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<br />.., <br /> <br />-2 - <br /> <br />entire United States. Outputs include snow depth, snow water equivalent (SWE), snowmelt at base of <br />snowpack, and sublimation. Combining all the different types of data helps reduce the errors and <br />uncertainties related to each particular type of data and provides spatial rather than point data, thereby <br />providing an improved assessment of snowpack. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />A ml\ior component of the USBR project is to refine and enhance the general SNODAS model for <br />Colorado using more detailed local information and expertise, particularly for estimates of rainfall and <br />snowfall. Reclamation has partnered with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's National <br />Severe Storms Laboratory (NOAA NSSL) to provide the best possible estimate of snowfall and rainfall to <br />input into the SNODAS model. <br /> <br />The operational SNODAS output is being used to calculate basin-average SWE values for comparison to <br />National Resource Conservation Service basin-average SWEs, to quantify the value added to the latter. <br />Reclamation has added graphical and alphanumeric products from the operational SNODAS for Colorado <br />to their precipitation products website: htto://www.usbr.gov/pmts/rivers/awards/Co/colorado.html. <br /> <br />Major tasks <br /> <br />Phase I - nearing completion CWCB Funding: $52,000 <br />. Compare SNODAS output to NRCS products to assess the added value of spatial versus sparse <br />point data. <br />. Begin investigating methods of spatially estimating snowfall and rainfall that incorporate multiple <br />types of data, using expertise ofUSBR and other agencies. . <br />. Update precipitation products on the USBR website to include the new QPE-SUMS precipitation <br />estimation method and the SNODAS data. <br /> <br />Phase II - in progress CWCB Funding SFY '05/'06: $65,000 - $130,000 <br />USBR Funding FFY '05/'06: $70,000 <br />Approximately $70K will be requested for FFY '05/'06. <br />. Continue investigating methods of spatially estimating snowfall and rainfall; tailor selected <br />method for Colorado. <br />. Use the chosen method to input improved snowfall and rainfall data into SNODAS. <br />. Run a separate set of SNODAS model runs with this new data and check it against the current <br />operational SNODAS runs to ensure the new method improves SNODAS. <br />. Recommend appropriate methodology and technology transfer. <br />. Present findings to CWCB and related agencies <br /> <br />Longer term goals (not part of immediate study): <br />. Combine SNODAS snowmelt output with a runoff model and incorporate into existing streamflow <br />forecasting procedures, possibly within the Colorado Basin River Forecasting Center (CBRFC). <br /> <br />Conclusion <br /> <br />Acquiring good spatial snowpack estimates is the first necessary step towards improving streamflow <br />forecasts. After the SNODAS model has been operational for a period of time and enhancements and <br />refinements have been made, the output ofthe SNODAS model can be used in a runoff model to provide . <br />more detailed information to streamflow forecasters. Improved streamflow forecasts throughout Colorado <br />would greatly benefit water managers and decision makers. <br />Flood Protection. Watee Project Planning and Finance. Stream and Lake Protection <br />Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning <br />