Comparison of generalized non-data-driven lake and reservoir routing models for global-scale hydrologic forecasting of reservoir outflow at diurnal time steps

Abstract

Abstract. Large-scale hydrologic forecasts should account for attenuation through lakes and reservoirs when flow regulation is present. Globally generalized methods for approximating outflow are required but must contend with operational complexity and a dearth of information on dam characteristics at global spatial scales. There is currently no consensus on the best approach for approximating reservoir release rates in large spatial scale hydrologic forecasting, particularly at diurnal time steps. This research compares two parsimonious reservoir routing methods at daily steps: Döll et al. (2003) and Hanasaki et al. (2006). These reservoir routing methods have been previously implemented in large-scale hydrologic modeling applications and have been typically evaluated seasonally. These routing methods are compared across 60 reservoirs operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The authors vary empirical coefficients for both reservoir routing methods as part of a sensitivity analysis. The method proposed by Döll et al. (2003) outperformed that presented by Hanasaki et al. (2006) at a daily time step and improved model skill over most run-of-the-river conditions. The temporal resolution of the model influences model performances. The optimal model coefficients varied across the reservoirs in this study and model performance fluctuates between wet years and dry years, and for different configurations such as dams in series. Overall, the method proposed by Döll et al. (2003) could enhance large-scale hydrologic forecasting, but can be subject to instability under certain conditions.

Direct Integration of Numerous Dams and Reservoirs Outflow in Continental Scale Hydrologic Modeling

“…Gutenson et al. (2020) compared observed inflow and outflow at several of the large reservoirs in the Missouri region. The study found that observed inflow at these reservoirs correlates well with observed outflow.…”

Improving Reservoir Outflow Estimation for Ungauged Basins Using Satellite Observations and a Hydrological Model

“…These reservoir operation schemes can be applied to ungauged basins and compared with the satellite-based method. Little research has been conducted to address how well these reservoir operation schemes perform and whether a particular reservoir operation scheme is suited for a specific type of reservoirs (Gutenson et al, 2020).…”

Inventory of dams in Germany

“…Dam operation is a challenge, especially due to the complexities and the non-linearity of the operations which may be driven by anthropogenic and environmental influences (Gutenson et al, 2020). For instance, a drought following the 2018 Kerala flood in India was worsened because dams had been emptied in preparation for floods, but the dam's water release combined with intense precipitation downstream aggravated downstream the flood and its impacts (Lal et al, 2020).…”

“…et al, 2018;Veldkamp et al, 2017), and assessment of biotic disturbances (Latrubesse et al, 2017;Maavara et al, 2020;Sabo et al, 2017). The consideration of dams on hydrological models improves the model performance downstream (Gutenson et al, 2020), but the lack of information on dams may jeopardize its modelling applications, specially at a national level (Zhao et al, 2020).…”

“…The purpose of a dam is commonly known, but dam operation rules are normally not available at dam databases. Dam operations are normally complex and influenced by environmental and anthropogenic factors (Gutenson et al, 2020). Many studies have explored the effects of dam operation rules, however, operation rules are not easily available, especially for private hydropower plants (Bertoni et al, 2019;Giuliani et al, 2016;Mediero et al, 2007;Pan et al, 2014;Quinn et al, 2019).…”