Curve Number Design Methodolgy

Jay Dorsey, P.E., Ph.D ODNR-DSWC February 2009

Goals for Presentation

Review Stormwater Modeling Toolbox Evaluation of the NRCS CN Methodology

to Generate Runoff Hydrographs Practical Considerations

Stormwater Modeling Toolbox

Spreadsheets USGS Regression Equations Rational Method/Modified Rational Method SCS Curve Number Method

TR-55 TR-20

HEC-HMS (Hydrologic Modeling System) Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)

Stark County Requirements

Qpost < Qpre for 2 100 yr events SCS CN Method vs Modified Rational Minimum 2% bottom slope basins &

ditches Minimum 0.3 in/hr native soil infiltration rate for infiltration type BMPs

Stormwater Modeling Toolbox

Spreadsheets USGS Regression Equations Rational Method/Modified Rational Method SCS Curve Number Method

TR-55 TR-20

HEC-HMS (Hydrologic Modeling System) Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)

SCS/NRCS Methodology

Strengths
Empirical, lumped model Widespread use/acceptance Simplicity/ease of use Seems to work well for design events (P>2)

Weaknesses
Empirical, lumped model Poorly documented model development history Lack of locally-derived data Poor performance for smaller events (P<2)

SCS/NRCS Methodology

Strengths

Empirical, lumped model Widespread use/acceptance The right model is the Simplicity/ease of use that answers simplest model Seems to question work well in foradesign events the manner that (P>2) is readily understood by the Weaknesses reviewer. Empirical, lumped model (W. Huber) model development history Poorly documented Lack of locally-derived data Poor performance for smaller events (P<2)

Overview of Stormwater Design Process

Simulate rainfall-runoff for specified design events - generate inflow hydrograph Design conveyance system and pond (volume, geometry, outlet configuration) Test design by routing all design events through pond Ensure outflow hydrograph meets requirements Check compatibility with drainage network (i.e., tailwater analysis) Block outlets and check flood routing

Stormwater Modeling Toolbox

Spreadsheets USGS Regression Equations Rational Method/Modified Rational Method SCS Curve Number Method

TR-55 TR-20

HEC-HMS (Hydrologic Modeling System) Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)

Proprietary Stormwater Models

Pond Pack Hydraflow StormNet Hydrocad Etc.

SCS/NRCS Methodology

Identify rainfall depth, distribution for each design event SCS Type II Storm, NOAA Atlas 14 data Convert rainfall depth to runoff depth using Curve Number method (TR-20) Calculate the Tc for each contributing drainage area for existing and proposed conditions use velocity method (TR-55 manual) and appropriate equation for unpaved conc flow Generate inflow hydrographs for each design event for existing and proposed conditions use SCS unit hydrograph method (i.e., TR-20 based model)

Rainfall

Design Storms Rainfall Distribution

Rainfall Data
Numerous sources of rainfall data (e.g., depth, intensity) are available including:

NOAA Atlas 14 - NWS-NOAA. 2004. Precipitation-Frequency Atlas of the United States, NOAA Atlas 14, Vol 2, Version 3, NOAA, National Weather Service, Silver Spring, MD.
This data can be accessed through the internet Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS): http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/

Huff and Angel - Huff, F.A. and J.R. Angel. 1992. Rainfall Frequency Atlas of the Midwest. Illinois State Water Survey, Bulletin 71, Champaign. Technical Paper 40 (TP-40) - Hershfield, D.M. 1961. Rainfall Frequency Atlas of the United States, Technical Paper No. 40, U.S. Weather Bureau, Washington, DC.

Selection of Rainfall Data Source

It is important to use accurate precipitation data for the location of the development site. The precipitation values from these different references are typically within 10-20% for a given design storm (e.g., 2-year, 24 hr storm). As an example,
Lat: 40.530 N; Long: 82.818 W Mt. Gilead, Morrow County Event 1-yr, 24-hr 2-yr, 24-hr 5-yr, 24-hr 10-yr, 24-hr 25-yr, 24-hr 50-yr, 24-hr 100-yr, 24-hr TP-40 2.25 2.50 3.25 3.70 4.10 4.65 4.90 Huff & Angel 2.17 2.70 3.35 3.86 4.64 5.33 6.06 NOAA Atlas 14 2.19 2.62 3.22 3.70 4.36 4.89 5.43

Selection of Rainfall Data Source

The difference in design storm value between data sources (less than 10% for smaller storms and less than 20% for extreme events) is small relative to all the other assumptions and inaccuracies inherent in stormwater design. However, the National Weather Service site offers the most up-todate, location-specific information based on rainfall data from over 200 individual sites within Ohio whereas Huff and Angel data is reported regionally for ten (10) sections within the state, and the TP-40 data is now 40+ years out-of-date. For the most accurate, up-to-date, location-specific rainfall data for stormwater design, use the Precipitation-Frequency Atlas of the United States, NOAA Atlas 14, Vol 2(3) - available at the NWS Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS): http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/).

NOAA Atlas 14
NWS Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS) - NOAA Atlas 14: http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/

Rainfall Depths, NOAA Atlas 14

Type II Rainfall Distribution Development

Rainfall Distribution - 1-yr, 24-hr Storm
Columbus Airport NOAA Atlas 14 2.5

Cumulative Rainfall Depth (in)

1.5 NOAA Atlas 14 SCS-Type II 1

0.5

0 0 4 8 12 Time (hr) 16 20 24

Commonly Used Rainfall Distributions

Design Storm Rainfall Temporal Distribution - 24-Hour
1

0.9

0.8 Dimensionaless Cumulative Rainfall

0.7 SCS Type II 0.6 Constant Intensity Huff 1st Q 0.5 Huff 2nd Q Huff 3rd Q 0.4 Huff 4th Q Triangular 0.3

0.2

0.1

0 0 6 12 Dimensionless Time 18 24

Commonly Used Rainfall Hyetographs

Design Storm Hyetograph Comparison
0.3

0.25

Rainfall intensity - dimensionless

0.2 SCS Type II Constant Intensity Huff Q1 0.15 Huff Q2 Huff Q3 Huff Q4 Triangular 0.1

0.05

0 0 6 12 Time (Hr) 18 24

3Q Huff Curve vs SCS Type II

Coshocton NAEW 172

Source: Phil DeGroot, Hydrosphere Engineering

Huff Curves vs SCS Type II

Runoff Hydrograph Comparison Pre-Development, 1-yr, 24-hr
14

12

10

SCS Type II Huff Q3

Discharge (cfs)

0 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600

Time (min)

Recommendations

Rainfall Depth - For the most accurate, up-to-date, location-specific rainfall data for stormwater design, use the Precipitation-Frequency Atlas of the United States, NOAA Atlas 14, Vol 2(3) - available at the NWS Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS): http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/. Temporal Distribution - For now, we are recommending the use of the SCS Type II rainfall distribution for all design events with a recurrence interval greater than 1 year. We are reviewing this guidance.

CN Selection
Appropriate selection of CN to

represent pre-development conditions.

Pre-development Land Use

Pre-development Cover

Pre-development Soils

Predevelopment CN

Predevelopment CN

Predevelopment CN

Predevelopment CN
What is real? How do we know? What value is most supportive of achieving our stormwater management goals? What is fair?

Predevelopment CN
What is real? How do we know? What value is most supportive of achieving our stormwater management goals? What is fair?

Agricultural Drainage

Many agricultural fields have received targeted or systematic drainage using subsurface tiles (corrugated plastic drain pipe since late 1960s) that significantly lower the amount of surface runoff. This includes most lowgradient HSG-C and HSG-D soils in western and northern Ohio. Though many till-derived soils of any HSG benefit from subsurface tiling, HSG-D soils are most affected. This is reflected in the multiple HSG listing for some HSG-D soils A/D, B/D, C/D. Drainage should be assumed (i.e., use the first HSG listed) unless it is verified the field is not drained.

Updated Pre-development HSG

NRCS has provided updated guidance for determining the hydrologic soil group (HSG) based on a soils saturated hydraulic conductivity, depth to impermeable layer and depth to high water table.

Reference: NRCS. 2007. Hydrologic Soil Groups. Chapter 7 in Part 630 Hydrology, National Engineering Handbook. USDA-NRCS, Washington, DC.

Updated Pre-development HSG

Ohio NRCS staff applied criteria to each Ohio soil series and confirmed or corrected the HSG. Upon final QA/QC, updated pre-development HSGs will be published in the Rainwater Manual and available by county at the NRCS Soil Data Mart Server (est. by 6-09): http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/.

Updated Ohio Hydrologic Soil Groups

- preliminary estimates HSG A B C D A/D B/D C/D Null Total Original HSGs Updated HSGs Area (%) Soils* % Soils* 26 1.2 51 217 18 104 224 61.2 121 85 15.8 80 13 0.1 35 40 2.5 93 22 1.1 143 627 99.9 627

3 12 27 11 1 6 27 13 100

Soils* = number of soil series (~500), plus variants & phases with distinct HSG

Source: Ohio NRCS

CN Selection
Appropriate selection of CN to represent

pre-development conditions. Appropriate selection of CN to represent post-development conditions.

Disturbed Soil Profiles

As a result of urbanization, the soil profile may be considerably altered and the listed hydrologic group classification may no longer apply. In these circumstances, select the HSG according to the texture of the new surface soil, provided that significant compaction has not occurred.
New NRCS guidance on designating disturbed soil HSGs coming soon

Soil Compaction

Urban CNs

a.

Urban CN values listed in Table 2-2a were developed for typical land use relationships based on specific assumed percentages of impervious area. Table 2-2a Assumptions
Pervious urban areas are equivalent to open space in good condition, and Impervious areas have a CN = 98 and are directly connected to the drainage system.

b.

Urban CNs

a.

Is this validlisted assumption? Urban CNavalues in Table 2-2a were developed for typical land use relationships based on specific assumed percentages of impervious area. Table 2-2a Assumptions
Pervious urban areas are equivalent to open space in good condition, and Impervious areas have a CN = 98 and are directly connected to the drainage system.

b.

Urban CNs

a.

Is this validlisted assumption? Urban CNavalues in Table 2-2a were developed for typical land use relationships based on specific assumed percentages of impervious area. Table 2-2a Assumptions
Pervious urban areas are equivalent to open space in good condition, and Impervious areas have a CN = 98 and are directly connected to the drainage system.

b.

Postdevelopment CN

Postdevelopment CN

Postdevelopment CN

Does this

this?

Postdevelopment CN
What is real? How do we know? What value is most supportive of achieving our stormwater management goals? What is fair?

Postdevelopment CN
What is real? How do we know? What value is most supportive of achieving our stormwater management goals? What is fair?

Newly Graded Areas?

Postdevelopment CN
What is real? How do we know? What value is most supportive of achieving our stormwater management goals? What is fair?

Open Space in Fair Condition?

Postdevelopment CN
What is real? How do we know? What value is most supportive of achieving our stormwater management goals? What is fair?

Moving HSG one group to right?

HSG-C Urban CNs

100

95

90

SCS Curve Number

85

80
C D C - Fair C - Graded

75

C - Move HSG to Right

70 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Impervious Area (%)

Recommendations

Pre-development Curve Numbers For wooded or brushy areas, use listed values in good hydrologic condition. For meadows, use listed values. For all other areas (including all types of agriculture), use pasture, grassland, or range in good hydrologic condition. Post-development Curve Numbers Either: (1) require that the developer renovate the soil (subsoil, incorporate compost and/or sand through top 12 inches, replace topsoil to a minimum depth of 4); or (2) adjust HSG one group to right to account for topsoil removal, grading, and compaction. Undisturbed areas can be treated as open space in good condition. Coming soon - Look for post-development HSGs to be published in Rainwater and Land Development Manual

Example Reg

Licking County

Highest permissible curve number (CN) for cropland shall be 82. Unless thoroughly documented, all woods shall be characterized as good. Where development cuts and fills are anticipated to be in excess of six (6) inches, the hydrologic soil group shall be increased one category for post development calculations. For example: C to D.

Post-development HSG

NRCS has provided updated guidance for determining the hydrologic soil group (HSG) based on a soils saturated hydraulic conductivity, depth to impermeable layer and depth to high water table.

Reference: NRCS. 2007. Hydrologic Soil Groups. Chapter 7 in Part 630 Hydrology, National Engineering Handbook. USDA-NRCS, Washington, DC.

ODNR-DSWC soil science staff are applying criteria to each Ohio soil series under a cut/fill scenario. Upon final QA/QC, post-development HSGs will be published in the Rainwater Manual (est. by 6-09).

Tt and Tc

Tc Impact on Peak Discharge

Runoff Hydrograph
SCS CN Method, D = 30 min, Q = 0.27 in
10

qp = 9.1
9

~23% increase
8

qp = 7.4
7

Discharge, q (cfs)

Tc = 30 min Tc = 20 min

0 0.000

0.500

1.000

1.500

2.000

2.500

3.000

Time (hr)

Methods for estimating Tc

Two ways of classifying methods of

computing Time of Concentration: - Regression based equations - Velocity based methods

Velocity Based Methods

NRCS Velocity Based Method

-

Divide flow path into segments - overland flow - shallow concentrated flow - channel flow Estimate velocity for each segment Compute travel time for each segment Sum of the travel times is the time of concentration

Travel Time - Sheet Flow

NRCS Velocity Based Method

Overland Flow (a.k.a. Sheet Flow)

0.007(nL) Tt = 0 .5 0 .4 (P2 ) s

0 .8

where: Tt = Travel time, hours n = Mannings roughness coefficient for sheet flow L = flow length, feet P2 = 2-year, 24-hour rainfall, in s = slope of hydraulic grade line (land slope), ft/ft

NRCS Velocity Based Method

Mannings n values for various surface covers to be used in the Sheet flow Travel Time equation.

NRCS Velocity Based Method

Shallow concentrated flow
-

after a max of 100 feet sheet flow usually begins to concentrate into small rills average velocity is a function of watercourse slope and type of channel average depths generally less than 0.5 feet equations are derivatives of Mannings equation for open channel flow

Travel Time Shallow Concentrated Flow

NRCS Velocity Based Method

Shallow concentrated flow

Paved conditions : V = 20.32 s 0.5 where: V = velocity, fps s = slope of hydraulic grade line (slope of land) ft/ft

NRCS Velocity Based Method

Shallow concentrated flow

Grass Waterway V=16.1 s0.5

Unpaved conditions:

where: V = velocity, fps s = slope of hydraulic grade line (slope of land) ft/ft
TR-55 guidance

NRCS Velocity Based Method

Shallow concentrated flow

Grass Waterway V=16.1 s0.5 Bare Soil V=10.3 s0.5 Cult. Straight Row V=9.0 s0.5 Short Grass Pasture V=7.0 s0.5 Trash Fallow, Minimum Tillage, Woodland V=5.1 s0.5 Forest w/Heavy Litter V=2.5 s0.5

Unpaved conditions:

where: V = velocity, fps s = slope of hydraulic grade line (slope of land) ft/ft
NEH-4 Guidance

NRCS Velocity Based Method

Shallow concentrated flow
Travel time for shallow concentrated flow portion:

L Tt = 3600V
where: L = flow length, ft V = average velocity, fps 3600 = conversion factor from seconds to hours

NRCS Velocity Based Method

Open Channel Flow
-

open channels assumed to begin where surveyed cross-section information has been obtained, where blue lines (indicating streams) appear on USGS quadrangle maps Mannings equation is used to estimate average flow velocity average flow velocity determined for bank-full elevation

NRCS Velocity Based Method

Open Channel Flow

1.49r s V= n

where: V = average velocity, fps r = hydraulic radius, ft = a/pw a = cross-sectional flow area, sq.ft. pw = wetted perimeter, ft s = slope of the hydraulic grade line (channel slope), ft/ft n = Mannings roughness coefficient for open channel flow

NRCS Velocity Based Method

Open Channel Flow
Travel time for open channel flow portion:

where: L = flow length, ft V = average velocity, fps 3600 = conversion factor from seconds to hours

L Tt = 3600V

NRCS Velocity Based Method

Time of Concentration for the watershed

area:
Tc = Tt(sheet flow) + Tt(shallow concentrated flow) + Tt(open channel flow)

Worksheet 3: Tc or Tt
Worksheet 3 can be used to calculate Tc and Tt.

Sheet Flow Shallow Concentrated Flow Channel Flow

Recommendations

Use velocity based methods to estimate travel time (Tt) for overland (sheet) flow, shallow concentrated flow and channel flow. Be sure to use the appropriate unpaved velocity equation for shallow concentrated flow from NEH-4. Sum all methods for time of concentration (Tc). Use TR-55 Manual and NEH-4 as references.

Options for Generating a Runoff Hydrograph

TR-55/Win-TR55 TR-20/Win-TR20 HEC-HMS Proprietary Software

Options for Generating a Runoff Hydrograph TR-55

TR-55 includes a method (graphical method) for simply estimating peak discharge, but for detention basin design, we need to generate post-development hydrographs to route through the detention pond. The TR-55 Tabular Method generates a complete hydrograph, but is limited to the NRCS rainfall distributions (e.g., SCS Type II), may produce an incomplete hydrograph (i.e., no tail), and requires much data handling to accomplish pond routing.

Options for Generating a Runoff Hydrograph WinTR-55

WinTR-55 uses a TR-20 engine to generate a runoff hydrograph equivalent to the TR-55 Tabular Method (if SCS Type II distribution is used). The structure (pond) routing component of TR-55 is adequate for routing runoff through a farm pond, but is too basic to be of much use for most stormwater BMP design applications.

Options for Generating a Runoff Hydrograph WinTR-20

WinTR-20 generates a runoff hydrograph equivalent to WinTR-55. The structure (pond) and stream reach routing components of WinTR-20 are more advanced than WinTR55, allowing adequate modeling of most development/drainage/detention scenarios. The main drawback to the WinTR-20 model is how user-unfriendly it is. Life is too short choose a different model.

Options for Generating a Runoff Hydrograph HEC-HMS

The Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) model of the Army Corps of Engineers allows the use of SCS CN methodology (as well as several other options) to generate a runoff hydrograph. The model has a steep learning curve, but is free and relatively flexible and powerful. If you have time to invest in getting up to speed, this could be a useful tool. Not for the casual user.

Options for Generating a Runoff Hydrograph Proprietary Software

The most common commercial stormwater modeling software packages include the SCS CN methodology. They also typically have several choices for rainfall distributions and unit hydrographs. These programs are excellent at channel reach and pond routing, allow multistage outlets, and are relatively user friendly. The reports (especially graphics) are a huge step up from WinTR software. If you plan to do much design or review of stormwater detention practices, this is the way to go.

Recommendations - Hydrographs

Find a proprietary hydrologic modeling software package that fits your needs. Focus on subdividing the BMP drainage area appropriately. Use the published SCS Dimensionless Unit Hydrograph (with 484 peak rate constant) to convert rainfall excess to a runoff hydrograph. Look for local/regional research or studies that would suggest modifying the peak rate constant for local conditions.

Recommendations - Routing

Work to conceptually understand the pond (hydrograph) routing process. Find a proprietary hydrologic modeling software package that fits your needs. Practice pond routing for different development scenarios (with and without WQv, range of preand post-development flow peaks) and outlet types (orifices, weirs, multi-stage outlets).

Practical Considerations

Software Data Sheets/Spreadsheets Checklist Cover Sheet w/Summary Data

By subwatershed area, land use, % impervious, WQv, CN, Tc

Provide Maps for both Existing and Proposed Conditions with:

Delineated watersheds (incl. up-gradient areas) Flow path segments Land use/CN