Regional snow science experts will host a public workshop in Aspen today to provide information on longstanding cloud-seeding operations in the central Rocky Mountain and recent proposals to expand the practice.<\/p>\n
The workshop will be held from noon to 4:30 p.m. in the Pitkin County Commissioners meeting room at 530 E. Main St. in Aspen.<\/p>\n
Specific topics will include public and ecological safety, increasing local and regional Colorado River water supplies and the economics of snowfall enhancement. Increased cloud seeding has been discussed as a component of drought planning efforts in the Upper Colorado River Basin.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are optimistic that these efforts can make a positive difference for water users on the West Slope,\u201d Dave Kanzer, deputy chief engineer for the Colorado River District, said in a statement. \u201cThis workshop presents a great opportunity for elected officials and members of the general public to learn more about the science behind these efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
More than 100 cloud-seeding generation sites are dispersed throughout Colorado, including two sites in Pitkin County that have been operating for almost a decade. The Pitkin County commissioners are considering the funding of an expanded seeding program in the area to include the four Aspen-Snowmass ski areas. They currently aren\u2019t seeded.<\/p>\n