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Janet H Curran

Stream geomorphology and hydrology: channel migration, bank erosion, origin and controls on river valley-bottom features, fluvial dynamics, braided rivers

Statisical hydrology: flood-frequency regression, characterizing streamflow seasonality, identifying streamflow-generating mechanisms

Professional Experience

  • 1999 - Present          Hydrologist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska

  • 1998 - 1999               Hydrologist, USGS Water Resources Division, Portland, OR

  • 1996 - 1998               Research Assistant, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

  • 1991 - 1996               Engineering Geologist, GeoEngineers, Redmond, WA

Education and Certifications

  • M.S.       1999      Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado         Geology

  • B.S.       1990       University of Washington, Seattle, Washington            Geological Sciences

  • B.S.       1990       University of Washington, Seattle, Washington            Civil Engineering

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • American Geophysical Union

  • American Water Resources Association - Alaska Section

Science and Products

link
Exit Creek in front of some mountains

Alaska Streamflow Statistics

The USGS conducts various studies of streamflow statistics for data collected at streamflow-gaging stations. Streamflow statistics for gaged streams and methods for estimating those statistics for ungaged streams are used by water resource planners and managers for designing infrastructure, managing floodplains, and protecting life, property, and aquatic resources. The most recent USGS studies of...
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Alaska Streamflow Statistics

The USGS conducts various studies of streamflow statistics for data collected at streamflow-gaging stations. Streamflow statistics for gaged streams and methods for estimating those statistics for ungaged streams are used by water resource planners and managers for designing infrastructure, managing floodplains, and protecting life, property, and aquatic resources. The most recent USGS studies of...
Learn More
link
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flood Frequency Studies in Alaska

Flood frequency statistics for streamgages and methods for estimating flood frequency statistics at ungaged sites in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada are presented in U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2016-5024. This report revised methods for obtaining basin characteristics and regional skew, and presents new streamflow magnitude and frequency statistics for gaged...
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Flood Frequency Studies in Alaska

Flood frequency statistics for streamgages and methods for estimating flood frequency statistics at ungaged sites in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada are presented in U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2016-5024. This report revised methods for obtaining basin characteristics and regional skew, and presents new streamflow magnitude and frequency statistics for gaged...
Learn More
link
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flood Frequency Data Collection for Alaska and Conterminous Drainage Basins in Canada

Estimates of the magnitude and frequency of floods are needed for engineering design of transportation and water-conveyance structures, flood-insurance studies, flood-plain management, and other water-resource purposes. In 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated flood frequency and magnitude for selected streamgages in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada and developed methods for...
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Flood Frequency Data Collection for Alaska and Conterminous Drainage Basins in Canada

Estimates of the magnitude and frequency of floods are needed for engineering design of transportation and water-conveyance structures, flood-insurance studies, flood-plain management, and other water-resource purposes. In 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated flood frequency and magnitude for selected streamgages in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada and developed methods for...
Learn More
link
Cliffs falling into the ocean with pebbles and driftwood on the beach.

Characterization of Flood-Producing Mechanisms in Watersheds with a High-Elevation Area in Southeast Alaska and Hawaiʻi

Major floods in Southeast Alaska and Hawaiʻi that potentially threaten life, property, and culturally significant resources and ecosystems are caused by mechanisms related to intense precipitation for both locations as well as snow melt-based processes for Alaska. Small, high-gradient, and heavily vegetated watersheds with direct contribution to the ocean are common in both locations. To understan
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
link

Characterization of Flood-Producing Mechanisms in Watersheds with a High-Elevation Area in Southeast Alaska and Hawaiʻi

Major floods in Southeast Alaska and Hawaiʻi that potentially threaten life, property, and culturally significant resources and ecosystems are caused by mechanisms related to intense precipitation for both locations as well as snow melt-based processes for Alaska. Small, high-gradient, and heavily vegetated watersheds with direct contribution to the ocean are common in both locations. To understan
Learn More
link
View of Toklat River from a bridge

Flow Duration and Low-Flow Frequency Studies in Alaska

Flow duration and low-flow frequency statistics for streamgages and methods for estimating flow-duration and low-flow frequency statistics at ungaged sites in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada are presented in U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations Report 2003-4114.
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Flow Duration and Low-Flow Frequency Studies in Alaska

Flow duration and low-flow frequency statistics for streamgages and methods for estimating flow-duration and low-flow frequency statistics at ungaged sites in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada are presented in U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations Report 2003-4114.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 15

Summary of Selected Basin and Streamflow Special Conditions for USGS Streamgages in Alaska

This dataset summarizes selected basin and streamflow special conditions for USGS streamgages in Alaska that are commonly used for site and period of record selection for regional analyses, through water year 2022. The data consist of a table providing information about the type of streamflow available for the site, site special conditions related to the timing of data collection, basin special co
By
Alaska Science Center

Selected Basin Boundaries for USGS Streamgages in Alaska through 2019

This dataset contains drainage basin boundaries for 253 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages in Alaska that had at least 5 years of daily streamflow through September 30, 2017, three of which were delineated for alternate basin conditions. This compilation includes selected boundaries produced in 2014 (https://doi.org/10.5066/P143KNEJ). Additional basin boundaries were delineated from the str
By
Alaska Science Center

Selected Basin Boundaries for USGS Streamgages in Alaska Through 2014

This dataset contains 474 drainage basin boundaries for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages in Alaska, including supplemental drainage basin boundaries for alternate conditions for 3 of the 471 streamgages. The basin boundaries were delineated from the streamgage location to the nearest USGS Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) HUC boundary and along HUC boundaries from that intersection to the
By
Alaska Science Center

Computed Tomography (CT) scans of sediment cores collected from Montague Island, AK

This data release contains Computed Tomography (CT) scan images of sediment cores collected from Montague Island, in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Sediment cores were collected from lagoons uplifted >3 m in the 1964 earthquake along the coast of Montague Island and aid in interpreting changes in deposition environment over the past several thousand years, which may record evidence for past episode
By
Alaska Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Selected Peak-Flow Special Conditions for USGS Streamgages in Alaska

This data package documents selected special conditions affecting the magnitude of peak flows at streamgages in Alaska. The data consist of a table of special conditions for selected peak flows and a table of data sources. This dataset resolves ambiguity introduced by historical variations in USGS National Water Information System (NWIS; https://doi.org/10.5066/F7P55KJN) peak-flow code assignment
By
Alaska Science Center

Drainage basins for selected transboundary streams in south-east Alaska and Canada through 2022

This dataset consists of drainage basin boundaries for selected transboundary basins draining to the Gulf of Alaska in south-east Alaska. Basins were delineated to the basin outlet using a tidal datum of mean high water (MHW). The drainage basins are provided as polygons attributed with basin drainage area and as polylines attributed with the data source for each line segment, respectively.
By
Alaska Science Center

Selected streamgage sites and periods of record for consideration of flood-generating mechanisms in Hawai`i and Southeast Alaska, 1913-2022

This data release consists of a comma-delimited ascii file with attributes for 21 U.S. Geological Survey streamgage sites in Hawai`i and Southeast Alaska selected to enable assessment of how floods might change in a future climate. Floods in Hawai`i and Southeast Alaska have led to loss of human life; damage to agricultural crops, cultural and biological resources, infrastructure, and property; th
By
Pacific Islands Water Science Center

Flood Frequency Data for a Streamgage in the Hulahula River Basin, Alaska, 2011-2021

This data release provides the source data and results of a flood frequency analysis for a streamgage in the Hulahula River Basin, Alaska. Data are provided for one streamgage that had at least 10 years of peak-flow record. The data include streamgage information, PeakFQ input (.txt and .PSF files) PeakFQ output (.PRT, .EXP, and .JPEG files), flood frequency parameters, flood frequency estimates f
By
Alaska Science Center

Flood Frequency Data and 2020 Observed Flood Probability for Selected Streamgages in the Fortymile River Basin, Alaska, 1911-2020

This data release provides the source data and results of a flood frequency analysis and annual exceedance probability estimation for a flood that occurred on June 22, 2020 in the Fortymile River Basin, Alaska. Data are provided for two streamgages that had at least 10 years of peak-flow record. The data include streamgage information, PeakFQ input (.txt and .PSF files) PeakFQ output (.PRT, .EXP,
By
Alaska Science Center

Flood Frequency Data Collection, Alaska and Conterminous Basins in Canada

This data collection of U.S. Geological Survey data releases provides the source data and results of flood frequency analyses and annual exceedance probability estimation for selected observed floods in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada. The data include streamgage information, PeakFQ input and output, flood frequency parameters, flood frequency estimates for selected annual exceedance prob
By
Alaska Science Center

Extended Seasonal Discharge Records for Selected Streamgage Sites in the Fortymile River Basin, Alaska, 1976-2020

Daily mean discharge is needed for water resource management of selected streams in the Fortymile River Basin. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, developed a technique for estimating seasonal discharge at two short-record streamgage sites in the basin and evaluated the accuracy of the estimated records. Daily mean discharge values were estimated for
By
Alaska Science Center

Streamgage Attributes, Basin Characteristics, and Seasonal Flow Regimes, Selected Streamgages in Alaska, 1914-2017

This data set contains selected information about U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages in Alaska that had at least 5 years of daily streamflow record through September 30, 2017. The goals for developing this dataset were to identify USGS streamgages that had at least 5 years of daily streamflow that responded mostly to seasonal meteorological inputs, that had a definable drainage basin above
By
Alaska Science Center
Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain
Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain
Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain
Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

By
Alaska Science Center
Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

By
Alaska Science Center
Eklutna River traveling under two bridges
Eklutna River traveling under two bridges
Eklutna River traveling under two bridges
Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

By
Alaska Science Center
Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

By
Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek flooding on the road
Exit Creek flooding
Exit Creek flooding
Exit Creek flooding on the road

Exit Creek flooding

Exit Creek flooding

Exit Creek flooding across the road

By
Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek flooding on the road

Exit Creek flooding

Exit Creek flooding

Exit Creek flooding across the road

By
Alaska Science Center
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek.

By
Alaska Science Center
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek.

By
Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek and a waterfall behind it
Exit Creek and a waterfall
Exit Creek and a waterfall
Exit Creek and a waterfall behind it

Exit Creek and a waterfall

Exit Creek and a waterfall

A waterfall flowing into Exit Creek

By
Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek and a waterfall behind it

Exit Creek and a waterfall

Exit Creek and a waterfall

A waterfall flowing into Exit Creek

By
Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek in front of some mountains
Exit Creek and mountains
Exit Creek and mountains
Exit Creek in front of some mountains

Exit Creek and mountains

Exit Creek and mountains

Exit Creek in front of some mountains

By
Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek in front of some mountains

Exit Creek and mountains

Exit Creek and mountains

Exit Creek in front of some mountains

By
Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek below the mountains
Exit Creek and mountain view
Exit Creek and mountain view
Exit Creek below the mountains

Exit Creek and mountain view

Exit Creek and mountain view

Exit Creek below the mountains

By
Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek below the mountains

Exit Creek and mountain view

Exit Creek and mountain view

Exit Creek below the mountains

By
Alaska Science Center
Toklat River and bridge
Bridge over Toklat River
Bridge over Toklat River
Toklat River and bridge

Bridge over Toklat River

Bridge over Toklat River

Bridge crossing over Toklat River

By
Alaska Science Center
Toklat River and bridge

Bridge over Toklat River

Bridge over Toklat River

Bridge crossing over Toklat River

By
Alaska Science Center
Toklat River view from a bridge
Toklat River
Toklat River
Toklat River view from a bridge

Toklat River

Toklat River

Toklat River view from a bridge

By
Alaska Science Center
Toklat River view from a bridge

Toklat River

Toklat River

Toklat River view from a bridge

By
Alaska Science Center
View of Toklat River from a bridge
View of Toklat River from a bridge
View of Toklat River from a bridge
View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

By
Alaska Science Center
View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

By
Alaska Science Center
Filter Total Items: 18

Evaluating hydrologic region assignment techniques for ungaged basins in Alaska, USA

Building continental-scale hydrologic models in data-sparse regions requires an understanding of spatial variation in hydrologic processes. Extending these models to ungaged locations requires techniques to group ungaged locations with gaged ones to make process importance and model parameter transfer decisions to ungaged locations. This analysis (1) tested the utility of fundamental streamflow st
Authors
Theodore B. Barnhart, William H. Farmer, John C. Hammond, Graham A. Sexstone, Janet H. Curran, Joshua C. Koch, Jessica M. Driscoll
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Extending seasonal discharge records for streamgage sites on the North Fork Fortymile and Middle Fork Fortymile Rivers, Alaska, through water year 2020

Daily mean discharge records are needed for management of selected streams in the Fortymile River Basin. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, updated a technique for estimating seasonal (partial year) discharge at two short-record streamgage sites in the basin and evaluated the accuracy of the estimates. Daily mean discharge values were estimated for
Authors
Janet H. Curran
By
Alaska Science Center

Identification of seasonal streamflow regimes and streamflow drivers for daily and peak flows in Alaska

Alaska is among northern high‐latitude regions where accelerated climate change is expected to impact streamflow properties, including seasonality and primary flow drivers. Evaluating changes to streamflow, including flood characteristics, across this large and diverse environment can be improved by identifying the distribution and influence of flow drivers. Using metrics of mean monthly streamflo
Authors
Janet H. Curran, Frances E. Biles
By
Alaska Science Center

Hydrology and geomorphology of the Taiya River near the West Creek Tributary, southeast Alaska

The Taiya River flows through the Chilkoot Trail Unit of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in southeast Alaska, which was founded to preserve cultural and historical resources and further understanding of natural processes active in the surrounding coastal-to-subarctic basin. Riverine processes exert an important influence on ecologically important boreal toad (Anaxryus boreas boreas), s
Authors
Janet H. Curran
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Extending seasonal discharge records for streamgage sites on the North Fork Fortymile and Middle Fork Fortymile Rivers, Alaska, through water year 2019

Daily mean discharge values were estimated for May 20–September 30 for 1976–82 and 2006–18 for the U.S. Geological Survey North Fork Fortymile River and Middle Fork Fortymile River streamgage sites in Alaska. A relation between study streamgage discharge and discharge for an index streamgage on the main-stem Fortymile River for a concurrent period in 2019 was developed using the maintenance of var
Authors
Janet H. Curran
By
Alaska Science Center

Glacial conditioning of stream position and flooding in the braid plain of the Exit Glacier foreland, Alaska

Flow spilling out of an active braid plain often signals the onset of channel migration or avulsion to previously occupied areas. In a recently deglaciated environment, distinguishing between shifts in active braid plain location, considered reversible by fluvial processes at short timescales, and more permanent glacier-conditioned changes in stream position can be critical to understanding flood
Authors
Janet H. Curran, Michael G. Loso, Haley B. Williams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Estimating flood magnitude and frequency at gaged and ungaged sites on streams in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada, based on data through water year 2012

Estimates of the magnitude and frequency of floods are needed across Alaska for engineering design of transportation and water-conveyance structures, flood-insurance studies, flood-plain management, and other water-resource purposes. This report updates methods for estimating flood magnitude and frequency in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada. Annual peak-flow data through water year 2012 we
Authors
Janet H. Curran, Nancy A. Barth, Andrea G. Veilleux, Robert T. Ourso
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, StreamStats

Streamflow record extension for selected streams in the Susitna River Basin, Alaska

Daily streamflow records for water years 1950–2010 in the Susitna River Basin range in length from 4 to 57 years, and many are distributed within that period in a way that might not adequately represent long-term streamflow conditions. Streamflow in the basin is affected by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), a multi-decadal climate pattern that shifted from a cool phase to a warm phase in 1976
Authors
Janet H. Curran
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Geomorphology and bank erosion of the Matanuska River, southcentral Alaska

Bank erosion along the Matanuska River, a braided, glacial river in southcentral Alaska, has damaged or threatened houses, roadways, and public facilities for decades. Mapping of river geomorphology and bank characteristics for a 65-mile study area from the Matanuska Glacier to the river mouth provided erodibility information that was assessed along with 1949-2006 erosion to establish erosion haza
Authors
Janet H. Curran, Monica L. McTeague
By
Alaska Science Center

Distribution, persistence, and hydrologic characteristics of salmon spawning habitats in clearwater side channels of the Matanuska River, southcentral Alaska

Turbid, glacially influenced rivers are often considered to be poor salmon spawning and rearing habitats and, consequently, little is known about salmon habitats that do occur within rivers of this type. To better understand salmon spawning habitats in the Matanuska River of southcentral Alaska, the distribution and characteristics of clearwater side-channel spawning habitats were determined and c
Authors
Janet H. Curran, Monica L. McTeague, Sean E. Burril, Christian E. Zimmerman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Baseline Channel Geometry and Aquatic Habitat Data for Selected Streams in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska

Small streams in the rapidly developing Matanuska-Susitna Valley in south-central Alaska are known to support anadromous and resident fish but little is known about their hydrologic and riparian conditions, or their sensitivity to the rapid development of the area or climate variability. To help address this need, channel geometry and aquatic habitat data were collected in 2005 as a baseline of st
Authors
Janet H. Curran, William J. Rice
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Hydrology and Flood Profiles of Duck Creek and Jordan Creek Downstream from Egan Drive, Juneau, Alaska

Hydrologic and hydraulic updates for Duck Creek and the lower part of Jordan Creek in Juneau, Alaska, included computation of new estimates of peak streamflow magnitudes and new water-surface profiles for the 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year floods. Computations for the 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, 200-, and 500-year recurrence interval flood magnitudes for both streams used data from U.S. Geological
Authors
Janet H. Curran
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
USGS Scientists Podcast Interviews

USGS Scientists Podcast Interviews

In 2023, USGS Alaska Science Center scientists participated in a weekly radio program and podcast called Liquid Assets, airing on KTNA 88.9 FM, a...

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Science and Products

link
Exit Creek in front of some mountains

Alaska Streamflow Statistics

The USGS conducts various studies of streamflow statistics for data collected at streamflow-gaging stations. Streamflow statistics for gaged streams and methods for estimating those statistics for ungaged streams are used by water resource planners and managers for designing infrastructure, managing floodplains, and protecting life, property, and aquatic resources. The most recent USGS studies of...
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Alaska Streamflow Statistics

The USGS conducts various studies of streamflow statistics for data collected at streamflow-gaging stations. Streamflow statistics for gaged streams and methods for estimating those statistics for ungaged streams are used by water resource planners and managers for designing infrastructure, managing floodplains, and protecting life, property, and aquatic resources. The most recent USGS studies of...
Learn More
link
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flood Frequency Studies in Alaska

Flood frequency statistics for streamgages and methods for estimating flood frequency statistics at ungaged sites in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada are presented in U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2016-5024. This report revised methods for obtaining basin characteristics and regional skew, and presents new streamflow magnitude and frequency statistics for gaged...
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Flood Frequency Studies in Alaska

Flood frequency statistics for streamgages and methods for estimating flood frequency statistics at ungaged sites in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada are presented in U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2016-5024. This report revised methods for obtaining basin characteristics and regional skew, and presents new streamflow magnitude and frequency statistics for gaged...
Learn More
link
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flood Frequency Data Collection for Alaska and Conterminous Drainage Basins in Canada

Estimates of the magnitude and frequency of floods are needed for engineering design of transportation and water-conveyance structures, flood-insurance studies, flood-plain management, and other water-resource purposes. In 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated flood frequency and magnitude for selected streamgages in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada and developed methods for...
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Flood Frequency Data Collection for Alaska and Conterminous Drainage Basins in Canada

Estimates of the magnitude and frequency of floods are needed for engineering design of transportation and water-conveyance structures, flood-insurance studies, flood-plain management, and other water-resource purposes. In 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated flood frequency and magnitude for selected streamgages in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada and developed methods for...
Learn More
link
Cliffs falling into the ocean with pebbles and driftwood on the beach.

Characterization of Flood-Producing Mechanisms in Watersheds with a High-Elevation Area in Southeast Alaska and Hawaiʻi

Major floods in Southeast Alaska and Hawaiʻi that potentially threaten life, property, and culturally significant resources and ecosystems are caused by mechanisms related to intense precipitation for both locations as well as snow melt-based processes for Alaska. Small, high-gradient, and heavily vegetated watersheds with direct contribution to the ocean are common in both locations. To understan
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
link

Characterization of Flood-Producing Mechanisms in Watersheds with a High-Elevation Area in Southeast Alaska and Hawaiʻi

Major floods in Southeast Alaska and Hawaiʻi that potentially threaten life, property, and culturally significant resources and ecosystems are caused by mechanisms related to intense precipitation for both locations as well as snow melt-based processes for Alaska. Small, high-gradient, and heavily vegetated watersheds with direct contribution to the ocean are common in both locations. To understan
Learn More
link
View of Toklat River from a bridge

Flow Duration and Low-Flow Frequency Studies in Alaska

Flow duration and low-flow frequency statistics for streamgages and methods for estimating flow-duration and low-flow frequency statistics at ungaged sites in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada are presented in U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations Report 2003-4114.
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Flow Duration and Low-Flow Frequency Studies in Alaska

Flow duration and low-flow frequency statistics for streamgages and methods for estimating flow-duration and low-flow frequency statistics at ungaged sites in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada are presented in U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations Report 2003-4114.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 15

Summary of Selected Basin and Streamflow Special Conditions for USGS Streamgages in Alaska

This dataset summarizes selected basin and streamflow special conditions for USGS streamgages in Alaska that are commonly used for site and period of record selection for regional analyses, through water year 2022. The data consist of a table providing information about the type of streamflow available for the site, site special conditions related to the timing of data collection, basin special co
By
Alaska Science Center

Selected Basin Boundaries for USGS Streamgages in Alaska through 2019

This dataset contains drainage basin boundaries for 253 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages in Alaska that had at least 5 years of daily streamflow through September 30, 2017, three of which were delineated for alternate basin conditions. This compilation includes selected boundaries produced in 2014 (https://doi.org/10.5066/P143KNEJ). Additional basin boundaries were delineated from the str
By
Alaska Science Center

Selected Basin Boundaries for USGS Streamgages in Alaska Through 2014

This dataset contains 474 drainage basin boundaries for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages in Alaska, including supplemental drainage basin boundaries for alternate conditions for 3 of the 471 streamgages. The basin boundaries were delineated from the streamgage location to the nearest USGS Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) HUC boundary and along HUC boundaries from that intersection to the
By
Alaska Science Center

Computed Tomography (CT) scans of sediment cores collected from Montague Island, AK

This data release contains Computed Tomography (CT) scan images of sediment cores collected from Montague Island, in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Sediment cores were collected from lagoons uplifted >3 m in the 1964 earthquake along the coast of Montague Island and aid in interpreting changes in deposition environment over the past several thousand years, which may record evidence for past episode
By
Alaska Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Selected Peak-Flow Special Conditions for USGS Streamgages in Alaska

This data package documents selected special conditions affecting the magnitude of peak flows at streamgages in Alaska. The data consist of a table of special conditions for selected peak flows and a table of data sources. This dataset resolves ambiguity introduced by historical variations in USGS National Water Information System (NWIS; https://doi.org/10.5066/F7P55KJN) peak-flow code assignment
By
Alaska Science Center

Drainage basins for selected transboundary streams in south-east Alaska and Canada through 2022

This dataset consists of drainage basin boundaries for selected transboundary basins draining to the Gulf of Alaska in south-east Alaska. Basins were delineated to the basin outlet using a tidal datum of mean high water (MHW). The drainage basins are provided as polygons attributed with basin drainage area and as polylines attributed with the data source for each line segment, respectively.
By
Alaska Science Center

Selected streamgage sites and periods of record for consideration of flood-generating mechanisms in Hawai`i and Southeast Alaska, 1913-2022

This data release consists of a comma-delimited ascii file with attributes for 21 U.S. Geological Survey streamgage sites in Hawai`i and Southeast Alaska selected to enable assessment of how floods might change in a future climate. Floods in Hawai`i and Southeast Alaska have led to loss of human life; damage to agricultural crops, cultural and biological resources, infrastructure, and property; th
By
Pacific Islands Water Science Center

Flood Frequency Data for a Streamgage in the Hulahula River Basin, Alaska, 2011-2021

This data release provides the source data and results of a flood frequency analysis for a streamgage in the Hulahula River Basin, Alaska. Data are provided for one streamgage that had at least 10 years of peak-flow record. The data include streamgage information, PeakFQ input (.txt and .PSF files) PeakFQ output (.PRT, .EXP, and .JPEG files), flood frequency parameters, flood frequency estimates f
By
Alaska Science Center

Flood Frequency Data and 2020 Observed Flood Probability for Selected Streamgages in the Fortymile River Basin, Alaska, 1911-2020

This data release provides the source data and results of a flood frequency analysis and annual exceedance probability estimation for a flood that occurred on June 22, 2020 in the Fortymile River Basin, Alaska. Data are provided for two streamgages that had at least 10 years of peak-flow record. The data include streamgage information, PeakFQ input (.txt and .PSF files) PeakFQ output (.PRT, .EXP,
By
Alaska Science Center

Flood Frequency Data Collection, Alaska and Conterminous Basins in Canada

This data collection of U.S. Geological Survey data releases provides the source data and results of flood frequency analyses and annual exceedance probability estimation for selected observed floods in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada. The data include streamgage information, PeakFQ input and output, flood frequency parameters, flood frequency estimates for selected annual exceedance prob
By
Alaska Science Center

Extended Seasonal Discharge Records for Selected Streamgage Sites in the Fortymile River Basin, Alaska, 1976-2020

Daily mean discharge is needed for water resource management of selected streams in the Fortymile River Basin. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, developed a technique for estimating seasonal discharge at two short-record streamgage sites in the basin and evaluated the accuracy of the estimated records. Daily mean discharge values were estimated for
By
Alaska Science Center

Streamgage Attributes, Basin Characteristics, and Seasonal Flow Regimes, Selected Streamgages in Alaska, 1914-2017

This data set contains selected information about U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages in Alaska that had at least 5 years of daily streamflow record through September 30, 2017. The goals for developing this dataset were to identify USGS streamgages that had at least 5 years of daily streamflow that responded mostly to seasonal meteorological inputs, that had a definable drainage basin above
By
Alaska Science Center
Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain
Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain
Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain
Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

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Alaska Science Center
Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

Unnamed stream and beaver pond in the Taiya River floodplain

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Alaska Science Center
Eklutna River traveling under two bridges
Eklutna River traveling under two bridges
Eklutna River traveling under two bridges
Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

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Alaska Science Center
Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

Eklutna River traveling under two bridges

By
Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek flooding on the road
Exit Creek flooding
Exit Creek flooding
Exit Creek flooding on the road

Exit Creek flooding

Exit Creek flooding

Exit Creek flooding across the road

By
Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek flooding on the road

Exit Creek flooding

Exit Creek flooding

Exit Creek flooding across the road

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Alaska Science Center
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek.

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Alaska Science Center
Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek

Flooding encroaches on trees, Exit Creek.

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Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek and a waterfall behind it
Exit Creek and a waterfall
Exit Creek and a waterfall
Exit Creek and a waterfall behind it

Exit Creek and a waterfall

Exit Creek and a waterfall

A waterfall flowing into Exit Creek

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Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek and a waterfall behind it

Exit Creek and a waterfall

Exit Creek and a waterfall

A waterfall flowing into Exit Creek

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Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek in front of some mountains
Exit Creek and mountains
Exit Creek and mountains
Exit Creek in front of some mountains

Exit Creek and mountains

Exit Creek and mountains

Exit Creek in front of some mountains

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Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek in front of some mountains

Exit Creek and mountains

Exit Creek and mountains

Exit Creek in front of some mountains

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Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek below the mountains
Exit Creek and mountain view
Exit Creek and mountain view
Exit Creek below the mountains

Exit Creek and mountain view

Exit Creek and mountain view

Exit Creek below the mountains

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Alaska Science Center
Exit Creek below the mountains

Exit Creek and mountain view

Exit Creek and mountain view

Exit Creek below the mountains

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Alaska Science Center
Toklat River and bridge
Bridge over Toklat River
Bridge over Toklat River
Toklat River and bridge

Bridge over Toklat River

Bridge over Toklat River

Bridge crossing over Toklat River

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Alaska Science Center
Toklat River and bridge

Bridge over Toklat River

Bridge over Toklat River

Bridge crossing over Toklat River

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Alaska Science Center
Toklat River view from a bridge
Toklat River
Toklat River
Toklat River view from a bridge

Toklat River

Toklat River

Toklat River view from a bridge

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Alaska Science Center
Toklat River view from a bridge

Toklat River

Toklat River

Toklat River view from a bridge

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Alaska Science Center
View of Toklat River from a bridge
View of Toklat River from a bridge
View of Toklat River from a bridge
View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

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Alaska Science Center
View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

View of Toklat River from a bridge

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Alaska Science Center
Filter Total Items: 18

Evaluating hydrologic region assignment techniques for ungaged basins in Alaska, USA

Building continental-scale hydrologic models in data-sparse regions requires an understanding of spatial variation in hydrologic processes. Extending these models to ungaged locations requires techniques to group ungaged locations with gaged ones to make process importance and model parameter transfer decisions to ungaged locations. This analysis (1) tested the utility of fundamental streamflow st
Authors
Theodore B. Barnhart, William H. Farmer, John C. Hammond, Graham A. Sexstone, Janet H. Curran, Joshua C. Koch, Jessica M. Driscoll
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

Extending seasonal discharge records for streamgage sites on the North Fork Fortymile and Middle Fork Fortymile Rivers, Alaska, through water year 2020

Daily mean discharge records are needed for management of selected streams in the Fortymile River Basin. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, updated a technique for estimating seasonal (partial year) discharge at two short-record streamgage sites in the basin and evaluated the accuracy of the estimates. Daily mean discharge values were estimated for
Authors
Janet H. Curran
By
Alaska Science Center

Identification of seasonal streamflow regimes and streamflow drivers for daily and peak flows in Alaska

Alaska is among northern high‐latitude regions where accelerated climate change is expected to impact streamflow properties, including seasonality and primary flow drivers. Evaluating changes to streamflow, including flood characteristics, across this large and diverse environment can be improved by identifying the distribution and influence of flow drivers. Using metrics of mean monthly streamflo
Authors
Janet H. Curran, Frances E. Biles
By
Alaska Science Center

Hydrology and geomorphology of the Taiya River near the West Creek Tributary, southeast Alaska

The Taiya River flows through the Chilkoot Trail Unit of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in southeast Alaska, which was founded to preserve cultural and historical resources and further understanding of natural processes active in the surrounding coastal-to-subarctic basin. Riverine processes exert an important influence on ecologically important boreal toad (Anaxryus boreas boreas), s
Authors
Janet H. Curran
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Extending seasonal discharge records for streamgage sites on the North Fork Fortymile and Middle Fork Fortymile Rivers, Alaska, through water year 2019

Daily mean discharge values were estimated for May 20–September 30 for 1976–82 and 2006–18 for the U.S. Geological Survey North Fork Fortymile River and Middle Fork Fortymile River streamgage sites in Alaska. A relation between study streamgage discharge and discharge for an index streamgage on the main-stem Fortymile River for a concurrent period in 2019 was developed using the maintenance of var
Authors
Janet H. Curran
By
Alaska Science Center

Glacial conditioning of stream position and flooding in the braid plain of the Exit Glacier foreland, Alaska

Flow spilling out of an active braid plain often signals the onset of channel migration or avulsion to previously occupied areas. In a recently deglaciated environment, distinguishing between shifts in active braid plain location, considered reversible by fluvial processes at short timescales, and more permanent glacier-conditioned changes in stream position can be critical to understanding flood
Authors
Janet H. Curran, Michael G. Loso, Haley B. Williams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Estimating flood magnitude and frequency at gaged and ungaged sites on streams in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada, based on data through water year 2012

Estimates of the magnitude and frequency of floods are needed across Alaska for engineering design of transportation and water-conveyance structures, flood-insurance studies, flood-plain management, and other water-resource purposes. This report updates methods for estimating flood magnitude and frequency in Alaska and conterminous basins in Canada. Annual peak-flow data through water year 2012 we
Authors
Janet H. Curran, Nancy A. Barth, Andrea G. Veilleux, Robert T. Ourso
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, StreamStats

Streamflow record extension for selected streams in the Susitna River Basin, Alaska

Daily streamflow records for water years 1950–2010 in the Susitna River Basin range in length from 4 to 57 years, and many are distributed within that period in a way that might not adequately represent long-term streamflow conditions. Streamflow in the basin is affected by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), a multi-decadal climate pattern that shifted from a cool phase to a warm phase in 1976
Authors
Janet H. Curran
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Geomorphology and bank erosion of the Matanuska River, southcentral Alaska

Bank erosion along the Matanuska River, a braided, glacial river in southcentral Alaska, has damaged or threatened houses, roadways, and public facilities for decades. Mapping of river geomorphology and bank characteristics for a 65-mile study area from the Matanuska Glacier to the river mouth provided erodibility information that was assessed along with 1949-2006 erosion to establish erosion haza
Authors
Janet H. Curran, Monica L. McTeague
By
Alaska Science Center

Distribution, persistence, and hydrologic characteristics of salmon spawning habitats in clearwater side channels of the Matanuska River, southcentral Alaska

Turbid, glacially influenced rivers are often considered to be poor salmon spawning and rearing habitats and, consequently, little is known about salmon habitats that do occur within rivers of this type. To better understand salmon spawning habitats in the Matanuska River of southcentral Alaska, the distribution and characteristics of clearwater side-channel spawning habitats were determined and c
Authors
Janet H. Curran, Monica L. McTeague, Sean E. Burril, Christian E. Zimmerman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Baseline Channel Geometry and Aquatic Habitat Data for Selected Streams in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska

Small streams in the rapidly developing Matanuska-Susitna Valley in south-central Alaska are known to support anadromous and resident fish but little is known about their hydrologic and riparian conditions, or their sensitivity to the rapid development of the area or climate variability. To help address this need, channel geometry and aquatic habitat data were collected in 2005 as a baseline of st
Authors
Janet H. Curran, William J. Rice
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Hydrology and Flood Profiles of Duck Creek and Jordan Creek Downstream from Egan Drive, Juneau, Alaska

Hydrologic and hydraulic updates for Duck Creek and the lower part of Jordan Creek in Juneau, Alaska, included computation of new estimates of peak streamflow magnitudes and new water-surface profiles for the 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year floods. Computations for the 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, 200-, and 500-year recurrence interval flood magnitudes for both streams used data from U.S. Geological
Authors
Janet H. Curran
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
USGS Scientists Podcast Interviews

USGS Scientists Podcast Interviews

In 2023, USGS Alaska Science Center scientists participated in a weekly radio program and podcast called Liquid Assets, airing on KTNA 88.9 FM, a...

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*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government

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