Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Terry W Ortel

Terry Ortel is a hydrologist with the USGS, Central Midwest Water Science Center, located in Urbana, Illinois.

Professional Experience

  • 1997-present USGS, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Urbana, Illinois

  • 1996-1997 Waste Management Research Center. Champaign, Illinois 

  • 1992-1996 Construction Engineering Research Laboratories, Champaign, Illinois 

  • 1990-1992 Illinois State Water Survey, Champaign, Illinois

  • 1986-1990 South Florida Water Management District, West Palm Beach, Florida

Education and Certifications

  • MS Agricultural Engineering Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, 1986

  • BS Agricultural Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 1984

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • American Society of Agricultural Engineers

Abstracts and Presentations

  • Ishii, A.L., Ortel, T.W., Over, T.M., and Murphy, E.A., 2003, Nexrad and Rainfall-Gage Precipitation Inputs for Near Real-Time Flood Simulation of Salt Creek in Du Page County, Illinois: in 2003 National Hydrologic Warning Council/Southwestern Association of ALERT Systems Abstracts, Dallas, Texas, p. 43

  • Vonnahme, C.C., Ortel, T.W., Ishii, A.L., and Charlton, A.J., 1999, Near Real-Time Flood-Simulation System for Salt Creek in Du Page County, Illinois: Association of State Floodplain Managers, Proceedings of the Planning Ahead: Flood-Loss Reduction for the 21st Century, Portland, Oregon, p. 6

  • Ortel, T.W., 1999, GenScn - Generation and Analysis of Model Simulation Scenarios: Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management, IAFSM 1999 Annual Conference, Rosemont, Illinois, p. 1

  • Ishii, A.L., Charlton, T.J., Ortel, T.W., and Vonnahme, C.C., 1998, Modeling System for Near Real-Time Flood Simulation for Salt Creek in Du Page County, Illinois: Subcommittee on Hydrology of the Interagency Advisory Committee on Water Data, Proceedings of the First Federal Interagency Hydrologic Modeling Conference, Las Vegas, p. 8.51-8.58

Science and Products

Full Equations Model Graphical Data Inspector (FEQ–GDI) user guide

The Full Equations Model Graphical Data Inspector (FEQ–GDI) is a menu-driven utility program that enables users to visualize and check the geometric and hydraulic properties of channel cross sections, selected control structures, and stream profiles in the input files for the Full Equations (FEQ) Model and the Full Equations Utilities (FEQUTL) Model. The FEQ Model is a computer program for the sim
Authors
Jessica L. Ern, Terry Ortel, Audrey L. Ishii, Maitreyee Bera
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center

Comparison of NEXRAD multisensor precipitation estimates to rain gage observations in and near DuPage County, Illinois, 2002–12

In this report, precipitation data from 2002 to 2012 from the hourly gridded Next-Generation Radar (NEXRAD)-based Multisensor Precipitation Estimate (MPE) precipitation product are compared to precipitation data from two rain gage networks—an automated tipping bucket network of 25 rain gages operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and 51 rain gages from the volunteer-operated Community Colla
Authors
Ryan R. Spies, Thomas M. Over, Terry Ortel
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Midwest Water Science Center

Processing of next generation weather radar-multisensor precipitation estimates and quantitative precipitation forecast data for the DuPage County streamflow simulation system

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with DuPage County Stormwater Management Department, is testing a near real-time streamflow simulation system that assists in the management and operation of reservoirs and other flood-control structures in the Salt Creek and West Branch DuPage River drainage basins in DuPage County, Illinois. As part of this effort, the U.S. Geological Survey maintains a
Authors
Maitreyee Bera, Terry W. Ortel
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Midwest Water Science Center

NEXRAD quantitative precipitation estimates, data acquisition, and processing for the DuPage County, Illinois, streamflow-simulation modeling system

Next-Generation Radar (NEXRAD) has become an integral component in the estimation of precipitation (Kitzmiller and others, 2013). The high spatial and temporal resolution of NEXRAD has revolutionized the ability to estimate precipitation across vast regions, which is especially beneficial in areas without a dense rain-gage network. With the improved precipitation estimates, hydrologic models can p
Authors
Terry W. Ortel, Ryan R. Spies
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Midwest Water Science Center

A Unified Flash Flood Database across the United States

Despite flash flooding being one of the most deadly and costly weather-related natural hazards worldwide, individual datasets to characterize them in the United States are hampered by limited documentation and can be difficult to access. This study is the first of its kind to assemble, reprocess, describe, and disseminate a georeferenced U.S. database providing a long-term, detailed characterizati
Authors
Jonathan J. Gourley, Yang Hong, Zachary L. Flamig, Ami Arthur, Robert Clark, Martin Calianno, Isabelle Ruin, Terry W. Ortel, Michael Wieczorek, Pierre-Emmanuel Kirstetter, Edward Clark, Witold F. Krajewski
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center

User's guide for MAGIC-Meteorologic and hydrologic genscn (generate scenarios) input converter

Meteorologic and hydrologic data used in watershed modeling studies are collected by various agencies and organizations, and stored in various formats. Data may be in a raw, un-processed format with little or no quality control, or may be checked for validity before being made available. Flood-simulation systems require data in near real-time so that adequate flood warnings can be made. Additional
Authors
Terry W. Ortel, Angel Martin
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Midwest Water Science Center

Operational modeling system with dynamic-wave routing

A near real-time streamflow-simulation system utilizing continuous-simulation rainfall-runoff generation with dynamic-wave routing is being developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Du Page County Department of Environmental Concerns for a 24-kilometer reach of Salt Creek in Du Page County, Illinois. This system is needed in order to more effectively manage the Elmhurst Quarr
Authors
A. L. Ishii, T.J. Charlton, T.W. Ortel, C.C. Vonnahme

Non-USGS Publications**

Knapp, H.V. and Ortel, T.W., 1992, Effect of Stratton Dam Operation on Flood Control Along the Fox River and Fox Chain of Lakes: Illinois State Water Survey Contract Report 533, p. 79
Ortel, T.W., 1992, Supplemental Water Use in the Everglades Agricultural Area: South Florida Water Management District Technical Memorandum, p. 52
Knapp, H.V., Ortel, T.W., and Larson, R.S., 1991, Hydrologic Modeling of the Fox River Watershed: Illinois State Water Survey Contract Report 518, p.89
Tomasello, R.S. and Ortel, T.W., 1989, Cocohatchee River Basin Study: American Society of Civil Engineers, in Proceedings of the 1989 National Conference on Hydraulic Engineering, p. 717-722
Cooper, R.M. and Ortel, T.W., 1988, An Atlas of St.Lucie County Surface Water Management Basins: South Florida Water Management District Technical Memorandum, p. 40
Manges, H.V., Hooker, M.L., and Ortel, T.W., 1985, Variable Cycle Time Effects in Surge Irrigation: American Society of Agricultural Engineers, paper 85-2583 presented at the 1985 ASAE Winter Meeting, p. 7

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

link
Illustration of Schematic-diagram preparation for the Full Equations Model

Full Equations (FEQ) Model Web Resources

FEQ is a computer model for simulation of one-dimensional unsteady flow in open channels and through control structures. The structure of the program is designed to follow the structure of a stream system and provide maximum generality and flexibility. FEQ can be applied to simulate a wide range of stream configurations including loops and lateral-inflow conditions. Special features such as...
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center
link

Full Equations (FEQ) Model Web Resources

FEQ is a computer model for simulation of one-dimensional unsteady flow in open channels and through control structures. The structure of the program is designed to follow the structure of a stream system and provide maximum generality and flexibility. FEQ can be applied to simulate a wide range of stream configurations including loops and lateral-inflow conditions. Special features such as...
Learn More
link
Real-Time Precipitation Data- Illinois

Real-Time Precipitation Data - CMWSC

Real-time precipitation data is available in our map-driven application for the Central Midwest Water Science Center. You can use a map to select a precipitation-monitoring site and view precipitation amounts for the previous 3,6,12,24,48 hours and 7,14, and 30 days. A data table shows precipitation amounts at all sites within that state.
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center
link

Real-Time Precipitation Data - CMWSC

Real-time precipitation data is available in our map-driven application for the Central Midwest Water Science Center. You can use a map to select a precipitation-monitoring site and view precipitation amounts for the previous 3,6,12,24,48 hours and 7,14, and 30 days. A data table shows precipitation amounts at all sites within that state.
Learn More

Science and Products

  • Publications

    Full Equations Model Graphical Data Inspector (FEQ–GDI) user guide

    The Full Equations Model Graphical Data Inspector (FEQ–GDI) is a menu-driven utility program that enables users to visualize and check the geometric and hydraulic properties of channel cross sections, selected control structures, and stream profiles in the input files for the Full Equations (FEQ) Model and the Full Equations Utilities (FEQUTL) Model. The FEQ Model is a computer program for the sim
    Authors
    Jessica L. Ern, Terry Ortel, Audrey L. Ishii, Maitreyee Bera
    By
    Central Midwest Water Science Center

    Comparison of NEXRAD multisensor precipitation estimates to rain gage observations in and near DuPage County, Illinois, 2002–12

    In this report, precipitation data from 2002 to 2012 from the hourly gridded Next-Generation Radar (NEXRAD)-based Multisensor Precipitation Estimate (MPE) precipitation product are compared to precipitation data from two rain gage networks—an automated tipping bucket network of 25 rain gages operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and 51 rain gages from the volunteer-operated Community Colla
    Authors
    Ryan R. Spies, Thomas M. Over, Terry Ortel
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, Central Midwest Water Science Center

    Processing of next generation weather radar-multisensor precipitation estimates and quantitative precipitation forecast data for the DuPage County streamflow simulation system

    The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with DuPage County Stormwater Management Department, is testing a near real-time streamflow simulation system that assists in the management and operation of reservoirs and other flood-control structures in the Salt Creek and West Branch DuPage River drainage basins in DuPage County, Illinois. As part of this effort, the U.S. Geological Survey maintains a
    Authors
    Maitreyee Bera, Terry W. Ortel
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, Central Midwest Water Science Center

    NEXRAD quantitative precipitation estimates, data acquisition, and processing for the DuPage County, Illinois, streamflow-simulation modeling system

    Next-Generation Radar (NEXRAD) has become an integral component in the estimation of precipitation (Kitzmiller and others, 2013). The high spatial and temporal resolution of NEXRAD has revolutionized the ability to estimate precipitation across vast regions, which is especially beneficial in areas without a dense rain-gage network. With the improved precipitation estimates, hydrologic models can p
    Authors
    Terry W. Ortel, Ryan R. Spies
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, Central Midwest Water Science Center

    A Unified Flash Flood Database across the United States

    Despite flash flooding being one of the most deadly and costly weather-related natural hazards worldwide, individual datasets to characterize them in the United States are hampered by limited documentation and can be difficult to access. This study is the first of its kind to assemble, reprocess, describe, and disseminate a georeferenced U.S. database providing a long-term, detailed characterizati
    Authors
    Jonathan J. Gourley, Yang Hong, Zachary L. Flamig, Ami Arthur, Robert Clark, Martin Calianno, Isabelle Ruin, Terry W. Ortel, Michael Wieczorek, Pierre-Emmanuel Kirstetter, Edward Clark, Witold F. Krajewski
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center

    User's guide for MAGIC-Meteorologic and hydrologic genscn (generate scenarios) input converter

    Meteorologic and hydrologic data used in watershed modeling studies are collected by various agencies and organizations, and stored in various formats. Data may be in a raw, un-processed format with little or no quality control, or may be checked for validity before being made available. Flood-simulation systems require data in near real-time so that adequate flood warnings can be made. Additional
    Authors
    Terry W. Ortel, Angel Martin
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, Central Midwest Water Science Center

    Operational modeling system with dynamic-wave routing

    A near real-time streamflow-simulation system utilizing continuous-simulation rainfall-runoff generation with dynamic-wave routing is being developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Du Page County Department of Environmental Concerns for a 24-kilometer reach of Salt Creek in Du Page County, Illinois. This system is needed in order to more effectively manage the Elmhurst Quarr
    Authors
    A. L. Ishii, T.J. Charlton, T.W. Ortel, C.C. Vonnahme

    Non-USGS Publications**

    Knapp, H.V. and Ortel, T.W., 1992, Effect of Stratton Dam Operation on Flood Control Along the Fox River and Fox Chain of Lakes: Illinois State Water Survey Contract Report 533, p. 79
    Ortel, T.W., 1992, Supplemental Water Use in the Everglades Agricultural Area: South Florida Water Management District Technical Memorandum, p. 52
    Knapp, H.V., Ortel, T.W., and Larson, R.S., 1991, Hydrologic Modeling of the Fox River Watershed: Illinois State Water Survey Contract Report 518, p.89
    Tomasello, R.S. and Ortel, T.W., 1989, Cocohatchee River Basin Study: American Society of Civil Engineers, in Proceedings of the 1989 National Conference on Hydraulic Engineering, p. 717-722
    Cooper, R.M. and Ortel, T.W., 1988, An Atlas of St.Lucie County Surface Water Management Basins: South Florida Water Management District Technical Memorandum, p. 40
    Manges, H.V., Hooker, M.L., and Ortel, T.W., 1985, Variable Cycle Time Effects in Surge Irrigation: American Society of Agricultural Engineers, paper 85-2583 presented at the 1985 ASAE Winter Meeting, p. 7

    **Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

  • Science
    link
    Illustration of Schematic-diagram preparation for the Full Equations Model

    Full Equations (FEQ) Model Web Resources

    FEQ is a computer model for simulation of one-dimensional unsteady flow in open channels and through control structures. The structure of the program is designed to follow the structure of a stream system and provide maximum generality and flexibility. FEQ can be applied to simulate a wide range of stream configurations including loops and lateral-inflow conditions. Special features such as...
    By
    Central Midwest Water Science Center
    link

    Full Equations (FEQ) Model Web Resources

    FEQ is a computer model for simulation of one-dimensional unsteady flow in open channels and through control structures. The structure of the program is designed to follow the structure of a stream system and provide maximum generality and flexibility. FEQ can be applied to simulate a wide range of stream configurations including loops and lateral-inflow conditions. Special features such as...
    Learn More
    link
    Real-Time Precipitation Data- Illinois

    Real-Time Precipitation Data - CMWSC

    Real-time precipitation data is available in our map-driven application for the Central Midwest Water Science Center. You can use a map to select a precipitation-monitoring site and view precipitation amounts for the previous 3,6,12,24,48 hours and 7,14, and 30 days. A data table shows precipitation amounts at all sites within that state.
    By
    Central Midwest Water Science Center
    link

    Real-Time Precipitation Data - CMWSC

    Real-time precipitation data is available in our map-driven application for the Central Midwest Water Science Center. You can use a map to select a precipitation-monitoring site and view precipitation amounts for the previous 3,6,12,24,48 hours and 7,14, and 30 days. A data table shows precipitation amounts at all sites within that state.
    Learn More

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government