TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jul 1, 1992

Preferred Directions of Flow on Alluvial Fans

Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 118, Issue 7

Abstract

In this paper, modifications of the method used to delineate flood‐plains on active alluvial fans for the national flood insurance program are suggested, given new data regarding the deviations of channels from the medial radial line at the apex of the fan. In the original methodology, it was assumed that every point on an alluvial fan contour had an equal probability of being impacted during a flood event; that is, a uniform probability distribution was assumed. Data now available suggest that a normal distribution better describes the probability of points on an alluvial fan contour being hit during a flood event. Results from an example of the application of the modified methodology are compared with the results obtained using the original methodology.

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References

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Anstey, R. L. (1965). “Physical characteristics of alluvial fans.” Technical Report ES‐10, U.S. Army Natick Laboratories, Natick, Mass.
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Go to Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 118Issue 7July 1992
Pages: 1002 - 1013

History

Published online: Jul 1, 1992
Published in print: Jul 1992

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Authors

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Richard H. French, Member, ASCE
Res. Prof., Water Resour. Ctr., Desert Res. Inst., P.O. Box 19040, Las Vegas, Nev. 89132‐0040

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