Elevation and elevation-change maps of Fountain Creek, southeastern Colorado, 2015-20

Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Colorado Springs Utilities, has collected topographic data annually since 2012 at 10 study areas along Fountain Creek, southeastern Colorado. The 10 study areas were located between Colorado Springs and the terminus of Fountain Creek at the Arkansas River in Pueblo. The purpose of this report is to present elevation maps based on topographic surveys collected in 2020 and to present maps of elevation change that occurred between 2015 and 2020 at all 10 study areas. Elevation and elevation-change maps were developed in Global Mapper, R, and ArcGIS from topographic surveys collected at each study area during the winters of 2015 and 2020. Topographic surveys in 2015 were completed using real-time kinematic Global Navigation Satellite Systems. Topographic surveys in 2020 were completed using both real-time kinematic Global Navigation Satellite Systems and light detection and ranging. Elevation-change maps were created using propagated uncertainties associated with the 95-percent confidence limit. Study areas along Fountain Creek underwent a range of geomorphic responses between 2015 and 2020 that were often related to the dominant channel planform pattern of the study area. The results of this ongoing monitoring effort can be used to assess long-term changes in land-surface elevation and to advance understanding of the geomorphic response to possible changes in flow conditions on Fountain Creek.