Kleinschmidt’s HEC-RAS modeling experts provided the attendees a 3-day professional education training course on 2D HEC-RAS theory, RAS Mapper, 2D geometry development, 1D/2D connection strategies, and troubleshooting 2D HEC-RAS models. Course attendees could reinforce learned concepts through hands-on workshop exercises under instructor supervision and support. The five workshops included creating a HEC-RAS 2D model of a main channel and floodplain area, restoring a park area adjacent to a river to a more natural riverine function to improve habitat for native fish and bird species, using HEC-RAS to model a reservoir pool, dam, and downstream area using 1D and 2D elements, and working with dam and levee breeches.

Attendees came away with new knowledge and skills, including how to use HEC-RAS to model 2D and 1D/2D unsteady flow hydraulics, understanding 2D flow theory and the differences between 1D and 2D modeling, receiving practical, hands-on HEC-RAS experience by participating in computer workshops, understanding how to develop a stable and calibrated 2D model, obtaining valuable insights in methods for minimizing computation errors and instabilities for 2D unsteady hydraulic models, and learning from real-world projects and applications. As a result of the training, attendees can apply the training to enhance their river habitat restoration projects.