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Catalog datasets represent a fraction of data in use by active WMA projects. The team is working on including more datasets to provide a complete view of data-in-use. Let us know how your experience is!

Datasets

NHDPlus HR WBD Snapshot: Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD)

Domain: Hydrology

Variables:
▶ OBJECTID; tnmid; metasourceid; sourcedatadesc; sourceoriginator;
See 17 More Variables...

Spatial Resolution: 1:24,000; 1:63,360

Temporal Frequency: NA

Temporal Coverage: NA

Spatial Extent: CONUS with extended watershed boundaries into Canada and Mexico; Alaska

Source: USGS

Update Type: Static

Update Frequency: NA

Update Detail: NA

Access:

Access Details:

The usgs.gov access link goes to Access National Hydrography Products where the NHDPlus HR WBD snapshot (a component of NHDPlus HR) can be accessed under the heading NHDPlus High Resolution (NHDPlus HR).

Description:

NHDPlus HR WBD Snapshot
Starting in 2016 the USGS began developing a NHDPlus High Resolution (NHDPlus HR) dataset that built upon the data model, processes, and tools used in the development of the NHDPlus V2 data. The high-resolution National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and WBD were used in conjunction with the 10 meter-resolution 3D Elevation Product (3DEP) DEM data in the development of the NHDPlus HR.
The version of the WBD used with the NHDPlus HR initial data release includes WBD snapshots from 2018-2021. Updated NHDPlus HR data was released for regions 01, 02, 06, 14, 15 and 16 in 2022 and 2023. These regions were reprocessed using updated software, NHD, WBD and 3DEP data.
The WBD contained within the NHDPlus HR includes many updates that were not available within the NHDPlus V2 data. Updates include the addition of full 8-digit hydrologic units for international basins that span the U.S.-Canada border and the U.S.-Mexico border. In addition, areas that are fully within Canada and Mexico that contribute flow to the United States were added to the WBD as HU8 boundaries.
What is the Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD)
The Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) is a seamless, national, hydrologic unit dataset that provides a standardized base for water-resources organizations to locate, store, retrieve, and exchange hydrologic data; to index and inventory hydrologic data and information; to catalog water-data acquisition activities; and to use in a variety of other applications. Hydrologic unit boundaries in the WBD are determined based on topographic, hydrologic, and other relevant landscape characteristics without regard for administrative, political, or jurisdictional boundaries.
The hydrologic units (HU) in the WBD are arranged in a nested, hierarchical system with each HU in the system identified using a unique hydrologic unit code (HUC). Each HU within a nested level is assigned a two-digit suffix that’s appended to the HUC of the HU in the next coarsest nesting level. Because there are eight nesting levels within WBD, the set of HUCs consists of ranges from two to sixteen digits based on the eight levels of classification in the WBD. The dataset is complete for the United States to the 12-digit hydrologic unit. The 14- and 16-digit hydrologic units have only been published for a subset of the nation. https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/watershed-boundary-dataset-structure-visualization