Abstract: A method for estimating stream flow data of a channel includes steps of acquiring direct measurement of an index velocity of the channel, acquiring stage measurements for the channel for use in determining slope of a free surface, and applying a data-driven model combining the index velocity and a continuous slope-area method which uses the slope of the free surface to estimate stream flow data of the channel without using conventional rating curves. The direct measurement of the index velocity and the stage measurements may be received at a computing device executing instructions for applying the data-driven model.

Abstract: A data-driven method for streamflow forecasting is provided. The method includes steps of measuring index velocity at an index velocity gaging station associated with a stream to provide index velocity data, simultaneously with measuring the index velocity, measuring water stage at the index velocity gaging station to provide stage data, and applying a data-driven model implemented using a computing device to the index velocity data and the stage data, the data-driven model further using historical index velocity data and historical stage data collected at the station to forecast at least one of magnitude and timing of a flood crest arrival during occurrence of a hydrological event. The index-velocity data and the stage data may be concurrently collected using a Horizontal Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (HADCP). The method may further include generating using the computing device an alert in advance of flood crest.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system of gathering information useful to derive the velocity of the free surface liquid flow in an open channel flow. The method involves recording successive images of controlled surface waves on the open channel flow with sufficient resolution to derive spread of fronts of the controlled surface waves, using image velocimetry to derive celerity of controlled surface waves, and inferring the velocity vector field of the underlying liquid flow using wave theory elements or calibrations. An apparatus according to one aspect of the invention uses an artificial nonintrusive mechanism to set up the controlled surface waves, uses artificial light to illuminate the controlled surface wave to accentuate its affronts, digital camera to capture the successive images. Software can be used to utilizes image velocimetry and to infer the velocity vector field.