Baseflow Forecasts for Selected Sites in the United States

The Baseflow Forecast Web Tool allows you to access baseflow forecasts at thousands of locations across the Nation.

Even when there is no rain, water flow in streams is sustained by the slow release of groundwater. This component of the flow is called baseflow. Baseflow allows streams to continue to flow during dry periods, providing life-sustaining water for human uses, aquatic habitats, and riparian vegetation. 

The Baseflow Forecast Web Tool allows you to access baseflow forecasts at thousands of locations across the Nation. The tool assumes a “worst-case scenario” of persistent dry conditions and forecasts the lowest streamflow that is likely to be observed over the next 90 days. 

Resource managers may use the information provided by the tool to assess what will happen to streamflow if there is no precipitation for the next three months. Managers can then plan, communicate, and make decisions about water availability.