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Science in the Carson River Basin

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By Nevada Water Science Center November 29, 2017

East Fork Carson River near Markleeville

West Fork Carson River at Woodfords

Carson River near Genoa

Carson River at Deer Run Rd

Carson River near Fort Churchill

The Carson River is an important water resource for residents, agriculture, and wildlife. The USGS provides science support on water quality and quantity, as well as on the impacts of climate change on water resources in the basin.

Map of the Carson River Basin, Nevada
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Carson River Basin, Nevada (Public domain.)

Geography

The Carson River Basin (State of Nevada hydrographic region 8) is nearly 4,000 square miles and stretches  about 150 miles from Alpine County in eastern California to Pershing County in western Nevada. The Carson River Basin is a river-dominated hydrologic system, divided into three sub-basins:  upper, middle, and lower.

At the headwaters, precipitation as snow and rain can produce runoff that is unregulated until it reaches Lahontan Reservoir. Water flowing in the mainstem may be diverted in Carson Valley for agriculture and for municipal uses. At Lahontan Reservoir, water imported from the Truckee River Basin via the Truckee Canal is used as needed to supplement natural inflows from the Carson River. Streamflow downstream of Lahontan is used for irrigation and supports habitat critical to migratory birds in the wetlands of the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge.

 

 

 

Carson River Basin Hydro Mapper

Screenshot of Carson River Basin Hydro Mapper web page showing a map with circles.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

A new tool called the Carson River Basin Hydro Mapper (CBH) was created to help people access important water data. This tool shows current and past water levels measured by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the State of Nevada Division of Water Resources. It also includes information about groundwater, like nitrate and arsenic levels, collected by the USGS. Additionally, the CBH shows real-time streamflow and surface water levels for specific bodies of water. This tool makes it easy for resource managers, the public, and scientists to access and understand the latest information about water in the Carson River Basin.

 

 

Studies in the Carson River Basin

Presentations

Available Water Data

Nevada Water Science Center projects in the Carson River Basin are linked below. 

link
Carson Valley, Nevada

Collection of arsenic and associated geochemical data important to occurrence and mobility of arsenic in groundwater used for public supply in southern Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada

The Nevada Water Science Center (NVWSC) is increasing the spatial understanding of the distribution of arsenic and important geochemical information in groundwater resources near select water-supply wells in southern Carson Valley by collecting groundwater samples to complement the existing dataset (2006 – 2015).
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Collection of arsenic and associated geochemical data important to occurrence and mobility of arsenic in groundwater used for public supply in southern Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada

The Nevada Water Science Center (NVWSC) is increasing the spatial understanding of the distribution of arsenic and important geochemical information in groundwater resources near select water-supply wells in southern Carson Valley by collecting groundwater samples to complement the existing dataset (2006 – 2015).
Learn More
link
View downstream, Carson River, Nevada

Water for the Seasons

Water for the Seasons (WftS) is a four year study funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. WtfS uses the Truckee-Carson River System (TCRS) as a pilot study to learn how to best link science with decision-making in snow-fed arid-land river systems. By working collaboratively with stakeholders, WftS aims to create a model for improving community climate...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Water for the Seasons

Water for the Seasons (WftS) is a four year study funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. WtfS uses the Truckee-Carson River System (TCRS) as a pilot study to learn how to best link science with decision-making in snow-fed arid-land river systems. By working collaboratively with stakeholders, WftS aims to create a model for improving community climate...
Learn More
link
Middle Carson River Basin, Nevada, looking toward the Sierra Nevada

Evaluation of Groundwater Flow in the Middle Carson River Basin, Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, Nevada

Demand for water resources in the Carson River basin is increasing due to steady population growth and the resulting development and changes in land and water use throughout the middle part of the basin. Agricultural land is being urbanized while land not previously irrigated may be converted for agricultural use.
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Evaluation of Groundwater Flow in the Middle Carson River Basin, Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, Nevada

Demand for water resources in the Carson River basin is increasing due to steady population growth and the resulting development and changes in land and water use throughout the middle part of the basin. Agricultural land is being urbanized while land not previously irrigated may be converted for agricultural use.
Learn More
link
Stillwater Point Reservoir Bypass Canal, Lahontan Valley, Nevada

Chemical Quality of Water Deliveries to Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada

The ecosystems of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) are critical habitat for migratory birds. Increased irrigation efficiencies have reduced the amount of fresh water delivered to the wetlands, leading Congress to include provisions in the 1990 Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Rights Settlement Act to assist with wetland restoration and maintenance. The Secretary of the Interior has...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Chemical Quality of Water Deliveries to Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada

The ecosystems of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) are critical habitat for migratory birds. Increased irrigation efficiencies have reduced the amount of fresh water delivered to the wetlands, leading Congress to include provisions in the 1990 Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Rights Settlement Act to assist with wetland restoration and maintenance. The Secretary of the Interior has...
Learn More
link
Flowing well in Carson Valley, Nevada

Occurrence and Mobility of Arsenic in Groundwater Used for Public Supply in Southern Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada

Over the past 15 years, Douglas County, Nev., has removed production wells in northern Carson Valley from use due to relatively high arsenic concentrations. To maintain the supply of water to the public, the town of Minden has been providing water to Douglas County and Carson City. Due to the projected increases in municipal demand, water resource managers are concerned that increasing pumping...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Occurrence and Mobility of Arsenic in Groundwater Used for Public Supply in Southern Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada

Over the past 15 years, Douglas County, Nev., has removed production wells in northern Carson Valley from use due to relatively high arsenic concentrations. To maintain the supply of water to the public, the town of Minden has been providing water to Douglas County and Carson City. Due to the projected increases in municipal demand, water resource managers are concerned that increasing pumping...
Learn More
link
Scientist services an automatic sampler, in the snow, that has been installed at the gaging station on Clear Creek in Nevada.

Monitoring Sediment and Water Quality in Clear Creek

Clear Creek is a small alpine stream that begins near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada. The creek flows roughly parallel to U.S. Highway 50 and discharges to the Carson River near Carson City, Nevada. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is concerned about how historical and ongoing development in the Clear Creek drainage basin has/is affecting Clear Creek and its sediment-transport...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Monitoring Sediment and Water Quality in Clear Creek

Clear Creek is a small alpine stream that begins near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada. The creek flows roughly parallel to U.S. Highway 50 and discharges to the Carson River near Carson City, Nevada. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is concerned about how historical and ongoing development in the Clear Creek drainage basin has/is affecting Clear Creek and its sediment-transport...
Learn More

USGS Nevada Water Science Center data releases and tools listed below. Links to other available tools and data can be found on the Overview tab.

MODFLOW-NWT model used to simulate Potential Effects of Changes in Water Use in the Middle Carson River Basin for Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, West-Central, Nevada

A three-dimensional MODFLOW-NWT groundwater flow model was developed to evaluate the impacts of alternative water management scenarios on the groundwater resources of Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, Nevada. In addition, the resulting impact on flows in the Carson River and Lahontan Reservoir are also evaluated. During the economic boom that occurred from 2004-2006 in northwestern Nevada, mun
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Data for the report Geologic Framework and Hydrogeology of the Middle Carson River Basin, Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, West-Central Nevada

This USGS data release represents the data from the following publication: Maurer, D.K., 2011, Geologic framework and hydrogeology of the middle Carson River Basin, Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, West-Central Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5055, https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20115055.
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Supplemental Data for Groundwater Contributions to Excessive Algal Growth in the East Fork Carson River, Carson Valley, West-Central Nevada, 2010 and 2012

This data release contains two tabular data sets of water-quality data collected on the East Fork Carson River. EFCR_CQW.xlsx is a Microsoft Excel workbook containing continuous water-quality data collected by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) at a site on the East Fork Carson River over two time periods in 2010 and 2012. Data were collected at U.S. Geological Survey site num
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Go to View Manage Groundwater-level and groundwater-level change contours for the Lahontan Valley shallow aquifer near Fallon, Nevada, 2012

This USGS data release consists of two geospatial datasets. One dataset contains contours representing water levels based on depth-to-groundwater measurements made at 98 wells in July of 2012 in the Lahontan Valley near Fallon, NV. The second dataset contains contours representing water level change in the shallow aquifer in Lahontan Valley from 1992 - 2012 based on depth-to-groundwater measureme
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Nevada Water Science Center publications for the Carson River Basin are listed below.

Filter Total Items: 61

Assessment of water levels, nitrate, and arsenic in the Carson Valley Alluvial Aquifer and the development of a data visualization tool for the Carson River Basin, Nevada

Residents of Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada, rely on the basin-fill alluvial aquifer underlying the valley for drinking water. Since the 1980s, groundwater levels and water-quality data have been collected to monitor the status of the aquifer system and to assist in planning efforts to address current (2024) and future demand. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Douglas C
Authors
Ramon C. Naranjo, Anjela Bubiy
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Assessing potential effects of changes in water use in the middle Carson River Basin with a numerical groundwater-flow model, Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, west-central Nevada

During the economic boom of the mid part of the first decade of the 2000s in northwestern Nevada, municipal and housing growth increased use of the water resources of this semi-arid region. In 2008, when the economy slowed, new housing development stopped, and immediate pressure on groundwater resources abated. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation, began a hydr
Authors
Eric D. Morway, Susan G. Buto, Richard G. Niswonger, Justin L. Huntington
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Integrated hydrology and operations modeling to evaluate climate change impacts in an agricultural valley irrigated with snowmelt runoff

Applying models to developed agricultural regions remains a difficult problem because there are no existing modeling codes that represent both the complex physics of the hydrology and anthropogenic manipulations to water distribution and consumption. We apply an integrated groundwater – surface water and hydrologic river operations model to an irrigated river valley in northwestern Nevada/northern
Authors
Wesley Kitlasten, Eric D. Morway, Richard G. Niswonger, Murphy Gardner, Jeremy T. White, Enrique Triana, David J. Selkowitz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Peak streamflow determinations in Nevada: A cooperative program with the USGS and Nevada Department of Transportation

BackgroundFloods are one of the most costly and frequent natural disasters in Nevada. For example, the 1997 New Year’s flood has been estimated to have caused more than $1 billion in damage across northern Nevada (Truckee River Flood Management Authority, 2017). In 2014, more than 2 miles of Interstate 15 in southern Nevada was heavily damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Norbert combined with mon
Authors
Kurtiss Schmidt
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Early warning pesticide monitoring in Nevada’s surface waters

A pesticide is a substance, or mixture of substances, used to kill or control insects, weeds, plant diseases, and other pest organisms. Commercial pesticide applicators, farmers, and homeowners apply about 1.1 billion pounds of pesticides annually to agricultural land, non-crop land, and urban areas throughout the United States. Although intended for beneficial uses, there are also risks associate
Authors
Jena M. Huntington, Derek C. Entz, Carl E. Thodal
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Managed aquifer recharge in snow-fed river basins: What, why and how?

What does climate change mean for snow-fed river basins?Climate change poses unique challenges in snow-fed river basins across the western United States because the majority of water supply originates as snow (Dettinger, Udall, & Georgakakos, 2015). In the Sierra Nevada, recent observations include changes in snow accumulation and snowmelt, and shifts in peak streamflow timing (Barnhart et al., 20
Authors
Kelley Sterle, Wesley Kitlasten, Eric D. Morway, Richard G. Niswonger, Loretta Singletary
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Spatial patterns of meadow sensitivities to interannual climate variability in the Sierra Nevada

Conservation of montane meadows is a high priority for land and water managers given their critical role in buffering the effects of climate variability and their vulnerability to increasing temperatures and evaporative demands. Recent advances in cloud computing have provided new opportunities to examine ecological responses to climate variability over the past few decades, and at large spatial s
Authors
Christine M. Albano, Meredith L. McClure, Shana E. Gross, Wesley Kitlasten, Christopher Soulard, Charles Morton, Justin Huntington
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Land Change Science Program, Nevada Water Science Center, Western Geographic Science Center

Groundwater contributions to excessive algal growth in the East Fork Carson River, Carson Valley, west-central Nevada, 2010 and 2012

Excessive algal growth and low dissolved oxygen concentrations were observed during low streamflow conditions during summer months along a 5,800-foot reach of the East Fork Carson River in Carson Valley, west-central Nevada. Algal growth from nutrient enrichment of a stream reduces aquatic diversity, threatens fish ecology and stream health, and can be a recreational nuisance. In response to conce
Authors
Nancy L. Alvarez, Randy A. Pahl, Michael R. Rosen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Discharge, sediment, and water chemistry in Clear Creek, western Nevada, water years 2013–16

Clear Creek is a small stream that drains the eastern Carson Range near Lake Tahoe, flows roughly parallel to the Highway 50 corridor, and discharges to the Carson River near Carson City, Nevada. Historical and ongoing development in the drainage basin is thought to be affecting Clear Creek and its sediment-transport characteristics. Previous studies from water years (WYs) 2004 to 2007 and from 20
Authors
Jena M. Huntington, Daniel J. Riddle, Angela P. Paul
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center, Wildland Fire Science

Chemical quality of water and bottom sediment, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Lahontan Valley, Nevada

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service collected data on water and bottom-sediment chemistry to be used to evaluate a new water rights acquisition program designed to enhance wetland habitat in Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge and in Lahontan Valley, Churchill County, Nevada. The area supports habitat critical to the feeding and resting of migratory b
Authors
Carl E. Thodal
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Long-term trends of surface-water mercury and methylmercury concentrations downstream of historic mining within the Carson River watershed

The Carson River is a vital water resource for local municipalities and migratory birds travelling the Pacific Flyway. Historic mining practices that used mercury (Hg) to extract gold from Comstock Lode ore has left much of the river system heavily contaminated with Hg, a practice that continues in many parts of the world today. Between 1998 and 2013, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) col
Authors
Eric D. Morway, Carl E. Thodal, Mark C. Marvin-DiPasquale
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Groundwater-level change and evaluation of simulated water levels for irrigated areas in Lahontan Valley, Churchill County, west-central Nevada, 1992 to 2012

The acquisition and transfer of water rights to wetland areas of Lahontan Valley, Nevada, has caused concern over the potential effects on shallow aquifer water levels. In 1992, water levels in Lahontan Valley were measured to construct a water-table map of the shallow aquifer prior to the effects of water-right transfers mandated by the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribal Settlement Act of 1990 (Public
Authors
David W. Smith, Susan G. Buto, Toby L. Welborn
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Carson River Basin Hydro Mapper

The Carson River Basin Hydro Mapper web application provides a modern and easy-to-use interface with the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS).

By
Nevada Water Science Center

These are the partners that we are working with currently in the Carson River Basin. 

Filter Total Items: 19

Bureau of Reclamation

Carson City Public Works

Carson Water Subconservancy District

Carson-Truckee Water Conservancy District

Churchill County, Nevada

Desert Research Institute (DRI)

Douglas County, NV

Lyon County, Nevada

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Nevada Department of Agriculture

Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Nevada Department of Transportation Stormwater Division

NOAA National Weather Service (NWS)

Ohio University

State Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Storey County, Nevada

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

University of Nevada, Reno

The Carson River is an important water resource for residents, agriculture, and wildlife. The USGS provides science support on water quality and quantity, as well as on the impacts of climate change on water resources in the basin.

Map of the Carson River Basin, Nevada
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Carson River Basin, Nevada (Public domain.)

Geography

The Carson River Basin (State of Nevada hydrographic region 8) is nearly 4,000 square miles and stretches  about 150 miles from Alpine County in eastern California to Pershing County in western Nevada. The Carson River Basin is a river-dominated hydrologic system, divided into three sub-basins:  upper, middle, and lower.

At the headwaters, precipitation as snow and rain can produce runoff that is unregulated until it reaches Lahontan Reservoir. Water flowing in the mainstem may be diverted in Carson Valley for agriculture and for municipal uses. At Lahontan Reservoir, water imported from the Truckee River Basin via the Truckee Canal is used as needed to supplement natural inflows from the Carson River. Streamflow downstream of Lahontan is used for irrigation and supports habitat critical to migratory birds in the wetlands of the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge.

 

 

 

Carson River Basin Hydro Mapper

Screenshot of Carson River Basin Hydro Mapper web page showing a map with circles.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

A new tool called the Carson River Basin Hydro Mapper (CBH) was created to help people access important water data. This tool shows current and past water levels measured by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the State of Nevada Division of Water Resources. It also includes information about groundwater, like nitrate and arsenic levels, collected by the USGS. Additionally, the CBH shows real-time streamflow and surface water levels for specific bodies of water. This tool makes it easy for resource managers, the public, and scientists to access and understand the latest information about water in the Carson River Basin.

 

 

Studies in the Carson River Basin

Presentations

Available Water Data

Nevada Water Science Center projects in the Carson River Basin are linked below. 

link
Carson Valley, Nevada

Collection of arsenic and associated geochemical data important to occurrence and mobility of arsenic in groundwater used for public supply in southern Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada

The Nevada Water Science Center (NVWSC) is increasing the spatial understanding of the distribution of arsenic and important geochemical information in groundwater resources near select water-supply wells in southern Carson Valley by collecting groundwater samples to complement the existing dataset (2006 – 2015).
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Collection of arsenic and associated geochemical data important to occurrence and mobility of arsenic in groundwater used for public supply in southern Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada

The Nevada Water Science Center (NVWSC) is increasing the spatial understanding of the distribution of arsenic and important geochemical information in groundwater resources near select water-supply wells in southern Carson Valley by collecting groundwater samples to complement the existing dataset (2006 – 2015).
Learn More
link
View downstream, Carson River, Nevada

Water for the Seasons

Water for the Seasons (WftS) is a four year study funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. WtfS uses the Truckee-Carson River System (TCRS) as a pilot study to learn how to best link science with decision-making in snow-fed arid-land river systems. By working collaboratively with stakeholders, WftS aims to create a model for improving community climate...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Water for the Seasons

Water for the Seasons (WftS) is a four year study funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. WtfS uses the Truckee-Carson River System (TCRS) as a pilot study to learn how to best link science with decision-making in snow-fed arid-land river systems. By working collaboratively with stakeholders, WftS aims to create a model for improving community climate...
Learn More
link
Middle Carson River Basin, Nevada, looking toward the Sierra Nevada

Evaluation of Groundwater Flow in the Middle Carson River Basin, Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, Nevada

Demand for water resources in the Carson River basin is increasing due to steady population growth and the resulting development and changes in land and water use throughout the middle part of the basin. Agricultural land is being urbanized while land not previously irrigated may be converted for agricultural use.
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Evaluation of Groundwater Flow in the Middle Carson River Basin, Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, Nevada

Demand for water resources in the Carson River basin is increasing due to steady population growth and the resulting development and changes in land and water use throughout the middle part of the basin. Agricultural land is being urbanized while land not previously irrigated may be converted for agricultural use.
Learn More
link
Stillwater Point Reservoir Bypass Canal, Lahontan Valley, Nevada

Chemical Quality of Water Deliveries to Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada

The ecosystems of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) are critical habitat for migratory birds. Increased irrigation efficiencies have reduced the amount of fresh water delivered to the wetlands, leading Congress to include provisions in the 1990 Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Rights Settlement Act to assist with wetland restoration and maintenance. The Secretary of the Interior has...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Chemical Quality of Water Deliveries to Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada

The ecosystems of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) are critical habitat for migratory birds. Increased irrigation efficiencies have reduced the amount of fresh water delivered to the wetlands, leading Congress to include provisions in the 1990 Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Rights Settlement Act to assist with wetland restoration and maintenance. The Secretary of the Interior has...
Learn More
link
Flowing well in Carson Valley, Nevada

Occurrence and Mobility of Arsenic in Groundwater Used for Public Supply in Southern Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada

Over the past 15 years, Douglas County, Nev., has removed production wells in northern Carson Valley from use due to relatively high arsenic concentrations. To maintain the supply of water to the public, the town of Minden has been providing water to Douglas County and Carson City. Due to the projected increases in municipal demand, water resource managers are concerned that increasing pumping...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Occurrence and Mobility of Arsenic in Groundwater Used for Public Supply in Southern Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada

Over the past 15 years, Douglas County, Nev., has removed production wells in northern Carson Valley from use due to relatively high arsenic concentrations. To maintain the supply of water to the public, the town of Minden has been providing water to Douglas County and Carson City. Due to the projected increases in municipal demand, water resource managers are concerned that increasing pumping...
Learn More
link
Scientist services an automatic sampler, in the snow, that has been installed at the gaging station on Clear Creek in Nevada.

Monitoring Sediment and Water Quality in Clear Creek

Clear Creek is a small alpine stream that begins near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada. The creek flows roughly parallel to U.S. Highway 50 and discharges to the Carson River near Carson City, Nevada. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is concerned about how historical and ongoing development in the Clear Creek drainage basin has/is affecting Clear Creek and its sediment-transport...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Monitoring Sediment and Water Quality in Clear Creek

Clear Creek is a small alpine stream that begins near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada. The creek flows roughly parallel to U.S. Highway 50 and discharges to the Carson River near Carson City, Nevada. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is concerned about how historical and ongoing development in the Clear Creek drainage basin has/is affecting Clear Creek and its sediment-transport...
Learn More

USGS Nevada Water Science Center data releases and tools listed below. Links to other available tools and data can be found on the Overview tab.

MODFLOW-NWT model used to simulate Potential Effects of Changes in Water Use in the Middle Carson River Basin for Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, West-Central, Nevada

A three-dimensional MODFLOW-NWT groundwater flow model was developed to evaluate the impacts of alternative water management scenarios on the groundwater resources of Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, Nevada. In addition, the resulting impact on flows in the Carson River and Lahontan Reservoir are also evaluated. During the economic boom that occurred from 2004-2006 in northwestern Nevada, mun
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Data for the report Geologic Framework and Hydrogeology of the Middle Carson River Basin, Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, West-Central Nevada

This USGS data release represents the data from the following publication: Maurer, D.K., 2011, Geologic framework and hydrogeology of the middle Carson River Basin, Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, West-Central Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5055, https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20115055.
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Supplemental Data for Groundwater Contributions to Excessive Algal Growth in the East Fork Carson River, Carson Valley, West-Central Nevada, 2010 and 2012

This data release contains two tabular data sets of water-quality data collected on the East Fork Carson River. EFCR_CQW.xlsx is a Microsoft Excel workbook containing continuous water-quality data collected by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) at a site on the East Fork Carson River over two time periods in 2010 and 2012. Data were collected at U.S. Geological Survey site num
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Go to View Manage Groundwater-level and groundwater-level change contours for the Lahontan Valley shallow aquifer near Fallon, Nevada, 2012

This USGS data release consists of two geospatial datasets. One dataset contains contours representing water levels based on depth-to-groundwater measurements made at 98 wells in July of 2012 in the Lahontan Valley near Fallon, NV. The second dataset contains contours representing water level change in the shallow aquifer in Lahontan Valley from 1992 - 2012 based on depth-to-groundwater measureme
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Nevada Water Science Center publications for the Carson River Basin are listed below.

Filter Total Items: 61

Assessment of water levels, nitrate, and arsenic in the Carson Valley Alluvial Aquifer and the development of a data visualization tool for the Carson River Basin, Nevada

Residents of Carson Valley, Douglas County, Nevada, rely on the basin-fill alluvial aquifer underlying the valley for drinking water. Since the 1980s, groundwater levels and water-quality data have been collected to monitor the status of the aquifer system and to assist in planning efforts to address current (2024) and future demand. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Douglas C
Authors
Ramon C. Naranjo, Anjela Bubiy
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Assessing potential effects of changes in water use in the middle Carson River Basin with a numerical groundwater-flow model, Eagle, Dayton, and Churchill Valleys, west-central Nevada

During the economic boom of the mid part of the first decade of the 2000s in northwestern Nevada, municipal and housing growth increased use of the water resources of this semi-arid region. In 2008, when the economy slowed, new housing development stopped, and immediate pressure on groundwater resources abated. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation, began a hydr
Authors
Eric D. Morway, Susan G. Buto, Richard G. Niswonger, Justin L. Huntington
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Integrated hydrology and operations modeling to evaluate climate change impacts in an agricultural valley irrigated with snowmelt runoff

Applying models to developed agricultural regions remains a difficult problem because there are no existing modeling codes that represent both the complex physics of the hydrology and anthropogenic manipulations to water distribution and consumption. We apply an integrated groundwater – surface water and hydrologic river operations model to an irrigated river valley in northwestern Nevada/northern
Authors
Wesley Kitlasten, Eric D. Morway, Richard G. Niswonger, Murphy Gardner, Jeremy T. White, Enrique Triana, David J. Selkowitz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Peak streamflow determinations in Nevada: A cooperative program with the USGS and Nevada Department of Transportation

BackgroundFloods are one of the most costly and frequent natural disasters in Nevada. For example, the 1997 New Year’s flood has been estimated to have caused more than $1 billion in damage across northern Nevada (Truckee River Flood Management Authority, 2017). In 2014, more than 2 miles of Interstate 15 in southern Nevada was heavily damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Norbert combined with mon
Authors
Kurtiss Schmidt
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Early warning pesticide monitoring in Nevada’s surface waters

A pesticide is a substance, or mixture of substances, used to kill or control insects, weeds, plant diseases, and other pest organisms. Commercial pesticide applicators, farmers, and homeowners apply about 1.1 billion pounds of pesticides annually to agricultural land, non-crop land, and urban areas throughout the United States. Although intended for beneficial uses, there are also risks associate
Authors
Jena M. Huntington, Derek C. Entz, Carl E. Thodal
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Managed aquifer recharge in snow-fed river basins: What, why and how?

What does climate change mean for snow-fed river basins?Climate change poses unique challenges in snow-fed river basins across the western United States because the majority of water supply originates as snow (Dettinger, Udall, & Georgakakos, 2015). In the Sierra Nevada, recent observations include changes in snow accumulation and snowmelt, and shifts in peak streamflow timing (Barnhart et al., 20
Authors
Kelley Sterle, Wesley Kitlasten, Eric D. Morway, Richard G. Niswonger, Loretta Singletary
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Spatial patterns of meadow sensitivities to interannual climate variability in the Sierra Nevada

Conservation of montane meadows is a high priority for land and water managers given their critical role in buffering the effects of climate variability and their vulnerability to increasing temperatures and evaporative demands. Recent advances in cloud computing have provided new opportunities to examine ecological responses to climate variability over the past few decades, and at large spatial s
Authors
Christine M. Albano, Meredith L. McClure, Shana E. Gross, Wesley Kitlasten, Christopher Soulard, Charles Morton, Justin Huntington
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Land Change Science Program, Nevada Water Science Center, Western Geographic Science Center

Groundwater contributions to excessive algal growth in the East Fork Carson River, Carson Valley, west-central Nevada, 2010 and 2012

Excessive algal growth and low dissolved oxygen concentrations were observed during low streamflow conditions during summer months along a 5,800-foot reach of the East Fork Carson River in Carson Valley, west-central Nevada. Algal growth from nutrient enrichment of a stream reduces aquatic diversity, threatens fish ecology and stream health, and can be a recreational nuisance. In response to conce
Authors
Nancy L. Alvarez, Randy A. Pahl, Michael R. Rosen
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Discharge, sediment, and water chemistry in Clear Creek, western Nevada, water years 2013–16

Clear Creek is a small stream that drains the eastern Carson Range near Lake Tahoe, flows roughly parallel to the Highway 50 corridor, and discharges to the Carson River near Carson City, Nevada. Historical and ongoing development in the drainage basin is thought to be affecting Clear Creek and its sediment-transport characteristics. Previous studies from water years (WYs) 2004 to 2007 and from 20
Authors
Jena M. Huntington, Daniel J. Riddle, Angela P. Paul
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center, Wildland Fire Science

Chemical quality of water and bottom sediment, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Lahontan Valley, Nevada

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service collected data on water and bottom-sediment chemistry to be used to evaluate a new water rights acquisition program designed to enhance wetland habitat in Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge and in Lahontan Valley, Churchill County, Nevada. The area supports habitat critical to the feeding and resting of migratory b
Authors
Carl E. Thodal
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Long-term trends of surface-water mercury and methylmercury concentrations downstream of historic mining within the Carson River watershed

The Carson River is a vital water resource for local municipalities and migratory birds travelling the Pacific Flyway. Historic mining practices that used mercury (Hg) to extract gold from Comstock Lode ore has left much of the river system heavily contaminated with Hg, a practice that continues in many parts of the world today. Between 1998 and 2013, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) col
Authors
Eric D. Morway, Carl E. Thodal, Mark C. Marvin-DiPasquale
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Groundwater-level change and evaluation of simulated water levels for irrigated areas in Lahontan Valley, Churchill County, west-central Nevada, 1992 to 2012

The acquisition and transfer of water rights to wetland areas of Lahontan Valley, Nevada, has caused concern over the potential effects on shallow aquifer water levels. In 1992, water levels in Lahontan Valley were measured to construct a water-table map of the shallow aquifer prior to the effects of water-right transfers mandated by the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribal Settlement Act of 1990 (Public
Authors
David W. Smith, Susan G. Buto, Toby L. Welborn
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Carson River Basin Hydro Mapper

The Carson River Basin Hydro Mapper web application provides a modern and easy-to-use interface with the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS).

By
Nevada Water Science Center

These are the partners that we are working with currently in the Carson River Basin. 

Filter Total Items: 19

Bureau of Reclamation

Carson City Public Works

Carson Water Subconservancy District

Carson-Truckee Water Conservancy District

Churchill County, Nevada

Desert Research Institute (DRI)

Douglas County, NV

Lyon County, Nevada

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Nevada Department of Agriculture

Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Nevada Department of Transportation Stormwater Division

NOAA National Weather Service (NWS)

Ohio University

State Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Storey County, Nevada

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

University of Nevada, Reno

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