This guide walks you through the steps to download, install, and launch HEC-RTS.

Software Version

HEC-RTS 3.5 was used to develop this guide.

Step 1: Download HEC-RTS

To download the HEC-RTS install package:

  1. Go to the HEC-RTS download website. 
  2. Download the latest version of the software.

Step 2: Choose an Installation Directory

HEC-RTS is a portable application, meaning you can place it wherever it best suits your workflow.

Important Directory Considerations:

  • Avoid system-managed folders like C:\Program Files or C:\ProgramData, which may restrict file access.

  • Avoid user folders managed by IT policies (e.g., C:\Users\<username>\Desktop), which might prevent the software from running properly.

  • Choose a folder where you have write permissions (e.g., C:\MyApps) to easily modify configuration files or update components.

  • Use short, simple folder paths to make navigation and file handling easier.

  • Avoid special characters or spaces in the path (e.g., &, >, ", ;).

Once you’ve selected a folder, copy the downloaded HEC-RTS .zip file into it.

Step 3: Extract the Files

Now, extract the contents of the zip file.

 USACE users: Do not use Windows' built-in extractor – it may cause issues when trying to run HEC-RTS. Instead, use 7zip to extract the files.

Step 4: Install HEC-RAS

HEC-RAS is not included with the HEC-RTS package and must be downloaded separately.

There are two ways to find the required version:

  1. Navigate to the HEC-RAS folder within your extracted HEC-RTS directory (e.g., /HEC-RTS-v3.5.0/HEC-RAS/6.6) and double-click the RAS Installer Shortcut.
  2. Download the matching HEC-RAS version from the HEC-RAS Downloads page.

Install HEC-RAS before launching HEC-RTS.

Step 4: Launch HEC-RTS

You're ready to open the software!

  1. Double-click HEC-RTS.exe to open the application.
  2. The first time you launch a new version of HEC-RTS, you will be prompted to accept license agreements for the included components.
  3. Read through the terms and conditions and select I agree to continue.
  4. Click OK to close the dialog.  
  5. If this is your first time using HEC-RTS on your computer, a No Watershed Locations prompt will appear. Click Yes to create a new location.
  6. In the Create Watershed Locations dialog, click Add Location.
  7. In the Add Watershed Location dialog, enter a Name for the new location.
  8. Choose an existing folder by clicking Browse to navigate to the desired location.
  9. Optionally, you can create a new location by typing the pathname into the Location field.
    1. A warning will appear, asking if you want to create the new folder. Click Yes.
  10. Click OK to return to the Create Watershed Locations dialog.
  11. Repeat the process to add multiple watershed locations for better organization.
  12. Once all desired locations are added, click OK to close the dialog.

HEC-RTS is now ready to use.

Additional Resources

Learn more about HEC-RTS by reviewing the PROSPECT Course workshops here.