The relation of snow to maximum flood peaks: A discussion

Submitted by vlaplant on Thu, 02/21/2013 - 16:16
TitleThe relation of snow to maximum flood peaks: A discussion
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1940
AuthorsChurch, J. E.
Conference Name8th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 8th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Date PublishedJune 1940
PublisherAmerican Geophysical Union, Transactions, Part III-B:
Conference LocationSeattle, Washington
KeywordsFlood control prediction, Snow melt floods
Abstract

The sources of maximum floods are placed near the snowline rather than in the upper reaches of the watershed where the area is smaller, temperature lower, and the body of snow deeper. The effects of the relative heaviness of the snow-cover on the windward and leeward sides of the mountains, the relation of temperature to snowmelt rates, the effect of rainfall on snow and snow density are factors producing floods. An analysis of temperature, snow on the ground, precipitation and flood peaks was made on four floods in the Tahoe-Truckee Basin during 1907, 1928, 1937 and 1940, and in the Sacramento and Humboldt Basins. Hydrographs of the various flood flows are shown, and included are the various factors involved. Snow data at various elevations in the basins is also included.Several discussions are also included.
URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1940aChurch.pdf