Ground-Penetrating Radar Surveys of Subsurface Features in the Snake River near Boise, Idaho

In September 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Idaho Power Company, conducted a pilot geophysical survey along the Snake River between the Boise River confluence and Swan Falls Dam in southwestern Idaho. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate the utility of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for mapping the spatial distribution and thickness of gravel deposits within the river channel. These data support Idaho Power Company’s efforts to design and construct inset floodplains intended to narrow and deepen the channel, reduce solar insolation, and improve downstream thermal conditions for aquatic organisms. The survey included waterborne GPR data collection using 80 MHz and 160 MHz antennas, along with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) positioning. Products included in this data release are raw GPR data files, identified channel bed surface (X,Y), interpreted subsurface features (X,Y, and depth below channel bed surface, in meters), tracklines for processed files, and exported radargrams. These datasets provide preliminary information on subsurface conditions and may inform future construction planning along the Snake River.

2025年9月，美国地质调查局（U.S. Geological Survey）与爱达荷电力公司（Idaho Power Company）合作，在爱达荷州西南部斯内克河（Snake River）博伊西河汇流处与天鹅瀑布大坝（Swan Falls Dam）之间开展了一项地球物理试点勘测。本次勘测的目的是评估探地雷达（ground-penetrating radar, GPR）在绘制河道内砾石沉积物空间分布与厚度方面的实用性。相关数据将支撑爱达荷电力公司开展嵌入式漫滩的设计与建设工作，该漫滩旨在缩窄并加深河道、减少太阳辐射，并改善下游水生生物的热环境条件。本次勘测采用80 MHz与160 MHz天线开展水上探地雷达数据采集，并辅以全球导航卫星系统（Global Navigation Satellite Systems, GNSS）定位。本次发布的数据产品包括：原始探地雷达数据文件、已识别的河床表面坐标（X,Y）、经解译的地下特征坐标（X,Y）及距河床表面的深度（单位：米）、处理后文件的测线轨迹，以及导出的雷达剖面图像。本数据集提供了地下状况的初步信息，可为斯内克河沿岸未来的工程规划提供参考。