Victor S Cortes, II
Victor Cortes is a Physical Scientist with the Pennsylvania Water Science Center.
I routinely make discharge measurements with ADVs and ADCPs, execute differential level surveying to establish and maintain datum at gaging stations, deploy scientific equipment to monitor physical hydrology and water quality parameters, and continuously process data records. On occasion, I also assist the Hydrologic Studies Program with sampling for the Pennsylvania Water Quality Network.
Previously, I performed fieldwork included biological and hydrologic data collection in isolated and forested watersheds in the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. During this time, I participated in projects that spanned a large geographic area and included public lands such as Mt. Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Willamette National Forest, and Mt. Hood National Forest, among others. Data collected included channel morphology, stream gradient, benthic substrate, water chemistry, environmental DNA, and macroinvertebrates.
Professional Experience
Hydrologic Technician, USGS Pennsylvania Water Science Center, since 2018
U.S. Forest Service, Biological Science Technician, Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program, Corvallis, Oregon
Education and Certifications
B.A. Biological Sciences, Drew University 2018
Science and Products
Rapid Deployment Network for Flooding in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Surface Water-Quality Monitoring Network
Calibration data and model archive summaries for suspended-sediment, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus concentration surrogate models in York County, Pennsylvania, 2019-2023 (ver. 2.0, May 2024)
Hurricane Ida: USGS Response in Pennsylvania to September 1-2, 2021, Flooding Related to Remnants of Hurricane Ida
This geonarrative is an interactive online presentation of the USGS Pennsylvania Water Science Center's data collection efforts related to Hurricane Ida. This geonarrative includes a summary of the storm in Pennsylvania, USGS data collection methods, embedded interactive maps of flood extents in 5 southeastern Pennsylvania localities, and visual depictions of the storm’s impact across the state.
Flood Data Collection in Pennsylvania - Rapid Deployment Network
USGS is helping identify potential locations in Pennsylvania where additional or updated water-level data may be needed during or after major storm events. Pre-identification of these locations supports expedited decision-making for site selection, resulting in safer and more timely installation of flood monitoring instruments.
Science and Products
Rapid Deployment Network for Flooding in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Surface Water-Quality Monitoring Network
Calibration data and model archive summaries for suspended-sediment, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus concentration surrogate models in York County, Pennsylvania, 2019-2023 (ver. 2.0, May 2024)
Hurricane Ida: USGS Response in Pennsylvania to September 1-2, 2021, Flooding Related to Remnants of Hurricane Ida
This geonarrative is an interactive online presentation of the USGS Pennsylvania Water Science Center's data collection efforts related to Hurricane Ida. This geonarrative includes a summary of the storm in Pennsylvania, USGS data collection methods, embedded interactive maps of flood extents in 5 southeastern Pennsylvania localities, and visual depictions of the storm’s impact across the state.
Flood Data Collection in Pennsylvania - Rapid Deployment Network
USGS is helping identify potential locations in Pennsylvania where additional or updated water-level data may be needed during or after major storm events. Pre-identification of these locations supports expedited decision-making for site selection, resulting in safer and more timely installation of flood monitoring instruments.