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News Release

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

 

Address
2617 E. Lincolnway, Suite B
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Release

September 30, 2002

Contact
Myron Brooks

Phone
(307) 778-2931
Fax
(307) 778-2764

USGS: Summer Runoff Does Little to Ease Drought

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) preliminary streamflow data show eight streamflow stations across Wyoming set new record lows for total annual runoff during the past water year. Total annual runoff is the volume of water that flows past the streamflow-gaging station in a years time.

"The total runoff for the last year ranged from less than 25 percent of average in the southeastern part of Wyoming to near average in the northwestern part of the state," noted Myron Brooks, USGS Hydrologist.

"Five of the stations setting record lows are located along the North Platte River in the southeastern part of the State," noted Brooks, "two are in the Big Horn Basin in central Wyoming, and one in the Green River Basin in southwestern Wyoming."

The upper parts of the Yellowstone and Wind River Basins in northwestern Wyoming faired better, where runoff at streamflow-gaging stations in those areas ranged from about 60 percent of average to near average.

Recent photographs of streams in Wyoming along with other information about drought conditions in the State are available at the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Wyoming Drought Watch. Visit the site at: http://wy.water.usgs.gov/projects/drought/.

Since 1895, the USGS has collected streamflow data, often in cooperation with other agencies, at more than 2,000 sites throughout Wyoming. About 150 streamflow data collection stations currently are in operation. Additional information, including current streamflow conditions in Wyoming, can be found by accessing the Water Resources of Wyoming on the World Wide Web at: http://wy.water.usgs.gov/ 

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. 


Data in this release are preliminary. Final data will be published in the yearly publication, WATER RESOURCES DATA, WYOMING

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