The peak flow of the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry is likely less than the maximum controlled flow at the Hoover Dam, which is 1,280 m³/s. Therefore, the most plausible typical peak flows at Lee's Ferry would be in the range of 2,800 m³/s or 3,700 m³/s.
The typical range of peak flows of the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry fluctuates due to various factors including seasonal changes and water management practices. While flow rates can significantly vary, analyzing information related to power generation from the Hoover Dam provides insights. The Hoover Dam, which harnesses the power of the Colorado River at a location downstream from Lee's Ferry, has a maximum flow rate at peak capacity of 1,280 m³/s at an efficiency of 90% to produce its rated power of 2.08 GW.
When comparing this flow rate with the multiple-choice options provided, it suggests that the peak flow of the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry would be less than the flow rate at the dam due to the dam's role in regulating the flow of the river downstream.
Given that the Hoover Dam's maximum 1,280 m³/s is a controlled peak flow meant for maximum power generation, natural peak flows at Lee's Ferry, which is located upstream, would likely be at a different scale.
Hence, considering all the provided options, the most plausible typical range of peak flows for the Colorado River at this location, while not provided by the given information and instead based on an understanding of river dynamics, would likely be either (a) or (b), with a tendency towards the lower of the two values: 2,800 m³/s or 3,700 m³/s. Option (c), 8,500 m³/s, appears significantly higher than what could be expected at Lee's Ferry.