Rain-on-snow flood event in central Arizona

To better understand the effects of rain-on-snow precipitation events and to improve streamflow forecasting, events surrounding a flood which occurred on the Salt-Verde River Basins (Arizona) in February 1980 were examined. Precipitation, temperature, lysimeter runoff, and streamflow data from the upper and lower elevational zones were analyzed. A description of the study site and the type of precipitation (rain, snow, or mixed rain and snow) which the various elevations received are given. Also, a sequence of events can be seen by the comparison of precipitation, temperature, lysimeter runoff, and streamflow, which are graphically illustrated. It was concluded that, although snowmelt augmented streamflow, rainfall was the primary cause of the flood.