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Flood-inundation maps for the Cuyahoga River in and near Independence, Ohio, 2024

December 16, 2024

Digital flood-inundation maps for a 9.9-mile reach of the Cuyahoga River in and near Independence, Ohio, were created by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees. Water-surface profiles were computed for the stream reach by using a one-dimensional steady-state step-backwater model. The model was calibrated to the current (2024) stage-streamflow relation (rating curve 43.0) for the USGS streamgage 04208000, Cuyahoga River at Independence, Ohio. The resulting hydraulic model was then used to compute 13 water-surface profiles for water levels (flood stages) ranging from 14.00 to 26.00 feet. The flood stages range from “action stage” to above “major flood stage” as reported by the National Weather Service. The simulated water-surface profiles were then used in combination with a digital elevation model derived from light detection and ranging data to map the inundated areas associated with each flood profile.

The flood-inundation maps and the supporting hydraulic model produced by this study can be used by emergency managers and local officials to assess flood mitigation strategies and to define flood hazard areas to protect life and property, to coordinate flood response activities such as evacuations and road closures, and to aid postflood recovery efforts.

Publication Year 2024
Title Flood-inundation maps for the Cuyahoga River in and near Independence, Ohio, 2024
DOI 10.3133/sir20245122
Authors Chad J. Ostheimer, Matthew T. Whitehead
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Scientific Investigations Report
Series Number 2024-5122
Index ID sir20245122
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
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