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James L. Patterson

Publications and source records attributed to James L. Patterson.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS1971

Floods in Arkansas, magnitude and frequency characteristics through 1968

Techniques are presented for estimating the magnitude and frequency of floods on Arkansas streams. Modern topographic maps now available and computer techniques facilitate in making a comprehensive analysis in which physical and climactic characteristics of river basins are related to flood characteristics at gaging stations. Equations derived from the analysis make it possible to estimate the magnitude of future floods with recurrence intervals of as much as 50 years on gaged and ungaged streams that have drainage areas of 0.1-3,000 square miles. An estimate of the future flood potential can be used to locate and design flood-control structures, establish flood-insurance rates, and devise flood-zoning plans. Appendixes in the report contain data on flood characteristics of gaged drainage basins, a summary of climatic and topographic characteristics of drainage basins, peak stages and discharges for gaging stations that have 5 or more years of record, and peak-flow data for outstanding floods at miscellaneous sites.

Arkansas↗
USGS1966

Magnitude and frequency of floods in the United States: Part 9. Colorado River Basin

This report outlines methods by which the magnitude and frequency of expected floods of any recurrence interval from 1.1 to 50 years can be determined at most points in the Colorado River basin. Composite frequency curves were drawn showing the relation of the mean annual flood to floods having recurrence intervals from 1.1 to 50 years. Other curves express the relation of the mean annual flood to basin characteristics. In the northern part of the basin (north of about lat 37° N.) both drainage area and mean altitude were important factors influencing the magnitude of the mean annual flood. Only drainage area was used as an independent variable in the southern part of the basin. By combining data from the composite frequency curves and curves showing the relation of the mean annual flood to basin characteristics, flood-frequency curves can be drawn for streams in the report area not materially affected by regulation or diversion within the range and recurrence interval defined by base data. Some of the larger streams in the basin do not lend themselves to regional analysis. These streams are given special treatment in this report. Owing to the paucity of streamflow data, flood-frequency relations are not defined in some of the more arid parts of the report area.

Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Nevada, Uta↗
USGS1961

Floods in Arkansas, magnitude and frequency

This report presents methods by which the magnitude and frequency of expected floods for most streams in Arkansas may be determined. Flood data have been used to define flood-frequency curves applicable to the State. Composite frequency curves have been defined showing the relation of the mean annual flood to floods having recurrence intervals of 1. 2 to 50 years. Other curves express the relation of the mean annual flood to drainage basin characteristics. For the northern part of the State, it was found that the slope of the composite frequency curve varies with drainage area size, and an adjustment curve was drawn for use in conjunction with the composite curve for this area. By combining data from the composite and mean annual flood curves a flood-frequency curve may be drawn for any stream in Arkansas, not materially affected by works of man, within the limits of drainage area and recurrence interval defined by base data.

Arkansas↗