Techniques for estimating the magnitude and frequency of floods in Minnesota

Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4170
Prepared in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Transportation
By:  and 

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Abstract

Log-Pearson type III flood-frequency analyses were made of annual series peak-flow records from 246 gaging stations on unregulated streams in Minnesota having watersheds ranging in area from 0.08 to 2,520 square miles. These flood discharges were related to watershed and climatic characteristics by using multiple-regression techniques. On the basis of this preliminary regression analysis of the frequency-analysis results, the data from these stations were grouped into four hydrologically distinct regions for the State. Regression analyses were performed on data from each region relating the 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year recurrence interval flood discharges to basin characteristics. The resulting regression equations, which may be used to estimate flood flows at ungaged sites, relate basin characteristics (contributing drainage area, main-channel slope, percent of basin covered by water, percent of basin covered by lakes, and mean annual runoff) to estimated flood flows. Different basin characteristics are significant for each of the four regions. Drainage area was found to be most significant and is included in all regional equations. Standard errors of estimate of the regression equations ranged from 33 to 60 percent.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Techniques for estimating the magnitude and frequency of floods in Minnesota
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 87-4170
DOI 10.3133/wri874170
Year Published 1988
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location St. Paul, MN
Contributing office(s) Minnesota Water Science Center
Description iv, 48 p.
Country United States
State Minnesota
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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