CN Design Method

Curve Number Design
Curve Number Design

Methodolgy
Methodolgy
J ay Dorsey, P.E.,
J ay Dorsey, P.E.,
Ph.D
Ph.D
ODNR
ODNR
-
-
DSWC
DSWC
February 2009
February 2009
Goals for Presentation
Goals for Presentation
Review
Review
Stormwater
Stormwater
Modeling Toolbox
Modeling Toolbox
Evaluation of the NRCS CN Methodology

Evaluation of the NRCS CN Methodology
to Generate Runoff Hydrographs
to Generate Runoff Hydrographs
Practical Considerations
Stormwater
Stormwater
Modeling Toolbox
Modeling Toolbox
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets
USGS Regression Equations

Rational Method/Modified Rational Method

SCS Curve Number Method


TR
TR
-
-
55
55

TR
TR
-
-
20
20
HEC
HEC
-
-
HMS (Hydrologic Modeling System)
Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)

Stark County Requirements
Stark County Requirements
Qpost
Qpost
<
<
Qpre
Qpre
for 2
for 2
100 yr events
100 yr events
SCS CN Method
SCS CN Method
vs
vs
Modified Rational
Modified Rational
Minimum 2% bottom slope

Minimum 2% bottom slope
basins &
basins &
ditches
ditches
Minimum 0.3 in/hr native soil infiltration

Minimum 0.3 in/hr native soil infiltration
rate for infiltration type
rate for infiltration type
BMPs
BMPs
Stormwater
Stormwater
Modeling Toolbox
Modeling Toolbox
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets




TR
TR
-
-
55
55

TR
TR
-
-
20
20
HEC
HEC
-
-

SCS/NRCS Methodology

Strengths
Strengths
Empirical, lumped model Empirical, lumped model
Widespread use/acceptance Widespread use/acceptance
Simplicity/ease of use Simplicity/ease of use
Seems to work well for design events (P>2 Seems to work well for design events (P>2 ) )

Weaknesses
Weaknesses
Poorly documented model development history Poorly documented model development history
Lack of locally Lack of locally- -derived data derived data
Poor performance for smaller events (P<2 Poor performance for smaller events (P<2 ) )

Strengths
Strengths
Widespread use/acceptance Widespread use/acceptance
Simplicity/ease of use Simplicity/ease of use
Seems to work well for design events (P>2 Seems to work well for design events (P>2 ) )

Weaknesses
Weaknesses
Poorly documented model development history Poorly documented model development history
Lack of locally Lack of locally- -derived data derived data
Poor performance for smaller events (P<2 Poor performance for smaller events (P<2 ) )
The right model is the
simplest model that answers
the question in a manner that
is readily understood by the
reviewer.
(W. Huber)
Overview of
Overview of
Stormwater
Stormwater
Design Process
Design Process

Simulate rainfall
Simulate rainfall
-
-
runoff for specified design
runoff for specified design
events
events
-
-
generate inflow hydrograph
generate inflow hydrograph

Design conveyance system and pond
Design conveyance system and pond
(volume, geometry, outlet configuration)
(volume, geometry, outlet configuration)

Test design by routing all design events
Test design by routing all design events
through pond
through pond

Ensure outflow hydrograph meets
Ensure outflow hydrograph meets
requirements
requirements

Check compatibility with drainage network
Check compatibility with drainage network
(i.e.,
(i.e.,
tailwater
tailwater
analysis)
analysis)

Block outlets and check flood routing
Block outlets and check flood routing
Stormwater
Stormwater
Modeling Toolbox
Modeling Toolbox
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets




TR
TR
-
-
55
55

TR
TR
-
-
20
20
HEC
HEC
-
-

Proprietary
Proprietary
Stormwater
Stormwater
Models
Models
Pond Pack
Pond Pack
Hydraflow
Hydraflow
StormNet
StormNet
Hydrocad
Hydrocad
Etc.
Etc.

Identify rainfall depth, distribution for each
Identify rainfall depth, distribution for each
design event
design event
SCS Type II Storm, NOAA

SCS Type II Storm, NOAA
Atlas 14 data
Atlas 14 data

Convert rainfall depth to runoff depth using
Convert rainfall depth to runoff depth using
Curve Number method (TR
Curve Number method (TR
-
-
20)
20)

Calculate the
Calculate the
Tc
Tc
for each contributing drainage
for each contributing drainage
area for existing and proposed conditions
area for existing and proposed conditions
use velocity method (TR

use velocity method (TR
-
-
55 manual) and
55 manual) and
appropriate equation for unpaved
appropriate equation for unpaved
conc
conc
flow
flow

Generate inflow hydrographs for each design
Generate inflow hydrographs for each design
event for existing and proposed conditions
event for existing and proposed conditions
use SCS unit hydrograph method (i.e., TR

use SCS unit hydrograph method (i.e., TR
-
-
20
20
based model)
based model)
Rainfall
Rainfall

Design Storms
Design Storms

Rainfall Distribution
Rainfall Distribution
Rainfall Data
Rainfall Data
Numerous sources of rainfall data (e.g., depth, intensity) are a Numerous sources of rainfall data (e.g., depth, intensity) are available vailable
including: including:
NOAA Atlas 14 NOAA Atlas 14 - - NWS NWS- -NOAA. 2004. Precipitation NOAA. 2004. Precipitation- -Frequency Frequency
Atlas of the United States, NOAA Atlas 14, Atlas of the United States, NOAA Atlas 14, Vol Vol 2, Version 3, 2, Version 3,
NOAA, National Weather Service, Silver Spring, MD. NOAA, National Weather Service, Silver Spring, MD.
This data can be accessed through the internet Precipitation Fre This data can be accessed through the internet Precipitation Frequency quency
Data Server (PFDS): http:// Data Server (PFDS): http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/ /
Huff and Angel Huff and Angel - - Huff, F.A. and J .R. Angel. 1992. Rainfall Huff, F.A. and J .R. Angel. 1992. Rainfall
Frequency Atlas of the Midwest. Illinois State Water Survey, Frequency Atlas of the Midwest. Illinois State Water Survey,
Bulletin 71, Champaign. Bulletin 71, Champaign.
Technical Paper 40 (TP Technical Paper 40 (TP- -40) 40) - - Hershfield Hershfield, D.M. 1961. Rainfall , D.M. 1961. Rainfall
Frequency Atlas of the United States, Technical Paper No. 40, Frequency Atlas of the United States, Technical Paper No. 40,
U.S. Weather Bureau, Washington, DC. U.S. Weather Bureau, Washington, DC.
Selection of Rainfall Data Source
It is important to use accurate precipitation data for the It is important to use accurate precipitation data for the
location of the development site. location of the development site.
The precipitation values from these different references are The precipitation values from these different references are
typically within 10 typically within 10- -20% for a given design storm (e.g., 2 20% for a given design storm (e.g., 2- -year, year,
24 hr storm). As an example, 24 hr storm). As an example,
Lat: 40.530 N; Long: 82.818 W
Mt. Gilead, Morrow County
5.43 5.43 6.06 6.06 4.90 4.90 100 100- -yr, 24 yr, 24- -hr hr
4.89 4.89 5.33 5.33 4.65 4.65 50 50- -yr, 24 yr, 24- -hr hr
4.36 4.36 4.64 4.64 4.10 4.10 25 25- -yr, 24 yr, 24- -hr hr
3.70 3.70 3.86 3.86 3.70 3.70 10 10- -yr, 24 yr, 24- -hr hr
3.22 3.22 3.35 3.35 3.25 3.25 5 5- -yr, 24 yr, 24- -hr hr
2.62 2.62 2.70 2.70 2.50 2.50 2 2- -yr, 24 yr, 24- -hr hr
2.19 2.19 2.17 2.17 2.25 2.25 1 1- -yr, 24 yr, 24- -hr hr
NOAA Atlas 14 NOAA Atlas 14 Huff & Angel Huff & Angel TP TP- -40 40 Event Event
The difference in design storm value between data sources (less The difference in design storm value between data sources (less
than 10% for smaller storms and less than 20% for extreme than 10% for smaller storms and less than 20% for extreme
events) is small relative to all the other assumptions and events) is small relative to all the other assumptions and
inaccuracies inherent in inaccuracies inherent in stormwater stormwater design. design.
However, the National Weather Service site offers the most up However, the National Weather Service site offers the most up- -to to- -
date, location date, location- -specific information based on rainfall data from specific information based on rainfall data from
over 200 individual sites within Ohio whereas Huff and Angel dat over 200 individual sites within Ohio whereas Huff and Angel data a
is reported regionally for ten (10) sections within the state, a is reported regionally for ten (10) sections within the state, and nd
the TP the TP- -40 data is now 40+ years out 40 data is now 40+ years out- -of of- -date. date.
For the most accurate, up For the most accurate, up- -to to- -date, location date, location- -specific rainfall data specific rainfall data
for for stormwater stormwater design, design, use the Precipitation use the Precipitation- -Frequency Atlas Frequency Atlas
of the United States, NOAA Atlas 14, of the United States, NOAA Atlas 14, Vol Vol 2(3) 2(3)
- - available at the NWS Precipitation Frequency Data Server available at the NWS Precipitation Frequency Data Server
(PFDS): http:// (PFDS): http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/). /).
NWS Precipitation Frequency Data
Server (PFDS) - NOAA Atlas 14:
http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/
NOAA Atlas 14
NOAA Atlas 14
Rainfall Depths, NOAA Atlas 14
Rainfall Depths, NOAA Atlas 14
Rainfall Distribution - 1-yr, 24-hr Storm
Columbus Airport NOAA Atlas 14
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
0 4 8 12 16 20 24
Time (hr)
C
u
m
u
l
a
t
i
v
e

R
a
i
n
f
a
l
l

D
e
p
t
h

(
i
n
)
NOAA Atlas 14
SCS-Type II
Type II Rainfall Distribution Development
Type II Rainfall Distribution Development
Design Storm Rainfall Temporal Distribution - 24-Hour
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1
0 6 12 18 24
Dimensionless Time
D
i
m
e
n
s
i
o
n
a
l
e
s
s

C
u
m
u
l
a
t
i
v
e

R
a
i
n
f
a
l
l
SCS Type II
Constant Intensity
Huff 1st Q
Huff 2nd Q
Huff 3rd Q
Huff 4th Q
Triangular
Commonly Used Rainfall Distributions
Commonly Used Rainfall Distributions
Design Storm Hyetograph Comparison
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0 6 12 18 24
Time (Hr)
R
a
i
n
f
a
l
l

i
n
t
e
n
s
i
t
y

-

d
i
m
e
n
s
i
o
n
l
e
s
s
SCS Type II
Constant Intensity
Huff Q1
Huff Q2
Huff Q3
Huff Q4
Triangular
Commonly Used Rainfall Hyetographs
Commonly Used Rainfall Hyetographs
Source: Phil DeGroot,
Hydrosphere Engineering
3Q Huff Curve
3Q Huff Curve
vs
vs
SCS Type II
SCS Type II
Coshocton NAEW 172 Coshocton NAEW 172
Runoff Hydrograph Comparison
Pre-Development, 1-yr, 24-hr
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Time (min)
D
i
s
c
h
a
r
g
e

(
c
f
s
)
SCS Type II
Huff Q3
Huff Curves
Huff Curves
vs
vs
SCS Type II
SCS Type II
Recommendations
Recommendations
Rainfall Depth Rainfall Depth - - For the most accurate, up For the most accurate, up- -to to- -date, date,
location location- -specific rainfall data for specific rainfall data for stormwater stormwater design, design, use use
the Precipitation the Precipitation- -Frequency Atlas of the United Frequency Atlas of the United
States, NOAA Atlas 14, States, NOAA Atlas 14, Vol Vol 2(3) 2(3)
- - available at the NWS Precipitation Frequency Data available at the NWS Precipitation Frequency Data
Server (PFDS): Server (PFDS): http:// http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/. /.
Temporal Distribution Temporal Distribution - - For For
now, we are recommending now, we are recommending
the use of the SCS Type II the use of the SCS Type II
rainfall distribution for all rainfall distribution for all
design events with a design events with a
recurrence interval greater recurrence interval greater
than 1 year. We are than 1 year. We are
reviewing this guidance. reviewing this guidance.
CN Selection
CN Selection
Appropriate selection of CN to
represent pre
represent pre
-
-
development
development
conditions.
conditions.
Pre
Pre
-
-
development Land Use
development Land Use
Pre
Pre
-
-
development Cover
development Cover
Pre
Pre
-
-
development Soils
development Soils
Pre
Pre
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
Pre
Pre
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
Pre
Pre
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
Pre
Pre
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
What is real? What is real?
How do we know? How do we know?
What value is most What value is most
supportive of achieving our supportive of achieving our
stormwater stormwater management management
goals? goals?
What is fair? What is fair?
Pre
Pre
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
goals? goals?
Agricultural Drainage
Agricultural Drainage
Many agricultural fields have received targeted or Many agricultural fields have received targeted or
systematic drainage using subsurface tiles (corrugated systematic drainage using subsurface tiles (corrugated
plastic drain pipe since late 1960s) that significantly lower plastic drain pipe since late 1960s) that significantly lower
the amount of surface runoff. This includes most low the amount of surface runoff. This includes most low- -
gradient HSG gradient HSG- -C and HSG C and HSG- -D soils in western and northern D soils in western and northern
Ohio. Ohio.
Though many till Though many till- -derived soils of any HSG benefit from derived soils of any HSG benefit from
subsurface tiling, HSG subsurface tiling, HSG- -D soils are most affected. This is D soils are most affected. This is
reflected in the multiple HSG listing for some HSG reflected in the multiple HSG listing for some HSG- -D soils D soils
A/D, B/D, C/D. A/D, B/D, C/D.
Drainage should be assumed (i.e., Drainage should be assumed (i.e., use the first HSG listed use the first HSG listed) )
unless it is verified the field is not drained. unless it is verified the field is not drained.
Updated Pre
Updated Pre
-
-
development HSG
development HSG
NRCS has provided updated NRCS has provided updated
guidance for determining the guidance for determining the
hydrologic soil group (HSG) hydrologic soil group (HSG)
based on a soils saturated based on a soils saturated
hydraulic conductivity, depth hydraulic conductivity, depth
to impermeable layer and to impermeable layer and
depth to high water table. depth to high water table.
Reference: NRCS. 2007. Reference: NRCS. 2007.
Hydrologic Soil Groups. Hydrologic Soil Groups.
Chapter 7 in Part 630 Chapter 7 in Part 630
Hydrology, National Hydrology, National
Engineering Handbook. Engineering Handbook.
USDA USDA- -NRCS, Washington, NRCS, Washington,
DC. DC.
Updated Pre
Updated Pre
-
-
development HSG
development HSG
Ohio NRCS staff applied Ohio NRCS staff applied
criteria to each Ohio soil criteria to each Ohio soil
series and confirmed or series and confirmed or
corrected the HSG. corrected the HSG.
Upon final QA/QC, updated pre Upon final QA/QC, updated pre- -development development HSGs HSGs will will
be published in the be published in the Rainwater Manual Rainwater Manual and available by and available by
county at the NRCS Soil Data Mart Server (est. by 6 county at the NRCS Soil Data Mart Server (est. by 6- -09): 09):
http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/. .
Original HSGs Updated HSGs
HSG Soils* Area (%) Soils* %
A 26 1.2 51 3
B 217 18 104 12
C 224 61.2 121 27
D 85 15.8 80 11
A/D 13 0.1 35 1
B/D 40 2.5 93 6
C/D 22 1.1 143 27
Null 13
Total 627 99.9 627 100
Source: Ohio NRCS
Updated Ohio Hydrologic Soil Groups
Updated Ohio Hydrologic Soil Groups
-
-
preliminary estimates
preliminary estimates
-
-
Soils* = number of soil series (~500), plus variants & phases with distinct HSG
Appropriate selection of CN to represent

Appropriate selection of CN to represent
pre
pre
-
-
development conditions.
development conditions.
represent post
represent post
-
-
development
development
conditions.
conditions.
CN Selection
CN Selection
Disturbed Soil Profiles
Disturbed Soil Profiles

As a result of urbanization, the soil profile
As a result of urbanization, the soil profile
may be considerably altered and the listed
may be considerably altered and the listed
hydrologic group classification may no longer
hydrologic group classification may no longer
apply.
apply.

In these circumstances, select the HSG
In these circumstances, select the HSG
according to the texture of the new surface
according to the texture of the new surface
soil, provided that significant compaction has
soil, provided that significant compaction has
not
not
occurred.
occurred.
New NRCS guidance on New NRCS guidance on
designating disturbed designating disturbed
soil soil HSGs HSGs coming soon coming soon
Soil Compaction
Soil Compaction
Urban
Urban
CNs
CNs
Urban CN values listed Urban CN values listed
in Table 2 in Table 2- -2a were 2a were
developed for typical developed for typical
land use relationships land use relationships
based on specific based on specific
assumed percentages assumed percentages
of impervious area. of impervious area.
Table 2 Table 2- -2a 2a
Assumptions Assumptions
a. a. Pervious urban areas are Pervious urban areas are
equivalent to open space equivalent to open space
in good condition, and in good condition, and
b. b. Impervious areas have a Impervious areas have a
CN = 98 and are directly CN = 98 and are directly
connected to the connected to the
drainage system. drainage system.
Urban
Urban
CNs
CNs
Is this a valid assumption?
Urban
Urban
CNs
CNs
Is this a valid assumption?
Post
Post
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
Post
Post
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
Post
Post
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
Does this = this?
Post
Post
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
goals? goals?
Post
Post
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
goals? goals?
Newly Graded
Areas?
Post
Post
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
goals? goals?
Open Space in
Fair Condition?
Post
Post
-
-
development
development
CN
CN
goals? goals?
Moving HSG one
group to right?
HSG-C Urban CNs
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Impervious Area (%)
S
C
S

C
u
r
v
e

N
u
m
b
e
r
C
D
C - Fair
C - Graded
C - Move HSG to Right
Recommendations
Recommendations
Pre Pre- -development Curve Numbers development Curve Numbers For wooded or brushy For wooded or brushy
areas, use listed values in good hydrologic condition. For areas, use listed values in good hydrologic condition. For
meadows, use listed values. For all other areas (including meadows, use listed values. For all other areas (including
all types of agriculture), use pasture, grassland, or range in all types of agriculture), use pasture, grassland, or range in
good hydrologic condition. good hydrologic condition.
Post Post- -development Curve Numbers development Curve Numbers Either: (1) require that Either: (1) require that
the developer renovate the soil (subsoil, incorporate the developer renovate the soil (subsoil, incorporate
compost and/or sand through top 12 inches, replace topsoil compost and/or sand through top 12 inches, replace topsoil
to a minimum depth of 4); or (2) adjust HSG one group to to a minimum depth of 4); or (2) adjust HSG one group to
right to account for topsoil removal, grading, and right to account for topsoil removal, grading, and
compaction. Undisturbed areas can be treated as open compaction. Undisturbed areas can be treated as open
space in good condition. space in good condition.
Coming soon Coming soon - - Look for post Look for post - -development development HSGs HSGs to be to be
published in Rainwater and Land Development Manual published in Rainwater and Land Development Manual
Example
Example
Reg
Reg

Licking County
Licking County
Highest permissible curve number (CN) for cropland Highest permissible curve number (CN) for cropland
shall be 82. shall be 82.
Unless thoroughly documented, all woods shall be Unless thoroughly documented, all woods shall be
characterized as good. characterized as good.
Where development cuts and fills are anticipated to be Where development cuts and fills are anticipated to be
in excess of six (6) inches, the hydrologic soil group in excess of six (6) inches, the hydrologic soil group
shall be increased one category for post development shall be increased one category for post development
calculations. For example: C to D. calculations. For example: C to D.
Post
Post
-
-
development HSG
development HSG
NRCS has provided updated guidance for determining the NRCS has provided updated guidance for determining the
hydrologic soil group (HSG) based on a soils saturated hydrologic soil group (HSG) based on a soils saturated
hydraulic conductivity, depth to impermeable layer and hydraulic conductivity, depth to impermeable layer and
depth to high water table. depth to high water table.
Reference: NRCS. 2007. Hydrologic Soil Groups. Chapter 7 in Pa Reference: NRCS. 2007. Hydrologic Soil Groups. Chapter 7 in Part rt
630 Hydrology, National Engineering Handbook. USDA 630 Hydrology, National Engineering Handbook. USDA- -NRCS, NRCS,
Washington, DC. Washington, DC.
ODNR ODNR- -DSWC soil science staff are applying criteria to each DSWC soil science staff are applying criteria to each
Ohio soil series under a cut/fill scenario. Ohio soil series under a cut/fill scenario.
Upon final QA/QC, post Upon final QA/QC, post- -development development HSGs HSGs will be will be
published in the published in the Rainwater Manual Rainwater Manual (est. by 6 (est. by 6- -09). 09).
Tt and Tc
Tt and Tc
Runoff Hydrograph
SCS CN Method, D = 30 min, Q = 0.27 in
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0.000 0.500 1.000 1.500 2.000 2.500 3.000
Time (hr)
D
i
s
c
h
a
r
g
e
,

q

(
c
f
s
)
Tc = 30 min
Tc = 20 min
qp = 7.4
qp = 9.1
~23% increase
Tc
Tc
Impact on Peak Discharge
Impact on Peak Discharge
Methods for estimating T
Methods for estimating T
c
c
Two ways of classifying methods of

Two ways of classifying methods of
computing Time of Concentration:
computing Time of Concentration:
- -
Regression based equations
Regression based equations
- -
Velocity based methods
Velocity based methods
Velocity Based Methods
Velocity Based Methods

NRCS Velocity
NRCS Velocity
Based Method
Based Method
- - Divide flow path into Divide flow path into
segments segments
- - overland flow overland flow
- - shallow concentrated shallow concentrated
flow flow
- - channel flow channel flow
- - Estimate velocity for each Estimate velocity for each
segment segment
- - Compute travel time for Compute travel time for
each segment each segment
- - Sum of the travel times is Sum of the travel times is
the time of concentration the time of concentration
Travel Time
Travel Time
-
-
Sheet Flow
Sheet Flow
NRCS Velocity Based Method
Overland Flow (a.k.a. Sheet Flow)

Overland Flow (a.k.a. Sheet Flow)
where: where:
T T
t t
= Travel time, hours = Travel time, hours
n = Mannings roughness coefficient for sheet flow n = Mannings roughness coefficient for sheet flow
L = flow length, feet L = flow length, feet
P P
2 2
= 2 = 2- -year, 24 year, 24- -hour rainfall, in hour rainfall, in
s = slope of hydraulic grade line (land slope), ft/ft s = slope of hydraulic grade line (land slope), ft/ft
4 0 5 0
2
8 0
007 0
. .
.
t
s ) (P
(nL) .
T =
Mannings n
values for various
surface covers to
be used in the
Sheet flow Travel
Time equation.
Shallow concentrated flow

- - after a max of 100 feet sheet flow usually begins after a max of 100 feet sheet flow usually begins
to concentrate into small rills to concentrate into small rills
- - average velocity is a function of watercourse slope average velocity is a function of watercourse slope
and type of channel and type of channel
- - average depths generally less than 0.5 feet average depths generally less than 0.5 feet
- - equations are derivatives of Mannings equation equations are derivatives of Mannings equation
for open channel flow for open channel flow
Travel Time
Travel Time
Shallow Concentrated
Shallow Concentrated
Flow
Flow

Shallow concentrated
flow
flow
Paved conditions : V = 20.32 s Paved conditions : V = 20.32 s
0.5 0.5
where: V = velocity, fps where: V = velocity, fps
s = slope of hydraulic grade s = slope of hydraulic grade
line (slope of land) ft/ft line (slope of land) ft/ft

flow
flow
Unpaved conditions: Unpaved conditions:
Grass Waterway Grass Waterway V=16.1 s V=16.1 s
0.5 0.5
TR-55 guidance

flow
flow
Unpaved conditions: Unpaved conditions:
Grass Waterway Grass Waterway V=16.1 s V=16.1 s
0.5 0.5
Bare Soil Bare Soil V=10.3 s V=10.3 s
0.5 0.5
Cult. Straight Row Cult. Straight Row V=9.0 s V=9.0 s
0.5 0.5
Short Grass Pasture Short Grass Pasture V=7.0 s V=7.0 s
0.5 0.5
Trash Fallow, Minimum Trash Fallow, Minimum
Tillage, Woodland Tillage, Woodland V=5.1 s V=5.1 s
0.5 0.5
Forest w/Heavy Litter V=2.5 s Forest w/Heavy Litter V=2.5 s
0.5 0.5
NEH-4 Guidance

Travel time for shallow concentrated flow portion: Travel time for shallow concentrated flow portion:
where: where: L = flow length, ft L = flow length, ft
V = average velocity, fps V = average velocity, fps
3600 = conversion factor from seconds to hours 3600 = conversion factor from seconds to hours
V
L
T
t
3600
=
Open Channel Flow

Open Channel Flow
- - open channels assumed to begin where surveyed open channels assumed to begin where surveyed
cross cross- -section information has been obtained, where section information has been obtained, where
blue lines (indicating streams) appear on USGS blue lines (indicating streams) appear on USGS
quadrangle maps quadrangle maps
- - Mannings equation is used to estimate average flow Mannings equation is used to estimate average flow
velocity velocity
- - average flow velocity determined for bank average flow velocity determined for bank- -full full
elevation elevation
Open Channel Flow

Open Channel Flow
where: where:
r = hydraulic radius, ft = a/p r = hydraulic radius, ft = a/p
w w
a = cross a = cross- -sectional flow area, sq.ft. sectional flow area, sq.ft.
p p
w w
= wetted perimeter, ft = wetted perimeter, ft
s = slope of the hydraulic grade line (channel slope), ft/ft s = slope of the hydraulic grade line (channel slope), ft/ft
n = Mannings roughness coefficient for open channel flow n = Mannings roughness coefficient for open channel flow
n
s r
V
2
1
3
2
49 . 1
=
Open Channel Flow

Open Channel Flow
Travel time for open channel flow portion: Travel time for open channel flow portion:
where: where:
L = flow length, ft L = flow length, ft
3600 = conversion factor from seconds to hours 3600 = conversion factor from seconds to hours
V
L
T
t
3600
=
Time of Concentration for the watershed

Time of Concentration for the watershed
area:
area:
T T
c c
= T = T
t(sheet flow) t(sheet flow)
+ T + T
t(shallow concentrated flow) t(shallow concentrated flow)
+ T + T
t(open channel flow) t(open channel flow)
Worksheet 3: Tc or Tt
Worksheet 3: Tc or Tt
Sheet Flow
Shallow
Concentrated
Flow
Channel Flow
Worksheet 3 can be used to
calculate T
c
and T
t
.
Recommendations
Recommendations

Use velocity based methods to estimate travel
Use velocity based methods to estimate travel
time (
time (
T
T
t t
) for overland (sheet) flow, shallow
) for overland (sheet) flow, shallow
concentrated flow and channel flow.
concentrated flow and channel flow.
Be sure
Be sure
to use the appropriate unpaved velocity
to use the appropriate unpaved velocity
equation for shallow concentrated flow
equation for shallow concentrated flow
from NEH
from NEH
-
-
4.
4.
Sum all methods for time of
Sum all methods for time of
concentration (
concentration (
T
T
c c
). Use TR
). Use TR
-
-
55 Manual and
55 Manual and
NEH
NEH
-
-
4 as references.
4 as references.
Options for Generating a Runoff
Hydrograph
Hydrograph
TR
TR
-
-
55/Win
55/Win
-
-
TR55
TR55
TR
TR
-
-
20/Win
20/Win
-
-
TR20
TR20
HEC
HEC
-
-
HMS
HMS
Proprietary Software
Hydrograph
Hydrograph
TR
TR
-
-
55
55
TR
TR
-
-
55 includes a method (graphical method)
55 includes a method (graphical method)
for simply estimating peak discharge, but for
for simply estimating peak discharge, but for
detention basin design, we need to generate
detention basin design, we need to generate
post
post
-
-
development hydrographs to route
development hydrographs to route
through the detention pond. The
through the detention pond. The
TR
TR
-
-
55
55
Tabular Method
Tabular Method
generates a complete
generates a complete
hydrograph, but is limited to the NRCS rainfall
hydrograph, but is limited to the NRCS rainfall
distributions (e.g., SCS Type II), may produce
distributions (e.g., SCS Type II), may produce
an incomplete hydrograph (i.e., no tail), and
an incomplete hydrograph (i.e., no tail), and
requires much data handling to accomplish
requires much data handling to accomplish
pond routing.
pond routing.
Hydrograph
Hydrograph
WinTR
WinTR
-
-
55
55
WinTR
WinTR
-
-
55 uses a TR
55 uses a TR
-
-
20 engine to generate
20 engine to generate
a runoff hydrograph equivalent to the TR
a runoff hydrograph equivalent to the TR
-
-
55
55
Tabular Method (if SCS Type II distribution is
Tabular Method (if SCS Type II distribution is
used). The structure (pond) routing
used). The structure (pond) routing
component of TR
component of TR
-
-
55 is adequate for routing
55 is adequate for routing
runoff through a farm pond, but is too basic to
runoff through a farm pond, but is too basic to
be of much use for most
be of much use for most
stormwater
stormwater
BMP
BMP
design applications.
design applications.
Hydrograph
Hydrograph
WinTR
WinTR
-
-
20
20
WinTR
WinTR
-
-
20 generates a runoff hydrograph
20 generates a runoff hydrograph
equivalent to WinTR
equivalent to WinTR
-
-
55. The structure (pond)
55. The structure (pond)
and stream reach routing components of
and stream reach routing components of
WinTR
WinTR
-
-
20 are more advanced than WinTR
20 are more advanced than WinTR
-
-
55, allowing adequate modeling of most
55, allowing adequate modeling of most
development/drainage/detention scenarios.
development/drainage/detention scenarios.
The main drawback to the WinTR
The main drawback to the WinTR
-
-
20 model is
20 model is
how user
how user
-
-
unfriendly it is. Life is too short
unfriendly it is. Life is too short
choose a different model.

choose a different model.
Hydrograph
Hydrograph
HEC
HEC
-
-
HMS
HMS
The Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC
The Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC
-
-
HMS)
HMS)
model of the Army Corps of Engineers allows
model of the Army Corps of Engineers allows
the use of SCS CN methodology (as well as
the use of SCS CN methodology (as well as
several other options) to generate a runoff
several other options) to generate a runoff
hydrograph. The model has a steep learning
hydrograph. The model has a steep learning
curve, but is free and relatively flexible and
curve, but is free and relatively flexible and
powerful. If you have time to invest in getting
powerful. If you have time to invest in getting
up to speed, this could be a useful tool. Not
up to speed, this could be a useful tool. Not
for the casual user.
for the casual user.
Hydrograph
Hydrograph
The most common commercial
The most common commercial
stormwater
stormwater
modeling software packages include the SCS
modeling software packages include the SCS
CN methodology. They also typically have
CN methodology. They also typically have
several choices for rainfall distributions and unit
several choices for rainfall distributions and unit
hydrographs. These programs are excellent at
hydrographs. These programs are excellent at
channel reach and pond routing, allow multi
channel reach and pond routing, allow multi
-
-
stage outlets, and are relatively user friendly.
stage outlets, and are relatively user friendly.
The reports (especially graphics) are a huge
The reports (especially graphics) are a huge
step up from
step up from
WinTR
WinTR
software. If you plan to do
software. If you plan to do
much design or review of
much design or review of
stormwater
stormwater
detention
detention
practices, this is the way to go.
practices, this is the way to go.
Recommendations
Recommendations
-
-
Hydrographs
Hydrographs

Find a proprietary hydrologic modeling
software package that fits your needs.

Focus on subdividing the BMP drainage area
Focus on subdividing the BMP drainage area
appropriately.
appropriately.

Use the published SCS Dimensionless Unit
Use the published SCS Dimensionless Unit
Hydrograph (with 484 peak rate constant) to
Hydrograph (with 484 peak rate constant) to
convert rainfall excess to a runoff hydrograph.
convert rainfall excess to a runoff hydrograph.
Look for local/regional research or studies that
Look for local/regional research or studies that
would suggest modifying the peak rate
would suggest modifying the peak rate
constant for local conditions.
constant for local conditions.
Recommendations
Recommendations
-
-
Routing
Routing

Work to conceptually understand the pond
Work to conceptually understand the pond
(hydrograph) routing process.
(hydrograph) routing process.


Practice pond routing for different development
Practice pond routing for different development
scenarios (with and without
scenarios (with and without
WQv
WQv
, range of pre
, range of pre
-
-
and post
and post
-
-
development flow peaks) and outlet
development flow peaks) and outlet
types (orifices, weirs, multi
types (orifices, weirs, multi
-
-
stage outlets).
stage outlets).

Software
Software

Data Sheets/Spreadsheets
Data Sheets/Spreadsheets

Checklist
Checklist

Cover Sheet w/Summary Data
Cover Sheet w/Summary Data
By subwatershed By subwatershed area, land use, % impervious, area, land use, % impervious,
WQv WQv, CN, , CN, Tc Tc

Provide Maps for both Existing and Proposed
Provide Maps for both Existing and Proposed
Conditions with:
Conditions with:
Delineated watersheds (incl. up Delineated watersheds (incl. up- -gradient areas) gradient areas)
Flow path segments Flow path segments
Land use/CN Land use/CN

CN Design Method

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CN Design Method

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Curve Number Design

Curve Number Design

Evaluation of the NRCS CN Methodology

USGS Regression Equations

Rational Method/Modified Rational Method

SCS Curve Number Method

Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)

Minimum 2% bottom slope

Minimum 0.3 in/hr native soil infiltration

USGS Regression Equations

Rational Method/Modified Rational Method

SCS Curve Number Method

Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)

USGS Regression Equations

Rational Method/Modified Rational Method

SCS Curve Number Method

Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)

SCS Type II Storm, NOAA

use velocity method (TR

use SCS unit hydrograph method (i.e., TR

Appropriate selection of CN to represent

Two ways of classifying methods of

Overland Flow (a.k.a. Sheet Flow)

Shallow concentrated flow

Shallow concentrated flow

Open Channel Flow

Open Channel Flow

Open Channel Flow

Time of Concentration for the watershed

choose a different model.

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