Minnesota StreamStats

StreamStats for Minnesota incorporates regression equations for estimating instantaneous peak-flow frequencies, low-flow frequencies and flow durations. Equations are available for estimating peak flows with annual exceedance probabilities of 66.7, 50, 20, 10, 4, 2, 1, and 0.002 percent, which correspond to recurrence intervals of 1.5, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 years, respectively. In addition, equations are available for estimating annual and seasonal 7-, 30-, and 112-day low flow that recur on average once in 10 years, and for estimating daily streamflows that exceeded between 99.99 and 0.01 percent of the time.

The reports below document the regression equations available in StreamStats, the methods used to develope the equations and to measure the basin characteristics used in the equations, and the errors associated with the estimates. Users should familiarize themselves with these reports before using StreamStats to obtain estimates of streamflow statistics for ungaged sites.

• Sanocki, C.A., and Levin, S.B., 2023, Techniques for estimating the magnitude and frequency of peak flows on small streams in Minnesota, excluding the Rainy River Basin, based on data through water year 2019: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5079, 15 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235079.
• Ziegeweid J.R. Lorenz D.L. Sanocki C.A. and Czuba C.R., 2015, Methods for estimating flow-duration curve and low-flow frequency statistics for ungaged locations on small streams in Minnesota: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2015–5170, 23 p.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed machine‑learning models to predict suspended‑sediment concentrations and bedload transport in Minnesota rivers, especially where physical sediment data are limited or unavailable. These models use streamflow, watershed characteristics, and streamflow‑change rates to explain about 70% of variability, improving sediment estimates. The models are integrated into the USGS StreamStats application, and you can learn more and explore the tool on the StreamStats website: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/upper-midwest-water-science-center/science/fluvial-sediment-estimates-streamstats#overview.

Click on this link to obtain general information on the Minnesota application, as well as specific sources and computation methods for basin characteristics.