An evaluation of rainfall-runoff data for the Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, Jefferson County, Colorado

An investigation was made to monitor the storm runoff in McIntyre Gulch basin to determine the rainfall-runoff chracteristics. Results may now be used to evaluate the effects of future development on storm runoff from the Denver Federal Center, which is located in the McIntyre Gulch basin in Lakewood , CO. Rainfall and runoff data were collected at eight streamflow stations and three auxiliary rainfall stations in and adjacent to the Denver Federal Center. The outflow peak discharges from McIntyre Gulch in the Denver Federal Center were higher than the inflow peak discharges for eight of the storms by an average of 38 percent. Outflow peak discharges for eight of the storms were lower by an average of 12 percent. The study demonstrated that runoff varies with location of a storm--even for a relatively small basin. Peak discharges of McIntyre Gulch outflow from the Denver Federal Center were 27 percent greater than the inflow for all storms, but only 15 percent greater for evenly distributed storms. Runoff from the Denver Federal Center increased storm-runoff volumes in McIntyre Gulch by an average of 46 percent. Proper management of storm runoff in the Denver Federal Center requires that proposed improvements to the existing storm-runoff system maintain peak flows at their present levels. (USGS)