Persistent damp or saturated ground
A small area that remains damp after nearby soil has dried may deserve attention, especially if it sits at a slope break, toe slope or hollow.
Vegetation changes
Groundwater discharge can sometimes support greener or denser vegetation than nearby terrain. Moss, moisture-loving plants or a narrow band of lush growth can be useful field indicators.
Iron staining and mineral deposits
Orange, reddish or dark staining around a slow trickle can occur where mineral-rich groundwater reaches the surface and reacts with air. Staining alone does not confirm a usable spring.
Small channels without obvious runoff
A tiny channel that continues to carry water well after rain may be receiving groundwater. Compare the location during dry weather before drawing conclusions.
Terrain position matters
Clues become more meaningful when they occur in landforms that concentrate subsurface or surface flow—such as concave hollows, toe slopes and slope breaks. Land Scanner is designed to help find these terrain positions before you walk the property.