NWDTW 2024: Full Schedule

8:00am CDT

In/Over the Water Training

Target Audience: USGS employees who work near and on the water

Recurrence Interval: Initial and every 5 years thereafter

Summary and Objectives: This course prepares employees to work in, on, or around water where they are exposed to inherent dangers and the risk of cold-water immersion, hypothermia, and drowning. The course covers USGS policies and regulations regarding Job Hazard Analyses, using PFDs, the different types available, and how to inspect and wear them. The course also covers swift water awareness and the hazards of moving water. Students will learn how to recognize and avoid common river hazards and perform basic rescue techniques. Students will practice skills in a hands-on practical at the end of the course by experiencing different types of PFDs in water. They will have the opportunity to practice swimming and basic rescue techniques, including self-rescue while wearing chest waders.

Note: To get credit for this blended learning option, you must complete the online-portion of the course in DOI Talent: Course: USGS Over-the-Water Training and Swift Water Awareness (doi.gov) and the practical session (pool session) successfully.

Speakers

Ayelet Delascagigas

CAWSC Field Safety Coordinator, USGS

Ayelet has been with the USGS since 2015 working as a Hydro tech with the CAWSC Bio Geo Chemistry. Her work focused on surface water quality issues and food web dynamics throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and San Francisco Bay. She has her Bachelors in biochemistry... Read More →

Stephen Schmitt

Zachary Holcomb

Hydrology Technician, USGS-KSWSC

Monday July 15, 2024 8:00am - 11:50am CDT
Midway 9

SAFETY, COURSE

Presented By USGS Cooperative Research Units
Intended Audience General Audience
Duration 4 Hours

1:00pm CDT

In/Over the Water Training

Speakers

Stephen Schmitt

Zachary Holcomb

Hydrology Technician, USGS-KSWSC

Ayelet Delascagigas

CAWSC Field Safety Coordinator, USGS

Monday July 15, 2024 1:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Midway 9

SAFETY, COURSE

Duration 4 Hours

1:00pm CDT

ADCP best practices: a quick review

A quick review of equipment selection, cross section location, ideal measurements conditions and overall best QM practices.

Speakers

Nicholas Stasulis

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Midway 9

HYDROACOUSTICS, TIPS AND TRICKS

Presented By HAWG
Intended Audience General Audience
Duration 50 minutes

2:00pm CDT

DEIA

Speakers

Kristy Benson

Tuesday July 16, 2024 2:00pm - 2:20pm CDT
Midway 9

LEADERSHIP, LISTENING SESSION

Presented By Your WSC
Intended Audience General Audience
Duration 20 minutes

3:00pm CDT

NWIS Time-Series and Discrete Data Workflows

Come learn about the NWIS Time-Series and Discrete Data Workflows! This presentation on the NWIS Workflows Assessment and Improvement Project will show how the establishment of a "national consensus" workflow will help both the Water Science Centers and the NWIS Modernization program. Time-series workflows have recently been shared as standardized workflows capturing the "national consensus" workflow. Let's work together to find the "national consensus" workflow for discrete data. WSCs and YOU will benefit from Water Enterprise solutions that support more efficient, lean tools associated with "national consensus" workflows. NWIS Modernization will gain focus and energy behind key investments identified with the help from our WSCs and this project team.

Speakers

Mike Colombo

Hydrologist, USGS

Like many in the USGS, I began career as summer student learning stream gaging, discrete water-quality sampling, sediment sampling, and lake sampling. Continued with USGS as a Hydrologist performing investigative, water-quality studies. Developed use of continuous water-quality monitors... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:00pm - 3:20pm CDT
Midway 9

COMPUTER TOOLS, LISTENING SESSION

Presented By Hydrologic Networks Branch (HNB)
Intended Audience Intermediate
Duration 20 minutes

3:30pm CDT

3D Modeling and its Application in the Field

Using 3d modeling software such as fusion360 and sketchup we have been able to create cost effective prototypes and finished final products for a variety of uses. Using this software we have been able to design and manufacture items in house to decrease cost of production and more effectively demonstrate to collaborators how certain instrument installations work. In this presentation we will show the different detail levels of design and the endless possibilities that come with 3d modeling.

How 3D modeling software such as fusion360 or sketchup can be used for various field applications to improve quality of life, collaboration, and innovation while reducing costs. We can design and manufacture parts in house that are durable and cost effective.

Speakers

Patrick Dellwo

Hydro Tech

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:30pm - 3:50pm CDT
Midway 9

COMPUTER TOOLS, TIPS AND TRICKS

Presented By Your WSC
Intended Audience Introductory
Duration 20 minutes

4:00pm CDT

Beyond Discharge: Using ADCPs for velocity mapping, bathymetry, and sediment surrogates

An overview of using ADCPs for uses other than discharge, including velocity mapping, bathymetry, and sediment surrogates.

Speakers

Justin Boldt

Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey

Tuesday July 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Midway 9

HYDROACOUSTICS, ANALYSIS

Presented By HAWG
Intended Audience General Audience
Duration 50 minutes

8:00am CDT

Relating Rating and Shift Development to Channel Geometry

The shape and slope of a stage-discharge rating as well as the hinge and merge points of associated shifts are related to the geometry of the stream channel. This presentation will discuss that relationship using modeling results from several scenarios (differing channel shapes and changes related to scour and fill).

Speakers

Jeff Kitchen

Surface Water Specialists, USGS

I'm the surface water specialist of the CAWSC data program. I have extensive experience with records computation and rating development as well as indirect survey methods.

Wednesday July 17, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Midway 9

SURFACE WATER, ANALYSIS

Presented By Your WSC
Intended Audience General Audience
Duration 50 minutes

9:00am CDT

Introduction to Camera Usage in USGS Monitoring Networks

This presentation will be an introduction for those interested in using cameras in their monitoring networks. Applications for imagery, site considerations, selecting a camera system, and a NIMS/HIVIS overview will be discussed with examples from VA/WV WSC and other USGS stations. An emphasis will be on Vivotek network camera and Sierra Wireless modem systems and game/trail cameras. We will also discuss how to add cameras and batch upload images in NIMS Admin Console for control monitoring or other useful applications.

Speakers

Chelsea Vande Pol

Hydrologic Technician, USGS

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:00am - 9:20am CDT
Midway 9

IMAGING/REMOTE SENSING, TIPS AND TRICKS

Presented By Your WSC
Intended Audience Intermediate
Duration 20 minutes

10:00am CDT

Basics of 3D scanning and 3D software use.

This presentation will cover how to use 3D CAD modeling software for designing of field equipment. There will be a discussion on the different types of 3D CAD modeling software, as well as demos. The second part of the presentation will be use of a 3D scanner and importing into CAD software.

The demo will be with Fusion 360, Free trials can be found here: F360 free trial.

Caution: Using the free trial or hobbist trial for government work or products is against the terms of service. Our use is for training purposes only. Do not install the free trial too early, or time may elapse before the class period.

We will be using an Einstar 3D scanner, and scanning equipment and inserting them into digital space.

Check out the Innovation Depot for cool things going on with design and testing!

Speakers

Bryce Redinger

I am a HydroTech out of the Carson City, NV office. I have been working for the USGS for just over 15 years. I have a passion for design and development of equipment and teaching. I am the training coordinator for the state of Nevada, and stream gage remote locations in Nevada as... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 10:00am - 11:20am CDT
Midway 9

COMPUTER TOOLS, TIPS AND TRICKS

Presented By Hydrologic Networks Branch (HNB)
Intended Audience General Audience
Duration 80 minutes

3:00pm CDT

Field Site Safety Inspections using Field Activity Safety Tracking (FAST)

Field Activity Safety Tracking or FAST is a module that lives inside of Site Visit Mobile AQ or SVMAQ. This module can be used to replace paper forms used for Annual Site Safety Inspections. This application will increase compliance with mandatory annual site safety inspections and reduce administrative burden on field staff. Data recorded includes identification and classification of field hazards as well as real time reporting on needed site maintenance. Supervisors and safety staff alike can use data collected using the application to verify inspections are being completed, identify hazards, and even map different types of infrastructure on the landscape such as stilling wells. This application was funded by NOMS and developed by the Integrated Hydrology & Data Science Branch or IHDS in OTWSC in cooperation with the Southeast Region.

Speakers

Shelby Hunter

Wednesday July 17, 2024 3:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Midway 9

SAFETY, TIPS AND TRICKS

Presented By Office of the Southeast Region Director
Intended Audience General Audience
Duration 110 minutes

8:00am CDT

"How Do You Do?" Running Field Trips

DISCUSSION GROUP--This guided session aims to provide a venue for dialogue amongst data chiefs, field office chiefs, and/or field office leadership on different strategies for the routine operation and maintenance of streamgaging networks. Specific topics may include frequency of site visits, solo vs paired trips, tools being used to help determine when a site visit is needed, and approaches to "extra maintenance" such as station levels. Outcomes of the discussion should be a better national-level understanding of how to optimize operations with a goal of producing high quality data in the most cost effective manner.

Speakers

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.

Thursday July 18, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Midway 9

LEADERSHIP, LISTENING SESSION

Presented By Your WSC
Intended Audience Advanced
Duration 50 minutes

9:00am CDT

Goal Setting to Achieve Your Dreams!

How do I write an Individual Development Plan (IDP)? How do I discuss my career aspirations with my supervisor? This talk will cover how you can use SMART objectives to inform your IDP. Along the way, we'll discuss strategies to have an effective discussion with your supervisor about your career goals and how to solicit their feedback to help you achieve your dreams.

Speakers

Megan Rogers

Thursday July 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:20am CDT
Midway 9

LEADERSHIP, TIPS AND TRICKS

Presented By Your WSC
Intended Audience General Audience
Duration 20 minutes

10:00am CDT

3D design and rapid prototyping in Hydrologic science

From concepts to reality. In a few short key strokes an idea can be converted into a reality. This presentation will go over creation, prototyping, and field testing process for several hydrologic pieces of equipment.

Check out the Innovation Depot for cool things going on with design and testing!

Speakers

Bryce Redinger

Thursday July 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Midway 9

COMPUTER TOOLS, TIPS AND TRICKS

Presented By Hydrologic Networks Branch (HNB)
Intended Audience General Audience
Duration 50 minutes

11:00am CDT

SAWSC Women in Science: An Overview

This presentation will provide an overview of the history and development of the SAWSC Women in Science Group. We will highlight what the group has accomplished and present short- and long-term goals for the future. Our hope is to reach anyone who is interested in beginning or is part of a group like this one in their own Center.

Speakers

Sarina Little

Hydrologic Technician, USGS

Lara Chapman

Thursday July 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:20am CDT
Midway 9

LEADERSHIP, ANALYSIS

Presented By Your WSC
Intended Audience General Audience
Duration 20 minutes

1:00pm CDT

Aquarius Station Analysis (AQSA)

The team will provide an overview of the AQSA (Aquarius Station Analysis) process that integrates AQTS data and entered information with SIMS/RMS to generate Station Analysis. This Automated Records project work will be released sometime in August 2024.

Speakers

Sonya Vasquez and Automated Records group members

Thursday July 18, 2024 1:00pm - 2:20pm CDT
Midway 9

COMPUTER TOOLS, TIPS AND TRICKS

Presented By Hydrologic Networks Branch (HNB)
Intended Audience General Audience
Duration 80 minutes