Supporting commission(s) / organisations: ICSIH, ICCLAS

The storage and release of water from seasonal snowcovers constitutes a critical component of the annual hydrological cycle in many parts of the world. In these regions, monitoring of snow water resources, prediction, and forecasting of snowmelt runoff are vital tools for water managers concerned with floods, droughts, water supply, and/or hydropower generation. Many aspects of snowmelt models are currently advancing, but for operational models to be successful, a full suite of interlinked methods is required. Therefore, this session will bring together those who develop and work with different aspects of operational snowmelt modelling. We welcome contributions related to topics such as, but not limited to, improved meteorological forcing data, assimilation of snow observations, coupled model systems, model applications for flood risk assessment, and long-term forecasting of the spring freshet. Special attention will be focused on examples of snowmelt models that are integrated into water management systems around the world.