Articles | Volume 21, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1-2017
Review article
 | 
02 Jan 2017
Review article |  | 02 Jan 2017

Rain or snow: hydrologic processes, observations, prediction, and research needs

Adrian A. Harpold, Michael L. Kaplan, P. Zion Klos, Timothy Link, James P. McNamara, Seshadri Rajagopal, Rina Schumer, and Caitriana M. Steele

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Cited articles

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Arnold, J. G., Kiniry, J. R., Srinivasan R., Williams, J. R, Haney, E. B., and Neitsch S. L.: SWAT Input/Output Documentation, Texas Water Resources Institute, TR-439, available at: http://swat.tamu.edu/media/69296/SWAT-IO-Documentation-2012.pdf, (last access: 22 August 2016), 2012,
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Short summary
The phase of precipitation as rain or snow is fundamental to hydrological processes and water resources. Despite its importance, the methods used to predict precipitation phase are inconsistent and often overly simplified. We review these methods and underlying mechanisms that control phase. We present a vision to meet important research gaps needed to improve prediction, including new field-based and remote measurements, validating new and existing methods, and expanding regional prediction.