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AUTHOR: Caleb Artz, Ball State University ABSTRACT: Stream flashiness refers to the ability of a stream to manage varying flow altering events. Flashy streams are characterized by the rapid changes in stream discharge. Less flashy streams maintain steady discharge during these flow events. The Richards- Baker Flashiness index was established to characterize short term changes in a stream that can be quantified over time to observe trends in stream discharge. The objectives of this study were to establish long-term Richards-Baker Flashiness Index values (R-B values) for the West Fork of the White River in Muncie, Indiana. Using methods described by Baker et al. (2004), daily discharge data was obtained from USGS gage station #03347000 and used to calculate R-B values. After R-B values were established the next objective was to analyze and explore the long-term data set for any patterns or trends. Daily R-B values were averaged for each water year (October 1st – September 30th) from 1932-2016. West Fork White River R-B values ranged from 0.18-0.34. Graphically, temporal changes were observed and indicate that stream flashiness is decreasing. Historic changes to an existing White River impoundment could also influence stream flashiness because of its proximity to the USGS gage station. Future studies should be conducted to determine if yearly R-B values have affected the fish community of West Fork White River through Muncie.
