USGS Science Collaboration Portal for the Colorado River Basin
Collaboration platform that brings together science, data, and mapping and analytical tools from across the basin
Collaboration platform that brings together science, data, and mapping and analytical tools from across the basin
Colorado River Basin Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST) Initiative
Fostering Innovative Interdisciplinary Science for Characterizing and Adapting to Long-term Drought
Fostering Innovative Interdisciplinary Science for Characterizing and Adapting to Long-term Drought
Colorado River Basin Drought and the 2023 Water Year
Geonarrative presentation comparing 2023 conditions to the long-term drought in the Colorado River Basin
Geonarrative presentation comparing 2023 conditions to the long-term drought in the Colorado River Basin
Great Salt Lake Data and Reports by the USGS
Learn about Water Quantity and Quality and Aquatic Ecology of this National Treasure
Learn about Water Quantity and Quality and Aquatic Ecology of this National Treasure
Colorado River Basin Studies in Utah
Learn about Surface Water, Groundwater Quantities and Quality and Artificial Recharge of Groundwater in the Colorado River Basin in Utah
Learn about Surface Water, Groundwater Quantities and Quality and Artificial Recharge of Groundwater in the Colorado River Basin in Utah
Streamflow in the Upper Rio Grande Basin
USGS Analyses of the Effects of Potential Future Climate Conditions on Streamflows in the Upper Rio Grande Basin
USGS Analyses of the Effects of Potential Future Climate Conditions on Streamflows in the Upper Rio Grande Basin
Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) Study: Upper Colorado River Basin
The USGS NGWOS Program Provides Innovative, High-fidelity, Real-time Data and Insightful Analyses about Water Quantity, Quality, and Use in Selected Watersheds across the U.S.
The USGS NGWOS Program Provides Innovative, High-fidelity, Real-time Data and Insightful Analyses about Water Quantity, Quality, and Use in Selected Watersheds across the U.S.
Rocky Mountain Region
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin includes the States of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. USGS Science Centers conduct interdisciplinary research and monitoring related to natural resources, ecology, climate, and natural hazards. Data, analyses, and tools developed by USGS staff help stakeholders to make sustainable management decisions.
USGS Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin (Rocky Mountain)
USGS Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin (Rocky Mountain)
Map Showing USGS/DOI Unified Region 7 and adjoining Regions
Additional Information about USGS Region 7
Additional Information about USGS Region 7
News
U.S. Geological Survey marks progress tracking nation's supply of critical minerals
U.S. Geological Survey marks progress tracking nation's supply of critical minerals
From Lake to Table: $3 Million Investment Helps Track Great Salt Lake's Future
From Lake to Table: $3 Million Investment Helps Track Great Salt Lake's Future
USGS awards $2.5 million to state geological surveys for mine waste projects
USGS awards $2.5 million to state geological surveys for mine waste projects
Publications
Groundwater-level elevations in the Denver Basin bedrock aquifers and Upper Black Squirrel Creek alluvial aquifer, El Paso County, Colorado, 2021–24
El Paso County is the second-most populous county in Colorado and is projected to grow another 15 percent by 2030. Within El Paso County is the Upper Black Squirrel Creek Designated Groundwater Basin (Black Squirrel Basin), an area where surface water is scarce and water users rely primarily on groundwater from five different aquifers (the Upper Black Squirrel Creek alluvial aquifer and...
Widespread occurrence of former anhydrite phenocrysts in Laramide-age magmas related to porphyry-skarn Cu mineralization at Santa Rita and Hanover-Fierro, New Mexico, USA
Reports of magmatic anhydrite are relatively rare, with only ~30 occurrences documented worldwide so far. However, magmatic anhydrite saturation is difficult to recognize because anhydrite decomposes rapidly in near-surface environments. In most cases, only anhydrite inclusions shielded within other phenocryst phases were able to survive. Alternatively, since anhydrite phenocrysts...
Automating physics-based models to estimate thermoelectric-power water use
Thermoelectric (TE) power plants withdraw more water than any other sector of water use in the United States and consume water at rates that can be significant especially in water-stressed regions. Historical TE water-use data have been inconsistent, incomplete, or discrepant, resulting in an increased research focus on improving the accuracy and availability of TE water-use data using...
Science
Assessing the Proliferation, Connectivity, and Consequences of Invasive Fine Fuels on the Sagebrush Biome
Invasive annual grasses can replace native vegetation and alter fire behavior, impacting a range of habitats and species. A team of researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado State University, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working to identify factors that influence changes in the distribution and abundance of invasive annual grasses (IAGs)...
Developing habitat models for rare plants to inform decision making on multiple-use public lands
Public lands provide important habitat for many rare plants. However, public lands often need to accommodate many other uses, including traditional and renewable energy development, in addition to conservation. We are working with the Bureau of Land Management to coproduce ensemble habitat suitability models that can inform agency planning and permitting decisions that may impact rare plants.
Developing a step-by-step process for assessing cumulative effects in the Bureau of Land Management
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to assess potential impacts of proposed actions as part of their decision-making processes. Assessing potential cumulative effects is a challenging component of NEPA analyses. The USGS is working with the Bureau of Land Management to develop a process that public land managers can use to strengthen cumulative effects analyses.