How the Flooded Locations and Simulated Hydrographs (FLASH) Dataset Can Be Utilized By River Forecast Centers (RFCs)

The Flooded Locations And Simulated Hydrographs (FLASH) project was launched in 2012 and introduces a new paradigm in flash flood prediction by using the real-time, high resolution rainfall observations from the MRMS/Q3 project to provide 1-km/5-min resolution flash flood forecasts. While this project was initially geared towards providing a valuable service to National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) to aide in flash flood warning decisions, West Gulf River Forecast Center (WGRFC) forecasters have been evaluating FLASH and have found utility in the dataset with regards to their fast response river basins, specifically those in the Hill Country of Texas. This case study will demonstrate that the FLASH dataset shows promise with regards to helping WGRFC forecasters send timelier river products to area WFOs, which in turn, provides more expeditious river flood warnings to the public. This is critical for areas such as the “Flash Flood Alley” of Central Texas where rivers and creeks have been shown to rapidly rise to record levels and take the lives of innocent civilians.