Computation of low-flow statistics at continuous-record streamgages and regionalization of selected low-flow characteristics for streams in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina Active
This ongoing USGS study for Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina aims to (1) compute low-flow statistics at selected continuous-record streamgages in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina and to (2) develop regional regression equations for a subset of those low-flow characteristics for streams that are not substantially affected by tides, regulation, diversions, or other anthropogenic influences. Staff with the USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center are collaborating with partner agencies in each state to jointly complete this regional study. Plans for this study include implementing the techniques derived for estimating low-flow characteristics at ungaged stream locations into the USGS StreamStats applications for each state.
For Georgia, the techniques from this study will replace those published in 2017 for ungaged stream locations in North Georgia. In South Carolina, the techniques will be the first available for estimating low-flow statistics for this state. And for North Carolina, the techniques will replace those published for this state in 1993 as well as the the decades-long practice of USGS North Carolina responses to site-specific low-flow requests.
The study began in April 2022 and will end in March 2026. Project activities will occur in two main phases (described below).
Phase 1: Compute low-flow statistics at USGS streamgages in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
- Data retrieval and QA/QC analyses
- Compute/review low-flow frequency, flow duration, mean annual flow statistics
- GIS computation and review of explanatory variables
Phase 2: Use a subset of those streamgages in combination with basin characteristics to develop regional regression equations that can be used to estimate low-flow frequency statistics at ungaged stream locations.
- Exploratory analyses and initial regressions
- Final regression analyses
- Report preparation and publication
- Data release preparation and publication
- Implementation of regression equations into StreamStats
Number of sites (by state) with minimum 10 years of record (or 3650 daily discharges):
| State | NC | GA | SC | TN | VA | AL | FL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Gages | 351 | 351 | 142 | 71 | 50 | 19 | 16 |
- Overview
This ongoing USGS study for Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina aims to (1) compute low-flow statistics at selected continuous-record streamgages in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina and to (2) develop regional regression equations for a subset of those low-flow characteristics for streams that are not substantially affected by tides, regulation, diversions, or other anthropogenic influences. Staff with the USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center are collaborating with partner agencies in each state to jointly complete this regional study. Plans for this study include implementing the techniques derived for estimating low-flow characteristics at ungaged stream locations into the USGS StreamStats applications for each state.
For Georgia, the techniques from this study will replace those published in 2017 for ungaged stream locations in North Georgia. In South Carolina, the techniques will be the first available for estimating low-flow statistics for this state. And for North Carolina, the techniques will replace those published for this state in 1993 as well as the the decades-long practice of USGS North Carolina responses to site-specific low-flow requests.
The study began in April 2022 and will end in March 2026. Project activities will occur in two main phases (described below).
Phase 1: Compute low-flow statistics at USGS streamgages in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
- Data retrieval and QA/QC analyses
- Compute/review low-flow frequency, flow duration, mean annual flow statistics
- GIS computation and review of explanatory variables
Phase 2: Use a subset of those streamgages in combination with basin characteristics to develop regional regression equations that can be used to estimate low-flow frequency statistics at ungaged stream locations.
- Exploratory analyses and initial regressions
- Final regression analyses
- Report preparation and publication
- Data release preparation and publication
- Implementation of regression equations into StreamStats
Number of sites (by state) with minimum 10 years of record (or 3650 daily discharges):
State NC GA SC TN VA AL FL Number of Gages 351 351 142 71 50 19 16
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsLow Flow Regionalization Study Site Map for Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina - Partners