Design flood estimates in mountain streams – the need for a geomorphic approach

Abstract

Estimates of design flood frequencies are routinely required for engineering purposes on ungauged streams and streams with a limited period of streamflow record. In these cases, the design flood is determined either by rainfall frequency–duration analysis, regional analysis of streamflow data, or by extrapolation of a short record from a gauged stream. Although these types of analyses are valuable in a first approximation of peak discharges for different return periods, there is increasing evidence that geomorphic processes such as debris flows, landslide dam failures, glacial outburst floods, and even snow avalanches in the watershed can significantly exceed these estimates. This paper highlights the problem of a purely hydrologic approach for design flood estimates using several case studies, and suggests procedures to routinely include geomorphic processes in standard flood frequency studies.Key words: debris flows, debris floods, landslide dams, flood hazards, outburst floods, frequency analysis.