Bayesian Rating Curve Inference as a Streamflow Data Quality Assessment Tool

Abstract

A streamflow time-series is normally obtained by transforming a time-series of recorded stage to discharge using an estimated rating curve. The accuracy of this streamflow time-series depends on the characteristics of the available stage-discharge measurements used to fit the rating curve. The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has developed a method based on rating curve uncertainty for performing objective quality assessment of streamflow time-series. The method, which is based on a Bayesian statistical framework, uses the available stage-discharge measurements and the corresponding stage time-series to derive statistics utilised for a quality assurance of the streamflow time-series. Nearly one thousand streamflow time-series periods have been classified using the method. This paper presents the results.