Oregon Water Science Center
Welcome to the USGS in Oregon. Our mission is to explore the natural world around us and provide reliable scientific information to help Federal, State, and local agencies, Tribes, and the public make well-informed decisions. Our research is widely used to manage Oregon's water resources for the benefit and safety of people and the environment.
For updates please subscribe to our newsletter!
Live Stream Conditions
Live Stream Conditions
See what is happening in streams near you. View real-time stream data for streams around Oregon.
Relevant Information
Relevant Information
See what the USGS is doing locally.
News
New Data Release: base flow estimates for 471 Oregon stream and river locations
New Data Release: base flow estimates for 471 Oregon stream and river locations
Oregon Waters: Summer 2025
Oregon Waters: Summer 2025
Message from the Director
Message from the Director
Publications
Beaver dams and their effects on urban streams in the Tualatin River Basin, northwestern Oregon Beaver dams and their effects on urban streams in the Tualatin River Basin, northwestern Oregon
IntroductionIn response to growing interest in beaver-assisted restoration in the Tualatin River Basin of northwestern Oregon, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in partnership with Clean Water Services, collected data from 2016–17 and completed a series of studies to: (1) inventory known locations of beaver dams and activity in the Tualatin River Basin, (2) estimate the number of beaver...
Effects of beaver dams and ponds on water quality in urban streams of the Tualatin River Basin, northwestern Oregon Effects of beaver dams and ponds on water quality in urban streams of the Tualatin River Basin, northwestern Oregon
Significant FindingsAmerican beavers (Castor canadensis) are native to the Pacific Northwest, and their populations have increased in many locations after being nearly removed by historical trapping. Beaver dams have well-documented effects on water quality in forested streams, but their effects on water quality in urban streams have not been well characterized. The study documented the...
Effects of beaver dams and ponds on the transport and deposition of suspended sediment in urban streams of the Tualatin River Basin, northwestern Oregon Effects of beaver dams and ponds on the transport and deposition of suspended sediment in urban streams of the Tualatin River Basin, northwestern Oregon
Significant FindingsThis study investigated the effects of natural beaver dams and ponds on sediment transport and deposition in two urban beaver-affected reaches in the Tualatin River Basin, northwestern Oregon. Data were collected during 2016–17 from Fanno Creek at Greenway Park (between SW Hall Boulevard and SW Pearson Court) and Bronson Creek (between NW Laidlaw Road and NW Kaiser...
Science
Modeling distributions of native Western Pearlshell and Western Ridged Mussels in the Willamette River Basin, western Oregon
The U.S. Geological Survey is working with Tribal, federal, state, and non-profit partners to understand and predict where native Western Pearlshell and Western Ridged mussels are found in the Willamette River Basin. Freshwater mussels provide critical ecosystem services to people but are imperiled world-wide. Findings will support freshwater mussel management and conservation in the Willamette...
City Beavers: Tualatin River Basin Beaver Study
Beavers and their dams are common sights along creeks in the Tualatin River basin. Beaver help create diverse habitats for many other animals, including birds, fish, and amphibians. The USGS studying the affect beaver activity has on the amount and quality of water in local streams, so that agencies in the basin can make strategic management and habitat restoration decisions based on science.
The “Super Monitor”: Tracking Willamette River water quality in Portland
Nicknamed the ‘Super Monitor,’ this site has measured key water-quality values every 15 minutes since 2009.