An operational distributed snow dynamics model fot the Sava River, Bosnia

A method of estimating and forecasting snow pack dynamics for a large remote basin in Bosnia was developed and consists of a highly automated, spatially distributed model for operational simulation and forecasting of snow pack depth, snow water equivalent, soil freeze-thaw state, and flux of snow melt and rain infiltration to the base of the pack. The model, applied to hydrologic forecasts in Bosnia during the winter of 1996-1997, has potential use in domestic flood and water supply forecasting. SNTHERM, a complex one-dimensional energy balance model that takes into account most physical processes within the snow cover, was used for snow pack computations. The model was distributed across the landscape by 1-km pixels, using a categorical classification of the basin into 216 slope, aspect and meteorology types. The model system was highly automated. Runoff ratios (runoff/rainfall) forthe winter of 1996-1997 compared well to long term average runoff coefficients, indicating precipitation data used to drive the model were reasonable. Supporting research issues are discussed.