News Release

U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey

Release: June 4, 2001

Contact:
John Clemens
253-428-3600, ext. 2635

Web site delivers on-line drought data

Washington residents can now check daily drought conditions through a new drought-information Web site created by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The new Web site shows daily and weekly river conditions on a map of the state. Color-coded dots on the map show which stations are above, at, or below normal flows. Clicking on one of the dots will display a more detailed report on river conditions for the selected stream-gaging station.

"In many areas of the state, river flows boosted by the rapidly melting snowpack are currently near normal," said Bob Kimbrough, USGS hydrologist in Tacoma. "However, flows will recede quickly once the sparse snowpack is gone. The new Web site gives you a good way to track these declining streamflows over the next several weeks."

Also on the new Web site are links to drought information such as drought definitions, drought and water-resources publications, and climate data.

The USGS Drought Watch page for Washington is at this URL: http://wa.water.usgs.gov/news/drought/

The USGS operates the most extensive streamflow monitoring network in Washington, with about 180 satellite-linked stations throughout the state. These stream-gaging stations deliver real-time river data under all kinds of weather conditions. They also form the backbone of local flood warning systems.

The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

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