Atmospheric river researchers in Marysville begin critical work amid Northern California storm

As a storm moves through Northern California, the real work is just beginning for atmospheric river researchers.

"Understanding the storms helps them make the simple decision of do you fill or do you spill," said Douglas Alden, lead engineer with the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, or CW3E.

Winter storm preparations aren't just done before the weather hits. For atmospheric river researchers, critical work happens during the storm.

Alden traveled from San Diego to Marysville to launch weather balloons and collect real-time data to help guide reservoir operations.

"We're launching here in Northern California from Bodega Bay and Marysville for this storm," he said, "the weather balloon launches are a key component of a much larger program called atmospheric river reconnaiss