85°52'30" 85°50'

41°37'30"

41°35'

NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM 1988 (NAVD 88)

1

1

0

0

0.5

0.5

1 MILE

1 KILOMETER

EXPLANATION

15

Limit of study area

State route marker

Flood-inundation area

Flow arrow—Indicates direction

of water flow

33 U.S. route marker

Area of uncertainty due to levee

Levee

04100500 U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage and number

04100500

Goshen

33

ELKHART ROAD

WEST WILDEN AVENUE

4

WEST LINCOLN AVENUE

COUNTY ROAD 17

119

33

WEST PIKE STREET

15

15

Elkhart

River

Goshen 

Dam Pond

Hydraulic 

Canal

Rock Run Creek 

UNCERTAINTIES AND LIMITATIONS REGARDING USE OF FLOOD-INUNDATION MAPS

Although the flood-inundation maps represent the boundaries of inundated areas with a distinct line, some uncertainty is associated with these maps. The flood boundaries shown were estimated based on water stages and streamflows at selected USGS streamgages. Water-surface elevations along the stream reaches were estimated by steady-state hydraulic modeling, assuming unobstructed flow, and using streamflows and hydrologic conditions anticipated at the USGS streamgage(s). The hydraulic model reflects the land-cover 

characteristics and any bridge, dam, levee, or other hydraulic structures existing as of October 2012. Unique meteorological factors (timing and distribution of precipitation) may cause actual streamflows along the modeled reach to vary from those assumed during a flood, which may lead to deviations in the water-surface elevations and inundation boundaries shown. Additional areas may be flooded due to unanticipated conditions such as: changes in the streambed elevation or roughness, backwater into major tributaries along a main stem river, or 

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

 If this series of flood-inundation maps will be used in conjunction with National Weather Service (NWS) river forecasts, the user should be aware of additional uncertainties that may be inherent or factored into NWS forecast procedures. The NWS uses forecast models to estimate the quantity and timing of water flowing through selected stream reaches in the United States. These forecast models (1) estimate the amount of runoff generated by precipitation and snowmelt, (2) simulate the movement of floodwater as it proceeds downstream, 

and (3) predict the flow and stage (and water-surface elevation) for the stream at a given location (Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) forecast point) throughout the forecast period (every 6 hours and 3 to 5 days out in many locations). For more information on AHPS forecasts, please see: http://water.weather.gov/ahps/pcpn_and_river_forecasting.pdf. 

DISCLAIMER

 Inundated areas shown should not be used for navigation, regulatory, permitting, or other legal purposes. The USGS provides these maps “as-is” for a quick reference, emergency planning tool but assumes no legal liability or responsibility resulting from the use of this information.

Projection: Indiana State Plane Coordinate System Eastern Zone

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the North American Datum of 1983

Orthophotography from Esri ArcGIS World Imagery, 

2011, available at http://goto.arcgisonline.com/maps/World_Imagery

INDIANA

Study area

Flood-Inundation Map for the Elkhart River at Goshen, Indiana, 

Corresponding to a Stage of 5.00 Feet and an Elevation of 774.03 Feet (NAVD 88)

at U.S. Geological Survey Streamgage Number 04100500 on the Elkhart River

By

Kellan R. Strauch

2013

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Scientific Investigations Map 3269

Sheet 1 of 9

Pamphlet accompanies map

Prepared in cooperation with the

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes

only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

This and other USGS information products are available at:

http://store.usgs.gov/ 

U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286

Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225

To learn about the USGS and its information products visit

http://www.usgs.gov/ 

1-888-ASK-USGS

Publishing support provided by: Columbus and West Trenton Publishing 

Service Centers

Manuscript approved for publication July 23, 2013

For more information concerning this publication, contact:

Director, Indiana Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey

5957 Lakeside Blvd.

Indianapolis, IN 46278

(317) 290–3333

Or visit the Indiana Water Science Center Web site at:

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

This report is available at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3269/. 

Suggested citation:

Strauch, K.R., 2013, Flood-inundation maps for the Elkhart River at Goshen, 

Indiana: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3269, 9 sheets, 

7-p. pamphlet, http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sim3269.

ISSN 2329–132X (online)

http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sim3269