History of irrigation and characteristics of streamflow in Nebraska, part of the North and South Platte River basins

More than 80 years of streamflow records have been collected in Nebraska. Such records are essential in planning water developments and managing water resources. Their value can be enhanced if the records are analyzed statistically. This report presents statistics on the flow of streams in the North and South Platte River basins. Major irrigation projects have been constructed in the basins since gaging of streams was begun, and the records of stream discharge at gaging stations show the effects on streamflow of those developments. Streamflow records presented in this report were computed from data that represent 1973 conditions.

All reservoirs on the North Platte River above Lake McConaughy are in Wyoming. The operation of those reservoirs and irrigation projects has a direct effect on the characteristics of streamflow in the Nebraska part of the basin. A brief description of the present river system is presented.