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Stylized picture of the Rocky Mountains in California and a blue-white, wide arrow crossing it, symbolizing an Atmospheric River. Text: "The science behind atmospheric rivers An atmospheric river (AR) is a flowing column of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere responsible for producing significant levels of rain and snow, especially in the Western United States. When ARs move inland and sweep over the mountains, the water vapor rises and cools to create heavy precipitation. Though many ARs are weak systems that simply provide beneficial rain or snow, some of the larger, more powerful ARs can create extreme rainfall and floods capable of disrupting travel, inducing mudslides and causing catastrophic damage to life and property. Visit www.research.noaa.gov to learn more."