Recession rate of Poudre Falls in Rocky Mountain Front Range, Colorado, USA

Abstract

The recession rate of Poudre Falls in the Colorado Front Range is examined using an equation by Hayakawa and Matsukura (Earth Surf. Process. Landf., 28, 2003). In spite of stable tectonics and a cold, semi-arid climate in the region, the estimated recession rate of 0.09 m/ y for 12,000 y indicates rapid erosion of the waterfall. This indicates that the waterfall recession is a primary response of fluvial erosion after deglaciation, creating a narrow gorge below the waterfall. Further data collection will be necessary to assess the waterfall recession rates in such glaciated regions.