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Streamflow
scenarios
The following scenarios show how
different weather conditions affect the headwaters and
streamflow of Sabino Creek. Compare the differences
in temperature, precipitation, and flow rates.
DROUGHT
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During periods of drought,
lack of precipitation causes streamflow to cease,
and Sabino Creek becomes a dry riverbed.
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FLASH FLOODS
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During flash floods, rain in
higher elevations causes sudden, dramatic increases
in streamflow.
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In a matter of minutes, Sabino
Creek can go from a trickle to a raging torrent
of 25 to 10,000 cubic feet per second or more.
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MONSOON RAINS
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Summer monsoon rains cause
Sabino Creek's flow to fluctuate dramatically.
The monsoon
generally runs from July through September. During
this period, convective heating and increased
atmospheric moisture cause thunderstorms to build
in the afternoon and evening. Streamflow in Sabino
Creek fluctuates with the intensity, location,
and duration of these storms.
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WINTER SNOWMELT
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In winter,
snow falling in upper elevations of the Santa
Catalinas accumulates, creating a snow pack.
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As winter
ends and the days begin to warm, the snow pack
melts, increasing the flow in Sabino Creek.
The flow continues through the spring season until
the snow pack is gone.
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