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Hydrologic data and conditions throughout Massachusetts during water year 2014 (October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2014) are presented in this report. Stream discharge and groundwater levels during water year 2014 varied geographically across the State. The data are described as being above, below, or near normal in relation to long-term averages for the period of record.
Hydrologic data and conditions throughout Rhode Island during water year 2014 are presented in this report. Stream discharge and groundwater level conditions varied geographically across the State. Ten streamgages reached record-low minimum monthly mean discharges during the year, and a record-high maximum groundwater level was observed at one groundwater well.
In 1958, the U.S. Geological Survey began documenting hydrologic conditions, including groundwater levels, groundwater withdrawals for agricultural irrigation and public water supply, and water quality, in the South Coast aquifer, Puerto Rico. This information has improved the understanding of the water resources of the region. The hydrologic data indicate that (1) groundwater levels declined as much as 40 feet in the Salinas area and 11 feet in the Guayama area during 2012–14; (2) groundwater withdrawals for agricultural irrigation increased from 6.0 to 10.5 million gallons per day, or 75 percent, from 2010 to 2012; and (3) total groundwater withdrawals decreased from 29.3 to 23.8 million gallons per day from 2010 to 2014. The quantity and quality of water in the aquifer is primarily affected by variations in aquifer recharge as a result of changing rainfall or modes of irrigation; however, the spatial patterns and magnitude of water withdrawals for all uses have a secondary impact on the quantity and quality of water in the aquifer. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data from climatological stations indicate that the 30-year normal precipitation for the period 1991–2010 in the South Coastal and Southern Slopes climatological regions was about 37.74 and 61.61 inches, respectively; the 30-year moving average precipitation for the period 1985–2014 was 37.94 and 61.80 inches, respectively, for these regions. The mean annual precipitation during 2012–14 was 13 percent below the 30-year moving average for the South Coastal climatological region and 7.7 percent below for the Southern Slopes climatological region. When rainfall is below the 30-year moving average, recharge is diminished and groundwater levels decline. Annual precipitation in the South Coast aquifer, which includes a large part of the South Coastal and Southern Slopes climatological regions, was 39.42, 37.25, and 34.89 inches per year for 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. Water level declines reduce the thickness of freshwater in the unconfined parts of the South Coast aquifer. Additionally, the pumping-induced migration of poor-quality water from deep or seaward areas of the aquifer can contribute to reductions in the thickness of freshwater in the aquifer. The reduction in the freshwater saturated thickness of the aquifer in areas near Ponce, Juana Díaz, Salinas, and Guayama is of particular concern because the total saturated thickness of the aquifer is thinner in these areas. Total dissolved solids concentration in groundwater samples indicates a small positive trend in Ponce, Santa Isabel, Salinas, and Guayama. Diminished aquifer recharge during 2012 to 2015 and, to a lesser extent, increased groundwater withdrawals have resulted in a reduction in the freshwater saturated thickness of the aquifer. The reduction in freshwater saturated thickness of the aquifer may affect freshwater resources available for agriculture and public water supply. A prolonged time period with reduced aquifer recharge may have substantial implications for groundwater levels and fresh groundwater availability.
The valid incentives compelling occupation of the flood plain, up to and even into the stream channel, undoubtedly have contributed greatly to the development of the country. But the result has been a heritage of flood disaster, suffering, and enormous costs. Flood destruction awakened a consciousness toward reduction and elimination of flood hazards, originally manifested in the protection of existing developments. More recently, increased information and realization of the problem have shown the impracticability of permitting developments that require costly flood protection. The idea of flood zoning, or flood-plain planning, has received greater impetus as a result of such realization. This study shows how hydraulic and hydrologic data concerning the flood regimen of a stream can be used in appraising its flood potential and the risk inherent in occupation of its flood plain. The approach involves the study of flood magnitudes as recorded or computed; flood frequencies based on the experience shown by many years of gaging-station record; use of existing or computed stage-discharge relations and flood profiles; and, where required, the preparation of flood-zone maps to show the areas inundated by floods of several magnitudes and frequencies. Methods are outlined that will enable the planner to delineate areas subject to inundation by floods of specific recurrence intervals for three conditions; (1) for the immediate vicinity of a gaging station, (2) for a gaged stream at a considerable distance from a gaging station, and (3) for an ungaged stream. Curves have been developed from which the average depth for a flood of specific frequency can be estimated on the basis of the average depth for bankfull flow; this simplified approach should be very useful in the initial stages of flood-plain planning. Brief discussions are included on various types of flood hazards, the effects of urbanization on flood runoff, and zoning considerations.
This report summarizes basic hydrologic data of the surface water resources of Muddy Boggy River basin, and by analysis and interpretation, presents certain streamflow characteristics at specified points in the basin. Muddy Boggy River has a drainage area of 2,429 square miles. The climate is moist subhumid and the annual precipitation averages about 39 inches. Gross annual lake evaporation averages 54 inches. The average annual discharge at the gaging stations for the period 1938-62 was 24,000 acre-feet for Chickasaw Creek near Stringtown; 72,000 acre-feet for McGee Creek near Stringtown; 671,800 acre-feet for Muddy Boggy Creek near Farris; and 358,200 acre-feet for Clear Boggy Creek near Caney. Flow-duration curves of daily discharge have been developed to show the percentage of time various rates of discharge have been equaled or exceeded. Procedures for determining the frequency of annual floods at any point in the basin are given. Low-flow frequency curves that define the recurrence intervals of 7, 14, 30, 60, and 120 day mean flows have been prepared for two gaging stations. Curves showing the relation of measured discharge at the low-flow partial-record stations to the daily mean discharge at a base gaging station are presented. Discharge measurements made in February 1963 at selected sites show the areal distribution of low flow. The storage requirements to supplement natural flows have been prepared for two gaging-stations sites. The chemical quality of surface water of Muddy Boggy River basin varies from place-to-place during base flow periods. Limestone and dolomite outcrops and oilfield brines affect water quality in some areas. Water of North Boggy Creek, McGee Creek, and their tributaries contains less than 100 ppm (parts per million) dissolved solids. Water of other streams in Muddy Boggy River basin has a higher dissolved-solids content, but the content does not exceed 500 ppm. Water of Muddy Boggy River basin is usable for domestic, irrigation, and most industrial purposes. Softening of water from some streams may be desirable, however.
This report summarizes basic hydrologic data of the surface water resources of Little River basin above the Oklahoma-Arkansas state line near Cerrogordo, Okla., and by analysis and interpretation, presents certain streamflow characteristics at specified points in the basin. Little River basin above the state line includes 2,269 square miles, of which about 250 square miles of the Mountain Fork River is in Arkansas. The climate is humid and the annual precipitation averages about 46 inches. Gross annual lake evaporation averages 49 inches per year. There are three reservoirs totaling 2,831,800 acre-feet of storage, either authorized or under construction in the basin. The average annual discharge at the gaging stations for the period 1930-61 is 674,900 acre-feet for Little River near Wright City; 1,273,000 acre-feet for Little River below Lukfata Creek, near Idabel; and 989,000 acre-feet for Mountain Fork River near Eagletown. The average annual discharge of Little River at the Oklahoma-Arkansas state line near Cerrogordo is 2,401,000 acre-feet. Flow-duration curves have been developed from daily records for the gaging stations. These curves show the percentage of time various rates of discharge have been equaled or exceeded. Procedures for defining the frequency of annual floods at any point in the basin are given. Low-flow frequency curves for the gaging stations defining the recurrence intervals of 7, 14 or 15, 30, 60, and 120 day mean flows have been prepared. Curves showing the relation of instantaneous discharge at specified upstream points to the daily mean discharge at two gaging stations are presented. The storage requirements for suplementing natural flows have been prepared for the gaging-station sites. Chemical analyses show that the surface water in the basin is suitable for domestic and industrial uses.
The investigation of the ground-water resources of Oklahoma by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board includes a continuing program to collect records of water levels in selected observation wells on a systematic basis. These water-level records: (1) provide an index to available ground-water supplies; (2) facilitate the prediction of trends in water levels that will indicate likely changes in storage; (3) aid in the prediction of the base flow of streams; (4) provide information for use in basic research; (5) provide long-time continuous records of fluctuations of water levels in representative wells; and (6) serve as a framework to which other types of hydrologic data my be related. Prior to 1956, measurements of water levels in observation wells in Oklahoma were included in water-supply papers published annually by the U.S. Geological Survey. Beginning with the 1956 calendar year, however, Geological Survey water-level reports will contain only records of a selected network of observation wells, and will be published at 5-year intervals. The first of this series, for the 1956-59 period was published in 1962. This report has been prepared primarily to present water-level records of wells not included in the Federal network. However, for the sake of completeness it includes water-level records of Federal wells that either have been or will be published in water-supply papers since 1955. This report, which contains water-level records for the 2-year period (1963-64), is the third of a series presenting water-level records for all permanent observations wells in Oklahoma. The first report, published in 1963, contains water-level records for the 5-year period of (1956-60). The second report, published in 1964, contains water-level records for the 2-year period (1961-62.) (available as photostat copy only)
The purpose of this manual is to familiarize field personnel with the procedures involved in operating crest-stage gaging stations. Crest-stage gages are used to determine the elevation of a peak stage occurring at a specific location in a stream. A crest-stage gage consists of a length of 14-inch diameter pipe installed in a vertical position in the stream channel (figure 1). The pipe is vented and equipped with an intake system that allows water to enter and leave the pipe as the stream rises and recedes. An equal length of aluminum "T" channel (staff) is inserted in the pipe and made to rest on a positive stop called a datum pin. When granulated cork is placed in the gage, the cork will float on the rising stage, then adhere to the staff after the stage recedes. The peak stage is then determined by removing the staff and measuring the distance between the cork line and the lower end of the staff. The primary purpose of a crest-stage gaging station is to collect hydrologic data for flood-frequency analyses. Collection of data for such analyses involves operating a network of stations for a period of years until sufficient peak flow data are obtained to accurately define flood-frequency curves. Because carelessness in collecting data at the gage site might result in the loss of an entire year's flood event, the importance of proper operation and maintenance of these gages can not be overemphasized. Peak discharges are related to the basin characteristics and major changes in these characteristics must be evaluated. For€st fires, timber harvest, or a new road location that alters the natural drainage of the basin, may effect the intensity and timing of the runoff of the basin. Rigid datum controls must be maintained at the gage site throughout the period of record. Physical changes of the site resulting from flood flows or manmade alterations must be evaluated. If a drainage structure such as a culvert is part of the site features, free-flow conditions must be maintained or obstructions carefully documented.
The investigation of the ground-water resources of Oklahoma by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board includes a continuing program to collect records of water levels in selected observation wells on a systematic basis. These water-level records: (1) provide an index to available ground-water supplies; (2) facilitate the prediction of trends in water levels that will indicate likely changes in storage; (3) aid in the prediction of the base flow of streams; (4) provide information for use in basic research; (5) provide long-time continuous records of fluctuations of water levels in representative wells; and (6) serve as a framework to which other types of hydrologic data my be related. Prior to 1956, measurements of water levels in observation wells in Oklahoma were included in water-supply papers published annually by the U.S. Geological Survey. Beginning with the 1956 calendar year, however, Geological Survey water-level reports will contain only records of a selected network of observation wells, and will be published at 5-year intervals. The first of this series, for the 1956-59 period was published in 1962. This report has been prepared primarily to present water-level records of wells not included in the Federal network. However, for the sake of completeness it includes water-level records of Federal wells that either have been or will be published in water-supply papers since 1955. This report, which contains water-level records for the 2-year period (1965-66), is the fourth in a series presenting water-level records for all permanent observations wells in Oklahoma. The first report, published in 1963, contains water-level records for the 2-year period of (1961-62); the second report, published in 1964, contains water-level records for the 2-year period (1961-62); and the third report, published in 1965, contains water-level records for the 2-year period (1963-64). (available as photostat copy only)
This report is the result of a cooperative agreement between the city of Cedar Rapids and the U.S. Geological Survey that provides for the collection of hydrologic data by the Geologic Survey on small streams in and near the city. The city furnished the large-scale topographic map showing a stream reference line marked off in 100-foot stations and a part of the data on valley cross sections used in the preparation of this report. The purpose of this report is to show, for an 18,000-foot reach of Squaw Creek, (1) flood-inundation limits for a large flood under present channel and valley conditions, and (2) water-surface profiles for the above flood and for a lesser flood contained in a waterway restricted by two assumed degrees of encroachment. Mean velocities are also given at many places for the selected conditions. The information provided can be useful to State and local agencies involved in floodplain management. The purpose of this report is to show, for an 18,000-foot reach of Squaw Creek, (1) flood-inundation limits for a large flood under present channel and valley conditions, and (2) water-surface profiles for the above flood and for a lesser flood contained in a waterway restricted by two assumed degrees of encroachment. Mean velocities are also given at many places for the selected conditions. The information provided can be useful to State and local agencies involved in flood-plain management.
Floods and high water occurred throughout the summer of 1971 in south-central Alaska. Snow cover, 150 percent of average, in the mountains on May 1 caused local snowmelt floods from mid-May to mid-July. The peak discharge of 265,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) on July 15 at Copper River near Chitina was the highest in 22 years of record. However, the major flood period was August 8-11. Precipitation totals of 3 to 9 inches during August 5-11 were recorded in an area extending northeastward from Iliamna Lake to Palmer, Talkeetna, and Paxson Lake. The principal flood areas were the upper Copper, Matanuska, Susitna, Chakachatna, and Kvichak River basins. Flooding in the Anchorage area was not severe. Total damage caused by the August flood is estimated to be 8 to 10 million dollars of which 6 million dollars occurred in the Matanuska Valley. Extreme floods occurred in the Matanuska Valley. A lake near Sutton on an unnamed tributary to Granite Creek breached its embankment, which released a peak discharge in Granite Creek on August 10 of 58,600 cfs, 23.4 times the probable 50-year flood. Other streams near Sutton, tributary to the Matanuska River, had peak discharges 1.8 to 8.9 times the probable 50-year flood. The Matanuska River at Palmer had a peak discharge of 82,100 cfs, 1.2 times the probable 50-year flood. Downstream near Bodenburg Butte, an area was inundated when the Matanuska River overtopped a dike. Another extreme flood occurred at the Chakachatna River near Tyonek on August 11 where the peak discharge was estimated to be 470,000 cfs. The peak was caused by lateral erosion of a channel constriction formed by Barrier Glacier at the outlet of Chakachamna Lake. Hydrologic data for planning, discussions of antecedent conditions, and meteorology along with a description of the floods and flood damage are included. Tables of storm precipitation, peak discharge data, sediment data, and discharge for the June-August period are also included.
The investigation of the ground-water resources of Oklahoma by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board includes a continuing program to collect records of water levels in selected observation wells on a systematic basis. These water-level records: (1) provide an index to available ground-water supplies; (2) facilitate the prediction of trends in water levels that will indicate likely changes in storage; (3) aid in the prediction of the base flow of streams; (4) provide information for use in basic research; (5) provide long-time continuous records of fluctuations of water levels in representative wells; and (6) serve as a framework to which other types of hydrologic data my be related. Prior to 1956, measurements of water levels in observation wells in Oklahoma were included in water-supply papers published annually by the U.S. Geological Survey. Beginning with the 1956 calendar year, however, Geological Survey water-level reports will contain only records of a selected network of observation wells, and will be published at 5-year intervals. The first of this series, for the 1956-59 period was published in 1962. In addition to the water-supply papers, the U.S. Geological Survey, cooperation with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, has published the following informal reports on water levels in Oklahoma. Ground-water levels in observations wells in Oklahoma, 1956-60 Ground-water levels in observations wells in Oklahoma, 1961-62 Ground-water levels in observations wells in Oklahoma, 1963-64 Ground-water levels in observations wells in Oklahoma, 1965-66 Ground-water levels in observations wells in Oklahoma, 1967-68 Records of water-level measurements in wells in the Oklahoma Panhandle, 1966-70 Records of water-level measurements in wells in the Oklahoma Panhandle, 1971-72 The basic observation-well network in Oklahoma during the period 1969-70 included the following counties: Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Caddo, Cimarron, Cleveland, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kingfisher, LeFlore, Major, Muskogee, Oklahoma, Payne, Pontotoc, Rogers, Sequoyah, Texas, Tillman, Wagoner, Washita, and Woodward. Table 2 includes the basic observation-well network and other wells measured by the U.S. Geological Survey. The data in this report were compiled and prepared for publication under the cooperative agreement for ground-water investigations in Oklahoma between the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Oklahoma Geological Survey, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
The study described in this report is an appraisal of water resources in Grand Teton National Park where hydrologic data are needed for planning water supplies for public use. Water is used in the park for public-water supplies at National Park Service facilities, for commercial and domestic use at guest ranches and private residences, and for irrigation. Public-water supplies in the park utilize both surface and ground water. Some of the surface-water sources are in areas of heavy use by park visitors. Public-health requirements are that only ground water, if adequate in quantity and quality, should be used for public-water supplies in such areas.
Twelve National Stream Quality Accounting Network stations were operated in Montana during the 1975 water year. The network was established for the purpose of acquiring a base of hydrologic data for use by agencies engaged in water-resources planning on a national or regional scale. Among the characteristics analyzed were phytoplankton identification and cell counts. Samples consisted of composites of equal aliquots, collected at the center of each quartile of flow, using modified suspended-sediment samplers and sediment collection techniques. Identification and counting were done using the Sedgwick-Rafter cell method. Cell counts ranged from 21 cells per millilitre at Flathead River at Flathead, British Columbia to 27,000 cells per millilitre at Yellowstone River near Sidney. The class Bacillariophyceae was most abundant in both number and variety at all sampling sites. Anabaena and Aphanizomenon of the phyllum Cyanophyta were found at six stations and two stations respectively. These two genera of blue-green algae often become abundant in enriched waters resulting in nuisance conditions.
The objectives of the observation-well program are (1) to provide long-term records of water-level fluctuations in representative wells, (2) to facilitate the prediction of water-level trends and indicate the future availability of ground-water supplies, and (3) to provide information for use in basic research. These selected records serve as a framework to which other types of hydrologic data may be related. The stratigraphic nomenclature and age determinations used in this report are those accepted by the Oklahoma Geological Survey and do not necessarily agree with those of the U.S. Geological Survey.
The report contains drainage-area values for: lakes and ponds included in the Maine Informational Display Analysis System (MIDAS) File 906-Z, streams that drain an area greater than 25 mi 2 , dams, and hydrologic data collection sites. Supplemental information in the report includes State and Federal location systems used to identify these lake and stream sites.
The report contains drainage-area values for: lakes and ponds included in the Maine Informational Display Analysis System (MIDAS) File 906-Z, streams that drain areas greater than 25 mil 2 , dams, and locations where hydrologic data are collected. Supplemental information includes State and Federal location systems used to identify these lakes and stream sites.
The report contains drainage-area values for: lakes and ponds included in the MIDAS (Maine Informational Display Analysis System) File 906-Z, streams that drain an area greater than 25 square miles, dams, and locations where hydrologic data are collected. Supplemental information includes State and Federal location systems used to identify these lake and stream sites.