Distributed hydrological modeling for snow dominant watershed using Precipitation and Runoff Modeling System

摘要

Snowmelt-dominated hydrology of mountainous regions makes streamflow particularly susceptible to meteorological influence and spatial variation. In this study, the alpine hydrological processes of Lehman Creek watershed in eastern Nevada are studied, using a distributed-parameter, physical process based model, the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS). Daily streamflow and meteorological data were collected from four observation stations for periods ranging from 1948 to 2012. Annual and monthly calibration and validation were performed and showed adequate accuracy, which reflects the shape and magnitude of runoff at Lehman Creek. Temperature, being a critical factor, leads to a change of pattern in winter and spring streamflow. The results show that PRMS model can be successfully applied for hydrologic evaluation of a snow-dominated basin. As an initial estimation of runoff, it provided a sound basis for a more detailed simulation. The calibrated model can be used to estimate future streamflow in Lehman Creek in response to climate change, as well as to estimate contribution of Lehman creek to the groundwater recharge in the Snake Valley. Results may be useful for water managers in the watershed region and the Great Basin National Park.