Sinkholes: Sinkhole Flooding

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Sinkhole flooding is a natural occurrence following a heavy rainfall event. Table 10-1 shows recurrence intervals for selected heavy rainfall events in the Barren River Area. Flood events will differ not only because of the amount of precipitation but also because the drainage capacity of individual sinkholes can change, sometimes very suddenly, as the karst landscape evolves.

Table 10-1. Precipitation recurrence intervals for the Barren River Area based on
Kentucky's Central Climate Division. (Source: F.A. Huff and J.R. Angel, 1992)

Duration of
Storm Event		 Precipitation for Recurrence Interval (inches)
10-year 25-year 50-year 100-year
5 days 7.04 8.39 9.35 10.22
2 days 5.65 6.82 7.75 8.75
1 day 5.10 6.22 7.09 7.96
6 hours 3.82 4.66 5.32 5.97
3 hours 3.26 3.98 4.54 5.09
1 hour 2.40 2.92 3.33 3.74

Mitigation of sinkhole flooding should be addressed in terms of stormwater runoff management. Since sinkholes are the natural runoff drainage points, they should be left undisturbed in order to ensure continued drainage. Here are some measures that can reduce the threat associated with sinkhole flooding:
  • For any new development, the sinkhole floodplain should be defined for a 100-year flood based on a 3-hour rainfall event, and development should be outside this floodplain
  • Retention basins should be created where new urban land development increases stormwater runoff
  • Existing sinkholes should be maintained clear of debris and trash
  • In some circumstances, sinkhole openings may be enlarged to expand drainage capacity
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