Early January was an unusually wild ride of atmospheric rivers. Nine sizable systems produced a train of storms beginning about New Years and lasting for several weeks across almost all of California. After three years of drought, the storms reminded us that California has flood problems similar in magnitude to its drought problems, and that […]
Underground storage may be a key for Western states navigating water shortages and extreme weather. Aquifers under the ground have served as a reliable source of water for years. During rainy years, the aquifers would fill up naturally, helping areas get by in the dry years.
The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains, which has continued to increase throughout January as a result of storms battering much of the state since the New Year, might help California combat its ongoing drought. As of January 20, the Sierra snowpack state-wide was at 240 percent of the average for this time of year. The […]
Officials involved in the talks over how to cut Colorado River water use amid a historic drought say they’re optimistic a consensus will be reached by states before a Feb. 1 deadline even though the negotiations are in a delicate place. If the seven Western states don’t reach consensus, the Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation […]
California voters approved a ballyhooed $7.5-billion bond issue eight-plus years ago thinking the state would build dams and other vital water facilities. But it hasn’t built zilch. True or false? That’s the rap: The voters were taken. The state can’t get its act together.
As the parade of storms hitting California leaves behind widespread damage and impacts, scientists are literally diving into these atmospheric river events to better predict and understand what’s coming on the horizon. Flying over the Pacific Ocean on specially-equipped aircraft, the “hurricane hunters” of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration play a huge role in […]
Is the Drought Over? Reflections on California’s Recent Flood-Drought Combo
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /California WaterBlogby Andrew L. Rypel, Jay Lund, and Carson JeffresEarly January was an unusually wild ride of atmospheric rivers. Nine sizable systems produced a train of storms beginning about New Years and lasting for several weeks across almost all of California. After three years of drought, the storms reminded us that California has flood problems similar in magnitude to its drought problems, and that […]
How Arizona, California and Other States Are Trying to Generate a Whole New Water Supply
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The Hillby Gianna MelilloUnderground storage may be a key for Western states navigating water shortages and extreme weather. Aquifers under the ground have served as a reliable source of water for years. During rainy years, the aquifers would fill up naturally, helping areas get by in the dry years.
How Sierra Nevada Record Snowpack Will Impact California Drought
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Newsweekby Jess ThomsonThe snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains, which has continued to increase throughout January as a result of storms battering much of the state since the New Year, might help California combat its ongoing drought. As of January 20, the Sierra snowpack state-wide was at 240 percent of the average for this time of year. The […]
Colorado River Water Negotiators Optimistic Ahead of Deadline
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Bloomberg Lawby Bobby MagillOfficials involved in the talks over how to cut Colorado River water use amid a historic drought say they’re optimistic a consensus will be reached by states before a Feb. 1 deadline even though the negotiations are in a delicate place. If the seven Western states don’t reach consensus, the Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation […]
Opinion: Have No Prop. 1 Water Projects Been Built in California? No, but They Are Moving Slowly
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Los Angeles Timesby George SkeltonCalifornia voters approved a ballyhooed $7.5-billion bond issue eight-plus years ago thinking the state would build dams and other vital water facilities. But it hasn’t built zilch. True or false? That’s the rap: The voters were taken. The state can’t get its act together.
California Weather Forecasters Bolstered by Airborne Researchers Diving Into Atmospheric Rivers
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /CBS Bay Areaby Jessica BurchAs the parade of storms hitting California leaves behind widespread damage and impacts, scientists are literally diving into these atmospheric river events to better predict and understand what’s coming on the horizon. Flying over the Pacific Ocean on specially-equipped aircraft, the “hurricane hunters” of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration play a huge role in […]