USGS Science Collaboration Portal for the Colorado River Basin
Collaboration platform that brings together science, data, and mapping and analytical tools from across the basin
Collaboration platform that brings together science, data, and mapping and analytical tools from across the basin
Colorado River Basin Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST) Initiative
Fostering Innovative Interdisciplinary Science for Characterizing and Adapting to Long-term Drought
Fostering Innovative Interdisciplinary Science for Characterizing and Adapting to Long-term Drought
Colorado River Basin Drought and the 2023 Water Year
Geonarrative presentation comparing 2023 conditions to the long-term drought in the Colorado River Basin
Geonarrative presentation comparing 2023 conditions to the long-term drought in the Colorado River Basin
Great Salt Lake Data and Reports by the USGS
Learn about Water Quantity and Quality and Aquatic Ecology of this National Treasure
Learn about Water Quantity and Quality and Aquatic Ecology of this National Treasure
Colorado River Basin Studies in Utah
Learn about Surface Water, Groundwater Quantities and Quality and Artificial Recharge of Groundwater in the Colorado River Basin in Utah
Learn about Surface Water, Groundwater Quantities and Quality and Artificial Recharge of Groundwater in the Colorado River Basin in Utah
Streamflow in the Upper Rio Grande Basin
USGS Analyses of the Effects of Potential Future Climate Conditions on Streamflows in the Upper Rio Grande Basin
USGS Analyses of the Effects of Potential Future Climate Conditions on Streamflows in the Upper Rio Grande Basin
Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) Study: Upper Colorado River Basin
The USGS NGWOS Program Provides Innovative, High-fidelity, Real-time Data and Insightful Analyses about Water Quantity, Quality, and Use in Selected Watersheds across the U.S.
The USGS NGWOS Program Provides Innovative, High-fidelity, Real-time Data and Insightful Analyses about Water Quantity, Quality, and Use in Selected Watersheds across the U.S.
Rocky Mountain Region
USGS Region 7 Staff support and advise USGS Science Centers that provide numerous stakeholders with vital information about spatial distribution and temporal trends in critical minerals, energy resources, geology, water resources, native plants and wildlife, and hazards posed by earthquakes and landslides in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and beyond.
USGS Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin (Rocky Mountain)
USGS Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin (Rocky Mountain)
Map Showing USGS/DOI Unified Region 7 and adjoining Regions
Key USGS Region 7 Contacts
Key USGS Region 7 Contacts
Additional Information about USGS Region 7
Additional Information about USGS Region 7
News
USGS Colorado River Basin Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST) Initiative Science Co-Development Virtual Workshop, June 24-25, 2025
USGS Colorado River Basin Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST) Initiative Science Co-Development Virtual Workshop, June 24-25, 2025
USGS releases assessment of undiscovered oil and gas in Southwest Wyoming, Northwest Colorado
USGS releases assessment of undiscovered oil and gas in Southwest Wyoming, Northwest Colorado
New research highlights opportunities for enhacing amphibian occupancy in Rocky Mountain National Park
New research highlights opportunities for enhacing amphibian occupancy in Rocky Mountain National Park
Publications
Relating surface water dynamics in wetlands and lakes to spatial variability in hydrologic signatures Relating surface water dynamics in wetlands and lakes to spatial variability in hydrologic signatures
The retention of surface water in wetlands and lakes can modify the timing, duration, and magnitude of river discharge. However, efforts to characterize the influence of surface water on discharge regimes have been generally limited to small, wetland-dense watersheds. We developed random forest models to explain spatial variability in six hydrologic signatures, reflecting flashiness...
Adapting visitor use management under a changing climate across the U.S. National Park System Adapting visitor use management under a changing climate across the U.S. National Park System
Research shows that climate change is already affecting both resources and visitors in U.S. National Parks. We sought to better understand if and how park staff across the National Park Service are adapting to climatic changes that affect visitor use, as well as barriers and challenges to adaptation and information needs. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 63 staff...
Assessing the potential for evaluation of wildland fire models using remotely sensed data—Summary proceedings from a U.S. Geological Survey workshop in 2024 Assessing the potential for evaluation of wildland fire models using remotely sensed data—Summary proceedings from a U.S. Geological Survey workshop in 2024
On September 19, 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) held a virtual workshop titled “Potential for Evaluation of Fire Models with Remote Sensing Data Workshop” to assess the feasibility of using remotely sensed datasets to evaluate next-generation wildland fire behavior models. Remote sensing and fire modelling experts gathered to: (1) assess the suitability of a variety of...
Science
Research to support conservation of America’s national mammal, the bison
Once numbering in the tens of millions, plains bison ( Bison bison bison) were nearly driven to extinction with only a few hundred individuals remaining by the late 19th century. Plains bison have since recovered to approximately 20,000 animals managed in conservation herds throughout North America, yet substantial challenges to their recovery remain. The Department of the Interior (DOI) stewards...
Geonarrative "Colorado River Basin's Millenium Drought" Published with Support from the USGS Colorado River Basin Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST) Initiative
USGS Scientists have created a new geonarrative with graphics, animations, and text providing information about whether the Basin could be managed for drought conditions (relatively short-term dry conditions) or for aridification (a much longer period of dry conditions). This geonarrative describes ways that USGS can provide information that informs decision making for those situations in the...
Developing structured science syntheses for use in NEPA analyses and decision making in the Bureau of Land Management
Science information is fundamental to understanding how proposed actions on public lands may impact the environment. However, agencies often have limited time to compile and synthesize existing science. We are working with land management agencies to develop a new type of science product— structured science syntheses—for facilitating the use of science information in public lands decisions.