AN ANALYSIS OF THE CAUSATIVE FACTORS OF THE FEBRUARY 1962 FLOODS IN UTAH AND EASTERN NEVADA

Abstract

The floods in Utah and eastern Nevada during February 1962 resulted in lower valley flooding in Utah and record-breaking crests on the upper Humboldt River in Nevada. Records of temperature, precipitation, snow cover, and soil temperatures, as well as synoptic weather patterns were studied. Accumulated freezing degree days were used as an index to the depth of frost penetration in the soil. The most significant single factor contributing to the flooding was the near-record depth of frost penetration which prevailed in the valleys prior to the flooding. The water equivalent of the snow pack together with the rains that accompanied the warm weather provided an unusual amount of water for the flooding.