DrainageCalculators

Muskingum Routing Calculator

Route flood hydrographs through channel reaches using the Muskingum method. Calculate peak attenuation, translation time, and outflow hydrograph for rivers and streams. Professional hydrology tool for civil engineers.

What This Solves

Routes a flood hydrograph through a channel reach using the Muskingum method to estimate peak attenuation, translation, and the outflow hydrograph shape.

Best Used When

  • You need to determine how a flood peak changes as it moves downstream through a river reach
  • You are estimating the time delay and reduction in peak flow between two points on a stream
  • You want to combine hydrographs from multiple subbasins routed to a common downstream point

Do NOT Use When

Key Assumptions

  • Storage in the reach is a linear function of weighted inflow and outflow (S = K[xI + (1-x)O])
  • The routing parameters K (travel time) and x (weighting factor) are constant for the reach
  • No significant lateral inflow or outflow along the reach
  • Channel geometry and roughness are approximately uniform along the reach
  • The time step must satisfy the Courant condition for numerical stability

Input Quality Notes

K and x should be calibrated from observed flood records when available. Without calibration data, K can be estimated from reach length and average wave celerity, and x is typically 0.0-0.3 (0.0 for reservoirs, 0.1-0.3 for natural channels).

Input Parameters

Muskingum Parameters

Enter K and X routing parameters

hours

Travel time through reach (typically 1-6 hours)

Ranges from 0 (reservoir) to 0.5 (pure translation)

min

Routing computation interval

Divide reach for improved accuracy

Inflow Hydrograph

Define the inflow hydrograph

cfs

Maximum inflow rate

min

Time from start to peak

min

Total hydrograph duration

cfs

Initial and final flow rate

Muskingum Routing Method

The Muskingum method routes flood hydrographs through channel reaches by modeling storage as a combination of prism storage (proportional to outflow) and wedge storage (proportional to inflow-outflow difference).

Key equations:

  • Routing: O2 = C0I2 + C1I1 + C2O1
  • Storage: S = K[XI + (1-X)O]

K represents the travel time through the reach (hours). X is a weighting factor (0-0.5) that describes the relative importance of inflow vs outflow in determining storage.

Typical Parameter Values

ParameterTypical RangeNotes
K (storage constant)0.5 - 6 hoursApprox. reach travel time
X (weighting factor)0.1 - 0.3Natural channels: 0.2-0.3
X = 0-Pure reservoir (level pool)
X = 0.5-Pure translation (no attenuation)

Source: USACE EM 1110-2-1417, Chow et al. (1988).

Disclaimer & Terms of Use

Educational Purpose: The calculations provided by DrainageCalculators.com are for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, these tools do not substitute for professional engineering judgment or designs stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) where required by law.

Professional Certification: Users are solely responsible for verifying all calculations, confirming compliance with local codes and regulations, and determining the appropriateness of any methodology for their specific application. Critical infrastructure and public safety projects require review and certification by a licensed Professional Engineer.

Limitation of Liability: DrainageCalculators.com, its owners, operators, and contributors assume no liability for damages or losses arising from the use of these calculators. By using this tool, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms.

This disclaimer applies to the Muskingum Routing Calculator calculator and all associated calculations.

PE Stamp Required: Many jurisdictions require drainage designs to be reviewed and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer. Check your local requirements before using these calculations for construction or permit applications.

Professional Review: For projects requiring regulatory approval or where public safety is involved, have your calculations reviewed and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

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Last verified: February 2026

Disclaimer & Terms of Use

Educational Purpose: The calculations provided by DrainageCalculators.com are for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, these tools do not substitute for professional engineering judgment or designs stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) where required by law.

Professional Certification: Users are solely responsible for verifying all calculations, confirming compliance with local codes and regulations, and determining the appropriateness of any methodology for their specific application. Critical infrastructure and public safety projects require review and certification by a licensed Professional Engineer.

Limitation of Liability: DrainageCalculators.com, its owners, operators, and contributors assume no liability for damages or losses arising from the use of these calculators. By using this tool, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms.

PE Stamp Required: Many jurisdictions require drainage designs to be reviewed and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer. Check your local requirements before using these calculations for construction or permit applications.