Determination of the runoff threshold for triggering debris flows in the area affected by the Wenchuan Earthquake

Abstract. We constructed an experiment to determine the critical runoff discharge for debris flow initiation in Wenchuan Earthquake area. A single dimensionless discharge variable was integrated to incorporate influential parameters, including channel width, median particle diameter, and surface flow discharge. The results revealed that relationship with the debris flow density, slope and discharge required. Taking into account the behaviors of debris flow formation corresponding to different ranges of slopes, the critical runoff thresholds for debris flow initiation were calculated for three different scenarios. The thresholds were validated against actual debris flow events, and the use in this study is applicable.