Alaska Flood Hydrology

Examine peak-streamflow trends and flood-generating mechanisms for Alaska

Abstract

Annual peak streamflows form the basis for analysis of flood frequency and magnitude, used widely for design of critical public infrastructure and analysis of aquatic resources. Consideration of changes to peak streamflow over time in response to climate variability has become a critical component of planning for public safety and water resources stewardship. Investigations of peak streamflow trends for the U.S. note the presence of positive and negative trends in some locations but specific data for Alaska is limited. In cooperation with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, the USGS Alaska Science Center is using USGS streamflow daily and peak streamflow records to assess peak streamflow trends and associate peak streamflows with the primary processes flood-generating mechanisms, typically snowmelt, glacier melt, and rainfall, found in Alaska.

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Products

Title	Type
Estimating flood magnitude and frequency at gaged and ungaged sites on streams in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada, based on data through water year 2012	Publication
Identification of Seasonal Streamflow Regimes and Streamflow Drivers for Daily and Peak Flows in Alaska	Publication
Streamgage Attributes, Basin Characteristics, and Seasonal Flow Regimes, Selected Streamgages in Alaska, 1914-2017	Data

Contacts

Curran, Janet H., 907-786-7128

Status: onGoing
Start Year: 2017
End Year: 2020

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Collaborators

Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

USGS Mission Area and Program

Water → Cooperative Water Program

Keywords

Terrestrial Hydrosphere > Surface Water > Discharge/Flow