Oregon Water Science Center
Welcome to the USGS in Oregon. Our mission is to explore the natural world around us and provide reliable scientific information to help Federal, State, and local agencies, Tribes, and the public make well-informed decisions. Our research is widely used to manage Oregon's water resources for the benefit and safety of people and the environment.
For updates please subscribe to our newsletter!
Live Stream Conditions
Live Stream Conditions
See what is happening in streams near you. View real-time stream data for streams around Oregon.
Relevant Information
Relevant Information
See what the USGS is doing locally.
News
The USGS Oregon Water Science Center measures high flows near you
The USGS Oregon Water Science Center measures high flows near you
New Data Release: base flow estimates for 471 Oregon stream and river locations
New Data Release: base flow estimates for 471 Oregon stream and river locations
Oregon Waters: Summer 2025
Oregon Waters: Summer 2025
Publications
Evaluating effectiveness of flocculation and wave-reduction barriers for restoration of a turbid, terminal lake Evaluating effectiveness of flocculation and wave-reduction barriers for restoration of a turbid, terminal lake
Malheur Lake is a freshwater, shallow lake that provides key habitat for birds along the Pacific Flyway in North America. The lake shifted to a turbid state in the 1990s with suspended-sediment concentrations sometimes exceeding 1000 mg/L and minimal light available in the water column for submerged aquatic vegetation. Resource managers intend to enhance bird habitat quality by restoring...
Beaver dams and their effects on urban streams in the Tualatin River Basin, northwestern Oregon Beaver dams and their effects on urban streams in the Tualatin River Basin, northwestern Oregon
Introduction In response to growing interest in beaver-assisted restoration in the Tualatin River Basin of northwestern Oregon, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in partnership with Clean Water Services, collected data from 2016–17 and completed a series of studies to: (1) inventory known locations of beaver dams and activity in the Tualatin River Basin, (2) estimate the number of...
Science
Modeling Tire-Derived Chemicals in Stormwater: Protecting Salmon and Streams
The USGS and the Environmental Protection Agency are working together using advanced modeling tools to understand how 6PPD-quinone moves through watersheds and how green infrastructure can reduce its impact.
Tracking Tire Chemicals in Oregon Streams
The USGS studies 6PPD-quinone, a compound released from vehicle tires that can harm salmon and other fish. This research is part of a national effort to understand and mitigate stormwater pollution.
Controls on habitat for native lamprey in the Siletz River Basin
Chinook Salmon and Pacific Lamprey are culturally significant fishes to the Tribal community along the Siletz River, Oregon. The USGS studied how streamflow and bedload conditions may influence mainstem spawning habitats.