Status of Weather Modification in Watershed Management

Water resource developments in the State of California involve a wide range of activities designed to meet the increased needs. These activities include both research and water producing weather modification activities designed to supplement natural supplies. These activities have demonstrated over a significant period of time that 5% to 10% increases in average annual runoff can be achieved by this means. Recent advances in this field indicate that increases of 20% to 50% can be achieved in the future. An example of the significance of such increases can be seen from the watershed management practices for the Kings River, which is typical of the San Joaquin Valley of California. The application of weather modification as an integral part of watershed management practices represents a significant step toward solution of the problem of providing clean water for water-deficient areas.