As Hydrography Data Acquisition Lead (HDAL) Sue Buto oversees planning and implementation of hydrography data acquisition for the emerging 3D Hydrography Program. Sue has worked for the USGS since 2001, working for both the Nevada and Utah Water Science Centers before moving to the National Geospatial Program as the HDAL and as acting Elevation Data Acquisition Lead.
Education and Certifications
Associate of Applied Science in Geographic Information Systems, Western Nevada College, 2003
Master of Science, Mineral Engineering, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 1995
Bachelor of Science, Geological Engineering, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 1987
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Water Resources Association
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Honors and Awards
Environmental Protection Agency Silver Medal for Superior Service
Science and Products
SPARROW model input datasets and predictions of total dissolved loads in streams of the Upper Colorado River Basin watershed
This data release contains bootstrap values of mean-annual total dissolved solids (TDS) loads predicted by a SPARROW model for individual stream reaches in the Upper Colorado River Basin watershed in the predict.txt file. Also included are the input variables required to execute the model, including dissolved solids sources, landscape characteristics, and calibration data from water quality monito
Evapotranspiration Units, Groundwater Discharge Area, and 2007-2008 Summer Mean Vegetation Index for Tule Valley and part of Sevier Valley, Utah
This USGS data release consists of three data sets used as the basis for estimates of groundwater discharge from evapotranspiration in Tule Valley and part of Sevier Valley, UT. The data sets are a mapped groundwater discharge area (GDA), a mean modified soil adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI), and evapotranspiration (ET) units derived from the MSAVI within the GDA. The GDA represents the area with
Geospatial Data to Support Estimates of Annual Groundwater Discharge by Evapotranspiration from Areas of Spring-Fed Riparian Vegetation, Stump Spring and Hiko Springs, Clark County, Nevada
This USGS data release, supporting USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2020-5075, Estimates of Groundwater Discharge by Evapotranspiration, Stump Spring and Hiko Springs, Clark County, Southern Nevada, 2016-18, consists of five datasets - Normalized Difference Vegetation Indexes (NDVI) and a mapped groundwater discharge areas (GDA) for two spring areas, and a two-class land cover classification
Supplemental Evapotranspiration Gap-filled Datasets from Stump Spring and Hiko Springs, Clark County, Nevada, 2016-18
This USGS data release represents supplemental tabular data for an annual groundwater discharge by evapotranspiration (ET) from areas of spring-fed riparian vegetation, Stump Spring and Hiko Springs, Clark County, Nevada, 2016-18. The raw ET dataset contained multiple data gaps that were simulated and gap-filled with the water-level model utility in SeriesSEE, a USGS developed Microsoft Excel addi
12-digit hydrologic unit outlet (pour) points for the NHDPlus V2.1 WBD snapshot
This USGS data release consists of three datasets representing three derived outlets or "pour points" for each 12-digit hydrologic unit (HU12) in the Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) snapshot delivered with NHDPlus V2.1. The three related pour point locations, each delivered in a stand-alone dataset, are: "from" (fpp) and "to" (tpp) points that identify the location w
Catchment-flowline network and selected model inputs for an enhanced and updated spatially referenced statistical assessment of dissolved-solids load sources and transport in streams of the Upper Colorado River Basin
This USGS data release consists of the synthetic stream network and associated catchments used to develop spatially referenced regressions on watershed attributes (SPARROW) model of dissolved-solids sources and transport in the Upper Colorado River Basin as well as geology and selected Basin Characterization Model (BCM) data used as input to the model.
Go to View Manage Groundwater-level and groundwater-level change contours for the Lahontan Valley shallow aquifer near Fallon, Nevada, 2012
This USGS data release consists of two geospatial datasets. One dataset contains contours representing water levels based on depth-to-groundwater measurements made at 98 wells in July of 2012 in the Lahontan Valley near Fallon, NV. The second dataset contains contours representing water level change in the shallow aquifer in Lahontan Valley from 1992 - 2012 based on depth-to-groundwater measureme
Regional potentiometric-surface map of the Great Basin carbonate and alluvial aquifer system in Snake Valley and surrounding areas, Juab, Millard, and Beaver Counties, Utah, and White Pine and Lincoln Counties, Nevada
Water-level measurements from 190 wells were used to develop a potentiometric-surface map of the east-central portion of the regional Great Basin carbonate and alluvial aquifer system in and around Snake Valley, eastern Nevada and western Utah. The map area covers approximately 9,000 square miles in Juab, Millard, and Beaver Counties, Utah, and White Pine and Lincoln Counties, Nevada. Recent (2007
Filter Total Items: 21
Estimates of groundwater discharge by evapotranspiration, Stump Spring and Hiko Springs, Clark County, southern Nevada, 2016–18
This report documents methodology and results of a study that estimated groundwater discharge by evapotranspiration (GWET) from phreatophytic vegetation in two desert riparian areas with ephemeral spring discharge in Clark County, southern Nevada. The phreatophytes consisted primarily of western honey mesquite [Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana (L.D. Benson) M.C. Johnst.] at Stump Spring and mixe
Hydrogeologic and geochemical characterization of groundwater resources in Pine and Wah Wah Valleys, Iron, Beaver, and Millard Counties, Utah
Pine and Wah Wah Valleys are neighboring structural basins that encompass about 1,330 square miles in Beaver, Iron, and Millard Counties in Utah, approximately 50 miles northwest of Cedar City, Utah, and 50 miles southeast of Baker, Nevada. Perennial streamflow is limited and only exists in higher-altitude reaches of small mountain streams in both basins. Groundwater is in unconsolidated basin-fil
NHDPlus High Resolution (NHDPlus HR)---A hydrography framework for the Nation
Reliable and accurate high-resolution mapping of the Nation’s waters are critical inputs to models and decision support systems used to predict risk and enable response to impacts on water resources. It is necessary to know where the water is and how it relates to features beyond the stream network like forests, cities, and infrastructure. An up-to-date, high-resolution national hydrography framew
Managing salinity in Upper Colorado River Basin streams: Selecting catchments for sediment control efforts using watershed characteristics and random forests models
Elevated concentrations of dissolved-solids (salinity) including calcium, sodium, sulfate, and chloride, among others, in the Colorado River cause substantial problems for its water users. Previous efforts to reduce dissolved solids in upper Colorado River basin (UCRB) streams often focused on reducing suspended-sediment transport to streams, but few studies have investigated the relationship betw
Enhanced and updated spatially referenced statistical assessment of dissolved-solids load sources and transport in streams of the Upper Colorado River Basin
Approximately 6.4 million tons of dissolved solids are discharged from the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) to the Lower Colorado River Basin each year. This results in substantial economic damages, and tens of millions of dollars are spent annually on salinity control projects designed to reduce salinity loads in surface waters of the UCRB. Dissolved solids in surface water and groundwater have
Groundwater-level change and evaluation of simulated water levels for irrigated areas in Lahontan Valley, Churchill County, west-central Nevada, 1992 to 2012
The acquisition and transfer of water rights to wetland areas of Lahontan Valley, Nevada, has caused concern over the potential effects on shallow aquifer water levels. In 1992, water levels in Lahontan Valley were measured to construct a water-table map of the shallow aquifer prior to the effects of water-right transfers mandated by the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribal Settlement Act of 1990 (Public
Budgets and chemical characterization of groundwater for the Diamond Valley flow system, central Nevada, 2011–12
The Diamond Valley flow system consists of six hydraulically connected hydrographic areas in central Nevada. The general down-gradient order of the areas are southern and northern Monitor Valleys, Antelope Valley, Kobeh Valley, Stevens Basin, and Diamond Valley. Groundwater flow in the Diamond Valley flow system terminates at a large playa in the northern part of Diamond Valley. Concerns relating
The importance of base flow in sustaining surface water flow in the Upper Colorado River Basin
The Colorado River has been identified as the most overallocated river in the world. Considering predicted future imbalances between water supply and demand and the growing recognition that base flow (a proxy for groundwater discharge to streams) is critical for sustaining flow in streams and rivers, there is a need to develop methods to better quantify present-day base flow across large regions.
Steady-state numerical groundwater flow model of the Great Basin carbonate and alluvial aquifer system
This report describes the construction, calibration, evaluation, and results of a steady-state numerical groundwater flow model of the Great Basin carbonate and alluvial aquifer system that was developed as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Census Initiative to evaluate the nation’s groundwater availability. The study area spans 110,000 square miles across five states. The numerica
Groundwater discharge by evapotranspiration, Dixie Valley, west-central Nevada, March 2009-September 2011
With increasing population growth and land-use change, urban communities in the desert Southwest are progressively looking toward remote basins to supplement existing water supplies. Pending applications by Churchill County for groundwater appropriations from Dixie Valley, Nevada, a primarily undeveloped basin east of the Carson Desert, have prompted a reevaluation of the quantity of naturally dis
Development of a regionally consistent geospatial dataset of agricultural lands in the Upper Colorado River Basin, 2007-10
Irrigation in arid environments can alter the natural rate at which salts are dissolved and transported to streams. Irrigated agricultural lands are the major anthropogenic source of dissolved solids in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB). Understanding the location, spatial distribution, and irrigation status of agricultural lands and the method used to deliver water to agricultural lands are i
Analysis of annual dissolved-solids loading from selected natural and irrigated catchments in the Upper Colorado River Basin, 1974-2003
Dissolved-solids loading from 17 natural catchments and 14 irrigated catchments in the Upper Colorado River Basin was examined for the period from 1974 through 2003. In general, dissolved-solids loading increased and decreased concurrently in natural and irrigated catchments but at different magnitudes. Annually, the magnitude of loading in natural catchments changed about 10 percent more, on aver
Science and Products
- Data
SPARROW model input datasets and predictions of total dissolved loads in streams of the Upper Colorado River Basin watershed
This data release contains bootstrap values of mean-annual total dissolved solids (TDS) loads predicted by a SPARROW model for individual stream reaches in the Upper Colorado River Basin watershed in the predict.txt file. Also included are the input variables required to execute the model, including dissolved solids sources, landscape characteristics, and calibration data from water quality monitoEvapotranspiration Units, Groundwater Discharge Area, and 2007-2008 Summer Mean Vegetation Index for Tule Valley and part of Sevier Valley, Utah
This USGS data release consists of three data sets used as the basis for estimates of groundwater discharge from evapotranspiration in Tule Valley and part of Sevier Valley, UT. The data sets are a mapped groundwater discharge area (GDA), a mean modified soil adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI), and evapotranspiration (ET) units derived from the MSAVI within the GDA. The GDA represents the area withGeospatial Data to Support Estimates of Annual Groundwater Discharge by Evapotranspiration from Areas of Spring-Fed Riparian Vegetation, Stump Spring and Hiko Springs, Clark County, Nevada
This USGS data release, supporting USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2020-5075, Estimates of Groundwater Discharge by Evapotranspiration, Stump Spring and Hiko Springs, Clark County, Southern Nevada, 2016-18, consists of five datasets - Normalized Difference Vegetation Indexes (NDVI) and a mapped groundwater discharge areas (GDA) for two spring areas, and a two-class land cover classificationSupplemental Evapotranspiration Gap-filled Datasets from Stump Spring and Hiko Springs, Clark County, Nevada, 2016-18
This USGS data release represents supplemental tabular data for an annual groundwater discharge by evapotranspiration (ET) from areas of spring-fed riparian vegetation, Stump Spring and Hiko Springs, Clark County, Nevada, 2016-18. The raw ET dataset contained multiple data gaps that were simulated and gap-filled with the water-level model utility in SeriesSEE, a USGS developed Microsoft Excel addi12-digit hydrologic unit outlet (pour) points for the NHDPlus V2.1 WBD snapshot
This USGS data release consists of three datasets representing three derived outlets or "pour points" for each 12-digit hydrologic unit (HU12) in the Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) snapshot delivered with NHDPlus V2.1. The three related pour point locations, each delivered in a stand-alone dataset, are: "from" (fpp) and "to" (tpp) points that identify the location wCatchment-flowline network and selected model inputs for an enhanced and updated spatially referenced statistical assessment of dissolved-solids load sources and transport in streams of the Upper Colorado River Basin
This USGS data release consists of the synthetic stream network and associated catchments used to develop spatially referenced regressions on watershed attributes (SPARROW) model of dissolved-solids sources and transport in the Upper Colorado River Basin as well as geology and selected Basin Characterization Model (BCM) data used as input to the model.Go to View Manage Groundwater-level and groundwater-level change contours for the Lahontan Valley shallow aquifer near Fallon, Nevada, 2012
This USGS data release consists of two geospatial datasets. One dataset contains contours representing water levels based on depth-to-groundwater measurements made at 98 wells in July of 2012 in the Lahontan Valley near Fallon, NV. The second dataset contains contours representing water level change in the shallow aquifer in Lahontan Valley from 1992 - 2012 based on depth-to-groundwater measureme - Maps
Regional potentiometric-surface map of the Great Basin carbonate and alluvial aquifer system in Snake Valley and surrounding areas, Juab, Millard, and Beaver Counties, Utah, and White Pine and Lincoln Counties, Nevada
Water-level measurements from 190 wells were used to develop a potentiometric-surface map of the east-central portion of the regional Great Basin carbonate and alluvial aquifer system in and around Snake Valley, eastern Nevada and western Utah. The map area covers approximately 9,000 square miles in Juab, Millard, and Beaver Counties, Utah, and White Pine and Lincoln Counties, Nevada. Recent (2007 - Publications
Filter Total Items: 21
Estimates of groundwater discharge by evapotranspiration, Stump Spring and Hiko Springs, Clark County, southern Nevada, 2016–18
This report documents methodology and results of a study that estimated groundwater discharge by evapotranspiration (GWET) from phreatophytic vegetation in two desert riparian areas with ephemeral spring discharge in Clark County, southern Nevada. The phreatophytes consisted primarily of western honey mesquite [Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana (L.D. Benson) M.C. Johnst.] at Stump Spring and mixeHydrogeologic and geochemical characterization of groundwater resources in Pine and Wah Wah Valleys, Iron, Beaver, and Millard Counties, Utah
Pine and Wah Wah Valleys are neighboring structural basins that encompass about 1,330 square miles in Beaver, Iron, and Millard Counties in Utah, approximately 50 miles northwest of Cedar City, Utah, and 50 miles southeast of Baker, Nevada. Perennial streamflow is limited and only exists in higher-altitude reaches of small mountain streams in both basins. Groundwater is in unconsolidated basin-filNHDPlus High Resolution (NHDPlus HR)---A hydrography framework for the Nation
Reliable and accurate high-resolution mapping of the Nation’s waters are critical inputs to models and decision support systems used to predict risk and enable response to impacts on water resources. It is necessary to know where the water is and how it relates to features beyond the stream network like forests, cities, and infrastructure. An up-to-date, high-resolution national hydrography framewManaging salinity in Upper Colorado River Basin streams: Selecting catchments for sediment control efforts using watershed characteristics and random forests models
Elevated concentrations of dissolved-solids (salinity) including calcium, sodium, sulfate, and chloride, among others, in the Colorado River cause substantial problems for its water users. Previous efforts to reduce dissolved solids in upper Colorado River basin (UCRB) streams often focused on reducing suspended-sediment transport to streams, but few studies have investigated the relationship betwEnhanced and updated spatially referenced statistical assessment of dissolved-solids load sources and transport in streams of the Upper Colorado River Basin
Approximately 6.4 million tons of dissolved solids are discharged from the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) to the Lower Colorado River Basin each year. This results in substantial economic damages, and tens of millions of dollars are spent annually on salinity control projects designed to reduce salinity loads in surface waters of the UCRB. Dissolved solids in surface water and groundwater haveGroundwater-level change and evaluation of simulated water levels for irrigated areas in Lahontan Valley, Churchill County, west-central Nevada, 1992 to 2012
The acquisition and transfer of water rights to wetland areas of Lahontan Valley, Nevada, has caused concern over the potential effects on shallow aquifer water levels. In 1992, water levels in Lahontan Valley were measured to construct a water-table map of the shallow aquifer prior to the effects of water-right transfers mandated by the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribal Settlement Act of 1990 (PublicBudgets and chemical characterization of groundwater for the Diamond Valley flow system, central Nevada, 2011–12
The Diamond Valley flow system consists of six hydraulically connected hydrographic areas in central Nevada. The general down-gradient order of the areas are southern and northern Monitor Valleys, Antelope Valley, Kobeh Valley, Stevens Basin, and Diamond Valley. Groundwater flow in the Diamond Valley flow system terminates at a large playa in the northern part of Diamond Valley. Concerns relatingThe importance of base flow in sustaining surface water flow in the Upper Colorado River Basin
The Colorado River has been identified as the most overallocated river in the world. Considering predicted future imbalances between water supply and demand and the growing recognition that base flow (a proxy for groundwater discharge to streams) is critical for sustaining flow in streams and rivers, there is a need to develop methods to better quantify present-day base flow across large regions.Steady-state numerical groundwater flow model of the Great Basin carbonate and alluvial aquifer system
This report describes the construction, calibration, evaluation, and results of a steady-state numerical groundwater flow model of the Great Basin carbonate and alluvial aquifer system that was developed as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Census Initiative to evaluate the nation’s groundwater availability. The study area spans 110,000 square miles across five states. The numericaGroundwater discharge by evapotranspiration, Dixie Valley, west-central Nevada, March 2009-September 2011
With increasing population growth and land-use change, urban communities in the desert Southwest are progressively looking toward remote basins to supplement existing water supplies. Pending applications by Churchill County for groundwater appropriations from Dixie Valley, Nevada, a primarily undeveloped basin east of the Carson Desert, have prompted a reevaluation of the quantity of naturally disDevelopment of a regionally consistent geospatial dataset of agricultural lands in the Upper Colorado River Basin, 2007-10
Irrigation in arid environments can alter the natural rate at which salts are dissolved and transported to streams. Irrigated agricultural lands are the major anthropogenic source of dissolved solids in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB). Understanding the location, spatial distribution, and irrigation status of agricultural lands and the method used to deliver water to agricultural lands are iAnalysis of annual dissolved-solids loading from selected natural and irrigated catchments in the Upper Colorado River Basin, 1974-2003
Dissolved-solids loading from 17 natural catchments and 14 irrigated catchments in the Upper Colorado River Basin was examined for the period from 1974 through 2003. In general, dissolved-solids loading increased and decreased concurrently in natural and irrigated catchments but at different magnitudes. Annually, the magnitude of loading in natural catchments changed about 10 percent more, on aver - News
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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