Cloud Seeding More Effective During El Nino Years

DURANGO, Colo. (CBS4) - Water conservationists in Colorado are trying to squeeze every drop of moisture from our winter snow, even if that means making some of their own .

The Durango Herald reported that researchers are cloud seeding. The process uses generators on the ground that send up vapor particles to coax out extra moisture from clouds.

"It creates an artificial ice crystal that moisture in the base of the cloud can attach to and fall out as additional snow," Eric Hjermstad with Western Weather Consultants said.

Studies show cloud seeding can add up to 15 percent extra moisture to a storm. It's especially effective during wet, El Nino winters like the one that's occurring now.

Seeding also helps build snowpack and refill reservoirs.

In:
• Durango