USGS
U.S. Geological Survey
Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5032

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Estimates of Median Flows for Streams on the 1999 Kansas Surface Water Register

(This report supercedes Water-Resources Investigations Report 02-4092.)

By Charles A. Perry, David M. Wolock, and Joshua C. Artman

Prepared in cooperation with the
Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Abstract

The Kansas State Legislature, by enacting Kansas Statute KSA 82a–2001 et. seq., mandated the criteria for determining which Kansas stream segments would be subject to classification by the State. One criterion for the selection as a classified stream segment is based on the statistic of median flow being equal to or greater than 1 cubic foot per second. As specified by KSA 82a–2001 et. seq., median flows were determined from U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging-station data by using the most-recent 10 years of gaged data (KSA) for each streamflow-gaging station. Median flows also were determined by using gaged data from the entire period of record (all-available hydrology, AAH).

Least-squares multiple regression techniques were used, along with Tobit analyses, to develop equations for estimating median flows for uncontrolled stream segments. The drainage area of the gaging stations on uncontrolled stream segments used in the regression analyses ranged from 2.06 to 12,004 square miles. A logarithmic transformation of the data was needed to develop the best linear relation for computing median flows. In the regression analyses, the significant climatic and basin characteristics, in order of importance, were drainage area, mean annual precipitation, mean basin permeability, and mean basin slope. Tobit analyses of KSA data yielded a model standard error of prediction of 0.285 logarithmic units, and the best equations using Tobit analyses of AAH data had a model standard error of prediction of 0.250 logarithmic units.

These regression equations and an interpolation procedure were used to compute median flows for the uncontrolled stream segments on the 1999 Kansas Surface Water Register. Measured median flows from gaging stations were incorporated into the regression-estimated median flows along the stream segments where available. The segments that were uncontrolled were interpolated using gaged data weighted according to the drainage area and the bias between the regression-estimated and gaged flow information. On controlled segments of Kansas streams, the median flow information was interpolated between gaging stations using only gaged data weighted by drainage area.

Of the 2,232 total stream segments on the Kansas Surface Water Register, 34.5 percent of the segments had an estimated median streamflow of less than 1 cubic foot per second when the KSA analysis was used. When the AAH analysis was used, 36.2 percent of the segments had an estimated median streamflow of less than 1 cubic foot per second.


This report supercedes U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 02–4292.


CONTENTS

Perry, C.A., Wolock, D.M., and Artman, J.A., 2004, Estimation of median flows for streams on the 1999 Kansas Surface Water Register: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5032, 219 p.


REPORT AVAILABILITY

A limited number of printed copies of the full report are available free from:

U.S. Geological Survey
4821 Quail Crest Place
Lawrence, KS 66049
Phone: 785-842-9909

and for a nominal charge from:

U.S. Geological Survey
Information Services
P.O. Box 25286
Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225

NOTE: When ordering the report, please supply the report title and number, your name, and your mailing address. Thank you.


For additional information about USGS Stream Statistics studies in Kansas contact:

Charlie Perry
U.S. Geological Survey
4821 Quail Crest Place
Lawrence, KS 66049-3839
Telephone: (785) 832-3549
Fax: (785) 832-3500
Email: cperry@usgs.gov

Go to the USGS-Kansas Home Page


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