Water balance model output for Lake Curry showing successful calibration to observed lake elevations during a flood event
cbec is pioneering the design of vernal pools
cbec’s staff can assess the atmospheric, surface, and subsurface aspects of hydrology at a variety of spatial and temporal scales
We are familiar with a variety of publicly available climate, stream, and tidal data sources.
Where necessary, we also deploy and monitor meteorological stations to obtain site-specific hydrologic data such as air temperature, wind speed/direction, and precipitation.
To further facilitate our in-stream, or hydraulic, modeling efforts, we often install stream and tide gages to monitor water levels, water temperature, and other water quality constituents, using staff gages, weirs, pressure transducers, Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP), and probes.
MIKE SHE surface water-groundwater modeling results displaying seasonal water table elevation differences between degraded and restored conditions
Tailored hydrologic solutions
Our hydrologic services include the development of time series, flood event, and water balance/budget simulations, for applications to hydrologic studies such as: hydromodification, fisheries habitat, wetland design, water supply, and reservoir operation.
We use spreadsheet-based, GIS-based, and 1D and 2D numerical modeling to represent hydrologic processes.
These include FEMA-accepted hydrologic models (e.g., HEC-1, HEC-HMS, and HSPF) or tools of our own design that tailor hydrologic solutions to directly meet client needs.
We have pioneered the use of HEC-HMS in conjunction with the Soil Moisture Algorithm for continuous, long-term simulations for hydromodification planning.
We also have extensive experience in modeling studies where surface water and groundwater are closely linked.
Such in-depth knowledge of real-world interactions is increasingly important for effective aquatic restoration, water supply, and the monetary valuation of ecosystem services, such as floodplain bank storage.