Long‐term Hydrological Forecasting in Cold Regions: Retrospect, Current Status and Prospect

Abstract

Abstract The influence of long‐term snow accumulation on the runoff conditions several months afterwards is a distinct hydrological characteristic of cold regions, which creates opportunities for long‐term (seasonal and subseasonal) hydrological forecasting in these regions. We consider evolution of the long‐term forecasting approaches from the deterministic data‐based index methods to the hydrological model‐based ensemble approaches. Of key interest in this review are the methods developed and used in operational practice in Russia and in the USA, with the emphasis being placed on the methods used in Russia, which may be less familiar to international hydrological society. Following a description of the historical context, we review recent developments that place emphasis on problems relating to the uncertainty of the weather conditions for the lead time of the forecast. We conclude with a personal view of the prospects for the future development of long‐term hydrological forecasting techniques.