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Christopher Morris

Chris Morris is the Surface Water Specialist for the Nevada Water Science Center.

Science and Products

Integrated science strategy for assessing and monitoring water availability and migratory birds for terminal lakes across the Great Basin, United States

Executive SummaryIn 2022, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established the Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment (IWAAs) to monitor and assess the hydrology of terminal lakes in the Great Basin and the migratory birds and other wildlife dependent on those habitats. Scientists from across the USGS (with specialties in water quantity, water quality, limnology, avian biolog
Authors
Rebecca J. Frus, Cameron L. Aldridge, Michael L. Casazza, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Garth Herring, Scott A. Hynek, Daniel K. Jones, Susan K Kemp, Thomas M. Marston, Christopher M. Morris, Ramon C. Naranjo, Cee Nell, David R. O'Leary, Cory T. Overton, Bryce A. Pulver, Brian E. Reichert, Christine A. Rumsey, Rudy Schuster, Cassandra D. Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment

Flood-inundation maps for the Muddy River, near Moapa, Nevada

The Muddy River provides habitat for several wildlife and endemic aquatic species protected under the Endangered Species Act. Near Moapa, Nevada, in the Bureau of Land Management’s Muddy River Floodplain Restoration Project Area, a previously constructed levee on the east side of the river alters the natural hydrology and decreases connectivity between the river and its floodplain. The Bureau of L
Authors
Christopher M. Morris, Hampton K. Childres
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Evaluation of streamflow extent and hydraulic characteristics of a restored channel at Soldier Meadows, Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, Nevada

The Soldier Meadows spring complex provides habitat for the desert dace, an endemic and threatened fish. The spring complex has been altered with the construction of irrigation ditches that remove water from natural stream channels. Irrigation ditches generally provide lower quality habitat for the desert dace. Land and wildlife management agencies are interested in increasing habitat extent and q
Authors
Christopher M. Morris
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Delineation of flood-inundation areas in Grapevine Canyon near Scotty’s Castle, Death Valley National Park, California

On October 18, 2015, a large flood caused considerable damage in Grapevine Canyon near Death Valley Scotty Historic District, in Death Valley National Park, California. Significant channel changes had limited the applicability of previously created flood-inundation maps to current conditions. Predicted flood-inundation maps for Scotty’s Castle were updated using one-dimensional hydraulic models. A
Authors
Christopher M. Morris, Toby L. Welborn, J. Toby Minear
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Flood-inundation mapping of a steep, gravel desert stream in Death Valley National Park, California

In desert landscapes, flooding can result in dramatic changes to streams. However, the frequency, magnitude, and geomorphic effects of floods in such environments are less understood compared to wetter environments (Tooth, 2000). In desert landscapes, steep slopes and sparse vegetation result in runoff and flashy flood peaks, often lasting for only a few hours. Many floods are the result of isolat
Authors
Christopher M. Morris, Toby L. Welborn
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center
link
Image Collage of Landsat, pollinator, and volcanologist

Nevada StreamStats

The USGS Nevada Water Science Center (NVWSC), in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Division of Water Resources (NDWR), is updating streamflow statistics for Nevada. Additionally, the project includes launching StreamStats, a web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tool that provides streamflow statistics and information about drainage basins. Work on this...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Nevada StreamStats

The USGS Nevada Water Science Center (NVWSC), in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Division of Water Resources (NDWR), is updating streamflow statistics for Nevada. Additionally, the project includes launching StreamStats, a web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tool that provides streamflow statistics and information about drainage basins. Work on this...
Learn More
link
Meadow Valley Wash near Caliente, Nevada

Science in the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River is one of the longest rivers in the Western United States. It begins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows southwestward until it reaches Mexico where it becomes a small stream or dry riverbed. The Colorado River forms the border between southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. In Nevada, Hoover Dam and Davis Dam control the flow of the river and create two...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Science in the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River is one of the longest rivers in the Western United States. It begins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows southwestward until it reaches Mexico where it becomes a small stream or dry riverbed. The Colorado River forms the border between southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. In Nevada, Hoover Dam and Davis Dam control the flow of the river and create two...
Learn More
link
Road washed out during summer storm at Scotty's Castle, Death Valley, CA

Delineation of Flood-Inundation Areas in Grapevine Canyon near Scotty’s Castle, Death Valley National Park, California

On October 18, 2015 an intense, nearly stationary, thunderstorm triggered flooding in Grapevine Canyon. Grapevine Canyon Road, power and water infrastructure, and several buildings at Scotty’s Castle were damaged by the flood water, necessitating closure of the area to the public. In response to the flood event, the National Park Service requested the USGS Nevada Water Science Center perform a...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Delineation of Flood-Inundation Areas in Grapevine Canyon near Scotty’s Castle, Death Valley National Park, California

On October 18, 2015 an intense, nearly stationary, thunderstorm triggered flooding in Grapevine Canyon. Grapevine Canyon Road, power and water infrastructure, and several buildings at Scotty’s Castle were damaged by the flood water, necessitating closure of the area to the public. In response to the flood event, the National Park Service requested the USGS Nevada Water Science Center perform a...
Learn More

Geospatial data, flood-frequency analysis, and surface-water model archive for flood-inundation maps of the Muddy River, near Moapa, Nevada

This U.S. Geological Survey data release consists multiple datasets used to simulate the extents of flood inundation along the Muddy River, near Moapa, Nevada. Flood-inundation extents equal the maximum area of flood inundation and were estimated using a coupled one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic model. The modeled extents represent six annual exceedance probabilities simulate
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Geospatial data and surface-water model archive for evaluation of streamflow extent and hydraulic characteristics of a restored channel at Soldier Meadows, Black Rock Desert - High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, Nevada

This U.S. Geological Survey data release consists of a geospatial dataset containing information on estimated streamflow extent, stream velocity, and stream depth at Soldier Meadows Black Rock Desert - High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, Nevada, and the data acquired and processed to support the estimation of those attributes. Supporting datasets include topographic survey
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Geospatial Data, Tabular Data, and Surface-Water Model Archive for Delineation of Flood-Inundation Areas in Grapevine Canyon Near Scotty's Castle, Death Valley National Park, California

This U.S. Geological Survey data release consists of a polygon geospatial dataset representing estimated flood-inundation areas in Grapevine Canyon near Scotty's Castle, Death Valley National Park, and the data acquired and processed to support the delineation of those areas. Supporting datasets include topographic survey data collected by global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and terrestrial
By
Nevada Water Science Center
USGS employees survey at gage 9421500 Colorado River below Hoover Dam
USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam
USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam
USGS employees survey at gage 9421500 Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS employees survey at USGS gage 9421500 Colorado River below Hoover Dam AZ/NV

By
Water Resources
USGS employees survey at gage 9421500 Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS employees survey at USGS gage 9421500 Colorado River below Hoover Dam AZ/NV

By
Water Resources

Science and Products

Integrated science strategy for assessing and monitoring water availability and migratory birds for terminal lakes across the Great Basin, United States

Executive SummaryIn 2022, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established the Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment (IWAAs) to monitor and assess the hydrology of terminal lakes in the Great Basin and the migratory birds and other wildlife dependent on those habitats. Scientists from across the USGS (with specialties in water quantity, water quality, limnology, avian biolog
Authors
Rebecca J. Frus, Cameron L. Aldridge, Michael L. Casazza, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Garth Herring, Scott A. Hynek, Daniel K. Jones, Susan K Kemp, Thomas M. Marston, Christopher M. Morris, Ramon C. Naranjo, Cee Nell, David R. O'Leary, Cory T. Overton, Bryce A. Pulver, Brian E. Reichert, Christine A. Rumsey, Rudy Schuster, Cassandra D. Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment

Flood-inundation maps for the Muddy River, near Moapa, Nevada

The Muddy River provides habitat for several wildlife and endemic aquatic species protected under the Endangered Species Act. Near Moapa, Nevada, in the Bureau of Land Management’s Muddy River Floodplain Restoration Project Area, a previously constructed levee on the east side of the river alters the natural hydrology and decreases connectivity between the river and its floodplain. The Bureau of L
Authors
Christopher M. Morris, Hampton K. Childres
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Evaluation of streamflow extent and hydraulic characteristics of a restored channel at Soldier Meadows, Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, Nevada

The Soldier Meadows spring complex provides habitat for the desert dace, an endemic and threatened fish. The spring complex has been altered with the construction of irrigation ditches that remove water from natural stream channels. Irrigation ditches generally provide lower quality habitat for the desert dace. Land and wildlife management agencies are interested in increasing habitat extent and q
Authors
Christopher M. Morris
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Delineation of flood-inundation areas in Grapevine Canyon near Scotty’s Castle, Death Valley National Park, California

On October 18, 2015, a large flood caused considerable damage in Grapevine Canyon near Death Valley Scotty Historic District, in Death Valley National Park, California. Significant channel changes had limited the applicability of previously created flood-inundation maps to current conditions. Predicted flood-inundation maps for Scotty’s Castle were updated using one-dimensional hydraulic models. A
Authors
Christopher M. Morris, Toby L. Welborn, J. Toby Minear
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center

Flood-inundation mapping of a steep, gravel desert stream in Death Valley National Park, California

In desert landscapes, flooding can result in dramatic changes to streams. However, the frequency, magnitude, and geomorphic effects of floods in such environments are less understood compared to wetter environments (Tooth, 2000). In desert landscapes, steep slopes and sparse vegetation result in runoff and flashy flood peaks, often lasting for only a few hours. Many floods are the result of isolat
Authors
Christopher M. Morris, Toby L. Welborn
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nevada Water Science Center
link
Image Collage of Landsat, pollinator, and volcanologist

Nevada StreamStats

The USGS Nevada Water Science Center (NVWSC), in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Division of Water Resources (NDWR), is updating streamflow statistics for Nevada. Additionally, the project includes launching StreamStats, a web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tool that provides streamflow statistics and information about drainage basins. Work on this...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Nevada StreamStats

The USGS Nevada Water Science Center (NVWSC), in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Division of Water Resources (NDWR), is updating streamflow statistics for Nevada. Additionally, the project includes launching StreamStats, a web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tool that provides streamflow statistics and information about drainage basins. Work on this...
Learn More
link
Meadow Valley Wash near Caliente, Nevada

Science in the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River is one of the longest rivers in the Western United States. It begins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows southwestward until it reaches Mexico where it becomes a small stream or dry riverbed. The Colorado River forms the border between southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. In Nevada, Hoover Dam and Davis Dam control the flow of the river and create two...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Science in the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River is one of the longest rivers in the Western United States. It begins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows southwestward until it reaches Mexico where it becomes a small stream or dry riverbed. The Colorado River forms the border between southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. In Nevada, Hoover Dam and Davis Dam control the flow of the river and create two...
Learn More
link
Road washed out during summer storm at Scotty's Castle, Death Valley, CA

Delineation of Flood-Inundation Areas in Grapevine Canyon near Scotty’s Castle, Death Valley National Park, California

On October 18, 2015 an intense, nearly stationary, thunderstorm triggered flooding in Grapevine Canyon. Grapevine Canyon Road, power and water infrastructure, and several buildings at Scotty’s Castle were damaged by the flood water, necessitating closure of the area to the public. In response to the flood event, the National Park Service requested the USGS Nevada Water Science Center perform a...
By
Nevada Water Science Center
link

Delineation of Flood-Inundation Areas in Grapevine Canyon near Scotty’s Castle, Death Valley National Park, California

On October 18, 2015 an intense, nearly stationary, thunderstorm triggered flooding in Grapevine Canyon. Grapevine Canyon Road, power and water infrastructure, and several buildings at Scotty’s Castle were damaged by the flood water, necessitating closure of the area to the public. In response to the flood event, the National Park Service requested the USGS Nevada Water Science Center perform a...
Learn More

Geospatial data, flood-frequency analysis, and surface-water model archive for flood-inundation maps of the Muddy River, near Moapa, Nevada

This U.S. Geological Survey data release consists multiple datasets used to simulate the extents of flood inundation along the Muddy River, near Moapa, Nevada. Flood-inundation extents equal the maximum area of flood inundation and were estimated using a coupled one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic model. The modeled extents represent six annual exceedance probabilities simulate
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Geospatial data and surface-water model archive for evaluation of streamflow extent and hydraulic characteristics of a restored channel at Soldier Meadows, Black Rock Desert - High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, Nevada

This U.S. Geological Survey data release consists of a geospatial dataset containing information on estimated streamflow extent, stream velocity, and stream depth at Soldier Meadows Black Rock Desert - High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, Nevada, and the data acquired and processed to support the estimation of those attributes. Supporting datasets include topographic survey
By
Nevada Water Science Center

Geospatial Data, Tabular Data, and Surface-Water Model Archive for Delineation of Flood-Inundation Areas in Grapevine Canyon Near Scotty's Castle, Death Valley National Park, California

This U.S. Geological Survey data release consists of a polygon geospatial dataset representing estimated flood-inundation areas in Grapevine Canyon near Scotty's Castle, Death Valley National Park, and the data acquired and processed to support the delineation of those areas. Supporting datasets include topographic survey data collected by global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and terrestrial
By
Nevada Water Science Center
USGS employees survey at gage 9421500 Colorado River below Hoover Dam
USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam
USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam
USGS employees survey at gage 9421500 Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS employees survey at USGS gage 9421500 Colorado River below Hoover Dam AZ/NV

By
Water Resources
USGS employees survey at gage 9421500 Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS Employees Survey At Gage 9421500, Colorado River below Hoover Dam

USGS employees survey at USGS gage 9421500 Colorado River below Hoover Dam AZ/NV

By
Water Resources
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