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NWDTW 2026
Venue: BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater) clear filter
Monday, July 20
 

8:00am CDT

Rise Above - Introduction to non-contact velocimetry methods
Monday July 20, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
In this training track, students will gain knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts and available tools and techniques that leverage imagery and near-field remote sensing for hydrometry applications. Participants will be introduced to image and Doppler radar velocimetry techniques, camera hardware, and concepts related to software configuration. This training class complements other seminars discussing these topics throughout the rest of the NWDTW.
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 →
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 →
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 →
Monday July 20, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

1:00pm CDT

Groundwater Field and Data Processing basics
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
The first half of this training will cover the instruments used to collect water level data and field data collection at groundwater sites. The second half will cover groundwater data processing in AQUARIUS Time-Series and highlight workflows and the application of some data corrections and edits.
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 →
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)
 
Tuesday, July 21
 

1:00pm CDT

Use of Internal and External Compasses with ADCPs
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
The setup and quality assurance of acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) involve multiple steps preceding streamflow measurement activities. Reliable heading data is essential for Loop Method Moving Bed Tests, GPS-based navigation, and angle calculations in the Azimuth Mid-Section method. This presentation will address the use of both internal and external heading sensors, highlight the significance of accurate heading data, and outline quality assurance procedures applicable during data collection and post-processing.
Speakers
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

2:00pm CDT

General IV Methods and RIVRs
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:20pm CDT
This session will give a general overview of index velocity methods and concepts as well as incorporating the use of RIVRS software, an application to improve the workflow and efficiency of synchronizing water velocity, gage height, and streamflow measurement data.
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:20pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

2:30pm CDT

Break
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

3:00pm CDT

Collecting Data in Moving-Bed Conditions and Understanding Test Results
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Overview of the cause and effect of a moving bed and methods to identify and correct for a moving bed when measuring discharge with an ADCP from a moving boat. This talk will also include a review of the moving-bed test results and what they mean.
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 →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

4:00pm CDT

Considerations and ADVM mount designs for flashy index velocity sites
Tuesday July 21, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
A presentation on how to pick the best ADVM mount design for your index velocity site with an emphasis on sites that are flashy in nature. Traditional mount designs tend to favor slower tidal environments that aren't always built to withstand debris hitting them at higher velocities. This talk will go over creative solutions, what not to do, and show off successful ADVM mounts from complex environments. Other considerations for flashy IV sites will also be discussed.
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Ryan

Ashley Ryan

Hydrologic Technician, USGS
Tuesday July 21, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)
 
Wednesday, July 22
 

8:00am CDT

Hydroacoustic Streamflow Measurements: Selecting Equipment and Methods
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:20am CDT
A common question is how to choose streamflow measurement methods and equipment for different flow conditions. Should the stream be waded? Should the measurement be made with moving boat ADCP or Mid-Section ADCP? What track reference should I use if the moving boat ADCP method is used? This presentation will cover the limitations of each approach and introduce a simplified decision matrix for selecting methods and instruments.
Speakers
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:20am CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

8:30am CDT

Interactive ADCP game/quiz
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 8:50am CDT
Test your knowledge and see how much you know about the different types of ADCPs. A fun session for beginners to advanced users.
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 8:30am - 8:50am CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

9:30am CDT

Break
Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:30am - 10:00am CDT

Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:30am - 10:00am CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

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)

11:00am CDT

Using the Fixed Method for Open Water Mid-Section ADCP Measurements
Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:20am CDT
The fixed method for making mid-section ADCP measurements is traditionally used for under ice conditions. The fixed method could be adapted to use in open water when other methods will not work due to the inability to safely get top-down observations, magnetic interference, and time constraints. This talk will discuss a situation where the fixed mid-section ADCP method was used in open water when no other viable option was available for making discharge measurements.
Speakers
Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:20am CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

11:30am CDT

Lunch
Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 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)

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)

4:30pm CDT

Using AreaComp3 for Indirect measurements
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:30pm - 4:50pm CDT
AreaComp3 was primarily developed to assist with development of Stage-Area ratings for index velocity sites. The program has several other improvements that can assist with the computation of Indirect measurements, specifically Contracted Opening and Critical Depth measurements. This brief presentation will discuss the use of the AreaComp3 tool with X,Y,Z data, and how you can use that output to assist with the computation of Indirect Measurements. This presentation is geared towards users that collect cross section data post flood and need to compute hydrologic properties with that data. It is also oriented towards technicians/hydrologists that work with Indirect Measurements of Discharge and should be familiar with those methods.
Speakers
Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:30pm - 4:50pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)
 
Thursday, July 23
 

8:00am CDT

From Field Survey to Plotted Cross-Section: SVMobileAQ Data Collection and AreaComp3 Visualization
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Accurate and efficient cross-section surveys are essential for maintaining high-quality stage-discharge ratings and index velocity gage operations. This presentation demonstrates a streamlined workflow for conducting differential level surveys of river cross-sections using the SVMobileAQ mobile application and importing the data into AreaComp3 software for visualization and analysis.
The session will cover the fundamentals of setting up a conventional differential level instrument (level gun) and collecting cross-section data in the field with SVMobileAQ. Attendees will then learn how to seamlessly import the survey data into AreaComp3 to generate plotted cross-sections referenced to gage datum.
Although commonly applied to index velocity gages, this approach provides broader benefits for streamgaging programs, including evaluation of control features at stage-discharge stations, detection of changes in channel geometry through overlay of historical surveys, and investigation of discrepancies by comparing survey results with ADCP bathymetry.
This practical, field-to-office workflow offers an accessible and efficient method for improving the quality and utility of cross-section data in water resources monitoring.
Speakers
AL

Arthur Lilienthal

Hydrologist, USGS
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

9:00am CDT

Year in Review: Summary of Hydroacoustics in WY25
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 9:20am CDT
How many measurements did the USGS make last year? What type of instrument is the most common? Join fellow hydroacoustics enthusiasts in this beloved annual session to find out who joined the 1 million cfs club in WY25 and other interesting tidbits.
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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 9:20am CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

9:30am CDT

Break
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:00am CDT

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:00am CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

10:00am CDT

Use of Remote Boats with ADCPs
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 10:20am CDT
Remote control (RC) boats are increasingly used to deploy acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) for streamflow measurements. These platforms can enhance safety, reduce operational costs, and improve field efficiency. However, they also introduce potential data quality concerns. Additional quality assurance is required to detect and mitigate issues such as electromagnetic interference, air entrainment, and flow disturbance.
This presentation will outline the advantages and limitations of RC boat based ADCP deployments, present examples of both high and low quality datasets, and highlight practical steps users can take in the field and during post processing to address common data quality challenges.
Speakers
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 10:20am CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

10:30am CDT

Index Velocity Rating Departure Causes from Pitch and Roll
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 10:50am CDT
Small changes in an ADVM position can cause big problems with your index velocity rating. Changes in pitch and roll can change from poor mount design, broken mounts, debris snags, or ADVM installation error. When pitch and roll changes occur, a different sample volume is measured which can cause departures in your index velocity rating. ADVM movement could be difficult to catch, but reviewing ADVM data in the field can explain and potentially prevent rating issues. This talk will discuss how to identify rating problems caused by changes in pitch and roll along with best practices for shifting index velocity ratings due to pitch and roll.
Speakers
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 10:50am CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

11:00am CDT

Catching up with the HaWG
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:20am CDT
Join us for a focused 10-minute presentation highlighting the latest research and development initiatives from the Hydroacoustics Work Group (HaWG). Following this, attendees will engage in a dynamic 20-minute open forum, offering the chance to connect directly with HaWG experts, ask questions, and share your operational needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and support from the leading voices in hydroacoustics.
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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 11:20am CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

11:30am CDT

Lunch
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT

Thursday July 23, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

1:00pm CDT

Mid-Section Measurements in QRevMS - Post-Processing and Measurement Review
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
QRevMS is an application used for processing and reviewing ADCP midsection discharge measurements. Like QRev, QRevMS processes data loaded from the manufacture data files using automated quality checks and data filtering. This talk will discuss the workflow of the application, specifically related to post-processing and measurement review. Improvements and updates to the software will also be discussed.
Speakers
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)

2:00pm CDT

ADCP Greatest Hits
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 2:20pm CDT
What’s your jam? Wind down the week with a brief session that highlights ADCP key concepts paired with music.
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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 2:20pm CDT
BCC - Birmingham (65 Class / 100 theater)
 

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