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Board backs continued cloud‑seeding research after DRI report showing snowpack gains
Summary
After a Desert Research Institute update showing estimated increases in snow water equivalent, the board approved a letter supporting continued DRI cloud‑seeding work and discussed program metrics and long‑term funding.
The board heard a presentation summarizing Desert Research Institute cloud‑seeding results and voted 5–1 to approve a letter of support for continued DRI work. Staff said DRI’s analysis showed a notable seasonal spike in snow water equivalent on monitored slopes and cited an estimated program impact figure noted in the presentation (about 14,592 acre‑feet as a seasonal estimate), while cautioning that infiltration to the Pahrump aquifer is difficult to quantify precisely.
Board members asked staff to quantify how much of the seeded snowpack likely becomes usable recharge for Pahrump and sought follow‑up hydrologic conversion estimates for future reporting. The manager said the program has secured additional funding and a free generator placement from a partner and that efforts are ongoing to secure long‑term funding if the program continues to demonstrate benefit.
