Are you prepared for the next atmospheric river storm in your area? 

If you’re not familiar with this weather phenomenon, you should be. These powerful storms are causing havoc worldwide, and the United States is no exception. Strong atmospheric rivers cost an average of $1.1 billion in damages yearly in the western U.S.

With rising oceans and changing weather patterns, A.R.s become more frequent and intense in the coming years, leaving communities vulnerable to devastating floods, landslides, or erosion events.

If you live on the West Coast, taking proactive measures to minimize the impact of A.R. storms on your property is essential. By finding out what steps to mitigate the effects of these storms and taking the proper precautions, you can better protect your home and lawn.

 

What are Atmospheric River Storms?

Atmospheric river (A.R.) storms are long and narrow plumes of moisture that travel from the tropics to mid-latitudes, typically between 30 and 40 degrees north or south of the equator. These moisture plumes can be thousands of kilometers long and transport an enormous amount of water vapor, carrying up to 15 times the water content of the Mississippi River at its mouth.

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Caption: A news report of a pending A.R. storm in December 2022

Although there needs to be more research done, there is a chance that A.R. storms are caused by climate change. Warmer air temperatures, melting glaciers, and ice caps can cause rising sea levels. Therefore, more rain can lead to more atmospheric moisture, fueling the intensity of A.R. storms.

 

How Do A.R. Storms Unfold?

A.R. storm systems are fueled when stable temperature contrasts between the cold air masses to the north and warm, moist air from the tropics to the south in the Pacific Ocean. 

When these two air masses collide, the warm, moist air is forced to rise, which causes the water vapor to condense and form clouds. The clouds then release precipitation in the form of rain or snow, depending on the temperature of the surrounding air.

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California, Oregon, and Washington are especially vulnerable to A.R. storms. Other western states like Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Montana, and prominent mountain ranges like the San Bernardino Mountains, Santa Cruz Mountains, and Southern California mountain ranges are also high at risk.

 

Are A.R. Storms Friend or Foe?

The answer is not so simple: These weather phenomena can have positive and negative effects.

A.R. storms can bring much-needed moisture to areas experiencing drought conditions, helping replenish water supplies, supporting agricultural production, and reducing the risk of wildfires. But if the heavy precipitation from atmospheric rivers occurs too quickly, it can cause severe flooding and landslides, damaging infrastructure, property, and the environment.

In addition to floods and landslides, atmospheric rivers cause other flood damage. For example, during heavy rain, they can trigger mudflows, which can bury roads and buildings and cause debris flows, damaging ecosystems, and natural habitats.

As the severity and duration of these storms can vary widely and their impacts can be challenging to predict, it’s essential to protect homes and properties from erosion and other damage. By implementing effective erosion control methods, such as planting erosion control blends, communities can be better prepared for the impacts of these storms and help minimize potential damage.

 

Bracing for Impact: The Wrath of Atmospheric River Storms in 2023

In 2023, parts of the Western U.S. have seen an “unusually high number” of atmospheric river storms, mainly ranging from California to Oregon, with dangers like: 

• Increased risk of widespread flooding and landslides
• Property damage due to floods, landslides, and mudflows
• Disruptions to transportation, such as road closures and flight cancellations
• Power outages due to strong winds and falling trees
• Increased risk of wildfires
• Water supply disruptions due to changes in water quality and availability
• Economic impacts on industries such as agriculture, tourism, and transportation
• Increased risk to public health and safety due to the potential for waterborne diseases, injuries from landslides or falling trees, and other hazards

These storms have brought heavy rainfall and snowfall, leading to a higher risk of flooding and erosion in many areas. Unfortunately, this increased flooding risk doesn’t seem to be slowing down. 

 

Reducing the Dangers of Atmospheric River Storms

When it comes to atmospheric river storms, there are real risks involved. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize these risks. One effective solution is to use erosion control seed mixes. Plant and flower roots help stabilize soil and prevent soil erosion by creating a network of roots that bind the soil together, making it less likely to be washed away during heavy rainfall or flooding.

If you live in an area struck by atmospheric river storms, using seeds tailored to your region is important. 

 

The Pacific Northwest Blend: Washington and Oregon

The Pacific Northwest blend has deep root systems that can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion from occurring. This makes it an effective solution for safeguarding lawns and other areas from the harmful impacts of atmospheric river storms and other weather events. The mix contains annual and perennial species, providing long-term protection against erosion and other damage to your lawn.

 

The Intermountain West Blend: Colorado, Utah, and Surrounding States

The Intermountain West blend contains plants with deep root systems that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making them an effective solution for protecting lawns and other areas from the impacts of atmospheric river storms and other weather events. The deep roots also help to retain moisture in the soil, reducing the risk of runoff and enhancing the soil’s ability to absorb water during heavy rainfall.

 

The Pacific Southwest Blend: California, Arizona, and Nearby Regions

The Pacific Southwest blend contains a variety of grasses, wildflowers, and other vegetation with deep and sturdy root systems, which can stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. This means that communities that plant the Pacific Southwest Erosion Control Mix will have an added layer of protection against the damage that atmospheric storms can cause, including landslides, infrastructure damage, and loss of topsoil, making it an effective solution to mitigate the impact of A.R. storms.

 

Conclusion

Atmospheric river storms are a natural phenomenon that can significantly impact the Western U.S. While they can bring much-needed moisture to extreme drought-stricken areas, they can also cause severe flooding and erosion, which can have long-lasting effects on the environment and the local economy. 

And with climate change rapidly progressing and an increased frequency of atmospheric river storms in 2023, homeowners and their communities need to take steps to mitigate the risks associated with A.R. storms.

One of the most effective solutions for erosion control is using seed mixes tailored to the region affected by atmospheric river storms. The Pacific Northwest blend, Intermountain West blend, and Pacific Southwest blend are all examples of seed mixes that can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Taking care of your lawn and ensuring your property remains unharmed amid these rising A.R. storms is one thing you can do to protect your property. Find the right blend for your region today.