Mapping the flood hazard potential of small watercourses in a mountain river basin

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study is to present a methodological approach for the mapping of the flood hazard potential of small watercourses, based on their hydromorphogical attributes on the example of a mountain river basin in Slovakia. The flood hazard of a watercourse is understood more comprehensively and includes a set of watercourse attributes that are pressure indicators that affect the flood hazard. The proposed procedure consists of several steps: from the selection of watercourse variables influencing flood hazard potential through to the evaluation of the attributes of the variables in terms of their impact on flood hazards and the determination of the flood hazard index. The mapping divides the watercourse into reaches that differ by their level of flood hazard potential. This enables to identify those river reaches that are critical in terms of flood hazard and where management interventions are needed. The interpretation of the achieved results on the flood hazard of river reaches is carried out in the context of cadastral areas through which watercourses flow. It is considered to be particularly important and beneficial for local authorities.