Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
Science Center Objects
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs) are fully-functional streamgages designed to be deployed quickly and temporarily to measure and transmit stream stage data in emergency situations.
The speed with which Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs) can be installed allows the USGS to:
- augment gage networks during coastal or riverine flooding by adding additional temporary locations to the network.
- provide situational awareness and support to emergency managers.
- maintain data flow when streamgaging equipment is damaged.
The design and uses of RDGs vary according to the environment where they are installed.
An emergency USGS Rapid Deployment Gage is installed on a bridge (right) above permanent gaging station (left) as back-up during a storm event.
Solar panels and batteries supply power to a Rapid Deployment Gage.
Rapid Deployment Gages transmit data through satellite-based radio networks, so they can continue broadcasting during a storm.
Various brackets have been designed to mount Rapid Deployment Gages to stream banks and bridges.
Different types of weather stations may also be mounted with Rapid Deployment Gages to capture environmental data along with stream data. (Credit: Todd Koenig)
USGS Flood Information
The USGS collects flood data and conducts targeted flood science to help Federal, State, and local agencies, decision makers, and the public before, during, and after a flood. Our efforts provide situational awareness, drive predictive models, inform infrastructure design and operation, undergird floodplain mapping, assist flood constituent/load quantification, and facilitate flood impact...
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Date published: February 28, 2019Status: ActiveHistorical Flooding
The USGS provides practical, unbiased information about the Nation's rivers and streams that is crucial in mitigating hazards associated with floods. This site provides information about the USGS activities, data, and services provided during regional high-flow events, such as hurricanes or multi-state flooding events. The USGS response to these events is typically managed by the National...
Attribution: Water Resources, Floods and Droughts -
Date published: February 27, 2019Status: Completed2015 Appalachian Floods and Hurricane Joaquin
Learn more about USGS flood activities related to the 2015 Appalachian Floods and Hurrican Joaquin. An upper atmospheric low-pressure system over the Southeast combined with moisture from Hurricane Joaquin off the Atlantic coast to create historic rainfall in early October, 2015, across South Carolina.
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Date published: February 26, 2019Status: CompletedHurricane Isaac
Hurricane Isaac was a Category 1 storm that made landfall in Louisana on August 28, 2012, causing tornadoes and widespread flooding in five states.
Attribution: Water Resources, Floods and Droughts -
Date published: February 26, 2019Status: CompletedTropical Storm Lee
During and after Tropical Storm Lee, the USGS made stream flow measurements, sampled suspended sediment, and repaired gages in Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and other states in the region.
Attribution: Water Resources, Floods and Droughts -
Date published: February 26, 2019Status: CompletedHurricane Irene
Hurricane Irene, peaking as a Category 3 hurricane, battered Carribean Islands and U.S. states all along the eastern seaboard from South Carolina to Maine on August 21-29, 2011.
Attribution: Water Resources, Floods and Droughts -
Date published: February 26, 2019Status: Completed
Hurricane Irene
Hurricane Irene, peaking as a Category 3 hurricane, battered Carribean Islands and U.S. states all along the eastern seaboard from South Carolina to Maine on August 21-29, 2011.
Attribution: Water Resources, Floods and Droughts -
Date published: February 25, 2019Status: CompletedSummer 2011 Missouri River Basin flood
Learn more about USGS flood activities related to the 2011 Missouri River Basin Flood resulting from higher-than-average snowmelt runoff combined with heavy spring rains.
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Date published: February 25, 2019Status: CompletedSpring/Summer 2011 Mississippi River Basin Floods
Learn more about USGS flood activities related to the Spring/Summer 2011 floods throughout the Mississippi River Basin.
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Date published: February 25, 2019Status: CompletedMay 2011 Louisiana flood
Learn more about USGS flood activities related to the May 2011 flood in Louisiana, including additional real-time monitoring for the Morganza and Bonnet Carre Spillways which were opened to release floodwaters into the Mississippi River.
Attribution: Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin -
Date published: February 25, 2019Status: CompletedMay 2011 Memphis, Tennessee Flood
Learn more about USGS flood activities related to the May 2011 flood in Memphis, Tennessee, including deploying emergency real-time surface-water stage gages at critical locations in Shelby County.
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Date published: December 7, 2020NWIS Current Water Data (Real-Time Data)
The USGS provides real-time or near-real-time conditions water data at sites across the Nation. Current data typically are recorded at 15- to 60-minute intervals, stored onsite, and then transmitted to USGS offices every 1 to 4 hours, depending on the data relay technique used. Recording and transmission times may be more frequent during critical events.
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Date published: March 4, 2019USGS Flood Event Viewer
During large, short-term events, the USGS collects streamflow and additional data (including storm tide, wave height, high-water marks, and additional sensor deployments) to aid in documenting flood events. The USGS Flood Event Viewer provides convenient, map-based access to downloadable event-based data.
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Date published: March 4, 2019USGS Flood Inundation Mapper
USGS Flood Inundation Maps, along with Internet information regarding current stage from the USGS streamgage, provide emergency management personnel and residents with information that is critical for flood-response activities, such as evacuations and road closures, as well as for post-flood recovery efforts.
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Date published: July 5, 2018Key Findings for Scenario-Based Assessment for Hurricanes
Percentage of sandy beaches very likely (probability > 0.9) to experience erosion associated with collision, overwash, and inundation during category 1-5 hurricane landfall.
Attribution: Water Resources, Floods and Droughts -
Date published: August 24, 2017Coastal Change Hazards Portal
Interactive access to coastal change science and data for our Nation’s coasts. Information and products are organized within three coastal change hazard themes: 1) extreme storms, 2) shoreline change, and 3) sea-level rise. Displays probabilities of coastal erosion.
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Date published: August 31, 2017WaterWatch Flood Map
Current stream conditions and NWS forecast stream conditions.
