The NOAA Next Generation Water Resource Modeling Framework (NextGen) utilizes a hydrofabric derived from the USGS National Reference Hydrologic Geospatial Fabric to provide a consistent, interoperable framework for aligning scientific model computations at a national-scale. Hydrofabric datasets and the processes in which modeling fabrics are derived, play an important role in ensuring that CIROH collaboration around the NextGen modeling system is conducted in a manner that is consistent and aligned with operational initiatives. Within the consortium, we currently lack an accessible mechanism to contribute to these essential datasets that also supports the diverse and distributed nature of ongoing CIROH research. With the proper cyberinfrastructure, these data can become living scientific assets whose accuracy and reliability are continually improved over time.

We present a method for building “community hydrofabrics” that incorporates diverse contributions from the wider community, enables exploration and visualization of hydrofabrics, and outlines a method for reviewable research-to-operations pathways. We highlight modes of community contribution ranging from identifying and making topological corrections and improvements, to extending the NextGen Hydrofabric with new data and model-related attributes. A web-based map interface is developed to explore and subset hydrofabrics, while GitHub concepts are leveraged to facilitate data versioning and peer review.

The capabilities established through this work maintains alignment of hydrofabric research efforts with NOAA’s operational priorities, including contributions to National Water Model version 4 and higher. The multi-contributor approach established through this work enables CIROH to track asynchronous hydrofabric advancements that enable independent and innovative research aligned with NOAA goals. This work transforms hydrofabric advancements into reusable and visually inspected improvements that can be transferred to operations once properly evaluated.