Marty Ralph accepts the DWR Climate Science Service Award from Jeanine Jones, Interstate Resources Manager for DWR.
Marty Ralph accepts the DWR Climate Science Service Award from Jeanine Jones, Interstate Resources Manager for DWR. (Photo credit: DWR)
Marty Ralph accepts the DWR Climate Science Service Award from Jeanine Jones, Interstate Resources Manager for DWR.
Allen White (left) consults with Clark King during the installation of the Atmospheric River Observatory at the Bodega Marine Lab in March 2013, part of the 21st century observing system being implemented in the DWR/NOAA cooperative partnership. (Photo credit: DWR)
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Contact:  Allen White

PSL Scientists Presented with California DWR Climate Science Service Award


April 11, 2013

Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL) scientists Marty Ralph and Allen White were awarded the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) annual Climate Science Service Award in San Diego, California, on April 30th. "DWR is pleased to acknowledge the exemplary assistance that these scientists have provided to us, and we look forward to a productive long-term working relationship in improving the ability to understand, monitor, and forecast extreme precipitation in California", said DWR Director Mark Cowin. "This cooperative research effort between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and DWR has provided tremendous information about atmospheric river storms and their role in flood events and contribution to the state's water supply."

This award recognizes PSL's role in developing and implementing a cooperative partnership between HMT and DWR's Enhanced Flood Response and Emergency Preparedness program to design and install a 21st century observing system for extreme precipitation in California. The knowledge gained from this research project already is being used to improve forecasting of atmospheric river storms such as those that reached California in late November/early December 2012, refilling reservoir storage and saving the state from what otherwise would have been a very dry year. The research identified a major gap in existing hydrometeorological monitoring and precipitation forecasting – the limited ability to track and quantify water vapor transport across the Pacific Ocean and into California – and developed new methodologies and monitoring technologies to fill this gap.

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.