Creating a Flood Warning System for the San Diego River Using HEC-RTS Software

摘要

The County of San Diego recently implemented the first phase of a flood warning system for the 420 square mile San Diego River watershed. WEST Consultants created the flood forecasting system using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' HEC-RTS (Real Time Simulation) software. The flood forecasting system is intended to provide San Diego County staff with timely information on potential flooding to support emergency response planning and operations. The flood warning system provides near real-time forecast streamflow at designated locations within the San Diego River Basin. A web site was also created for the County that displays static inundation maps linked to stages at key locations to show a range of inundation conditions. The system's ability to produce forecasts of hydrologic conditions, including potential inundated areas and overtopping of road crossings, will provide lead time for the County to mobilize field crews to close hazardous crossings and possibly issue flood warnings.