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Evaluation of the U.S. Geological Survey's gaging-station network in Illinois

Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4072
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri864072

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Abstract

Data collected at 97 of the 176 gaging stations operated in Illinois during 1983 were used to describe rainfall-runoff processes, to monitor and forecast floods, and to monitor and regulate lake levels, discharge from reservoirs, or discharge of navigable streams. Stream-gaging stations on the Illinois River at Havana, East Branch Du Page River, and interior streams of the Mississippi River floodplain; peak-flow stations on small watersheds; and stage-only stations upstream from unsafe high-hazard dams should be considered for inclusion in future stream-gaging programs. The accuracy of regression models for peak-flow and 1-day mean flood-volume characteristics would not be considerably improved if the density of gaging stations and length of record at those gaging stations are increased. Model error masks tradeoffs between accuracy, density, and record length. The large number of streamflow records presently available is sufficient for fairly accurately determining most streamflow characteristics. The accuracy of streamflow records reported for stream gaging stations and peak-flow stations varies widely. The accuracy of streamflow records for 12 stream-gaging stations and 11 peak-flow stations is substantially less than the accuracy of records for the other 143 gaging stations considered. Based on an evaluation of relative worth, 26 gaging stations are candidates for some type of action if budgetary limitations so demand. A candidate stream-gaging stations could be operated during only part of a year, converted to a peak-flow station, or discontinued. Candidate peak-flow stations should be discontinued. (USGS)
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Evaluation of the U.S. Geological Survey's gaging-station network in Illinois
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 86-4072
DOI 10.3133/wri864072
Edition -
Year Published 1986
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division,
Description vii, 88 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
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