Comparison of two daily streamflow simulation models of an alpine watershed

Abstract

Abstract A comparison of daily streamflow simulation by two different computer models has been completed for an alpine basin in central Colorado, U.S.A. The catchment is part of a 33-km2 area providing most of the City of Boulder's raw water supply. It is located between 2964 and 4103 m a.s.l. in elevation along the Continental Divide 24 km west of Boulder, Colorado. The SSARR model simulation, which makes generous use of lumpedtype parameters, was compared with the PRMS model simulation, which makes greater use of individually defined parameters, by examining their respective ability to fit observed hydrograph volumes and shape. Both computer models were found to simulate streamflow equally well. The PRMS model was found to be more suitable overall because of its ability to handle small catchments and the generous use of individual physically-based parameters.