Overview
ISO 1070:2018 - Hydrometry - Slope-area method defines a standardized, indirect technique for estimating discharge in open channels from observed water-surface slope and cross‑sectional area. Intended for special conditions where direct methods (for example, velocity‑area) are impractical or unsafe, the standard describes site selection, measurement procedures, hydraulic assumptions, and computation approaches to produce reliable stage–discharge estimates (excluding tidal reaches).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability: Use for peak flows recorded as high‑water marks, crest‑stage gauges, or simultaneous gauge heights; commonly used to extend stage–discharge relationships above gauged flows. Not applicable in tidal reaches.
- Site selection and demarcation: Recommendations to choose reaches that are as straight and uniform as possible, with preliminary surveys and witness/photo information where available.
- Slope measurement methods: Procedures for using high‑water marks, crest‑stage gauges, pressure transmitters, and a reference gauge to determine surface slope across a reach.
- Cross‑section survey: Guidance on number/location of cross sections and measuring cross‑sectional profiles to compute mean area and wetted perimeter.
- Computation of discharge: Use of common flow‑resistance formulae - Manning, Chezy, and Darcy–Weisbach - to derive mean velocity from hydraulic radius and friction slope, then multiply by mean cross‑sectional area.
- Non‑uniform and composite reaches: Methods for two‑section and multi‑section formulations, composite cross sections (main channel plus overflows), and divided‑channel approaches.
- Conveyance estimation alternatives: Annexed methods and a conveyance estimation system to support practical computations.
- Uncertainty analysis: Identification and treatment of sources of uncertainty (area, wetted perimeter, friction slope, roughness coefficient) and overall uncertainty estimation.
- Informative annexes: Annex A (approximate Manning n and Chezy C values), Annex B (Strickler k values), Annex C (US SCS method for Manning’s n), Annex D (conveyance estimation system).
Practical applications and users
ISO 1070:2018 is used by:
- Hydrologists and river engineers for flood peak reconstruction and forensic hydrology
- Water resources professionals extending stage–discharge ratings beyond measured ranges
- Surveyors and field technicians conducting post‑flood channel surveys using high‑water marks and gauges
- Government agencies, consultants and researchers assessing flood risk, designing flood mitigation, or validating hydraulic models when direct measurements are impossible
Keywords: ISO 1070:2018, slope‑area method, hydrometry, discharge measurement, open channel, Manning, Chezy, Darcy‑Weisbach, stage‑discharge, high‑water marks, roughness coefficient, uncertainty.
Related standards
- ISO 772 - Hydrometry: Vocabulary and symbols
- ISO 4373 - Hydrometry: Water level measuring devices
These normative references support consistent terminology and gauge measurement practices used in ISO 1070:2018.