Modification of the Lake Flow Algorithm of the Distributed Hydrological Model HYDROTEL When Modeling Lakes with Multiple Outlets

Abstract

This paper introduces an algorithm to calculate outflow in lakes and reservoirs that have multiple outlets. If the inflow into the lake, the surface area, and the morphological characteristics of the outlets are known, this algorithm enables to calculate the outflow at each outlet of the lake at any moment in time. Lake outflow is governed by a mass balance equation and a relationship that relates water level to outflow at each outlet. This algorithm was first validated using a theoretical example and once the method was integrated into the distributed hydrological model HYDROTEL, it was also validated using simulation of Lake Ludger, Quebec, Canada.