A HEC-RAS model alternative includes three key components:

  • one Geometry File
  • one Flow File
  • one Plan File that links a geometry file to a flow file

This guide will teach you how to create manage HEC-RAS model alternatives within your HEC-RTS watershed.

Build your HEC-RAS model and its associated alternatives within the HEC-RAS software to ensure correct setup before integrating them into your HEC-RTS watershed.

Importing an HEC-RAS Project

When importing a HEC-RAS project with multiple plans, all plans are imported into your watershed as separate model alternatives. You cannot select specific plans to import.

To import a project: 

  1. Go to the Setup tab.
  2. Right-click the HEC-RAS icon in the Watershed Tree and select Import.
  3. In the Select RAS project to import from dialog, navigate to the desired HEC-RAS project file (.prj) and click Open.
    Select RAS Project To Import From Dialog
  4. An Import Progress dialog will appear. Once the import is complete, it will close automatically.
  5. The Message window will display RAS Import Complete and the HEC-RAS model alternatives will appear in the Watershed Tree.
  6. Save your watershed.

Editing an HEC-RAS Alternative

To edit an alternative: 

  1. Go to the Setup tab.
  2. In the Watershed Tree, right-click the HEC-RAS alternative you want to edit.
  3. Select the model component you wish to modify from the list.
  4. Make your edits as needed and close the dialog. 
    1. For detailed editing instructions, see the HEC-RAS User's Manual.
  5. Save your watershed.

Copying an HEC-RAS Alternative

To copy an alternative: 

  1. Go to the Setup tab.
  2. In the Watershed Tree, right-click on a HEC-RAS alternative and choose Plan Data.
  3. In the HEC-RAS Plan editor dialog, go to the File menu and select Save Plan As.
  4. In the Save Plan Data As dialog, enter a new name in the Title field and click OK.
    Save Plan Data As Dialog
  5. In the Plan Identifier dialog, enter a unique identifier and click OK to finish.
    Plan Identifier Dialog
  6. Save your watershed.

Deleting an HEC-RAS Alternative

To delete an alternative: 

  1. Go to the Setup tab.
  2. In the Watershed Tree, right-click the HEC-RAS alternative and choose Plan Data.
  3. In the HEC-RAS Plan editor dialog, go to the File menu and select Delete Plan.
  4. In the Delete Plan File dialog, select the plan to delete and click OK.
    Delete Plan File Dialog
  5. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click OK again to complete the deletion.
  6. Save your watershed.