Forecasting Rainfall and Snowmelt Floods on Upper Midwest Watersheds

Abstract

The objective of the studies reported on herein was the investigation of methods and mathematical simulation models associated with flood forecasting with particular reference to snowmelt floods in the Upper Midwest. It involved (1) procurement of data on streamflow, precipitation, air temperature, dewpoint, solar radiation, wind, and water content of snow on tape for use as input to computer programs; (2) procurement and use of some existing mathematical models of possible use in flood forecast studies; (3) operation of the models for some of the most severe floods of record; (4) modification of some features of the models; and (5) evaluation of some of the problems associated with flood forecasting in the Upper Midwest.