From YubaNet.comAtmospheric river storms, which provide half of California’s annual precipitation, can cause major Yuba-Feather flood events. Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) researches opportunities to improve reservoir operations and reduce flood risks by improving weather and runoff forecasts. The research is focused on both watersheds simultaneously, as Bullards and Oroville dams are operated in coordination to minimize downstream flood impacts. On a rainy morning, University of California’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography scientists were busy preparing for the launch of the first weather balloon. The launch was coordinated with the FAA and nearby Beale Air Force base. (more)