Jennifer A. Curtis
Jennifer A. Curtis - Research Geologist - California Water Science Center
Jenny Curtis is a geomorphologist and her research focuses on climate and human impacts in rivers and estuaries. Her expertise spans a broad spectrum of topics: streamflow, floods, and drought; groundwater and surface water interactions; fluvial sediment transport and sediment budgets; sediment source analysis including sediment fingerprinting; and the effects of water management, land use, and climate change.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 18
Database of Geomorphic Features, Klamath River, California 2010 Database of Geomorphic Features, Klamath River, California 2010
The USGS, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, compiled a map of geomorphic features along a 140-km segment of the main stem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam, CA. Flood disturbance within the study reach is produced by the combined effect of natural flows and reservoir releases. The physical response of the Klamath River...
Sediment mobility and river corridor assessment for a 140-km segment of the mainstem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam, CA - vegetation mapping Sediment mobility and river corridor assessment for a 140-km segment of the mainstem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam, CA - vegetation mapping
This report documents river response to hydrologic disturbance along a 140-km segment of the mainstem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam, CA by assessing fundamental indicators of active sediment transport and dynamic changes in riparian vegetation. A combination of field and remote sensing methods were used to document river response to natural rainfall-runoff events (e.g., 2006 and 2017...
Geochemical, mineralogical, and grain-size data for in-situ solid materials and suspended sediment at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, Nevada County, California Geochemical, mineralogical, and grain-size data for in-situ solid materials and suspended sediment at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, Nevada County, California
This dataset includes data for in-situ solid materials and suspended sediments from surface-water samples, as well as surface-water chemistry from samples collected during storm events at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, Nevada County, California. In-situ solid samples were collected during 2015 along six vertical transects along the cliff walls of the mine pit. Surface-water...
Geomorphic map of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, California Geomorphic map of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, California
One of the largest hydraulic mines (1.6 km2) is located in Californias Sierra Nevada within the Humbug Creek watershed and Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park (MDSHP). MDSHPs denuded and dissected landscape is composed of weathered Eocene auriferous sediments susceptible to chronic rill and gully erosion whereas block failures and debris flows occur in more cohesive terrain. This data...
Streamflow, Runoff and Baseflow Estimates for Gaged Basins in the Northwest Volcanic Aquifer Study Area, USA, 1904 to 2015 Streamflow, Runoff and Baseflow Estimates for Gaged Basins in the Northwest Volcanic Aquifer Study Area, USA, 1904 to 2015
The U.S. Geological Survey's Water Availability and Use Study Program (WAUSP) (https://water.usgs.gov/ogw/gwrp/activities/regional.html) supports quantitative assessments of groundwater availability in areas of critical importance. As part of a WAUSP study in the arid to semi-arid Northwest Volcanic Aquifer Study Area (NVASA), estimates of runoff and baseflow were determined for 312...
1992 digital surface model and orthomosaic of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, California 1992 digital surface model and orthomosaic of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, California
One of the largest hydraulic mines (1.6 km2) is located in Californias Sierra Nevada within the Humbug Creek watershed and Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park (MDSHP). MDSHPs denuded and dissected landscape is composed of weathered Eocene auriferous sediments susceptible to chronic rill and gully erosion whereas block failures and debris flows occur in more cohesive terrain. This data...
Filter Total Items: 25
Geothermal implications of a refined composition-age geologic map for the volcanic terrains of southeast Oregon, northeast California, and southwest Idaho, USA Geothermal implications of a refined composition-age geologic map for the volcanic terrains of southeast Oregon, northeast California, and southwest Idaho, USA
Sufficient temperatures to generate steam likely exist under most of the dominantly volcanic terrains of southeast Oregon, northeast California, and southeast Idaho, USA, but finding sufficient permeability to allow efficient advective heat exchange is an outstanding challenge. A new thematic interpretation of existing state-level geologic maps provides an updated and refined...
Authors
Erick Burns, Marshall Gannett, David Sherrod, Mackenzie Keith, Jennifer Curtis, James Bartolino, John Engott, Benjamin Scandella, Michelle Stern, Alan Flint
Assessing geomorphic change along the Trinity River downstream from Lewiston Dam, California, 1980-2011 Assessing geomorphic change along the Trinity River downstream from Lewiston Dam, California, 1980-2011
The Trinity River Restoration Program, one of the nation’s largest adaptively managed river restoration programs, requires periodic assessment to determine the effectiveness of management actions in restoring channel dynamics and habitat features. This study documents riparian and channel changes along an intensively managed 65-kilometer reach of the Trinity River in California...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Scott Wright, Justin Minear, Lorraine Flint
Geomorphic mapping to support river restoration on the Trinity River downstream from Lewiston Dam, California, 1980-2011 Geomorphic mapping to support river restoration on the Trinity River downstream from Lewiston Dam, California, 1980-2011
Historic land use, dam construction, water storage, and flow diversions in the Trinity River watershed have resulted in downstream geomorphic change, loss of salmonid habitat, and declines in salmonid populations. The USGS in cooperation with the Trinity River Restoration Program, a multi-agency partnership tasked with implementing federally mandated restoration, completed a geomorphic...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Timothy Guerrero
Estimating changes in riparian and channel features along the Trinity River downstream of Lewiston Dam, California, 1980 to 2011 Estimating changes in riparian and channel features along the Trinity River downstream of Lewiston Dam, California, 1980 to 2011
Dam construction, flow diversion, and legacy landuse effects reduced the transport capacity, sediment supply, channel complexity and floodplain-connectivity along the Trinity River, CA below Lewiston Dam. This study documents the geomorphic evolution of the Trinity River Restoration Program’s intensively managed 65-km long restoration reach from 1980 to 2011. The nature and extent of...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis
Incorporating cold-air pooling into downscaled climate models increases potential refugia for snow-dependent species within the Sierra Nevada Ecoregion, CA Incorporating cold-air pooling into downscaled climate models increases potential refugia for snow-dependent species within the Sierra Nevada Ecoregion, CA
We present a unique water-balance approach for modeling snowpack under historic, current and future climates throughout the Sierra Nevada Ecoregion. Our methodology uses a finer scale (270 m) than previous regional studies and incorporates cold-air pooling, an atmospheric process that sustains cooler temperatures in topographic depressions thereby mitigating snowmelt. Our results are...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Lorraine Flint, Alan Flint, Jessica D. Lundquist, Brian Hudgens, Erin Boydston, Julie Young
Estimating floodplain sedimentation in the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA Estimating floodplain sedimentation in the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA
We present a conceptual and analytical framework for predicting the spatial distribution of floodplain sedimentation for the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA. We assess the role of the floodplain as a sink for fine-grained sediment and investigate concerns regarding the potential loss of flood storage capacity due to historic sedimentation. We characterized the spatial...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Lorraine Flint, Cliff Hupp
Summary of Optical-Backscatter and Suspended-Sediment Data, Tomales Bay Watershed, California, Water Years 2004, 2005, and 2006 Summary of Optical-Backscatter and Suspended-Sediment Data, Tomales Bay Watershed, California, Water Years 2004, 2005, and 2006
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Point Reyes National Seashore, is studying suspended-sediment transport dynamics in the two primary tributaries to Tomales Bay, Lagunitas Creek and Walker Creek. Suspended-sediment samples and continuous optical backscatter (turbidity) data were collected at three locations during water years 2004?06 (October 1, 2003?September 30, 2006): at...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis
Use of sediment rating curves and optical backscatter data to characterize sediment transport in the Upper Yuba River watershed, California, 2001-03 Use of sediment rating curves and optical backscatter data to characterize sediment transport in the Upper Yuba River watershed, California, 2001-03
Sediment transport in the upper Yuba River watershed, California, was evaluated from October 2001 through September 2003. This report presents results of a three-year study by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the California Ecosystem Restoration Program of the California Bay-Delta Authority and the California Resources Agency. Streamflow and suspended-sediment...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Lorraine Flint, Charles Alpers, Scott Wright, Noah P. Snyder
Conceptual model of sediment processes in the upper Yuba River watershed, Sierra Nevada, CA Conceptual model of sediment processes in the upper Yuba River watershed, Sierra Nevada, CA
This study examines the development of a conceptual model of sediment processes in the upper Yuba River watershed; and we hypothesize how components of the conceptual model may be spatially distributed using a geographical information system (GIS). The conceptual model illustrates key processes controlling sediment dynamics in the upper Yuba River watershed and was tested and revised...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Lorraine Flint, Charles Alpers, S.M. Yarnell
Report on the May-June 2002 Englebright Lake deep coring campaign Report on the May-June 2002 Englebright Lake deep coring campaign
This report describes the May-June 2002 Englebright Lake coring project. Englebright Lake is a 14- km-long reservoir on the Yuba River of northern California, impounded by Englebright Dam, which was completed in 1940. The sediments were cored to assess the current conditions in the reservoir as part of the California Bay-Delta Authority?s Upper Yuba River Studies Program. Sediment was...
Authors
Noah P. Snyder, Charles Alpers, Lorraine Flint, Jennifer Curtins, Margaret Hampton, Brian Haskell, Dennis Nielson
Estimating accumulation rates and physical properties of sediment behind a dam: Englebright Lake, Yuba River, northern California Estimating accumulation rates and physical properties of sediment behind a dam: Englebright Lake, Yuba River, northern California
Studies of reservoir sedimentation are vital to understanding scientific and management issues related to watershed sediment budgets, depositional processes, reservoir operations, and dam decommissioning. Here we quantify the mass, organic content, and grain-size distribution of a reservoir deposit in northern California by two methods of extrapolating measurements of sediment physical...
Authors
Noah Snyder, David Rubin, Charles Alpers, Jonathan Childs, Jennifer Curtis, Lorraine Flint, Scott Wright
Geomorphic and hydrologic assessment of erosion hazards at the Norman municipal landfill, Canadian River floodplain, central Oklahoma Geomorphic and hydrologic assessment of erosion hazards at the Norman municipal landfill, Canadian River floodplain, central Oklahoma
The Norman, Oklahoma, municipal landfill closed in 1985 after 63 years of operation, because it was identified as a point source of hazardous leachate composed of organic and inorganic compounds. The landfill is located on the floodplain of the Canadian River, a sand-bed river characterized by erodible channel boundaries and by large variation in mean monthly discharges. In 1986...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, John Whitney
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 18
Database of Geomorphic Features, Klamath River, California 2010 Database of Geomorphic Features, Klamath River, California 2010
The USGS, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, compiled a map of geomorphic features along a 140-km segment of the main stem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam, CA. Flood disturbance within the study reach is produced by the combined effect of natural flows and reservoir releases. The physical response of the Klamath River...
Sediment mobility and river corridor assessment for a 140-km segment of the mainstem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam, CA - vegetation mapping Sediment mobility and river corridor assessment for a 140-km segment of the mainstem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam, CA - vegetation mapping
This report documents river response to hydrologic disturbance along a 140-km segment of the mainstem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam, CA by assessing fundamental indicators of active sediment transport and dynamic changes in riparian vegetation. A combination of field and remote sensing methods were used to document river response to natural rainfall-runoff events (e.g., 2006 and 2017...
Geochemical, mineralogical, and grain-size data for in-situ solid materials and suspended sediment at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, Nevada County, California Geochemical, mineralogical, and grain-size data for in-situ solid materials and suspended sediment at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, Nevada County, California
This dataset includes data for in-situ solid materials and suspended sediments from surface-water samples, as well as surface-water chemistry from samples collected during storm events at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, Nevada County, California. In-situ solid samples were collected during 2015 along six vertical transects along the cliff walls of the mine pit. Surface-water...
Geomorphic map of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, California Geomorphic map of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, California
One of the largest hydraulic mines (1.6 km2) is located in Californias Sierra Nevada within the Humbug Creek watershed and Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park (MDSHP). MDSHPs denuded and dissected landscape is composed of weathered Eocene auriferous sediments susceptible to chronic rill and gully erosion whereas block failures and debris flows occur in more cohesive terrain. This data...
Streamflow, Runoff and Baseflow Estimates for Gaged Basins in the Northwest Volcanic Aquifer Study Area, USA, 1904 to 2015 Streamflow, Runoff and Baseflow Estimates for Gaged Basins in the Northwest Volcanic Aquifer Study Area, USA, 1904 to 2015
The U.S. Geological Survey's Water Availability and Use Study Program (WAUSP) (https://water.usgs.gov/ogw/gwrp/activities/regional.html) supports quantitative assessments of groundwater availability in areas of critical importance. As part of a WAUSP study in the arid to semi-arid Northwest Volcanic Aquifer Study Area (NVASA), estimates of runoff and baseflow were determined for 312...
1992 digital surface model and orthomosaic of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, California 1992 digital surface model and orthomosaic of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, California
One of the largest hydraulic mines (1.6 km2) is located in Californias Sierra Nevada within the Humbug Creek watershed and Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park (MDSHP). MDSHPs denuded and dissected landscape is composed of weathered Eocene auriferous sediments susceptible to chronic rill and gully erosion whereas block failures and debris flows occur in more cohesive terrain. This data...
Filter Total Items: 25
Geothermal implications of a refined composition-age geologic map for the volcanic terrains of southeast Oregon, northeast California, and southwest Idaho, USA Geothermal implications of a refined composition-age geologic map for the volcanic terrains of southeast Oregon, northeast California, and southwest Idaho, USA
Sufficient temperatures to generate steam likely exist under most of the dominantly volcanic terrains of southeast Oregon, northeast California, and southeast Idaho, USA, but finding sufficient permeability to allow efficient advective heat exchange is an outstanding challenge. A new thematic interpretation of existing state-level geologic maps provides an updated and refined...
Authors
Erick Burns, Marshall Gannett, David Sherrod, Mackenzie Keith, Jennifer Curtis, James Bartolino, John Engott, Benjamin Scandella, Michelle Stern, Alan Flint
Assessing geomorphic change along the Trinity River downstream from Lewiston Dam, California, 1980-2011 Assessing geomorphic change along the Trinity River downstream from Lewiston Dam, California, 1980-2011
The Trinity River Restoration Program, one of the nation’s largest adaptively managed river restoration programs, requires periodic assessment to determine the effectiveness of management actions in restoring channel dynamics and habitat features. This study documents riparian and channel changes along an intensively managed 65-kilometer reach of the Trinity River in California...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Scott Wright, Justin Minear, Lorraine Flint
Geomorphic mapping to support river restoration on the Trinity River downstream from Lewiston Dam, California, 1980-2011 Geomorphic mapping to support river restoration on the Trinity River downstream from Lewiston Dam, California, 1980-2011
Historic land use, dam construction, water storage, and flow diversions in the Trinity River watershed have resulted in downstream geomorphic change, loss of salmonid habitat, and declines in salmonid populations. The USGS in cooperation with the Trinity River Restoration Program, a multi-agency partnership tasked with implementing federally mandated restoration, completed a geomorphic...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Timothy Guerrero
Estimating changes in riparian and channel features along the Trinity River downstream of Lewiston Dam, California, 1980 to 2011 Estimating changes in riparian and channel features along the Trinity River downstream of Lewiston Dam, California, 1980 to 2011
Dam construction, flow diversion, and legacy landuse effects reduced the transport capacity, sediment supply, channel complexity and floodplain-connectivity along the Trinity River, CA below Lewiston Dam. This study documents the geomorphic evolution of the Trinity River Restoration Program’s intensively managed 65-km long restoration reach from 1980 to 2011. The nature and extent of...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis
Incorporating cold-air pooling into downscaled climate models increases potential refugia for snow-dependent species within the Sierra Nevada Ecoregion, CA Incorporating cold-air pooling into downscaled climate models increases potential refugia for snow-dependent species within the Sierra Nevada Ecoregion, CA
We present a unique water-balance approach for modeling snowpack under historic, current and future climates throughout the Sierra Nevada Ecoregion. Our methodology uses a finer scale (270 m) than previous regional studies and incorporates cold-air pooling, an atmospheric process that sustains cooler temperatures in topographic depressions thereby mitigating snowmelt. Our results are...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Lorraine Flint, Alan Flint, Jessica D. Lundquist, Brian Hudgens, Erin Boydston, Julie Young
Estimating floodplain sedimentation in the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA Estimating floodplain sedimentation in the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA
We present a conceptual and analytical framework for predicting the spatial distribution of floodplain sedimentation for the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA. We assess the role of the floodplain as a sink for fine-grained sediment and investigate concerns regarding the potential loss of flood storage capacity due to historic sedimentation. We characterized the spatial...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Lorraine Flint, Cliff Hupp
Summary of Optical-Backscatter and Suspended-Sediment Data, Tomales Bay Watershed, California, Water Years 2004, 2005, and 2006 Summary of Optical-Backscatter and Suspended-Sediment Data, Tomales Bay Watershed, California, Water Years 2004, 2005, and 2006
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Point Reyes National Seashore, is studying suspended-sediment transport dynamics in the two primary tributaries to Tomales Bay, Lagunitas Creek and Walker Creek. Suspended-sediment samples and continuous optical backscatter (turbidity) data were collected at three locations during water years 2004?06 (October 1, 2003?September 30, 2006): at...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis
Use of sediment rating curves and optical backscatter data to characterize sediment transport in the Upper Yuba River watershed, California, 2001-03 Use of sediment rating curves and optical backscatter data to characterize sediment transport in the Upper Yuba River watershed, California, 2001-03
Sediment transport in the upper Yuba River watershed, California, was evaluated from October 2001 through September 2003. This report presents results of a three-year study by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the California Ecosystem Restoration Program of the California Bay-Delta Authority and the California Resources Agency. Streamflow and suspended-sediment...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Lorraine Flint, Charles Alpers, Scott Wright, Noah P. Snyder
Conceptual model of sediment processes in the upper Yuba River watershed, Sierra Nevada, CA Conceptual model of sediment processes in the upper Yuba River watershed, Sierra Nevada, CA
This study examines the development of a conceptual model of sediment processes in the upper Yuba River watershed; and we hypothesize how components of the conceptual model may be spatially distributed using a geographical information system (GIS). The conceptual model illustrates key processes controlling sediment dynamics in the upper Yuba River watershed and was tested and revised...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, Lorraine Flint, Charles Alpers, S.M. Yarnell
Report on the May-June 2002 Englebright Lake deep coring campaign Report on the May-June 2002 Englebright Lake deep coring campaign
This report describes the May-June 2002 Englebright Lake coring project. Englebright Lake is a 14- km-long reservoir on the Yuba River of northern California, impounded by Englebright Dam, which was completed in 1940. The sediments were cored to assess the current conditions in the reservoir as part of the California Bay-Delta Authority?s Upper Yuba River Studies Program. Sediment was...
Authors
Noah P. Snyder, Charles Alpers, Lorraine Flint, Jennifer Curtins, Margaret Hampton, Brian Haskell, Dennis Nielson
Estimating accumulation rates and physical properties of sediment behind a dam: Englebright Lake, Yuba River, northern California Estimating accumulation rates and physical properties of sediment behind a dam: Englebright Lake, Yuba River, northern California
Studies of reservoir sedimentation are vital to understanding scientific and management issues related to watershed sediment budgets, depositional processes, reservoir operations, and dam decommissioning. Here we quantify the mass, organic content, and grain-size distribution of a reservoir deposit in northern California by two methods of extrapolating measurements of sediment physical...
Authors
Noah Snyder, David Rubin, Charles Alpers, Jonathan Childs, Jennifer Curtis, Lorraine Flint, Scott Wright
Geomorphic and hydrologic assessment of erosion hazards at the Norman municipal landfill, Canadian River floodplain, central Oklahoma Geomorphic and hydrologic assessment of erosion hazards at the Norman municipal landfill, Canadian River floodplain, central Oklahoma
The Norman, Oklahoma, municipal landfill closed in 1985 after 63 years of operation, because it was identified as a point source of hazardous leachate composed of organic and inorganic compounds. The landfill is located on the floodplain of the Canadian River, a sand-bed river characterized by erodible channel boundaries and by large variation in mean monthly discharges. In 1986...
Authors
Jennifer Curtis, John Whitney