Reporters: Accompany a USGS field crew as they monitor stream flow and flooding

What: The U.S. Geological Survey’s California Water Science Center is hosting a media event Monday, Jan. 9 at a USGS streamgage location below Friant Dam, a streamflow site with significance to the San Juan River Restoration Project. A hydrologist will be available for interviews as field crews collect streamflow data at the site, which is located outside of Fresno.

Topic: You are invited to join USGS scientists and field technician crews as they collect discharge measurements in rainfall-affected areas. The data collected are part of the USGS National Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, a nationwide program that provides hydrologic information essential to monitoring California’s flood risks. The USGS streamgage network provides real-time stream and river conditions that are used by the National Weather Service to issue flood, flash flood, landslide, and other natural hazard warnings and watches to the public.

Where and When:   

o   Location:

• USGS site 11251000 San Joaquin River below Friant, Calif., Monday Jan. 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

More Information:

USGS field crews will be making streamflow measurements at the above streamgaging location, and closely monitoring the rising waters. Data collected by USGS streamgages are used to help safeguard lives, protect property, and inform decision making during emergencies such as floods, and provide vital information needed for human health and safety. The USGS Streamgaging Network is California’s first defense in monitoring potential hazards like flooding, flash flooding, and landslides.