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Peak-flow characteristics of small urban drainages along the Wasatch Front, Utah

Water-Resources Investigations Report 89-4095
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri894095

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Abstract

Designers and planners for local, State, and Federal agencies need up-to- date methods for determining peak-flow characteristics for urban drainages along the Wasatch Front, Utah. This report summarizes methods used to develop equations that estimate peak-flows for small urban drainages along the Wasatch Front. Mathematical equations were developed that estimate peak flows for recurrence intervals of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years, for small urban drainages. Data entry to the equations requires measurements of basin slope, size and percent impervious area. Rainfall and runoff data collected from eight urban drainages along the Wasatch Front from 1984-86, were used to calibrate a rainfall-runoff model called DR3M-II. Rainfall data collected from 1948-83 at the National Weather Service Salt Lake City Airport station provided additional long-term data to the calibrated models. Log Pearson fits made to the peak flow data were used to estimate the recurrence interval peaks for each basin. Paired stations on Little Cottonwood Creek near Salt Lake City were used to help determine the effects of intervening urban drainage on peaks of larger streams. In general, peaks on larger streams caused by snowmelt and peaks caused by rainfall (where urban areas may have a significant effect) did not occur simultaneously. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Lindskov, K., Thompson, K.R., 1989, Peak-flow characteristics of small urban drainages along the Wasatch Front, Utah: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 89-4095, v, 38 p. :ill. ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri894095.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Peak-flow characteristics of small urban drainages along the Wasatch Front, Utah
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 89-4095
DOI 10.3133/wri894095
Year Published 1989
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey ; Books and Open-File Reports Section [distributor],
Description v, 38 p. :ill. ;28 cm.
Additional publication details