Thank you for your response. I checked out the HEC-HMS software, and the snowmelt option will be in the HEC-HMS version 3.0 which is about to go into beta testing now, so the easy approach is out. I like the idea of using a constant or varying flow with a link or a base flow. That is from the HydroCAD Rainfall.txt page. So I am trying to model the flow of a spring melt. I found a BMP manual for this at
This might not help though, because I am trying to create storage ditches adequate to handle melt water if the outlet has frozen. Then how do you predict when this will thaw, etc. This is something we have seen happen at a facility, and the berm overtops. Since then we have changed the design of the outlet so it is less likely to freeze, however our client likes that extra storage capacity, just in case. So maybe the thing to do is over design the storage capacity for a free-board that we know works in other freezing ponds. Thank you for your help guys.
While working in Carson City, Nevada with the USGS, I experienced several winter major floods due from rainfall on snowmelt - January, February or March flood events.
Some research was conducted by the Desert Research Institute in Reno, Nv. They are part ? of the Univ of Nevada system.
Between them and the Surface Water Specialist at the USGS Carson City office, they may have reports available on thier studies in this rainfall runoff [process.
