MISSISSIPPI FLOODS OF 1957 by K.V. Wilson Prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Mississippi State Highway Department August 1959 Open File Release No. 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Flood of April 4, 1957, in Central Mississippi    General    Rainfall    Peak Discharges    History of Floods on Crooked Creek    Crane Creek at Meadowbrook Road in Jackson, Mississippi Flood of July 1, 1957, in the vicinity of Coffeeville, Mississippi    General    Damage    Rainfall    Peak Discharges    Previous Floods    Flood Profile Flood of September 18-19, 1957, in Harrison County, Mississippi    General    Rainfall    Peak Discharges    Flood History FIGURES 1. Map of flood area showing location of flood-determination points, location of rain gage, and approximate outline of drainage areas, flood of April 4, 1957 2. Relation of peak discharge per square mile to size of drainage area 3. Map of flood area showing locatin of flood-determination points and lines of equal rainfall, in inches for flood of July 1, 1957 4. Comparison of Coffeeville rain of July 1, 1957, with frequency curves 5. Relation of peak discharge per square mile to drainage area for selected streams, flood of July 1, 1957 6. Profile of flood of July 1, 1957, near Coffeeville, Mississippi 7. Map of flood area showing location of flood-determination points and rain gages for flood of Sept. 18-19, 1957 8. Accumulated rainfall, in inches, at selected stations, for Sept. 17-19, 1957 9. Comparison of Harrison County rain of Sept. 17-18 with frequency curves 10. Relation of peak discharge per square mile to drainage area, flood of Sept. 18-19, 1957 11. Discharge hydrographs at gaging stations in Harrison County TABLES 1. Maximum discharges near New Hebron, Mississippi, April 4, 1957 2. Summary of flood stages and discharges-Coffeeville flood of July 1, 1957 3. Rainfall, September 17-19, 1957 4. Summary of flood stages and discharges - Harrison County flood of Sept. 18, 19, 1957 ABSTRACT This report is a continuing study of the surface-water resources and problems of Mississippi. One phase of this program is the determination of flood runoff from small drainage areas. In an area as large as the State of Mississippi, one or more floods of exceptional magnitude occur each year somewhere in the State as a result of storms producing intense rainfall over rela- tively small areas. These storms usually cannot be defined adequately by the exist- ing network of rainfall and streamflow stations. To describe such events, it is necessary to supplement recorded information by interviewing local residents regarding flood elevations and rainfall. It is also necessary to supplement gaging station data with computed flood discharges based on high-water marks left during the flood. A record of magnitude of these floods and a study of the history of previous floods are of value in designing engineering struc- tures such as bridges, levees, dams, and other controlling works, and in planning the efficient utilization of the water resources of the region. This report contains rainfall and peak discharge data for three noteworthy floods that occurred in Mississippi during 1957; the flood of April 4, 1957, in Central Mississippi, the flood of July 1, 1957, in the vicinity of Coffeeville, Mississippi, and the flood of September 18-19, 1957, in Harrison County. LizardTech's Djvu plug-in is needed to view these reports. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ENTIRE REPORT For questions or comments, contact K. Van Wilson.