National Water Prediction Service Replaces Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service

Key NWPS links:

• NWPS--Waterway Observed/Forecast Information (Iowa)
• Past Precipitation (QPE)
• Long-Range Probabilistic Information and Outlooks (LRPO) (Flood Outlook)
• NWPS Main Page
• Stream Gage Page--Replace Gage ID in URL
• Area Hydrographs on One Page (NWS Des Moines)
• NWPS API Main Page
• NWPS Resources and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The next generation of National Weather Service (NWS) waterway observation and forecast services has arrived.  We are changing our delivery mechanism for waterway observations and forecasts on the Web.

As outlined in the NWS Strategic Plan, the NWS is investing in its infrastructure.  This strategy includes the modernization and replacement of the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) Web dissemination platform to NWPS on March 27, 2024.

Below is key information for you:

• What is NWPS?

  • NWPS is our replacement for AHPS.  NWPS is our new gateway to water resource observations, forecasts, information and related services on the Web.  This data-service-driven Web delivery platform combines legacy AHPS features and functionality along with geospatial technology, newer Web services and newer National Water Center (NWC) developed models and services.  NWPS is the modernized, next generation of waterway observation and forecast services which will provide you with critical hydrologic information.  In addition to the enhanced Web Interface NWPS includes an Application Programming Interface (API) that allows you to integrate waterway observation and forecast information within your own applications.

• NWPS Highlights

  • Standard Web map functionality.  One geospatial mapping interface allows you to navigate via easy, intuitive controls to access information quickly.  As you explore an area of interest, associated information relevant to the displayed location will appear.

  • Improved base maps and hydro-specific spatial layers.  You can change base maps to highlight and explore desired features and display other essential data layers for examining hydrologic hazards.

  • Dynamic waterway observation and forecast graphs.  These graphs update dynamically to allow you to see information more quickly.

  • Application Programming Interface (API) services based.  All display, mapping and hydrograph functionality is driven by our new Water API services.  These services are also available for public/partner access to drive decision support tools.  Users can customize their API queries to retrieve only the desired data which is available in JSON or XML format.  The API services also include the NWS Hydrologic Ensemble Forecast System (HEFS).  The API services and related documentation are available at https://water.noaa.gov/about/api.

  • Mobile device compatible.  NWPS will work better with mobile devices.  Though the visual display may vary, the functionality will remain the same–ensuring a consistent, reliable user experience.

• Service Change Notice and Public Information Statements

  • A Service Change Notice (SCN) (listed at https://www.weather.gov/notification/#scn) was posted on Friday, January 12, 2024, announcing the 75-day transition of the experimental NWPS service to operational status.

  • A related Public Information Statement (PNS) was issued on November 16, 2023.

  • Information on related URLs that changed are outlined in this Public Information Statement (PNS) that was issued on March 6, 2024.

• Operational Implementation

  • On March 27, 2024, NWPS became fully operational.  The NWPS Web site replaced the AHPS Web site as the primary source for NWS waterway observation and forecast information.  NWPS is available at https://weather.gov/desmoines/water.

• Additional NWPS Resources

  • Visit https://weather.gov/owp/operations (scroll down after visiting the hyperlink) to find resources and informational material that aid in the transition to NWPS. Available materials include Information the NWPS access, use, evaluation as well as training material, Webinars, fact sheets, flyers, ArcGIS story maps and a user's guide.

  • NWS news story about NWPS

  • A User's Guide to NWPS (ArcGIS Story Map)

  • NWPS Product and User's Guide

  • NWPS Service Description Document (SDD)

  • NWPS Fact Sheet

  • Slides from NWS Des Moines NWPS Partner Webinar on March 5, 2024

Fun fact about AHPS–NWS Des Moines was the first NWS office in the country to have AHPS.  AHPS arose out of the 1993 floods.  NWS Des Moines was selected to host the national AHPS demonstration project before AHPS became a national service.  The Des Moines River basin was the first basin in the NWS Des Moines service area covered by AHPS.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding these new Web capabilities please contact us.  We look forward to continuing to work with you as the NWS transforms into a more nimble, flexible and mobile agency providing essential services to you.

NWPS hydrograph showing the record flooding on the West Fork Des Moines River at Humboldt, Iowa, in June 2024.

NWPS map showing past precipitation estimates and river stages across the Iowa region in conjunction with the heavy rainfall event from June 20-21, 2024.