53:078 Principles of Hydrology (Spring 2004)
Problem #19
Baseflow Separation for Ralston Creek flood (July 1972)
Streamflow measurements are available for the North Branch Ralston Creek (drainage area of 3.01 square miles) for the flood on 17-18 July 1972.  Use these data carry out a baseflow separation analysis for this event using the straight-line and digital filter methods.
  1. Using the straight-line method, 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).  (Note: You will need to plot the discharge hydrograph on a logarithmic scale to identify the start of the baseflow period after the flood.  Be sure to include this plot with your solution to receive full credit).
  2. Using the digital filter method (with a of 0.998), 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).
  3. Using the results from part b, plot the baseflow and the streamflow hydrographs (one plot).  Indicate the region on the plot representing the baseflow and the direct runoff components.
Last changed on 03/22/04 by aab.