Dear authors,
following up on the very detailed and constructive reviews provided by the two referees, there are several lines for improvement that you may consider prior to the submission of a revised version of your manuscript. A special focus should be on a better description of the datasets (including the physiographic characteristics of the catchments), as well as on improved discussion and conclusion sections - focusing more specifically on the most important findings of your study and how they relate to existing literature. As I can judge from your comments to the two reviews, the proposed modifications will certainly help to further improve your manuscript. Note that I do share your point of view that it would not be appropriate to formulate hypotheses at this point - basically, when results are already known.
I am looking forward to receive the revised version of your manuscript.
Best regards,
Laurent Pfister

Dear authors,
following up on the assessment of your revised manuscript, a few minor aspects may need consideration before final acceptance for publication. Among other elements suggested by the referee, please make sure to consider a slight re-organisation of the discussion (e.g. via a summary paragraph at the end of the discussion) - essentially aimed at helping the reader in the assimilation of the considerable amount of interesting information.
I am looking forward to receive your revised contribution.
Best regards,
Laurent Pfister

Dear authors,
following up on the submission of your revised manuscript, I have the pleasure to inform you that given that all the requested changes have been accounted for, your contribution is now ready for acceptance and subsequent publication in HESS.
Many thanks for having chosen HESS for publishing your research - I look very much forward to the final published version of your very interesting paper.
Best regards,
Laurent Pfister