Assessing the impacts of stream regulation in the flathead river Basin, Montana, U.S.A. I. Simulation modelling of system water balance

Abstract A Fortran‐based simulation model was written to predict water movement into and out of Flathead Lake. Since tributaries, the lake proper and downstream flows were either freeflowing or regulated by hydroelectric dams, it was necessary for the model to adjust simulated, regulated flows to account for predicted natural flows. Empirical input to the model consisted of daily discharge data or statistical summaries of data sets for an 80+ year period of record for gauging sites on major tributaries, the lake and its outlet river. The model produces graphical output of empirical observations or simulates lake levels and riverine flows on the basis of any selected period of the record. The model was successfully used to evaluate the feasibility of various water management scenarios to enhance or protect fish and wildlife and also permit various hydropower production quotas.