Abstract
We present RColSim, a script-based water management model that simulates the operation of reservoir systems of the Columbia River Basin located in the Pacific Northwest. The model simulates the operation of 46 major storage and run-of-the-river dams on the Columbia River, given rule curves and flow targets for system-wide flood control, irrigation, environmental, and hydroelectricity generation. RColSim is written in the R programming language and is publicly available on GitHub and Zenodo. The model can be downloaded, modified, and reused in accordance with the MIT open-source license terms of use. The model provides an open-source simulation tool for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to investigate the ramifications of various planning and operation scenarios and stressors for Columbia River Basin stakeholders.