CIROH, a partnership between NOAA and The University of Alabama, is a national consortium committed to advancing water prediction – the forecasting of streamflow entering water systems, extreme events such as floods and droughts, and water quality – and building community resilience to water-related challenges. CIROH scientists, from 28 different institutions—academic, government, and private, work to improve the understanding of hydrologic processes, operational hydrologic forecasting techniques and workflows, community water modeling, translation of forecasts to actionable products, and use of water predictions in decision making.
Goals
Research Leader
Advance research and leadership in support of NOAA’s Office of Water Prediction mission to: “collaboratively research, develop and deliver state-of-the science national hydrologic analyses, forecast information, data, guidance, and equitable decision-support services to inform essential emergency management and water resources decisions across all time scales;”
Knowledge Mobilizer
Reinforce the NWS National Water Center’s mission to “promote collaboration across the scientific community, serving as both a catalyst to accelerate the transition of research into operations and a center of excellence for water resources science, information, and prediction services;” and
Community Catalyst
Strengthen communities of practice to synthesize a new generation of interdisciplinary and innovative research products, education, and outreach supporting NOAA’s vision of a water- and weather-ready nation.
CIROH IN THE NEWS
Advancing Weather Monitoring in American Samoa: Bridging Critical Gaps in Forecasting
April 25, 2025
By: Kayla Roberson
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – American Samoa faces significant challenges in weather monitoring due to its remote location and limited infrastructure. The lack of critical meteorological and hydrological monitoring assets further heightens the risk of unpreparedness for extreme weather events. In response, researchers have developed innovative solutions to enhance data collection and disaster preparedness in the region.
Tuscaloosa, Ala., Emerges as a Global Hub for Hydrological Forecasting at HEPEX Conference
April 18, 2025
By: Ryan Ruiz
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The international hydrological community gathered in Tuscaloosa for the 2025 HEPEX Conference, marking two decades of advancements in ensemble hydrological forecasting. Hosted by The University of Alabama’s Alabama Water Institute (AWI) and the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH), the event highlighted the region’s growing prominence as a center for water research and innovation.
NextGen In A Box (NGIAB): Revolutionizing Hydrological Modeling with a 30-Minute Setup
February 14, 2025
By: Kayla Roberson
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH) proudly announces NextGen In A Box (NGIAB), a transformative solution for hydrological modeling. Until now, cutting-edge hydrological modeling has been locked behind technical barriers. NextGen In A Box (NGIAB) solves those challenges, bringing sophisticated water modeling to everyone from local communities to top-tier researchers.
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