Probabale maximum flood at Nira-Deoghar dam site in India

Abstract

Estimation of inflow design flood i.e. Probable maximum flood (PMF) for major storage reservoirs is most

important parameter. The consequences of a failure of the structure due to improper estimation of PMF

could be calamitous in terms of loss of human lives and damage to property. PMF which is estimated from

probable maximum precipitation (PMP) is used as inflow design flood for major projects. PMP is the

greatest depth of precipitation for a given duration which is physically possible for an area. Various methods

such as statistical, empirical, storm maximisation and transposition approach, and dynamic approach are

used for estimation of PMP. This paper presents unit hydrograph method which reflects all physical

characteristics of the catchment for obtaining PMF hydrograph. The study area selected is Nira-Deoghar

dam which is located on River Nira in the Krishna basin, Maharashtra, India. The outcome of PMF in Indian

scenario is very much important since it is directly related to dam safety.