Dear author,

you received three in-depth and detailed reviews for which I thank the reviewers. The three reviewers of your manuscript have recognized the value of your study, they agree on novelty and scientific rigour and interest for the community. I agree with the reviewers. The reviewers agree the papers is extensive but at the same time ask for some extra explanation.

You seriously replied to all questions, concerns and critics. And I agree with the suggestions of revisions you described in your reply.

I think this paper is extensive but for this type of research, I think it is of acceptable length. I ask you to resubmit, taking all comments and discussion into account (especially details on determining Fyw, in this part 1 - paper already indicating how Fyw can be applied in catchment hydrology and adding some sub-headings, etc).

I look forward receiving a revised version of the paper in due time.

Kind regards,
Thom Bogaard

dear prof Kirchner, dear Jim

I am pleased to inform you that I accepted your paper for publication in HESS. You addressed the questions and suggestions of the reviewers, added a sensitivity analysis and managed to keep the logical order of arguments in this paper. I re-read the paper with interest and even did not found slight technical issues.
I repeat, your contribution is novel and scientific rigour and interesting and I am sure this paper will raise significant attention in the catchment hydrological community.

All the best with your research

Kind regards,
Thom