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Coastal Storms Program
Lower Columbia River Circulation ModelReal-time and Forecast River ConditionsKnowing the real-time and forecast conditions of Oregon and Washington State’s Lower Columbia River will help the marine navigation community, as well as coastal, ecosystem, fisheries, and emergency managers. These managers and planners can use the circulation model to provide operational real-time and forecast oceanographic conditions for a wide variety of purposes such as coastal flood planning and response, preventing and responding to hazardous materials spills, search and rescue, safe and efficient commercial navigation, safe recreational boating, fisheries management, and supporting water quality and ecological management. How the Project WorksAs part of the Coastal Storms Program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Coast Survey implemented an experimental operational circulation model for the Columbia River (ELCIRC) that was originally developed by the Oregon Graduate Institute (OGI) School of Science and Engineering of the Oregon Health and Science University. The model is part of CORIE, a pilot environmental observation and forecasting system for the Columbia River, which has been used to address issues such as salmon habitat and passage, navigation improvement, and habitat restoration. The circulation model provides forecasts of river and estuary conditions extending from the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River to the coastal region as far north as Grays Harbor and as far south as Tillamook Bay. The ELCIRC hydrodynamic model was evaluated and modified to run in the National Ocean Service’s experimental operational framework. Results from the model provide real-time and forecast water levels, currents, temperature, and salinity, and these results are validated using real-time data collected in the estuary. Hourly nowcasts and regular short-term forecasts from the model aid marine navigation operations, help prevent hazardous materials spills and mitigate cleanup efforts, and provide guidance during coastal storm surge events. In a related effort, the Washington Department of Ecology and the U.S. Geological Survey are using the Delft3D model in coordination with the circulation and wave models to provide insight into the transport of sediment in and around the mouth of the Columbia River. The model will help with understanding storm influences on erosion, navigation hazards, and crab fishery impacts from dredged materials. For Additional Information Edward Myers |
