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Neighboring WFOs, service backup offices, and the RFCs serving your Hydrologic Service Area (HSA) are invaluable partners in a successful hydrology program.
See the 10-18 series of directives for instructions and regional supplements on service outreach.
Neighboring WFOs/Service Backup Offices
Coordination with adjacent WFOs is critical to providing consistent service. Coordination on hydrologic forecasts is particularly important when your river forecast includes QPF and flows into a neighboring WFO.
Here are some hints for coordinated outreach efforts with other WFOs.
Establish, document, and practice effective communication techniques with neighboring and back up WFOs by using some of the following techniques:
- Document the roles of neighboring and service backup offices. Include contact information such as names, email, and phone numbers.
- Coordinate frequently with backup offices to share RiverPro templates, database updates, local agreements, and Hydrologic Services Manuals.
RFCs
RFCs collect, monitor, and quality control data and information, run hydrologic models, and issue forecasts and other guidance information. Click here for a list of ways your office supports RFC operations.
Assisting the RFC
- RFCs input WFO-produced precipitation and temperature forecasts for runoff calculations and snowpack modeling
- RFCs use WFO forecast point metadata (from HydroBase) to document locations
- WFOs relay information about malfunctioning gages so the RFC does not include erroneous information in the model
Establish effective communications with servicing RFCs:
- Update the rating curve in your database anytime the USGS or RFC updates a rating for a Site-Specific Hydrologic Predictor (SSHP) sites. Coordinate with your servicing RFC before using a program to automate this step.
- Ensure you are receiving all of the RFC products from those RFCs covering service backup offices.
- Contact your servicing RFC to ensure backup integrity for forecast points.
Check the servicing RFCs web page and contact them for support in managing the hydrologic program.
References: NWS Directive 10-18 Service Outreach, NWSI 10-921 WFO Water Resources Operations (Section 3.3)