DAVE & DUJANOVIC

Cloud seeding in Utah: We do it in winter, why not summer like Dubai?

Jul 28, 2021, 4:32 PM | Updated: 4:41 pm

cloud seeding in dubai...

A boat and jet skis ride the waves in front of the Dubai Marina in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Monday, July 19, 2021. Dubai sometimes uses cloud seeding to provide moisture and cooling on extremely hot days. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

(AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

SALT LAKE CITY — Cloud seeding, in which people artificially boost the likelihood that a cloud will produce precipitation, helps communities all over the world increase their snowpacks. And during the extreme drought conditions across the west, some experts say we should consider cloud seeding in the summer, not just the winter. 

Enveloped in a smoky haze from Western wildfires, Utah’s exceptional drought leaves state leaders waiting — and praying — for rain. But what if we didn’t have to wait or pray and could make our own rainfall by cloud seeding? 

Dubai in the United Arab Emirates makes its own fake rain. The city uses electrical charges in order to beat the summer heat when temperatures regularly surpass 120 F. Could the same technique work in Utah? 

How does cloud seeding work?

Utah has been cloud seeding since the 1950s to boost the state’s water reservoirs, according to state water watchers. But it takes place in the wintertime. Ground-based seeders along foothills and higher elevations shoot silver iodide into winter clouds where it helps form ice crystals.

Statistical analysis shows an average increase in precipitation of 5%-15% in seeded areas at a cost of about $2.18 per acre-foot for the additional water, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources.

Read more: USU studying impact of wildfires on reservoirs

Garrett Cammans, president of North American Weather Consultations joined KSL NewsRadio’s Dave & Dujanovic to explain how cloud seeding works in Utah.

Robbing Peter to pay Paul

Would the Dubai approach, with drones delivering an electric charge to air molecules in clouds, work in Utah? 

“We’re not drier than Dubai, but our weather patterns are different, and the weather patterns that we have in Utah favor wintertime precipitation,” Cammans said.

He would like to see more research on the cloud-seeding program used in Dubai. In particular, he wants to know whether that precipitation comes inadvertently from areas downwind of a storm, robbing them of live-saving rain.

“Our seeding efforts are shown to have a very minimal downstream or downwind effect, meaning that when we seed in Utah, we’re not decreasing the moisture in any sort of significant or measurable amount when the storm proceeds further into Colorado.

“With this technology from Dubai, we might kill a storm early, and so we want to be conscientious of that as well,” Cammans said.

Safe for environment?

He said all the cloud-seeding in Utah happens from the ground. No planes are used; therefore no jet fuel can foul the atmosphere. He also said silver and iodide are safe for the environment.

“Silver’s biologically inert,” Cammans said. “Iodine is actually a helpful additive that you’ll see in foods like table salt or baby formula.”

But sometimes too much of a good thing isn’t.

In Oregon, Hood River seeding was used by Portland General Electric to produce snow for hydro power in 1974-1975. The effort produced substantial results, but also caused an undue burden on the locals. Oregonians experienced overpowering rainfall, causing street collapses and mudslides. PGE discontinued its seeding practices the next year.

After eight cloud-seeding operations in a matter of days in October 2019, flooding in Dubai’s Discovery Gardens neighborhood forced officials to bring in water pumps. 

Read more: Bringing in the rain: Has the UAE’s cloud-seeding program gone too far?

Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app, a.s well as Apple Podcasts and Google Play.  

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Dave & Dujanovic

1040 form shown, tax refund season is here...

Sam Herrera

Should you spend or save your tax refund?

Filing your taxes can be a headache but figuring out how to spend your tax refund might be a headache in its own right.

19 hours ago

A woman in SLC was a victim of a hit-and-run on March 11....

KSL NewsRadio

S.L. County DA says driver in hit-and-run crashes stalked victims

The Salt Lake County district attorney said the driver allegedly involved in a series of hit-and-run crashes intentionally targeted his female victims

1 day ago

The icon for the video sharing TikTok app is seen on a smartphone, Feb. 28, 2023, in Marple Townshi...

Curt Gresseth

Utah mom fears loss of followers and income if TikTok sold

A Utah TikTok creator talks about what banning the app in the U.S. would do to her family's primary source of income.

6 days ago

Join KSL NewsRadio live from Salt Lake County Animal Services on March 28, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 ...

Emily Ashmead

Tails of Hope: KSL NewsRadio live from Salt Lake County Animal Services

This special broadcast of Dave & Dujanovic will cover what changes will be made to Utah animal shelters to accommodate the newest regulations.

7 days ago

fixer-upper...

Curt Gresseth

Can’t afford new home? Would you renovate a fixer-upper?

Is it worth the work and money to attempt to renovate a fixer-upper home? Realtor discusses pros and cons.

8 days ago

tuition...

Curt Gresseth

How to take a big bite out of tuition costs in Utah

The University of Utah, Utah State University, Southern Utah University and Salt Lake Community College are all seeking approval for tuition increases for next year. But colleges and universities in the state offer tuition benefits for employees, spouse and dependent children under 26.

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Cloud seeding in Utah: We do it in winter, why not summer like Dubai?