LAR FPMS Hydraulic Report FINAL October2016

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Los Angeles District

Hydrology and Hydraulics Branch
HYDRAULICS REPORT
Floodplain Analysis
Los Angeles River: Barham Boulevard to First Street
Flood Plain Management Services Special Study
Los Angeles, California
OCTOBER 2016
Hydraulics Report
Flood Plain Management Services Special Study, Los Angeles River
Report Prepared By:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Los Angeles District, Engineering Division
Hydrology and Hydraulics Branch
915 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1260
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Name: Adam J. Bier, P.E. Name: Robert D. Mrse, P.E.

Title: Senior Hydraulic Engineer Title: Chief, Hydraulics Section
District: Los Angeles District: Los Angeles
Name: Victor J. Andreas, P.E. Name: Deanna D. Wilson

Title: Hydraulic Engineer Title: GIS Analyst
District: Los Angeles District: Los Angeles
Report Reviewed By:
Name: Rene A. Vermeeren, P.E., D.WRE

Title: Chief, Hydrology and Hydraulics Branch
District: Los Angeles
Role: District Quality Reviewer
Name: David L. Silvertooth, P.E., CFM

Title: Senior Hydraulic Engineer
District: Los Angeles
Role: District Quality Reviewer
Name: Thomas R. Gambucci, P.E., CFM, D. WRE

Title: Hydraulic Engineer, Regional Technical Specialist
District/Section: Rock Island, Hydrologic Engineering
Role: Agency Technical Reviewer
Report Prepared for:
City of Los Angeles

Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering
Street Improvement and Stormwater Division
POC: Susan Shu, Senior Civil Engineer
1149 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Hydraulics Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF STUDY ........................................................................... 1

1.1 Overview and Study Authority ..................................................................................... 1
1.2 Project Location and Description of the FPMS Reach ................................................. 2
1.3 General Description of the Los Angeles County Drainage Area ................................. 2
1.4 Survey and Mapping..................................................................................................... 3
1.5 Special Notice ............................................................................................................... 4
2.0 HYDRAULIC MODEL DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................ 5
2.1 Hydrology Overview .................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Previous Hydraulic Models .......................................................................................... 6
2.3 Hydraulic Model Overview .......................................................................................... 6
2.3.1 Current Condition ..................................................................................................... 6
2.3.2 Combined One-Dimensional and Two Dimensional Hydraulic Model ................... 7
2.4 Reach Assignments....................................................................................................... 8
2.5 River Stationing ............................................................................................................ 9
2.6 Two-Dimensional Computational Mesh Extents ......................................................... 9
2.7 Grid Cell Size ............................................................................................................. 10
2.8 Lateral Structures........................................................................................................ 10
2.9 Break Lines ................................................................................................................. 10
2.10 Roughness Coefficients .............................................................................................. 10
2.11 Bridges ........................................................................................................................ 12
2.11.1 Bridge Piers ............................................................................................................. 13
2.11.2 Bridge Modeling Approach .................................................................................... 13
2.11.3 Changes from Previous Hydraulic Models ............................................................. 13
2.12 Flow Data ................................................................................................................... 14
2.13 Boundary Conditions .................................................................................................. 15
2.14 Flow Regime............................................................................................................... 15
2.15 Ineffective Flow Areas ............................................................................................... 15
3.0 FLOODPLAIN ANALYSES............................................................................................. 25
3.1 1% ACE (100-year) Flood Overview ......................................................................... 25
3.2 1% ACE (100-year) Floodplain Analysis ................................................................... 27
3.2.1 Right (South) Bank – Headworks Reservoir .......................................................... 27
3.2.2 Right (South) and Left (North) Bank - Riverside Drive / Victory Boulevard ........ 27
3.2.3 Left (East) Bank – Downstream of Verdugo Wash Confluence............................. 27
3.2.4 Right (West) Bank – Griffith Park Area ................................................................. 28
3.2.5 Left (East) Bank – North of Glendale Boulevard ................................................... 28
3.2.6 Left (East) Bank – Glendale Boulevard to State Route 2 Freeway ........................ 28
3.2.7 Right (West) Bank – State Route 2 Freeway .......................................................... 28
3.3 0.2% ACE (500-year) Flood Overview ...................................................................... 29
3.4 0.2% ACE (500-year) Floodplain Analysis ................................................................ 29
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3.4.1 Right (South) Bank – Headworks Reservoir .......................................................... 29
3.4.2 Right (South) and Left (North) Bank - Riverside Drive ......................................... 29
3.4.3 Between Verdugo Wash and Arroyo Seco Confluences ........................................ 30
3.5 Comparison to Previous Floodplains.......................................................................... 30
3.6 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 30
3.6.1 1% ACE (100-year) Flood ...................................................................................... 31
3.6.2 0.2% ACE (500-year) Flood ................................................................................... 31
4.0 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 33
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Los Angeles River Design Peak Discharges..................................................................... 5

Table 2. Study Reach Descriptions ................................................................................................. 8
Table 3. Los Angeles River Design Discharge and Freeboard ....................................................... 9
Table 4. Bridges in Study Area ..................................................................................................... 12
Table 5. Concentration Points near Study Area ............................................................................ 14
Table 6. Hydraulic Model External Boundary Conditions ........................................................... 15
Table 7. Points of Interest along the Study Reach ........................................................................ 25
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Los Angeles River below Tujunga Wash – CP 12 ........................................................ 17

Figure 2. Los Angeles River below Verdugo Wash – CP 17 ....................................................... 18
Figure 3. Los Angeles River below Arroyo Seco – CP 21 ........................................................... 19
Figure 4. Los Angeles River Upstream Boundary Condition upstream of Barham Boulevard ... 20
Figure 5. Lateral Inflow Downstream of Burbank Western Confluence ...................................... 21
Figure 6. Lateral Inflow Downstream of Verdugo Wash ............................................................. 22
Figure 7. Lateral Inflow Downstream of Arroyo Seco Confluence.............................................. 23
Figure 8. Los Angeles River 1% ACE (100-year) Flood: Overtopping Locations ...................... 26
LIST OF PLATES
Plate 1: Los Angeles River FPMS Reach Location Map

Plate 2: Los Angeles County Drainage Area (LACDA)
Plate 3: LACDA and LAR FPMS Study Area
Plate 4: Los Angeles River Survey Sources
Plate 5: Los Angeles River Grid Index Overview
Plate 6: Los Angeles River Points of Interest Index Grid A
Plate 7: Los Angeles River Points of Interest Index Grid B
Plate 8: Los Angeles River Points of Interest Index Grid C
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Plate 9: Los Angeles River Hydraulic Modeling Elements Index Grid A
Plate 10: Los Angeles River Hydraulic Modeling Elements Index Grid B
Plate 11: Los Angeles River Hydraulic Modeling Elements Index Grid C
Plate 12: Los Angeles River 1% ACE Floodplain – Grid Index Overview
Plate 13: Los Angeles River 1% ACE Floodplain – Grid Index 1
Plate 26: Los Angeles River 0.2% ACE Floodplain – Grid Index Overview
Plate 27: Los Angeles River 0.2% ACE Floodplain – Grid Index 1
Plate 40: Los Angeles River 1991 Base Condition Floodplains – Index Grid A
Plate 41: Los Angeles River 1991 Base Condition Floodplains – Index Grid B
Plate 42: Los Angeles River 1991 Base Condition Floodplains – Index Grid C
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LIST OF ACRONYMS
1D One-Dimensional
2D Two-Dimensional
ACE Annual Chance Exceedance
CP Concentration Point
CWMS Corps Water Management System
DTM Digital Terrain Model
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FPMS Flood Plain Management Services
GIS Geographic Information System
HEC-RAS Hydrologic Engineering Center - River Analysis System
I-5 Interstate 5 Freeway
LACDA Los Angeles County Drainage Area
LACDPW Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
LAR Los Angeles River
LARIAC Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition Consortium
LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging
LOMR Letter of Map Revision
NAD North American Datum
NAVD North American Vertical Datum
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
RAS River Analysis System
RS River Station
SR State Route
SWMP Stormwater Management Plan
TIN Triangulated Irregular Networks
US United States
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District
WRC Water Resources Council
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1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF STUDY
1.1 Overview and Study Authority
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (USACE) prepared hydraulic models
and floodplain maps for the Los Angeles River (LAR) from Barham Boulevard in Burbank,
California to First Street in Los Angeles, California. The study was conducted for the City of Los
Angeles Bureau of Engineering Department of Public Works under the Flood Plain Management
Services (FPMS) Program. The purpose of this study is to present results from hydraulic
modeling efforts and floodplain analysis for the FPMS Reach (Barham Boulevard to First Street)
of the LAR. Plate 1 displays the project location.
The analysis was conducted as part of the USACE FPMS program, which was established to
implement Section 206 of the Flood Control Act of 1960 as amended. The objective of FPMS is
to foster public understanding of the options for dealing with flood hazards. The FPMS program
serves to promote the prudent use of floodplains and provides a range of technical assistance and
planning guidance necessary to support effective floodplain management. The program offers
general technical services to develop or interpret site-specific data regarding flood flows, flood
stages, flood duration, flood depths, floodwater velocities, and the extent and frequency of
flooding. The program also provides information on natural and cultural floodplain resources and
flood loss potential. The program has an annual fiscal ceiling of $15 million and is 100%
federally funded. Typical FPMS studies include floodplain delineations, dam break analyses,
flood warning and preparedness, and nonstructural evaluations. It is not intended for detailed
design and construction.
The hydraulic analysis includes documentation of methods, assumptions, and results from the
modeling efforts. The hydraulic model utilizes two-dimensional (2D) modeling of the overbank
areas to provide a better overflow delineation in the floodplain. The hydraulic modeling
presented in this document is referred to as the 2016 LAR FPMS 1D/2D (one-dimensional / two-
dimensional) hydraulic model and is based on existing conditions, accounting for the significant
vegetation currently in the natural soft bottom reaches of the river.
The City of Los Angeles intends to use the hydraulic modeling for delineating the 1% annual
chance exceedance (ACE) or 100-year floodplain for the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The current FEMA flood maps by
contrast, show that all flow for the 1% ACE (100-year) flood stays within the channel through
the project reach. Portions of the FEMA maps have not been updated since the early 1980’s and
were determined to not represent current existing conditions.
Inundation maps are presented for the 1% ACE (100-year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) floods for
the existing condition, which includes vegetation in the natural soft bottom channel reaches.
Flood mitigation options are not addressed in this report.
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1.2 Project Location and Description of the FPMS Reach
The FPMS Reach of the LAR covers approximately 13 miles, extending from Barham Boulevard
in Burbank, California to First Street in Los Angeles, California. The hydraulic model extends
from Barham Boulevard to approximately 1,000 feet downstream from First Street. The FPMS
Reach includes four tributary channels, including: Burbank Western Channel, Burbank Eastern
Channel, Verdugo Wash, and Arroyo Seco. Plate 1 displays the project location.
The drainage area of the LAR FPMS Reach is approximately 465 square miles at the upstream
end and approximately 580 square miles at the downstream end. Three upstream dams
(Sepulveda, Hansen, and Lopez) operated by the USACE have a controlled drainage area of
approximately 304 square miles. The controlled drainage area includes Los Angeles County
dams upstream from the project location (Devil’s Gate, Pacoima, and Big Tujunga). Plates 2 and
3 show the location of the dams in relation to the project location. Therefore, there is
approximately 276 square miles of uncontrolled area contributing flow to the project location
(approximately 48%). Surface runoff from uncontrolled area enters the local drainage system and
flows at relatively high velocities towards the LAR. The local storm drain system is operated and
maintained primarily by Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW) and city
municipalities.
1.3 General Description of the Los Angeles County Drainage Area
The LAR is a primary river within the Los Angeles County Drainage Area (LACDA) watershed,
which lies mostly in Los Angeles County, California, although portions lie in San Bernardino
and Orange Counties. Plate 2 displays the location of the FPMS Reach in relation to the LACDA
watershed. The watershed is abutted on the east by the Santa Ana River Watershed, on the north
by the Antelope Valley and Santa Clara River Watersheds, and on the west by the Calleguas
Creek Watershed. The project area is located along the main stem of LAR within the Burbank,
Glendale, and Los Angeles city limits.
Elevations in the San Gabriel and Santa Susana Mountains, which form the northern boundary of
the watershed, vary from 3,000 feet in the west to over 9,000 feet in the east. The Santa Monica
Mountains and Puente Hills separate the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys from the coastal
plain, and range from 500 to 1,500 feet in height.
The LAR is a principal stream in the LACDA watershed. The LAR has a drainage area of 824
square miles at the downstream end (Pacific Ocean), and the drainage area includes the Rio
Hondo above Whittier Narrows Dam and its tributaries. The San Gabriel River has a drainage
area of 635 square miles at the downstream end (Pacific Ocean). The Rio Hondo Diversion
Channel brings water from the San Gabriel River system to the lower LAR by way of Whittier
Narrows Dam and may effectively increase the drainage area of the LAR during periods of high
runoff.
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The principal tributaries of the LAR include: Pacoima and Tujunga Washes, both of which drain
portions of the Santa Susana Mountains and the San Fernando Valley, Verdugo Wash, which
drains portions of the Verdugo Hills; and the Arroyo Seco, which starts in the San Gabriel
Mountains and then heads south to the LAR (Plate 3). The main channel of the LAR is
approximately 51 miles long and its tributaries have an aggregate length of about 225 miles.
Operations and maintenance for specific channel reaches is divided between the USACE and
LACDPW.
1.4 Survey and Mapping
In total, three surveys were used to develop the geometry data for the 2016 LAR FPMS 1D/2D
hydraulic model. The channel portion of the hydraulic model is a combination of As-Built
construction plans for the concrete reaches and aerial mapping, completed in 2008, for the
natural soft bottom channel reaches. The overbank area uses topographic mapping provided by
the City of Los Angeles. Plate 4 displays the areas within the LAR FPMS area that use each
survey source. The survey data described below was re-projected to North American Datum
(NAD) 1983 Lambert Conformal Conic horizontal projection.
The USACE prepared geo-referenced hydraulic models for the Upper LAR as part of the
Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) in 2005 (Reference A). As-Built construction plans were
used to develop the hydraulic model geometry for the LACDA Upper LAR hydraulic models.
The as-built construction plans were used for the concrete reaches within the study reach.
The USACE developed survey and mapping products including digital terrain models (DTMs),
triangulate irregular networks (TINs), and orthographic photographs for the project area based on
a 2008 aerial survey flight. The 2008 survey was completed using North American Datum
(NAD) 1983 California State Plane 5 with units in feet. Elevations are also in feet and based on
the 1988 North American Vertical Datum (NAVD). The scale of the survey data is 1 inch equals
200 feet with 2-foot contour intervals (Reference B). The 2008 survey data was used for the
vegetated reaches within the study reach.
The overbank area within the hydraulic model uses Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition
Consortium (LARIAC) survey data completed in 2006 (Reference C). The LARIAC topographic
data was provided by the City of Los Angeles using a horizontal projection in NAD 1983
California State Plane 5 with units in feet. The elevations are in feet with a 4-foot contour
interval. The data is based on NAVD 1988 vertical datum.
Hydrologic Engineering Center - River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) was used to model the
channel geometry for the natural soft bottom reaches and concrete reaches. The channel
geometry within HEC-RAS was converted to a channel terrain dataset using the HEC-RAS
Mapper software program. The channel terrain dataset was then merged with (burned into) the
LARIAC terrain dataset to get a final terrain dataset that was used for the floodplain mapping.
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Hydraulics Report
1.5 Special Notice
This Special Study was conducted under the guidelines of Section 206 of the Flood Control Act
of 1960, as amended. Under the 206 Authority, reports and studies of this type provide a variety
of floodplain information to local governments. However, local, state, and Federal
environmental documentation and associated permits are not part of the authorized program.
Section 206 studies and reports are not authorized to duplicate other regulatory Authorities or
programs, for example, Flood Insurance Studies or their revisions under the National Flood
Insurance Program. Section 206 studies may not be used to perform detailed engineering design,
nor construct flood control projects.
It is intended that this study be used for planning purposes only, as a guide to assist communities
in formulating floodplain management decisions. The conclusions presented in this report have
not been developed for purposes of determining the feasibility of a Federal Interest in
constructing a Flood Risk Management Project along any of the watercourses investigated.
Federal interest in the construction of a flood control project is an involved process, which is
conducted under one or more different Authorities (other than Section 206), in accordance with a
specific set planning guidelines.
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Hydraulics Report
2.0 HYDRAULIC MODEL DEVELOPMENT
2.1 Hydrology Overview
The hydrology that determined the flow rates used in this analysis is based on the 1991 Los
Angeles County Drainage Area Final Feasibility Interim Report (References D, E, and F). The
discharge-frequency analysis for undisturbed, uncontrolled, gaged mountain watersheds were the
foundation for all subsequent hydrologic investigations. Discharge-frequency analyses for gaged
natural mountain basins conformed to the procedures described in Water Resources Council
(WRC) Bulletin 17B “Guidelines for determining Flood Flow Frequency.” The annual series of
peak flows were fitted to the Log-Pearson Type III probability distribution, using the station
skew in each case. No specific guidelines are provided in WRC Bulletin 17B for controlled or
urban watershed discharge-frequency analyses. Table 1 provides the design discharges. Table 3
provides peak discharges for the 1% ACE (100-year) and 0.2 % ACE (500-year) floods for the
FPMS Reaches which are defined in Section 2.4.
Table 1. Los Angeles River Design Discharges
FPMS Reach Design

Upstream Extent Downstream Extent
ID Discharge (cfs)1
1,000 Feet Upstream of Burbank Western

Reach 1 40,000
Barham Boulevard Channel Confluence
Burbank Western Channel 1,000 Feet Downstream

Reach 2 40,000
Confluence of I-5 Bridge (Burbank)
Brazil Street
1,000 Feet Downstream of 40,000 to
Reach 3 (Downstream of
I-5 Bridge (Burbank) 78,000
Verdugo Wash
Brazil Street (Downstream

Reach 4 Los Feliz Boulevard 78,000
of Verdugo Wash
Reach 5 Los Feliz Boulevard State Route 2 Freeway 78,000
78,000 to
Reach 6 State Route 2 Freeway I-5 Freeway
83,700
83,700 to
Reach 7 I-5 Freeway North Main Street
104,000
1,000 Feet Downstream
Reach 8 North Main Street 104,000
of First Street
1. Design Discharge in cfs from Hydrology Appendix to 1991 LACDA Feasibility Report
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2.2 Previous Hydraulic Models
The hydrology is based on the 1991 Los Angeles County Drainage Area Final Feasibility Interim
Report (References D, E, and F). Previous hydraulic models for the study reach include
hydraulic models completed in 2005 and 2012 for the SWMP and Ecosystem Restoration Study,
respectively.
The USACE generated design models using HEC-RAS and prepared a SWMP report in 2005 to
present the updated hydraulic analyses. The 2005 LACDA Upper LAR hydraulic models
(Reference G) used as-built construction plans to develop the HEC-RAS model geometry. The
geometries for these models only covered the channel cross-sectional area. The purpose was to
create HEC-RAS models for the channels and determine the water surface elevations for the
design discharges. The 2005 SWMP models include the LAR FPMS Reach.
As part of an initial phase of the ecosystem restoration study, the USACE used updated
geospatial techniques and re-georeferenced a portion of the 2005 LAR SWMP hydraulic model
(Reference H) within the City of Los Angeles limits. The cross-sections were extended to cover a
portion of the overbank area which ultimately covered the 0.2% ACE event (500-yr) floodplain.
This model was used to develop the 2012 Ecosystem Restoration Study hydraulic model
(Reference I).
2.3 Hydraulic Model Overview
The hydraulic model was developed using HEC-RAS version 5.0.1. RAS Mapper was used to
determine floodplain delineations for the 1% ACE (100-year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) floods
along with flow depth grids. ArcGIS was used to view the floodplains and HEC-GeoRAS was
used to determine downstream reach lengths for the hydraulic model.
2.3.1 Current Condition
For this study, the USACE created an existing condition hydraulic model that includes current
vegetation in the channel reaches. The hydraulic model is a combined 1D/2D model that
incorporates the concrete channel geometry based on the 2005 LACDA Upper LAR hydraulic
models (Reference G) and topographic mapping from 2008 developed by USACE for the
vegetated channel reaches. This hydraulic model was updated to include overbank areas based on
the 2006 LARIAC topographic data provided by the City of Los Angeles. The 2016 LAR FPMS
1D/2D hydraulic model encompasses the LAR from Barham Boulevard to First Street as well as
the downstream reaches of Burbank Western Channel, Verdugo Wash, and the Arroyo Seco.
Changes were made from the 2005 hydraulic model in order to delineate 1% ACE (100-year)
and 0.2% ACE (500-year) floodplain maps.
In December 2016, temporary flood protection barriers were placed along the Los Angeles River
within the study reach. Based on the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center
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Hydraulics Report
forecasting larger rainfall amounts during the El Nino Winter 2016 flood season, the USACE
conducted a review of the current channel conditions to assess the existing capacity and overall
condition of the channel. As part of an emergency response, the USACE installed approximately
17,000 linear feet of temporary flood protection barriers and removed approximately 3.7 acres of
native and non-native vegetation near Riverside Drive / Victory Boulevard. The Los Angeles
River Channel Assessment Engineering Report (Reference J) documents the emergency response
and the engineering evaluation for the placement of the flood protection barriers.
The hydraulic model developed for this study does not include the flood protection barriers as
these were considered a temporary flood protection measure. The barriers are not considered a
permanent solution for increasing the conveyance capacity within the study reach and are not
included in the analysis. The model does account for the removal of vegetation around the
Riverside Drive / Victory Boulevard Bridge that was completed in January 2016.
2.3.2 Combined One-Dimensional and Two Dimensional Hydraulic Model
In the hydraulic model, the flow is a combined 1D/2D unsteady-state analysis whereby the
channel cross-section is 1D and the overbanks are 2D flow areas. The combined 1D/2D
assumption is applicable for current conditions since flows inside the channel can be analyzed in
one direction and the flows in the overbank can be analyzed in two directions. The unsteady flow
model uses a two-day hydrograph that has a varying discharge with respect to time, whereas a
steady flow model uses a peak discharge value and does not have a time factor.
One-dimensional models, while generally efficient, are unable to simulate flow in multiple
directions since they represent the topography as cross-sections rather than as a surface. One-
dimensional models are best suited for in-channel flows and when floodplain flows are minor
and in the direction of main channel flow. Hydraulic jumps in the 1D channel can cause drastic
changes in water surface in the overbanks, which may not be representative of the overland flow.
To overcome the 1D disadvantages, a combined 1D channel and 2D overbank area (unsteady
flow) model was developed and is referred to as the 2016 LAR FPMS 1D/2D hydraulic model.
In 2D hydraulic modeling, flow is allowed to move in multiple directions based on geometric

features and is not confined to the direction perpendicular to the main channel as with 1D
modeling. Two-dimensional modeling is accomplished by adding computational grid (mesh)
elements into the model. Two-dimensional hydraulic modeling with HEC-RAS is based on a
computational grid that preprocesses hydraulic property tables from the underlying terrain. This
retains the detail of the terrain instead of averaging the terrain into one data point per cell.
Selecting the grid cell size for a 2D flow area is an iterative process that depends on the
underlying terrain, velocity of flow, and the overall size of the model.
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2.4 Reach Assignments
The FPMS Reach includes eight designated reaches based on the channel invert material,
covering 13 miles along the LAR. The LAR channel consists primarily of trapezoidal or
rectangular prismatic reaches with concrete side slopes and a concrete invert. Some reaches
within the study area are trapezoidal channels with grouted riprap side slopes and an earthen
invert, or natural soft bottom, with vegetation. The first soft bottom reach extends approximately
0.9 miles from about 500 feet downstream of the Burbank Western Channel Confluence to
approximately 1,000 feet downstream of the Interstate 5 (I-5) Freeway Bridge (Reach 2). The
second soft bottom reach extends approximately 5.9 miles from approximately 2,000 feet
downstream of the Verdugo Wash Confluence to the second I-5 Bridge near the Arroyo Seco
Confluence (Reaches 4, 5, and 6). Plate 4 shows the location of the natural soft bottom and
concrete reaches. Reaches 4 and 5 mostly consist of a natural soft bottom channel invert aside
from two sections of concrete lined channel invert under the Los Feliz Boulevard and Glendale
Boulevard Bridges. The Burbank Western Channel Confluence occurs between Reach 1 and
Reach 2. The Verdugo Wash Confluence occurs in Reach 3, and the Arroyo Seco Confluence
occurs in Reach 7. The 2016 LAR FPMS 1D/2D hydraulic model reaches are displayed on Plates
6 to 8 along with the points of interest along the study reach. Table 2 presents the reaches within
the study area.
Table 2. Study Reach Descriptions
FPMS Channel Invert

Upstream Extent Downstream Extent
Reach ID Type
1,000 Feet Upstream of Burbank Western Channel

Reach 1 Concrete
Barham Boulevard Confluence
Burbank Western Channel 1,000 Feet Downstream of Soft Bottom /
Reach 2
Confluence I-5 Bridge (Burbank) Dense Vegetation
1,000 Feet Downstream of Brazil Street (Downstream
Reach 3 Concrete
I-5 Bridge (Burbank) of Verdugo Wash
Brazil Street (Downstream Soft Bottom /
Reach 4 Los Feliz Boulevard
of Verdugo Wash Dense Vegetation
Soft Bottom /
Reach 5 Los Feliz Boulevard State Route 2 Freeway
Dense Vegetation
Soft Bottom /
Reach 6 State Route 2 Freeway I-5 Freeway
Dense Vegetation
Reach 7 I-5 Freeway North Main Street Concrete
1,000 Feet Downstream of
Reach 8 North Main Street Concrete
First Street
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2.5 River Stationing
The 2016 LAR FPMS 1D/2D hydraulic model includes LAR river stations (RS) 1+00 to 692+94.
River station 692+94 is the upstream extent of the model and is located approximately 1,000 feet
upstream of Barham Boulevard. River station 1+00 is the downstream extent, terminus, of the
model and is located approximately 1,000 feet downstream of First Street.
Detailed maps for the point of interest along the study reach are displayed in Plates 5 to 8. Reach
flow characteristics, design discharges and design freeboard, are presented on Table 3. The
letters “a” and “b” in the FPMS Reach ID in Table 3 indicate a change in design discharge within
a study reach. The design discharges were developed with consideration for freeboard in the
channel ranging from 1 to 17 feet along the study reach.
Table 3. Los Angeles River Design Discharge and Freeboard

1% ACE 0.2% ACE
Design
FPMS Reach Upstream Downstream Peak Peak
Discharge
ID1 River Station River Station Discharge Discharge
(cfs)
(cfs) (cfs)
Reach 1a 694+77 625+77 40,000 76,800 103,000
Reach 1b 625+77 547+45 40,000 81,000 109,000
Reach 2 546+45 510+05 40,000 88,900 118,000
Reach 3a 504+93 477+85 40,000 88,900 118,000
Reach 3b 475+68 452+58 78,000 94,600 125,000
Reach 4 432+16 359+75 78,000 94,600 125,000
Reach 5 358+63 271+89 78,000 94,600 125,000
Reach 6a 270+28 262+73 78,000 94,600 125,000
Reach 6b 257+85 144+23 83,700 93,800 118,000
Reach 7a 142+91 131+22 83,700 93,800 118,000
Reach 7b 128+71 86+61 104,000 109,000 141,000
Reach 8 86+07 0+00 104,000 109,000 141,000
1. Letters "a" and "b" denote a break in the reach due to a confluence or flow change
2.6 Two-Dimensional Computational Mesh Extents
The 2016 LAR FPMS 1D/2D model consists of 2D flow areas covering the left and right
overbanks. The 2D flow areas on the right and left banks extend from the upstream cross-section
(upstream of Barham Boulevard) to the downstream cross-section (downstream of First Street).
The 2D computational mesh connects to the 1D channel and varies in width and total extent.
The mesh extends across the floodplain from the top of the river banks to high ground on both
sides of the channel. Plates 9 to 11 display the 2D computational mesh extents and other
hydraulic modeling components.
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2.7 Grid Cell Size
Two-dimensional hydraulic modeling with HEC-RAS is based on a computational mesh that

preprocesses hydraulic property tables from the underlying terrain. This retains the detail of the
terrain instead of averaging the terrain into one elevation value per cell. Selecting the grid cell
size for a 2D flow area is an iterative process that depends on the underlying terrain, velocity of
flow, and the overall size of the model. For the 2016 LAR FPMS 1D/2D hydraulic model, 250-
foot grids were developed and a computational time step of 2 seconds is used to meet the
Courant conditions for model stability. There are approximately ninety-two hundred grid cells in
the computational mesh. While the grid cell size was set to 250 feet x 250 feet (structured square
grids), some grid cells are unstructured (not square) and have less than 250-foot grid cell size.
2.8 Lateral Structures
Lateral structures were used to connect channel cross-sections with the overbank area. Lateral
structures can represent the top of a levee. Lateral structures use the standard weir equation to
calculate the amount of flow that overtops the channel bank and enters the overbank area.
2.9 Break Lines
Break lines are added to a 2D computational mesh in order to align the cell edges with high
ground. Aligning the cell edges with high ground ensures that barriers to flow such as berms,
levees, and roadway embankments are correctly represented in the computational mesh. Without
break lines flow may cross a high ground barrier prematurely, thus inaccurately representing the
flood inundation extents. ArcGIS was used to develop a shapefile of the break lines to add to the
HEC-RAS model. Over fifty break lines were added in order to refine the computational mesh.
These locations include, but are not limited to, major roads and embankments. Plates 9 to 11
displays the locations of all break lines added to the computational mesh.
2.10 Roughness Coefficients
The selection process for the Manning’s roughness coefficients (“n” value) varies based on many
parameters such as vegetation type and density and soil surface conditions. Manning’s “n” values
are used to estimate the friction between the water and the ground surface, and a higher value
indicates more surface roughness. Determining Manning’s “n” values can be accomplished
through various levels of analysis including the use of a single value for the entire watershed 2D
computational mesh or manually digitizing regions of different terrain classifications and
assigning Manning’s “n” values.
The hydraulic model uses horizontally varying Manning’s “n” values across the main channel for
the reaches that have natural soft bottom inverts in the channel cross-sections (1D portion). The
natural bottom reaches, which include areas of dense vegetation and sediment deposition, have
Manning’s “n” values based on Chow’s Open Channel Hydraulics (Reference K) as follows:
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 0.035 – Clean Straight, Full, no rifts or deep pools, more stones and weeds
 0.06 – Light brush and trees
 0.11 – Heavy stands of timber, few down trees, little undergrowth, and flow into
branches.
Manning’s “n” values were selected using site visit and aerial photos. The concrete lined sections
of the hydraulic model were assigned a Manning’s “n” value of 0.014 (concrete-lined, smooth)
based on As-Built construction drawings and pertinent data tables for the LAR. For the 2D mesh,
a Manning's “n” value of 0.12 was used for the overbank areas based on the HEC-RAS 2D
Modeling User Manual (Reference L) and is consistent with the previous study USACE Corps
Water Management System (CWMS) model for the LACDA Watershed (Reference M).
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2.11 Bridges
Twenty-five bridges cross the LAR within the study area. The bridge parameters were
determined from plan and profile drawings, field measurements, and previous hydraulic models.
Table 4 presents a list of the bridges that cross the LAR within the study area.
Table 4. Bridges in Study Area
River Number Bridge

Bridge
Station of Piers Method
682+24 Barham Boulevard 4 X

661+97 Warner Brothers Studio Gate #7 0 X
596+22 State Route 134 Freeway 1 X
529+43 Riverside Drive / Victory Boulevard 4 Y
515+90 Interstate 5 Freeway 2 Y
431+85 Colorado Boulevard 2 Y
359+31 Los Feliz Boulevard 5 X
336+95 Sunnynook Drive (Pedestrian Bridge) 6 Y
326+00 Glendale Boulevard - Hyperion Avenue 5 X
283+78 Fletcher Drive 6 Y
271+11 State Route 2 Freeway 4 Y
143+64 Interstate 5 Freeway 1 X
136+76 Riverside Drive 1 X
134+04 Union Pacific Railroad 1 X
110+96 MTA Railroad 2 X
102+52 North Broadway 2 X
97+78 North Spring Street 1 X
86+42 North Main Street 2 X
38+15 Cesar Chavez Avenue 0 X
30+13 United States Route 101 0 X
10+69 First Street 1 X
Bridge Method X. Modeled as a lidded cross-section with blocked obstructions for piers
and debris on piers.
Bridge Method Y. Modeled as bridge and used floating debris feature at piers.
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2.11.1 Bridge Piers
Table 4 presents the list of bridges and the number of piers for each. Based on Los Angeles
District Hydrology & Hydraulics Policy Memorandum No. 4 (Reference N), 2 feet of floating
debris was added to each side of all piers that measure 6 feet or less in width (transverse
direction). For piers with sloping noses, the debris depth was set to 6 feet below the water
surface elevation. Floating debris was not added to piers greater than 6 feet in width.
The policy memorandum is based on experience from past floods and physical model studies that
indicate sloping pier extensions in high velocity flows are quite effective in moving debris up the
slope out of the water and thereby preventing significant debris accumulation. Plates 9 to 11
display the locations of the bridges that cross the LAR within the study area.
2.11.2 Bridge Modeling Approach
For low flow conditions, the bridge modeling approach for bridges without piers was set to the
Energy Only (Standard Step) computational method. For bridges with piers, the highest energy
solution between: (1) Energy Only (Standard Step), (2) Momentum, and (3) Yarnell (Class A
only) was selected.
For high flow conditions, the Energy Only (Standard Step) method was used for bridges that
have sufficient freeboard between the bridge soffit and the water surface and the pressure and/or
weir method was used for bridges that are likely to experience pressurized flow and/or weir flow
during a high flow event.
2.11.3 Changes from Previous Hydraulic Models
The 2016 LAR FPMS 1D/2D hydraulic model includes three changes in how bridges are
modeled compared to previous hydraulic models for the LAR. Riverside Drive was updated
based on USACE 408 permit number EE2009-036 drawings (Reference O) and is currently
under construction as of October 2016.
All upstream and downstream cross-sections were moved away from the bridge faces. Cross-
sections spaced/located too closely together can overestimate energy loss, precipitate errors, and
may eventually lead to numerical instability. The cross-section elevations were adjusted
appropriately based on changes in the invert slopes. By moving the cross-sections further than 1
foot from the bridge face (as previously modeled), water surface elevations are calculated more
efficiently within HEC-RAS, which improves the hydraulic calculations at the bridges.
The third change included converting all bridge data within the concrete invert sections to lidded
cross-sections with piers modeled as blocked obstructions. Pier debris was modeled as a blocked
obstruction as required based on Los Angeles District Hydrology & Hydraulics Policy
Memorandum No. 4 (Reference N). This method of modeling bridges allows for improved model
stability for unsteady analysis in concrete reaches.
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2.12 Flow Data
The 2016 LAR FPMS 1D/2D hydraulic model was set up to include hydrographs for the 1%
ACE (100-year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) events as requested by the City of Los Angeles for
the purposes of floodplain mapping. The hydrographs used in the 2D hydraulic analysis are
based on the 1% ACE (100-year) two-day baseline condition hydrographs at concentration points
(CPs) along the LAR. Concentration points are based on the 1991 Los Angeles County Drainage
Area Final Feasibility Interim Report (Reference E). Table 5 presents the CPs for the study area.
Table 5. Concentration Points near Study Area
Concentration
Description
Point
12 Los Angeles River below Tujunga Wash
125 Los Angeles River at Barham Boulevard
Los Angeles River below Burbank
BW
Western
17 Los Angeles River below Verdugo Wash
201 Los Angeles River at Sycamore Wash
21 Los Angeles River below Arroyo Seco
Hydrographs for Los Angeles River below Tujunga Wash (CP 12), Los Angeles River below
Verdugo Wash (CP 17), and Los Angeles River below Arroyo Seco (CP 21) were used in the
hydraulic analysis. Flow hydrographs for CP 12, CP 17, and CP 21 are presented in Figures 1, 2,
and 3, respectively. These three 1% ACE (100-year) flood hydrographs were used to ratio up the
peak discharges (both 1% ACE (100-year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) events) presented in Table
1 and were used to generate the hydrographs for the 2016 LAR FPMS 1D/2D model.
The Los Angeles River below Tujunga Wash hydrograph was interpolated (based on peak
discharge) for the inflow hydrograph at the upstream extent of the hydraulic model. Since the
upstream boundary for the hydraulic model is downstream from the concentration point, the
flood hydrographs were interpolated based on the increase in peak discharge from the
concentration point to the upstream boundary above Barham Boulevard. Barham Boulevard is
nearly 3 miles downstream from the concentration point. Figure 4 displays the 1% ACE (100-
year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) flood hydrographs.
The tributaries along the study reach (Burbank Western Channel, Verdugo Wash, and Arroyo
Seco) are modeled as lateral inflows. Tributary backwater flows are not captured in the model for
these reaches as all flooding is due to flow from the LAR. The hydrographs for these lateral
inflows were created by taking the difference discharge from the upstream hydrograph and the
lateral inflow location hydrograph. Lateral inflows are assumed to be the coincident inflow of all
tributaries and include local drainage at the respective concentration point. The lateral inflow
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hydrographs are displayed in Figures 5 to 7. Table 6 presents the hydraulic model external
boundary conditions.
Table 6. Hydraulic Model External Boundary Conditions

1% ACE 0.2% ACE
River
Reach Description Coincident Peak Coincident Peak
Station
Discharge (cfs) Discharge (cfs)
Upstream Boundary Condition
Reach 1 692+94 76,800 103,000
Inflow Hydrograph
Lateral Inflow Downstream of
Reach 2 548+45 12,100 15,000
Burbank-Western Confluence
Reach 3 475+68 24,550 32,050
Verdugo Wash Confluence
Reach 7 128+71 25,000 30,250
Arroyo Seco Confluence
Discharges in cfs from Hydrology Appendix to 1991 LACDA Feasibility Study
2.13 Boundary Conditions
Boundary conditions are necessary to establish the starting water surface at the ends of the river
system (upstream and downstream). In order to keep the peak flow and volumes of the flooding
events, scaled 1% ACE (100-year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) flood hydrographs (See Figure 4)
were calculated for the upstream boundary condition using the 1% ACE (100-year) flood
hydrograph for the Los Angeles River below Tujunga Wash (CP 12) flood hydrograph. The
downstream boundary condition was set to normal depth. Table 6 presents the peak discharges
for the 1% ACE (100-year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) for the upstream boundary condition and
lateral inflows. Numerous side drains enter the LAR within the study area. These smaller inflows
from the side drains are accounted for in the main channel flow and are not accounted for
individually. Water surface elevations in the LAR may impact storm drain hydraulics.
2.14 Flow Regime
Mixed flow regime was used because concrete lined channel segments tend to flow supercritical
and natural channel segments tend to flow subcritical. The hydraulic model output, which was
used to define the flood profiles and the overflow boundaries, reflects a mixed flow regime with
both supercritical and subcritical flow.
2.15 Ineffective Flow Areas
Ineffective flow areas were used in the 1D channel cross-sections portion of the model to
account for non-conveying flow areas near bridges and tributaries and in locations that
experienced sudden contraction or expansion of flow. Such areas were determined using aerial
photography, contours, topographic survey data, and engineering judgment.
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70,000
Max 1% ACE: 64,500 cfs

60,000
1% ACE (100‐year)
50,000
40,000
Flow (cfs)
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Time (Hours)
Notes: Los Angeles County Drainage Area Final Feasibility Final Report, Appendix A Part I & II Hydrology, December 1991
FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES SPECIAL STUDY
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
LOS ANGELES RIVER FPMS REACH Base Condition 1% ACE Hydrographs LOS ANGELES DISTRICT
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
Figure 1. Los Angeles River below Tujunga Wash – CP 12
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100,000
Max 1% ACE: 94,600 cfs

90,000
1% ACE (100‐Year)
80,000
70,000
60,000
Flow (cfs)
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Time (Hours)
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
Figure 2. Los Angeles River below Verdugo Wash – CP 17
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120,000
110,000
Max 1% ACE: 109,000 cfs 1% ACE (100‐year)
100,000
90,000
80,000
70,000
Flow (cfs)
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Time (Hours)
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
Figure 3. Los Angeles River below Arroyo Seco – CP 21
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110,000
100,000
1% ACE (100‐year)
0.2% ACE (500‐year)
90,000 Max 1% ACE: 76,800 cfs
Max 0.2% ACE: 103,000 cfs
80,000
70,000
60,000
Flow (cfs)
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Time (Hour)
Notes: Barham Blvd 1% and 0.2% ACE hydrographs interpolated from the Los Angeles River below Tujunga Wash 1% ACE (100-year) hydrograph
LOS ANGELES RIVER FPMS REACH 1% and 0.2% ACE Hydrographs LOS ANGELES DISTRICT
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
Figure 4. Los Angeles River Upstream Boundary Condition upstream of Barham Boulevard
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16,000
Max 500-year: 15,000 cfs

14,000
1% ACE (100‐year)
0.2% ACE (500‐year)
12,000
10,000
Flow (cfs)
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Time (Hours)
Notes: Difference between Barham Blvd and Burbank Western 1% ACE (100-year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) hydrographs
LOS ANGELES RIVER FPMS REACH Lateral Inflow 1% and 0.2% ACE Hydrographs LOS ANGELES DISTRICT
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
Figure 5. Lateral Inflow Downstream of Burbank Western Confluence
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35,000
30,000
1% ACE (100‐year)
0.2% ACE (500‐year)

25,000
20,000
Flow (cfs)
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Time (Hours)
Notes: Difference between Burbank-Western and Verdugo Wash 1% ACE (100-year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) hydrographs
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
Figure 6. Lateral Inflow Downstream of Verdugo Wash
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35,000
30,000
Max 100 yr: 25,000 cfs
Max 500 yr: 30,250 cfs 1% ACE (100‐year)
0.2% ACE (500‐year)
25,000
20,000
Flow (cfs)
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Time (Hours)
Notes: Difference between Verdugo Wash and Arroyo Seco 1% ACE (100-year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) hydrographs
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
Figure 7. Lateral Inflow Downstream of Arroyo Seco Confluence
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3.0 FLOODPLAIN ANALYSES
Inundation maps were generated for the 1% ACE (100-year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) floods
for the existing condition, which includes vegetation in the natural bottom channel reaches. The
model results were used to delineate floodplains using RAS Mapper which is a HEC mapping
and visualization feature within HEC-RAS. The resulting inundation boundaries and flow depth
grids were inspected to ensure that the inundated areas represent the expected flooding. The
maximum flow depth grids were created using the unsteady-state hydraulic analysis. The
floodplain maps only display inundation depths equal to or greater than 1 foot flow depth. Table
7 lists the points of interest along the study reach, and Plates 6 to 8 show the points of interest
along the study reach. The proposed Atwater Bridge is not included in the hydraulic model.
Table 7. Points of Interest along the Study Reach
Number Location / Description Number Location / Description

1 Barham Boulevard 17 Los Feliz Golf Course
2 Buena Vista Street 18 Sunnynook Pedestrian Bridge
3 Headworks Reservoir 19 Rattlesnake Park
4 Pollywog Park 20 Glenhurst Park
5 Los Angeles Equestrian Center 21 Marsh Park
6 Railroad Museum 22 Taylor Yard
7 Bette Davis Park 23 Rio de Los Angeles State Park
8 Ferraro Fields 24 Steelhead Park
9 Los Angeles Zoo 25 Oso Park
10 Brazil Street 26 Egret Park
11 Harding Golf Course 27 Confluence Park
12 Griffith Park Golf Course 28 Cornfields
13 Los Angeles Reclamation Plant 29 Downey Recreation Center
14 Crystal Springs Picnic Area 30 Los Angeles State Historic Park
15 North Atwater Park 31 MWD Parking Lot
32 Piggyback Yard
16 Proposed Atwater Bridge Site
33 First Street
3.1 1% ACE (100-year) Flood Overview
The existing conditions 1% ACE (100-year) floodplain has seven flood overtopping areas within
the FPMS Reach, corresponding to the vegetated reaches of the LAR aside for the overtopping
location near the Headworks Reservoir project, which occurs in the concrete lined portion of the
FPMS Reach. The overtopping locations are described in Section 3.2. Figure 8 provides an
overview of each overtopping location. Plate 12 displays an overview of the FPMS Reach,
providing a grid index for the detailed floodplain maps displayed on Plates 13 to 25, which have
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1 inch = 500 feet mapping scale. The floodplain maps only display inundation depths equal to or
greater than 1 foot based on FEMA requirements for floodplain mapping.
Figure 8. Los Angeles River 1% ACE (100-year) Flood: Overtopping Locations
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3.2 1% ACE (100-year) Floodplain Analysis
3.2.1 Right (South) Bank – Headworks Reservoir
From Barham Boulevard to the Burbank Western Channel Confluence (including Reach 1), the
LAR is overtopped at multiple locations with flooding occurring along the channel banks. The
flooding in this area mostly re-enter the main channel without inundating structures.
The first overtopping location occurs just upstream from the Headworks Reservoir project as
overflow enters the excavated area with flow depths up to 15 feet along the right (south) bank.
The Headworks Reservoir is an active construction project as of October 2016, and the LARIAC
terrain provided by the City of Los Angeles shows the project area as an excavated pit (which is
not the final project condition). The volume of overtopping flow for the 1% ACE (100-year)
flood at this location is insignificant. The site conditions (excavated pit versus construction
completed) at the Headworks Reservoir would not likely impact the floodplain for the 1% ACE
(100-year) flood. Flooding along the left (north) bank inundates a vegetated area between the
channel and the California State Route 134 Freeway (SR-134) with flow depths up to 3 feet.
Plates 13 and 14 display the 1% ACE (100-year) floodplain for this area.
3.2.2 Right (South) and Left (North) Bank - Riverside Drive / Victory Boulevard
The second overtopping location occurs between the Burbank Western Channel Confluence and
the Verdugo Wash Confluence (Reach 2), which has flow depths up to 20 feet in the overbank
areas on the north and south sides of the channel. Reach 2 of the LAR has dense vegetation in the
channel and includes the Riverside Drive / Victory Boulevard and I-5 bridge crossings.
The flooded area includes the residential community along the north bank between the Burbank
Western Channel and the I-5 Bridge, including Bette Davis Park. Along the south bank (right
bank looking downstream), the floodplain shows inundation of the SR-134 Freeway and Zoo
Drive in Griffith Park, including the Railroad Museum (Plate 15). The overbank flow also
impacts Ferraro Fields with flow depths up to 5 feet (Plate 16).
The overbank flooding along the right (south bank) that began near Riverside Drive bridge
crossing continues to flow along Zoo Drive in Griffith Park, inundating parking areas for the Los
Angeles Zoo and stretches of I-5 and SR-134 (Plate 16). The overbank flooding continues along
the right (west) bank for approximately 2.5 miles before the flows re-enter the LAR. Interstate 5
would be impacted with flood waters during a 1% ACE (100-year) flood. Griffith Park including
the golf course has flood depths up to 20 feet in this area (Plates 16 and 17).
3.2.3 Left (East) Bank – Downstream of Verdugo Wash Confluence
The third overtopping location occurs along the left (east) bank (looking downstream) in Reach 4
approximately 0.5 miles downstream from the Verdugo Wash Confluence when the channel
transitions from concrete lined in Reach 3 to soft bottom (with dense vegetation) in Reach 4 near
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Brazil Street. The overbank flooding extends downstream to Los Feliz Boulevard with flow
depths up to 15 feet. The impacted area includes residential houses, commercial buildings,
Atwater Park, the Los Angeles Reclamation Plant, and Los Feliz Golf Course. The overbank
flooding inundates a large section of Los Feliz Boulevard before re-entering the channel shortly
downstream (Plates 16 to 18).
3.2.4 Right (West) Bank – Griffith Park Area
A fourth overtopping location occurs on the right (west) bank approximately 2,000 feet upstream
from Los Feliz Boulevard, inundating Griffith Park and I-5 with flow depths up to 15 feet (Reach
4). The overbank flooding extends approximately 1.5 miles downstream before re-entering the
channel downstream from the Glendale Boulevard Bridge crossing (Plates 18 and 19). Interstate
5 would be inundated with flood depths up to 15 feet from the stretch that begins upstream of
Los Feliz Boulevard southward past Glendale Boulevard.
3.2.5 Left (East) Bank – North of Glendale Boulevard
A fifth overtopping location occurs north of the Glendale Boulevard Bridge crossing along the
left (east) bank with flow depths up to 15 feet. The impacted area (Reach 5) includes residential
houses. The inundated area extends approximately 2,000 feet and ponds alongside the channel
(Plate 19). The overbank flooding from the fifth overtopping location would likely connect with
the overbank flooding from the third overtopping location for flood events less frequent than the
1% ACE (100-year) flood. The overbank flooding ponds at the southern end at Glendale
Boulevard.
3.2.6 Left (East) Bank – Glendale Boulevard to State Route 2 Freeway
A sixth overtopping location occurs in Reach 5 (vegetated channel reach) along the left (east)
bank between Glendale Boulevard and Silver Lake Boulevard, inundating residential homes. The
overbank flooding ponds in this area behind the levee with flow depths up to 15 feet, extending
downstream past Fletcher Drive to the SR-2 Freeway (Plates 19 and 20).
3.2.7 Right (West) Bank – State Route 2 Freeway
A seventh overtopping location occurs in Reach 6 (vegetated channel reach) along the right
(west) bank between Fletcher Drive and SR-2 with flow depths up to 5 feet in the residential
community. The overbank flooding occurs downstream of the SR-2 Freeway Bridge and
inundates residential and commercial areas with flow depths up to 15 feet. The flooding extends
approximately 2.5 miles along the right (west) bank downstream from SR-2 to the I-5 Bridge
crossing. The inundated area impacts several streets and houses along the right (west) bank and
extends westward to I-5 (Plates 20 to 22).
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Hydraulics Report
Downstream from the I-5 Bridge near the Arroyo Seco Confluence, the flows stay in the channel
through Reaches 7 and 8 (concrete-lined) downstream to the end of the study area at First Street
(Plates 22 to 25).
3.3 0.2% ACE (500-year) Flood Overview
Floodplain delineations for the 0.2% ACE (500-year) flood are displayed on Plates 26 to 39.
Plate 26 displays an overview of the FPMS Reach, providing a grid index for the detailed
floodplain maps displayed on Plates 27 to 39, which display floodplains with 1 inch = 500 feet
mapping scale. The existing conditions 0.2% ACE (500-year) floodplain has seven overtopping
locations within the FPMS Reach. These correspond to concrete-lined and vegetated reaches of
the LAR.
3.4 0.2% ACE (500-year) Floodplain Analysis
The overtopping locations are similar to those from the 1% ACE (100-year) flood shown in
Figure 8. The 0.2% ACE (500-year) floodplains have similar overtopping locations as the seven
overtopping locations discussed in the 1% ACE (100-year) floodplain analysis and have larger
inundated areas with increased flow depths compared to the 1% ACE (100-year) floodplains.
3.4.1 Right (South) Bank – Headworks Reservoir
Minor overtopping flow along the channel banks occurs from Barham Boulevard to Buena Vista
Street (upstream from Reach 1). The first overtopping location for the 0.2% ACE (500-year)
flood occurs at the Headworks Reservoir construction project (Reach 1) along the south (right)
bank. The volume of overtopping flow for the 0.2% ACE (500-year) flood at this location is
significant compared to the 1% ACE (100-year) flood. The site condition (excavated pit versus
construction completed) at the Headworks Reservoir could impact the floodplain since the
LARIAC terrain provided by the City of Los Angeles shows the project area as an excavated pit,
which could misrepresent floodplain storage. The flow depths reach up to 20 feet in the project
area and inundate a portion of Forest Lawn Drive. Overbank flooding along the left (north) bank
in the same area inundates a vegetated area between the channel and the SR-134 Freeway with
flow depths up to 5 feet. Plates 27 and 28 display the 0.2% ACE (500-year) floodplain for this
area.
3.4.2 Right (South) and Left (North) Bank - Riverside Drive
The second overtopping location occurs along the left (north) bank in Reach 1 just upstream
from the Burbank Western Channel Confluence with flow depths up to 10 feet in the Los
Angeles Equestrian Center. The channel in this reach is concrete lined. The inundated area
extends east to I-5, inundating residential areas and Bette Davis Park with flow depths up to 20
feet. The natural bottom channel with dense vegetation begins just downstream from the
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confluence. The floodplain in Reach 2 is similar to the 1% ACE (100-year) flood along the right
(south) bank (Plates 28 and 29) with a larger inundation extent.
3.4.3 Between Verdugo Wash and Arroyo Seco Confluences
The overtopping locations along Reaches 4, 5 and 6 from Brazil Street to I-5 (Between Verdugo
Wash and Arroyo Seco Confluences) are similar to the flooding described in the 1% ACE (100-
year) floodplain analysis. The flow depths in these area are up to 20 feet, impacting commercial
and residential areas, freeways, major roads, and public park areas. Plates 30 to 36 display the
floodplains for Reaches 4, 5, and 6.
The 0.2% ACE (500-year) flood does not overtop the channel bank in Reaches 7 and 8 from
Arroyo Seco to the downstream study area limits near First Street (Plates 36 to 39). The channel
in this area is concrete lined and near channel capacity. The flow is within the freeboard zone,
but does not break out of the channel. Freeboard is the residual bank height above the calculated
water surface elevation and freeboard requirements are presented in Table 2.
3.5 Comparison to Previous Floodplains
The most noticeable difference between the floodplains presented along with this document and
those produced in 1991 (References D, E, and F) is the large inundation area that has been
removed in the current 1% ACE event (100-yr) and the 0.2% ACE (500-yr) in the downtown
area from North Broadway to First Street. The hydraulic model results were closely scrutinized,
and it was determined the volume and duration for flow exceeding the channel capacity was not
sufficient to generate the relatively large inundation areas. The flow exceeding channel capacity
was determined to cause street flooding close to the channel and be non-damaging. The flooding
is a result of the dense vegetation in the channel. Plates 40 to 42 display the base condition 1%
ACE (100-year) and 0.2% ACE (500-year) floodplains from the 1991 Los Angeles County
Drainage Area Final Feasibility Interim Report (References D, E, and F). The current FEMA
flood maps by contrast, show that all flow for the 100-year event stays within the channel
throughout the project reach. Portions of the FEMA maps have not been updated since the early
1980’s and were determined to not represent current conditions.
3.6 Conclusion
The FPMS study floodplain analysis for the 1% ACE (100-year) and 0.2 % ACE (500-year)
floods shows significant flooding in the overbanks of the LAR at multiple locations from
Barham Boulevard upstream to the Arroyo Seco Confluence downstream. The floodplain results
were a result of 1D/2D hydraulic analysis using HEC-RAS 5.0.1. Flow does not break out of the
LAR downstream from the Arroyo Seco Confluence for either the 1% ACE (100-year) or 0.2%
ACE (500-year) floods, which is different from the 1991 base condition floodplains displayed on
Plates 40 to 42. Flood mitigation options are not addressed in this report.
30
Hydraulics Report
The City of Los Angeles intends to prepare a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) application to
FEMA with the technical data for floodplain analysis that is provided in this report. FEMA may
require levee owner(s) to certify the existing levee and/or explain in detail the technical data used
in the study. The purpose of the LOMR is for re-delineation of the 1% ACE (100-year)
floodplain for the LAR within the study reach.
3.6.1 1% ACE (100-year) Flood
The City of Los Angeles estimates that nearly 4,000 parcels are impacted by the 1% ACE (100-
year) floodplain. The average flood depths in the overbank areas are between 5 to 10 feet, with a
maximum of 18 feet in Griffith Park. The approximate area of inundation is 1,100 acres.
3.6.2 0.2% ACE (500-year) Flood
The City of Los Angeles estimates that more than 4,000 parcels are impacted by the 0.2% ACE
(500-year) floodplain. The average flood depths in the overbank areas are between 5 to 15 feet,
with a maximum of 22 feet in Griffith Park. The approximate area of inundation is 1,400 acres.
31
Hydraulics Report
32
Hydraulics Report
4.0 REFERENCES
A. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Upper Los Angeles River, Los
Angeles County Drainage Area, Stormwater Management Plan, July 2005.
B. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Topographic Survey – Los Angeles
River, 2008.
C. Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition Consortium, LiDAR Topographic Survey –
Los Angeles River, 2005.
D. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Los Angeles County Drainage Area
Final Feasibility Final Report, December 1991.
E. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Los Angeles County Drainage Area
Final Feasibility Final Report, Appendix A Part I & II Hydrology, December 1991.
F. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Los Angeles County Drainage Area
Final Feasibility Final Report, Appendix B Hydraulics, December 1991.
G. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Upper Los Angeles River – Reach 2
hydraulic models, Los Angeles County Drainage Area, 2005.
H. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Los Angeles River Stormwater
Management Plan hydraulic model, Upper Los Angeles River – Reach 2, 2008.
I. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Los Angeles River Ecosystem
Restoration Study hydraulic model, 2012.
J. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Los Angeles River Channel
Assessment Engineering Report, 2016.
K. Chow, V. T., Open Channel Hydraulics, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1959.
L. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hydrologic Engineering Center, HEC-RAS, River
Analysis System Hydraulic Reference Manual, February 2016.
M. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Los Angeles County Drainage Area
(LACDA) Corps Water Management System (CWMS) hydraulic model, 2015.
N. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Hydrology & Hydraulics Policy
Memorandum No. 4, August 2004.
O. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, 408 Permit # EE2009-036, April
2009.
P. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Memorandum - Vegetation
Clearing in Los Angeles River – Burbank Western Channel to Arroyo Seco, for USACE
Operations Branch, dated 17 March 2004.
33
Hydraulics Report
34
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Eastern
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134
Los
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}
|
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134
Barham Blvd
Ang
Legend
ele
s R
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|
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2
LAR FPMS Reach
ive
Los Angeles River
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Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 01 Arbor Reach Location.mxd
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#
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ec
oS
oy
Sources:
Ar r
101
Imagery Background:
3
1 ESRI ArcGIS Online Basemap Sources
Copyright:© 2015
³
Index Map:
World Street Map, Sources: ESRI
http://Services.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/service
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
State Plane California V (FIPS 405, Feet)
Datum: NAD 1983
0 2,750 5,500 11,000

Feet
1 in = 5,500 ft
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES
þ
}
|
·110
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#10 SPECIAL STUDY LOS ANGELES RIVER
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
First St
LOS ANGELES RIVER
FPMS REACH
LOCATION MAP
$
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!
#
10

LOS ANGELES DISTRICT
October 2016 Plate 1

#
0 E F o rk SG R
#
0
#
0
#
0
#
0
#
0 Legend
#
0 #
0 0
# #
0#0 # #
0 #
0 #
0 LA County Dam
#
0 0
#
0 #
0 USACE Dam
#
0 Pacoima Wash
0 #
# 0
#
0
Rio Hondo Diversion Ch
#
0
Rio Hondo River
San Gabriel River

0 #
# 0 Tujunga Wash
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 02 LACDA.mxd
101
3
1 Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
³
LACDA Watershed
Boundary
#
0 FPMS Study Area
# #
0 0 2.5 5 10
0 Miles
1 in = 5 miles

SPECIAL STUDY LOS ANGELES RIVER
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
Sources:
LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Imagery Background:
ESRI ArcGIS Online Basemap Sources
DRAINAGE AREA
Copyright:© 2015
Index Map:
http://Services.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/service (LACDA)
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983

Note:
Sycamore Wash is below

Pacoima
ground and enters the LA River
Dam
#
0 via a side drain. Stream alignment
is not shown on map.
Big
Lopez Dam Tujunga
Dam
#
0
aW
#
0
im
co
Pa
Hansen Dam Legend
#
0
#
0 LA County Dam
W
n #
0 USACE Dam
ga
ju
Tu E Concentration Points
Ve
Los Angeles River
rd
B
ur
ug
LACDA Channels
ba
o
Devils
nk
W
LACDA Watershed
as
W
Gate Dam Eaton Wash
es
h
Boundary
t
Debris
er
#
0 #
0
FPMS Study Area
A r r oy o
Sepulveda Dam Basin #
0
Sierra
#
0
Li
Sources:
#
tt
#
0 0
le
Sa
n
Madre Debris
Imagery Background:
ta
An
S ec o
i ta
CP-BW
E Copyright:© 2015
Basin
Ck
³
CP-17
E Index Map:
E CP-125
E World Street Map, Sources: ESRI
CP-12 http://Services.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/service
Lo
Copyright:© 2015
s
Coordinate System:
Document Path: D:\GIS\LARR\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 03.mxd
A
Datum: NAD 1983
ng
0 1.25 0 2.5
# 5
el
E Miles
CP-201
Arcadia
es
Santa Monica Mountains 1 in = 2.5 miles
W
NUMBER NAME R
iv
CP-12 Los Angeles River bl Tujunga Wash er
E FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
CP-21
CP-125 Los Angeles River at Barham Blvd.
CP-17 Los Angeles River bl Verdugo Wash LACDA AND
CP-201 Los Angeles River at Sycamore Wash LAR FPMS STUDY AREA
CP-21 Los Angeles River bl Arroyo Seco
CP-BW Los Angeles River bl Burbank Western U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
#
0 #
0
Note:
rn
Eastern
ste
- Soft Bottom Invert Reaches
e
Use 2008 USACE Survey Data
nkW
Arro y o S e
- Concrete Invert Reaches
nk
B ur ba
Use As-built Construction Plans
rba
Verdugo Wash
- Overbank Areas
Bu
Use 2006 LARIAC Survey Data
co
Brazil Street
Barham Blvd
Legend
Los Feliz Blvd Soft Bottom Invert
Section
Concrete Invert
Section
Glendale Blvd Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 04 River Survey Map.mxd
o
LARIAC Topo
c
Se
Boundary
o
oy
Ar r
³
Interstate 5
0 2,750 5,500 11,000

Feet
1 in = 5,500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
First St
Sources:
Imagery Background:
LOS ANGELES RIVER

Copyright:© 2015
Index Map:
World Street Map, Sources: ESRI SURVEY SOURCES
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983

Legend
LAR FPMS Reach
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
Grid Index
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 05 Overview.mxd
Sources:
Imagery Background:
Copyright:© 2015
³
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983
0 0.75 1.5 3
Miles
1 in = 1.5 miles

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
LOS ANGELES RIVER

GRID INDEX
OVERVIEW


Legend
1 Points of Interest
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
Reach 1 Reach 4
Reach 2 Reach 5
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 06 POI Grid Index A.mxd
Upstream Limits Reach 3

Barham Blvd
Sources:
NUMBER NAME Imagery Background:

1 Barham Blvd Copyright:© 2015
³
2 Buena Vista St Index Map:
3 Headworks http://Services.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/service
Copyright:© 2015
4 Pollywog Park Coordinate System:
5 Los Angeles Equestrian Center

Datum: NAD 1983
6 Railroad Museum
7 Bette Davis Park 0 1,250 2,500 5,000
8 Ferraro Fields Feet
9 L.A. Zoo 1 in = 2,500 ft
10 Brazil St.
11 Harding Golf Course SPECIAL STUDY LOS ANGELES RIVER
12 Grifith Park Golf Course FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
13 Los Angeles Reclamation Plant

14 Crystal Springs Picnic Area LOS ANGELES RIVER
15 North Atwater Park POINTS OF INTEREST
16 Atwater Bridge (future) INDEX GRID A
17 Los Feliz Golf Course
18 Sunnynook Pedestrian Bridge U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Legend
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
Reach 4 Reach 6
Reach 5 Reach 7
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 07 POI Grid Index B.mxd
Sources:
Imagery Background:
NUMBER NAME
Copyright:© 2015
³
Index Map:
14 Crystal Springs Picnic Area

15 North Atwater Park

Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
16 Atwater Bridge (future)

Datum: NAD 1983
17 Los Feliz Golf Course

18 Sunnynook Pedestrian Bridge 0 1,250 2,500 5,000
Feet
19 Rattlesnake Park
1 in = 2,500 ft
20 Glenhurst Park
21 Marsh Park SPECIAL STUDY LOS ANGELES RIVER
22 Taylor Yard FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
23 Rio de Los Angeles State Park LOS ANGELES RIVER

24 Steelhead Park POINTS OF INTEREST
25 Oso Park INDEX GRID B
26 Egret Park
27 Confluence Park U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Legend
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
Reach 6
Reach 7
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 08 POI Grid Index C.mxd
Reach 8
Sources:
Imagery Background:
Downstream Limits
Copyright:© 2015
³
First St
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983
NUMBER NAME 0 1,250 2,500 5,000

Feet
26 Egret Park
1 in = 2,500 ft
27 Confluence Park
28 Cornfields SPECIAL STUDY LOS ANGELES RIVER
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
29 Downey Recreation Center
30 Los Angeles State Historic Park LOS ANGELES RIVER
31 MWD Parking Lot POINTS OF INTEREST
INDEX GRID C
32 Piggyback Yard
33 First Street U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Note:
Break lines signify significant barriers to

flow such as levees, roads, natural
embankments, high ground between
main channel and overbank areas, and
hydraulic structures.
Legend
1 FPMS Bridges
E Concentration Points
Breaklines
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 09 Mesh and Bridges Grid Index A.mxd
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
Upstream Limits 2D Computational

Barham Blvd Mesh
Sources:
³
Imagery B ackground:
ESRI ArcGIS Online B asemap Sources
Copyright:© 2015
Index Map:
World S treet Map, Sources: ES RI
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
State Plane California V (FIP S 405, Feet)
Datum: NAD 1983
NUMBER NAME
0 1,250 2,500 5,000
1 Barham Blvd Feet
2 Warner Brothers Gate #7 1 in = 2,500 ft
3 State Route 134 Freeway FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES
4 Riverside Dr/Victory Blvd SPECIAL STUDY LOS ANGELES RIVER
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
5 Interstate 5 Freeway
6 State Route 134 Freeway LOS ANGELES RIVER
7 Colorado Blvd HYDRAULIC MODELING
8 Los Feliz Blvd ELEMENTS INDEX GRID A
9 Sunnynook Dr (Pedestrian Bridge)
10 Glendale Blvd - Hyperion Ave U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Note:

Legend
1 FPMS Bridges
Breaklines
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
2D Computational
Mesh
Document Path: C:\LARR\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 10 Mesh and Bridges Grid Index B.mxd
Sources:
³
Copyright:© 2015
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
NUMBER NAME
Datum: NAD 1983
8 Los Feliz Blvd 0 1,250 2,500 5,000

Feet
9 Sunnynook Dr (Pedestrian Bridge)
1 in = 2,500 ft
10 Glendale Blvd - Hyperion Ave
11 Fletcher Drive FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES
12 State Route 2 Freeway FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
14 Riverside Dr LOS ANGELES RIVER
15 Union Pacific Railroad HYDRAULIC MODELING
16 State Route 110 Freeway ELEMENTS INDEX GRID B
17 MTA Railroad
18 North Broadway U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Note:

Legend
1 FPMS Bridges
Breaklines
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 11 Mesh and Bridges Grid Index C.mxd
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
2D Computational
Mesh
Downstream Limits
Sources:
³
First St
Copyright:© 2015
Index Map:
NUMBER NAME
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
14 Riverside Dr
Datum: NAD 1983
15 Union Pacific Railroad 0 1,250 2,500 5,000

Feet
16 State Route 110 Freeway
1 in = 2,500 ft
17 MTA Railroad
18 North Broadway FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES
19 Spring St FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
20 Main St
21 Union Pacific Railroad LOS ANGELES RIVER
22 UPRR u/s Cesar Chavez Ave HYDRAULIC MODELING
23 Cesar Chavez Ave ELEMENTS INDEX GRID C
24 United States Route 101
25 First St U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

"
$
#
!5
þ
}
|
·
134
þ
}
|
·
134
Upstream End
of Study Area
Legend
þ
}
|
·
2
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
Major Roads
City Limits
Grid Index
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 12 Grid Index Overview.mxd
"
$
#
!5
Sources:
101
Imagery Background:
3
Copyright:© 2015
³
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983
0 2,750 5,500 11,000

Feet
1 in = 5,500 ft
þ
}
|
·110
$
"
!
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
LOS ANGELES RIVER

Downstream End 1% ACE FLOODPLAIN
of Study Area FPMS REACH
GRID INDEX OVERVIEW
$
"
!
#
10


2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
City Limits
1% ACE Floodplain (ft)
1-2 10 - 15
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 13 Grid Index 1.mxd
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 32
* Flow depths less than a foot are not shown
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
Sources: LOS ANGELES RIVER

ESRI ArcGIS Online B asemap Sources 1% ACE FLOODPLAIN
FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
Upstream End
GRID INDEX 1
Index Map:
of Study Area
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 2
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Levee
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
City Limits

1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
³
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 3
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
Bu ste
4
Ea
1
rb rn
an
5
k
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Levee
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
City Limits

1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
³
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 4
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Levee
Los Angeles River
City Limits

1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
³
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 5
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Levee
Los Angeles River
City Limits

1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
³
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 6
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Levee
Los Angeles River
City Limits

1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
³
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

Sources: FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
LOS ANGELES RIVER

Copyright:© 2015
Index Map:
World S treet Map, Sources: ES RI 1% ACE FLOODPLAIN
FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 7
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983


2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 8
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

LOS ANGELES RIVER

Copyright:© 2015
Index Map:
World S treet Map, Sources: ES RI 1% ACE FLOODPLAIN
FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 9
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983


2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 10
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 11
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 12
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River

Downstream End
of Study Area City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 32
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 13
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

"
$
#
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þ
}
|
·
134
þ
}
|
·
134
Upstream End
of Study Area
Legend
þ
}
|
·
2
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
Major Roads
City Limits
Grid Index
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 26 Grid Index Overview.mxd
"
$
#
!5
Sources:
101
Imagery Background:
3
Copyright:© 2015
³
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983
0 2,750 5,500 11,000

Feet
1 in = 5,500 ft
þ
}
|
·110
$
"
!
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
LOS ANGELES RIVER

Downstream End 0.2% ACE FLOODPLAIN
of Study Area FPMS REACH
GRID INDEX OVERVIEW
$
"
!
#
10


2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
City Limits
0.2% ACE Floodplain (ft)
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

ESRI ArcGIS Online B asemap Sources 0.2% ACE FLOODPLAIN
FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
Upstream End
GRID INDEX 1
Index Map:
of Study Area
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
Document Path: D:\GIS\LARR\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 28 Grid Index 2.mxd
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 2
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Levee
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
³
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 3
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
Bu ste
4
Ea
1
rb rn
an
5
k
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Levee
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
³
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 4
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Levee
Los Angeles River
City Limits

1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
³
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 5
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Levee
Los Angeles River
City Limits

1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
³
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 6
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Levee
Los Angeles River
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10
250 500
1 in = 500 ft

25 - 35
0 1,000
Feet
³
Sources:
FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
ESRI ArcGIS Online B asemap Sources LOS ANGELES RIVER
0.2% ACE FLOODPLAIN
Copyright:© 2015
Index Map:
FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
GRID INDEX 7
Datum: NAD 1983


2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Levee
Los Angeles River
City Limits

1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
³
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 8
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20- 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

LOS ANGELES RIVER

Copyright:© 2015
Index Map:
0.2% ACE FLOODPLAIN
FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983
GRID INDEX 9

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
City Limits

1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
³
3-5 20 - 25
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 10
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 11
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River
City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 12
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

2 3
1 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legend
! Station
Los Angeles River

Downstream End
of Study Area City Limits
1-2 10 - 15
2-3 15 - 20
3-5 20 - 25
³
5 - 10 25 - 35
0 250 500 1,000

Feet
1 in = 500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS

FPMS REACH
Copyright:© 2015
GRID INDEX 13
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015

Coordinate System:

Datum: NAD 1983

Legend
Document Path: P:\LARR\LAR ARBOR FPMS\GIS\MXDs\MXDs\Plate 40 Baseline Condition Floodplains 1991 LACDA Feasibility Study.mxd
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
1% ACE 1991 Base

Conditions
0.2% ACE 1991
Base Conditions
Sources:
Imagery Background:
Copyright:© 2015
³
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983
0 1,250 2,500 5,000

Feet
1 in = 2,500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
BASELINE CONDITION
FLOODPLAINS 1991
LACDA FEASIBILITY STUDY


Legend
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
1% ACE 1991 Base

Conditions
0.2% ACE 1991
Base Conditions
Sources:
Imagery Background:
Copyright:© 2015
³
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983
0 1,250 2,500 5,000

Feet
1 in = 2,500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
BASELINE CONDITION
FLOODPLAINS 1991


Legend
Los Angeles River
LACDA Channels
1% ACE 1991 Base

Conditions
0.2% ACE 1991
Base Conditions
Sources:
Imagery Background:
Copyright:© 2015
³
Index Map:
Copyright:© 2015
Coordinate System:
Datum: NAD 1983
0 1,250 2,500 5,000

Feet
1 in = 2,500 ft

FLOODPLAIN ANALYSIS
BASELINE CONDITION
FLOODPLAINS 1991


LAR FPMS Hydraulic Report FINAL October2016

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Los Angeles District

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Name: Adam J. Bier, P.E. Name: Robert D. Mrse, P.E.

Name: Victor J. Andreas, P.E. Name: Deanna D. Wilson

Report Reviewed By:

Name: Rene A. Vermeeren, P.E., D.WRE

Name: David L. Silvertooth, P.E., CFM

Name: Thomas R. Gambucci, P.E., CFM, D. WRE

Report Prepared for:

City of Los Angeles

1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF STUDY ........................................................................... 1

Table 1. Los Angeles River Design Peak Discharges..................................................................... 5

Figure 1. Los Angeles River below Tujunga Wash – CP 12 ........................................................ 17

Plate 1: Los Angeles River FPMS Reach Location Map

1.1 Overview and Study Authority

1.3 General Description of the Los Angeles County Drainage Area

1.4 Survey and Mapping

2.1 Hydrology Overview

Table 1. Los Angeles River Design Discharges

FPMS Reach Design

1,000 Feet Upstream of Burbank Western

Burbank Western Channel 1,000 Feet Downstream

Brazil Street (Downstream

Reach 5 Los Feliz Boulevard State Route 2 Freeway 78,000

2.3 Hydraulic Model Overview

2.3.1 Current Condition

2.3.2 Combined One-Dimensional and Two Dimensional Hydraulic Model

In 2D hydraulic modeling, flow is allowed to move in multiple directions based on geometric

Table 2. Study Reach Descriptions

FPMS Channel Invert

1,000 Feet Upstream of Burbank Western Channel

Table 3. Los Angeles River Design Discharge and Freeboard

2.6 Two-Dimensional Computational Mesh Extents

Two-dimensional hydraulic modeling with HEC-RAS is based on a computational mesh that

2.8 Lateral Structures

2.9 Break Lines

2.10 Roughness Coefficients

Table 4. Bridges in Study Area

River Number Bridge

682+24 Barham Boulevard 4 X

2.11.2 Bridge Modeling Approach

2.11.3 Changes from Previous Hydraulic Models

Table 5. Concentration Points near Study Area

Table 6. Hydraulic Model External Boundary Conditions

2.13 Boundary Conditions

2.14 Flow Regime

2.15 Ineffective Flow Areas

Max 1% ACE: 64,500 cfs

Figure 1. Los Angeles River below Tujunga Wash – CP 12

Max 1% ACE: 94,600 cfs

Figure 2. Los Angeles River below Verdugo Wash – CP 17

Figure 3. Los Angeles River below Arroyo Seco – CP 21

Max 500-year: 15,000 cfs

Figure 5. Lateral Inflow Downstream of Burbank Western Confluence

Max 100-year: 24,550 cfs

Figure 6. Lateral Inflow Downstream of Verdugo Wash

Figure 7. Lateral Inflow Downstream of Arroyo Seco Confluence

Table 7. Points of Interest along the Study Reach

Number Location / Description Number Location / Description

3.1 1% ACE (100-year) Flood Overview

Figure 8. Los Angeles River 1% ACE (100-year) Flood: Overtopping Locations

3.2.1 Right (South) Bank – Headworks Reservoir

3.2.3 Left (East) Bank – Downstream of Verdugo Wash Confluence