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SAM 2.1—A computer program for plotting and formatting surveying data for estimating peak discharges by the slope-area method

Fact Sheet 2004-3028
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https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20043028

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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measures discharge in streams using several methods. However, measurement of peak discharges is often impossible or impractical due to difficult access, inherent danger of making measurements during flood events, and timing often associated with flood events. Thus, many peak discharge values often are calculated after the fact by use of indirect methods. The most common indirect method for estimating peak dis- charges in streams is the slope-area method. This, like other indirect methods, requires measuring the flood profile through detailed surveys. Processing the survey data for efficient entry into computer streamflow models can be time demanding; SAM 2.1 is a program designed to expedite that process. The SAM 2.1 computer program is designed to be run in the field on a portable computer. The program processes digital surveying data obtained from an electronic surveying instrument during slope- area measurements. After all measurements have been completed, the program generates files to be input into the SAC (Slope-Area Computation program; Fulford, 1994) or HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center-River Analysis System; Brunner, 2001) computer streamflow models so that an estimate of the peak discharge can be calculated.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title SAM 2.1—A computer program for plotting and formatting surveying data for estimating peak discharges by the slope-area method
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2004-3028
DOI 10.3133/fs20043028
Edition Legacy Report
Year Published 2004
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Idaho Water Science Center
Description 6 p.
Country United States
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