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Other Current Hydrometeorology Research Group (HMRG) Projects
Hydrometeorology Testbed (HMT)
The Hydrometeorology Testbed (HMT) is a concept aimed at accelerating the infusion of new technologies, models, and scientific results from the research community into daily forecasting operations of the NWS and its River Forecast Centers. HMT operates as a demonstration with forecasters and researchers joining forces in an operational setting.
The most recent HMT ran from December 1, 2005 through March 1, 2006 and involved the NOAA NWS, NOAA ESRL/PSD, NOAA ESRL/GSD, AND NSSL. NSSL provided one of its SMART-Radars to supplement the coverage of the X-Band polarimetric radar, provided by ESRL/PSD. Their goal was to see how the quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE coverage provided by the National WSR-88D network could improve. Data from both radars will be input into NSSL's national radar mosaic system (NMQ) in order to compute QPE over the basin. Detailed inter-comparison with rain gauges in the basin will provide a metric for evaluating improvements to QPE.
Proof-of-concept results will enhance NOAA's current observing and modeling
capabilities and improve predictions of location, timing, and amounts of
rainfall. (more 
)
Debris Flow
California is particularly susceptible to mudslides and debris flow caused by extreme rainfall. Two NSSL researchers were invited by the NWS to serve on an interagency team to create a debris flow, or mudslide warning system for southern California. The interagency team will provide guidelines for the warning system including developing a research plan for improved QPE over the southern California mountains.
Utilizing the NSSL national radar mosaic for gridding and quality control of WSR-88D for use with multi-radar, multi-sensor QPE techniques for input to USGS regional distributed hydrologic models will likely be beneficial to California residents as well as a fruitful NSSL research endeavor.
Rapidly-moving debris flow, triggered by severe rainstorms, are among the most numerous and dangerous type of landslides, particularly in California. Debris flows can begin suddenly, accelerate quickly, reach velocities up to 60 km/hr, and flow down streams or other channels for distances of several kilometers. They can smash homes and other structures, wash out roads and bridges, sweep away cars, knock down trees, and lay down thick deposits of mud, rock and other debris where they come to rest, obstructing drainages and roadways.
HMRG-HR (China) Scientific Exchange Program
Beginning in 2004, the Hydrometeorology Research Group, in collaboration with the Institute of Heavy Rain of the China Meteorological Administration, established a scientific exchange program focusing on radar applications in quantitative precipitation estimation and forecast (QPE/F) towards improving the accuracy of flood and flash flood warnings. The program includes the exchange of visiting scientists, joint scientific workshops, and academic lectures. Through this exchange, scientists from both the USA and China have gained a better understanding of ongoing efforts in the two countries to address the scientific and operational challenges of flood warnings and water resource management. The collaboration also facilitated scientific contributions in the development and refinement of the National Mosaic and QPE system.
