Processed data and code used to characterize rain storm intensity, duration, and size across an elevation gradient for assessment of post-fire hazards
dataset
posted on 2025-06-21, 23:46authored byPhoebe S. White, Peter A. Nelson
These data include pre-existing gridded precipitation datasets that have been processed to obtain the maximum seasonal hourly and daily precipitation accumulations over the specified geographic extent, on a consistent grid. The study area includes the mountainous area of Colorado, west of 104 degrees and the study period is constrained to 1980 through 2022. Additionally, two precipitation frequency studies have been regridded, with data extracted for the same geographic region. The gridded precipitation datasets are also sampled at gage locations to facilitate comparison with station data. Elevation data have been regridded to assess how precipitation trends vary with elevation. This data publication also includes the Python script files used to process these data. All program files used to download and manipulate publicly available data are included, as well as the resulting output data files. The associated Joint Fire Science Program report is included as well.<br>These data was used to evaluate the spatial patterns in extreme precipitation related to terrain features, identify areas where relative intensity changes with increasing accumulation duration, observe seasonal differences in spatial patterns, and compare spatial patterns of extreme precipitation from gridded datasets with precipitation frequency studies based on interpolated station data. The reduction of orographic effects at shorter time scales is significant for post-wildfire hazards, as these hazards are more strongly associated with brief, intense rainfall events. Additionally, results highlight the need for caution when relying on interpolated data or precipitation frequency studies that use interpolated data in mountainous regions.<br>For additional details, see White and Nelson (2024) as well as Nelson and White (2024).
These data were collected using funding from the U.S. Government and can be used without additional permissions or fees. If you use these data in a publication, presentation, or other research product please use the following citation:
White, Phoebe S.; Nelson, Peter A. 2025. Processed data and code used to characterize rain storm intensity, duration, and size across an elevation gradient for assessment of post-fire hazards. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2025-0028