Can we make it rain? Inside Idaho’s expanding cloud seeding program

Amid one of the worst water years on record, reservoirs are at an all-time low and stakeholders are exploring ways to stretch the water supply. RELATED | Idaho’s reservoirs hit historic low as winter outlook raises more water worries This week on “It’s Worth Mentioning,” Nick Banish joins us to discuss the expansion of Idaho’s Collaborative Cloud Seeding program. During a public meeting in Rexburg on August 5, the Idaho Water Resource Board approved the addition of a second aircraft for cloud seeding operations in eastern Idaho. Banish provides some perspective on how this will increase the board's ability to augment water from the clouds. He also explains what cloud seeding is, how it works and clears up some misconceptions. RELATED | Desperate for water, Idaho looks to cloud seeding for a boost Cloud seeding has been a state-sponsored program in Idaho since 2015, but its beginnings in Idaho and across the nation go back much further. Banish discusses the origins of cloud seeding and his thoughts on the future of it in the Gem State. RELATED | The man who brought cloud-seeding to Idaho was at the center of a D-Day forecast feud If you’re weather or environmentally conscious, this is a fascinating conversation. Water affects everyone, so this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Learn more about cloud seeding in Idaho here. Watch previous episodes of “It’s Worth Mentioning” here. Check out the show on Facebook. If you have a tip, guest idea, or comment, email rett@eastidahonews.com.