| Abstract: | A multidisciplinary study of precipitation and streamflow data and paleohydrologic studies of channel features was made to analyze the flood hydrology of foothill and mountain streams in the Front Range of Colorado, with emphasis on the Big Thompson River basin, because conventional hydrologic analyses do not adequately characterize the flood hydrology. In the foothills of Colorado, annual floodflows are derived from snowmelt at high elevations in the mountain regions, from rainfall at low elevation in the plains or plateau regions, or from a combination of rain falling on snow or mixed population hydrology. Above approximately 7,500 ft, snowmelt dominates; rain does not contribute to the flood potential. Regional flood-frequency relations were developed and compared with conventional flood-estimating technique results, including an evaluation of the magnitude and frequency of the probable maximum flood. Evaluation of streamflow data and paleoflood investigations provide an alternative for evaluating flood hydrology and the safety of dams. The study indicates the need for additional data collection and research to understand the complexities of the flood hydrology in mountainous regions, especially its effects on flood-plain management and the design of structures in the flood plain. (USGS) |
| Genre: | USGS Numbered Series |
| ProdID: | 27880 |
| Citation Author: | Jarrett, R. D.; Costa, J. E. |
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| Citation Language: | ENGLISH |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | iv, 37 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm. |
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| Citation Publisher: | Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey ;
Books and Open-File Reports [distributor], |
| Citation Series: | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Citation Series Code: | WRI |
| Citation Series Number: | 87-4117 |
| Citation Search Results Text: | Evaluation of the flood hydrology in the Colorado Front Range using precipitation, streamflow, and paleoflood data for the Big Thompson River basin; 1988; WRI; 87-4117; Jarrett, R. D.; Costa, J. E. |
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| Citation Year: | 1988 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Evaluation of the flood hydrology in the Colorado Front Range using precipitation, streamflow, and paleoflood data for the Big Thompson River basin; 1988; WRI; 87-4117; Jarrett, R. D.; Costa, J. E. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.usgs.gov/wri/1987/4117/report-thumb.jpg |
| URL (DOCUMENT): | http://pubs.usgs.gov/wri/1987/4117/report.pdf |
| Date Other: | Sat, 1 Jan 1994 00:00 -0600 |
| Publisher: | Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey ;
Books and Open-File Reports [distributor], |
