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1.2 Purpose of Calibration
RFCs define calibration as adjusting the parameters applied to simulated time series so it more closely matches the observed time series.
Example: RFC calibration focal points typically calibrate headwater points with historical observed data.
All other points are calibrated by comparing a simulated historical run (typically averaged over a day) to the observed time series.
Importance of Calibration
An uncalibrated or poorly calibrated model could give inaccurate model output.
Output from poorly calibrated models could lead to inaccurate hydrologic forecasts and potentially threats to life and property or a high number of false alarms.