CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Bruce, J.P.
Date : 1962.
Title : Snowmelt contributions to maximum floods
Publication : Paper Presented at 19th Annual Meeting, Eastern Snow Conference, Yale University, New Haven, Conn., Feb. 8-9, 1962.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
Much attention has been devoted over the past few decades to developing methods of estimating the physical upper limits to floods which can occur on various rivers. Such estimates, often referred to as "maximum possible" or "probable maximum" floods are used to make decisions on spillway capacities of major dams, failure of which might result in disasters should they be overtopped. Most of the investigation and study has gone into the problem of estimating physical upper limits to rainfall over a watershed, and comparatively little to techniques for estimating contributions of snowmelt to maximum flood flows. This paper outlines several methods of estimating maximum winter snow accumulation and melt rates, and compares results obtained by the various methods for the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers in the Quebec North Shore area. Some of the analysis procedures followed here, were made necessary by a great lack of meteorological observations within the largely uninhabited watersheds of the Outardes and Manicouagan. Indeed, it can be seen that there are no observation stations within the watersheds. Weather conditions must be inferred from data around the perimeter of the area at Lake Manuan, Nitchequon, Knob Lake, Seven Islands and Baie Comeau. This report should be of value to those concerned with maximum snowmelt investigations, particularly for watersheds with scanty observational data.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology