Determination of Clark unit hydrograph parameters for estimating probable maximum flood

Abstract

Abstract The probable maximum flood (PMF) is the flood caused by the probable maximum precipitation (PMP). A unit hydrograph (UH) is generally used to derive the PMF for the given PMP, but a method is needed to modify the UH parameters to reflect the PMP condition. This study presents a new method using the estimated channel velocity to modify the Clark UH parameters under the ordinary condition into those under the PMP condition. This study considers major dam basins in Korea and evaluates the application results in comparison to several previous studies. As application results of the proposed method, the Clark UH parameters under the PMP condition are found to be within the range 39–53% of those under the ordinary condition, with their mean of about 44%. The UH derived by applying this mean ratio shows that its peak time and the peak flow are just 44 and 227% of the UH under the ordinary condition, respectively. This change from the ordinary condition to the PMP condition is more extreme in Korea than that in Australia and the United Kingdom. This extreme change seems to be due to the climate in Korea, located in the Asian Monsoon region.