Flow-characteristics of glacier-fed streams

Quantitative data of run-off for Washington streams are tabulated to determine their capacity and usefulness. The coefficient of variation is calculated for each stream to determine the variability of the dependability. Streams fed by glaciers and snow accumulation at the higher elevations are compared with other streams having the same total precipitation in the form of rain. Glacier and snow-fed streams have a more uniform flow through the year and a smaller coefficient of variation. A higher annual run-off per square mile resulting from the greater precipitation at the higher elevations, excessive flood-flows arising from a combination of rainfall and snow-melt, and diurnal flow variations produced by temperature fluctuations at higher elevations.A discussion of the paper by F.C. Scobey is shown on page 624 (of the same proceedings publication).