Alabama Water Institute

Atmospheric rivers can bring much-needed water to the West, but they can also produce devastating floods. Dr. Marty Ralph, founding director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, joins the AWI Podcast to explain the science behind these powerful storms and how researchers are improving their prediction. Ralph discusses atmospheric river reconnaissance, forecast-informed reservoir operations and the importance of bringing researchers and forecasters together to turn science into better tools for water managers. He also shares how CIROH is helping strengthen those connections and advance the future of operational hydrology. ----- About AWI Website: http://awi.ua.edu Join the conversation on AWI's social media: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/alabama-water-institute YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlabamaWaterInstitute X/Twitter: https://x.com/alabamawater Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alabama_water Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaWaterInstitute

Flash floods can develop in minutes, leaving communities with little time to respond. Improving those forecasts and getting critical information to the people who need it most is one of the biggest challenges in operational hydrology. In this episode, Dr. Katie van Werkhoven of RTI International discusses her work advancing flash flood forecasting through CIROH and her career bridging research and operations. She shares how new technologies, including artificial intelligence, improved forecasting tools and stronger partnerships with local stakeholders, are helping create faster, more actionable flood forecasts that can better protect lives and communities. ----- About AWI Website: http://awi.ua.edu Join the conversation on AWI's social media: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/alabama-water-institute YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlabamaWaterInstitute X/Twitter: https://x.com/alabamawater Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alabama_water Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaWaterInstitute

Dr. Jim Nelson, professor of civil and construction engineering at Brigham Young University, discusses hydroinformatics and its role in moving water research into real-world use. A pioneer in geospatial hydrologic modeling and visualization, Nelson shares how tools like the Watershed Modeling System, Tethys Platform and GEOGLOWS have helped engineers, hydrologists and decision-makers better understand water systems around the world. He also talks about the importance of collaboration, the future of AI in hydrology and why impactful research begins with understanding the problem people need to solve. ----- About AWI Website: http://awi.ua.edu Join the conversation on AWI's social media: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/alabama-water-institute YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlabamaWaterInstitute X/Twitter: https://x.com/alabamawater Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alabama_water Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaWaterInstitute

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are rapidly changing the future of water forecasting, and Dr. Chaopeng Shen is helping lead that transformation. On this episode of the AWI Podcast, the Penn State professor discusses how AI can be combined with traditional physics-based hydrologic modeling to improve forecasting, strengthen operational hydrology, and support better decision-making during extreme water events. He also shares insights into the role of CIROH in advancing these technologies and preparing the next generation of water scientists for an increasingly data-driven future. ----- About AWI Website: http://awi.ua.edu Join the conversation on AWI's social media: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/alabama-water-institute YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlabamaWaterInstitute X/Twitter: https://x.com/alabamawater Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alabama_water Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaWaterInstitute

Early-career water scientists are stepping into a field that is both complex and critical, and finding the right support can make all the difference. Dr. Juli Scamardo, an assistant professor at Utah State University and member of CIROH's early career working group, has experienced that transition firsthand. From her start studying rivers and floodplains to her current role in academia, she has navigated the challenges of building a research program, finding mentorship and connecting with the broader water community. In this episode, Scamardo shares her path into hydrology, the role of CIROH in supporting early-career researchers and why community, collaboration and mentorship are essential for the next generation of water scientists. ----- About AWI Website: http://awi.ua.edu Join the conversation on AWI's social media: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/alabama-water-institute YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlabamaWaterInstitute X/Twitter: https://x.com/alabamawater Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alabama_water Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaWaterInstitute