Estimating generalized skew of the log-Pearson Type III distribution for annual peak floods in Illinois

Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4008
By:  and 

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Abstract

Four techniques for estimating generalized skew in Illinois were evaluated: (1) a generalized skew map of the US; (2) an isoline map; (3) a prediction equation; and (4) a regional-mean skew. Peak-flow records at 730 gaging stations having 10 or more annual peaks were selected for computing station skews. Station skew values ranged from -3.55 to 2.95, with a mean of -0.11. Frequency curves computed for 30 gaging stations in Illinois using the variations of the regional-mean skew technique are similar to frequency curves computed using a skew map developed by the US Water Resources Council (WRC). Estimates of the 50-, 100-, and 500-yr floods computed for 29 of these gaging stations using the regional-mean skew techniques are within the 50% confidence limits of frequency curves computed using the WRC skew map. Although the three variations of the regional-mean skew technique were slightly more accurate than the WRC map, there is no appreciable difference between flood estimates computed using the variations of the regional-mean technique and flood estimates computed using the WRC skew map. (

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Estimating generalized skew of the log-Pearson Type III distribution for annual peak floods in Illinois
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 86-4008
DOI 10.3133/wri864008
Year Published 1987
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description v, 42 p.
Country United States
State Illinois
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