A one-dimensional model is developed to simulate debris flows in mountain torrent channels. The model incorporates a number of flow resistance laws. A curvilinear coordinate system is used to solve the governing equations. The model simulations are compared to debris flow events in the Kamikamihori valley in Japan and to a large debris flow in the Saas valley in Switzerland. The results suggest that the models with a Newtonian turbulent and a Voellmy fluid flow resistance can better reproduce the observations than the models incorporating a Bingham, Newtonian laminar or dilatant grain shearing flow resistance. The runout distance on the fan can be reproduced using either a Voellmy fluid or a Bingham type approach.