Research suggests watershed scale determines timing of flood in mountainous river regardless of topography

Understanding the dynamics of rainfall-runoff in mountainous terrains is vital for refining predictions of sediment-related hazards, which are becoming increasingly critical under the influence of climate change. Despite extensive flood monitoring in various mountainous locales globally, comprehensive data from areas characterized by high-relief have been limited primarily to smaller watersheds, typically under 1 km2, featuring moderate river discharges. Meso-scale watersheds, spanning approximately 1–10 km2 and noted for their steep gradients and substantial sediment and water flows, present substantial data collection challenges.