Raw and Modeled River Velocity Data from Upper Kuskokwim River

Encompassing raw and processed acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) data, bathymetric model outputs, and three-year modeled velocity for the upper Kuskokwim River at McGrath, Alaska. It was collected during the summer open water seasons of 2024, with fieldwork in August (high water) and October (low water) to capture seasonal variability. The study was conducted by the Alaska Center for Energy and Power and Pacific Marine Energy Center to assess hydrokinetic river energy resources.

Use Cases

• Analyze raw ADCP data to characterize river current velocity profiles for hydrokinetic energy potential assessment.
• Use bathymetric model outputs with raw single beam echosounder (SBES) data to map river channel morphology and depth.
• Compare raw HOBO pressure sensor data from high water (August) and low water (October) periods to study seasonal water level variability.
• Apply three-year modeled velocity data to estimate long-term hydrokinetic energy generation potential at the site.
• Integrate global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) data with other datasets for precise geospatial analysis of measurement locations.

Strengths

• Includes data from two distinct seasonal periods (August and October 2024) capturing high and low water conditions.
• Contains multiple raw data types (ADCP, SBES, HOBO pressure sensors, GNSS) alongside processed model outputs.
• Focuses on the summer open water season (May-October), a critical period for hydrokinetic energy assessment.

Limitations

• Does not evaluate the river resource during the winter frozen season (November-April), limiting annual resource assessment.
• The dataset's temporal coverage is specific to the 2024 open water season, with modeled data extending three years but based on this limited fieldwork period.
• Raw data formats (PDF, ZIP) may require specialized software and expertise (e.g., for ADCP, Delft3D FM) for processing and analysis.

Provenance

Source

Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) and Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Collection Method

Fieldwork involving ADCP, SBES, HOBO pressure sensors, and GNSS, with subsequent data processing and Delft3D FM modeling.

Time Range

Fieldwork conducted during the summer open water season in 2024 (August and October). Modeling covers a three-year period.

Freshness

Last updated in March 2026, with primary fieldwork conducted in 2024.

Geography

Upper Kuskokwim River at McGrath, Alaska.