Kurtiss Schmidt | Geology Reports

USGS2021

Peak streamflow determinations in Nevada: A cooperative program with the USGS and Nevada Department of Transportation

Background Floods are one of the most costly and frequent natural disasters in Nevada. For example, the 1997 New Year’s flood has been estimated to have caused more than $1 billion in damage across northern Nevada (Truckee River Flood Management Authority, 2017). In 2014, more than 2 miles of Interstate 15 in southern Nevada was heavily damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Norbert combined with monsoonal rains (Sutko, 2015). Flooding in Nevada is highly variable in cause and the season of the year. Flooding can be caused by snowmelt, rain on snow, and flash flooding during thunderstorms. Peak streamflow estimates are critical for planning by government agencies; designation of flood zones; and design of infrastructure including culverts, bridges, and roadways. In order to provide accurate estimates of flood frequencies, long-term data collection of peak streamflows would be needed because the accuracy of estimates improves with longer datasets.

Nevada↗

USGS2013

Streamflow, groundwater, and water-quality monitoring by USGS Nevada Water Science Center

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has monitored and assessed the quantity and quality of our Nation's streams and aquifers since its inception in 1879. Today, the USGS provides hydrologic information to aid in the evaluation of the availability and suitability of water for public and domestic supply, agriculture, aquatic ecosystems, mining, and energy development. Although the USGS has no responsibility for the regulation of water resources, the USGS hydrologic data complement much of the data collected by state, county, and municipal agencies, tribal nations, U.S. District Court Water Masters, and other federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, which focuses on monitoring for regulatory compliance. The USGS continues its mission to provide timely and relevant water-resources data and information that are available to water-resource managers, non-profit organizations, industry, academia, and the public. Data collected by the USGS provide the science needed for informed decision-making related to resource management and restoration, assessment of flood and drought hazards, ecosystem health, and effects on water resources from land-use changes.

Nevada↗