A survey of non-USGS continuous streamflow gaging networks in the Pacific Northwest

Journal of the American Water Resource Association (JAWRA)
By: , and 

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Abstract

Extensive streamflow data sources exist beyond the largest streamflow data provider in the United States, the U.S. Geological Survey. We developed and distributed a survey to about 300 individuals and organizations that collect streamflow data across the Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Oregon, Washington). We received 100 responses with 56% of those sufficiently complete to include in the analysis. From these responses, there are about 2000 streamflow monitoring locations in the region beyond the USGS monitoring network. The duration of record for gages is related to the size of the streamflow gaging network, with small and large networks generally operating monitoring locations for less than 5 years and more than 10 years, respectively. Quality assurance and quality control are variable across organizations, with 41% of respondents having at least two review steps and 13% that audit their data for long-term consistency. Results of this survey begin to establish the differing capabilities of large and small stream gaging networks and highlight how supporting the overall quality streamflow data collection and management within the water resources community will improve our ability to harmonize these datasets in the future.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title A survey of non-USGS continuous streamflow gaging networks in the Pacific Northwest
Series title Journal of the American Water Resource Association (JAWRA)
DOI 10.1111/1752-1688.13149
Volume 59
Issue 6
Publication Date August 11, 2023
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Northwest Pacific Islands Regional Director's Office
Description 8 p.
First page 1211
Last page 1218
Country United States
State Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
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