Effectiveness of the streamflow-gaging network in Kentucky in providing regional streamflow information

This report describes the results of an analysis of the effectiveness of the strearnflow-gaging network in Kentucky in providing regional streamflow information. The data available for analysis included streamflow-gaging stations in Kentucky and selected stations in adjoining States. One phase of the analysis determined the increased effectiveness of the network if hypothetical new stations were added to it. The analysis was based on the principles of generalized least squares regression. The results indicated that new stations having small drainage areas (less than 100 square miles) produced the greatest reduction in average sampling-error variance from current conditions in the mean-flow analysis. Only stations with drainage areas ranging from 200 to 450 square miles produced a significant effect on the low-flow analysis. Data from new stations having small drainage areas (less than 100 square miles) and fairly steep slopes (25 feet per mile) would make the greatest improvement in peak-flow information.