Walker Lake is one of the few natural terminal lakes in Nevada. The ecological and recreational value of Walker Lake and other terminal lakes in the Great Basin is at risk due to consumptive water use.
Terminal lakes are the endpoint of surface water flow in topographically closed basins. Due to high evaporation rates in the Great Basin, the water levels and salinity of terminal lakes are extremely sensitive to changes in stream inflow. Most streamflow in the Walker River Basin originates as snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada. Before the late 1800s, most of this water flowed into Walker Lake. However, agricultural diversions have increased to the point that, in an average or below-average water year, most streamflow is consumed by agriculture. Since 1882, upstream diversions have contributed to a drop of Walker Lake level by nearly 160 feet and an increase of total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations from 2,500 mg/L to 28,000 mg/L. Historically, Walker Lake supported a Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT) fishery, with the last reported capture of an LCT in May 2009.
The USGS completed studies from 2004 to 2017 that refined water budgets for the lower Walker River Basin downstream from Wabuska and the upper basin, and monitored changes in water resources and vegetation throughout the Walker River basin. You can find study results in the data and publications sections.
The USGS continues to collect quarterly water-quality data on Walker Lake to inform stakeholders about current hydrologic conditions and progress towards restoration goals.
Available Water Data
The USGS has maintained a substantial science program in the Walker River Basin since 2004. These studies have created an extensive network for monitoring streamflow, groundwater, lake levels, and water quality. Access available data for the Walker River Basin by clicking on the links below.
Science in the Walker River Basin
The Walker River begins in the Sierra Nevada as the East Walker River and the West Walker River. In Mason Valley, just south of Yerington, Nevada, the rivers converge to create the the Walker River. The Walker River terminates in Walker Lake.
Data for the report Evapotranspiration from the Lower Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada, Water Years 2005–07 Data for the report Evapotranspiration from the Lower Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada, Water Years 2005–07
This vector data set represents the evapotranspiration (ET) discharge quantification area polygon in the lower Walker River basin.
Supplemental Data: Estimated effects of pumping on groundwater storage and Walker River stream efficiencies in Smith and Mason Valleys, west-central Nevada Supplemental Data: Estimated effects of pumping on groundwater storage and Walker River stream efficiencies in Smith and Mason Valleys, west-central Nevada
This USGS data release consists of 15 geospatial datasets for Smith Valley and Mason Valley, west-central Nevada, including contours representing groundwater levels based on depth-to-water measurements, groundwater-level change rasters calculated from groundwater-level contours, groundwater-level change rasters calculated from depth-to-water point values, and groundwater monitoring well...
Data for the 1976 report Geohydrology of Smith Valley, Nevada, with special reference to the water-use period 1953-72 Data for the 1976 report Geohydrology of Smith Valley, Nevada, with special reference to the water-use period 1953-72
This U.S. Geological Survey data release contains data for Smith Valley, Nevada, digitized from plate 2 of the 1976 publication: Rush, F.E.,and Schroer, C.V., 1976, Geohydrology of Smith Valley, Nevada with special reference to the water-use period 1953-72: Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Water Resources Bulletin 43, 43p. Data are for spring 1972 and include...
Data for the 2009 report Hydrologic Setting and Conceptual Hydrologic Model of the Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada Data for the 2009 report Hydrologic Setting and Conceptual Hydrologic Model of the Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada
This U.S. Geological Survey data release contains data for Smith and Mason Valleys, California and Nevada, from the 2009 publication: Lopes, T.J.,and Allander, K.K., 2009, Hydrologic Setting and Conceptual Hydrologic Model of the Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5155, https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20095155. Data include (1...
Irrigated Acreage Delineated from Landsat-Derived Maximum Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) 1975-2010, Walker River Basin Nevada and California Irrigated Acreage Delineated from Landsat-Derived Maximum Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) 1975-2010, Walker River Basin Nevada and California
These data represent the extent and spatial distribution of irrigated acreage delineated from maximum Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from Landsat scenes in the Walker River Basin, California and Nevada, at five-year intervals from 1975-2010. The field boundaries in this data set are digitized from one-year composite maximum NDVI data derived from atmospherically...
Letter-size map of the Main Hydrologic Features of the Walker River Basin (pdf)
Letter-size map of the Main Hydrologic Features of the Walker River Basin (pdf)
Poster-size map of the Selected Features of the Walker River Basin (pdf)
Poster-size map of the Selected Features of the Walker River Basin (pdf)
Filter Total Items: 13
Estimated effects of pumping on groundwater storage and Walker River stream efficiencies in Smith and Mason Valleys, west-central Nevada Estimated effects of pumping on groundwater storage and Walker River stream efficiencies in Smith and Mason Valleys, west-central Nevada
The Walker River originates in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and flows nearly 160 miles to its terminus at Walker Lake in west-central Nevada. The river provides a source of irrigation water for tens of thousands of acres of agricultural lands in California and Nevada and is the principal source of inflow to Walker Lake. Extraction of groundwater for agricultural use became prevalent in...
Authors
Gwendolyn E. Davies, Ramon C. Naranjo
Knowing requires data Knowing requires data
Groundwater-flow models are often calibrated using a limited number of observations relative to the unknown inputs required for the model. This is especially true for models that simulate groundwater surface-water interactions. In this case, subsurface temperature sensors can be an efficient means for collecting long-term data that capture the transient nature of physical processes such...
Authors
Ramon C. Naranjo
Quantifying seepage using heat as a tracer in selected irrigation canals, Walker River Basin, Nevada, 2012 and 2013 Quantifying seepage using heat as a tracer in selected irrigation canals, Walker River Basin, Nevada, 2012 and 2013
The Walker River is an important source of water for western Nevada. The river provides water for agriculture and recharge to local aquifers used by several communities. Farmers began diverting water from the Walker River in the 1860s to support growing agricultural development. Over time, the reduced inflows into Walker Lake from upstream reservoirs and diversions have resulted in 170...
Authors
Ramon C. Naranjo, David W. Smith
Hydrologic data for the Walker River Basin, Nevada and California, water years 2010–14 Hydrologic data for the Walker River Basin, Nevada and California, water years 2010–14
Walker Lake is a threatened and federally protected desert terminal lake in western Nevada. To help protect the desert terminal lake and the surrounding watershed, the Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Geological Survey have been studying the hydrology of the Walker River Basin in Nevada and California since 2004. Hydrologic data collected for this study during water years 2010 through 2014...
Authors
Michael T. Pavelko, Erin L. Orozco
Simulation of the Lower Walker River Basin hydrologic system, west-central Nevada, using PRMS and MODFLOW models Simulation of the Lower Walker River Basin hydrologic system, west-central Nevada, using PRMS and MODFLOW models
Walker Lake is a terminal lake in west-central Nevada with almost all outflow occurring through evaporation. Diversions from Walker River since the early 1900s have contributed to a substantial reduction in flow entering Walker Lake. As a result, the lake is receding, and salt concentrations have increased to a level in which Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi (Lahontan Cutthroat trout) are...
Authors
Kip K. Allander, Richard G. Niswonger, Anne E. Jeton
Collaborative modelling and integrated decision support system analysis of a developed terminal lake basin Collaborative modelling and integrated decision support system analysis of a developed terminal lake basin
A terminal lake basin in west-central Nevada, Walker Lake, has undergone drastic change over the past 90 yrs due to upstream water use for agriculture. Decreased inflows to the lake have resulted in 100 km2 decrease in lake surface area and a total loss of fisheries due to salinization. The ecologic health of Walker Lake is of great concern as the lake is a stopover point on the Pacific...
Authors
Richard G. Niswonger, Kip K. Allander, Anne E. Jeton
Early impacts of biological control on canopy cover and water use of the invasive saltcedar tree (Tamarix spp.) in western Nevada, USA Early impacts of biological control on canopy cover and water use of the invasive saltcedar tree (Tamarix spp.) in western Nevada, USA
D. carinulata defoliated the majority of trees within 25 and 9 km, respectively, of the release location within 3 years. At the Humboldt site, D. carinulata reduced the canopy cover of trees adjacent to the release location by >90%. At a location 4 km away during the first year of defoliation, D. carinulata reduced peak (August) stem water use by 50−70% and stand transpiration (July to...
Authors
R.R. Pattison, C. M. D'Antonio, T.L. Dudley, Kip K. Allander, B. Rice
Water Budgets of the Walker River Basin and Walker Lake, California and Nevada Water Budgets of the Walker River Basin and Walker Lake, California and Nevada
The Walker River is the main source of inflow to Walker Lake, a closed-basin lake in west-central Nevada. The only outflow from Walker Lake is evaporation from the lake surface. Between 1882 and 2008, upstream agricultural diversions resulted in a lake-level decline of more than 150 feet and storage loss of 7,400,000 acre-feet. Evaporative concentration increased dissolved solids from 2...
Authors
Thomas J. Lopes, Kip K. Allander
Hydrologic Setting and Conceptual Hydrologic Model of the Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada Hydrologic Setting and Conceptual Hydrologic Model of the Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada
The Walker River is the main source of inflow to Walker Lake, a closed-basin lake in west-central Nevada. Between 1882 and 2008, agricultural diversions resulted in a lake-level decline of more than 150 feet and storage loss of 7,400,000 acre-ft. Evaporative concentration increased dissolved solids from 2,500 to 17,000 milligrams per liter. The increase in salinity threatens the survival...
Authors
Thomas J. Lopes, Kip K. Allander
Evapotranspiration from the Lower Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada, Water Years 2005-07 Evapotranspiration from the Lower Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada, Water Years 2005-07
Evapotranspiration is the ultimate path of outflow of nearly all water from the Lower Walker River basin. Walker Lake is the terminus of the topographically closed Walker River basin, and the lake level has been declining at an average rate of about 1.6 feet per year (ft/yr) since 1917. As a result of the declining lake level, dissolved-solids concentrations are increasingly threatening...
Authors
Kip K. Allander, J. LaRue Smith, Michael J. Johnson
Bathymetry of Walker Lake, West-Central Nevada Bathymetry of Walker Lake, West-Central Nevada
Walker Lake lies within a topographically closed basin in west-central Nevada and is the terminus of the Walker River. Much of the streamflow in the Walker River is diverted for irrigation, which has contributed to a decline in lake-surface altitude of about 150 feet and an increase in dissolved solids from 2,500 to 16,000 milligrams per liter in Walker Lake since 1882. The increase in...
Authors
Thomas J. Lopes, J. LaRue Smith
Science to sustain terminal lakes: The Walker River Basin Study Science to sustain terminal lakes: The Walker River Basin Study
Section 2507 of Public Law 107-171 (2002 Farm Bill) provided $200,000,000 to be used by the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to provide water to at-risk natural desert terminal lakes. This bill was later amended under Public Law 108-7, Section 207 to include language 'Restoration of fish, wildlife, and associated habitats in watersheds of certain...
Authors
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey
Walker Basin Hydro Mapper Walker Basin Hydro Mapper
The Walker Basin Hydro Mapper web application provides a basin-wide view of real-time streamflow and reservoir storage capacity for the Walker River Basin in Nevada and California.
Walker Lake is one of the few natural terminal lakes in Nevada. The ecological and recreational value of Walker Lake and other terminal lakes in the Great Basin is at risk due to consumptive water use.
Terminal lakes are the endpoint of surface water flow in topographically closed basins. Due to high evaporation rates in the Great Basin, the water levels and salinity of terminal lakes are extremely sensitive to changes in stream inflow. Most streamflow in the Walker River Basin originates as snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada. Before the late 1800s, most of this water flowed into Walker Lake. However, agricultural diversions have increased to the point that, in an average or below-average water year, most streamflow is consumed by agriculture. Since 1882, upstream diversions have contributed to a drop of Walker Lake level by nearly 160 feet and an increase of total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations from 2,500 mg/L to 28,000 mg/L. Historically, Walker Lake supported a Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT) fishery, with the last reported capture of an LCT in May 2009.
The USGS completed studies from 2004 to 2017 that refined water budgets for the lower Walker River Basin downstream from Wabuska and the upper basin, and monitored changes in water resources and vegetation throughout the Walker River basin. You can find study results in the data and publications sections.
The USGS continues to collect quarterly water-quality data on Walker Lake to inform stakeholders about current hydrologic conditions and progress towards restoration goals.
Available Water Data
The USGS has maintained a substantial science program in the Walker River Basin since 2004. These studies have created an extensive network for monitoring streamflow, groundwater, lake levels, and water quality. Access available data for the Walker River Basin by clicking on the links below.
Science in the Walker River Basin
The Walker River begins in the Sierra Nevada as the East Walker River and the West Walker River. In Mason Valley, just south of Yerington, Nevada, the rivers converge to create the the Walker River. The Walker River terminates in Walker Lake.
Data for the report Evapotranspiration from the Lower Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada, Water Years 2005–07 Data for the report Evapotranspiration from the Lower Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada, Water Years 2005–07
This vector data set represents the evapotranspiration (ET) discharge quantification area polygon in the lower Walker River basin.
Supplemental Data: Estimated effects of pumping on groundwater storage and Walker River stream efficiencies in Smith and Mason Valleys, west-central Nevada Supplemental Data: Estimated effects of pumping on groundwater storage and Walker River stream efficiencies in Smith and Mason Valleys, west-central Nevada
This USGS data release consists of 15 geospatial datasets for Smith Valley and Mason Valley, west-central Nevada, including contours representing groundwater levels based on depth-to-water measurements, groundwater-level change rasters calculated from groundwater-level contours, groundwater-level change rasters calculated from depth-to-water point values, and groundwater monitoring well...
Data for the 1976 report Geohydrology of Smith Valley, Nevada, with special reference to the water-use period 1953-72 Data for the 1976 report Geohydrology of Smith Valley, Nevada, with special reference to the water-use period 1953-72
This U.S. Geological Survey data release contains data for Smith Valley, Nevada, digitized from plate 2 of the 1976 publication: Rush, F.E.,and Schroer, C.V., 1976, Geohydrology of Smith Valley, Nevada with special reference to the water-use period 1953-72: Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Water Resources Bulletin 43, 43p. Data are for spring 1972 and include...
Data for the 2009 report Hydrologic Setting and Conceptual Hydrologic Model of the Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada Data for the 2009 report Hydrologic Setting and Conceptual Hydrologic Model of the Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada
This U.S. Geological Survey data release contains data for Smith and Mason Valleys, California and Nevada, from the 2009 publication: Lopes, T.J.,and Allander, K.K., 2009, Hydrologic Setting and Conceptual Hydrologic Model of the Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5155, https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20095155. Data include (1...
Irrigated Acreage Delineated from Landsat-Derived Maximum Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) 1975-2010, Walker River Basin Nevada and California Irrigated Acreage Delineated from Landsat-Derived Maximum Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) 1975-2010, Walker River Basin Nevada and California
These data represent the extent and spatial distribution of irrigated acreage delineated from maximum Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from Landsat scenes in the Walker River Basin, California and Nevada, at five-year intervals from 1975-2010. The field boundaries in this data set are digitized from one-year composite maximum NDVI data derived from atmospherically...
Letter-size map of the Main Hydrologic Features of the Walker River Basin (pdf)
Letter-size map of the Main Hydrologic Features of the Walker River Basin (pdf)
Poster-size map of the Selected Features of the Walker River Basin (pdf)
Poster-size map of the Selected Features of the Walker River Basin (pdf)
Filter Total Items: 13
Estimated effects of pumping on groundwater storage and Walker River stream efficiencies in Smith and Mason Valleys, west-central Nevada Estimated effects of pumping on groundwater storage and Walker River stream efficiencies in Smith and Mason Valleys, west-central Nevada
The Walker River originates in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and flows nearly 160 miles to its terminus at Walker Lake in west-central Nevada. The river provides a source of irrigation water for tens of thousands of acres of agricultural lands in California and Nevada and is the principal source of inflow to Walker Lake. Extraction of groundwater for agricultural use became prevalent in...
Authors
Gwendolyn E. Davies, Ramon C. Naranjo
Knowing requires data Knowing requires data
Groundwater-flow models are often calibrated using a limited number of observations relative to the unknown inputs required for the model. This is especially true for models that simulate groundwater surface-water interactions. In this case, subsurface temperature sensors can be an efficient means for collecting long-term data that capture the transient nature of physical processes such...
Authors
Ramon C. Naranjo
Quantifying seepage using heat as a tracer in selected irrigation canals, Walker River Basin, Nevada, 2012 and 2013 Quantifying seepage using heat as a tracer in selected irrigation canals, Walker River Basin, Nevada, 2012 and 2013
The Walker River is an important source of water for western Nevada. The river provides water for agriculture and recharge to local aquifers used by several communities. Farmers began diverting water from the Walker River in the 1860s to support growing agricultural development. Over time, the reduced inflows into Walker Lake from upstream reservoirs and diversions have resulted in 170...
Authors
Ramon C. Naranjo, David W. Smith
Hydrologic data for the Walker River Basin, Nevada and California, water years 2010–14 Hydrologic data for the Walker River Basin, Nevada and California, water years 2010–14
Walker Lake is a threatened and federally protected desert terminal lake in western Nevada. To help protect the desert terminal lake and the surrounding watershed, the Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Geological Survey have been studying the hydrology of the Walker River Basin in Nevada and California since 2004. Hydrologic data collected for this study during water years 2010 through 2014...
Authors
Michael T. Pavelko, Erin L. Orozco
Simulation of the Lower Walker River Basin hydrologic system, west-central Nevada, using PRMS and MODFLOW models Simulation of the Lower Walker River Basin hydrologic system, west-central Nevada, using PRMS and MODFLOW models
Walker Lake is a terminal lake in west-central Nevada with almost all outflow occurring through evaporation. Diversions from Walker River since the early 1900s have contributed to a substantial reduction in flow entering Walker Lake. As a result, the lake is receding, and salt concentrations have increased to a level in which Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi (Lahontan Cutthroat trout) are...
Authors
Kip K. Allander, Richard G. Niswonger, Anne E. Jeton
Collaborative modelling and integrated decision support system analysis of a developed terminal lake basin Collaborative modelling and integrated decision support system analysis of a developed terminal lake basin
A terminal lake basin in west-central Nevada, Walker Lake, has undergone drastic change over the past 90 yrs due to upstream water use for agriculture. Decreased inflows to the lake have resulted in 100 km2 decrease in lake surface area and a total loss of fisheries due to salinization. The ecologic health of Walker Lake is of great concern as the lake is a stopover point on the Pacific...
Authors
Richard G. Niswonger, Kip K. Allander, Anne E. Jeton
Early impacts of biological control on canopy cover and water use of the invasive saltcedar tree (Tamarix spp.) in western Nevada, USA Early impacts of biological control on canopy cover and water use of the invasive saltcedar tree (Tamarix spp.) in western Nevada, USA
D. carinulata defoliated the majority of trees within 25 and 9 km, respectively, of the release location within 3 years. At the Humboldt site, D. carinulata reduced the canopy cover of trees adjacent to the release location by >90%. At a location 4 km away during the first year of defoliation, D. carinulata reduced peak (August) stem water use by 50−70% and stand transpiration (July to...
Authors
R.R. Pattison, C. M. D'Antonio, T.L. Dudley, Kip K. Allander, B. Rice
Water Budgets of the Walker River Basin and Walker Lake, California and Nevada Water Budgets of the Walker River Basin and Walker Lake, California and Nevada
The Walker River is the main source of inflow to Walker Lake, a closed-basin lake in west-central Nevada. The only outflow from Walker Lake is evaporation from the lake surface. Between 1882 and 2008, upstream agricultural diversions resulted in a lake-level decline of more than 150 feet and storage loss of 7,400,000 acre-feet. Evaporative concentration increased dissolved solids from 2...
Authors
Thomas J. Lopes, Kip K. Allander
Hydrologic Setting and Conceptual Hydrologic Model of the Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada Hydrologic Setting and Conceptual Hydrologic Model of the Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada
The Walker River is the main source of inflow to Walker Lake, a closed-basin lake in west-central Nevada. Between 1882 and 2008, agricultural diversions resulted in a lake-level decline of more than 150 feet and storage loss of 7,400,000 acre-ft. Evaporative concentration increased dissolved solids from 2,500 to 17,000 milligrams per liter. The increase in salinity threatens the survival...
Authors
Thomas J. Lopes, Kip K. Allander
Evapotranspiration from the Lower Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada, Water Years 2005-07 Evapotranspiration from the Lower Walker River Basin, West-Central Nevada, Water Years 2005-07
Evapotranspiration is the ultimate path of outflow of nearly all water from the Lower Walker River basin. Walker Lake is the terminus of the topographically closed Walker River basin, and the lake level has been declining at an average rate of about 1.6 feet per year (ft/yr) since 1917. As a result of the declining lake level, dissolved-solids concentrations are increasingly threatening...
Authors
Kip K. Allander, J. LaRue Smith, Michael J. Johnson
Bathymetry of Walker Lake, West-Central Nevada Bathymetry of Walker Lake, West-Central Nevada
Walker Lake lies within a topographically closed basin in west-central Nevada and is the terminus of the Walker River. Much of the streamflow in the Walker River is diverted for irrigation, which has contributed to a decline in lake-surface altitude of about 150 feet and an increase in dissolved solids from 2,500 to 16,000 milligrams per liter in Walker Lake since 1882. The increase in...
Authors
Thomas J. Lopes, J. LaRue Smith
Science to sustain terminal lakes: The Walker River Basin Study Science to sustain terminal lakes: The Walker River Basin Study
Section 2507 of Public Law 107-171 (2002 Farm Bill) provided $200,000,000 to be used by the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to provide water to at-risk natural desert terminal lakes. This bill was later amended under Public Law 108-7, Section 207 to include language 'Restoration of fish, wildlife, and associated habitats in watersheds of certain...
Authors
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey
Walker Basin Hydro Mapper Walker Basin Hydro Mapper
The Walker Basin Hydro Mapper web application provides a basin-wide view of real-time streamflow and reservoir storage capacity for the Walker River Basin in Nevada and California.