1. Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
USDA-NRCS WinTR-20
Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

2. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
This tutorial demonstrates the new WinTR20 model. Using a simple example, you will learn how to:
Create an Input File
Run WinTR-20
View Output
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

3. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Example Problem
3 Sub-areas
- Sub-area 1 contains a floodwater retarding structure.
Storm Analysis
- Determine peak flows for 5- and 100-year, 24-hour rainfalls. Assume the site is located in a Type II Rainfall Distribution area.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

4. WinTR-20 Sub-area / Reach Concepts
“Stream Reaches” represent the main flow paths that the hydrographs are routed through. They can accommodate one of two forms of routing: Storage Routing (lakes, dams, wetlands, etc.) or Reach Routing (stream or river channels).
All WinTR20 modeled watersheds end with the final stream reach terminating at an “Outlet”.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

5. WinTR-20 Sub-area / Reach Concepts
WinTR20 represents the watershed as a system of sub-areas and reaches.
“Sub-areas” are the separate individual drainage areas that generate the hydrographs that feed into the upstream end of a stream reach.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

6. Schematic For Example Problem
Sub-area 2
Reach 2
Outlet
(Reach Routing)
Sub-area 3
Reach 1
(Storage Routing)
Legend
Sub-area 1
Storage Structure
Sub-Area Inflow Points
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

7. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Data Sources
The data presented in the next 5 slides have been gathered prior to inputting into WinTR20.
The data include:
Sub-area Watershed Characteristics
Stream Reach Hydraulics
Storage Structure Hydraulics
Evaluation Storm Amounts and Distribution
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

8. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Sub-area Parameters
Sub-area Parameters
Sub-area 1
Sub-area 2
Sub-area 3
Drainage Area (sq.mi.)
1.88
0.51
1.54
Runoff Curve Number 70 74
Time of Concentration (hr)
1.23
0.72
1.59
Receiving Reach Number 1 2
Outlet
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

9. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Reach Parameters
Reach Parameter
Reach 1
Reach 2
Receiving Reach
Outlet
Reach Type
Structure
Channel
Reach Length NA
5400 feet
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

10. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Reach 1 Structure Data
Example problem assumes pool is empty (EL ) when storm begins.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

11. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Reach 2 Rating Table
Data derived from HECRAS, Manning’s, etc.
Reach Length = 5400 feet, Bankfull Elevation =
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

12. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Storm Data
5-Year 24-hour Rainfall Amount = 3.7”
100-year 24-hour Rainfall Amount = 6.2”
Use Type II 24-hour Rainfall Distribution (built-in to WinTR20)
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

13. Getting Started - The Initial WinTR-20 Editor Screen
Using Windows Explorer, go to the “WinTR-20 Executables” directory and click on
The following WinTR-20 System Controller/ Editor Screen comes up:
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

14. WinTR20 Controller / Editor Screen
Click on the “File” menu
From the drop down menu, select “New WinTR-20 File”
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

15. WinTR20 Identifier Record
The next screen to appear is the WinTR-20 Identifier Record.
Enter the units to use (English or Metric), Minimum Hydrograph Value (when to begin and end display of hydrograph) and a watershed description.
“Accept Changes then Close” is selected to complete this record.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

16. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Input Data Main Menu
The screen at right comes up next. Select data type to be input here.
This example will require data describing:
Sub-area
Stream reach
Structure rating
Stream Cross Section
Storm Analysis
Start this example by clicking on “Sub-Area:”
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

17. Entering Sub-Area Data
Enter data as shown for all three Sub-Areas.
Sub-Area and Sub-Area Reach Identifier are user defined alpha-numeric names.
Sub-Area Reach Identifier refers to the Reach that will receive the Sub-Area’s hydrograph.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

18. Entering Sub-Area Data
If a built-in rainfall distribution is being used for the whole watershed, “Rain Gage Identifier” is left blank
Note output being requested for this Sub-Area: peak flow and hydrograph
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

19. Entering Sub-Area Data (continued)
After data for Area 1 has been entered, simply highlight the box containing “Area 1” then type “Area 2”. Begin entering Area 2’s data. Repeat for “Area 3”. Click “Accept Changes (Close)” button when finished.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

20. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Getting Help
To get help at any time on input parameters, simply click on the yellow text for that input.
A screen then appears with a description of the parameter.
To close the help window, click on the input text line again.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

21. Entering Stream Reach Data
After all the sub-area data has been entered and accepted, the user is returned to the main input editor menu.
Next, click on “Stream Reach:” to enter reach data.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

22. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Stream Reach Data
Use pull down menu to select the stream reach needing input.
The names that will appear in this pull down menu were defined during the Sub-Area data entry section (“Sub-Area Reach Identifier”).
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

23. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Stream Reach 1 Data
“Reach 2” is the receiving reach for “Reach 1”.
“Reach 1” is a structure-type routing. The structure rating data (entered later) will be identified as “Struct 1”.
Since this is a structure routing, no channel or valley lengths are used.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

24. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Stream Reach 2 Data
“Outlet” (end of the watershed) is the receiving reach for “Reach 2”.
“Reach 2” is a channel-type routing. The channel rating data (entered later) will be identified as “Xsec 2”.
Channel and valley lengths are the same in this example. No baseflow is assumed for this reach.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

25. Entering Structure Data
After the Stream Data was entered and accepted, the user is returned to the main input menu. From here “Structure Rating” was entered to bring up the screen on the right.
From the pull-down menu “Struct 1” is selected.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

26. Entering Structure Data
Enter data one line at time using the structure elevation, discharge and storage entry cells on the left.
Leave “Starting Elevation” blank. This has WinTR20 start the routing at the lowest elevation in the rating table.
Click on “Accept Changes (Close)” button when finished.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

27. Entering Structure Data
The user can click on “Display Data” for a graphical view of the data just input.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

28. Entering Stream Cross Section Data
After the Structure Data was entered and accepted, the user is returned to the main input menu. From here “Stream Cross Section” was selected to bring up the screen on the right.
On the pull down menu, “Xsec 2” is selected.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

29. Entering Stream Cross Section Data
Entered the required data.
Cross Section Data entry is similar to the Structure Data - Use entry cells to the left and enter data one line at a time.
Click on “Accept Changes (Close)” button when done.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

30. Entering Stream Cross Section Data
The user can click on “Display Data” for a graphical view of the data just input.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

31. Entering Stream Cross Section Data
Notes on Cross Section Data:
Data usually prepared ahead of time using water surface profile programs such as HECRAS.
“Bankfull Elevation” represents the point at which flow transitions from channel to floodplain.
Low ground may be left blank.
Stream Identifier and Stream Station may be left blank (used only for NRCS Economic Analysis)
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

32. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Entering Storm Data
After the Cross Section data has been accepted and closed, the user is returned to the main input editor menu.
Select “Storm Analysis” to enter rainfall amounts and distribution.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

33. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Entering Storm Data
Enter the 5- and 100-year rainfall amounts, distribution type, and Antecedent Runoff Condition (ARC - Default is 2).
The “Storm Identifier” can be any alpha-numeric string.
The screen to the right shows the user selecting the Type II Rainfall Distribution from the pull-down menu.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

34. Entering Storm Data (continued)
The screen to the right shows the “Storm Analysis” window after data has been entered for both events.
The data entry is completed by clicking “Accept Changes (Close)” button.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

35. Entering Storm Data (continued)
Storm Analysis Input Notes
“Rain Gage Identifier” is not required if TR20 is executed using the same rainfall amount and distribution over the entire watershed.
“2-Yr 24-Hr Rainfall” is not required unless the Time of Concentration computation option for any Sub-Area is used.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

36. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Saving Input File
After accepting the Storm Analysis data, the user is returned to the WinTR20 Input Editor Main Menu.
From the “File” menu, select “Save As” to give a file name and saving location.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

37. Checking Data Prior to Running WinTR-20
Prior to running WinTR-20, it is useful to view the watershed “Schematic”.
Under the “View” drop down menu on the Controller/ Editor screen, click on “Schematic”.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

38. Checking Data Prior to Running WinTR20
The Schematic shows how the sub-areas and reaches are configured.
Make sure that “Legend” and “Labels” under the “View” options are turned on.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

39. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Running WinTR-20
After the file has been saved, the “Run” option will show in menu bar at the top.
To run the program, simply click on the “Run” button.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

40. WinTR-20 Output- Printed Page File
Following a successful run, the “Printed Page File” screen comes up.
For this example, peak discharge and hydrographs were requested for all sub-areas and stream reaches.
Output can be sent to the printer or to a file from this screen.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

41. WinTR-20 Output- Printed Page File
To simplify the output, the “hydrograph” option is removed from each sub-area and reach and the model is then re-run.
The screen to the right shows the simplified output from this second run.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

42. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR-20 Output - Plots
WinTR-20 also has graphical output capabilities.
Following a successful run, the “Plots” option can be selected ...
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

43. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR-20 Output - Plots
In this example, the Hydrograph for Area year is requested.
Note: Hydrograph plots are only available if “Hydrograph Output” has been selected within the individual sub-area/stream reach or as a Global Output.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

44. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR-20 Output - Plots
The graphic shown to the right comes up after “Display” is clicked.
Options include printing, copying, and zooming in and out.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

45. WinTR-20 Output - Plots (continued)
To plot two items on the same graph, select an option (Multiple Storms, Alternate or Location) under Multiple Hydrographs
For this example (multiple location), a plot of the hydrograph into and out of the storage structure (Reach 1) for the 100-year event is selected.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

46. WinTR-20 Output - Plots (continued)
The resulting multiple plot is shown below:
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

47. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Global Output
Instead of requesting individual output options within each sub-area and stream reach, the user can use the “Global Output” from the main menu.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

48. Global Output (continued)
Global Output allows the user to select the same output for ALL sub-areas and stream reaches at once.
For this example, hydrographs and peak discharge information will be output for all points in the watershed.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

49. Some Important Considerations:
Each time a change is made to the input data, the file must be saved before the “Run” option is presented.
When bringing in an existing file, select “ No Changes (Close) ” to get the “Run” option to appear.
All data input require a positive entry (i.e. carriage return, tab, or mouse click) to be recognized.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

50. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR20 Support Team
Kenneth Aycock
Auburn, AL
Geoffrey Cerrelli
Philadelphia, PA
John Chua
Phoenix, AZ
Pete Cooper
St. Paul, MN
William Merkel
Beltsville, MD
Helen Fox Moody
Dan Moore
Portland, OR
Tom Perkins
Quan D. Quan
Jon Werner
Washington, DC
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

51. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR20 Web Site
For downloading the latest version of WinTR-20, click on “hydrology/hydraulics” at the following website:
This web page also has information on:
Update notes
WinTR-20 Manual Download
address for the WinTR20 Support Team
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

52. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

53. Converting Old TR-20 Input Files to New WinTR-20 Format
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

54. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR-20 Data Converter
The data convert subprogram within the
new WinTR-20 edits and converts most
items in the old TR-20 input data sets
(Version dated 1983 and later) so that
they can be run in the present WinTR-20
System
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

55. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR-20 Data Converter
The data converter subprogram is within the new WinTR-20 editor.
Convert most items in the old TR-20 input data set (Version dated 1983 and later).
The data can be run in the present WinTR-20 format.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

56. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR-20 Data Converter
Some features in the old TR-20 program are not used in the New WinTR-20 and will not translate.
These features will be ignored during the conversion:
- Runoff Option in Rainfall Distribution Table
- IPEAKS (intermediate peak output)
- Multiple time increments (new WinTR-20 will
take care of this automatically).
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

57. Output Option Considerations
The output options used in the Old TR-20 input files do not translate over the new version.
The user will have to re-establish the output parameters in the new data file:
- Global Output
- Sub-Area or Reach record
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

58. Reach Routing Considerations
Reach routing has been revised in the new program, the user will have to input additional data.
The routine in the new WinTR-20 (Muskingum-Cunge) requires:
- Elevation
- Discharge
- End Area
- Top Width
- Friction Slope
tables for ALL reach routing
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

59. WinTR-20 Converter Reach Routing Considerations
There is no provision for parametric routing (i.e. the “X” and “m” option with the old TR-20 ATT-KIN method) in the new version.
Any reach section using “X” and “m” in the Old data will have to have a complete reach routing table developed (Elevation, Discharge, End Area, Top Width, and Friction Slope).
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

60. Reach Routing Considerations
If Old TR-20 data set had “XSECTN” tables:
- Converter program will calculate a top
top width from the old TR-20 “XSECTN”
table data.
- User only have to add the friction slope to
the rating table.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

61. Example Converting Old TR-20 Data File to New WinTR-20 Format
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

62. WinTR-20 Converter Example
Double click on WinTR-20 icon.
WinTR-20 System Controller / Editor Window will pop up.
Click on “Convert old Data” from the “File” pull down menu.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

63. WinTR-20 Converter Example
• Select Old TR-20
data file to convert
(Example: A1.dat)
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

64. WinTR-20 Converter Example
After Old TR-20 data file selected and converted – WinTR-20 Identifier window will appears.
You may make the change to:
- Min. Hydrograph Values:
- Watershed Description:
Click button to close this window.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

65. WinTR-20 Converter Example
WinTR-20 System Controller / Editor Window will appears.
Select “Stream Cross Section:” to add the missing “Friction Slope”.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

66. WinTR-20 Converter Example
Select “Stream Cross Section” from pull down menu.
Cross Section data will appears.
“Top Width” values – calculated automatically from old TR-20 data.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

67. WinTR-20 Converter Example (continued)
To enter the missing “Friction Slope”:
- Click on the line from the table;
- Data will be appears;
- Enter “Friction Slope”
Click on “Display Data” button to view Cross Section plot.
Click on button to close this window.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

68. WinTR-20 Converter Program
Prompt you back to the Main Window.
Peak Output and Hydrograph Output for “Sub-Area” and “Reach” – click on “Global Output:”.
“Global Output” Window will appears.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

69. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR-20 Converter
Enter Hydrograph Print Precision:
Enter Minimum Hydrograph Display Flow:
Enter Print Time Increment:
For Peak Output and Hydrograph Output for “Sub-Area” and “Reach” – check “Yes”
Click on button to close this window.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

70. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR-20 Converter
Save new WinTR-20 data – select “SaveAs” from the “File” drop down menu.
Give a new file name with “.inp” extension.
Click “Save” to continue.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

71. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR-20 Converter
To view the schematic - select “Schematic” from the “View” drop down menu.
If the schematic looks OKAY! – exist the schematic window.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

72. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
WinTR-20 Converter
To view the Input File - select “Input File” from the “View” drop down menu.
Click “Close” button to exist this window.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

73. WinTR-20 Converter Example
To perform the calculation – select “Run” from the main menu.
After a successful run – the WinTR-20 Printed Page File will appears.
You are Done!
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

74. Convert HEC-RAS Output to WinTR-20 Cross Section
Program to
Convert HEC-RAS Output to WinTR-20 Cross Section
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

75. Program to convert HEC-RAS output into WinTR-20 Cross Section
Program is incorporated into Windows interface;
Reads HEC-RAS text file created by the user thru HEC-RAS program;
After creating HEC-RAS output text file, open WinTR-20 Windows interface and click “File” then “Import HEC-RAS”;
Rating table program comes as a part of the Window WinTR-20 system.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

76. Modify Profile Output Table
Bring up a project from HEC-RAS
Select “Profile Summary Table” from “View” menu .
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

77. Modify Profile Output Table
Profile Output Table-Standard Table 1 will appears.
Select “Define Table…” from “Options” pull down menu.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

78. Modify Profile Output Table
Create a Table Heading window will appears.
Click on “Clear All Table Headings”
Double click to select – Min. Ch El, LOB Elev, ROB Elev, W.S.Elev, Q Total, Flow Area, Top Width, and Frcnt Slope.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

79. Modify Profile Output Table
After all seven columns have been selected.
Click on “Additional Options” tab.
Since only “Valley Cross Sections” are desired – the only box that should be checked is “Cross Sections”
Click “OK” to exist.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

80. Modify Profile Output Table
Note the order of the columns – Min Ch El, LOB Elev, ROB Elev, W.S.Elev, Q Total, Top Width, and Frctn Slope.
Save Profile Output Table by select “Save Table…” from the “Options” pull down menu.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

81. Modify Profile Output Table
Enter name of new Table (Modify). Click “OK”.
The Profile Output Table-Modify is available
under “User Tables” menu as well as other.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

82. Modify Profile Output Table
Profile Output Table-Modify must be saved as text file (Modify.txt).
Select “Write to Text File…” from “File” menu.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

83. Modify Profile Output Table
Select an appropriate name for the text file (Modify.txt)
Select a directory
Click “Save”
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

84. Import HEC-RAS into New WinTR-20
Using Windows Explorer, go to the “WinTR20 Executables” directory and click on
The following WinTR20 System Controller/ Editor Screen comes up:
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

85. Import HEC-RAS into New WinTR-20
Select “Import
HEC-RAS” from
“File” pull down menu
Locate the directory,
select text file name
(Modify.txt)
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

86. Import HEC-RAS into New WinTR-20
WinTR-20 Identifier window will pop up
Edit / Enter
- Min. Hydrograph Value
- Watershed Description
Click “Accept Changes
(Close)” to close
this window
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

87. Import HEC-RAS into New WinTR-20
Bring you back to the WinTR-20 System Controller / Editor window
Click on “Stream
Cross Section:”
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
Note: (X indicates some data entered for section)

88. Import HEC-RAS into New WinTR-20
“Stream Cross Section” window will appears.
Select “Cross Section” from pull down menu.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

89. Import HEC-RAS into New WinTR-20
Click on “Display Data “ button for graphical view of the Stream Cross Section Display Data.
Click on “No Changes (Close)’ button to close this window.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

90. Import HEC-RAS into New WinTR-20
From “File” menu, select “Save As” – give a file name and location.
“Run” button is now available.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

91. Import HEC-RAS into New WinTR-20
Try to “Run” WinTR-20
Generated WinTR-20 Error File
- No Stream Reach data
- No Sub-Area data.
- No Storm Analysis data.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial

92. WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial
The End.
WinTR-20 Hydrology Model Basic Tutorial