Low flows during the 1988 drought in Tennessee

A severe drought occurred across large areas of Tennessee during the summer of 1988. Rainfall totaled 39.4 inches in 1988 and was 8.8 inches below the 1951-80 normal of 48.2 inches. An intensive streamflow measurement program was begun in July 1988. Minimum flows measured in summer 1988 were shown along the 3-day 20-year recurrence-interval minimum flow at selected sites throughout Tennessee. Specific conductance and water temperature data collected at the measurement sites are presented. (USGS)