Advanced hydrologic prediction system

As our Nation's population and infrastructure grow, natural disasters are b ecoming a greater threat to our society's stability. In an average year, in land flooding claims 133 lives and resulting property losses exceed $4.0 bi llion. Last year, 1997, these losses totaled $8.7 billion, Because of this blossoming threat, the National Weather Service (NWS) has requested funding within its 2000 budget to begin national implementation of the Advanced Hy drologic Prediction System (AHPS). With this system in place the NWS will b e able to utilize precipitation and climate predictions to provide extended probabilistic river forecasts for risk-based decisions. In addition to flo od and drought mitigation benefits, extended river forecasts will benefit w ater resource managers in decision making regarding water supply, agricultu re, navigation, hydropower, and ecosystems. It's estimated that AHPS, if im plemented nationwide, would save lives and provide $677 million per year in economic benefits. AHPS is used currently on the Des Moines River basin in Iowa and will be implemented soon on the Minnesota River basin in Minnesot a. Experience gained from user interaction is leading to refined and enhanc ed product formats and displays. This discussion will elaborate on the tech nical requirements associated with AHPS implementation, its enhanced produc ts and informational displays, and further refinements based on customer fe edback.