Dear authors,

thanks for providing very detailed online replies to this interesting manuscript. Based on the reviewer recommendations of major revisions, I invite you to resubmit a revised version of the manuscript for re-review.
The reviewers all commented on the strongly simplified model with respect to the main aim of simulating basin runoff response. While everyone agrees that simplifications are necessary, it is really important to clearly assess what these assumptions mean for the limits to interpretation. The (many) aspects raised need to be presented in a well-structured way in order for readers not to get lost though and where applicable could be better supported by literature. Please in particular review the interpretation of the results of your model experiments in light of the criticisms and address the requested clarifications.

Best wishes,

Kerstin Stahl

Dear authors,

the reviewers found their comments addressed (to the degree possible with the given limitations of the modelling setup). I agree that the paper can now be published and would like to thank you for choosing HESS. I am also convinced that your study will have impact and provide many ideas for further work to better understand the hydrological changes in deglaciating river basins.

Best wishes,
Kerstin Stahl