The subject basin of the research was the basin of Yeongcheon Dam located in the upper reaches of the Kumho River. The parameters of the model were derived from the results of abstracting topological properties out of rainfall-runoff observation data about heavy rains and Digital Elevation Modeling(DEM) materials. This research aimed at suggesting the applicability of the CELLMOD Model, a distribution-type model, in interpreting runoff based on the topological properties of a river basin, by carrying out runoff interpretation for heavy rains using the model. To examine the applicability of the model, the calculated peaking characteristics in the hydrograph was analyzed in comparison with observed values and interpretation results by the Clark Model. According to the result of analysis using the CELLMOD Model proposed in the present research for interpreting the rainfall-runoff process, the model reduced the physical uncertainty in the rainfall-runoff process, and consequently, generated improved results in forecasting river runoff. Therefore it was concluded that the algorithm is appropriate for interpreting rainfall-runoff in river basins. However, to enhance accuracy in interpreting rainfall-runoff, it is necessary to supplement heavy rain patterns in subject basins and to subdivide a basin into minor basins for analysis. In addition, it is necessary to apply the model to basins that have sufficient observation data, and to identify the correlation between model parameters and the basin characteristics(channel characteristics).