Using scientific principles, making sound resource decisions, and providing context-sensitive solutions for more than 30 years.

DARREN OLSEN

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Principal, Watershed Section Leader, Senior Hydrologist

Mr. Olsen is a principal, the Watershed Section Leader, and a senior hydrologist at BIO-WEST. He has worked on over 100 large and small scale studies throughout the western United States emphasizing state of the art technologies in data collection and analysis. He has seventeen years of experience, and he has spent thirteen years working at BIO-WEST. He is experienced in fluvial geomorphology, stream hydrology, and riparian ecology and is an expert in monitoring streambed particle size distributions, sediment transport, channel conditions/stability, and aquatic habitat. He uses hydrologic and geomorphic data to model the effects of modified flows in regulated rivers where aquatic habitat maintenance is a priority, and he evaluates the effects of human made structures, such as diversions and bridges in natural stream systems and implements remediation measures regarding their operation and/or design modification. He is a candidate for a Ph.D. in Watershed Sciences from Utah State University; he has an M.S. in Forestry (Forest Hydrology) from the University of Montana, Missoula and a B.S. in Resource Conservation (Watershed Management) from the University of Montana.

Skills & Qualifications
  • Skilled in project management

  • Supervises hydrographic data collection

  • Surveys rivers and floodplains

  • Proficient hydraulic modeler

  • Samples bed material and water quality

  • Skilled in modeling and sampling sediment transport

  • Proficient in channel/floodplain design

  • Makes recommendations for streamflow in regulated rivers

  • Experienced practitioner of non-point source pollution control

  • Skilled researcher of riparian vegetation

  • Advanced open-water diver

BIO-WEST