River Models and Decision-Support Systems

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Decision Support System
This is a macro-embedded EXCEL program that calculates and displays indicators representing valued characteristics or processes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park based on input of daily flows of the Gunnison River. The decision-support system is structured to compare as many as 8 alternative flow regimes, where each alternative is represented by a daily sequence of at least 20 calendar years of streamflow. Example input files are provided with the software. Contact: Gregor Auble, aubleg@usgs.gov

Delaware River Decision Support System (DRDSS)

The Delaware River Decision Support System (DRDSS) translates changes in hydrology (resulting from different reservoir operating and water allocation rules) into changes to fish habitat, water temperature, reservoir storage and spills, out-of-basin water exports, and downstream delivery requirements. Contacts: Leanne Hanson, hansonl@usgs.gov; Chris Holmquist-Johnson,
h-johnsonc@usgs.gov

Instream Flow Incremental Methodology

The Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) is a framework for approaching various issues related to developing an instream flow policy. IFIM incorporates multiple or variable flow rules to meet the needs of the aquatic ecosystem while considering habitat-flow relationships, timing of flow events, institutional arrangements, and water supply. Contact: Terry Waddle, waddlet@usgs.gov

National Hydrologic Assessment Tool (NATHAT)

The National Hydrologic Assessment Tool (NATHAT) is based on a hydrologic classification of streams by Nathaniel Poff of COlorado State University involving 420 gaging stations across the contiguous United States. If you have daily and peak (optional) streamflow data for a period of record, you can use NATHAT to (1) establish a hydrologic baseline (reference time period), (2) establish environmental flow standards, and (3) evaluate past and proposed hydrologic modifications. Contact: Brian Cade, cadeb@usgs.gov

New Jersey Hydrologic Tools (NJHAT and NJSCT)

NJHAT is used to (1) establish a hydrologic baseline (reference time period), (2) establish environmental flow standards, and (3) evaluate past and proposed hydrologic modifications of streams in New Jersey. It accomplishes this by using flow statistics, trend analysis, and ecologically relevant indices that address the 5 major components of the flow regime (magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and rate of change) by using 10 nonredundant indices. Contact: Brian Cade, cadeb@usgs.gov

Physical Habitat Assessment (PHABSIM) Software

This set of programs is designed to predict microhabitat conditions in rivers as a function of streamflow and the relative suitability of those microhabitat conditions to aquatic life. Contact: Terry Waddle, waddlet@usgs.gov

Salmonid Polulation Model (SALMOD)

SALMOD is a computer model that simulates the dynamics of freshwater salmonid populations. Developed and used for the Trinity River, California, chinook salmon evaluation, SALMOD has wide applicability for freshwater habitat-limited salmonid populations. Contact: Sam Williamson, williamsons@usgs.gov

System Impact Assessment Model (SIAM)

SIAM is a suite of models for the Klamath River in northern California. SIAM integrates a water quantity model (MODSIM), a water quality model (HEC-5Q), and a fish production model (SALMOD) to aid in the evaluation of water management alternatives. Contact: Sharon Campbell, campbells@usgs.gov