PROGRAMS AND PLANS--Water Data Needs of the National Weather Service

In Reply Refer To:                           February 3, 1995
Mail Stop 405

WATER RESOURCES DIVISION MEMORANDUM NO.95.16

Subject:   PROGRAMS AND PLANS--Water Data Needs of the
           National Weather Service

This memorandum presents revised procedures for working with the
National Weather Service (NWS) to exchange information and to
foster support to keep in operation gaging stations needed by
NWS for river forecasting.  These procedures result from a review
of past and proposed efforts and our attempts to work closely with
the NWS at the local level to improve cooperative efforts.

When it becomes necessary to close stations, the involvement of
headquarters will be limited and coordination for station closings
will be carried out at the local level.  Coordination between the
local NWS offices and the Water Resources Division district offices
should be based on the following guidelines:

--Meet with local NWS offices at least once per year to 
  discuss items of mutual interest to includ network 
  improvements, coordination of station operations,
  identification of stations used for river forecasting,
  and data acquisition.

--Notify local NWS offices of potential closures at the 
  same time other interested parties are notified.  Flag
  stations used for river forecasting.

--As appropriate, keep NWS abreast of negotiations with
  other potential cooperators that may provide alternative
  funding.

--If alternative funding is not found, notify local NWS
  offices of date of station closure.

                             Robert M. Hirsch
                             Chief Hydrologist

This memorandum supercedes WRD Memorandum No. 76.86.

Distribution:  A,B,FO,PO