Methods for Estimating Low-Flow
Statistics for Massachusetts Streams
By Kernell G. Ries, III and Paul J. Friesz
Water-Resources Investigations Report 00-4135
CONTENTS
Abstract
Introduction
Purpose and Scope
Previous Studies
Physical Setting
Acknowledgments
Estimating Methods for Data-Collection Stations
Low-Flow Statistics for Streamgaging Stations
Flow-Duration Statistics
Low-FlowFrequency Statistics
August Median Flows
Streamflow Statistics for Streamgaging Stations with Short Records
Low-Flow Statistics for Low-Flow Partial-Record Stations
Mathematical Method
Graphical Method
Combining Estimates Determined from Multiple Index Sites
Estimating Methods for Ungaged Stream Sites
Drainage-Area Ratio Method
Regression Equations
Data Base Development
Development of the Equations
Weighting Procedure
Prediction Intervals
Example Computations
Limitations for Use of the Equations
World Wide Web Application for Use of the Equations
Combining Estimates Determined by Different Methods
Summary
References Cited
FIGURES
- Map showing locations of streamgaging stations and low-flow partial-record stations used to
develop equations for estimating low-flow statistics for ungaged Massachusetts streams and
locations of streamgaging stations outside Massachusetts used for correlation with low-flow
partial-record stations, and boundaries of the 27 major river basins and three hydrologic regions
in the State.
- 3. Graph showing:
-
- Example MOVE.1 relation between a low-flow partial-record station, Hemlock Brook near
Williamstown, Mass., and a streamgaging station, Green River at Williamstown, Mass.
- Example graphical relation between a low-flow partial-record station, Hopping Brook near West
Medway, Mass., and a streamgaging station, West River near Uxbridge,
Mass.
- Maps showing locations and drainage boundaries of low-flow partial-record stations and gaging
stations in the (A) Squannacook, (B)
Wading, (C) Quaboag, (D) Green, and West Branch Westfield River Basins.
- Relation of drainage-area ratio to average absolute percent difference in streamflow
statistics between data-based estimates and estimates derived from the drainage-area ratio method, and from
the regression equations.
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