Establishing an Operational River Forecasting Environment in Mexico

An ongoing program to transfer river forecasting technology used by the National Weather Service (NWS) to Mexico's Comisión Nacional del Agua (CNA) is presented. Implementation of the NWS River Forecast System (NWSRFS) requires both traditional techniques for data analysis and calibration as well as development of unique tools integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to deal with the sparse data network. A cooperative development approach to training was established to permit CNA engineers to gain experience in a broad array of elements of forecast system development and implementation as a foundation for ongoing system implementation and operation. To provide timely data for forecasting, a system was devised and is being implemented that allows regional data collection centers to promptly post observed data reports to a central database through a web-based data entry interface. Because NWSRFS is being implemented in river basins with international boundary water issues, CNA and NWS are coordinating the program with the US and Mexican Sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC).