Science
USGS Data Release Providing Data and Data Visualization Graphs of Streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin, 1980-2022
Colorado River Basin Drought and the 2023 Water Year
Comparing One Wet Year to 30 Years of Colorado River Basin Hydrologic Data
Geologic Stories in the Grand Canyon
A September 2023 River Trip to Conduct Collaborative Geologic Studies
Drought versus Aridification in the Colorado River Basin
Copper Mining, Critical Minerals, and Long-term Drought in the Southwest United States
Copper Mine near Safford, Arizona, USA
The USGS together with partners and stakeholders are working together to understand the complexity of drought impacts and compounding hazards, such as climate change on human and natural systems. Interdisciplinary science evaluates the wide-ranging effects of drought and supports collaboration between stakeholders, scientists, and technology specialists.
Recently Published USGS Journal Articles Describing Streamflow in the Colorado River Basin
Click on links below to access recently published USGS journal articles describing streamflow in the Colorado River Basin
- Baseflow and snowmelt sustained streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin, 1…
- Effects of climate on temporal variability in streamflow and salinity in the Up…
- Hydrologic response of groundwater and streamflow to natural and anthropogenic …
- Database of surface water diversion sites and daily withdrawals for the upper C…
Recently Published USGS Data Release Describing Streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Click on link below to access recently published USGS Data Release including visualization graphs.
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FAQs
What causes drought? What causes drought?
A drought is a period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related problems. The amount of precipitation at a particular location varies from year to year, but over a period of years the average amount is fairly constant. In the deserts of the Southwest, the average precipitation is less than 3 inches per year. In contrast, the average precipitation in the Northwest is more than...
When does a drought begin and end? When does a drought begin and end?
The beginning of a drought is difficult to determine. Several weeks, months, or even years might pass before people know that a drought is occurring. The end of a drought can occur as gradually as it began. The first evidence of drought is usually seen in records of rainfall. Within a short period of time, the amount of moisture in soils can begin to decrease. The effects of a drought on flow in...
Where in the Nation are droughts or very low flows occurring now? How can I see these sites on a map and get to the data? Where in the Nation are droughts or very low flows occurring now? How can I see these sites on a map and get to the data?
To view the USGS streamflow information on drought, see the drought map on our WaterWatch site, which shows below-normal, 7-day average streamflow compared to historical streamflow for the United States. Links to additional maps and drought data are listed on the USGS Drought website and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).