Chapter
Apr 26, 2012

Analyzing the Effects of Stochastic Hydrology in the Operations of the Colorado River System

Publication: World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2007: Restoring Our Natural Habitat

Abstract

The Colorado River is one of the most important rivers in United States. The water supply provided by the Colorado is critical for a wide range of water users in seven western states. Over 25 million people in the western states depend upon the Colorado River. However, the Colorado water resources are under great stress due to the increasing population growth, climate variability, and climate change. Understanding the variability of the river flows and its effects is important to water planners and managers of the system. The historical streamflow records of the Colorado are useful because they document the flow variability that has occurred in the past. But, the historical record is only one snapshot of an infinite number of streamflow sequences that could occur in the future. The full picture is not revealed in the single sequence. In fact, it is very unlikely that an identical sequence will ever occur again in the future. This study evaluates two alternative approaches which improve the understanding of the behavior of the Colorado River system beyond that provided by the historical record. Recently, the inability of the Colorado River's historical record to capture the system's variability has become apparent. The four-year period from 2000 to 2003 is the driest of the 98-year historical record. Prior to 2003, this drought was not included in long term planning analyses because it had not yet occurred. This drought reemphasized that the historical record is not robust enough to simulate the possible range of future conditions.

Get full access to this chapter

View all available purchase options and get full access to this chapter.

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2007
World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2007: Restoring Our Natural Habitat
Pages: 1 - 10

History

Published online: Apr 26, 2012

Permissions

Request permissions for this article.

Authors

Affiliations

Julia A. Keedy
Colorado State University
Jose D. Salas
Colorado River Water Conservation District
Darrell G. Fontane
Colorado State University
David H. Merritt
Colorado River Water Conservation District

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Download citation

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

View Options

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Paper
$35.00
Add to cart

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Paper
$35.00
Add to cart

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Copy the content Link

Share with email

Email a colleague

Share