Hydrologic Hazards
The WAWSC works with many partners to monitor, assess, and conduct targeted research on a range of hydrologic hazards so that policymakers and the public have the understanding they need to enhance preparedness, response, and resilience. Real-time flood information in combination with flood inundation mapping is used by emergency management agencies to provide forecasts and warnings to mitigate near-term flood risk. The probabilistic analysis of historic flood information is used to mitigate longer-term risk by FEMA though their flood insurance program, and by planners and engineers through the proper design of bridges, culverts, levees, and stormwater facilities. Real-time water supply information is used by water-resource managers to formally declare drought in Washington State, while post-declaration monitoring and assessment provides an understanding of the effects of drought response activities on short- and long-term water availability. Acute sedimentation information is used by river management agencies to plan for and mitigate changes in flood-conveyance and increased flood risk.