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Flood hydrology of Butte Basin, 1973-77 water years, Sacramento Valley, California

Water-Resources Investigations Report 78-86
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri7886

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Abstract

Flooding in Butte Basin, CA., is caused primarily by overflow from the Sacramento River on the western boundary. Stage and discharge data were collected during 1973-77 at 6 recording and 45 crest-stage gages within the basin and combined with discharge records on the main channel of the Sacramento River to determine total flow and flow distribution at the latitudes of Ord Ferry, Butte City, and Gridley Road. Water-surface profiles throughout the basin, inflow/change-in-storage/outflow relations of the Butte Sink, and channel changes of the Sacramento River are shown. During 1973-77, total peak flows decreased an average of 7 percent between the latitudes of Ord Ferry and Butte City, with measured peaks from 100,000 to 200,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). The largest floodflow measured was 195,000 cfs on January 17, 1974, at the latitude of Ord Ferry. For a given flood, overland flow did not change significantly in peak magnitude between Afton Boulevard, Butte City, and Gridley road. Overland flows of about 45,000 and about 24,000 cfs were measured on January 18 and April 1, 1974, respectively. (Woodard-USGS)

Suggested Citation

Simpson, R., 1978, Flood hydrology of Butte Basin, 1973-77 water years, Sacramento Valley, California: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 78-86, v, 70 p. , https://doi.org/10.3133/wri7886.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Flood hydrology of Butte Basin, 1973-77 water years, Sacramento Valley, California
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 78-86
DOI 10.3133/wri7886
Year Published 1978
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description v, 70 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Butte Basin, Sacramento Valley
Additional publication details