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Richland Creek — Daily Analysis: 2026-07-18

Classification: no_prediction Confidence: Model confidence remains medium. The system correctly abstained from predicting a rise when no rain was detected. Continued monitoring is needed to see if the slight unexplained gauge rises are a consistent noise pattern.

Event Summary

No prediction was generated because QPE data showed zero rainfall across both bands, yet the gauge recorded a minor unexplained rise from 0.99 to 1.36 ft.

Prediction vs Actual

Metric Predicted Actual Error
Peak height N/A 1.36 ft N/A
Total rise 0.37 ft

Band Contributions

Band Zone Precip Predicted Rise Intensity Moisture

Empirical Forecast

Headline: No rise indicated by recent rainfall Settled outcome: None (reached None) LLM said headline was correct: True Notes: The empirical model correctly forecasted no significant rise based on zero QPE. The actual gauge rise was minor and remained well below all thresholds.

Analysis

The predictor correctly identified the absence of rainfall via QPE, as both Band 1 and Band 2 reported 0.00 inches for all hours, and the gauge's own precipitation sensor confirmed 0.0 inches. Consequently, no numerical prediction was generated. The observed gauge rise of 0.37 ft is minimal and likely represents baseline variability, sensor noise, or localized runoff not captured by the distributed QPE grid. Given the lack of driving rainfall data, the model cannot be penalized for the magnitude of the rise.

Since the input data (rainfall) was effectively zero, the response coefficients and tier multipliers are not tested by this event. The sharp hydrograph shape is notable but without concurrent rainfall, it is difficult to attribute to a specific band burst versus local noise. Therefore, no adjustments to the calibration coefficients are warranted.

The empirical forecast headline correctly stated 'No rise indicated by recent rainfall,' which aligns with the QPE data. While the gauge did rise slightly, the rise did not reach any operational thresholds (lowest is 3.0 ft), so the headline's implication of no significant event remains valid.

Coefficient Adjustments

No changes made.

Notes

Model confidence remains medium. The system correctly abstained from predicting a rise when no rain was detected. Continued monitoring is needed to see if the slight unexplained gauge rises are a consistent noise pattern.

← 2026-07-16