USGS Science in Colorado

It may not feel like winter in #Colorado, but the #USGS Colorado Water Science Center has already winterized some of their equipment! This throwback photo is from August while USGS was at USGS Streamgage 09034900 Bobtail Creek Near Jones Pass, CO. ow.ly/bPvB50XrfsR

Due to the federal government shutdown, this account is not being actively updated. For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown

At 11:24am local time (7/30/2025), a magnitude 8.8 earthquake occurred near the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. Tsunami alerts were issued around the Pacific Basin. It followed a magnitude 7.4 foreshock on July 20 and is near the epicenter of the 1952 magnitude 9.0 event. For up-to-date info visit: earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/ev…

The USGS National Earthquake Information Center that reports earthquakes resides in Golden, Colorado.

💥Boom! Critical minerals power your phone, satellites, and even 4th of July fireworks. 🎆 Strontium = red Barium = green Copper = blue They’re not just for show — they’re vital to our economy and security. USGS leads the science behind the U.S. List of Critical Minerals.

Restricted Access on Clear Creek Lifted Effective at noon on June 24, 2025, Jefferson County Sheriff Reggie Marinelli, in conjunction with the City of Golden, lifted restrictions that previously limited waterway activities on Clear Creek. The boundaries affected by the restriction order issued on June 9, 2025, extended from Jeffco’s western border at State Highway 119 eastward along the canyon through the city limits of Golden to Vanover Park. While the water flow measurements have shown a continued decrease since its peak, all users are encouraged to be very cautious when conducting activities on Clear Creek. Please be aware of some safety tips provided by the Golden Fire Department: • Clear Creek still presents many risks to the public due to water temperature, blasted rock, undercut rocks, potential strainers (manmade or natural obstruction such as a tree, root system, fencing, or guard rails), and other safety considerations. • Keep an eye on pets and children as they will be swept away quickly if they lose their footing or fall in unexpectedly. The surface can look manageable, but the current underneath can be so strong that it may not be possible to stand up. • If someone does fall in the water, do not go in after them. Keep an eye on them as best you can and follow them downstream along the bank until rescue crews can arrive. You can try to reach the person from the shore with a branch or rope, but not at the risk of falling in yourself. • Clear Creek is not a “lazy river” float. PFD / lifejackets are STRONGLY recommended at any water level. Helmets are also strongly recommended along with water footwear to prevent cuts and slips. • Water activities and being under the influence do not mix. Chances of bodily injury are increased when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Did you feel that? On 6/13 at 6:08 am an M2.9 earthquake struck near Dacano, according to the USGS. It occurred at a depth of ~5 mi and people reported feeling shaking throughout the Denver Metro Area.

🎓 Meet the future of water research! 7 grad students from CSU & CU Boulder were awarded FY26 USGS 104b grants to tackle water reuse, snowmelt mapping, groundwater use & more. 🧪 🔗 Learn more about the grant program: watercenter.colostate.edu/water-related-… #USGS104b #WaterResearch #CSU

Good morning! At 6:08am MDT, there was a M 2.9 earthquake 3.4 miles SSW of Dacona, Colorado! This epicenter is 20.6 miles north of Denver and about 5 miles west of Erie. For more info: ow.ly/4RkU50W92uF #Colorado #DidYouFeelIt #NationalSecurity #PublicSafety #USGS

#BREAKING: The U.S. Geological Survey registered a 2.9 magnitude earthquake near Dacono, Colorado Friday morning. denver7.com/news/local-new…

Picture from colorful Colorado! twitter.com/USGS_Water/sta…

Who says work can't be done with a smile?😄 This Spring, the USGS Colorado Water Science Center's Lakewood Field Office has enjoyed getting out into the field to conduct storm sampling. #WaterWednesday #ColoradoWater #USGS #WaterQuality #Colorado #Hydrology #PublicSafety

Mapping, mine wastes, and more! The most recent Critical Minerals Annual Review, published in the journal Mining Engineering, highlights USGS accomplishments in critical minerals science from 2024. Check it out 👉ow.ly/cv9950W7iMv

USGS Geosciences & Environmental Change Science Center's National Uncrewed Systems Office (based in Denver, CO) continues to conduct local test and evaluation flights for new types of drones! Last week they had a beautiful day to test out a new drone on the Denver Federal Center.

@USGS_Nevada Congratulations!!

Recent retirements from the NV Water Science Center💧💚🎉 Wade Hood: IT Chief Angi Paul: Water Quality Specialist Helen Houston: Budget Analyst extraordinaire Stacy Masters: Northwest & Pacific Islands Regional Management Officer, but previous long-time NV Administrative Officer

Happy #FieldPhotoFriday! We held Off-Road Training for #USGS employees in Bailey, #Colorado this week on the proper methods for assessing and negotiating most situations encountered in back country driving while doing field work supporting public safety and national security.

May is #NationalWildfireAwarenessMonth 🔥 @USGS actively monitors and assesses impacts of #wildfire on water quality and quantity, collaborating with federal, state, and local partners to protect vital water resources. 🔥 Learn more - usgs.gov/mission-areas/…

During #PublicServiceRecognitionWeek we recognize #USGS public servants. Thank you for your service and for the positive impacts you make providing reliable science and science support to serve the nation. Your hard work and dedication are appreciated. #FieldPhotoFriday #PSRW

#DYK you can see what the Landsat satellites see when they acquire data each day?? Watch the EarthNow! Landsat Image Viewer capture near-real time imagery from #Landsat 8 and 9 as the satellites orbit the Earth. Check it out here: ow.ly/9q3W50VNgVZ.

Sip, Sip Hooray! It’s #DrinkingWaterWeek - Let's raise a glass (of water) to the resource that sustains us all! We celebrate this vital resource and the professionals who ensure access to clean, safe drinking water. 💧 Quench your thirst, learn more - usgs.gov/mission-areas/…