HEC-RAS 2D and InfoWorks ICM Training Expands to Colorado
Morgan Lynch
Client Service Leader
As floodplain mapping and stormwater infrastructure challenges continue to grow more complex, communities are increasingly relying on advanced modeling tools to better understand flood risk, evaluate infrastructure performance and support resilient planning decisions. Two of the most widely used tools supporting that effort are HEC-RAS 2D and InfoWorks ICM.
Freese and Nichols has helped communities across the country apply these tools to flood studies, drainage planning and stormwater infrastructure projects. In addition to supporting clients through technical studies and design services, our firm also provides hands-on training that helps agencies and engineers better understand how these models are developed, reviewed and applied in real-world settings.
Our expert staff, including Mark Pauls, Jeremy Dixon, Hector Olmos and Garrett Johnston, have instructed multiple HEC-RAS 2D courses for more than 1,000 stormwater professionals at local, state and national conferences, including the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) and the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). In each training we share our own lessons learned, tips and tricks as well as best practices to help share with and advance the industry.
Expanding HEC-RAS 2D Training to Colorado
In partnership with the Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers (CASFM), Jeremy Dixon and Hector Olmos recently led multi-day HEC-RAS 2D workshops in Denver and Greeley, Colorado.
The workshops brought together municipal staff, engineers and floodplain professionals to explore how two-dimensional hydraulic models are developed and applied on real flood risk projects.
The training combined technical instruction with hands-on workshops covering topics such as:
- Understanding model foundation
- Creating and refining 2D meshes
- Representing design storm events
- Modeling bridges, culverts and storm drain systems
- Reviewing and troubleshooting models
- Calibrating model results to observed storm events
Rather than focusing solely on software navigation, the workshops emphasized practical problem-solving and real-world application. Participants explored how to review model performance, identify potential issues and evaluate whether results reasonably reflect actual flood conditions.
Introducing InfoWorks ICM Training
In addition to HEC-RAS 2D training, Freese and Nichols staff, Jeremy Dixon, Garrett Johnston and Emily Townsend, provided customized InfoWorks ICM training for the City and County of Denver, the City of Lakewood and Mile High Flood District.
Since the mid-2000s, Freese and Nichols has used InfoWorks-based modeling to support planning and design projects involving stormwater systems, drainage infrastructure and watershed analysis. The Colorado training session focused on practical InfoWorks ICM workflows, including database management, GIS integration, hydrology and hydraulics review, simulation setup, results interpretation and quality control practices used to support real-world stormwater and flood risk projects.
The sessions also emphasized the importance of model review procedures, documentation standards and quality control practices to help agencies maintain reliable and consistent modeling workflows over time.
By pairing technical instruction with practical guidance, these trainings provided participants with tools they can apply directly to flood risk management, infrastructure planning, and regulatory decision-making. Freese and Nichols regularly partners with clients to apply these practices on real projects and offers customized HEC-RAS 2D and InfoWorks ICM training tailored to specific study goals and regulatory requirements.
To learn more about flood modeling support or to inquire about future training opportunities, contact a member of the Freese and Nichols team: morgan.lynch@freese.com