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Analysis of flood-flow frequency, flow duration, and channel-forming flow for the James River in South Dakota

Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4208
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri874208

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Abstract

The James River, which originates in North Dakota and joins the Missouri River near Yankton, South Dakota, is about 747 miles long, with about 474 river miles located in South Dakota. The James River basin includes 21,116 sq mi, with 14,428 sq mi located in South Dakota. Bankfull capacity of the James River in South Dakota ranges from a minimum of about 200 cu ft/sec near the mouth. Discharges that produce bankfull conditions on much of the river in South Dakota occur on an average of once in about 2 years. The 10-year flood flows, which range from 1,620 cu ft/sec (at the gage near Stratford) to 8,870 cu ft/sec (at the gage near Scotland), cause major flooding on most of the river in South Dakota. The river also has potential for extending periods of low or zero flow, especially in the northern portion within South Dakota. Generally, low flows occur from late summer until spring snowmelt. The James River at Columbia had zero flow for 623 consecutive days from July 13, 1958, through March 26, 1960. The channel pattern (channel alignment) has changed little since 1922. This channel stability indicates that channel formation is approaching a state of equilibrium. It does not appear that velocities in the river are sufficient to carry the sediment being delivered by the tributaries. (Author 's abstract)

Suggested Citation

Benson, R., 1988, Analysis of flood-flow frequency, flow duration, and channel-forming flow for the James River in South Dakota: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4208, vi, 136 p. :ill., map ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri874208.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Analysis of flood-flow frequency, flow duration, and channel-forming flow for the James River in South Dakota
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 87-4208
DOI 10.3133/wri874208
Year Published 1988
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description vi, 136 p. :ill., map ;28 cm.
Additional publication details