Geometry, channel-sediment, and discharge data were collected and compiled from 252 streamflow-gaging stations in the Missouri River basin. The sites represent the complete ranges of hydrologic and geologic conditions found in the basin. The data were analyzed by computer to yield equations relating various discharge characteristics to variables of channel geometry and bed and bank material. The equations provide discharge as the dependent variable for the purpose of making estimates of discharge characteristics at ungaged sites. Results show that channel width is best related to variables of discharge, but that reduction of standard errors can be achieved by considering channel-sediment properties, channel gradient, and discharge variability. The channel-material variables do not exert uniform effects on width-discharge relations and, therefore, are considered as sediment-data groups, or stream types, rather than as terms in multiple power-function equations. Relative to streamflow, narrowest channels occur when streams of steady discharge transport sufficient silt and clay to form stable, cohesive banks but have a small tractive load of sand and coarser sizes. Stable channels also are associated with high channel gradients, which cause high channel roughness and bed and bank armouring by coarse particle sizes. The widest, most unstable channels are found with streams that apparently transport of large tractive load of sand sizes. The downstream rates of change of width with discharge reflect these trends, suggesting that a given bed-material load necessitates a minimum width over which the tractive material can be moved.

Missouri River basin↗

USGS1982

Streamflow characteristics related to channel geometry of streams in western United States

Assessment of surface-mining and reclamation activities generally requires extensive hydrologic data. Adequate streamflow data from instrumented gaging stations rarely are available, and estimates of surface- water discharge based on rainfall-runoff models, drainage area, and basin characteristics sometimes have proven unreliable. Channel-geometry measurements offer an alternative method of quickly and inexpensively estimating stream-flow characteristics for ungaged streams. The method uses the empirical development of equations to yield a discharge value from channel-geometry and channel-material data. The equations are developed by collecting data at numerous streamflow-gaging sites and statistically relating those data to selected discharge characteristics. Mean annual runoff and flood discharges with selected recurrence intervals can be estimated for perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams. The equations were developed from data collected in the western one-half of the conterminous United States. The effect of the channel-material and runoff characteristics are accounted for with the equations.

Water Supply Paper↗

USGS1977

Streamflow characteristics related to channel geometry in the Missouri River basin

The relation of flood-frequency characteristics and mean annual runoff values to active-channel and depositional-bar geometry are presented for six regions in the Missouri River basin. Equations were derived by regression analyses based on the correlation of flow characteristics with the dimensions of the channel geometry. The flow characteristics also were related to the drainage area and a precipitation parameter for comparison. Data for continuous-record gaging stations were used in the derivation. The standard errors for the equations relating either active-channel or depositional-bar widths to mean annual runoff ranged from 26 to 53 percent. The equations relating either active-channel or depositional-bar widths to the flood-frequency discharges of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years had standard errors ranging from 29 to 84 percent.

Alberta, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missou↗

USGS1972

Selected streamflow characteristics as related to channel geometry of perennial streams in Colorado

The mean annual runoff and peak discharges having selected recurrence intervals have been related to the width and average depth of cross sections between channel and point bars for 53 gaged sites on perennial streams in the mountain region of Colorado. These relations and measures of channel dimensions can be used to estimate streamflow characteristics for ungaged streams in the Colorado mountain region. The standard error of estimate is 18.3 percent for the relation with mean annual runoff, and ranges from about 30 percent to 45 percent for the relations with peak discharges having recurrence intervals of 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 years. The standard error of estimate generally increased with the recurrence interval for peak discharges.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1970

Mean annual runoff as related to channel geometry of selected streams in California

The channel geometry of 48 gaged streams in California where mean annual runoff is known was studied in 1967 and 1968. The analyses show that the mean annual runoff is related to selected dimensions of channel geometry. The width and the average depth of the cross section between bars or beams can be used to estimate annual runoff from ungaged streams. Separate relations are needed for perennial and ephemeral streams. The analyses also showed that it is better to measure several cross sections, compute the discharge for each cross section, and average these discharges to obtain the discharge for the site. A 10-year period, 1958-67, was analyzed to determine if the channel dimensions were affected by recent hydrologic or climatic events. It was determined that the computed runoff represented a long-term mean; that is, the standard error of estimate was less for the regression using the runoff for the period of record rather than for the 10year period.

Water Supply Paper↗

USGS1968

Vail reservoir [California] evaporation study, progress report

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1967

Progress report: Elimination of stratification at Lake Cachuma, California

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1966

Floods of November and December 1965 in southern California

Severe flooding occurred in southern California in late November and late December 1965 as a result of three heavy storms. Rain occurred on most days during the period November 13-26 and December 28-31, with major amounts distributed in three periods: November 13-19, 21-26, and December 28-31. More than 12 inches of precipitation was reported at Mount Baldy and Big Bear Lake on November 23, 1965; and more than 15 inches was reported at Mount Baldy on December 29, 1965. Peak discharges at streamflow stations were generally the highest since 1943. The Los Angeles River at Sepulveda Dam and the Santa Clara River at the Los Angeles-Ventura County line had peak discharges greater than those of March 1938, the highest previously known. Eleven deaths were attributed to the storm and the resulting floods, and preliminary estimates indicate damage in excess of $11 million in the foothill and valley areas. Flood-control, water-conservation, and power-production reservoirs effected a substantial reduction in the magnitude of the floods in many areas and thus prevented more extensive damage.

California↗