Snowmibiles needed to get to Blackrock Creek streamgage
Why are there sometimes differences between USGS and National Weather Service river stages?
At some USGS streamgage installations, NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) maintains a separate stage sensor that is serviced by NWS technicians. Calibration of any sensing device can occasionally drift from a "true" value, so there might be differences between USGS and NWS data reports.
USGS personnel visit installations on an interval of 6 weeks or less to maintain equipment and make required adjustments. NWS technicians have a separate maintenance schedule. In either case, data retrieved from remote sensors is always considered provisional and subject to revision after quality control and analysis. Differences between remotely reported and field measured data are usually small and within tolerances required for water resources management and control.
Learn more: From the River to You: USGS Real-Time Streamflow Information
Related Content
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...
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...
Is there a way to get alerts about streamflow conditions?
Yes! The U.S. Geological Survey WaterAlert service provides notifications to your email or phone for changes in water conditions based on thresholds you choose.
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...
Why might USGS streamflow data be revised?
Real-time USGS streamflow data are PROVISIONAL, meaning that the data have not been reviewed or edited. These data might be subject to significant change and are not official until reviewed and approved by the USGS. Real-time streamflow data can be affected by: backwater from ice or debris such as log jams algae and aquatic growth in the stream sediment movement malfunction of recording equipment...
What does the term "stream stage" mean?
Stream stage 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, sometimes very...
Does "stage" tell you how much water is flowing in a stream?
Not directly. You cannot say that because a stream rises (doubles) from a 10-foot stage to a 20-foot stage that the amount of flowing water also doubles. Think of a cereal bowl with a rounded bottom. Pour one inch of milk in it. It doesn't take much milk to make it up to the one inch level because the bowl is at its narrowest near the bottom. Now, pour in milk until it is two inches deep -- it...
Sometimes the USGS real-time stage data seems too high (or too low). Are the USGS data inaccurate?
There can be occasional equipment or database problems where erroneous data are reported for short periods of time until corrections can be made. This is why it is important to look at a record of streamflow (like the 7-day hydrograph plots) rather than a single point in time. However, most of the time the USGS has a high level of confidence in its real-time stage data. During low streamflow...
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...
Snowmibiles needed to get to Blackrock Creek streamgage
Snowmibiles needed to get to Blackrock Creek streamgage
Servicing the Streamgage at Addicks Reservoir
USGS scientist Tom Pistillo services the streamgage at Addicks Reservoir to ensure that accurate reservoir water-level data are being measured, which are critical for helping the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Harris County Flood Control District make informed reservoir operation decisions.
USGS scientist Tom Pistillo services the streamgage at Addicks Reservoir to ensure that accurate reservoir water-level data are being measured, which are critical for helping the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Harris County Flood Control District make informed reservoir operation decisions.
A USGS Hydrologic Technician installs a new streamgage
U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Technician Patrick Anzman installs a new streamgage February 23 over the Schuylkill River in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Manayunk. Photo by Mason Manis, USGS.
U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Technician Patrick Anzman installs a new streamgage February 23 over the Schuylkill River in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Manayunk. Photo by Mason Manis, USGS.
USGS Scientist Inspects Streamgage During Flooding Event
USGS scientist Matt Jennings inspects streamgage number 02136361 at Turkey Creek near Maryville, South Carolina, the morning of October 4, 2015. The discharge they measured was 6,000 cfs.
USGS scientist Matt Jennings inspects streamgage number 02136361 at Turkey Creek near Maryville, South Carolina, the morning of October 4, 2015. The discharge they measured was 6,000 cfs.
Streamgage Inspections on the Big Thompson River
Ben Glass of the USGS Colorado Water Science Center inspects a USGS rapid deployment streamgage on the Big Thompson River in Loveland, Colo. The river is one of many that flooded during a significant September 2013 rain event along Colorado's Front Range, damaging or destroying several USGS streamgages.
Ben Glass of the USGS Colorado Water Science Center inspects a USGS rapid deployment streamgage on the Big Thompson River in Loveland, Colo. The river is one of many that flooded during a significant September 2013 rain event along Colorado's Front Range, damaging or destroying several USGS streamgages.
Streamflow Gaging Station and Measurement on San Pedro River, AZ
USGS employee, Hanna Coy, talks about stream gauging.
USGS employee, Hanna Coy, talks about stream gauging.
Souris River Streamgage
As the Souris River flooded during the early summer of 2011, it overcame levees in the city of Minot, N.D., causing about 11,000 people to evacuate their homes. The record-breaking flood crested on July 25 at over 26,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and 24 feet - nearly 13 feet over flood stage - according to U.S.
As the Souris River flooded during the early summer of 2011, it overcame levees in the city of Minot, N.D., causing about 11,000 people to evacuate their homes. The record-breaking flood crested on July 25 at over 26,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and 24 feet - nearly 13 feet over flood stage - according to U.S.
James River at Huron, SD Streamgage
USGS hydrologic technicians Tyler Meyer and Jesse Rigge document the river stage and ensure that the streamgage on the James River at Huron, SD is working properly. A streamflow measurement of 17,500 cubic feet per second was made during the site visit.
USGS hydrologic technicians Tyler Meyer and Jesse Rigge document the river stage and ensure that the streamgage on the James River at Huron, SD is working properly. A streamflow measurement of 17,500 cubic feet per second was made during the site visit.
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.
Working on Streamgage
USGS personnel working at a "century" streamgage constructed in 1913
USGS personnel working at a "century" streamgage constructed in 1913
Related Content
- FAQ
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...
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...
Is there a way to get alerts about streamflow conditions?
Yes! The U.S. Geological Survey WaterAlert service provides notifications to your email or phone for changes in water conditions based on thresholds you choose.
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...
Why might USGS streamflow data be revised?
Real-time USGS streamflow data are PROVISIONAL, meaning that the data have not been reviewed or edited. These data might be subject to significant change and are not official until reviewed and approved by the USGS. Real-time streamflow data can be affected by: backwater from ice or debris such as log jams algae and aquatic growth in the stream sediment movement malfunction of recording equipment...
What does the term "stream stage" mean?
Stream stage 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, sometimes very...
Does "stage" tell you how much water is flowing in a stream?
Not directly. You cannot say that because a stream rises (doubles) from a 10-foot stage to a 20-foot stage that the amount of flowing water also doubles. Think of a cereal bowl with a rounded bottom. Pour one inch of milk in it. It doesn't take much milk to make it up to the one inch level because the bowl is at its narrowest near the bottom. Now, pour in milk until it is two inches deep -- it...
Sometimes the USGS real-time stage data seems too high (or too low). Are the USGS data inaccurate?
There can be occasional equipment or database problems where erroneous data are reported for short periods of time until corrections can be made. This is why it is important to look at a record of streamflow (like the 7-day hydrograph plots) rather than a single point in time. However, most of the time the USGS has a high level of confidence in its real-time stage data. During low streamflow...
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...
- Multimedia
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 the Streamgage at Addicks ReservoirUSGS scientist Tom Pistillo services the streamgage at Addicks Reservoir to ensure that accurate reservoir water-level data are being measured, which are critical for helping the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Harris County Flood Control District make informed reservoir operation decisions.
USGS scientist Tom Pistillo services the streamgage at Addicks Reservoir to ensure that accurate reservoir water-level data are being measured, which are critical for helping the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Harris County Flood Control District make informed reservoir operation decisions.
A USGS Hydrologic Technician installs a new streamgageU.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Technician Patrick Anzman installs a new streamgage February 23 over the Schuylkill River in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Manayunk. Photo by Mason Manis, USGS.
U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Technician Patrick Anzman installs a new streamgage February 23 over the Schuylkill River in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Manayunk. Photo by Mason Manis, USGS.
USGS Scientist Inspects Streamgage During Flooding EventUSGS scientist Matt Jennings inspects streamgage number 02136361 at Turkey Creek near Maryville, South Carolina, the morning of October 4, 2015. The discharge they measured was 6,000 cfs.
USGS scientist Matt Jennings inspects streamgage number 02136361 at Turkey Creek near Maryville, South Carolina, the morning of October 4, 2015. The discharge they measured was 6,000 cfs.
Streamgage Inspections on the Big Thompson RiverBen Glass of the USGS Colorado Water Science Center inspects a USGS rapid deployment streamgage on the Big Thompson River in Loveland, Colo. The river is one of many that flooded during a significant September 2013 rain event along Colorado's Front Range, damaging or destroying several USGS streamgages.
Ben Glass of the USGS Colorado Water Science Center inspects a USGS rapid deployment streamgage on the Big Thompson River in Loveland, Colo. The river is one of many that flooded during a significant September 2013 rain event along Colorado's Front Range, damaging or destroying several USGS streamgages.
Streamflow Gaging Station and Measurement on San Pedro River, AZUSGS employee, Hanna Coy, talks about stream gauging.
USGS employee, Hanna Coy, talks about stream gauging.
Souris River StreamgageAs the Souris River flooded during the early summer of 2011, it overcame levees in the city of Minot, N.D., causing about 11,000 people to evacuate their homes. The record-breaking flood crested on July 25 at over 26,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and 24 feet - nearly 13 feet over flood stage - according to U.S.
As the Souris River flooded during the early summer of 2011, it overcame levees in the city of Minot, N.D., causing about 11,000 people to evacuate their homes. The record-breaking flood crested on July 25 at over 26,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and 24 feet - nearly 13 feet over flood stage - according to U.S.
James River at Huron, SD StreamgageUSGS hydrologic technicians Tyler Meyer and Jesse Rigge document the river stage and ensure that the streamgage on the James River at Huron, SD is working properly. A streamflow measurement of 17,500 cubic feet per second was made during the site visit.
USGS hydrologic technicians Tyler Meyer and Jesse Rigge document the river stage and ensure that the streamgage on the James River at Huron, SD is working properly. A streamflow measurement of 17,500 cubic feet per second was made during the site visit.
Streamgages: The Silent SuperheroWhether 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.
Working on StreamgageUSGS personnel working at a "century" streamgage constructed in 1913
USGS personnel working at a "century" streamgage constructed in 1913
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