[2021 AR] Watershed Model

2021 Report

Watershed Model

Highlights:

During 2021, modeling scenarios were developed that included assumptions such as land-use and precipitation patterns, changes in wastewater flows, and types of water quality control measures implemented during development and redevelopment. These assumptions were then input into the model to simulate water quality responses from the watershed for some scenarios that could occur through the year 2030. Model results from these scenarios are currently being evaluated. Modeling additional scenarios and linking the watershed and reservoir models to estimate reservoir responses to watershed changes are expected to occur during 2022.

A model of the watershed was developed by RESPEC to:

  • Provide detailed information on hydrologic, sediment and nutrient loading as inputs to the Cherry Creek Reservoir and as boundary conditions for the Reservoir model;
  • Represent and quantify loadings from multiple land uses, pollutant sources, along with impacts of water quality controls, and instream processes that affect the pollutant loadings to the Reservoir

In addition to the hydrology and water quality, the HSPF model simulation incorporates segmentation and characteristics of the Cherry Creek Watershed. Watershed segmentation is based on spatial characteristics of the watershed which include:

  • Topography
  • Drainage Patterns
  • Land uses and Distribution
  • Meteorological Variability
  • Soils Conditions

The Model Report describes the details of the watershed model development efforts, including model setup procedures and assumptions, available data to support the model, calibration and validation time periods, constituents to be simulated, model scales and resolution, model performance targets, and a discussion of the results.

Useful Links

Watershed Model

Model Inputs

Watershed Model Inputs