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
New CIROH Research Awards Advance NextGen Water Prediction
January 23, 2026
By: Ryan Ruiz
CIROH announces $25.5 million in funding for 47 new research projects that will help communities better prepare for floods, droughts and changing water conditions. Supported by NOAA and USGS, this work will improve water forecasting tools, expand the use of AI, strengthen coastal and flood prediction and advance new observing technologies to turn cutting-edge science into real-world benefits.
White Joins CIROH as Associate Director of Science and Research Operations
November 17, 2025
By: Kim Byers
The Alabama Water Institute recently welcomed Dr. Erin White as associate director of science and research operations at CIROH.
CIROH Builds on AGU24 Momentum as It Prepares for AGU25: Advancing Water Prediction and Connection Through Science
November 12, 2025
By: Ryan Ruiz
CIROH is building on the momentum of AGU24 as it prepares for AGU25 in New Orleans, where leaders in Earth and space science will gather under the theme “Where Science Connects Us.” From advancing water prediction and community modeling to training the next generation of scientists, CIROH will highlight innovations that strengthen resilience and support communities nationwide.
CIROH 2025 Science Meeting: Research-to-Operations Breakthroughs and Outstanding Achievements
October 14, 2025
By: Ryan Ruiz
CIROH’s 2025 Science Meeting united 220 researchers and partners to advance water prediction, showcase research-to-operations breakthroughs and celebrate outstanding contributions driving innovation and community resilience nationwide.
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