Low-flow characteristics of streams in the Lake Michigan basin, Wisconsin

Open-File Report 81-1193
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Abstract

Low-flow characteristics of streams in the Lake Michigan basin are presented. Included are estimates of low-flow frequency at 30 gaging stations, flow duration at 13 gaging stations, and selected low-flow frequency characteristics at 22 low-flow partial-record stations and 123 miscellaneous sites. Equations are provided to estimate low-flow characteristics at sites where one base-flow discharge measurement is available. The equations were determined from multiple-regression analyses that related low-flow characteristics at gaging stations and low-flow partial-record stations to basin characteristics. Drainage area and base-flow index were the most significant characteristics in explaining the variation in low flow for sites where one low base-flow measurement (flow durations greater than 80%) has been made. The equations and corresponding standard errors of estimate are computed. Low-flow characteristics are not well defined in the Lake Michigan basin. Standard errors for low-flow characteristics at gaging stations, low-flow partial-record stations, and miscellaneous sites are much higher than State averages. The standard errors for the regression equations are also very high. This is due in part to the flow of many streams in the basin approaching 0 ft/s during low base-flow periods. The graphical regression relation lines are steep for stations on these streams and the resulting standard errors are relatively high. (USGS).

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Low-flow characteristics of streams in the Lake Michigan basin, Wisconsin
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 81-1193
DOI 10.3133/ofr811193
Year Published 1982
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Wisconsin Water Science Center
Description Report: v, 102 p.; 2 Plates: 12.50 x 29.00 inches
Country United States
State Wisconsin
Other Geospatial Lake Michigan basin
Scale 500000
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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