Flood data for the Sacramento River and Butte Basin, 1878 to 1978, Sacramento Valley, California

Streamflow data at various locations were assembled for the Sacramento River between Red Bluff and Meridian, Calif., and for Butte Basin, which serves as an overflow basin during periods of flooding. Data were obtained from various Federal and State agencies and private sources to document the magnitude of flooding from 1875 to 1978. The assembled data include annual maximum flood stages and discharges for the period of record at gaging stations, and flood stages at numerous staff gages, crest-stage gages, and high-water mark sites throughout the study area. Tabulations of floodflow measurements made at or near gaging stations, including the cross-sectional area of the channel and velocities, are presented. Cross sections of the Sacramento River near Chico Landing surveyed in 1978 and earlier surveys to show the size of Butte Basin have been included. A detailed list of references is presented giving the sources of the data included in this report. Many of these sources present detailed descriptions of flooding at various sites. (USGS)