thumbnail

Identifying and preserving high-water mark data

Techniques and Methods 3-A24
By: , , , , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/tm3A24

Links

Abstract

High-water marks provide valuable data for understanding recent and historical flood events. The proper collection and recording of high-water mark data from perishable and preserved evidence informs flood assessments, research, and water resource management. Given the high cost of flooding in developed areas, experienced hydrographers, using the best available techniques, can contribute high-quality data toward efforts such as public education of flood risk, flood inundation mapping, flood frequency computations, indirect streamflow measurement, and hazard assessments.

This manual presents guidance for skilled high-water mark identification, including marks left behind in natural and man-made environments by tranquil and rapid flowing water. This manual also presents pitfalls and challenges associated with various types of flood evidence that help hydrographers identify the best high-water marks and assess the uncertainty associated with a given mark. Proficient high-water mark data collection contributes to better understanding of the flooding process and reduces risk through greater ability to estimate flood probability.

The U.S. Geological Survey, operating the Nation’s premier water data collection network, encourages readers of this manual to familiarize themselves with the art and science of high-water mark collection. The U.S. Geological survey maintains a national database at http://water.usgs.gov/floods/FEV/ that includes high-water mark information for many flood events, and local U.S. Geological Survey Water Science Centers can provide information to interested readers about participation in data collection and flood documentation efforts as volunteers or observers.

Suggested Citation

Koenig, T.A., Bruce, J.L., O’Connor, J.E., McGee, B.D., Holmes, R.R., Jr., Hollins, Ryan, Forbes, B.T., Kohn, M.S., Schellekens, M.F., Martin, Z.W., and Peppler, M.C., 2016, Identifying and preserving high-water mark data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 3, chap. A24, 47 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/tm3A24.

ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)

ISSN: 2328-7047 (print)

Table of Contents

  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • High-Water Mark Field Guide—Identifying Evidence of High Water
  • Preserving Data
  • Best Practices—Developing an Eye for Good High-Water Marks and Avoiding Pitfalls
  • References Cited
  • Glossary
  • Appendix 1. Paleoflood High-Water Marks
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Identifying and preserving high-water mark data
Series title Techniques and Methods
Series number 3-A24
DOI 10.3133/tm3A24
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Office of Surface Water
Description viii, 47 p.
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title Section A: Surface-water techniques in Book 3: Applications of Hydraulics
Public Comments This report is Chapter 24 of Section A: Surface-water techniques in Book 3: Applications of Hydraulics.
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details