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R.A. Herbert

Publications and source records attributed to R.A. Herbert.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Water resources activities in Louisiana district, fiscal year 1985

Water resources activities of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Louisiana consist of collecting water resources data and conducting interpretive hydrologic investigations and research. The water resources data and the results of the interpretive investigations are published or released by either the USGS or by cooperating agencies. The USGS water resources activities in Louisiana for the 1985 fiscal year (October 1, 1984 to September 30, 1985) are described, including data collection and dissemination, water resources appraisals (interpretive studies) and research. (Lantz-PTT)

Open-File Report

An evaluation of the crest-stage gage program in Louisiana

The crest-stage gage program in Louisiana was evaluated to determine if the data were adequate for use in developing regional flood-frequency equations and to determine if any crest-stage gages could be discontinued. An abundance of data at many crest-stage stations and a lack of data for urban area and flat-slope areas indicated a need for a shift in the number, type, and locations of gages. Extensive correlations and comparisons of annual peak flows and watershed characteristics of 96 sites resulted in a reduced network of 25 stations that could potentially be used as index sites. The adequacy of the reduced network for development and verification of regional flood-frequency equations was tested by comparing a set of regional flood-frequency equations developed using data from the full network with a set developed using data from the reduced network. The results indicate that the crest-stage gage network can be reduced to 25 stations and still provide adequate information for future flood-frequency analyses. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report

Cost effectiveness of the stream-gaging program in Louisiana

This report documents the results of a study of the cost effectiveness of the stream-gaging program in Louisiana. Data uses and funding sources were identified for the 68 continuous-record stream gages currently (1984) in operation with a budget of $408,700. Three stream gages have uses specific to a short-term study with no need for continued data collection beyond the study. The remaining 65 stations should be maintained in the program for the foreseeable future. In addition to the current operation of continuous-record stations, a number of wells, flood-profile gages, crest-stage gages, and stage stations, are serviced on the continuous-record station routes; thus, increasing the current budget to $423,000. The average standard error of estimate for data collected at the stations is 34.6%. Standard errors computed in this study are one measure of streamflow errors, and can be used as guidelines in comparing the effectiveness of alternative networks. By using the routes and number of measurements prescribed by the ' Traveling Hydrographer Program, ' the standard error could be reduced to 31.5% with the current budget of $423,000. If the gaging resources are redistributed, the 34.6% overall level of accuracy at the 68 continuous-record sites and the servicing of the additional wells or gages could be maintained with a budget of approximately $410,000. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report