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Flood-Inundation Maps for Schoharie Creek in North Blenheim, New York

Scientific Investigations Report 2022-5119
Prepared in cooperation with the New York Power Authority
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20225119

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Abstract

Digital flood-inundation maps for a 2.4-mile reach of the Schoharie Creek in North Blenheim, New York, were created by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the New York Power Authority. The flood-inundation maps, which can be accessed through the USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Science website at https://fim.wim.usgs.gov/fim/, depict estimates of the areal extent and depth of flooding corresponding to selected water levels (stages) at the USGS streamgage on the Schoharie Creek near North Blenheim, N.Y. (station number 01350212). Near-real-time stage at this streamgage may be obtained on the internet from the USGS National Water Information System at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/. Flood profiles were computed for the stream reach by means of a two-dimensional implicit finite-volume hydraulic model. The model was calibrated by using the active (as of April 2021) stage-discharge ratings at the USGS streamgages on the Schoharie Creek near North Blenheim (station number 01350212) and at North Blenheim (station number 01350180) and documented high-water marks in the study reach from the floods of August 28, 2011; January 19, 1996; and April 4, 1987.

The hydraulic model was used to compute 13 water-surface profiles for flood stages at 1-foot intervals referenced to the datum at the streamgage on the Schoharie Creek near North Blenheim, N.Y. (01350212). These profiles range from 14 feet, or near bankfull, to 26 feet, which is the highest whole-foot increment on the stage-discharge rating for the streamgage. The simulated water-surface profiles were then combined with a geographic information system digital elevation model (derived from light detection and ranging data having a 0.52-foot vertical accuracy and 3.3-foot [1-meter] horizontal resolution) to delineate the area flooded at each stage. Flood inundation maps, along with near-real-time stage data from USGS streamgages, can provide emergency management personnel and residents with information critical for flood-response activities, such as evacuations and road closures, as well as for postflood recovery efforts.

Suggested Citation

Nystrom, E.A., 2022, Flood-inundation maps for Schoharie Creek in North Blenheim, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2022–5119, 14 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20225119.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Creation of Flood-Inundation-Map Library
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Flood-inundation maps for Schoharie Creek in North Blenheim, New York
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2022-5119
DOI 10.3133/sir20225119
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 14 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State New York
City North Blenheim
Other Geospatial Schoharie Creek
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details