Precipitation, river surface velocity, and river stage measurements within the Spring Creek Burn Scar, Colorado, USA, during select storms in 2019 and 2021

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) installed and operated several flood and debris flow warning gages within or downstream from the Spring Creek burn scar, Colorado, U.S.A. The warning gages were operated during several years post fire (2019-21) in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The USGS warning gages were part of a larger post-wildfire hydrometeorological observatory, comprised of both remote-sensing and in-situ instrumentation. In-situ measurements of precipitation, river surface velocity, and river stage measurements collected at USGS warning gages during select storms in 2019 and 2021 are presented in this data release. These data were used to validate estimates of rainfall accumulation from the National Severe Storms Laboratory’s mobile, X-band weather radar (NOXP) and to evaluate lag times between high intensity precipitation and peak flooding. Gages were designed to provide advanced warning of hydrologic hazards at key points that could affect CDOT infrastructure (particularly where roads crossed over rivers). USGS warning gages also provided advanced warning of hydrologic hazards to the Pueblo Weather Forecast Office, local Emergency Managers (Huerfano County, CO), and residents in the immediate area.