Evaluation of Snowmelt Impacts on Flood Flows Based on Remote Sensing Using SRM Model

Abstract

Snowmelt is an important source of stream flows in mountainous areas. This study investigated the impact of snowmelt on flooding. First, the study area was divided into four zones based on elevation. Second, the Snow-Covered Area (SCA) from 2013 to 2018 was estimated from daily MODIS images with the help of Google Earth Engine. Runoff in the area was then simulated using the Snowmelt Runoff Model (SRM). As a result, short periods with high runoff and the possibility of floods were identified, while the contribution of snowmelt and rainfall in the total runoff was separated. The results showed that while the snowmelt on average accounted for only 23% of total runoff in the zone with elevation under 2000 m, the ratio increased with elevation, ultimately reaching as high as 87% in the zone with elevation above 3000 m. As the height increases, the effect of snow on runoff and flooding increases so much that it should not be ignored. However, in most hydrological studies, the effect of snow is ignored due to the lack of sufficient data about snow. This study showed that snow can be very effective, especially in high areas.