UNCERTAINTIES AND LIMITATIONS FOR USE OF FLOOD-INUNDATION MAPS

Although the flood-inundation maps represent the boundaries of inundated areas with a distinct line, some uncertainty is associated with these maps. The flood boundaries shown were estimated based on water stages and streamflows at selected USGS streamgages. Water-surface elevations along the stream reaches were estimated by steady-state hydraulic modeling, 

assuming unobstructed flow, and using streamflows and hydrologic conditions anticipated at the USGS streamgage(s). The hydraulic model reflects the land-cover characteristics and any bridge, dam, levee, or other hydraulic structures existing as of August 2012. Unique meteorological factors (timing and distribution of precipitation) may cause actual streamflows along the 

modeled reach to vary from those assumed during a flood, which may lead to deviations in the water-surface elevations and inundation boundaries shown. Additional areas may be flooded due to unanticipated conditions such as: changes in the streambed elevation or roughness, backwater into major tributaries along a main stem river, or backwater from localized debris or 

ice jams. The accuracy of the floodwater extent portrayed on these maps will vary with the accuracy of the digital elevation model used to simulate the land surface. Additional uncertainties and limitations pertinent to this study may be described elsewhere in this report.

If this series of flood-inundation maps will be used in conjunction with National Weather Service (NWS) river forecasts, the user should be aware of additional uncertainties that may be inherent or factored into NWS forecast procedures. The NWS uses forecast models to estimate the quantity and timing of water flowing through selected stream reaches in the United States. 

These forecast models (1) estimate the amount of runoff generated by precipitation and snowmelt, (2) simulate the movement of floodwater as it proceeds downstream, and (3) predict the flow and stage (and water-surface elevation) for the stream at a given location (AHPS forecast point) throughout the forecast period (every 6 hours and 3 to 5 days out in many locations). For 

more information on AHPS forecasts, please see: http://water.weather.gov/ahps/pcpn_and_river_forecasting.pdf.

DISCLAIMER FOR FLOOD-INUNDATION MAPS

Inundated areas shown should not be used for navigation, regulatory, permitting, or other legal 

purposes. The USGS provides these maps “as-is” for a quick reference, emergency planning 

tool but assumes no legal liability or responsibility resulting from the use of this information.

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Prepared in cooperation with the

Indiana Department of Transportation 

Scientific Investigations Map 3274

Sheet 1 of 20

Pamphlet accompanies map

Projection: Transverse Mercator Horizontal coordinate 

information is referenced to the 

North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83)

Orthophotography from Indiana Statewide Imagery and LiDAR 

Program 2011, available at http://gis.iu.edu/

Publishing support provided by: 

Columbus Publishing Service Center

Manuscript approved for publication September 24, 2013

For more information concerning 

this publication, contact:

Director, Indiana Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey

5957 Lakeside Blvd.

Indianapolis, IN 46278

(317) 290–3333

Or visit the Indiana Water Science Center Web site at:

http://in.water.usgs.gov/

This report is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sim3274 

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is 

for descriptive purposes only and does not 

imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

This and other USGS information products are available at:

http://store.usgs.gov/ 

U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286

Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225

To learn about the USGS and its information products visit

http://www.usgs.gov/ 

1-888-ASK-USGS

Suggested citation:

Fowler, K.K., 2014, Flood-inundation maps for the East Fork White River near Bedford, Indiana: U.S. Geological 

Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3274, 20 sheets, 8-p. pamphlet, http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sim3274

ISSN 2329-132X (online)

NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM 1988 (NAVD 88)

Flood-Inundation Map for Bedford, Indiana, Corresponding to a Stage of 20.00 Feet and an 

Elevation of 493.20 Feet (NAVD88) at U.S. Geological Survey Streamgage 

Number 03371500 on the East Fork White River 

By

Kathleen K. Fowler 

2014

SCALE 1:24 000

0 0.5 1 2 MILES

0 0.5 1 2 KILOMETERS

86°30' 86°28' 86°26' 86°24'

38°50'

38°48'

38°46'

EXPLANATION

37

USGS streamgage and number

Limit of study area State route marker

Flood-inundation area

Flow arrow—Indicates direction

of water flow

03371500

INDIANA

Study area

03371500

Bedford

37

37

BUDDHA ROAD

CSX RAIL ROAD

White

River

Leatherwood

Creek

East

Fork