Snowmibiles needed to get to Blackrock Creek streamgage
How do we benefit from USGS streamgages?
Information on the flow of rivers is a vital national asset that safeguards lives, protects property, and ensures adequate water supplies for the future. The USGS is the federal agency responsible for operating a network of about 7,000 streamgages nationwide.
Data from this network are used by water managers, emergency responders, utilities, environmental agencies, universities, consulting firms, and recreation enthusiasts.
A few examples of the many uses for streamgage data include:
- Planning, designing, operating, and maintaining the Nation’s multipurpose water management systems.
- Issuing flood warnings to protect lives and reduce property damage.
- Designing highways and bridges.
- Mapping floodplains.
- Protecting water quality and regulating pollutant discharges.
- Managing water rights and transboundary water issues.
Learn more:
Related
Why does the USGS use the spelling "gage" instead of "gauge"?
The spelling of “gage” is part of our very rich USGS history. We have used that spelling for over a hundred years. In 1888, USGS Director John Wesley Powell met a very forward-thinking graduate student named Frederick Haynes Newell. Powell was so impressed that he made Newell the first full-time appointee to the new Irrigation Survey, which was created to investigate the potential for dams and...
Where can I get real-time and historical streamflow information?
The best starting point for USGS streamflow data is the interactive National Water Information System (NWIS): Mapper website. Zoom in to your area of interest or use the search options in the left navigation window. The map displays active surface-water sites by default, but you can change the type of water site (surface-water, groundwater, springs, atmospheric) and select to show inactive sites...
How often are real-time streamflow data updated?
USGS real-time streamflow data are typically recorded at 15-minute intervals, stored onsite, and then transmitted to USGS offices once every hour, depending on the data relay technique used. Recording and transmission times might be more frequent during critical events (floods, for example). Data from current sites are relayed to USGS offices via satellite, telephone, and/or radio telemetry and...
How is a rating curve used to convert gage height into streamflow?
In order to convert gage height (or "stage", usually expressed as feet) into streamflow (or "discharge", usually expressed as cubic feet per second), USGS hydrographers must establish a relationship between them. This stage-discharge relationship is called a rating curve. It’s developed by making frequent manual discrete discharge measurements at stream gaging stations. The rating curve depends on...
How can I obtain river forecasts (flood forecasts)?
River forecasts (flood forecasts) are made by the National Weather Service - National Water Prediction Service. The overall map on the website uses color designations to give a quick overview of current conditions. A legend and other information can be selected in the right column. From the main map, click on a station to bring up a box which includes a graph showing current information and a...
What does the term "stream stage" mean?
Stream stage (aka gage height) is an important concept when analyzing how much water is moving in a stream at any given moment. "Stage" is the water level above some arbitrary point in the river and is commonly measured in feet. For example, on a normal day when no rain has fallen for a while, a river might have a stage of 2 feet. If a big storm hits, the river stage could rise to 15 or 20 feet...
What is a reach?
“Reach” can have slightly different meanings, depending on how it is used. A reach is a section of a stream or river along which similar hydrologic conditions exist, such as discharge, depth, area, and slope. It can also be the length of a stream or river (with varying conditions) between two streamgages, or a length of river for which the characteristics are well described by readings at a single...
Snowmibiles needed to get to Blackrock Creek streamgage
Snowmibiles needed to get to Blackrock Creek streamgage
Servicing a Streamgage at Addicks Reservoir following Hurricane Harvey
USGS scientist Jimmy Hopkins repairs a streamgage downstream of Addicks reservoir at Buffalo Bayou after flooding from Hurricane Harvey. This gauge is normally accessed on land from a platform on the side of a bridge.
USGS scientist Jimmy Hopkins repairs a streamgage downstream of Addicks reservoir at Buffalo Bayou after flooding from Hurricane Harvey. This gauge is normally accessed on land from a platform on the side of a bridge.
Historic USGS Streamgage on the Wabash River at Lafayette Indiana
This video will provide a brief history and purpose for one of the oldest streamgages in Indiana. The gage is at the Wabash River at Lafayette, Indiana. The site number is 03335500. This video was produced at the request of the West Lafayette Parks Department where this historic gage is located.
This video will provide a brief history and purpose for one of the oldest streamgages in Indiana. The gage is at the Wabash River at Lafayette, Indiana. The site number is 03335500. This video was produced at the request of the West Lafayette Parks Department where this historic gage is located.
USGS Streamgage near Junction, Texas
A modern 21st century version of a streamgage structure.
A modern 21st century version of a streamgage structure.
Hydrologist Arin Peters on Real-time Streamgage Cameras
USGS hydrologist Arin Peters shares his thoughts about the What's the Big Idea? innovation event at Kansas Water Science Center on Sept 2., 2015.
USGS hydrologist Arin Peters shares his thoughts about the What's the Big Idea? innovation event at Kansas Water Science Center on Sept 2., 2015.
USGS streamgage measures flooding in the lower Trinity River
A USGS streamgage measures flooding in the lower Trinity River, Texas.
A USGS streamgage measures flooding in the lower Trinity River, Texas.
Streamgage 13317000, Salmon River at White Bird, Idaho
U.S. Geological Survey hydrographer Doug Ott inspects the gagehouse at streamgage stations 13317000, Salmon River at White Bird, Idaho, May 10, 2013. The flow at the gage was approximately 40,000 cubic feet per second at the time of this photo.
U.S. Geological Survey hydrographer Doug Ott inspects the gagehouse at streamgage stations 13317000, Salmon River at White Bird, Idaho, May 10, 2013. The flow at the gage was approximately 40,000 cubic feet per second at the time of this photo.
A rainbow over the USGS streamflow station gage house
A rainbow over the USGS streamflow station gage house at the outlet of Bass Harbor Marsh in Maine (monitoring location 010228955).
A rainbow over the USGS streamflow station gage house at the outlet of Bass Harbor Marsh in Maine (monitoring location 010228955).
Flood Waters Take USGS Streamgage Wind River near Crowheart, WY
Gagehouse at 06225500 Wind River near Crowheart WY right before it washed away.
Jul 01 2011; 13,900 ft3/s
Gagehouse at 06225500 Wind River near Crowheart WY right before it washed away.
Jul 01 2011; 13,900 ft3/s
Celebrating the First USGS Streamgage
The first USGS streamgage, at Embudo, New Mexico, just turned 125 years old.
The first USGS streamgage, at Embudo, New Mexico, just turned 125 years old.
Streamgages: The Silent Superhero
Whether you drink water from your tap, use electricity or canoe down your local river, chances are you benefit from USGS streamgage information. So what is a streamgage and what does it do for you? This CoreCast episode gives you the inside scoop on your silent superhero.
Transcript and captions available soon.
Whether you drink water from your tap, use electricity or canoe down your local river, chances are you benefit from USGS streamgage information. So what is a streamgage and what does it do for you? This CoreCast episode gives you the inside scoop on your silent superhero.
Transcript and captions available soon.
Solar-Powered Streamgage
Solar-powered streamgage in Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier, Montana.
Solar-powered streamgage in Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier, Montana.
Solar-Powered Streamgage
Solar-powered streamgage in Secretary's homeland in Animas River above Tacoma, CO.
Solar-powered streamgage in Secretary's homeland in Animas River above Tacoma, CO.
USGS Streamgage on Cement Creek
The USGS streamgage on Cement Creek at Silverton, Colorado, measures continuous stream stage and discharge. Cement Creek is part of the Animas River Watershed in southwest Colorado.
The USGS streamgage on Cement Creek at Silverton, Colorado, measures continuous stream stage and discharge. Cement Creek is part of the Animas River Watershed in southwest Colorado.
Related
Why does the USGS use the spelling "gage" instead of "gauge"?
The spelling of “gage” is part of our very rich USGS history. We have used that spelling for over a hundred years. In 1888, USGS Director John Wesley Powell met a very forward-thinking graduate student named Frederick Haynes Newell. Powell was so impressed that he made Newell the first full-time appointee to the new Irrigation Survey, which was created to investigate the potential for dams and...
Where can I get real-time and historical streamflow information?
The best starting point for USGS streamflow data is the interactive National Water Information System (NWIS): Mapper website. Zoom in to your area of interest or use the search options in the left navigation window. The map displays active surface-water sites by default, but you can change the type of water site (surface-water, groundwater, springs, atmospheric) and select to show inactive sites...
How often are real-time streamflow data updated?
USGS real-time streamflow data are typically recorded at 15-minute intervals, stored onsite, and then transmitted to USGS offices once every hour, depending on the data relay technique used. Recording and transmission times might be more frequent during critical events (floods, for example). Data from current sites are relayed to USGS offices via satellite, telephone, and/or radio telemetry and...
How is a rating curve used to convert gage height into streamflow?
In order to convert gage height (or "stage", usually expressed as feet) into streamflow (or "discharge", usually expressed as cubic feet per second), USGS hydrographers must establish a relationship between them. This stage-discharge relationship is called a rating curve. It’s developed by making frequent manual discrete discharge measurements at stream gaging stations. The rating curve depends on...
How can I obtain river forecasts (flood forecasts)?
River forecasts (flood forecasts) are made by the National Weather Service - National Water Prediction Service. The overall map on the website uses color designations to give a quick overview of current conditions. A legend and other information can be selected in the right column. From the main map, click on a station to bring up a box which includes a graph showing current information and a...
What does the term "stream stage" mean?
Stream stage (aka gage height) is an important concept when analyzing how much water is moving in a stream at any given moment. "Stage" is the water level above some arbitrary point in the river and is commonly measured in feet. For example, on a normal day when no rain has fallen for a while, a river might have a stage of 2 feet. If a big storm hits, the river stage could rise to 15 or 20 feet...
What is a reach?
“Reach” can have slightly different meanings, depending on how it is used. A reach is a section of a stream or river along which similar hydrologic conditions exist, such as discharge, depth, area, and slope. It can also be the length of a stream or river (with varying conditions) between two streamgages, or a length of river for which the characteristics are well described by readings at a single...
Snowmibiles needed to get to Blackrock Creek streamgage
Snowmibiles needed to get to Blackrock Creek streamgage
Snowmibiles needed to get to Blackrock Creek streamgage
Servicing a Streamgage at Addicks Reservoir following Hurricane Harvey
USGS scientist Jimmy Hopkins repairs a streamgage downstream of Addicks reservoir at Buffalo Bayou after flooding from Hurricane Harvey. This gauge is normally accessed on land from a platform on the side of a bridge.
USGS scientist Jimmy Hopkins repairs a streamgage downstream of Addicks reservoir at Buffalo Bayou after flooding from Hurricane Harvey. This gauge is normally accessed on land from a platform on the side of a bridge.
Historic USGS Streamgage on the Wabash River at Lafayette Indiana
This video will provide a brief history and purpose for one of the oldest streamgages in Indiana. The gage is at the Wabash River at Lafayette, Indiana. The site number is 03335500. This video was produced at the request of the West Lafayette Parks Department where this historic gage is located.
This video will provide a brief history and purpose for one of the oldest streamgages in Indiana. The gage is at the Wabash River at Lafayette, Indiana. The site number is 03335500. This video was produced at the request of the West Lafayette Parks Department where this historic gage is located.
USGS Streamgage near Junction, Texas
A modern 21st century version of a streamgage structure.
A modern 21st century version of a streamgage structure.
Hydrologist Arin Peters on Real-time Streamgage Cameras
USGS hydrologist Arin Peters shares his thoughts about the What's the Big Idea? innovation event at Kansas Water Science Center on Sept 2., 2015.
USGS hydrologist Arin Peters shares his thoughts about the What's the Big Idea? innovation event at Kansas Water Science Center on Sept 2., 2015.
USGS streamgage measures flooding in the lower Trinity River
A USGS streamgage measures flooding in the lower Trinity River, Texas.
A USGS streamgage measures flooding in the lower Trinity River, Texas.
Streamgage 13317000, Salmon River at White Bird, Idaho
U.S. Geological Survey hydrographer Doug Ott inspects the gagehouse at streamgage stations 13317000, Salmon River at White Bird, Idaho, May 10, 2013. The flow at the gage was approximately 40,000 cubic feet per second at the time of this photo.
U.S. Geological Survey hydrographer Doug Ott inspects the gagehouse at streamgage stations 13317000, Salmon River at White Bird, Idaho, May 10, 2013. The flow at the gage was approximately 40,000 cubic feet per second at the time of this photo.
A rainbow over the USGS streamflow station gage house
A rainbow over the USGS streamflow station gage house at the outlet of Bass Harbor Marsh in Maine (monitoring location 010228955).
A rainbow over the USGS streamflow station gage house at the outlet of Bass Harbor Marsh in Maine (monitoring location 010228955).
Flood Waters Take USGS Streamgage Wind River near Crowheart, WY
Gagehouse at 06225500 Wind River near Crowheart WY right before it washed away.
Jul 01 2011; 13,900 ft3/s
Gagehouse at 06225500 Wind River near Crowheart WY right before it washed away.
Jul 01 2011; 13,900 ft3/s
Celebrating the First USGS Streamgage
The first USGS streamgage, at Embudo, New Mexico, just turned 125 years old.
The first USGS streamgage, at Embudo, New Mexico, just turned 125 years old.
Streamgages: The Silent Superhero
Whether you drink water from your tap, use electricity or canoe down your local river, chances are you benefit from USGS streamgage information. So what is a streamgage and what does it do for you? This CoreCast episode gives you the inside scoop on your silent superhero.
Transcript and captions available soon.
Whether you drink water from your tap, use electricity or canoe down your local river, chances are you benefit from USGS streamgage information. So what is a streamgage and what does it do for you? This CoreCast episode gives you the inside scoop on your silent superhero.
Transcript and captions available soon.
Solar-Powered Streamgage
Solar-powered streamgage in Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier, Montana.
Solar-powered streamgage in Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier, Montana.
Solar-Powered Streamgage
Solar-powered streamgage in Secretary's homeland in Animas River above Tacoma, CO.
Solar-powered streamgage in Secretary's homeland in Animas River above Tacoma, CO.
USGS Streamgage on Cement Creek
The USGS streamgage on Cement Creek at Silverton, Colorado, measures continuous stream stage and discharge. Cement Creek is part of the Animas River Watershed in southwest Colorado.
The USGS streamgage on Cement Creek at Silverton, Colorado, measures continuous stream stage and discharge. Cement Creek is part of the Animas River Watershed in southwest Colorado.
Updated Date: September 24, 2024