F
LOOD POTENTIAL IN THE LOWER COLORADO RIVER BASINThe following are generalized discussions of the flood potential due to snowmelt in the Lower Colorado River drainage as of March 1, 1999. Discussions are segregated by state. It is important to understand that the potential for flooding may increase dramatically if snowmelt accelerates rapidly due to above normal temperatures or if significant rain events occur.
ARIZONA:
Snow water equivalent values as of March 1 ranged from 0% to 15% of median in the Gila, Little Colorado and Salt river basins. No significant snow melt peaks are expected at this time and no individual sites are expected to exceed flood stage.
NEW MEXICO:
Snow water equivalent values as of March 1 were near zero in the upper Gila River Basin. No significant snow melt peaks are expected at this time and no individual sites are expected to exceed flood stage.
UTAH:
The potential for snowmelt flooding along the Virgin and Santa Clara rivers is not high at this time. Snow water equivalent values as of March 1 were 55% of average. Runoff volumes for the April to July period are forecast to be much below average and no individual sites are expected to exceed flood stage.