U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Open-File Report 2020–1075

Prepared in cooperation with the United States 

Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management

FLOwPER User’s Guide—For Collection of 

FLOw PERmanence Field Observations
Covers:

Front: Photograph of stream showing a FLOwPER streamflow status of dry, 

Lost Creek, tributary to Little White Salmon, Washington.

Back: Photograph of stream showing a FLOwPER streamflow status of 

continuous flow, tributary to McRae Creek, HJ Andrews Experimental 

Forest, Oregon.

Photographs by Emily D. Heaston, U.S. Geological Survey.
FLOwPER User’s Guide—For Collection of FLOw 

PERmanence Field Observations

By Kristin L. Jaeger, Jonathan Burnett, Emily D. Heaston, Steve M.Wondzell, Nathan Chelgren, 

Jason B. Dunham, Sherri Johnson, and Mike Brown

Prepared in cooperation with the United States Forest Service and the 

Bureau of Land Management

Open-File Report 2020–1075

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

DAVID BERNHARDT, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

James F. Reilly II, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2020

For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth,

its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment—visit

https://www.usgs.gov/ or call 1–888–ASK–USGS (1–888–275–8747).

For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications,

visit https:/store.usgs.gov.

Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply

endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Although this information product, for the most part, is in the public domain, it also may

contain copyrighted materials as noted in the text. Permission to reproduce copyrighted items

must be secured from the copyright owner.

Suggested citation:

Jaeger, K.L., Burnett, J., Heaston, E.D., Wondzell, S.M., Chelgren, N., Dunham, J.B., Johnson, S., and 

Brown, M., 2020, FLOwPER user guide—For collection of FLOw PERmanence field observations: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open-File Report 2020–1075, 40 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201075. 

ISSN 2331-1258 (online)
iii

Contents

Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................... 1

What is a FLOwPER Observation.................................................................................................................. 3

Disclaimers .................................................................................................................................................... 3

Terms of Use................................................................................................................................................. 3

Dependencies................................................................................................................................................ 4

Joining FLOwPER as Data Contributor ......................................................................................................... 4

Establish Global Positioning Satellite Connection.......................................................................................... 5

Global Positioning System Unit Setup........................................................................................................ 6

Troubleshooting Issues with Pairing........................................................................................................... 7

FLOwPER in Survey123................................................................................................................................ 7

Survey123 Setup........................................................................................................................................ 7

Collecting FLOwPER Data in Survey123 ................................................................................................. 18

FLOwPER Field Survey Form.................................................................................................................. 21

Required Data Collection..................................................................................................................... 21

Optional Data Collection ...................................................................................................................... 27

Saving the FLOwPER Field Survey.......................................................................................................... 30

Uploading Observations in Survey123 ..................................................................................................... 31

Updating the FLOwPER Field Form in the Survey123 Application .............................................................. 32

Accessing Data in the FLOwPER Database ................................................................................................ 33

Maps............................................................................................................................................................ 33

Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................... 33

EOS Arrow 100 Global Positioning Satellite Unit is Not Working ............................................................. 33

EOS Arrow GPS Unit is Reporting Poor Quality Positions ....................................................................... 34

Diagnostic Check in EOS Tools Pro......................................................................................................... 34

How to Recover Survey 123 Data that is Not Uploading .......................................................................... 36

How to Download FLOwPER Data from AGOL FLOwPER User Group .................................................. 36

Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................................................... 36

References Cited......................................................................................................................................... 36

Appendix 1. FLOwPER Quick Guide 2.0.................................................................................................. 38

Figures

1. Screen capture showing use of organizational AGOL account to access FLOwPER............................... 5

2. Screen capture showing the “Settings” menu for the Android mobile device............................................ 6

3. Screen capture showing Survey123 application for download.................................................................. 7

4. Screen capture showing the login screen for the users’ Organizational ArcGIS Online account 

credentials within the Survey123 application........................................................................................... 8

5. Screen capture showing the options menu in the Survey123 application. ................................................ 9

6. Screen capture showing the settings menu in the Survey123 application. ............................................. 10

7. Screen capture showing the options for adding an external GPS unit as a location provider in the 

Survey123 application........................................................................................................................... 11

8. Screen capture showing selection of appropriate GPS unit as a Bluetooth device................................. 12

9. Screen capture showing the ‘Gear’ icon to the right of the selected Bluetooth GPS 

unit (Bad Elf GPS) ................................................................................................................................ 13

10. Screen capture showing the external GPS unit options menu.............................................................. 14

11. Screen capture showing the preferred GPS unit alert settings with only Visual Alerts turned on.......... 15
iv

12. Download Surveys option when first opening the Survey123 application. ............................................ 16

13. Screen capture showing the Download Surveys search menu in Survey123 application. .................... 17

14. Screen capture showing the FLOwPER v2.0 field form page in the Survey123 application. ................ 18

15. Screen capture showing the FLOwPER field form in the Survey123 app including Quick Guide 

Reference. ............................................................................................................................................ 19

16. Screen capture showing Location Status page in FLOwPER. .............................................................. 20

17. Screen capture showing the Road or Trail Crossing input fields in FLOwPER..................................... 23

19. Schematic illustrating upstream limit of spatially continuous flow and channel heads .......................... 25

20. Screen capture showing non-observational data judgement calls and optional data in FLOwPER ...... 27

21. Example of a headwater valley showing: (1) wetted channel; (2) bankfull channel; (3) active floodplain; 

(4) active valley floor; (5) terrace; and (6) uplands / hillslopes .............................................................. 29

22. Screen capture showing successful completion of a FLOwPER field form while offline (left box) and 

online (right box). .................................................................................................................................. 31

23. Screen capture showing the outbox at the bottom of the screen where data collected in the field is 

held in the Survey123 application prior to uploading to the AGOL FLOwPER database....................... 32

24. Screen capture showing EOS Arrow 100 GPS unit display on side of unit that indicates power, 

Bluetooth status, and and Geographic Names Information system status. ........................................... 33

25. Screen capture showing EOS Tools Pro application on an Android tablet............................................ 35

Tables 

1. Definition of three stream types recognized by the U.S. Geological Survey, based on patterns of flow 

permanence. ........................................................................................................................................... 2
v 

Conversion Factors

U.S. customary units to International System of Units

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

inch (in.) 25.4 millimeter (mm)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

International System of Units to U.S. customary units

Multiply By To obtain

Length

centimeter (cm) 0.3937 inch (in.)

millimeter (mm) 0.03937 inch (in.)

meter (m) 3.281 foot (ft)

kilometer (km) 0.6214 mile (mi)

kilometer (km) 0.5400 mile, nautical (nmi)

meter (m) 1.094 yard (yd)

Datum

Observations collected in the FLOwPER application and uploaded to the FLOwPER database, as well as vertical and horizontal 

coordinate information, are referenced to the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84). 

Abbreviations

App mobile application

AGOL Esri ArcGIS Online 

ArcGIS Arc geographic information system

BLM Bureau of Land Management

Esri Environmental Systems Research Institute 

FLOwPER FLOw PERmanence

GIS geographical information systems

GNIS Geographic Names Information System

GPS Global Positioning System

NHD National Hydrography Dataset

USFS United States Forest Service

USGS United States Geological Survey
vi 

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1 

FLOwPER User’s Guide—For Collection of FLOW 

PERmanence Field Observations

By Kristin L. Jaeger1, Jonathan Burnett2, Emily D. Heaston3, Steve M. Wondzell2, Nathan Chelgren3, Jason 

B. Dunham3, Sherri Johnson2, and Mike Brown4

Abstract

The accurate mapping of streams and their streamflow conditions in terms of presence or 

absence of surface water is important to both understanding physical, chemical, and biological 

processes in streams and to managing land, water, and ecological resources. This document 

describes a field form, FLOwPER (FLOw PERmanence), available within a mobile application 

(app), for standardized data collection of the presence or absence of surface flow in streams. The 

FLOwPER Database is a publicly available geodataset that can be used for research and 

management applications. This document provides instructions on how to (1) access and 

download the FLOwPER field form within the mobile app service, (2) use and complete a 

FLOwPER field form, and (3) view and download data from the FLOwPER Database.

Introduction

“Flow permanence” refers to patterns of wetting and drying of stream channels across 

landscapes over time often expressed as the probability of drying, as well as the timing, duration, 

frequency, and extent of drying (Jaeger and others, 2014, 2019). The U.S. Geological Survey 

(USGS) identifies three stream types based on patterns of flow permanence (perennial, 

intermittent, and ephemeral [table 1]) and maps them in the National Hydrography Dataset 

[NHD; U.S. Geological Survey, 2020). These streamflow classifications are based on a 

combination of historical field observations, updated observations, and modeling efforts. Largescale spatial databases face several limitations, including the ability to accurately map the 

distribution of perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams, particularly headwater streams, 

over large spatial extents (Fritz and others, 2013), and to compile these field observations into a 

common format in a shared database. Updating these spatial datasets can also be labor-intensive 

and difficult to implement (Bhamjee and Lindsay, 2011; Neadeau and others, 2015). In this 

document we describe the FLOwPER (FLOW PERmanence) field form, available in a mobile 

application (app) for standardized data collection. The FLOwPER field form, hereafter referred 

to as FLOwPER, can be easily and quickly used to map the presence of flow in streams and 

upload the input data to an ArcGIS database. These data can be used for multiple purposes, such 

1

 United States Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center 

2 United States Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station

3 United States Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

4

 Bureau of Land Management 
2 

as archiving where flowing water is present in forest planning units, informing modeling efforts 

of streamflow permanence, and providing information needed to update stream classifications 

across any spatial extent.

Table 1. Definition of three stream types recognized by the U.S. Geological Survey 

(https://water.usgs.gov/water-basics_glossary.html#E), based on patterns of flow permanence.

Stream type Definition

Perennial A stream that normally has water in its channel at all times.

Intermittent A stream that flows only when it receives water from rainfall runoff or springs, or from some 

surface source such as melting snow.

Ephemeral A stream or part of a stream that flows only in direct response to precipitation; it receives little 

or no water from springs, melting snow, or other sources; its channel is at all times above 

the water table.

FLOwPER is intended to facilitate the rapid collection of streamflow-permanence 

observations (for example, flowing or dry) with versions programmed into mobile apps designed 

to conduct surveys through customized field forms that collect data via mobile devices and 

securely upload the input data to the ArcGIS online (AGOL) environment. FLOwPER is 

programmed into the mobile app, Survey123TM (ArcGIS online, Environmental Systems 

Research Institute (Esri), ArcGIS, 2020), which operates on a variety of mobile devices, 

including those from agencies and personal mobile devices, that allow crowdsourcing5 of 

observations; FLOwPER is also editable in the S1 Mobile Mapper6 app (Bureau of Land 

Management, 2020), which is a custom mapping and field data collection application used by the 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Region 6 U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in the Pacific 

Northwest. FLOwPER is designed for seamless communication with ArcGIS online for easy 

uploading of collected observations into a publicly available master database (FLOwPER

Database) that can include any geographic region. 

FLOwPER focuses on the rapid collection of a set of simple visual observations that can 

be recorded from a road over a stream or while standing on the bank of a stream. Use of 

FLOwPER requires only a mobile device with the mobile app and FLOwPER field form and an 

accurate Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna (for example, rated accuracy of 1 meter or 

less). While it is possible to collect FLOwPER data using the GPS on a mobile device such as a 

smartphone, tablet, or a recreational grade GPS, the positional accuracy can be very poor, thus 

limiting the usefulness of the data.

With crowdsourced observations collected by many users of FLOwPER, it is possible to 

collect a large number of observations from a wide geographical range from all parts of the 

stream network at any time of the year. Although seasonal drying of streams is often of interest, 

FLOwPER can be used to evaluate patterns of flow permanence at any time of year, including 

times when stream networks are greatly expanded during wet cycles (Ward and others, 2018; 

5 Crowdsourcing as used here is defined as “a process in which individuals or organizations 

submit an open call for voluntary contributions from a large group of unknown individuals (“the 

crowd”) or, in some cases, a bounded group of trusted individuals or experts” (U.S. Government, 

2020).

6 The FLOwPER AGOL feature layer is editable in S1 and you can utilize the FLOwPER feature 

layer to collect data in S1. Refer to the S1 mobile mapping application, download and edit the 

feature class in S1. Follow the S1 documentation and User Manual to do this. 
3 

Prancevic and Kirchner 2019). Additionally, observations of headwater hollows that lack a 

distinct channel are just as important as observations of streams with or without surface flow 

present. This allows delineation of both the hydrographic (or stream) network and the 

geomorphic channel network, which includes channels that can be dry for part of, or even most 

of, the year. The stream network and the geomorphic channel network are critical components of 

many water resource and ecological applications. In summary, data collected using FLOwPER

and housed in the FLOwPER Database can be used to determine flow permanence and 

hydrography of streams. 

What is a FLOwPER Observation

A FLOwPER observation occurs within a discrete stream reach of 10 meters (m) 

(approximately 30 feet [ft]) in length. For observations made from roads at stream crossings, the 

portions of the channel obviously disturbed by the presence of the road should not be included in 

the 10-m observation reach–for example, wedges of sediment accumulated above a culvert or the 

plunge-pool below the culvert (Cenderelli and others, 2011). The critical piece of data to record 

is whether the 10-m observation reach has continuous flow of water, discontinuous flow, or is 

dry. Other variables should be quickly estimated to provide a rough description of the channel. 

Section on “Collecting FLOwPER Data in Survey123” has more information on this topic. 

Disclaimers

No warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS, USFS, or the U.S. 

Government, in general, as to the functionality of the application and related material nor shall 

the fact of release constitute any such warranty. The FLOwPER field survey form is provided on 

the condition that neither the USGS, USFS, nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any 

damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the FLOwPER field survey form.

The contributions to the FLOwPER Database by non-USGS or non-USFS users of the 

FLOwPER field form are published as they were submitted. Contributions provided entirely by 

non-USGS or non-USFS users do not represent the views or position of the USGS, the USFS, or 

the U.S. Government and are published solely as part of the larger FLOwPER Database

Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata, and related materials are considered to satisfy 

the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. No warranty 

expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data for other purposes, nor 

on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. Any use 

of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement 

by the U.S. Government. 

Terms of Use 

In connection with submitting to the USGS FLOwPER Database and using the 

FLOwPER ArcGIS application, this work–which includes, but is not limited to biological, 

spatial, physical, and chemical data–and text, image(s), audios, videos, and/or audio-videos, I, 

the provider state that they were either created in my capacity as a Federal Government 

employee and are therefore in the U.S. public domain or they were created by me alone in my 

private capacity and automatically qualify for a U.S. copyright. If a U.S. copyright presently 

applies to any of the items submitted by me through the FLOwPER ArcGIS application, I agree 

to irrevocably dedicate that or those copyrights to the public domain. 
4 

I am the sole copyright owner of the work. I understand that I must either be the sole 

copyright owner of this work or I must obtain written permission from all co-owners of the work. 

I hereby warrant and represent that I have the full right, power, and authority to irrevocably 

dedicate the copyright to the public domain and that use of the work will not violate any rights of 

any kind or nature whatsoever of any third party. 

As a result, the USGS, the USFS, or anyone else, may freely publish, reproduce, use and 

(or) distribute the Work in any media, now in existence or created in the future, at no cost and 

without temporal or geographic restriction. If the USGS or USFS uses any of the Work in its 

products or services, it agrees to credit the provider when and where possible.

I, the provider, understand that if the above representations concerning copyright 

ownership are determined to be incorrect or false, resulting in the USGS, the USFS, or the U.S. 

Government being sued for copyright infringement, I agree to indemnify the USGS, the USFS, 

and (or) the U.S. Government for any resulting out-of-pocket expenses arising from defending 

and (or) settling such litigation. 

Dependencies

This user’s guide was developed for the following equipment and software versions. The 

accuracy of this guide for use on other equipment and (or) other software versions is not 

guaranteed. 

• Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2

• Android ver. 9 

• Survey123 for ArcGIS Application ver. 3.9 

• GAIA EOS Arrow 100 GPS firmware ver. 5.9.Aa05 

• Organizational Esri ArcGIS Online Account 

Joining FLOwPER as Data Contributor 

To access FLOwPER and the AGOL geodatabase that stores the FLOwPER Database, 

users must have an organizational AGOL account and request to be added to the FLOwPER

AGOL group.

The FLOwPER AGOL group is housed within the USGS ArcGIS Online Enterprise and 

contains both the FLOwPER field form and the FLOwPER Database, an AGOL geodatabase that 

serves as the direct repository for all collected FLOwPER data.

To request access to FLOwPER: 

1. Send an email request to gs-flowper@usgs.gov to join the FLOwPER AGOL group. 

2. An administrator will send an email invitation to join the group. 

3. To accept the invitation, log into user’s AGOL account in a web browser and select the 

notification bell in the top right corner of the screen (fig. 1). Accept the invite.

4. The FLOwPER AGOL group will now be accessible under the GROUPS page and 

FLOwPER will be accessible in the Survey123 app while logged into the added account. 
5 

Figure 1. Screen capture showing use of organizational AGOL account to access FLOwPER. 

Establish Global Positioning Satellite Connection

Establish a connection between the mobile device and the high accuracy GPS prior to 

data collection. Make sure the GPS unit and mobile device are properly connected and working 

to ensure all the needed GPS data are collected. To establish the initial GPS connection, it is 

helpful and often necessary to be outside with a good view of the sky. 

User will need:

• Mobile device: Tablet or smartphone 

• High accuracy Bluetooth® GPS unit with rated accuracy of 1 meter or less. The 

FLOwPER field form can be completed using the built-in GPS on mobile devices, 

however, the recreational grade GPS units or the built-in GPS antennas on mobile devices 

will typically not provide the location accuracy necessary to snap the collected point to a 

high-resolution map of the stream network in locations with relatively high stream 

density. 

• Only Bluetooth GPS connectivity is supported at this time. 

• Internet connectivity

In the following section are steps necessary to pair a mobile device with the EOS Arrow 

100 GPS antenna via Bluetooth. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer and (or) software 

designer or contact user’s Tech Support department for troubleshooting or when using a different 

GPS unit.
6 

Global Positioning System Unit Setup

1. Power on the Bluetooth enabled GPS unit. Refer to the GPS device manual for detailed 

Bluetooth pairing instructions.

For the EOS Arrow 100 GPS: 

a) Connect the antenna to the GPS unit using the orange quick connect cables. 

b) Make sure cable fittings are secure.

c) Turn on the GPS unit. 

d) The blue light on the GPS unit should be flashing, indicating the GPS unit is now ready 

to be paired with the mobile device. 

2. Pair the GPS unit to the mobile device (fig. 2). 

a) Power on mobile device 

b) Select Settings => Connections => Bluetooth

i. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on 

ii. Let the mobile device scan for 30–60 seconds. 

iii. When the GPS unit is found, click on it and select “Pair” 

Figure 2. Screen capture showing the “Settings” menu for the Android mobile device. [Settings menus 

may vary among Android versions and software updates.] 
7 

Troubleshooting Issues with Pairing

1. Make sure all other Bluetooth sources within 6 m (approximately 20 ft) are turned off.

2. Reset the GPS unit and mobile device and retry. 

3. Contact users’ agency or manufacturer’s tech support.

FLOwPER in Survey123

It is recommended that the “Survey123 Setup” and “Collecting FLOwPER Data in 

Survey123” are completed before field data collection to ensure that the GPS connection is 

recognized and that FLOwPER is available for use.

Survey123 Setup

FLOwPER in Survey123 works primarily as a series of multiple-choice questions along 

with a few items that require text entry. Below are instructions on how to download the 

Survey123 app and access FLOwPER within the app. 

Once the GPS unit is paired to the mobile device, configure the Survey123 app to use the 

GPS unit and download FLOwPER housed in Survey123. 

1. Download the Survey123 app from the mobile device’s app store (fig. 3).

Figure 3. Screen capture showing Survey123 application for download.

2. Open the Survey123 app on the mobile device. 
8 

3. Sign into users’ AGOL account using users’ organizational account credentials (fig. 4). The 

app may provide a “Sign In” prompt automatically; if not, select the options menu in the top 

right corner of the screen and then select “Sign In”. 

Figure 4. Screen capture showing the login screen for the users’ Organizational ArcGIS Online account 

credentials within the Survey123 application.
9 

4. Configure the GPS unit in Survey123. 

a) Select the options menu in the top right corner of the screen and select “Settings” (fig. 5). 

If logged in to users’ AGOL account, the options menu will be a circle icon containing 

users’ initials and, if not logged into an AGOL account, the icon will be a hamburger 

(three horizonal lines). 

Figure 5. Screen capture showing the options menu in the Survey123 application.
10 

b) Select “Location” (fig. 6).

Figure 6. Screen capture showing the settings menu in the Survey123 application.
11 

c) Select “Add Provider” (fig. 7). 

Figure 7. Screen capture showing the options for adding an external GPS unit as a location provider in the 

Survey123 application.
12 

d) Select the appropriate GPS unit (for example, “Arrow,” “Bad ELF GPS,”) (fig. 8). 

Figure 8. Screen capture showing selection of appropriate GPS unit as a Bluetooth device.
13 

e) Click the ‘Gear’ icon (fig. 9).

Figure 9. Screen capture showing the ‘Gear’ icon to the right of the selected Bluetooth GPS unit (Bad Elf 

GPS).
14 

f) Select “Alerts” (fig. 10) -> turn off “Audio” and “Vibrate” and turn on “Visual” (fig. 

11). This step is optional and does not affect the technical use of Survey123 or 

FLOwPER. 

Figure 10. Screen capture showing the external GPS unit options menu.
15 

Figure 11. Screen capture showing the preferred GPS unit alert settings with only Visual Alerts turned on. 

The Survey123 application will notify the user when the external GPS unit is disconnected.
16 

5. Download FLOwPER in Survey123 

a) Select “Get Surveys” or select the options menu in the upper right corner of the screen 

and then “Download Surveys” (fig. 12). 

Figure 12. Download Surveys option when first opening the Survey123 application.
17 

6. Select the FLOwPER field form labeled “FLOwPER v2.0 Field Form” and tap the 

download (cloud) icon. (fig. 13). 

a) User may have to scroll down and find it or wait until the list of available forms 

populates, then use the search bar at the top of the screen.

Figure 13. Screen capture showing the Download Surveys search menu in Survey123 application.
18 

Collecting FLOwPER Data in Survey123

Complete procedures outlined in sections “Establish GPS Connection” and “Survey123 

Setup” prior to collecting data with FLOwPER in Survey123. 

1. Ensure the external GPS unit is powered on and paired with the mobile device. Open the 

Survey123 app from the mobile device. 

2. Select the “FLOwPER v2.0 Field Form” and click “Collect” at the bottom of the screen (fig. 

14) 

Figure 14. Screen capture showing the FLOwPER v2.0 Field Form page in the Survey123 application.
19 

3. Open FLOwPER: 

a) To double check that the application is receiving data from the Bluetooth GPS unit, select 

the satellite icon at the top right corner of the screen (fig. 15). This will open the 

“Location Status” page (fig. 16). Hit the back button to return to the field form. 

b) The “FLOwPER Quick Guide” (appendix 1) provides concise instructions to complete 

FLOwPER. The FLOwPER Quick Guide can be referenced and opened in FLOwPER by 

selecting the drop-down bar at the top of the form titled “FLOwPER Quick Guide 

Reference” (fig. 15). 

Figure 15. Screen capture showing the FLOwPER v2 Field Form in the Survey123 app including Quick 

Guide Reference. The target icon is located to the left of the GPS coordinates in the geopoint box under the 

question 5 heading.
20 

Figure 16. Screen capture showing Location Status page in Survey123. 
21 

FLOwPER Field Survey Form 

The following steps describe data collection information required for the FLOwPER v2 

Field Form (fig. 15). Note that format of the numbered steps was changed to maintain 

consistency with format in Survey123.

Required Data Collection 

1. Observer Name: Enter the first and last name of the observer, here defined as the person 

taking a FLOwPER observation. 

2. Observer Organization: Select one option from the drop-down menu. 

3. Sampling Scheme: In some cases, FLOwPER observations will be part of a larger study 

design that includes a predetermined observation location as part of the study design’s 

sampling scheme. FLOwPER observations that are not part of a predetermined sampling 

scheme are considered “opportunistic.”

3.1. Opportunistic (default): the collected point is not predetermined through a defined 

sampling strategy. 

3.2. Designed: If the data point being collected is based on a predetermined sampling 

scheme, select this option and the user will be prompted to enter PLOT ID. 

3.2.1. Plot ID: Enter the Plot ID or sample-point identifier.

4. Date of Observation automatically collected. Date of observation cannot be changed. 

5. Location of Observation: Automatically collected from the external GPS. Location of 

observation cannot be changed. 

5.1. If the external Bluetooth GPS unit is not connected, red warning text will appear on the 

screen. If this occurs, check to make sure that the app is accessing the external GPS unit 

by selecting the small satellite icon at the top right of the screen (fig. 15).

5.2. Clicking the location target icon will manually refresh the recorded GPS data (fig. 15). 

5.3. To ensure the best GPS accuracy, multiple positions can be averaged by pressing and 

holding the location target icon for 3 seconds. This will turn on averaging. To stop 

averaging click the location target icon again. 

5.4. The location coordinates and accuracy will display in the survey form. Red warning text 

will appear if the GPS accuracy is below 15 m. Wait until this warning goes away to 

submit the collected data. Always check GPS accuracy before submitting the survey. 

6. Stream Name

6.1. Select “Yes” if the official USGS Geographic Names Information system (GNIS) name 

is known. After selecting “Yes,” a text box will appear for user to enter the GNIS stream 

name.

6.2. Otherwise select “No.” This option is default.
22 

7. Flow Status

7.1. Continuous Flow describes a channel that has visible surface water over the full length 

of the 10-m (30-ft) observation reach. If there are multiple channels, only a single 

channel need have continuous flow for the entire reach to be categorized “Continuous 

Flow.” 

7.2. Discontinuous Flow describes a channel where a portion of the length of the 10-m (30-

ft) observation reach is dry across the full width of the bankfull channel. If there are 

multiple channels, then all channels must be dry, at some point along their length. 

7.3. Dry describes a channel that has no flowing or standing water anywhere over the length 

of the 10-m (30-ft) observation reach.

7.4. No data is the null entry.

Note: If only a part of the 10-m (30-ft) observation reach is visible, oftentimes when an 

observer cannot safely exit the vehicle and (or) physically walk the observation reach, the 

observer should make the best judgement on determining the flow status on the part of 

the observation reach that is visible. 

8. Stream Type

8.1. Natural Channel indicates a stream channel without obvious human modifications. 

8.2. Leveed or channelized indicates a natural stream that has been modified to channelize 

flow through human construction of a dike, ridge, or embankment on one or both sides. 

8.3. Ditch or canal indicates (1) a manmade channel typically used for conveyance of runoff 

and (or) diverted flow from a stream, or (2) a stream channel altered for the conveyance 

of water.

8.4. Other (Select if none of the options apply including if there is more than one stream type 

within the observation reach. A text box will appear for observer entry.) 

If the observation point is at a location where there is no defined channel, select “Other” 

and in the step below, select “No obvious channel” for Step 9. Channel Bed: Dominant 

Substrate Type. This might happen where the NHD or the LiDAR interpretation of the 

channel network extends a channel into a headwater hollow that is too small to support a 

channel, or in locations along intermittent sections of tiny headwater streams where the 

channel is persistently dry. Culverts may be found in these locations because they route 

water from the roadbed, under the road, to minimize flow accumulation in the borrowditch and associated erosion. 

9. Channel Bed: Dominant Substrate Type

9.1. No obvious channel 

9.2. Fine sediment: Streambed dominated by silt, clay, or organic rich mucks 

9.3. Coarse sediment: Streambed dominated by sand, gravel, cobbles, or boulders 

9.4. Bedrock: Large, continuous areas of solid rock on most of the channel bed 

9.5. Artificial: Streambed dominated by concrete, riprap, or other human-placed substrate

9.6. No Data

A Note on the channel bed dominant substrate type: These variables only require visual 

estimates. They can be used in models to predict whether a channel will be perennial, 

intermittent, or ephemeral. The focus of the variables is to provide an estimate of the capacity 

of the valley-floor sediment to conduct subsurface flow of water. If sediment is deep and 

coarse, and the valley is both steep and relatively wide, then substantial down-valley flow 
23 

can occur in the subsurface and, for a given drainage area, these streams are more likely to be 

dry. Conversely, if the valley floor is scoured to bedrock, any flow will be visible on the 

surface so that bedrock channels will be more likely to be perennial. The estimates of the bed 

sediment texture, the wetted channel width, and the width of the active valley floor are 

expected to be rather crude estimates; they do not require direct measurement.

10. Road or Trail Crossing? (y/n) (fig. 17)

10.1. Yes – continue below 

10.2. No – skip to #11 

Figure 17. Screen capture showing the Road or Trail Crossing input fields in FLOwPER. 
24 

Crossing Type (select one)

10.2.1. Culvert 

10.2.2. Bridge 

10.2.3. Ford (road-tracked or constructed crossing through the streambed) 

10.2.4. Natural crossing (not constructed)

10.2.5. Other

10.2.6. No Data

Observation Direction (select one)

10.2.7. Upstream of crossing

10.2.8. Downstream of crossing 

10.2.9. No Data

Crossing Name 

10.2.10. Select “Yes” if the official USGS GNIS name is known. After selecting “Yes,” 

a text box will appear for observer to enter the GNIS stream name.

10.2.11. Otherwise select “No.”

11. Special Conditions: Answer any of the following if they apply (fig. 17).

11.1. Tributary Junctions (fig. 18): Are locations that pose special challenges in that three 

potentially different stream channels (fig. 18) all connect at a single point. FLOwPER

data can be collected from any (or all) of the three channels, but they must be labeled as 

shown because GPS accuracy may not correctly associate the point with the correct 

channel. Note that where two unnamed tributaries join to form the mainstem, the larger 

one should always be denoted as the “upstream mainstem.” If they are of exactly equal 

size, the left-most tributary (looking upstream) should be denoted as the “upstream 

mainstem.”

11.1.1. On mainstem: downstream of tributary junction 

11.1.2. On mainstem: upstream of tributary junction 

11.1.3. On tributary

11.2. Diversion Junction: Treated similarly to tributary junctions requiring identification of 

the specific channel segment on which the observation is made. 

11.2.1. On stream: downstream of diversion junction 

11.2.2. On stream: upstream of diversion junction

11.2.3. On diversion 

11.3. Upstream limit of spatially continuous flow (fig. 19): On the date of observation. 

Accurate determination of these points will require walking a substantial portion of the 

channel. This is the highest point in the stream network below which flowing water is 

spatially continuous with the remainder of the stream network; above this point the 

stream is spatially intermittent.
25 

11.4. Channel Head (fig. 19) 

11.4.1. Continuous – The continuous channel head is the highest point in the geomorphic 

channel network, below which a continuous and distinct channel (signs of scour 

or deposition, vegetation free, and distinct banks; may not have flowing water) 

connects to the remainder of the channel network. 

11.4.2. Discontinuous – A discontinuous channel head marks the upper most extent of 

any geomorphic channel that is not continuous with the channel network 

downstream – that is, it lies above an area that lacks evidence of a distinct channel 

so that its connection to the channel network is interrupted. 

11.4.3. No data

Figure 18. Schematic illustrating tributary junctions.

Figure 19. Schematic illustrating upstream limit of spatially continuous flow and channel heads.
26 

12. Non-Observational Data: Judgement Calls (fig. 20)—In some stream survey protocols, 

observers use indicators such as the presence of specific plants or macroinvertebrate species 

to estimate the condition expected during the late-summer low-flow period. Locations where 

late summer conditions are estimated should be identified here so that they can also be 

identified in the FLOwPER database to avoid mixing “judgement calls” with the actual 

observed conditions recorded in the field at the time of the survey. If an observer’s survey 

protocol calls for the determination of low-flow stream extents based on indicators, then (1)

be sure to have entered the current observed condition, especially #7 and #11 above, and then 

(2) select one option below to record the expected late-summer low-flow condition. 

12.1. Likely to be perennial 

12.2. Likely to be intermittent

12.3. Likely to be ephemeral 

12.4. Likely upstream limit of continuous perennial flow 

12.5. No data
27 

Figure 20. Screen capture showing non-observational data judgement calls and optional data in 

FLOwPER. 

Optional Data Collection

Optional data specified by FLOwPER provides additional information on stream channel 

characteristics that can be used to develop stronger models of streamflow permanence and allow 

for inference in streams where there are no observations (fig. 20). Note that the water depth field 

is an actual measured value, and would thus require parking, hiking down to the stream with a 

ruler or tape measure, and making a measurement.

Channel widths can be estimated visually and not directly measured. The focus of the 

variables is to provide an “index” of the capacity of the valley-floor sediment to conduct 

subsurface flows (fig. 21). Deep and coarse sediment in a steep and wide valley allows 

substantial subsurface flow and, for a given drainage area, these streams are more likely to be 

dry. Conversely, if the valley floor is scoured to bedrock, any flow will be visible on the surface 

so that bedrock channels will be more likely to be perennial.
28 

Bankfull (or Active) Channel: The stream channel at bankfull stage typically showing 

signs of recent scour and typically free of perennial vegetation (may be colonized each year by 

annuals). If recent, large floods or debris flows may dramatically increase the width of the 

scoured zone and do not represent the true width of the active channel.

Wetted Channel: That portion of the active channel that is currently wet due to the 

presence of standing or flowing water. Varies with time as streamflow changes–record the 

observed wetted channel width at the time/date of observation.

Bankfull Stage: Typical indicators of the bankfull stage include: (1) the height of 

depositional features, especially the top of pointbars such as gravel bars on the inside of a 

meander bend, which define the lowest possible water level for bankfull stage; (2) a change in 

vegetation, especially the lower limit of perennial species; (3) a slope break from the flat 

floodplain to the steeper bank; (4) a change in the particle size of bank material, such as the 

boundary between coarse cobble or gravel of the streambed with fine-grained sand or silt of the 

floodplain; (5) undercuts in the bank, which usually reach an interior elevation slightly below 

bankfull stage; and (6) stain lines or the lower extent of lichens on boulders (modified from 

Harrelson and others, 1994). 

Active Floodplain: The portion of the valley floor that can be inundated during floods, 

often resulting in scour or deposition of sediment creating a relatively flat surface adjacent to 

many stream channels. Active floodplains may be discontinuous, present on only one side of the 

channel, or completely absent (modified from Harrelson and others, 1994). Floodplains are 

typically most prominent along low-gradient, meandering reaches, although they can occur along 

any stream reach. They can be difficult to identify in steep mountain streams, and in some 

locations, the active channel may encompass the entire width of the valley so that no floodplain 

is present.

Active Valley Floor: This includes both the bankfull (or active) channel as well as the 

active floodplain. 
29 

Figure 21. Example of a headwater valley showing: (1) wetted channel; (2) bankfull channel; (3) active 

floodplain; (4) active valley floor; (5) terrace; and (6) uplands / hillslopes. This example, typical of a small 

western Oregon stream, shows an unvegetated gravel bar within the bankfull channel and slight differences 

in vegetation among the other surfaces. Note that the bankfull channel width is included in the width of the 

active valley floor as shown in this figure, and in this case, the active valley floor is approximately two-times 

the width of the bankfull channel.

13. Bankfull (or Active) Channel Width: Select the appropriate width range (choose one).

13.1. <1 meter (3 ft) 

13.2. 1–2 meters (3-6 ft) 

13.3. 2–5 meters (6-15 ft) 

13.4. >5 meters (greater than 15 ft) 

13.5. No data
30 

14. Active Valley Floor Width: Select the appropriate width as a multiple of active channel 

width (choose one).

14.1. 1x: The channel fills the entire width of the valley floor; there is no floodplain. 

14.2. 2x: The valley floor is twice as wide as the active channel width. 

14.3. 3x: The valley floor is three times as wide as the active channel width. 

14.4. 4x: The valley floor is four times as wide as the active channel width. 

14.5. 5+x or greater: The valley floor is 5 or more times wider than the active channel width. 

14.6. No data is the null entry. 

15. Max Water Depth (enter number) 

*10,000 is the null entry (no data)

Max Water Depth Units

15.1. Centimeters (cm) 

15.2. Inches (in)

Note: The maximum water depth within the observation reach needs to be measured with a 

ruler–this will be the deepest single point of the thalweg (thalweg is the deepest and fastest 

flowing part of the stream). If it is not safe to wade in the stream, or if the water is too deep, 

then measure the deepest point you are able to measure safely and enter “Max depth exceeds 

recorded value” for the “Type of depth observation.” 

Road-based observers will not be able to collect maximum depth observations. Leave the 

null-value of 10,000 and enter “none” for the “Type of depth observation.” 

Type of water depth observation 

15.3. None: Water depth not measured

15.4. Measured: Maximum thalweg depth measured with a ruler in the field

15.5. Exceeds recorded value: Deepest location was not safe to wade/measure.

16. Comments and Photos: Pertinent Notes—Add comments about the survey point and 

describe any extenuating circumstances that might influence how the point is interpreted.

16.1. Photos: Take a photo of the stream at location of observation. Additional photos can be 

added if needed. 

Saving the FLOwPER Field Survey

1. Select the check mark at the bottom right corner of the screen

When collecting data offline: 

a) The survey completed notification will appear (fig. 22); select “Save this survey in the 

Outbox.” 

b) Collect as many FLOwPER points as needed and continue to save in the Outbox. Once 

offline fieldwork is completed and an internet connection is established, follow the 

“Uploading Observations in Survey123” instructions in the next section of this guide.
31 

When collecting data online: 

a) The “Survey Completed” notification box will appear (fig. 22) and provide the options to 

send the survey now or save it in the outbox to send later. 

b) If “Send now” is selected, no further action is required to upload FLOwPER data to the 

database. The data just submitted will be uploaded directly to the AGOL FLOwPER

database.

c) If “Save this survey in the Outbox” is selected, follow the “Uploading Observations in 

Survey123” instructions in the next section of this guide to upload data to the AGOL 

FLOwPER database.

Figure 22. Screen capture showing successful completion of a FLOwPER field form while offline (left box) 

and online (right box).

Uploading Observations in Survey123

1. Open the Survey123 app on the mobile device. 

a) Sign in using the appropriate credentials (if not already signed in). 

i. See “Survey123 Setup” for more information on credentials.
32 

2. Select the “FLOwPER v2.0” survey then select “Outbox” (fig. 23). 

a) The number in the upper left corner of the outbox icon displays the number of 

observations that need to be uploaded. 

3. Click the “Send” icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to upload all records in the 

outbox. 

4. Close Survey123. 

Figure 23. Screen capture showing the outbox at the bottom of the screen where data collected in the field 

is held in the Survey123 application prior to uploading to the AGOL FLOwPER database.

Updating the FLOwPER Field Form in the Survey123 Application

Periodic updates may be available to FLOwPER in Survey123. A notice in “My Surveys” 

in Survey123 app will appear if updates are available for download. 
33 

Accessing Data in the FLOwPER Database

As a contributor to the FLOwPER database, the database is available in AGOL to view 

and download the data. These data have not been reviewed for accuracy. Please see the section 

“DISCLAIMER” for more information. Please contact observers’ in-house GIS support for help 

in accessing the FLOwPER database in the FLOwPER group. 

Periodically, FLOwPER observations will be archived in a publicly available FLOwPER 

database accessed at https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/5edea67582ce7e579c6e5845. 

Maps

Maps can provide orientation and context for taking observations. FLOwPER in 

Survey123 provides limited internal mapping. Additional maps that include some combination of 

topography, land cover, the most up-to-date and highest resolution stream network layer, and 

roads can be generated as a georeferenced map and uploaded into Survey123 or a separate 

mobile application (for example, Avenza®) to be used while completing FLOwPER. Contact user 

agency’s GIS support for more details.

Troubleshooting

EOS Arrow 100 Global Positioning Satellite Unit Is Not Working

1. Make sure GPS unit is powered on (red indicator light is illuminated and not flashing). 

a) If not powered on, hold power button for 5 seconds until a red light appears. 

2. If GPS unit is not powering on, try re-seating the battery. 

3. If GPS unit is still not powering on, the battery may be dead. Charge the GPS unit with the 

correct power adaptor.

4. Make sure Bluetooth on the GPS unit is paired with the mobile device (blue indicator light is 

illuminated and not flashing). 

5. Make sure the GPS unit is functioning (green GPS indicator light is illuminated and not 

flashing) (fig. 24). 

6. Run diagnostic check in EOS Tools Pro (see “Diagnostic Check in EOS Tools Pro” below)

Figure 24. Screen capture showing EOS Arrow 100 GPS unit display on side of unit that indicates power, 

Bluetooth status, and Geographic Names Information system status. 
34 

EOS Arrow GPS Unit is Reporting Poor Quality Positions

1. Make sure GPS unit is working properly (see section on “EOS Arrow 100 GPS Unit Not 

Working”). 

2. Make sure high precision modes are functioning. 

3. Check if GPS unit is in DGPS mode (orange indicator light is illuminated and not flashing).

4. Check if GPS unit is in DIFF mode (yellow indicator light is illuminated and not flashing). 

5. Follow instructions in “Diagnostic Check in EOS Tools Pro. 

Diagnostic Check in EOS Tools Pro

1. Download the EOS Tools Pro application from the mobile device’s app store. 

2. Open EOS Tools Pro application on the mobile device. 

a) Make sure the GPS unit is connected to the mobile device as indicated by a BLUE 

colored Bluetooth icon in the top right of the screen. 
35 

b) If not connected, click the kebab menu (three vertical dots icon) and select “Start GPS” 

(fig. 25).

Figure 25. Screen capture showing EOS Tools Pro application on an Android tablet. [Bluetooth indicator 

and kebab menu (three vertical dots icon) are in the upper right corner of the screen.] 

3. If the GPS unit still does not connect, reboot the mobile device and the GPS unit. 

4. Check Latitude/Longitude stability. If the third and fourth digits are not stable, there is a 

poor GPS position. 

5. To ascertain GPS position quality check:

a) H RMS: If this is more than 2 meters, it’s a poor position.
36 

b) SATS Used: If this is less than 5, expect to have a poor position. 

i. In a clear open sky, 9+ satellites should be in view and being used. In a highly 

constrained valley, it would be normal to only have three to five usable satellites. If 

this constraint does not apply to observers’ position, reboot the GPS unit-and wait 

NO MORE THAN 10 minutes to get H RMS down to less than or equal to 2 

meters. If it never drops below 2, just take a position anyway. 

c) PDOP: Should be less than two but no more than four. In a highly constrained valley that 

has no southern or northern visibility this might be more than four. 

d) Diff Status: Should read DGPS; if reads anything else, try elevating the antenna or 

moving to a slightly different position in the stream channel for a clear view of the sky. 

Wait no more than 10 minutes to get a Diff Status change.

6. Bottom line: Wait no more than 10 minutes to obtain H RMS below 2 meters. Under dense 

canopy in a valley, H RMS may not reach below 2 meters. If position is worse than 10 

meters H RMS, reboot mobile device and GPS unit and wait 2 more minutes. If position 

never improves, take the position and make a note in the comments section regarding poor 

GPS quality. 

How to Recover Survey 123 Data that is Not Uploading

Contact agency’s FLOwPER coordinator for help or agency’s GIS support staff. 

How to Download FLOwPER Data from AGOL FLOwPER User Group

1. Go to the FLOwPER v2 feature layer.

2. Select “Export Data”. 

3. Select preferred export format.

4. Provide a tag (can be any user specified language) and the “Export” button will darken and 

can then be selected.

Acknowledgments

We thank B. Staab, K. Hafen, R. Sando, and R. McShane for discussions leading to development 

of the FLOwPER database and app. We also thank C. Cheng and J. Ebersole for their 

constructive reviews.

References Cited

ArcGIS, 2020, Survey 123—ArcGIS, Web page, accessed May 15, 2020, at 

https://survey123.arcgis.com/. 

Bhamjee, R., and Lindsay, J., 2011, Ephemeral stream sensor design using state loggers— 

Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, v. 15, no. 3, p. 1009–1021. 

Bureau of Land Management, 2020, S1 mobile mapper application for Android: Bureau of Land 

Management, web, accessed May 15, 2020, at https://www.blm.gov/services/geospatial/mobileGIS/s1mobile.

Cenderelli, D.A., Clarkin, K., Gubernick, R.A., and Weinhold, M., 2011, Stream simulation for 

aquatic organism passage at road–stream crossings—Transportation research record: Journal 

of the Transportation Research Board, v. 2203, no. 1, p. 36–45. 
37 

Fritz, K.M., Hagenbuch, E., D’Amico, E., Reif, M., Wigington, P.J., Jr., Leibowitz, S.G., 

Comeleo, R.L., Ebersole, J.L., and Nadeau, T.-L., 2013, Comparing the extent and permanence 

of headwater streams from two field surveys to values from hydrographic databases and maps: 

Journal of the American Water Resources Association, v. 49, no. 4, p. 867–882. 

Harrelson, C.C., Rawlins, C.L., and Potyondy, J.P., 1994, Stream channel reference sites—An 

illustrated guide to field technique: U.S. Forest Service, General Technical Report 

RM-245, 61 p. 

Jaeger, K.L., Sando, R., McShane, R.R., Dunham, J.B., Hockman-Wert, D.P., Kaiser, K.E., 

Hafen, K., Risley, J.C., and Blasch, K.W., 2019, Probability of streamflow permanence model 

(PROSPER)—A spatially continuous model of annual streamflow permanence throughout the 

Pacific Northwest: Journal of Hydrology X, v. 2, p. 1–19. 

Jaeger, K.L., Olden, J.D., and Pelland, N.A., 2014, Climate change poised to threaten hydrologic 

connectivity and endemic fishes in dryland streams: Proceedings of the National Academy of 

Sciences of the United States of America, v. 111, no. 38, p. 13894–13899. 

Prancevic, J.P., and Kirchner, J.W., 2019, Topographic controls on the extension and retraction 

of flowing streams: Geophysical Research Letters, v. 46, no. 4, p. 2084–2092. 

U.S. Geological Survey, 2013, Water basics glossary: U.S. Geological Survey, Web page, 

accessed June 4, 2020, at https://water.usgs.gov/water-basics_glossary.html#E. 

U.S. Geological Survey, 2020, National hydrography: U.S. Geological Survey, Web page, 

accessed 15 May 2020, at https://www.usgs.gov/core-science-systems/ngp/national-hydrography.

U.S. Government, 2020, Challenges, crowdsourcing, citizen science—What’s the dif?: U.S. 

Government, Web page, Digital.gov, accessed June 4, 2020, at 

https://digital.gov/2015/12/16/challenges-crowdsourcing-citizen-science-whats-the-dif/.

Ward, A.S., Schmadel, N.M., and Wondzell, S.M., 2018, Simulation of dynamic expansion, 

contraction, and connectivity in a mountain stream network: Advances in Water Resources, v. 

114, p. 64–82. 
38 

1. Observer Name (enter text)

2. Organization (choose one)

1.1. USFS

1.2. USGS

1.3. BLM

....many choices not shown...

1.12. Other

3. Sampling Scheme

3.1. Opportunistic (default)

3.2. Designed

3.1.1. Plot ID

4. Date of Observation (automated)

5. Location of Observation (automated)

6. Stream Name

6.1. Yes (if USGS name known)

6.1.1. Name: (enter text)

6.2. No

7. Flow Status (current flow condition observed in

10-m observation reach)

7.1. Continuous Flow

7.2. Discontinuous flow

7.3. Dry

7.4. No data

8. Stream Type (choose one or enter text)

8.1. Natural channel

8.2. Leveed or channelized

8.3. Ditch or canal

8.4. Other (enter text)

9. Channel Bed (choose one)

9.1. No obvious channel

9.2. Fine sediment (clay, silt, mucky)

9.3. Coarse sediment (sand, gravel cobble)

9.4. Bedrock

9.5. Artificial (concrete, riprap)

9.6. No data (default)

10. Road or Trail Crossing (Y/N)

10.1. Yes: Continue below

10.2. No: Skip to #11

Crossing Type (select one)

10.2.1. Culvert

10.2.2. Bridge

10.2.3. Ford (constructed)

10.2.4. Natural crossing

10.2.5. Other

10.2.6. No data (default)

Observation Direction (select one)

10.2.7. Upstream of crossing

10.2.8. Downstream of crossing

10.2.9. No data

Crossing Name (enter text)

10.2.10. Yes (if road/trail name known)

10.2.11. Name: (enter text)

10.2.12. No

11. Special Conditions (select all that apply)

11.1. Tributary Junction (trib. jct.)

11.1.1. Mainstem: downstream of trib jct.

11.1.2. Mainstem: upstream of trib. jct.

11.1.3. On tributary

11.2. Diversion Junction

11.2.1. Stream: downstream of diversion

11.2.2. Stream: upstream of diversion

11.2.3. On diversion

11.3. Upstream limit of continuous flow

11.4. Channel Head

11.4.1. Continuous

11.4.2. Discontinuous

12. Judgement calls - not observed

(If observer is estimating the expected condition at

late summer low flow – then select one):

12.1. Likely to be perennial

12.2. Likely to be intermittent

12.3. Likely to be ephemeral

12.4. Likely upstream limit of continuous 

perennial flow

12.5. No data

OPTIONAL DATA - Please do if you have time

13. Bankfull (or active) channel width

13.1. <1 meter

13.2. 1–2 meters

13.3. 2–5 meters

13.4. >5 meters

13.5. No data

14. Active valley floor width (as a multiple of active

channel width)

14.1. 1x (no floodplain)

14.2. 2x

14.3. 3x

14.4. 4x

14.5. 5+x or greater

14.6. No data

15. Max water depth (enter number)

15.1. *10,000 is null entry (no data)

15.2. Units

15.3. cm

15.4. inches

Type of water depth observation (choose one)

15.5. None

15.6. Measured

15.7. Exceeds recorded value

16. Pertinent Notes (enter text) & Photos

Appendix 1. FLOwPER Quick Guide 2.0 

See User’s Guide for more complete information. FLOwPER Quick Guide is available as a separate 

downloadable file at https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/ofr20201075.
39 

FLOwPER Quick Guide 2.0

FLOwPER 2.0 Quick Guide (See User’s Guide for more complete information) 

Use an ACCURATE External GPS Antenna

The 10-m OBSERVATION REACH:

• Observation is based on estimates averaged over 

a 10 m (30 ft) reach of stream.

• Ignore portions of the reach obviously disturbed 

by artificial structures (for example, roads) and

(or) associated components (for example, wedges 

of sediment accumulated above a culvert, plungepool below the culvert, etc.). 

• CRITICAL - Record whether reach has 

continuous flow, discontinuous flow, or is dry

• Observations upstream of the road are preferred.

7. Flow Status: Observed

Option 7.1 Continuous Flow denotes visible surface 

water over the full length of the 10 m observation 

reach. If there are multiple channels, only a single 

channel need have continuous flow for the entire 

reach to be categorized “Continuous Flow.”

Option 7.2 Discontinuous Flow is assigned where 

some portion of the length of the observation reach is 

dry across the full width of the active channel. If 

there are multiple channels, then all channels must be 

dry, at some point along their length.

Option 7.3 Dry denotes a channel that has no flowing 

or standing water anywhere over the length of the 10 

m observation reach.

Note: If only a part of the 10-m (30-ft) observation 

reach is visible, oftentimes when an observer cannot 

safely exit the vehicle and (or) physically walk the 

observation reach, the user should make the best 

judgement on determining the flow status on the part 

of the observation reach that is visible.

11. Special Conditions:

Option 11.1 Tributary Junctions pose a special 

challenge in that three potentially different stream 

channels all connect at a single point. FLOwPER data 

can be collected from any (or all) of the three 

channels, but they must be labeled as shown because 

GPS accuracy may not correctly associate the point 

with the correct channel.

Note: Where two tributaries join to form the 

mainstem, the larger one should always be denoted as 

the “upstream mainstem.” If they are of exactly equal 

size, the left-most tributary (looking upstream) should 

be denoted as the “upstream mainstem.”

Option 11.2 Diversion junctions are treated similarly 

to tributary junctions requiring identification of the 

specific channel segment on which the observation is 

made.

Option 11.3 Note the upstream limit of spatially 

continuous flow on the date of observation. Accurate 

determination of these points will require walking a 

substantial portion of the channel. This is the highest 

point in the stream network below which flowing 

water is spatially continuous with the remainder of 

the stream network; above this point the stream is 

spatially intermittent.

Options 11.4 A continuous channel head is the 

highest point in the geomorphic channel network, 

below which a continuous and distinct channel (signs 

of scour or deposition, vegetation free, and distinct 

banks; may not have flowing water) connects to the 

remainder of the channel network. A discontinuous 

channel head marks the upper most extent of any 

geomorphic channel that is separated from the 

continuous channel network downstream by an area 

lacking evidence of a channel.

12. Judgement Calls

In some stream survey protocols, observers use 

indicators to estimate expected condition at late 

summer low flow. Locations where late summer 

conditions are estimated must be identified here 

and kept distinct from observed conditions 

recorded in the field at the time of the survey.
40 

OPTIONAL DATA:

Collection of the following variables is optional. We 

think that these will improve our ability to model the 

break-point between perennial and intermittent 

stream reaches. However, we also recognize that 

these values may be difficult to estimate (or measure 

in the case of maximum depth) and may become too 

time consuming.

A Note on Channel & Valley Floor Width: 

Channel widths can be estimated. The focus of the 

variables is to provide an “index” of the capacity of 

the valley-floor sediment to conduct subsurface 

flows. Deep and coarse sediment in a steep and wide 

valley allows substantial subsurface flow and, for a 

given drainage area, these streams are more likely to 

be dry. Conversely, if the valley floor is scoured to 

bedrock, any flow will be visible on the surface so 

that bedrock channels will be more likely to be 

perennial.

13. Bankfull (or Active) Channel Width:

The stream channel lying below bankfull stage. The 

channel typically shows signs of recent scour and is 

free of perennial vegetation (it may be colonized each 

year by annuals). Recent large floods or debris flows 

may dramatically increase the width of the scoured 

zone; scour lines from such events do not represent

the true width of the bankfull channel.

Typical indicators of the bankfull stage include (1) 

The height of depositional features, especially the top 

of point bars such as gravel bars on the inside of a 

meander bend, which define the lower possible water 

level for bankfull stage; (2) a change in vegetation, 

especially the lower limit of perennial species; (3) a 

slope break from the flat floodplain to the steeper 

bank; (4) a change in the particle size of bank 

material, such as the boundary between coarse cobble 

or gravel of the streambed with fine-grained sand or 

silt of the floodplain; (5) undercuts in the bank, which 

usually reach an interior elevation slightly below 

bankfull stage; and (6) stain lines or the lower extent 

of lichens on boulders (modified from Harrelson and 

others, 1994).

14. Active Valley Floor Width:

The portion of the valley floor that can be inundated 

during floods and where scour and (or) deposition of 

sediment can occur. The active valley floor includes 

both the active floodplain and the bankfull channel. 

Note that floodplains may be discontinuous, present 

on only one side of the channel, or completely absent 

(modified from Harrelson and others, 1994). 

Floodplains can be difficult to identify in steep 

mountain streams, and in some locations, the active 

channel may encompass the entire width of the valley 

so that no floodplain is present.

A Note on Maximum Wetted Depth:

Maximum depth within the wetted channel is 

measured with a ruler. This will be the deepest single 

point within the reach. If it is not safe to wade in the 

stream, or if the water is too deep, then measure the 

deepest point you can measure safely and enter “Max 

depth exceeds recorded value” for the “Type of depth 

observation.”

Road-based observers will not be able to collect

maximum water depth observations. Leave the nullvalue of 10,000 and enter “none” for the “Type of 

depth observation.” 

Example of a headwater valley showing: (1) wetted 

channel; (2) bankfull channel; (3) active floodplain; 

(4) active valley floor; (5) terrace; and (6) uplands / 

hillslopes. [This example, typical of a small western 

Oregon stream, shows an unvegetated gravel bar 

within the bankfull channel and slight differences in 

vegetation among the other surfaces. Note that the 

bankfull channel width is included in the width of the 

active valley floor as shown in this figure, and in this 

case, the active valley floor is approximately two 

times the width of the bankfull channel.]
Publishing support provided by the U.S. Geological Survey

Science Publishing Network, Tacoma Publishing Service Center

For more information concerning the research in this report, contact the

Director, Washington Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey

934 Broadway, Suite 300

Tacoma, Washington 98402

https://www.usgs.gov/centers/wa-water
Jeager and others—FLOwPER User’s Guide—For Collection of FLOw PERmanence Field Observations—Open-File Report 2020–1075

ISSN 2331-1258 (online)

https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201075