Steps To Follow in the Calibration Process

The following is a general list of steps to follow when calibrating an unsteady flow model:

Run a range of discharges in the Steady-Flow mode (if possible), and calibrate n values to established rating curves at gages and known high water marks.
Select specific events to run in unsteady flow mode. Ensure each event encompasses the full range of flows from low to high and back to low flow.
Adjust cross section storage (ineffective areas) and lateral weirs to get good reproduction of flow hydrographs (Concentrate on timing, peak flow, volume, and shape).
Adjust Manning's n values to reproduce stage hydrographs.
Fine tune calibration for low to high stages by using "Discharge-Roughness Factors" where and when appropriate.
Further refine calibration for long-term modeling (period of record analysis) with "Seasonal Roughness Factors" where and when appropriate.
Verify the model calibration by running other flow events or long term periods that were not used in the calibration.
If further adjustment is deemed necessary from verification runs, make adjustments and re-run all events (calibration and verification events).