DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR

BULLETIN

UNITED STATES

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

No. 131

WASHINGTON

GOYEKNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1896

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL STJEVEY

CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIRECTOR

REPORT OF PROGRESS

OF THE

DIVISION OF HYDROGRAPHY

FOR

THE CALENDAR YEARS 1893 AND 1894

PEEDERIOK EAYNES NEWELL

TOPOGRAPHER IN CHARGE

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1895

CONTENTS.

Page.

Introduction................................................................ 9

Legislation................................................................. 10

Field-work in 1893 and 1894................................................. 13

Upper Missouri basin, in Montana............................................ 14

Spanish Creek station, on West Gallatin River.......................... 14

Logan station, on Gallatin River......................................... 16

Red Bluff station, on Madison River..................................... 18

Three Forks station, on Madison River.................................. 20

Sappington station, on Jefferson River.................................. 22

Townsend station, on Missouri River.................................. .. 22

Yellowstoue basin, in Wyoming and Montana................................. 26

Horr station, on Yellowstone River, Montana............................ 2

Platte basin, in Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska........................... 28

Woods Landing station, on Laramie River............................... -28

Uva station, on Laramie River ................ .......................... 28

Douglas station, on North Platte River.................................. 29

Orin station, on North Platte River...................................... 29

North Platte station, on North Platte River.............................. 30

Fort Collins station, on Cache la Poudre River........................... 30

Columbus station, on Loup River........................................ 32

Kansas basin, in Nebraska................................................... 32

Benkelman station, on North Fork of Republican River.................. 33

Benkelman station, on South Fork of Republican River.................. , 33

Palisade station, on Frenchman River................................... 33

Arkansas basin, in Colorado........................................... 1..... 34

Hayden station, on Arkansas River....................................... 34

Canyon station, on Arkansas River................................ ...... 35

La Junta station, on Arkansas River...................................... 37

Holly station, on Arkansas River......................................... 39

Canadian basin, in New Mexico.............................................. 40

Watrous station, on Mora River......................................... 40

Rio Grande basin, in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas....................... 41

Del Norte station, on Rio Grande..........:............................. 41

Alarnosa station, on Rio Grande.......................................... 43

Embudo station, on Rio Grande.......................................... 43

Water Tank station, on Rio Grande...................................... 45

San Marcial station, on Rio Grande...................................... 46

El Paso station, on Rio Grande.......................................... 46

Colorado basin, in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona............ ................. 47

Grand Junction station, on Gunnison River.............................. 48

Grand Junction-station, on Grand River................................. 48

Blake station, on Green River........................................... 48

Helper station, on Price River................ .......................... 48

Arizona dam, on Salt River.............................................. 49

Yuma station, on Colorado River......:................................. 51

5
6 CONTENTS.

Page.

Interior basin, in Nevada, Utah, and Idaho.................................. 52

Golconda station, on Humboldt River.................................... 52

Battle Creek station, on Bear River ..................................... 53

Collinston station, on Bear River........................................ 55

Uinta station, on Weber River.......................................... 57

Provo station, on Provo River........................................... 59

Leamington station, on Sevier River.................................... 60

Columbia basin, in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.......................... 62

Chase station, on Teton River........................................... 62

Idaho Falls station, on Snake River..................................... 64

Boise station, on Boise River............................................ 66

Payette station, on Payette River....................................... 66

Weiser station, on Weiser River......................................... 66

Nyssa station, on Owyhee River..................................... .... 66

Vale station, on Malheur River.......................................... 68

Pendleton station, on Umatilla River.................................... 68

North Yakima station, on Naches River ................................. 73

Toppenish station, on Toppenish Creek.................................. 74

Satas station, on Satas River............................................ 75

Sacramento basin, California................................................ 75

Red Bluff station, on Sacramento River.................................. 76

Tehama bridge, on Sacramento River.............................:..... 77

San Joaquin basin, California............................................... 78

' Tejon station, on Tejon House Creek..................................... 79

Bakersfield station, on Kern River....................................... 79

Kingsburg station, on Kings River...................................... 80

Herndon station, on San Joaquin River.................................. 81

Modesto station, on Tuolumne River..................................... 83

Lodi station, on Mokelumne River....................................... 86

Southern California streams................................................. 87

Potomac basin, in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.................... 87

Springfield station, on South Branch of Potomac......................... 88

Cumberland station, on Potomac River.................................. 88

Mill vllle station, on Shenandoah River.................................. 89

Point of Rocks station, on Potomac River............................... 89

Chain Bridge station, on Potomac River.................................. 89

List of discharge measurements of various streams in the United States...... 89

Well records in Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas............................. 92
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY,

DIVISION OF HYDROGRAPHY, 

Washington, D. (7., May 20, 1895.

SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a manuscript entitled 

" Eeport of progress of the Division of Hydrography for the calendar 

years 1893 and 1894," and to request that it be published as a bulletin 

of the Survey.

Yery respectfully, yours,

F. H. NEWELL, 

Topographer in Charge. 

Hon. CHARLES D. WALCOTT,

Director United States Geological Survey. 

 ' 1

REPORT OF PROGRESS OF THE DIVISION OF 

HYDROGRAPHY FOR 1893 AND 1894.

BY F. H. NEWELL.

INTRODUCTION.

This bulletin contains the results of observations and measurements 

made by the Division of Hydrography during the calendar years 1893 

and 1894, together with similar facts obtained by persons or officials 

cooperating with the Survey or conducting related lines of investigation. 

It has not been customary to publish results until the computations have 

been'fully worked up and the matter has been put into the most concise 

form possible for insertion in one of the papers accompanying the Annual 

Report; but experience has shown the desirability of printing at as 

early date as possible much of the original data regarding the location 

of the river stations and daily observations, as these are becoming to 

be matters of importance to individuals and communities in different 

parts of the country. In the past all facts of this kind have been furnished by letter to persons requesting them, but a time has been reached 

when it seems economical and advisable to present these matters in 

form accessible to all persons. It is proposed, therefore, to publish in 

bulletin form, without illustrations, the data obtained during each field 

season, reserving the more condensed general statements and the results 

of final computations, as before, for the Annual Eeport of the Survey, 

wherein they will be presented, as far as possible, graphically, by means 

of maps and diagrams. In one of the annual reports succeeding this 

bulletin will be given a resume of some of the data herewith presented. 

This will be the sixth paper of the series.1

The field seasons for the years 1893 and 1894 marked the time of 

greatest depression for the Division of Hydrography and the beginning of a period of renewed activity. During 1893 and the earlier

1 The five preceding papers are as follows: Hydrographic Work: First Annual Keport of the Irrigation Survey, being Part II of the Tenth Annual Report of the United States Geological Survey, pp. 

75-90. Hydrography: Second Annual Eeport of the Irrigation Survey, being Part II of the Eleventh 

Annual Eeport of the United States Geological Survey, pp. 1-110. Hydrography of the Arid Regions: 

Third Annual Eeport of the Irrigation Survey, being Part II of the Twelfth Annual Eeport of the 

United States Geological Survey, pp. 213-361. Water Supply for Irrigation: Thirteenth Annual 

Eeport of the United States Geological Survey, Part III, pp. 1-99. Eesults of Stream Measurements: 

Fourteenth Annual Report of the United States Geological Survey, Part II, pp. 89-155.

9
10 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL.ISL

months of the following year the allotments for stream measurements 

barely sufficed to continue the reading and recording of heights of 

rivers at a number of the stations previously established, and were not 

large enough to maintain -field work, nor to replace river gages as 

these were washed out, nor to verify the rating tables constructed for 

various localities. Many stations, therefore, for which excellent rating 

tables had been prepared during 1889,1890, and succeeding years had 

to be abandoned for one cause or another, and in the case of others the 

change of shape of river channel and the altered relation of gage 

height to discharge rendered of doubtful value the computations of 

daily flow. In August of 1894, however, the work was again taken up 

with vigor, owing to favorable action by Congress. JS~ew stations were 

established, and many old ones of value were inspected and renewed. 

In this connection it will be proper to cite the laws under which this 

investigation is being conducted, or which bear directly upon its operations, and to give a short resume of the existing legislation.

LEGISLATION.

In 1887 the Director of the Geological Survey was called upon by 

Congress to consider the question of Federal recognition of the irrigation subject. A resolution was introduced and passed directing the 

Secretary of the Interior, by means of the Director of the Geological 

Survey, to make an investigation of that portion of the arid region of 

the United States where agriculture is carried on by means of irrigation. The resolution reads as follows:

Whereas a large portion of the unoccupied public lands of the United States is 

located within what is known as the arid region and now utilized only for grazing 

purposes, but much of which, by means of irrigation, may be rendered as fertile and 

productive as any land in the world, capable of supporting a large population 

thereby adding to the national wealth and prosperity!

Whereas all the Water flowing during the summer months in many of the streams 

of the Rocky Mountains, upon which chiefly the husbandman of the plains and the 

mountain valleys chiefly depends for moisture for his crops, has been appropriated 

and is used for the irrigation of lands contiguous thereto, whereby a comparatively 

small area has been reclaimed; and

Whereas there are many natural depressions near the sources and along the 

courses of these streams which may be converted into reservoirs for the storage of 

the surplus water which during the winter and spring seasons flows through the 

streams; from which reservoirs the water there stored can be drawn and conducted 

through properly constructed canals, at the proper season, thus bringing large areas 

of land into cultivation, and making desirable much of the public land for which 

there is now no demand; therefore be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in 

Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior -by means of the Director of 

the Geological Survey be, and he is hereby, directed to make an examination of 

that portion of the arid regions of the United States where agriculture is carried on 

by means of irrigation, as to the natural advantages for the storage of water for 

irrigating purposes with the practicability of constructing reservoirs, together with 

the capacity of the streams and the cost of construction and capacity of reservoirs, 

and such other facts as bear on the question of storage of water for irrigating pur-
NEWELL.] LEGISLATION. 11

poses; and that he be further directed to report to Congress as soon as practicable 

the result of such investigation. . (Joint resolution approved March 20,1888; Statutes 

at Large, vol. 25, p. 618.)

This was followed by the passage of an act containing an appropriation of $100,000 for the purpose of investigating the extent to which 

the arid region of the United States can be redeemed by irrigation. 

This act is as follows:

For the purpose of investigating the extent to which the arid region of the United 

States can be redeemed by irrigation, and the segregation of the irrigable lands in 

such arid region, and for the selection of sites for reservoirs and other hydraulic 

works necessary for the storage and utilization of water for irrigation and the prevention of floods and overflows, and to make the necessary maps, including the 

pay of employees in field and in office, the cost of all instruments, apparatus, and 

materials, and all other necessary expenses connected therewith, the work to be 

performed by the Geological Survey, under the direction of the Secretary of the 

Interior, the sum of one hundred thousand dollars or so much thereof as may be 

necessary. And the Director of the Geological Survey under the supervision of the

Secretary of the Interior shall make a report to Congress on the first Monday in 

December of each year, showing in detail how the said money has been expended, 

the amount used °for actual survey and engineer work in the field in locating sites 

for reservoirs and an itemized account of the expenditures under this appropriation. 

And all the lands which may hereafter be designated or selected by such United 

States surveys for sites for reservoirs, ditches or canals for irrigation purposes and 

all the lands made susceptible of irrigation by such reservoirs, ditches or canals are 

from this time henceforth hereby reserved from sale as the property of the United 

States, and shall not be subject after the passage of this act, to entry, settlement 

or occupation until further provided by law:

Provided, That the President may at any time in his discretion by proclamation 

open any portion or all of the lands reserved by this provision to settlement under the 

homestead laws. (Sundry civil act approved October 2, 1888; Statutes at Large, 

vol. 25, p. 526.)

In the following year $250,000 was appropriated for continuing this 

work. (Sundry civil act approved March 2, 1889.)

A portion of the law passed October 7,1888, was repealed by the following provision in the sundry civil act approved August 30,1890, and 

no appropriation was made for irrigation work as such :

And so much of the act of October 2, 1888, entitled "An act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Government for the fiscal year ending June 

30th, 1889, and for other purposes," as provides for the withdrawal of the public 

lands from entry, occupation and settlement, is hereby repealed, and all entries made 

or claims initiated in good faith and valid but for said act, shall be recognized and may 

be perfected in the same manner as if said law had not been enacted, except that 

reservoir sites heretofore located or selected shall remain segregated and reserved 

from entry or settlement as provided by said act until otherwise provided by law, 

and reservoir sites hereafter located or selected on public lands shall in like manner 

be reserved from the date of the location or selection thereof.

No person who shall after the passage of this act, enter upon any of the public 

lands with a view to occupation, entry or settlement under any of the land laws 

shall be permitted to acquire title to more than three hundred and twenty acres in 

the aggregate, under all of said laws, but this limitation shall not operate to curtail 

the right of any person who has heretofore made entry or settlement on the public 

lauds, or whose occupation, entry or settlement, is validated by this act: Provided,
12 PROGRESS PEPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BOLL.ISI.

That in all patents for lands hereafter taken up under any of the land laws of the 

United States or on entries or claims validated by this act west of the one hundredth 

meridian, it shall ho expressed that there is reserved from the lands in said patent 

described, a right of way thereon for ditches or canals constructed by the authority 

of the United States. (Sundry civil act approved August 30, 1890; Statutes at 

Large, vol. 26, p. 391.)

From this it appears that the portion of the original law approved 

October 2, 1888, which affected the withdrawal of the public lauds 

from entry, occupation, and settlement was repealed, but that tbe 

remaining portions of the law were unaffected by the act of repeal, 

and there is still on the statute books authority for making an examination of the arid region of the United States, for ascertaining the 

capacity of the streams, and "for the selection of sites for reservoirs 

and other hydraulic works necessary for the storage and utilization of 

water for irrigation and the prevention of floods and overflows, and to 

make the necessary maps."

In the repealing act it was specifically provided that the reservoir 

sites shalt remain segregated, and in an act entitled "An act to repeal 

timber-culture laws, and for other purposes," approved March 3, 1891, 

it is provided:

That reservoir sites located or selected and to be located and selected under the 

provisions of "An act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Government for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and eighty-nine, 

and for other purposes," and amendments thereto, shall be restricted to and shall 

contain only so much land as is actually necessary for the construction and maintenance of reservoirs; excluding so far as practicable lands occupied by actual settlers 

at the date of the location of said reservoirs. (Statutes at Large, vol. 26, p. 1101.)

Under the various laws above cited, systematic measurements of the 

streams of the arid regions were began as part of the irrigation survey, 

and were continued after August 30, 1890, as incidental to the topographic surveys and selection of reservoir sites, the amounts allotted 

to this "work being, however, as previously stated, barely sufficient to 

preserve from loss the valuable data already obtained and to continue 

to completion series of measurements for which by far the greater part 

of the necessary expenditures had been incurred. The publication and 

diffusion of the information relating to streams of the West, even 

though fragmentary, brought emphatically to public attention the 

necessity of such work and of obtaining more detailed facts concerning the water resources of all parts of the country. As a result of this 

general appreciation, Congress, by act of August 18, 1894, made a 

specific appropriation for this class of work, as follows:

For gaging the streams and determining the water supply of the United States, 

including the investigation of underground currents and artesian wells in the arid 

and semiarid sections, twelve thousand five hundred dollars. (Digest of Appropriations for 1895, p. 270.)

A further appropriation by act approved March 2, 1895, will make 

available on July 1, 1895, an additional sum for continuing this work 

until June 30, 1896. This bulletin, as relating to the field work for
NEWELL.] FIELD WORK. 13

the years 1893 and 1894, covers the results obtained under the small 

allotments previously made and the inception of the work under the 

specific appropriation of August 18, 1894.

A general summary of the more important results obtained in previous years may be found in the Tenth to the Fourteenth Annual 

Eeports of the Director of this Survey (see footnote on p. 9), and in 

a monograph upon Agriculture by Irrigation, published as one of the 

volumes of the Eleventh Census of the United States, in which the 

figures obtained by the enumerators of the Eleventh Census and facts 

gathered on schedules and suitable blanks by extensive correspondence 

were elaborated and supplemented by the field information and experience acquired by the members of the Division of Hydrography of this 

Survey.

FIELD WORK IN 1893 AND 1894.

The field work of this division for the year 1893 and for the first half 

of 1894 was carried on by Mr. F. H. Newell. It consisted of inspection of river stations, verification of rating tables by measurements of 

discharge, and examination of local conditions influencing water supply. In the fall of 1894 Mr. Arthur P. Davis took up the work. He 

established new river stations, and the investigation was extended 

generally. Prof. Eobert Hay was also employed temporarily to make 

an investigation of the so-called "underflow" and subsurface waters of 

the area extending from the North Platte Biver southerly along the 

one hundred and second meridian, across a portion of Kansas and into 

eastern Colorado and western Kansas. His conclusions and generalizations have been prepared for publication in a paper accompanying 

the Sixteenth Annual Beport of the Director, while the somewhat 

detailed data upon which many of his conclusions are based are given 

herewith, as part of this bulletin, in order that they may be accessible 

to the relatively limited number of persons who will care to utilize 

them.

The results of the river work are shewn in connection with the 

descriptions of the stations, and are summarized briefly in the list of 

discharge measurements. In the descriptions of these stations the 

geographic order employed in former reports is adhered to. The 

Upper Missouri and its tributaries are taken up first; then the Platte, 

Arkansas, Bio Grande, and Colorado basins; next the great interior 

basin, of which the streams tributary to the lakes or sinks in Nevada, 

and to Great Salt Lake and Sevier Lake in Utah, are parts; then the 

Snake and its tributaries, and the other rivers forming portions of 

the Columbia Biver system; then the Sacramento, San Joaquin, and 

creeks of southern California; and lastly the data obtained concerning 

streams in the Mississippi Valley and along the Atlantic watershed.

The methods of river measurement are described in the Fourteenth 

Annual Beport, Part II, pages 96-101, where are given also a number 

of illustrations of the current meters and self-recording devices used 

in river work.
14 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL.ISI. 

UPPER MISSOURI BASIN IN MONTANA.

The river stations on the West Gallatin and Madison rivers, described iii former reports, have been abandoned, owing to the difficulty 

and expense of reaching them. Other stations have been established 

lower down on the rivers, near the junction of the Gallatin, Madison, 

and Jefferson, but above the point where they unite to form the Missouri. On the Missouri itself, near Townsend, a number of discharge 

measurements have been made at the place where the record of height 

is being kept by the Missouri Eiver Commission, in order to furnish 

material for computing the total run-off from this drainage area.

SPANISH CREEK STATION, ON WEST GALLATIN RIVER.

This station was established August 17,1889, by Mr. J. B. Williams. 

It is located on the West Gallatin Eiver, about 20 miles southwesterly 

from Bozeman, Mont., on what is known as Lemon's ranch, about onehalf mile above the point where the river emerges from its narrow valley in the mountains. The locality chosen is above the heads of all 

canals, so that the total flow of the river is obtained. The bed of the 

river is rocky and not liable to change; the banks are high and steep j 

the stream is of nearly uniform width, and has a straight course both 

above and below the station. The section is in every respect suitable, 

with the possible exception that the bottom is perhaps too rough and 

rocky, in low water giving rise to riffles. The velocity is also somewhat great for accurate results with the ordinary current meters. 

During 1889 only two measurements were obtained, these being at 

about the same stage. In 1890 seven current-meter observations were 

had, and in 1891 another was obtained. These furnished material for 

a rating table which has proved to be fairly applicable during the year

1893.

On June 14,1893, the old river gage was washed away by flood, and 

was reestablished on August 22, by Mr. F. H. Newell. On the same 

day a measurement of the river was made at the iron bridge below 

the mouth of the canyon, showing that for a height of 2.15 feet on 

the rod the river was flowing at the rate of 818 second-feet. This did 

not include the quantity flowing in the high-line canal taking water 

from the right bank of the river. Observations were begun on August 

22, 1893, and continued throughout the year, and until June 22, 1894, 

when, owing to a sudden rise of the river, the gage was again washed 

out, together with the large tree to which it was attached and the 

bench marks on the bank of the stream. It not being advisable at 

that time to relocate the gage, the station was abandoned. At about 

that time observations of river height were begun at the head of the 

West Gallatin Canal, which takes water out on the left-hand or west 

side of the river, near the iron bridge, a short distance from the mouth 

of the canyon. These were begun on May 27 and continued to June 

30, 1894, a time not sufficiently long to justify rating the station.
NEWELL.] WEST GALLATIN RIVER, MONTANA. 15

The estimates of discharge have already been published for the year 

1893, but owing to the uncertainty as to the exact position of the river 

rod after the ice went out it has not been considered advisable to 

attempt to apply the former rating table showing the relation between 

gage height and discharge for the period from January 1 to June 30. 

The figures of height indicate, however, that the river continued at 

its low stage of probably between 300 and 400 second-feet until about 

the first week in April, when a slight rise took place, followed by the 

gradual increase of volume during the latter part of April and early 

May, the spring flood beginning a few weeks earlier than in the preceding year. In the latter part of May and early June the flood reached 

its greatest intensity, being in volume probably over 7,000 cubic feet 

per second. By the middle of the latter month it had fallen to less 

than 2,000 second-feet, the gradual fall being interrupted by a sudden

flood on April 23, which washed out the river rod and with it the old 

tree upon the bank. This flood, therefore, must have been of unusual 

intensity, as the banks at this point are high, firm, and covered with 

heavy timber.

Bating iablefor the West Gallatin River at Spanish Creek station, Montana, 

[Applicable for 1893 and, with doubtful accuracy, for the spring of 1894.]

Gage 

height.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40 

1.50 

.1.60 

1.70 

1.80 

1.90 

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

Discharge.

See. feet.

280 

320 

370 

430 

500 

570 

650

730

810

890

970

1,050

1,130

1,210

1,300

1,390

Gage 

height.

3. no

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40 

3.50 

3.60 

3.70 

3.80 

3.90 

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet. 

1,480

1,570

1,660

1,760

1,860 

1,960 

2,060 

2,165 

2,270 

2,375 

2,480

2,590

2,700

2,810

2,920

3,030

3,140

3,250

3,360

3,470

Gage 

height.

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40 

5.50 

5.60 

5.70 

5.80 

5.90 

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet. 

3,580

3,690

3,800

3,910

4,020 

4,130 

4,280 

4, 350 

4,460 

4,570 

4,690

4,810

4,930

5,000

5,170

5,290

5,440

5,530

5,650

5,770

Gage 

height.

7.00

7.10

7.20

7.30

7.40 

7.50 

7.60 

7.70 

7.80 

7.90 

8.00

8.10

8.20

8.30

8.40

8.50

8.60

8.70

8.80

8.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet. 

5,900

6,030

6,160

6,290

6,410 

6,540 

6,670 

6,800 

6,930 

7,060
16 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [Buix.m. 

Daily gage height of West Gallatin Eiver at Spanish Creek station for 1893.

Day.

1.... ......

2..........

3..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

10

14..........

15..........

16..........

17..........

18 .........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

9Q

30..........

31..........

Jan.

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70'

1.70

1.70

Mar.

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

. 1.60

1.60

1.70

1.70

1.70

Apr.

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

May.

i fin

1 QA

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1 8^

2.05

2

qn

2.60

2.50

2.75

3.00

3.20

3.50

4.20

4.80

4.70

3 Qf>

3.55

3.35

3.20

3.20

2.95

2.85

2.80

2.80

2.85

2 API

3.10

3.15

Jane.

3

qc

3

CK

3.50

3 "ift

3.50

4.50

4.70

4.80

5.10

6.50

7.00

6.90

6.50

Aug.

2.10

2.10

9 ni

2.00

1.90

1.90

1.90

1 90

1.90

1.90

Sept.

1 90

i on

1.90

1 Qfi

1.90

1 90

2.00

1 90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1 90

1.90

1.90

1.95

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.90

1.90

i on

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1 an

Oct.

1.90

2.00

i o*;

1 90

1 90

1 90

1 90

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.05

2.00

1.90

1.90

i Qn

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1 SO

1.85

1.90

Nov.

1 QO

i on

1.90

1 QA

i fin

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70,

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

Dec.

1.70

].70

1.70

.1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

l.GO

1.60

1.60

1 60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1 60

1.60

a-Washout. 

Daily gage height of West Gallatin River at Spanish Creek station for 1S94.

Day.

1. . 

2.

3.

4.

5.

6. 

7. 

8.

9..... 

10.....

11.....

12.....

13.....

14..... 

15..... 

16.....

Jan.

1.60 

i en

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60 

1.50 

1.50

1.50 

1.50

1.50 

1.50

1.50 

1.50 

1.50

Feb.

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50 

1.50 

1.50

1.50 

1.50

......

Mar.

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.40 

1.40

1.40 

1.40

1.40 

1.40

1.50

1.60 

1.60 

1.70

Apr.

1,60 

1.60

1.60

1.50

1.50

1.60 

1.60

1 fin

1.70 

1.90

1.90 

1.70

1.60

1.70 

1.80 

1.70

May.

2.50 

2.50

2.30

2.20

2.40

2.30 

2.50 

2.80

3.50 

3.20

3.20 

2.40

3.70

4.40 

4.30 

4.00

June.

7.40 

7.70

7.30

7.30

7.00

6.80 

6.40 

6.20

6.00 

5.00

4.20 

4.10

3.20 

3.00 

3.00

Day.

17...... 

18......

19......

20......

21......

22...... 

23...... 

24......

25...... 

26......

27...... 

28......

29......

30...... 

31......

Jan.

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50 

L50 

1 50

1.50 

1.50

1.50 

1.50

1.50 

1.50

Feb.

1.6 

1.6

1.6 

1.6

Mar.

1.70

1.40

1.40

1,40

1.40 

1.40 

1 40

1.40 

1.40

1.50 

1.60

1.50 

1.50

Apr.

1.60 

1.60

1.60

1.90

2.00

2.30 

2.00 

?, 50

2.60 

2.20

2.00 

2.10

2.20

2.80

May.

4.00 

4.00

4.30

4 90

4.90

5.00 

4.70 

5RO

5.50 

5.70

5.80 

6.40

6.80

6.90 

7.00

June.

3.20 

'3.10

3.30

3.40

3.60

3.80 

4.00

LOGrAN STATION, ON GALLATIN RIVER.

This station was established on August 24,1893, by Mr. F. H. Newell, 

at the railroad pump house immediately below the Northern Pacific 

main line bridge crossing Gallatin Eiver at Logan, Mont. The gage 

was a vertical rod fastened to the cribwork box sunk in the river for 

the protection of the inlet pipe of the pump. The reading on that date 

was 0.50, the high water of spring being estimated to be about 4.25 

of the gage. The bench marks consist of nails driven into the angle 

of the pier of the bridge facing the gage, these being placed at the elevation of the 7, 8, 9, and 10 foot marks, and designated by correspond-
NEWELL.] GALLATIN RIVER, MONTANA 17

ing figures. At the bridge itself measurements of volume can not well 

be made, as the stream is divided into four channels, being very swift 

under two of these, and obstructed by piles, snags, and sand under the 

others. Above the bridge, however, is a broad, straight course, where 

measurements can be made by means of a boat and cable. Record of 

the heights of the river was kept at this locality from September 3, 

1893, to June 9, 1894, the river being frozen from. January 21, 1894, 

until March 10, 1894, at which time the ice disappeared from the river. 

The gage rod was finally washed out, together with the crib to which 

it was attached, no discharge measurements having been made while 

it was in place.

 On November 16,1894, a new gage was established by Mr. Arthur P. 

Davis under the northeast corner of the Northern Pacific bridge above 

mentioned. This gage consisted of timbers partly inclined and partly 

vertical, the lower inclined portion being graduated from 0.60 feet up 

to 7.10 feet, and the vertical portion from 7 feet up to 12.10 feet, Benchmark No. 1 is on the head of a bridge spike, in the top of the pile stump 

to which the lower end of the inclined gage is fastened. It is 0.38 

feet below the 2-foot mark on the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is the 

head of a bridge spike driven horizontally into the first jjier east of 

the river. It is driven into the north end, and is marked "B. M." It 

is 7.32 feet above the 2-foot mark on the gage. The measurements 

were made by means of a cable across the river 100 yards above the 

bridge.

A discharge measurement, made on November 17, Avhen the water 

stood at the height of 1.1 L feet on the gage, showed a volume of 772 

second-feet. The width of the stream was 146 feet; the mean depth, 

2.9 feet; the maximum depth, 4.6 feet; the mean velocity, 1.82 feet, and 

the maximu.ni, 2.26 feet. The cross section is excellently adapted to 

measurements of discharge, having a good gravel bottom. A record 

of river height was begun on December 16, 1894, and the river was 

reported as frozen on December 23.

The above figures give the total outflow from the drainage basin of 

the Ga-llatin, as the river empties into the Missouri a few miles below. 

The total area drained is approximately 1,620 square miles, including 

the Gallatin Valley and the surrounding mountain slopes. Thus the 

quantity of water discharged at this time represents the amount flowing 

to waste during the fall, and probably during the winter months. For 

comparison with this it may be noted that at the gaging station on 

the West Gallatin, below the mouth of Spanish Creek, the area drained 

was 850 square miles, and the average flow for November for five years 

preceding was 490 second-feet. 

Bull. 131 2
18 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131. 

Daily gage heiylit of G-allatin Elver at Logan station for 1893.

Day.

2...

3. 

4. 

5. 

6.

7. 

8. 

9.

10. 

11.

Sept.

0.40 

.40 

.40 

.40 

.40 

.40 

.4.0

.40 

.40

Oct.

0.50

.65

.80 

.90 

1.00 

.85 

.05 

.60 

.80

.90 

.90

Nov.

0 60

00

75 

80 

70 

70 

70 

70 

70

70 

70

Dec.

0.30

.30

.30 

.40 

.40 

.50 

.50

 .00

.60

.60 

.60

Day.

13....

U... 

15... 

16... 

17... 

18... 

19. . . 

20...

21... 

22...

Sept.

0.40

.40

.40 

.40 

.40 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50

.60 

.60

Oct.

0 80

70

70 

80 

70 

70 

70 

80 

80

70 

70

Nov.

0 70

70

65 

60 

60 

60 

50 

50 

50

50 

50

Dec.

0.60

.60

.60 

.60 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50

.50 

.50

Day.

23....

24....

25... 

26... 

27... 

28... 

29... 

30... 

31....

Sept.

0.60

.00

.50 

.50 

.40 

.40 

.40 

.50

Oct.

.70

.70 

.70 

.70 

.70 

.70 

.70 

.70

Nov.

.40

.40 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30

Dec.

0.50

.50

.40 

.40 

.40 

^0 

.40 

.40 

.40

Daily gage height of Gallalin River at Logan station for 1894.

Day.

2 ......

6......

7...... 

8......

9......

10...... 

11......

32......

1 3

15......

16......

Jan.

0.40

.40

.40

.40

.40 

.40

.40

.40 

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

Mar.

"6." 80

.80

.80

.90

.90

.70

Apr.

1.30

1.00 

.90

.90

.90

"i.'sb"

1.00

.90 

.90

.90

.80

.70

.90

.90

May.

1.60

1.50

1.40

1.40

1.60

1.60 

1.70

1.80

1.90 

2.00

2.00

1.90

2.00

2.00

2.50

June.

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.00 

6.00

6.00

......

Dec.

........

1.30

Day.

17......

18...... 

19......

20......

21......

22......

23...... 

24......

25......

26......

27......

28......

29......

30......

31......

Jan.

0.40

.40 

.40

' .40

(«)

Mar.

0.60

. .50 

.50

.60

.70

.80

.70 

.00

.60

.60 

.60

.90

2.50

2.20

1.40

Apr.

0.90

.90 

1 10

1.10

1.10

1.20

1.40 

1.80

1.90

1.90

2.00

2.00

1.90

1.80

May

3.20

3.80 

3.50

3.30

3.60

3. 00

3.50 

3.90

4.10

4.50

June.

......

Dec.

1.30

1.30 

1.30

1.20

1.20

1.20

(b)

a River frozen January 21 to March 10. 

b Elver frozen December 23 to 31.

RED BLUFF STATION, ON MADISON RIVER.

This station was established on April 4, 1890, by Mr. J. B. Williams, 

who at that time stated that the station is near the mouth of the canyon

which separates the upper and lower Madison valleys. The locality 

is about 4 miles from the town of Bed Bluff, Mont., and is about 1£ 

miles below Hot Spring Creek, a small stream discharging at that time 

about 5 second-feet. It was at what was then known as Hay\*ard 

bridge, 1 mile below the new iron bridge, and could be reached by stage 

from Bozeman, a distance of 30 miles.

The river at the station has a swift current and a rocky bed, with 

a high bank on the left side and a low one on the right. The gage 

established by Mr. Williams was inclined for a space of 5 feet vertically, 

and above this point was attached to a vertical post. Except at times 

of unusually high water, the river does not rise more than. 4 feet. The 

bench mark is on the top of a flat rock on the left bank of the river, 50 

feet above the section, and is marked " B. M." Its elevation above zero 

of the gage is 17.64 feet. The river is measured from a box suspended 

on a five-eighths-inch wire cable. The total width of the river is 230 

feet. The discharge is unusually constant, owing, presumably, to the
NEWELL.] MADISON RIVER, MONTANA. 19

fact that a large proportion of its water comes from the hot springs in 

the Yellowstone National Park.

Observations begun on April 4,1890, were continued uninterruptedly 

through succeeding years, being taken on alternate days in 1894, and 

finally discontinued at the end of November, owing to lack of funds. 

The rating table as given below was constructed from gagings made 

during 1890 and verified in subsequent years. It is believed to be fairly 

applicable for 1893, but doubtful for 1894. On August 23, 1893, the 

river was measured from the new iron bridge, about a mile above 

the station, and the discharge was estimated to be 1,189 second-feet.

Computations of discharge have been made up to the end of June, 

1893, and published in the preceding report, but the measurements 

made since that time indicate such a change in the rating table that 

computations of discharge can not be made with any considerable

degree of confidence until the position of the gage rod has been verified and further check measurements had. This river, as above stated, 

is notable for the slight changes occurring from week to week in volume, especially duringthe fall and winter. Its floods come with extraordinary regularity, and the steady flow is hardly disturbed by storms. 

The flood of 1894 began, as usual, in the latter part of May, reaching a 

maximum probably of less than 2,500 second-feet, and fell off in the 

latter part of July to the ordinary fall and winter flow of 1,000 to 1,200 

second-feet.

Eating table for Madison River, near Red Bluff, Montana, 

[Applicable for 1893, and with less accuracy for later dates.]

Gage 

height.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1. GO

1.70

1.80

1.90

Discharge.

See. feet.

910

990

1,070

1,155

1,240

1,330

1,420

1,520

Gage 

height.

2

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

DischargeSec.feet. 

1 640

1,790

1.960

2,360

2,580

2,820

3,060

3,300

3,540

Gage 

height.

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

4,020

4,260

4,500

4,740

4,980

5,220

5,460

5,700

5,940

Gage 

height.

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

6,420
20 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131. 

Daily gage height of Madison River at Red Bluff station, Montana, for 1893.

Day.

2........

3........ 

4........

5........

6........

7........

8........ 

9........

10........

11........

19

13........

15........

16........

17........

18........

20........

23

22

24........

25........

26........

27........

98

29........

30........ 

31........

Jan.

1.75

1.70 

1.65

1.60

1.60

1.65

1.65 

1.65

1.60

1.60

1.65

1.60

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

i ^n

1.55

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.50 

1.50

Feb.

1.55

1.60 

1.60

1.60

1.70

2.00

2.00 

2.20

2, 20

2.20

2.QO

1.90

1.70

1.60

1.50

1.50

1.40

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.40

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.40

Mar.

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.45

1.45

i 3^

1.35

1 ^T

1.40

1.40

1.35

1.45

1.45

1.40

1.40

1.50

1.50 

1.55

Apr.

1.60

1.55 

1.50

1.45

1.40

1.40 

1.40

1.35

1.35

1.40

1.45

1.30

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.30

1.30

May.

1.40

1.40

1.50 

1.50

1 <",K

1.50

1.55

1.60 

1.70

1.70

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.75

1.70

1.75

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.75

1.75

1 7^

1.75

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.85

1.85 

1.90

June.

1 95

1.95

1.95

2

2.10

2.15

9 9ft

2

0C

2.40

2

4K

2

Kf\

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.70

2 7A

2.65

2.70

2.75

2.70

2 7n

2.65

2.60

2.50

2 45

2.40

2.40

July.

2

'JA

2.20

2.15 

2.10

2 05

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.00

L.90

1 JJ^

I

on

1 7^

1 7^

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

1 *\(\

1.50

1.50

1.40

1.40

1.40

1 45

1.45

1.40

1.40

1.45 

1.45

Aug.

1 50

1.60

1.60 

1.60

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.85 

1 90

i on

2.00

2.00

2 n^

2.10

9 10

2.00

2.00

O fit

2.10

9 10

2 10

2 AC

2

ne

2 (IK

 2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.05

Sept.

2.00

2.05 

9 n>i

2 10

2.10

2.05

2.05

2

Afi

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2 n^

2.05

2 0^

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.90

1.95

2. 00

2 OK

2

nr;

2.05

2 1 n

2.10

2 1 n

2.10

2.10

Oct.

2 10

2 1 n

2.05

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00 

1 90

1.90

1 QC

1.85

1.80

1.80

i so

i so

1 8ft

1 Qfi

1 80

1.80

l.»0

1 7^i

1 75

1,80

1 QO

1.70

1.70

1 7^

1.75 

1.70

Nov.

1.70

1.65 

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.75

1 7X,

1 7^

1.75

i 1^

1.75

I

Qrt

1.75

1.80

1 SO

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.80

1.80

1.85

1.85

1 SSL

1.85

1 8^

1.80

1.80

Dec.

1 QE

1.85 

1.85

1.80

1.80

1.75

1.75 

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1 7<i

1.70

1.75

1 71

1.75

1.70

1.75

1.80

1.80

1 7"i

1 75

1.75

1 7^

1.75

1.70

1 71

1.70 

1.70

Daily gage height of Madison River at Red Bluff station, Montana, for 1S94.

Day.

1 .......

2....... 

3.......

4.......

5.......

fi .......

7 .......

8 .......

0

10 .......

11....... 

12.......

13 ....... 

14.......

15.......

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20 .......

21.......

23 .......

24 .......

25.......

26 .......

27.......

28 .'......

29 .......

30 .......

31 .......

Jan.

1.70

"i."70

1.70

1.75

1 1f\

1.80

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.80

1.75

1.70

1.70

1.65

1 60

1.60

Feb.

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50 "i'.'w

1.55

1.50

1.60-

1.65

1.65

1.70

1.70

1.65

Mar.

1.60

1.60

1.65

1.65

1.G5 "'\.ib'

""i.75

1.75

1.75

1.65

1.70

1.75

1.70

1.65

1.60

Apr.

1.65

1.65

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.75

1.75

1.70

1.65

1.65

1.65

i.75'

1.70

1.70

1.70

May.

1.C5 ""i.'os

1.60

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.70

1.75

1.80

1.80

1.90

1.95

2.00

2.10

2.20

June.

2.25 

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.30

2.30

"'i'so'

2.25

2.20

2.20

2

1 C

2 10

2.00

2.10

July.

2.10 ""2." 66"

2.00

1.90

1 Oft

1.90

1.95

1.95

1.90

1.90

1.80

1.75

1.70

i.70

1.65

Aug.

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1 ^

1 ^O

'"l.50

1.50

i.50

1.50

1.55

1.50

1 PiO

1.45

1 45

Sept.

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.55 "'i.'eo'

"'i.'eo'

1.65

1.60

1.65

1.60

1.60

I

flC

1.70

1.70

Oct.

' 1.65

1.60

1.60

1.50

1.50'

""i.~55"

1.60

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

Kov.

1.70 "i'ib"

1.70

1.70

1.75

1.75

1.70

1.70

1.75

1.70

1.75

1 7S

1.80

1.85

1 QO

THREE FORKS STATION, ON MADISON RIVER.

This station was established August 24, 1893, by Mr. F. H. Newell, 

at the bridge of the Northern Pacific Eailroacl Company crossing 

Madison Eiver about a half mile east of the railroad station of Three 

Forks. The-gage was inclined, the zero being 14.11 feet below the top
MADISON RIVER, MONTANA. 21

of the rail on the east end of the bridge. When put in place the reading was 0.30, the measured discharge being 1,251 second-feet. Readings were begun on September 3,1893, and continued throughout the 

year and until July 7, 1894, except during the months of January, 

February, and March, when the gage was obstructed by ice. Readings were again begun on October 21 by a new observer. On November 24 Mr. Arthur P. Davis inspected the station and made a gaging, 

the discharge being 1,494 second-feet for height of 0.57 foot. This 

locality is not favorable for obtaining the total discharge of Madison 

River, as a notable portion of the water finds an outlet through smaller 

channels crossing the low ground in various directions. At the time 

of the first measurement, that of August 24, 1893, 55 second-feet Avere 

discharging through various sloughs, and this amount should be added 

to the discharge as measured at the station. The drainage area, as 

measured from the Montana map, is 2,420 square miles.

Daily gage height of Madison River at Three Forks station, Montana, for 1S9S.

Day. | Sept.

j 

2... 

3... 

4... 

5... 

6... 

7... 

8...

9... 

10... 

11...

"6~2(J" 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20

.20 

.20 

.20

Oct.

0.40 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

3n

.30 

.30 

.30

Nov.

0.30 

.30 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20

.20 

.20 

.20

Dec.

0.30 

.30 

.10

" .10 

.10

.10 

.10 

.10

Day.

12.... 

13.... 

14.... 

15.... 

1C.... 

17.... 

18.... 

19....

20.... 

21....

Sept.

0.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 .20' 

.20 

.20 

.20

.30 

.30 

.30

Oct.

0.40 

.:>0 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30

.30 

.30 

.30

Nov.

0.20 

.20 

.20 

.JO 

.20 

.20 

.20

"."26" 

.20

Dec.

0.10 

.10 

.10 

.20 

.20

.......

Day.

_3 ....

24. ... 

25.... 

26.... 

27.... 

28.... 

29.... 

30....

31....

Sept.

0.30 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.30 

.40

Oct.

0.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30

.30

Nov.

Ice. 

lue. 

Ice. 

0.20 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30

Dec.

Daily gage height of Madison River at Three Forks station, Montana, for 1894.

Day.

1...... .........................

4...............................

6...............................

7...............................

9

10...............................

11...............................

19

13...............................

14...............................

15...............................

16...............................

17...............................

18...............................

19...............................

20...............................

91

22

93

24...............................

25...............................

26...............................

27...............................

28...............................

29...............................

Q1

Mar.

«2. 20

.70

.50

1.30

Apr.

1.00

.70

Of)

.60

.60

.50

.50

.50

P»0

.50

.40

.10

.20

.30

.30

.30

.30

.30

.30

.40

.40

.60

.80

an

.80

.80

.80

.90

.70

.May.

0.70

.70

.60

KA .

.60

.60

.80

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.60

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.70

1.70

1 90

2.00

2.10

2 90

2.20

2.40

2.50

2.60

Juno.

2.8(5

2.80

2.80

2

QA

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.60

2.40

2.20

2.00

1 80

1.80

1.70

1.30

1.20

1.70

1.70

I on

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80.

1.80

July1.80

1.60

1.60

1.60

Oct.

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.10

.70

.50

.50

Nov.

.50

.50

Kfi

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

KA

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

RO

^(\

.50

.50

.50

.50

rn

Dec.

0.50

50

.50

.50

Kfl

.50

r/\

.50

Krt

.50

fin

Cn

.50

.50

.50

50

2.80

2.80

1.60

.50

'SO

p;n

Kfl

.50

.50f;n

.50

CA

Kft

7K

1 fl9

a No reading until March 17 on account of ice.
22 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDEOGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BOLL. 131.

SAPPINaTON STATION, ON JEFFRSON RIVER.

The gage at this point is located under the northeast corner of the 

Northern Pacific Bailroacl bridge across Jefferson River, at Sappington. 

It was established November 13, 1894, by Mr. Arthur P. Davis. At 

that time the height of water was 1.08 feet. . Observations of river 

height were begun on that date, but as the water froze around the 

gage during December, the later observations have relatively little 

value. The gage is partly inclined and partly vertical, the lower 

portion being graduated from 0.40 to 5 feet The vertical portion is 

spiked to the bridge pier, and is graduated from 5 to 11 feet. Bench 

mark No.. 1 is the head of a railroad spike driven into the top of the 

pile stump to which the lower end of the gage is spiked. It is 0.66 

foot above the 1-foot mark of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is the 

head of an 8-inch wire nail driven horizontally into the north end of 

the lower west cross timber of the east abutment. It is 7.76 feet above 

the 1-foot mark on the gage. Measurements are made by means of a 

cable stretched across the river 100 yards above the bridge. The 

channel is of coarse gravel, well adapted for measurements. A measurement made on November 14,1894, showed a total discharge of 1,952 

second-feet, the stream being 265 feet wide and having a mean depth 

of 2.76 feet; maximum depth, 3.40 feet; mean velocity, 2.67 feet per 

second; maximum velocity, 3.74 feet per second. The drainage area 

above this point is estimated to be 8,270 square miles.

A measurement of Jefferson Biver was' made on August 24, 1893, 

when the water stood exactly 12 feet below the lower edge of the 

horizontal iron bars on the east end of the bridge near Three Forks. 

The discharge at that time was 808 second-feet. The section, however, 

is not favorable for measurement, owing to the dead water in the 

broad, obstructed channel, and no station was established until November 13, 1894, when, after a search along the river, the above-described 

location at Sappirigton was chosen, 15 miles west of Three Forks.

TOWNSEND STATION, ON MISSOURI RIVER.

This station was established in 1891 by the Missouri Biver Commission, and readings have been made continuously since that time by an 

observer employed by the Commission. The locality is 2,504 miles 

above the mouth of the river. The following description of the gage, 

its location, and bench marks is from Lieut. J. 0. Sauford, secretary of 

the Missouri Biver Commission:

A standard.wire cable gage was erected by the Missouri River Commission October 1, 1891, on a county road bridge, located about 300 feet below the Northern 

Pacific Railroad bridge across the Missouri River near Towusend, Mont. Its zero is 

set at an approximate elevation of 3,700 feet above sea level as determined from a 

primary line of levels, run under the direction of the Commission in 1890, from Three 

Forks to Fort Benton, Mont., and starting from a bench mark of the Northern 

Pacific Railroad at Gallatin, Mont. (See Annual Report of Chief of Engineers, 1891.)
NEWELL.] MADISON RIVER, MONTANA. 23

Reference bench mark is B. M. 10 (Towuseud), described as "located on the right 

bank of the Missouri River, about one-half mile north of Townsend Railroad-station, 

about one-half mile from river measured in a perpendicular direction to track, and 

about three-quarters mile south of railroad bridge over the Missouri River. It is about 

60 feet west of a point on the track, 30 feet north of railroad bridge No. 392, and about 

7 feet west of railroad fence. Compass reading to milepost 1121 is 318°. Marked 

by stone and pipe; elevation, 3,795.991 feet. This elevation is erroneous, but is the 

elevation from which the gage is set.

The tabulated records of the Townsend gage are reductions to the St. Louis directrix datum obtained by subtracting 400.063 feet from the daily means of the gage 

readings. The gage reads from 3,785 to 3,799 feet.

Lieutenant Sanford states that since the establishment of the gage 

level lines have, been completed connecting all of the upper river 

gages with the datum of the Missouri River Commission. Precise 

levels have been run up to Sioux City, Iowa, and above that checked 

Y lines have been run under the direction of Capt. H. F, Hodges,

Corps of Engineers, United States Army, and of the Missouri River 

Commission. The elevations of the zeros of the other Montana gages 

read during 1890 are as follows:

Elevations of river gages in Montana.

Locality.. Above 

mouth .

Miles. 

2, 333. 3

2, 415. 7

2, 519. 8

2, 546. 4

2,540.7

Elevation of 

gage zero.

Feet.

2

QQ7 i nc

3, 207. 674

3, 477. 230

3, 613. 069

3, 614. 783

Measurements of discharge at this point were made on August 25, 

1893, by Mr. F. H. Newell, when for a gage height of 3,788.75 feet there 

was found to be a discharge of 3,008 second-feet. The volumes of the 

three large rivers forming the Missouri, as measured during preceding 

days, were as follows: Jefferson, 808 second-feet; Madison, 1,251 

second-feet; West Gallatin, 818 second-feet; various sloughs,55 secondfeet; making an aggregate of 2,932 second-feet. A second measurement, made November 18,1894, by Mr. Arthur P. Davis, showed for a 

height of water of 3,789 feet on the gage a discharge of 3,766 secondfeet. The total width of the stream was 425 feet; the mean depth, 

3.63 feet; the maximum, 7.50 feet; the mean velocity, 2.44 feet; the 

maximum velocity 4.68 feet. .The stream, is divided into four channels 

by the three bridge piers; otherwise the conditions are favorable for 

accurate measurement.

These quantities above given represent the discharge for the greater 

part of the last half of the year, the water rarely falling below 3,788.5. 

The area drained at this point is approximately 15,000 square miles,, 

comprising, as above stated, the inflow from, the Gallatin, the Madison, 

and the Jefferson rivers. This gage at Townsend is the highest of a
24 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

series of twenty or more gages maintained permanently by the Missouri Eiver Commission. Descriptions of these gages are given in 

the annual report of the Missouri Eiver Commission, contained in the 

Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers, United States Army; that 

for 1891, on page 3819; for 1892, on page 3271, and for 1893, on page 

2316. The distance of this point above Sioux City is 1,703 miles, and 

above Fort Ben ton, the next gage below maintained by the Corps of 

Engineers, 219 miles. In the report of the Chief of Engineers, United 

States Army, for 1893, page 2320, it is stated that there is under way 

an "examination of Missouri Eiver from Three Forks to Canyon Ferry, 

Mont., with a view of determining at what points, if any, use might be 

made of water power for manufacturing and other purposes without 

unreasonably impairing the navigability. This part of the river was 

surveyed and mapped in 1890 under the direction of the Missouri Eiver 

Commission. For the present work it is proposed to examine the maps 

of this survey and select such points as seem suitable to personally 

examine the localities, and by additional field work to get the necessary 

data for a report."

The gaging station on the upper Missouri Eiver in the vicinity of 

Craig, referred to in previous reports, was abandoned in June, 1892, 

owing to the expense of maintenance and the fact that the Missouri 

Eiver Commission had a gage at Townsend, Mont.

Daily gage height of Missouri Eiver at Toivnsend station, Montana, for 1891.

Day. Oct. Nov. Dec. Day. Oct. Nov. Dec. Day. Oct. Nov. Dec.

1..

2..

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

88.6

88.6

88.6

88.5

88.4

88.2

88.2

88.2

88.2

88.2

88.2

12... 

.13...

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22. 89

88.7

88.5

88.6

88.7 

OQ 7 oo. /

88.7

88.0

88.6

88.4 

«89.7 

89.7 

89.7 

89.7 

90.2 

90.4 

90.4 

90.6

a Ice readings after December 24.
MISSOURI RIVER, MONTANA. 25 

Daily gage height of Missouri River at Townsend station, Montana, for 1892.

Day.

1........

2........

3........

4........ 

5........

6........

7........

9........

10........

11........

is....,..:

14........

15........

16........ 17.......:

18........

1Q

20........

21........

22........

93

24........

25........

26........

27......... 

28........

29........

30........

31........

Jan.

a 90. 7

90 7

90.7

90.7 

90.7

90.6

90.6

90.6

90.5

Q/1 C

90.4

90.2

QA 1

90.1

QO 3

90.4

90.4

90; 4

90.4

90.4

90.4

on ^

90.5

.90.6 

90.6

90.6

90.6

90.6

Feb.

90.6

90.6

90.6 

90.6

90.6

90.6

90.6

90.6

90.6

90.6

90.6

90.6

90.7

90.8

90.8

90.8

QA 7

on Q

88.7

CO ft

88.5 

88.6

Mar.

88.6

88 6

88.6

88.6 

88.6

88.6

QQ 7

QQ 7

88.7

88.6

88.6

88.6

QQ 7

88.7

88.7

88.6

88.6

88.6

88.6

88.6

QQ (1

QQ R

88.6

88.6

88.5

aa r;

88.5

88.5

88.5

88.5

88.5

Apr.

QQ K

QQ C

QQ K

88.5

QQ K

QQ A

QQ A

QQ A

88 4

88.4

e« fi

QQ ft

QQ ft

flQ 7

QQ 7

88.7

QQ 7

88.8

88.8

88.8

QQ 7

QQ 7

go 7

88.6

88.6

QQ 7

88.7 

88.7

aa 7

88.7

May.

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7 

88.7

88.7

88.7

QQ 7

88.7

88.8

89.0

89.0

89.2

89.4

89.5

89.6

89.8

90.1

90.2

90.2

90 4

90.5

9J.O

91.4

91.8

92.3 

92.6

93.0

92.8

92.7

June.

92.6

no q

92.2

92.0 

91.8

91.6

91 6

no A

92.2

92.6

93.0

93.6

93.6

93.6

93.7

93.8

94.2

94.7

' 95.0

95 1

94.7

94.4

94.2

94.1 

93.8

93.7

94.4

July.

94.1

no Q

93.7

93.6 

93.2

92.9

92.6

92.4

92.0

91.8

91 6

91.4

91.1

91.0

90.7

90.5

90.2

90.0

89.9

89 7

89.5

89.4

89.3

89.2 

89.1

89.1

89.0

88.9

Aug.

88.9

88.8

88.8

88.7 

88.7

88.7

QQ 7

QQ 7

88.7

aa 7

88.7

88.7

QQ 7

88.7

QQ 7

88.6

88.5

88.4

88.4

88.4

88.4

QQ A

QQ A

. 88.4

88.4

88.5

88.5 

88.5

88.5

88.5

88.5

Sept.

88.5

QQ P,

88.5

88.5 

88.5

88.5

QQ K

QQ C

88.4

QQ A

88.4

QQ A

88.3

88.3

88.3

88.3

'88.3

88.3

88.3

88.3

88.3

QQ A

88.4

88.3

88.3

88.3 

88.4

88.4

88.4

Oct.

88.4

88.4

88.6

88.5 

88.5

88.5

88.5

88.4

88.4

88.5

88.6

88.6

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

QQ 7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7 

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

Nov.

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7 

88.7

88.7

QQ 7

QQ 7

88.7

QQ 7

88.7

QQ 7

QQ 7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88 7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

QQ Q

88.8

88.8

88.6

88,6 

88.4

88.4

88.6

Dec.

88.7

88.8

88.8

88.8 

88.7

88.6

QQ A

QQ O

88.3

88.2

88.2

88.2

QQ O

88.2

aa %

88.4

88.6

88.6

88.7 .

88.8

89.6

690.4

90.4

90.4

90.4

90.4

90.4 

90.5

90.5

90.7

90.7

dice readings to February 23. b Ice readings after December 22. 

Daily gage height of Missouri River at Towmend station, Montana, for 189S.

Day.

2........

3........ 

4........

5........

6........

7........

8........

9

10........

11........

12........

iq

14........

15........

16........

17........

18........

19

9n

91

22. .......

23 .......

24........

9"i

26........ 

27........

28........ 

29........

on

31........

Jan.

01 n

91.2

91 4

91.4

91 4

91 4

91.4

91.4

91 4

91.4

9.1.4

9] 4

91.4

01 Pi

91.5

ni r

91.5

91 4

91.4 

91.4

91.4 

91 4

Q1 -I

91.3

Feb.

Q1 9

91.2 

91.2

91.3

91.4

91 4

91 5

91.5

91.5 

91.5

Q1 t\

91.5

91.5

Q1 ^

QI P;

91.5

91.5

01 Pi

91 5

91 5

91.5

91.5

91.5 

91.4

91.3

Mar.

91.3 

91.3

91.5

01 Pi

91 6

91.6

91.7

91.8

91.9 

92.0

09 n

92.0

92.0

QO A

QO n

92.0

92.0

88.8

QQ ft

88.6

88.7

88.8

88.8 

89.1

89.3 

89.7

89.8

89.8

Apr.

90.0

89.6

89.5 

89 4

QQ 0

QQ f)

89 1

89 1

QQ -1

QQ -t

89.0 

88.8

88.7

88.7

88.7

QQ 7

QQ n

88.6

QQ ft

QQ ft

QQ ft

DO (\

88.6

88.6

QQ 7

88.7 

88.8

88.9 

89.0

89.0

May.

QQ A

89.2 

89.2

89.3

QQ q

89.5

QQ 7

90.1

90.2 

90.4

90 4

90. 7

90.9

9.1.6

92.4

92.7

92.5

no A

91.9

91 7

91.5

91.1 

90.9

90.8 

90.5

90.6

90.8

June.

91 0

91 1

91.2 

91.4

91 4

91 4

91 4

9.1.8

92.2

92.5

92.9 

93.4

94 1

94.5

94.4

QQ 0

93 7

93.4

93.4

03 ^

QO O

93.0

92.7

92.5

92.5

92.4 

92.2

92.0 

91.8

91.4

July.

01 1

91.1 

91.0

91.0

90.9

on u

90.6

90.5

90,3

90.3 

90.2

90.2

90.2

90.1

90.0

89.8

89.7

89.6

89.5

QQ C

89 4

89.2

89.2

80 9

89.2 

89.1

89.1 

89.0

89 0

89.0

Aug.

BQ n

BQ n

88.9 

88.8

88.8

QQ 7

88.7

88 6

88.6

88.5

88.5 

88.5

88.5

88.5

88.5

88.5

88.5

88.5

88.5

QQ K

QQ E

88.5

88.6

88.6

88.7

88.6 

88.6

88.6 

88.6

QQ e

88.5

Sept.

88.5

QQ A

88.4 

88.4

88.4

QQ A

88.4

88.6

88.6

BB 1

88.6 

88.6

88.6

88.6

88.6

88.6

88.6

88.6

88.7

QQ 7

QQ Q

QQ Q

88.8

88.8

88.8

88.8 

88.9

89.1 

89.1

QQ 1

Oct.

QQ 1

on i

89.1 

89.1

RQ 1

on A

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0 

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

QQ n

89.0 

89.0

89.0 

89.0

89.0

89.0

Nov.

RQ. O.

89.0

89.0 

89.0

on n

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0 

89.0

89.0

89.0

88.8

QQ n

88.5

88.5

BQ P;

88.5

QQ ft

QQ /»

88.6

QQ 7

88.8

88.8 

88.8

88. .8 

88.8'

88.6

Dec.

88.8

QQ Q

88.8 

88.8

88.8

CO Q

QQ Q

88.8

QQ o

88.8

88.8 

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

QQ 7

88.7

88.7

Qo 7

QQ 7

QQ 7

QQ p.

88.6

Qo c

88.5

QQ c

88.4

QQ q

OQ ,*

88.5

a Ice readings to March 20.
26 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894.

Daily yage height of Missouri River at Toivnsend station, Montana, for 1894.

Day.

1. ."......

2........

4........

5

*

6........ 

7........

8........

g

10........

11........

12........

13. .......

14........

15........

16........

17........ 

18........ 

19........

90

21........

99

23........

24........ 

25........

26........

27........

28........

29........ 

30........ 

31........

Jan.

88.4 

88.4 

88.6

90.1 

a91.4

91/4 

91.4

91.5

91.6

91.9

92.2

92.2

92.2 

92.2

92.1

91.7 

91.5 

91.4

91.3 

91.2

91.0

91.0 

91.0

91.0

91.0

91.0

91.0 

91.0 

91.0

Fob.

91.0 

91.0 

91.0

91.0 

91 0

91.0 

91.0

 91.0

91.0

91.0

91.0

91.0

91.0 

91.0

91.0

91.0

91.0 

91.0 

90.4

90.6

90.4 

90.4

90.4

90.4 

90.4

90.5.

90.7

90.8

Mar.

91.0 

91.0 

91.0

01.0 

91.0

91.0 

91.0

91.0

91.0

91.0

91.0

91.2

91.3 

91.6

91.9

92.2

« 92. 4 

92.°4 

92.4

92.4

91.2 

89.5

89.5

89.7 

89.7

89.7

89.7

89.7

89.7 

89.7 

89.7

Apr.

89.7 

89.6 

89.7

89.7 

89.7

89.7 

89.7

89.6

89.5

89.7

89.7

89.7

89.7 

89.7

89.7

89.6

89.5 

89.4 

89.6

89.7

89.8 

90.1

90.6

91.2 

91.7

91.8

92.0

92.0

91.7 

91.5

May.

91.2 

91.1 

91.0

90.7

90.6 

90.7

90.9

91.2

91.3

91.5

91.7

91.7 

91.7

92.1

92.8

92.9 

92.8 

92.8

92.9

93.2 

93.6

93.8

94.2 

94.2

94.4

94.6

94.7

. 95.0 

95.1 

95.3

June.

95.4 

95.5

nt 7

95.7

OK 7

95.6 

95.6

95.5

95.4

95.1

94.8

94.5

93.9 

93.6

93.2

92.8

92.6 

92.6 

92.7

92.8

92.7 

92.6

92.7

92.7 

92.7

92.7

92.7

92.7

92.5 

92.4

July.

92.4 

92.3

09 9

92.2 

92.2

92.1 

92.0

91.9

9]. 7

91.6

91. 4

91.4

91.5 

91.4

91.2

91.0

90.9 

90.7 

90.7

90.5

90.4 

90.2

90.1

89.9 

89.8

89.8

89.8

89.9

89.9 

89.7 

89.6

Aiig.

89.5 

89.4 

89 4

89.4 

89 4

89.4 

89 4

89.4

89.4

89.4

89.4

89.4 

89.3

89.2

89.2

89.1 

89.1 

89.1

89.1

89.1 

89.0

89.0

88.9 

88.8

88.8

88.8

88.8

88.8 

88.8 

88.8

Sept.

88.8 

88.8 

88.8

88.8

88.9 

89.0

89.1

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0 

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0 

89.0 

89.0

89.0

89.0 

89.0

88.9

88.9 

88.9

88.9

88.9

88.9

88.9 

89.0

Oct.

89.0 

89.1 

89 1

89.1

on A

89.0

on i

89.1

UO }

89.1

89.1

89. I

89.1 

89.1

89.1

89.1

89.1 

89.1 

89.1

89.1

89.1 

89.1

89.1

89.1 

89.1

89.1

89.1

89.1

89.1 

89.1 

89.2

Nov.

89.1 

89.1 

89 1

89.1

on i

89.1 

89.1

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.0

89.1

89.1 

89.1'

89.1

89.0

89.0 

88.9 

89.0

89.0

89.0 

89.0

89.0

89.0 

89.0

89.0

89.0

39.0

89.0 

89.0

Dec.

89.0 

88.9

QQ Q

88.8

P.O. 7

88.8 

88.8

88.8

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.7

88.6

88.5

88.5

88.6

88.6 

88.7 

88.7

88.7

88.8 

88.8

88.8

88.8 

88.8

88.8

Z>89. 3

89.3

89.3 

89.3 

89.8

«Ice readings from January 5 to March 21. Hce readings after December 27.

YELLOWSTONE BASIN, IN WYOMING AND MONTANA.

The river stations upon the Tellowstone, maintained for a number of 

years at points below Yellowstone National Park, have been abandoned, 

owing to expense of maintenance and difficulty of access. Measurements of tributaries in Wyoming have been made by Prof. Elwood 

Mead, State engineer, and by others, the results being shown in the 

list of gagings on pages 29,31.

HORR STATION, ON YELLOWSTONE RIVER, MONTANA.

This locality was chosen on August 12, 1889, by Mr. J. B. Williams, 

at Bowers Ferry, near the small town of Horr, on the Park Branch of 

the Northern Pacific Railroad. The section is well adapted for discharge measurements, the river being of nearly uniform width above 

and below the station, and with moderately high banks over which the 

river does not flow in high water. The bed is composed of coarse gravel 

and small bowlders, and is not liable to change in ordinary floods. 

Readings were continued at this point until November 30, 1889, when, 

on account of the change of the position of the ferry, a new locality 

one-fourth of a mile farther downstream was selected. At this second 

point the river is 150 feet wide.

The gage is inclined and securely fastened by braces. It is about 

60 feet long, with nearly uniform inclination at an angle of 12° to the 

horizontal. The bench mark is on the stump of a tree 10 inches in
NEWELL.J YELLOWSTONE RIVER, MONTANA.

diameter, sawed off about 3 feet above the ground, marked "B. M." on 

top. It is very nearly in line with the extended cross section on the 

right bank of the river, and about 50 feet above the upper end of 

the gage. The elevation of the bench mark above /,ero is 11.55 feet. 

Observations at this point were continued until November 4, 1893, 

except at times when ice in the river prevented accurate readings. 

From the discharge measurements made during 1890 and 1891 a rating 

table was constructed which is probably applicable to these readings 

for 1893, and is therefore given below: 

Rating table for Yellowstone River at Horr station, Montana.

Gage 

height.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

C50

710

" 780

850

920

1,000

1,080

1,160

1,250

1,340

1,440

1,550

1,670

1,790

1, 920

2,060

 2, 210

2,370

2,540

2,720

Gage 

height.

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

2,890

3,060

3,230

3,400

3,570

3,740

3, 910

4,080

4, 240

4, 410

4,580

4,750

4,920

5,090

5,260

5,430

5,600

5,760

5.930

6,100

Gage 

height.

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

6,270

6,440

6,600

6,770

6,940

7, 110

7,290

7, 480

7,660

7,840

8,010

8,390

8,360

8,540

8,720

8,890

9,000

9,230

9,410

9,590

Gage 

height.

7.00

7.10

7.20

7.30

7.40

7.50

7.60

7.70

7.80

7.90

8.00

8.10

8.20

8.30

8.40

8.50

8.60

8.70

8.80

8.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

9,760

9,930

10,110

10, 290

10,460

10, 640

10, 810

10, 980

11, 150

11,320

 11,490

11,660

11, 830

12, 000

12, 170

12, 340

12, 520

12, 690

12, 860

13, 040

Daily gauge height of Yellowstone River at Horr station, Montana, for 1893.

Day.

1. ..................

4...................

5. ...... .-.-.*......

(j. ...... ............

Q

10...................

12...................

14-.......:..........

15...................

16...................

17...................

18...................

20...................

21....... ...... ...e..

22...................

93

24...................

25...................

26...................

27...................

28...................

29...................

30...................

31...................

Apr.

1.10

0^

1.10

1.15

1.10

90

.90

1.10

1.10

1.15

1.10

on

.90

.95

.95

May.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.85

2.25

2.10

2.50

3.30

3.75

4.35

 1. 80

5.80

6.35

5.20

4.25

4.00

3.80

3.75

3.50

3.45

3.25

3.10

3.20

3.55

3.80

3.90

June.

4.35

4.50

4.50

4.30

4.35

4.95

5.55

6.60

6.75

8.50

9.10

9.20

7.50

7.00

7.50

7.90

8.50

8.40

8.20

7.40

7.45

7.40

7.15

7.25

7.30

7.20

7.15

7.00

6.80

July.

6

7K

6.85

6.90

6.90

6.55

6.40

6.20

6.10

6.10

6.25

5.90

5.85

5.80

5.75

5.60

5.50

5.50

5.40

5.30

5.20

5.10

4.95

4.90

4.70

4.60

4.75

4.65

4.65

4.50

Aug.

4.45

4.35

4.25

4.15

4.10

4.05

3.95

3.90-

3.85

3.80

3.75

3.70

3.60

' 3.55

, 3.45

3.35

3.30

3.30

3.35

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.25

3.15

3.05

3.00

2.95

2.90

2.85

2.75

Sept.

2 65

2.60

2.50

2.40

2.55

2.60

2.70

2.80

0 HZi

2,65

2.60

2.55

2.50

2.50

2.50

9 ^n

2.50

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.35

2.50

2.40

2.40

Oct.

2

.IK

2.50

2.40

2.35

2.25

2 9h

9 1 P»

2.20

2.15

2.20

' 2.10

2; 15

2.10

2 10

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

Nov.

2.00

2.00

2.00
28 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

PLATTE BASIN, IN WYOMING, COLORADO, AND NEBRASKA.

This basin has been described quite fully in the Thirteenth Annual 

Eeport of the Survey, Part III, Irrigation, pages 73-91. Measurements have been made on the headwaters of this river, mainly by Prof. 

Elwood Mead, State engineer of Wyoming; and in Colorado, by the 

State engineer, and by Prof. L. G. Carpenter, meteorologist and irrigation engineer of the State experiment station at the State Agricultural 

College. In 1894 work was begun in Nebraska by cooperation with 

Mr. O. V. P. Stout, professor of civil engineering at the University of 

Nebraska, and a number of stations were established, as shown by the 

following descriptions.

WOODS LANDING- STATION, ON LARAMIE RIVER, WYOMING-.

The station at Woods Landing was established in December, 1888, by 

Prof. Elwood Mead, observations being continued during the months 

from. April to September, inclusive, in 1889, 1890, and 1891.1 Below 

this point a large number of ditches divert the water of Laramie Eiver, 

so that during the irrigating season very little crosses the Laramie 

plains or reaches Laramie. The report of the State engineer shows that 

fifty-three ditches have filed claims to water, the total area described 

as under these ditches being 150,000 acres. A few measurements have 

been made of the amount of water passing Laramie. One of these on 

September 27, 1894, gave 27 second-feet. Beyond this point the river 

flows in a northerly direction for about 50 miles, and then turns easterly 

through the Laramie Hills. Fear this point are the head works of the 

Wyoming Development Company's irrigation system, which divert 

water by means of a stone dam. The canal heading at this point 

passes through a tunnel 3,100 feet in length, and finally empties into 

Bluegrass and Sybille creeks, whence the water is again diverted for 

use in the vicinity of Wheatland. The amount of water which passes 

this stone dam or returns below to the river by seepage has been measured at the railroad crossing at Uva.

UVA STATION, ON LARAMIE RIVER, WYOMING-.

Measurements of river flow were made at the railroad crossing at Uva, 

. Wyo., on June. 6,1894, showing a discharge of 1,845 second-feet, and 

again on October 24,1894, giving only 14 second-feet. At about this 

latter date a gage rod was established at this point and observations 

were begun. The gage is vertical, and is nailed to* the center pier of 

the railroad bridge at Uva. At a distance of about 25 miles below this

J Sce Twelfth Annual Report United States Geological Survey, Part II, Irrigation, p. 239; Thirteenth Annual Eeport United States Geological Survey, Part III, Irrigation, pp. 79 anil 80; First 

Biennial Eeport of the State Engineer to the Governor of Wyoming, 1891 and 1892, Cheyenne, Wyo., 

1892, Appendix, pp. xviii and xx; Second Biennial Eeport of the State Engineer to the Governor of 

Wyoming, 1893 and 1894, Cheyenne, Wyo., 1894, p. 135.
NEWELL.] NORTH PLATTE RIVER, WYOMING. 29

point Laramie Eiver discharges into the North Platte, Fort Laramie 

being situated at the junction. Here a float measurement on August 

20,1894, showed a discharge of 51 second-feet, and on October 7, 1894, 

23 second-feet.

DOUGLAS STATION, ON NORTH PLATTE RIVER, WYOMING.

Eesults of occasional measurements of the higher tributaries of 

North Platte River are given in the Thirteenth Annual Eeport of the 

United States Geological Survey, Part III, Irrigation, page 78. The 

highest permanent station, however, is at Douglas, Wyo., established 

by the State engineer in 1891. Above this place, on the north side of 

the river, are extensive tracts of land which can possibly be reclaimed, 

though at heavy expense, by canals heading 70 miles or more west of 

Douglas. Records at Douglas have been kept for portions of four years. 

The results for 1894, as computed by the State engineer of Wyoming,

are shown in the following table:

Daily gage height ana discharge of North PlatieRiver at Douglas Station, Wyo., for 1894.

Day.

1. ......

2 ......

4.......

5.......

8.......

9.......

10.......

11.......

12.......

1 3

14.......

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

99

23.......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

no

29....... 

30.......

31.......

May.

Gage 

height.

7.8 

7.8 

8.0 

8.2 

8.3 

8.6 

8.6 

8.8 

8.9 

9.3 

9.4 

'9.7 

10.0 

10.0 

10.0 

10.1 

]0.3 

10.5 

10.3 

10. 0 

9.7 

9.6 

9.8 

9.9 

9.9 

9.8 

9.8 

9.8 

9.8 

10.0 

10.2

Discharge.

Sec. feet. 

4,600 

4,600 

5,044 

5,488 

5,710 

6,377 

6.377 

6,823 

7,076 

8,092 

8,346 

9,212 

10, 131 

10, 131 

10, ]31 

10, 438 

11, 052 

11, 658 

11,052 

10, 131 

9, 212 

8,906 

9,518 

9,824 

9,824 

9,518 

9,518 

9, 518 

9,518 

10, 131 

10, 745

June.

Gage 

height.

10.3 

10.5 

10.6 

10.8 

10.9 

10.8 

10.8 

10.9 

11.0 

10.8 

10.5 

10.0 

9.5 

9.1 

9.1 

9.0 

9.1 

9.1 

9.0 

8.8 

8.7 

8.5 

8.4 

8.3 

8.2 

8.0 

8.0 

7.9 

7.8 

7.7

Discharge.

Sec. feet. 

11, 052 

11, 668 

11, 977 

12, 596 

12, 907 

12,596 

12, 596 

12, 907 

13, 218 

12, 596 

11, 668 

10, 131 

8,600 

7,584 

7,584 

7,330 

7,584 

7,584 

7,330 

6, 823 

6,600 

6,154 

5,932 

5,710 

5,488 

5,044 

5,044 

4,822 

4,600 

4,380

July.

Gage 

height.

7.7 

7.6 

7.4 

7.3 

7.3 

7.6 

7.6 

7.6 

7.5 

7.3 

7.2 

7.0 

7.0 

6.8 

6.8 

6.7 

6.6 

6.6 

6.7 

6.7. 

6.7 

6.7 

6.7 

6.6 

6.4 

6.2 

6.2 

6.2 

6.0 

5.9 

5.8

Discharge.

Sec. feet. 

4,380 

4,157 

3,718 

3,500 

3,500 

4,157 

4,157 

4,157 

3, 937 

3, 500 

3,283 

2,850 

2,850 

2,423 

2,423 

2, 211 

2, 000 

2,000 

2,211 

2,211 

2,211 

2,211 

2,211 

. 2, 000 

],620 

1, 345 

1,345 

1,345 

1,145 

1,070 

1,000

August.

Gage 

height.

5.8 

5.8 

5.8 

5.7 

5.7 

5.6 

5.6 

5.6 

5.8 

5.7 

5.6 

5.6 

5.5 

5.4 

5.3 

5.5 

5.5 

5.4 

5.4 

5.4 

5.4 

5.3 

5.3 

5.3 

5.3 

5.3 

5.3 

5.3 

5.2 

5.2 

5.2

Discharge.

Sec. feet. 

1,000 

1,000 

1,000 

960 

960 

920 

920 

920 

1,000 

960 

920 

920 

883 

850 

815 

883 

883 

850 

850 

850 

850 

815 

815 

815 

815 

815 

815 

815 

790 

790 

790

September.

Gago 

height.

5.2 

5.2 

5.2 

5.2 

5.2 

5.1 

5.1 

5.1 

5.1 

5.1 

5.2 

5.2 

5.1 

5.2 

5.4 

5.4 

5.4 

5.3 

5.3 

5.3 

5.2 

5.2 

5.2 

5.2 

5.2 

5.2 

5.1 

 5.1 

5.2 

5.2

Discharge.

Sec. feet. 

790 

790 

790 

790 

790 

765 

765 

765 

765 

705 

790 

790 

765 

790 

850 

850 

850 

815 

815 

815 

790 

790 

790 

790 

790 

790 

705 

765 

790 

790

ORIN STATION, ON NORTH PLATTE RIVER.

About 25 miles below Douglas the North Platte Eiver is crossed by 

the Cheyenne and Northern Railroad, which joins the Premont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Eailroad at Orin Junction. At this railroad 

bridge a number of measurements have been made, and observations 

of river height were begun on November 1, 1894. The gage at this
30 PEOGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [Buu,m.

point is vertical, and is nailed to ,the central pier of the railroad bridge. 

A measurement on May 8, 1894, gave a discharge of 6,823 second-feet; 

one on June 7,12,596 second-feet, and one on August 15, only 816. 

second-feet. Below this point the river continues for many miles in a 

narrow canyon, in which it receives little water from lateral streams.

Near Fort Laramie a float gaging made by Mr. John Hun ton, November 7,1894, gave a computed discharge of 636 second-feet. From 

Fort Laramie east to the Nebraska line comparatively little water is 

diverted from the river. However, favorable conditions are reported 1 

for taking out water to cover the lands along the river, especially on 

the south side, to the relatively low area known as " Goshen Hole." 

The altitude here is less than that of any other valley in the State, 

excepting in the extreme northern part, east of Big Horn range, near 

the Montana line.

In the extreme eastern part of Wyoming and in western Nebraska a 

considerable amount of water is delivered from the North Platte Eiver 

for irrigation, as mentioned in a preceding report.2 The area of land 

under these canals is being extended year by year, and the settlement 

of the country is progressing rapidly. Measurements of the river have 

been made at various points, but no permanent station has been established above the town of North Platte, which is at the junction of this 

river with the South Platte. Measurements at Camp Clarke have been 

given in preceding reports. A float measurement on July 26,1894, 

gave an approximate discharge of 1,900 second-feet, and one at Gering 

on July 28, 1894, about 2,500 second-feet. On October 11, 1894, a gaging at the river bridge, almost due north from the town of Ogallala, 

showed a discharge of 609 second-feet.

NORTH PLATTE STATION, ON NORTH PLATTE RIVER, NEBRASKA.

A gaging station was established at North Platte and readings of

river height were begun in the winter of 1894-95. A measurement on 

October 5,1894, at the wagon bridge north of town gave a total discharge of 620 second-feet. A second measurement on November 6 at 

the same point gave 1,227 second-feet. Both of these were made byMr. Charles P. Eoss by means of electric, current meters.

FORT COLLINS STATION, ON CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER, COLORADO.

One of the longest records, and probably the best of any small 

stream in the West, is that being maintained on the Cache la Poudre 

at a point about 15 miles above Fort Collins. This station was established in 1888 by Prof. L. G. Carpenter, meteorologist and irrigation 

engineer at the Colorado State Agricultural College. The work has 

been carried on under the immediate direction of Professor Carpenter, 

who has done everything in his power to make the results accurate and

1 Elwood Mead, Biennial Keport of State Engineer, 1894, p. 131.

2 Thirteenth Annual Keport United States Geological Survey, Part III, Irrigation, p. 81.
NEWELL.] CACHE LA POUDRE EIVER, COLORADO. 31

of scientific value. Various forms of self-recording' nilometer have 

been used at this point, and an apparatus has finally been installed by 

which the height of water at the river station is recorded by electrical 

devices at the Agricultural College at Fort Collins. The results of 

computations of daily discharge for 1893 and 1894, as published in the 

annual report of the State engineer, are given in the following table.

Besides the computations of daily discharge at this point, a series of 

measurements have been made along Cache la Poudre Creek and South 

Platte Eiver to determine the amount of water taken from these streams 

and the quantity flowing in the channel at various points, and as a 

result the amount which enters the river by means of percolation or 

seepage. The results obtained are of the highest value, showing, as 

they do, that these streams, and inferentially others of this class, 

receive large quantities of water during and after the irrigating season

by the soaking of the ground and a gradual return to the drainage

lines.

Daily mean discharge of Cache la Poudre River for 1893 and 1894.

[Second-feet.]

Day.

1.. .......

2. ........

3.........

5. ........

6.........

7.........

8.........

9.........

10.........

11.........

12.........

14.........

15.........

16.........

17.........

ifi

19.........

20.........

21.........

22.........

23.........

24.........

25.........

26....'.....

97

28.........

29.........

30.........

01

May.

217

344

278

308

1,047

1,043

920

841

870

974

870

812

878

1,107

929

1893.

June.

1.230

1,108

1, 041.

1,197

1,767

2,198

2,667

2,912

2,949

2,252

2,483

2,427

2,274

1,905

1,758

1,616

1,422

1,354

1,246

1,244

1, 177

1, 132

July.

1 144

996

997

947

795

840

833

744

693

063

678

661

602

526

K1 1

476

454

401

384

359

348

353

444

463

406

383

354

343

Aug.

336

343

321

282

256

251

251

293

327

298

239

189

226

218

248

219

191

161

155

158

158

141

151

May.

. 492

481

483

572

663

793

1,057

1,299

1,208

1,246

1, 321

1,453

1,538

1,355

1,697

1,842

2, 051

1,779

1,585

1,302

1,483

al,650

1,817

1, 984

2, 151

2,318

2,485

June.

2

CEO

2,820

3,046

3,401

3,672

3,514

2,782

2,094

1,908

2,067

2,236

2,291

2,104

2 O.97

1,791

1 Q1 f»

1,717

1,586

1, 452

1,458

1,427

1,375

1,250

1,216

1,228

1,120

1, 065

1,067

July.

1,109

1,082

1,109

1 f>73

1,234

1 llfi

1,078

956

925 9° 5

923

936

1,177

878

982

QQQ

782

Ql 7

820

728

696

647

602

567

561

567

553

522

497

461

444

1894.

Aug.

479

494

5L2

379

396

513

487

477

464

427

393

362

OfiK

369

347

319

OQQ

295

282

278

271

274

240

229

212

204

179

182

165

162

Sept.

171

1 QO

178

179

161

119

227

296

281

276

246

1 7Q

165

i 11

1 17

152

146

135

118

113

108

105

108

107

101

99

132

145

Oct.

144

 1 ^Q

135

141

118

146

151

143

128

120

107

QO

94

93

93

03

89

97

82

85

87

84

84

84

78

74

71

71

78

2fov.

79

91

96

Q1

Ql

96

no

89

94

85

on

QC

77

42

116

150

146

115

107

660

657

103

90

92

91

89

93

a Interpolated from May 26 to June 1. b Float stopped by ice.

The lower South Platte in its course through northeastern Colorado 

is utilized to such an extent for irrigation that the channel becomes 

dry during1 the great part of the year. No measurements as yet have 

been made of the quantity flowing into Nebraska. The sandy channel 

and lowlands adjacent to this are saturated with water, and although 

it may not be feasible to bring this out by gravity methods for supply-
32 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1994. [BULL. 131.

ing irrigating ditches, yet it has been demonstrated to be possible to 

pump what appears to be practically an inexhaustible supply.

The main Platte Eiver, formed by the junction of the North and 

South branches, flows easterly through Nebraska, only a small proportion of its water being diverted for irrigation and water power. The 

channel is extremely wide, and during the hotter part of the summer 

the water is divided and subdivided into numerous small rivulets in the 

broad, sandy plain. Many of these gradually disappear by evaporation or by percolation into the sands, and thus at points along the river 

the channel is sometimes almost completely dry, as was the case during 

the fall of 1894. On August 14, 1894, the discharge of the river at 

Freinont was 1,420 second-feet 5 on September 17 there was no water 

passing Columbus, Nebr., nor on October 6. On that date water was 

found at a depth of 3 feet 8 inches below the surface of the sand in the 

bed of the river. 1 No systematic measurements of this river have 

been made on account of the difficulty of ascertaining the amount of 

water in its broad, shallow channel, and the expense of maintaining 

observations.

COLUMBUS STATION, ON LOUP RIVER.

This station is located just above the iron bridge of the Union Pa 

cific Eailway. The observer is M. Savage, bridge watchman. The 

distance of the observer's house from the gaging station is about a 

half mile; from the bridge, 50 yards. The gage is of oak, 3 inches 

by 6 inches, 12 feet long, fastened by lag screws to a pile which forms 

part of the training works above the bridge. The rod is vertical.

There is an island at the bend, about 1,000 feet above the bridge. 

The training works cause the current to set from the shore. In high 

water the flood passes through willows and underbrush on the opposite

side. The 12-foot mark on the rod is 7 feet below a point 2 feet east of

the third panel point of the north truss of the east span, counting the 

end of the span as the first panel point. All levels are taken from, 

the top of the bottom chord. This is not a good location, but after 

considerable search it seemed to be the best available. Observations 

were begun October 13, 1894, the water standing then at 4.70 feet on 

gage, not varying greatly from this during the remainder of the year.

KANSAS BASIN, IN NEBRASKA.

The Kansas Eiver is formed by the union of a number of streams rising in the plains region not far from the boundary between Colorado, 

Nebraska, and Kansas. The most northerly of its branches is the 

Eepublican Eiver, which, rising in Colorado, flows as a small stream 

through the southwestern portion of Nebraska, and continues easterly 

north of the State line for over half the distance of this boundary.

 0. V. P. Stout, Bulletin of the Agricultural Experiment Station of .Nebraska, vol. 7, p. 156.
NEWELL.] REPUBLICAN RIVER, NEBRASKA. 33

Measurements of some of the more important of the headwaters of 

Eepublican Eiver have been made, .the principal of these being the 

North and South Forks, near Benkelman, and of the Frenchman Eiver 

at Palisade. Other stations on the tributaries of Kansas Eiver will be 

established in Kansas, in order to obtain the discharge from the Solomon, Saline, Smoky Hill, as well as of the Eepublican near its mouth.

BENKELMAN STATION, ON NORTH FOKK OF REPUBLICAN RIVER.

This station is on the left bank of the stream, about one-third of a 

mile southeast of the house of Mr. L. Morse, a farmer, who serves as 

observer, and about 2 miles west of Benkelman. The gage consists 

of an oak stick 2 inches wide by 6 inches deep and 10 feet long. It is 

inclined 30° to the horizontal, footmarks being 2 feet apart along the 

rod. It rests directly on beveled blocks, which in turn are supported 

by 6 by 8 inch cross-ties, well bedded, tamped, and covered. Lag screws

are put through the.rod, block, and into the ties. The channel at this 

point consists of loose sand and is nearly straight. The 5-foot mark 

on the rod is 1.62 feet above the top of the oak stake, about 5 feet southeast of the corner post of the fence around Morse's Grove.

Observations at this point were begun on November 4,1894, and continued throughout the year. A measurement made by Prof. O. Y. P. 

Stout, December 9,1894, when the water stood at a height of 1.74 feet, 

showed a discharge of about 75 second-feet. The height of water was 

fairly constant.

BENKELMAN STATION, ON SOUTH FORK OF REPUBLICAN RIVER.

This station is located about one-fifth of a mile west of the road running south from Benkelman and close beside the road which runs west 

from the south bound readjust after crossing North Fork, on the left 

bank of the river. The observer is Mr. Joseph L. Wright, jr. The 

distance of the observer's house from the gaging station is about 1 

mile. The gage is of the same character as that on the North Fork of 

Eepublican Eiver, except that the rod is 12 feet long. The channel is 

sandy and straight, but only about 150 yards below a bend. The 6-foot 

mark on the rod is 0.11 foot higher than the top of the oak stake by the 

fence post north and east of the road.

PALISADE STATION, ON FRENCHMAN RIVER.

Observations of river height are taken immediately above the bridge 

of the Burlington and Missouri Eiver Eailroad, about three-fourths of 

a mile above the railroad station at Palisade, Nebr. The observer is 

Mr. J. M. Eeed, a farmer living at a distance of about 75 yards from 

the gage. This consists of an oak stick, 2 by 4 inches and about 14 

feet long. One end is buried in the sand, and the other is fastened by 

lag screws to two 6 by 8 inch cross-ties about 5 feet long, each bedded. 

Bull. 131 3
34 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.'

and covered. This rod is in a small recess of the bank^ and is inclined 

at an angle of about 30° to the horizontal, the footmarks being 2 feet 

apart along the rod. The 7-foot mark on the rod is 0.89 foot below the 

top of the screw thread on the bottom of the east side of the north pile 

of the second bent from Palisade. The channel is of loose sand, nearly 

straight at this locality. Measurements of discharge are made about 

25 feet above the gage. One of these on December 28,1894, gave for 

a height of 1.87 feet a discharge of 116 second-feet. Observations were 

begun on October 14, 1894, and were continued throughout the year.

ARKANSAS BASIN, IN COLORADO.

A large number of discharge measurements have been made at 

various points upon this stream and its tributaries, and a few of the 

stations established in 1889 have been maintained with a fair degree 

of continuity. It has been the intention to make a thorough study of 

this river, since it involves many problems of great importance, some 

of them interstate in character, and affords unusual facilities in the 

way of storage for the conservation of the waters of floods which 

will result in increased development of irrigation below. The highest 

station that at Hayden is primarily for the purpose of obtaining 

the quantity of water which might be held by storage in Twin Lakes 

or other reservoir sites, while measurements at Canyon City give the 

total flow of the stream at the point where the river is most regular in 

its behavior and least likely to be affected by cloud-bursts. Measurements at Pueblo, La Junta, and at Holly, near the State li ne, give, of 

course, results as affected by diversions at points above.

HAYDEN STATION, ON ARKANSAS RIVER.

This station is located at bridge 203A, on the Denver and Rio

Gran de Bail way, 1£ miles from. Hayden section house. The observer 

is Mr. J. Burns, section foreman at Hayden. The distance of the 

observer's house from the gaging station is 1£ miles. The gage is of 

pine or spruce bridge timber, 16 feet long. One end rests on the 

bottom. It is inclined 2.5 to 1, making the distance between the footmarks 2.5 feet. The gage is fastened to the wooden revetment at the 

north end of the bridge with a seven-eighths-inch bolt and five 10-inch 

bridge spikes. It will stay as long as the revetment stands. The 

character of the channel is coarse gravel. The top of the revetment 

timber at the south end of the revetment is on a level with the point 

6.04 feet of the gauge. The measurements of discharge were made 14 

feet south of the north end of bridge 203A. This is a reasonably good 

location. '

A measurement made September 24,1894, by Mr. Arthur P. Davis, 

showed a mean velocity of 1.93 feet and discharge of 114 second-feetj 

a second measurement October 16 gave 91 second-feet.
NEWELL.] ARKANSAS RIVER, COLORADO. 35 

CANYON STATION, ON ARKANSAS RIVEB.

Observations at this point were begun on April 17, 1889, the station 

being established here by Mr. Robert Eobertson. The record has been 

maintained since that time, with occasional breaks due to absence or 

change of observer. This locality is at the Hot Springs Hotel, 1£ miles 

west of Canyon, Colo., and at the mouth of the Grand Canyon of the 

Colorado. Two ditches are taken out, one on each side, about this 

point, but these are easily accessible, and their average discharge is 

relatively small, except in times of low water. This site was used in 

1888 for the same purpose by the State engineer of Colorado, and is 

highly favorable for obtaining accurate measurement. The channel of 

the river is straight for several hundred yards, both above and below, 

and the current, though swift, is not too great at high water nor too 

sluggish at low stages for satisfactory results. The banks Oil both 

sides are high and are not overflowed. The cross sectioa is regular and 

has not been subject to notable changes, except on the right bank, 

near the gage, where a sand bar has formed at times of low water.

The gage rod established by Mr. Eobertson was of 2 by 6 inch 

timber, inclined, and attached to the crib of an old bridge on the south 

or right-hand side of the river, almost directly in front of the hotel. 

There were two bench marks: No. 1, on the top of a log of the crib; 

elevation, 10.01 feet above the datum. No. 2, in the cleft of a red 

bowlder at the foot of a charred stump 50 feet down stream and on 

the same side of >the river; elevation, 9.60 feet. On April 13,1891, the 

station was inspected by Mr. Frank Tweedy, and a third bench mark 

was established, this being a bedded rock 40 feet from the north end of 

the cable, toward Hot Springs Hotel and 10 feet from the river bank. 

It is marked "B. M. No. 3, U. S. G. S.," and is 15.98 feet above the zero 

of the gage. The present observer is Dr. J. L. Prentiss.

The measurements were at first made from a car suspended from a 

cable stretched across the river, the bridge from which measurements 

were originally made by the State engineer having been destroyed. 

Later a new suspension bridge was constructed in front of the hotel, 

necessitating the removal and replacement of the gage, and subsequent 

measurements were made from this bridge, which, having a clear span, 

offers no obstruction to the current. Discharge measurements were 

made by Mr. F. H. Newell in 1893 and 1894, and by.Mr. Arthur P. 

Davis in th,e fall of 1894. From these the following provisional rating 

table was constructed as being applicable to the river heights obtained 

after the spring flood of 1893.

On May 1,1889, a station 35 miles below Canyon was established at 

a point where the river flows through a small box canyon about one-half 

mile long, with almost vertical walls from 20 to 30 feet high. The 

channel is straight and the river can not overflow. In low stages, 

however, the bottom silts, forming sand bars, and in high stages the
36 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894 [BULL. 131.

volume, being confined, acquires a velocity so great that measurements 

are made with difficulty. A number-of small streams flow in between 

this station and that at Canyon. These are too small to be measured 

individually, and it was to determine their aggregate value that this 

station was established. Observations were continued during the summer of 1889, but the locality was abandoned at the end of August.

Hating table for Arkansas River at Canyon, Colorado, based on gagings No. 23 to 28, used

after July 1, 1893.

Gage 

height.

2.00

2.10

2.20

"2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

Disharge.

Sec. feet.

130

160

200

245

290

340

390

450

Gage 

height.

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

510

580

650

730

810

900

990

1,080

Gage 

height.

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

1,180

1, 290

1,410

1,530

1,650

1,780

1,910

Gage 

height.

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

2,050

2,190

2,315

2,445

2,585

2, 735

2,990

Daily gage height of Arkansas River at Canyon, Colorado, for 1893.

Day.

1. .............

2..............

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

9^

26..............

27..............

28..............

29.............. 

30..............

31..............

Jan.

2.15

2.35

2.35

2.30

2.25

2 9ft

2.25

2.20

2.15

2.20

2.25

2.15

2.15

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.20

2.20

2.15

2.05

2.15

2.10

2.05

2.20

9 9ft

2.10

2.15

2.35

2.20 

2.20

2.30

Feb.

2.20

2

9C

2.10

2.10

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.40

2.25

2.20

2.30

2.45

2.15

2.25

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.25

2.25

9 3ft

2.30

2.25

9 if;

2.35

2.35

2.30

Mar.

2.20

2.30

2.50

2.20

2.20

S

on

2.35

2.40

2.40

2.35

2.25

2.40

2.25

2.15

2.30

2.20

o 90

2.25

2.20

2.35

2.30

9 Pft

2.20

2.30

9 9*">

2.25

2.25

2.20

2.25 

2.30

2.90

Apr.

2.75

2.40

2.30

2.50

2. 40

2.40

2.25

2.20

2.30

2.20

2.30

2.35

2.20

2.20

2.25

0 OK

2.30

2.25

2.30

2.25

9 9(1

2.15

2.20

9 1ft

2.30

2.45

2.35

2.20 

2.65

May.

2.40

2.20

2.30

2.25

2.25

2.15

2.40

2.40

2.65

2.25

2.65

2.25

2.40

3.20

3.40

3.20 2 on

4.20

4.90

5.10

5.00

i BP>

4.50

4.30

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.20

4.90 

4.50

4.30

June.

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.20

4.25

4.20

4.45

4.55

4.90

4.65

4.90

5.10

4.90

4.95

5.45

5.60

f, QC

6.00

5.90

5.80

5.80

^ ^ft

5.40

5.00

t* 3^

5.15

5.10

4.90

4.85 

4.60

July.

4.65

4.85

4.50

4.40

4.20

4.05

3.90

3.70

3.65

3.60

3.60

3.30

3.35

3.25

3.25

3.65

q OK

3.20

3.25

3 9n

3.10

3.00

2.80

2.75

2.65

2.70

2.45

2.40

2.70 

2.60

2.70

Aug.

3.10

4.05

2.85

2.25

2.20

2.90

3.00

3.30

3.15

3.00

2.90

2.85

9 7<i

2.65

2.60

2.70

9 7<i

2.90

3.00

2 0ft

2 Oft

2 Oft

2.85

2.85

2 on

2.75

2.75

2

7ft

2.75 

2.80

2.80

Sept.

3.05

3.10

3.10

3.20

3.20

3 1 fi

3.00

2.95

2.90

2.90

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.70

2.70

2.65

£. \)t)

2.65

2.55

9 Kft

9 *\(\

2 45

2.45

2.45

2.40

2.40

2.40

2

A&

2.45 

2.40.

Dec.

2.90

2.90

2.80

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2

/JA

2.60

2.60

2 7ft

9 7ft

2.60

2.60

9 7ft

2 Cft

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.60 

2.60
ARKANSAS RIVER, COLORADO. 

Daily gage height of Arkansas River at Canyon, Colorado, for 1894.

37

Day.

1. .......

o

3........

4........

6........

7........

8........

9........

10........ 

11........

12........

13........

i ^

16........

17--.-....

18........

1Q

20........

21........

22........

93

24........

25........

26........

27........

28........

29........

30........ 

31........

Jan.

2.70

2 fin

2.70

9 Qn

2.60

2.70

2 60

2.60

2.60

2.60 

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.80

2.70

2.60

2.00

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.80 

2.80

2

QA

2 90

2.80

2.70

2.60

9 fift

2.60

2.60 

2.70

Feb.

2.80

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.60 

2. CO

2.60

2.60

2 70

2 go

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.80

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.80

Mar.

2.80

2 on

2.80

2.80

2.70

2.70

2.80

2.80

2.90

3.00 

2.90

3.00

3.00

3 1 fl

3 9ft

3.00

2.90

2.80

2.90

2.80

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.50 

2.50

Apr.

2.60

2.60

2.60

9 70-

2.80

2.80

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.80 

2.70

9 7n

2.70

2.80

2 90

3.00

3.10

9 Qft

2.70

a. «o

2.90

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.50

May.

Q *ift

3.60

3.50

3 in

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.30

4.20

4.10

4.00

3.90

4.50

4.70 

4 90

4.70

4.60

4.40

4.50

4.50

4.60

4.80

5.10 

5.80

June.

5.20

4.80

4.90

5

OA

5.80

5 7ft

5.80

5.30

4.90 

4.70

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

4.90

4.80

4 80

4.80

4.70

4.60

4.30

4.20

4.10

4.00

3.80

3.70

July.

3.70

3.70

3.79

3.90

4 40

4.50

4.00

3.90

3.80 

3.70

3.60

3.60

3.90

4.00

4.00

4.00

3.90

4.00

4.00

4.00 

4.00

3 7ft

3.50

3.40

0 QA

3.30

3.30

3.20

3.10

Aug.

3.10

3.20

3.10

3.00

3 9(i

3.10

3.00

2.90

3.20

3.10 

3.00

3.00

3.10

3.10

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.10

3.10

3.00

3.20 

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.20

3 in

3.00

3.00

3.10

3.10

Sept.

3

2.90

2.90

2.80

2.90

2.90

2.90

3.00

3.00

3.10 

3.10

3.20

3.10

3.10

3

pA

3.00

2.90

2.80

2.70

2.70

2.70 

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.70

2.70

Oct.

2.60

2 60

2.50

2.50

2

KA

2.50

8 70

2.50

9 flft

2.40 

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.40

2.30

2.30

0 50

2 on

2.30

2.30

9 QIV

9 3fl

2.30

2.30

2

QA

Nov.

2

0A

2

QA

2.30

2

QA

2.40

2 3n

2.40

9 3ft

2 QA

2.30

9 30

2.40

2.30

9 30

2 on

9 30

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.30 

2.40

2

QA

2 on

2.40

2.40

2.40

'2.40

2.30

2.30

Bee.

2.30

2.30

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.50

2.50 

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30 

2.30

9 Qft

2.30

2.40

2.40

*> OA

2.30

2.30

2

QA

LA JUNTA STATION, ON ARKANSAS RIVER.

The gage at this station was established by Mr. F. H. Newell on 

September 27,1893, on the left or south bank of the river, near the 

city pumping station. At this point the banks are steep, being at 

the outside of one of the curves of the river, while on the other they 

are somewhat low and shelving. The gage is of oak, 10 feet long, 6 

inches wide, 3 inches thick, inclined, 1 foot vertical equaling 1.38 feet 

on the gage. The upper end is bolted to a cottonwood tree, and the 

lower end to an oak cross-tie loaded with rock. The gage reads to 6.60 

feet, and is notched for each tenth of a foot on the edge, and besides 

the painted figures is further marked by tacks driven into the oak, 

the number of tacks indicating the number of feet. A bench mark is 

painted on the northwest corner of the pump house, about 0.3 foot 

above the ground, the horizontal line being 11 feet above the datum of 

the gage. The water at that time stood at 0.45 foot, and the discharge 

as measured at the wagon bridge below town was 24 second-feet.

Records of height of water were maintained from December 5,1893, 

through that and the succeeding year. On May 2 L, 1894, a measurement 

was made at the wagon bridge, showing a discharge of 157 second-feet. 

A few days later occurred one of the heaviest floods of the year, followed 

by a second flood a week later. At the time of the first flood a number 

of measurements were made at La Junta and at the railroad crossing 

at Nepesta, 36 miles above. The storm began on Wednesday evening, 

May 30, 1894, causing the river to rise rapidly that night, and on May
38 PEOGRESS EEPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

31 it had flooded the bottoms and washed out the approaches to nearly 

aJl of the bridges below Canyon. On June 1, at 4 p. m., a measurement by Mr. F. H. Newell at the wagon bridge at Nepesta showed a 

discharge of 12,000 second-feet. At that time the water had receded 

4 feet below the highest flood mark on the bridge. The maximum 

surface velocity was 6.7 feet per second, and the mean velocity 4 feet 

per second. On June 2 the water had fallen 5.3 feet below high-water 

mark, and had a maximum surface velocity of 5.6 feet per second. The 

measurement was made while the water was falling rapidly, and the 

discharge is placed in round numbers at 8,000 second-feet. From 

a comparison of these measurements with such facts as could be 

obtained on the ground, an inspection of the flooded area, and the 

statements of men who were watching the river, the conclusion was 

reached that about 30,000 second-feet passed the Atchison, Topeka and 

Santa Fe Railroad bridge at the top of the flood of May 31. This 

quantity would probably have been larger if the pile bridge with the 

driftwood against it had not prevented the free flowing of the stream.

The first flood was followed by one a week later of about the same 

violence. On June 7,1894, at 9 a. m., the measured discharge at the 

wagon bridge at La Junta at the time the water was falling from this 

second flood was 15,000 second-feet. The maximum surface velocity 

was 6 feet per second, and the height of water on the gage was 7.8 feet. 

The next day, June 8, the water stood at 6.4 feet on the gage, and the 

measured discharge was 9,500 second-feet. From these measurements 

and an examination of flood marks the conclusion was reached that the 

maximum amount passing the bridge at the time of this flood was 20,000 

second-feet, the bridges and approaches holding back the water.

The La Junta station was inspected on October 5,1894, by Mr. Arthur 

P. Davis, and a measurement was made, showing that the river was 

discharging 55 second-feet for a gage height of 0.4. At this part of 

its course the relation of gage height to discharge, especially during 

the low stages of the river, is constantly varying, owing to silting and 

scouring of the muddy channel. It is possible, however, that estimates 

of a fair degree of reliability can be made by making frequent measurements of discharge.
NEWELL.] ARKANSAS RIVER, COLORADO.

Daily gage height of Arkansas River at La Junta, Colorado, for 1894.

39

Day.

2....... 

3....... 

4....... 

5....... 

6....... 

7.......

8....... 

9....... 

10....... 

11.......

12.......

13....... 

14....... 

15.......

16.......

July.

1.70

1.60 

1.60 

1.55 

2.55 Tso'

3.90 

2.90 

2,60 

2.30

2. JO

1.90 

1.70 

1.90

2.10

Aug.

1.00

.90 

3.20 

5.00 

2.90 

1.90 

1.60

"I.'TO"

1.50

1.20

.95 

.90 

.70

.60

Sept.

0.45

.50 

.50 

.40 

.40 

.40 

.40

.40 

.35 

.40 

(a)

3.00

2.00 

1.60 

1.60

1.60

Oct.

0.50

.50 

.50 

.35 

.30 

.30 

3ft

.40 

.35 

.35 

.30

.30

.30 

.30 

.30

.30

~Sov.

0.30

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

3ft

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30

.30

.30 

.30 

1.30

1.20

Dec.

0.40

""."36" 

.30 

.30

.30

.30 

.30 

.30

.30

Day.

17........

18........ 

19........ 

20........ 

21........ 

22........

93

24........ 

25........ 

26........

27........

28........

29........ 

30........ 

31........

July.

2.25

2.00 

2.05 

2.50 

2.70 

2.50

1.90 

1.70 

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1.30 

1.10 

1.10

Aug.

0.80

.60 

.60 

.60 

.60 

.50

1.60 

1.30 

1.00 

.60

.50

.50 

.50 

.50

Sept.

T H5

1.50 

1.50 

1.40 

1.40 

1.30 

1.20

1.00 

.90 

.75

ftC

.55

.50 

.50

Oct.

0.30

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.25 

.20

.20 

.20 

.25 

20

.30 

.30

OA

Nov.

1 3fl

1.30 

1.40 

1.30 

1.30 

1.20 

1 25

1.10 

1.00 

1.00 

90

.90

.90 

.90

Dec.

0.30

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30

QA

.30 

1.00 

1.70 

i ^n

1.30 

1.20

1 on

a Washout. 

HOLLY STATION, ON ARKANSAS RIVER.

A gage was established at this point by Mr. F. H. Newell on September 26,1893, on the north side of the west end of bridge No. 362 

of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Company, 0.9 mile 

east of the railroad station of Byron. At that time there was no water 

in the river. The gage consists of an oak plank 16 feet long, 6 inches 

wide, and 2 inches thick, placed edgewise and inclined at a low angle. 

The upper end was fastened to an old pile, and the lower end to one of 

the new supports of the bridge. The edge of the plank is marked to 

vertical feet and tenths, the inclination being such that 1 foot vertical 

equals 4.87 feet along the gage rod. Each tenth of a foot vertical is 

marked by a notch and figures from 0.2 foot up to 3.2 feet, the marking 

being continued on the vertical pile up to 5.5 feet. The top of the rail 

is 8.89 feet above the datum of this gage. Besides having painted 

figures, the height is indicated by tacks driven into the wood. During 

repairs upon this bridge this gage was transferred and replaced, its 

position not being verified.

Observations were begun on December 4,1893, and continued through 

1894. On April 15 the observer reported that the river was dry, all of 

the water being used at points above for irrigation purposes. The river 

remained dry until the latter part of May, and on June 1 rose 3.5 feet, 

reaching a height of 4.6 feet on June 3. From this time the water 

gradually fell off to the first week in July, rising on July 7 to 2.6 feet. 

On August 25 the channel was again dry, a small amount of water 

coming down during the next week, following a heavy rain. It was 

practically dry until September 11, the water rising to a height of 4 

feet on September 12, and falling again rapidly, being reported dry on 

September 23. On October 19 the gage was moved into the main 

channel; it was again moved on November 26. The following table 

gives tbe readings at this point as reported, but from them it is not 

possible to distinguish the times when the water was actually flowing
40 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL.ISI.

in the stream, as the observer did not record the fact as to whether 

the water around the gage was in motion or was merely standing in 

large pools in the river channel:

Daily gage height of Arkansas Eiver at Byron, Colorado, for 1894.

Day.

1. ....... 

2........

3........ 

4........ 

5. ....... 

6........ 

7. ....... 

8........ 

9........ 

10........ 

11........

19

13........ 

14........ 

15........ 

16........ 

17........ 

18........ 

19........

9fl

91

99

23........ 

24........ 

25........ 

26........

27........ 

28........ 

29........ 

30........ 01

Jan.

0.90 

.95

.95 

1.00 

1.00 

1.05 

1.20 

1.20 

1.20 

1.20 

1.20 

1.20

1.20 

1.20 

1.20 

1.20 

1.20 

1.30 

1.30 

1.30

1 Qft

1.20

1.20 

1.20 

1.20 

1.00

1.00 

1.00 

1.30 

1.30

1 Qfi

Feb.

1.30 

1.30

1.30 

1.30 

1.30 

1.30 

1.30 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40

1.40 

1.40 

1.50 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60 

1.60 

1.40 

1.40

1.40 

1.50

Miir.

1.40 

1.60

1.40 

1.00 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.60 

.40 

.40 

.60 

60

.60 

.60 

.50 

.50 

.40 

.30 

' .30 

.30

.20

.20

.60 

.40 

.60

.50

.40 

.40 

.40 

.30

on

Apr.

0.30 

.30

.30 

.30 

.30 

.20 

.20 

.20, 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20

.20 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30 

.20 

.20 

.20

(a)

.......

....;..

May.

.......

.......

.......

.......

80 

40 

30 

30 

60

June.

3.50 

4.50

4.60 

3.50 

2.80 

2.70 

2.50 

4.20 

3.00 

2.80 

2.50 

2.40

2.10 

2.00 

2.00 

2.00 

2.00 

1.90 

> 1.90 

1.80

1.8o

1.70

1.60 

1.60 

1.40 

1.30

1.20 

1.20 

1.20 

1.20

July.

1.10 

1.00

.90 

.80 

1.30 

1.50 

2.60 

2.60 

2.60 

2.40 

2.30 

2.20

2.10 

2.00 

1.70 

1.40 

1.10 

.80 

.80 

.80

.70

.70

.60 

.50 

.50 

.50

.50 

.40 

.40 

.30 

sn

Aug.

0.50 

.40

.40 

.30 

2.00 

1.60 

.60 

.50 

. .40 

.20 

.20 

.50

.50 

.40 

.40 

.40 

.30 

.30 

.20 

.20

.10

0.00

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

.50

.40 

.30 

.10 

0.00

Sept.

0.00 

0.00

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.60 

3.80 

4.00

1.80 

1.00 

.80 

.60 

.50 

.30 

.30 

.30

.30

.20

0.00 

0 00 

0.00 

0.00

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00

Oct.

0.00 

0.00

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00 

0.00

o.oo

0.00

o.oo 

u.oo 

o.oo 

o.oo

1.00 

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.00 

.90 

.90

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90

Nov.

0.90 

.90

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.80 

.80 

.80 

.80 

.80 

.80

.80 

.80 

.80 

.80 

.90 

1.00 

1.10 

1.20

1.20

i 90

1.20 

1.20 

1.20 

.20

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20

Dec.

0.20 

.20

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20

.20

.20

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20

.20 

.20 

.20 

.30

DA

a Eiver dry from April 21 to May 27 because of water being used for irrigation.

CANADIAN BASIN, IN NEW MEXICO.

Few if any measurements have been made in this important basin,

which drains the northeastern corner of New Mexico. There is, however, a demand for information pertaining to the headwaters of this 

stream and applicable to the tributaries at points where their waters 

may be utilized. A station has therefore been established on Mora 

Eiver, at "Watrous, a point where measurements can be conducted with 

the least expense.

WATROUS STATION, ON MORA RIVER.

This station is located at the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Bailroad bridge, 1£ miles east of Watrous, N. Mex. The observer is Mr. 

Frank Flaiz, section foreman at Watrous. The station was established 

by Mr. Arthur P. Davis on October 4,1894. The gage is fastened to 

the oak timber of a retaining wall, just north of the east end of the 

bridge. The observer's house is distant from the gaging station about 

1£ miles. The gage, of pine timber, is vertical, spiked and bolted to 

the oak retaining wall, painted white, and graduated black. The character of the channel is shifting. The point 12.62 of the gage is level 

with the top of the east abutment of the bridge.
NEWELL.] BIO GRANDE, COLORADO. 41 

RIO'GRANDE BASIN, IN COLORADO, NEW MEXICO, AND TEXAS.

This drainage basin has been described in some detail in the Twelfth 

Annual Keport, Part II, Irrigation, pages 240-290. A number of the 

river stations located in 1889 have been maintained, while others have 

been established during 1894. The problems along this' river are 

largely interstate or international in character, the development of 

agriculture by irrigation in Colorado tending to reduce the amount of 

water available in New Mexico, and the increased use in New Mexico 

and Colorado apparently resulting in a diminished flow at points where 

irrigating canals in Texas and in the Republic of Mexico have been 

accustomed to take their supply. Eecords of river flow have been 

maintained under difficulties, the principal of which was the lack of

funds sufficient to induce observers to continue unbroken series of readings, and because of the impossibility of inspecting the gages and 

making check measurements at necessary times.

DEL NORTE STATION, ON THE RIO GRANDE.

Measurements and observation .3 were first begun in the vicinity of 

Del Norte in 1889, by Mr. George T. Quinby. The object of the measurements was to obtain the flow of the river before water was diverted 

for the agricultural region of the San Luis Valley, and, by a comparison of this with the figures obtained at Embudo, to acquire data as to 

the effect of the numerous ditches taking out water between the two 

points. The river 25 miles above Del Norte flows out of the canyon 

at Wagon Wheel Gap. Little water, however, is diverted until the 

edge of the San Luis Valley is reached, the largest canal heading near 

the town of Del Norte. During freshets the river divides into a number of channels, making it difficult to obtain measurements near town. 

In order to avoid the expense of establishing a station during time of 

high water, the first measurements those about June 1 were made 

from several bridges crossing the numerous branches. The results 

were not wholly satisfactory, and on June 25 a station was established 

above the branches. Later a locality about 2 miles farther up was 

chosen. Observations at this point were kept continuously from September, 1889.

The station is above all the irrigating ditches of importance. The 

river flows in one channel, about 175 feet wide and of very regular 

section. The banks on each side are steep, and the water is reported 

never to overflow. The course of the stream is straight for several 

hundred yards both above and below the section. An inclined gage 

is set, at an angle of about 30° to the horizontal, on the left bank, and 

is referred to bench marks. As noted on October 10,1891, No. 1 is a 

large nail in the root of a tree 15 feet northwest of the end of the 

cable on left bank of river. Bench mark No. 2 is a large nail in the
42 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

root of a tree 25 feet southwest of the end of the inclined gage. Both 

bench marks are 7.54 feet above the datum of the gage.

The station is equipped with a flatboat, 4 feet wide and-14 feet longr 

attached by rope and tackle to a five-eighths-inch wire cable fastened to 

a large cottonwood tree on the left bank, and to a sand anchor on the 

right bank. The inclined gage is 2 inches by 6 inches. On March 

9, 3890, the gage was carried away by the ice, and was replaced on 

March 22. A self-recording nilometer was erected at this station, but 

after trial it was found that better results could be obtained by daily 

readings.

Daily gage height of Rio Grande at Del Norte, Colorado, for 1893.

Day

1.... ..........

2..............

3..............

4... ..........

5..............

6..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

iq

14..............

1 K

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

91

22..............

93

24..............

91

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

Jan.

3.15

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3 in

3.05

3.05

3.00

3.00

2

QC

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.95

2.95

2.90

2.90

2.85

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.85

2.90

2.95

3.00

2.95

2.90

Apr.

1.80

1.85

1.90

2.05

2 9n

2.15

2.10

2.05

2.05

2.05

9 in

2.05

2.00

1.95

1.90

1.95

2.00

2.10

2.15

2.10

2.10

2.20

2.25

2.40

2.65

2.80

2.90

2.95

3.05

3.00

May.

2.80

2.75

2.70

2.65

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.70

2.80

2.85

3.00

3.35

3.80

3.90

3.95

4.20

4.40

4.90

4.90

4.85

4.85

4.75

4.85

4.80

4.65

4.40

4.25

4.20

4.10

4.25

4.35

June.

4.40

4.50

4.50

4.60

4.40

4.20

4.20

4.50

4.50

4.40

A. 3n

4.20

3.90

3.80

3.70

3.60

3.50

3.40

3 on

3 1 ^

3.00

3.00

2.90

2.80

2.75

9 7fl

2.60

2.50

July.

2.45

2.30

2.25

2 11

2 in

2.10

2.05

2.00

2.00

1.90

1 QT

2.05 9 on

2.10

2.00

1.90

1.85

1.80

1.90

1 71

1 71

1.70

1.80

1.85

.1.90

1.90

1.90 i an

1.95

Aug.

2.00

9 in

2.10

2.00

1.80

1.80

1.75

1.80

1 sft

1.75

1.70

1.70

1.65

1.65

1.70

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.80

1 sn

1.85

1.85

1.80

1.75

1.70

1.65

1.60

1.80

1 80,

1.75

1.80

Sept.

1.80

1.85

1.85

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.65

i fin

1.60

1.60

1.55

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.65

1.65

1.60

1.60

1.55

1.60

1.60

1.65

1.70

1 T\

Oct.

1.75

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.65

1.60

1.60

1.55

1.60

1.55

1.60

1.55

1.55

1.60

i.60

1.55

1.60

Nov.

1.55

1.55

1.50

1.45

1.45

1.50

1.55

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.65

2.00

2.10

9 (W

Dec.

1.85

1.50

2.00

2.20

2

CK

2.60

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.55

9 in

2.70

2.80

9 7H

2.70
NEWELL.] EIO GRANDE, COLORADO.

Daily gage height of Rio Grande at Del Norte, Colorado, for 1894.

Day.

1. ....... 

. 2........ 

3........ 

4........ 

5........ 

6........ 

7........ 

8........

9........

10........

n. .......

12........ 

13........

14........

15........ 

16........ 

17........

19

19

20........

21........

22........

23........ 

24........ 

25........

26........

97

28........ 

29........

30........ 

31........

Jan.

"2." 85" 

"2.'90" 

"2."95

"3." 6s"

3.16 "3." is"

3.00 "s.'os"

3.00

3.05

"2." 95

2.95

3.00

3.00

Feb.

3.05 

"3." 05" 

"3.66"

"Too"

2.95

 3.00 

"3.00

3.00 

"2."95

2.90

2.95

3.00 "sio'o

.......

Mar.

3.05 "3." 16" 

"3." 16" 

"3." 66"

3.00

2.95 

"2." 90

3.05

2.95

2.70

2.25 "2." is'

"2." 66"

"2" 65"

Apr.

"2." 05" 

2.66 "2." 16"

"T 26"

"2." 16"

"i'is

2.25 "i'so"

2.25

2.50

2.95

3.25

3.60

3.05

May.

"3." 16" 

"s.'so"

"3." 85"

"3." 95"

"T 26"

4.40 "3." 96"

4.10

4.60

"i." 16"

"3." 50

3.30

3.40

3.50

June.

3.50 

3.40 

"3.30 

3.30

3.10

2.90 

"2." 78

2.60 

"2."40"

2.30

2.30

2.10 "2." 66"

"i'fiV

July.

1.70 

"i'.i'o

"i'.i'o 

"i'.i'o'

1.70

1.70 "i.'eo"

1.55 

1.65

1.90

1.85

1.80

-------

"i.'eo

"i.'eo"

Aug.

i."<55 "i.'eo" 

"i.'eo" 

"i.'ss"

"i.'eo

"i.'eo

1.65

1 75

1.80

i."95 "2." 66"

1.95

1.80

1.80

Sept.

1.70 

"l.i'o'

1.80

1.90

1.70 "i.'es"

1.60

1.60

1.55

"i.'so"

Oct.

1.75 

1~85

"i.'so

"Ji.'io"

1.75

1.70 

1.65

1.60 

"i«60

1 65

1.70

1.65

"i.'eo'

"i.'eo

Nov.

"i.'eo" 

"i.'eo" 

"i.'eo' 

"i.'eo"

"i.'eo"

"l.60

1.55

1.50

1.50

1 45

"i.'so"

1.45

1.40

1.40

Dec.

"i.'ii"

"i.'eo"

1.58"

1.54

i. 58

i KB

1.80

2.02

2.18

ALAMOSA STATION, ON THE RIO CHRANDE.

This station is located at bridge 249A of the Denver and Rio Grande 

Eailroad, about one-half mile east of Alamosa, Colo. The observer is 

Mr. E. L. McKinnon, foreman of section 11. The gage is a 2 by 6 inch. 

plank, painted white, and graduated in black to tenths from a foot to 

11.3 feet. It is spiked to the west side of the third pier from the east 

end on the north side of the bridge. The point 11.25 of the scale is. 

level with the top of the pier.

EMBUDO STATION, ON THE BIO GKANDE.

Embudo is a railroad station on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad,, 

in Rio Arriba County. The station is in a narrow canyon above the 

head of the valley in which Espanola and other towns are located, and 

in which the river Chama joins the Rio Grande. In November, 1888, an 

examination was made along the main stream for the purpose of selecting a point at which the total discharge of the Rio Grande entering New 

Mexico could be ascertained. Coming from Colorado southward, thisis the first point at which the railroad reaches the river, and for this 

reason it was finally determined to establish a river station here. 

Measurements were begun at the rocky narrows, about a mile above 

the railroad station, but in the spring of 1889 the observations were 

transferred to a point directly behind the railroad station, for convenience of the observer and consequent reduction of expense.
44 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894.

The inclined gage, constructed at that time, is made of scantling, 

4 by 4 inches, spiked to posts set firmly in the ground. It is on the 

right-hand side of the river, at a place where the slopes are very gentle, and therefore is of considerable length in order to reach out to 

the low-water channel. It is graduated from about 7.30 feet, the lowwater mark, up to 16 feet. The point 3.50 would correspond approximately to the deepest part of the section. The gage is about 75 feet 

above the cable tind is in three parts, with different slopes. The cable 

is five-eighths-inch wire, with nineteen steel strands. It is fastened to 

a cedar tree on the left-hand side and to sand anchors on the right. 

Measurements were originally made from a boat held by traveling pulleys running on the cable. The boat being washed away by flood, later 

measurements "were made from a box suspended from the cable.

Bench mark No. 1 is on a rock near the end of the cable, on the lefthand bank, marked "B. M." with white paint. It is 20.66 feet above 

zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is on a rock about 100 feet above 

the cable, on the left bank of the river, and is marked "B. M." with 

white pai'nt. It is 18.79 feet above datum. Bench mark No. 3 is a 

notch cut in the southeast corner of the station house, about 2 feet 

above the level of the platform, and is 30.48 feet above datum.

Observations at this point were maintained for a number of years. 

In 1893 the record is deficient from November 4 to December 4, and in 

1894 no reports were received from March 1 to September 15. The 

station was inspected September 30, 1894, by Mr. Arthur P. Davis, 

who at that time made a measurement of discharge, showing that for a 

height of 7.7 feet the river was carrying 284 second-feet. On the next 

day a flood occurred, and .measurements were attempted^ although the 

height of water was fluctuating considerably. The computed discharge 

was 1,138 second-feet. The changes in the channel at this point are

not great, but are sufficient to vitiate the rating table.formerly used, 

.and therefore computations of discharge have not been made pending 

 construction of a better rating table.
NBWKLL.] ETO GRANDE, NEW MEXICO.

Daily gage height of Bio Grande at Embudo, New Mexico, for 1893.

45

Day.

1........

2........ 

3........ 

4........

5.'......- 

6........ 

7........

8........

10........ 

11........ 

12........ 

13........ 

14........ 

15..-.-... 

16........ 

17........ 

18........ 

19........ 

20........

21........

22........

23........ 

24........

26........ 

27........ 

28........ 

29........ 

30........

Q1

Jan.

7.90 

7.90 

8.00 

8.00

8.00 

8.00 

8.05 

8.05

8.05 

8.00 

8.00 

7.95 

7.90 

7.95 

8.00 

8.00 

7.95 

7.90 

7 85

7 on

7.95 

7.95

8.00 

8.00 

8.00 

8.00 

8.00

Feb.

8.15 

8.15 

8.15 

8.05

8.15 

8.25 

8.20 

8.15 

8.20

8.25 

8.30 

8.20 

8.30 

8.30 

8.10 

8.05 

8.15 

8.20 

8.25

8 9^

Q OK

8

0E

8.20 

8.20 

8 10

8.20 

8.20 

8.00

Mar.

8.05 

8.05 

8.20 

8.30

8.30 

8.25 

8.30 

8.30 

8.35

8.40 

8.25 

8.15 

8.20 

8. -M 

8.40 

8.25 

8.20 

8.25 

8.35 

8.40

0 E.X.

8 7ft

8.70 

8.70 

8.65

8.50 

8.40 

8.40 

8.40 

8.55 

8.65

Apr.

8.75 

8.85 

9.10 

9.25

9.35 

9.45 

9.60 

9.70 

9.75

9.65 

9.60 

9.50 

9.45 

9.30 

9.20 

9.10 

9.05 

9.00 

9.10 

9.20

9

At\

9

KK

9.60 

9.85 

10.40

10.55 

10.55 

10.40 

10.30 

10. .35

May.

10.65 

10.55 

10.20 

10.00

9.90 

10100 

10.15 

10.05 

9.90

9.75 

9.65 

9.70 

10.25 

11.05 

11.65 

11.70 

11.75 

11.90 

12.40 

12.65

12.60

12.45

12.20 

11.85 

11.55

11.40 

11.40 

11.50 

11.35 

11.30 

11.35

June.

11.50 

11.60 

11.60 

11.60

11. 60 

11.60 

11.50 

11.30 

11.30

11.50 

11.60 

11.60 

11.50 

11.20 

11.10 

10.90 

10.60 

10.40 

10.30 

10.10

9.90

9.60 

9.40 

9.15

8.95 

8.80 

8.70 

8.60 

8.45

July.

8.25 

8.15 

8.00

7.85

7.75 

7.70 

7.60 

7.60 

7.60

7.55 

9.30 

7.70 

7.50 

7.45 

7.40 

7.40 

7.35 

7.35 

7.35 

7.30

7.35

7.50

7.40

7.45 

7.50

7.55 

7.80 

7.50 

7.40 

7.45 

7.60

Aug.

7.70 

8.50 

8.50 

7.80

7.75 

7.60 

7.55 

7.60 

7.65

7.55 

7.50 

7.45 

7.40 

7.40 

7.40 

7.40 

7.40 

7.50 

7.45 

7.70

7.65

7.70

7.60 

7.55 

7.60

7.60 

7.70 

8.20 

7.80 

7.85 

8.05

Sept.

7.90 

7.80 

7.75 

8.00

7.90 

7.80 

7.85 

7.85 

7.80

7.80 

7.80 

7.75 

7.70 

7.75 

7.70 

7.70 

7.75 

7.95 

7.85 

7.85

7.85

7.80

7.80 

7.80 

7.80

7.80 

8.15 

8.25 

8.25 

8.20

Oct.

8.20 

8.15 

8.20 

8.20

8.20 

8.15 

8.20 

8.10 

8.05

8.10 

8.05 

8.00 

8.00 

8.05 

8.05 

8.00 

8.00 8.00- 

8.00 

8.00

8.00

8.00

8.05 

8.00 

8.00

8.00 

8.00 

8.00 

8.00 

8.00 

8.00

Nov.

8.00 

8.00 

7.95 

7.95

.......

Dec.

"8."02"

8.01 

7.98 

7.98 

8.01 

8.00

7.98 

7.97 

7.97 

7.95 

7.98 

8.00 

7.96 

7.95 

7.94 

7.92 

7.93

7.93

7.95

7.94 

7.95 

7.95

7.95 

7.94 

7.95 

7.94 

7.95 

7.92

Daily gage height of Rio Grande at Embndo, N. Mex., for 1894.

Day.

1. ......

2. ......

4.......

5....... 

6.......

1. ......

8....... 

9

10.......

12.......

13....... 

14....... 

15.......

16.......

Jan,

7.95

7.95 

7.95

8.00 

7.95 

7.95

7.95 

7.95 

7.95

7.90 

7.90

7.90

7.90 

7.90 

7.90

7 Oft

Feb.

7.95

7.95 

7.95

7.95 

7.95

7 Q1

7.95 

7.95 

7.95

7.95 

7.90

7.90

7.95 

8.00 

8.00

8.00

Sept.

......

......

......

......

7.10

Oct.

9.55

8.08 

8.05

8.03 

8.02 

8.01

8.00 

7.09 

7 no

7.08 

7.08

7.08

7.08 

7.08

7 ftft

7 ftft

Nov.

7.08

7.08 

7.08

7.08 

7.08

7 Oft

7.08 

7.09 

7.08

7.08 

7.09

7.09

7.09 

7.09 

7.09

7 no

Dec.

8.00

8.00 

8.00

7.09 

7.09 

8.00

7.09 

7.09 

7.09

7.09 

7.09

8.00

8.00 

8.00 

8.01

8.01

Day.

17........

.18........ 

19........

20........ 

21........ 

22........

23........ 

24........ 

25........

26........ 

27........

28........

29........ 

30........ 

31........

Jan.

7.95

7.95 

7.95

7.95 

7.95

7 0^

7.95 

7.95 

7.95

7.95 

8.00

8.00

7.95 

7.95

7 QT

Feb.

8.00

8.00 

8.00

8.05 

8.00 

8.00

8.00 

8.00 

8.00

8.00 

8.00

8.00

Sept.

7.10

7.10 

7.10

7.10 

7.10

......

"7.i6"

Oct.

7 oa

7.08 

7.09

"7."08~ 

7.08

7.09 

8.03 

8.04

8.04 

7.08

7.08

7.08 

7.08 

7.08

Nov.

8.00

8.00 

8.00

7.09 

7.09 

7 09

8.00 

8.00 

8.00

7.09 

7.09

7.09

8.00 

8.00

Dec.

8.00

7.09

8 O9

8.01 

8.00

8 01

8.01 

8.03 

801

8.00

7.09 

7.09 

7 09

WATER TANK STATION, ON THE RIO GRANDE.

This station is located about one-fourth of a mile above Water 

Tank, a section on the Santa Fe Southern Bailroad, below Espanola. 

It was established by Messrs. Arthur P. Davis aud P. E. Harroun on 

February 1,1895. The observer is Mr. Thomas Dupre, section foreman, 

whose house is distant from the gaging station about one-fourth of a 

mile. The inclined portion of the gage is marked from 3.5 feet to 

10.6 feet; the vertical portion from 10.6 feet to 16 feet. The inclined 

part of the gage is braced with wood and anchored with stones. The
46 PEOGEESS EEPOET, HYDEOGEAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

upper part is set in the ground, leaning against a huge bowlder, aud 

is held in that position by wire, well tightened. The highest point of 

the bowlder is marked with a black cross, and is 6.815 feet above the 

11-foot mark. Measurement was made from gaging box suspended 

from cable placed across just above the gage. The channel is sandy 

-and shifting.

SAN MAROIAL STATION, ON THE EIO GEANDE.

'This station is located about one-half mile south of San Marcial, 

N. Mex., at the bridge of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Kailroad. 

It was established by Mr. Arthur P. Davis on January 29, 1895. The 

observer is Mr. Bert Halseth, San Marcial, E". Mex., whose house is 

about one-half mile distant. The gage is of hard pine timber, 9 by 5 

inches by 25 feet, anchored and bolted to the east end of the second 

pier from the south. It is inclined and painted white. The distance 

between the footmarks is 1.6 feet. The 13-foot mark is level with the 

extension of the pier, to which the gage is anchored. The 15-foot 

mark is level with the top of the capstone on which the bridge truss 

rests. The shifting channel is of sand and mud. Measurements were 

made from the same bridge. On August 8, 1889, a station was established near San Marcial, and a measurement was made which gave 

a discharge of 19 second-feet. Soon after this date, however, the river 

gage was destroyed and the locality was abandoned until 1895.

EL PASO STATION, ON THE EIO GRANDE.

This station is located at the pump house of the smelting works near 

the station "Town," on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, 

1£ miles above Old Fort Bliss. . It was established on January 24, 

1895, by Mr. Arthur P. Davis. The observer is Mr. 0. T. Pelham, of El 

Paso, Tex. The distance from the gage to the pump house is about 50 

feet. The gage is of 4 by 6 inch timber, inclined, bolted to solid rock; 

is 24 feet long, and is continued upward on a 2 by 4 inch by 12-foot 

piece. The distance between the footmarks is 2.9 feet. The bench mark 

is an iron core in the center of the masonry monument that marks 

the corner of the smelter company's land, on a rock knoll just above 

the gage. It is 8.04 feet above the 11-foot mark on the gage. Measurement was made from a cable just below the gage.

The first river station on the Eio Grande near El Paso was at Old 

Port Bliss, about 1,500 fe'et above the Mexican dam. Observations and 

measurements were made here from May 10,1889, until the end of June, 

1893, except at times when the river was dry. Later, during a sudden 

 flood, the gage was deeply buried in mud, and on the abandonment of 

Old Fort Bliss the river rods and equipment were stolen, necessitating
NEWELL,] RIO GKANDE, TEXAS. 47

the refurnishing of a new station. The following rating table and list 

of discharges apply to the old station:

Eating table for Rio Grande at El Paso, Texas.

Gage 

height.

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4=80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

25

30

35

40

45

50

57

66

80

96

116

140

170

210

 260

320

390

470

560

660

Gage 

height.

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

7.00

7.10

7.20

7.30

7.40

7.50

7.60

7.70

7.80

7.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

770

890

1,040

1,240

1,500

1,785

2,070

2,355

2,640

2,925

3,210

3,495

3,780

4,065

4,350

4,635

4,920

5,205

5,490

5,775

Gage 

height.

8.00

8.10

8.20

8.30

8.40

8.50

8.60

8.70

8.80

8.90

9.00

9.10

9.20

9.30

9.40

9.50

9.60

9.70

9.80

9.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

6,060

6,345

6,630

6,915

7,200

7, 485

7,770

8,055

8,340

8,625

8,910

9,195

9,480

9,765

10, 050

10,335

10, 620

10, 910

11, 200

11, 490

Gage 

height.

10.00

10.10

10.20

10.30

10.40

10.50

10.60

10.70

10.80

10.90

11.00

11.10

11.20

11.30

11.40

11.50

11.60

11.70

11.80

11. 90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

11,780

12,070

12, 360

12, 650

12, 950

13, 250

13, 550

13, 850

14, 150

14, 450

14, 750

15, 050

15, 360

15, 670

15, 980

16, 300

16, 620

Daily gage height of Rio Grande at. El Paso, Texas, for 1S9S.

Day.

1. ...... 

2. ...... 

3....... 

4....... 

5....... 

6....... 

7....... 

8.......

9....... 

10....... 

11....... 

12....... 

13.......

14....... 

15....... 

16.......

Jan.

5.00

5.65" 

5.15 

5.05 

5.04 

5.05

5.10 

5.05 

5.10 

5.05 

5.10

5.10 

5.00 

5.10

Feb.

4.95 

4.90 

5.10 

4.90 

4.80 

4.80 

4.70 

4.65

4.65 

5.05 

5.10 

5.05 

4.95

5.00 

5.15 

5.25

Mar.

5.05 

5.05 

5.05 

5.00 

5.05 

5.00 

4.90

Apr.

------

- 5." 70"

5.80 

6.10 

7.10

May.

6.80 

6.60 

6.90 

7.40 

8.10 

7.85 

7.25 

6.80

6.75 

6.80 

6.95 

6.95 

6.40

6.35 

5.90 

6.00

June.

5.90 

5.90 

5.80 

5.80 

5.65 

5.60 

5.55 

5.50

5.60 

5. 55 

5.50 

5.45 

5.20

5.20 

5.05 

5.10

. Day.

17........

18........ 

19........ 

20........ 

21........ 

22........ 

23........ 

24. .......

25........ 

26........ 

27.... .. 

28........ 

29........

30........ 

31........

Jan.

5.05 

5.05 

5.05 

5.05 

5.05 

5.05 

5.00 

5.10

5.10 

5.20 

5.20 

5.25 

5.20

5.10 

5.05

Feb.

5.20 

5.30 

5.55 

5.50 

5.40 

5.20 

5. 15 

5.10

5.10 

5.05 

5.00 

5.05

......

Mar.

......

 -" 

Apr.

7.05 

7.00 

6.00 

5.80 

5.60 

5.40 

5.05 

4.85

6.10 

6.10 

6.00 

6.30 

6.95

7.00

May.

7.30 

8.15 

8.10 

8.10 

8.10 

7.95 

7.95 

8.00

8.20 

7.90 

7.10 

6.90 

6.60

6.35 

6.05

June.

5.10 

5.10 

5.00 

4.75 

4.70 

4.65 

4.50 

4.25

4.20 

4.20 

4.05 

4.05 

4.00

3.90-

COLORADO BASIN; IN COLORADO, UTAH, AND ARIZONA.

The system of great rivers which drains the interior of the continent 

and discharges through the Colorado into the Gulf of California is one 

of the most interesting and at the same time one of the least apparent 

value to the needs of mankind. As a whole the basin is characterized 

by deep gorges and stupendous canyons, in whose narrow bottoms the 

streams glide swiftly to the sea. The possible water power is very 

great, but its probable utilization at present is little short of chimerical. 

Although a considerable amount of water is discharged from the basin 

and flows near lands possessing great fertility, yet a relatively small 

amount can be diverted for irrigation of the soil, owing to the depths 

to which the flowing waters have cut the channel. It is only near the 

headwaters that the streams can be utilized to water agricultural lands.
48 PEOGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND-1894. [BULL.IDI.

Series of measurements have been begun on some of the more important tributaries, viz, at Grand Junction, Oolo.; at Blake and Helper, 

Utah j at Arizona Dam, above Phcenix, Ariz., and on the main Colorado 

itself at Tuma, these being mainly for the purpose of obtaining data of 

general value rather than of local application in questions of immediate 

water supply.

GRAND JUNCTION STATION, ON GUNNISON RIVER.

This station is located at the pump house of the Denver and Eio 

Grande Railroad, 1 mile from town, beyond the railroad bridge across 

Grand Eiver. It was established on October 19,1894, by Mr. Arthur 

P. Davis. The observer is Mr. Frank Adair, engineer at the pump 

house. The gage is of pine timber, vertical, 5 by 5 inches, fastened 

to bolts set in the stone wall of the pump house. It is painted white 

and black. The discharge on October 18, 1894, for a height of 1.25 

feet was 748 second-feet.

G-RAND JUNCTION STATION, ON GRAND RIVER.

This station is located at the north end of the wagon bridge across 

Grand Eiver at Grand Junction, on the west side of the first abutment. It was established by Mr. Arthur P. Davis, on October 18,1894. 

The observer is Mr. B. W. Vedder, engineer of the city waterworks. The 

station is distant from, the pump house about 300 feet. The gage is 

vertical, of 4 by 6 inch pine timber, and is fastened to bolts set in the 

stone abutment. The timber and gage are painted white and graduated in black. The point 11.95 of the gage is level with the sandstone coping on which the bridge truss rests. Measurements made 

from the wagon bridge on October 18, 1894, gave for a height of 0.6 

feet a discharge of 1,585 second-feet.

BLAKE STATION, ON GREEN RIVER.

This station is located one-half mile east of Blake, Utah, at the 

bridge of the Eio Grande Western Eailroad, northeast corner, middle 

pier. It was established on October 20,1894, by Mr. Arthur P. Davis. 

The observer is Mr. Frank Jacobs, engineer at the pump house. The 

station is distant from the pump house about 100 feet. The gage is 

vertical, of pine timber, 8 by 8 inches by 24 feet, fastened to bolts set 

in the stone pier and bolted to the iron tension piece. The scale is 

nailed to a timber. The 18-foot mark on gage is 3 feet below the top 

of the pier. The river was measured October 21,1894, from the ferry 

just above the bridge, showing for a height of 1.98 feet a discharge of 

3,035 second-feet.

HELPER STATION, ON PRICE RIVER.

This station is located at the wagon bridge, 1 mile west of Helper, 

Utah, 50 yards south of the railroad track. It was established by Mr. 

Arthur P. Davis on October 23, 1894. The observer is Mr. Patrick
NEWELL.I . SALT RIVER, ARIZONA. 49

Liston, section foreman. The distance of the gaging station from the 

section house is 1 mile. The gage, of oak timber, is vertical, and is 

spiked to the north abutment on the west side of the bridge. It is 

painted white and black. The channel is rocky. The point 7.63 of 

the gage is level with the top timber of the abutment. The currentmeter measurements are taken from the same bridge. The discharge 

on October 22,1894, was 34 second-feet.

ARIZONA DAM, ON SALT RIVER.

Computations of the discharge of Salt Eiver for a number of years 

have been made, based upon measurements of water entering the Arizona Canal and flowing over the dam at its head. This dam, about 30 

miles east of Phrenix, Ariz., is described and figured in the Thirteenth 

Annual Eeport of the Survey, Part III, Irrigation, pages 221-224. The

results of the estimates prepared by Mr. Samuel Davidson and his successors have been given in annual reports of the Survey, but those for 

1893 and 1894, if prepared, have not been given out by the company.

A number of attempts have been made by this Survey to obtain accurate measurements of the flow of the Gila Eiver and its tributaries, but 

owing to the unsettled condition of the country and the difficulty and 

expense of transportation it has been found impracticable to continue 

the work, since with the amount available far larger results could be 

obtained elsewhere. On May 11, 1889, Mr. W. A. Fari.sh, assistant 

hydrographer, was sent to Arizona to establish a gaging station, and 

he continued in charge of this work until the end of August, 1890. 

During that time he placed a number of rain gages, which were, on 

September 24,1890, transferred to the Signal Service, and later passed 

into the charge of the Weather Bureau. He also began observations 

of evaporation at Tempe, Yuma, and other localities. A reconnaissance 

was made for the purpose of selecting favorable points for measuring 

the rivers, but no place suitable for continuous measurements was found 

on Salt Eiver below the junction with the Verde. About one-half mile 

above the junction of these two streams there were found localities where 

work might be done, but unfortunately it was almost impossible to 

secure a person to make observations of river height. In July, 1889, a 

station was located on the Salt above the mouth of the Verde, about 2 

miles from the Arizona Canal.

An examination of Verde Eiver was made in August, up to Fort 

McDowell, but no suitable cross section was found. At McDowell the 

river is almost 1,000 feet wide. The bed is sandy, and is divided into 

a number of channels or sloughs. About 12 miles above the fort the 

river emerges from a box canyon, but no person was found in that 

locality to make observations of river height. The section selected, 

near the mouth of the Verde Eiver, appeared to be the only feasible 

locality, and gave fair results up to 4-foot rise of the water. At this 

stage the stream overflowed into back channels. 

Bull. 131 4
50 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894, .BULL-ISI.

On August 26, 1889, measurements were begun on the Gila Eiver 

about 18 miles above Florence, at a point where the river is confined 

between steep banks. At that time all of the rivers were low, but 

subject to fluctuations following rainfall upon the mountains. An 

examination was made of the Gila below the junction of the Salt as 

far as the Bend. The bed throughout continued of the same sandy 

character as above the junction, the water running in sloughs, forming 

innumerable sand bars in low water, and in time of flood spreading 

out to a width of from 1,000 to 3,000 feet.

Difficulty was experienced in obtaining observers at the points named, 

-as the persons living sufficiently near to take observations were careless or neglected to make frequent readings of the gage. After a few 

months' experience it was decided that the only way by which accurate 

results could be obtained was to go into the mountains, locate stations 

near the lower end of suitable canyons, and employ a man to stay at 

the selected points. Later an attempt was made to establish a station 

below the junction of the Salt and Verde, about 1£ miles below Arizona 

Dam and 400 yards above the Highland Canal. The river banks at 

this point are about 1.3 feet above low water, and the channel during 

high water is 585 feet wide. On November 25 the attempt was made 

to put a cable across the river. Supports were built, and on December 4 the cable was about in place, when a sudden flood in the river, 

coming without warning, swept away the steel cable and supports and 

buried them under vast quantities of drift. Sudden storms of this 

character, known locally as " cloudbursts," are not unusual in this part 

of the country, and the streams are at all times liable to these fluctuations, rendering it impossible to make measurements from boats, as the 

current at such times is very rapid and large numbers of tree trunks 

and pieces of heavy drift wood are brought down.

In January, 1890, a river station was established on Gila Eiver at

Buttes, 15 miles above Florence, and attempts made to secure an 

accurate series of measurements. From observations taken at this 

point the mean daily discharge of the river was computed from August 

26,1889, to August 30,1890. Occasional readings at a later date enabled computations to be made in December, 1890, and in January and 

February, 1891. From this camp on the Gila Eiver, above Florence, 

measurements were made of the discharge of San Pedro Eiver near 

Dudley ville, and of other streams.

At intervals during succeeding years Mr. Farish made a number of 

measurements of streams in Arizona, and he reports that during the 

summer of 1893 a series of observations were made on the Salt and 

Verde rivers. These measurements extend from May to September.
NEWELL.] VERDE EIVER, ARIZONA. 51

Daily mean gaye height and discharge of the Verde River for 1893.

Day.

1.....................

6.. ....................

7.....................

9

.

10.....................

13 .....................

19

13.....................

14.....................

15.....................

16.....................

17.....................

18.....................

19.....................

90

May.

Gage 

height.

21 ! ___--_

22.....................

o-j

24.....................

or

26.....................

27.....................

OQ

on

«m

01

Q 7(1

3.60 

3.65 

3.60 

3.60

3.60 

3.60

3.60

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

243 

234 

212

217

June.

Gage 

height.

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.60 

3.55 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50

3.55 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.45 

3.45 

 3.45 

3.45 

3.45 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.45 

3.45 

3.40

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

225 

192 

167 

164 

159 

150 

171 

138 

146 

144 

167 

184 

169 

186 

147 

145 

158 

153 

135 

146 

154 

159 

162 

154 

145 

132

July.

Gage 

Lei glit.

3.40 

3.45

3.45 

3.45 

3.45 

3.45 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.45 

3.55 

3.55 

3.50 

3.50 

3.50 

3.90 

4.40 

(a) 

3.80 

4.10 

3.80 

4.10 

6.30 

5.40 

4.70 

4.40 

4.10 

4.00 

3.85

Discharge.

Sec. feet. 

315 

122 

122 

125 

129 

118 

131 

129 

127 

115 

133 

126 

167 

167 

121 

141 

141 

260 

288

271

August.

Gage 

height.

3.80 

4.40 

4.00 

4.40 

4.00 

3.90 

4.50 

4.00 

3.90 

3.85 

3.80 

3.70 

3.70 

4.10 

4.00 

4.55 

5.50 

5.20 

5.20 

5.15

5.00 

5.50 

5.20

Discharge.

See. feet.

 "

a Gage slipped. 

YUMA STATION, ON COLORADO RIVER.

This station is located at the Southern Pacific Eailroad bridge across 

the Colorado Eiver at Yuina, Ariz. Kecords have been kept here since 

April, 1878. The locality was examined by Mr. Arthur P. Davis on 

Jan nary 17,1895. The observer is the bridge watchman at Yuma. The 

gaging station is about 700 feet distant from the watchman's house. 

The gage is fastened to a tall pile about 100 feet east of the north end 

of the bridge. It is vertical, is divided into feet and' inches from about 

15 feet up, and at low water is dry, so that another gage, for low 

water, is placed on the west end of the southern pier, and can be read 

from the bank. Measurements of discharge were made from the same 

bridge. This is a fairly good cross section ordinarily, but at the time 

visited, on the above-named date, was broken up with false work for 

repairs then in progress. The computed discharge was 9,737 secondfeet.
52 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894.. [BULL. 131. 

Daily gage height of Colorado Elver at Tuma, Arizona, for 1894.

Day.

1. .......

0

3........

4........

5........

6........

8........

9........

10........

11........

12........

13........ 

14........

15........

16.......

17........

38. .......

19........

20........

21........

22........

23........ 

24........

25........

26........

27........ 

28........

'29........

30........

31........

Jan.

17. 00

16.67

16.50

16.42 

16.42 

16.42

16.58

16.92 

17.00

17.08

16. 83

16.92 

16.83

16.58

16.42

16.25

16.16

16. CO

15.92

15.83

15.83

15. 83 

15.83

15. 92

16.00

16.25 

16.33

16.42

16.58

16.58

Feb.

16. 58

16.67

16. 67

16.58

16.58 

16.58 

16.83

17.00

17.00 

17.00

17.00

16.92

16.92 

1(5.83

16.83

16.75

16. 92

16.83

16.83

16.75

16.83

16.83

16. 83 

16.75

16.67

16.58

16.58 

16.50

.......

Mar.

16.42

16.75

16.92

17.00

17.00 

17.08 

17.00

17. 16

17.25 

17.08

16.92

17.00

16.92 

16.92

16.92

16.92

17.00

16.92

17.25

17.42

17.33

17.25

17.25 

17.25

17.58

18.42

18. 33 

18.16

1.8. 08

18.16

18.33

Apr.

18.33

18.25

18.00

17.92

17.92 

17.92 

18.00

18.00

18.08 

18.06

18.16

18.33

18.50 

18.42

18.33

18.00

18.00

18.00

18.00

18.33

18. 25

18.16

18.16 

18. 50

18.83

19.08

19.50 

19.33

19.42

19.33

May.

19.42

19.58

19.67

20.75

20.92 

21.00 

21.00

20.92

20.67 

20.50

20.33

20.50

20. 83 

21.50

21.08

22.42

22.50

22.58

22.75

23.08

23.25

23.42

23. 33 

23. 16

23.00

23.08

23.16 

23. 33

23.42

23.16

23. 08

June.

22, 83

22.75

22.83

22. 83

23.00 

23.00 

23.08

23.16

23.16 

23.25

23.25

23.33

23.58 

23.67

23.67

23.33

23.00

22.67

22.25

22.16

21.83

21. 67

21.50 

21.16

21.00

20. 75

20.58 

20.50

20.25

20. 16

July.

20.25

20.33

20.25

20.25

20.08 

20.00 

19.83

19. 83

19.67 

19.67

19.67

19.67

19.83 

20. 25

20.16

19.83

19.67

19. 75

19.75

19.50

19.42

19.33

19.33 

19.50

19.67

19.67

19.50 

19.58

19.67

19.50

19.42

Aug.

19.42

19. 42

19.42

19.33

19.33 

19.25 

19.25

19.33

19.25 

19.33

19.33

19.33

19.25 

19.33

19.25

19.42

19.16

19.25

19.25

19.16

19.00

19.00

18.83 

18.83

18.75

18.75

38.75 

18.92

19.00

19.16

19.25

Sept.

19.00

19.16

19.42

19.42 

19. 25 

18.92

18.67

18.67 

18.67

is f»n

18.67

18.08 

18.67

18.58

18.67

18.50

18.42

18.67

18.67

18.50

18.50

18.67 

18.58

18.58

18.50

18.42 

18.42

18.42

18.33

Oct.

18.42

18.42

18.33

18.33

18.25 

18.33 

18.33

18.33

18.33 

18.50

18. 50

18.42

18.50 

18.67

18. 67

18.58

18.58

18.58

18.58

18.50

18.67

18.67

18.67 

18.58

18. 67

18.67

18.75 

18.75

18.75

18.75

18.75

Nov.

18.75

18.75

18.75

18.83

18.83 

19.16 

19.16

19.08

19.08 

19.00

18.83

18.83

18.75 

18.58

18.58

18.58

18.58

18.50

18.50

18.58

18.58

18.58

18.50 

18.58

18.67

18. 58

18.58 

18.50

18.50

18.50

Dec.

is RH

18.50

18.58

18.58

18.58 

18.67 

18.67

18.67

18.67 

18.67

18.67

18. 67

18.67 

18.83

18.83

18.83

18.92

18.83

18.92

18.83

18.75

18.67

18.67 

18.75

18.75

18.67

19.08 

19.00

18.92

18.80

INTERIOR BASIN, IN NEVADA, UTAH, AND IDAHO.

This great basin, includes an area of 216,872 square miles, mainly in 

the State of Nevada, extending southerly into California, easterly into 

Utah, and northerly into Idaho and Oregon. The principal rivers are 

upon the east, in Utah, draining the Wasatch Mountains, and ultimately losing their waters in the Great Salt Lake. On the west are 

the rivers flowing down the steep easterly slope of the high Sierra 

Nevada, and iu the center of the basin is the Humboldt. In tlie past a 

considerable number of measurements have been made upon the rivers 

of Utah and Nevada, and during 1893 and 1894 a few of the river 

stations previously established were maintained and others were 

located. In the following pages figures and descriptions are given 

briefly for the station at Golconda, on the Humboldt j at Battle Creek 

and Collinston, on the Bear, and at Uintah, Provo, and Leamington, 

in Utah.

GOLCONDA STATION, ON HUMBOLDT RIVER.

This station is located near Golconda, Humboldt County, Nev., being 

distant from the home of the observer, Mr. L. Dutertre about If miles. 

The gage is a pine board, inclined, firmly spiked to posts driven well 

into the bank, and graduated to feet and tenths. The river channel is 

through earth ; the banks are steep and moderately stable, and the 

channel is almost straight for 400 or 500 feet. The bed of the channel 

is of sand and gravel. There are two bench marks on the west side
NEWELL.] BEAR RIVER, IDAHO. 53

of the river. One is on a hub 2 by 4 inches, about 20 feet from the 

gage. This hub is flush with the surface of the ground, is driven 2.5 

feet, and is 10.55 feet above zero of the gage. The second is on a 

heavy spike driven into the side of an 8 by 8 inch post, to which the 

west end of the heavy wire across the river is fastened. This post is 

set 3.5 feet in the ground. The elevation of this bench mark is 13.70 

feet above zero of the gage. .

BATTLE CREEK STATION, ON BEAR RIVER.

Measurements of Bear Eiver were begun at this place on October 11, 

1889, a station being established by Mr. T. M. Bannon near the point 

where the Utah and Northern Eailroad formerly crossed the river and 

turned northwesterly on the way to Pocatello, Idaho. This locality is 

below the canyons and above Cache Yalley, being about 10 miles north 

of the Utah-Idaho boundary. The name is from that of a small creek 

which enters Bear Eiver from the right-hand side. Computations of 

discharge at this point give the quantity of water coming from. Idaho 

into Utah -through Bear Eiver, this being available for use at points 

below. No canals are taken from the river itself for a considerable 

distance above, though the waters of several of the tributaries are 

diverted in southern Idaho.

A number of discharge measurements were made during 1890 and 

1891, furnishing data for a rating curve for this station as given below. 

This has not been verified for 1893 and 1894, so that its applicability is 

in doubt. The benchmarks as originally established are as follows: 

No. 1 is on the west end of cap of first bent of piling of approach on 

west side of river, and is 10.54 feet above zero of gage. No. 2 is on 

the southeast corner of the house of Mr. John Murdoch, the observer, 

about 1£ feet from the ground, on the fourth log. It is 10.95 feet above 

zero. The gage is nailed to one of the bridge piers, and the cable is 

200 feet west.

On April 29,1891, Mr. Frank Tweedy established a new benchmark 

in the forks of a double lone cottonwood tree on the north side of the 

river, about 100 feet from the bank of the river, and 200 feet above 

the railroad bridge. This is 8.90 feet above zero of gage.

The station was inspected on October 29,1894, by Mr. Arthur P. 

Davis. He found the cable too slack for use in measuring and the tag 

wire missing. The latter he replaced by using 250 feet of barbed wire, 

and after tightening up the cable made a discharge measurement from 

a suspended box, obtaining for a height of 1.90 feet a quantity of 980 

second-feet.
54 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL.ISI. 

Eating table for Bear River at Battle Creek, Idaho.

Gage 

height.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

350

430

510

600

690

780

880

980

1,090

1,200

1,310

Gage 

height.

2.10

2.20

2.30.

2.10

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

1,420

1,540

1,660

1, 780

1,910

2,. 040

2,170

2,300

2,440

2,580

2: 720

Gage 

height.

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00-

4.10

4.20

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

2,870

3,030

3,200

3,380

3,570

3,760

3,960

4,160

4,370

4,590

4,810

Gage 

height.

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

5, 030

5,260

5,500

5,740

5,980

6,230

6,480

6,730

Daily gage height of Bear River at Battle Creek, Idaho, for 1893.

Day.

1........

2........

3........ 

4........

5........ 

6........

7........ 

8........ 

9........ 

10........ 

11........

12........

1 3

14........

15........

16........ 

17........

18........

19........

20........ 

21........

22........

23........

94

9>i

26........

27........

28........

29........ 

30........ 01

Jan.

1.60

1.60

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60 

1.60

1.60

1 60

1.60 

1 fin

1.60

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1 70

1.70 

1.70 

1.70

Feb.

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.70 

1.70 

1.70 

1.70 

1.70 

1.70 

1.70 

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.50

1.50 

1.50

1.50

i f;n

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1 *\(\

1.50

I

Kn

1.50

1.50

1.50

Mar.

1.50

i Ift

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50

i *in

1.50

1 Cfi

1.50

1 t\Cl

1.50

i f\n

1.50 

i 5ft

1.50

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.70

1 90.

1.90 

2.00 

2.00

Apr.

2 1 n

2

OA

2.20 

2.30 

2.40 

2.45 

2.50 

2.50 

2.50 

2.50 

2.60

2.60

2.60

2 fin

2.60 

2 60

2.60

2.70

2.80

2

QC

2.90

2 on

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.10

3.10 

3.10

May.

3 10

3.10

3.20 

3.20 

3.20 

3.20 

3.20 

3.25 

3.30 

3.30

3 3ft

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.50

S

en

3.60

Q 7ft

3.70

3 7H

3.80

3

QA

3.80

O Qfi

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80 

3.70

Q 7ft

June.

3 fift

3.60

3.60 

3.70 

3.70 

3.70 

3.70 

3.80 

3.80 

3.80

3 Oft

3 7fi

3.70

3 fift

3.60 

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.60 

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.50

3.40

3.40

3.30

3.20 

3.20

July.

3 1ft

'3.00

3.00 

2.90 

2.80 

2.70 

2.70 

2.60 

2.50 

2.50 

2.40

2 Of)

2 Of)

2.20

2 9ft

2.10

2 1 A

2.00

2.00

1.90 

1 90

1.80

i sn

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.60 

1.60 

1 60

Aug.

1.60

i Hft

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

i ^n

1.50 

i ^n

1.50

1.50

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

i in

1.50

i Kft

1.40

1.40 

1.40 

1.40

Sept.

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1 40

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.40

Oct.

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 1.40' 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.50

1.50

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50 

1.50 

i fin

Nov.

1 60

1.60

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

.1. 60 

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60 

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1 fiO

1.70

1.70 

1.70

Dec.

1.80

1.80

"i.'so"

1.80

1.70

.1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.70 

1.70
NEWELL.] BEAR EIVER.

Daily gage height of Bear River at Battle Creek, Idaho, for 1S94.

55

Day.

2........

4........

5........

6........

7. .......

8........

<1 

10........

11........

12........

13.........

14........

15........

16........

17........

18........

19........

20........

21........

22........

23........

24........

25........ 

26........ 

27........

98

29........

30........

31........

Jan.

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.70 

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

Feb.

a 1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.70

L.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1,70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.70 

1.70

1.70

.......

Mar.

1.70

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80 i oft

1.90

1.90 

1.90

1 90

2.00

2.10

2.10

9 in

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.10

2.20

2.10

2.00

1.90

2.00 

2.10 

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

Apr.

2.80

3.70

3.90

4.10

4.40

4.40

4.40 

4.20

4.00

3.80

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

9 Kft

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.70

3.70 

3.80 

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80

May.

3.00

3 on

4.00

4.10

4.10

4.20

4.20 

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.60

4.60

4.70

4.70

4.80

4.90

A on

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30 

5.30 

5.30

5.30

5.40

5.40

5.50

June.

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.50

5

A(\

5.40

5.40

5.40 

5.40

5.33

5.33

5.20

5.10

5.00

4.90

4.80

4.70

4.60

4.40

4.30

4.20

4.10

4.00

3.90 

3.80 

3.75

3.65

3.50

3.35

July.

3.30

3.20

3.10

3. CO

2.90

2.80

2.70

2.70

2.70 

. 2.70

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.30 

2.30 

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.10

Anfi.

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00 

1.90

i ar\

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.80

1.80 i on

1.80

1.80

1.80

1 Qfl

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80 

1.80 

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

Sept.

1.80

1.80

1.90

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.10

2.10 

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.00 

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

Oct.

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2 no

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00

1.90

1.90

1 90

1.90

1 Qft

1.90

1.90

1 Qfl

1 on

1.90

1.90

1.90

].90 

1.90 

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

jNTov.

1 90

1 90

1.90

1 Qfl

1 90

1.90

1.90 

1.90

1 90

1 90

1.80 i sn

i 8n

1 on

1.80

1.80

1.80

i go

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80 

1.80 

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

Dec.

1 Sft

I

ftn

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.70 . 

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

a Frozen. 

COLLINSTON STATION, ON BEAR RIVER.

This station is situated at the lower end of the canyon below the 

Cache Valley, Utah, and about 7 miles from the railroad station of 

Oollinston, on the Utah and Northern Railroad. It was established 

in July, 1889, by Mr. T. M. Bannon, the object being to obtain the 

total amount of water available for use in the irrigation of the extensive tracts of land lying to the north and north west of Great Salt Lake. 

The locality is a short distance below the headworks of the Bear Eiver 

Canal, the observations being kept by the watchman employed by that 

company. As originally established the inclined gage was referred 

to bench marks, one of these being on a telegraph pole 50 feet north of 

the cable and consisting of a staple driven into the pole. This is 8.84 

feet above the zero of the gage. A second bench mark is on a stake 

driven into the ground directly back of the anchor on the cable on the 

west side and surrounded by rocks. It is 12.77 feet above zero of 

the gage.

This station was inspected on October 6, 1894, by Prof. Samuel Fortier, who reports that the old bench marks had been removed. He 

established two new bench marks. One consists of two nails in a 

notch on the northeast corner of the house, in the corner boards, about 

2.3 feet above the ground. The elevation of this point was 7.24 feet 

above the 5-foot mark of the gage. No. 2 is on a nail in an oak stake 

2 by 3 inches, placed 20 feet west of the 8-foot mark of the gage
56 PKOGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BOLL. 131..

and 20 feet north of the cable. The elevation is 2.35 feet above the 

5-foot mark of the gage. The gage was found to be apparently 

solid, but it was evident that the ice around the lower portion had 

lifted that end, necessitating a correction in the original markings. 

The changes at this point due to ice in the river necessitate the construction of a different form of gage in order to give comparable 

readings. The following table gives the heights of river as reported 

by the observer:

Daily gage height of Sear River at Collimton, Utah, for 1893.

Day.

1. .......

9

4........

5........

6........

7. .......

8........

9........

 10........

11........

12........

13........

14........

15........

16........

17........

18........

19........

20........

21........

22........

23........

24........

25........

26........

27........

28........

29........ 

30........ 

31........

Jan.

2.10

2.05

2.00

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00-

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.05 

2.10 

2.00

Tob.

2.10

9 T;

2.10

2.00

2.25

2.15

2 on

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.00

1.90

1.90

1.85

1.80

1.90

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.80

Mar.

.1.90 i on

1.80

1 90

1.90

1 ftO

1.70

1.70

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.90

1.90

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.20

2.30

2.40

9 in

2.60

9 7ft

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20 

3.30 

3.40

Apr.

3.50

3 W\

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.20

4.20

4.10

3 QO

3 on

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.15

4.00

3.85

3.80

3.80

3.70

3.70

3.75

3 T\

4.00

4.10

4.15

4.30

4.25 

4.15

May.

4 10

4.10

4.20

4.20

4.40

4.30

4.30

4.40

4.40

4.50

4.70

4.80

4.90

r 1 x.

5.25

5.40

5.55

^ 1*^

5

QC

6.00

6.05

5.95

5.80

5.55

5.40

5.20

4.75

4.65 

4.60 

4.60

June.

4.90

4.85

4.80

4.90

4.70

4.60

4.50

4.60

4.60

4.70

4.90

4.90

5.00

5.00

5 in

5.10

5.00

5.05

5.10

5.00

4.90

4.80

4.70

4.60

4.60

4.50

4.40

4.30

4.20 

4.10

July.

4.05

4.00

3.90

3.80

3.70

3.60

3

CA

3.50 3 3ft

3.10

3.00

2.90

2.80

2.70

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.10 

2.00 

2.00

Aug.

1.90

1 Qft

2.00

2.00

1 Qft

1.90

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.70

1. 70

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.70

1.60 

1.60 

1.60

Sept.

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.80

1.80

1.80

1 80

1.80

1.80

1.90 

1.90

Oct.

i on

I Qft

1 Oft

2.00

2.00

2.00

1 10

1 90

1 Qft

i on

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.90

1 90

2.00

2.00-

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.10

2

1 A

2.10 

2.10 

2.10

Nov.

2.10

2.10

2 9ft

2.20

2.20

2.20

2

0A

2 in

2

1 A

2.10

2.10

2.10

2,00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

' 2.00

2

AA

2.00

2.00

2.00

2 00

2.00

2 10

2.10

2 90

2.30 

2.30

Dec.

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2 on

2.30

2 20

9 90

2 90

2 90

2.20

2.30

2.30

2.30

2

OA

2.30

2 on

2.20

2 1O

2 10

2.10

2.00

2.00

1 QO

1 QO

1 ftO

1 SO

1

QA

1.80 

1.80 

1.80
NEWELL.] WEBER EIVER, UTAH.

Daily gage height of Bear River at Collinston, Utah, for 1S94.

57

Day.

1. .......

2........

3........

4........

5........

6........ 

7........

8........

9........ 

10........ 

11........

12........ 

13........

14........

15........

16........

17........ 

18........

19........

20........

21........

22........

23........

24......... 

25........

26........ 

27........

28........

29........

30........

31........

Jan.

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.80

1.70

1.70 

1.70 

1.80

1.80 

1.80

1.90

I

nn

1.90

1.80 

1.80

1.90

1.90

1 90

1.90

1.80

1.80 

1.80

1.90 

1.90

1.90

1.80

1.80

1.80

Feb.

1.90

1.90

1.80

1.90

1.90

1.90 

1.90

1.90

1.80 

1.80 

1.80

1.80 

1.90

1.90'

1.80

1.90

1.90 

1.80

1.80

1.90

1 80

1.80

1.80

1.80 

1.80

1.80 

1.90

1.90

Mar.

1.90

1.80

1.80

1.90

1.90

1.80 

1.80

1.90

1.90 

1.90 

2.00

2.20 

2.40

2.50

2.70

2.70

2.80 

2.80

2.90

3.00

8,10

3.10

3.10

3.00 

3.40

3.60 

3.80

4.00

4.30

4.60

4.80

Apr.

5.00

4.90

5.00

5.00

5.10

5.20 

5.30

5.30

5.30 

5.40 

5.40

5.30 

5.30

5.20

5.30

5.20

5.20 

5.00

4.80

4.70

460

4.70

4.80

4.90 

4.90

5.00 

5.10

5.30

5.40

5.50

"May.

5.40

5.50

5.40

5.30

5.30

5.20 

5.20

5.30

5.50 

5.60 

5.70

5.80 

5.80'

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.30 

6.30

6.40

6.20

6.10

6.20

6.40

6.40 

6.50

6 50 

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

June.

6.90

6.90

7.00

7.00

7.00

6.90 

6.80

6.80

6.70 

6.60 

6.50

6.40 

6.20

6.20

6.10

6.00 "s.'so"

5.70

5.50

540

5.20

5.10

4.90 

4.80

4.70 

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.40

July4.50

4.30

4.00

3.90

3.70

3.60 

3.60

3.50

3.50 

3.40 

3.30

3.30 

3.20

3.00

3.00

3.00

2.90 

2.80

2.70

2.60

a 50

2.60

2.60

2.50 

2.40

2.40 

2.30

2.20

2.10

2.10

2.10

Aug.

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.90

2.00

2.00 

2.00

1.90

1.90 

1.90 

1.90

1.70 

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.60 

1.60

1.60

1.60

1 fiO

1.60

1.60

1.60 

1.60

1.60 

1.70

1.60

1.70

1.70

1.70

Sept.

1.80

1.70

 1.80

1.80

1.80

1.90 

1.90

1.90

1.80 

2.00 

2.00

2.00 

1.90

1.90

1.80

1.90

1.90 

2.00

2.00

2.10

a an

2.30

2.20

2.20 

2.10

2.10 

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

Oct.

2.10

2.10

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.10 

2.20

2.20

2.20 

2.20 

2.10

2.10 

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.00 

2.00

2.00

2.10

?,. 10

2.10

2.10

2.10 

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

Nov.

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00 

1.90

1.90

1.90 

1.90 

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.90 

1.90

1.90

1.90

1,90

1.90

1.90

1.90 

1.90

1.90 

1.90

1.90-

2.00

2.00

Dec.

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00

........

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00

1.90

1.90

1.90

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00 

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

TJINTA STATION, ON WEBER RIVER.

This station is near Devils Gate, on the Union Pacific Railroad, in 

Weber Canyon, about 12 miles east of Ogden City. The nearest railroad station is Uinta, about 3 miles below Devils Gate. The locality 

is highly favorable for stream measurements, the channel of the river 

being straight for a short distance both above and below the section at 

which observations are made. The banks are perpendicular on both 

sides. The bottom, is gravelly and does not change appreciably. The 

section is 110 feet wide, 0.7 to 0.9 foot deep in low water with a velocity 

of from 1.5 to 2 feet per second in low water, and from 8 to 10 feet per 

second during flood. This station is above the head of the canals 

diverting water to cover the land south and west of Ogden. The first 

measurements were made August 12,1889, the station being established in October following. Observations were maintained until the 

end of 1893, when they were discontinued for lack of funds. On July 

20, 1894, they were taken up again by Prof. Samuel Fortier and continued through that year. The station was refitted in October, 1894, 

and measurements made for the purpose of constructing a rating table.
58 PEOGEESS EEPOET, HYDEOGEAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. LBuu,.i3i. 

Eating table of Weber River at Devils Gate, Utah.

Gage 

height.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

'1.70

1.80

].90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

240

290

340

395

450

520

590

665

740

815

890

970

1,050

1,135

Gage 

height.

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

a. 10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

Discharge.

Ses.feet.

1,220

1, 310

1,400

1,490

1,580

1,670

1,760

1,850

1,940

-2, 035

2,130

2,225

2,320

2.420

Gage 

height.

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

2,520

2,620

2,720

2,825

2,930

3,035

3,140

3,250

3,360

3,470

3,580

3,690

3,800

3,920

Gage 

height.

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

4,040

4,160

4,280

4,405

4,530

4,655

4,780

4,905

5,030

5,755

5,280

5,405

5,530

Daily gage height of Weber River above Uinta, Utah, for 1893.

Day.

1. .......

2........ 

3........

4........

5........

6........

7. .......

8........ 

9........ 

10........

11........ 

12........ 

13........ 

14........ 

15........ 

16........

17........ 

18........

19

20........

21........

99

23........

24........

25........

26........

27........

28........

29........ 

30........ q-i

Jan.

1.80 

1.40

1 30.

1.20

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10 

1.10 

1.00

1.00 

1.00 

1.00 

1.00 

1.00 

1.00

1.00 

1.00

1.00

.90

.90

on

Qft

.90

.90

90

.90

.90 

.90

QA

Feh.

0.90 

.90 

90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90 

.90 

.90

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90

.90 

on

90

.90

.90

on

.90

.90

.90

%

.90

.90

Mar.

0.90 

.90

Oft

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90 

.90 

.90

.90 

1.00 

1.20 

1.40 

1.80 

1.90

1.90 

2.00

2.10

2.40

2.40

2.60

2.60

2.80

2.90

3 00

3.20

3.40

3.40 

3.40

3.50

Apr.

3.50 

3.80 

4 00

4.20

4.00

3.60 i °n

2.80 

2.00 

1.80

1.50 

1.00 

1.00 

1.00 

1.00 

1.40

1.60 

2.00

2

1 A

2.30

2.50

2.90

3.60

4.00

4.50

4.00

3.60

3.40 

3.40

May.

3.50 

3.50 

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.80

4.00

4.20 

4.40 

4.80

5.00 

5.20 

5.20 

6.00 

6.80 

7.50

7.80 

7.20

6.40

5.70

5.40

5.00

4.80

4.60

4.20

4.10

4.00

4.20

4.40 

4.60

June.

5.00. 

5.20 

5.00

5.00

4.80

4.60

4.40

4.60 

4.80 

5.00

5.50 

5.40 

5.50 

5.40 

5.60 

5.00

4.40 

4.20

4.00

3.80

3.60

3.40

3.30

3.10

2.90

980

2.50

2.40

2.40 

2.30

July.

2.30 

2.00

I

Qfi

1.60

1.40

1.00

LOO

.90 

1.00 

1.20

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.30 

1.20

1.00 

90

en

.70

.50

.40

.50

.50

.50

,40

.40

.40

.40 

. .30

Aug.

o. ;m

.20 

20

.20

.20

.10

.10

.10

......:

.ib

.10

.10

90

.20

.10

.10

9n

.20

9f>

.20

Sept.

0.20 

.20

9fi

.20

9n

9n

.20 

.20 

.20

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20

.20 

on

.20

.20

.20

9fi

.20

.20

.20

.20

.20

.20

.20 

.20

Oct.

0.20 

.30 

.40

.40

.40

dn

.40

.40 

.40 

.40

.40 

.40 

.40 

.40 

.40 

.40

.40 

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40 

.40

Nov.

0.40 

.40 

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40 

.40 

.40

.40 

.40 

.40 

.40 

.40 

.40

.40 

.40

.40

.40

.50

f!A

.70

.80

.80

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.80

Dec.

2.00 

2.00 

1 60

1.20

1.00

.90

.90

.90 

.90 

.80

.70 

.70 

.70 

.70 

.70 

.70

.70 

.70

.60

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50 

.50

.50

Daily gage height of Weber River at Devils Gate, above Uinta, Utah, for 1894.

Day.

1....... 

2....... 

3.......

4.......

5.......

6.......

7.......

10.......

11...:...

12.......

13.......

14....... 

15.......

16.......

July.

......

......

Aug.

0.50 

.50 

.50

.50

.40

.50

.50 

.50

.50

.50

.50 

.40

.40

.40 

.50

.50

Sept.

0.80 

1.20 

1.20

1.20

i 9n

1.20

1.10 

1.10

1.10

1.20

1.10 

1.10

1.20

1.20 

1.10

1.00

Oct.

1.10 

1.20 

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.10

1.10 

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.00 

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.00

1.00

Nov.

1.00 

1.00 

1.10

1.10

1.00

1.00

1.10 

1.10

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.00

1.00

1.00 

.90

1.00

Dec.

0.90 

1.00 

1.00

.80

on

.80

.80 

on

.80

.90

.90 

.90

.80

.90

.90

.90

Day.

17........ 

18........ 

19........

20........

91

22........

23........ 

24........

95

26........

27........

28........

29........

30........ 

31........

July.

1.10

.90

.90 

.90

.90

.90

.80 

.80

.70

.70 

.60

Aug.

0.40 

.40 

.50

fin

.60

.70

.80 

an

.80

.80

.80 

.80

.80

.80 

.80

Sept.

1.10 

1.20 

1.10

1.10

i fin

1.00

1.00 

1 00

90

.90

.90 

1.00

1.00

1.00

Oct.

1.00 

1.00 

1.00

1.00

1.10

1.10

1.10 

1.00

1.00

1.10

1.10 

1.20

1.10

1.10 

1.10

Nov.

1.00 

1.00 

1.00

.90

90

.90

.90 

.90

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.00

1.00

1.00

Dec.

1.00 

1.00 

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.00 i nft

1.00

1.00 

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.00
NEWELL.] PROVO RIVER, UTAH. 59'

PROVO STATION, ON PROVO RIVER.

The Provo Biver, rising in the "Wasatch Mountains, southeasterly 

from Salt Lake City, Utah, flows westerly through open valleys, and. 

finally cuts a deep canyon, discharging upon the lands east of Utah 

Lake. Near and below the mouth of the canyon its waters are diverted 

by numerous canals on both sides of the stream. A gaging station 

was established in the canyon above the heads of these canals, at a 

point about 6 miles from Provo City, observations being begun on July 

27,1889. The channel at this point is nearly straight for several hundred feet; the bottom of the river is rocky and does not appear to 

change. The bank on the north side is sufficiently high to confine all 

of the waters, but on the south side a rise of 2 feet above low watercauses the stream to spread over a rocky bar. Measurements can be 

made with great accuracy during low water, but at times of flood the 

results are not so good. The station is equipped with a cable, tag wire, 

and boat, from which measurements are made. The gage is inclined.. 

The bench mark is on a stone firmly bedded in a bank near the wagon, 

road, about 100 feet southwest of the gage. It is marked "B. M." in 

black paint, and is 6.95 feet above the zero of the gage. This station 

was inspected on October 24 by Mr. Arthur P. Davis, who found for 

a gage height of 4.38 a discharge of 338 second-feet. The observerlives at some'distance from this point, and there are some doubts 

whether his readings of heights are entirely reliable. They are given 

as reported, together with the rating table constructed from measurements made in preceding years.

Eating table of Provo River at Provo, Utah.

Gage 

height.

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4. 10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

144

154

174

200

240

280

330

380

440

500

Gage 

height.

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

564

630

700

774

851

928

1,006

1,084

1,160

1,240

Gago 

height.

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

6.60

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

1,316

1,394

1,470

1,550

1,626

1,704

1,780

1,860

1.-940

2,020

Gage 

height.

6.70

6.80

6.90

7.00

7.10

7.20

7.30

7.40

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

2, 100

2,180

2,260

2,340

2,420

2,500

2,580

2,660
60 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131. 

Daily gage height of Provo River above Provo, Utah, for 1898.

Day.

1........

o

3........

6........

7........

9........

10........

11........

12........

13........

i ^

16........

17........

18........

19........

20........ 

21........

22........

23

24........

25

26........

27........

28........

29........

31........

Jan.

4.20

4.20

4.20 

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10 

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

Feb.

4.10

4.10

4.10 

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

U.20 

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

Mar.

4.20

4.20

4.20 

4.20

4.20

4.20

^.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20 

4.30

4.30

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.90

5.00

Apr.

5.20

5.00

5.20 

5.20

5.20

5.10°

5.10

5.00

4.90

4.80

4.70

4.70

4.60

4.50

4.40

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50 

4.40

4.40

4.50

4.80

4.90

5.20

5.10

5.00

4.70

4.70

May.

4.70

4.70

4.70 

4.70

4.70

4.80

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.'30

.5.40

5.40

5.50

5.80

6.00

6.40

6.70

7.00

6.70

6.60 

6.10

5.90

5.80

5.70

- 5.60

5.50

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.70

5.80

June.

5.80

6.10

6.30 

6.30

6.40

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.80

6.90

6.80

6.60

6.40

6.40

6.50

6.40

6.30

6.10

5.90

5.70 

5.70

5.50

5.50

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.20

5.20

5.00

5.00

July.

5.00

5.30

5.20 

1.90

4.80

4.70

4.60

4.40

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.20

4.20

4.20 

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

Aug.

4.20

4.20

4.20 

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10 

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

Sept.

4.10

4.10

4.10 

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20 

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

Oct.

4.20

4.20

4.20 

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40 

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

Nov.

4.40

4.40

4.40 

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40 

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

Dec.

4.40

4.40

4.50 

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

'4.50

4.50

4.50

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

.4.40

4.40 

4.40

4.40

4.50

4.50

I «;n

4.50

4.50

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

Daily gage height of Provo River above Provo, Utah, for 1894.

Day.

1. .......

2........ 

3........

5........ 

8........ 

7. .......

8........

Q

10........ 11........

12........ 

13........ 

14........ 

15........ 

16........ 

17........ 

18........ 

19........

20........

21........

22........ 

23........

24........

25........ 

26........

27........ 

28........ 

29........ 

30........ 

31........

Jan.

4.40

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

4.40

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40 

4.40

4.40

4.40 

4.40

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

Feb.

4.40

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

4.40

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40 

4.40

4.50

4.50 

4.50

4.50 

4.50

Mar.

4.50

4.50 

4.50 

4.50

4.50 

4.50 

4.50 

4.50 

4.50

4.50

4.50 

4.50 

4.50 

4.50 

4.60 

4.60 

4.60 

4.60 

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60 

4.60

4.60

4.60 

4.60

4.60 

4.70 

4.80 

4.80 

4.70

Apr.

4.70

4.70 

4.70 

4.70

4.70 

4.70 

4.70 

4.60 

4.60

4.70

4/70 

4.80 

4. BO 

4.90 

4.80 

4.80 

4.70 

4.70

4.70

4.80

 4.90 

5.00

5.00

5.10 

5.30

5.40 

5.40 

5.40 

5.30

May.

5.30

5.20 

5.10 

5.10

5.10 

5.10 

5.20 

5.40 

r. f.r\

5.60

5.60 

5.80 

5.90 

6.20 

6.40 

6.40 

6.40 

6.20 

6.10

6.20

6.10

6.10 

6.00

6.00

6.10 

6.20

6.20 

6.30 

6.40 

6.40 

6.40

June.

6.50'

6.00

K QO

5.90 

5.80 

5.60 

5.60 

5.30 

5.30 

5.30 

4.90 

4.90

4.80

4.80

4.60 

4.50

4.60

4.60 

4.50

4.50 

4.50 

4.50 

4.40

July.

4.50

4.50 

4.30 

4.30

4.50 

4.40 

4.50 

4.30 

4.30

4.30

4.30 

4.30 

4.30 

4.20 

4.30 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.10 

4.10

4.10

4.10 

4.10

4.10 

4.10 

4.10 

4.10 

4.10

Aug.

4.10

4.10 

4.10 

4.10

4'.10 

4.10 

4.10 

4.10 

4.10

4.10

4.10 

4.10 

4.10 

4.10 

4.10 

4.10 

4.10

4.10

"iio

4.20 

4.30 

4.20 

4.20 

4.10

Sept.

4.10

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

4.40 

4.50 

4.50 

4.50 

4.50

4.50

4.60 

4.60 

4.50 

4.50 

4.50

.......

'Oct.

.......

------

4.40 

4.40

4.50 

4.50 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

Nov.

4.50

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

4.40

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

4.40

4.40 

4.30

4.30

4.30 

4.30

4.30 

4.30 

4.30 

4.30

Dec.

4.30

4.30 

4.30 

4.30

4.30 

4.30 

4.30 

4.30 

4.30

4.30

4.30 

4.30 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40 

4.40

4 40

4.50

4.50 

4.50

4.20 

4.20

4.10 

4.10 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20

LEAMINGTON STATION, ON SEVIER RIVER, UTAH.

Measurements of the Sevier River were begun on August 23,1889, 

by Mr. T. M. Bannon, near the settlement of Leamington, on the Union 

Pacific Eailroad. This place is in the gorge below the broad valley
NEWELL.] SEVIER RIVER, UTAH. 61

in which Eichfield and other towns are located, and above the plain 

whose lowest part is occupied by Sevier Lake. The quantities of 

water passing this .point represent the drainage and excess from irrigated lands farther upstream, and show the amount available for use 

in developing the fertile lands above Sevier Lake. The gage was 

located back of the house of 0. Overson, 1 mile from the Leamington 

depot. Observations of river height were continued from August 23, 

1889, to December 31, 1893. The rating table given below was constructed from the gagings made during 1890 and 1891, and has not 

been verified for later dates.

Eating table of Sevier River at Leamington, Utah.

Gage 

height.

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

40

48

60

80

100

120

140

160

185

210

245

280

Gage 

height.

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

321

362

403

444

485

526

567

608

649

690

731

772

Gage 

height.

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

813

854 !

895

935

976

1,017

1,058

1,099

1,140

1,181

1,222

1,263

Gage 

height.

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

. 6.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

1,304

1,345

1,386

1,427

1,468

1,509

1,550

1,591

1,632

1,673

1,714

1,755

Gage 

height.

6.80

6.90

7.00

7.10

7.20

7.30

7.40

7.50

7.60

7.70

7.80

7.90

8.00

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

1,796

1, 837

1,878

1,919

1,960

2,001

2,042

2,083

2, 124

2,165

.2,206

2,247

2,288

Daily gage height of Sevier Eiver at Leamington, Utah, for 1898.

Day.

1. .......

2........

3........

6........ 

7 ....

8........

9........

to........

11........

12........

13........

16........

17........

18........

19........

20. .......

21........

22........ 

23........

24........ 

25........

26........

27........ 

28........

29........

30........

31........

Jan.

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.90

4.90 

4.90

4.80

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.20

4.00

3.90

3.90

3.90 

3.90

3.80

3.70 

3.80

3.90

4.60

5.60

Feb.

5.60

4.00

4.00

3.90 

3.80

S

on

3.90

3 Oft

3.90

4.00

4.00

4.00

3 on

3.90

3 on

3.90

3.80

3.80

3 On

3.90

0 Oft

3.90 

3.80

3 on

3.90 

3. 90

Mar.

3 on

4.00

4.00

3 On

3.60 

3.40

3

OA

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.40

3.80

4 60

4.80 

5.00

4.90 

4.80

4.80 

4 90

4.90

4.80

4.70

Apr.

4.60

4.30

4.20

4.10

4.10 

4.10

4.10

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.10

4.10

4.10 

4.00

3.60 

3.40

3.10

3.10

May.

3.00

3.00

3 on

3 on

3.40

3

Kfl

3 7fl

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.20

4.30

4.60

4.60

4.70

4.80

5.90

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00 

5.00

4.90

4.80 

4.80

4.80

4.80

June.

4.80

4.70

4.70

4.50

4.50

4.30 

4.10

3.90

3.90

3 Qft

3.80

3.80

3.70

o nr\

q KA

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.30

3.20

3 90

3.20

3 on

3.20 

2.50

2.50

2.50

2

nn

2.50

2.50

July.

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40 

2.30

2 on

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2 on

2 on

2.10

2 in

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.10

2.10 

2.10

4.90

5.60

3

Kf)

3.00

2.00

2.00

Aug;

2.00

I

nn

1 QH

9 ftn

1.90 

2.00

2.00

2.20

S

on

3.60

3.00

3.00

3 in

3 on

3.20

3 on

3.40

3.40

3.40

3

cn

3.60

3 70 3.80' 

3.70

3.60

3.50 

3.40

3.20

3.10

3.20

Sept.

3.30

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3 At)

3.30

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3 40

3.40

3.10

3.00

2.90

2.90

2.70

2.70 

2.70

2.40 

2.50

2.00

2.00

2.00

Oct.

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.90 

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.20

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2 on

2.20 

2.20

2.20 

2.20

2.20

2 on

2.30

2.30

2.40

Nov.

2.40

. 2.40

2.40

2

QA

2.30 

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2

'jn

2 on

2 30

2.30

2 on

2.30

2.30

2

Q.O

2 20

2.20

S

on

2.20 

2.20

2.30

2.40

Dec.

2.40

2.30

2.30

2 on

2.30

2 !(ft

2.30

2 on

2.30

2.40

2.40

2.40

2 on

3 30

2 on

2.30

2.40

S

en

2 50

2.50

2 Kn

2.60 

2.60

2.60

2.60 

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60
'62 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BOLL. 131.

COLUMBIA BASIN, IN IDAHO, OREGON, AND WASHINGTON.

This great drainage basin includes, with its large tributary, the Snake, 

an area of 191,813 square miles, of which 108,680 square miles are tributary to Snake River, 59,040 square miles in Montana, Idaho, and Washington to the Columbia, and 24,093 square miles to the Columbia from 

the State of Oregon. It is obviously impossible to attack all of the 

problems of water supply in this great basin, comprising many thou- 

,sand square miles of rich agricultural land, though arid, and innumerable localities favorable for the development of water power. A 

beginning, however, has been made, and stations were maintained 

for a longer or shorter time during 1893 and 1894 at Chase's ranch 

-on theTeton; at Idaho Falls, Boise, Payette, and Weiser, Idaho; also 

at Nyssa, Yale, and Pendleton, Oreg., and at North Yakiina, Yakiina, 

'Toppenish, and Satas, Wash.

CHASE STATION, ON TETON RIVER.

The point at which measurements of Teton River have been made is 

at Chase's ranch, near the mouth of the river canyon, about 3 miles 

from the town of Wilford. The nearest railroad station is Market 

Lake, on the Utah and Northern Railroad, 40 miles distant. The point 

.at which measurements are made is about one-half mile above the 

highest canal, and is above all irrigating ditches. The station is

 equipped with a half-inch steel cable, having a clear stretch of 160 feet, 

and which is about 12 feet above low water. The tag wire marking 

the section is 15 feet below the cable. The gage is constructed of a 

piece of 2 by 4 inch timber, 18 feet long. It is inclined at an angle

 of about 25° to the horizon, and the top of the graduation is about

.2 feet above the high-water marks on the banks. It is securely fastened by braces on each side. The zero of the gage is referred to 

.a bench mark on a live stump about 40 feet north of the gage. This 

bench mark is 2.20 feet above the 5 foot mark on the gage. The sta* 

tion was established by Mr. L. D. Hopson, and readings were begun on 

April 4,1890. Observations were finally discontinued on October 11, 

1893, owing to the expense of reaching the point and the necessity of 

verifying the rating table.
NEWELL.] TETON RIVER, IDAHO.

Rating table of Teton River at Chase's ranch., Idaho.

63

Gage 

height.

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

425

450

475

510

545

585

625

670

720

770

820

875

935

1,000

Gage 

heignt.

2.80

2.90

3.00

3,10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

1,070

1,140

1,215

1,295

1,375

1,455

1,545

1,635

1,725

1,825

1,925

2, 025

2,135

2,245

Gage 

height.

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

2, 360

2,475

2,590

2,710

2,830

2,950

3,070

3,190

3,315

3,440

3, 565

3,690

3,815

3,940

Gage 

height.

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

C.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

4,065

4,190

4,315

4,445

4,575

4,710

4,'850

4,990

5,130

5, 270

5,410

5,550

5,690

5,830

Daily gage height of Teton River at Chase's ranch, Idaho, for 1893.

Day.

1. ......

4.......

5.......

6.......

7.......

9.......

10.......

11.......

19

13.......

14.......

15.......

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22.......

23.......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

31.......

Mar.

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

Apr.

1.40

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.80

1.90

1.80

1.70

1.90

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.20

2.30

2.20

2.10

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.30

2.20

2.10

2.00

2.20

2.30

2.40

May.

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.10

3.50

3.20

3.10

2.80

2.50

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.50

2.60

3.00

3.50

June.

4.00

4.30

3.90

3.60

3.90

A 90

4.80

5.00

5.40

5.90

6.20

6.60

6.00

6.80

6.70

6.50

6.40

6.20

6.10

6.00

5.90

5.70

5.60

5.40

5.30

5.20

5,10

5.00

4.90

4.80

July4.70

4.60

4.50

4.40

4.30

4.20

4.10

4.00

3.80

3.70

3.70

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.40

3.30

3..30

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

Aug.

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.70

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

Sept.

1.90

1.90

1.80

1.80

1 HO

1.80

1.80

2.00

2.00

1.90

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

l.CO

1.60

1.60

Oct.

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

i fin

i sn

1.80 i an

L80

1.80

1.80
64 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894.

IDAHO FALLS STATION, ON SNAKE RIVER.

This station is situated about 2 miles below the town of Idaho Fallsr 

formerly known as "Eagle Kock." At the town the river flows 

through a narrow gorge in the lava, forming whirlpools, and having a 

velocity so great that current-meter measurements can not be made. 

Below the railroad bridge, however, it begins to widen, and finally 

spreads over a broad, gravelly channel, being confined by high banks 

on both sides.' Accurate measurements can be made in low water, and 

fair results can probably be obtained during flood by means of suitable 

apparatus. The gage is on the right-hand side of the left bank of the 

stream, and is a short distance below the house of Mr. E. J. Wilson. 

It has an inclination of about 30°, and the graduation extends up to. 

12.5 feet. It is made of 2 by 4 inch scantling, nailed to stakes firmly 

driven into the river bed and bank. The bench mark is a spike driven 

into a large cedar tree, formerly used as one of the supports of the 

cable. The 2.3 mark of the gage is 9.60 feet below this bench mark.

This station was established by Mr. L. D. Hopson and readings begun 

on July 1,1889. It was inspected by Mr. Arthur P. Davis on October 

3,1894, but measurements of discharge could not be made until a cable 

was placed in position. A measurement was made at the wagon bridge 

at Blackfoot, but the conditions there are not favorable for accurate 

results. The main current is diagonal to the direction of the channel,, 

and there are numerous small eddies and points where the water is 

apparently still. Four large piers obstruct the channel, thus complicating the measurements. The maximum velocity was found to be 

about 6 feet per second, and the depth, 12 feet. The total discharge at 

this point on November 1,1894, was estimated to be 8,040 second-feet. 

The following rating table was constructed from measurements made

during preceding years, but has not been verified by recent measurements 

Rating table of Snake River at Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Gage 

height.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

1,500

1,600

1,700

1,825

1,950

2,100

2,250

2,400

2,550

2,725

2,900

3,100

3,300

3,500

3,700

3,900

4,100

4,350

4,600

4,850

Gage 

height.

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

5,100

5,375

5,650

5, 950

6,250

6, 550

6,850

7,150

7,450

7.750

8,050

8,350

8,650

8,975

9,300

9,650

10, 000

10, 350

10, 700

11, 075

Gage 

height.

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

11, 450

11, 875

12, 300

12, 750

13, 200

13, 650

14, 100

14, 550

15,000

15, 450

15, 900

16, 400

16, 900

17, 450

18, 000

18, 575

19, 150

19, 725

20, 300

20, 900

Gage 

height.

7.00

7.10

7.20

7.30

7.40

7.50

7.60

7.70

7.80

7.90

8.00

8.10

8.20

8.30

8.40

8.'50

8.60

8.70

8.80

8.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

21, 500

22,150

22, 800

23, 500

24, 200

24, 925

25, 650

26, 425

27, 200

28, 000

28, 800

29, 675

30, 550

31, 425

32, 300

33, 225

34, 150

35, 075

36, 000

36. 950

Gage 

height.

9.00

9.10

9.20

9.30

9.40

9.50

9.60

9.70

9.80

9.90

10.00

10.10

10.20

10.30

10.40

10.50

10.60

10.70

10.80

10. 90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

37, 900

38, 900

40, 000

41, 100

42, 200

43, 300

44, 400

45, 500

46, 600

47, 700

48, 800

49, 900

51, 000

52, 100

53, 200

54, 300

55, 400

56, 500

57, 6QO

58, 700
NEWELL.] ' SNAKE RIVER, IDAHO. 65 

Daily gage height of Snake River at Idaho* Falls, Idaho, for 1893..

Day.

2..........

3. .........

4..........

5. .........

6..........

7..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15 ..........

16..........

17..........

18..........

19 ..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

24 ..........

25..........

26..........

27

28

29..........

on

31 ..........

Apr.

2 en

9 Hft

2.60

2 fin

2.60

2.60

2.60

May.

2.60

2 of.

2.90

3

nci

3 OK

3.60

4.15

4.50

4.65

5.60

6.15

6.80

7.70

8.15

7.80

7.15

6.60

6.30

6.30

6.00

5 Oft

5.60

5.50

5 OK

6.00

June.

6.10

6.40

6.80

7.00

6.80

6.80

7.00

7.60

7.80

8.30

d.70

9.30

.9.60

9.50

9.20

8.90

9.00

9.30

9.50

q Kfl

9.30

8.90

8.70

8.40

8 1 ft

7 90

7.80

7.80

7.70

July.

7.60

7.10

7.10

7.10

7.00

6.60

6.30

0.00

6.00

6.00

6.00

5.60

5.40

5.30

5.00

i on

4 80

4.60

4.60

4.50

4.50

4.40

4 30

4.20

4.00

Aug.

3.70

3.70

3.40

3.40

3.30

 j on

3 1 A

3.00

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

9 7ft

2.70

2.60

2.60

2 60

2.60

2.60

2.50

9 f;o

2

KA

2.40

2.40

2.40

2 40

2.30

Sept.

2.30

2.30

2.30

2 on

2.30

2.30

2.30

2 on

2.30

2.30

2 30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

9 1ft

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

0 Qfl

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2 on

9 30

9 30

2 on

Oct.

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2 30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2 1ft

9 ift

2.30

2.30

2.30

9 30

2 on

2 on

9 30

9 30

2.30

Nov.

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

0 9ft

9 ift

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2 qn

9 1ft

2.30

2.30

Dec.

2.30

2.35

2.40

2.40

2.40

2 50

2 50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.40

2 40

2.40

2.30

2.30

2,30

2.30

2.30

2.40

 ) Al)

2.40

2.40

2.40

Daily gage height of Snake River at Idaho Falls, Idaho, for 1894.

Day.

2...........

6...........

7...........

8...........

9...........

10...........

11...........

12 ..........

13...........

14...........

15...........

17...........

is

20...........

21...........

99

23...........

24...........

25...........

26...........

27...........

28...........

29...........

31...........

Apr.

9 7ft

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.50

2.50

2.5P

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.70

2 on

2.90

2.90

2.90

3.00

3.10

!!. 10

3.20

3.20

3 30

3 30

3.50

4.10

4.50

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.00

4.90

May.

S ift

5.20

5.10

5.20

5.30

6.00

6.70

7.30

7.70

7.80

7 QO

8.20

8.90

9.40

9.50

9.70

9 on

9.10

9.40

10.20

10.30

10.60

10.70

10.90

11.20

11.40

11.50

12.00

June.

12.00

(a)

11.60

11.40

11. 20

10.70

10.00

9.60

9.50

9

cn

9.60

9.60

9

KA

9.50

9.50

9.50

9.40

9.30

9.20

9.10

9.00

July.

9.00

8.90

8.90

8.80

8 7ft

8.70

8.70

8.50

8.50

8 ^ft

S ift

8.40

8.30

8 in

7.90

7.60

7.50

7.40

7.20

6.90

6.60

6.40

6.20

6.00

5.90

5.70

5.40

5.30

5.20

Aug.

5 9ft

5.00

4 90

4 90

4.90

4.80

4.70

4.70

4.60

4.50

4.30

4.10

4.00

3.90

3.90

3.80

3 on

3.70

3.60

 3. 60

3.50

3.50

3

cn

Sept.

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.50

3.50

3.70

3.60

3.60

3.50

3.50

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

Nov.

3 on

3.20

3.10

3.00

3." 00

3.00

2.95

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.80

2.90

9 Oft

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.75

2.70

2.70

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

Dec.

9 7ft

2.70

2.60

2.50

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.70

2.50

2.50

2.50

2

KA

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30

a Under water June 3 to 9.

Bull. 131-
66 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [HULL. 131.

BOISE STATION, ON BOISE RIVER.

This station is located 8 miles from Boise, Idaho, in front of Mrs. 

McNell's house. It was established on December 15, 1894, by Messrs. 

Arthur P. Davis and Y. 0. Tompkius. The observer is Mr. B. Oronin, 

Boise, Idaho. The station is distant from the observer's house about 

150 yards. The gage is in two sections; the lower part is of 2 by G 

inch plank, inclined, and marked from 1 foot to 7.5 feet; the upper part 

is a 4 by 4 inch timber-, placed vertically, and marked from 7.5 to 12 

feet, both portions painted white. The channel is gravelly. The bench 

mark is a bridge spike driven into a cottonwood tree 20 feet from gage 

and 20 feet from river. It is 3.4 feet above 8-foot mark on the gage. 

Measurements are made from a cable just below the gage.

PAYETTE STATION, ON PAYETTE RIVER.

This station is located at the highway bridge, one-half mile south of 

Payette, Idaho. It was established on December 7, 1894, by Messrs. 

Arthur P. Davis and V. 0. Tompkins. The observer is Mr. Murray 

Mott, the town marshal at Payette. The station is distant from the 

observer's house about one-half mile. The gage is vertical, of pine 

plank, spiked to a wooden pier, graduated from 0 to 12.5 feet. It is 

easily read from the bridge. The character of the channel is sandy 

and shifting. The point 12.5, on the gage is level with the top of the 

pier, on which is the mark " B. M." Measurements of discharge were 

made from the same bridge. On the date above given the height was 

1.3 feet and the discharge was 1,603 second-feet.

WEISER STATION, ON WEISER RIVER.

This station is located about 10 miles from Weiser, Idaho, just above 

the ford, on the right bank of the Weiser Eiver. It was established on 

December 6, 1894, by Mr. Arthur P. Davis. The observer is Mr. J. W. 

Lane, whose house is about one-fourth of a mile distant from the station. 

The gage is partly inclined and partly vertical. The inclined portion 

is graduated from 0.8 to 5.8 feet; the vertical portion, from 6 feet to 10 

feet. The marking is with nails and tacks. Bench Mark No. 1 is the 

highest point of a solid rock 40 feet southwest of the south anchorage 

or dead man, and is 14.54 feet above the 5-foot mark on the gage. 

Bench Mark No. 2 is the highest point of a solid rock 60 feet southwest 

of the dead man, and is 20.16 above the 5-foot mark on the gage. The 

channel is gravelly. The measurement on December 6,1894, when the 

.water was at 0.9 foot, gave a discharge of 277 second-feet.

NYSSA STATION, ON OWYHEE RIVER.

This station is located about 20 feet above the new county bridge 

across the Owyhee Eiver, 1£ miles from Owyhee, Oreg., and one-half 

mile from the house of the observer, Mr. D. T. Eigsby, near which the 

former station was located. It was established on December 8,1894,
NfeWELL. 1 OWYHEE RIVER, OREGON. 67

by Messrs. Arthur P. Davis and V. 0. Tompkins. The gage is inclined, 

of 5 by 5 inch timber, marked from 1 foot to 13 feet. The distance 

between footmarks on the lower half is 2.77 feet. The bench mark consists of a spike driven in a large stump about 20 feet from the left bauk 

of the river and 300 feet below the gage. It is the same bench mark 

formerly used, and is 4.35 feet above the 11-foot mark. The channel 

is sandy and shifting. The measurement on December -S, 1894, made 

from the bridge, showed for a height of 1.4 feet a discharge of 307 

second-feet. The folio wing'tables give the ratings for the old station 

and the readings of river height for 1893, the applicability of the rating 

table being somewhat doubtful.

Rating table of Owyhec River at Rigsby's, Oregon.

Gage 

height.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2. CO

2.70

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

130

150

170

200

240

280

320

360

400

450

500

560

. 630

700

800

900

1,000

1,100

Gage

height.

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

1,200

1,320

1,440

1,570

1,700

1.850

2,000

.2, 150

2,300

2,450

2,600

2,750

2,900

3,060

3,230

3,400

3,570

3,740

Gage 

height.

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

3,910

4,080

4,250

4,420

4,600

4,780

4,960

5 150

5,350

5,560

5,770

6,000

6,230

6,460

6,700

6,950

7,220

7,500

Gage 

lieignt.

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

7.00

7.10

7.20

7.viO

7,40

7.50

7.60

7.70

7.80

7.90

Discharge.

Sec. feet.

7,800

8,120

8,450

8,800

9,200

9,600

10, 000

10, 400

10,800

11, 200

11, 600

12, 000

12, 400

12, 800

13, 200

13, 600

Daily gage height of Oivyhee River at Rigsby's, Oregon, for 1893.

Day.

1........

2........

3........

4........ 

5........

6........

7........

8........

9........

10........

11........

12........

13........

14........

15........ 

16........

17........

18........

1Q

20........

21........

22........

23........

24. .......

25........

26........ 

27........

28........

29........

30........ 

31........

Jan.

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40 

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40 

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40 

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40 

2.40

2.40

2.50 

2.50

Feb.

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50 

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60 

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.70

2.70 

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.80 

2.80

2.80

......

Mar.

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80 

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

3.05

3.25

3.40

3.55 

3.70

3.85

4.00

4.50

4.60

4.70 

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.80

5,10 

5.40

5.50

5.50

5. GO 

5.80

Apr.

5.90

6.05

6.20

6.45 

6.75

6.80

6.90

7.05

7.10

7.00

7.00

6.80

6.60

6.50

6.40 

6.00

5.50

5.00

4.40

4.00

3.90 

3.80

4.20

4.55

4.80

5.30 

5.55

5.65

5.90

6.65

May.

6.85

7.00

7.55

7.85 

8.05

8.20

8.00

8.00

7.55

7.00

6.90

6.85

6.50

6.40

6 10 

5.00

4.85

4.40

4.40

4.25

4.00 

3.85

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.70 

3.85

3.50

3.50 

3.50

June.

3.50

3.40

3.40

3.25 

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00 

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00 

3.00

3.00

3.00

2.90

2.90 

2.90

2.90

2.90

July2.90

2.80

2.80

2.80 

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80 

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80 

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80 

2.80

2 80

9 8ft

2.70 

2.70

Aug.

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70 

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.50

2.50 

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.40 

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40 

2.40

2.40

2.40 

2.40

Sept.

2.40

2.40

2.60

2.60 

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2,60 

2.60

2.60

2.00

2.60

2.60 

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.50- 

2.50

2.50

2

KA

2.50

Oct.

2.60

2.60

2. 60

2.60 

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

 2.60

2.60

2.60 

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2. 60 

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60 

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60 

2.60

Nov.

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60 

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.10

3.20 

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.10

3 1 n

3.00 

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.20

3.10 

3.10

3.00

3.00

2.90

Dec.

2.90

2.90

3.10

3.50 

3.70

4.00

4; 10

4.10

4.00

3.80

3.60

3.40

3.30

3.20

3.00 

3.00

2.90

2.90

2.80

9 an

2.70 

2.80

3.00

3.10

3.00

2.90 

2.80

2.80

2 on

2.90 

2.90
68 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131. 

VALE STATION, ON MALHEUR RIVER.

This station is located on the left bank of the Malheur Eiver, about 

150 feet below the junction with Bully Creek and 50 feet above the 

iron bridge now in construction. It was established by Messrs. Arthur 

P. Davis and Y. C. Tompkins on December 10, 1894. The observer 

is Mr. E. E. Murray, postmaster, Vale, Oreg. The station is distant 

from the observer's house about one-fourth of a mile. The gage is 

inclined, and is in two parts. The lower part is graduated from l.C to 

9.1 feet, the distance between the footmarks being 1.95 feet. The 

upper part is graduated from 9.1 to 11.7 feet, the distance between tlie 

footmarks being 3 feet. The channel is composed of earth and sand, 

and is shifting. The bench mark is on a flat rock, nearly buried, above 

the right bank of the river, 50 feet southeast of south abutment of 

new bridge, and is 1.32 feet above the 11-foot mark on the gage. la 

future, measurements are to be made from the bridge. On December 

10, 1894, the height was 1.9 feet and discharge 128 second-feet.

PENDLETON STATION, ON UMATILLA RIVER.

A station was established at Pendleton, Oreg., in January, 1891, by 

Mr. A. L. Adams, chief engineer of the Uinatilla Irrigation Company, 

of Oregon. The section selected was at the point of crossing of the 

Main street bridge, the gage rod being placed on the central pier of 

the bridge. A record of the height of the stream was kept at short 

intervals for a period of over two years, daily readings being made at 

times when there were decided changes in the height of the stream. 

When, however, owing to.absence of precipitation or to lack of change 

in the weather affecting the snow in the mountains, the river did not 

rise or fall notably, no readings were taken, the condition of the stream

being watched carefully and observations taken only when necessary. 

During this period measurements of discharge by means of floats 

were made by Mr. Adams, from which a rating table was constructed 

and the record o'f gage-height readings utilized in preparing a table of 

monthly discharges. These as computed extend from February, 1891, 

to July, 1892.
KEWBLL.] UMATILLA EIVER, OREGON.

Table of monthly discharges of Umatilla, Eiver at Pendleton, Oregon. 

[Total drainage area, 640 square miles.]

69

Mouth,

1891.

1892.

July.....................

Discharge.

Maximum.

Sec. feet.

320 

2,250 

2,250 

520 

370 

770 

60 

55 

65 

580 

520

830 

2, 030 

2, 800 

3,870 

3.250 

920 

125

Miniinuni.

Sec. feet.

140 

140 

770 

140 

140 

60 

6C 

35 

35 

60 

410

470 

630 

1,000 

1,000 

920 

125 

45

Mean.

Sec. feet.

180 

1,050 

1,430 

408 

202 

300 

60 

45 

50 

172 

510

587 

1,120 

1,753 

1,706 

2,090 

455 

74

Total for 

month.

Acre feet.

9,997 

64, 562 

85, 091 

25, 087 

12. 020 

18, 446 

3,689 

2,678 

3,074 

10, 235 

31,359

36, 093 

62, 202 

107, 788 

101, 514 

128, 509 

27, 074 

4,550

On January 9, 1893, Mr. William P. Trowbridge, jr., inspected this 

station and made a measurement of the discharge at that time, aud 

also made arrangements for the continued reading of the river gage. 

Owing, however, to uncertainty as to paying necessary expenses, the 

records were not continued for a time sufficiently long to be of value. 

Mr. Trowbridge states that the bridge over the stream affords an 

excellent opportunity for measurements by means of current meters, 

as the stream at this point is narrow and is confined between a high 

clay and gravel bank on the north side and an embankment or levee on 

the south side. The latter was constructed by the town of Pendleton 

to prevent inundations, which have occurred at times of flood. The 

section here is good, as the bottom of the river is covered with pebbles 

aud gravel, and apparently is not liable to change. At a point about 

60 feet from the south bank of the stream the bridge is supported by a 

tubular iron pier consisting of two cement-filled iron pipes of a diameter of about 30 inches. This pier offers an obstruction, but as the 

sidewalk of the bridge i>rojects considerably upstream the meters can 

be used to advantage. A measurement -made on January 14,1893, gave 

a discharge of 239 second-feet for a gage height of 1.53. The area of 

section was 126 square feet, the maximum velocity 3.07 feet per second, 

and the mean velocity 1.90 feet per second.

At that time a report upon the Umatilla Eiver, its tributaries, and 

the diversion of water for power and irrigation was made by Mr. Trowbridge. The following extracts from this unpublished report give the 

principal facts, the maps and illustrations being omitted:

Umatilla Eiver heads in the Blue Mountains, in the northeastern part of the State 

of Oregon, and flows in a westerly direction into the Columbia Eiver. The moun-
70 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND'1894.

tains from which this stream draws its supply are from 4,000 to 7,000 feet in height, 

and are covered with a heavy growth of timber. The principal tributaries are 

Meacham Creek, which has its head a little to the south of the main stream and 

flows in a general northerly direction, emptying into the Umatilla at a point about 

65 or 70 miles from its mouth; Wild Horse Creek, rising a little to the north of the 

main stream and flowing in a general westerly direction, emptying into the Umatilla 

near Pendleton; McKaye Creek, which rises still farther to the south of Meacham 

Creek, flows in a general northerly direction, and empties into the Umatilla 3 miles 

below Peudleton; Birch Creek, which runs parallel to McKaye Creek; and Butter 

Creek, which empties into the Umatilla at a point about 12 miles from its mouth. 

Of the above-named tributaries Meacham Creek is the largest. A considerable volume of water flows from this stream. Wild Horse Creek carries but little water at 

the present season (January, 1893), but is in volume about sufficient for the watering of stock. McKaye Creek is a stream of considerable importance. Its drainage 

area is estimated to be about 200 square miles in extent. At a point about 20 miles 

from its mouth the stream divides into the north and south forks. This whole«stream 

is perennial in its flow, but at a point about 10 or 12 miles from its mouth it disappears in the sands and gravel of the bottom during a large portion of the year. 

During the high-water season there is a large body of water flowing its entire 

length, and above the point of disappearance there is a good stream flowing the 

year around. Birch Creek and Butter Creek are streams of the same character, 

though much smaller.

The total drainage area of the Umatilla River is estimated to be about 320 square 

miles. The available records show that the year 1891, excepting the month just following the irrigating season, had less rainfall than any year since 1874, which had 

but slightly less. During 1891 the total discharge from the watershed, as computed 

from the record of the gagings, was 302,000 acre-feet, being equivalent to about 1& 

inches of run-off from the efficient portion of the drainage area.

As is usually the case in most districts where irrigation is a necessity and thewater supply is far less than the demand, the appropriations of the waters of theUmatilla River filed by the various companies and individuals far exceed the possible supply from the river.

The oldest water right on the Umatilla River is believed to be that of Mr. W. S. 

Byers, of Pendleton, dating back to the year 1870, renewed in 1874, or rather filed 

upon again. In the year 1883, fearful that the establishment of the line of the 

Umatilla Indian Reservation might affect his former claims, Mr. Byers again filed, 

being assured that his diversion of water was outside of the established reservation 

line. He claims the amount required for the development of power sufficient to run 

his flouring mill in the town of Pendleton. This mill has a capacity of 500 barrelsof flour daily.

Water is diverted from the Umatilla River about 1J miles above Byers's mill, and 

is brought through a natural channel of the river for a short distance; thence through 

a ditch to a point on the bluff opposite the mill, distant about 1,200 feet. The ditch 

is 10 feet wide on the bottom and 22 feet wide on top, with an average depth of 

3 feet. From the terminus of the ditch line the water is carried through a wooden 

pipe of a diameter of 7 feet 2 inches, made of 5-inch staves 2.5 inches thick. From 

the head of the ditch, or rather from the point of diversion to the point where the 

water is applied for power, is a fall of 18 feet.

The discharge from the wooden pipe that is, the total water power can not be 

estimated, as the pipe is cross braced in the inside in such a manner that nothing can 

be known. The water is distributed to two turbine wheels of the Victor pattern. 

One is a 20-inch wheel of a calculated horsepower of 100; the other is a 30-inch wheel 

of 156 horsepower. The waste and overflow from the distributing box at the end of 

the ditch is carried off through the town in an open channel. The tail-water from 

the mill is carried through a stone aqueduct 8 feet high to the river, distant about 

1,200 feet.
NEWELL.] UMATILLA RIVER, OREGON. 71

During the low-water stage of the Umatilla River there are times wlien the mill 

can not run its full capacity on account of the shortage of water. It is then customary to run one turbine, and let the water in the ditch back up and accumulate for 

ahead; then the other wheel is put in operation. Each wheel has certain duties, and 

at these times each branch of the work of milling is taken up separately. During 

this period the mill utilizes all the water of the river. The period varies during 

different years, and usually commences July 1. This water right is considered very 

valuable and is not contested. The water could be utilized to good advantage to 

the town of Pendleton for power in connection with the lighting of the town by 

electricity.

THE UMATILLA IRRIGATION COMPANY OF OREGON.

On the north and west of the town of Pendleton, Oreg., between the Umatilla 

and Columbia rivers, is an immense body of agricultural land, which has been settled upon for a number of years and cultivated. Wheat was the principal crop, and 

an excellent yield has been had; but, on account of the scarcity of rainfall, crops 

have failed in recent years, arid most of the farms have been abandoned. This, of 

course, has been a great loss to the town of Pendleton. Efforts to reclaim the district were made in the year 1890, and as a result the Umatilla Irrigation Company 

was incorporated in that year.

The line of the proposed canal commenced in and ran through a portion of the 

Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the sanction of the United States Government was 

necessary. Steps were taken to get the desired authority, the outcome being the 

passage of a bill by Congress, in February, 1891, allowing the company to proceed 

with its work of reclamation, the consent of the Indians being required. This consent was obtained, and the Indians were compensated in the sum of $1,955. The 

land to be reclaimed lies on a plateau whose average elevation above sea level in 

1,400 feet. The elevation of the river at Pendleton is about 1,070 feet, while the 

fall of the Umatilla River between Gibbon, at the mouth of Meacham Creek, and 

Pendleton averages about 32 feet per mile.

The lands slope from the mountains to the Columbia River, and are all-capable of 

being irrigated. 'The actual amount of land to be irrigated, however, depends 

entirely upon the available supply of water. The company has contracted to supply 

1,500 acres of good land with water for irrigation purposes at the rate of $3 per acre 

per annum for a period of thirty years, the amount of water to be delivered to be 

1 acre-foot between March 1 and July 1. The contract provides for the delivery 

of water to the land free of cost at the expiration of the thirty-year period, the 

payment of the annual pro rata expense of the cost of maintenance being the only 

provision. The contracts are a mortgage upon the land and a first lien upon the 

crops irrigated.

The company proposes to divert water from the Umatilla River at a point about 

18 miles above Pendleton by means of a crib diverting dam extending across the 

stream. The location of the diversion is on the NW. i sec. 3, T. 2 N., R. 35 E., Willamette meridian. The water is to be carried down the side hill of the canyon in a 

box flume 6 by 8 feet, with a grade of 1 foot in 500 feet. In all, there are to be 4.5 

miles of this fluming. From the end of this flume the water is carried through an 

ordinary side-hill canal. At a point about 9f miles from its head the water is 

brought to the hilltop and leaves the canyon. From this point it is carried in a general northerly direction toward the town of Adams, on Wild Horse Creek. The canal 

crosses Wild Horse Creek by means of a flume 40 feet high, and from thence is carried in a westerly direction, following the general contour of the country until it 

reaches a point opposite the town of Pendleton and distant about 2 miles from it. 

Here the location survey ends. From the head to this point the canal is 49 miles in 

length. The canal is designed for a capacity of 560 second-feet, and is to be 28 

feet wide on the bottom; maximum depth, 7.5 feet; side slopes, 1 to 1; uniform grade
72 PROGKESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL.IBL

of 1 foot in 5,000 in earth, and 1 foot in 12,500 in loose rock. From the end of the 

location work it is proposed to run two branch lines covering the land in question. 

The estimated cost of the system when finished is $400,000.

UMATILLA IMPROVEMENT COMPANY.

This company was formed for the purpose of reclaiming certain lands lying 

between the Umatilla and Columbia rivers. The company constructed 1 or 2 miles 

of their canal, diverting water at a point just below Echo, on the Umatilla River. 

For reasons not stated, this project Avas abandoned, and the company lost its rights, 

these being acquired by the Columbia Valley Laud and Irrigation Company.

COLUMBIA VALLEY LAND IRRIGATION COMPANY.

This company was incorporated for the purpose of reclaiming certain lands lying 

in the same position as the lands proposed to be irrigated by the Umatilla Improvement Company. They further proposed to irrigate a large tract of land lying south 

of the Columbia River, known as prairie laud. The river at this point makes a bend to 

the south, and the force of the current is directed agaiust the bank where the diversion takes place. No diverting dam is necessary, it being assumed that it is possible to drain the river during the low stages by opening the gates to their fullest 

extent.

The head gate of this canal is of cement and is furnished with fall brakes for 

the gates. There are six of these gates, each being 3 feet in width. The front 

of the gate is protected by rods running out in a slanting position, the rods preventing the accumulation of debris against the gates.

From the point of diversion to Butter Creek, a distance of 6 miles, following the 

bluff line, a canal is in operation whose dimensions are as follows: Bottom width, 

28 feet; top width, 48 feet; maximum depth, 5 feet; grade, 1.52 feet per mile. In 

running this line the old works of the Umatilla Improvement Company were disregarded entirely. The capacity of the canal is 500 second-feet. The company claims 

8,000 miner's inches under 6-inch pressure.

This canal, which is finished and in operation as far as Butter Creek, covers completely a fine tract of land between the bluff and the Umatilla River and Butter 

Creek. This land has a gentle slope toward the river, and by reason of its slope is 

finely adapted for the distribution of water. The laud in ouestion is known as the 

UmatilJa Meadows, and lias an area of 15,000 acres. This is all good, irrigable land.

The soil is well adapted to the raising of crops of all descriptions. Although water 

has been running in the canal for a considerable time, there has been but little used 

for irrigation except in one or two instances. The coming season, however, a large 

body of land will be reclaimed.

There is a large tract of land lying west of Butter Creek and south of the Columbia 

River which the company proposes to reclaim by crossing Butter Creek by means of 

a flume 800 feet in length, continuing from the point where the present canal ends. 

It was thought advisable to cross the creek rather than follow up the creek and cross 

on grade. Butter Creek at certain periods contains considerable water, and this 

water can be turned into the main canal below the flume with less danger to the 

canal than if there were a grade crossing.

The canal line from Butter Creek follows the general contour of the country for 

a distance of 11 miles (location survey), and empties into a natural reservoir whose 

area is about 200 acres, capable of holding 71,000,000 cubic feet of water. This 

reservoir is 17 miles from the head of the canal. A slight outlay will be necessary 

to furnish suitable gates at the western end of the reservoir, as the main canal is 

carried on for 3 or 4 miles beyond this point. Actual surveys have shown the presence of six natural reservoirs lying in the tract under the ditch, and the slope of 

.the land is auch that ditches from the main canal can be constructed connecting 

it with these different reservoirs, thus enabling an immense amount of water to be
M'KAYE CREEK, OREGON. 73

stored during the high-wa^er stage of the Umatilla River and Butter Creek. The 

proposed canal is to be the same in description as the existing work, following the 

same gradient, etc.

THE BLUE MOUNTAIN IRRIGATION AND IMPROVEMENT COMPANY.

1 In the SW. J sec. ], T. 1 S., R. 33 E., Willamette meridian, the north and south 

forks of McKaye Creek join and flow in a westerly direction as the main stream of 

McKaye Creek. At a point about 7 miles below this junction the creek turns to 

the north and flows in a direction a little west of north, and empties into the Umatilla River 3 miles below Pendleton. From the high bend of the creek to the 

Umatilla River McKaye Creek runs about parallel to the course of Birch Creek. 

These two streams are separated from each other by a narrow ridge or bench containing about 12,000 acres of irrigable land. To the east of McKaye Creek, 'below the 

bend of the creek, and lying between McKaye Creek and the line of the diminished 

reserve of the Umatilla Reservation, is another body of fine irrigable laud, containing in all about 18,000 acres. To the east of this body of land lies the Umatilla 

Reservation, containing many thousands of acres of fine land, which is at the present. 

time cultivated by the Indians in wheat and other cereals.

McKaye Creek, from the junction, runs through a narrow valley, almost a canyon, 

with hills on each side. In its course from the junction of the north and south 

forks there is a fall of about 47 feet. This part of the stream is perennial in its 

flow, and carries a considerable amount of water.

The Blue Mountain Irrigation and Improvement Company propose to utilize the 

WJiters of McKaye Creek for the purpose of irrigating the lauds described above. 

They have secured by act of Congress the right to divert the waters of this stream 

which run upon the diminished Umatilla Reserve, which act also gives them the 

Tight of way across a certain part of the reservation. Their project is to impound, 

by means of a dam and reservoir, the flood waters of this stream and conduct them 

through a canal and a branch canal upon the lands in question.

By constructing a dam across the main stream just below the forks it is possible 

to back the waters of the stream up for a considerable distance. A dam 60 feet high, 

with a height of 54 feet for the wasteweir, would back the water for a distance of 

1£ miles up the forks. The proposed dam site is a natural one. On one side (the 

.south) a perpendicular ledge of rock juts out into the water. On the north side there 

is a more gradual slope away from the river. It is proposed to make the wasteweir 

on top of this ledge, and to tunnel through it below for the outlet of the water to 

the canal. The capacity of the reservoir is estimated to be 1,700,000,000 gallons.

It is proposed to carry the water from this reservoir onto the lands to be irrigated 

by means of a canal of the following dimensions: For the first 7 miles the canal is 

to be 10 feet wide on the bottom, 18 feet on top, with average depth of 3 feet 6 

inches, and the excessively large grade of 5 feet to the mile. The canal, after leaving the reservoir, winds its way down toward the bend of the stream below. The 

water is then carried up onto the narrow bench between Birch Creek and McKaye 

Creek, where the line follows down the crest of the ridge, and is to be utilized in 

covering the land between the two creeks. At a point 7 miles below the dam site 

it is proposed to cross McKaye Creek by means of an inverted syphon 3,200 feet in 

length, with a fall of 20 feet in that distance, and to run-a branch line of the canal 

down on the north and east side of McKaye Creek, covering within the diminished 

reserve between the reserve line and McKaye Creek about 18,000 acres.

NORTH YAKIMA STATION, ON NACHES RIVER.

This station was established August 14, 1893, by Mr. F. H. Newell, 

at a point a few hundred yards above the mouth of the Kaches Eiver, 

near the bridge of the Northern Pacific Eailroad. The vertical gage
74 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [Buix.l3L

was nailed to the crib work on the right-hand, side of the river, above 

the railroad bridge, and can be read easily from the track. The 12-foot 

mark is 9.97 feet below the top of the rail on the bridge, the gage being 

about CO feet easterly from the rail. The top of the iron pier, on the 

southeast end of the county bridge, is 5.87 feet above this 12-foot mark. 

Measurements were made from the county bridge. The locality is, 

however, not favorable for the purpose, as "the water is very swift, and 

is broken by the piers of the bridge. The discharge on August 14, 

1893, was ascertained to be 1,193 second-feet, the reading on the gage 

being 1 foot. The station was inspected by Mr. Arthur P. Davis on 

November 21, 1894. At this time he made measurements of discharge 

at Nelson's bridge, about 4 miles above. The measured discharge was 

1,196 second-feet and the maximum velocity 4.58 feet per second. This 

locality is not considered good for measurements at high water.

Daily gage height of Naches River above North Takima, Washington, for 1894.

Day.

1..........

2..........

3..........

5 ..........

6..........

7 ..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14 ..........

15..........

16..........

17..........

I Q

19..........

20 ..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

OK

20..........

27..........

28..........

29 .......... 

30 ..........

31..........

Jan.

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.20

3.20

3.60

3.50

3.50

6.60

5.60

5.20

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.10

4.10

3.60 

3.60

3.60

Feb.

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.30

3.30

3.30

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2 on

2.90

2.90

2.90

3.10

Mar.

3.10

3.00

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.90

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.80

9 an

3.40

3.70

4.10

5.40 

4.10

4.90

Apr.

4.10

4.20

4.30

3.90

4.80

4.60

4.70

5.30

5.30

5.10

4.70

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.90

5.70

S en

5.90

^ on

6.70

6.80

6.10

"~5."i6'

May.

4.80

4.60

4.60

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.30

4.40

4.80

6.10

6.10

6.40

7.20

7.70

7 on

7.40

6.80 

6.60

6.90

June.

7.30

7.30

7 g0

eieo

6.40

6.40

6.20

5.30

5.20

5.10

5.20

5.70

5.40

5.60

5.90

K on

f; sc\

5 70.

5.40

5.40

5.30

5.20 

5.20

July.

5 20

5 on

S

en

5.60

5.70

5.80

5 20

5.20

5.10

4.80

4.80

4.90

4.90

4.80

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.50

4.30

3.90

""3." 90

3.80

Aug.

3.80

3 70

3.60

3.60

3.20

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.70

2 70

9 7A

9 7A

2 (J0,

2.60

2.60

2 fin

2.40

2.40

2.30 

2.30

. 2.20

Sept.

2.20

2.40

2 on

2 on

2.20

2.20

TOPPENISH STATION, ON TOPPENISH CREEK.

 This station is located about 4 miles south of Toppenish station, at 

the crossing of the Northern Pacific Railroad. It was established on 

November 24, 1894, by Messrs. Samuel Storrow and Arthur P. Davis. 

The observer is the section foreman at Toppenish. The station is 

distant from the section house at Toppenish about 4 miles. The gage 

is of 2 by 6 inch scantling, painted white, graduated in black, and 

spiked to a pile and sleeper of the railroad bridge. Bench marks are 

to be established by Mr. Storrow. Measurements of discharge were 

made 80 yards above the bridge.
NEWELL.] SACRAMENTO BASIN, CALIFORNIA. 75 

SATAS STATION, ON SATAS RIVER.

This station is located at the crossings of the Northern Pacific Bailroad north of Satas station. There are two of these crossings at low 

water, three at high water, and seven at extreme floods. Gages were 

placed on the first three mentioned on November 24,1894, by Messrs. 

Samuel Storrow and Arthur P. Davis. The observer is Mr. A. L. Williams, section foreman. These gages are distant from the observer's 

house 200 to 2,000 yards. They are marked with notches, nails, and 

black paint on a vertical pile. All can be read from the bridge. These 

gages are considered temporary. Mr. Storrow will place painted gages 

at all seven of the bridges and make connection with bench marks. 

Measurements of discharge were made on the two channels carrying 

 water, at points a feAv hundred yards above the crossings.

SACRAMENTO BASIN, CALIFORNIA.

This basin includes the northern part of the Great Valley of California, and is drained by the largest rivers of the State. The problems 

of water supply and of water control are of the most varied character^ 

on account of the peculiar topography and the character of the industries concerned. The rivers, rising in the high mountains, discharge 

enormous volumes of water, especially in times of flood, and descending rapidly from the mountains, they have great possibilities in the 

way of power. This power is utilized to a small extent for manufacturing, and in the past was largely employed in hydraulic mining. 

The d6bris resulting from these operations, swept down by floods, accumulated in the lower valleys, choked the waterways, or was carried 

over the low-lying farm lands. As a result, the aid of legislation was 

invoked, and further dumping of mining de"bris into the streams was 

prohibited, which resulted in the practical cessation of hydraulic mining. Many of the flumes and ditches erected for this purpose have of 

late years been utilized for irrigation, especially in fruit culture, and 

questions are arising continually concerning the amount of water flowing in the streams and its possible storage and utilization on a larger 

scale for irrigation works or power plants.

In the lower part of the valley of the Sacramento, and in the central 

portion, where the waters of the San Joaquiu and its tributaries are 

received, other problems of the reclamation of swamp areas are brought 

prominently to the attention of the people of California. The State 

engineer and various commissions have collected data upon the subject, and during 1894 the commissioner of public works began a further 

examination, including surveys and measurements of volumes. The 

data thus obtained have not been published in full, those published 

relating mainly to flood volumes of the larger streams. At higher 

points a few measurements have been made by this Survey for the 

purpose of obtaining general information applicable to the smaller 

rivers. There are given herewith descriptions of stations at Red 

Bluff' and Tehama, on the Sacramento Eiver, and the heights of water
PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

observed at these points by the Weather Bureau and the Central 

Pacific Railroad Company, respectively.

RED BLUFF STATION, ON SACRAMENTO RIVER.

This station is located at the northeast corner of the wagon bridge 

just east of the town. It was established and is read by the Weather 

Bureau. The station is distant one-fourth of a mile from the observer's 

office in town. The gage is a painted pine plank, placed vertically, 

fastened to a sycamore tree 20 or 30 feet from the bridge. The channel 

is sandy and shifting in character. Measurements of discharge were 

made from the same bridge, but the current is very swift and is badly 

broken by the piers, introducing a probable error in the measurements 

of, say, 20 per cent. About 9 miles above Eed Bluff the river is in a 

broad, uniform channel, and has a slow velocity even at high stages, 

owing to tbe contraction in the canyon a short distance below. The 

ferryboat is large and the bow extends several feel beyond the water 

line, resulting in favorable conditions for discharge measurements. It 

was agreed between Mr. Lippincott and tbe county supervisors that if 

the Geological Survey would place a gage at this point, the ferryman, 

who is paid by the county, would be instructed to report regularly the 

height of water. Below the canyon, and above both Eed Bluff and 

 Tehama in times of high water, the river leaves its banks, and thus 

the total amount of water is not shown by the gages. At Tehama the 

.river channel is broken by the bridge piers, but not as badly as at Eed 

Bluff. No canals of importance are taken out above the ferry just 

mentioned.

Daily gage It eight of Sacramento River at Red Bluff, California, for 1893.

Day.

2..............

5..............

6..............

8.. .............

9

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

18..............

19

20..............

21..............

99

23..............

24..............

25.. .............

26..............

27..............

28..............

2!).............. 

30.............. 

31..............

.Tau.

9.30

8 7fi

6.30

5.80

5.90

5.20

4.80

4.50

4.40

4.40

3.90

4.00

<\ 9ft

7.10

<\ in

5.00

4.30

3.80

3.50

3.50

3.00

4.80

5.50

5.80 

5.50 

5.10

Feb.

4.40

4.00

6.60

12.50

10.40

7.00

5.80

7 <in

7.00

6.70

6.60

10.80

10.20

7.20

6.40

6.20

5.50

n '-in

5.00

4.80

4.80

4.70

4.60

4.50

4.40

4.40

4.40

Mar.

4.30

4.20

4.40

4.40

6.00

5

1 A

4.80

11.20

9.60

7.20

18.60

11.00

8.40

7.40

7.00

8.30

9 30

13. 20

13. 20

11.50

16.50

13.00

11.00

10.80

9.70

9 on

9.40

9.50

9.90 

10. 50

Apr.

12.50

13.00

12.60

11.20

12.00

21.40

16.80

15.00

11.90

11.90

10.40

9 sn

9.00

8

0(1

9

QA

7.60

7.40

6.60

6.50

6.50

7.00

8 ^0

8.20

7.70

7 30

7.10

7.20

6.80 

6.70

May.

' 6.40

6.60

6.80

6.90

6.80

6.50

6.50

7.00

7.10

, 7.90

7 60

7.60

7.00

7 90

7.60

7.70

8

KA

8.00

7.10

6.20

6.00

5.80'

5.60

5

0(1

5.10

5.00 

4.90

Jivic.

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.60

4.80

4.70

4.60

4.60

4.40

4.20

4.10

3.80

3.50

3

0(1

3 90

3.00

3.00

9 QO

2

QA

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.40 

2.30

July.

o OA

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

. 2.00

2, 00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.80

1.80

I

DA

1.80

1.80

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60 

1.60

Aug.

i f;n

1.50

1.50

1 *>0

1.50

1.50

3.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1 °.0

1.30

1 30

1.30

1 30

1 QO

1.30

1 30

1.30

1.30

1.30 

1.30

Sept.

1.30

1 30

1.30

i 90

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.60

1.80

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

.90

.90

qn

Of)

.80

.80 

.80

Dec.

6.40

7.50

5.10

4.00

3.30

2.80

2.60

2 on

2.20

2.10

2.00

1.80

2.80

3.70

3.40

3.00

2.50

2.00

1.80

2.50

5.60

5.00

5.30

5.40

4.10

3.10

2.80 

2.50 

2.30
NEWELL.] ' SACRAMENTO RIVER, CALIFORNIA.

Daily gage height of Sacramento River at Red Bluff, California, for 1894.

77

Day.

1. .......

2........

3........

4........ 

5........ 

6........

7........

8........

g

10........ 

11........

12........

13........

14........ 

15........ 

16........

17........

18........

19........ 

20........

21........ 

22........ 

23........ 

24........ 

25........

26........

27........

28........ 

29........ 

30........

31........

Jan.

2.30

3.50

2.50 

2.40

9 3ft

2.20

2.10

2.00

1.90

1.90

1.80

6.70 

25. 00 

17.60

10.90

9.00

7.60 

10.40

9.20 

10.90 

10.20 

9.20 

8.10

7.40

6.80

6.40 

6.40 

7.20

6.40

Feb.

5.80

5.30

4.90

4.50 

5.40 

6.40

5.40

6.50

5.90

5.70 

5.50

5.20

5.00

4.00 

4.80 

4.40

5.80

11.20 

13.00

8.80 

7.00 

6.00 

5.40 

5.00

4.80

4.80

5. 00

Mar.

5.30

7.50

6.50

5.90 

5.50 

7.00

6.00

7.30

7.00

7.80 

7.00

6.40

6.00

5.80 

6.50 

7.30

9.40

8.80

8.40 

7.30

6.80 

6.30 

6.00 

5.60 

5.20

5.60

6.10

C.60 

7.20 

8.40

0.50

Apr.

10. 40

10.00

9.40

8.90 

8.30 

7.80

7.40

7.20

7.00

6.80 

7.00

6.80

6.30

6.00 

5.70 

5.50

5.20

5.00

4.90 

5.00

5.00 

5.00 

5.10 

4.90 

4.80

5.10

5.' 40

4.80 

4.60 

4.50

May.

4.50

4.40

4.20

4.10 

4.00 

4.00

4.50

4.60

4.50

4.20

4.00

4.00

4.50 

5.30 

4.50

3.90

4.00 

4.00

3.90 

3.80 

3.70 

3.70 

3.60

4.00

4.20 4.00' 

3.70 

3.60

3.60

June.

3.80

3.60

3.70

4.00 

5.70 

4.80

4.30

4.00

3.80

3.60 

3.50

3.30

3.20

3.10 

3.00 

2.90

3.00

2.90

2.80 

2.70

2.60 

2.30 

2.30 

3.30 

2.20

2.10

2.10

2.00 

2.00 

2.00

July.

1.80

1.80

1.70

1.70 

. 1.70 

1.60

1.60

1.50

1.50

1.40 

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.30 

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30 

1.30

1.30 

1.30 

1.30 

1.20 

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.00 

1.00 

1.00

.1.00

Aug.

1.00

1.00

1.00

.90 

.90 

.90

.90

.80

.80

.80 

.80

.80

.80

.80 

.80 

.80

.70

.70

.70 

.70

.70 

.70 

.70 

.70 

.70

.70

.70

.70 

.70 

.70

.70

Sept.

0.70

.70

.70

.70 

.70 

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70 

.70

.70

.70

.70 

.70 

.70

.70

.70

.70 

.70

.70 

.70 

.60 

.60 

.60

.70

.70

.70 

.70 

1.20

Oct.

1.40

1.00

.70

.70 

.70 

.70

.70

.70

.70 

.70

.70

.70

.70 

.70 

.70

.70

.80

.90 

1.00

1.10 

1.40 

1.90 

6.50 

3.40

2.20

1.70

1.50 

1.30 

1.20

1.00

Xov.

1.00

1.00

.80

.80 

.80 

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.00

.90

.90

.90 

.90 

.90

.90

.90

.90 

.90

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90

1.00

1.50

2.50 

2.40 

2.00

Dec.

1.20

1.00

1.20

1.40 

1.80 

5.20

5.00

9.50

7.60

6.40 

3.60

3.00

3.00

2.60 

2.40 

2.70

3.80

5.60

11.40 

11.30

21.50 

15.30 

10.30 

6.70 

5.70

5.20

4.10

3.80 

4.80 

6.60

7.40

Daily gage height of Sacramento River at Tehama Bridge, California, for 1893.

Day.

1. .......

2........ 

3.......:

5........ 

6........

7........

8........ 

9........ 

10........

11........ 

12........ 

13........ 

14........ 

15. ....... 

16........ 

17........ 

18........ 

19........

20........

21........

22........

23........ 

24........

25........ 

26........ 

27........

28........

29........

30........

31........

Jan.

19,00 

18.00. 

17.00 

16.50

16.50 

16.00

15.50 

15.00 

14.75

14. 50 

14.25 

14.25 

14.00 

14.00 

16.50 

15.25 

14.00 

14.75

14.50

14.50

14.25

14.25 

14.25

13.00 

13.50 

19.00

16.00

16.00

Feb.

15.00 

15.00 

16.00 

20.00

18.00 

17.00

17.00

18. 00 

17.00 

16.00

16.00 

18.50 

17.00 

17.00 

16.00 

16.00 

15.50 

15.50

15.00

15.00

15.00

15.00 

14.67

14.67 

14.67 

14.50

14.50

Mar.

14.00 

14.00 

14.00 

14.67

17.00 

16.00

16.00

19. 00 

18.00 

17.00

27.00 

21.00 

19.00 

18.00 

17.00 

19. 00 

19.00 

21.00 

22. 00

20.00

23.00

21.00

20. CO 

19.00

19.00 

18.00 

18.00

18.50

20.00

20.00

Apr.

20.50 

20.50 

20.50 

19.00

20.00 

29.00

26.00

23. 00 

21.00 

20.00

19.00 

19.00 

18. 00 

17.50 

17.00 

17.00 

17.00 

16.50 

16.50

16.50

16.50

17.00

18.00 

18.00

18.00 

17.00 

17.50

17. 50

17.00

May.

16.50 

16.50 

17. 00 

17.00

17. 00 

17.00

17.50

18.25 

18.00 

17.67

17.67 

18.00 

18.00 

18. 00 

17. 67 

18.33 

18.33 

17.50 

17.00

17.00

16.67

16.50

16.50 

16.00

15.75 

15.50 

15.25

15.25

15.67

15.67

June.

15.67 

15.67 

15.50 

15. 50 

15.50 

15.50

15.50

15.00 

15.00 

15. 00

14.67 

14.33 

14.33 

14.33 

14.33 

14.33 

14.33 

14.33 

14.33

14.33

14.00

14.00

14.00 

14.00

13.83 

13. 83 

13. 83

13.67

13.67

13.67

July.

13. 67 

13.67 

13.67 

13.67

13. 67 

13.67

13.67

13. 50 

13. 50 

13.50

13.50 

13.50 

13.33 

13. 33 

13.33 

13. 33 

13.33 

13. 33 

13.33

13.33

13.00

13. (10

13.00 

13.00

13.00 

13.00 

13. (i'0

13.00

13.00

13.00

13.00

Aug.

12.83 

12.83 

12. 83 

12.83

12.67 

12.67

12.67

12.67 

12. 67 

12.50

12.50 

12.50 

12.50 

12.50 

12.50 

12.50 

12. 50 

12.50 

12.50

12.50

12.50

12.50

12.50 

12.50

12.50 

12.50 

12.50

12.50

12.50

12.50

Sept.

12. 50 

12.50 

12.50 

12.50

12. 50 

12. 50

12.50

12. 50 

12.50 

12.75

13.75 

13. 50 

13.33 

13.00 

13.00 

12.75 

12.75 

12.75 

12.75

12.75

12.75

12.75

12.75 

12.75

12. 75

12. 75 

12. 75

12.75

12.75

12.75

Oct.

12.50 

12.50 

12.50 

12.50

12.50 

12.50

12.50

12.50 

12.50 

13.00

12. 75 

12.75 

12.75 

12.75 

12.75 

12.75 

12.75 

12.75 

12. 75

12.50

12.50

12.50

32.50 

12.50

12.50 

12.50 

12.50

12.50

12.50

12.50

12.50

Nov.

12.50 

12.50 

12.50 

12.50

12. 50 

12.50

12. 50 

12.50 

12.50

12, 50 

12.50 

12.50 

12.50 

12.50 

12.50 

12. 50 

12. 50 

12.50

12.50

12.50

12.50

12. 50 

12.75

12.75 

13.50 

16.00

17.50

15.00

16.00

Dec.

16.50 

16.50 

15.50 

14.75

14.33 

14.00

13. 75

13.50 

13.50 

13.25

13.00 

13.00 

13.00 

13.83 

13.83 . 

13.50 

13. 00 

13.00 

13.00

13.00

14.00

15.50

15.50 

15.50

16.00 

14.50 

14.25

14.00

14.00

14.00

14.00
78 PEOGEESS EEPOET, HYDEOGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BOLL. 131. 

Daily gage height of Sacramento Siverat Tchama Bridge, California, forlS94.

Day.

1........

, 2........ 

3........ 

4........

5........ 

6........

7........

8........ 

9........ 

10........

11........

12........ 

13........

14........ 

15........ 

16........ 

17........

la

19........

20........

21........

99

23........

24........ 

25........

26........

27........

28........

29........

30........ 

31........

Jan.

14.00 

14.50 

14.50 

14.00

13.75 

13.65

13.00

13.00 

13.00 

12. 75

12.75

12. 75 

12.75

16.00 

29.00 

23.00 

20.00

18.50

17.00

21.00

19.00

19.50

19.50

18.50 

17.33

16.50

16.75

16.50

16.00

16.50 

16.00

Peb.

.......

.......

3.83

3.50

3.58

Mar.

3.58 

5.33 

4.50 

4.08

3.83 

4.92

4.-08

4.50 

5.58 

5.42

4.33

4.42 

4.33

4.42 

4.50 

5.08 

6.25

5.92

5.75

5.00

4.75

4.33

4.08

3.92 

3.83

4.00

4.17

4.50

5.00

5.50 

6.42

Apr.

7.00 

6.83 

6.33 

6.08

5.75 

5.42

5.08

5.00 

4.92 

4.83

5.00

4.83 

4.42

4.33 

4.25 

4.00 

3.92

3.67

3.58

3.07

3.58

3.50

3.67

3.58 

3.58

3.67

4.00

3.42

3.33

3.33

May.

3.33 

3.33 

3.17 

3.08

3.00 

3.00

3.00

3.08 

3.33 

3.17

3.08

3.08 

3.00

3.08 

3.92 

3.42 

3.08

3.00

3.00

3.08

3.00

2.92

2.92

2.92 

2.92

2.92

3.08

3.17

2.92

2.92 

.2.92

June.

3.00 

3.00 

3.00 

3.25

4.00 

3.50

3.17

3.08 

2.92 

2. 83

2.75

2.67 

2.67

2.50 

2.42 

2.50 

2.50

2.58

2.50

2.25

2.08

1.83

1.67

1.67 

1.67

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.42

1.42

July.

1.33 

1.25 

1.25 

1.17

1.17 

1.17

1.08

1.00 

.92 

.92

.92

.83 

.83

.75 

.75 

.75 

.75

.75

.75

.67

.67

.58

.58

.58 

.50

.50

.42

.33

.25

.25 

.17

Aug.

0.17 

.17 

.17 

.17

.17 

.17

.17

.17 

.17 

.17

.17

.17 

.17

.17 

.17 

.17 

.17

.17

.17

.17

.17

.17

.17

.17 

.17

.17

.17

.17

.17

.17 

.17

Sept.

0.17 

.17 

.17 

.17

.17 

.17

.17

.17 

.17 

..17

.17

.17 

.17

.17

.17

.1.7 

.17

.17

.17

.1.7

.17

.17

.1.7

.17 

.17

.17

.17

J7

.17

.75

Oct.

0.75 

.50 

.42 

.33

.33 

.25

.25

.25 

.25 

.25

:25

.25 

.25

.25 

.'25 

.25 

.25

.33

.58

.92

2.42

1.42

1.17

4.33 

2.33

1.58

1.33

.92

.83

.75 

.67

Nov.

0.83 

.83 

.50 

.50

.58 

.58<ia

.58 

.50 

.50

.50

.42 

.42

.42 

.50 

.50 

.50

.50

.50

.42

.42

.42

.42

.50 

.50

.50

 .42

1.50

1.58

.83

Dec.

1.00 

,83 

.75 

.75

1.17 

3.92

2.75

6.42 

6.83 

4.58

3.08

2. 92 

2.25

1.75 

1.75 

1.75 

2.08

6.00

9.00

8.42

15.67

11.92

7.42

5.25 

4.17

3.42

2.92

2.83

3.75

5.25 

5.08

SAN JOAQUIN BASIN, CALIFORNIA.

This great river basin, occupying the southern part of the Great 

Valley of California, is drained by some of the most notable rivers of 

California, important from the standpoint both of irrigation and of 

water power. These streams, rising in the high Sierras, flow westerly 

and, leaving their narrow canyons, enter upon the broad valley, where, 

with lessened descent, each builds for itself a delta, over which the 

stream from time to time shifts its channel or subdivides into numerous sloughs, The railroads and principal towns of the valley are well 

out from the foothills, so that the principal bridges are at points below 

the mouths of the canyons and the headworks of the important irrigating canals. In order to obtain the full discharge of the streams it 

is essential to go back from the railroads up into the canyons, where 

the rivers flow in a single channel between well-defined banks.

The Southern Pacific Railroad Company has maintained at its bridge 

crossings series of readings of river height extending over a number 

of years, and although the river sections at these bridges are not 

always favorable for discharge measurements, and the full flow of the 

river, especially in low water, does not pass under the bridge, yet in 

taking up work in this part of the country it was deemed desirable to 

attempt to utilize these long records of river height by making series 

of measurements by which they might be interpreted into quantities. 

As the work expands the attempt will be made to establish stations 

higher up on the river at more suitable localities; but as this involves 

considerable expense, both in time and for transportation, the development must proceed slowly.
NEWELL.] TEJON HOUSE CREEK, CALIFORNIA. 79

The principal stations on the San Joaquin and its tributaries in 

operation in 1894 were at Bakersneld, Kern County; Kiugsburg, Tnlare 

County; Herndon, Fresno County; Modesto, Stanislaus County, and 

Lodi, San Joaquin County.

TEJON STATION, ON TEJON HOUSE CREEK.

Tejon House Creek rises in the mountains at the southern or upper 

end of the San Joaquiu Valley, south of Tehachapi Pass, and flows in a 

general westerly and southwesterly direction, the waters being finally 

lost in the gravels of the open valley, or, in time of flood, passing out 

upon the plain, flow into the marshes about Kern Lake.

Measurements of this creek were made during 1894 by Mr. J. B. 

Lippincott, near the Tejon ranch house. The drainage basin above 

this point is estimated to be about 17 square miles. It rises in altitude from 1,400 feet at the ranch house, 2 miles below the mouth of the 

canyon, to 9,214 feet on Tehachapi Mountain. The average rainfall at 

Fort Tejon, whose elevation is 2,300 feet, is 18 inches, and at the ranch 

house, 12 inches. The underlying rocks of the catchment basin are 

granitic, and the soils mainly clays, the conditions being such as to 

produce a considerable run-off. The following are the results of measurements made by Mr. Lippincott during 1894:

Second-feet. 

January 10 ............ ...................................... 60

January 21 .................................................. 60

March 4 ..................................................... 80

June 24.....'............. , ................................... 6.5

September 5................................................. .9

The gage at this point is read by Mr. E. M. Pogson, agent of the 

Tejon ranches, Bakersneld, Cal. These observations are made as often 

as convenient, and cover all decided changes in the amount of water.'

The next stream of considerable size to the north is Caliente Creek, 

along whose course the Southern Pacific Eailroad follows from Tehachapi Pass down into the San Joaquin Valley. This stream fluctuates 

widely, and it has not been deemed practicable to establish a station 

on it. The State engineer of California attempted to make a series of 

measurements, but was compelled to abandon the project, although 

estimates of its discharge were prepared covering the period from 

November, 1878, to October, 1894. The stream near the railroad station 

of Caliente is dry for the greater part of the year. The drainage basin 

above this point is largely covered with sandy soil, gently undulating, 

and not favorable for a large run-off, the discharge taking place mainly 

in time of flood.

BAKERSFIELD STATION, ON KERN RIVER.

Measurements of the discharge of Kern Eiver above the head of the 

canals have been made for a number of years under the direction of Mr. 

Walter James, chief engineer of the Kern County Land Company,
80 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [Bin*. 131.

for the purpose of obtaining the information necessary to the operation 

of the great system of canals irrigating the Kern delta. Data are not 

at hand giving the daily height of water or the relation of height to 

discharge, but the following figures given by Mr. James show the total 

flow of the river upon the days named:

April 19

Flow of Kern River at Balcersfield, California, in 1893.

Second-feet. 

..................................................... 2,058

April 21..................................................... 2,223

May 22...................................................... 4. 776

JuneG...................................................... 5,54:7

June 13..................................................... 5, 619

June 14...................................................... 5, 068

June 20..................................................... 4, 899

June 24..................................................... 4,142

July 7...................................................... 3,821

September 29 ............................................... 486

. October 24.................................................. 519

November 7................................................. 519

November 20. ............................................... 467

KINGSBURG STATION, ON KINGS RIVER.

This station is located at the Southern Pacific Railroad bridge, 1 mile 

south of Kingsburg, Cal. The station is an old one, and was examined by Mr. Arthur P. Davis on January 10, 1895. The observer is 

Mr. Alt*. Thompson, watchman. It is distant about 500 feet from the 

watchman's house. The gage is a vertical plank, fastened to a bridge 

pier, painted white, and divided into feet and inches. Measurement of 

discharge was made from the watchman's boat, suspended from the 

wagon bridge, about 200 feet below the railroad bridge. The channel 

is too badly broken up for gaging from either bridge. Above this 

bridge the following canals are taken out:

Name of caiial.

Total .............................................

Capacity.

Second-feet. 

1,500

600

600

600

3,300
NEWELL.] KINGS EIVEK, CALIFORNIA.

Daily gage height of Kings Eiver at Kingsburg, California, for 1893.

81

Day.

1........

2........

3. .......

4........

r.

6........

7........

8........

10........

11........

12........

11

14........

15

16........

17........

18........ 19.:......

9ft

21.. ......

22........

23........ 

24........

25........

26........

27........

28........

29........ 

30........

31........

Jan.

4.50

4.33

4.08

4.17

3.83

3.83

3.83

3.75

3.67

3.83

3.83

4.00

3.67

3.67 

3.33

3.17

5.00

4.33

4.00

3.58

3.50 

3.25

3.92 

3.83

3.83

3.83

4.00

6.25

5.00 

4.75

11.25

Feb.

7.50

6.33

5.83

5.50

6.25

6.00

5.33

5.17

9.83

11.50

8.17

7.00

6.83

6.17 

6.08

5.67

5.58

5.42

5.25

5.25

5.25 

5.17

5.17 

5.17

5.00

5.08

5.00

4.00

.......

Mar.

4,50

4.42

4.33

4.17

4.75

4.83

4.58

4.33

6.17

5.25

4.83

5.83

5.75

5.25 

5.67

5.67

5.33

5.08

5.00

6.17

11.75 

8.33

7.17 

6.25

6.00

6.42

6.58

6.75

6.92 

6.75

6.50

Apr.

6.50

6.67

6.33

6.25

6.17

6.]7

6.08

5.50

5.08

5.17

5.25

5.00

4.83

4.67 

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.08

5.17

5.25

5.75 

5.83

6.00 

5.58

5.17

5.00

5.00

5.33

5.00 

4.67

May.

5.00

5.25

"\ V*.

6.00

6.83

6.83

7.33

7.92

7.75

8.75

9.33

9.92

10.25

10.75 

11.00

10.83

10.58

9.58

8.83

8.75

8.58 

8.58

9.00 

9.75

9.25

8.75

8.83

9.08

9.50 

9.75

10.08

Jane.

10.33

10.92

11.67

12.08

12.33

12.08

11.92

11.50

11.58

11.75

12.00

11.83

10.42

9.75 

10.00

10.50

10.67

10.75

10.17

9.75

9.58 

9.75

9.50 

9.17

9.17

9.08

9.00

9.00

8.92 

9.00

July9.33

9.50

9.50

9.08

8.83

8.50

8.33

8.17

8.50

8.00

7.17

6.83

6.67

6.33 

5.75

6.08

6.08

6.17

6.00

6.00

C.OO 

6.00

5.67 

5.67

5.67

5.75

5.75

5.00

4.33 

4.25

4.17

Aug.

4.17

4.17

4.17

4.17

4.08

4.00

4.00

3.75

3.75

3.50

3.33

3.42

3.33

3.42 

3.42

3.17

3.00

2.83

2.83

2.67

2.58 

2.42

2.33 

2.33

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.42

2.42 

2,50

2.50

Sept.

2.33

2.25

2.17

2.50

3.33

2.83

2.58

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.33

2.25

2.17

2.08 

2.08

2.08

2.08

2.50

2.50

2.58

2.67 

2.67

3.67 

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.42

2.42

2.33 

2.25

Oct.

2.33

2.50

2.33

2.25

2.33

2.25

2.25

2.17

2.17

2.17

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25 

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.33

2.50

2.50 

8.BO

2.42 

2.42

2.33

2.33

2.33

2.67

2.50 

2.67

2.58

Nov.

2.67

2.58

2.58

2.58

2.67

2.92

2.75

2.67

2.92

2.50

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.92 

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

2.25

2.33 

2.50

2.33 

2.00

2.08

2.17

2.33

2.25

2.33 

2.58

Dec.

2.33

2.17

2.17

2.17

2.17

2.08

2.08

2.08

2.08

2.08

2.08

2.08

2.08

2.08 

2.08

2.08

2.08

2.08

2.08

2.08

ToT

2.17 

3.50

3.25

3.17

2.67

2.58

2.58 

2.50

2.50

Daily gage height o/ Kings Eiver at Kingsburg, California, for 1894,

Day.

1. .......

2........

3........ 

4........

5........ 

6........

7........

8........

9........

10........

11........

12........

11

14........

15........

16........

17........

1 Q

on

91

99

23........

24........

OC

26

27........

OQ

29........ 

30........ 

31........

Jan.

2.50

2.50

3.33 

3.17 

2.83 

2.50

2.50

2.25

2.00

1.92

1.92

1.83

1.92

1.92

1.92

3.00

4.67

4.00

4.17

3.92

3.83

4.33

3.00 

2.50

2.25

2.17

2.08

2.00

2.00 

1.92 

1.92

Feb.

2.00

1.92

1.92 

1.92 

1.92 

1.92

1.92

1.92

2.00

2.67

4.33

4.00

3.83

3.58

3.33

2.75

4.50

3.50

3.08

3.33

5.92

5.83

4.58 

4.00

3.58

3.17

3.08

Mar.

3.25

3.B3

4.08 

. 4.17 

2.92 

2.83

3.00

2.83

2.58

2.75

2.83

2.83

3.25

3.58

3.83

4.00

4.83

4.75

4.33

4.58

3.92

3.75

3.50 

3.08

3.33

3.83

4.33

4.58

4.58 

4.83 

4.83

Apr.

4.83

5.08

5.42 

5.42 

5.42 

5.33

5.42

5.67

5.92

6.08

6.58

6.33

6.00

5.92

6.25

5.83

5.58

5.00

5.00

5.33

5.50

5.58

5.50 

5.17

5.42

6.00

5.67

5.25

4.92 

4.83

May.

5.25

5.42

5.58 

5.83 

6.75 

7.00

7.83

8.67

9.00

9.00

8.75

8.42

7.50

7.25

7.42

6.92

6.92

6.50

6.17

6.07

6.00

5.83

6.17 

7.17

8.00

7.75

6.83

6.42

6.17 

6.17 

7.00

June.

6.83

6.25

5.83 

5.92 

6.00 

. 6.00

5.75

5.25

5.08

5.25

5.25

5.08

4.75

4.50

4.58

4.75

4.75

4.75

4.75

4.58

4.33

4.33

4.50 

4.33

4.42

4.33

4.25

4.08

4.17 

4.25

July.

2.33

5.00 

4.75 

4.58 

4.58

4.42

4.50

4.33

3.83

3.58

3.75

3.25

3.00

2.83

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.25

2.58

2.67

2.67

2.75 

2.67

5.83

2.92

3.00

2.92

2.83 

2.83 

2.75

Aug.

2.75

2.67

2.67 

2.67 

2.67

9 R7

2.50

2.42

2.42

2.33

2.33

2.25

2.25

2.17

2.17

2.17

2.17

2.12

2.12

2.08

2.08

2.08

2.08 

2.08

2.08

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.17 

2.83

Sept.

2 75

2.50

2.33 

2.25 

2.17

2 1 7

2.17

2.17

2.12

9 19

2.08

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.96

1 96

1 96

1.92

1.00

2.08

2.17

2.33 

2.33

2.25

9 9Q

2.33

2.42

2.42 

2.58

Oct.

2 A7

3.33

3.25 

. 3.58 

4.00 

4.17

i 19

4.00

3.75

3 fi7

3.58

3.50

3.33

3 OK

3.17

Q AQ

2.92

2.67

2.67

2 no

3.00

1 95

3.33 

3.50

3.42

3.50

3.33

3.17

3.17 

3.08 

3.00

Nov.

2 Q9

2 Q9

2.92 

2.92 

2.92

2

Q7

2

QO

2

QO

9 7*i

2 ft7

»O CO

2 (17

2 75

2

7c

2

KQ

2

00

2 CO

2

KQ

2

CQ

2.67

2 A7

2.67

9 7K.

2

7K

2.75

9 09

2 QO

2.96 

2.96

Dec.

3

9f5

3 17

3.08 

3.00 

3.00

3 17

4.25

4.75

4 92

4.58

4.83

4.58

4.33

4.33

4

OQ

4

1 "7

4.17

5 09

6.08

5 17

5.17

5 17

4.67

4.33

4.33

4.83

5.17 

6.33 

5.67

HERNDON STATION, ON SAN JOAQUIN EIVER.

The gage at this station is located on the northeast-corner of the 

middle pier of the Southern Pacific Railroad bridge, 1 Vile north of 

Herndon, Cal. The station is an old one, and was examined by Mr. 

Bull. 131 6 - ;:
82 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

Arthur P. Davis on January 9, 1895. The observer is Mr. George Or. 

Nelson, Borden, Madera County, Gal. The station is distant from the 

observer's house about 500 feet. The gage is a vertical plank fastened 

to the bridge pier. It can be read from the bridge. A measurement 

of discharge made from the wagon bridge, about 800 feet above, gave 

on the date above named a total flow of 1,995 second-feet.

Daily gage height of San Joaquin Eiver at upper crossing, Herndon, California, for 1893.

Day.

1........

3........

4........

6........

7........

8........

10........

11........

12........

13........

14........

15........

16........

17........

18........

1Q

20........

21........

22........

23........

24........

25........

26........

27........

98

29........ 

30......... 

31........

Jan.

3.50

3.17

3.00

2.83

2.58

2.42

2.33 9 on

2.00

2.00

2.17

2.33

2.33

2.17

2.00

2.00

4.50

3.50

3 9^

3.17

3.00

2.75

3.00

2.50

2.50

2.42

3.50

5

KA

4.00 

4.17 

9.00

Feb.

6.50

5.33

5.00

4 50

6.92

5.00

4.50

4.42

8.50

7 S3

6.50

6.00

5 fi7

5.17

4.83

4.58

4.58

4.50

4.50

4.33

4.25

A. 9*i

4.00

4.08

4.00

3.83 

3.67

Mar.

3.58

3 ^8

3.50

3.67

3.67

3.83

4.00

4.00

5.25

4.42

4.58

5.50

5.00

4.50

5.17

4.83

4.50

4.33

4.33

8.50

12.00

8.00

6.50

6.00

1 firt

5.67

6.83

6

KQ

6.83 

6.67 

6.75

Apr.

6.83

6.58

6.33

6.00

6.20

6.50

6.17

5.83

5.25

5

OQ

5.08

5.00

5.00

5.25

5.25

5.08

5.00

4.83

5.00

5

QQ

5.42

6.00

6.67

8.17

6.00

5.75

5.67 

5 50

5.17 

5.00

May.

f\ R7

5

QQ

5

7>;

5 Q9

6.33

6.50

6 7^

7

OQ

7.67

8.00

8.67

9.33

9 f\f\

10.33

10.50

10.25

10.00

9 75

8

KA

8.17

7.75

8.00

8 17

8 ^n

8 1 7

8.00

7.75

7 QQ

8.00 

8.17 

8.00

June.

7.75

9.00

10.50

H QQ

11.50

11.42

U OC

10.50

10.67

10.50

10.75

Ifl DO

10.00

9.50

9.17

9.00

8.83

8.50

8.42

8.17

8.00

8.00

8 17

8.33

8.00

7

QO

7.67 

7.42

7.50 

'7.67

July.

8.00

8 OR

8 4.9

8

CA

8 17

7.75

7 9^

7 fifi

7 *in

7.58

7 11

7.00

6.67

6

9*i

6.00

6.00

5.83

6 95

6.50

6.67

6.50

6

9>;

6.00

C.OO

6.17

6.00

6.00 

6.17

5.83 

5.50 

5.00

Aug.

4.83

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00

4 92

A 81

4.67

4.50

4.25

2.17

4.00

4.00

4.17

4.17

4.00

4.00

4.00

3.83

3.75

3.75

i f;a

3.83

3.75

3

7*

3.67 

3.75 

3.75

Sept.

3.67

3.58

3

KQ

3.50

3

CA

3.50

3

K.Q

3.58

0 Cfi

3 49

3 4.9

3.33

3 qq

3.17

3.17

3.00

3.00

9 83

2

7c

9 71

2.67

2

KQ

2 CO

2.50

2

CA

2.33

2.33

2 OK

2.25 

2.08

Oct.

2.08

2

AQ

2

9P\

2 17

2.00

2.00

1 Q3

1 I7f\

1 7P>

1.67

1.67

1.58

1 Q9

9 nfl

2.00

1.92

1.92

1 81

1 81

1.83

1.75

1 7<i

i 1 7f>

1.67

1.67

1.67

1.83

1 7H

1.75 

1.67 

1.75

Nov.

1.67

1.67

1.67 i <ia

1.58

1 10

i in

1 50

1.50

1 10

1 Kn

1.50

1.42

1.42

1.42

1.42

 1.33

1.33

1 33

1.33

1.33

1 33

I

qq

1.33

1 OO

1 ft3

2.17

2

KA

'2.83 

2.50

Dec.

2

QQ

2 qq

2 qq

2 OK

 9 33

2 17

9 17

2 1 7

9 17

2.17

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2

KQ

9 10

2.50

9 1ft

S

en

3.00

2 71

2.50

2.67 

2.67

2.50 

2.33 

2.33

Daily gage height of San Joaquin Eiver at upper crossing, Herndon, California, for 1894.

Day.

1........

2........

3........

4........

5........ 

6........

7........

9.. ...... 10........

11........

12........

13........

14........

in

16........

17........

18........

10

9n

21........

22........ 

23........

24........

25........

26........

97

98

29........ 

30........ 

31........

Jan.

2.50

2.58

3.00

2.83

2.75 

2.75

2.58

2.58

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.33

2.33

3.50

3.17

3.00

2.75

2.75

2.83

2.58 

3.33

3.33

3.17

3.17

3.00

3.00

3.00 

2.92 

2.92

Feb.

6.67

6.58

6.50

S. 50

6.42 

6.42

6.42

6.46

8.25

12.50

12.00

10.33

9.08

8.67

8.08

9.00

9.25

12.00

15.67

17.33

17.00

16.33 

15.67

15.00

14.67

13.00

13.00

12.67

Mar.

2.83

3.33

3.83

3.50

3.33 

3.33

3.25

3.25

3.08

5.50

3.33

3.33

4.00

4.25

4.00

4.17

4.50

4.33

4.33

4.17

3.83

3.75 

3.42

3.50

3.50

3.58

4.00

4.50

4.74 

4.83 

5.00

Apr.

4.83

5.00

5.17

5.00

5.00 

5.08

5.00

5.33

5.50

6.00

6.83

6.25

5.83

5.50

5.33

5.08

5.00

5.00

4.83

5.00

5.33

5.25 

5.17

5.00

4.83

5.58

5.00

4.92

5.00 

4.58

May.

4.42

4.75

5.00

5.58

6.33 

6.58

7.00

7.50

8.58

8.50

8.00

7.67

7.50

7.00

6.75

6.50

6.42

6.17

6.00

5.75

5.50

5.33 

5.50

6.50

6.67

7.00

7.17

6.00

5.75 

5.83 

6.50

June.

6.50

6.17

5.83

5.C7

5.50 

5.50

5.17

4.83

4.83

5.00

5.00

5.00

4.50

6.50

4.42

5.00

5.25

5.50

5.42

5.17

5.00

4.83 

4.50

4.50

4.42

4.83

5.00

5.25

5.17 

4.67

July.

4.50

4.50

4.42

4.42

4.42 

4.50

4.50

4.42

4.42

4.33

4.33

4.33

4.17

4.17

4.17

4.25

4.00

3.92

3.83

3.83

3.75

3.75 

3.58

3.50

3.42

3.42

3.33

3.42

3.42 

3.42 

3.25

Aug.

3.25

3.17

3.33

3.33

3.42 

3.33

3.33

3.25

3.25

3.17

3.17

3.08

2.83

2.75

2.58

2.67

2.67

2.58

2.58

2.50

2.50

2.50 

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.58

3.75 

4.33 

3.83

Sept.

3.33

3.17

3.17

3.17

3.08 

3.08

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

2.83

2.83

2.75

2.67

2.67

2.58

2.58

2.58

2.58

2.50

2.50

2.42 

2.42

2.33

2.17

2.08

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.00

Oct.

2.17

2.42

2.50

2.50

2.58 

2.83

3.00

3.00

3.00

2.75

2.67

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.42

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.17

2.17

2.58

2.92 

3.00

3.33

3.42

3.50

 3.50

3.42

3.25 

3.17 

3.00

Nov.

3.00

2.92

2.92

2.83

2.83 

2.67

2.67

2.67

2.58

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2,42

2.42 

2.42

2.33

2.33

2.33

2.33

2.50

2.50 

2.58

Dec.

2.58

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.50 

2.67

2.92

3.33

3.75

3.33

3. 00

2.83

2.83

2.75

2.67

2.83

2.83

3.00

3.17

5.50

5.00

4.83 

4.92

4.50

3.75

3.50

3.33

4.00

4.50 

5.75 

4.00
NEWELL.] TUOLUMNE RIVER, CALIFORNIA. 83

MODESTO STATION, ON TUOLUMNE RIVEE.

Observations of river height at the railroad bridge crossing Tuolumne 

River, 1 mile south of Modesto, have been kept by the Southern Pacific 

Railroad Company for a number of years. On November 12,1889, 

William P. Trowbridge, jr., hydrographer of the Irrigation Survey, 

under instructions from William Ham. Hall, supervising engineer, 

began a series of measurements at this point, both for the purpose of 

determining the flow of the stream and for experimentally ascertaining the best methods and apparatus for making velocity measurements 

upon rivers of this class. In this work he was delayed by the unfavorable weather then prevailing, rain continuing from November 17 to 

January 1,1890, with hardly a break, much of the time being accompanied by violent winds. The first work was to place in position a

permanent gage, this being attached to the central pier of the railroad 

bridge. Under orders from William Hood, chief engineer of the Southern Pacific Company, the railroad employees furnished a well-painted 

gage and secured it in position, under Mr. Trowbridge's supervision. 

The bridge tender, Gr. G. Nelson, was also instructed to furnish daily 

readings of the height of water, copies of his observations being sent 

to the railroad office and,to Mr. Hall.

A one-half-inch cable was stretched across the river at a point about 

200 feet above the bridge, this being a distance sufficiently great to be 

removed from the influence of the bridge piers. At this point the stream 

is about 220 feet wide, and has an average depth of from 5 to 7 feet at 

ordinary stages, and from this up to 20 feet in times of flood. A small 

topographic map was then made of the vicinity, by means of transit 

and stadia, and cross sections were run at various distances above and 

below the station in order to furnish data for the study of the stream 

bed in that vicinity. Longitudinal sections were also run, and bench 

marks placed at intervals of 500 feet for a distance of 1,000 feet above 

and below the section. Small temporary gages were placed at the 

extreme ends of this line for the purpose of obtaining the slope of 

the river at its various stages, by means of simultaneous gage readings. All bench marks were referred to the plane of the zero mark of 

the gage on the bridge,-this being the reference plane for all work at 

this locality. This zero mark was referred to the railroad track.

A light, safe catamaran was constructed, capable of being taken 

apart and shipped to any point, and from this velocity measurements 

were made. It was determined, however, that the method of obtaining 

velocity measurements from shore> or the cable and traveling apparatus, 

should be tried experimentally. This, as devised by Mr. Hall and put 

into operation by Mr. Trowbridge, consists of two cables stretched 

across the stream; from one of these the lower the meter is suspended by suitable cords and pulleys, and held from being swept downstream by a stay line which runs to the upper cable. A brief descrip-
84 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDEOGRAPHY, 1893'AND 1894. LBCLL.ISI,

tion of this method is given in the Eleventh Annual Eeport of the 

United States Geological Survey, Part II, Irrigation, pages 10 to 18. 

It was reported that a number of complete measurem ents were made, 

but the results of these were not forwarded to the Washington office. 

These measurements were necessarily made rapidly, as the river is subject to sudden rises on account of the warm rains falling on the snow in 

the mountains. Velocity observations were taken at every 20 feet 

across the river, and at intervals of 2 feet in the vertical, the meter 

being usually run for two minutes for each observation. Work at this 

point was continued until February 2, 1890.

This station was inspected on January 8, 1895, by Mr. Arthur P. 

Davis, who at that time made a measurement of discharge, showing 

that for a height of 7.7 feet the river was flowing at the rate of 3,003 

second-feet. He states that the gage consists of a vertical plank passing from the south side of the middle pier of the railroad bridge, and 

divided into feet and halves. It can be easily read from the south shore 

or from the wagon bridge, 200 feet to the west. The river measurement 

was made from the wagon bridge just below the railroad bridge. At 

that point the channel is sandy, but favorable for measurements at 

low water and at medium high stages. In extreme flood, however, the 

river leaves its banks. Mr. J. B. Lippincott states that the old gage 

on the Tuolumne was set in 1872 by A. P. "Guppy and J. T. Keed. 

The new gage, now standing in the river, set in 1889 by William P. 

Trowbridge, jr., reads 1 foot higher than the old gage; that is to say,. 

2 feet on the old gage would read 3 feet on the new.

Tuolumne Eiver, during the spring floods, has a daily variation, due 

to the melting of snow in the mountains. The low stage is at about 9- 

a. m., and the high at about 3 p. m. J. T. Eeed, the present observerr 

records the height of water about 3 p. m.

The velocity of the river at this point is largely controlled by the 

height of the San Joaquin, into which it empties. When the latter is 

low, and local rains occur in the Tuolumne, the velocity is relatively 

high; that is to say, with the same height of gage different velocities 

may be observed.
NEWELL.] TUOLUMNE EIVER, CALIFORNIA.

Daily gage height of Tuolumne River at Modesto, California, for 1893.

'85

Day.

1. .......

2........

3........

4........

5........

6........

7........

8........

9........

10........

11........

12........

13........ 

14........

15........ 

16........ 

17........

18........

10

20........

21........

22........

oq

24........

9fi

27........

28........ 

29........

30........

31........

Jan.

8 17

7.83

7.67

7.50

7 91

7.17

7.08

6

oq

6

KQ

6.50

6.33

. 6.17

6.00 

5.33

5.58 

6.50 

10.58

7.83

6.67

6.50

6.33

6.00

6.00 1 ns

6.17

7.08

9.00 

7.08

7.08

18. 00

Feb.

19 AA

9.08

9

AA

8.17

13.98

10.08

7.00

8 nft

19.08

16.00

11.00

10.00

10.08 

9.08

"?." 83'

7.67

7.50

7.50

7.42

7 33

'7.25

7.25

7.25

7.25

7.17

Mar.

' 7.00

6.75

0

7K

6.67

6.75

6.67

6.42

6.00

6.17

5 8'^

5.75

10.75

7.75 

6.83

13.50 

9.83 

8.17

6.83

7.83

10.83

22.83

15.83

U 7K

9.75

8.50

9.00

9.17

9.75 

10.67

11.33

10.42

Apr.

10.33

10.50

10.33

10.17

9 83

12.17

10.42

9.58

9.08'

8.75

8.67

8.25

8.08 

8.00

7.92 

8. 33 

8.75

8.50

8.58

8.75

900

9.67

11.58

10.42

9 17

8.75

8.75

8.92 

8.75

8. 17

May.

8 33

8.67

9.25

10.17

10.00

10.58

10.75

11.83

12.67

14.17

15.25

15.75 

16.58

16.42 

16. 58 

]5. 17

15.00

13.42

12.25

10,00

10.50

11.67

13.42

12.50

11.42

10.92

11/08 

12.25

13.42

14.00

June.

14.67

15.75

Ifi 09

17.58

18.08

17.92

17.58

16.67

17.00

17.42

17.83

18.00 

16.17

14.08 

14.33 

15.58

15.75

15.17

14.33

13.58

13.67

14.58

13.50

13.08

13.67

13. 83

13. 58 

13.67

13.08

July.

13.92

13.50

14.33

14.42

13.92

13.42

11.75

12.25

12.58

12.50

11.58

16.92 

10.50

10.17 

10.33 

10.58

10. 50

10.33

10. 42

10.17

9.92

9

7K

9.58

9.42

9.58

9.00

8.83 

8.58

7.75

7.58

Aug.

7.42

7.33

7.33

7.33

7.17

6.92

6.75

6.58

6.33

6.17

6.00

5.92

5.83 

5.75

5.58 

5.50 

'5.42

5.25

5.08

5.00

4.92

4.83

4

00

4.75

4.67

4.83

5.25

5.42 

5.25

5.37

4.92

Sept.

4 9°

4.58

4.50

4.33

4.08

3 O9

3.92

3 ft0.

3

KA

3.33 

3 17

3.17 

3.08 

3.08

3.00

3.00

3.08

3.00

2.92

2

QQ

2.92

2.83

2.83

2.75

2.75 

2.67

2.67

 Oct.

2 fi7

2.58

9 KA

2 50

2

KA

2.42

2 J9

2.33

' 2.33

2.33

2 qq

2.42 

2.42

2.33 

2.33 

2.33

2.25

2 91

2.25

2.17

2 17

2.17

2.08

2.00

2.00

2.00 

1.83

1.83

1.83

Nov..

1 75

1 71

1.67

1.67

1.67

1.67

1 QP

2 17

2 Aft

2.00

2.00

2.17 

2.00

1.83 

1.75 

1.75

1.67

1.67

1.58

1.50

1.42

1.33

i Ift

1.67

2.08

2.75 

7.50

6.08

.......

Dec.

5.50

6.42

5 CO

^ Q9

4.58

4 33

4.17

3 no

3.43

3 17

3.08

3.00

3.17

3 4.9

3.08 

2.92 

3.00

3.00

2 Q9

2.83

2.83

2.67

2 R7

3.50

3.67

3.33

3.67

3.92 

3.83

3.75

3.58

Daily gage height of Tuolumne Eiver at Modesto, California, for 1894.

Day.

1. .......

3........

4........

6........

7. .......

10........

11. .......

19

13........

14

15........

16........

17........

18........

20........

91

22........

24........

25........

26........

97

28........

29........

30........ 

31........

Jan.

3.83

3.92

4.68

4.75

4

KA

4.50

4.08

4.17

4.17

4.08

4.00

4.00

4 OK

4.42

l ifi

14.42

7 KA

6.00

5.58 

16.17

7.42

6 CO

6.33

5.83

5.50

5.42

5.42

5.17

5.25 

5.33

Feb.

5.33

i 17

5.17-

5.33

5.00

5.00

5.00

4.92

1 K KA

6.92

5.92

5

7K

5.50

5.42

6

KQ

5.00

5.67

7.58

21.83 

23.00

10.83

9.58

7.67

7.33

7.17

6 Q9

6.92

.......

Mar.

7.07

7.25

7.33

6.67

6.50

6.42

6.50

6.25

6.33

6.50

6.42

7.08

7.42

7.50

7

KA

8

QO

7.75

7 5.A

7.42

6

QO

6.50

6.33

.6.50

6.83

7 F»A

7.50

7.92

8.50 

8.67

Apr.

8.33

8.58

9.25

9.08

9.25

9.58

10.25

10.58

10.92

11.83'

13.08

11.58

10.92

11.08

11.50

10.50

9 19

8.67

8.83

10.33 

11.33

11.17

JO. 75

10.50

9.75

10.08

8.75

10.17

8.17

May.

8.92

9.67

9.58

9.83

10.83

12.17

13.83

14.67

15.75

16.17

15.83

14.25

14.83

11.17

11.08

11.92

11. 33 

10.67

10.50

10.58

12. 67

14.00

15.08

14.00

13.17

11.17

11. 42 

13.75

June.

15.50

13.83

10 qq

13.50

11.75

11.83

IA oq

9

oq

9.67

9

lft

10.08

9

KA

8.67

8.67

9.67

10.08

11 25

11.83

11.92

9.83

9 QO

10. 17 

9 DO

10.50

10. 67

10.58

10.17

10.33

9.83

10.42

July.

10.67

10.42

9.67

9.83

9.92

9.25

9.17

8.50

8.50

8.25

8.08

7.83

7.50

7.42

7.17

6.92

6.75

6.50

6.42 

6.00

5.92

5.92

5.67

5.58

5.50

5.42

5.50

5.25

5.08 

4.92

Aug.

4.92

4.83

A 7*;

4.67

4.58

4.50

4.42

4 OK

4.00

3 09

3.75

3

KQ

3.58

3.42

3 OK

3 17

3.17

3 AS

3.08 

'3.00

3.00

2.92

2.83

2.83

9 71

2.75

2.92

4.08 

3.83

Sept.

3 ft0.

3.33

3 91

3.17

2.83

9 71

2 fi7

2.50

9 33

2.17

2 Aft

2.00

2.00

1 09

1.92

I

oq

1 7*.

1.67

1.67 

1.58

1.58

1 RA

1 K.A

1.42

1.42

1 3P.

1.33

1 91

1.58

Oct.

1 ^.A

1.58

1.67

1.67

1 71

1.83

1 7*.

1 ftP.

1.83

1 Q9

1.58

1.58

1 KQ

1.58'

1 K.A

1.67

1.67 i ia

1.58

1.50 

2 5Q

Q K.A

4.75

4.17

5.67

1 91

5.17

4 CO

4.50

3.92 

3.50

Nov.

3 OK

3.08

3.00

2.75

2.67

2.50

9 in

2 AS)

2.33

2

qb*

9 9^

2

AQ

2.00

1 Q9

1 Q9

1 QQ

1 7^

1 75*

1.6*

1.58 1 5&

1 K-ft

1

KA

1 K.A

1

KA

1.50

1.42

1.42

1.75

Dec.

1 ftP.

1 7=.

1 KQ

1.58

1 71

1.83

3.50

4.58

6.00

C KQ

"5.83

5.33

4 49

4.08

3

7C

3 /19

"3.50

6.42

17. 50

"7 AQ

15.17

n

oq

7.67

7 33

6.17

5

7K

10.75

9 qq

8.25 

6.92
86 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

LODI STATION, ON MOKELUMNE KIVER.

This station is located 1 mile north of Lodi, at the railroad bridge of 

the Southern Pacific Company. This station is an old one, and was 

examined on January 6,1895, by Mr. Arthur P. Davis. The observer 

is the bridge watchman. The gaging station is distant from the watchman's house about 600 feet. The gage is a vertical plank fastened to 

the south side of the middle pier and divided into feet and inches. It 

can be read frdm the bank at low water and from the bridge at all 

times. Gaging was made by lowering the meter through openings in 

the railroad bridge. The channel is very unfavorable for gaging. 

When the water is at the 8-foot mark, the current is broken and not at 

right angles to the bridge. About one-half mile above the railroad 

bridge is a wagon bridge which has no piers in the river and offers 

more favorable conditions for gaging.

Daily gage height of Mokelumne River at Lodi, California, for 1893.

Day.

1. .......

2........

3........

4........

K

6........

7........

8........

9........

10........

11........

12........

13........

14........

15........

16........

17........

18........

19........

20........ 

21........

99

23........

24........

25........

26........

27........

28........

29........ 

30........ 

31........

Jan.

9.00

8.50

8.50

8.50

8.50

8

Cfi

8.50

8.50

8.50

Q KA

8.50

8.50

8.50

8.50

8.58

11.00

12. 00

9.50

8.50

8.50 

8.50

8

qo

8 17

8.00

8.00

8.83

12.00

n qi

10.50 

10.00 

10.00

Feb.

16.00

14.33

13.00

12.50

12.00

12.00

11.17

10.00

13.42

15.33

14.00

12.33

12.00

11.17

10.00

10.00

10.00

9.50

9.00

9.00 

8.83

8.83

8.83

8.67

8.67

8.50

8.33

8.33

Mar.

8.00

8.00

8.00

8.00

8

Qq

7.83

7 ft0*

7.83

7 ft3

7 ft0.

10.50

8.00

8.00

10.00

9.00

10.00

9

AA

11.00

13.00

19.58

1 C C A

14 50

13.00

1 3 qq

12.00

12.50

12.00

13.00 

13.50 

14.33

Apr.

1/1 17

14.00

13 ^n

13.00

12.67

19 qq

19 fift

11.83

U nn

11.33

11. 00

n.oo

10.50

1A 00

10.17

10.00

10.00

-1 A QQ

]0.67

12.00

13.00

14.00

13.50

12. 33

12. 00

13.00

12.50 

12.00

May.

19 AA

12.50

12.50

13.00

13.50

13.42

13.58

14.00

14.50

15.00

1 R CA

16.00

17.00

16.50

16.67

16.50

1H PQ

14.17

13.50

19 ft0.

-\ q qq

14.50

14.33

13.50

14.00

13.83 

14.33 

14.58

June.'

15.50

1 ^ ft0.

11 33

16.17

16.50

16.50

16.33

16.17

16.33

16.50

16.25

16.33

15.33

14.17

14.83

14. 83

15.00

ic qq

15.00 

14.83

14.50

14.33

14.42

14.42

14.33

14.33

14.00

13.50 

13.33

July.

13.00

13.50

13.83

iq ftq

13.50

13.00

12.67

12.50

1 9 °.°.

12.00

11.83

11.00

11.50

11.58

11.67

11. 50

U qq

10.83

in Bq

10.58 

10.83

11.67

i n ft°.

10.00

9 OK

9.50

10.50

1 ft ftq

10.17 

10.33 

10.50

Aug.

10.67

10.75

.10.50

10. 50

10. 50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50 in Fin

10.50 

10.50

10.50

10.50

10 33

10.25

10.33

8.50

9.00

9.33 

10.00 

9.50

Sept.

10.00

9.83

10.00

10.17

10.17

10.25

10.33

10.50

10.50

10.33

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.50

10.25

10.17

10. 17

10.00

9.83 

9.50

9.50

9

KA

9

QQ

9.50

9.33

8 9^

8 17

8.17 

8.08

Oct.

7 QQ

7.67

7.58

7.50

7 f\(\

7.50

7.42

7.33

7.42

7.50

7.83

8.00

8.00

7.50

8.00

8:17

Q 17

8.17 

8.17

8 17

8 1 7

8

9".

8.25

 8.25

7

uq

7 7^

8.00 

8.17 

8.00

Nov.

7.00

5

KA

4.83

4.83

4

oq

4.83

4.83

4.83

4. ftp.

4.83

4.83

4.83

4.83

4.83

4.83

4.83

6 33

7.00

7 W

7.33 

7.00

6.17

5

oq

5

oq

6.00

7.50

10.50

8.00

7.83 

7.50

Dec.

7 50

7.67

8.00

6

CA

6.00

5.83

S

KA

^ ^0

5 en

5.50

^ Pift

5 PA

5.50

5.50

5.50

'^ id

5

KA

^ c,n

5.50 

5.50

5 ftq

6.00

6.50

7.00

7.00

6.00

5.83

5.83 

5.50 

5.50
NEWELL.] MOKELUMNE RIVER, CALIFORNIA. 87 

Daily gage height of Mokelumne River at Lodi, California, for 1894.

Day.

1. .......

2........ 

3........

4........

5........ 

6........

7. .......

8........

9........ 

10........

11........

12........

13........

14........ 

15........ 

16........

17........ 

18........

19........

20........

21........

22........

24........

25........

26........

27........

28........

29........

30........

31........

Jan.

5.50

5.50 

6.50

7.00

7.00 

7.00

5.50

5.50

5.50 

5.50

5.50

5.50

6.00

6.50 

7.00 

12.00

11.00 

8.00

7.50

7.00

1200

7.00

8.00

7.00

0.33

6.00

6.00

6.00

6.00

Feb.

6.17

6.33 

6.33

6.17

6.17 

6.33

6.33

6.25

6.25 

9.50

7.17

7.00

7.00

6.67 

6.50 

6.50

7.00 

9.00

15.00

16.00

11.00

9.50

9.00

8.00

7.67

8.00

8.17

8.17

Mar.

8.17

8.17 

8.17

8.92

8.25 

8.25

8.25

8.25

8.25 

8.33

7.92

7.67

7.50

8.00 

9.33 

9.33

10.00 

11.00

10.00

9.00

9 00

8.50

8.33

8.00

8.33

9.00

9.50

10.00

10.50

10.83

11.00

Apr.

10.33

11.50 

11.00

11.50

12.50 

12.75

12.83

13.00

14.00 

If 08

14.83

15.50

14.50

13.75 

14.25 

14.00

13.50 

12.50

12.75

13.25

Id aq

14.92

13.92

14.00

13.92

13.82

12.00

11.83

May.

13.25

13.00

1 q OK

13.17

13. 25 

14.08

15.08

16. 08. 

16.00

16.08

16.00

16.17

16.50 

15.83 

14.50

13. 33 

14.17

13.50

14.00

15.83

15.67

16.00

15.50

14.83

14.50

15.50

June.

15.83

15.00 

14.50

14.33

13.33 

13.00

12.33

12.25

13.00 

12.50

12.00

11.00

12. 50

12. 33 

13.42 

13.83

14.33 

14.50

13.83

13.33

13.17

12.83

13.00

12.50

12.42

12.17

12.00

11.50

11.33

July.

11.50

11. 42

U qq

11.33

11.42 

11.50

11.50

11.33

11.33 

11.42

11.33

10.92

10.67

10.50 

7.33 

9.67

10.50 

10.50

10.50

10. 50

10.50

10.50

10.42

10.50

]0.50

10.17

10.50

10.25

10.33

10.50

Aug.

10.17

10.33 

10 33

10.42

10. 42 ' 

10. 42

10.33

10. 25

10.17 

10.17

9.83

9.75

9.75

9.50 

9.33 

9.25

9.25 

9.00

9.25

9.17

9.00

8.83

9.25

9.50

9.67

9.58

9.50

9.33

9.67

9.83

Sept.

10.00

9.83 

9.83

9.92

10.00 

10.17

10.00

9.67

10.00 

9.50

9.50

9.00

8.83

8.67 

8.50 

8.50

8.33 

8.33

8.25

8.17

8.00

7.83

7.83

7.75

7.75

7.58

7.75

7.83

7.75

8.25

Oct.

8.50

9.00 

9.33

8.50

6.83 

6.75

6.50

6.50

6.50 

6.67

6.58

6.50

6.50

6.67 

7.00 

7.33

8.00 

8.00

8.00

8.00

5.00

6.00

6.17

6.33

6.50

6.33

6.50

6.50

5.83

6.50

5.33

Nov.

5.33

5.25

5 9>i

5.42

5.33 

5.17

5.00

5.17

5.25 

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25 

5.17 

5.17

5.08 

5.08

5.17

5.17

5.17

5.17

5.25

5.25

5.17

5.17

5.17

5.42

5.50

Dec.

5.42

5.42 59";

5.25

5.17 

5.33

6.50

7.00

7.17 

6.50

6.33

6.00

6.00

5.83 

5.50 

5.33

5.33 

9.00

9.00

12.50

9.00

10.00

11.00

8.50

8.33

7.50

7.17

6.50

6.33

7.25

7.50

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STREAMS.

The sources of the water supply of southern California are so widely 

scattered, and the streams themselves are often so small and difficult 

of access at points where measurements can be made, that, owing to 

expense, no systematic work has been done. The State engineer of 

California made a number of measurements at intervals, but, so far as 

can be ascertained, the results, though mentioned in reports, have not 

been prepared for publication. A preliminary reconnaissance was 

made in the fall of 1894 by this Survey, and a number of points were 

selected where measurements might be carried on, but the work has 

not advanced to a stage permitting of the publication of data, and 

these will be deferred until the next report.

POTOMAC BASIN, IN MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA.

A study of the Potomac Eiver was begun in 1891, the field work 

being carried on by Mr. Cyrus 0. Babb. Observations of river height 

were first made at Chain Bridge, about 3 miles above the city of Washington, and at later times reconnaissance and discharge measurements 

were made on some of the higher branches in order to obtain data of 

run-off from the catchment areas of different character under similar 

climatic conditions. In the fall of 1894 the matter was given more 

careful attention, and preparations were made for a thorough series of 

measurements during the succeeding year.
^88 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BOLL. 131.

SPRINGFIELD STATION, ON SOUTH BRANCH OF POTOMAO.

Measurements of the South Branch of the Potomac are made at a 

point about 2 miles above Springfield, W. Va. Observations were 

begun on June 3, 1894, and continued until October 20, and were 

resumed in the succeeding year. Heights of water were measured by 

a wire gage, which is read by being drawn up along a scale divided into 

feet and tenths, attached to the guard rail of the bridge on the lower 

side. The channel is rocky and gravelly and is well adapted to discharge measurements, which are made from the bridge.

Daily gage height of South Branch River at Springfield, West Virginia, iti 1894.

Day.

1.........

2.........

3.........

4.........

6.........

7.........

8.........

9.........

10.........

11.........

12.........

13.........

14.........

15.........

16.........

June.

5.4

5.2

5

1

5.0

5

R

6.4

6.0

5.7

5

0

5.1

4.9

4.85

4.8

4.8

July.

4.1 

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

Aug.

4.2 

4.1

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

4.0

3.8

3.7

3.6

Sept.

3.7 

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

Oct.

3.6 

5.1

4.8

4.5

4.3

4.1

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.8

5.2

5.1

4.8

4.6

4.5

4.4

Day.

17.......... 

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

June.

4.65 

.4.9

5.2

4.65

4.6

4.4

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.25

4.2

July.

.......

3.6

4.0

4.0

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

4.8

Aug.

3.5 

3.5

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

Sept.

3.6

4.6

6.7

6.1

5.0

4.6

4.1

4.1

4.0

3.9

Q Q

3.6

3.6

Oct.

4.3 

4.2

4.1

4.1

CUMBERLAND STATION, ON POTOMAC RIVER.

Observations of river height are taken at the West Virginia Central 

Eailroad bridge, Cumberland, Md., about 200 yards below the dam on 

the Potomac. They were begun on June 11, 1894, and continued

throughout that year. The gage is a vertical rod 10 feet long, bolted 

to the east end of the abutment of head gates above the dam. The 

channel consists of loose rocks and is not liable to change. The discharge measurements are made from the bridge.

Daily gage height of Potomac River at Cumberland, Maryland., in 1894.

Day.

1

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. '8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15..

16..

June.

"s.T_

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

July.

2.11

P..11

2.11

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.09

2.08

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.5

Aug.

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.1

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.0

3.0

3.0

2 9

Sept.

0.7

.5

.6

.6

.5

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.4

Oct.

1.7

3.0

2.8

2.7

2.5

2.3

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.9

2.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

Nov.

3.5

3.5

3.3

3.0

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

Dec.

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.2

3.4

4.1

4.7

3.3

3.2

Day.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29..

30..

31..

June.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

B.I

3.1

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.0

July.

2.4

2.3

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.5

2.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.8

2.9

Aug.

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.0

1.9

1.9

2.5

3.0

2.8

2.5

1.9

1.8

1.3

1.0

.9

Sept.

1.7

2.9

2.9

3.1

3.2

3.2

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.5

2.0

1.8

......

Oct.

2.9

2

Q 

. y

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.2

1.9

' 1.8

.1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

2.0

Nov.

3.0

3.0

2.3

2.3

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

Dec.

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1
NEWELL.] SHENANDOAH AND POTOMAC RIVERS. 89

MILLVILLE STATION, ON THE SHENANDOAH RIVER.

This station is on the Shenandoah Eiver, at Millville, W. Va., 4 miles 

above Harpers Ferry. The gage consists of a vertical board nailed to 

the projecting trunk of a tree and firmly fastened .by cross braces. The 

bench mark consists of a notch cut in the tree opposite the 8-foot mark 

of the gage. The channel is rocky and not liable to change. Measurements are made from a small box, or car, 2 feet wide, 3.5 feet long, and 

3 feet high, suspended from a 1^-inch cable which has been erected by 

private parties for use of a ferry.

POINT OF ROOKS STATION, ON POTOMAC RIVER.

This station is at the toll bridge over the Potomac Eiver near Point 

of Bocks, Md. It is equipped with a wire gage, which is read from the 

bridge floor, measurements of discharge being made from this bridge.

CHAIN BRIDGE STATION, ON POTOMAC RIVER.

Eeadings of river height at this point were began on May 4,1891, 

and continued until the end of 1893, when they were discontinued, 

owing to the difficulty of obtaining an observer. They were taken up 

again on December 18, 1894. The height of water is measured by 

means of a wire gage having a horizontal scale which reads from 10 to 

30 feet. On March 20, 1895, this was supplemented by a cylindrical 

nilometer. Measurements of discharge are made from the bridge, but 

have not been wholly satisfactory, owing to the great velocity at times 

of high water. Computations of discharge of the river, based upon 

measurements at this point and upon a record kept at Great Falls, 

have been published in the Fourteenth Annual Eeport of this Survey, 

Part II, pages 135-137, giving the monthly flow from 1886 to 1893, 

inclusive.

LIST OF DISCHARGE MEASUREMENTS OF VARIOUS STREAMS IN 

THE UNITED STATES.

The following list gives, in brief, the results of individual stream 

measurements made at various stations established by this Survey, and 

at other points where it has been ascertained that such work has been 

carried on. For convenience of reference these are arranged in chronologic order. Many of them have been discussed more fully under the 

descriptions of the different river stations. In nearly all instances 

these measurements were made by means of current meters, by which 

the velocity of various portions of the current was ascertained, the 

meter being placed at regular intervals across the stream and near 

the surface, bottom, and in intermediate positions. The depth of the 

stream having been ascertained by sounding line or pole, and the width 

measured directly, the discharge for each portion was computed and 

the results were summed up as shown in the table. This list gives the
90 PKOGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131,

name of the stream, the locality or river station at which the measurements were made, and the name of the hydrographer or engineer under 

whose immediate direction the work was done. There is also given, 

wherever it can be obtained, an estimate of the drainage area in square 

miles above the point where these measurements were made. This estimate has in general been prepared by means of planimeter measurements of the best accessible maps, the outline of the drainage area 

being sketched according to the topographic features. Next to the 

right of this is given the height of water at- the time of the measurement on the arbitrary gage established at the regular river stations f 

also the mean velocity, obtained by dividing the total computed discharge of the area by the cross section of the river at the point where 

the measurements were made. The discharge is given in units of cubic 

feet per second (now commonly employed), briefly designated, for convenience, second-feet.

List of discharge measurements of various streams in the United States.

Date.

1893.

June 10

30

19

14

14

14

16

99

17

ift

24

26

Aug. 14

14

16

99

i 93

91

24

25 Sept. 2

10

99

26

27

97

1894. 

Jan. 10

91

A TIT* 9,4.

May 8 i^

ift

18

ia

21

91

21

21

24

28 

28

28

28

OQ

29

Stream.

.....do............

.....do............

Clear Creek.......

WestGallatin....

.....do............

Tejon House Cr . .

.....do............

North Platte......

Kocky Ford ditch .

Vroomans ........

Locality.

Above Buifalo, Wyo. .

Outlet, Waah ........

Above Salesville,

Mont.

.....do................

Holly, Colo.. .........

Kern County, Cal ....

.....do................

Pueblo, Colo .........

Orin Junction, Wyo. .

.....do................

.....do................

So. Fork, Wyo........

.....do................

.....do. ....... ........

Rocky Ford, Colo ....

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

Hydrographer.

E. Mead........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do ..........

.....do ..........

.....do ..........

M. C. McFarlane

E. Mead........

E. Mead........

.....flo. .........

F.H. Newell....

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do ..........

.....do ..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

F.H. Newell....

.....do ..........

J. B. Lippincott

.....do ..........

E. Mead ........ 

F.H. Newell....

.....do ..........

.....do ..........

.....do ..........

F.H. Newell....

.....do..........

.....do..........

C. C. Babb......

F.H. New ell.... 

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do ..........

.....do ..........

.....do..........

Area 

drained.

Sq.m. 

640

850

2,085

9,400

2,285

15, 000

6,000

3,060

12, 200

4,600 "s.'oeo"

3.060

12, 200

891

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1 54

.......

.90

1.00

a is

2.10

.30

88.75

1.70

2.45

.25

.45

.......

"i" 20"

3.80

1.20

.......

Mean 

velocity.

4 494

2.32

3.09

3.70

2.58

3.35

3.28

1 83

2.15

1.40

2.26

i.ii

0

"?." 27"

1.88

2.45

6.68

3.57

3.08

1.57

1.00

2.22 

2.83

2.41

1.70

2.12

1.25

Di8-

charge.

Sec.feet.

1

304

CCO

975

Q7

134

2

37 

66

1

55

2,963

211

818

1,189

ana.

1,251

715

4

291

1,186

24

0

60 

60

80

332

6,823 

2,395

32

27

1,940

69

620

157

5

3,037

71 

187

104

136

115

10
NEWELL.] DISCHARGE MEASUREMENTS, VARIOUS STREAMS. 91 

List of discharge measurements of various streams in the United States Continued.

Date.

1894. 

May 29 

29 

29 

29 

29 

31 

June 1 

. 1 

2 

6 

7 

7 

8 '' 13 

14 

14 

18 

20 

24 

25 

26 

July 2 

2 

6 

12 

15 

17

18 

20 

20 

21 

21 

21 

23 

23 

23 

23 

26 

26 

28 

30 

31 

Aug. 4 

4 

7 

7 

10 

13 

14 

15 

15 

17 

19

20 

21 

22 

25 

25

Sept. 5 

10 

15 

16 

17 

17 

19 

20 

20 

20 

23 

24 

27 

27 

28 

28 

30

Stream.

Eocky Ford ditch

Catlin ditch .....

Fosdicks ditch...

.....do...........

Laramie Kiver. . .

North Platte......

Little Goose Cr. .

AXTfVlf OfpAlr

Big Goose Creek.. 

Tejonfiouse Cr ..

Shenandoah ...... 

Gray Bull.. .......

Big Popo Agio.... 

Little Popo Agio.

North Piney Cr .. 

Middle Piney..... 

Middle Piney..... 

Middle Piney.... .

Pumpkin Seed Cr.

Strawberry Creek .

Qalt

Willow Creek.....

Swift Creek.......

Stump Creek ..... 

Platte.. ...........

Laramie .......... 

Dry Creek........

Middle Loup.. . . . . 

Cottonwood Cr . . .

Tejon House Cr. ..

Beaver Creek. ....

Weber............

....do............

Kio Grande. ......

Locality.

Eocky Ford, Colo 

Apishapa flume, Colo.

.....do................

.....do................

Springfield, W. Va . . .

Uva bridge, Wyo

Orin Junction, Wyo. .

Sheridan Co., Wyo . . . 

Canyon Bridge, Wyo.

Kern County, Cal . . .

Shellpost-omce, Wyo 

Lovefi's Ferry, Wyo

Harpers Ferry, W . Va 

.....do. .............. 

Meeteetse, Wyo ......

25 miles below Lander 

Wyo. 

Below Youngs, Wyo .

Uinta, Utah..........

4 miles above forks ..

Chain Bridge, D. C... 

UintaCo., Wyo......

Camp Clarke, N ebr . . 

CaryV Cheyenne Co .

In canyon, Wyo...... 

Columbus, Nebr......

Palisade, Nebr .......

Af ton Bridge, Wyo. . . 

Above Auburn, Wyo. 

Fremont, Nebr.......

Uintah,ITtah......... 

At bridge, Wyo ...... 

S. 13, T. 7 N., Wyo., 

E. 2 W. 

Near Laramie, Wyo . . 

Near Afton. Wyo .... 

Near Dunning, Nebr. 

Gates, Nebr.......... 

So. of Aften. Wyo....

Kern County, Cal .... 

Georgetown, Nebr. . . . 

Fullerton, Nebr. ...... 

....do................

Pueblo, Colo.......... 

Canyon, Colo. ........

....do................

Twin Lakes, Colo.... 

Hayden, Colo.........

Laramie, Wyo. ....... 

Alamosa, Colo. ....... 

Wood's Landing, Wyo 

Erubudo, N. Mex. ....

Hydrographer.

F.H. Newall....

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

E. H. Chapman. 

F.H. Newell....

.....do..........

.....do ..........

E. Mead........ 

F.H. Newell.... 

E. Mead........ 

F.H. Newell.... 

.....do ..........

M. C. McFarlane 

.....do..........

F. H. Newell 

M.C. McFarlane 

J. B. LippincottE. Mead. .......

.....do..........

.....do..........

C.C.Babb ......

.....do.......... 

E.Mnad ........ 

.....do..........

M. C. McFarlane 

.....do..........

.....do..........

S.Fortier.......

M. C. McFarlane 

.....do ..........

C.C.Babb...... 

M. C. McFarlane 

.....do..........

.....do ..........

.....do..........

O.V.P.Stout... 

.....do..........

.....do..........

M. C. McFarlane 

0. "V. P. Stout . . . 

M. C. McFarlane 

.....do..........

O.V.P.Stout... 

.....do..........

M. C. McFarlane 

.....do..........

O.V.P.Stout... 

.....do..........

S.Fortier....... 

M. C. McFarlane 

L. F. Gottschalk

M. C. McFarlane 

G. H. Lawrence. 

.....do.......... 

M. C. McFarlaue

.....do..........

J. B. Lippincott. 

G.H.Lawrence. 

O.V.P.Stout... 

....do..........

....do..........

....do..........

A. P. Davis..... 

....do.......... 

....do..........

....do..........

....do.. ....... 

....do.......... 

....do..........

W.M. Gilcrest.. 

A. P. Davis.....

A. P. Davia.....

Area 

drainet

Sq.m.

1,443

'i2,'200

"i2,"266 

1,400

3,060

6,354 

3,009

11, 043

.......

........

........

........

........

........

........

1,600 

1,600

102 "i.'ioo"

7, 000

Gage 

height

Feet.

4.70

"7." 80

6.40 

2.68

4.80

2,52

1.10

.......

.50

......

......

.35

1.20 

1.52

7.70

Mean

velocity

2.68 

1.66 

2.76 

4.83 

2.87 

2.02 

2.06 

4.00 

3.90

3~33 

"3." 06

......

5.21

"I'M

'2.30 

2.84

.......

6.85

.......

......

1.73

1.38

......

......

0

"i.'oi"

1.50

Discharge.

Sec .feet. 

110 

141 

290 

174 

365 

1,074 

70 

12, 000 

8,000 

1,845 

15, 000 

12, 596 

9,500 

968 

105 

63 

2,387 

463 

7 

569

26, 010 

4,623 

1,223 

1,218 

1,209 

6,209 

624

91

148 

396 

2,055 

2,427 

1,781 

285 

255 

93 

140 

1,900 

17 

2,450 

195 

1,475 

628 

104 

94 

0 

155 

67 

1,420 

280 

141 

77 

1,335

51 

56 

435 

850 

79 

1,209 

214 

1 

68 

210 

1,704 

71 

0 

378 

395 

33 

22 

43 

114 

267 

27 

11 

57 

284
92 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131. 

List of discharge measurements of various streams in the United States Continued.

Date.

1894. 

Oct. 1 

3 

4 

5 

5 

6 

6 

7 

1] 

13 

15 

15 

15 

16 

17 

18 

21 

22 

24 

24 

24 

26 

27 

29 

30 

Nov. 1 

2 

3 

4 

6 

7 

13 

14 

14 

17 

18 

21 

24 

24 

25 

30 

30 

Dec. 4 

6 

7 

8 

8 

9 

10 

20 

22 

24

Stream.

North Platte......

.....do.............

North side ditch .

Laramie. .......... 

North Platte......

St. Louis..........

North Platte......

.... do............ 

Barton Spring ....

Naches ...........

Yakima ..........

.....do............

^Republican .......

Malheur ...........

Locality.

Embudo.N. Mex..... 

Uva Junction, Wyo.. 

Watrous.N. Mex ..... 

North Platte, Nebr... 

La Junta, Colo. .......

Columbus. Nebr...... 

Near Fort Laramie. . .

Pueblo, Colo..........

.....do................

Grand Junction, Colo. 

.....do................

Helper, Utah.........

Golconda, Nov.......

Uva, Wyo. . ..........

Battle Creek, Utah... 

Cloquet, Minn ........ 

Blackfoot, Idaho. .....

Three Forks, Mont. . . 

North Platte, Nebr. . . 

Near Fort Laramie. . .

Sappington, Mont....

Nelson Bridge, Wash. 

R.I. R. crossing, Wash. 

North Branch^ Wash. 

Union Gap,' Wash. . . . 

Battle Creek, Utah...

.:... do...... ..........

Golconda, Nev. ....... 

Weiser Canyon. Idaho

Palisade, Nebr ....... 

County bridge, Oreg. .

Vale, Oreg............ 

Red BlufCCal. .......

Collinston, Utah ......

Hydrographer.

A. P. Davis ..... 

F.H. Newell....

A. P. Davis..... 

Chas. P. Ross... 

A. P. Davis.....

O.V.P. Stout...

F. H. Newell. . . .

A. P. Davis..... 

.....do..........

.....do ..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

L. H. Taylor....

.....do..........

F.H. Newell....

A. P. Davis . . . . . 

F.H. Newell....

A. P. Davis ..... 

G. H.Lawrence. 

W.M. Gilcrest..

A. P. Davis ..... 

Chas. P. Ross... 

John Hnuton . . . 

F. H. Newell . . .

.....do ..........

A. P. Davis..... 

.....do ..........

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do ..........

.....do ..........

.....do ..........

S. Fortier....... 

.....do .......... 

L. H. Taylor.... 

A. P. Davis..... 

.....do ..........

O.V.P. Stout.. . 

A. P. Davis..... 

O.V.P. Stout...

A. P. Davis..... 

.....do ..........

S. Fortier.......

.....do..........

Area 

drained.

Sg. m. 

7,000

'12,266 

6,600

4,600 

3,060

""'640'

4,500

10, 500

2,285

8,270

15. 000

"4," 500 

4,500

"i,'676'

"9,'875'

9,900

6,000 

640

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.68

""."46" 

2.01

.39 

2.40

1.24

1.25 

.60 

1.98 

2.05

1.30 

4.38

1.90

.57

1.08 

1.11 

89.00 

2.50 

3.40 

2.00 "i.'so

1.80 

2.00 

.90 

1.30 

1.87 

1.40 

1.74 

1.90 

10.70 

1.80 

4.40

Mean 

velocity.

3.25

0 

1.89

.48 

1.10 

1.83

1.29

2.06 

1.42

2.12

1.90

1.47 

1.99

"2." 23"

2.76 

1.82 

2.44 

2.44 

2.4 

3.00 

5.74

1.31 

1.10 

2.56 

1.41 

1.47 

2.31 

2.00 

8.60

Discharge.

Sec.feet. 

1,138

35

620 

55 

. 1,800 

0 

 23 

609 

370 

319 

33 

27 

91 

748 

1,585 

3,035 

34 

57 

338 

14 

502 

190 

980 

6,067 

8,040 

460 

80 

1,494 

1,960 

630 

17 

150 

1,952 

772 

3,766 

1, 196 

49 

27 

5,926 

957 

1,030 

114 

277 

1, 603 

116 

307 

75 

128 

a 45, 000 

957 

390

a Approximate. 

WELL RECORDS IN NEBRASKA, COLORADO, AND KANSAS.

The following well records were collected by Prof. Robert Hay in the 

course of his field work, while making a study of the water supply of 

a portion of the Great Plains. His conclusions are given in a paper 

accompanying the Sixteenth Annual Report of the Director, but it has 

not been practicable, for want of space, to give there the details concerning the different wells examined; and, on the other hand, these 

have been found to possess so many items of value that their publication seems desirable in order that they may be accessible to those 

particularly interested in the subject. These details are therefore 

published in this place.
NEWELL.] WELL RECORDS, NEBRASKA. 93

The region examined by Professor Hay extends in a strip about 30 

miles wide from the North Platte River along and near the one hundred and second meridian, this being at about the position of the 

eastern boundary of Colorado, and thus including portions of western 

Nebraska, eastern Colorado, and western Kansas. His reconnaissance 

extended as far south as the South Fork of Smoky Hill River, thus 

covering a strip of country about 170 miles in length. This area may 

be considered as typical of many thousand square miles of the Great 

Plains, and the conclusions drawn by Professor Hay have value to the 

inhabitants of a great part of the States named.

In the following list the wells have been arranged in alphabetical 

order by counties within each State in which they occu-r, and again in 

alphabetical order by post-offices within each county. The tabular 

statement embodies such facts as could be best expressed by one or 

two figures. The serial numbers in the first column of the table refer 

to details which could not well be expressed in tabular form, and which, 

for economy of space, have been placed after the table. Thus, to get 

the complete statement for any one well, reference should be made first 

to the table and then to the statement at the end of the table which 

has the same number.

The table gives first the arbitrary number; next, the post-office 

address of the owner of the well, this being presumably the nearest 

town; next, the name of the owner of the well, and to the right of this 

the location according to township, range, and section. All of the 

Land Office subdivisions in this part of the country are referred to 

the sixth principal meridian, this being understood in all cases. The 

townships are all north and the ranges west, the initials N. and W. 

at the top of the column expressing this fact. In the next column 

is given the year in which the well was completed, this indicating, 

presumably, the length of time during which the well has been used. 

The diameter of the well is, for uniformity, given in inches, the dug 

wells those of 4 or 5 feet across being noted as 48 or 60 inches in 

diameter. The adjacent columns give the total depth of the well in 

feet, this being the extreme distance from the surface of the ground to 

the bottom of the well. The depth of water is the height above the 

bottom at which the water usually stands. The cost of well usually 

includes all of the necessary expenses, except possibly the labor contributed by the owner himself in making preparations and in general 

oversight. Cost of machinery includes pump and suction pipe, windmill, or other device for raising the water.

Of the whole number of wells reported, Professor Hay states that 69 

are used for irrigation, of which 22 are in Nebraska, 17 in Colorado, and 

30 in Kansas. The number put to this use is being constantly increased, 

and the summer of 1895 will find them running up into the hundreds. 

This enumeration does not by any means include all of the wells in the 

district examined, but simply gives those visited by Professor Hay or
94 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

concerning which definite information ,was obtained. They may be 

regarded as typical, and the information concerning them so complete 

that the addition of facts relating to others would be of little value.

There is no longer doubt as to the feasibility of irrigating from 1 to 

10 acres by water pumped from such wells, and the cost of so doing 

becomes a serious matter only when the wells approach or exceed 200 

feet in depth. In this relation wells under 50 or 60 feet deep may be 

considered shallow wells, those up to 125 feet may be regarded as of 

moderate depth, and only those exceeding 180 fe.et need be considered 

as deep wells. The cost of well sinking and of pumping machinery is 

much less than it was when the earlier wells here enumerated were put 

down, and with improved methods and greater knowledge of conditions 

this is constantly decreasing, being least at the present time. The volume of underground water is best illustrated by considering the wells 

grouped together, as at the towns of Goodland, Cheyenne Wells, Sharon 

Springs, Kanorado, Haigler, St. Francis, Benkelman, Imperial, Lamar, 

Big Springs, Julesburg, Ogallala, Grant, etc. In general it may be 

said that the source of the water is from the local rainfall, a portion of 

this being absorbed by the previous strata, especially that designated 

in Professor Hay's paper as Tertiary grit. Artesian flows, or those in 

which the water rises and overflows the surface, have not been found; 

or at least not in sufficient quantity for the necessities of the plains; 

but, on the other hand, wells of the character of those here enumerated, 

especially those penetrating the Tertiary grit, hold a supply sufficiently 

great to bring under cultivation considerable areas, if suitable pumping machinery is employed. The intelligent, well-directed efforts of the 

settlers are being rewarded by success, and the results achieved within 

this area should serve as a stimulus to the undertaking of similar work 

in other parts of the country.
NEWELL,] WELL RECORDS, NEBRASKA. 95

Data relating to loells in Nebraska. 

CHASE COUNTY.

No.

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33

Post-office.

Champion . . 

.....do ...... 

.....do...... 

.....do...... 

.....do......

Dewitt .....

Imperial. . . .

.....do...... 

.....do...... 

.....do...... 

.....do......

.....do......

.....do......

.....do......

.....do...... 

-Q..do ...... 

.....do...... 

.....do...... 

.....do ...... 

.....do ...... 

.....do...... 

.....do...... 

.....do ...... 

.....do...... 

.....do ...... 

.....do ...... 

Veuango.... 

.....do ...... 

.....do ...... 

.....do...... 

.....do......

Owner of well.

G-. W. Getzeudaner. . . . 

J. S. Bell...... ........ 

Champion (precinct) . .

H. H7 Grosbach.......

.....do.................

B.and M.E.E.E...... 

C. E. Williams........

Edward Bussel. .......

John Morss...........

Public well ............

Mr. May (tenant) .....

A.E.McCall..........

John Kingrick ........ 

E.P.Huflman.........

Miss A. C. Blake...... 

W.E. Howell..........

W. Meyer. ............

Location of 

well.

T.

N. 

5 

6 

6 

6 

5

6 

6 

6 

6

"7"

6 

6

7

7 

7 

7 

7

8 

7 

7 

7 

7 

7 

6 

6

8 

8 

8 

5

E.

W. 

40 

39 

39 

39 

41

38 

38 

38 

38

"46 

39 

40 

41 

41 

41 

41 

41

41 

41 

41 

41 

41 

41 

41 

41

41 

41 

41 

41

S.

"32" 

23 

21 

8

4 

4 

4 

9

"9

10 

18 

16

16 

16 

15 

31

35 

23 

29 

28 

33 

33 

21 

20

15 

10 

18 

8

Yea,r com- pleted.

1888 

1889 

1889 

1894 

1891 

1888 

1888 

1890 

1890 

1886 

1892 

1886 

1893 

1889 

1889 

1888 

1888 

1890 

1887 

1888 

1892 

1886 

1885 

1889 

1887 

1893 

1893 

1892 

1886

1889 

1892 

1891

Diameter.

In. 

36 

8 

10 

3 

8 

12 

48 

6 

12 

18 

4 

12 

8 

30 

8 

10 

42 

42 

42 

42 

10 

10 

8 

42 

48 

8 

36 

42

12 

12 

8

Depth of well.

Feet. 

64 

82 

31 

217 

32 

70 

104 

112 

123 

100 

137 

54 

101 

23 

65 

90 

65 

60 

31 

26 

84 

66 

67 

62 

18 

30 

39 

62 

108 

124 

130 

132 

22

Depth of water.

Feet. 

6 

7 

10

16 

7 

12 

24 

36 

4 

8 

9

n

3 

7 

30 

5 

6 

7 

7 

23 

8 

14 

8 

4 

9 

9 

8 

6 

15 

15 

16 

10

Cost of -

Well.

$30. 00 

41.00 

16.00

12.00

50.00 

50.00 

50.00 

35.00

25.00 

25.00 

15.00

90.00 

65.00 

30.00 

5.00 

5.00 

25.00 

30.00 

35.00 

25.00 

5.00 

5.00 

15.00 

25.00 

100. 00 

65.00 

. 40.00 

50.00

Machinery.

$35. 00 

84.00 

75.00

2.00

140. 00 

100. 00 

175. 00 

123. 00

75.00

30.00 

30.00 

35.00

110. 00 

35.00 

61.00 

75.00

5.00 

5.00 

12.00 

60.00

90.00

72.00

DEUEL COUNTY.

34

35 

30

Q7

38

39

40

41

4?,

43

44 

45

46

47 

48

Kn

M

52 

53

54

55

.....do ...... 

.....do......

.....do......

.....do......

.....do. '....

.....do......

.....do......

.....do......

.....do......

.....do...... 

.....do......

Day ......... 

.....do ...... 

.....do......

.....do...... 

.....do......

.....do...... 

.....do......

Alex. Morriaon. ....... 

U.P.E.E.... ........

Walter Kimball.......

F. L. Miller...........

J.E. Stenvall .........

E. A. Phelps..........

W. H. Gilliard . . ......

Mrs. M. E. Steward... 

E. A. Phelps..........

William Lador ........ 

A. D. Eemington .....

W. F. Stafford........

Swan Johnson. .......

Thos. Bell .............

13

"is"

1?,

13

H

13

14

13

13

13 

13

13

15 

14 

14

1?,

13

13 

13

13 

15

41 '49'

49,

41

4?,

41

4?,

4?,

43

42 

41

44

42 

42 

4?,

4?,

44

44 

43

43

4?,

OA

"3fi"

o

31

8?,

6

9n

18

94

14

30

20

34 

13

?4

18

^?:

14 

20

10 

36

1893

1888 

1891

1884

1894

1892

1887

1887

1892

1890

1893 

1894

1888 1894' 

1892 

1894

1890

1893

1893 

1893

1893 

1893

6

72 

144

91

Dl

017*

2

6

7

8

?

413

4

5

?

6 

6

100

24 

14

15

15

236

205

247

277

132

153 

18

168

304 

330 

274

20

225

218 

180

197 

363

5

4

7

8

7

19

6

30

127

9

3

9 

100 

24

8

21

21

20 

11

$100. 00

10.00

5.00

236. 00

160. 00

250. 00

277. 00

132. 00

153. 00 

5.00

350. 00 

165.00 

250. 00

5. 00

' 145.00 

' "153. 00

197. 00 

'360. 00

$100. 00

75.00

150. 66

80.00

125. 00

120. 00

110. 00

135. 00

80.00 

55.00

60.00 

335. 00 

150. 00

100. 00

110. 00 

105. 00

120. 00 

170. 00
96 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

Data relating to wells in Nebraska Continued. 

DUNDY COUNTY.

No.

56 

57 

58 

59 

60 

61 

62 

63 

64 

65 

66 

67 

68 

69 

70 

71 

72

Post-office.

Benkelman . 

.....do...... 

.....do...... 

.....do......

.....do...... 

.....do...... 

Champion .. 

Haigler..... 

. ... .do ...... 

.....do...... 

.....do...... 

.....do...... 

.....do...... 

.....do...... 

Lamont..... 

.....do...... 

.....do......

Owner of well.

J.S. West............

.....do.................

.....do.................

David & Larimore .....

Frank Smith ..........

W.H. Sullivan........ 

Mr. Southlean ........ 

W.E. Way............

H. E. Calkins......... 

M.N. Palmer. ........

W. H. Griffiths ....... 

B.F. Little............

Location of 

well.

T.

N.

1

1 

1 

4 

1 

1 

1 

1

1 

1

3 

3

E. 

W.

37

37 

37 

41 4'0 

41 

40 

40

41 

41

41 

41

s.

.18

18 

17 

7 

23 

28 

21 

30

34 

10

29 

5

Year com- pleted.

1892 

1893 

1888

1886 

1888 

1885 

J893 

1894 

1894 

1885 

1885 

1894 

1888 

1889 

1893 

1893 

1894

Diameter.

In. 

12 

12

6

2* 

12 

7 

42 

42 

12 

6 

6

a 48 

48 

42

Depth of well.

Feet. 

38 

112 

41 

76 

25 

24 

37 

20 

50 

10 

45 

62 

62 

48 

10 

42 

18

Depth of water. . 

Feet. 

7 

13 

15 

10 

17 

12 

22 

11 

26 

4 

13 

30 

32 

4 

3 

27 

2.

Cost of 

Well.

$16. 00 

40.00

20. 00

25.00 

25.00 

8.00 

15.00

25.00 

25.00 

20.00 

10.00 

5.00 

10.00 

10.00

Mao.hinery.

$6.00 

85.00

85.00

60.00 

90.00 

75.00 

85.00

60.00 

65.00

60.00 

87.00

a Inches, square. 

KEITH COUNTY.

70

74

75 

76 

77

78

79

80

81

82

83 

84s>i

OR

87

88

OQ

Big Spring .

.....do...... 

.....do......

.....do......

T)n-rr

.....do......

.....do ...... 

.....do......

.....do......

.....do......

.....do......

.....do......

.....do......

E.E. Leech ........... 

.....do.................

M.S.Collins ..........

Thos. Clark ...........

A.Phelps ............. 

U.P.E.E.... .........

14

1 3

13 

13 

13

14

15

14 

15

13 

13

13

13

13

12

41

41

41

41 

40

40

41

41 

39

38 

38

39

30

89

40

99

QO

22 

22 

15

18

10

2 

3fi

6

fi

7

10

W, 1?,

1889

1894

1890 

1894 

1892

1884

1893

1889

1892 

1889

1885

1890

1886

1886

1889

1892

q

2

a 48

6

3

112* 

2

8 

144

10

li

3

12

2

344

292

32 

10 

15

421

22

402 

16

16 

12

43

30

190

47

225

8

60

17 

5 

5

10

18

5

35 

6

3

4

15

6

10

6

10

1 Qrt AM

50.00 

100. 00

30. 00

6484.00

500. 00

15.00

15.00

220. 00

10. 00

196. 00

<tonn f\n

150. 00 

900. 00

100. 00

.6.00

120. 00 

7.50

6.00

40.00

60.00

9.00

75.00

 66. 00

6 Well and machinery. 

PEEKINS COUNTY.

90 

91 

92 

93 

94 

95 

96 

97 

98 

99 

100 

101 

102 

103

Big Spring.. 

Bran don .... 

.....do ...... 

.....do ...... 

.....do...... 

Brule. ......

Grant ...... 

.....do...... 

Ogallala .... 

Venango.... 

.....do ...... 

.....do...... 

.....do......

G.W. Stocking........

J. C. Leonardson......

G.Whitford. ..........

B. F. Woodall.........

B.andM.E.E.E...... 

Jno.M. Mills..........

D. E. Bivens . . . . . ...... 

Town of Venango. . . . .

12

12 

10 

9 

12 

9 

9 

9

9

41

40 

39 

38 

39 

41 

41 

41

41

24

....

19 

13 

9 

14

7 

7 

34.

30

1887 

1885 

1892

1893

"1887" 

1886 

1887 

1892 

1888 

1891 

1889 

1886

a 48 

2 

8

4 

2 

9 

12

2 

10 

8 

7 

8 

4

195

164 

172 

210 

200 

138 

214 

185 

190 

154 

195 

160

5

14 

22 

14 

40 

24 

32 

15 

40 

27 

15 

18

$400. 00

176. 00 

267. 00

 140.00 

300. 00

120. 00 

63.00 

120. 00

$100. 00

56.00 

75.00

300. 00 

120. 00

125. 00 

40.00 

125. 00

a Inches, square.
WB.WKLL.] WELL RECORDS, NEBEASKA. 97

No. 1. Dug well; 336 gallons an hour; can be easily lowered, but the original level 

is restored in half an hour; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel and 1.25- 

inch pipe; is used for domestic purposes, for 50 head of stock, and irrigated half a,n 

acre last year, to be increased to an acre this year. Strata passed through: Yellow 

sandy soil; magnesia at 5 feet; water in gravel and hard rock. The water level i» 

about the same as that at Champion, in the valley of the Frenchman.

No. 2. Drilled well; water Ifevel does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality 

of water, hard; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel and 1.25-inch pipe; 

is used for domestic purposes and 50 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 

feet; magnesia, the top sandy; hard ledge 20 feet down; water in gravel.

No. 3. Bored well; does not vary; water rose about a foot in the well; about 20 

barrels per hour; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water is raised 

by wind pump with 8-foot wheel and 1.25-inch pipe; is used for house and at times 

for 125 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 5 feet; sand, 16 feet; water 

gravel, 10 feet.

No. 4. Bored well. Strata passed through as follows:

Feet. 

Soil .......................................................... 4

Sand .................................................i....... 8

Magnesia (water from 26 to 52 feet)........................... 40

Gray rock and clay........................................... 60

Gravel with water ............................................ 27

Red clay with hard streaks................................... 20

Gravel, sand, and water....................................... 12

Clay.......................................................... 6

Sand, gravel, and water....................................... 38

No. 5. Bored well. The second vein, at 30 feet, rose to the upper one, at 16 feet. 

The depth of water does not vary; can be easily lowered, but not exhausted; the 

< quality of the water is not very hard; the water is raised by windlass; is used for 

domestic supply and for 9 head of stock. Strata passed through: Sand, magnesia 

(blue), 12 or 14 feet; quicksand with water; red magnesia, red clay, green magnesia, 

water in magnesia.

No. 6. Bored well; can riot be easily lowered; the quality of the water is hard; 

the water is raised by wind pump; is used for house and for many head of stock. 

The strata passed through are the same as in the other" wells about Lamar.

No. 7. Dug well. The quantity of water which can be obtained from the well 

has not been tested; can not be easily lowered; quality of the water, not very soft; 

water is raised by wind engine; is used for a livery barn. Strata passed through: 

Plains marl, not thick; magnesia with gravel at water. Temperature, 55° F.

No. 8. Bored well; water does not vary; 5 gallons per minute; can not be easily 

lowered; quality of water, soft; water is raised by wind pump; is used for domestic purposes and for irrigating a garden. Strata passed through: Magnesia reached 

at 6 feet from surface; a red clay was passed through in the magnesia and gravel 

below. This well is about 1,100 feet from No. 1, and has the same temperature.

No. 9. Drilled well, dug part of the way; water rose a few feet at first; 600 gallons per hour; can not be lowered; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic purposes and for subirrigation of 4 acres. Strata passed through: 

Magnesia reached 7 feet from surface; a hard ledge passed through above the water, 

which is in gravel. This well is 2,000 feet from No. 8, and farther from No. 7.

No. 10. Dug and drilled well; flow slightly decreased by being partly filled; 240 

gallons per hour; can be lowered slightly; quality of water, hard; water raised by 

wind pump with 12-foot wheel. The water is used for domestic purposes, for 25 head 

of stock, and irrigates nearly a quarter of an acre. Strata passed through: Magnesia reached at about 20 feet; water was in coarse gravel. This well is nearly as 

far from No. 7 as No. 9, but in the opposite direction. 

Bull. 131 7
98 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

No. 11. Drilled well; 45,000 gallons in 18 hours; can not be lowered; quality of 

water, bard; water raised by steam pump. Strata passed through: Struck magnesia at 16 feet; a vein of water was reached at 100 feet, which is shut off; hard 

rock below that to the water used. This well is between wells Nos. 8 and 10.

No. 12. Bored well; 7 barrels per hour; can not be easily lowered; water raised 

by buckets and windlass; is used for domestic .purposes and for 25 head of stock. 

Strata passed through: Yellow subsoil, 4 feet; magnesia; water in 9 feet of gravel 

and sticky rock at bottom; had not reached second sheet.

No. 13. Drilled well; water rose a few feet in the well; can not be lowered; 

water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel and 1.25-inch pipe; is used for domestic purposes and for 20 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 10 feet; then 

magnesia; 6 inches of hard rock above the water, which is in gravel. Temperature, 55.5° F.

No. 14. Dug well; varies with the height of the neighboring mill pond; can be 

easily lowered; quality of water, medium hard; water raised by means of rope and 

buckets. Strata passed through: All in the magnesia. This well, with Nos. 3 and 

4, is in the valley of the Frenchman.

No, 15. Dug and bored well; can be easily lowered; quality of water, medium 

hard; temperature, 52° F.; water raised by hand pump; is used for a livery barn. 

Strata passed through: Magnesia reached at 6 feet; water is in gravel. This well 

is in the town of Lamar. Four other wells near by do not influence one another.

No. 16. Bored well; can be easily lowered; water raised by hand pump; is used 

for domestic purposes and for stock. This is the public town well. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 5 feet; hardpan, 8 feet; magnesia, 2 feet; sandy gravel, 45 feet; 

gravel and sand, 30 feet, with water. This well is 350 feet south from No. 15, and 

the same distance north from No. 17.

No. 17. Dug well; quality of water, not very hard; water used constantly by the 

public. Strata passed through: Magnesia at surface, 5 feet; sand and gravel, 60 feet.

No. IS. Dag well; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather hard; 

water raised by hand force pump; is used for house and for 50 to 60 head of stock.' 

Strata passed through: Soil, sandy loam, 5 feet; sand and hardpan, 13 feet; magnesia, 3 feet; sand and gravel, 39 feet. The hardpan here described is a dark-lavender 

clay> containing fine sand, but impervious to water.

.A7o. 19. Dug well; can not be easily lowered; water raised by means of pulley 

and buckets; is used for domestic purposes and for stock. Strata passed through: 

Loamy soil, 5 feet; cohesive sand, 26 feet; no magnesia. This well 18 SOUtll Of the 

Frenchman, approaching the sand hills. The water was struck suddenly.

No. SO. Dug well; can not be easily lowered; water raised by wind pump; has been 

used for supplying from 300 to 600 head of cattle ever since made. Strata passed 

through: Loam and sand.

No. 21. Bored well; water rose 1 foot; depth of water does not vary; can not be 

easily lowered; quality of water, medium soft; water raised by wind pump with 

10-foot wheel; is nsed for domestic supply and for 30 head of cattle. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 1 foot; magnesia, 1 foot; red clay; sand with water.

No. 22. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 24,000 gallons per day; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump 

with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 10 head of stock, and for irrigating one-third of an acre. Tank, JO by 20 by 1 feet. Strata passed through: Soil, 

2.5 feet; magnesia; dry gravel, magnesia; gravel with water. In a well southeast 

of same section water was struck at from 60 to 82 feet.

No. 28. Bored well. The water was found at the bottom, and it rose 14 feet. Depth 

of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, not very hard; 

water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 

60 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 1 foot; magnesia; rock (at 50 feet); 

gravel and sand.
NEWELL.] WELL RECORDS, NEBRASKA. 99

No. 24. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, medium soft; water raised by wind puinp with 12-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply, for 10 head of stock, and for irrigating 1 acre. Strata 

passed through: Soil, magnesia, gravel. A well 1 mile east has about the same 

depth and similar conditions.

No. 25. Dug well; rises with the Frenchman River, which is within 50 feet; can 

be easily lowered by the pump; -water raised by hand pump; is used for domestic 

supply and for 50 head of stock. Strata passed through: Black muck and gravel at 

bottom. This well is on the Frenchman bottom, the river at this point being only a 

few rods wide, though somewhat Avider above.

No. 26. Bored well; can be easily lowered by rapid pumping; quality of water, 

medium soft; water raised by hand pump; i,s used for domestic supply. Strata 

passed through: Gravel. There are magnesia bluffs close to, but the formations 

are variable here. This well is 1J miles east by south from No. 25. A short distance 

south (across the Frenchman) is a schoolhouse well, 54 feet deep, on the magnesia 

bluffs. The pools in the river bed here are the first permanent water of the Frenchman. (SeeFollett's sections, Fifty-second Congress, first session, Senate Ex. Doc. 41.)

No. 27. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by hand pump; is used for domestic supply and 

for 14 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, a few inches; sandy loam, 4 feet; 

magnesia. Water in a sandy formation. There was a little seep of water at 16 feet. 

This well is on the north edge of the sand hills.

No. 28. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can be emptied in two hours, 

but is replenished to a depth of 3 feet in an hour; quality of water, not very soft; 

water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 55' 

head of stock, and irrigates a small area. Strata passed through: Soil and sand, 20 

feet; magnesia to near the wator; hard just above the water; water in greenish 

magnesia. Wells in the neighboring quarter section have water at about the same 

level and similar conditions. This well is in the sand hills.

No. 29. Well originally dug, now tubed. The depth of the water does not vary, 

though, having caved in, the water is not as abundant as formerly. Can not be 

easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by windlass; is used for domestic supply and for 10 head of stock. Strata passed through: Gravel and sand, with 

.a little rock near the bottom. A well 1 mile south is 98 feet deep.

No. SO. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can.not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and for 40 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; magnesia; rock 

.and gravel. There is some plains marl soil in the neighborhood.

No. 31. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather soft; water raised by hand buckets and horse; is used for 

domestic supply and for 16 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; sandy 

 clay; rock to bottom. The magnesia shows 10 rods away, but is not in the well. A 

well on the southwest quarter of this section has a wind mill, and the water is 

abundant at the same depth.

No. 32. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 7| barrels per hour; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water,rather soft; water raised by wind pump; is 

used for domestic supply and for 50 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 

feet; sand, light with magnesia (plains marl?), 40feet; gravel, 73 feet; rock, 4feet; 

gravel with water to bottom.

No. 33. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; 22 barrels per hour; water 

raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel. Strata passed through: This only reached 

first vein of water in quicksand, as at No. 5, which is in the same quarter section. 

A well 8£ miles northeast towards Champion is 50 feet deep.

No. 34. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can be exhausted by pumping in 24 hours, but the water level is restored in a few hours; quality of water, not
100 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

very hard; water raised by wind pump with 14-foot wheel; is used for domestic 

supply and for a little irrigation. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet;, magnesia; 

rock; gravel.

No. 85. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be lowered by the pump 

running all day; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot 

wheel and 4-inch cylinder; is used for domestic supply and for 600 head of cattle. 

Strata passed through: Magnesia and gravel.

No. 36. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; pumping 500 gallons per minute 

can not lower it; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 26-foofc 

wheel; is used for railway purposes. Strata passed through: River alluvia. The 

water is partly supplied by the overflow seepage from the " Big Spring/' which is 

about 30 rods north and 20 feet higher.

No. 87. Dug four feet, driven well below; depth of water does not vary; cannot 

be easily lowered; quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump, geared with 

12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 150 head of stock, and for irrigating 

half an acre. Strata passed through: River alluvia. The June freshet the socalled "Coxey flood" wet by percolation all the hay land between this well and 

the river, which is to the north of it about 100 rods.

No. 38. Driven well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard and alkaline; water raised by hand pump; is used for 

domestic supply and for 25 head of stock. Strata: River alluvia; clay at bottom. 

This is the South Platte bottom, on the south side of the river.

No. 39. Drilled well; water rose 9 feet above where it was first struck; depth of 

water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised 

by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 30 head of 

stock. Strata: Soil, 2 or 3 feet; magnesia; sand and gravel.

No. 40. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 

10 to 15 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; yellow clay, 10 feet; 

gravel to bottom This is well No. 3 of Mr. Follett's Big Spring line. (Fifty-first 

Congress, first session, Senate Ex. Doc. 41, Appendix V.)

No. 41. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; . quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 200 head of stock. Strata: As usual on the plateau.

No, 42. Drilled well; water was reached at bottom of well, but rose to 127 feetj 

depth of water does not vary; half tank (10 feet by 20 feet) in half a day; can be 

lowered with one-half day's pumping, but is restored in a few hours; water raised 

by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for stock. 

Strata passed through: One foot of soil, limestone, and some clay; water in gravel.

No. 43. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; sometimes there is 13 feet 

of water, but the depth.never falls below 9 feet; 975 gallons in 2 hours' pumping; 

water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 50 

head of stock, and for irrigating one-quarter of an acre. Tank, 30 feet in diameter. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 8 feet; magnesia, 2 or 3 feet; sand and gravel, 10 feet; 

cement gravel, about 20 feet; yellow clay, 11 feet; sand and gravel to water, and a 

lime rock in the water.

No. 44. Drilled well; water rose a little when first struck; depth of water does 

not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, hard; water raised by wind 

pump; is used for domestic supply and for over 50 head of stock. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 2 or 3 feet; magnesia, 4 or 5 feet; gravel all the way to water, with 

red sand.

No. 45. Driven well; depth of water does not vary: can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump; is used for a hotel and for 

domestic supply. Strata passed through: Gravel, black soil, 2 feet; magnesia and 

gravel.
NEWELL.] WELL RECORDS, NEBRASKA. 101

No. 46. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply. Strata passed through: As usual in ohis district. The magnesia 

outcrops a mile north at the suriace.

No. 47. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, medium hard; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 25 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 

feet, yellow clay, 39 feet; gravel, 25 feet; hard rock, 50 feet; gravel, 15 feet; a little 

magnesia and gravel to water. This Avell is also on a plateau, near the top of the 

bluffs overlooking the North Platte.

No. 48. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; 200 barrels per day; can not 

be easily lowered; water raised by wind pump Avith 14-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 200 head of stock. Temperature, 54° F. Strata passed through: 

Soil, 8 feet; yellowish clay, 88 feet; sand and gravel with water; clay, magnesia, and 

gravel; a little rock; magnesia at 300 feet. There was also a sheet of water at 90 

feet.

No. 49. Drilled well; water rose about 18 feet; depth of water does not vary; 200 

gallons per hour; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather soft; water 

laised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 100 

head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; yellow clay, 20 feet; sand and 

clay, 35 feet (these are the plains marls); magnesia, gravel, and sand to bottom. 

Drill went 80 feet below the water in reddish, soft magnesia, but struck no more 

water.

No. SO. Dug and driven well; water rose slightly; depth of water varies with the 

height of the river to the extent of 2 or 3 feet; can not be easily lowered; quality 

of water, rather soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply. This well, with three others, waters between 100 and 200 head of 

.stock and irrigates 7 or 8 acres, all of them discharging into a tank three-quarters 

of an acre in area. Strata passed through: Soil; sand; clay, 2 feet above the water. 

Temperature, 52° F.

No. 51. Drilled well; water rose 13 feet when struck; depth of water does not 

vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather soft; water raised by wind 

pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 20 head of stock. 

.Strata passed through: As usual on this plateau.

No. 5%. Drilled well; water rose 13 feet; depth of water does not vary; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump with 

12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 50 head of stock.

No. 58. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; cannot be easily lowered; 

quality of water not very hard; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic 

.supply and for stock. Much sand caved in while drilling.

No. 54. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water hard; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for

 domestic supply and for 45 head of stock all summer. Strata passed through: 

Mostly gravel.

No. 55. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered;

 quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and 

for 3,000head of sheep. Strata: Soil, 11 feet; sand and magnesia.

No. 56. Bored well; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water 

raised by hand pump; is used for a schoolhouse. Strata passed through: Soil, 1 

foot; sand, or sandy soil, 30 feet; quicksand and pebbles, 8 feet; blue shale at 

"bottom.

No. 57. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, medium hard; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for irrigating a number of trees. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 1 foot; sand all the way down. This is 75 feet above the railway on
102 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. . [Buix.131.

the bottom, being in the highest part of the town. It appears that the sand-hill 

region has here encroached upon the river bottom.

No. 5S. Dug 26 feet, drilled 15 feet; depth of water does not vary; 4 barrels per 

hour can not be easily lowered; quality of water, medium hard: water raised by 

wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 5 head of stock. 

Strata passed through: Sand; gravel; sand. This well is in the town. There areabout 50 wells in the town of Benkelman.

No. 59. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; water can be obtained from 

the well for whole days and nights in succession; can not be easily lowered; quality 

of water, medium soft; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply and for irrigating a garden and an orchard. There is no record of 

the strata. The well is in the town, but on the slope above the bottom.

No. 60. Driven well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered;, 

quality of water, hard; water raised by hand pump; is used for the customers of a 

large general store. River alluvia (sand).

No. 61. Driven well; depth of water does not vary; cannot be easily lowered; 

quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is 

used for livery barn and for 400 head of stock. Strata passed through: Probably 

ail river alluvia, being in the lower part of the town, on Republican bottom. Thereare several wells near at this level, but none.farther out on the bottom.

No. 62. Bored well; first water was struck at 15 feet, and rose 1 foot; depth of 

water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, medium soft; 

water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is used.for domestic supply and for 

480 head of cattle; tank kept full all the time. Strata passed through: Sand, 16- 

feet; quicksand, 8 feet; magnesia, 13 feet.

No. 63. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 16 gallons per minute; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather soft; water raised by wind pump 

with 8-foot geared wheel; is used for 80 head of stock and for irrigating half an 

acre. Strata passed through: Soil and sand, 9 feet; coarse gravel, 11 feet. There 

are several wells on the river bottom of similar depth and material, confined to a 

strip of the North Fork Republican Valley one-half-mile wide. A similar strip on 

each side of the valley slope has wells about 60 feet deep, as at Haigler.

No. 64. Dug and drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily 

lowered; quality of water, hard and alkaline; water raised by wind pump with

9-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 10 head of stock, and for irrigating 

a small area. Strata: Soil; yellow sandy loarn; clay and gravel.

No. 65. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; water raised by means of ropeand buckets; is used for domestic supply. Strata passed through: Soil; sand and 

clay; gravel with water. This Avell is on Republican bottom.

No. 66. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can be easily lowered at 

times, owing to a defect in tubing; quality of water, medium soft; water raised by 

means of pulley and buckets; is used for domestic supply and for 15 head of stock. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; yellow clay, with streak of sand in middle, 29' 

feet; coarse sand, with water, to bottom. This well is on the second slope of the 

North Fork Republican, 3 miles east of Haigler.

No. 67. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; 10,000 gallons per day; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump with

10-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, and has irrigated one-eighth of an acre. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 1£ feet; yellow clay, 30 feet; sticky yellow clay, with 

water, 20 feet; quicksand, 3 feet; sandy clay, 7 feet. A well three blocks west is 78- 

feet deep. After passing through the same formations, gravel was reached at 75 feet, 

water being struck at the same level as in No. 67, the well referred to having 48" 

feet of water.

No. 68. Dug and bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily 

lowered. There are two sheets of water, the upper being hard and the lower
NEWELL.] WELL RECORDS, NEBRASKA. .103

soft. Water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for public purposes, 

including irrigation of trees on both sides of a street. Strata passed through: 

Yellow clay, 32 feet; sticky yellow clay, with water, 20 feet; fine quicksand, 3 feet; 

sandy soil, 7 feet. There are 4 wells in the town of Haigler, all of which are used 

for irrigating small areas.

No. 69. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by means of pulley and buckets; is used for domestic supply and for 30 

head of stock. Strata passed through: Sand; magnesia, coarse sand, and gravel 

with water.

No. 70. Dug well; depth of water does not vary. During October, 1894, however, which was extremely dry, the depth of the water seemed to decrease. It is 

apparently increasing at the present time; can not be easily lowered; quality of 

water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is used for domestic 

supply and for 200 head of stock. Strata passed through: Magnesia; soil; quicksand.

No. 71. Dug and driven well; depth of water does not vary; 300 barrels in one 

day; can be lowered slightly, and then keeps its level; quality of water, soft; 

water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 

400 head of stock. Strata passed through: Sand, 10 feet; magnesia and rock; yellow clay and gravel.

No. 72. Dug well; depth of water varies about a foot from dry years to wet; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, not very hard; water raised by means of 

pulley and buckets; is used for domestic supply and.for 30 head of stock. Strata 

passed through: All sand.

No. 73. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; 200 gallons per hour; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind purap 

with 14-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 75 head of stock. Strata 

passed through: Soil, 5 feet; yellow clay, 90 feet; magnesia, red clay, and gravel to 

bottom; no hard rock.

No. 74. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, medium hard; water raised by wind pump with 14-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 150 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil 

with gravel, 3 feet; yellow clay, 40 feet; gravel; rock and gravel to bottom.

No. 75. Dug well. There are two sheets of water, the lower sheet rising to the 

upper one. The depth of the water does not vary, except that it rises to the extent 

of 18 inches when the river, which is 60 rods distant, is at flood; 65 gallons per 

minute; can not be easily lowered; water raised by wind pump with 14-foot 

wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 150-head of stock, and for irrigating 1 acre. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 2^feet; fine quicksand and magnesia, 12^ feet; quicksand with water, 6 inches; coarse gravel, 1£ feet; clay, 8£ feet; and gravel to the 

water, which is in quicksand at bottom.

No. 76. Dug well; depth of water varies with the height of the river; 6 cubic feet 

per second; quality of water, hard; water raised by steam centrifugal pump; is used 

for irrigation. Strata passed through: River alluvia, with a bed of clay at the bottom, which is 8 feet thick. This is a trench, rather than a well, and was not completed at the time of the writer's visit. The remarkable manner in which this 

trench was affected by the " Coxey" flood is given in the paper in the Sixteenth 

Annual Report of the United States Geological Survey.

No. 77. Driven well; depth of the water varies with the height of the river; can 

not be easily lowered; water raised by steam pump; is used for domestic supply and 

for a small number of cattle. Strata passed through: River alluvia. This well is 

on the Sotith Platte bottom, and there are a number of wells about the village of 

Brule with plenty of water.

No. 78. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard; Avater raised by wind pump; is used for domestic
104 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

supply, for 140 head of stock, and is capable of watering 500 head. Strata passed 

through: Sand and gravel. This well is three-quarters of a mile from the river and 

was not affected by the June freshet.

No. 79. Drilled well. This is not a successful well because of the sand drawing 

in and hindering the supply of water. Water raised by wind pump with 14-foot 

wheel. Strata passed through: Soil, 4 feet; yellow clay (the plains niarl), and the 

usual magnesia and gravel of this plateau. The marl is about 100 feet.

No. SO. Driven well; depth of water varies with the height of the river, which is 

40 rods distant; water can be obtained from the well all day and night; can not be 

easily lowered; quality of water, hard; water raised by hand pump; is used 1'or 

domestic supply. Strata passed through: River alluvia.

No. 81. Drilled well. Broken casing and bad workmanship have rendered this 

well useless. Depth of water does not vary; could not be easily lower.ed; quality of 

water, medium hard; water raised by wind pump with 14-foot wheel. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 4 feet; yellow, limy, or gray, soil (the marl), 120 feet; white magnesia, yellow magnesia, gravel, and coarse sand with the water. This well is within 

40 rods of-the top of the plains marl bluffs, whose precipitous fronts begin the descent 

to the North Platte, the bed of which is over 500 feet below.

No. 88. Driven well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, medium hard; water raised by hand pump; is used for domestic 

supply and for 25 head of cattle. Strata passed through: River alluvia. This well 

is on the North Platte bottom.

No. 83. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 10 gallons per minute; can be 

lowered by rapid pumping; quality of water, hard; water raised by hand pump 

witli 3-iuch cylinder; is used for domestic supply, and has irrigated a city block 250 

feet square. Strata passed through: River alluvia. This well seems to have been 

affected by the freshet in the river last June, as the water is raised with less difficulty than formerly.

No. 84. Dug well; slightly lowers with pumping, and varies with the water in 

the South Platte, from which it is distant between 60 and 70 rods; 6,000 gallons per 

hour for 6 hours can be obtained from the well, this filling the tank, and at the same 

time lowering the well; quality of water, not very hard; slightly alkaline; water 

raised by steam pump; is used for railway purposes. Strata passed through: Sandy 

alluvia.

No. 85. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered: 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply and for 50 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; fine 

yellow sand (plains marl), 18 feet; water in gravel. This well is on the second slope 

to the river, which is three-quarters of a mile to the north.

No. 86. Driven well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump; water used for domestic supply and for 200 head of stock. Strata passed through: River alluvia. This 

well is near the river. A water hole one-quarter of a mile north of the well had water 

by percolation after the June freshet.

No. 87. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; sand; 

magnesia; gravel rock, 2 feet; gravel with water.

No. 88. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 75 to 100 barrels per day; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather soft; water raised by wind pump 

with 10-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 50 head of stock, and for irrigating 1^ acres. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; fine magnesia sand (plains marl?), 

5 feet; clay and sand, 4 feet; gravel and sand, 35 feet.

No. 89. Tubular well; depth of water does not vary'; 20 barrels in 4 hours; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with
NEWELL.] WELL RECORDS, NEBRASKA. 105

10-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 60 head of stock, and for irrigating 

about one-half an acre. Strata passed through: Soil, 1-J- feet; reddish yellow clay, 

1^ feet; magnesia, sand, and gravel to water.

No. 90. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; .1 barrel in 15 minutes; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, not very hard; is used for domestic supply 

and for 60 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; magnesia; water in 

sand.

No. 91. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 30 barrels per day; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump.

No. 93. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic 

supply, for 15 head of stock, and for irrigating a small garden. Strata passed 

through: Magnesia near top, and water in gravel.

No. 93. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and for the stock of all 

the district.

No. 94. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 20 barrels per day; cannot 

Tbe easily lowered; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and for

20 head of stock. Strata passed through : Soil, 14 feet; sand and gravel to water; 

some hard streaks and some claylike soapstone.

No. 95. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; 1 barrel in 25 minutes; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-. 

foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 25 head of stock. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 2 feet; light-yellow clay, 80 feet; gravel, magnesia, and gravel to 

water.

No. 96. Dug 160 feet: drilled 40 feet more; rose slightly when water was struck; 

steam pump exhausts the well every day, but it is speedily replenished; depth of 

water does not vary; 36,000 gallons per day; can be easily lowered; quality of water, 

not very hard; water raised by steam pump; is used for railway purposes and for 

supplying the town of Grant. Strata passed through: Soil, 18 inches; magnesia, 

gravel, and sand, with cemented gravel 6 inches above the water.

No. 97. Dug 110 feet; bored 28 feet. This well flowed at the surface 10 barrels in 

1887, again a month later, and again six months afterwards; depth of water does 

not vary; with the mill running constantly, the water can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather harder than when the well was first dug; water raised by 

wind pump; is used for domestic supply and for 50 head of stock. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 18 inches; sand, 2 feet; joint clay, 2 feet; magnesia, 2 feet; gravel,22 

feet; magnesia rock, 5 feet; red clay, 6 feet] gravel, 6 feet; red clay, 8 feet; gravel 

to water, with some hard rock.

No. 98. Dug 184 feet; drilled 30 feet; depth of water does not vary; can not be 

easily lowered; quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump with 

14-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 40 head of stock. Strata passed 

through: Sand most of the depth.

No. 99. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; water obtained from the well 

day and night; cannot be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by 

wind pump; is used for domestic supply, for livery barn, and for neighborhood stock. 

Strata passed through: Soil, a few feet; a little white magnesia; water in hard 

magnesia.

No. 100. Bored well; water rose a little when first struck; 'depth of water does 

not vary at different times of the year; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, 

hard; water raised by wind pump; is used by the public. Strata passed through: 

Soil, 4 feet; magnesia, 10 feet; red-clay soil, 30 feet; hard-rock shale (clay?); gravel 

with water.

No. 101. Bored well; has risen 13 feet; can not be easily lowered; quality of 

water, not very soft.; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and
106 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

for 100 head of stock daily: Strata passed through: Soil, 20 feet; clay and gravel; 

streaks of black or brown dirt; no magnesia; water in gravel.

No. 108. Depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of 

water, hard; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and for stock. 

Strata passed through: Same' as in Venango well.

No. 103. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water soft; water raised by wind pump. Strata passed through: Soil, 1 

foot; magnesia, a few feet; gravel.

Data relating to wells in Colorado. 

AEAPAHOE COUNTY. .

No.

1

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14

Post-office.

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

Jaqua, Kans.... 

Lausing ........ 

.....do .......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

Logan ..........

Wray...........

Owner of well.

E. M. Thurber. .... 

H. H. Fisher .......

J. S. McClellan ..... 

J.H.Cupp. ........ 

Jno. Gerber ........

C. C. Kirkland ...... 

F. A. Greatsinger . . 

C. J. Shoemaker .... 

S. A. Briniker . .... 

Henry Nichols ..... 

J. H. Bosenkrans. . . 

David Foreman ....

Location of 

well.

T.

S. 

, 4 

4 

4 

3 

3 

5 

4 

3 

3 

3 

3 

1 

1 

4

E.

W.

44 

44 

44 

44 

44 

42 

44 

43 

42 

42 

43 

42 

44 

44

S.

16

22 

1 

26 

33 

10 

6 

35 

34 

17 

33 

2 

8 

9

a . S

rrt 

0?

t* ft

1888 

1887

1892 

1892 

1880 

1892 

1891 

1893

1892 

1882

1893

I

In.

7 

36

6

5

6 

6 

6

6 

36

5

Depth of 

well.

Feet. 

206 

194 

203 

235 

225 

18 

189 

224 

213 

216 

200 

18 

250 

215

o 

ft a

0 £

fl

Feet. 

12 

2 

7 

14 

10 

8 

16 

4 

8 

10 

8 

4 

20 

15

Cost of 

Well.

$115. 00 

110. 00

85.00 

90.00

72.00 

100. 00 

85.00

80.00 

10.00

85.00

Machinery

$120. 00 

110. 00

95.00 

105. 00

125. 00 

140. 00 

105. 00

10.00

125. 00

CHEYENNE COUNTY.

15

16

17

18

10

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

ofCheyenneWelis. 

School district No. 6 

Ella B. Williams...

E.L. Parker........ 

U.P.E.E.. ........

14

14

13

13

44

44 

44

44

?,\

7

m

26

1893

1890

1890 

1882

36

12 

10

265

 181 

20

15 

257

18

4 

5

2 

25

$300. 00

10.00

$100. 00

50.00

alnches square. 

KIT CAESON COUNTY.

20 

?,1

99

93

24 

25 

?6

27 

28

9Q

30

01

3?,

33 

34

35 

36 

37

Ashland. ....... 

.....do..........

.....do..........

1.... do .......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do .......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

Lamborn, Kans . 

.....do ..........

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

Wm. M. Long......

Dana Shaw ........ 

S. J. Jones ......... 

Wm.Penfold.......

Wm. Boyles........ 

City of Burlington.

J. M.Willis........

Wm. Eutherford...

L. E. Hauks ........ 

Jno. Patterson ..... 

A.P.Shaw.........

N. 

6 

6

6

9

9 

9 

9

9

8 

8

8

9

8 

9

8 

8 

7

W.

42 

4?

4?!

47!

43 

43 

43

44 

44 

43

44R-1

42

49,

42 

42 

42

3 

3

34

31

35 

33 

31

12 

36 

1Q

13

3

8 

35

2 

25 

23

1888 

1894

1893

18Q1

1888 

1892

1891 

1893 

1889

1888

18Q9

1889

1889 

1891

1890 

1892 

1889

6 

6

Cl

6 

8

8

2

36

6

6 

6 

6

150 

207

172

130

104 

150 

150

148 

200 

160

155

78

149

176 

130

165 

119 

167

12 

16

12

4

14 

10 

10

24 

35 

8

4

4

22

14 

4

15 

16 

11

$60.00 

80.00

65.00

37.00 

100. 00

55.00 

130. 00 

70.00

50.00

45.00

60.00

65.00 

40.00 

85.00

$108. 00 

125. 00

95.00

75.00

70.00 

100. 00

85.00 

125. 00 

125. 00

75.00

225. 00

100 00

125. 00 

40.00 

107. 00
NEWELL.] WELL RECORDS, COLORADO.

Data relating to wells in Colorado Continued.

PHILLIPS COUNTY.

107

No.

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

46 

47 

48 

49

50 

51

Post-office.

.....do..........

.....do .......... 

.....do..........

.l...do.......... .....do..........

.....do .......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

Laruar, Nebr. . . . 

.....do..........

Venango, Nebr. 

..... do ..........

Owner of well.

L. E. Fair..........

ITrod .H&wkcs

F. C. Churning.....

Frank Austin...... 

B.andM. R.R.R... 

P. B. Reynolds ..... 

A. A. Shafer........ 

W. R.Whitney..... 

W. C. Knapp. ...... 

Jacob Endicott 

(tenant).

J. E. Gilmore .......

Location of 

well.

T.

N. 

9 

8 

7 

8 

7 

7

"e"

7 

7 

7

8

R.

W.

43 

43 

44 

44 

45 

45

44 

44 

43 

42

42

S.

34 

18 

2 

33 

12 

6

2 

12 

18 

17

5

Tear com-pleted.

1891

1890 

1887 

1890 

1893 

1887 

1886 

1887 

1888 

1893

1889 

1890

Diameter.

In. 

10

12 

2 

10 

6 

7 

10 

12 

8 

8

8

Depth of well.

Feet. 

180 

174 

136 

140 

163 

174 

175 

108 

115 

104 

120 

102

171 

143

Depth of water.

Feet. 

15 

30 

20 

15 

7 

24 

40 

8 

7 

14 

35 

12

' 27

23

Cost of 

 Well.

$77. 00 

105. 00 

30.00

100. 00 

100. 00

55.00 

35.00 

65.00 

70.00

80.00

Machinery.

$140.00 

95.00

80. 00 

95.00

96.00 

35.00 

80.00 

50.00

90.00

SEDGWICK COUNTY.

52

53KA

55

56

C7

58

59 

60

61

63

63 

64

65 

60

67 

68 

69

70

71

.....do..........

.. .do .......... 

.....do..........

.....do ..........

.....do .......... 

.....do ...........

.....do ..........

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do ..........

.....do ..........

Venango, Nebr. .

.....do .........

.....do..........

.....do..........

Jno. Grove.........

.....do..............

Fred Munson ...... 

U.P. R. R..........

S. H. Carlson.......

H. Smith............

Conrad Rahns. ..... 

Ira Clapper ........

.....do..............

8

11

1?,

12 "io"

12

1?, 1211 11

12

9 

10

10

1

44

43

44

"43"

44

44

45 

45

43

42 

40

4?,

43

9

4

26

?,6

19

34

28

2S

12 

15

30

18 

1

36

7

1 SOT

1894

1886

1893

'1893"

1894

1891

1884

1888 

1891

1886

1889 

1887 

1888

1893

19

3

10

f>

12

«36 

168

10

8

a 36

8

2 

2 

2

11

1QX

40

30

200 

265

28

21 

20

22

50 

16

65 

60

170 

265 

281

177

160

18

13

6

""166

4

3 

5

6

12 

4

7 

10

28 

60 

70

8

$69. 00

18.00

"365." 66'

15.00

12.00

8.00

7 f{(\

25.00

70.00

255. 00 

335. 00

93.00

*co nrt

75.66 "56." 66"

100. 00

110.00

8.00

78.00

60. 00

95.00 

65.00

68.00

YUMA COUNTY.

7?,

73

74

.....do..........

.....do..........

A.M. Bullard...... 1

3

4?,

4?,

30 1890

1894

6

01

85

100

80

20

10

45.00 100. 00

a Inches square.

No. 1. Drilled Well; depth of water does not vary; 250 barrels in 4 hours; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot 

geared wheel; is used for domestic supply, public supply of the village, and for 200 

head of cattle. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; yellow marl, 68 feet; magnesia; 

grave] with water.

No. %. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be lowered by pumping 

all day; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel and 2-inch cylinder; is used 

for domestic supply and for 25 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil,. 3£ feetf 

yellow clay, 77 feet; sand, 14 feet; hard magnesia, clay, and sand, 100 feet; gravel 

and rock.

No. 3. Depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; water raised by 

wind pump.
108 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. ' [BULL. 131.

No. 4. Drilled well (164'); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered ; quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot Monitor 

wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 25 head of stock. Strata passed through:

 Soil, 2 feet; yellow clay, 30 feet; rock, clay, and gravel; sand with the water. This 

well is 3 miles east of No. 5, but not so near the canyon. A well 1 mile north, near 

the top of the Arickaree canyons, is 240 feet deep.

No. 5. Drilled well (163); depth of water does not vary; 150 barrels in 12 hours; 

oan not be easily lowered; quality of water, medium soft; water raised by wind pump 

with 8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 20 head of stock, and for irrigating one-eighth of an acre. Strata passed through: Soil, 4 feet; yellow fine dirt, 

96 feet; native lime, 4 feet; sand rock; water in rock.

No. 6. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard. Another well near is very alkaline. Water raised 

by hand pump; ia used for domestic supply and for some stock. Strata passed 

through: Alluvia to gravel. It is on the second bottom of the South Fork Republican Valley. The alkaline water indicates the proximity of shales, which crop out 

in the sides of the valley in places.

No. 7. Drilled well (158); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, not very soft; is raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 15 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil; 

Took; water in sand.

No. 8. Drilled well (157); depth of water does not vary; not certain as to whether 

it lowers or not, but it is never exhausted; quality of water, soft; water raised by 

wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply. Strata passed through: 

Soil, 2 feet; yellow marl, 35 feet; magnesia, 20 feet; rock (magnesia ledges), 14 

feet; sand and rock streaks, 30 feet; hard, reddish clay, with bones; sand; sand and 

<5lay, and a little gravel with water.

No. 9. Drilled well (156a); depth of water does not vary; 14 barrels per hour; 

<;an not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind

 pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 30 head of stock. 

Strata passed through: Soil; sand; rock with water.

No. 10. Drilled well.

No. 11. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can be pumped continuo.usly 

day and night; can not be lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind 

pump with 8-foot geared wheel and 2-inch cylinder; is used for domestic supply and 

for 50 head of stock, Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; creamy soil, 90 feet; sand;

.stone; gravel with water. Wells not far east are 230 feet deep, on slightly higher 

land. A well 1 mile west is of the same depth as this, and has watered 160 head of

 cattle in dry seasons.

No. 12. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; 200 gallons in twenty minutes

 can be obtained from the well, this lowering it temporarily, at which time quicksand

 comes in; quality of water,hard and alkaline; water raised by chain and suction 

pumps; is used for 1,500 head of sheep. Strata passed through: Soil; sandy yellow 

loam; quicksand with water.

No. 13. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, hard; is used for domestic supply. Strata passed through: As 

usual on this plateau south of Wray.

No. 14. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be lowered by pumping all day; quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump; is used 

for domestic supply and for 20 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; 

.yellow dirt, 67 feet; rock, gravel; fine gravel with the water.

No. 15. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered;

 quality of water, soft; water raised by steam pump; is used for the supply of the

'The figures in parenthesis are the numbers given to the wells on PI. XLII, Sixteenth Annual 

.Report TJ. S. Geological Survey.
NEWELL.] WELL RECORDS, COLORADO. 109

town. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; creamy clay, 15 feet; sand and assorted 

gravel; water in gravel. There is only one well between this and the Kansas line 

at Chemung.

No. 16. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is 

used for a school and for 100 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 20 feet j 

sand, 60 feet; clay, 3 feet; sand, with a streak of rock and gravel occasionally; 

coarse gravel, 3 feet at water, and sugar sand below.

No. 17. Dug and driven well; water at 15 feet, and sand point driven 5 feet into 

it; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; water raised by wind 

pump with 10-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and some stock. Strata 

passed through: Soil and sand. This is on the narrow bottom of Smoky Hill River 

(South Fork), just west of Old Cheyenne Wells, and 10 feet above the river bed.

No. 18. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered j 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply. Strata passed through: Black alluvia to water; water in gravel. 

Another well close by supplied 400 head of stock in summer. There are 8 wells in

two sections on the North Fork Smoky River bottom, but a boring 58 feet deep on 

higher land obtained little water.

No. 19. Bored well; water rose'slightly when struck; depth of water does not 

vary, except that there seems to be slightly more water when the wind is from the 

northwest; water obtained from the well fills 50,000-gallon tank in 48 hours; water 

raised by steam pump; is used by a railway division station. Some gas still comes 

from the old Government boring with which this well -was connected. Prof. O. St. 

John, in an article on artesian wells in the Fourth Biennial Report of the Kansas 

State Board of Agriculture, has preserved the record of the Government test boring 

made in 1882,.and it is here appended:

Section of the artesian taring at Cheyenne wells.

Formations, (a)

Plains marl. .........

Montana group..... 

Colorado group.. ...^

Strata.

1. Surface clays.......

7. Soft sand, alturnati

9 Soft black shale

...................................

10. Soft white arenaceous shales, with gas veins at 610

11. Chalk rock; slight inflow of brackish water near base. 

12. Fine sand...... .......................................

14. Soft white csilcareoi

Total............

Feet.

30 

30 

50 

20 

15 

40 

80 

20 

319

726 

70 

30 

100 

50 

190

*1, 770

a The names in the first column indicate Prof. Robert Hay's opinion as to the geological age of the 

strata indicated.

No. SO, Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply. Strata 

passed through: Soil, 3 feet; creamy clay, magnesia. This well is on the top of the 

bluffs overlooking canyons to Republican River. It is in a draw leading to Sand 

Creek.

No. 21. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; ia used for 

domestic supply and for 50 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; 

yellow clay, 77 feet; sand, 3 feet; magnesia lime, 97 feet; hard stone, 10 feet; sand
110 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

and gravel to the bottom. This well is one-half mile west of No. 20, on the same 

quarter section, and on ground 95 feet higher by barometer, and the draws of Sand 

Creek, both east and west, are deep. The well at Ashland, 2 miles south, is on 

slightly lower ground, and is 172 feet deep, with 20 feet of water.

No. 22. Depth of water does not vary; water can be obtained in abundance if 

mill runs continuously; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, hard; water 

raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 30 head

 of stock. Strata passed through: Soil,.5 feet; creamy yellow soil, 155 feet; coarse 

.gravel with water, 12 feet. Two wells within a mile have 12 and 16 feet of water, 

respectively, and another 3| miles south has 11 feet. It is in a beaver draw, and is 

139 feet to water.

No. S3. Drilled well; depth does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of

 water, rather soft; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 30 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil,2 feet; yellow

 clay; sand; rock (at 125 feet); 'gravel.

No. 24. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; 30 barrels in half a day; can 

not be easily lowered; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply and for 140 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 4 feet; 

creamy clay, 30 feet; sand, 40 feet; yellow dirt; rock, 1 foot; red clay with water.

No. 25. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered;

 quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and 

for 35 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 6 feet; creamy yellow soil; lime; 

gravel with ledges of rock and sand.

No. 26. Drilled well; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply.

No. 27. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for

 domestic supply and for 60 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; 

creamy clay, 30 feet; sand, rock, and gravel to water. 

No. 28. Tubular well; depth of water does not vary; about 200 barrels per day;

 can not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 

14-foot wheel; is used for public purposes. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; 

cream-colored clay, 4 feet; clay and sand, 140 feet; gravel (some of it cemented) to 

"bottom. There are 4 other wells in the town besides the old railway well, not now 

used. These are all of the same depth to water, but the total depth is 180 to 185 feet. 

No. 29. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for

 domestic supply and for SO^head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil; creamy soil; 

. soft rock; sand with water.

No. 30. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and 

for 20 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil; rock; gravel.

No. 31. Dug well; rose slightly at first; depth of water does not vary; can not 

1)6 easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for

 domestic supply and for a hotel. Strata passed through: Soil, 10 feet; magnesia; 

Band; magnesia; sand; gravel with water. This well is in the town of Flagler. 

No. 32. Drilled well (196); depth of water does not vary; 175 barrels in 12 hours;

 can not be easily lowered; quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump with 

14-foot wheel; is used for 175 head of stock and for irrigating 3 acres; tank, 35 by 80 

feet. Strata passed through: Soil; clay; rock and coarse gravel. A well 1 mile 

west is 150 feet deep.

No. 33. Drilled well (195); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 25 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 

.feet; sand, etc.
NEWELL.] . WELL EECORDS, COLORADO. Ill

No. 34. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can be easily lowered because 

not deep enough in the water. Strata passed through: Soil; yellow clay; rock to 

water.

No. 35. Drilled well (194); depth of water does not vary; 150 gallons per hour; 

can not bo easily lowered; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is used 

for domestic supply and for 160 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 4 feet; 

creamy yellow clay, 76 feet; sand, 20 feet; reddish clay rock, 12 feet; sand and gravel, 

12 feet; solid rock, 3 feet; reddish dirt, 3 feet; sand, gravel, and clay to bottom. A 

well 2| miles east (in Kansas) had water at 142 feet. A well 1 mile west of No. 35 is 

145 feet to water, and is on rather higher ground.

No. 36. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply and for 10 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; 

creamy clay, 100 feet; reddish clay, 10 feet; gravel and sand to bottom. This well 

is within a few rods of the Kansas line. Bender's well, 2 miles north, also close to 

the line, is 162 feet deep, with 13 feet of water.

No. 37. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; pump running night and .day

frequently; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft;*is raised by wind 

pump with IQ-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 35 head of stock, and for 

irrigating one-fourth of an acre. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; creamy soil, 

77 feet; sand, clay, magnesia; coarse sand with water. No rock.

No. 88. Bored well; water has decreased, apparently from inflow of sand; depth 

of water does not vary; 500 gallons per hour, with good wind; can not be easily 

lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; 'is 

used for domestic supply and for 27 head of stock. Temperature, 56° F. Strata 

passed through: Soil, 2^ feet; dark soil, 274- feet; gravel, 30 feet; sand and gravel, 

120 feet. No hard rock.

No. 39. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 35 head of stock. Temperature, 54° F. Strata 

passed through: Soil, 6 feet; hard rock; gravel with water.

No. 40. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump, now removed; is used 

for domestic supply and for stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; yellow clay, 

with a little gravel, 100 feet; gravel and some yellow clay, 33 feet.

No. 41. Driven well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump, now removed; is used for. 

domestic supply of many families and for their stock. Strata passed through: Not 

known.

No. 42. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 30 barrels per day; can not be 

easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; 

is used for domestic supply, for stock, and for irrigating one-half an acre. Strata 

passed through: Soil; some magnesia; gravel; hard rock at 90 feet, and again at 

150 feet.

No. 43. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be lowered with pump 

running day and night; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 

8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for stock, and for irrigating a small area. 

.Strata passed through: Magnesia; streaks of hard rock and gravel; water in gravel.

No. 44. Bored well; depth of water does not vary, though steam pump goes day 

and night; upward of 30,000 gallons per day; can not be lowered; quality of water, 

hard; water raised by steam pump, which lifts 58 gallons per stroke; is used for 

railway shops and for the town of Holyoke. Temperature, 56° F. Strata passed 

through: As usual in this district. A well only 5 feet deep in the bed of the Frenchman, only a few rods away, has the same temperature. A small area is irrigated by 

ihe water from this well.
112 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894.

No. 45. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 50 barrels per day; can not be 

lowered; quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot 

wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 140 head of stock. Strata passed through: 

Soil, 5 or 6 feet; clay, 50 feet; gravel and sand.

No. 46. Dug and drilled well; depth of water does not vary; temperature, 54° F.; 

can not be lowered, although mill has run several days without stopping; quality of 

water, nearly soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and 

for 100 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 8 feet; clay and magnesia, with 

streaks of conglomerate; water in gravel.

No. 47. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply 

and for 10 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 4 feet; sand; some hard 

rock; water in gravel. This is a roaring well, the air rushing out of it before and 

during a storm. Another well to the southwest was used for irrigating a garden 

and a potato patch.

No. 48. Drilled well; water was reached at 110 feet, when it rose 25 feet; depth 

of water does not vary; can not be lowered with pump running a day and a night; 

quality of .water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply, for 

13 head of stock, and for irrigating one-third of an acre. Strata passed through: 

Soil; a few feet of white magnesia; a hard ledge at 90 feet; water in gravel and 

sand. Some wells near here are only 85 feet deep and are easily pumped dry.

No. 49. Depth of water does not vary; water raised by windlass and buckets; is. 

used for domestic supply and for stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 5 feet; magnesia; sand and gravel.

No. 50. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered;; 

quality of water, soft. Strata passed through: Soil, 1 foot; magnesia; gravel, etc. r 

as usual on this Platte-Frenchman plateau.

No. 51. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, medium hard; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; isused for domestic supply and for 50 head of stock; temperature, 54° F. Strata 

passed through: Soil, 4 feet; yellow clay (plains marl), 20 feet; sand and gravel, 

40 feet; gravel, 56 feet; rock (with the water), 23 feet.

No. 52. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 20 barrels per day; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water, not very soft; water raised by wind pump; not 

a very good well; water used for domestic supply and for 30 head of stock. Strata

passed through: Soil, 3 feet; sand and gravel all the way down.

No. 53. Drilled well; water rose a little when first reached; depth of water does 

not vary; water in abundance obtained from the well; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; is used for domestic supply. Strata passed through: Magnesia all the way. This is close to the river, to which the outcrop of magnesia 

reaches very nearly, and the water is about the same as the underflow of the river 

bed, which is usually dry.

No. 54. This is an inclosed spring which gives 4 gallons per minute steadily; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by hand pump and overflow pipe, which supplies a tank and reservoir and irrigates a small area; water used for domestic 

supply and for 375 head of cattle, which number might be more than doubled.

No. 55. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered r "

quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic 

supply and for 1,200 head of sheep. Strata passed through: Soil; gravel. There is 

another well within 200 feet. This well is within 30 rods of the river (south side). 

A well one-half mile west, on the bank of the river, gets water at 29 feet, and the 

river bank is nearly 20 feet high.

No. 56. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered.

No. 57. Depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered;-quality of 

water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; it is used for domestic
NBWBLL.] WELL RECORDS, COLORADO. 113

supply and for 20 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 6 inches; gravel; 

magnesia; clay and gravel. A well 1 mile south is 246 feet deep, and another 1 mile 

west is over 200 feet in depth.

No. 58. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 1,500 gallons per hour; can 

not be easily lowered; water raised by wind wheel and Hay's pump; is used for 

irrigation.

No. 59. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; 1,200 gallons per hour; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump with 4-inch 

cylinder; is used for irrigation, being held in a cemented tank. Strata passed 

through: Sand; soil; clay or magnesia; hard sand and gravel. This well is on the 

south side of the river, just east of Julesburg bridge. Another well close by is 18 

feet to water, and has a 12-foot wind wheel, which, with steady wind, raises 1,800 

gallons per hour.

No. 60. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; water obtained from the well 

will fill 50,000-gallon tank in 4 hours; can be lowered by the steam pump, but the 

water level is soon restored; quality of water, soft; water raised by steam pump;

is used for supplying a railway roundhouse and for other purposes. Strata passed

through: River alluvia.

No. 61. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; not tested as to quantity; can. 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, hard; water raised by hand buckets; is 

used for domestic supply and by the traveling public. Strata passed through: Soil, 

2 feet; light-colored clay and dark-blue clay, 8 feet; sand to water.

No. 62. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, hard; water raised by hand pump; is used for domestic supply 

and for a large hotel. Strata passed through: Soil; sand; gravel. This well is in 

the town of Julesburg. There are over 30 wells in the town, which is situated on 

the South Platte bottom, on the north side of the river.

No. 63. Dug well; water rose a few feet; depth of water does not vary; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for 

domestic supply, for 400 head of stock, and for irrigating 1 acre. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 2£ feet; gravel, 2£ feet; magnesia, 1 foot; gravel and sand, 34 feet; 

hardpan (blue hard clay), 10 feet.

No. 64. Dug well. This is a spring well, the water creating a marsh along the 

edge of the hill, in the slope of which the well is made. Depth of water does not 

vary; 60 to 70 gallons per minute; cannot be lowered; quality of water, soft; water 

raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply, for a few head of stock, and irrigates 15 acres from a reservoir of about 10 feet square. Strata passed through: Soil; 

red material; gravel; magnesia and sandy cemented gravel. Temperature, 58° F., 

apparently influenced by the atmosphere, it being an open well.

No. 65. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 50 

head of stock, and for irrigating one-half an acre. Strata passed through: Soil, 1 

foot; sand. This well is oh the second slope, on the south side of South Platte, which 

is 1£ miles distant.

No. 66, Depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; water raised by 

wind pump; is used for domestic supply and for 100 head of stock. Strata passed 

through: Magnesia.

No. 67. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; water obtained from the well 

will supply 60 teams daily; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water 

raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and for stock. Strata passed 

through: Soil, and layers of hard rock above the water gravel.

No. 68. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 40 to 50 head of stock. Strata passed through: 

Magnesia; sand and gravel.

Bull. 131 -8
114 PROGRESS EEPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 13^..

No. 69. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; 50 to 60 barrels per day; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, not very hard; water raised by wind pump 

with 14-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 50 head of stock. Strata 

passed through: Soil, 4 feet; magnesia; gravel; loam; gravel.

No. 70. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 60 barrels per day; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water, not very hard; water raised by aerrnotor with 

8-foot wheel; supplies 70 head of stock and irrigates 1 acre. Strata passed through: 

Soil, ! £ feet; magnesia, 10 feet; gravel, 12 feet; clay and gravel, 25 feet; gravel, 18 

feet; magnesia, 102 feet; gravel, 8 feet.

No. 71. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply, for 50 head of stock, and 

for irrigating a garden. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; yellow clay and sand; 

rock; gravel; water in rock.

No. 72. :This, with the following wells, is on the Republican (North Fork; 

Arickaree divide. Jordan's well, 1 mile farther west, is 130 feet deep; another 

 well, 7 miles from Burrel's, is 175 feeifc deep; and yet another, at Galilean, 9 miles 

from Burrel's, is 190 feet deep. Beyond this the wells have not so great a depth.

No. 73. Drilled well; rose slightly; depth of water does not-vary; can not be 

easily lowered; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply, for stock, 

and for irrigation. Strata passed through: Sandy soil, 1 foot; sand 10 feet; quicksand, 25 feet; clay, 2 feet; gravel with water, 6 feet; gravel and streaks of clay, 

dividing the water into layers, '36 feet. This well is in the sand hills.

No. 74. Depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; water raised 

by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and for stock. Strata passed through; 

Clay, magnesia, gravel, etc. This well is on the bluffs south of Wray. The wells 

in the valley at Wray are from 15 to 25 feet in depth, and the water in some of them 

rises to a height of 10 feet.

Data relating to wells in Kansas. 

CHEYENNE COUNTY.

No.

1

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

. 10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

 29

Post-office.

Benkelman,Nebr

.....do .......... 

Haigler, Nebr ..

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

Jaqua, Kans.... 

.....do ..........

.....do .......... 

.....do..........

Lansing, Col.... 

Lawnridge ..... 

St. Francis ..... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do .......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do .......... 

.....do..........

Owner of well.

Old town of Gurney

Isaac M. Clark .....

C. M. Corbett...... 

S. E. Gulliams ..... 

F. H. Rose......... 

Charlee Zonge ..... 

W. J. Baker.......

E. M. Collins.......

Frank Vanschowm .

R. Cassens......... 

C. H. Tromble . . . . .

H. H. Griffiths.... 

Old town of Wano

PatMcCloskey.... 

0. C. Blackburn . . . 

B. F. Campbell.... 

J. "W. Tucker. ...... 

J. S. Patton......... 

"W. H. "Wellmeyer..

J. J. Finnegan. . ....

Location of 

well.

T.

3

1 

2 

3 

1 

1 

1 

5 

4

4 

5 

3

5

4 

3 

3 

3 

2 

4 

3 

3

5 

3

B.

42

42 

42 42- 

41 

41 

41 

42 

42

40 

39 

42

40

40 

40 

40 

40 

41 

40 

40 

41

40 

41

S.

26

3 

] 

4 

31 

23 

24 

28 

33

27 

19 

8

19

4 

9 

22 

22 

7 

5 

32 

33

26 

28

i-d O G?

£J£ O"PI 

H

1893

1890 

1889 

1894

1887 

1890 

1888 

1890 

1894

1893 

1893 

1887 

1891 

1889 

1886 

1888 

1890 

1888

1893 

1893 

1893 

1887 

1888 

1892

Diameter.

In. 

12

3 

a 30 

36

42 

36 

42 

6 

8

2 

12 

6 

6 

36 

66 

6 

36 

36

2* 

5i 

36 

36 

6

 s 

,a~ 

 *= o 

ftfs 

<s

p

Feet. 

85 

200 

200 

24 

19 

240

85 

30 

80 

98 

17 

215 

190 

190 

222 

210 

210 

23 

65 

35 

25 

18 

175 

19 

40 

203 

225 

140 

190

Depth of 

water.

Feet.

35 

3 

9 

5 

1

5 

5 

10 

18 

10 

10 

20 

5 

7 

14 

15 

0 

5 

5 

3 

3 

0 

9 

5 

3 

20 

3 

16

Cost of 

Well.

$34. 00

185. 00

5.00

20.00 

10.00 

25.00 

40.00 

10.00

125.00 

90.00 

150. 00

12.00 

20.00 

16.00

15.00

15.00 

40.00 

83.00

75.00 

171. 00

Machinery.

$65. 00

75.00 

100. 00 

100. 00 

50.00 

7.50

100. 00 

200. 00

25.00 

125. 00

40.00 

35.00 

75.00

112. 00 

151. 00

a Inches, square.
NEWELL.] WELL RECORDS, KANSAS. 115

Data relating to ivells in Kansas Continued.

CHEYENNE COUNTY Continued.

No.

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43

Post-office.

St. Francis ..... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

Owner of well.

DolphGibboney.... 

J. B. Gillespie ...... 

G. Eeile. ...........

D. F. Lynian.......

A. E. Small.........

W. E. Hotchkiss... 

Chas. Pritchett. . . . .

Henry Sump....... 

Frank Williams....

Location of 

well .

1.

3 

3 

2 

3 

3 

3 

3

3 

4

4 

1 

3

E.

41 

39 

41 

40 

40 

40 

39

39 

39

39 

28 

39

S.

25 

4 

25 

6 

23 

24 

28

27 

9

3 

35 

14

Year com- pleted.

1889 

1889 

1889 

1886

1892 

1887

1888 

1889 

1889 

1893 

1892 

1892

Diameter.

6 

6 

36 

46 

6 

5 

3

6 

2 

6 

2 

4 

6

Depth of 

well.

120 

69 

118 

130 

52 

106 

190 

172 

210 

215 

203 

155 

446 

173

Depth of

 water.

12 

11 

6 

5 

8 

11 

50 

12 

10 

100 

15 

15

20

Cost of 

Well.

72.00 

24.00 

30.00 

30.00 

15.00 

45.00

100. 00 

215. 00

120. 00

68.00

Machinery.

65.00 

88.00 

110. 00 

85.00 

80.00 

75.00

130. 00 

140. 00

80.00

100. OQ

SHEKMAN COUNTY.

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56 57

58

59

60 

61

62 

63

64

65

66

67 

68

69

70

71

72

73 

74 

75 

76

77

78 

79

80

81 

8?,

83

84 

85 

86

87

88

89

90 

91

92

93

94

Ellink...........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do ..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do ..........

.....do .......... 

.....do .......... 

La Blanche ..... 

.....do ..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

Euleton ........ 

.....do..........

.....do.....:....

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do..........

......do..........

.....do..........

T.E.Eoupe. .......

L. A. Chatfield.....

C. Campbell........

C.O.Miller.. .......

W. S. Cochran......

Wm. Thacker...... 

K.I.E.E. ..........

Henry J. Fletcher..

Commissioners of 

Sherman County. 

Mrs. Cushman. .....

W.G. Tittle. ....... 

J. Crosby........... 

A.W.Monk........

A. C. Brown ........

Jno. Chris tenson. . . .

H. Hartstine ........ 

J.E.Hill ...........

Jno. Boden .........

9

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

10

9

7

7

6

7

8

8

8

a

a

a

8

8 

7

o

6

10

10

9 

9 

9 

9

a

8

a

a

7 

9

 a

8 

8

8

a

a

7

6 

6

7

9

a

42

42

40

40

41

40

40

39

40

40

39

41

41

39

39

39 

39

41

40

40

40

39

40 

39

40

40

42

42

42 

42 

41 

41

42

42 

42

42

42 

42

42

42 

41 

41

41

41

41

41

42

42

42

39

1

36

14

Ta

25

28

35

32

34

2

31

24

2

31

7

6

19

1

a

10

19

7

30

3

5

20

20 

4 

26 

34

29

20 

16

5

8 

21

22

29 

5 

34

22

23

36

11 

R

17

H

19

1892

1891

1894

1892

1890

1888

1887

1888

1893

1889

1891

1888

1888

1891

1889

1886

1892 

1888

1891 

1893

1893

1887

1894

1894' 

1891

1893

1889

1892

i886" 

1889

1888

1889

1892 

1889

1889

1892 

1892 

1886

1894

1892

1894

6

9

3

6

8

6

g

6

36

21

12

2

12

36

12

a!80

12

2

6

10

'"48"

12

6

9

36 

36 

 6

8

6

9

6

9 

8 

8

10

2

6

112

116

109

60

126

140

140

122

132

100

94

76

180

136

55

122 

176

130 

115

150

140

180

146 

30

156

148

125

75

115 

100 

120 

138

120

120 

110

142

160 

122

105

118 

70 

135

114

103

96

198 

213

106

135

181

12

10

14

9

10

16

11

8

15

3

5

10

50

5

14

13 

19

12

10

10

20

15

20 

2

8

8

10

4 

3 

36 

36

20 '18

14

9 

9

20

18 

18 " 10

30

C

10

63 

20

7

15

40

$36. 00

32.00

50.00

84.00

100. 00

60.00

56.00

122. 00

58.00

15. 00

45.00

68.00

90.00

56.00

90.00

60.00 

15.00

70.00

30.00

60.00 

80.00 

50. 00

55.00

50.00

50.00

35.00

42.00 

30.00

70.00

$94. 00

110. 00

80.00

50.00

68.00

100. 00

90.00

70.00

84.00

100. 00

310. 00

110. 00 

10.00

100. 00

Q7 Oft

75.00

85.00 

115. 00 

60.00

75.00

75.00

86.00

80.00

85.00 

80.00

180. 00

a Inches, square.
116 PKOGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BOLL. 13].

Data relating to wells in Kansas Continued. 

WALLACE COUNTY.

No.

95 

96 

97 

98 

99 

100 

101 

102 

103 

104 

105 

106 

107 

108 

109 

110 

111 

112 

113 

114 

115 

116 

117 

118 

119 

120

Post-office.

Lester .......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

Presley ......... 

Sharon Springs.

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do .......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

Wallace ........

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

Owner of well.

L.Eitle....... ...... 

W. F. Corden .......

G. L. Baughman .... 

Oscar Post ......... 

N.A. Eerlen .......

Hugh Graham ..... 

J. M. Ewell......... 

Samuel Halsey ..... 

B. G. Hurlburt ..... 

N.W.Hayes .......

W.M. Swartz ......

H. H. Yost .........

Water Co ..........

Geo. Allman ........ 

S.D. Yoxall. .......

C. E. Seed .......... 

TJ.P.E.R.......... 

Samuel Johnson ....

Location of 

well.

T.

12 

11 

11 

11

13 

13 

12 

13 

13 

13 

13 

13 

13 

14 

13 

13 

13 

13 

13 

13 

14 

13 

12

E.

42 

42 

40 

40

40 

40 

41 

40 

40 

41 

40 

40 

39 

40 

41 

40 

40 

39 

42 

42 

42 

42 

42

S.

10

24 

2 

14

26 

26 

22 

34 

20 

24 

27 

24 

30 

12 

34 

27 

22 

26 

24 

34 

2 

32 

10

I.*.

o

H <D £ ft

1893 

1893 

1888 

1889 

1894 

1894 

1894 

1889 

1891 

1888 

1890 

1894 

1887 

1893 

1893 

1888 

1889

1884 

1885 

1894 

1880 

1894 

1894

Diameter.

In. 

12 

36

42 

48 

48 

48 

48 

72

60 

72 

72 

«36 

60 

6 

42 

72 

30

14 

36 

6 

180 

36 

6

<M

O

11fi

Feet. 

108 

65 

76 

125 

39 

44 

38 '20 

24 

21 

50 

27 

20 

40 

135 

36 

35

is

10 

159 

143 

40 

130 

14* 

68

<M

O .

,d o> 

11PT

Feet. 

19 

4 

8 

5 

18 

16 

12 

4 

14 

3 

5 

7 

3 

4 

12 

12 

5

2 

2 

18 

7 

7 

12 

1 

15

Cost of 

Well.

$45. 00 

25. 00 

40.00

12.00 

15.00 

15.00 

20. 00 

10.00 

10.00 

35.00 

11.00 

5.00 

20.00 

37.50 

15.00

19.00

60.00

65.00

Machinery.

$95. 00

85.00

100. 00 

102. 00 

99.00 

65.00 

180.00

105. 00

15.00 

56. 00

150. 00

70.00

a Inches, square.

No. 1. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can be lowered with a bucket; 

quality of water, soft, but salty; water raised by hand buckets; is used for domestic 

supply. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; sand, 26 feet; blue shale, 56 feet.

No. 2. Now closed (156'). Two wells, a mile west, each have a depth of 175 feet.

No. 3. Drilled well (155); depth of water does not vary; 180 barrels per day; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, medium hard; water raised by wind pump 

with 8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 100 head of stock. Strata: 

Soil, 15 feet; whitish clay, magnesia rock| sand, gravel with water.

No. 4. Dug well (139); depth of water does not vary, but has decreased from caving; quality of water, hard; water raised by pulley and bucket; is used for domestic 

supply. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; yellow dirt; sand, blue clay (shale) 

with water in top. This well is on the Arickaree bottom.

No. 5. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; 3 barrels per hour lowers it, but 

the level is restored in half an hour; quality of water, hard; water raised by pulley 

and buckets; is. used for domestic supply and 8 head of horses. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 1 foot; yellow clay, 13 feet; fine, hard sand, 3£ feet; gravel, 1£ feet.

No. 6. Drilled well (168); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump.

No. 7. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; 4 to 5 barrels per hour; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water, medium soft; water raised by wind pump with 

8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 26 head of stock. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 2 feet; yellow clay to water; soapstone with water at top.

No. 8. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can be lowered, but the level is 

soon restored; water raised by wind pump with 8-foofc wheel; is used for domestic 

supply, for 30 head of stock, and from 60 to 70 hogs. Strata passed through: All 

yellow clay; water in quicksand. This well is in a canyon on the Hackberry, very 

deep, the yellow clay (plains marl) rising high all around.

1 The figures in parentheses are the numbers given to wells on PL XLII, Sixteenth Annual Report.
NEWELL.] WELL EECORDS, KANSAS. 117

No. 9. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; 8 to 10 barrels per day; can be 

lowered by several hours pumping; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind 

pump with 10-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 30 head of stock. 

Temperature, 57° F. Strata passed through: Soil, 4 feet; yellow clay and sand, 

60 feet; sand and gravel, with water, 10 feet. This well is in a draw leading to 

Hackberry Creek.

No. 10. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; is used for domestic supply, for 40 head of stock, and for 

irrigating a small garden. Strata passed through: Soil, 10 feet; magnesia rock, 70 

feet; gravel; rock and gravel, with water, 18 feet. A (229) well on the northwest 

quarter of section 22 is 136 feet deep, with 20 feet of water.

No. 11. Bored w ell (230); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, medium soft; water raised by hand pump; is used for domestic 

supply and for stock. Strata passed through: Sandy alluvia of the Republican bottom. The water in the well is more abundant since the completion of the Ericsou 

irrigation ditcb, which is distant about a quarter of a mile. The water in the well 

increased 10 days after water had been turned into the ditch.

No. 12. Depth of water in well (177) does not vary; can not be easily lowered.

No. IS. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump.»

No.14. Drilled well (246); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply 

and for 25 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil; yellow clay; rock; sand and 

gravel at the water.

No. 15. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; water can be pumped from 

the well continuously without lowering the level; quality of water, medium hard; 

water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 

60 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; yellow sandy clay, 100 feet; 

magnesia; rock; gravel with water. A well to the north, on lower ground, is.206 

feet deep.

No. 16. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply and for 250 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 4 feet; 

cream-colored canyon clay; magnesia rock; gravel at water.

No. 17. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 1,200 gallons per hour; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather soft; water raised by wind pump 

with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for stock, and for irrigating one-half 

acre. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; creamy yellow subsoil, etc. On the Beaver 

bottom, to the south, is Birkner's well, 130 feet deep, with 11 feet of water sec. 29, 

T. 5, R. 40.

No. 18. Dug well; has no water. Strata passed through: Soil, sand only slightly 

damp; soapstone (shale). Other wells near have abundance of water, not reaching 

the shale.

No. 19. Dug well; water was found at bottom and rose 5 feet; depth of water 

does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, medium hard; water 

raised by haud pump; is used for domestic supply and for 40 head of stock. Strata 

passed through: Soil, 2 feet; yellow soil, 10 feet; rock, 28 feet; yellow sand, 4feet; 

rock, 15 feet; rock of reddish tint, 5 feet; gravel with water, 4 inches. Haifa mile 

ngrth, in a ravine, a well has water at 3 14 feet.

No. 20. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; water used for domestic supply, for60 head of stock, and for irrigating one-fourth of an acre. Strata passed through: 

Soil, 1 foot; sandy loam, 29 feet; coarse graveJ, 5 feet. This well is in a draw.

No. 21 Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by hand pump; is used for domestic supply. Strata passed through:
118 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

Soil; sandy loam to bottom; but the last 5 feet had shale diagonally across the well. 

Every house in the town has a well, eight of these being supplied with wind pumps. 

E. S. Flanney sunk a well 36 feet, 10 feet being in shale, and got no water. A few 

feet away he got the usual abundant supply at 26 feet, without shale.

No. 22. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; the supply is inexhaustible; 

can not be lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by hand pump; is used for 

stock of all kinds. Strata passed through: Sandy alluvia, with a streak of black 

soil 6 inches thick about 12 feet down; gravel below with water.

No.S3. No water. Strata passed through: Yellow clay, 135 feet; shale, 40 feet. 

This well was sunk near the head of Hackberry Creek, in the vicinity of head of 

draws to Arickaree. The shale was also reached, without water, at Joel Taylor's, on 

the SW. i of sec. 30, T. 1 S., R. 41, 4 miles north of Tucker's, and at a few other 

places in this region.

No. 24. Driven well; depth of water does not vary; 7£ barrels per hour; can not 

be easily lowered; water raised by wind pump with 9-foot wheel; is used for domestic 

supply, for 25 head of stock, and for irrigating one-fourth of an acre. Strata passed 

through: Sand and gravel. This well is in a ravine where Mr. Wellmeyer (of No. 

25) has impounded springs, which come from under the magnesia, for irrigation, 

having a reservoir 16 by 100 by 2£ feet.

No. 85. Tubular well (170); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily 

lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 10 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 1 

foot; magnesia; sand rock, 35 feet; shale, 4 feet.

No. 26. Drilled well (169); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply aud for 30 or 40 head of stock. Strata passed through: 

Soil, 5 feet; yellow clay; magnesia; hard gravel; gravel rock, 35 feet, with water. 

A well on high ground, southwest, is 235 feet deep.

No. 27. Dug well (168a); depth of water does not vary; 100 barrels in a day; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, medium soft; is used for domestic supply. 

Strata passed through: Soil; marl, 90 feet; sand, 4 feet; rock, 3 feet; sand, 1 foot; 

rock, about 70 feet, etc.

No. 28. Dug well (179); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily low> 

ered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 40 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 4

feet; yellow creamy clay; rock; gravel. This well is on the north slope of Beaver 

Creek, south of Lawnridge.

No. 29. Drilled well (154); depth of water does not vary; with pump running 

constantly, can not be easily lowered; quality of water, medium soft; water raised 

by wind pump, 8-foot aermotor; is used for 40Jiead of stock, for domestic supply, 

and for irrigating a small garden. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; yellow soil, 

47 feet; rock (magnesia and sandstone); hard sand rock with water.

No. SO. Bored well (152); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used 

for domestic supply and for 65 head of stock. Strata passed through:'Soil, 1 foot; 

yellow clay, 50 feet; sand; gravel with water. A mile west is a well 120 feet deep, 

and a mile north of that is one 135 feet in depth.

No. 31. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; 150 barrels per day; can not 

be easily lowered; has decreased slightly by inflow of sand, but will be cleaned 

.out; quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot "Gem" wheel; 

is used for domestic supply and for 25 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 

4 feet; yellow packed sand, 4 feet; coarse sand, 5 feet; rock and sand, 27 feet; magnesia, 28 feet; honeycomb rock with water, 1 foot. This well is on a ridge between 

canyons. A well in a canyon in section 9 has water at 20 feet, and in southeast of 

section 5 the water is at the surface in the canyon.
NEWELL.] WELL RECORDS, KANSAS. 119

No. 32. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and 

for 20 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil; yellow clay; sand. This well is 

on the Hackberry and South Fork Republican divide.

No. S3. Dug well; water rose 1£ feet from second sheet to first sheet; depth of 

water varied at first, but does not do so now; 250 barrels per day; can be easily 

lowered to second sheet, but no farther; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot 

wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 100 head of stock, and for irrigating 3 to 5 

acres. Strata passed through: Soil, 7 feet; yellow sandy clay, 60 feet; reddish clay, 

20 feet; sand with rock, 30 feet; rock, magnesia, and sand, 9 feet; gravel with 

water, 4 feet. At 87 feet and 97 feet bones were found.

No. 34. Dug and drilled well (144); depth of water does not vary; can not be 

easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot 

wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 30 head of stock. Strata passed through: 

Soil; gravel.

No. 35. Drilled well (145); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, medium soft; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot 

wheel; used for domestic supply and for 25 head of stock. Strata passed through: 

Soil, 2 feet; ashy white clay; gravel; magnesia; gravel with water.

No. 36. Drilled AY ell (146); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump; is used by all the 

neighborhood. Strata passed through : Soil; yellow soil; magnesia; gravel.

No. 87. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and for stock. Another 

well, one-half mile south and one-half mile west of No. 37, is 175 feet deep and has 13 

feet of water.

No. 38. Drilled well (147); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, not very hard; Water raised by wind pump with 10-foot 

wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 60 head of stock, and for irrigating a small 

area. Strata passed through: Soil, 1 foot; yellow clay (plains marl), 40 feet; magnesia and red clay, 120 feet; eand, 40 feet; gravel, 10 feet.

No. 39. Tubular well (148); water was found at bottom, and rose 100 feet, 

remaining at that level; depth of water does not vary; 75 to 100 barrels per day; 

can not be easily lowered; quality of water, medium soft; water raised by wind 

pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 100 head of stock. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; yellow clay, 60 feet; rock and reddish magnesia; coarse gravel with water. There were two smaller sheets of water above the 

main supply, which seemed to rise to the level of the highest.

No. 40. Drilled well (178); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered ; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic 

supply and for 75 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 8 feet; yellow clay; 

magnesia; water in gravel. Pearson's well, 1 mile north and 1 mile east, is 240 feet 

deep.

No. 41. Tubular well (149); depth of water does not vary; 70 barrels per day; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, medium soft; water raised by wind pump 

with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 50 head of stock. Strata 

passed through: Soil; yellow clay; gravel. Another well on the same section gave 

the following record: Soil, 6 feet; yellow sand, 8 feet;- rock magnesia, 5 feet; 

white magnesia, 15 feet; yellow sand and pink rock, 165 feet; coarse gravel and 

sand with water, 1 foot. Other wells give water at same horizon.

No. 4%. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water used for domestic supply. Strata passed through: Soil, etc., 75 feet; soap-' 

stone, 75 feet; blue shale, 296 feet.

No. 43. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 10 barrels per hour; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water hard; water raised by wind pump; is used for
120 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

domestic supply and for 20 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; 

yellow soil, 50 feet; sandy rock, 10 feet; red clay and sand, 90 feet; quicksand, 20 

feet.

No. 44. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; nearly 6,000 gallons per day; 

can not be lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot 

wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 60 head of stock, and for irrigating threefourths of an acre. The tank, which is 28 feet by 28 by 1 foot, is filled in one day. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 3£ feet; creamy ''badger dirt," 36^ feet; sand and 

gravel, 72 feet; blue clay (shale?) at bottom.

No. 45. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump with "Jumbo" wheel; is used for domestic supply and 

for 10 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; creamy clay; magnesia; 

sand and gravel.

No. 46. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used 

for domestic supply and for 60 head of stock. This well is on the slope of the Sappa, 

where the gravel is very near the surface. Strata passed through: Soil; clay; sand 

rock; sand and gravel with the water.

No. 47. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, not very hard; water raised by rope and pulley; is used for domestic supply and for 20 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; yellowish 

clay, 25 feet; sand, 50 feet; sand-rock streaks, 3 feet; reddish rock and sand, 15 feet; 

sand and gravel, 14 feet. A well on the northwest quarter of section 20 is 10 feet 

deeper to water, but is on slightly higher ground.

No. 48. Bored well; depth cf water does not vary; 4 barrels per hour; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 

8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 20 head of stock. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 3 feet; creamy clay, 25 feet; soft magnesia with harder streaks, 20 

feet; sand, quicksand, and coarse gravel at bottom. This well is in a Beaver draw.

No. 49. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; cannot be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and for 30 head of stock. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 5 feet; creamy soil; salt rock; sand.

No. 50. Bored well (217); depth of water does not vary; an abundance of water is 

obtained from the well; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water 

raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply aud for stock. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 5 feet; creamy clay; reddish clay; sand with water. 

A well one-half mile north by east of section 25 is 135 feet deep and has supplied the 

town (Goodland) and a herd of 75 cattle all summer; temperature, 57° F.

No. 51. Dug originally, now tubular well (216); depth of water does not vary; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump 

with 10-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 25 head of stock. Strata 

passed through: Not known; water in gravel and sand.

No. 52. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 30 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil; 

rock; gravel with water. A well 300 feet away is as well supplied.

No. 53. Drilled well (215); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 1'0-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 25 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil; 

creamy soil; rock; gravel; sand.

No. 54. Dug well (261); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered, 

but at times needs to be made deeper; water raised by pulley and buckets; is used for 

domestic supply and for 10 head of cattle. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; 

creamy clay; sand; gravel. A well on the northwest quarter of section 3 is 78 feet 

deep, with 6 feet of water. It is in a depression of a Smoky draw.
NEWELL.] WELL RECORDS, KANSAS. 121

No. 55. Tubular well (260); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily 

lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic 

supply and for 100 head of stock, besides irrigating one-fourth of an acre, which 

area is to be increased; tank, 24 by 30 feet. Stra.ta passed through: Soil, 2 or 3 feet; 

creamy soil; gravel with water.

No. 56. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply, for 50 head of stock, and for irrigating over one-fourth of an acre; 

tank, 40 by 60 feet. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; yellow clay; clay and magnesia to bottom. This well is within a few feet of the bottom land of the Middle 

Beaver. The bottom is one-quarter of a mile wide.

No. 57. Drilled tubular well; water rose slightly when first struck; depth of 

water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised 

by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; water used for domestic supply, for 6 head of 

stock, and for irrigation; has a reservoir 45 by 45 by 4 feet. Strata passed through: 

Soil, 4 feet; creamy clay, 30 feet; magnesia and rock with alternations of sand; water 

in gravel.

No. 58. Bored well (245); depth of water does not vary; cannot be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply, for 100 head of stock, and for irrigating one-half acre of 

garden and some trees. Strata passed through: Soil; yellow clay; magnesia; gravel 

with water. This well is in a depression of a Beaver draw. A well (245a) on section 

18 of the same township is 155 feet deep, with 15 feet of water.

No. 59. Dug to water; tubular well (244); depth of water does not vary; can not 

be easily lowered; quality of water, rather soft; water raised by wind pump with 

10-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 120 head of stock. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 1£ feet; yellowish white clay, 15 feet; sand, 16 feet; reddish clay 8 

feet; sand and gravel to bottom.

No. 60. Bored well (243); depth of water does not vary; cannot be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply and for 15 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; 

creamy flour clay, 57 feet; sand and magnesia to water; coarse gravel with the 

water. A well (243a) 1 mile north of No. 60 is 70 feet deep, with 10 feet of water; is 

situated in a beaver draw.

No 61. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can be lowered to 5 feet, but 

not below that level; water raised by steam pump; is used for railway tanks, hotel, 

and cottages; 6,400 barrels per day is used for railway only. Strata passed through: 

Soil, 5 feet; creamy clay, 30 feet; reddish clay with streaks of sand; sand; gravel 

with the 19 feet of water. There is a drilled well 75 feet away, 180 feet deep, with 

19 feet of water, which is operated by a steam pump. These wells have been in 

constant use, the last for 4 years. They are three-fourths of a mile from the city 

wells, which are also pumped by steam.

No. 62. Bored well (195); depth of water does not vary; 10 barrels per day; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot 

wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 80 head of stock, and for irrigating onequarter of an acre; tank, 31 by 60 feet. Strata passed through: Soil, 5 feet; creamy 

flour soil, 8 feet; magnesia dirt, 7 feet; magnesia with hard streaks, 98 feet; sand, 

8 feet; sand and gravel, 4 feet. A well one-fourth of a mile southeast gets water at 

the same depth (118 feet), but was bored deeper to 137 feet, thus giving 19 feet of 

water.

No. 63. Drilled well (191); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply and for 15 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil; creamy 

clay; clay and rock.

No. 64. Tubular well (190); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily 

lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is
122 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

used for domestic supply and for 100 head of stock. Strata: Soil, 3 feet; white 

creamy clay, 15 feet; sand in streaks with cemented sand; sand with the water. A 

well less than half a mile north in a Beaver draw gets water at 110 feet.

No. 65. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; water obtained from the 

well hy continual pumping; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather soft; 

water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 150 

head of stock, and for irrigating one-half an acre. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 

feet; creamy clay, 30 feet; magnesia; coarse gravel with the water; no rock; a weak 

vein of water higher up. This well is north of the Sappa. On the south side of the 

Sappa the Tertiary grit crops out.

No. 66. Bored well (184); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, medium hard; water raised by wind pump with 18-foot wheel; is 

used as a public well, and irrigates court-house yard. Strata passed through: Soil, 

2 feet; yellow clay, 90 feet; sand and dry gravel.

No. 67. Bored well (183); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and 

for 15 head of stock. Strata: Soil, 5 feet; yellow soil; rock; gravel.

No. 68. Dug well (182); depth of water does not vary; can be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by hand pump; is used for domestic supply and 

for 15 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil; yellow clay and sand; magnesia 

gravel with water. This well is in a bottom, about 20 feet above the bed of one 

of the Beavers.

No. 69. Drilled well (181); depth of water does not vary; 600 gallons per hour; mill 

will drain it in 2 hours, but the level of the water is restored in 20 minutes; quality of 

water, medium soft, but is becoming softer the longer it is used; water raised by 

wind pump; is used for domestic supply, for 100 head of stock, and for irrigating a 

small garden. Strata passed through: Soil; yellow clay; rock; sandy clay.

No. 70. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply and for 100 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil; yellow 

clay; rock. A well 1 mile south, with surface at about the same altitude, is 180 feet 

deep.

No, 71. Drilled well (207); depth of the water does not vary; can not be easily lowered ; quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply, for 100 head of stock, and for irrigating a small area. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 1 foot; creamy clay, 20 feet; sand; sandstone, 4 feet; 

Baud; sand and limestone, 6 inches; sand to bottom; water in quicksand.

No. 72. Bored well (240); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 95 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 

2 feet; creamy soil; rock and gravel with water.

No. 73. Dug well (239); depth of water does not vary; can be easily lowered 

slightly should be made deeper; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump 

with 12-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 25 head of stock. Strata 

passed through: Soil, 4 feet; creamy yellow soil, 41 feet; sand, 5 feet; rock and magnesia 12 feet; sand, 38 feet; magnesia, 2 feet; coarse sand and quicksand at water.

No. 74. Dug well (208); depth of water does not vary; sufficient water obtained 

to supply 4 farms, besides travelers; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; 

water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; water used for domestic supply, as 

above, and 150 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; creamy soil, 30 

feet; sand and gravel to bottom. This well is at Griswold post-office, 4 miles south 

of No. 93. A. J. McKinney's well, 3 miles east of Griswold, is 105 feet deep, with 5 

feet of water. Four miles farther east is a well 90 feet to water.

No. 75. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; water obtained from the 

well nils a tank 17 by 29 by 2 feet in 36 hours, besides supplying stock; can not be
NEWELL.] WELL EECORDS, KANSAS. 123

^

easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for 

domestic supply, for 35 head of stock, and for irrigating 1-J- acres. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 2 feet; creamy yellow soil; magnesia; sand with water. A well onequarter of a mile north is 170 feet deep, with water at 100 feet. Wells 1 mile east 

are plentifully supplied with water.

No. 77. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can be easily lowered, on 

account of bad curbing; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 

8-foot wheel; is used for public purposes. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; 

creamy soil, 13 feet; gravel and sand. There are 5 wells on the town site, all having about the same depth; one is the Eock Island Eailway well, 147 feet deep, 

apparently inexhaustible. A steam pump fills the 1,600-barrel tank in 11 hours.

No. 78. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot wheel; is 

used for domestic supply and for 20 head of cattle. Strata passed through: Soil, 

3i feet; creamy soil, 10 feet; magnesia, red clay, and sand in layers, 80 feet; coarse 

gravel, 27 feet.

No. 79. Drilled well (226); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered ; quality of water, soft.

No. SO. Depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered (227). Soil; 

magnesia.

No. 81. Bored well (228); depth of water does not vary; can be slightly lowered; 

water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 

20 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 4 feet; creamy clay, 76 feet; sand 

and rock; magnesia and gravel. « No. 82. Drilled well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply.

No. 83. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 75 barrels per day; can not be 

easily lowered; quality of water, medium hard; water raised by wind pump with 

10-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply, for stock, and for irrigating one-half an 

acre. Strata passed through: Soil, 2^ feet; creamy dirt, 52^ feet; sand, gravel, and 

rock, 50 feet. A well 1 mile south in Beaver Valley is 59 feet deep, with 2| feet of 

water.

No. 84. Bored well (238); depth of water does not vary; cannot be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply, for hotel, for 100 head of 

stock, and for irrigating a garden. Temperature, 56° F. Strata passed through: 

Soil, 5 feet; creamy clay, 75 feet; sand; whitish clay; sand; magnesia; gravel. 

This well is in the town of Kanorado.

No. 85. Bored well (193); depth of water does not vary; mill running often day and 

night; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather soft; water raised by 

wind pump; is used for domestic supply, for 25 head of stock, and for irrigating 1| 

acres. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; cream-colored loam, nearly to water; 

magnesia and gravel at water. A well on the next section west is 75 feet to water, 

being ou higher ground.

No. 86. Bored well; depth of water does not vary ; can be lowered at times; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and for 

10 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil; creamy clay and fine gravel.

No. 87. The water-bearing stratum was pierced only 4 feet, and the water rose 26 

feet; depth of water does not vary; water raised by wind pump; is used for 300 to 

400 head of stock and by travelers. This well is only 2 or 3 feet above the railway 

level at the depot.

No. 88. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply, for stock, and for irrigating 

1 acre, for which there is a pool supplied by the well.

No. 89. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

water used for domestic supply and for 30 head of stock. Strata passed through: 

Soil yellow clay, etc. <
124 PROGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BULL. 131.

No. 90. Tubular well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, medium hard; water raised by wind pump with 10 foot wheel; 

is used for domes tic supply and for 10 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 

feet; yellow clay; some rock; gravel with water. A well on section 2 is 170 feet 

deep.

No. 91. Another well on the same section is 156 feet to water. A well 1 mile north 

is 192 feet deep, with 10 feet of water. These are on a high promontory, at the beginning of the descent to the Eepublican River.

No. 93. This well is on the south bank of a Beaver, about 15 feet above the bed. 

The prairie south is considerably higher. At a distance of one-half mile northeast 

is an outcrop of the magnesia at a higher level, but the breaks all around, both 

higher and lower, are the plains marl.

No. 93. Bored well (188); depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump; is used for domestic supply and 

for stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; creamy subsoil; rock; gravel with 

water.

No. 94. Dug 146 feet and bored 35 feet; depth of water does not vary; can not be 

easily lowered; water raised by wind pump with 16-foot wheel; is to be used for 

irrigating 10 acres (185). Strata passed through: Soil, 3^-feet; creamy subsoil, 40 feet; 

flinty rock, 4 feet; sand, 23 feet; hard clay, 15 feet; sand, 16 feet; sand rock, 6 feet; 

clay and sand, 40 feet to water.

No. 95. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; 60 barrels in 4 hours; can 

not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather hard; water raised by wind pump 

with 8-foot wheel; is used for domestic supply and for 300 head of stock. Strata 

passed through: Soil, 3 feet; cream-colored clay, 23 feet; white magnesia, 4 feet; 

sand rock, 1 foot; sand, 8 feet; rock, 4 feet; sand and rock, 65 feet; water in clay 

and sand.

No. 96. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather soft; water raised by pulley and buckets; is used for domestic supply and for 12 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; cream soil, 

18 feet; yellow sand and magnesia, 41 feet; gravel with water, 4 feet. A well onehalf mile north is 58 feet deep.

No. 97. Dug well (259); depth of water does not vary; can not now be easily lowered. The well has recently been made deeper; prior to its deepening the water level 

could be lowered. Water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply, for 50. head of stock, and for irrigating a small area, which is being 

increased. Temperature, 54° F. Strata passed through: Soil, 5 feet; creamy soil, 

30 feet; soapstoue (?), 5 feet; sand rock, 36 feet.

No. 98. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can be exhausted in 2 hours 

with a good wind, but refills in 30minutes; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot 

wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 50 to 70 head of stock, and for irrigating a 

small area. Strata passed through: Soil, 5 feet; creamy soil, 75 feet; hard conglomerate, 18 feet; sandstone; sand with water. Spurlock's well, on section 22, on the 

breaks of Lake Creek, 60 feet deep, with 1J- feet of water, irrigates 2 acres during 

winter.

No. 99. Dug and bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily 

lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; is 

used for irrigation; tank, 85 by 45 by 5 feet. Strata passed through: Soil, 15 feet; 

clay, 6 feet; sand and gravel to bottom.

No. 100. Dug and bored well; can not be easily lowered; water raised by wind 

pump Avith 12-foot wheel; is used for irrigation. Strata passed through: Soil, 28 

feet; sand and gravel below; stopped at blue clay (shale?).

No. 101. Dug and bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily 

lowered; quality of water, medium hard; water raised by wind pump with 12-foot 

wheel; is used for irrigation. Strata passed through: Soil; sandy soil; streaks of 

sand; gravel and sand in water.
NEWELL.j WELL RECORDS, KANSAS. 125

No. 102. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply and for 80 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil and creamy 

subsoil, 20 feet; eand, 4 feet; shale below. This well is on the bottom of a branch 

of Goose Creek. A well at the house at 30 feet higher level got no water, after 

passing through these strata: Marl, 30 feet; sand, 4 feet; shale, 4 feet; shale, 30 

feet. Rocky magnesia (Tertiary grit) crops out on the south side of the valley 50 

feet above the level of No. 102.

No. 103. Dug well, but has a tube 8 inches in diameter; water struck at 14 feet 

and rose 4 feet; depth of water does not vary; 650 gallons in 1 hour; can not be 

easily lowered; quality of water, hard; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot 

wheel; is used for domestic supply, for 40 head of stock, and one-half acre irrigated. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 1 foot; black earth, 7 feet; joint clay, 16 feet; sand to 

bottom; reached shale at 27 feet.

No. 104. Dug well; depth of water does not vary, though heavy rains slightly 

raise the level; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, medium soft; water 

raised by pulley and buckets; is used for domestic supply and for 8 head of horses. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; creamy clay, 14 feet; sand; coarse gravel at 

water.

No. 105. Dug well; water was struck at 50 feet and rose 5 feet, where it has 

remained; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of 

water, hard; water raised by pulley and buckets; is used for domestic supply and 

for 12 head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 1£ feet; gray soil (creamy), 10 

feet; reddish clay and gravel, with streaks of sand, 35 feet; coarse sand gravel, 2 feet; 

reddish, putty-like clay at water; gravel below.

Nff. 106. Dug well; water rose a little when first struck; depth of water does 

not vary; can not be easily lowered; water raised by wind pump with 10-foot wheel; 

is used for domestic supply and for irrigating three acres; tank, 65 by 30 by 4 

feet. Strata passed through: Soil, 1 foot; cream-colored soil, 19 feet; sand; joint 

clay and coarse sand, 7 feet. This -well is in Eagletail Valley at Sharon Springs. 

Mr. Ericson has another well between Eagletail and a northern draw, and a reservoir 50 by 100 feet. The water level this year is lower in the wells than 'formerly, 

and a water elevator here was found too short.

. No. 107. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered 

except by the running in of sand; quality of water, soft; water raised by pulley 

and buckets; is used for domestic supply and for 15 head of stock. Strata passed 

through: Sandy alluvia. This well is on the second bottom of the South Fork of 

the Smoky Hill River, east of Sharon Springs, on the right bank of the river.

No. 108. Dug well; flow increased slightly at first, but sand gets in and clogs it; 

depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, rather 

hard; water raised by hand pump; has also a "Jumbo" wind wheel; is used for 

domestic supply and for several head of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 10 feet; 

sand to water.

No. 109. Bored well; water was struck at 129 feet and rose 6 feet; depth of 

water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; quality of water, soft; water raised 

by hand pump; is used for domestic supply and for several head of stock. Strata 

passed through: Soil, 3 feet; creamy soil, 14 feet; rock (red) to water. Rock crops 

out iu a ravine one-fourth of a mile east.

No. 110. Dug well; depth of the water varies by rising slightly in the spring of the 

year; can be easily lowered, but is very soon replenished; quality of water, rather 

soft; water raised by pulley and buckets; is us^d for domestic supply and for 4 head 

of stock. Strata passed through: Soil, 1 foot; creamy clay, 14 feet; streak of sand; 

creamy clay, 6 feet. The bottom of the well is in soapstone (shale), and water is 

from the gravel. Another well, somewhat lower in the draw, has water at the same 

depth, and another still lower has water at 16 feet.
126 PEOGRESS REPORT, HYDROGRAPHY, 1893 AND 1894. [BOTL.ISI.

No, 111. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, medium hard; water raised by wind pump with 16-foot wheel; is 

used for town supply and is very abundant. Strata passed through: Soil, 5 feet; 

yellow creamy soil, 25 feet; sand and gravel, 5 feet. This well is in the valley of 

Eagletail Creek, within the city limits of Sharon Springs. Wells in the higher part 

of the town have little or no water.

 No. 112. Dug well (258). Strata passed through: Soil, 2 feet; cream-colored clay, 

28 feet; shale; no water. Mr. Garsuck has made several wells, but always with the 

same result, reaching the shale without the water-bearing gravel at 25 to 30 feet.

No. 113. Driven well; depth of water does not vary; can not easily be lowered; 

quality of water, medium hard; is used for domestic supply and for stock. Strata 

passed through: Soil, with streaks of clay and sand, 6 feet; sand and gravel to bottom; quicksand at bottom. This well is in the South Smoky Hill bottom. Mr. 

Allman has two other wells near, watering 60 head of stock, and there are four 

others on the bottom between here and Yost's (No. 98), all having an abundance of

 water. Mr. Allman irrigates from a stream.

No. 114. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather soft; water raised by hand pump; is used for domestic 

supply. Strata passed through: Sandy alluvia, shale at bottom. It is on the second bottom of the South Fork of the Smoky Hill River, which has pools connected 

by running streams which disappear in the sands farther east. There are also 

springs on the banks running off the shale, which crops in ravines, under the Tertiary beds.

No. 115. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, soft; water raised by wind pump with 8-foot wheel; is used for 

domestic supply, for 15 head of stock, and for irrigating one-quarter of an acre. 

Strata passed through: Soil, 5 feet; creamy soil, 15 feet; magnesia, rock, and sand; 

gravel with water, 18 feet. Two wells on Weskan town site are 148 feet deep. A 

well on section 28, 157 feet deep, has 15 feet of water, and has rock at about the 

same level as No. 115.

No. 116. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can be lowered slightly; quality of water, soft; water raised by steam pump; is used for railway purposes. This 

well is on rather lower ground than No. 115, from which it is distant about 1 mile.

No. 117. Dug well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, rather hard; water raised by hand pump; is used for domestic

supply. Strata passed through: Soil; cream-colored subsoil; water in gravel and 

sand.

No. 118. Bored well; depth of water does not vary; can not be easily lowered; 

quality of water, medium hard; water raised by pulley and bucket; is used for a 

schoolhouse. Strata passed through: Soil, 3 feet; creamy clay, 23 feet; magnesia, 4 

feet; running gravel, 16 feet; rock and sand to bottom. This-well is on nearly the 

highest land in Kansas.

No. 119. This well is in a bed of a branch of Goose Creek.

No. 120. Bored well. The water was reached at 68 feet, and rose 15 feet. It has 

slightly affected the water of No. 97, which is on the same section. Strata passed 

through: Soil, 6feet; creamy soil, 20 feet; sand, 15 feet; soapstone (?), 3 feet; hard 

clay (magnesia red clay?), 24 feet.