When to Use Multiple Reservoir Networks in HEC-ResSim

This post details the use of multiple reservoir networks within an HEC-ResSim model.

This post is a continuation of the post titled, "When to Use Multiple Watershed Configurations in HEC-ResSim", from 30May2017.

That post is found here:

Multiple Watershed Configurations Link

Basically, multiple reservoir networks are needed whenever you want to vary a physical parameter of the system while also preserving the original parameter.  These parameters can include:

• Routing parameters
• Outlet capacity or number of outlets
• Storage elevation tables

For example, in the model shown below, I use null routing for the stream reaches.  To compare the differences in results from using various routing methods, multiple reservoir networks can be created with the various routing methods.

In this model, I have a single controlled outlet.  If the capacity of this outlet has changed or additional outlets have been added or proposed, the impacts of the physical changes can be examined by creating a new reservoir network that reflects these changes.

As I mentioned above, the impact of an updated storage-elevation table can be examined by updating that rating within a new reservoir network.  Running alternatives with the original storage-elevation relationship and the updated storage-elevation relationship, for example, can allow the modeler to determine the impact of reservoir sedimentation on peak release and peak pool elevation from an historic or synthetic event.