Flood flow estimation for stream restoration applications in Kentucky streams

The following study develops flood frequency curves based on drainage area for various physiographic hydrologic regions in Kentucky. The log-Pearson Type III distribution is used to obtain the flow magnitudes corresponding to select recurrence interval discharges of interest. Stream gages with an annual peak records greater than 10 years and drainage areas less than 1000 square miles are examined to analyze stream corridors that are frequently considered for stream restoration projects. The developed flood frequency curves are used to compare the variation in magnitude between select recurrence interval flood flows.