Flood Forecasting in the Upper Midwest Data Assembly and Preliminary Analysis

Abstract

This project was Phase I of a three-phase study whose objective is the development of analytical procedures and the correlation of hydrological data to aid in the prediction and control of spring floods in large Upper Midwest watersheds. Phase I has involved the assembly of meteorological and hydrological data for various periods and the procurement and preliminary evaluation of selected mathematical simulation models of watersheds. Phases II and III have been authorized under a project which begins July 1, 1972. The major portion of the hydrological and meteorological data were procured on magnetic tape to facilitate input into the mathematical models. This form is highly desirable, as some runs were performed with up to one year's data. Approximately 28 magnetic tapes were received and a duplicate was made of each to serve as a backup copy. Of special interest in this study were the SSARR model developed by the Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service, the Kentucky-Stanford model, the HEC-1 model of the Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center, and programs in use by the National Weather Service River Forecast Center in Kansas City.