Images

USGS hydrologist, Erin Leahy, collecting data in Chicken Creek in the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. The USGS operates two water-quality monitors along Chicken Creek.

USGS hydrologic technician, Heather Bragg, uses a 2-wheel crane to lower a sediment sampler into Chicken Creek below.

Chicken Creek in the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge has over 200 species of birds and a variety of other wildlife.

USGS hydrologist, Erin Leahy, collects sediment samples at the upstream gage on Chicken Creek in the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.

In March 2025 the streamgage on the Williamson River Near Klamath Agency, Oregon (11493500) recorded significant flow for the first time since March 2020. The aluminum cylinder on the right houses the gage equipment.

Cow Creek near Riddle, Oregon (1431000): On March 17, 2025, hydrologic technicians captured 14,000 and 13,900 cubic feet per second! These are the 2nd and 3rd highest flow measurements since the period of record began in 1954.

This aerial image was captured during a drone flight for drone-based surface velocimetry, which is a method for measuring the speed of water at the surface of a river or stream using video footage and computer software.

Hydrologic technicians captured the powerful high flow of the Umpqua River near Elkton, measuring an impressive 128,000 cubic feet per second on March 17th, 2025. This marks the third-highest flow measured since monitoring began in 1905.

This aerial image was captured during a drone flight for drone-based surface velocimetry, which is a method for measuring the speed of water at the surface of a river or stream using video footage and computer software.

A USGS hydrologic technician captured this photo of the Umpqua River near Elkton, Oregon, during a high-flow measurement—the third-highest flow recorded at this gage since it began operation in 1905. View gage data.

During a routine cleaning, a technician holds up a water-quality sonde to show its sensors. Each sensor measures a different water-quality value, such as temperature or dissolved oxygen. A central wiper helps keep the sensors clean between technician inspections.

The sonar equipment monitors streambed elevation near the bridge footing to measure scour depth. Accurately measuring scour depth is essential for evaluating bridge safety. During short storm events, crews may not arrive in time to monitor in real-time. Without continuous monitoring, the deepest scour could be missed if the hole refills before inspection.

Field crew installs sonar equipment on the highway 99W bridge over the Luckiamute River near Parker Oregon. 

The Tualatin River in Oregon flows approximately 83 miles from the Northern Oregon Coast Range to the Willamette River, providing vital water resources and habitat across the Tualatin Valley.

When Fern Ridge Lake levels are low the Long Tom River can be seen meandering through the reservoir. Check out the USGS water elevation gage at Fern Ridge Lake Near Elmira, OR - 14168000.

USGS Hydrologist is looking at a headcut/headward erosion/knickpoint in thr center-right of photo during field effort to verify geomorphic mapping.

Morgan, an Oregon Water Science Center hydrologic technician stands under a rainbow during field work at the South Santiam River near Foster, OR streamflow gage (14187200).

Multispectral camera system on Cessna 182 aircraft. Aerial imagery was collected to support research efforts within the Willamette River Integrated Water Science basin as part of the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS).

Temperature logger attached to submerged cobble in Quartzville Creek, OR. This logger was placed as part of an ongoing effort to retrieve continuous temperature data from rivers and tributaries within the Willamette River basin, OR.

Hydrologist, Rod Owre, uses an acoustic doppler current profiler to measure the speed and direction of water currents using sound waves.

White Salmon River near Underwood, Washington (14123500). Photo taken by Adam Ostman, hydrologic technician, during a routine site visit. The streamgage is the small square building on the right river bank.