MAXIMUM FLOODFLOWS IN THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES by J.R. Crippen and C.D. Bue Prepared by U.S. Geological Survey 1977 WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 1887 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract Introduction Maximum-flood experience Estimating potential flood peaks Summary Selected references FIGURES 1. Map of the conterminous United States showing flood-region boundaries 2. Graph showing selected peak discharges versus drainage areas, and nationwide envelope curve 3-19. Graphs showing peak discharges versus drainage area, and envelope curve for-     3. Region 1     4. Region 2     5. Region 3     6. Region 4     7. Region 5     8. Region 6     9. Region 7     10. Region 8     11. Region 9     12. Region 10     13. Region 11     14. Region 12     15. Region 13     16. Region 14     17. Region 15     18. Region 16     19. Region 17 TABLES 1. Extreme floods at selected sites ABSTRACT Peak floodflows from thousands of observation sites within the conterminous United States were studied to provide a guide for estimating potential maximum floodflows. Data were selected from 883 sites with drainage areas of less than 10,000 square miles (25,900 square kilometers) and were grouped into regional sets. Outstanding floods for each region were plotted on graphs, and envelope curves were computed that offer reasonable limits for estimates of maximum floods. The curves indicate that floods may occur that are two to three times greater than those known for most streams. 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.