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Hydrologic Modelling Near Real Time Streamflow and Climate InformationDescription and History of SystemIn the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, near real time streamflow and climate data is collected from remote sites via the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) system owned by the United States governments National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and operated by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS). At the present time there are thirty nine Data Collection Platforms (DCPs) in operation in the province. Twenty three of these stations collect hydrometric data only, eleven collect hydrometric and climate data and five collect climate data only. In 1986 the Water Resources Management Division has developed a series of microcomputer based programs called the Automatic Data Retrieval System (ADRS) which automatically collects, processes and distributes this information. The following is a brief description of how the ADRS operates and a graphic depicting the system is also available. Every day at approximately 6:00 AM, the system powers up and accesses the NOAA computer system in Wallops Island, Virginia using a telephone line computer modem. The most recent data for DCPs in the province is then transferred to the Division's microcomputer. The system then signs off the NOAA computer and proceeds to process the raw data into its end form (ie. volts to precipitation) and add the new information to the databases that are maintained for each station. During this process the system also checks each DCPs diagnostic messages and prints warning notices for situations such as low DCP battery voltage, precipitation gauge near full, flow exceeds preset warning value, etc. The next step is the generation of the various reports and graphs that are required by the end users of the ADRS. These reports and graphs are created by a number of specific purpose programs and the output is saved to disk files which are then compressed to minimize transfer time (many ADRS users call long distance). These compressed reports and graphs are transferred to another microcomputer running a telephone modem communications program which is dedicated specifically to access by ADRS users. The user can copy a file from this system to his/her own computer and then print the desired report or graph. Recently, the ADRS has been upgraded to output graph files in GIF format which are then placed on this World Wide Web Server which makes them accessible to a much larger audience. The primary use of ADRS data in the Water Resources Division is for flood forecasting and other users of ADRS data include federal field service personnel with the Atmospheric Environment Branch (AEB), other government agencies (federal, provincial and municipal), hydropower companies and a variety of recreational users. This system, which was first implemented in 1986, has proven to be very successful and is now in its fourth revision. Each of these revisions has been in response to additional DCP sensor capability or end user requests for new data reports. There is also a cost sharing agreement in place with the Deer Lake Power Company for the installation and operation of thirteen DCPs in the Grand Lake / Humber Valley area with all access to data being through the ADRS. GraphsDescription of Graphs and Tips on Viewing and Printing List of Available 30 Day Graphs Disclaimer Provisional Near-Real-time Streamflow and Climate Data displayed on these pages are obtained from a network of gauges maintained under the Canada-Newfoundland Hydrometric Network Agreement. The operation of the network is cost shared by federal and provincial government departments and private companies, including Environment Canada, the Newfoundland Department of Environment and Labour (NDOEL) and the Deer Lake Power Company. Due to the volume and frequent updating of the data available on this Web site the streamflow and climate data is PROVISIONAL and has not undergone quality control checks. These data may be subject to significant change. Some of the factors that may affect the stage-discharge relationship and other measurements include: o backwater from ice or debris jams Data are reviewed on a regular basis by Environment Canada personnel to ensure accuracy. Each station record is considered PROVISIONAL until the data are published. The data are usually available within six months of the end of the water year. The publication quality data is distributed yearly by Environment Canada on a CD-ROM that has full datasets for all streamflow gauging stations in Canada. Before using this data in making decisions that concern personal or public safety, substantial monetary expenditures, or other operational consequences, users must carefully consider the provisional nature of the information. Information concerning the accuracy and appropriate uses of these data or concerning other hydrologic data may be obtained by contacting Howie Wills, Environmental Monitoring at: Howie Wills Other Related SitesAtlantic Canada Weather Centre Environment Canada - Atlantic Region Comment or Problems Thank you for visiting our WWW page and please come again. To report problems or offer suggestions on improvements, please send e-mail to pneary@gov.nl.ca, or call (709) 729-5743 , or FAX your request to (709) 729-0320.
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