Hydrologic Hazards
Featured Science | Post-wildfire Reservoir Sedimentation
Assessing sediment and water quality in the Conconully Reservoir and surrounding streams after a wildfire.
Featured Science | Lower Duwamish Valley Hydrogeologic Framework
Creating a hydrogeologic framework to support simulations of extreme hydrologic conditions.
Featured Science | Sediment and Land Cover Disturbance History
A comparative study of two large watersheds in the Olympic Mountains.
Too much water or too little can cause serious problems for the people and other species reliant on water. In addition to real-time monitoring of conditions across Washington State, we investigate how extreme events like wildfires and floods impact hydrologic systems.
Floods
The USGS monitors streamflow, river levels, and reservoir elevations at over 350 locations in Washington State. Real-time data from rivers are used by other federal agencies and cooperative partners to mitigate flood hazards. We also investigate long-term trends in flooding, the impacts of flooding on hydrologic processes, and other flood-related science topics.
Wildfire
Wildfires can compromise water quality. Burned watersheds are prone to increased flooding and erosion, which can negatively affect water-supply reservoirs, water quality, and drinking-water treatment processes. We measure and predict post-fire water quality and quantity to help water providers prepare for and mitigate these impacts.
Land Use Change
Land and water are closely connected. We research how land use influences water resources, aquatic ecosystems, and water quality. We work in urban areas, forests, agricultural fields, and rural communities. Our research focuses on determining the interactions between physical, chemical and biological stressors.
