Floods of March-May 1965 

in the Upper Mississippi 

River Basin

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 1850-A

Prepared in cooperation with the 

States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, 

Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri 

and with agencies of the 

Federal Government
Floods of March-May 1965 

in the Upper Mississippi 

River Basin

By D. B. ANDERSON and I. L. BURMEISTER

FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 1850-A

Prepared in cooperation with the 

States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, 

Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri 

and with agencies of the 

Federal Government

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1970
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERICR 

WALTER J. HICKEL, Secretary

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

William T. Pecora, Director

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office 

Washington, D.C. 20402 - Price $2.25 (paper cover)
CONTENTS

	Page 

Abstract. _________________________________________________________ Al

Introduction._____________________________________________________ 1

Purpose and scope.________________________________________________ 3

Acknowledgments.________________________________________________ 6

Flood forecasts.___________________________________________________ 6

Meteorological conditions causing floods._____________________________ 7

Conditions previous to March..______ ___________________________ 7

March climatological events.-___--______-_---_-_-_-_____-_-____ 9

April climatological events___________________-_-________________ 13

Thefloods________._______.____.____________________ 15

Mississippi River main stem.___________________________________ 15

Sauk and Elk River basins.____________________________________ 56

Crow River basin____________________________________________ 57

Rum River basin____________________________________________ 61

Minnesota River basin.________________________________________ 61

St. Croix River basin._________________________________________ 79

Mississippi River tributary basins in southeastern Minnesota.______ 81

Chippewa River basin________________________________________ 87

Wisconsin River basin__________________________________________ 88

Other Mississippi River tributary basins in Wisconsin._____________ 91

Mississippi River tributary basins in northeastern Iowa.___________ 91

Iowa River basin______________________________________________ 92

Cedar River basin-____________________________________________ 95

Skunk River basin___________________________________________ 96

Des Moines River basin_-_________________________-_______-_-_- 97

Mississippi River tributary ba sins in Illinois ______________________ 104

Mississippi River tributary basins in Missouri.-__________________ 105

Flood operations._________________________________________________ 105

Flood damages____________________________________________________ 107

Drainage and storage effects________________________________________ 109

Effect of timing of tributary flow on main stem peaks._________________ 113

Recurrence intervals of peak discharges._____________________________ 114

Determination of flood discharges_________-____--_______--__-_-_-__ 116

Streamflow data at gaging stations_________________________________ 117

Station descriptions and discharge tables______-____________-_____ 118

Summary of flood stages and discharges._________________________ 119

Station data._________________________________________________ 145

References cited.__________________________________________________ 443

In dex____________________________________________________________ 445

in
IV CONTENTS

ILLUSTRATIONS

Page 

FIGURE 1. Map showing area covered by this report_______________ A2

2. Map showing location of flood determination sites_________ 4

3. Chart showing daily range in temperature at four U.S. 

Weather Bureau stations in Minnesota and Iowa for the 

period December 1, 1964, to April 15, 1965_____________ 8

4. Map showing snow cover on the ground as of March 18 1965- 10

5. Map showing water equivalent of snow on the ground at the

end of March 1965__________.___.-__._______________ 11

6. Isohyetal map showing precipitation during the period

April3-7, 1965-__________-_____-_-__-_-___-_--______ 13

7. Isohyetal map showing precipitation during April 1965_____ 15

8. Photographs of flood damage caused by the Mississippi

River at Elk River, Minn____ _________________ _______ 18

9. Photograph of flood-damaged home in Lilydale, Mirn____ 20

10. Map of flooded area in St. Paul, Minn__________________ 22

11. Photograph of the St. Paul, Minn., municipal airport covered

by flood waters_____________________________________ 23

12. Map of flooded area in Wabasha, Minn__________________ 25

13. Map of flooded area in Winona, Minn____--__-_________- 28

14. Photograph of flood damage to railroad trackage near

Winona, Minn______________________________________ 29

15. Photograph of a flooded area in LaCrosse, Wis____________ 30

16. Map of flooded area in LaCrosse, Wis__-__-_________-_-_ 31

17. Photograph of flooded interstate bridge approach rnd an

area in Praire du Chien, Wis________________________ 33

18. Photograph of flooded industrial area in Dubuque, ]~owa__ 34

19. Map of flooded area in Dubuque, Iowa_________________ 35

20. Map of flooded area in Clinton, Iowa___-__-_________--__ 36

21. Photograph of flooded area in Fulton, 111.________________ 38

22. Map of flooded area in Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa,

and Rock Island, Moline and East Moline, !!!_________ 40

23. Photograph of flooded area in Davenport, Iowa___________ 42

24. Map or flooded area in Muscatine, Iowa________________ 43

25. Photograpn of flooded area in Hannibal, Mo______________ 44

26. Flood-crest profiles of Mississippi River__________________ 46

27. Comparative discharge hydrographs at selected gaging

stations on the Mississippi River, April-May 1965______ 51

28. Discharge hydrographs at selected gaging stations on Mississippi River tributaries upstream from St. Paul, Minn., 

April 1965__________________________________ 57

29. Flood-crest profiles of the North and South Forks of Crow

River__ _____________________..________________ 58

30. Map of flooded area in Mankato, Minn__________________ 64

31. Photograph of flooded area in Mankato, Minn____________ 65

32. Map of flooded area in Henderson, Minn_________________ 66

33. Photograph of flooded area in Henderson, Minn___________ 67

34. Map of flooded area in Carver, Minn_ ___________________ 68

35. Photograph of flooded area in Carver, Minn ______________ 69

36. Map of flooded area in Chaska, Minn___-_____-_________- 74
CONTENTS V

Page 

FIGURE 37. Photograph of flooded area in Chaska, Minn______________ A75

38. Flood-crest profiles of Minnesota River __________________ 76

39. Discharge hydrograph at selected gaging stations in tin

Minnesota River basin__----_----_----------_------__ 78

40. Discharge hydrographs at selected gaging stations on the 

Mississippi River tributaries in Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota.- _ ________________________________ 80

41. Map of flooded area in Hastings, Minn_________________ 82

42. Photograph of flooded area in Hastings, Minn____________ 83

43. Flood-crest profiles of South Fork Zumbro River and Zumbro

River---------------------------------------------- 85

44. Photograph of flooded area in Schofield, Wis_____-________ 90

45. Discharge hydrographs at selected gaging stations in Iowa

River basin_________--______-_-_---___--______-__- 94

46. Photograph of flooded area in Jackson, Minn_____________ 98

47. Flood-crest profile of West Fork Des Moines River___--___ 100

48. Discharge hydrographs at selected gaging stations in Der<

Moines River basin___---___-----------------___----- 101

49. Effect of timing of Minnesota River peak on maximum discharge of Mississippi River at St. Paul, Minn___________ 114

50. Flood frequency curves for selected Mississippi River gaging

stations ____________________________________________ 115

TABLES

TABLES 1-5. Flood-crest elevations: ?*&

1. Mississippi River___-_-_-_--__--_---___-_-______ A52

2. North and South Forks Crow River_____________ 60

3. Minnesota River___-__---_-___-__--_______.-___ 71

4. South Fork Zumbro River and Zumbro River._____ 84

5. West Fork Des Moines River, April 6-13, 1965____- 101

6. Flood damages by States.-____--__---.-_-__-.____..__.__ 107

7. Communities where flood damages exceeded $1 million_____ 109

8. Effectiveness of reservoirs in upper Mississippi River basir

during flood of 1965_________________________________ 112

9. Summary of flood stages and discharges.-________________ 120
FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

FLOODS OF MARCH-MAY 1965 IN THE UPPEP 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

By D. B. ANDERSON and I. L. BURMEISTEE

ABSTRACT

The floods of March-May 1965 in the upper Mississippi Eiver basin occrirred as 

two different events, one during the latter part of February and early March 

and the other starting early in April and extending into May. Factors contributing to the floods were rapid melting of the winter accumulation of snow, heavy 

rains on the snow pack, and deeply frozen ground throughout much of the 

basin, which made the soil almost impervious and thereby greatly incrersed the 

amount of runoff.

Peak stages and discharges during the floods exceeded previous known 

maxima at many points. The maximum discharge at St. Paul, Minn., for 

example, was 137 percent of the previous known maximum, and the stage was 4 

feet higher than the previous maximum during a period of known floods extending back to 1851. Flood magnitudes exceeding those corresponding to a 50-year 

recurrence interval occurred at 37 sites where discharge records have been 

collected.

Flood damage was estimated to be about $160 million in a five-State area 

comprising Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. Fifteen lives 

were lost and over 700 persons were injured or became ill as a result of the 

floods. More than 11,000 homes were flooded, and many thousand acres of rich 

agricultural land was inundated.

This report summarizes peak stages and discharges for this flood at 333 

sites in the upper Mississippi River basin and presents the previous maxima 

at these sites where such data are available. The recurrence interval (the average 

period of time in which the 1965 flood is apt to be equaled or exceede-1 once) 

is tabulated for many sites. The report discusses flood damages and tabulates 

damage figures by States and by type of damage incurred. It also d'scusses 

briefly the effect of drainage and storage on flood peaks and describes the 

operations of the U.S. Geological Survey and other Federal agencies during the 

flood emergency.

INTRODUCTION

The floods of March-May 1965 were the most devastating in the 

history of the upper Mississippi River basin. Five States Minnesota, 

Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri were affected (fig. 1). The

Al
A2 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

49 =

103« 101° 99

87" 85°

45

EXPLANATION

Flood area

FIGURE 1. Area covered by this report.

Mississippi River crested at stages higher than any ever recorded 

throughout a 680-mile reach between Fort Ripley, Minn., and lower 

lock and dam 22 near Saverton, Mo. From the mouth of the Minnesota 

River at St. Paul, Minn., to Muscatine, Io\va, the crest was 3-4 feet 

higher than any previously recorded. Recordbreaking floods occurred 

on the Minnesota River and its tributaries from Mankato to the 

mouth and on many other Mississippi River tributaries in Minnesota 

and Wisconsin.

The great volume of runoff was a significant feature of this flood. 

The Mississippi River remained above flood stage for almost a month. 

From Royalton, Minn., to the mouth of the Missouri River and in the 

Minnesota River, from Mankato to the mouth, the flood runoff was 

more than 25 percent greater than that of any previously recorded 

flood.

Throughout most of the upper Mississippi River baem, flooding 

occurred during two separate periods almost a month apart. During 

the first period warm temperatures during the latter part of February
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3

and early March melted the winters accumulation of snow in southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, southwestern Wisconsin. The 

runoff from snowmelt and rainfall, which in some areas exceeded 2 

inches during the first 3 days in March, caused severe flooding in the 

Zumbro and Root Eiver basins in Minnesota and in the Cedar Eiver 

basin in Minnesota and Iowa. During the second period, which started 

early in April and extended into May, floods occurred in the entire 

upper Mississippi River basin. These floods were caused by the rapid 

melting of the winter's accumulation of snow in northern Mirnesota 

and Wisconsin and the March accumulation of snow in northerr Iowa, 

southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The water equivalent of snow in 

the upper part of the basin was as much as 11 inches. Warm temperatures moved northward into Minnesota during the last clays of March 

and nighttime temperatures remained above freezing. As much as 3 

inches of rain fell during the period April 3-7; it accelerated the 

snowmelt and increased the runoff. Frost penetrated the ground deeply, 

as a result of the severe winter, and consequently much of the rain and 

snowmelt ran off. Those streams which flooded early in March flooded 

again, but this time more extensively. Many of the streams which were 

covered by snow and ice in March were raging torrents in full flood 

in April. Fifteen lives were lost and more than 700 person were injured 

as a result of the floods or associated events. Property damage was 

estimated at $160 million. Damage would have more than doubled had 

it not been for the flood warning and crest predictions issued by governmental agencies and the enthusiastic response of thousands of 

volunteers who built emergency flood-protection works.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The purpose of this report is to provide a historical and statistical 

record of the extreme 1965 floods in the upper Mississippi River basin. 

Data presented may be used for planning and designing structures affected by floodwaters and for studying hydrologic events. Flood data 

are provided for 333 sites (fig. 2). Discharges at 192 sites are tabulated 

on a daily basis or for increments of time within each day during the 

flood period so that the discharge hydrograph can be accurately reconstructed. The antecedent and immediate conditions, flood descriptions, 

and damages are discussed by basins. If available, pictures of inundated 

areas in cities and towns are sihown. Discharge hydrographs at selected 

gaging stations are presented. The recurrence interval of the peak 

discharge or the ratio of the peak discharge to the theoretical flood having a 50-year recurrence interval x is shown for many of the gaging

1 For simplicity of expression in this report, a flood with a given recurrence inte-val, say 

50 years, is expressed as a 50-year flood.
96
Flood-determination point 

Number correspond* to that in table 9

FIGURE 2. Location of flood determinat
A6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

stations. Flood profiles for both the 1952 and 1965 floods in the Mississippi Eiver are shown from Royalton, Minn., to St. Louis, Mo., and 

flood profiles of some Mississippi River tributaries are shown for 

the 1965 flood.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Discharge records and other flood data appearing in this report 

were collected as part of cooperative programs between th°s U.S. Geological Survey and the States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, 

and Missouri, the St. Paul, Rock Island, and St. Louis Districts of the 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. Other Federal and State agencies, municipalities 

and corporations gave assistance, financial or otherwise, in the collection of flood data. Credit is given for this assistance ir the appropriate station description.

Isohyetal maps were prepared from data furnished t:y the U.S. 

Weather Bureau, and damage figures were furnished by the U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers. Aerial photographs taken near the flood 

crests in the Minnesota and Mississippi River basins were obtained 

from Mark Hurd Aerial Surveys Inc. These photographs were helpful 

in defining inundated areas in some urban communities.

The basic data for this report were computed and compiled under 

the direction of the following district engineers or acting district engineers of the Surface Water Branch, Water Resources Division: D. B. 

Anderson, Minnesota; K. B. Young, Wisconsin; H. H. S°/hwob succeeded by S. W. Wiitala, Iowa; W. D. Mitchell, Illinois; and A. 

Homyk, Missouri.

During the flood emergency, engineers and technicians of the U.S. 

Geological Survey were detailed to the Minnesota district from Nebraska, South Dakota, Ohio, California, and Michigan. Their assistance is gratefully acknowledged.

FLOOD FORECASTS

On March 19, the ESSA-Weather Bureau Office at Minneapolis-St. 

Paul, Minn., forecast spring floods for the Mississippi River and its 

tributaries in Minnesota and in parts of Wisconsin and Iowa. At this 

time, although it was recognized that there was a flood potential, the 

condition was not considered serious. For example, the peak stage of 

of the Mississippi River at St. Paul, was predicted to be 16.5 feet, 2.5 

feet above flood stage and 9.5 feet lower than the actual peak which 

occurred on April 16. On March 30, the Weather Bureau stated that 

"if snowmelt takes 3 days or more, Minnesota streams will not crest 

as high as 1952 even though the water content of snow on the ground 

is comparable." On April 7, owing to warm temperatures and exces-
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A7

sive rainfall, the Minnesota River at Mankato, Minn., was predicted to 

crest at 26.5 feet on April 9, and the Mississippi River at St. Paul, 

Minn., was predicted to crest at 21.0 feet on April 14 or 15. F°!cause 

on-the-spot streamflow measurements indicated runoff greater than 

anticipated, on April 8, these predictions were revised to 3C.O feet 

at Mankato to occur April 10 and 27.0 feet at St. Paul to occur April 

16. Actual peaks were 29.09 feet at Mankato and 26.01 feet at Sf- Paul 

on the dates predicted. On April 9, the Weather Bureau predicted that 

crests on the Mississippi River below St. Paul would exceed tH 1952 

flood peaks at Winona, Minn., and La Crosse, Wis. A later prediction 

was issued on the morning of April 16 that the Mississippi R; ver at 

St. Paul would crest at 26.9 feet on April 20. Actually, the cres^ at St. 

Paul occurred later in the day on April 16 and the additional C.9 foot 

stage did not materialize.

Throughout the period in which the preceding predictions were being made, the Weather Bureau stressed that rapid thawing and rainfall during the snowmelt would intensify the flood threat. Temperatures were above freezing throughout most of the flood area during 

the first part of April when the Minnesota River and its tributaries 

reached their crests. During the first 14 days of April, precipitation 

ranged roughly from 2 to 4 inches over the Minnesota River basin 

and over much of the basin of the Mississippi River and its tributaries 

downstream from Minneapolis. Normal precipitation during April 

for this area is about 2 inches.

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS CAUSING FLOODS 

CONDITIONS PREVIOUS TO MARCH

Precipitation in the upper Mississippi River basin during the fall 

of 1964 was considerably higher than normal. For example, in September 1964, the U.S. Weather Bureau station at the Minneapolis-Sf. Paul 

airport recorded precipitation on 16 of the 30 days. The departure 

above normal at this station was 2.78 inches for the month. T> Q. station at Mason City, Iowa, recorded 7.96 inches of precipitation in 

September, which was 4.76 inches above normal. Generally, above 

normal precipitation was recorded throughout the basin during September. Precipitation was below normal during October and Fovember, but because of the heavy rains in September, the ground was well 

saturated when winter set in.

Temperatures through the first half of November were unseasonably 

mild; then they plunged and severe freezing ensued. Temperatures 

ranged widely during the month. Britt, Iowa, for example, observed a 

high of 78° and a low of 10°. Record low temperatures for November 

were observed at many Weather Bureau stations. Temperatures re-
10 23128 311

DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APF

FIGURE 3. Daily range in temperature afour U.S.Weather Bureaus 

in Minnesota and Iowafor theperiod December 1,946, to April 15,19(

Si £ r- ° 

rt- i-1

1 » N> l\> 

3 O O O

 

-=

-p. O> 00 4 

0 0 0 C

MASON

,lll,11 i.,,. hll ,1.

 o 

o

^=F==r ,

TEMPERATURE, IN DEGREES FAHREN

1 1

3OOOOOOO 

1 1 1 '

z 

m

Z 

Z

 1

-

1 
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A9

mained exceptionally low for much of the remainder of the winter 

(fig. 3). Frost penetration was unusually deep throughout irost of 

the upper Mississippi Eiver basin.

During December 1964 and January 1965, there was a normal 

amount of snowfall. An exceptional amount of sleet fell and glaze 

formed in Iowa during these 2 months. A January 24-hour rainfall 

record was broken when 5.11 inches of rain fell at Keokuk, Iowa, on 

New Year's day. The monthly precipitation at this station wrs 8.58 

inches; it was the wettest January in 95 years. February precipitation 

in the southern half of Minnesota and Wisconsin exceeded the rormal 

by an inch or more. The rain that fell early in February in this area 

compacted the winter snowpack and materially increased its water 

equivalent. Most of the rain was absorbed in the snowpack or was retained on the ground as a heavy glaze. The February precipitation in 

Illinois was generally below normal, but snow drifted heavily over 

most of the State on the 23d and 24th. A considerable amount of sleet 

fell and glaze formed in Iowa during February. Eain fell in the Southern counties and snow fell heavily in the northern and western counties, 

much of it over the glaze. A storm on the llth, the worst in years, 

deposited 10 inches of snow over glaze in the north-central part of 

the State. Frost penetration was deeper than normal and extended to 

5 feet in this area. In Iowa, the winter of 1964-65 was the fourth 

coldest since 1935-36. Temperatures rose however, at the end of 

February and started melting the snow as far north as the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in Minnesota, but did not begin to thaw the 

ground in the upper reaches of the Minnesota River basin.

MARCH CLIMATOLOGICAL EVENTS

The relatively warm temperatures at the end of February and 

during the first part of March created heavy snowmelt runoff in the 

Mississippi River basin in southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, 

and southwestern Wisconsin. Rainfall exceeded 2 inches at several 

Weather Bureau stations during the first 3 days of March. This combination of snowmelt and rainfall caused some of the highest floods of 

record in certain of the Mississippi River tributaries in southern 

Minnesota. The Cedar River at Austin, Minn,, and the Root River near 

Houston, Minn., had the highest stages of record during this flood.

Heavy snowfall continued throughout March. A blizzard on ? larch 

17-18 spread over northern Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and eastern 

South Dakota depositing up to 18 inches of snow. The snow on the 

ground after this storm totaled up to 45 inches in the upper Rum, 

Snake, and Kettle River basins in Minnesota (fig. 4). The snow cover 

diminished slowly after this date in southern Minnesota and Wisconsin
A10 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

96° 94° 92

FIGURE 4. Snow cover on the ground as of March 18,19f 5.

and northern Iowa, but additional storms late in March maintained or 

increased the accumulation in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The 

water equivalent of the snow on the ground and the rate of thawing 

are important factors in forecasting runoff from snowmeH. The later 

that warm temperatures arrive in the spring, the greater the probability of rapid thawing and heavy runoff. On the basis of snow surveys 

conducted by the Weather Bureau and Corps of Engineer? during the 

last 2 weeks in March, the water equivalent ranged from 2 inches in 

central Iowa to 11 inches in the vicinity of St. Cloud, Minn. (fig. 5).
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN All

FIGURE 5. Water equivalent of snow on the ground at the end of Marc! 1965.

Records at the Weather Bureau station in St. Cloud showed 35 inches 

of snow on the ground on March 29. A record 51.7 inches of snow 

fell in this area during the month. Early in March, the Army National 

Guard was called out to remove snow from the streets of St. Cloud to 

expedite the flowr of vehicular traffic. Where the snow had not been 

hauled away, traffic moved through deep snow chasms higher than an 

automobile. As a safety measure, automobile drivers tied brightly

317-045 O - 70 - 2
A12 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

colored streamers to their auto aerials to warn other drivers of their 

approach at intersections.

In many places in northern Wisconsin, the depth of snow on the 

ground on March 31 was the maximum recorded and was 2-4 inches 

above normal in water equivalent.

A study of Weather Bureau climatological data collected at Minneapolis, Minn., reveals some of the conditions prevalent in the upper 

Mississippi River basin during March. Precipitation at this station 

for the month was 4.75 inches or 1.38 inches more than tr°, previous 

March high in 1949. Snowfall amounted to 37.1 inches, which was only 

exceeded by 40 inches i'n March 1952. Snowfall for the season at the 

end of March was 71.7 inches compared to the seasonal record of 88.9 

inches in 1950-51. Precipitation, most of it as rain, amounted to 1.62 

inches on March 1. This was a new 24-hour record for March. Average 

temperature was 19.4°, which was 8° below normal, the second coldest 

average temperature on record, and the coldest since March 1899. 

Record-low daily minimum temperatures were equaled or broken on 

5 days during March.

The extremely cold temperatures during most of March caused deep 

frost penetration. In the extreme upper part of the basin where heavy 

snow cover existed, the average penetration was 1 foot. Farther south, 

where little or no snow cover existed, frost penetrated to 5 feet in 

some areas. There was heavy precipitation during the first part of 

March, followed by below freezing temperatures which reached the 

subzero range during the period March 19-26. In some r.reas, there 

was a layer of ice on the ground from the storm on March 1 and previous storms. The frozen ground covered with glaze was a very important factor in intensifying the spring flood of 1965.

In Iowa, two snowstorms with heavy snowfalls occurred on March 

1-2 and on March 17-18. In the southern and central counti°s of Iowa, 

considerable sleet fell and ice formed as a result of the first storm, and 

in the northern counties, from 6 to 10 inches of snow fell. The second 

storm was concentrated in the northern part of Iowa and resulted in 

additional snow cover ranging from 4 to 12 inches. Snowfall in central 

and northern Iowa during the month of March was the fourth highest 

of record, and the average temperature at Des Moines for March was 

the second coldest of record. Below-normal temperatures continued 

until April 1. That part of Illinois which lies in the Mississippi River 

drainage basin had weather conditions similar to those in Iowa. As a 

result of the rainfall, snowfall and freezing temperatures, many of the 

small streams were locked with snow and ice in southeastern Minne-
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A13

sota and northeastern Iowa. This obstruction of the smaller drainage 

channels had an effect on the timing of runoff and may have increased 

the flood intensity on some streams.

APEIL CLIMATOLOGICAL EVENTS

By the second week of April, a warming trend had advanced northward in the upper Mississippi River basin into Minnesota and Wisconsin. Nighttime temperatures remained above freezing and daily 

maximums exceed 50° throughout most of the basin. Above-normal 

precipitation accompanied the warmer weather. Snow fell in the upper 

part of the basin in Wisconsin on April 1. Up to 3% inches of rain fell 

over most of the basin during the period April 3-7 (fig. 6). Runoff

96°

44'

42

FIGURE 6. Precipitation during the period April 3-7, 1965.
A14 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

from these widespread rains was intensified by snowirelt runoff. 

Snow melted steadily and was gone in Iowa and Illinois by April 6 

and in the area south of St. Paul, Minn., by April 11. The snow melted 

slower in the extreme north. A 17-inch snow cover remained at Eagle 

River, Wis., on April 14, and a 10-inch cover remained at Grand 

Rapids, Minn., on April 11. All of the snow had melted by April 29.

The combination of rainfall and snowmelt during the first few days 

in April set the stage for the severe floods which were to follow. Large 

amounts of ponded water were visible in the Minnesota River basin 

downstream from New Ulm and also in the basins of the small tributaries of the Mississippi River downstream from St. Paul. Personnel 

of the Corps of Engineers estimated from aerial observation that 40- 

50 percent of the Crow River basin in Minnesota was covered by water. 

This ponded condition, which was accentuated by the flat topography 

of the basin, resulted from rainfall and snowmelt which could not run 

off freely through normal channels because they were obstructed by 

snow and ice. The ponding affected the timing of runoff from many 

of the smaller basins. There were extremely high rates1 of runoff 

because of the abnormally high precipitation, rapid snowmelt, and the 

impervious condition of the soil which was still deeply frozen and 

covered with ice throughout much of the basin.

Precipitation for April at North Mankato and New Ulm, Minn., 

was nearly 5 inches, which was 2i/£ inches above normal. In Iowa, the 

departure above normal was 1 inch in the north-central part of the 

State and 5 inches in the southeastern part. Exceptionally severe thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and tornadoes, dumped up to 6 inches 

of rain over an area between Marshalltown and Muscatin«', Iowa, on 

the 23d. This storm caused additional flooding in the area and hampered the Mississippi River flood fight on the already w^.ter-soaked 

levees. In Missouri and Illinois, showers and thunderstorms, during 

the period April 3-7, produced some rises on streams tributary to the 

Mississippi River. In general, these streams did not exceed bank-full 

stage. The widespread rains that fell in Illinois on April 15, 24, and 

25 caused the Illinois River to rise above flood stage. Total precipitation during the month in the upper Mississippi River basin is shown 

in figure 7.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A15

40°-

FIGURE 7. Precipitation during April 1965.

THE FLOODS 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM

There was no severe flooding in the upper 350 miles of the Mississippi River basin. The farthest upstream discharge record in this re 

port was collected at the gaging station near Libby, Minn., about 260 

miles downstream from the source of the Mississippi River. In 25 years 

of record at this site, three previous floods exceeded the 1965 peak.
A16 FLOODS OP 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

There are six headwater reservoirs on the main stem of the 1 lississippi 

River or its tributaries. These reservoirs, all in Minnesota, are Winnibigoshish Lake near Deer River, Leech Lake at Federal Dam, Pokegama Lake near Grand Rapids, Sandy Lake at Libby, Pine River 

Reservoir at Cross Lake, and Gull Lake near Brainerd. Data from 

Pine River Reservoir and Gull Lake are included in this report, and 

they show only a moderate amount of storage from the spring runoff. 

A diversion channel at Aitkin, 310 miles downstream from the source, 

handled the spring runoff well and reduced flood damages considerably 

in Aitkin and the surrounding area. The recurrence inteival of the 

peak discharge at Aitkin was 13 years.

In the 100-mile reach between Aitkin and Royalton, flood runoff 

became severe. At Fort Ripley, Minn., about 25 miles upstream from 

Royalton, the maximum stage was higher than any previously recorded. This situation prevailed for about 680 miles downstream to 

lower lock and dam 22 near Saverton, Mo.

Flood damage resulted from Mississippi River overflow in St. Cloud, 

Minn. Ice started breaking up above the mouth of the IS auk River 

and moved downstream to two bridges in St. Cloud where it jammed 

a'nd caused a sudden rise of 3-4 feet in river stage, which flooded 17th 

Street North to Third Street North. Fifth Avenue North was inundated with 5 or 6 feet of water between Third Street and the water 

treatment plant. There was $50,000 worth of damage to the bridge at 

Sartell, just upstream from St. Cloud.

At the town of Elk River, Minn., the Mississippi River makes a 

sharp horseshoe bend. Water cut across the open end of the horseshoe 

washing out several hundred yards of highway, flooding 26 homes 

and severely damaging 14 of them (fig. 8). The stage at Elk River was 

2.7 feet higher than the highest stage of the 1952 flood, which was 

the previous maximum during the period of record. The discharge 

was 1.23 times that of a 50-year flood. Downstream, at the gaging 

station near Anoka, the 1965 flood peak was 2.0 feet higher than the 

1952 peak, the previous maximum in 34 years of record.

In Minneapolis, severe damage was inflicted on the Great Northern 

Railway stone arch bridge just downstream from St. Anthony Falls. 

The scouring of the flood waters caused one of the piers to settle; as a 

result the bridge needed extensive repairs. Lily dale, (fig. 9) a small, 

unincorporated community across the river from St. Paul and just 

downstream from the mouth of the Minnesota River, was flooded 

extensively. Floodwaters covered the town to a depth of 6-8 feet and 

swept some homes from their foundations. Many of the 33 homes in 

this community were damaged beyond repair.

At St. Paul, downstream from the mouth of the Minnesota River,
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A17

the peak stage of 26.01 feet was the highest since at least 1851.2 It 

exceeded by 4 feet the 1952 peak stage which was the previous maximum. The 1965 peak discharge was 171,000 cfs (cubic feet per second); 

in 1952 it was 125,000 cfs. The recording gaging station on Shepard 

Road was inundated and rendered inoperative, but stages were read at 

frequent intervals dn a temporary staff gage. Flooding in St. Paul was 

intensified by the high discharge of the Minnesota River; the peak 

discharge of the Minnesota River was greater than the peak discharge 

of the Mississippi River above the mouth of the Minnesota River. It 

was fortunate, indeed, that the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers did 

not crest concurrently at St. Paul; the Mississippi River peak above 

St. Paul occurred 6 days after the Minnesota River peak.

Damages, including the cost of flood fighting, exceeded $4 million 

in St. Paul. If flood protective works on both banks of the Mississippi 

River had not been constructed, additional damages would have been 

about $8 million, according to Corps of Engineers' estimates. About 

800 persons were evacuated from low-lying areas in St. Paul. Local 

overflow, undermining, and seepage on the left river bank along Shepard Road caused damage to industrial properties. Five of the floodaffected industries on Shepard Road, Northern States Power Co., Industrial Steel Container Co., West Publishing Co., The Farmers' Union Grain Terminal Association, and Pure Oil Co., shared in the cost 

of reinforcing the dikes. Shepard Road and several other streets were 

inundated and closed to traffic (fig. 10). The Union Depot was closed 

to rail traffic for more than 2 weeks and the Minneapolis-St. Paul sewage treatment plant could not operate for 4 weeks. Water lapped at 

the foot of the Post Office Building and prevented the handling of 

mail. The Golden Garter, a night club atop the 95-year old Minnesota 

Boat Club on Navy Island, wanted to stay open but was closed by 

police order. The morning after it was closed, part of the upstream 

wall of the boat club gave way to the rushing waters which flovred 

across the island. The Navy Island Bridge, a small, 150-foot long, timber bridge, broke loose from its moorings and was carried downstream. 

In order to prevent the St. Paul Yacht Club on Harriet Island from 

becoming a hazard to two downstream bridges and many moored 

boats, it \vas dynamited. Not according to plan, the building caught 

fire, and burned to the waterline thus averting the threat that it posed.

2 Previous reports state that the period of known stages at St. Paul is "since at least 

1870." A recent study by the Corps of Engineers of 1870 newspaper accounts and 1952 

flood records reveals, however, that the 1870 peak stage and discharge were probably exceeded by the 1952 flood and were certainly exceeded by the 1965 flood. The 1870 newspaper 

accounts state that "a flood prevails which was only surpassed by that which occurred in 

the spring of 1851" ; so it seems safe to say that the 1965 flood was the greatest since at 

least 1851. Newspaper accounts of 1851 are also available, and they state that the 1851 

peak was the greatest since 1832.
A18 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A19

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FIGURE 9. Many homes in Lilydale, Minn., were damaged beyond repair. Photograph by Minneapolis Star and Tribune,

Minneapolis, Minn.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A21

On the right bank across the river from downtown St. Paul, the 

protected industrial area escaped damage; but the St. Paul municipal 

airport, which was outside the protective works, was flooded to a depth 

of 6-8 feet and was out of operation for 4 weeks (fig. 11).

In South St. Paul, a dike, which was built for the 1951 flood, was 

raised about 3 feet as an emergency measure to keep the 1965 floodwaters out of the stockyards and meatpacking plants. This dike, which 

was 31/2 miles long, protected many South St. Paul facilities; nevertheless, considerable damage was done and many operations were disrupted. Railroad service was suspended for about 3 weeks. A number 

of storm sewers and sanitary sewers were damaged. The sewage treatment plant was inoperative for about a month, although a sandbag 

barrier minimized damage to the plant. Urban damage and the cost of 

emergency flood protection work in South St. Paul amounted to about 

$4 million.

Prescott, Wis., at the confluence of the St. Croix River and the Mississippi Kiver was flooded by both rivers, and both rivers were in extreme flood. The maximum discharge of the St. Croix River was about 

44,000 cfs; and the timing of its peak coincided very closely with that 

of the Mississippi River upstream from Prescott. At its peak the St. 

Croix River contributed 19 percent of the flow in the Mississippi River 

immediately downstream from Prescott. The discharge of Mississippi 

River at Prescott was 1.57 times that of a 50-year flood.

The Mississippi River at Red Wing crested at 20.72 feet on April 18, 

almost 4 feet above the crest of the 1952 flood. Most of the city 

was safe on high ground, but some levees were sandbagged and some 

residents were evacuated. One of three municipal water pumps and 

the sewage treatment plant were put out of operation. Floodwaters 

swirled around several grain elevators located on low ground near the 

river. U.S. Highway 63 was inundated on April 16, and a temporary 

ferry service was put into operation between Red Wing and the Wisconsin side of the river.

Between Red Wing and Wabasha the Mississippi River flows 

through Lake Pepin. At Lake City, on the shore of Lake Pepin, the 

crest was about 3 feet higher than the previous maximum in 1952. 

Local residents constructed about 2 miles of sandbag dikes, but in 

spite of this a number of homes and businesses suffered flood damage. 

Fifty summer homes on Central Point, north of town, were sheared 

off by ice floes or damaged by high water. Several boat marinas also 

were damaged.

On April 19 the Mississippi River crested at 20.05 feet at Wabasha. 

Minn. The crest was 8 feet over flood stage and 3.3 feet higher than 

the previous maximum which occurred in 1952. Wabasha became an 

island as the rampaging waters inundated a third of the city and
A22 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A23

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A24 FLOODS O'F 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

encircled a large part of it. ILS. Highway 61, the main route through 

Wabasha, was closed for over a week, and Minnesota State Highway 

60, leading to the interstate bridge and Nelson, Wis., was also closed. 

Water was almost 2 feet deep over U.S. Highway 61 in town and 

a greater depth occurred south of town. Highway 60, at the railroad 

underpass, was flooded to a depth of almost 7 feet (fig. 12). Heavy ice 

floes from Lake Pepin, just upstream from Wabasha, and from the 

Chippewa River in Wisconsin threatened the town. An ice floe, almost 

as wide as the river and a quarter of a mile long, smashed into a 

wooded area above town splintering and grinding the trees which 

absorbed its impact. After the 1952 flood, the Nelson-Wabasha dike 

was raised 4 feet. About 3,000 feet of the 2^-mile-long, 4-foot raise 

Avas washed away in the 1965 flood. Many business places were closed 

during the flood, and about 50 families were evacuated. Total damages 

to the city were about $350,000.

Four feet of water covered the lock walls at lock and dam 4 near 

Alma, Wis. The ,pool elevation was 676.45 feet, 3.15 feet higher than 

the 1952 flood which was the maximum previously recorded at the dam 

since it was completed in 1935.

In Buffalo and Trempeleau Counties, between the Chippewa and 

Black Rivers in Wisconsin, flood damages were estimated at $1.5 million. Cochrane, Fountain City, and Trempeleau all suffered damages 

in excess of $200,000. Water covered State Highway 35 at the south 

end of Alma, and forced the residents of Front Street to evacuate their 

homes. The switches on the power exchanges which direct power to 

Midwest States were endangered at the Alma substation. About 150 of 

Cochrane's 458 people were evacuated as backwater surged into town 

through Indian Creek. Dikes hurriedly erected at Buffalo also protected Cochrane about a mile distant and farther from the river but 

18 feet lower. In Fountain City, 11 families and 10 businesses were 

evacuated. Almost 1,400 flood fighters, employed by the U.S. Boatyard 

in Fountain City, and 150 National Guardsmen transported sandbags 

by barge from the boatyard and emplaced 190,000 sandbags at lock 

and dam 5A. The Fountain City boatyard dispensed more than a million sandbags and sent pumps and men to other cities and villages to 

help fight the flood.

The river crested at Winona, Minn., on April 19 at 20.77 feet, almost 

3 feet higher than the flood of April 20,1952. The maximum discharge 

of 268,000 cfs was 1.34 times that of a flood of 50-year recurrence 

interval. Flood stage at Winona is 13.0 feet; the river remained above 

this stage for 24 days. Volunteer workers in Winona waged a tremendous battle against the flood. There was much at stake. Had Winona's 

dike system failed, only two small islands would have remained above 

water and about two-thirds of the city would have been flooded. The
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A25

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A26 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

flood-fighting effort was costly, about $2.6 million, but it probably 

prevented about $20 million in damages. Total damages to the city 

including the flood-fighting effort were $3.7 million.

The massive effort at Winona involved ringing the city with 9 miles 

of dikes at the 22-foot gage elevation. Some existing dikes were raised 

and new ones were built. Over 250,000 cubic yards of earth was required to build the dikes, and during peak periods of operation, over 

400 trucks, bulldozers, earthmovers, power shovels, and draglines 

were used at one time. Dozens of pumps were required to remove water 

seeping through and under the floodwalls. On April 18 and 19 high 

winds and lapping waves threatened to destroy some critical sections 

of the dikes, but because sandbagging and earthfilling operations were 

accelerated the dikes held. Though there was no physical loss to the 

510-city-block residential and business area, there was a substantial 

loss to business because of the disruption of transportation facilities 

and because of the diversion of many residents into flood-fighting 

work.

There was great danger also when storm sewers seemed about to 

erupt from the high water pressures. To counteract this threat, a 

pioneering effort was made by city officials who hired a professional 

diver to seal off critical storm sewers with inflatable rubber bags. 

This technique proved successful and was later used by several cities 

farther downstream. During the period when the eruption of storm 

sewers threatened, over a thousand persons were evacuated from the 

danger areas.

The area inundated in Winona at the flood crest is shown in figure 13.

The flood prevented rail and air travel to Winona, and by April 15 

only buses remained in operation. Max Conrad Airport was under 

water. Railroad trackage suffered heavy damage. A break in the roadbed of the Burlington track on the Wisconsin side upstream from 

Winona released water to a flood plain area of 5,000 acres on the 

Delta Fish and Fur Farm lands and may have reduced the peak at 

Winona somewhat. The water which poured into the flood plain 

undermined the dike which carried the tracks of the Green Bay and 

Western Railroad (fig. 14) and rejoined the main channel just across 

the river from Winona. The Burlington Railroad lost additional 

trackage farther downstream near Trempealeau. The Chicago and 

North Western Railway and the Milwaukee Railroad also suffered 

severe flood damage. Rail transportation into Winona resumed on 

April 27 during the flood's recession, but it was several days before all 

the railroads were back in operation.

The two main highways through Winona, U.S. Highways 61 and 

14, remained open although Highway 61 was flooded to the north in 

the Wabasha area, Across the river from Winona, State Highway
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A27

35 in Wisconsin was flooded both north and south of the interstate 

bridge.

At La Crosse, Wis., the Mississippi Eiver crested at 17.96 feet on 

April 22, 2.6 feet higher than the 1952 flood and 1.5 feet higher than 

the flood of 1880. The maximum discharge of 278,000 cfs is 1.34 times 

as great as a flood of 50-year recurrence interval.

Extensive flood protection measures were undertaken in La Crosse. 

Construction of 5 miles of emergency dike required 350,000 sandbags 

and 59,000 tons of material. In La Crosse and its environs, over 600 

homes and about 80 businesses were flooded. Over 1,200 persons were 

evacuated from their homes. Total damages at La Crosse, including 

the cost of flood fighting, were about $7.6 million; no other municipality except Dubuque, Iowa, suffered greater damage. A photograph 

of part of the flooded business area in La Crosse and a map showing the 

inundated area of the city are shown in figures 15 and 16.

At Lansing, Iowa, floodwaters cut off the south residential area from 

the rest of the town and closed the bridge across the Mississippi River. 

A mobile power unit, readied when floodwaters threatened the local 

power substation, supplied electrical power to the community when 

flooding occurred.

A peak stage of 25.38 feet, 7.38 feet above flood stage, occurred at 

McGregor, Iowa, on April 24. It exceeded all stages since at least 

1828. An emergency levee on l'A" Street and sandbags along some 

properties on Main Street confined the flooding to the immediate 

riverfront area. Marquette, Iowa, just 2 miles north, was isolated 

when all highways leading into the city were inundated. The city was 

separated into three parts by the floodwaters and water stood 3% 

feet deep at the Main Street intersection. Supplies and emergency 

aid were brought in by National Guard "ducks" and other boats. 

At Prairie du Chien, Wis., just across the river, about 250 houses 

and 25 business establishments were flooded. One-third of the town 

was under water and over 1,000 persons were homeless. The approaches 

to the Mississippi River bridge between Marquette and Prairie du 

Ohien were inundated and closed to traffic on April 19 (fig. 17). The 

topography at Prairie du Chien does not lend itself to flood protection 

works because an old channel runs behind the city; consequently dikes 

would have to encircle the city to protect it. Flood losses in Prairie du 

Ohien were great almost $21^ million, of which over $1 million was 

to residential property.

The stage at Guttenberg, Iowa, reached 23.65 feet on April 24, 

about 8l/2 feet above flood stage. About 70 percent of the town was 

protected from flooding by about 1 mile of emergency levees. At 

Cassville, Wis., 9 miles downstream from Guttenberg, the flood crest

317-045 O - 70 - 3
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FIGURE 13. Flooded area in Winona, Minn.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A29

FIGURE 14. Railroad trackage near Winona, Minn,, suffered heavy damage. 

Photograph by Minneapolis Star and Tribune, Minneapolis, Minn.
A30 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

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MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A31

FIGUKE 16. Flooded area in La Orosse, Wis.
A32 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

exceeded the previous maximum stage by about 4 feet. About 220 

persons were evacuated from this small town of 1,290 population. 

Flood damage was estimated to be about $300,000.

The stage at Dubuque, Iowa, was above the 17-foot flood stage for 

28 days. The peak stage of 26.71 feet on April 26 was 4 feet higher 

than the previous maximum of record which occurred in 1952. The 

southern tip of the business district and several industrial areas were 

flooded (fig. 18). Most of the residential areas were protected from 

the floodwaters by dikes along the riverfront and on Eighth Street, 

but about 350 persons were evacuated from their homes. About 3,500 

volunteers placed 400,000 sandbags on 3i/£ miles of emergency dikes. 

This effort saved 450 houses and many industries from inundation and 

kept the Julien Dubuque Bridge open to traffic. For several days, at the 

height of the flood, this bridge was the only one open across the 

Mississippi River in the 200-mile reach between La Crosse, Wis., and 

Davenport, Iowa. The Illinois Central Railroad jacked up about 

ll/2 miles of tracks to keep them above the rising waters, but the company had to discontinue service on the west side of the Mississippi 

River on April 23. The Iowa-Wisconsin bridge was closed on April 19 

and the Milwaukee Railroad Company suspended service in the Dubuque area on April 21. The Dubuque sewage treatment plant was out 

of operation for several days beginning on April 24. Nineteen business 

and industrial concerns were closed, putting many people temporarily 

out of work. Flood protection works at John Deere and Dubuque 

Packing Plants successfully withheld the floodwaters and the plants 

remained open. A second line of dikes was constructed on 12th Street, 

Fengler Street, and Kerper Boulevard in case the first line was 

breached, but all dikes held. The water from seepage under the dikes 

and from local drainage was collected in a storage lagoon behind 

the dikes and was pumped into the river. Over $3 million was spent 

on flood protection which prevented about $71/£ million of damages. 

The Corps of Engineers estimated the flood damages in Dubuque to 

be almost $7.7 million, the greatest loss sustained by any metropolitan 

area. The flooded area in Dubuque is shown in figure 19.

The Mississippi River crest, 3.6 feet higher than that of the 1952 

flood, reached Clinton, Iowa, on April 28. The peak stage was the highest one recorded since 1828. Emergency dikes and strengthened levees 

saved the city's main business district and most of the residential and 

industrial areas from inundation (figure 20). Failure of the dikes 

would have caused 150 blocks to be flooded and an estimated additional 

$9.5 'million in damages. In spite of the many flood protection structures built, over $5 million in damages occurred. The Lyon's business 

district in Clinton and over 50 industrial and commercial concerns 

were flooded (fig. 20). The Lyon's-Fulton Bridge and Gateway Bridge
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A33

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A34 FLOODS OF L965 IN THE UNITED STATES

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MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A35

EXPLANATION

Flooded area

Area protected by dikes

Limit of flooding"

DUBUQUE

4000 FEET

FIGURE 19. Flooded area in Dubuque, Iowa.
A36 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Area protected by dikes 

Limit of flooding

FIGITRE 20. Flooded area in Clinton, Iowa.

were closed April 23 for about 2 weeks and the Chicago and North 

Western Railway Company had to suspend operations through this 

area because of the floodwaters. Fourteen youths were injured when a 

cinder-block wall, being reinforced to serve as a floodwall, collapsed 

from the weight of earthfill placed against it.

An interesting story can be told about the efforts to save the Clinton 

First Avenue pumping station. Much of the city behind the levee 

would have been flooded from seepage water if the pumps had failed.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A37

The sandbagged station, resembling a fortified island in the rampaging waters became known as Fort Johannsen, named after Lt. Johannsen of the Iowa National Guard. He, along with a band of fellow 

National Guardsmen, manned the station day after day and kept the 

pumps operating and the dikes intact.

Another interesting story was that of "Silent Henry" Steele. Silent 

Henry, about 72 years old, had lived for 30 years on his small island 

near Clinton. Throughout the 1965 flood, he floated above his shack 

on a raft tied to the top of a tree; he not only refused evacuation but 

also any assistance for food and supplies.

In Whiteside County, 111., the Johnson Creek and Cat Tail Drainage 

District levees were breached, flooding more than 9,000 acres. Fulton, 

111. was completely surrounded and engulfed by these floodwaters 

(fig. 21). Damages were about $1.7 million, and more than 2,000 persons were forced to leave their homes. Downstream, at Albany, 111., the 

12-mile section of Meredosia Dike threatened to fail. If it had, 19,000 

acres of farmland and neighboring communities would have been 

flooded. Hundreds of volunteers worked against tremendous odds and 

successfully reinforced the dike and Meredosia pumping station.

The metropolitan area of Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and 

Rock Island, Moline and East Moline, 111., was inundated on both 

banks along more than 10 miles of the Mississippi River (figs. 22 and 

23). The 1965 flood in this entire area caused about $12 million in 

damages and drove 12,000 persons from their homes. According to 

Corps of Engineers estimates, $101 million in damages were prevented by the tremendous flood emergency measures. The peak stage 

of the tailwater at dam 15 at Davenport on April 28 was 22.48 feet, 

7.48 feet above flood stage.

At Bettendorf, Iowa, emergency dikes built across River Drive and 

State Street confined street flooding to less than three blocks. The 

failure of a 25-foot section of dike in Rock Island caused floodwaters 

to inundate many blocks of houses and industrial buildings. Throughout the metropolitan area, many industrial plants had to shut down. 

A few industries succeeded in keeping the floodwaters out of their 

buildings, but in many plants water was waist deep or higher. More 

than 200 houses were flooded in the Garden Addition in Davenport 

as well as some businesses in the downtown area. The Government 

Bridge was closed April 26 for several days when floodwaters 

inundated the approach.

At Muscatine, Iowa, the flood fight was hampered by 6 inches of rain 

which fell a few days before the flood crested. Several industries and 

business houses, protected from the river by dikes and levees, were 

flooded by the ponding of interior drainage when the power failed for 

5 hours at the Mad Creek pumping station. More than 3,500 feet of
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FIGURE 21. Fulton, 111., was surrounded and engulfed by floodwaters. View of southeastern part of town, April 27, 1965.

Photograph by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island, 111.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASEST A39

earthen dikes were built in 10 days in the Port Louisa and Michael 

Creek areas south of the city. These dikes prevented the flooding of 

47,000 acres of farmland and a huge industrial and residential area 

valued at $50 million. Damages and flood-fight costs in the Muscatine 

area were about $628,000. The closure structures, from Second Street 

to Seventh Street in the Mad Creek levee system, were very successful 

in sealing off floodwaters. Other than a section of floodwall that 

gave way on April 26, all the structures and rain-soaked levees and 

dikes held and confined most flood damages to the riverfront areas 

and about 500 houses (fig. 24). The Muscatine High Bridge was 

closed on April 23 for over 2 weeks. The peak stage of 24.8 feet, which 

was 8.8 feet above flood stage and 3.8 feet above the 1952 flood, occurred on April 29.

Most businesses at Buffalo, Iowa, were forced to close because of the 

floodwaters. Damages in the Buffalo area were approximately $167,000. 

At Keithsburg, 111., over half the business district was engulfed by 

floodwaters in spite of the more than 40,000 sandbags used to contain 

the flood.

The peak stage of 21.0 feet, 6 feet above flood stage, occurred at 

Burlington, Iowa, on April 30 and May 1. The previous maximum 

stage of record was 18.9 feet in 1851. The river remained above flood 

stage for more than 50 days, and many of the riverfront industries 

and streets were flooded. A 1,000-foot break in the Tama Levee north 

of the city flooded 3,200 acres of farmland. Just north of this area, the 

Yellow Springs Levee was raised and strengthened so that it kept 

20,000 acres from flooding. Across the river from Burlington, floodwaters poured through several levee breaks and spread over 28,400 

acres in Henderson County, 111., creating a floodway 8 miles wide in 

places. Gulfport, 111. was entirely flooded up to rooftop levels. U.S. 

Highway 34 underpass east of the city was washed out, thus cutting the 

Burlington Railroad main line.

Several levees of Federal organized levee and drainage districts 

failed between Dubuque, Iowa, and Quincy, 111. The Green Island 

Levee in Jackson County, Iowa, failed on April 15; 7,200 acres were 

flooded. The Henderson County, 111., levees failed April 21, 26 and 27; 

a total of 15,200 acres were flooded. The Des Moines County, Iowa, 

levee failed April 26 flooding 3,800 acres. When the Indian Grave and 

South Quincy Levees failed, 17,800 and 5,500 acres, respectively, were 

flooded in Adams County, 111.

Damages, including flood-fight costs, at Fort Madison and Keokuk, 

Iowa, amounted to about $690,000. Most of the flooding was in the 

heavy industrial areas of both communities. At Fort Madison, the 

railroad yards were flooded, but the main line track was raised about 

3i feet to enable rail service to continue. Riverview Park was under
A40 FLOODS OP 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

4000 FEET

EXPLANATION

Flooded area 

Limit of flooding
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A41

K EAST MOLINE

FIGTTEE 22. Flooded area in Davenport 

and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island, 

Moline and East Moline, 111.
A42 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A43

O 2OOO 4OOO FEET

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FIGURE 24. Flooded area in Muscatine, Iowa.

water. During the extremely high discharge period, the pool elevation 

of the Union Electric dam at Keokuk was more than half a foot lower 

than the elevation a month earlier at much lower discharges. Many of 

the gates of the dam were open during the peak discharge permitting 

the natural flow of the river to pass. The maximum stage of 22.14 feet, 

which was 6.14 feet above flood stage, occurred on May 1 at Keokuk. 

This stage, which is the tailwater elevation at the Union Electric 

dam, exceeds the previous maximum 'historic flood stage of 21.0 feet 

which occurred in June 1851. The 1965 maximum discharge is the highest since May 1878. Keokuk's waterfront industrial area, Commercial 

Alley, was flooded during both the April and May high water periods.

317-045 O - 70 - 4
A44 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

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MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A45

All waterfront industries except one closed for 2-3 weeks. Over 1,000 

persons were temporarily dismissed from work. Downstream from the 

Union Electric dam at Keokuk, Iowa, there were two major crests on 

the Mississippi River during the period March-May 1965. The, first 

crest occurred in April as a result of high inflow from the Des Moines 

River and other tributaries. The second crest occurred early in May. 

The May crest exceeded the April crest except in the reach between 

La Grange and Palmyra, Mo., where levee breaks lowered the, peak 

stage in May, and in the reach downstream from Grafton, 111., where 

less backwater from the Missouri River, occurred in May.

Downstream from Mundy's Landing, Mo., the 1965 crest was lower 

than the previously known maximum at each point of determination. 

Two peaks about equal in discharge occurred at Alton, 111., on April 19 

and May 13. Higher peaks discharged at Alton in 1943 and 1944, and a 

peak discharge in 1947 was equal to that of 1965, but in each of the 

3 earlier years, overflow from the Missouri River, caused by levee 

breaks, entered the Mississippi River upstream from Alton. After 

deducting this overflow, the peak discharges in 1943, 1944, and 1947 

were lower than the peak discharge in 1965 when there was nc overflow. The peak discharge of 380,000 cfs at Alton has a recurrence interval of 11 years.

The 1965 maximum discharge at St. Louis, below the mouth of the 

Missouri River, was 525,000 cfs on April 16, about equal to a 2-year 

flood. This peak was relatively small because the Missouri River, which 

is now extensively regulated, did not contribute greatly to the flood 

condition. The Missouri River inflow was greater in April than in May, 

and as a, result the maximum discharge at St. Louis occurred during 

the April peak. The highest discharge at St. Louis in May was 431,000 

cfs on May 1.

Most of the flood damage below Keokuk, Iowa, resulted from inundation of farmland, river cottages, highways, and business houses. The 

residents of Alexandria, Mo., were evacuated during both the April 

and May crests. The system of previously constructed levees, floodwalls, pumping plants, and closure structures successfully protected 

Canton, Mo., and prevented more than $2 million damages. Quincy, 111., 

incurred damages of about $367,000 including cost of flood fighting. 

The floodwaters in April and May inundated Main Street and lowlying business and residential areas in Hannibal, Mo. (fig. 25). Sandbagged storefronts and improvised walkways permitted most stores to 

remain open for business. Hannibal incurred damages ?nd floodfighting costs of about $875,000. The Mark Twain Memorial Bridge at 

Hannibal and U.S. Highway 36 in Kinderbrook, 111., were closed. The 

main river levee failed near Saverton, Mo., and the floodwaters spread
A46

1060

1020

980

940

900

980

FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

EXPLANATION

o 1965

X 1952

Floodmark elevation

Flood of 1965

Flood of 1952

i i i

C V

= M 

2 "3

970 960 950 940 930 920 

DISTANCE, IN MILES UPSTREAM FROM MOUTH OF OHIO R

910 900

940

900

860

820

< 780

740

700

900 890 880 870 860 850 840 830 820

DISTANCE, IN MILES UPSTREAM FROM MOUTH OF OHIO RIVER
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A47

820 810 800 790 780 770 760 

DISTANCE, IN MILES UPSTREAM FROM MOUTH OF OHIO RIVER

750

680

w 660 -

- 640 -

620 £

740 730 720 710 700 690 680 

DISTANCE, IN MILES UPSTREAM FROM MOUTH OF OHIO RIVER

660

FIGURE 26. Flood-crest profiles of Mississippi River. Water-surface 

elevations were obtained at U.S. Geological Survey gages or were 

selected ffrom high-water data furnished by the U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers.

(Figure 26 continues on nert page.)
ELEVATION, IN FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL 

(1912 ADJUSTMENT)

H» O S

-Gage 32, Maquoketa River

Gage 31, Gordons Ferry, Iowa

Bellevue, Iowa, lock and dam 12

Highway 64 bridge

Gage, Sabula, Iowa

Lock and dam 13

Fulton Highway Bridge

Gage-Clinton, Iowa

Clinton, Iowa

US Geol Survey recording gage ' 

I

Gage, Princeton, Iowa
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A49

580

560

540

500 480 470 460 450 440 

ANCE, IN MILES UPSTREAM FROM MOUTH OF OHIO RIVER

430 420

540

if 520

2 500

420 400 390 380 370 360 

DISTANCE, IN MILES UPSTREAM FROM MOUTH OF OHIO RIVER

350 340

Figure 26. Continued.

(Figure 26 continues on next pag?.)
A50 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

490

470

450

340 330 320 310 300 290 280 

DISTANCE, IN MILES UPSTREAM FROM MOUTH OF OHIO RIVER

270 260

250 240 230 220 210 200 

DISTANCE, IN MILES UPSTREAM FROM MOUTH OF OHIO RIVER

190

FIGURE 26. Continued. (Flood-crest profiles of Mississipp' River. 

Water-surface elevations were obtained at U.S. Geological Survey 

gages or were selected from high-water data furnished by the 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.)

(End of firure26.)

180
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A51

over 1,000 acres of farmland engulfing the small community of Hull, 

111., to depths of 4-6 feet. The 535 residents had been evacuated earlier. 

Flood crest profiles, which are graphs of maximum flood elevations 

plotted against river miles, are shown for the Mississippi River in 

figure 26. The 1965 maximum elevations are compared with those which 

occurred in the 1952 flood. Table 1 describes and tabulates the 1965 

flood elevations used in plotting the profiles. Comparative discharge 

hydrographs for the 1965 flood are shown for Mississippi River gaging 

stations in figure 27.

5-3445 Mississippi River at Prescott, Wis

5-3310 Mississippi River at St Paul, Mmn

5-2885 Mississippi River near Anoka, Mmn

5-2670. Mississippi River near Royalton, Minn

5-3895. Mississippi River at 5-4205. Mississippi River at Clinton, Iowa

5-3785. Mississippi River at Winona, fl' ; nn

Mississippi River at Keokuk

15 10 15 20 25 30 5 10 15 20 25 31

FIGURE 27. Comparative discharge hydrographs at selected gaging stations on 

the Mississippi River, April-May 1965.
A52 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

TABLE 1. Flood-crest elevations, Mississippi River 

[Based on data furnished by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers except at U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations]

Location

Miles -

above 

mouth 

of 

Ohio 

River

1952

Elevation in 

Date feet 

(1912 adjustment)

1965

Elevation in 

Date feet 

(1912 adjustment)

Blanchard Dam, tailwater -.................. 956.0 ........................ Apr. 15,16.. 1,045.4

Sartell, Minn.:

St. Regis Paper Co. dam, pool--.-.-----.--------.--- Apr. 12..... 1,015.87 Apr. 14....- 1,019.10

St. Regis Paper Co. dam, tailwater.--...--- 932.5 Apr. 13..... 1,001.95 Apr. 14...-. 1,005.95

St. Clond, Minn.:

Northern States Power Co. St. Cloud dam, 

pool..-----...--------..-.-----.--..-----.--------.. Apr. 12..... 983.0 .............. 984.9

Northern States Power Co. St. Cloud dam, 

tailwater................................ 926.5 Apr. 12..... 971.0 Apr. 14..... 971.2

Clearwater, Minn., at Minnesota State Highway 

24 bridge.....-..-.-............... .....-- 912.6 .............. 945.4 Apr. 15....- 946.96

MonticeUo, Minn., at Pine St. bridge........... 896.9 ........................ Apr. 15.-... 906.82

Elk River mouth............................... 884.8 ........................ Apr. 16..... 866.23

Elk River, Minn., at Lincoln St. bridge........ 884.6 Apr. 12..... 862.42 Apr. 16..... 865.12

Crow River mouth.--...--..----...-.--.- 879.3 ........................ Apr. 16..... 857.06

Anoka, Minn.:

Upstream side of U.S. Highway 52 bridge... 871.46 Apr.11-18.. 842.1 Apr.17-.... 844.1

Downstream side of U.S. Highway 52 bridge..........--....--........-------. Apr. 17.-... 843.8

Northern States Power Co. Coon Rapids dam, 

pool-.----...-----.----.-.-- -- 866.3 _____.__.__-_-- _- -.- - 831.4

Northern States Power Co. Coon Rapids dam, 

tailwater.-.--....-.--...------.-...----. 866.3 ...................................... 826.6

U.S. Geological Survey recording gage near 

Anoka, Mfiin................................. 864.8 Apr. 14..... 822.53 Apr. 17..... 824.55

Minneapolis, Minn.:

Pumping station 5 and U.S. Weather Bureaugage..-............................. 858.6 Apr.14..-- 813.80 .....-..-..-. 814.30

Plymouth Ave. bridge, west end, downstream. .. ..... ...................... 855.0 Apr. 15.. . 806.50 .-_._.---------------

Plymouth Ave. bridge, east end, down- 855.0 Apr. 15.._ 805.98 _- _- 

stream. 

Left end Great Northern Railway bridge... 854.8 Apr. 15.-. 802.14----------__---------

Right end Great Northern Railway bridge. 854.8 Apr. 15...-- 802.54---__-------- _-

St. Anthony Falls upper lock and dam, 853.85 Apr. 14_._ 802.6 Apr. 17..... 803.43

pool. 

St. Anthony Falls upper lock and dam, 853.85 Apr. 14...... .... Apr. 17..-. 760.0

tailwater. 

St. Anthony Falls lower lock and dam, pool- 853.5 Apr. 12--..- 753.20 Apr.17---- 751.42

St. Anthony Falls lower lock and dam, 853.5 Apr. 12-- 737.10 Apr. 17--..- 739.02

tailwater. 

Minneapolis barge terminal-......-__...-. 852.6 Apr.14.-_ 736.70 . 

Franklin Ave. bridge, east end, upstream.-- 851.46 Apr. 15.._ 734.86 ------------------------

Franklin Ave. bridge, west end, down- 851.46 Apr. 15--.._ 734.54 _--------__-_ ____

stream. 

Lake St.-Marshall Ave. bridge-.-..--_.... 849.55 Apr.15.-... 733.20 - .--. ... .- 

Lock and dam 1, pool....................... 847.6 Apr. 14.-.- 733.02 Apr. 17..... 734.47

Lockanddaml, tailwater- .. -..-.- 847.51 Apr.15-. 714.02 Apr. 16,17-- 719.02 

Ford Bridge, west end, upstream.-.---.---- 847.40 Apr.15.._ 732.71---_-----_...... 

St. Paul, Minn.:

Ford Bridge, east end, upstream...---.--_ 847.40 Apr.15--_ 732.48 - _ ., .. 

Atlas Asphalt Co. garage, 375 ft upstream 84L5 __...___-----__ Apr. 16-_ 713.89

from railway bridge. 

U.S. Geological Survey recording gage...... 839.3 Apr. 16..... 706.18 Apr. 16 _.. _ - 710.17

Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District 836.35 ..._. . . -. - 708.5

building. 

Chicago Great Western Ry. bridge, south- 835.9 Apr.17... 704.00 ------------- 707.59

west corner. 

Wentworth Ave. sewer outlet............... 834.2 Apr. 17...... 703.13. 707.50

South St. Paul, U.S. Geological Survey record- 833.7 Apr. 16...... 703.15 ---------------- -----

ing gage. 

Inver Grove, Minn., at highway bridge...._.. 829.5 -----_...._ . 702.88

Nininger, Minn . -.- -. ... . 817.6 _ __ . 698.03

Hastings, Minn. at:

Lock and dam 2, pool ... . 815.42 Apr. 16,17-. 692.40 Apr.17... 697.07 

Lock and dam 2, tailwater------------------ 814.99 Apr. 16 .. 691.59 Apr. 17- __ 696.13

Northeast corner East and Bass St_.._-. 813.45 ___.__._..._..._-----_. 694.81

Prescott, Wis., U.S. Geological Survey record- 811.4 Apr. 16-18... 689.03 Apr. 18 693.11

ing gage. 

Profile point, 1.8 miles below Prescott, Wis-.--- 809.7 ---------_-----__ . 691.21

Riverward side and upstream end of CB&QRR 805.79 .._...._.. 689.66

bridge.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A53 

TABLE 1. Flood-crest elevations, Mississippi River Continued

Location

Downstream landward end of CB&QRR 

bridge. 

Lock and dam 3, pool, near Red Wing, Minn .... 

Lock and dam 3, tailwater, near Red Wing, 

Minn.

Red Wing, Minn.:

Colvill Park, upstream riverward corner of 

tennis court.

Lake City, Minn., on right bank Lake Pepin, 

on bridge L136 at Lundberg's resort.

Alma, Wis.:

Fountain City, Wis., at sewage disposal building. 

Winona, Minn.:

Railroad bridge on right bank, 2.75 mi below Homer, Minn. 

Lock and dam 6, pool, near Trempealeau, Wis_. 

Lock and dam 6, tailwater near Trempealeau.Wis

Lock and dam 7, tailwater, near Dresbach, Minn 

La Crosse, Wis.; 

Discontinued U.S. Geological Survey gaging station.

Genoa, Wis.:

Victory, Wis.. ...___ ...___. 

Lynxville, Wis.:

McGregor, Iowa:

Guttenberg, Iowa:

Gage at Cassville, Wls... -....--. ---------------

Profile noint- -----------------------------------

Miles 

above 

mouth 

of 

Ohio 

River

803.00

797.06 

796.69

794. 10 .

790. 90

788. 92 

785.0

764.9

763.48 

763.00

753.4

753.2 

751.8

745.5

741.3

738.27 

737.90 

732.7

728.65 

728.28 

725.7

718. 55

714.44 

714. 07 

702.61 

702.24

697.78

688.60 

685.00

679.39

679.02 

673. 70

673.00

663.7

663.0

648.1 

647 7

633.4 

624.8

615.3 

615.1 

612.0 

608.1

606.3 

603.7 

599.9 

596.1 

593.3 

592.1 

590.2

588.3 

587.5

586.5 

585.2

1952

Date

Apr. 17. 

Apr. 17 . 

Apr. 18 

Apr. 18, 19. -

Apr. 18, 19..

Apr. 19, 20_- 

Apr. 20.. -

Apr. 19,20.. 

Apr. 20 ...

Apr. 20...- _.

Apr. 20. -

Apr. 20.....

Apr. 22...--

Apr. 22-. 

Apr. 22--...

Apr. 23---.-

Apr. 24-..--

Apr. 24.----

Apr. 24-..--

Apr. 24.-...

Apr. 24. ..--

Apr. 24.....

Apr. 24-..--

Apr. 24...--

Elevation in 

feet 

(1912 adjustment)

684.68 

684.14

681.98 .

679. 55

678.82

673. 33 

672.33

664.56 

663.85

660.40 

659.88 

658.03

651.07

649.97 

644.85 

644.30

641.64 

636.75

635.30 

634.52

630.40

626. 19 

623.15

620.20 

619.68 

618.93

616. 47

612.9

611. 19 

610.80

1965

Elevation in 

Date feet 

(1912 

adjustment)

Apr. 18 

Apr. 18 

Apr. 19- -

Apr. 19___ 

Apr. 19 ...

Apr. 20......

Apr. 19 .-.

Apr. 20 ...

Apr. 21. .-

Apr. 21... -..

Apr. 22. ....

Apr. 22.....

Apr. 22, 23..

Apr. 24.-...

Apr. 24..---

Apr. 24.....

Apr. 24-. 

Apr. 24.-...

Apr. 24.-...

Apr. 24.-...

Apr. 25..-.-

Apr. 25.-...

Apr. 25.-..-

688.86

688.22 

687. 93

687.10

685.98 

684.17

683.41 

683.22

682.06

676.45 

675. 78 

675. 06 

671. 05 

669.46 

668.73 

667. 85 

665.74

663.74 

663.35 

660.89 

657.42

654.65 

653.02 

648.18 

647.38

644.28

639.86

639. 05 

630.40

636.17

634.8

633.8 

633.2

630.7 

627.2

624.2 

623.6

622.7

620.4 

618.9 

617.0 

616.0

615.5 

615.3

615.1

614.8
A54 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

TABLE 1. Flood-crest elevations, Mississippi River Continued

Location

Dubuque, Iowa:

Profile point.. ............................. .

Profile point_-___-_-_---_________ .......... .....

Profile point.. ..................................

Bellevue, Iowa:

Profile point. -------------_---_----.- -----------

Profile point, Iowa State Highway 64 bridge- .. .

Profile point... .................................

ton, Iowa. 

Profile point.. ...._..--_..___-_____________...--

Profile point. ---.--.----...---.-.-.........-..- .

Profile point. ................................. ..

Profile point..... ............... . _.___.__..__

Gage at 48th St., Moline, HI... ..................

Profile point... .----............ ...... .....

Profile point. ............................. ......

Profile point.... ................ ...

Profile point, Galbraith Highway bridge .

Profile point, D RI & NW Ry. bridge ...........

Lock 32, Rock River mouth. ...................

Profile point..-----.------...-....... _ ........

Profile point--.---------.. .

Profile point_-----_-__-._. _______ . .....

Profile point.. ..................................

Lock and dam 16, pool..........................

Gage at Muscatine, Iowa . .

Gage at Bass Island, Iowa... ...... ....... ..-.-.

Miloa

above 

mouth 

of 

Ohio 

River

583.1

582.9

581.7

581.0

580.0

579.9

578.9

578.5

577.6

574.6

571.5

569.4

568.9

566.2

564.9

562.6

559.7

553.9

549.4

547.0

545.2

544.1

541.2

537.8

536.6

532.2

528.0

527.7

522.5

520.3

518.0

515.9

511.8

509.8

507.0

506.8

502.1

499.3

497.0

495.4

493.3

493.3

491.0

489.8

487.9

485.9

484.4

483.9

482.9

482.4

481.9

481.4

479.1

475.4

473.0

471.1

467.7

460.0

457.2

457.2

455.2

448.4

1952

Date

Apr. 25 ..-

Apr. 25......

Apr. 26 - .

Apr. 27. _.

Apr.28 

Apr. 28 

Apr. 27, 28. _

Apr. 28 ...

Apr. 28 .

Apr. 27, 28-.

Apr. 27, 28. .

Apr. 27, 28. .

Apr. 27, 28 . .

Apr. 28 .-

Aor. 27. 28..

Elevation in 

feet 

(1912 

adjustment)

610. 31

609.77

600.95

600.31

599.19

598. 28

597.06

594.58

591. 87

590.44

590. 29

587. 21

583.85

573.33

571.08

569.44

568.14

561. 13

561. 13

561. 02

559.85

558. 37

557.60

554.86

553.63

552. 52

549.50

1965

Date

Apr. 26, ..

Apr. 26 ...

Apr. 26 --

Api. 26 

Apr. 26 ...

Apr. 27 ..-

Apr. 28 ...

Apr. 28 ---

Apr. 28 -

Apr.28 ,--

Apr. 28 -

Apr. 28. .-

Apr.28- -

Apr.28-. 

Apr.28 

Apr. 28 .

Apr. 28 ...

Apr. 28 ...

Apr. 29 .

Apr. 29 

Apr. 29 

Apr.28 

Elevation in 

feet 

(1912 

adjustment)

614.5

613.9

613.5

613.2

612.3

611.9

611.7

611.2

609.9

608.6

607.7

606.4

605.2

604.6

604.5

603.7

602.9

601.7

600.5

599.5

598.2

596.8

595.0

594.1

593.9

593.7

593.4

592.2

591.1

589.2

587.8

587.3

586.0

583.7

582.0

580.2

578.6

577.0

574.8

574.2

573.3

572.1

569.6

567.7

567.2

565.9

565.0

564.9

564.8

564.6

563.8

562.3

561.5

560.6

559.8

558.8

557.9

557.5

556.9

556.3

555.3

553.1
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A55 

TABLE 1. Flood-crest elevations, Mississippi River Continued

Location

Profile point. --------- _ .---...-.--..- -......

Keokuk, Iowa:

Lock and dam 19, tailwater and U.S. Geological Survey recording gage.

Qunicy, 111. ..................................

Saverton, Mo.:

Clarksville, Mo.:

Sterling Landing, Mo....... __ ...............

Winfield, Mo.:

Grafton, 111... .................................

Miles

above 

mouth 

of 

Ohio 

River

443.7

44L3

437.2

437.0

433.5

432.9

43L3

428.0

427.9

425.9

420.6

418.2

415.9

413.0

410.5

410.5

409.9

408.4

406.5

404.1

403.1

400.5

396.0

392.6

389.5

388.1

387.0

383.9

382.7

381.5

379.0

374.9

368.4

364.3

364.2 

361.4

359.9

353.6

352.9

^n 9

343 2

335.9

327.9

324.9

324.9

320.3

309.9

301.2

301.1

293.0

282.9

273.5

273.2

265.0

260.3

250.8

241.5

241.2

228.3

218.0

1952

Date

Apr. 28.---.

Apr. 28... ...

Apr. 28... .-.

Apr. 28, 29. .

Apr. 28......

Apr. 28... ...

Apr. 28 . -.

Apr. 29.... .-

..............

Apr. 26... _-_

Apr. 26....--

Apr. 27 ...

Apr. 27. .-

Apr. 27.---

Apr. 27, 28. .

Apr. 30.....

Apr. 30,

May 1.

»

Elevation in 

feet 

(1912 adjustment)

. 647. 48

. 546. 41

. 546.14

. 543. 75

540.05

534.64

533.24

532. 75

529.30

------

463.0

457.5

452.3

448.4

446.4

441.8

438.1

432.3

428.7

1965

Date

Apr. 28 ...

Apr. 28 ...

Apr. 27 ---

ATav 1

Mnv 1

May 1.......

Mayl.----.-

May 1.......

Mayl.------

May 1-------

Apr. 28......

Apr. 28....--

Apr. 28......

Mayl ----

May 1 -.-

May 1.... ...

May 1----

May 1, 4.....

May 1, 4 

Mnv 1

May 1, 2 

May 2..---..

Apr. 18,

May 2, 

May 4-6.

May 2......

TWav 9

May3, 6....

Apr. 19--...

Elevation in 

feet 

(1912 adjustment)

551.9

551.0

550.1

549.8

547.4

543.6

542.2

539.8

538.6

537.4

536.6

535.9

535.4

534.8

534.1

533.0

532.4

531.9

530.1

528.5

527.3

527.0

526.6

525.1

5247

524.3

523.5

522.2

519.5

517.2

499.9

498.2

495. 42

490.71

489. 92

487.0

483.4

482. 69

481. 69

479. 79

474. 02

469.88

469. 36

465.2

459.6

455.00

454.29

450.7

448.6

444.0

440.85

440.07

433.1

427.7
A56 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

TABLE 1. Flood-crest elevations, Mississippi River Continued

Location

Miles -

above 

mouth 

of 

Ohio 

River

1952

Elevation in 

Date feet 

(1912 adjustment)

1966

Elevation in 

Date feet 

(1912 adjustment)

Alton, 111.:

Lock and dam 26, pool.......... ......... 203.0 ........................ Apr. 16..... 421.90

Lockanddam26,tailwaterandU.S. Qeolog- 202.7 Apr.30..... 424.75 Apr.16.... 421.03

ical Survey recording gage. 

Hartford, 111.................................... 196.8 Apr.30..... 423.58 Apr. 16..... 419.11

Chainof Rocks, Mo.--.-.--------.-...-..------ 190.4 Apr. 30..... 420.0 Apr. 16....- 414.6

Lock and dam 27, pool..---..-.-------.-..-.-..- 185.3 ........................ Apr. 16..... ......

Lockand dam 27, tailwater..................... 185.1 ........................ Apr. 16..... 412.23

Bissell Point, Mo............................... 183.3 Apr.30, 416.1 Apr.l6._... 411.1

May 1.

St. Louis, Mo., U.S. Geological Survey recording 180.0 May.-..._ 414.05 Apr. 16.._ 409.05 

gage.

SAUK AND ELK RIVER BASINS

The Sauk River was the farthest upstream tributary in which major 

flooding occurred. Maximum water equivalent of snow in the Sauk 

River basin at the end of March was 10-11 inches (fig. 5), more than 

anywhere else in the upper Mississippi River drainage basin.

The maximum discharge of the Sauk River at St. Cloud was 9,100 

cfs, and the maximum daily discharge was 7,940 cfs (fig. 2P), by far the 

greatest during the 35 years of record. The stage exceeded the previous 

maximum, which occurred in 1951, by 2.8 feet. The maximum discharge 

was 1.82 times that of a 50-year flood. In spite of the heavy runoff in 

the Sauk River basin, there was not a great deal of flood damage. The 

Sauk River banks in the city of St. Cloud are relatively high, and water 

did not overflow them. Five counties in the Sauk River basin reported a 

total of $165,000 damage to public property such as roads streets, and 

bridges. Further damage was sustained at Melrose where the flood 

destroyed a recreational dam. There was also damage to homes, agricultural land, fences, and other private property throughout the basin.

Flooding in the Elk River basin resulted principally from the melting of a heavy snow cover. The Elk River and its tributaries flow 

through flat, marshy land in a sand plain area throughout most of their 

reaches. There is little cultural development along the river; so flood 

damage was small. The maximum discharge at the gaging station near 

Big Lake was 7,360 cfs, 1.47 times the 50-year flood, and the highest 

in 40 years of record.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A57

FIGURE 28. Discharge hydrographs at selected gaging stations on Mississippi 

River tributaries upstream from St. Paul, Minn., April 1965.

CROW RIVER BASIN

Flooding in the Crow River basin was very heavy as the result of the 

melting of a very dense snow cover. On April 1, the water equivalent 

of the snow in the basin ranged from 6 to 8 inches. Two to three 

inches of precipitation, most of which was rain, fell in the basin during 

the period April 1-12 and intensified the flood condition.

Flooding was heavy at the South Fork from Cosmos, Minn., to the 

confluence with the North Fork and throughout the entire reach of the 

main stem. At the discontinued gaging station on the North Fork
ELEVATION, IN FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL 

(1929 ADJUSTMENT)

-Regal, Minn___________________ 

US Geol Survey discontinued gaging station

Forest City, Minn____________ 

Cosmos, Minn___________/

US jeo! ilurvey gaging s:a:ion 

(discontinued 9-30-64)

rs

three highway andtw about 50 homes and 2

to o

I-T- 3

ailway bridges were sevely damaged. . msinesses between th damanc1 rai

% ^

3?

spm

Iv*
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A59

crossing sustained flood damages; the residents of these homes were 

evacuated. The continuous force of the floodwaters finally destroyed 

the recreational dam on April 19, as the water was receding. It was 

fortunate, however, that this dam remained in place during the earlier 

higher stages, because at the time of the dam's destruction, flood levels 

were too low to cause much damage. The dam provided the mean s for 

computing the maximum discharge by indirect methods.

The crest of the South Fork occurred at Watertown, Mini]., on 

April 13, it was about 4.5 feet above flood stage and 3.5 feet above the 

previous record set in 1952. Watertown was effectively protected by 

an emergency sandbag-and-earth dike, and only three homes outside 

the protected area were flooded.

The South Fork Crow Kiver at Delano, Minn., crested on April 13, 

reaching a level 8.5 feet above flood stage; it was 3.0 feet higher than 

the 1925 flood, the previous maximum. Emergency sandbagging measures protected many residences and businesses of Delano. The first1060

1020 -

60 50 40 30 20 

DISTANCE, IN MILES ABOVE MOUTH

10 -10

FIGURE 29. Flood-crest profiles of the North and South Forks of Grow Piver. 

Water-surface elevations were obtained at U.S. Geological Survey gages or were 

selected from high-water data furnished by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

317-045 0-70-5
AGO FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

TABLE 2. Flood-crest elevations, North Fork and South Fork Crow River

[Based on data furnished by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers except at U.S. Geological Survey gaging

stations]

Miles Elevation

above Date in feet

confluence (datum of 1929)

North Fork Crow River

Regal, Minn., at U.S. Geological Survey discontinued gaging station_______________________ 134.5 Apr. 9 1,202.60

Paynesville, Minn., at bridge on Minnesota Highways 4 and 55___________________________ 126 _________ 1,157.7

Manannah, Minn., at bridge on County Road 30_ 103.5 _________ 1, 105. 7

Forest City, Minn., at bridge on Minnesota Highway 24_______________________-_________.__ 86.8 _________ 1,066.5

Kingston, Minn., at bridge on Minnesota Highway 15______________________-____--_--__ 74 _________ 1,025.0

Bridge 111 on Federal Aid Highway 332-1_____ 57. 6 _________ 994.5

Bridge 110 on State Aid Road 35_________-_____ 49. 7 _________ 978.9

Bridge 109 on County Aid Road 3______________ 44. 2 _________ 965.8

Bridge 108 on State Aid Road 3______________ 37. 1 _________ 951.6

Highland, Minn., at bridge 107 on County Aid

Road5_.____________________________._____ 33.2 _________ 944.0

Bridge 106 on State Aid Road 4______________ 29.2 _________ 936.6

Bridge 103 on Minnesota Highway 25_ ________ 10. 4 _________ 917.1

Rockford, Minn., at U.S. Geological Survey rerecording gage_ ____________________________ 1.0 Apr. 16 912.93

South Fork Crow River

Cosmos, Minn., at U.S. Geological Survey discontinued gaging station__ _____________________ 83.0 Apr. 11 1,092.14

Hutchinson, Minn____________________________ 51.9 Apr. 11 1,044.10

Lester Prairie, Minn__________________________ 30.4 _________ 986.2

Mayer, Minn., at U.S. Geological Survey gaging

station____________________________________ 14.4 Apr. 13 944.96

Watertown, Minn____________________________ 11.9 Apr. 13 936.04

Delano, Minn.______________,_______________________ 4.3 Apr. 13 923.3

Rockford, Minn., at U.S. Geological Survey recording gage______________________.___!____. 1.0 Apr. 16 912.93

floors of about 90 homes and 20 businesses were floodec1 as were the 

basements in a number of other homes and businesses. Abont 90 families 

were evacuated.

The Crow River at Rockford, Minn., crested at 19.27 feet on April 16, 

9.3 feet above flood stage and about 3 feet above the previous maximum 

which occurred on April 13, 1952. Maximum discharge was 22,400 cfs, 

1.78 times a 50-year flood. Daily discharges during April are shown in 

figure 28. Almost 6 inches of runoff occurred from the basin upstream 

from Rockford during the months of April and May. ^he runoff in 

April from the basin was 4.00 inches, exceeding the April precipitation 

of about 3.5 inches. This fact points out the substantial cc ntribution of 

snowmelt runoff to the flood situation. In Rockford, there was no
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A61

community-wide project to protect the town against flood damage, but 

local residents endeavored to protect individual homes and businesses. 

About 45 families were evacuated. First floors were flooded in 35 homes 

and 15 businesses, and basements flooded in an additional 10 homes and 

five businesses.

At Hanover, Minn., ice floes destroyed a new timber bridge on 

County Highway 19. Other bridges, roads, and urban property in the 

lower part of the basin were damaged. Extensive inundation of agricultural lands damaged crops, and the floodwaters destroyed fences.

The total damage in the basin was estimated at $2.9 million by the 

Corps of Engineers; a major share represents costs for flood-fighting 

activities in the river communities.

BUM BIVEB BASIN

Flooding in the Rum River basin was caused principally by the 

melting of heavy snow cover augmented by more than an inch of rain 

which fell during the first part of April. At the end of March, water 

equivalent of snow in the basin ranged from 6 to 9 inches (fig. 5). The 

heaviest snow cover was in the upstream or north end of the basin. 

Daily discharges at the gaging station near St. Francis are shown in 

figure 28. The maximum discharge of 10,100 cfs was 1.11 times a 50- 

year flood and was the maximum of record during a continuous period 

since 1929. Mille Lacs Lake, a natural reservoir in the upper part of the 

basin, partly regulated the floodflow.

The floods inundated agricultural lands, roads, and bridges in the 

reach between Princeton and Isanti. Residences in the comrrunity 

of Isanti were also damaged by floodwaters. Total damage in the basin 

was estimated at $200,000 by the Corps of Engineers.

MINNESOTA BIVEB BASIN

The upper part of the Minnesota River basin is formed by th^ Little Minnesota River, which originates on the eastern slope of the Dakota foothills (Coteau des Prairies) in South Dakota about 30 miles 

west of Lake Traverse. The Little Minnesota River flows into the upper 

end of Big Stone Lake on the South Dakota-Minnesota border. Big 

Stone Lake, which is only about a mile and a half in width, extends 

southeastward for 26 miles. Although the extreme upper end of the 

Minnesota River basin is in South Dakota, modern maps indicate that 

the source of the Minnesota River is at the lower end of Big Stone 

Lake. The river flows southeastward through Minnesota for 225 miles 

to Mankato where it turns abruptly to the northeast and flows another 

106 miles to its mouth near Fort Snelling, Minn. on the southern outskirts of the Twin Cities.
A62 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

During the glacial epoch, the River Warren, which f owed in the 

present Minnesota River valley, drained glacial Lake Agassiz, a vast 

body of water in the Northwestern part of the State. As a consequence 

of the great volume of this early drainage, the Minnesota River flows 

through wide flood plains, which intensify flood problems in the basin. 

At the downstream gaging station near Carver, Minn., measurements 

of flood discharge were made by boat across a valley 2 miles wide. In 

other locations the valley is as much as -3 miles wide, but throughout 

much of its reach it is from 1 to l1/^ miles in width. TT Q, Minnesota 

River itself has little slope, but its tributaries are comparatively steep; 

their steepness compounds the flood problem.

The flood in the upper part of the Minnesota River Easin was not 

severe. In fact, the Little Minnesota River had its annual peak in 

June, after the flood period. The recurrence intervals of maximum 

discharges in tributaries upstream from the Lac qui Parle River varied 

from 4 to 11 years. Peak discharge of the Lac qui Parle River, which 

joins the Minnesota River 41 miles downstream from Big Stone Lake, 

was 8,370 cfs, a 40-year flood, and the second highest peak discharge 

in 38 years of record.

The next major tributaries downstream from the Lac qui Parle 

River are the Chippewa River, draining an area on the north, and 

the Yellow Medicine and Redwood Rivers, which drain areas on the 

south. The recurrence interval of peak discharges in the?e tributaries 

in their lower reaches varied from 8 to 20 years. The Minnesota River 

is gaged at Montevideo, Minn. just downstream from the mouth of 

the Chippewa River. Flood discharge at this location was 12,900 cfs, 

a 13-year flood. Records have been collected at this site for 56 years. 

The 1965 flood was exceeded only by the thunderstorm flood of June 

1919 and the snowmelt flood of April 1952. The discharge of the 1952 

flood, however, was almost twice that of the 1965 flood.

The discharge of the Minnesota River and its tributaries from New 

Ulm Minn., to the mouth 145 miles downstream, exceeded all previously known peak discharges. The runoff from the area south of New 

Ulm and Mankato, Minn., was particularly intense. The April runoff 

from the Blue Earth and Le Sueur River basins was 6.08 inches and 

6.66 inches, respectively, which was greater than that from any other 

large gaged area in Minnesota with the exception of the Cannon River 

basin.

Severe urban and agricultural damages occurred in the Minnesota 

River basin downstream from New Ulm. Because of tl °- wide river 

valley, a great deal of rich agricultural land was flooded. Fla'ndrau 

Dam on the Cottonwood River and Rapidan Dam on the Blue Earth 

River were damaged. The greatest damage by far, however, was to
MARCH-MAT, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A63

communities along the Minnesota River at Mankato and downstream.

Le Hillier, on the outskirts of Mankato, suffered heavy damages 

when a temporary levee was overtopped and all the community's 

business establishments and 125 residences were flooded by the Blue 

Earth River. Floodwaters in Le Hillier were as much as 12 feet deep. 

Another levee protecting Mankato failed, and a large business area 

and about 225 residences were flooded by the Minnesota River (figs. 

30 and 31). A strenuous effort was carried on in North Mankrto to 

protect that community from the floodwaters. This effort was largely 

successful, but its cost over $250,000 and about 5,000 persons were 

evacuated because of the flood danger. Total damages, including the 

flood-fighting effort in Mankato and its environs, Le Hillier and l Torth 

Mankato, were about $7 million and more than 8,000 persons were 

evacuated.

The large flow contributed by the Blue Earth and Cottonwood Rivers to the Minnesota River did much to increase the flooding at Mankato. The mouth of the Cottonwood River is only 33 miles upstream 

from the Blue Earth River, which joins the Minnesota River e'k the 

southwest edge of Mankato. The major tributaries of the Blue Earth 

River are the Watonwan and Le Sueur Rivers and major tributaries 

of the Le Sueur River are the Cobb and Maple Rivers. All these rivers 

drained areas where the runoff was exceptionally high.

Records from gaging stations on the Minnesota River at Mankato 

and on tributaries in the vicinity of Mankato gave evidence of the 

great volume of runoff. The Cottonwood River near New Ulm crested 

on April 8 at 26,000 cfs, almost twice the previous maximum during 

the 38 years records have been collected. Discharge of the Blue Earth 

River was over iy2 times the previous maximum in 23 years of record, 

and discharge of the Le Sueur River was greater than the maximum in 

22 years of record. The maximum discharge of the Minnesota Fiver 

at Mankato, 94,100 cfs, was greater than the previously known maximum, 90,000 cfs, which occurred in 1881. The maximum stage in 1881, 

however, was about 0.8 foot higher. The recurrence intervals of the 

flood discharges of the Minnesota River at Mankato and its tributaries 

in the vicinity varied from 1.20 to 3.30 times the 50-year flood.

In communities downstream from Mankato, flood damage was also 

heavy. Residential areas and city streets were damaged in St. Peter, 

Minn., not from Minnesota River floodwaters, but from a small drainage basin which released its runoff through the town. Damages were 

about $500,000. In the small town of Henderson (population 765), 

about 400 persons were forced to exacuate their homes. Water was 6-8 

feet, deep in some areas and half the town was under water (figs. 32 

and 33). Total damages exceeded $600,000.
A64 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

FIGURE 30. Flooded area in Manbato, Minn.
FIGITBE 31. A large business area and 225 residences were flooded by the Minnesota Eiver in Mankato, Minn. Photograph by

Minneapolis Star and Tribune, Minneapolis, Minn. O3
A66 FLOODS OF L965 IN THE UNITED STATES

FIGURE 32. Flooded area in Henderson, Minn.

At Carver, Minn., the Minnesota River crested 16 feet over flood 

stage and damaged a large part of the town's business district and residential area (figs. 34 and 35). About 60 families were forced to leave 

their homes. The gaging station on the Minnesota River, 3 miles upstream from Carver, was inundated, and the concrete structure was 

severely damaged when struck by trees and debris which were carried 

downstream by the current. The maximum stage at this site, determined from floodmark, was 34.37 feet, more than 6 feet higher than 

the maximum previous stage of record which occurred in 1952. The 

maximum discharge, 117,000 cfs, was 1.83 times that of a 50-year flood.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A67

t
A68 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

EXPLANATION

FIGURE 34. Flooded area in Carver, Minn.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A69
A70 FLOODS or 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

About 500 persons in Chaska, Minn., were forced to leave their homes 

when the floodwaters overtopped a 1,600-foot-long dike constructed 

by local residents (figs. 36 and 37). The new Carver County Courthouse and sewage disposal plant were protected, however, by emergency sandbag dikes.

Several oil and grain terminals at Savage, Minn., suffered severe 

damage from the recordbreaking floods, which exceeded the 1952 

stages by almost. 5 feet. The residential part of the community and 

a 14-million-bushel grain elevator complex were protected by emergency sandbag dikes.

There was a great deal of damage to highways and railways in the 

Minnesota River valley. For several days during the flood, only one 

highway, U.S. Highway 169 at Le Sueur, was open across the Minnesota River in the area from the mouth to Mankota, 106 miles upstream. Of the three bridges crossing the Minnesota River in the 

Twin City area, only Mendota Bridge at the mouth was open. It was 

choked by commuter traffic for hours each day. Water was about 12 

feet deep on Cedar Avenue near Cedar Avenue Bridge, and Interstate 

Highway 35 W was inundated by about 2 feet of water south of the 

bridge. Railroads suffered losses to track, roadbed, and bridges as 

well as operational losses from interruption of service.

Total damages in the Minnesota River basin, including the cost of 

flood fighting, were estimated by the Corps of Engineers to be over 

$38 million.

A profile of 1965 flood elevations for the Minnesota River is shown 

in figure 38, and tabulated elevations are given in table 3. Discharge 

hydrographs for Le Sueur, Blue Earth, and Minnesota Rivers are 

shown in figure 39.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A71

TABLE 3. Flood-crest elevations, Minnesota River 

[Based on data furnished by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers except as noted]

Location

Profile point on left bank 100 ft northeast of bridge

at Wegdahl, Minn.

Granite Falls, Minn. :

Gage on left bank at crest of city waterworks

dam.

Right bank 30 ft upstream from U.S. Highway

212.

Gage at right upstream corner of Northern States

Power Co. Minnesota Valley Steam Plant.

Highwater mark on left bank in pool at NSP

Minnesota Falls Hydro Plant.

Highwater mark at Pete's Point Resort downstream from NSP Minnesota Falls Hydro Plant.

In NWM sec. 34, T. 115 N., R. 38 W., near bridge

on road from Sacred Heart, Minn., to Minnesota

State Highway 67 at Eugene Eber farmhouse.

At bridge on Redwood County Highway 7, 6 miles

north of Belview, Minn.

At bridge on Redwood County Highway 6, 4 miles

north of Delhi, Minn.

At downstream side of bridge on Redwood County

Highway 17, 2*^ miles northwest of Delhi,

Minn.

At bridge on Redwood County Highway 21, 0.8

mile northwest of North Redwood, Minn.

At bridge on U.S. Highway 19 near Morton, Minn.

At bridge on Redwood County Highway 11, 1 mile

south of Franklin, Minn.

At right downstream side of bridge on Minnesota

State Highway 4.

New Ulm, Minn.:

Downstream left abutment of bridge on U.S.

Highway 14.

Right bank, 250 ft west of Courtland bridge

in southeast New Ulm.

Right bank on line between sec. 11 and 12,

T. 109 N., R. 30 W., near New Ulm, Minn.,

1 mile north of Minnesota State Highway

68.

Miles

above

mouth

263. 6

253. 0

252. 2

250. 3

249. 5

249. 0

238. 3

228. 5

223. 7

219. 6

212. 2

202. 9

192.4

175. 5

146. 8

143. 8

138.4

E'evation

Date in feet

(d-rtum of

1929)

__________ 920.83

____..._._ 905.04

__________ 889.88

Apr. 15.. _ 888. 6

__________ 887.45

__._____._ 880.00

__________ 871.86

__________ 863.76

__________ 855.78

__________ 849.87

__________ 840.7

_________ 831.20

__________ 823.43

__________ 814.14

Apr. 9 806. 26

or 10.

Apr. 9 805. 05

or 10.

.__._____- 801.48
A72 FLOODS 'OF 1,965 IN THE UNITED STATES

TABLE 3. Flood-crest elevations, Minnesota River Continued 

[Based on data furnished by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers except as noted]

Miles Elevation

Location above Date in feet

mouth (datum of 

1929)

Courtland, Minn., 50 ft east of center line of road 134. 3 __________ 797. 14

which leads to Minnesota State Highway 68. 

Cambria, Minn., on right bank at farthest down- 130. 6 __________ 793. 98

stream house on street closest to river. 

Judson, Minn., on west side of land leading to 120. 3 __________ 787. 6

bridge near school. 

Mankato, Minn.:

Right bank Blue Earth River at southwest 108. 2 Apr. 10_ 781. 66

cor. of Sibley Park. 

U.S. Geological Survey recording gage at 106. 4 Apr. 10___ : 777. 01

left downstream side of Main Street bridge. 

Right bank, 1000 ft downstream from main 105. 3 Apr. 10_ 774. 08

building of sewage plant. 

On left bank in NWM sec. 24, T. 109 N., R. 27 W., 99.8 Apr. 10_ 768.1

near Mankato. 

Kasota, Minn., near downstream limits of town___ 92. 5 __________ 762. 01

St. Peter, Minn.:

Gage on powerhouse,________________________ 90. 1 __________ 758. 27

Terminal power pole for new St. Peter sewage 89. 2 __________ 756. 4

plant. 

On left bank 3 miles downstream from St. Peter, at 85. 2 __________ 754. 0

NW cor. sec. 4, T. 110 N., R. 26 W. 

On right bank, 1.2 miles upstream from Le Sueur, 76. 9 __________ 748. 3

Minn., along railroad from Le Sueur Post Office 

Bldg., at same location as USC and GS BM D-3. 

At left downstream corner of bridge on U.S. High- 72. 2 __________ 743. 67

way 169 north of Le Sueur, Minn. 

Henderson, Minn.:

Right bank, 115 ft upstream and 40 ft riverward 67. 1 __________ 740. 23

from C&NW Ry overpass on Minnesota State 

Highway 19. 

Downstream side of above bridge______________ 67.1 __________ 739.63

See footnote at end of table.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN 

TABLE 3. Flood-crest elevations, Minnesota River Continued

A73

[Based on data furnished by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers except as noted]

Location

Miles 

above 

mouth

Date

E'evation 

in feet

(datum of 

1929)

On right bank at C&NW Ry bridge 269, in NWM 62. 8 __________ 739.18

sec. 31, T. 113 N., R. 25 W. 

On right bank at C&NW Ry bridge 264, near east

line sec. 24, T. 113 N., R. 26 W_______________ 60. 7 __________ 738. 84

Blakeley, Minn., on right bank, 63 ft west of 56.4 __________ 734.95

railroad and 60 ft south of road to bridge. 

Belle Plaine, Minn. : Upstream side of bridge on Minnesota State 48. 9 Apr. !!___ 730. 84 

Highway 25.

Downstream side of above bridge_-_____- ______ 48.9 __________ 730.15

On right bank on Richard Klehr farm near Belle

Plaine, Minn., in SE^ sec. 21, T. 114 N., R. 44.3 ____-_-_-_ 728.63

24 W. 

On right upstream bank at Corps of Engineers 39. 4 __________ 725. 06

gage site near Jordan, Minn. 

U.S. Geological Survey recording gage near Carver, 36. 0 Apr. 12___ l 724. 37

Minn. 

Carver, Minn., at County Road 40 opposite rail- 31. 9 Apr. 12___ 723. 46

road water tank. 

Chaska, Minn., at Corps of Engineers gage_ ______ 29. 6 Apr. 13___ 722. 25

Shakopee, Minn., on right bank, 100 ft upstream 25. 2 __________ 721. 27

from bridge on U.S. Highway 169. 

Savage, Minn., on left bank, downstream from 14.3 __________ 719.15

combination highway and railroad bridge. 

Bloomington, Minn., at bridge on Interstate 11. 0 Apr. 15___ r 718. 20

Highway 35W. 

Cedar Ave. at Nicols railroad siding, Dakota 7. 4 __________ 717. 42

County. 

Mendota, Minn.:

Downstream landward corner of C&NW Ry 1. 0 ---------- 716.71

bridge.

Mouth of Minnesota River___________________ 0.0 Apr. 16___ 716.40

From U.S. Geological Survey.
A74 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

FIGURE 36. Flooded area in Chaska, Minn.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A75

 a

cS 

t-i

a-u 

CO

a

1

o

 4^

e3

317-045 0-70-6
ELEVATION, IN FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL (1929 ADJUSTMENT)

oo oo oo a N> *» 01 a N> o o o c

*JUI

Bridge on Redwood County Highway 11

Granite Falls, Minn, city waterworks dam

Minnesota Valley Steam Plant

Pete's Point Resort below Hydro Plant

Bridge on Minnesota Highway 4

Bridge on county roadEugene Eber s farmhouse

Bridge on Redwood County Highway 7

Bridge on Redwood County Highway 6

Bridge on Redwood County Highway 17 New Ulm, Minn, at 

Bridge on US Highway 14

Bridge on Redwood County Highway 21 Courtland bridge 

New Ulm, Minn 

One mile north of

Minnesota Highway 68 

Courtland, Minn

Bridge on US Highway 19

-^Bridge on US Highway 212 ^Minnesota Falls Hydro Plant
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A77

50 40 30 20 -10

DISTANCE, IN MILES ABOVE MOUTH

FIGURE 38. Flood-crest profiles of Minnesota River water-surface elevations were 

obtained at U.S. Geological Survey gages or were selected from high-water 

data furnished by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
A78 FLOODS 'OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

y 20

<2 125

< 100k

5-3200 Blue Earth River near Rapidan, Minn 

Drainage area 2,430 sq mi

5-3205 Le Sueur River near Rapidan, Minn 

Drainage area 1,100 sq mi

-3300. Minnesota River near Carver, Minn

5-3250. Minnesota River at Mankato, Minn 

5-3110. Minnesota River at Montevideo, Minn

FIGURE 39. Discharge hydrographs at selected gaging stations in the Minnesota River basin.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A79

ST. CROIX RIVER BASIN

Most of the winter precipitation was still on the ground in the 

St. Croix River basin at the end of March (figs. 4 and 5) in the/ form 

of 20-30 inches of wet snow and ice (water equivalent, 5-7 inches; 

2-4 inches above normal). Snow on April 1 and rain on April 6 and 

7 contributed approximately another inch of precipitation. An average of almost half an inch of rain fell April 10, followed by a lighter 

rain April 15. Snow on the ground gradually melted from early April 

to the middle of the month. Runoff over the deeply frozen ground 

was rapid.

Small streams began rising by April 6, and the St. Croix River 

main stem, by April 10. Because the cool nights caused a diurnal 

pattern of snowmelt, the runoff from the small basins extended over a 

long period of time; thus, the weather prevented extremely high instantaneous peaks, but the discharge on the main stem increased 

rapidly for a week to 10 days after April 10. Peak discharges between 

Danbury and St. Croix Falls, Wis., occurred at approximately the 

same time, but they increased in magnitude in a downstream direction. Recurrence intervals were 5 years, 16 years and 25 years, respectively, for the peaks near Danbury on April 19, near Grantsburg 

on April 18, and at St. Croix Falls on April 18. The 1965 maximum 

discharges of 6,460 cfs near Danbury and 45,700 cfs at St. Croix 

Falls were the highest at these stations since the 1950 maxima of 

10,200 cfs and 54,900 cfs, respectively. The river remained high at 

St. Croix Falls for a long period. Daily discharge exceeded 40,000 

cfs for 1 week (April 16-22) and exceeded 25,000 cfs for 2 weeks 

(April 14-27) as shown in figure 40. From Stillwater, Minn., to the 

mouth, stages were about 4% feet higher than any previously recorded. Because the high stage of the Mississippi River prevented the 

movement of ice near the mouth, large ica rafts were created there.

In the small basins, many culverts and small bridges were damaged, 

and roadways and shoulders suffered wash damage. Heavy ice damaged farm fences and outbuildings. In the large basins, many parks, 

recreation areas, sewage disposal plants, and summer homee were 

inundated or damaged. Records for the gaging station on the Apple 

River in the southern part of the basin showed that the peak daily discharge was the highest in 65 years. Two small dams on the Apple 

River were washed out, as were several bridges. Water damaged 

generators at one small power plant. On the lower St. Croix River, 

a hugh ice pack threatened the Minnesota-Wisconsin interstate bridge. 

The greatest damage in the St. Croix River basin was along St. Croix 

Lake at Hudson and Prescott, Wis., and at Stillwater, Bayport. Lakeland, St. Croix Beach, St. Mary's Point, and Afton, Minn. Damage
A80 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

5 5

30

FIGURE 40. Discharge hydrographs at selected gaging stations on the Mississippi River tributaries in Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A81

also occurred to homes, cottages, resorts, and boat marinas along the 

St. Croix River upstream from Stillwater.

The total damage in the St. Croix basin was over $5 million, about 

half of which occurred in Stillwater. Temporary levees at Stillw^ater, 

Bayport, and Hudson prevented additional damages which might 

have amounted to several million dollars.

The flood damaged about 200 homes and caused the closing cf two 

major highways across the St. Croix River. Rail travel was affected, 

but the Chicago and North Western Railway bridge at Hudson, Wis., 

remained open and provided a crossing for trains of four railroad 

companies operating between the Twin Cities and Chicago. About 

$500,000 damage occurred to railroads, highways, and railroad and 

highway bridges.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRIBUTARY BASINS IN SOUTHEASTERN

MINNESOTA

The Vermillion River is an ungaged stream which flows into the 

Mississippi River at Hastings, Minn. Flood waters from this river 

caught many residents by surprise during the night of April 5-6 

when the normally placid stream overflowed its banks and inur dated 

much of the Westwood Addition, a new housing area which had been 

built since the 1952 flood (figs. 41 and 42). Overflow from the Vermillion River backed up behind County Highway 47 and increased the 

flood threat to residents in the southwestern part of Hastings. To 

alleviate this situation, county highway crews breached a 30-foot 

section of highway so that the impounded water could return to the 

channel. About 280 families were evacuated, many of whom were 

previously unaware that their homes were subject to flood 

inundation. About 42 city blocks were flooded, and water was as much 

as 5 feet deep in some of the streets. Total damages from the Vermillion 

River flood were more than $725,000. The Mississippi River crest arrived at Hastings almost 2 weeks later on April 18, but damages from 

the main stem, about $50,000, were minor when compared with those 

resulting from the flooding Vermillion River.

Runoff from the Cannon River basin was exceptionally heavy. 

During April, it amounted to 6.96 inches in the basin upstreair from 

Welch, Minn. This was the maximum computed from data collected 

at any of the more than 100 gaging stations in Minnesota, although 

it probably was exceeded in some small basins where continuous records of discharge were not maintained. The maximum discharge of 

36,100 cf s at the Welch gaging station on April 8 was more thai twice 

that of the 1952 flood and 1.54 times the discharge of a 50-year flood.
A82 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

FIGURE 41. Flooded area in Hastings, Minn.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A83
A84 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

The flood hydrograph of daily discharges is shown in figure 40. Urban 

damage in the basin was about $182,000, and agricultural damage was 

$97,000. Greatest urban damage occurred in the towns of Faribault, 

Northfield, and Cannon Falls, Minn.

Most streams in Minnesota crested in April, but a few streams in 

the southeastern part of State crested in early March (table 4). The 

Zumbro River, which flows into the Mississippi River downstream 

from Lake Pepin and lock and dam 4, is the northernmost of these 

streams. On the South Fork Zumbro River near Rochester, Minn., the 

1965 maximum stage of 19.12 feet, 7 feet over flood stage, was 0.66 

foot higher than the March 1962 peak and more than iy2 feet higher 

than any other peak which has occurred since 1908. At the downstream 

gaging station at Zumbro Falls, Minn. the maximum discharge on 

March 2 was 29,600 cf s, a 29-year flood.

Another peak occurred on April 7, but the April flooding was not 

as severe because the winter snow cover had already melted and run 

off during the March flood. Urban damages in the Zumbro River 

basin, most of which occurred in Rochester, were over $458,000, and 

agricultural damages were about $78,000. Flood-crest elevations in the 

Zumbro River basin are shown in profile (fig. 43) and described and 

tabulated (table 4).

TABLE 4. Flood-crest elevations, South Fork Zumbro River and Zumbro River 

[Based on data furnished by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers except at U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations]

Miles Elevation in

Location above Date feet (datum

mouth of 1929)

Rochester, Minn.:

U.S. Weather Bureau gage at bridge on U.S.

Highways 52 and 14_____________ 80.5 Mar. 1 1,002.20

U.S. Geological Survey recording gage.------ 75. 1 Mar. 1 968. 68

Rochester power dam, pool______________.______ 59.0 Mar. 2 925.75

Rochester power dam, tailwater_________________ 59.0 Mar. 2 873.2

Zumbro Falls, Minn., at U.S. Geological Survey

recording gage______________________ 48.5 Mar. 2 839.66

Theilman, Minn., at U.S. Geological Survey discontinued gaging station____________________ 24.5 Mar. 2 745.27

Kellogg, Minn., at bridge on U.S. Highway 61__ 4. 5 Mar. 2 687. 90 

Zumbro River mouth. _______________ 0 Mar. 3 664.52
LEVEL SEA MEAN ABOVE FEET, IN ELEVATION. 

ADJUSTMENT) (1929 

bridge 14 and 52 Hwy 

gage Bureau Weather US 

Minn Rochester, near River Zumbro Fork South 

station gaging Survey Geol US 

mouth River Zumbro Fork Middle 

mouth River Zumbro Fork South 

pool Dam) Power (Rochester Lake Zumbro 

tailwater Dam) Power (Rochester 

mouth River Zumbro Fork North 

H3<I<m WJISSISSIK H3AIH JSIISVS S8V
A86 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

The only gaging station in the Whitewater River basin is on a 

relatively small drainage area on the South Fork Whitewater River 

near Altura, Minn. Flooding and damages in this basin were not 

severe. The maximum stage at the Altura gaging station, with occurred 

on March 1, was largely the result of rapid snowmelt runoff and 

ice backwater. The maximum discharge of 2,360 cfs which occurred 

during a later peak on April 7 was only a 2-year flood.

The Root River, which joins the Mississippi River about 3 miles 

downstream from La Crosse, Wis., drains an area in extreme southeastern Minnesota and also a few square miles on northeastern Iowa. 

The topography of the Root River basin is characteristic of southeastern Minnesota. It is rolling and undulating and contains a number 

of steep bluffs. The greater part of the basin is under cultivation, but 

the plateaus at the top of the bluff and many of the hillsides are 

forested. The topographic relief varies more than 650 feet within the 

basin, and as a consequence, runoff is more rapid than in many areas 

in Minnesota.

Runoff from snowmelt started in the Root River basin at the end 

of February, as the result of warm temperatures, and was intensified 

by a heavy rain which fell on March 1. This condition created very 

sharp ice-affected peaks in the basin on March 1 and 2 (fig. 40). Stages 

exceeded any previously known from Lanesboro, Minn., to the mouth. 

At the gaging station near Houston, Minn., the maximum stage of 

18.32 feet was more than 3 feet higher than the previous maximum 

stage in 44 years of record, but the maximum discharge of the 1965 

flood was exceeded twice during the period of record. Recurrence intervals of the maximum discharge varied from 19 years at Lanesboro to 

30 years near Houston. Paradoxically, the recurrence intervals of 

tributary peaks on Rush Creek and South Fork Root River were only 

5 years and 3 years, respectively.

The economy of the Root River basin, which depends largely upon 

agriculture, was not seriously affected because most of the damage was 

urban. Greatest damage occurred in Houston where most of the business establishments and about 255 homes were flooded. Streets and 

sewerlines also were damaged. In Rushford, 150 homes and 40 businesses were flooded, and in Peterson, 35 homes were flooded. Total 

damages in the basin exceeded $2 million to urban property and about 

$320,000 to agricultural property.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A87 

CHIPPEWA RIVER BASIN

The major flooding in the Chippewa River basin occurred in the 

lower reaches of the main stem and along the Red Cedar River, the 

second largest tributary, which flows into the Chippewa River 23 

miles above its mouth. The most significant flooding in the upper part 

of the basin occurred in medium-sized subbasins. Reservoirs stored 

much of the northern runoff and greatly reduced the flood threat on the 

upper Chippewa River and its major tributary, the Flambeau River.

On April 14, the Chippewa River at Durand, Wis., near the mouth, 

peaked at 66,200 cfs, which is a flood of 5-year recurrence interval. 

The river crested and receded slowly, it remained above 50,000 cfs for 

about 8 days. The Red Cedar River, which flows into the Wisconsin 

River 9.5 miles above Durand, peaked at Menomonie, Wis., on April 12 

at 28,700 cfs, which is 1.24 times a 50-year flood. The major tributary 

of the Red Cedar River, the Hay River, peaked near its mouth on 

April 11 at 10,900 cfs, a 22-year flood.

High runoff occurred later in the headwaters of the Chippewa and 

Flambeau Rivers. The big reservoir, Lake Chippewa, began storing 

water on April 5 and rose steadily until it became full in mid-May. 

The Flambeau Flowage filled between April 10 and May 10.

Lake Wissota on the Chippewa River, just upstream from Chippewa 

Falls, Wis., stored over 3,200 million cubic feet of water during the 

period April 10-14, or an equivalent average discharge of 7,400 cfs. 

The head on the powerplant service pond exceeded its normal operating elevation throughout the period of maximum discharge April 

14^18. At the gaging station at Chippewa Falls, the maximum discharge, which occurred on April 16, was 44,700 cfs, a 3-year flood. 

Daily discharge exceeded 35,000 cfs during the period April 14^-20.

Huge ice cakes damaged many business places in Durand. The 

floodwaters filled many basements, snapped telephone and electric 

power poles, and lifted propane tanks from their foundations. Most 

communities in the low areas along the Red Cedar River experienced 

minor damage from the floodwaters and floating ice cakes. The Red 

Cedar River passes through Tainter Lake between Coif ax and Menomonie, Wis., and the Hay River joins the Red Cedar River in Tainter 

Lake. Here flood and ice damage to cottages and homes was extensive. 

Many students from Stout State University in Menomonie joined 

homeowners on Tainter Lake in building sandbag barricades and 

breaking up threatening ice rafts.
A88 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES 

WISCONSIN RIVER BASIN

Flood severity during the period March-May 1965 varied considerably throughout the Wisconsin River basin. Early in March, little 

runoff occurred in the northern part of the basin, but heavy runoff 

from snowmelt and rainfall occurred in the southern part. Major runoff began in the upper basin about April 7, but backwater from ice 

jams was still in effect 011 some streams as late as April 14. Numerous 

reservoirs in the north and the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir and power 

reservoirs in the central part of the basin reduced peak discharges 

on the main stem of the Wisconsin River.

On the main stem at Merrill, Wis., the mean flow for March was less 

than that for February. The reservoir system registered a slight gain, 

which was almost entirely in the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir during 

the first week of March. Streamflow at Rothschild and Wisconsin 

Rapids was up slightly the first 2 weeks of March, but daily discharges 

did not exceed 4,500 cfs. The maximum daily discharge in March of the 

Lemonweir River was about 1,600 cfs compared with almost 3,000 cfs 

in April. The Lemonweir River enters the Wisconsin River below 

Castle Rock power dam and upstream from Wisconsin Dells. At Wisconsin Dells, daily discharges ranged from 8,000 to 10,000 cfs during 

the period March 4-26 as a result of increased runoff from the midbasin tributaries and lowering of Petenwell and Castle Rock power 

reservoirs in anticipation of high streamflow in April. In the southern 

part of the basin, the March floods on the tributaries exceeded the 

April floods. The Baraboo River near Baraboo, Wis., peaked on March 

6 at 4,500 cfs, a 7-year flood. The highest crests on the Kickapoo River, 

the farthest downstream major tributary of the Wisconsin River, also 

occurred in March, 'but frequency intervals were only 3-4 years.

Peak discharges in the mid-basin and upper-basin tributaries and the 

Wisconsin River downstream from the mouth of the Eau Claire River 

occurred in April. The maximum discharge of 6,980 cfs on April 12 

on the Eau Claire River at Kelly, 5 miles southeast of Wausau, was 

the second highest in the periods of record, 1914-26, 1940-65. Recurrence intervals of the April maximums on the tributaries on the 

upper part of the basin ranged from 6 to more than 50 years, and 

those in the lower part of the basin ranged from 3 to 14 years. The 

highest runoff in the basin occurred on the Eau Claire and Rib Rivers, 

which enter the Wisconsin River just upstream from Rothschild.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A89

At Rothschild, the Wisconsin Eiver crested on April 12 at a discharge of 49,200 cfs, a 12-year flood. The maximum discharge known 

at this station was 75,000 cfs in September 1941. At Wisconsin Eapids, 

the next gaging station downstream, the river crested at 64,000 cfs, a 

10-year flood, on April 13. Farther downstream at Wisconsin Dells, 

the peak discharge was 50,200 cfs, a 4-year flood, which occurred on 

April 15. Pentenwell and Castle Eock Reservoirs, between Wisconsin 

Eapids and Wisconsin Dells, stored almost 7,600 mcf (million cubic 

feet) in the 5 days April 11-15, which is the equivalent of an average 

discharge of 17,600 cfs during the 5-day period. The equivalent average discharge for the maximum 2-day rate of storage is over 25,000 cfs. 

The crest continued to attenuate as it moved downstream. The peak 

discharge at Muscoda, 44 miles upstream from the mouth, was 48,500 

cfs, a 3-year flood, occurring on April 18. A hydrograph of the daily 

discharges at the Muscoda gaging station is shown in figure 40.

Discharges in the reach of the Wisconsin Eiver upstream from the 

mouth of the Eau Claire Eiver peaked in May after the major flood 

crest in the lower reach. At Merrill, the peak discharge, which occurred on May 18, was 12,300 cfs, a 2-year flood. An earlier peak of 

11,300 cfs occurred on April 17. Storage in the 20 upstream reservoirs 

impounded about 6,700 mcf during the period April 8-25 and another 

2,300 mcf during the last week of April. The Big Eau Pleine Eeservoir 

stored an additional 3,000 mcf during the period April 4-18.

Flood damage in the Wisconsin Eiver basin was generally on the 

main stem and on the tributaries joining the main stem between 

Wausau and Wisconsin Eapids. Ice was thick as a result of the long, 

cold winter, and the breakup was quite rapid. Some destruction was 

caused by large ice jams. Flood conditions in Schofield, Wis. (fig. 44), 

at the mouth of the Eau Claire Elver were intensified 'by ice backwater. The flood disrupted the operations of many paper mills. It 

threatened power dams and destroyed a 100-foot section of timber 

dam at the Mosinee Paper Mills Company. Business places and residences in the Wausau, Schofield, and Antigo areas suffered flood damage. Many highway pavements were undermined and shoulders washed 

out, but early warning provided time for precautionary measures 

which kept property damage low in the Wisconsin Eiver basin.
A90 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A91 

OTHER MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRIBUTARY BASINS IN WISCONSIN

The magnitude of floods in the smaller basins in Wisconsin, tributary to the Mississippi River, varied considerably. The recurrence intervals of peak discharges on the Trempealeau River were about 30 

years, on the Black River about 4 years, and in the southern basins such 

as the Platte and Galena Rivers less than 2 years.

Severity of peak flow varied with drainage area. On several small 

basins (drainage areas less thn 30 square miles) between the St. Croix 

and Trempealeau Rivers, the recurrence intervals of the maximum discharges were from 2 to 4 years, but in the larger basins they were 

considerably higher. This phenomenon is characteristic of snowmelt 

runoff. In the small basins, runoff increased during the day, peaked 

in late afternoon, then decreased sharply as night temperatures dropped below freezing. Daily minimums were reached in midmorning and 

runoff increased again as temperatures rose. In the larger basins, however, these diurnal fluctuations were less extreme as the flow from individual tributaries was integrated into the larger systems.

The Trempealeau River at Dodge, Wis., about 9 miles upstream 

from the mouth, peaked on April 7 at 12,100 cfs, a 7-year flood. This 

flood was considerably less severe than the maximum of record, which 

was 17,400 cfs on April 4,1956.

Near the mouth of the Black River the maximum discharge, which 

occurred on April 13, was 33,000 cfs, a 3-year flood. At Neillsville, 

Wis., where the drainage area is about one-third that at the mouth, a 

maximum discharge of 18,300 cfs on April 12 was also a 3-year flood. 

Flood damage in the Black River basin was confined mostly to country 

roads, but several highways were inundated for a short time.

The La Crosse River peak on April 12 was slightly lower than an 

earlier peak of 2,610 cfs on March 3, which was a 2-year flood. South of 

the La Crosse River basin in Wisconsin, major snowmelt runoff 

occurred in February and March, and April runoff was consequently 

reduced. Rivers in small basins in southwestern Wisconsin such as the 

Grant, Platte, and Galena Rivers rose several times in January, February, and March. Maximum discharges generally occurred March 1 or 

March 31, and recurrence intervals were less than 2 years. The relatively low peaks were due to the frequent melting periods and resultant 

runoff in January and February.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRIBUTARY BASINS IN NORTHEASTERN IOWA

Temperatures in the forties in the latter days of February melted the 

1-5 inches of snow on the ground in northeastern Iowa. This snowmelt, which was accompanied by some rainfall, produced sharp rises on

317-045 0-70-7
A92 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

the tributary streams from the upper Iowa River basin to the Wapsipinicon River basin. Maximum discharges, however, had recurrence 

intervals of only 2-4 years.

Streams also crested at about the same magnitude at the end of 

March as a result of the melting of snow that had accumulated to 

depths of 6-12 inches during the March 16-18 storms. The %-2 inches 

of rain which fell during the period .April 3-7 in the Maquoketa and 

Wapaipinicon basins produced only minor crests.

All the tributaries had peaked well before the Mississippi River 

crested in this reach. The Upper Iowa River, Paint Creek, and Little 

Maquoketa River had no significant rises after April 1. The latest 

crests on the Turkey and Maquoketa Rivers occurred about April 6. 

The Wapsipinicon River discharged its latest crest into the Mississippi 

River on April 14, 2 weeks before the peak flow on the main stream.

IOWA RIVER BASIN

Minor crests occurred the first week in March as a result of snowmelt in the upper part of the basin. The most significant runoff was in 

April. Ten to eighteen inches of snow had accumulated in the upper 

part of the basin in March. The melting of this snow during the period 

March 27 to April 5 and rainfall of 1-1% inches on April 3-7 caused 

extreme floods. The East Branch Iowa River at Klemme, Iowa, crested 

at 10.67 feet on April 6 during a period of ice backwater. The maximum discharge of 4,090 cfs, 1.33 times the 50-year flood, occurred 2 

days later. Downstream at Rowan, the maximum discharge of the Iowa 

River was 1.05 times the 50-year flood. An ice jam 2i/£ miles long 

formed upstream from Iowa Falls. When it broke loose, the surging 

water deposited huge ice cakes in the city and inundated some areas to 

depths of 5 feet. The communities of Tama and Chelsea were cut off or 

inundated by the rampaging waters. Coralville Reservoir was used 

very effectively to control the floodflow on the Iowa River. During the 

period April 2-17, storage in the reservoir eliminated flood damages 

between the reservoir and the mouth of the Cedar River and reduced 

the Mississippi River stage at Burlington by about 0.4 foot.

The second crest in April occurred during the third week. Heavy 

rains of l^-S1/^ inches on April 24-25 produced sharp rises on all 

tributaries of the Iowa River. The Iowa River did not crest nearly as 

high as earlier in the month, but this flow was more significant because 

the timing coincided with the Mississippi River crest. The Coralville 

Reservoir storage on this occasion reduced the Mississippi River crest 

at Burlington by 0.3 foot. Inflow from tributaries downstream from 

the reservoir, principally the Cedar River, produced a peak discharge 

of 38,000 cfs on the Iowa River at Wapello during the second crest on
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A93

April 26, just 3 days prior to the arrival of the crest of the Mississippi 

River at the mouth of the Iowa River. At the time of the Mississippi 

River crest, discharge from the Iowa River was approximately 5 percent of the total discharge of the Mississippi River below the mouth 

of the Iowa River.

Discharge hydrographs at selected gaging stations in the Iowa 

River basin are shown in figure 45.
CO

DAILY DISCHARGE, IN THOUSANDS OF CUBIC FEET PER SECOND

2 o. l|

W 3

CO

O1 PB S» « 5' x

_ oo oo
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A95 

CEDAR RIVER BASIN

Rain which fell during the first part of February created a very 

dense snow pack in southeastern Minnesota; at the end of February, 

warm weather occurred and on the 1st of March about li/£ inches of 

rain fell. These factors caused rapid runoff, which commenced in the 

upper part of the Cedar River basin on February 28. The rapidity of 

runoff is indicated by the fact that the daily mean discharge increased 

from 100 cfs on February 28 to 5,820 cfs on March 1, at the gaging 

station near Austin, Minn. The peak instantaneous discharge of 9,400 

cfs on March 1 was almost equal to the maximum for the 26-year period 

of record. The peak discharge at the Austin gaging station was affected by backwater, and the stage was about a foot higher than any 

previously recorded. The recurrence interval of the March peak at 

Austin was 5 years.

Adding to the flood flow on the Cedar River were crests from several 

large tributaries in northern Iowa. The Little Cedar River at Ionia, 

Iowa, peaked the same day as the Cedar River at Charles City, Iowa. 

The Winnebago River, Shell Rock River, Beaver Creek, and Blackhawk Creek all crested within a 2-day period. High flows during the 

early March peak from Cedar River tributaries just upstream from 

Waterloo, Iowa, contributed to a crest on March 4 at Waterloo of 

14.72 feet, 0.28 foot below flood stage.

Later in March, snowfall accumulated to a depth of 6-15 inches over 

the basin upstream from Waterloo. The melting of this snow in late 

March and early April plus additional precipitation during the first 

few days of April created a second peak at Austin of 8,400 cfs on April 

6. At this time, however, no ice backwater was present at Austin and 

the maximum stage was 2.67 feet less than that recorded on March 1. 

Farther downstream in northern Iowa, ice jams formed during the 

early April flood, and caused much destruction at Floyd, Charles City, 

Nashua, and Waverly, Iowa. Backwater flooded homes and businesses 

and huge ice cakes caused much damage as they moved with crushing 

force through the inundated areas. Additional damage resulted from 

the grinding, crushing force of the ice as it raced downstream after the 

jam broke. The rapid rise of the river at Charles City, caused by the 

heavy runoff and an ice jam, necessitated the evacuation by boat of over 

40 families. Many highways throughout the area were closed and 

damaged. An ice jam at Greene, Iowa, on the Shell Rock River backed 

water into the business district.

The Cedar River and its several major tributaries upstream from 

Waterloo, Iowa, had significant floodflows early in April. The peak 

discharge on the Cedar River at Janesville was 29,200 cfs, a 14-year
A96 FLOODS OF L965 IN THE UNITED STATES

flood. The recurrence interval of the peak discharges on the West Fork 

Cedar River at Finchford, Iowa, and Beaver Creek at New Hartford, 

Iowa, were 30 and 32 years, respectively. Shell Rock River at Shell 

Rock, Iowa, had a 7-year flood and Blackhawk Creek at Hudson, Iowa, 

had a 16-year flood. Fortunately, the crests from all the tributaries 

did not occur simultaneously with the crest on the Cedar River, but the 

combined flow on the Cedar River at Waterloo, Iowa, was 69,500 cfs 

almost 80 percent of the potential peak discharges from the upstream 

stations. The recurrence interval of the Waterloo peak discharge was 

34 years. The peak stage reached 21.67 feet, 6.67 feet above flood stage 

and only 0.19 foot below the record flood of 1961. More than 400 families were forced from their homes in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and 

Evansdale. Many homes were saved from the flood by the gallant efforts of the local residents and a detachment of the Iowa National 

Guard, who carried out the flood fight as planned by the respective 

city officials.

The crest at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was 18.51 feet on April 10, 1.49 

feet below the record stage of March 1929 and 1.15 feet below that of 

March 1961. The Cedar River joins the Iowa River downstream from 

Cedar Rapids. The Iowa River floodflow above the junction was controlled by Coralville Reservoir, but the Cedar River crest continued 

down the Iowa River below the junction and reached the mouth of the 

Iowa River 2 weeks before the crest on the Mississippi River arrived. 

High flow continued in the Iowa River for the remainder of the 

month.

SKUNK BIVEB BASIN

A blizzard in the upper Skunk River basin and a 1-inch rain in the 

lower basin occurred during the period March 16-18. The runoff from 

the snowmelt and rain produced peaks with recurrence intervals up to 

2^/2 years. Crests in the lower part of the basin were more significant 

than those upstream. The stage at the downstream station at Augusta, 

Iowa, reached 16.99 feet, 2 feet above flood stage, on March 18.

During the storm of April 3-7, iy2-3 inches of rain fell in the basin. 

The recurrence intervals of flood peaks resulting from this storm 

ranged from 3 to 5 years. The crests at the upstream stations were 

more significant than those in March, but the Augusta crest in April 

was 0.54 foot lower. This crest reached the mouth 2 weeks before the 

Mississippi River crest.

A minor flood crested the last week in April as a result of heavy 

rains in the southeastern part of Iowa. This crest was perhaps more 

significant in relation to the Mississippi River flood because the peak
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A97

outflow at the mouth occurred almost simultaneously with that of the 

Mississippi River crest. The discharge from the Skunk River, however, was only about 3 percent of the peak flow of the Mississippi River 

at the mouth of the Skunk River.

DES MOINES RIVER BASIN

Minor flooding of the Des Moines River and its tributaries between 

the North Raccoon River and Cedar Creek was caused by the l-l1/^ 

inches of rain that fell during the middle of March. The recurrence 

interval of the tributary floods ranged from 3 to 18 years.

The outstanding flood occurred early in April. At the end of March, 

snow on the ground in the West Fork Des Moines River basin in 

Minnesota varied from 7 to almost 30 inches. Warm temperatures 

beginning March 27 began to melt this snow. During the period 

April 3-7, rainfall, varying from 11^ to 2 inches in the upper part of 

the basin, increased the amount of runoff and intensified the flood 

condition. A rainfall of up to 3 inches in the lower part of the basin 

produced floods on the tributaries and a rise on the Des Moines River 

ahead of the main crest moving downstream. Rapid runoff over the 

frozen ground caused streams to rise, breaking up the heavy ice 

cover. Numerous ice jams caused flooding and damage.

A maximum stage of 18.62 feet, determined from floodmark occurred 

on West Fork Des Moines River at Jackson, Minn., on April 6. Heavy 

ice floes destroyed the gaging station at this time. The maximum 

discharge of 9,530 cfs, 1.23 times the 50-year flood, was greater than 

'any previous discharge during the 30 years of record, and the maximum stage was 1.2 feet higher than any previously recorded (fig. 46). 

The flood on the West Fork Des Moines River at Estherville, Iowa, 

was 1.17 times the 50-year flood; on the East Fork Des Moines River 

near Burt, Iowa, the recurrence interval was 50 years; and on the 

East Fork at Dakota City, Iowa, it was 1.03 times the 50-year flood.

At Fort Dodge, Iowa, a large ice jam on the Des Moines River broke 

and damaged the hydroelectric power dam necessitating hurried construction of a rock fill to prevent failure of the dam. The maximum 

discharge of 35,600 cfs was greater than any previous discharge during 

34 years of record, but the stage was 1.83 feet lower than the flood of 

June 1947. The recurrence interval of the 1965 flood is 17 years.

The peak stage of Boone River near Webster City, Iowa, reached 

15.91 feet, 2.64 feet lower than the flood of June 1954 and 3.2 feet 

lower than the flood of 1918. The peak discharge had a recurrence 

interval of 21 years.

The Raccoon River flows into the Des Moines River at the City of 

Des Moines, Iowa. Fortunately, the flood crest on the Raccoon River 

preceded the crest on the Des Moines River by about 5 days. The peak
A98 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

I

=? i

*"g

« -3

5(1
MARCH-MAY, TIPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A99

discharge of the Des Moines River below the Raccoon River had a recurrence interval of 19 years and has been exceeded in 1947, 1954, and 

1960. Considerable areas adjacent to the Raccoon and Des Moines 

Rivers were flooded in Des Moines. Many streets, including Riverside 

Drive, University Avenue, and Vandalia Road, were closed to traffic. 

The 63d Street Bridge over the Raccoon River was closed because 

of road damage on each side of the bridge. On April 17, a 100-foot 

section of the Sixth Avenue Bridge collapsed into the channel of the 

Des Moines River. The failure was due to the poor condition of the 

aging concrete bridge 'as well as to the swollen floodwaters. ? rore 

than 10,000 telephone circuits and vehicular traffic were cut off ^hen 

the bridge collapsed. Total damages to city property and cost of the 

flood fight were about $671,000.

As the crest moved downstream from Des Moines, the peak discharge continued to increase as 'a result of the high runoff f ror* the 

lower tributaries. At Keosauqua, Iowa, on April 12 the peak disci *\rge 

was 79,800 cfs at a stage of 19.36 feet, 4.35 feet above flood stage. The 

recurrence interval of the flood at this location was 9 years. The Des 

Moines River crest reached the mouth 2 weeks before the Mississippi 

River crest, but the discharge from the Des Moines River remained 

high for the remainder of the month. Another minor crest occurred at 

Keosauqua on April 26 as a result of heavy rains in the lower part of 

the basin. The peak discharge of this flood was 33,000 cfs, about 10 

percent of the peak flow of the Mississippi River below the morth of 

the Des Moines River.

A profile of flood stages in the Des Moines River basin and discharge 

hydrographs at selected gaging stations are shown in figures 47 and 48. 

Descriptions and elevations of profile points 'are given in table 5.
ELEVATION, IN FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEV

s&(f
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A101

10

5-4805. Des Moines River at Fort Dodge, Iowa

5-4760. West Fork Des Moines River at 

Jackson, Minn

FIGURE 48. Discharge hydrographs at selected gaging stations in Des

Moines River basin.

TABLE 5. Flood-crest elevations, West Fork Des Moines River, April 6-13, 1965

Location

Miles

above Elevation in 

mouth of feet (datum

Des of 1929) Moines 

River

Windom, Minn.:

Upstream side of bridge on State Highway 60_______ 447. 0 1, 348. 1

Downstream side of bridge on State Highway 60______ 447. 0 1, 347. 1

Downstream side of county bridge in NEJ^, sec. 1, T. 104

N., R. 36 W., Jackson County____________________ 445. 66 1, 344. 0

Upstream side of county bridge in SWJ£, sec. 19, T. 104 N.,

R. 35 W., Jackson County___________________ 441. 18 1, 342. 8
A102 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATE!?

TABLE 5. Flood-crest elevations, West Fork Des Moines River, Ap*il 6-13, 1965 

Continued

Mi'es

above Elevation in 

Location mouth of feet (datum

Des of 1929) Mones 

River

Upstream side of county bridge near center of line between

sec. 16 and 17, T. 103 N., R. 35 W., Jackson County____ 435. 16 1, 327. 2

County bridge in SE^, sec. 28, T. 103 N., R. 35 W., Jackson County_________________________________________ 431. 69 1, 321. 2

Jackson, Minn.:

Upstream side of bridge on U.S. Highway 16_________ 425. 59 1, 308. 5

Downstream side of bridge on U.S. Highway 16_____-_ 429. 59 1, 307. 9

Upstream side of Ashley Street Bridge______________ 424. 79 1, 306. 9

Upstream from powerplant dam_____________________ 424. 59 1, 306. 7

U.S. Geological Survey recording gage downstream

from powerplant dam----_--___-_________________ 424.59 1,306.37

Upstream side of county bridge at south edge of Jackson_______________________________________-____ 424.14 1,304.1

Downstream side of county bridge on line between sec. 7

and 8, T. 101 N., R. 34 W., Jackson County-__________ 419. 55 1, 292. 3

Downstream side of county bridge at Petersburg, Minn____ 415. 98 1, 285. 6

Minnesota-Iowa State line____________________________ 413. 88 1, 278. 5

Upstream side of county bridge in NWM, sec. 28, T. 100

N., R. 34 W., Emmet County_________________________ 409. 80 1, 274. 0

Downstream side______________________________________ 409. 80 1, 273. 2

Upstream side of county bridge in SE%, sec. 34, T. 100

N., R. 34 W., Emmet County__.______________________ 407. 40 1, 268. 5

Downstream side____-____-_-______-__________________- 407. 40 1, 266. 9

Estherville, Iowa:

Upstream side of Fifth Street Bridge_______________ 405. 05 1, 265. 0

Downstream side__________________________________ 405.05 1,264.7

Upstream side of CRI&PRR bridge.____-___--_-_-__ 404. 60 1, 263. 9

Downstream side_______-_--_-_----_-__---_-____-_- 40460 1,263.9

Upstream side of bridge on State Highway 9___ _______ 404. 35 1, 263. 8

Downstream side---------------------------------- 404.35 1,263.5

U.S. Geological Survey recording gage-__------__---- 404.20 1,263.16

Upstream side of bridge on State Highway 17 ----------- 402. 90 1, 259. 3

Downstream side-------------------------------------- 402. 90 1, 259. 1

Upstream side of CRI&PRR bridge_____________________ 402. 75 1, 258. 6

Downstream side----_-_-----------_-------------_---_- 402. 75 1, 257. 9

Upstream side of county bridge in NWM, sec. 31, T. 99 N.,

R. 33 W., Emmet County-.- _- ----- --_--- --- 399.50 1,250.8

Downstream side--- --------------------------------- 399. 50 1, 250. 5

Upstream side of county bridge in SE^, sec. 7, T. 98 N.,

R. 33 W., Emmet County_____________-_-__-_--__--_- 396.65 1,243.6

Downstream side------------------------------------- 396. 65 1,242.8

Upstream side of county bridge in NE^, sec. 29, T. 98 N.,

R. 33 W., Emmet County_-__-_----___-__-_-__-_-_-_- 393.10 1,235.6

Downstream side- - - -- - 393. 10 1, 235. 0

Emmet Palo Alto County line__ _ _ - 390. 70 1, 231. 7 

Upstream side of county bridge "J" in NEM, sec. 9,

T. 97 N., R. 33 W., Palo Alto County____________-__ 389.70 1,230.9

Downstream side _ _ - - - - 389. 70 1, 230. 0 

Upstream side of CRI&PRR bridge--------------------- 388.90 1,228.6

Downstream side 388. 90 1, 227. 5

Upstream side of county bridge in SEJ^, sec. 27, T. 97 N.,

R. 33 W., Palo Alto County__-______-_____---___---_- 384. 95 1, 219. 0

Downstream side-______-____-_-_________--_____-_----- 384. 95 1, 218. 8

Below mouth of Jack Creek ______________________ 383. 50 1, 215. 1

Upstream side of bridge on U.S. Highway 18. __ _____ 380. 60 1, 210. 1
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A103

TABLE 5. Flood-crest elevations, West Fork Des Moines River, April 6-18, 1965 

Continued

Miles

above Elevation in 

Location mouth of feet (datum

Des of 1929) 

Moines 

River

Downstream side--__-----__-___-__--___--__--________- 380. 60 1, 209. 6

Upstream side of CMStP&PRR bridge_________________ 379. 60 1, 208. 0

Downstream side of county bridge in NWJ^, sec. 26, T. 96

N., R. 33 W., Palo Alto County_______________________ 379. 55 1, 206. 8

Above mouth of Silver Creek_ __________________________ 378. 40 1, 203. 6

Below mouth of Silver Creek__________________________ 378. 40 1, 203. 8

Upstream side of county bridge in SEJ4, sec. 35, T. 96 N., R.

33 W., Palo Alto County-.........-.............._._....__ 377.65 1,202.0

Downstream side______________________________________ 377. 65 1, 201. 4

Upstream side of bridge on State Highway 17_____________ 375. 55 1, 195. 5

Downstream side______________________________________ 375. 55 1, 194. 8

Upstream side of county bridge in NEJ4, sec. 21, T. 95 N.,

R. 32 W., Palo Alto County--------------.---.------- 372.10 1,184.3

Downstream side____________________________________ 372. 10 1, 183. 3

Upstream side of county bridge in NWJ4, sec. 25, T. 95 N.,

R. 32 W., Palo Alto County__ ___ ___________________ 369.15 1,173.2

Downstream Side______________ _______________________ 369.15 1,172.9

Upstream side of county bridge "C" in SWJ4, sec. 29, T. 95

N., R. 31 W., Palo Alto County-- ______--__-__---___. 367. 10 1, 166. 3

Downstream side______________________________________ 367. 10 1, 164. 9

Below mouth of Cylinder Creek_________________________ 365. 20 1, 159. 9

Upstream side of county bridge in NEJ4, sec. 8, T. 94 N., R.

31 W., Palo Alto County___________________________ 364.95 1,159.3

Downstream side_.____________________________________ 364. 95 1, 158. 4

Upstream side of county bridge in SEJ4, sec. 17, T. 94 N., R.

31 W., Palo Alto County-__--___-___--______________- 363.40 1,154.6

Downstream side______________________________________ 363. 40 1, 154. 3

Upstream side of county bridge in NEJ4, sec. 29, T. 94 N.,

R. 31 W., Palo Alto County-------------------------- 361.95 1,151.2

Downstream side._____________________________________ 361. 95 1, 149. 7

Palo Alto-Pocahontas County line_____________________ 358. 60 1, 142. 2

Upstream side of county bridge in NWJ4, sec. 1, T. 93 N., R.

31 W., Pocohantas County---_--_ ___________________ 357.80 1,140.5

Downstream side______________________________________ 357. 80 1, 139. 3

Pocahontas-Humboldt County line_.____________________ 356.65 1, 137.0

Upstream side of bridge on State Highway 44___________ 356. 60 1, 137. 0

Downstream side_______________________--___________-_ 356.60 1, 136.7

Humboldt-Pocahontas County line______________________ 355. 70 1, 134. 2

Upstream side of county bridge in NWM, sec. 25, T. 93 N.,

R. 31 W., Pocahontas County_______________________ 353.45 1,128.1

Downstream side______________________________________ 353. 45 1, 127. 3

Below mouth of Beaver Creek_________________________ 352.00 1, 124.8

Upstream side of county bridge "T" in NEM, sec. 1, T. 92

N., R. 31 W., Pocahontas County__--___-__---_-___--_ 350.75 1, 122.7 

Downstream side____________________________________ 350. 75 1, 122. 3

Below mouth of Pilot Creek_____--__--__--____-____-_-_ 350.70 1, 122.2

Pocahontas-Humboldt County line_ _____________________ 350. 60 1, 122. 0

Upstream side of C&NWRy bridge._ ____________________ 350.25 1,121.4

Downstream side______________________________________ 350.25 1, 120.7

Upstream side of bridge on State Highway 287____________ 349. 90 1, 120. 2

Downstream side____-__--__________--_-_____-_-__-___- 349.90 1, 119.5

Upstream side of county bridge in NWM, sec. 17, T. 92 N.,

R. 30 W., Humboldt County,_____________________ 348.45 1,118.0

Downstream side______________________________________ 348. 45 1,117.6

Upstream side of county bridge in NWJ4, sec. 23, T. 92 N.,

R. 30 W., Humboldt County _-__--_- - _ --- 344. 25 1, 108. 0
A104 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

TABLE 5. Flood-crest elevations, West Fork Des Moines River, Ap*il 6-13, 1965 -

Continued

Mihs

abo^e Elevation in 

Location mouth of feet (datum

Des of 1929) Moiies 

River

Downstream side______________________________________ 344. 25 1, 107. 8

Upstream of Rutland Dam.____________________________ 340. 70 1, 098. 6

Downstream of Rutland Dam_______________________ 340. 70 1, 095. 1

Upstream side of county bridge in SE^, sec. 29, T. 92 N.,

R. 29 W., Humboldt County__________________________ 340.30 1,093.9

Downstream side._____________________________________ 340. 30 1, 093. 0

Upstream side of country bridge in SE^£, sec. 34, T. 92 N.,

R. 29 W., Humboldt County-__-._____________________ 337.50 1,084.5

Downstream side______________________________________ 337. 50 1, 084. 4

Humboldt, Iowa:

Upstream side of bridge on State Highway 3__________ 336. 85 1, 083. 4

Downstream side__________________________________ 336.85 1,083.0

Upstream of Humboldt Dam_______________________ 335.15 1,078.2

Downstream of Humboldt Dam_____________________ 335. 15 1, 073. 1

Upstream side of bridge on State Highway 169________ 334. 85 1, 070. 5

Downstream side_______________________________.__ 334.85 1,070.5

Upstream side of Sumner Avenue Bridge_____________- 334. 40 1, 069. 1

Downstream side_ _________________________________ 334.40 1,068.0

U.S. Geological Survey wire-weight gage on upstream

side of First Avenue Bridge-_.____________________ 334.30 1,067.8

Downstream side__________________________________ 334.30 1,067.5

Upstream side of county bridge in SWM, sec. 9, T. 91 N.,

R. 28 W., Humboldt County_---____-___-____-_____-_- 330.85 1,054.0

Downstream side___________.__________________________ 330. 85 1, 053. 9

Mouth of West Fork Des Moines River__________________ 330. 40 __________

MISSISSIPPI BIVEB TBIBUTAKY BASINS IN ILIJNOIS

Minor floods occurred on streams tributary to the Mississippi River 

in Illinois. Flooding along these streams was confined principally 

to the lower reaches and was due almost entirely to backwater from the 

Mississippi Eiver.

At the gaging station on Mill Creek at Milan, 111., the peak stage 

of 11.53 feet exceeded the previous maximum by 2.17 feet. Conditions 

at this station were unique in comparison with other tributary streams 

in Illinois because it was the only station at which both the peak 

stage and discharge exceeded previous maxima.

Backwater on the Eock River caused flooding at Rock Island. About 

300 homes were flooded and about 1,000 persons were evacuated.

Extensive flooding occurred along the Mississippi River particularly 

in the reach from the Illinois-Wisconsin State line downstream to 

Quincy. Many families were evacuated when some levees failed after 

withstanding floodwaters for nearly 3 weeks. An area of p.bout 60,000 

acres, most of which was rich farmland, was inundated.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A105 

MISSISSIPPI BIVEB TBIBUTABY BASINS IN MISSOUBI

During the period March-May 1965, only minor crests occurred on 

the streams in Missouri that are tributary to the Mississippi River 

upstream from the mouth of the Missouri River. Peak discharges 

having recurrence intervals of 1 or 2 years occurred in March or April 

prior to the time of the peak discharge on the Mississippi River. The 

runoff from the tributary basins was less than 1 percent of that c f the 

Mississippi River at Alton, 111., during the period March-May 1965.

FLOOD OPERATIONS

The President of the United States declared a total of 183 counties 

in the five-State area eligible for natural-disaster assistance under 

Public Law 875. Eighty-seven of these counties were in Iowa, 65 in 

Minnesota, 14 in Wisconsin, 10 in Illinois, and seven in Missouri.

The Office of Emergency Planning set up disaster field offices in 

Mankato and St. Paul, Minn., La Crosse, Wis., and Iowa City, Iowa, 

to ,provide information for local communities on the (procedures for 

applying for Federal disaster assistance under Public Law 875.

All the military services were involved in the flood-fighting effort. 

The Army National Guard expended 7,186 man-days on flood-fighting 

activities in Minnesota and 2,410 man-days in Wisconsin. Records 

show that 2,830 guardsmen were called to duty during the flcod in 

Iowa; 612 were called in Illinois, and 279 in Missouri. In addition, the 

National Guard furnished mobile equipment, airplanes, and helicopters. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force provided helicopters for 

reconnaissance and rescue missions and the Coast Guard provided 

emergency communications equipment and patrol boats for rescue 

and security missions. Navy and private .planes obtained aerial photographs of the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River at or near 

their crests.

Early in March the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers made snow surveys in the Minnesota and upper Mississippi River basins. During the 

flood, the Corps of Engineers North-Central Division office in CHcago 

and the district offices in St. Paul, Minn., and Rock Island, 111., established emergency operations centers in 60 major disaster areas. These 

centers assisted the local communities and provided vital information concerning flood-fighting techniques. The Corps also made surveys of damage during and after the flood.

The U.S. Bureau of Public Roads, in cooperation with the State 

Highway Departments, provided cost estimates for emergency road 

repairs and restoration of damaged highway structures. The Bureau 

of Public Roads also provided assistance to States and counties in 

implementing the provisions of Public Law 875.
A106 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, in cooperation 

with State Departments of Health, inspected public water supply and 

sewage disposal systems and evaluated applications for disaster relief 

from the stricken communities.

The Federal Housing Commission surveyed damage to public buildings in the flood-stricken area and informed flood-affected communities on its programs for granting low-interest loans.

The National Red Cross provided staff workers in the flooded areas 

to assist local chapters. Total expenditures by the National Red Cross 

were about $1,800,000. More than 150,000 flood victims and workers 

received Red Cross care and assistance.

Recognition should be given to the inhabitants of the etricken communities for the great effort they put forth to diminish damages to 

public property, businesses, and homes. Volunteer flood workers turned 

out by the thousands and great quantities of equipment and supplies 

were donated to the flood-fighting effort. High school and college students, in particular, endeared themselves to many communities by their 

selfless and tireless efforts to control and minimize the damage caused 

by floods of unprecedented magnitude.

In the five-State flood-affected area, about 50 engineers and technicians of the Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, collected the stage and discharge data which are tabulated in this report. 

Many of the discharge measurements upon which the computation 

of data depends were made under extremely adverse conditions involving inclement weather, impassable roads, ice floes, submerged gages, 

high stream velocities, deep soundings, and wide overflow channels. 

Discharge measurements in channels and overflows up to a mile and a 

half wide had to be made by boat. The U.S. Geological Survey Flood 

Coordinator in St. Paul forwarded discharge data as foon as they 

were available to the Weather Bureau and the Corps of Engineers. 

These data were very useful in forecasting flood stages.

In addition to data obtained at gaging stations, flood information 

was obtained at many other sites. At the request of the Corps of Engineers district office in St. Paul, the U.S. Geological Survey made 

discharge measurements at lock and dams 3, 4, 5, and 7 at the peak and 

during the recession. Measurements made at gaging stations at 

Prescott, Wis., and Winona, Minn., provided discharges for dams 2 

and 5A, respectively. Discharges at dams 3 and 7 were measured from 

highway bridges in Red Wing, Minn., and La Crosse, Wis., respectively. Discharges at dams 4 and 5 were obtained by working over the 

upstream side of the dam in a basket suspended from a crane located 

on the dam. The discharge at Lansing, Iowa, was measured from the 

highway bridge and from a 'boat and the inflow of the, Wisconsin 

River measured from the highway bridge near its mouth was added 

to it.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A107

In spite of the hazardous conditions under which flood data were 

collected, no U.S. Geological Survey employees were injured excepting one engineer assigned to the St. Paul office, whose arm was 

hurt when a power sounding crane collapsed.

FLOOD DAMAGES

Hundreds of communities and several million persons were affected 

directly or indirectly by the 1965 spring floods in the five-State area 

of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. For floods of 

this magnitude, it is difficult to assess flood damages, and estimates 

ranged widely from $100 million to $190 million. A summation of total 

damages prepared from figures furnished by the Corps of Engineers 

appears in table 6. In addition to the direct and tangible damages, the 

economy of the affected region suffered in many ways and the flood 

caused much human anguish. The losses to the economy and the Hunan 

suffering can never be evaluated in terms of dollars and cent?,

In the upper Mississippi River Basin, 15 lives were lost because 

of the floods or flood-associated events, 13 lives were lost in Minnesota, 

and one life each was lost in Wisconsin and Illinois. More than 700 

persons were injured or became ill as a result of the floods. Of the 

injured, about 60 were hospitalized. More than 11,000 homes were 

flooded and of these, more than 2,000 suffered major structural drmage. 

Damages to agriculture due to loss of crops, land erosion, deposition 

of debris, wrecked fences, and destruction of soil conservation structures were great.

The 1965 flood damages in the upper Mississippi River basin totaled 

almost $160 million, far exceeding those caused by any previous1 flood. 

In comparison, damages resulting from the 1952 flood were only about

TABLE 6. Flood damage by States in thousands of dollars

[Compiled from figures provided by St. Paul, Rock Island, and St. Louis districts, U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers]

Urban communities

State

Illinois.... ____ ...

Commercial

_-_.. 6,844

--_._ 8,417

----- 7,186

Residential

$9, 536 

3,578 

2,097 

2,387 

37

Public

$6, 209 

1,457 

1,162 

1,087 

17

Flood 

fight 

and 

cleanup

$9, 577 

1,320 

7,665 

8,180 

559

Subtotal

$39, 465 

13, 199 

19, 341 

18, 840 

1,380

Agriculture !

$26, 033 

557 

2 3, 521 

2 11, 408 

1,431

Transportation

$17, 197 

2,740 

723 

603 

250

Locks, 

dams, 

levees, 

and navigation

$2,728

Total

$82, 695 

16, 496 

23, 585 

30, 851 

3,061 

2,728

Total..-...__.._... $37,357 $17,635 $9,932 $27,301 $92,225 $42,950 $21,513 $2,728 $159,416

1 Includes cost of flood fight in agricultural areas.

2 Organized levee districts suffered about $2.4 million damage in Iowa and $10 million damage in Illinois.

317-045 O - 70 - 8
A108 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

$20 million. It is interesting to conjecture as to the reasons for the 

eight-fold increase in flood damages. One of the reasons for this great 

increase in damage is that the magnitude of the 1965 flood was greater 

than any other previously known. Also property values have increased 

over the years, and the cost of materials and labor for flood-fighting has 

also increased. Perhaps the greatest consideration is the increased occupancy of flood plains. The tremendous property damage that results 

from major floods points out the need for flood-plain zoning.

A special congressional subcommittee headed by Congressman John 

Blatnik of Minnesota was appointed by the chairman of the House 

Committee on Public Works to visit the flood-devastated areas, the 

committee inspected the damages and met with Federal, State, and 

local officials. The information obtained was provided to the Committee on Public Works so that this committee could consider legislative 

matters pertaining to flood control and water resources development 

(89th Cong., 1st sess., House Committee Print No. 13). The subcommittee made early estimates of flood damages including the cost of «/ o ~

flood fighting.

Extensive flood damages occurred in many communities. Twentythree urban and industrial areas suffered damages in excess of $1 million each (table 7). More detailed information concerning flood losses 

in the individual basins is presented in the discussion pertaining to 

the basin.

The losses arising from the 1965 floods would have been much greater 

had not many communities, industries, and individuals undertaken 

emergency flood-protection measures which curtailed flood damages 

by many millions of dollars. The flood-fighting effort in itself was 

costly. In the urban areas flood-fighting costs amounted to over $27 

million, about equal to 30 percent of total urban damages. According 

to Corps of Engineers estimates, additional losses of almost $300 million would have occurred if emergency flood-fighting measures had 

riot been undertaken.
MARCH-MAY, TIPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASEST A109

TABLE 7. Communities where flood damages exceeded $1 million 

[Based on data furnished by St. Paul and Rock Island districts, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers]

City

Damages in thousands of dollars'

Flooded by Flood

Business Resi- Public fight Total 

dential and 

cleanup

Le Hillier, Minn. --------

Mankato, Minn. .........

Savage, Minn._ ..........

C haska, Minn ......

St. Paul, Minn.... __ .

South St. Paul, Minn____

Stillwater, Minn. ........

Bayport. Minn _ ._

Winona, Minn ...........

LaCrosse, Wis. _---._ ..

Houston, Minn. ___..-_._

Prarie du Chien, Wis____

Guttenberg, Iowa----_-__ 

Dubuque, Iowa __ ______

East Dubuque, 111. ......

Fulton, 111-.....-......--

Clinton, Iowa ...-.....-

C amanche , Iowa _ _ Bettendorf, Iowa. --_.__-

East Moline, 111,-..-- .

Moline, 111. .............. 

Rock Island, 111 .......

D avenport. Iowa --------

_-. BlueEarth ...... .---

_.- Minnesota River..- ....

-._ Minnesota River. ......

-_. Minnesota River. ......

_._ Mississippi River.----.

... Mississippi River _ ...

__. St. Croix River---... .

.._ St. Croix River.. -....-

__- Mississippi River _ ...

_- Mississippi River _ ...

_-. Root River.... ........

-._ Mississippi River __ _.

... Mississippi River -... 

..- Mississippi River __ ..

... Mississippi River.... ...

... Mississippi River _ _._

- Mississippi River.. _ ..

... Mississippi River ...

... Mississippi River _ ....

... Mississippi River ...

-.. Mississippi River _ ... 

... Mississippi River.. _ ..

.. Mississippi River ...

$146

1,833

2,945 ..

101

2,713 ..

2,158

627 -

355

654

4,900

425

953

488 

4,068

85

473

2,490

1,035

283 _.

105

428 

2,174

1,309

$676

800

995

30

310

66

1,273

875

1,017

716 

27

140

370

415

28

169

38 

35

492

$109

842

10

369

870

622

1,066

20

355

732

130

221

140 

333

193

194

71

34

62

106

87 

196

332

$156

1,618

450

242

509

1,190

594

700

2,625

691

30

278

143 

3,226

631

653

2,318

544

826

1,241

967 

948

1,691

$1, 087

5,093

3,405

1,707

4,092

4,000

2,287

1,385

3,700

7,596

1,460

2,469

1,487 

7,654

1,049

1,690

5,294

1,641

1,171

1,621

1,520 

3,353

3,824

DRAINAGE AND STORAGE EFFECTS

Whenever a major flood occurs, the causes of the flood and the 

measures that can be taken to diminish or eliminate future flood 

losses become topics of interest. The effect of agriculture, drainage 

ditches, and drain tile often are discussed. Although it might H safe 

to say that the existence of drainage ditches and drain tiles has some 

effect on local peak discharges of short duration, there is little basis for 

assuming that such drainage works had much effect on the per.k discharges of large streams in this flood. In the areas of heaviest runoff 

during the 1965 flood, water was temporarily impounded in thousands 

of small depressions and did not run off freely because snow and ice 

obstructed the smaller drainage channels and drain tiles. This condition created the same effect as that which would result from numerous 

farm ponds, and no doubt played a small part in actually decreasing 

the magnitude of flood peaks on some of the major streams. Many peak 

discharges on streams draining small basins of 10 square miles or less 

occurred about the same time as the crests on major streams.

Another controversial issue is the effectiveness of farm ponds and 

small reservoirs in eliminating or decreasing flood damage. Certainly 

such reservoirs can play a part in changing the runoff pattern in small 

and moderate floods, and any effect they have would tend to diminish 

the magnitude of flood peaks. There is a tendency, however, to overemphasize the effectiveness of such reservoirs, especially in major
A110 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

floods. For example, consider a hypothetical effort to sto^e the floodflows of the Minnesota River and its tributaries between Montevideo 

and Mankato, Minn. The area drained in this part of Minnesota, 8,720 

square miles, is almost entirely agricultural land of good quality and is 

worth about $300 to $400 per acre. Flood stage at Mankato is 19.0 feet 

and the corresponding discharge is about 30,000 cfs. Flood stage on the 

Minnesota River at Mankato was exceeded for 17 days in April. During 

this time 1,108,000 acre-feet in excess of the discharge which occurs 

at flood stage passed the Mankato gage. During the smie period, 

265,000 acre-feet ran off at Montevideo. Therefore, the area between 

Montevideo and Mankato contributed 843,000 acre-feet in excess of the 

discharge at Mankato flood stage. If this runoff excess were stored in the 

basin between Montevideo and Mankato, 97-acre-feet would have to be 

stored for each square mile of drainage area.

Most conservation reservoirs or farm ponds cover an acre or two 

in area and probably would not exceeed a usable capacity of 6 acre-feet 

on the average. Their cost of construction is from about $2,000 to $3,000 

each. It follows, then, that to contain the discharge in excess of flood 

stage which occurred at Mankato, about 140,000 farm jionds would 

have to be constructed at a cost of about $350 million. In addition, about 

200,000 acres of land worth about $70 million would be removed from 

agricultural use. Perhaps the total storage volume in the preceding 

computation could be reduced somewhat because storing wrier in headwaters basins would have the effect of flattening out the crest of the 

unstored water which found its way into the Minnesota River. Nevertheless, providing the farm-pond storage capacity which would have 

maintained the flow below flood stages at Mankato would have been 

a formidable undertaking and would have been economically infeasible. 

It is a fallacy to contend that farm ponds can prevent floods of great 

magnitude. Knowledgeable proponents of farm-pond construction 

make no such claim. They do claim, with justification, that farm ponds 

are an important conservation measure. Proper upstream land management is very effective in minimizing the damages which occur in the 

many floods of low recurrence intervals.

Large storage reservoirs played an important part in minimizing 

flood damages. In the Wisconsin River basin, Pentenwell and Castle
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN Alll

Rock Reservoirs stored about 174,000 acre-feet during the 5 days of 

maximum flow and materially reduced the discharge of the Wisconsin 

River below the reservoirs. The peak discharge at Wisconsin Dells 

was 50,200 cfs, a 4-year flood; it would have been over 70,000 cfs a 15- 

year flood, without the storage in Pentenwell and Castle Rock Reservoirs. It is apparent that these reservoirs performed an important floodcontrol function although they were designed primarily for power 

production.

A further example of the effect of large reservoirs on the magnitude 

of flooding is illustrated by the Coralville Reservoir on the Iowa River 

9 miles upstream from Iowa City. This reservoir is designed to store 

floodflows temporarily during high-water periods. Its capacity fo^ flood 

storage is 458,000 acre-feet, equivalent to 2% inches of runof. The 

reservoir is operated to minimize flood damages along the Iowa River 

and the Mississippi River below the mouth of the Iowa River.

During the period April 1-15, the reservoir stored about 300,00 acrefeet. Maximum discharge above the reservoir at Marengo, Iowa, 

was 19,900 cfs; below the reservoir at Iowa City it was 9,4CO cfs. 

Reservoir release was maintained at about 10,000 cfs to draw down 

the reservoir to provide more storage for possible future floods. On 

April 23, storage was resumed, and during the period April 23 to 

May 5, an additional 123,000 acre-feet was stored. During this period, 

the peak discharge of the Iowa River upstream from the reservoir 

was 7,770 cfs, not nearly so high as early in April; so it was possible to 

reduce the release from the reservoir to about 150 cfs. The operation 

of this reservoir during these two periods reduced the flood crest by 

0.4 foot on the Mississippi River downstream from the mouth of the 

Iowa River.

Two reservoirs (Red Rock and Saylorville) are under construction 

on the Des Moines River. The effect on the Mississippi River stage by 

the Coralville Reservoir operation during the 1965 flood period, and 

the predicted future effect that Coralville, Red Rock, and Saylorville 

Reservoirs would have on the same flood conditions are shown in 

table 8.
TABLE 8. Effectiveness of reservoirs in upper Mississippi River 

[Data from House Committee Print No. 13,89th Cong., 1st sess., Upper Mississippi R

No regulation Ob

Station

Iowa City, Iowa __ ________

Wapello, Iowa_____________

Burlington, Iowa______ ____

Des Moines, Iowa 5_ ______ _

Do____ _ ^___-_______

Ottumwa, Iowa_ ___________

Hannibal, Mo. 8 _________ _

Stream

_____do_____.___________

_____do__ ______ _ ___

Mississippi River __ ______

Des Moines 6 __ ______ _.

_____do 7___ ___ _ _ ____.

___-.do-_____--_._-_-__-

Mississippi River _ _____

____do____ _ ____ __ _.

Stage 

(feet)

16.

18.

._ « 19.

._ 21.

._ 28.

._ 20.

._ 18.

._ 9 25.

._ "25.

0 

2 

2 

4 

6 

3 

3 

2 

0

NOTE. Some minor revisions made in original table based on later, more complete 

data.

i Regulated by existing Coralville Reservoir. 

" Effect when regulated by existing Coralville Reservoir plus reservoirs under construction; Red Rock and Saylorville. 

3 Reductions are the difference between the regulated values and the corresponding 

values, had there been no regulation. 

* This stage would have resulted in levee failures along Iowa River.

Discharge D

(thousand Stage (

cfs) (feet) 

22. 5 11. 7 

30. 7 16. 9 

86. 5 17. 2 

342. 0 21. 0 

50. 0 28. 6 

64. 5 20. 3 

78. 6 18. 3 

355. 0 24. 8 

358. 0 24. 6 

' The Des Moines 

enced in 1965. 

« Second Avenue B

' Scott Street Bridg

8 Variations in hydr

iu tha reductions at Q

' These stages wou

Mississippi River.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A113

EFFECT OF TIMING OF TRIBUTARY FLOW ON MAIN

STEM PEAKS

Under slightly different meteorological conditions some of the flood 

crests could have been considerably higher, a disconcerting thought.

Since March 1951 there have been 5 years in which the annual maximum discharges resulted from snow-melt floods in both the Mississippi 

River and the Minnesota River above their confluence at the southwest 

edge of St. Paul. During these five periods of runoff, which include 

the three highest floods of record at most gaging stations in the upper 

Mississippi River basin, the crest on the Minnesota River arrived at 

the confluence before the crest on the Mississippi River on three occasions and after the crest on two occasions. In April 1965, the Mississippi River above the Minnesota River crested 6 days after the Minnesota River at its mouth. Meteorological conditions could be such 

that crests would occur simultaneously in the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers above St. Paul. If this had occurred in 1965, pea-k discharge of the Mississippi River at St. Paul would have been more than 

200,000 cfs and the stage would have been 2 or 3 feet higher (fig. 

49). Other examples could be cited where slightly different meteorological conditions would have caused much greater flood stages and 

discharges.
A114 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

- 80

60

40

20

 I I I I 

Approximate hydrograph, Mississippi 

River at St Paul, if Minnesota 

River had peaked 6 days later

Actual hydrographs

10 12 14 16 18 

APRIL 1965

20 22 24 26 28

FIGTTEE 49. Effect of timing of Minnesota River peak on maxhrnm discharge 

of Mississippi Bivear at St. Paul, Minn.

RECURRENCE INTERVALS OF PEAK DISCHARGES

The frequency of flooding is a major factor in the economical design 

of structures and in the use of land on or near a stream. TJ °;re must be 

some balance between the cost of flood protection and the potential 

flood damages or liabilities. Because floods are caused primarily by 

nature's unpredictable events, this balance can only be estimated on 

the basis of average recurrence intervals. The "recurrence interval" of 

a flood of a given magnitude is defined as the average interval of time 

within which that flood will be equaled or exceeded once. The methods 

used by the U.S. Geological Survey to determine flood magnitude and 

frequency have been described by Dalrymple (1960) p.nd Benson 

(1962a, 1962b, 1964). These methods have been used in the analyses
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A115

of flood data on streams in the upper Mississippi Kiver basin. Magnitude and frequency relations have been analyzed and published on a 

regional basis (Patterson and Gamble, 1968); some have been published by the U.S. Geological Survey on a State basis, Wis°.onsin 

(Ericsoii, 1961) and Missouri (Searcy, 1955); and some have been 

published by States, Illinois (Mitchell, 1954), Minnesota (Prior, 1949; 

Prior and Hess, 1961), and Iowa (Schwob, 1953, 1966). Combining 

records for all gaging stations in an area with homogenic hydrologic 

characteristics provides a better basis for determining these relations 

than individual analyses of relatively short-term records. Flood discharges exceeding the 50-year recurrence interval are expressed as a 

ratio to the 50-year flood. The records on the Mississippi River main 

stem have ben analyzed on a station basis (fig. 50) because r. large 

river does not have the same runoff characteristics as a smaller 

tributary.

500

7 10 20 30 40 50 70 

RECURRENCE INTERVAL, IN YEARS

100

FIGURE 50. Flood frequency curves for selected Mississippi River gaging

stations.
All6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

The recurrence intervals for the floods during the period March to 

May 1965 on streams throughout the upper Mississippi River basin 

varied considerably. The Mississippi River main stem and its tributaries, originating mostly in Minnesota and northwester! Wisconsin, 

had the greatest recurrence intervals. On the main stem, these values 

increased from 4 years downstream from the Sandy River near Libby, 

Minn., to 1.68 times the 50-year flood at St. Paul, Minn., then diminished slowly to 11 years at Alton, 111., and to only 2 years at St. Louis, 

Mo., below the mouth of the Missouri River. This pattern of floodfrequency values indicates or substantiates the flood-producing areas. 

The upstream tributaries, almost all having floods of 1-2 times the 

50-year recurrence interval, added their flows to the main-stem flood. 

Fortunately, peaks from these tributaries did not occur simultaneously 

with the main-stem peak, but those entering the main stem, upstream 

from the Root River, which flows into the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, were close enough to contribute an abnormal share 

to the Mississippi River flow. On tributaries downstream from the 

Root River, the recurrence intervals of flood peaks were either less 

than those for upstream tributaries or the timing of the peaks was such 

that they did not contribute significantly to the main-stem flood. The 

upper parts of the Cedar and Des Moines River basins experienced 

floods having recurrence intervals of 5 years to 1.23 times the 50-year 

flood, but they attenuated considerably before they entered the Mississippi River ahead of the main-stem peak. The other tributaries 

generally had minor floods to 1-10 year recurrence intervals.

DETERMINATION OF FLOOD DISCHARGES

The flood data in this report were obtained principally at streamgaging stations which are operated to provide stage and discharge 

data at the gaging site. A stage-discharge relation is developed by 

measuring discharge at the site at various stages throughout the range 

of recorded stages. A rating curve is then drawn by plotting discharge 

against stage, and the curve is translated into a table so tl at the discharge can be determined easily from the recorded or observed stages 

collected at the gaging site.

Discharges are usually measured by current meter, but during floods 

they may be determined indirectly by running surveys to high water 

marks and applying slope-area methods or by computing flow over 

dams or through contracted openings. These indirect methods are 

considerably more expensive and time-consuming than current-meter 

measurements, but they are often necessary because of the difficulties 

of obtaining current-meter measurements at all sites during flood
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN All?

periods. Such difficulties are created by impassable roads to gagir g stations, running ice floes and debris which make it impossible to make 

soundings and velocity observations, destruction of bridges and cableways from which discharge measurements are made, and rapid cresting of streams (many crest about the same time) so that there is 

insufficient time and manpower to obtain current-meter measurements 

near the crest. Most discharge measurements at gaging-station sites 

during the 1965 spring flood were made by current meter. Some indirect measurements were obtained, particularly at miscellaneous sites 

and at crest-stage partial-record stations, where only flood-peak information is obtained.

If a rating curve is fairly well defined throughout most of its range 

by discharge measurements, either direct or indirect, short extensions 

may be permissable. Such extensions are usually based on logarithmic 

plotting or velocity-area studies. At most gaging sites on alluvial 

streams, the stage-discharge relationship frequently changes as a result 

of varying control features or shifting control in the channel below 

the gage; consequently, it is necessary to make discharge measurements at gaging sites at fairly regular intervals even though the stagedischarge relationship is apparently well defined throughout the range 

in stage.

STREAMFLOW DATA AT GAGING STATIONS

One of the purposes of this report is to present detailed hydrologic 

information for streams in the upper Mississippi River basin during 

the period March-May 1965. Streams on the fringes of the flooded area 

are included so that the flood can be well defined on an areal basis. 

Detailed discharge data are presented so that flood hydrographs can 

be accurately reproduced and the data used in flood-control and 

watershed development studies. Some streams, particularly those in 

Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin, had only normal, low-flow discharges during March and for these no March discharge data are 

provided in this report.

The operation of a stream-gaging station requires a stage record, 

discharge measurements at various stages, and other information 

pertinent to the computation of the discharge record such as ir formation on channel changes or ice formation. The stage record may be 

obtained from an automatic water-stage recorder which provides a 

continuous graphic record, from a digital recorder which punches 

stage on a paper tape usually at 15-minute intervals, or by reading a 

nonrecording gage. At many gaging sites which are included in this
All8 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

report, the automatic gages were inundated and it was necessary to 

manually record the flood stages at these sites from nonautomatic 

temporary gages.

Included in this report are data collected at crest-stage stations which 

are generally on streams having small drainage areas. The primary 

function of these stations is to provide data pertaining to peak stages 

and discharges, and consequently a continuous record of discharge 

throughout the flood period is not available at these site~.

STATION DESCRIPTIONS AND DISCHARGE TABLES

The description of the gaging station gives information concerning 

location, datum and type of gage, area of the drainage basin, details 

of gage-height and discharge records, and miscellaneous remarks. The 

paragraph on discharge records briefly explains the methods used 

to define the stage-discharge relation over the range in stage that occurred during the flood period, use of auxiliary gages or other methods 

used to obtain discharge, and conditions that may have affected the 

stage-discharge relation.

The maximum stage and discharge are given for most stations for 

the flood period March-May 1965, for the previous period of gaging 

station record, and for any known maximum floods that occurred outside the period of record. Kemarks on cooperation, regulation, and 

other pertinent information are included where applicable.

The table of daily mean discharge gives data for the period MarchMay 1965, a sufficient length of time in most cases, to show discharges 

during antecedent and recession periods. The table also shows the 

monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, and the runoff, in 

inches, from the drainage basin.

The table of stages and discharges at indicated times defines the 

stage and discharge during significant flood flows during the report 

period so that accurate hydrographs can be drawn.

The stages of most stations were obtained from records c f digital or 

continuous water-stage recorders. For a station with an incomplete 

record, the gage height for an indicated time may be selected from a 

graph which has been constructed from supplemental gage readings, 

high-water marks, and other pertinent information. Description of 

the methods used in defining the stage are given in the section of the 

description concerning gage-height record.

The stations are numbered and arranged in downstream order 

from headwater to mouth, with stations on tributaries inserted in 

corresponding order following the order in which the tributaries enter 

the main stream. The reference number in parentheses preceding the 

name of the gaging station is the same as that used in figure 2 and 

will aid in identifying the site.
MARCH-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A119

SUMMARY OF F1LOOD STAGES AND DISCHARGES

Maximum stages and discharges at stream-gaging stations, creststage stations, and miscellaneous sites are summarized in table 9. Most 

of the column headings are self explanatory. The numbers in th e first 

column correspond to those designating the site in figure 2. Except for 

a few miscellaneous stations, all stations in the report have permanent 

station numbers (column 2) as used in the annual streamflow reports 

of the Geological Survey. Drainage-area determinations are not available for a number of streams.

The first column under maximum previously known floods shows 

the period prior to March 1965 for which information is available 

concerning the magnitude of previous floods. The length of this period 

may exceed that in which continuous records of discharge we^e obtained. More than one period is shown for some stations differentiating 

between the period of known maximum stages or discharges and the 

period of known maximum stages and discharges. At stations where 

the maximum discharge of the period did not occur simultar eously 

with the maximum stage, the maxima are given on separate lines and 

a dash inserted in the respective gage-height or discharge column.

The last column shows the average interval of time in which the 

peak discharge of the 1965 flood can be expected to be equaled or exceeded once. Whenever the interval exceeds 50 years, the ratio of the 

peak discharge to the discharge of the 50-year flood for that station is 

shown.
Table 9. Summary offload stages and disch

No.

Permanent 

station 

number

Stream and place of determination

Drainage 

area 

(sq mi)

Maximum p

Period Year

Mississippi River main stem

1

2

5-2205

5-2275

Mississippi River below Sandy River near

Libby, Minn.

5,060

6,140

1930-65

1945-65

1950

1950

Pine River basin

3

4

5-2305

5-2310

Lake, Minn.

562

562

1886-

1965 

1886-

1965

1916

1896

Crow Wing River basin

5

6

7

5-2440

5-2465

5-2470

Minn.

1,010

287

287

1910-14,

1930-65

1911-65

1911-65

1950

1962

1914

1938

Mississippi River main stem

8

9

5-2670

5-2679

Mississippi River near Royalton, Minn _ __ 11,600 1924-65 1952 

Platte River basin

52.6 1964-65 1964 
10

Sauk River basin

5-2705 925 1909-13, 

1929-65

1951 

Johnson Creek basin

11 

12

5-2720 

5-2723

Johnson Creek tributary near St. Augusta, 

Minn.

1964-65 

1964-65

1964 

1964

Otsego Creek basin

13 5-2737 1964-65 1964 

Elk River basin

14

15

16

17

5 2742

5 2747

t_974Q

5-2750

311

615

1960-65

1911-17,

1931-65

1962

1952

Mississippi River main stem

18 5-2755 14,500 1915-65 1952 

Crow River basin

19 

20

21 

22

S«

5-2760 

5-2780 

5-2785

;e footnotes

North Fork Crow River near Regal, Minn__ 

Middle Fork Crow River near Spicer, Minn __

South Fork Crow River at Cosmos, Minn___ 

South Fork Crow River at Hutchinson, 

Minn. 

at end of table.

215 

179

221 

462

1943-65 

1949-65 

1945-65

1951 

1952 

1953 

1957 

1957
Table 9. Summary of flood stages and discharges Co

No.

Permanent 

station 

number

Stream and place of determination

Drainage 

area 

(sq mi)

Maximum pr

Period Year

Crow River basin Continued

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

5-2787

5-2787.5

5-2788.5

5-2790 

5-2790.3

5-2800

5-2803

Minn.

South Fork Crow River near Mayer, Minn __

Mayer, Minn.

St. Michael, Minn.

9 

A p:

1,170

2 520

2 04

1961-65

1962-65

1961-65

1910-11, 

1934-65

1 QAQ 1 7

1929-65 

1964-65

1962

1962

1962

1962

1952

1 Qfi 9

1 952

1964

Rum River basin

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

5-2846

5-2846.2

5-2847.5

5-2849.2

5-2860

Minn.

Rum River near St. Francis, Minn _______

7.21

1.84

1.26

1,360

1960-65

1960-65

1960-65

1958-65

1961-65

1958-65

1905-06, 

1910-13, 

1929-65

1963

1963

1962

1962

1962

1962

1952
Mississippi River main stem

37

38 

39

5-2885 19,100 1931-65 1952 

Bassett Creek basin

Bassett Creek at Golden Valley, Minn __ -

Bassett Creek at Fruen Mill, Minneapolis, 

Minn.

1953-56,

1963-65

1954 

Minnehaha Creek basin

40

41

4?,

5-2895

Minneapolis, Minn.

130 1953-65

1 QfiO

1963 

43 

44

4E 

46 

47

48

49

50 

51

Minnesota River basin 

5-2900 

5-2910

5-2915 

5-2920 

5-2930

5-2940 

5-3000

5-3010 

5-3045

Little Minnesota River near Peever, 

S. Dak. 

Whetstone River near Big Stone City, 

S. Dak.

Yellow Bank River near Odessa, Minn .....

Pomme de Terre River at Appleton, Minn _. 

Lac qui Parle River near Lac qui Parle, 

Minn. 

Minnesota River near Lac qni Parlp, Mirm__

447 

389

1,160 

398

905 

983

4,nsn 

1,870

1939-65

1899- 

1903, 

1910-65 

1910-12, 

1931-65 

1937-65 

1938-65 

1939-65

1931-65 

1910-14, 

1931-65 

1942-65 

1937-65

1943 

1952 

1919

1952

1952 

1952 

1943 

1952 

1952 

1948 

1952 

1952 

1952 

1952

See footnotes at end of table.
Table 9. Summary offload stages and discharges C

No.

Permanent 

station 

number

Stream and place of determination

Drainage 

area 

(sq mi)

Maximum pre

Period Year

Minnesota River basin Continue

52 

53

54 

55

56

57 

58

59 

60 

61

62 

33 

64 

65

 ___

5-3110 

5-3114

5-3135

5-3150 

5-3165

5-3167 

5-3169 

5-3170

5-3180 

5-3181 

5-3183 

5-3195

Chippewa River diversion near Watson, 

Minn. 

Chippewa River below diversion dam near 

Watson, Minn. 

Minnesota River at Montevideo, Minn ______ 

South Branch Yellow Medicine River near 

Minneota, Minn. 

Yellow Medicine River near Granite Falls, 

Minn.

Redwood River near Redwood Falls, Minn __

Cottonwood River near New Ulm, Minn_____

East Branch Blue Earth River near 

Bricelyn, Minn. 

East Branch Blue Earth River tributary 

near Blue Earth, Minn. 

North Fork Watonwan River near Delft, 

Minn. 

Watonwan River near Garden City, Minn __-

6,180 

111

653

307 

697

30.0 

3.24 

1,280

132

13.1 

812

1943-65 

1943-65

1909-65 

1960-65

1919-65 

1931-38, 

1940-65 

1940-65

1909-14,

1930-65 

1959-65 

1961-65 

1909-13, 

1931-65 

1951-65

1960-65 

1960-65

1940^15, 

1953-65

1952 

1952

1952 

1960

1919 

1957

1951 

1957 

1957

1962 

1963 

1947 

1962 

1951

1963

1960 

1962 

1953
66

67 

68

69 

70

71 

72

73 

74

75 

76

77 

78 

79

5-3200

5-3203 

5-3204

5-3205 

5-3250

5-3262 

5-3300

5-3301.5 

5-3302

5-3303 

5-3305.5

5-3309

Blue Earth River near Rapidan, Minn ____

Maple River tributary near Mapleton, 

Minn,

Minnesota River near Carver, Minn _______

Sand Creek tributary near Montgomery, 

Minn. 

Rice Lake tributary near Montgomery, 

Minn. 

Sand Creek near New Prague, Minn_--__--_ 

Raven Stream tributary near New Prague, 

Minn.

Minnesota River at Interstate Highway 35 W 

at Bloomington, Minn.

2,430

7.25 

5.75

1,100 

14,900

16,200 

.29 

2.49

65 

23

238

1909-10, 

1939-45, 

1949-65 

1959-65 

1959-65

1939-45, 

1949-65 

1881-

1965 

1962-65 

1934-65

1961-65 

1960-65

1960-65 

1960-65

1960-65 

1963-65

1951

1960 

1960

1960 

1881

1962 

1951 

1952 

1962 

1964 

1960

1960 

1960

1960 

1964

Mississippi River main stem

80 5-3310 Mississippi River at St. Paul, Minn _______ 36,800 1851- 

1965

1952 

St. Croix River basin

81 

82 

83

84 

85

5-3325 

5-3331 

5-3335

5-3341 

5-3353.8

Namekagon River near Trego, Wis ____---_

Bashaw Brook near Shell Lake. Wis _______

503 

13.6 

1,588

.8 

28.2

1927-65 

1961-65 

1914-65

1960-65 

1959-65

1941 

1961 

1950

1960 

1960

See footnotes at end of table.
Table 9. Summary offload stages and discharges 

No.

Permanent 

station 

number

Stream and place of determination

Drainage 

area 

(sq mi)

Maximum pr

Period Year

St. Croix River basin Continued

86

87

88

89

Qfl

91

no

no

94

n c

5-3360

5-3362

5-3365.5

5-3385

c_qqQ c

5-3400

5 3405

5-3415

R 9d1 Q

St. Croix River near Grantsburg, Wis_--___

Wis.

2,820

958

5,120

167

5 930

555

7.26

1923-65

1959-65

1960-65

1 Q1 9 1 7

1 9 50-6 5 

1923-65

1949-65

1902-65

1901-65

1 Q CQ __ C C

1950

1962

1962

1950

1950

1952

1950

1 943

1 Q RQ

Mississippi River main stem

96 5-3445 Mississippi River at Prescott, Wis ______ 44,800 1928-65 1952 

Vfrmillion River basin

97 5-3459 Vermillion River tributary near Hastings, 

Minn.

14.3 1960-65 1962 

Trimbelle Creek basin

98 5-3466 Little Trimbelle Creek near Bay City, Wis.J 19.9 1961-65 1962 
Mississippi River main stem

99

Red Wing, Minn.

1938-65 1952 £

in

Cannon River basin

100

101

5-3551.5

5 _ 3552

20.2

1 **9n

1960-65

1910 14

1930-65

1 Qfi9

1 Q ^9

Chippewa River basin

1 02

i n^

104

105

106

107

108

109 

110

111

112

113

114

115

llfi 

117

5 3554

5-3556

5-3560

5-3565

5 3573

5 3574

5-3585

5-3595 

5-3605

5-3620

5-3640

5-3642

5-3655

5-3665

S-3R70.3 

5-3671

M Lake ar Wint Wis

Winter, Wis.

Winter, Wis. 

South Fork Flambeau River near Phillips, 

Wis.

Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls, Wis ____

Eau Claire River near Fall Creek, Wis-___-

Willnw Crpek near Eau Claire, Wis ________ 

Birch Lake at Birchwood. Wis ________

225

775

787

1,630

243

1,000

615 

1 897

574

351

5,548

5,600

758

4.38 

68

1926-65

1923-65

1912-65

1913-65

1926-65

192 9 _ 6 5

1929-65 

1951-65

1915-65

1942-65

1934-65

1884- 

1965 

1888- 

1965 

1943-55, 

1958-65 

1958-65 

1928-65

1941

1926

1941

1941

1 Qd1

1927

1946

1943 

1954

1941

1943

1941

1884 

1941 

1955

1959 

1943

§1 

g 

§1 

See footnotes at end of table.
Table 9. Summarv offload stages and discharges- - 

No.

Permanent 

station 

number

Stream and place of determination

Drainage 

area 

(sq mi)

Maximum p

Period Year

Chippewa River basin Continue

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

127

128

129

5-3672

5-3673

5-3674

5-3674.8

5-3675

5-3677

5-3680

5-3690

5-3695

5-3700

5-3706

5-3709

Dallas, Wis.

RedCedar River near Colfax, Wis _ __ __

Red Cedar River at Menomonie, Wis ______

Wis.

Spring Creek near Durand, Wis_-____--___

161

82

60

3.85

1,100

426

1,760

9,010

64.8

2.56

6.49

1928-65

1928-65

1928-65

1960-65

1914-65

1915-65

1950-65

1907-08,

1913-23,

1925-65

1884

1928-65

1894-

1965

1959-65

1962-65

1943,

1960

1928

1928

1960

1934

1960

1934

1953

1934

1884

1954

1 Q49

1962

1963

Mississippi River main stem

130 1935-65 1952 S 
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A129

CO

1-1 en

Q) CM

O O O

o ,co

CD CO CO

05 05"

i-l CM

CM ,-1 O 

i-l CO ^

O3 ^ CO

 -I i-l CM -o

 -I i-l C- CM

tl tl il fl d d Q, d

s s £ ;§

0 0

o o

O ^ C5

co" ""^ LO"

i-l CO

CO ^ O 

CO CO O

i-l i-l CO d

CO CO LD

O5 O5 O5

LO LO

cp cp "^

CO O CO ^

O CO CO "-1 O5 O5 CO

i-l i-l rH

CO

T^ O5 O 

O CO 

CO i-l1

CO Q) '

Q) C C

"§ s i

03 5 ,

iS -^ 

Q) l-i ai

C *-" PH

g > ^

*_, -iH ^5

S B! g

South Fork Zumbro 

Minn. 

North Zumbro Fork 

Wanamingo, Minn 

ZumbrouRiver at

o co

CO CO -^

C- [- [~

LO LO LO

i-l CM CO

c

CO

d 

Q)

"5

Q)

!c

CMo

CO 

COCM"

^

CO -a

* t-

>-> c

s<o

CO^

ID

COo

c051CO

O3 1-1

CO

CO

L d

^3 s^

d 

Q)

0)

OS ^

Q)

South Whitewal Fork

Minn.

LO

CO

cco

LO

CO

g

main

SH

Q)

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Table 9. Summary offload stages and discharges C

No.

Permanent 

station 

number

Stream and place of determination

Drainage 

area 

(sq mi)

Maximum pr

Period Year

Black River basin

141 

142

143

5-3809 

5-3810

5-3820

159 

756

2,120

1958-65 

1905-09, 

1913-65 

1931-65

1958 

1938

1938

La Crosse River basin

144 5-3830 398 1913-65 1935 

Mississippi River main stem

145 5-3835 62,800 1880- 

1965 

1929-65

1880 

1952

Root River basin

146

147 

148

149 

150 

151

5-3837

5-3840

Mill Creek tributary near Chatfield, Minn _

South Branch Root River at Preston, Minn -_ 

South Branch Root River at Lanesboro.Minn. 

Root River near Lanesboro, Minn_-__------ 

Root River near Rushford. Minn ------ ____

2.36

13.6 

188

297 

615 

1,010

1959-65

1962-65 

1940^11, 

1961 

1940-65

1910-17, 

1940-65 

1952-65

1960

1962 

1941

1950 

1962 

1952
152 

153

154 

155

5-3845 

5-3850

5-3855 

5-3860

South Fork Root River near Houston,Minn __

Root River below South Fork near Houston,

Minn.

129 

1,270

275 

1,560

1942-65 

1909-17, 

1929-65 

1950, 

1953-65 

1938-65

1950 

1952 

1961 

1961 

1962 

1952

Mormon Creek basin

156 5-3863 Mormon Creek near La Crosse, Wis _______ 25.5 1961-65 1961 

Bad Axe River basin 

157 5-3871 North Fork Bad Axe River near Genoa, Wis__ 80.7 1959-65 1959 

Upper Iowa River basin

158 5-3875 Upper Iowa River at Decorah, lowa--------- 511 1913-65 1941 

Mississippi River main stem 

159 66,280 .... _

Wexford Creek basin 

160 5-3884 Wexford Creek near Harpers Ferry, lowa--- 11.9 1953-65 1962 

Paint Creek basin

161

162 

163

5-3885

5-3886 

5-3887

P ' t C k Wat rv'll I

Little Paint Creek tributary near 

Waterville, Iowa.

42.8

56.0 

1.09

1951-65

1951-65 

1953-65

1951

1951 

1959

See footnotes at end of table.
A132 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

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Table 9. Summary of flood stages and discharges C

No.

Permanent 

station 

number

Stream and place of determination

Drainage 

area 

(sq mi)

Maximum pr

Period Year

Turkey River basin

205

206 

207 

208

5-1116

5-1116.5 

5-4117 

5-1125

Crane Creek tributary near Saratoga, Iowa __

177

4.06 

75.8 

1,545

1947 

1956-65 

1953-65 

1953-65 

1890- 

1965

1947 

1962 

1962 

1962 

1922

Grant River basin

209 5-1135 267 1934-65 1950 

Platte River basin

210 5-1140 139 1934-65 1950 

Little Maquoketa River basin

211 5-1145 Little Maquoketa River near Durango, Iowa_- 130 1925-65 1925 

Mississippi River main stem

212 81,600 1865- 

1965

1951

1952

Galena River basin

213 5-1150 128 1937-65 1937 
Maquoketa River basin

214 

215 

216

5^170 

5^177 

5^185

Maquoketa River near Manchester, Iowa--__ 305 

61.3 

1,553

1925-65 

1933-65 

1944-65 

1957-65 

1913-65

1925 

1947 

1944 

1960 

1944

Apple River basin

217 5^190 244 1934-65 1946 

1946

Plum River basin

218 5^200 Plum River below Carroll Creek near 

Savanna, 111.

231 1940-65 1946 

Mississippi River main stem

219 5^205 Mississippi River at Clinton, Iowa _________ 85,600 1873-

1965

1880 

1880 

Wapsipinicon River basin

220

991

222

223

224

225

5^205.6

5^206

5^206.2

5^206.4

5^210

5^220

Riceville, Iowa.

Little Wapsipinicon River near Acme, Iowa_-

Little Wapsipinicon River at Elma, Iowa_-__

Wapsipinicon River at Independence, Iowa_._

Wapsipinicon River near DeWitt, lowa------

Qn

7.76

37.3

1,048

2,330

1958-65

1953-65

1953-65

1953-65

1901-65

1934-65

1962

1962

1962

1962

1947

1944

Mississippi River main stem

22fi 88,500 1860-

1965

1892 

See footnotes at end of table.
Table 9. Summary o) flood stages and distharge

No.

Permanent 

station 

number

Stream and place of determination

Drainage 

area 

(sq mi)

Maximum pre

Period Year

Rock River basin

227

228

229

230

5-4465

5-4475

5-4480

9,520

958

62.5

1892-

1965 

1939-65 

1936-65

1 g 3 g_6 5

1948

1948 

1965

1954

1 954

Iowa River basin

231

232

233 

234

235

236

237 

238

5-4486

5-4487

5-4488 

5-4489

5-4490

5-4495

5-4515 

5-4517

Iowa.

Iowa. 

East Branch Iowa River near Garner, Iowa- _

Garner, Iowa.

Iowa River at Marshalltown, lowa-----------

2.23

7.94

45.1 

5.98

133

429

1,564 

118

1953-65

1952-65

1952-65 

1952-65

1 948-65

1940-65

1 902-03, 

1914-27, 

1932-65 

1947-65

1949-65

1954

1954

1961 

1954

1954

1954

1918 

1947

1950
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Table 9. Summary of flood stages and discharges Con

No.

Permanent 

station 

number

Stream and place of determination

Drainage 

area 

(sq mi)

Maximum p

Period Year

Iowa River basin Continued

261 

262 

263 

264

265

266 

267 

268

5-4635

5-4640 

5-4641.33 

5-4641.37

5-4645

5-4650 

5-4655

Half Mile Creek near Gladbrook, lowa------

Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa_- -------

Cedar River near Rochester, Iowa --------- 

Cedar River near Conesville, Iowa --------

303 

5,146 

1.33 

19.51

6,510

7,245 

7,785 

12,499

1952-65 

1940-65' 

1962-65 

1962-65'

1902-65

1961-65 

1939-65 

1914-65

1960 

1961 

1963 

1963

1929 

1961 

1961 

1961 

1947 

1960

Edwards River basin

269 5-4665 Edwards River near New Boston, 111 ------- 434 1934-65 1950, 

1951, 

1954

Pope Creek basin

270 5-4670 171 1934-65 1937 

1939

Henderson Creek basin

271 5-4690 Henderson Creek near Oquawka, 111 -------- 428 1934-65 1950 
Mississippi River main stem

272 114,000 1851-

1965

1851 

Skunk River basin

273 

274 

275

276 

277

278 

279

280

281 

282 

283 

284 

285

286 

287 

288 

289

5-4700 

5-4710 

5-4712

5-4715 

5-4725

5-4735 

5-4740

South Skunk River near Ames, Iowa------_-

South Skunk River below Squaw Creek near 

Ames, Iowa.

South Skunk River near Oskaloosa, Iowa 

North Skunk River near Sigourney, Iowa--_-

Skunk River at Augusta, Iowa ----- -_--_

315 

556 

276

1,635 

730

106 

4,303

1920-27, 

1932-65

1944 

1952-65

1944 

1958-65 

1944-65 

1945-65

1948 

1955-65 

1913-65

1944 

1954

1944 

1960

1944 

1960 

1944 

1960

1948 

1960 

1960

Mississippi River main stem

5-4745 119,000 1851- 

1965

1851 

Des Moines River basin

5-4758 

5-4759 

5-4760 

5-4761 

5-4765

5-4767.5

West Fork Des Moines River below Talcott 

Dam near Dundee, Minn. 

West Fork Des Moines River tributary near 

Jackson, Minn. 

West Fork Des Moines River tributary near 

Lakefield, Minn. 

West Fork Des Moines River at Jackson, 

Minn.

West Fork Des Moines River at Estherville, 

Iowa. 

West Fork Des Moines River near 

Emmetsburg, Iowa.

West Fork Des Moines River near Ottosen, 

Iowa. 

West Fork Des Moines River at Humboldt, 

Iowa.

1.42 

4.52 

1,220

1,372 

1,672 

2,018 

2,256

1963-65 

L960-65 

1960-65

1909-13, 

1930-65 

1960-65

1951-65

1940-65

1963 

1962

1962 

1963 

1953

1962 

1962 

1953

1947

See footnotes at end of table.
Table 9. -Summarv of flood stages and discharges 

No.

Permanent 

station 

number

290 

291 

292 

293 

294

295

296

297

298

299 

300

301 

302 

303

5-4780

5-4790 

5-4800 

5-4805

5-4810

5-4815 

5-4816.5

5-4821.7

5-4823 

5-4825

5-4830 

5-4836 

5-4840

Stream and place of determination

Drainage 

area 

(sq mi)

Maximum pre

Period Year

Des Moines River basin Continue

East Fork Des Moines River near Burt, 

Iowa. 

East Fork Des Moines River at Algona, 

Iowa. 

East Fork Des Moines River at Dakota City, 

Iowa. 

Lizard Creek near Clare, Iowa_----_ -------

Des Moines River near Boone, Iowa- -------- 

Des Moines River near Saylorville, Iowa--_-

Big Cedar Creek near Varina, Iowa-- -------

North Raccoon River near Sac City, lowa---- 

North Raccoon River near Jefferson, lowa.--

East Fork Hardin Creek near Churdan, 

Iowa. 

Middle Raccoon River at Panora, Iowa ------

462 

882 

1,308 

257 

4,190

844

5,511 

5,841

80.0

713 

1,619

24.0 

440 

988

1951-65

1940-65 

1940-65

1905-06, 

1913-27, 

1946-65 

1896- 

1965 

1920-65 

1893- 

1965 

1959-65

1958-65 

1940-65

1952-65

1953 

1958-65 

1940-65

1954

1954 

1947

1947 

1954

1918

1954 

1954

1962 

1962 

1962 

1947

1960

1953 

1958 

1958
rfAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A141

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1903-65 1903-06,

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Table 9. Summary offload stages and discharges 

No.

Permanent 

station 

number

Stream and place of determination

Drainage 

area 

(sq mi)

Maximum pr

Period Year

Fabius River basin Continued

321 5-5000 620 1934-65 1947 

North River basin

322 5-5010 373 (i) 

1934-65

(i) 

1944 

1955

Bear Creek basin

323 5-5020 31.0 1938-42, 

1947-65

1957 

Salt River basin

324 5-5080

325 5-5130 Rav Crppk at N^ho, Ill ____________________

2,480 1922-65

The Sny basin

183 193Q-S5

1958 

1945 

Cuivre River basin

326 5-5145 903 1888- 

1965

1941 
Illinois River basin

327 

328

5-5855 

5-5870

25,300 

875

1938-65

1921-33, 

1940-65

1943 

1943

Mississippi River main stem

329 5-5875 171,500 1844- 

1965 

1927-65

1844 

1943

Missouri River main stem

330 6-9345 528,200 1844 

1897- 

1965

1844 

1903 

1951

Loutre River basin

331 6-9355 202 1928 

1947-65

1928 

1957

Coldwater Creek basin

332 6-9365 43.6 1959-65 1960 

Mississippi River main stem

333 7-0100 1785

1844 

1861-

1965

1785

1844 

1903

1951

See footnotes on following page.
Table 9. Summary offload stages and discharges Cont

Includes discharge in diversion channel.

Contents in acre feet. 

cDaily mean discharge.

Affected by backwater; see station description. 

eRatio of peak discharge to 50-year flood.

Estimated or computed on basis of other records; see station

description. 

&Mean sea level elevation.

Indirect measurement; flow over dam. 

1 Unknown. 

 I From discharge measurement at or near peak.

^At different si

mPool elevation

nTailwater elev

PContents in m

^Affected or re

rObserved; see 

sPeak stage did 

*At various tim

ulncludes 90,00

vMay have reac
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A14 5

STATION DATA

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(1) 5-2205. Mississippi River below Sandy River, near Libby, Minn.

Location. Lat 46°47', long 93°20', in sec.25.T.50 N., R.24 W., on right bank 600 ft 

downstream from Sandy River, three-quarters of a mile northwest of Libby, and at 

mile 1,106 upstream from Ohio River.

Drainage area. 5,060 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 1,204.55 ft above 

mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 17.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 7,340 cfs 1330 hours Apr. 24 (gage height, 

14.50 ft).

1930 to March 1965: Discharge, 16,000 cfs May 17, 1950 (gage height, 20.02 ft).

Remarks. Flow regulated by powerplants and by Winnibigoshish, Leech, Pokegama, 

and Sandy Lakes.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, J965

Day

I......

2......

3. _.

4......

T...-

6... ...

7____

8......

9------

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

2,000 

2,050 

2,050 

2,050 

2,100 

2,300 

2,550 

2,650 

2,700 

2,750

May

6,690 

6,670 

6,660 

6,600 

6,510 

6,470 

6,440 

6,500 

6,460 

6,340

Day

ll._...

12.....

13.....

14.....

15.....

16.....

17.....

18_____

19.....

20..-..

April

2,850 

3,000 

3,300 

3,900 

4,360 

4,600 

4,850 

5,200 

5,480 

5,830

May

6,130 

5,940 

5,700 

5,450 

5,250 

5,130 

5,100 

5,120 

5,150 

5,180

Day

21.....

22.. ...

23_____

24.. ...

25.. ...

26.. ...

27.. ...

28.. ...

29-. ...

30.....

31.. ...

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

6,400 

6,910 

7,220 

7,290 

7,100 

6,850 

6,700 

6,610 

6,560 

6,600

4,494 

0.99

May

5,290 

5,340 

5,340 

5,340 

5,280 

5,170 

5,040 

4,880 

4,540 

4,170 

3,740

5,601 

1.28
A146 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Mississippi River belov

Sandy River, near Libby, Minn.

Date

13

14

15

16

17

Hour

0000

2400

1200

1400

2400

1200

2400

1000

2400

1200

2000

2400

1200

Gage 

height

8 7n

S on

9.23

9.50

9 50

10.06

10.67

U 97

11.50

11 34

11.12

11.05

11.02

10.94

Discharge Date

Apr. 17

1 D

1 Q

20

21

22

Hour

2000

2400

1200

1200

2400

1300 

2400

1300

2400

1200

1600 

2400

Gage 

height

11.05

11.12

11 25

1 1 54

1 1 73

1 9 O9

12.25 

12.85

13.13

13.88

13.95 

14.22

Discharge

5,780 

6,170

6,360 

67R n

6,890

6,940 

7,120

Date

Apr. 23

24

25

26

27

28

Hour

1200

2400

1200

1330

2400

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200 

2400

1200

1600 

2400

Gage 

height

14.36

14.44

14.49

14.50

14.29

14.16

13.98

13.82

13.69

13.55

13.47

13.43 

13.47

Discharge

7,230

7,290

7 330

7,340

, loll

7,080

6,960

6,840

6,750

6,660

6,600

6,570 

6,600

(2) 5-2275. Mississippi River at Aitkin, Minn.

Location. Lat 46°32'26", long 93°42'26", in Wf sec.24, T.47 N., R.27 W., at upstream 

side of highway bridge at north edge of Aitkin, 1 mile downstream from Mud River 

and at mile 1,055.9 upstream from Ohio River.

Drainage area. 6,140 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph for river channel. Graph constructed 

on the basis of once or twice daily wire-weight gage readings for diversion channel 

for period Apr. 11 to May 17, once-daily wire-weight gage readings for remainder of 

the period. Datum of gage is 1,185.41 ft above mean sea level datum of 1929 (levels 

by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

at both the river and diversion sites. Backwater from ice Apr. 1 18 in the river 

channel and Apr. 1 17 in the diversion channel.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 13,400 cfs 1000 hours Apr. 26. (Includes discharge in diversion channel).

River channel: Discharge, 7,540 cfs 1400-1700 hours Apr. 18 (gage h?ight, 14.50 ft).

Diversion channel: Discharge, 5,870 cfs 1800 hours Apr. 25 to 0500 hours Apr. 26 

(gage height 14.81 ft).

1945 to March 1965: Discharge, 20,000 cfs May 20, 1950 (gage height, 19.49 ft).

Remarks.- Slight regulation by powerplants and by Winnibigoshish, Leech, Pokegama, 

and Sandy Lakes. Water diverted at medium and high stages into Aitkin diversion 

channel 6^ miles above station, bypasses station and returns to river 15^ miles below 

station. Diversion began Apr. 2, 1955. These records include flow in d :version 

channel.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Mississippi River at Aitkin, Minn.

A147

Day

1 __ ...

2. _____

3 ___ .

4. _____

5 ______

6 ______

7 ______

8_ _____

9 ______

10 __ .

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

2,180 

2,140 

2,140 

2,150 

2,300 

2,420 

2,650 

3,000 

3,100 

3,290

May

11,600 

11,200 

10,800 

10,400 

10,000 

9,770 

9,600 

9,510 

9,430 

9,140

Day

11 __ .

12.

13____.

14. ___

15 __ __

16 ___ .

17 _____

18__ ...

19-____

20._ ___

April

3,660 

4,080 

4,820 

6,100 

7,550 

9,350 

11,500 

13,000 

13,100 

13,000

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches ---__ _______

May

8,930 

8,660 

8,360 

7,980 

7,660 

7,290 

7,160 

7,110 

7,070 

7,050

Day

21 _____

22 _____

23 _____

24 _____

25. ____

26 __ _.

97

28 __ _.

29 __ __

9n

31 _____

d _________ _.

April

13,000 

13,000 

13,100 

13,200 

13,300 

13,300 

13,200 

12,900 

12,500 

12,100

8,038 

1.46

May

7,180 

7,390 

7,510 

7,860 

P.080

r.oso

7,940 

7,680 

7,480 

6,990 

6,680

8,437 

1.58

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 13

14

15

16

Hour

0000

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0800

1600

2400

0800

1600

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

8.57

8.87

9.22

9.68

10.18

10.55

11.06

U *\A.

U Q7

12.31

12.66

1 9 Q_l

1 ^ 9"^

13.56

Discharge

Date

Apr. 17

18

19

20

21

Hour

1200

2400

1200

1400

1700

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

13.84

1 A. 99

14.47

14.50

14.50

14.37

1 _, 39

14.28

14 25

1 .1 9"^

14.25 

14.28

Discharge

7,540

7,540

7,390

7 340

7 9QO

7,260

7,260 

7 290

Date

Apr. 22

23

24

9^

26

27

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200 

2400

1200

2400

1000

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

14.28

14 31

14.33

14.34

14.38 

14.40

14.44

14.46

14.42

14.36 

14.29

Discharge

7 9Qfl

7 99fl

7,340

7,350

7,400 

7,420

7,470

7,470

7,490

7,440

7,380 

7,380
A148

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in

FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Mississippi River diversion 

near Ait kin, Minn.

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

16

Hour

0000

1200

2400

0600

2400

0800

1200

1600

1800

2400

2400

Gage 

height

7.04

7.42

8.18

8.77

9.45

10.75

11.47

1173

12.02

12.40

12.81

13.16

1 3 A7

13.66

13.93

14.18

Discharge

Date

Apr. 17

18

19

9n

21

22

00

Hour

1200

2400

1200 

2400

1600 

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

14.48

14.58

14.57 

14.57

14.55

1 A RQ

1 A. R9

14.48

1 A. A.Q

14 55

14.58

14.64

14.68

Discharge

5,740

5,740 

5,740

5,730

5 79fi

5,710

5,690

5,700

5,730

5,740

5,780

5,800

Date

Apr. 23

?A

25

26

27

28

Hour

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

0500

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

1 A. 79

14.76

14.80

14.80

14.81 

14.81

14.81

14.78

14.73

14.67

14.55

14.43 

14.28

Discharge

5,820

5,870

5,870 

5,870

5,870

5,860

5,830

5,800

5,730

5,660 

5,580

PINE RIVER BASIN 

(3) 5-2305. Pine River Reservoir at Cross Lake, Minn.

Location. Lat 46°40'09" long 94°06'44" in SW^NWi sec.21, T. 137 N., R.27 W., at dam 

on Pine River, at outlet of Cross Lake at village of Cross Lake.

Drainage area. 562 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 1,216.32 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Maxima. March-May 1965: Contents, 100,800 acre-ft May 27, 28 (gage height, 13.18 ft). 

1886 to February 1965: Contents, 173,600 acre-ft July 10, 1916 (gage height, 18.24 ft).

Remarks. Reservoir operations began in 1886. Capacity between gage heights 10.00 ft 

and 18.50 ft (maximum allowable range) is 118,700 acre-ft of which 53,280 acre-ft is 

controlled storage between gage heights 10.00 ft and 14.00 ft (normal operating range).

Cooperation. Records furnished by Corps of Engineers in terms of cfs-days and converted to acre-feet by Geological Survey.

Gage height, in feet, and contents, in acre-ft

Date

Feb. 28.---

Mar. 7-._-

14-.--

21-.--

28----

Apr. 4----

11.---

Gage height

11.34

11.42

11.42

11.36

11.21

11.12

11.05

Contents

76,150

77,200

77,200

76,420

74,460

73,270

72,360

Date

Apr. 18--.-

25...-

May 2-._.

9----

16--.-

23----

30 _

Gage height

11.68

12.18

12.62

12.91

12.89

13.01

13.13

Contents

80,650

87,270

93,200

97,110

96,830

98,480

100,100
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(4) 5-2310. Pine River at Cross Lake Dam, at Cross Lake, Minn.

A149

Location. Lat 46°40'09", long 94°06'44", in SW^NW? sec.21, T.137 N., R.27 W., at dam 

at outlet of Cross Lake at village of Cross Lake.

Drainage area. 562 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph for headwater and twice daily readings on tailwater tape float gage. Datum of gages is 1,216.32 ft above mean sea level, 

adjustment of 1929.

Discharge record. Discharge computed by Corps of Engineers with one check measurement made by Geological Survey.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Daily discharge, 1,250 cfs Apr. 20.

1886 to March 1965: Daily discharge, 2,250 cfs in June 1896 (does not include flow 

bypassing dam through crevasse).

Remarks. Flow completely regulated by Pine River Reservoir.

Cooperation. Computations of daily discharge furnished by Corps of Engineers; one 

discharge measurement made and records reviewed by Geological Survey.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!-_._. .

2......

3______

4... ..

6___ ..

7......

8......

9__.

10_____

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

285 

285 

285 

285 

285 

327 

458 

525 

525 

525

May

210 

210 

210 

210 

257 

350 

350 

350 

362 

515

Day

11----.

12.....

13.-...

14,--..

15-..,-

16,-. _.

17--._.

18..-..

19.---.

20-,--.

April

525 

525 

600 

830 

1,090 

1,230 

990 

990 

1,080 

1,250

May

640 

615 

540 

485 

510 

635 

616 

485 

485 

538

Day

21.....

22.....

23.....

24_.__.

25.....

26__...

27.....

28 ..._.

29.....

30.....

31.....

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

1,170 

1,010 

1,020 

1,020 

1,020 

983 

850 

654 

472 

278

712 

1.41

May

699 

790 

790 

790 

808 

1,010 

1,020 

1,020 

1,020 

1,020 

1,030

599 

1.23

CROW WING RIVER BASIN 

(5) 5-2440. Crow Wing River at Nimrod, Minn.

Location. Lat 46°39', long 94°53', in sec.32, T.137 N., R.33 W., on right bank 200 ft 

upstream from highway bridge, 0.2 mile north of Nimrod, and 0.7 mile upstream from 

Cat River.

Drainage area. 1,010 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 1,313.27 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Wadena County Highway Department from 

Minnesota Highway Department bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 14.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 2,890 cfs 2230 hours Apr. 13 (gage heiglt, 7.57 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1910-14, 1930 to March 1965: Discharge 2,750 cfs May 23, 1962 (gage heigl *., 6.04 ft); 

gage height, 7.64 ft Apr. 20, 1950 (backwater from ice).

Remarks. Flow affected by natural storage in many lakes.
A150 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Crow Wing River at Nimrod, Minn.

Day

1... __

2... __

3... __

5 _____

6 _____

7,_ _

8 ____

9 ___ ._

10 ___

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

330 

340 

345 

360 

420 

550 

660 

780 

980 

1,200

May

1,010 

980 

948 

909 

908 

972 

896 

870 

857 

838

Day

11. _ __

12.._._

13 __ ..

14____.

15.....

16..._.

17...,.

18 .....

19-....

20.. ...

April

1,600 

1,960 

2,600 

2,420 

2,360 

2,330 

2,580 

2,310 

2,020 

1,860

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

831 

824 

818 

812 

954 

1,110 

1,110 

1,080 

1,040 

994

Day

21 _____

22 __ _.

23 _____

24 __ _.

25. ....

26 _..__

27 _____

28 .....

29.....

30 _____

31 __ __

d _________ ...

April

1,730

i.eso

1,540 

1,430 

1.J80 

1,320 

1,240 

1,180 

1,110 

1,060

1,388 

1.53

May

987 

974 

1,010 

1,110 

1,160 

1,150 

1,100 

1,040 

994 

942 

909

972 

1.11

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

Hour

0000

1200

2400

0600

1200

1500

1800

2000

2400

0600

0900

1500

1600

1800

2100

Gage 

height

5.80

6.10

6.48

6.61

6.72

7.00

7.28

7.55

7.45

7.16

7.05

7.24

7.14

7.55

7.20

Discharge Date

Apr. 13

14

15

Hour

2200

2230

2400

0100

0600

0800

1100

1800 

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

7.45

7 57

7 o c

7.00

6.69

6 1 Q

5.87

5 64

5.63

5.85

5 7Q

5

r?C

5.66

5 73

Discharge

2 flan

2 9 on

2,280

2,460 

2,410

2

0 Qfl

2

0 1 n

2 * 320

Date

Apr. 16

17

1 Q

Hour

1000

1100

1400

1900 

2400

0600

1200

1400

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

^ ^9

5.83

^ Q1

5 90

5.78

6.27

6.13

5 on

5 48

R A.1

Discharge

2 200

2 onn

2 270

2,440 

2,510

2,500

2,400

2

c Q n

2

onn

2,680

2

r\ c (\

2,110

(6) 5-2465. Gull Lake near Brainerd, Minn.

Location. Lat 46°24'40" long 94°21'26", in N| sec.20, T. 134 N., R.29 W., in pool of 

dam on Gull River, 800 ft south of outlet of Gull Lake, a quarter of a mile upstream 

from Gull Lake Dam, and 8 miles northwest of'Brainerd.

Drainage area. 287 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 1,188.14 ft above 

mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Contents, 61,800 acre-ft May 26, 27 (gage hoight, 6.31 ft). 

1911 to February 1965: Contents, 74,800 acre-ft June 30, 1914 (gage height 7.30 ft).

Remarks. Reservoir operations began in 1912. Capacity between gage heights 5.00 ft 

and 7.00 ft (maximum allowable range and normal operating range), 26,020 acre-ft.

Cooperation. Records furnished by Corps of Engineers, in terms of cfs-days and 

converted to acre-feet by Geological Survey.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN 

Gage height, in feet, and contents, in acre-ft, of Gull Lake near Brainerd, Minn.

A151

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7...

14...

21...

28 __

Apr. 4...

11. _.

Gage height

5.26

5.31

5.24

5.13

5.03

4.99

5.16

Contents

48,180

48,830

47,920

46,510

45,200

44,690

46,890

Date

Apr. 18...

25 ...

May 2...

9...

16 ...

23 __

30 ...

Gage height

6.14

6.20

6.05

6.17

6.11

6.14

6.21

Contents

59,580

60,360

58,410

59,960

59,210

59,580

60,500

(7) 5-2470. Gull River at Gull Lake Dam, near Brainerd, Minn.

Location. Lat 46°24'40", long 94°21'12", in sec.20, T.134 N., R.29 W., in headwater and 

tailwater of dam at outlet of Gull Lake, 8 miles northwest of Brainerd.

Drainage area. 287 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph for headwater and twice-daily readings on tailwater staff gage. Datum of gages is 1,188.14 ft above mean sea level, 

adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Discharge computed by Corps of Engineers with one check measurement made by Geological Survey.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Daily discharge, 820 cfs May 27.

19Tl to March 1965: Daily discharge, 1,120 cfs May 15, 1938.

Remarks. Flow completely regulated by Gull Lake.

Cooperation. Computations of daily discharge furnished by Corps of Engineers: one 

discharge measurement made and records reviewed by Geological Survey.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, J965

Day

I......

2......

3 __ ..

4

5......

6. _____

7......

8......

9 ___ ..

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

162 

160 

162 

163 

162 

192 

240 

238 

236 

238

May

354 

354 

352 

261 

223 

352 

460 

458 

460 

550

Day

11.....

12.....

13.. __

14 __ _.

15.....

16.. __

17.....

18.. ...

19.....

20.....

April

249 

336 

441 

584 

630 

660 

670 

670 

670 

670

May

534 

525 

346 

193 

281 

366 

360 

368 

362 

362

Day

21.....

22.. ...

23 __ .

24_. ...

25 ___ .

26 __ .

27 .....

28 __ .

29 __ ..

30.. ...

31.....

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _._._._.._..___

April

670 

670 

670 

580 

580 

575 

625 

625 

443 

358

444 

1.73

May

458 

453 

453 

552 

607 

688 

820 

765 

740 

740 

740

469 

1.88
Al 52 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(8) 5-2670. Mississippi River near Royalton, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°51'40" long 94°21'30", in lot 2, sec. 20, T.39 N., R.32 W., at plant of 

Minnesota Power and Light Co., 4 miles northwest of Royalton, and 4.5 miles downstream from Swan River, and at mile 956 upstream from Ohio River.

Drainage area. 11,600 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Headwater and tailwater gages read hourly by company employees. 

Readings not reported to Geological Survey.

Discharge record. Discharge computed by Minnesota Power and Light Company with 

two check measurements made by Geological Survey.

Maxima. April May 1965: Daily discharge, 37,700 cfs Apr. 16.

1924 to March 1965: Daily discharge, 29,400 cfs Apr. 13, 1952.

Remarks. Flow partly regulated by powerplants, by Winnibigoshish, Leech, Pokegama, 

Sandy, and Gull Lakes and by Pine River Reservoir.

Cooperation. Records collected by Minnesota Power and Light Co. under general 

supervision of Geological Survey, in connection with a Federal Power Commission 

project.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1. _____

6 __ __

7 __ ._

8 ______

g

10 _____

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

3,240 

3,740 

3,150 

2,980 

3,070 

3,750 

4,180 

4,360 

5,070 

7,860

May

21,600 

20,500 

19,900 

19,800 

18,700 

16,900 

16,700 

16,000 

17,200 

16,500

Day

ll--___

12__ __

13 __ __

14 __ __

15_____

16_____

17__ __

18 _____

19__ __

20__ ___

April

11,300 

17,100 

24,100 

31,900 

37,400 

37,700 

36,300 

32,500 

32,200 

31,300

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

16,500 

16,600 

15,500 

15,300 

15,000 

14,100 

14,400 

14,400 

14,200 

14,300

Day

21 ___

22 __ __

23__ __

24 _____

25.. __

26_. __

27 ____

28_.___

29_, __

30__ __

31__ ___

d __ ____ __ _. __

April

29,700 

28,200 

27,200 

26,500 

25,900 

25,400 

24,800 

24,700 

23,800 

23,300

19,7(30 

1.90

May

15,100 

15,300 

15,100 

16,200 

17,800 

18,400 

18,500 

18,900 

18,400 

17,300 

16,500

16,810 

1.67

PLATTE RIVER BASIN

(9) 5-2679. Hillman Creek near Pierz, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°58'27", long 94°04'2l" in NE^SEi sec.9, T.40 N., R.30 V., at bridge 

on county road, 1.1 miles upstream from mouth, and 1.5 miles east of Fierz.

Drainage area. 52.6 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 900 cfs and extended above by logarithmic plotting.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 2,560 cfs Apr. 13 (gage height 14.P8 ft). 

1964 to March 1965: Discharge, 2,040 cfs May 7, 1964 (gage height, 14.55 ft).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A] 53

SAUK RIVER BASIN 

(10) 5-2705. Sauk River near St. Cloud, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°33'35", long 94°14'00" in SEiSW* sec.8, T.124 N., R.28 W., on right 

bank half a mile northwest of Waite Park, 3 miles west of St. Cloud, and 5 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 925 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 1,034.95 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 13.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 9,100 cfs 2215 hours Apr. 13 (gage height, 10.68 ft). 

1909-13, 1929 to March 1965: Discharge, 5,580 cfs Apr. 13, 1951 (gage height, 7.89 ft).

Remarks. Flow regulated by powerplants and reservoirs above station.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!-____.

2......

3__ __

4. _____

5 ______

6__. __

7 ______

8_ _____

9___ ___

10__ __

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

53 

55 

65 

80 

100 

150 

250 

450 

800 

1,500

May

1,530 

1,440 

1,340 

1,240 

732 

716 

870 

855 

915 

945

Day

11 ___ .

12____.

13 __ __

14 __ __

15 __ _.

16 ___ .

17 _____

18 _____

19__ ___

20__ ___

April

2,500 

4,500 

7,500 

7,940 

7,440 

6,800 

6,040 

5,270 

4,610 

4,050

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches _____

May

1,000 

1,030 

970 

940 

960 

960 

920 

920 

870 

840

Day

21__ __

22 _____

23 _____

24 _____

25. __

26 _____

27 _____

28 _____

29 _____

30 _____

31 _____

d ____ ___________

April

3,610 

3,210 

2,840 

2,520 

2,360 

2,,230 

2,040 

1,910 

1,770 

1,650

2,810 

3.39

May

895 

865 

930 

1,080 

1,200 

1,200 

1,220 

1,200 

1,160 

1,140 

1,140

1,030 

1.29
A154 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

lage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, ofSauk River 

__________________ near St. Cloud, Minn. ~~i i i n i i i n i \ r

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

0800

0900

1000

1100

1200

1300

1400

1600

1800

1900

2100

2300

2400

0800

1200

1600

2400

Gage 

height

3.49

3.68

4.08

4.27

4.45

4.54

4.55

4.83

4.84

4.89

4.77

4.80

5.10

5.01

5 02

4.90

5.05

5.25

5.29

5.89

6.15

6 94

7.65

Discharge Date

Apr. 12

i ?.

Hour

0300

0600

0700

0800

0900

1000

1200

1300

1400

1600

1700

1800

2000

2100

2400

0200

0600

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

991 ^

Gage 

height

7.85

8.00

8.05

7 54

7 50

7.59

7 Q 0.

7.56

7.67

7.85

7.96

8.64

8 7n

9 m

9 n^

Q 1 Q

9 19

9 3Q

Q 77

10.50

10.42

10.51

1 n CQ

Discharge

9,100

Date

Apr. 13

14

15

16

17

1 P.

19

20

Hour

2400

0400

0800

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

10.48

10.07

9 97

9 72

9 59

9 CO

9

0 0

9 no

8

7 C

8

r fi

8 9 1

7 94

7 KK

7 43

7 21

6 QQ

Discharge

S

oon

8,110

7

7cn

7,580

7,480

7,200

6 790

6,400

6,050

5.640

5 270

A QI n

4,610

A °.9fl

4,040 

30 nri

JOHNSON CREEK BASIN

(11) 5-2720. Johnson Creek tributary near St. Augusta, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°26'52", long 94°12'00", in NE^SE? sec.21, T.123 N., R.28 W., at 

culverts on county road, 0.7 mile upstream from mouth and 3.1 miles southwest 

of St. Augusta.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 39 cfs and by indirect measurement at 274 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 274 cfs Apr. 12 (gage height, 10.16 ft). 

T964 to March 1965: Discharge, 39 cfs May 6, 1964 (gage height, 6.4? ft).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN Al 55

(12) 5-2723. Johnson Creek near St. Augusta, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°27'49", long 94°09'19" ) in NWjSWi sec.13, T.123 N., R.28 W., at 

bridge on County Highway 7, 1.0 mile south of St. Augusta, and 3.3 miles upstream 

from mouth.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurerrents.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 682 cfs Apr. 12 (gage height, 14.77 ft).

1964 to March 1965: Discharge, 227 cfs Apr. 13, 1964 (gage height, 12.85 ft).

OTSEGO CREEK BASIN

(13) 5-2737. Otsego Creek near Otsego, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°17'19", long 93°38'59", in SW^NEj sec.13, T.121 N., R.24 W., at 

culvert on County Highway 39, 1.3 miles upstream from mouth, and 1.9 miles west 

of Otsego.

Gage-height record. Crest-stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurerrents 

below 20 cfs and by flow-through-culvert computation at 202 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 202 cfs Apr. 11 (gage height, 7.48 ft); gage height, 

8.19 ft Apr. 9 (backwater from ice).

1964 to March 1965: Discharge, 23 cfs Apr. 6, 1964 (gage height. 4.39 ft, backwater 

from ice).

ELK RIVER BASIN

(14) 5-2742. Stony Brook tributary near Foley, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°38'40", long 93°54'50", in NWi sec.2, T.36 N., R.29 W., at culvert 

on State Highway 25, a quarter mile upstream from mouth, and l| miles south of 

Foley.

Drainage area. 3.11 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurenents 

below 51 cfs and by indirect measurement at 132 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 83 cfs Apr. 12 (gage height, 11.26 ft, backwater 

from ice).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 132 cfs May 23, 1962 (gage height, 11.35 ft, from 

high-water profile).

317-045 O - 70 - 10
Al 56 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(15) 5-2747. St. Francis River at Santiago, Minn. 

(Gaging station established June 1965)

Location. Lat 45°32'30", long 93°48'50", in NEi sec.10, T.35 N., R.28 Vf., on right 

bank, 0.2 mile east of Santiago and 0.4 mile upstream from bridge on county road.

Gage-height record. Floodmark and occasional gage readings on reference mark. 

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maximum. April-May 1965: Discharge, 2,940 cfs about 0915-1100 hours Apr. 14 

(gage height, 12.17 ft from floodmark).

(16) 5-2749. St. Francis River near Big Lake, Minn. 

(Gaging station established, June 1965)

Location. Lat 45°23'07", long 93°44'02", in NW^NW^ sec.5, T.33 N., R.27 W., on right 

bank 3.6 miles north of Big Lake and 4 miles upstream from mouth.

Gage-height record. Occasional gage readings on reference mark. Altitude of gage is 

925 ft (from topographic map).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maximum. April-May 1965: Discharge, 2,700 cfs 1340 hours Apr. 16 (gage height, 

11.34 ft from floodmark).

(17) 5-2750. Elk River near Big Lake, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°20', long 93°40', in sec.23. T.33 N., R.27 W., on right bank at upstream 

side of highway bridge, 4 miles east of Big Lake and 4 miles downstream from St. 

Francis River.

Drainage area. 615 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 8£9.60 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 14.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge. 7,360 cfs 1800 hours Apr. 16 (gage height, 

10.86 ft).

1911-17, 1931 to March 1965: Discharge, 5,330 cfs Apr. 10, 1952 (gage height, 

10.36 ft), from rating curve extended above 3,800 cfs.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1 __ __

2 ____

3 ____

4 ______

5 ______

6 ______

7 ______

8 ______

9 ______

10 _____

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

83 

85 

89 

97 

113 

134 

156 

180 

230 

290

May

941 

874 

804 

739 

689 

667 

753 

889 

1,000 

1,010

Day

11 ___

12__ __

13 ____

14__.__

15 ____

16__ __

17 _____

18 ____

19__ __

20 _____

April

390 

569 

970 

2,690 

4,940 

7,170 

7,030 

5,900 

4,350 

3,260

May

1,020 

1,020 

1,010 

945 

882 

826 

761 

717 

689 

678

Day

21__ __

22 _____

23 _____

24 _____

25. ___

26 _____

27 _____

28__ __

29 _____

30 _____

31 _____

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

Ap-il

2,590 

2,200 

1,890 

1,610 

1,460 

1,360 

1,230 

1,120 

1,050 

1,000

1,808 

3.28

May

674 

671 

671 

696 

735 

782 

830 

908 

996 

1,030 

1,070

838

1.57
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Elk River near

Big Lake, Minn.

A157

Date

Apr. 13

14

15

Hour

0000

0400

0600

1000

1100

1200

1300

1400

1500

1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

2100

2200

2300

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

Gage 

height

4.56

4.62

4.61

4.52

4.57

4.61

4.57

4.60

4.82

5.05

5.16

5.36

5.36

5.51

5.74

5.93

6.29

6.24

6.13

6.30

6.53

6.84

7.10

7.53

8.58

8.21

8.16

8.23

8.37

8.50

8.64

8.72

Discharge

3,930

4,070

4,150

Date

Apr. 15

16

17

18

Hour

C600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

8.79

8.87

8.93

9.05

9.33

9.64

9.91

10.16

10.31

10.45

10.57

10.65

10.72

10.75

10.77

10.81

10.82

10.84

10.86

10.84

10.83

10.82

10.77

10.69

10.62

10.46

10.28

10.04

9.80

9.50

Discharge

4,220

4,310

4,370

4,510

4,860

5,290

5,710

6,110

6,370

6,610

6,830

6,970

7,100

7,160

7,190

7,270

7,290

7,330

7,360

7,330

7,310

7,290

7,190

7,040

6,920

6,630

6,320

5,910

5,530

5,090

Date

Apr. 19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

Hour

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

9.20

8.88

8.56

8.27

7.66

7.12

6.65

6.32

6.02

5.78

5.47

5.18

5.06

4.90

4.80

4.71

4.63

4.62

4.62

4.59

4.41

4.24

4.07

3.92

Discharge

4,690

4,320

3,990

3,720

3,240

2,860

2,570

2,370

2,190

2,050

1,880

1,740

1,680

1,600

1,550

1,500

1,460

1,460

1,460

1,440

1,360

1,300

1,230

1,170

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM

(18) 5-2755. Mississippi River at Elk River, Minn. 

(Gaging station, discontinued 1956)

Location. Lat 45°18', long 93°34', in SE^ sec.34, T.33 N., R.26 W., fourth principal 

meridian, on left bank in town of Elk River and at mile 884.6 above Ohio River.

Drainage area. 14,500 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Floodmark. Datum of gage is 847.92 ft above mean sea level, 

adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Peak discharge computed on basis of records for Mississippi River 

near Anoka, Rum River near St. Francis, and Elk River near Big Lake and compared 

with discharge obtained from station record during the three years of high flow 

(1950 52) when the Mississippi River at Elk River gage was in operation.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 62,000 cfs Apr. 16 (gage height, 17.20 ft, from 

floodmark).

1915 to March 1965: Discharge, 49,200 cfs Apr. 12, 1952 (gage height, 14.49 ft).
A ] gg FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

CROW RIVER BASIN

(19) 5-2760. North Fork Crow River near Regal, Minn. 

(Gaging station, discontinued 1954)

Location. Lat 45°22'55", long 94°47'40", in 85 sec.11, T.122 N., R.33 W., on right bank 

12 ft upstream from highway bridge and 3 miles southeast of Regal.

Drainage area. 215 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Floodmark. Datum of gage is 1,195.92 ft above mean sea level, 

datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by two current-meter measurements below 900 cfs and extended above on the basis of logarithmic plotting.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 2,630 cfs Apr. 9 (gage height, 6.68 ft, from 

floodmark).

1943 to March 1965: Discharge, 2,120 cfs Apr. 11, 1952 (gage height, 6.11 ft); 

gage height, 6.73 ft Apr. 6, 1951 (backwater from ice).

Remarks.- At high stages a portion of flow bypasses gage from a point about 1 mile upstream, and returns to the main channel at a point about two-thirds of a mile below 

gage. This flow is included in the station record.

(20) 5-2780. Middle Fork Crow River near Spicer, Minn,

Location. Lat 45°15'45", long 94°48'10", in NE^ sec.27, T.121 N., R.33 W., on right 

bank 75 ft upstream from highway bridge, l| miles downstream from Lake Calhoun, 

3 miles downstream from Green Lake, and 6.8 miles northeast of Spic<?r.

Drainage area. 179 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 1,147.93 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929 (Kandiyohi County Highway Department bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter neasurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 17.

Maxima. Given in the following table.

Discharge Gage height

(cfs) (feet) 

April-May 1965:

April 9, 1630 hours-------------------------------- Unknown a6.29

May 26, 0400 hours-------------------------------- 343 6.12

1949 to March 1965

June 29, 1953------------------------------------- 408 ____--._-

June 25, 1957----------.-----------.------------- - ...-..-- 6.67

Remarks. Flow affected by natural storage and some regulation from IrJces above 

station.

aBackwater from ice.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A1 5 9

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Middle Fork Crow River near Spicer, Minn.

Day

1----..

2____

3____

4......

5......

6. _____

7______

8......

9 __ ...

10_____

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

1.2 

1.5 

2.0 

3.0 

6.0 

55 

230

May

270 

252 

224 

197 

198 

201 

206 

210 

218 

208

Day

11_____

12_____

13_____

14_____

15 _____

16_____

17_____

18_____

19_____

20_____

April

260 

240 

220 

200 

190 

200 

203 

194 

175 

165

May

207 

211 

217 

221 

227 

225 

209 

197 

227 

274

Day

21 __ __

22 __ __

23 ____

24 _.___

25 __ __

26___

27____.

28____.

29_____

30 __ __

31_____

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________ 

in inches ________________________________________ _

April

166 

172 

178 

187 

198 

209 

243 

270 

281 

280

151 

0.94

May

298 

302 

308 

322 

341 

341 

337 

324 

311 

302 

297

254 

1.64

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

10

Hour

0000

1200

1800

2400

0600

1100

1400

1600

1800

2200

2400

0200

0700

0900

1100

1300

1600

1630

1700

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

4.74

4.78

4.94

4.94

4.97

5.03

5.33

5.61

5.58

5.37

"i 9S

5.37

5.45

5.44

5.40

5.65

6.28

6.29

6.28

5.96

5.88

6.02

6.10

6.11

Discharge

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

13

14

15

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

1500

1700

1900

2000

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

6.10

6.04

5 QQ

6.04

5 93

5.82

5.70

5.51

^9^

5.19

5.00

4 89

4 79

4.70

4.68

4 fi R

4.65

4.68

4 65

4.66

4.61

4.60

Discharge

Date

16

24

9"i

oc

27

OQ

Hour

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1800

2000

2400

0700

1400

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

4.65

4 72

4.78

4.82

4.78

A. S"i

5 90

5 89

^ Q7

6.06

6.10

6.07

6.03

5 94

4.87

Discharge

320

319

o 07

337

O A O

342

341

343

341

o o o

337

333

994

317
Al 60 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(21) 5-2785. South Fork Crow River at Cosmos, Minn. 

(Gaging station, discontinued 1964)

Location. Lat 44°56'05", long 94°40'20", in SWj sec. 14, T.117 N., R.32 W., on downstream side of bridge on State Highway 7, 1 mile east of Cosmos, 2j riiles upstream 

from small tributary, and 3j miles west of Corvuso.

Drainage area. 221 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Floodmark. Datum of gage is 1,079.09 ft above mean sea level, 

datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers*.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. April May 1965: Discharge, 2,130 cfs Apr. 11 (gage height, 13.05 ft, from 

floodmark).

1945 to March 1965: Discharge, 1,890 cfs June 17, 1957 (gage heigh*, 12.62 ft).

(22) South Fork Crow River at Hutchinson, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 44°53'44", long 94°22'10", in SE^SWi sec. 31, T.117 N., R.29 W., at dam 

just upstream from State Highways 15 and 22 in Hutchinson, and 6.2 miles upstream 

from McCuen Creek.

Drainage area. 462 sq mi.

Discharge record. Flow-over-dam measurement.

Maximum. April May 1965: Discharge, 4,670 cfs Apr. 11 (elevation, 1,044.10 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929).

(23) 5-2787. Otter Creek near Lester Prairie, Minn. 

(Crest- stage station)

Location. Lat 44°54'23", long 94°04'24", in SE^SE^ sec. 28, T.117 N., R.27 W., on 

right bank 33 ft upstream from culvert on State Highway 7, 2.1 miles northwest of 

Lester Prairie, and 4.4 miles upstream from mouth.

Gage- height record. Water- stage recorder graph.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. April May 1965: Discharge, 525 cfs Apr. 13 (gage height, 9.24 ft); gage 

height, 9.97 ft Apr. 6 (backwater from ice).

1961 to March 1965: Discharge, 348 cfs May 22, 1962 (gage height, 8.66 ft); gage 

height, 8.73 ft Mar. 28, 1962 (backwater from ice).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN Al 61

(24) 5-2787.5 Otter Creek tributary near Lester Prairie, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°53'34", long 94°04'24", in SEjSE^ sec.33, T.117 N., R.27 W., at culvert 

on County Highway 63, 1.7 miles northwest of Lester Prairie, and 3.3 miles upstream 

from mouth.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 49 cfs and by indirect measurement at 79 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 87 cfs Apr. 10 (gage height, 11.14 ft).

1962 to March 1965: Discharge, 79 cfs May 23, 1962 (gage height, 10.83 ft).

(25) 5-2788.5 Buffalo Creek tributary near Brownton, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°45'55", long 94°22'33", in NE^SE^ sec.13, T.115 N., R.30 W., at 

culvert on State Highway 15, 0.6 mile upstream from mouth, and 2.6 miles northwest 

of Brownton.

Drainage area. 9.45 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 124 cfs Apr. 10; (gage height, 17.39 ft, backwater from ice); gage height, 17.42 ft Apr. 7 (backwater from ice).

1961 to March 1965: Discharge, 70 cfs Mar. 28, 1962 (gage height 16.16 ft, backwater from ice).

(26) 5-2790. South Fork Crow River near Mayer, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°54'20", long 93°53'05", in SW^SW^ sec.30, T.117 N., R.25 W., near 

center of span on downstream side of bridge on State Highway 7, 1.3 miles north of 

Mayer, 4.3 miles southwest of Water-town, and 16 miles upstream from confluerce 

with North Fork.

Drainage area. 1,170 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Graph constructed on basis of once or twice-daily wire-weight 

gage readings and several engineers readings Apr. 1 30. For the period Apr. 11 18, 

gage readings obtained from temporary staff gage. Once-daily wire-weight gage 

readings, May 1 31. Datum of gage is 926.00 ft above mean sea level (levels by 

Hennepin County Park Board Survey).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice, Apr. 1 9.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 16,100 cfs 1530 hrs Apr. 13 (gage height, 19.23 ft, 

from floodmark).

1934 to March 1965: Discharge, 11,000 cfs Apr. 10, 1952 (gage height, 15.70 f.).
Al 62 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of South Fork Crow River near Mayer, Minn.

Day

l_.-___

2__ ....

3......

4......

6......

7......

8......

9-...._

10_____

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

2.0 

2.4 

4.0 

9.5 

34 

68 

250 

1,160 

2,060 

5,910

May

2,360 

2,120 

1,950 

1,760 

1.640 

1,510 

1,550 

1,670 

1,820 

1,950

Day

11___._

12_____

13_____

14_____

15____.

16_____

17_____

18____.

19____.

20____.

April

10,800 

14,500 

15,900 

15,200 

13,600 

11,400 

9.120 

7,390 

6,330 

5,510

May

1,970 

1,760 

1,730 

1,600 

1,430 

1,310 

1,280 

1,190 

1,160 

1,160

Day

21__ __

22__ ...

23_____

24 .....

25__.__

26_____

27__ ...

28__ ...

29_____

30_____

31_____

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

5,160 

4,710 

4,060 

3,630 

3,330 

3,170 

2,990 

2,840 

2,710 

2,540

5,146 

4.91

May

1,160 

1,100 

1,060 

1,040 

1,070 

1,230 

1,320 

1,430 

1,630 

1,740 

1,700

1,529 

1.51

Gage height, m feel, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 5

6

7

8

g

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

Gage 

height

3.04

3.05

9 *)£*

3.82

4.10

4.42

5.38

6.24

6.06

6.16

6.98

7.42

7.81

8.19

8.54

8.98

9.67

9.86

10.03

10.14

10.15

Discharge

Date

10

11

12

13

Hour

1500

1800

2100

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200

1800

0600 

1200

1530

1800

2400

Gage 

height

10.42

10.87

11.25

11.58

12.53 

13.42

1 _. 33

15.19

16.12 

16.67

17.14

17.78

18.18 

18.50

18.74

19.00

19.06 

1921

1 Q 93

19 21

1 Q 1 3

Discharge

4,040

4,910 

5,800

6,840

8,140

9,840 

10,900

11,900

i 3 9nn

14,000 

14,600

15,100

15,600

15,900 

16,000

16,100

16,000

15,900

Date

A r 14 P

15

16

17

18

Hour

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

19.01

18.83

18.64

18.45

18.23 

17 99

17.71

17.43

17.20 

16.93

16.62

16.31

16.00 

15 72

15.46

15.18

14.95 

14 72

14.48

1 A *)£*

Discharge

15,600

15.300

14,900

14,500

14,100

13,000

12,500

12,000 

11,500

10,800

10,200

9,600 

9,180

8,630

8,120

7,720 

7,400

7 020

6,740
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN Al 63

(27) 5-2790.3 South Fork Crow River tributary near Mayer, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°54'2l", long 93°53'51", in NW^NEi sec. 36, T.117 N., R.26 W., at 

culvert on State Highway 7, 0.7 mile above mouth, and 1.4 miles north of Mayer.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage discharge relation defined by current-meter measurenents 

below 22 cfs and by flow-through-culvert computation at 243 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 306 cfs Apr. 8 (gage height, 9.06 ft, backwater 

from ice).

1962 to March 1965: Gage height, 6.56 ft Mar. 28, 1962, backwater from ice (discharge not determined).

(28) 5-2800. Crow River at Rockford, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°05'15", long 93°44'00", in sec.29, T.119 N., R. 24 W., on right bank 

at Rockford, 150 ft downstream from bridge on State Highway 55 and 1 mile downstream from confluence of North and South Forks.

Drainage area. 2,520 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Apr. 13 20 when graph was 

constructed on the basis of readings made on temporary staff gage. Datum of gage is 

893.65 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 11.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 22,400 cfs 0100 hours Apr. 16 (gage heifht, 

19.27 ft, from floodmark).

1909-17, 1929 to March 1965: Discharge, 13,900 cfs Apr. 13, 1952 (gage height, 

16.24 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!.__._.

2_ ___

3... __

4 ____ .

5 ____

6 ____

7______

8 ____

9____ .

10 _____

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

30 

30 

30 

31 

32 

50 

160 

450 

1-.400 

3,100

May

6,200 

5,700 

5,240 

4,810 

4,490 

4,230 

4,150 

4,280 

4,540 

4,600

Day

11.. __

12.. __

13.....

14 __ ..

15.___.

16 _____

17 _____

18 _____

19_____

20.. ___

April

6,800 

11,900 

15,700 

19,500 

21,900 

22,100 

20,700 

18,900 

17,200 

15,300

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

4,580 

4,450 

4,230 

3,990 

3,740 

3,510 

3,300 

3,200 

3,060 

2,990

Day

21__ __

22 _____

23 _____

24 _____

25.. __

26 _____

27 _____

28 ____

29 __ ._

30 _____

31 __ ._

d _______________

April

13,700 

12,400 

11,300 

10,200 

9,370 

8,750 

8,190 

7,700 

7,180 

6,680

9,026 

4.00

May

3,000 

2,930 

2,900 

2,870 

2,860 

2,890 

2,970 

3,060 

3,170 

3,300 

3,410

3,827 

1.75
A1 64 FIOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Crow River

Rockford, Minn.

Date

Apr 7

8

9

10

11

Hour

0000

0200

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200

Gage 

height

2.65

2.66

2.85

3.36

4 91

4.59

4.75

4.87

5.19

5.41

5.45

5.69

6.65

7.11

7.42

7.95

9.25

10.58

10.86

Discharge

Date

Apr. 1 1

12

13

14

15

16

Hour

0600

1200

1800

2200

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

1200 

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

0100

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

11.26

12.15

1011

13.87

13 43

14.28 

14.74

15.15

15 74

16.83 

1769

18.41

18.91

19.18

19 26

19 27

19.19 

19.05

Discharge

10,100

11,200 

11,900

12,500

13,600

15,800 

17,700

19,500

21,100

22,100

22,400

22,400

22,100 

21,600

Date

Apr. 17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200 

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

18.81

18.48

18.19

17.85

17.48

16.60

16.20

15.80

15.41

15.06

14.75

14 35

13 94

13.52 

13 13

Discharge

20,800

19,700

18,900

18,000

17,200 

16,200

14,500

13,700

13,000

12,400

11,900

11,300

10,700

10,200 

979n

(29) 5-2803. School Lake Creek tributary near St. Michael, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°12'09", long 93°41'31", in NW^SEi sec.15, T.120 N., R.24 W., at 

culvert on county road, 0.2 mile upstream from mouth, and 1.5 miles southwest of 

St. Michael.

Drainage area. 2.04 sq mi,

Gage-height record.- Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Discharge obtained from indirect measurement.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 434 cfs Apr. 11 (gage height, 12.68 ft, from highwater profile).

1964 to March 1965: Gage height, 7.34 ft May 6, 1964 (discharge not determined).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A1 6 5

RUM RIVER BASIN

(30) 5-2846. Robinson Brook near Onamia, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°58'20", long 93°39'30", in NE?SE| sec. 11, T.40 N., R.27 W., at culvert 

on U.S. Highway 169, a quarter mile upstream from mouth, and G-3/4 miles south of 

Onamia.

Drainage area. 7.21 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 80 cfs and by indirect measurement at 232 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 130 cfs Apr. 13 (gage height, 15.85 ft, backwater 

from ice).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 232 cfs June 8, 1963 (gage height, 16.75 ft).

(31) 5-2846.2 Rum River tributary near Onamia, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°57'20", long 93°39'30", in E| sec.14, T.40 N., R.27 W., at culvert on 

U.S. Highway 169, a quarter mile upstream from mouth, and 7-3/4 miles south of 

Onamia.

Drainage area. 1.84 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 24 cfs and by indirect measurements at 80 cfs and 172 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 96 cfs Apr. 13 (gage height, 10.19 ft).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 172 cfs June 8, 1963 (gage height, 13.37 ft, from 

high-water profile).

(32) 5-2847.5 Rum River at Spencer Brook, Minn. 

(Gaging station, discontinued 1964)

Location. Lat 45°31'45", long 93°26'21", in NW^NE^ sec. 15, T.35 N., R.25 W., near 

center of right span on downstream side of county highway bridge, 200 ft downstream 

from Spencer Brook, f mile north of Spencer Brook store, and 7^ miles southeast of 

Princeton.

Gage-height record. Floodmark, Datum of gage is 925.65 ft above mean sea level, 

adjustment of 1912 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Maxima.- April May 1965: Discharge not determined, gage height, 15.36 ft Ap~. 14 

(backwater from ice).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 7,350 cfs May 25, 1962 (gage height, 13.12 ft).

Remarks. Occasional regulation by Ogechie (also controls Mille Lacs Lake) and 

Onamia Lakes.

Cooperation. Floodmark furnished by Corps of Engineers.
Al 66 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(33) Rum River at West Point, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 45°33', long 93°24', in SE|SE| sec.36, T.36 N., R.25 W., at bridge on 

State Highway 56 at West Point and 8 miles west of Cambridge.

Gage-height record. Occasional chain gage readings during flood. Datum of gage is 

900.34 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 10,800 cfs Apr. 16 (gage height, 2P.38 ft, from 

floodmark).

1958 to March 1965: Discharge, 6,100 cfs May 26, 1962 (gage height, 27.90 ft).

Cooperation. Gage height readings and previous maxima furnished by Corps of 

Engineers.

(34) 5-2849.2 Stanchfield Creek tributary near Day, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°41'29", long 93°23'45", in NW^SEf sec.13, T.37 N., R.25 W., at culvert on County Highway 60, 0.5 mile upstream from mouth, and 1.5 miles southwest 

of Day.

Drainage area. 1.26 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by flow-through-culvert computations at 26 cfs and 55 cfs.

Maxima.- April May 1965: Discharge, 55 cfs Apr. 12 (gage height, 7.01 fl.); gage height, 

7.39 ft Apr. 10 (backwater from ice).

1961 to March 1965: Discharge, 70 cfs May 23, 1962 (gage height, 8.50 ft).

(35) Rum River at Isanti, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 45°29', long 93°16', in W| sec.30, T.35 N., R.23 W., at bridge on County 

Road 5, 0.8 mile west of Isanti.

Gage-height record. Occasional chain gage readings during flood. Datum of gage is 

891.53 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 9,400 cfs Apr. 19 (gage height, 16.63 ft, from 

floodmark).

1958 to March 1965: Discharge, 5,200 cfs May 29, 1962 (gage height, 12.30 ft).

Cooperation. Gage height readings and previous maxima furnished by Corps of 

Engineers.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(36) 5-2860. Rum River near St. Francis, Minn.

A167

Location. Lat 45°19'40", long 93°22'20", in SE^ sec.19, T.33 N., R.24 W., on lef4 bank 

at upstream side of highway bridge, 4 miles south of St. Francis and 15-3/4 miles 

upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 1,360 sq mi, approximately.

Gage height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 861.12 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 14.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 10,100 cfs 0030 hours Apr.20 (gage height, 11.57 ft). 

1929 to March 1965: Discharge 9,260 cfs Apr. 13, 1952 (gage height, 11.03 f1:).

Remarks. Occasional regulation by Ogechie (also controls Mille Lacs Lake) and 

Onamia Lakes.

Mean discharge, in cubic feel per second, 1965

Day

1

2______

3......

4......

6_.

7._

8... .

9--_.__

10.

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

129 

132 

136 

144 

160 

182 

202 

227 

268 

310

May

2,700 

2,490 

2,260 

2,000 

1,760 

1,550 

1,520 

1,630 

1,830 

2,040

Day

11.....

12.....

13.....

14... .

15... .

16.....

17.....

18.....

19.....

20.....

April

500 

1,080 

1,600 

2,200 

2,740 

4,040 

6,710 

8,890 

9,900 

9,880

May

2,200 

2,250 

2,250 

2,230 

2,150 

2,010 

1,800 

1,680 

1,570 

1,480

Day

21.....

22 __ ..

23_. .

24.....

25.....

26.....

27__ __

28 _____

29.....

SO

31_____

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

9,180 

8,060 

7,290 

6,320 

5,480 

4,720 

4,130 

3,640 

3,250 

2,940

3,481 

2.86

May

1,420 

1,320 

1,220 

1,160 

1,190 

1,230 

1,310 

1,490 

1,710 

1,940 

2,130

1,791 

1.52

Gage height, in feet, and dischorge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

16

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

4.16

4.31

4.33

4.46

4.61

4 94

4.80

5.37

5.40

5.35

5.43

5.50

5.59

5.67

5.78

5.94

6.20

6.48

Discharge

2,490

2,580

2,700

2,870

3,160

3,470

Date

Apr. 16

17

18

19

20

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0030

0600

1200

Gage 

height

6.84

7.39

7.98

8.56

9.08

9.47

9.88

10.45

10.79

11.04

11.28

11.42

11.49

11.52

11.56

11.57

11.52

11.45

Discharge

3,890

4,550

5,300

6,070

6,800

7,350

7,920

8,490

8,970

9,320

9,650

9,850

9,950

9,990

10,000

10,100

9,990

9,890

Date

Apr. 20

21

22

23

24

25

Hour

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage Disheight charge

11.36 9,760

11.27 9,720

11.12 9,430

10.96 9,200

10.77 8,940

10.60 8,700

10.43 8,460

10.28 8,250

9.44 7,310

9.77 7,770

9.42 7,280

9.09 6,820

8.72 6,300

8.39 5,840

8.12 5,490

7.83 5,110
A168 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(37) 5-2885. Mississippi River near Anoka, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°07'36", long 93°17'48", in SW£ sec.12, T.119 N., R.21 V., on right 

bank half a mile downstream from Coon Creek 1-f miles downstream from hydroelectric plant of Northern States Power Co. at Coon Rapids, 6f miles downstream 

from Anoka, and at mile 864.8 upstream from Ohio River.

Drainage area. 19,100 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15 minute intervals except 0100 

hours Apr. 16 to 1125 hours Apr. 19 when the graph was constructed on the basis of 

once or twice daily readings on the temporary staff gage. No digital record 2000 

hours May 17 to 1600 hours May 29. Datum of gage is 805.02 ft above mean sea level, 

adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 12. Discharge for the period May 17 29 was obtained 

from records for Coon Rapids Hydroelectric Plant which were adjusted for estimated 

flow from Coon Creek. Mean daily discharge computed from 96 punch-tape readings 

per day, Apr. 19 to May 16 and May 30, 31.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 91,000 cfs 0500 hours Apr. 17 (gage height 

19.53 ft, from floodmark).

1931 to March 1965: Discharge, 75, 900 cfs Apr. 14, 1952 (gage height, 17.51 ft).

Remarks. Flow slightly regulated by six reservoirs on headwaters; total usable 

capacity, 1,640,600 acre-ft. Diurnal regulation caused by powerplant atove station.

Cooperation. Coon Rapids Hydroelectric Plant records furnished by Northern States 

Power Company.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!._____

2. _____

3_ _____

4_ _____

5_ __ __

6 ______

7 __ __

8 ______

9______

10 __ _.

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

3,820 

3,970 

4,000 

4,500 

4,300 

4,350 

5,080 

6,020 

7,590 

10,300

May

35,800 

33,600 

31,700 

30,200 

29,600 

27,700 

27,200 

27,200 

28,500 

28,700

Day

!!____.

12___._

13__ __

14___,_

15_____

16___._

17 _____

18__ __

19.-...

20__.__

April

15,900 

38,200 

51,000 

68,600 

79,800 

89,200 

90,300 

86,400 

81,600 

76,100

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches- _

May

28,400 

28,000 

28,000 

26,600 

26,300 

25,600 

24,200 

24,500 

23,800 

23,000

Day

21__ __

22... _.

23.. __

24 _____

25. __ .

26 _____

27 ____

28__ __

29.. __

30_. __

31 ____

d .._-___ __ __ __

April

70,500 

64,900 

59,200 

54,300 

51,000 

48,100 

44,900 

42,400 

40,400 

38,300

41,500 

2.42

May

23,500 

23,900 

23,500 

24,300 

26,000 

27,900 

28,600 

28,700 

28,700 

28,700 

29,100

27,470 

1.66
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A169

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Mississippi Fiver

near Anoka, Minn.

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2000

2400

0800

1000

1400

1800

2000

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1800

2000

2400

Gage 

height

6.10

6.17

6.93

8.00

9.15

9.32

9.84

10.28

9.72

10.50

10.45

11.05

11.48

11.30

11 54

12.18

16.43

13.00

11.23

11.45

12.38

Discharge

45,800

Date

Apr. 13

14

15

16

17

Hour

0200

0600

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200

0600 

1200

1800

2400

1200

1800

2400

0500

0900

Gage 

height

12.40

12.24

19 Q "^

13.62

14.36

15.22

16.00

16.21

16.54

16.82

16.80

17.05 

18.13

18.71

19.00

19.32

19.44

19.52

19.53

19.50

Discharge

45,900

44,900

4.0 9nn

co 9nn

57,700

62,800

67,500

68,800

70,700

72,400

72,300

73,800 

80,900

85,000

87,000

89,400

90,300

90,900

91,000

90,800

Date

18

19

20

91

Hour

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200 

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

19.48

19.40

1 Q ^ 1

1 Q 91

19.05

18.88 

18.73

18.68

18.40

18.24

18.03

17.82

17.61

17.40

16.99

16.51

16.00

Discharge

89 300

88,600

87,400

86,200 

85,100

84,800

82,800

80,200

78,800

77,500

76,100

74,800

73,400

67,500

BASSETT CREEK BASIN

(38) Bassett Creek at County Highway 66, Golden Valley, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 45°00'05", long 93°21'16", in Wi sec.28, T.118 N., R.21 W., at bridge on 

County Highway 66 in Golden Valley, Minn.,and | mile west of underpass on State 

Highway 100.

Discharge record. Discharge obtained on the following days by current-meter measurements:

Date

Apr. 3 

Apr. 6 

May 10 

June 1

Discharge, in cfs

5.92

67.0

79.5

84.8

Maximum. April May 1965: Discharge, not determined, gage height, 4.73 ft Aor. 6 

(backwater from ice).
A j 7 o FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(39) Bassett Creek at Fruen Mill Co., Minneapolis, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 44°58'45", long 93°18'52", in SEj sec. 20, T.29 N., R.24 W., at Fruen 

Mill, Minneapolis, Minnv and 700 ft downstream from Glenwood Ave.

Gage-height record. Peak from graph based on once-daily staff gage readings. Datum 

of gage is 815.23 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1929, (Levels by Corps of 

Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 360 cfs 0100 hours Apr. 11 (gage height, 2.57 ft).

1953-56, 1963 to March 1965: Discharge, 122 cfs (current-meter measurement) 

May 1, 1954 (gage height, 1.78 ft).

Cooperation. Gage-height record furnished by Corps of Engineers.

MINNEHAHA CREEK BASIN

(40) 5-2895. Minnehaha Creek at Minnetonka Mills, Minn. 

(Gaging station, discontinued 1964)

Location. Lat 44°56'30", long 93°26'45", near center of E| sec.15, T.117 N., R.22 W., on 

left bank 40 ft upstream from bridge on county highway at Minnetonka Mills, 2.2 miles 

downstream from outlet of Minnetonka Lake, and 2.9 miles northwest of Hopkins.

Drainage area. 130 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Observed stage. Datum of gage is 916.11 ft above mean sea level, 

datum of 1929.

Maxima.- April May 1965: Discharge, 245 cfs (current-meter measurerrent made near 

peak) May 31 (gage height, 6.63 ft).

1953 to March 1965: Discharge, 235 cfs May 23, 1962 (gage height, 6.66 ft); gage 

height, 6.97 ft Mar. 23, 1963 (backwater from ice).

Remarks.- Discharge affected by storage in Minnetonka Lake by fixed-crest dam.

(41) Minnehaha Creek at 50th Street, Edina, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 44°54'45", long 93°20'32", in NE^SWi sec.18, T.28 N., R.24 W., at dam 

150 ft upstream from bridge on 50th Street at Edina.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maximum. April May 1965: Discharge, 368 cfs May 31, (elevation 885.90 ft above mean 

sea level, datum of 1929, from floodmark).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A1 7 1

(42) Minnehaha Creek at Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 44°54'56", long 93°12'44", in SE^NEi sec.18, T.28 N., R.23 W., at bridge 

on Minnehaha Ave. at Minneapolis, 0.1 mile above Minnehaha Falls 0.8 mile upstream 

from mouth.

Gage-height record. Floodmark.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maximum. April May 1965: Discharge, 500 cfs May 31, (elevation, 804.43 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929).

MINNESOTA RIVER BASIN 

(43) 5-2900. Little Minnesota River near Peever, S. Dak.

Location. Lat 45°36'05", long 96°52'18", in SW^ sec.13, T.125 N., R.50 W., on right 

bank, 2 miles northwest of town of Browns Valley, Minn., 3^ miles upstream from 

proposed Lake Traverse diversion, 5.3 miles northeast of Peever, 7^ miles downstream from Jorgenson River, and 8 miles upstream from Big Stone Lake.

Drainage area.- 447 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Altitude of gage is 1,000 ft (from 

topographic map).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 11.

Maxima. Given in the following table:

April-May 1965

Apr. 12, 1400 hours 

May 21, 1530 hours

1939 to March 1965

Apr. 8, 1952 

Mar. 25, 1943

Discharge 

(cfs)

920 

2,880

4,730

Gage height 

(feet)

6.27 

9.48

12.16 

a !3.35

aBackwater from ice.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

I......

2......

3. ...

4__ ...

5......

6......

7......

8......

9---__.

]0._...

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

2.6 

3.3 

16 

116 

426 

250 

288 

624 

494 

480

May

47 

42 

36 

32 

30 

29 

27 

23 

22 

20

Day

11-...-

12..-..

13...

14... .

15..._.

16.-...

17.....

18...--

19--...

20-.--.

April

800 

881 

689 

541 

471 

391 

300 

243 

210 

190

May

21 

19 

16 

16 

37 

145 

158 

154 

112 

93

Day

21.....

22. __ .

23.-,..

24.....

25.. __

26.. ...

27 ___ .

28._ ...

29.....

30.....

31-..-.

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second __...-..____.__

April

173 

161 

145 

125 

108 

94 

82 

71 

64 

55

283 

0.71

May

1,210 

634 

534 

819 

1,000 

750 

570 

451 

371 

326 

272

259 

0.67

317-045 O - 70 - 12
AJ 72 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(jage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Little Minnesota River

near Peever, S. Dak.

Date

<Vpr. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Hour

0000

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2200

2400

0200

0600

1500

2200

2400

0700

1000

1100

1800

2400

0800

1200

2000

2400

1100

1400

2400

0100

0700

0800

0900

1100

1300

1600

1800

1900

2100

2400

0300

0900

1200

Gage 

height

2.24

2.23

2.58

2.85

2.67

2.90

3.23

3.43

3.67

3.87

3.98

4.41

4.42

4.46

4 45

4.56

4.48

5.06

5.49

5.53

5.67

5.95

5.73

4.88

4.80

4.85

4.84

4.41

4.41

4.52

4.59

4.87

5.39

5.66

5.78

6.03

5.96

5.64

5.53

5.77

Discharge

Date

g

10

11

12

13

14

Hour

1500

1700

2400

0600

0900

1200

1400

1500

1800

2400

0200

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2200

2300

2400

0200

0235

0400

0600

0800

1000

1600

2000

2400

1200

1400

1800

2400

0600

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

6.00

6.16

5.76

5.32

5 25

5 23

5.27

5.18

5.29

5 ' 13

5 13

5 04

5.09

A. Q9

5.05

5.18

519

517

<\ 3R

5 72

5 45

5.96

5 91

6.52

5 95

6.16

5 99

6.08

6.14

6.16

6.15

6

O "7

6

f) -1

5 84

5 64

5.42

517

5 09

Discharge

852

874

Q 1 n

n on

onn

Q Q A

7Q o

C CQ

601

528

506

Date

Apr. 15

16

May 19

20

21

22

23

24

25

2@

27

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

2400

1200

2100

2400

0600

0900

1100

1200

1300

1500

1530

1800

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1100

2000

2400

0900

1300

1600

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

4.92

4.89

4.64

4.42

3.39

3.34

3.32

3.38

3.65

4.99

6.01

7.17

8.17

9.40

9.48

8.75

7.46

6.57

5.73

5.13

4.57

4.43

4.89

5.60

5.96

5.74

5.85

6.12

6.44

6.55

6.09

5.67

5.55

5.50

5.34

5.06

4.83

Discharge

462

454

389

332

116

91

87

98

161

514

866

1,410

1,990

2,810

2,880

2,390

1,600

1,150

773

574

423

386

509

731

884

789

834

960

1,100

1,160

951

769

724

706

649

565

501
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A173

(44) 5-2910. Whetstone River near Big Stone City, S. Dak.

Location. Lat 45°17'32", long 96 0 29'14", in SE^NWl sec.18, T.121 N., R.46 W., on right 

bank 20 ft downstream from highway bridge, 1^ miles west of Big Stone City, and 4| 

miles upstream from Big Stone Lake.

Drainage area. 389 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Apr. 1 9. Graph was constructed on the basis of once or twice-daily wire-weight gage readings, Apr. 2 9. 

Datum of gage is 996.96 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurerr ents. 

Discharge estimated Apr. 1 on the basis of two discharge measurements and weather 

records. Backwater from ice Apr. 2 7.

Maxima.- Given in the following table:

April-May 1965

Apr. 6, 1030 hours 

May 24, 2300 hours

1910-12, 1931 to March 1965

Apr. 8, 1952 

Apr. 11, 1947

Discharge

(cfs)

1,740

1,100

5,710

Gage height 

(feet)

a8.57 

6.63

13.95

Backwater from ice.

Maximum stage known, about 26 ft in June 1919, from information by local 

resident.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1. _-..

2......

3

4______

5_____

6......

7......

a... ..

9

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

6 

27 

130 

427 

1,010 

1,680 

1,630 

1,460 

976 

705

May

41 

38 

37 

35 

35 

38 

36 

33 

36 

35

Day

11..---

12.____

13..__.

14..,.-

15.....

16-,_._

17.-...

18.....

19.....

20---..

April

1,000 

905 

498 

354 

313 

281 

187 

130 

107 

103

May

35 

33 

30 

31 

40 

177 

132 

79 

58 

48

Day

21__ __

22 .....

23____,

24---.,

25__-_-

26_.___

27__.__

28 .....

29... _.

30.....

31__.__

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

100 

92 

88 

78 

73 

65 

61 

54 

50 

46

421 

1.21

May

48 

50 

149 

683 

909 

608 

345 

174 

126 

108 

100

140 

0.40
A174 r LOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Whetstone River 

near Big Stone City, S. Dak.

Date

Apr. 2

3

4

5

6

7

8 

9 

10

Hour

0000

1200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1030

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

0600

Gage 

height

4.58

4.68

5.22

5.61

5.65

5.51

5.37

5.33

5.65

6.77

6.98

6.92

7.11

7.65

8.17

8.50

8.57

8.56

8.48

8.38

8.32

8.22

8.08

7.93

7.66 

7.18

6.67 

6.15

5.95

Discharge

1,650

1,500 

1,170

972 

790

731

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17 

May 22

Hour

1200

1500

1800

2400

0600

1200

1600 

1800

2400

0600

1200 

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

0400

0800 

1200

1600

2000

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

2400

Gage

height

5.72

5.57

5.69

6.22

6.71

6.80

6.78

6.73 

6.81

6

QC

6.88

6.43 

6.00

5.58

5.04

4.77

4.60

4 34

4 30

4.35

4 on

A. d. 0.

4 43

4.38

4.28 

4.08

3.82 

3.62

2.68

Discharge

657

610

647

824

1,030

1,020

1,000 

1,030

1,090

1,080

916 

765

coo

481

400

364

290

293

307

q on

oo n

315

287 

234

184 

147

52

Date

May 23

24

25

26

27 

28

Hour

0300

0600

0900

1200 

1500

180C

210C

240C

040C

080C

120C

1600

2000 

2300

2400

0400

0800 

1200

1600

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

2.70

3.04

3 14

3.38 

3.80

3.98

3.88

4.10

4.35

4.65

5.38

6.08

6.52 

6.63

6.62

6.54

6.35 

6.12

5.87

5.67

5.51

5.39 

5 23

5.04

4.84

4.58 

4.29 

4.07 

3.88

3.63 

3.46

Discharge

54

82

no

124 

204

247

222

279

350

439

660

898

1,060 

1,100

1,100

1,070

992

755

701

663 

613

556

418 

332 

271 

222

168

137

(45) 5-2915. Big Stone Lake at Ortonville, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°18'18", long 96°26'57", in NW^SWi sec.9, T.121 N., R.46 W., at powerplant intake at west edge of Ortonville, half a mile north of concrete dam at outlet, 

half a mile southwest of Ortonville.

Gage-height record. Once-daily observer's readings on wire-weight gase. Datum of 

gage is 957.69 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Gage height, 9.30 ft May 27.

1937 to February 1965: Gage height, 12.73 ft April 17, 1952.

Remarks. Reservoir is formed by natural lake with concrete dam at outlet. Fixed 

crest of dam is at elevation 963.64 ft, with one 5-foot gate and two 2j-foot gates with 

lowest sill at elevation 958.40 ft (all elevations are referred to datum of 1929). 

Changes in gate openings are not made.

Gage height, in feet

Feb. 28 

Mar. 7 

Mar. 14 

Mar. 21 

Mar. 27 

Apr. 5 

Apr. 11

6.17

6.10

6.08

6.20

6.25

6.80

8.22

April 18 

April 25 

May 2 

May 9 

May 16 

May 23 

May 30

9.03

8.86

8.52

8.06

8.07

7.94

8.85
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(46) 5-2920. Minnesota River at Ortonville, Minn.

A175

Location. Lat 45°17'44", long 96°26'38", in NE^NWi sec.16, T.121 N., R.46 W., en left 

bank 400 ft downstream from bridge on U.S. Highway 12 and 1,300 ft downstream 

from dam at outlet of Big Stone Lake, at Ortonville.

Drainage area. 1,160 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Apr. 1, 2 when once-daily 

readings were made on outside staff gage. Datum of gage is 956.38 ft above mean sea 

level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurerrents. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 7.

Maxima. Given in the following table:

April-May 1965:

April 7, 1800 hours 

May 27, 1030 hours

1938 to March 1965

April 13, 1952

Discharge 

(cfs)

870 

934

3,060

Gage height 

(feet)

a9.00 

9.28

12.92

aBackwater from ice. 

Remarks. Flow affected by natural storage in Big Stone Lake above station.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!.____.

2. . __

3 ______

4_____

5 ______

6___ ___

7___ __

8_._ __

9 ______

10 _____

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

6.9 

8.7 

10 

25 

210 

500 

600 

725 

551 

411

May

476 

512 

457 

361 

320 

379 

373 

372 

340 

408

Day

!!____.

12____.

13____

14_____

15____.

16__ __

17 _____

18 _____

19-____

20 _____

April

500 

569 

600 

614 

628 

624 

621 

618 

603 

584

May

298 

281 

281 

272 

380 

344 

269 

397 

295 

230

Day

21__ ___

22 __ __

23__ __

24 __ __

25_____

26_____

27 __ __

28_____

29 __ __

30 _____

31 _____

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

590 

591 

591 

566 

546 

600 

642 

548 

542 

490

490 

0.47

May

381 

368 

401 

477 

644 

772 

853 

717 

658 

658 

612

438 

0.44
^ j 7 g FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Minnesota River at

Ortonville, Minn.

Date

Apr. 3 

4 

5

6 

7

8 

9

Hour

0000 

0400 

0800 

1200 

1600 

2000 

2400

0400 

0800 

1200 

1600 

2000 

2100 

2400

0200 

0600 

0800 

1200 

1400 

1600 

2000 

2200 

2400

0200 

0400 

0700 

1000 

1400 

1500 

1800 

2000 

2200 

2400

0200 

0400 

0800 

1100 

1400 

1600 

1800 

2000 

2200 

2400

0400 

0800 

1100 

1200 

1400 

1600 

1800 

2200 

2400

0200 

0600 

1200

Gage 

height

1,44 

1.86 

2.12 

2.92 

3.86 

3.62 

3.28

2.84 

2.45 

2.22 

4.02 

5.89 

5.98 

5.31

4.92 

4.58 

4.55 

4.94 

4.99 

4.96 

5.70 

6.58 

7.06

7.46 

7.07 

6.98 

7.44 

7.61 

7.68 

7.48 

7.41 

7.54 

7.51

7.72 

7.73 

7.52 

7.23 

8.01 

8.94 

9.00 

8.96 

8.89 

8.80

8.64 

8.54 

8.52 

8.00 

8.04 

7.84 

7.93 

8.01 

7.97

7.79 

7.69 

7.26

Discharge

870

830

798 

778 

774 

670 

678 

638 

656 

672 

664

628! 

614 

549

Date

A.pr. 9 

10

11

12 

13 

May 20

21 

22

Hour

1800 

2400

0200 

0600 

0800 

1200 

1400 

1600 

1800 

2000 

2400

0400 

0500 

0800 

1000 

1200 

1600 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

0000 

0300 

0900 

1200 

1300 

1700 

1800 

2100 

2400

0300 

0500 

0700 

0900 

1100 

1400 

1800 

2100 

2300 

2400

0300 

0600 

0900 

1200 

1300 

1500 

1600 

1800 

1900 

2100 

2300 

2400

Gage 

height

6.94 

6.44

6.24 

6.30 

6.38 

6.27 

6.23 

6.09 

6.09 

6.11 

6.43

6.59 

6.60 

6.90 

7.07 

6.99 

7.05 

7.21

7.41 

7.54

7.59 

7.68

5.04 

5.00 

4.53 

4.07 

4.32 

4.13 

4.37 

4.92 

5.72

5.30 

5.69 

5.58 

6.19 

6.49 

6.71 

6.18 

5.69 

5.81 

5.78

5.85 

5.75 

5.73 

6.06 

6.05 

5.92 

6.06 

5.88 

5.86 

6.12 

5.92 

5.90

Discharge

501 

435

409 

417 

427 

413 

408 

391 

391 

393 

434

455 

456 

495 

520 

508 

518 

542

572 

591

598 

612

266 

262 

215 

175 

196 

179 

200 

254 

346

296 

343 

330 

403 

442 

470 

402 

343 

357 

354

362 

350 

348 

387 

386 

370 

387 

366 

363 

394 

370 

368

Date

May 23

24

25 

26

27

Hour

0300 

0500 

0600 

0900 

1000 

1200 

1300 

1500 

1800 

1900 

2100 

2300 

2400

0100 

0200 

0600 

1200 

1300 

1600 

1800 

1900 

2100 

2300 

2400

0200 

0400 

0600 

0900 

1100 

1300 

1600 

1900 

2200 

2400

0200 

0400 

0600 

0700 

1000 

1200 

1400 

1600 

1800 

2000 

2400

0100 

0300 

0500 

0800 

1030 

1200 

1400 

1600 

1900 

2200 

2400

Gage 

height

5.60 

6.41 

6.49 

5.95 

5.83 

6.28 

6.30 

5.97 

6.42 

6.50 

6.27 

6.48 

6.34

6.31 

6.42 

6.49 

6.71 

6.87 

6.38 

7.44 

7.68 

6.95 

7.14 

7.07

6.95 

7.35 

7.35 

8.05 

8.08 

8.33 

8.03 

8.13 

8.00 

8.17

8.18 

8.31 

8.23 

8. .C 6 

8.67 

8.72 

8.44 

8.60 

8.73 

8.51 

8.91

8.74 

8.97 

8.86 

9.03 

9.28 

9.17 

8.82 

9.12 

8.86 

8.49 

8.54

Discharge

332 

431 

442 

374 

360 

414 

417 

376 

433 

443 

413 

440 

422

418 

433 

442 

470 

491 

427 

576 

612 

502 

531 

520

502 

562 

562 

680 

686 

736 

676 

696 

670 

704

706 

732 

716 

742 

804 

814 

758 

790 

816 

772 

852

818 

864 

842 

876 

934 

904 

834 

894 

842 

768 

778
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A177

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Minnesota River at 

Ortonville, Minn. Continued

Date

May 28

29

Hour

0300

0500

0700

0900

1100

1300

1800

2400

0300

0600

0700

0800

1100

1300

Gage 

height

8.45

8.29

8.37

8.30

8.41

8.23

8.07

7.91

7.80

7.81

7.95

7.80

8.03

7.91

Discharge

760

728

744

730

752

716

684

652

630

632

660

630

676

652

Date

May 29

30

Hour

1500

1800

2000

2400

0100

0300

0500

0900

1100

1400

1700

2000

2200

2300

Gage 

height

8.06

8.02

8.04

7.99

7.97

8.00

7.97

8.03

8.05

7.97

7.86

7.88

7.81

7.74

Discharge

682

674

678

668

664

670

664

676

680

664

642

646

632

621

Date

May 30

31

Hour

2400

0200

0500

0600

0800

1000

1300

1500

1700

1900

2100

2300

2400

Gage 

height

7.73

7.81

7.48

7.44

7.43

7.91

7.51

7.35

7.81

7.69

7.98

7.83

7.88

Discharge

620

632

582

576

574

652

586

562

632

614

666

636

646

(47) 5-2930. Yellow Bank River near Odessa, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°13'35", long 96°21'12", in SE^SE? sec.l, T.120 N., R.46 W., or left 

bank 150 ft downstream from highway bridge, 2f miles southwest of Odessa, and 4| 

miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 398 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 953.34 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 7.

Maxima. Given in the following table:

April-May 1965

Apr. 8, 0800 hours 

May 25, 1300 hours

1939 to March 1965 

Apr. 4, 1952

Mar. 25, 1943

Discharge 

(cfs)

3,540 

806

6,260

Gage height 

(feet)

13.46 

6.37

a !7.98

aBackwater from ice.
A178 FLOODS OP 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Yellow Bank River near Odessa, Minn.

Day

!___--.

2......

3......

4--.-_.

S______

6_ __ ..

7.....

8......

9... __

10,.. _.

April

28 

70 

150 

300 

650 

1,500 

2,580 

3,330 

2,170 

1,280

Monthly mean disc 

Runoff, in inches

May

81 

77 

73 

63 

65 

65 

64 

65 

71 

71

Day

11. ..

12.....

13. ..

14.....

15.....

16.....

17.....

18.....

19.....

20.....

April

1,120 

1,210 

900 

625 

481 

381 

317 

268 

230 

207

May

71 

77 

71 

63 

68 

79 

268 

225 

174 

149

Day

21 __ ..

22.....

23.. __

24.....

25.....

26 _____

27.. ___

28 _____

29 __ ..

30... ._

31.....

harge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

190 

174 

155 

140 

133 

126 

120 

115 

103 

90

638

1.79

May

131 

115 

182 

304 

740 

585 

432 

318 

252 

216 

193

174 

0.51

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 4

5

6

7

8

9

Hour

0000

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1300

1500

2000

2400

0100

0700

0800

1000

1100

1800

2400

0600

1200

1900

2100

2400 

0600

0800 

1200 

1500 

1800 

2100 

2400

0200 

0600

Gage 

height

4.79

4.91

6.55

7.40

8.01

7.98

7.91

8.09

7.83

8.26

8.33

10.71

10.47

10.63

10.40

10.89

11.32

11.94

12.29

13.25

10.33

13.18 

13.43

13.46 

13.32 

12.96 

12.70 

12.51 

12.25

12.00

11.44

Discharge

3,400

S

con

3,540 

3,470 

3,290 

3,160 

3,060 

2,940

2,810 

2,530

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

May 21 

22

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200

2400

0600

1200

2400

0900

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

0600 

1200 

1800

2400

1200 

2400

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

10.52

9.43

8.63

8.14 

7.91

7.42

7.30

7.41

7.62

7.95

7.44

6.61

6.03

5.66

5.37

5.11

4.83

4.73 

4.68

4.52

4.34 

4.22

3.21

3.15 

3.14

Discharge

2,160

1,760

1,480

1,340 

1,270

1,120

1,080

1,120

1,180

1,280

1,130

878

712

620

548

482

415

393 

382 

367

349

314 

291

121

114 

112

Date

May 23

24

25

26

27

28

29 

30 

31

Hour

0400

1000

1600

2400

1200

1800

2400

060C

120C

130C 

140C

210C

240C

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

3.16

3.44

3.95

3.94

4.05

4.33

5.38

6.16

6.36

6.37 

6.36

6.18

6.01

5.70

5.46

5.29

5.17

4.87

4.56

4.30 

4.07

3.93 

3.83

3.72 

3.62

3.58 

3.53

Discharge

115

155

241

239

259

312

550

745

803

806 

803

750

708

632

572

532

502

431

365

316 

274

250 

234

216 

199

194 

185
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(48) 5-2940. Pomme de Terre River at Appleton, Minn.

A179

Location. Lat 45°12'10", long 96°01'20", in SWjNWj sec.14, T.120 N., R.43 W., on left 

bank at Appleton, 60 ft upstream from bridge on U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 

119 and 8 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 905 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 978.00 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 8.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 2,310 cfs 2130 hours Apr. 9 (gage-height, 9.63 ft).

193T to March 1965: Discharge, 5,050 cfs Apr. 8, 1952 (gage height, 10.13 ft, at 

site 4 miles upstream at datum 25.17 ft higher).

Remarks.- Flow affected by lakes above station.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1. ....

2......

3. ..

4......

5......

6......

7......

8......

9.... _

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

5.8 

6.4 

7.3 

8.9 

17 

62 

230 

1,940 

2,170 

1,950

May

402 

384 

374 

361 

351 

347 

342 

338 

351 

370

Day

11__._.

12 __ _.

13._.__

14 __ ._

15.....

16_____

17.._._

18__.._

19.....

20... __

April

1,750 

1,660 

1,880 

1,930 

1,720 

1,460 

1,290 

1,180 

1,080 

973

May

361 

338 

315 

319 

328 

342 

333 

310 

301 

306

Day

21_.___

22__ ...

23 .....

24 .....

25__.__

26__ ...

27__ ...

28_._._

29_.___

30_____

31__.__

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

894 

826 

772 

708 

660 

612 

564 

526 

478 

435

927 

1.14

May

324 

333 

370 

407 

439 

444 

439 

425 

430 

435 

435

366 

0.47

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

6

7

8

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1500

1600

1700

1800

2000

2200

2400

0600

1200

1400

1800

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

4.46

4.46

4.47

4.49

4.90

4.83

4.90

4.83

4.89

4.93

4.78

4.99

5.66

6.11

6.35

6.04

5.60

5.66

5.86

7.40

8.59

9.07

Discharge

Date

Apr. 8

9

10

Hour

1400

1800

2400

0500

0600

1000

1100

1200

1300 

1500

1700

1800

1900

2130

2200

2400

0200

0600

1000

1200

1400

Gage 

height

9.40

9.38

9.36

9.29

9.31

9.28

9.23

9.15

9.28 

9.39

9.57

9.54

9.62

9.63

9.61

9.49

9 41

9 14

9.93

8.88

8.78

Discharge

2,160

2,130

2,140

2,120

2,060

2,090

2,040

2,120 

2,180

2,280

2,260

2,300

2,310

2,300

2,230

2 1 an

2,050

1 Q°.n

1,910

1,850

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Hour

1800

2200

oonn

2400

0600

1200

2400

1200 

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

8.76

8 7Q

B ^Q

8 no

8.74

8.60

8.61

8.52

8.34 

8.49

8.88

9.04

. y*±

* 10

8.57

8.29

8.03

7.84

Discharge

1,840

1,860

1,750

1 Q^n

1,830

1,750

1,760

1,710

1,620 

1,700

1,910

1,990

i. y*±u

1,850

1,730

1,580

1,450

1,350
Al 80 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(49) 5-3000. Lac qui Parle River near Lac qui Parle, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°00' ) long 950 55', in SW^SW^ sec.27, T.118 N., R.42 W., on right bank 

40 ft downstream from highway bridge and half a mile southwest of village of Lac qui 

Parle.

Drainage area. 983 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except 1900 hours Apr. 8 to 1300 

hours Apr. 9 when graph was constructed on the basis of engineer's gage reading on 

chain gage and floodmark. Datum of gage is 951.98 ft above mean sea level (Minnesota 

Highway Department bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter rr easurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 10.

Maxima. Given in the following table:

pril-May 1965

April 9, 0900 hours 

May 26, 1200 hours

Discharge 

(cfs)

8,370 

1,410

Gage height 

(feet)

a !9.37 

5.69

1910-14, 1931 to March 1965

Apr. 6, 1952 

Mar. 24, 1948

11,100

*18.52

aBackwater from ice.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!______

2_ ____

3_ .....

4......

5 ______

6___ ___

7 __ __.

8___ __

9______

10 _____

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

2.0 

10 

30 

75 

125 

445 

1,000 

5,600 

7,200 

5,800

May

330 

305 

276 

256 

239 

229 

217 

215 

217 

206

Day

11 _____

12_____

13_____

14 __ __

15 __ _.

16__ ___

17 .....

18_____

19.....

20__.__

April

4,960 

4,220 

3,630 

2,850 

2,260 

1,850 

1,520 

1,250 

1,070 

922

May

210 

215 

204 

210 

220 

220 

227 

232 

225 

217

Day

21.. ...

22 .....

23__ ...

24 .....

25. ....

26 __...

27__ ...

28 .....

29 .....

30__ ___

31 __._.

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

737 

700 

610 

540 

498 

470 

454 

436 

407 

336

1,670 

1.90

May

263 

284 

796 

1,260 

1,340 

1,400 

1,300 

1,030 

792 

658 

566

463 

0.54
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN Al 8 1

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Lac qui Parle River

near Lac qui Parle, Minn.

Date

Apr. 5

6 

7

8

9 

10

Hour

0000 

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1500 

1600 

1700 

2400

0300 

0600 

0900 

1200 

1500 

1800 

2100 

2400

0400 

0900 

1200 

1500 

1800 

2400

0300

Gage 

height

1.72 

1.81 

2.00 

2.55 

3.44

4.30 

5.01 

5.41 

6.00

6.53 

7.10 

7.65 

8.25 

12.50 

14.36

15.14 

16.24 

16.80 

16.71 

16.69 

17.76 

18.30 

18.71

19.10 

19.37 

18.69 

16.61 

15.86 

14.32

13.70

Discharge

8,370

Date

Apr. 10

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16

Hour

0600 

1000 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

13.44 

13.55 

13.50 

13.14 

12.77

12.54 

12.23 

11.90 

11.63

11.35 

11.03 

10.76 

10.50

10.35 

10.05 

9.69 

9.25

8.86 

8.45 

8.07 

7.76

' 7.50 

7.27 

7.08 

6.88

6.47 

6.10

Discharge

5,340

5,180 

4,960 

4,740 

4,560

4,390 

4,200 

4,050 

3,900

3,820 

3,660 

3,460 

3,240

3,040 

2,840 

2,640 

2,490

2,360 

2,240 

2,150 

2,050

1,840 

1,660

Date

Apr. 17 

18 

May 23

24

25 

26 

27 

28 

29

Hour

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

0000 

0400 

0700 

1200 

1800 

2400

0200 

1200 

1700 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

5.77 

5.48

5.19 

4.98

2.41 

2.43 

3.21 

4.13 

4.97 

5.46

5.48 

5.22 

5.12 

5.23

5.59 

5.68

5.69 

5.65

5.50 

5.22

4.82 

4.45

4.22 

4.01

Discharge

1,510 

1,380

1,250 

1,150

292 

292 

521 

818 

1,140 

1,360

1,350 

1,230 

1,190 

1,240

1,360 

1,410

1,410 

1,390

1,310 

1,190

1,020 

877

787 

719

(50) 5-3010. Minnesota River near Lac qui Parle, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°01'17", long 95°52'05", in NWiNEi sec.24, T.118 1ST., R.42 W., on left 

bank 200 ft downstream from dam at Lac qui Parle Outlet, 2.4 miles northeast of 

village of Lac qui Parle, and 3.5 miles west of Watson.

Drainage area. 4,050 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 900.00 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 8.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 10,700 cfs 0200 hours Apr. 14 (gage heigH., 

36.17 ft).

1942 to March 1965: Discharge, 19,700 cfs Apr. 10, 1952 (gage height, 37.93 ft, 

from floodmark).

Remarks. Part of flow from 2,050 square miles of Chippewa River basin at tines

diverted into Minnesota River above station. Some regulation by Big Stone Lake since 

Apr. 17, 1927, Lac qui Parle since January, 1938, and Marsh Lake since Nov. 1, 1939.
A1 8 2 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Minnesota River near Lac qui Parle, Minn.

Day

1. ...

2. _____

3_____

4______

5

6______

7___,__

8......

9____-_

10..,..

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

108 

109 

110 

111 

112 

120 

380 

2,000 

3,110 

4,700

May

3,320 

3,260 

3,190 

3,090 

3,000 

2,930 

2,830 

2,620 

2,500 

2,470

Day

11__.__

12_____

13_____

14_.___

15_____

16_____

17_____

18.____

19.____

20_.___

April

7,270 

9,560 

10,500 

10,600 

10,200 

9,640 

8,880 

7,940 

7,050 

6,300

May

2,260 

1,970 

1,660 

1,500 

1,540 

1,540 

1,520 

1,650 

1,700 

1,680

Day

21 __ _.

22_____

23_____

24_____

25__.__

26 _____

27__ __

28.___.

29_____

30_____

31__.__

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

5,930 

5,460 

5,070 

4,700 

4,390 

4,120 

3,920 

3,700 

3,540 

3,420

4,770 

1.31

May

1,720 

1,710 

1,810 

1,920 

1,840 

1,970 

2,130 

2,060 

2,020 

2,120 

2,160

2,184 

0.62

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

Hour

0000

0100

0800

1600

2400

0400

0600

0700

1100

1500

2400

0700

1700

2400

Gage 

height

30.10

30.10

30.49

31.30

32.32

32.70

32.77

32.32

33.30

33.80

34.54

34.88

35.40

35.62

Discharge

2,640

2,740

2,900

3,220

3,680

4,020

4,080

3,740

4,540

5,050

6,000

6,540

7,930

8,700

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

16

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

0200

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

35.90

36.05

36.14

36.16

36.17

36.15

36.10

36.06

35.97

35.90

35.78

Discharge

9,680

10,200

10,600

10,700

10,700

10,600

10,400

10,300

9,920

9,680

9,260

Date

Apr. 17

18

19

20

Hour G&ge 

height

1200 35.67

2400 35.56

1200 35.40

2400 35.25

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

35.17

35.16

35.01

34.91

34.72

34.61

Discharge

8,880

8,490

7,930

7,430

7,210

7,180

6,800

6,600

6,260

6,100

(51) 5-3045. Chippewa River near Milan, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°06'39", long 95°47'57", in SE^SE^ sec.16, T.119 N., R.41 W., on right 

bank 800 ft upstream from bridge on State Highway 40, 2.0 miles upstream from small 

tributary, and 5^ miles east of Milan.

Drainage area. 1,870 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 959.69 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter rreasurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 10.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 6,770 cfs 1630 hours, Apr. 11 (gage-height, 11.93 ft).

T9T7 to March 1965: Discharge, 6,930 cfs Apr. 9, 1952 (gage-height, 12.12 ft), gageheight, 12.29 ft Apr. 7, 1952 (backwater from ice).

Remarks.- Part of flow from 2,050 square miles of Chippewa River basin at times 

diverted into Minnesota River above station.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Chippewa River near Milan, Minn.

A183

Day

!__--__

2. . ...

3. __ ..

4 ____

5__.__.

6 ___ ..

7 ._._..

8. _._._

9 ......

10.. ...

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

3 

3 

4 

5 

11 

40 

500 

1,750 

3,100 

3,900

May

1,150 

1,120 

1,080 

1,040 

1,030 

1,030 

1,010 

973 

1,040 

1,040

Day

11 ___ .

12____.

13__ ...

14 __ ..

15.. ...

16. _ ...

17 .....

18. _ ...

19-.-..

20., ...

April

6,170 

6,270 

5,710 

5,160 

4,620 

3,920 

2,990 

2,450 

2,190 

2,020

May

995 

951 

912 

902 

946 

1,160 

1,060 

968 

907 

885

Day

21.. ...

22_____

23. _ ...

24 .....

25. ....

26... __

27 .....

28 .....

29 .....

30 .....

31 .....

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

1,880 

1,730 

1,610 

1,510 

1,440 

1,390 

1,330 

1,270 

1,230 

1,190

2,180 

1.30

May

946 

940 

1,490 

2,930 

2,550 

2,120 

1,780 

1,570 

1,460 

1,380 

1,300

1,247 

0.77

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 5 

6

7

Hour

0000 

0300 

1200 

1500 

1800 

2100 

2400

0600 

0900 

1200 

1300 

1500 

1800 

2100 

2400

0300 

0900 

1200 

1500 

2100 

2400

Gage 

height

2.10 

2.11 

2.12 

2.17 

2.21 

2.35 

2.98

4.97 

5.49 

5.94 

6.04 

5.97 

5.72 

5.98 

6.35

6.69 

7.03 

6.92 

7.01 

8.02 

8.38

Discharge

 

Date

Apr. 8 

Apr. 9 

10

Hour

0200 

0600 

0900 

1000 

1200 

1400 

1500 

1800 

2000 

2400

0600 

0900 

1000 

1100 

1200 

1500 

1700 

1800 

2100 

2400

0300

Gage 

height

8.61 

8.98 

9.20 

8.23 

8.45 

8.50 

8.32 

8.56 

8.53 

8.47

8.77 

8.80 

9.27 

7.98 

9.72 

8.25 

8.02 

8.13 

7.91 

7.89

7.70

Discharge

Date

Apr. 10 

11

12 

13 

14

Hour

0600 

0900 

1200 

1500 

1800 

2100 

2400

0300 

0600 

1200 

1500 

1630 

1800 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

7.84 

8.44 

8.39 

8.65 

8.94 

9.69 

9.76

9.86 

10.58 

11.56 

11.91 

11.93 

11.90 

11.67

11.29 

10.95

10.59 

10.26

9.91 

9.57

Discharge

5,040

5,120 

5,690 

6,480 

6,670 

6,770 

6,750 

6,570

6,260 

5,990

5,700 

5,440

5,160 

4,890
A1 84 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(52) Chippewa River diversion near Watson, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 45°01', long 95°49', on line between sections 15 and 16, T.I 18 N., R.41 

W., about 1^ miles north on S.A.R. No.3 from Watson.

Gage-height record. Once-daily staff reading on tailwater gage during flood only. 

Datum of gage is 900.00 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by seven current-ireter measurements.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 3,430 cfs Apr. 12 (gage height, 43.80 ft).

1943 to March 1965: Discharge, 4,300 cfs Apr. 12, 1952, from discharge measurement at or near peak, gage height, 44.90 ft, Apr. 10, 1952, backwater from Lac qui 

Parle reservoir.

Cooperation: Maximum gage heights furnished by Corps of Engineers.

(53) Chippewa River below diversion dam, near Watson, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 45°01', long 95°48', on line between sec.15 and 22, T.118 N., R.41 W., 

1^ miles northeast of Watson, 2.4 miles downstream from Dry Weather Creek, and 

10 miles above mouth.

Gage-height record. Once-daily staff gage reading on tailwater gage. Datum of gage is 

900.00 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record.- Stage-discharge relation defined by three discharge measurements.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 3,160 cfs Apr. 12 (gage height, 44.25 ft).

1943 to March 1965: Discharge, 3,180 cfs Apr. 12, 1952 (gage heigh1:. 43.55 ft) 

from discharge measurement near peak.

Cooperation. Peak stage furnished by Corps of Engineers.

(54) 5-3110. Minnesota River at Montevideo, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°56'00", long 95°44'00", in NW|NW| sec.19, T.117 N., R.40 W., on 

right bank 100 ft upstream from bridge on U.S. Highway 212, at Montevideo, and 

400 ft downstream from Chippewa River.

Drainage area. 6,180 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 910.87 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 10.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 12,900 cfs 0300 hours Apr. 14 (gage height, 

16.64 ft).

1909 to March 1965: Discharge, 24,500 cfs Apr. 10, 1952 (gage heigh*.. 20.02 ft, 

from floodmark).

Remarks.- Flow regulated by Big Stone Lake since Apr. 17, 1937, Lac qui Parle since 

January 1938 and Marsh Lake since Nov. 1, 1939.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Minnesota River at Montevideo, Minn.

A185

Day

1------

2__ ....

3_____

4......

5- __.

6

7......

8......

9 ____ .

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

111 

112 

114 

116 

123 

200 

800 

2,500 

4,000 

5,350

May

4,460 

4,330 

4,220 

4,100 

3,990 

3,870 

3,760 

3,620 

3,620 

3,460

Day

11-....

12.....

13.....

14..._.

15.....

16..._.

17.....

18.-...

19--...

20.....

April

8,080 

10,600 

12,300 

12,600 

12,200 

11,600 

10,900 

10,000 

9,220 

8,460

May

3,260 

2,930 

2,540 

2,400 

2,490 

2,710 

2,590 

2,620 

2,610 

2,570

Day

21.....

22 ___ .

23 __ ..

24 ___ .

25.....

26 ___

27.....

28 .....

29.....

30.....

31.....

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second ._..._..__._.._

April

7,800 

7,170 

6,900 

6,500 

6,110 

5,700 

5,390 

5,100 

4,820 

4,620

5,980 

1.08

May

2,670 

2,660 

3,340 

4,880 

4,400 

4,100 

3,940 

3,640 

3,490 

3,520 

3,480

3,429 

0.64

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 5 

6 

7

8 

9

Hour

0000 

1200 

1500 

2100 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2100 

2400

0300 

0600 

0900 

1200 

1500 

1800 

2100 

2400

0300 

0600 

0900 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2100

Gage 

height

4.69 

4.67 

4.69 

4.85 

5.12

5.89 

6.39 

6.72 

7.01 

7.13

7.08 

6.92 

6.76 

6.73 

7.09 

7.73 

8.38 

9.31

JO. 17 

10.70 

11.07 

11.33 

11.83 

12.33

12.68 

12.87 

13.01 

13.15

Discharge

3,900

4,110 

4,220 

4,310 

4,390

Date

Apr. 9 

10

11 

12 

13

14 

15

Hour

2400

0600 

1200 

1500 

1800 

2100 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

0900 

1200 

1800 

2400

0300 

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

1200

Gage 

height

13.50

14.09 

14.72 

15.02 

15.21 

15.20 

15.17

15.32 

15.60 

15.85 

16.00

16.16 

16.30 

16.38 

16.48

16.54 

16.59 

16.55 

16.58 

16.59

16.64 

16.57 

16.59 

16.56 

16.50

16.46

Discharge

4,600

5,100 

5,980 

6,520 

6,920 

6,900 

6,830

7,190 

8,040 

8,940 

9,480

10,100 

10,700 

11,200 

11,700

12,100 

12,300 

12,200 

12,500 

12,700

12,900 

12,600 

12,700 

12,600 

12,400

12,300

Date

Apr. 15 

16

17 

18 

19 

20 

21

Hour

2400

1200 

1500 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

Gage Disheight charge

16.37

16.26 

16.24 

16.27 

16.15

16.11 

16.06 

16.00 

15.94

15.84 

15.80 

15.73 

15.66

15.60 

15.58 

15.52 

15.45

15.42 

15.32 

15.26 

15.23

15.17 

15.12 

15.05 

14.99

12,000

11,600 

11,500 

11,600 

11,200

11,100 

10,900 

10,700 

10,500

10,200 

10,000 

9,780 

9,540

9,340 

9,270 

9,070 

8,830

8,730 

8,400 

8,220 

8,130

7,960 

7,820 

7,630 

7,480
A1 8 6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(55) 5-3114. South Branch Yellow Medicine River at Minneota, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°33'50", long 95°59'50", in SE^ sec.26, T.113 N., R.43 W., on downstream side of bridge on State Highway 68, 0.5 mile northwest of Minneota, and 6 

miles upstream from confluence with North Branch Yellow Medicine R: ver.

Drainage area. 111 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Graph drawn on basis of once-daily wire-weight gage readings 

Apr. 1 18 and May 9 12. Once-daily gage readings all other periods. Datum of gage 

is 1,150.00 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 11.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 1,360 cfs 1300 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

10.62 ft, backwater from ice).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 1,830 cfs Apr. 6, 1960 (gage height, 11.10 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1 __ __

2... __

3 ______

4 ______

5__._._

6 ______

7 __ __

8 ______

9___ ___

10 _____

April

0 

0 

0 

0 

100 

900 

860 

820 

770 

710

May

43 

39 

40 

36 

36 

37 

39 

41 

136 

196

Day

11 _____

12 _____

13_____

14 __ _.

15_____

16__ ___

17__ ___

18__ __

19__ ___

20__ __

April

620 

472 

329 

240 

172 

117 

113 

105 

81 

67

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon

May

137 

83 

64 

54 

64 

120 

86 

64 

54 

47

Day

21__ ___

22 __ __

23__ __

24 _____

25... __

26 _____

27 _____

28 _____

29_____

30 _____

31 _____

d __ __ __ _. __

AprU

62 

56 

53 

51 

6P 

7f 

6F 

5f 

4f 

44

235

May

132 

102 

68 

98 

137 

123 

95 

75 

62 

60 

57

78.2

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date Hour

0000

0300

0400

0500

0700

1300

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

6.26

7.21

8.28

9.00

10.05

10.62

10.22

9.65

9 40

Discharge

1,360

Date

8

g

Hour

2400

0700

1200

2400

0900

2400

Gage 

height

9 64

9 54

9.53

9.38

9.34

9.30

9.15

Discharge Date

Apr. 10

11

12

Hour

1200

2400

0800

2400

2400

Gage 

height

9 10

9 12

9.25

8.43

7.52

Discharge

372
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(56) 5-3135. Yellow Medicine River near Granite Falls, Minn.

A187

Location. Lat 44°43', long 95°31', in sec.35, T.115 N., R.39 W., on right bank 50 ft 

downstream from highway bridge, 6 miles upstream from mouth, and 8 miles south 

of town of Granite Falls.

Drainage area. 653 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except for period 1900 hours Apr. 9 

to 1300 hours Apr. 11 when graph was drawn based on four chain gage readings. 

Datum of gage is 971.59 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 9.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 6,820 cfs 0630 hours Apr. 10 (gage height, 

9.78 ft, from floodmark).

1931-38, 1939 to March 1965: Discharge, 11,800 cfs June 18, 1957 (gage height, 

12.41 ft).

Flood in June, 1919 reached a stage of 17.5 ft, from information by local residents.

Mean discharge, in cubic (eel per second, 1965

Day

1-

2__ __ .

3......

4__ ...

5. _

6. __ .

7......

8 __ ..

9. ___

10.. .

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

3.5 

3.5 

3.5 

4.0 

4.5 

20 

100 

400 

2,000 

6,140

May

310 

274 

236 

219 

212 

195 

185 

192 

230 

326

Day

ll._--.

12.....

13.. __

14 __ ..

15 __ _.

16.....

17 __ ..

18.....

19.. ...

20 __ __

April

5,120 

4,440 

3,700 

2,930 

2,400 

2,030 

1,740 

1,440 

1,190 

1,000

May

565 

495 

410 

326 

297 

297 

352 

360 

310 

270

Day

21____.

22 __ .

23_____

94

25.....

26 ___ .

27 __ .

28 __ .

29 .....

30.....

31.....

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _._._._.__._.__ 

in inches

April

826 

700 

605 

535 

500 

490 

495 

476 

414 

356

1,336 

2.28

May

289 

343 

712 

670 

1,060 

1,560 

1,750 

1,620 

1,280 

1,010 

838

555 

0.98

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

7

Hour

0000

0400

0600

1500

1900

2000

2400

0600

0900

1200

1800

2400

0100

0600

Gage 

height

2

00

") Q1

3

cn

3

C O

3.61

3 69

3.94

3 99

3

QQ

3 42

3 40

3 34

4.22

4 63

4 65

4.33

Discharge

---._

Date

g

Hour

1200

1500

1700

1800

2100

2400

0300

0500

0700

0800

0900

1100

1300

1400

1500

1600

Gage 

height

4.33

4.40

4 42

4.57

4.56

4.63

5.03

5.67

5.39

5.28

7.82

6.12

6.51

6.85

7.01

7 50

8.27

Discharge

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

Hour

1700

]900

2000

2200

2400

0300

0600

0630

0900

1500

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

heigh4.

7.81

7.57

7.72

8.07

8.50

9.30

9.77

9.78

9.72

9. 45

9. IT

9.05

8.8F

8.7F

8.6f

8.56

Discharge

4,680

6,000

6,800

6,820

6,710

6,220

5,780

5,580

5,240

5,100

4,940

4,780

317-045 0-70-13
A1 8 8 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Yellow Medicine River 

near Granite Falls, Minn. Continued

Date

Apr. 12

13

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

8.34

8.12

7.83

7.48

Discharge

4,440

4,120

3,710

3,270

Date

Apr. 14

15

Hour

1200

2400

1200

Gage 

height

7.16

6.89

6.61

Discharge

2,910

2,640

2,390

Date

Apr. 15

16

Hour

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

6.37

6.20

5.98

Discharge

2,180

2,040

1,860

(57) 5-3150. Redwood River at Marshall, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°27'05", long 95°47'13", in SE^NW^ sec.4, T.lll N., R.41 W., on upstream side of highway bridge on Fourth Street in Marshall and 10 miles upstream 

from Threemile Creek.

Drainage area. 307 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Graph drawn on basis of two or more daily chain g£ ge readings 

Apr. 4 18 on river channel. Graph drawn on basis of one or more daily readings on 

staff gage Apr. 4-17 on diversion channel. One or more daily readings all other 

periods. Datum of gage is 1,144.88 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1-11 on river, Apr. 1-7 on diversion channel.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 2,220 cfs 1500 hours Apr. 9 (includes flow in 

diversion).

River channel: Discharge, 1,150 cfs 1400 hours Apr. 11 (gage height, 5.70 ft, backwater from ice); gage height, 5.76 ft, 1500 hours Apr. 6 (from floodmark, backwater 

from ice).

Diversion channel: Discharge, 1,850 cfs 1500 hours Apr. 9 (gage height, 77.70 ft); 

gage height, 78.07 ft, 1200 hours Apr. 6 (backwater from ice).

1940 to March 1965: Discharge, 5,370 cfs June 17, 1957 (gage height, 10.14 ft); 

gage height, 11.05 ft Apr. 6, 1951 (from floodmark).

Remarks. Water diverted at medium and high stages into diversion enamel 3 miles 

above station, bypasses station and returns to river 1 mile below station.

Diversion began Mar. 18, 1964. These records include flow in diversion channel. 

Unknown amount of natural diversion into Cottonwood River basin at extremely high 

stages.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, J965

Day

!__---_

2.. ___

3......

4___...

6_ _____

7______

8______

9____.

10__ ___

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

3.0 

3.2 

3.3 

3.5 

138 

574 

758 

1,500 

1,880 

1,500

May

143 

127 

115 

114 

115 

110 

104 

101 

174 

292

Day

11_____

12_____

13.____

14_____

15_____

16. __ .

17 __ ._

18.____

19 __ __ 

20_____

April

1,560 

1,110 

979 

864 

761 

616 

534 

440 

373 

320

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

301 

232 

186 

176 

242 

290 

285 

244 

212 

189

Day

21__ __

22 _____

23__ ...

24__ __

25__ __

26 _____

27__ __

28 _____

29__ __

30__ ___

31__ __

d ___ ____ _____

April

285 

255 

228 

223 

246 

260 

235 

198 

176 

159

540 

1.96

May

207 

196 

205 

200 

218 

239 

239 

193 

174 

159 

143

191 

0.72
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN Al 89

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Redwood River at

Marshall, Minn.

Date

5

6

7

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1600

2000

2400

0800

1000

2400

0800

0900

1000

1200

1500

1800

2400

1400

2400

Gage 

height

2.07

2.29

2.78

3.50

919

301

2.87

2.78

2.75

2.98

3.30

4.50

5.00

5.76

4.90

4.36

4.53

5 04

4 56

Discharge

Date

9

10

11

Hour

0800

0900

1000

1200

1500

1800

2400

0600

1000

1200

1400

2400

0800

1800

2400

0800

1400

2400

Gage 

height

2.98

3.30

4.50

5.00

5.76

4.90

4.36

4.31

4.48

4.70

5.00

4.67

4.68

4.46

4.41

4.92

5 70

4.74

Discharge

1,150

Q9R

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

16

17

1 Q

Hour

0600

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

0800

2400

1200

2400

1000

1200

1200

2400

Gage 

height

4.13

4.00

3.93

3.86

3 73

3 53

3.51

3.51

3.30

3.22

3.11

3.16

3.00

2 95

2 0 >?

Discharge

741

699

677

655

615

555

549

549

490

469

441

454

414

402

384

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Redwood River diversion

channel at Marshall, Minn.

Date

Apr. 5

6

7

8

Hour

0000

0700

1700

2400

0300

0600

0800

1200

1800

2400

0300

1200

2100

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

73.83

73.85

79 ^9 1 O . OO

73 47

73 49

74 57

77 i i . i 1 &9

7Q I o.U fi7 I

77.68

77.00

76.53

76.64

76.80

76.70

76.29

76.12

Discharge

1,580

1,400

1,440

1,500

1,460

1,310

1,240

Date

A-pr. 9

10

11

12

Hour

0600

0800

0900

1200

1500

2400

0600

1400

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

76.59

76.90

7C 77 IV.it

77 1 1 .UoHQ 

77.70

76.72

75 95

75.60

75.13

74.96

74.76

74.68

74.64

74.22

73.57

Discharge

1,420

1,540

1 490

1,610

1,850

1,470

1,180

1,060

896

836

771

747

735

609

414

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

16

17

Hour

1000

1600

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

heigh*.

73.26

7321

73 ' 23

73.31

79 1 O . ft 971

73.18

73.0?

72.97

72.82

72.6?

72.5"

72.40

72.30

Discharge

321

306

321

336

324

£i& 9Q71

267

234

191

145

116

94

72
A190 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(58) 5-3165. Redwood River near Redwood Falls, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°31'25", long 95°10'20", in SE|NE| sec.9, T.112 N., R.36 W., on right 

bank 20 ft upstream from highway bridge, 3 miles west of town of Redwood Falls, and 

8.5 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 697 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 972.33 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 10.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 7,050 cfs 0400 hours Apr. 9 (gage height, 

13.32 ft, backwater from ice); gage height, 15.88 ft 2400 hours Apr. 8 (backwater 

from ice).

1909-14, 1930 to March 1965: Discharge, 19,700 cfs June 18, 1957 (g?<?e height, 

15.92 ft, from floodmark).

Remarks. Natural discharge affected by unknown amount of interbasin flow between 

Yellow Medicine, Redwood and Cottonwood River basins during extreme floods.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1 ______

2 ______

3 ______

4______

5 ______

6 ______

7 ______

8 ______

9 __ ._

10 _____

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

2.0 

4.0 

9.0 

80 

300 

650 

1,000 

3,900 

6,600 

5,940

May

336 

308 

276 

248 

230 

223 

220 

206 

223 

276

Day

11_____

12 __ __

13 __ __

14 __ _,

15_____

16____,

17__ __

18 _____

19__ __

20__ __

April

5,270 

4,260 

3,210 

2,520 

2,120 

1,820 

1,540 

1,260 

992 

810

May

375 

410 

370 

332 

340 

405 

430 

430 

385 

344

Day

21 _____

22_____

23 _____

24 _____

25. ____

26 _____

27 _____

28 _____

29__ ___

30__ __

31 __ __

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________ 

in inches _ __ __ _

April

708 

624 

552 

495 

495 

522 

510 

480 

430 

370

1,580 

2.53

May

328 

332 

320 

332 

365 

385 

410 

410 

370 

332 

304

331 

0.55

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

4

Hour

0000

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1700

1800

2100

2400

Gage 

height

1.53

1.56

1.63

2.02

2.46

2.49

2.46

2.40

2.35

2.37

2.38

2.80

2.73

3.04

3.51

3.53

Discharge

Date

6

Hour

0200

0400

0600

1000

1200

1400

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

Gage 

height

3.47

3.50

3.40

3.30

3.27

3.19

3.12

3.12

3.34

4.08

4.65

4.80

5.29

5.40

5.65

5.60

Discharge

Date

Apr. 6

7

Hour

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

Gage 

height

5.75

5.62

6.18

6.31

6

0 o

6.18

6.18

6 1 Q

5.63

5 52

5 45

5 7fl

6 AO

6.09

6.12

Discharge
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A1 91

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Redwood River near 

Redwood Falls, Minn. Continued

Date

Apr. 7

8

Hour

2400

0100

0200

0300

0400

0500

0600

0800

0900

1000

1100

1300

1400

1500

1600

1700

1900

2000

2100

2200

2300

Gage 

height

6.36

6.45

6.41

6.66

6.63

6.80

7.21

8.64

8.71

8.94

8.96

8.92

9.70

9.59

9.68

9.58

9 77

10.00

11.50

12.45

13.85

15.05

Discharge

Date

9

10

Hour

2400

0100

0200

0400

0500

0700

1000

1100

1300

1500

1600

1700

1900

2000

2200

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2400

Gage 

height

15.88

13.31

1 9 99

13.32

13.11

13.13

12.89

13.20

13.07

12.89

13.08

12.86

12.88

12.83

12.59

12.22

11.05

10.28

9.64

9.52

9.29

Discharge

7,050

Date

14

15

If

18

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

9

f\A

8.58

8.01

7 SQ

6 Q9

6.54

6.16

5.89

5.68

5.48

5.25

5.04

4.81

4.61

4

OQ

4.17

Discharge

S

oon

4,840

4,270

3,650

3,180

2,820

2,490

2,270

2,120

1,980

1,820

1,680

1,530

1,400

1,120

(59) 5-3167. Spring Creek near Sleepy Eye, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°24'15", long 94°44'55", in NE^SE^ sec.24, T.lll N., R.33 W., at culvert on county highway, 3-3/4 miles upstream from mouth and 7f miles north of 

Sleepy Eye.

Drainage area. 30.0 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 88 cfs and by indirect measurements at 149 cfs, 416 cfs, and 740 cfs.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 930 cfs Apr. 10 (gage height, 17.79 ft). 

1959 to March 1965: Discharge, 680 cfs July 7, 1962 (gage height, 15.89 ft).
A } g 2 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(60) 5-3169. Dry Creek near Jeffers, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°07'25", long 95°12'10", in NE|NE| sec.31, T.108 N., R.36 W., on 

right bank 17 ft upstream from culvert on County Highway 10, 4| miles north of 

Jeffers.

Drainage area. 3.24 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 25 cfs and by indirect measurement at 508 cfs.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 400 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 10.64 ft, backwater 

from ice).

1961 to March 1965: Discharge, 508 cfs July 19, 1963 (gage height, 10.07 ft).

(61) 5-3170. Cottonwood River near New Ulm, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°17'40", long 94°26'40", in N| sec.33, T.110 N., R.30 W., on left bank 

600 ft upstream from highway bridge, 1.8 miles south of New Ulm, and 2 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 1,280 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except for the period 2200 hours 

Apr. 6 to 1700 hours Apr. 28 when graph was drawn on the basis of one or more daily 

readings on temporary staff gage or inside staff gage. Datum of gage is 799.09 ft 

above mean sea level, datum of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 9.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge 26,000 cfs 1615 hours Apr. 8 (gage height, 

20.86 ft, backwater from ice).

1909-13, 1931 to March 1965: Discharge, 14,200 cfs Mar. 30, 1962 (gage height, 

15.88 ft); gage-height, 16.94 ft July 9, 1947 (from floodmark).

Remarks. Some regulation by dam at Cottonwood Lake and several other small lakes

above the station.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, J965

Day

1 _-...

2......

3......

4......

6____._

8-_____

9......

10.....

April

16 

17 

20 

80 

350 

1,640 

10,700 

23,000 

21,000 

15,900

May

985 

904 

845 

778 

727 

698 

712 

1,160 

4,030 

3,800

Day

11.---.

12.....

13.._._

14_____

15_____

16...-.

17.....

18____.

19 __ ..

20..._.

April

14,100 

11,700 

8,940 

7,010 

5,340 

4,300 

3,440 

2,890 

2,440 

2,130

May

3,620 

2,460 

1,720 

1,500 

1,520 

2,280 

2,770 

2,850 

2,440 

1,970

Day

21.-...

22.....

23.. __

24.. __

25.,...

26. ___

27 .....

28.....

29.....

30.....

3 1

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second .___.____.-____ 

Runoff, in inches

April

1,82C 

1,66C 

1,33C 

1,24C 

1,34C 

1,58C 

1,46C 

1.31C 

1.17C 

1,08C

4,967 

4.33

May

1,540 

1,540 

1,620 

1,490 

2,210 

2,650 

2,370 

1,820 

1,400 

1,180 

1,100

1,829 

1.65
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A193

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Cottonwood 

River near New (Jim, Minn.

Date

4

5

6

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0400

0800

0900

1200

1600

2000

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0200

Gage 

height

1.12

1.17

1.54

1.58

1.47

1.45

1.44

1.81

2.90

3.16

3.95

4.15

4.34

4.76

5.64

5.82

6.18

7.13

8.88

9.80

Discharge

Date

8

Hour

0400

0600

0800

0900

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1000

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0600

1615

1700

1900

Gage 

height

10.40

11.26

1 1 94

1 9 7Q

1 ^ 9 A

1 ^ "^7

16.00

16.89

17 20

17.67

18.02

18.37

18.76

19.22

19.60

19.65

20.16

20.86

19.79

18.86

Discharge

Date

10

11

12

Hour

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

19.03

19 04

18.93

18.60

17.65

16.76

16.31

15.98

15.50

15.37

15.26

15.19

15.08

14.98

14.80

14.59

14.30

10 Q 7

13.70

Discharge

16,800

15,000

14,600

14,400

14,100

1 Q pnn

i Q Qfin

12,600

10,000

(62) 5-3180. East Branch Blue Earth River near Bricelyn, Minn.

Location. Lat 43°37'50", long 93°47'25", in ^ 360.23,7.102 N., R.25 W., in

center of span on downstream side of highway bridge, 2 miles upstream from Brush 

Creek, 3 miles downstream from South Walnut Lake, and 5 miles northeast of Bricelyn.

Drainage area. 132 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Graph drawn on the basis of twice-daily wire-weight gage readings 

Apr. 3 10. Average of twice-daily readings used for periods Apr. 1-2 and Apr. 1 1 to 

May 31. Datum of gage is 1,131.86 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929 (Minnesota 

State Highway Department bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 to Apr. 6.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 1,260 cfs 2400 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

11.70 ft).

1951 to March 1965: Discharge, 1,320 cfs Apr. 7, 1951 (gage height, 10.68 ft).
A] 94 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of East Branch Blue Earth River near Bricelyn, Minn.

Day

!-__---

2__ ___

3__ ___

4______

5 ......

6. .....

7 __ ...

8 ......

9 __ ...

10.. ...

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

10 

50 

100 

300 

500 

900 

1,240 

1,210 

1,160 

1,110

May

242 

219 

196 

176 

159 

149 

141 

134 

121 

110

Day

11.. ...

12 .....

13 .....

14 __ ..

15.....

16.. ...

17 ___ .

18.. ...

19.. ...

20 .....

April

1,070 

994 

921 

840 

781 

714 

652 

586 

534 

490

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

100 

90 

81 

72 

72 

92 

102 

110 

111 

108

Day

21.. ...

22 .....

23 _..__

24 .....

25. ....

26.. ...

27. ....

28 .....

29 ___._

30 .....

31 .....

d .... ____ .. ...

April

44f 

414 

384 

35E 

345 

343 

332 

316 

293 

269

589 

4.98

May

104 

100 

111 

125 

137 

167 

174 

178 

174 

171 

163

135 

1.18

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

5

6

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

8.74

8.93

9.10

9.35

9.66

10.00

10.40

10.75

11.00

11.20

Discharge Date

7

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200 

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

11.46

11.64

11.70

11.69

11.62 

11.56

1 1 53

1 1 54

Discharge

1,240 

1,220

1,210

1,210

Date

9

30

Hour

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

3 1 54

11.52

11.50

1 1 37

11.30

11.20

11.06

Discharge

1,210

1,210

1,200

1,160

1,140

1,110

1,070

(63) 5-3181. East Branch Blue Earth River tributary near Blue Earth, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 43°37'10", long 94°01'00", in W^SE^ sec.24, T.102 N., R.27 W., at culvert on County Highway 13, a quarter mile upstream from mouth, and 4^ miles east 

of Blue Earth.

Gage-height record.- Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 63 cfs and by indirect measurements at 233 cfs and 406 cfs.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 187 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 6.54 f., backwater 

from debris).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 406 cfs July 19, 1963 (gage height, 8.57 ft, from 

high-water profile).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A1 9 5

(64) 5-3183. North Fork Watonwan River near Delft, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°00'00", long 95°07'20", in E| sec. 11, T.106 N., R.36 W., at culvert on 

U.S. Highway 71, 1-3/4 miles northwest of Delft, and 5| miles southeast of Jeffers.

Drainage area. 13.1 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 40 cfs and by indirect measurement at 549 cfs.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 810 cfs Apr. 4 (gage height, 18.42 ft, backwater 

from ice).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 549 cfs Mar. 29, 1960 (gage height, 17.04 ft); gage 

height, 18.00 ft April 9, 1962 (backwater from ice).

(65) 5-3195. Watonwan River near Garden City, Minn. 

(Gaging station, discontinued 1945)

Location (revised). Lat 44°02'45", long 94°11'38", in SW|NE^ sec.28, T.107 N., R.28 W., 

on upstream side of highway bridge, 1.5 miles west of Garden City, 5 miles downstream from Perch Creek, and 7.3 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 812 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Floodmark only. Altitude of gage is 907 ft (from topographic map).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 4,500 cfs and extended above by logarithmic plotting and one discharge measurement made in 1953 at site 2.6milesdownstream.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 19,000cfs Apr. 7 (gage height, 18.89 ft, from 

floodmark).

1940-45, 1953 to March 1965: Discharge, 17,700 cfs June 9, 1953 (gage height, 

18.6 ft from floodmark).

(66) 5-3200. Blue Earth River near Rapidan, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°05'44", long 94°06'33", in SE^SE^ sec.6, T.107 N., R.27 W., on left 

bank 0.2 mile downstream from powerplant of Northern States Power Co., 2 miles 

west of Rapidan, 3| miles downstream from Watonwan River, and 7-3/4 miler upstream from LeSueur River.

Drainage area. 2,430 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except 2200 hours Apr. 7 to 1200 

hours Apr. 12 for which graph was reconstructed on basis of daily gage readings on 

the outside staff gage, and floodmark. Digital recorder tape punched at 15 minute 

intervals, May 13 31. Datum of gage is 808.80 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-measurements. Backwater from ice Apr. 1 2.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 43,100 cfs 1220 hours Apr. 9 (gage height, 

21.36 ft, from floodmark).

1909-10, 1939-45, 1949 to March 1965: Discharge, 26,100 cfs Apr. 8, 1951 (gage 

height, 14.97 ft) from rating curve extended above 16,000 cfs by logarithmic plotting.
Al 9 6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Blue Earth River near Rapidan, Minn.

Day

!_____-

2... __

3______

4______

5......

6......

7

8 ___ ..

9_____.

10____.

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

230 

400 

1,360 

3,660 

8,380 

15,700 

28,500 

41,400 

42,500 

37,000

May

4,260 

3,840 

3,520 

3,310 

3,170 

3,070 

3,350 

3,650 

3,530 

3,530

Day

ll._._.

12.....

13.....

14.....

15.....

16.....

17.....

18.....

19.....

20.....

April

31,600 

26,600 

21,700 

17,700 

14,700 

12,800 

11,300 

10,000 

8,820 

7,880

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

3,650 

3,680 

3,440 

3,140 

2,960 

3,030 

3,370 

3,910 

4,080 

3,710

Day

21. _ __

22 ...._

23 _____

24. _ __

25 _____

26 __ _.

27 _____

28 _____

29_. ...

30_. ___

31

d . __ ... __ ___

April

7,100 

6,420 

5,720 

5,230 

4,9*0 

4,980 

5,170 

5,280 

5,180 

4,7*0

13,230 

6.08

May

3,250 

2,930 

2,870 

3,160 

3,410 

3,960 

4,140 

4,370 

4,520 

4,160 

3,700

3,580 

1.70

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 3

4

5

Hour

0000

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1100

1200

1400

1600

1700

1800

2000

2100

2200

2300

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1500

1600

1700

1800

2000

2200

2300

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

Gage 

height

2.50

2.51

2.54

2.56

2.58

2.62

3.72

3.28

3.27

3.29

4.36

4.35

4.36

5.21

4.62

4.61

4.79

4.84

4.88

4.98

5.00

5.00

5.07

5.12

5.28

5.43

6.02

5.91

5.99

6.29

6.75

6.82

6.65

6.72

6.88

7.05

7.38

8.06

Discharge

560

566

586

599

612

638

1,540

1,150

1,140

1,160

2,270

2,260

2,270

3,390

2,610

2,590

2,830

2,890

2,940

3,070

3,100

3,100

3,200

3,270

3,490

3,700

4,550

4,380

4,500

4,960

5,750

5,880

5,520

5,640

5,930

6,270

6,950

8,380

Date

Apr. 5

6

7

Hour

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0100

0200

0300

0400

0500

0600

0700

0800

0900

1000

1100

1200

1300

1400

1500

1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

Gage 

height

8.20

9.03

9.03

9.44

9.65

9.85

10.06

10.39

10.61

10.77

11.15

11.33

11.66

12.20

12.03

12.05

12.92

12.95

13.46

13.67

15.86

14.86

14.77

14.95

15.50

15.39

15.25

15.29

15.49

16.24

17.48

17.23

17.04

17.26

17.70

17.86

18.07

18.18

Discharge

8,670

10,400

10,400

11,300

11,800

12,300

12,700

13,500

14,000

14,400

15,200

15,700

16,400

17,700

17,300

17,300

19,400

19,500

20.800

21,300

25,200

24,400

24,100

24,600

26,100

25,800

25,400

25,500

26,100

28,100

31,500

30,800

30,300

30,900

32,200

32,600

33,200

33,500

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Hour

2100

2200

2300

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0600

1200

1220

1500

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

18.38

18.69

18.94

19.20

20.00

20.47

20.82

21.08

21.21

21.26

21.28

21.30

21.33

21.35

21.36

21.33

21.14

20.42

19.79

19.37

18.95

18.52

18.00

17.47

16.97

16.55

15.67

14.77

13.82

12.97

12.15

11.50

Discharge

34,100

34,900

35,600

36,400

38,800

40,300

41,400

42,200

42,700

42,800

42,900

43,000

43,000

43,100

43,100

43,000

42,400

40,100

38,100

36,900

35,700

34,500

33,000

31,500

30,100

28,900

26,600

24,100

21,600

19,500

17,600

16,000
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A1 9 7

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Blue Earth Ri~'er near 

Rapidan, Minn. Continued

Date

Apr. 15

16

Hour

1200 

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

10.92 

10.48

10.13

9.80

Discharge

14,600 

13,600

12,800

12,000

Date

Apr. 17

18

Hour

1200 

2400

1200

Gage 

height

9.47 

9.19

8.90

Discharge

11,300 

10,700

10,000

Date

Apr. 18

19

Hour

2400

1200

2400

Gage Disheight ~harge

8.60 9,370

8.34 8,810

8.10 8,310

(67) 5-3203. Cobb River tributary near Mapleton, Minn. 

(Crest- stage station)

Location. Lat 44°01'05", long 93°57'30", in i sec. 4, T.106 N., R.26 W., at culvert on State Highway 22, 0.7 mile north of Beauford, 1.0 mile upstream from mouth, 

and 6.3 miles north of Mapleton.

Drainage area. 7.25 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage- discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 100 cfs and by indirect measurements at 258 cfs, 359 cfs, and 526 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 293 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 18.60 ft).

1959 to March 1965: Discharge, 526 cfs May 21, 1960 (gage height, 22.24 f., from 

high- water profile).

(68) 5-3204. Maple River tributary near Mapleton, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 43°55'20", long 94°01'20", in SWi sec.l, T.105 N., R.27 W., at c-jlvert 

on State Highway 30, 1 mile upstream from mouth and 3^ miles west of Mapleton.

Drainage area. 5.75 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 145 cfs and by indirect measurements at 273 cfs and 445 cfs.

Maxima.- April May 1965: Discharge, 285 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 21.11 ft, from 

floodmark, backwater from ice).

1959 to March 1965: Discharge, 445 cfs May 21, 1960 (gage height, 23.26 ft, from 

high-water profile).
A198 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(69) 5-3205. Le Sueur River near Rapidan, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°06'40", long 94°02'28", in SW^ sec.35, T.108 N., R.27 W., on right 

bank 600 ft downstream from highway bridge, 1.8 miles northeast of Repidan, and 

2.3 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 1,100 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except for period 082C hours Apr. 6 

to 0915 hours Apr. 11 when graph was constructed on the basis of two or more daily 

gage readings on temporary staff gage, and flood mark. Datum of gage is 775.76 ft 

above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter rreasurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 5.

Maxima.- April May 1965: Discharge, 24,700 cfs 0500 hours Apr. 8 (gag*e height, 

22.10 ft, from floodmark).

1939-45, 1949 to March 1965: Discharge, 21,200 cfs May 22, 1960 (gage height, 

22.72 ft, from floodmark).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1. _____

2_ _____

3. _____

4_ _____

5___.__

6 ___ __

7______

8_ _____

9 ______

10__ ___

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

150 

270 

600 

1,500 

4,700 

14,600 

20,200 

23,400 

20,000 

18,200

May

2,030 

1,790 

1,640 

1,540 

1,470 

1,410 

1,460 

1,570 

1,540 

1,370

Day

11____

12_____

13 __ __

14 __ __

15_____

16 _____

17 _____

18 _____

19__ __

20_____

April

15,500 

12,100 

9,670 

7,490 

5,710 

4,660 

4,030 

3,540 

3,130 

2,770

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

1,210 

1,070 

944 

854 

894 

1,320 

1,420 

1,640 

1,460 

1,400

Day

21__ __

22 _____

23 _____

24 _____

25_____

26 _____

27 _____

28__ ___

29__ __

30 _____

31 __ __

d ________ _____

April

2,5CO 

2,2£0 

2,130 

2,050 

2.3CO 

2, SCO 

2,9CO 

2,850 

2,570 

2,290

6,563 

6.66

May

1,300 

1,190 

1,140 

1,180 

1,340 

1,470 

1,640 

1,820 

1,730 

1,540 

1,360

1,411 

1.48

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 1

2

3

4

Hour

0000

1200

1800

2400

0000

0800

1200

1600

2400

0800

1600

2000

2400

Gage 

height

4.40

4.46

4

^ R

4 90

^ 9/1

5.61

5,84

5.94

6.18

6.64

6.94

7.58

8.25

8.83

Discharge

Date

5

Hour

0600

0800

1200

1400

1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

2100

2200

2300

2400

0100

0200

Gage 

height

8.90

9.04

8.99

9 AC

9.86

9.78

7.55

7.42

8.11

8.31

8 54

8.67

9.26

8.96

8.90

Discharge Date

6

Hour

0500

0700

0800

0900

1000

1100

1200

1300

1500

1700

1800

1900

2200

2400

0600

0900

Gage 

height

8.67

8.77

9.82

9.20

9.32

10.10

9.67

10.49

10.34

10.67

11.85

11.57

12.37

13.36

15.52

16.34

Discharge

9,440

12,500

13,800
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A1 99

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Le Sueur Fiver 

near Rapidan, Minn. Continued

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

Hour

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0600 

1500 

1800

2400

0500

1200

Gage 

height

17.40

17.87

18.35

18.68

18.99

19.52 

20.07 

21.03

21.61

22.10

21.77

Discharge

15,500

16,200

17,000

17,500

18,000

19,000 

20,000 

21,900

23,300

24,700

23,800

Date

Apr. 8

9

10

Hour

2400

0600

1000

1800

2400

0600 

0900

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

20.93

20.56

20.30

19.41

19.41

19.44 

19.38

19.07

18.78

18.43

Discharge

21,700

20,900

20,400

18,800

13,800

18,800 

18,700

18,200

17,700

17,100

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

14

Hour

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200 

1800 

2400

2400

2400

Gage 

height

17.98

17.43

16.95

16.30

15.63

15.26 

14.84 

14.42

12.64

11.13

Discharge

16,400

15,500

14,800

13,700

12,600

12,100 

11,500 

10,900

8,440

6,540

(70) 5-3250. Minnesota River at Mankato, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°10'10", long 94°00'15", in sec.7, T.108 N., R.26 W., on left bank at 

downstream side of Main Street Bridge in Mankato, 1.8 miles downstream from Blue 

Earth River and at mile 106.4.

Drainage area. 14,900 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except May 18. Datum of ga^e is 

747.92 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 4. Discharge for period of no gage-height record estimated 

on the basis of adjacent record.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 94,100 cfs 0100 hours Apr. 10 (gage heigM, 

29.09 ft).

1903 to March 1965: Discharge, 66,600 cfs Apr. 9, 1951 (gage height, 26.20 ft from 

floodmark).

Maximum stage known, 29.9 ft, Apr. 26, 1881, from floodmark, (discharge, 

90,000 cfs).

Remarks. Some diurnal fluctuation at low and medium stages caused by powerplants on 

Blue Earth River.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1.

2.. __ .

3. ...

4.

5... _.

6......

7......

8......

9-___-.

10.....

Alonthly 

Runoff,

April

430 

900 

1,800 

5,900 

13,300 

30,000 

51,100 

79,000 

92,200 

92,700

May

18,600 

17,300 

16,200 

15,200 

14,200 

13,500 

13,200 

13,600 

13,800 

15,000

Day

11.....

12.....

13. __

14.....

15.....

16.....

17.....

18.....

19.....

20 .....

April

91,600 

89,600 

83,200 

74,400 

66,000 

58,600 

52,800 

47,600 

42,800 

38,300

May

16,000 

16,000 

14,700 

13,200 

12,400 

12,600 

12,900 

13,400 

14,000 

13,300

Day

21.....

22 ___ .

23.. ...

24.. ...

25.. ...

26.. ...

27.. ...

28.. ...

29.....

30.....

31_____

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second ._.._._________

April

34,700 

31,400 

28,400 

26,100 

24,600 

24,000 

23,400 

22,400 

21,300 

19,900

42,280 

3.17

May

12,300 

11,400 

11,000 

11,400 

12,100 

13,100 

13,900 

14,900 

16,000 

16,400 

15,800

14,110 

1.09
A200 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Minnesota River

at Mankato, Minn.

Date

Apr. 3

4

5

6

7

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

Gage 

height

3.07

3.25

3.57

4.24

5.23

5.88

6.24

6.48

6.74

7.42

9.77

10.13

10.60

10.97

11.19

11.46

11.91

13.40

14.61

15.52

16.20

17.20

18.00

18.58

19.00

19.51

20.06

20.43

20.83

21.14

21.78

22.21

22.49

22.90

23.37

Discharge

1,300

1,440

1,740

2,400

3,420

4,140

4,570

4,860

5,170

5,980

8,870

9,330

9,940

10,500

10,800

11,200

11,800

14,100

16,000

17,600

19,000

22,000

25,000

27,700

29,800

32,600

35,600

37,800

40,200

42,000

45,900

48,500

50,200

52,800

55,900

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Hour

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

0900

1200

1800

2400

0100

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

24.00

25.09

26.10

27.00

27.71

28.47

28.70

28.69

28.77

29.00

29.08

29.09

28.96

28.88

28.80

28.73

28.72

28.75

28.72

28.68

28.62

28.47

28.28

28.07

27.84

27.55

27.23

26.92

26.57

26.22

25.86

25.53

Discharge

60,000

67,100

73,600

79,500

84,500

89,800

91,400

91,300

91,900

93,500

94,100

94,100

93,200

92,700

92,100

91,600

91,500

91,800

91,500

91,300

90,800

89,800

88,500

87,000

85,400

83,400

81,100

79,000

76,700

74,400

72,100

69,900

Date

Apr. 15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

Hour

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

25.25

24.97

24.57

24.27

24.02

23.78

23.53

23.33

23.10

22.89

22.67

22.47

22.47

22.09

21.87

21.66

21.45

21.27

21.10

20.86

20.69

20.50

20.33

20.19

20.04

19.89

19.73

19.58

19.43

19.30

19.13

19.01

Discharge

68,100

66,300

63,700

61,800

60,100

58,600

56,900

55,600

54,200

52,800

51,400

50,100

48,800

47,700

46,400

45,200

43,900

42,800

41,800

40,400

39,300

38,200

37,200

36,300

35,500

34,700

33,800

33,000

32,200

31,400

30,500

29,900

(71) 5-3262. Judicial Ditch No. 1-A near New Sweden, Minn.

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 44°25', long 94°15', NW^NW^ sec.19, T.lll N., R.28 W., 01 left bank, 

under bridge on Nicollet County Road No. 4. Two miles west of New Sweden and 4 

miles southeast of Bernadette.

Gage-height record. Occasional gage readings on staff gage during flood. Datum of 

gage is 962.07 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1929. (Levels by Minnesota 

Conservation Department, Division of Waters).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 1,170 cfs Apr. 8 (gage height, 13.35 ft).

TS62 to March 1965: Discharge not determined, gage height 8.70 ft Mar. 28, 1962 

(backwater from ice).

Cooperation. Gage heights furnished by Minnesota Conservation Department, Division 

of Waters.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A201

(72) 5-3300. Minnesota River near Carver, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°43'28", long 93°37'58", in NEjSWj sec.31, T.115 N., R.23 W., on left 

bank 2j miles south of Carver and at mile 36 upstream from Mississippi River. 

Auxiliary chain gage at same datum 2-3/4 miles upstream.

Drainage area. 16,200 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except for the period 1000 hours 

Apr. 9 to 1400 hours Apr. 27 when graph was drawn on the basis of twice-daily gage 

readings on temporary staff gage. Auxiliary gage record obtained from a graph drawn 

on the basis of twice-daily gage readings. Datum of gages is 690.00 ft above mean sea 

level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Fall-stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements above stage of 7.0 ft. Below 7.0 ft, stage-discharge relation defined by currentmeter measurements. Backwater from ice Apr. 1 10. Fall used as a factor P pr. 11 

to May 31.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 117,000 cfs 0600 hours Apr. 11 (gage height, 

33.89 ft); gage height, 34.37 ft 0100 hours Apr. 12.

1934 to March 1965: Discharge, 64,100 cfs Apr. 11, 1951 (gage height, 27.71 ft); 

gage height, 28.31 ft Apr. 16, 1952.

Cooperation. Auxiliary gage readings furnished by Corps of Engineers. 

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!-_.__.

2.

3_ ...

4. ....

5. __ ..

6......

7......

8.__ ...

9......

10.. ...

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

582 

608 

651 

775 

1 390 

3,780 

8,900 

19,000 

43,500 

94,000

May

23,000 

21,300 

19,800 

18,600 

17,500 

16,100 

16,100 

15,500 

16,200 

16,600

Day

11 ___ .

12.. __

13.....

14.....

15.....

16.....

17 ____

18 .....

19.....

20 .....

April

112,000 

112,000 

108,000 

105,000 

95,000 

73,800 

70,200 

62,500 

52,900 

50,600

May

16,500 

16,800 

17,200 

17,100 

16,300 

15,300 

14,500 

14,200 

14,100 

14,700

Day

21_.___

22.....

23.....

24.....

25.....

26.....

27 .....

28.. ...

29 .....

30 .....

31..._.

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second .___..________.

April

46,600 

41,400 

39,400 

35,900 

32,800 

29,700 

28,400 

26,800 

25,400 

24,300

44,860 

3.09

May

14,900 

14,200 

13,400 

12,500 

12,000 

12,400 

12,600 

13,000 

13,300 

13,900 

14,800

15,630

1.11

Gcige height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 1

2

3

4

Hour

0000

1200

2400

1200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

Gage 

height

4.66

4.69

4.78

4.89

5.05

5.13

5.22

5.37

5.56

5.69

Discharge

Date

Apr. 4

5

Hour

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

Gage 

height

5.83

6.00

6.23

6.54

7.00

7.62

8.30

8 79

9 37

Q Qfi

10.60

11.22

Discharge Date

6

Hour

1200

1400

1600

1800

2200

2400

0600

0800

Gage 

height

11.80

12.32

12.76

13.24

13.61

13.99

14.51

14 79

15.20

15.62

16.01

16.34

Discharge
A202 [LOODSOr 1965 [N THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Minnesota River near

Carver, Minn. Continued

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

Hour

1200 

1400 

1600 

1800 

2000 

2200 

2400

0200 

0400 

0600 

0800 

1000 

1200 

1400 

1600 

1800 

2000 

2200 

2400

0200 

0400 

0600 

0800 

1000 

1200 

1400 

1600 

1800 

2000 

2200

Gage 

height

16.66 

17.05 

17.38 

17.66 

17.99 

18.29 

18.54

18.75 

18.92 

19.07 

19.21 

19.39 

19.64 

20.05 

20.60 

21.01 

21.65 

22.13 

22.16

23.33 

24.31 

24.73 

25.07 

25.27 

25.53 

25.86 

26.23 

26.55 

26.86 

27.16

Discharge Date

Apr. 8 

9

10 

11 

12

13

14

Hour

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0100 

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800

Gage 

height

27.41

28.21 

29.20 

30.13 

31.33

32.14 

32.56 

33.10 

33.57

33.89 

34.16 

34.32 

34.37

34.37 

34.36 

34.34 

34.33 

34.31

34.30 

34.28 

34.20 

34.10

34.03 

33.91 

33.80

Discharge

107,000

117,000 

115,000 

119,000 

109,000

110,000 

113,000 

113,000 

112,000 

112,000

108,000 

105,000 

107,000 

108,000

105,000 

105,000 

105,000

Date

Apr. 14 

15

16 

17 

18 

19 

20

Hour

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

Gage 

height

33.67

33.47 

33.28 

33.05 

32.86

32.67 

32.44 

32.23 

32.06

31.87 

31.52 

31.24 

31.11

31.00 

30.82 

30.53 

30.63

30.19 

29.96 

29.72 

29.48

29.25 

29.00 

28.75 

28.51

Discharge

101,000

100,000 

95,500 

91,100 

85,500

79,800 

74,700 

66,200 

63,200

66,000 

78,300 

70,500 

68,700

66,500 

62,400 

58,900 

55,700

55,100 

52,900 

50,500 

50,200

50,400 

49,200 

53,400 

48,700

(73) 5-3301.5 Sand Creek tributary near Montgomery, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°25'40", long 93°30'30", in NE| sec.18, T.lll N., R.22 W., at culvert 

on State Highway 21, 3| miles east of Montgomery.

Drainage area. 0.29 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by indirect measurement at 26 cfs 

and flow-through-culvert computations at 11 cfs and 56 cfs.

Maxima. April May 1965: Discharge, 43 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 10.50 ft, backwater 

from ice).

1961 to March 1965: Discharge, 27 cfs Sept. 8, 1964 (gage height, 8.75 ft); gage 

height, 10.35 ft March 27, 1962 (backwater from ice).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A203

(74) 5-3302. Rice Lake tributary near Montgomery, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°25'40", long 93°32'00", in N^ sec.13, T.I 11 N., R.23 W., at culvert 

on State Highway 21, 1^ miles upstream from Rice Lake and 2-j miles east of Montgomery.

Drainage area. 2.49 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurenents 

below 20 cfs and by indirect measurement at 279 cfs.

Maxima. April May 1965: Discharge, 114 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 10.96 ft, backwater 

from ice).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 279 cfs May 21, 1960 (gage height, 13.72 ft).

(75) 5-3303. Sand Creek near New Prague, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°32'37", long 93°32'16", in NE?NW? sec.l, T.112 N., R.23 W., at culvert on State Highways 13 and 19, 1.9 miles east of New Prague.

Drainage area. 65 sq mi, approximately.

Gage height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 1,070 cfs Apr. 8 (gage height, 14.79 ft).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 1,100 cfs May 21, 1960 (gage height, 14.84 ft).

(76) 5-3305.5 Raven Stream tributary near New Prague, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°34'2l", long 93°35'58", in NW? sec.28, T.113 N., R.23 W., on left bank 

24 ft upstream from culvert on county highway, 1.6 miles upstream from mouth, and 

2.3 miles northwest of New Prague.

Drainage area. 23 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 227 cfs and by indirect measurement at 929 cfs.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 505 cfs Apr. 7 (gage height, 14.74 ft).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 929 cfs May 21, 1960 (gage height, 17.34 fl , 

from high-water profile).

317-045 O - 70 - 14
A2 04 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(77) Sand Creek at Jordan Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 44°40'19", long 93°38'04", in NEi sec.19, T.114N., R.23 W., at bridge 

on U. S. Highway 169 at north edge of Jordan.

Drainage area. 238 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Floodmarks. Datum of reference point is 758.942 ft above mean 

sea level, adjustment of 1929. (Levels by Minnesota Highway Department).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by three current-meter measurements made during flood of May 1960.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 3,400 cfs Apr. 8 (gage height, 11.57 ft).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 8,650 cfs May 21, 1960 (gage height, 13.71 ft).

(78) 5-3309. Nine Mile Creek at Bloomington, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°48'46", long 93°18'07", in NW^ sec. 21, T.27 N., R.24 V., on left bank 

between 105th and 106th Streets in Bloomington, Minn., 1.2 miles downstream from 

bridge on Old Shakopee Road and 2.1 miles upstream from mouth.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Altitude of gage is 731 ft (from 

topographic map).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 535 cfs 1200 hours Apr. 8 (gage height, 4.32 ft). 

1963 to March 1965: Discharge, 199 cfs Aug. 29, 1964 (gage height, 3.63 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1 .....

2......

3......

4......

6... ...

7......

8......

9----_.

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

7.2 

11 

20 

48 

71 

143 

309 

430 

411 

356

May

40 

35 

33 

30 

28 

45 

61 

75 

96 

95

Day

11.....

12.....

13,....

14.....

15..._. 

16,....

17.....

18.....

19,-...

20.,...

April

347 

329 

289 

247 

207 

173 

152 

134 

115 

96

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

86 

65 

45 

38 

79 

107 

117 

113 

95 

81

Day

21.....

22.....

23.....

24.....

25.....

26.. __

27.. __

28.....

9Q

30.. .

31._.._

d . __ .. .. .. .

April

80 

71 

61 

5? 

61 

6E 

6£ 

65 

54 

48

151

May

57 

39 

33 

32 

32 

28 

24 

22 

18 

16 

36

54.9
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A205

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time. 1965. of Nine Mile Creek at

Bloomington, Minn

Date

Apr. 2

3

4

5

Hour

0000

1000

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

1500

1800

2000

2400

0800

1200

1600

1900

2400

0600

1200

1800

2200

2400

Gage 

height

1.68

1.64

1.82

2.04

1.91

1.78

1.72

1.86

1.95

2.18

2.23

2.16

2.00

2.17

2.60

2.57

2.30

2.25

2.54

2.84

2.74

2.85

Discharge

4.8

3.8

9.9

26

16

8.0

5.9

13

19

39

43

38

26

40

76

73

50

46

71

98

88

99

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9

Hour

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

1600

1700

1900

2400

0600

0800

1200

1800

2400

0700

0900

1000

1300

1800

Gage 

height

3.15

2.96

3.16

3.37

3.34

3.30

3.32

3.78

4.25

4.10

4.18

4.05

4.02

3.99

4.32

4.11

4.05

3.94

4.09

4.00

4.27

4.12

Discharge

136

111

137

174

169

161

165

285

500

425

465

400

385

371

535

430

400

352

420

375

510

435

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

12

13

Hour

2400

0700

0800

1200

2000

2200

2400

0600

1200

2400

0800

1000

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

1900

2400

Gage 

height

3.96

3.86

4.04

3.95

3.82

4.20

4.07

3.88

3.92

3.90

3.88

3.95

3.86

3.87

3.87

3.75

3.75

3.74

3.65

3.64

Discharge

359

324

395

356

312

475

410

330

344

336

330

356

324

327

309

293

293

290

269

267

(79) Minnesota River at Interstate Highway 35W at Bloomington, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 44°47'30", long 93°17'19", on west line of sec.27, T.27 N., R.24 V., at 

bridge on Interstate Highway 35W and 2.8 miles south from 90th Street in Bloomington.

Gage-height record. Elevations obtained during peak only. Datum of reference point 

is 753.31 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Minnesota Highway Department).

Discharge record. Peak discharge determined on the basis of one discharge measurement, comparison with discharge for Minnesota River near Carver and a plot of elevations obtained at site.

Maximum- April-May 1965: Discharge, about 120,000 cfs Apr. 15 (elevation, 718.20 ft).
A206 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(80) 5-3310 Mississippi River at St. Paul, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°56'40", long 93°05'20", in SE^NE^ sec.6, T.28 N., R.22 W., on left 

bank in St. Paul, 300 ft upstream from Robert Street Bridge, 6 miles downstream from 

Minnesota River, and at mile 839.3 upstream from Ohio River. Auxiliary waterstage 

recorder in SEj sec.22, T.28 N., R.22 W., in South St. Paul, 5.4 miles downstream at 

same datum.

Drainage area. 36,800 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except 1545 hours Ap--~. 11 to 1630 

hours Apr. 21 when graph was constructed on basis of several daily or hourly gage 

readings by Corps of Engineers made on temporary staff gage.

For auxiliary gage, water-stage recorder graph except 0600 hours Apr. 12 to 1330 

hours Apr. 26 when several daily or bi-hourly gage readings by Corps of Engineers 

were made on temporary staff gage. Datum of gage is 684.16 ft above mean sea level, 

datum of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-fall-discharge relation affected by changes in slope and defined by current-meter measurements. Fall was a factor Apr. 5 7. Backwater from 

ice Apr. 1 4.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 171,000 cfs 1800 hours Apr. 16 (gage height, 

26.01 ft from graph based on gage readings).

1851 to March 1965: Discharge, 125,000 cfs Apr. 16, 1952 (gage height 22.02 ft).

Remarks. Slight regulation except during extreme floods by reservoirs on headwaters 

and by powerplants. Beginning June 20, 1938, sewage from Minneapolis and St. Paul, 

which formerly entered above station, was diverted to a sewage-disposal plant, thence 

to river below station. Figures of daily discharge do not include this diversion.

Cooperation. Gage-height record at South St. Paul furnished by Corps of Engineers. 

Diversion through sewage-disposal plant furnished by Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary 

District.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1. _____

2_____

3 ______

4, _____

5 ______

6... ___

7 __ __

8 ______

9 __ .__

10 __ __

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

4,070 

4,660 

5,040 

5,160 

9,060 

13,800 

17,400 

24,400 

35,700 

53,500

May

66,100 

62,500 

58,900 

55,800 

53,500 

51,100 

49,800 

48,200 

48,000 

47,400

Day

11_____

12_____

13 __ _.

14__.__

15 __ ._

16__ ___

17____.

18 _____

19_..__

20_. __

April

91,300 

128,000 

147,000 

160,000 

166,000 

171,000 

169,000 

163,000 

155,000 

147,000

May

41,700 

46,600 

46,200 

45,200 

45,200 

44,800 

43,200 

42,400 

41,200 

40,400

Day

21__.__

22 __ __

23__ ___

24 _____

2S

26 __ __

27_____

28 _____

29 _____

30 _____

31

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second*_______________ 

in inches* __ _________

Apr'1

138,070 

128.070 

118,070 

108,000 

99,300 

92,000 

84,300 

78,700 

74,200 

70,000

89,130 

2.70

May

39,700 

39,900 

39,600 

39,500 

40,100 

41,500 

42,400 

42,600 

43,000 

43,000 

44,000

46,780 

1.46

* Adjusted for diversion
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A207

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Mississippi River at

St. Paul Minn.

Date

Apr. 5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0200

0600

0900

1200

1400

1800

2000

2400

0200

0600

0800

1200

Gage 

height

2.84

2.78

2.88

3.12

3.33

3.55

3.74

3.72

3.64

3.73

3.92

4.68

4.98

5.06

5.17

5.57

6.02

6.35

6.65

7.54

7.24

7.57

7.90

8.28

8.76

9.36

9.82

10.17

10.48

10.79

11.11

11.54

12.32

13.00

13.65

14.35

15.20

15.84

16.56

17.20

17.87

18.44

18.98

19.50

19.98

20.44

20.82

21.25

21.71

Discharge

8,080

8,120

8,700

9,680

11,400

12,800

13,800

15,100

15,400

15,700

16,400

19,500

20,800

21,300

21,700

23,000

24,400

25,600

26,700

27,800

29,000

30,300

31,600

33,200

35,300

37,800

39,600

41,600

43,200

44,800

46,400

48,500

52,400

55,900

59,500

64,000

70,200

75,000

80,600

86,000

92,100

97,200

02,000

07,000

11,000

16,000

19,000

23,000

28,000

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Hour

1500

1800

2000

2400

0200

0600

0800

1200

1400

1800

2000

2400

0200

0600

0800

1200

1400

1800

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0400

0800

1200

Gage 

height

22.21

22.58

22.80

23.01

23.18

23.40

23.54

23.71

23.85

23.96

24.10

24.20

24.45

24.61

24.86

25.00

25.10

25.22

25.26

25.34

25.47

25.55

25.69

25.85

25.88

25.96

26.01

25.94

25.85

25.80

25.64

25.52

25.41

25.20

25.07

24.84

24.70

24.47

24.23

24.08

23.86

23.60

23.39

23.18

23.02

22.86

22.69

Discharge

133,000

136,000

139,000

141,000

112,000

115,000

117,000

148,000

149,000

150,000

152,000

153,000

155,000

157,000

159,000

161,000

162,000

163,000

163,000

164,000

165,000

166,000

168,000

170,000

170,000

171,000

171,000

171,000

170,000

169,000

169,000

166,000

165,000

163,000

161,000

160,000

158,000

155,000

153,000

151,000

149,000

147,000

144,000

142,000

141,000

139,000

138,000

Date

Apr. 21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

Hour

1600

2000

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

22.55

22.39

22.23

22.15

22.06

21.99

21.89

21.81

21.74

21.65

21.56

21.47

21.40

21.40

21.31

21.10

20.84

20.68

20.50

20.32

20.13

19.95

19.80

19.60

19.44

19.28

19.12

18.93

18.76

18.64

18.54

18.44

18.28

18.08

17.86

17.63

17.42

17.23

16.94

16.78

16.64

16.46

16.30

16.18

16.02

15.89

15.73

15.59

Discharge

136,000

134,000

133,000

132,000

131,000

130,000

130,000

129,000

128,000

127,000

126,000

125,000

125,000

125,000

124,000

122,000

119,000

118,000

116,000

114,000

113,000

111,000

109,000

108,000

106,000

105,000

103,000

102,000

100,000

99,000

98,100

97,200

95,800

94,000

92,000

89,900

88,000

86,300

83,800

82,400

81,200

79,800

78,500

77,600

76,400

75,400

74,200

73,100
A208

Gage height, in feet, and discharge.

FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Mississippi River at 

St. Paul, Minn. Continued

Date

Apr. 29

30

May 1

2

3

Hour

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

15.44

15.16

14.92

14.64

14.39

14.15

13.84

13.54

13.26

Discharge

72,000

69,900

68,100

66,000

64,200

62,600

60,600

58,800

57,300

Date

May 4

5

6

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

0200

0600

0800

1200

1400

1800

Gage 

height

12.98

12.70

12.55

12.34

12.27

12.18

12.11

12.10

11.98

11.90

Discharge

55,800

54,300

53,600

52,500

52,200

51,700

51,400

51,300

50,700

50,300

Date

May 6

7

Hour

200C

240C

020C

060C

080C

120C

HOC

180C

200C

240C

Gage 

height

11.83

11.95

11.95

11.86

11.88

11.85

11.77

11.73

11.65

11.60

Discharge

50,000

50,600

50,600

50,100

50,200

50,000

49,600

49,400

49,000

48,800

ST. CROIX RIVER BASIN 

(81) 5-3325. Namekagon River near Trego, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°56'50", long 91°53'15", in SW? sec.17, T.40 N., R.12 V'., at powerplant of the Northern States Power Co., 4 miles downstream from Potato Creek and 

5 miles northwest of Trego.

Drainage area. 503 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Headwater and tailwater gages read hourly.

Discharge record. Discharge computed by Northern States Power Co. from its powerplant records on basis of ratings developed by Geological Survey. 

Rating checked by current-meter measurement Apr. 16, 1965, at 1,660 cfs.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Daily discharge, 1,640 cfs Apr. 13.

1927 to February 1965: Daily discharge, 5,200 cfs Sept. 2, 1941.

Remarks.- Discharge affected by operation of dam and powerplant.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3___

4...

5. __

6...

7...

8__J

9...

10__

March

359

328

347

308

304

351

352

320

327

336

April

281

290

307

328

334

400

436

552

503

556

May

825

749

712

740

684

691

1,040

1,120

1,130

1,200

Day

11__

12. _

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

323

314

308

321

317

307

282

290

288

278

April

650

1,280

1,640

1,590

1,490

1,560

1,500

1,430

1,350

1,240

May

1,100

1,050

957

680

855

965

956

967

990

937

Day

21..

22..

23..

24. .

25_.

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second...........

Runoff, in in

March

278

297

287

294

303

291

299

306

284

291

337

311

0.71

April

1,230

949

1,150

1,230

1,160

1,110

1,010

935

849

830

939

2.08

May

940

903

974

956

847

854

840

807

788

810

704

896

2.05
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A209

(82) 5-3331. Little Frog Creek near Minong, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 46°05'48", long 91°46'39", in NW? sec.29, T.42 N., R.ll W., at twin corrugated culverts on country road, 0.2 mile south of junction with State Highway 77 and 

2.4 miles east of Minong.

Drainage area. 13.6 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 180 cfs.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 190 cfs Apr. 15 (gage height, 14.31 ft).

1961 to February 1965: Discharge, about 230 cfs May 15, 1961 (gage height, 15.06 ft).

(83) 5-3335. St. Croix River near Danbury, Wis.

Location. Lat 46°04'30", long 92°14'50", in sec.33, T.42 N., R.15 W., on left bank at 

downstream side of bridge on State Highway 35, 3.5 miles downstream from Namekagon 

River, 10 miles northeast of Danbury, and at mile 129.2.

Drainage area. 1,588 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 882.21 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 17

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 6,460 cfs 1900-2400 hours Apr. 19 (gag's height, 

5.74 ft); gage height, 6.92 ft 1430 hours Apr. 15 (backwater from ice).

1914 to February 1965: Discharge, 10,200 cfs May 6, 1950 (gage height, 8.22 ft).

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2___

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

a...

9...

10..

March

720

780

840

860

880

890

880

860

840

820

April

940

960

1,000

1,040

1,100

1,180

1,280

1,380

1,400

1,420

May

2,180

2,330

2,210

1,840

1,630

1,620

2,180

3,000

3,640

3,950

Day

11__

12. _

13__

14..

15..

16..

17_.

18_.

19_.

20. _

March

800

790

780

770

760

750

740

740

750

770

April

1,800

2,400

3,800

4,500

5,000

5,600

6,000

6,160

6,360

6,350

May

3,930

3,750

3,430

3,030

2,450

2,690

2,800

2,540

2,480

2,590

Day

21_.

22_.

23.J

24..

25..

26..

27..

28.J

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second-.- ________

Runoff, in inches

March

770

780

790

800

810

820

840

860

900

930

940

815

0.59

April

5,940

5,600

5,070

4,680

4,120

3,870

3,680

3,300

2,720

2,200

3,362

2.36

May

2,620

2,490

2,440

2,460

2,640

2,600

2,450

2,160

1,930

1,850

1,800

2,571

1.87
A210 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of St. Croix River

near Danbury, Wis.

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

Hour

0000

0800

1600

2400

0800

1600

2400

0800

1600

2400

0800

1100

1300

Gage 

height

4.20

A ^"*

4.68

4.77

5.01

5 24

5

C C

6.03

6.26

6.39

6.49

6.67

6.50

Discharge

Date

Apr. 15

16

17

18

Hour

1430

1600

1900

2400

0800

1600

2400

1200

2400

0400 

0800

1600

Gage 

height

6.92

6.50

6.15

5.95

5.91

5.75

5.59

5.40

5.48

5.58 

5.48

5.53

Discharge

6,230 

6,090

6,160

Date

Apr. 18

19

20

21

22

Hour

2401

1200

1900

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

5.60

5.68

5.74

5.74

5 fiQ

5 53

5 34

5.27

5.12 

4.97

Discharge

6,260

6,370

6,460

6,460

6,390

6,160

5,900

5,800

5,600 

5,400

(84) 5-3341. Sawyer Creek near Shell Lake, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°46'08", long 91°54'40", in SE^ sec.13, T.38 N., R.13 W., at concrete 

box culvert on U.S. Highway 63, 2.0 miles north of Shell Lake and 4 miles south of 

junction with State Highway 70 in Spooner.

Drainage area. 0.8 sq mi (approximately). 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Gage height, 13.11 ft Apr. 11.

1960 to February 1965: Gage height, 11.61 ft Apr. 26, 1960.

(85) 5-3353.8 Bashaw Brook near Shell Lake, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°47'02", long 92°07'5l", in SW^ sec.8, T.38 N., R.14 W., just upstream 

from twin concrete box culvert on country road 1.1 miles east from junction with 

County Trunk X, 2.2 miles south of State Highway 70, and 10.5 miles northwest of intersection of County Trunk B and U.S. Highway 63 in Shell Lake.

Drainage area. 28.2 sq mi, of which 2 .5 sq mi is non-contributing. 

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 290 cf s.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 600 cfs 1800 hours Apr. iKgage height, 14.90ft). 

f9~59 to February 1965: Discharge. 172 cfs Mar. 30, 1960 (gage height, 13.35 ft).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A211

(86) 5 3360. St. Croix River near Grantsburg, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°55'25" J long 92°38'20", near center of sec.30, T.40 N., R.18 W., on 

left bank at Norway Point, 0.5 mile downstream from Sand Creek, 10 miles north of 

Grantsburg, and at mile 102.4.

Drainage area. 2,820 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 848.98 ft abo-^e 

mean sea level, adjustment of 1912 (levels by Northern States Power Co.).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 17.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 16,800 cfs 0200 hours Apr. 18 (gage height, 

12.64 ft); gage height, 13.01 ft 1300 hours Apr. 16 (backwater from ice).

1923 to February 1965: Discharge, 26,300 cfs May 7, 1950 (gage height, 15.06 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2..J

3...

4...

5___

6..J

7...

8___|

9---

10_.

March

1,120

1,180

1,240

1,300

1,340

1,360

1,380

1,380

1,360

1,360

April

1,420

1,460

1,500

1,600

1,700

1,760

1,800

2,000

2,200

2,300

May

4,830

4,490

4,340

4,010

3,370

3,830

5,080

6,310

7,100

7,790

Day

11_.

12._

13..

14..

15_.

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

1,340

1,340

1,320

1,300

1,300

1,280

1,280

1,260

1,260

1,260

April

2,600

3,800

5,400

9,000

11,600

12,000

14,000

16,400

15,700

15,700

May

8,300

8,020

7,290

6,460

5,620

4,950

4,640

4,840

4,730

4,590

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Runoff, in in

March

1,260

1,260

1,260

1,260

1,280

1,300

1,320

1,340

1,360

1,380

1,400

1,303

0.53

April

15,200

14,200

12,900

11,500

10,200

9,140

8,170

7,350

6,610

5,680

7,496

2.97

May

4,550

4,480

4,170

4,070

4,,390

4,600

4,530

4,220

3,690

3,260

3,120

5,022

2.05

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

8.37

8.56

8.72

8.94

9.20

9.39

9.59

9.89

10.21

10.52

10.90

11.27

11.65

11.91

Discharge Date

Apr. 151

16

17

18

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1300

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200 

1200

Gage 

height

12.23

12.47

12.65

12.78

1 9 Qfi

13.01

12.80

12.93

12.60

12.46

12.56

12.62

12.64 

12.49

Discharge

16,800 

16,400

Date

Apr. 18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Hour

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

2400

2400

2400

2400

2400

Gage 

height

12.32

12.25

12,26

12.28

12.24

11.99

11.56

11.04

10.49

10.01

Discharge

15,900

15,600

15,700

15,700

15,600

14,900

13,600

12,200

10,800

9,690
A212 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(87) 5-3362. Glaisby Brook near Kettle River, Minn.

Location. Lat 46°27'19", long 92°51'34", in SEiNW? sec.22, T.46 N., R.20 W., on left 

bank 20 ft upstream from Bridge No. 2468 on State Highways 27 and 73, 1.0 mile upstream from mouth, and 2.4 miles south of Kettle River.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Altitude of gage is 1,105 ft (from 

topographic map).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 308 cfs and extended to peak stage by logarithmic plotting. Backwater from 

ice Apr. 1 15.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 813 cfs at 2200 hours Apr. 18 (gage height, 

8.42 ft).

1959 to March 1965: Discharge, 476 cfs May 23, 1962 (gage height, 6.17 ft).

Mean discharge, m cubic (eel per second, J965

Day

1 _ -.

2......

3. __ ._

4......

5......

6___ ...

7______

8......

9 __ ...

10.....

April

1.3 

1.4 

1.6 

1.8 

2.5 

5.0 

5.6 

7.0 

10 

20

May

58 

53 

50 

45 

43 

48 

52 

52 

50 

47

Day

11-....

12._._.

13.____

14.__._

iri.__._

16_._._

17_._._

18_____

19.-...

20.. __

April

30 

70 

140 

250 

400 

488 

461 

660 

693 

502

May

44 

37 

32 

26 

26 

26 

26 

36 

40 

38

Day

21-. __

22_____

23__.__

24__ __

25 __ __

26 ___

27_____

28 .....

29 .....

30__.__

31__.__

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second ______________

April

376 

322 

264 

198 

141 

111 

92 

80 

71 

62

182

May

44 

52 

56 

57 

57 

53 

47 

39 

32 

27 

25

42.5

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

Hour

0000

0100

1100

1500

1800

2000

2100

2400

0300

0900

1200

1500

1600

1800

2000

2400

0900

1700

2400

0300

1000

1400

1700

Gage 

height

3.22

3.29

3.16

3,37

3.73

4.06

3.91

4.02

4.06

3.99

3.88

4.08

4.06

4.80

5.28

5.20

4.85

5.36

5.69

5.71

5.67

6.25

6.60

Discharge

__._

.-._

__._

_--_

____

--__

____

____

____

. ...

__._

____

____

---_

__._

368

298

402

472

476

467

595

677

Date

Apr. 15

16

17

18

19

Hour

2200

2400

0400

0900

1400

1600

2000

2400

0500

0900

1200

1500

1700

2400

0600

0900

1300

1700

2200

2400

0500

Gage 

height

6.74

6.60

6.19

5.96

6.34

6.27

6.43

6.19

5.69

5.59

5.97

5.88

6.12

6.78

6.96

6.65

7.32

8.03

8.42

8.37

8.11

Discharge

710

536

479

450

500

490

512

479

420

409

451

441

470

562

589

543

643

751

813

805

764

Date

Apr. 19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Hour

1000

1700

2401

0607

1301

240'i

060'

240''

120r

240(

120f

2400

1200

2400

120(1

240C

1200

2400

Gage 

height

7.631

7.37

7.06

6.85

6.22

5.46

5.48

5.12

4.97

4.85

4.67

4.53

4.34

4.18

4.02

3.92

3.81

3.73

Discharge

690

650

604

572

483

393

395

344

322

298

262

234

196

165

138

124

110

101
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 13

(88) 5 3365.5 Wolf Creek tributary near Sandstone, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 46°09'45", long 92°51'58", in NE^SE^ sec.33, T.43 N., R.20 W., at culvert 

on U.S. Highway 61, 0.2 mile upstream from mouth and 2.2 miles north of Sandstone.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 33 cfs and by indirect measurements at 121 cfs and 200 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 200 cfs Apr. 15 (gage height, 19.20 ft).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 121 cfs May 23, 1962 (gage height, 17.80 ft).

(89) 5-3385. Snake River near Pine City, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°50'30", long 92°56'00", in SE^NW^ sec.26, T.39 N., R.21 W., on left 

bank at site of former powerplant and dam, half a mile downstream from Cross Lake 

and if miles northeast of Pine City.

Drainage area. 958 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 919.00 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1 11.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 11,500 cfs 0800 hours Apr. 18 (gage height, 

9.56 ft).

1913-17, 1951 to March 1965: Discharge, 7,730 cfs May 28, 1962; gage height, 

8.30 ft Apr. 12, 13, 1952.

A discharge measurement of 12,500 cfs was made May 9, 1950.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.__.

2... __

3 . ...

4 ....

5......

6... __

7 . ...

8. __ ..

9......

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

60 

60 

65 

65 

65 

80 

95 

120 

160 

250

May

3,740 

3,190 

2,720 

2,330 

2,060 

1,940 

2,000 

1,980 

2,270 

2,420

Day

11.....

12... __

13_____

14__...

15_____

16____.

17..___

18__ ...

19__ ...

20__ ...

April

630 

1,350 

2,460 

4,400 

6,680 

9,620 

10,900 

11,300 

11,200 

10,900

May

2,460 

2,420 

2,310 

2,150 

1,980 

1,810 

1,620 

1,620 

1,500 

1,390

Day

21__ ...

22____.

23__ ...

24___...

9^,

26.....

27 .....

28 __ _.

9Q

30_.___

31

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

10,700 

10,500 

10,200 

9,550 

8,660 

7,670 

6,580 

5,680 

4,940 

4,320

4,975 

5.79

May

],300 

1,160 

1,090 

1,110 

1,210 

1,370 

1,530 

1,590 

1,600 

1,540 

1,410

1,897 

2.28
A2 14 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Snake River near

Pine City, Minn.

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

13

14

15

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

Gage 

height

3.43

3.46

3.48

3.55

3.66

3.78

3.88

4.07

4.21

4.34

4.46

4.82

5.05

5.13

5.21

5.35

5.57

5.84

6.06

6.25

6.42

6.60

6.78

6.95

7.14

7.32

7.50

7.68

7.87

Discharge

1,090

1,220

1,650

1,930

2,030

2,130

2,310

2,610

3,020

3,400

3,740

4,050

4,390

4,730

5,060

5,440

5,800

6,200

6,630

7,100

Date

Apr.. 15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

Hour

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

0800

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

8.09

8.34

8.56

8.74

8.91

9.03

9.11

9.19

9.28

9.36

9.39

9.45

9.50

9.56

9.51

9.52

9.51

9.50

9.48

9.44

9.41

9.34

9.29

9.26

9.24

9.21

9.20

Discharge

7,640

8,280

8,860

9,320

9,770

10,100

10,300

10,500

10,700

10,900

11,000

11,200

11,300

11,500

11,300

11,400

11,300

11,300

11,200

11,100

11,100

10,900

10,800

10,700

10,600

10,500

10,500

Date

Apr. 23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

May 1

2

3

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

12^0

2400

12"0

2400

1270

2400

1210

2400

1210

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

9.09

8.98

8.84

8.65

8.49

8.31

8.10

7.88

7.65

7.45

7.26

7.05

6.88

6.74

6.56

6.40

6.25

6.09

5.94

5.78

5.64

5.50

Discharge

10,200

9,950

9,580

9,090

8,670

8,210

7,670

7,120

6,560

6,090

5,680

5,260

4,920

4,660

4,310

4,010

3,740

3,450

3,190

2,930

2,720

2,510

(90) 5-3395. St. Croix River near Rush City, Minn. 

(Gaging station, discontinued 1961)

Location. Lat 45°42'15", long 92°52'20", in SW;j sec.8, T.37 N., R.20 W., on right bank 

200 ft upstream from old site of Northern Pacific Railway bridge, 5 miles east of Rush 

City, 10 miles downstream from Snake River, and at mile 80.6.

Drainage area. 5,120 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only. Datum of gage is 772.47 ft above mean sea 

level, datum of 1929.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Gage height, 15.67 ft about Apr. 18 (probable backwater 

from ice).

1923 to February 1965: Discharge, 60,000 cfs May 8, 1950 (gage height, 19.04 ft 

from flood marks).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A215

(91) 5-3400. Sunrise River near Stacy, Minn.

Location. Lat 45°24'30", long 92°55'55", in NW^NWi sec. 26, T.34 N., R.21 W., on right 

bank on upstream side of highway bridge, 2^ miles northeast of Stacy, 1\ miles upstream from Minnesota Division of Game and Fish dam and 3 miles downstream from 

West Branch Sunrise River.

Drainage area. 167 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Altitude of gage is 865 ft (from 

topographic map).

Discharge. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. Backwater from ice Apr. 1-12, and from dam 2\ miles downstream Apr. 28 to May 31.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 684 cfs 0900 hours Apr. 15 (gage height, 8.11 ft); 

gage height, 8.20 ft 0700 hours May 11 (backwater from dam).

1949 to March 1965: Discharge, 806 cfs Apr. 12, 1952 (gage height, 7.88 ft).

Remarks. Subject to backwater from Minnesota Division of Game and Fish dam approximately 2^ miles downstream. At high stages a small part of flow discharges into the 

Rum River and Coon Creek basins from West Arm of Coon Lake and South Coon Lake, 

respectively.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!__.-. .

2......

3......

4__ ...

5......

6. .....

7......

8______

9-.____

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

15 

16 

17 

19 

22 

27 

33 

40 

46 

52

May

241 

254 

264 

265 

268 

277 

336 

361 

384 

402

Day

ll.___.

12.....

13_____

14 __ ..

15 __ ..

16 __ ..

17 __ ..

18.....

19.. __

20.....

April

100 

326 

469 

634 

681 

667 

628 

598 

574 

544

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

inches

May

406 

376 

324 

276 

234 

193 

180 

181 

191 

255

Day

21 __ ..

22 ___ .

23 __ ..

24_. ...

25 ___ .

26 ___ .

27.. ...

28 __ .

29.. ...

30.....

31..._.

d ___ ______ __

April

511 

480 

456 

420 

410 

410 

395 

355 

335 

303

319 

2.13

Play

314 

325 

321 

296 

283 

272 

250 

232 

226 

228 

242

279 

1.93

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

12

Hour

0000

0900

2000

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

5.44

5.28

5.68

5.70

5.82

6.05

6.29

6.53

6.80

7.10

Discharge

___.

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

-___

 

Date

Apr. 13

14

15

16

17

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

0900

2400

1200

2400

1200

Gage 

height

7.42

7.75

8.01

8.10

8.11

8.09

8.07

8.02

7.94

Discharge

465

558

648

680

684

676

670

652

624

Date

Apr. 1 7

18

19

20

21

Hour

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

7.91

7.86

7.83

7.80

7.76

7.71

7.66

7.60

7.55

Discharge

614

596

586

575

561

544

528

5.10

4.98
A216 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(92) 5-3405. St. Croix River at St. Croix Falls, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°24'30", long 92°38'45", in NW| sec.30, T.34 N., R.18 W., on left bank 

1,800 ft downstream from powerplant of Northern States Power Co., in St. Croix Falls, 

and at mile 52.2.

Drainage area. 5,930 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at fifteen-minute intervals except 

1300 hours Apr. 15 to 1900 hours Apr. 23 for which graph was reconstructed on basis 

of high-water mark in gage house and twice-daily outside gage readings. Datum of 

gage is 690.47 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Mean daily discharges computed from 96 punch-tape recordings per day except 

Apr. 15-23. Backwater from ice Mar. 30, 31.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 45,700 cfs 1200 hours Apr. 18 (gage height, 

20.98 ft).

1902 to February 1965: Discharge, 54,900 cfs May 8, 1950 (gage height, 25.19 ft).

Remarks. Flow affected by powerplant upstream.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2___

3__.

4__.

5...

6...

7...

8...

9._.

10_.

March

2,100

1,550

1,800

1,750

2,060

2,040

2,020

2,140

2,040

2,080

April

1,890

2,130

1,760

1,840

2,090

4,030

3,370

4,250

4,710

7,030

May

15,200

13,800

12,100

9,620

8,960

9,830

14,200

16,000

16,500

17,500

Day

11_.

12__

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19__

20..

March

2,100

2,060

2,000

1,900

2,020

2,050

2,000

1,910

2,140

1,850

April

11,400

17,100

19,300

25,000

34,400

40,500

43,500

45,100

44,400

43,400

May

17,400

17,200

15,900

14,200

12,900

11,700

10,200

10,600

10,500

9,600

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge in r.nbir. fppt npr Rpr.nnd

Runoff, in in

March

1,870

1,870

1,930

1,910

1,850

1,960

1,850

2,080

2,000

1,880

1,860

1,957

0.38

April

42,900

41,100

38,400

35,500

32,400

29,700

26,300

23,100

20,300

17,800

 

22,160

4.17

May

9,110

8,970

8,760

8,570

8,980

9,430

9,640

9,160

8,510

7,780

7,300

11,620

2.26

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Vpr. 11

12

13

Hour

0000

0600

0800

1000

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200

0600

Gage 

height

4.43

4.45

4.80

5.76

6.04

7.40

7.70

7.76

8.52

8.76

8.82

8.63

8.82

Discharge

8,120

8,180

9,020

11,300

12,000

15,000

15,700

15,800

17,500

18,100

18,200

17,800

18,200

Date

Apr. 13

14

15

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0600

1000

1400

2000

2200

2400

0600

1200

1300

1400

Gage 

height

9.18

9.95

10.04

10.46

12.32

11.52

14.13

12.27

13.20

13.45

15.00

17.4

20.0

Discharge

19,000

20,800

21,000

21,900

26,100

24,300

30,200

25,900

28,100

28,600

32,100

37,500

43,400

Date

Apr. 15

16

17

18

Hour

1500

1600

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

Gage 

height

18.7

18.4

18.2

18.3

18.8

19.1

19.3

19.6

20.1

20.5

20.6

20.7

Discharge

40,500

39,800

39,300

39,500

40,700

41,400

41,800

42,500

43,700

44,600

44,800

45,000
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 1 7

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic jeet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of St Croix River at 

St Croix Falls, Wis Continued

Date

Apr. 18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Hour

1000

1200

1400

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

2400

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

2400

0800

1000

Gage 

height

20.9

20.98

20.9

20.7

20.5

20.4

20.4

20.4

20.3

20.0

19.9

19.8

19.7

19.5

19.0

18.4

17.8

17.5

17.3

17.04

16.32

15.78

15.33

14.74

Discharge

45,500

45,700

45,500

45,000

44,600

44,400

44,400

44,400

44,100

43,400

43,200

43,000

42,700

42,300

41,100

39,800

38,400

37,700

37,300

36,700

35,100

33,900

32,900

31,500

Date

Apr. 25

26

27

28

29

30

May 1

6

7

8

Hour

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

2400

0400

1200

1400

2400

0200

1200

Gage 

height

15.01

14.84

14.56

13.92

13.21

12.44

11.66

11.01

10.38

9.73

9.16

8.64

8.06

7.49

7.00

6.39

6.22

7.08

7.64

7.63

8.14

7.76

Discharge

32,100

31,800

31,100

29,700

28,100

26,400

24,600

23,100

21,700

20,300

19,000

17,800

16,500

15,200

14,100

12,800

12,300

14,300

15,600

15,600

16,700

15,800

Date

May 8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1400

2400

0600

1800

2400

0600

0800

1200

2400

1200

2400

0600

0800

1200

1800

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage Disheight charge

7.81 15,900

8.09 16,600

7.85 16,000

8.14

8.27

8.40

8.58

8.56'

8.55

8.28

8.42

8.46

8.40

8.18

8.09

7.39

7.92

7.75

7.44

7.44

7.34

6.91

6.83

16,700

16,900

17,300

17,700

17,600

17,600

17,000

17,300

17,400

17,300

16,800

16,600

15,000

16,200

15,800

15,100

15,100

14,900

13,900

13,800

6.77 13,600

(93) 5-3415. Apple River near Somerset, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°09'30", long 92°43'00", in sec.21, T.31 N., R.19 W., at powerp^ant of 

Northern States Power Co., 3.5 miles downstream from Somerset.

Drainage area. 555 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Headwater and tailwater gages read hourly.

Discharge record. Discharge computed by Northern States Power Co. from its powerplant records on basis of ratings developed by Geological Survey.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Daily discharge, 2,510 cfs Apr. 13.

1901 to February 1965: Daily discharge, 2,460 cfs June 17, 1943.

Remarks. Flow affected by many powerplants upstream.

Cooperation. Records of daily discharge furnished by Northern States Power Co.
A218 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Apple River near Somerset, Wis.

Day

1...

2...

3...

4___

5...

6...

7....

8...

9...

10..

March

160

255

310

325

323

310

325

235

265

315

April

290

288

341

445

470

395

740

1,060

1,220

1,470

May

967

665

455

320

565

530

537

644

710

870

Day

11..

12..

13..

14__

15..

16..

17_.

18..

19_.

20..

March

295

287

320

370

310

300

260

275

267

260

April

1,590

2,040

2,510

2,500

2,470

2,450

2,480

2,480

2,480

1,540

May

645

650

635

521

387

530

685

470

490

505

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean Hisr-harcrp in cuhir feet ner second

Runoff , in in hes

March

325

225

280

265

305

266

300

295

195

255

285

283

0.59

April

1,280

1,250

1,260

1,120

1,020

1,050

1,040

1,040

740

984

1,335

2.68

May

478

650

690

485

340

475

635

635

616

518

360

570

1.18

(94) 5 3419. Kinnickinnic River tributary at River Falls, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°49'57", long 92°38'23", in NE^ sec.14, T.27 N., R.19 W., at bridge on 

County Trunk FF, 0.5 mile west of intersection with State Highway 29, and 1.6 miles 

southwest of intersection of State Highways 29 and 35 in River Falls.

Drainage area. 7.26 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Gage height, 12.14 ft Apr. 8.

1959 to February 1965: Gage height 11.98 ft July 8, 1959.

(95) St. Croix River at Prescott, Wis. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 44°44'56", long 92°48'12", in sec.9, T.26 N., R.20 W., at bridge on U.S. 

Highway 10, 600 ft upstream from Mississippi River, and 500 ft north of Chicago, 

Burlington and Quincy Railroad bridge in Prescott.

Gage-height record. Floodmark and gage heights are those for Mississippi River at 

Prescott, Wis. Datum of gage is 600.00 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912 

(levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Discharge obtained on the following days by current-meter measurement.

Date

Apr. 14, 1965 

Apr. 17 

Apr. 26 

May 7

Discharge, in cfs

12,900

43,700

36,600

12,600
MARCH^-MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 1 9

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(96) 5-3445. Mississippi River at Prescott, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°44'45", long 92°48'00", in sec.9, T.26 N., R.20 W., on left banV at 

Prescott, 200 ft downstream from St. Croix River, 300 ft south of Chicago, Burlington 

and Quincy Railroad bridge, 800 ft south of bridge on U.S. Highway 10, and at mile 

811.4 upstream from Ohio River. Auxiliary water-stage recorder 10.7 miles downstream from base gage.

Drainage area. 44,800 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except 1810 hours Apr. 14 to 1730 

hours Apr. 24 when graph was constructed on basis of several gage readings I y engineers and twice-daily gage readings by Corps of Engineers on temporary staf gage. 

For auxiliary gage, water-stage recorder graph except 1600 hours Apr. 12 to 1730 

hours Apr. 14 and 2130 hours Apr. 15 to 1700 hours Apr. 26. Datum of gage is 600.00 

ft above mean sea level, datum of 1912 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-fall-discharge relation affected by changes in slope and defined 

by current-meter measurements. Fall was a factor for computing the discharge 

Apr. 5, 6. For the period Apr. 1 4, flow was computed on the basis of discharge for 

Lock and Dam No. 3 and adjusted for storage. These records furnished by Corps of 

Engineers.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 228,000 cfs 0600 hours Apr. 18 (gage height, 

93.11 ft, from graph based on gage readings).

1928 to March 1965: Discharge, 155,000 cfs Apr. 16-18, 1952 (gage height, 89.03ft).

Remarks. Some regulation by reservoirs, navigation dams, and powerplants at low and 

medium stages.

Mean discharge, in cubic feel per second, 1965

Day

!______

2______

3......

4__ ...

5......

6, .__..

7......

8______

9___ __

10 ._._.

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

9,100 

8,670 

10,000 

11,800 

16,600 

22,600 

28,600 

36,200 

43,300 

55,700

May

91,500 

84,300 

78,400 

73,400 

68,700 

65,700 

64,900 

65,500 

64,900 

65,400

Day

11-....

12.....

13. ___

14 __ _.

15 __ ..

16 __ .,

17 __ ..

18.. __

19.. ...

20 __ __

April

75,900 

108,000 

143,000 

172,000 

199,000 

214,000 

223,000 

226,000 

222,000 

214,000

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

65,400 

65,400 

64,800 

63,900 

62,600 

61,700 

59,700 

58,400 

57,200 

56,200

Day

21 __ .

22 .....

23 __ _

24.....

25.. ...

26 .....

27 .....

28 __ .

29.. ...

30.. ...

31.. ...

d ___ __ __ .....

April

206,000 

192,000 

180,000 

167,000 

154,000 

140,000 

128,000 

116,000 

107,000 

99,100

117,600 

2.93

May

55,200 

54,200 

53,500 

53,100 

52,500 

53,500 

53,700 

54,500 

54,600 

54,500 

54,500

62,320 

1.60

317-045 O - 70 - 15
A220 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Mississippi River at

Prescott, Wis.

Date

Apr. 5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Hour

0000

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

75.05

75.06

75.04

75.02

74.95

74.93

75.01

75.16

75.29

75.39

75.54

75.77

75.94

76.20

76.55

76.65

76.76

76.79

76.85

76.88

76.94

77.18

77.54

77.84

78.02

78.40

78.61

79.06

79.33

79.42

79.59

79.70

79.81

80.02

80.38

80.64

80.85

81.24

81.65

82.15

82.71

83.26

83.82

84.40

85.04

Discharge

18,000

19,800

20,400

21,600

22,400

23,700

25,400

26,000

26,500

26,600

27,000

27,100

27,400

28,600

30,400

31,900

32,800

34,700

35,800

38,100

39,600

40,100

41,000

41,600

42,300

43,500

45,800

47,600

49,000

51,900

55,100

59,200

64,100

69,500

75,100

81,800

90,600

Date

rt.pl Any . 1 1 &9

1 *} O

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Hour

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0400

1000

Gage 

height

85.65

86.27

86.87

87.47

88.02

88.51

88.95

89.30

89.72

90.10

90.47

90.84

91.19

91.59

92.04

92.27

92.27

92.24

92.26

92.34

92.41

92.48

92.53

92.59

92.71

92.84

92.94

93.05

93.11

93.07

92.97

92.90

92.86

92.83

92.77

92.66

92.51

92.33

92.18

92.10

92.10

92.00

Discharge

99 10C

108,000

117,000

127,000

135,000

144,000

151,000

157,000

165,000

172,000

178,000

185,000

192,000

199,000

208,000

212,000

212,000

212,000

212,000

213,000

215,000

216,000

217,000

218,000

220,000

223,000

225,000

227,000

228,000

227,000

225,000

224,000

223,000

223,000

222,000

220,000

217,000

213,000

210,000

209,000

209,000

207,000

Date

Apr. 21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

May 1

2

3

4

5

Hour

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1270

2400

1270

2400

1270

2400

1270

2400

0670

1270

1870

2400

Gage 

height

92 00

91.76

91.58

01 y i .zu on

90 87

90.50

90.22

90.05

89.85

89.60

89.42

89.09

88.70

88.32

87.91

87.61

87.21

86.83

86.52

86.20

85.94

85.65

85.37

85.11

84.83

84.58

84.37

84.12

83.87

83.65

83.45

83.34

83.16

83.00

82.98

Discharge

207,000

202,000

199,000

192,000 

186,000

179,000

174,000

171,000

167,000

163,000

160,000

154,000

147,000

140,000

134,000

129,000

122,000

116,000

112,000

107,000

103,000

99,100

95,200

91,500

87,700

84,100

81,400

78,300

75,600

73,400

71,400

70,300

68,500

66,900

66,700
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A221

VERMILLION RIVER BASIN

(97) 5 3459. Vermillion River tributary near Hastings, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°43'10", long 92°56'03", in NE^SE^ sec.35, T.115 N., R.18 W.st culvert 

on county highway, 2.0 miles upstream from mouth, and 4.1 miles west of Hastings.

Drainage area. 14.3 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurement 

at 182 cfs and by indirect measurement at 544 cfs.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 544 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 21.95 ft, from 

high-water profile).

1960 to February 1965: Gage height, 18.50 ft Mar. 30, 1962, backwater fro-n ice 

(discharge not determined).

TRIMBELLE CREEK BASIN

(98) 5-3466. Little Trimbelle Creek near Bay City, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°38'0l", long 92°34'05", in Si sec. 21, T. 25 N., R. 18 W., at t ^idge 

on County Trunk K, 0.9 mile north of intersection with County Trunk E, and 7.0 miles 

northwest of Bay City.

Drainage area. 19.9 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 1030 cfs.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 1700 cfs Apr. 7 (gage height 12.74).

T96~l to February 1965; Discharge, 810 cfs Mar. 28, 1962 (gage height 11.60 ft).

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM

(99) Mississippi River at Lock and Dam 3 near Red Wing, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 44°37', long 92°37', on east and west section line between sections 4 and 

9, T.113 N., R.15 W., at Lock and Dam 3, 13 miles northwest of Red Wing, and at 

river mile 797.06 above Ohio River.

Gage-height record. Peak stages from pool and tailwater water-stage recorder graphs.

Discharge record. Corps of Engineers stage-discharge relation extended on the basis 

of Geological Survey current-meter measurement.

Maxima. April May 1965: Discharge, 228,000 cfs 2400 hours Apr. 18 (elevations, 

688.22 ft pool, 687.93 ft, tailwater).

1938 to March 1965: Discharge, 151,000 cfs Apr. 17, 1952 (elevations, 684.68 ft 

pool, 684.12 ft tailwater).

Cooperation. Records furnished by Corps of Engineers.
A222 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

CANNON RIVER BASIN

(100) 5-3551.5. Pine Creek near Cannon Falls, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°32'27", long 92°53'40", in NE^NE^ sec.6, T.112 N., R.17 W., at culvert 

on State Highway 20, 2.0 miles upstream from mouth and 2.1 miles north of Cannon 

Falls.

Drainage area. 20.2 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 244 cfs and by indirect measurement at 844 cfs.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 844 cfs Apr. 8 (gage height, 7.54 ft from highwater profile).

1960 to February 1965: Discharge, 133 cfs May 12, 1962 (gage height, 2.78 ft).

(101) 5-3552. Cannon River at Welch, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°33'50", long 92°43'55", in NWjSWj sec.27, T.113 N., R.16 W., on

right bank 0.3 mile downstream from highway bridge at Welch and 1.8 miles upstream 

from Belle Creek.

Drainage area. 1,320 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15 minute intervals except

0630 hours Mar. 1 to 2400 hours Mar. 6 (for this period the auxiliary recorder graph 

was reconstructed on the basis of flood mark and adjacent record) and 0830 hours 

Mar. 19 to 1000 hours Mar. 26. Datum of gage is 699.16 ft above mean sea level, 

datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 4 (no gage-height record 0830 hours Mar. 19 to 

1000 hours Mar. 26). Mean daily discharges computed from 96 punch-tape readings 

per day Apr. 5 to May 31.

Maxima. Given in the following table.

Discharge Gage height

(cfs) (feet) 

March-May 1965:

Mar. 1, 1300 hrs ______ ____ 7,900 & 14.00

Apr. 8, 0245 hrs---------------- _._.._______. 36,100 14.01

1909-14, 1930 to February 1965:

Apr. 2, 1952_______________________. 15,800 12.00

abackwater from ice. 

Remarks. Diurnal fluctuation caused by powerplants above station.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A223

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Cannon River at Welch, Minn.

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7___

8...

9__.

10..

March

3,500

4,800

3,400

2,000

1,300

950

940

980

940

750

April

360

250

500

2,500

7,340

19,800

27,200

28,700

23,800

22,600

May

2,030

1,890

1,790

1,710

1,700

1,700

1,780

1,980

1,760

1,610

Day

11..

12__

13_.

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19-_

20..

March

720

720

710

700

700

700

690

680

650

470

April

17,500

13,500

11,100

9,480

7,800

6,620

5,790

5,190

4,590

4,030

May

1,470

1,180

896

860

814

1,570

2,500

2,370

2,080

1,750

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff, in ir

March

250

430

450

440

430

410

250

200

350

360

360

975

0.85

April

3,570

3,190

2,980

2,800

2,760

2,890

2,960

2,720

2,470

2,210

8,240

6.96

May

1,660

1,480

1,340

1,280

1,290

1,340

1,360

1.270

1,200

1,120

1,050

1,543

1.35

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Feb. 28

Mar. 1

2

3

4

5

Hour

0600

1200

2000

2400

0200

0600

0800

1000

1100

1200

1300 

1600

1800

1900

2400

0600

0900

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

1500

1800

Gage 

height

3 1 n

2.28

2 14

4.06

5.55

6.28

7.86

9.30

11.40

1335

13.86

14.00 

1 ^ 9n

12.57

12.55

12.76

12.07

12.06

12.08

12.05

11.86

11.29

10.73

10.17

9.67

9.12

7 97

Discharge

7,900

Date

Mar. 5

6

A.pr. 2

3

4

5

6

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1500

1800

2400

0000

0400

1200

1600

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1400

1600

1800

2100 

2400

0200 

0800

1400

2000 

2400

0600

Gage 

height

5.87

5.40

5.00

4.22

3.79

3.53

3.34

3.08

2.10

3.59

3.51

2.73

2.64

3.97

4.48

5.07

5.80

6.72

7.44

7.78 

7.69

7.68 

8.38

9.76

10.84 

11.56

1 *} ^n

Discharge

881

715

250

1,040

992

517

472

1,290

1,650

2,090

2,720

3,590

4,340

4,740 

4,630

3,880 

4,980

7,780

10,800 

13,600

1 Q 9OO

Date

7

8

9

10

11

Hour

1000

1200

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

1200

1600

2400

0200 

0245

0600

0800

1200

1600 

2400

0600

1200

2400

0600

1400

2400

0100

0600 

1200

2400

Gage 

height

12. 5*

12.45

12.43

12.84

12.97

13.3?

13.35

12. 6f

13. If

13.81

13. 8f 

14.01

13.66

13.32

13.11

12. 9f 

13. 2C

12.93

12. 6C

13.08

12.94

12.60

12.79

12.38 

1215

11.81

Discharge

on Qnn

19,500

19,300

23,200

24,700

28,500

28,900

21,600

26,800

33,900

«4,500 

36,100

32,300

28,500

26,200

24,900 

27,200

24,200

20,800

25,900

20,800

22,700

20,600

18,800

15,100
A2 2 4 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

CHIPPEWA RIVER BASIN 

(102) 5-3554. Moose Lake near Winter, Wis.

Location. Lat 46°02'00", long 91°04'30", in NE^ sec.14, T.41 N,, R.6 W., on West Fork 

Chippewa River, 15 miles north of Winter.

Drainage area. 225 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is mean sea level (Northern States 

Power Co. benchmark).

Maxima. March May 1965: Contents at end of week, 407 million cubic feet May 28 

(elevation 1374.10 ft).

1926 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 520 million cubic feet 

Aug. 31, 1941 (elevation, 1375.6 ft).

Remarks. Dam was completed and storage began in 1893. Usable capacity in winter, 

400 million cubic feet between elevations 1367.0 ft and 1374.0 ft; in summer, no 

usable capacity (limits established by Northern States Power Co.).

Cooperation. Elevations and capacity table furnished by Northern States Power Co. 

Elevation, in feet, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 26 _____

Mar. 5-----

Mar. 26-----

A nr> Q

Elevation

1367.10

1367.10

1367.20

1367.20

Contents

5

5

10

25

Date

Apr. 16 __ .

Apr. 23 __ .

IVIav 7

May 14

May 21

Elevation

1370.60

1 37 2 00

1373 70

1 37 3 90

1 373 90

1374.10

Contents

265

379

393

393

390

407

(103) 5-3556. Lake Chippewa near Winter, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°53'20", long 91°04'40") in SE| sec.2, T.39 N., R.6 W., on Chippewa 

River just downstream from mouth of East Fork Chippewa River and 5.5 miles 

northwest of Winter.

Drainage area. 775 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Chain gage. Datum of gage is mean sea level (Northern States 

Power Co. bench mark).

Maxima. March-May 1965: Contents observed, 10,000 million cubic feet May 19-20 

(elevation, 1313.00 ft).

1923 to February 1965: Contents observed, 11,000 million cubic feet Sept. 18, 19, 

1926 (elevation, 1314.4 ft).

Remarks. Dam was completed and storage began in 1923. Usable capacity, 10,000 

million cubic feet between elevations 1287.0 ft and 1313.0 ft (limits stipulated by 

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Elevations and capacity table furnished by Northern States Power Co.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 2 5

Elevation, in feet, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Lake Chippewa near Winter, Vis.

Day

1_. .___._...

2 ___ __ ...

3__ ______ -

4 __ .. ___ ..

5 _._ ___ ...

6____ __ __ .

7 _____ . _.

8 __ _____ .

9 __ _____ .

10_... ____ .

11_________.

12__-__.___.

13 _______ .

14_. --_.-_.-

15 ____ - __ -

16 ____ _____

17. ____.___.

18___ ____ -

19._. _______

20... ... ... .

21 _______ _

22 ____ ___ _

23- ___ ___ _

24___. __ ...

25 ____ .. __

26 __ _______

27 ____ . __

28 ___ __ ...

29 __ _______

30__._ __ __

31___-_-_.__

March

Elevation

1297.15

1297.15

1297.05

1296.75

Contents

1,614

1,614

1,578

1,482

April

Elevation

1294.70 

1294.30 

1294.00 

1294.00 

1294.15 

1294.40 

1294.65 

1294.90 

1295.00 

1295.45 

1295.90 

1296.65 

1297.30 

1298.00 

1299.00 

1300.05 

1301.10 

1302.10 

1303.00 

1304.00 

1304.75 

1305.55 

1306.10 

1306.50 

1306.85 

1307.25 

1307.75 

1308.10 

1308.50 

1308.85

Contents

875 

775 

700 

700 

738 

800 

862 

925 

950 

1,085 

1,220 

1,452 

1,668 

1,920 

2,320 

2,741 

3,184 

3,624 

4,020 

4,500 

4,890 

5,328 

5,635 

5,855 

6,048 

6,268 

6,542 

6,740 

6,980 

7,190

May

Elevation

1309.15 

1309.40 

1309.55 

1309.65 

1309.80 

1310.00 

1310.35 

1310.65 

1310.95 

1311.30 

1311.60 

1311.95 

1312.25 

1312.55 

1312.75 

1312.95 

1312.95 

1312.95 

1313.00 

1313.00 

1312.95 

1312.95 

1312.90 

1312.80 

1312.80 

1312.80 

1312.85 

1312.80 

1312.80 

1312.85 

1312.80

Contents

7,379 

7,544 

7,643 

7,709 

7,808 

7,940 

8,171 

8,369 

8,567 

8,804 

9,008 

9,246 

9,460 

9,676 

9,820 

9,964 

9,964 

9,964 

10,000 

10,000 

9,964 

9,964 

9,928 

9,856 

9,856 

9,856 

9,892 

9,856 

9,856 

9,892 

9,856

(104) 5-3560. Chippewa River at Bishops Bridge, near Winter, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°50'55", long 91°04'45", in sec.23, T.39 N., R. 6 W., on right bank 15 ft 

upstream from highway bridge, 3.2 miles downstream from Lake Chippewa Dam, and 

3.7 miles northwest of Winter.

Drainage area. 787 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Altitude of gage is 1,270 ft (from 

Lake Chippewa datum).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice March 20 24.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 2,890 cfs, 2300 hours May 19 (gage height, 

7.35 ft).

1912 to February 1965: Discharge, 7,520 cfs Sept. 4, 5, 1941 (gage height, 11.05 ft).

Remarks. Flow completely regulated by Moose Lake and Lake Chippewa.
A2 2 6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Chippewa River at Bishops Bridge, near Winter, Wis.

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6 __

7...

a...

9...

10..

March

564

253

253

343

457

457

457

457

457

457

April

874

731

260

246

246

253

253

253

223

144

May

108

108

108

103

106

116

133

192

188

153

Day

11..

12__

13__

14. _

15__

16__

17__

18__

19__

20. _

March

457

457

452

452

452

452

446

452

452

450

April

195

214

223

256

297

267

250

250

250

220

May

141

124

173

792

1,480

2,430

2,430

2,430

2,710

2,880

Day

21_.

22__

23_.

24. .

25. .

26_.

27_.

28_.

29_.

30_.

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

March

448

440

440

440

440

641

917

934

908

892

April

185

161

147

136

127

122

116

113

111

108

883 _ _____

518 241

May

2,870

2,850

2,440

1,740

1,600

1,600

1,600

1,600

1,600

1,590

1,590

1,225

(105) 5 3565. Chippewa River near Bruce, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°27'05", long 91°15'40", in SE? sec.5, T.34 N., R. 7 W., on right bank 1 

mile east of Bruce and 1 mile downstream from Thornapple River.

Drainage area. 1,630 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at sixty-minute intervals and 

crest-stage indicator. Datum of gage 1,059.62 ft above mean sea level, datum of 

1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 20,000 cfs. Mean daily discharges computed from 24 punch-tape recordings 

per day. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 16.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 12,300 cfs 1630 hours Apr. 15 (gage height 

15.19 ft, backwater from ice).

1913 to February 1965: Discharge, 25,800 cfs Sept. 1, 1941 (gage height, 20.46 ft, 

from floodmarks).

Remarks. Flow from 48 percent of the drainage area regulated by Moose Lake and 

Lake Chippewa.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l-_.

2__.

3__.

4___

5...

6__.

7...

....

9...

10_.

March

1,000

900

640

620

700

920

900

920

920

880

April

1,420

1.450

1,300

800

720

820

1,000

1,300

1,500

2,200

May

1.610

1,460

1,360

1,280

1,130

1,170

1,710

3,010

5,310

5,170

Day

11__

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19-.

20. _

March

880

860

880

860

860

840

860

840

800

820

April

4,000

7,000

9,000

11,000

11,700

11,200

10,100

8,650

7,360

6,700

May

3,900

2,950

2,210

1,810

2,520

4,300

5,330

5,090

4,840

4,700

Day

21_.

22_.

23_.

24_.

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

March April

780 6,330

800 5,930

800 5,340

770 4,740

760 3,870

770 3,300

1,100 2,990

1,400 2,550

1,450 2,150

1,400 1,850

1.450 ... ___

915 4,609

May

4,360

4,060

3,840

3,050

2,540

3,040

3,520

3,160

2,870

2,610

2,520

3,111
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic

A227

feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, ofChippewa River 

near Brace, Wis. _ _

Date

Apr. 10

11 

12

13 

14

15

16 

17 

18

Hour

0000 

0800 

1600 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0200 

0800 

1600 

2400

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1600 

1630 

2000 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

0800 

1600 

2400

Gage 

height

5.54 

5.74 

6.01 

6.59

7.23 

7.88 

8.85 

10.01

10.39 

11.26 

11.94 

12.30

12.37 

13.18 

13.53

14.09 

14.42 

14.32 

14.38

14.61 

14.83 

15.11 

15.19 

15.05 

14.66

14.21 

13.96 

13.07 

12.41

11.95 

11.36 

10.72 

11.38

10.49 

9.92 

9.55

Discharge

12,300

11,600

10,900 

10,100 

9,240 

10,100

8,940 

8,200 

7,760

Date

Apr. 19

20 

21 

22

23

May 7 

8

9

10 

11 

12

15 

16

Hour

0800 

1600 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

0800 

1600 

2400

1200 

2400

2400

0800 

1600 

2000 

2400

0600 

1400 

2000 

2400

0800 

1600 

2400

0800 

1600 

2400

0800 

1600 

2400

2400 

0400

Gage 

height

9.35 

9.08 

8.87

8.78 

8.49

8.28 

7.99

8.02 

7.86 

7.66

7.36 

7.04

4.04

4.29 

5.20 

5.86 

6.41

7.01 

7.57 

7.67 

7.63

7.43 

7.07 

6.59

6.14 

5.77 

5.38

5.08 

4.76 

4.45

4.89 

5.18

Discharge

7,540 

7,240 

7,010

6,910 

6,590

6,360 

6,040

6,070 

5,900 

5,680

5,350 

4,990

2,230

2,430 

3,220 

3,810 

4,360

4,960 

5,580 

5,690 

5,640

5,420 

5,030 

4,540

4,090 

3,730 

3,380

3,110 

2,820 

2,560

2,940 

3,200

Date

May 16 

17 

18

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25

26 

27 

28

Hour

1000 

1800 

2400

0800 

1400 

2400

0800 

1600 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

0800 

1800 

2400

0800 

1600 

2400

0800 

1600 

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

6.16 

7.07 

7.32

7.36 

7.38 

7.26

7.14 

7.13 

7.05

6.88 

6.83

6.79 

6.56

6.47 

6.21

6.13 

6.00

5.93 

5.56

5.02 

4.57

4.44 

4.3P 

4.4T

4.77 

5.1? 

5.4P

5.6C 

5.5* 

5.3P

5.13 

4.96

Discharge

4,110 

5,030 

5,300

5,350 

5,370 

5,240

5,100 

5,090 

5,000

4,830 

4,780

4,740 

4,510

4,420 

4,160

4,080 

3,950

3,880 

3,540

3,060 

2,660

2,550 

2,490 

2,560

2,830 

3,210 

3,480

3,580 

3,530 

3,390

3,160 

3,000
A228 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(106) 5 3573. Rest Lake near Manitowish, Wis.

Location. Lat 46°08'15", long 89°53'05", in NW^ sec.9, T.42 N., R.5 E., on Manitowish 

River, 3.7 miles upstream from Circle Lily Creek and 6.2 miles eas 4; of Manitowish.

Drainage area. 243 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Altitude of gage is 1,490 ft (by U.S. Geological Survey 

bench mark near lake).

Maxima. March-May 1965: Contents at end of week, 1,010 million cut ic feet May 21, 

28 (gage height, 108.5 ft).

1926 to February 1965: Contents on last of month, 1,054 million cubic feet Aug. 31, 

1941 (gage height, 108.7 ft).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1887. Reservoir consists of 9 lakes. Usable 

capacity July 1 to August 31, 260 million cubic feet between gage heights 107.25 ft 

and 108.50 ft, and September 1 to June 30, 660 million cubic feet betveen gage heights 

105.00 ft and 108.50 ft (limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity table furnished by Northern States Power Co. 

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in mi/lions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 26...

Mar. 5...

12...

19 ...

26...

Apr. 2...

9 __

Gage height

Feet

105

105

105

105

105

105

105

Inches

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Contents

350

350

350

350

350

350

350

Date

Apr. 16...

23---

30 ...

May 7 ...

14---

21-,-

28 __

Gage height

Feet

105

106

106

106

108

108

108

Inches

10

5

3

9

3

6

6

Contents

491

595

565

655

955

1,010

1,010

(107) 5 3574. Flambeau Flowage near Mercer, Wis.

Location. Lat 46°04'15", long 90°13'30", in SE^ sec.34, T.42 N., R.2 E., on North Fork 

Flambeau River, 10.2 miles southwest of Mercer.

Drainage area. 666 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is mean sea level (Northern States 

Power Co. bench mark).

Maxima. March-May 1965: Daily contents observed, 6,052 million cuHc feet May 

11-15 (elevation 1572.20 ft).

1926 to February 1965: Contents observed, 6,620 million cubic feet Oct. 16, 1927 

(elevation. 1,572.95 ft).

Remarks. Dam was completed in 1926. Usable capacity 5,895 million cubic feet

between elevations 1,552 ft and 1,572 ft (limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Elevations and capacity table furnished by Northern States Power Co.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A229

Elevation, in feet, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Flambeau Flowage near Mercer, Wis.

Day

1 _ _.___..

2 __ ._ __ ...

3 __-._-.

4 ____ ______

5 ___ ____ .

6__ ___ __ .

7____. ____..

8 ___ __ ...

9 __ __ __ .

10 _____ _.

11 _____ ...

12 __ ____ .

13 _____ .

14 ___ ____ .

15 ____ __ .

16 _______ .

17 _____ _.

18 _______ .

19. ______ .

20__ _____ .

21 __ __ .__.

22 _______ .

23 ___ ____ .

24 _______ .

25 _____ __.

26 _______ .

27 _______ .

28 _______ .

29 _______ .

30 _______ .

31 __ ____ .

March

Elevation

1564.50

1564.00

1563.45

1562.65

Contents

1,640

1,470

1,295

1,069

April

Elevation

1561.50 

1561.25 

1561.00 

1560.75 

1560.50 

1560.35 

1560.30 

1560.20 

1560.10 

1560.20 

1560.75 

1561.35 

1561.75 

1562.30 

1562.85 

1563.35 

1563.80 

1564.30 

1564.75 

1565.30 

1565.80 

1566.30 

1566.85 

1567.30 

1567.70 

1568.10 

1568.45 

1568.80 

1569.10 

1569.40

Contents

800 

745 

690 

635 

580 

559 

552 

538 

524 

538 

635 

767 

855 

982 

1,121 

1,265 

1,406 

1,572 

1,735 

1,956 

2,172 

2,398 

2,658 

2,886 

3,094 

3,306 

3,502 

3,710 

3,890 

4,070

May

Elevation

1569.75 

1570.00 

1570.25 

1570.50 

1570.65 

1570.85 

1571.10 

1571.50 

1571.85 

1572.10 

1572.20 

1572.20 

1572.20 

1572.20 

1572.20 

1572.10 

1572.05 

1572.05 

1572.05 

1572.10 

1572.05 

1572.00 

1572.00 

1572.00 

1572.00 

1572.05 

1572.00 

1572.05 

1572.05 

1572.10 

1572.10

Contents

4,285 

4,440 

4,620 

4,800 

4,908 

5,052 

5,232 

5,520 

5,786 

5,976 

6,052 

6,052 

6,052 

6.052 

6,052 

5,976 

5,938 

5,938 

5,938 

5,976 

5,938 

5,900 

5,900 

5,900 

5,900 

5,938 

5,900 

5,938 

5,938 

5,976 

5,976

(108) 5 3585. Flambeau River at Babbs Island, near Winter, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°46'10", long 90°45'45", in SE^ sec.17, T.38 N., R.3 W., on rifht bank 

3.6 miles upstream from Connors Creek, 11.5 miles upstream from South Fork 

Flambeau River, 13 miles east of Winter, and at mile 61.9.

Drainage area. 1,000 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Altitude of gage is 1,330 f. (from 

river profile map).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 7,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 14.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 5,360 cfs 0400 1000 hours Apr. 17 (gage height, 

6.03 ft).

1929 to February 1965: Discharge, 9,440 cfs June 25, 1946 (gage height, S.45 ft).

Remarks. Flow regulated by Rest Lake and Flambeau Flowage.
A230 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Flambeau River at Babbs Island, near Winter, Wis.

Day

1...

2___

3...

4___

5...

6___

7___

8...

9__.

10..

March

680

720

720

680

680

680

720

520

660

660

April

870

900

960

1,060

1,020

960

900

960

1,060

1,300

May

1,210

1,230

1,030

939

890

856

1,030

1,510

2,900

3,880

Day

11. _

12. _

13..

14. _

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

640

640

640

640

640

640

640

660

660

640

April

1,700

2,300

2,600

3,000

3,870

4,910

5.270

4,580

3,050

2,650

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second

May

3,750

3,880

3,260

3,330

3,340

4,410

4,880

4,100

3,600

3,220

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31

March

640

500

700

680

660

700

780

800

800

820

820

679

April

2,730

2,840

2,730

2,600

2,450

1,980

1,800

1,560

1,440

1,200

2,175

May

3,150

3,070

2,800

2,540

2,170

1,750

1,690

1,720

1,400

1,510

1,460

2,468

Cage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 14

15

16

17

18

19

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0400

1000

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200

0600

1200

1600

2400

Gage 

height

4.07

4.15

4.23

4.31

4.43

4.60

4.81

5.00

5.17

5.47

5.70

5.88

6.00

6.03

6.03

6.00

5.95

5.71

5.45

5.40

5.27

5.15

5.00

4.71

3.83

3.47

3.75

Discharge

3,420

3,620

3,880

4,110

4,310

4,670

4,960

5,180

5,320

5,360

5,360

5,320

5,260

4,970

4,650

4,590

4,430

4,290

4,110

3,760

2.700

2,300

2,600

Date

May 8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Hour

2400

0300

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0400

0800

1600

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200

0600

1200

1400

2400

0600

1800

2400

Gage

height

3.18

3.42

3.63

4.03

4.40

4.61

4.75

4.81

4.68

4.62

4.30

4.36

4.58

4.70

4.75

4.81

4.65

3.78

3.72

3.93

4.18

4.26

4.30

4.21

4.12

3.98

Discharge

2,010

2,250

2,470

2,940

3,380

3,630

3.810

4,000

3,970

3,890

3,500

3,570

3,850

3,990

4,050

4,120

3,930

2,880

2,800

3,060

3,360

3,450

3,500

3,390

3,280

3,120

Date

May 15

16

17

18

19

20

Hour

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

4.02

4.13

4.23

4.54

4.76

4.94

5.12

5.21

5.33

5.45

5.52

5.56

5.40

5.14

4.99

4.84

4.62

4.43

4.56

4.56

4.36

3.94

4.08

4.24

4.27

4.00

4.06

Discharge

3,160

3,300

3,420

3,800

4,060

4,280

4,490

4,600

4,750

4,900

4,980

5,030

4,840

4,520

4,310

4,130

3,870

3,630

3,770

3,770

3,520

3,020

3,160

3,360

3,390

3,070

3,140
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A23I

(]09) 5-3595 South Fork Flambeau River near Phillips, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°42M5", long 90°36'55", in NW^SWi sec.10, T.37 N., R.2 W., on downstream side of bridge on left span, 0.4 mile downstream from Big Elk River and 12 

miles west of Phillips.

Drainage area. 615 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Graph drawn on basis of crest-stage gage reading and once-daily 

wire-weight gage readings, except May 24 31. Altitude of gage is 1,360 ft (by barometer).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Discharge for period of no gage-height record May 24-31 was estimated on basis of 

weather records and records for nearby stations. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to 

Apr. 13.

Maxima. March-Way 1965: Discharge, 5,690 cfs 0200 hours Apr. 19 (gage height, 

11.64 ft).

1929 to February 1965: Discharge, 10,200 cfs June 18, 1943 (gage height, 14.32 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l-_-

2___

3___

4___

5...

6___

1...

8...

9__-

10..

March

240

250

270

280

300

300

310

300

280

270

April

300J

310

330

350

380

400

410

430

450

540

May

1,940

1,770

1,720

1,700

1,620

1,750

2,280

2,600

3,020

3,390

Day

11__

12_.

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19__

20__

March

270

280

290

300

310

300

290

270

260

250

April

700

1,000

1,700

2,910

3,690

4,290

4,340

4,800

5,150

4,590

May

3,490

3,510

3,610

3,640

3,910

3,820

4,080

3,930

3,740

3,620

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24_.

25_.

26..

27..

28_.

29..

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff, in inches __________-_____-__.-___--__-___-_-____-

March

260

270

270

270

280

280

270

270

270

270

290

278

0.52

April May

4,300 2,560

4,140 1,980

4,090 1,940

3,920 1,900

3,700 1,800

3,410 1,900

3,010 1,900

2,660 1,800

2,440 1,700

2,320 1,600

1,600

2,369 2,575

4.30 4.83

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

12

13

14

Hour

0000

0400

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0400

0800

1200

1800

2400 

0400

Gage 

height

6.37

6 A Q

6.74

6.94

7.04

7.12

7.16

7.30

7.47

7.66

7.86

8.08

8.42

8.76 

9.00

Discharge

2,430 

2,650

Date

Apr. 14

15

16

17

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0400

0800 

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200

2400

1200 

1800 

2400

Gage 

height

9.36

9 AC

9.50

9.60

9.74 

9.96

10.36

10.54

10.60 

10.56

10.46

10.52

10.60 

10.66 

10.70

Discharge

3,000

3,100

3,140

3,250

3,400 

3,650

4,280

4,350 

4,310

4,200

4,350 

4,420 

4,460

Date

Apr. 18

19

20

21

Hour

0600

1800

2400

0200 

0800

1800

2400

1200

2400

2400

Gage 

heigl t.

10.74

10. £6

11.14

11.58

11.64 

11.48

] 1 24

10. £4

10. f6

io.ee

10.56

10.44

Discharge

4,510

4,650 

4 990

5,600

5,690 

5,450

5,120

4,630

4,650

4,310

4,170
A2 3 2 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of South Fork Flambeau 

River near Phillips. Wis Continued

Date

Apr. 22

Hour

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

10.40 

10.40

Discharge

4,130 

4,130

Date

Apr. 23

Hour

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

10.38 

10.28

Discharge

4,110 

4,000

Date

Apr. 24

Hour

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

10.22 

10.14

Discharge

3,930 

3,840

(110) 5 3605 Flambeau River near Bruce, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°22'20" J long 91°12'35", in lot 7 of NW? sec.2. T.33 N., R.7 W., on 

right bank 2.5 miles downstream from Thornapple powerplant, 6 miles upstream from 

mouth, and 7 miles southeast of Bruce.

Drainage area. 1,897 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at sixty-minute intervals. Altitude 

of gage 1,060 ft (by river survey, WSP 417).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 11,000 cfs. Mean daily discharges computed from 24 punch-ta-oe recordings 

per day. Backwater from ice March 1 to April 12.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 10,500 cfs 1000 hours Apr. 20 (gage height, 

8.19 ft).

1951 to February 1965: Discharge, 17,400 cfs May 1, 1954 (gage height, 10.90 ft).

Remarks. Flow regulated by several powerplants above stations and by Rest Lake and 

Flambeau Flowage.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2...

3...

4...

?>..--

6___

7...

8...

9...

10_.

March

1,100

1,080

1,000

1,040

1,120

1,080

1,060

1,080

1,060

1,000

April

1,500

1,700

1,680

1,840

2,000

1,900

1,860

1,940

2,100

2,800

May

4,230

3,930

3,920

3,350

3,440

3,050

2,730

4,010

7,660

8,270

Day

11_.

12..

13. _

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

1,020

1,060

980

1,040

940

1,200

1,500

1,540

1,540

1,620

April

3,200

3,800

4,660

5,840

6,520

10,000

9,980

10,100

10,100

9,580

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second

May

7,760

7,730

6,550

6,210

5,450

7,670

9,360

9,410

8,110

6,950

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

March

1,600

1,620

1,640

1,690

1,680

1,600

1,560

1,660

1,700

1,660

1,640

1,326

April

8,240

8,120

8,110

7,990

7,510

6,700

5,700

5,080

4,800

4,430

5,326

May

5,530

5,420

4,850

4,350

4,160

4,130

4,070

3,210

2,740

2,650

2,610

5,275

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated tine, 1965

Date

Apr. 14

15

Hour

0000

1000

1200

1600

1800

2000

2400

0800

1000

Gage 

height

6.18

6.22

5.78

5.92

5.87

6.19

6.05

6.04

5.61

Discharge

5,800

5,880

7,110

5,250

5,150

5,820

5,520

5,500

4,630

Date

Apr. 15

16

Hour

1400

1600

2200

2400

0400

0800

1000

2400

Gage 

height

6.37

6.37

7.77

7.75

8.10

7.90

8.03

8.01

Discharge

6,200

6,200

9,460

9,420

10,300

9,790

10,100

10,000

Date

Apr. 1 7

18

Hour

0600

1200

180T

220T

2400

0800

1200

2000

Gage 

height

8.03

8.01

7.87

8.01

8.01

8.04

7.92

8.07

Discharge

10,100

10,000

9,720

10,000

10,000

10,100

9,830

10,200
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 3 3

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Flambeau River near

Bruce, Wis. Continued

Date

Apr. 18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

Hour

2400

0800

1600

2400

0800

1000

1200

1400

2000

2400

0800

1600

2400

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

2400

0800

1000

1200

2400

0800

1400

1800

2400

0800

1600

1800

2000

2400

0800

1200

1600

1800

2400

0600

0800

Gage 

height

8.04

8.01

8.05

8.13

8.16

8.19

8.09

7.52

7.26

7.23

7.28

7.27

7.25

7.26

6.85

7.16

7.35

7.25

7.20

7.21

7.09

7.28

7.22

7.22

7.23

7.08

7.03

7.03

7.00

6.67

6.84

6.88

6.88

6.53

6.49

6.21

6.34

6.42

6.93

Discharge

10,100

10,000

10,200

10,400

10,400

10,500

10,300

9,340

8,220

8,150

8,270

8,220

8,200

8,220

7,260

7,980

8,440

8,200

8,080

8,100

7,820

8,270

8,130

8,130

8,150

7,790

7,680

7,680

7,610

6,860

7,240

7,330

7,330

6,560

6,470

5,860

6,140

6,310

7,450

Date

Apr. 27

May 7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Hour

1000

1200

1400

1600

2400

2400

0800

1200

1400

1800

2400

0800

1200

1600

1800

2000

2400

0800

1200

1400

1600

2000

2400

0800

1200

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0800

1000

1400

1800

2000

2400

0600

1000

1200

1400

1800

2400

Gage 

height

6.74

5.31

5.35

6.00

5.95

4.57

4.53

3.88

5.43

6.23

6.42

6.44

6.67

7.24

7.91

7.91

7.63

7.59

7.25

6.13

7.26

7.15

7.17

7.23

7.21

7.15

6.49

6.58

6.99

6.99

7.04

7.22

7.15

6.94

6.93

7.02

7.03

6.97

6.36

5.72

6.25

6.30

Discharge

7,020

4,040

4,120

5,420

5,320

2,740

2,680

1,770

4,270

5,900

6,310

6,360

6,860

8,180

9,810

9,810

9,120

9,020

8,200

5,690

8,220

7,960

8,010

8,150

8,100

7,960

6,470

6,670

7,590

7,590

7,700

8,130

7,960

7,470

7,450

7,660

7,680

7,310

6,180

4,850

5,940

6,050

Date

May 14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Hour

1000

1200

1600

2000

2400

1000

1200

1400

1800

2000

2400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1800

2400

0800

1000

1200

1800

2400

0800

1200

1800

2200

2400

0600

1200

2400

0800

1000

1200

1400

1800

2400

1000

1200

1600

2000

2400

Gage 

height

6.37

6.49

6.48

6.30

6.25

6.21

6.11

5.12

5.86

6.08

6.29

6.38

6.52

7.52

7.32

7.36

7.29

7.29

7.76

8.05

7.99

7.98

8.00

7.99

7.48

7.22

7.23

7.2f

7.n

7.2C

7.2C

6.26

6.22

6.4?

6.51

6.44

6.41

5.9f

5.61

5.6?

5.7?

Discharge

6,200

6,470

6,450

6,050

5,940

5,880

5,650

3,700

4,630

5,590

6,030

6,230

6,530

8,850

8,370

8,460

8,300

8,300

9,440

10,200

9,980

9,960

10,000

9,980

8,750

8,130

8,150

8,200

8,010

8,080

8,080

5,970

5,880

6,470

6,510

6,360

6,290

5,380

4,630

4,650

4,990
A234 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(111) 5-3620. Jump River at Sheldon, Wis.

Location. Lat 45° 18'30", long 90° 57'20", in sec.26, T.33 N., R.5 W., on right bank just 

downstream from highway bridge in Sheldon, 1,500 ft upstream from Shoulder Creek 

and 11 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 574 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 1,092.75 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 13,000 cfs and by contracted-opening measurement at 46,000 cfs. Backwater 

from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 11.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 11,400 cfs 2000 hours Apr. 13 (gage height, 

11.59 ft).

1915 to February 1965: Discharge, 46,000 cfs Aug. 31, 1941 (gage height, 18.8 ft, 

from floodmarks).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5___

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

50

60

120

110

130

260

230

160

280

240

April

62

66

68

70

74

100

200

300

700

1,400

May

1,720

1,470

1,300

1,160

1,010

973

1,260

1,560

2,220

2,730

Day

11_.

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18_.

19__

20..

March

180

150

120

100

92

88

84

82

78

76

April

4,000

9,670

8,940

9,090

9,570

7,960

6,260

5,560

4,920

4,350

May

2,240

1,600

1,150

859

785

3,700

5,970

4,540

2,930

1,870

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. ___-_-_-._

Runoff, in ir

March

72

70

68

66

64

63

62

62

61

60

60

110

0.22

April

4,200

4,120

3,790

3,290

2,720

2,680

3,440

2,800

2,560

2,040

3,500

6.80

May

1,250

1,150

706

546

472

505

1,370

1,290

1,040

805

631

1,639

3.29

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

Hour

0000

0300

0600

0900

1200

1400

1600

1800

2100

2200

2400

0200 

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

7.37

7.61

8.04

7.73

7.88

11.05

10.57

9.38

9.83

11.52

10.81

10.66 

10.96

11.06

11.23

11.07

10.51

10.26

Discharge

9,030

8,580 

9,480

9,780

10,300

9,810

8,130

7,430

Date

Apr. 13

14

15

16

17

18

Hour

1800

2000

2400

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

11.00

11.59

11.00

10.77

10.75

10.84

11.07

11.07

10.87

10.40

10.08

9.66

9.50

9.34

9.28

Discharge

9,600

11,400

9,600

8,910

8,850

9,120

9,810

9,810

9,210

7,810

6,990

6,120

5,820

5,520

5,400

Date

May 15

16

17

18

19

20

Hour

2400

0600

1000

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

5.97

7.09

8.02

8.46

9.17

9.45

9.68

9.71

9.35

8.77

8.21

7.70

7.20

6.73

6.38

Discharge

1,150

2,200

3,330

4,000

5,210

5,720

6,160

6,220

5,540

4,500

3,600

2,900

2,320

1,830

1,490
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A235

(112) 5-3640. Yellow River at Cadott, Wis. 

(Gaging station; crest-stage station beginning 1962)

Location. Lat 440 57'10", long 91°09'00", in NE^ sec.31, T.29 N., R.6 W., at bridge on 

State Highway 27 in Cadott, 1,000 ft upstream from Svetlik Dam, and 6.0 miles upstream from Drywood Creek.

Drainage area. 351 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 15,600 cfs.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, about 11,000 cfs Apr. 11 (gage height, 15.6 ft, 

ice affected).

1942 to February 19, 1965: Discharge, 15,600 cfs June 28, 1943 (gage height 12.15 ft 

at site 1,400 ft downstream at different datum).

(113) 5-3642. Lake Wissota near Chippewa Falls, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°56'20", long 91°20'25", in NWi sec.3, T.28 N., R.8 W., on Chippewa 

River, 2.0 miles east of city limits of Chippewa Falls.

Drainage area. 5,548 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Float gage. Datum of gage is mean sea level (Northern States 

Power Co. bench mark).

Maxima. March May 1965: Daily contents observed, 4,221 million cubic feet Apr. 16 

(elevation 898.80 ft).

1934 to February 1965: Contents observed, 4,854 million cubic feet Aug. 31, 1941 

(elevation, 901.12 ft).

Remarks. Dam was completed in 1917. This powerplant service pond has a capacity 

of 3,547 million cubic feet at normal operating elevation of 898.0 ft. Maximum elevation allowable is 902.0 ft. Usable contents below elevation 898.0 ft allowed by express 

permission of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in anticipation of increased 

runoff.

Cooperation. Elevations and capacity table furnished by Northern States Power Co.

317-045 O - 70 - 16
A23 6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Elevation, in feet, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Lake Wissota near Chippewa Falls, Wis.

Day

2- ____ __

3 

4_____-_-_-

5 ...____

6 ___ .. ___

7. __ ._-

8 ____ . ___

9. __ ._.___

10 __ ._ __ _

11 __ _ ___ _

12_ ________

13__ -___

14 ___ . __ .

15___ __-

16 __ _. ____

17 _________

18 _________

19 __ -.___-

20 ____ ___

21 _________

22 ____ ___

23 ___ _ __ _

24 __ - _____

25 _________

26 _________

27 _________

28 _________

29 _________

30 __

31--. __

March

Elevation

891.81

888.30

885.95

883.45

Contents

2,379

1,494

920

331

April

Elevation

882.34 

882.49 

882.86 

883.49 

883.81 

883.68 

883.65 

883.92 

884.14 

886.16 

890.54 

896.11 

896.61 

898.69 

898.65 

898.80 

898.65 

898.32 

898.07 

898.22 

897.97 

897.98 

897.87 

898.05 

897.77 

897.90 

898.04 

897.95 

898.30 

898.00

Contents

77 

111 

195 

340 

414 

384 

377 

440 

491 

971 

2,055 

3,500 

3,633 

4,191 

4,180 

4,221 

4,180 

4,091 

4,024 

4,064 

3,997 

3,999 

3,970 

4,018 

3,943 

3,978 

4,016 

3,991 

4,086 

4,005

May

Elevation

897.88

897.98

897.95

898.11

Contents

3,973

3,999

3,991

4,035

(114) 5 3655. Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls, Wis.

Location. Lat 44t> 55'35", long 91°24'40", in lot 1, sec.12, T.28 N., R.9 W., on right bank 

at Chippewa Falls, 1 mile downstream from Duncan Creek.

Drainage area. 5,600 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at one-hour intervals. Datum of 

gage is 798.46 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter rreasurements. 

Mean daily discharges computed from 24 punch-tape recordings per day.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 44,700 cfs 2200 hours Apr. 16 (g-age-height, 

16.47 ft).

1888 to February 1965: Discharge, 102,000 cfs Sept. 1, 1941 (gage height, 24.8 ft). 

Maximum stage known, 26.94 ft Sept. 10, 1884, site and datum in use to June 1932.

Remarks. Flow regulated by many powerplants above station, and by fiv; reservoirs, 

Moose Lake, Lake Chippewa, Rest Lake, Flambeau Flowage, and Lake Wissota.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 3 7

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls, Wis.

Day

1__.

2...

3__.

4...

5...

6...

7...

8__.

9...

10..

March

4,420

4,530

6,450

6,080

5,390

5,940

5,770

5,880

5,790

5,150

April

3,210

2,260

1,340

1,710

3,970

6,050

8,240

10,200

9,850

11,100

May

11,200

9,870

8,430

9,010

8,400

8,260

8,350

8,940

14,800

21,400

Day

11..

12..

13__

14__

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

4,790

4,960

4,640

3,010

3,630

3,610

3,300

3,620

4,390

3,060

April

12,300

16,400

36,200

40,100

41,800

43,900

43,000

39,200

33,100

31,200

May

20,300

16,300

13,800

11,200

9,890

19,400

27,800

28,100

20,900

17,400

Day

21..

22..

23..

24. .

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... ________

March

2,900

4,230

4,180

3,770

4,080

4,190

2,750

1,700

3,440

4,210

4,270

4,327

April

27,500

25,500

24,200

22,900

21,500

17,300

22,900

15,200

15,800

13,900

______

20,060

May

15,200

12,600

11,800

9,950

9,950

10,100

9,990

10,300

10,000

8,880

8,260

13,250

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

0800

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage

height

8.45

8.46

8.12

8.16

9.00

10.41

14.30

14.85

14.92

14.92

14.59

14.52

14.96

15.95

15.85

15.73

15.80

15.65

15.59

16.25

16.36

16.19

16.29

16.35

16.47

16.42

16.32

16.21

16.01

15.79

15.55

15.49

15.27

15.03

Discharge

12,500

12,500

11,500

11,600

14,000

18,600

33,800

36,600

36,900

36,900

35,200

34,900

37,100

42,000

41,600

41,000

41,300

40,600

40,200

43,600

44,100

43,200

43,800

44,000

44,700

44,400

43,900

43,400

42,400

41,200

40,000

39,800

38,600

37,400

Date

Apr. 19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Hour

0600

1200

1600

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200

1200

2000

2400

0200

0800

1000

1200

Gage 

height

14.74

14.18

13.77

12.99

13.64

13.81

13.75

13.70

13.29

13.28

12.97

12.10

12.03

12.46

12.36

12.13

12.08

12.22

12.27

11.14

11.45

11.71

11.61

11.53

11.37

11.45

11.29

10.95

11.06

11.14

10.94

9.75

9.09

Discharge

36,000

33,300

31,600

28,500

31,100

31,700

31,500

31,300

29,700

29,600

28,400

24,900

24,600

26,300

25,900

25,000

24,800

25,400

25,600

21,200

22,300

23,300

22,900

22,600

22,000

22,300

21,700

20,500

20,900

21,200

20,500

16,400

14,300

Date

Apr. 26

27

28

May 8

9

10

11

12

13

Hour

1800

2200

2400

0800

1000

1800

2400

0200

0800

1000

2400

2400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1600

1800

2400

0600

1400

2200

2400

0600

1000

1600

2400

0600

1000

1800

2400

0800

Gag° 

height

9.33

9.49

9.61

10.5^

12.76

12.24

11.13

9.3?

9.0?

9.2?

9.5S

7.59

7.52

8.01

9.10

8.87

9.19

10.95

11.13

10.90

11.51

11.19

10. SI

11.03

10.79

11. C4

10.66

10. ;3

8. P9

9.74

9.F7

9.62

Discharge

15,000

15,500

15,900

19,100

27,500

25,500

21,200

15,100

14,300

14,700

15,700

10,100

9,900

11,200

14,300

13,600

14,600

20,500

21,200

20,400

22,500

21,400

20,400

20,800

20,000

20,800

19,500

18,400

13,700

16,300

16,100

15,900
A238

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, J 965, of Chippewa River at 

Chippewa Falls, Wis. Continued

Date

May 13

15

16

17

Hour

1000

1200

2400

2400

0200

0400

0600

1200

2000

2400

0200

0600

Gage 

height

8.62

8.38

8.60

7.61

8.33

10.43

11.29

10.95

10.72

11.33

12.93

12.77

Discharge

12,900

12,300

12,900

10,100

12,100

18,700

21,700

20,500

19,700

21,900

28,200

27,600

Date

May 17

18

19

Hour

1200

1800

2200

2400

0200

1200

1800

2400

0200

0800

1400

1600

1800

Gage 

height

12.81

12.80

12.87

13.37

13.45

13.13

12.34

12.29

12.14

11.75

11.28

10.69

9.67

Discharge

27,700

27,700

28,000

30,000

30,300

29,000

25,900

25,700

25,100

23,500

21,700

19,600

16,100

Date

May 19

20

21

Hour

2000

2400

0600

1000

1400

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2000

2200

2400

Gage 

height

9.62

9.90

10.15

10.20

10.23

9.90

9.88

9.86

9.63

8.80

8.98

8.80

8.99

Discharge

15,900

16,900

17,700

17,900

18,000

16,900

16,800

16,700

15,900

13,400

14,000

13,400

14,000

(115) 5-3665. Eau Claire River near Fall Creek, Wis. 

(Gaging station; crest-stage station beginning 1958)

Location. Lat 44°48'35", long 91°16'50". in NW£ sec.19, T.27 N., R.7 W., 500 ft east of 

County Trunk K, 0.7 mile downstream from Beaver Creek, 1.3 miles upstream from 

Big Falls, and 3.2 miles north of Fall Creek.

Drainage area. 758 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only. Altitude of gage is 830 ft (from topographic 

map).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 11,600 cfs and by slope-area measurement at 16,600 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 10,600 cfs Apr. 11 (gage height, 12.6 ft, from 

floodmarks).

1943-1955, 1958 to February 1965: Discharge, 17,200 cfs May 30, 1955 (gage height, 

16.11 ft).

(116) 5-3670.3. Willow Creek near Eau Claire, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°44'll", long 91°26'48", on common boundary of sees.14 and 15, T.26 

N., R.9 W., at box culvert on State Highway 93, 0.5 mile upstream from Lowe'creek, 

and 4 miles south of intersection of U. S. Highways 12 and 53 in Eau Claire.

Drainage area. 4.38 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurement at 

171 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 180 cfs Apr. 9 (gage height 12.7 ft). 

1958 to February 1965: Gage height, 14.12 ft July 8, 1959.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(117) 5-3671. Birch Lake at Birchwood, Wis.

A239

Location. Lat 450 39'35", long 91°33'25", in W| sec.25, T.37 N., R.10 W., on Red Cedar 

River at Birchwood, Wis.

Drainage area. 68 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Altitude of gage is 1,090 ft (from nearby bench mark).

Maxima. March May 1965: Contents at end of week, 824 million cubic feet Aor. 23 

(gage height, 118.0 ft).

1928 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 1,061 million cubic feet 

June 30, 1943 (gage height, 119.4 ft).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1882. Reservoir includes Lake Chetac and 

Birch Lake. Usable capacity in summer, 669.7 million cubic feet between g*age height 

114.0 and 118.5 ft, and winter, 908.3 million cubic feet between gage height 112.0 ft 

and 118.5 ft (limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity table furnished by Northern States Power Co.

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 26--_-

Mar. 5--.-

12---.

19---.

26 ___

Apr. 2--.-

9---.

Gage height

Feet

116

116

116

116

116

116

116

Inches

8

7

6

5

4

1

0

Contents

618

602

587

572

557

527

512

Date

Apr. 16_-_-

23 ___

30.---

May 7--.-

14----

21.--.

28-. ._

Gage height

Feet

117

118

117

117

117

117

117

Inches

1

0

11

8

10

8

6

. Contents

679

824

808

776

792

776

743

(118) 5-3672. Red Cedar Lake at Mikana, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°35'20", long 91°36'05", on line between sees.21 and 22, T.36 N., 

R.lO W., on Red Cedar River at south edge of Mikana.

Drainage area. 161 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Altitude of gage is 1,080 ft (Northern States Power Co).

Maxima. March May 1965; Contents at end of week, 740 million cubic feet Apr. 23 

(gage height, 111.3 ft).

1928 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 779.0 million cubic feet, 

June 30, 1943, and Aug. 31, 1960 (gage height, 111.6 ft).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1882. Reservoir includes Balsam, Hemlock 

and Red Cedar Lakes. Usable capacity is 577.4 million cubic feet between gage 

height 105.0 ft and 110.0 ft (limits established by Northern States Power Cc.).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity table furnished by Northern States Power Co.
A240 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Red Cedar Lake at Mikana, Wis.

Date

Feb. 26--.-

Mar. 5_-_-

12.--.

19-._-

26 __ .

Apr. 2 __ .

9__-.

Gage height

Feet

109

109

109

109

108

108

108

Inches

6

5

5

1

11

6

2

Contents

516

503

503

466

442

394

358

Date

Apr. 16--_.

23 ___

30_.-_

May 7-_._

14- __

21 ____

28 ___

Gage height

Feet

109

111

111

110

110

110

110

Inches

5

4

0

7

11

7

6

Contents

503

740

702

652

690

652

640

(119) 5-3673. Long Lake near Brill, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°40'05", long 91°40'50", in SW^ sec.24, T.37 N., R.ll W., on Brill 

River 1 mile east of Nobleton and 5.4 miles north of Brill.

Drainage area. 82 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Altitude of gage is 1,210 ft (from nearby bench marks).

Maxima. March-May 1965: Contents at end of week, 476 million cubic feet May 28 

(gage height 6.3 ft).

1928 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 565.1 million cubic feet 

July 31, 1928 (gage height, 6.8 ft).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1883. Usable capacity June 1 5 to September 5, 

385.7 million cubic feet between gage height 5.0 ft and 7.2 ft and September 6 to 

June 14, 636.8 million cubic feet between gage height 3.5 ft and 7.2 ft (limits stipulated 

by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity table furnished by Northern States Power Co.

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 26 ____

Mar. 5____

12 ___

19 __ _

26 ___

Apr. 2.---

9 __

Gage height

Feet

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

Inches

8

8

8

8

6

5

4

Contents

371

371

371

371

336

319

302

Date

Apr. 16___.

23 __ .

30--..

May 7___.

14--^.

21 __ .

28 __ .

Gage height

Feet

5

5

5

5

5

6

6

Inches

8

8

7

10

11

2

4

Contents

371

371

354

389

406

459

476
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A241

(120) 5-3674. Bear Lake at Haugen, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°36'30", long 91°46'25", in NEi sec.18, T.36 N., R.ll W., on B»ar 

Creek at Haugen.

Drainage area. 60 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Altitude of gage is 1,140 ft (from nearby bench marks).

Maxima.- March May 1965: Contents at end of week, 230 million cubic feet May 21 

(gage height 89.3 ft).

1928 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 359.8 million cubic feet 

Apr. 30, 1928 (gage height, 90.8 ft).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1880. Reservoir includes Kekegoma and 

Bear Lakes. Usable capacity 413.3 million cubic feet between gage height 87.0 ft and 

91.8 ft (limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity table furnished by Northern States Power Co. 

Gage height, in feet andinches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 26 __ .

Mar. 5 ___

12 __ .

19 __ .

26___.

Apr. 2. 

9 __ .

Gage height

Feet

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

Inches

8

10

8

8

5

2

0

Contents

182

190

182

182

160

145

130

Date

Apr. 16._-

23-.-

30 __

May 7___

14 __

21 __

28 __

Gage height

Feet

89

88

88

89

89

89

89

Inches

1

8

7

0

0

4

2

Contents

213

182

175

205

205

230

222

(121) 5-3674.8. East Branch Pine Creek tributary near Dallas, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°16'50", long 91°48'30", in SW^ sec.l, T.32 N., R.12 W., at cvlvert on 

County Trunk 0, 1.5 miles north of Dallas.

Drainage area. 3.85 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Gage height, 13.71 ft Apr. 10.

1960 to February 1965: Gage height, 18.75ft Aug. 28, 1960.
A242 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(122) 5-3675. Red Cedar River near Colfax, Wis. 

(Gaging station, crest-stage station beginning 1962)

Location. Lat 45°03'50", long 91°42'45", in SW; sec.22, T.30 N., R.ll W., 3.2 miles 

downstream from Trout Creek and 4.7 miles north of Colfax.

Drainage area. 1,100 sq mi (approximately).

Gage-height record. Crest stages only. Altitude of gage is 940 ft (from topographic 

map).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 15,800 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 16,200 cfs Apr. 12, 1965 (gage height 7.99 ft). 

1914 to February 1965: Discharge, 21,900 cfs Apr. 3, 1934 (gage height, 11.4 ft at 

site 1 mile downstream at different datum), from rating curve extended above 

4,900 cfs.

(123) 5-3677. Lightning Creek at Almena, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 45°25'17", long 90°01'57", in NW, sec.19, T.34 N., R.13 V*'., at bridge on 

County Trunk P at the north edge of Almena, 0.8 mi north from intersection with 

U.S. Highway 8.

Drainage area. 19.8 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 334 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, about l,200cfs Apr. 11 (gage height, 12.18 ft).

1958 to February 1965: Discharge, about 1,050 cfs Mar. 27, 1960 (gage height, 

11.99 ft).

(124) 5-3680. Hay River at Wheeler, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°02'50", long 91°54'40", in SW, sec.25, T.30 N., R.13 W., on right 

bank 25 ft downstream from highway bridge in Wheeler, 1.8 miles upstream from 

Otter Creek, and 2.4 miles downstream from South Fork Hay River.

Drainage area. 426 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 13 20. Datum of gage 

is 893.66 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 6,000 cfs and extended above by logarithmic plotting supported by inflow-outflow 

study at powerplant service pond downstream. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 4.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 10,900 cfs 0700 hours Apr. 11 (gage height, 

14.65 ft).

1950 to February 1965: Discharge, 6,700 cfs Mar. 22, 1953 (gage h?ight, 12.36 ft). 

Maximum stage known since at least 1915, 16.6 ft in April 1934, from floodmarks.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Hay River at Wheeler, Wis.

A243

Day

1...

2___

3__.

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9__.

10..

March

300

500

1,000

900

780

700

620

570

520

480

April

176

180

186

200

232

895

3,930

4,990

3,460

5,740

May

376

379

366

349

334

332

334

485

776

469

Day

11__

12__

13__

14. _

15__

16__

17__

18__

19__

20__

March

440

360

320

290

270

240

220

210

200

190

April

9,490

7,720

5,470

3,950

2,950

2,340

1,520

1,100

881

722

May

376

342

310

293

281

334

349

314

293

267

Day

21_.

22_.

23_.

24..

25_.

26_.

27..

28..

29_.

30_.

^i

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff, in inches . . ... _________________ ____________

March

180

170

166

164

164

166

164

162

166

170

172

353

0.96

April May

660 255

595 258

558 251

528 249

505 247

573 281

627 293

549 255

466 240

424 232

____ 228

2,054 327

5.38 0.89

(125) 5-3690. Red Cedar River at Menomonie, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°53'00", long 91°55'55", in NW? sec.26, T.28 N., R.13 W., on right 

bank at Menomonie, 900 ft downstream from powerplant of Northern States Power 

Co., and 1,000 ft downstream from Wilson Creek.

Drainage area. 1,760 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at fifteen-minute intervals.

Datum of gage is 780 ft above mean sea level (Northern States Power Co. bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measrrements 

below 19,000 cfs and extended above partly on basis of computed flow over Cedar 

Falls Dam 6 miles upstream. Mean daily discharges computed from 96 purch-tape 

recordings per day.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 28,700 cfs 0600 hours Apr. 12 (gage height, 

11.56 ft).

1907-8, 1913-23, 1925 to February 1965: Discharge, 40,000 cfs Apr. 4, 1934 

(gage height, 16.0 ft, from floodmarks).

Remarks. Flow regulated by powerplants at Menomonie and Cedar Falls and by Birch, 

Cedar, Long, and Bear Lakes.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3__.

4__.

5__.

6__.

7...

8__.

9...

10..

March

1,240

2,220

1,920

2,190

2,020

1,840

1,580

1,820

1,560

1,510

April

1,010

1,380

1,430

1,370

1,730

3,280

6,250

11,200

11,500

13,300

May

1,870

1,500

1,510

1,180

677

1,020

1,360

1,620

2,400

2,650

Day

11__

12. _

13__

14__

15. _

16_.

17. _

18__

19__

20. _

March

1,250

1,170

1,080

1,100

852

1,210

1,000

1,010

802

884

April

22,200

27,900

22,600

16,000

11,200

8,290

6,300

4,560

4,270

3,300

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second

May

2,080

2,080

2,110

1,610

1,920

1,840

1,550

1,620

1,610

1,430

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31_.

March

777

962

856

855

892

949

873

786

1,100

1,010

1,090

1,239

April

3,000

2,660

2,580

2,520

2,620

2,540

2,540

2,560

2,420

2,050

6,819

May

1,420

1,340

1,370

1,320

1,350

1,520

1,680

1,790

1,700

1,340

1,290

1,605
A244 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time. 1965, of Red Cedar River at

Menomonie, Wis.

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9

10

Hour

0000

0200

0400

1200

1600

2400

0200

0800

1000

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

2000

2400

0200

0600

0800

1400

1600

2400

0200

0800

1200

1400

1600

1800

Gage 

height

3.26

3.24

3.52

3.67

4.23

4.20

4.32

4.51

5.33

5.34

4.84

5.67

5.86

6.54

6.72

6.59

6.59

6.94

5.98

6.78

7.39

7.38

7.06

7.05

6.90

6.49

6.49

7.36

7.33

7.32

7.05

7.04

7.29

7.30

7.57

Discharge

2,380

2,350

2,770

3,010

3,980

3,920

4,150

4,540

6,510

6,540

5,270

7,460

8,010

10,200

10,800

10,300

10,300

11,600

8,370

11,000

13,200

13,200

12,000

12,000

11,400

10,000

10,000

13,100

13,000

13,000

12,000

11,900

12,900

12,900

13,900

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

13

14

Hour

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

1200

1400

2000

2400

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

2400

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

2200

2400

Gage 

height

7.70

8.31

7.84

9.79

8.24

9.34

9.27

10.18

10.14

10.50

11.10

11.23

11.06

11.26

11.39

11.56

11.25

11.41

11.45

11.25

10.96

9.82

9.91

8.34

9.01

9.05

9.00

8.62

8.66

8.01

7.51

8.04

8.03

7.36

7.40

Discharge

14,400

16,600

14,900

22,100

16,400

20,500

20,200

23,600

23,400

24,800

27,000

27,500

26,800

27,600

28,000

28,700

27,500

28,100

28,300

27,500

26,500

22,200

22,600

16,800

19,200

19,400

19,200

17,800

17,900

15,500

13,700

15,600

15,600

13,100

13,300

Date

Apr. 15

16

17

18

19

20

Hour

0200

0400

0800

1000

1200

1600

1800

2000

2400

0200

0600

0800

2400

060C

080C

1600

1800

2400

0200

1400

1600

1800

Gage 

height

7.41

7.00

6.96

6.20

6.96

6.42

6.62

6.62

6.40

6.20

6.18

5.83

5.85

5.84

5.15

5.19

4.86

4.65

4.72

4.63

4.59

4.34

2000 4.64

2200 4.23

2400 4.34

0800 4.33

1000 4.71

1400 4.70

1600 4.26

2400 4.27

0600

0800

1000

2400

4.25

3.37

3.61

3.82

Discharge

13,300

11,800

11,700

9,050

11,700

9,770

10,400

10,400

9,700

9,050

8,990

7,930

7,980

7,960

6,030

6,130

5,320

4,840

5,000

4,800

4,710

4,190

4,820

3,980

4,190

4,170

4,970

4,950

4,030

4,050

4,100

2,540

2,920

3,250
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(126) 5-3695. Chippewa River at Durand, Wis.

A245

Location. Lat 44°37'45", long 91°58'10", in SW^ sec.21, T.25 N., R.13 W., on l°ft bank 

at Durand, 75 ft downstream from highway bridge and 9.5 miles downstream from 

Red Cedar River.

Drainage area. 9,010 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at sixty-minute intervals. Datum 

of gage is 694.59 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 93,000 cfs. Mean daily discharges computed from 24 punch-tape reccrdings 

per day. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 10.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 66,200 cfs 1200 hours Apr. 14 (gage height, 

13.36 ft); gage height, 13.68 ft, probably Apr. 9 (result of ice jam).

1928 to February 1965: Discharge, 101,000 cfs May 3, 1954 (gage height, 15.40 ft). 

Maximum stage known, 18.4 ft Sept. 12, 1884.

Remarks. Flow partly regulated by powerplants. Moose Lake, Lake Chippewa,

Rest Lake, Flambeau Flowage, Lake Wissota, and Birch, Cedar, Bear, and Long Lakes 

on upper Red Cedar River.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1

2...

3...

1__.

5.

6...

7__.

«...

3...

iO_.

March

6,600

8,000

9,200

9,600

9,400

9,400

9,400

9,400

9,200

9,000

April

6,400

6,000

5,600

5,400

6,200

12,000

18,000

27,000

30,000

37,000

May

18,400

14,600

13,400

11,900

11,800

11,600

11,800

12,600

14,200

21,100

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19_.

20..

March

8,400

7,400

6,800

6,200

5,600

5,400

5,600

5,400

5,300

5,600

April

44,300

51,000

57,400

65,200

62,400

57,800

57,200

54,000

49,000

42,700

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second

May

23,700

22,900

19,500

16,300

13,900

16,100

22,900

29,200

29,800

22,900

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

3 1

March

5,300

5,200

5,600

5,800

5,700

5,700

6,000

5,200

4,800

5,800

6,200

6,845

April

39,200

35,000

32,100

30,300

29,300

28,400

23,800

28,800

23,900

22,000

32,910

May

20,200

16,900

15,000

13,700

12,700

13,100

12,900

13,200

13,800

12,800

11,300

16,590

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

A.pr. 6

7

8

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1600

2400

Ga^e 

height

6.33

7.14

8.07

8.88

9.44

9.81

10.07

10.54

11.13

11.95

12.44

12.65

12.54

Discharge

Date

10

11

Hour

0600

1400

1800

2200

2400

0200

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

12.70

12.17

12.66

13.11

12.00

1155

11.14

11.01

10.94

11.00

11.18

11.46

11.69

Discharge

40,700

42,000

44,200

46.100

Date

A.pr. 11

12

1 3

14

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

1800

2400

1200

1800

2400

Gag° 

height

11.8?

12.05

12.25

12.33

12.3?

12.65

12 98

13.19

1329

13.36

1^91

13.20

Discharge

47,800

49,500

51,600

52,500

52,800

56,400

63,700

65,200

66,200

63.800
FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965. ofCmppewa River at 

Durand, Wis. Continued

Date

Apr. 15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Hour

1,200

2400

1200

2400

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

Gage 

height

13.14

12.93

12.74

12.70

12.76

12.70

12.63

12.48

12.27

11.98

11.78

11.28

10.80

10.83

10.63

10.13

9.74

9.62

9.55

9.29

9.11

9.10

9.12

8.97

Discharge

63,000

60,000

57,500

57,000

57,800

57,000

56,100

54,300

51,800

48,800

46,900

42,700

39,300

39,500

38,100

35,100

32,700

32,100

31,700

30,200

29,300

29,200

29,300

28,600

Date

Apr. 26

27

28

29

30

May 9

10

11

Hour

2400

0600

1000

1400

1800

2200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

2400

0400

0600

1200

1400

1800

2000

2400

0600

Gage 

height

8.55

7.92

7.73

7.76

7.96

8.34

8.61

9.27

9.43

8.87

8.12

8.07

7.98

7.92

7.59

7.32

7.16

6.10

6.55

6.80

7.39

7.56

7.80

7.87

7.94

8.04

Discharge

26,400

23,200

22,400

22,500

23,500

25,400

26,800

30,100

31,000

28,000

24,300

24,000

23,600

23,400

22,100

21,000

20,300

16,100

17,900

18,900

21,300

21,900

22,900

23,200

23,500

23,900

Date

May 11

12

17

18

19

20

Hour

1200

2400

100C

120C

180C

240C

0000

0600

1200

1400

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0400

0600

1000

1200

1400

1800

2400

Gage 

height

8.07

7.92

7.90

7.87

7.76

7.31

7.19

7.47

7.56

7.70

8.12

8.61

8.93

9.09

9.26

9.38

9.42

9.27

9.05

8.83

8.60

8.43

7.89

7.64

7.46

7.32

7.17

Discharge

24,000

23,400

23,300

23,200

22,700

20,900

20,500

21,600

21,900

22,500

24,300

26,800

28,400

29,200

30,100

30,700

31,000

30,100

29,000

27,800

26,700

25,800

23,300

22,300

21,500

21,000

20,400

(127) 5-3700, Eau Galle River at Spring Valley, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°51'00", long 92°14'15", between sees.5 and 6, T.27 N., R.15 W., on 

downstream side near center of bridge at Spring Valley, 0.1 mile upstream from 

Mines Creek, 0.5 mile downstream from Lousy Creek, and at mile 29.96.

Drainage area. 64.8 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Wire-weight gage read twice daily. Graph drawn on basis of 

numerous wire-weight gage readings daily and crest data during rises. Datum of 

gage is 910.45 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929 (Corps of Engineers bench 

mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 4,700 cfs and a slope-area measurement at 4,700 cfs. Backwater from ice 

Mar. 9 to Apr. 2.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 4,130 cfs at 2000 hours Apr. 10 (gage height 

10.50 ft).

1944 to February 1965: Discharge, 7,000 cfs Apr. 15, 1954 (gage height, 11.50 ft). 

Maximum stage known since at least 1894, 18.98 ft, Sept. 18, 1942, from floodmarks 

(discharge, 33,000 cfs, estimated by Corps of Engineers on basis of slope-area 

measurement by Geological Survey of peak discharge of 39,000 cfs at Elmwood, 

drainage area, 91.9 sq mi).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, ofEau Galle River at Spring Valley, Wis.

A247

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

1,020

463

95

64

43

50

50

30

20

16

April

12

14

16

50

217

1,650

1,850

698

1,280

2.000

May

11

10

10

10

12

11

20

389

248

18

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

15

12

15

13

12

10

10

9

9

8

April

1,630

441

238

98

91

55

38

28

17

14

May

10

9.4

9.0

9.0

8.5

113

18

9.7

8.3

7.9

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Runoff, in inchcs

March

8

9

8

8

9

9

9

9

9

9

10

66.5

1.18

April

12

12

13

14

14

49

41

20

14

12

355

6.11

May

7.9

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.2

7.2

7.2

8.1

33.0

0.59

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 1

2

Apr. 4

5

6

Hour

0000

0200

0600

0800

1200

1600

1800

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1800

2400

2400

1200

1600

2000

2400

0200

0400

0800

1200

1600

Gage 

height

2.30

2.55

3.40

3.92

5.30

6.95

7.30

7.20

6.60

5.30

4.32

3.85

3.30

3.00

2.30

2.52

3.75

4.76

5.00

4.82

5.10

6.90

7.40

7.90

Discharge

50

66

179

305

855

1,880

2,160

2,080

1,600

855

428

298

160

112

50

60

240

546

640

568

680

1,590

1,890

2.230

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9

10

Hour

1800

2000

2400

0600

1200

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1000

1400

1800

2000

2200

2400

0400

Gage 

height

8.15

7.90

7.40

6.95

6.70

7.05

8.00

8.80

8.00

7.15

6.00

4.90

4.45

4.60

4.80

4.00

3.35

4.00

6.00

9.60

9.55

8.40

6.50

5.30

Discharge

2,400

2,230

1,890

1,620

1,470

1,680

2,300

2,860

2,300

1,740

1,080

600

438

490

560

300

160

300

1,080

3.420

3,380

2,580

1,350

760

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

13

Hour

0800

1200

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0400

0800

1200

1400

1800

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2000

2400

0600

1200

1600

2000

2400

Gag? 

height

5.10

6. CO

9. CO

10. CO

10. fO

9.fO

9.20

7.70

6.30

5.90

6.50

7.^0

7.00

5.50

4.00

3.80

4.60

4.85

4.70

3.10

2.85

3.60

4.40

3.90

Discharge

680

1,080

3,000

3,720

4,130

3,640

3,140

2,090

1,230

1,030

1,350

1,890

1,650

845

300

250

490

580

525

114

77

210

420

275
A248 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(128) 5 3706. Arkansaw Creek Tributary near Arkansaw, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°38'31", long 92°03'09", in SW£ sec.14, T.25 N., R.14 W g> at box culvert 

on U.S. Highway 10, 0.6 mile east of intersection with County Trunk Z, 1.2 miles 

northwest of Arkansaw, and 4 miles west of Chippewa River bridge in Durand.

Drainage area. 2.56 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Gage height, 13.37 ft Apr. 10.

1959 to February 1965: Gage height, 12.80 ft Mar. 28, 1962.

(129) 5-3709. Spring Creek near Durand, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°34'13", long 91°57'48", in Si sec.9, T.24 N., R.13 W., at bridge on 

country road approximately 0.2 mile upstream from County Trunk AA crossing and 

4 miles south of Chippewa River Bridge in Durand.

Drainage area. 6.49 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 335 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 390 cfs Apr. 7 (gage height, 12.92 ft). 

1962 to February 1965: Gage height, 13.28 ft July 17, 1963.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM

(130) Mississippi River at Lock and Dam 4 near Alma, Wis. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 44°20', long 91° 56', in sec.2, T.21 N., R.13 W., at Lock and Dam 4 in 

Alma, and at river mile 752.87 above Ohio River.

Gage-height record. Peak stages from pool and tailwater water-stage recorder graphs.

Discharge record. Corps of Engineers stage-discharge relation extended on the basis 

of three Geological Survey current-meter measurements.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 256,000 cfs 1200 hours Apr. 19 (elevations, 

676.45 ft pool, 675.78 ft, tailwater).

1935 to March 1965: Discharge, 187,000 cfs Apr. 19, 1952 (elevations, 673.30 ft 

pool, 672.30 ft tailwater).

Cooperation. Records furnished by Corps of Engineers.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A249

ZUMBRO RIVER BASIN 

(131) 5-3730. South Fork Zumbro River near Rochester, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°04'00", long 92°27'55", in SE? sec.14, T.107 N., R.14 W., on left 

bank 30 ft upstream from ford, a quarter of a mile downstream from sewage plant, 

1.6 miles north of Rochester, 2 miles downstream from Cascade Creek, and 1\ miles 

downstream from Silver Lake Dam.

Drainage area. 304 sq mi.

Gage-height. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 1 3, 10 11 and 19 25. Graph 

was reconstructed Mar. 1 3, on the basis of adjacent record and floodmark. Datum 

of gage is 949.56 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Discharge Mar. 10 11 and 19 25 was estimated on the basis of one discharge measurement and weather records.

Maxima. Given in the following table.

March-May 1965:

Mar. 1, 1900 hours __ __.

Apr. 6, 1130 hours. -_.___ ___ 

1952 to February 1965:

Mar. 29, 1962 ___ . 

Discharge

(cfs)

19,600

8,010

18,000

Gage height 

(feet) 

19.12 

13.55

18.46

Previous maximum stage known since at least 1908, about 17.5 ft, July 21, 1951, 

from information by sewage plant superintendant.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!_-.

2...

3...

4...

5__.

6...

7__.

8...

9-_.

10_.

March

10,900

2,320

502

275

205

172

145

119

100

92

April

1,040

1,590

2,020

5,020

4,540

6,430

3,240

4,100

2,790

1,400

May

133

125

129

119

170

225

178

145

129

113

Day

11_.

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19__

20. _

March

82

79

75

75

71

66

66

52

47

47

April

1,030

1,150

406

280

245

200

188

185

170

141

May

108

102

98

95

113

155

125

136

98

89

Day

21_.

22..

23_.

24..

25..

26_.

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff, in ir

March

46

46

47

49

50

46

46

42

44

53

119

519

1.97

April

129

120

120

127

250

377

268

202

172

149

1,269

4.66

May

85

78

76

80

113

334

296

155

110

98

94

132

0.502
^2 50 FLOODS OP 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of South Fork Zumbro

River near Rochester, Minn.

Date

Feb. 27

28

Mar. 1

2

3

29

30

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1400

1800

2400

0500

1000

1200

1600

1900

2400

0200

0400

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

1900

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0800

1000

1300

1800

2400

0600

1800

2400

2400

0800

1400

1800

2400

Gage 

height

1.94

1.88

1.98

2.00

2.60

2.27

2.10

2.27

2.48

4.06

6.15

7.75

9.70

11.25

13.25

15.00

16.20

17.00

17.85

18.60

19.12

18.30

16.25

14.60

12.90

11.50

9.15

7.05

6.61

5.85

5.30

5.05

4.54

4.24

2.82

2.75

2.84

3.18

2.97

Discharge

22

19

23

24

82

41

27

38

60

433

934

1,390

2,390

4,020

7,590

10,600

13,000

14,700

16,600

18,300

19,600

17,600

13,200

9,890

7,030

4,250

2,170

1,030

953

778

640

580

430

346

43

37

45

89

60

Date

Mar. 31

Apr. 1

2

3

4

5

6

Hour

0800

1400

1800

2200

2400

0600

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1100

1800

2200

2400

0900

1500

2000

2300

2400

0600

0900

1000

1400

1700

2100

2400

0100

0500

1000

1200

1600

1800

2400

0600

1130

1400

1800

Gage 

height

2.81

3.12

3.66

3.65

4.13

4.55

5.33

6.24

7.20

7.80

7.14

6.28

5.99

7.16

7.66

7.37

6.79

7.19

8.34

10.03

9.94

10.73

10.37

11.56

11.25

12.02

11.58

13.18

13.22

12.63

11.39

10.76

9.98

10.39

11.17

12.02

13.55

13.46

13.38

Discharge

42

80

203

213

460

616

802

1,220

1,740

2,070

1,710

1,240

1,100

1,720

1,990

1,830

1,510

1,730

2,450

3,830

3,840

4,630

4,450

5,380

4,980

5,660

5,180

6,940

7,360

6,160

4,120

3,630

3,040

3,330

3,900

4,890

8,010

7,870

7,740

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Hour

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

1700

2000

2200

2400

0400

0800

1100

1600

1800

2000

2330

2400

0400

0600

0800

1200

1500

1630

1800

2400

0100

0600

1600

2400

0600

1200

1600

2400

0500

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

12.57

11.38

9.12

8.14

9.00

8.28

10.42

11.32

12.40

11.59

10.07

9.16

10.25

11.30

12.25

13.27

13.23

11.84

1-0.74

9.50

8.13

7.72

5.88

6.94

8.09

8.11

7.24

6.50

6.74

6.25

5.80

5.53

6.89

8.15

6.06

4.91

4.45

4.19

Discharge

6,080

4,110

2,440

1,930

2,340

2,000

3,400

4,050

5,310

4.340

3,120

2,470

3,260

4,030

5,140

7,160

7,120

4,640

3,660

2,740

1,920

1,810

942

1,430

1,900

1,910

1,540

1,150

1,270

1,080

870

762

1,400

1,930

980

518

395

317
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 5 1

(132) 5 3737. North Fork Zumbro River tributary near Wanamingo, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°17'10", long 92°52'20", in SE^SE^ sec.32, T.110 N., R.17 W., at culvert 

on County Highway 1, 3| miles upstream from mouth, and 4| miles southwest of 

Wanamingo.

Drainage area. 9.36 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by indirect measurements at 

607 cfs and 1,310 cfs.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 870 cfs Apr. 7 (gage height, 13.00 ft, backwater 

from ice); gage height, 14.81 ft Mar. 1 (backwater from ice).

1960 to February 1965: Gage height, 18.14 ft Mar. 28, 1962, backwater from ice 

(discharge not determined).

(133) 5-3740. Zumbro River at Zumbro Falls, Minn.

Location. Lat 44° 17'12", long 92°25'26", in sec.36, T.110 N., R.14 W., on left bank in 

Zumbro Falls, 1,000 ft downstream from Spring Creek, 0.7 mile upstream fro*n 

highway bridge on U.S. Highway 63, and 6.3 miles downstream from North Branch.

Drainage area. 1,130 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15 minute intervals except

0500 hours Mar. 1 to 1200 hours Mar. 29 when record was obtained from the auxiliary 

record graph. For the period Mar. 1 3 the graph was constructed on the basis of 

floodmark and partial gage height record. Datum of gage is 811.26 ft above m^an 

sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Mean daily discharge computed from 96 punch-tape readings per day. Mar. 4 and Mar. 

30 to May 31.

Maxima. Given in the following table.

Discharge Gage height

March-May 1965: (cfs) (feet) 

Mar. 2, 0500 hours ____________________.___ 29,600 28.40

Apr. 7, 0200 hours _________-___________ 26,800 27.26 

1909-17, 1929 to February 1965:

July 22, 1951 _________-_--_____.-____.____ 35,900 30.80

Flood of April 1888 reached a stage of abour 30.5 ftat presentsite or 29.7 ftatoriginal 

site. Flood in 1859 is known to have exceeded that of 1888 (gage height not determined).

Remarks. Diurnal fluctuation at low and medium flows caused by powerplant atove 

station.

317-045 O - 70 - 17
A252 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Zumbro River at Zumbro Falls, Minn.

Day

1__.

2___

3...

4...

5...

6___

7...

8. -J

f ...

10..

March

12,600

22,800

4,020

1,550

1,130

1,020

992

946

533

462

April

767

1,650

3,470

10,300

18,200

21,600

23,100

19,700

17,100

10,300

May

375

217

512

677

665

665

884

653

325

501

Day

11-.

12.-

13..

14.-

15. _

16..

17__

18..

19-_

2Q__

March

542

574

282

152

289

514

394

264

374

211

April

8,500

5,650

3,110

2,030

1,620

1,360

1,230

1,160

1,120

1,050

May

599

593

523

413

228

599

1,280

871

803

707

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

3 1

Runoff, in inches ._..._..._....__......._..___ .. __-_.._

March

109

250

245

158

227

217

187

95

297

512

527

1,693

1.73

April

1,020

1,000

1,000

761

779

1,150

1,190

1,050

982

949

5,430

5.36

May

677

316

201

501

569

653

635

653

308

192

177

547

0.56

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Feb. 28

Mar. 1

2

3

4

Hour

0000

1000

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0500

0900

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

6.51

6.48

6.93

7.44

8.10

9.54

11.12

13.46

15.60

17.35

18.85

21.20

23.32

24.50

25.35

26.17

27.18

27.75

28.40

27.84

26.87

25.85

24.50

23.00

21.40

19.82

18.00

16.68

15.35

14.00

12.35

11.23

10.98

10.37

9.78

9.50

9.20

8.98

Discharge

97

91

220

435

794

1,760

2,950

4,860

7,060

9,260

11,200

14,600

18,100

20,600

22,400

24,200

26,600

28,000

29,600

28,200

25,800

23,500

20,600

17,600

14,900

12,600

10,100

8,380

6,780

5,360

3,930

3,030

2,830

2,370

1,930

1,730

1,520

1,370

Date

Mar. 4

Apr. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Hour

2400

0000

1000

1400

1800

2400

1000

1600

2000

2400

0200

0800

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1400

1800

2000

2400

0600

1000

1600

2200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

8.81

8.09

6.94

8.15

8.84

9.00

8.73

9.64

10.52

10.15

9.92

11.06

11.89

13.31

15.06

16.11

16.77

17.71

19.89

20.94

21.90

22.39

22.79

23.95

24.48

24.37

23.90

24.36

25.94

27.13

27.26

26.77

25.00

25.19

24.17

Discharge

1,250

788

216

813

1,260

1,370

1,790

1,810

2,460

2,190

2,020

2,890

3,550

4,720

6,440

7,670

8,490

9,710

12,700

14,200

15,700

16,500

17,200

19,400

20,500

20,300

19,300

20,300

23,700

26,400

26,800

25,600

21,600

22,000

19,900

Date

Apr. 8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Hour

OfOO

OPOO

1400

1800

2^00

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2300

2400

0300

0600

1200

1900

2000

2400

0400

1100

1500

1800

2400

0<500

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

23.42

23.32

24.19

24.98

24.19

23.32

23.01

22.22

20.24

18.42

17.63

17.72

17.96

17.92

17.79

17.26

16.59

15.99

15.98

16.51

15.41

14.17

13.99

13.54

12.62

11.83

11.14

10.79

10.42

9.93

9.54

9.36

9.17

Discharge

18,300

18,100

19,900

21,600

19,900

18,100

17,600

16,200

13,200

10,600

9,620

9,740

10,000

10,000

9,830

9,140

8,270

7,530

7,520

8,160

6,840

5,530

5,350

4,940

4,390

3,510

2,960

2,680

2,400

2,040

1,760

1,630

1,500
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A253

WHITE WATER RIVER BASIN 

(134) 5 3765. South Fork Whitewater River near Altura, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°04'10", long 91°58'49", in SE^ sec.14, T.107 N., R.10 W., on left bank 

500 ft upstream from highway bridge, 1.4 miles upstream from small tributary entering from the west, 2 miles west of Altura, and 2.4 miles upstream from Keefer Creek.

Drainage area. 76.8 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except 1930 hours Feb. 28 to 0500 

hours Mar. 2 when graph was constructed on the basis of floodmarks and adjacent 

record. Datum of gage is 761.80 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912 (levels 

by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Feb. 28, Mar. 1, 12, 17-24.

Maxima. Given in following table.

March-May 1965:

Mar. 1, 1300 hours -- 

Apr. 7, 1630 hours .-

1939 to February 1965: 

Aug. 31, 1947 ___.__.

Discharge 

(cfs) 

1,300 

2,360

5,460

Gage height

(feet)

a8.14

7.23

10.61

aBackwater from ice.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2..^

3__ H

4 --1

5...

6..J

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

700

274

32

22

18

15

15

12

12

11

April

217

385

392

994

968

1,500

1,100

1,140

492

228

May

15

14

15

14

16

34

32

24

22

19

Day

11_-

12..

13..

14_.

15..

16..

17..

18..

19.-

20..

March

11

10

12

12

11

11

11

10

10

10

April

298

290

54

38

32

26

23

22

21

18

May

18

17

16

14

14

22

21

18

16

14

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff, in in "*h.GS

March

10

10

10

11

11

11

11

10

11

11

13

43.2

0.65

April

17

16

16

16

19

29

27

21

19

17

281

4.08

May

14

13

14

14

14

17

19

16

14

14

14

17.4

0.26

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Feb. 28

Mar. 1

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1500

1700

1900

2100

2400

0600

Gage 

height

1.21

1.16

119

1.16

2 31

2 72

6.65

Discharge

Date

Mar 1

2

Hour

1200

1300

1400

1800

2400

0400

0600

0900 

1400

Gage 

height

8.09

8.14

8.13

6.88

4.70

3.61

3.11

2.38 

1.79

Discharge

1,300

820

565

411

233 

128

Date Hour

1700

2000

2400

0000

0200

0300

0400

0500 

0600

Gage 

height

1.7*

1.48

1.21

.76

1.02

.98

1.12

1.20 

1.70

Discharge

120

86

59

25

43

40

51

58 

114
A254 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of South Fork Whitcwu/ci 

River near Altura, Minn. Continued

Date

Apr. 1

2

3

4

5

Hour

0700

0800

1100

1200

1300

1500

1700

1800

2000

2400

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2100

2400

0400

0800

1000

1100

1200

1400

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2400

0400

Gage 

height

1.66

1.70

1.59

2.05

2.34

2.75

3.08

3.22

3.18

2.75

2.22

2.50

2.47

2.33

2.35

2.63

3.12

3.82

4.17

3.68

2.88

2.34

2.18

2.15

2.19

2.33

3.15

3.70

4.18

4.24

4.15

4.09

3.96

3.92

4.03

4.64

5.57

5.98

6.01

5.51

4.85

Discharge

108

114

99

170

225

315

402

444

422

315

201

258

252

223

227

287

414

632

744

588

348

225

193

188

195

223

423

594

748

768

738

719

677

664

700

918

1,330

1,520

1,540

1,300

1,000

Date

Apr. 5

6

7

8

Hour

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0400

0600

1000

1200

1600

1800

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1100

1200

1300

1400

1500

1630

1900

2100

2400

0200

0500

0900

1000

1100

1200

1300

1400

1500

1700

Gage 

height

4.00

3.59

3.38

3.90

4.82

5.46

5.58

5.49

5.62

6.05

6.04

5.61

5.83

6.52

6.27

5.59

5.17

4.61

3.96

3.77

2.72

2.54

2.60

3.48

4.95

6.25

6.97

7.23

6.54

5.83

4.86

4.26

3.22

2.50

2.73

3.32

4.33

5.15

6.16

6.66

7.12

Discharge

690

559

493

658

992

1,280

1,330

1,290

1,350

1,560

1,550

1,340

1,440

1,810

1,660

1,340

1,150

906

677

490

308

267

280

524

1,050

1,660

2,140

2,360

1,820

1,440

1,010

774

444

258

310

474

799

1,140

1,610

1,900

2,260

Date

Apr. 8

9

10

11

12

Hour

1900

2100

2400

0200

0400

C600

C800

1000

1200

1400

1600

2000

2200

2400

C400

0800

1000

1200

1400

1500

1800

2000

2400

0600

1200

1700

1800

1900

2000

2100

2400

0200

0400

0600

1000

1400

1600

2000

2400

Gage 

height

7.10

6.48

5.14

5.00

4.00

3.19

2.63

2.30

2.44

3.77

3.73

2.96

2.70

2.59

2.22

1.91

1.90

2.00

2.40

2.49

2.41

2.85

2.60

2.11

1.67

2.13

3.55

4.11

3.78

4.08

3.76

3.48

3.74

3.50

2.66

2.06

1.78

1.48

1.35

Discharge

2,240

1,780

1,130

1,070

690

435

287

217

245

490

604

369

303

278

201

147

145

162

237

256

239

340

280

181

110

184

546

725

620

716

603

524

607

530

294

172

126

86

72
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 5 5

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM

(135) Mississippi River at Lock and Dam 5 near Minneiska, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 44°10', long 91°50', in sec. 7, T.108 N., R.8 W., at Lock and Dam 5, 3| 

miles southeast of Minneiska, and at river mile 738.27 above Ohio River.

Gage-height record. Peak stages from pool and tailwater water-stage recorder graphs. 

Datum of gages is 600.00 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Corps of Engineers stage-discharge relation extended on the basis 

of two Geological Survey current-meter measurements.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 263,000 cfs 1600 hours Apr. 19 (elevations, 

668.73 ft, pool, 667.85 ft tailwater).

1935 to March 1965: Discharge, 190,500 cfs Apr. 20, 1952 (elevations., 664.59 ft 

pool, 663.84 ft tailwater).

Cooperation. Records furnished by Corps of Engineers.

WAUMANDEE CREEK BASIN

(136) 5-3782. Eagle Creek near Fountain City, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°09'49", long 91°42'28", in SW{ sec.33, T.20 N., R.ll W., at bridge on 

County Trunk G, 2.5 miles north of Fountain City.

Drainage area. 26.8 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 431 cfs and by contracted-opening measurement at 930 cfs.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 1,060 cfs Apr. 7 (gage height, 14.82 ft).

1961 to February 1965: Discharge, 930 cfs Mar. 25, 1961 (gage height, 14.32 ft).
A256 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(137) 5-3785. Mississippi River at Winona, Minn.

Location. Lat 44°03'20", long 91°38'15", in sec.23, T.107 N., R.7 W., on right bank at 

Winona pumping station in Winona, 9f miles upstream from Trempealeau River and 

at mile 725.7 upstream from the Ohio River. Auxiliary water-stage recorder at 

navigation dam 5A in sec.9, T.107 N., R.7 W., 2.7 miles upstream.

Drainage area. 59,200 sq mi. approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except 1200 hours Apr. 15 to 1600 

hours Apr. 28 when graph was constructed on basis of several gage readings by 

engineers and twice-daily gage readings by Corps of Engineers on temporary staff 

gage and floodmark.

For auxiliary gage, water-stage recorder graph.

Datum of base gage is 639.64 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929, and for the 

auxiliary gage, 600.00 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-fall-discharge relation affected by changes in slope and defined 

by current-meter measurements. Fall was a factor in computing discharge Apr. 4, 5. 

Backwater from ice Apr. 1-4.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 268,000 cfs 2400 hours Apr. 19 (gage height, 

20.77 ft, from floodmark).

1880 to March 1965: Discharge, 190,000 cfs Apr. 20, 1952 (gage height, 17.91).

Remarks. Some regulation by reservoirs, navigation dams, and powerplants at low and 

medium stages. Flood flow not materially affected by artificial storage.

Cooperation. Gage height record at dam 5A furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1. _____

2. __ ..

3__ ___

4. __ ..

5______

6__.___

7_.____

8_ __ __

9_____.

10_.___

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

14,400 

21,300 

27,200 

35,600 

53,200 

66,800 

77,300 

87,600 

98,400 

104,000

May

154,000 

144,000 

135,000 

124,000 

115,000 

107,000 

99,800 

94,900 

91,800 

88,700

Day

11. _ ___

12_____

13.....

14.....

15.....

16.....

17_____

18.....

19--.-.

20_- __

April

112,000 

121,000 

131,000 

150,000 

178,000 

210,000 

215,000 

238,000 

263,000 

264,000

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

87,600 

91,100 

93,700 

94,800 

94,200 

92,500 

89,200 

89,200 

91,200 

93,200

Day

21_____

22.....

23..... 

24_.__.

25.....

26.-.-.

27.. __ 

28 __ .. 

29 __ ._

30 __ -.

31_____

d ........._....-

April

257,000 

250,000 

238,000 

227,000 

216,000 

205,000 

195,000 

184,000 

173,000 

164,000

152,600 

2.88

May

93,200 

89,600 

84,300 

79,600 

75,700 

74,300 

73,300 

71,800 

69,900 

69,500 

69,900

94,260 

1.84
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Winoiia. Minn.

A257 

of Mississippi River al

Date

Apr. 14

15

16

17

Hour

0000

1200

2400

1200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200

0600

1200

Gage 

height

15.31

15.95

16.72

17.62

18.41

18.85

19.14

19.39

19.76

19.81

19.24

19.10

Discharge

138,000

149,000

163,000

178,000

194,000

204,000

210,000

217,000

227,000

228,000

213,000

210,000

Date

Apr. 17

18

19

20

Hour

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

19.20

19.47

19.82

20.12

20.33

20.48

20.60

20.67

20.70

20.77

20.70

20.67

Discharge

212,000

219,000

229,000

239,000

247,000

254,000

260,000

264,000

265,000

268,000

265,000

264,000

Date

Apr. 20

21

22

23

24

Hour

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

20.62

20.57

20.42

20.30

20.19

19.84

19.68

19.44

19.20

18.92

Discharge

262,000

261,000

257,000

254,000

251,000

242,000

238,000

232,000

227,000

221,000

GILMORE CREEK BASIN

(138) 5-3790. Gilmore Creek at Winona, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°02'40", long 91°41'25", N| sec.29, T.I07 N., R.7 W., on left bank at 

west edge of Winona, 1,500 ft upstream from bridge on U.S. Highway 14, and 2|- miles 

upstream from Lake Winona.

Drainage area. 8.95 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 380 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 436 cfs Apr. 7 (gage height, 4.65 ft, backwater 

from debris).

1939 to February 1965: Discharge, 5,360 cfs July 21, 1951 (gage height, 9.47 ft), 

from rating curve extended above 260 cfs on basis of slope-area measurement at 

2,200 cfs and logarithmic plotting.

TREMPEALEAU RIVER BASIN

(139) 5-3794. Trempealeau River at Arcadia, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°15'15", long 91°30'25", in SW| sec.32, T.21 N., R.9 W., near ri?ht 

bank on downstream side of bridge on State Highways 93 and 95 in Arcadia, half a 

mile downstream from Turton Creek.

Drainage area. 552 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Wire-weight gage read twice daily. Graph drawn on basis of 

numerous wire-weight gage readings daily during rises. Datum of gage is 719.61 ft 

above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 7,200 cfs and extended by logarithmic plotting. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to 

Apr. 5.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 9,740 cfs at 2200 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

7.15 ft); gage height, 8.04 ft 1600 hours Mar. 2 (backwater from ice).

1960 to February 1965: Discharge, 7,840 cfs Mar. 26, 1961 (gage height, 6.£5 ft).
A258

Mean discharge, in cubic feel per second, 1965. of Trempealeait River at Arcadia, Wis.

Day

!___

2___

3__.

4...

5. __

6...

7___

8...

9__.

10..

March

700

2,000

3,000

2,000

1,600

1,400

1,800

2,300

1,900

1,250

April

270

500

800

1,800

4,000

7,400

8,010

6,470

3,990

3,030

May

384

375

372

378

375

494

399

351

327

316

Day

11..

12_.

13__

14__

15__

16__

17. _

18__

19_-

20. _

March

1,000

780

660

560

470

430

390

350

310

290

April

2,850

2,860

1,860

1,240

888

724

662

696

635

560

May

299

285

272

264

252

272

272

321

304

272

Day

21..

22_.

23_.

24_.

25_.

26_.

27..

28_.

29_.

30_.

31_.

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff , in iriches

March

280

270

260

250

240

240

240

240

230

230

240

836

1.75

April

513

484

477

474

536

968

830

675

510

436

----

1,839

3.72

May

247

238

238

234

234

339

436

412

321

285

267

317

0.66

Gnge height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

1\/T or* 9

Mar. 3

Apr. 3

Hour

0000

0400

0800

1200

1600

1800

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

1700

2000

2400

1200

2400

0000

0200

0600

1200

1400

1800

2200

2400

Gage 

height

2.60

3.60

4.40

5 15

5.85

6.35

6.70

6.85

6.75

6.70

6.95

8.04

6.90

6.40

5.90

5.50

3.20

3.60

3.99

3.80

3.76

4.13

4.52

4.80

Discharge Date

Apr. 7

Hour

0200

0600

1000

1400

1600

2000

2400

0800

1600

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000 

2200

2400

040D

1000

1600

2200

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

5.10

^ "ZA

5 38

5 41

5.68

5.82

5.81

^ Q3

6.03

6.14

6.52

6.75

6.83

7.10 

7.15

7.12

6 95

6.56

6.75

6.93

6.80

6.65

6.40

Discharge

4,940

5,280

6,670

8,090

9,470 

9,740

9,580

8,700

6,840

7,700

8,600

7,940

7,240

6,180

Date

Apr. 11

Apr. 12

Apr. 13

Apr. 14

Hour

ieoo

2COO

2400

oeoo

1£00

2400

oeoo

1200

1800

2400

oeoo

1200

1800

2400

oeoo

1200 

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

6.48

6.18

5 95

5.70

5.62

5.50

5.35

5.18

4.90

5.05

4.96

5.15

5.32

5.10

5.00 

5.12

4.80

3.95

3.42

3.08

2.64

Discharge

6,500

5,410

4,700

4,040

3,850

3,580

3,290

3,010

2,620

2,820

2,960

3,240

2,890

2,750 

2,920

2,500

1,760

1,430

1,250

1,040
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(140) 5-3795. Trempealeau River at Dodge, Wis.

A259

Location. Lat 44°07'55", long 91°33'10", in sec.10, T.19 N., R.10 W., near left bank on 

downstream side of highway bridge in Dodge, 9 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 643 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Wire-weight gage read twice daily. Graph drawn on basis of 

wire-weight gage readings and supplemented by crest gage readings during r: ses. 

Datum of gage is 663.42 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measursments 

below 15,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 6.

Maxima. March to May 1965: Discharge, 12,100 cfs 2200 hours Apr. 7 (gage height, 

9.40 ft).

1913-19, 1934 to February 1965: Discharge, 17,400 cfs Apr. 4, 1956 (gage height, 

10.35 ft).

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!_-.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

600

900

1,800

4,000

2,400

1,800

1,600

1,500

2,700

2,400

April

260

400

600

1,000

2,000

5,000

9,970

9,930

6,470

4,280

May

520

489

487

505

505

549

559

485

428

400

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

1,400

1,000

800

600

500

450

400

360

330

310

April

3,670

3,460

2,840

1,940

1,300

957

796

820

809

743

May

388

361

346

331

325

357

356

400

404

359

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff, in in

March

290

280

270

260

260

250

250

250

240

230

240

925

1.66

April

626

595

564

583

660

1,010

1,030

826

675

571

May

327

306

293

285

278

361

507

498

458

361

323

2,146 405

3.72 0.73

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

War. 1

2

3

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1600

1800

2200

Gage 

height

1.80

2.20

3.10

4.10

4.32

4.28

4.28

4.40

4.70

5.10

6.00

7.10

7.70

8.10

Discharge Date

Mar. 3

4

5

6

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1600

9fiftn

2400

0600

0800

1800

2400

Gage 

height

8.15

8.10

8.00

7.80

7.15

6.85

7 9 CL

7 9H

6.80

6.30

6.25

6.50

5.70

Discharge Date

8

g

10

Hour

0600

2400

1200

1600

1800

2400

1200

1600

2400

Gage 

height

c; on

5.80

5 25

5.10

6.00

6 95

7 20

7 20

6.84

6 S^

6.60

6.21

Discharge
A260 TLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965. of Trempealeau River at

Dodge, Wis. Continued

Date

Mar 1 1

4

5

Hour

0600

1200

1800

2400

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

5.55

5.30

4.95

2.98

3.03

3.38

3.95

A. ^A.

4.70

4.95

5.28

5.73

6.31

i 6.92

Discharge

Date

6

7

8

9

Hour

1800

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2200

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200

1800

Gage 

height

7.42

8.45

8.80 

8.92

9.20

9.40

9.38

9.00 

8.90

8.92

8.70

8.42 

8.18

7.98

Discharge

7,480

9,100 

9,700

11,100

12,100

12,000

10,100 

9,600

9,700

8,620

7,350 

6,290

5,470

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

.12

13,

14

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800 

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200 

24PO

Gage 

height

7.82

7.70

7.60

7.36 

7.28

7.20

7.20

7.08

6.86

6.50

6.00

5.26 

4.60

Discharge

4,910

4,570

4,330

3,880 

3,750

3,640

3,490

3,230

2,850

2,420

1,900 

1,530

BLACK RIVER BASIN

(141) 5 3809. Poplar River near Owen, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°53'10", long 90°34'17", in NW| sec.25, T.28 N., R.2 W., at bridge on 

County Trunk N., 1.3 miles east of Longwood, and 4.2 miles south of Owen.

Drainage area. 1 59 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 7,160 cfs.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 5,750 cfs 1500 hours Apr. 11 (gage height, 

17.95 ft).

1958 to February 1965: Discharge, 8,250 cfs June 5, 1958 (gage height, 19.46 ft).

(142) 5-3810. Black River at Neillsville, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°33'35", long 90°36'50", in sec.15, T.24 N., R.2 W., or right bank at 

downstream side of bridge on U.S. Highway 10 in Neillsville, 1 mile downstream from 

O'Neill Creek and 2.6 miles upstream from Cunningham Creek.

Drainage area. 756 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at sixty-minute intervals. Datum 

of gage is 962.77 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 40,000 cfs. Mean daily discharges computed from 24 punch-tape recordings 

per day. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-9, 11-22, Mar. 26 to Apr. 4.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 18,300 cfs 0400 hours Apr. 12 (gage height, 

15.28 ft).

1905-09, 1913 to February 1965: Discharge, 48,800 cfs Sept. 10, 1938 (gage height, 

23.8 ft).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Black River at Neillsville, Wis.

A261

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5___

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

400

2,500

2,000

1,550

1,600

1,650

1,750

1,800

2,000

1,390

April

76

80

105

130

464

1,880

4,300

5,520

5,460

7,820

May

1,260

1,030

981

1,010

898

987

1,420

1,470

1,360

1,720

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15. _

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

880

660

500

350

240

200

160

145

135

125

April

15,200

16,900

11,600

8,520

6,810

5,450

4,060

3,790

3,640

3,080

May

1,430

1,010

764

584

463

588

1,220

1,330

1,260

1,010

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean Hisrharop in nnhin fept ner second

Runoff, in in

March

125

135

159

132

110

92

84

76

74

73

74

683

1.04

April

2,690

2,560

2,460

2,140

2,560

5,200

6,180

4,050

2,520

1,700

-----

4,565

6.74

May

735

527

398

321

282

1,550

2,260

1,730

1,080

729

518

1,030

1.57

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

10

Hour

0000

0400

1000

1400

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

1400

2200

2400

0800

1400

2000

2200

2400

0400

1200

1800

Gage 

height

7.81

7.91

7.60

7.99

9.59

9.72

9.65

9.88

11.32

10.20

9.62

8.71

8.94

8.78

8.24

8.73

11.04

10.51

10.54

10.64

9.90

10.53

Discharge

3,280

3,400

3,050

3,510

6,020

6,260

6,130

6,540

9,240

7,120

6,080

4,560

4,920

4,670

3,850

4,590

8,700

7,690

7,750

7,940

6,580

7,730

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

13

14

15

Hour

2400

0600

1000

1400

2000

2400

0400

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

12.18

13.74

13.99

13.90

14.81

15.23

15.28

14.58

14.47

14.11

13.14

12.09

11.96

11.62

11.22

10.86

10.74

10.44

10.12

Discharge

11,000

14,400

15,100

14,800

17,100

18,200

18,300

16,600

16,300

15,400

13,000

10,800

10,500

9,840

9,040

8,350

8,130

7,560

6,980

Date

Apr. 1 5

16

26

27

28

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0000

0200

1000

1800

2200

2400

0600

1600

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

9.99

9.96

9.78

9.52

9.2f

9.04

8.81

8.7C

8.81

8.30

9.6f

10. 2P

10.20

9.72

9.70

9.28

8.77

8.30

8.00

7.68

Discharge

6,740

6,690

6,360

5,900

5,440

5,060

4,720

4,540

4,720

3,930

6,180

7,280

7,120

6,260

6,220

5,490

4,650

3,930

3,520

3,140
A262 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(143) 5-3820. Black River near Galesville, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°03'45", long 91°17'30", in sec.2, T.18 N., R.8 W., on left bank 30 ft 

downstream from bridge on U.S. Highway 53, 4.5 miles southeast or Galesville, and 

5 miles downstream from Fleming Creek.

Drainage area. 2,120 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 26, Mry 3 6 for which 

graph was reconstructed on basis of once-daily wire-weight gage readings and recorded 

range lines. Datum of gage is 658.43 ft above mean sea level, unadjusted.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 5.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 33,000 cfs 1600 hours Apr. 13 (gage height, 

13.60 ft).

1931 to February 1965: Discharge observed, 58,000 cfs Sept. 11, 1938 (gage height, 

14.31 ft).

Remarks. Flow regulated at Hatfield Dam powerplant where drainage area is 1,290 

sq mi and storage capacity is 272 million cubic feet.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4. __

5- -.

6...

7...

£--.

a___

10..

March

700

1,600

2,000

3,000

4,500

4,600

4,700

4,800

5,100

6,000

April

1,900

2,200

2,600

3,200

3,600

3,860

5,110

6,860

10,300

14,200

May

6,540

4,580

3,800

3,470

3,910

3,760

3,470

3,650

3,850

3,850

Day

11--

12__

13__

14__

15. _

16__

17__

18. _

19..

20__

March

4,700

3,900

3,400

3,000

2,600

2,300

2,000

1,800

2,000

2,050

April

14,500

22,200

31,800

26,300

20,000

15,400

12,500

10,200

8,370

7,650

May

3,930

3,770

3,000

2,560

2,350

2,260

2,210

2,270

3,120

3,640

Day

21..

22..

23_.

24_.

25_.

26_.

27_.

28_.

29_.

30..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. _._..____.

Runoff in inches _--------_-.---__ _--.-.-_ _._ _ _______

March

1,900

1,750

1,650

1,550

1,450

1,350

1,250

1,200

1,150

1,100

1,500

April

7,140

5,950

5,360

5,330

5,330

5,580

6,670

9,690

12,000

9,640

2,600 9,848

1.41 5.18

May

3,320

2,840

2,320

2,050

2,050

3,190

3,400

5,230

6,080

5,420

3,500

3,529

1.92

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

i.pr. 9

10

11

12

Hour

0000

1200

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

8.29

9.05

9.96

10.45

10.81

10.86

10.75

10.63

10.62

10.65

10.90

11.47

11.84

Discharge

8,470

9,800

11,900

13,400

14,400

14,600

14,200

13,900

13,900

14,000

14,700

16,900

18,700

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

12.29

12.87

13.23

13.44

13.55

13.60

13.52

13.39

13.12

12.91

12.69

12.53

12.30

Discharge

21,100

25,700

29,300

31,400

32,500

33,000

32,200

30,900

28,200

26,100

24,100

22,800

21,200

Date

Apr. 15

16

17

26

Ho-Jr

1270

mo

2400

0610

1210

1810

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

2400

Gage 

height

12.08

11.82

11.57

11.31

11.08

10.80

10.61

10.40

10.18

9.95

9.72

6.37

Discharge

19,900

18,600

17,400

16,200

15,300

14,400

13,800

13,200

12,500

11,800

11,200

5,810
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A263

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Black River near 

Galesville, Wis. Continued

Date

Apr. 27

Apr. 28

Hour

1200

2400

1200

1800

Gage 

height

6.92

7.88

8.93

9.50

Discharge

6,530

7,800

9,570

10,700

Date

Apr. 28

Apr. 29

Hour

2400

0900

1800

Gage 

height

9.92

10.18

9.95

Discharge

11,800

12,500

11,800

Date

Apr. 29

Apr. 30

Hour2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

9.69

8.94

8.13

Discharge

11,200

9,590

8,200

LA CROSSE RIVER BASIN 

(144) 5-3830. La Crosse River near West Salem, Wis.

Location. Lat 43°54'05", long 91°07'05", is SE| sec.32, T.17 N., R.6 W., on lef*. bank 

30 ft upstream from highway bridge, 2 miles west of West Salem, and 6 miles downstream from Dutch Creek.

Drainage area. 398 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at sixty-minute intervals except 

Mar. 8 18, Mar. 28 to May 31 for which graph was reconstructed on basis of twicedaily or more chain-gage readings. Datum of gage is 668.0 ft above mean sea level, 

adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 3,500 cfs. Mean daily discharges computed from 24 punch-tape recordings per 

day except Mar. 8-18, 28-31. Backwater from ice Mar. 9-30.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 2,610 cfs 0130 hours Mar. 3 (gage height, 

8.76 ft).

1913 to February 1965: Discharge observed, 8,200 cfs Aug. 6, 1935 (gage height, 

12.2 ft).

Remarks. Minor regulation by powerplant several miles upstream.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

905

2,080

2,440

1,140

1,450

2,200

1,920

810

600

350

April

576

970

960

1,190

1,060

1,290

1,360

1,440

1,790

1,590

May

308

300

288

302

304

306

314

308

308

300

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

280

230

210

200

190

190

190

180

190

160

April

1,130

1,900

1,220

813

511

310

374

397

392

438

May

300

280

274

266

264

206

310

385

329

318

Day

21..

22..

23_.

24_.

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff, in in

March

130

150

180

250

290

290

290

280

270

260

290

600

.1.74

April

353

294

298

306

362

576

571

369

452

318

May

298

302

310

302

298

452

718

837

528

320

322

787 344

2.21 1.00
A2 64 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of La Crosse River near

West Salem, Wis.

Date

Mar. 1

2

3

4

5

6

Hour

0000

0800

1000

1200

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0800

1000

1400

2400

0131

1200

2400

0400'

0800

1000

1200

1400

1800

200C

2400

0400

1000

1400

1600

2200

2400

1200

Gage 

height

3.06

3.31

3.63

4.35

5.89

6.39

6.47

6.89

6.86

6.73

7.58

8.53

8.75

8.76

8.64

8.34

7.88

7.59

5.26

3.46

2.98

3.78

4.29

4.07

4.20

5.57

6.72

8.38

8.00

8.12

8.17

Discharge

427

484

561

740

1,200

1,370

1,400

1,570

1,560

1,500

1,890

2,420

2,600

2,610

2,510

2,290

2,040

1,900

1,010

520

408

597

723

668

700

1,100

1,500

2,320

2,100

2,160

2,180

Date

Mar. 6

7

31

Apr. 1

2

3

4

5

6

Hour

2400

1200

1800

2400

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0800

1400

1800

2400

0800

1200

2400

0600

1200

1600

2400

0800

1200

1600

2400

0800

1000

1200

1800

Gage 

height

8.37

8.16

6.46

6.06

3.15

3.17

3.67

4.96

5.53

5.76

4.99

5.42

5.28

4.95

5.88

5.31

5.11

6.37

6.70

6.63

6.32

5.47

4.97

5.04

5.37

6.32

6.90

7.01

Discharge

2,310

2,180

1,390

1,250

332

337

475

828

999

1,070

837

966

924

825

1,100

933

873

1,290

1,410

1,380

1,270

981

831

852

951

1,270

1,530

1,580

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Hour

2400

1200

2401

0400

1001

1201

1801

2401

060?

140?

240?

0800

1200

1800

2400

1200

1800

2400

0400

0600

0800

1400

2000

2400

0800

1000

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

n eight

6.95

6.73

5.75

5.66

6.29

6.92

7.47

7.27

6.91

7.71

7.56

7.88

6.67

6.19

6.07

5.84

5.77

5.84

6.05

6.77

7.89

8.67

7.70

7.57

7.55

6.57

4.05

4.88

5.07

Discharge

1,550

1,420

1,060

1,040

1,260

1,540

1,840

1,700

1,530

1,960

1,880

2,040

1,440

1,260

1,190

1,120

1,100

1,120

1,180

1,480

2,040

2,540

1,950

1,880

1,860

1,360

590

804

861

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM

(145) 5-3835. Mississippi River at La Crosse, Wis. 

(Gaging station, discontinued 1955)

Location. Lat 43°48'45", long 91°15'25", in sec.31, T.16 N., R.7 W., on left bank 1,300ft 

upstream from highway bridge at La Crosse, 0.4 mile downstream from La Crosse 

River, and at mile 697.8 above Ohio River.

Drainage area. 62,800 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Floodmark and gage reading on and near peak. Datum of gage is 

626.32 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 278,000 cfs 0915-1410 hours Apr. 22 (gage 

height 17.96 ft, from floodmark).

1929 to March 1965: Discharge, 196,000 cfs Apr. 20, 1952 (gage height, 15.32 ft). 

Maximum-stage known, 16.5 ft June 19, 1880, present datum, from floodmark.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 6 5

ROOT RIVER BASIN

(146) 5-3837. Mill Creek tributary near Chatfield, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 43°53'57 I ' ) long 92°14'16", in SW;fNWi sec.14, T.105 N., R.12 W., at

culvert on county highway, 0.8 mile upstream from Mill Creek and 4.5 miles northwest 

of Chatfield.

Drainage area. 2.36 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by indirect measurements at 402 cfs 

and 702 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 506 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 14.20 ft, from 

floodmark); gage height, 15.1 ft Mar. 1 (Backwater from ice).

1959 to February 1965: Discharge, 703 cfs July 2, 1960 (gage height, 15.46 ft, from 

high-water profile).

(147) 5-3838.5 Bear Creek near Grand Meadow, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 43°43'25", long 92°35'20", in NE^SE^ sec.14, T.103 N., R.15 W., on left 

bank 42 ft upstream from bridge on county highway, ly miles northwest of Grand 

Meadow, and 4 miles upstream from North Fork Bear Creek.

Drainage area. 13.6 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 320 cfs and by indirect measurement at 3,730 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 885 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 18.2 ft, from 

floodmark).

1962 to February 1965: Discharge, 3,730 cfs March 28, 1962 (gage height, 21.18 ft, 

from high-water profile).
A266 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(148) South Branch Root River at Preston, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 43°40', long 92°05', in sec.6, T.102 N., R.10 W., on upstream side of 

bridge on County Highway 12.

Drainage area. 188 sq mi. (from Corps of Engineers).

Gage-height record. Occasional readings made from reference point during flood. 

Datum of reference point is 944.86 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by 

Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Discharge obtained on the following days by current-meter measurements.

Date Discharge, in cfs

Mar. 3 182

Apr. 2 530

Apr. 3 441

Apr. 4 1,340

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge unknown, elevation, 938.78 ft Mar. 1 (backwater 

from ice, from floodmark).

1940^1, 1961: Discharge unknown, elevation, 939.19 ft May 29, 1941, datum of 

gage 928.10 ft mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Cooperation. Peak elevations furnished by Corps of Engineers.

(149) South Branch Root River at Lanesboro, Minn. 

(Gaging station, discontinued 1942, miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 43°44', long 91°58', in sec.13, T.103 N., R.10 W., on downstream side of 

bridge in Lanesboro.

Drainage area. 297 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Occasional gage-height readings on chain gage during flood. 

Datum of gage is 816.00 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by three current-meter measurements.

Maxima. Given in the following table.

Discharge Gage height

(cfs) (feet) 

March-May 1965:

Mar. 1 __-__-_---_-_---__--____---__--_-_---_--_ Unknown a !4.30

Apr. 6 ..--_----------_.---_-_---_-.--------..-_ 4,300 9.70

1940 to February 1965

Mar. 26, 1950 ................................... 21,000 19.2

aBackwater from ice 

Cooperation. Peak stages furnished by Corps of Engineers.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(150) 5 3840. Root River near Lanesboro, Minn.

A267

Location. Lat 43°44'58", long 91°58'43", in sec.l, T.103 N., R.10 W., on left bank half 

a mile upstream from highway bridge, 1^ miles upstream from South Branch, and 

2\ miles northeast of Lanesboro.

Drainage area. 615 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except 0900 hours Mar. 1 to 1740 hours 

Mar. 3 when graph was constructed on the basis of floodmark and adjacent record. 

Datum of gage is 791.84 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter meas irements. 

Backwater from ice Mar. 1 31, Apr. 5 7.

Maxima. Given in the following table.

Discharge

(cfs) 

March-May 1965:

Mar. 1, 1900 hours ------ 19,000

Apr. 6, 2300 hours _-_ -- -- -- 

Apr. 9, 0200 hours .__-___._._-._____._ __- 14,000

1910-17, 1940 to February 1965:

Mar. 29, 1962 22,100

aBackwater from ice.

Gage height 

(feet)

a 17.83 

a !3.33

16.11

Remarks. Diurnal fluctuation at times during medium and low flow caused by powerplant above station.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2___

3...

4...

5___

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

8,000

3,500

955

650

410

381

329

296

255

230

April

1,610

2,360

2,420

5,920

8,950

11,400

10,500

10,100

10,100

3,930

May

283

260

245

248

254

662

722

470

353

301

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17. _

18..

19..

20..

March

205

190

170

160

145

135

130

120

119

118

April

3,730

7,990

1,660

798

618

514

446

390

353

320

May

274

245

223

210

199

232

374

310

257

218

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __.. ..--_-

Runoff, in in

March

117

115

114

113

112

111

111

111

116

140

200

576

1.08

April

310

304

289

277

274

320

442

414

229

310

2,913

5.28

May

196

180

178

169

169

205

432

482

307

248

294

0.55

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Feb. 28

Mar 1

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0100

0200

0300

Gage 

height

2 02

1.85

1.86

3 22

4.50

4.75

5.54

Discharge

Date

Mar. 1

Hour

0400

0500

0600

0700

0800

0900

1000

1100

1200

Gage 

height

4 73

6.64

6.50

5 79

7.02

8.35

9.58

10.83

12.15

Discharge Date

Mar. 1

Hour

1300

1400

1500

1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

2100

Gage 

height

13.65

15.00

16.02

16.86

17.50

17.72

17.83

17.82

17.70

Discharge

19,000

317-045 O - 70 - 18
A268 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Root River near 

Lanesboro, Minn. Continued

Date

Mar. 1

2

3

4

29

30

31

Apr. 1

Hour

2200

2300

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1300

1600

1900

2400

0400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

2400

0300

0800

1000

1900

2100

2400

0600

1200

1600

1900

99nn

2400

0300

0700

0900

1300

1700 

2000 

2200 

2400

Gage 

height

17.38

17.04

16.65

15.98

14.79

13.56

12.38

11.10

9.95

8.91

7.87

6.59

5.51

5.03

4.53

4.25

3.99

3.75

3.58

3.41

3.32

1.70

1.67

1.82

1.68

1.78

2 03

1.97

1.93

1 93

1 90

215)

 ? nd.

3.39

4.06

4.48

4.49

A 9fi

4.95 

5.92 

6.26 

6.4E

Discharge

776

1,100

1,360

1,360

1,220

1,680 

2,460 

2,750 

2,960

Date

Apr. 2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Hour

0200

0500

1100

1600 

2100

2400

0600

1200

1500

1700

1900

2000

2400

0400

0600

0700

1200

1300 

1800

2100

2400

0200

0400

0700

1100

1500

1800

2200

2400

0400

0900

1500

2200

99nn

2400

0600

0900

1300

1800

2400

0400 

0600 

0900

Gage 

height

6.41

6.17

5.61

5.15 

5.83

5.89

5.60

5.35

5.15

5.14

6.01

6.95

7.52

8.43

8.83

8.83

8.37

8.36 

9.43

10.33

11.10

11.01

10.53

9.90

10.59

11.27

11.98

12.27

12.56

12.65

12.74

13.32

1333

13.33

12.56

11.34

10.24

11.16

12.41

11.60 

10.61

9.77

Discharge

2,890

2,670

2,210

1,841 

2,380

2,430

2,200

2,000

1,840

1,830

2,530

3,400

4,010

5,110

5,620

5,620

5,030

5,020 

6,440

7,860

9,260

10,300 

8,340 

6,960

Date

Apr. 8

9

10

11

12

13

Hour

1400

1800

2400

0200

0600

1200

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

0300 

0600

1200

1400

1600

1900

2200 

2400

0200

0600

1200

1600

1800

2100

2200

2300

2400

0100

0400

0500

0800

1000

1300

1500

1800 

1900

2000

2200

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

Gage 

height

10.81

12.15

13.03

13.07

12.70

11.47

10.79

9.69

9.23

9.30

9.21

8.60 

7.20

6.79

6.77

6.67

7.16

7.65 

7.70

7.74

6.91

6.37

6.05

6.78

7.57

8.76

10.14

10.99

11.39

11.98

12.00

11.70

11.02

10.47

10.47

9.38 

8.41

7.54

6.59

6.20

5.54 

4.68 

4.14 

3.81

Discharge

8,700

11,700

13,900

14,000

13,100

10,000

8,660

6,840

6,160

6,260

6,130

5,320 

3,650

3,240

3,220

3,120

3,610

4,170 

4,230

4,280

3,360

2,850

2,560

3,230

4,070

5,530

7,540

9,040

9,860

11,200

11,300

10,600

9,100

8,100

8,100

6,370 

5,080

4,040

3,050

2,700

2,150 

1,500 

1,140 

965
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A269

(151) Root River near Rushford, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 43°47'52", long 91°48'16", SW^NW? sec.21, T.104 N., R.8 W., at bridge 

on U.S. Highway 16, 2.8 miles west of Rushford, Minn.

Drainage area. 1,010 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Occasional readings made from chain gage during the flood. 

Datum of gage is 700.00 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912. (Levels by 

Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. Given in the following table.

Discharge Gage-height

(cfs) (feet) 

March-May 1965:

Mar. 2----------_---------__--------_---------- Unknown a44.08

Apr. 7 ......................................... 15,500 41.10

1952 to February 1965:

Mar. 31, 1952 _-_____-_.____._--._-___-----_-_-- 34,600 (b)

aBackwater from ice 

Stage unknown, discharge determined at site 2.8 miles downstream.

Cooperation: Peak stages furnished by Corps of Engineers.

(152) 5-3845. Rush Creek near Rushford, Minn.

Location. Lat 43°50'00", long 91°46'40", on line between sees.3 and 10, T.104 N., R.8 

W., on downstream side near center of span of highway bridge, if miles northwest of 

Rushford and 3 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 129 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Graph drawn on the basis of once or twice-daily wire-weight gage 

readings and floodmark Mar. 1, 2 and twice-daily observer's and many engineers' 

wire-weight gage readings Mar. 31 to Apr. 11. Average of twice-daily wir3-weight 

gage readings for remainder of period except Mar. 3 when one reading is available. 

Datum of gage is 735.00 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Mar. 20, 21, 24.

Maxima. Given in following table.

Discharge Gage-height

(cfs) (feet) 

March-May 1965:

Mar. 1, 2100 hours------------------------------ 3,130 8.75

Apr. 6, 0500 hours ------------------------------ 5,490 9.06

1942 to February 1965:

Mar. 26, 1950 ---------------------------------- all,600 13.54

aFrom rating curve extended above 1,400 cfs on basis of contracted-opening measurements at gage heights 11.0 and 13.5 ft.
A2 70 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. 1965, of Rush Creek near Rush ford. Minn.

Day

!_--

2...

3...

4. , . ^

6...

7 ,

S,_j

9...

10., H

March

1,600

699

76

68

59

65

87

58

54

49

April

1,020

404

268

1,330

1,640

3,770

1,700

1,950

815

212

May

37

37

38

38

39

37

36

36

39

38

Monthly mean discharge, in

Runoff, in in

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

46

42

46

44

44

44

44

42

42

40

April

242

217

108

51

48

44

44

44

42

41

May

37

36

36

36

37

37

37

37

37

35

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

cubic feet per second.. __.._____

ches

March

37

34

34

36

32

34

37

36

40

44

88

119

1.07

April

40

39

39

40

44

42

41

40

39

38

---

480

4.15

May

36

36

36

36

37

42

38

37

36

36

37

37.0

0.33

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated timr, 1965

Date

Feb. 28

Mar. 1

2

30

31

Apr. 1

Hour

0000

0900

1000

1100

1200

1300

1500

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2100

2400

0600

1200

1500

1800

2400

2400

1200

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

1.83

1.88

2.00

2.23

2.54

2.87

3.39

4.01

4.96

5.84

6.94

8.42

8.75

8.15

6.23

4.35

3.36

2.49

2.37

1.55

1.64

1.98

2.45

3.11

3.74

4.40

5.19

5.40

4.57

Discharge

44

46

50

58

72

91

126

200

367

611

1,320

2,800

3,130

2,530

1,030

380

188

100

92

48

55

92

162

292

474

780

1,290

1,450

882

Date

Apr. 2

3

4

5

6

Hour

0300

0600

1200

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2400

0500

0800

1000

1400

1800

2000

2400

Gage 

height

3.96

3.57

2.95

3.47

3.43

3.09

2.55

2.75

3.17

4.15

5.27

5.70

6.57

5.99

5.10

4.25

3.87

4.45

5.35

6.31

7.08

8.23

9.06

8.80

8.43

7.55

6.78

6.30

5.36

Discharge

554

421

254

391

385

300

194

223

313

640

1,350

1,680

2,450

1,930

1,230

692

520

810

1,410

2,220

2,930

4,310

5,490

5,110

4,590

3,460

2,640

2,210

1,420

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

10

11

Hour

0400

0800

1200

1400

1800

2000

2400

0400

0900

1200

1400

1600

2000

2400

0200

0400

0800

1000

1400

1800

2400

0400

0800

1800

2400

Gage 

height

4.41

3.49

5.31

6.25

7.74

6.82

5.76

4.33

2.85

4.40

6.25

7.50

8.20

6.95

6.09

5.20

3.45

2.71

3.30

4.51

3.77

2.93

2.06

2.81

2.58

0800 2.23

1400 2.87

1800 3.47

2400 3.33

Discharge

786

397

1,380

2,160

3,680

2,680

1,740

738

233

780

2,160

3,400

4,260

2,800

2,020

1,300

385

206

343

846

484

250

107

225

182

127

237

391

351
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A271

(153) 5-3850. Root River near Houston, Minn.

Location. Lat 43°46'05", long 91°35'll", in sec.32, T.104 N., R.6 W., on right bank 

1 mile west of Houston and 2\ miles upstream from South Fork.

Drainage area. 1,270 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except 0600 hours Mar. 1 to 1100 hours 

Mar. 3 and 0100 hours May 27 to 2400 hours May 31. The graph was constructed on 

the basis of floodmark and twice or more daily readings made from reference point, 

0600 hours Mar. 1 to 1100 hours Mar. 3. Datum of gage is 671.86 ft above mean sea 

level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Mar. 1 31. Discharge May 27 31 estimated on basis of weather 

records and records for station Root River near Lanesboro.

Maxima. Given in the following table.

March-May 1965:

1909-17, 1929 to February 1965:

Mar. 27. 1961 _____ ._._. __ _ ___ 

Discharge 

(cfs)

_______ 31,000

_____ 19,800

_______ 37,000

_______ Unknown

Gag? height 

(feet)

a !8.32

12.37

13.90

15.10

Backwater from ice.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!_..

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

7,400

20,000

7,600

1,900

1,200

700

600

578

517

494

April

2,590

4,290

3,460

7,950

11,500

16,300

18,800

16,300

17,100

9,170

May

673

641

600

595

590

646

1,280

1,030

784

700

Day

11..

12_.

13-.

14__

15.-

16..

17._

18..

19__

20-.

March

468

449

433

418

402

387

375

367

361

350

April

6,600

10,000

5,660

2,460

1,900

1,610

1,420

1,270

1,140

1,040

May

626

561

528

504

490

490

504

561

585

504

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30_.

31

Runoff, in in

March

340

330

330

330

325

325

325

325

330

390

500

1,576

1.43

April

96*

892.

sse

790

79f

802

844

880

802

72V

4,963

4.36

May

454

414

394

390

394

410

500

779

561

405

472

586

0.53

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 1

2

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

0600

0900

Gage 

height

4.48

7.22

1 9 QC

15.08

15.98

16.56

17.16

17.75

Discharge

Date

Mar. 2

3

Hour

1200

1500

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

18.32

18.17

1 7 90

17.58

15.65

14.03

13.71

Discharge

31,000

Date

Mar. 3

4

5

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

13.41

13.07

12.74

12.52

12.15

11.73

11.67

Discharge
A272 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage heighten feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Root River near 

Houston, Minn. Continued

Date

Mar. 5

6

7

30

31

Apr. 1

2

3

4

Hour

1800

2400

0900

1100

1400

1900

2400

0900

1200

1500

1900

2400

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0400

0700

1000

1500

2200

2400

0300

0600

1500

2000

2400

0200

Gage 

height

11.88

11.58

10.67

10.79

10.74

10.94

10.52

9.53

9.66

9.58

9.88

9.54

2

O1 

. ^ 1

2.19

2.28

2.57

2.86

4.08

5.51

6.18

6.84

7.26

7.34

7.25

6.74

6.17

6.27

6.53

6.51

6.00

5.88

6.30

7.18

Discharge

856

1,650

2,740

3,420

4,230

4,830

4,950

4,820

4,090

3,410

3,520

3,830

3,800

3,220

3,090

3,550

4,710

Date

Apr. 4

5

6

7

8

9

Hour

0400

0700

0900

1100

1400

1500

1600

2200

2400

0100

0600

1000

1400

1700

1900

2400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1700

2400

0200

0400

0500

1100

1400

1900

2400

0600

1000

1700

2200

2400

0600

Gage 

height

8.06

8

r?Q

. IO

9.02

9.1 5

9 40

9.65

9 52

9 96

10.13

10.24

10 27

10.39

10 39

10.59

10.51

10.82

U .00ss

11.51

11.34

11.63

11.90

12.28

12.37

12.33

12.19

12.19

12.05

12.15

12.10

11.40

11.35

11.60

11.87

11.81

11.90

Discharge

6,110

7 1 , OUU snn

7,850

8,100

8,580

9,180

8.850

10,100 

10,600

10,900

11,000 

11,400

11,400 

12,100

11,800

13,000

15,100

15,800

15,100

16,300

17,500

19,400

19,800

19,600

18,900

18,900

18,200

18,700

18,500

15,400

15,200

16,200

17,400

17,100

17,500

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

12

13

14

Hour

1000

1300

1700

1900

2200

2400

0600

1200

1900

2100

2400

0400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200

0500

1200

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

11.87

1195

11.82

11.65

11.65

1 1 43

10.20

9.18

S

on .oU

8

0 c

.00

8

0 1 .ol

8.41

8.51

8 29

7.83

9.07

9.42

9.25

9.93

10.45

10.53

10.36

9.93

8.71

7.61

7.06

6.33

5.79

5.40

5.12

4.90

4.74

Discharge

17,400

17,700

17,200

16,400

16,400

15,500

10,800

8,150

6,520

6,630

6,540

6,860

6,900

6,500

5,730

7 i , Q4D y^u

8,620

8,280

9,980

11,600

11,900

11,300

9,990

7,260

5,380

4,530

3,590

3,000

2,640

2,420

2,240

2,120
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A273

(154) 5-3855. South Fork Root River near Houston, Minn.

Location. Lat 43°44', long 91°34, in NE^SW^ sec.9, T.103 N., R.6 W., on left bank

50 ft downstream from bridge on State Highway 76, half a mile upstream from Badger 

Creek and l| miles south of Houston.

Drainage area. 275 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except 2230 hours Feb. 28 to

1550 hours Mar. 1, 2230 hours Mar. 2 to 1230 hours Mar. 3 and 0100 hours Apr. 17 

to 2400 hours Apr. 19 when graph was constructed on the basis of adjacent record. 

Datum of gage is 680.41 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by cur rent-meter measurements. 

No gage height record Apr. 17 19, discharge estimated on the basis of adjacent record 

and weather records. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 28, 30, 31.

Maxima. Given in following table.

March-May 1965:

Mar. 2, 0400 hours - 

Apr. 6, 0930 hours _

1953 to February 1965: 

Mar. 29, 1962 ______

Mar. 26, 1961 -_ -

Discharge 

(cfs)

6,530

4,170

Gag0 -height 

(feet)

r !3.64 

11.86

13.35 

a!3.74

Backwater from ice.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!_-.

2...

3...

!...

">. _.

6__.

7...

t'-._j

9..J

10. J

March

3,900

2,700

300

145

140

130

125

120

110

105

April

1,090

978

658

2,320

2,250

3,770

2,260

2,500

1,910

783

May

111

106

102

100

105

103

101

103

106

97

Day

11_.

12. _

13. _

14_.

15__

16. _

17. _

18..

19-.

20..

March

100

100

98

97

96

92

95

105

110

109

April

982

920

307

218

195

179

151

133

118

109

May

97

96

95

94

122

166

97

94

80

80

Day

21_.

22_.

23..

24..

25..

26..

27_.

28..

29..

30..

31

 "Minof:'. in in

March

105

100

98

97

96

95

95

94

92

94

146

319

1.34

April

105

102

101

105

122

130

125

126

117

114

766

3.11

May

80

80

85

82

91

868

253

146

123

108

111

132

0.55
A2 74 FLOODS Or 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of South Fork Root 

River near Houston, Minn.

Date

Feb. 28

Mar 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Hour

0000

1400

2100

2200

2300

2400

0400

0800

1200

1800

2400

0400

0800

1000 

1200 

1600

2000 

2400

0400

0800

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

1400

1800

2000

2400

0400

0700

1000

1400

1800

2200

2400

0400

0800

1400

1800

2000

2200

2400

Gage 

height

3

0 1

3 Q1

4.98

5 73

7.66

8 on

9.95

n

7K

12 34

12.65

13.04

13.55

13.64

13.30

12.68 

12.02 

1 1 *)\

10.16 

9.16

8.50

7 93

7.57

7.28

7.04

6.48

6.29

7.00

8.00

8.41

8.14

7.36

6.99

6.73

6.99

7.77

8.44

8.19

7.47

6.81

6.43

7 25

7.97

8 54

7 97

Discharge

6,530

_____

_____

-----

Date

Mar. 8

g

30

31

Apr. 1

2

3

4

5

Hour

0200

0400

0800

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

2400

1800

2100

2400

0400 

0600 

0800 

1200

1800

2400

0100

0500 

0800

1000

1200 

1800

2400

0300

0700

1200 

1800

2200

2400

0100

0200

0400

0600 

1000

1400

1900

2400

0200

0800

Gage 

height

7.13

6.53

5.91

5.56

4 30

3.76

3.43

3.12

2.94

2.38

2.02

2.30

3.04

4.16

5.25 

6.58 

7.65 

8.25

8.54

9.14

9.31

8.80 

7.78

7.06

6.41 

5.32

5.51

5.36

5.93

5.02 

4.26

5.62

7.87

8.97

9 71

10.34

10.77 

11.20

10.88

10.54

11.40

11.45

11.00

Discharge

449

645 

897 

1,110 

1,230

1,300

1,440

1,490

1,360 

1,130

989

865 

658

916

665

774

604 

467

715

1,150

1,400

1,610

1,900

2,290 

2,860

2,060

3,210

3,300

2,570

Date

6

7

8

9

10

Hour

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0600

0930

1800

2400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1300

1500

1700 

2000

2400

0500 

0800

1000

1200

1300

1500

1700 

1900

2200

2400

0200

0500

0800

0900

1000 

1100

1200

1300

1400

1700

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2200

2400

Gage 

height

9.33

8.28

9.46

10.60

11.44

11.80

11.86

11.60

11.52

11.20

10.54

9.53

8.54

8.12

8.62

10.00 

10.81

11.42

11.47 

10.59

9.27

8.03

7.76

9.05

10.40 

11.09

11.71

11.67

11.62

11.67

10.98

10.15

9.52 

8.70

7.94

7.22

6.79

6.38

6.97

7.14

6.77

6.12

5.27

4.86

5.66

6.53

7.38

Discharge

1,490

1,240

1,530

2,110

3,290

4,030

4,170

3,600

3,440

2,860

2,060

1,550

1,300

1,210

1,310

1,720 

2,330

3,250

3,340 

2,110

1,480

1,190

1,130

1,420

1,940 

2,700

3,830

3,750

3,640

3,750

2,540

1,780

1,550 

1,330

1,170

1,020

937

859

971

1,000

914

810

649

722

888

1,050
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A275

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of South Fork Root 

River near Houston, Minn. Continued

Date

Apr. 11

Hour

0200

0600

1200

1600

1800

1900

2000

Gage 

height

7.62

6.95

5.99

5.17

5.88

6.76

8.03

Discharge

1,100

968

785

631

764

931

1,190

Date

Apr. 11

12

Hour

2100

2300

2400

0600

0800

1000

Gage 

height

9.14

9.67

9.63

8.96

8.12

7.06

Discharge

1,440

1,600

1,480

1,390

1,200

989

Date

Apr. 12

13

Hour

1200

1400

1800

2400

1200

2400

Gafe 

height

6.15

5.63

4.66

3.?1

3.22

2.P2

Discharge

816

717

539

405

290

242

(155) 5-3860. Root River below South Fork near Houston, Minn. 

(Gaging station, discontinued 1961)

Location. Lat 43°46'13", long 9r32'03", in SE{NE{ sec.34, T.104 N., R.6 W., on right 

bank 600 ft downstream from South Fork and l| miles northeast of Houston.

Drainage area. 1,560 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Peak stages only from chain gage readings. Datum of gage is 

660.00 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Peak discharge obtained by summation of peaks for Root River and 

South Fork Root River near Houston.

Maxima. Given in the following table.

March-May 1965:

Mar. 2 -._.___...

Apr. 7 ._______._ 

1938 to February 1965:

Apr. 1, 1952 ________

Discharge 

(cfs)

37,500

24,000

______________ _________ 38,700

Backwater from ice. 

Cooperation. Peak stages furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Gage height 

(feet)

a 

18.50

16.50

17.58

MORMON CREEK BASIN

(156) 5-3863. Mormon Creek near La Crosse, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 43°46'00", long 91°08'27", in NE^ sec.19, T.I 5 N., R.6 W., at bridge on 

country road 0.2 mile north of intersection with U.S. Highways 14 and 61, and 6.2 miles 

southeast from junction of U.S. Highways 14 and 61 and State Highway 33 in La Crosse.

Drainage area. 25.5 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Gage height, 11.0 ft April 2, 1965. 

1961 to February 1965: Gage height, 11.57 ft Mar. 25, 1961.
A276 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

BAD AXE RIVER BASIN

(157) 5-3871. North Fork Bad Axe River near Genoa, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 43°33'10", long 91°08'58", in SW^ sec. 36, T.13 N., R.7 W., at bridge on 

State Highway 56, 4.1 miles southeast from Genoa, and 13.1 miles west of Viroqua.

Drainage area. 80.7 sq mi.

Gage -height record. Water-stage recorder graph.

Maxima. March- May 1965: Gage height, 15.91 ft Mar. 5.

1959 to February 1965: Gage height, 18.62 ft Aug. 29, 1959.

UPPER IOWA RIVER BASIN 

(158) 5-3875. Upper Iowa River at Decorah, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°18'20", long 91°48'05", in NE^SWi sec. 16, T.98 N., R.8 W., on right 

bank 1,200 ft upstream from bridge on State Highway 52, 1,500 ft downetream from 

Dry Run cutoff, and 3 miles upstream from Trout Run.

Drainage area. 511 sq mi.

Gage -height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 85C.OO ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage -discharge relation defined by current -meter rreasurements 

below 20,000 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 9,800 cfs 0300 hours Mar. 2 (gage height, 

9.89 ft).

1913 to February 1965: Discharge, 28,500 cfs May 29, 1941 (gage height, 15.19 ft), 

at site of former gaging station near Decorah, 4 miles downstream.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

5,700

8,350

1,770

648

462

402

402

320

243

203

April

2,140

2,420

2,460

4,490

5,460

7,910

7,470

6,430

5,240

2,880

May

243

226

214

200

196

192

617

456

285

230

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

182

166

163

151

148

136

136

94

118

121

April

3,010

3,440

2,360

832

620

501

432

366

315

285

May

206

189

176

170

163

200

170

238

203

176

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31..

Runoff, in acre-feet _____________________________________

March

118

106

121

111

127

104

98

89

86

98

CO 0

694

1.57

42,660

April

260

238

234

226

275

355

420

372

300

265

2,067

4.51

123,000

May

163

151

151

142

190

2,090

522

390

315

275

303

0.68

18,610
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 7 7

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Upper Iowa River at

Decorah, Iowa

Date

Feb. 28

Mar. 1

Hour

2400

0200

0400

0530

0700

0800

0900

1100

1300

1500

Gage 

height

5.84

5.82

6.10

6.60

7.00

8.83

8.03

8.90

9.60

9.16

Discharge

1,220

1,220

1,490

2,100

2,720

6,580

4,640

6,770

8,840

7,500

Date

Mar. 1

2

Hour

1800

1900

2100

2300

2400

0300

0900

1300

1800

Gage 

height

9.25

9.17

9.28

9.65

9.51

9.89

9.48

9.25

9.32

Discharge

7,760

7,530

7,850

9,000

8,560

9,800

8,470

7,760

7,970

Date

Mar. 2

3

Hour

2100

2300

2400

0200

0400

0700

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

9.20

9.29

8.95

7.50

6.87

6.30

5.84

5.61

5.35

Discharge

7,620

7,880

6,900

3,590

2,500

1,720

1,220

1,010

800

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(159) Mississippi River at Lansing, Iowa

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. NE^ sec.29, T.99 N., R.3 W., at bridge on U.S. Highway 9 at Lansing. 

Drainage area. 66,280 sq mi.

Discharge record. Discharge obtained by current-meter measurement near peak. 

Maximum. March-May 1965: Discharge, 272,000 cfs Apr. 24, (gage height, 634.8 ft).

WEXFORD CREEK BASIN 

(160) 5-3884. Wexford Creek near Harpers Ferry, Iowa

(Crest-stage station)

Location. BE, sec.25, T.98 N., R.3 W., at bridge, 5 miles north of Harpers Ferry. 

Drainage area. 11.9 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by step-backwater computations 

and current-meter measurement at 575 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, peak stage did not reach bottom of gage. 

1953 to February 1965: Discharge, 2,290 cfs July 2, 1962 (gage height, 7.03 ft).
A278 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

PAINT CREEK BASIN 

(161) 5-3885. Paint Creek at Waterville, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°12'35", long 91°18'20", in NW|NW| sec.22, T.97 N., R.4 W., on right 

bank 20 ft downstream from bridge on State Highway 373 and 0.5 mile northwest of 

Waterville.

Drainage area. 42.8 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 3,000 cfs, extended to 9,100 cfs by logarithmic plotting and computed results of 

indirect measurement further downstream. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 3, 12 26, 

30, 31.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 1,920 cfs 2130 hours Apr. 3; gage-height, 

7.60 ft 1700 hours Mar. 1 (backwater from ice).

1951 to February 1965: Discharge, 9,100 cfs August 1951 (gage height, 17.35 ft). 

A stage higher than that of August 1951 may have occurred during the spring of 1949.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2...

3...

4___

5...

6...

7...

8...

9._.

10..

March

900

50

15

6.0

118

77

145

79

33

15

April

534

88

342

393

337

314

150

186

40

31

May

4.9

4.5

4.0

3.9

4.0

4.0

3.8

3.6

3.9

3.5

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15. _

16. _

17..

18_.

19_.

20..

March

7.6

4.0

3.1

6.0

8.0

5.0

4.0

3.3

3.0

2.8

April

78

31

12

8.9

8.1

6.4

6.0

5.6

5.1

4.9

May

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.6

18

4.5

14

5.6

4.2

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Kunoff in inches __ ______

Ruaofi, in acre -feet

March

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

35

350

61.1

1.65

3,760

April

4.7

4.5

4.2

4.9

7.4

9.6

6.4

7.4

5.8

5.2

88.0

2.29

5,240

May

3.8

3.6

3.6

3.5

9.6

420

18

11

8.1

7.4

6.4

19.3

0.52

1,190

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Feb. 28

Hour

0000

0400

0900

1100

1 9 3D

1300

1400

1430

1500

1530

1800

2000

2200

2400

Gage 

height

2.88

2.77

2.76

2.80

2.88

3

0O

4.30

4.68

6.63

6.40

6.88

6.47

6.00

5.63

Discharge

Date Hour

0100

0300

0400

0430

1000

1200

1230

1330

1600

1700

1900

2100

Gage 

height

5.66

5.88

5.90

5.97

5.91

R 7^

5.70

5.99

6.12

6.02

6.36

7.07

7.60

6.74

6.00

Discharge

Date

Mar. 1

Aor 2

3

Hour

2200

2300

2400

2400

OQQO

0800

1030

1200

1 330

1600

1700

1800

1830

Gage 

height

C C(\

5.00

4.61

3 94

q 7 c

3 55

3 55

3.64

3.65

3 77

3 92

4.28

4.55

Discharge

97

65

41

41

51

52

68

93

177

270
MARCH MAY,UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A279

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Paint Creek at 

Watenille, Iowa Continued

Date

Apr. 3

4

Hour

1900

1930

2000

2030

2100

2130

2300

2400

0130

Gage 

height

4.88

5.30

5.98

6.40

6.90

7.32

6.95

6.54

6.00

Discharge

438

690

1,010

1,190

1,500

1,920

1,550

1,260

1,020

Date

Apr. 4

Hour

0200

0300

0400

0500

0600

0730

0900

1100

1230

Gage

height

5.64

5.20

4.87

4.63

4.43

4.25

4.12

4.04

4.15

Discharge

870

630

432

305

226

169

136

118

143

Date

Apr. 4

Hour

1330

1400

1500

1600

1730

2000

2100

2230

2400

Gage 

height

4.36

4.50

4.85

5.05

5.13

4.88

4.68

4.48

4.28

Discharge

202

250

420

540

588

438

330

243

177

(162) 5 3886. Paint Creek near Waterville, Iowa 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Near center sec.36, T.97 N., R.4 W., at bridge 3 miles southeast of 

Waterville.

Drainage area. 56.0 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 1,500 cfs and by slope-area measurements at 3,040 cfs and 10,800 cfs.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, about 2,190 cfs Apr. 3 (gage height, 10.35 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1953 to February 1965: Discharge, 4,870 cfs Mar. 27, 1960 (gage height, 13.81 ft)

Remarks. Flood of Aug. 5, 1951 reached a stage of 17.00 ft (discharge, 10,800 cfs).

(163) 5 3887. Little Paint Creek tributary near Waterville, Iowa

(Crest-stage station)

Location. SW| sec.l, T.97 N., R.4 W., at culvert, si miles northeast of Waterville. 

Drainage area. 1.09 sq mi. 

Gage -height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage -discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 180 cfs and step-backwater computations.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, peak stage did not reach bottom of gage. 

1953 to February 1965: Discharge, 404 cfs June 28, 1959 (gage height, 4.34 ft).
A280 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM

(164) 5 3895. Mississippi River at McGregor, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°01'30", long 91°10'20", in SEjSEj sec.22, T.95 N., R.3 W., on right 

bank in city park at north end of Main Street in McGregor, 2.6 miles upstream from 

Wisconsin River, 4.3 miles downstream from Yellow River, and at mile 633.4 from 

Ohio River. Auxiliary gage located at site 14.1 miles upstream in tailwater of Dam 9.

Drainage area. 67,500 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 22 25. Datum of gage 

is 605.30 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912, and auxiliary gfge is 600.00 ft.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 276,000 cfs and is affected by backwater from Wisconsin River and Dam 10. 

Fall is used as a factor. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 31.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Daily discharge, 276,000 cfs Apr. 24. Gag.; height, 25.38 

ft 0400 hrs Apr. 24.

1936 to February 1965: Daily discharge, 197,500 cfs Apr. 22, 1952. Gage height, 

20.89 ft Apr. 23, 1952.

Maximum stage known since at least 1828, that of Apr. 24, 1965.

Remarks. Flow regulated by reservoirs and navigation dams.

Mean gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1. _ 

2

3

5 _____ --_

6 __________

7 __________

8 __________

g

10--- __ --_

11 _________

1 9

13

14 _________

15- - 

16 _________

17 - 

18 _________

19___- __ _-

20 _________

21- ________

22 _- _

9S

24--_ ______

25 ___-

26 ______

27 _________

28_- ____ __

29 ___ __

30- __ -_

31 __ - ____

Mean -__

March

Gage height

7.47 

8.82 

10.08 

11.29 

12.53 

13.35 

13.48 

13.40 

13.15 

12.81 

12.35 

11.70 

11.01 

10.49 

9.88 

9.18 

8.75 

8.87 

8.70 

8.51 

8.27 

7.95 

7.94 

7.94 

7.94 

7.98 

8.05 

8.08 

8.11 

8.02 

7.84

Discharge

24,700 

41,000 

56,900 

63,300 

59,800 

59,300 

56,200 

52,500 

47,700 

43,000 

39,000 

35,400 

33,600 

31,400 

23,500 

23,000 

19,100 

18,100 

18,700 

19,100 

16,200 

16,300 

16,700 

16,700 

16,600 

16,400 

16,500 

17,200 

18,000 

16,100 

17,100

30,620 

0.52 

1,883,000

April

Gage height

8.11 

8.49 

8.85 

9.30 

9.74 

10.39 

11.24 

12.22 

13.48 

14.94 

16.03 

16.78 

17.25 

17.72 

18.33 

19.02 

19.88 

20.80 

21.92 

23.27 

24.31 

24.98 

25.32 

25.36 

25.21 

24.88 

24.39 

23.89 

23.27 

22.71

Discharge

23,100 

33,200 

39,500 

46,800 

54,600 

64,600 

74,400 

87,000 

109,000 

121,000 

132,000 

140,000 

146,000 

153,000 

165,000 

173,000 

185,000 

196,000 

211,000 

238,000 

256,000 

268,000 

275,000 

276,000 

270,000 

264,000 

255,000 

242,000 

231,000 

216,000

164,800 

2.72 

9,809,000

May

Gage height

22.08 

21.42 

20.70 

19.91 

18.94 

18.08 

17.38 

16.76 

16.10 

15.38 

14.70 

14.17 

13.82 

13.62 

13.55 

13.58 

13.55 

13.50 

13.42 

13.37 

13.45 

13.62 

13.78 

13.82 

13.70 

13.58 

13.42 

13.18 

12. f3 

12. e?

12. eo

Discharge

203,000 

191,000 

181,000 

169,000 

159,000 

150,000 

139,000 

129,000 

123,000 

117,000 

110,000 

106,000 

101,000 

98,800 

99,000 

101,000 

99,000 

100,000 

97,200 

96,100 

95,900 

95,500 

96,000 

94,900 

96,300 

95,500 

96,100 

93,400 

89,000 

87,100 

84,300

115,900 

1.98 

7,127,000
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A28 1

Annual maximum stages and mean daily discharges, for indicated years, of Mississippi River at McGregor. Iowa

Year

1826 ___

1880 

1881 -

1888. 

1916 __

1920_--_

1922 --

1937. 

1938- 

1939. 

1940- 

1941 .___

1942. 

1943- 

1944 --

1945 --

1946. 

1947 ___

Date

May

June 22

Oct. 21

May 13

May 1

Apr. 4, 5

Apr. 19

May 6, 9

May 27

Apr. 6

Apr. 19

Apr. 20

June 7

June 28

June 24

Mar. 29

Mar. 29

Apr. 21

Gage 

height 

(feet)

a26.0

& 21.5

a !9.0

>.l

18.3

19.6

a !9.4

16.68

23.75

15.76

C 10.50

14.66

17.38

16.89

16.17

16.80

15.84

13.70

Discharge 

(cfs)

196,000

________

54,700

101,400

96,900

52,100

102,800

113,800

124,600

122,500

127,700

101,200

85,500

Year

1948 _-__

1949 ____

1950 .___

1951 __

1952 .___

1953- __

1954 .__

1955----

1956 .___

1957. ___

1958- ___

1959 --

1960 --

1961 

1962 ____

1963 __ -

1964 .___

1965- 

Date

Apr. 11

Apr. 4, 13

May 17

Apr. 22

Apr. 22

July 3

May 9

Apr. 14

Apr. 15, 16

July 8

Apr. 14

Apr. 3

June 4, 5

Mar. 29, 30

Apr. 18-20

Apr. 1

May 19

Apr. 24

Gage 

height 

(feet)

12.81

11.42

15.26

20.83

20.89

d !2.90

18.69

12.20

14.88

12.80

8.98

12.32

e !6.08

15.47

15.12

11.84

11.56

25.38

Discharge 

(cfs)

84,000

73,100

123,000

185,700

197 500

86,200

165,500

73,700

105,000

95,800

55,800

72,300

83,100

114,000

104,000

72,000

75,600

276,000

aAt Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Zero of gage at elevation 605.4 ft above mean 

sea level, adjustment of 1912. 

"Occurred Sept. 18, 1938. 

cOccurred June 17, 1940. 

Occurred Mar. 31, 1953. 

eOccurredMay 14, 15, 1960.
A282 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

WISCONSIN RIVER BASIN 

(165) 5-3901. Lac Vieux Desert near Land O'Lakes, Wis.

Location. Lat 46°07'20", long 89°09'10", in SEjNEj sec.17, T.42 N., R.ll E., head of 

Wisconsin River, 5 miles southeast of village of Land O'Lakes.

Drainage area. 28 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,679.53 ft above meen sea level, 

datum of 1929.

Maxima.- March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 444 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height, 2 ft 0.5 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 556 million c-jbic feet 

Apr. 30, 1951 (gage height, 2 ft 6-3/4 in).

Remarks.- Reservoir operation began in 1908. Usable capacity 652 million cubic feet 

between gage heights -0 ft 2 in and 3 ft 0 in (limits stipulated by Public Service 

Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7___

14___

21...

28...

Apr. 4...

11...

Gage height

Feet

-0

-0

-0

-0

-0

0

0

Inches

2

2

2

2

2

.75

1.5

Contents

0

0

0

0

0

44

56

Date

Apr. 18 ...

25 ...

May 2...

9...

16...

23 ...

30...

Gage height

Feet

0

0

1

1

2

2

1

Inches

4

8

1

7.E

.£

0

10. 5

Contents

96

161

246

356

444

435

408

(166) 5-3901.5 Twin Lakes near Phelps, Wis.

Location. Lat 46°01'20", long 89°10'10", in SWjNEj sec.19, T.41 N., R.ll E., on Twin 

River, 5 miles southwest of Phelps.

Drainage area. 26 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Altitude of gage is 1,640 ft (from river-profile map).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 286 million cubic feet May 16, 

30 (gage height, 2 ft 2 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 330 million cubic feet 

April 30, 1947 (gage height, 2 ft 5? in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1908. Reservoir includes North and South 

Twin Lakes. Usable capacity Oct. 1 to May 31, 313 million cubic feet between gage 

heights 0 ft 4 in and 2 ft 4 in, and June 1 to Sept. 30, 261 million cubic feet between 

gage heights 0 ft 8 in and 2 ft 4 in (limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of 

Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.
MARCH MAY .UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 8 3

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Twin Lakes near Phelps, Wis.

Date

Feb. 28 __

Mar. 7...

14...

21...

28...

Apr. 4___

11. __

Gage height

Feet

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Inches

4

4

4

4

4

5

7

Contents

0

0

0

0

0

13

39

Date

Apr. 18 ...

25 __

May 2...

9...

16...

23...

30 ...

Gage height

Feet

0

0

1

1

2

2

2

Inches

8

11

2.5

7

2

1.5

2

Contents

52

91

136

195

286

280

286

(167) 5-3902. Buckatabon Lake near Conover, Wis.

Location. Lat 46°01'15", long 89°18'35", in SE?-NE;j sec.24, T.41 N., R.9 E., on 

Buckatabon Creek, 3.3 miles southwest of Conover.

Drainage area. 14 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,637.85 ft above mean sea level 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 126 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height, 3 ft 7 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 128 million cubic feet 

Sept. 30, 1943 (gage height, 3 ft 7^ in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1908. Reservoir includes Upper and Lower 

Buckatabon Lakes. Usable capacity 130 million cubic feet between gage heights 0 ft 

6 in and 3 ft 8 in (limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsir).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improve 

ment Co.

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 28 ...

Mar. 7...

14...

21...

28...

Apr. 4...

11 ...

Gage height

Feet

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

Inches

6

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

11.5

4

Contents

0

2

2

2

2

16

30

Date

Apr. 18...

25...

May 2...

9...

16...

23 ...

30 ...

Gage height

Feet

1

2

2

3

3

3

3

Inches

10

4

8

2.5

7

4.5

4.5

Contents

49

70

84

108

126

116

116

317-045 O - 70 - 19
A284 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(168) 5-3902.5 Sevenmile Lake near Eagle River, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°52'30", long 89°04'10", in SE^NE? sec. 11, T.39 N., R.ll E., on 

Sevenmile Creek, 9.1 miles southeast of village of Eagle River

Drainage area. 14 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,646.30 ft above mean sea level 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 91 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height, 4 ft 9 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 89 million cubic feet June 30 

and Aug. 31, 1953 and June 30 and July 31, 1961 (gage height, 4 ft 8 in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1908. Usable capacity 93 million cubic feet 

between gage heights 0 ft 6 in and 4 ft 10 in (limits stipulated by Public Service 

Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company.

Gage height, in (eel and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet. 1965

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7, _

14,..

21...

28...

Apr. 4___

11 __

Gage height

Feet

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

Inches

6

6

6

6

6

2

6

Contents

0

0

0

0

0

12

20

Date

Apr. 18...

25 ...

May 2...

9 __

16...

23...

30 ...

Gage height

Feet

2

3

3

4

4

4

4

Inches

4

0

8

7

9

7

7

Contents

37

52

66

87

91

87

87

(169) 5-3903. Lower Ninemile Lake near Eagle River, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°53'35", long 89 C 07'15", in NE^NW? sec.4, T.39 N., R.ll E., on Ninemile Creek, 6.6 miles southeast of village of Eagle River.

Drainage area. 25 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,638.27 ft above mean sea level 

(levels of Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 136 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height, 6 ft 5 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month,l30 millio^ cubic feet July 31, 

1961 (gage height, 6 ft 3 in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1908. Usable capacity 121 million cubic feet 

between gage heights 1 ft 5 in and 6 ft 0 in (limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.
MARCH MAY, UPPFR MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A285

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Lower Nincmile Lake near

Eagle River Wis.

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7...

14...

21...

28...

Apr. 4...

11. _.

Gage height

Feet

1

1

1

1

1

3

3

Inches

5

5

5

5

5

1

9

Contents

0

0

0

0

0

32

48

Date

Apr. 18...

25...

May 2...

9...

16...

23...

30 __

Gage height

Feet

4

5

5

6

6

6

6

Inches

10

6

11

4

5

3

3

Contents

80

103

118

133

136

130

130

(170) 5 3903.5 Burnt Rollways Reservoir near Eagle River, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°53'40", long 89°08'30", in NE{NW{ sec.5, T.39 N., R.ll E., on Eagle 

River, 5.3 miles southeast of village of Eagle River.

Drainage area. 1 29 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Altitude of gage is 1,620 ft (from river-profile map).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 779 million cubic feet May 9, 

16, 23, 30 (gage height, 1 ft 6 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 779 million cubic feet at 

times (gage height, 1 ft 6 in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1908. Reservoir includes Whitefish, Pig, Dog, 

Deer, Mud, Big Stone, Moccasin, Spirit, Medicine, Little Fork, Fourmile, Big Fork, 

Island, Round, Town Line, Range Line, Planting Ground, and Long Lakes. Usable 

capacity Nov. 1 to Apr. 30, 779 million cubic feet between gage heights -1 ft 3 in and 

1 ft 6 in and May 1 to Oct. 31, 471 million cubic feet between gage heights 0 ft 0 in and 

1 ft 6 in (limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

Cage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7...

14...

21 __

28 ...

Apr. 4...

11...

Gage height

Feet

-1

-1

-1

-0

-0

-0

-0

Inches

2

1

0

11.5

9.5

7.5

5

Contents

19

39

58

68

107

148

200

Date

Apr. 18...

25 ...

May 2...

9...

16 ...

23 ...

30 ...

Gage height

Feet

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

Inches

1

11.5

5.5

6

6

6

6

Contents

333

604

766

779

779

779

779
A286 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(171) 5-3904. Long Lake near Phelps, Wis.

Location. Lat 46°02'45", long 89°02'35", in NW^SEi sec.7, T.41 N., R..12 E., on Deerskin River, 2.5 miles southeast of Phelps.

Drainage area. 35 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,695.14 ft above mean sea level 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 371 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height 3 ft 9 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 332 million cubic feet 

June 30, 1953 (gage height, 3 ft 5 in).

Remarks. Reservoir operations began in 1908. Usable capacity Oct. 1 to May 31,

400 million cubic feet between gage heights 0 ft 4 in and 4 ft 0 in and June 1 to Sept. 30, 

332 million cubic feet between gage heights 1 ft 0 in and 4 ft 0 in (limits stipulated by 

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

Gage height, in (eel and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7___

14...

21 __

28 __

Apr. 4...

11 __

Gage height

Feet

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Inches

4

4

4

4

4

5

7

Contents

0

0

0

0

0

8

25

Date

Apr. 18 __

25 ...

May 2...

9 ...

16...

23...

30 ...

Gage heigl t

Feet

1

2

2

3

3

3

3

Inches

0.5

3.5

9.5

4

9

5

3

Contents

72

206

261

323

371

332

313

(172) 5-3906. Deerskin Lake near Eagle River, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°59'05", long 89°09'40", in SE^ sec. 31, T.41 N., R. 11 E., on Deerskin Creek, 6.3 miles northeast of village of Eagle River.

Drainage area. 5 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record.- Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,640.16 ft above rrean sea level 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 14 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height, 1 ft 5 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 22 million, cubic feet 

Oct. 31, 1938, May 31, and June 30, 1939, Apr. 30 and May 31, 1941, Sept. 30, 1959 

(gage height, 2 ft 0 in).

Remarks. The lake has been used as a reservoir since 1908. Usable capacity 22

million cubic feet between gage height 0 ft 4 in and 2 ft 0 in (limits stipulated by Public 

Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 8 7

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Deerskin Lake near Eagle

River, Wis.

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7___

14...

21. __

28 __

Apr. 4___

11 __

Gage height

Feet

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Inches

4

4

4

4

4

4

7.5

Contents

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

Date

Apr. 18...

25 ...

May 2...

9__.

16...

23...

30...

Gage height

Feet

0

0

0

1

1

1

1

Inches

8

9

11

0

5

3.5

3

Contents

4

5

7

8

14

12

11

(173) 5-3906.5 Sugar Camp Reservoir near Eagle River, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°52'15", long 89°23'35", in NE| sec.17, T.39 N., R.9 E., on Sugar 

Camp Creek, 7.6 miles southwest of village of Eagle River.

Drainage area. 59 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,591.94 ft above mean sea level 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 471 million cubic feet May 9 

(gage height, 6 ft 6 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 471 million cubic feet 

Apr. 30, 1939, Sept. 30, Oct. 31, Nov. 30, Dec. 31, 1941, Sept. 30 and Nov. 30, 1942 

(gage height 6 ft 6 in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1908. Reservoir includes Chain, Echo, Stone, 

Sand, and Dam Lakes. Usable capacity Sept. 15 to May 31, 471 million cubic feet 

between gage height 1 ft 0 in and 6 ft 6 in and June 1 to Sept. 14, 180 million cubic 

feet between gage height 4 ft 0 in and 6 ft 0 in (limits stipulated by Public Service 

Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Inprovement Co.

Gage height, m feel and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7...

14...

21. __

28...

Apr. 4__.

11 __

Gage height

Feet

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

Inches

9

9

9

9

9

9

4

Contents

56

56

56

56

56

56

102

Date

Apr. 18...

25 ...

May 2...

9 __

16...

23...

30...

Gage height

Feet

3

5

6

6

6

6

6

Inches

5

2

2

6

4

1

0

Contents

193

345

439

471

455

431

423
A288 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(174) 5-3907. Little St. Germain Lake near Eagle River, Wis.

Location. Lat 43°53'55", long 89°27'00", in SE? sec.35, T.40 N., R.8 E., on Little St. 

Germain Creek, 9.6 miles west of village of Eagle River.

Drainage area. 19 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,611.54 ft above mean sea level 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 83 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height, 3 ft 1 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 83 million cubic feet Aug. 31, 

1941 (gage height 3 ft 1 in).

Remarks.- The lake has been used as a reservoir since 1908. Usable capacity 79

million cubic feet between gage height 1 ft 2 in and 3 ft 0 in (limits stipulated by Pub lie 

Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

Gage height, m feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7___

14...

21...

28...

Apr. 4...

n...

Gage height

Feet

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Inches

3

3.5

3

3

2.5

4

7

Contents

4

6

4

4

2

7

18

Date

Apr. 18 ...

25...

May 2...

9...

16 ...

23...

30 ...

Gage height

Feet

1

2

2

2

3

2

2

Inches

10

2

5.5

11.5

1

11.5

11

Contents

29

43

56

77

83

77

75

(175) 5-3907.5 Big St. Germain Lake near Lake Tomahawk, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°55'10", long 89°31'55", in SE| sec.30, T.40 N., R.8 E., on St. Germain 

River, 7.8 miles northeast of village of Lake Tomahawk.

Drainage area. 69 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,588.32 ft above r-iean sea level 

(levels by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 196 million cubic feet May 9 

(gage height 3 ft 5 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 202 million cubic feet 

Dec. 31, J946 (gage height, 3 ft 6 in).

Remarks. The lake has been used as a reservoir since 1908. Reservoir includes Lake 

Content, and Big St. Germain and Fawn Lakes. Usable capacity, Sept. 15 to May 31, 

202 million cubic feet between gage height 0 ft 6 in and 3 ft 6 in and June 1 to Sept. 14, 

91 million cubic feet between gage height 1 ft 8 in and 3 ft 0 in (limits stipulated by 

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.
MARCH MAY, UPPFR MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A289

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in mil/ions of cubic Ject, 1965, of Big St. Germain Lake nrar Lake

Tomahawk, Wis.

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7...

14...

21...

28 __

Apr. 4___

11 ...

Gage height

Feet

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

Inches

6

7

6

6

6

4

5

Contents

0

5

0

0

0

55

60

Date

Apr. 18...

25...

May 2...

9...

16...

23...

30...

Gage height

Feet

1

2

2

3

3

2

2

Inches

5

0

9

5

3.5

10

10

Contents

60

100

151

196

188

156

156

(176) 5-3908. Pickerel Lake near Lake Tomahawk, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°52'20", long 89°31'45", in NE{ sec.18 T.39 N., R.8 E., on St. Germain 

River 5 miles northeast of village of Lake Tomahawk.

Drainage area. 78 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,582.00 ft above mean sea le/el 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 290 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height, 9 ft 0 in).

1938 to February 1965- Contents on last day of month, 306 million cubic feet 

Dec. 31, 1938, Apr. 30, 1947, Sept. 30, 1959 (gage height, 9 ft 4 in).

Remarks. The dam was built in 1935. Usable capacity Sept. 15 to May 31, 338 million 

cubic feet between gage height 0 ft 0 in and 10 ft 0 in and June 1 to Sept. 14, 95 

million cubic feet between gage height 8 ft 0 in and 10 ft 0 in (levels stipulated by 

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

fjflgf height, tn feel and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feel, 1965

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7...

14...

21. _.

28...

Anr. 4___

1 1...

Gage height

Feet

5

4

2

0

0

2

4

Inches

4

6

6

11

9

5

4

Contents

141

111

52

16

13

50

105

DateApr. 18...

25...

Mav 2...

!)...

16...

23...

30...

Gage height

Feet

6

7

7

8

9

8

8

Inches

0

1

6

7

0

6

6

Contents

165

207

222

270

290

266

266
A290 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(177) 5-3909. Rainbow Lake near Lake Tomahawk, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°50'00", long 89°32'40", in SWi sec.30, T.39 N., R.8 E., on Wisconsin 

River, 2.7 miles northeast of village of Lake Tomahawk.

Drainage area. 740 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Float-tape gage. Datum of gage is 1,570.00 ft above mean sea 

level (levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 2,181 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height, 28 ft 0 in).

1936 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 2,197 million cubic feet 

Apr. 30, 1951 (gage height, 28 ft 1 in).

Remarks. Dam was completed November 1935. Usable capacity was 1,639 million 

cubic feet between gage height 6 ft 0 in and 25 ft 0 in until August 1949 when it was 

increased to 2,181 million cubic feet between gage height 6 ft 0 in ard 28 ft 0 in 

(limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

Cage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7___

14. _.

21...

28 ...

Apr. 4...

11. _,

Gage height

Feet

17

16

14

11

10

6

8

Inches

4

1

6.5

6.5

9.5

4

8

Contents

633

523

404

213

177

8

84

Date

Apr. 18...

25 ...

May 2...

9 ...

16 __

23...

30 ...

Gage height

Feet

16

21

25

27

28

27

27

Incl es

2

5

7

9

0

6.5

6

Contents

530

1,097

1,737

2,133

2,181

2,093

2,085

(178) 5-3911. Pelican Lake near Pelican Lake, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°31'45", long 89°12'20", in Sf sec.11, T.35 N., R.10 E., on Pelican 

River, 2.8 miles northwest of village of Pelican Lake.

Drainage area. 22 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,589.98 ft mean sea level (levels by 

Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 292 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height, 1 ft 11 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 331 million cubic feet 

June 30, 1939 (gage height, 2 ft 2 in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1909. No usable capacity Apr. 1 to Oct. 31. 

Usable capacity Nov. 1 to Mar. 31, 305 million cubic feet between gsge heights 0 ft 

0 in and 2 ft 0 in (limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity table furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A291

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Pelican Lake near Pelican

Lake, Wis.

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7___

14...

21. ._

28 ...

Apr. 4___

11...

Gage height

Feet

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Inches

1

1

0

0

0

1.5

5

Contents

13

13

0

0

0

19

63

Date

Apr. 18...

25 ...

May 2...

9 ...

16...

23 __

30 ...

Gage height

Feet

0

1

1

1

1

1

1

Inches

10

3

6.5

8

11

9.5

8.5

Contents

127

190

234

254

292

273

260

(179) 5-3913. North Pelican Lakes near Rhinelander, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°38'05", long 89°14'35", in SE| sec.4, T.36 N., R.10 E., on Ncrth 

Branch Pelican River, 8 miles east of city limits of Rhinelander.

Drainage area. 71 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,569.10 ft above mean sea level 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 160 million cubic feet Apr. 25 

(gage height, 0 ft 4.5 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month 177 million cubic feet 

Mar. 31, 1945 (gage height, 0 ft 7-3/4 in).

Remarks. The lakes have been used as a reservoir since 1908. Reservoir includes: 

Moen, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Lakes. Usable capacity, June 1 to Se~>t. 15, 

19 million cubic feet between gage heights -0 ft 4 in and 0 ft 0 in; Sept. 16 to May 31, 

218 million cubic feet between gage heights 1 ft 4 in and -2 ft 6 in (limits stioulated 

by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, m millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7...

14...

21...

28...

Apr. 4__.

11...

Gage height

Feet

-2

-1

-1

-1

-1

-1

-1

Inches

0

11

11

11

11

10

7.5

Contents

27

31

31

31

31

36

47

Date

Apr. 18...

25 __

May 2...

9 __

16 ...

23 __

30 __

Gage height

Feet

-0

0

0

0

0

0

-0

Inches

4

4.5

2.5

4

3

1.5

1

Contents

120

160

151

158

153

146

134
A292 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(180) 5 3921. Minocqua Lake near Minocqua, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°52'35", long 89°43'40", on line between sees.10 and 15, T.39 N., R.6 E. 

on Tomahawk River, 1 mile west of Minocqua.

Drainage area. 89 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,584.56 ft above m°an sea level 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 484 million cubic feet May 30 

(gage height, 0 ft 0 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 619 million cubic feet 

July 31, 1950, (gage height, 0 ft 5-5/8 in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1910. Reservoir includes Little Tomahawk, 

Tomahawk, Mid, Minocqua, Baker and Kewasokogan Lakes. Usable capacity Oct. 1 

to May 31, 628 million cubic feet between gage heights -1 ft 10 in and 0 ft 6 in, and 

June 1, to Sept. 30, 283 million cubic feet between gage heights -0 ft 6 in and 0 ft 6 in, 

(limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 28 ...

Mar. 7. _

14...

21 ...

28 __

Apr. 4. _

11 __

Gage height

Feet

-1

-1

-1

-1

-1

-1

-1

Inches

10

10

10

10

10

8

6

Contents

0

0

0

0

0

41

83

Date

Apr. 18...

25 ...

May 2...

9...

16...

23 ...

30 __

Gage height

Feet

-1

-1

-0

-0

-0

-0

0

Inches

3.5

1

11

6

3.5

1.5

0

Contents

136

189

233

345

402

448

484

(181) 5-3922. Squirrel Lake near Minocqua, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°50'35", long 89°54'15", in NEi sec.30, T.39 N., R.5 K., on Squirrel 

River, 9.4 miles west of Minocqua.

Drainage area. 17 sq mi., approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,560.93 ft above m°an sea level 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 175 million cubic feet May 16, 

23, 30 (gage height, 3 ft 11 in.).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 193 million cubic feet 

Apr. 30, 1951 (gage height, 4 ft 1 -f in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1908. Usable capacity Oct. 1 to May 31, 182 

million cubic feet between gage heights 1 ft 7 in and 4 ft 0 in; and Jun? 1 to Sept. 30, 

165 million cubic feet between gage heights 1 ft 10 in and 4 ft 0 in (limits stipulated 

by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 9 3

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Squirrel Lake near Minocqua, Wis.

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7. _

14...

21...

28...

Apr. 4...

ll-_.

Gage height

Feet

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

Inches

7

7

7

8

8

9

2

Contents

0

0

0

5

5

11

41

Date

Apr. 18...

25 ...

May 2...

9...

16...

23...

30 ...

Gage height

Feet

2

3

3

3

3

3

3

Inches

9

3

5

7

11

11

11

Contents

83

122

135

148

175

175

175

(182) 5-3923. Willow Reservoir near Hazelhurst, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°42'45", long 89°50'40", in NE^ sec.10, T.37 N., R.5 E., on Tomahawk 

River, 8.8 miles southwest of Hazelhurst.

Drainage area. 327 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1505.87 ft above mean sea level 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 3,222 million cubic fe°t May 23 

(gage height, 23 ft 3 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 3,316 million cubic feet 

June 30, 1954 (gage height, 23 ft 6-^ in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1927. Usable capacity, 3,302 million cubic 

feet between gage heights 5 ft 0 in and 23 ft 6 in (limits stipulated by Public Service 

Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

Cage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7___

14__.

21...

28...

Apr. 4___

11___

Gage height

Feet

6

7

8

8

8

8

9

Inches

3.5

4

2.5

11

9

5.5

4

Contents

48

116

188

256

240

212

300

Date

Apr. 18 ...

25 ...

May 2...

9 ...

16 ...

23 __

30 ...

Gage height

Feet

13

18

20

21

23

23

23

Inches

9

0

2.5

8.5

2.5

3

1.5

Contents

923

1,814

2,356

2,760

3,209

3,222

3,184
A294 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(183) 5-3925. Lake Nokomis at Bradley, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°32'20", long 89°44'45", in NWi sec.9, T.35 N., R.6 E., on Tomahawk 

River, 0.4 mile east of Bradley.

Drainage area. 548 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,448.24 ft above mean sea level, 

datum of 1929.

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 1,792 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height, 14 ft 11 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 1,852 million cubic feet 

Sept. 30, 1959 (gage height, 15 ft 2-3/4 in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1912. Usable capacity, 1,808 million cubic 

feet between gage heights 0 ft 0 in and 15 ft 0 in (limits stipulated by Public Service 

Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7...

14...

21 ...

28 __

Apr. 4___

11 __

Gage height

Feet

9

7

6

3

2

2 

3

Inches

2

9.5

0

5

7.5

5

11

Contents

775

568

326

93

52

44

127

Date

Apr. 18...

25 ...

May 2___

9__.

16 __

23...

30 ...

Gage height

Feet

8

12

14

14

14

14

14

Inches

6

1

3

9

11

10.5

6

Contents

671

1,265

1,664

1,760

1,792

1,784

1,712

(184) 5-3936. Spirit River Flowage near Tomahawk, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°26'20", long 89°44'30", in SE^ sec.9, T.34 N., R.6 E., on Spirit River, 

2 miles south of Tomahawk.

Drainage area. 174 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Staff gage. Datum of gage is 1,420.53 ft above mean sea level, 

datum of 1929.

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 752 million cubic feet May 2 

(gage height, 16 ft 11.5 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 760 million cubic feet. 

June 30, 1953 (gage height, 17 ft f in).

Remarks. Reservoir operation began in 1923. Usable capacity, 756 million cubic feet 

between gage heights, 0 ft 0 in and 17 ft 0 in (limits stipulated by Public Service 

Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A295

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Spirit River Flowage near

Tomahawk, Wis.

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7. _

14 ...

21...

28 __

Apr. 4...

11.. _

Gage height

Feet

3

5

6

6

6

0

3

Inches

3

3

5.5

11

7.5

0

11

Contents

31

74

108

125

114

0

43

Date

Apr. 18...

25 ...

May 2...

9...

16 ...

23...

30 ...

Gage height

Feet

16

15

16

16

16

16

16

Inches

5.5

11

11.5

7.5

10

6.5

6

Contents

707

659

752

722

741

714

711

(185) 5-3945. Prairie River near Merrill, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°14'10", long 89°38'50", on line between sees.20 and 29, T.32 N.,

R.7 E., near center of span on downstream side of highway bridge, 1.5 miles- upstream 

from Meadow Creek, 4.5 miles northeast of Merrill, and 8 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 181 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Graph drawn on basis of once-daily chain-gage readings and 

flood mark. Altitude of gage is 1,300 ft (from topographic map).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 2,600 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-4, Mar. 10 to Apr. 5.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 2,530 cfs 0600 hours Apr. 12 (gage height, 

6.60 ft).

1914-31, 1939 to February 1965: Discharge, 5,800 cfs Aug. 31, 1941 (gage height, 

9.45 ft, from floodmarks).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4___

5___

6...

7___

8...

9...

10..

March

72

76

81

83

86

98

147

126

119

106

April

72

72

74

76

78

82

95

183

611

1,110

May

570

528

513

461

412

454

520

574

574

454

Day

11_.

12..

13. _

14..

15. _

16..

17_.

18..

19__

20__

March

96

91

90

90

91

90

86

82

80

78

April

1,500

2,020

1,260

1,140

1,140

1,060

1,000

998

928

897

May

398

350

312

264

312

600

833

768

478

370

Day

21_.

22_.

23_.

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second..... ______

Runoff, in inches ____---_____-----_-_---__--____-----_-__

March

78

76

76

76

76

75

74

73

72

72

72

86.7

0.55

April

960

877

754

728

695

720

877

970

800

634

747

4.60

' May

324

264

226

166

170

252

247

247

211

196

204

395

2.52
A296 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Prairie River near

'Merrill, Wis.

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

12

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

2.60

3.11

3.59

3.96

4.29

4.65

4.87

5.07

5.40

6.12

6.60

6.06

5.52

Discharge

272

440

622

776

939

1,130

1,260

1,380

1,590

2,130

2,530

2,080

1,670

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

15

16

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

5.16

4.85

4.83

4.85

4.76

4.62

4.66

4.67

4.62

4.50

4.43

Discharge

1,440

1,250

1,240

1,250

1,200

1,120

1,140

1,140

1,120

1,050

1,010

Date

May 15

16

17

18

19

Hour

2401

120?

240?

120?

180?

240")

120")

2400

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

3.13

3.57

3.84

4.13

4.19

4.16

3.98

3.61

3.13

3.04

2.98

Discharge

447

614

724

857

887

872

785

630

447

415

394

(186) 5-3950. Wisconsin River at Merrill, Wis.

Location. Lat 45°10'40", long 89°40'45", on line between sees.12 and 13, T.31 N., R.6 

E., on left bank 300 ft downstream from highway bridge at east end of Merrill and 

0.5 mile downstream from Prairie River.

Drainage area. 2,780 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at fifteen-minute irtervals. Datum 

of gage is 1,228.85 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 20,000 cfs. Mean daily discharges computed from 96 punch tap-? recordings per 

day. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 4.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 12,300 cfs 1300 hours May 18 (gage height, 

9.79 ft).

1902 to February 1965: Discharge, 49,400 cfs Aug. 31, 1941 (gage height, 18.26 ft).

Remarks. Flow regulated by 20 reservoirs and 9 powerplants above station.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__-

2___

3...

4___

5...

6...

7...

8...

9___

10..

March

1,700

1,900

2,100

2,100

2,000

1,900

1,900

1,900

2,000

1,900

April

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,400

1,360

1,470

1,580

1,600

2,100

3,250

May

4,610

4,290

4,890

5,410

4,460

4,600

5,910

6,380

7,350

7,490

Day

11..

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19__

20. _

March

1,800

1,700

1,700

1,600

1,500

1,700

1,700

1,500

1,500

1,400

April

7,860

9,140

7,760

9,380

9,970

10,300

10,500

10,500

9,950

9,650

May

7,040

6,430

5,560

5,250

4,710

8,040

8,570

10,200

8,280

7,260

Day

21_.

22_.

23_.

24. .

25_.

26_.

27_.

28_.

29_.

30_.

31_.

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.... _______

March

1,300

1,400

1,300

1,500

1,600

1,500

1,300

1,500

1,600

1,500

1,400

1,658

April

9,630

9,380

8,760

8,050

7,240

6,320

7,360

7,580

6,650

5,390

-------

6,288

May

6,680

6,870

6,290

6,010

4,890

4,370

5,900

6,160

4,740

3,670

3,420

5,991
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A2 9 7

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Wisconsin R : ->er at

Merrill, Wis.

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

Hour

0000

0200

0600

1200

1800

2000

2400

0200

0400

1000

1200

1600

1800

2400

0200

0600

1000

1400

Gage 

height

7.06

7.46

8.36

8.00

8.15

8.40

8.75

9.02

8.82

8.61

8.78

8.72

8.56

8.51

8.38

7.80

7.62

7.90

Discharge

5,750

6,550

8,380

7,630

7,940

8,470

9,290

9,960

9,460

8,950

9,360

9,220

8,840

8,720

8,430

7,230

6,870

7,430

Date

Apr. 13

14

15

16

Hour

1800

2000

2400

0200

0600

1200

1800

2200

2400

0200

0600

1200

1600

2000

2400

0200

0600

Gage 

height

7.96

8.38

8.58

8.76

8.85

8.61

8.78

9.00

9.22

9.32

9.31

8.94

8.91

8.70

8.89

9.07

9.22

Discharge

7,550

8,430

8,880

9,310

9,530

8,950

9,360

9,900

10,600

10,900

10,800

9,750

9,680

9,170

9,630

10,100

10,600

Date

Apr. 16

17

18

Hour

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400

1000

1200

1800

2300

2400

0600

1000

1400

1600

1800

2000

2400

Gage 

height

9.13

9.06

9.22

9.06

9.09

9.15

9.22

9.18

9.48

9.46

9.45

9.31

8.85

8.81

8.89

9.08

9.20

Discharge

10,300

10,100

10,600

10,100

10,200

10,400

10,600

10,400

11,300

11,300

11,200

10,800

9,530

9,430

9,630

10,100

10,500

(187) 5-3961. Scotch Creek tributary near Edgar, Wis. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 44°56'40", long 89°57'05", in SE? sec.31, T.29 N., R.5 E., at culvert on 

State Highway 29, 0.6 mile east of intersection with County Trunk H, and 1.5 miles 

northeast of Edgar.

Drainage area. 7.1 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 161 cfs and by culvert flow measurement at 1380 cfs.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 1,380 cfs Apr. 11 (gage height, 16.67 ft).

1962 to February 1965: Discharge, 460 cfs Sept. 13, 1962 (gage height, 14.07 ft).
A298 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(188) 5-3975. Eau Claire River at Kelly, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°55'05", long 89°33'00", on line between sees. 9 and 10, T.28 N., 

R.8 E., on right bank 50 ft downstream from highway bridge, 0.7 mile northeast of 

Kelly, 1.3 miles upstream from Big Sandy Creek, 4.5 miles upstream from mouth, 

and 5 miles southeast of Wausau.

Drainage area. 326 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at sixty-minute intervals. Datum 

of gage is 1,177.88 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 6,400 cfs. Mean daily discharges computed from 24 punch-tap? recordings 

per day. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 9.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 6,980 cfs 2000 hours Apr. 12 (gage height, 

10.04 ft).

1914-26, 1939 to February 1965: Discharge, 8,300 cfs Aug. 21, 1926 (gage height, 

8.4 ft from graph based on gage readings).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!___

2...

3...

4___

5__.

6__.

7...

8...

9__.

10_.

March

58

120

200

180

180

300

260

310

330

320

April

73

71

70

70

80

100

120

250

600

1,980

May

717

652

628

706

621

535

497

483

538

615

Day

11..

12..

13..

14. _

15..

16..

17. _

18..

19..

20..

March

280

210

170

150

146

134

128

130

108

102

April

3,150

6,420

5,410

4,040

3,340

2,520

1,960

1,780

1,490

1,310

May

576

474

380

315

376

2,030

1,610

1,320

899

582

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff, in inches ____--___--__-___--___---_-___---_--_.--

March

96

92

90

86

81

78

76

74

73

73

73

152

0.54

April

1,160

1,130

1,060

949

861

1,040

1,370

1,300

1,100

844

1,522

5.21

May

432

357

310

263

252

414

503

386

311

261

228

5.89

2.08

Cage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated tiim, 1965

Date

Apr. 8

9

10

11

Hour

0000

0800

1000

1600

2400

0800

1600

2200

2400

0400

1000

1600

2400

0200

0400

Gage 

height

2.65

2.95

3.24

2.93

2.95

2.94

3.62

4.38

5.31

5.85

5.03

4.03

5.18

5.95

6.26

Discharge

2,380

2,760

2,060

1,340

2,180

2,860

3,130

Date

Artr* 1 1 .rtpt . I I

12

Hour

0600

0800

1000

1600

1800

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

1000

1200

1600

2000

2200

2400

Gage 

height

5.04

6.09

6.27

o ^ . QQ y y

6.03

7.41

8.07

9

OC .^D

9.83

9.70

9.19

9.11

9.47

10.04

9.88

9.58

Discharge

2,070

2,980

3,140

2,890

2 QQn , you 

4,250

4 ' 910

6,130

6,750

6,610

6,050

5,960

6,360

6,980

6,810

6,480

Date

Apr. 13

14

15

16

Hour

040C

0800

1200

1600

2400

0400

1200

2400

0400

1200

1600

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

9 32

8.75

8.50

7 i . Q7 y / 

7.96

7 .D G 1 1

7 97 \ ,£* 1

6.50

6.43

6.60

6.60

6.22

5.88

5.54

Discharge

6,190

5,810

5,340

4,810

4,800

4 450

4,110

3,350

3,290

3,440

3,440

3,100

2,790

2,490
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965,

Kelly, Wis. Continued

A299 

of Eau Claire River at

Date

Apr. 16

17

18

19

Hour

1800

2400

0800

1600

2400

1200

2400

0800

1600

2400

Gage 

height

5.32

5.10

4.93

4.82

4.80

4.72

4.44

4.31

4.19

4.22

Discharge

2,300

2,120

1,980

1,900

1,930

1,820

1,610

1,520

1,430

1,450

Date

Apr. 20

May 15

16

Hour

0600

1600

2400

2400

0400

0600

1000

1400

1800

2400

Gage 

height

4.15

3.86

3.77

2.80

3.99

4.49

5.16

5.56

5.53

5.15

Discharge

1,410

1,240

1,180

674

1,310

1,640

2,170

2,500

2,480

2,160

Date

May 17

18

19

Hour

0600

1400

1800

2400

0800

1600

2400

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

4.68

4.28

4.16

4.09

4.10

4.00

3.71

3.25

3.03

2.f6

Discharge

1,780

1,500

1,420

1,370

1,380

1,320

1,150

904

791

705

(189) 5-3980. Wisconsin River at Rothschild, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°53'10", long 89°37'50", in sec.26, T.28 N., R.7 E., on left bank at 

Rothschild, 0.5 mile downstream from Rothschild Dam, 2 miles downstream from 

Eau Claire River, 5 miles upstream from Black Creek, and 5.5 miles south of 

bridge on State Highway 29 in Wausau.

Drainage area. 4,000 sq mi. approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at sixty-minute intervals. Datum 

of gage is 1,135.86 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929. Auxiliary digital recorder 

tape punched at sixty-minute intervals in Mosinee pond 8 miles downstream.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current meter measurements. 

Fall used as a factor for discharges below 7,000 cfs. Mean daily discharges computed 

from 24 punch-tape recordings per day.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 49,200 cfs 1600 hours Apr. 12 (gage height 

18.46 ft).

1944 to February 1965: Discharge, 47,000 cfs Sept. 27, 1959 (gage height 17.81 ft).

Flood of Sept. 1, 1941, reached a stage of 22.3 ft, from tailwater data at Pothschild 

Dam (discharge, 75,000 cfs, from rating curve extended above 45,000 cfs by logarithmic plotting.)

Remarks.- Flow regulated by 20 reservoirs and 12 powerplants above station 

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3___

4...

5__.

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

2,010

2,640

4,030

4,020

3,640

3,830

3,830

3,670

4,110

3,510

April

1,720

1,880

1,610

1,800

1,780

1,930

3,410

5,170

6,210

7,730

May

7,380

6,980

6,860

7,680

6,840

6,500

7,150

7,670

9,170

10,000

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17. _

18..

19..

20..

March

2,940

2,240

1,980

1,790

1,950

1,930

2,000

1,910

2,000

1,600

April

21,700

44,300

30,200

24,200

23,800

20,400

17,900

18,400

16,600

15,400

May

9,190

7,480

6,930

6,270

6,200

12,600

14,900

13,300

11,700

9,150

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. _---_-.-__

March

1,350

1,930

2,030

1,750

2,000

2,010

1,540

1,330

1,950

1,980

1,740

2,427

April

14,400

14,600

12,700

11,700

10,400

10,300

15,800

13,900

10,600

8,210

12,960

May

7,480

7,700

7,150

6,750

6,370

6,280

7,510

7,470

6,190

5,170

4,140

7,941

317-045 O - 70 - 20
A300 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Wisconsin River at

Rothschild, Wis.

Date

Apr. 11

12

Hour

0000

1000

1100

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Gage 

height

6.64

6.64

13.13

13.69

14.39

14.90

15.23

15.51

15.65

15.84

16.26

16.97

17.32

17.59

18.20

18.44

18.46

Discharge

7,730

7,730

25,700

27,800

30,600

32,700

34,100

35,300

35,900

36,800

38,700

41,900

43,600

44,900

47,900

49,100

49,200

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

Hour

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

Gage 

height

18.05

17.44

16.92

16.49

15.93

15.20

14.75

14.17

13.84

13.03

13.20

12.76

12.97

12.81

12.63

12.70

Discharge

47,200

44,200

41,700

39,700

37,200

34,000

32,000

29,700

28,400

25,300

25,900

24,300

25,100

24,500

23,900

24,100

Date

Apr. 14

15

16

Hour

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2400

Gage 

height

12.41

12.64

12.53

12.68

12.70

12.80

12.61

12.29

11.98

11.89

11.55

12.31

11.70

11.31

10.92

10.98

Discharge

23,100

23,900

23,500

24,100

24,100

24,500

23,800

22,700

21,600

21,300

20,200

22,800

20,700

19,400

18,100

18,300

(190) 5-3995. Big Eau Pleine River near Stratford, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°49'15", long 90°04'35", on line between sec.13, T.27 N., R.3 E., and 

sec.18, T.27 N., R.4 E., on left bank 15 ft upstream from bridge on State Highway 97, 

1 mile north of Stratford, and 1.4 miles downstream from small tributary.

Drainage area. 224 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 10 14, 21-29 when intake 

was frozen. Datum of gage is 1,154.24 ft above mean sea level, daturr of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 24,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 9. Rate of change in stage used 

is a factor Apr. 10-15, 26, 27, May 16, 26.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 13,700 cfs 0500 hours Apr. 11 (gage height, 

18.43)

1914-25, 1937 to February 1965: Discharge, 41,000 cfs Sept. 9, 1938 (gage height, 

24.5 ft, from floodmarks).

Flood of June 5, 1914, reached a stage of 20.7 ft, from floodmarks (discharge, 

40,000 cfs), former site and datum.

Mean discharge, in cubic (eel per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2...

3...

4___

5...

6...

7...

8...

9__.

10..

March

40

150

350

250

200

280

180

260

240

160

April

17

18

18

19

20

50

400

1,400

2,300

5,670

May

195

182

220

258

173

267

292

183

260

328

Day

11..

12__

13. _

14..

15..

16.-

17_.

18..

19..

20..

March

115

94

80

70

58

50

44

39

34

31

April

11,100

6,160

2,090

1,710

1,690

984

818

1,140

836

651

May

176

118

90

72

74

1,520

716

477

358

180

Day

21..

22_.

23_.

24..

25..

26_.

27_.

28_.

29_.

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff, in inches __________________-______---_--_-_--___-

March

28

26

24

22

21

20

19

18

18

17

17

95.3

0.49

April

604

598

488

384

511

2,320

2,200

660

346

228

1,514

7.54

May

115

85

67

55

55

977

886

318

173

115

84

293

1.51
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 0 1

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Big Eau Pleine River near

Stratford, Wis.

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

10 

11 

12

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0500

1200

1400

2400

0600

1000

1600

1700

1900

2100

2400

0600 

1300 

1500 

1800 

2100 

2400

0200 

0500 

0800 

1200 

1800 

2400

0600 

1000 

1200

Gage 

height

5.75

6.56

7 9R

9.51

10.38

10.33

10.73

10.28

9.90

9.72

9.36

9.09

Q 7R

11.75

12.96

i 9 ^R

U RQ

13.97

12.33 

11.11 

11.47 

13.25 

15.10 

17.04

17.97 

18.43 

17.80 

16.80 

15.73 

16.75

15.53 

14.15 

13.45

Discharge

6,300

4,540 

3,520 

4,110 

6,140 

8,600 

11,500

13,100 

13,700 

12,200 

10,500 

9,020 

10,600

8,210 

6,460 

5,630

Date

Ar>r- 1 9

13

14

15

24 

25

26

Hour

1800

2400

0600

0900

1200

1600 

2000

2400

0600

1200

2000

2400

0300

0700

1200

1800 

2400

2400

0600 

1200 

1400 

1600 

1800 

2000 

2400

0300 

1000 

1300 

1500 

1700 

2000

Gage 

height

11.82

10.55

8 94

8.20

8.06

8.82

Q R1

Q 77

9 15

8.13 

7.78

7.70

8.18

8.64

8.77

8.62

8.17 

7.83

4.79

4.75 

4.70 

4.80 

5.25 

6.08 

6.80 

7.07

7.21 

7.16 

7.98 

9.42 

10.80 

11.84

Discharge

4,070

3 Q9fi

1,830

1,510

1,500

2,090 

2,480

9 RRn

2,010

1,440 

1,350

1,340

1,740

1,860

1,910

1,770

1,520 

1,360

338

328 

316 

341 

456 

699 

961 

1,070

1,120 

1,100 

1,860 

2,600 

3,600 

4,390

Date

Apr 26

27

16

17

25 

26

27

Hour

2200

2400

0600

1200

1800 

2400

2400

0300 

0600

0900

1200

1500

2400

0600

1200 

1800 

2400

2400

0600 

0900 

1100 

1300 

1500 

1900 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

Gag-? 

height

12.06

1195

10. f 1

9 05

7.99 

7.10

4 30

5.80

7 DR

Q 49

9 no

7.41

6

£ c

6.07 

5.55 

5.16

3.23

3.90 

4.54 

4.90 

7.10 

8.34 

8.85 

8.36

7.26 

6.42 

5.75 

5.30

Discharge

4,460

4,260

2 Q Af\

i QAn

1,270 

1,060

oc c

610 

1,500

2 230

2 290

1 940

1,020

Qfi9

696 

537 

433

60

152 

278 

366 

1,500 

1,870 

1,950 

1,510

1,140 

818 

595 

469

(191) 5-3996. Big Eau Pleine Reservoir near Knowlton, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°43'50", long 89°45'35", in SWj sec.14, T.26 N., R.6 E., on Big Eau 

Pleine River, 4 miles south of Moon and 4.0 miles west of Knowlton.

Drainage area. 365 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Float gage. Datum of gage is 1,115.00 ft above mean sea level 

(levels by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Maxima. March to May 1965: Contents at end of week, 4,457 million cubic feet May 16 

(gage height, 31 ft 6 in).

1938 to February 1965: Contents observed, 4,496 million cubic feet Oct. 25, 1959 

(gage height, 31 ft 7^ in).

Remarks.- Reservoir operation began March 1937. Usable capacity, 4,457 million cubic 

feet between gage heights 0 ft 0 in and 31 ft 6 in (limits stipulated by Public Service 

Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity tables furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.
A3 0 2 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet and inches, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Big Eau Pleme Reservqir near

Knowlton, Wis.

Date

Feb. 28...

Mar. 7...

14...

21...

28...

Apr. 4...

1 1...

Gage height

Feet

3

15

19

19

19

18

27

Inches

9.5

2.5

2.5

6

0

4.5

8.5

Contents

103

982

1,530

1,575

1,497

1,403

3,353

Date

Apr. 18...

25...

May 2...

9...

16...

23...

30...

Gage height

Feet

31

31

31

31

31

31

31

Inches

5.5

5

5

5

6

2

2

Contents

4,444

4,431

4,431

4,431

4,457

4,355

4,355

(192) 5-4002.95 Lake Dubay near Stevens Point, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°39'50", long 89°39'05", in sec.10, T.25 N., R.7 E., l| miles downstream from Little Eau Pleine River and 10^ miles northwest of Steve-is Point.

Drainage area. 4,890 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage and recording headwater gage. Datum of gage is mean 

sea level (power company levels).

Maximum. March May 1965: Daily contents, 5,120 million cubic feet Apr. 13 (elevation, 

1,117.52 ft).

Remarks.- Usable capacity, 2,117 million cubic feet between elevations 1,110 ft and 

1,117 ft (limits stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin).

Cooperation. Elevations and capacity table furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

Elevation, in feet, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Day

1----- __

2-__-_ -__

3----------

5-- - _ -_

6.. -. --_

7_ _____

8---------

9 -------

10--------

11-------..

12 _---

13

14--- - -

15-- _- --.

16-.-.- ---

17-_-._ -

19

20---------

21 --------

22--_.--_._

23-- __ ...

March

Elevation

1113.31 

1113.51 

1114.19 

1115.11 

1115.77 

1116.09 

1116.15 

1116.14 

1116.11 

1115.99 

1115.78 

1115.73 

1115.20 

1114.65 

1114.30 

1114.20 

1113.73 

1113.11 

1112.68 

1112.47 

1111.88 

1111.52 

1111.08 

1110.75

Contents

3,693 

3,753 

3,957 

4,242 

4,468 

4,585 

4,608 

4,604 

4,593 

4,548 

4,472 

4,454 

4,271 

4,098 

3,990 

3,960 

3,819 

3,633 

3,507 

3,448 

3,287 

3,191 

3,077 

2,992

April

Elevation

1110.13 

1110.08 

1110.08 

1109.99 

1110.08 

1109.64 

1110.00 

1110.68 

1112.04 

1114.11 

1116.23 

1117.20 

1117.52 

1116.75 

1116.87 

1116.43 

1115.12 

1114.23 

1116.23 

1116.68 

1116.65 

1116.45 

1116.26 

1116.14

Contents

2,838 

2,825 

2,825 

2,803 

2,825 

2,719 

2,805 

2,975 

3,330 

3,933 

4,637 

4,998 

5,120 

4,880 

4,854 

4,711 

4,245 

3,969 

4,637 

4,804 

4,792 

4,718 

4,648 

4,604

May

Elevation

1116.60 

1116.88 

1116.95 

1116.56 

1116.16 

1115.45 

1115.93 

1116.58 

1116.58 

1116.50 

1116.44 

1116.40 

1116.18 

1116.51 

1116.97 

1116.88 

1116.67 

1116.25 

1115.57 

1115.60 

1115.98 

1116.58 

1116.95 

1116.70

Contents

4,774 

4,878 

4,903 

4,759 

4,611 

4,355 

4,526 

4,767 

4,767 

4,737 

4,715 

4,700 

4,619 

4,741 

4,911 

4,878 

4,800 

4,644 

4,396 

4,407 

4,545 

4,767 

4,903 

4,811
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A303

Elevation, in feet, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Lake Dubay near Stevens 

Point, Wis. Continued

Day

25-------

26.-- 

27- - -----

28-. __ 

29 ____ ...

30 -. __ -_-

31. __ ---

March

Elevation

1110.29 

1110.40 

1110.24 

1109.92 

1110.12 

1110.08 

1110.14

Contents

2,877 

2,905 

2,865 

2,786 

2,835 

2,825 

2,840

April

Elevation

1116.13 

1116.15 

1116.47 

1116.45 

1115.45 

1115.50

Contents

4,600 

4,607 

4,726 

4,718 

4,355 

4,372

May

Elevation

1116.73 

1116.73 

1116.69 

1116.82 

1116.53 

1116.43 

1116.55

Contents

4,822 

4,822 

4,807 

4,855 

4,748 

4,711 

4,756

(193) 5-4008. Wisconsin River at Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°22'05", long 89°51 "30", in SW^ sec.24, T.22 N., R.5 E., at Ce-itralia 

powerplant of Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Co., 1.6 miles downstream from Chi~ago and 

Northwestern Railway bridge in Wisconsin Rapids.

Drainage area. 5,400 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Headwater and tailwater recording gages and generatior data read 

hourly and entered in daily log sheet by company employees. Elevation of powerplant 

pond is 980 ft and datum of powerplant gages is 887.83 ft above mean sea level (levels 

by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.).

Discharge record. Discharge computed hourly from powerplant records, using 0600 

hours to 0600 hours basis for daily discharge. Powerplant rating checked by several 

recent high-water current-meter measurements, two near 47,000 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 64,000 cfs 2300 hours Apr. 13.

1914-50, 1957 to February 1965: Discharge, 70,400 cfs at site 7.0 miles downstream, 

Sept. 12, 1938 (gage height, 19.10 ft, datum then in use), from rating curve extended 

above 58,000 cfs.

Remarks.- Discharge computed from powerplant records on basis of load-discharge 

rating of hydroelectric units as developed by Geological Survey and taintor-gate rating 

and spillway ratings based on theoretical formulas and discharge measurerrents. 

Flow regulated by 21 reservoirs and many powerplants above station.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

2,740

3,480

3,750

5,010

5,480

6,040

6,810

7,250

7,200

6,720

April

2,970

2,520

2,250

2,230

3,390

4,170

5,700

7,750

8,940

11,000

May

6,860

11,000

9,420

12,800

12,300

9,000

7,610

8,420

12,400

13,600

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19. _

20..

March

5,640

4,950

4,910

4,260

4,320

3,920

4,020

3,390

3,180

3,270

April

24,700

45,900

53,100

43,600

35,400

35,500

31,900

24,800

19,300

21,600

May

12,200

10,900

8,220

5,250

7,480

17,200

19,800

21,500

19,000

13,000

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

q i

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. _--__-_-_.

March

2,340

2,940

2,910

3,020

2,640

2,620

2,990

2,290

2,100

2,670

2 940

4,058

April

21,600

20,000

19,100

17,000

16,900

16,600

21,900

23,700

19,000

11,600

19,150

May

10,100

8,000

8,800

8,500

8,720

12,000

10,500

12,200

11,600

7,270

4,880

10,980
A3 04 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Wisconsin River at

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Date

^pr.ll

12

Hour

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

Discharge

15,100

21,500

22,700

30,200

34,000

42,400

48,700

Date

Apr. 12

13

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800

2200

2300

2400

Gage 

height

Discharge

50,400

50,400

48,600

52,900

52,100

64,000

62,000

Date

Apr. 14

15

Hour

060?

120^

180?

240?

060?

Gage 

height

Discharge

52,000

46,300

44,000

39,300

38,000

(194) 5 4014. Petenwell Flowage near Necedah, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°03'25", long 90°01'15", in SEf sec.4, T.18 N., R.4 E., on Wisconsin 

River, 0.7 mile upstream from bridge on State Highway 21, and 3.5 miles northeast 

of Necedah.

Drainage area. 5,860 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage and recording headwater gage. Datum of gage is 790.2ft 

above mean sea level (levels by Wisconsin River Power Co.).

Maxima.- March May 1965: Daily contents, 19,954 million cubic feet Apr. 17 (gage 

height, 136.08 ft).

1950 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 19,926 million cubic feet 

Oct. 31, 1954 (gage height, 136.05 ft).

Remarks. Dam was completed in 1949. Reservoir operation began in April 1950. Limits 

of operation are stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin as follows: 

maximum gage height Mar. 16 to June 15, 136.00 ft (19,880 million cubic feet) and 

June 16 to Mar. 15, 135.00 ft (18,980 mcf); minimum gage height Apr. 16 to Dec. 31, 

134.00 ft (18,090 mcf) and Jan. 1 to Apr. 15, 130.00 ft (14,690 mcf).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity table furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.

Gage height, in feet, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965

Day

1_ ---. __

2-.--- __

3

4-_- -_.-

5 __ -.

6 __ __ __

7. __ -_-.-

8------ __

g

10----__ __

11--. -----

12-.--- __

1 }

14---.- __

15---------

16- __ . __

17 --------

18-. ------

March

Elevation

133.87 

133.81 

133.64 

133.50 

133.39 

133.32 

133.34 

133.92 

134.06 

134.08 

134.02 

133.95 

133.73 

133.54 

133.32 

133.10 

132.88 

132.61

Contents

17,976 

17,923 

17,773 

17,650 

17,553 

17,492 

17,509 

18,020 

18,143 

18,160 

18,108 

18,046 

17,852 

17,685 

17,492 

17,298 

17,107 

16.875

April

Elevation

130.04 

130.05 

130.05 

130.10 

130.12 

130.16 

130.18 

130.34 

130.50 

130.73 

131.20 

132.42 

134.26 

135.55 

135.92 

135.77 

136.08 

13R 78

Contents

14,723 

14,731 

14,731 

14,772 

14,788 

14,821 

14,838 

14,965 

15,100 

15,293 

15,688 

16,713 

18,319 

19,475 

19,808 

19,673 

19,954 

19 RR9 .

May

Elevation

135.93 

135.85 

136.03 

135.52 

135.48 

135.52 

135.63 

135.62 

135.68 

135.94 

136.02 

135.89 

136.05 

136.00 

135.80 

135.82 

135.91 

1 9=; sn

Contents

19,817 

19,745 

19,907 

19,448 

19,412 

19,448 

19,547 

19,538 

19,592 

19,826 

19,898 

19,781 

19,926 

19,880 

19,700 

19,718 

19,799 

1 Q 7nn
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A305

Gage height, in feet, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Petenwell Flowage near 

Necedah, Wis. Continued

Day

19. ___ . -

20---- ---

21-- __ .--

22- -- .- .

99

24 __ - --

25

26 __ -- -

27

28. __ - ___

29 ..- - -

9fl

91

March

Elevation

132.28 

132.10 

131.92 

131.74 

131.44 

131.15 

130.87 

130.66 

130.46 

130.30 

130.11 

130.00 

129.97

Contents

16,595 

16,444 

16,293 

16,142 

15,890 

15,646 

15,411 

15,234 

15,067 

14,936 

14,780 

14,690 

14,665

April

Elevation

135.75 

135.70 

135.95 

136.03 

136.04 

135.95 

135.80 

135.69 

135.60 

135.66 

135.87 

135.85

Contents

19,655 

19,610 

19,835 

19,907 

19,916 

19,835 

19,700 

19,601 

19,520 

19,574 

19,763 

19,745

May

Elevation

135.95 

135.88 

135.69 

135.73 

135.72 

135.76 

135.85 

136.00 

135.76 

135.51 

135.69 

135.87 

135.79

Contents

19,835 

19,772 

19,601 

19,637 

19,628 

19,664 

19,745 

19,880 

19,664 

19,439 

19,601 

19,763 

19,691

(195) 5-4020. Yellow River at Babcock, Wis.

Location. Lat 44°18'05", long 90°07'15", in NW| sec.14, T.21 N., R.3 E., on right bank 

at downstream side of highway bridge at Babcock, 1.9 miles upstream from Hemlock 

Creek.

Drainage area. 223 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at sixty-minute intervals except 

0100 hours Mar. 3 to 1700 hours Mar. 10. Datum of gage is 954.75 ft above mean sea 

level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Mean daily discharges computed from 24 punch-tape recordings per day except 0100 

hours Mar. 3 to 1700 hours Mar. 10. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 9.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 6,320 cfs 0800 hours Apr. 12 (gage height, 

14.61 ft).

1944 to February 1965: Discharge, 11,600 cfs Apr. 2, 1952 (gage height, 17,38 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!_-.

2...

3...

4...

5__.

6...

7...

8__]

9...

10_.

March

16

60

150

300

400

450

500

450

400

320

April

26

27

30

45

60

100

400

1,200

1,800

2,640

May

275

214

185

234

242

225

189

158

161

159

Day

11..

12.,

13. _

14..

15..

16..

17. _

18..

19.,

20..

March

230

160

110

80

75

66

58

52

46

40

April

4,140

5,830

3,180

1,410

832

657

538

499

533

469

May

134

114

99

81

68

118

398

364

368

277

Day

21_.

22..

23..

24..

25..

26. J

27..

28..

29..

30_.

31

Runoff, in inches ....-_______-_ __-.__-_____----..---.-_-

March

36

33

31

29

28

27

26

25

25

25

25

138

0.71

April

371

320

307

319

323

807

1,740

1,390

709

408

1 no 7

5. IS

May

188

137

108

91

80

185

1,100

691

417

242

153

240

1.24
A30 6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Yellow River at

Babcock, Wis.

Date

7

8

9

10 

11

Hour

0000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2400

0800

1200

1600

1800

2400

0800

1000

1400

1800

2400

0600 

1000 

1200 

2000 

2400

0400 

0800

Gage 

height

2 50

2.48

2.24

9 "ifi

 ? ^n

4.07

4.84

^ it

5 on

6.65

7.50

8.45

9 1 ^

9.59

10.37

H

O O

11.88

n

Q-2

11.79

n

^<i

11.48

11.77

11.65

11.31

11.00 

10.81 

10.95 

11.28 

11.32

11.28 

11.41

Discharge

2,790

2,550 

2,420 

2,520 

2,760 

2,800

2,760 

2,870

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

14

15

25 

26

Hour

1200

1400

1600

1800

2400

0400

0600 

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400 

0800

1200

1800

2400

0400

0800 

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

2400

0600 

1000 

1200

Gage 

height

12.38

13.04

13.61

14.04

14.43

14.56

14.60 

14.61

14.51

14.26

13.88

13.38

12.85 

12.33

11.79

11.00

10.25

9.80

9.41

8.65

8.22

7.86 

7.54 

7.25 

7.10

4.64

5.19 

6.03 

6.68

Discharge

3,700

4,300

4,890

5,460

6,040

6,240

6,300 

6,320

6,160

5,790

5,230

4,640

4,120 

3,660

3,170

2,550

2,030

1,760

1,560 

1,400

1,190

908 

820 

750 

715

349

421 

530 

629

Date

27

28

29

May 26

27

28

Hour

1400

160C

180C

240C

060C

120C

160C 

200C

240C

060C

120C

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

2400

0200

0600

1000

1200 

1600 

2000 

2400

0400 

0800 

1200 

1800 

2400

Gage 

height

7.35

8.02

8.59

9.31

9.58

9.90

9.97 

9.90

9.77

9.50

9.15

8.70

8.16

7.59

7.01

6.47

5.96

5.63

6.41

7.98

8.94

9.05 

8.92 

8.57 

8.15

7.70 

7.26 

6.85 

6.40 

6.03

Discharge

773

956

1,170

1,500

1,640

1,820

1,860 

1,820

1,740

1,600

1,420

1,210

998

833

695

593

521

478

584

944

1,320

1,380 

1,310 

1,160 

995

863 

752 

662 

582 

530

(196) 5-4032. Castle Rock Flowage near Mauston, Wis.

Location. Lat 43°51'50", long 89°57'35", in sec.13, T.16 N., R.4 E., 4| miles upstream 

from Duck Creek, 2 miles south of Germantown, and 7 miles northeast of Mauston.

Drainage area. 6,860 sq mi approximately.

Gage-height record. Staff gage and recording headwater gage. Datum of gage is 790.2 ft 

above mean sea level (levels by Wisconsin River Power Co.).

Maxima. March May 1965: Daily contents, 7,786 million cubic feet Apr. 18 (gage 

height, 94.20 ft).

1950 to February 1965: Contents on last day of month, 7,786 million cubic feet 

June 30,1954 (gage height, 94.20 ft).

Remarks.- Dam was completed in 1950. Reservoir operation began in May 1950. Limits 

of operation are stipulated by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin as follows: 

Maximum gage height Mar. 16 to June 15, 94.00 ft. (7,630 million cub'c feet) and 

June 16 to Mar. 15, 93.00 ft (6,880 mcf); minimum gage height May 1 to Jan. 31, 

92.00 ft. (6,180 mcf) and Feb. 1 to Apr. 30, 87.00 ft (3,360 mcf).

Cooperation. Gage heights and capacity table furnished by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 0 7

Gage height, in feet, and contents, in millions of cubic feet, 1965, of Castle Rock Flowage near Mansion, Wis.

Day

2_--.____-

3.- ------

4---------

5---------

6-------.-

7___ -.

8------...

9---------

10---------

11---------

12_.._ ....

13---------

14---------

15--. .-.-

16---------

17--.-.....

18--. -. -.

19---------

20....-----

21...... ...

22--.-.....

23__. --.-..

24---------

25---------

26---------

27. -------

28 ---.....

29----..._.

30--.-. ...,

31---------

March

Gage height

90.28 

90.52 

90.83 

90.97 

91.10 

91.19 

91.31 

90.65 

90.57 

90.72 

90.83 

90.87 

90.87 

90.87 

90.65 

90.47 

90.25 

90.10 

89.90 

89.50 

89.12 

88.65 

88.35 

88.07 

87.78 

87.63 

87.37 

87.20 

87.04 

87.06 

87.14

Contents

5,088 

5,232 

5,425 

5,511 

5,594 

5,652 

5,728 

5,313 

5,263 

5,356 

5,425 

5,449 

5,449 

5,449 

5,313 

5,202 

5,070 

4,980 

4,862 

4,630 

4,417 

4,161 

4,002 

3,856 

3,714 

3,642 

3,523 

3,448 

3,378 

3,386 

3,422

April

Gage height

87.14 

87.11 

87.07 

87.25 

87.35 

87.48 

87.63 

87.80 

88.10 

88.55 

88.87 

89.80 

91.00 

93.60 

93.67 

93.83 

93.78 

94.20 

93.85 

93.83 

93.75 

93.84 

93.94 

93.97 

93.90 

93.71 

93.56 

93.47 

93.85 

93.93

Contents

3,422 

3,408 

3,391 

3,470 

3,514 

3,571 

3,642 

3,724 

3,872 

4,107 

4,203 

4,804 

5,530 

7,326 

7,379 

7,501 

7,463 

7,786 

7,516 

7,501 

7,440 

7,508 

7,584 

7,607 

7,554 

7,410 

7,296 

7,228 

7,516 

7,577

May

Gage height

93.97 

94.03 

94.03 

93.68 

93.50 

93.48 

93.68 

93.85 

93.93 

94.00 

93.85 

93.85 

93.98 

94.00 

93.98 

94.07 

93.68 

93.58 

93.62 

93.90 

93.78 

93.78 

93.82 

93.77 

93.85 

93.90 

93.87 

93.70 

93.38 

93.60 

93.89

Contents

7,607 

7,653 

7,653 

7,387 

7,250 

7,235 

7,387 

7,516 

7,577 

7,630 

7,516 

7,516 

7,615 

7,630 

7,615 

7,685 

7,387 

7,311 

7,341 

7,554 

7,463 

7,463 

7,493 

7,455 

7,516 

7,554 

7,531 

7,402 

7,161 

7,326 

7,546

(197) 5 4035. Lemonweir River at New Lisbon, Wis.

Location. Lat 43°52'50", long 90°09'40", in sec.8, T.16 N., R.3 E., near center span 

on downstream side of bridge on State Highway 80 in New Lisbon, 200 ft do-vnstream 

from recreation dam and 1 mile upstream from Webster Creek.

Drainage area. 500 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Wire-weight gage read twice daily. Graph drawn on basis of 

twice-daily wire-weight gage readings during rises. Datum of gage is 867.05 ft 

above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 5,500 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 17 to Apr. 2.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 3,000 cfs 1200 hours Apr. 13 (gage height, 

10.45 ft).

1944 to February 1965: Discharge, 6,880 cfs May 8, 1960 (gage height, 12.94 ft).
A308 FLOODSOF1965INTHEUNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Lemonweir River at New Lisbon, Wis.

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9___

10..

March

363

1,100

1,400

1,030

1,120

1,640

1,660

1,390

1,340

1,280

April

180

300

445

622

863

1,120

1,450

1,810

2,100

2,130

May

1,080

937

802

673

621

621

634

644

649

632

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18. _

19..

20..

March

940

703

573

423

357

317

280

230

210

190

April

2,120

2,580

2,950

2,710

2,340

1,980

1,680

1,480

1,360

1,260

May

573

498

398

370

312

299

362

488

641

661

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second........ .._

Runoff, in in

March

180

180

170

160

150

140

140

130

130

140

150

588

1.35

April

1,150

1,070

1,020

988

943

1,000

1,080

1,140

1,210

1,190

1,409

3.14

May

623

644

581

514

461

730

1,230

1,870

2,170

1,920

1,580

781

1.80

G'age height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9

10

Hour

0000

0800

1600

2400

0800

1600

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200

Gage 

height

6.55

6.85

7.10

7.40

7.71

8.00

8.32

8.52

8.70

8.85

9.00

9.14

9.23

9.30

9.36

9.37

Discharge

985

1,080

1,150

1,270

1,390

1,510

1,640

1,730

1,820

1,900

1,970

2,050

2,110

2,150

2,190

2,190

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

13

14

Hour

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0800

Gage 

height

9.36

9.27

9.19

9.17

9.22

9.27

9.43

9.65

9.95

10.21

10.33

10.42

10.45

10.40

10.33

10.20

Discharge

2,190

2,130

2,080

2,070

2,100

2,130

2,230

2,380

2,580

2,790

2,890

2,970

3,000

2,950

2,890

2,780

Date

Apr. 14

15

16

17

18

19

Hour

1600

2400

0800

1600

2400

0800

1600

2400

0800

1600

2400

0800

1600

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

10.03

9.. 8 5

9.70

9.50

9.30

9.13

8.90

8.70

8.52

8.30

8.13

7.99

7.86

7.79

7.63

7.50

Discharge

2,640

2,520

2,410

2,270

2,150

2,050

1,920

1,820

1,730

1,630

1,560

1,510

1,450

1,430

1,360

1,310
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A309

(198) 5 4040. Wisconsin River near Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Location. Lat 43°36'20", long 89°45'25", in extreme western part of sec.14, T.13 N., 

R.6 E., on right bank 0.5 mile downstream from Dell Creek and 3 miles downstream 

from Wisconsin Dells.

Drainage area. 7,830 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at sixty-minute intervals, 

Altitude of gage is 810 ft (from topographic map).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Mean daily discharges computed from 24 punch-tape recordings per day.

Maxima.- March May 1965: Discharge, 50,200 cfs 2000 hours Apr. 15 (gage height, 

18.95 ft).

1934 to February 1965: Discharge, 72,200 cfs Sept. 14, 1938 (gage height, 

23.83 ft).

Remarks.- Flow regulated by 23 reservoirs and many powerplants above station. 

In 1938, when the maximum of record occurred, there were 21 reservoirs above 

station, the two large reservoirs Petenwell and Castle Rock not yet in existence.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5___

6...

7...

a...

9...

10. _

March

5,200

5,400

6,000

7,400

9,100

9,440

8,820

7,680

8,200

8,740

April

4,460

4,430

3,930

3,670

4,080

5,220

6,720

7,460

8,360

8,940

May

16,800

12,600

13,300

20,700

18,100

14,100

10,900

10,000

10,400

11,000

Day

11..

12. _

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

9,370

9,820

9,760

9,830

9,860

9,740

9,660

9,410

9,340

9,220

April

10,400

11,800

19,800

29,800

46,300

46,600

40,500

37,200

33,600

25,600

May

14,100

15,100

11,500

11,100

10,200

10,300

18,700

21,000

22,000

20,700

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second........ ...

March

8,940

8,650

8,530

8,500

8,590

7,770

7,240

7,120

5,940

4,310

4,130

8,120

April

23,600

22,600

22,900

23,200

23,800

24,100

22,700

22,900

22,200

23,800

------

19,691

May

18,300

14,200

10,700

10,500

10,300

11,000

17,300

18,100

14,600

11,200

11,600

14,210

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 13

14

15

Hour

0000

0200

0800

1400

1800

2400

0400

1000

1200

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

0800

Gage 

height

10.16

10.64

11.44

12.10

12.98

13.67

14.05

14.38

14.73

15.35

15.40

16.14

16.63

17.20

17.47

17.92

Discharge

13,900

15,300

17,800

19,900

23,000

25,400

26,800

28,000

29,400

31,800

32,000

35,000

37,200

39,900

41,400

43,900

Date

Apr. 15

16

17

18

Hour

1000

1400

1600

2000

2400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2200

2400

0600

Gage 

height

18.19

18.61

18.83

18.95

18.87

18.55

18.36

18.22

18.01

17.93

17.67

17.26

17.02

16.76

16.81

16.67

Discharge

45,500

48,100

49,400

50,200

49,700

47,700

46,500

45,700

44,400

44,000

42,500

40,300

39,000

37,800

38,000

37,300

Date

Apr. 18

19

20

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0800

1000 

1400

2400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

2000

2400

Ga<?e 

height

16.85

' 16.50

16.57

16.29

15.89 

15.59

14.87

14.47

14.09

13.75

13.61

13.23

12.96

13.02

13.38

Discharge

38,200

36,600

36,900

35,600

33,900 

32,700

29,900

28,400

27,000

25,700

25,200

23,800

22,900

23,100

24,400
A310 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(199) 5^i050. Baraboo River near Baraboo, Wis

Location. Lat 43°28'55", long 89°38'00", in NWj sec.35, T.12 N., R.7 E., on left bank 

50 ft downstream from highway bridge, 0.3 mile downstream from Rowley Creek and 

4 miles east of Baraboo.

Drainage area. 600 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 2 9 and crest-stage 

gage. Datum of gage is 788.21 ft above mean sea level datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 5,600 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-22.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, about 4,500 cfs time unknown Mar. 6 (19.8 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1913-22, 1942 to February 1965: Discharge observed, 7,900 cfs Mar. 26, 1917 

(gage height, 17.5 ft, estimated, at site 2.3 miles upstream at datum 7.6 ft higher).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2___

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

600

1,890

3,000

4,000

4,200

4,400

4,200

3,700

3,080

2,400

April

718

994

1,200

1,400

1,750

2,290

2,720

3,070

3,260

3,060

May

302

250

235

190

104

188

238

242

238

215

Day

11. _

12..

13..

14__

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

1,600

1,300

700

300

220

180

155

140

130

125

April

2,740

2,420

2,040

1,620

1,320

970

523

408

362

332

May

159

183

173

164

143

123

111

104

98

169

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __.._.-.-.

Runoff, in in i _

March

123

126

125

176

154

136

138

127

138

164

355

1,228

2.36

-April

308

275

270

260

332

627

671

640

533

380

1,250

2.32

May

195

178

164

134

190

220

181

320

440

410

282

205

0.39

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 1

2

31

Apr. 1

2

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2100

2400

Gage 

height

8.33

8.73

9.37

10.93

11.78

13.40

14.00

14.35

14.70

15.00

8.50

8.65

9.00

9.42

9.76

9.82

9.84

10.49

10.72

10.75

Discharge

575

614

705

814

903

918

923

1,090

1,150

1,160

Date

Apr. 3

4

5

6

7

Hour

0600

0900

1600

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

10.61

10.81

10.96

11.32

11.40

11.40

11.86

12.31

12.41

12.58

13.03

13.47

13.63

13.88

14.64

14.92

14.92

15.13

15.57

15.72

Discharge

1,120

1,180

1,210

1,310

1,330

1,330

1,470

1,610

1,640

1,700

1,850

2,030

2,110

2,210

2,520

2,610

2,610

2,670

2,860

2,910

Date

Apr. 8

9

10

11

12

13

Hour

1200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

16.11

16.47

16.53

16.54

16.53

16.46

16.33

16.12

15.88

15.80

15.66

15.26

15.08

14.70

14.31

13.76

13.05

Discharge

3,060

3,240

3,260

3,270

3,260

3,230

3,160

3,060

2,940

2,900

2,830

2,640

2,570

2,420

2,260

2,040

1,800
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(200) 5-4070. Wisconsin River at Muscoda, Wis.

A311

Location. Lat 43°12'00", long 90°26'25", in sec.l, T.8 N., R.I W., on left bank at 

bridge on State Highway 80, 0.5 mile upstream from Eagle Mill Creek and 1 mile 

north of Muscoda.

Drainage area. 10,300 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at sixty-minute intervals. Datum 

of gage is 667.05 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Mean daily discharges computed from 24 punch-tape recordings per day. Backwater 

from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 7.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 48,500 cfs 2300 hours Apr. 18 (gage height, 

8.95 ft).

1902-03, 1913 to February 1965: Discharge, 80,800 cfs Sept. 16, 1938 (gage 

height, 11.48 ft).

Remarks.- Flow regulated by 23 reservoirs and many powerplants above station. In 

1938, when the maximum of record occurred, there were 21 reservoirs abcve 

station, the two large reservoirs, Petenwell and Castle Rock not yet in existence.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4__.

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

8,000

12,000

16,000

14,000

13,000

14,000

15,000

15,000

15,000

14,000

April

8,400

8,200

7,800

7,800

7,600

9,000

10,800

12,800

13,900

14,400

May

23,200

23,300

18,800

14,900

16,200

20,400

19,100

15,500

13,500

11,300

Day

11..

12..

13_.

14..

15..

16..

17. _

18..

19..

20. .

March

14,000

13,000

14,000

14,000

13,000

12,000

11,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

April

14,600

15,000

14,600

15,400

20,400

25,200

32,000

45,900

46,900

41,800

May

11,800

12,400

13,800

14,100

13,400

12,600

11,900

11,800

15,700

19,500

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

March

10,000

11,000

12,000

12,000

12,000

11,000

11,000

11,000

10,000

9,200

8,800

12,100

April

38,000

32,400

27,100

24,600

25,100

24,600

25,500

25,300

25,300

May

20,600

20,300

18,800

14,800

13,500

12,400

12,500

12,200

15,800

24.00C 16,600

____ . 14,700

21.48C 15,660

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 14

15

16

17

Hour

0000

0600

1200

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

3.85

3.84

4.06

4.44

4.64

4.93

5.20

5.44

5.67

5.86

6.03

6.19

6.37

6.60

6.94

Discharge

14,300

14,300

15,100

16,700

17,700

19,200

20,500

21,700

23,000

24,200

25,200

26,100

27,200

28,600

30,800

Date

Apr. 17

18

19

20

Hour

1800

2400

0600

1200

1600

2000

2300

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

7.53

8.14

8.53

8.77

8.89

8.91

8.95

8.94

8.92

8.85

8.67

8.50

8.35

8.25

Discharge

35,000

40,400

44,300

46,700

47,900

48,100

48,500

48,400

48,200

47,500

45,700

44,000

42,500

41,500

Date

Apr. 20

21

22

23

Hour

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

8.20

8.16

8.07

7.88

7.71

7.54

7.39

7.20

6.97

6.73

6.52

6.33

6.19

6.05

.Discharge

41,000

40,600

39,700

38,000

36,500

35,100

33,900

32,600

31,000

29,400

28,100

27,000

26,100

25,300
A3 1 2 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(201) 5 4074. Morris Creek tributary near Norwalk, V> 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 43°51'10", long 90°37'32", in NWj sec.21, T.16 N., R.2 W., at bridge on 

County Trunk T, 1.2 miles north of intersection with State Highway 71, and 2 miles 

north of Norwalk.

Drainage area. 4.67 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 617 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 490 cfs Apr. 2 (gage height, 11.80 ft).

1960 to February 1965: Discharge, 950 cfs Oct. 24, 1959 (gage height, 13.10 ft).

(202) 5-4080. Kickapoo River at La Farge, Wis.

Location. Lat 43°34'30", long 90°38'35", on east-west quarter section Tne in Wf 

sec.29, T.13 N., R.2 W., on left bank 10 ft upstream from bridge on St?te Highway 

82, in La Farge, 0.3 mile upstream from Otter Creek, and 1 mile downstream from 

powerplant.

Drainage area. 266 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at fifteen-minute intervals. Datum 

of gage is 782.00 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 5,700 cfs. Mean daily discharges computed from 96 punch-tape recordings 

per day. Rate of change in stage used as factor Apr. 11, 12, May 26, 27. Backwater 

from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 4.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge^about 3,600 cfs 1415 hours Mar. 2 (gage-height, 

12.78 ft., backwater from ice).

1938 to February 1965: Discharge, 7,040 cfs Mar. 26, 1961 (gage height, 12.70 ft); 

gage height, 12.90 ft Mar. 8, 1950 (backwater from ice).

Remarks. Considerable diurnal fluctuation during low-water periods caused by 

operation of powerplant, 1 mile upstream.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2___

3...

4...

5__.

6__.

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

900

2,500

1,800

400

1,000

2,200

700

1,000

660

340

April

500

560

700

1,400

1,690

2,330

1,890

1,620

2,350

652

May

129

133

124

116

157

153

129

128

138

116

Day

11..

12..

13..

14__

15..

16__

17. _

18..

19..

20..

March

250

210

180

160

150

140

130

120

110

104

April

2,260

1,970

332

238

336

239

206

223

188

170

May

103

104

93

91

86

227

152

188

183

117

Day

21..

22..

23_.

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second___________

Runoff, in ir

March

100

96

92

88

84

80

78

80

88

130

350

462

2.00

April

120

154

159

171

229

322

214

177

141

137

723

3.03

May

126

338

149

134

141

973

576

239

178

157

145

188

0.81
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A313

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Kickapoo River at

La Farge, Wis.

Date

Mar. 2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Hour

0000

0200

0600

1000

1400

1415 

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2000

2200

2400

2400

0200

0400

0600

1000

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1000

1200

1600

2000

2400

2400

0400

0800

1000

1200

Gage 

height

10.06

10 25

10.95

11.87

12.77

12.78 

12.21

11.74

11.28

10.76

9.95

9.47

8.48

7.35

5 22

5.76

6.32

7.12

7.90

8.40

9.66

10.33

11.24

11.79

11.86

11.77

10.93

9.94

7.93

6.51

7.33

8.01

8.28

8.27

Discharge

3,600

Date

5

6

7

Hour

1400

1600

1800

2000

2400

2400

0200

0400

0600

1000

1200

1600

1800

2400

0600 

1000

1200

1400

2000

2400

0400

0800 

1100

1400

1800

2400

0400

0800 

1200

1400 

1600

1800

2000

2400

Gage 

height

7.58

6.65

6.00

5.64

5.48

4.84

6.87

8.06

8.42

8.51

9.06

8.97

8.76

8.63

8.94 

9.02

8.18

7.05

7.17

8.24

8.68

9.32

10.23 

10.57

10.38

9.92

9.65

9.91

10.12 

9.55

7.73 

6.76

6.80

7.48

8.30

Discharge

1,790

1,900 

1,930

1,630

1,280

1,310

1,650

1,810

2,050

2,520 

2,780

2,630

2,330

2,200

2,330

2,450 

2,140

1,480 

1,190

1,200

1,400

1,680

Date

g

10

11

12

Hour

0400

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600 

1800

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

1800

2000 

2200

2400

2400

0800

1200

1600

1800

2200 

2400

0400

0800

1400

1600 

1800

2000 

2200

2400

Gage 

height

9 29

8

0 o

6 93

5 50

5.77 

7.64

8 CO

9.06

9 76

10.69

11.15

1C. 63

9 91

T.40

R fi<!

f.10

7.28

P 74

o 55

10.49

10.71

10.38 

10.31

10 23

10.48

10,53

10.25

9.52 

6 99

5.23 

4.41

3 99

Discharge

I P. 70

2,040

1,240

827

898 

1,450

1,810

1,940

2 250

3,410

2,830

2 Q Qfl

1,380 

861

729

1,570

1,870

2 240

2,840

2 900

2,580 

2,550

2 520

9 7^n

2 740

2,460

1,880 

882

608

517

458

(203) 5^4105. Kickapoo River at Steuben, Wis.

Location. Lat 43°11'25", long 90°52'30", in NW^ sec.8, T.8 N., R.4 W., on right bank 

0.8 mile upstream from Duffy Creek, 1 mile northwest of Steuben and 14 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 690 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 657.82 ft above 

mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice March 1-8, 17, 18, 20-26.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 6,500 cfs 0700 hours Mar. 4 (gage height 

11.18 ft, backwater from ice).

1933 to February 1965: Discharge, 10,800 cfs Mar. 28, 1961 (gage height, 

12.33 ft).
A3 14 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Kickapoo River at Steuben, Wis.

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10_.

March

800

2,000

5,000

5,500

3,900

3,700

3,200

3,600

2,670

2,140

April

1,250

1,510

1,710

2,040

2,470

2,740

2,820

2,820

2,800

2,700

May

466

447

429

420

430

631

539

476

459

446

Day

11_.

12..

13..

14__

15..

16..

17_.

18..

19_.

20. .

March

1,020

505

452

402

386

339

340

310

295

300

April

2,700

2,540

3,180

2,660

2,030

1,090

786

643

592

537

May

423

393

370

364

354

366

444

483

450

468

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. ._ -.__---_

Runoff, in in r»l-|rto

March

300

300

290

280

270

270

270

263

272

304

, 660

1,301

2.17

.April

507

488

458

486

557

683

721

634

544

493

1,506

2.44

May

410

378

470

471

417

773

873

1,020

922

609

499

506

0.85

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar.2

0

4

5

6

Hour

0000

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

0700 

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

8.71

Q 1 9

9 44

10.02

10.88

10.92

10.66

10.97

11.17

11.18 

10.96

10.52

10.10

9.80

9.65

9.94

9.93

9.92

9.53

9.50

Discharge

6,500

Date

Mar. 7

8

9

10

11

30

31

Hour

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

2400

1200 

2400

1200

2400

1200 

1800

2400

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage' 

height

9.74

9.55

9.44

9.57

10.04

9.71

9.35

9.23 

9.16

9.07

8.72

7.07 

5.99

5.11

4.38

4.84

5.19

6.43

Discharge

2,640 

2,470

2,250

1,610

959 

735

582

435

513

570

788

Date

Mar. 31

Apr. 1

2

13

14

15

16

Hour

2400

1200

2400

2400

0000

0600

1200 

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

1800

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

7.72

8.20

8.59

8.83

9.20

9.37

9.63 

9.51

9.35

9.23

9.14

9.00

8.88

8.54

7.30 

5.70

Discharge

1,100

1,260

1,390

1,630

2,570

3,000

3,640 

3,340

2,940

2,640

2,420

2,080

1,840

1,460

1,080 

721

(204) Wisconsin River at Bridgeport, Wis.

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. SWJ sec.11, T.6 N., H.6 W., at bridge on U.S. Highway 18 at Bridgeport. 

Drainage area.- 11,700 sq mi.

Discharge record.- Discharge obtained on the following days by current-meter 

measurements.

Date 

Apr. 15 

Apr. 19 

Apr. 24 

May 1

Discharge, in cfs 

20,100 

44,600 

32,500 

26,300
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A315

TURKEY RIVER BASIN 

(205) 5^1116. Turkey River at Spillville, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°12'30", long 91°57'00", in SW^NE? sec. 19, T.97 N., R.9 W., on right 

bank 60 ft downstream from county highway bridge, at north edge of Spillville, 150 ft 

downstream from old mill dam, and 3,000 ft upstream from Wonder Creek.

Drainage area. 177 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 3 10, Apr. 14 20, 

May 27-31. Datum of gage is 1,034.77 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1928.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 2,410 cfs, extended to 3,500 cfs by logarithmic plotting. Backwater frorr ice 

Mar. 1 to Apr. 4.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, about 3,900 cfs Mar. ; gage height, 16.11 ft 

0800 hrs Mar. 1 (backwater from ice).

1956 to February 1965: Discharge, 7,380 cfs Mar. 29, 1962 (gage height, 15.32 ft).

Flood in June 1947 reached a stage of 18.4 ft, from floodmark (discharge about 

10,000 cfs).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

 1...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10_.

March

2,150

1,690

450

190

118

92

91

76

60

50

April

1,480

1,700

1,380

1,700

2,420

2,440

1,460

1,260

1,330

445

May

92

77

73

68

68

67

68

69

64

61

Day

11..

12..

13..

14._

15..

16..

17.,

18..

19..

20..

March

45

40

36

33

32

32

32

30

25

22

April

699

927

261

210

174

148

128

112

100

90

May

57

54

53

51

52

65

59

54

47

43

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second___________

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

20

18

16

15

14

14

13

13

13

13

60

178

1.16

10,920

April

83

80

77

79

110

202

173

144

120

104

655

4 1 ?

38,950

May

40

40

41

40

59

967

400

200

142

122

106

110

0.71

6,740

Gagr height, in (eel, ami discharge, in cubic (eet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 1

Hour

0000

0600

0700

0800

0900

1000

1100

1600

1800

2400

Gage 

height

14.20

14.75

15.29

16.11

12.76

12.62

14.14

14.29

13.06

Discharge

Date

Apr. 7

8

Hour

2400

0400

0600

1000

1600

1800

2000

2300

2400

Gage 

height

7.51

6.62

6.42

6.84

7.66

8.27

10.03

11.68

11.58

Discharge

1,090

790

737

866

1,130

1,340

2,080

2,810

2,750

Date Hour

0200

0600

1200

1600

1700

1800

2000

2400

Gage 

height

10.02

8.58

8.96

7.81

7.01

6 A*)

6.28

5.85

Discharge

2,010

1,440

1,580

1,170

914

797

688

572

317-045 O - 70 - 21
A31 6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(206) 5-4116.5. Crane Creek tributary near Saratoga, Iowa 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Near SE corner of sec.21, T.99 N., R. 13 W., at bridge on State Highway 9, 

1 mile east of Saratoga.

Drainage area.- 4.06 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 355 cfs and by contracted-opening measurement at 1,830 cfs.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, about 800 cfs Apr. 8 (gage height, 5.70 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1953 to February 1965: Discharge, 1,830 cfs Aug. 31, 1962 (gage height, 6.32 ft).

(207) 5-4117. Crane Creek near Lourdes, Iowa 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. NWJ sec.6, T.97 N., R.12 W., at bridge on State Highway 272, 1 mile southwest of Lourdes.

Drainage area. 75.8 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 3,340 cfs and by contracted-opening measurement at 11,900 c fs.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, about 1,000 cfs Mar. 1 (gage height, 12.6 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1953 to February 1965: Discharge, 11,900 cfs Aug. 31, 1962 (gage height, 15.70 ft).

(206) 5-4125. Turkey River at Garber, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°44'20", long 91°15'45", in NE^SW? sec.36, T.92 N., R.4 W., on left 

bank 10 ft downstream from highway bridge at Garber, 800 ft upstream from Wayman 

Creek, 2,000 ft downstream from Elk Creek, and 1 mile downstream from Volga River.

Drainage area. 1,545 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Feb. 27 Mar. 5, for which 

graph was reconstructed on basis of twice daily wire-weight gage readings. Datum of 

gage is 634.46 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 25,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-9, 19-28.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 13,800 cfs 1800 hours Apr. 1; gage height 

observed, 22,10 ft 0800-0900 hours Mar. 1.

1913-16, 1919-27, 1929-30, 1932 to February 1965: Discharge,32.300 cfs Feb. 23, 

1922 (gage height, 28.06 ft, from floodmark).

Maximum stage known since about 1890, that of Feb. 23, 1922.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Turkey River at Garber, Iowa

A317

Day

1...

2...

3...

4__.

5...

6...

7...

3...

t)__.

10..

March

10,000

7,000

5,000

3,500

4,200

3,600

3,200

3,800

1,500

1,140

April

12,600

8,460

6,240

8,020

9,820

10,000

9,390

6,960

6,230

5,830

May

660

602

556

522

496

475

458

458

450

434

Day

11..

12. _

13. _

14. _

15. _

16. _

17..

18..

19__

20..

March

875

695

805

925

1,020

800

670

348

330

310

April

4,080

3,780

3,910

2,720

1,540

1,220

1,070

935

830

755

May

407

384

362

344

334

358

334

358

410

366

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31..

Runoff in inches . - ______

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

290

270

260

250

240

230

230

225

221

448

4,130

1

Q O Q

1

O C

112,100

April

730

630

597

602

700

850

1,000

1,020

850

750

-------

3

*7C 1

2 72

223,800

May

327

327

341

317

310

3,760

3,830

2,250

1,310

996

855

755

O C ft

46,400

Cage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Feb. 28

Mar. 1

Hour

0000

0300

0500

0730

1200

1600

1700

1800

2000

2400

0300

0600

0800

0900

1230

1530

1800

2100

2400

Gage 

height

9.16

10.30

11.50

11.72

11.61

11.50

15.84

16.60

18.00

20.50

21.60

22.07

22.10

22.10

22.00

22.02

21.90

21.25

20.50

Discharge

'

Date

3

31

Hour

0300

0730

1530

2400

0830

1300

1500

1700

1800

2000

2200

2400

0000

0600

0900

1100

1800

Gage 

height

19.75

19 44

19.36

19.17

19.10

18.95

17.97

17.25

15.40

14.06

13.26

7.82

8.57

9 9R

9 ^R

9.46

13.00

Discharge

1,410

1,910

9 490

2,510

2 590

5,910

Date

Mar.31

Apr. 1

2

Hour

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

1900

2100

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2200

2400

Gage 

height

15.31

i R ci^

18.00

18.39

19.15

19.14

18.87

17.78

16.54

15 54

15.04

14.77

14 55

14 49

14.46

1_. 9Q

Discharge

8,590

10,700

12,700

13,800

13,700

13,400

11,900

10,200

8,880

8,250

7 920

7,660

7,590

7,550

7 ^^n
A318 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

GRANT RIVER BASIN 

(209) 5-4135. Grant River at Burton, Wis.

Location. Lat 42°43'10", long 90°49'10", in sec.23, T.3 N., R.4 W., on right bank at 

downstream side of highway bridge at Burton, 6 miles northwest of Potosi and 9.5 

miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 267 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 606.89 ft above 

mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 17,500 cfs and by slope-area measurements at 25,000 cfs. Backwater from 

ice Feb. 26 to Mar. 9, Mar. 14 to Apr. 1, and backwater from Mississippi River 

Apr. 15 to May 3.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, about 7,000 cfs 0800 hours Mar. 1 (gage height, 

22.05 ft, backwater from ice); gage height, 22.71 ft 0200 hours Mar. 6, backwater from 

ice.

1934 to February 1965: Discharge, 25,000 cfs July 16, 1950 (gage height 24.82 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!_-.

2__.

3...

4...

5...

6...

7__.

8...

9._.

10_.

March

5,000

1,700

900

200

1,000

2,000

1,700

1,200

800

453

April

3,000

607

258

721

541

596

246

203

195

140

May

100

92

92

107

96

98

89

87

88

81

Day

11..

12-.

13-.

14-.

15-.

16-.

17__

18..

19_-

20_.

March

305

229

136

115

110

97

85

80

75

70

April

239

177

134

126

120

115

105

95

90

80

May

74

74

70

69

70

84

81

69

63

58

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26_.

27..

28_.

29..

30..

31..

Runoff, in in

March

66

6*

62

62

62

62

66

70

75

120

1,700

cno

2.60

April

76

80

94

130

175

160

150

130

120

110

300

1.26

May

57

80

78

70

69

106

167

93

81

80

76

Q O Q

0.36
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 1 9

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Grant River at Burton, Wis.

Date

Feb. 27

28

Mar. 1

3

5

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1000

1200

1600

1800

2000

0600

0800

1800

2400

0200

2400

0300

1200

1800

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

0600

1200

1400

Gage 

height

9 49

9 CO

9 43

9

07

1122

14 24

14 90

1555

17.50

i Q ?n

20.40

21 45

22 02

22.05

21.47

91 9Q

21.65

o i 7fi

on 1 Q

21.49

2153

19 50

17.27

16.10

14.45

13.00

12.21

11.74

11.57

11.90

i ^ on

16.65

18.25

Discharge

7,000

Date

Ma 5

7

8

9

30

3 1

Hour

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2000

2200

2400

1200

1600

1800

2200

2400

0200

0600

1000

1400

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0200

0400

0500

1000

1400

1800

Gageheight

19.70

21.84

22.70

22.71

1978

18.00

16.97

16.12

15 42

14 32

1 c OO

17.07

19.48

20.54

20.94

20.41

18.79

17.80

16.50

14.55

14.80

15.43

13.84

11.70

10.15

9.57

12.00

13.58

13.86

12.14

10.81

13.70

Discharge Date

Mar. 31

Apr. 1

2

3

4

5

6

Hour

2000

2400

0300

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1800

2200

2400

0600

1200

1600

2000

2400

0200

1000

1800

2400

0300

0800

1000

1800

2400

0400

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

2400

Gage 

height

18.00

20.03

20.34

19.40

17.55^

15.65

14.62

14.44

15.07

15.86

15.72

12.04

9.10

7.98

7.47

7.19

7.18

7.70

6.96

7.87

8.87

12.72

13.61

10,60

9.60

9.62

8.94

9.68

11.62

10.61

10.40

8.26

Discharge

1,410

871

459

316

266

241

240

287

222

304

427

966

1,100

669

529

532

437

540

812

670

641

348
A320 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

PLATTE RIVER BASIN 

(210) 5^140. Platte River near Rockville, Wis.

Location. Lat 42°43'55", long 90°38'25", in SW| sec.17, T.3 N., R.2 V., on right bank 

just downstream from highway bridge, 0.8 mile upstream from Blakely Branch, 2.2 

miles east of Rockville, 4.5 miles northeast of Potosi, and 15.2 miles upstream from 

mouth.

Drainage area. 139 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except parts of Feb. 28 to Mar. 2 for 

which graph was reconstructed on basis of available recorder record, floodmark and 

numerous float-tape gage readings. Datum of gage is 642.95 ft above mean sea level, 

adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 7000 cfs, and by slope-area measurement at 43,500 cfs. Backwater from ice 

Feb. 27 to Mar. 2, Mar. 19-28.

Maxima. February-May 1965: Discharge, about 3000 cfs 2200 hours Feb. 28 (gage 

height, 10.86 ft, backwater from ice).

1934 to January 1965: Discharge, 43,500 cfs July 16, 1950 (gage height 17.26 ft).

Mean discharge, m cubic feel per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5__.

6...

7__.

8__.

9...

10_.

March

1,600

960

387

82

828

468

549

413

224

72

April

1,080

336

240

467

474

748

207

177

139

92

May

60

57

54

52

132

72

59

62

55

50

Day

11..

12..

13_.

14..

15..

16..

17. _

18..

19_.

20..

March

61

52

55

54

69

56

66

52

47

45

April

191

125

84

75

76

69

66

63

64

57

May

47

45

44

42

44

50

47

45

42

40

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mea" Hisrharcrp in onhio feet ner senond

Runoff, in in

Marcl

46

45

43

43

42

42

43

46

50

115

968

246

2.04

April

54

52

51

56

92

110

81

85

72

65

1 o c

1.48

May

40

47

47

43

42

47

77

55

48

46

45

CO Q

0.44

Gflgc height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Feb. 28

Hour

0000

0600

1100

1200

1400

1500

1600

1800

2000

2200 

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

4.80

4.87

5.11

R 9A.

5.60

8.0

10.0

10.7

10.86 

10.8

10.0

9.8

Discharge

3,000

Date

Mar 1

2

3

Hour

1800

2400

0400

0900

1200

1500

2100

2400

0600 

1200

1800

Gage 

height

9.9

10.4

10.6

10.3

8.9

7.9

7.2

8.3

7.40

5.40 

4.64

4.21

Discharge

1,200

462 

261

167

Date

Mar. 3

4

5

Four

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

0600

0900 

1200

1800 

2000

2400

Gage 

height

3.94

3.73

3.61

3.53

3.54

3.66

4.16

5.05 

6.56

8.3 

8.4

7.43

Discharge

118

89

76

69

70

81

157

364

821

1,660 

1,730

1,220
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A321

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Plane River rear 

Rockville, Wis. -Continued

Date

Mar. 6

7

8

9

30

Hour

0600

1200

1600

2000

2400

0300

1300

1600 

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

1300

1800

2300

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0000

Gage 

height

5.68

4.89

4.64

4.72

4.68

4.65

4.07

5.40 

7.15

8.1

7.20

5.66

4.97

4.23

5.10

5.90

5.82

4.76

4.18

3.87

3.73

3.32

Discharge

544

322

261

280

270

263

341

462 

1,080

1,550

1,100

538

343

171

378

610

586

290

161

107

89

54

Date

Mar. 30

31

Apr. 1

2

3

Hour

1200

3500

1800

2200

2300

2400

0300

1300 

1600

1800

2200

2400

0600

1000

3500

1900

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0300

Gageheight

3.35

3.45

3.90

5.05

5.00

5.08

5.43

4.70 

6.60

8.40

9.30

8.80

6.25

5.83

7.20

7.86

6.54

5.13

4.52

4.30

4.67

5.22

Discharge

56

64

111

364

351

373

471

275 

835

1,730

2,810

2,110

715

589

1,100

1,430

814

386

233

185

268

411

Date

Apr. 3

4

5

6

7

Hour

1200

1800

2100

2400

0500

1600

2400

0900

1500

2000

2200

2400

0300

0500

0700

1200

1800

2100

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

4.22

4.07

4.30

4.77

5.75

5.12

5.80

4.72

5.28

6.09

5.93

6.37

7.62

7.57

7.59

5.68

5.13

5.09

5.09

4.57

4.22

4.12

4.17

Discharge

169

141

185

292

565

383

580

280

427

667

619

755

1,310

1,290

1,300

544

386

375

374

244

169

150

158

LITTLE MAQUOKETA RIVER BASIN 

(211) 5-4145. Little Maquoketa River near Durango, Iowa.

Location. Lat 42°33'25", long 90°44'45", in NW^NE^ sec.5, T.89 N., R.2 E., on l«?ft 

bank 10 ft upstream from highway bridge, if miles east of Durango, 5 miles northwest 

of Dubuque, and 7.5 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 130 sq mi.

Gage height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 612.03 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 6,300 cfs, extended to 25,000 cfs by logarithmic plotting and results of tt ree 

slope-area measurements. Backwater from ice Mar. 9 11, 18 29.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 8,860 cfs 1830 hours Feb. 28 (gage height, 

16.41 ft).

1925 to February 1965: Discharge, about 29,000 cfs June 15, 1925 (gage heifht, 

22.1 ft).
A322 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Little Maquoketa River near Durango, Iowa

Day

l._.

2___

3__.

4...

5...

6...

7 --1

a__.

9...

10..

March

] JOO

996

339

68

358

261

271

260

100

68

April

1,220

283

326

566

811

734

177

170

113

102

May

54

48

42

39

43

41

36

32

35

33

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

56

47

91

139

]22

94

62

33

28

25

April

354

127

81

70

73

62

68

58

50

46

May

29

28

25

24

25

37

31

27

24

22

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26_.

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second..... __.-__

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

23

22

21

20

20

19

19

21

25

425

1,530

215

191

13,220

April

43

40

37

53

186

134

89

95

74

63

------

210

1.80

12,510

May

20

21

39

28

23

45

113

46

36

34

30

35.8

0 32

2,200

Cage lu'iglit, in feet, aiiii discharge, in . ubic fed per second, at indicated time, l%5

Dale

Feb. 27

28

Hour

0000

1400

1600

]700

1800

1930

2200

2300

2330

2400

0030

0200

0600

1100

1400

1500

1600

1630

1700

1800

1830

1900

Gage 

height

2.93

2.92

2.98

3.12

3.97

4.69

4.11

5.65

7.00

8.50

9.41

8.23

7.00

6.18

7.00

8.55

10.30

1].50

13.80

15.85

16.41

15.95

Discharge

24

23

28

42

170

322

197

579

1,040

1,690

2,160

1,560

1,040

748

1,040

1,720

2,700

3,490

4,950

8,010

8,860

8,150

Date

Feb. 28

Mar. 30

31

Hour

1930

2000

2030

2100

2200

2300

2400

0000

0200

0500

1000

1500

1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

2130

2400

0500

1000

Gage 

height

14.65

13.05

11.60

10.80

9.58

8.60

7.85

3.14

3.41

3.48

3.40

3.69

3.97

4.80

5.70

6.60

7.95

8.35

7.76

5.67

4.67

Discharge

6,490

4,800

3,560

3,000

2,270

1,740

1,390

47

82

92

81

124

173

353

601

895

1,450

1,630

1,360

592

322

Date

Mar. 31

Apr. 1

Hour

1230

1400

1500

1600

1700

1900

2000

2100

2200

2400

oroo

OPOO

1000

1400

1700

1FOO

IfOO

2COO

2300

2400

Gage 

height

4.54

4.98

7.00

8.10

10.20

12.34

12.52

12.35

11.10

8.70

6.83

6.40

6.90

7.23

8.59

8.72

8.72

8.45

6.78

6.27

Discharge

292

397

1,050

1,520

2,650

4,180

4,340

4,180

3,220

1,800

982

827

1,010

1,140

1,740

1,810

1,810

1,680

962

784
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 2 3

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM

(212> Mississippi River at Dubuque, Iowa 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 42°29', long 90°38', on right bank at the foot of Fourth Street in Dubuque, 

adjacent to and on the downstream side of the right abutment of the Illinois Central 

Railroad Bridge and at mile 579,9 above the Ohio River.

Drainage area. 81,600 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 584.95 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

and analysis of gate operation procedure at Dam 12. Relation only applicable for 

standard gate operation procedures and discharges above 100,000 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 304,000 cfs 0030 hrs Apr. 26 (gage height, 

26.71 ft).

1865 to February 1965: Gage height, 22.7 ft Apr. 22, 1951 and Apr. 25, 1952.

Remarks.- Current-meter measurements for 1944-65 and annual maximum ga?e heights 

prior to 1965 furnished by Corps of Engineers. Gage-height record furnished by U.S. 

Weather Bureau.

Mean gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1---

2 ...

3---

4--.

5--.

6_-

7---

8--.

9 __

10-_ 

11_- 

12-- 

13_. 

14__ 

15.-

A

Gage 

height

14.70 

15.97 

16.70 

17.46 

18.12 

18.72

pril

Discharge

111,000 

129,000 

140,000 

151,000 

161,000 

170,000

I

Gage 

height

24 59

23.96

23.34

22.66

O 1 Qf\

21.06

20.17

17.87 

17.07 

16.25 

15.42 

14.97 

14.73

VI ay

Discharge

266,000

254,000

219,000

206,000

192,000

180,000

168,000

157,000 

145,000 

133,000 

121,000 

115,000 

112,000

Day

16.-

17-.

18--

19

20--

21--

22--

23

24--

25-- 

26-- 

27-- 

28.- 

29_. 

30--

A

Gage 

height

19 29

20.04

20.84

21.78

22.88

24.12

25.18

9^; QR

26.42

26.67 

26.64 

26.40 

26.08 

25.64 

25.12

pril

Discharge

178,000

190,000

202,000

236,000

276,000

290,000

9QQ nnn

304,000 

303,000 

299,000 

293,000 

285,000 

275,000

Gage 

height

14.67

14.57

1 A. ^

14.47

14 43

14.48

14.61

14.82

14.97 

14.91 

15.00 

14.60 

14.26

Mey

Discharge

111,000

110,000

108,000

109,000

110,000

115,000 

114,000 

115,000 

110,000 

106,000

Annual maximum gage heights for indicated years

Year

1866-- -

1869----

1870----

1874----

1875 .--

1876-.--

1877---.

1878 --_

1879 -.-

1880--.-

Date

Apr. 20

May 13-17

Apr. 26

July 18-19

Aug. 1

May 30

June 23, 24

Gage height 

(feet)

20.17

15.02

21.83

10.4

15.5

154

7.7

5.4

9.7

21.7

Year

1881------

1882--- --

1883 ___ -

1884-- --_-

1885-- --

1886-- -.

1887.-- -

1888 ----

1889 -----

Date

Ar>r- 97 9Q

Oct. 16

May 6, 7

AI-IT- 9Q

Apr, 25-27

May 12, 13

Gage height 

(feet)

20.2

157

1^7

11.5

14.0

21.4

6.4
A324 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Annual maximum gage height for indicated years of Mississippi River at Dubuque, lo\ >a Continued

Year

1890 _.

1891 _____

1892---.-

1893-----

1894- -._

1895 __ .-

1896---.-

1897 _____

1898 --_-

1899-----

1900---.-

1901-----

1902---.-

1903 __ --

1904-- ._

1905-----

1906---..

1907 __ -

1908-----

1909 __ --

1910 --

1911--- -

1912 ___ _

1913-- 

1914 _____

1915 ___ -

1916 -

1917-----

1918-----

1919 _

1920 ---

1921 ___ -

1922 _____

1923 _____

1924 __ -.

1925 - 

1926 - 

1927- 

Date

Apr. 30, May 1, 2

June 24

May 11-14

MQV 9Q

Apr. 15

Oct. 17

Sept. 27

June 18-19

Apr. 21-25

July 19

Apr. 20

Apr. 2, 3

Oct. 19

Mar. 25

July 12

Apr. 21, 22

June 11, 12

Apr. 22, 23

Apr. 7

May 10

Apr. 21

May 8

Oct. 5

Mar. 28

Gage height 

(feet)

139

12.9

17.6

157

15.5

6.3

U Q

179

9.4

14.8

14.6

11.0

12.6

17.4

11.7

17.4

16.6

16.1

14.9

1 0 O

9.1

14.6

12.2

12.6

14.4

12.1

19.8

15.5

13.6

16.6

21.0

10.7

21.0

12.4

11.7

11.1

n

o

15.6

Year

1928------

1 Q9Q

1930 ___ --

1 Q 0. 1

1 932

1 Q 1^

1 934

1 Q 0. 1^

1936 __ -.

1937 __ ._-

1938------

1 Q*?Q

1940------

1 Q41

1942--_ 

1943------

1944

1 QA 1^

1946------

1 Q47

1948 __ ___

1949 ___ -

1950 ______

1951 __ ___

1952------

1953------

1 Q^A

1955-- ---

1956------

1957------

1958------

1959--.- .

1960 __ --.

1961------

1962------

1963------

1964------

1965------

Date

Apr. 7, 8

Apr. 17

Apr. 20, 21

ATM- 1 1

Apr. 17

Mar 8

Sept. 21

Mar. 29, 30

Mar 27

J 14

A«« A __ -1 1 1C

Apr. 22

Apr. 25

May 12

Apr. 14, 15

July 13

Apr. 2

Mar 31

Apr. 19

Aor 2 4

May 18-21

Apr. 26

Gage height 

(feet)

14.0

17.0

11.0

7.6

13 1

119

1 O A

16.2

16.8

199

20.6

n

c

11.4

16.4

1 Q 0

ion

1 Q A

18 9

n

o

15.5

14.2

12.4

16.7

22.7

22.7

14.0

20 2

1^3

16.0

137

10.0

143

n

c

1 K 1

16.3

1 O R

i 9 9n

26.71
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A325

GALENA RIVER BASIN 

(213) 5-4150. Galena River at Buncombe, Wis.

Location. Lat 42°30'50", long 90°22'40", near center of sec.33, T.I N., R.I E., on left 

bank at Buncombe, 0.6 mile upstream from Coon Branch, 1.5 miles upstream from 

Scrabble Branch, 2 miles upstream from Wisconsin-Illinois State line, and 3.5 miles 

southeast of Hazel Green.

Drainage area. 128 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 682.77 ft rbove 

mean sea level, adjustment of 1912 (Corps of Engineers Bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 8,000 cfs and by slope-area measurement at 12,400 cfs and extended above for 

1937 peak by logarithmic plotting. Backwater from ice Mar. 19 27.

Maxima.- March May 1965: Discharge, 3,800 cfs 2000 hours Mar. 31 (gage height, 

11.82 ft).

1939 to February 1965: Discharge, 12,400 cfs Feb. 20, 1953 (gage height,15.68 ft). 

Flood in February 1937 reached a stage of about 17.1 ft, from information by local 

resident (discharge,18, 000 cfs).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

I...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

890

910

359

65

178

265

192

310

163

54

April

919

210

118

140

330

279

98

66

64

54

May

37

35

34

33

40

34

32

31

28

26

Day

11_.

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19__

20. _

March

43

36

35

39

42

40

47

30

26

25

April

98

65

48

43

47

43

47

42

38

31

May

25

24

23

23

23

24

24

22

20

18

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24. .

25_.

26..

27_.

28_.

29..

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second ___________

Runoff, in inches

March

24

23

22

22

22

22

23

25

29

137

1,370

176

1.58

April

31

30

29

35

64

75

53

53

45

41

-------

108

0.94

May

19

20

28

26

22

31

114

37

26

25

23

29.9

0.27

Gngr height, in feel, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time,

Date

Feb. 28

Mar.l

Hour

0000

0400

1800

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2100

2200

2400

0400

0800

Gage 

height

3.54

3.62

3.44

3.24

4.30

6.00

6.60

9.20

10.20

9.60

7.80

5.95

5.47

Discharge

110

123

96

68

260

803

1,040

2,260

2,770

2,460

1,560

784

611

Date

Mar. 1

2

3

Hour

1200

1600

2000

2200

2400

0400

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400

Gage 

height

5.40

5.75

6.88

7.35

7.28

6.49

6.43

6.80

5.80

5.57

5.63

5.95

Discharge

587

710

1,150

1,350

1,320

1,000

972

1,120

728

646

667

784

Date

Mar. 3

29

30

31

Hour

0800

1200

2400

2400

0600

1200

1400

1600

2000

2400

0200

Gage 

height.

4.8?

4.21

3.4?

2.9?

2.7f

2.9?,

3.0^

4.00

4.4f

5.08

5.2P

Discharge

422

238

94

39

28

39

49

192

300

482

547
A326 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage Height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965 of Galena River at 

Buncombe, Wis Continued

Date

Mar. 31

Hour

0800

1200

1400

1600

1700

1800

2000

2200

Gage 

height

4.60

4.49

5.90

8.10

10.10

11.30

11.82

10.90

Discharge

338

307

765

1,710

2,660

3,380

3,800

3,160

Date

Mar. 31

Apr. 1

HOLII

2300

2400

0200

0400

0800

1200

1800

Gage 

height

9.70

8.20

6.65

5.85

5.44

6.06

7.27

Discharge

2,510

1,760

1,060

746

601

826

1,310

Date

Apr. 1

2

Ho-ir

2070

2400

0600

1210

1800

2200

2400

Gage 

height

6.60

5.22

4.10

3.70

3.50

4.13

3.96

Discharge

1,040

527

214

136

104

221

184

MAQUOKETA RIVER BASIN 

(214) 5 4170. Maquoketa River near Manchester, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°27'25", long 91°25'55", in NW?NE| sec.9, T.88 N., R.5 W., on left 

bank 2 miles southeast of Manchester and 4.7 miles downstream from Honey and 

Prairie Creeks.

Drainage area. 305 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage 895.06 ft above mean 

sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 9,700 cfs and extended to 20,000 cfs by velocity-area studies. Backwater from 

ice Mar. 1, 6-8, 19-27.

Maxima.- March May 1965: Discharge, 5,150 cfs 0330 hours Apr. 1; gage height, 

12.77 ft 0430 hours Mar. 1 (backwater from ice).

1933 to February 1965: Discharge, 20,000 cfs June 13, 1947 (gage height, 21.36 ft, 

from floodmarks).

Maximum flood known at Manchester June 15, 1925, stage unknown, discharge 

25,400 cfs.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4___

5...

6___

7...

8 __

9...

10..

March

3,500

2,430

529

218

456

900

1,000

1,100

600

251

April

4,530

1,420

447

565

821

1,160

542

340

302

251

May

112

116

132

110

110

109

106

91

77

128

Day

11..

12. _

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19_.

20..

March

220

130

186

293

316

267

153

103

92

84

April

311

280

200

207

155

169

142

147

155

139

May

98

94

94

86

61

61

101

95

87

82

Day

21..

22..

23..

24. .

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff in inches _.- _ _ ...

Runoff, in acre-feet

March

80

75

72

70

67

66

66

65

67

119

1,550

488

1.84

30,000

April

123

84

108

93

204

311

255

232

221

157

-------

469

1.72

27,910

May

61

43

90

164

127

576

756

380

206

194

196

153

0.58

9,410
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A327

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1 965, ofMaquoketa River nr.

Manchester, Iowa

Date

Mar. 1

2

Hour0000

0200

0330

0430

0600

0730

1100

1300

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

2000

2400

Gage 

height

11.26

11.93

11.31

11.80

12.77

11.18

10.68

10.44

10.38

10.68

10.66

10.43

10.02

9.48

8.83

7.33

6.85

Discharge

3,880

3,500

3,010

2,470

1,290

955

Date

Mar. 31

Apr. 1

Hour

0000

0600

0900

1200

1400

1500

1600

1800

2000

2400

0200

0330

0500

0800

1200

1400

1600

Gage 

height

5.77

5.87

5.89

6.10

6.60

7.10

8.00

9.51

10.41

11.35

11.61

11.64

11.62

11.50

11.39

11.25

11.00

Discharge

306

355

365

480

780

1,130

1,810

3,040

3,860

4,840

5,120

5,150

5,130

5,000

4,880

4,720

4,450

Date

Apr. 1

2

3

Hour

1900

2400

0600

1000

1400

1700

2000

2200

2400

1000

1600

2000

2400

Gage 

height

10.45

9.36

8.13

7.55

7.01

6.72

6.50

6.39

6.31

6.00

5.91

5.92

6.08

Discharge

3,900

2,900

1,910

1,450

1,070

864

720

654

606

420

375

380

468

(215) 5 4177. Bear Creek near Monmouth, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°02'30", long 90°53'00", in NE^SE^ sec.31, T.84 N., R.I E., on right 

bank 1 5 ft downstream from highway bridge, 1.6 miles upstream from Rat Run, 

2.8 miles south of Monmouth, and 8.2 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 61.3 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Apr. 1 3 to May 17. Oncedaily wire-weight gage readings used for this period. Datum of gage is.728.fO ft 

above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 6,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-7, 10, 11, 16-31.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 846 cfs 2130 hours May 25; gage height, 

8.86 ft 2000 hours Mar. 29 (backwater from ice).

1957 to February 1965: Discharge, 2,440 cfs Jan. 12, 1960 (gage height, 11.56 ft). 

Flood in June 1944 reached a stage of about 21.5 ft, from floodrnark (discharge 

not determined).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4__.

5. __

6...

7_. .

£_-.

9-_.

10..

March

100

85

70

25

22

60

80

146

128

33

April

210

100

65

128

275

268

88

51

37

26

May

20

18

16

16

16

15

14

14

14

14

Day

11__

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19__

20__

March

23

29

45

81

96

110

90

60

40

25

April

55

35

22

20

22

16

16

14

13

13

May

13

12

12

12

12

19

14

10

9.3

8.6

Day

21..

22_.

23_.

24_.

25_.

26_.

27_.

28_.

29_.

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... ________

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

20

15

13

12

11

11

11

14

170

350

270

724

1.36

4,450

April

13

13

13

26

48

38

30

30

24

21

57.7

1.05

3,430

May

7.9

7.9

15

13

131

94

192

37

30

27

24

27.7

0.52

1,700
A328 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Bear Creek near

Monmouth, Iowa

Date

1W a T~ 9 Q

30

91

Hour

0000

1100

1200

1400

1600

1800

1900

2000

2100

2300

2400

0400

1200

1500

1900

2JOO

2130

2300

2400

0600

0930

1230

1700

1930

2130

2400

Gage 

height

5.31

5.39

5.44

5.69

6.37

7.06

7.64

8.86

7 69

7.90

7.87

7.01

6.11

6.47

7.29

8.09

8.42

8.06

8.08

6.71

6.12

6.05

6.53

6.67

7.02

7.10

Discharge

Date

Apr. 5

6

May 24

25

Hour

0000

0700

0800

0900

1100

1300

1500

1930

2100

2200

2400

0100

0300

0700

0900

1000

1100

1200

1400

1600 

1700

1900

2400

2400

1630

Gage 

height

5.86

5.79

6.23

6.31

6.92

6.84

7.19

7.22

7.00

6.99

7.04

7.06

7.07

7.12

7.13

7.12

6.79

6.55

6.29

6.12 

6.08

6.05

5.99

5.24

5.21

Discharge

88

75

164

182

351

327

439

450

375

372

387

394

397

414

418

414

312

244

178

140 

132

126

114

11

10

Date

May 25

26

27

Hour

1830

1900

1930

2000

2030

2100

2130

2roo

2400

0100

0230

oeoo

1200

1800

2130

2400

0230

03"0

0330 

0610

0970

1400

2400

Gage 

height

5.40

5.38

6.15

7.40

8.02

8.20

8.23

8.11

7.05

6.52

6.05 

5.67

5.56

5.65

5.90

6.75

7.48

7.50

7.47 

6.55

6.17

5.88

5.65

Discharge

21

20

148

516

752

832

846

792

394

239

128

57

41

54

98

303

548

554

544 

250

155

96

55

(216) 5 4185. Maquoketa River near Maquoketa, lowr

Location. Lat 42°05'05", long 90°37'55", in SW^NE^ sec.17, T.84 N., R.3 E., on right 

bank 500 ft upstream from bridge on State Highway 62, 1,200 ft upstream from 

Prairie Creek, 2.0 miles northeast of Maquoketa, and 2.2 miles downstream from 

North Fork, and 28 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 1,553 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except May 12 24, where graph was 

reconstructed with the use of wire-weight readings and recorder record. Datum of 

gage is 636.52 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 45,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-4, 18-29.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 9,880 cfs 1100 hrs Apr. 1 (gage height, 12.45 ft). 

1913 to February 1965: Discharge, 48,000 cfs June 27, 1944 (gage height, 24.70 ft).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 2 9

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, ofMaquoketa River near Maquoketa, Iowa

Day

l._.

2__.

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9-_.

10.]

March

4,000

4,500

5,000

2,500

1,510

2,390

3,280

4,240

4,710

2,380

April

9,020

8,180

3,960

3,450

4,490

6,320

3,720

1,940

1,720

1,400

May

782

742

671

508

575

607

583

567

567

559

Day

11_.

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

1,630

774

1,090

1,340

1,590

1,870

1,660

900

550

520

April

2,070

1,690

1,340

1,120

1,010

958

864

814

707

627

May

531

459

512

476

473

547

487

473

494

417

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff in inches ,.

Runoff, in acre-feet

March

480

460

440

430

420

410

400

400

1,000

4,220

7,130

2,007

1.49

123,400

April

695

659

627

691

760

954

976

1,010

990

882

 

2,118

1.52

126,000

May

452

420

452

575

572

922

1,900

1,850

1,220

1,070

962

691

0.51

42,500

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 1

2

Hour

0000

0400

0800

1100

2400

0100

0900

Gage 

height

10.79

11.73

12.19

12.45

10.97

11.56

11.18

Discharge

7,870

8,980

9,550

9,880

8,070

8,770

8,320

Date

Apr. 2

3

Hour

1600

2400

0200

0400

0800

0900

1000

Gage 

height

11.12

10.16

9.62

8.86

7.44

6.48

5.18

Discharge

8,240

7,180

6,580

5,760

4,400

3,630

2,680

Date

Apr. 3

Hour

1100

1200

1500

1800

2000

2200

2400

Gage 

height

5.51

5.91

5.61

5.51

5.35

5.51

5.90

Discharge

2,910

3,190

2,980

2,910

2,800

2,910

3,180

APPLE RIVER BASIN 

(217) 5-4190. Apple River near Hanover, 111.

Location. Lat 42°15'05", long 90°17'10", in NE^NW;| sec.16, T.26 N., R.2 E., on right 

bank 0.3 mile southwest of Hanover and 12 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 244 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15-minute intervals. P-ior to 

Apr. 7, 1965, water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 591.00 ft above mean 

sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Discharge for period of backwater from Mississippi River, Apr. 17 to May 10, 

estimated on basis of two discharge measurements and records for nearby stations. 

Mean daily discharge computed from 96 punch-tape recordings per day begirning 

Apr. 7, 1965.

Maxima. April May 1965: Discharge, 4,240 cfs 0400 hours Apr. 1 (gage height, 

14.22 ft).

1934 to March 1965: Discharge, 12,000 cfs Jan. 5, 1946; gage height, 26.12 ft 

Jan. 5, 1946 (ice jam).
A3 3 0 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Apple River near Hanover, III

Day

1.---..

2__ ....

3______

4......

5______

6. __ ..

7 __ ...

8... __

9 ___ ..

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

2,650 

817 

330 

521 

919 

1,100 

240 

174 

167 

130

May

80 

78 

76 

76 

90 

100 

80 

90 

85 

80

Day

11-.--.

12.....

13.....

14.....

15.....

16.....

17.....

18.....

19-....

20 .....

April

585 

432 

170 

138 

150 

143 

120 

110 

100 

90

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

66

58 

56 

53 

52 

59 

60 

60 

59 

52

Day

21.....

22.....

23 .....

24.....

25. ....

26 __ ..

27 .....

28 .....

29 .....

30 ___ .

31 __ ..

d __ __ __ __ ..

Aoril

85 

80 

75 

80 

140 

150 

120 

100 

90 

85

336 

1.54

May

47 

50 

59 

59 

53 

55 

77 

71 

55 

52 

50

65.7 

0.31

Gngc height, in feet, ami discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, l%5

Date

Mar. 29

30

Hour

0000

1400

1500

1600

1700

1900

2400

0900

1200

1600

1800

2000

2400

Gage 

height

1.70

1.71

1.81

2.65

2.43

2.67

2.47

2.05

2.08

2.87

4.50

5.62

5.70

Discharge

36

38

52

330

228

340

244

102

110

444

870

1,090

1,110

Date

Mar. 31

Apr. 1

Hour

0200

0300

1200

1300

1400

1700

2000

2400

0300

0400

0800

1300

Gage 

height

5.84

5.82

3.45

3.38

3.46

6.42

10.50

13.23

14.17

14.22

10.85

6.67

Discharge

1,140

1,130

658

640

660

1,260

2,600

3,790

4,220

4,240

2,740

1,320

Date

Apr. 1

2

Hour

1400

2100

2200

2400

0600

1200

1400

1800

2000

2300

2400

Gage 

height

6.60

10.69

10.84

10.56

6.15

2.90

2.63

2.44

2.37

2.40

2.47

Discharge

1,300

2,680

2,740

2,620

1,200

458

320

232

204

216

244
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A331

PLUM RIVER BASIN 

(218) 5-4200. Plum River below Carroll Creek, near Savanna, 111.

Location. Lat 42°06'50", long 90°05'35", in NW|SW| sec.31, T.25 N., R.4 E., on left 

bank 0.7 mile upstream from Camp Creek, 2.6 miles downstream from Carroll Creek, 

3.5 miles northeast of Savanna, and 13 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 231 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15-minute intervals. Prior to 

May 11, 1965, water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 580.00 ft abo^e mean 

sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Discharge for period of backwater from Mississippi River Apr. 18 to May 10 estimated 

on basis of two discharge measurements and records for nearby stations. Mean daily 

discharge computed from 96 punch-tape recordings per day beginning May 11, 1965.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 1,740 cfs 1330 hours Apr. 1 (gage height, 

22.11 ft).

1940 to March 1965: Discharge, 11,600 cfs Jan. 6, 1946 (gage height, 28.74 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!---._.

2__ __ .

3 __ ..

4___ ..

5......

6 __ ..

7... ..

8......

9_._ .

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

1,670 

1,010 

317 

491 

722 

1,150 

326 

234 

255 

165

May

85 

82 

80 

80 

100 

110 

90 

100 

95 

90

Day

ll-_.._

12.....

13.....

14. . .

15.....

16. __ .

17.....

18. ___

19.....

20.....

April

278 

235 

160 

137 

162 

168 

142 

120 

100 

90

May

84 

69 

63 

58 

55 

56 

56 

52 

47 

44

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second .......

Day

21 ..._.

22 _____

23 _____

24.....

25_. _.

26 _____

27 _____

28 __ ..

29 _____

30.. ___

31 _____

........

April

80 

75 

70 

90 

150 

160 

130 

110 

100 

90

300

1.45

May

42 

42 

75 

65 

55 

49 

54 

54 

46 

43 

43

66.6 

0.33

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 29

30

Hour

0000

1300

1500

1700

1900

2200

2400

0300

0700

1000

1400

1700

1900

Gage 

height

9.60

9.60

9.74

10.65

11.94

15.12

15.93

16.00

16.70

16.71

16.28

17.70

19.90

Discharge

46

46

52

94

173

442

523

530

614

615

564

748

1,130

Date

Mar.30

31

Apr. 1

Hour

2200

2400

0300

1000

1200

1500

2000

2300

2400

0600

1200

1330

Gage 

height

20.52

20.67

20.71

20.42

20.34

20.65

22.02

22.07

22.02

21.82

22.09

22.11

Discharge

1,280

1,320

1,330

1,260

1,240

1,310

1,710

1,730

1,710

1,650

1,740

1,740

Date

Apr. 1

2

3

Hour

1800

2400

1100

1400

1800

2200

2400

0400

0900

1100

1800

2400

Ga?e 

height

21.87

21.32

20.24

19.00

16.82

15.00

14.40

13.53

13.86

13.86

13.08

14.96

Discharge

1,660

1,500

1,210

950

628

430

376

298

318

318

260

426

317-045 O - 70 - 22
A3 3 2 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(219) 5-4205. Mississippi River at Clinton, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°46'50", long 90° 15'07", in NW^ sec.34, T.81 N., R.6 E., on right bank 

at foot of Eighth Avenue in Camanche, 5.0 miles upstream from Wapsi->inicon River, 

6.4 miles downstream from Clinton, 10.6 miles downstream from Dam 13, and at 

mile 511.8 upstream from Ohio River.

Drainage area. 85,600 sq mi, approximately, at Fulton-Lyons Bridge (formerly U.S. 

Highway 30) where discharge measurements are made.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 562.68 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 307,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-6, 9-27.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Daily discharge, 307,000 cfs Apr. 28; gage height, 24.65 ft 

0600 hrs Apr. 28.

1873 to February 1965: Daily discharge, 250,000 cfs June 25, 1880; gage height, 

14.5 ft June 25, 1880, at site 14.8 miles downstream at Le Claire, at datum 0.07 ft 

lower.

Maximum stage known since at least 1828 that of Apr. 28, 1965.

Cooperation; Two discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers. 

Mean gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l--_ -___

2 _________

3 _______

4 _________

5 _________

6 _________

7 _ _____

8 _ ___

9- __ - ____

10 ________

11. _______

1 9

1 9

14 ________

15-. __

16 ___ ___

17 _-_

18 ________

1 Q

20-- __ ___

21________

22 ________

23 ________

24 ___ ____

25

26 ___ ____

27___ __

28- ___ -__

29 __ ___

9fl

31 

IMean

March

Gage height

9.30 

9.93 

10.36 

11.04 

11.18 

10.96 

10.97 

11.65 

12.68 

12.96 

12.66 

12.07 

11.87 

11.67 

11.26 

11.11 

10.69 

10.85 

10.30 

10.44 

10.70 

10.58 

10.32 

10.15 

10.12 

10.16 

10.14 

9.98 

9.76 

10.01 

10.47

Discharge

28,000 

40,000 

50,000 

56,000 

60,000 

58,000 

62,800 

73,200 

82,000 

84,000 

75,000 

70,000 

66,000 

62,000 

56,000 

51,000 

47,000 

43,000 

30,500 

33,000 

36,000 

34,000 

32,000 

31,000 

30,000 

31,000 

32,000 

32,900 

34,400 

40,800 

48,200

48,700 

0.66 

2,995,000

April

Gage height

11.22 

11.95 

11.99 

11.68 

11.93 

13.00 

13.33 

13.41 

13.51 

13.83 

14.67 

15.22 

15.81 

16.59 

17.13 

17.61 

17.97 

18.37 

18.89 

19.47 

20.18 

21.10 

22.03 

22.82 

23.63 

24.24 

24.55 

24.63 

24.49 

24.26

Discharge

60,800 

71,600 

72,900 

69,300 

74,300 

88,800 

91,700 

91,900 

93,400 

95,900 

112,000 

125,000 

134,000 

143,000 

155,000 

162,000 

169,000 

176,000 

186,000 

195,000 

209,000 

226,000 

245,000 

263,000 

280,000 

300,000 

305,000 

307,000 

300,000 

294,000

169,900 

2.21 

10,110,000

May

Gage height

23.90 

23.53 

23.10 

22.66 

22.13 

21.57 

20.93 

20.31 

19.63 

18.92 

18.21 

17.52 

16.83 

16.12 

15.54 

15.20 

14.92 

14.61 

14.47 

14.42 

14.41 

14.45 

14.47 

14.51 

14.59 

14.75 

14.94 

14.96 

14.90 

14.63 

14.30

Discharge

284,000 

275,000 

264,000 

252,000 

240,000 

228,000 

216,000 

205,000 

192,000 

180,000 

170,000 

157,000 

147,000 

135,000 

126,000 

121,000 

117,000 

112,000 

111,000 

110,000 

110,000 

110,000 

111,000 

112,000 

113,000 

116,000 

118,000 

118,000 

116,000 

112,000 

107,000

157,600 

2.12 

9,689,000
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A333

WAPSIPINICON RIVER BASIN 

(220) 5-^1205.6 Wapsipinicon River near Elma, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°14'35", long 92°31'50", in NW^NW^ sec.8, T.97 N., R.14 W., on right 

bank 10 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 0.2 mile downstream from 

unnamed creek, and 4.9 miles west of Elma.

Drainage area. 95.2 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except March 3, 4, 9, 10, 21 25, 

May 8 20. Datum of gage is 1,131.46 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 4,190 cfs, extended to 5,500 cfs by logarithmic plotting. Backwater from ice 

Mar. 1 to Apr. 7.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 2,430 cfs 1600 hours Apr. 8 (gage h?ight, 

13.19 ft; gage height, 14.08 ft 1800 hours Mar. 1, backwater from ice.

1958 to February 1965: Discharge, about 5,700 cfs Mar. 29, 1962 (gage height, 

14.84 ft, backwater from ice).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4___

5...

6...

7...

8__]

9 "1

10. .

March

600

560

300

130

68

43

34

28

24

21

April

370

410

540

920

1,700

1,980

1,760

1,640

1,480

686

May

24

22

20

18

18

108

164

74

34

26

Day

11-.

12-.

13..

14_.

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

19

18

17

16

15

15

14

12

11

10

April

857

1,220

385

100

82

62

50

42

36

30

May

21

19

18

17

20

32

37

30

22

18

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. ._____._._

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

9.2

8.4

7.8

7.2

7.0

6.8

6.6

6.4

6.6

8.0

150

70.3

0.85

4,320

April

21

2T

27

31

73

105

61

41

32

27

493

5.7?

29,36?

May

16

15

15

15

17

49

41

29

23

20

18

32.3

0.39

1,980
A334 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Wapnpinicon River

near Elma, Iowa

Date

Mar. 1

2

7 

8

Hour

0000

1100

1400

1600

1800

2400

0600

1800

2400

0600

1200

2400

0000

1300

1600

2400

2400

0600 

1100 

1200

Gage 

height

6.55

6.63

7.42

8.90

9.97

11.63

12.92

14.08

13.87

1 ? ^d

13.18

12.65

1 3 43

13.36

13.66

13.63

1 0 O1

12.39

12.19 

12.43 

12.64

Discharge

1,330

1,200 

1,360 

1,550

Date

9

10

11

Hour

1300

1400

1600

2100

2400

0400 

0800

1000

1200

1600 

1800

0400

0800

1400

1800

2400

1200 

1300 

1500 

1600

Gage 

height

12.84

13.02

13.19

12.87

12.64

12.63 

12.78

12.89

12.70

12.57

1 9 ^9

12.00

11.76

11.27

10.74

10.24

10.27

10.46

10.37 

10.38 

10.93 

11.29

Discharge

1,800

2,120

2,430

1,850

1,550

1,540 

1,710

1,880

1,610

1,480 

1,290

1,100

984

811

688

588

594

632

614 

616 

726 

817

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

Hour

1700

1900

2400

0400

0600

1000 

1400

1600

2200

2400

0200

0400

0500 

0600

0700

0800

0900

1000

1100 

1300 

1600 

2000 

2400

Gage 

height

12.23

12.54

12.18

12.00

11.89

12.07 

12.45

12.58

1 9 1 Q

11.92

11.57

11.05

10.69 

10.28

9.83

9.32

8.83

8.48

7.93 

7.33 

6.71 

6.32 

6.07

Discharge

1,230

1,460

1,200

1,100

1,040

1,140 

1,380

1,460

1,200

1,060

910

752

678 

596

514

438

369

328

269 

219 

166 

136 

122

(221) 5-^1206. Little Wapsipinicon River tributary near Riceville, Iowa 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Near south quarter-corner of sec.27, T.99 N., R.14 W., at culvert 3.5 miles 

east of Riceville and 0.4 mile south of State Highway 9.

Drainage area. 0.90 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter rreasurements 

below 117 cfs and by flow-through-culvert measurement of 703 cfs.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, about 230 cfs Apr. 8 (gage height, 4.55 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1953 to February 1965: Discharge, 703 cfs Aug. 31, 1962 (gage height, 5.03 ft).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 3 5

(222) 5 4206.2 Little Wapsipinicon River near Acme, Iowa

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Sec.10, T.98 N., R.14 W., at bridge on County Road D, 1 mile north of Acme. 

Drainage area. 7.76 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 861 cfs and by contracted-opening measurement at 2,380 cfs.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, about 210 cfs Mar. 1 (gage height, 6.8 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1953 to February 1965: Discharge, 2,380 cfs Aug. 31, 1962 (gage height, 9.02 ft).

(223) 5-4206.4 Little Wapsipinicon River at Elma, Iowa 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. NW; sec.12, T.97 N., R.14 W., at bridge, on County Road A near west city 

limits of Elma.

Drainage area. 37.3 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages and occasional low-flow stages.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

and contracted opening measurement at 5,740 cfs.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, about 450 cfs Mar. 1 (gage height, 8.4 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1953 to February 1965: Discharge, 5,740 cfs Aug. 31, 1962 (gage height, 12.53 ft).

(224) 5 4210. Wapsipinicon River at Independence, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°27'50", long 91°53'40", in SE; sec.4, T.88 N., R9 W., on right bank 

at Sixth Street in Independence, 1,800 ft downstream from dam at abandoned hydroelectric plant, 4-3/4 miles downstream from Otter Creek, and 10; miles upstream 

from Pine Creek.

Drainage area. 1,048 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 882.85 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 20,600 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 20 30.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 8,880 cfs 1400 hours Apr. 7 (gage height, 

12.19 ft).

1933 to February 1965: Discharge, 21,500 cfs June 14, 1947 (gage height. 18.74 ft).

Maximum stage since at least 1901, that of June 14, 1947.
336 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Wapsipinicon River at Independer, ce, Iowa

Day

1...

2___

3...

4___

5...

6___

7...

8...

9 __

10.H

March

2,380

3,790

2,780

1,670

3,920

5,010

4,240

4,300

3,030

1,910

April

4,400

6,170

3,840

3,750

5,160

7,200

8,540

8,420

7,390

5,990

May

735

609

532

467

435

405

360

375

360

360

Monthly mean discharge, in

Day

11..

12-.

13-.

14-.

15..

16.-

17..

18..

19_-

20.-

March

1,430

1,050

789

753

807

780

600

375

284

230

April

5,230

5,420

4,170

3,310

3,370

3,160

2,380

1,840

1,220

870

May

382

339

290

266

272

278

236

260

311

318

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26_.

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

200

180

170

160

150

145

140

135

130

150

79^

1,368

1.51

84,120

April

744

654

574

558

672

870

910

900

920

861

3,316

3.53

197,300

May

290

304

412

360

325

829

1,190

1,090

1,140

1,300

1,570

529

0.58

32,530

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 4

5

6

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

7.54

7.68

8.00

8.31

8.59

9.24

9.45

9.94

10.48

10.82

11.53

Discharge

3,140

3,330

3,740

4,120

4,460

5,200

5,420

5,950

6,580

6,990

7,940

Date

Apr. 6

7

Hour

2100

2400

0300

0800

1100

1200

1300

1400

1700

1900

2400

Gage 

height

11.83

11.90

11.87

11.70

11.72

11.76

12.14

12.19

12.12

12.15

12.09

Discharge

8,360

8,460

8,420

8,180

8,210

8,260

8,810

8,880

8,780

8,820

8,740

Date

Apr. 8

9

10

Hour

0600

1200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

12.05

11.86

11.59

11.41

11.14

10.86

10.56

9.93

9.44

Discharge

8,680

8,400

8,030

7,770

7,400

7,040

6,680

5,940

5,410

(225) 5-4220. Wapsipinicon River near De Witt, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°45'55", long 90°32'00", in SW^NE^ sec.6, T.80 N., R.4 E., on left bank 

15 ft downstream from bridge on U.S. Highway 61, 3 miles south of De Witt, 6.2 miles 

upstream from Brophy Creek, and 18.2 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 2,330 sq mi (includes that of Silver Creek).

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 20-24. D-tum of gage 

is 598.81 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter rreasurements 

below 25,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-19.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 10,200 cfs 2230 hours Apr. 14 (sage height 

11.05ft). * ' 

1934 to February 1965: Discharge, 26,000 cfs June 27, 1944 (gage height, 12.07ft).

Cooperation. Two discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 3 7

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Wapsipinicon River near De Witt, Iowa

Day

!_..

2__.

3...

4...

5...

6__.

7___

8...

9...

10..

March

1,400

1,500

1,600

2,000

2,400

2,700

3,100

3,500

4,000

4,500

April

4,170

3,470

3,590

4,430

5,470

7,480

8,750

8,900

8,650

8,160

May

2,010

1,850

1,740

1,590

1,560

1,400

1,320

1,290

1,480

1,340

Day

11__

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17. _

18..

19_.

20..

March

5,000

5,600

6,400

6,800

6,000

4,800

5,200

3,500

1,900

1,600

April

8,400

9,200

9,800

9,980

9,700

8,690

7,640

6,420

4,990

4,320

May

1,210

1,110

1,040

979

946

891

918

852

798

750

Day

21_.

22..

23_.

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30_.

31

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

1,400

1,300

1,250

1,200

1,160

1,080

1,050

1,020

1,700

4,480

4,480

3,020

1.49

185,700

April

3,430

2,68")

2,210

2,270

2,87")

2,700

2,410

2,600

2,550

2,230

s.eo 1:

2.6''

May

705

680

814

962

858

918

1,280

1,760

1,890

2,050

1,910

1,255

0.62

333,50' 77,160

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 12

13

Hour

0000 

1200 

2400

1200

Gage 

height

10.80 

10.87 

10.94

11.00

Discharge

8,850 

9,200 

9,550

9,900

Date

Apr. 13 

14

Hour

2400 

1200

2230 

2400

Gage 

height

11.00 

11.00

11.05 

11.04

Discharge

9,900 

9,900

10,200 

10,100

Date

Apr. 15

16

Hour

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

height

10.97 

10.88

10.77 

10.63

Discharge

9,720 

9,250

8,700 

8,120

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(226) Mississippi River at Davenport, Iowa 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 41°31'10", long 90°33'55", in center wall of Lock 15 about 15 ft upstream 

from pivot pier of Government bridge at Davenport, 500 ft upstream from Pam 15, 

and at mile 482.9 upstream from Ohio River.

Drainage area. 88,500 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Peak stages only from water-stage recorder and staff gage 

readings. Datum of gage is 542.50 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912, and 

prior to Sept. 2, 1864, at datum 0.6 ft higher. Prior to Sept. 6, 1872, several staff 

gages at old bridge site 2,300 ft upstream, and Sept. 7, 1872, to Feb. 8, 1933, staff 

gage at site 15 ft downstream on pier of Government bridge.

Maxima. March May 1965: Gage height, 22.48 ft Apr. 28.

1860 to February 1965: Gage height, 19.4 ft June 27, 1892.

Remarks. Stage records furnished by Corps of Engineers.
A338 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Annual maximum gage heights, for indicated years, of Mississippi River at Davenport, Iowa

Year

I860. _____

1861 ______

1862 ______

1863 ______

1864 ______

1865 _____

1866-_____

1867. _____

1868 ______

1869 ______

1870 __ __

1871 ______

1873 ______

1874. __

1875 ______

1876 ______

1877- _____

1878 ______

1879- _____

1880 ______

1881------

1882. _____

1883 ______

1884. _____

1885 - ___

1886 ______

1887- ___

1888- _

1889- _____

Date

Apr. 27-29

May 1 5

Feb. 27

Mar. 10

May 28

July 17

Oct. 27

A nv 9 *3

May 2

Mar. 28, 29

Feb. 12

May 16

Mar. 12

Gage 

height 

(feet)

12.6

14.2

15.2

8

f\

7.7

11.1

157

14 3

129

16.8

12.8

9 1

129

13.8

9 9

7.1

7 ft

18.4

17.7

14.1

133

119

10.1

125

12 9

18.6

7.8

Year

1890 _____

1891- ____

1 O Q Q

1894 _ ___

1895 _____

1896. _

1 fl Q7

1898. 

1899

1900 _____

1901 _____

1902

1903

1904

1905. _

1906 _____

1907

1908_____

1909

1910 _____

1911

1912

1913

1914

1915

1916 _____

1917

1918_____

1919

Date

July 1

May 3-5

Mar 13

May 31

M 4

May 28-30

Apr. 17

Feb. 14

Mar. 22

Apr. 13

July 21

Dec 25

Oct 22 23

Mar. 30

July 14, 15

Gage 

height 

(feet)

119

103

194

15.1

1 O Q

8 9

120

15.1

Q Q

131

9 6

10.5

132

14 3

139

12 25

13 7

11 9

112

127

1 O Q

10.65

9 5

159

12 35

10.35

137

"Ice gorge-raised 5 ft in one day.

ROCK RIVER BASIN 

(227) 5-^1465. Rock River near Joslin, 111.

Location. Lat 41°33'35", long 90°10'55", in NE| sec.18, T.18 N., R.3 E., on right bank 

at downstream side of bridge on State Highway 92, 1.8 miles east of Jcslin, 12 miles 

downstream from Rock Creek, and 27 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 9,520 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15-minute intervals, except 

May 24, 28-31. Datum of gage is 564.06 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929 

(levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-water measurements. 

Discharge for periods of no gage-height record computed from records for nearby 

stations. Mean daily discharge computed from 96 punch-tape recordirgs per day.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 21,700 cfs 0945 hours Apr. 8 (gage height, 

13.12 ft).

1939 to March 1965: Discharge, 46,200 cfs Mar. 22, 1948 (gage height, 14.46 ft); 

gage height, 16.23 ft Mar. 3, 1948 (backwater from ice). 

Stage known since 1892, that of Mar. 3, 1948.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Rock River near Joslin. Ill

A339

Day

!_-_.--

9

3______

4______

6......

8

9___...

10._...

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

12,300 

16,900 

19,800 

19,800 

19,400 

19,800 

21,200 

21,500 

20,600 

19,200

May

10,200 

9,240 

8,570 

8,010 

7,700 

8,100 

9,420 

9,660 

10,300 

9,640

Day

11----.

12-.-,.

13_____

14_.__.

15____,

16.....

17____.

18.....

19.----

20.--,.

April

18,300 

17,600 

17,200 

16,600 

16,300 

15,900 

15,300 

14,200 

12,900 

12,000

May

9,140 

8,790 

8,000 

6,970 

5,800 

5,430 

4,890 

3,380 

3,520 

4,090

Day

21-....

22.....

23 __ __

24_. ...

25__._.

26_. ...

27 .....

28.....

29 __ .,

30...-.

31----.

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

11,100 

10,300 

9,720 

9,580 

10,100 

10,700 

11,200 

11,600 

11,500 

10,700

1 5, 1 1 0 

1.77

May

3,730 

3,690 

3,320 

3,200 

3,460 

3,740 

3,790 

3,700 

3,400 

3,200 

3,400

6,112 

0.74

(228) 5 4475. Green River near Geneseo, 111.

Location. Lat 41°29'20", long 90°09'30", in NE^SW^ sec.4, T.I7 N., R.3 E., on right 

bank at upstream side of bridge on State Highway 82, 1.4 miles upstream from 

Geneseo Creek and 2.4 miles north of Geneseo.

Drainage area. 958 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15-minute intervals. Prior to 

Apr. 28, 1965, water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 580.66 ft above mean 

sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Mean daily discharge computed from 96 punch-tape recordings per day beginning 

Apr. 28, 1965.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 3,980 cfs 2200 hours Apr. 25 (gage height, 

10.57 ft).

1936 to March 1965: Discharge, 8,900 cfs Oct. 11, 1954 (gage height, 14.69 ft); gage 

height, 16.65 ft Jan. 24, 1965 (ice jam).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

I--....

2. --._

3_____.

4_____-

5__ ....

6 __ ...

7___ ...

8_-_ ...

9_._._.

10._ ...

April

1,280 

1,190 

1,020 

924 

1,120 

2,900 

3,190 

2,410 

2,110 

1,840

May

1,320 

1,160 

1,000 

911 

960 

1,160 

1,350 

1,660 

1,960 

1,540

Day

11 __ ._ 

12_..__

13__.__

14-_ ...

15---.-

16-. ...

17__._.

18.....

19_____

20.----

April

1,850 

1,660 

1,300 

1,150 

1,750 

1,890 

1,560 

1,260 

1,080 

956

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

Runoff, in inches ___

May

1,220 

1,040 

900 

780 

688 

644 

622 

584 

549 

514

Day

21.. __

99

23

24.....

25... ..

26 __ _.

27 __ ..

28_____

29_____

30_____

31_-_-_

d .... __ ....- ...

April

876 

812 

764 

2,230 

3,380 

3,150 

2,280 

2,080 

1,930 

1,590

1,718 

2.00

May

493 

482 

451 

434 

430 

448 

476 

454 

427 

412 

391

821 

0.99
A340 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Green River near

Geneseo, III.

Date

Apr. 24

25

Hour

0000

0200

0400

0500

0800

1100

1200

1900

2100

2400

0400

0600

0900

1300

1600

1900

Gage 

height

4.25

4.27

4.38

4.71

6.70

8.90

9.18

9.41

9.42

9.31

8.96

8.97

9.23

10.11

10.38

10.54

Discharge

780

788

832

964

1,760

2,720

2,890

3,050

3,050

2,980

2,760

2,760

2,920

3,590

3,810

3,960

Date

Apr. 25

26

27

28

29

Hour

2200

2400

0200

0900

1400

1900

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

Gage 

height

10.57

10.54

10.45

9.73

9.22

8.86

8.60

7.92

7.42

7.44

7.53

7.15

Discharge

3,980

3,960

3,880

3,280

2,910

2,700

2,550

2,250

2,050

2,060

2.090

1,940

Date

A.pr. 29

30

May 1

2

3

4

Hour G*8* 

i eight

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

6.66

6.24

5.95

5.59

5.43

5.17

5.02

4.76

4.68

4.56

4.54

Discharge

1,740

1,580

1,460

1,320

1,250

1,150

1,090

984

952

904

896

(229) Rock River at Moline, 111.

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. BE? sec.16, T.17 N., R.I W., at bridge on U.S. Highway 150 at Moline. 

Drainage area. 10,630 sq mi.

Discharge record. Discharge obtained on the following days by current-meter 

measurements. Stage-discharge relation affected by backwater from Mississippi 

River.

Date

Apr. 25

26

27

28

29

30 

May

7

10

Gage height 

(ft)

11.16

11.84

12.24

12.53

12.57

12.39

12.07

11.69

11.12

10.58

10.09

9.60

9.34

9.54

Discharge 

(cfs)

13,600

14,400

14,400

14,400

15,600

13,600

12,400

11,600

10,200

9,550

9,350

8,870

10,800

12,300

Cooperation. Data furnished by Corps of Engineers.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A341

(230) 5-^1480. Mill Creek at Milan, 111.

Location. Lat 41°26'35", long 90°33'15", in SW^SE^ sec.24, T.17 N., R.2 W., on left 

bank at upstream side of Knoxville Road Bridge, 1 mile southeast of Milar,

Drainage area. 62.5 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15-minute intervals. Prior to 

Apr. 27, 1965, water-stage recorder graph except Apr. 9 25, for which graph was 

drawn on basis of once-daily wire-weight gage readings. Peak on Apr. 24 vas 

determined from high-water mark. Datum of gage is 566.23 ft above mean sea level, 

datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Mean daily discharge computed from 96 punch-tape recordings per day beg: nning 

Apr. 27, 1965.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 9,060 cfs 0900 hours Apr. 24 (gage height, 

11.53 ft, from high-water mark).

1939 to March 1965: Discharge, 8,980 cfs Oct. 10, 1954 (gage height, 9.3*5 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1... ...

2... ...

3.. .

4 ___ ..

5 ___ ..

6... ...

7 ......

8 ......

9 __ ._

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

14 

11 

9.0 

15 

253 

1,170 

89 

112 

112 

91

May

99 

81 

67 

65 

66 

56 

55 

97 

58 

45

Day

ll--__.

12. __ .

13__...

14 __ ..

15.....

16.....

17.. ...

18 .....

19.. ...

20.....

April

220 

102 

43 

74 

566 

250 

96 

79 

64 

57

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches _ __._.____ . . ___. _ .

May

40 

37 

34 

32 

30 

30 

29 

27 

25 

23

Day

21 .....

99

23.. ...

24 .....

25.. ...

26.. ...

27 _____

28.. __

29 __ ..

30.. ...

31 __ ..

d .. ______ _. ...

April

51 

45 

41 

4,470 

977 

316 

210 

227 

153 

121

335 

5.97

May

24 

24 

23 

21 

22 

29 

29 

20 

19 

22 

20

40.3 

0.74

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 24

25

Hour

0000

0200

0300

0600

0900

1000

1200

2400

0700

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

1.52

4.00

5.50

10.00

11.53

11.10

10.00

6.94

5.08

4.43

3.88

3.49

Discharge

22

620

1,300

6,000

9,060

8,200

6,000

2,210

1,090

792

578

452

Date

Apr. 26

27

28

29

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

2.94

2.70

2.56

2.65

2.67

2.48

2.40

2.29

Discharge

290

230

195

218

222

175

155

130

Date

Apr. 30

May 1

2

3

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Ga?e 

height

2.26

2.17

2.14

2.05

2.03

1.96

1.94

1.90

Discharge

124

107

101

86

82

71

68

62
A342 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

IOWA RIVER BASIN

(231) 5-4486. East Branch Iowa River above Hayfield, Iowa 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Near south quarter corner sec.4, T.96 N., R.24 W., at bridge l| miles 

southeast of Hayfield.

Drainage area. 2.23 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 141 cfs and extended above by logarithmic plotting.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, about 250 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 7.31 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1953 to February 1965: Discharge, 209 cfs June 18, 1954 (gage height, 7.15 ft).

(232) 5-4487. East Branch Iowa River near Hayfield, Iowa

(Crest-stage station)

Location. NW£ sec.35, T.97 N., R.24 W., at bridge, 2 miles east of Hayfield. 

Drainage area. 7.94 sq mi. 

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter rreasurements 

below 436 cfs and extended above by logarithmic plotting.

Maxima.- March May 1965: Discharge, about 370 cfs Apr. 6 (gage heigh1;, 13.67 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1952 to February 1965: Discharge, 457 cfs June 18, 1954 (gage height, 13.01 ft).

(233) 5 4488. East Branch Iowa River near Garner, Iowa 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Near center of sec.25, T.96 N., R.24 W., at bridge on U.S. Highway 18, 

1.2 miles west of Garner.

Drainage area. 45.1 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, about 1,000 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 12.89 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1952 to February 1965: Discharge, 1,120 cfs Mar. 26, 1961 (gage height, 12.81 ft).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 43

(234) 5 4489. East Branch Iowa River tributary near Garner, Iowa 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Near center sec.27, T.96 N., R.24 W., at culvert on U.S. Highway 18, 

2.1 miles west of Garner.

Drainage area. 5.98 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, about 170 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 9.15 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1952 to February 1965: Discharge, 206 cfs June 17, 1954 (gage height, 6.71 ft).

(235) 5 4490. East Branch Iowa River near Klemme, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°00'30", long 93°37'35", in NE^NW^ sec.36, T.95 N., R.24 W., on left 

bank 1 5 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 1.0 mile west of Klemme, and 

15.4 miles upstream from confluence with West Branch Iowa River.

Drainage area. 133 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 2 14, 18 28. Datum of 

gage is 1,179.02 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929. Prior to Oct. 1, 1955, wireweight gage at site 0.6 mile upstream at datum 1.11 ft higher.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 2,740 cfs, extended to 4,090 cfs by logarithmic plotting. Backwater from ice 

Mar. 1 to Apr. 7.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 4,090 cfs 2200 hours Apr. 8 (gage height, 

9.94 ft); gage height, 10.67 ft 1030 hours Apr. 6 (backwater from ice).

1948 to February 1965: Discharge, 5,960 cfs June 19, 1954 (gage height, 11.2 ft, 

from floodmark at site 0.6 mile upstream at datum l.llft higher).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7___

8...

9__.

10..

March

108

240

90

76

72

68

65

60

56

52

April

190

475

500

550

1,220

2,400

2,500

3,170

2,340

1,190

May

125

114

104

92

94

139

135

114

94

77

Day

11..

12. _

13..

14. _

15..

16..

17..

18..

19-.

20_.

March

47

42

37

33

30

27

26

24

20

17

April

1,000

1,060

763

635

514

419

341

299

257

228

May

67

61

57

66

100

209

181

136

106

89

Day

21..

22..

23..

24. .

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. . _..-._.._

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

15

13

11

10

9.6

9.2

9.2

9.0

9.0

18

80

44.6

0.39

2,740

Aprrl

200

180

164

154

174

241

208

175

157

141

728

6.11

43,330

May

86

79

132

254

231

453

500

313

227

230

201

157

1.36

9,650
A3 4 4 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of East Branch Iowa 

River near Klemme, Iowa

Date

Apr. 6

7

Hour

0000

0500

1030

1800

2400

2400

Gage 

height

10.03

10.08

10.67

10.55

10.19

9.45

Discharge

2,570

Date

9

Hour

1200

1600

1800

2200

2400

0400

Gage 

height

9.59

9.62

9.74

9.94

9.92

9.78

Discharge

3,040

3,140

3,560

4,090

4,020

3,530

Date

A.pr. 9

Hour

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1800 

2400

Gage 

height

9.70

9.53

9.35

9.15

8.91

8.73 

8.61

Discharge

3.420

2,830

2,320

2,000

1,690

1,450 

1,320

(236) 5 4495. Iowa River near Rowan, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°45'35", long 93°37'15", in NW^NEi sec.25, T.92 N., R.24 W., on left 

bank, 10 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 3.8 miles northwest of Rowan, 

9.4 miles downstream from confluence of East and West Branches, and at mile 316.4.

Drainage area. 429 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 2 14, 21 30. Graph was 

reconstructed on basis of daily wire-weight gage readings Mar. 6, 21, 26, 28. Datum 

of gage is 1,143.35 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 8,300 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 7.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, about 6,700 cfs Apr. 7; gage height, 14.62 ft 

1800 hours Apr. 6 (backwater from ice).

1940 to February 1965: Discharge, 8,460 cfs June 21, 1954 (gage height, 14.88 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8__.

9__.

10_.

March

510

1,000

380

310

290

270

250

240

220

210

April

800

1,700

1,900

2,500

4,200

5,800

6,000

5,790

5,480

5.230

May

485

434

387

346

312

373

418

404

346

294

Day

11__

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19__

20. _

March

200

180

158

140

130

118

110

102

95

82

April

4,300

4,430

3,880

3,170

2,700

2,320

1,970

1,620

1,320

1,100

May

258

236

210

200

206

299

390

353

282

217

Day

21_.

22_.

23_.

24. .

25_.

26_.

27_.

28_.

29. .

30_.

31_.

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... ________

Runoff , in inches -- - -- - _______________

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

64

52

48

43

40

37

35

35

37

54

300

185

0.50

11,390

Anril

914

745

641

578

622

764

828

722

595

539

2,439

6.34

145,100

May

200

202

202

268

431

749

992

1,020

892

736

663

413

1.11

25,400
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A345

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Iowa Rr'er near

Rowan, Iowa

Date

Apr. 6

7

Hour

0000

0200

1200

1400

1800

2400

0600

1200

1400

1800

Gage 

height

1 ^ Q^

14.12

14.53

14.58

14.62

1 4. ^^

14.34

14.18

13.80

13.43

Discharge

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

10

Hour

2400

0800

1800

2200

2400

2400

0800

Gage 

height

13.27

13.08

12.77

12.79

1 2 75

12.76

12.76

Discharge

6,210

5,940

5,510

5,540

5,480

5

AQf\

5.490

Date

A.pr. 10

11

1 7

Hour

1400

1800

2400

1200

2400

0800

1400

2400

Gafe 

height

12.57

12.40

1 O 1 C

11. FO

11. P2

12.10

12.04

11. F8

Discharge

5 230

4 990

4,640

4,130

4,310

4,570

4,490

4,250

(237) 5 1515. Iowa River at MarshaUtown, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°04'05", long 92°54'05", in NW^SW^ sec.24, T.84 N., R.18 W., on right 

bank in city park in MarshaUtown, 300 ft upstream from Burnett Creek, 0.2 mile 

downstream from bridge on State Highway 14, 2.0 miles upstream from Linn Creek, 

and at mile 222.6.

Drainage area. 1,564 sq mi, including that of Burnett Creek.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage 853.10 ft above 

mean sea level, datum 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 21,000 cfs and extended to 42,000 cfs from velocity-area study. Backwater 

from ice Mar. 1 30.

Maxima. MarchHVIay 1965: Discharge, 17,400 cfs 1600 hours Apr. 6 (gage height 

17.63 ft).

1902-3, 1914-27, 1932 to February 1965: Discharge, 42,000 cfs June 4, 1918 (gage 

height, 17.74 ft, from floodmarks).

Mean discharge, I'M cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!-_ 

2...

3...

4__.

5...

6__.

7__.

8...

9...

10_.

March

4,000

8,200

5,600

3,700

2,600

1,900

2,000

2,100

1,900

1,700

April

9,520

9,340

7,080

7,640

11,400

16,900

14,800

13,400

13,300

12,900

May

1,550

1,370

1,200

1.190

1,060

959

874

951

974

986

Day

11..

12. _

13..

14__

15._

16..

17..

18..

19. _

20._

March

1,500

1,200

1,050

900

840

840

880

800

700

580

April

10,600

8,800

8,020

7,400

7,070

6,540

5.840

5.060

4,270

3,360

May

820

748

680

610

571

554

530

571

640

640

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24_.

25..

26_.

27_.

28..

29..

30..

31_.

Runoff, in inches ... _ _ _ . . ____._.__

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

480

400

330

310

300

300

300

300

320

1,100

4.000

1,649

1.22

101,400

April

2.680

2.330

2,00^

1.8GO

2,000

2,150

2,060

1,960

1,840

1,720

------

6.7E6

4.65

404.4CO

May

584

571

694

694

788

2.470

4,660

4,110

3,430

2,970

2,660

1,326

0.98

81,540
A346 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Iowa River at 

Marshalltown, Iowa

Date

Apr. 5

Hour

0000

0300

0600

1300

1600

2000

Gage 

height

15.27

15.33

15.58

16.35

16.55

17.23

Discharge

7,960

8,090

8,740

11,300

12,100

15,200

Date

Apr. 5

6

Hour

2200

2400

1200

1600

Gage 

height

17.38

17.48

17.57

17.63

Discharge

15,900

16,500

17,000

17,400

Date

Apr. 6

7

Hour GaS e 

height

2400 17.49

0600 17.36

1800 16.97

2400 16.87

Discharge

16,500

15,800

13,800

13,400

(238) 5-^4517. Timber Creek near Marshalltown, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°00'25", long 92°51'30", in SE|SW| sec.8, T.83 N., R.17 W., on left bank 

20 ft downstream from bridge on U.S. Highway 30, 2.7 miles upstream from mouth 

and 3.0 miles southeast of Marshalltown.

Drainage area. 118 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 1 5, 17, 18, 30, 31. 

Daily wire-weight gage readings available for this period. Datum of gage is 849.44ft 

above sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 3,100 cfs. Backwater from ice and debris Mar. 1 to Apr. 16.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 3,130 cfs 1100 hours Apr. 24; gage-height, 

15.07 ft 0200 hours Apr. 1 (backwater from ice).

1949 to February 1965: Discharge, 4,940 cfs June 18, 1950 (gage height 15.77 ft). 

Flood in June 1947 reached a stage of 16.8 ft (discharge not determined).

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Engine3rs.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l-_.

2...

3...

4___

5...

6___

7___

8...

9...

10..

March

1,100

400

200

100

50

30

25

22

21

20

April

1,300

500

370

500

1,100

600

200

160

140

130

May

110

96

84

77

75

70

63

64

65

52

Day

ll._

12. _

13..

14._

15..

16..

17_.

18__

19. _

20..

March

19

18

25

45

100

400

1,000

500

66

46

April

150

105

92

84

76

70

65

57

51

48

May

49

49

45

43

44

43

40

37

33

33

Day

21_.

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff, in inches ____

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

39

31

26

23

21

20

19

30

230

900

1,500

227

2.21

13,940

/pril

45

42

40

1,360

649

310

221

191

149

127

 

298

2.82

17,720

May

32

105

124

66

68

524

188

127

119

117

106

886

0.87

5,450
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A347

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Timber Creek near

Marshall town, Iowa

Date

Mar. 31

Hour

0000

0900

1100

1500

1800

2000

2200

2400

0200

0600

1200

Gage 

height

13.40

13.88

13.91

13.69

14.05

14.76

14.90

14.93

15.07

14.16

13.08

Discharge

Date

A.pr. 1

24

Hour

1530

1700

2100

2400

0000

0200

0300

0500 

0700

0900

1100

Gage 

height

12.27

12.45

12.39

12.08

3.10

6.00

Q ^n

10.81 

11.56

13 72

14.31

Discharge

56

347

845

1,190 

1,410

2

£ Q ft

3 * 130

Date

A nr» 94j

25

Hour

1200

1500

1700

1900

2200

2400

1200

1700 

2100

2400

Gage 

height

1255

9 70

7.80

6

OQ

7 09

8.55

9.38 

7 92

7.00

Discharge

2

£Qft

1,820

925

590

463

490

f7fto

853 

596

461

(239) 5-4519. Richland Creek near Haven, Iowa

Location. Lat 41° 53'55", long 92°28'35", in SE^NE^ sec.21, T.82 N., R.14 W., on right 

bank 5 ft upstream from highway bridge, 0.5 mile north of Haven, and 3.0 miles 

upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 56.1 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except April 26-28, May 27 30. 

Daily wire-weight gage readings were available for those periods. Datum of gage is 

798.69 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 2,200 cfs and extended to 3,560 cfs on basis of logarithmic plotting. Backwater 

from ice Mar. 2-16, 19-23, 28, 29.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 2,090 cfs 1200 hours Apr. 24 (gage heigM, 

9.98 ft).

1949 to February 1965: Discharge, 3,650 cfs Mar. 30, 1960 (gage height, 12.39 ft). 

Flood in June 1918 reached a stage of 14.3 ft (discharge not determined).

Cooperation. Two discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!_..

2___

3___

4...

5___

6__.

7...

8...

9__.

10_.

March

764

150

40

20

23

13

10

9.0

8.3

7.5

April

588

86

66

84

776

268

33

63

34

29

May

58

50

44

61

52

40

34

34

33

27

Day

11__

12. _

13..

14_.

15..

16..

17..

18_.

19..

20_.

March

7.0

11

35

60

120

180

611

170

25

15

April

41

27

21

20

19

16

15

14

13

12

May

26

24

22

22

24

24

21

19

17

17

Day

21..

22..

23..

24_.

25..

26_.

27_.

28..

29_.

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second_._._..___.

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

11

9.4

8.0

7.3

7.3

7.3

13

54

170

610

871

131

2.68

8,030

April

12

10

10

956

413

144

101

90

78

66

137

2.72

8,140

May

17

21

25

19

19

270

46

34

29

28

121

41.2

0.85

2.530

317-045 O - 70 - 23
A348 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, ofRichland Creek near

Haven, Iowa

Date

^.pr. 24

Hour

0000

0030

0100

0130

0200

0230

0400

0600

0800

0900

1000

1100

1200

1300

Gage 

height

1.70

2.30

4.00

5.80

6.78

6.92

6.73

6.95

7.18

7.68

8.70

9.60

9.98

9.82

Discharge

91

173

460

768

1,030

1,080

1,020

1,080

1,150

1,300

1,640

1,960

2,090

2,040

Date

Apr. 24

25

Hour

1400

1500

1600

1700

1900

2100

2300

2400

0100

0200

0300

0400

0500

Gage 

height

8.90

7.15

4.90

3.64

2.99

2.95

3.44

3.40

3.50

3.89

4.23

4.28

4.06

Discharge

1,720

1,140

604

399

288

282

365

358

375

441

497

505

470

Date

A.pr. 25

26

Hour

0^00

0900

1000

1300

1500

1600

1800

2100

2400

0-500

1200

2*00

Gage 

height

3.20

3.08

3.25

4.17

4.64

4.60

4.00

3.06

2.72

2.28

1.98

1.77

Discharge

324

304

332

487

562

556

460

300

242

170

125

99

(240) 5-4520. Salt Creek near Elberon, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°57'45", long 92°18'55", in NW^NW^ sec.36, T.83 N., R.13 W., near 

center of span on downstream side of bridge on U.S. Highway 30, 1.2 miles northwest 

of Irving, 2.5 miles south of Elberon, and 9.0 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 201 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 3 5, 19 21. Daily 

wire-weight readings were available. Datum of gage is 781.58 ft al ove mean sea 

level (Iowa Highway Commission bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 17,000 cfs and extended by logarithmic plotting to 35,000 cfs. Backwater from 

ice Mar. 1-31.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 4,680 cfs 0300 hours Apr. 1 (gage height, 

15.75 ft).

1945 to February 1965: Discharge, 35,000 cfs June 13, 1947 (gag° height, 17.6 ft).

Flood of June 16, 1944. reached a stage of 19.9 ft, from floodmark (discharge, 

30,000 cfs, estimated).

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Enf ineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!_..

2...

3...

4__.

5...

6...

7...

8...

9__.

10..

March

2,100

1,000

400

180

90

56

48

42

39

36

April

3,420

1,280

482

762

2,320

2,450

343

322

253

197

May

114

101

79

196

212

140

113

104

97

79

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15. _

16..

17..

18..

19__

20. _

March

34

34

41

90

240

600

700

240

150

85

April

246

183

147

135

129

112

103

94

86

81

May

72

67

61

59

60

65

56

50

42

40

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff in inches ...

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

62

50

43

37

35

33

31

52

210

900

2,250

320

1.83

19,650

April

75

69

65

171

329

281

201

178

151

131

 

493

9 74

29,350

May

38

55

117

82

75

1,380

822

262

219

210

680

185

1.06

11,400
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A349

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Salt Creek rear

Elberon, Iowa

Date

Mar 29

 ?n

Hour

0000

0200

1200

1400

1600

1700

1800

1900

2100

2400

0400

0800

1300

1400

Gage 

height

6

1 o

6.17

5

QO

6.06

6 on

7.90

9.40

10.55

U 37

U 1 9

10.90

11.05

11.09

11.48

Discharge Date

IVIsir 30

31

Apr. 1

Hour

1500

1600

1800

2000

99nn

2400

0700

1400

2000

2400

0300

1200

Gage 

height

12.42

13.20

13.74

13.86

13.83

13.91

14.62

14.15

14.35

15.06

15.75

14.73

Discharge

3,780

4,680

3,380

Date

Apr. 1

2

Hour

1800

2400

0600

0800

1000

1100

1200

1300

1400

1600 

1800

2300

2400

Gage 

height

14.13

13.83

13.77

13.64

12.83

12.20

11.43

10.80

10.25

9.55 

9.20

9.02

9.03

Discharge

2,660

2,310

2,250

2,100

1,470

1,150

928

776

665

548 

492

463

465

(241) 5 4522. Walnut Creek near Hartwick, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°50'10", long 92°23'20", in SE^SW^ sec.8, T.81 N., R.I3 W., on left 

bank 5 ft upstream from highway bridge, 1.2 miles downstream from North Walnut 

Creek, 4.0 miles northwest of Hartwick, and 6.5 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 70.9 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 18 21, Apr. 7 23, 

May 2-15, 27-31. Datum of gage 786.59 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 2,600 cfs and extended to 4,930 cfs on basis of contracted-opening and f'owover-embankment measurement of peak flow.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 2,700 cfs 1930 hours Mar. 30 (gage height, 

14.59 ft).

1949 to February 1965: Discharge, 4,930 cfs Sept. 3, 1958 (gage height, 15.67 ft). 

Flood in June 1947, reached a stage 17.7 ft (discharge not determined).

Cooperation. Two discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2...

3...

4__.

t>__.

6...

'I...

8___

9...

10..

March

320

100

75

50

33

20

16

14

13

12

April

423

105

109

104

977

246

53

89

58

46

May

73

66

64

59

58

53

48

42

43

39

Day

11__

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19__

20__

March

11

17

24

45

86

170

800

140

50

27

April

65

47

35

30

26

23

21

18

17

15

May

36

34

31

31

31

25

26

22

18

18

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second

Day

21.J

22_.

23_.

24_.

25_.

26_.

27_.

28_.

29_.

30_.

31

Runoff, in inches ______

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

20

16

13

11

10

9.6

16

43

150

845

916

2

1 A

8,080

April

14

13

12

798

478

199

159

131

99

86

150

2

QC

8,920

May

17

17

21

19

19

115

40

38

36

36

^7

38 9

2.390
A350 FLOODS or 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Walnut Creek near

Hartwick, Iowa

Date

Mar. 30

Mar. 31

Hour

0000

0800

1230

1400

15oO

1600

1700

1800

1930

2100

2200

2400

0100

0200

0300

Gage 

height

6.25

6.25

6.05

6.45

8.50

11.30

12.70

14.00

14.59

14.38

14.12

12.95

11.30

9.75

8.50

Discharge

250

250

232

268

490

975

1,360

1,900

2,700

2,370

2,020

1,440

975

662

490

Date

Mar. 31

Hour

0500

0700

1030

1200

1300

1400

1500

1700

1800

1900

2000

2100

2200

2300

2400

Gage 

height

6.95

6.10

5.52

5.75

6.40

8.70

11.50

13.70

14.12

14.22

14.19

13.98

13.60

13.11

12.28

Discharge

318

237

189

207

264

516

1,020

1,730

2,020

2,150

2,110

1,890

1,690

1,490

1,260

Date

Apr. 1

Hour

0100

0200

0100

0°00

1000

1200

1230

1400

1500

1700

1800

1900

2000

2200

2400

Gage 

height

11.10

10.00

8.40

7.74

6.78

6.54

6.54

6.75

7.03

7.78

7.98

8.02

7.83

7.12

6.10

Discharge

925

700

478

401

301

277

277

298

326

406

428

432

411

335

237

(242) 5 4530. Big Bear Creek at Ladora, Iowa

Location. Lat 41 0 45'00", long 92°11'00", in SW^SW{ sec.7, T.80 N., R.ll W., on left 

bank 10 ft downstream from highway bridge, a quarter of a mile south of Ladora, and 

2i miles upstream from Little Bear Creek.

Drainage area. 189 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 754.94 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 8,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 30.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 3,580 cfs 0100 hours Apr. 1 (gage height, 

11.34 ft); gage height, 11.77 ft 2200 hours Mar. 30 (backwater from ice).

1945 to February 1965: Discharge, 10,500 cfs Mar. 30, 1960 (gage height, 14.60ft).

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4___

5__.

6...

7...

3___

9...

10_.

March

1,100

600

370

150

100

84

72

66

62

58

April

1,590

421

250

324

1,730

1,160

214

226

204

183

May

180

153

133

123

127

112

99

96

100

81

Day

11.-

12. _

13..

14-_

15-_

16. _

17_.

18..

19--

20.,

March

56

95

150

240

430

580

1,600

300

150

90

April

240

137

104

94

84

72

67

61

55

53

May

73

72

66

65

72

68

57

54

48

45

Day

21..

22,.

23..

24..

25..

26,.

27..

28..

29,.

30..

31..

Runoff in inches ___

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

60

50

40

33

30

29

60

400

640

1,650

2,210

373

2 27

22,920

April

48

44

43

1,110

1,240

594

361

310

248

210

 

22,760

May

45

44

82

58

54

110

100

64

63

67

126

85.1

0 52

5,230
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 5 1

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Big Bear Creek at

Ladora, Iowa

Date

Mar. 30

Mar. 31

Apr. 1

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1400

1600

1700

1800

2200

2400

0400

0500

0600

0700

1000 

1200

1400 

1500 

1600 

1700 

1900 

2400

0100

0200

0500

0600

0700

0800

1100

Gage 

height

7.27

6.63

4.18

5.35

7.60

9.10

10.27

11.77

11.50

10.00

8.85

8.00

6.95

5.20 

4.60

5.95 

6.90 

8.50 

9.70 

10.65 

11.30

11.34

11.32

10.15

8.60

7.75

6.90

5.92

Discharge

2,780

2,200

1,790

1,370

770 

610

995 

1,350 

2.020 

2,620 

3,170 

3,560

3,580

3,570

2,870

2,070

1,690

1,350

986

Date

Apr. 1

2

3

4

Hour

1300

1400

1600

1900

2200

2400

0400

0700

1000

1400

1800

2200

2400

0600 

0900

1700 

1800 

2000 

2200 

2400

0200

0600

1200

1600

1900

2200

2400

Gage 

height

5.58

5.64

<J.*r^ ^ 4.9 

5.81

5.80

5.62

4.88

4.24

3.70

3.12

2.87

2.73

2.71

2.86 

2.86

2.72 

2.73 

2.90 

3.48 

3.83

3.93

3.69

3.17

2.98

2.94

2.94

2.98

Discharge

884

902

836

953

950

896

680

520

395

287

243

221

218

242 

242

219 

221 

248 

351 

421

442

393

296

262

255

255

262

Date

Apr. 5

6

Hour

0200

0500

0600

0700

0800

0900

1000

1200

1430

1530

1600

1900

2100

2300 

2400

0200 

0400 

0500 

0600 

0800

0900

1000

1100

1400

1700

2000

2400

Gage 

height

3.02

3.02

3.08

4.10

5 40

5.80

7.60

9 23«j

9.80

9.65

9.68

9.73

10.20

10.42 

10.44

10.45 

9.80 

9.20 

7.90 

6.70

6.27

5.62

5.43

4.38

3.84

3.47

3.26

Discharge

9RQ £iO J

ORQ £iD y

070 <£ i y

485

830

Qcfi I7OU

1,630

2,380

2, 670

2,600

2,610

2,640

2,900

3,030 

3,040

3,050 

2,670 

2,370 

1,730 

1,240

1,060

848

785

505

383

318

276

(243) 5^1531. Iowa River at Marengo, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°48'35", long 92°04'20", in NWjSEj sec.24, T.81 N., R.ll W., on right 

bank at downstream side of abandoned county highway bridge, 0.7 mile downstream 

from Bear Creek, 0.8 mile north of Marengo, and 4.9 miles upstream from Hilton 

Creek, and at mile 139.4.

Drainage area. 2,794 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 3, 4, 18. Datum of 

gage is 720.52 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 31,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 31.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 19,900 cfs 1000 hours Apr. 7 (gage height, 

17.84 ft).

1956 to February 1965: Discharge, 30,800 cfs Mar. 31, 1960 (gage height, 19.21 ft).

Cooperation. Six discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers.
A3 5 2 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Iowa River at Marengc, Iowa

Day

1...

2__.

3...

4_._

5___

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

3,300

5,000

4,800

4,500

4,200

4,000

4,300

4,700

5,000

3,500

April

12,200

13,100

12,200

14,100

15,000

17,500

19,300

19,300

18,700

16,400

May

3,100

2,810

2,480

2,280

2,460

2,350

1,990

1,840

1,770

1,690

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19--

20..

March

2,500

2,100

2,500

2,100

2,300

3,000

5,000

6,200

5,000

3,600

April

15,800

15,200

14,100

12,000

10,700

9,910

9,170

8,430

7,720

7,080

May

1,650

1,580

1,420

1,360

1,320

1,280

1,200

1,120

1,040

1,020

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30_.

31.

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second...-. _---_.

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

3,000

2, SCO

2.2CO

1.9CO

1.8CO

1.7CO

1.6CO

2.3CO

3, SCO

6.0CO

10.0CO

3.6P1

1.52

226,300

April

6,460

5,830

4,680

6,770

7,540

7,030

6,240

5,430

4,200

3,490

10,850

4.33

645,800

May

1,040

1,040

1,360

1,460

1,370

1,870

3,680

3,970

3,920

4,010

4,140

2,052

0.85

126,200

Goge height, in feet, and dischorge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 3

4

Hour

0000

0300

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

15.75

15.68

15.72

15.93

16.30

16.48

16.60

Discharge

11,200

11,000

11,200

11,800

13,300

14,000

14,300

Date

Apr. 4

5

Hour

1200

1800

2400

1000

2400

Gage 

height

16.57

16.54

16.48

16.56

17.60

Discharge

14,200

14,100

13,800

13,500

18,800

Date

Apr. 6

7

Hour

0100

1500

2400

1000

2400

Gage 

height

17.68

17.17

17.53

17.84

17.67

Discharge

19,000

16,200

18,100

19,900

18,900

(244) 5 4535.1 Coralville Reservoir near Coralville, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°43'20", long 91°31'30", in SW^NE?- sec.22, T.80 N., R.6 W., at outlet 

works at left end of Coralville Dam, 4.0 miles northeast of Coralville and at mile 

83.3.

Drainage area. 3,115 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is at mean sea level, 

datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Maxima. March-May 1965: Contents, 403,600 acre-ft 1200 hours May 5 (elevation 

708.50 ft).

1958 to February 1965: Contents, 368,000 acre-ft Apr. 8, I960 (elevation, 706.77 ft).

Remarks. Reservoir is formed by earth-fill rock-faced dam; competed in 1957. 

Storage began in September 1958. Capacity, 489,000 acre-ft between elevations 650 

(sill of outlet conduit) and 712 ft (crest of spillway). No dead storrge. Figures given 

herein represent total contents based on a flat pool condition. Water is stored for 

flood control and conservation. Records are furnished by Corps o f Engineers.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 5 3

Elevation, in feet, and contents, in acre-feet, 1965, ofCoralville Reservoir near Coralville, Iowa

Date

Jan. 31. 

Feb. 28 __ 

Mar. 31 ___

Time

2400 

2400 

2400

Elevation

673.92 

671.12 

669.08

Contents

27,600 

19,500 

15,300

Date

Apr. 30__- 

May 5_-- 

May 31__-

Time

2400 

1200 

2400

Elevation

707.33 

708.50 

699.58

Consents

379,400 

403,600 

237,300

(245) 5 1540. Rapid Creek near Iowa City, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°42'00", long 91°29'05", in NEjNEj sec.36, T.80 N., R.6 W., on left 

bank 80 ft upstream from bridge on State Highway 1 (formerly 261), 3 miles northeast 

of Iowa City, and 4.0 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 24.6 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 673.72 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 2,500 cfs and extended to 6,1000 cfs on basis of contracted opening measurement 

of peak flow. Backwater from ice Mar. 18 27.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 6,100 cfs 0800 hours May 23 (gage height, 

14.10 ft).

1937 to February 1965: Discharge, 5,200 cfs July 14, 1962 (gage height, 13.64 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feel per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4__.

5___

6___

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

20

5.3

3.8

3.0

11

40

67

117

28

20

April

14

7.3

6.2

7.9

225

143

16

29

16

23

May

14

13

11

26

20

16

13

11

37

17

Day

11__

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19-.

20__

March

23

29

120

127

152

61

120

10

5.0

4.5

April

43

17

12

12

15

11

9.8

7.9

6.6

6.2

May

14

11

9.6

8.6

34

34

14

10

8.4

7.5

Day

21..

22_.

23_.

24. .

25_.

26_.

27..

28. .

29_.

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

4.0

2.0

1.0

.7

.7

.7

4.0

51

112

41

22

38.9

1.82

2,390

April

5.7

4.8

7.0

191

107

47

32

30

23

19

5

36.5

1.65

2,170

May

6.4

5.7

1,170

64

43

126

101

38

33

30

32

63.8

2 QQ

3,920
A354 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Rapid Creek near

Iowa City, Iowa

Date

Apr. 5

6

Hour

0000

0500

0700

0800

0900

1100

1300

1500

1900

2000

2030

2100

2200

2400

0200

Gage 

height

3.52

3.51

3.89

5.03

6.24

7.32

7.35

5.89

5.05

5.87

7.03

8.87

9.67

9.80

9.48

Discharge

7.0

6.8

17.5

104

276

401

403

224

106

220

373

543

688

725

641

Date

Apr. 6

May 22

23

Hour

0300

0330

0400

0500

0800

1300

2400

2400

0100

0200

0300

0400

Gage 

height

8.52

7.23

6.25

5.33

4.65

4.33

4.03

3.43

3.53

4.00

6.00

8.18

Discharge

500

393

278

140

64.5

39.1

22.9

5.3

7.3

21.6

240

466

Date

May 23

Hour

0500

oeoo

0700

0800

OPOO

1000

1100

1200

1"00

1400

1500

IfOO

1900

2^00

Gage 

height

11.15

11.88

13.50

14.10

13.36

12.29

11.59

10.75

9.30

7.77

6.75

5.85

5.26

4.95

Discharge

1,410

2,130

4,900

6,100

4,620

2,680

1,820

1,110

605

433

342

218

131

94.5

(246) 5-4543. Clear Creek near Coralville, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°40'35", long 91°35'55", in NW^SW^ sec.6, T.79 N., R.6 W., on left bank 

about 50 ft upstream from highway bridge, 1.2 miles west of Coralville, and 2.2 miles 

upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 98.1 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 19 24, Apr. 1 4, 9, 10, 

12-23, Apr. 29 to May 5, May 29 31. Datum of gage is 648.43 ft above mean sea level, 

datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 5,600 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-15, 18-28.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 4,060 cfs 2400 hours Apr. 24 (gage height, 

12.50 ft).

1952 to February 1965: Discharge, 5,390 cfs May 29, 1962 (gage height, 13.31 ft).

Cooperation. Two discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l-._

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8___

9...,

10__

March

280

200

80

55

38

100

150

210

160

110

April

95

85

80

75

616

1,180

153

181

125

120

May

115

110

105

131

120

89

76

67

152

74

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19_.

20..

March

85

60

110

150

240

396

552

200

74

54

April

237

125

95

75

60

54

46

40

37

33

May

60

54

48

45

77

96

51

44

36

32

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

3 1

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

42

36

31

27

25

24

27

150

415

309

173

147

1 73

9,050

April

30

27

25

1,520

1,990

483

229

193

140

120

276

313

16,400

May

30

28

500

109

83

158

419

113

92

85

82

106

1.24

6,510
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A355

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Clear Creek near

Corah'ille, Iowa

Date

\pr. 24

Hour

0000

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1400

1800

2200

2400

Gage 

height

3.15

4.27

5.15

5.87

7.65

9.10

10.30

11.12

11.57

12.37

12.50

Discharge

64

147

249

358

669

968

1,240

1,600

2,260

3,790

4,060

Date

Apr. 25

Hour

0100

0300

0800

0900

1000

1300

2000

2100

2200

2400

Gage 

height

12.45

12.12

11.40

11.31

11.26

10.99

10.36

10.28

10.15

9.68

Discharge

3,960

3,280

2,040

1,900

1,840

1,510

1,260

1,240

1,200

1,090

Date

Apr. 26

Hour

0300

0500

0700

0900

1000

1200

1500

1900

2400

Gage 

height

8.3f

7.4?

6.82

6.4C

6.2?

6.14

5.8^

5.55

5.35

Discharge

812

630

518

444

426

400

351

309

281

(247) 5-4545. Iowa River at Iowa City, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°39'25", long 91°32'25", in SE^SE^ sec.9, T.79 N., R.6 W., on right 

bank 25 ft downstream from Hydraulics Laboratory of State University of Iowa in 

Iowa City, 175 ft downstream from University Dam, 0.9 mile upstream from Ralston 

Creek, 3.6 miles downstream from Clear Creek, and at mile 74.2.

Drainage area. 3,271 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph Mar. 1 to Apr. 21 and digital recorder 

tape punched at 15 minute intervals Apr. 22 to May 31. Datum of gage is 39.00 ft above 

Iowa City datum, and 627.27 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 11,100 cfs 0430 hours Apr. 24 (gage height, 

11.74 ft.)

1903 to February 1965: Discharge, 42,500 cfs June 8, 1918 (gage height, 19.6 ft., 

from graph based on gage readings, at site 2,600 ft downstream at datum 0.2 ft 

higher).

Flood of July 17, 1881, reached a stage of 21.1 ft, from flood marks of site 2,600 

ft downstream at datum 0.2 ft higher, (discharge, 51,000 cfs). Maximum stage known 

since at least 1850, about 3 ft higher than that of July 17, 1881, occurred in June 1851 

(discharge, 70,000 cfs estimated).

Remarks: Flow regulated by Coralville Reservoir (capacity, 489,000 acre-ft) since 

Sept. 17, 1958.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__. 

2... 

3...

4... 

5... 

6...

7...

8...

9__.

10_.

March

2,540 

3,680 

4,150

4,180 

3,460 

2,540

1,470

1,750

1,540

2,150

April

4,860 

5,260 

6,730

8,380 

9,360 

9,400

7,630

8,310

9,230

8,890

Monthly mean discha 

Runoff, in acre -feet

May

281 

258 

235

289 

1,380 

4,060

5,830

5,860

6,070

5,890

Day

11.. 

12. _ 

13_.

14.. 

15.. 

16..

17._

18..

19..

20..

March

4,210 

5,240 

5,690

5,630 

5,460 

5,390

5,550

4,560

3,230

3,300

April

3,660 

1,350 

1,260

3,820 

9,470 

9,880

9,900

9,900

9,890

9,830

rge, in cubic feet per second

May

5,830 

5,800 

5,830

5,900 

5,990 

6,050

5,860

5,810

5,760

5,800

Day

21.. 

22.. 

23_.

24.. 

25_. 

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31_.

March

3,380 

3,710 

3,430

2,050 

1,360 

1,260

1,140

1,360

2,300

4,620

4,700

3,388 

208,300

April

9,820 

9,810 

9,760

6,080 

2,850 

857

462

412

349

305

 

6,257 

372,300

May

5,880 

5,970 

6,640

4,270 

6,060 

6,200

6,710

6,090

6,040

6,040

6,000

4,990 

306,800
A3 5 6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Iowa River at

Iowa City, Iowa

Date

Apr. 24

Hour

0000

0430

0700

Gage 

height

10.64

11.74

9.70

Discharge

9,860

11,100

8,770

Date

Apr. 24

Hour

0900

1200

1800

Gage 

height

7.31

5.12

4.10

Discharge

6,200

4,170

3,320

Date

Apr. 24

Hour

2000

2400

Gage 

height

4.10

4.62

Discharge

3,320

3,740

(248) 5 4550. Ralston Creek at Iowa City, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°39'50", long 91"30'45", in SEjNW^ sec.11, T.79 N., P.6 W., on left 

bank 10 ft upstream from bridge on Rochester Avenue (formerly State Highway 1), 

near east edge of Iowa City, and 2.2 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 3.01 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Apr. 9 12. Datum of gage is 

662.53 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929 (State University of Icwa bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Mar. 1 29.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 198 cfs 0330 hours Apr. 24 (gage height, 

4.25 ft).

1924 to February 1965: Discharge, 1,690 cfs July 18, 1956 (gage I eight, 9.06 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4___

5...

6___

7...

8...

9_-_

10_.

March

1.9

.70

.28

.20

3.7

6.0

5.0

6.0

2.5

3.0

Monthly mea 

Runoff, in in 

Runoff, in ac

April

1.5

.76

.79

.99

20

5.1

1.8

4.8

1.9

2.2

May

1.7

1.3

1.1

5.6

3.1

1.9

1.5

1.3

6.5

1.9

Day

11_.

12__

13..

14. _

15._

16. _

17..

18..

19__

20..

March

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.6

3.0

4.4

1.5

.39

.30

April

3.0

1.5

1.2

2.4

3.1

1.6

1.3

1.0

.89

.76

May

1.4

1.1

.96

.85

8.0

2.8

1.5

1.1

.82

.73

Day

2l_.

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31..

in discharge, in cubic feet per second___________ 

ches___ - ____ ______

re -feet

March

0.20

.16

.13

.10

.09

.10

.34

3.0

6.9

4.9

3.1

2.21 

0.85 

136

April

0.67

.59

.70

52

14

5.6

4.5

3.7

2.7

2.1

 

4.77 

1.77 

284

May

0.67

.64

12

2.4

1.7

14

5.6

3.3

3.2

2.5

4.6

3.09 

1.18 

190
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A357

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time 1965, of Ralston Cr°ek at

Iowa City, Iowa

Date

Apr. 23

Hour

0000

0900

1600

1700

1900

2200

2300

2400

Gage 

height

1.90

1.94

1.91

2.13

1.91

1.91

2.18

2.36

Discharge

0.5

.6

.6

1.3

.6

.6

1.5

2.5

Date

Apr. 24

Hour

0100

0200

0300

0330

0500

0800

1100

Gage 

height

3.10

3.56

4.15

4.25

3.57

3.00

2.87

Discharge

35.0

94.8

182

198

96.1

24.0

14.9

Date

A.pr. 24

Hour

1200

1330

1500

1800

2100

2400

Gage 

height

3.05

3.63

3.33

2.94

2.83

2.90

Discharge

29.5

104

64.9

19.5

12.9

16.5

(249) 5-^550.1 South Branch Ralston Creek at Iowa City, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°38'50", long 91°30'30", in SW^NE^ sec.14, T.79 N., R.6 W., on right 

bank 60 ft downstream from Muscatine Avenue bridge in Iowa City and 1.3 miles 

upstream from confluence with Ralston Creek.

Drainage area. 3.20 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 1 15. Several outside 

staff gage readings used for this period. Datum of gage is 678.03 ft above mean sea 

level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 220 cfs and by culvert computation at 780 cfs. Backwater from, ice Mar. 1, 13, 

16-25, 28-30.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 652 cfs 0330 hours Apr. 24 (gage height, 

6.57 ft).

1963 to February 1965: Discharge, 126 cfs June 22, 1964 (gage height, 3.47 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2__.

3...

4___

5__.

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

' 1.0

.5

.3

.2

4.0

6.0

5.0

6.0

3.0

2.5

April

1.6

.9

.8

.9

41

8.4

2.4

8.1

2.6

10

May

2.3

1.8

1.8

13

6.7

3.9

3.0

2.5

8.6

2.5

Day

11..

12..

13..

14._

15__

16..

17. _

18..

19..

20..

March

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.3

4.0

2.0

1.0

.6

April

7.4

3.4

2.4

3.2

6.7

3.0

2.4

1.6

1.5

1.3

May

2.0

1.6

1.5

1.3

10

2.3

1.6

1.3

1.1

1.1

Day

21..

22..

23..

24. .

25..

26..

27_.

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff, in inches __-

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

0.4

.3

.3

.2

.2

.4

.6

2.0

7.0

5.0

2.0

2.15

0.78

132

April

1.1

.9

.9

122

24

9.9

7.5

5.8

3.9

3.0

 

9.62

3.35

572

May

1.0

.8

25

3.0

2.1

30

7.9

5.0

4.6

3.3

3.6

5.04

1.82

310
A3 58 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in c itbic feet per second, at indicated time 19 ft 5. of South Branch Ralston

Creek at Iowa City, Iowa

Date

Apr. 24

Hour

0000

0030

0100

0130

0200

0300

0330

0400

0500

0600

0700

Gage 

height

1.65

1.67

3.78

5.35

5.00

6.23

6.57

6.15

4.40

3.21

2.83

Discharge

1.4

1.6

150

390

326

568

652

550

226

90

58

Date

Apr. 24

Hour

1000

1200

1300

1400

1500

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

Gage 

height

2.39

2.66

3.73

4.13

3.26

2.73

2.35

2.19

2.15

2.36

Discharge

30

46

144

190

95

51

28

21

19

29

Date

Apr. 25

Hour

03CO

04CO

0500

0600

0800

0900

1200

1400

2000

2400

Gage 

height

2.24

2.35

2.50

2.60

2.45

2.34

2.30

2.19

2.06

2.04

Discharge

23

28

36

42

34

28

26

21

15

14

(250) 5-^1555. English River at Kalona, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°28'10", long 91°43'00", in SE^SE^ sec.13, T.77 N., R. 8 W., on right 

bank 30 ft upstream from bridge on State Highway 1, 1 mile south of Kalona, 4.5 miles 

downstream from Smith Creek, and 14.5 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 573 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 633.45 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 17,700 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1, 4 14, 21-27.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 9,300 cfs 1230 hours Apr. 25 (gage height, 

17.65 ft)

1939 to February 1965: Discharge, 18,500 cfs Mar. 31, 1960 (gage height, 19.89 ft). 

Maximum stage known, 19.9 ft in June 1930 from floodmarks (discharge 18,500 cfs).

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l-_.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

£___

9...

10..

March

980

1,450

708

450

300

200

310

450

280

240

April

2,650

1,230

418

333

1,030

4,020

2,900

752

708

462

May

552

450

365

313

294

296

256

225

256

223

Day

ll._

12. _

13..

14..

15_.

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

220

210

330

540

1,140

2,230

4,480

5,370

2,670

702

April

834

730

353

279

391

296

237

201

169

145

May

183

158

149

136

156

322

254

158

129

112

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second- __________

Runoff, in acre-feet

March

300

200

160

140

125

110

100

446

1,880

2,070

2,470

1,008

2.03

62,010

April

136

124

212

6,200

8,700

6,710

3,200

1,270

914

690

------

1,543

3.00

91,820

May

100

95

456

436

201

192

846

363

217

199

397

274

0.55

16,840
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A359

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time 1965, of English Ri-er at

Kalona, Iowa

Date

Apr. 23

24

Hour

0000

2100

2200

2230

2300

2330

2400

0100

0400

0900

1500

1700

Gage 

height

2.94

2.89

2.92

4.50

6.75

9.00

11.00

12.60

13.76

15.32

16.52

16.58

Discharge

119

110

115

465

1,120

2,000

3,030

3,890

4,600

5,920

7,330

7,420

Date

Apr. 24

25

26

Hour

2000

2200

2400

0800

1030

1230

1430

1730

2400

1600

Gage 

height

16.52

16.55

16.66

17.46

17.62

17.65

17.63

17.50

17.03

15.67

Discharge

7,330

7,380

7,540

8,920

9,240

9,300

9,260

9,000

8,170

6,310

Date

Apr. 26

27

28

Hour

2400

0600

1000

1400

2000

2400

0600

1000

1600

2400

Gage 

height

14.29

12.85

11.75

10.62

9.14

8.24

7.41

7.15

6.92

6.62

Discharge

4,990

4,030

3,450

2,830

2,060

1,680

1,340

1,240

1,170

1,080

(251) 5 4557. Iowa River near Lone Tree, Iowa

Location. Lat 4r25'35", long 91°28'20", in NW|NE| sec.6, T.76 N., R.5 W., o^ left 

bank 10 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 5 miles southwest of Lo^e Tree, 

and 6 miles downstream from English River and at mile 47.2.

Drainage area. 4,293 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 588.16 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 31,200 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 7-9, 26, 27.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 21,700 cfs 2400 hours Apr. 24 (gage height, 

16.92 ft).

1956 to February 1965: Discharge, 28,100 cfs Apr. 1, 1960 (gage height, 17.90 ft). 

Flood of May 25, 1944, reached a stage of 19.94 ft, from information by Corps of 

Engineers.

Remarks. Flow regulated by Coralville Reservoir (capacity 489,000 acre-ft) since 

Sept. 17, 1958.

Cooperation. Three discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!.-_

2...

3...

4...

5__.

6___

7...

8...

9__.

10..

March

2,820

5,640

5,830

4,050

3,840

3,960

1,800

2,100

1,850

2,500

April

8,070

7,710

6,830

7,710

8,810

12,100

15,000

12,500

9,950

10,000

May

1,920

1,600

1,340

1,140

1,260

3,350

5,650

6,100

6,540

6,400

Day

11--

12. _

13_.

14. _

15..

16_.

17_.

18__

19..

20__

March

4,240

5,320

6,530

7,730

8,080

8,950

10,400

11,600

9,920

5,810

April

9,320

4,280

2,930

2,810

7,790

9,370

9,980

10,100

10,100

10,100

May

6,160

6,100

6,040

6,130

6,180

6,670

6,580

6,360

6,230

6,220

Day

21_.

22..

23_.

24_.

25_.

26_.

27_.

28..

29..

30..

31_.

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... ________

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

4,420

4,280

4,590

3,300

2,310

1,600

1,300

2,170

4,580

7,560

7,680

5,057

1.36

310,900

April

10,000

9,950

9,960

17,700

20,600

17,300

10,500

4,330

2,970

2,370

 

9,371

2.44

557,600

May

6,260

6,310

7,340

6,710

6,300

6,840

8,530

7,970

6,890

6,790

6,700

5,633

1.51

346,300
A3 60 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Iowa River near

Lone Tree, Iowa

Date

Apr. 24

25

Hour

0000

0400

0600

0900

1600

1800

2200

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

13.54

14.99

15.27

15.54

16.58

16.75

16.90

16.92

16.88

16.70

Discharge

11,300

14,600

15,400

16,200

19,900

20,800

21,600

21,700

21,500

20,600

Date

Apr. 25

26

27

Hour

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

1800

Gage 

height

16.53

16.40

16.20

15.93

15.50

14.96

13.13

11.46

Discharge

19,900

19,400

18,600

17,500

16,100

14,500

10,600

8,100

Date

Apr. 27

28

Hour

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

Gage 

height

10.30

9.70

9.05

8.48

8.12

7.89

7.75

7.64

7.54

Discharge

6,660

5,760

4,940

4,310

3,940

3,710

3,570

3,460

3,360

(252) 5 4570. Cedar River near Austin, Minn.

Location. Lat 43°38'10", long 92°58'20", in NE^SE? sec.15, T.102 N., R.18 W., on left 

bank 200 ft upstream from abandoned powerhouse, 500 ft downstream from highway 

bridge, 1.1 miles downstream from Turtle Creek, and 1.1 miles soux.h of Austin.

Drainage area. 425 sq mi.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by cur rent-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Mar. 1, 2, 17-19.

Maxima. Given in the following table.

Discharge 

(cfs)

Gage height 

(ft)

March-May 1965:

Mar. 1, 2130 hours .

Apr. 6, 1730 hours __________

1909-14, 1944 to February 1965:

Mar. 29, 1962 - - _-.

Mar. 26, 1950 _____ . .

TSackwater from ice.

9,400

8,410

9,530

18.87

16.21

17.81

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2__.

3__.

4___

5...

6__.

7___

8...

9...

10_.

March

4,620

3,480

796

452

323

264

223

195

164

148

April

203

561

782

2,730

6,410

7,920

5,760

6,080

5,470

4,280

May

229

212

209

215

220

276

258

232

201

176

Day

11..

12. _

13..

14. _

15..

16. _

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

132

114

104

97

95

91

85

72

60

57

April

3,770

3,460

2,340

1,780

1,400

1,080

841

681

573

475

May

162

151

140

134

148

164

181

170

151

134

Day

21_.

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31_.

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second-__-__---_-

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

57

60

60

62

60

60

60

58

63

72

91

396

1.07

April

419

370

342

335

356

475

482

356

288

252

2,009

5.27

May

126

119

119

126

162

489

405

255

198

164

142

196

0.53
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 61

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Cedar River near

Austin, Minn.

Date

Feb. 28 

Mar. 1

2 

3

4

Hour

0000 

1200 

1500 

1800 

2100 

2300 

2400

0100 

0200 

0300 

0500 

0600 

0700 

0900 

1100 

1300 

1500 

1800 

2130 

2200 

2400

0200 

0400 

0800 

1200 

1600 

2000 

2400

0200 

0400 

0600 

0800 

1000 

1200 

1400 

1600 

1800 

2000 

2200 

2400

0600 

1200

Gage 

height

2.27 

2.23 

2.38 

2.58 

2.75 

3.38 

3.92

4.80 

6.00 

6.80 

7.85 

9.00 

10.22 

11.43 

13.00 

15.25 

16.88 

18.10 

18.87 

18.87 

18.42

17.88 

17.00 

14.70 

11.38 

8.34 

6.82 

5.85

5.46 

5.18 

4.82 

4.61 

4.41 

4.27 

4.21 

4.18 

4.14 

4.06 

3.95 

3.88

3.74 

3.60

Discharge

56 

51 

74 

117 

164 

369 

583

9,400

1,200 

1,070 

913 

829 

749 

693 

669 

657 

641 

609 

565 

538

489 

440

Date

Mar. 4 

5

31 

Apr. 1

2

3

4

5 

6

7

Hour

1800 

2400

0600 

1200 

1800 

2400

2400

1200 

1600 

2000 

2400

1200 

1600 

1800 

2000 

2100 

2400

1200 

2000 

2400

0600 

1200 

1500 

1800 

2000 

2200 

2400

1200 

1500 

2400

0600 

1200 

1730 

1800 

2400

0400 

0600

Gage 

height

3.55 

3.41

3.28 

3.21 

3.28 

3.16

2.66

2.69 

2.87 

3.12 

3.59

3.60 

3.91 

4.23 

4.42 

4.44 

4.41

4.02 

4.99 

5.62

6.83 

7.60 

8.40 

9.85 

10.84 

11.63 

12.32

14.01 

13.92 

14.35

15.21 

16.04 

16.21 

16.21 

15.72

14.47 

13.52

Discharge

422 

374

328 

304 

328 

288

145

153 

204 

276 

436

440 

549 

677 

753 

761 

749

593 

986 

1,270

1,860 

2,250 

2,690 

3,580 

4,260 

4,820 

5,320

6,590 

6,520 

6,860

7,560 

8,260 

8,410 

8,410 

7,990

6,960 

6,220

Date

Apr. 7 

8

9

10 

11

12

13 

14 

15 

16

Hour

0900 

1200 

1800 

2400

0300 

0600 

1200 

1800 

2300 

2400

0600 

0900 

1100 

1900 

2100 

2400

0600 

1200 

2400

1200 

1500 

1800 

2200 

2400

0800 

1200 

1800 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

12.14 

11. 6C 

12. 2C 

13. OC

13.14 

13.13 

13.21 

13.48 

13. 9J 

13.91

12. 8? 

12. 5? 

12.57 

11.9? 

11. 6f 

11.61

11.11 

10.8] 

10.37

10.05 

9.84 

10.12 

10.21 

10.18

10.06 

9.83 

9.26 

8.61

7.6^ 

7.08

6.61 

6.28

5.88 

5.55

5.18 

4.91

Discharge

5,180 

4,800 

5,220 

5,820

5,930 

5,920 

5,980 

6,180 

6,520 

6,510

5,740 

5,470 

5,500 

5,070 

4,850 

4,800

4,450 

4,240 

3,930

3,710 

3,570 

3,760 

3,820 

3,800

3,720 

3,560 

3,210 

2,820

2,270 

1,990

1,760 

1,590

1,390 

1,240

1,070 

950
A362 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(253) 5^1577. Cedar River at Charles City, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°03'45", long 92°40'25", in SE^NEi, sec.12, T.95 N., P.16 W., on 

right bank 500 ft downstream from bridge on U.S. Highway 18 (St. Mary's Street) in 

Charles City, 13 miles upstream from Little Cedar River, and at mile 253.1 above 

mouth of Iowa River (U.S. Geological Survey river profile).

Drainage area. 1,054 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 11 15. Datum of gage 

is 973.02 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 29,200 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 5.

Maxima,- March May 1965: Discharge, 21,000 cfs 0100 hours Apr. 7 (gage height, 

19.14 ft); gage height, 21.64 ft 0730 hours Mar. 2.

1964 to February 1965: Discharge, about 1,500 cfs Feb. 28, 1965.

Flood of Mar. 27, 1961 reached a stage of 21,6 ft from floodmarks (29,200 cfs).

Mean discharge, in cubic fed per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4. __

5...

6...

7__.

8...

9...

10..

March

3,000

14,000

9,400

5,200

3,100

2,100

1,500

1,060

840

670

April

1,800

3,500

3,000

6,200

12,000

19,800

19,600

16,500

15,200

10,300

May

599

547

502

456

492

813

936

833

651

540

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

560

480

430

380

370

370

350

300

260

236

April

8,830

11,400

6,970

3,910

2,860

2,270

1,820

1,450

1,220

1,070

May

469

424

400

370

388

400

512

528

450

400

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

3 1

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

218

206

196

188

182

178

170

168

164

168

500

1,514

1.66

93,110

April

937

833

748

710

762

836

955

944

807

677

5,264

5.57

313,200

May

370

346

334

334

365

577

975

1,010

687

547

462

539

0.59

33,160
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 63

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Cedar River at

Charles Citv. Iowa

Date

Mar. 2

4

5

6

Hour

0000

0600

0730

1200

1800

2400

0000

0800

1800

2400

1200

1500

1530

1600

2400

1200

2000

2400 

0600

Gage 

height

20.85

21.60

21.64

21.50

21.04

20.50

9.65

8.91

8.86

9.64

12.30

13.55

12.45

12.85

14.23

15.79

16.63

17.36 

18.25

Discharge

17,400 

19,100

Date

7

8

9

10

Hour

1600

2400

0100

1000

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2000 

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200 

1800

Gage 

height

18.98

19.13

19.14

18.88

17.99

17.29

16.63

17.05

17.13 

17.03

16.87

16.24

15.41

14.30

1 9 43

12.62 

12.04

Discharge

20,700

21,000

21,000

20,400

18,600

17,300

16,200

17,000

16,600

14,200

12,400

11,200

10,100 

9,350

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

13

Hour

2400

0600

1300

1500

1700

1800

2400

0600

0900 

0930

1000

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800 

2400

Gage 

height

11.63

10.62

H Q9

12.57

12.56

12.46

14.11

14.50 

14 51

14.50

14 35

1320

12.08

in Q 9

991

9.02 

8.19

Discharge

8,860

8,270

7,640

9 9nn

10,000

10,000 

9,650

9 ' 900

12 200

12,800 

12,800

12,800

12,500

10,900

9 400

8,000

6,820

5,840 

5,010

(254) 5^580. Little Cedar River near Ionia, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°02'00", long 92°30'10", in SW?NE| sec.21, T.95 N., R.14 W., on left 

bank 12 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 2.5 miles west of Ionia, and 7.0 

miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 306 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 3, 4. Datum of gage is 

973.35 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 10,200 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1, 31.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 6,250 cfs 2200 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

12.11 ft).

1954 to February 1965: Discharge, 10,800 cfs Mar. 27, 1961 (gage height, 15.58 ft). 

Flood of June 22, 1954, reached a stage of 11.37 ft (discharge, 4,600 cfs).

317-045 O - 70 - 24
A3 64 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Little Cedar River near Ionia, Iowa

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7,.j

a.__

9___

10. _

March

2,000

4,870

1,300

440

281

213

160

152

122

105

April

1,270

1,400

1,540

2,020

3,870

5,530

5,500

4,270

4,250

2,840

May

112

102

95

88

84

115

287

180

142

112

Monthly mean discharge, in

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

97

88

79

70

70

69

42

40

46

45

April

2,190

3,210

2,660

581

364

272

210

178

163

151

May

97

84

79

74

78

146

159

123

104

88

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31 J

cubic feet per second... ........

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

41

37

35

33

32

29

29

29

29

32

300

352

1.33

21,650

April

129

117

113

112

163

239

207

170

151

121

1,466

5.35

87,250

May

76

70

65

63

153

442

210

175

149

121

112

129

0.48

7,400

Gage height, ni feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 3

4

5

6

Hour

0000

0600

2000

2400

0200

1400

2000

2400

0400

1000

1600

2400

1600

2000

2200

2400

Gage 

height

7.02

6.98

6.57

6.79

7.07

7.35

8.26

8.43

8.64

9.74

10.46

10.77

11.66

12.03

12.11

12.06

Discharge

1,670

1,650

1,370

1,530

1,700

1,880

2,570

2,700

2,870

3,820

4,460

4,770

5,750

6,160

6,250

6,190

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

10

11

Hour

0600

1800

2400

1200

1400

1800

2100

2400

0600

1800

2400

0600

1600

2400

0600

Gage 

height

11.57

11.34

10.69

9.42

9.58

10.42

11.18

10.89

10.30

10.05

9.74

9.13

8.26

7.30

6.82

Discharge

5,650

5,390

4,690

3,530

3,670

4,430

5,220

4,900

4,320

4,100

3,820

3,28C

2,570

1,85C

1,55C

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

Hour Gae e 

height

1200 7.00

1400 7.15

1800 8.28

2000

2200

2400

0600

1600

2400

0200

0800

1400

1800

2000

2400

9.22

9.79

9.67

8.70

8.90

9.59

9.58

9.10

8.44

7.53

6.70

5.81

Discharge

1,660

1,750

2,580

3,360

3,860

3,750

2,920

3,080

3,680

3,670

3,260

2,710

2,000

1,480

928

(255) 5^585. Cedar River at Janesville, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°39'00", long 92°27'50", in NE^SWi sec.35, T.91 N., R.14 W., on left 

bank 300 ft downstream from county highway bridge at Janesville 3.3 miles upstream 

from West Fork Cedar River, and at mile 207.7 above the mouth of Iowa River (U.S. 

Geological Survey river profiles).

Drainage area. 1,661 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 3 for which graph was 

reconstructed from wire-weight gage readings. Datum of gage is 868.26 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter neasurements 

below 36,200 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 8, Mar. 18 to Apr. 5.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 29,200 cfs 2400 hours Apr. 7 (gage height, 

14.33 ft); gage height, 16.33 ft 1700 hours Mar. 3 (backwater from ice).

1904-06, 1914-27, 1932^2, 1945 to February 1965: Discharge, 37,0?0 cfs Mar. 28, 

1961 (gage height, 16.33 ft).

Flood of Mar. 17, 1945, reached a stage of 16.2 ft,from floodmark at site 300 ft 

upstream (discharge, 34,300 cfs Mar. 16, 1929, reached a stage of abo^t 16 ft from 

information by City of Waterloo (discharge not determined).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RJVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Cedar River at Janesville, Iowa

A365

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4___

5. __

6...

7___

8...

9...

10..

March

840

2,800

13,000

11,000

8,200

6,000

4,200

3,000

2,340

1,800

April

5,200

5,000

4,700

6,000

8,800

17,700

25,400

27,400

22,100

20,400

May

1,040

890

890

808

772

745

910

1,150

1,120

1,000

Day

11..

12-.

13.-

14__

15..

16. _

17__

18..

19__

20..

March

1,490

1,220

1,030

880

910

781

696

530

560

560

April

14,700

11,000

13,400

10,700

5,930

4,170

3,320

2,660

2,200

1,750

May

835

754

684

660

620

612

620

803

688

503

Day

21_.

22_.

23_.

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second..... -.--_.

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

520

490

460

470

440

410

310

234

310

480

1,300

2,170

1.51

133,400

April May

1,520 556

1.34C 548

1.21C 525

1.12C 564

1.15C 510

1,33C 878

1,31C 1,290

1,32C 1,130

1,290 1,270

1,150 1,100

980

7,50£ 821

5.04 0.57

446,800 50,490

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 3

Apr. 5

7

Hour

0000

0400

1200

1600

1700

2000

2400

o'ooo

0600

1200

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

12.32

13.55

15.27

16.20

16.33

15.77

14.78

10.33

11.08

11.81

12.84

13.21

13.34

14.10

Discharge

13,000

15,400

17,900

22,000

23,600

24,200

28,000

Date

Apr. 7

8

g

10

11

Hour

2400

0600

1600

2400

0600

1200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0900

Gage 

height

14 33

14 25

1 ^ Q9 L o.t?£

13.35

19 L 6. Q*3 yo

12.71

12.80

12.72

12.55

12.30

11.88

11.11

Discharge

29 * 200

28,800

26,800

24,300

99 6 ^,rtUU 4fifl

21,400

21,800

21,400

20,700

19,600

18,200

1 5, 500

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

14

Hour

1800

2400

0600

1000

1400

2400

1200

1600

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gag° 

heigl^.

10.52

9.eo

9

00

 >3 J

9.25

9 37

10,14

10.63

10. 6"

10.48

10.01

9.42

8.66

7.86

Discharge

19 flfifi 1 Z,oUU

11,500

10,600

10,300

10,600

12,400

13,800

13,900

13,400

12,300

10,700

9,130

7,690

(256) 5^589. West Fork Cedar River at Finchford, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°37'50", long 92°32'25", in SW^SE^ sec.6, T.90 N., R.14 W., on left 

bank 100 ft downstream from county highway bridge in Finchford, and 3.2 miles 

upstream from Shell Rock River.

Drainage area. 846 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 867.06 f* above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current meter measurements 

below 22,600 cfs, extended to 31,900 by logarithmic plotting and one indirect 

measurement of peak flow. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 4.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 16,700 cfs 0930 hours Apr. 7 (gage height, 

15.91 ft).

1945 to February 1965: Discharge, 31,900 cfs June 27, 1951 (gage height, 17.28 ft, 

from floodmarks).
A366 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965. of West Fork Cedar River at Finchford, Iowa

Day

1...

2___

3.,.

4...

5...

6...

7._j

8..H

9---i

10..

March

700

1,700

3,010

3,500

1,720

1,060

760

560

480

415

April

900

2,750

3,010

7,400

9,400

13,800

16,300

13,700

9,170

7,410

May

942

830

740

666

606

568

539

539

536

500

Day

11.-

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

370

330

310

300

286

280

250

212

192

174

April

5,440

4,220

3,680

3,910

3,180

2,560

2,130

1,840

1,680

1,440

May

446

400

370

351

337

324

322

322

314

296

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26_.

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _.__.....

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

160

150

142

140

138

134

132

130

130

132

150

585

0.80

35,990

April

1,220

1,080

946

856

866

1,030

1,300

1,490

1,290

1,090

4,170

5.5C

248,100

May

273

268

283

341

432

1,050

1,810

2,500

2,650

2,070

1,660

751

1.02

46,190

Cage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 5

6

Hour

0000

0800

2400

0800

Gage 

height

13.81

13.80

14.33

14.93

Discharge

10,200

8,800

10,600

13,200

Date

Apr. 6

7

Hour

1600

2400

0930

1800

Gage 

height

15.30

15.47

15.91

15.61

Discharge

14,900

15,800

16,700

16,400

Date

Apr. 7

8

Hour

2400

0800

1400

2400

Gage 

height

15.52

15.29

15.00

14.31

Discharge

16.000

14,900

13,600

10,500

(257) 5-^1590. Shell Rock River near Northwood, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°24'50", long 93°13'10", in NW|NW| sec.9, T.99 N., R.20 W., on right 

bank 50 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 2 miles south of Northwood, and 

4.1 miles upstream from Elk Creek.

Drainage area. 300 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 2 28, Apr. 4. Datum of 

gage is 1,176.48 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 2,430 cfs, extended to 3,200 by logarithmic plotting. Backwater from ice 

Mar. 1 to Apr. 10.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 3,400 cfs 2000 hours Apr. 8 (gage height, 

12.07 ft, backwater from ice).

1945 to February 1965: Discharge, about 3,000 cfs Mar. 26, 1961 (gs.ge height, 

11.68 ft, backwater from ice).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A367

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Shell Rock River near Northwood, Iowa

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4___

5...

6...

7___

8...

y___

10_.

March

640

520

450

420

390

380

360

340

310

290

April

148

158

178

465

1,300

2,000

2,800

3,200

3,100

3,000

May

546

488

431

388

416

431

394

361

319

278

Day

11_.

12. _

13..

14..

15__

16..

17..

18..

19..

20. _

March

262

240

210

180

170

160

150

140

120

100

April

2,960

3,100

2,820

2,600

2,400

2,190

1,990

1,750

1,570

1,410

May

257

220

198

185

183

218

233

205

200

187

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

Runoff, in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

82

72

64

56

54

52

52

50

51

58

90

210

0.81

12,920

April

1,260

1,140

1,040

958

90^

890

818

742

674

609

1,60"

5.97

95,560

May

170

170

166

159

157

251

293

283

259

231

91 d

274

1.05

16,840

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

Hour

0000

2400

0600

1000

2400

1200

2000

Gage 

height

10.64

11.26

11.25

11.04

11.80

11.85

12.07

Discharge

3,400

Date

Q

10

11

Hour

2400

1600

2000

2400

2400 

1400

Gage 

height

11.90

11.64

1 1 37

10.63 

10.52

Discharge

2,950 

2,870

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

Hour

2400

0600

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

10.90

10.92

10.84

10.62

10.42

10.28

Discharge

3,170

3,190

3,120

2,950

2,800

2,710

(258) 5 4595. Winnebago River at Mason City, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°10'00", long 93°11'40", in NE^NW^ sec.3, T.96 N., R.20 W., on right 

bank 650 ft upstream from Thirteenth Street Bridge in Mason City, and 1.0 mile 

upstream from Willow Creek.

Drainage area. 526 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 1,069.59 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 10,600 cfs.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 9,700 cfs 2130 hours Apr. 11 (gage height, 

14.27 ft).

1932 to February 1965: Discharge, 10,800 cfs Mar. 30, 1933 (gage height, 15.7 ft).
A3 68 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, ofWinnebago River at Mason City, Iowa

Day

l._.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8__.

9__.

10..

March

3,920

1,210

465

440

420

390

360

320

290

254

April

504

992

1,240

2,560

4,840

7,920

7,340

7,750

6,690

5,900

May

882

796

729

644

1,760

1,830

1,570

1,510

1,260

1,000

Monthly mean discharge in

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

218

182

152

124

114

106

92

80

66

56

April

6,220

5,880

3,640

2,820

2,410

2,090

1,890

1,720

1,550

1,390

May

801

662

518

468

477

792

756

634

508

435

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

rnhic fept ner second

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

54

53

49

49

49

53

53

54

57

63

90

319

0.70

19,600

April

1,240

1,120

1,020

1,000

1,110

1,300

1,160

1,110

1,020

960

2,880

6.11

171,300

May

440

435

535

796

763

1,360

1,470

1,230

1,030

976

860

901

1.97

55,390

Cage height, in feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 3

4

5

6

Hour

0000

1400

1800

2400

1200

1800

2000

2200

2400

1600

2400

1000

1200

1500

2100

Gage 

height

4.96

4.71

5.01

5.72

6.43

7.48

8.35

8.90

8.95

9.68

11.21

12.86

12.95

12.82

13.70

Discharge

1,230

1,080

1,260

1,710

2,190

2,920

3,680

4,120

4,160

4,810

6,320

8,060

8,150

8,020

9,000

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9

Hour

2400

0900

1200

1600

2000

2400

1000

1200

2000

2400

1100

1400

2200

2400

Gage 

height

13.52

11.30

11.29

11.65

12.85

13.09

12J01

12.07

13.03

12.88

11.14

10.90

11.51

11.47

Discharge

8,810

6,400

6,390

6,750

8,050

8,290

7,160

7,220

8,230

8,080

6,210

6,000

6,610

6,570

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

Hour

0600

1200

2400

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2130

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

11.04

10.79

10.23

9.68

9.75

10.75

12.40

13.97

14.27

13.73

11.75

10.35

9.45

8.97

Discharge

6,120

5,900

5,350

4,810

4,870

5,860

7,550

9,300

9,700

9,040

6,850

5,460

4,600

4,180

(259) 5-1620. Shell Rock River at Shell Rock, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°42'50", long 92°34'55", in NW^NE^ sec.11, T.91 N., R.I 5 W., on right 

bank 400 ft upstream from bridge on State Highway 3 in Shell Rock, and 11 miles 

upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 1,746 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 815.34 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 32,900 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-3, Apr. 1.

Maxima.- March May 1965: Discharge, 24,400 cfs 1000 hours Apr. 7 (gage height, 

15.09 ft).

1953 to February 1965: Discharge, 33,500 cfs Mar. 28, 1961 (gage height, 16.26ft). 

Flood in 1856 reached a stage of 17.7 ft at bridge 400 ft downstrean, from information furnished by Corps of Engineers (discharge, about 45,000 cfs).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Shell Rock River at Shell Rock, Iowa

A3 69

Day

1...

2___

3...

4___

5___

6...

7___

8...

9...

10_.

March

4,950

13,900

8,000

2,900

1,410

1,210

1,240

1,080

1,010

926

April

6,000

8,850

6,380

6,620

12,200

19,100

23,400

19,400

20,800

17,100

May

2,200

1,990

1,870

1,630

1,530

2,640

2,860

2,520

2,380

1,970

Day

11.-

12,.

13-.

14. _

15._

16.-

17,.

18..

19-.

20_-

March

835

817

790

782

726

662

897

705

504

396

April

13,100

13,500

16,000

9,930

7,880

6,820

6,050

5,210

4,540

3,870

May

1,650

1,530

1,380

1,250

1,240

1,250

1,470

1,470

1,280

1,240

Day

21..

22_.

23_.

24_.

25..

26_.

27,.

28..

29..

30-.

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

390

395

372

337

321

317

309

305

309

329

941

1,550

1.02

95,340

April

3,490

3,190

2,880

2,780

2,880

3,140

3,230

2,820

2,640

2,400

8,540

5.46

508,200

May

1.16C

1.13C

1.08C

1.20C

1,49(

2.88C

2.78C

2.68C

2.34C

2.14C

2.06C

l.Blf

1.2i

111.70C

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 4

5

6

7

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1800

2400

0600

1000

Gage 

height

11.04

11.37

11.91

12.35

12.70

13.17

13.76

14.10

14.45

14.73

14.94

15.09

Discharge

6,050

7,140

8,990

10,600

11,900

13,800

16,400

18,100

20,000

21,800

23,300

24,400

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

10

11

Hour

1400

2400

1200

1800

2400

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

2400

Gage 

height

15.04

14.85

14.20

14.05

14.15

14.66

14.76

14.63

13.82

13.19

12.80

Discharge

24,000

22,600

18,600

17,800

18,400

21,400

22,000

21,200

16,700

13,900

12,300

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

Hour

0800

1200

1600

2400

0400

0800

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

2400

Gage 

heigl t

12.72

12. 8S

13.14

14.05

14.18

14.07

13.7°

13.21

12. 6«

12.25

11.9°

11.59

Discharge

12,000

12,400

13,700

17,800

1 8, 500

18,000

16,500

14,000

12,000

10,600

9,710

8,570

(260) 5-4630. Beaver Creek at New Hartford, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°34'20", long 92°36'55", in SE^SEi sec.28, T.90 N., R.I 5 W., on downstream side of center bridge pier on county highway bridge, a quarter of a mile north 

of New Hartford, and 8 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 347 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except for Mar. 10 16, 21 30. Graph 

was reconstructed on basis of once-daily wire weight gage readings Mar. 14 16, 

21 30. Datum of gage is 881.30 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 10,600 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 5.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 9,610 cfs 1100 hours Apr. 6 (gage height. 

11.80 ft).

1945 to February 1965: Discharge, 18,000 cfs June 13, 1947 (gage height, 13.5 ft, 

from graph based on gage readings), from rating curve extended above 7,300 cfs by 

logarithmic plotting.

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Engineers.
A3 70 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Beaver Creek at New Hartford, Iowa

Day

1...

2___

3...

4...

5___

6...

7...

8...

9 __ 1

10. H

March

600

2,000

1,000

670

370

272

200

166

132

114

April

600

4,100

3,500

3,200

6,000

8,520

4,600

2,810

2,000

1,080

May

195

173

152

137

129

124

117

112

111

101

Monthl - mean dischar e in

Day

11..

12..

13..

M__

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

104

94

88

84

80

78

72

64

57

51

April

935

811

531

422

396

357

308

271

240

219

May

93

87

82

79

78

78

75

71

65

62

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

46

43

41

39

37

36

36

35

35

35

76

218

0.72

13,400

.April

202

186

174

172

236

391

359

304

259

220

1,447

4.65

86,090

May

62

66

86

172

189

1,190

3,980

1,680

797

704

596

376

1.25

23,090

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 2

3

4

Hour

0000

0200

0400

0600

0800

1200

1800

2400

0800

1600

2400

1200

Gage 

height

9.73

10.14

10.58

11.22

11.66

11.79

11.42

10.92

10.30

9.88

9.73

9.79

Discharge Date

5

6

7

Hour

1800

2400

0800

1800

2400

1100

1600 

2400

0600

1000 

1200

Gage 

height

9 92

10.17

10.83

11 25

U

o o

11.80

11.62 

11.03

10.51

10.32 

10.10

Discharge

7,740

9,610

9,000 

6,610

5 330

4,910 

d d Rn

Date

Apr. 7

8

g

10

Hour

1800

2400

1800

2400

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800 

2400

Gage 

height

9 62

9

d°.

8.90

8.87

7.84

7 50

713

6.83

6 *7 ft

Discharge

3,600

S

QAfl

9 ^7(1

2,480

2,050

1,760

1,410

1,190

1,040

942 

922

(261) 5-4635. Blackhawk Creek at Hudson, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°24'30", long 92°27'45", in SW^NE^, sec.27, T.88 N., R.14 W., on left 

bank 35 ft downstream from bridge on State Highway 58, and 0.2 mile northwest of 

Chicago Great Western Railway tracks in the west edge of Hudson.

Drainage area. 303 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder except Mar. 3, Apr. 6 19, May 5 22, for 

which graph was reconstructed on basis of daily wire-weight gage readings. Datum 

of gage is 865.03 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter rreasurements 

below 7,720 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-5, Mar. 16 to April 1.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 7,500 cfs 0900 hours Apr. 6 (gag-e height, 

16.35 ft).

1952 to February 1965: Discharge, about 9,000 cfs Mar. 31, 1960 (gage height, 

16.93 ft, backwater from ice).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, ofBlackhawk Creek at Hudson, Iowa

A371

Day

1 .

2...

3...

4___

?)_ __

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

1,080

1,700

1,140

700

415

297

222

190

156

142

April

4,000

3,090

1,700

2,080

3,650

5,880

2,040

654

549

330

May

160

141

122

110

105

96

88

83

78

69

Monthly mean discharge, in

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

123

111

99

101

147

154

154

118

86

60

April

458

366

241

194

182

171

139

135

121

99

May

61

58

53

51

49

47

45

42

39

35

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

3 1

cubic feet per second. .. .._.....

Hunoff, in acre -feet

March

45

40

34

32

30

29

28

27

27

40

9RO

251

0.95

15,430

April

£2

84

79

87

185

345

2PO

2^4

215

184

929

3.42

55,310

May

33

38

140

283

222

309

461

297

233

227

222

129

0.49

7,930

Gnge height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 1

2

3

Hour

0000

0100

0200

0300

0400

0500

0700

1100

1200

1300

1800

2400

0600

1000

1400

1800

2100

2400

0400

Gage 

height

1 1 ^ O ,^ 4.11

14.00

14.72

15.24

15.20

15.37

15.68

16.00

16.01

15.98

15.70

15.57

15.33

15.14

15.15

14.96

14.63

14.24

14.18

Discharge

3,120

3,490

4,340

5,600

5,640

5,520

4,400

4,010

3,320

3,040

3,050

2,860

2,560

2,270

2,240

Date

Apr. 3

4

5

6

Hour

0800

1700

2400

0500

1000

1300

1800

2400

0400

0800

1200

1500

1900

2400

0600

0900

Gage 

height

13.00

12.67

12.77

12.87

13.37

14.27

14.72

14.63

14.65

14.94

15.22

15.49

15.79

16.04

16.29

16.35

Discharge

1,590

1,470

1,500

1,540

1,780

2,290

2,640

2,560

2,580

2,840

3,160

3,780

4,760

6,000

7,200

7,500

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

Hour

1200

1600

1900

2200

2400

0200

0800

1400

1900

2000

2200

2400

0300

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

16.28

1 1 R J, Q4. t/rt

15.65

1 1 U.O ^ ^^O

15.14

14.92

14.32

13.73

12.98

12.36

11.48

10.84

1C. 14

£.74

£.42

£.31

£.36

Discharge

7,150

5,360

49 9 £* RHO\J

3 A ^n , rt O\J

3,040

2,820

2,320

1,960

1,580

1,380

1,100

935

758

670

611

591

600
A3 72 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(262) 5-4640. Cedar River at Waterloo, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°29'40", long 92°20'00", in NW^NW^ sec.25, T.89 N., R.13 W., on left 

bank at foot of East Seventh Street, 0.3 mile upstream from Eleventh Avenue Bridge 

in Waterloo, 1 mile downstream from Blackhawk Creek, and at mile 187.9 above 

the mouth of Iowa River (U.S. Geological Survey river profile).

Drainage area. 5,146 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 824.09 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 76,400 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 69,500 cfs 0800 hours Apr. 8 (gage height, 

21.67 ft)

1940 to February 1965: Discharge, 76,700 cfs Mar. 29, 1961 (gage height, 21.86ft). 

Flood of Mar. 16, 1929, reached a stage of about 20 ft, determined by Corps of 

Engineers, from information by city of Waterloo (discharge, 65,000 cfs). Flood of 

Apr. 2, 1933, reached a stage about 0.5 ft lower than Mar. 16, 1929, from information 

by city of Waterloo (discharge, 61,000 cfs).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

5,000

12,300

24,200

30,700

21,800

11,800

7,490

5,320

4,140

3,470

April

11,200

19,800

21,300

21,800

29,800

51,700

65,800

68,000

60,200

55,400

May

5,030

4,520

4,360

4,060

3,720

3,650

4,580

4,810

4,580

4,390

Day

11..

12_.

13__

14. _

15__

16__

17__

18__

19_.

20__

March

3,090

2,680

2,480

2,370

2,370

2,530

2,190

1,380

1,400

1,440

April

47,200

35,200

34,100

34,900

23,600

16,500

13,500

11,600

10,100

8,740

May

3,750

3,420

2,890

2,730

2,630

2,560

2,730

2,860

2,930

2,510

Day

21_.

22..

23_.

24_.

25_.

26_.

27_.

28_.

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

1,350

1,2,40

1,180

1,110

1,150

1,090

1,020

960

990

1,340

2,780

5,237

1.17

322,000

April

7,500

6,730

6,060

5,670

5,610

6,090

6,600

6,570

6,150

5,480

 

23,430

5.08

1,3^4,000

May

2,260

2,480

2,370

2,730

3,030

4,110

7,760

9,070

7,840

6,850

5,960

4,102

0.92

252,200
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 7 3

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time. 1965, of Cedar River at

Waterloo, Iowa

Date

Mar. 31

Apr. 1

2

3

4

Hour

0000

0600

1000

1400

1600

1800

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2000

2400

1200

1600

2400

0200

0400

1200

2400

0200

Gage 

height

5.72

5.59

5.65

5.92

6.20

6.51

6.85

7.13

7.89

8.36

10.05

10.66

11.04

11.47

11.73

12.38

12.46

12.44

12.00

11.51

11.51

Discharge

1,840

1,580

1,700

2,280

2,960

3,810

4,840

5,740

8,170

9,670

14,800

16,700

17,900

19,400

20,300

22,600

22,900

22,800

21,200

19,500

19,500

Date

Apr. 4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Hour

0600

2400

1200

1800

2400

0800

1800

2400

0600

2400

0800

1200

2400

1200

1800

2400

1200

2000

Gage 

height

11.65

13.07

14.08

14.79

16.01

18.06

19.84

20.55

20.92

21.48

21.67

21.59

21.01

20.10

19.73

19.53

19.37

19.17

Discharge

20,000

25,100

28,900

31,900

37,600

48,600

58,300

62,400

64,800

68,300

69,500

68,800

65,400

59,800

57,500

56,500

55,700

54,600

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Hour

2400

0600

1200

2400

1800

2400

0300

2400

0100

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

0600

1800

2400

Gage 

heig-ht

18.94

18.50

17.87

16.55

14.92

14.64

14.63

16.11

16.13

16.01

15.59

14.97

14.25

12.50

11.32

10.88

10.24

10.00

Discharge

53,500

50,900

47,400

40,200

32.400

31,200

31,100

38,000

38,200

37,600

35,500

32,700

29,600

23,000

18,900

17,400

15,400

14,600

(263) 5-4641.33 Half Mile Creek near Gladbrook, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°12'40", long 92°36'40", in SW^SW^ sec.33, T.86 N., R.15 W.,on right 

bank 10 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 3/4 mile upstream from mouth, 

and 7 miles northeast of Gladbrook.

Drainage area. 1.33 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 5 minute intervals except 

Mar. 1-9. Datum of gage is 948.16 ft above mean sea level, datum of 192f.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 96.0 cfs. Discharge for period of no gage-height record estimated on basis of 

weather records and records for nearby stations.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 43.2 cfs 1825 hours Apr. 1 (gage height, 

5.22 ft).

1962 to February 1965: Discharge, 126 cfs July 18, 1963 (gage height, 6.84 ft).
A3 74 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 19f>5, of Half Mile Creek near Gladbrook, Iowa

Day

!___

2___

3...

4___

5- _.

6...

7__.

8...

Q

10.]

March

29.0

16.0

9.00

4.50

2.30

1.00

.40

.20

.12

.10

April

40.8

21.2

11.4

16.0

23.0

27.6

11.4

15.3

11.4

6.95

May

0.34

.30

.28

.29

.35

.32

.27

.27

.22

.19

Day

ll._

12_.

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19__

20__

March

0.12

.34

.52

1.05

1.61

2.07

1.07

.45

.15

.12

April

2.50

1.10

.60

.40

.26

.22

.22

.20

.18

.18

May

0.18

.16

.15

.15

.20

.17

.14

.12

.11

.10

Day

21..

22_.

23_.

24. .

25_.

26. .

27_.

28_.

29_.

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

0.12

.13

.11

.09

.08

.08

.08

.08

.13

8.15

29.2

3.50

3.03

215

.April

0.18

.17

.18

.60

2.10

.97

.73

.60

.47

.40

6.58

5.52

391

May

0.10

.37

.31

.26

.27

4.36

.85

.62

.71

.66

.56

0.432

0.37

27

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 30

31

Hour

0000

0200

0400

0800

1000

1200

1400

1600

2000

2400

0200

0600

Gage 

height

3.45

4.15

4.21

4.10

3.92

3.78

3.86

4.51

4.62

4.67

4.69

4.71

Discharge

0.30

3.85

4.95

3.00

1.52

.95

1.24

13.9

17.7

19.4

22.2

23.0

Date

Mar.31

Apr. 1

2

Hour

1200

1400

1800

2400

0600

1000

1200

1825

2400

0800

1200

Gage 

height

4.72

4.81

5.10

5.17

5.19

5.13

5.12

5.22

5.03

4.72

4.60

Discharge

23.3

26.8

38.4

41.2

42.0

39.6

39.2

43.2

35.6

23.3

19.1

Date

Apr. 2

3

Hour

1600

1800

2200

2400

0200

0600

1000

1200

1400

1800

2000

2400

Gage 

height

4.52

4.50

4.48

4.46

4.44

4.37

4.30

4.27

4.28

4.39

4.43

4.45

Discharge

16.3

15.6

15.0

14.3

13.6

11.4

9.12

8.16

8.48

12.0

13.3

13.9

(264) 5 4641.37 Four Mile Creek near Traer, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°12'05", long 92°33'45", near center of sec.2, T.85 N., R.I 5 W., on 

left bank 10 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 2 miles upstream from 

mouth, and 5 miles west of Traer.

Drainage area. 19.51 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 2 10, Apr. 1, Apr. 7 

to May 4. Datum of gage is 905.87 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 600 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 2 to Apr. 4.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 600 cfs 1600 hours Mar. 1 (gage height, 

11.91 ft); gage height, 12.30 ft 1930 hours Mar. 31 (backwater from ice).

1962 to February 1965: Discharge, 287 cfs July 18, 1963 (gage height, 11.24 ft).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Four Mile Creek near Traer, Iowa

A375

Day

1__.

2__.

3..^

4...

5...

6...

7__.

e___

9__-

10..

March

472

250

140

66

40

14

5.0

1.7

1.0

.8

April

280

150

180

230

473

179

20

32

11

13

May

4.8

4.5

4.1

4.5

5.5

4.8

4.1

3.9

3.4

2.9

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18. _

19..

20-,

March

0.7

1.1

3.0

8.0

22

24

10

6.0

2.7

1.5

April

14

7.0

5.6

5.4

5.6

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.5

3.2

May

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.7

2.4

2.2

1.9

1.8

1.7

Day

21,.

22..

23..

24..

25.J

26. J

27..

28.-

29

30..

31

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

0.9

.7

.6

.5

.5

.4

.5

.7

1.5

50

200

42.8

2.53

2,630

April

3.1

3.1

3.4

6.0

16

15

11

8.0

6.6

5.4

56.7

3.24

3,330

May

1.7

3.6

5.2

4.4

5.1

40

16

10

9.6

9.6

8.4

5.78

0.34

355

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 19P5

Date

Mar. 1

29

30

Hour

0000

0400

0700

0800

0900

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2400

2400

0400

0800

Gage 

height

11.47

11.16

10.99

11.00

11 54

11.78

11.86

11.88

11 91

11.85

11.76

11.52

8.26

8.72

9.00

Discharge

416

94.9

318

31 9

439

536

RVR

585

600

<i7n

527

432

Date

Mar. 30

31

Hour

1100

1200

1300

1500

1600

1700

1800

1900

99 (\o

2400

0400

0700

0800

1100

1200

Gage 

height

9.18

9.14

9.48

10.00

10 94

11.54

11.65

11.66

11.61

11.55

11.23

11.00

10 99

10.70

10.70

Discharge

Date

Mar_31

Hour

1300

1400

1500

1700

1800

1900

1930

2000

2400

0400

0800

1200

1400

2000

2400

Gage 

height

11.10

11.63

11.70

12.00

12.21

12.29

12.30

12.25

12.17

12.05

11.89

11.63

11.60

11.74

11.72

Discharge

(265) 5-4645. Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°58'20", long 91°40'05", in SE^NW? sec.28, T.83 N., R.7 W., on right 

bank 500 ft upstream from Eighth Avenue Bridge in Cedar Rapids, 2.7 miles upstream 

from Prairie Creek, and at mile 112.7 above mouth of Iowa River.

Drainage area. 6,510 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Apr. 12, 13 and May 26. 

Datum of gage is 700.47 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 72,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 2-6, 19-31.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 66,800 cfs 1730 hours Apr. 10 (gage height, 

18.51 ft).

1902 to February 1965: Discharge, 73,000 cfs Mar. 31, 1961; gage height, 20.0 ft 

Mar. 18, 1929.

Flood in June 1851 reached a stage of about 20 ft (discharge, 65,000 cfs. 

estimated).
A3 7 6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

4,440

7,000

7,500

8,000

10,000

24,000

27,200

19,800

14,800

10,500

April

9,240

11,600

14,300

20,000

23,300

28,500

35,100

49,100

61,200

66,100

May

7,080

6,280

5,380

5,240

5,070

4,650

4,350

4,710

5,280

5,070

Day

11_.

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19-.

20..

March

7,480

5,620

5,620

5,040

5,730

6,200

6,080

5,180

1,700

1,500

April

62,100

55,000

45,000

36,400

32,400

33,000

25,600

18,300

14,600

12,500

May

4,890

4,500

4,050

3,680

3,580

3,360

3,230

3,160

3,260

3,330

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

1,700

1,900

1,800

1,700

1,900

2,100

2,200

2,000

2,200

4,000

6,700

6,825

1.21

419,700

April

10,900

9,520

8,400

7,880

7,880

7,600

7,440

7,680

7,800

7,600

24,530

4.20

1,460,000

May

3,130

3,060

3,100

3,180

3,180

4,000

5,340

6,800

8,440

9,040

8,560

4,774

0.85

293,500

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 6

7

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

9.67

10.10

10.43

10.63

10.88

11.30

11.68

12.38

Discharge

25,600

27,400

28,800

29,700

30,800

32,600

34,300

37,400

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

13.22

14.22

15.00

15.88

16.57

17.08

Discharge

41,100

45,600

49,100

53,100

56,400

59,000

Date

Apr. 9

10

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1730

2400

Gage 

height

17.53

17.93

18.14

18.33

18.44

18.51

18.33

Discharge

61,500

63,600

64,800

65,800

66,400

66,800

65,800

(266) Cedar River near Rochester, Iowa 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. SEj sec.13, T.79 N., R.3 W., at Interstate Highway 1-80 bridge, 1.5 miles 

south of Rochester.

Drainage area. 7,245 sq mi.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 67,200 cfs Apr. 11 (elevation 651.86 ft above 

mean sea level).

1961 to March 1965: Discharge 71,700 cfs Apr. 1, 1961 (elevation, 652.08 ft above 

mean sea level).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(267) 5-4650. Cedar River near Conesville, Iowa

A377

Location. Lat 41°24'30", long 91°17'15", in SW^SWi sec.2, T.76 N., R.4 W., on right 

bank 10 ft downstream from highway bridge, 3.4 miles northeast of Conesv^lle, 5.2 

miles downstream from Wapsinonoc Creek, 10.7 miles upstream from mouth, and at 

mile 39.8 upstream from mouth of Iowa River. (U.S. Geological Survey river profile).

Drainage area. 7,785 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 3 5, 21 28. Wireweight gage readings were available. Datum of gage is 581.95 ft above mern sea 

level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter meas irements 

below 70,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 7, 14 29.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 68,100 cfs 2100 hours Apr. 12 (gage height, 

16.85 ft).

1939 to February 1965: Discharge, 70,800 cfs Apr. 2, 1961 (gage height, 16.62 ft). 

Flood in March 1929 reached a stage of 15.8 ft, from information by local residents to Corps of Engineers.

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2__.

3...

 i...

T__.

6...

7...

s__.

q___

10_.

March

3,300

4,000

4,200

4,500

4,700

8,400

13,600

26,100

34,000

27,000

April

9,840

11,200

12,500

13,700

16,400

22,200

28,900

30,800

35,200

46,400

May

10,000

9,200

8,320

7,610

7,450

7,050

6,620

6,310

6,940

7,240

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15_.

16..

17..

18..

19.-

20. _

March

18,700

11,100

8,080

8,790

8,500

9,400

11,200

11,200

5,600

3,300

April

58,900

66,700

65,400

57,200

48,700

39,300

34,500

32,800

27,600

21,700

May

6,820

6,460

6,100

5,590

5,160

4,940

4,750

4,430

4,250

4,170

Day

21..

22..

23..

24_ ,

25..

26..

27..

28_J

29_.

30..

3 1

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

2,600

2,550

2,600

2,800

2,900

2,800

2,700

2,700

3,500

7,600

8,080

8,597

1.27

528,600

April

18, COO

15.400

is.roo

i7.eoo

16,500

13,500

12,000

11,400

10,900

10,500

27,300

3.91

1,624,000

May

4,180

4,150

5,430

6,370

4,700

4,480

6,350

7,310

7,510

8,700

9,920

6,404

0.95

393,700

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 10

11

Hour

0000

1200

2400

0900

1000

1400

Gage 

height

14.87

15.38

15.98

16.36

16.38

16.24

Discharge

39,400

45,900

54,200

60,000

60,300

58,100

Date

Apr. 1 1

12

Hour

1600

2400

0600

1200

1800

2100

Gage 

height

16.24

16.58

16.72

16.80

16.84

16.85

Discharge

58,100

63,500

65.800

67,200

67,900

68,100

Date

Apr. 12

13

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

16.84

16.78

16.73

16.62

16.47

Discharge

67,900

66,900

66,000

64,100

61,700
A3 78 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(268) 5 4655. Iowa River at Wapello, Iowa

Location. Lat 41° 10'40", long 91°10'55", in NW|SE| sec.27, T.74 N., R.3 W., on right 

bank 30 ft downstream from bridge on State Highway 99 at east edge of Wapello, 

13.0 miles downstream from Cedar River, and at mile 16.0 (revised).

Drainage area. 12,499 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except May 6 9, for vhich graph was 

reconstructed on basis of daily wire-weight gage readings. Datum of g^ge is 548.98ft 

above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 70,000 cfs. Backwater from ice March 1 31. Backwater from Mississippi 

River April 29 to May 9.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 70,800 cfs 0900 hours Apr. 13 (frage height, 

17.25 ft).

1914 to February 1965: Discharge, 94,000 cfs June 18, 1947 (gage height, 16.14 ft); 

gage height, 17.02 ft Apr. 5, 1960, before levee broke downstream frorr gage.

Remarks. High flows regulated by Coralville Flood Control Reservoir (capacity 

489,000 acre-ft) since Sept. 17, 1958.

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feel per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2___

3__.

4___

 i-_.

6___

7...

8...

9__.

10..

March

5,600

5,400

8,000

11,000

14,000

13,000

12,000

11,000

17,000

33,000

April

16,900

19,000

19,000

20,200

22,600

28,200

36,000

45,100

47,400

51,100

May

11,300

10,400

9,400

8,530

8,150

8,790

10,500

11,100

13,800

14,000

Day

11-.

12__

13__

14__

15. _

16. _

17..

18-.

19..

20_.

March

27,000

18,000

15,000

14,000

14,000

15,000

19,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

April

63,700

68,200

70,300

67,300

63,400

58,300

50,500

46,600

44,800

39,000

May

13,200

12,600

12,100

11,600

11,200

10,900

11,100

10,500

10,100

9,860

Day

21..

22..

23_.

24_.

25_.

26_.

27_.

28_.

29_.

30_.

31_.

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

8,000

6,500

5,800

5,200

4,800

4,500

4,300

4,100

6,000

11,000

15,000

12,010

1.11

738,200

April

32,700

27,700

24,200

24,800

35,000

37,200

30,900

21,400

15,000

12,700

37,970

3.39

2,260,000

May

9,840

9,910

10,100

14,100

10,400

10,700

11,800

15,200

14,000

14,200

15,400

11,440

1.06

703,700

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 11

12

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2100

2400

0600

0900

Gage

height

15.18

15.72

16.26

16.87

17.00

16.87

16.65

16.68

Discharge

56,700

60,100

63,800

68,100

69,000

68,100

66,600

66,800

Date

Apr. 12

13

14

Hour

1500

1800

2400

0900

1800

2400

0600

Gage 

height

16.95

17.05

17.16

17.25

17.17

17.08

16.95

Discharge

68,600

69,400

70,100

70,800

70,200

69,600

68,600

Date

Apr. 14

15

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

16.77

16.57

16.46

16.28

16.18

16.09

15.96

Discharge

67,400

65,900

65,200

64,000

63,300

62,600

61,900
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

EDWARDS RIVER BASIN

A3 79

(269) 5-4665. Edwards River near New Boston, 111.

Location. Lat 41°11'15", long 90°58'05", at quarter corner between sees.21 and 28, 

T.14 N., R.5 W., on left bank at downstream side of bridge on State Highway 17, 

1.5 miles northeast of New Boston and 5 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 434 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15-minute intervals. Prior to 

Apr. 7, 1965, water-stage recorder graph. No gage-height record Apr. 1, 2, May 9, 

13 31. Datum of gage is 529.92 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912 (levels 

by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Discharge for periods of no gage-height record computed from records for n?arby 

stations. Mean daily discharge computed from 96 punch-tape recordings per day 

beginning Apr. 7, 1965.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 6,450 cfs 1030 hours Apr. 26 (gage heig-ht, 

20.51 ft).

1934 to March 1965: Discharge, 7,280 cfs Apr. 26, 1950, May 12, 1951; gage height. 

21.46 ft Oct. 13, 1954.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l___-_-

2......

3____

4......

5......

6... ...

7......

8......

9_._ ...

10._._.

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

600 

450 

345 

323 

302 

342 

767 

2,740 

1,320 

783

May

941 

821 

724 

674 

681 

566 

511 

781 

1,200 

758

Day

ll---_.

12_____

13_____

14_____

15_____

16_____

17_____

18.____

19_____

20__ __

April

709 

804 

542 

432 

483 

582 

644 

625 

472 

380

May

528 

398 

300 

260 

230 

210 

190 

170 

150 

140

Day

21____.

22 ___ _

23_____

24_____

25_____

26__ ...

27 .....

28 ___ _

29_____

30_____

31

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

357 

348 

347 

407 

607 

5,930 

4,430 

2,860 

1,620 

1,170

1,057 

2.72

May

130 

250 

210 

180 

150 

250 

400 

300 

200 

160 

140

407 

1.08

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 24

25

26

Hour

0000

0800

1600

2400

2000

2200

2400

0600

1030

1600

2400

Gage 

height

13.57

13.81

14.16

14.38

14.58

14.93

20.11

20.46

20.51

20.44

20.31

Discharge

348

382

434

467

497

566

4,640

6,200

6,450

6,100

5,450

Date

Apr. 27

28

29

Hour

0800

2400

1200

2000

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

20.13

19.82

19.51

19.10

18.78

18.42

18.12

17.89

17.69

Discharge

4,720

3,660

2,920

2,300

2,020

1,760

1,580

1,460

1,370

Date

Apr. 30

May 1

2

3

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

2400

Gage 

height

17.18

16.75

16.47

16.21

16.03

15.83

15.43

Discharge

1,160

1,020

941

868

822

772

672

317-045 O - 70 - 25
A380 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

POPE CREEK BASIN 

(270) 5-^670. Pope Creek near Keithsburg, 111.

Location. Lat 41°07'45", long 90°55'10", in SE? sec. 11, T.13 N., R.5 W., near center 

of span on downstream side of highway bridge, 2 miles northeast of Feithsburg and 

3.3 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 171 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Graph based on twice-daily readings of wire-weight gage, except 

May 10, 11. Datum of gage is 524.07 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912 

(levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Discharge for period of backwater from Mississippi River Apr. 26 tc May 7, estimated 

on basis of one discharge measurement and records for nearby stations. Discharge 

for period of no gage-height record estimated on basis of records for nearby stations.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 2,290 cfs 1300 hours Apr. 25 (gage height, 

25.28 ft).

1934 to March 1965: Discharge, 4,230 cfs Mar. 12, 1939 (gage heifht, 26.24 ft); 

gage height observed, 28.0 ft Feb. 21, 1937 (backwater from ice).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1 __ __

2... ...

3. __ ..

4......

6 ......

7 ......

8... ...

9 __ ...

10 .....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

108 

73 

57 

53 

105 

1,110 

848 

352 

338 

232

May

190 

160 

140 

120 

140 

120 

105 

338 

249 

180

Day

11..-..

12.. ...

13.....

14.....

15.....

16.....

17.. ...

18 .....

19.. ...

20 .....

April

426 

285 

181 

148 

420 

317 

225 

172 

134 

114

May

150 

135 

120 

106 

97 

90 

81 

73 

64 

57

Day

21.. ._

22.....

23.. ...

24 .....

25.....

26 __ ..

27 .....

28.....

29.. ...

30.. ...

31.....

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second --_____._______

April

102 

94 

92 

1,070 

1,980 

1,000 

550 

400 

300 

240

384 

2.51

May

54 

49 

65 

48 

47 

57 

68 

73 

50 

41 

41

107 

0.72

HENDERSON CREEK BASIN 

(271) 5-4690. Henderson Creek near Oquawka, 111.

Location. Lat 41°00'05", long 90°51'15", in NEjSWj sec.28, T.I2 N., R.4 W., on left 

bank at downstream side of bridge on State Highway 94, 1 mile south of Bald Bluff, 

6.5 miles northeast of Oquawka, and 22 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 428 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15-minute intervals. Prior to 

Apr. 27, 1965, water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 541.67 ft above mean 

sea level, adjustment of 1912 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Mean daily discharge computed from 96 punched-tape recordings per day beginning 

Apr. 27, 1965.

Maxima.- April May 1965: Discharge, 4,280 cfs 0500 hours Apr. 26 (gage height, 

24.84 ft).

1934 to March 1965: Discharge, 16,500 cfs Apr. 25, 1950 (gage height, 28.17 ft).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, ofHenderson Creek near Oquawka, 111.

A381

Day

1..-.--

2..

3.....

4......

6.. .

7......

8______

g

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

364 

288 

221 

215 

526 

2,500 

2,140 

1,130 

1,540 

990

May

635 

536 

460 

637 

1,950 

1,180 

620 

832 

1,610 

933

Day

11--.-.

12_____

13.._._

14_____

15--..-

16_-___

17_._._

18____.

19.....

20-,_-_

April

1,660 

1,510 

798 

620 

984 

966 

721 

581 

481 

420

May

569 

474 

409 

361 

322 

296 

267 

241 

223 

202

Day

21_____

22_____

23_____

24_____

25_____

26_____

27 ____

28 .....

29___._

30__.._

31_____

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

378 

330 

308 

962 

2,970 

3,760 

2,030 

1,180 

915 

747

1,074 

2.80

May

191 

356 

317 

206 

222 

540 

582 

324 

226 

212 

199

520 

1.40

Cage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 24

25

Hour

0000

0400

0600

0900

1000

1400

1500

1600

1700

2000

2400

0200 

0800

1800 

2000 

2200

2400

Gage 

height

15.83

15.85

16.10

16.82

17.18

20.98

21.53

21.89

22.15

22.67

22.97

23.07 

23.73

24.56 

24.67 

24.75

24.80

Discharge

302

305

340

449

507

1,200

1,330

1,440

1,520

1,730

1,850

1,900 

2,390

3,720 

3,940 

4,100

4,200

Date

Apr. 26

27

28

Hour

0300

0500

0800

1200

2000

2400

0800

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200

1800 

2400

Gage 

height

24.83

24.84

24.79

24.65

24.25

24.10

23.89

23.20

22.54

21.81

21.18 

20.80

20.53 

20.18

Discharge

4,260

4,280

4,180

3,900

3,130

2,870

2,580

1,960

1,680

1,410

1,240 

1,160

1,110 

1,040

Date

Apr. 29

30

May 1

2

3

Hour

0800

1600

2400

0800

1600

2400

1200

2400

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

19.74

19. 3C

18. 9£

18. 7C

18.46

18. 2f

17. 9S

17.64

17.36 

17. 1C

16.8? 

16. 7C

Discharge

953

874

818

766

724

688

634

585

537

494

460 

430

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(272) Mississippi River at Burlington, Iowa 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 40°48'10", long 91°05'30", on pivot pier of Chicago Burlington and Quincy 

Railroad bridge at Burlington, and at mile 403.1 upstream from Ohio River.

Drainage area. 114,000 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Peak stages only from staff gage readings. Datum of gage is 

511.45 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Maxima. March May 1965: Gage height, 21.0 ft Apr. 30, May 1. 

1851 to February 1965: Gage height, 18.9 ft in June 1851.

Remarks. Stage records furnished by Corps of Engineers.
A382 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Annual maximum gage heights, for indicated years, of Mississippi River at Burlington, Iowa

Year

1851 ______

1870 ______

1871 __ 

1872 ______

1873 __ - 

1874 ______

1879 ______

1880 ______

1881 

1882 __ ___

1883 ____

1884. _

1885 __ 

1886 ______

1887 ______

1888 ______

1889 ______

1890 ______

1891 ______

1892

1 8Q9

1894

1895 ______

1896 ______

1897

1898 __ --_

1899

1900 __ 

1901 ______

1902_ _____

1903

1904

1905 __ _

1906 ______

1907 _

1908- _____

1909. _

1910 __ - 

1911 __ ___

1912 ____

1913 ______

1914 ______

1915 

1916___ ___

1917

1918. -

Date

Apr. 26-28

Mar. 27

July 15

Oct. 31

Apr. 25

May 5

Mar. 30, 31

Ma v 7

Feb. 14

May 18, 19

May 24, 25

May 5, 6

May 16

J une 3 4

Apr. 27-29

Oct. 23, 24

Mar. 24

July 21

Apr. 24-26

Mar. 22

Feb. 20

Mar. 29, 30

Gage 

height 

(feet)

18.9

11.8

15.0

12.1

9.6

11.2

7.7

7.07

15.8

16.53

133

11.8

13.8

9 78

12.0

9.78

1755

6.00

11.62

9 70

175

12.47

10.4

5 3

10.25

i q o

6.8

10 3

9.0

9 4

10.8

14 9

10.8

122

19^

11.4

U 9 R

11.7

8.35

10.2

13.35

11.7

9.32

10.4

14.2

11.62

12.95

Year

1 Q1 Q

1920 .

1921

1922 

1923 _____

1924 _____

1925 _____

1926 _____

1927. _

1928 _____

1929 _____

1930 _____

1931 _____

1932 _____

1933 _____

1934 _____

1935 _____

1936 _____

1937 - 

1938 

1939 __ 

1940 ___

1941

1942- _

1943 -

1944 _____

1945 _____

1946 _____

1947

1948 ___

1949 ___

1950 _____

1951 

1952 _____

1953 _____

1954 __

1955 ___

1956 _____

1957 _____

1958 __ __

1959. ____

1960 _____

1961 _____

1962 _____

1963- __ -

1964 

1965 

Date

Apr. 11

May 13

Apr. 24, 25

Aug. 25

Oct. 6-9

Dec. 28

Mar. 23

Dec. 3

Dec. 12

Apr. 11

Apr. 10

Mar. 10-12

Apr. 11, 12

Apr. 27, 28

June 16, 17

Apr. 18, 19

May 27

Jan. 11

Mar. 23

Mar. 12

Apr. 26

Apr. 29

Apr. 27

Apr. 21

July 15

Apr. 4

Apr. 7

Mar. 22

May 21-23

Gage 

height 

(feet)

1379

14 79

9 42

1 5 42

11.18

12.16

9 4

U ^9

12.88

14 09

15.82

11.8

9

C

11.4

12.4

11.5

11.7

12.6

13.8

15.0

131

9 3

1 q n

15.5

14.1

17.1

154

17.1

17.0

16.4

199

1 0 Q

18.1

n

o c

123

14.8

132

122

11.1

9 8

145

18.7

16.3

16.7

12.1

10.4

21.0
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A383

SKUNK RIVER BASIN 

(273) 5-4700. South Skunk River near Ames, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°04'05", long 93°37'05", in NW^SW^ sec.23, T.84 N., R.24 W., on left 

bank 2.5 miles north of Ames, 3.5 miles downstream from Keigley Branch, 5.2 miles 

upstream from Squaw Creek, and at mile 228.1.

Drainage area. 315 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 1 to Apr. 5. Graph 

reconstructed from daily wire-weight gage readings Mar. 30, Apr. 1. Datum of gage 

is 893.61 ft above sea level, datum of 1929 (Iowa Highway Commission bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 8,630 cfs. Discharge Apr. 2 5 estimated on basis of weather records and records 

from nearby stations. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 31, Apr. 7 9.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 5,260 cfs 0530 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

9.43 ft).

1920-27, 1932 to February 1965: Discharge, 8,630 cfs June 10, 1954; gage height, 

13.90 ft May 20, 1944.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4___

3__-

6...

7___

8...

9...

10..

March

500

1,200

400

180

120

100

82

72

63

57

April

3,090

2,600

2,100

2,400

3,400

5,150

3,400

2,500

2,000

1,480

May

152

130

111

100

91

83

77

96

118

91

Day

11-.

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17. _

18..

19..

20..

March

51

54

65

90

140

210

500

200

124

92

April

1,390

1,040

773

630

540

412

323

257

209

177

May

77

68

60

55

53

50

49

46

39

34

Day

21..

22_.

23.^

24. J

25_.

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

74

58

47

37

34

32

30

28

26

110

200

193

0.71

11,850

April

150

125

115

182

309

469

345

276

219

180

1,208

4.28

71,880

May

35

60

284

216

214

1,860

2,270

1,060

681

596

468

301

1.10

18,490

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 6

Hour

0000 

0200 

0530

1200

Gage 

height

9.17 

9.34 

9.43

9.34

Discharge

5,020 

5,180 

5,260

5,180

Date

Apr. 6

Hour

1800 

2000 

2400

Gage 

height

9.35 

9.28 

8.88

Discharge

5,190 

5,120 

4,740

Date

Apr. 7

Hour

0600 

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

8. CO 

7.12 

6.68

Discharge

3,940 

3,190
A3 84 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(274) 5--1710. South Skunk River below Squaw Creek near Ames Iowa

Location. Lat 42°00'30", long 93°35'40", in NE^NWi sec.13, T.83 N., R.24 W., on right 

bank 1 5 f t downstream from county highway bridge, a quarter of a mil? downstream 

from Squaw Creek, a quarter of a mile upstream from bridge on U.S. Highway 30, 

2 miles southeast of Ames, and at mile 222.6.

Drainage area. 556 sq mi.

Gage -height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 3, 28, 29. Datum of 

gage is 867.10 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage -discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 8,460 cfs, extended to 9,260 cfs by logarithmic plotting. Backwster from ice 

Mar. 1, 4-15, 19-30.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 7,340 cfs 0400 hours Apr. 6 (gaee height,

12.59 ft).

1952 to February 1965: Discharge, 9,260 cfs Mar. 30, 1960 (gage height, 13.20 ft) 

Flood of May 19, 1944, reached a stage of 13 ft, from floodmarks (discharge, about

10,000 cfs).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2___

3...

4___

5___

6...

7__.

8___|

9,-.

10_.

March

5,000

2,690

800

280

240

210

180

160

146

128

April

5,910

4,480

3,540

4,530

6,080

7,020

5,450

4,330

3,260

2,340

May

338

276

231

201

192

173

158

161

182

149

Day

11..

12__

13__

14_.

15__

16__

17__

18__

19--

20__

March

114

120

150

200

370

610

1,010

476

240

190

April

2,170

1,610

1,180

939

815

651

518

406

335

276

May

121

110

98

87

83

72

70

62

50

44

Day

21..

22_.

23_.

24. .

25_.

26,.

27..

28..

29..

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

160

138

120

110

100

94

92

90

90

500

2,460

557

1.16

34,250

April

236

201

196

477

891

1,050

758

592

470

393

 

2,037

-4.09

121,200

May

49

82

328

306

295

3,120

3,420

1,640

1,120

970

790

483

1.00

29,710

Gage height, in feet, ami discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 31

\pr. 1

Hour

0000

0600

0800

1200

1400

1500

1700

1800

1900

2400

0600

0700

1800

2400

0400

0800

Gage 

height

5.00

4.12

3.86

4.37

5.11

5.85

7.55

8.50

9.65

11.27

11.81

11.82

10.88

11.06

10.76

9.91

Discharge

1,540

1,100

982

1,210

1,600

2,010

3,140

3,820

4,740

6,080

6,340

6,350

5,390

5,860

5,660

4,970

Date

Apr. 2

3

4

5

Hour

1600

2400

0800

1200

1800

2400

0400

1400

2000

2400

0200

0800

1200

2400

Gage 

height

8.40

7.81

7.18

7.60

8.89

9.51

9.63

9.00

9.67

9.49

9.43

10.94

11.61

12.50

Discharge

3,750

3,320

2,880

3,170

4,120

4,610

4,720

4,200

4,750

4,590

4,540

5,840

6,340

7,200

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9

Hour

04CO

12CO

24CO

04CO

14CO

24CO

04CO

06CO

12CO

1800

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

12.59

12.37

12.05

11.65

10.13

9.43

9.08

9.24

9.37

9.07

8.69

7.80

6.58

Discharge

7,340

7,030

6,620

6,280

5,080

4,540

4,260

4,390

4,500

4,260

3,970

3,310

2,470
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A385

(275) 5 4712. Indian Creek near Mingo, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°48'20", long 93°18'25", in NW^NW^ sec.28, T.81 N., R.21 W. p on right 

bank 30 ft downstream from bridge on State Highway 117, 0.7 mile downstream from 

Wolf Creek, 2.2 miles upstream from Byers Branch, and 3-3/4 miles northwest of 

Mingo.

Drainage area. 276 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 2 10, 18, 19, May 8 25, 

29 31. Daily wire-weight readings are available for most of these periods.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 5,100 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-9, 17-27.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 4,610 cfs 0230 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

14.32 ft).

1958 to February 1965: Discharge, 5,860 cfs May 7, 1960 (gage height, 15.07 ft). 

Flood of May 20, 1944, reached a stage of 21.4 ft, from information by local 

residents (discharge not determined).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2...

3...

4..^

">-_.

6...

7..^

i'.-*

9~.

10_.

March

1,400

500

130

120

140

125

130

100

110

92

April

3,380

2,260

1,000

1,360

3,030

4,080

1,160

990

752

562

May

197

178

146

134

132

121

115

118

115

104

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

59

53

71

146

383

551

2,330

500

200

150

April

580

416

320

285

234

189

163

133

110

99

May

100

92

87

77

74

71

68

63

58

57

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Kunot'f, in acre -feet

March

110

90

80

70

65

60

70

194

330

793

1,850

354

1.48

21,760

April

86

74

95

789

851

712

454

352

283

232

-----

834

3.37

49,650

May

58

87

132

214

240

407

503

287

222

216

216

151

0.63

9,300
A386 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Indian Creek near

Mingo, Iowa

Date

Mar. 31

Apr. 1

2

Hour

0000

0700

0830

1130

1230

1300

1400 

1500 

1600 

1700

2200 

2400

0600 

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0130

0400

0700

0900

Gage 

height

11.33

10.58

10.33

10.37

10.44

10.51

11.05 

11.60 

12.00 

12.30

12.98 

13.12

13.31 

13.41

13.54

13.68

13.80

13.78

13.74

13.58

13.27

12.95

Discharge

1,690

1,410

1,330

1,340

1,360

1,380

1,580 

1,820 

2,020 

2,210

2,780 

2,940

3,170 

3,290

3,460

3,650

3,870

3,790

3,740

3,510

3,120

2,750

Date

Apr. 2

3

4

5

Hour

1000

1200

1400

1800

2200

2400

0200 

0600 

0930

1100 

1200 

1500

1700 

2400

0100

0600

1000

1600

1900

2100

2400

0300

Gage 

height

12.70

12.00

11.30

10.30

9.51

9.18

8.95 

8.65 

8.51

8.54 

8.72 

9.50

9.90 

10.67

10.71

10.53

10.56

10.24

10.25

10.42

10.12

9.80

Discharge

2,520

2,020

1,680

1,320

1,050

954

885 

795 

758

765 

816 

1,050

1,180 

1,440

1,460

1,390

1,400

1,290

1,300

1,360

1,250

1,140

Date

Apr. 5

6

7

Hour

0400

0500

0600

0700

1200

1500

1900 

2200 

2400

0230 

0700

1600 

2000 

2400

0100

0400

0600

1000

1400

2100

2400

Gage 

height

9.89

10.75

12.00

12.50

13.37

13.77

14.13 

14.22 

14.24

14.32 

14.30

13.97 

13.58 

12.60

12.05

10.80

10.29

9.65

9.20

8.66

8.48

Discharge

1,170

1,470

2,020

2,360

3,240

3,780

4,310 

4,450 

4,480

4,610 

4,580

4,060 

3,510 

2,440

2,050

1,490

1,310

1,100

960

798

750
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(276) 5 4715. South Skunk River near Oskaloosa, Iowa

A387

Location. Lat 41°21'15", long 92°39'30", in NW^SW^ sec.25, T.76 N., R.16 W., or right 

bank 300 ft upstream from bridge on U.S. Highway 63 and 4 miles north of Oskaloosa, 

and 147.3 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 1,635 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 19 27, Apr. 1 5. Daily 

wire-weight gage readings used Mar. 20 and Apr. 1 5. Datum of gage is 685.5C ft 

above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 18,000 cfs and on basis of velocity-area study at 37,000 cfs. Backwater from 

ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 2.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 11,200 cfs 0500 hours Apr. 9 (gage height, 

19.87 ft).

1945 to February 1965: Discharge, 20,000 cfs June 15, 1947 (gage height, 21.26 ft 

from floodmarks).

Flood in May 1944 reached a stage of 25.8 ft, from floodmarks (discharge, 37,000 

cfs).

Mean discharge, in cubic (eel per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4__.

5...

6__.

7___

8...

9...

10..

March

1,000

1,600

2,300

2,600

2,100

1,600

1,200

1,000

800

650

April

2,700

3,500

6,180

7,390

8,560

10,300

11,100

11,100

11,100

10,400

May

1,570

1,340

1,170

1,100

1,130

958

882

826

902

806

Day

11_-

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

570

550

580

700

1,000

2,200

4,000

5,000

4,800

4,100

April

9,360

7,690

5,520

4,000

3,230

2,620

2,180

1,840

1,540

1,290

May

730

674

626

582

562

562

502

466

426

398

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24..

25_.

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... __...-_.

Runoff, in inches ___ ---

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

3,500

2,700

2,000

1,500

1,100

900

800

1,300

2,000

2,500

2,000

1,892

1.33

116,300

April

1,110

998

910

2,050

4,700

4,470

3,520

2,820

2,230

1,860

_...._

4,876

3.33

290,100

May

372

362

502

498

618

958

2,710

3,620

2,500

1,960

1,720

1,033

0.73

63,530

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 5

6

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

Gage 

height

17.52

17.73

18.18

18.73

19.00

19.35

Discharge

7,530

7,820

8,470

9,320

9,750

10,300

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

Gage 

height

19.74

19.83

19.80

19.78

19.68

19.79

Discharge

11,000

11,200

11,100

11,100

10,900

11,100

Date

Apr. 8

9

Hour

2400

0500

1200

2400

Gage 

height

19.85

19.87

19.82

19.62

Discharge

11,200

11,200

11,100

10,800

317-045 O - 70 -:
A388 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(277) 5-^725. North Skunk River near Sigourney,

Location. Lat 41°18'05", long 92°12'10", in NE^SE? sec.14, T.75 N., F.12 W., on right 

bank 20 ft downstream from bridge on State Highway 149, 2^ miles south of Sigourney, 

and 16.2 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 730 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 19 to Apr. 4. Datum of 

gage is 651.53 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by cur rent-meter measurements 

below 19,500 cfs and by indirect measurement at 27,500 cfs. Backwater from ice 

Mar. 1-31.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 4,620 cfs 1430, hours April 8; (gage height, 

17.55 ft); gage height, 18.14 ft 2000 hours Mar. 17, (backwater from ice).

1945 to February 1965: Discharge, 27,500 cfs Mar. 31, 1960 (gage height, 25.33 ft). 

Flood in May 1944 reached a stage of 22.8 ft, from floodmark (discharge, 14, 500 cfs).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7___

8...

9...

10..

March

800

1,200

1,300

800

500

400

450

500

400

330

April

1,100

900

900

1,200

1,950

3,230

2,940

4,290

2,650

1,100

May

781

652

544

470

448

512

440

384

353

372

Day

11-.

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20_.

March

270

250

300

500

1,000

2,300

3,000

2,700

2,300

1,800

April

1,650

1,370

752

561

664

460

382

320

279

245

May

327

273

248

231

234

342

257

219

192

170

Day

21..

22..

23..

24_.

25_.

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30_.

3 1

Runoff in inches _-

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

1,50C

1,20C

90C

70C

55C

46C

41C

37C

70C

1.50C

1.30C

99C

April

222

202

188

557

2,640

3,100

4,080

3,400

1,460

975

1.459

1.5f 2.23

60,87C 86,810

May

156

146

142

301

271

234

455

838

410

322

311

356

0.56

21,890

Gtige height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

War. 16

17

Hour

0700

1200

1800

2400

0300

0500

1000

1300

1600

Gage 

height

12.97

1 o o c

13.26

1311

14.05

14.70

1 R 1 1

15.43

16.13

16.59

16.50

17.05

17.80

18.05

Discharge Date

Mar. 17

18

Apr. 7

Hour

2000

2400

0300

0900

1500

2400

0000 

0300

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

18.14

18.04

17.90

17.07

16.29

15.98

14.05 

14.05

14.15

14.51

14.98

15.86

Discharge

2,670 

2,670

2,710

2,870

3,080

3,520

Date

Apr. 8

9

10

Hour

OfOO

1200

1430

1800

2^00

OfOO

1200

1800 

2*00

1200

2000

2*00

Gage 

height

16.86

17.48

17.55

17.48

17.13

16.22

13.55

10.70 

10.01

9.01

8.49

8.70

Discharge

4,110

4,560

4,620

4,560

4,300

3,710

2,490

1,560 

1,350

1,070

932

983
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(278) 5-4735. Big Creek near Mount Pleasant, Iowa

A389

Location. Lat 41°00'50", long 91°34'45", in NW^NWj sec.29, T.72 N., R.6 W., en left 

bank 12 ft downstream from highway bridge, 100 ft downstream from Lynn Cr^ek, 

0.7 mile downstream from Brandywine Creek, and 3.4 miles northwest of Mount 

Pleasant.

Drainage area. 106 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 630.53 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 4,100 cfs and by contracted-opening measurement at 6,160 cfs. Backwater 

from ice Mar. 1, 5-12, 15, 16, 18-28.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 2,580 cfs 1330 hours Mar. 17 (gage height, 

12.07 ft).

1955 to February 1965: Discharge, 4,460 cfs Mar. 29, 1960 (gage height, 15.30 ft). 

Flood of Aug. 3, 1948, reached a stage of about 27 ft, from floodmarks by local 

residents (discharge not determined).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!.-_

2...

3...

4__.

r'-_.

6___j

7...

R.-J

9...

10..

March

50

30

15

9.0

7.4

7.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

8.8

April

60

46

43

54

328

802

249

484

398

244

May

67

53

43

36

38

36

30

31

138

50

Day

11--

12__

13_.

14__

15-.

16.,

17__

18..

19-_

20..

March

9.2

7.0

35

109

250

450

1,900

450

92

50

April

469

220

130

156

598

292

187

122

88

71

May

35

27

24

20

20

18

16

14

12

11

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

Runoff in inches - - - -

Hunoff, in acre-feet

March

35

20

17

15

14

12

11

55

454

274

89

145

1.58

8,920

April

59

46

45

117

595

326

196

165

122

91

227

2.39

13,490

May

11

13

10

9.0

9.5

13

13

10

8.0

8.0

7.5

26.8

0.29

1,650

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 17

Hour

0000

0200

1330

2000

Gage 

height

7.02

8.06

12.07

10.06

Discharge

895

1,350

2,580

1,820

Date

Mar. 17

18

Hour

2400

0400

1100

Gage 

height

8.82

6.95

4.88

Discharge

1,410

878

428

Date

Mar. 18

Hour

1500

1700

2400

Gage 

height

4.92

4.11

3.45

Discharge
A390 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(279) 5--1740. Skunk River at Augusta, Iowa

Location. Lat 40°45'10", long 91°16'30", in NE^NE^ sec.26, T.69 N., R.4 W., on left 

bank 300 ft upstream from bridge on State Highway 394 at Augusta, 2 miles upstream 

from Long Creek, at mile 12.5.

Drainage area. 4,303 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 19 2C, for which graph 

was reconstructed on basis of daily wire-weight gage readings. Datum of gage is 

521.24 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 50,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 18, 22 26. Backwater from Mississippi River Apr. 14 30, May 1 14.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 20,300 cfs 0230 hours Mar. 18 (gage height, 

16.99 ft).

1913, 1914 to February 1965: Discharge, 51,000 cfs Apr. 3, 1960 (gage height, 

25.00 ft).

Flood of June 1, 1903, reached a stage of about 21 ft (discharge, ?bout 45,000 cfs).

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2...

3_ _.

4___

5___

6___

7__.

8...

9_-.

10..

March

3,000

5,000

7,000

6,500

6,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,200

2,000

April

6,140

5,990

5,900

6,380

8,010

14,800

15,800

17,100

17,700

16,800

May

8,000

7,000

5,900

5,200

4,800

4,500

4,300

4,000

3,900

3,800

Day

11..

12__

13__

14..

15. _

16. _

17..

18..

19. _

20. _

March

1,700

1,600

1,500

2,200

3,500

5,000

16,000

19,000

17,400

14,000

April

18,200

19,100

17,300

13,200

10,000

7,100

6,100

5,000

4,200

3.70C

May

3,500

3,100

2,800

2,500

2,170

1,820

1,560

1,520

1,360

1,180

Day

21..

22_.

23_.

24..

25..

26_.

27_.

28_.

29_.

30. .

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

9,250

7,400

6,000

4,500

3,500

2,800

2,410

2,000

3,820

8,890

7 190

5,818

1.56

357,700

April

3,200

2,800

2,800

3,000

6,000

9,500

9,100

8,200

8,500

8,900

9,351

2.42

556,400

May

1,080

979

907

840

808

970

1,130

1,660

3,350

4,570

4,210

3,013

0.81

185,300

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 17

18

19

Hour

0000

0400

1000

1300

1700

2000

2400

02301

1200

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

11.58

13.63

15.70

16.41

16.70

16.87

16. 9E

16.99

16.87

16.22

15.82

15.44

15.08

Discharge

20,300

20,100

18,800

18,100

17,400

16,700

Date

[Vlar 1 9

21

Apr. 10

Apr. 11

Hour

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

2400

0600

Gageheight

14 ' 73

10.65 

9.87

9 46

9 27

15.18

15.70

Discharge

16,100

1 5, 500

14,100

11,300

10,000 

8,920

8,360

8,110

16,900

17,900

Date

Apr. 11

1 9

13

Hour

1200

1800

2*00

0600

1400

1800

2*00

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

16.00

16.14

1C O O

1C QG

16.45

16.41

16.22

15.84

15.39

14.88

14.60

Discharge

18,400

1 Q 'ynn

1 Q onn

19,100

19,300

1 Q 9OO

18,800

18,100

17,300

16,400

15,900
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A391

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(280) 5-4745. Mississippi River at Keokuk, Iowa

Location. Lat 40°23'35", long 91°22'25", in SEjSWj sec.30, T.65 N., R.4 W., near right 

bank in tailwater at downstream end of new lock below dam and powerplant of Union 

Electric Co. at Keokuk, 2.8 miles upstream from Des Moines River and at mile 

364.2 upstream from Ohio River.

Drainage area. 119,000 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder. Datum of gage is 477.41 ft above mean 

sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers); 477.83 ft above mean sea 

level, adjustment of 1912; 477.34 ft above mean gulf level; and 484.65 ft above 

Memphis datum. Jan. 1, 1878, to May 1913, staff gage at Galland (formerly Nrshville), 

8 miles upstream; zero of gage was set to low-water mark of 1864, or 497.94 ft 

above mean sea level, adjustment of 1912.

Discharge record. Records furnished by Union Electric Company except for period 

of Apr. 21 to May 11 which were computed by the U.S. Geological Survey on basis of 

backwater rating of the tailwater gage. Furnished records computed from records 

of turbine operation at power plant and openings of spillway gages in dam.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Daily discharge, 327,000 cfs May 1; gage height, 22.14 ft. 

May 1.

1878 to February 1965: Daily discharge, 314,000 cfs May 18, 1888 (gage height, 

12.0 ft, site and datum then in use; 19.6 ft present site and datum).

Flood of June 6, 1851, reached a stage of 21.0 ft, present site and datum; estimated 

as 13.5 ft at Galland (discharge, 360,000 cfs).

Remarks. Discharge records furnished by Union Electric Company except for period 

Apr. 21 to May 11. Annual peak stages furnished by Corps of Engineers.
A3 9 2 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of Mississippi River at Keokiik, Iowa

Day

1 ___ ______

2 __________

q

4____ _

5 .... ... ...

6 __________

7 ___ - _____

8 ____ - ___

g

10 _________

11 _________

12____ _____

13 __ ______

14 _________

15 _________

16 ____

17__ _ _

18 

19

20 _ _ 

21__ __ _

22 __ - _____

23 __ - _

24___ _

25

26 __ __ ____

27 ____ _

28 _________

9Q

30 ______

01

March

Gage height Discharge

48,900 

60,600 

64,400 

77,300 

77,300 

108,800 

116,600 

115,000 

117,700 

123,300 

136,300 

138,800 

126,900 

116,100 

116,000 

121,700 

130,100 

134,000 

110,800 

76,200 

60,500 

62,300 

62,600 

54,200 

48,200 

46,500 

44,600 

50,000 

56,200 

75,000 

81,700

April

Gage height

18.07 

19.02 

19.57 

20.05 

20.59 

20.82 

20.60 

20.06 

19.31 

18.80 

18.67 

18.60 

18.62 

18.79 

19.71 

21.10 

21.64 

21.43 

21.34 

21.97

Discharge

82,700 

97,600 

111,600 

122,200 

133,200 

146,200 

157,600 

173,600 

184,500 

191,000 

191,500 

200,000 

213,900 

223,100 

235,700 

244,700 

250,500 

247,200 

239,300 

234,400 

234,000 

238,000 

239,000 

246,000 

267,000 

292,000 

305,000 

300,000 

302,000 

321,000

214,200 

2.01 

12,740,000

May

Gage height

22.09 

21.75 

21.41 

20.97 

20.48 

20.02 

19.51 

19.03 

18.62 

18.20 

17.77 

17.07 

16.32 

15.49 

14.67

Discharge

327,000 

318,000 

310,000 

298,000 

286,000 

279,000 

269,000 

260,000 

253,000 

246,000 

238,000 

223,400 

211,600 

198,200 

185,400 

174,400 

161,900 

151,500 

142,400 

134,600 

129,900 

128,100 

126,200 

125,400 

129,000 

126,900 

128,100 

130,000 

133,200 

135,800 

136,000

196,600 

1.91 

12,090,000
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 93

Annual maximum stages and mean daily discharges, for indicated rears of Mississippi River at Keokuk, Iowa

Year

1869 

1870 __

1 Q 7 1

1 Q 7 o

1873 __

1874 __ 

1875 __ 

1876 __

1 Q 77

1 p 7Q

1880 __ 

1881 __

1883 __ 

1884 __

1886 __ 

1887. __

1888 __ 

1889 __

1890 __ 

1891 .

1892 - 

1893

1894 __

1896 __ 

1897 ___

1899 __

1900 __

1901 __

1 QH9

1903 __ 

1904

1905 __ 

1906 __ 

1907

1908 __

1909 - 

1910 __ 

1911 - 

1912 __ 

1913 __ 

1914 __ 

1915 __

Date

July 16 

Apr. 27

June 14-15

Mar. 12 

July 9 

Apr. 17

Apr 9 10

June 29 

Apr 23 24

Oct. 31, 1881

May 18 

Apr. 1

Oct. 9, 10,1884 

May 6

May 18

July 1

June 29 

May 15-17

June 4 

Mar. 11

June 3 

Apr. 28, 29

Mar 24 26

July 21, 22

June 6 

Oct. 7, 1903

June 10 

Apr. 26-28 

Apr. 17-18

May 5-7 

Mar. 20-23 

Feb. 21 

Apr. 6, 7 

Mar. 29 

June 24 

Feb. 28

Gage 

height 

(feet)

21 0

14.6

14.7 

16.4 

122

12.1

1 9 ^

8.8

12.9

U

c

8 45

17.5

189

15.4 

16.7

15.95

19.6

12.6

19.25 

14.85

11.3

11.9 

18.4

113

15.5

19.6

18.5 

14.0

13.9 

10.1 

12.3 

17.7 

13.5 

11.2

Discharge 

(cfs)

 

 

150,000

110,000

271,000 

241,000

293 000

201,000 

236,000 

170,000

212,000 

156,000

314,000 

84,200

178,000 

141,000

306,000

158,000 

59,200

161,000 

230,000 

108,000

159,000

124,000

150,000 

181,000

270,000 

186,000

212,000 

192,000 

178,000

178,000

181,000 

124,000 

156,000 

220,000 

169,000 

122,000 

142,000

Year

1916

1917

1918- 

1919 __ 

1920 __

1921

1922___

1923 __ 

1924 __ 

1925 __

1927 __

1928

1929 __ 

1930.-.

1931

1932 - 

1933- 

1 Q^d.

1935 __ 

1936 

1937. 

1938 

1939 __

1940 ___ 

1941 __

1942 __ 

1943 -

1944 __ 

1945 ___

1946 __ 

1947 __ 

1948 ___

1949 __

1950 

1951

1952 __

1953 

1954 __

1955 

1956 

1957. -.

1958 __

1959 __ 

1960 __ 

1961 - 

1962 __ 

1963 __ 

1964 __ 

1965 __

Date

June 12 

May 8 

Apr. 10-11

May 12-13

Apr. 24, 25

Apr. 9, 10 

Aug. 24, 25 

June 23

Apr. 3

Mar. 23 

June 18

July 4

Apr. 24, 25 

Apr. 9 

Apr. 22

Apr. 11, 12 

Apr. 9, 10

Mar. 10 

Sept. 26

Oct. 1, 1938

Apr. 19 

Apr. 27

June 16 

Apr. 18

May 27, 28 

Mar. 26

Jan. 11 

June 21 

Mar. 23

Mar. 12

Apr. 25, 26

A « O Q

Apr. 27

Apr. 1, 2

May 17

Apr. 25 

Apr. 22 

July 15

June 13

Apr. 5 

Apr. 4 

Apr. 5 

Apr. 7 

Mar. 22 

May 21 

May 1

Gage 

height 

(feet)

16.7 

17.15

17.45

12.0 

10.3

19.3 

13.9

10.2 

14.5

12.3

16.1 

16.4

6.4 

12.3

15.80

20.85 

16.80

16.95 

20.2 

18.9

13.3

12.5

12.7 

10.2 

8.70

8.29

14.17 

21.83 

17.11 

18.58 

10.76 

7.96 

22.14

Discharge 

(cfs)

213,000

163,000

192,000 

205,000 

230,000

108,000

240,000

148,000 

160,000 

112,000

146,000

175,000

150,000

247,000 

163,000

52,500

106,000 

160,000 

83,500

138,000 

148,000

190,000 

193,800

159,100

81,700 

154,400

200,900 

174,000

256,000 

203,300

223,300 

245,700 

233,600

150,700

175,900

265,100

253,800

137,200 

181,400

156,600 

131,500 

106,000

99,000

182,000 

289,500 

208,400 

224,100 

128,700 

96,400 

327,000

Note. Annual peak stages referenced to tailwater gage, datum 477.83 feet, adjustment 

of 1912.
A3 9 4 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

DBS MOINES RIVER BASIN

(281) West Fork Des Moines River below Talcott Dam near Dundee, Minn. 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. Lat 43°53'10", long 95°26'll", near center of sec.20, T.105 N., R.38 W., at 

outlet of Talcott Lake, 3^ miles northeast of Dundee.

Gage-height record. Peak from graph based on twice-daily tailwater staff gage readings, Apr. 6 8. Datum of gage is 1,395.29 ft above mean sea level, adjustment of 

1929 (levels by Minnesota Conservation Department Division of Waters).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. April May 1965: Discharge, 4,700 cfs 0600 hours Apr. 7 (gage height, 

11.51 ft).

1963 to March 1965: Discharge, 1,000 cfs Aug. 4, 1963 (gage height, 8.22 ft).

Cooperation. Gage heights furnished by Minnesota Conservation Department, Division 

of Waters.

(282) 5 4758. West Fork Des Moines River tributary near Jackson, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 43°41'40", long 95°01'30", in NW^SEi, sec.27, T.103 N., R.35 W., at 

culvert on county road three-quarters of a mile upstream from mouth, and 5-| miles 

north of Jackson.

Drainage area. 1.42 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 6 cfs and by indirect measurement at 49 cfs.

Maxima. April May 1965: Discharge, 38 cfs Apr. 5 (gage height, 17.86 ft, backwater 

from ice).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 69 cfs Mar. 28, 1962 (gage height, 16.34 ft, 

backwater from ice).

(283) 5 1759. West Fork Des Moines River tributary near Lakefield, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 43°40'30", long 95°03'20", in SE|SE| sec.32, T.103 N., P.35 W., at 

culvert on County Highway 19, 1^ miles upstream from mouth, and 5-3/4 miles east 

of Lakefield.

Drainage area. 4.52 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 47 cfs and by indirect measurement at 119 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 112 cfs Apr. 5 (gage height, 10.46 ft, backwater 

from ice); gage height, 10.65 ft April 1 (backwater from ice).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 119 cfs June 9, 1963 (gage height, 7.00 ft); gage 

height, 8.86 ft Mar. 28, 1962 (backwater from ice).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A395

(284) 5-4760. West Fork Des Moines River at Jackson, Minn.

Location. Lat 43°37'10", long 94°59'10", in SE^SW^ sec.24, T.102 N., R.35 W., on 

right bank in Jackson, 200 ft downstream from dam at powerplant.

Drainage area. 1,220 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except 0100 hours Apr. 6 to May 31. 

Graph was constructed on the basis of six or more daily gage readings, on powerplant gage above dam, 0100 hours Apr. 6 to Apr. 27 and average of twice-daily gage 

readings on the outside staff gage Apr. 28 to May 31. Datum of gage is 1,287.75 ft 

above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-measurements. Backwater from ice Apr. 1 9. Discharge for the period Apr. 6 14 was obtained from 

powerplant gage stage-discharge relation.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 9,530 cfs 2200 hours Apr. 9 (gage height,

18.38 ft, from powerplant gage); gage height, 18.62 ft 1500 hours Apr. 6, froir floodmark (backwater from ice).

1909-13, 1930 to March 1965: Discharge, 8,360 cfs June 8, 1953 (gage heifht, 

17.43 ft, from floodmark), from rating curve extended above 3,500 cfs on basis of 

contracted-opening measurement of peak flow.

Remarks. Some regulation by Yankton, Long, Shetek, and Heron Lakes above station. 

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!__.-_.

2... ...

3......

4......

5... ...

6......

7......

8___...

9 ___ .

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

77 

124 

295 

645 

1,530 

5,300 

5,600 

5,100 

8,000 

9,100

May

1,590 

1,440 

1,440 

1,390 

1,290 

1,170 

1,170 

1,270 

1,500 

1,840

Day

11. ...

12.....

13 ...

14.....

15.....

16.. __

17.....

18.....

19.....

20.....

April

8,330 

7,110 

5,980 

5,360 

4,750 

4,310 

3,860 

3,550 

3,300 

3,070

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

1,500 

1,480 

1,510 

1,550 

1,620 

1,640 

1,590 

1,590 

1,590 

1,640

Day

21 __ .

22. __

23.....

24.....

25 ___ .

26 _____

27.. ___

28 __ ..

29.....

30.....

31._...

d .... __ ... _____

April

2,760 

2,320 

2,220 

2,150 

2,150 

2,160 

2,140 

2,040 

1,770 

1,750

3,561 

3.26

May

1,780 

1,730 

1,660 

1,590 

1,780 

1,850 

1,810 

1,730 

1,730 

1,690 

1,690

1,576 

1.49

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 31

Apr. 1

Hour

0000

1200

1300

2100

2400

0500

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

Gage 

height

4.27

4.37

4.30

6.79

7.10

7.20

7.08

7.89

8.87

9.17

9.15

Discharge

Date

kpr. 2

3

Hour

0600

1200

1600

2400

0900

1200

1500

1700

1800

1900

2100

Gage 

height

8.83

8.28

8.09

8.21

8.10

8.10

9.83

11.09

10.98

1 n QQ

10.55

Discharge

Date

4

5

Hour

2300

2400

0500

0600

1200

1800

2400

0100

Gag<; 

heigl *

10.45

11.22

10.97

10.8?

10.61

1 n Q*}

10.77

U OA

11.56

11.59

Discharge
A3 9 6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height and discharge at indicated time, 1965, of West Fork Des Moines River at Jackson, Minn. Continued

Date

6

7

Hour

1200

1700

1800

2100

2400

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0300

0700

0800

1200

1500

Gage 

height

11.61

11 79

1315

13.74

14.72

17.41

18.07

18.52

18.96

18.54

18.64

18.46

18.64

18.67

18.59

18.67

18.55

Discharge

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

Hour

1800

2100

2400

0300

0600

0800

1200

1400

1700

1800

2000

2100

2400

0600

1000

1300

1500

Gage 

height

18.46

18.38

18.21

18.17

18.04

17.96

17.71

17.71

17.46

17.62

17.88

17.71

17.79

18.04

18.04

17 79

18.04

Discharge Date

10

11

1 9

13

14

Hour

1800

2200

2400

0600

0800

1200

1300

18CO

2400

24CO

9drn

24CO

24CO

Gage 

height

18.29

18.38

18.29

18.21

18.25

18.29

18.26

18.18

18.12

n 79

17.12

16.78

16.58

Discharge

9,530

9,070

9,170

9,270

9,200

8,990

8,830

7,828

6,390

5,580

5,140

Note. Gage-heights Apr. 6 14 are from gage at power plant above dam.

(285) 5 4761. Story Brook near Petersburg, Minn. 

(Crest-stage station)

Location. Lat 43°32'20", long 94°59'40", in SW^NW^ sec.24, T.101 N., R.35 W., at 

bridge on U.S. Highway 71, 3 miles upstream from mouth, and 4 miles west of 

Petersburg.

Gage-height record. Crest stages only.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 252 cfs and by indirect measurement at 2,110 cfs.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 1,200 cfs Apr. 6 (gage height, 12.75 ft, backwater from ice); gage height, 18.58 ft Apr. 4 (backwater from ice).

1960 to March 1965: Discharge, 2,110 cfs July 4, 1962 (gage height, 12.77 ft); 

gage height, 14.17 ft Mar. 28, 1962 (backwater from ice).

(286) 5-^1765. West Fork Des Moines River at Estherville, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°24'00", long 94°50'40", in SW^SE^ sec.10, T.99 N., R.34 W., on right 

bank in city park, 1,200 ft downstream from bridge on S.tate Highway 9 at Estherville, 

2.5 miles upstream from Brown Creek and at mile 404.4 upstream from mouth of 

Des Moines River (U.S. Geological Survey river profile).

Drainage area. 1,372 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 1,247.55 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 10,600 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 17-25, Apr. 4 8.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 10,200 cfs 1900 hours Apr. 10 (gage height, 

15.61 ft).

1951 to February 1965: Discharge, 10,800 cfs June 8, 1953 (gage height, 15.53 ft).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A3 9 7

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. 1965, of West Fork Des Moines River at Estherville, Iowa

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4...

5_ _.

6 ---\

7...

8...

p___

iO_.

March

108

56

50

49

48

45

44

43

40

37

April

490

1,120

1,340

1,660

3,000

5,700

7,200

7,600

7,860

9,660

May

1,810

1,670

1,540

1,490

1,660

1,400

1,390

1,790

1,760

1,900

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19_.

20..

March

36

35

35

39

42

46

48

33

23

27

April

9,490

8,300

7,000

6,060

5,530

4,980

4,380

3,960

3,680

3,380

May

2,090

1,790

1,620

1,670

1,880

2,070

1,930

1,800

1,730

1,730

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff in inches _ ________

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

31

35

38

38

36

35

33

31

30

33

QS

42.5

0.04

2,610

April

3,100

2,760

2,490

2,360

2,340

2,390

2,410

2,320

2,140

1,940

4,221

3.43

251,200

May

1,960

2,110

1,940

1,800

1,980

2,180

2,160

2,010

1,880

1,860

1,850

1,821

1.53

112,000

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 9

10

Hour

0000

1000

2000

2400

0400

0800

Gage 

height

13.84

13.85

14.55

14.67

14.87

15.22

Discharge

7,440

7,450

8,500

8,710

8,960

9,590

Date

Apr. 10

11

Hour

1800

1900

2400

0600

1800

Gage 

height

15.55

15.61

15.56

15.38

14.95

Discharge

10,100

10,200

10,100

9,870

9,100

Date

Apr. 11

12

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

Gage 

height

14. 7f

14.6?

14.41

14.21

13. 9f

Discharge

8,910

8,620

8,270

8,030

7,610

(287) West Fork Des Moines River at Emmetsburg, Iowa 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. NW£ sec.26, T.96 N., R.33 W., at bridge on county road about 1 mile west 

of Emmetsburg.

Drainage area. 1,672 sq mi.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 9,780 cfs and extended above by logarithmic plotting.

Maximum. March-May 1965: Discharge, 12,000 cfs Apr. 11 (elevation, 1,206.83 ft 

above mean sea level).

(288) West Fork Des Moines River near Ottosen, Iowa 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. SE^ sec.l, T.93 N., R.31 W., at county line on State Highway 44, 3 niles 

west of Ottosen.

Drainage area. 2,018 sq mi.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 13,200 cfs and extended above by logarithmic plotting.

Maxima. March-May 1965; Discharge, 14,000 cfs Apr. 12 (elevation, 1,136.68 ft above 

mean sea level).
A3 9 8 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(289) 5 1767.5 West Fork Des Moines River at Humboldt, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°43'10", long 94°13'10", in SE^SWi sec.l, T.91 N., R.29 W., on First 

Avenue bridge in city of Humboldt, about 700 feet below dam, 3.9 miles upstream from 

confluence with East Fork Des Moines River, and at mile 334.3 upstream from mouth 

of Des Moines River(U.S. Geological Survey river profile).

Drainage area. 2,256 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Graph constructed from daily wire-weight gage readings. Datum 

of gage is 1,053.54 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 14,400 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 19 26.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 14,400 cfs 1400 hours Apr. 8 (gage height, 

13.90 ft).

October 1964 to February 1965: Discharge, 1,360 cfs Oct. 1, 1964 (gage height, 

5.11 ft).

Flood of June 23, 1947, reached a stage of 12.2 ft (discharge, 11,000 cfs) at present 

site and datum.

Mean discharge, in cubic feel per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3___

4...

5___

6___

7...

8...

9__.

10..

March

948

885

579

462

335

276

233

241

245

229

April

1,520

2,150

2,920

4,600

7,330

9,340

12,500

14,300

14,000

13,700

May

3,610

3,340

3,040

2,830

2,600

2,510

2,540

2,560

2,560

2,860

Day

11..

12__

13..

14. _

15..

16..

17. _

18. _

19..

20..

March

217

217

245

290

432

596

634

484

400

310

April

12,700

12,200

13,400

12,800

11,700

10,500

9,260

8,420

7,650

6,980

May

3,100

3,010

2,850

2,730

2,610

2,790

3,160

3,280

3,170

2,950

Day

21_.

22_.

23_.

24. .

25_.

26_.

27..

28..

29_.

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff, in acre-feet

March

270

242

224

212

208

206

205

205

213

240

478

354

0.18

21,740

April

6,370

5,740

5,210

4,910

4,670

4,460

4,410

4,160

3,920

3,780

7,853

3.88

467,300

May

2,740

2,660

2,680

2,860

3,140

3,440

3,360

3,560

3,530

3,360

3,170

2,987

1.53

183,700

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 30

31

Apr. 1

2

Hour

0000

1200

2400

1000

1400

1800

2200

2400

0400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

Gage 

height

3.33

3.37

3.47

3.60

3.87

4.09

4.40

4.56

4.99

5.12

5.38

5.56

5.71

6.00

Discharge

217

233

276

335

478

609

820

932

1,260

1,370

1,570

1,730

1,870

2,130

Date

Apr. 2

3

4

5

6

Hour

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

1200

1600

1800

2000

2400

0400

1200

1800

Gage 

height

6.35

6.73

7.33

8.24

9.06

9.90

10.15

11.10

10.60

10.55

10.59

10.96

11.52

Discharge

2,470

2,850

3,490

4,570

5,760

7,200

7,650

9,360

8,460

8,370

8,440

9,110

10,100

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9

10

Hour

2401

0601

1001

2401

1201

1401

1801

2401

0801

2401

0800

1200

2400

Gage 

height

11.85

12.52

12.59

13.64

13.88

13.90

13.89

13.76

13.60

13.65

13.62

13.55

13.23

Discharge

10,800

12,000

12,100

14,000

14,400

14,400

14,400

14,200

13,900

14,000

13,900

13,800

13,200
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A399

(290) 5 4780. East Fork Des Moines River near Burt, Iowa

Location. Lat 43°12'35", long 94°10'40", in NW^NE^ sec.20, T.97 N., R.28 W., on right 

bank 30 ft downstream from highway bridge, 0.8 mile upstream from Buffalo Creek, 

2.5 miles northeast of Burt, 5.3 miles downstream from Mud Creek, and at mile 

389.7 upstream from mouth of Des Moines River (U.S. Geological Survey river 

profile).

Drainage area. 462 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 1 15, 18 30. Datum of 

gage is 1,114.42 ft (revised) above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 3,180 cfs, extended to 5,000 cfs by logarithmic plotting and velocity-area study. 

Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 9.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 5,000 cfs 2100 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

14.21 ft, backwater from ice).

1951 to February 1965: Discharge, 3,870 cfs June 21, 1954 (gage height, 12.67 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3__.

4...

5__.

6___

7...

8...

9___

10..

March

52

60

50

47

44

42

40

40

40

41

April

400

470

660

1,100

2,000

3,900

3,600

3,900

4,500

3,490

May

1,000

960

888

828

858

1,110

1,180

1,230

1,120

1,040

Day

11..

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18..

19__

20. .

March

42

43

44

46

47

48

47

45

42

37

April

3,110

2,920

2,680

2,480

2,340

2,190

2,090

1,980

1.820

1,700

May

1,110

1,020

920

844

814

883

876

837

828

762

Day

21..

22_.

23_.

24..

25_.

26..

27..

28..

29..

30_.

3 1

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff in inches

Kunoff, in acre -feet

March

34

32

30

29

27

26

26

25

25

27

100

41.2

0.10

2,530

April

1,550

1,450

1,340

1,270

1,250

1,310

1,260

1,230

1,170

1,090

2,008

4.85

119,500

May

682

650

625

610

625

744

884

848

807

741

688

871

2.17

53,580

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

6

Hour

0000

0800

1200

2200

2400

0200

0600

1800

1200

Gage 

height

11.80

11.87

1 9 1 Q

12.32

12 45

» oo 

13.90

Discharge Date

7

8

Hour

1600

2100

2400

1000

2400

1800

2000

2400

Gage 

height

1413

14.21

14 19

13.80

13.64

13.96

13.95

13.84

Discharge

5,000

Date

10

11

Hour

0800

1200

2400

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

heigl t.

13.46

1 *3 A 9

13.23

12.85

12.74

12.54

12.40

12.23

Discharge

3 

' 700

3,500

3,280

3,100

2,960
A400 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(291) East Fork Des Moines River at Algona, Iowa 

(Miscellaneous site)

Location. NW| sec.2, T.95 N., R.29 W., at bridge on U.S. Highway 169 at north edge 

of Algona.

Drainage area. 882 sq mi.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 10,700 cfs and extended above by logarithmic plotting.

Maximum. March-May 1965: Discharge, 11,400 cfs, Apr. 9 (elevation, 1,118.78 ft 

above mean sea level).

(292) 5-^1790. East Fork Des Moines River at Dakota City, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°43'25", long 94° 11'30", in NW^SE^ sec.6, T.91 N., R.28 W., on right 

bank 50 ft upstream from old mill dam, in city park at east edge of Eakota City, 

500 ft upstream from county highway bridge, 0.6 mile downstream from bridge on 

State Highway 3, 3.4 miles (revised) upstream from confluence with West Fort 

Des Moines River, and at mile 333.8 upstream from mouth of Des Moines River (U.S. 

Geological Survey river profile).

Drainage area. 1,308 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 2, 3. Datum of gage is 

1,038.71 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 17,300 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 6.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 15,700 cfs 0500 hours Apr. 9 (gage height, 

23.13 ft).

1940 to February 1965: Discharge, 18,800 cfs June 21, 1954 (gage height, 16.95 ft, 

from floodmark, at site 8 miles upstream near Hardy at different datum).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

-t...

5_ _.

6...

7...

?_-.

9...

10__

March

1,420

1,300

1,120

960

840

740

630

560

490

450

April

1,020

1,520

3,000

4,700

7,000

10,800

14,400

15,400

15,400

13,200

May

2,420

2,250

2,070

1,910

1,780

1,680

1,570

1,540

1,600

1,710

Vonthlv mean discharge, in

Day

11-.

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20-.

March

420

400

390

380

390

440

770

610

500

390

April

10,600

8,520

7,460

6,660

6,000

5,410

4,930

4,450

4,050

3,700

May

1,770

1,760

1,690

1,650

1,720

1,890

1,960

1,880

1,810

1,780

Day

21_.

22,.

23..

24_.

25..

26,.

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31..

cubic feet per second..... ______

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

320

270

240

220

190

172

158

142

136

130

170

495

0.44

30,440

April

3,380

3,090

2,850

2,650

2,560

2,570

2,580

2,550

2,560

2,540

5,852

4.99

348,200

May

1,720

1,630

1,550

1,470

2,120

2,120

2,250

1,990

1,900

1,970

1,970

1,822

1.61

112,000
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of East Fork 

Des Moines River at Dakota Citv, Iowa

A401

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

Hour

0000

0400

0800

1200

2000

2400

1200 

2400

0500

Gage 

height

21.85

22.08

21.80

22.38

22.88

22.98

22.88 

23.07

23.13

Discharge

13,600

13,900

13,500

14,400

15,300

15,500

15,300 

15,600

15,700

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

Hour

1200

2400

0800

1600

2400

0800 

1600

Gage 

height

23.03

22.42

21.88

21.35

20,81

20.21 

19.65

Discharge

15,600

14,500

13,600

12,800

11,900

11,000 

10,200

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

Hour

2400

0800

1600

2400

0800 

1600 

2400

Gage 

height

19.08

18.55

18.18

17.85

17.63 

17.46 

17.21

Discharge

9,410

8,720

8,230

7,820

7,560 

7,370 

7,090

(293) 5-4800. Lizard Creek near Clare, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°32'40", long 94°20'45", in NE^NE^ sec.11, T.89 N., R.30 W., on right 

bank 20 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 3 miles south of Clare, 8 miles 

northwest of Fort Dodge, and 8.9 miles upstream from South Lizard Creek.

Drainage area. 257 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 3-7, 18, 19. Datum of 

gage is 1,079.30 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 5,270 cfs, extended to 10,000 cfs by logarithmic plotting. Backwater from ice 

Mar. 1 to Apr. 6.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 4,670 cfs 1530 hours Apr. 7; gage height, 

11.61 ft 1300 hours Apr. 4 (backwater from ice).

1940 to February 1965: Discharge, 10,000 cfs June 23, 1947 (gage height, 16.0 ft, 

from floodmark).

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by the Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feel per second, 1965

Day

1...

2__J

3__]

; --i

- i

6___

7...

,3._ H

9-..,

10. _

March

700

370

130

60

47

41

37

36

36

36

April

74

210

480

1,100

1,800

2,500

3,680

2,450

1,800

1,130

May

143

128

106

93

89

84

78

80

154

151

Day

11.-

12_.

13_.

14. _

15. _

16..

17. _

18..

19..

20..

March

38

42

90

210

510

680

640

250

120

62

April

985

845

696

588

488

390

330

280

241

214

May

123

104

91

84

93

363

321

244

182

138

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25.J

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Mont hi \ mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... _____--.

I'ur.ot'f. m acre-feet

March

34

27

24

22

21

20

20

19

19

20

29

142

0.64

8,710

April

223

199

173

154

161

238

264

223

190

165

742

3 99

44,170

May

128

138

151

196

284

814

578

388

305

277

253

205

O Q9

12,620
A402 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Lizard Creek near

Clare, Iowa

Date

Apr. 3

4

5

Hour

0800

1200

1400

1600

2400

1300

1400

1500

2400

1200

Gage 

height

10.85

11.10

11.24

11.36

11.61

7.28

8.45

9.28

9.20

Discharge

Date

6

7

Hour

1700

2000

2400

1200

1400

1600

2400

0600

Gage 

height

9.31

8.27

8.41

8.39

8.98

8.81

9.10

9.26-

Discharge

2,440

2,420

2,860

2,730

2,960

3,090

Date

Apr. 7

Hcur

1200

1530

2400

0400

1800

2400

0600

1800

2400

Gage 

height

10.55

11.10

9.23

.DO

.11

.U (

. <3 1

6.62

Discharge

4,180

4,670

3,060

, OoU

, £i OU

2,200

, uy u

1,550

I , £ioU

(294) 5 1805. Des Moines River at Fort Dodge, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°30'25", long 94°12'00", in NW^SW^ sec.19, T.89 N., F.28 W., on right 

bank 400 ft upstream from Soldier Creek, 1,800 ft downstream from Illinois Central 

Railroad bridge in Fort Dodge, 2,000 ft downstream from Lizard Creek, and at mile 

314.6.

Drainage area. 4,190 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is P69.38 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 35,600 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 5.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 35,600 cfs 0630 hours Apr. 8 (gage height, 

17.79 ft).

1905-06, 1913-27, 1946 to February 1965: Discharge, 35,400 cfs June 21,1954; 

gage height, 19.62 ft, from floodmark, June 23, 1947.

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by the Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3__.

4...

5_ __

6...

7__.

8...

9...

10_.

March

3,420

2,780

2,220

1,920

1,700

1,500

1,360

1,210

1,080

920

April

3,300

7,000

9,600

12,000

17,000

23,500

30,600

35,100

34,000

30,900

May

6,770

6,260

5,750

5,290

5,020

4,890

4,650

4,560

4,560

5,000

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

860

850

900

1,160

1,900

2,400

2,220

1,820

1,340

1,090

April

26,200

22,800

21,900

20,900

19,000

17,200

1 5, 500

14,200

13,100

12,200

May

5,380

5,350

5,020

4,800

4,810

5,320

5,830

5,840

5,600

5,310

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... .._...._

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

890

740

500

505

500

500

470

460

455

510

1,300

1,274

0.35

78,310

April

11,300

10,400

9,620

8,860

8,560

8,470

8,220

7,760

7,460

7,180

15,790

4.21

939,800

May

4,980

4,870

4,800

4,960

5,920

9,920

8,420

7,340

6,740

6,470

6,130

5,695

1.57

350,200
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A403

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, ofDes Moines River

at Fort Dodge, Iowa

Date

^pr. 6

7

Hour

0000

0600

1000

2400

1300

1800

Gage 

height

12.51

12.82

13.38

14.83

15.96

16.97

Discharge

20,600

21,400

22,900

27,000

30,300

33,200

Date

Apr. 7

8

Hour

2000

2400

0400

0600

0630

Gage 

height

17.16

17.35

17.55

17.67

17.79

Discharge

33,800

34,300

34,900

35,200

35,600

Date

Apr. 8

9

Hour

1600

1700

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

17.70

17.60

17.58

17.29

16.90

Discharge

35,300

35,000

35,000

34,100

33,000

(295) 5 4810. Boone River near Webster City, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°26'00", long 93°48'15", in NW^SE^ sec.18, T.88 N., R.25 W., on right 

bank 10 ft upstream from bridge on State Highway 60, 2 miles south of Webster City, 

and 4.5 miles downstream from White Fox Creek.

Drainage area. 844 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 1 15, 19 25. Graph was 

reconstructed from daily wire-weight gage readings Mar. 3, 15. Datum of gage is 

989.57 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 19,600 cfs, extended to 21,500 cfs by logarithmic plotting. Backwater from ice 

Mar. 1, 18-25.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge 15,200 cfs 2200 hours Apr. 6 (gage hsight, 

15.91 ft).

1896 to February 1965: Discharge, 21,500 cfs June 10, 1918 (gage height, 19.1 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6___

7___

8...

9...

10..

March

4,500

3,100

2,320

1,600

1,160

840

650

520

400

306

April

2,630

3,110

3,230

4,940

8,220

13,800

14,400

13,600

11,400

10,100

May

780

680

596

528

478

609

1,050

965

768

609

Day

11..

12..

13. _

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

250

220

200

200

209

204

190

400

270

200

April

7,190

5,780

4,630

3,760

3,050

2,520

2,100

1,770

1,410

1,160

May

510

438

383

362

362

644

1,060

890

690

551

Day

21_.

22..

23..

24..

25_.

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff, in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

164

140

120

100

90

80

74

74

74

91

669

626

0.86

38,510

April

93^

SOT

725

655

752

1,46-)

1,660

1,400

1,120

905

4,307

5.69

256,300

May

478

510

568

609

956

3,920

3,930

3,120

2,340

2,000

1,680

1,067

1.46

65,580

317-045 O - 70 - 27
A404 FLOODS OF 1965 iN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Boons River 

near Webster City, Iowa

Date

Mar. 30

31

Apr. 1

Hour

0000

1400

1800

2200

2400

1100

1200

1300

1400

1500

1600 

1700 

1800

2200 

2400

1000

Gage 

height

1.93

1.93

2.10

2.14

2.24

2.33

2.47

2.71

3.06

3.43

3.84 

4.45 

4.82

5.32 

5.34

5.94

Discharge

75.9

75.9

114

124

148

170

206

278

398

550

755 

1,160 

1,430

1,820 

1,830

2,330

Date

Apr. 1

2

3

4

Hour

1300

1700

2200

2400

0700

2400

0800

1200

2400

0600 

1000 

1200

2000 

2400

Gage 

height

6.20

6.87

7.36

7.39

6.86

6.61

6.49

6.76

8.07

8.07 

8.22 

8.40

10.12 

10.17

Discharge

2,540

3,130

3,540

3,570

3,120

2,900

2,790

3,030

4,150

4,150 

4,280 

4,440

6,260 

6,320

Date

Apr. 5

6

7

8

Hour

040C

160C

2400

0600

120C

180C

2200

2400

1000 

1200 

2400

1200 

2400

Gage 

height

10.37

12.02

13.37

14.64

15.35

15.83

15.91

15.89

15.20 

15.15 

15.60

14.95 

14.37

Discharge

6,580

8,830

10,900

13,000

14,200

15,100

15,200

15,200

14,000 

13,900 

14,700

13,500 

12,500

(296) 5 4815. Des Moines River near Boone, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°04'40", long 93° 55'55", in NE^NE^ sec.24, T.84 N., R.27 W., on left 

bank 30 ft upstream from Boone Water Department dam, 2 miles northwest of Boone, 

2.2 miles upstream from Bluff Creek, and at mile 258.8.

Drainage area. 5,511 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 2 4, 9, 10, 19, Apr. 7 12, 

for which graph was reconstructed from daily (during March) and hourly (duringApril) 

outside staff gage readings. Datum of gage is 872.16 ft (revised) above mean sea 

level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 57,400 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 5.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 51,600 cfs 0400 hours Apr. 9 (gage height, 

22.89 ft).

1920 to February 1965: Discharge, 57,400 cfs June 22, 1954 (gage height, 25.35 ft, 

from graph based on hourly gage readings).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l._.

2...

3...

4___

5___

6...

7...

«...

9___

10..

March

1,600

6,000

7,500

6,000

4,300

3,300

2,700

2,300

1,940

1,720

April

4,110

11,000

13,000

19,000

21,000

34,900

42,400

49,300

50,800

47,900

May

7,950

7,430

6,870

6,320

5,820

5,640

5,700

5,920

5,620

5,470

Day

11.-

12..

13.-

14,.

15..

16..

17..

18..

19_.

20..

March

1,580

1,420

1,320

1,280

1,760

2,600

3,000

2,800

2,480

2,100

April

43,400

36,800

31,500

28,500

26,200

23,000

20,300

18,000

16,000

14,400

May

5,720

5,890

5,720

5,380

5,210

5,330

6,200

6,730

6,510

6,130

Day

21-.

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... .._____.

Runoff, in inches ...

Runoff, in acre-feet

March

1,640

1,300

1,100

960

840

740

660

620

660

760

1,600

2,212

0.46

136,000

April

12,800

11,600

10,500

9,810

9,420

9,600

9,860

9,540

8,890

8,400

21,730

4.40

1,293,000

May

5,720

5,620

5,680

5,620

5,820

9,620

15,000

13,100

10,500

9,270

8,560

6,970

1.46

428,600
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A405

Cage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, ofDes Moines River

near Boone, Iowa

Date

Apr. 6

7

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

1000

1800

2400

Gage 

height

15.82

16.89

18.14

19.14

19.57

19.95

20.89

21.45

Discharge

28,600

31,600

35,200

38,500

39,900

41,100

44,200

46,200

Date

Apr. 8

9

Hour

0800

1600

2000

2400

0400

0800

1600

Gage 

height

22.13

22.62

22.79

22.87

22.89

22.84

22.66

Discharge

48,700

50,600

51,200

51,500

51,600

51,400

50,700

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

Hour

2400

0800

1400

2400

0800

1600

2400

Gage 

height

22.37

22.07

21.83

21.45

20.97

20.42

19.67

Discharge

49,600

48,500

47,600

46,200

44,400

42,600

40,200

(297) 5^816.50 Des Moines River near Saylorville, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°41'50", long 93°40'05", near center of sec.5,T.79 N., R.24 W., near 

center of span on downstream side of highway bridge, 2.0 miles west of Say?orville, 

2.0 miles downstream from Rock Creek, 2.2 miles upstream from Beaver Creek, and 

at mile 211.4.

Drainage area. 5,841 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Wire-weight gage read once daily. Datum of gage is 787.54 ft 

above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 44,600 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 3.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 47,400 cfs 1700 hours Apr. 10 (gage height, 

24.02 ft).

1893 to February 1965: Discharge, 60,000 cfs June 24, 1954 (gage height, 24.5 ft).

Cooperation. Three discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1--.

2...

3...

T. _.

1- -_

6...

7.-J

8...

q___

10..

March

2,500

5,150

6,700

7,400

5,450

4,200

3,520

3,070

2,590

2,200

April

3,310

5,200

10,000

15,200

19,400

28,600

35,600

45,300

45,600

47,100

May

10,000

9,330

8,560

7,790

7,130

6,520

6,410

6,640

6,590

6,110

Day

11..

12. _

13..

14..

15. _

16..

17..

18..

19_.

20..

March

1,920

1,830

1,890

2,200

2,740

3,800

5,200

4,580

3,600

2,700

April

46,100

42,200

36,900

32,600

30,000

28,200

25,600

22,900

21,000

19,100

May

5,990

6,250

6,370

6,060

5,750

5,580

5,820

6,820

7,200

6,880

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31_.

 ^uN'/fi , in inches ...

Runoff, in acre-feet

March

2,100

1,500

1,200

1,000

900

800

740

740

900

1,680

2,470

2,815

0.56

173,100

April

17,300

15,500

14,400

14,000

13,000

12,600

12,100

12,200

11,700

10,700

 

23,110

4.41

1,375,000

May

7,920

6,030

6,160

6,040

6,030

7,580

11,000

15,700

17,700

12,900

10,800

7,925

1.56

487,300
A406 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Des Moines River

near Saylorville, Iowa

Dale

\pr. 6

7

8

Hour

0000

1200

2400

1200

2400

1000

Gage 

height

19.54

20.71

21.32

21.93

23.12

23.87

Discharge

24,500

29,100

31,800

34,600

41,200

46,400

Date

Apr. 8

9

10

Hour

1400

2400

0700

2400

1700

Gage 

height

23.93

23.78

23.65

23.88

24.02

Discharge

46,800

45,800

44,900

46, 500

47,400

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

Hour

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

24.00

23.86

23.60

23.27

22.88

Discharge

47,300

46,300

44,500

42,300

39,700

(298) 5-^821.7 Big Cedar Creek near Varina, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°41'21", long 94°47'55", in NE^NE^j sec.24, T.91 N., R.34 W., on left 

bank 5 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 3.1 miles upstream from Drainage 

Ditch 74, and 3.3 miles northeast of Varina.

Drainage area. 80.0 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 1 12, 18 29. Datum of 

gage is 1,225.12 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 2,070 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 8.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 1,060 cfs 1200 hours Apr. 8 (gage height, 

10.17 ft); gage height 15.05 ft 2200 hours Apr. 6 (backwater from ice).

1959 to February 1965: Discharge, 2,080 cfs Aug. 31, 1962 (gage height, 13.68 ft); 

gage height, 14.49 ft Mar. 29, 1962 (ice jam).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3__.

4_._

S___

6...

7__.

8...

9...

10. J

March

56

62

50

38

34

32

30

30

30

32

April

47

110

250

490

730

910

860

940

606

432

May

42

38

32

28

28

26

24

178

130

83

Day

11..

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19-.

20__

March

34

38

60

130

150

160

110

84

66

50

April

389

337

291

255

213

170

143

118

99

86

May

59

48

41

37

119

234

153

105

78

64

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24. .

25..

26_.

27_.

28..

29..

30_.

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second_.__. ______

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

37

31

27

25

22

21

20

20

20

22

26

49.9

0.72

3,070

April

72

59

50

43

61

108

86

70

58

49

271

3.78

16,130

May

63

101

196

151

178

224

179

121

103

102

91

98.6

1.42

6,060
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A407

Gage height, m feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Big Cedar Creek near

Varina, Iowa

Dale

A r\v fi

7

Hour

0000

1600

1800

2200

2400

1200

Gage 

height

14.44

14 51

14.47

15.05

14.78

14.11

Discharge Date

Apr. 7

8

Hour

1400

1700

1900

2400

0400

Gage 

height

13.38

14.56

12.22

10.75

10.55

9.81

Discharge Date

Apr. 8

9

Hour

0800

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

10.08

10.17

9.04

8.02

7.33

Discharge

1,040

1,060

799

584

459

(299) 5 1823. North Raccoon River near Sac City, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°20'20", long 94°59'10", in NEjNWj sec.24, T.87 N., R.36 W., on right 

bank 1 5 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 0.2 mile upstream from Indian 

Creek, and 4.5 miles south of Sac City.

Drainage area. 713 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 2, 4 10, 13 30. Graph 

was reconstructed from daily wire-weight gage readings Mar. 5, 18, 19, 22. 24, 25, 

27, 30. Datum of gage is 1,144.60 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by 

Iowa Natural Resources Council).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 10,600 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 5.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 6,960 cfs 2400 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

15.59 ft).

1958 to February 1965: Discharge, 10,800 cfs Sept. 1, 1962 (gage height, 18.12 ft).

Flood of June 21, 1954, reached a stage of 15.61 ft, from floodmark (discharge, 

7,000 cfs).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4__.

5...

6...

7...

8...

9__.

10_.

March

1,000

600

390

200

150

132

120

112

108

106

April

1,200

3,100

2,900

3,400

4,800

6,630

6,190

5,610

4,670

3,730

May

279

244

220

199

183

177

165

460

766

524

Day

11_.

12__

13__

14. _

15__

16..

17..

18..

19-_

20..

March

120

144

190

280

370

490

620

880

580

320

April

3,130

2,460

1,870

1,500

1,260

1,020

860

710

597

518

May

384

313

270

241

362

1,030

917

665

483

391

Day

21..

22..

23..

24_.

25_.

26_.

27_.

28_.

29_.

30_.

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff, in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

268

226

192

168

138

130

130

138

152

252

540

298

0.48

18,340

April

461

413

370

325

325

418

510

425

363

319

2,003

3.13

119,200

May

363

386

524

735

857

1,470

1,370

958

717

644

583

545

0.88

33,480
A408 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of North Raccoon River

near Sac City. Iowa

Dale

A r 5

6

Hour

0000

0200

0400

1200

1800

2400 

1000

Gage 

height

13.90

13.89

14.13

14.69

14.86 

15.47

Discharge

5,940 

6,790

Date

7

lloui1800

2400

1600

2200

2400

Gage 

height

1 5 47

1 ^ ^Q

14.71

14.86

Discharge

6,790

6,960

5,740

5,950 

5,940

Dote

g

Hour

1200

2400

9 9ftft

2400

Gage 

height

14.64

14.46

1319

13.11

Discharge

5,660

5 440

4,180

4,100

(300) 5-4825. North Raccoon River near Jefferson, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°59'20", long 94°22'30", in SW^NWi sec.20, T.83 N., R.30 W., on right 

bank 50 ft downstream from bridge on State Highway 17, 2 miles soutt of Jefferson, 

and 4.2 miles upstream from Hardin Creek.

Drainage area. 1,619 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 1 to Apr. 1, for which 

graph was reconstructed on basis of daily wire-weight gage readings. Datum of gage 

is 967.09 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 28,400 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 to Apr. 5.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 9,890 cfs 2330 hours Apr. 5 (gfge height, 

15.29 ft); gage height, 15.59 ft 2200 hours Apr. 4 (backwater from ice).

1940 to February 1965: Discharge, 29,100 cfs June 23, 1947 (gage I eight, 22.3 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1_~

2...

3__.

4__.

5...

6__.

7__.

8...

9...

10_.

March

800

3,500

1,600

720

360

305

280

270

258

250

April

3,700

3,100

2,800

5,200

7,400

9,030

8,380

9,240

9,320

8,520

May

826

728

646

588

530

519

511

511

550

1,010

Day

11..

12._

13..

14. _

15__

16. _

17. _

18..

19__

20._

March

260

310

460

700

1,100

1,800

3,000

2,300

900

760

April

7,300

5,850

4,460

3,290

2,590

2,130

1,790

1,560

1,340

1,200

May

922

741

618

550

581

822

1,310

1,400

1,130

897

Day

21..

22_.

23. _

24..

25..

26_.

27..

28..

29..

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff in inches

liunoff, in acre -feet

March

650

540

460

370

310

305

305

310

340

580

1,300

819

0.58

50,390

April

1,050

935

836

839

1,010

1,220

1,230

1,240

1,100

945

______

3,620

2.49

215,400

May

761

746

1,300

1,440

1,590

3,890

8,400

7,300

4,110

2,800

2,270

1,613

1.15

99,170
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A409

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time 1965, of North Raccoon River

near Jefferson, Iowa

Date

Apr. 4

5

6

7

8

Hour

0000

1900

2000

2200

2400

0600

1200

2330

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0400

2400

1200

Gage 

height

i q 4 c 1 O ,T O

14.03

15.10

15.59

15.56

1^19 1 <j, l £

14.75

15.29

15.28

15.08

14.83

14.37

14.28

14.23

14.54

14.93

Dis - 

charge

9,890

9,880

9,540

9,130

8,390

8,250

8,170

8,660

9,290

Date

Apr. 8

9

10

May 25

26

Hour

2000

2400

0600

2400

1200

2000

2100

2400

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

Gage 

height

15.12

15.15

15.11

14.65

14.50

14.31

14.15

14.08

7.41

7.45

7.66

8.56

9.66

10.46

10.95

Discharge

9,600

9,660

9,590

8,840

8,600

8,300

8,040

7,930

1,720

1,750

1,840

2,320

3,040

3,670

4,100

Date

May 26

27

28

29

Hour

1800

2400

1000

1200

1400

1600

1900

2100

2400

0600

1200

2400

1000

1400

1800

2400

Gage 

height

12.02

12.97

14.47

14.56

14.79

14.89

14.94

14.91

14.80

14.37

IT. 65

12.14

11.02

10.64

10.31

P. 92

Discharge

5,170

6,360

8,550

8,700

9,060

9,220

9,300

9,260

9,080

8,390

7,310

5,320

4,170

3,830

3,550

3,240

(301) 5-4830. East Fork Hardin Creek near Churdan, Iowa

Location. Lat 42°06'25", long 94°22'10", in SE^SWi sec.5, T.84 N., R.30 W., on left 

bank 35 ft upstream from county highway bridge, 4.4 miles upstream from mouth, and 

6.5 miles southeast of Churdan.

Drainage area. 24.0 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 1,050.90 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 200 cfs, extended to 413 cfs by logarithmic plotting. Backwater from ice 

Mar. 1 to Apr. 4.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, about 300 cfs Mar. 31; gage height, 8.28 ft 

1430 hours Mar. 31 (backwater from ice).

1952 to February 1965: Discharge, 413 cfs May 5, 1960 (gage height, 8.92 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feel per second, 1965

Day

I...

2...

3...

4...

5_ - .

6...

7...

J!--.

y_._

10..

March

25

14

8.8

6.8

5.8

5.8

7.0

9.0

12

18

April

150

80

100

126

179

156

136

134

113

97

May

11

9.5

8.7

7.6

8.0

7.3

6.0

7.3

7.0

6.0

Day

11..

12_.

13__

14__

15..

16__

17..

18_.

19..

20__

March

27

76

58

50

44

39

36

32

27

21

April

70

42

26

19

15

13

10

8.0

8.0

7.0

May

5.5

5.5

5.0

5.0

5.2

5.0

4.5

4.5

4.0

4.2

Day

21..

22,.

23..

24. .

25..

26..

27_.

28..

29_.

30..

31 ..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff in inches.-.--- -

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

19

16

15

13

12

11

11

12

15

22

160

26.7

1.28

1,640

April

5.8

5.8

5.3

25

59

53

29

22

17

13

57.5

2.67

3,420

May

4.5

5.0

6.5

7.6

8.5

29

17

11

8.7

8.0

7.3

7.74

O Q 7

476
A410 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of East Fork Hardin Creek

near Churdan, Iowa

Date

Mar. 31

Hour

0000

0700

1100

1430

2400

Gage 

height

6.27

6.06

6.37

8.28

6.73

Discharge Date

5

I lour

2400

0600

Gage 

height

4.62

4 91

6.05

Discharge

120

1 QO

ono

Dc*te Hour

0700

2200

2400

Gage 

height

Discharge

1 DD

170

171

(302) 5 4836. Middle Raccoon River at Panora, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°41'15", long 94°22'15"J in NE^NW^ sec.5, T.79 N., R.3? W., on left 

bank 1 5 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 0.2 mile southwest of Panora, 

and 1.5 miles upstream from Andy's Branch.

Drainage area. 440 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 3. Datu-n of gage is 

991.20 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 4,440 cfs, extended to 9,150 cfs by logarithmic plotting. Backwater from ice 

Mar. 1-3, 13-16, 19-23.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 6,890 cfs 0330 hours Mar. 17; gage height, 

11.54 ft 0530 hours Mar. 2 (backwater from ice).

1953 to February 1965: Discharge, about 14,000 cfs June 10, 1953 (gage height, 

14.3 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

6__.

7...

8___!

9__ 1

10.-;

March

3,800

3,800

1,990

1,000

525

366

315

315

281

256

April

3,190

3,190

1,510

1,860

3,250

2,400

1,220

1,050

881

752

May

201

174

155

145

135

125

122

119

180

145

Day

11__

12. _

13. _

14. _

15__

16..

17..

18. _

19__

20..

March

304

631

1,300

1,420

1,540

1,610

3,630

984

380

320

April

733

502

383

325

320

285

245

214

185

166

May

122

117

114

106

109

154

145

122

112

106

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25

26_.

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

280

200

134

119

116

111

105

183

355

743

1,950

938

2.46

57,650

April

162

155

142

156

282

404

417

325

275

231

840

2.13

50.000

May

106

137

152

264

236

959

2,540

1,280

644

584

473

325

0.85

20,000
MARCH MAY. UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A411

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Middle Raccoon River

at Panora, Iowa

Date

Mar 1

2

17

Hour

0000

0400

0600

1200

2400

0530

0600

0700

1100

1300

2000

2400

0000 

0100

0330

0700

0900

1300

1800

2400

0400

Gage 

height

7.60

8.75

9.24

9.69

11.12

11.54

10.24

9.61

9.80

10.18

9.72

8.61

8.34

9.14

10.87

9.11

8.42

8.01

7.77

7.30

6.66

Discharge

3,360 

4,400

6,890

4,350

3,450

2,960

2,700

2 

' 200

1,570

Date

Mar. 18

Apr. 3

4

5

6

Hour

0800

1400

1800

2400

2400

0600

1400

1800

2400

0200

0400 

0500

0800

1200

1600

2000

2400

0600

1200

Gage 

height

6.07

5.51

5.33

5.27

6.41

6.62

7.12

7.34

7.22

7.14

7.48 

8.23

9.35

8.25

8.32

8.20

8.19

7.99

7.43

Discharge

1,090

662

536

496

1,360

1,540

2,020

2,240

2,120

2,040

2,380 

3,230

4,690

3,250

3,330

3,190

3,180

2,940

2,330

Date

Apr. 6

May 2 5

26

27

28

Hour

2400

2400

0600

1000

1200

1300

1400

1600

2000

2400

1600 

2200

2400

0200

0600

1000

1600

2400

Gage 

height

6.67

4.89

5.05

5.09

5.21

5.66

6.12

6.58

6.95

7.18

7.81 

7.90

7.80

7.36

6.57

6.17

5.86

5.64

Discharge

1,580

280

362

384

456

775

1,130

1,500

1,850

2,080

2,740 

2,840

2,730

2,260

1,490

1,170

925

760

(303) 5-4840. South Raccoon River at Redfield, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°34'45", long 94°11'00", in SW^SW^ sec.3, T.78 N., R.29 W., on left 

bank 10 ft upstream from county highway bridge at Redfield, 0.8 mile downstream 

from bridge on State Highway 90, 1 mile downstream from Middle Raccoon River, 

and 15.6 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 988 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 3-13, 18-31, Apr. 10-15, 

18-24, where graph was reconstructed from daily wire-weight gage readings except 

Mar. 5, 6. Datum of gage is 896.43 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 35,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 25 27.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 15,800 cfs 1300 hours Mar. 17 (gage height, 

19.60 ft).

1940 to February 1965: Discharge, 35,000 cfs July 2, 1958 (gage height, 29.04 ft, 

from floodmark).
A412 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of South Raccoon River at Redfield, Iowa

Day

1-..

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

9,520

7,310

3,640

1,360

780

640

508

500

493

441

April

7,250

4,300

2,780

3,210

8,340

5,130

2,520

2,300

2,010

1,820

May

470

416

372

352

340

320

300

304

392

333

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

507

1,130

2,460

3,010

3,600

3,770

12,500

2,800

1,120

955

April

1,610

1,160

865

695

745

695

605

538

474

434

May

284

268

256

244

240

290

304

256

236

213

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second...........

Runoff in inches _

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

840

676

426

348

332

322

440

891

1,470

2,390

5,030

2,265

2.64

139,300

April

394

376

356

370

831

1,140

951

760

632

542

______

1,794

2.03

106,800

May

216

322

431

458

546

1,950

2,660

1,960

1,060

935

860

567

0.66

34,890

Cnjjf lirig/if, in feet, and rfisr/iiiryc, in cubic feet per second, nt indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 14

15

16

17

18

Hour

0000

1000

1800

2400

0400

1400

2400

0400

1200

1600

1800

2000

2200

2300

2400

0100

0300

0500

1300

1600

2000

2200

2400

0200

0400

Gage 

height

8.04

8.01

8.37

9.00

9.33

8.68

9.46

9.77

8.99

8.45

10.19

9.02

8.43

9.12

11.00

13.13

14.94

17.16

19.60

19.02

17.45

16.75

14.35

12.50

11.32

Discharge

2,860

2,840

3,090

3,560

3,810

3,320

3,900

4,140

3,550

3,150

4,470

3,580

3,130

3,650

5,120

7,070

9,110

12,000

15,800

14,900

12,500

11,500

8,400

6,440

5,380

Date

Mar. 18

Apr. 4

5

6

7

Hour

0600

0700

0800

1000

1200

2400

2400

0200

0400

0500

0600

0800

1000

1600

1700

2200

2400

0200

0600

1200

1800

2400

0800

1600

2400

Gage 

height

9.93

8.50

7.63

6.50

5.98

5.59

8.24

8.21

8.84

9.87

11.23

13.19

14.76

16.98

16.99

16.38

14.80

13.07

11.74

10.84

9.69

8.74

7.80

7.12

6.72

Discharge

4,260

3,180

2,570

1,810

1,490

1,270

3,000

2,980

3,440

4,220

5,300

7,130

8,890

11,800

11,800

11,000

8,940

7,010

5,750

4,990

4,080

3,360

2,690

2,210

1,950

Date

Apr. 8

May 25

26

27

28

Hour

0400

1400

2000

2400

2400

0200

0300

0400

0800

1000

1100

Gage 

height

6.61

7.57

7.73

7.40

4.09

4.48

4.93

5.34

6.08

6.28

7.23

1300 8.33

1400 8.37

1900 7.07

2400 7.45

1200 7.63

2200 8.24

2400 8.28

0200 8.29

0400 8.24

0600 7.54

1000 6.64

1600 5.90

2400 5.45

Discharge

1,880

2,530

2,640

2,410

510

690

915

1,130

1,550

1,670

2,290

3,060

3,090

2,180

2,440

2,570

3,000

3,030

3,030

3,000

2,510

1,900

1,440

1,190
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(304) 5 4845. Raccoon River at Van Meter, Iowa

A413

Location. Lat 41°32'00", long 93°57'10", in SW^SW^ sec.22, T.78 N., R.27 W., on right 

bank 100 ft downstream from highway bridge, 0.3 mile northeast of Van Meter, 

1.2 miles downstream from confluence of North and South Raccoon River, and 30 miles 

upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 3,441 sq mi.

Gage-height record.- Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 6 9, 19 27, May 16 

when wire-weight gage readings were available. Datum of gage is 841.16 ft, above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 40,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 31.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 22,300 cfs 0300 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

18.35 ft).

1915 to February 1965: Discharge, 41,200 cfs June 13, 1947; gage height, 21.77 ft 

July 3, 1958.

Mean discharge, in cubic feel per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4. __

S_ _.

6...

7...

8...

9___

10_.

March

8,000

10,000

8,300

5,800

3,800

2,500

1,700

1,400

1,150

1,000

April

13,100

11,700

11,400

11,700

16,700

19,600

16,700

16,100

14,600

14,000

May

2,190

1,930

1,720

1,570

1,450

1,360

1,270

1,240

1,250

1,270

Day

11..

12..

13..

14. _

15..

16..

17..

18..

19--

20. _

March

1,000

1,300

2,800

5,000

6,400

7,600

16,000

11,000

7,000

4,800

April

14,200

12,300

9,940

7,660

5,720

4,660

3,850

3,240

2,780

2,400

May

1,420

1,490

1,320

1,200

1,110

1,050

1,300

1,500

1,750

1,560

Day

21..

22..

23,.

24,.

25_J

26. j

27..

28..

29.J

30.]

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff in inches _ ______

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

3,300

2,300

1,600

1,300

1,100

980

900

960

2,000

3,000

8,000

4,258

1.43

261,800

April May

2,090 1,350

1,870 1,310

1,710 1,440

1,700 1,680

2,350 2,170

3,580 3,830

3,830 6,520

3,410 8,600

3,000 9,460

2,580 9,160

_____ 5,210

7,949 2,570

2.58 0.86

473,000 158,000
A4 14 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Raccoon River at

Van Meter, Iowa

Date

18

Apr. 3

Hour

0200

0900

1400

1800

2000

2100

2200

2400

0300

0600

090P

1300

1800

2400

0000 

0800 

2200 

2400

Gage 

height

11.28

13.25

15.15

16.64

17.58

18.06

18.17

18.20

18.19

18.08

1 7 7 1}

16.45

14.30

11.86

10.85

10.25

12.13 

11.74 

12.38 

12.35

Discharge

11,500 

10,900 

11,900 

11,800

Date

Apr. 4

5

6

7

Hour

0500

1300

2100

2400

0400

0600

1000

1300

1600

2400

0300

0400

0600

1100

1400

1700 

2000 

2400

0930

Gage 

height

12.50

12.27

11.90

12.14

12.68

13.16

14.82

16.04

16.93

18.12

18.35

18.34

18.12

16.99

16.55

16.29 

16.12 

15.89

15.41

Discharge

12,000

11,700

11,200

11,500

12,300

13,100

15,700

17,700

19,200

21,700

22,300

22,200

21,700

19,300

18,500

18,100 

17,800 

17,400

16,700

Date

Apr. 7

May 28

29

30

Hour

1500

2400

0000

0400

0800

1400

1800

2400

0600 

1200

1800

2400

0300

0600

0900 

1200 

1800 

2400

Gage 

height

15.22

15.15

9.84

10.14

10.28

9.95

9.81

9.88

10.19 

10.57

10.94

11.17

11.20

11.15

11.01 

10.73 

9.69 

8.42

Discharge

16,400

16,200

8,360

8,810

9,020

8,520

8,320

8,420

8,880 

9,460

10,000

10,400

10,400

10,300

10,100 

9,700 

8,150 

7,770

(305) 5 4855. Des Moines River below Raccoon River, at Des Moires, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°34'30", long 93°35'40", in NE^SE^ sec.10, T.78 N., R.24 W., on right 

bank 10 ft downstream from South East 14th Street bridge, 0.8 mile downstream from 

Raccoon River and Scott Street Dam, and at mile 200.7.

Drainage area. 9,879 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 762.52 ft above 

sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 65,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 14-18, 24 27.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 65,500 cfs 0400 hours Apr. 11 (gage height, 

29.78 ft).

1940 to February 1965: Discharge, 77,000 cfs June 26, 1947 (gage height, 20.8 ft in 

gage well, 21.6 ft from outside flood mark, at site above Scott Street dam, 0.8 mile 

upstream at datum 11.16 ft higher).

Maximum stage known since at least 1893, that of June 26, 1947.

Cooperation. Three discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers.
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A415

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, ofDes Moines River below Raccoon River at Des Moines

Day

1...

2___

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

7,740

13,700

16,000

15,700

12,900

8,970

6,100

4,840

4,070

3,600

April

17,600

22,200

22,800

24,600

29,000

43,800

52,400

57,600

62,800

65,000

May

12,000

11,100

10,300

9,430

8,700

8,040

7,700

7,880

7,800

7,410

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18. _

19..

20..

March

3,210

3,170

3,860

5,000

7,000

9,000

18,000

21,000

14,500

10,200

April

65,000

61,600

52,800

43,400

37,000

33,000

29,500

26,100

22,800

20,000

May

7,270

7,720

7,700

7,350

6,930

6,690

6,900

7,850

8,660

8,360

Day

21_.

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... .._____.

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

7,800

5,740

4,370

3,300

2,900

2,600

2,500

2,870

3,650

4,940

8,760

7,675

0.90

471,900

April

17,901

16,300

15,000

14,500

14,500

15,200

15,200

14,900

14,000

13,000

 

31,320

3.54

1,863,ODO

May

7,760

7,460

7,370

7,460

7,930

10,300

14,600

19,300

21,600

21,300

16,200

9,905

1.16

609,100

Gngc lififjfit, in feel, and discharge, in cubic fed per second, al indicalcd lime, l%5

Date

Apr. 5

6

7

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

0900

1200

1800

2400

0600

1800

Gage 

height

22.22

22.50

23.09

23.98

24.89

25.83

26.30

26.78

27.37

27.67

27.80

28.02

Discharge

25,300

26,200

28,300

31,400

35,100

39,200

41,600

44,500

48,600

50,700

51,600

53,100

Date

Apr. 7

8

9

10

11

Hour

2400

0600

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

0400

1200

Gage 

height

28.20

28.46

28.85

29.08

29.43

29.65

29.73

29.77

29.78

29.73

Discharge

54,400

56,200

59,000

60,600

63,000

64,600

65,100

65,400

65,500

65,100

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

14

Hour

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

29.C5

29.58

29.46

29 28

29.02

28. TO

27. ?6

27.24

26.58

25. P8

Discharge

64,600

64,100

63,200

62,000

60,100

57,900

52,700

47,700

43,300

39,500

(306) 5-^860. North River near Norwalk, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°27'25", long 93°39'10", in NW^SW^ sec.20, T.77 N., R.24 W., on left 

bank 10 ft downstream from highway bridge, 1-3/4 miles southeast of Norwalk, 

8 miles northwest of Indianola, 8.7 miles upstream from Middle Creek, and 9 miles 

south of Des Moines.

Drainage area. 349 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 1 10, 22 25. Daily 

wire-weight readings available for period. Datum of gage is 788.45 above rrean sea 

level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 9,100 cfs and extended to 32,000 cfs on basis of area-velocity studies. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 30.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, about 8,000 cfs Mar. 18 (gage height, 22.86 ft, 

backwater from ice).

1940 to February 1965: Discharge, 32,000 cfs June 13, 1947 (gage height, 25.3 ft, 

from floodmark).

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Engineers.
A4 1 6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of North River near Norwalk, Iowa

Day

1__.

2___

3...

4___

5...

6...

7...

8._.

9...

10..

March

600

1,200

1,500

800

350

200

150

110

90

86

April

1,870

1,990

1,400

1,080

1,260

2,730

3,140

1,140

836

552

May

134

117

105

97

95

94

92

101

136

94

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19-.

20.,

March

82

80

78

90

600

1,000

2,500

6,400

6,600

3,000

April

456

445

305

252

282

254

216

188

162

144

May

78

68

62

59

57

58

59

54

49

46

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30_.

31_.

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

1,500

800

450

250

130

120

120

250

600

1,000

1,540

1,041

3.44

64,020

April

130

120

110

104

192

341

305

232

187

156

______

686

2.19

40,600

May

44

49

62

85

90

223

641

279

140

138

222

117

0.39

7,200

Grigr //eight, in feel, ami rfisrlwgc, m cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar 14

15

16

17

18

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

0900

1200

2200

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

1600

1800

Gage 

height

10.34

10.64

11 12

11 95

13.00

14.10

15.82

17.60

18.60

19.05

19.17

19.19

19.55

19.73

20.57

20.92

21.21

21.65

22.85

22.86

Discharge

Date

Mar. 18

1 Q

20

5

Hour

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

2400

0630

0900

1100 

1200

1300

1400

1600

2000 

2400

Gage 

height

22.79

22 69

22.55

22.33

21.99

21.67

21.48

21.21

20.84

17.23

15.80

16.29

16.52 

17.12

17.30

18.60

19.25

19.48 

19.63

Discharge

1,080

850

926

963 

1,060

1,090

1,370

1,600

1,700 

1,820

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

Hour

0800

1400

1800

220C

240C

030C

0600

1200

2000

2400

0200

0400

0600

0900

1200 

140C

1600

1800

2000

2400

Gage 

height

19.94

20.39

20.87

21.17

21.20

21.13

20.99

20.68

20.22

19.91

19.60

19.02

18.37

17.45

16.54 

16.12

15.85

15.72

15.70

15.77

Discharge

2,050

2,540

3,510

4,250

4,330

4,150

3,800

3,080

2,300

2,030

1,820

1,550

1,330

1,120

966 

899

858

838

835

846
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(307) 5 4864.9 Middle River near Indianola, Iowa

A417

Location. Lat 41°25'25", long 93°35'05", in SW^SE^ sec. 35, T.77 N., R.24 W., on right 

bank 10 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 0.5 mile upstream frorr Cavitt 

Creek, and 4.5 miles northwest of Indianola.

Drainage area. 503 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 776.15 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929 (Corps of Engineers bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from ice Mar. 1 16, 21 30.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 9,700 cfs 1930 hours Mar. 17; gage height, 

21.00 ft 0630 hours Apr. 6.

1940 to February 1965: Discharge, 34,000 cfs June 13, 1947 (gage height. 28.27 ft, 

from floodmark).

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Engineers. 

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6__.

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

930

1,180

800

300

200

180

170

165

160

150

April

2,340

1,390

822

1,110

4,360

7,640

1,690

1,840

2,710

1,070

May

239

215

203

185

189

192

181

215

318

190

Day

11.-

12..

13. _

14..

15_.

16. _

17-_

18__

19-.

20._

March

145

150

160

310

820

2,400

8,500

6,620

3,350

791

April

953

696

493

414

427

395

367

310

276

251

May

161

144

136

130

124

122

121

114

108

102

Day

21..

22..

23..

24. .

25..

26..

27_.

28_.

29_.

30..

31_.

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second...........

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

350

250

200

190

170

160

210

350

600

1,100

1,770

1,059

2.43

65,120

April

234

217

203

206

509

660

463

412

319

290

 

1,102

2.44

65,590

May

101

104

137

171

176

195

586

326

198

339

234

192

0.44

11,810

flgr lidglit, in feet, mid discharge, in cubic feet per second, nt indicated time, 1965

Date

Mar. 17

18

Hour

0000

0100

0200

0300

0600

0700

0800

0900

1400

1600

1930

2400

0600

0900

Gage 

height

13.96

15.22

16.78

18.19

19.23

19.19

19.84

19.57

20.07

20.16

20.45

20.03

19.12

17.81

Dis

charge

3,890

4,770

5,940

7,210

8,270

8,230

8,940

8,640

9,210

9,330

9,700

9,160

8,100

6,800

Date

Mar. 18

19

Apr. 4

5

Hour

1200

1800

2400

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2400

2400

0500

0700

Gage 

height

17.10

16.00

15.70

15.31

14.87

13.68

11.57

10.62

9.36

8.93

8.95

9.07

Discharge

6,160

5,280

5,080

4,760

4,450

3,660

2,400

1,880

1,240

935

942

990

Date

Apr. 5

6

Hour

0900

0930

1000

1030

1100

1130

1200

1300

1400

1600

1800

2400

0300

0630

Gage 

height

9.65

10.73

11.50

12.45

13.77

14.83

15.47

16.73

17.89

19.18

19.80

20.47

20.72

21.00

Discharge

1,230

1,710

2,060

2,530

3,260

3,870

4,280

5,130

6,030

7,200

7,820

8,540

8,810

9,120
A418 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Middle River near 

Indianola, Iowa Continued

Date

Apr. 6

7

Hour

0900

1200

1600

2000

2200

2300

2400

0200

0500

1200

Gage 

height

20.90

20.33

19.01

17.78

16.80

16.07

14.83

12.92

11.43

10.12

Discharge

9,010

8,380

7,030

5,940

5,180

4,670

3,870

2,790

2,030

1,440

Date

Apr. 7

8

Hour

2400

0430

0600

1000

1400

1700

1900

2200

2400

Gage 

height

9.05

8.88

8.92

9.97

10.97

11.85

13.00

14.02

14.67

Discharge

980

913

931

1,370

1,820

2,230

2,830

3,390

3,770

Date

Apr. 9

Hour

0300

0500

0700

0800

0900

1100

1400

1700

2400

Gage 

height

15.55

15.93

15.54

14.92

13.75

12.23

10.98

10.49

9.83

Discharge

4,320

4,570

4,320

3,930

3,240

2,420

1,830

1,610

1,310

(308) 5-4874.70 South River near Ackworth, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°20'15", long 93°29'05", in SE^SE^ sec.34, T.76 N., R.23 W., on right 

bank 1 5 ft downstream from county highway bridge, 2 miles southwest of Ackworth 

and 0.6 mile downstream from Otter Creek. Prior to Oct. 1, 1961, at site 3.8 miles 

downstream.

Drainage area. 460 sq mi. Prior to October 1, 1961, 474 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except May 11 28, 30, when daily 

wire weight gage readings were available. Datum of gage is 769.97 ft above mean 

sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 30,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 29.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 12,100 cfs 1030 hours Mar. 17 (gage height, 

25.47 ft).

1940 to February 1965: Discharge, 34,000 cfs June 5, 1947 (gage height, 24.60 ft, 

at site 3.8 miles down stream at datum 8.01 ft lower).

Flood in June 1930 reached a stage of 24.5 ft, from information by local residents 

(discharge, about 30,000 cfs), at site 3.8 miles down stream.

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2___

3__.

4__.

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10_.

March

250

100

150

120

90

80

70

62

56

50

April

1,640

542

460

671

2,810

3,680

863

3,400

2,700

1,000

May

195

156

120

250

262

203

135

1,560

1,550

365

Day

11..

12-.

13. _

14. _

15__

16__

17__

18..

19_.

20_.

March

45

35

40

150

700

1,700

10,000

3,000

400

200

April

2,030

668

350

288

312

249

189

149

127

106

May

199

156

125

106

153

300

143

96

75

66

Day

21_.

22..

23_.

24_.

25..

26_.

27..

28..

29..

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff, in inches ___ _______

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

150

100

70

64

58

90

170

900

1,400

1,580

2,010

771

1.93

47,390

April

96

84

79

321

3,350

1,320

624

719

372

251

982

2.38

58,410

May

63

73

96

88

82

239

195

99

72

237

181

246

0.62

1 5, 1 50
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A419

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of South River near

Ackworth, Iowa

Date

Mar. 16

17

Hour

0000

0100

n9^n

1000

1400

1500

1800

2100

2400

0200

0400

0600

0700

0900 

1030 

1300 

1400 

1500 

1600

1900

2100

2400

Gage 

height

11.10

11.25

11.76

10 94

10.85

10.87

12.00

1 ^ ^n

1505

18.80

91 Q(l

99 fi E\

24.70

25.33 

25.47 

25.30 

25.06 

25.10 

24.98

24.77

24.38

22.40

Discharge

12,000 

12,100 

12,000 

11,800 

11,800

Date

Mar. 18

Apr. 4

5

6

Hour

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1400

1800

2100

2400

2400

0300

0800

0900 

1000 

1300 

1900 

2400

0600

1000

1400

Gage 

height

20.35

17.55

1 i ^

1 ^ 7fl

12.63

11.37

10.98

10.65

Q FC3

7 99

719

7.37

10.65 

13.00 

14.52 

16.01 

16.52

16.62

15.55

13.87

Discharge

536

528

581

1,780 

2,950 

3,760 

4,660 

5,010

5,080

4,380

3,380

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9

Hour

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

2400

0500

0800 

1000

1200

1400

1600

1700 

1930 

2200 

2400

0600 

1000

1400

1800

2400

Gage 

height

12.10

9.80

8.73

8.12

7.57

7.26

7.13

9.00 

12.00

14.15

16.10

17.65

18.30 

18.57 

17.65 

16.80

14.38 

13.22

11.42

9.68

8.57

Discharge

2,500

1,440

1,010

806

641

548

512

1,120 

2,450

3,540

4,720

6,260 

6,450 

5,800 

5,210

3,680 

3,060

2,160

1,390

954

(309) 5 1879.8 White Breast Creek near Dallas, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°14'45", long 93°15'50", in NE^NW^ sec.3, T.74 N., R.21 W., on left 

bank 1 5 ft downstream from county highway bridge, \ mile downstream from Kirk 

Branch, and 1\ miles northwest of Dallas.

Drainage area. 342 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except April 29 to May 1. Oncedaily tape gage readings available for this period. Datum of gage is 759.12 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929 (Corps of Engineers bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 6,400 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-16, 19 30.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 6,640 cfs 1100 hours Mar. 17 (gage height, 

22.49).

1962 to February 1965: Discharge, 12,000 cfs (estimated) June 11, 1962 (gag? height, 

28.87 ft, from flood mark).

Flood of June 6, 1947, may have been slightly higher than the flood of June 11, 1962.

Cooperation. One discharge measurement furnished by Corps of Engineers.

317-045 O - 70 - :
A4 2 0 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of White Breast Creek near Dallas, Iowa

Day

1...

2___

3...

4...

5___

6...

7___

8...

9-_-

10..

March

450

350

270

220

180

150

120

100

85

75

April

985

492

439

638

2,680

3,130

1,780

2,150

2,010

1,130

May

142

127

107

370

156

119

94

131

899

738

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19._

20..

March

66

60

70

150

500

1,100

5,540

2,380

700

350

April

2,070

866

316

270

548

383

244

184

148

126

May

163

112

86

71

100

116

119

69

47

41

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25_.

26,.

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

200

150

130

110

90

80

140

300

700

850

1,040

539

1.82

33,140

April

112

98

91

177

2,390

1,590

521

481

280

200

884

2.88

52,620

May

38

38

40

39

41

114

130

78

45

40

120

146

0.49

8,990

height, in feel, and discharge, in cubic fed per second, al indicated t'wc, 1965

Date

Mar. 15

16

17 

18

Hour

0000

0400

1000

1100

1300

1500

1700

1900

2000

2200

2400

0300

0600

1030

1300

1400

1700

2000 

2200 

2400

0130 

0300 

0400 

0600 

1000 

1100 

1200 

1400 

1700 

2400

0500 

0900 

1100 

1300 

1630

Gage 

height

7.91

8.00

8.23

8.47

8.39

8 49

9

Ofl

10.23

10.56

10.78

10.84

10.97

10.94

10.83

11.07

10.86

12.84

13.79 

14J4 

15.60

18.00 

20.65 

21.39 

21.84 

22.44 

22.49 

22.41 

21.91 

20.65 

17.38

15.12 

13.78 

13.37 

13.22 

13.20

Discharge

2,220 

2,360 

2,950

4,150 

5,540 

5,980 

6,250 

6,610 

6,640 

6,600 

6,300 

5,540 

3,840

2,750 

2,210 

2,050 

1,990 

1,980

Date

Mar. 18

19

20

Apr. 4 

5

6

Hour

2100

2400

0300

1000

1600

2000

2400

0500

0800

1000

1200

1400

1700

2000

2200

2400

2400

0400 

0500 

0600 

0700 

0800 

1000 

1200 

1400 

1530 

1730 

1900 

2000 

2100 

2300 

2400

0500

Gage 

height

13.46

13.52

13.57

13.42

13.32

13.37

12.80

10.55

8.95

8.37

8.00

7.67

7.47

7.42

7.41

7.31

8.60

8.39 

8.37 

8.42 

9.74 

11.24 

13.62 

15.72 

17.22 

17.41 

17.37 

19.12 

19.43 

19.41 

19.21 

18.92

17.05

Discharge

2,080

2,110

2,130

2,070

600

548 

542 

555 

892 

1,340 

2,150 

3,010 

3,760 

3,860 

3,840 

4,710 

4,860 

4,860 

4,760 

4,610

3,680

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9 

10

Hour

0800

1200

1700

2100

2400

0800

1COO

1200

1400

1700

2100

2<?00

oroo

0400

0500

oeoo

0700 

0730 

0800 

0900 

1000 

1100 

1300 

1700 

1800 

2000 

2030 

2400

0300

oaoo

1300 

1800 

2400

0400

Gage 

height

16.42

15.82

14.67

14.19

14.09

13.96

13.89

13.64

12.82

11.09

9.72

8.88

8.55

8.49

8.48

8.62

9.01 

10.00 

11.30 

12.60 

13.70 

14.68 

15.45 

16.38 

16.43 

16.42 

16.16 

15.48

15.03 

13.71 

13.00 

12.35 

10.65

9.53

Discharge

3,360

3,060

2,570

2,380

2,340

2,280

2,260

2,160

1,830

1,300

886

670

588

572

570

605

702 

970 

1,360 

1,750 

2,180 

2,570 

2,880 

3,340 

3,360 

3,360 

3,230 

2,890

2,710 

2,180 

1,900 

1,680 

1,160

832
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A421

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Whitebreast Creek near

Dallas, Iowa Continued

Date

Apr. 10

Hour

0600

1000

1730

1900

2000

2100

2300

2400

Gage 

height

9.16

9.37

9.00

10.10

12.50

13.90

15.65

16.06

Discharge

740

792

700

1,000

1,720

2,260

2,980

3,180

Date

Apr. 11

Hour

0130

0200

0300

0600

0800

1000

1800

2400

Gage 

height

16.18

16.13

15.25

13.65

13.20

13.00

12.64

12.19

Discharge

3,240

3,220

2,800

2,160

1,980

1,900

1,760

1,630

Date

Apr. 1 2

Hour

0300

0600

0900

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

Gage 

heigh4.

11.60

10.76

9.83

9.13

8.66

8.29

8.00

7.77

Discharge

1,450

1,200

919

732

615

523

465

419

(310) 5 4885. Des Moines River near Tracy, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°16' 55", long 92°51'30", in NWjSEj sec.19, T.75 N., R.17 W., on right 

bank 250 ft upstream from abandoned Bellefountaine Bridge, 0.5 mile downstream 

from bridge on State Highway 92, 0.8 mile east of Tracy, 3.1 miles upstream from 

Cedar Creek, and 6.4 miles downstream from English Creek, and at mile 130.3.

Drainage area. 12,479 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 1 5, 17 23, 24. Daily 

outside readings available for these periods. Datum of gage is 670.91 ft above mean 

sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 155,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1 15.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 77,300 cfs 1930 hours Apr. 11 (gage height, 

23.17 ft).

1920 to February 1965: Discharge 155,000 cfs June 14, 1947 (gage height, 23.5 ft). 

Maximum stage known since 1881, that of June 14, 1947. Flood of May 31, 1903, 

reached a stage of about 25 ft (discharge, about 130,000 cfs).

Cooperation. Three discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!_.-

2...

3...

~* _ _ -

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10. .

March

4,000

6,000

8,400

11,000

15,000

16,000

13,000

11,000

8,000

5,400

April

17,800

22,900

25,100

26,600

29,500

39,400

48,600

55,900

66,800

75,300

May

15,000

13,700

12,600

11,500

11,400

10,200

9,440

9,000

10,700

10,900

Day

11. _

12. _

13. _

14. _

15_.

16..

17..

18..

19-.

20__

March

5,000

4,500

4,300

5,000

7,600

16,700

28,300

38,400

38,200

33,900

April

76,300

75,600

69,700

62,400

54,200

47,000

41,400

37,300

33,300

28,900

May

9,020

8,440

8,620

8,560

8,200

8,000

7,760

7,660

8,380

9,020

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

20,000

13,100

9,420

6,920

5,570

4,840

4,470

5,660

8,340

9,400

12,300

12,250

1.13

753,200

April

24,600

20,700

18,200

17,200

21,600

26,500

20,800

18,900

18,000

16,300

------

37,890

3.39

2,255,000

May

8,800

8,320

8,180

8,060

8,120

8,800

11,300

15,000

18,100

19,900

20,800

10,760

0.99

661,400
A422 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965, of Des Moines River at

Tracy, Iowa

Date

Apr. 1

2

3

4

5

Hour

0000

0300

1300

2000

2400

0400

1200

2400

0400

1200

1800

2400

1200

1800

2400

0600

Gageheight

11.17

11.22

12.70

13.35

13.65

13.86

14.18

14.54

14.65

14.83

14.91

14.98

15.22

15.35

15.45

15.59

Discharge

14,400

14,500

18,400

20,300

21,300

22,000

23,000

24,200

24,600

25,200

25,500

25,700

26,600

27,000

27,400

27,900

Date

Apr. 5

6

7

8

9

Hour

1100

1300

1800

2400

0300

2200

2400

1200

2400

0500

0800

1200

1900

2100

2400

0800

Gage 

height

15.74

15.88

16.41

17.09

17.65

19.06

19.22

20.02

20.54

20.88

21.00

21.01

21.11

21.20

21.39

21.83

Discharge

28,400

28,900

30,900

33,700

36,200

43,200

44,100

48,900

52,600

55,000

55,800

55,900

56,700

57,400

58,900

62,800

Date

Apr. 9

10

11

12

13

Hour

1000

1800

2100

2^00

0^00

0800

1800

2^00

0600

1600

1930

2400

1300

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

22.28

22.69

22.65

22.87

23.02

23.07

22.98

22.98

23.01

23.16

23.17

23.15

23.05

22.81

22.51

22.20

Discharge

6-7,200

71,700

71,200

73,700

75,500

76,100

75,100

75,100

75,400

77,200

77,300

77,100

75,900

73,000

69,700

66,400

(311) 5-4890. Cedar Creek near Bussey, Iowa

Location, Lat 41°13'10", long 92°54'25", on south line in SW^SW^ sec.11, T.74 N., 

R.18 W., on left bank at downstream side of bridge on State Highway 156, 1.6 miles 

northwest of Bussey, and 8.9 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 374 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 20 23. Datum of gage 

is 682.15 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 28,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-16, 19-28.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 6,500 cfs 0100 hours Mar. 18 (gage height, 

20.51 ft).

1947 to February 1965: Discharge, 29,300 cfs May 9, 1950; gage height, 28.06 ft 

July 2, 1958.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6___

7...

8...

9___

10..

March

500

350

110

70

64

58

55

52

50

49

April

803

410

380

605

2,090

4,690

908

2,060

2,800

1,260

May

220

176

138

140

151

135

112

102

144

106

Day

11..

12. _

13..

14..

15._

16. _

17..

18__

19_.

20..

March

47

46

50

90

350

900

4,710

3,890

600

450

April

3,360

1,250

845

662

1,220

640

400

290

220

187

May

75

68

63

55

72

161

95

58

43

36

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. __________

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

300

200

150

110

95

85

100

550

1,170

668

887

542

1.67

33,330

April

161

138

126

150

3,420

3,100

622

550

360

275

1,133

3.38

67,400

May

34

34

33

34

34

45

85

64

32

29

29

84.0

0.26

5,1 BO
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A423

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965. of Cedar Creek near

Bussey, Iowa

Date

Mar. 17

18

Apr. 4

5

6

Hour

0000

0100

0200

0300

0600

0800

1500

1900

2200

2400

0100

0200

0400

0600

0900

1200

1400

1600

1700

1800

2000

2200

2400

2400

0500

0700

0900

1100

1200

1300

1500

1800

2100

2400

0600

1200

1300

1400

Gage 

height

12.45

13.25

14.70

15.65

17.00

17.72

19.18

20.10

20.40

20.50

20.51

20.49

20.37

20.05

19.25

18.16

16.80

13.75

12.20

11.00

9.10

8.20

7.75

6.78

6.75

7.00

7.84

9.10

10.60

12.60

14.82

17.12

17.89

18.38

19.14

19.79

19.81

19.77

Discharge

2,110

2,400

2,980

3,360

3,900

4,210

5,080

5,970

6,350

6,490

6,500

6,480

6,310

5,910

5,140

4,430

3,820

2,600

2,020

1,600

1,020

777

662

420

412

475

685

1,020

1,460

2,160

3,030

3,950

4,300

4,540

5,050

5,640

5,660

5,620

Date

Apr. 6

7

8

9

10

Hour

1600

1800

1900

2100

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1600

2000

2400

0400

0500

0700

1000

1200

1400

1500

1700

1900

2200

2400

0200

0300

0400

0600

0900

1100

1200

1400

1700

2000

2400

0200

0700

1000

1600

Gage 

height

19.47

18.71

17.66

15.26

11.89

9.93

9.09

8.60

8.37

7.94

7.72

7.52

7.43

7.45

7.83

8.76

10.50

13.18

14.34

15.83

16.80

17.66

17.95

18.13

18.14

18.08

17.66

16.57

15.24

14.39

12.66

10.69

9.84

9.39

9.33

9.33

9.36

9.27

Discharge

5,330

4,730

4,180

3,200

1,910

1,260

1,020

882

795

710

655

605

582

588

682

925

1,430

2,370

2,840

3,430

3,820

4,180

4,320

4,420

4,420

4,390

4,180

3,730

3,200

2,860

2,180

1,490

1,230

1,100

1,080

1,080

1,090

1,070

Date

Apr. 10

11

12

24

25

26

Hour

2200

2400

0300

0600

0900

1100

1200

1400

1600

1800

2200

2400

0300

0600

0900

1200

1800

2400

2400

0200

0400

0600

0800

1000

1200

1500

1800

2100

2400

0130

0300

0500

0700

1000

1200

1400

1700

2000

2400

Gage 

height

11.66

12.96

14.76

16.49

17.02

17.18

17.19

16.94

16.34

15.47

14.43

12.20

10.97

10.27

9.85

9.61

9.23

8.94

6.12

7.01

8.52

16.34

14.32

16.00

Discharge

1,830

2,280

3,000

3,700

3,910

3,970

3,980

3,880

3,640

3,290

2,870

2,020

1,590

1,360

1,240

1,160

1,060

974

255

478

860

1,720

2,830

3,500

17.10 3,940

18.19 4,450

18.93 4,880

19.59 5,450

20.06 5,920

20.11 5,980

20.01 5,860

19.53 5,390

18.80 4,790

16.83 3,830

14.18 2,770

11.63 1,820

9.57 1,150

8.75 922

8.24 787
A424 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(312) 5-^895. Des Moines River at Ottumwa, Iowa

Location. Lat 41°00'40", long 92°24'40", in SE^NE^ sec.25, T.72 N., R.14 W., on right 

bank 1 5 ft downstream from Wabash Railroad Bridge at Ottumwa, 6.5 miles upstream 

from Village Creek, 9.5 miles downstream from South Avery Creek, and at mile 94.1.

Drainage area. 13,374 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 622.00 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 130,000 cfs. Backwater from ice. Mar. 3, 10-13.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 78,600 cfs 0800 hours Apr. 11 (gage height, 

18.33 ft).

1917 to February 1965: Discharge, 135,000 cfs June 7, 1947 (gage height, 20.2 ft, 

at site 1,100 ft downstream at Vine Street Bridge at datum 0.77 ft higher).

Flood of June 7, 1947 is the highest stage known since 1850. Flood of May 31, 1903, 

reached a stage of 19.4 ft, former site and datum at Vine Street Bridge or about 

22 ft at Market Street Bridge, from information by Corps of Engineers and U.S. 

Weather Bureau (discharge estimated as 140,000).

Cooperation. Three discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2__.

3...

4...

5..]

6...

7...

8__J

1J _ _ _

10..

March

3,620

5,820

7,200

9,790

12,400

14,900

16,200

13,500

9,350

6,000

April

16,600

22,000

25,500

26,000

28,400

36,100

41,000

47,900

53,900

67,500

May

16,000

14,500

13,300

12,200

12,300

11,200

9,910

9,250

9,790

11,600

Day

11..

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18..

19__

20__

March

5,400

5,000

4,650

5,350

6,950

12,200

34,600

31,800

35,100

34,400

April

77,600

77,300

74,000

67,400

60,20C

51.60C

44,200

38,600

33,800

30.00C

May

' 9,670

8,650

8,200

7,570

7,990

7,930

8,050

7,600

7,960

8,950

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second__. ________

Hunoff, in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

26,700

17,100

12,400

8,530

6,490

5,680

4,700

6,100

10,200

11,200

12,100

12,760

1.10

784,300

April

25,600

22,100

19,300

18,500

24,500

29,200

24,500

20,300

19,300

17,600

________

38,020

3.17

£.262,000

May

9,100

8,710

8,350

8,290

8,260

8,890

10,600

14,300

18,100

20,400

21,400

10,940

0.94

672,400

Gngf height, m feel, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 10

11

Hour

0000

0800

1800

2400

0800

Gage 

height

16.81

17.31

17.72

18.14

18.33

Discharge

59,900

65,200

70,700

76,300

78,600

Date

Apr. 11

12

Hour

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

18.27

18.21

18.27

18.14

Discharge

77,800

77,100

77,800

76,300

Date

Apr. 13

14

Hour

12?0

2400

2400

Gage 

height

17.97

17.70

17.20

Discharge

74,500

70,500

64,200
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

(313) 5 4905. Des Moines River at Keosauqua, Iowa

A425

Location. Lat 40°43'45", long 91°57'45", in SE^SW^ sec.36, T.69 N., R.10 W., 01 right 

bank 10 ft upstream from bridge on State Highway 1 at Keosauqua, 4.0 miles downstream from Chequest Creek, and at mile 51.3 (revised).

Drainage area. 14,038 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 557.36 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 125,000 cfs. Backwater from ice Mar. 1-18.

Maxima. March-May: Discharge, 79,800 cfs 0400 hours Apr. 12 (gage height, 19.36 ft).

1903-06, 1910 to February 1965: Discharge, 146,000 cfs June 1, 1903 (gage height, 

27.85 ft, from floodmark).

Flood of June 1, 1851, reached a stage of 24 ft (discharge not determined).

Cooperation. Two discharge measurements furnished by Corps of Engineers.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

I...

2...

3...

4. _.

5_ __

o_ __

7...

«...

9...

10. J

March

2,700

5,000

7,500

9,500

12,000

15,000

17,000

15,000

11,000

9,000

April

15,000

20,700

24,700

26,700

30,200

43,400

43,400

53,300

59,900

61,800

May

16,100

14,500

13,300

12,200

11,600

11,500

10,100

9,270

9,080

10,800

Day

11-.

12. _

13..

14__

15..

16..

17..

18..

19_.

20..

March

7,000

5,500

5,000

6,000

8,000

12,000

35,000

36,000

38,200

38,200

April

74,600

79,200

77,400

73,800

72,500

63,000

53,400

44,800

38,100

32,800

May

10,700

8,740

8,180

8,350

8,380

8,100

8,010

7,790

7,560

8,240

Day

21..

22_.

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... .._.__..

Run off m inches

Hu.inff, in acre -feet

March

33,300

19,100

14,100

9,950

7,120

6,050

5,320

5,070

9,240

11,200

11,400

13,760

1.13

845,900

April

27,900

23,400

19,900

18,200

24,000

31,100

28,100

20,800

19,400

17,900

------

40,650

3.23

2,419,000

. May

8,880

8,990

8,260

8,120

8,070

8,290

9,720

12,300

16,400

19,100

20,500

10,680

0.88

656,800

Gnge height, in feel, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 10

11

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0600

1200

1800

Gage 

height

15.39

15.62

15.99

16.43

17.20

17.99

18.52

19.00

Discharge

58,100

59,300

61,200

63,700

67,800

72,000

75,000

77,700

Date

Apr. 11

12

13

Hour

2400

0400

1200

2400

1200

2400

Gageheight

19.30

19.36

19.30

19.13

19.00

18.70

Discharge

79,400

79,800

79,400

78,400

77,700

76,000

Date

Apr. 14

15

Hour

1200

2000

2400

0400

1200

2400

Gage 

height

18.27

18.01

18.22

18.49

18.21

17.35

Discharge

73,600

72,200

73,300

74,800

73,300

68,600
A426 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(314) 5-4910. Sugar Creek near Keokuk, Iowa

Location. Lat 40°26'45", long 91°28'55", in SE^NWi sec.7, T.65 N., R.5 W., on left bank 

10 ft downstream from highway bridge, 4.1 miles upstream from mouth, and 6 miles 

northwest of Keokuk.

Drainage area. 105 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except Mar. 18, 19, 21 to Apr. 4, 

Apr. 22, 23, 26 28, when no wire weight gage readings were available. Mar. 20, 

Apr. 5, 6, 24, 25 when wire weight readings were used. Datum of gage is 510.20 ft 

above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 3,800 cfs and extended on basis of logarithmic plotting. Backwater from ice 

Mar. 1-6, 9-14, 20.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 4,580 cfs 0130 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

12.65 ft, from floodmark).

1905 to February 1965: Discharge, 33,000 cfs June 9, 1905 (gage height, 20.6 ft, 

from floodmark), estimated on basis of area-velocity study.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1___

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

65

50

45

42

50

40

19

16

15

14

April

60

50

60

160

1,850

2,080

355

531

717

411

May

28

23

20

18

18

18

17

278

217

45

Day

11..

12-.

13..

14..

15..

16.-

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

13

12

17

60

173

364

2,080

450

95

55

April

816

309

96

125

611

219

86

56

44

34

May

26

22

16

12

21

45

17

10

7.6

6.1

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

45

38

32

28

25

23

100

400

250

120

80

155

1.71

9,550

April

28

20

16

41

680

300

80

50

41

34

332

3.53

19,760

May

5.0

4.7

4.3

4.0

4.3

13

16

6.1

4.3

3.4

2.8

30.1

0.33

1,850

Gnge fit'iglit, in feet, ami discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 5

6

Hour

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

0130

Gage 

height

6.00

7.70

9.35

11.00

12.58

12.65

Discharge

546

970

1,560

2,380

4,400

4,580

Date

Apr. 6

Hour

0300

0800

1200

1500

2400

Gage 

height

12.50

11.07

8.97

7.49

6.69

Discharge

4,450

2,510

1,400

967

746

Date

Apr. 7

Hcur

06^0

1270

1810

2400

Gage 

height

5.57

4.42

3.85

3.58

Discharge

498

279

182

143
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A427

FOX RIVER BASIN 

(315) 5-4943. Fox River at Bloomfield, Iowa

Location. Lat 40°46'10", long 92°25'10", in SW^SE^ sec.13, T.69 N., R.14 W., on left 

bank 15 ft downstream from highway bridge, 1^ miles north of Bloomfield, and 8.6 

miles downstream from North Fox Creek.

Drainage area. 87.7 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph, except May 8, 9. Datum oe gage is 

755.57 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 5,400 cfs and by slope-area measurement at 8,600 cfs. Backwater from ice 

Mar. 1-15, 17-27.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 5,060 cfs 1200 hours Apr. 8 (gage height, 

19.67 ft).

1957 to February 1965: Discharge, 8,600 cfs May 6, 1960 (gage height, 24.02 ft). 

Floods of June 9, 1905, and June 18, 1946, were highest known (stage and discharge 

unknown).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7___

8...

9...

10..

March

90

50

28

15

11

10

9.6

9.2

8.8

8.4

April

83

60

96

130

543

490

142

2,360

251

739

May

22

17

14

14

15

15

12

46

112

27

Day

11..

12. _

13..

14. _

15__

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

8.2

8.0

12

150

350

761

2,570

150

90

45

April

1,480

129

5S

241

846

126

60

36

28

24

May

17

15

10

7.2

7.7

7.7

5.9

5.6

5.2

4.2

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28_.

29_.

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second __ _________

Runoff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

34

30

27

25

24

23

60

317

236

100

88

173

2.27

10,610

April

20

15

14

12

441

140

64

58

40

31

292

"? 71

17,370

May

3.8

8.6

10

7.2

3.1

91

152

32

17

14

10

23.5

0 31

1,440

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 8

Hour

0000

0400

0530

0600

0630

0700

0730

0800

0830

0900

1000

1200

1400

1800

1900

Gage 

height

4.31

4.27

4.31

5.89

9.49

13.19

14.64

15.99

16.99

18.04

18.97

19.67

19.19

16.81

15.16

Discharge

102

97

102

290

859

1,820

2,340

2,920

3,410

4,040

4,600

5,060

4,730

3,310

2,540

Date

Apr. 8

Apr. 9

Hour

2000

2100

2300

2400

0100

0300

0500

0700

1000

1500

1630

1700

2000

2400

Gage 

height

13.14,

11.24

8.99

8.09

7.46

6.66

6.15

5.77

5.37

5.01

4.96

4.96

4.82

4.66

Discharge

1,800

1,250

768

615

513

398

328

273

274

180

180

180

161

138

Date

Apr. 10

Hour

0300

0600

0700

0800

0900

1100

1200

1300

1400

1500

1800

1830

1930

2000

2100

Gage 

height

4,60

4.51

4.50

4.53

4.57

6.24

8.09

10.11

10.39

10.34

9.76

9.54

9.55

9.69

12.39

Discharge

137

124

123

127

133

334

615

988

1,050

1,030

907

870

872

.903

1,580
A4 2 8 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time 1965, of Fox River at 

Bloomfield. Iowa Continued

Date

Apr. 10

11

Hour

2200

2400

0130

0200

0230

0330

0500

0530

Gage 

height

14.26

15.74

16.03

16.05

16.13

16.07

16.38

16.56

Discharge

2,170

2,800

2,930

2,940

2,970

2,950

3,090

3,180

Date

Apr. 11

Hour

0630

0700

0800

0900

1030

1200

1500

1800

2200

Gage 

height

16.55

16.41

15.54

13.90

11.04

9.66

7.43

6.39

5.62

Discharge

3,180

3,100

2,710

2,060

1,200

896

508

356

259

Date

Apr. 11

Apr. 12

Hour

2400

040^

0430

090^

140?

200?

240?

Gage 

height

5.37

4.94

4.96

4.60

4.34

4.17

4.07

Discharge

224

178

180

137

104

87

74

(316) 5-4950. Fox River at Wayland, Mo.

Location. Lat 40°23'45", long 91°35'50", in NWj sec.31, T.65 N., R.6 W., on left bank 

90 ft downstream from bridge on U.S. Highway 136, three-quarters of a mile west of 

Wayland, and 5 miles downstream from Brush Creek.

Drainage area. 400 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15 minute intervals. Datum of 

gage is 501.52 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 5,370 cfs 0345 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

15.97 ft).

1922 to February 1965: Discharge, 25,000 cfs June 29, 1933 (gage 1 «ight, 21.53 ft, 

from floodmarks).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4__,

5___

6___

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

139

383

178

82

49

99

98

81

114

136

April

310

256

208

304

2,200

4,780

1,880

891

2,420

2,730

May

136

109

92

80

75

90

81

80

114

98

Day

11__

12. _

13..

14..

15__

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

126

109

121

379

889

1,720

4,240

4.630

2,260

456

April

2,660

2,620

910

430

1,790

1,830

610

345

224

169

May

101

71

57

49

112

93

48

40

35

32

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30..

31..

Runoff, in inches ___

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

266

212

167

118

119

114

103

126

781

876

408

632

1.82

38,830

April

145

134

147

122

1,080

2,410

727

333

231

174

1,102

3 07

65,590

May

29

27

28

25

26

40

48

49

116

60

38

67.1

019

4,120
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A429

BEAR CREEK BASIN 

(317) 5-4955. Bear Creek near Marcelline, 111.

Location. Lat 40°08'34" J long 91°20'14", between sees.20 and 21, T.2 N., R.8 W., on 

right bank at downstream side of highway bridge, 0.9 mile downstream from 

Grindstone Creek, 2^ miles northeast of Marcelline, and 12 mile upstream from 

mouth.

Drainage area. 348 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 504.52 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 15,200 cfs and extended above by logarithmic plotting.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 11,400 cfs 1615 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

19.46 ft).

1944 to March 1965: Discharge, 21,200 cfs July 22, 1951 (gage height, 26.07 ft).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1.

2. ___

3... ...

4. . ...

5. ____.

6... ...

7. _____

8 ___ .

9 __ __

10 _____

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

359 

275 

177 

218 

1,660 

8,620 

1,890 

390 

244 

497

May

48 

42 

38 

36 

35 

34 

30 

29 

29 

28

Day

11____.

12__ __

13__ __

14_____

15 __ __

16__ __

17__ ...

18 ___ _

19__ ...

20_. ___

April

1,140 

560 

219 

181 

1,080 

521 

237 

166 

130 

106

May

23 

21 

19 

18 

64 

473 

199 

52 

31 

24

Day

21__.__

22_____

23__ ...

24 __ _

25_____

26 __ __

27__ __

28 .__._

29__ ...

30 .....

31__ ...

mean discharge, in cubic feet per second _______________

April

92 

80 

72 

63 

223 

145 

89 

73 

63 

55

S54 

2.10

May

20 

15 

12 

11 

9.3 

14 

23 

23 

16 

12 

9.3

46.4 

0.15

Gage height, in feet, and discharge, in cubic feet per second, at indicated time, 1965

Date

Apr. 5

Hour

0000

0300

0600

0800

1000

1100

1200

1300

1600

1800

2000

Gage 

height

5.16

5.14

5.10

5.10

5.35

5.80

6.60

7.50

8.80

9.40

12.50

Discharge

271

267

258

258

312

424

687

1,050

1,710

2,060

4,220

Date

Apr. 5

6

Hour

2200

2400

0200

1000

1615

2100

2200

2300

2400

Gage 

height

14.10

14.55

15.10

17.55

19.46

18.00

16.15

15.00

14.10

Discharge

5,500

5,900

6,400

8,880

11,400

9,420

7,390

6,310

5,500

Date

Apr. 7

8

Hour

0200

0600i

1200

1800

2400

0400

1500

2400

Gape 

height

12.00

10.00

8.35

7.30

6.33

5.95

5.46

5.26

Discharge

3,820

2,420

1,460

967

586

466

337

293
A430 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES ,

WYACONDA RIVER BASIN 

(318) 5-4960. Wyaconda River above Canton, Mo.

Location. Lat 40°08'30", long 91°33'55", in SE? sec.28, T.62 N., R.6 W., on left bank 

on downstream side of bridge on State Highway 16, 1 mile upstream from Sugar Creek 

and 2 miles west of Canton.

Drainage area. 393 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 19 22, Aor. 18 24 for 

which graph was constructed on basis of once-daily readings of wire-weight gage. 

Datum of gage is 515.41 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 4,850 cfs 1200 hours Apr. 7 (gage height, 20.5 ft).

1932 to February 1965: Discharge 17,700 cfs June 30, 1933 (gage height, 30.00 ft, 

from floodmarks).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4___

5...

6...

7...

8...

9-_-

10..

March

370

400

206

161

179

128

146

133

186

206

April

355

280

213

400

1,580

3,830

4,550

1,890

1,800

1,320

May

121

91

74

64

58

62

63

53

51

65

Day

11..

12..

13..

14__

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

179

186

220

628

1,250

1,800

3,000

3,630

3,930

941

April

2,340

2,430

.850

340

1,400

1,700

630

310

206

156

May

67

43

36

31

37

99

66

38

28

23

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. --.._.....

Runoff, in acre-feet-. ... __.__._.___.._.._._.-_._____._

March

288

206

172

111

110

118

100

123

868

1,170

490

698

2.05

42.910

April

123

106

143

110

901

2,180

1,100

362

213

154

1,066.

3.03

63.420

May

22

20

20

18

18

22

29

31

42

31

25

46.7

0.14

2.870

FABIUS RIVER BASIN 

(319) 5-4970. North Fabius River at Monticello, Mo.

Location. Lat 40°06'30", long 91°42'55", in SWjSE^ sec.6, T.61 N., R.7 W., near 

center of span on downstream side of bridge on State Highway 16, 1 mile south of 

Monticello, and 19 miles upstream from Middle Fabius River.

Drainage area. 452 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Graph based on once or twice-daily wire-weight, gage readings. 

Datum of gage is 540.73 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 6,640 cfs 0910 hours Mar. 18 (gage height, 

21.30 ft).

1874 to February 1965: Discharge, 17,400 cfs June 30, 1933 (gage height, 30.8 ft, 

from floodmarks).
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, of North Fabius River at Monticello, Mo.

A431

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7___

8 

9...

10_.

March

356

315

102

71

71

94

114

137

170

248

April

376

345

670

620

2,280

5,070

3,510

1,230

1,920

1,110

May

156

122

110

94

81

79

79

67

62

86

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

228

216

239

720

1,440

2,640

4,820

5,770

1,640

745

April

4,160

2,420

570

510

2,480

1,620

370

325

248

186

May

81

74

54

39

38

64

53

35

34

32

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28. .

29_.

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second..... _..._.

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

431

335

325

266

221

212

212

292

1,050

960

475

804

2.05

49,420

April

131

521

521

521

82C

1.93C

67C

431

257

22f

1,20?,

2.97

71,520

May

32

27

23

26

27

30

31

28

28

27

26

56.3

0.14

3,460

(320) 5-4980. Middle Fabius River near Monticello, Mo.

Location. Lat 40°05'40", long 91°44'10", in SE^ sec.12, T.61 N., R.8 W., near center 

of span on upstream side of bridge on State Highway 16, 2| miles southwest of 

Monticello, 8 miles downstream from Radish Branch, and 17 miles upstrean from 

mouth.

Drainage area. 393 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Graph based on once or twice-daily wire-weight gage readings 

and crest-stage gage. Datum of gage is 540.46 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

xima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 4,300 cfs 1400 hours Mar. 17 (gage height, 

16.02 ft).

1945 to February 1965: Discharge, 16,200 cfs June 7, 1947 (gage height, 26.28 ft). 

A flood of unknown date reached a stage of 26.6 ft, from floodmark (discharge, 

16,800 cfs).

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Ma

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

363

418

245

118

69

108

87

135

201

305

April

315

241

368

442

1,200

3,900

3,200

3,350

755

950

May

116

93

83

72

63

60

58

55

55

48

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18__

19..

20_.

March

295

265

295

620

1,250

2,110

4,000

3,300

3,000

2,310

April

2,070

2,070

1,680

368

770

1,220

800

285

190

147

May

41

39

36

34

34

46

68

55

46

29

Day

21..

22..

23_.

24_.

25..

26_.

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Runoff in inches .-

Runoff, in acre-feet

March

950

237

195

129

102

131

125

131

554

980

455

758

46,580

April

108

94

116

364

920

1,430

1,910

432

172

120

1,000

2.84

59,480

May

23

20

20

18

18

22

22

24

26

28

27

44.5

0.13

2,740
A432 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

(321) 5-5000. South Fabius River near Taylor, Mo.

Location. Lat 39°53'50", long 91°34'50", in SWg-NW^ sec.21, T.59 N., R.6 W., on right 

bank at downstream side of highway bridge, 4i miles southwest of Tay'or, 5 miles 

downstream from Grassy Creek, and 5.3 miles upstream from confluence with North 

Fabius River.

Drainage area. 620 sq mi; 630 sq mi at site used prior to May 14, 1936.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 19-21, May 14-16,

May 22 30 for which graph was constructed from once-daily wire-weight gage readings. 

Datum of gage is 482.91 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of 

Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 7,940 cfs 0300 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

12.49 ft).

1934 to February 1965: Discharge, 19,700 cfs June 8, 1947 (gage height, 19.5 ft), 

from rating curve extended above 11,000 cfs.

Flood in 1928 reached a stage of 18.49 ft, from floodmark.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7__.

8...

9...

10..

March

1,230

1,050

780

374

248

238

232

297

510

442

April

655

478

613

1,460

3,520

6,440

5,140

4,150

1,150

927

May

130

116

98

88

81

72

67

62

58

54

Day

11_.

12__

13__

14__

15__

16__

17__

18__

19__

20. _

March

458

530

705

1,350

2,230

2,790

5,740

5,440

5,140

3,430

April

2,230

2,230

1,200

610

1,200

1,380

780

430

300

235

May

49

44

40

35

31

31

51

58

83

60

Day

21..

22_.

23__

24_.

25_.

26_.

27_.

28_.

29_.

30_.

3.1 ..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... ________

Runoff, in acre-feet ______ ______ _______________ ____ __

March

1,060

402

357

273

205

188

205

366

1,110

1,600

1,140

1,294

2.41

79,580

April

210

170

154

140

142

136

471

466

208

160

-------

1,246

2.24

74,150

May

48

36

26

21

20

20

20

20

21

64

55

53.5

0.10

3,290
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A433

NORTH RIVER BASIN 

(322) 5-5010. North River at Palmyra, Mo.

Location. Lat 39°49'05", long 91°31'15", in SE|SW| sec.13, T.58 N., R.6 W., on

right bank 100 ft upstream from city waterworks dam, 1,000 ft upstream from bridge 

on U.S. Highways 24 and 61, half a mile north of Palmyra, and 7 miles upstream from 

mouth.

Drainage area. 373 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital-recorder tape punched at 15 minute intervals. Datum of 

gage is 464.81 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Backwater from Mississippi River Apr. 10 to May 13.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 9,620 cfs 0915 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

20.89 ft).

1934 to February 1965: Discharge, 27,400 cfs Apr. 11, 1944; gage height, 24.42 ft 

May 28, 1955.

A flood of unknown date reached a stage of about 28.0 ft, from floodmarks, at site 

1,000 ft downstream, present datum.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

!_..

2___

3...

4...

5___

6...

7...

8...

9...

10..

March

1,220

698

329

217

170

150

137

208

428

307

April

270

209

657

984

2,070

6,770

2,090

592

332

380

May

72

62

54

50

46

42

39

36

33

31

Day

11..

12__

13__

14__

15__

16_.

17__

18__

19__

20. _

March

298

387

601

1,010

1,060

1,090

5,180

2,490

727

290

April

1,200

550

380

370

270

240

560

250

180

160

May

29

27

25

23

21

25

26

21

18

21

Day

21..

22..

23__

24__

25..

26_.

27_.

28..

29_.

30_.

31

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _________

Runoff, in acre- feet- __._-_.___ _----_________________._

March

214

182

174

140

118

108

108

312

785

619

650

201

39.960

April

140

130

120

115

110

115

300

170

110

92

664

1 99

39.500

May

19

17

15

15

14

16

16

14

13

12

11

27.8

0.09

1.710
A434 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

BEAR CREEK BASIN 

(323) 5-5020. Bear Creek at Hannibal, Mo.

Location. Lat 39°40'43", long 91°24'33", in SE|NW| sec.l, T.56 N., R.5 W., on right 

bank 400 ft downstream from upstream bridge on dual U.S. Highway 61 at Hannibal, 

4-3/4 miles upstream from mouth.

Drainage area. 31.0 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital-recorder tape punched at 15 minute intervals. Datum of 

gage is 508.91 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 1,020 cfs 1900 hours Apr. 5 (gage height, 

5.79 ft).

1938-42, 1947 to February 1965: Discharge, 6,500 cfs Aug. 3, 1957 (gage height, 

14.05 ft).

Remarks. High flow regulated by Bear Creek Reservoir since Aug. 7, 1961. 

Mean discharge, in cubic feel per second, 1965

Day

!___

2___

3...

4...

5___

6,..

7__.

8...

9...

10..

March

242

37

14

11

10

9.4

13

44

61

26

April

13

11

60

37

119

541

298

5.2

92

15

May

0.6

.6

.5

.5

.5

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19. _

20..

March

31

55

64

90

54

22

528

333

18

13

April

5.8

2.4

2.0

12

3.8

2.1

1.7

1.5

1.2

1.2

May

0.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29_.

30_.

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second______--._-

Runoff in inches _ - - --

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

12

11

11

9.0

8.8

8.3

14

52

57

24

16

61.2

2.28

3,770

April

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.5

3.8

1.1

1.0

1.0

.8

.8

41.3

1 AQ

2,460

May

38

113

174

166

149

48

3.6

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.2

22.9

0.85

1,410
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A43 5

SALT RIVER BASIN 

(324) 5-5080. Salt River near New London, Mo..

Location. Lat 39°36'44", long 91°24'30" in NE^NWi sec.36, T.56 N., R.5 W., on left 

bank 180 ft upstream from upstream bridge on dual U.S. Highway 61, 2 miles north of 

New London, and 8 miles upstream from Spencer Creek.

Drainage area. 2,480 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage 477.03 ft above mean 

sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 26,000 cfs 1500 hours Apr. 7 (gage height, 

21753" ft).

1922 to February 1965: Discharge, 64,700 cfs Aug. 2, 1958 (gage height, 29.92 ft). 

Flood of July 14, 1858 reached a stage of about 27.6 ft, present site and datum, 

based on comparison of June 1928 flood crest of stone marker 1 mile downstream 

from gage.

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__ 1

2__]

3 "H

4__]

5___

6...

7...

8...

9__.

10..

March

4,810

7,210

4,640

2,430

1,410

995

898

898

1,240

1,970

April

2,110

1,480

2,220

12,200

11,700

20,500

25,400

18,700

9,880

2,590

May

416

371

332

302

277

261

244

221

209

190

Day

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17. _

18..

19. _

20..

March

2,510

2,920

4,330

6,510

8,560

8,300

15,900

23,400

21,100

11,600

April

5,110

11,600

6,620

2,350

2,040

2,750

3,280

1,970

1,160

832

May

180

172

162

148

138

127

121

138

144

144

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25_.

26..

27..

28..

29..

30.. 

3 1

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. _......._

Runoff, in acre- feet-- ----_---__ ______ ____________ _ _

March

5,300

1,480

1,060

865

716

571

516

7 16

. 2,270

4,130

3,460

4,926

2.29

302,900

April

660

554

490

470

617

1,030

1,240

1,130

648

485

5,061

2.28

301, 10C

May

205

169

144

131

108

121

118

105

90

88

O C

183

0.08

11,230

317-045 O - 70 - 29
A43 6 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

THE SNY BASIN 

(325) 5-5130. Bay Creek at Nebo, 111.

Location. Lat 39°26'35", long 90°47'45", in NWj sec.19, T.7 S., R.3 W., on left bank 

400 ft downstream from highway bridge, 500 ft upstream from Spring Creek, a quarter 

of a mile west of Nebo, and 1.6 miles upstream from Chicago and Alton Railroad 

bridge. Records include flow of Spring Creek.

Drainage area. 162 sq mi, including that of Spring Creek.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15-minute intervals. Prior to 

April 28, 1965, water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 462.56 ft above mean 

sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements 

below 9,000 cfs and extended above by logarithmic plotting.

Maxima.- April-May 1965: Discharge, 2,140 cfs 0900 hours Apr. 11 (grge height, 

9.49 ft).

1939 to March 1965: Discharge, 23,500 cfs Aug. 16, 1946 (gage height, 19.31 ft).

Mean discharge, m cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

l-__--.

2______

3______

4......

6______

7......

8___...

9

10.....

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

53 

46 

46 

51 

291 

562 

134 

94 

75 

289

May

43 

39 

36 

33 

32 

32 

31 

46 

39 

29

Day

11---..

12.....

13...-.

14____.

15.....

16..-_-

17..-..

18.....

19.....

20.....

April

1,110 

202 

112 

119 

381 

145 

102 

84 

72 

64

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches--- _ _

May

25 

22 

20 

22 

21 

20 

19 

20 

20 

19

Day

21.. __

22-_...

23 __ .

24.. ...

25 ___ .

26.. __

27.. ...

28.....

29.....

30.....

31.....

d ...............

April

61 

53 

49 

86 

175 

94 

62 

56 

51 

47

159 

1.09

May

18 

17 

17 

16 

16 

22 

32 

26 

18 

15 

14

25.1 

0.18

linglit, in feet, mid disduitgr, m cubic feet pet second, al indicated time, 19f>5

Date

Apr. 10

Hour0000

1200

1400

1500

1800

2000

2300

2400

Gage 

height

1.67

1.67

4.28

5.90

3.62

3.08

5.07

4.96

Discharge

67

67

524

950

378

270

718

690

Date

Apr. 11

Hour

0300

0500

0600

0700

0900

1200

2000

Gage 

height

4.35

5.89

7.87

9.35

9.49

7.60

5.07

Discharge

539

947

1,540

2,080

2,140

1,-460

718

Date

Apr. 11

12

Hour

2200

2400

0600

1200

2400

Gage 

height

4.29

3.68

2.85

2.48

2.17

Discharge

526

392

230

171

127
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A43 7

CUIVRE RIVER BASIN 

(326) 5-5145. Cuivre River near Troy, Mo.

Location. Lat 39°00'59", long 90°59'00", in SE| sec. 14, T.49 N., R.I W., on downstream 

side of center pier of bridge on U.S. Highway 61, l| miles downstream from confluence 

of North and West Forks and 2 miles north of Troy.

Drainage area. 903 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except Mar. 25 26, Apr. 22 24,

Apr. 29 to May 31 for which graph was constructed from once-daily wire-weifht gage 

readings. Datum of gage is 450.27 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 11,200 cfs 1400 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

20.54 ft).

1888 to February 1965: Discharge, 120,000 cfs Oct. 5, 1941 (gage height, 33.4 ft, 

from floodmarks).

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

5. ..

6___

7. J

8 ...

9__.

10..

March

2,200

2,350

1,250

470

298

222

200

272

1,290

1,010

April

282

200

271

2,850

1,490

8,440

3,550

1,370

575

385

May

164

143

125

113

100

177

105

90

87

82

Day

11-.

12..

13..

14..

15..

16..

17..

18_.

19..

20_-

March

635

575

695

575

398

282

1,320

3,260

970

360

April

3,080

4,270

1,250

515

4.670

2,250

930

590

398

300

May

75

68

64

56

42

38

33

31

29

26

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

Run ;)ff u} cLcrs-feet

March

210

160

148

135

125

118

118

470

1,290

890

470

734

0.94

45,160

April

232

182

150

132

1,370

970

470

320

240

182

1,397

1.73

83,140

May

23

22

24

22

22

30

28

34

32

26

16

62.2

0.08

3,820

ILLINOIS RIVER BASIN 

(327) 5-5855. Illinois River at Meredosia, 111.

Location. Lat 39°49'36", long 90°33'53", in SE^NEi sec. 21, T.16 N., R.13 W., on left 

bank 0.3 mile downstream from bridge on State Highway 104 in Meredosia, 4j miles 

upstream from McKee Creek and at mile 71.1.

Drainage area. 25,300 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 418.00 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-fall-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. April May 1965: Discharge, 55,000 cfs 0500 hours April 18; gage height, 

17.65 ft 1000 hours to 1700 hours Apr. 19.

1938 to March 1965: Discharge, 123,000 cfs May 26-28, 1943; gage height, 28.61 ft 

May 26, 1943.
A438 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second. 1965, of Illinois River at Meredosia, III.

Day

1------

2......

3.....

4______

5......

6... __

7......

8......

9_____.

10... ._

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

31,900 

32,100 

31,800 

31,100 

31,400 

34,000 

38,600 

41,300 

43,000 

44,400

May

49,600 

49,800 

49,700 

49,600 

49,200 

47,700 

46,500 

46,000 

45,600 

45,800

Day

11.....

12... .

13.-...

14---_.

]3-_-_.

16..,-.

17-....

18.....

19...--

20,....

April

46,500 

49,500 

50,500 

51,000 

52,000 

53,200 

53,200 

54,400 

54,000 

53,200

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches- . _ .

May

45,600 

45,000 

44,300 

43,100 

40,900 

39,900 

38,800 

38,100 

36,200 

34,900

Day

22__ ...

23..--

24.. ..

25

26_. ...

27.. __

on

9Q

30.....

3 1

d ._.......--.

April

52,400 

51,800 

51,200 

49,500 

47,700 

46,600 

46,700 

48,000 

48,800 

48,800

45,600 

2.01

May

34,100 

32,800 

31,200 

29,800 

28,300 

27,900 

27,200 

26,300 

24,600 

21,900 

17,900

38,300 

1.75

(328) 5-5870. Macoupin Creek near Kane, 111.

Location. Lat 39°14'00", long 90°23'45", in SE^ sec. 11, T.9 N., R.12 W., near center 

of span on downstream side of bridge on U.S. Highway 67 (alternate), 1.4 miles downstream from Link Branch, and 3| miles northwest of Kane.

Drainage area. 875 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Graph based on twice-daily readings of wire-weight gage, except 

Apr. 24, May 6, 10, 26. Datum of gage is 426.77 ft above mean sea level, datum of 

1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Discharge for periods of no gage-height record estimated on basis of records for 

nearby stations.

Maxima. April-May 1965: Discharge, 2,120 cfs 2000 hours Apr. 11 (gage height 

12.30 ft). '

1921-33, 1940 to March 1965: Discharge, 40,000 cfs May 18, 1943 (rage height 

28.5 ft). '

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

I. __ ..

2-.___.

3..-__.

5 ___ _.

6 _._...

8 ......

9__ ...

Monthly 

Runoff,

April

56 

49 

45 

47 

77 

735 

688 

287 

194 

127

May

178 

146 

120 

101 

92 

88 

83 

80 

74 

65

Day

11..... 

12..._.

13_.___

14...,.

15_____

16.....

17.....

18 .....

19.....

20.....

April

1,470 

1,500 

788 

441 

506 

790 

466 

292 

222 

177

mean discharge, in cubic feet per secon 

in inches

May

57 

50 

44 

44 

34 

30 

27 

31 

68 

66

Day

21.. .__

22 .....

23.. ...

24......

25.. ...

26.....

27.. ...

28.. ...

29_____

30... _.

31.. ...

d .... __ ... .....

April

141 

127 

113 

120 

932 

1,740 

712 

353 

263 

209

456 

0.58

May

41 

25 

19 

17 

16 

150 

390 

194 

128 

60 

37

82.4 

0.11
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A439

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(329) 5-5875. Mississippi River at Alton, 111.

Location. Lat 38°53'06", long 90°10'51", in sec.14, T.5 N., R.10 W., near left bank in 

downstream end of intermediate lock wall of lock and dam 26 at Alton, 300 f. downstream from Missouri and Illinois Bridge and Belt Railroad bridge, 7.7 miles upstream from Missouri River, and at mile 202.7 above Ohio River.

Drainage area. 171,500 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is at mean sea 

level, datum of 1929 (levels by Corps of Engineers).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Fall used as a factor.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 380,000 cfs 0700 hours to 2300 hours May 3; 

gage height, 420.75 ft 1500 hours to 1800 hours Apr. 16.

1927 to February 1965: Discharge, 437,000 cfs May 24, 1943 (gage height, 429.91 ft), 

includes 90,000 cfs floodwater overflow from Missouri River.

Flood in June 1844 reached a stage of 432.10 ft (discharge unknown).

Remarks.- Natural flow of stream affected by many reservoirs and navigation dams in 

upper Mississippi River basin.

Cooperation. Alton gage-height record furnished by Corps of Engineers. 

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

4__.

5...

6___

7___

8...

9...

10..

March

62,400

98,800

118,000

115,000

119,000

122,000

133,000

164,000

164,000

163,000

April

155,000

150,000

154,000

172,000

188,000

208,000

219,000

240,000

261,000

278,000

May

369,000

377,000

380,000

378,000

374,000

374,000

373,000

373,000

368,000

363,000

Day

11. _

12..

13..

14_.

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

165,000

167,000

176,000

180,000

176,000

170,000

181,000

199,000

212,000

223,000

April

287,000

297,000

313,000

330,000

343,000

351,000

363,000

369,000

377,000

375,000

May

356,000

344,000

337,000

328,000

318,000

307,000

297,000

281,000

265,000

243,000

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second... ___...._

Ru'ioff in inches

Runoff, in acre -feet

March

233,000

207,000

149,000

126,000

111,000

93,200

81,700

91,700

102,000

113,000

146,000

147,200

0.99

*9,048

April

367,000

358,000

350,000

345,000

345,000

342,000

339,000

339,000

348,000

357,000

----..

297,300

1.93

*17,690

May

225,000

209,000

197,000

188,000

184,000

179,000

177,000

166,000

171,000

172,000

172,000

285,300

1.92

*17,540

*In thousands
A440 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

MISSOURI RIVER MAIN STEM 

(330) 6-9345. Missouri River at Hermann, Mo.

Location. Lat 38°42'36" 1 long 91°26'21", in SW| sec.25, T.46 N., R.5 W., on downstream 

side of third pier from right abutment of bridge on State Highway 19 at Hermann. 

River mile, 97.9.

Drainage area. 528,200 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 481.56 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. March May 1965: Discharge, 258,000 cfs 1400 hours Apr. 8 (gage height, 

23.50 ft).

1897 to February 1965: Discharge, 676,000 cfs June 6, 7, 1903; gag? height, 33.33 ft 

July 19, 1951.

Flood of June 1844 reached a gage height of 35.5 ft (discharge about 892,000 cfs, 

computed by Corps of Engineers).

Remarks. Flow partly regulated by many reservoirs above station. 

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1__.

2...

3...

i_ --

5___

6___

7__-

K...

9...

10..

March

42,800

48,500

] 14,000

] 60, 000

123,000

96,700

79,000

65,200

59,000

67,400

April

68,200

69,600

74,100

140,000

178,000

223,000

246,000

256,000

254,000

237,000

May

65,200

59,000

53,800

51,600

51,600

53,400

54,900

52,400

49,200

47,500

Day

11..

12. _

13..

14..

15. _

16. _

17. _

18. _

19__

20..

March

80,500

92,300

88,500

84,500

82,000

95,000

117,000

170,000

208,000

217,000

April

226,000

224,000

202,000

176,000

180,000

154,000

141,000

128,000

110,000

98,400

May

57,900

64,800

57,500

56,400

63,100

59,400

51,600

49,600

47,200

46,500

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31..

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second.. ______ ___

Haaoff in inches

Runotf, in acre -feet

March

186,000

148,000

124,000

101,000

80,000

66,100

59,000

53,400

52,000

57,400

64,800

99,440

0.22

*6,115

April

85,500

77,500

72,800

66,500

63,100

58,300

62,300

84,000

87,000

75,500

------

137,300

0.29

*8,168

May

51,300

54,900

51,600

51,000

62,300

92,300

77,500

76,500

99,400

114,000

94,500

61,870

0.14

*3,804

*In thousands
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A441

LOUTRE RIVER BASIN 

(331) 6-9355. Loutre River at Mineola, Mo.

Location. Lat 38°53'20", long 91°34'30", in SE^NW^ sec.34, T.48 N., R.6 W., at downstream side of left pier of bridge in Mineola, 0.2 mile upstream from Sallee Branch, 

1^ mile downstream from Interstate Highway 70.

Drainage area. 202 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Water-stage recorder graph except for Mar. 3, 6-9, days of no 

gage-height record and Mar. 1, 2, 10-12, from graph based on gage readings recorded 

range of stage and partial recorder record.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Rate of change in stage used as a factor for stages above 8 ft.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 5,580 cfs 0400 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

15.27 ft).

1947 to February 1965: Discharge, 12,900 cfs June 30, 1957 (gage height, 20.88 ft). 

Flood of June 1928 reached a stage of about, 28.9 ft, from information by local 

resident.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1.-.

2...

3...

4___

5___

6___

7__. 8 ---!

9-.J

10_.

March

498

253

120

59

50

45

40

50

100

280

April

72

55

1,090

682

685

2,210

372

202

130

107

May

38

33

28

26

23

22

20

17

16

14

Day

11.-

12..

13-_

14. _

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

151

212

182

114

78

51

1,480

386

132

81

April

997

280

125

334

1,720

386

199

130

97

76

May

12

11

9.6

8.2

7.4

6.4

5.4

8.7

5.2

4.2

Day

21..

22..

23..

24_.

25..

26..

27_.

28..

29_.

30..

31_.

Kunoff, in acre -feet

March

62

54

70

71

53

46

96

470

456

163

97

194

1.10

11,900

April May

65 3.7

55 3.2

50 2.9

45

197

167

87

66

54

46

2.7

2.5

5.6

5.4

4.2

5.0

4.0

3 9.

OKQ 1 1 ^

1.98 0.07

21,380 709

COLDWATER CREEK BASIN 

(332) 6-9365. Coldwater Creek near St. Louis, Mo.

Location. Lat 38°48'50", long 90°13'50", in sec. 16, T.47 N., R.7 E., on right wingwall 

on downstream side of bridge on U.S. Highway 67, 1.7 miles upstream from mouth, 

3.5 miles south of West Alton, and 6.0 miles north of St. Louis city limits.

Drainage area. 43.6 sq mi.

Gage-height record. Digital recorder tape punched at 15 minute intervals. Datum of 

gage is 442.63 ft above mean sea level, datum of 1929 (Missouri Highway Department 

bench mark).

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements. 

Discharge on Apr. 12, 13, obtained from adjoining good record and weather records.

Maxima.- March-May 1965: Discharge, 1,210 cfs 0015 hours Apr. 6 (gage height, 

6.94 ft).

1959-61, 1962 to February 1965: Discharge, 6,170 cfs June 29, 1960 (gage height, 

17.13 ft).
A442 FLOODS OF 1965 IN THE UNITED STATES

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965, ofColdwater Creek near St. Lows, Mo.

Day

1...

2___

3...

4 __

5...

6...

7___

8...

9...

1-0_.

March

73

156

44

49

53

46

48

50

42

36

April

32

31

96

39

288

258

65

54

47

56

May

33

26

23

39

37

50

34

31

32

30

Day

11..

12. _

13_.

14__

15..

16..

17. _

18..

19..

20-.

March

34

33

31

30

29

29

57

30

28

28

April

44

39

35

54

102

46

39

33

34

35

May

30

29

28

28

27

24

27

61

24

24

Day

21_.

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31

Runoff, in acre- feet------ ____ ____ _______ __ _____

March

25

28

51

31

29

37

34

30

31

32

99

d.1 R

1.10

2.550

/pril

34

33

33

32

160

38

35

39

32

31

63.1

1

C n

3.760

May

24

24

22

33

24

82

40

23

21

17

18

311

0.82

1.910

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MAIN STEM

(333) 7-0100. Mississippi River at St. Louis, Mo.

Location. Lat 38°37'44", long 90°10'47", on downstream side of west pier of Eads 

Bridge at St. Louis, 15 miles downstream from Missouri River, 19.2 miles upstream 

from Meramec River, and at mile 180.0 above Ohio River.

Drainage area. 701,000 sq mi, approximately.

Gage-height record. Water- stage recorder graph. Datum of gage is 379.94 ft above 

mean sea level, datum of 1929.

Discharge record. Stage-discharge relation defined by current-meter measurements.

Maxima. March-May 1965: Discharge, 525,000 cfs 1430 hours Apr. 16 (gage height, 

28.83 ft).

1861 to February 1965: Daily discharge, 1,019,000 cfs June 10. 11, 1903; gage 

height, 40.28 ft July 22, 1951.

Flood in April 1785 may have reached a stage of 42.0 ft.

Flood in June 1844 reached a stage of 41.32 ft, from floodmarks (discharge, 

1,300,000 cfs), computed by Corps of Engineers.

Remarks.- Natural flow of stream affected by many reservoirs and navigation dams in 

upper Mississippi River basin'and by many reservoirs and diversions for irrigation 

in Missouri River basin.

Mean discharge, in cubic feet per second, 1965

Day

1...

2...

3...

4...

S._.

6...

7__.

C___!

9__ H

10_.

March

102,000

131,000

164,000

225,000

275,000

254,000

231,000

243,000

240,000

230,000

April

218,000

221,000

218,000

248,000

324,000

394,000

444,000

479,000

500,000

509,000

May

431,000

429,000

427,000

423,000

416,000

414,000

414,000

416,000

414,000

408,000

Day

11..

12. _

13. _

14..

15..

16..

17..

18..

19..

20..

March

234,000

246,000

265,000

270,000

263,000

260,000

279,000

324,000

388,000

425,000

April

513,000

516,000

520,000

516,000

516,000

523,000

511,000

500,000

488,000

474,000

May

400,000

396,000

394,000

384,000

370,000

362,000

351,000

335,000

317,000

299,000

Day

21..

22..

23..

24..

25..

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

0 1

Monthly mean discharge, in cubic feet per second..... ______

Runoff in inches __ ________

Runoff, in acre-feet

March

440,000

408,000

324,000

263,000

216,000

178,000

152,000

147,000

154,000

159,000

192,000

247,800

0.41

*15,240

April

459,000

440,000

425,000

414,000

412,000

404,000

398,000

398,000

414,000

429,000

427,500

0.68

*25,440

May

279,000

265,000

255,000

245,000

237,000

237,000

263,000

254,000

243,000

265,000

286,000

342,900

0.56

*21,080

In thousands
MARCH MAY, UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN A443

REFERENCES CITED

Benson, M. A., 1962a, Evolution of methods for evaluating the 

occurrence of floods: U.S. Geol. Survey Water-Supply Paper 

1580-A, 30 p.

 1962b, Factors influencing the occurrence of floods in a 

humid region of diverse terrain: U.S. Geol. Survey WaterSupply Paper 1580-B, 62 p.

 1964, Factors affecting the occurrence of floods in the 

southwest: U.S. Geol. Survey Water-Supply Paper 1580-D,70 p.

Dalrymple, Tate, 1960, Flood-frequency analyses: U.S. Geol. 

Survey Water-Supply Paper 1543 A, 77 p.

Ericson, D. W., 1961, Floods in Wisconsin, magnitude s.nd frequency: U.S. Geol. Survey open-file report, 109 p.

Mitchell, W. D., 1954, Floods in Illinois, magnitude and frequency: 

Div. of Waterways, 111. Dept. Public Waters and Buildings , 386 p.

Patterson, J. L., and Gamble, C. R., 1968, Magnitude and frequency 

of floods in the United States; Part 5, Hudson Bay and Mississippi River basins: U.S. Geol. Survey Water-Supply Pap^r 1678.

Prior, C. H., 1949, Magnitude and frequency of floods in Minnesota: Div. of Waters, Minn. Dept. Conservation Bull. 1, 128 p.

Prior, C. H., and Hess, J. H., 1961, Floods in Minnesota, magnitude and frequency: Div. of Waters, Minn. Dept. Conservation 

Bull. 12, 142 p.

Searcy, J. K., 1955, Floods in Missouri, magnitude and frequency: U.S. Geol. Survey Circ. 370, 126 p.

Schwob, H. H., 1953, Iowa floods, magnitude and frequency: Iowa 

Highway Research Board Bull. 1, 171 p.

 1966, Magnitude and frequency of Iowa floods: Iowa Highway Research Board Bull. 28, pt. 1, 47 p., pt. 2, 376 p.

U.S. Congress, Special House Subcommittee to Inspect Flooded 

Areas in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 1965, Upper Mississippi River basin floods of April-May 1965: U.S. 89th Cong., 

1st sess., House Comm. Print No. 13, 66 p.
INDEX

A Page 

Apple River near Hanover, 111............... A329

near Somerset, Wis....................... 217

Apple River basin........................... 329

Arkansaw Creek tributary near Arkansaw,

Wis............................... 248

B

Bad Axe River, North Fork, near Genoa,

Wis ---------.....--...-........ 276

Bad Axe River basin.--.-.................... 276

Baraboo River near Baraboo, Wis............ 310

B ashaw Brook near Shell Lake, Wis........... 210

Bassett Creek at County Highway 66, Golden

Valley, Minn..................... 169

at Fruen Mill Co., Minneapolis, Minn.... 170

Bassett Creek basin.......................... 169

Bay Creek at Nebo, 111....................... 436

Bear Creek at Hannibal, Mo.---------------- 434

near Grand Meadow, Minn_.............. 265

near Marcelline, 111-.------.-------------- 429

near Monmouth, Iowa_................... 327

Bear Creek basin-.---..---..-.-.-----...-.- 429,434

Bear Lake at Haugen, Wis.------------------ 241

Beaver Creek at New Hartford, Iowa. __.__._ 369 

Big Bear Creek at Ladora, Iowa.............. 350

Big Cedar Creek near Varina, Iowa__________ 406

B ig Creek near Mount Pleasant, Iowa........ 389

Big Eau Pleine Reservoir near Knowlton,

Wis.....-....-.....----..-.-.-... 301

Big Eau Pleine River near Stratford, Wis..... 300

Big St. Germain Lake near Lake Tomahawk,

Wis....-....... ............... 288

Big Stone Lake at Ortonville, Minn..._._..__ 174 

Birch Lake at Birchwood, Wis .. - - 239 

Black River at Neillsville, Wis ............. 260

near Galesville, Wis.. .......-------.--- 262

Black River basin.--------------.----.------- 260

Blackhawk Creek at Hudson, Iowa_. ------- 370

Blue Earth River, East Branch, near Bricelyn,

Minn..-.....-._-.....--.---.----- 193

East Branch, tributary near Blue Earth,

Minn-.-.--..-..-..-.-.-.-. ... 194

near Rapidan, Minn_-_._ _ _______ _ 195

Boone River near Webster City, Iowa........ 403

Buckatabon Lake near Conover, Wis....- .. 283

Buffalo Creek tributary near Brownton, Minn- 161 

Burnt Rollways Reservoir near Eagle River,

Wis .. - _. - - --- 285

Cannon River at Welch, Minn--.----------- 222

Cannon River basin_...................... 222

	Page 

Castle Rock flowage near Mauston, Wis...... A306

Cedar Creek near Bussey, Iowa. ------....... 422

Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa_....... 375

at Charles City, Iowa.................... 362

at Janesville, Iowa....- - -.-- --. 364

at Waterloo, Iowa........................ 372

near Austin, Minn ..................... 360

near Conesville, Iowa._.__-_-_-_-_-_._-__ 377

near Rochester, Iowa_.................. 376

West Fork, at Finchford, Iowa ___________ 365

Chippewa River at Bishops Bridge, near

Winter, Wis ------------------ 225

at Chippewa Falls, Wis................... 236

at Durand, Wis .....---------.....-.. 245

below diversion dam, near Watson, Mtnn 184

diversion near Watson, Minn............. 184

near Brace, Wis.......................... 226

near Milan, Minn-.-.-.------------------ 182

Chippewa River Basin. ----- --------- 224

Clear Creek near Coralville, Iowa..__.____-__ 354

Cobb River tributary near Mapleton, Minn.. 197

Coldwater Creek near St. Louis, Mo~........ 441

Coldwater Creek basin.-....-.--------------- 441

Coralville Reservoir near Coralville, lova,. 352

Cottonwood River near New Ulm, Mur>_. _ 192

Crane Creek near Lourdes, Iowa.__.-____ - 316

tributary near Saratoga, Iowa.._. ____. 316

Crow River at Rockford, Minn.- ._. -. 163

North Fork, near Regal, Minn -------- 158

South Fork, at Cosmos, Minn......... . 160

at Hutchinson, Minn.-------------- 160

near Mayer, Minn.------- ----------- 161

tributary near Mayer, Minn-__. . - 163

Crow River Basin.------------- ----------- 158

Crow Wing River at Nimrod, Minn. ___-- . 149

Crow Wing River basin..------------------- 149

Cuivre River near Troy, Mo --------------- 437

Cuivre River basin___._ _ - - - - 437

D

Deerskin Lake near Eagle River, Wis _-._ 286

Des Moines River at Fort Dodge, Iowa ------ 402

at Keosauqua, Iowa._.- ------- 425

at Ottumwa, Iowa____-_ - --- 424

below Raccoon River, at Des Monies,

Iowa-.--.----------------------- 414

East Fork, at Algona, Iowa ..-..-.--. 400

at Dakota City, Iowa...-.. ------ 400

near Burt, Iowa..---------------------- 399

near Boone, Iowa---. - .- ----------- 404

near Saylorville, Iowa... -.--------- 405

near Tracy, Iowa...---------------------- 421

A445
A446 INDEX

Des Moines River at Fort Dodge, Iowa Con. Page 

West Fork, at Emmetsburg, Iowa........ A397

at Estherville, Iowa.................... 3%

at Humboldt, Iowa-.................... 398

at Jackson, Minn....................... 395

below Talcott Dam near Dundee, Minn. 394 

near Ottosen, Iowa..................... 397

tributary near Jackson, Minn_........ 394

tributary near Lakefl eld, Minn......... 394

Des Moines River basin...................... 394

Dry Creek near Jeflers, Minn..._............. 192

E

Eagle Creek near Fountain City, Wis......... 255

Eau Claire River at Kelly, Wis-.............. 298

near Fall Creek, Wis_-.................... 238

Eau Galle River at Spring Valley, Wis....... 246

Edwards River near New Boston, 111......... 379

Edwards River basin___.- _.__.._ _ _ 379

Elk River near Big Lake, Minn.............. 156

Elk River basin.............................. 155

English River at Kalona, Iowa.-------------- 358

Fabius River basin...........................

Flambeau flowage near Mercer, Wis_ --------

Flambeau River at Babbs Island near Winter, 

Wis...............................

near Bruce, Wis..........................

South Fork, near Phillips, WiS ---------

Four Mile Creek near Traer, Iowa------------

Fox River at Bloomfield, Iowa.--------------

at Wayland, Mo---._.....................

Fox River basin..............................

G

Galena River at Buncombe, Wis..._-_-__... 

Galena River basin. _____.....___ 

Gilmore Creek at Winona, Minn_----------

Gilmore Creek basin _._._.__.._._.___..-__.. 

Glaisby Brook near Kettle River, Miim... 

Grant River at Burton, Wis--.....----------

Grant River basin... ___.-_ ___ 

Green River near Geneseo, 111.. ..........

Gull Lake near Brainerd, Minn.......-...--

Gull River at Gull Lake Dam, near Brainerd, 

Minn............................

H

Half Mile Creek near Gladbrook, lowa......

Hardin Creek, East Fork, near Churdan,

Iowa -_ _ ..__, . . 

Hay River at Wheeler, Wis..................

Henderson Creek near Oquawka, 111. .......

Henderson Creek basin,..._._________.______.

Hillman Creek near Pierz, Minn.............

Illinois River at Meredosia, Ill-- 

Illinois River basin-_-_---.--_-.. 

Indian Creek near Mingo, Iowa..

430

228

229

232

231

374

427

428

427

325

325

257

257

212

318

318

339

150

151

373

409

242

380

380

152

437

437

385

	Page 

Iowa River at Iowa City, Iowa........._... A355

at Marengo, Iowa_...................... 351

at Marshalltown, Iowa................... 345

at Wapello, Iowa......................... 378

East Branch, above Hayfleld, Iowa...... 342

near Garner, Iowa__.................... 342

near Hayfleld, Iowa..-_---------------- 342

near Klemme, Iowa........._.......... 343

tributary near Garner, Iowa..... _ ------ 343

near Lone Tree, Iowa__................ 359

near Rowan, Iowa_-------------------- 344

Iowa River basin_. .......-...-.-.-..-..-. 342

Johnson Creek near St. Augusta Minn....... 155

tributary near St. Augusta, Minn-..-.---- 154

Johnson Creek basin......--....-....-.-..-.. 154

Judicial ditch 1-A near New Sweden, Minn.. 200

Jump River at Sheldon, Wis..........-------- 234

K

Kickapoo River at La Farge, Wis .... ... 312

at Steuben, Wis ----------------------- 313

Kinnickinnic River tributary at River Falls,

Wis ..- ----. - - 218

Lac qui Parle River near Lac qui Parle, Minn- 180

Lac Vieux Desert near Land O'Lakes, Wis... 282

La Crosse River near West Salem, WIs........ 263

La Crosse River basin_.----_-__---._--------- 263

Lake Chippewa near Winter, WLs............. 224

Lake Dubay near Stevens Point, Wis._------- 302

Lake Nokomis at Bradley, Wis.........---.. 294

Lake Wissota near Chippewa FaMs, Wis...... 235

Lemonweir River at New Lisbon, Wis_...- 307

Le Suenr River near Rapidan, fl cuin___ --_- 198

Lightning Creek at Almena, Wis............. 242

Little Cedar River near Ionia, leva....--.... 363

Little Frog Creek near Minong, Wis. --------- 209

Little Maquoketa River near Durango, Iowa.- 321

Little Maquoketa River basin,.-........-.--. 321

Little Minnesota River near Peever, S. Dak._ 171 

Little Paint Creek tributary ne?,r Waterville,

Iowa...----------_-_------.------ 279

Little St. Germain Lake near Eagle River,

Wis...... -------------- 288

Little Trimbelle Creek near Bay City, Wis.. - 221

Little Wapsipinicon River at Elira, Iowa_--_. 335

near Acme, Iowa,-...-...-.-........-..-- 335

tributary near Riceville, Iowa___ __ . 334

Lizard Creek near Clare, Iowa.....-.....---- 401

Long Lake near Brill, Wis..-- -.- ..---- 240

near Phelps, Wis...---------------------- 286

Loutre River at Mineola, Mo.---------------- 441

Loutre River basin.-------------.------------ 441

Lower Ninemile Lake near Eagle River, Wis-- 284

M

Macoupin Creek near Kane, 111. 438

Maple River tributary near Maple ton, Minn.. 197
INDEX A447

	Page 

Maquoketa River near Manchester, Iowa..... A326

near Maquoketa, Iowa_................. 328

Maquoketa River basin.._.................. 326

Middle Fabius River near Monticello, Mo._-. 431

Middle Fork Crow River near Spicer, Minn.. 158

Middle Raccoon River at Panora, Iowa._... 410

Middle River near Indianola, Iowa..._....- 417

Mill Creek at Milan, IU._..,__................ 341

tributary near Chatfleld, Minn..._....... 265

Minnehaha Creek at 50th Street, Edina, Minn. 170

at Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, Minn_.. 171

at Minnetonka Mills, Minn............... 170

Minnehaha Creek basin........_.....__...... 170

Minnesota River at Interstate Highway 35W

at B loomington, Minn............ 205

at Mankato, Minn...._...._...._...._ 199

at Montevideo, Minn..................... 184

at Ortonville, Minn_.................... 175

near Carver, Minn_.. . ___ 201

near Lac qui Parle, Minn_................ 181

Minnesota River basin._. _ _ 171

Minocqua Lake near Minocqua, Wis ---------- 292

Mississippi River at Aitkin, Mini;............ 146

at Alton, 111..................V..---.-.--- 439

at Burlington, Iowa.---.-----.--.-------- 381

at Clinton, Iowa,-.-..................... 332

at Davenport, Iowa.......---..-.-------. 337

at Dubuque, Iowa..---------------------- 323

at Elk River, Minn __...__......... 157

at Keokuk, Iowa...-.-.--................ 391

at La Crosse, Wis........................ 264

at Lansing, Iowa......_- -- -- 277

at lock and dam 3 near Red Wing, Minn.- 221

at lock and dam 4 near Alma, Wis.._--__- 248

at lock and dam 5 near Minneiska, Minn-. 255

at McGregor, Iowa..._.--_---..-._-.----- 280

at Prescott, Wis...._..._................. 219

at St. Louis, Mo-........--.-..---...-.... 442

at St. Paul, Minn...__......_..---_-.-_-.. 206

at Winona, Minn............ ...---..... 256

below Sandy River near Libby, Minn.... 145

main stem-...--....-.-.-----..-----...... 145,

152, 157, 168, 219, 221, 248, 253, 256, 264, 

277, 280, 323, 332, 337, 381, 391, 439, 442

near Anoka, Minn...---.-----....-....... 168

near Royalton, Minn..................... 152

Missouri River at Hermann, Mo.............. 440

main stem............-.---...-----.....-. 440

Moose Lake near Winter, Wis...___..._....._. 224

Mormon Creek near La Crosse, Wis_..,..... 275

Mormon Creek basin.....-...---.-.----.---.- 275

Morris Creek tributary near Norwalk, Wis_. 312

N

Namekagon River near Trego, Wis....-..-.-. 208

Nine Mile Creek at Bloomington, Minn....... 204

North Fabius River at Monticello, Mo.....___ 430

North Pelican Lakes near Rhinelander, Wis.. 291

North Raccoon River near Jefferson, Iowa... 408

near Sac City, Iowa...................... 407

North River at Palmyra, Mo.---.........- . 433

near Norwalk, Iowa.---.---..------------ 415

North River basin..._________________________ 433

North Skunk River near Sigourney, Iowa.... 388

O Page 

Otsego Creek near Otsego, Minn..........__ A155

Otsego Creek basin.--------.................. 155

Otter Creek near Lester Prairie, Minn........ 160

tributary near Lester Prairie, Minn....... 161

Paint Creek at WaterviUe, Iowa.............. 278

near Waterville, Iowa (crest-stage strt.ion). 279

Paint Creek basin...._.........._........ 278

Pelican Lake near Pelican Lake, Wis......... 290

Petenwellflowagenear Necedah, Wis......... 304

Pickerel Lake near Lake Tomahawk, Wis.... 289

Pine Creek near Cannon Falls, Minn.._...... 222

East Branch, tributary near Dallas, Wis.. 241 

Pine River at Cross Lake Dam at Cross Lake,

Minn-.----...--....--.....-.--.-.....--.. 149

Pine River basin.---..._--....----------.-.-. 148

Pine River Reservoir at Cross Lake, M;nn... 148

Platte River near RockviDe, Wis. ------------ 320

Platte River basin -.-__-_-------_-- 152,320

Plum River below Carroll Creek, near Savanna, 111.._..._........._.--....-.-.....- 331

Plum River basin------..---------.-.-.---.- 331

Pomme de Terre River at Appleton, Minn.-- 179

Pope Creek near Keithsburg, 111-......... . 380

Pope Creek basin. .-.-_.-.---.---_--..-.--- 380

Poplar River near Owen, Wis----------_-.. 260

Prairie River near Merrill, Wis~.------------ 295

R

Raccoon River at Van Meter, Iowa.---------- 413

Rainbow Lake near Lake Tomahawk, Wis... 290

Ralston Creek at Iowa City, Iowa...-------- 356

South Branch; at Iowa City, Iowa..___.-. 357

Rapid Creek near Iowa City, Iowa.---------- 353

Raven Stream tributary near New Prague,

Minn..--.......---------.--------.----. 203

Red Cedar Lake at Mikana, Wis_............ 239

Red Cedar River at Menomonie, Wis. _-__.- 243

near Colfax, Wis.......-...-..-...-..-.- 242

Redwood River at Marshall, Minn..--------- 188

near Redwood Falls, Minn --------------- 190

Rest Lake near Manitowish, Wis __ . - 228

Rice Lake tributary near Montgomery, Minn- 203

Richland Creek near Haven, Iowa. _._._ - 347

Robinson Brook near Onamia, Minn__.._. - 165

Rock River at Moline.Ill.------------------- 340

near Joslin, 111-...-.--....-.-.--.---... - 338

Rock River basin..------------------------- 338

Root River below South Fork near Houston,

Minn.-.....-..-----------.------ 275

near Houston, Minn _._ ._ . _ . 271

near Lanesboro, Minn...........-...--..- 267

near Rushford, Minn._ -_ . 269

South Branch, at Lanesboro, Minn,..-__. 266

at Preston, Minn...------------------- 266

South Fork, near Houston, Minn ----- 273

Root River basin....-_-- ------.---------- 265

Rum River at Isanti, Minn__...------------ 166

at Spencer Brook, Minn...-------------- 165

at West Point, Minn...------------- - 166

near St. Francis, Minn..----------------- 167

tributary near Onamia, Minn_. . - 165
A448 INDEX

Page

Rum River basin............................ A165

Rush Creek near Rushford, Minn... __..... 269

S

St. Croix River at Prescott, Wis..-..--....-.- 218

at St. Croix Falls, Wis...._..-.--._._.._ 216

near Danbury, Wis....................... 209

near Grantsburg, Wis_................... 211

near Rush City, Minn_.............__ 214

St. Croix River basin.--------__-...._... 208

St. Francis River at Santiago, Minn.-.._... 156

near Big Lake, Minn.. . 156

Salt Creek near Elberon, Iowa.-------------- 348

Salt River near New London, Mo ------------ 435

Salt River basin--..----..................... 435

Sand Creek at Jordan, Mhin.-.--------_... 204

near New Prague, Minn..---------------- 203

tributary near Montgomery, Minn- ---..-. 202

Sauk River near St. Cloud, Minn-...-------- 153

Sauk River basin _---_.---_----------.----- 153

Sawyer Creek near Shell Lake, Wis. ---------- 210

School Lake Creek tributary near St. Michael,

Minn.-..------...-------.-------- 164

Scotch Creek tributary near Edgar, Wis... - -. 297

Sevenmile Lake near Eagle River, Wis.. _.. 284

Shell Rock River at Shell Rock, Iowa,....... 368

near Northwood, Iowa..._............. 366

Skunk River at Augusta, Iowa.-------------- 390

Skunk River basin.-----._................... 383

Snake River near Pine City, Minn........... 213

South Fabius River near Taylor, Mo.---.---. 432

South Raccoon River at Redfleld, Iowa. _.. 411

South River near Ackworth, Iowa............ 418

South Skunk River below Squaw Creek near

Ames, Iowa..._................ 384

near Ames, Iowa..------.------.-....---- 383

near Oskaloosa, Iowa..................... 387

Spirit River flowage near Tomahawk, Wis-. - 294

Spring Creek near Durand, Wis....-_...... 248

near Sleepy Eye, Minn........._....... 191

Squirrel Lake near Mmocqua, Wis............ 292

Stanchfleld Creek tributary near Day, Minn.. 166

Stony Brook tributary near Foley, Minn..... 155

Story Brook near Petersburg, Minn________ 396

Sugar Camp Reservoir near Eagle River, Wis. 287

Sugar Creek near Keokuk, Iowa.._____ 426

Sunrise River near Stacy, Minn___..___ 215

T

The Sny basin_......___......._...... 436

Timber Creek near Marshalltown, Iowa...... 346

Trempealeau River at Arcadia, Wis...... _. 257

at Dodge, Wis....--.----......----.---.-. 259

Trempealeau River basin........__....__ 257

Trimbelle Creek basin .- .-..-.......__ 221

Turkey River at Garber, Iowa. __...... _ 316

at Spillville, Iowa........................ 315

Turkey River basin......---_----............ 315

Twin Lakes near Phelps, Vfia................. 282

U Page

Upper Iowa River at Decorah, Iowa_..._ A276 

Upper Iowa River basin...................... 276

Vermillion River basin.............__...... 221

Vermillion River tributary rear Hastings,

Minn....----.........-.-......... 221

W

Walnut Creek near Hartwick, Iowa........... 349

Wapsipinicon River at Indepenience, Iowa.- 335

nearDeWitt, Iowa....._____.__._____.,__ 336

near Elma, Iowa__..._....._...... 333

Wapsipinicon River basin.___............. 333

Watonwan River near Garden City, Minn.... 195

North Fork, near Delft, Minn............ 195

Waumandee Creek basin.........-.--...-..-. 255

Wexford Creek basin.-........................ 277

Wexford Creek near Harpers Ferry, Iowa...... 277

Whetstone River near Big Stone City, S. Dak. 173

White Breast Creek near Dallas Iowa........ 419

Whitewater River, South Fork, near Altura,

Minn...-..-.....--..-.---......-. 253

Whitewater River basin..............._.... 253

Willow Creek near Eau Claire, T^is.......... 238

Willow Reservoir near Hazelhurst, Wis....... 293

Winnebago River at Mason City, Iowa....... 367

Wisconsin River at Bridgeport, Wis...._.... 314

at Merrill, Wis.. - - .-. 296

at Muscoda, Wis..-..-.......----- .-. 311

at Rothschild, Wis......-...-...-.-...-.-- 299

near Wisconsin Dells, Wis.... .-- 309

at Wisconsin Rapids, Wis--..------.---.-- 303

Wisconsin River basin-..__...-. .-..-.-.. 282

Wolf Creek tributary near Sandstone, Minn.. 213

Wyaconda River above Canton, Mo.......... 430

Wyaconda River basin..-..--....--.-....---- 430

Yellow Bank River near Odessr, Minn....... 177

Yellow Medicine River near Granite Falls,

Minn....---.-.......--.-...-- 187

South Branch, at Minneota, Minn__. _ 186 

Yellow River at Babcock, Wis...--------- 305

at Cadott, Wis............ . ... 235

Zumbro River at Zumbro Falls, Minn_....... 251

North Fork, tributary near Wanamingo,

Minn.....- -- 251

South Fork, near Rochester, Minn_.... 249

Zumbro River basin....._.______ ------.-- 249

o