Near real-time global flood models do not adjust lake levels and river flow rates to reflect effects of dams. Incorrect data can leave surrounding communities vulnerable to potential flood disasters. Adjusted flood models that properly account for downstream releases can help to mitigate the effects of future floods. Using Jason-1, Jason-2 and Envisat altimeters a comparison with in-situ data for a study site demonstrated the usefulness of satelitte altimetry data for measuring reservoir heights, thus providing information on water storage changes.
R. Albright, L. Kaiser, S. Madsen (2011). Measuring Reservoir Heights via Satellite Altimetry Products: Using Reservoir Heights Data for Global Flood Modeling. DEVELOP National Program, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center - March 25, 2011
