Streamflow and erosion response to prolonged intense rainfall of November 1-2, 2000, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii

Water-Resources Investigations Report 2002-4117
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Abstract

A combination of several meteorologic and topographic factors produced extreme rainfall over the eastern part of the island of Hawaii on November 1-2, 2000. Storm rainfall was concentrated in two distinct areas, the Waiakea and Kapapala areas, where maximum rainfall totals of 32.47 and 38.97 inches were recorded. Resultant flooding caused damages in excess of 70 million dollars, among the highest totals associated with flooding in the State's history. Storm rainfall had recurrence intervals that ranged from 10 years or less for maximum 1-hour totals to 100 years or more for maximum 24-hour totals As part of this study, peak flow and/or erosion data were collected at 41 sites. Analyses of these data indicated that peak discharges of record occurred at 6 of 12 sites where historic data were available. Peak flows with estimated recurrence intervals from 50 to over 100 years were recorded at 4 of 11 sites. Peak flows were poorly correlated with total storm rainfall. Critical rainfall durations associated with peak flows ranged from 1 to 12 hours and were about 3 hours at most sites. Rainfall-runoff computations and field observations indicated that infiltration-excess overland flow alone was not sufficient to have caused the observed flood peaks and therefore saturation-excess overland flow and subsurface flow probably contributed to peak flows at most sites Most hillslope erosion associated with the storm took place along or near the Kaoiki Pali in the Kapapala area. Hillslope erosion was predominately caused by overland flow.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Streamflow and erosion response to prolonged intense rainfall of November 1-2, 2000, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 2002-4117
DOI 10.3133/wri20024117
Year Published 2002
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Pacific Islands Water Science Center
Description iv, 31 p.
Time Range Start 2000-11-01
Time Range End 2000-11-02
Country United States
State Hawaii
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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