CECW-EH-Y Department of the Army EP 1110-2-9

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Engineer Washington, DC 20314-1000 31 July 1994
Pamphlet
1110-2-9
Engineering and Design

HYDROLOGIC ENGINEERING STUDIES

DESIGN

Distribution Restriction Statement

Approved for public release; distribution is
unlimited.
 EP 1110-2-9
31 Jul 94

Foreword

Hydrologic engineering is a critical element in planning and evaluating flood damage

reduction measures and actions. Successful study completion of the hydrologic analysis
requires management of time, money and human resources. The hydrologic engineering
study products must satisfy study team and project sponsor needs. It is important to plan the
technical work at the beginning of the study for effective and efficient implementation.
Development of a hydrologic engineering management plan for the study is a crucial first step
towards accomplishing these objectives. This document describes activities required to
design and prepare a hydrologic engineering management plan for a Corps water resources
investigation. It is intended that such plans be used as a basis for determining firm estimates
of hydrologic engineering study resources and as a technical guide throughout the conduct of
the study.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

WILLIAM D. BROWN
Colonel, Corps of Engineers
Chief of Staff
 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY EP 1110-2-9
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CECW-EH-Y Washington, DC 20314-1000

Pamphlet
No. 1110-2-9 31 July 1994

Engineering and Design

HYDROLOGIC ENGINEERING STUDIES DESIGN

Table of Contents

Subject Paragraph Page Subject Paragraph Page

Chapter 1 Collecting Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4 4-1

Introduction Basic Analysis Approaches . . . . . . . . . 4-5 4-1
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1-1 Initial HEMP Preparation . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 4-3
Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 1-1 Time and Schedule Estimates . . . . . . . 4-7 4-3
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1-1 Funding Estimates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 4-3
Resource Evaluation/Negotiation . . . . . 4-9 4-3

Chapter 2
The Hydrologic Engineering Chapter 5
Management Plan Development of a Detailed HEMP
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 2-1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 5-1
Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 2-1 Document Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 5-1
Personnel Involved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 2-1 Activity Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 5-1
HEMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 2-2 Hydrologic Study Management . . . . . . 5-4 5-1
Study Documentation and
Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 5-1
Chapter 3
Scoping the Investigation
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 3-1 Appendix A
Study Objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 3-1 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Type of Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 3-1
Key Items to Evaluate . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 3-3
Major Hydrologic Engineering Appendix B
Activities Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 3-4 List of Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Primary Hydrologic Engineering
Investigation Products . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 3-4
Appendix C
Initial Hydrologic Engineering
Chapter 4 Management Plan (HEMP) for a
Development of an Initial HEMP Flood Damage Reduction Feasibility
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 4-1 Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Field Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 4-1
Coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 4-1

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Subject Paragraph Page Subject Paragraph Page

Appendix D Appendix F
Generic Detailed Hydrologic Generic Detailed Hydrologic
Engineering Management Plan Engineering Management Plan
(HEMP) for a Flood Damage (HEMP) for a Water Supply
Reduction Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1 Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1

Appendix E
Generic Detailed Hydrologic
Engineering Management Plan
(HEMP) for a Water Control
Management Study . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

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 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY EP 1110-2-9
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CECW-EH-Y Washington, DC 20314-1000

Pamphlet
No. 1110-2-9 31 July 1994

Engineering and Design

HYDROLOGIC ENGINEERING STUDIES DESIGN

Chapter 1 laboratories, and separate field operating activities having

Introduction civil works responsibilities in the hydrology and hydrau-
lics fields.

b. The term hydrologic engineering is used

1-1. Purpose throughout this engineer pamphlet (EP) to encompass
activities in hydrology, hydraulics, water control man-
a. Current planning and management guidance for agement, sediment analyses, water quality, or other water-
civil works studies requires careful technical activity related elements addressed in a Corps water resource
management. Hydrologic engineering is a critical item, investigation. Similarly, the hydrologic engineering man-
especially for feasibility investigations. agement plan includes all activities in these disciplines.
The HEMP is intended to include the terms “hydraulic
b. Successful study completion requires management study work plan” and “sediment study work plan” used in
of time, money, and human resources to accomplish the other engineering manuals and publications.
necessary technical studies in an effective manner.
Hydrologic engineering study products must satisfy study 1-3. References
team and project sponsor needs. The technical studies
must also be completed within available financial Appendix A lists references that should be reviewed for
resources. It is important to plan the technical work at various types of water resource investigations and report-
the beginning of the study to accomplish these require- ing levels. A list of frequently used acronyms is provided
ments. Development of a hydrologic engineering manage- in Appendix B.
ment plan (HEMP) for the study is a crucial first step
towards accomplishing these objectives. This document
describes activities necessary to design and prepare a
HEMP for a Corps water resource investigation.

1-2. Applicability

a. This pamphlet is applicable to HQUSACE ele-

ments, major subordinate commands, districts,

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31 Jul 94

Chapter 2 c. Review contract. The HEMP provides the con-

The Hydrologic Engineering Management tract that will be used to guide the review of the hydro-
logic engineering final project.
Plan
2-3. Personnel Involved

2-1. General The HEMP is a hydrologic engineering document usually

prepared by the principal engineer for the study. It is not
The HEMP is a technical outline of the hydrologic engi- required or approved by other disciplines, but must incor-
neering studies necessary to formulate a solution to a porate information needs of all disciplines. The hydro-
water resource problem. A HEMP could be an initial or logic engineer plays the most important role in its
detailed work outline. An initial HEMP is developed to development, but others have input as well. They
define key issues and activities sufficient to address study include:
time and cost. A detailed HEMP outlines significant
technical activities in sufficient detail for the responsible a. Senior personnel--the HEMP may be prepared by
engineer to perform the analysis. an experienced engineer or a section chief to ensure that
the time and cost estimates are adequate and that they
2-2. Use address all study issues. Supervisors should review and
critique the HEMP.
The use of a hydrologic engineering management plan is
threefold. It is the following: b. Project manager (PM)--discussions on the effect
of the HEMP to the overall project schedule, cost, budget,
a. Basis for firm time and cost estimates. Accurate and all other project processes should be held with the
estimates cannot be obtained without taking sufficient PM that is responsible for the progress of the project.
time to develop firm and justifiable estimates for the
feasibility or the preconstruction engineering and design c. Planning technical manager--discussions with the
(PED) phase. The HEMP should reflect the hydrologic planning technical manager on the alternatives to be
information needs of the study team and define the addressed, level of detail, combinations of different alter-
method of proceeding through the entire study process. natives, study milestone dates, and other pertinent infor-
Agreement between hydrologic engineering, planning, and mation should be held, agreed upon, and incorporated into
project management on the study scope must be reached the HEMP.
for an accurate cost estimate. The HEMP should be
viewed as a contract to perform the stated work for the d. Economist--the economist is important in estab-
agreed-upon amounts of funds and time. Written records lishing the type of analysis required. Significant agri-
and daily or weekly logs of accomplishments are impor- cultural damages require knowledge of the time of year
tant to properly manage and track the study time and fund and duration of the flood and typically use a continuous
expenditures throughout the study. simulation analysis. A study area with primarily urban
damages could use an event analysis. Information on
b. Technical guide for the hydrologic engineer. damage reaches is necessary to estimate the location of
Many feasibility-phase or PED investigations require two hydrologic computation points to give stage-frequency
or more years of hydrologic engineering effort. Even an information at designated damage centers. This type of
experienced hydrologic engineer cannot foresee all facets information is required to perform risk-based analysis for
of a multi-year study without significant planning and project alternatives in close coordination with economists
input from others. A detailed technical outline allows and all other team members.
work to be performed effectively and efficiently, without
close supervision. The preparation and use of a HEMP e. Local sponsor--the sponsor almost always has
provides inexperienced hydrologic engineers with a useful hydrologic information on the study area. The
clearer understanding of the analysis procedures and sponsor may also have definite views on the type and size
reporting process. A HEMP provides the basis for mean- of flood damage alternatives most suitable for the
ingful discussion and negotiation and helps in making investigation.
decisions on refinements and changes as the study
progresses.

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f. Cost engineer--the cost engineer must have hydro- management plan (IPMP), or the detailed project design
logic engineering design information in sufficient detail to needed in the project management plan (PMP). The
prepare project costs. HEMP should be prepared at the end of the reconnais-
sance study so that time and funds needed may be firmly
g. Realty specialist--the real estate specialist needs estimated during the feasibility-phase study. It becomes
stage-frequency, area inundated, project location, and part of the IPMP forming the basis for the Feasibility
other information to complete the analysis. Cost-Shared Agreement (FCSA). Similarly, a HEMP is
prepared at the end of the feasibility-phase study to estab-
h. Other team members--structural, geotechnical, lish hydrologic engineering time and costs necessary for
mechanical engineers, regulatory personnel, the recrea- PED. HEMPs are prepared during the feasibility phase,
tional planner, and environmental specialist usually need to detail all hydrologic engineering work necessary during
specific information from the hydrologic engineer. feasibility, and during the PED phase for the balance of
the hydrologic engineering effort. It is assumed throu-
i. Review authority--controversial, complex, or costly ghout this document that both HEMPs will be prepared,
hydrologic analyses should be discussed with Division but this does not mean that both are always required. In
and possibly HQUSACE hydrologic engineering personnel fact, if a detailed hydrologic engineering management
to confirm the approach and procedures proposed. This plan can be developed at the end of the reconnaissance
should be accomplished both informally and through the phase, it should be done. A sequence for developing
mandatory technical review conferences. These disci- hydrologic engineering management plans is shown in
plines should be contacted, as necessary, during the recon- Figure 1.
naissance-phase study to ascertain their needs and views
on hydrologic information required for the feasibility-
phase investigation.

2-4. HEMP

The HEMP should outline feasibility study hydrologic

engineering activities to be included in the initial project

Receive reconnaissance-phase study funding

Complete reconnaissance-phase study, with an economically justified

solution found

Prepare HEMP for inclusion in IPMP

Submit reconnaissance-phase report

Receive feasibility-phase funding

Complete feasibility-phase study, with NED plan selected

Prepare HEMP for inclusion in PMP of PED-phase study;

submit feasibility-phase study

Receive PED-phase study funding

Complete PED (design memorandum (DM), plans, and specs)

Construction

Figure 1. Sequence of hydrologic planning activities for Civil Works studies

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Chapter 3 funding and scheduling required for the feasibility-phase

Scoping the Investigation investigation. An initial HEMP would normally be pre-
pared at the end of the reconnaissance phase. Any com-
plex or unusual technical hydrologic issues should be
discussed at the technical review conference (TRC)
3-1. General required at the end of reconnaissance and included in the
plan. An example of an initial hydrologic engineering
A preliminary assessment should be made to gain an management plan for a local protection project is shown
understanding of the key issues and concerns to be in Appendix C.
addressed in the analysis. This assessment leads to an
initial hydrologic engineering management plan, based on b. Feasibility-phase study.
the main considerations of the study.
(1) Detailed HEMP. As soon as feasibility funding
3-2. Study Objective is received, the initial HEMP of the reconnaissance phase
may be expanded to detail the hydrologic engineering
The major study objectives should be defined; flood dam- activities for week-to-week use by the hydrologic engineer
age reduction, navigation, water supply, environmental throughout the study. Technical studies are detailed so
restoration, water control, hydropower, etc. Geographic that work activity durations may be established, milestone
scope of the study should be determined and key locations dates set, etc. Examples of detailed HEMP’s are shown
requiring hydrologic information specified. Preliminary in Appendices D, E, and F. This phase results in a feasi-
hydrologic engineering requirements and strategies to bility report with a series of engineering appendices. The
accomplish these objectives may be postulated. appendices are in sufficient detail to allow the work effort
to generally proceed directly to the design memorandum
3-3. Type of Study phase.
The type of study requires different levels of hydrologic (2) Project management plan. A project manage-
planning, ranging from very little to extensive. The vari- ment plan is prepared at the end of the feasibility-phase
ous studies for which a HEMP may be developed are study, assuming an economically justified project is rec-
described in the following paragraphs, with reconnais- ommended and a cost-sharing partner exists. It requires
sance, feasibility, and preconstruction engineering and sufficient hydrologic engineering detail to scope, cost, and
design comprising the usual path for most Corps studies. schedule the activities for the balance of preconstruction
engineering and design. The PMP forms the basis for the
a. Reconnaissance-phase study. project cooperation agreement (PCA) with the sponsor, to
complete the detailed design and construct the project.
(1) Initial HEMP. An initial HEMP should be pre- The major hydrologic engineering activities for PED must
pared to provide a cost estimate for the reconnaissance be identified and cost estimates made for the project man-
phase, which is 100 percent Federally funded. However, agement plan. Figure 1 illustrates this phase.
reconnaissance funds are usually obtained in advance of
hydrologic engineering planning, as this phase emphasizes c. Preconstruction engineering and design. The
the use of existing studies and data to perform the hydro- PED phase concentrates on the detailed design of the
logic analysis. For this situation, a HEMP may be pre- project. It would normally be expected to consist of one
pared and used as an internal document. If time and or more design documents and plans and specifications to
funding permit, establishing the without-project hydrology construct the project.
and hydraulics for the existing condition of the watershed
is desirable. (1) Design memoranda. The project should move
directly from the feasibility phase to PED, with a design
(2) IPMP. An IPMP is the end result of a successful memorandum (DM) to establish the detailed technical
reconnaissance-phase study, which must include adequate design necessary to construct the project. Consequently, a
technical hydrologic engineering information to success- detailed HEMP would be prepared at the start of PED to
fully complete a feasibility cost-sharing agreement outline the balance of the technical hydrologic engineering
(FCSA) with the sponsor. The hydrologic engineering effort. This detailed HEMP would build on the initial
management plan must identify the major technical activi- hydrologic engineering management plan prepared for the
ties and establish time and cost estimates. The estimates PMP. PED hydrologic activities often include physical
are used in the initial project management plan to develop

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31 Jul 94

model testing, detailed hydraulic design, quantitative plan similar to that needed for the PMP would be pre-
sediment transport analysis, two-dimensional flow analyse, pared at the end of the reconnaissance report, with a
etc., which provide the technical detail for final design of detailed HEMP formulated after receipt of detailed project
the project. report funding. The hydrologic engineering management
sequence for continuing authority studies is illustrated in
(2) Plans and specifications. The detailed HEMP Figure 2.
prepared at the start of PED should include the hydrologic
activities necessary for this phase of the project. Hydro- e. Regulatory. An assessment of the impact of a
logic engineering effort in the plans and specifications proposal is necessary to obtain a permit for project con-
phase typically incorporates results of physical model tests struction in the floodplain. The hydrologic information
into the hydraulic design, preparation of stage hydro- needed to submit the permit for Corps projects should be
graphs to show potential high-water periods affecting readily available from previous work. A hydrologic engi-
construction, minor modifications in the hydraulic design neering management plan for regulatory purposes should
based on the additional detailed topographic and soils data seldom be necessary.
obtained, and any changes found in the site conditions.
f. Water control. Establishing a water control plan
d. Continuing authority. These studies are typically for a new project or updating an existing plan for new or
performed as a two-phase process: a reconnaissance changed purposes represents a major hydrologic engineer-
report performed at Federal expense, followed by a cost- ing effort. The plan is described in a water control
shared detailed project report. manual. Funding is usually from the operation and main-
tenance (O&M) program for an existing project. General
(1) Reconnaissance. The reconnaissance phase of a investigations funding (reconnaissance and feasibility) is
continuing authority study is similar to a feasibility inves- appropriate for analyzing the addition of new project
tigation. It is performed at 100-percent Federal expense purposes to an existing project. A HEMP is necessary to
under the continuing authorities program. A HEMP is establish time and cost estimates for O&M funding. A
prepared for the reconnaissance phase after receipt of detailed hydrologic engineering management plan is pre-
funding. The HEMP would be similar to that of para- pared for technical activities after receipt of funding.
graph 3-3a to establish funding requirements for the Hydrologic engineering funding for water control activi-
reconnaissance-phase study. ties for a new project should be included with the HEMP
for the PED-phase work effort.
(2) Detailed project report. The detailed project
report (DPR) is equivalent to a feature design memoran- g. Water supply. These investigations normally con-
dum; therefore, a hydrologic engineering management centrate on potential reservoir storage reallocation for

Initial funding

Prepare HEMP for reconnaissance study

Receive funding for reconnaissance-phase study

Complete reconnaissance report, with an economically justified

project resulting

Prepare HEMP for detailed project report study

Receive detailed project report funding

Complete detailed project report

Prepare plans and specs, construct project

Figure 2. Sequence of hydrologic planning activities for continuing authority studies

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water supply or for drought operation planning. A two- (a) Flat slopes and wide floodplains could require a
phase planning process (reconnaissance and feasibility) one- or two-dimensional unsteady flow analysis, resulting
would be followed for reservoir reallocation studies, with in significant higher study costs compared to using sim-
the HEMP requirements similar to those described in pler models.
paragraphs 2-3a and b. Drought operation planning is
usually done for an existing project with O&M funding. (b) Major quantitative sedimentation investigations
A HEMP would be necessary for accurate estimates. may be necessary to firmly establish project feasibility.
Reservoirs and extensive channel modifications may
3-4. Key Items to Evaluate require significant quantitative sediment investigations
during the feasibility phase.
a. Major issues. The HEMP must outline the infor-
mation and methods necessary to address the major issues (c) Physical model testing may be required during
of the hydrologic engineering study. Methods and proce- feasibility to ensure the workability of a project, such as
dures needed to address complex or precedent-setting locating a replacement lock away from the main naviga-
problems, sensitive environmental concerns, use of outside tion channel or designing a super-critical flow channel for
consultants (including Corps labs), local sponsor require- a highly populated area.
ments, the need for new physical or analytical model
development, adverse effects caused by a potential pro- (d) Lake stage-frequency analysis in closed basins,
ject, etc., would be scoped for budgeting purposes. that do not drain to a downstream watershed.

b. Level of detail. Although the study phase will (e) Major groundwater, snow hydrology, water
usually establish the overall level of detail, the interdis- quality, or other investigations.
ciplinary planning team must be queried to obtain their
ideas on the hydrologic information they need. However, (f) Complex reservoir system problems in which
the hydrologic engineering effort often plays the largest political or environmental issues mandate extensive and
role in determining the level of detail. Depending on the unusual systems modeling.
appropriate study costs, several iterations between the
hydrologic engineer and the study team may be necessary (g) Unstable rating relationships, complex interior
to establish a level of detail commensurate with the level flood control studies, multi-reservoir analyses, and other
of study funding. The development of a detailed plan, difficult water resource analyses must be recognized and
prepared at the start of the study, should result in a more evaluated during the early planning process leading to a
efficient and effective progression of the study. Adequate HEMP.
planning at the start of the study may result in lower
overall hydrologic engineering costs. (2) Peer review. Studies having unusual features
and complex analyses may benefit from peer review.
c. Hydrologic information availability and require- HQUSACE has established a peer review procedure
ments. Databases would be examined to determine the through the HQUSACE-sponsored Hydrology Committee,
rainfall, streamflow, topographic, and other records avail- with membership consisting of selected senior hydraulic
able for the particular study. The need for establishing a engineers from Districts and Divisions. The Hydrology
limited data collection program to address the objectives Committee will meet with District personnel to review the
of the study would be determined. Existing Federal and study/project and offer suggestions on the District’s plan
non-Federal projects (reservoirs, levees, water withdraw- of analysis. The District incurs no cost for committee
als, etc.) affecting the analysis would be determined. participation. Separate committees on Channel Stabiliza-
tion, Tidal Hydraulics, and Water Quality are also avail-
d. Unusual features. able for assistance on unusual features in these areas.
ER 15-2-14 further describes these four committees.
(1) Items requiring additional engineering effort.
Items peculiar to the study area that require additional e. Study boundaries. The HEMP must distinguish
hydrologic engineering effort must be addressed, espe- between study boundaries and project boundaries in the
cially if the work is necessary in the feasibility development of estimates. Project effects often extend far
investigation. upstream and downstream on the main stem of the study

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stream, as well as up tributaries. Proposed projects may and EM 1110-2-3600 contain additional information in
change the flood hydrology and sediment regime through- this area.
out the watershed, not just near the proposed project.
Changes in water control management practices at Corps c. Water supply investigations. The HEMP should
reservoirs can also affect interests remote from the reser- describe or reference the major study components: exist-
voir site. The hydrologic analysis must include the evalu- ing project purposes and storage allocations of each,
ation of all positive and negative effects of a potential upstream and downstream demands, supply analysis,
project or water control management change throughout hydraulic data (uniform database), drought frequency
the stream system or study area. analysis (volumes and durations), distribution system
(pumping, conveyance, and storage), etc., for the existing
f. Likely alternatives. The screening process used and proposed reallocation of reservoir storage. Analysis
in the reconnaissance phase should result in a reduced may be for one or more severe droughts, although the full
number of alternatives to evaluate in detail for determina- period of record can be used, similar to water control
tion of the national economic development (NED) plan management methods. ER 1110-2-241 and ER 1110-2-
during the feasibility phase. The HEMP will include the 1941 contain additional information.
most practical alternative(s) or combinations of alterna-
tives to estimate the cost of the hydrologic engineering 3-6. Primary Hydrologic Engineering Investiga-
work effort. The major with-project scenarios must be tion Products
developed by the study team for both preliminary and
final scoping of the technical activities. The no-action The hydrologic engineering results needed by the study
case must also be determined for comparison to the with- team may include the following information, as discussed
project alternatives. Similarly, agreement should be by general study type:
reached among study team members, during the HEMP
preparation, concerning the number of iterations (or sizes) a. Flood damage reduction. The main product will
to be evaluated for each alternative. Three or four sizes be the damage reduction effects of the selected alternative
for each of two or three alternatives should be adequate on the floods in the watershed. Supplemental investiga-
for most studies. tion products could include: discharge-frequency relation-
ships, flood elevations, and areas inundated with and
3-5. Major Hydrologic Engineering Activities without a specified structural alternative (reservoir, chan-
Required nel, levee, diversion, pumping plant), stage-duration
relationships, sizes of various alternatives for costing
The Corps typically assesses with- and without-alternative purposes, sedimentation analyses, residual flooding, flood
conditions for the main study objective(s). forecasting and warning system, etc. Nonstructural alter-
natives may require only the without-project condition,
a. Flood damage reduction. The HEMP should since these alternatives affect the stage-damage relation-
describe or reference the major study components: water- ship only and result in little, if any, change in hydrologic
shed hydrology, river hydraulics, frequency analysis, or hydraulic relationships.
sedimentation analysis, storage operation, hydraulic
design, etc., for both the with and without alternative b. Water control management. The main product
condition. Analysis will often involve discrete events, will be a new or revised set of procedures for project
either actual or, more typically, hypothetical, and will operation and hydrologic forecasting, contained in a water
include development of uncertainty relationships for risk- control manual. A range of flows should be addressed,
based analysis. ER 1105-2-100 contains additional infor- from the inflow design flood to the record drought.
mation in this area. Effects on the watershed sediment regime could be a
required product. Supplemental investigation products
b. Water control management. The HEMP should could include: operation procedures, stage-duration and
describe or reference the major study components: flood frequency, discharge-frequency, emergency operation
control capabilities, storage allocated for various project procedures, gage data network, computer equipment
purposes, drought augmentation, operational analyses, data needed, conservation and/or hydropower procedures, flood
systems, forecasting, etc., for the existing and proposed warning and preparedness procedures, and other required
method of regulation. Analyses usually involve discrete information.
events and continuous record techniques. ER 1110-2-240

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c. Water supply investigations. The main product contingency planning analysis is a separate study, but is
will be a reservoir storage reallocation to satisfy changed usually included as an appendix to a reservoir water con-
demands, such as decreased hydropower storage for trol manual. Supplemental investigation products could
increased water supply storage, or to satisfy as many include both seasonal and annual: current and modified
critical demands as possible during time of drought. condition discharge-frequency, reservoir storage-
Water supply studies are usually performed for storage frequency, pool elevation-duration, flow- or storage-
reallocations of existing reservoirs or for drought contin- duration relationships, and power generation values.
gency planning for existing Federal reservoirs. Drought

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Chapter 4 b. Sponsor needs.

Development of an Initial HEMP
(1) The sponsor usually has valuable information
about the study area. The sponsor may have some capa-
bility for obtaining necessary information pertinent to the
4-1. General project or for performing some of the hydrologic engi-
neering necessary for the study, which could be a credit
A typical strategy would first include a preliminary to the sponsor. The cost-sharing partner normally has
assessment identifying the problems and issues described specific views on the type of alternatives believed most
in both this chapter and in Chapter 3. This assessment suitable for the study area. All of these possibilities
would result in the preparation of an initial hydrologic would be reflected in the HEMP.
engineering management plan, sufficient to scope time
and funding requirements. The initial HEMP would (2) An initial HEMP is useful in dealing with the
include appropriate contingencies to establish total hydro- local sponsor on necessary hydrologic engineering activi-
logic engineering cost for inclusion in the initial project ties and in justifying the hydrologic engineering cost
management plan or in the PMP. If time and funds are estimate, which the sponsor must cost-share. Discussing
available at the end of the reconnaissance phase, a the necessary hydrologic activities, summarized in a
detailed HEMP could be prepared in lieu of the initial HEMP, with the sponsor is more likely to result in agree-
plan. A senior hydrologic engineer could develop the ment on the effort involved than to simply present the
initial hydrologic engineering management plan, while the sponsor with a total cost.
responsible engineer could expand this document into a
detailed HEMP. The activities in Chapters 3, 4, and 5 are c. Feasibility cost-sharing agreement. The FCSA
summarized in Figure 3. cannot be negotiated adequately without having the hydro-
logic engineering work defined in sufficient detail. The
4-2. Field Inspection hydrologic engineer must be involved in any negotiations
concerning hydrologic engineering, or in hydrologic engi-
An early field inspection is necessary to become familiar neering work that the sponsor might perform for the pro-
with site-specific problems that must be incorporated in ject. The hydrologic engineer must approve the technical
the HEMP. A continuous field presence should be main- value of the sponsor’s work before it can be accepted as a
tained throughout the study to keep pace with changes to sponsor credit.
the study area. Field inspection would focus on any
features causing analysis problems, ongoing changes in 4-4. Collecting Information
the study area, interviews with locals concerning past
flood experiences or changes to the area since large past The hydrologic engineer must evaluate the available data,
floods, contacting local agencies to obtain information on as well as estimate what additional data are necessary for
the area and on any plans for modifications that could conducting the study. Actual climatologic, hydrologic,
affect the Corps analysis, and other items of interest. hydraulic, sediment, water quality and infrastructure data
available would be determined, sources and quality of
4-3. Coordination such data evaluated, and any special needs for a limited
data collection program determined. Topographic infor-
Various coordination and information needs must be mation necessary to develop accurate water surface profile
addressed in the HEMP. information will be estimated.
a. Study team needs. The various hydrologic infor- 4-5. Basic Analysis Approaches
mation needs of the interdisciplinary planning team have
been briefly described in Chapter 2, paragraph 2-3. The analysis approach must be based on the hydrologic
Anticipated hydrologic information needs should be information needs of the study team, unusual features of
obtained from the study team during the reconnaissance the study, the type of alternatives requiring investigation,
process for inclusion in time and cost estimates and sche- the significance of the alternatives on the sediment
dule for the feasibility phase.

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Figure 3. Hydrologic study design

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regime, and other considerations. Selection of the 4-8. Funding Estimates

appropriate hydrologic model, a single event or a contin-
uous model, steady or unsteady flow procedures, and Determine the chargeable rate for each technical discipline
qualitative or quantitative sediment analysis must depend used in the hydrologic work. Include all direct and indi-
on the judgment and skills of the responsible hydrologic rect overhead charges for the division to which hydrologic
engineer. Models and procedures should be selected engineering is assigned and for the District. At the time
based on the reduction of uncertainty in the end product. of publication of this EP, the chargeable rate for District
If a sophisticated model or procedure does not give a personnel averaged about 2.8-3.0 times the base salary.
significantly improved result and reduced uncertainty, a For example, if an engineer earned $25/hour base wages,
less sophisticated method is probably appropriate. Selec- the project is charged $70-75/hour for each hour charged
tion of new models or procedures could include an allow- by the staff member. Total the funds for each major
ance for assistance by the (HEC), the U.S. Army Engineer activity and for the total hydrologic engineering effort.
Waterways Experiment Station (WES), or other consul- Forward the estimate to the planning technical manager
tants. New models and innovative, unusual procedures for approval of hydrologic time and costs.
should be approved by higher authority at the technical
review conference held at the end of the reconnaissance 4-9. Resource Evaluation/Negotiation
phase, or earlier. Peer review by the appropriate
HQUSACE-sponsored committee should also be consid- a. Through an iterative process, come to agreement
ered for unusual or complex analyses. with all concerned on study objectives, analysis
approaches, alternatives to be analyzed, sizes to study, and
4-6. Initial HEMP Preparation level of detail obtainable with funding constraints. Pre-
pare written documentation on this agreement and include
Using information from the preliminary assessment, iden- any problems, difficulties, or lack of engineering detail
tify the major activities, including alternatives to be ana- that may result from this reduced effort. Finalize these
lyzed and the range of sizes to study. The initial HEMP activities in the HEMP for inclusion in the initial project
would be used to estimate human resource requirements management plan, or PMP. Reference these changes and
for each activity to establish a total hydrologic engineer- agreements in the hydrologic engineering management
ing study cost. An example of an initial HEMP for a plan, or in separate documentation.
flood control study is presented in Appendix C.
b. The IPMP is reviewed and approved by the chief
4-7. Time and Schedule Estimates of each technical division. The signature of the Chief of
the Engineering Division (the division to which hydro-
With the initial HEMP, determine the human resources logic engineering is normally assigned) on the IPMP indi-
required for each major technical hydrologic engineering cates that the hydrologic engineer agrees to perform these
study component (rainfall analyses, water surface profile, activities for the funding specified. The responsibility
channel modifications, etc.) and for the complete hydro- then falls on the hydrologic engineer to ensure that the
logic engineering effort. Estimate the human resources actual time and costs are commensurate with the agreed
necessary for each discipline (hydrologic engineer, techni- amount. Additional hydrologic work required by the
cian, supervisor, etc.). Estimate when necessary informa- interdisciplinary planning study team or sponsor during
tion must be furnished to (or received from) other study the feasibility or design phase must result in additional
team members. Clearly indicate the number of alterna- resources being made available by the project or study
tives to be evaluated and the number of sizes to analyze manager.
for each alternative. Determine if special training is nec-
essary for the responsible engineer to effectively perform
the study. Include any other factors having a significant
impact on required time for the hydrologic engineering
analysis, along with any assumptions on which the esti-
mate is based. Include a reasonable contingency
allowance.

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Chapter 5 Establish milestone dates for each major component. Use

Development of a Detailed HEMP milestone dates for furnishing necessary information to
various members of the interdisciplinary planning team,
receiving information required from others to meet the
study completion date, and meeting any other scheduled
5.1. General events.
After receipt of funding for the feasibility or design 5-4. Hydrologic Study Management
phase, the hydrologic engineer would build on the initial
hydrologic engineering management plan to develop the The detailed hydrologic engineering management plan
fully detailed HEMP. could be used on a day-to-day or week-to-week basis,
especially for relatively new hydraulic engineers. Periodic
5-2. Document Contents updates and further detailing of tasks should be performed
as work progresses or as additional effort becomes neces-
Using the results of Chapters 3 and 4, develop the sary to meet new interdisciplinary planning team or local
detailed HEMP commensurate with the level of reporting. sponsor requests. Additional work effort required by
The detailed HEMP for the feasibility phase would docu- others, that is not included in the HEMP, becomes the
ment the step-by-step analysis of data development, storm basis for increases in hydrologic engineering time and
studies, routing operations, unit hydrograph development, cost allocations. This situation again emphasizes the need
model calibration, etc., while the detailed HEMP for the for a HEMP and for the responsible hydrologic engineer
PED phase would document the hydraulic design, physical to use it throughout the study.
model testing requirements, hydrologic studies needed for
water control manuals, detailed sediment investigations, 5-5. Study Documentation and Reporting
multi-dimensional modeling efforts, etc. Appendices D
through F give generic examples of different hydrologic Update the HEMP for final documentation of the com-
engineering management plans. The document should be pleted technical study so that future, similar work will
reviewed and approved by the immediate supervisor. have a better planning basis. Recording the actual human
Complex analyses may benefit from a higher level review. resources expended for each major activity is particularly
A courtesy copy should be provided to the study or pro- useful for estimating future studies. Use the completed
ject manager. hydrologic engineering management plan for the outline
of a technical hydrologic engineering appendix to the
5-3. Activity Sequence study documentation.
For scheduling purposes, assign durations to each work
item for all significant activities in the entire HEMP.

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Appendix A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1992.

References “Proceedings of a Seminar on Initial Project Management
Plans for Hydrologic Engineering and Economic Analy-
sis,” SP-25, Hydrologic Engineering Center.

A-1. Required Publications A-2. Related Publications

ER 15-2-14 ER 5-7-1 (FR)
Committees on Tidal Hydraulics, Channel Stabilization, Project Management
Water Quality and Hydrology
ER 1110-2-1150
ER 1105-2-100 Engineering and Design for Civil Works Projects
Guidance for Conducting Civil Works Planning Studies
ER 1110-2-1460
ER 1110-2-240 Hydrologic Engineering Management
Water Control Management
EP 1165-2-1
ER 1110-2-241 Digest of Water Resources Policies
Use of Storage Allocated for Flood Control and Naviga-
tion at Non-Corps Projects EM 1110-2-1413
Hydrologic Analysis of Interior Areas
ER 1110-2-1941
Drought Contingency Plans Cochran 1965
Cochran, Albert L., Memorandum “A,” Hydrologic Engi-
EM 1110-2-1701 neering Associated with Survey Studies, January 1965.
Hydropower
Water Resources Council. 1982.
EM 1110-2-3600 “Guidance for Determining Flood Flow Frequency,” Bul-
Management of Water Control Systems letin No. 17B, Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the
Interior.
EM 1110-2-4000
Sedimentation Investigations of Rivers and Reservoirs

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Appendix B HQUSACE
List of Acronyms Headquarters, United States Army Corps of Engineers

IPMP
Initial Project Management Plan
CECW
Corp of Engineers, Civil Works (Washington, DC) LRR
Limited Reevaluation Report
CECW-EH
Above plus Engineering Division, Hydrology and Hydrau- M&I
lics Branch Municipal and Industrial (water supply)
COOP NED
Continuity of Operations National Economic Development (plan)
DM NWS
Design Memorandum National Weather Service
DPR O&M
Detailed Project Report Operation and Maintenance
EC OMRRR
Engineer Circular Operation, Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement,
Rehabilitation
EM
Engineer Manual PCA
Project Cooperation Agreement
EP
Engineer Pamphlet PED
Preconstruction Engineering and Design
ER
Engineer Regulation PMP
Project Management Plan
ETL
Engineer Technical Letter PRM
Prescriptive Reservoir Model
FCSA
Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement SCS
Soil Conservation Service
GDM
General Design Memorandum SSARR
Streamflow Synthesis and Reservoir Regulation (model)
HEC
Hydrologic Engineering Center TRC
Technical Review Conference
HEC-DSS
Hydrologic Engineering Center Data Storage System USBR
(family of computer programs) United States Bureau of Reclamation

HEMP USGS
Hydrologic Engineering Management Plan United States Geological Survey

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WCDS WRDA
Water Control Data System Water Resource Development Act

WES
U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station

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Appendix C C-3. Development of Basin Model Hydrologic

Initial Hydrologic Engineering Manage- Engineering Center (HEC-1)
ment Plan (HEMP) for a Flood Damage
a. Calibration of runoff parameters. Using basin
Reduction Feasibility Study gage data, develop unit hydrograph and loss rate parame-
ters for use in the study.

C-1. Scenario b. Delineation of subareas. Subdivide study water-

shed based on the need for discharge-frequency informa-
a. The study objective is the development of a flood tion at specific locations: major tributaries, damage index
protection plan for a community experiencing periodic points, routing reaches, project sites, etc.
flooding from a stream draining a few hundred square
miles. The reconnaissance-phase study was based primar- c. Subarea rainfall-runoff analysis of historic events.
ily on flood insurance study data and an abbreviated Develop historic storm events, and subarea loss rate and
hydrologic engineering analysis. The study has deter- unit hydrograph data for ungaged areas.
mined that a levee project is economically feasible. The
community is willing to be the cost-sharing local sponsor d. Channel routing characteristics. Determine based
and would like a minimum certifiable level of protection on information in Appendix D (Paragraph D-3d).
of a 1 percent chance event. A gage with 15 years of dis-
charge data is available at the site, with additional, short- e. Assemble, debug HEC-1 model.
record gages located elsewhere in the watershed.
C-4. Hydraulic Studies
b. The feasibility phase will establish existing and
future without-project conditions. After discussions with a. Prepare Water Surface Profile Data--Code HEC-2
the interdisciplinary study team and local sponsor, it was model of study reach, after receipt of surveys. Estimate
decided that three heights of levee will be studied, along “n” values, section locations, bridge routines applicable,
with six combinations of levee height and channel effective flow areas. Debug model.
improvements to develop the economic optimum plan. A
total of nine alternatives will be evaluated. As all the b. Calibrate HEC-2 model to gage data and high-
levee alternatives are along a similar alignment, a detailed water marks from recent floods.
interior flood analysis will be evaluated for only the
National Economic Development Plan (NED) levee or c. Develop storage-outflow relationships and flood
levee and channel plan. The hydrologic engineer must wave travel time, by routing reach, for information
prepare an initial Hydrologic Engineering Management required in Paragraph C-3d above.
Plan (HEMP) for the hydrologic engineering cost estimate
for the feasibility phase. C-5. Calibration of Models to Historic Events

c. This sample initial HEMP represents what one Calibrate the HEC-1 and -2 models to recorded events
might develop at the end of the reconnaissance-phase and high-water marks. Make preliminary selection of
study for a time and cost estimate for use in the initial hydrologic and hydraulic model parameters for hypotheti-
project management plan. cal flood event analysis.

C-2. Preliminary Investigations/Initial Preparation C-6. Frequency Analysis for Existing Land Use
Conditions
Finalize study objectives; confer with the study team
members on hydrologic engineering information require- a. Perform statistical analysis of gaged data for
ments, study constraints, development information needs, peak discharge-frequency relationship. Also estimate
and field reconnaissance; prepare survey data request;
prepare detailed HEMP.

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discharge-frequency relationships through available/ relationship. Roughly size a “minimum facility” interior
applicable regression equations at key locations, to use in flood control system for each. With the economist, per-
later comparisons. form risk and uncertainty studies to establish the claim-
able level of protection (risk-based) and average annual
b. Hypothetical Storms (HEC-1)--Develop hypotheti- benefits resulting for each.
cal frequency storm data from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration HYDRO 35, and National C-9. Levee and Channel Alternative Evaluation
Weather Service Technical Publications 40 and 49.
Develop the Standard Project Storm. Develop rainfall a. For two sizes of channel, reestablish stage-
pattern for each storm, including precipitation depth-area frequency relationships for each of three levee sizes (six
adjustments. Develop corresponding hydrograph for each alternatives). Evaluate the discharge and stage uncertain-
hypothetical event throughout the basin using the cali- ties for with-project conditions. Roughly size a “mini-
brated hydrologic model of Paragraph C-5. mum facility” interior system for each alternative, if
necessary. With the economist, perform a risk-based
c. If judged appropriate, further calibrate model to analysis to determine project benefits and claimable level
reproduce the peak discharge calculated from the statisti- of protection for each alternative. Perform qualitative
cal analysis at the gage site. Emphasize the 2-year sediment analyses for channel modifications to roughly
through 10-year event, since the data record is short. determine dredging frequency for channel maintenance.
Make adjustments to loss rates and unit hydrograph coef- After economic analysis to tentatively establish the NED
ficients for rarer events, as judged reasonable. Compare plan (levee height) from among the nine alternatives,
results to statistical and regression-derived peak discharge design top of levee grade for controlled overtopping.
frequency relationships; further adjust coefficients as
considered reasonable. b. If a channel modification is included in the NED
plan, perform sensitivity tests to determine the importance
d. Using the results of steps a., b., and c., above, of channel maintenance assumptions and costs on the
adopt a discharge-frequency relationship at each needed NED plan. If a more conservative sedimentation analysis
location. Develop probability distribution of discharge results in significant cost increases, possibly invalidating
uncertainty for use in risk-based analyses. the NED plan, additional sediment analyses will be
required in feasibility. Hydrologic engineering work for a
e. Determine corresponding water surface profiles quantitative sediment analysis is not included in this esti-
and inundated areas for selected frequencies at required mate. Adjust final levee grade for any sediment effects.
locations. Furnish data to planning and economics.
c. As necessary, furnish hydrologic information, as it
f. Adopt stage-discharge relationship at each required becomes available, to other study team members: stage-
location for damage computations. At the gage site with duration and frequency to environmental, data for Envi-
15 years of data, determine deviations about the adopted ronmental Assessment Report, etc.
stage-discharge relationship. Further evaluate through
sensitivity studies. Develop probability distribution of d. Nonstructural analysis of emergency procedures in
stage uncertainty for risk-based analysis. the event of levee overtopping--evacuation and flood
warning.
C-7. Future Without-Project Analysis
C-10. Residual Flooding and Interior Flood
Determine future stage-discharge relationships, based on Control
future watershed changes affecting the hydraulics. If
necessary, adjust discharge-frequency and stage-discharge a. Establish residual flooding for remaining flood
risk/uncertainty relationships. Furnish data to economics. damages with the NED project. Evaluate higher levels of
interior flooding protection compared to the “minimum
C-8. Levee Alternative Evaluations facility.” Interior flood control measures are distinguished
from minimum facilities in that these additional measures
For the preliminary levee alignment, develop revised require net benefits and minimum facilities do not require
discharge-frequency and stage-frequency relationships for incremental economic justification, only cost-effective
each of the three different levee heights. If judged neces- design.
sary, determine revised stage-discharge risk/uncertainty

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(1) Using the Interior Flood Hydrology Program, c. Drains--size, slope, material, inlet/outlet, operation
evalu ate two gravity outlets larger than the “minimum procedures, etc.
facility” at each of the three gravity drain locations.
d. Pumping--capacities, start-stop pump elevations,
(2) Evaluate interior excavated storage at the only site sump design, outlet design, scour protection, operating
where it is currently thought feasible. floor elevations, etc.

(3) Evaluate three capacities of pumping plants at C-12. Hydrologic Engineering Reporting
each of two sites. Requirements

(4) Evaluate interior ditch improvements for the two a. Project Management Plan--Estimate major hydro-
main ditches. logic engineering activities in the preconstruction engi-
neering and design (PED) phase, prepare initial HEMP for
b. Forward data to an economist and cost engineer PED work, prepare time and cost for hydrologic engineer-
for each increment. Supply hydrologic data for wetland ing, activity schedule.
determination and mitigation, as necessary.
b. Hydrologic Engineering Appendix to the Feasi-
C-11. Hydraulic Studies bility Report--Using the detailed HEMP as appropriate,
outline and write the text, prepare tables and figures.
Some of the design work will have already been incor-
porated in the above activities. c. Environmental Assessment Report--Provide data
to environmental section. Supply text, figures, plates, as
a. Levees--levee design profile, controlled overtop- needed.
ping design, gravity drain design for “minimum facility,”
etc.

b. Channels--channel geometry, bridge modifications,

scour protection, channel cleanout requirements, channel
and bridge transition design, etc.

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Appendix D (4) Obtain hydrologic (historic and design dis-

Generic Detailed Hydrologic Engineering charges, discharge-frequency relationships, etc.) and
hydraulic (high-water marks, bridge designs, cross sec-
Management Plan (HEMP) for a Flood
tions, etc.) data.
Damage Reduction Study
(a) Local agencies (city/county highway depart-
ments, land use planning, etc.).
D-1. General
(b) State (state highway departments, planning agen-
This sample detailed HEMP would be appropriate for the cies, water resource agencies, etc.).
hydrologic and hydraulic analysis associated with a typi-
cal Corps feasibility report for an urban watershed. It (c) Federal U.S. Geological Survey (USGS),
would be prepared at the end of reconnaissance-phase U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS), U.S. Bureau of
study or start of the feasibility phase. The intent of the Reclamation (USBR), etc.
hydrologic engineering analysis would be to determine
existing and future discharge-frequency and stage- (d) Railroads.
discharge relationships at key points in the study area,
along with flooded area maps by frequency. This analysis (e) Industries.
would be performed without project and for various flood
reduction components that are considered feasible for (f) Other.
relief of the flood problem.
(5) Scope major hydrologic and hydraulic activities.
D-2. Preliminary Investigations
(6) Prepare detailed HEMP.
This initial phase includes a literature review of previous
reports, obtaining the available data, and requesting addi- (7) Obtain study area maps.
tional information needed to perform the investigation.
(a) County highway maps.
a. Initial preparation.
(b) USGS topographic quadrangle maps.
(1) Confer with the other disciplines involved in the
study to determine the objectives, the hydrologic engineer- (c) Aerial photographs.
ing information requirements of the study for other disci-
plines, study constraints, etc. (d) Others.

(2) Scope study objectives and purpose. (8) Estimate location of cross sections on maps
(floodplain contractions, expansions, bridges, etc). Deter-
(3) Review available documents. mine mapping requirements (orthophoto) in conjunction
with other disciplines.
(a) U.S. Geological Survey reports.
b. Field reconnaissance.
(b) Previous Corps work.
(1) Interview local agencies, and residents along the
(c) Local studies. stream, review newspaper files, etc., for historic flood
data (high-water marks, frequency of road overtopping,
(d) Hydrologic engineering analysis for reconnais- direction of flow, land use changes, stream changes, etc.).
sance report. Document names, locations, and other data for future
reference.
(e) Initial Project Management Plan.
(2) Finalize cross-section locations/mapping
(f) Other. requirements.

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(3) Determine initial estimate of “n” values for later the selected recorded runoff events for the basins above
use in water surface profile computations. the stream gages.

(4) Take photographs or slides of bridges, construc- (a) Average subarea totals from isoheytal maps or
tion, hydraulic structures, and floodplain channels and total gage precipitation weightings.
overbank areas at cross-section locations. Consider dictat-
ing notes to a hand-held tape recorder to get a complete (b) Temporal distribution from weightings of nearby
and detailed record. recording rain gages.

c. Survey request. Write survey request for mapping (6) Determine best estimate unit hydrograph and
requirements and/or cross sections and high-water marks. loss rate parameters for each event at each stream gage by
calibrating to recorded flood hydrographs.
D-3. Development of Basin Model (HEC-1)
(7) Make adjustments for better and more consistent
This phase of the analysis involves the selection of his- results between events at each stream gage. Adjustments
toric events to be evaluated, the development of runoff are made to:
parameters from gaged data (and/or regional data from
previous studies) and correlating these data to ungaged (a) Starting values of parameters and/or
basins and the calibration of the basin model to historic
flood events. This step assumes that at least some record- (b) Rainfall totals or patterns (different weightings
ing stream gage data are in or near the study watershed. of rain gages).

a. Calibration of runoff parameters. (8) Hold constant the most stable parameters, or
relationships between parameters, and resimulate rain-
(1) Select historic events to be evaluated based on fall/runoff process to estimate other parameters.
available streamflow records, rainfall records, high-water
marks, etc.). (9) Adopt final unit hydrograph and base flow
parameters for each gaged basin.
(2) From USGS rating curves and time-versus-stage
relationships for each event, develop discharge hydro- (10) Re-simulate with adopted parameters held con-
graphs at each continuously recording stream gage. Esti- stant to estimate loss rates.
mate peak discharge from flood crest gages.
(11) Use adopted parameters of unit hydrographs, loss
(3) Develop physical basin characteristics (drainage rates, and base flow to reconstitute other recorded events
areas, slope, length, etc.) for basin above each stream not used in the above calibration to test the correctness of
gage. the adopted parameters and to “verify” the calibration
results.
(4) Select computation time interval ( t) for this and
subsequent analyses. The computation interval must: b. Delineation of subareas. Subareas are delineated
at locations where hydrologic data are required and where
(a) Adequately define the peak discharge of hydro- physical characteristics change significantly.
graphs at gages.
(1) Index locations where economic damage compu-
(b) Consider type of routing and reach travel times. tations are to be performed.

(c) Have three to four points on the rising limb of the (2) Stream gage locations.
unit hydrograph for the smallest subarea of interest.
(3) General topology of stream system.
(d) Consider types of alternatives and future
assessments. (a) Major tributaries.

(5) Using all appropriate rain gages (continuous and (b) Significant changes in land use.
daily), develop historic storm patterns that correspond to

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(c) Significant changes in soil type. (4) Derived from reach hydraulics (Muskingum -
Cunge).
(d) Other.
e. Reservoir routing (if reservoirs are present). This
(4) Routing reaches. type of routing must be performed where storage has a
significant effect on reach outflow values, with reservoirs
(5) Location of existing physical works (reservoirs, being the most notable example. However, one must also
diversions, etc.) and potential location of alternate flood apply these techniques where physical features warrant,
reduction measures to be studied. such as roads crossing a floodplain on a high fill, espe-
cially where culverts are used to pass the flow
c. Subarea rainfall-runoff analysis of historic events. downstream.

(1) Subarea rainfall. (1) Develop surface area-capacity data (elevation-

surface area-storage relationships).
(a) Average subarea rainfall from isohyetal maps or
weighting of total gage precipitation. (2) Develop storage-outflow functions based on outlet
works characteristics.
(b) Temporal distribution from weighing in accor-
dance with information from nearby recording rain gages. f. Runoff hydrographs. Using the subdivided rain-
fall-runoff model, including existing projects and the
(2) Average subarea loss rates. routing information of Section D-3 above, generate runoff
hydrographs for previously selected runoff events at
(a) From adopted values of parameter calibration. desired locations. Final calibration of the hydrologic
model is described in Section D-5.
(b) From previous studies of similar basins in the
region. D-4. Hydraulic Studies

(c) Others. These studies are used to determine water surface profiles,
economic damage reaches, and modified Puls channel
(3) Unit Hydrograph Parameters. routing criteria (if used). This example assumes that an
evaluation was previously made that a steady flow-rigid
(a) From relationships based on calibration results at boundary water surface profile analysis is appropriate.
stream gages (Section II) and physical basin
characteristics. a. Prepare water surface profile data.

(b) From previous regional study relationships of unit (1) Cross sections (tabulate data for each section).
hydrograph parameters and physical basin characteristics.
(a) Make cross sections perpendicular to flow.
(c) From similar gaged or known basins.
(b) Each cross section should be typical of the reach
(d) From judgment, if no data are available. from half the distance to the next section both upstream
and downstream of the current locations.
d. Channel routing characteristics.
(c) Develop effective flow areas. If modified Puls
(1) Modified Puls from water surface profile compu- routing criteria are to be determined from water surface
tations (Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC-2)). profile analyses, the entire section must be used (for stor-
age) with high “n” values in the non-effective flow areas.
(2) Optimized from stream gage data (HEC-1).
(2) Refine “n” values from field reconnaissance and
(3) Adopted parameters from previous studies, expe- from analytical calculation and/or comparison with “n”
rience, etc. values determined analytically from similar streams.

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(3) Bridge computations--estimate how high the (4) Adopt hydrologic and hydraulic model parameters
selected floods will reach on each bridge and select either: for hypothetical flood event analysis.

(a) Normal bridge routine. (5) Quantify uncertainty of the stage-discharge rela-
tionship at each site where damage analysis is to be
(b) Special bridge routine. performed. As appropriate, use recorded gage data, com-
parison of profile to high-water marks, minimum devia-
(4) Develop cross sections above and below bridges tion, and engineering judgement.
to model effective bridge flow (use artificial levees or
ineffective flow area options, as appropriate). D-6. Frequency Analysis for Existing Land-Use
Conditions
b. Proportion discharges. Proportion discharges
based on hydrologic analyses of historic storms and plot The next phase of the analysis addresses how often spe-
peak discharge versus river mile. Compute a series of cific flood levels will occur at all required points in the
water surface profiles for a range of discharges. Analysis study watershed. The procedures include developing
should start below study area so that profiles will con- discharge-and stage-frequency relationships at stream
verge to proper elevations at study limits. May want to gages (when available) through statistical analysis using
try several starting elevations for the series of initial recorded peak discharges and at other required locations
discharges. using available hypothetical storm data.

c. Manual check. Manually check all large differ- a. Statistical analysis. Using the procedures
ences in water surface elevations across the bridge, say, described in Bulletin 17B (Water Resources Council
greater than 3 ft. 1982), determine and plot analytical and graphical fre-
quency curves at each stream gage. Adopt stage/
d. Results. The results are a series of rating curves at discharge frequency relations at each gage. Regional
desired locations (and profiles) that may be used in subse- relationships, regression analyses, and the results of hypo-
quent analyses. Additional results are a set of storage thetical storm studies will be used to extend the records
versus outflow data by reach which, along with an esti- for rarer floods.
mate of hydrograph travel time, allow the development of
modified Puls data for the hydrologic model. b. Hypothetical storms (HEC-1).

D-5. Calibration of Models to Historic Events (1) Obtain hypothetical frequency storm data from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
a. General. This study step concentrates on (NOAA) HYDRO 35, National Weather Service (NWS)
“de-bugging” the hydrologic and hydraulic models by Technical Publications (TP) 40 and 49, or from appro-
recreating actual historic events, thereby gaining confi- priate other sources. Where appropriate, develop the
dence that the models are reproducing the observed Standard Project and/or the Probable Maximum Storm.
hydrologic responses. This effort would continue from
the activities described in Paragraph D-3. (2) Develop a rainfall pattern for each storm. Include
precipitation depth-area adjustments, where necessary.
b. Calibration procedure.
(3) Develop a corresponding hydrograph for each
(1) Check historic hydrographs against recorded data, hypothetical event throughout the basin using the cali-
make adjustments to model parameters, and rerun the brated hydrologic model.
model.
(4) If deemed necessary, calibrate model of each fre-
(2) If no stream gages exist, check discharges at quency event to known frequency curves. Adjust loss
rating curves developed from water surface profiles at rates, base flow, etc. as required, while remaining within
high-water marks. reasonable limits for each parameter. The peak flow fre-
quency at each ungaged area is assumed to be consistent
(3) Adjust models to correlate with high-water marks. with calibrated peak flow frequencies at gaged locations.

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(5) If streamflow data are insufficient to develop ana- (2) Storm drainage requirements of the community
lytical frequency curves, use the following procedure: (storm sewer design frequency, on-site detention, etc.).

(a) Obtain frequency curves from similar nearby (3) Other considerations and information.
gaged basins.
b. Select future years in which to determine project
(b) Develop frequency curves at locations of interest hydrology.
from previous regional studies (USGS, Corps of Engi-
neers, State, etc.). (1) At start of project operation (existing conditions
may be appropriate).
(c) Determine frequency hydrographs for each event
from hydrologic model and develop a corresponding fre- (2) At some year during the project life (often the
quency curve at the locations of interest throughout the same year as whatever land use planning information is
basin. available).

(d) Plot all the frequency curves (including those c. Adjust model hydrology parameters for all subareas
using other methods if available) and, based on engineer- affected by future land use changes.
ing judgement, adopt a frequency curve. The adopted
curve may not be any of the developed curves, but simply (1) Unit hydrograph coefficients, usually reflecting
the best estimate based on the available data. decreased time-to-peak and decreased storage.

(e) Calibrate the hydrologic model of each frequency (2) Loss rate coefficients, usually reflecting increased
event to the adopted frequency curve. The frequency imperviousness and decreasing infiltration characteristics.
curve at other locations may be determined from the
calibrated model results, assuming consistent peak flow (3) Routing coefficients, usually reflecting decreased
frequencies. travel times and storage capabilities.

(6) Quantify the uncertainty in the discharge- d. Operate the hydrology model and determine addi-
frequency relationship at all locations where damage tional discharge-frequency relationships throughout the
computations will be performed. As appropriate, use gage watershed that represent future, without-project conditions.
data, regression equations, calibrated models to determine
equivalent length of record. e. Evaluate the need to adjust uncertainty parameters
of stage-discharge and discharge-frequency relationships,
(7) Determine corresponding water surface elevations compared to existing conditions.
and profiles for selected frequencies from the rating
curves developed by the water surface profile evaluations. D-8. Alternative Evaluations

D-7. Future Without-Project Analysis For the alternatives jointly developed with the members of
the interdisciplinary planning team, modify the hydrologic
Where hydrologic and/or hydraulic conditions are and/or hydraulic models to develop the effects of each
expected to significantly change over the project life, alternative (individually and in combination) on flood
these changes must be incorporated into the hydrologic levels. Alternatives can be either structural (reservoirs,
engineering analysis. Urbanization effects on watershed levees, channelization, diversions, pumping, etc.) or non-
runoff are the usual future conditions analyzed. structural (flood forecasting and warning, structure raising
or relocation, floodproofing, etc.). Considerable less
a. From future land use planning information hydrologic engineering effort is necessary for modeling
obtained during the preliminary investigation phase, iden- non-structural alternatives compared to structural.
tify areas of future urbanization or intensification of exist-
ing urbanization. a. Procedure.

(1) Types of land use (residential, commercial, indus- (1) Consider duplicating existing and future without-
trial, etc.). hydrologic engineering models for individual analysis of

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each alternative or component. The results provide exist- c. Alternative evaluation and selection.
ing and future, with-project information for each alterna-
tive to be evaluated. (1) Alternative evaluation and selection is an iterative
process, requiring continuous exchange of information
(2) Most structural components are usually modeled between a variety of disciplines. An exact work flow or
by modifying storage-outflow relationships at the compo- schematic is not possible for most projects, thus Para-
nent location and/or modifying hydraulic geometry graph D-7 could be relatively straightforward for one or
through the reach under consideration. two components or quite complex, requiring numerous
reiterations as more cost and design information is known
(a) Reservoirs--adjust storage-outflow relationships and project refinements are made. Paragraph D-7 is usu-
based on spillway geometry and height of dam. ally the area of the HEMP requiring the most time and
cost contingencies.
(b) Levees--adjust cross-section geometry based on
proposed levee height(s). Evaluate effect of storage loss (2) For the selected alternative, provide hydrologic
behind levee on storage-outflow relationships and deter- information to environmental engineers for use in studies
mine revised discharge- and stage-frequency relationships concerning the effects of the recommended project.
downstream, if considered significant. Develop uncer-
tainty relationship for the revised stage-discharge function. D-9. Hydraulic Design

(c) Channels--adjust cross-section geometry based on This paragraph and Paragraph D-8 are partly intertwined,
proposed channel dimensions. Evaluate effect of channel as hydraulic design must be included with the sizing of
cross section and length of channelization on floodplain the various components, both to operate hydrologic engi-
storage, modify storage-outflow in reach, and determine neering models and to provide sufficient information for
revised downstream discharge-frequency relationships, if design and costing purposes. Perform hydraulic design
considered significant. studies commensurate with the level of detail of the study
process.
(d) Diversions--adjust hydrology model for reduced
flow downstream of the diversion and to identify where a. Reservoirs. Dam height, spillway geometry, spill-
diverted flow rejoins the stream (if it does). way cross section, outlet works (floor elevation, length,
appurtenances, etc.), scour protection, pool guidetaking
(e) Pumping--adjust hydrology model for various line, etc.
pumping capacities to be analyzed.
b. Levees. Levee design profile, interior flood control
(3) Evaluate the effects of potential components on requirements, etc.
the sediment regime. Refer to guidance given in
EM 1110-2-4000. c. Channels. Channel geometry, bridge modifica-
tions, scour protection, channel cleanout requirements,
(a) Qualitatively--for initial screening. channel and bridge transition design, etc.

(b) Quantitatively (where necessary)--for final d. Diversions. May be similar to channel design
selection. activities, also would include diversion control (weir,
gates, etc.). Where the diversions are tunnels, open chan-
b. Nonstructural components. nel flow and pressure conduit hydraulic analyses may be
necessary, depending on tunnel capacity and range of
(1) Floodproofing/structure raises--elevations of possible discharges.
design events primarily.
e. Pumping. Capacities, start-stop pump elevations,
(2) Flood forecasting--development of real-time sump design, outlet design, scour protection, etc.
hydrology model, determination of warning times, etc.

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f. Nonstructural. Floodproofing or structure raise (3) Activity schedule.

elevations, flood forecasting models, evacuation plan, etc.
b. Hydrologic Engineering Appendix.
D-10. Hydrologic Engineering Reporting
Requirements (1) Text.

The last step must thoroughly document the results of the (2) Tables.
technical analyses in report form. Hydrologic and
hydraulic information presented will range from extensive (3) Figures.
for feasibility reports to minimal for a typical Feature
Design Memorandum (FDM(s)). c. Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental
Assessment Report.
a. Project Management Plan.
(1) Hydrologic information/data as necessary.
(1) Major hydrologic engineering activities in the
preconstruction engineering and design (PED) phase. (2) Portions of text, selected figures and tables.

(2) Time and cost for hydrologic engineering.

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Appendix E d. Prepare detailed HEMP.

Generic Detailed Hydrologic Engineering
E-3. Develop Study Models
Management Plan (HEMP) for a Water
Control Management Study Because the water control management study is the final
phase in project development, hydrologic/hydraulic mod-
els will most likely have been developed in previous
E-1. Sample HEMP phases of the project. If additional modeling studies are
required, then data will have to be obtained and model
This sample HEMP can be used as a guide for hydrologic calibration undertaken. See Appendices D and F. Note
engineering components of a water control management that the development of an operational forecast model is
study. This appendix assumes that a general plan for treated separately, below.
reservoir regulation has been established, which is the
result of a water conservation study (Appendix F), a flood E-4. Develop Seasonal Flood Control Rule Curve
control study, or new project construction, and that a
water control plan and water control manual are to be A seasonal guide curve--specifying the upper limit eleva-
developed. The HEMP covers the development of data tion for flood control throughout the year--may have been
collection procedures, forecasting procedures, drought developed in earlier study phases; however, this may need
detection procedures, development of reservoir regulation review and refinement for actual regulation. Also, the
rule curves, and other information. Reference is made to object of the water management study might be to modify
ER 1110-2-240 and EM 1110-2-3600. Not included in the existing rule curve to improve regulation or accommo-
this appendix are the hydrologic engineering studies date a revised policy. This analysis is one of evaluating
needed for a dam safety plan. flood potential throughout the year. If streamflow records
are short, the analysis could be augmented by looking at
E-2. Preliminary Investigations precipitation records to ensure that an adequate sampling
of runoff potential for a given calendar date is achieved.
This is a preparatory phase that includes scoping the
project, deciding upon and gathering data, coordinating, a. Obtain historic flood data for the project site,
etc. (Experience has shown that more than 50 percent of including secondary floods that occur off-season.
the study’s budget can be consumed by data gathering and
preparation.) (1) Obtain recorder traces from the U.S. Geological
Survey.
a. Do initial preparation/coordination.
(2) Convert traces to streamflow hydrographs.
(1) Identify agencies/parties with which coordination
is needed--for data, operational requirements. (3) Compute volumes appropriate to flood control
storage.
(2) Review existing documents.
b. Review long-period rainfall and streamflow
(a) Design documents. records in the region to augment project records. Esti-
mate project inflow data through regional correlation
(b) Interagency agreements. techniques or, perhaps, a rainfall-runoff model.

(c) Studies by Corps. (1) Decide on a processing technique (DSSMATH,

STATS, etc.).
(d) Studies by other agencies.
(2) Enter data into database.
(3) Visit existing project(s).
(3) Perform calculations.
b. Obtain hydrologic data--see Appendices D and F.
(4) Display results; verify for reasonableness.
c. Scope major hydrologic activities; choose models
to be used. (5) Use rainfall-runoff model if required.

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(a) Obtain precipitation records. a. Select computer program (HEC-1F, SSARR, etc.)
to be used. Factors to be considered are: size and com-
(b) Calibrate model. plexity of basin (reservoir projects, diversions, etc.); type
of runoff regime (rain, snow, flash flood potential); and
(c) Apply precipitation, compute hydrograph. applications required (flood operations, low-flow
forecasting).
(d) Display, verify reasonableness.
(1) Review information and models; consult as
c. Compute volume of water stored for each flood, necessary with users and experts.
given the planned flood regulation plan.
(2) Obtain models, run tests.
(1) Determine computational technique, e.g., spread-
sheet, existing model such as the Hydrologic Engineering (3) Evaluate resources needed for real-time applica-
Center (HEC-5), etc. tion (computers, people, funds).

(2) Prepare spreadsheet/model, check with test data. (4) Select model.

(3) Establish regulation rules, assumptions of forecast b. Review historic and real-time data availability and
knowledge. obtain hydrometeorological data pertinent to forecasting
and project operation. Process data for input to forecast
(4) Perform routings using newly derived inflow data. model.

(5) Display results, review for reasonableness. (1) Set up forecast database (likely (HEC-Data Stor-
age System)).
d. Construct seasonal flood control rule curve.
(2) Consider data types needed (precipitation, tem-
(1) Plot storage requirement as a function of date. perature, streamflow, etc.).

(2) Plot tentative envelope line representing rule (3) Examine period of record and select flood events
curve. Incorporate limitations for rate of draft, etc. that should be used in calibrations.

(3) Identify outlier points, estimate probability of (4) Obtain data and download to database.
event. Decide whether to envelop or not.
(5) Perform data screening/data display to verify
(4) Identify impacts on other project functions and data.
compare with rule curves used in project authorization.
c. Choose likely hydromet station candidates for
(5) Decide upon final rule curve. real-time application.

E-5. Develop Forecasting Model (1) Review performance of existing real-time

telemetry.
Assess whether the project under consideration warrants a
forecast model as a part of the reservoir regulation activi- (2) Examine feasibility of providing future
ties, and whether staffing is available to maintain and automation.
operate the model. If that assessment is affirmative, then
a model is needed for future operational application. It is (3) Determine relative merit of stations as indices to
likely that an existing study model can be used as a basis forecasting runoff.
for development of the forecasting model. Assess
whether forecasting is also to be done for conservation (a) Compute correlations of precipitation versus
operation purposes, as well as flood control. If so, a runoff.
continuous model capable of forecasting low-flow condi-
tions might be the appropriate choice.

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(b) Examine locations so that a range of elevation (5) Estimating snowmelt.

and spacial coverage is obtained.
g. Test applications of forecast model with forecast/
(4) Select likely best candidates. regulation personnel.

d. Configure model for operational forecast applica- h. Document forecast procedures.

tion. This might be an expansion or a simplification of
the study model, if available. E-6. Develop a Plan for the Water Control Data
System (WCDS) and the WCDS Master Plan
(1) Develop model characteristics.
The development of forecasting procedures will reveal
(a) Project characteristics (storage tables, outflow remote gaging needs, whether it be the installation of new
limits, etc.). stations or the automation of manually reported stations.
The WCDS also includes the computer facilities needed
(b) Routing reaches (initial estimates of routing for processing data and executing computer models.
factors). These developments are documented in the WCDS Master
Plan, which is submitted to higher authority for approval.
(c) Basin configuration (combining points, diversions,
balances, etc.). a. Establish field requirements for operational data.

(2) Estimate initial hydromet station weightings. (1) Determine frequency of reporting, backup
requirements.
e. Perform calibration simulations with model with
proposed operational data and operational model. Repeat (2) Automate existing facilities, if needed.
process of calibration and hydromet station selection until
best model is configured. (3) Establish new stations as necessary.

(1) Flood runoff calibrations (rain/runoff model). b. Develop plan for field data collection system--
land-line, GOES, line-of-sight radio, etc.
(a) Decide on calibration procedure (trial/error,
optimization). (1) Obtain manufacturer’s specifications and costs.

(b) Select events for calibration (or continuous (2) Coordinate with other water resource agencies
simulation). collecting data in the region. Consult with the Corps of
Engineers, Civil Works, Engineering Division, Hydrology
(c) Make calibration simulation. and Hydraulics Branch (CECW-EH).

(d) Make changes and repeat. (3) Estimate costs for maintenance--field equipment
and receiving site.
(2) Routing calibration (same process as above).
(4) Prepare life-cycle cost analysis comparison;
f. Set up procedures for preparing forecast in real select best alternative.
time.
c. Develop plan for WCDS computer processing.
(1) Initialization of forecast run.
(1) Consult with CECW-EH, HEC, Information
(2) Estimating missing data. Management, and other Corps offices.

(3) Estimating ungaged local inflow. (2) Obtain manufacturer’s specifications and costs.

(4) Incorporation of quantitative precipitation (3) Determine software requirements.

forecasts.

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(4) Determine continuity of operations requirements. c. Miscellaneous guidance curves for flood control
operations. There may be need for guidance curves and
(5) Perform life-cycle cost analysis; select best rules that can be used in the flood control operating plan
alternative. in lieu of or, in conjunction with, a flood forecasting
operation. One application would be as a backup to a
d. Write WCDS Master Plan; submit for approval. forecasting system in cases where communications and
power are lost. Examples might be: indices to runoff,
e. Establish capital and annual expenditure require- given precipitation magnitudes; procedures for changing
ments; budget accordingly (Plant Replacement and outflows, given reservoir rate of fill; and rules for operat-
Improvement Program (PRIP) and annual funds). ing several dams controlling a single control downstream
control point.
E-7. Develop Flood Control Operation Guidance
(1) Determine need for guidance, considering factors
The water control plan for flood control operations should such as:
include several items to assist regulators and project oper-
ators in making regulating decisions. These may require (a) Remoteness of project; communications and
new hydrologic and hydraulic studies, or they may simply transportation viability.
require development of existing material for presentation
in the water control manual. (b) Accuracy and viability of operational forecasting
procedures, models.
a. Regulating outlet and spillway gate opening
sequences, limitations. (c) Basin runoff response.

(1) Consult with hydraulic design engineers; project (2) Perform hydrologic study using models or
personnel. manual analysis.

(2) Perform or request special hydraulic analysis as (3) Test guidance on historic floods, design floods.
required.
(4) Prepare plots, narrative text.
(3) Document procedures with text and diagrams as
necessary. d. Examples of flood regulation. Examples of flood
control regulation provide a useful form of guidance for
b. Spillway gate regulation procedures. water control manuals. These can be plots and/or tabula-
tions, accompanied by explanatory text.
(1) Review guidance and design documents regarding
gate regulation schedules. (1) Select floods for possible examples, considering
factors such as: magnitude of flood; unusual runoff tim-
(2) Prepare a gate regulation diagram. ing or shape of hydrograph; seasonal considerations; and
ability to demonstrate use of guidance procedures.
(a) Select a design flood for recession volume
analysis. (2) Perform reservoir routings with historic data,
using guidance materials that have been prepared.
(b) Perform routings.
(3) Plot hydrographs; prepare narrative material.
(c) Plot required outflows versus inflow and storage.
e. Emergency instructions to dam tenders when
(3) Test diagram by routing with different floods communication is lost. This is a mandatory requirement
(inflow design flood, historic floods). Adjust as for dams subject to rapid flood runoff requiring gate
necessary. operations. It is particularly important for dams in remote
areas. Coordination is needed with Dam Safety Plan
(4) Finalize guidance plots; prepare documentation. emergency procedures.

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(1) Review operating guidance determined in above E-9. Development of Guidance for Hydroelectric
paragraphs. Operations

(2) Review staffing, travel conditions, and timing for The design of the hydro plant for the project and the
dam tenders with project personnel. Visit project if nature of the hydroelectric system involved will determine
necessary. how the project is to be operated for power production, so
additional hydrologic engineering studies for the water
(3) Prepare procedures for non-guided operation: control plan may not be extensive. Possible items:
(1) rate-of-change restriction studies, including possible
(a) Staffing requirements. river fluctuation studies; (2) block-loading schedules;
(3) plant characteristic charts; and (4) unit operating pro-
(b) Data gathering; project monitoring. cedures. Refer to EM 1110-2-1701.

(c) Determination of outflows. a. Identify need for guidance. (See Paragraph E-8,
above.)
(d) Alert procedures.
b. Perform analysis. (Refer to Paragraphs F-4 and
E-8. Develop Guidance for Conservation F-5 in Appendix F for details.)
Operation
c. Prepare material for Water Control Manual.
Although not as critical as flood operation guidance (Refer to Paragraph E-11, below.)
because timing and possible emergency conditions are not
as problematic, there may be special procedures which are E-10. Develop Drought Contingency Plan
required for low-flow operations. Examples might be
(1) procedures for determining instream flow releases as a If the project has a water conservation operating objective,
function of reservoir status, and (2) municipal and indus- then a Drought Contingency Plan is required in the Water
trial release schedules, etc. This activity might be a part Control Manual. Reference is made to ER 1110-2-1941.
of the Drought Contingency Plan studies, Paragraph E-10.
E-11. Prepare Water Control Plan and Manual
a. Determine need for guidance.
The final step in the water control management study is
(1) Review studies used for project formulation and the documentation of the plan of operation in the water
design. control manual. If the plan that has been developed rep-
resents a significant change in operation from previous
(2) Review historic records; select drought periods operational policy, then public coordination is required if
for examination. it hasn’t already taken place. Refer to ETL 1110-2-251.

(3) Consult with affected agencies/parties. a. Ascertain need for public meeting on Water Con-
trol Plan. (Refer to WRDA 90, Sec. 3106.) Prepare
(4) Decide on need for further analysis and need for materials and hold meeting if required.
special guidance.
b. If meeting is required, prepare briefing material
b. Perform hydrologic study as required, using mod- and hold meeting.
els or manual procedures. (Refer to Paragraphs F-4
and F-5 in Appendix F for details.) (1) Decide on presentations to be made.

c. Test guidance on varying hydrologic conditions, (2) Review studies, availability of briefing material.
considering real-time conditions such as forecasting accu-
racy or slippage in implementing actions. (3) Prepare new visual aids as necessary.

d. Prepare plots, narrative description for water con- (4) Hold meeting.
trol manual. (Refer to Paragraph E-11, below.)

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(5) Carry out follow-up actions as necessary. d. Prepare manual.

c. Establish manual content, organization, and work (1) Decide on plotting methodology.
program.
(2) Prepare required plots and graphics.
(1) Prepare outline of manual.
(3) Prepare narrative material.
(2) Assemble material; identify critical items to be
worked on. (4) Conduct first draft review by in-house personnel,
division office.
(3) Assess human resources requirements, time
schedule, funds. (5) Prepare final manual for approval.

(4) Consider contractor assistance.

(5) Obtain agreement and approval of content and

approach. Review with division office.

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Appendix F (d) Studies by other agencies.

Generic Detailed Hydrologic Engineering
b. Choice and application of models.
Management Plan (HEMP) for a Water
Supply Investigation (1) Research, obtain consultation (HEC and others)
on which models to employ and how they can be applied.

F-1. Sample Detailed HEMP c. Obtain historic hydrologic/meteorological data.

This sample detailed HEMP can be used as a guide for (1) Project operating records; e.g., reservoir eleva-
the hydrologic and hydraulic analysis needed for conduct- tions, outflows.
ing a water conservation or a storage reallocation study.
Examples might include: a water supply allocation plan (2) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamflow
for a new reservoir project; a drought operating plan for records.
an existing reservoir project or system of projects; and a
system-wide reevaluation of a master water control plan (3) National Weather Service (NWS) precipitation
considering the potential of benefit reallocation. The and temperature data.
analysis would typically employ a reservoir simulation
model such as the Hydrologic Engineering Center (4) Evaporation records.
(HEC)-5 or HEC- Prescriptive Reservoir Model (PRM).
Flood control criteria might affect conservation purposes; (5) Snow data.
therefore, flood routing studies may be required, and
perhaps a rainfall-runoff model would be employed. The (6) Irrigation withdrawals.
goal would be to evaluate nominated alternatives of stor-
age quantities, firm water supply yields, seasonal rule (7) Consumptive use (municipal and industrial)
curves, and instream flow goals by model simulation. records.
The alternatives would be judged by comparing regulated
flood frequency curves, low-flow frequency curves, reser- d. Obtain project requirements and alternatives to be
voir elevation-duration curves, etc. investigated.

F-2. Preliminary Investigations (1) Municipal and industrial requirements.

This is a preparatory phase that includes scoping the (2) Instream flow requirements.
project, deciding upon and gathering data, coordinating
with agencies affected by the study, etc. (Experience has (3) Mandatory reservoir requirements.
shown that more than 50 percent of the study’s budget
can be consumed by data gathering and preparation.) (4) Alternative storage capacities.

a. Initial preparation. (5) Future irrigation demands.

(1) Identify agencies/parties with which coordination e. Scope major hydrologic activities; choose models.
is needed - for data, operational requirements.
f. Prepare detailed HEMP.
(2) Identify problem, scope study objectives.
F-3. Develop Hydrologic Data for Analysis
(3) Review existing documents.
a. Load raw data into study database (usually HEC-
(a) Design documents. Data Storage System (HECDSS)).

(b) Interagency agreements. (1) Develop naming conventions/database structure.

Ascertain computer requirements. Consult with experts
(c) Previous studies by Corps. where necessary.

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(2) Download data from various sources. (d) Estimate future irrigation depletions.

(3) Rough check data viability by display or screen- (e) Compute changes in irrigation: future-historic.
ing processor.
(f) Prepare final computation of corrected flows.
b. Process hydrologic data for model input (stream-
flow data). This is a very important and potentially (g) Produce display statistics of final irrigation quan-
time-consuming step in which a uniform database of tities to be used.
streamflow is derived, to be used as inflows in reservoir
regulation models. Although monthly data are typically (6) Prepare final computations; display and check
used, a shorter time period (daily or more frequent) may data and formatting for model input.
have to be developed if flood regulation analysis is
involved. Take full advantage of HEC-DSS-linked pro- (a) Perform checking computations to check data
grams (STATS, DSSMATH, etc.) to evaluate and process validity (e.g., compute locals).
data.
(b) Prepare final production of statistical summaries,
(1) Perform cross-station checks such as double-mass displays.
plots to reveal record inconsistencies. Evaluate and cor-
rect as necessary. (c) Prepare final formatting for model input.

(2) Decide on period of record to be used, consider- c. Derive synthetic (stochastic) monthly flow record
ing data availability and incorporation of significant (optional). In addition to the historic period of monthly
events. flows, it may be desirable to employ a synthetic flow
sequence, derived by stochastic techniques. This would
(3) Estimate missing data. be particularly important when multiple-year critical peri-
ods are being encountered.
(4) Compute storage changes at upstream reservoirs.
Adjust historic records to remove effects of historic (1) Consult with HEC and others on best available
upstream reservoir regulation. programs and techniques to derive a stochastic flow
record, given the basin configuration and analysis
(a) Convert elevations to storage, if necessary, for requirements.
each project.
(2) Review technical publications; find examples of
(b) Calculate adjusted streamflow at downstream applications.
stream gages.
(3) Obtain computer programs, run on test data.
(c) Accumulate storage adjustments where more than
one reservoir is involved. (4) Determine scope and cost of work and benefits
of using stochastic record.
(d) Produce tabulations, statistical summaries for
checks. (5) Prepare input to stochastic flow generator as pro-
gram requires.
(5) Process/estimate irrigation depletion data. Correct
historic records for changes in irrigation diversions. (6) Analyze output to ascertain its statistical sound-
ness. Revise input as needed.
(a) Review irrigation records; determine magnitude of
impact on study. d. Derive historic or synthetic flood flows. A water
supply investigation or storage allocation study may
(b) Decide on scope of effort. require analysis of flood control criteria. If so, historic
and/or synthetic flood hydrographs are needed. Examples
(c) Compute year-by-year historic diversions and of synthetic floods are design floods such as the Standard
return flows. Project Flood; or, different spacial and temporal flood

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patterns that appear plausible but have not been observed F-5. Develop Models for Detailed Study
historically. Derivation of such events would employ a
runoff model. (See Appendix D for generic HEMP guid- This phase of the analysis involves the setting up, cali-
ance.) brating, and testing of computer models that are to be
used in the analysis. An important part of this effort also
F-4. Preliminary Analysis is the processing of basic data that are needed for the
model simulations. The following outline assumes that a
Prior to extensive analysis with hydrologic models (or in reservoir simulation model with a monthly time-step (e.g.,
place of, for small-scale studies) it may be desirable to HEC-5) is to be employed, for analysis of seasonal or
perform manual, short-cut water conservation analyses. multi-year reservoir operations. An additional potential
These include procedures such as (1) mass-curve analysis evaluation preliminary to HEC-5 is the use of HEC-PRM,
for identifying critical periods and estimating firm yields; a “prescriptive” network-flow model which is used to
(2) limited scope sequential accounting using a spread- investigate relative values of alternative operating objec-
sheet or DSSMATH; and (3) low-flow frequency or flow- tives and strategies in a reservoir system. Also, for flood
duration analysis. control evaluations a precipitation-runoff model coupled
with a short-term reservoir system and basin routing
a. Obtain references and consultation on use of meth- model might be needed. This might be HEC-1 and
odology as necessary. HEC-5, the North Pacific Division (NPD) SSARR Pro-
gram (Streamflow Synthesis and Reservoir Regulation), or
(1) Search literature as necessary. the Southwest Division (SWD) Reservoir Simulation and
Routing Program.
(2) Consult with HEC and others.
a. Derivation of prescriptive model: HEC-PRM
(3) Decide on methodology to use. (optional). A prescriptive model can be used in multiple-
purpose reservoir systems to help define the most desired
b. Obtain or construct spreadsheet, computer pro- operation, given relative economic values (or penalties)
grams, or other computational procedures. assigned to operating constraints and objectives.

(1) Obtain or develop computer code. (1) Consult with HEC and/or other users of this
model.
(2) Test program/spreadsheet.
(2) Obtain program; develop understanding of its
(3) Develop display routines. application, requirements, end products.

c. Prepare data input for analysis procedure. (See (3) Decide on use of program and scope of effort.
Paragraph F-3.)
(4) Formulate basic model structure to represent
d. Obtain project demands, requirements. reservoir system. Decide upon location of reservoirs,
nodes.
(1) Analyze requirements for validity.
(5) Define penalty functions at nodes and reservoirs.
(2) Prepare input for program being used.
(a) Coordinate with economics personnel for penalty
e. Perform analysis with nominated alternatives to be function derivation.
considered.
(b) Obtain indicators of economic impact versus
(1) Verify technique on current data, if possible. flow or stage: flood damage, power values, recreation,
instream flow (fishery, water quality), navigation, irriga-
(2) Execute technique with each alternative. tion, and municipal and industrial.

f. Display results, document as necessary. (c) Plot penalty functions and input into model.

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(6) Execute model with first estimate of current con- (5) Prepare reservoir rule curves (existing conditions
ditions and constraints. if for an existing system).

(7) Check results (seasonal reservoir elevations) (a) Seasonal flood control curves.
against real-world conditions. Modify penalty functions
to obtain intuitively “calibrated” model. Repeat model (b) Seasonal proportional draft curves.
adjusting as necessary.
(c) Other rule curves.
(8) Perform production runs.
(6) Develop procedures for output display and
(a) Sensitivity analysis of economic functions. summary.

(b) Potential future changes in operating constraints. (7) Execute model for initial test runs. Check
results for reasonableness against known conditions.
b. Develop descriptive model for monthly routing,
e.g., HEC-5. A descriptive model performs a period-by- (a) Historic regulated flows at control points.
period simulation of reservoir operation following rule
curves and other operating variables. The rule curves (b) Historic reservoir elevations.
represent alternative possibilities of operation, reflecting
both existing and nominated alternative conditions. Either (c) Historic power generation.
may have emerged from the results of the prescriptive
model simulation performed above. (d) Low flow (7-, 10-day volumes, etc.) and flood
frequency curves.
(1) Consult as necessary on use and application of
model. Obtain program and test. (8) Adjust model parameters to obtain a calibrated
and tested model. Repeat above steps as necessary.
(2) Formulate basic model structure to represent
reservoir system. Decide upon location of reservoirs, c. Develop daily (or shorter period) flow routing
control points. model.

(3) Prepare reservoir model characteristics. (1) Determine basin configuration for model.

(a) Reservoir elevation/area/storage capacity tables. (a) Control/damage points.

(b) Powerhouse characteristics. (b) Routing reaches.

(c) Tailwater ratings. (c) Diversions.

(d) Outlet constraints (maximum, minimum, rate-of- (d) Lake characteristics.

change, etc.).
(e) Backwater effects.
(4) Prepare river system characteristics.
(2) Derive routing characteristics for individual
(a) Irrigation diversion relationships. reaches.

(b) Routing characteristics (for flood hydrograph (a) Choose routing method and model.
routing).
(b) Obtain data to derive routing coefficients.
(c) Natural lake characteristics - elevation/storage/
outflow. (c) Determine local inflows.

(d) Evaporation. (d) Perform routings.

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(e) Adjust model characteristics as necessary until (2) Instream flow frequency, duration.
calibration is achieved.
(3) Flood frequency curves.
(3) Verify total basin model by simulating historic
records and comparing with observed data. (4) Power generation.

F-6. Alternative Evaluations (a) Firm energy.

This task is the “heart” of the water control management (b) Average energy.
study, requiring repeated simulations with nominated
alternatives of reservoir operating policies and procedures. (c) Capacity.
It would be performed in close coordination with the
interdisciplinary planning team. Alternatives may have c. Repeat with alternatives; perform sensitivity tests
been suggested by the prescriptive model, if used, or by as necessary.
the team’s agreed-upon formulations.
d. Prepare model results for briefings, public meet-
a. Define nominated alternative; prepare operating ings, etc., as necessary.
rule curve or other criteria accordingly.
e. Document results.
b. Execute model; display and examine results.

(1) Seasonal reservoir elevations - number of refill

failures, frequency curves, etc.

F-5