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Channel-scale hydrologic model output

This data portal provides access to high-resolution projections of streamflow, water temperature and saturated dissolved oxygen. Data is presented on a highly resolved vector network that represents individual hydrologic features as lines (rivers and channel reaches) and polygons (lakes). Using this portal, users can select individual stream reaches or lakes and download data for that specific location.

Other features of this portal include:

  • Explore the topology of the drainage network
  • Zoom, pan and select features of interest
  • Navigate using coordinates (BC Albers, WGS84 or Web Mercator)
  • Search for individual features by name
  • Filter and download data by variable, emissions scenario, and global climate model (CSV format
Access the channel-scale hydrology portal
Access the user guide

About the data

High-resolution (vector-based) projections for streamflow (or lake outflow), water temperature, and saturated dissolved oxygen are available for individual streams and lakes in BC. Values represent conditions at the outlet (downstream end) of each selected stream reach or lake. For sites affected by storage regulations, the simulated data represent naturalized flow conditions.

Hydrologic projections were generated using an upgraded version of the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC-GL) model, which is coupled to a glacier model. The gridded projections from VIC-GL were routed through a vector-based streamflow and thermal modelling system developed using the Raven Hydrologic Framework. The data are presented on a high-resolution streamflow network, where each data point corresponds to an individual river reach or lake.

The historical simulation is driven by PCIC's gridded meteorological dataset for northwest North America (PNWNAmet). Future projections were generated by running VIC-GL with nine CMIP6 global climate models under two emissions scenarios, producing a total of 18 model projections. The emissions scenarios represent intermediate (SSP2-4.5) and high (SSP5-8.5) greenhouse gas emissions pathways for 2013 to 2100. The complete dataset covers the period from 1950 to 2100.

Statistical downscaling of model output was performed using the N-Dimensional Multivariate Bias Correction (MBCn) method, with PNWNAmet as the target dataset. For more information on MBCn, see our Statistically downscaled climate scenarios page.

Please cite this dataset as:

  • Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, University of Victoria, (May 2026). VIC-GL-Raven MBCn CMIP6: Vector Hydrologic Model Output. Downloaded from <Permalink> on <Date>.

  •  

  • Craig, J.R., Brown, G., Chlumsky, R., Jenkinson, R.W., Jost, G., Lee, K., Mai, J., Serrer, M., Sgro, N., Shafii, M., Snowdon, A.P., Tolson, B.A., 2020. Flexible watershed simulation with the Raven hydrological modelling framework. Environmental Modelling & Software 129, 104728. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2020.104728.
  • Schnorbus, M.A., 2018. VIC-Glacier (VIC-GL): Description of VIC Model Changes and Upgrades (VIC-GL Deployment Report No. 1). Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C. https://hdl.handle.net/1828/21631.
  • Schnorbus, M.A., 2018. VIC Glacier (VIC-GL): Modelling Glacier Dynamics with the HydroConductor Model (VIC-GL Deployment Report No. 2). Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C. https://hdl.handle.net/1828/21632.
  • Schnorbus, M.A., 2020. VIC Glacier (VIC-GL): Model Set-up and Deployment for the Peace, Fraser, and Columbia (VIC-GL Deployment Report No. 6). Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C. https://hdl.handle.net/1828/21635.

This data is subject to PCIC's terms of use. It has been obtained from a variety of sources and is provided as a public service by the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium. The data is provided by the Consortium on an “AS IS” basis without any warranty or representation, express or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. Any reliance you place upon the information contained here is your sole responsibility and is strictly at your own risk. In no event will the Consortium be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from reliance upon the data or derived information.

User guidance

Projections data for each feature are provided as a daily time series and can be downloaded as CSV files by climate model, emissions scenarios and variable. A spatial representation of each stream reach or lake is also available for download in GeoJSON format for use in GIS applications.

To assess model performance, users are encouraged to compare simulations driven by PNWNAmet with observed streamflow, where available. To evaluate climate change impacts, comparisons should be made within the same model-scenario combination (for example, comparing 2041-2070 with 1971-2000 for CNRM-ESM2-1 under SSP2-4.5).

For additional details and guidance on using this data portal, please refer to the User Guide.

Acknowledgements

Funding for this project was provided by the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, a contribution program funded jointly by the federal and provincial government.

Financement fourni par le Fonds de restauration et d’innovation pour le saumon de la Colombie-Britannique, un programme de contribution financé conjointement par le gouvernement fédéral et le gouvernement provincial.