River Flood Forecasting Using Complementary Muskingum Rating Equations

Abstract

A model for real-time flood forecasting in river systems with large drainage areas has been developed. Flow variations between upstream and downstream stations are interlinked and are typically governed by reach properties. Unique paired variations establish useful flow correspondence resulting in inflow and outflow forecasting models for a reach. The proposed model can generate forecasts with increased lead time without applying a separate inflow forecasting model and can also provide updated forecasts essential for real-time applications. The model was applied to flood forecasting in Tar River Basin, N.C., covering a drainage area of