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Sonoma Water and Scripps celebrate AQPI radar network deployment; officials highlight flood‑forecasting benefits
Summary
A decade‑long, $19.8 million AQPI grant has filled radar coverage gaps across the Bay Area; Sonoma Water and the UC San Diego Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes said higher‑resolution radars will improve short‑term precipitation estimates and help operations for water, wastewater and flood management.
Sonoma Water and the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) at UC San Diego reported on the Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information (AQPI) project at the Board of Supervisors meeting May 12, announcing that the last gap‑filling radars have been deployed and are beginning operational use.
Dale Roberts of Sonoma Water outlined the grant (approximately $19.8 million) and its goal: to place complementary X‑band and C‑band radars across the Bay Area to capture lower‑elevation, narrow frontal rain bands and atmospheric rivers that the National Weather Service's longer‑range radars miss. Roberts said the system addresses the visibility problems the larger radars face in complex terrain and is intended to support emergency managers, water and wastewater operators and flood control.
Dr. Marty Ralph, director of CW3E, described how AQPI improves precipitation estimates offshore and nearshore and highlighted the program's national demonstration value; he emphasized the linkage between AQPI and Forecast‑informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), saying FIRO has already produced measurable water savings at Lake Mendocino. Ralph noted that radar‑based precipitation estimates can be about twice as accurate with the AQPI network in place.
Board members and the public praised the partnership and underscored the national significance of the project. Staff said operations will transition to CW3E (with contracted X‑band operation and maintenance) and that Sonoma Water will pursue reimbursements and local contributions to compensate the agency for fronting construction costs.
No formal action was required for the informational presentation; staff said they will return with cost‑sharing agreements and operational details as the program moves into routine use.
