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Mean annual runoff and peak flow estimates based on channel geometry of streams in southeastern Montana

Water-Resources Investigations Report 82-4092
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri824092

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Abstract

Equations using channel-geometry measurements were developed for estimating mean runoff and peak flows of ungaged streams in southeastern Montana. Two separate sets of esitmating equations were developed for determining mean annual runoff: one for perennial streams and one for ephemeral and intermittent streams. Data from 29 gaged sites on perennial streams and 21 gaged sites on ephemeral and intermittent streams were used in these analyses. Data from 78 gaged sites were used in the peak-flow analyses. Southeastern Montana was divided into three regions and separate multiple-regression equations for each region were developed that relate channel dimensions to peak discharge having recurrence intervals of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years. Channel-geometery relations were developed using measurements of the active-channel width and bankfull width. Active-channel width and bankfull width were the most significant channel features for estimating mean annual runoff for al types of streams. Use of this method requires that onsite measurements be made of channel width. The standard error of estimate for predicting mean annual runoff ranged from about 38 to 79 percent. The standard error of estimate relating active-channel width or bankfull width to peak flow ranged from about 37 to 115 percent. (USGS)
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Mean annual runoff and peak flow estimates based on channel geometry of streams in southeastern Montana
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 82-4092
DOI 10.3133/wri824092
Edition -
Year Published 1983
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description v, 38 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
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