Post on 13-Jan-2016
NWS Low Flow InitiativeDrought Alert System
TVA Annual Partners Meeting
Presented by:
Diane CooperNWS - Southern Region Headquarters
Purpose of the Low Flow Initiative.
Outcomes of this initiative.
Presence on the AHPS web pages.
How can you become involved?
Overview
Purpose of the Low Flow InitiativeFor years, the NWS has focused much attention to higher flows and flooding impacts. However little has been researched on the impacts to Low Flows.
With the growth of our nations population, especially in focused regions of the country, the recognition that areas not only suffer impacts from high flows, but also low flows is more clearly being realized.
Hence given the success of the flood category program the NWS is taking the knowledge learned and using this approach to identify critical low flow categories.
Raise awareness of concerns and problems that occur at low flows. These may include:• Navigational • Water Supply both agricultural and human • Recreational activities• Water Right issues• Power Generation• Ecological Concerns
Look for opportunities where NWS River forecasts can help partners and customers better plan and respond in these critical Low flow situations.
Purpose of the Low Flow Initiative
Outcomes Enhanced communication with partners Better understanding of low flow conditions and impacts of
critical low flows.NWS could be used as a communication conduit to the
Public on appropriate responses to detorating conditions. •The Hydrologic outlook product (ESF) can be used to provide information
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/productview.php?pil=ESFHUN&version=0&max=61
•Drought Product (DGT) – New product coming in the first part of 2008.
Prototype Project - Dallas/Fort WorthTrinity River Basin
Seed moneys identified through the National Drought Information System (NIDIS) project.
http://www.drought.gov/National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) contracted to
research 30 locations for low water thresholds/impact information. Included both reservoirs and traditional river forecast locations.
NDMC obtained feedback from various local/state/federal stakeholders in basin including:
•River Authorities•Water Districts•Cities and Municipalities
Findings provided to NWS in July 2007.
Prototype Project
NWS Efforts – Fort Worth TX office (late summer/fall 2007)
Accomplished NWS gleaned from the compiled data critical stage and flow information. Entered information into the NWS databases both internally and for
online display. Low flow information is available on the NWS AHPS pages for 5
locations.
Short Term Goals Complete populating NWS databases for display on AHPS pages. Provided low water information to Texas Water Development Board to
support prototype federal/state drought alert system. Planning fall meeting with Trinity River Basin stakeholders to demonstrate
prototype and acquire feedback.
Dallas/Fort Worth PrototypeWeb Presence
Implemented sites:• Carrolton, TX• Richland Chambers Reservoir• Dallas, TX• Lake Lewisville• Boyd, TX
Future Sites:• Jacksboro• Eagle Mountain Reservoir• Lake Worth • Benbrook Lake• Fort Worth (Clear Fork Trinity River)• Fort Worth (West Fork Trinity River)• Lake Arlington*• Grand Prairie (West Fork Trinity River)• Joe Pool Lake*• Grand Prairie (Mountain Creek)*• Gainesville (Elm Fork Trinity River) • Ray Roberts Lake• Grapevine Lake• Bridgeport Reservoir• Lavon Lake • Lake Ray Hubbard • Cedar Creek Reservoir
* not displayed
Reservoir example:Lake Lewisville
Main Hydrograph Page
Critical Low flow Threshold
Other low water impacts (Stage only at this time)
Historic Low flow records
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River Point Example:Trinity River at Dallas, TX
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Key Stages for Low Water impacts
Critical Low Flow Threshold
Low Water Records for Trinity River at Dallas(1) 1.8 ft on 03/11/1904(2) 7.6 ft on 08/30/1959(3) 9.3 ft on 08/01/1937(4) 10.0 ft on 11/13/1975
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Presence on the AHPS Web Pages A little closer to Home.
Nashville TN - Hydrologic Services Area
Pulaski, TN
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Critical Low Flow Level
Low Water Impacts
Low Flow Probabilistic Information
http://www.srh.noaa.gov//lmrfc/river_forecasts/long_term/PLKT1.SSTG.nonexceed.90day.gif
How Can You Become Involved?
Assist in the identification of candidate locations for the project.
Provide input on low water impacts. Help identify other interested
parties/entities that might be able to provide input.
Other ideas to be involved????
Diane CooperSR Hydrologic Services Program Manager
Diane.Cooper@noaa.gov817-978-1100 X 120Cell 817-966-4217
Contact information