Location: National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory
Project Number: 5020-12130-004-018-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: May 1, 2023
End Date: Aug 31, 2024
Objective:
Specific objectives are to: 1) Evaluate, test and update the WEPP watershed model
for use in NRCS applications with LiDAR data; 2) Support NRCS WEPP hillslope model applications by analyzing database updates on model performance; and, 3) Prepare peer reviewed or internal reports to support modeling work.
Approach:
Cooperator will develop and test approaches for watershed simulations with the
WEPP erosion model and databases, working closely with USDA-ARS staff. In
particular they will utilize geo-spatial elevation data in available digital
elevation models (DEMs) and from more detailed LiDAR elevation information to
obtain slope inputs and watershed geometry information to setup and run WEPP
watershed simulations. New databases for watershed specific inputs to the model
will be developed and tested. These will include appropriate channel parameters and conservation practices such as grassed waterways and impoundments. Additional
watershed outputs from the WEPP model will be added to support NRCS projects. Where possible the watershed application will be validated with observed data.
This project emphasizes model source code updates when refining the databases. The cooperator will provide analysis of the impacts of any database parameter changes and assist in developing the optimal parameters to use with WEPP.
