Huff vs. SCS

[tschnoor]

The SCS and Huff rainfall distributions produce significantly different peak discharges for the same drainage area. It seems to me that the SCS distribution is overly conservative for most storm sewer/detention basin designs. Does anyone know of any publication or data that may suggest which to use? Thanks.

 

[RWF7437]

My recollection is that the Huff distributions are limited to a certain geographical area ( West Virginia ?). You may find a discussion of this in the documentation for HEC-HMS.

Good luck

 

[pmkPE]

What does the local governing agency require?

 

[RWF7437]

Rainfall Frequency Publications on the Web
Huff, F. A., and J. R. Angel, 1989. Rainfall Distributions and Hydroclimatic Characteristics of Heavy Rainstorms in Illinois (Bulletin 70), Illinois State Water Survey.

Good luck

 

[psmart]

The Huff distributions were developed specifically for Illinois, and are not intended for use in other areas. In general, they should be used only when specified by the applicable regulations.