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2008 High-Flow Experiment: USGS Beach Maps by River Mile

The U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center has developed a series of maps that depict the expected areas of inundation at 46 sandbars, or camping beaches, throughout the Colorado River corridor during the high-flow experiment proposed for March 2008. The 46 maps presented here are only for select research sites; however, all of the campsites in the river corridor will be affected should the proposed experiment occur. For information about other campsites, it is suggested that all river and backcountry users contact Grand Canyon National Park permits office personnel before starting their trip at 1-800-959-9164. All river backcountry users should be prepared for variable conditions, including higher river flows.

Maps of each site are provided here that illustrate the areas of inundation that are expected to occur at 46 research sites, which are located between Glen Canyon Dam and upper Lake Mead, Arizona. The relationship between Glen Canyon Dam water releases and the stage height of the river at each site has been studied for over a 15-year period, beginning in 1990. The data resulting from this study, which were gathered through repeated field measurements, were used to model inundation levels during 41,000 cubic feet per second flow. A vertical buffer of plus 50 cm has been applied as a precaution for irregularities in the surface elevations.

Calculations used to derive the stage-discharge relationships at each site have been published as part of a USGS Open-File Report, “Stage-Discharge Relations for the Colorado River in Glen, Marble, and Grand Canyons, Arizona, 1990-2005.” The report was prepared in cooperation with Northern Arizona University.

Overview of USGS Beach Map Locations

River Mile Maps

To request a CD containing the all of the maps listed above, please call (928) 556-7217 or email nbryant@usgs.gov (please include your mailing address).