AHPS Product and Information Team Looks Into the Future

The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) Product and Information Team (APIT) recently published their vision of AHPS graphical products into the future. Entitled, "A Core Suite of AHPS Graphical Hydrologic Products and Information," this publication was produced and posted on AHPS Information Toolbox website.

The APIT, charted by Greg Mandt, Director of OCWWS, addressed the need for an integrated, consistent approach to providing graphical hydrologic information. This core suite recommended by the team supports the full spectrum of NWS hydrologic services from flash floods through extended-range river forecasts. The team was established to ensure the content and format of NWS hydrologic services were consistent and there would be easy access to the information on the Web.

Team Leader Gregg Rishel (Hydrologist-in-Charge, Northeast River Forecast Center) stated, "The AHPS Products and Information Team recommended seven areas where consistent graphical hydrologic products should be developed and deployed. It is our hope that this core suite of AHPS products will result in improved services to NWS customers."

Significant customer input was utilized in the formation of the recommendations. These recommendations encompassed a wide range of information and provided the basis for a consistent core suite of NWS hydrologic products. The team envisions this core suite evolving over time based on new technology, infusion of scientific developments, and, especially, continued customer feedback.

Work is currently underway to implement the recommendations of this report. Implementation activities are being led by the recently formed AHPS Web Consistency Integrated Work Team charted by Greg Mandt. In fact, a national portal to local AHPS products and information is available via the NWS Home Page under the tab "Rivers"or at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ahps/.

Feedback on either the report, "A Core Suite of AHPS Graphical Hydrologic Products and Information," or the roll out of new AHPS Web Services can be provided to frank.richards@noaa.gov