Articles | Volume 18, issue 11
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-7915-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-7915-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Data description article
| 
02 Nov 2026
Data description article |
| 02 Nov 2026
| 02 Nov 2026
Network-based subbasin-scale mapping of streamflow alteration in Ontario, Canada
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Bryan A. Tolson
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
James R. Craig
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Robert A. Metcalfe
Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Ontario, Canada
Aquatic Research and Monitoring Section, Ministry of Natural Resources, Trent University, Ontario, Canada
Jonathan Romero-Cuellar
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
James J. Luce
Aquatic Research and Monitoring Section, Ministry of Natural Resources, Trent University, Ontario, Canada
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It is challenging to incorporate input variables' spatial distribution information when implementing long short-term memory (LSTM) models for streamflow prediction. This work presents a novel hybrid modelling approach to predict streamflow while accounting for spatial variability. We evaluated the performance against lumped LSTM predictions in 224 basins across the Great Lakes region in North America. This approach shows promise for predicting streamflow in large, ungauged basin.
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This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscientific Model Development (GMD).
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Revised manuscript not accepted
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Short summary
Dams and other water-control structures can influence rivers far downstream. We calculated the Streamflow Alteration Index for 245 576 subbasins across Ontario, Canada, averaging 4.3 square kilometres. By linking structure locations with connected lake and river networks, we mapped potential downstream influence, including places without flow measurements. This province-wide dataset supports river modelling, water management, ecological studies and targeted local assessments.
Dams and other water-control structures can influence rivers far downstream. We calculated the...
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