Preliminary flood-frequency relations and summary of maximum discharges in New Mexico; a progress report

The magnitude and frequency of floods is defined regionally for streams in New Mexico. An analysis was made, using multiple- regression techniques, relating flood peaks of 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50-year recurrence intervals to selected physical and climatic basin characteristics. The state was divided into three flood regions, and the resulting equations and associated standard error of prediction are presented for each of these regions. In addition the maximum observed discharges at regular and crest-stage gaging stations, and all peak discharges by indirect measurements at miscellaneous sites are presented in tabular and graphical form.

The equations developed in the study can be used to compute peak discharges of floods of given recurrence intervals for use in the design of drainage structures.