Meteorological Characteristics of Heavy Precipitation and Flash Flood Events Over the Western United States

摘要

Meteorological characteristics of flash floods and heavy precipitation events over the western United States are often considerably different than those associated with flash floods in the east. A distinct July and August occurrence maximun indicates a strong link with the southwest's monsoon season. The storms occur during afternoon and evening hours, in contrast to the nocturnal characteristic of the eastern U.S. flash floods, and rain amounts are considerably less than those for eastern U.S. events. Data are compiled and studied for 61 western U.S. flash flood events and attendant meteorological conditions are documented.