7317

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7317
• Author: Cowan, M. S., W. R. Cheney and J. C. Addiego.
• Title: Executive Summary of the Colorado River Simulation System.
• USFW Year: 1981.
• USFW - Doc Type: Denver, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

Colorado River Simulation
Model
The model simulates river basin flows on a mon-
thly time frame starting at the top of the basin
and proceeding completely through the basin to
the bottom. Simulation is done reach by reach
in an order specified by the basin configuration
as input to the model. Within a reach, computa-
tions are made from upstream to downstream
end.
The general operation of the simulation model is
shown schematically on figure 4.
Riverflows aze calculated at each inflow, de-
mand, and reservoir sequence point. All calcula-
tions for riverflow aze based on the continuity
equation:
Flow at next sequence point =Flow from
preceding sequence point + Inflow -Demand
When there is not enough flow in the river at a
sequence point to supply a demand, a seazch is
made of upstream reservoirs for- the additional
water needed. If there are reservoirs upstream
with sufficient water in storage, the additional
increment needed is released and passed through
the system to the point needed. If adequate
water is found, the demand is met and the calcu-
lations proceed to the next downstream se-
quence point. However, if the demand cannot
be satisfied, the amount of shortage is com-
puted, the available water is diverted, and a
shortage message is printed and calculations
proceed.
A reservoir is generally operated to meet a target
end-of--month contents. A release is determined
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