Streamflow Transmission Losses in Western Kansas

Abstract

Much of the storm runoff that occurs in western Kansas is lost from the streams and is absorbed into the alluvial material of the streambed and flood plain. Data from pairs of gaging stations for events that had flow at the upper station but little or no runoff in the drainage area between the upper and lower station show losses proportional to the flow volume at the upper station. The transmission loss in each mile is about 2% of the flow volume at the beginning of the mile. Transmission losses are inferred from available data to be uncommon or nonexistent in eastern Kansas.