The long-term trend of rainfall in the central Sierra region

TitleThe long-term trend of rainfall in the central Sierra region
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1933
AuthorsSager, G. V.
Conference Name1st Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 1st Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Date PublishedFebruary 1933
PublisherUniversity of Nevada, Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin
Conference LocationReno, Nevada
KeywordsCycles, Precipitation analysis
Abstract

Results of a study to ascertain if past rainfall records would indicate a probable trend or cyclic formation through a 60 year period (1897-1930) to indicate a probable termination of the long dry period, toward forecasting some relief even for a few years in advance. Data from precipitation stations at different altitudes extending from the Pacific Coast across the Sierra and Nevada to Salt Lake City were analyzed graphically by plotting departures from their normals against years. Graphs are shown. Lake levels at Tahoe, Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes are also shown.Conclusions indicate there was little hope of finding a basis for seasonal or other long term forecasting from the data studied, including solar activity.In discussion Mr. F.B. Headley presented a separate graphical procedure for studying in connection with streamflow probabilities for irrigation districts in Nevada. Here the comparisons are reduced to zones rather than the individual stations.