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8 Questions 8 Questions 8 Questions 8 Questions
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4 Questions 2 Questions Treatment
2 Questions

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(Depth)
Water Resources/Environmental
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40 Questions

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6 Questions 6 Questions
6 Questions
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Course Agenda
Section 1 - The Hydrologic Cycle 2

Section 2 - Probability 5

Section 3 - Precipitation 7

Section 4 - Rainfall Data and Graphs 11

Section 5 - Hydrographs 19

Section 6 - Time of Concentration 24

Section 7 - Estimating Peak Flow 28

Appendix 1 - Additional Example Problems

Appendix 2 - Reference Data

Page 1
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

1. The Hydrologic Cycle

The hydrologic cycle is the conceptual model that describes the movement of water
in all of its phases (gas, liquid, solid) from the Earth to the atmosphere and back to
the Earth.

The movement of water occurs by way of processes such as evaporation,

condensation, precipitation, deposition, runoff, infiltration, sublimation, transpiration,
melting and groundwater flow.

eoNMNurm

i
i
k X.
i ,H
lll'ilr--,,
nllniiTiii
‘ if IIMHH
A MC
mum
Sill
& j-hTlMUIl
III 11 ll.il It
rx

j S || 9 CwOMTUN

'LAKE

OCUN

Figure 1-1 The Hydrologic Cycle

Runoff is the total precipitation that reaches the ground minus the total losses:

R = P — G —T-E-S-l (Eqn. 1-1)

Change in storage is the total inflow minus total outflow:

P-(R + G + E+T + I) = S (Eqn. 1-2)

where:

R = Runoff
P = Precipitation
T = Transpiration
E = Evaporation
/ = Infiltration
S = Storage
G = Groundwater Flow

Page 2
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Breadth Example: Breadth 1

What is the combined evaporation and transpiration for a 5000 mi2 watershed for a
year in which it received 20 in. of precipitation and the average rate of flow in the
river draining the basin was 3000 cfs? The topoi, •H*U 'J ^ f ^f **F
I Ulu WUlO.Oi IOU to OUOli U ICH.
^ i-^.% s «L At- i-

the surface divide follows the groundwater divide and there are no lakes or
depressions.

a) 5 in/yr
b) 12 in/yr
c) 16 in/yr
d) 20 in/yr

Solution: From the problem statement, there is no groundwater outflow and no

storage in the basin. This means that S = 0 and G = 0.

P-(R + G + E + T) = S * P-R-0-E-T = 0 E+T=P-R

P = 20.0 in/yr

R = (3000 ft3/s1(24 hr/davM3600 s/hr1(365 dav/vrV12 in/ft) = 8.1 in/yr

(5000 mi2)(5280 ft/mi)2

E + T = 20.0 in/yr - 8.1 in/yr =11.9 in/yr * Answer: b

2*0
7*
-t / r-

3 Soos\ "i~ H k ^ \/5

i ’A

/j’oooJLi- { ^ \ (a r I -)
\ S^V \ P-4- ) ty

f.fOOO
I

Page 3
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Depth Example:

How much water will be stored in a detention pond if it captures all of the runoff from
a 100-acre watershed in Sacramento County for a 10-yr, 24-hour storm of 2.98
inches? The land use in the basin is condominiums with impervious area of 65%.
The infiltration rate for the pervious areas is 0.17 in/hr. Groundwater is stagnant
within the basin. Storage losses are given in the table below.

Recurrence Interval (yr) Storage Loss (inches)

5 0.25
10 0.20
25 0.15
100 0.10

a) 15 ac-ft
b) 5 ac-ft
c) 22 ac-ft
d) 11 ac-ft

Solution: Evaporation and transpiration during the storm can be neglected. We need
to account for water lost into the ground (infiltration losses) and also storage losses.

R = P- G- T- E- S — I >- R = P- 0- 0- 0- S- l R=P-S-I

P = (2.98 in)(100 ac)(Vi2 ft/in) = 24.8 ac-ft

S = (0.20 in)(100 acXVi2 ft/in) = 1.7 ac-ft

I = (0.35)(100 ac)(0.17 in/hr)(24 hr)(1/i2 Tt/m) = 11.9 ac-ft

R = 24.8 ac-ft -1.7 ac-ft - 11.9 ac-ft = 11.2 ac-ft *• Answer: d

Page 4
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

2. Probability
It is not economically justifiable to provide for the largest flood that could occur.
Government and private institutions each have their own design standards for the
flood frequency they design for.

Recurrence Interval (F)

The average number of years within which a given event will be equaled or
exceeded.

Probability p(F)
The probability of a flood event of recurrence interval F occurring in any given year
is:

p(F) = 1/F (Eqn. 2-1)

Reliability
The probability of no occurrences greater than an F-year event in n years:

p(F will not occur in n years) = (1- 1/F)‘ (Eqn. 2-2)

Risk
The probability of at least one occurrence of an F-year event in n years:

p(F event will occur in n years) = 1- (1- 1/F) (Eqn. 2-3)

Breadth 2

Breadth Example 1

What is the probability of a 50-year storm event occurring next year?

a) 2%
b) 50%
c) 98%
d) 10%

Solution: Use Probability equation (Eq 2-1)...

P(F) = 1/F * p(50) = 1/50 = 0.02 or 2% *• Answer: a

Page 5
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Breadth 3

Breadth Example 2

A City wishes to construct a bridge over a river. The City requires the design
engineer to design the bridge for a 25 year life span. What is the probability that a
100-year flood will not occur within the bridge’s designed life span?

a) 4%
b) 22%
c) 1%
d) 78%

Solution: Use Reliability equation (Eq 2-2)...

P(F) = (1-1/F)1 * p(F=100, n=25) = (1-1/100)25 = 0.78 or 78% >

Answer: d
Breadth 4

Breadth Example 3

If an existing house resides within the 100-year floodplain, what is the probability
that it will be flooded by a 100-year event within the typical mortgage period of 30
years?

a) 1%
b) 26 %
c) 74%
d) 30%

Solution: Use Risk equation (Eq 2-3)...

p(F) = 1-(1-1/F)' * p(F=100, n=30) = 1-(1-1/100)3° = 0.26 or 26%

Answer: b

Page 6
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

3. Precipitation
Precipitation data can be obtained by collecting data from gaging stations. Many
sources of precipitation data exist such as the USGS, State Department of Water
Resources, NOAA, and local agencies (cities, counties).

Methods of determining average precipitation from gage data include:

• Arithmetic Mean

•Pi •Pa

•P2 •P4

d -
“avg - (Eqn. 3-1)
n

• Thiessen Method
- Draw lines between stations
- Draw perpendicular bisectors
- Determine area of each station polygon
- Weight each station area vs. total shed area
- Multiply gage area weighting by recorded depth
- Add up each result to obtain weighting

.pi •>P
\ 3

¥
P2 •P4

(Pj)(A,)
Pavg = Z (Eqn. 3-2)
At

Page 7
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

• Isohyetal Method
- Draw contours of equal precipitation (isohyets)
- Determine the average rainfall depth between isohyets
- Determine area between each of the isohyets
- Multiply the individual areas by their average rainfall depth
- Add all of the products
- Divide by the total shed area

•Pi •Pa

P2 •P4

Pavg ~
I PWM (Eqn. 3-3)
At
Breadth 5

Breadth Example 1
The gage precipitation for a watershed is shown below. What is the average
precipitation for the watershed?

• 0.5"

• 1.8” • 1.3'
• 2.2

a) 1.5”
b) 0.9”
c) 1.2”
d) 1.9”

Page 8
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Solution:

1.8”+ 1.3”+ 0.5’

p --s. .
■avg n 1.2 Answer: c
3

Breadth 6

Breadth Example 2
Gage precipitation and area information is given for the following watershed. What is the
average precipitation for the watershed?

A = 4.2 mi2
A = 3.0 mi2 /1.8’
•1.0’

¥
2.0” • 1.2’

A = 3.5 mi2
A = 5.6 mi2

a) 1.4”
b) 1.8”
c) 1.1”
d) 1.6”

Solution: The data provided suggests the Thiessen Method...

mini
2.0
A (mi2)
3.5
Aj/AT
0.22
(P,)(Aj/AT) (in)
0.44
1.8 3.0 0.18 0.32
1.2 5.6 0.34 0.41
1.0 4.2 0.26 0.26
z 16.3 1.00 1.43

Answer: a

Page 9
 ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Depth Example 1
An isohyetal map for a defined watershed is shown below and the gross area enclosed
by each isohyet within the watershed boundary is summarized in the table. What is the
average precipitation for the watershed?

a) 15.0 cm
b) 16.8 cm
c) 17.5 cm
d) 52.0 cm c

\ I, C ^A 18 cm
14 cm 16 cm or
t- Area Isohyet Enclosed
20 cm
Area (km2)
r,' ft
VI 22 cm ,v
X
>22 84
v 20 252 u
IV n i
m 18 578
^*c-
IV 16 892
V 14 1136
VI <14 1294

Solution:
£ F'^
h
Area Isohyet
6 c
Pavg Enclosed Area
D
Net Area
Precipitation
Volume
(cm)(cm) (km2) (km2) (cm*km2)
>22 23 84 84 1932
20 21 252 168 3528
18 19 578 326 6194
IV 16 17 892 314 5338
V 14 15 1136 244 3660
VI <14 13 1294 158 2054
I 1294 22706

Z (Pi(avg))(Aj) 22706 cm*km2

- 17.5 cm > Answer: c
Pavg At 1294 km*

Page 10
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

4. Rainfall Data & Graphs

Cumulative rainfall data is typically obtained from historic records. When enough
rainfall data is available, the data is statistically manipulated to form various types of
graphs and charts.

4.1 Mass Curves

These graphs illustrate the amount of rainfall produced by a storm as well as the
nature of the storm.

Cumulative Mass Curve

Cumulative
Time Depth
6.0
dul del c
1 0.7 5.0
ro
2 1.9 c 4.0
3 3.4 2 3.0
4 4.4 >
5 4.9 TO 2.0
6 5.2 1.0
3
o
0.0
1 2 3 4 5 6
Time (hr)

4.2 Hyetographs
These graphs illustrate the variation of intensity over the duration of the storm.

Cumulative Incremental Hyetograph

Time Depth Depth Intensity
M del (in) (in/hr) 1.6
1.4
1 0.7 0.7 0.7
2 1.9> 1.2 1.2 3= 1-2

■ilia.
> 1 1
3 3.4 < 1.5 1.5
08
~
4 4.4 1.0 1.0 c 0.6
(D
5 4.9 0.5 0.5 c 0.4
6 5.2 0.3 0.3 0.2
o
1 2 3 4 5 6
Time (hr)

Page 11
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

4.3 Depth-Duration-Frequency
$
Time Rainfall Depth (in)
(f->) (hr) 10-Year 100-Year
5 0.08 0.30 0.42
/o 0.17 0.40 0.57
0.25 0.48 0.68
‘O
0.50 0.65 0.91
1 0.87 1.23
2 1.17 1.66
3 1.39 1.97
6 1.87 2.66
12 2.52 3.58
24 3.40 4.82

De pth-Duratlon-Fre que ncy

6.00 T
j l
I i I
i
5.00 - 10-year r

100-year ‘
:
i I
4.00 •
i J
c l
£ 3.00 -
a0
a i
!r
2.00 - i

T
I
/] I
too —h
l I
s’ 4'j ] f
!
3
0.00
0 4 8 12 16 20 24
Duration (hrs)

Page 12
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

4.4 Intensity-Duration-Frequency
C
A o €~ A
Rainfall Depth (in) Rainfall Intensity (in/hr)
Time (hr) 10-Year 100-Year 10-Year 100-Year
0.08 0.30 0.42 3.60 5.04
0.17 0.40 0.57 2.40 3.42
0.25 0.48 0.68 1.92 2.72
0.50 0.65 0.91 1.30 1.82
1 0.87 1.23 0.87 1.23
2 1.17 1.66 0.59 0.83
3 1.39 1.97 0.46 0.66
6 1.87 2.66 0.31 0.44
12 2.52 3.58 0.21 0.30
24 3.40 4.82 0.14 0.20

Intensity -Duration-Frequency

5.00
I

i
I
4.00 r ■ i
| T i
i
j
i ! \{
i
i
S- i
•c 3.00
10-year
>v
*5 100-year ~ i
i
r.
c 2.00-
<D i *1"' !
i i
c
I
i
\ I
1.00- ’
I

0.00 I -

0 4 8 12 16 20 24
Duration (hrs)

Page 13
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

4.5 Histograph
A cumulative frequency distribution that shows the probability of a value being
equaled or exceeded.
A 6 c
Depth Class C4mwfcrtfve~~ Inverse
Year Occurrences -Occurrences Cumulation
M Interval
0.0-1.9 3 * 10
1990 1.6' V

1991 5.3 2.0-3.9 4 7

1992 2.6 4.0-5.9 2 3
1993 3.2 6.0-7.9 1 10 1
1994 0.7 -
1995 4.4
1996 3.9
1997 1.8 -
1998 2.0
1999 6.2

Histograph

10 p
8#
W!t§
T3 Ijjgj
ili
0 ■
»
itiis If
ss®
03
O 8 llllglgl Ml 8 pi
m wmma"
'~"'
Mi
■a q, is
as
IglSl
c |jj|S
Ml
6
A|£ 1
MBf11 mbM PISJm
lllMgs
m
4? SisaSi HS§§!I§
0) li
9 i

o a 4
0
■bhh SmI iH :¥|?€r4'"-
C 0 k
Hin |||jfcp

a) Q ..IS
3 2 iftfH
o I
o
o
0
0.0 -1.9 2.0 - 3.9 4.0 - 5.9 6.0 - 7.9
Depth (in)

Page 14
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY
Breadth 7

Breadth Example 1

The 25-year return period rainfall depth-duration-frequency curves for a coastal region
is shown below. For a mean annual precipitation of 27 inches, what is the rainfall
intensity for a 2.5 hour storm?

100

10
c

Q. z !I z*
z 73
z 2:z RZZZ
a?
“O

c
co
-1
2
i Z
Z-

0.1 10 100
duration (hr)
frequency curve 1 30 in
frequency curve 2 25 in
frequency curve 3 20 in

a) 0.40 in/hr
b) 0.60 in/hr
c) 1.5 in/hr
d) 11 in/hr

Solution:

From the DDF chart, find the duration of 2.5 hours and proceed vertically until
approximately midway between curve 1 and 2. This gives a value of approximately 1.5
inches. BE CAREFUL!!! Since the problem is looking for intensity, the depth needs to be
divided by the duration:

1.5 in
l= 0.60 in/hr -> Answer: b
2.5 hr

Page 15
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY
Breadth 8
Breadth Example 2

Intensity-Duration-Frequency curves for a watershed are presented below. What is the

frequency of the 60 minute duration and 5.8 in/hr intensity storm?

20
5
18
16
14 _ 4
12
10 - 3
CO
c
a> 8 2
6-
4-1
2
1 1 1 i X 1 1 1 1 J
60 120 180 240

duration (min)

frequency curve 1 50%

frequency curve 2 10%
frequency curve 3 4%
frequency curve 4 2%
frequency curve 5 1%

a) 2 year
b) 10 year
c) 25 year
d) 50 year

Solution:

Find the 60 minute duration on the horizontal axis and the 5.8 in/hr intensity on the
vertical axis. The intersection of these values falls on Curve 4 - the 2% storm.

1
Probability = —j= 0.02 F = 50 years -> Answer: d

Page 16
ASGE YMF HYDROLOGY

Depth Example 1

A histograph of flood peak flows representing 112 events over a 94 year period is
presented in the following illustration. If the largest 18 floods resulted in significant
economic impact, what is the minimum peak flow of these floods?

rQ)100
ID 90
>

o
80
70
L
CD
0>
Q. 60 -
“O
o> 50 -
CD
O
T3 40
C
a> 30
>
o 20
JQ
ID
o
ID
<0
10 -

2 4 6
L
8 10 12 14
h 1
16 18 20 22
CD
& peak flow (100 m3/s)

a) 500 m3/s
b) 110 m3/s
c) 1,600 m3/s
d) 16,000 m3/s

Solution:
Determine what percent the largest 18 floods represents...

18
%= 0.16 = 16%
112

Entering the figure at 16% on the y-axis and extending horizontally to intersect the
curve, the peak flow is 1,600 m3/s.

Answer: c

Page 17
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Depth Example 2
The figure below shows a histograph of peak flows for a 112 year period. What is the
frequency for the event corresponding to a flow of 40,000 cfs?

3
O
-100
a>
3
to 90
>
£ 80
o
70
to
©
a 60
■o
© 50
to
o
■ ■■ 40
"O
c
©
30
>
o
.a 20 I
CQ

o 10 -
(D
1 1 1 JL A 1 1 1
<0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
(0
<D peak flow (1000 f^/s)
a

a) 1 year
b) 5 year
c) 3 year
d) 10 year

Solution:

Find 40,000 cfs along the x-axis, project vertically to the curve, and project horizontally
to the y-axis. This produces a peak flow count of 40. Determine percentage of total and
convert to frequency:

40 1
%= 0.35 P----- > F = 2.8 years -> Answer: c
112

Page 18
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

5. Hydrographs
The response of an affected stream over time during a storm event is
characterized by the flood hydrograph.

5.1 Components of a Hydrograph

Baseflow: Runoff which percolates down to the water table and then discharges
into a stream.
Rising Limb: The time increment when the flow rate increases in the stream.
Flow increases as the upper reaches contribute to runoff.
Peak: The point in time when the stream flow peaks (when rain stops).
Falling Limb lrecession): The time increment when the flow rate decreases in the
stream and returns to the baseflow condition.
Direct Runoff: The total area under the hydrograph minus the baseflow equates
to the total volume of runoff.
Separation: The distinction between storm runoff and the baseflow contribution to
the total stream flow.

D Peak

Rising Limb
A

<■
N-days >

<D

03 Recession
sz
o
CO
O Direct Runoff
A
G
B
Baseflow

Time >

Figure 5-1 Typical Stream Hydrograph

Page 19
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

5.2 Influences on Hydrograph Shape

• Storm Size

c?
»u* lit
STORM A STORM 8

to
Ll STORM B
U
O
i
i ( !!!:
> Nk m UJ
STORM A
t tj
i * I
i *Y‘
1
* Vt x
* o
i it 5

TIME , T (HRS)

Figure 5-2 Effect of Storm Size on Surface Runoff (HEC-19, 1984)

• Basin Characteristics

a RELATIONSHIP OF SLOPE TO PEAK DISCHARGE

X0
GENTLER STEEPER
! t

tx RELATIONSHIP OF HYDRAULIC ROUGHNESS TO RUNOFF

LESS ROUGH MORE ROUGH

t t

C RELATIONSHIP OF STORAGE TO RUNOFF

LITTLE STORAGE MORE STORAGE

t t

d. RELATIONSHIP OF DRAINAGE DENSITY TO RUNOFF

HIGH DENSITY LOW DENSITY

t t

e. RELATIONSHIP OF CHANNEL LENGTH TO RUNOFF

SHORTER LENGTH LONGER LENGTH

t t

Figure 5-2 Effect of Basin Characteristics on Flood Hydrograph (HEC-19, 1984)

Page 20
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

5.3 Unit Hydrographs

Figure 5.1 is a “direct runoff’ hydrograph. It is the surface runoff from the
“effective rainfall” (total rainfall minus losses) and is for a rainfall of duration D.
If the effective rainfall was exactly 1.0 inch, this would be a unit hydrograph,
specifically a “D-hour unit hydrograph". Unit hydrographs represent the runoff
from a watershed assuming a linear runoff response which does not vary with
time.
Breadth 9
Breadth Example 1
Given a 4-hour unit hydrograph (UHG) that is represented by the following:

Time, t (hr) UHG Ordinate (cfs)

0 0
2 150
4 300
6 225
8 150
10 75
12 0

If there is 0.5 inches of excess rain in a four hour period, what is the peak flow
from the direct runoff hydrograph (DRO)?

a) 600 cfs
b) 150 cfs
c) 300 cfs
d) 225 cfs

Solution:
The peak flow of the UHG occurs at t = 4 hours and equals 300 cfs. Since the
watershed experienced 0.5 inches of excess runoff and a UHG represents 1 inch
of excess runoff, all ordinates must be multiplied by 0.5.

Qpeak= 300 x 0.5 150 cfs -> Answer: b

Breadth 10

Breadth Example 2
A unit hydrograph for a drainage area is shown in the figure below. Twelve hours
after the beginning of runoff, the discharge measured at a gaging station at the
outlet of the drainage area is 150 m3/s. What is the peak discharge from the
drainage area?

Page 21
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

70
4060
^
pi
£ 50
» 40
o>
<5 30
y 20
10
mwmm

10
I 1 1 J
6 12 18 24 30 36
time (h)
a) 59 m3/s
b) 180 m3/s
c) 210m3/s
d) 265 m3/s

Solution:
From the graph, determine the unit discharge at the 12 hour duration-^ 34 m3/s.
Determine the unit peak discharge 60 rrr/s
Determine the factor by which the actual hydrograph is greater than the UHG:

150 m3/s
Factor= 4.4
34 m3/s

Qpeak- 4.4 x 60 m3/s 265 m3/s -> Answer: d

Depth Example 1
400 n
A unit hydrograph
developed for a 3 hour 350 -
storm and a 420 km2 300 -
drainage area is shown
£ 250 -
below. What is the peak E.

flow of three successive 3 1200 -

n»
JC

hour periods of rainfall that 5 150 -

produce 1.6 cm, 3.1 cm,
and 2.7 cm of runoff? 100
50
a) 1412 m3/s 0
b) 2028 m3/s
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
c) 2576 m3/s Duration (hours)
d) 3303 m3/s

Page 22
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Solution:
A 6 t> \-
Time UHG Storm Runoff (cm) Qlotal
3
(hr) (m /s) 1.6 3.1 2.7 (m3/s)
0 0 0 0
1 25 40 40
2 125 200 200
3 370 592 0 592
4 355 568 77.5 645.5
5 320 512 387.5 899.5
6 270 432 1147 0 1579
7 220 352 1100.5 67.5 1520
8 170 272 992 337.5 1601.5
9 120 192 837 999 2028 •*
10 85 136 682 958.5 1776.5
11 60 96 527 864 1487
12 40 64 372 729 1165
Answer: b

Depth Example 2
What is the approximate direct runoff from the storm characterized by the
hydrograph shown below? The basin area is 5480 mi2.
5500
5000
a) 0.016 in — 4500
b) 2.6 in ^ 4000
c) 13 in S 3500
d) 16 in S 3000
§, 2500
£ 2000
is 1500
1000
500
4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32
duration (h)
Solution:
Separate groundwater from direct runoff and count grid segments above separation line
(~116). Then determine the value of each grid segment:

1 ac
Segment = (250,000 ft3/s) x (2 hr) x (3600 sec/hr) x ( r) = 41,322 ac-ft
43560 ft
Calculate the total runoff:

(116) x (41,322 ac-ft) x (12 in/ft)

R= = 16.4 in Answer: d
(5480 mi2) x (640 ac/mi2)
Page 23
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

6. Time of Concentration

The time of concentration is the time it takes a theoretical drop of water to travel
from the most distant hydraulic point in the watershed to the outlet. It can be
represented by the following:

Travel Length
tc = Travel Velocity (Eqn. 6-1)

6.1 SCS Average Velocity

tc " (min) (Eqn. 6-2)

60 V

L = length of flow path (ft)

V = average velocity (fps) from Figure 3-1 of TR55 for various surfaces.

6.2 SCS Lag Equation

1 0.7
1000
0.8
100L -9
CN
tc = (min) (Eqn. 6-3)
1900 S JT5

L = hydraulic length of the watershed (longest flow path) (ft)

CN = SCS runoff curve number for various land uses (See Tables 1a, b, c, d; App 2)
S = average watershed slope (%)

6.3 Kinematic Wave

0.94L06n06
fc = (min) (Eqn. 6-4)
I*-4 S°

L = length of overland flow (ft)

n = Mannings roughness coefficient (See Table 5, App. 2)
i = rainfall intensity (inches/hour)
S = average watershed slope (%)

6.4 Steel Equation

K
tc = -b (min) (Eqn. 6-5)
i

K, b = Steel constants (in-min/hr, min)

i = rainfall intensity (inches/hour)

Page 24
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY
Breadth 11

Breadth Example 1
The travel time along each channel segment of the watershed is shown below. What
is the total time of concentration at the outlet of the watershed?

a) 31 min
b) 65 min
10 min c) 29 min
d) 19 min

5 min 9 min
3 min ^ llv*
A
B

15 min
!?mi
c 17 min

10 min

OUTLET
Solution:
Greatest travel time to A: 10 min
Greatest travel time to B: 15 min
Greatest travel time to C: 21 min
Greatest travel time to outlet: 31 min -> Answer: a
Breadth 12

Breadth Example 2
The drainage conveyance for Watershed A has the following successive
components: 300 feet of flow in a gutter at a slope of 0.01 ft/ft, 1,000 feet of flow in
an underground storm drain pipe with an average velocity of 4 ft/sec, and 1,500 feet
of open channel flow that averages 3 ft/sec. What is the total time of concentration
for Watershed A?

a) 20 min
b) 12 min
c) 28 min
d) 15 min

Solution:

tc - tg + tp + tch

Page 25
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

tg can be determined from Chart 1b in Appendix 2. Per Chart 1b, the average
velocity is approximately 2 ft/sec.

300 ft
- = 150 sec or 2.5 min
2 ft/sec

tp can be determined from the given velocity of the pipe flow (4 ft/sec) and the
length of pipe (1,000 ft):

1000 ft
tP = 4 ft/sec = 250 sec or 4.2 min

tCh can be determined from the given velocity of the channel flow (3 ft/sec) and
the length of channel (1,500 ft):

1500 ft
tch — = 500 sec or 8.3 min
3 ft/sec

tc = 2.5 min + 4.2 min + 8.3 min = 15 min -> Answer: d

Depth Example 1
A rainfall depth-duration-frequency curve for a watershed is shown below. The values
for the Steel formula constants K and b are 180 in-min/hr and 25 minutes, respectively.
What is the time of concentration for the 2 hour, 50-year storm?

16 4,
14
a) 15 min 12
b) 26 min E 10
O
3
C) 42 min 8 2
d) 75 min OL
6 1
4
2
0
0.1 1 10 100
recurrence interval (yr)

duration curve 1 15 min

duration curve 2 60 min
duration curve 3 2h
duration curve 4 8h
Solution:
Enter the graph at the 50-year recurrence interval along the x-axis, project vertically to
Curve 3 (2 hour duration), and project horizontally to the y-axis, for a depth value of 9
cm. Convert the depth to intensity and then convert to English units:

Page 26
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

9 cm
i= 4.5 cm/hr =1.8 in/hr
2 hr

Solve the Steel equation for tc:

K 180
l= 1.8 = tc = 75 min Answer: d
tc + b tc + 25
K

Depth Example 2 5
A small, developed area covered with manicured sod and well defined damage
channels has a flow distance of 83 m and an average surface slope of 0J)1jL The
rainfall intensity for the area from the 15 minute, 10-year storm is 5.3 cm/hr. What is the
time of concentration? '
L
a) 2.7 min
b) 26 min
c) 29 min
d) 38 min

Solution:
Use Kinematic Wave equation. Since this equation requires English units, a unit
conversion is necessary. ---------------

L= (83 m) x (3.28 ft/m) 272 ft

1 in
i= (5.3 cm/hr) x ( )= 2.09 in/hr
2.54 cm

For manicured sod, the Manning’s roughness coefficient for overland flow is
approximately 0.30. (See Appendix 2, Table 5)
0.6 0.6
0.94(nL) 0.94(0 30 x 272)
tc”
iU4 S h 7J7J 38 min Answer: d
(2.09) 0 4 (0.011)

Page 27
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

7. Estimating Peak Flow Using the Rational Method

Q = k cC i A (Eqn. 7-1)
where:
Q = peak flow (cfs or cms)
C = runoff coefficient (See Tables 3a and 3b)
i = rainfall intensity (in/hr or mm/hr)
A = watershed area (acres or hectares)
kc = conversion factor (1.008 English, 0.00278 metric)

Assumptions:
• Watershed area is < 1 sq mi or 640 acres
• Rainfall intensity is uniform over the entire watershed
• The frequency of the runoff is equal to the frequency of the rainfall event
• The time of concentration (tc) is equal to the time of the peak

Rational Method Calculation Steps

Step 1: Determine the watershed area from shed map.

Step 2: Determine runoff coefficient, C, based on land use. Weighting of the C value
may be necessary if multiple land uses exist within the watershed.

IAiC,
Cweighted (Eqn. 7-2)
IA,

Step 3: Determine the time of concentration by summing overland, shallow

concentrated, open channel, and pipe flow times.

Step 4: Select a frequency or return period for the storm.

Step 5: Determine rainfall intensity (i) from Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF)

curve.

Step 6: Multiply the determined values to get peak flow.

Page 28
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY
Breadth 13

Breadth Example 1
A 131 acre watershed has the following intensity-duration-frequency curve and land
use characteristics. What is the peak runoff from the watershed for the 30 min, 10-
year storm?
land use area %
apartments 30
a) 20 ac-ft/hr landscaped open space (park) 25
b) 33 ac-ft/hr light industrial 45
c) 72 ac-ft/hr
d) 315 ac-ft/hr
10 r
9-
8-
-zr
-E '
7-
| 6 -
Solution:
.£ 5 -
Step 1: Determine the watershed c 4 -
area: &
-E 3 -
2-
Aapartment = 0.30 X 131 = 39.30 aC
1-
Apark = 0.25x131 =32.75 ac i j
Ajndustrial = 0.45x131 =58.95 ac 60 120 180 240
Atotal = 131 ac duration (min)

Step 2: Multiple land uses are contained within this shed so a weighted runoff
coefficient must be calculated. From Table 3a (Appendix 2), the individual C values
are:
^apartment ” 0.60
Cpark = 0.15
^industrial = 0.65

(39.3)(0.60) + (32.75)(0.15) + (58.95)(0.65)

^weighted “ = 0.51
131

Step 3: Determine the time of concentration.

Tc = 30 minutes (given duration)

Step 4: Select a frequency or return period for the storm.

The storm frequency was given as the 10-year storm.

Step 5: Determine rainfall intensity (i) from the IDF curve.

When Tc = 30 min, i10 ~ 6.0 in/hr.

Step 6: Multiply the determined values to get peak flow.

Q = (0.51)(6.0 in/hr)(131 acres) = 400.9 cfs = 33 ac-ft/hr

Answer: b

Page 29
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY
Breadth 14

Breadth Example 2

Two adjacent residential areas are planned as shown below. The time of
concentration for Area 1 is 15 minutes and for Area 2 is 10 minutes. What is the 25-
year peak discharge for the storm water collector?

2 Acres
Residential
“j (Suburban)
A
5.2 —
4.9
4 Acres (In/hr)
Apartments
2 4.4

3.9 — r

1—I—i—I—i—*>
5 10 15 20 25
collector to (min)
Schematic 25-year IDF curve

a) 18.1 cfs
b) 10.2 cfs
c) 12.2 cfs
d) 15.3 cfs

Solution:
Step 1: Determine the watershed area.
Ai = 2 acres A2 = 4 acres Atotai = 6 acres

Step 2: Determine runoff coefficient, C, based on land use.

Cm = 0.35 (Table 3a Residential suburban)
C2 = 0.60 (Table 3a Apartments)
Multiple land uses are contained within this shed so a weighted runoff coefficient
must be calculated.

(2)(0.35) + (4)(0.60)
(-/weighted — = 0.52
6

Step 3: Determine the time of concentration.

Tci = 15 min
Tc2 =10 min
Tc to the collector =15 min + 10 min = 25 min

Page 30
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Step 4: Select a frequency or return period for the storm.

The storm frequency was given as the 25-year storm.

Step 5: Determine rainfall intensity (i) from the IDF curve.

When Tc = 25 min, i25 = 3.9 in/hr.

Step 6: Multiply the determined values to get peak flow.

Q = (0.52)(3.9 in/hr)(6 acres) = 12.2 cfs

Answer: c

Depth Example 1

Watershed A is 120 acres consisting of 80 acres single family residential, 30 acres

multi-family attached units, and 10 acres of parks. Drainage conveyance is
comprised of allowing the runoff to flow a maximum of 300 feet in the gutter at a
slope of 0.01 ft/ft to a drainage inlet, then through an underground storm drain pipe,
and finally outletting to an open channel. The longest pipe run in the system is 1,000
feet where the average velocity is 4 ft/sec. The velocity in the open channel
averages 3 ft/sec for 1,500 feet to the outlet of the watershed. Using the IDF table
below, what is the 10-year peak flow for the watershed?

Intensity-Duration-Frequency Table
Rainfall Intensity (in/hr)
a) 103.7 cfs Duration 10-year 100-year
b) 85.2 cfs 5 3.60 5.04
c) 120.5 cfs 10 m 2.40 3;42
d) 98.1 cfs
15 I 1.92 2.72
30 n 1.30 1.82
60 0.87 1.23
2 h 0.59 0.83
3 o 0.46 0.66
Solution: 6u 0.31 0.44
Step 1: The total watershed area is 12 r 0.21 0.30
given as 120 acres. 24 s 0.14 0.20

Step 2: Multiple land uses are contained within this shed so a weighted runoff
coefficient must be calculated.

(80)(0.40) + (30)(0.67) + (10)(0.18)

Cweighted — = 0.45
120

Step 3: Determine the time of concentration (tc).

tC “ tg + tp + tch

Page 31
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

tg can be determined from Chart 1b in Appendix 2. Per Chart 1b, the average
velocity is approximately 2 ft/sec.

300 ft
= 150 sec or 2.5 min
2 ft/sec

tp can be determined from the given velocity of the pipe flow (4 ft/sec) and the
length of pipe (1,000 ft):

1000 ft
tp - = 250 sec or 4.2 min
4 ft/sec

tCh can be determined from the given velocity of the channel flow (3 ft/sec) and
the length of channel (1,500 ft):

1500 ft
tch — = 500 sec or 8.3 min
3 ft/sec

tc = 2.5 min + 4.2 min + 8.3 min = 15 min

Step 4: The return period is given as the 10-year storm.

Step 5: From IDF table, ho = 1.92 in/hr

Step 6: Q = (0.45)(1.92 in/hr)(120 ac) = 103.7 cfs

Answer: a

Depth Example 2

Given: The average coefficient of imperviousness is 0.80.

The inlet time is 8 min for areas A, B, and D, and 25 min for areas C and E
Assume the time of flow between manholes is 5 min
The time-intensity of rainfall equation is: 105
where Tc is in minutes. Tc+ 15

Find: The flow at Manhole 4.

a) 37 cfs
b) 140 cfs
c) 60 cfs
d) 126 cfs

Page 32
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

C
E

A B D
10 Acres 10 Acres 30 Acres 10 Acres 15 Acres

i <5> 2 <s) (5) /

Solution: ,\gr
A a c. £ K* €*^
X

Manhole Area (Ac) C Time (min) Intensity (in/hr) Q (cfs)

1 10 0.80 8 4.57 37
2 20 0.80 13 3.75 60
3 60 0.80 25 2.63 126
4 75 0.80 30 2.33 140

Manhole 1:
Tc = 8 min (inlet time)
105
I= = 4.57 in/hr
8 + 15
Q = (0.80)(4.57 in/hr)(10 ac) = 37 cfs

Manhole 2:
Tc = 8 min (inlet time) + 5 min (pipe time) = 13 min
105
= 3.75 in/hr
13 + 15
Q = (0.80)(3.75 in/hr)(20 ac) = 60 cfs

Page 33
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Manhole 3:
Tc = 25 min in order for the entire area of 60 acres to be contributing runoff.
105
I= = 2.63 in/hr
25 + 15
Q = (0.80)(2.63 in/hr)(60 ac) = 126 cfs

Manhole 4:
Tc = 25 min (inlet time) + 5 min (pipe time) = 30 min
105
= 2.33 in/hr
30 + 15
Q = (0.80)(2.33 in/hr)(75 ac) = 140 cfs

Answer: b

Page 34
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Appendix One: Example Problems

 ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Example Problem 1:

Q: A sand and gravel operation will be setup adjacent to a creek. The company
plans to mine for 20 years. What is the probability that the operation will be
flooded by a 50 year event during the mining operation?

20
1
A: /&* = !- !-— = 0.33 or 33%
50

Example Problem 2:

Q: An engineer is required to design a structure adjacent to a floodplain with a

50-year life-span. The local flood control agency requires the structure to be
designed with a 90% confidence level that it will not be flooded within the life­
span. What flood event should he/she design for?
50
1
A: Reliability = 90% = 1 - —

Solve for F: 475 year event

Example Problem 3:

Q: A detention reservoir is being designed for the 100-year event. What is the
probability that the reservoir will see a 100-year event in any one year?

1
A: p{F1 1= 100} = — = 0.01 or 1%
100

Q: If the project takes three years to construct, what is the probability that it will
see a 100-year event once during construction?

(3\
A: P{x = l} = p' (l - py = 3 x 0.01 x(\ - 0.0l)2 = 0.029 or 2.9%
w1

n a,Q: What is the probability that the reservoir will receive the 100-year event
during the second year of construction?

A: p = (l -.pY* j? = (l - 0.01)0.01 = 0.0099 or 0.99%

ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Example Problem 4:

Q: The following table lists values for rain gages found in Shed A. What is the
mean precipitation for the storm event?

Gage Precipitation (in)

1 1.5
2 2
3 1.8
4 2.1
5 2
6 1.9

(1.5 + 2 + 1.8 + 2.1 + 2 + 1.9)

A: Solve by Arithmetic Mean: R ave = 1.9
ii

Example Problem 5:

Q: The figure below illustrates incremental rainfall data taken from a rain gage
during a storm event.

Gage Data

2.5 T

2
2 --

1.4
? 1.5 -■
£a 1
o 1
0.7
0.5
0.5-- 0.3
0.2
0.1
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Time (hrs)

What is the cumulative rainfall for the entire storm event?

A: Simply add up the total rainfall for each time increment:

Total = 0.3 + 0.7 + 1.4+ 2 + 1 + 0.5 + 0.2 + 0.1 — 6.2 in

Q: What is the rainfall intensity during the 3rd hour?

ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

A: Simply the rainfall increment in the 3rd hour divided by the time duration, one
hour:

1.4 *71
hour
= 1.4 in!hr
1 hr

Q: What is the average rainfall intensity for the entire storm event?

A: Take the arithmetic mean of the values:

(0.3 + 0,7 +1.4 -f 2 +1 + 0.5 + 0.2 + 0. l) in

iave = 0.8 in/hr
8 hr

Example 6:

Q: A watershed contains the single soil type. The Horton soil parameters are:
/C=0.25,/O=2.1, *=1.1. What is the total infiltration capacity of the soil between
hours 2 and 5 of a rainfall event?

A: Calculate the total volume at hour 5 then subtract the total volume at hour 2:

(fo-fc)
Vol= fct + k (1 - e'w)

(2.1 - 0.25) -1.1 x 5

V0I5 = 0.25x5 +
1.1
(1-e ) = 2.92 in

(2.1 - 0.25) -1.1 X 2

Vol2= 0.25x2 +
1.1
(1-e ) = 2.00 in

Total possible volume of infiltration = 2.92 - 2.00 = 0.92 in

ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Example Problem 7:

Q: A rural watershed is proposed to be developed with mixed uses. The

existing watershed is fairly flat pasture land with short grass cover with clay and
silt loam underlying soils. The overland, shallow concentrated and stream flow
all average out to a flow velocity of 1.2 fps over 3,000 feet of travel. Total shed
area is 110 acres.

The proposed development plans to alter the shed by changing the land use to
30 acres of light industrial, 50 acres of single family residential, 15 acres of
detached multi-family and 15 acres of apartments. Runoff in the developed state
will travel from the most hydraulic distant point in the watershed over 250 feet in
the concrete gutter at 2 fps, then over 1.000 feet in a storm-drain pipe atBJlips
where it enters a constructed channel for an additional 1,000 feet of travel at 1.5.
fps to the outlet of the shed, ifthestorm intensity for the 10-year frequency is
given as 43/(rc+6), then what is the maximum 10-year discharge in the existing
condition? In the developed?

A: First calc the peak flow for the existing condition:

1. C=0.30 (use Table 3b in Appendix 2)

_ length {ft) _ 3,000 ft

2. c
= 2,500 s = 42 min
velocity (fps) 1.2 jps

43 43
3. i— = 0.90 in / hr
tc + 6 42 + 6

4. A-110 acres (given)

5. Ql0 = CiA = 0.30 x 0.90 x 110 = 29.7 cfs

Next, find the peak flow in the proposed condition:

1. The C value must be weighted by area: (use Table 3a in Appendix 2)

Land Use C A/At (Aj/AT)C

Light industrial 0.5 30 0.27 0.14
Single family residential 0.3 50 0.45 0.14
Multi-family, detached 0.4 15 0.14 0.05
Apartments 0.5 15 0.14 0.07
110 1 0.40

2. Find total tc:

tc gutter = 250’ in the gutter @ 2 fps = 2 min
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

tcpipe = 1,000' in the storm drain pipe system @ 3.5 fps = 5 min

tc channel = 1,000’ in the channel @1.5 fps = 11 min

tc total - 2 min + 5 min + 11 min = 18 min

43 _ 43
3. i = = 1.79 ini hr
te + 6 18 + 6

4. A=110 acres

5. Q = CiA = 0.40x1.79x110 = 78.8 cfs

The peak flow increased by 49.1 cfs in the developed conditions due to the
reduction of tc.
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Example Problem 8:

Q: A 100 acre watershed drains to a single 36" diameter concrete pipe culvert
under a highway. The culvert was constructed at a 1% slope and is 40 feet long.
The watershed has a weighted runoff coefficient, ( C), of 0.65 and a time of
concentration (tc) of one hour. If a rainfall event of one hour totaling 0.90” on the
watershed, will the existing culvert be able to convey the runoff from the storm?

A: First calculate the peak flow:

Step 1: C = 0.65 (given)

Step 2: tc = 1 hour
Step 3: Total depth of rainfall is given as 0.90'
depth (in) 0.90 (in)
i= = 0.90 in I hr
duration (hr) l (hr)
Step 4: Area (A) = 100 acres (given)
Step 5: Q = CiA = 0.65x0.90*100 = 58.5cfs

Next, determine the capacity of the existing culvert using King’s Table 4b
in the Appendix 2.

K'
Q — — diS2, where d = diamter of circular channel
n

If the culvert were assumed flowing full, K’=0.463. Other known values
are: n=0.013 (concrete), 5=0.01 ft/ft and diameter (d)=3’

0 4* —
Qfuii - ———3*0.012 = 66.7 cfs
0.013
If the full flow capacity = 66.7 which is greater than the peak storm flow,
then yes, the culvert can pass the storm event.

Q: If the 1=1.35 in/hr, what pipe diameter would the culvert have to be in
order to pass the runoff?

A: First calculate the peak flow (Q):

Q^CiA = 0.65 x 1.35 xlOO = 87.8 cfs

K'
From King’s Table 4b, Q = d 3S2, where d = diamter of circular channel
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Solve for diameter (d): d = Qn

i
L^T'^2 J
Assume the pipe is flowing full:
3

87.8 x 0.013
d= i
= 3.33'= 40'
0.463 x 0.012
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Example Problem 9:

Q: Four watersheds, A, B, C & D, are served by a common underground storm

drain pipe system. The watershed characteristics are illustrated in the table
below. The storm drain inlets for each shed are spaced 500' apart. The storm
intensity (/) is equal to 25/(rc+10) in/hr {tc is in min).

Shed Area (ac) tc (min) C

A 5 15 0.45
B 4.5 13 0.45
C 4 15 0.50
D 5 18 0.50

Shed Diagram

A D
B
C

D Pipe 1
O Pipe 2
U Pipe 3 IF^O
Pipe 4 Outlet

What is the diameter of Pipe 1? All pipes in the system are constructed at
Vz % slope and n=0.013.

A: First find the peak flow of Shed A.

25
tc =15 min, .'. i = = 1 ini hr
15 + 10

Qshed A = CiA = 0.45 x 1 x 5 = 2.3 cfs

Next, refer to King’s Table 4b in Appendix 2, and size the pipe as flowing
full.
i
K'
From King's Table 4b, Q = —-d3S2, where d = diamter of circular channel
n
3

Qn
Solve for diameter (d): d =
IK'S2]
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

if-0.463, h=0.013, 5=0.005 ft/ft and £shed a=2.3 cfs

2.3 x 0.013
d= = 0.97' or 12" diameter pipe
0.463 x 0.0052

Q: What is the diameter of Pipe 3?

To find the peak flow in pipe 3, you must work your way through the
system from upstream to downstream calculating the peak flow (Q) and
time of concentration (tc) at each inlet.

The flow at pipe 3 is the combined flow from Sheds A, B & C. This is not
the merely adding together the peak flow from each shed, but the peak
flow when all sheds are contributing and the sum of the flows, at an
instant in time, create the largest peak. For example, two sheds are
adjacent to one another, on with a short tc, the other with a longer tc. The
shed with the longer tc will peak later than the shorter shed therefore the
peaks of each shed miss one another in time, but if the you add the peak
flow on the longer shed to the flow of the shorter shed at the time the
longer shed peaks, you will get the maximum peak flow for the combined
sheds.

1. Find the travel time for the runoff through Pipe 1. The travel time will
be added to the tc for Shed A giving the total tc to the inlet of pipe 2.

Known: Qpipe 1=2.3 cfs

Q = VA, then V =Q
—
* A

D2 l2
^ pipe 1
= n— = n— = 0.79 ft2
4 4

j,_ = 2.9 ftps

0.7 9ft2

. 500//
Travel time: = \12s = 3 min
2.9fps

total tc = 15 min+ 3 min = 18 min

Now use new tc in calculating a new intensity (i):

ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

25 25
i— = 0.90 in / hr
tc +10 18 + 10

Calculate the peak flow at the inlet of Pipe 2 including Shed B:

Qpipe 2 = CAi0SAA + CBi09AB = (0.45 x 0.90 x 5)+ (0.45 x 0.90 x 4.5) = 3.8 cfs

Now the flow time in Pipe 2 is needed to calculate the tc at the inlet to Pipe
3.
3
8
Qn
Solve for diameter (d): d = 1
IK'S2 J
3
8
3.8 jc 0.013
d= i
= 1.2' or 14" diameter pipe
0.463 x 0.005 2

Just assume, unless otherwise instructed, that all diameters are available
in whole inches.

Q = VA, then V =Q—

A

n2 i o2
A pipe 2 = x- = x^- = l.01ft2
4

3.8 cfs
V= — 3.6 fps
1.07/r2

. 500 ft
Travel time: = 139s = 2 min
3.6 fps

.•. total tc =15 min+ 3 min+ 2 min = 20 min

Now use new tc in calculating a new intehsity (i):

25 25
i= = 0.83 in / hr
tc +10 20 + 10
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Calculate the peak flow at the inlet of Pipe 3 including runoff from Shed C:

Q pipe 3 — + CBi0XiAB + Cci^Ac

Qpipe 3 = (0.45 * 0.83 x 5)+(0.45 * 0.83 * 4.5)+(0.50 * 0.83 * 4) = 5.2 cfs

Now the flow time in Pipe 2 is needed to calculate the tc at the inlet to Pipe
3.

Qn
Solve for diameter (d): d = i
LAr’^2 J

5.2*0.013
d= = 1.3' or 16" diameter pipe
0.463 * 0.0052
ASCE YMF HYDROLOGY

Appendix Two: Reference Data

Chapter 2 Estimating Runoff Technical Release 55
Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds

Table 2-2a Runoff curve numbers for urban areas U

Curve numbers for

Cover description -hydrologic soil group
Average percent
Cover type and hydrologic condition impervious area 2/ A B C D

Fully developed urban areas (vegetation established)

Open space (lawns, parks, golf courses, cemeteries, etc.) 3/;

Poor condition (grass cover < 50%)...................... 68 79 86 89
Fair condition (grass cover 50% to 75%)............ 49 69 79 84
Good condition (grass cover > 75%)................. 39 61 74 80
Impervious areas:
Paved parking lots, roofs, driveways, etc.
(excluding right-of-way)......... ............................... 98 98 98
Streets and roads:
Paved; curbs and storm sewers (excluding
right-of-way) ....................................................... 98 98 98 98
Paved; open ditches (including right-of-way)...... 83 89 92 93
Gravel (including right-of-way)........................... 76 85 89 91
Dirt (including right-of-way).................................. 72 82 87 89
Western desert urban areas:
Natural desert landscaping (pervious areas only) ........................... 63 77 85 88
Artificial desert landscaping (impervious weed barrier,
desert shrub with 1- to 2-inch sand or gravel mulch
and basin borders)............... ................................ 96 96 96 96
Urban districts:
Commercial and business.......................................... . 85 89 92 94 95
Industrial................................................... .................. 72 81 88 91 93
Residential districts by average lot size:
1/8 acre or less (town houses)...................................... 65 77 85 90 92
1/4 acre.................... ...................... ....................... 38 61 75 83 87
1/3 acre.................................. :..................... :........ 30 57 72 81 86
1/2 acre............ ................................................... . 25 54 70 80 85
1 acre.................... ..... ............................................ . 20 51 68 79 84
2 acres............................................................. ....... . 12 46 65 77 82
Developing urban areas
Newly graded areas
(pervious areas only, no vegetation) 6/.~........... ................................ 77 86 91 94
Idle lands (CN’s are determined using cover types
similar to those in table 2-2c).
1 Average runoff condition, and Ia = 0.2S.
2 The average percent impervious area shown was used to develop the composite CN’s. Other assumptions are as follows: impervious ar
directly connected to the drainage system, impervious areas have a CN of 98, and pervious areas are considered equivalent to Open sp
good hydrologic condition. CN’s for other combinations of conditions may be computed using figure 2-3 or 2-4.
3 CN’s shown are equivalent to those of pasture. Composite CN’s may be computed for other combinations of open space
cover type.
* Composite CN’s for natural desert landscaping should be computed using figures 2-3 or 2-4 based on the impervious area percentage
(CN = 98) and the pervious area CN. The pervious area CN's are assumed equivalent to desert shrub in poor hydrologic condition.
6 Composite CN’s to use for the design of temporary measures during grading and construction should be computed using figure 2-3 or
based on the degree of development (impervious area percentage) and the CN’s for the newly graded pervious areas.

(210-VI-TR-55, Second Ed., June 1986) TatM© la

Chapter 2 Estimating Runoff Technical Release 55
Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds

Table 2-2b Runoff curve numbers for cultivated agricultural lands v

Curve numbers for

Cover description hydrologic soil group
Hydrologic
Cover type Treatment v condition 3/ A B C D

Fallow Bare soil 77 86 91 94

Crop residue cover (CR) Poor 76 85 90 93
Good 74 83 88 90

Row crops Straight row (SR) Poor 72 81 88 91

Good 67 78 85 89
SR + CR Poor 71 80 87 90
Good 64 75 82 85
Contoured (C) Poor 70 79 84 88
Good 65 75 82 86
C + CR Poor 69 78 83 87
Good 64 74 81 85
Contoured & terraced (C&T) Poor 66 74 80 82
Good 62 71 78 81
C&T+CR Poor 65 73 79 81
Good 61 70 77 80

Small grain SR Poor 65 76 84 88

Good 63 75 83 87
SR + CR Poor 64 75 83 86
Good 60 72 80 84
C Poor 63 74 82 85
Good 61 73 81 84
C + CR Poor 62 73 81 84
Good 60 72 80 83
C&T Poor 61 72 79 82
Good 59 70 78 81
C&T+ CR Poor 60 71 78 81
Good 58 69 77 80

Close-seeded SR Poor 66 77 ) 85 89
or broadcast Good 58 72 81 85
legumes or C Poor 64 75 83 85
rotation Good 55 69 78 83
meadow C&T Poor 63 73 80 83
Good 51 67 76 80
» Average runoff condition, and Ia=0.2S
2 Crop residue cover applies only if residue is on at least-5% of the surface throughout the year.
3 Hydraulic condition is based on combination factors that affect infiltration and runoff, including (a) density and canopy of vegetative areas,

(b) amount of year-round cover, (c) amount of grass or close-seeded legumes, (d) percent of residue cover on the land surface (good £ 20%),
and (e) degree of surface roughness.

Poor. Factors impair infiltration and tend to increase runoff.

Good: Factors encourage average and better than average infiltration and tend to decrease runoff.

2-6 (210-VI-TR-55, Second Ed., June 1986)

TaM© m
 Chapter 2 Estimating Runoff Technical Release 55
Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds

Table 2-2c Runoff curve numbers for other agricultural lands V

Curve numbers for.

Cover description hydrologic soil group
Hydrologic
Cover type condition A B C D
Pasture, grassland, or range—continuous Poor 68 79 86 89
forage for grazing. % Fair 49 69 79 84
Good 39 61 74 80
Meadow—continuous grass, protected from 30 58 71 78
grazing and generally mowed for hay.

Brush-brush-weed-grass mixture with brush Poor 48 67 77 83

the major element % Fair 35 56 70 77
Good 30 4/ 48 65 73

Woods—grass combination (orchard Poor 57 73 82 86

or tree farm). & Fair 43 65 76 82
Good 32 58 72 79
Woods. Sf Poor 45 66 77 83
Fair 36 60 73 79
Good 304/ 55 70 77

Farmsteads—buildings, lanes, driveways, 59 74 82 86

and surrounding lots.____________
1 Average runoff condition, and Ia = 0.2S.
2 Poor: <50%) ground cover or heavily grazed with no mulch.
Fair: 50 to 75% ground cover and not heavily grazed.
Good: > 75% ground cover and lightly or only occasionally grazed.
3 Poor. <50% ground cover.
Fair: 50 to 75% ground cover.
Good: >75% ground cover.
* Actual curve number is less than 30; use CN = 30 for runoff computations.
6 CN’s shown were computed for areas with 50% woods and 50% grass (pasture) cover. Other combinations of conditions may be computed
from the CN’s for woods and pasture.
6 Poor: Forest litter, small trees, and brush are destroyed by heavy grazing or regular burning.
Fair: Woods are grazed but not burned, and some forest litter covers the soil.
Good: Woods are protected from grazing, and litter and brush adequately cover the soil.

(210-VI-TR-55, Second Ed., June 1986) TaftSle 1c

 Chapter 2 Estimating Runoff Technical Release 55
Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds

Table 2-2d Runoff curve numbers for arid and semiarid rangelands J;

Curve numbers for

Cover description hydrologic soil group
Hydrologic
Cover type condition % A 3/ B C D

Herbaceous—mixture of grass, weeds, and Poor 80 87 93

low-growing brush, with brush the Fair 71 81 89
minor element Good 62 74 85

Oak-aspen—mountain brush mixture of oak brush, Poor 66 74 79

aspen, mountain mahogany, bitter brush, maple, Fair 48 57 63
and other brush. Good 30 41 48

Piny on-juniper—pinyon, juniper, or both; Poor 75 85 89

glass understory. Fair 58 73 80
Good 41 61 71

Sagebrush with grass understory. Poor 67 80 85

Fair 51 63 70
Good 47 55
j
Desert shrub—major plants include saltbush, Poor 63 77 85 88
greasewood, creosotebush, blackbrush, bursage, Fair 55 72 81 86
palo verde, mesquite, and cactus. Good 49 68 79 84
1 Average runoff condition, and Ia, = 0.2S. For range in humid regions, use table 2-2c.
2 Poor: <30% ground cover (litter, grass, and brush overstory).
Fair: 30 to 70% ground cover.
Good: > 70% ground cover.
3 Curve numbers for group A have been developed only for desert shrub.

2-8 (210-VI-TR-55, Second Ed., June 1986)

Table Id
 Method and Date Formula for tc (min) Remarks

Kirpicn (1940) (c= 0.0078£O775'o:,S3
L = length of channel/ditch
from headwater to outlet.
ft
5= average watershed slope,
fl/ft
Developed from SCS data for seven rural basins in Tennessee
with well-defined channel and steep slopes (3% to 10%); for
overland flow on concrete or asphalt surfaces multiply tc by
0.4; for concrete channels multiply by 0.2; no adjustments for
overiUnu (low on bare soil or flow m roadside ditches.

California 60(ll.9£/VH)OJ33 Essentially the Kirpich formula; developed from small moun­
Culverts L = length of longest tainous basins in California (U. S. Bureau of Reclamation,
Practice watercourse, mi 1973. pp. 67-71).
(1942) H = elevation difference
between divide and
outlet, ft

lizard (1946) 4l.025(0.0007< + c)L°-33 Developed in laboratory experiments by Bureau of Public

«c = 5 0.333/ 0.667 ..
i = rainfall intensity, in/h
c = retardance coefficient
L= length of flow path, ft
5= slope of flow path, ft/ft
Roads for overland flow on roadway and turf surfaces; val­
ues of the retardance coefficient range from 0.0070 for very
smooth pavement to 0.012 for concrete pavement to 0.06 for
dense turf; solution requires iteration; product / times L should
be < 500.

Federal Aviation fc= 1.8(1.1 - Qi.O^/J0-333
Administration C— rational method runoff
(1970) coefficient
£,= length of overland flow, ft
5 = surface slope, %
Developed from air field drainage data assembled by the Corps
of Engineers; method is intended for use on airfield drainage
problems, but has been used frequently for overland flow in
urban basins.- . . ... .

Kinematic wave . = Qsul-Wi Overland flow equation developed from kinematic wave anal­
formulas c [i0AS03) ysis of surface runoff from developed surfaces; method
Morgali and L= length of overland flow, ft requires iteration since both i (rainfall intensity) and tc are
Linsley n = Manning roughness unknown; superposition of intensity-duration-frequency curve
(1965) coefficient gives direct graphical solution for tc
Aron and f*= rainfall intensity in/h
Erborge (1973) S = average overland slope
ft/ft

SCS lag 100 £.0,8[( 1000/CN) — 9]0,7 Equation developed by SCS from agricultural watershed data;
equation '• 1900 s it has been adapted to small urban basins under 2000 acres;
(1973) £.== hydraulic length of found generally good where area is completely paved; for
watershed (longest flow mixed areas it tends to overestimate; adjustment factors are
path), ft applied to correct for channel improvement and impervious
CN = SCS runoff curve number area; the equation assumes that /c= 1.67 X basin lag.
5 = average watershed slope, %

SCS average . i ~ J-2 k Overland flow charts in Fig. 3-1 of TR 55 show average veloc­
ic60^ V
velocity - ity as function of watercourse slope and surface cover. (See
charts (1975, 1986) L = length of flow path, ft also Table 5.7.1)
V= average velocity in feet
per second from Fiig. 3-1
Of TR 55 for various
surfaces

TaMe 1
Rational Method Runoff Coefficients (C)

Land Use Runoff Coefficient (C)

Business
Downtown Areas 0.70 - 0.95
Neighborhood Areas 0.50 - 0.70

Residential
Single-Family 0.30 - 0.50
Multi-unit, detached 0.40 - 0.60
Multi-unit, attached 0.60 - 0.75

Residential (suburban) 0.25 - 0.40

Apartment dwellings 0.50 - 0.70

industrial
Light Areas 0.50 - 0.80
Heavy Areas 0.60 - 0.90

Parks, cemeteries 0.10 - 0.25

Playgrounds 0.20 - 0.35

Railroad yard areas 0.20 - 0.40

Unimproved Areas 0.10-0.30

Streets
Asphalt 0.70 - 0.95
Concrete 0.80 - 0.95
Brick 0.70 - 0.85

Drives and Walks 0.75 - 0.85

Roofs 0.75 - 0.95

Lawns, Sandy Soil

Flat,2% 0.05-0.10
Average, 2-7% 0.10-0.15
Steep, 7% 0.15 - 0.20

Lawns, Heavy Soil

Flat, 2% 0.13-0.17
Average, 2-7% 0.18 - 0.22
Steep, 7% 0.25 - 0.35

p]
%ID
Rational Method Runoff Coefficients (C)

Rural Land Uses

Soil Texture
Open
Topography and Clay and
sandy Tight clay
Vegetation silt loam
loam
Woodland
Flat 0-5% slope 0.10 0.30 0.40
Rolling 5-10% slope 0.25 0.35 0.50
Hilly 10-30% slope 0.30 0.50 0.60

Pasture
Flat 0.10 0.30 0.40
Rolling 0.16 0.36 0.55
Hilly 0.22 0.42 0.60

Cultivated
Flat 0.30 0.50 0.60
Rolling 0.40 0.60 0.70
Hilly 0.52 0.72 0.82
 STEADY UNIFORM FLOW IN OPEN CHANNELS 7-35

Table 7-4. For Determining the Area a of the Cross Section of a

Circular Conduit Flowing Part Full
debth of water D
Let and Ca the tabulated value. Then a = Cad1.
diameter of channel d

D
.00 .01 .02 .03 .04 .05 .06 .07 .08 .09
d

.0 .0000 .0013 .0037 .0069 .0105 .0147 ,0192 .0242 .0294 .0350
.1 .0409 .0470 .0534 .0600 .0668 .0739 .0811 .0885 .0961 .1039
.2 .1118 .1199 .1281 .1365 .1449 .1535 .1623 .1711 .1800 .1890
.3 .1982 .2074 .2167 .,2260 .2355 .2450 .2546 .2642 .2739 .2836
.4 .2934 .3032 .3130 .3229 .3328 .3428 .3527 .3627 .3727 .3827

.5 .393 ..403 .413 .423 .433 .443 .453 .462 .472 .482
.6 .492 .502 .512 .521 .531 .540 .550 .559 .569 .578
.7 .587 .596 .605 .614 .623 .632 .640 .649 .657 .666
.8 .674 .681 .689 .697 .704 .712 .719 .725 .732 .738
.9^ ,745 .750 .756 .761 .766 .771 .775 .779 .782 .784

S9
m.
&

&
S3
 a
Jtf

Table 7-14. Values of K' for Circular Channels in the Formula

K'
Q = — dVis'A
n
D = depth of water d = diameter of channel

D
.00 .01 .02 .03 .04 .05 .06 .07 .08 .09
d

.0 .00007 .00031 .00074 .00138 .00222 .00328 .00455 .00604 .00775

.1 .00967 .0118 .0142 .0167 .0195 .0225 .0257 .0291 .0327 .0366
.2 .0406 .0448 .0492 .0537 .0585 .0634 .0686 .0738 .0793 .0849
.3 .0907 .0966 .1027 .1089 .1153 .1218 .1284 .1352 .1420 .1490
.4 .1561 .1633 .1705 .1779 .1854 .1929 .2005 .2082 .2160 .2238

.5 .232 .239 .247 .255 .263 .271 .279 .287 .295 .303
.6 .311 .319 .327 .335 .343 .350 .358 .366 .373 .380
.7 .388 .395 .402 .409 .416 .422 .429 .435 .441 .447
.8 .453 .458 .463 .468 .473 .477 .481 .485 .488 .491
.9 .494 .496 .497 .498 .498 .498 .496 .494 .489 .483

1.0 .463

m.
I-
&
 Manning's n Coefficients for Sheet Flow

Surface Description n*
Smooth surfaces (concrete, asphalt, gravel, bare soil) 0.01 to 0.016
Pasture 0.30 to 0.40
Lawns/Sod 0.20 to 0.40
Short grass prairie 0.10 to 0.20
Range 0.10 to 0.15
Woods w/ light underbrush 0.40
Woods w/ dense underbrush 0.80

"Source: TR-55, Second Ed., June 1986

Hydrology & Floodplain Analysis, 1989

TABLE 5
 Velocities for Upland Method of
Estimating Time of Concentration

/
4. ' ,r 't ' / <»• / ' ' " I.

a
■ » ,

80 ________ tllllll SO '

__■■■■■■■Ilium
niBHMBBBIIlIllll El ? ti . ,,, f

30
■ ■■BIllIHIItil -t I*r t 1 if 90
i- ••
7 ,*o
U 20
O 7
O l
A
£
A.
I r<Oi

.* if ■
2 io jS _ SL- !i
<3 10/
v/
kf
III X
CL
O. «r> *%-0
&
<0
4 4
* -ui MfP
CO
J2Lr^LlJ r w
3
*/ rzsrt*. V
KiasiiiiEiitii **
cc
L€
$ % L/<8
Ul *
i? a
<
&
m o
'if a
*
f/[ S

-L.
* A Jt "

7 ,6
A
1., - -- , £ A> • A- . , ~ ft' W ^ 10 to.
t
VELOCITY, V {FT / SEC) <r~

Chart la
(English Units)
 100
90 T 1
80
70
60
50
J2 /
40
&
&
30 £
ۥ
«$ S&
j 4?
20
&
$&
C
w
ii £
<55

tUi
s
£ £d
& 8.
Q)
10 & £
CL 9 & *5?
-9 8 &ri
m
7 6 ’ i/j//i <§
6
S/|y/#
5 &
<&■

8 i/J//$
<
///#

4
sf?
£>
<S
5/>
»
£> 'jyj’
?/#
3
Sr
<s £ ,##
#/<?
<£
2 #.
£5 47#// #■
iS?
s?

^/ AS*
<? V ^//b ftr
,<S
■i? £ ❖
& &
$ £
<? £
1.0 V*$X S?
55
L<W,

0.5
CO
rTTTTTT
10 <0 OO o o o
n mu
000 o o
T
o o
T—T
o o
o o 00 O '»“ 04 CO to <0 00 o o o oo
o o' o o oo o o ooo O T-‘ CM co ■^f LT5

Velocity (m/s)

Upland Method for calculating Tc

Chart 1a
(Metric Units)
Chapter 3 Time of Concentration and Travel Time Technical Release 55
Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds

Figure 3-1 Average velocities for estimating travel time for shallow concentrated flow

.50 • *J • * A •• ‘i * • i j -M 'V*

rrtTrt'i r • V

A'■
i
j

f-
........ -j

-4 x
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i i
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t
p-t*4- •* j~rl-
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T; *f-r+| r $* •*i -
t~f t's
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-t~ -

I “I'i i ]T;j 7
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t i
l i i ! i
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i
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1 t i . f j
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5
flit rt
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1
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rn
* I
f
( ■r* i

.10 ~xv i
l
l
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r
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i
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T r T
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f 1
4.
t T 4
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o j
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f p
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i
c
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r
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i

pi
l
p
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4*
5 f....r"’ .u tz !^o r ■1 -• —<■
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4
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fi - 4 %!
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r 'i 3
4

T 4 n -h ■i ... 4...

.02 •i |l iTT .i. * r

r j—**4
t• i.
4*
I
i

t i }
*4 * Fit l
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IH4 J i
3
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i
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T rz J
TT*
i
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!
i

f L
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i
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3
i t
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** i
r-'f
#! i
-‘4. i ... Ul 4 pttR
'I—f T

! ! I. }| f

4 ? * ,
3
~T r
.1 3

Cj* *»!•«'•rf.. r 4
3 !I
f
3
i

rg-~ T
*I
i
■r -4-1-
2
u„4
: i:
Xf iiuiUji
4
i
•i
• ; i
t
t

j
-r ’ f

.005
i
1 3
LLL-i
1 2 4 6 10 20

Average velocity (ft/sec)

Chart lb
3-2 (210-V1-TR-55, Second Ed., June 1986)