Welcome.....
....to the National Weather Service web-based training module : Assessing Hydrometeorological Inputs to a Hydrologic Modeling System. This module provides training to hydrologic forecasters on how to better interpret data inputs and anticipate how weaknesses and unique characteristics of hydrologic models will be accounted for in the hydrologic forecast process. This Web-based module qualitatively describes frequently used approaches for assessing hydrometeorological inputs to an operational hydrologic forecast system. It will assume that assimilated data products have already been provided to the hydrologic forecaster by the HAS function. The purpose of this module is not to provide exhaustive descriptions of components in the operational forecast system (OFS) of the National Weather Service (NWS) River Forecast System (NWSRFS), nor is it intended to cover the data quality control process. Instead, this module provides training to hydrologic forecasters on how to better interpret data inputs and anticipate how weaknesses and unique characteristics of hydrologic models will be accounted for in the hydrologic forecast process. It does this by describing:

• RFS Preprocessors - how input data is aggregated by NWSRFS preprocessors prior to its use in the hydrologic modeling process,
• Evaluating the Data - the strengths and weaknesses of various types of input data that the forecaster needs to be aware of, and
• Effects of the Data - approaches for intuitively assessing the likely effect those inputs will have on models in the OFS.

After completing the module, forecasters will recognize that problems with model output do not always originate from the model itself, and will be better able to anticipate affects of data inputs during various situations.