We are Pfefferkorn Engineering & Environmental are watershed and rainfall statistic fanatics. Whenever the region experiences an overwhelming amount of rainfall, we wonder how it compares to other storms for the area. After all, that culvert has not over-topped before. Rainfall statistics need two parameters to quantity a storm’s probability of annual occurrence: AMOUNT & DURATION.
Rainfall amount recorded early morning July 28, 2017 was 3.9 inches in eastern Kansas for a storm lasting 1.25 hours. Annual occurrence probability of approximately 0.89% (once per 112 years).
A 5.7-hour rainfall amount recorded August 21, 2017 into August 22, 2017 in eastern Kansas was 6.82 inches. Annual occurrence probability of approximately 0.74% (once per 135 years).
Recall in early October 2018, we received nearly 10 inches or 25% of Kansas City’s average annual rainfall amount in just 4.5 days. Want to get in on all the rainfall statistics? One of the best resources for rainfall statistics is NOAA ATLAS 14 Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates. Also Stormwatch offers near real-time and historical rainfall amounts (hourly, daily, yearly) for greater Kansas city. Drainage issues? Contact Pfefferkorn.
