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Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

The U.S. Geological Survey Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center conducts research and monitoring on a wide variety of hydrological issues affecting streams, lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater in Wyoming and Montana, across the Nation, and internationally. Use these pages to explore our hydrologic data, research, and publications. 

News

New data products now available in StreamStats

New data products now available in StreamStats

USGS provides easy access to Colorado River science with new online portal

USGS provides easy access to Colorado River science with new online portal

Tailored sediment sampling can lead to more effective management

Tailored sediment sampling can lead to more effective management

Publications

Integrating the bright and dark sides of aquatic resource subsidies – A synthesis

Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are linked through the reciprocal exchange of materials and organisms. Aquatic-to-terrestrial subsidies are relatively small in most terrestrial ecosystems, but they can provide high contents of limiting resources that increase consumer fitness and ecosystem production. However, they also may carry significant contaminant loads, particularly in...
Authors
C. Twining, A. Blanco, C. Dutton, M. Kaintz, E.J. Harvey, Carmen Kowarik, Johanna M. Kraus, D. Martin-Creuzburg, T. Parmar, N.R. Razavi, N. Richoux, G. Saboret, C. Sarran, Travis S. Schmidt, J.R. Shipley, A.L. Subalusky

Methods for peak-flow frequency analysis for streamgages in or near Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, North Dakota Department of Water Resources, South Dakota Department of Transportation, and the Wyoming Water Development Office, has developed standard methods of peak-flow frequency analysis for studies in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. These methods describe...
Authors
Seth A. Siefken, Tara Williams-Sether, Nancy A. Barth, Katherine J. Chase, Mark A. Cedar Face

Hydrologic mechanisms for 2022 Yellowstone River flood and comparisons to recent historic floods

In June 2022, a historic flood event occurred in the headwaters of the Yellowstone River Basin. The flood resulted in millions of dollars in damages and substantial interruptions to Yellowstone National Park. The 2022 flood event was substantially higher in magnitude than other high-peak flow events over the last 30 years. The high discharge was primarily due to the combination of...
Authors
Jeremy Giovando, Wyatt Reis, Wei Zhang, Nancy A. Barth

Science

Site Assessment and Monitoring of Constructed Wetlands in Montana

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) occasionally causes disturbance to wetlands during construction. To comply with Federal, State, and Tribal regulations, MDT creates replacement wetlands to compensate for wetland loss. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collaborates with MDT to assess potential wetland replacement sites and monitor water conditions at established replacement sites...
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Site Assessment and Monitoring of Constructed Wetlands in Montana

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) occasionally causes disturbance to wetlands during construction. To comply with Federal, State, and Tribal regulations, MDT creates replacement wetlands to compensate for wetland loss. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collaborates with MDT to assess potential wetland replacement sites and monitor water conditions at established replacement sites...
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Monitoring Changes in Groundwater Quality at Jackson Hole Airport

USGS studies revealed that aircraft deicing fluids from Jackson Hole Airport negatively affected the water quality of the Snake River aquifer in northwestern Wyoming (Wright, 2013). In response, the airport implemented improved deicing management and infrastructure. A recent USGS study determined that the airport’s changes likely contributed to improvements in aquifer groundwater quality (Wright...
link

Monitoring Changes in Groundwater Quality at Jackson Hole Airport

USGS studies revealed that aircraft deicing fluids from Jackson Hole Airport negatively affected the water quality of the Snake River aquifer in northwestern Wyoming (Wright, 2013). In response, the airport implemented improved deicing management and infrastructure. A recent USGS study determined that the airport’s changes likely contributed to improvements in aquifer groundwater quality (Wright...
Learn More

Supercharging Natural Gas: A Breakthrough in Energy Production

Natural gas is the primary source of electricity in the United States and fuels industries, businesses, and homes. Because the need for natural gas is increasing, ensuring a reliable national supply is essential. Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are working to increase natural gas production by using an unexpected source: underground microbes.
link

Supercharging Natural Gas: A Breakthrough in Energy Production

Natural gas is the primary source of electricity in the United States and fuels industries, businesses, and homes. Because the need for natural gas is increasing, ensuring a reliable national supply is essential. Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are working to increase natural gas production by using an unexpected source: underground microbes.
Learn More
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