Streamflow Evaluation for Wild and Scenic Rivers, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness Active
Several river segments in the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness have been designated as “Wild and Scenic” under the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009. This designation is intended to protect the “outstanding remarkable values” (ORVs) in this area—specifically fish and wildlife habitat, scenic and geological features, and recreational opportunities.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is applying for water right claims to ensure adequate streamflow to protect the ORVs unique to each segment. To develop the claims, the BLM needs adequate streamflow data. However, the rugged terrain, limited access, and budget constraints make it difficult to collect the streamflow data using standard methods. The BLM turned to the USGS to find a more cost-effective, statistically-based solution.
In 2012, we analyzed streamflow records from three available streamgages in the region. We then identified new sites where collecting additional streamflow data would help us compute streamflow statistics for the individual Wild and Scenic segments. Streamflow monitoring sites were within the Big and Little Jacks Creeks, Bruneau River, Jarbidge River, and Owyhee River basins.
We measured streamflow periodically from February to September 2012 at 14 sites. These data are available from the USGS National Water Information System.
Where long-term data were available, we used the actual streamflow record to compute streamflow statistics. Where data were sparse, we used a variety of techniques to develop “synthetic” streamflow records to compute streamflow statistics.
We continue to work with the BLM to develop a long-term streamflow monitoring plan for the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness.
The following datasets are associated with this study.
Streamflow regressions and annual and semimonthly exceedance probability statistics for wild and scenic rivers, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, Idaho
The following publications are associated with this study.
Updated annual and semimonthly streamflow statistics for Wild and Scenic Rivers, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, southwestern Idaho, 2021
Streamflow statistics for development of water rights claims for the Jarbidge Wild and Scenic River, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, Idaho, 2013-14: a supplement to Scientific Investigations Report 2013-5212
Streamflow monitoring and statistics for development of water rights claims for Wild and Scenic Rivers, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, Idaho, 2012
Below are partners associated with this project.
- Overview
Several river segments in the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness have been designated as “Wild and Scenic” under the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009. This designation is intended to protect the “outstanding remarkable values” (ORVs) in this area—specifically fish and wildlife habitat, scenic and geological features, and recreational opportunities.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is applying for water right claims to ensure adequate streamflow to protect the ORVs unique to each segment. To develop the claims, the BLM needs adequate streamflow data. However, the rugged terrain, limited access, and budget constraints make it difficult to collect the streamflow data using standard methods. The BLM turned to the USGS to find a more cost-effective, statistically-based solution.
In 2012, we analyzed streamflow records from three available streamgages in the region. We then identified new sites where collecting additional streamflow data would help us compute streamflow statistics for the individual Wild and Scenic segments. Streamflow monitoring sites were within the Big and Little Jacks Creeks, Bruneau River, Jarbidge River, and Owyhee River basins.
We measured streamflow periodically from February to September 2012 at 14 sites. These data are available from the USGS National Water Information System.
Where long-term data were available, we used the actual streamflow record to compute streamflow statistics. Where data were sparse, we used a variety of techniques to develop “synthetic” streamflow records to compute streamflow statistics.
We continue to work with the BLM to develop a long-term streamflow monitoring plan for the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness.
- Data
The following datasets are associated with this study.
Streamflow regressions and annual and semimonthly exceedance probability statistics for wild and scenic rivers, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, Idaho
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, used streamflow measurements at 11 partial-record sites and related them to nearby USGS or Idaho Power Company real-time streamgages (index sites) to provide daily mean streamflow values at ungaged (partial-record) sites within the Wild and Scenic River of the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, Idaho. Daily mean stre - Publications
The following publications are associated with this study.
Updated annual and semimonthly streamflow statistics for Wild and Scenic Rivers, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, southwestern Idaho, 2021
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), continued streamflow data collection in water years 2013–21 to update daily streamflow regressions and annual and semimonthly streamflow statistics initially developed in 2012 for streams designated as “wild,” “scenic,” or “recreational” under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in the Owyhee Canyonlands WiAuthorsTaylor J. Dudunake, Scott D. DucarStreamflow statistics for development of water rights claims for the Jarbidge Wild and Scenic River, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, Idaho, 2013-14: a supplement to Scientific Investigations Report 2013-5212
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), estimated streamflow statistics for stream segments designated “Wild,” “Scenic,” or “Recreational” under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness in southwestern Idaho. The streamflow statistics were used by the BLM to develop and file a draft, federal reserved water rAuthorsMolly S. WoodStreamflow monitoring and statistics for development of water rights claims for Wild and Scenic Rivers, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, Idaho, 2012
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), collected streamflow data in 2012 and estimated streamflow statistics for stream segments designated "Wild," "Scenic," or "Recreational" under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness in southwestern Idaho. The streamflow statistics were used by BLM to develop and file a drafAuthorsMolly S. Wood, Ryan L. Fosness - Partners
Below are partners associated with this project.