Dr. Andy Wood, NOAA/NWS Colorado Basin River Forecast Center

Abstract: NOAA/NWS River Forecast Centers (RFC) perform hydrologic analysis and prediction to make streamflow predictions on a daily basis for the entire US, for purposes ranging from flood risk management to supporting reservoir management for regional water supply allocations. Yet does RFC practice align with perspectives on hydrologic analysis and prediction from the modern, non-operational hydrologic research? With emphasis on the western US, this talk provides insights into current RFC methods, data and process, discusses particular challenges in RFC forecasting, and summarizes notable efforts and opportunities to close science gaps between RFCs and the hydrology research community.