Staying at the forefront of technical innovation is a key element of WSE’s commitment to client service. New and advancing technologies allow us to perform work more efficiently and provide greater understanding. WSE staff are constantly evaluating new approaches to improve and increase the value of our core services. In the past these have included tools and techniques such as GIS mapping and analysis, advanced numerical modeling for hydrology and hydraulics, and low cost streamflow gaging and data development. These innovative services are now common in our projects. Current innovation efforts include drone-based remote imagery to produce topographic and bathymetric data and remotely acquired structure elevation data.

Examples of past and present innovations include:

  • GIS mapping
  • Advanced numerical modeling
  • Continuous simulation hydrology
  • Two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic modeling
  • 2D model graphics
  • Remotely acquired building elevations
  • Sediment modeling
  • ADCP flow and bathymetric data collection
  • Drone imagery
  • Project visualization
  • Structure from Motion 1D, 2D, and 3D image and topographic visualization (SfM)
  • Photo-bathymetry
  • Climate change interpretation

WSE continually evaluates new technologies to determine how they can be implemented to improve our work with a focus on delivering better projects to our clients.

Examples of our innovative work


Skookumchuck Dam Fish Sluice CFD Modeling

WSE was tasked with provinding CFD (3D) modeling of an existing fish sluice and proposed replacements for the Skookumchuck Dam.

Monitoring Valley Reset Restoration on the McKenzie River and Quartz Creek

WSE was retained to monitor the ecogeomorphic and hydraulic evolution of two large restoration projects in the McKenzie river basin.

Tolt River Flood Hazard and Habitat Corridor Master Plan

King County's River and Floodplain Management Section retained WSE and Herrera Environmental Consultants to develop a Corridor Management Plan for the lower six miles of the Tolt River near Carnation, WA.

North Fork Swift Creek Re-Route Feasibility

A deep-seated landslide in an unusual geologic formation in the Swift Creek basin produces huge volumes of sediment with potentially hazardous concentrations of asbestos and heavy metals.

Penstock Breach Flood Routing

A client required an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the FERC licensing of a hydroelectric project in Utah.

WDFW Bridge Design Guidelines for Fish Passage and Habitat Protection

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife developed guidelines to help hydraulic engineers and geomorphologists design bridge crossings that will preserve aquatic habitat or minimize impact.

Dam Reservoir Operations Analysis

An energy client required the development of an operational analysis of extreme floods for the a reservoir in Wyoming.