ABSTRACT:

This study evaluates the consistency between in-situ measurements and gridded datasets for precipitation and temperature within the Great Salt Lake Basin, highlighting the significant implications for hydrological modelling and climate analysis. We analysed five widely recognized gridded datasets: GRIDMET, DAYMET, PRISM, NLDAS-2, and CONUS404, utilizing statistical metrics such as the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Kling-Gupta Efficiency to assess their accuracy and reliability against ground truth data from 30 meteorological stations. Our findings indicate that the PRISM dataset outperformed others, demonstrating the lowest median RMSE values for both precipitation (approximately 1.9 mm/day) and temperature (approximately 0.9°C), which is attributed to its advanced interpolation methods that effectively incorporate orographic adjustments. In contrast, NLDAS-2 and CONUS404, despite their finer temporal resolutions, showed greater error variability and lower performance metrics, which may limit their utility for detailed hydrological applications. Through the use of visual analytical tools such as heatmaps and boxplots, we were able to vividly illustrate the performance disparities across the datasets, thereby providing a clear comparative analysis that underscores the strengths and weaknesses of each dataset. The study emphasizes the need for careful selection of gridded datasets based on specific regional characteristics to improve the accuracy and reliability of hydro climatological studies and supports better-informed decisions in climate-related adaptations and policy-making. The insights gained from this analysis aim to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting the most appropriate datasets that align with the unique climatic and topographical conditions of the Great Salt Lake Basin, enhancing the efficacy of environmental forecasting and resource management strategies.

ABSTRACT:

This study investigates the water storage dynamics in the Weber River Basin, one of the subbasins within the Great Salt Lake Basin, using historical reservoir data sourced from the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The collected data provides a detailed look at reservoir storage capacities and fluctuations, which could serve as a valuable resource for conducting water balance analyses.

The consolidation of USBR and USDA data presents a unique opportunity for researchers interested in identifying water storage deficiencies and potential losses in the subbasin. Such analyses are essential for developing effective water management strategies and ensuring the sustainable use of water resources in the region. This study not only sheds light on current water storage trends but also establishes a critical resource base that can be utilized by other researchers to further explore water balance dynamics in the Weber River Basin.

ABSTRACT:

This resource aggregates data on the reservoirs and time series of reservoir storage within the Great Salt Lake Basin. It has been assembled by combining information from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR).