Forecast-Coordinated Operations Program

Potential Project Partners:
No partners identified at this time

Short Project Description:
The goal of the F-CO Program is to improve the real-time coordination of reservoir operations during flood events. It is designed to improve data collection, flood forecasts, and communications among operating entities to reduce the risk of flooding for downstream communities. The Program is a partnership between DWR, US Army Corps of Engineers, California-Nevada River Forecasting Center, and reservoir operators in the San Joaquin basin, including Turlock Irrigation District, Merced Irrigation District, US Bureau of Reclamation (Friant), and Kings River Water Association. DWR hosts quarterly meetings with F-CO partners, facilitates tabletop and functional exercises, and collaborates on decision support systems. DWR also provides local assistance grant funding for reservoir operators to improve data gaging networks, collect airborne remote sensing of snowpack conditions, and develop models and tools to improve forecasting and information sharing. During high water events and/or heavy snowpack years, DWR hosts regular coordination calls with the reservoir operators to share information about forecasts, reservoir conditions, and operations. This coordinated information is then shared with downstream stakeholders through the State-Federal Flood Operations Center.