A Web-based, Interactive, Long-range Hydrologic Forecast Tool for the Western U.S.

Water resource managers must translate uncertain information about the future into operational decisions that can have large public safety, economic and ecological impacts. Seasonal forecasts of climate and hydrology can be an important tool in assisting managers in their decision making process. However, studies evaluating the utility of seasonal forecasts have repeatedly identified the lack of additional interpretation and the lack of verification information as barriers to more widespread use of seasonal forecasts in the water resources sector. The focus of this Phase I proposal is the development of a web-based query and visualization tool for the Columbia River Basin that will enable the user to visualize past, current and future hydrologic conditions and to create place and time specific, long range hydrologic forecasts, including verification information. This provides a level of customization, interactivity, and accountability that is currently not offered by any web-based long-range forecasting tool.