FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 13, 2024
Patricia Spencer, Communications Supervisor,
Water Resources Division, DNRC
Patricia.spencer@mt.gov * (406) 502-8295
Public Information Session on Cloud Seeding to be held in the Big Hole Watershed
HELENA, Mont. –The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) is hosting
an information session for the public on recent legislation to study the feasibility of cloud seeding in the
Big Hole Watershed at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17 in Dillon .The session will be led by Dr.
Sarah Tessendorf, U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research,
Research Applications Laboratory (NSF NCAR).
In 2023, the Montana State Legislature appropriated funds in House Bill 2, requiring DNRC to complete
an analysis on the feasibility of winter-time cloud seeding to enhance mountain snowpack in southwest
Montana.
Cloud seeding is the technique of introducing tiny particles into certain types of subfreezing clouds to
enhance the formation of rain and snow. Cloud seeding has existed for more than 60 years and is used in
some western states.
The DNRC contracted with NSF NCAR, in partnership with Montana Tech, to evaluate the feasibility,
costs and benefits of a cloud seeding program. Preliminary analysis identified the Big Hole Watershed
as a promising region with possibilities for similar studies in the Pintler, Beaverhead and Pioneer
Mountain Ranges.
This presentation will provide information on the science of cloud seeding, basic methodology and
preliminary results of the feasibility analysis. In addition, NSF NCAR scientists will provide
information on potential next steps for the possibility of launching a pilot program in the Big Hole
Watershed.
The presentation is at the University of Montana Western-Swysgood Technology Center-Great Room.
The Swysgood Technology Center is located at 710 South Atlantic St. Dillon, MT 59725. To access the
ZOOM link to register for remote attendance, visit: Webinar Registration – Zoom
Tags: Water-Resources