- States that with the frequency of heavy precipitation increasing across most of the U.S., it follows that streamflow levels may be increasing as well
- Analyzes streamflow data at more than 2,100 active gauges
- Finds that the number of days with high stream flow (the top 25 percent of readings) has risen over the past 30 years (1987-2016) in the largest rivers of the U.S., including the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi
- States that heavy precipitation is the key element driving streamflow, although urbanization and the reduction of permeable surfaces also play roles, as does the engineering of dams and levees
- States that the increasing number of days with high streamflow indicates that the risk for stream and river flooding is also on the rise
- Examines the streamflow data for additional seasonal trends
- Finds that in addition to heavy rain, spring snow melt can also play a role in streamflow
- Finds some of largest increases in high streamflow days in Upper Mississippi River Valley and the Northwest during the spring
Related Content
Headline
Nov 27, 2017 | The Weather Channel via Associated Press
Discovery of Oklahoma Woman's Body Brings Late-April Midwest, South Storms Death Toll to 22
Headline
May 31, 2017 | Bloomberg
Why Rains and Flooding Are Plaguing America
Headline
May 25, 2017 | St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Parks and campgrounds hit by Missouri flooding are ready for summer tourists
Headline
May 17, 2017 | Inside Climate News
Extreme weather flooding the Midwest looks a lot like climate change
