Extending the forecasts of temperature for the prediction of stream-flow from snow-melt

Recent floods resulting from the combined runoff of rainfall and melting snow have brought this type of flood to the forefront of public consciousness in those regions where melting snow is an important contributing factor in floods. As a result, those who are assigned the responsibility of river-forecasting are receiving frequent requests for estimates of the potential flood-danger whenever a heavy cover of snow exists on a basin. Such forecasts are of considerable value if they are wisely made and properly understood. The measures incident to flood-control, flood-relief, and flood-damage prevention are generally costly and cannot be continuously maintained. If, however, definite advice regarding the potential flood-hazard can be given the agencies interested, the necessary measures can be put into immediate action when and if the flood does materialize.