USGS Records Historic Christmas Flooding in Arkansas
Source U.S. Geological Survey
More than 30 streamgages in Arkansas operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) experienced a “top 10” flood during the Christmas weekend, meaning this flood event was one of the ten largest flood events ever recorded at these streamgages.
“Unfortunately, the Christmas floods are ones for the record books,” said Jonathan Gillip, a USGS hydrologist based in Little Rock. “At some streamgages, particularly in the northwestern part of the state, we’ve seen water levels and data indicating this was one of the top one or two floods ever recorded by the USGS in that area.”
USGS streamgages provide real-time information to emergency managers, to the National Weather Service to assist with flood forecasting and to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where it is used for flood control.
The Arkansas River continues to experience unusual flooding as well. As of Dec. 28, data collected by the USGS indicates that water levels along the Arkansas River are approaching the historic 1990 flood levels.
“Our crews have been measuring the flow along the Arkansas, and at several locations we’ve had trouble accessing the river to make measurements because it is so high,” said Gillip.
Teams of USGS hydrographers are traveling to streamflow-gaging stations to keep station instruments operating and to verify streamflow data needed for National Weather Service flood forecasts. USGS personnel have worked closely with federal, state, and local agencies during the flood to provide flood information for emergency managers, the media and the public. River and stream levels at USGS streamflow-gaging stations in Arkansas can be observed through the USGS Water Resources in Arkansas site.
The USGS operates a network of more than 7,500 streamgages nationwide, with more than 170 located in Arkansas.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
