Quantitative method of forecasting runoff from snow surveys

TitleQuantitative method of forecasting runoff from snow surveys
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1940
AuthorsHall, L. S.
Conference Name8th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 8th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Date PublishedJune 1940
PublisherAmerican Geophysical Union, Transactions, Part III-B:
Conference LocationSeattle, Washington
KeywordsElevation methods, Quantitative method, Water supply forecasting
Abstract

The three popular methods of forecasting streamflow by using snow survey data are discussed and evaluated. The percentage method, the area method, and the quantitative method. Although the quantitative method, which is largely empirical, produces satisfactory results for the Mokelumne River basin in California, when used for predicting streamflow for municipal supply for the East San Francisco Bay Municipal Water District. Area elevation data are used together with snow water content, precipitation data in the lower elevations. It is demonstrated that the quantitative method of forecasting runoff from snow surveys is practical, and future studies will point the way to improving the technique so that accurate results can be obtained over a wide range of climatological conditions. Formula, tables and graphical representations are shown, as well as forecast comparisons with actual flow.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1940aHall.pdf