Washington State Hydrography Dataset Program

WASHD & National Hydrography

The U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) has been the federal standard GIS dataset for surface waters of the United States such as rivers, streams, canals, lakes, ponds, and coastlines. It has been the Washington state standard since 2011. Now Washington State is transitioning to the USGS’ new elevation-derived replacement of NHD, called 3D.

Current Projects

The Statewide Modernize Surface Water Mapping Project is the current focus of the WASHD Program. The project will remap Washington waters over the next 6 years (2024 - 2030) with elevation-derived hydrography (EDH) that meets the USGS 3DHP specifications. The update builds off the lessons learned from the Stillaguamish Pilot Project, guidance from USGS, and feedback from stakeholders.

This project is supported with funding from the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health.

GIS Data

The WASHD Program is working to update the state’s hydrography and the latest EDH data is being made available as it is finalized. The EDH and accompanying files can be downloaded from the WASHD Data Download Map Page. This data will eventually be officially incorporated into 3DHP and available through USGS and WASHD.

Other Resources

Access WASHD maps, publications, presentations, and more through the WASHD Program Page. Stakeholder meetings are held three to four times a year and go over WASHD updates and current project progress.