streamflow measurement near the USGS Streamgage on Contentnea Creek,NC

John Mazurek of the USGS making a streamflow measurement near the USGS Streamgage on Contentnea Creek at Hookerton (USGS Station Number 02091500).  John is using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) mounted near the front of his kayak to measure the stream velocity and depth to determine the streamflow at this location. In addition to knowing how high the rivers got (gage height or stage) it is important to know the discharge or streamflow. This knowledge of streamflow helps those developing river forecasts to route the water downstream and determine the level of flooding.