Initiative for the Production of Spatial Evapotranspiration at the Upper Colorado River Basin
Location
ECC 307/309
Event Website
http://water.usu.edu/
Start Date
4-4-2012 2:50 PM
End Date
4-4-2012 3:10 PM
Description
Evapotranspiration (ET) is a key component in any hydrologic cycle at farm and basin levels, especially at the Upper Colorado River Basin. Traditionally, ET estimation is done by using data from the closest weather station, providing a single ET value for an irrigation or sub-basin area. In consequence, this ET estimation procedure does not account for the geographic variability of water consumption within a geographic area. Nevertheless, current state-of-the-art research on ET estimation can already provide accurate spatial measurement of this key component given the availability of geo-referenced imagery and weather station data across the area. Until now, the States within the Upper Colorado River Basin have restricted themselves to small efforts to produce spatial ET information, mostly of local impact, with infrequent updates and limited access. To overcome these constraints, a combined effort from research centers and interested government and private parties across the Upper Colorado can achieve the goal of production, standardization and broad access of spatial ET. A recent initiative that includes several Utah parties united by a common vision of better water management at basin and state levels has begun the implementation of methods to produce spatial ET information for the Upper Colorado River Basin. The initiative includes the Utah Divisions of Water Rights and Water Resources in the Utah Department of Natural Resources, NOAA, the US Bureau of Reclamation, and the Utah Water Research Laboratory. This presentation provides a summary of the benefits, objectives, and milestones to achieve the implementation of a state-wide spatial ET system. An invitation is extended to new partners to join and strengthen the group’s capabilities for the production and use of spatial ET information across the Upper Colorado River Basin.
Initiative for the Production of Spatial Evapotranspiration at the Upper Colorado River Basin
ECC 307/309
Evapotranspiration (ET) is a key component in any hydrologic cycle at farm and basin levels, especially at the Upper Colorado River Basin. Traditionally, ET estimation is done by using data from the closest weather station, providing a single ET value for an irrigation or sub-basin area. In consequence, this ET estimation procedure does not account for the geographic variability of water consumption within a geographic area. Nevertheless, current state-of-the-art research on ET estimation can already provide accurate spatial measurement of this key component given the availability of geo-referenced imagery and weather station data across the area. Until now, the States within the Upper Colorado River Basin have restricted themselves to small efforts to produce spatial ET information, mostly of local impact, with infrequent updates and limited access. To overcome these constraints, a combined effort from research centers and interested government and private parties across the Upper Colorado can achieve the goal of production, standardization and broad access of spatial ET. A recent initiative that includes several Utah parties united by a common vision of better water management at basin and state levels has begun the implementation of methods to produce spatial ET information for the Upper Colorado River Basin. The initiative includes the Utah Divisions of Water Rights and Water Resources in the Utah Department of Natural Resources, NOAA, the US Bureau of Reclamation, and the Utah Water Research Laboratory. This presentation provides a summary of the benefits, objectives, and milestones to achieve the implementation of a state-wide spatial ET system. An invitation is extended to new partners to join and strengthen the group’s capabilities for the production and use of spatial ET information across the Upper Colorado River Basin.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/runoff/2012/AllAbstracts/44