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-  California Water Science Center 
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# Hydrologic Extremes

## The effects of drought

### Lake Shasta in Northern California showing low water levels during a recent drought.

More about drought in California

## Monitoring rivers and streams during high-water events

###  The Consumes River, near Sacramento, experienced record streamflow over the 2022 New Year's holiday weekend as an atmospheric river moved through northern California. 

See gage data on the USGS Water Dashboard

## The aftermath of wildfire

### Wildfires reduce the forest canopy, exposing snowpack to direct sunlight. This increases the rate of snowmelt and evaporation, impacting runoff and groundwater replenishment.

Explore wildfire data

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Water is essential for all life on Earth, but too much water – or too little – can cause big problems. The USGS California Water Science Center studies a wide range of water-related hazards, from large storms and flooding to drought and post-wildfire runoff and helps communities plan for and respond to water-related emergencies.

Explore other science themes and topics

### Drought

The USGS closely monitors the effects of drought through data collection and research, supporting successful planning and science-based decision-making by water managers who must address complex issues and competing interests in times of drought.

Drought science >>

### Floods

The USGS maintains a network of nearly 500 streamgages in California that delivers a continuous source of streamflow data. When water levels change rapidly, or reach flood-stage levels, flood-warning alerts are issued help emergency managers assess potentially hazardous conditions.

Flood science >>

### Wildfires

Wildfires pose considerable risks to water quality & quantity, which in turn affect water supplies, fisheries, & aquatic habitats. The USGS studies the effects past, current, & future wildfires have upon California's water resources.

Wildfire science >>

## Browse Topics

Drought

Floods

Wildfires

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October 25, 2023

####                 Drought in California              

California Water Science Center, Land Subsidence in California

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October 25, 2023

####   Drought in California

Learn More

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October 25, 2023

####                 Floods in California              

California Water Science Center

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October 25, 2023

####   Floods in California

Learn More

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October 25, 2023

####                 Wildfires in California              

California Water Science Center, Wildland Fire Science

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October 25, 2023

####   Wildfires in California

Learn More

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March 8, 2023

####                 Emergency Drought Barrier’s Impacts on cyanoHABs and Water Quality              

California Water Science Center

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March 8, 2023

####   Emergency Drought Barrier’s Impacts on cyanoHABs and Water Quality

Learn More

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December 16, 2022

####                 Salinas Valley Operational Model: Interlake Tunnel and San Antonio Spillway Modification Project              

California Water Science Center

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December 16, 2022

####   Salinas Valley Operational Model: Interlake Tunnel and San Antonio Spillway Modification Project

Learn More

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September 9, 2020

####                 Soil moisture datasets at five sites in the central Sierra Nevada and northern Coast Ranges, California              

California Water Science Center

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September 9, 2020

####   Soil moisture datasets at five sites in the central Sierra Nevada and northern Coast Ranges, California

Learn More

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June 17, 2019

####                 Researching Climate Conditions for CAL FIRE Wildfire Restoration Efforts              

California Water Science Center

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June 17, 2019

####   Researching Climate Conditions for CAL FIRE Wildfire Restoration Efforts

Learn More

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June 12, 2019

####                 Basin Characterization Model - Simulating Effects of Iowa Soil Management on Water Availability              

California Water Science Center

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June 12, 2019

####   Basin Characterization Model - Simulating Effects of Iowa Soil Management on Water Availability

Learn More

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June 11, 2019

####                 Characterizing the Influence of Fire on Hydrology in Southern California              

California Water Science Center

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June 11, 2019

####   Characterizing the Influence of Fire on Hydrology in Southern California

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February 4, 2019

####                 Estimates of soil water deficit during California drought, January 1, 2014: U.S. Geological Survey Data Release              

California Water Science Center

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February 4, 2019

####   Estimates of soil water deficit during California drought, January 1, 2014: U.S. Geological Survey Data Release

Learn More

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February 1, 2019

####                 Characterization of Hydrologic Conditions for Species Distributions Along Environmental Gradients              

California Water Science Center

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February 1, 2019

####   Characterization of Hydrologic Conditions for Species Distributions Along Environmental Gradients

Learn More

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January 31, 2019

####                 Climate and Natural Resources Analysis and Planning for California's Northern Coast              

California Water Science Center

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January 31, 2019

####   Climate and Natural Resources Analysis and Planning for California's Northern Coast

Learn More

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