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NWDTW 2026
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Wednesday, July 22
 

8:00am CDT

Introduction to TRiVIA: The Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
The Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA) provides an end-to-end workflow for mapping velocities in rivers from videos or image sequences. The software includes modules for extracting frames, stabilizing and geo-referencing images, defining a region of interest, enhancing images, performing particle image velocimetry (PIV), visualizing results, assessing accuracy, and calculating discharge. In this introductory session, we will provide a brief overview TRiVIA's capabilities using an example data set from a river in Oregon collected using an uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). Our target audience is any hydrologist who wants to learn about image-based techniques for estimating flow velocities in rivers.
Speakers
avatar for Paul Kinzel

Paul Kinzel

Hydrologist, USGS
I am a hydrologist with the Hydrologic Remote Sensing Branch. My research interests involve evaluating innovative techniques for measuring velocity and bathymetry in rivers. I have expertise in fluvial geomorphology, surveying and mapping river channels, and hydrodynamic modeling... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
BCC - Mason (33 Class / 60 Theater)

8:00am CDT

Water Training Advisory Council (WTAC) Listening Session
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Join the Water Training Advisory Council (WTAC) as we introduce our goals and strategy for advancing water training across the USGS. This session will provide a space to share your training needs and ideas while highlighting how the Council identifies skill gaps, prioritizes technical training for the coming years, and advocates for resources, expertise, and support to strengthen training efforts across the water community.
Speakers
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
BCC - Wilson (54 Tiered Class Only)

8:00am CDT

A Solution Thirty Years in the Making: The Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Project
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
After the devastation of the 1997 flood, there was agreement in the Fargo-Moorhead community that something needed to be done to prevent a repeat of the catastrophic damages. Planning began for what would become the FM Area Diversion. The process has included studies, permits, Congressional action and hard work from many key entities, including the USGS. Now, the community is on track to have permanent, reliable flood protection by 2027. This presentation will outline the project and USGS's involvement leading up to, during, and post project development.
Speakers
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
BCC - Smith (28 Class / 45 Theater)

8:00am CDT

Remotely Operated Smart Gages
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
As site loads increase and resources stay tight, many technicians are being asked to manage more than ever before.

This session looks at how modern gaging technology—cameras, remote communications, enhanced power systems, and smarter backend tools—can help ease that burden by reducing unnecessary trips and highlighting what actually needs attention.
Speakers
CG

Chris Grindle

Physical Scientist, USGS
Started in the USGS with the VA/WV WSC in 2016. Currently work for the NYWSC in the research to operations section. I enjoy trying to use new methods and technologies to provide more high quality and relevant data. My focuses are in gage construction, equipment design and programming... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
BCC - Lackey (54 Tiered Class Only)

8:00am CDT

Ground Control to Major Tom: Custom gage notifications and redundant telemetry options using radio and LoRaWAN in California
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
An introduction and discussion of benefits and best uses of an experimental LoRa enabled data logger and LoraWAN network highlighting their benefits, practical applications, and optimal use cases. Demonstrations of primary and redundant telemetry options deployed at sites in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Bay. Additional demonstrations showcasing the development of custom alerts, automated notifications, and remotely triggered solutions designed to support site operations, telemetry reliability, and data health monitoring.
Speakers
avatar for Trevor Violette

Trevor Violette

Physical Scientist
Trevor has been working for the Estuarine Hydrodynamics and Sediment Transport team for almost 14 years. In his time, he has been heavily involved in index velocity and complex velocity mapping projects, water quality, and fish tracking. He's installed more ADCPs, QW Sondes, and Hydrophones... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
BCC - Thames (21 Class / 40 Theater)

8:30am CDT

Field Support & Research to Operations Team Overview and Panel Discussion
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
The Field Support & Research to Operations Team (FS/R2O) of the Hydrologic Networks Branch is tasked with providing support to field staff, project staff, and other science center personnel. In this session, FS/R2O staff will lead a panel discussion on the support provided to the science centers, take questions, and provide insight into ongoing projects, training and workflows that FS/R2O staff are working on to advance the various WRD topical areas (GW, QW, Sediment, R2O).
Speakers
avatar for Lance Gruhn

Lance Gruhn

Hydrologist, USGS
Lance Gruhn is a Hydrologist stationed in Iowa City, Iowa and is the groundwater technical and field support lead for the Hydrologic Networks Branck of the USGS Water Resources Mission Area. Lance coordinates the Groundwater Data Processing class and the Groundwater Field Techniques... Read More →
KS

Kimberly Shaffer

Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey
Kimberly Shaffer has a degree in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University and has worked for the U.S. Geological Survey for the past 27 years. As a hydrologist, she has collected and published streamflow, water-quality, and water-use data. In 2021, Kim became the Continuous... Read More →
HH

Heather Heckathorn

Water Quality Specialist, USGS
avatar for Russ Lotspeich

Russ Lotspeich

Hydrologist, USGS WMA-HNB
Robert (Russ) Lotspeich is a Hydrologist in the Hydrologic Networks Branch of the USGS Water Resources Mission Area. Russ' interests are in developing new and innovative technologies and methods to aide in data collection activities across the Water Enterprise. As the Research to... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
BCC - Sellers (476 Class / 800 Theater)

10:00am CDT

Groundwater Monitoring Essentials
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
This presentation will cover groundwater site establishment, characterization, operation and maintenance, and quality assurance. The talk will also discuss instrumentation used to collect water level data and considerations for measurement frequency.
Speakers
avatar for Lance Gruhn

Lance Gruhn

Hydrologist, USGS
Lance Gruhn is a Hydrologist stationed in Iowa City, Iowa and is the groundwater technical and field support lead for the Hydrologic Networks Branck of the USGS Water Resources Mission Area. Lance coordinates the Groundwater Data Processing class and the Groundwater Field Techniques... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Hotel Capstone - Presidents (50 Theater/40 Classroom)

10:00am CDT

RIVRS Rating Creation
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Learn about developing ratings using the new index velocity tools, RIVRS software, an application to improve the workflow and efficiency of synchronizing water velocity, gage height, and streamflow measurement data.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

10:00am CDT

Remote Sensing Data and Services to Water Science Centers
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
In this presentation we will describe the remote sensing services, data, and technical support that Water Science Centers can obtain from the WMA Hydrologic Remote Sensing Branch.
Speakers
avatar for Tyler V King

Tyler V King

Supervisory Research Hydrologist, US Geological Survey
Supervisory research hydrologist focused on aquatic remote sensing. Head in the clouds, feet on the riverbed. You know the type.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
BCC - Mason (33 Class / 60 Theater)

10:30am CDT

Working through the HIF Quality Assurance Programs
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
This session focuses on the quality assurance programs conducted at the USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility. This overview will include the ADCPs, Flowtrackers, mechanical meters, and groundwater tapes, as well as other water quality and quantity monitoring instruments. The new testing procedures used at the HIF will be presented, including the criteria used to evaluate the instruments. The results provided for each unit will be explained to facilitate understanding and application. Quality Assurance program results from recent years will also be presented.
Speakers
CW

Christopher Wilson

Supervisory Hydrologist, USGS
Recently, I have become the section chief for the Hydraulics and Water Quality section at the HIF, overseeing the QA programs for ADCPs, ADVs, mechanical meters, and groundwater tapes, as well as the preparation and calibration of the water quality probes and sondes. Before joining... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
BCC - Mobile (33 Class / 60 Theater)

10:30am CDT

Fluvial Sediment Monitoring in the USGS
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
In this session we’ll cover the progression of sediment science in the USGS, its uses, importance, and challenges to collect this data. We’ll also cover the current state of sediment science, field support resources, and vision of the future of sediment science in the USGS.
Speakers
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
BCC - Nichols (21 Class / 40 Theater)

10:30am CDT

Some Tools for Assessing Drought
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
This session will cover a few tools for assessing drought, with examples from the record statewide Texas drought of 2011.
Speakers
avatar for Karl Winters

Karl Winters

National Flood Coordinator, USGS
Karl serves as the National Flood Coordinator, and a Surface-Water Specialist in the Hydrologic Networks Branch. He provides operational support and coordination of USGS flood response, as well as training and support for flood documentation and modeling, and computation of streamflow... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
BCC - Lackey (54 Tiered Class Only)

2:30pm CDT

Turbidity
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Overview of the basics of Turbidity sensors and measurement
Speakers
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
BCC - Nichols (21 Class / 40 Theater)

2:30pm CDT

IVyTools — Is it accurate?
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
This session presents recent validation results for IVyTools and evaluates the performance of Space-Time Image Velocimetry (STIV) methods across a range of hydraulic conditions. We will review findings from our internal comparison study, highlight accuracy metrics derived from controlled field and laboratory datasets, and demonstrate how the Comparison Measurement Database supports transparent evaluation of IVy-derived velocities. The session will also introduce the latest improvements to IVyTools processing workflows, including enhanced guidance on interpreting “dots” visualizations for QA/QC. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the strengths, limitations, and reliability of STIV-based velocity measurements and how to apply the tools confidently in operational settings.
Speakers
avatar for Frank Engel

Frank Engel

Geographer, U.S. Geological Survey
Me in a Sentence: Geographer and researcher passionate about developing new tools, technology, and apps using remote sensing to solve real-world problems.

A bit more about me:
I joined the Illinois WSC Data Section in 2012 while pursuing my Ph.D. in Geography and Civil Engineering. At that time, I was an expert in Hydroacoustics and worked with the Office of Surface Water on developing software like the Velocity Mapping Toolbox, technical review of QRev... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
BCC - Central Bank (39 Class / 60 Theater)

2:30pm CDT

Introduction to the Salt Dilution Streamflow Method
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
The salt dilution method is a technique for measuring streamflow by injecting a trace pulse of sodium chloride (NaCl) into a stream, allowing it to fully mix, and tracking the downstream dilution through changes in specific conductance. Because salt dilution performs well in turbulent or irregular flow conditions where velocity–area methods often fail, it is a practical option for difficult‑to‑measure sites. This presentation introduces the salt dilution method, including how to identify suitable site conditions, the core field procedures for making salt dilution measurements, and the principles behind salt dilution discharge calculations.
Speakers
avatar for Lewis Craghead

Lewis Craghead

Hydrologic Technician, U.S. Geological Survey
Lewis Craghead joined the South Atlantic WSC in 2016 as a Pathways Intern while finishing a water resources program at the University of Georgia. As a hydrologic technician, he runs a surface water field trip in metro-Atlanta with the Urban Hydrologic Unit which focuses on continuous... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
BCC - Lackey (54 Tiered Class Only)

3:00pm CDT

USGS Coastal Storm Team – Update
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Since the deployment of the first pressure transducer to record continuous water levels during Hurricane Rita, the USGS has made steady advances in the collection of storm tide and wave data. These efforts have improved the agency’s ability to document coastal storm conditions and support understanding of storm-driven coastal processes.
This session will provide updates on the USGS Coastal Storm Team, including recent progress in field data collection, instrumentation, and operational coordination. It will also highlight emerging ideas and future directions for enhancing USGS capabilities in coastal storm monitoring and response.
Speakers
avatar for Athena Clark

Athena Clark

Coastal Storm Team Leader, SER Science Advisor & Tribal Liaison, USGS
Athena Clark is currently serving as the USGS Coastal Storm Team Leader, Southeast Region Science Advisor and Tribal Liaison. Prior to her current role, Athena also served as the USGS Alabama Water Science Center Director and USGS Lower Mississippi Gulf Deputy Director.
Athena has... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
BCC - Thames (21 Class / 40 Theater)

3:00pm CDT

Dealing with Program Reduction Pressures and Funding Concerns
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
This session for Data Chiefs and Field Office Chiefs provides a forum focused on how WSCs respond with resources are insufficient, specifically regarding WMA requirements, expectations around program reduction, cutting gages, and reducing field trips, all while ensuring that there is consistent data quality and no reduction in public safety.
Speakers
JW

Jeremy White

Supv Hydrologic Technician, US Geological Survey
I have been in the VA-WV WSC for over 25 years and have had the opportunity to do work within many different water disciplines across my career. For the past 10+ years, I have served as the Field Office Chief for the Charleston, WV, office.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
BCC - Smith (28 Class / 45 Theater)

3:00pm CDT

Streamflow Measurement Uncertainty: How do I rate this ADCP measurement?
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Excellent? Good? Fair? Poor? Computing the uncertainty of an ADCP moving-boat discharge measurement is a complex task. This session will review what makes up the uncertainty model in QRev, and how a better understanding of the components can help guide the user in rating a measurement.
Speakers
avatar for Justin Boldt

Justin Boldt

Hydrologist, USGS
Justin is a Hydrologist for the USGS Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center in Louisville, KY. He began his career with the USGS in 2010 as a student working for the Office of Surface Water out of the Urbana, Illinois office. In 2013, he graduated from the University of Illinois... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

3:00pm CDT

Image-Based Stage Estimation
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
This presentation explores image-based stage estimation as a scalable alternative to traditional sensor networks, evaluating multiple approaches across a network of USGS monitoring sites with fixed-mount cameras. First, commercially available optical gaging software, Tenevia and Noema, are assessed for operational viability and accuracy against sensor-derived stage data. Second, a deep learning regression model (EfficientNet-B0) is trained to predict gage height directly from full scene imagery. Third, a computer vision segmentation pipeline targeting USGS staff plates extracts the air-water interface to derive stage through physical image measurements.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
BCC - Mason (33 Class / 60 Theater)

3:30pm CDT

The TurbTube: Turbidity standard reducing device.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:30pm - 4:20pm CDT
Follow along on the story of development and testing of the TurbTube. From its early days as a submission to the Innovation Depot, through testing, and along in to the Open File Report process. Ask questions of one of the original submitters, Ernie McCoy, and the designer of the current tube, Bryce Redinger.
Speakers
avatar for Ernie McCoy

Ernie McCoy

Hydrologic Technician, USGS-Dakota WSC
Hydrotech at the Grand Forks field office in North Dakota. I started as a student the summer of 09, graduated from UND with a bachelors degree in Environmental Geoscience. I stream gage, collect discrete samples and run continuous monitors collecting the big five.
avatar for Bryce Redinger

Bryce Redinger

Hydrologist-EDGE, USGS
I am a Hydrologist-EDGE out of the Carson City, NV office. I have been working for the USGS for just over 19 years. I have a passion for design and development of equipment and teaching.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:30pm - 4:20pm CDT
BCC - Nichols (21 Class / 40 Theater)

4:00pm CDT

Understanding ADCP Extrapolations in QRev and QRevMS
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 4:20pm CDT
This presentation provides an overview of extrapolation techniques used in Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) discharge measurements. It examines how QRev and QRevMS streamline the selection and implementation of extrapolation models to estimate discharge beyond the measured dataset. Attendees will gain insight into the available extrapolation settings—including discharge-weighting and custom sub-sectioning—and understand the distinctions between QRev and QRevMS approaches. The session is designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of model selection and settings for accurate discharge estimation.
Speakers
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 4:20pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

4:00pm CDT

Flow Photo Explorer: Using Trail Cameras to Estimate Streamflow Dynamics
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
This session introduces the Flow Photo Explorer (FPE)—a USGS tool that uses time-lapse trail camera images to estimate relative streamflow dynamics, especially in ungagged streams and now deployed at 600+ locations. We’ll show how simple imagery can be turned into flow models and highlight ongoing work expanding these methods. The session includes a live demo of the platform so you can see how it works in practice, along with examples of where it’s been useful and what’s coming next.
Speakers
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
BCC - Mason (33 Class / 60 Theater)

4:00pm CDT

Listening Session – Ideas for integrating satellite imagery with existing workflows and applications
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
High resolution satellite data has the potential to enhance situational awareness, aid in interpreting signals from monitoring stations, and in understanding environmental conditions when working records. However, access to high resolution satellite imagery is currently separate from most day-to-day workflows for field staff. In this listening session we will review available high resolution satellite imagery, gather ideas of how they might be used in field operations and records processing, and explore where they might plug into existing applications. Through collaborative idea generation, we will explore the question "In day-to-day workflows, where and how would it be helpful to have satellite imagery available?” The outcome will be a collective vision of a future where satellite data are delivered at the point(s) of greatest utility to support mission essential hydrologic monitoring tasks.
Speakers
avatar for Tyler V King

Tyler V King

Supervisory Research Hydrologist, US Geological Survey
Supervisory research hydrologist focused on aquatic remote sensing. Head in the clouds, feet on the riverbed. You know the type.
avatar for Cameron Marshall

Cameron Marshall

Hydrologist, USGS WMA OSD HNB

avatar for Amber Jones

Amber Jones

Physical Scientist/Product Owner, USGS
Software team lead for the Hydrologic Networks Branch of the Observing Systems in WMA, product owner for modernized Go2, project manager for HydroCorrect. Focused on improving data workflows.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
BCC - Smith (28 Class / 45 Theater)

4:00pm CDT

Peak Flow Visualization Tools
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
USGS peak-flow data is one of the most important datasets used to assess flood risk in the United States. This presentation will discuss tools for visualizing USGS peak-flow data and indirect discharge measurements to improve accessibility of USGS flood data. These tools can be used to easily find what USGS peak-flow data are available in an area to inform operations during and after floods events and identify data for use in flood frequency studies.
Speakers
SS

Seth Siefken

Hydrologist
Seth Siefken is a civil engineer based in Helena, Montana. He's been working with USGS since fall 2018, where his projects have included flood frequency analysis, water quality monitoring, writing software, and field data collection. He is currently the maintainer of the USGS PeakFQ... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
BCC - Lackey (54 Tiered Class Only)
 

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