(Update:  New release is now available here)

Just heard from HEC that a new, updated beta version of HEC-RAS 5.0 will be coming out soon (later this month or early next).  The full release of HEC-RAS Version 5.0 is still scheduled for the end of the calendar year.

New features in the next beta release are:

1. Multiple Manning’s n value definition in 2D areas
2. Velocity Vectors in RAS Mapper
3. Particle Tracking Visualization Tool in RAS Mapper

Plus most (if not all) of the bugs found to date will be fixed.

Here’s a sneak peak of a new velocity visualization feature in HEC-RAS used in an “instantaneous” dam break example, courtesy of Gary Brunner.

(The YouTube Link will offer a better quality video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lZkE0IPj0c&index=1&list=UUgkWjGRSy2Vc_wqdX-sC5rA