Operation Sierra Storm Brings Leading Scientists and Meteorologists to South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is home again to "Operation Sierra Storm," a cutting-edge meteorological forum and seminar for network television meteorologists from around that country.

New Way to Predict Weather Now Available

Long range weather forecasting is no longer a thing of the future due to recent developments in weather research. Speaking to participants in "Operation Sierra Storm (OSS)" Dr. Duane Waliser explained the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), a key phenomena for predicting weather around the world.

They have been tracking atmospheric rivers (also known as MJO activity) since 1979. Since there are only 2-5 MJO's a year it has taken several years of data to determine patterns in order to be able to predict weather.

Waliser, Chief Scientist of the Earth Science and Technology Directorate at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, told those in attendance how great it is to be able to use accurate information to predict tropical cyclones and monsoons 2 to 3 weeks ahead of the event.

The MJO offers forecasting the potential between weather and climate change and will give meteorologists the ability to predict winter precipitation in the Sierra Nevada.

Lake Tahoe Leads the Nation in Environmental Sustainability

"Lake Tahoe is addressing climate change threats in the 21st Century," TRPA Chief of External Affairs Julie Regan told the OSS group. "Lake Tahoe is ahead of the sustainability curve with world renown innovative regulations and restoration," Regan said.

Her focus was on how the region is adapting to handle climate change from designing storm water systems to handle more rain than snow to created an economy not dependent on weather. "Climate change brings year round operation focus since the winter season is blurring" according to Regan.

A drought brings a changing shoreline, more threats by invasive species with warmer water as well as wildfire danger. Being prepared by clearing 10,000 acres of forest in South Lake Tahoe, creating defensible space and keeping Quagga Mussels out of the lake are a few efforts done locally to handle drought conditions.

Operation Sierra Storm Open to Public on Friday

OSS has extended a community invitation to their climate change presentation on January 10, 2014 in the South Shore Room at Harrahs. Dr. Bill Collins of UC Berkeley and Virgil Welch from the California Air Resources Board will speak in 2 sessions starting at 7:45 am. Welch presents on ongoing action to cut greenhouse gas emissions until 8:45, and Collins speaks from 9 to 10:15 am. He was a member of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize winning team. Both sessions are free and open to the public.