Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are associated with some of the largest flood-producing extreme precipitation events in western North America. As the primary storm mechanism in California, the difference of a few large AR storms in a year dramatically changes precipitation totals and drives the state towards water abundance or drought. Current records of AR activity are limited to just 70 years of instrumental data. So, the key question motivating this work was: what is the long-term history of AR storms in California?  We can get insight into past extreme precipitation by looking to the sediment record. Under the right circumstances, clues to past climate and extreme precipitation are preserved in layers of sediment and allow us to reconstruct their history going back centuries to millennia. Long-term data help water managers avoid underestimation of potential flood risks and aid future planning scenarios, particularly for water infrastructure.

Other atmospheric river and weather articles:

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• Action New Now (Chico, Calif.): Winter Weather Advisory issued for elevated areas in Northern California