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Water Data and Science Committee Meeting Summary November 4, 2020 Webinar–Dr. Markus

  1. Call to Order—Chair Amy Shallcross DRBC—Sue let the committee know that Amy Shallcross was unexpectedly called away and would not be participating in the call today.  Sue called the committee to order in Amy’s absence at 2:33 p.m. Central.
  • Introductions of Participants on the call -Sue Lowry, Brian Atkins, Tom Littlepage, Wes Cattoor, Adel Abdallah, Randy Hadland.

The research conducted by the Illinois State Water Survey wanted to more closely examine higher precipitation events and compare to various climate models.  Momcilo divided his talk into two sections:  Frequency Forecasting and Future Projected Rainfall Frequency.  The forecast analysis used the 1948-2017 time series for update their Bulletin 75. In the second portion, Future Projected Rainfall Frequency, Momcilo pointed out that it is expected that heavy precipitation will increase in both volume and frequency.  The Atlas 14 Volume 10 which covers Illinois is dated and a group of universities wanted to compare the Atlas 14 results with other methods.   

  • Internship project ideas from this committee—Discuss on next call. 
  • Water Management President’s Executive Order
    • Wait to see the outcome of the election. 
  • Workplan development for the Committee
    • Workplan list – any additional topics for developing Principle Statement—discuss next meeting with Amy
  • Other items for the Committee’s consideration 
    • Support for NOAA-NWS Atlas 14
    • Supporting NHD Plus and other mapping efforts
    • Sue mentioned that NIDIS had sent out a “Save the Date” of Dec. 1-3 for a virtual Flash Drought workshop, but no further information has been sent.  Sue will let the committee know if she receives anything further. 
  • Next call or webinar—All committee webinar planned for January 7, 2021 at 2 p.m. Central (Post meeting note:  This committee will hold a December webinar on December 1 at 2 p.m. Central.)

Water Data and Science Committee:  Mission is to educate ICWP members on current data and science trends and to advocate support for data and science programs at the national level.

2019 Accomplishments:

Issues for 2020 Workplan

  1. Potential ICWP Support of USGS Efforts
    1. USGS NGWOS—including future basin selections
    1. Water-Use Data and Research—Review next USGS compilations
    1. IWAA indices that make sense as indicators (Mindi request at Mobile)
    1. Review of NAS Study on USGS Water Discipline
    1. Multi-Signature support letter for Streamgaging Programs (annually)
      1. Early spring letter signed by stakeholders
      1. Letter in the fall signed by states/interstates/tribes
      1. Improved coordination among 3 USGS support letters from coalitions
  2. Climate/Weather Extremes/Drought
    1. Flash Droughts
    1. NIDIS/NDRP—Support baseline, firm funding source for US Drought Monitor
    1. Support for a 2nd product similar to USDM specific to ag relief programs
    1. Support for expansion of Drought Impacts Reporter
    1. Baseline for determining Climate Change
      1. Impacts to Infrastructure planning
    1. Paleo-drought studies
  3. Other items the Committee could explore:
    1. Internet of Water
    1. Data Portals/Data Exchange
    1. Support for NRCS Snow Survey Program
  4. National Water Model Priorities
    1. Especially understanding the underlying models and how those could be used by others
    1. Support for NHDPlusHR and its modeling capabilities—add to 3DEP Coalition letter in 2021
  5. Tracking of Emerging Tools or Trends in Water Data/Science
    1. Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations
    1. Seasonal to Sub-Seasonal Forecasting
    1. NASA Western Water Office—Adel will keep the committee apprised of any activities of interest beyond the western states. 

Edits made to 2020 Workplan during July 30, 2020 Committee meeting

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