BACKWATER AT BRIDGES AND DENSELY WOODED FLOOD PLAINS AT SELECTED SITES IN ALABAMA, LOUISIANA, AND MISSISSIPPI
The U.S. Geological Survey has collected backwater data where wide, densely vegetated flood plains are crossed by highway embankments and single-opening bridges. This work was done in cooperation with the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, the Alabama State Highway Department, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and the Mississippi State Highway Department. The objective of this cooperative project was to present the data in a format conducive to the development of improved models for predicting hydraulic responses of flow at highway crossings of streams in complex hydrologic and geographic settings.

Data were collected at 22 sites for 35 floods; that is, 11 sites had 1 flood each; 9 sites, 2 floods each; and 2 sites, 3 floods each. Analysis of the data (Schneider and others, 1976) showed that backwater and discharge at these sites computed by methods in use in the 1970's would be inaccurate. The flood flow data are unique in the range and detail in which information was collected and provide a base for evaluating digital models relating to open-channel flow.
Map showing location of 22 sites for 35 floods in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi
Tallahalla Creek at Waldrup
Bogue Chitto near Johnston Station
Bogue Chitto near Summit, MS
Coldwater River near Red Banks, MS
Lobutcha Creek at Zama, MS
Okatoma Creek East of Magee, MS
Okatoma Creek near Magee, MS
Thompson Creek near Clara, MS
West Fork Amite River near Liberty, MS
Yockanookany River near Thomastown, MS
Alexander Creek near St. Francisville, LA
Beaver Creek near Kentwood, LA
Comite River near Olive Branch, MS
Cypress Creek near Downsville, LA
Flagon Bayou near Libuse, LA
Little Bayou DeLouter near Truxno, LA
Tenmile Creek near Elizabeth, LA
Buckhorn Creek near Shiloh, AL
Pea Creek near Louisville, AL
Poley Creek near Sanford, AL
Yellow River near Sanford, AL
Whitewater Creek near Tarentum, AL
These publications were prepared in cooperation with the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Mississippi Department of Transportation - www.gomdot.com