Regional Regression Equations Based on Channel-width Characteristics to Estimate Peak-flow Frequencies at Ungauged Sites Using Data Through Water Year 2011

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) uses peak-flow frequency data (i.e. 100-year flood) to design highway infrastructure, secure floodplain permits, and perform stream restoration activities. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with MDT proposes to develop regression equations which use channel-width as a predictor to provide peak-flow frequency estimates (hereinafter referred to as “frequency”) to MDT. Peak-flow data has been collected by the USGS in cooperation with MDT since 1955 and is used by many federal, state, and local agencies to increase the understanding of how extreme weather events and climate change can affect flood events in Montana. The proposed research will develop channel-width based regression equations that could increase accuracy and reduce uncertainty when determining flood magnitudes and frequencies for MDT. Channel-width measurements, which are necessary for using the proposed regression equations, are commonly obtained through on-site surveys. This research proposes to develop and evaluate the use of aerial photography and other remote measurement methods to quickly estimate channel widths to reduce the need for on-site surveys.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $150000
• Contract Numbers:

  9353-511

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Montana Department of Transportation

  2701 Prospect Avenue
  P.O. Box 201001
  Helena, MT  United States  59620-1001
• Project Managers:

  Christensen, Kris

• Performing Organizations:

  USGS

  3162 Bozeman Ave.
  Helena, Montana  United States  59601
• Start Date: 20170207
• Expected Completion Date: 20210930
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Channels (Waterways); Climate change; Flood plains; Floods; Highway design; Infrastructure
• Identifier Terms: United States Geological Survey
• Geographic Terms: Montana
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01632214
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Montana Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 9353-511
• Files: RiP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Apr 6 2017 2:03PM