A PROPOSED STREAMFLOW DATA PROGRAM FOR MISSISSIPPI

James D. Shell and Fred H. Thomson

CONTENTS

Abstract
Introduction
Setting
Concepts and procedures used in this study
    Data for current use
    Data for planning and design
        Natural-flow streams
        Regulated-flow streams
        Accuracy goals
    Data to define long-term trends
    Data on streams environment
Goals of the Mississippi streamflow data program
    Data for current use
    Data for planning and design
    Data to define long-term trends
    Data on stream environment
Evaluation of existing data in Mississippi
    Data for current use
    Data for planning and design
        Evaluation of natural-flow systems
            Streamflow characteristics
            Drainage basin characteristics
            Regression analysis
            Minor streams
            Principal streams
        Evaluation of the regulated-flow systems
    Data to define long-term trends
    Data on stream environment
Discussion of the evaluation
The proposed program
    Data collection
        Data for current use
        Data for planning and design
            Natural-flow, minor streams
            Natural-flow, principal streams
            Regulated-flow, minor streams
            Regulated-flow, principal streams
        Data to define long-term trends in streamflow
        Summary
    Data analysis
References

FIGURES

1.Map showing major river systems in Mississippi

2.Curve showing relation of standard error to years of record

3.Map showing gaging stations proposed for network

4.Map showing location of recommended low-flow partial-record stations

5.Map showing location of crest-stage partial-record stations, coded as to instrumentation

TABLES

1.Framework for design of data-collection program

2.Accuracy goals-- Mississippi

3.Current-purpose gaging stations

4.Summary of regression analyses of mean annual flow

5.Summary of regression results

6.Gaging stations on regulated-stream systems

APPENDIX TABLES

A-1, A-2.Selected streamflow characteristics for gaging stations used in regressions

A-3.Selected physical and climatic characteristics of drainage basins for gaging stations used in regressions

A-4.Streamflow stations now in operation and those needed for proposed network

ABSTRACT

An evaluation of streamflow data available in Mississippi was made to provide guidelines for planning of future programs. The basic steps in the evaluation were (1) definition of the long-term goals of the streamflow data program in quantitative form, (2) examination and analysis of available data to determine which goals have already been met, and (3) development of proposals of ways to meet the remaining goals. The general objective of collecting streamflow data in Mississippi is to be able to supply necessary estimates of streamflow characteristics for any site on any stream in the state, with specific accuracy goals. It was found that several of the goals could be met by generalization of the data from gaging basins by regression analysis. This fact indicates that significant changes could be made in the present data collection system that would allow emphasis to be placed on attaining those goals that have not been met. A streamflow data collection network based on the guidelines developed in this study is proposed for the future.


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