Unified Interior Regions
Washington
Washington's Puget Sound is a complex ecosystem directly adjacent to a robust metropolitan area that scientists from the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center study. Recent surveys have looked at juvenile surf smelt, a key link in the food web that are consumed by predators such as salmon, orca, and many marine birds.
Western Fisheries Research Center
Research at the WFRC focuses on the environmental factors responsible for the creation, maintenance, and regulation of fish populations including their interactions in aquatic communities and ecosystems.
Go to CenterWashington Water Science Center
The Water Science Center's mission is to collect, analyze and disseminate the impartial hydrologic data and information needed to wisely manage water resources for the people of the United States and the State of Washington.
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Three-dimensional behavior and passage of juvenile salmonids at The Dalles Dam, 2004
Abstract not available
Cash, K.M; Faber, D.M; Hatton, T.W; Jones, E.C.; Magie, R.J.; Swyers, N.M.; Burns, R.K.; Sholtis, M.D; Zimmerman, S.A.; Hughes, J.S.; Gilbride, T.L.; Adams, N.S.; Rondorf, D.W.Two alternative juvenile life history types for fall Chinook salmon in the Snake River basin
Fall Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Snake River basin were listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1992. At the time of listing, it was assumed that fall Chinook salmon juveniles in the Snake River basin adhered strictly to an ocean-type life history characterized by saltwater entry at age 0 and first-year wintering in the ocean...
Connor, W.P.; Sneva, J.G.; Tiffan, K.F.; Steinhorst, R.K.; Ross, D.Wind River Watershed Project: flow, temperature, and habitat conditions. Annual report April 2002-March 2003
Abstract not available
Jezorek, I.G.; Connolly, P.J.; Marens, K.Survival and migration behavior of juvenile salmonids at McNary Dam, 2004, Final report of research
During 2004, the USGS Columbia River Research Laboratory conducted a study at McNary Dam using radio telemetry to estimate passage and survival parameters of juvenile salmonids. Our primary objective was to estimate these parameters under ambient environmental and operational conditions, and thus project-wide treatments were not implemented. The...
Perry, Russell W.; Braatz, Amy C.; Fielding, Scott D.; Lucchesi, Joel N.; Plumb, John M.; Adams, Noah S.; Rondorf, Dennis W.Conceptual model and numerical simulation of the ground-water-flow system in the unconsolidated deposits of the Colville River Watershed, Stevens County, Washington
Increased use of ground- and surface-water supplies in watersheds of Washington State in recent years has created concern that insufficient instream flows remain for fish and other uses. Issuance of new ground-water rights in the Colville River Watershed was halted by the Washington Department of Ecology due to possible hydraulic continuity of the...
Ely, D. Matthew; Kahle, Sue C.Pesticides detected in urban streams in King County, Washington, 1998-2003
The U.S. Geological Survey and the King County Department of Natural Resources collected water samples from 14 sites on urban streams in King County during storms and during base flow between 1998 and 2003. The samples were analyzed for the presence of 155 pesticides and pesticide transformation products. Thirty-nine of the compounds were...
Frans, Lonna M.Water resources of the Tulalip Indian Reservation and adjacent area, Snohomish County, Washington, 2001-03
This study was undertaken to improve the understanding of water resources of the Tulalip Plateau area, with a primary emphasis on the Tulalip Indian Reservation, in order to address concerns of the Tulalip Tribes about the effects of current and future development, both on and off the Reservation, on their water resources. The drinking-water...
Frans, Lonna M.; Kresch, David L.Ground-Water System in the Chimacum Creek Basin and Surface Water/Ground Water Interaction in Chimacum and Tarboo Creeks and the Big and Little Quilcene Rivers, Eastern Jefferson County, Washington
A detailed study of the ground-water system in the unconsolidated glacial deposits in the Chimacum Creek Basin and the interactions between surface water and ground water in four main drainage basins was conducted in eastern Jefferson County, Washington. The study will assist local watershed planners in assessing the status of the water resources...
Simonds, F. William; Longpre, Claire I.; Justin, Greg B.Sources of mercury in sediments, water, and fish of the lakes of Whatcom County, Washington
Concerns about mercury (Hg) contamination in Lake Whatcom, Washington, were raised in the late 1990s after a watershed protection survey reported elevated concentrations of Hg in smallmouth bass. The U.S. Geological Survey, the Whatcom County Health Department, and the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) cooperated to develop a study...
Paulson, Anthony J.Water, ice, and meteorological measurements at South Cascade Glacier, Washington, balance year 2002
Winter snow accumulation and summer snow and ice ablation were measured at South Cascade Glacier, Washington, to estimate glacier mass balance quantities for balance year 2002. The 2002 glacier-average maximum winter snow balance was 4.02 meters, the second largest since 1959. The 2002 glacier summer, net, and annual (water year) balances were -3....
Bidlake, William R.; Josberger, Edward G.; Savoca, Mark E.Assessment of smolt condition: Biological and environmental interactions -- The impact of prey and predators on juvenile salmonids
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has funded the Assessment of Smolt Condition project since 1987. During that time the project changed frequently to meet the information needs of fish managers by conducting studies throughout the Columbia River basin. Past research has examined the influence of smolt physiological development and health...
Sauter, Sally T.; Schrock, Robin M.; Petersen, James H.; Maule, Alec G.Estimated Domestic, Irrigation, and Industrial Water Use in Washington, 2000
Since 1950, the U.S. Geological Survey has published a series of Circulars and other reports on the estimated use of water in the United States at 5-year intervals. This report presents State, regional, and county estimates of the amount of water used for domestic, irrigation, and industrial purposes in the State of Washington during the year 2000...
Lane, R.C.J1 West Transect – 2013
Permanent Site: J1 West Transect; Depth: 9.3 Meters (30.5 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 6.6 Kilometers (4.1 Miles) east; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.13607725,-123.48002186; Site Description: This site is medium depth. Substrates has remained mainly a gravel/sand mixture. Seaweed density is still greatly decreased. Five species of brown
GP1 West Transect – 2013
Permanent Control Site: GP1 West Transect; Depth: 7.7 Meters (25.3 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 19.0 Kilometers (11.8 Miles) east; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.11852521,-123.31605203; Site Description: This site was established as the eastern control. Depth is medium-shallow. Substrate is mainly a gravel/sand/cobble mixture surrounding
GP2 West Transect – 2013
Permanent Control Site: GP2 West Transect; Depth: 12.3 Meters (40.4 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 18.8 Kilometers (11.6 Miles) east; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.12781102,-123.31712832; Site Description: This site was established as the eastern control. Substrate is mainly a gravel/sand/cobble mixture surrounding boulders. Red, green and
4SP1 East Transect – 2013
Permanent Site: 4SP1 - East Transect; Depth: 5.9 Meters (19.3 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 0.8 Kilometers (0.5 Miles) East; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.15257, -123.556704; Site Description: The former gravel/cobble substrate has been completely buried in sand. No live seaweeds are present. Only the bare stalks from the perennial kelp
E2 East Transect – 2013
Permanent Site: E2 East Transect; Depth: 14.9 Meters (48.8 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 0.9 Kilometers (0.5 Miles) east; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.15653002,-123.56130401; Site Description: This is one of our deeper sites. Substrate is mainly gravel/cobble with an occasional boulder. Seaweed is absent. Featherduster tubes worms (
D1 East Transect – 2013
Permanent Site: D1 East Transect; Depth: 1.5 Meters (5 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 0.2 Kilometers (0.1 Miles); Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.15115998,-123.56734404; Site Description: This site is right off the mouth of the river and is actively being buried. This was the last year the site could be scuba surveyed. The depth on this
D1 West Transect – 2013
Permanent Site: D1 West Transect; Depth: 5.9 Meters (19.5 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 0.2 Kilometers (0.1 Miles); Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.15115998,-123.56801602; Site Description: This site is right off the mouth of the river and is actively being buried. This was the last year the site could be scuba surveyed. Depth on this
C2 East Transect – 2013
Permanent Site: C2 East Transect; Depth: 15.9 Meters (Feet 52.2); Distance from river mouth: 0.7 Kilometers (0.4 Miles); Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.147841,-123.57596074; Site Description: One of our deepest sites. Substrate is all muddy sand. Seaweed is absent. Featherduster tubeworms, mainly Eudistylia vancouveri (0:35 seconds) and
4SP1 West Transect – 2013
Permanent Site: 4SP1 - West Transect; Depth: 6.2 Meters (20.5 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 0.8 Kilometers (0.5 Miles) East; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.15257, -123.557376; Site Description: The former gravel/cobble substrate has almost been completely buried in sand. Between 0:29 – 0:37 seconds a small section of the former gravel/
E2 West Transect – 2013
Permanent Site: E2 West Transect; Depth: 14.8 Meters (48.4 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 0.9 Kilometers (0.5 Miles) east; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.15653002, -123.56197605; Site Description: This is one of our deeper sites. Substrate is mainly gravel/cobble with scattered boulders. Seaweed is absent. The one frond seen on video at 0:
C2 West Transect – 2013
Permanent Site: C2 West Transect; Depth: 16.8 Meters (Feet 55.1); Distance from river mouth: 0.7 Kilometers (0.5 Miles); Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.147841,-123.57663268; Site Description: One of our deepest sites. Substrate is all muddy sand. Seaweed is absent. Featherduster tubeworms, mainly Eudistylia vancouveri (1:13, 1:29, 1:40 seconds
A1 West Transect – 2013
Permanent Site: A1 West Transect; Depth: 8.5 Meters (28.0 Feet); Distance from river mouth: 1.9 Kilometers (1.2 Miles) West; Pre/Post Dam Removal: 2 years post-dam removal; Lat/Long: 48.13870775, -123.586203; Site Description: Transect is in eastern part of Freshwater Bay. Sediment is primarily sand/sandy mud with patches of boulders. Seaweeds are absent this year. Feather
Advanced seismic monitoring, long term research, a commitment to hazard preparedness and mitigation and some good luck all played a role in ensuring that yesterday’s earthquake near Seattle was not more devastating.
Advanced seismic monitoring, long term research, a commitment to hazard preparedness and mitigation and some good luck all played a role in ensuring that yesterday’s earthquake near Seattle was not more devastating.
A minor aftershock struck the Seattle area early Thursday morning, March 1, 2001. The aftershock, which struck at 1:10 a.m. local time, had a preliminary magnitude of 3.4 and was felt throughout the Seattle-Tacoma-Olympia area.
A minor aftershock struck the Seattle area early Thursday morning, March 1, 2001. The aftershock, which struck at 1:10 a.m. local time, had a preliminary magnitude of 3.4 and was felt throughout the Seattle-Tacoma-Olympia area.
A strong earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, struck near Olympia, Washington, south of Seattle, at 10:55 a.m. PST on February 28, 2001, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
A strong earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, struck near Olympia, Washington, south of Seattle, at 10:55 a.m. PST on February 28, 2001, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
Metal concentrations were found to be elevated in riverbed sediments and fish tissue samples at sites downstream from significant natural mineral sources associated with hard-rock mining activities in the Clark Fork and Spokane River basins, according to scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department of the Interior.
Metal concentrations were found to be elevated in riverbed sediments and fish tissue samples at sites downstream from significant natural mineral sources associated with hard-rock mining activities in the Clark Fork and Spokane River basins, according to scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department of the Interior.
Twenty years ago this month, Mount St. Helens in southern Washington State was building up energy for the cataclysmic eruption that occurred on May 18, 1980.
Harold L. James, longtime geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and a former Chief Geologist, died April 2 in Bellingham, Washington. He was 87.
Biologists updating 1994 studies of contaminants in upper Columbia River fish--including Lake Roosevelt--have found either decreases or no change in levels of mercury, dioxins and furans, and PCBs, according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey.
On January 26, 1700, the largest earthquake known to have occurred in the "lower 48" United States, rocked Cascadia, a region 600 miles long that includes northern California, Oregon, Washington, and southern British Columbia.
Western Fisheries Research Center
Research at the WFRC focuses on the environmental factors responsible for the creation, maintenance, and regulation of fish populations including their interactions in aquatic communities and ecosystems.
Go to CenterWashington Water Science Center
The Water Science Center's mission is to collect, analyze and disseminate the impartial hydrologic data and information needed to wisely manage water resources for the people of the United States and the State of Washington.
Go to Center