Flash Flood Modeling Using HEC-RAS (2D) model on Wadi Reem in the western region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Various infrastructures in Saudi Arabia are affecting by floods and rainfall that may damage constructions at urban areas due to water flows in the main valleys and streams. Asser Region in western Saudi Arabia is characterized by its high rainfall intensity that leads to flash floods. The present study aims to evaluate and identify potential floods in coastal areas of Wadi Reem basin and to show the urban areas exposed to flooding with flood water in the coastal city. Runoff calculation is an important part of regional runoff forecast and water resources evaluation model. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number (CN) model developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Resources Conversion Service (NRCS) is the most popular and widely applied model for direct runoff estimation. The current work used HEC-RAS (2D) in order to simulate Flood map depth and velocity in Wadi Reem coastal areas. Watershed and its stream was delineated using digital elevation model (DEM) and morphological parameters calculated using Watershed Modeling System (WMS). Rainfall frequency analysis was performed for selected three rainfall gages using annual maximums of 24-h rainfall. This study deals with geographic information systems (GIS), hydrologic modeling (water modeling system, WMS), and hydraulic modeling (Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System, HEC-RAS) to evaluate the impact of flash flood hazards on Wadi Reem coastal area.