University of Colorado Boulder

Today, the NOAA Climate Program Office’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and Modeling, Analysis, Predictions and Projections (MAPP) program jointly announced $4.9 million in funding for NOAA labs and research partners to improve drought monitoring and prediction in the American West. This research combines $3.1 million in funding from NIDIS and $1.8 million from the

El Niño and La Niña events show a wide range of durations over the historical record, but whether event duration can be predicted has remained largely unknown. Since longer-lived, multi-year El Niño and La Niña events could extend their climate and socioeconomic impacts, it’s important to have accurate predictions of their durations with the longest lead times possible. A new study published

NIDIS just released its inaugural Tribal Drought Engagement Strategy, which presents guiding principles of tribal engagement, as well as key outcomes and tribal engagement activities for NIDIS and partners to implement in 2021 and beyond. This Strategy was developed by engaging with tribal nations within the Missouri River Basin and Midwest Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS); however, the

Outdoor recreation is a major contributor to the Intermountain West’s economy, but the future viability of many businesses—particularly small businesses—in the industry is threatened by their drought vulnerabilities and the region’s projected increases in drought severity and frequency. In 2019, NIDIS partnered with the University of Colorado’s Masters of the Environment Graduate Program to

The outdoor industry is responsible for 2.2% of national GDP1; however, projected increases in the frequency and severity of drought threatens the viability of water-based recreation businesses. NIDIS, in partnership with the University of Colorado's Master of the Environment Graduate Program, hosted a seminar on November 19 to explore the effects of uncertain snowpack levels, streamflows, and

NIDIS and the University of Colorado-Boulder Masters of the Environment Program are teaming up on two drought-related research projects. One project team will examine drought vulnerability and information needs for the outdoor recreation industry. The other project team will develop a NIDIS tribal engagement strategy and other tools to ensure tribal communities have the drought data and resources