PC-Based Decision-Support System for Trinity River, Texas

Abstract

A personal computer (PC) based decision-support system (DSS) can provide real-time information for improved flood prevention and control in the Trinity River basin in Texas. The DSS components (1) retrieve, process, and file rainfall and streamflow data; (2) estimate basin average rainfall, update model parameters, and forecast runoff; and (3) simulate reservoir operation in order to forecast regulated flows basinwide. The DSS uses custom software for retrieving and processing the data and an industry-standard database-management system (DBMS) for filing the data. It uses specialized versions of the well-known programs HEC-1 and HEC-5 for forecasting runoff and simulating reservoir operation, respectively. The DSS integrates these components with a specialized program manager. Although not yet used as designed, potential improved flood prevention and control with the DSS are demonstrated with historical storm data.