USGS

Estimating the Magnitude of Annual Peak Discharges with Recurrence Intervals between 1.1 and 3.0 Years for Rural, Unregulated Streams in West Virginia

U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 02-4164

By Jeffrey B. Wiley, John T. Atkins, Jr., and Dawn A. Newell


ABSTRACT

Multiple and simple least-squares regression models for the log10-transformed 1.5- and 2-year recurrence intervals of peak discharges with independent variables describing the basin characteristics (log10-transformed and untransformed) for 236 streamflow-gaging stations were evaluated, and the regression residuals were plotted as areal distributions that defined three regions in West Virginia designated as East, North, and South. Regional equations for the 1.1-, 1.2-, 1.3-, 1.4-, 1.5-, 1.6-, 1.7-, 1.8-, 1.9-, 2.0-, 2.5-, and 3-year recurrence intervals of peak discharges were determined by generalized least-squares regression. Log10-transformed drainage area was the most significant independent variable for all regions.


Equations developed in this study are applicable only to rural, unregulated streams within the boundaries of West Virginia. The accuracies of estimating equations are quantified by measuring the average prediction error (from 27.4 to 52.4 percent) and equivalent years of record (from 1.1 to 3.4 years).

CONTENTS

Abstract

Introduction

Description of Study Area

Physiographic Provinces

Climate

Background

Acknowledgments

Development of Low-Recurrence-Interval Peak-Discharge Estimating Equations

Peak-Discharge Data

Basin-Characteristics Data

Magnitude and Frequency Analysis

Data Correlation

Regional Regression Analysis

Estimating Discharges for Gaged and Ungaged Locations

Accuracy of Low-Recurrence-Interval Peak-Discharge Estimating Equations

Limitations of Low-Recurrence-Interval Peak-Discharge Estimating Equations

Summary

References Cited

Appendix 1. Fortran Program for Calculating Frequency Factors

Appendix 2. Accuracy of Estimating Equations


For additional information write to:


District Chief

U.S. Geological Survey

11 Dunbar Street

Charleston, WV 25301

 

or visit our Web site at: http://wv.water.usgs.gov/

 

Copies of this report can be purchased from:

 

U.S. Geological Survey

Branch of Information Services

Box 25286, Federal Center

Denver, CO 80225-0286

 


 

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