This dataset contains indicators for characterizing observed streamflow droughts in 603 stations through the major watershed regions of the conterminous U.S. The dataset is based on observed streamflow data from Hydro-Climatic Data Network 2009, developed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Due to multi-attributable aspect of this natural hazard, analyzing the various feature of droughts is necessary. This dataset is useful to help advance water resources decision-making and will allow researchers to identify trends as well as potential drivers (e.g., land use or climate) associated with streamflow droughts.

The dataset is organized in three different categories: low flow characteristics, deficit characteristics, and independent drought event characteristics for 603 stations through the major watershed regions of the conterminous US from 1900 to 2012. Low flow characteristics include minimum 1-day , 7-day, and 30-day mean flow as well as 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th percentiles from the flow duration curve, which examined over annual, Northern summer, Northern winter, and 12 calendar month time scales. Deficit characteristics are examined for the 1-day, 7-day and 30-day mean flow with 10 years return period, as well as 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th percentiles threshold levels over annual, Northern summer, Northern winter, and 12 calendar month time scales, and include cumulative streamflow deficit occurrence, cumulative streamflow deficit volume, minimum streamflow deficit volume, and deficit intensity. Independent drought event characteristics are examined over annual time scale and include number of droughts, first day of drought, drought duration, and drought deficit volume.

Data are available in two- and three-dimensional files over the conterminous U.S. for the periods 1900 to 2012.