Water expertise by Finnish Environment Institute
Hydrological forecasting services for informed water management
We provide hydrological forecasting and watershed modelling services for water authorities, river basin managers, hydropower companies and other organisations managing water resources and water-related risks.
Forecasting expertise for operational decisions
Finnish Environment Institute provides hydrological forecasts and watershed modelling expertise to support flood and drought preparedness, watercourse regulation, hydropower planning and climate-resilient water management.
Our Watershed Simulation and Forecasting System, WSFS, models the water cycle in catchment areas. It produces forecasts and simulated information on river discharges, lake and river water levels, soil moisture, groundwater levels and snow water equivalent.
Developed since the 1980s, WSFS supports operational forecasting in Finland’s varied hydrological conditions. Our experts can also adapt the modelling approach to the needs and climatic conditions of other regions.
Services we provide
We combine hydrological modelling, observations and weather information to help you monitor water conditions, prepare for extreme events and make informed operational decisions.
Hydrological forecasting
Flood and drought preparedness
Lake regulation and hydropower planning
Real-time water situation monitoring
Climate change assessments
Nutrient load modelling with WSFS-Vemala
References
The following applications demonstrate how WSFS and WSFS-Vemala turn observations and modelling into practical information for water management.
Nationwide hydrological forecasting in Finland
WSFS covers the whole of Finland and produces discharge and water level forecasts for more than 800 locations. Forecasts, real-time water situation maps and calculated hydrological information are made available through Finland’s Waterinfo.fi service and expert systems.
The information supports:
- Flood forecasting and prevention
- Lake regulation and hydropower planning
- Monitoring of water levels and discharges
- Communication with authorities and the public
- Assessment of climate change impacts on water resources
Operational nutrient load modelling with WSFS-Vemala
WSFS-Vemala provides nationwide information on nutrient loading from Finnish catchments to rivers, lakes, coastal waters and the Baltic Sea. Its outputs cover more than 200,000 modelled lakes and rivers and over ten substances.
The model can be used to assess:
- The contribution of different nutrient sources
- Daily, seasonal and annual variations in loading
- Nutrient retention in rivers and lakes
- Effects of management measures and climate change
- Loading from small catchments to Baltic Sea regions
Read about the WSFS-Vemala model (syke.fi)
Hydrological forecasting beyond Finland
WSFS has also been applied in Latvia and in parts of Sweden. More detailed information will be added at a later time.
Frequently asked questions
These answers cover some of the practical questions organisations may have when considering hydrological forecasting or watershed modelling.
What variables can WSFS simulate and forecast?
WSFS can simulate hydrological variables including river discharges, lake and river water levels, soil moisture, groundwater levels and snow water equivalent. The variables included in a service are selected according to the catchment, available data and intended use.
How often can forecasts be updated?
In Finland’s operational system, forecasts are produced daily or hourly, depending on the location and application. The appropriate forecasting interval for a new service is determined together with the customer.
What data does hydrological forecasting require?
The Finnish system uses hydrological observations, weather observations and forecasts, radar-based precipitation data, and satellite information on snow cover and snow water equivalent. Data requirements for other regions depend on local conditions, data availability and the intended use of the model.
Can WSFS be adapted for use outside Finland?
Yes. While the model was originally developed for Finnish river basins and lake-rich watersheds, it can be modified for other climatic regions. Adaptation requires an assessment of local catchments, available data, operational needs and model calibration requirements.
Can the service support both water quantity and water quality assessments?
Yes. WSFS focuses on hydrological processes and forecasting. WSFS-Vemala combines hydrological modelling with simulations of nutrient leaching, transport and retention. The appropriate modelling approach depends on whether your need concerns water quantity, water quality or both.
Can the models be used to assess climate change impacts?
Yes. WSFS can be used to examine potential changes in hydrological conditions. WSFS-Vemala can also produce scenarios describing how climate change and water management practices may affect nutrient loading.
Plan ahead with hydrological forecasts
Talk to our experts about your catchment, available data and operational needs. Together, we can identify a forecasting or modelling approach that supports practical water management and preparedness.