Upper air data as a parameter in estimating snowmelt runoff

Hydrologic models have been designed to simulate mean daily runoff on the Kings River and San Jaoquin River. These models utilize certain parameters indicating the condition of the watershed such as snow, precipitation, and daily temperatures throughout the snowmelt period. It might be desirable to determine what runoff condition would prevail if temperatures were higher or lower than average. An estimated surface temperature at the 7,000 foot elevation has been utilized. This method produces an index which is useful in estimating the effects of air temperatures, radiation and perhaps factors in priming and melting snowpacks.