The term "atmospheric river" is a term first used in the 1990s to describe a plume of tropical moisture in the atmosphere that can result in heavy rainfall or snowfall. Use of the term is most common along the West Coast of the United States, but the setup can occur anywhere that persistent winds can transport moisture from the tropics to a mid-latitude location. Impacts from an atmospheric river can range from beneficial rainfall in drought-stricken areas to significant travel disruptions, floo