aircraft
A Piper Cheyenne II aircraft instrumented with flare racks for seeding (when approved) and cloud microphysical instrumentation will be used for both seeding operations and research flights.
Read more about seeding aircraft on the WMI website.
Read more about research instrumentation on the WMI website.