We present a generalized version of SnowTran-3D (version 2.0), that simulates windrelated snow distributions over the range of topographic and climatic environments found globally. This version includes three primary enhancements to the original Liston and Sturm (1998) model: (1) an improved wind sub-model, (2) a two-layer sub-model describing the spatial and temporal evolution of friction velocity that must be exceeded to transport snow (the threshold friction velocity) and (3) implementation of a three-dimensional, equilibrium-drift profile sub-model that forces SnowTran-3D snow accumulations to duplicate observed drift profiles. These three sub-models allow SnowTran-3D to simulate snow-transport processes in variable topography and different snow climates. In addition, SnowTran-3D has been coupled to a high-resolution, spatially distributed meteorological model (MicroMet) to provide more realistic atmospheric forcing data. MicroMet distributes data (precipitation, wind speed and direction, air temperature and relative humidity) obtained from meteorological stations and/or atmospheric models located within or near the simulation domain. SnowTran-3D has also been coupled to a spatially distributed energy-and mass-balance snow-evolution modeling system (SnowModel) designed for application in any landscape and climate where snow is found. SnowTran-3D is typically run using temporal increments ranging from 1 hour to 1 day, horizontal grid increments ranging from 1 to 100 m and time-spans ranging from individual storms to entire snow seasons.

[1] The consistency of long-term yearly precipitation and runoff trends over the largest Arctic watersheds (Ob, Yenisei and Lena Rivers) is examined. Three gridded precipitation datasets (Climatic Research Unit, University of Delaware, NCEP) are used for comparative analyses with runoff data collected at basin outlets. The results generally demonstrate inconsistency in long-term changes of basin precipitation and runoff. The Yenisei River runoff increases significantly, while precipitation data show mostly negative trends. The Ob River does not show any significant trend either in precipitation or runoff. Positive trend in the Lena River runoff is accompanied by a weak precipitation increase; however, the precipitation increase is not strong enough to support the observed runoff change. The inconsistency identified in basin precipitation and runoff trends suggests uncertainty in both the quality of basin precipitation and runoff datasets, as well as the perceived hydrologic factors impacting runoff change.

This study systematically analyzes long-term

Historical data analyses show that the Lena River and its major tributaries experienced an extended low water period over 1936-1957 and high water periods over 1974-1983 and 1988-2001. Higher than normal river discharge and annual precipitation is particularly pronounced since the late 1960s due to large-scale changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. The trend in runoff observed in the Lena River basin increased by 10% from 1936 to 2001 due to extended wet periods during the second part of last century. The trend is weakened for the Vilui River basin since it experiences reservoir regulation, which causes additional water losses through reservoir filling and increased evaporation. Runoff regulation strongly affects the winter runoff regime of both the Vilui River and the lower reaches of the Lena River causing an increased winter discharge at the Lena river outlet station of approximately 33%. D