Peak Streamflow Estimation For Kentucky Streams Using Historical Streamflow Records

This work develops a method of estimating peak daily streamflow, Q peak, for Kentucky streams using daily average streamflow, Q ave, data from the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) National Water Information System (NWIS) website. The purpose of doing this is to develop a systematic approach to increase the number of Q peak values available for frequency analysis. Specifically, the enhanced record of Q peak values will allow estimation of flood flow magnitudes with recurrence intervals of less than one year. Stream gages with drainage areas less than 1,000 square miles are examined to analyze stream corridors that are most commonly considered for stream restoration projects. The developed method is applied to three stream gages for a period of one year each to demonstrate how it may be applied increase the number of Q peak values available for frequency analysis.