Python Tools to Aid and Improve Rapid Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling with the Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment Tool (AGWA)

Abstract

Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling are used to assess watershed function at different spatial and temporal scales. Many tools have been developed to make these types of models more accessible to use and model results easier to interpret. One tool that makes hydrologic models more accessible in a geographic information system (GIS) is the Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment tool (AGWA); the GIS enables the development of spatially variable model inputs and model results for a variety of applications. Two major applications of AGWA are for rangeland watershed assessments and post-wildfire rapid watershed assessments. Each of these applications have primarily utilized the Kinematic Runoff and Erosion model (KINEROS2) which is accessible in AGWA. Two new tools were developed which work within the existing AGWA/KINEROS2 framework in ArcGIS to enhance rangeland and post-wildfire watershed assessments. The Storage Characterization Tool, was developed to work with high-resolution topographic data to characterize existing stock ponds so these features can easily be incorporated into AGWA/KINEROS2 for rangeland hydrologic analysis. The second tool simulates reach scale flood inundation (the Inundation Tool) utilizing AGWA/KINEROS2 outputs and local channel properties for Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC-2) hydraulic calculations to compute flood inundation in post-wildfire environments. Both tools have been validated using multiple datasets and desired applications were outlined so that the tools are properly used.