Download - May 3.2007 West Gulf River Forecast Center Rio Grande Hydrologic Services Expansion Meeting
May 3.2007West Gulf River Forecast Center
Rio Grande Hydrologic Services Rio Grande Hydrologic Services Expansion MeetingExpansion Meeting
Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline
Introduction to WGRFC
River Forecast Process
Rio Grande Forecast System
Challenges and Complications
The Function of WGRFCThe Function of WGRFC
To provide the most accurate and timely river stage forecasts… through a combination of our knowledge/skill of both meteorology and hydrology
This is accomplished through 2 main functions:– HAS (Hydrometeorological Analysis and Support)
Operations• 3 Forecasters
– Hydrologic Operations• 9 Forecasters
WGRFC Hours of OperationWGRFC Hours of Operation
Normal Hours – 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Extension of hours– Event driven and/or in coordination with WFOs– “Close the Gap”
Overnight Shifts– 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.– Scheduled when prolonged rainfall/flooding event is expected
The WGRFC AreaThe WGRFC Area
WGRFC is one of 13 River Forecast Centers that provide
precipitation and river forecasts for the Continental U.S. and Alaska. WGRFC’s area of responsibility extends into
Mexico in order to cover tributary rivers that flow into the Rio
Grande.
Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) Serving Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) Serving the Rio Grande Drainagethe Rio Grande Drainage
River Forecast Center issues stage forecasts to area Weather Forecast
Office.
Weather Forecast Office adds location
specific impact statements and
disseminates
to the public.
Big Bend Region - 07/28/04Big Bend Region - 07/28/04
Gauge Only FieldRaw Radar Field
Satellite Derived Precipitation
Best Estimate QPE (Multi-sensor Field)
WGRFC Forecast TypesWGRFC Forecast Types
Daily Forecasts – Issued every morning regardless of flow El Paso Laredo
Flood Only Forecasts - Begin issuance when location is forecast to rise above a “criteria” level. Forecasts are updated until level drops below criteria. This includes the majority of WGRFC forecast points
Recreation Forecasts – Issued weekly on Wednesday afternoon for upcoming weekend flows. Presidio Boquillas (Rio Grande Village)
Upper Watershed
(above Elephant Butte)
Upper Rio Grande DrainageUpper Rio Grande Drainage
Water Supply Forecast
Runoff contained in lake
Rio Grande at El PasoRio Grande at El PasoRio Grande nr CandelariaRio Grande nr Candelaria
EPRT2
CDET2
3 Day travel Time from EPRT2-CDET2
Rarely Happens
Satellite Telemetered Observations
Rio Grande above Rio ConchosRio Grande above Rio Conchos Presidio Presidio
PIOT2
18 Hr travel Time from CDET2-PIOT2
Satellite Telemetered Observations
Luis Leon ReservoirLuis Leon Reservoir
La Boquilla2.3 M Acre Feet Storage
Luis Leon273,000 Acre Feet Storage
20,600 sq mi Drainage Area1 Day Travel Time to Presidio
Rio Grande below Rio ConchosRio Grande below Rio ConchosPresidio (International Bridge)Presidio (International Bridge)
Rio Conchos belowLuis Leon3414 sq mi12 hr CrestSatellite Telemetered Data
from Mexican Gage
PRST2
Cibilo Creek269 sq mi6 hr CrestSatellite Telemetered Data
Rio Grande nr Presidio (Weir)Rio Grande nr Presidio (Weir)
PRDT2
Alamito Creek860 sq mi6 hr CrestSatellite Telemetered Data
Terlingua Creek nr TerlinguaTerlingua Creek nr Terlingua
TNGT2
Terlingua Creek784 sq mi12 hr CrestSatellite Telemetered Data
Rio Grande nr CastolonRio Grande nr Castolon
CSTT2
Observed Data on Request
Forecasts based on TELT2 hydrologic
parameters (high uncertainty)
Rio Grande at Johnson RanchRio Grande at Johnson Ranch
TELT2
6-12 Hour Travel Time from TGAT2
Satellite Telemetered Data
Rio Grande nr Boquillas Ranger Rio Grande nr Boquillas Ranger Station (Rio Grande Village)Station (Rio Grande Village)
BOQT2
6-12 Hr travel Time from CSTT2
Daily Observed Data
Rio Grande nr Heath CanyonRio Grande nr Heath Canyon
HECT2
6-12 Hr travel Time from BOQT2
No Observed Data
Rio Grande nr DrydenRio Grande nr Dryden
DYNT2
6-12 Hr travel Time from HECT2
Satellite Telemetered Data
Rio Grande at Foster RanchRio Grande at Foster Ranch
LNYT2
6-12 Hr travel Time from DYNT2
Satellite Telemetered Data
CHALLENGES & COMPLICATIONSCHALLENGES & COMPLICATIONSHydrologic Forecasting along the Big Bend of the Rio GrandeHydrologic Forecasting along the Big Bend of the Rio Grande
No Radar Coverage Few Rain Gages Limited Streamflow Observations Mountainous, Rugged Landscape:
– Fast Stream Response– Difficulty in Getting Around
International Boundary:– Data and Forecast Exchange– Communication Complexities
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/wgrfc
Limited Radar & Precip. GagesLimited Radar & Precip. Gages
Gauge Only FieldRaw Radar Field
Satellite Derived Precipitation
Best Estimate QPE (Multi-sensor Field)
Please visit our website at:www.srh.weather.gov/wgrfc
For Additional Questions or Comments, Please contact us:817-831-3289 [email protected]@noaa.gov
Thank You for Your Time!Thank You for Your Time!