Stream Gage Analysis
“The availability of streamflow data is a significant factor in the selection of an appropriate technical method for reservoir studies. It is important to be cognizant of the nature, source, reliability, and adequacy of available data. It estimates are needed, the assumptions used should be documented, and the effect of errors in the estimates on the technical procedure and results should be considered”.[1]
“The adjustment of recorded streamflows is often required before the data can be used in water resources development studies. This is because flow information usually is required at locations other than gauging stations and for conditions of upstream development other than those under which flows occurred historically. In correlating flows between locations, it is important to use ‘natural flows’ (unaffected by artificial storage and diversion) in order that correlation procedures will apply logically and efficiently. In generating flows, natural flows should be used because general frequency functions, characteristic of natural flows, are employed in this process”.[1]
Best Practices Resources
National Engineering Handbook: Chapter 5 - Streamflow Data, NRCS
Guidelines for Determining Flood Flow Frequency (Bulletin 17C), USGS
Hydrologic Engineering Requirements for Reservoirs (EM 1110-2-1420), USACE
Citations:
Revision ID: 7352
Revision Date: 07/21/2023