Historical hydrologic fluxes (1980-2020) have been mapped through the use of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Water Model (NWM) and Noah land surface model with multiparameterization options (Noah-MP), which provide gridded outputs for precipitation, evapotranspiration, surface runoff, groundwater recharge and other variables statewide. Model outputs are evaluated against on-the-ground data (stream gages, eddy covariance flux towers, snow telemetry stations, etc.) where available. The Hydroclimate team is currently working on future projections of water balance components statewide using downscaled general circulation models of future climate.  

The following figures, developed by our Hydroclimate team members, show the long-term mean annual fluxes (1980-2020) for precipitation (P), evapotranspiration (ET), surface runoff (SR), and recharge (Re) according to the water mass balance of P = ET + SR + Re. The outputs from the NWM are provided per 1-km grids, as well as aggregated by USGS HUC-8 basin and groundwater basins. The data are also available for additional variables (max. precipitation, number of wet days, etc.) as well as seasonal averages (Jan.-March, April-June, July-Sept., Oct.-Dec.). As shown in the figures, while little natural recharge occurs across the state overall, the Mogollon Rim is highlighted as a region of critical importance for natural recharge.  

The figures below are provided as example outputs and can be tailored to the needs of natural resource managers using the data available in .shp and .geotiff file formats.