Manual for estimating selected streamflow characteristics of natural-flow streams in the Colorado River basin in Utah
Water-Resources Investigations Report
85-4297
By: R.C. Christensen, E.B. Johnson, and G.G. Plantz
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Abstract
Methods are presented for estimating 10 streamflow characteristics at three types of sites on natural flow streams in the Colorado River Basin in Utah. The streamflow characteristics include average discharge and annual maximum 1-, 7-, and 15-day mean discharges for recurrence intervals of 10, 50 and 100 years. At or near gaged sites, two methods weight gaging station data with regression equation values to estimate streamflow characteristics. At sites on ungaged streams, a method estimates streamflow characteristics using regression equations. The regression equations relate the streamflow characteristics to the following basin and climatic characteristics: contributing drainage area, mean basin elevation, mean annual precipitation, main channel slope, and forested area. Separate regression equations were developed for four hydrologically distinct regions in the study area. The standard error of estimate for the 10 streamflow characteristics ranges from 13% to 87%. Basin, climatic, and streamflow characteristics, available as of September 30, 1981, are presented for 135 gaging stations in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming. In addition, weighted estimates of the streamflow characteristics based on station data and the regression equation estimates are provided for most gaging stations. (Author 's abstract)
Suggested Citation
Christensen, R., Johnson, E., and Plantz, G., 1986, Manual for estimating selected streamflow characteristics of natural-flow streams in the Colorado River basin in Utah: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 85-4297, vi, 38 p. :map ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri854297.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Manual for estimating selected streamflow characteristics of natural-flow streams in the Colorado River basin in Utah |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 85-4297 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri854297 |
| Year Published | 1986 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Description | vi, 38 p. :map ;28 cm. |