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William R. Krug

Publications and source records attributed to William R. Krug.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Relationship between annual runoff and watershed area for the eastern United States

As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's effort to determine the long-term effects of acidic deposition on surface water chemistry, annual runoff was estimated for about 1000 ungaged sites in the eastern U.S. using runoff contour maps. One concern in using contour maps was that a bias may be introduced in the runoff estimates due to the size of the 1000 ungaged sites relative to the size of the watersheds used in developing the maps. To determine if a bias was present the relationship between the annual runoff (expressed as depth) and the watershed area for the Northeast (NE) and Southern Blue Ridge Province (SBRP) was tested using five regional data bases. One short-term data base (1984 Water Year, n = 531) and two long-term data bases (1940–57, n = 134 and 1951–80, n = 342) were used in the NE. In the SBRP one short-term database (1984 Water Year, n = 531) and one long-term data base (1951–80, n = 60) were used. For the NE and the SBRP, runoff was not directly correlated with watershed area using the five regional databases. Also, runoff normalized by precipitation was not related to watershed area.

northeastern United States↗

Flood-frequency characteristics of Wisconsin streams

Flood-frequency characteristics for 312 gaged sites on Wisconsin streams are presented for recurrence intervals of 2 to 100 years using flood-peak data collected through water year 2000. Equations of the relations between flood-frequency and drainage-basin characteristics were developed by multiple-regression analyses. Flood-frequency characteristics for ungaged sites on unregulated, rural streams can be estimated by use of these equations. The state was divided into five areas with similar physiographic characteristics. The most significant basin characteristics are drainage area, main-channel slope, soil permeability, storage, rainfall intensity, and forest cover. The standard error of prediction for the equation for the 100-year flood discharge ranges from 22 to 44 percent in the state. A graphical method for estimating flood-frequency characteristics of regulated streams was developed from the relation of discharge and drainage area. Graphs for the major regulated streams are presented.

Wisconsin↗

Flood-frequency characteristics of Wisconsin streams

Flood-frequency characteristics for 269 gaged sites on Wisconsin streams are presented for recurrence intervals of 2 to 100 years. Annual flood peaks for the period of record for each gaged site are included. Equations of the relations between flood-frequency and drainage-basin characteristics were developed by multiple-regression analyses. Flood-frequency characteristics for ungaged sites on unregulated, rural streams can be estimated by use of these equations. The State was divided into five areas of similar physiographic characteristics. The most significant basin characteristics are drainage areas, main-channel slope, soil permeability, storage, rainfall intensity, and forest cover. The standard error of prediction for the equation for the 100-year flood discharge ranges from 25 to 33 percent in the State. A comparison of multiple-regression analyses by use of generalized least squares and ordinary least squares was made to determine the best method for analysis. A split-sampling technique was used for all the stations in the State. Differences in results of the two methods were minimal. The generalized least-squares method was chosen for use because its theoretical basis is superior to that of ordinary least squares and its estimates of accuracy of the equations for estimating flood-frequency characteristics at ungaged sites is better than that of ordinary least squares. A method for estimating flood-frequency characteristics of regulated streams was developed from the relation of discharge and drainage area. Graphs for the major regulated streams are presented in the report. Drainage-basin characteristics derived from satellite imagery and channel morphology data were tried in the regression equations but did not improve their accuracy.

Wisconsin↗

Map of mean annual runoff for the Northeastern, Southeastern, and Mid-Atlantic United States, water years 1951-80

A map of mean annual runoff for States within the Northeastern, Southeastern, and Mid-Atlantic United States was prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey for the Direct/Delayed Response Project being conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This map shows mean annual runoff during water years 1951-80. Mean annual runoff from the northeastern region during 1951-80 ranged from less than 12 to greater than 40 inches. Runoff from the southeastern region runoff ranged from less than 12 to greater than 55 inches. In the mid-Atlantic region ranged from less than 10 to greater than 40 inches. Error analysis using 93 gaging stations not used for preparing the runoff map showed that the runoff map could be used to predict runoff with an average error of less than 10%. Errors in runoff estimation averaged about 12% if the locations of the gaging stations were used to estimate runoff instead of computing an area-weighted average over the basin. If the locations of the gaging stations were used to estimate runoff, there also was a significant negative bias of the errors that did not occur if the centroid or a weighted average runoff of the drainage basin were used. The runoff map is expected to be more accurate in areas that have a relatively high concentration of gaging stations and little topographic variability, such as part of the Northeast. Based on these criteria, the least reliably mapped areas would be in the Smokey Mountains along the North Carolina- Tennessee border.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

Runoff for selected sites in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, July 18, 1981, through July 17, 1982

Estimates of runoff for 56 sites within the Shenandoah National Park were made by the U.S. Geological Survey for the Direct/Delayed Response Project that is being conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The purpose of that project is to determine the long-term effects of acidic deposition on surface-water chemistry. Runoff was estimated for the period July 18,1981, through July 17,1982 during which periodic water-quality samples were collected for a study by the U.S. Geological Survey to determine the sensitivity of the area to the current input of acid deposition. The runoff values and waterquality samples will be used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine chemical budgets for 56 watersheds in the Park. The runoff estimates were determined by a graphical-correlation procedure. Six discharge measurements at each site were made when waterquality samples were collected; these were then correlated with the concurrent recorded discharges at one of 13 nearby streamflow-gaging stations. The mean discharge at the gaging station for the subject period was transferred through the relation line to estimate the mean discharge and runoff at the waterquality sampling site. The runoff estimates during the study period ranged from 10.9 to 38.7 inches. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by treating 13 nearby gaging stations as if they were water-quality sampling sites. A comparison of estimated and recorded runoff for the same period showed differences ranging from 28.2 to 49.5 percent, with an absolute average of 14.7 percent.

Virginia↗

Average Annual Runoff in the United States, 1951-80

Runoff is the water in a river or stream that results from precipitation falling on the drainage basin. It is the net discharge into the stream from surface-water and ground-water sources with losses occurring from evapotranspiration and other consumptive uses. Runoff can be expressed by a variety of numerical values, but average depth of water over the drainage basin, in inches per year, probably is the most widely used unit of measurement. The map of average annual runoff (fig. 1), in inches per year, shows the geographical distribution of runoff in tributary streams for the years 1951—80; it describes the magnitudes and variations of runoff nationwide. The map was prepared to reflect the runoff of tributary streams rather than in major rivers in order to represent more accurately the local or small scale variation in runoff with precipitation and other geographical characteristics. The 1951–80 period was selected to conform to the period chosen by the World Meteorological Organization for study of climatic variations. The map should not be used to estimate the streamflow for any specific site. More detailed information for a specific area can be obtained from streamflow data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey, other Federal agencies, and State agencies.

Hydrologic Atlas↗

Prediction of the effects of mine dewatering on four lakes near Crandon, Wisconsin, by use of a water-budget model

The effects of dewatering a proposed zinc and copper mine on water levels of four lakes near Crandon, Wisconsin, were predicted by use of a digital water-budget model of the lakes. The average lake-stage reduction predicted by the model for expected ground-water levels after mine dewatering ranged from 0.21 feet for Duck Lake to 6.9 feet for Little Sand Lake. These stage reductions assume that no water is pumped into the lakes and that no changes are made to the outlet structures. The predicted flow augmentation to the lakes to offset lowering of ground-water levels by mine dewatering range from 8 gallons per minute for Duck Lake to 580 gallons per minute for Little Sand Lake. Because of uncertainty in variables used in the model and in the data used to calibrate the model, the predictions of the model are subject to an undetermined degree of uncertainty.

Wisconsin↗

Hydrologic effects of proposed changes in management practices, Winnebago Pool, Wisconsin

Various changes in the management practices for the Winnebago pool have been proposed. The objectives of the proposed changes are protecting wetlands adjacent to the lakes in the pool and assuring adequate flow in the Fox River downstream from Lake Winnebago. Three proposed operation plans for the Winnebago pool were studied to determine the effects on lake stage and discharge. A digital reservoir model simulated daily lake stage and discharge from the Winnebago pool. Inflow for this simulation was computed from daily discharge, recorded at Rapide Croche Dam, and daily stage, recorded at Oshkosh. This computed inflow is net inflow, combining the effects of streamflow, precipitation, evaporation, and net ground-water inflow. The model was adapted to simulate operation of the Winnebago pool according to each of the proposed plans. Because the important features of each operation plan were expressed in terms of stages to be attained at certain dates, simulated discharge was adjusted daily to keep simulated lake stage close to that specified in the plan. The simulated lake stage for each of the proposed plans exceeded the allowable maximum in some years. However, the simulated stage exceeded the allowable maximum less frequently and for shorter periods than did the observed stage. For the 61 years simulated (water years 1918-78), the simulated 7-day, 10- year low flow ((57,10) at Rapide Croche Dam was 1,000 ft^/s compared with 900 ft^/s for the observed record. The 7-day, 2-year low flow (Qy 2) was 1,500 ft^/s (simulated) versus 1,600 ft3/s (observed). The model predicted that executing the proposed operation plan would result in monthly Q7 JQ for August and September of 1,100 ft-Vs. This is no change for August and a 12-percent increase for September. In addition, the study illustrated that the discharge from the Winnebago pool could be managed to guarantee that the discharge in the Fox River downstream would not fall below a specified discharge up to 1,500 ft^/s. In most years this would have no effect on the stage of the pool. In a few years there would be a conflict between releasing water from the pool to maintain the desired discharge and maintaining water levels above the required minimum stage. The frequency of this possible conflict varies with the level of discharge desired in the Fox River from 1 year in 60 for a discharge of 1,100 ft^/s to about 1 year in 15 for a discharge of 1,500 ft^/s.

Wisconsin↗

Streamflow model of Wisconsin River for estimating flood frequency and volume

A set of daily streamflow-routing models are used to simulate streamflow at 10 sites along the Wisconsin River for water years 1915-76, to determine the effects the reservoir system has on flood discharges. Streamflow is simulated under the following two conditions: (1) No reservoirs are in the system and (2) all of the present reservoirs are in place and operated with current rules. At Wisconsin Dells, 20 miles upstream from Portage, daily streamflow hydrographs are estimated for the 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year floods. These were determined from statistical analysis of the simulated daily streamflows for the condition of all reservoirs in place. The reservoirs have a significant impact on floods. The mean annual flood peak at Wisconsin Dells is lowered about 20% from 43,000 cubic feet per second for the simulated, unregulated condition to 34,000 cubic feet per second for the simulated, regulated condition. The 100-year flood peak at Wisconsin Dells is reduced about 10% (92,000 to 82,000 cubic feet per second) between the simulated, unregulated and simulated, regulated conditions. The 100-year flood peak at Wisconsin Dells, computed from the simulated, regulated streamflow data for the period 1915-76, is 82,000 cubic feet per second, including the effects of all the reservoirs in the river system, as they are currently operated. It also includes the effects of Lakes Du Bay, Petenwell, and Castle Rock which are significant for spring floods but are insignificant for summer or fall floods because they are normally maintained nearly full in the summer and fall and have very little storage for floodwaters. (USGS)

Wisconsin↗

Simulation of streamflow of Rock River at Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin, to determine effects of withdrawal of powerplant-cooling water

A flow-routing model was used to simulate 44 years of stage data from Lake Koshkonong, Wis., and streamflow data from the Rock River downstream from the lake. The simulation was repeated for five possible degrees of consumptive use, ranging from zero to an annual average of 40 cubic feet per second. A minimum release rule was applied to the simulated operation of the dam at Indianford to guarantee at least the 7-day, 10-year low-flow discharge in the Rock River downstream from Lake Koshkonong. The simulated stage of Lake Koshkonong with consumptive use at 40 cubic feet per second was as much as 0.42 feet lower than the simulated stage with zero consumptive use for the same period. Duration of drawdown below the regulatory minimum stage of 11.8 feet, occurring once in 10 years, increased from 83 to 132 days as consumptive use increased from 0 to 40 cubic feet per second.

Wisconsin↗

Probable maximum flood at Lake Chippewa near Winter, Wisconsin

The probable maximum flood was computed for Lake Chippewa, Wisconsin, and routed through the lake to determine maximum lake stage. The peak discharge of the probable maximum flood at Lake Chippewa was computed to be about 75,000 cubic feet per second, primarily caused by rainfall on the lake. A secondary peak of about 41,000 cubic feet per second was due to streamflow entering Lake Chippewa. The 14-day volume of this flood was 450 ,000 acre-feet. Using an assumed operating procedure for Winter Dam, the maximum lake stage for the probable maximum flood was computed to be about 1,318 feet above mean sea level--about 3 feet below the dam crest and 6 feet above the proposed normal summer operating level. The probability of this flood occurring in any year is less than 1 in 10,000. (Woodard-USGS)

Wisconsin↗

Simulation of streamflow of Flambeau River at Park Falls, Wisconsin to define low-flow characteristics

Daily streamflows of the Flambeau River at Park Falls, Wisconsin , were simulated for a 31-year period. Streamflow was simulated using a streamflow-routing model. These simulated daily flows were analyzed for summer (June 1-October 31) low-flow frequency. The resultant 7-day, 10-year summer low flow is 260 cubic feet per second. The standard error of estimate for this 10-year-frequency low flow is equivalent to the standard error of estimate for 16 years of gaging-station records.

Wisconsin↗

Analysis of operational plan for Lake Chippewa near Winter, Wisconsin

Historical inflows into Lake Chippewa for 39 years of record were analyzed to determine the possibility of operating the flowage within a 2-foot (0.6-metre) range of stage while maintaining a minimum discharge of 57 cubic feet per second (1.6 cubic metres per second) and limiting the maximum discharge to 7,000 cubic feet per second (200 cubic metres per second). This proposed operating plan could be followed successfully most of the time. Some periods of low flow, mainly in winter, would require drawdowns below the minimum stage to maintain minimum discharge. Occasional large floods occurring about once in 5 years would require surcharges over the maximum stage to limit the maximum discharge. The flowage could be filled from minimum to maximum stage withing 45 days (frequently fewer) starting from April 1.

Wisconsin↗