SLOPE AREA

METHOD
Dr. P. Sarath Babu
ANU

The slope area method is commonly used

to determine the maximum discharge in

the river during floods
In this method the discharge is computed

using Mannings formula (or Chezys

formula) from the area of cross-section
and the slope of water surface.
A

straight reach of the river with a

reasonably
uniform
cross-section
is
selected
for
the
determination
of
discharge

Stage

Water Surface Profile At Peak Discharge

Distance

The cross-section area (A) is obtained by

taking sounding at intervals of 3 to 6m. The

cross-section is plotted and the crosssectional area is determined up to the high
flood level(HFL).
For the determination of the high flood

level, local records should be studied and

enquires should be made from the old
persons living in the area.
The water surface slope is determined by

noting the readings of gauges located at the

ends of the reach, about 1km upstream and
1km downstream of the section.

If h is the difference in water levels in a

length L of the reach, the water slope is given

by

S= h/L
If there are no gauging stations, the slope may be
determined from the high flood marks of the two
places.
The manning coefficient N depends on the

nature of the banks and bed surface and on

the condition of the river.
Field survey is usually conducted to select a

suitable value of mannings N (or Chezys C)

The discharge Q is determined by mannings
formula

Q = A/N x R2/3 S1/2

Where R is the hydraulic means depth
For more accurate values, the energy slope (s )
f

Should be used instead of water surface slope S