Floods of March-April 1973 in southeastern United States

Floods during March-April 1973 were the greatest of record on many streams in nine major river basins in seven Southeastern States. The major thrust of the flood extended throughout the central part of the Tennessee River basin and into adjacent basins. Recurrence intervals of peak discharges exceeded 100 years at 28 streamflow gaging stations. Major flooding occurred both on streams with flood-control reservoirs and on those which had none. Substantial reductions in peak stages and discharges in the Cumberland and Tennessee River basins were attained as a result of reservoir storage regulation. Seven lives were lost and total damage reportedly exceeded $60 million. The report presents an analysis of the storm and rainfall distribution; summaries of flood stages and discharges at 490 streamflow gaging stations, stages and contents of 45 reservoirs, flood crest stages, and hydrograph data consisting of gage height, discharge, and accumulated runoff at selected times at 92 gaging stations. The availability of aerial photographs obtained during the flood is summarized and flood damages are discussed. (Woodard-USGS)