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