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Design and Deployment of a Multi-Agency Flood Decision Support System

Our team of engineers and scientists designed and deployed a decision support system that will enhance flood operations in the Yuba-Feather river system — a complex, multiple-reservoir system managed by multiple agencies. Located in Northern California in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the watershed, subject to orographic precipitation enhancement during large scale winter storms, includes populated areas at the confluences of major streams.

Agencies at local, state and federal levels monitor and manage floodwaters and sought to enhance their capability to work together in a synergistic way to reduce flood risk to life and property. To achieve this, our team planned, designed, developed and implemented a reservoir operation decision support system that fosters communication and leverages the expertise of agencies without hampering their ability to satisfy their individual missions. This white paper describes the organizational structure of the decision support system and shows how it improves coordination in the Yuba-Feather system during flood events.

Design and Deployment of a Multi-Agency Flood Decision Support System