Estimating Streamflow Characteristics for Micro-hydro Sites in Northwestern Oregon

by Andrew L. Lieuwen, Univ of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

Assessing hydropower potential requires knowledge of the streamflow characteristics at prospective sites. Gaging stations are often unavailable. A method for estimating streamflow characteristics was devised to facilitate micro-hydro site analysis in northwestern Oregon. Regression models were developed with streamflow data from gaged streams in northwestern Oregon to enable estimation of streamflows of ungaged streams in this region. The models incorporate a 'basin energy' term as the independent variable which is the basin area multiplied by the square root of basin relief. Hence the only data required for applying these models to ungaged sites are basin area and basin relief, both of which can be easily obtained from topographic maps. The regression models are capable of yielding practical estimates of high, average, and low streamflow characteristics for streams in this region.

Subject Headings: Streamflow | Hydro power | Regression analysis | Basins | Site investigation | Rivers and streams | Power plants | Oregon | United States

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