Methods for Estimating Magnitude and Frequency of Floods in Rural Basins in the Southeastern United States: South Carolina

Feaster, Toby D.; Gotvald, Anthony J.; Weaver, J. Curtis

Abstract:

For more than 50 years, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been developing regional regression equations that can be used to estimate flood magnitude and frequency at ungaged sites. Flood magnitude relates to the volume of flow that occurs over some period of time and usually is presented in cubic feet per second. Flood frequency relates to the probability of occurrence of a flood; that is, on average, what is the likelihood that a flood with a specified magnitude will occur in any given year (1 percent chance, 10 percent chance, 50 percent chance, and so on). Such flood estimates are needed for the efficient design of bridges, highway embankments, levees, and other structures near streams. In addition, these estimates are needed for the effective planning and management of land and water resources, to protect lives and property in flood-prone areas, and to determine flood-insurance rates.

Genre:

USGS Numbered Series

ProdID:

97824

Citation Author:

Feaster, Toby D.; Gotvald, Anthony J.; Weaver, J. Curtis

Citation Contributing Office:

South Carolina Water Science Center

Citation Datum:

Citation Day:

Citation Edition:

Citation Editor:

Citation End Page:

Citation Issue:

Citation Keywords:

Citation Language:

ENGLISH

Citation Larger Work Title:

Citation LatN:

0383000

Citation LatS:

0300000

Citation LonE:

-0750000

Citation LonW:

-0870000

Citation Month:

Sep

Citation No Pagination:

Citation Number Of Pages:

Citation Online Only Flag:

Citation Phsyical Description:

2 p.

Citation Projection:

Citation Public Comments:

Prepared in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Transportation

Citation Publisher:

U.S. Geological Survey

Citation Series:

Fact Sheet

Citation Series Code:

Citation Series Number:

2009-3085

Citation Search Results Text:

Methods for Estimating Magnitude and Frequency of Floods in Rural Basins in the Southeastern United States: South Carolina; 2009; FS; 2009-3085; Feaster, Toby D.; Gotvald, Anthony J.; Weaver, J. Curtis