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National Weather Service
Professional Development Series

Model Calibration and Hydrologic Procedure Development

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Executive Producer: Tim Helble - Hydrologic Services Division
Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services

This Professional Development Series (PDS) covers knowledge and abilities necessary to develop and calibrate hydrologic models used in creating operational river forecasts and to develop local hydrology-related procedures. Current models include snowpack modeling, rainfall-runoff modeling, runoff-to-discharge conversion, routing (both hydrologic and hydraulic), and reservoir simulation. RFCs are required to develop and maintain hydrologic forecast procedures as dictated by service requirements in their area. In some cases, WFOs will also have this requirement.

Office personnel have different areas of specialization in the areas of model calibration and hydrologic procedure development. Therefore, not all Professional Competency Units (PCU) of this PDS are appropriate to all positions and offices.

Professional Competency Units

This Professional Development Series (PDS) includes the Professional Competency Units (PCU) listed below. Click on a unit to see details.

  • PCU 1: Evaluate and Define Basin/Channel Characteristics
  • PCU 2: Access and Analyze the Historical Hydrometeorological Inputs
  • PCU 3: Produce Historical Input Time Series for Hydrologic Models
  • PCU 4: Set Up and Calibrate the Snow Accumulation and Ablation Model
  • PCU 5: Set Up and Calibrate the Rainfall-Runoff Model
  • PCU 6: Set Up the Runoff-to-Discharge Relationship
  • PCU 7: Set Up and Calibrate the Channel Routing Model(s)
  • PCU 8: Set Up the Reservoir Routing Model
  • PCU 9: Utilize the Interactive/Manual Calibration Program
  • PCU 10: Implement Calibrated Basins in the Operational Hydrologic Forecast System
  • PCU 11: Local Procedure Development
  • PCU 12: Develop Local Historical Studies

    • Based on 2/05/2001 version of this PDS

    Return to the Master NWS PDS Page
    Last Reviewed or Updated on 03/06/01