Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning – Environment Canada (HBV-EC)

Purpose:	Model rainfall runoff in mountainous terrain
Developer:	Environment Canada & University of British Columbia
Key Features:	Pre- and post-processing of data performed in Green Kenue; parameter estimation determined using Monte Carlo simulation
Latest Release:	Version 3.53, 2015
OS Platform:	Windows
Cost:	Free
Related Software:	VSOBEK, SWAT, HEC-HMS
Website:	Green Kenue Home Page

Introduction

The HBV-EC model is a semi-distributed conceptual rainfall runoff model designed specifically for mountainous terrain in Sweden, but subsequently implemented for other regions around the world. The model computes evapotranspiration, snowmelt, soil moisture subroutines, and runoff. Using the HBV96 model, the HBV-EC model was also improved to better represent glacial processes. The Swedish model has specific parameters for climate zones, snowmelt variations based on terrain aspect and slopes, and watershed routing. The HBV-EC model has been applied in hydrological forecasting, flood forecasting, engineering design, short-term and long-term reservoir inflow forecasting and climate change studies.

Key features of the software include a model interface called Green Kenue, a pre- and post-processor of geospatial data. Green Kenue can import spatial and time series data.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages	Limitations
HBV-EC model is used in over 40 countries around the world Can transfer parameters from one gaged basin to another similar ungagged basin The Green Kenue interface permits quick model development through processing geospatial data and visualizing outputs Estimates parameters using Monte Carlo analysis Support is provided by vendor	Does not incorporate dams in model development Flow data is transferred using a Comma Separated Value (CSV) file FTP site that provides the tutorial is currently down
Illustrative Screens

Sample Applications

Africa	East Asia and the Pacific	Europe & Central Asia	Latin America & the Caribbean	Middle East and North Africa	South Asia
			Costa Rica (Optimal Dam Operations)		India (Climate Change)