An approach to classify areas for appropriate rainfall-runoff risk management: A case study in Drevenica basin, Slovakia

Best management practices for landscapes include adapting them to rainfall extremes that have an impact on surface runoff. A critical profile (CP) is a location where a path of concentrated surface runoff might enter an inhabited area causing potential damage, e.g. by flooding, water erosion and torrential mudflows. Critical profiles have been determined using modified methodological guidelines for identifying critical points by the T. G. Masaryk Water Research Institute in Prague, 2009. In the model watershed Drevenica (117.27 km(2)), 27 profiles have been identified, where concentrated flow paths and the boundaries of built-up areas intersect. Four of the profiles have contributing areas of 0.3-10 km(2), average slope > 3.5% and the share of arable land >40% as well as the critical conditions indicator according to the methodological guidelines and have been verified in terrain. Surveys and analysis also pointed out that another three profiles have indications of erosion runoff during rainfalls of varying intensity. By modifications of the original thresholds, these profiles have been included as critical. The lower threshold for contributing area was reduced to 0.2 km(2). A new set of parameters was added by the authors, namely the proportion of land with higher soil erosion risk levels (SERL) 2 to 5, exceeding 20% and threshold surface runoff volume > 6000 m3. Critical profiles with their contributing areas are prime candidates for multi-functional ecological engineering measures.

Automated summary

Best management practices for landscapes include adapting them to rainfall extremes that have an impact on surface runoff. Critical profiles have been determined using modified methodological guidelines and have been verified in terrain. Critical profiles are prime candidates for multi-functional ecological engineering measures.