John C. Hammond, PhD
John Hammond works as a Research Hydrologist for the USGS MD-DE-DC Water Science Center.
John studies hydroclimatic variability and trends, seasonal snow dynamics, empirical streamflow relationships across scales, and incorporates satellite data into hydrologic models. Current projects include improving snow process representation in hydrologic models, characterizing hydrologic drought, developing drought early warning systems, and drivers of non-perennial flow, and DC StreamStats.
I obtained my PhD in Watershed Science at Colorado State University in 2018 where I studied hydrologic change across the intermittent-persistent snow transition of the western U.S. is response to snow loss. This work assessed the effects of snow persistence on streamflow generation and soil moisture through a combination of remote sensing, surface station data analysis, hydrologic modeling, and geospatial statistics.
Research interests include:
- Runoff forecasting in snow-dominated watersheds
- Input partitioning through the critical zone
- Hydroclimatic and cryospheric trend detection
- Low-cost sensors for snow and streamflow monitoring
- Intermittent snow and streamflow occurrence and prediction
Consulting experience:
- Remote sensing of snow occurrence timing and distribution
- Flood innundation mapping
- Hydrologic and meteorologic equipment installation and maintenance
Professional Experience
Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), November, 2022 to Present: Surface water hydrologist (Water Science Center, Water Mission Area)
Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
March, 2019 to November, 2022: Surface water hydrologist (Water Science Center, Water Mission Area)Colorado State University: Fort Collins, CO, US
December, 2018 to March, 2019: Research Affiliate - Department of Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityColorado State University: Fort Collins, CO, US
August, 2015 to December, 2018: Graduate Research Assistant - Snow hydrology, soil science, and water yieldU.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
November, 2014 to December, 2015: Surface Water Research Contractor
Education and Certifications
2018. PhD, Geosciences: Watershed Science, Colorado State University. Dissertation: Effects of snow persistence on soil moisture and streamflow generation in mountain regions of the western U.S.
2014. M.S., Water Resources Science, Oregon State University. Thesis: Trends in streamflow above and below dams across the Columbia River Basin from 1950 to 2012: assessing sub-basin sensitivity.
2012. B.S., Environmental Science & Policy, University of Maryland, College Park. Concentration: Global Environmental Change. Citation: College Park Scholars – Environmental Studies. Cum Laude.