9520109 Georgakakos The California flash floods of winter 1995 will be studied by surveying the affected areas, collecting flood data from Federal and State agencies and by using historical, topographical, hydrometeorological and other database information to develop flash flood potential maps for critical areas in the state of California. Data of this event will be used to validate the estimates and, if necessary, to modify the design of the flash flood potential algorithm. Once validated, the mathematical model will be used in a series of sensitivity experiments to provide, quantitative answers to questions such as the effect of land use changes on the magnitude and recurrence interval of the flash flood potential index and the role of antecedent soil moisture of mountainou terrain. The resultant prototype flash flood potential maps will be of value in activities such as in the design of the safety criteria of small dams, in the assessment of the flash flood risk, and in early warning when combined with radar rainfall data. ***
