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Analysis of the Magnitude and Frequency of the 4-Day Annual Low Flow and Regression Equations for estimating the 4-Day, 3-Year Low-Flow Frequency at Ungaged Sites on Unregulated Streams in New Mexico

Water-Resources Investigations Report 2001-4271
Prepared in cooperation with the New Mexico Environment Department
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri014271

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Abstract

Two regression equations were developed for estimating the 4-day, 3-year (4Q3) low-flow frequency at ungaged sites on unregulated streams in New Mexico. The first, a statewide equation for estimating the 4Q3 low-flow frequency from drainage area and average basin mean winter precipitation, was developed from the data for 50 streamflow-gaging stations that had non-zero 4Q3 low-flow frequency. The 4Q3 low-flow frequency for the 50 gaging stations ranged from 0.08 to 18.7 cubic feet per second. For this statewide equation, the average standard error of estimate was 126 percent and the coefficient of determination was 0.48. The second, an equation for estimating the 4Q3 low-flowfrequency in mountainous regions from drainage area, average basin mean winter precipitation, and average basin slope, was developed from the data for 40 gaging stations located above 7,500 feet in elevation. For this regression equation, the average standard error of estimate was 94 percent and the coefficient of determination was 0.66.

A U.S. Geological Survey computer-program interface for a geographical information system (GIS), called the GISWeasel,was used to determine basin and climatic characteristics for 84 gaging stations that were not affected by regulation. Mean monthly precipitation estimates from 1961 to 1990 were used in the GIS Weasel to compute the climatic characteristics of average basin winter precipitation and annual mean precipitation. The U.S. Geological Survey National Elevation Dataset, which currently consists of the 7.5-minute, 30-meter digital elevation model for each State, was used in the GISWeasel to compute the basin characteristics of drainage area, average basin slope, average basin elevation, and average basin aspect. Basin and climatic characteristics that were statistically significant in the regression equation with the 4Q3 lowflow frequency were drainage area, which ranged from 1.62 to 5,900 square miles; average basin mean winter precipitation, which ranged from 3.89 to 19.42 inches; and average basin slope, which ranged from 0.166 to 0.517 percent.

Suggested Citation

Waltemeyer, S.D., 2002,Analysis of the magnitude and frequency of the 4-day annual low flow and regression equations for estimating the 4-day, 3-year low-flow frequency at ungaged sites on unregulated streams in New Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 01–4271, 22 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri014271.

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Low-Flow Frequency Characteristics
  • Development of Regression Equations to Estimate 4-Day, 3-Year Low Flow at Ungaged Sites
  • Summary
  • Selected References
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Analysis of the magnitude and frequency of the 4-day annual low flow and regression equations for estimating the 4-day, 3-year low-flow frequency at ungaged sites on unregulated streams in New Mexico
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 2001-4271
DOI 10.3133/wri014271
Year Published 2002
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New Mexico Water Science Center
Description iv, 22 p.
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