Alberta, a province in Canada, has been grappling with severe weather conditions, particularly hailstorms, for decades.

The Alberta Hail Suppression Project aims to mitigate the impact of these storms through cloud seeding.

Let’s take a look at the history, technology, and effectiveness of cloud seeding in Alberta, providing a comprehensive understanding of this weather modification technique.

Does Alberta Do Cloud Seeding?

Yes, Alberta engages in cloud seeding through the Alberta Hail Suppression Project, which is funded by the Alberta Severe Weather Management Society (ASWMS).

The project utilizes aircraft to disperse silver iodide into storm clouds, aiming to reduce the size of hailstones and minimize property damage.

Source: Alberta Hail Suppression Project

History of Cloud Seeding in Alberta

The initiative to control hail in Alberta gained momentum after a devastating storm on Labour Day in 1991.

This event led to insurance companies exploring weather modification techniques to minimize future claims from hail damage, particularly in the stretch between Calgary and Red Deer.

Alberta Severe Weather Management Society (ASWMS)

A consortium of insurance companies, known as ASWMS, funds the Alberta Hail Suppression Project with an annual budget of approximately $5 million.

The society has been operational since 1996 and focuses on protecting urban communities from hail damage.

The Science Behind Alberta Cloud Seeding

Silver iodide is used as the primary agent for cloud seeding.

When dispersed into storm clouds, these particles act as artificial ice nuclei, competing with natural ice particles.

This process aims to reduce the size of hailstones, thereby decreasing the potential for damage.

How they do Cloud Seeding in Alberta

Aircraft based in Calgary and Red Deer are used to patrol and seed clouds as thunderstorms approach.

The planes release pyrotechnics known as ejectable flares into the updrafts of developing supercooled cloud towers to disperse the silver iodide.

The Technology behind Alberta Cloud Seeding

• Storm Tracking: The radar detects TITAN cells, which are storms with specific characteristics. Red circles on the radar indicate forecasted storm tracks, estimating the storm’s movement in 10, 20, and 30-minute intervals.
• Intensity Measurement: The color scale on the radar shows the intensity of precipitation. Higher values indicate greater precipitation rates, often signifying hail.
• Storm Cell Heights: Numerical labels indicate the height of storm cells, helping to assess the potential for large, damaging hail.
• Aircraft Tracking: The radar also tracks the project’s cloud seeding aircraft, although it does not indicate whether seeding is occurring.
• Time and Date: All data is in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), and local time can be calculated by subtracting 6 hours.

Effectiveness and Controversies of Cloud Seeding

While proponents argue that cloud seeding curbs hail damage, critics claim it does not address the root cause, which is climate change.

The effectiveness of the program is still a subject of debate, although some statistical data suggests a reduction in the intensity of storms post-seeding.

Safety and Environmental Concerns

Silver iodide is considered safe in the quantities used for cloud seeding.

However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact, including the release of silver iodide into the atmosphere.

Challenges and Limitations

Weather conditions can be unpredictable, and large storms may sometimes override the effects of cloud seeding. Additionally, the focus has shifted from protecting agricultural fields to urban areas, leaving some regions unprotected.

In Summary

• Alberta engages in cloud seeding through the Alberta Hail Suppression Project.
• The project is funded by ASWMS and aims to minimize hail damage in urban communities.
• Silver iodide is the primary agent used in cloud seeding.
• Safety and environmental concerns have been raised but are generally considered to be minimal.
• Advanced radar technology is employed for real-time monitoring and forecasting.
• The effectiveness of cloud seeding in Alberta is still a subject of debate, but advanced monitoring tools like TITAN radar are enhancing its potential.