FLOODS OF 1958 IN MISSISSIPPI by K.V. Wilson Prepared by U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Mississippi State Highway Department November 1960 Open File Release No. 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Flood of April-May 1958       General       Precipitation       Floods       Upper Yazoo flood control reservoirs       Flood damage       Summary of flood stages and discharges       Magnitude and frequency of floods Floods of September 1958       General       Precipitation in West-Central Mississippi       Floods in West-Central Mississippi       Precipitation in Southwest Mississippi       Floods in Southwest Mississippi       Summary of flood stages and discharges       Magnitude and frequency of floods FIGURES 1. Map of Northwest Mississippi showing sites for which data are presented 2. Map of Northwest Mississippi showing isohyetal lines for rain of April 24 to May 1, 1958 3. Comparison of Northwest Mississippi rain of April 24 to May 1, 1958, with frequency curves 4. Accumulated rainfall at selected Northwest Mississippi stations 5. Sunflower River 3 miles upstream from Holly Bluff 6. Flood inundation map of Yazoo Delta, April-May 1958 7. Storage in Upper Yazoo flood control reservoirs 8. Relation of maximum discharge per square mile to drainage area for flood of April-May 1958 9. Map of Northwest Mississippi showing isohyetal lines for rain of September 20-22, 1958 10. Comparison of West-Central Mississippi rain of September 19-21, 1958, with frequency curves 11. Accumulated rainfall at selected West-Central Mississippi stations 12. Relation of maximum known discharge per square mile to drainage area in Yazoo Delta for flood of September 1958 TABLES 1. Rainfall in inches in Northwest Mississippi, April 25 to May 2, 1958 2. Summary of flood stages and discharges for the flood of April-May 1958 3. Rainfall in inches in West-Central Mississippi, September 20-22, 1958 4. Summary of flood stages and discharges for the flood of September 1958 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. This report is one of an annual series designated to present unusual floods occuring each year. 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 two noteworthy floods that occurred in Mississippi during 1958; the flood of April-May and the floods of September. 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.