Watersheds
This indicator reports the top largest watersheds (by area) and the total acreage of the watershed within the report area. Watersehds are delineated by the US Geoglogical Survey (USGS) using 10-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) used to identify hydrologic areas. Data comes from the Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and is a comprehensive aggregated collection of hydrologic unit data consistent with the national criteria for delineation and resolution.
Note: The results are based on the amount of acres of overlap within each geography and not total acres in the watershed.
Source
Source Description
The National Map (TNM) Download Application by the United States Geological Survey is built on modern web technologies and features a simplified approach to downloading products from The National Map.
Users may establish an Area of Interest by zooming/panning in the map, drawing a box, dropping a point, or selecting a polygon.
One or more datasets may be selected with desired product extents and formats. Preview and Availability layers are provided for datasets to help visualize the content and availability of data.
Search results include the ability to show the footprint and thumbnail of one or more products, view metadata, directly download the data or add to a Cart. The Cart can be saved as a file for later use.
For questions or to provide feedback on this product, please contact USGS at: tnm_help@usgs.gov
Methodology
The Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) defines the areal extent of surface water drainage to a point except in coastal or lake front areas where there could be multiple outlets as stated by the “Federal Standards and Procedures for the National Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD)” “Standard” visit, EC-01-C1). Watershed boundaries are determined solely upon science-based hydrologic principles, not favoring any administrative boundaries or special projects, nor particular program or agency. This dataset represents the hydrologic unit boundaries to the 12-digit (6th level) for the entire United States. Some areas may also include additional subdivisions representing the 14- and 16-digit hydrologic unit (HU). The WBD complements the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and supports numerous programmatic missions and activities including: watershed management, rehabilitation and enhancement, aquatic species conservation strategies, flood plain management and flood prevention, water-quality initiatives and programs, dam safety programs, fire assessment and management, resource inventory and assessment, water data analysis and water census.
This indicator is available at the following subscription levels:
- Premium (currently viewing this indicator and report combination)