53:119 Hydrology
Problem #18
Baseflow Separation

Streamflow measurements are available for the North Branch Ralston Creek (drainage area of 3.01 square miles) for the flood on June 17-18, 1972. Use these data carry out a baseflow separation analysis for this event. For the three baseflow separation methods listed below, compute (1) the baseflow hydrograph (in cfs), (2) the direct runoff hydrograph (in cfs), (3) the volume of direct runoff Vd (in ac-ft), and (4) the depth of direct runoff rd (in inches).

  1. Straight-Line Method A (Horizontal Line).

    (Note: When you extend a horizontal line, you will find that it extends to the end of the available discharge data without intersecting the streamflow discharge curve. Ignore this fact when computing the direct runoff components. However, in practice, you would need to obtain streamflow data for a longer period (than shown here) to apply this method.)

  2. Straight-Line Method B.

    (Note: You will need to plot the discharge hydrograph on a logarithmic scale to identify the start of the baseflow period after the flood.)

  3. Digital Filter Method (with alpha of 0.995).

Last changed on 09/28/12 by aab.