3.8-Watershed modelling in the Himalayan region

Abstract

For rivers receiving flow from the Great Himalayan watersheds, the majority of the flow is generated from snowmelt and glacier runoff. This spring and summer runoff, comprising mostly snowmelt and glaciermelt, is the source of water for irrigation, hydroelectric power and drinking water supply. The monsoon rains only penetrate to the lower valleys, so that summer rain is a small contributor to total runoff. The majority of the precipitation input to these watersheds occurs as snow and falls during the mid to late winter period, caused by weather systems approaching from the west. Investigations to understand the snowmelt processes and snowmelt forecasting techniques are required for proper utilization of abundant water resources available in the Himalayan region.