flow metering project

Index-Velocity Rating Development

Long term or continuous discharge measurements in large streams/channels have historically been virtually impossible to perform with any acceptable degree of accuracy. With the introduction of Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers and the use of the index-velocity method, high accuracy continuous discharge measurements are now possible. C.C. Lynch & Associates, Inc. personnel have years of experience collecting stream discharge measurements, developing stage-discharge rating curves, and developing index-velocity ratings. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you on with your stream flow measurement needs.

 

Schedule an Index-Velocity Rating

Call our 24-hour phone number 800.333.2252 or email us to schedule an Index Velocity Rating.

What is an Index-Velocity Rating?

You may be familiar with a stage-discharge rating which simply correlates water level to a known discharge. In many situations, the stream hydraulics do not allow for this basic correlation and therefore an index-velocity rating is used. An index-velocity rating is accomplished by identifying a correlation between the average water velocity in a specific area within the cross section as measured by an index-velocity meter and the average velocity in the entire cross section as measured by a moving boat ADCP. This correlation establishes an offset that is applied to the measured index velocity so that when the discharge is calculated by the equation Q = Area X Velocity, the calculated discharge measured by the index-velocity meter closely matches the measured discharge of the moving boat ADCP. 

What Steps Are Involved in Developing and Index Rating?

  • Identify a suitable location which includes reviewing historical and seasonal discharge/water level information.
  • Install index-velocity meter.
  • Survey channel cross section.
  • Collect discharge measurements with moving boat ADCP while simultaneously collecting velocity measurements with index-velocity meter. Discharge measurements should be collected over expected range in water levels and velocities.
  • Evaluate data using a regression analysis.
  • Repeat discharge measurements and data evaluation to include all ranges of expected water levels and velocities or as frequent as the channel bed may change shape.