Zhongrun Xiang, Ibrahim Demir

Rainfall-runoff modeling and streamflow prediction using deep learning algorithms have been studied significantly in the last few years. The majority of these studies focus on the simulation and testing of historical datasets. Deployment and operation of a real-time streamflow forecast model using deep learning will face additional data and computational challenges such as inaccurate rainfall forecast data and real-time data assimilation with limited studies guiding on these difficulties. We proposed a real-time streamflow forecast framework that includes pre-event model training using deep learning, real-time data acquisition, and post-event analysis. We implemented the framework for 124 USGS gauged watersheds across Iowa to forecast 120-hour streamflow rates since April 2021. This is the first time deep learning models have been used to predict streamflow in real-time operational settings at a large scale, and we anticipate seeing more real-time implementations of deep learning models in the future.