Estimating the magnitude and frequency of peak streamflows for ungaged sites on streams in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada / by Janet H. Curran, David F. Meyer, and Gary D. Tasker.

Anchorage, Alaska : U.S. Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey ; Denver, CO : U.S. Geological Survey [distributor], 2003.

vi, 101 p. : col. ill., maps (some col.) ; 28 cm. + 1 map plate.

(Water-resources investigations report ; 03-4114)

Abstract:   Estimates of the magnitude and frequency of peak streamflow are needed across Alaska for floodplain management, cost-effective design of floodway structures such as bridges and culverts, and other water-resource management issues.   Peak-streamflow magnitudes for the 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, 200-, and 500-year recurrence-interval flows were computed for 301 streamflow-gaging and partial-record stations in Alaska and 60 stations in conterminous basins of Canada.   Flows were analyzed from data through the 1999 water year using a log-Pearson Type III analysis.   The State was divided into seven hydrologically distinct streamflow analysis regions for this analysis, in conjunction with a concurrent study of low and high flows.   New generalized skew coefficients were developed for each region using station skew coefficients for stations with at least 25 years of systematic peak-streamflow data.

Equations for estimating peak streamflows at ungaged locations were developed for Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada using a generalized least-squares regression model.   A set of predictive equations for estimating the 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, 200-, and 500-year peak streamflows was developed for each streamflow analysis region from peak-streamflow magnitudes and physical and climatic basin characteristics.   These equations may be used for unregulated streams without flow diversions, dams, periodically releasing glacial impoundments, or other streamflow conditions not correlated to basin characteristics.   Basin characteristics should be obtained using methods similar to those used in this report to preserve the statistical integrity of the equations.

Contents:

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Description of Study Area
• Determination of Drainage-Basin Characteristics
• Determination of Streamflow Analysis Regions
• Estimating Peak Streamflows at Gaged Sites
• Regional Equations for Estimating Peak Streamflows
• Procedures for Estimating Peak Streamflow Magnitude and Frequency
• Summary
• References
• Appendix A. Years of Record for Annual Peak Streamflows Used in This Report
• Appendix B. Accuracy of Estimating Equations

Text

Plate 1 : accompanying map

Revision history

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