Calling an appeal between California environmentalists and federal agencies over expired water contracts a “bizarre position,” a Ninth Circuit panel Tuesday encouraged the parties to mediate the issue instead. “This case is in a bizarre position – we’re dealing with 2012 contracts that have already expired, we’re told there are new ones with new environmental […]
The types of storms that have been bringing heavy snow and rain to the West this winter, triggering landslides and floods while easing stubborn droughts, are likely to become stronger and more frequent, according to the results of a conclusive new study. The drenching storms have been falling from atmospheric rivers — high-altitude streams of […]
Any sign of precipitation in the forecast is a welcome sight for Californians these days. But with temperatures expected to be above normal this winter, California’s snowpack may not reach the heights it could. Getting snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is crucial to the state’s water supply. But scientists say as the climate continues […]
The water wars in California are getting uglier. If you doubt that consider the plight of the Bryon-Bethany Irrigation District. They were slapped — along with other water districts — with a curtailment order on June 12 by the State Water Resources Control Board for water diversions based on pre-1914 appropriative water rights. The targeted […]
With several Bay Area reservoirs nearly full, at capacity or overflowing, you might think we’re in good water shape. But, when it comes to the state’s really big reservoirs, which we depend on most— think again. Majestic Mount Shasta’s huge crown of snow gleams in the sun. Fifty miles south, Lake Shasta, California’s largest reservoir […]
It’s official: the southwestern United States will likely never be the same again. A new analysis of the past 35 years of weather patterns concluded that what is now considered a normal year of rain and snow in the Southwest is one-quarter drier than it was before the 1970s. And the climate conditions that bring […]
Judges Urge Mediation in Water Contract Fight
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Courthouse News ServiceCalling an appeal between California environmentalists and federal agencies over expired water contracts a “bizarre position,” a Ninth Circuit panel Tuesday encouraged the parties to mediate the issue instead. “This case is in a bizarre position – we’re dealing with 2012 contracts that have already expired, we’re told there are new ones with new environmental […]
West Likely to Be Stormier With Climate Change
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Climate Central (New York)by By John UptonThe types of storms that have been bringing heavy snow and rain to the West this winter, triggering landslides and floods while easing stubborn droughts, are likely to become stronger and more frequent, according to the results of a conclusive new study. The drenching storms have been falling from atmospheric rivers — high-altitude streams of […]
California’s Water Supply at Risk From Warmer Winters
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /KQED (San Francisco)by Lauren SommerAny sign of precipitation in the forecast is a welcome sight for Californians these days. But with temperatures expected to be above normal this winter, California’s snowpack may not reach the heights it could. Getting snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is crucial to the state’s water supply. But scientists say as the climate continues […]
State Water Strategy: Crush the Little Guy
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Manteca Bulletinby Dennis WyattThe water wars in California are getting uglier. If you doubt that consider the plight of the Bryon-Bethany Irrigation District. They were slapped — along with other water districts — with a curtailment order on June 12 by the State Water Resources Control Board for water diversions based on pre-1914 appropriative water rights. The targeted […]
Many of California’s Larger Reservoirs Still Starved for Rain
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /KTVU Fox 2 (Oakland)With several Bay Area reservoirs nearly full, at capacity or overflowing, you might think we’re in good water shape. But, when it comes to the state’s really big reservoirs, which we depend on most— think again. Majestic Mount Shasta’s huge crown of snow gleams in the sun. Fifty miles south, Lake Shasta, California’s largest reservoir […]
As Drought Becomes the Norm, Where Can U.S. Turn for Lessons in Adaptation?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Christian Science Monitorby Lonnie ShekhtmanIt’s official: the southwestern United States will likely never be the same again. A new analysis of the past 35 years of weather patterns concluded that what is now considered a normal year of rain and snow in the Southwest is one-quarter drier than it was before the 1970s. And the climate conditions that bring […]