Modeling sediment yield using ArcSWAT: case of Melka Wakena reservoir

With the fast growing population and the density of livestock in the basin there is pressure on the natural resources that resulting in even forest clearing and overgrazing. High intensity rain storms cause significant erosion and associated sedimentation increasing the cost of operation & maintenance and shortening lifespan of water resources infrastructure. Therefore it is important to maintain the storage capacity of the reservoir and prolong its economic life by taking appropriate measures that could reduce the rate of siltation. This would be possible if we know the amount of sediment yield in the watershed.