Natural Hazards Science: Reducing America’s Risk from Floods David Ford David Ford Consulting Engineers
Keep people and property out of flood waters
Keep flood waters away from people and property
Start Estimate flow consistent with risk Compute water level for that flow Map potentially flooded area Design & build or regulate
Superhighway
Compute water level for that flow Map potentially flooded area
Dirt road
Start Estimate flow consistent with risk
Record history Predict future Driving directions
1997 Flood New regulatory flood Old regulatory flood Peak Flow, CFS Consumnes River near Michigan Bar, CA
Start Estimate flow consistent with risk Simulate performance Evaluate potential damage Design & build or regulate
Bottom line… USGS provides data and develops methods needed for wise water and land management decisions.