From snowfall to streamflow: synthesizing the hydrology of high alpine catchments

The hydrology of snow-influenced catchments is characterized by streamflow seasonality resulting from snow and ice accumulation and melt effects. Given how strongly these processes are connected to topography, it is tempting to think that the main streamflow characteristics can be inferred from topography and information on the statistical properties of precipitation and air temperature alone. In this study, we analyze streamflow distributions, interannual and interseasonal water carry-over, and precipitation properties from the CAMELS-CH data set to synthesize the dominant controls on streamflow variability in high-alpine catchments. A key focus is on understanding the interplay between water input (as modulated by air temperature) and groundwater (derived from baseflow analysis) to understand the seasonal streamflow cycle. Ultimately, the proposed analysis should provide a framework to synthesize high-alpine catchment behavior and to assess their sensitivity to climatic variability and change.