Hydroclimatic and Land-Use Factors Affecting Peak Streamflow in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
Links
- Document: Report (66 MB pdf) , HTML , XML
- Dataset: USGS National Water Information System database - USGS water data for the Nation
- Data Releases:
- USGS data release - Results from investigating changes in streamflow seasonality associated with hydroclimatic variability in the north-central United States among three discrete temporal periods, 1946–2020
- USGS data release - Data for investigating the joint effect of changes in impervious cover and climate on trends in floods
- USGS data release - Peak streamflow data, climate data, and results from investigating hydroclimatic trends and climate change effects on peak streamflow in the Central United States, 1921–2020
- Referenced Work:
- Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5064 - Peak streamflow trends and their relation to changes in climate in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
- Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5023 - A framework for understanding the effects of subsurface agricultural drainage on downstream flows
- Open-File Report 2023–1034 - Method for identification of reservoir regulation within U.S. Geological Survey streamgage basins in the Central United States using a decadal dam impact metric
- Journal of Hydrology—Regional Studies article, volume 57 - Changes in streamflow seasonality associated with hydroclimatic variability in the north-central United States among three discrete temporal periods, 1946–2020
- Journal of Hydrology article, volume 648 - The joint effect of changes in urbanization and climate on trends in floods—A comparison of panel and single-station quantile regression approaches
- NGMDB Index Page: National Geologic Map Database Index Page (html)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Flood-frequency analysis provides the basis for flood risk estimates used by water-resource managers in land-use planning, and it informs the design of essential infrastructure such as bridges and culverts. Federal guidelines for flood-frequency analysis do not offer guidance on addressing changing climate and land-use conditions when estimating floods. However, failing to consider climatic and land-use changes that cause abrupt or gradual changes in flood regimes can result in a poor representation of the true flood risk.
In response to concerns about changing flood regimes, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with nine State agencies (Illinois Department of Transportation, Iowa Department of Transportation, Michigan Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Transportation, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, North Dakota Department of Water Resources, South Dakota Department of Transportation, and Wisconsin Department of Transportation) began a study to examine variability and change in hydrology and climate and the effects of urbanization and tile drainage on flooding. The analyses of patterns and changes in hydrology and climate were reported in a multichapter Scientific Investigations Report, the findings of which are summarized in this U.S. Geological Survey Circular. Additional analyses documenting changes in seasonality of flooding and the effects of urbanization and tile drainage were completed and published as separate studies and are also summarized in this Circular. These studies provide extensive exploratory analysis of peak streamflow, daily streamflow, and climate data, setting the stage for advancements in flood-frequency analysis.
Plain Language Summary
In response to concerns about changing flood regimes, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with nine State agencies, began a study to examine variability and change in hydrology and climate and the effects of urbanization and tile drainage on flooding. The findings of that study are briefly summarized in this report.
Suggested Citation
Ryberg, K.R., Marti, M.K., Barth, N.A., Over, T.M., Levin, S.B., Podzorski, H.L., Sando, S.K., Williams-Sether, T., O’Shea, P.S., and Chase, K.J., 2025, Hydroclimatic and land-use factors affecting peak streamflow in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1557, 56 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1557.
ISSN: 2330-5703 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abstract
- Plain Language Summary
- Introduction
- Hydroclimatic Study
- Seasonality Study
- Urbanization Study
- Tile Drainage Study
- Summary of Results and Drivers of Change
- Implications for Flood-Frequency Analysis
- Summary
- References Cited
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Hydroclimatic and land-use factors affecting peak streamflow in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin |
| Series title | Circular |
| Series number | 1557 |
| DOI | 10.3133/cir1557 |
| Publication Date | July 30, 2025 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Dakota Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center |
| Description | Report: viii, 56 p.; 3 Data Releases; Dataset |
| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |