Charles Berenbrock

The Evolution and Development of Improved Data Collection Methods and Mobile Networks for the Observation of Inland Hurricane Storm Surge

1U.S. Geological Survey, 415 National Center, Reston, VA 20192; PH 703-6485305; email rrmason@usgs.gov 2U.S. Geological Survey, Stephenson Center, Suite 129, 720 Gracern Road, Columbia, SC 29210; PH 803-750-6140; email pconrads@usgs.gov 3U.S. Geological Survey 3916 Sunset Ridge Road, Raleigh, N.C. 27607; PH 919571-4017; email jrobbins@usgs.gov 4U.S. Geological Survey, Peachtree Business Center, Suite 130, 3030 Amwiler Road, Atlanta GA 30360; PH 770-903-9127; email bemccall@usghs.gov 5U.S. Geological Survey, 6000 “J” Street, Placer Hall, Sacramento, CA 95819; PH 916-278-3227; ceberenb@usgs.gov

Simulation of water-surface elevations for a hypothetical 100-year peak flow in Birch Creek at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho

Delineation of areas at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory that would be inundated by a 100-year peak flow in Birch Creek is needed by the US Department of Energy to fulfill flood-plain regulatory requirements. Birch Creek flows southward about 40 miles through an alluvium-filled valley onto the northern part of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental laboratory site on the eastern Snake River Plain. The lower 10-mile reach of Birch Creek that ends in Birch Creek Playa near several Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory facilities is of particular concern. Twenty-six channel cross sections were surveyed to develop and apply a hydraulic model to simulate water-surface elevations for a hypothetical 100-year peak flow in Birch Creek. Model simulation of the 100-year peak flow (700 cubic feet per second) in reaches upstream from State Highway 22 indicated that flow was confined within channels even when all flow was routed to one channel. Where the highway crosses Birch Creek, about 315 cubic feet per second of water was estimated to move downstream--115 cubic feet per second through a culvert and 200 cubic feet per second over the highway. Simulated water-surface elevation at this crossing was 0.8 foot higher than the elevation of the highway. The remaining 385 cubic feet per second flowed southwestward in a trench along the north side of the highway. Flow also was simulated with the culvert removed. The exact location of flood boundaries on Birch Creek could not be determined because of the highly braided channel and the many anthropogenic features (such as the trench, highway, and diversion channels) in the study area that affect flood hydraulics and flow. Because flood boundaries could not be located exactly, only a generalized flood-prone map was developed.

Estimated 100-year peak flows and flow volumes in the Big Lost River and Birch Creek at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho

The purpose of this report is to provide estimates of the 100-year peak flows and flow volumes that could enter the INEL area from the Big Lost River and Brich Creek are needed as input data for models that will be used to delineate the extent of the 100-year flood plain at the INEL. The methods, procedures and assumptions used to estimate the 100-year peak flows and flow volumes are described in this report.