Application to Watershed Planning

The model can have varied application to the watershed planning process.

• The calibrated model can provide estimates of a multitude of hydrologic components for any point in the watershed at any time within the run period; from such obvious parameters as flows or water levels to less obvious components such as soil evaporation rates.

• The model provides a common ground for discussing management of water in the basin and describing in what state water exists throughout the year (such as groundwater, surface water or snow).

• The model provides a method of scenario analysis. Several "what if" scenarios have been developed by the Planning Unit for which the model can be used to evaluate the response of the watershed. This includes:

  • Simulate pre-development hydrology
  • Changes in flow across the boundary of the Stateline in the Spokane Valley Aquifer
  • Increased or decreased well pumping.
  • Changes in the spatial distribution of pumping (e.g., more pumping further from the river)
    (download figures for printing -- PDF 2MB)
  • Aquifer injection of river water
    (download figures for printing -- PDF 3MB)
  • Increase in surface water flows from Post Falls Dam
  • Change in Wastewater discharge locations