Regional Calibration of the NRCS Unit Hydrograph Peak Rate Factor for New Jersey as a Result of Hurricane Irene
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 24, Issue 6
Abstract
Synthetic unit hydrographs are used to predict the response of a watershed to a precipitation event. They utilize the physical characteristics of a watershed for their development. Although a variety of synthetic unit hydrograph methods are available in the profession, history shows that the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Dimensionless Unit Hydrograph is the most commonly used method. Within the NRCS’s peak flow equation, the peak rate factor (PRF) is a required user input parameter; however, little guidance is given throughout the literature for selecting an appropriate value. The goal of this case study was to back-calculate site-specific PRFs for various watersheds throughout New Jersey as a result of rainfall attributed to Hurricane Irene in August 2011. A total of 26 watersheds were investigated with results showing PRFs ranging between 170 and 975. Regional trends were sought but found to be inconclusive. Additionally, statistical analysis showed no correlation between the PRF and various watershed characteristics such as longest hydraulic length, slope, area, percent impervious, among others.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the following individuals and entities for their contribution to this work: Dr. David Robinson (New Jersey State Climatologist) for supplying the required rainfall data necessary to complete this project and the College of New Jersey’s Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience (MUSE) program for supplying financial resources to support the following students who all participated in the project over the course of several years—Ryan Gurriell, Amanda Hess, Emily Hennessy, and Stella Karcnik.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 24 • Issue 6 • June 2019
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 31, 2018
Accepted: Dec 13, 2018
Published online: Mar 22, 2019
Published in print: Jun 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Aug 22, 2019
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