Description
Abstract: Capitol Reef National Park (CRNP) is located within Southern Utah. Flash floods are one of the main hazards CRNP experiences and because of the remote location of the park, numerous parameters, and sudden nature of flash floods it is extremely difficult to collect data, predict their occurrence, and create hazard maps. Pleasant Creek (PC) is a perennial stream that runs through CRNP and, due to the highly resistant sandstone of the Waterpocket Fold, experiences flash floods. We used 3D imagery and structure from motion to quantify the geomorphic changes of PC over a flood season using data collected in 2014, 2015, and 2021. We created high resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) from the 3D imagery and differenced for elevation change using Geomorphic Change Detection (GCD) software to quantify the erosion and deposition in the channel over 6 years. This data will be used to create a flood hazard map and model future flood events. This research will aid in understanding the pattern and extent of short-term and long-term geomorphic changes caused by flash floods in rural semi-arid landscapes and can be applied to urban areas to help mitigate infrastructure damage and prevent deaths.
Flood Impacts and Risk Assessment of Pleasant Creek in Capitol Reef National Park
Abstract: Capitol Reef National Park (CRNP) is located within Southern Utah. Flash floods are one of the main hazards CRNP experiences and because of the remote location of the park, numerous parameters, and sudden nature of flash floods it is extremely difficult to collect data, predict their occurrence, and create hazard maps. Pleasant Creek (PC) is a perennial stream that runs through CRNP and, due to the highly resistant sandstone of the Waterpocket Fold, experiences flash floods. We used 3D imagery and structure from motion to quantify the geomorphic changes of PC over a flood season using data collected in 2014, 2015, and 2021. We created high resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) from the 3D imagery and differenced for elevation change using Geomorphic Change Detection (GCD) software to quantify the erosion and deposition in the channel over 6 years. This data will be used to create a flood hazard map and model future flood events. This research will aid in understanding the pattern and extent of short-term and long-term geomorphic changes caused by flash floods in rural semi-arid landscapes and can be applied to urban areas to help mitigate infrastructure damage and prevent deaths.