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
Flood Frequency Data Collection for Alaska and Conterminous Drainage Basins in Canada
Characterization of Flood-Producing Mechanisms in Watersheds with a High-Elevation Area in Southeast Alaska and Hawaiʻi
Flow Duration and Low-Flow Frequency Studies in Alaska
Flood Frequency Studies in Alaska
Alaska Streamflow Statistics
Drainage basins for selected transboundary streams in south-east Alaska and Canada through 2022
Selected streamgage sites and periods of record for consideration of flood-generating mechanisms in Hawai`i and Southeast Alaska, 1913-2022
Flood Frequency Data for a Streamgage in the Hulahula River Basin, Alaska, 2011-2021
Flood Frequency Data and 2020 Observed Flood Probability for Selected Streamgages in the Fortymile River Basin, Alaska, 1911-2020
Flood Frequency Data Collection, Alaska and Conterminous Basins in Canada
Extended Seasonal Discharge Records for Selected Streamgage Sites in the Fortymile River Basin, Alaska, 1976-2020
Streamgage Attributes, Basin Characteristics, and Seasonal Flow Regimes, Selected Streamgages in Alaska, 1914-2017
Geomorphic surface and channel boundaries for the lower 7.5 kilometers of the Taiya River Valley, southeast Alaska, 2018
Exit and Paradise Glacier Foreland, Alaska River and Glacier Maps, Channel Surveys, Digital Elevation Model, and Orthophoto, 1800s-2013
Eklutna River at Glenn Highway Bridge, Alaska Cross-Section Survey, 2016 and 2017
Evaluating hydrologic region assignment techniques for ungaged basins in Alaska, USA
Extending seasonal discharge records for streamgage sites on the North Fork Fortymile and Middle Fork Fortymile Rivers, Alaska, through water year 2020
Identification of seasonal streamflow regimes and streamflow drivers for daily and peak flows in Alaska
Hydrology and geomorphology of the Taiya River near the West Creek Tributary, southeast Alaska
Extending seasonal discharge records for streamgage sites on the North Fork Fortymile and Middle Fork Fortymile Rivers, Alaska, through water year 2019
Glacial conditioning of stream position and flooding in the braid plain of the Exit Glacier foreland, Alaska
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
Streamflow record extension for selected streams in the Susitna River Basin, Alaska
Geomorphology and bank erosion of the Matanuska River, southcentral Alaska
Distribution, persistence, and hydrologic characteristics of salmon spawning habitats in clearwater side channels of the Matanuska River, southcentral Alaska
Baseline Channel Geometry and Aquatic Habitat Data for Selected Streams in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska
Hydrology and Flood Profiles of Duck Creek and Jordan Creek Downstream from Egan Drive, Juneau, Alaska
Science and Products
- Science
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...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...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.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...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... - Data
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.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; thFlood 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 fFlood 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,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 probExtended 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 forStreamgage 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 aboveGeomorphic surface and channel boundaries for the lower 7.5 kilometers of the Taiya River Valley, southeast Alaska, 2018
This dataset presents boundaries and attributes of mapped geomorphic features in the lower 7.5 kilometers of the Taiya River valley bottom in and near Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park near Skagway, Alaska. Geomorphic surfaces and off-main-stem channels were delineated from 2003 lidar elevation data and updated using 2017 and 2018 aerial orthophotographs at eroding riverbanks, such thatExit and Paradise Glacier Foreland, Alaska River and Glacier Maps, Channel Surveys, Digital Elevation Model, and Orthophoto, 1800s-2013
The dynamics of the linked river systems draining Exit and Paradise Glaciers have been dependent on glacial and fluvial controls since the 1800s. This data release contains maps of historical Exit and Paradise creek and glacier positions, 2013 channel survey and particle size data, and a 2012 digital elevation model and orthophoto for the Exit and Paradise glacier forelands, Alaska.Eklutna River at Glenn Highway Bridge, Alaska Cross-Section Survey, 2016 and 2017
This dataset consists of survey data, plots, photos, and a photo index from a cross section survey of the Eklutna River at the Glenn Highway bridge in Alaska. The cross sections were surveyed in 2016 and 2017 using a total station, then adjusted to match datums for a Municipality of Anchorage orthophoto and Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities bridge as-built elevations. - Multimedia
- Publications
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 stAuthorsTheodore B. Barnhart, William Farmer, John C. Hammond, Graham A. Sexstone, Janet H. Curran, Joshua C. Koch, Jessica M. DriscollExtending 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 forAuthorsJanet H. CurranIdentification 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 streamfloAuthorsJanet H. Curran, Frances E. BilesHydrology 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), sAuthorsJanet H. CurranExtending 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 varAuthorsJanet H. CurranGlacial 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 floodAuthorsJanet H. Curran, Michael G. Loso, Haley B. WilliamsEstimating 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 weAuthorsJanet H. Curran, Nancy A. Barth, Andrea G. Veilleux, Robert T. OursoStreamflow 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 1976AuthorsJanet H. CurranGeomorphology 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 hazaAuthorsJanet H. Curran, Monica L. McTeagueDistribution, 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 cAuthorsJanet H. Curran, Monica L. McTeague, Sean E. Burril, Christian E. ZimmermanBaseline 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 stAuthorsJanet H. Curran, William J. RiceHydrology 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. GeologicalAuthorsJanet H. Curran - News
*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