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Taylor Dudunake

Taylor Dudunake is a hydrologist with the USGS Idaho Water Science Center in Boise, Idaho.

Taylor is involved in a variety of field-based studies of surface water and groundwater throughout Idaho and the conterminous United States. Taylor began his career in the Idaho Water Science Center as a student contractor assisting in a national bridge scour study funded by the Federal Highway Administration. Shortly after, he continued his career as a Pathways Career intern prior to his conversion to a Hydrologist. He now works on various projects using GNSS surveying techniques; high-resolution bathymetric and acoustic Doppler surveys; two-dimensional hydraulic modeling; bridge scour surveys; groundwater and surface water interactions; and river restoration monitoring.

 

Professional Experience

  • Hydrologist, USGS Idaho Water Science Center, Boise, ID, January 2021 – Present

  • Pathways Hydrologist, USGS Idaho Water Science Center, Boise, ID, February 2017 – January 2021

  • Student Hydrologist, Contractor, USGS Idaho Water Science Center, Boise, ID, January 2016 – February 2017

Education and Certifications

  • A.S., Watershed Sciences, 2015, Utah State University

  • B.S., Geosciences, Emphasis in Hydrology, 2018, Boise State University, Magna cum laude

  • M.S., Water Resources, 2020, University of Idaho

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research

Science and Products

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Measuring Discharge with an ADCP, Clear Lakes Spring, Idaho

Estimating Spring Discharge to the Snake River, Milner Dam to King Hill, Southern Idaho

Groundwater discharges to the Snake River from numerous volcanic rock springs along the northern canyon wall between Milner Dam and King Hill. Water-resource managers need to be able to quantify the amount of this water to understand the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer's recharge, storage, and discharge. When completed, this study will provide the Idaho Department of Water Resources with an...
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Idaho Water Science Center
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Estimating Spring Discharge to the Snake River, Milner Dam to King Hill, Southern Idaho

Groundwater discharges to the Snake River from numerous volcanic rock springs along the northern canyon wall between Milner Dam and King Hill. Water-resource managers need to be able to quantify the amount of this water to understand the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer's recharge, storage, and discharge. When completed, this study will provide the Idaho Department of Water Resources with an...
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Kootenay River looking upstream from boat launch near Goat River, Creston, BC.

Developing CE-QUAL-W2 Models of the Kootenai River and Koocanusa Reservoir, Montana and Idaho

The construction and operation of Libby Dam, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project located in northwestern Montana, has altered the natural hydrograph, thermal regime, sediment transport, and nutrient loadings on the Kootenai River. Dam operation impacts riverine ecosystem function and many fish species, including the federally endangered Kootenai River White Sturgeon and federally...
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Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
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Developing CE-QUAL-W2 Models of the Kootenai River and Koocanusa Reservoir, Montana and Idaho

The construction and operation of Libby Dam, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project located in northwestern Montana, has altered the natural hydrograph, thermal regime, sediment transport, and nutrient loadings on the Kootenai River. Dam operation impacts riverine ecosystem function and many fish species, including the federally endangered Kootenai River White Sturgeon and federally...
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USGS bathymetric survey vessel on Lucky Peak Lake, southwestern Idaho

Bathymetric Survey of the Mores Creek Arm of Lucky Peak Lake

In 2004, about 90 migrating elk and 25 mule deer broke through thin ice and drowned as they attempted to cross the Mores Creek arm of Lucky Peak Lake upstream of the Highway 21 bridge. To prevent any similar incidents, reservoir managers and wildlife biologists needed a better understanding of water depths over a range of reservoir pool elevations.
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Idaho Water Science Center
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Bathymetric Survey of the Mores Creek Arm of Lucky Peak Lake

In 2004, about 90 migrating elk and 25 mule deer broke through thin ice and drowned as they attempted to cross the Mores Creek arm of Lucky Peak Lake upstream of the Highway 21 bridge. To prevent any similar incidents, reservoir managers and wildlife biologists needed a better understanding of water depths over a range of reservoir pool elevations.
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Computer screen showing bathymetry data from American Falls Reservoir, Idaho

American Falls Reservoir Bathymetry

In cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation, we surveyed the bathymetry within an area of about 500 acres of American Falls Reservoir between River Miles 713 and 714 August 6-8, 2019. The bathymetric survey provided high-resolution detail of a proposed treatment area for an aeration system that is being developed to support water quality during the American Falls spillway concrete repair project...
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Idaho Water Science Center
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American Falls Reservoir Bathymetry

In cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation, we surveyed the bathymetry within an area of about 500 acres of American Falls Reservoir between River Miles 713 and 714 August 6-8, 2019. The bathymetric survey provided high-resolution detail of a proposed treatment area for an aeration system that is being developed to support water quality during the American Falls spillway concrete repair project...
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Image: Owyhee Canyonlands Streamgage Installation

Streamflow Evaluation for Wild and Scenic Rivers, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness

Several river segments in the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness have been designated as “Wild and Scenic” under the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009. This designation is intended to protect the “outstanding remarkable values” (ORVs) in this area—specifically fish and wildlife habitat, scenic and geological features, and recreational opportunities. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is...
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Idaho Water Science Center
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Streamflow Evaluation for Wild and Scenic Rivers, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness

Several river segments in the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness have been designated as “Wild and Scenic” under the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009. This designation is intended to protect the “outstanding remarkable values” (ORVs) in this area—specifically fish and wildlife habitat, scenic and geological features, and recreational opportunities. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is...
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Hydrographic surveys and acoustic Doppler current profiler measurements collected to monitor fish spawning reef placements, Detroit and St. Clair Rivers, Michigan, September 13-16, 2021 and May 2-5, 2022

The U.S Geological Survey conducted hydrographic surveys from September 13-16, 2021 and May 2-5, 2022 to monitor fish spawning substrate placements (reefs) in the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers, Michigan. This work was conducted as part of a reimbursable agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency to provide technical assistance in areas of concern. A multibeam echosounder was used from the G
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Water Resources Mission Area, Great Lakes Science Center

Streamflow regressions and annual and semimonthly exceedance probability statistics for wild and scenic rivers, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, Idaho

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, used streamflow measurements at 11 partial-record sites and related them to nearby USGS or Idaho Power Company real-time streamgages (index sites) to provide daily mean streamflow values at ungaged (partial-record) sites within the Wild and Scenic River of the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, Idaho. Daily mean stre
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Idaho Water Science Center

Kootenai River Habitat Restoration Project Bathymetric Surveys near Bonners Ferry, ID, Water Years 2012-2021

In 2009, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho released and implemented the Kootenai River Habitat Restoration Master Plan. This plan aimed to restore, enhance, and maintain the Kootenai River habitat and landscape to support and sustain habitat conditions for aquatic species and animal populations. In support of these restoration efforts, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Kootenai Tribe o
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Idaho Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bathymetric Survey of Lake Koocanusa, Lincoln County, Montana, 2016-2018

In 2016, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) started collecting high-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) data on Lake Koocanusa. The survey originated near the International Boundary (River Mile (RM) 271.0) and extended down the reservoir, hereinafter referred to as downstream, about 1.4 miles downstream of the Montana 37 Highway Bridge near Boulder Creek (about RM 253). USACE continued t
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Idaho Water Science Center

Mores Creek Arm Bathymetric Survey, Lucky Peak Lake, Boise County, Idaho, May 11 - 13, 2021

In 2004, about 90 migrating elk drowned after attempting to cross thin ice on the Mores Creek arm of Lucky Peak Lake upstream of the Highway 21 bridge. To better understand the depths over a range of reservoir pool elevations in the Mores Creek Arm, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Lucky Peak Power Plant Project, conducted high-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) bathymetric
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Idaho Water Science Center

Geospatial Data for Bridge Scour Countermeasure Assessments at Select Bridges in the United States, 2016-18

In 2009, the Federal Highway Administration published Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 23 (HEC-23) to provide specific design and implementation guidelines for bridge scour and stream instability countermeasures. However, the effectiveness of countermeasures implemented over the past decade following those guidelines has not been evaluated. Therefore, in 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey, in coop
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Idaho Water Science Center

Kootenai River Substrate Enhancement Pilot Projects near Bonners Ferry, ID (ver. 3.0, January 2023)

In 2009, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho released and implemented the Kootenai River Habitat Restoration Master Plan. This plan aimed to restore, enhance, and maintain the Kootenai River habitat and landscape to support and sustain habitat conditions for aquatic species and animal populations. In support of these restoration efforts, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Kootenai Tribe o
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Idaho Water Science Center

Nimz Ranch Tie Channel Velocity Mapping and Discharge Measurements, Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry, ID

Discharge measurements and velocity mapping surveys were completed at select tie channels located at Nimz Ranch, on the main-stem Kootenai River. Tie channels convey water and sediments between the main river channel and river floodplain waterbodies. The velocity mapping surveys are used to document how the tie channels interact with the main-stem Kootenai River. Similar surveys will be conducted
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Idaho Water Science Center

Copper River and Knik River Bathymetric Surveys at Select Alaska Highway Bridges near Flag Point and Butte, Alaska, 2020

In 2020, the Alaska Science Center and the Idaho Water Science Center conducted bathymetric surveys at three highway bridge structures. The bridge structures (NBI 331 and 1187) at Flag Point near Cordova, AK are located on Alaska State Route 10 (commonly referred to as the Copper River Highway). Bridge structure NBI 539 on the Knik River is located on the Old Glenn Hwy near Butte, AK. These bathym
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Alaska Science Center, Idaho Water Science Center

Bridge Scour Countermeasure Assessment Data for Select Bridges in the United States

Scouring of streambed material surrounding bridge structures is a leading cause of bridge failure in the United States. Damages resulting from bridge failure oftentimes lead to financial burdens and loss of life. To date, there has been no comprehensive evaluation of the current (2016) effectiveness of the guidance or overall long-term performance of bridge-scour countermeasures provided in the Fe
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Idaho Water Science Center

Bathymetric map, surface  area, and stage-capacity for the U.S. part of Lake Koocanusa, Lincoln County, Montana,  2016–18

The U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers collected high-resolution multibeam sonar data during 2016–18 to compute stage-area and stage-capacity tables for the U.S. part of Koocanusa Reservoir in Lincoln County, northwestern Montana. Koocanusa Reservoir is a transboundary reservoir extending about 48 miles from Libby Dam upstream to the U.S. international boundary with Canada and
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Water Resources Mission Area, Idaho Water Science Center
USGS scientists map river bathymetry around bridge piers in the Copper River Delta, Alaska
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Collecting periphyton samples, Boise River, Idaho
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An assessment of Kootenai River channel migration and riparian habitat encroachment

The lower reach of the Kootenai River in northern Idaho is dominated by large and actively migrating meander bends. Flow conditions, altered by both upstream flow reductions and by downstream backwater effects, are believed to be important geomorphological drivers throughout the reach. For example, Trout Creek Peninsula, located in an area of active meander migration, is undergoing continued bank
Authors
Taylor Dudunake, Megan Kearney Kenworthy, Matthew Daniels
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Water Resources Mission Area, Idaho Water Science Center

Updated annual and semimonthly streamflow statistics for Wild and Scenic Rivers, Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness, southwestern Idaho, 2021

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), continued streamflow data collection in water years 2013–21 to update daily streamflow regressions and annual and semimonthly streamflow statistics initially developed in 2012 for streams designated as “wild,” “scenic,” or “recreational” under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in the Owyhee Canyonlands Wi
Authors
Taylor J. Dudunake, Scott D. Ducar
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Water Resources Mission Area, Idaho Water Science Center

Kootenai River white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) fine-scale habitat selection and preference, Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, 2017

To quantify fine-scale Kootenai River white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) staging and spawning habitat selection and preference within a recently restored reach of the Kootenai River, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, integrated acoustic telemetry data with two-dimensional hydraulic model simulations within a 1.5-kilometer reach of the Kootena
Authors
Ryan L. Fosness, Taylor J. Dudunake, Richard R. McDonald, Ryan S. Hardy, Shawn Young, Susan Ireland, Gregory C. Hoffman
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Water Resources Mission Area, Idaho Water Science Center

Surface-water and groundwater interactions in the Big Lost River, south-central Idaho

The Big Lost River of south-central Idaho interacts with the underlying aquifer by gaining and losing streamflow throughout various areas in the Big Lost River Valley. Surface-water and groundwater resources are used throughout the valley to sustain domestic, agricultural, and livestock needs. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, evaluated stream
Authors
Taylor J. Dudunake, Lauren M. Zinsser
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Water Resources Mission Area, Idaho Water Science Center

Assessment of bridge scour countermeasures at selected bridges in the United States, 2014–18

Erosion of the streambed, known also as scour, around pier 3 of the New York State Thruway bridge over Schoharie Creek caused the pier to fail, which ultimately resulted in bridge failure during the flooding event of April 5, 1987. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) responded to the need for better guidance on the evaluation of bridge scour and the selection and installation of scour counte
Authors
Thomas P. Suro, Richard J. Huizinga, Ryan L. Fosness, Taylor Dudunake
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Water Resources Mission Area, Idaho Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Bridge scour countermeasure assessments at select bridges in the United States, 2016–18

In 2009, the Federal Highway Administration published Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 23 (HEC-23) to provide specific design and implementation guidelines for bridge scour and stream instability countermeasures. However, the effectiveness of countermeasures implemented over the past decade following those guidelines has not been evaluated. Therefore, in 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey, in coop
Authors
Taylor J. Dudunake, Richard J. Huizinga, Ryan L. Fosness
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Idaho Water Science Center

Bridge scour countermeasure assessments at select bridges in the United States, 2014–16

In 2009, the Federal Highway Administration published Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 23 (HEC-23) to provide specific design and implementation guidelines for bridge scour and stream instability countermeasures. However, the effectiveness of countermeasures implemented over the past decade following those guidelines has not been evaluated. Therefore, in 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey, in coop
Authors
Taylor J. Dudunake, Richard J. Huizinga, Ryan L. Fosness
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Idaho Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Dudunake, T., Tonina, D., Reeder, W. J.,& Monsalve, A., 2020, Local and reach-scale hyporheic flow response from boulder-induced geomorphic changes. Water Resources Research, 56,e2020WR027719. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020WR027719

**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

*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