The US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) has awarded a contract to Upstream Tech to deploy its HydroForecast system, an AI-driven streamflow forecasting tool, across several major river basins, dams, and reservoirs in the western United States.
USBR, the US’ largest water wholesaler and a leading hydropower producer, will use the system to improve water supply reliability and support hydropower operations. The adoption is part of USBR’s Facilitated Adoption program, designed to move new research into operational use.
HydroForecast gained recognition through the USBR-co-sponsored Streamflow Forecast Rodeo competition, where its accuracy and AI methods were noted in comparison with other forecasting systems.
The tool is now being put into use in USBR regions including the California Great Basin, Columbia Pacific Northwest, Lower Colorado, Missouri Basin & Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas, and the Upper Colorado. Operators will be able to incorporate the AI forecasts into their decision-making.
“This collaboration represents what Upstream Tech is all about – connecting innovation with the critical decision-makers who steward our most vital resources,” said Upstream Tech CEO Marshall Moutenot. “Reclamation has been a part of HydroForecast’s evolution from early on, so we’re especially excited to work collaboratively to discover new ways to strengthen water and power management in the face of a changing climate.”
