Ski Resorts Turn to Cloud Seeding for Snow

Amidst a challenging ski season marked by a lack of precipitation across the American West, resorts are experimenting with cloud seeding to generate snow. Winter Park Resort, for instance, utilized cloud seeding technology, which disperses silver iodide particles into clouds, to enhance snowfall on its slopes. This approach aims to bolster the $6 billion U.S. ski industry, which has faced revenue shortfalls due to dry conditions, as seen with Vail Resorts missing revenue projections.

Despite its growing adoption by various entities, including state governments and watershed management agencies, the scientific efficacy of cloud seeding remains a subject of debate. Some researchers question the extent to which it increases precipitation beyond natural levels, citing the volatility of storm systems and the difficulty in collecting reliable data. Nonetheless, its cost-effectiveness compared to snowmaking and water desalination makes it an attractive option for regions like Utah, which is investing heavily in cloud seeding initiatives to increase water levels and support its ski economy.