HELENA, Mont. –The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) is hosting an information session for the public on recent legislation to study the feasibility of cloud seeding in the Big Hole Watershed at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17 in Dillon .The session will be led by Dr. Sarah Tessendorf, U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research, Research Applications Laboratory (NSF NCAR).

In 2023, the Montana State Legislature appropriated funds in House Bill 2, requiring DNRC to complete an analysis on the feasibility of winter-time cloud seeding to enhance mountain snowpack in southwest Montana.

Cloud seeding is the technique of introducing tiny particles into certain types of subfreezing clouds to enhance the formation of rain and snow. Cloud seeding has existed for more than 60 years and is used in some western states.

The DNRC contracted with NSF NCAR, in partnership with Montana Tech, to evaluate the feasibility, costs and benefits of a cloud seeding program. Preliminary analysis identified the Big Hole Watershed as a promising region with possibilities for similar studies in the Pintler, Beaverhead and Pioneer Mountain Ranges.

This presentation will provide information on the science of cloud seeding, basic methodology and preliminary results of the feasibility analysis. In addition, NSF NCAR scientists will provide information on potential next steps for the possibility of launching a pilot program in the Big Hole Watershed.

The presentation is at the University of Montana Western-Swysgood Technology Center-Great Room. The Swysgood Technology Center is located at 710 South Atlantic St. Dillon, MT 59725. To access the ZOOM link to register for remote attendance, visit: Webinar Registration – Zoom