PE Civil Water Resources and Environmental Practice Exam 2025 – Full Prep for Your Test

The station-average method is designed to estimate average rainfall over an area using readings from multiple rain gauges. A key characteristic of this method is that it assumes each rain gauge contributes equally to the final average, effectively giving each gauge an equal weight. This assumption simplifies calculations and allows for straightforward interpretation of rainfall data when estimating total precipitation over a specific region.

In contrast, other methods, such as the rational method or the curve number method, incorporate different principles regarding how rainfall intensity, runoff, and watershed characteristics are analyzed. The SCS method, for example, involves a more complex approach that factors in the hydrological conditions of the watershed and does not assume equal weight for all gauges but rather uses specific characteristics like soil type and land use to determine contributions to runoff. These distinctions highlight the unique application of the station-average method in rainfall measurement and analysis.