Hydrology of the lower Little Red River, Arkansas, and a procedure for estimating available streamflow

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission, conducted a hydrologic investigation of the lower Little Red River from near Searcy, Arkansas (mi 31.7), to the river 's mouth at its confluence with the White River. During 1983 and 1984, data were collected on streamflow, stream altitude, groundwater altitude and diversion pumping from the Little Red River. Flow in the Little Red River near Searcy is computed by using a modified stage/fall/discharge relation and stage data collected at Searcy and at Judsonia 6.5 mi downstream. This procedure uses a family of 12 rating curves that can be selected by stage records at Searcy and fall records between Searcy and Judsonia. A comparison of water levels in the river to water levels in selected alluvial wells near the river indicates that the Little Red is a gaining stream during summer and fall low periods and is a losing stream during periods of high flow. Flows in the lower Little Red River are also significantly affected by releases from Greers Ferry Reservoir at mi 78.8 and by varying backwater conditions resulting from high stages on the White River. To meet the expressed needs of the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission, a mass balance procedure was developed to be used for estimating the amount of streamflow available along a reach of stream, given a minimum instream flow requirement set by the regulating authority. This procedure was coded into a computer program that can be invoked interactively as an aid in making streamflow allocation decisions and in maintaining related data bases. (USGS)