Nepal-FRES: Helambu Hydrological Observatory (H2O) Data

Rainfall and streamflow monitoring has been conducted in the Helambu region of central Nepal as part of the \"Nepal-FRES\" (Frontier Research in Earth Sciences) project. This research has focused on the Melamchi Khola Valley. More information on this project can be found at the link in the \"Additional Metadata\" section below.

Rainfall measurements were made using tipping bucket gauges at 6 sites starting in 2022, with 2 additional sites added in 2024. Further details provided in metadata files associated with rainfall datasets.

Streamflow was measured in three tributaries to the Melamchi Khola, also beginning in 2022: the Bhatar Khola, the Jansing Khola, and the Kartik Khola. Streamflow measurements were made via stage level records generated by pressure transducers, calibrated by stage-discharge relationships. Further details are provided in the metadata associated with the streamflow datasets (pending review and public release as of July 2024).

Soil and paired air temperature data were collected beginning in 2022 at seven sites across a gradient in elevation along the eastern ridge of the valley.

Soil moisture measurements (with paired temperature data) started in 2024 at five sites and will be added here when available, together with any additional relevant datasets as they become available.

Multiple mapping datasets were associated with this project including maps of landslides and related mass movements during different time intervals, with one focus being on the 2021 Melamchi Flood.

As of 2024, measurements are continuing and will be updated periodically via version-updating of the datasets associated with this collection. Additional datasets beyond those described here will be added as new resources and described in an update to this Collection description.