FTS RSS Field Test, Wolf River, 2016

Two identical Radar Stage Sensors from Forest Technology Systems, were evaluated to determine if they are suitable for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) hydrologic data collection. The sensors were evaluated in laboratory conditions to evaluate the distance accuracy of the sensor over the manufacturer’s specified operating temperatures and distance to water ranges. Laboratory results were compared to the manufacturer’s accuracy specification of ±0.007 foot (ft) and the USGS Office of Surface Water (OSW) policy requirement that water level sensors have a measurement uncertainty of no more than 0.01 ft or 0.20 percent of the indicated reading. Data were obtained as part of a field test where a single RSS was installed at a site on the Wolf River near Landon, MS for 6 weeks. The radar's performance was compared to a previously-installed Sutron Accubar Constant Flow Bubble Gauge to verify that measurements from the radar agreed with water level measurements from the existing gage. On February 16, 2016, the reference bubble gauge stopped reporting data. This continued for approximately 18 hours, upon which it began reporting data again. This time period was excluded from all data analysis. The cause of the error is unknown.