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A stage-normalized function for the synthesis of stage-discharge relations for the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona

Water-Resources Investigations Report 2003-4037
Prepared in cooperation with the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri20034037

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Abstract

A method was developed to construct stage-discharge rating curves for the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona, using two stage-discharge pairs and a stage-normalized rating curve. Stage-discharge rating curves formulated with the stage-normalized curve method are compared to (1) stage-discharge rating curves for six temporary stage gages and two streamflow-gaging stations developed by combining stage records with modeled unsteady flow; (2) stage-discharge rating curves developed from stage records and discharge measurements at three streamflow-gaging stations; and (3) stages surveyed at known discharges at the Northern Arizona Sand Bar Studies sites. The stage-normalized curve method shows good agreement with field data when the discharges used in the construction of the rating curves are at least 200 cubic meters per second apart. Predictions of stage using the stage-normalized curve method are also compared to predictions of stage from a steady-flow model.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A stage-normalized function for the synthesis of stage-discharge relations for the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 2003-4037
DOI 10.3133/wri20034037
Year Published 2003
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Tucson, AZ
Description iii, 23 p.
Country United States
State Arizona
Other Geospatial Colorado River;Grand Canyon
Projection Universal Transverse Mercator proejction
Scale 24000
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details