USGS Nebraska Water Science Center Science Highlights

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Scientists from the USGS Nebraska Water Science Center currently are working on the projects listed below. A summary of the project is available by clicking the project title. In addition to the projects listed below, we monitor streamflow, groundwater and water-quality throughout the state. Our data and site information is available on NWISweb.

Abbreviation: NRD, Natural Resources District

City of Scottsbluff Flood Inundation Map

We are creating a flood-inundation-map library for the North Platte River that will be linked to real-time water-level stage information at existing stream-gaging locations and display estimated flood-inundation areas and flood depths. These maps will be served to the public on the USGS FIM Web site. The maps will be created for the reach of the North Platte River from several miles upstream of the NDNR North Platte River at Mitchell, NE (station number 06679500) stream gage, to several miles downstream of the NDNR North Platte River near Minatare (station number 06682000) stream gage. Flood-inundations maps will be created at one-foot intervals for stages from approximately bank full to the maximum observed stage at the stream gages.

For more information:
Kellan Strauch
402.328.4181
kstrauch@usgs.gov

Ecosystem Connectivity Effects on Productivity in Lower Niobrara-Missouri Deltas, Lewis and Clark Lake, and the Missouri National Recreational River 59-mile reach downstream from Gavins Point Dam

The Niobrara-Missouri Rivers delta at the head of Lewis and Clark Lake is important for a variety of fish species including paddlefish, sauger, catfish, and the endangered pallid sturgeon. The Niobrara River flows into the Missouri River just upstream of the reservoir controlled by Gavins Point Dam. Sedimentation-associated phosphorus storage and uptake in the lake delta is fed by phosphorus delivered at much higher concentrations by Niobrara River flows. However, nutrients have not been monitored by USGS in this system since the period prior to the 2011 flood/deposition. Restored nutrient delivery from the Niobrara to the Missouri River downstream from Gavins Point Dam could alleviate hypothesized impairment of aquatic productivity that may underlie emaciated fish.

We will be testing the hypothesis that storage and uptake of phosphorus in the deltaic reaches is causing the reaches downstream from the dam to be relatively unproductive by

comparing phosphorus and the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus in river channels upstream of the delta (2 stations) with those within the delta (3 stations, each with a channel and backwater substation), and downstream of the lake (1 station);
measuring phosphorus and carbon to nitrogen ratios in fine sediment of deltaic channels and open-lake reaches; and
using chlorophyll-a as a surrogate for aquatic production, examine how contrasts in and exchanges of phosphorus along the riverine system are affecting productivity.

For more information:
Nathan Schaepe
402.328.4141
nschaepe@usgs.gov

ELM Regional Groundwater Model

Elkhorn Loup Model

The Elkhorn-Loup Model, a multi-phase project, is a study of surface-water and groundwater resources in the Elkhorn River basin upstream from Norfolk, Nebraska, and the Loup River basin upstream from Columbus, Nebraska. The study area covers approximately 30,800 square miles, and extends north to the Niobrara River and south to the Platte River. The eastern boundary coincides with the approximate location of the westernmost extent of glacial till in eastern Nebraska. The study was designed to assist water managers by characterizing the ground-water system within the study area and by providing a regional groundwater-flow model. Phase one and two of this study have been completed. For phase three, we will:

Characterize the regional hydrogeology of the Loup and Elkhorn River basins, using recently compiled information, as well as historic data sets and previous studies, if available.
Construct a steady-state regional groundwater model of the Loup and Elkhorn River basins. The steady-state regional groundwater flow model will encompass almost 30,000 mi2, and will simulate the regional groundwater flow system prior to groundwater development for irrigation.
Characterize anthropogenic impacts to the regional groundwater system from the beginning of major ground water irrigation to the present.
Estimate historic irrigation well pumpage rates for the study area based on precipitation, land use, registered wells, and available well pumpage information.
Convert the steady-state regional groundwater flow model to a transient model simulating the period of groundwater development for irrigation. Calibrate the transient regional groundwater model using estimated historic irrigation well pumpage data.
Analyze sensitivities and limitations of the groundwater model, which will help cooperators understand the capabilities and limitations of the groundwater model.

Project Website

For more information:
Amanda Flynn
402.328.4144
aflynn@usgs.gov
Steve Peterson
402.328.4151

speterson@usgs.gov

Groundwater/Surface-Water Interactions in the Loup River Basin

Streamflows in the Loup River basin are sensitive to groundwater withdrawals because of the close hydrologic connection between groundwater and surface water. Groundwater discharge contributes over 90 percent of streamflow in the Loup River basin in the Nebraska Sand Hills. We are studying the temporal and spatial characteristics of surface-water/groundwater interaction within the Loup River basin. Four stream reaches, totaling approximately 320 river miles, were identified by the Natural Resources Districts as priority reaches where additional information is needed. Groundwater discharge was estimated previously from seepage runs completed in 2006, where streamflow was measured at various points along each stream reach, often up to 15 miles apart. Streams in the Loup River basin are known to receive a combination of focused discharge (groundwater discharge as springs) and diffuse discharge. Areas of focused groundwater discharge had not been extensively mapped previously; furthermore, the effects of various climatic and land-use changes on groundwater discharge patterns are currently unknown.

Our study is focused on investigating and describing the spatial and temporal characteristics of groundwater/surface-water interaction for selected stream reaches in the Loup River basin. Specific goals are:

Create maps of focused and diffuse groundwater discharge zones within selected reaches in the Loup River basin.
Identify zones of focused and diffuse groundwater discharge and evaluate spatial trends across various physical and geologic settings in the Loup River basin with interpreted airborne thermal infrared data.
Establish four additional coupled groundwater/surface-water gaging stations at established streamflow gaging stations by installing streambank observation wells instrumented with water-level and water-temperature recorders.
Analyze data from a network of coupled groundwater/surface-water gages with unique land-use characteristics to help determine the effects of seasonal climate and irrigation practices on groundwater/surface-water interaction.

Project Website

For more information:
Chris Hobza
402.328.4133
cmhobza@usgs.gov

Homestead National Monument Water Quality Partnership

Homestead National Monument of America, (HOME) a National Park Service (NPS) site which commemorates the impacts of the Homestead Act of 1862 is located on the site of one of the first homestead claims filed in the United States of America, a site that was chosen by Daniel Freeman because of the clean abundant water that Cub Creek provided for his family and livestock.

Through an educational-outreach program partnering with middle-schoolers at nearby Beatrice, Nebr., HOME staff members have assisted community volunteers in collecting stream water samples on about a monthly frequency during the school year since 2002. The students are instructed and assisted by volunteers from the Master Ranger Corps and staff to monitor physical and chemical parameters of the creek. This intergenerational learning opportunity has been planting the seed of conservation in their minds, by showing them that their actions can impact the water quality of Cub Creek. It is important that this historical data is validated so that results from their efforts can be used to document water-quality issues and to show the students that what they are doing does matter and potentially is affecting positive actions.

We are providing technical assistance for 2016 with a focus on a segment of Cub Creek that flows through the Homestead National Monument. We will be collecting and analyzing data, developing educational displays, and focusing on outreach. In particular, we want to

educate park visitors and neighbors about water quality issues in Cub Creek and similar streams, and provide them information on how to improve the water quality of these streams;
determine if past volunteer monitoring data is defensible; and
creatively engage the park neighbors and visitors through social media and other digital media.

For more information:
Nathan Schaepe
402.328.4141
nschaepe@usgs.gov

Missouri River Recovery—Chute Construction Monitoring

We are providing monitoring assistance related to the construction of off-channel aquatic habitat (such as chutes) along the Missouri River. This construction is currently done using a hydraulic dredge to excavate floodplain material. The dredge slurry is discharged into the main channel of the Missouri River. The potential impacts on nutrient and sediment levels in the river from this practice have created some concern from bordering states charged with reducing nutrient loading to the Gulf of Mexico. Our primary objectives are to:

Assess the impact of hydraulic dredging discharge to the concentration and load of suspended sediment and nutrients in the Missouri River.
Assess the impact of hydraulic dredging discharge to the concentration and load of sediment and nutrients in the bedload of the Missouri River.
Assess the impact of hydraulic dredging discharge to the deposition of sediment and nutrients within the channel of the Missouri River.

We have collected data on 8 different sample events during active dredge operation periods at 2 sites along the Missouri River. Sampling occurred from fall 2013 through the 2014 navigation season.

Results from this study are being synthesized and will be released as a journal article.

For more information:
Dave Rus
402.328.4127
dlrus@usgs.gov

Niobrara National Scenic River Base Flow

We are characterizing a baseline understanding of the magnitude and temporal variability of representative tributary inflows along Niobrara National Scenic River (NNSR) to develop a map of annual and/or seasonal base-flow recession time constant (tau) for the basin along the entire reach of the NNSR and to quantify base-flow seepage gains/losses along the lower part of NNSR from Norden to Mariaville.

We have installed three real-time continuous-record monitoring stations (index sites). The sites are:

USGS site id 06461150 Tyler Falls at Fort Niobrara NWR near Valentine, Nebr (Sep 2015, upper reach, south bank, spring-fed, no irrigation)
USGS site id 06461595 East Middle Creek at Norden Road near Norden, Nebr (Nov 2015, mid-reach, north bank, some irrigation upgradient).
USGS site id 06463670 Willow Creek at Atwood Road near Carns, Nebr (Sep 2015, lower reach, south bank, some irrigation upgradient)

All sites include a 1.5-ft H flume and approach box (galvanized steel) as a primary base-flow monitoring device, a culvert as a primary high-flow monitoring device, and three sensors to monitor headwater and tailwater GHs on the flume and the culvert---bubbler system on the flume headwater and submersible pressure transducers elsewhere.

For more information:
Phil Soenksen
402.328.4150
pjsoenks@usgs.gov

Productivity in the 59-mile reach of Missouri River between Gavins Point Dam and Ponca State Park.

The 59-mile reach of Missouri River below Gavins Point Dam is part of the Missouri National Recreational River. Even though this reach of the river is free flowing (not channelized), the natural form and hydrology are affected by upstream dams. This 59-mile reach of the river is described by state agencies as having low productivity. The cause of low productivity in the reach is not known, but since habitat is diverse, the most likely cause is low allochthonous input of organic matter and nutrients from upstream due to river disconnect created by the dams. Further assessment of productivity in the reach and solutions for increasing productivity are needed to sustain the reach of river in a natural state as part of the National Park.

We began a study in 2015 to assess nutrients and productivity in the reach. We have assembled relevant existing data from sources such as the USGS, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Park Service. In 2015 and 2016, nutrient samples of bed sediment and water were collected from several Missouri River sites and tributaries in the reach. Biological samples also were collected at Missouri Rivers sites and included phyotplankton Chlorophyll A, periphyton Chlorophyll A, and invertebrates. In 2016, additional data was collected to assess stream metabolism and to evaluate backwaters. These data will help us to understand what areas within the stream reach are most productive and where the nutrients are in the system.

For more information:
Brenda Densmore
402.328.4145
bdensmore@usgs.gov

Recharge Estimation across the Central Platte River Basin

To overcome the challenge associated with measuring recharge in aquifers with deep water tables, such as in the Central Platte NRD, we developed an innovative and successful approach using dedicated recharge installations across the High Plains aquifer in parts of Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. Our recharge installations use a wide range of instrumentation to measure multiple water, chemical, and climatic factors that control recharge and represents a scientific investment in data monitoring and collection that resulted in a unique and valuable data set critical for the better regional-scale understanding of groundwater sustainability across the High Plains aquifer.

Using this approach, we are obtaining more accurate estimates and understanding of groundwater recharge rates and water quality beneath rangeland, irrigated, and non-irrigated (dryland) agricultural lands and the east to west precipitation gradient across the Central Platte NRD. We are using a combination of field data from 8 recharge sites in the unsaturated zone and numerical modeling to answer the fundamental questions about sustainable surface water and groundwater management plans and project. Specifically, we are

measuring recharge rates across the central Platte River basin,
measuring the quality (chemistry) of recharge across the central Platte River basin,
establishing a spatially extensive and long-term recharge monitoring network in Nebraska, and
establishing an interdisciplinary partnership of local and federal experts on the hydrology of Nebraska.

For more information:
Chris Hobza
402.328.4133
cmhobza@usgs.gov

South Loup River/Holt Creek Water Budget Study

We are constructing an annual water budget for two drainage basins in differing topographic regions, one in the Sand Hills and one in the Dissected Plains. The water budget includes a quantitative analysis of the most important components of the water budget: groundwater recharge and stream base flow. A detailed annual water budget is vital for effective integrated water management, particularly in river valleys where streamflow and crop demands are key components. This project will provide a new approach to water budget analysis by

quantifying groundwater recharge and stream base flow, and relating these to soil type, land use, and hydrogeology, and
separating the contribution of local base flow from regional base flow.

This detailed approach will enhance our understanding of the interaction between groundwater and surface water and will improve our ability to develop water budget analyses. The results of the project will be used to redefine the methodology used in new areas by determining which methods work best and are most economical for completing a water budget that will help protect water and ecosystem resources.

For more information:
Amanda Flynn
402.328.4144
aflynn@usgs.gov

Tile Drain Delineation

Trends in streamflow characteristics of sites in the Elkhorn River, Salt Creek, and Lower Platte River Basins have been studied previously by USGS scientists. The results of the study indicated positive temporal trends in streamflow for the period of record at eight streamflow-gaging stations. For this study, we are investigating mechanisms other than precipitation and groundwater withdrawals that may affect streamflow, particularly during low-flow periods. To better understand the processes in these basins, we are studying the underlying reasons for the positive trend in streamflow at the streamflow-gaging stations and updating the previously published streamflow statistics. Processes that could affect streamflow are

tile drains,
precipitation effects,
streambed degradation,
channel straightening effects on streambed degradation, and
agricultural best management practices (BMPs).

For this study, we focused on the effects of tile drains on streamflow during irrigation seasons and periods of low-flow as well as updating the streamflow statistics.

For more information:
Kellan Strauch
402.328.4181
kstrauch@usgs.gov

Understanding Cyanobacteria Blooms in Willow Creek Reservoir

In response to frequent cyanobacterial blooms and ensuing beach closures on Willow Creek Reservoir in northeastern Nebraska, we began a cooperative monitoring study with the aim of understanding the potential causes behind these blooms. Nutrient enrichment was suspected as a primary driver behind the blooms and was the primary focus of the monitoring.

Surface-water and groundwater loading to the reservoir was evaluated and combined with in-lake nutrient cycling to develop a nutrient mass balance for the lake.
Isotopic sampling also was included to attempt to identify nutrient sources.
Continuous measurements of climactic and water-quality properties were collected for their suspected relevance to blooms.

These data will be compared against continuous and periodic data of various cyanobacterial properties that were collected concurrently. Monitoring occurred from 2012 to 2014, and included a year of exceptional drought that lowered the lake level well below the spillway as well as two different occurrences of cyanobacterial blooms serious enough to warrant beach closures. Developing the linkages between the blooms and the drivers is ongoing, but preliminary investigations are beginning to isolate the relative importance of nutrient sources, as well as the effectiveness of the different monitoring approaches.

Project Website

For more information:
Dave Rus
402.328.4127
dlrus@usgs.gov

Water-Level Changes in the High Plains Aquifer, Republican River Basin, 2002-2015

The Middle Republican Natural Resources District (NRD) in Nebraska initiated a set of management practices in their district, starting in 2002, to comply with Republican River Compact Final Settlement. To allow the Middle Republican NRD to assess the impact of those practices, we are mapping and quantifying water-level changes in the High Plains aquifer from 2002 and 2015 in the Republican River Basin in Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska.

For more information:
Ginny McGuire
402.328.4126
vlmcguir@usgs.gov

	Project Title	Cooperating Agency
	City of Scottsbluff Flood Inundation Map	City of Scottsbluff
	Ecosystem Connectivity Effects on Productivity in Lower Niobrara-Missouri Deltas
	ELM Regional Groundwater Model	Upper Elkhorn NRD, Lower Elkhorn NRD, Middle Niobrara NRD, Lower Platte North NRD
	Groundwater/Surface-Water Interactions in the Loup River Basin	Upper Loup NRD and Lower Loup NRD
	Homestead National Monument Water Quality Partnership	National Park Service and Niobrara Council
	Missouri River Recovery Program Monitoring	U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
	Niobrara National Scenic River Base Flow	National Park Service and Niobrara Council
	Productivity in the 59-mile reach of Missouri River between Gavins Point Dam and Ponca State Park
	Recharge Estimation across the Central Platte River Basin	Central Platte NRD
	South Loup River/Holt Creek Water Budget Study	Upper Elkhorn NRD, Lower Elkhorn NRD, Upper Loup NRD, Lower Loup NRD, and Lower Platte North NRD
	Tile Drain Delineation	Lower Elkhorn NRD
	Understanding Cyanobacteria Blooms in Willow Creek Reservoir	Lower Elkhorn NRD, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Nebraska Game and Parks, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
	Water-Level Changes in the High Plains Aquifer, Republican River Basin, 2002-2015	Middle Republican NRD

USGS Nebraska Water Science Center

Congressional District 3

Congressman Adrian Smith

Research Projects