James McNamara

Unit 3: Channel Capacity and Manning's Equation part of Flood Hazards
A flood occurs when the flow rate in a river exceeds the capacity of a channel to transmit water downstream within its banks. How much water can a channel transmit? Answering this question requires measurements of ...

Unit 2: Flood Frequency Analysis part of Flood Hazards
This unit introduces students to the statistical concepts that are used to determine the relationships between peak flow magnitude, return periods, and societal risk. The intent is that when a student hears or uses ...

James McNamara: Using Modeling Flood Hazards in Hydrology at Boise State University part of Flood Hazards
My course is a lecture-based course designed for juniors, seniors, and first-year graduate students in Geoscience Hydrology programs. I typically rush through the theory of each process in the hydrologic cycle, and then assign textbook-based homework assignments for assessments. In recent years I have been transitioning the class to be more project-based. This module has helped me in that transition. Students appreciated the applied nature of the module. With less emphasis on listening to lectures on theory, students were able to spend time exploring data, interpreting observations, and writing conclusions.