Case studies
The San Francisco Bay–Delta Community Model is increasingly used to support real-world planning, engineering design, and ecological restoration throughout the region. This section highlights applied studies where the Community Model—together with high-resolution local grids—has been used to evaluate hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics, waves, and long-term system response under current and future conditions.
Each case study demonstrates how flexible, open-source numerical modeling can inform multi-agency decision-making, support nature-based solutions, and provide quantitative evidence for resilient adaptation pathways. These examples also show how nested, high-resolution Local Grids can be developed from the Community Model to answer project-specific questions while remaining consistent with Bay-wide processes.
Case studies will be added over time and include topics such as flood hazard assessment, tidal marsh evolution, sediment management, habitat restoration, and the performance of multi-benefit infrastructure.
Alameda Creek Sediment & Channel Redesign
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Alameda Creek: Evaluating Channel Redesign for Sediment Transport & Flood Risk Reduction
Deltares USA, Deltares NL, Alameda County Flood Control & Water Conservation District -
A high-resolution Delft3D Flexible Mesh local grid was developed by nesting the model directly into the Bay-Delta Community Model, allowing consistent tidal forcing, regional water-level variability, and sediment exchange with the South Bay.
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The analysis examined seven alternative channel configurations, including the original USACE trapezoidal design, the existing condition, ACFCD’s proposed design, and four additional alternatives with varying bed elevations and transition slopes. The model reproduced tidal behavior, discharges, and sediment dynamics along Alameda Creek, then simulated 2006–2019 morphodynamics to quantify erosion and deposition patterns. Results show that the proposed ACFCD design—a deeper, more efficient low-flow channel—reduces total deposition by ~12% compared to current conditions and greatly improves sediment conveyance between the fish passage and the Bay Shallower alternatives exhibited higher deposition (5–85% more), and the study identified the railroad crossing as a key hydraulic control that strongly influences tidal propagation and sediment transport.
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The work provides ACFCD with a robust, physics-based assessment of long-term sediment behavior, helping refine channel geometry to reduce maintenance dredging while maintaining flood protection and avoiding impacts on groundwater and Quarry Lakes
Downloads
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Report: Hydrodynamic & Morphodynamic Modeling of Alameda Creek’s Sediment Transport
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Model files: Alameda Creek Delft3D Flexible Mesh local grid and input files derived from the Bay–Delta Community Model.
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The data and models are provided on the condition that neither Deltares USA, Alameda Flood Control District, California Department of Water Resources, the U.S. Geological Survey nor the U.S. Government can be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the data. Any use of the data is at the user’s sole risk.
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