How USGS gages are used in flood forecasting

Steven Sobieszczyk

doi:10.3133/fs20223076

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How USGS gages are used in flood forecasting

Steven Sobieszczyk

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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) operates an extensive nationwide network of stream, rain, and groundwater gages. These instruments are used to monitor how much water there is across the Nation at any given moment. Stream data are collected at streamgages every 15 minutes, transmitted to USGS servers, and updated online in real time. To improve awareness of current water conditions and possible flooding, stream data are combined with rain data collected at nearby USGS rain gages. The National Weather Service uses the USGS stream and rain data to forecast when flooding might occur and issue flood warnings.

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Steven Sobieszczyk. 2022-09-09. How USGS gages are used in flood forecasting. https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20223076

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