Calibrated VIC Model Parameters for the Colorado River Basin (1984-2023) [netcdf]

This dataset contains calibrated soil and vegetation parameters for the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model version 5 covering the Colorado River Basin at 1/16° (~6 km) spatial resolution. The parameters were calibrated using a two-phase approach: Snow Module Calibration: Adjusted snow albedo parameters using SNOTEL observations. Streamflow Calibration: Fine-tuned soil parameters (infiltration capacity, baseflow generation, soil depth) and snow roughness using naturalized streamflow data from USBR. Validation: Model outputs validated against independent SMAP soil moisture and GRACE terrestrial water storage observations. Climate Forcing: Designed for use with PRISM daily precipitation and temperature data (1981-present) merged with NLDAS wind speed. Citation: Ghimire, S. (2025). Integrating Observations and Modeling to Understand Snowmelt-Driven Streamflow Dynamics During the Colorado River Basin Drought. Master's Thesis, Arizona State University.