REAL*8 FUNCTION SF_DCHS  ( cval )
C************************************************************************
C* SF_DCHS								*
C*									*
C* This function takes as input a SHEF dischrge element code and returns*
C* a corresponding REAL*8 BUFR discharge significance (DCHSIG) value.	*
C*									*
C* SF_DCHS  ( CVAL )							*
C*									*
C* Input parameters:							*
C*	CVAL		CHARACTER	SHEF discharge element code	*
C*									*
C* Output parameters:							*
C*	SF_DCHS		REAL*8		BUFR DCHSIG value		*
C**									*
C* Log:									*
C* J. Ator/NCEP		09/14						*
C************************************************************************
	INCLUDE		'GEMPRM.PRM'
	INCLUDE		'sfcmn.cmn'
C*
	CHARACTER	cval
C*-----------------------------------------------------------------------
	iret = 0
C
	IF  ( cval .eq. 'I' ) THEN
	    SF_DCHS = 0.
	ELSE IF  ( cval .eq. 'R' ) THEN
	    SF_DCHS = 1.
	ELSE IF  ( cval .eq. 'T' ) THEN
	    SF_DCHS = 2.
	ELSE
	    SF_DCHS = r8bfms
	END IF
C*
	RETURN
	END