Distributed Snowmelt Simulation in Ungauged Mountainous Catchments, Case Study: Imamzadeh Davoud Catchment

Study of the snowpack in the mountainous catchments is important from different aspects including the assessment of river yield or the avalanche control. Lack of data and low accuracy models for distributed simulation, especially on issues related to snow depth and cover, are however serious obstacles in such analysis. This research aimed to develop an appropriate algorithm for snowmelt and snow pack distributed simulation, in ungauged snow capped catchments. In this regard the snowpack of the region was spatially simulated, using snow balance equation and SRM (Snow Runoff Model) snowmelt algorithm. Additionally, the SWIFT algorithm was embedded in the model incorporating slope and aspect for calculation of radiation. Finally, the model is linked to the SWAT model to use its data generation capabilities and also calculate runoff. Comparison of the model with observation data in Imamzadeh Davoud catchment, Iran, showed acceptable performance of developed algorithm in mountainous basins relying only on readily available data.