Developing the Regression Equations to Determine the Bankfull Discharge from the Basin Characteristics

Abstract Bankfull discharge is an important criterion for flash flood warnings. In this study, the authors propose a new approach to determine the bankfull discharge for basins in Ha Giang province, Vietnam. The study combines the field survey to determine the bankfull discharge through the bankfull indicators and develop a multivariate regression equation between the bankfull discharge and the basin characteristics. The results of the study give a simple equation with 2 independent variables. They are the catchment area and the main river length. They show a strong relationship with the bankfull discharge with the R2 indexes in developing and validating process equal to 95.3% and 92.7%, respectively. With this approach, the workload is significantly reduced. However, the accuracy and flexibility of the total discharge calculation are enhanced. This will be the foundation to reduce uncertainty in flash flood warnings.