Christopher A Ellison, PhD (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Assessing the effects of mining on the Transboundary Koocanusa Reservoir
The Kootenai River Watershed is an international resource cooperatively managed by the U.S., Canada, and Tribal governments. In recent years, coal mining in the Canadian portion of the watershed has resulted in elevated concentrations of several constituents, including selenium, nitrate, and sulfate downstream (Storb et al., 2023). At increased levels, these mining byproducts can affect water...
Model Archive Summary for Suspended-Sediment Concentration at station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana, April 2022 through October 2024 Model Archive Summary for Suspended-Sediment Concentration at station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana, April 2022 through October 2024
This model archive summary (MAS) and associated model calibration dataset documents the suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) model developed to compute 15-minute, near-real-time SSC at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgage station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana (MT) for calendar years 2022-2024 and is the model currently in use. This model is specific to USGS site...
Model Archive Summary for Suspended-Sediment Concentration at station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana, 2017-2021 Model Archive Summary for Suspended-Sediment Concentration at station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana, 2017-2021
This model archive summary (MAS) and associated model calibration dataset documents the suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) model developed to compute 15-minute, near-real-time SSC at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgage station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana (MT) for calendar years 2017-2021. This model is specific to USGS site 06329500, Yellowstone River near...
Suspended-sediment concentrations, acoustic data, and linear regression models for the Lower Minnesota River, Mississippi River, and Lake Pepin, 2015-2017 Suspended-sediment concentrations, acoustic data, and linear regression models for the Lower Minnesota River, Mississippi River, and Lake Pepin, 2015-2017
A series of linear regression models were developed and calibrated for the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The linear regression models were calibrated using acoustic and suspended-sediment concentration data collected from March through November 2016 and 2017. The estimates of suspended-sediment concentrations from the linear regression were used to calculate loads. The calibrated...
Filter Total Items: 14
Fluvial sediment dynamics in the Shoshone River and tributaries around Willwood Dam, Park County, Wyoming Fluvial sediment dynamics in the Shoshone River and tributaries around Willwood Dam, Park County, Wyoming
Sedimentation affects many of the aging reservoirs in the United States. Dams and water diversions from rivers have been central elements of infrastructure supporting agricultural irrigation in the arid and semiarid regions of the Western United States for more than a century. The Willwood Irrigation District diversion dam (hereafter referred to as “Willwood Dam”) in Park County, Wyoming...
Authors
Jason S. Alexander, Haylie M. Brown, Cheryl A. Eddy-Miller, Jason Burckhardt, Laura Burckhardt, Christopher A. Ellison, Carmen McIntyre, Travis Moger, Lindsay Patterson, Chace Tavelli, David Waterstreet, Mahonri Williams
Predicting water quality in the Clark Fork near Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, southwestern Montana Predicting water quality in the Clark Fork near Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, southwestern Montana
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides a wide range of streamflow, groundwater, and water-quality data to Government, commercial, academic, and public users. The USGS has a record of success with using optical turbidity sensors to predict suspended-sediment concentrations in rivers and streams. Turbidity sensors collect backscatter signals from suspended particles in water, which can...
Authors
Christopher A. Ellison
Application of surrogate technology to predict real-time metallic-contaminant concentrations and loads in the Clark Fork near Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, Montana, water years 2019–20 Application of surrogate technology to predict real-time metallic-contaminant concentrations and loads in the Clark Fork near Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, Montana, water years 2019–20
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site (GRKO) in southwestern Montana commemorates the frontier cattle era and its formative role in shaping the culture and history of the Western United States. The ranch was designated a national historic landmark in 1960 and a unit of the National Park Service (NPS) by Congress in 1972. The GRKO is unique because of its proximity to large-scale...
Authors
Christopher A. Ellison, Steven K. Sando, Tom E. Cleasby
Using continuous measurements of turbidity to predict suspended-sediment concentrations, loads, and sources in Flat Creek through the town of Jackson, Wyoming, 2019−20 — A pilot study Using continuous measurements of turbidity to predict suspended-sediment concentrations, loads, and sources in Flat Creek through the town of Jackson, Wyoming, 2019−20 — A pilot study
Flat Creek, a tributary to the Snake River in northwestern Wyoming, is an important source of irrigation water, fish and wildlife habitat, and local recreation. Since 1996, a section of Flat Creek within the town of Jackson has failed to meet Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s surface-water-quality standards for total suspended solids and turbidity required by its State water...
Authors
Jason S. Alexander, Carlin Girard, James Campbell, Christopher A. Ellison, Elyce Gosselin, Emily Smith
Using acoustic Doppler velocity meters to estimate suspended sediment along the lower Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers Using acoustic Doppler velocity meters to estimate suspended sediment along the lower Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers
Lake Pepin is the largest naturally formed lake on the Mississippi River and has complex management needs to satisfy economic, environmental, and cultural demands. Lake Pepin is filling in with sediment at a rapid rate compared to conditions before settlement by European immigrants and intense agricultural cultivation. Accordingly, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has developed...
Authors
Joel T. Groten, Jeffrey R. Ziegeweid, J. William Lund, Christopher A. Ellison, Samuel B. Costa, Erin N. Coenen, Erich W. Kessler
Suspended-sediment concentrations, bedload, particle sizes, surrogate measurements, and annual sediment loads for selected sites in the lower Minnesota River Basin, water years 2011 through 2016 Suspended-sediment concentrations, bedload, particle sizes, surrogate measurements, and annual sediment loads for selected sites in the lower Minnesota River Basin, water years 2011 through 2016
Accurate measurements of fluvial sediment are important for assessing stream ecological health, calculating flood levels, computing sediment budgets, and managing and protecting water resources. Sediment-enriched rivers in Minnesota are a concern among Federal, State, and local governments because turbidity and sediment-laden waters are the leading impairments and affect more than 6,000...
Authors
Joel T. Groten, Christopher A. Ellison, Jon S. Hendrickson
Application of dimensionless sediment rating curves to predict suspended-sediment concentrations, bedload, and annual sediment loads for rivers in Minnesota Application of dimensionless sediment rating curves to predict suspended-sediment concentrations, bedload, and annual sediment loads for rivers in Minnesota
Consistent and reliable sediment data are needed by Federal, State, and local government agencies responsible for monitoring water quality, planning river restoration, quantifying sediment budgets, and evaluating the effectiveness of sediment reduction strategies. Heightened concerns about excessive sediment in rivers and the challenge to reduce costs and eliminate data gaps has guided...
Authors
Christopher A. Ellison, Joel T. Groten, David L. Lorenz, Karl S. Koller
Geomorphic responses of Duluth-area streams to the June 2012 flood, Minnesota Geomorphic responses of Duluth-area streams to the June 2012 flood, Minnesota
In 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, completed a geomorphic assessment of 51 Duluth-area stream sites in 20 basins to describe and document the stream geomorphic changes associated with the June 2012 flood. Heavy rainfall caused flood peaks with annual exceedance probabilities of less than 0.002 (flood recurrence interval of...
Authors
Faith A. Fitzpatrick, Christopher A. Ellison, Christiana R. Czuba, Benjamin M. Young, Molly M. McCool, Joel T. Groten
Three-dimensional visualization maps of suspended-sediment concentrations during placement of dredged material in 21st Avenue West Channel Embayment, Duluth-Superior Harbor, Duluth, Minnesota, 2015 Three-dimensional visualization maps of suspended-sediment concentrations during placement of dredged material in 21st Avenue West Channel Embayment, Duluth-Superior Harbor, Duluth, Minnesota, 2015
Excess sediment in rivers and estuaries poses serious environmental and economic challenges. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) routinely dredges sediment in Federal navigation channels to maintain commercial shipping operations. The USACE initiated a 3-year pilot project in 2013 to use navigation channel dredged material to aid in restoration of shoreline habitat in the 21st...
Authors
Joel T. Groten, Christopher A. Ellison, Mollie H. Mahoney
Suspended-sediment concentrations, yields, total suspended solids, turbidity, and particle-size fractions for selected rivers in Minnesota, 2007 through 2011 Suspended-sediment concentrations, yields, total suspended solids, turbidity, and particle-size fractions for selected rivers in Minnesota, 2007 through 2011
Excessive sediment transport in rivers causes problems for flood control, soil conservation, irrigation, aquatic health, and navigation, as well as transporting harmful contaminants like organic chemicals and eutrophication-causing nutrients. In Minnesota, more than 5,800 miles of streams are identified as impaired by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) due to elevated levels...
Authors
Christopher A. Ellison, Brett E. Savage, Gregory D. Johnson
Suspended-sediment concentrations, loads, total suspended solids, turbidity, and particle-size fractions for selected rivers in Minnesota, 2007 through 2011 Suspended-sediment concentrations, loads, total suspended solids, turbidity, and particle-size fractions for selected rivers in Minnesota, 2007 through 2011
Sediment-laden rivers and streams pose substantial environmental and economic challenges. Excessive sediment transport in rivers causes problems for flood control, soil conservation, irrigation, aquatic health, and navigation, and transports harmful contaminants like organic chemicals and eutrophication-causing nutrients. In Minnesota, more than 5,800 miles of streams are identified as...
Authors
Christopher A. Ellison, Brett E. Savage, Gregory D. Johnson
Sediment concentrations, loads, and particle-size distributions in the Red River of the North and selected tributaries near Fargo, North Dakota, during the 2011 spring high-flow event Sediment concentrations, loads, and particle-size distributions in the Red River of the North and selected tributaries near Fargo, North Dakota, during the 2011 spring high-flow event
To provide accurate and reliable information on sediment near the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a study in the spring (March-May) of 2010 and the spring of 2011 to examine sediment concentrations, loads, and particle-size distributions at nine selected sites in the Red River and its tributaries...
Authors
Joel M. Galloway, Robert A. Blanchard, Christopher A. Ellison
Non-USGS Publications**
Ellison, C.A., Skinner, Q.D., Reddy, K.J., 2006, Discharge and suspended sediment patterns of an intermittent cold desert stream, JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association Volume 42, Issue 1, February 2006, Pages: 55–68.
Ellison, C.A., Skinner, Q.D., Hicks, L.S., 2008, Trends in surface water quality of an intermittent cold-desert stream, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation July/August 2008 vol. 63 no. 4 212-22.
Ellison, C.A., Skinner, Q.D., Hicks, L.S., 2008, Assessment of best-management practice effects on rangeland stream water quality using multivariate statistical techniques, Rangeland Ecology & Management 62(4): 371-386. 2009.
**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 and Products
Assessing the effects of mining on the Transboundary Koocanusa Reservoir
The Kootenai River Watershed is an international resource cooperatively managed by the U.S., Canada, and Tribal governments. In recent years, coal mining in the Canadian portion of the watershed has resulted in elevated concentrations of several constituents, including selenium, nitrate, and sulfate downstream (Storb et al., 2023). At increased levels, these mining byproducts can affect water...
Model Archive Summary for Suspended-Sediment Concentration at station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana, April 2022 through October 2024 Model Archive Summary for Suspended-Sediment Concentration at station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana, April 2022 through October 2024
This model archive summary (MAS) and associated model calibration dataset documents the suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) model developed to compute 15-minute, near-real-time SSC at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgage station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana (MT) for calendar years 2022-2024 and is the model currently in use. This model is specific to USGS site...
Model Archive Summary for Suspended-Sediment Concentration at station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana, 2017-2021 Model Archive Summary for Suspended-Sediment Concentration at station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana, 2017-2021
This model archive summary (MAS) and associated model calibration dataset documents the suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) model developed to compute 15-minute, near-real-time SSC at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgage station 06329500, Yellowstone River near Sidney, Montana (MT) for calendar years 2017-2021. This model is specific to USGS site 06329500, Yellowstone River near...
Suspended-sediment concentrations, acoustic data, and linear regression models for the Lower Minnesota River, Mississippi River, and Lake Pepin, 2015-2017 Suspended-sediment concentrations, acoustic data, and linear regression models for the Lower Minnesota River, Mississippi River, and Lake Pepin, 2015-2017
A series of linear regression models were developed and calibrated for the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The linear regression models were calibrated using acoustic and suspended-sediment concentration data collected from March through November 2016 and 2017. The estimates of suspended-sediment concentrations from the linear regression were used to calculate loads. The calibrated...
Filter Total Items: 14
Fluvial sediment dynamics in the Shoshone River and tributaries around Willwood Dam, Park County, Wyoming Fluvial sediment dynamics in the Shoshone River and tributaries around Willwood Dam, Park County, Wyoming
Sedimentation affects many of the aging reservoirs in the United States. Dams and water diversions from rivers have been central elements of infrastructure supporting agricultural irrigation in the arid and semiarid regions of the Western United States for more than a century. The Willwood Irrigation District diversion dam (hereafter referred to as “Willwood Dam”) in Park County, Wyoming...
Authors
Jason S. Alexander, Haylie M. Brown, Cheryl A. Eddy-Miller, Jason Burckhardt, Laura Burckhardt, Christopher A. Ellison, Carmen McIntyre, Travis Moger, Lindsay Patterson, Chace Tavelli, David Waterstreet, Mahonri Williams
Predicting water quality in the Clark Fork near Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, southwestern Montana Predicting water quality in the Clark Fork near Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, southwestern Montana
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides a wide range of streamflow, groundwater, and water-quality data to Government, commercial, academic, and public users. The USGS has a record of success with using optical turbidity sensors to predict suspended-sediment concentrations in rivers and streams. Turbidity sensors collect backscatter signals from suspended particles in water, which can...
Authors
Christopher A. Ellison
Application of surrogate technology to predict real-time metallic-contaminant concentrations and loads in the Clark Fork near Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, Montana, water years 2019–20 Application of surrogate technology to predict real-time metallic-contaminant concentrations and loads in the Clark Fork near Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, Montana, water years 2019–20
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site (GRKO) in southwestern Montana commemorates the frontier cattle era and its formative role in shaping the culture and history of the Western United States. The ranch was designated a national historic landmark in 1960 and a unit of the National Park Service (NPS) by Congress in 1972. The GRKO is unique because of its proximity to large-scale...
Authors
Christopher A. Ellison, Steven K. Sando, Tom E. Cleasby
Using continuous measurements of turbidity to predict suspended-sediment concentrations, loads, and sources in Flat Creek through the town of Jackson, Wyoming, 2019−20 — A pilot study Using continuous measurements of turbidity to predict suspended-sediment concentrations, loads, and sources in Flat Creek through the town of Jackson, Wyoming, 2019−20 — A pilot study
Flat Creek, a tributary to the Snake River in northwestern Wyoming, is an important source of irrigation water, fish and wildlife habitat, and local recreation. Since 1996, a section of Flat Creek within the town of Jackson has failed to meet Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s surface-water-quality standards for total suspended solids and turbidity required by its State water...
Authors
Jason S. Alexander, Carlin Girard, James Campbell, Christopher A. Ellison, Elyce Gosselin, Emily Smith
Using acoustic Doppler velocity meters to estimate suspended sediment along the lower Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers Using acoustic Doppler velocity meters to estimate suspended sediment along the lower Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers
Lake Pepin is the largest naturally formed lake on the Mississippi River and has complex management needs to satisfy economic, environmental, and cultural demands. Lake Pepin is filling in with sediment at a rapid rate compared to conditions before settlement by European immigrants and intense agricultural cultivation. Accordingly, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has developed...
Authors
Joel T. Groten, Jeffrey R. Ziegeweid, J. William Lund, Christopher A. Ellison, Samuel B. Costa, Erin N. Coenen, Erich W. Kessler
Suspended-sediment concentrations, bedload, particle sizes, surrogate measurements, and annual sediment loads for selected sites in the lower Minnesota River Basin, water years 2011 through 2016 Suspended-sediment concentrations, bedload, particle sizes, surrogate measurements, and annual sediment loads for selected sites in the lower Minnesota River Basin, water years 2011 through 2016
Accurate measurements of fluvial sediment are important for assessing stream ecological health, calculating flood levels, computing sediment budgets, and managing and protecting water resources. Sediment-enriched rivers in Minnesota are a concern among Federal, State, and local governments because turbidity and sediment-laden waters are the leading impairments and affect more than 6,000...
Authors
Joel T. Groten, Christopher A. Ellison, Jon S. Hendrickson
Application of dimensionless sediment rating curves to predict suspended-sediment concentrations, bedload, and annual sediment loads for rivers in Minnesota Application of dimensionless sediment rating curves to predict suspended-sediment concentrations, bedload, and annual sediment loads for rivers in Minnesota
Consistent and reliable sediment data are needed by Federal, State, and local government agencies responsible for monitoring water quality, planning river restoration, quantifying sediment budgets, and evaluating the effectiveness of sediment reduction strategies. Heightened concerns about excessive sediment in rivers and the challenge to reduce costs and eliminate data gaps has guided...
Authors
Christopher A. Ellison, Joel T. Groten, David L. Lorenz, Karl S. Koller
Geomorphic responses of Duluth-area streams to the June 2012 flood, Minnesota Geomorphic responses of Duluth-area streams to the June 2012 flood, Minnesota
In 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, completed a geomorphic assessment of 51 Duluth-area stream sites in 20 basins to describe and document the stream geomorphic changes associated with the June 2012 flood. Heavy rainfall caused flood peaks with annual exceedance probabilities of less than 0.002 (flood recurrence interval of...
Authors
Faith A. Fitzpatrick, Christopher A. Ellison, Christiana R. Czuba, Benjamin M. Young, Molly M. McCool, Joel T. Groten
Three-dimensional visualization maps of suspended-sediment concentrations during placement of dredged material in 21st Avenue West Channel Embayment, Duluth-Superior Harbor, Duluth, Minnesota, 2015 Three-dimensional visualization maps of suspended-sediment concentrations during placement of dredged material in 21st Avenue West Channel Embayment, Duluth-Superior Harbor, Duluth, Minnesota, 2015
Excess sediment in rivers and estuaries poses serious environmental and economic challenges. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) routinely dredges sediment in Federal navigation channels to maintain commercial shipping operations. The USACE initiated a 3-year pilot project in 2013 to use navigation channel dredged material to aid in restoration of shoreline habitat in the 21st...
Authors
Joel T. Groten, Christopher A. Ellison, Mollie H. Mahoney
Suspended-sediment concentrations, yields, total suspended solids, turbidity, and particle-size fractions for selected rivers in Minnesota, 2007 through 2011 Suspended-sediment concentrations, yields, total suspended solids, turbidity, and particle-size fractions for selected rivers in Minnesota, 2007 through 2011
Excessive sediment transport in rivers causes problems for flood control, soil conservation, irrigation, aquatic health, and navigation, as well as transporting harmful contaminants like organic chemicals and eutrophication-causing nutrients. In Minnesota, more than 5,800 miles of streams are identified as impaired by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) due to elevated levels...
Authors
Christopher A. Ellison, Brett E. Savage, Gregory D. Johnson
Suspended-sediment concentrations, loads, total suspended solids, turbidity, and particle-size fractions for selected rivers in Minnesota, 2007 through 2011 Suspended-sediment concentrations, loads, total suspended solids, turbidity, and particle-size fractions for selected rivers in Minnesota, 2007 through 2011
Sediment-laden rivers and streams pose substantial environmental and economic challenges. Excessive sediment transport in rivers causes problems for flood control, soil conservation, irrigation, aquatic health, and navigation, and transports harmful contaminants like organic chemicals and eutrophication-causing nutrients. In Minnesota, more than 5,800 miles of streams are identified as...
Authors
Christopher A. Ellison, Brett E. Savage, Gregory D. Johnson
Sediment concentrations, loads, and particle-size distributions in the Red River of the North and selected tributaries near Fargo, North Dakota, during the 2011 spring high-flow event Sediment concentrations, loads, and particle-size distributions in the Red River of the North and selected tributaries near Fargo, North Dakota, during the 2011 spring high-flow event
To provide accurate and reliable information on sediment near the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a study in the spring (March-May) of 2010 and the spring of 2011 to examine sediment concentrations, loads, and particle-size distributions at nine selected sites in the Red River and its tributaries...
Authors
Joel M. Galloway, Robert A. Blanchard, Christopher A. Ellison
Non-USGS Publications**
Ellison, C.A., Skinner, Q.D., Reddy, K.J., 2006, Discharge and suspended sediment patterns of an intermittent cold desert stream, JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association Volume 42, Issue 1, February 2006, Pages: 55–68.
Ellison, C.A., Skinner, Q.D., Hicks, L.S., 2008, Trends in surface water quality of an intermittent cold-desert stream, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation July/August 2008 vol. 63 no. 4 212-22.
Ellison, C.A., Skinner, Q.D., Hicks, L.S., 2008, Assessment of best-management practice effects on rangeland stream water quality using multivariate statistical techniques, Rangeland Ecology & Management 62(4): 371-386. 2009.
**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.