An HEC-ResSim model alternative includes:

  • A watershed schematic
  • A stream and reservoir network
  • Operational rules for each reservoir

This guide will teach you how to create and manage HEC-ResSim model alternatives in your HEC-RTS watershed.

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

Importing an HEC-ResSim Watershed

To import an HEC-ResSim watershed: 

  1. Go to the Setup tab.

  2. Right-click the HEC-ResSim icon in the Watershed Tree and select Import.

  3. The Import Type dialog will appear.
  4. Select Watershed to import the watershed data (including stream alignment, network, configurations, and alternatives).
  5. In the file browser, locate and select the HEC-ResSim watershed file (.wksp), then click Open.
  6. The import process starts automatically, and an Import Progress dialog appears.
  7. When finished, the dialog closes, and the Message window displays ResSim Import Complete.
  8. Save your watershed.
It is recommended that you import the entire watershed first to establish your stream alignment.

Importing an HEC-ResSim Alternative

To import an alternative: 

  1. In the Setup module’s Watershed Pane, right-click the HEC-ResSim icon and select Import.
  2. In the Import Type dialog, click Alternative to open the Import Alternative Wizard.
  3. Click the ellipsis next to Watershed File, browse to the .wksp watershed file, select it, and click OK.
  4. Click Next to proceed.
  5. From the Available Alternatives table, select the alternative you want and click Next.
  6. Enter a name and description for the new alternative, then click Next.
  7. Enter a name and description for the new reservoir network, then click Next.
  8. Assign stream names in the To Stream column and click Next.
  9. If necessary, select watershed computation points and click Next.
  10. Review the import summary. You may copy or print it if desired.
  11. Click Finish, confirm by selecting Yes to continue.
  12. Save your watershed.

Editing an HEC-ResSim Alternative

To edit an alternative: 

  1. Go to the Setup tab.
  2. From the Watershed Tree, right-click an HEC-ResSim alternative and choose Edit Alternatives.
  3. Make the desired changes in the ResSim Alternative Editor.
    1. For detailed instructions, refer to the HEC-ResSim User's Manual.
  4. Save your changes by selecting Save from the Alternative menu.
  5. Close the editor.
  6. Save your watershed.

Copying an HEC-ResSim Alternative

To copy an alternative: 

  1. Go to the Setup tab.
  2. In the Watershed Tree, right-click an HEC-ResSim alternative and select Edit Alternatives.
  3. In the ResSim Alternative Editor, choose Save As from the Alternative menu.
  4. In the dialog, enter a new name (required) and a description (optional).
    Save As Dialog
  5. Click OK. The copied alternative appears in the editor and in the Watershed Tree.
  6. Save your watershed.

Deleting an HEC-ResSim Alternative

To delete an alternative:

  1. Go to the Setup tab.
  2. In the Watershed Tree, right-click an HEC-ResSim alternative and select Edit Alternatives.
  3. From the Alternative menu in the ResSim Alternative Editor, select Delete.
  4. Confirm by clicking Yes.
  5. Close the editor.
  6. Save your watershed.