Evaluation of the NWSRFs model on a montana watershed

TitleEvaluation of the NWSRFs model on a montana watershed
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1986
AuthorsCooley, K. R.
Conference Name54th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 54th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1986
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationPhoenix, Arizona
KeywordsNWSRFS, Runoff Modeling, Snowmelt Runoff
Abstract

In an effort to improve, 1) snow accumulation and melt routines in watershed hydrology models, and 2) water supply forecasting techniques; components of the NWSRFS Model were evaluated using data from a Montana watershed. Specifically, the snow sub-model HYDRO-17 was tested against data from two snow pillow sites, and additional sub-models relating to soil moisture, unit hydrographs, and stresamflow routing were tested against streamflow from the Lower Willow Creek Basin in southwestern Montana. Relationships between snow pillow site and zonal snow water equivalent are presented. Also presented are methods used to arrive at preliminary estimates of some model parameters, assumptions used to develop needed snow pack volume, and variability of parameters with time and area of consideration. Results emphasize the importance of on-site data, and the expedience of properly locating precipitation and snow water equivalent monitoring equipment.

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