Assessing streamflow processes in mountain front streams using surface/groundwater modeling

Mountain front streams in semi-arid, environments are important components of a hydrologic system for their contribution in recharge to groundwater and as indicators of climate change. Monitoring mountain stream discharge provides data that can be separated into subsurface discharge and snowmelt runoff, providing indications of storage within both Of these reservoirs. This study was performed to test stream-monitoring strategies and to develop new methods that serve as general approaches for studying and analyzing mountain streams.;A model that includes a new approach for simulating surface water flow and streambed seepage is presented in this study. This model accounts for streambed seepage as a non-linear dependent variable in the mathematical model. In this study of Trout Creek, NV a coupled unsaturated zone fluid and heat transport model (VS2DH) was used to estimate streambed seepage as a function of stage. The relationship between stage and seepage was incorporated into the surface water simulations. The model was able to match measured streamflow and velocities along the channel profile accounting for high streambed seepage rates.