Collection of Spotter Data

1
(No Transcript)
2
Collection of River Ice Spotter Data

• Robert Shedd
• NWS/Northeast River Forecast Center
• Taunton, MA
• November 17, 2004

3
Why Do We Need Spotter Data?

• Is river ice forming, or is something else
  happening?
• What is the condition of the river ice?
• Location of jam relative to forecast gage?
• Better understanding of ice processes to develop
  forecast procedures

4
Other sources of information

• USGS (or other agency) reports
• Emergency Managers
• Web cams

CRREL Web Cam Hardwick, VT
5
Past Current Forms

• North Central RFC
• Alaska RFC
• Northeast RFC
• WFO Albany
• others

6
Problems Encountered

• IT Security concerns
• Paperwork Reduction Act concerns
• Consistency of forms
• Public Safety

7
Need for Consistent Form

• Single request for Paperwork Reduction clearance
• Single cgi script generated for enhanced security
• Consistency for spotters across multiple offices

8
Benefits of Spotter Data

• Present Benefits
• Assess severity of ice jam threat
• Improved understanding of ice processes
• Preparedness activities
• Longer Term Benefits
• Develop database for research activities
• Develop Ice Hydraulic modeling capability

9
Sample Existing Forms

• NCRFC
• http//www.crh.noaa.gov/ncrfc/ice_reports/ice_pass
  word.html
• NERFC
• http//www.erh.noaa.gov/nerfc/riverice/ice_form2.h
  tm
• WFO Albany
• http//cstar.cestm.albany.edu7775/Hydrology/hyd_f
  orms/ICE_REPORT.htm