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GC_TributaryWatersheds_DebrisFans_DFProb
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20250829
11491900
20250829
11491900
Erica P Byerley
U.S. Geological Survey, SOUTHWEST REGION
Geographer
2255 North Gemini Drive
Flagstaff
AZ
86001
US
ebyerley@usgs.gov
20240319
ArcGIS Metadata
1.0
GS ScienceBase
U.S. Geological Survey
1-888-275-8747
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
Denver
CO
80225
US
sciencebase@usgs.gov
None
Digital Data
https://doi.org/10.5066/xxxxxxxx
https://doi.org/10.5066/xxxxxxxx
Enterprise Geodatabase Feature Class
Debris Flow Probabilities of Ungaged Tributaries to the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, AZ
Griffiths, P.G., R.H. Webb, and T.S. Melis
vector digital data
This dataset represents 740 tributary watersheds to the Colorado River in Grand Canyon with associated debris flow probabilities from 2004. It also includes tributary watersheds to Glen Canyon and several smaller watersheds in Grand Canyon where debris flow data is currently unavailable. Historic probabilities of debris flow occurrence were estimated by modeling the known frequency distribution with drainage basin parameters observed to control the process by which debris flows initiate and travel to the river. Observations from 1984 through 2003 provide a 20 year record of all debris flows that reached the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, and repeat photography provides a 100 year record of debris flows from 147 tributaries. Owing to the limitations of the initial datasets and the focus on geomorphic change in the river corridor, debris flow probabilities pertain only to debris flows that reach the Colorado River.
Debris flows are an important sediment transport process in 740 tributaries of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona (Webb et al., 2000). The large boulders deposited in the river by debris flows form the core of rapids that modify the longitudinal profile and locally control the geomorphic framework of the present-day Colorado River in Grand Canyon (Webb, 1996). Debris flows are a potential hazard to the white water recreational community, both by affecting navigation of the river and endangering people in narrow canyons or camped at the river. Debris flow probabilities may have changed since this data was published in 2004.
Byerley, E.B and Gushue, T.M., We revived this 20 year old dataset by joining Griffiths and others (2004) debris flow probability table with a feature class representing watershed boundaries of ungaged tributaries to the Colorado River in Grand Canyon.
Erica P Byerley
U.S. Geological Survey, SOUTHWEST REGION
Geographer
2255 North Gemini Drive
Flagstaff
AZ
86001
US
ebyerley@usgs.gov
Grand Canyon
Colorado River
Arizona
biota
ISO 19115 Topic Category
debris flow
watershed
tributary
slope failure
slope failure
geomorphology
debris fan
rapid
biota
debris flow
watershed
tributary
slope failure
slope failure
geomorphology
debris fan
rapid
Grand Canyon
Colorado River
Arizona
Users are advised to read the dataset's metadata thoroughly to understand appropriate use and data limitations. The debris flow probabilities included in these data were developed as part of a research project focused on historical trends and should not be inferred or used to predict future patterns or levels of anticipated debris flows and flash flood activity. These data are intended to improve debris flow and flash flood awareness and preparedness; however, they do not guarantee the safety of an individual or structure. The contributors and sponsors of this product do not assume liability for any injury, death, property damage, or other effects of debris flows or flash floods.
Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data for other purposes, nor on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.
None. Please see 'Distribution Info' for details.
Frequency and initiation of debris flows in Grand Canyon, Arizona
2004-10-13
Griffiths, P.G.' R.H. Webb, and T.S. Melis
publication
https://doi.org/10.1029/2003JF000077
ArcGIS Pro 3.1, Copyright 2023 Esri Inc. All Rights Reserved.
true
-114.3237
-111.0608
36.9762
35.2277
ground condition
1900
2004
1
-114.014620
-111.433045
36.998351
35.516844
The attributes found in these data were checked against existing place name, tributary name (from the National Hydrology Dataset, USGS) and watershed name (from the National Watershed Boundary Dataset, USGS). River mile locations and river side (Left or Right) are joined using GIS processing from the Colorado River Mile System (Gushue, 2019). Areas of watersheds in kilometers were calculated using GIS processing (ArcGIS Pro v.3.2). Debris flow probabilities are values joined to these data from the original published work (Griffthis and others, 2004).
We conducted an overlay analysis between the original watershed boundaries (Melis, 1995) with the most recent version of the National Watershed Boundary Dataset and found that although not 100% spatially coincident, the two data sets do exhibit logical consistency and where attributes exist for the names of watersheds, they were in agreement. Since the original watershed boundaries (Melis, 1995) were developed for a very specific purpose -- whether or not the drainage was deemed to be significant in terms of geomorphic processes and sediment delivery to the mainstem of the Colorado River -- they actually represent different Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) levels ranging from HUC 10 to HUC 12, with much smaller watersheds delineated for this specific purpose that are not included in the National Watershed Boundary Dataset. The major, historically gauged tributaries of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon (Paria River, Little Colorado River, Kanab Creek and Havasu Creek) are purposefully omitted from the debris flow probability data set and thus from our work as well.
Criteria used by Melis (1995) to delineate geomorphically significant tributaries:
1. Tributaries that have a drainage area larger than 0.01 square kilometers,
2. and have perennial or ephemeral streams contained within,
3. that clearly terminate in the Colorado River (corridor) in a single channel,
4. were previously mapped / designated with an official place name,
5. and that contribute to the formation of a debris fan and /or rapid in the river
As stated, these data are for the specific application to the Grand Canyon region and for watersheds / drainages terminating into the Colorado River corridor between Page, Arizona (and Glen Canyon Dam) downstream to the Grand Wash Cliffs near Pearce Ferry, Arizona. Included in these data are probabilities of debris flow occurrence based on past events, and do not include or assume predictive weight.
Original data digitized at 1:24,000 scale
None used
These watershed boundaries used for the original study do not correspond perfectly with any one level of the Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) polygon boundaries that are available through the National Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD). These source data were developed initially by T. Melis (1995) by digitizing watersheds boundaries from USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle maps of the Grand Canyon region. These data represent the drainages of geomorphically significant tributaries that terminate into the Colorado River.
2023-08-17
Erica P Byerley
U.S. Geological Survey, SOUTHWEST REGION
Geographer
2255 North Gemini Drive
Flagstaff
AZ
86001
US
ebyerley@usgs.gov
GC_UngagedTribs_EDITS
National Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD)
The USGS feature class of ungaged tributary watersheds to the Colorado River in Grand Canyon was joined with a table of debris flow probabilities using the "Trib ID" field. Colorado river miles joined from previously published work (Gushue, 2019). Squared kilometers of each watershed calculated from default area field in data set.
2023-03-19
Erica P Byerley
U.S. Geological Survey, SOUTHWEST REGION
Geographer
2255 North Gemini Drive
Flagstaff
AZ
86001
US
ebyerley@usgs.gov
GC_Trib_DF_Probability
GC_UngagedTribs_EDITS
Colorado River Mile System
This source provides the polygons representing tributary watersheds.
Grand Canyon Ungaged Tributaries
GC_UngagedTribs_EDITS
vector digital data
This table provides the probabilities of debris flows in tributary canyons based on data and observations from the 1900s.
Probabilities of debris flows in Grand Canyon Tributaries
GC_Trib_DF_Probability
2004-10-13
Griffiths, P.G.' R.H. Webb, and T.S. Melis
spreadsheet
Colorado River Mile System, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Colorado River Mile System, Grand Canyon, Arizona
2019
Thomas Gushue
U.S. Geological Survey
https://www.sciencebase.gov
dataset
https://doi.org/10.5066/p9irl3gv
ground condition
Original delineation of geomorphically significant watersheds for the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona
24000
Magnitude and frequency data for historic debris flows in Grand Canyon National Park and vicinity, Arizona
Historic debris flows in Grand Canyon
1995
Melis, T.M.
US Geological Survey
Tucson, Arizon
publication
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri944214
publication date
1995
0
GC_TributaryWatersheds_FINAL.shp Attribute Table
Table containing attribute information associated with the data set.
Producer Defined
Feature Class
0
OBJECTID
OBJECTID_12
OID
4
10
0
Internal feature number.
Esri
Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
Shape
Feature geometry.
ESRI
Shape type.
Shape
Geometry
8
0
0
Tributary_Name
Names of tributary canyons and/or watersheds.
Producer Defined
-
No name
Producer defined
Tributary_Name
String
255
0
0
Trib_ID
Feature number separate from FID
Producer Defined
0.0
768.0
Trib_ID
Double
8
38
8
rm_label
Updated river miles for the Colorado River through Grand Canyon where the tributaries terminate.
Producer Defined
River Mile Label
String
8
0
0
GIS_AREA_KM2
Watershed Area (KM)
Double
8
38
8
DF_Prob
Probability of debris flow occurrence over 100 years (from Griffiths and others, 2004)
Producer Defined
<Null>
no data available
Producer defined
0.0
0.999884210012
Debris Flow Prob
Double
8
38
8
DF_Prob_Percent
Debris Flow Prob Percent
Double
8
38
8
Watershed_Name
Watershed Name
String
50
0
0
RiverSide
River Side
String
3
0
0
TribLength
Tributary Length
Double
8
38
8
WshdAreaBurned
Watershed Area Burned (KM)
Double
8
38
8
WshdPctBurned
Watershed Percent Burned
Double
8
38
8
DebrisFanID
Debris Fan ID
String
20
0
0
NumCamps
Number of Camps
SmallInteger
2
5
0
Camp1
Camp 1
String
50
0
0
Camp2
Camp 2
String
50
0
0
Camp3
Camp 3
String
50
0
0
DebrisFanArea
Debris Fan Area
Double
8
38
8
WshdTribName
Watershed Tributary Name
String
60
0
0
WshdPctUnburned
Watershed Percent Unburned
Double
8
38
8
WshdAreaAcres
Watershed Area Burned (Acres)
Double
8
38
8
IncidentName
Incident Name
String
20
0
0
RiverMiles
River Miles
Double
8
38
8
ORIG_FID
ORIG_FID
Integer
4
10
0
st_area(shape)
st_area(shape)
Double
0
0
0
st_length(shape)
st_length(shape)
Double
0
0
0
dataset
EPSG
8.2.10(10.3.1)
Simple
FALSE
0
TRUE
FALSE