Collection of boreholes and well logs from Washington State
Citation
Washington Geological Survey, 2023, Subsurface database--GIS data, July 2023: Washington Geological Survey Digital Data Series 11, version 2.3, previously released March, 2023. [http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/ger_portal_subsurface_database.zip]
Summary
Records in this collection are classified into one of four categories that best characterizes the data contained within the borehole record. The classifications are: Geotechnical: Boreholes and pits created with the intent to gain a detailed understanding of the subsurface lithology and soil or rock properties therein. These records have additional data beyond lithologic descriptions including penetrometer resistance, shear and strength tests, density measurements, etc. Lithologic borings: Boreholes are drill solely for the purpose of identifying subsurface lithology. Material testing techniques were not used (or the results are not provided) to allow for a more detailed understanding of subsurface material properties. Test pits: Generally [...]
Summary
Records in this collection are classified into one of four categories that best characterizes the data contained within the borehole record. The classifications are:
Geotechnical: Boreholes and pits created with the intent to gain a detailed understanding of the subsurface lithology and soil or rock properties therein. These records have additional data beyond lithologic descriptions including penetrometer resistance, shear and strength tests, density measurements, etc.
Lithologic borings: Boreholes are drill solely for the purpose of identifying subsurface lithology. Material testing techniques were not used (or the results are not provided) to allow for a more detailed understanding of subsurface material properties.
Test pits: Generally shallow excavations with either hand tools or mechanical equipment that are typically less than 20 feet in depth though may expose a greater area or "working face" to observe the subsurface lithology. Material testing techniques were not used on these pits, or the results are not provided, to allow for a more detailed understanding of subsurface material properties.
Water wells: Boreholes drilled with the purpose of extracting or monitoring groundwater. These records often provide detailed hydrologic data including depth to groundwater, flow rates, and draw-down testing that may be used to better understand they hydrogeology of an aquifer system. Chemical testing for potentially hazardous pollutants may also be included for some wells, particularly those focused on monitoring groundwater rather than extraction.
Most if not all records from this collection were originally in paper form now scanned and digitized by the Washington Geological Survey.
Subsurface data available by download at [http://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/ger_portal_subsurface_database.zip] or through our portal at [https://geologyportal.dnr.wa.gov/]
Purpose
These data are intended to be used by used by geologists, engineers, planners, private-sector geoscientists, and the general public to identify geologic hazards, perform analyses of slope stability, downslope and downstream impacts, storm water management, and identify mitigation opportunities for construction or other land-development projects. Subsurface data is also used in mining, oil and gas exploration, carbon sequestration, and geothermal exploration.
It was compiled from a variety of sources including GeoMapNW, Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington State Department of Ecology, various counties, cities, and water resource agencies. It is not intended to be a complete inventory of borings in Washington State and, at present, includes only a small fraction of this total. The Washington Geological Survey is adding more borings to this dataset as time and resources permit.
Rights
The Washington Geological Survey (WGS) shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. This product is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the authors of this product will not be liable to the user of this product for any activity involving the product with respect to the following: (a) lost profits, lost savings, or any other consequential damages; (b) the fitness of the product for a particular purpose; or (c) use of the product or results obtained from use of the product. Although these data have been processed successfully on computers of WGS, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by WGS regarding the use of these data on any other system, nor does the fact of distribution constitute or imply any such warranty.