The use of Fourier series in streamflow forecasting

TitleThe use of Fourier series in streamflow forecasting
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1957
AuthorsMilligan, C. H.
Conference Name25th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 25th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1957
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationSanta Barbara, California
KeywordsForecast procedures, Fourier series
Abstract

A new approach to streamflow forecasting is described clearly but briefly in using the Fourier Series as a forecasting tool. A complete array of data is tabulated for the Logan River near Logan, Utah, using four (4) independent variables:(1) Daily and average monthly temperatures at valley stations(2) Daily and monthly precipitation at valley stations(3) Daily and monthly streamflow(4) April 1 snow survey data at 7 mountain stations in the Logan River drainage.Fourier Series coefficients are developed for these variables and applied to the 1956 field data. The resulting forecast for that year was only in error by 9% of the observed runoff.In discussion Mr. George R. Hamburg and Mr. H. Boyd Phillips pointed out the advantage of this seldom used forecast procedure for working with inflow to reservoirs.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1957Milligan.pdf