Quantification of uncertainty in the assessment of future streamflow under changing climate conditions

Climate change has a significant influence on streamflow variation. The aim of this study is to quantify different sources of uncertainties in future streamflow projections due to climate change. For this purpose, 4 global climate models, 3 greenhouse gas emission scenarios (representative concentration pathways), 6 downscaling models, and a hydrologic model (UBCWM) are used. The assessment work is conducted for 2 different future time periods (2036 to 2065 and 2066 to 2095). Generalized extreme value distribution is used for the analysis of the flow frequency. Strathcona dam in the Campbell River basin, British Columbia, Canada, is used as a case study. The results show that the downscaling models contribute the highest amount of uncertainty to future streamflow predictions when compared to the contributions by global climate models or representative concentration pathways. It is also observed that the summer flows into Strathcona dam will decrease, and winter flows will increase in both future time periods. In addition to these, the flow magnitude becomes more uncertain for higher return periods in the Campbell River system under climate change.