Atmospheric rivers (ARs) and extratropical cyclones (ETCs) are the predominant sources of precipitation in California. As a result, these weather phenomena are responsible for nearly all flood hazards in the state with impacts that could be amplified in a warmer, low-to no snow future. This project will analyze the AR-ETC relationship and identify the physical mechanisms and downstream impacts associated with how their co-occurrence amplifies or diminishes flood potential in California, particularly in a warmer world with a focus on headwater regions of major reservoirs and downstream conveyance infrastructure.
Report Information
CCCA5-CNRA-CCRP-P68
Lead Principal Investigator: Alan M. Rhoades
Lead Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory