Early forecasts of snowmelt runoff using SNOTEL data in the upper Rio Grande Basin

TitleEarly forecasts of snowmelt runoff using SNOTEL data in the upper Rio Grande Basin
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Publication2003
AuthorsDeWalle D., Eismeier J.A., Rango A.
Conference NameWestern Snow Conference
Pagination17-22
Date PublishedApril 21-25, 200
Conference LocationScottsdale, AZ
ARIS Log Number159666
AbstractForecasts using SNOTEL data on November 1 and December 1 gave the best estimates of spring snowmelt runoff volumes almost as frequently as forecasts on March 1 and April 1 for the upper Rio Grande basin in Colorado during 1983-2001. Forecasts for 2002, a record drought year, greatly overestimated flow volumes regardless of prediction month. Attempts at improving predictions using the El Nino/La Nina Southern Oscillation Index were not successful.