Integrating climate‐hydrology forecasts and multi‐objective reservoir management for northern California

Abstract

The Integrated Forecast and Reservoir Management (INFORM) Project was conceived to demonstrate increased water‐use efficiency in Northern California water resources operations through (1) the innovative application of climate, hydrologic, and decision science, and (2) reciprocal technology transfer activities between the INFORM scientists and the staff of federal and state agencies with an operational forecast and management mandate in Northern California. Toward achieving this goal, INFORM objectives include implementing a prototype integrated forecast‐management system for primary Northern California reservoirs, for individual reservoirs as well as system‐wise. Project objectives also include demonstrating the utility of climate and hydrologic forecasts through near‐real‐time tests of the integrated system with actual data and management input.