We have been studying the stratigraphic record of floods on the lower
Verde River, AZ for 17 years. After each notable flood we have
revisited this particular site near Sheep Bridge.

This site has a firm hydraulic control and produces a reliable rating
curve. When floods overtop the surface in the background (behind Phil)
the discharge is greater than 100,000 cfs. Thus, when the gage
reported 115,000 cfs on Jan 21-22, it seemed improbable but the number
meant drop everything and head to the field site. Well worth it.

The river clearly experienced a large, but likely brief, peak over
100,000 and we collected data relevant to finish a paper some 17 years
in the making. The paper compares the historical record to a
paleoflood record more than 2500 years long (based on multiple sites).

Notes:

1. In Jan 1993, this site experienced a discharge of 145,000 cfs.
2. The 'inset' photo' shows the same site in 1998.
3. Conditions remain good for additional flooding.
4. I will be posting addiitional details when I get back from the field.