Chapter 7
Flood Frequency Analysis in the United States
Publication: Statistical Analysis of Hydrologic Variables: Methods and Applications
Abstract
Accurate estimates of the magnitude and frequency of flood flows are needed for the design of water-use and water-control projects, for floodplain definition and management, and for the design of transportation infrastructure such as bridges and roads. This chapter evaluates the methods currently employed and recently recommended for use in the United States for flood frequency analysis. It focuses primarily on the characteristics of the Log-Pearson Type III (LP3) distribution and its applicability in flood frequency analysis, the value of regional skew information, and recommended procedures for low outlier adjustment and the incorporation of historical flood information. Uncertainty and variability in flood control projects and possible methods to incorporate climate variability and climate change into flood frequency analyses are also discussed. Flood frequency analyses continue to improve as records get longer, flood frequency analysis methods get better, and greater computing power and computer software are available for analyses.
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Statistical Analysis of Hydrologic Variables: Methods and Applications
Pages: 233 - 268
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© 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Published online: May 14, 2019
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