Publication Citation

USGS Series Circular
Report Number 1120-F
Title Propagation and composition of the flood wave on the upper Mississippi River, 1993
Edition -
Language ENGLISH
Author(s) Moody, John A.
Year 1995
Originating office
USGS Library Call Number (200) Ci no.1120-F
Physical description vi, 21 p. :ill. (some col.), col. map ;28 cm.28 cm.
ISBN

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Abstract

The flood wave on the upper Mississippi River started downstream near St. Paul, Minnesota, in June 1993. The maximum discharge propagated downstream at about 50 kilometers per day and was 5 to 7 times the mean daily discharge at streamgaging sites on the river. The propagation speed of the flood wave was influenced more by hydrologic factors such as tributary inflow and flood-plain storage than by hydraulic factors. The maximum discharge at St. Louis, Missouri (29,700 m3/s) occurred on August 1, 1993; but because of flood-plain storage resulting from levee failures and seepage through and under levees downstream, the maximum discharge at Thebes, Illinois, (27,700 m>3/s) did not occur until August 7 which was about 4 days later than normal.