Determination of SCS-CN initial abstraction ratio in a catchment prone to flash floods

Abstract

The soil conservation service - curve number method is a globally used approach to simulations of surface runoff for its simplicity and applicability. Nevertheless, relevant simulations require proper setting of the model's components. This work focuses on optimization of initial abstraction ratio λ in the Husí potok sub-catchments in Czech Republic. Due to favorable morphology, the watershed is prone to flash floods and accurate modeling of surface runoff is of high interest. The analysis was conducted using pairs of discharge and rainfall measurements. The results outline that the traditional value λ= 0.2 is too high in this watershed and should be reduced.