Scientific Investigations Map 3251

Sheet 1 of 20

Pamphlet accompanies map

Flood-Inundation Map for Spencer, Indiana

Corresponding to a Stage of 9 Feet and an Elevation of 534.63 Feet 

at U.S. Geological Survey 

Streamgage Number 03357000 on the White River

By

Elizabeth A. Nystrom

2013

White 

River

Meadowbrook Creek 

McCormicks Creek 

EllistonCreek 

46

231

03357000

67

46

SOUTH MAIN STREET

231 67

46 231 67

EAST FRANKLIN STREET

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 (water-surface elevations) 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 December 2011. 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 are described in the document accompanying this set of flood inundation map sheets.

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 (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

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.

Study

area

INDIANA

0.5 0 0.5 KILOMETER

0.5 0 0.5 MILE

NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM of 1988 (NAVD 88)

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Suggested citation:

Nystrom, E.A., 2012, Flood-inundation maps for the White River 

at Spencer, Indiana: U.S. Geological Survey 

Scientific Investigations Map 3251, 20 sheets, 8-p. pamphlet. 

http://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3251/.

Prepared in cooperation with the

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs 

Projection: Transverse Mercator

North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83)

State Plane Coordinate System, Indiana West, FIPS 1302

Orthophotography from Indiana Spatial Data Portal, 

National Agriculture Imagery Program 2010, 

available at http://gis.iu.edu/

Publishing support provided by:

Columbus Publishing Service Center

Manuscript approved for publication February 20, 2013

For more information concerning

this publication, contact:

Director, Indiana Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey

5957 Lakeside Boulevard

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://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3251/. 

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

EXPLANATION

46

231

USGS streamgage

and number

Limits of study area U.S. route marker

State road marker

Flood-inundation area

Flow arrow—Indicates

direction of water flow

03357000

39°16’

39°16’30”

39°17’

39°17’30”

39°18’

39°18’30”

86°47’ 86°46’30” 86°46’ 86°45’30” 86°45’ 86°44’30” 86°44’

39°16’

39°16’30”

39°17’

39°17’30”

39°18’

39°18’30”

86°47’ 86°46’30” 86°46’ 86°45’30” 86°45’ 86°44’30” 86°44’