Geospatial Research and Development to Understand Hydrologic Processes
Active
By Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
March 20, 2018
Geospatial Research and Development (GeoRAD) advances understanding of hydrologic processes by using tools and technologies to map, analyze, and visualize water-related data to better understand how water moves and behaves in the environment. Like all natural phenomena, hydrological phenomena occur in specific locations. Remote sensing, GIS, and geostatistical methods are tools that can be used to evaluate the spatial aspects of hydrologic phenomena and gain insights into key hydrologic characteristics such as water quality, streamflow, and hydraulics.
At the Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, scientists use GeoRAD for a variety of projects. Studies completed and currently in progress by the GeoRAD team include:
- Using satellite imagery to estimate consumptive water use from irrigated lands in the Milk River Basin, United States and Canada
- Using Flow-Conditioned Parameter Grids as a way of storing the upstream average of datasets, such as precipitation or land cover type, for all points on the landscape.
- Determining the probability of streamflow permanence using a cailbrated geospatial model
- Using basin characteristics to estimate peak-flow frequencies at ungaged streams
- Determining streamflow drivers for small streams in the Wyoming Range
- Estimating nutrient input into a small watershed
- Building a three-dimensional geohydrologic framework for the Williston and Powder River Basins
Below are geospatial data associated with this project.
Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER) output rasters, 1989-2021, upper Missouri River Basin (ver. 2.0, July 2024) Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER) output rasters, 1989-2021, upper Missouri River Basin (ver. 2.0, July 2024)
The PROSPER output rasters represent the estimates of probability of annual streamflow permanence produced by the PRObability of Streamflow PERmanence (PROSPER) model, for years 1989 through 2021, in the upper Missouri River basin and parts of the Great Basin, Upper Colorado River basin, and Pacific Northwest hydrographic regions of the United States. The PROSPER model is a raster-based...
Reach-scale predicted annual streamflow permanence probabilities, predicted monthly mean stream temperature for August, and predicted monthly streamflow discharge for stream reaches in the Pacific Northwest, USA (2004-2015) (ver. 2.0, January 2023) Reach-scale predicted annual streamflow permanence probabilities, predicted monthly mean stream temperature for August, and predicted monthly streamflow discharge for stream reaches in the Pacific Northwest, USA (2004-2015) (ver. 2.0, January 2023)
This dataset is a combination of annual Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER) predictions, Northwest Stream Temperature (NorWeST) predictions of monthly mean stream temperatures for August of each year, and predicted monthly streamflow discharge for stream reaches in the Pacific Northwest from the USGS database of natural monthly streamflow estimates, U.S., 2004-2015. The...
Streamflow Observation Points in the Upper Plains, 1973-2018 Streamflow Observation Points in the Upper Plains, 1973-2018
This produced dataset includes spatially aggregated records of measurements and observations from public and private organizations across the Upper Missouri River Basin. For this dataset the Upper Missouri River Basin is defined as Hydrologic Unit Code 1002-1013, and includes the states of Montana, Wyoming, Utah, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Streamflow measurements are an essential...
RockType to Permeability Crosswalk Table, Northwest U.S. RockType to Permeability Crosswalk Table, Northwest U.S.
This table is a crosswalk or lookup table that classifies rock type (surface geology) by its permeability, or the ability to pass substances, such as liquids or gases. The rock types that are classified are located in the Northwest U.S. -- Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, and Montana.
Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER) Model Output Layers Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER) Model Output Layers
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed the PRObability of Streamflow PERmanence (PROSPER) model, a GIS raster-based empirical model that provides streamflow permanence probabilities (probabilistic predictions) of a stream channel having year-round flow for any unregulated and minimally-impaired stream channel in the Pacific Northwest region, U.S. The model provides annual...
Streamflow Observation Points in the Pacific Northwest, 1977-2016 Streamflow Observation Points in the Pacific Northwest, 1977-2016
This dataset includes spatial locations in the Pacific Northwest where streamflow observations were recorded. For the purpose of this investigation, all streamflow observations were converted into wet or dry indicator values.
Estimated Nitrogen and Phosphorus Input to Fish Creek Watershed, Teton County, Wyoming Estimated Nitrogen and Phosphorus Input to Fish Creek Watershed, Teton County, Wyoming
Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are essential for plant and animal growth and nourishment, but the overabundance of bioavailable nitrogen and phosphorus in water can cause adverse health and ecological effects. It is generally accepted that major increases in the primary production of surface-water bodies due to high inputs of nutrients is now the most important polluting...
Below are publications associated with this project.
Predicting alpine headwater stream intermittency: a case study in the northern Rocky Mountains Predicting alpine headwater stream intermittency: a case study in the northern Rocky Mountains
This investigation used climatic, geological, and environmental data coupled with observational stream intermittency data to predict alpine headwater stream intermittency. Prediction was made using a random forest classification model. Results showed that the most important variables in the prediction model were snowpack persistence, represented by average snow extent from March through...
Authors
Roy Sando, Kyle Blasch
Using remote sensing to characterize and compare evapotranspiration from different irrigation regimes in the Smith River Watershed of central Montana Using remote sensing to characterize and compare evapotranspiration from different irrigation regimes in the Smith River Watershed of central Montana
According to the 2005 U.S. Geological Survey national water use compilation, irrigation is the second largest use of fresh water in the United States, accounting for 37%, or 484.48 million cubic meters per day, of total freshwater withdrawal. Accurately estimating the amount of water withdrawals and actual consumptive water use (the difference between water withdrawals and return flow)...
Authors
Roy Sando, Rodney Caldwell, Kyle Blasch
Estimating current and future streamflow characteristics at ungaged sites, central and eastern Montana, with application to evaluating effects of climate change on fish populations Estimating current and future streamflow characteristics at ungaged sites, central and eastern Montana, with application to evaluating effects of climate change on fish populations
A common statistical procedure for estimating streamflow statistics at ungaged locations is to develop a relational model between streamflow and drainage basin characteristics at gaged locations using least squares regression analysis; however, least squares regression methods are parametric and make constraining assumptions about the data distribution. The random forest regression...
Authors
Roy Sando, Katherine Chase
Estimated nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the Fish Creek watershed, Teton County, Wyoming, 2009–15 Estimated nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the Fish Creek watershed, Teton County, Wyoming, 2009–15
Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are essential for plant and animal growth and nourishment, but the overabundance of bioavailable nitrogen and phosphorus in water can cause adverse health and ecological effects. It is generally accepted that increased primary production of surface-water bodies because of high inputs of nutrients is now the most important polluting effect in...
Authors
Cheryl A. Eddy-Miller, Roy Sando, Michael MacDonald, Carlin Girard
Methods for estimating peak-flow frequencies at ungaged sites in Montana based on data through water year 2011: Chapter F in Montana StreamStats Methods for estimating peak-flow frequencies at ungaged sites in Montana based on data through water year 2011: Chapter F in Montana StreamStats
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, completed a study to update methods for estimating peak-flow frequencies at ungaged sites in Montana based on peak-flow data at streamflow-gaging stations through water year 2011. The methods allow estimation of peak-flow frequencies (that is, peak-flow magnitudes, in...
Authors
Roy Sando, Steven Sando, Peter McCarthy, DeAnn M. Dutton
Hydrogeologic framework of the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins, United States and Canada Hydrogeologic framework of the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins, United States and Canada
The glacial, lower Tertiary, and Upper Cretaceous aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins within the United States and Canada are the uppermost principal aquifer systems and most accessible sources of groundwater for these energy-producing basins. The glacial aquifer system covers the northeastern part of the Williston structural basin. The lower Tertiary and...
Authors
Joanna N. Thamke, Gary LeCain, Derek Ryter, Roy Sando, Andrew Long
Geospatial Research and Development (GeoRAD) advances understanding of hydrologic processes by using tools and technologies to map, analyze, and visualize water-related data to better understand how water moves and behaves in the environment. Like all natural phenomena, hydrological phenomena occur in specific locations. Remote sensing, GIS, and geostatistical methods are tools that can be used to evaluate the spatial aspects of hydrologic phenomena and gain insights into key hydrologic characteristics such as water quality, streamflow, and hydraulics.
At the Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, scientists use GeoRAD for a variety of projects. Studies completed and currently in progress by the GeoRAD team include:
- Using satellite imagery to estimate consumptive water use from irrigated lands in the Milk River Basin, United States and Canada
- Using Flow-Conditioned Parameter Grids as a way of storing the upstream average of datasets, such as precipitation or land cover type, for all points on the landscape.
- Determining the probability of streamflow permanence using a cailbrated geospatial model
- Using basin characteristics to estimate peak-flow frequencies at ungaged streams
- Determining streamflow drivers for small streams in the Wyoming Range
- Estimating nutrient input into a small watershed
- Building a three-dimensional geohydrologic framework for the Williston and Powder River Basins
Below are geospatial data associated with this project.
Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER) output rasters, 1989-2021, upper Missouri River Basin (ver. 2.0, July 2024) Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER) output rasters, 1989-2021, upper Missouri River Basin (ver. 2.0, July 2024)
The PROSPER output rasters represent the estimates of probability of annual streamflow permanence produced by the PRObability of Streamflow PERmanence (PROSPER) model, for years 1989 through 2021, in the upper Missouri River basin and parts of the Great Basin, Upper Colorado River basin, and Pacific Northwest hydrographic regions of the United States. The PROSPER model is a raster-based...
Reach-scale predicted annual streamflow permanence probabilities, predicted monthly mean stream temperature for August, and predicted monthly streamflow discharge for stream reaches in the Pacific Northwest, USA (2004-2015) (ver. 2.0, January 2023) Reach-scale predicted annual streamflow permanence probabilities, predicted monthly mean stream temperature for August, and predicted monthly streamflow discharge for stream reaches in the Pacific Northwest, USA (2004-2015) (ver. 2.0, January 2023)
This dataset is a combination of annual Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER) predictions, Northwest Stream Temperature (NorWeST) predictions of monthly mean stream temperatures for August of each year, and predicted monthly streamflow discharge for stream reaches in the Pacific Northwest from the USGS database of natural monthly streamflow estimates, U.S., 2004-2015. The...
Streamflow Observation Points in the Upper Plains, 1973-2018 Streamflow Observation Points in the Upper Plains, 1973-2018
This produced dataset includes spatially aggregated records of measurements and observations from public and private organizations across the Upper Missouri River Basin. For this dataset the Upper Missouri River Basin is defined as Hydrologic Unit Code 1002-1013, and includes the states of Montana, Wyoming, Utah, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Streamflow measurements are an essential...
RockType to Permeability Crosswalk Table, Northwest U.S. RockType to Permeability Crosswalk Table, Northwest U.S.
This table is a crosswalk or lookup table that classifies rock type (surface geology) by its permeability, or the ability to pass substances, such as liquids or gases. The rock types that are classified are located in the Northwest U.S. -- Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, and Montana.
Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER) Model Output Layers Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER) Model Output Layers
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed the PRObability of Streamflow PERmanence (PROSPER) model, a GIS raster-based empirical model that provides streamflow permanence probabilities (probabilistic predictions) of a stream channel having year-round flow for any unregulated and minimally-impaired stream channel in the Pacific Northwest region, U.S. The model provides annual...
Streamflow Observation Points in the Pacific Northwest, 1977-2016 Streamflow Observation Points in the Pacific Northwest, 1977-2016
This dataset includes spatial locations in the Pacific Northwest where streamflow observations were recorded. For the purpose of this investigation, all streamflow observations were converted into wet or dry indicator values.
Estimated Nitrogen and Phosphorus Input to Fish Creek Watershed, Teton County, Wyoming Estimated Nitrogen and Phosphorus Input to Fish Creek Watershed, Teton County, Wyoming
Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are essential for plant and animal growth and nourishment, but the overabundance of bioavailable nitrogen and phosphorus in water can cause adverse health and ecological effects. It is generally accepted that major increases in the primary production of surface-water bodies due to high inputs of nutrients is now the most important polluting...
Below are publications associated with this project.
Predicting alpine headwater stream intermittency: a case study in the northern Rocky Mountains Predicting alpine headwater stream intermittency: a case study in the northern Rocky Mountains
This investigation used climatic, geological, and environmental data coupled with observational stream intermittency data to predict alpine headwater stream intermittency. Prediction was made using a random forest classification model. Results showed that the most important variables in the prediction model were snowpack persistence, represented by average snow extent from March through...
Authors
Roy Sando, Kyle Blasch
Using remote sensing to characterize and compare evapotranspiration from different irrigation regimes in the Smith River Watershed of central Montana Using remote sensing to characterize and compare evapotranspiration from different irrigation regimes in the Smith River Watershed of central Montana
According to the 2005 U.S. Geological Survey national water use compilation, irrigation is the second largest use of fresh water in the United States, accounting for 37%, or 484.48 million cubic meters per day, of total freshwater withdrawal. Accurately estimating the amount of water withdrawals and actual consumptive water use (the difference between water withdrawals and return flow)...
Authors
Roy Sando, Rodney Caldwell, Kyle Blasch
Estimating current and future streamflow characteristics at ungaged sites, central and eastern Montana, with application to evaluating effects of climate change on fish populations Estimating current and future streamflow characteristics at ungaged sites, central and eastern Montana, with application to evaluating effects of climate change on fish populations
A common statistical procedure for estimating streamflow statistics at ungaged locations is to develop a relational model between streamflow and drainage basin characteristics at gaged locations using least squares regression analysis; however, least squares regression methods are parametric and make constraining assumptions about the data distribution. The random forest regression...
Authors
Roy Sando, Katherine Chase
Estimated nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the Fish Creek watershed, Teton County, Wyoming, 2009–15 Estimated nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the Fish Creek watershed, Teton County, Wyoming, 2009–15
Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are essential for plant and animal growth and nourishment, but the overabundance of bioavailable nitrogen and phosphorus in water can cause adverse health and ecological effects. It is generally accepted that increased primary production of surface-water bodies because of high inputs of nutrients is now the most important polluting effect in...
Authors
Cheryl A. Eddy-Miller, Roy Sando, Michael MacDonald, Carlin Girard
Methods for estimating peak-flow frequencies at ungaged sites in Montana based on data through water year 2011: Chapter F in Montana StreamStats Methods for estimating peak-flow frequencies at ungaged sites in Montana based on data through water year 2011: Chapter F in Montana StreamStats
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, completed a study to update methods for estimating peak-flow frequencies at ungaged sites in Montana based on peak-flow data at streamflow-gaging stations through water year 2011. The methods allow estimation of peak-flow frequencies (that is, peak-flow magnitudes, in...
Authors
Roy Sando, Steven Sando, Peter McCarthy, DeAnn M. Dutton
Hydrogeologic framework of the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins, United States and Canada Hydrogeologic framework of the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins, United States and Canada
The glacial, lower Tertiary, and Upper Cretaceous aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins within the United States and Canada are the uppermost principal aquifer systems and most accessible sources of groundwater for these energy-producing basins. The glacial aquifer system covers the northeastern part of the Williston structural basin. The lower Tertiary and...
Authors
Joanna N. Thamke, Gary LeCain, Derek Ryter, Roy Sando, Andrew Long