Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
Clackamas River Basin Water-Quality Assessment
Insecticides in Streams
Insecticides found in the lower Clackamas River and its tributaries
Starting in 1997, the USGS began routinely studying water resources in the Clackamas River Basin. Whether it be assessing harmful algal blooms, runoff issues, streamflow, or watershed health, the USGS has worked with its partners to maintain one of Oregon's most beloved rivers.
The Clackamas River in northwestern Oregon is valued for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, salmon and steelhead runs, and for providing a high-quality source of drinking water. From its headwaters in the Cascade Range between Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson, the upper Clackamas River descends 7,200 feet on a northwesterly course, winding through steep canyons and gorges and cutting through promi nent basalt outcrops and cliffs. The many falls and rapids, separated by deep, clear pools and expansive cobble bars, make the upper Clackamas River a favorite among whitewater enthusiasts, anglers, and hikers. Downstream from Estacada, the river emerges into gentler terrain, forming a broad floodplain that is confined by steep cliffs that form upland terraces in places. Here, the lower Clackamas River is wider, flowing past volcanic buttes in the lower basin before meeting the Willamette River south of Portland.
Water quality in the Clackamas River is considered very good to excellent compared to other rivers in the State and has withstood pressures from human impacts and natural disturbances seemingly well. However, urban development and human activities continue to affect the water-quality of the Clackamas River and it's tributaries. The USGS monitors the watershed and investigates current stream conditions, ecological health, channel change and water quality.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Clackamas River Basin Water-Quality Sites
Recent and historical data for USGS Clackamas River Basin water-quality monitors.
National Water Information System (NWIS) - Oregon
National Water Information System: Mapper (Oregon)
Oregon Streamflow Data by Basin
View real-time streamflow data in Oregon river basins.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Storm-event-transport of urban-use pesticides to streams likely impairs invertebrate assemblages
Sources and characteristics of organic matter in the Clackamas River, Oregon, related to the formation of disinfection by-products in treated drinking water
Seepage investigations of the Clackamas River, Oregon
Organic Compounds in Clackamas River Water Used for Public Supply near Portland, Oregon, 2003-05
Pesticide Occurrence and Distribution in the Lower Clackamas River Basin, Oregon, 2000-2005
Assessing the feasibility of native fish reintroductions: a framework and example applied to bull trout in the Clackamas River, Oregon
Pesticides in the Lower Clackamas River Basin, Oregon, 2000-01
Water-quality and algal conditions in the Clackamas River basin, Oregon, and their relations to land and water management
Ground water in the northern part of Clackamas County, Oregon
Appraisal of waterpower potential and land classifications, Clackamas River basin, Oregon
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
USGS Data Grapher
This is a data graphing utility that allows the user to build graphs of data from selected USGS stations. Select the station, the type of graph, the parameter(s) to plot, and the starting and ending dates for the graph.
Below are news stories associated with this project.
USGS Studies the Impact of Insecticides on Northwestern Clackamas County Streams
A new study found high concentrations of commonly used insecticides in streams running through the highly urbanized portion of Clackamas County.
Below are partners associated with this project.
Starting in 1997, the USGS began routinely studying water resources in the Clackamas River Basin. Whether it be assessing harmful algal blooms, runoff issues, streamflow, or watershed health, the USGS has worked with its partners to maintain one of Oregon's most beloved rivers.
The Clackamas River in northwestern Oregon is valued for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, salmon and steelhead runs, and for providing a high-quality source of drinking water. From its headwaters in the Cascade Range between Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson, the upper Clackamas River descends 7,200 feet on a northwesterly course, winding through steep canyons and gorges and cutting through promi nent basalt outcrops and cliffs. The many falls and rapids, separated by deep, clear pools and expansive cobble bars, make the upper Clackamas River a favorite among whitewater enthusiasts, anglers, and hikers. Downstream from Estacada, the river emerges into gentler terrain, forming a broad floodplain that is confined by steep cliffs that form upland terraces in places. Here, the lower Clackamas River is wider, flowing past volcanic buttes in the lower basin before meeting the Willamette River south of Portland.
Water quality in the Clackamas River is considered very good to excellent compared to other rivers in the State and has withstood pressures from human impacts and natural disturbances seemingly well. However, urban development and human activities continue to affect the water-quality of the Clackamas River and it's tributaries. The USGS monitors the watershed and investigates current stream conditions, ecological health, channel change and water quality.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Clackamas River Basin Water-Quality Sites
Recent and historical data for USGS Clackamas River Basin water-quality monitors.
National Water Information System (NWIS) - Oregon
National Water Information System: Mapper (Oregon)
Oregon Streamflow Data by Basin
View real-time streamflow data in Oregon river basins.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Storm-event-transport of urban-use pesticides to streams likely impairs invertebrate assemblages
Sources and characteristics of organic matter in the Clackamas River, Oregon, related to the formation of disinfection by-products in treated drinking water
Seepage investigations of the Clackamas River, Oregon
Organic Compounds in Clackamas River Water Used for Public Supply near Portland, Oregon, 2003-05
Pesticide Occurrence and Distribution in the Lower Clackamas River Basin, Oregon, 2000-2005
Assessing the feasibility of native fish reintroductions: a framework and example applied to bull trout in the Clackamas River, Oregon
Pesticides in the Lower Clackamas River Basin, Oregon, 2000-01
Water-quality and algal conditions in the Clackamas River basin, Oregon, and their relations to land and water management
Ground water in the northern part of Clackamas County, Oregon
Appraisal of waterpower potential and land classifications, Clackamas River basin, Oregon
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
USGS Data Grapher
This is a data graphing utility that allows the user to build graphs of data from selected USGS stations. Select the station, the type of graph, the parameter(s) to plot, and the starting and ending dates for the graph.
Below are news stories associated with this project.
USGS Studies the Impact of Insecticides on Northwestern Clackamas County Streams
A new study found high concentrations of commonly used insecticides in streams running through the highly urbanized portion of Clackamas County.
Below are partners associated with this project.