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

October 1, 2003

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.

Publication Year 2003
Title A stage-normalized function for the synthesis of stage-discharge relations for the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona
DOI 10.3133/wri20034037
Authors Stephen M. Wiele, Margaret Torizzo
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series Number 2003-4037
Index ID wri20034037
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse