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<br />For all regions combined, question No.2 (snowpack estimates) received the highest overall <br />response, with a mean value of3.9 (median 4), followed closely by question No.1 (QPFs) with <br />a mean value of 3.8 (median 4). These values approximately correspond to "highly <br />important." Question No.5, addressing NEXRAD precipitation estimates, had a mean value <br />of 3.6 (median 4). Question No.3 (reservoir evaporation) received a mean value of 2.9 <br />(median 3), and question No.4 (crop evapotranspiration) received a mean value of 3.1 <br />(median 3). The values for these latter two questions approximately correspond to <br />"moderately important." <br /> <br />The questionnaire results suggest that TSC meteorologists should give highest priority to <br />improving QPFs and estimates of snow pack water content accumulation (questions No.1 and <br />2). Providing NEXRAD-based precipitation estimates (question No.5) was also considered <br />to have significant importance by many respondents, although the rating for this question <br />was somewhat below the ratings for questions No.1 and 2. <br /> <br />Selected Comments from Returned Questionnaires: <br /> <br />"We receive significant support from the National Weather Service Offices, especially the <br />Sacramento River Forecast Center. They provide QPFs and reservoir inflow forecasts to <br />the Central Valley Project operators on a regular basis with close coordination during <br />major precipitation events. We do recognize that current QPF models experience <br />difficulties in predicting Shasta-Trinity precipitation because of the complexity of wind <br />speeds and directions that occur. Flash floods in the valley floor and foothills below <br />Shasta can be extremely hard to predict so that more reliance on monitoring of hydro met <br />stations in the area is necessary." (MP Region) <br /> <br />Better QPFs are highly important, "especially III light of early warmng system <br />requirements." (UC Region) <br /> <br />"Having the capability of providing information addressed in this questionnaire can be <br />useful in determining flood inflows and water use requirements. The question is, does <br />the information increase the accuracy of existing methods enough to offset the additional <br />cost. In most cases adequate information can be obtained from the National Weather <br />Service and the Corps of Engineers, and we would not support any added cost." (GP <br />Region) <br /> <br />These comments confirm that QPFs, runoff forecasts, and flood potential advisories are and <br />will be obtained from area NWS RFCs and WFOs. In most cases, the information is <br />"adequate;" however, better information would be useful. Consequently, a key guideline for <br />TSC meteorological research work in these areas must be to form partnerships with the NWS <br />so that Reclamation's work will result in added value to NWS products. These partnerships <br />will ultimately improve QPF and runoff forecasts provided by the NWS to Reclamation water <br />operations managers. <br /> <br />3.2 Potential for Collaboration on Meteorological Applied Research <br /> <br />Precipitation is the primary input for forecasting floods and river stage; consequently, the <br />best possible real-time quantitative estimates of precipitation are needed. In addition, better <br />short-term (3- to 24-h) QPFs will provide more lead time for decision-making. The real-time <br /> <br />25 <br />