USDA Forest Service
 

Pacific Southwest Research Station

 

Pacific Southwest Research Station
800 Buchanan Street
West Annex Building
Albany, CA 94710-0011

(510) 559-6300

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. USDA logo which links to the department's national site. Forest Service logo which links to the agency's national site.

Research Topics

Watershed & Watersheds: Turbidity Threshold Sampling

^ Main Topic | Caspar Creek Watershed Study | Fine Sediment in Pools Kings River Turbidity Threshold Sampling Study | CALFED |

TTS Weekly Field Visits:

q Observer Record In the yellow station notebook, record the following:
  • Date, Time, Observer Initials, battery ID(s)
  • Presence of sediment, debris, or obstructions affecting T-Probe or Flume. Wait until after data collection to correct problems.
  • View Left, Right, and Inside Stage.
  • q Check the ISCO
  • Note the "next sample" value displayed by ISCO.
  • If > 2 minutes until a wakeup, inspect samples.
  • If volumes are too low or high, see Troubleshooting.
  • q Interrogate data logger
  • Launch PC208W software and connect to data logger.
  • View and record the current values in the numeric window.
  • Staff plate readings must be verified within 5 minutes of data record on display in numeric window.
  • q Optional: Collect a DI or AUX
  • Set appropriate sample flag.
  • Collect the sample at the next wakeup.
  • Update your record of staff plate readings and current values shown in the numeric window.
  • q Retrieve Data
  • Choose between a "snapshot" data check and a Data Dump.
  • If dumping, set Dump Flag. (Confirm staff plate readings.)
  • Collect data, then disconnect from data logger and exit PC208W.
  • q Service T-probe
  • Remove debris and sediment from housing, mounting apparatus, ...
  • Inspect/remove debris from inside housing.
  • During non-storms, clean optics, if necessary.
  • q Service Flume (or weir or rated section)
  • Clear branches and debris.
  • Shovel sediment deposits downstream through flume.
  • Flush stilling well intakes (if needed).
  • Record changes in staff plate readings.
  • q ISCO Sampler ONLY if data dumped, change ISCO bottles and reset distributor arm.
    q System batteries Replace low Gel cell battery only after confirming 9V > 9.0 volts.
    q Desiccants Check/replace desiccants.
    q Additional Tasks
  • See maintenance schedule.
  • Troubleshoot suspect equipment.
  • q Plot the data Run R_FieldPlot to graph the data.
    q Complete the electronic Field Form Run the Corel Database program to create an electronic field form incorporating your comments from the station notebook.

    Research is being conducted by:
  • Cumulative Effects of Forest Mgmt on Hillslope Processes, Fishery Resources, and Downstream Environments (RWU-4351)

  • Last Modified: Aug 28, 2008 06:46:45 AM