TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jan 1, 1992

Estimating Peak Flows from Small Agricultural Watersheds

Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 118, Issue 1

Abstract

A method is developed for estimating peak runoff rates and return periods from agricultural watersheds by analyzing precipitation and runoff data, and by using the CREAMS model. Dimensionless Huff curves are used with the CREAMS model to synthesize the frequency distribution of peak runoff rates from an experimental watershed at Coshocton, Ohio. The frequency distributions of synthesized and observed peak flows are found to correspond to each other. A sensitivity study of some model inputs showed that the method is insensitive to some uncertain inputs, which is a desirable feature. Although the method has several desirable features for practical application, it must be investigated further on watersheds in different geographic and climatologic regions before it can be widely applied.

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References

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Bonta, J. V. (1986). “Estimation of peak runoff rates from small agricultural watersheds,” dissertation presented to the School of Civil Engineering, Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, Indiana, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
2.
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3.
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Go to Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 118Issue 1January 1992
Pages: 122 - 137

History

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

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Authors

Affiliations

James V. Bonta
Res. Hydr. Engr., USDA‐Agric. Res. Service, North Appalachian Experimental Watershed, P.O. Box 478, Coshocton, OH 43812
A. Ramachandra Rao, Members, ASCE
Prof., School of Civ. Engrg., Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN 47907

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