Characterizing the Natural Flow Regime of the Missouri River Using Historical Variability in Hydrology

David L. Galat, USGS, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Columbia, MO and Robin Lipkin, USGS, Columbia, MO

Restoring the ecological integrity of regulated large rivers necessitates characterizing the "natural" flow regime. Historical flow data often provide the only opportunity to estimate natural or reference conditions because few naturally-flowing large rivers exist. This report used the Range of Variation Approach (RVA) to assesses the natural range of variation of the Missouri River's flow regime at 11 locations before (1929-1948) and after (1967-1996) mainstem impoundment. The report is useful in identifying alternatives for modern day flow management. 

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Introduction (360 kb)

Report (4.2 megs)

References (735 kb)../Default.html

Appendix A (745 kb)

Appendix B (6 megs)

Links:
Visualization of Flow Alternatives, Lower Missouri River
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