Incorporating Snow Processes in the Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS) and Evaluating Its Applicability for Nebraska

University

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Principal Investigator

Tirthankar Roy (roy@unl.edu)

Total Project Cost

$272,950

Funding Type

2016 USDOT

Start Date

07/01/2020

End Date

11/30/2022

Agency ID or Contract Number

69A3551747107

Abstract

In this proposed research, we will improve the hydrologic model within the state-of-the-art Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS) platform by coupling a snow module. This is crucial for Nebraska since the snow has significant impacts on the severity of flooding in the state. We will then implement the IFIS platform prototype with the improved hydrologic model on the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District.

Description

"1. Identifying optimal locations for installing automated stream sensors. 2. Finding a suitable snow parameterization for the hydrologic model within IFIS. 3. Applying the IFIS system prototype on a region in Nebraska and evaluate its performance within the context of transportation safety."

Impacts/Benefits

Accurate and early prediction of flooding is crucial for ensuring transportation safety. This research will investigate the benefits of incorporating snow processes within the IFIS platform. It will also shed light on the potential of the IFIS platform to be applied across the entire state of Nebraska for flood monitoring and forecasting.

Deliverables

Download the Final Report