California 3DHP - feather river headwatersperiod of performance: 08 01 2025 - 07 31 2027PROJECT abstract summary:this project aims to create detailed maps of surface water features, also known as…

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) awarded the State of California Department of Water Resources a $450,500 cooperative agreement under the National Geospatial Program: Building The National Map (CFDA 15.817) for the California 3DHP Feather River Headwaters project, effective August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2027. The project will deliver detailed three-dimensional hydrographic mapping data of surface water features including streams, flow paths, barrier breaches, lakes, and other water features in the upper Feather River watersheds. This data development will utilize high-resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) elevation data collected in 2022 and will conform to current USGS 3D Hydrography Program specifications for integration into The National Map.

The Center for Geospatial Science and Technology at California State University Chico and California State University Northridge will serve as sub-awardees responsible for developing the geospatial mapping data using specialized commercial and open-source mapping software and custom tools. The resulting digital hydrographic datasets will support multiple applications including environmental restoration, water supply planning, flood modeling, forest health assessment, and fish habitat protection for California's watersheds affected by recent major wildfires. These products will be delivered to the USGS for incorporation into the national Surface Water Component database.

Intended beneficiaries

After this data is published by USGS 3D hydrography program, the main users of this data will be public agencies, private companies, researchers, and students. Agencies expected to benefit from the feather river upper watersheds hydrography development project include the california departments of water resources, fish and wildlife, conservation, forestry and fire protection, transportation, and the state water resources control boards. Local flood control and water conservation districts, as well as public safety officials in the counties of plumas, butte, yuba, sutter, and sacramento may also find this data beneficial.