Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2016-117
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2016-117
17 Mar 2016
 | 17 Mar 2016
Status: this preprint was under review for the journal HESS but the revision was not accepted.

Peak river flows in cold regions – Drivers and modelling using GRACE satellite observations and temperature data

Shusen Wang, Fuqun Zhou, Hazen A. J. Russell, Ran Huang, and Yanjun Shen

Abstract. The peak river flow for the Mackenzie River is modelled using GRACE satellite observations and temperature data, which advances the applications of space-based time-variable gravity measurements in cold region flood forecasting. The model estimates peak river flow by simulating peak surface runoff from snowmelt and the corresponding baseflow. The modelled results compared fairly well with the observed values at a downstream hydrometric station. The results also revealed an average 22-day travel time for the snowmelt water to reach the hydrometric station. The major driver for determining the peak flow was found to be the temperature variations. Compared with the Red River basin, the results showed that the Mackenzie River basin has relatively high water storage and water discharge capability, and low snowmelt efficiency per unit temperature. The study also provides a GRACE-based approach for basin-scale snowfall estimation, which is independent of in situ measurements and largely eliminates the limitations and uncertainties with traditional approaches. The model is relatively simple and only needs GRACE and temperature observations for peak flow or flood forecasting. The model can be readily applied to other cold region basins, and could be particularly useful for regions with minimal data.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Shusen Wang, Fuqun Zhou, Hazen A. J. Russell, Ran Huang, and Yanjun Shen
 
Status: closed
Status: closed
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
Printer-friendly Version - Printer-friendly version Supplement - Supplement
 
Status: closed
Status: closed
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
Printer-friendly Version - Printer-friendly version Supplement - Supplement
Shusen Wang, Fuqun Zhou, Hazen A. J. Russell, Ran Huang, and Yanjun Shen
Shusen Wang, Fuqun Zhou, Hazen A. J. Russell, Ran Huang, and Yanjun Shen

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Latest update: 23 Nov 2024
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Short summary
This study forecasted peak flow or flood for Mackenzie River using GRACE satellite data. It also revealed the travel time for snowmelt water to run out of the basin. Temperature is the major driver for flood. Compared with Red River, Mackenzie River basin has high water storage and water discharge capability, and low snowmelt efficiency per unit heat. The study also provides a GRACE-based approach for snowfall estimation. The model is particularly useful for cold regions with minimal data.