Streamflow characteristics and trends along Soldier Creek, Northeast Kansas

Scientific Investigations Report 2017-5061
Prepared in cooperation with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
By:

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Abstract

Historical data for six selected U.S. Geological Survey streamgages along Soldier Creek in northeast Kansas were used in an assessment of streamflow characteristics and trends. This information is required by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation for the effective management of tribal water resources, including drought contingency planning. Streamflow data for the period of record at each streamgage were used to assess annual mean streamflow, annual mean base flow, mean monthly flow, annual peak flow, and annual minimum flow.

Annual mean streamflows along Soldier Creek were characterized by substantial year-to-year variability with no pronounced long-term trends. On average, annual mean base flow accounted for about 20 percent of annual mean streamflow. Mean monthly flows followed a general seasonal pattern that included peak values in spring and low values in winter. Annual peak flows, which were characterized by considerable year-to-year variability, were most likely to occur in May and June and least likely to occur during November through February. With the exception of a weak yet statistically significant increasing trend at the Soldier Creek near Topeka, Kansas, streamgage, there were no pronounced long-term trends in annual peak flows. Annual 1-day, 30-day, and 90-day mean minimum flows were characterized by considerable year-to-year variability with no pronounced long-term trend. During an extreme drought, as was the case in the mid-1950s, there may be zero flow in Soldier Creek continuously for a period of one to several months.

Suggested Citation

Juracek, K.E., 2017, Streamflow characteristics and trends along Soldier Creek, northeast Kansas: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2017–5061, 30 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175061.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Streamflow Characteristics and Trends
  • Summary and Conclusions
  • References Cited
  • Glossary
  • Appendix
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Streamflow characteristics and trends along Soldier Creek, Northeast Kansas
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2017-5061
DOI 10.3133/sir20175061
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Kansas Water Science Center
Description v, 30 p.
Country United States
State Kansas
Other Geospatial Soldier Creek
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details