Under-ice Discharge on the Edge (ICE-Edge)
Deliver under-ice discharge on the edge in real time that enhances safety, which is not possible with existing USGS methods.
Edge computing relies on bankside computers to calculate complex workflow and transmit data remotely in real time. An example application is the integration of edge computers to calculate discharge from ice-covered rivers. Standard methods place field staff at risk and lack the capacity to deliver real-time, continuous discharge time series. As of 23 Feb 2026, 14.5% (1,308 of 9,007) of USGS streamgages are ice-affected.
The ICE-Edge Project is designed to computing under-ice discharge in real time using a Raspberry Pi 4, uplooking Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meter, and Python-based algorithms to process data on-site and transmit results through secure USGS systems. This approach reduces the need for placing staff on the ice and reduces operational costs. This results in real-time winter streamflow data, improved water resource decisions, and enhanced safety for hydrographers.
ICE-Edge will scale up for broader use by optimizing code, streamlining data workflows, and providing implementation guides.
Deliver under-ice discharge on the edge in real time that enhances safety, which is not possible with existing USGS methods.
Edge computing relies on bankside computers to calculate complex workflow and transmit data remotely in real time. An example application is the integration of edge computers to calculate discharge from ice-covered rivers. Standard methods place field staff at risk and lack the capacity to deliver real-time, continuous discharge time series. As of 23 Feb 2026, 14.5% (1,308 of 9,007) of USGS streamgages are ice-affected.
The ICE-Edge Project is designed to computing under-ice discharge in real time using a Raspberry Pi 4, uplooking Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meter, and Python-based algorithms to process data on-site and transmit results through secure USGS systems. This approach reduces the need for placing staff on the ice and reduces operational costs. This results in real-time winter streamflow data, improved water resource decisions, and enhanced safety for hydrographers.
ICE-Edge will scale up for broader use by optimizing code, streamlining data workflows, and providing implementation guides.