The Hydrology and Hydraulics Branch provides for the safe and efficient operation of all district water resource projects, including navigation, through the accurate collection, processing, evaluation, and forecasting of hydro-meteorological data.
Branch personnel are involved in project designs and evaluations for Flood Risk Management, Floodplain Management, Hydrologic Studies, Environmental and Ecosystem Restoration, Streambank Protection, Dredging and Channel Maintenance for Navigation, River Navigation, Water and Sediment Quality Studies/Regulatory Compliance, Reservoir Sedimentation Surveys, and support for the Dam and Levee Safety Programs.
Hydrologic Engineering
The Hydrologic Engineering Section focuses on Hydrologic and Hydraulic Numeric Modeling to support major mission areas (Navigation, Flood Risk Management, Ecosystem Restoration) for analysis and design. The section utilizes established statistical methods to determine flow frequency and risk for existing and new projects. The section utilizes latest USACE software products from Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC) and Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) when developing modeling products. Finally, the section scopes physical modeling work with ERDC or other entities and has role in design and operation of revetment, levees, dams and spillways, bridges, and culverts.
Water Control
The Water Control Section provides real-time water level management services for 18 navigation locks and dams and three multi-purpose flood control reservoirs.
Water Quality and Sedimentation
The Water Quality and Sedimentation Section participates in regional and national knowledge sharing through conferences, task forces, and close relationships with regional colleges and universities. Team members are Civil Engineers or Hydrologists on Project Delivery Teams as H&H engineers and/or Water Quality team members. Ability to collect water quality, velocity and sediment samples to support navigation, FRM, recreation/public safety, and ecosystem restoration missions. Resources include: Multiple boats, water quality sondes, four water quality buoys for real-time data, ADCPs, in-house lab and access to certified labs, mini-vibracore, etc.