Browsing by Author "Bowers, C. Edward"

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Computer Program for Statistical Analysis of Annual Flood Data by the Log-Pearson Type III Methods
(Water Resources Research Center, University of Minnesota, 1971-07) Bowers, C. Edward; Larson, Steven P.; Pabst, Arthur
The Federal Water Resources Council has recommended the adoption of the Log-Pearson Type III method of establishing flood flow frequencies. The computer program developed in this study was written in Fortran IV language to facilitate Log-Pearson Type III method computations. Annual floods are sorted in decreasing magnitude and then logarithms, mean, standard deviation and skewness of the logarithms are computed. The magnitude of the 100, 50, etc., year flood are determined with the aid of tables. The initial computer printout consists of sorted values of the floods, empirical values of recurrence interval and probability, and the logarithms of the floods. Application of the method to selected streams in the United States indicates that difficulties may be encountered when a given set of data contains one or more very low floods or outliers. The Log-Person Type III distribution appears to have a substantial advantage over the Gumble and log-normal distributions that have been used for flood frequency analysis because it can be used for data having either a plus or a minus skewness. Also, it reduces to the log-normal distribution for zero skewness where the data fit this distribution. However, it will require a data screening procedure and sufficient use to indicate desirable restrictions on skewness values for short records and perhaps for various regions.
Computer Programs in Hydrology
(Water Resources Research Center, University of Minnesota, 1972-01) Bowers, C. Edward; Larson, Steven P.; Pabst, Arthur
Many computer programs in the field of hydrology are developed each year and are playing an increasingly important part in both research and design activities in hydrology. Many of these programs are available for use by other agencies, organizations, and individuals. The study of which this report is a part was undertaken to review available programs in hydrology and to provide information on representative programs. Information ranging from the title only of the program to listings, source decks, and documentation was reviewed for about 200 programs. Of these, 25 were selected for operation on a CDC 6600 computer and/or preparation of an abstract. The report discusses problems associated with adapting programs to a given computer and with understanding the technical procedure on which the program was based.
Computer Programs in Hydrology
(St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, 1972-01) Bowers, C. Edward; Pabst, Arthur; Larson, Steven P.
Many computer programs in the field of hydrology are developed each year and are playing an increasingly important part in both research and design activities in hydrology. Many of these programs are available for use by other agencies, organizations, and individuals. The study of which this report is a part was undertaken to review available programs in hydrology and to provide information on representative programs. Information ranging from the title only of the program to listings, source decks, and documentation was reviewed for about 200 programs. Of these, 25 were selected for operation on a CDC 6600 computer and or preparation of an abstract. The report discusses problems associated with adapting programs to a given computer and with understanding the technical procedure on which the program was based.
Computer Programs in Water Resources
(Water Resources Research Center, University of Minnesota, 1977-11) Chu, Chung Sang; Bowers, C. Edward
Computer Programs in Water Resources: Scope and Availability
(St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, 1977-11) Chu, Chung Sang; Bowers, C. Edward
The objective of this research study was the review of selected computer programs in the field of water resources with the aim of assisting in the application of these programs by potential users. Research and design efforts in this field have resulted in the development of many computer programs. Some of these are of primary interest to those in the research phase of water resources. Others may be initially of interest to research people but will be used for design purposes as information on and confidence in the programs develop. Other programs are based on well known procedures and as a result have immediate application to design problems. The second and third types of programs are of primary interest in this report, but some programs of all three groups have been included.
Continuous synthesis of runoff from the Kawishiwi river watershed in northeastern Minnesota
(1983-08) Toso, Joel W.; Bowers, C. Edward
The study reported herein was performed for the Water Resources Research Center, University of Minnesota. Initial funding was, provided by the office of Water Research and' Technology, Department of the Interior. Final funding was by the Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior. Matching funds were provided by the University of Minnesota In the form of overhead, partial salary of the Principal Investigator and partial computer costs. The support of both the Federal and State organizations is sincerely appreciated.
The Effects Of Different Operating Plans For The Six Mississippi River Headwaters Dams, Part I
(Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, 1979-08) Bowers, C. Edward; Nelson, Nels P.; Gutschick, Carleton K.; Schevenius, Wesley C.
The study reported herein is Part I of a proposed larger study concerning the "hydraulic and economic effects of implementing a number of different operating plans for the six Mississippi headwaters dams (Winnibigoshish, Leech, Pokegama, Sandy, Pine River and Gull)."
Flood Forecasting in the Upper Midwest Data Assembly and Preliminary Analysis
(St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, 1972-06) Pabst, Arthur; Bowers, C. Edward; Baker, Donald
This project was Phase I of a three-phase study whose objective is the development of analytical procedures and the correlation of hydrological data to aid in the prediction and control of spring floods in large Upper Midwest watersheds. Phase I has involved the assembly of meteorological and hydrological data for various periods and the procurement and preliminary evaluation of selected mathematical simulation models of watersheds. Phases II and III have been authorized under a project which begins July 1, 1972. The major portion of the hydrological and meteorological data were procured on magnetic tape to facilitate input into the mathematical models. This form is highly desirable, as some runs were performed with up to one year's data. Approximately 28 magnetic tapes were received and a duplicate was made of each to serve as a backup copy. Of special interest in this study were the SSARR model developed by the Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service, the Kentucky-Stanford model, the HEC-1 model of the Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center, and programs in use by the National Weather Service River Forecast Center in Kansas City.
Forecasting Rainfall and Snowmelt Floods on Upper Midwest Watersheds
(St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, 1974-06) Kim, Kwonshik; Chu, Chung Sang; Bowers, C. Edward; Baker, Donald
The objective of the studies reported on herein was the investigation of methods and mathematical simulation models associated with flood forecasting with particular reference to snowmelt floods in the Upper Midwest. It involved (1) procurement of data on streamflow, precipitation, air temperature, dewpoint, solar radiation, wind, and water content of snow on tape for use as input to computer programs; (2) procurement and use of some existing mathematical models of possible use in flood forecast studies; (3) operation of the models for some of the most severe floods of record; (4) modification of some features of the models; and (5) evaluation of some of the problems associated with flood forecasting in the Upper Midwest.
Hydraulic Model Studies - Priest Rapids Project, Volume 1, Cofferdam and Spillway Studies
(St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, 1971-01) Bowers, C. Edward; Muller, Larry; Pabst, Arthur
Hydraulic model studies for the Priest Rapids Development were conducted by Dr. Lorenz G. Straub at the St. Anthony Fails Hydraulic Laboratory for the Grant County Public Utility District (POD), the project owner. The studies were sponsored by the Harza Engineering Company of Chicago and were begun in the latter part of 1956 and continued through the spring of 1958, being completed almost concurrently with the project construction phase. Under the pressure of time, experimental results were conveyed to the sponsor in the form of memorandums and letters as the studies progressed. This report, in two volumes, is a compilation of the significant experimental data and results obtained in the model studies and originally presented in the memorandums and letters. Volume 1 covers the studies related to the cofferdams and spillway, while Volume 2 reports on the permanent fish passage facilities.
Model Studies for the Spillway and Outlet Works of the Yguazu Dam
(St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, 1972-08) Silberman, Edward; Bowers, C. Edward
A hydroelectric power plant presently exists on the Acaray River in Paraguay where it joins the Parana River. It is proposed to increase the generating capacity of this plant by regulating the flow of a tributary of the Acaray, the Yguazu. A dam would be built on the Yguazu near its junction with the Aoaray for this purpose.
Numerical Routing of Flood Hydrographs through Open Channel Junctions
(Water Resources Research Center, University of Minnesota, 1971-08) Bowers, C. Edward; Larson, Curtis L.; Wei, Tsong C.
The study was concerned with numerical routing of flood hydrographs through open channel junctions. An open channel junction with a main channel above and below plus a branch channel were constructed in the laboratory. All channels were rectangular in shape, but varied in size. Facilities and procedures for supplying hvdrographs to the two channels above the junction were developed. Provision was made for measuring both inflow and outflow hydrographs and also flow depths at selected points in the three channels. A total of 14 experiments were conducted with various combinations of input hydrographs in terms of magnitude and relative timing. Unsteady flow conditions (depth, velocity and discharge) in the three channels were calculated at calculated at 5-ft. length increments and 1-sec. time increments, using the method of explicit finite differences applied to the characteristic equations. A procedure for calculating unsteady flow backwater effects in either or both of the upstream channels was developed and utilized as an integral part of the routing method. The junction routing procedure appears to be fairly general, having been applied in a situation where the channels above and below the junction are at different size, slope and elevation. In particular, it was shown that unsteady flow backwater effects can be represented in the method of explicit finite differences applied to the characteristic equations. Some error can be expected in any numerical method, as well as in all measurements. Due to the measurement error cited above, the amount of error attributable to the routing method cannot be determined. It appears to be on the order of 6 percent, but could be less than this amount.
Part III - Coastal Engineering Model Study Of Interstate Highway 35 At Duluth, MN
(St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, 1967-10) Bowers, C. Edward; Muller, L. A.
Interstate Highway No. 35 in Duluth, Minnesota is a part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways for which appropriations were authorized by the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1958. General location of the routes of the "Interstate System" as first designated, was approved by the Administrator, Federal Works Agency, on August 2, 1947. The location of Interstate Highway No. 35 in Minnesota was fixed by the Bureau of Public Roads on January 17, 1955, as being "from the Minnesota-Iowa State Line southwest of Albert lea, via the Minneapolis-St. Paul urban area and Scanlon to Duluth." Additional petitions approved by the Bureau of Public Roads on October 21, 1957, and September 8, 1958, extended the system to its present terminus at the east property line of 10th Avenue East and London Road.
Preliminary Analysis Of Hydropower Production Feasibility At Twenty-One Existing Dam Sites In The State Of Minnesota
(Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, 1980-08) Gulliver, John S.; Garver, Rodrick J.; Arndt, Roger E. A.; Bowers, C. Edward
A preliminary estimate of hydropower production feasibility was made for twenty-one existing dam sites in the State of Minnesota. The purpose of the preliminary analysis was to determine whether a comprehensive feasibility study is justified for the site. The expected annual energy production and initial project cost were estimated for each site. Initial cost estimates include turbine, generator, transmission line, and other electromechanical features as well as the civil features of hydropower retrofitting. Initial cost does not include dam rehabilitation, since the required information is not available for 19 of the 21 sites. The "relative cost" of the project was defined as the initial cost divided by the annual energy production, and was calculated for each site. The relative cost and general curves for payback period were used to estimate hydropower feasibility at each site. The results of the preliminary analysis are: 5 sites have good or very good hydropower feasibility, 6 sites are marginal, and 10 sites have poor hydropower feasibility. Estimates of the cost of a comprehensive feasibility study are included for each site.
Review and Analysis of Rainfall and Runoff Data for Selected Watersheds in Minnesota
(St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, 1968-06) Bowers, C. Edward; Pabst, Arthur
The objective of this study was the analysis of available rainfall end runoff data for selected watersheds in the state of Minnesota to assist in the evaluation of peak: rates of runoff tor design purposes. Six watersheds were selected tor study. Rainfa1l and runoff data were analyzed for 51 flood events in five of the six watersheds. An optimization program prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center was used to optimize nine variables associated with the watersheds, develop characteristic unit hydrographs, and evaluate loss rates tor the watershed in terms of the mathematical model represented by the optimization program. Data on annual maximum floods as well as maximum summer floods were plotted on log-probability paper and theoretical flood-frequency curves determined q, the log.Pearson Type III distribution. Approximately 200 figures relating to the rainfall-runoff data and analysis thereof have been included in the Appendices for future use. This might involve further work with the same program or possibly other programs. A limited number of copies of the Appendices has been prepared for reference purposes; other copies of the report were prepared without appendices.
Simulation of the Quantity and Quality of Flow in a River Basin
(St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, 1973-06) Song, Charles; Pabst, Arthur; Bowers, C. Edward
Recognizing the importance of optimum use of our water resources, the Office of Water Resources Research and other governmental agencies have encouraged studies concerning quality improvement and optimum management of these resources. Because of the extremely complex nature of the problem, much more work is needed. The study reported on herein is concerned with simulating the quantity and quality of flow in fairly large watersheds or basins. The problem was separated into two parts: (a) simulation of water quantity on a continuous synthesis basis and (b) simulation of water quality by means of a model which would interact with the quantity model.
St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory
(Water Resources Research Center, University of Minnesota, 1968-12) Bowers, C. Edward; Pabst, Arthur
The objective of this study was the analysis of available rainfall and runoff data for selected watersheds in the state of Minnesota to assist in the evaluation of peak rates of runoff for design purposes. Six watersheds were selected for study. Rainfall and runoff data were analyzed for 51 flood events in five of the six watersheds. AN optimization program prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center was used to optimize nine variables associated with the watersheds, develop characteristic unit hydrographs, and evaluate loss rates for the watershed in terms of the mathematical model represented by the optimization program. Data on annual maximum floods as well as maximum summer floods were plotted on log-probability paper and theoretical flood-frequency curves determined by the log-Pearson Type III distribution. Approximately 200 figures relating to the rainfall-runoff data and analysis thereof have been included in Appendices for future use. This might involve further work with the same program or possibly other programs. A limited number of copies of the Appendices has been prepared for reference purposes.
Stochostic Analysis of Spring Meteorological Data in the Upper Midwest
(St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, 1975-06) Kim, Kwonshik; Bowers, C. Edward
The objective of this study was the development of models by which air temperature and precipitation data can be generated for spring periods for use in mathematical runoff models, to predict the range and probability of snowmelt floods. In the upper midwestern United States, spring floods due to a combination of snowmelt and rainfall inflict large amounts of damage. To predict snowmelt floods, information is needed concerning the water equivalent of snow on the ground, soil conditions and hydrometeorological data. The water equivalent of snow and soil conditions can usually be obtained at the time of the forecast. However, it is currently not possible to predict temperature, precipitation and other meteorological factors over a three or four-week interval critical to the spring floods. Simulation of such data by stochastic models should provide a basis for determination of flood probabilities and the range of possible flood magnitudes for current conditions.

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