Science Source
Climate Central
Published date May 10, 2017
High Streamflow is Increasing, Raising Flood Risks
- 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
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