Modernization in the National Weather Service River and Flood Program

Abstract

Hydrologic forecasting is vital not only to the National Weather Service mission of saying lives and protecting property but also to our nation's water management decision makers. Since its inception, the River and Flood Program has continually endeavored to modernize its tools and techniques. Modernization is an innovative process of research and development that strives to make available the best methods, data, and equipment for hydrologic forecasts. This paper addresses the role of modern technology (e.g., automation, computers, and radar) in hydrologic forecasting and also examines some of the problems of river modeling and forecasting and what modernization tools are available to remedy them. In addition, this paper looks at the increasing importance of training personnel to effectively use these modernized methods, procedures, and equipment in their jobs.