A statewide flood warning system for the state of Arizona or how to successfully involve the corps in local flood warning systems

ABSTRACT

From late December 1992 through February 1993, a series of winter storms produced record-breaking amounts of precipitation and severe weather across Arizona. At that time the state was in its third consecutive year of above-average precipitation, upper watersheds were saturated, and record-breaking snowpack was recorded statewide. Heavy rains in January, combined with the rapid melting of the snowpack, caused intense runoff and flooding of streams and rivers throughout the entire state. The 15-day period of heavy rain and high flood stages in early January 1993 was the most damaging and extensive winter flood event on record. The plan appears to be sound, meeting all the current technical and policy criteria for implementation. It is economically justified, environmentally and publicly acceptable, and utilizes the most current state-of-the-art engineering design. The South Pacific Division of the Corps has recommended that the plan go forward. The ADWR has indicated willingness to be the local cost-sharing partner