Methods for estimating low-flow frequency statistics, mean monthly and annual flow, and flow-duration curves for ungaged locations in Kansas

Abstract

Knowledge of the magnitude, frequency, and duration of low flows is critical for water-supply management; reservoir design; waste-load allocation; and the preservation of water quality and quantity for irrigation, recreation, and ecological conservation purposes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Kansas Water Office, completed a statewide study to develop regression equations for selected low-flow frequency and flow-duration statistics for ungaged streams in Kansas.The low-flow statistics included the annual and monthly 1-, 7-, and 30-day mean low flow for a recurrence interval of 10 years; flow-duration exceedance probabilities of 0.01,