A Framework for Advancing Streamflow and Water Allocation Forecasts in the Elqui Valley, Chile

Abstract

Abstract. In many semi-arid regions, agriculture, energy, municipal, and environmental demands often stress available water supplies. Such is the case in the Elqui River valley of northern Chile, which draws on a limited capacity reservoir and annually variable snowmelt. With infrastructure investments often deferred or delayed, water managers are forced to address demand-based allocation strategies, particularly challenging in dry years. This is often realized through a reduction in the volume associated with each water right, applied across all water rights holders. Skillful season-ahead streamflow forecasts have the potential to inform managers with an indication of likely future conditions upon which to set the annual water right volume and thereby guide reservoir allocations. This work evaluates season-ahead statistical prediction models of October-January (austral growing season) streamflow at multiple lead times associated with manager and user decision points, and link predictions with a simple reservoir allocation tool.

Evaluation of MODIS-derived estimates of the albedo over the Atacama Desert using ground-based spectral measurements

“…These larger differences were expected since the landscape in the southern Atacama Desert is not only greener but also significantly less homogeneous than the landscape in the northern part. For example, the Elqui River Valley (around latitude 29° S) is fed from an Andean glacier that supports scattered vineyards and croplands 38 .…”