That was one hairy drought, not so long ago. Could it be pinned on our changing climate, or was it another example of the climate’s usual twists and turns, its natural variability? I spoke recently with Richard Seager (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University). Seager is lead author of a paper, “Causes of the 2011-14 California […]
Surveyors will crunch across the deepest mountain snowdrifts California has seen in years on Thursday to take the first snow measurement of the spring, a time when the snow begins to melt and flow downhill. The snowpack stretches along 400 miles of the Sierra Nevada, creating an icy reservoir that provides roughly one-third of irrigation […]
A new report from Stanford’s Water in the West program assesses progress among states in the Colorado River Basin with respect to environmental water rights transfers, a legal tool that enables water rights holders to voluntarily transfer their water to rivers, streams and wetlands to benefit the environment and potentially generate revenue. The Colorado River […]
As snow continued to fall on the eastern Sierra Nevada this week, platoons of earth movers, cranes and utility trucks fanned out across the Owens Valley, scrambling to empty reservoirs and clean out a lattice-work of ditches and pipelines in a frantic effort to protect the key source of Los Angeles’ water.
What a difference a year makes, I’m thinking as I head to Sacramento for meetings with legislators and company members of Connect the Drops, a campaign my organization spearheaded to drive smart water use in California. Last year, more than 90 percent of the state was experiencing some level of drought – today, just 8 percent […]
This past winter’s weather should serve as both a reminder and a warning. It’s a reminder that the California climate cycles between long periods of extreme drought and short bursts of extreme rainfall, and it’s a warning that climate change is making this cycle more extreme. The Golden State must adapt to this “new normal” […]
OPINION: Where Did That Drought Come From?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Union (Grass Valley)by Alan StahlerThat was one hairy drought, not so long ago. Could it be pinned on our changing climate, or was it another example of the climate’s usual twists and turns, its natural variability? I spoke recently with Richard Seager (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University). Seager is lead author of a paper, “Causes of the 2011-14 California […]
California Sees Heaviest Mountain Snowpack In Years
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /AP Newsby Scott SmithSurveyors will crunch across the deepest mountain snowdrifts California has seen in years on Thursday to take the first snow measurement of the spring, a time when the snow begins to melt and flow downhill. The snowpack stretches along 400 miles of the Sierra Nevada, creating an icy reservoir that provides roughly one-third of irrigation […]
Stanford Ranks States In The Colorado River Basin On Water Rights Transfers
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Stanford News by Devon RyanA new report from Stanford’s Water in the West program assesses progress among states in the Colorado River Basin with respect to environmental water rights transfers, a legal tool that enables water rights holders to voluntarily transfer their water to rivers, streams and wetlands to benefit the environment and potentially generate revenue. The Colorado River […]
Why Record Snow Followed By Warm Temperature Is A Dangerous Combination For This California Town
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Los Angeles Timesby Louis SahagunAs snow continued to fall on the eastern Sierra Nevada this week, platoons of earth movers, cranes and utility trucks fanned out across the Owens Valley, scrambling to empty reservoirs and clean out a lattice-work of ditches and pipelines in a frantic effort to protect the key source of Los Angeles’ water.
How California Legislators Can Create a Path to Water Sustainability
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /News Deeply (New York) by Kirsten JamesWhat a difference a year makes, I’m thinking as I head to Sacramento for meetings with legislators and company members of Connect the Drops, a campaign my organization spearheaded to drive smart water use in California. Last year, more than 90 percent of the state was experiencing some level of drought – today, just 8 percent […]
Opinion: Consumers Need To Pay More For Water Safety, Improvements
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Mercury News by Matt MahanThis past winter’s weather should serve as both a reminder and a warning. It’s a reminder that the California climate cycles between long periods of extreme drought and short bursts of extreme rainfall, and it’s a warning that climate change is making this cycle more extreme. The Golden State must adapt to this “new normal” […]