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Stage-discharge relations for selected culverts and bridges in the Big Lost River flood plain at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho

Water-Resources Investigations Report 2003-4066
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri034066

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Abstract

Information is needed by the U.S. Department of Energy at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory to determine the extent and severity of potential flooding at facilities along the Big Lost River. Two computer programs—the Culvert Analysis Program (CAP) and the HECRAS model—were used to define stage-discharge relations for 31 culverts and 2 bridge sites in a 10- mile reach of the river. These relations can be used to improve surface-water-flow models to evaluate potential flooding. Relations between headwater, tailwater, and discharge through each structure were unique. Discharge through the culverts as computed by the CAP ranged from about 0 cubic feet per second to as much discharge as could be conveyed, and tailwater elevations ranged from about 0 to 30 feet above the outlet elevation. Discharge through the bridges, as computed by the HEC-RAS model, ranged from nearly 0 to 7,000 cubic feet per second, and tailwater elevations ranged from nearly 0 to 30 feet above the streambed on the downstream cross section of each bridge. Stage-discharge relations provided in lookup tables in this report can be incorporated into numerical surface-water-flow models to simulate the effects of hydraulic structures on flood flows. One limitation of the CAP and HEC-RAS models is that changes in flow conditions, such as obstruction by sediment and debris, are not simulated. If flow through a hydraulic structure is obstructed by sediment or debris, then model-simulated discharges through the structure might be greater than would be experienced under actual conditions.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Stage-discharge relations for selected culverts and bridges in the Big Lost River flood plain at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 2003-4066
DOI 10.3133/wri034066
Year Published 2003
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Idaho Water Science Center
Description iv, 62 p.
Country United States
State Idaho
County Butte
Scale 24000
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