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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #173173

Title: Snowmelt-runoff processes

Author
item DEWALLE, DAVID - PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV
item Rango, Albert

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2008
Publication Date: 7/1/2008
Citation: Dewalle, D., Rango, A. 2008. Snowmelt-runoff processes. In: Dewalle, D., Rango, A., editors. Principles of Snow Hydrology. Cambridge, NY: Cambridge University Press. p. 235-265.

Interpretive Summary: Interpretive summary not required.

Technical Abstract: Understanding the generation of streamflow from snowmelt involves integration of processes that produce meltwater within the snowpack, processes that delay and store liquid water in the snowpack and processes that direct the flow of meltwater through watersheds to stream channels. Computations of liquid water dynamics in snowpacks and melt rates have been covered in prior chapters. In this chapter these concepts and computations are synthesized with a discussion of the movement of meltwater within watersheds and the resulting hydrographs of snowmelt runoff. Emphasis is given to factors unique to generation of streamflow from snowmelt, such as frozen ground effects and rain-on-snow flooding.