Prepared in cooperation with Holmes County, Ohio

Development of Flood Profiles and Flood-Inundation Maps 

for the Village of Killbuck, Ohio

Open-File Report 2013–1032

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
Cover photograph: U.S. Route 62 bridge over Killbuck Creek, just downstream from the Village of Killbuck, Ohio; view from 

middle of stream looking south at upstream bridge face (photo by Chad Ostheimer, U.S. Geological Survey).
Prepared in cooperation with Holmes County, Ohio

Development of Flood Profiles and Flood-Inundation 

Maps for the Village of Killbuck, Ohio

By Chad J. Ostheimer

Open-File Report 2013–1032

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
ii

U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Suzette M. Kimball, Acting Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2013 

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Suggested citation:

Ostheimer, C.J., 2013, Development of flood profiles and flood-inundation maps for the Village of Killbuck, Ohio: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2013–1032, 8 p., http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2013/1032/. 

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iii

Contents

Abstract .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Description of the Study Area..................................................................................................................................... 2

Purpose and Scope.................................................................................................................................................... 4

Hydrologic Analyses ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Regression Estimates ................................................................................................................................................ 4

Stage-Discharge Relation .......................................................................................................................................... 4

Hydraulic Modeling ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

Steady-State Modeling and Calibration...................................................................................................................... 5

Disclaimer for Flood-Inundation Maps ................................................................................................................ 6

Uncertainties and Limitations Regarding Use of Flood-Inundation Maps............................................................ 7

Summary ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7

References Cited ........................................................................................................................................................... 8

Figures

Figure 1. Map of study area showing Killbuck Creek, its major tributaries, and the Village of Killbuck, Ohio....... 3

Tables

Table 1. Summary of existing Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Studies 

(FIS) for selected streams in Holmes County......................................................................................... 2

Table 2. Summary of Killbuck Creek basin characteristics applied in the regression equations........................... 5

Table 3. Summary of gage-weighted flood-peak discharge estimates and rating- derived discharges 

for selected National Weather Service designated stages at USGS streamgage Killbuck Creek near 

Killbuck (03139000). .............................................................................................................................. 5

Table 4. Summary of final Manning’s roughness coefficients used in the hydraulic model................................... 6
iv

Conversion Factors

Multiply By To obtain

Length

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

Area

square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2) 

Flow rate

cubic foot per second (ft3/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second (m3/s)

Hydraulic gradient

foot per mile (ft/mi) 0.1894 meter per kilometer (m/km)

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88).

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).

Elevation, as used in this report, refers to distance above the vertical datum.
1 

Development of Flood Profiles and Flood-Inundation Maps 

for the Village of Killbuck, Ohio

By Chad J. Ostheimer

Abstract

Digital flood-inundation maps for a reach of Killbuck Creek near the Village of Killbuck, Ohio, 

were created by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Holmes County, Ohio. The 

inundation maps depict estimates of the areal extent of flooding corresponding to water levels (stages) at 

the USGS streamgage Killbuck Creek near Killbuck (03139000) and were completed as part of an 

update to Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood-Insurance Study. The maps were provided to 

the National Weather Service (NWS) for incorporation into a Web-based flood-warning system that can 

be used in conjunction with NWS flood-forecast data to show areas of predicted flood inundation 

associated with forecasted flood-peak stages. The digital maps also have been submitted for inclusion in 

the data libraries of the USGS interactive Flood Inundation Mapper. Data from the streamgage can be 

used by emergency-management personnel, in conjunction with the flood-inundation maps, to help 

determine a course of action when flooding is imminent. 

Flood profiles for selected reaches were prepared by calibrating a steady-state step-backwater 

model to an established streamgage rating curve. The step-backwater model then was used to determine 

water-surface-elevation profiles for 10 flood stages at the streamgage with corresponding streamflows 

ranging from approximately the 50- to 0.2-percent annual exceedance probabilities. The computed flood 

profiles were used in combination with digital elevation data to delineate flood-inundation areas. 

Introduction

The development of this set of flood profiles and flood-inundation maps originated in July 2007 

as an update to the 1986 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Study (FIS) 

for the Village of Killbuck, Ohio (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1986, 1990) (table 1). 

Discussions between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Village of Killbuck, and the Holmes 

County Engineer’s Office resulted in the prioritization of tasks and adoption of a scope of work for this 

study effort. A single stream reach of Killbuck Creek was selected for study within Holmes County. The 

USGS was tasked to develop a step-backwater model and generate digital flood boundaries for the 50-, 

20-, 10-, 4-, 2-, 1-, and 0.2-percent annual exceedance probability (AEP) flood profiles for Killbuck 

Creek.

Subsequent discussions were held with the National Weather Service (NWS) concerning the 

development of a flood warning system (FWS) for the Village of Killbuck. The system consists of NWS 

flood forecasts based on data from USGS streamgage Killbuck Creek near Killbuck (03139000) and a 

family of flood-boundary shapefiles1. The corresponding flood-boundary shapefile nearest to the NWS 

predicted peak was to be served on the NWS Web site. As a result of the NWS discussions, the project 

 

1 Shapefiles are actually groups of files sharing a common root file name. Shapefiles minimally consist of a main file, an 

index file, and a database file. Geometric features are stored as a set of vector coordinates with associated attribute 

information. Shapefiles do not explicitly store topological relationships.
2 

scope was expanded to include three additional profiles corresponding to National Weather Service 

designated stages of flood stage, moderate flood stage, and major flood stage. All work was completed 

in March 2008. The shapefiles have since been submitted for inclusion in the data libraries of the USGS 

interactive Flood Inundation Mapper (http://wim.usgs.gov/FIMI/).

Table 1. Summary of existing Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) for selected 

streams in Holmes County. 

Stream

name FIS date Study name Communitynumber

Level of

study

Killbuck Creek 1986 Village of Killbuck, Ohio, Holmes County1 390279 Detailed

Killbuck Creek 1990 Holmes County, Ohio, and incorporated Areas

390277

Detailed

390278

390279

390280

390276

1

The 1986 Village of Killbuck FIS was later republished as part of the 1990 Holmes County FIS.

Description of the Study Area

Holmes County, located in northeast-central Ohio approximately 55 miles northeast of Columbus 

(fig. 1), covers approximately 424 square miles and has an estimated population of 42,000 (U.S. Census 

Bureau, 2010). The Village of Killbuck has an estimated population of 800, making it the third largest 

community within Holmes County. Holmes County is in the Appalachian Plateaus physiographic 

province and is split between the Glaciated Allegheny Plateaus section in the north and Unglaciated 

Allegheny Plateaus section in the south (Ohio Division of Geological Survey, 1998). The relief in 

Holmes County varies with location (gently rolling hills in the north to steep slopes and ridges in the 

south) with altitudes ranging from about 790 to 1,410 feet. The county is predominantly rural, with 

about two-thirds of the land in use for crops and pasture. Approximately 60 percent of Holmes County 

drains to Killbuck Creek (a tributary of the Walhonding River). The remaining area of Holmes County 

drains to other tributaries of the Walhonding River and to tributaries of the Tuscarawas River. The 

Walhonding and Tuscarawas Rivers join to form the Muskingum River, which drains to the Ohio River. 

Study-reach limits for Killbuck Creek are shown in figure 1. 
3 

Figure 1. Map of study area showing Killbuck Creek, its major tributaries, and the Village of Killbuck, Ohio. 
4 

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this report is to describe the development of a series of estimated floodinundation maps for Killbuck Creek near Killbuck, Ohio. The maps and other useful flood information 

are available on the USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Science Web site (http://wim.usgs.gov/FIMI/) and 

the NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service Web site 

(http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=cle&gage=kilo1). Internet users can select 

estimated inundation maps that correspond to (1) current stages at the USGS streamgage, (2) the NWS 

forecasted peak stage, or (3) other desired stream stages. 

Hydrologic Analyses

The USGS determined 10 flood profiles for Killbuck Creek. Seven flood profiles were for 

estimates of the 50-, 20-, 10-, 4-, 2-, 1-, and 0.2-percent AEP flood-peak discharges. The three 

remaining flood profiles were determined for discharges corresponding to NWS designated stages of

flood stage, moderate flood stage, and major flood stage.

No reduction in flow was made for the reach of Killbuck Creek upstream from Shrimplin Creek. 

The drainage area of Shrimplin Creek (10.1 square miles) is small compared to the drainage area of 

Killbuck Creek above Shrimplin Creek (416 square miles). The difference in discharge estimates for 

Killbuck Creek downstream and upstream from the confluence with Shrimplin Creek were assumed to 

be insignificant. This assumption also provides a conservative solution for computation of the flood 

profiles affecting the northern limits of the Village of Killbuck. 

Regression Estimates

Estimates of the 50-, 20-, 10-, 4-, 2-, 1-, and 0.2-percent AEP flood-peak discharges for Killbuck 

Creek are those published by Koltun and others (2006). That report also describes the methods used to 

determine the estimates. To compute peak-discharge estimates using the methods described, drainage 

area (in square miles), main channel slope (in feet per mile), and percentage of the basin defined as 

water or wetlands are applied to multiple-regression equations that are presented in Koltun and others 

(2006). These basin characteristics are determined by using a geographic information system (GIS) and 

applying methods described in Koltun and others (2006). The percentage of the basin classified as water 

or wetlands that is required for the multiple-regression equations is defined as the percentage of the 

drainage area designated as wetlands or open water in the 1992 National Land Cover Dataset (U.S. 

Geological Survey, 2000) compared to the total drainage area of the basin.

All flood-peak discharge regression-equation estimates were then gage weighted by using 

techniques described in Koltun and others (2006), in combination with 71 years of streamgage data from

Killbuck Creek near Killbuck (03139000) from 1931 to 2001. The basin characteristics applied in the 

regression equations, as well as the resulting gage-weighted flood-peak discharges estimates for 

Killbuck Creek, are presented in tables 2 and 3, respectively.

Stage-Discharge Relation

For the NWS designated stages, discharge estimates corresponding to flood stage (15.00 feet), 

moderate flood stage (17.00 feet), and major flood stage (18.50 feet) were determined from the stagedischarge relation (rating 42) for USGS streamgage Killbuck Creek near Killbuck, Ohio (03139000). 

The estimated flood-peak discharges for flood stage, moderate flood stage, and major flood stage were 

determined to be 1,800, 5,100, and 12,300 cubic feet per second, respectively. The results are listed in 

table 3.
5

Table 2. Summary of Killbuck Creek basin characteristics applied in the regression equations.

Location

description

Drainage area,

square miles

Main-channel slope,

feet per mile

Water or 

wetland area,

percent

At USGS streamgage (03139000) 464 3.62 2.54

Table 3. Summary of gage-weighted flood-peak discharge estimates and ratingderived discharges for selected National Weather Service designated stages 

at USGS streamgage Killbuck Creek near Killbuck (03139000).

[AEP, Annual Exceedance Probability; NWS, National Weather Service; ft3

/s, cubic feet 

per second]

AEP NWS

designated stage

Discharge,

in ft3/s

Stage,

in feet

Elevation,

in feet

Flood 1,800 15.00 802.21

50 percent 3,410 16.50 803.71

Moderate flood 5,100 17.00 804.21

20 percent 5,510 17.11 804.32

10 percent 7,420 17.53 804.74

4 percent 10,600 18.18 805.39

Major flood 12,300 18.50 805.71

2 percent 13,500 18.73 805.94

1 percent 16,900 19.28 806.49

0.2 percent 27,900 20.75 807.96

Hydraulic Modeling

The hydraulic analyses were done with U.S Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering 

Center–River Analysis System (HEC–RAS), version 3.1.1 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2003). HEC–

RAS is a one-dimensional step-backwater model used to compute water-surface profiles with steady- or 

unsteady-state flow computation options. HEC–RAS is accepted by FEMA for use in the National Flood 

Insurance Program (NFIP). All hydraulic analyses for this report were done with the steady-state flow 

computation option.

Steady-State Modeling and Calibration

The initial starting boundary condition for each flood profile was stage determined from a slope 

conveyance calculation. The energy slope was estimated from the average streambed slope as 

determined from field surveys. Initial modeling began approximately 2,200 feet downstream from U.S. 

Route 62. Streamflows were then routed upstream to the upper limit at Township Road 91. The model 

was calibrated by changing the Manning’s roughness coefficients from original field estimates until the 

results of the hydraulic computations closely agreed with known flood-streamflow stage values. 

Manning’s roughness coefficients were held constant for the overbank areas but varied in the channel as 

a function of discharge. Ranges of final Manning’s roughness coefficients are listed in table 4.
6

Table 4. Summary of final Manning’s roughness coefficients used in the hydraulic model.

[AEP, Annual Exceedance Probability; NWS, National Weather Service; ft3

/s, cubic feet per second]

AEP

NWS

designated

stage

Discharge,

in ft3/s

Manning’s roughness coefficients

Stream channel Overbanks

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Flood 1,800 0.048 0.058

0.032 0.096

50-percent chance 03,410 0.048 0.058

Moderate flood 5,100 0.047 0.057

20-percent chance 05,510 0.047 0.056

10-percent chance 07,420 0.046 0.055

4-percent chance 10,600 0.045 0.052

Major flood 12,300 0.044 0.051

2-percent chance 13,500 0.044 0.050

1-percent chance 16,900 0.042 0.047

0.2-percent chance 27,900 0.038 0.038

After the Manning’s roughness coefficients were calibrated, the hydraulic model was shortened 

so that the new lower limit was at the USGS Killbuck Creek at Killbuck (03139000) streamgage. The 

starting boundary condition for each flood profile was then set to be a known water-surface elevation 

obtained from the stage-discharge relation (rating 42) for Killbuck Creek near Killbuck, Ohio

(03139000) (table 3). Stages were converted to NAVD 88 by adding the gage datum of 787.21 feet.

Development of Flood-Inundation Maps

Flood-inundation areal boundaries were initially mapped with HEC–GeoRAS software 

(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2002). USGS personnel modified the HEC–GeoRAS results to ensure a 

logical transition of the flood-inundation boundary between modeled cross sections based on elevation 

contour data for the land surface. The flood-inundation boundaries then were overlain onto digital 

orthophotos from the Ohio Statewide Imaging Program (OSIP, Ohio Geographically Referenced 

Information Program, 2007). The resulting estimated flood-inundation boundaries can be found at the 

USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Science Web site (http://wim.usgs.gov/FIMI/) and the NWS 

Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service Web site

(http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=cle&gage=kilo1).

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.
7

Uncertainties and Limitations Regarding 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 December 2007. 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 DEM 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 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. 

Summary

A flood-warning system was developed for the Village of Killbuck in Holmes County, Ohio, by 

the delineation of flood-inundation boundaries that correspond to selected flood stages. Water-surface 

profiles were estimated by use of a steady-state step-backwater model, and corresponding floodinundation areal boundaries were delineated for 10 stages at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

streamgage Killbuck Creek near Killbuck (03139000). Seven of the stages were tied to the 50-, 20-, 10-, 

4-, 2-, 1-, and 0.2-percent annual exceedance probability floods. The remaining three stages were for 

National Weather Service (NWS) designated stages of flood stage, moderate flood stage, and major

flood stage. The flood-inundation boundaries were overlain on digital orthophotos.

Real-time streamgage, flood-forecast predictions, and flood-inundation mapping corresponding 

to flood forecasts can be accessed on Web sites hosted by the USGS and the NWS. It is expected that 

the increased amount and availability of publically accessible streamflow data, along with enhanced 

flood-prediction capability, will improve the ability of public and emergency-management officials to 

assess flood conditions, take appropriate steps to protect life and property, and reduce flood damage.
8

References Cited

Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1986, Flood Insurance Study, Village of Killbuck, Ohio, 

Holmes County, Community Number 390279, February 5, 1986 [variously paged].

Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1990, Flood Insurance Study, Holmes County, Ohio, and 

Incorporated Areas, Community Numbers 390277, 390278, 390279, 390280, and 390276, December 

15, 1990 [variously paged].

Koltun, G.F., Kula, S.P., and Puskas, B.M., 2006, A Streamflow Statistics (StreamStats) Web 

application for Ohio: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2006–5312, 62 p.

Ohio Division of Geological Survey, 1998, Physiographic regions of Ohio: Page-size map with text, 2 

p., scale 1:2,100,000.

Ohio Geographically Referenced Information Program, 2007, Ohio Statewide Imagery Program, 

Licking County, accessed May 29, 2012, at http://gis3.oit.ohio.gov/geodata/. 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers–Hydrologic Engineering Center, 2002, HEC–GeoRAS, accessed 

February 5, 2013, at URL http://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-ras/hec-georas.html.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers–Hydrologic Engineering Center, 2003, HEC–RAS River Analysis 

System, user’s manual, Version 3.1.1 [variously paged].

U.S. Census Bureau, 2010, City and town totals, Vintage 2011—Minor Civil Divisions, 2010 to 2011, 

Ohio (SUB-EST2011-04-39.xsl), accessed February 5, 2013, at 

http://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2011/index.html.

U.S. Geological Survey, 2000, National Land Cover Dataset: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet FS–

108–00, accessed February 5, 2013, at http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs10800.html.
Ostheimer—Development of Flood Profiles and Flood-Inundation Maps for the Village of Killbuck, Ohio—Open-File Report 2013–1032