Lake flooding sensitivity to the relative timing of peak flows between upstream and downstream waterways: A case study of Poyang Lake,China

The relative timing of peak flows (RTPF) from tributaries has significant influence on flood occurrence at their confluence. This study is aimed at (1) analysing the characteristics of the RTPF of the 5 recharging rivers in the Poyang Lake catchment and the Yangtze River during the period of 1960–2012, and (2) employing a physically‐based hydrodynamic model (MIKE 21) to quantify the effects of RTPF on flood behaviour in the Poyang Lake (the largest freshwater lake in China). The results show that short RTPF, or close occurrence of peak flows, triggers flood in the Poyang Lake more easily. More than 75% of total flood events in the study period occurred with RTPF less than 60 days, and more than 55% of the events occurred with RTPF less than 30 days. The hydrodynamic simulation revealed that the date of flood peak in the lake was postponed by 4–7 days and the flood stage raised by 0.69 m because of the delay of peak flows from the upstream rivers/tributaries. On the other hand, earlier start of the Yangtze River peak flow led to flood peak in the lake 6–13 days earlier. Additionally, the duration of high lake water levels was extended by 9–12 days when the RTPF shortened, and the flood hydrograph of the Poyang Lake changed from a flat to a flashy type. These results indicate that an enlarged RTPF between the upstream rivers and the Yangtze River could be an effective way to prevent flood disasters in the Poyang Lake, a method apparently being adopted in the operation of the Three Gorges Dam. The RTPF should be considered and integrated when developing flood prevention and management plans in the Poyang Lake, as well as in other similar regions in the world.