Release Cycle

The team has implemented a new development and release cycle for HEC-RTS to enhance version stability and reliability, streamline the update process for Water Management offices, and support a consistent annual release schedule. The timeline is shown below. Key highlights of the updated cycle include:

  • A February 28th cutoff for new feature submissions
  • An extended Alpha Testing period
  • A target release date of September 30th each year


Apr2000MayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJan2001FebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctFinalize Draft PMP by CURGFinal HEC-RTS BuildRelease KickoffCutoff Date for New FeaturesHEC-RTS ReleasePMP PublishedCutoff Date for Bug Fixes
PMP
New Features
Testing

Bar 1

Bar 2

New Bar

PMP Development

Field Review of PMP

Finalize PMP

Set up PM Jira for next FY

HEC-RTS Feature Development

Final Field Testing

Field Validation Testing

Alpha Testing


The information discussed here is preliminary and subject to change.

HEC-RTS 3.6

Planned Release: September 2026

Application Versions include:

HEC-MetVue 3.4.1

HEC-HMS 4.13

HEC-ResSim 4.1

HEC-RAS 6.6

HEC-FIA 3.4.2

CWMS-Vue 4.2

Name Change

Beginning with version 3.6, HEC-RTS and CWMS will be unified into a single product: HEC-RTS. CWMS will no longer be released as a separate product.

Enhanced Support for New LRTS Intervals

User interfaces in HEC-RTS and CWMS-Vue will be updated to support the newly available Local Regular Time Series (LRTS) in the database.

Water Management Toolbox and New Impact Response Tool

A new standalone Impact Response Tool will replace the existing functionality within HEC-FIA. This tool will allow users to rapidly assess impacts using forecasted stages from HEC-ResSim and/or HEC-RAS without the need to process data through HEC-FIA. This tool will be included within the Water Management Toolbox, a new location for everyday water management tools. The Impact Response Tool will be the first tool included. 

Consolidation of Data Functions

The Visualization Tab will be hidden by default and all data-related operations will be consolidated into the Acquisition Tab, creating a more streamlined and centralized user experience for managing data within the interface.

HEC-RTS 3.7

Planned Release: September 2027

Deprecation of Remove DSS File Access

Support for accessing remote HEC-DSS files via RMI connections is being discontinued in CWMS-Vue and the Extract Editor.

Required Actions:

  • Migrate Storage: Stop storing HEC-DSS files on Solaris servers immediately. Move all HEC-DSS files to a PC or local Windows network drive.
  • Update Extract Groups: Review your Extract Groups and remove links to remote HEC-DSS files on the Solaris server and replace with links to your new local DSS files.

Lightweight Calculators

A series of new, lightweight calculators will be integrated into HEC-RTS to help water managers with daily operations. They include: 

  • Gate Calculator
  • Rating Calculator
  • Flood Storage Calculator
  • Flood Evacuation Calculator

OSI 2.0

The Operations Support Interface (OSI) functionality will be migrated from HEC-ResSim to a standalone module within HEC-RTS. This transition includes a refreshed user interface and improved efficiency for future enhancements.

Extract and Post Editor Enhancements

Enhancements to the Extract and Post Editor will expand support for:

  • Paired data
  • Ensembles
  • Versioned time series
  • Forecasts
  • Location levels
  • CWMS ratings

New Transformation Processor

A dedicated Transformation Processor will be introduced to manage time series transformations (either post-extraction or pre-posting). This processor will provide users with detailed logs for increased transparency and control. Currently, these transformations are embedded in the extract/post process and not visible to users.

Direct External Data Extraction

The Extract Editor will be upgraded to allow direct extraction from USGS and NWS data sources, eliminating the need for external scripts.

Extract Group Assignments

A new feature in the Forecast Run Editor will allow users to assign specific extract groups to run by default. This limits data extraction to relevant groups only, reducing unnecessary processing and streamlining the workflow.

Improved Default Naming Convention

To improve organization, the default name for forecast simulations will now automatically include the watershed name as a prefix. The new format follows: <watershedName>_yyyy.mm.dd-hhmm. Users will retain the ability to manually edit this field as needed.

Future Versions (beyond HEC-RTS 3.7)

Extract and Post Editor Enhancements

Enhancements to the Extract and Post Editor will expand support for:

  • Paired data for water quality measurements
  • Extracts directly from APIs such as USGS, NWS, NOAA, USBR, and NRCS

Transformation Processor Enhancements

Additional capabilities will be added to the Transformation Processor, including support for filling missing data and extending time series data.

Team Modeling Improvements

The new team modeling framework is being built on Git-based version control and integrates directly with the model library.