A web based tool for operational real-time flood forecasting using data assimilation to update hydraulic states

Abstract

This article describes an operational flood forecasting system set up for the city of Dijon, France. This system assimilates real-time flow data at an hourly time step with the stationary Kalman filter to update hydraulic states. It uses a semi-distributed hydrologic model to integrate rainfall measurements and forecasts and provide discharge forecasts at several points on the watershed. It also offers powerful data management tools and an elaborated graphical interface available from any computer connected to the Internet. The hydrologic model was calibrated using a semi-distributed approach. Its simulation and forecasting performances are analyzed. The performances of the system on a recent flood event are also investigated.