NCAR develops flood prediction tool

BOULDER, CO — The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) recently reported results of its first round of testing for a new detection system they believe will better forecast potential flooding, according to an article on the organizations website.

Using weather forecasting tools integrated with hydrologic models in new ways, the STEP (Short-term Explicit Prediction) Hydromet Experiment was tested July 7 through August 15 in the Front Range of Colorado where heavy flooding occurred in 2013.

“There’s still a lot of research ahead to see why the heaviest rainbands align the way they do in events like this,” said Rita Roberts, one of the principal investigators.

The results are still being reviewed, but NCAR hopes to adapt STEP for other commonly flooded areas.

The project aims to provide greater action times for the public and decision makers before a flood.

“Flash floods are a worldwide issue,” Roberts added. “At NCAR, we’re pulling together capabilities we’ve developed across the center and working to develop a system that can be used elsewhere.”

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