U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Water-Resources Investigations Report 03-4037

A Stage-Normalized Function for the Synthesis of Stage-Discharge Relations for the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona

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Prepared in cooperation with the
GRAND CANYON MONITORING AND RESEARCH CENTER

By Stephen M. Wiele and Margaret Torizzo

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.

CONTENTS

Abstract
Introduction
Development of a stage-normalized function for the synthesis of stage-discharge relations
Comparisons of stage-normalized curve method results with data and stars model results
Conclusion
References

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