| Objectives-Results: |
This project is comprised of numerous tasks including: 1) the development of a new method for evaluating snowfall enhancement due to cloud seeding, 2) use of the new method to evaluate the Snowy Precipitation Enhancement Trial (PET), 3) adapting a simple cloud seeding targeting model for PET, 4) use of mesoscale and plume dispersion modeling to provide more detailed information on how ground seeding plumes behave in the complex terrain of the Snowy Mountains, 5) impart knowledge gained on all tasks to Snowy Hydro and 6) develop a report for the evaluation task. A new method of evaluating snowfall enhancement, using chemical analysis of segmented snow profiles and data from collocated precipitation gauges, was developed and applied to the initial season of cloud seeding by Snowy Hydro. The results, which showed 2-9% increases in snow water at individual sampling sites, were compiled in a report submitted to Snowy Hydro in January 2005. The simple targeting model, first used in the Sierra Nevada in the 1980’s, was adapted to the Snowy Mountain terrain, tested using project soundings, and delivered to Snowy for their initial project in winter of 2004. The model was further refined using results from the mesoscale cloud model in spring of 2005. A lengthy mesoscale cloud model simulation was run for a storm period that encompassed a wide variety of cloud and wind conditions. Plume disperison simulations from this storm period resulted in numerous changes to the Snowy ground seeding network being implemented between the first and second field programs. Knowledge gained on all aspects of the project are transferred to Snowy Hydro routinely via reports, conference calls and email. PI Huggins visited the project in August 2004 to assist in the development of the Snowy Precipitation Enhancement Research Project design document which was completed in fall 2004. |
