Development of a Remote Sensing-Snowmelt Runoff Forecasting System in the Rio Grande Basin

Large river basins in arid and semi-arid regions, such as the Rio Grande, need forecasting systems that make use of data obtained from new technologies. For the Rio Grande basin, we are developing a forecasting system comprised of two linked models designed to use remote sensing data, namely, SRM and SLURP. SLURP requires MODIS satellite data for land use and evapotranspiration determination, and SRM requires MODIS snow covered area data plus snow water equivalent data from the meteor-burst data relay of SNOTEL. Working on some tributary basins, we have produced streamflow forecasts for 2001-2003. We are in the process of expanding the forecasting to all the snowmelt sub-basins as well as basins where rainfall dominates. The final product should assist local, state, and federal agencies in making improved water management decisions in the complex and water limited Rio Grande basin.