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Flood-Inundation Maps for the Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio, 2024

Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5115
Prepared in cooperation with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245115

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the National Park Service for their financial support of the streamgage referred to in this report. In addition, the authors thank George Remias of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and the Board of Trustees for their support of this project.

Abstract

Digital flood-inundation maps for a nearly 6-mile reach of the Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio, were created by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees. The maps depict estimates of the extent and depth of flooding corresponding to selected water levels (stages) at USGS streamgage 04206425 on the Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.

Water-surface profiles were computed for the stream reach by using a one-dimensional steady-state step-backwater model. The hydraulic model was calibrated to the current USGS streamgage data and then used to compute 15 water-surface profiles for flood stages at 1-foot intervals referenced to the streamgage datum and ranging from 6 to 20 feet, which correspond to below “action stage” to “major flood stage” as reported by the National Weather Service. The simulated water-surface profiles were then used with a geographic information system digital elevation model derived from light detection and ranging data to delineate the areas flooded at each stage.

These maps, along with current stage data from the USGS streamgage and forecasted high-flow stages from the National Weather Service, can provide emergency management personnel and residents with information that is critical for flood response activities such as evacuations and road closures, as well as for postflood recovery efforts.

Introduction

In 2022, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees, led a study to produce this collection of flood-inundation maps for the Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio. These flood maps may provide additional information to emergency managers. Emergency managers near Jaite, Ohio rely on three information sources to make decisions on how to best alert the public and mitigate flood damage. One source is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has flood insurance studies for Cuyahoga County, Ohio (FEMA, 2019) and Summit County, Ohio (FEMA, 2016). However, neither flood insurance study includes a detailed analysis of the reach being studied in this report. A second source of information is data from the USGS streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio (fig. 1), hereafter referred to as the Jaite streamgage. Near-real-time stage data for this streamgage can be obtained from the USGS National Water Information System (USGS, 2024e) and a third source of information, the National Weather Service (NWS)National Water Prediction Service at (NWS, 2024), which also issues flood forecasts for this site during high water periods. The USGS publishes current and historical (since 2012) water level (stage) and discharge data, including annual peak flows (USGS, 2024b, 2024e). The NWS National Water Prediction Service displays stage data from the Jaite streamgage and issues forecasts of stages as needed during floods, but at the Jaite streamgage the forecasts are only available during high flow (NWS, 2024).

The study area is near Jaite in northeast Ohio, in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, on the border between Cuyahoga and Summit Counties. The streamgage is in the middle of the study reach.
Figure 1.

Map showing the location of the study reach along the Cuyahoga River, selected tributaries, and U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.

Although information about the current stage at a USGS streamgage is useful for residents near the streamgage, the same information is of limited use to residents farther upstream or downstream because water-surface elevations are not constant along the entire stream reach. In addition, it is difficult to translate the water elevation at a streamgage into an understanding of depth and extent of flooding at points distant from the streamgage. To address these informational gaps, this study produced a collection of flood-inundation maps that are referenced to stages recorded at the streamgage. By referring to the appropriate map, emergency responders can quickly discern the severity of flooding (depth of water and extent), identify roads that are or could soon be flooded, and make plans for notification or evacuation of residents in harm’s way for some distance upstream and downstream from the streamgage. In addition, the capability to visualize the potential extent of flooding may motivate residents to take precautions and heed warnings they previously may have disregarded.

Study Area

Jaite, Ohio is an unincorporated populated place about 15 miles (mi) southeast of Cleveland in the city of Brecksville, Ohio. Jaite spans both the southeast corner of Cuyahoga County and the northwest corner of Summit County (fig. 1). Jaite is also within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In the study area, the Cuyahoga River roughly follows the border between Cuyahoga and Summit County.

The primary source of flooding near Jaite is the Cuyahoga River, which flows generally north through the study area. The contributing drainage area of the Jaite streamgage is 555 square miles (mi2; table 1) and includes rural and urban areas but is primarily rural within the study limits. This study includes a 5.9-mi reach of the Cuyahoga River, extending about 3 mi downstream and 2.9 mi upstream from the Jaite streamgage (fig. 1). There are four hydraulic structures that affect the water-surface profiles: two two-lane county highways, one pedestrian bridge, and one abandoned railroad (fig. 2).

The area around the Cuyahoga River is flooded, including some roads, buildings, and parts of Jaite.
Figure 2.

Map showing the flood-inundation boundary for stage 20 feet at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio, overlain on orthorectified imagery.

The maps were produced for flood levels referenced to the stage recorded at the Jaite streamgage (table 1) and the maps cover a stage range from 6 to 20 feet (ft) above the streamgage datum (table 2). The 10-ft stage is about bankfull and is defined by the NWS (undated) as the “action stage” or the stage that, when reached by a rising stream, requires the NWS or a partner to take some type of mitigation action in preparation for possible flooding. The 20-ft stage corresponds closely with the 0.2 percent annual exceedance probability flood (table 3) as reported by StreamStats (USGS, 2001) and is the “major flood stage” as defined by the NWS (2024, undated). The geospatial datasets used in this study are available as a USGS data release (Whitehead and Ostheimer, 2024).

Table 1.    

Drainage area, location, and maximum stage and discharge data for U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio, 2012–2024.

[Data are from U.S. Geological Survey (2024b). Streamgage location is shown in figure 1; mi2, square mile; NAVD 88, North American Vertical Datum of 1988; ft, foot; ft3/s, cubic foot per second; °, degree; ʹ, minute; ʺ, second]
Parameter Value
Drainage Area (mi2) 555
Latitude 41°17'20”
Longitude −81°33'55”
Height (ft) 14.38
Elevation (ft above NAVD 88) 644.23
Date of occurrence May 13, 2014
Flow (ft3/s) 13,000
Date of occurrence May 13, 2014
Table 1.    Drainage area, location, and maximum stage and discharge data for U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio, 2012–2024.

Table 2.    

Minimum and maximum target water-surface stages and National Weather Service designated stages for U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.

[All data reported in feet. NWS, National Weather Service]
Stream name Minimum stage included in this report Maximum stage included in this report NWS action stage NWS major flood stage
Cuyahoga River 6 20.0 10 20
Table 2.    Minimum and maximum target water-surface stages and National Weather Service designated stages for U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.

Table 3.    

Peak discharges for selected annual exceedance probabilities for U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.

[Data from StreamStats (U.S. Geological Survey, 2001). ft3/s, cubic foot per second]
Annual exceedance probabilities (percent) 50 20 10 4 2 1 0.2
Discharge (ft3/s) 8,700 12,100 14,500 17,700 20,100 22,600 28,700
Table 3.    Peak discharges for selected annual exceedance probabilities for U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.

Previous Studies

There are two current flood insurance studies for this project area: one covering Cuyahoga County, Ohio, (FEMA, 2019) and another covering Summit County, Ohio (FEMA, 2016). As part of both flood insurance studies, areas prone to major floods corresponding to 10-, 2-, 1-, and 0.2-percent annual exceedance probability of flooding were redelineated. However, the detailed analyses for the Cuyahoga River in Cuyahoga County do not extend upstream to this study, and the Summit County analyses do not extend downstream to this study. The recurrence interval estimated discharges routinely published in both FEMA flood insurance studies were computed by the USGS using StreamStats (USGS, 2001) for the Jaite streamgage (table 3).

Methods

The current (2024) stage-discharge relation (number 6) at the Jaite streamgage was used to input streamflows in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC–RAS) version 6.4.1 (USACE, 1995). The HEC–RAS software was used to develop 15 water-surface profiles, corresponding to stages 6.0 and 20.0 ft in 1-ft increments. These stages represent from below “action stage” to above “major flood stage.”

Standard Procedures for Creating a Flood Map

The USGS has standardized the procedures for creating flood-inundation maps for flood-prone communities so that the process followed and the products produced are consistent (USGS, 2018). Tasks specific to the development of the flood maps for Jaite, Ohio were to (1) collect topographic and bathymetric data for selected cross sections and geometric data for hydraulic structures (such as bridges or culverts), (2) estimate energy-loss factors (roughness coefficients) in the stream channel and floodplain, (3) determine steady flow data, (4) compute and calibrate water-surface profiles using the HEC–RAS computer program (USACE, undated b), (5) produce estimated flood-inundation maps by using the USACE’s River Analysis System (RAS) Mapper computer program and a geographic information system, and (6) prepare maps as shapefile polygons that depict the extent of flood inundation and as depth grids that provide the depth of floodwaters for display on a USGS flood inundation mapping application (USGS, 2024c). These methods follow the procedures described in Bales and others (2007) and Whitehead and Ostheimer (2009).

Computation of Water-Surface Profiles

The water-surface profiles used to produce the 15 flood-inundation maps in this study were computed by using HEC–RAS, version 6.4.1 (USACE, 1995). HEC–RAS can perform one- and two-dimensional hydraulic calculations for a network of channels under steady-state or unsteady-state conditions. All profiles in this study were computed by one-dimensional steady-state flow calculations. The inputs for steady-state flow calculations include flow regime, boundary conditions, and streamflow estimates.

Topographic Data

All topographic data used in this study are referenced vertically to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 and horizontally to the North American Datum of 1983. Cross section elevation data were obtained from a digital elevation model (DEM) that was derived from conventional light detection and ranging (lidar). Lidar consists of a global positioning system, an inertial navigation system, and a laser scanner (typically mounted in a small aircraft) that transmits brief pulses of light to the ground surface (USGS, 2024f). The lidar data were collected from November 2019 to March 2020 for the Ohio Geographically Referenced Information Program (undated) as part of the USGS 3D Elevation Program (USGS, 2024a), which produced a quality level 3 DEM (USGS, 2024a) with a cell size of 1.25 ft, a nominal pulse spacing of 1.4 meters (0.43 ft) and a vertical root mean square error (RMSE) of 20 centimeters (0.60 ft; (USGS, 2024a).

The RAS Mapper module within HEC–RAS (USACE, undated a) was used to extract elevation data from the DEM yielding 98 cross sections for the HEC–RAS model. For the modeled stream reach, the maximum distance between cross sections (both conventionally surveyed and DEM-derived) was 1,171 ft. However, this gap occurred only once at a cross section where the stream is highly sinuous. The second longest gap was 497 ft, with an average spacing of 328 ft between modeled cross sections.

Bathymetric and Structure Data

The USGS used both differential global positioning system and differential-leveling surveys (hereafter referred to as conventional surveys) for this study. The differential global positioning system was used to establish an elevation control network at pertinent locations along the stream reach. They were completed by using level III real-time network surveying techniques (Rydlund and Densmore, 2012). Elevations determined by using the differential global positioning system at three benchmark locations (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, undated) had an RMSE of 0.07 ft when compared with National Geodetic Survey (NGS) published elevations (table 4). Of the three benchmarks surveyed, two also have NGS published latitudes and longitudes. The RMSE are 0.09 ft easting and 0.17 ft northing, respectively (table 4). Conventional surveys were done to obtain stream and hydraulic-structure geometry. Additional cross sections were surveyed as needed to ensure that no reach length between surveyed cross sections was greater than 1 mi. All conventional survey data met third-order accuracy (horizontal and vertical) criteria (Federal Geodetic Control Committee, 1984).

Table 4.    

Comparisons of published National Geodetic Survey benchmark coordinates and elevations to those surveyed by the U.S. Geological Survey.

[Data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (undated). All data are shown in feet relative to the Ohio State Plane Coordinate System (Ohio North); horizontal datum is the North American Datum of 1983 and vertical datum is the North American Vertical Datum of 1988. NGS, National Geodetic Survey; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; NA, not applicable]
NGS benchmark name Permanent identifier1 Published NGS northing Published NGS easting Published NGS elevation Surveyed by USGS northing Surveyed by USGS easting Surveyed by USGS elevation Difference in northing Difference in easting Difference in elevation
P 337 MB1818 NA NA 1,051.57 2,252,585.85 582,359.42 1,051.60 NA NA −0.03
L 337 MB1817 2,246,643.11 593,982.12 1,039.21 2,246,643.15 593,982.07 1,039.30 −0.04 0.05 −0.09
J 337 MB1815 2,240,743.45 604,387.59 1,016.74 2,240,743.58 604,387.35 1,016.81 −0.13 0.24 −0.07
Table 4.    Comparisons of published National Geodetic Survey benchmark coordinates and elevations to those surveyed by the U.S. Geological Survey.
1

Permanent identifier refers to the designation given to the benchmark by the National Geodetic Survey (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, undated).

The USGS surveyed a total of 28 channel cross sections and four hydraulic structures. The cross sections were surveyed to provide ground elevations below stream water surfaces that were not produced by conventional lidar. The hydraulic structures were surveyed for geometrical data that could potentially affect water-surface elevations during floods along the stream.

DEM-derived cross sections were co-located with the in-channel field-surveyed cross sections where available. In those cases, DEM-based elevations were blended with surveyed channel elevations to form composite cross sections. In-channel elevations for DEM-derived cross sections that did not have field-surveyed counterparts were estimated by interpolating between the closest field-surveyed cross sections as a function of distance along the hydraulic baseline.

Energy-Loss Factors

Hydraulic analyses require the estimation of energy losses that result from frictional resistance exerted by a channel on streamflow. The amount of frictional resistance may be quantified in the HEC–RAS model with the Manning’s roughness coefficient (“n” value). Initial (precalibration) n values were selected on the basis of field observations and high-resolution aerial photographs.

As part of the elevation calibration process, (discussed later in the “Hydraulic Model and Calibration” section) the Manning’s n values were adjusted from initial estimates until the differences between computed and observed water-surface elevations were minimized. The final n values were set to 0.046 for the main channel and 0.080 for the overbank areas modeled in this analysis. Because the study area is a nature preserve, the floodplain and channel condition are extremely similar throughout the reach, so variations in the Manning’s coefficient between adjacent cross sections were not necessary.

Hydrologic Data

The Jaite streamgage is the only one within the study reach. It has been in operation since April 2012 (fig. 1; table 1). The stage is measured every 15 minutes and transmitted hourly to the USGS by satellite radio telemetry. These data are available at the National Water Information System website (USGS, 2024b). Stage data from this streamgage are referenced to a local gage datum but can be converted to NAVD 88 water-surface elevations by adding 629.85 ft. Continuous records of streamflow are computed from a stage-discharge relation (referred to as a rating curve) that is developed for the streamgage from concurrent measurements of stage and streamflow. During preliminary modeling for the project, it was observed that the current (2024) rating curve (number 6) did not agree with the modeled results for stages above 12 ft. In examining the reason for this discrepancy, it was determined that no field measurements had been made above stage 11.7 ft. Consequently, rating curve number 6, above stage 12, was adjusted to better match the modeled results.

The streamflows used in the model simulations (table 5) were taken from the current (2024) stage-discharge relation (rating curve 6) for the Jaite streamgage and correspond to the target stages. There are many small tributaries within the reach studied (fig. 1). The watershed drainage area for Cuyahoga River at the Jaite streamgage is 555 mi2, and the watershed drainage area for the upstream end of the reach and the downstream end of the reach being studied are 520 mi2 and 565 mi2, respectively (table 6), as computed by StreamStats (USGS, 2001). The differences in drainage areas between the Jaite streamgage and the top of the reach and bottom of the reach are negligible (6 percent and 2 percent respectively). Therefore, the streamflows from the stage-discharge relation for the Jaite streamgage were not altered throughout the study reach.

Table 5.    

Selected stages and associated streamflows for respective stage-discharge relations for U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.

[Data from Whitehead and Ostheimer, 2024. ft, foot; ft3/s, cubic foot per second]
Stage (ft) Streamflow (ft3/s)
6 1,940
7 2,570
8 3,250
9 3,970
10 4,650
11 5,350
12 6,400
13 9,500
14 12,000
15 14,700
16 17,300
17 19,900
18 22,600
19 25,200
20 28,000
Table 5.    Selected stages and associated streamflows for respective stage-discharge relations for U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.

Table 6.    

Drainage areas and percentages for selected locations on Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.

[Drainage areas from StreamStats (U.S. Geological Survey, 2001). ft, foot; ft3/s, cubic foot per second; mi2, square mile]
Location Latitude Longitude Cross-section identification number1 Drainage area (mi2) Percentage of streamgage drainage area
Bottom of the reach 41°19′00″ −81°35′05″ 137 565 101.8
At streamgage 41°17′21″ −81°33′54″ 16,179 555 100.0
Top of the reach 41°15′41″ −81°33′26″ 31,379 520 93.7
Table 6.    Drainage areas and percentages for selected locations on Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.
1

Cross section identification numbers are referenced (in feet) to the longitudinal baseline used in the hydraulic model.

Hydraulic Model and Calibration

The hydraulic analysis for this study was done by using HEC–RAS (version 6.4.1) with one-dimensional steady-state flow calculations. Steady-state flow inputs were the flow regime, boundary condition, and streamflow values that produced water-surface elevations at the streamgage cross section that closely matched target water-surface elevations. These target elevations coincided with 1-ft increments of stage, referenced to the local gage datum. A subcritical (tranquil) flow regime was assumed for the simulations. Normal depth, which is defined as the depth when the streamflow is uniform, steady, one-dimensional, and unaffected by downstream obstructions, was based on the slope of the channel elevations of surveyed cross sections near the bottom of the study reach. The “normal depth” option was used as the reach’s downstream boundary condition.

The HEC–RAS model was calibrated to the current (2024) stage-discharge relation (rating curve 6) at the Jaite streamgage. A comparison of the modeled to target water-surface elevations at the streamgage indicates the modeled water-surface elevations closely match the target water-surface elevations (table 7). Because the rating curve was revised above stage 12 to better match the modeled results, the differences between modeled and target water-surface elevations above stage 12 were excluded from the RMSE calculation. After excluding those values, the RMSE for the differences between target and observed water-surface elevations was calculated as 0.13 ft.

Table 7.    

Calibration of model to target water-surface elevations at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.

[Data from Whitehead and Ostheimer, 2024. ft, foot; NAVD 88, North American Vertical Datum of 1988]
Stage of water-surface profile (ft) Target water-surface elevation (ft, NAVD 88) Modeled water-surface elevation (ft, NAVD 88) Difference in elevation (ft)
6 635.85 635.85 0.00
7 636.85 636.89 0.04
8 637.85 637.95 0.10
9 638.85 638.98 0.13
10 639.85 639.87 0.02
11 640.85 640.62 −0.23
12 641.85 641.68 −0.17
13a 642.85 642.86 0.01
14a 643.85 643.83 −0.02
15a 644.85 644.85 0.00
16a 645.85 645.83 −0.02
17b 646.85 646.83 −0.02
18b 647.85 647.86 0.01
19b 648.85 648.83 −0.02
20b 649.85 649.87 0.02
Table 7.    Calibration of model to target water-surface elevations at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio.
a

Rating curve revised to match the model used for this report.

b

Above the current rating curve.

Development of Water-Surface Profiles

The calibrated hydraulic model was used to generate water-surface profiles for 15 stages at 1-ft intervals between 6 and 20 ft as referenced to the local datum of the Jaite streamgage. These stages correspond to elevations of 635.85 and 649.85 ft NAVD 88, respectively. Discharges corresponding to the intervening stages were obtained by using the current stage-discharge relation (rating curve 6) for the Jaite streamgage.

Development of Flood-Inundation Maps

Flood-inundation maps were created for the 15 flood profiles by combining the profiles and DEM data using the geographic information system software ArcGIS (Esri and others, 2009). Estimated flood-inundation boundaries were developed for each simulated profile with RAS Mapper software (USACE, undated a), which allows the preparation of geometric data for import into HEC–RAS and processes simulation results exported from HEC–RAS (USACE, undated b, 1995). Shapefile polygons and depth grids of the inundated areas for each profile were modified, as needed, in the ArcMap application of ArcGIS (Esri and others, 2009) to ensure a hydraulically reasonable transition of the flood boundaries across modeled cross sections. The datasets used in this study are available in the companion data release (Whitehead and Ostheimer, 2024).

Any inundated areas in the flood maps that were detached from the main channel were examined to identify subsurface connections with the Cuyahoga River, such as under roadways. Where such connections exist, the mapped inundated areas were retained in their respective flood maps; otherwise, the erroneously delineated parts of the flood extent were deleted. The flood-inundation areas were overlain on high-resolution, georeferenced aerial imagery of the study area. An example of one of the profiles (stage 20) overlain on orthorectified imagery can be seen in figure 2. Bridge surfaces are shown as inundated at the lowest flood stage that first completely inundates one or both approaches to the bridge. Parts of Vaughn Road are inundated at stages 12 and above. Parts of the abandoned railroad are inundated at stages 15 and above. Parts of the pedestrian walkway are inundated at stages 19 and above, and the bridge at Boston Mills Road is not inundated at any of the modeled stages. Estimates of water depths can be determined from the depth-grid data that are included with the presentation of the flood maps on an interactive USGS mapping application described in the section “Data Dissemination.”

Data Dissemination

The flood-inundation maps from this study depict estimates of the areal extent and depth of flooding corresponding to selected stages on the Cuyahoga River at the Jaite streamgage. All data used in the creation of the flood-inundation boundaries are available through a USGS data release (Whitehead and Ostheimer, 2024). In addition, the Flood Inundation Mapper website was established to make USGS flood-inundation study information available to the public (USGS, 2024c). The site links to a mapping application that presents map collections and provides detailed information on flood extents and depths for selected sites. The mapping application enables the production of customized flood-inundation maps from the map collection for the Jaite streamgage. A link on this website connects to the USGS National Water Information System (USGS, 2024b) that presents the current stage and streamflow at the Jaite streamgage, to which the flood-inundation maps are referenced. A second link connects to the NWS National Water Prediction Service site (NWS, 2024) so that users can obtain information on forecasted peak stages in periods of highwater. The estimated flood-inundation maps have sufficient detail to allow for effective preparation and decision-making by emergency flood response teams. Depending on the flood magnitude, roadways are shown as shaded (inundated and likely impassable) or not shaded (dry and passable) to facilitate emergency planning. A shaded building should not be interpreted to mean that the structure is completely submerged but rather that bare-earth surfaces near the building are inundated. In these instances, the water depth (as indicated in the mapping application by clicking on an inundated area) near the building would be an estimate of the water level inside the structure if no flood-proofing measures have been implemented.

Uncertainties and Limitations Regarding Use of Flood-Inundation Maps

Although the flood-inundation maps represent the boundaries of inundated areas with a distinct line, some uncertainty is associated with these maps. The flood boundaries shown were estimated on the basis of water stages and streamflows at the selected USGS streamgage. Water-surface elevations along the stream reach were estimated by steady-state hydraulic modeling, assuming an unobstructed flow, and used streamflows and hydrologic conditions anticipated at the USGS streamgage. The hydraulic model reflects the land-cover characteristics and any bridge, dam, levee, or other hydraulic structures existing as of October 2023. Unique meteorological factors (timing and distribution of precipitation) may cause actual streamflows along the modeled reach to vary from those assumed during a flood, which may lead to deviations in the water-surface elevations and inundation boundaries shown. Additional areas may be flooded because of unanticipated conditions such as changes in the streambed elevation or roughness, backwater into major tributaries along a main stem river, or backwater from localized debris or ice jams. The accuracy of the floodwater extent portrayed on these maps will vary with the accuracy of the DEM used to simulate the land surface.

If this series of flood-inundation maps is to be used in conjunction with NWS river forecasts, the user should be aware of additional uncertainties that may be inherent or factored into NWS forecast procedures. The NWS uses forecast models to estimate the quantity and timing of water flowing through selected stream reaches in the United States (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, undated). These forecast models (1) estimate the amount of runoff generated by precipitation and snowmelt, (2) simulate the movement of floodwater as it proceeds downstream, and (3) predict the flow and stage (and water-surface elevation) for the stream at a given location (National Water Prediction Service forecast point) throughout the forecast period (every 6 hours for the upcoming 3–5 days in many locations).

At the Jaite streamgage, floodplain boundaries for flows above 6,270 cubic feet per second (ft3/s) have greater uncertainty than the boundaries associated with lower flows because no streamflow measurements have been made at the Jaite streamgage above 6,270 ft3/s (stage 11.7 ft). The current rating curve (6) for the Jaite streamgage extends to 17,300 ft3/s (stage 16 ft) and the highest modeled discharge is 28,000. While the model is expected to produce reasonable results for the full range of project discharge estimates, results for flows above 6,270 ft3/s could not be verified with stage-discharge data available as of March 2024.

Summary

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) created a series of 15 digital flood-inundation maps in cooperation with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees for a 6-mile reach of the Cuyahoga River, calibrated at the USGS streamgage 04206425, Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC–RAS) and RAS Mapper programs were used to compute water-surface profiles and to delineate estimated flood-inundation areas and depths of flooding for selected stream stages. The HEC–RAS hydraulic model was calibrated to the current stage-discharge relation at the Jaite streamgage. The model was used to compute water-surface profiles for flood stages at 1-foot intervals referenced to the streamgage datum and ranging from below “action stage” to “major flood stage,” as reported by the National Weather Service. The computed water-surface profiles were then used in combination with a digital elevation model, derived from light detection and ranging (lidar) data to delineate estimated flood-inundation areas and depth grids for each stage profile. These flood-inundation areas were superimposed on high-resolution, georeferenced aerial imagery of the study area. The flood maps are available through a mapping application that can be accessed on the USGS Flood Inundation Mapper website (https://fim.wim.usgs.gov/fim/).

Interactive use of the maps in this application can give users a general indication of depth of water at any point in the flood zone by using a cursor to click within the shaded areas. These maps, in conjunction with the near real-time stage data from the USGS streamgage and forecasted flood stage data from the National Weather Service National Water Prediction Service, can help emergency planners and the public make more informed decisions about flood risk.

References Cited

Bales, J.D., Wagner, C.R., Tighe, K.C., and Terziotti, S., 2007, LiDAR-derived flood-inundation maps for real-time flood-mapping applications, Tar River basin, North Carolina: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2007–5032, 42 p., accessed January 4, 2024, at https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20075032.

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Conversion Factors

Multiply By To obtain
foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)
meter (m) 3.281 foot (ft)
mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)
square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2)
cubic foot per second (ft3/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second (m3/s)

Datums

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to (1) stage at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 04206425 on the Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio, which has an origin point at 629.85 feet above North American Vertical Datum of 1988, and (2) elevation, the height above the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88).

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).

Abbreviations

DEM

digital elevation model

FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency

HEC–RAS

Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System

lidar

light detection and ranging

NGS

National Geodetic Survey

NWS

National Weather Service

RAS

River Analysis System

RMSE

root mean square error

USACE

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USGS

U.S. Geological Survey

For more information about this report, contact:

Director, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey

6460 Busch Blvd, Suite 100

Columbus, OH 43229

or visit our website at

https://www.usgs.gov/centers/oki-water

Publishing support provided by the Pembroke and Lafayette Publishing Service Centers

Disclaimers

The flood-inundation maps should not be used for navigation, regulatory, permitting, or other legal purposes. The U.S. Geological Survey provides these maps “as-is” for a quick reference, emergency planning tool but assumes no legal liability or responsibility resulting from the use of this information.

Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Although this information product, for the most part, is in the public domain, it also may contain copyrighted materials as noted in the text. Permission to reproduce copyrighted items must be secured from the copyright owner.

Suggested Citation

Whitehead, M.T., and Ostheimer, C.J., 2024, Flood-inundation maps for the Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio, 2024: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5115, 12 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245115.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Flood-inundation maps for the Cuyahoga River at Jaite, Ohio, 2024
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2024-5115
DOI 10.3133/sir20245115
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 12 p.; 1 Data Release
Country United States
State Ohio
City Jaite
Other Geospatial Cuyahoga River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details