Elevation-dependent compensation effects in snowmelt in the Rhine River Basin upstream gauge Basel

Abstract In snow-dominated river basins, floods often occur during early summer, when snowmelt-induced runoff superimposes with rainfall-induced runoff. An earlier onset of seasonal snowmelt as a consequence warming climate is expected to shift contribution and potential flooding an date. Against this background, we assess the impact rising temperatures on snowpacks quantify changes in timing, magnitude elevation snowmelt. We analyse situ snow measurements, conduct simulations examine at key gauging stations. With regard snowmelt, detect threefold effect temperatures: becomes weaker, occurs forms higher elevations. Due wide range elevations catchment, does not simultaneously all Results indicate that bands melt together blocks. hypothesise warmer world similar sequences weather conditions, moved upward elevation. The movement makes individual earlier, although timing stays same. Meltwater from elevations, least partly, replaces meltwater below.