Methods for Estimating Low-Flow Statistics for Massachusetts Streams

By Kernell G. Ries, III and Paul J. Friesz

Water-Resources Investigations Report 00-4135

CONTENTS

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose and Scope

Previous Studies

Physical Setting

Acknowledgments

Estimating Methods for Data-Collection Stations 

Low-Flow Statistics for Streamgaging Stations

Flow-Duration Statistics

Low-FlowFrequency Statistics

August Median Flows

Streamflow Statistics for Streamgaging Stations with Short Records

Low-Flow Statistics for Low-Flow Partial-Record Stations

Mathematical Method

Graphical Method

Combining Estimates Determined from Multiple Index Sites

Estimating Methods for Ungaged Stream Sites

Drainage-Area Ratio Method

Regression Equations

Data Base Development

Development of the Equations

Weighting Procedure

Prediction Intervals

Example Computations

Limitations for Use of the Equations

World Wide Web Application for Use of the Equations

Combining Estimates Determined by Different Methods

Summary

References Cited

FIGURES

1. Map showing locations of streamgaging stations and low-flow partial-record stations used to develop equations for estimating low-flow statistics for ungaged Massachusetts streams and locations of streamgaging stations outside Massachusetts used for correlation with low-flow partial-record stations, and boundaries of the 27 major river basins and three hydrologic regions in the State.
2. 3. Graph showing:

2. Example MOVE.1 relation between a low-flow partial-record station, Hemlock Brook near Williamstown, Mass., and a streamgaging station, Green River at Williamstown, Mass.
3. Example graphical relation between a low-flow partial-record station, Hopping Brook near West Medway, Mass., and a streamgaging station, West River near Uxbridge, Mass.

4. Maps showing locations and drainage boundaries of low-flow partial-record stations and gaging stations in the (A) Squannacook, (B) Wading, (C) Quaboag, (D) Green, and West Branch Westfield River Basins.
5. Relation of drainage-area ratio to average absolute percent difference in streamflow statistics between data-based estimates and estimates derived from the drainage-area ratio method, and from the regression equations.

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