Utah Water Research Laboratory

For this month's virtual tour, we take you through our hydraulics lab and the hands-on testing and modeling we do there. Whether big scale dams or little flowmeters, everything we do is in pursuit of repairing, optimizing, and enhancing hydraulic infrastructure. #hydraulics #UWRL60year

Our annual report is out! ?? Check out recent work on the Colorado River, PFAS, and collaborations like our work through the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH) at The University of Alabama "As growth and environmental change increases pressure on the future water resources in Utah, it is important for researchers to forge connections and examine problems from multiple angles." - David Tarboton, Director https://lnkd.in/e2d-9_Aa

We're back with our 60-second virtual tours! This month, we're featuring AggieAir at Utah State University, our drone-based research team with work in agriculture, aquaculture, river channels, snow sensing, heat mapping, and more. #drones #UWRL60year

The 2025 Northern Utah Water Users/Spring Runoff Conference is calling for abstract submissions for poster and oral presentations. The submission deadline is Feb. 26. Positioned as the premiere event for key insights on water research and Utah water legislation, the Spring Runoff Conference is an essential gathering for the region’s water scientists, scholars and experts. Set to take place on March 25-26, this year's theme is "Advancing Solutions for Policy, Innovation and Sustainability." The two-day conference will feature plenary sessions with policymakers, scientists and experts. This year, a special panel with Utah environmental journalists will discuss their experiences reporting on water issues. Additionally, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Utah Water Research Laboratory at USU, celebrating its significant contributions to water research and management. Registration is free but required and closes on March 23. For more information and to register, visit the USU Spring Runoff website,?usu.edu/ilwa/spring-runoff.

The UWRL is turning 60! ?? To celebrate six decades of pioneering water and environmental research and look forward to many more decades to come, we invite you to join us on a monthly virtual tour of our lab. Each 60-second video will feature one of our research areas and showcase the spaces, students, and equipment that are essential to the UWRL! Watch for our next installment in February!

?? New publication from the NSF I-GUIDE team! "Toward Reproducible and Interoperable Environmental Modeling: Integration of HydroShare with Server-side Methods for Exposing Large-Extent Spatial Datasets to Models" published in Environmental Modelling and Software By authors: Young-Don Choi of K-water (Korea Water Resources Corporation) and the University of Virginia Iman Maghami of the University of Virginia and Brigham Young University Jonathan Goodall of the University of Virginia Larry Band of the University of Virginia Ayman Nassar of the Utah State University YuJu (Laurence) LIN of the University of Virginia Linnea Saby, Ph.D. of the University of Virginia ZHIYU (Drew) LI of the University of Utah Shaowen Wang of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chris Calloway of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Hong Yi of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Martin Seul of the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI) Dan Ames of Brigham Young University David Tarboton of the Utah Water Research Laboratory at the University of Utah Read the full paper here ?? https://lnkd.in/gvTJcRhG This study presents a method for automating the distribution of state-scale spatial datasets for GIS-based environmental modeling, using GeoServer and THREDDS Data Server connected to HydroShare. By applying this approach with the RHESSys model across three U.S. watersheds, the study demonstrates minimal errors compared to traditional methods, enhancing reproducibility. This method can be adapted for various scales and other online data repositories, streamlining the process for researchers. Read the full paper here ?? https://lnkd.in/gvTJcRhG Abstract Reproducible environmental modelling often relies on spatial datasets as inputs, typically manually subset for specific areas. Yet, models can benefit from a data distribution approach facilitated by online repositories, and automating processes to foster reproducibility. This study introduces a method leveraging diverse state-scale spatial datasets to create cohesive packages for GIS-based environmental modelling. These datasets were generated and shared via GeoServer and THREDDS Data Server Connected to HydroShare, contrasting with conventional distribution methods. Using the Regional Hydro-Ecologic Simulation System (RHESSys) across three U.S. catchment-scale watersheds, we demonstrate minimal errors in spatial inputs and model streamflow outputs compared to traditional approaches. This spatial data-sharing method facilitates consistent model creation, fostering reproducibility. Its broader impact allows scientists to tailor the method to various use cases, such as exploring different scales beyond state-scale or applying it to other online repositories using existing data distribution systems, eliminating the need to develop their own.

A few weeks ago, our installation at The Leonardo in SLC was unveiled as part of a new water exhibit. The story of the Great Salt Lake basin is the story of those who live in it. We interact with water every day, and the choices we make impact the lake. Filled with stunning photography and featuring our large 3D map of the watersheds, "Water: Nature’s Driving Force" connects us to the water running through our land. "Wherever you are in the basin, you are connected to the Great Salt Lake." The exhibit runs through May 2025. Go check it out! https://lnkd.in/gGviArxh

“The infrastructure and effort needed to do comprehensive data management is sometimes overlooked," - Jeffrey Horsburgh, professor at the Utah Water Research Laboratory Collaboration with the UDWRi is always a pleasure. This work will help modernize water data collection and management across the state!

Drone delivery is becoming an active part of transportation systems, but they can only go so far before running out of power. What happens when you need vaccines or snake anti-venom on-site, and you need them fast? A NIST-funded project brought together North Carolina State University, Utah Water Research Laboratory at Utah State University, and Navajo Technical University to develop cutting-edge drone technology for pandemic preparedness. The project focuses on autonomous drones capable of delivering medical supplies across long distances, equipped with wireless charging and thermal regulation systems. #drones #vertiport #dronedelivery

Drone delivery is becoming an active part of transportation systems, but they can only go so far before running out of power. What happens when you need vaccines or snake anti-venom on-site, and you need them fast? A NIST-funded project brought together North Carolina State University, Utah Water Research Laboratory at Utah State University, and Navajo Technical University to develop cutting-edge drone technology for pandemic preparedness. The project focuses on autonomous drones capable of delivering medical supplies across long distances, equipped with wireless charging and thermal regulation systems. #drones #vertiport #dronedelivery