Technique for estimating magnitude and frequency of floods in Kentucky

Abstract

This report presents flood magnitude and frequency relations applicable to unregulated streams in Kentucky. The relations are based on flood data at 117 gaging stations in Kentucky and 14 in adjacent states having 10 or more years of record not significantly affected by man-made changes. Equations that relate flood magnitude and frequency to contributing drainage area in 16 geographic areas may be used to estimate magnitude of future floods with recurrence intervals of as much as 100 years on gaged and ungaged streams having drainage areas of 10 to 4,300 square miles (25 .9 to 11,100 square kilometers) . Estimating equations are also presented in graphical form for the convenience of the user. Additional graphs are presented to estimate flood magnitude for selected recurrence intervals along the Cumberland, Kentucky, and Ohio Rivers.