Abstract:
For whatever purpose the reservoirs are designed and operated it can be served much better if hydrological forecasts are available. Hydrological forecast can be short term, medium term, long term or seasonal. While short term forecasts are more reliable, the reliability decreases for forecasts of longer duration. There are a
number of conventional and modern procedures including time series for forecast of flows. Reservoirs can be operated more efficiently for flood control by use of forecasts through prereleases without affecting the conservational benefits. A model for such an operation is discussed in the paper. Conservational benefits can be increased by using inflow forecasts in case these are available with reasonably good reliability. With the advancement in technology of forecasting and the associated techniques of operation the benefits derived from the reservoirs can increase considerably.
