Winter Streamflow Measurement at Belle Fourche River, SD

On February 8, 2019, USGS hydrologic technicians Joel Petersen and Sarah Davis measured a streamflow of 368 cubic feet per second at the Belle Fourche River near Elm Springs (USGS streamgage 06438000). Because of the depth of the ice, at times staff needed to lay flat on the snow and ice to ensure the equipment reaches to the stream bed.  And because of the extreme cold weather, newer electronic equipment did not function so mechanical equipment was used including a pygmy meter, pencil, and paper. Staff must be careful of ice conditions to ensure their safety during field measurements.