Frequency Mapping of Maximum Water Equivalent of March Snow Cover Over Minnesotaand the Eastern Dakotas

摘要

Daily values of snow water equivalent were available from nine first-orderNational Weather Service (NWS) stations in the study area of Minnesota and the eastern Dakotas. The data were quality controlled for errors using a calibrated, conceptual snow accumulation and ablation model. Daily values of snow water equivalent for 49 NWS cooperative observer stations were estimated using a calibrated, conceptual snow accumulation and ablation model. The annual March 1-15 maximum snow water equivalents for 1953-1992 were compiled for each lcoation and used in the probability analysis. Map analyses for six probability levels were produced. These maps will be used by NSW hydrologists to assist them in assessing snowmelt flood potential.