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<br />COLORADO EXTREME STREAMFLOW DATA BASE <br />INDIRECT MEASUREMENT FILE <br /> <br />Introduction <br /> <br />An extreme streamflow data base is being compiled as part ofan extreme precipitaiton data study. <br />The study is being conducted by the Colorado Climate Center, Department of Atmospheric Science <br />at Colorado State University for the State of Colorado, Department of Natural Resources Division <br />of Water Resources. The purpose of the study is to gather and prepare a data set composed of <br />precipitation records and supporting meteoroloSical information necessary for undertaking studies <br />of extreme precipitation over the higher elevations (above 7,500 feet) of Colorado. The data <br />gathered for the study will be used to assess previous estimates of Probable Maximum Precipitation <br />in and near the mountains of Colorado. <br /> <br />Three objectives are proposed for the extreme streamflow data study: <br /> <br />(I) assemble a data set of "large" (histori\: or maximum) observed, recorded, or calculated <br />streamflows (flood discharges) for the State of Colorado; <br /> <br />(2) merge/compare the two data bases, and assist in identifying events with good precipitation <br />and streamflow data, including spatial and temporal resolution; and <br /> <br />(3) identifY "questionable" precipitation and/or streamflow observations for further study. <br /> <br />An overall goal of the study is to develop an undt:rstanding of the relationships/interactions between <br />extreme precipitation and streamflow in Colorado. <br /> <br />Several key questions or areas will be addresseq in meeting the above objectives. <br /> <br />a) Identification of geographic areas or locations where extreme precipitation has been <br />documented but no flood flows/extreme streamflows have been recorded. <br /> <br />An example of this phenomenon is the San Juan Range (Gladstone, CO) 1911 storm, where a <br />purported 8 inches of rain was measured and little streamflow was noted. <br /> <br />b) Identification of geographic areas or locations where flood flows/extreme streamflows have <br />been documented but extreme precipitation has not been recorded. <br /> <br />A discharge of 12,000 cfs (annual peak) was recorded at the Cache La Poudre gage at the canyon <br />mouth in 1901. However, no record ofa flood occurring or extreme rainfall was noted in US <br /> <br />C -1 <br />