Using asymptotic curve number regression method estimation of NRCS curve number and optimum initial loss ratio for small watersheds

Abstract

Two main parameters of NRCS-CN method are curve numbers and intial loss ratio. They are generally selected according to the guideline of US National Engineering Handbook, however, they might cause errors on estimated runoff in Korea because there are differences between soil types and hydrological characteristics of Korean watersheds and those of United States. In this study, applying asymptotic CN regression method, we suggested eight modified NRCS-CN models to decide optimum runoff estimation model for Korean watersheds. RSR (RMSE-observations standard deviation ratio) and NSE (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency) were used to evaluate model performance, consequently M6 for gauged basins (Avg. RSR was 0.76, Avg. NSE was 0.39) and M7 for ungauged basins (Avg. RSR was 0.82, Avg. NSE was 0.31) were selected. Furthermore it was observed that initial loss ratios ranging from 0.01 to 0.10 were more adequate than the fixed λ= 0.20 in most of basins.