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An Improved Flood-Frequency Model for Small Watersheds in the Upper Ouachita Mountains

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Abstract - A new regional flood-frequency (RFF) model is proposed for small, steep watersheds in the upper Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. It is derived using Dalrymple’s (1960) method and data from 10 monitoring stations with record periods of 15 to 33 years. First, I developed a preliminary RFF model and tested it against Neely’s (1987) model using data from just five stations. Next, I compared the preliminary model’s prediction accuracy to the accuracy of Neely's model using data from five stations not used to derive the new model. The preliminary model produced more accurate predictions than Neely’s for all basins tested. Moreover, it’s prediction errors are unbiased whereas those using Neely's model vary with recurrence interval and basin size. I derived a final RFF model using data from 9 of the 10 stations. It is applicable to sites within steep, forested basins of < 100 acres.

Parent Publication

Citation

Marion, Daniel A. 2004. An Improved Flood-Frequency Model for Small Watersheds in the Upper Ouachita Mountains. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-74. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 207-213
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/6514