This lecture and lab course will cover fundamentals of water survey necessary to serve in a technical support role based upon provincial and federal standards. Topics will include an overview hydrometric data collection, principals of discharge measurement, types of gauging stations, site selection and gauge station set-up, levelling instruments and procedures, bench marks and gauge datums, use of current meters, measurements by wading, manual water level gauges, stage level recording gauges, and measurements from ice cover.
Credits: 4
Hours: 90 (Lecture Hours: 45; Laboratory: 45)
Total Weeks: 15
Prerequisites:
WATR 250, or permission of the Chair
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Course Content:
- Purpose of water measurement and uses of data
- Stream measurements for basic field site characterization
- Hydrology Review: Water Cycle, Watersheds, River Morphology, Surface/Shallow Ground Water flows; Soil/Hydrologic Classification
- The work of a hydrometric technician and basic tools of the trade
- Water Survey of Canada hydrometric program
- On line hydrometric data access/review
- Water level monitoring (methods and equipment)
- Stage level recording systems;
- Gauge shelters, various types of sensors, data loggers and transmitters;
- Float and pressure systems function
- Maintenance and operation of levelling instruments under varying field conditions.
-Levelling instruments and troubleshooting for effective operation
- Discharge Measurement (principles and methods, types of flow meters)
- Stage discharge ratings & streamflow calculations, hydrographs, seasonal variability
- Hydrodynamic basics including operation of flow equations
- Streamflow data collection methods and equipment
- Various types of non-recording gauges and selection criteria based upon site features described in terms of physical characteristics, stability, accuracy and operation
- Fluvial geomorphology basics & effects on streamflow monitoring
- Natural channel control
- Rating curve development
- Site condition & seasonal variabilities
- Data quality control, BC and national standards
- Field reconnaissance checklist and reports
- Safety requirements for field assessments in all seasons
- Gauging site selection
- Prepare a monitoring site cost estimate
- Manual wading
- Safety considerations and equipment use
- Techniques in equipment use\
- Define bench marks
- Use of basic level survey
- Reference gauge installation
- Gauge datum & maintenance
- Establishing a gauge station
- Climate stations and their use for hydrological surveys
- Climate monitoring in the Peace region
- Precipitation monitoring, air temperature sensors
- Sutron satlink 3 logger/GOES transmitter and peripherals
-Measurements from ice cover
-Snow course survey
-Demonstrate use of 3 non-recording gauges
-Data entry role of gauge observers
Learning Outcomes:
- Review purpose and application of water mensuration
- Describe river discharge and water level relationships and influences
- Explain, access and interpret use of on-line hydrometric data-base
- Apply site selection criteria for stream assessment purposes for water level and discharge
- Select, use and maintain various types of water measuring equipment- Demonstrate ability to set up water survey benchmarks and gauge datum
- Describe regional climate monitoring techniques and application to hydrological surveys
- Review purpose and techniques of water measurement under ice
Knowledge: hydrometric monitoring concepts & data standards, fluvial geomorphology, role of national water survey network & operation, types of flow and level meters, developing stage discharge ratings & hydrographs, hydrodynamic basics site condition & seasonal operational variability; role and function of climate stations for hydrology
Attitudes: adherence to national & provincial standards accurate record keeping, effective team work, following strict safety protocols, quality control, instrument maintenance
Skills: water level monitoring, searching a hydrometric database; stream flow measurements by wading, site condition assessment for monitoring level and flow, monitoring-site design & field activity logistics costing, setting bench marks, installing reference gauges & gauge datums, basics of gauging station construction
Technologies: operation of standard flow meters, and level instrument recording, use of levelling instrument & procedures
Grading System: Letter Grades
Passing Grade: D (50%)
Percentage of Individual Work: 70
Percentage of Group Work: 30
Text Books:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.