Quelques enseignements tirés de l'étude d'une longue série hydrométrique : la Durance au Pont de Mirabeau (1832-1959)

Some Lessons learned from the study of a long hydrometric series : the Pont de Mirabeau gauging site on the Durance River, 1832-1959

EDF Centre d'Ingénierie Hydraulique Savoie Technolac Le Bourget du Lac

Auteur de correspondance : christian.lallement@edf.fr

Abstract

The screening of the long hydrometric series recorded since 1832 at the Pont de Mirabeau gauging site on the river Durance (11 917 km²), allowed us to perform a twofold analysis, both "historical" (evolution of working methods and operation objectives) and methodological (critical analysis and assessment of data quality). This case study provided the opportunity to address some basic questions that preoccupy hydrometric specialists : how can we trace the history of measurement conditions and the main operation events ? What is the uncertainty associated with discharge gaugings ? Which gauging policy should be applied and what sensitivity will it have on the final result ? We can thus propose some broad outlines for the systematic critical analysis of historical hydrometric data, and for the future, some guidelines for optimum management of discharge gauging sites.