Flood Inundation Mapping

Significant flood events on the Wabash River between 3 mi downstream of Mt. Carmel, IL to 10 mi downstream from New Harmony, IN caused the collapse of the railroad pier, bridge, and trusses which crossed the river. Scientists are using two models to evaluate how future flooding may impact the current I-64 bridge and the river channel. One model will focus on river meander migration. The second...

Flood inundation maps (FIMs) translate the stage of a river (shown on a hydrograph) to a map showing the extent and depth of flood waters. FIMS are created by combining datasets calculated by hydraulic models with ArcGIS, a geographic information system. FIMs can be used in conjunction with USGS real-time data and National Weather Service Flood Forecasts to plan and prepare for flood events. FIMs...

In June 2008, heavy rainfall occurred in the upstream reaches of Haw Creek, a small stream that flows through the center of Columbus, Ind. A sudden flash flood occurred through the middle of Columbus which took the town by surprise since the rain was upstream. Many homes and more than 70 businesses were damaged in Columbus, including $125 million in damage to the Columbus Regional Hospital and...