Satellite inspired hydrology in an uncertain future: a H SAF and HEPEX workshop

Since 2004, HEPEX (Hydrologic Ensemble Prediction Experiment) has been fostering a community of researchers and practitioners around the world. The mission is still to establish a more integrated view of hydrological forecasting, where data assimilation, hydro-meteorological modelling chains, pre- and post-processing techniques, expert knowledge, participatory co-evolution of knowledge and user needs, communication and visualisation tools, training material and games, and decision support systems are connected to enhance operational systems and water
management applications. Massive progress has been made over the years in terms of using ensemble hydrometeorological forecasting, but there are still institutional, scientific and operational challenges that the community faces.
Here we present a brief introduction to how data assimilation have been used within the HEPEX community with focus on uses in operational forecasts. We also outline the main challenges that still exist with regards to using data assimilation in operational hydrometeorological framework.