News Release
U.S. Department of Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
Wyoming District
Release Internet location of release June 18, 1998 http://wy.water.usgs.gov/news/archives/061898.htm Contact Address District Chief 2617 E. Lincolnway, Ste. B Public Information Officer Cheyenne, WY 82001-5662 E-mail Phone Fax state_rep_wy@usgs.gov (307)778-2931 (307)778-2764
Improved Flood Warning System Up and Running
Dry Creek at Rawlins St. following a rain event, June 18, 1997
In response to the August 1, 1985 flood in Cheyenne, the city of Cheyenne in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Weather Service (NWS), and the Laramie County Emergency Management Agency, began a proactive program to provide the city with a flood warning system, as well as information regarding the frequency magnitudes of summer floods. Last fall, new equipment was purchased to upgrade Cheyenne's flood warning system. Installation of the equipment has been completed, providing the city with an early warning of potential flooding.
The improved system records precipitation information at seven locations in and near the city. Information about the stage (depth) of the stream is collected at two locations. Data from these sites are transmited every 5 minutes by radio to the NWS for continuous monitoring. The data can be used by the NWS Forecast Office in Cheyenne to assess the need to issue flash-flood warnings.
In addition to the flood warning system, the USGS is collecting peak discharge data that occur during storm events at 10 locations on Crow and Dry Creeks and their tributaries. The peak discharge data will eventually be used to perform a flood frequency analysis for Crow Creek and Dry Creek. Gaining a better knowledge of flood frequency and magnitude will aid in the design of hydrologic structures such as bridges and culverts, and in land-use planning.
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