Final answer:
The peak discharge of the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry is 8,500 m³/sec, estimated from actual measurements in the 1880s. These historical measurements are vital for river flow management and water resource planning for the Colorado River.
Step-by-step explanation:
The peak discharge of the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry is 8,500 m³/sec; this estimate was derived from actual measurements in the 1880s. During that time period, the technology and methods for measuring river discharge were more primitive compared to modern automated measurements or satellite data.
However, these measurements were still reliable for their time and are important historical data points for understanding the variability of river flow over time. The discharge measurements of the Colorado River are crucial for managing water resources, as the river is a vital source of water for multiple states.