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Variability and Trends in Spring Runoff in the Western United States

Citation

Michael D Dettinger, Iris T Stewart, Daniel R Cayan, and Jessica D Lundquist, Variability and Trends in Spring Runoff in the Western United States: .

Summary

In the western United States, over half of the water supply is derived from mountain snowmelt, with the snow acting as a natural reservoir, delaying runoff and providing runoff in the spring and summer when it is needed most. Interannual variability of both the magnitude and timing of spring runoff is tremendous, and western states have developed extensive reservoir systems to store water from wet years in order to weather droughts. However, important changes in snowpacks and runoff timing have been noted in recent decades. The fraction of annual streamflow that runs off during late spring and summer has declined by 10 to 25%. Warmer winters and springs have led to earlier snowmelt and a higher percentage of precipitation falling as [...]

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  • Upper Colorado River Basin

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From Source - Mendeley RIS export <br> On - Tue May 10 11:31:56 CDT 2011

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Title Citation Variability and Trends in Spring Runoff in the Western United States

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