FLDWAV to HEC-RAS Transition

1. FLDWAV to HEC-RAS Transition Challenge: Replace FLDWAV and DWOPER in NWSRFS with HEC-RAS in CHPS • Software Development (HEC-RAS into CHPS) • Science and Modeling • Develop and evaluate model transition procedures • Build HEC-RAS models that can replace FLDWAV models • Validate in calibration mode • Implement converted models within CHPS • Validate in forecast mode (parallel operations) • Training

2. Accomplishments To Date • Software Development • Initial functional requirements defined (March 2008) • HEC recompiled FORTRAN engines in Linux (Fall 2008) • Deltares, HEC, and Resource Management Associates built FEWS adapter (Fall 2008 – Spring 2009) • Software Acceptance Testing (June 17, 2009) • CHPS HEC-RAS passed 15 of 16 tests • 13 additional tests remain • Science and Modeling Component • HSMB has worked closely with NW & NE RFCs to convert their models • HSMB prepared conversion tools and documentation • “Guidelines for the Transition from FLDWAV to HEC-RAS; Forecast Implications and Transition Tools” (81 p.) • HSMB presented a summary paper at ASCE-EWRI • Training • HEC delivered steady-state HEC-RAS training • (NSTEP funded; April 2009) • HSMB delivered unsteady-state and model conversion training • for CAT RFCs at NERFC (April 28)

3. Remaining Tasks • Software Development • Deltares to work with HEC/RMA on outstanding technical issues in July 2009 • These issues do not prevent CAT RFCs from starting to use HEC-RAS in CHPS • Deltares, NWRFC, OHD to add additional test for blend operation • Final software acceptance testing in September 2009 • Science and Modeling • Implement converted CAT models in CHPS • Validate CAT in forecast mode (parallel operations) • starting October 2009 • Assist remaining RFCs with model conversions and implementations • before October 2010

4. Near Term Training Needs • Completing the CHPS Transition • Deltares to prepare “How To” Document for configuring HEC-RAS in CHPS • Deltares to add more HEC-RAS info to their Migration & Config Training • “Advanced” Unsteady and Model Conversion Training for non-CAT RFCs • suggested for FY10 Q1-Q2 • In New Orleans? (Dave Reed offering to host) • NSTEP funds? • Taught by HEC and/or HSMB? • Building New Models • HEC-GeoRAS and model building training (sometime in FY10) • A course tailored to NWS needs will save money • Workshops where participants can work on their own models are highly beneficial • HSMB can present GoToMeetings on selected topics • Dam Break Modeling (suggested for FY10 Q3-Q4) • Hydraulics Training Survey: • Of 126 RFC staff at 10 RFCs: • 31 need basic hydraulics training • 40 need HEC-RAS steady flow • 54 need HEC-RAS unsteady flow • 17 who need unsteady flow training but do not need steady flow

5. FLDWAV Model Inventory • Inventory helped prioritize work on our conversion routines • In a few cases, multiple decks are listed for the same river • Must convert ~ 25 decks to achieve identical capability to existing operations (this number may be out of date but is probably close)

6. NWS Funded HEC-RAS Enhancements for CHPS • Allow definition of flow roughness factors on any flow intervals (e.g. non-uniform increments) • Compile HEC-RAS Engines to run on Linux • Unsteady.exe • Steady.exe • GeomPreprocessor.exe • DSSWriter.exe • Enhance HEC-RAS to save model states at user controlled intervals

7. Other Notable HEC-RAS Enhancements in the Works • Expansion and contraction force term for unsteady flow calculations (in v. 4.0.1 to be released this summer) • Automatic calibration (planned for v. 4.1) • RAS Mapper – standalone inundation mapping tool for Windows