The Canadian Hydrometeorological Information and Prediction System (CHIPS)

Recent improvements in hydrometeorological monitoring, modeling and forecasting allows the planning of an advanced hydrometeorological prediction system. Environment Canada's Ontario Region is supporting the creation of a system that aims to optimize the use of meteorological and hydrological information for hydrology and flood forecasting. Key elements of the evolving system are the upgraded Canadian Doppler radar network and radar processing system, mesoscale atmospheric modeling, remote sensing of surface hydrological variables and distributed hydrologic modeling. The role of the human in the forecast process is discussed, as is the probabilistic nature of the products from such a system. The role of the user in defining the system is also discussed given the division of responsibility for flood forecasting and water management in Canada. CHIPS components are shown operating in the analysis of a heavy rainfall event in Southwestern Ontario.