Effect of high water table in exaggerating streamflow: 1942-44 Humboldt River Nevada

Submitted by Armida on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 16:48
TitleEffect of high water table in exaggerating streamflow: 1942-44 Humboldt River Nevada
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1944
AuthorsChurch, J. E., and Boardman H. P.
Conference Name12th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 12th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Date PublishedFebruary 1944
PublisherAmerican Geophysical Union, Transactions, Part I:
Conference LocationBerkeley, California
KeywordsForecast accuracy
Abstract

An analysis of the 1942-43-44 seasonal streamflow forecasts in relation to obscure factors that upset the usual forecast accuracy. Considerable more streamflow occurred than forecast by about 120% above the normal flow, when snow survey measurements indicated only 70 to 90% snowpack. The percentage system of forecasting appears to have difficulty in aligning such factors as soil moisture and apparently high ground-water table. Ground-water levels measured in wells did not show a large percentage above normal The preceding fall rainfall and the rainfall during the runoff season were quite high and probably account for the high flows.Discussion is presented by W. G. Hoyt who forwards some analysis of the discrepancy. Reference is made to a previous analysis of the same situation in WSC Paper No. 159-43.