Empirical methods for estimating snow melt rates

TitleEmpirical methods for estimating snow melt rates
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1948
AuthorsWilson, W. T.
Conference Name16th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 16th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1948
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationReno, Nevada
KeywordsRunoff, Snowmelt, Statistical analysis, Water supply forecasting
Abstract

A simple formula for predicting daily runoff from snow has been developed. The basis of the formula is that streamflow form melting snow is largely a function of antecedent streamflow, heat supply and time of year. These factors are obtained statistically from meteorological data. The formula gave results accurate within 9% when used in predicting daily flow from snow at the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory for the Castle Creek drainage basin during April and May, 1945. The time of year factor was omitted in this calculation.Discussion by Walter U. Garstka.