Evaluation of the streamflow-data program in Pennsylvania

Water-Resources Investigations Report 82-21
Prepared in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources
By:

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Abstract

The stream-gaging program in Pennsylvania is subject to budgetary constraints in the next several years. Elimination of those gaging stations that have no current-purpose use and little utility in providing regional flow-characteristic information is the most effective way to reduce costs.

The efficient design of a network of gaging stations for obtaining regional information requires knowledge of the information in the data base and an assessment of the potential for improving the accuracy of data-transfer mechanisms. The analytical technique known as Network Analysis for Regional Information is used to assess acquired streamflow information and to evaluate its transferability within previously determined regions of homogenous streamflow characteristics. Regression equations that relate low-, mean-, and flood-flow characteristics to basin parameters are the data-transfer mechanisms used in the evaluation. This analysis showed that only minor improvements in the regression equations can be expected after 20 additional years of data collection at gages in the 1980 program. Transfer mechanisms with less model error are needed for improved data transferability.

A more efficient program can be achieved by discontinuing selected gages in the planning-and-design network. To this end, 11 continuous-record and 25 partial-record gages were selected to be discontinued by April 1, 1980. Additionally, 6 continuous-record and 29 partial-record gages are suggested to be discontinued at the end of the 1985 water year.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Evaluation of the streamflow-data program in Pennsylvania
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 82-21
DOI 10.3133/wri8221
Year Published 1982
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Pennsylvania Water Science Center
Description Report: iv, 56 p.; Plate: 21.03 x 13.87 inches
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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