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.
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)
Mercury in the Walker River Basin, Nevada and California: Sources, distribution, and potential effects on the ecosystem Mercury in the Walker River Basin, Nevada and California: Sources, distribution, and potential effects on the ecosystem
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.