Authors: Dan Ames and Sujan Mondol – Brigham Young University
Title: CIROH NWM API 2.0: Retrospective Data, Flow Statistics, and Geographic Query
Presentation Type: Lightning Talk
Abstract: The National Water Model (NWM) provides critical continental-scale data, yet its massive volume often hinders rapid, site-specific analysis. This talk introduces the CIROH NWM API 2.0, a redesigned infrastructure that transforms raw model outputs into immediate, actionable insights. By migrating 44 years of NWM Retrospective 3.0 data into a BigQuery-backed environment using Apache Beam, we have enabled powerful new query capabilities.
The updated API allows users to move beyond individual reach IDs to perform geospatial filtering across entire watersheds or custom geographic boundaries. Furthermore, a new dataset of 16 streamflow indices allows for instantaneous retrieval of long-term signatures, such as 7Q10 and Nth-percentile flows. Finally, we demonstrate a Model Context Protocol (MCP) tool that allows AI applications to connect directly to NWM data, bridging the gap between big data and effortless hydrological discovery.