DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

C7NITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

OEORGE OTJS SMITH, DlEEOTOE

WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 266

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY OF THE 

UNITED STATES

1909

PART TT. MISSOURI BITER BASIN

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OP M. 0. LEIGHTON

BY

W. A. LAMB, W. B. FREEMAN 

AND F. F. HENSHAW

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT FEINTING OFFICE 

1911
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

GEORGE OTIS SMITH, DIRECTOR

WATER- SUPPLY PAPER 266

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY OF THE 

UNITED STATES

1909

PART YL MISSOURI RIVER BASIN

PEEPAEED UNDEE THE DIEECTION OF M. 0. LEIGHTON

BY

W. A. LAMB, W. B. FREEMAN 

AND F. F. HENSHAW

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1911
CONTENTS.

Page.

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

Authority for investigations........................................... 9

Scope of investigations................................................ 10

Purposes of the work................................................. 11

Publications......................................................... 12

Definition of terms.-.......-.--..-.---.-----.---._...-.----....._---. 15

Convenient equivalents ............................................... 16

Explanation of tables................................................. 17

Field methods of measuring stream flow................................ 18

Office methods of computing and studying discharge and run-off........ 24

Accuracy and reliability of field data and comparative results........... 28

Use of the data....................................................... 29

Cooperative data..................................................... 30

Copperation and acknowledgments .................................... 30

Division of work..........'..................-........--.--........-. .. 31

Gaging stations maintained in Missouri River drainage basin................ 32

Missouri River drainage basin....-......--........--...-....-.-........... 37

General features...................................................... 37

Missouri River proper................................................ 38

Description ...................................................... 38

Red Rock River at Lima, Mont................................... 40

Beaverhead River at Barratts, Mont............................... 43

Missouri River at Cascade, Mont.................................. 45

Prickly Pear Creek drainage basin..................................... 47

Description ...................................................... 47

Prickly Pear Creek near Clancy, Mont...-.-......-...--.......-... 47

Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont.......................... 49

Lump Gulch Creek at Clancy, Mont................................ 51

Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont................................. 53

SevenmileCreek near Birdseye, Mont.............................. 55

Little Prickly Pear Creek drainage basin............................... 56

Description................................................ ...... 56

Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont.................... 57

Little Prickly Pear Creek near Canyon Creek, Mont....-.......--.. 59

Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont............................. 60

Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont.........-...-..'........... 62

Marsh Creek near Marysville, Mont................................ 64

Dearborn River drainage basin.................-...---....-........... 66

Description...................................................... 66

Dearborn River near demons, Mont............................... 66

Falls Creek near demons, Mont................................... 68

Sun River drainage basin.............................................. 70

Description ...................................................... 70

North Fork of Sun River near Augusta, Mont...................... 71

3
4 CONTENTS.

Missouri River drainage basin Continued.

Sun Kiver drainage basin Continued. Page.

Sun River at Sun River, Mont..................................... 73

Willow Creek near Augusta, Mont. ................................ 75

South. Fork of Sun River at Augusta, Mont......................... 77

Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont................................... 79

Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont................................. 81

Marias River drainage basin........................................... 83

Description...................................................... 83

Two Medicine River at Family, Mont..-........-..,..-......--.... 84

Badger Creek near Family, Mont.................................. 86

Cutbank Creek at Cutbank, Mont -..-.-...-..---....---.-....-.--. 88

Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont.................................. 90

Dupuyer Creek at Dupuyer, Mont................._-....--_.....-. 92

Teton River near Belleview, Mont................................. 94

Musselshell River drainage basin......-.--.....;-...--....---.-....-.. 96

Description....................................................... 96

North Fork of Musselshell River near Delpine, Mont............... 97

North Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont........... 99

Musselshell River at Harlowton, Mont...'.......................... 101

Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont........................... 103

South Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont............ 105

American Fork near Harlowton, Mont............................. 107

Lebo Creek near Harlowton, Mont ...............................^ 109

Milk River drainage basin ............................................ 110

Description ...................................................... 110

South Fork of Milk River near Browning, Mont........-.......---. 112

Milk River at Havre, Mont -..-..--....-....--.-.--.----.--...-... 115

Milk River at Malta, Mont........................................ 117

Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont..................................... 120

North Fork of Milk River near Chinook, Mont..................... 122

Beaver Creek near Ashfleld, Mont.....-.....--.....--...---....-.. 124

Beaver Creek overflow near Bowdoin, Mont...---...-.-..-.--..---. 126

Porcupine Creek at Nashua, Mont................................. 127

Private canals in Milk River valley.....-....----....--....-.-..... 128

Description .......... .............-...---........--.----..... 128

Paradise Valley canal near Chinook, Mont..................... 129

Cook canal near Chinook, Mont............................... 130

Matheson canal near Chinook, Mont.......................... 131

Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont.....;........-............... 133

Agency ditch near Harlem, Mont............................. 134

Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont....................... 135

Little Porcupine Creek drainage basin................*.............'... 137

Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont.......................... 137

Wolf Creek drainage basin.......................... ................. 139

Wolf Creek and Wolf Point ditch at Wolf Point, M ont.............. 139

Poplar Creek drainage basin.......................................... 142

Poplar Creek near Poplar, Mont.....:-...---.--.-..--....-....... 142

Big Muddy River drainage basin...................................... 144

Big Muddy River near Culbertson, Mont........................... 144

Yellowstone River drainage basin..................................... 146

Description ...................................................... 146

Yellowstone River at Huntley, Mont................--...-..-.--.. 147

Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont.............................. 150
CONTENTS. 5

Missouri River drainage basin Continued.

Yellowstone River drainage basin Continued. Page.

North Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont............ 152

South Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont............. 154

East Fork of Boulder River near McLeod, Mont.................... 156

West Fork of Boulder River near Bruffeys, Mont................... 158

West Fork of Boulder River at McLeod, Mont...................... 159

Sweetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont ...........^................ 161

Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont............................ 163

Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont.................................... 165

Pryor Creek at Huntley,- Mont.................................... 167

Bighorn River basin.............................................. 169

Description .................................................. 169

Big Wind River near Wind River, Wyo...... .................. 171

Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont............................. 172

Red Creek near Dubois, Wyo ................................. 174

Dinwoody Creek near Crowheart, Wyo ........................ 175

Dry Creek at Crowheart, Wyo................................. 176

Meadow Creek near J. K. ranch post office, Wyo........-..--.. 177

Willow Creek at J. K. ranch post office, Wyo_................. 177

Bull Lake Creek near J. K. ranch post office, Wyo............. 178

Little Wind River at Fort Washakie, Wyo..................... 179

Little Wind River above Arapahoe, Wyo ...................... 181

Little Wind River below Arapahoe, Wyo ....................._ 183

South Fork of Little Wind River near Wind River, Wyo........ 185

St. Lawrence Creek near Wind River, Wyo .................... 186

Trout Creek at Wind River, Wyo.............................. 186

Little Popo Agie River at Hudson, Wyo ........................ 187

Shoshone River at Cody, Wyo ..........---.--.............-.- 188

Shoshone River at Corbett dam, Wyo...................-...-.- 190

Little Muddy River drainage basin.................................... 192

Description...................................................... 192

Little Muddy River near Williston, N. Dak........................ 193

Knife River drainage basin......-...-......-....-...-.--.-......-.-.-. 194

Description...................................................... 194

Knife River near Broncho, N. Dak. ............................... 195

Heart River drainage basin........................................... 197

Description ...................................................... 197

Heart River near Richardton, N. I)ak_............................ 197

Grand River Basin................................................... 199

North Fork of Grand River at Haley, N. Dak...................... 199

Platte River drainage basin_.......................................... 200

General features _..--....-..-.-..............--........---....... 200

NorthPlatte River............................................... 201

Description.................................................. 201

Platte River ..................................................... 203

Description.................................................. 203

North Platte River at Saratoga, Wyo.......................... 204

North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo........................ 206

North Platte River at Whalen, Wyo.......................... 209

North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr. ....................... 210

North Platte River near North Platte, Nebr.................... 212

Platte River near Columbus, Nebr...._........................ 214
6 CONTENTS.

Missouri Eiver drainage basin Continued.

Platte Eiver drainage basin Continued. Page.

South Platte River_.............................................. 217

Description.................................................. 217

South Fork of South Platte Eiver at South Platte, Colo.......... 220

South Platte Eiver at South Platte, Colo _................. .... 222

South Platte Eiver at Denver, Colo............................ 225

South Platte Eiver near Kersey, Colo.......................... 227

South Platte Eiver near Julesburg, Colo....................... 230

North Fork of South Platte Eiver at Cassells, Colo.............. 232

North Fork of South Platte at South Platte, Colo_.............. 235

Geneva Creek above Jackwhacker Creek, near Grant, Colo...... 237

Geneva Creek at Old Geneva smelter, near Grant, Colo.......... 237

Geneva Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo ............ 238

Smelter Creek near Grant, Colo_.............................. 241

Duck Lake Creek near Grant, Colo............................ 241

Scott Goiner Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo........ 242

Clear Creek at Forkscreek, Colo_.............................. 243

Clear Cleek near Golden, Colo................................. 245

St. Vrain Creek at Lyons, Colo................................ 248

Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo...-...------.-..---...-.------- 250

Boulder Creek near Boulder, Colo_............................ 252

South Boulder Creek near Marshall, Colo.--...............---- 25S

Community canal near Marshall, Colo ......................... 25£

Big Thompson Creek near Arkins, Colo........................ , 256

Cache la Poudre near Elkhorn, Colo........................... 258

Cache la Poudre near FortCollins, Colo.........._..---....... 261

Loup Eiver basin.....-...................-- .....--.-........-..-...-- 265

Description .............................^.........^.............. 265

Loup River at Columbus, Nebr...... .............................. 265

Kansas Eiver drainage basin _..... ..............,..... ....-----...... 267

Description ............^......................................... 267

Eepublican Eiver at Bostwick, Nebr............................... 268

Little Blue Eiver near Fairbury, Nebr............................. 270

Gasconade Eiver drainage basin............................----....--. 272

Description ...................................................... 273

Piney Fork of Gasconade Eiver near Houston, Mo........---.'...... 273

Miscellaneous measurements.............................................. 274

Index................................................................... 277
ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page. 

PLATE I. Typical gaging stations: A, For bridge measurement; B, Gaging

North Fork of South Platte River at Cassells, Colo............... 20

II. Small price current meters....................................... 22

 III. A, Yellowstone River above Yellowstone Falls; B, Head gates on

Lower Yellowstone project, Montana........................... 146

IV. Huntley project, Montana: A, Concrete-lined portion of main canal

through rock cut; B, Wasteway gates and portal of tunnel No. 3.. 148

V. A, Corbett diversion dam, Shoshone project, Wyoming; B, Whalen 

diversion dam and headworks, North Platte project, NebraskaWyoming ..................................................... 190

FIGURE 1. Discharge curves of South Fork of Milk River near Browning,

Mont........................................................ 113
SURFACE WATER SUPPLY OF THE MISSOURI 

RIVER BASIN, 1909.

By W. A, LAMB, W. B. FREEMAN, and F. F. HENSHAW.

INTRODUCTION.

AUTHORITY FOR INVESTIGATIONS.

This volume contains results of flow measurements made on certain streams in the United States. The work was performed by 

the water-resources branch of the United States Geological Survey, 

either independently or in cooperation with organizations mentioned 

herein. These investigations are authorized by the organic law of 

the Geological Survey (Stat. L., vol. 20, p. 394), which provides 

among other things, as follows:

Provided that this officer [the Director] shall have the direction of the Geological 

Survey and the classification of public lands and examination of the geological structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain.

Inasmuch as water is the most abundant and most valuable 

mineral in nature the investigation of water resources is included 

under the above provision for investigating mineral resources. The 

work has been supported since the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895, 

by appropriations in successive sundry civil bills passed by Congress 

under the following item:

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

or the investigation of underground currents and artesian wells, and for the preparation of reports upon the best methods of utilizing the water resources.

The various appropriations that have been made for this purpose 

are as follows:

Annual appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30 

1895................................................................. $12,500

1896................................................................. 20,000

1897 to 1900, inclusive...... ...^..................................... 50,000

1901 to 1902, inclusive............................................... 100,000

1903 to 1906, inclusive............................................... 200,000

1907................................................................. 150,000

1908 to 1910, inclusive............................................... 100,000

1911................................................................. 150,000

9
10 SUEFACB WATER SUPPLY., 1909., PART VI. 

SCOPE OF INVESTIGATIONS.

These investigations are not complete nor do they include all the 

river systems or parts thereof that might purposefully be studied. 

The scope of the work is limited by the appropriations available. 

The field covered is the widest and the character of the work is believed to be the best possible under the controlling conditions. The 

work would undoubtedly have greater scientific importance and ultimately be of more practical value if the money now expended for wide 

areas were concentrated on a few small drainage basins, but such a 

course is impossible because general appropriations made by Congress 

are applicable to all parts of the country. Each part demands its 

proportionate share of the benefits.

It is essential that records of stream flow shall be kept during a 

period of years long enough to determine within reasonable limits 

the entire range of flow from the absolute maximum to the absolute 

minimum. The length of such a period manifestly differs for different 

streams. Experience has shown that the records for some streams 

should cover from 5 to 10 years, and for other streams 20 years or 

even more, the limit being determined by the relative importance 

of the stream and the interdependence of the results with other longtime records on adjacent streams.

In the performance of this work an effort is made to reach the 

highest degree of precision possible with a rational expenditure of 

time and a judicious expenditure of a small amount of money. In 

all engineering work there is a point beyond which refinement is 

needless and wasteful, and this statement applies with especial force 

to stream-flow measurements. It is confidently believed that the 

stream-flow data presented in the publications of the survey are in 

general sufficiently accurate for all practical purposes. Many of the 

records are, however, of insufficient length, owing to the unforeseen 

reduction of appropriations and consequent abandonment of stations. 

All persons are cautioned to exercise the greatest care in using such 

incomplete records.

Records have been obtained at more than 1,550 different points 

in the United States, and in addition the surface water supply of 

small areas in Seward Peninsula and the Yukon-Tanana region, 

Alaska, has been investigated. During* 1909 regular gaging stations 

were maintained by the survey and cooperating organizations at 

about 850 points in the United States, and many miscellaneous measurements were made at other points. Data were also obtained in 

regard to precipitation, evaporation, storage reservoirs, river profiles, 

and water power in many sections of the country and will be made 

available in the regular surface water-supply papers and in special 

papers from time to time.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 11 

PURPOSES OF THE WORK.

The results contained in this volume are requisite to meet the immediate demands of many public interests, including navigation, irrigation, domestic water supply, water power, swamp and overflow 

land drainage, and flood prevention.

Navigation. The Federal Government has expended more than 

$250,000,000 for the improvement of inland navigation, and prospective expenditures will approximate several times this amount. 

It is obvious that the determination of stream flow is necessary to 

the intelligent solution of the many problems involved.

Irrigation. The United States is now expending $51,000,000 on 

Federal irrigation systems, and this amount is far exceeded by the private expenditures of this nature in the arid West. The integrity of 

any irrigation system depends absolutely on the amount of water 

available. Therefore investigations of stream flow in that portion of 

the country are not only of first importance in the redemption of the 

lands, but constitute an insurance of Federal and private investments.

Domestic water supply. The highest use of water is for domestic 

supply, and although this branch of the subject is of less direct Federal 

interest than the branches already named, it nevertheless has so 

broad a significance with respect to the general welfare that the 

Federal Government is ultimately and intimately concerned.

Water power. The development of the water power of the country 

is an economic necessity. Our stock of coal is being rapidly depleted 

and the cost of steam power is increasing accordingly. Industrial 

growth and, as a consequence, the progress of the United States as 

a nation will cease if cheap power is not available. Water power 

affords the only avenue now open. When the electric transmission 

of power was accomplished the relation of our water powers to 

national economy changed entirely. Before the day of electric transmission water power was important only at the locality at which it 

was generated, but it has now become a public utility in which the 

individual citizen is vitally interested. Inasmuch as the amount of 

water power that may be made available depends on the flow of rivers, 

the investigation of flow becomes a prerequisite in the judicious management of this source of energy.

Drainage of swamp and over/lowed lands. More than 70,000,000 

acres of the richest land in this country are now practically worthless 

or of precarious value by reason of overflow and swamp conditions. 

When this land is drained it becomes exceedingly productive and its 

value increases many fold. Such reclamation would add to the 

national assets at least $700,000,000. The study of run-off is the 

first consideration in connection with drainage projects. If by the 

drainage of a large area into any particular channel that channel
12 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

becomes so gorged with water which it had not hitherto been called 

upon to convey that overflow conditions are created in places where 

previously the land was not subject to inundation, then drainage 

results merely in an exchange of land values. This is not the purpose of drainage improvement.

Flood prevention. The damage from floods in the United States 

probably exceeds on the average $100,000,000 annually, and in the 

year 1908, according to estimates based on reliable data, the aggregate 

damage approximated $250,000,000. Such an annual tax on the 

property of great regions should be reduced in the orderly progress 

of government. It goes without saying that any consideration of 

flood prevention must be based on a thorough knowledge of stream 

flow, both in the contributing areas which furnish the water and 

along the great lowland rivers.

PUBLICATIONS.

The data on stream flow collected by the United States Geological 

Survey since its inception have appeared in the annual reports, bulletins, and water-supply papers. Owing to natural processes of evolution and to changes in governmental requirements, the character 

of the work and the territory covered by these different publications 

has varied greatly. For the purpose of uniformity in the presentation of reports a general plan has been agreed upon by the United 

States Reclamation Service, the United States Forest Service, the 

United States Weather Bureau, and the United States Geological 

Survey, according to which the area of the United States has been 

divided into twelve parts, whose boundaries coincide with certain 

natural drainage lines. The areas so described are indicated by the 

following list of papers on surface water supply for 1909. The dividing line between the North Atlantic and South Atlantic drainage 

areas lies between York and James rivers.

Papers on surface water supply of the United States, 1909.

Part.

I

II

m

IV

V

No.

261

262

263

264

265

Title.

North Atlantic coast.

South Atlantic coast and eastern

Gulf of Mexico.

Ohio River basin.

St. Lawrence River basin.

Upper Mississippi River and Hudson 

Bay basins.

Part.

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI 

XII

No.

266

267

268

269

270

271 

272

Title.

Missouri River basin.

Lower Mississippi River basin.

Western Gulf of Mexico.

Colorado River basin.

Great basin.

California. 

North Pacific coast.

The following table gives the character of data regarding stream 

flow at regular stations to be found in the various publications of the 

United States Geological Survey exclusive of all special papers. 

Numbers of reports are inclusive, and dates also are inclusive so far as 

the data are available.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 13

Stream-flow data in reports of the United States Geological Survey. 

[Ann.=Annual Report; B.=Bulletin; W. S.=Water-Supply Paper.]

Report. Character of data. Year.

10th Ann., pt. 2....... Descriptive information only...............................

llth Ann., pt. 2....... Monthly discharge............................................ 1884 to Sept.,

1890. 

12th Ann., pt. 2..... .....do........................................................ 1884 to June 30,

1891. 

13th Ann., pt. 3....... Mean discharge in second-feet................................. 1884 to Dec. 31,

1892. 

14th Ann., pt. 2....... Monthly discharge (long-timerecords, 1871 to 1893)............ 1888 to Dec. 31,

1893. 

B. 131................. Descriptions, measurements, gage heights, and ratings........ 1892 and 1894.

16th Ann., pt. 2....... Descriptive information only..................................

B. 140................. Descriptions, measurements, gage heights, ratings, and 1895.

monthly discharge (also many data covering earlier years). 

W. S. 11.............. Gage heights (also gage heights for earlier years)............... 1896.

18th Ann., pt. 4....... Descriptions, measurements, ratings, and monthly discharge 1895 and 1896.

(also similar data for some earlier years). 

W. S. 15.............. Descriptions, measurements, and gage heights,eastern United

States, eastern Mississippi River, and Missouri River above

junction with Kansas. 

W. S. 16.............. Descriptions, measurements, and gage heights, western Missis- 1897.

sippi River below junction of Missouri and Platte, and western United States. 

19th Ann., pt. 4....... Descriptions, measurements, ratings, and monthly discharge 1897.

(also some long-time records). W. S. 27.............. Measurements, ratings, and gage heights, eastern United

States, eastern Mississippi River, and Missouri River. 

W. S. 28.............. Measurements, ratings, and gage heights, Arkansas River and 1896

western United States. 

20th Ann., pt. 4....... Monthly discharge (also for many earlier years)...............

W. S. 35 to 39......... Descriptions, measurements, gage heights, and ratings........

21st Ann., pt. 4....'... Monthly discharge............................................ 1899.

W. S. 47 to 52......... Descriptions, measurements, gage heights, and ratings........ 1900.

22d Ann., pt. 4........ Monthly discharge............................................. 1900.

W. S. 65,66........... Descriptions, measurements, gage heights, and ratings........ 1901.

W. S.75.............. Monthly discharge............................................ 1901.

W. S. 82 to 85......... Complete data................................................ 1902.

W. S. 97 to 100.............do........................................................ 1903.

W. S. 124 to 135....... .....do........................................................ 1904.

W. S. 165 to 178....... .....do........................................................ 1905.

W. S. 201 to 214....... Complete data, except descriptions............................ 1906.

W. S. 241 to 252....... Complete data................................................ 1907-8.

W. S. 261 to 272....... .....do........................................................ 1909.

NOTE. No data regarding stream flow are given in the 15th and 17th annual reports.

The records at most of the stations discussed in these reports 

extend over a series of years. An index of the reports containing 

records prior to 1904 has been published in Water-Supply Paper 119. 

The first table which follows gives, by years and drainage basins, the 

numbers of the papers on surface water supply published from 1899 

to 1909. Wherever the data for a drainage basin appear in two 

papers the number of one is placed in parentheses, and the portion of 

the basin covered by that paper is indicated in the second table. For 

example, in 1904 the data for Missouri River were published in WaterSupply Papers 130 and 131, and the portion of the records contained 

in Water-Supply Paper 131, as indicated by the second table, is that 

relating to Platte and Kansas rivers.
14 SUBFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Numbers of water-supply, papers containing results of stream measurements, 1899-1909.

Atlantic coast and eastern 

Gulf of Mexico: 

New England rivers..... 

Hudson River to Delaware River, incluSusquehanna River 

to York River, inJames River to Yadkin River, inclusive 

Santee River to Pearl 

River, inclusive. . . . 

St. Lawrence River. .

Mississippi River:

Upper Mississippi

Lower Mississippi

Western Gulf of Mexico . . 

Pacific coast and Great 

Basin:

South Pacific coast to 

Klamath River, inNorth Pacific coast..

1899 «

35 

35

35

(35), 36

36 

36

36

| 36

(36), 37

} »

37 

(37), 38

38, (39)

(38), 39

38

1900&

47 

47, (48)

48

48

48 

49

48, (49)

49

49, (50)

50

50 

50

51

51

51

1901

65,75

65,75

65,75

65,75 

65,75 

66,75

65,75

65,75

66,75

/(65). 

\66,75

66,75

66,75

66,75

1902

82 

82

82

(82), 83

83 

(82), 83 

85

83

83

84

|(83),84

84 

85

85

85

85

1903

97 

97

97

(97), 98

98 

97 

100

98

98, (99)

99

(98), 99

99 

100

100

100

100

1904

124 

125

126

126

127 

129 

130

128

/ 128, 

I (130)

< 130,

{ (^

132 

/ 133,

I (134) 

1 133,

I (134) 

134

135

1905

165 

166

167

167

168 

170 

171

'l69

}m

| 172

(169), 

173

174 

175,

(177) 

176,

(177) 

177

/ (177), 

\ 178

1906

201 

202

203

203

204 

206 

207

205

207

208

(205), 

209

210 

211,

(213) 

212,

l^1"/ 

213

| 214

1907-8

241 

241

241

242

242 

244 

245

243

245

246

| 247

248 

249,

(251) 

250,

(251) 

251

252

1909

261 

261

261

262

262 

264 

265

263

265

266

267

268 

269

(271) 

270,

(271) 

271

272

a Rating tables and index to Water-Supply Papers 35-39 contained in Water-Supply Paper 39. 

6 Rating tables and index to Water-Supply Papers 47-52 and data on precipitation, wells, and irrigation 

in California and Utah contained in Water-Supply Paper 52.

Numbers of water-supply papers containing data covering portions of drainage basins.

No.

35

36

37

38

39

48

49

50

65

82

83

97

98

99

128

130

131

Io4

169

177

205

£>Ld

251

271

River basin.

Ohio...............................

\Great Basin. .......................

\Great Basin. .......................

Tributaries included.

junction with Platte.

Lake Ontario, tributaries to St. Lawrence River proper.

Do.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 15

The order of treatment of stations in any basin in these papers is 

downstream. The main stem of any river is determined on the 

basis of drainage area, local changes in name and lake surface being 

disregarded. After all stations from the source to the mouth of the 

main stem of the river have been given, the tributaries are taken up 

in regular order from source to mouth. The tributaries are treated 

the same as the main stream, all stations in each tributary basin 

being given before taking up the next one below.

The exceptions to this rule occur in the records for Mississippi 

River, which are given in four parts, as indicated above, and in the 

records for large lakes, where it is often clearer to take up the streams 

in regular order around the rim of the lake than to cross back and 

forth over the lake surface.

DEFINITION OF TERMS.

The volume of water flowing in a stream the "run-off" or "discharge" is expressed in various terms, each of which has become 

associated with a certain class of work. These terms may be divided 

into two groups (1) those which represent a rate of flow, as secondfeet, gallons per minute, miner's inches, and run-off in second-feet 

per square mile, and (2) those which represent the actual quantity 

of water, as run-off in depth in inches and acre-feet. They may be 

denned as follows:

"Second-foot" is an abbreviation for cubic foot per second and is 

the rate of discharge of water flowing in a stream 1 foot wide, 1 foot 

deep, at a rate of 1 foot per second. It is generally used as a fundamental unit from which others are computed by the use of the factors 

given in the following table of- equivalents.

"Gallons per minute" is generally used in connection with pumping 

and city water supply.

The "miner's inch" is the rate of discharge of water that passes 

through an orifice 1 inch square under a head which varies locally. 

It is commonly used by miners and irrigators throughout the West 

and is defined by statute in each State in which it is used.

"Second-feet per square mile" is the average number of cubic feet 

of water flowing per second from each square mile of area drained, 

on the assumption that the run-off is distributed uniformly both as 

regards time and area.

"Run-off in inches" is the depth to which the drainage area would 

be covered if all the water flowing from it in a given period were 

conserved and uniformly distributed on the surface. It is used for 

comparing run-off with rainfall, which is usually expressed in depth 

in inches.
16 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909,, PART VI.

"Acre-foot" is equivalent to 43,560 cubic feet, and is the quantity 

required to cover an acre to the depth of 1 foot. It is commonly 

used in connection with storage for irrigation work.

CONVENIENT EQUIVALENTS.

The following is a list of convenient equivalents for use in hydraulic 

computations:

1 second-foot equals 40 California miner's inches (law of Mar. 23, 1901). 

1 second-foot equals 38.4 Colorado miner's inches. 

1 second-foot equals 40 Arizona miner's inches.

1 second-foot equals 7.48 United States gallons per second; equals 448.8 gallons per 

minute; equals 646,272 gallons for one day. 

1 second-foot equals 6.23 British imperial gallons per second. 

1 second-foot for one year covers 1 square mile 1.131 feet or 13.572 inches deep. 

1 second-foot for one year equals 31,536,000 cubic feet. 

1 second-foot equals about 1 acre-inch per hour. 

1 second-foot for one day covers 1 square mile 0.03719 inch deep. 

1 second-foot for one 28-day month covers 1 square mile 1.041 inches deep. 

1 second-foot for one 29-day month covers 1 square mile 1.079 inches deep. 

1 second-foot for one 30-day month covers 1 square mile 1.116 inches deep. 

1 second-foot for one 31-day month covers 1 square fnile 1.153 inches deep. 

1 second-foot for one day equals 1.983 acre-feet. 

1 second-foot for one 28-day month equals 55.54 acre-feet. 

1 second-foot for one 29-day month equals 57.52 acre-feet. 

1 second-foot for one 30-day month equals 59.50 acre-feet. 

1 second-foot for one 31-day month equals 61.49 acre-feet. 

100 California miner's inches equals 18.7 United States gallons per second. 

100 California miner's inches equals 96 Colorado miner's inches. 

100 California miner's inches for one day equals 4.96 acre-feet. 

100 Colorado miner's inches equals 2.60 second-feet.

100 Colorado miner's inches equals 19.5 United States gallons per second. 

100 Colorado miner's inches equals 104 California miner's inches. 

100 Colorado miner's inches for one day equals 5.17 acre-feet. 

100 United States gallons per minute equals 0.223 second-foot. 

100 United States gallons per minute for one day equals 0.442 acre-foot. 

1,000,000 United States gallons per day equals 1.55 second-feet. 

1,000,000 United States gallons equals 3.07 acre-feet. 

1,000,000 cubic feet equals 22.95 acre-feet. 

1 acre-foot equals 325,850 gallons.

1 inch deep on 1 square mile equals 2,323,200 cubic feet. 

1 inch deep on 1 square mile equals 0.0737 second-foot per year. 

1 foot equals 0.3048 meter. 

1 mile equals 1.60935 kilometers. 

1 mile equals 5,280 feet. 

1 acre equals 0.4047 hectare. 

I acre equals 43,560 square feet. 

1 acre equals 209 feet square, nearly. 

1 square mile equals 2.59 square kilometers. 

1 cubic foot equals 0.0283 cubic meter. 

1 cubic foot equals 7.48 gallons. 

1 cubic foot of water weighs 62.5 pounds. 

1 cubic meter per minute equals 0.5886 second-foot.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 17

1 horsepower equals 550 foot-pounds per second. 

1 horsepower equals 76 kilogram-meters per second. 

1 horsepower equals 746 watts. 

1 horsepower equals 1 second-foot falling 8.80 feet. 

1J horsepower equals about 1 kilowatt.

Sec.-ft.Xfallinfeet 

1 o calculate water power quickly: =-= =net horsepower on water

wheel realizing 80 per cent of theoretical power.

EXPLANATION OF TABLES.

For each drainage basin there is given a brief description of general conditions covering such features as area, source, tributaries, 

topography, geology, conditions of forestation, rainfall, ice conditions, 

irrigation, storage, power possibilities, and other special features of 

importance or interest.

For each regular current-meter gaging station are given in general, 

and so far as available, the follcrwing data: Description of station, 

list of discharge measurements, table of daily gage heights, table of 

daily discharges, table of monthly and yearly discharges and run-off. 

For stations located at weirs or dams the gage-height table is omitted.

In addition to statements regarding the location and installation 

of current-meter stations, the descriptions give information in regard 

to any conditions which may affect the constancy of the relation of 

gage height to discharge, covering such points as ice, logging, shifting 

conditions of flow, and backwater; also information regarding diversions which decrease the total flow at the measuring section. Statements are also made regarding the accuracy and reliability of the 

data.

The discharge-measurement table gives the results of the discharge 

measurements made during the year, including the date, name of 

hydrographer, width and area of cross section, gage height, and 

discharge in second-feet.

The table of daily gage heights gives the daily fluctuations of the 

surface of the river as found from the mean of the gage readings 

taken each day. At most stations the gage is read in the morning 

and in the evening. The gage height given in the table represents 

the elevation of the surface of the water above the zero of the gage. 

All gage heights during ice conditions, backwater from obstructions, 

etc., are published as recorded, with suitable footnotes. The rating 

is not applicable for such periods unless the proper corrections to 

the gage heights are known and applied. Attention is called to the 

fact that the zero of the gage is placed at an arbitrary datum and has 

no relation to zero flow or the bottom of the river. In general, the 

zero is located somewhat below the lowest known flow, so that nega- 

.tive readings shall not occur. 

84548° WSP 266 11 2
18 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

The discharge measurements and gage heights are the base data 

from which rating tables, daily discharge tables, and monthly discharge tables are computed.

The rating table gives, either directly or by interpolation, the discharge in second-feet corresponding to every stage of the river recorded 

during the period for which it is applicable. It is not published in 

this report, but can be determined from the daily gage heights and 

daily discharges for the purpose of verifying the published results as 

follows:

First plot the discharge measurements for the current and earlier 

years on cross-section paper with gage heights in feet as ordinates and 

discharge in second-feet as abscissas. Then tabulate a number of 

gage heights taken from the daily gage height table for the complete 

range of stage given and the corresponding discharges for the days 

selected from the daily discharge table and- plot the values on crosssection paper. The last points plotted will define the rating curve 

used and will lie among the plotted discharge measurements. After 

drawing the rating curve, a table can be developed by scaling off the 

discharge in second-feet for each tenth foot of gage height. These 

values should be so adjusted that the first differences shall always be 

increasing or constant except for known backwater conditions.

The table of daily discharges gives the discharges in second-feet 

corresponding to the observed gage heights as determined from the 

rating tables.

In the table of monthly discharge the column headed "Maximum" 

gives the mean flow, as determined from the rating table, for the day 

when the mean gage height was highest. As the gage height is the 

mean for the day, it does not indicate correctly the stage when the 

water surface was at crest height and the corresponding discharge 

consequently larger than given in the maximum column. Likewise, 

in the column of "Minimum" the quantity given is the mean flow for 

the day when the mean gage height was lowest. The column headed 

"Mean" is the average flow in cubic feet for each second during the 

month. On this the computations for the remaining columns, which 

are defined on page 15, are based.

FIELD METHODS OF MEASURING STREAM FLOW.

There are three distinct methods of determining the flow of openchannel streams (1) by measurements of slope and cross section 

and the use of Chezy's and Kutter's formulas; (2) by means of a 

weir or dam; (3) by measurements of the velocity of the current and 

of the area of the cross section. The method chosen depends on the 

local physical conditions, the degree of accuracy desired, the funds 

available, and the length of time that the record is to be continued.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 19

Slope method. Much information has been collected relative to the 

coefficients to be used in the Chezy formula, v = c A/Rs. This lias 

been utilized by Kutter, both in developing his formula for c and in 

determining the values of the coefficient n which appears therein. 

The results obtained by the slope method are in general only roughly 

approximate, owing to the difficulty in obtaining accurate data and 

the uncertainty of the value for n to be used in Kutter's formula. 

The most common use of this method is in estimating the flood discharge of a stream when the only data available are the cross section, 

the slope as shown by marks along the bank, and a knowledge of the 

general conditions. 'It is seldom used by the United States Geological Survey. For full information regarding this method the 

reader is referred to the various textbooks on hydraulics.

Weir method. Relatively few stations are maintained at weirs or 

dams by the United States Geological Survey. Standard types of 

sharp-crested and broad-crested weirs, within the limits for which 

accurate coefficients have been experimentally obtained, give very 

accurate records of discharge if properly maintained. At practically 

all broad-crested weirs, however, there is a diversion of water either 

through or around the dam, usually for the purpose of development 

of water power. The flow is often complicated, and the records are 

subject to errors from such sources as leakage through the dam, 

backwater at high stages, uncertainty regarding coefficient, irregularity of crest, obstructions from logs or ice, use of flashboards, old 

turbines with imperfect ratings, and many others, depending on the 

type of development and the uses of the diverted water.

In general, records of discharge at dams are usually accurate enough 

for practical use if no others are available. It has been the general 

experience of the United States Geological Survey, however, that 

records at current-meter gaging stations under unobstructed-channel 

conditions are more accurate than those collected at dams, and where 

the conditions are reasonably favorable are practically as good as 

those obtained at sharp-crested weirs.1

Velocity method. Streams in general present throughout their 

courses to a greater or less extent all conditions of permanent, semipermanent, and varying conditions of flow. In accordance with the 

location of the measuring section with respect to these physical 

conditions, current-meter gaging stations may in general be divided 

into four classes (1) those with permanent conditions of flow;

1 The determination of discharge over the different types of weirs and dams is treated fully in "Weir 

experiments, coefficients, and formulas" (Water-Supply Paper 200) and in the various textbooks on 

hydraulics. "Turbine water-wheel tests and power tables" (Water-Supply Paper 180) treats of the discharge through turbines when used as meters. The edition of the latter water-supply paper is nearly 

exhausted. The paper can, however, be consulted at most of the larger libraries of the country or it can 

be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C., at a cost of 20 cents.
20 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

(2) those with beds which change only during extreme high water;

(3) those with beds which change frequently but which do not cause 

a variation of more than about 5 per cent of the discharge curves 

from year to year; and (4) those with constantly shifting beds. In 

determining the daily flow different office methods are necessary for 

each class. The field data on which the determinations are based 

and the methods of collecting them are, however, in general the 

same.

Great care is taken in the selection and equipment of gaging 

stations for determining discharge by velocity measurements in 

order that the data may have the required degree of accuracy. 

They are located, as far as possible, at such points that the relation 

between gage height and discharge will always remain constant for 

any given stage. The experience of engineers of the Geological 

Survey has been that permanency of conditions of flow is the prime 

requisite of any current-meter gaging station when maintained for 

several years, unless funds are available to cover all changes in conditions of flow. A straight, smooth section, without cross currents, 

backwater, boils, etc., at any stage is highly desirable, but on most 

streams is not attainable except at the expense of a cable equipment. Rough, permanent sections, if measurements are properly 

made by experienced engineers, taking measuring points at a distance apart of 5 per cent or less of the total width, will within reasonable limits yield better results for a given outlay of money than 

semipermanent or shifting sections with smooth, uniform current. 

So far as possible, stations are located where the banks are high and 

not subject to overflow at high stages, and out of the influence of 

tributary streams, dams, or other artificial obstructions which might 

affect the relation between gage height and discharge.

A gaging station consists essentially of a gage for determining 

the daily fluctuations of stage of the river and some structure or 

apparatus from which discharge measurements are made, usually 

a bridge or cable.

The two factors required to determine the discharge of a stream 

past a section perpendicular to the mean direction of the current 

are the area of the cross section and the mean velocity of flow normal 

to that section.

In making a measurement with a current meter, a number of 

points,, called measuring points, are measured off above and in the 

plane of the measuring section at which observations of [depth and 

velocity are taken. (See PL I, A.) These points are spaced equally 

for those parts of the section where the flow is uniform and smooth, 

and are spaced unequally for other parts, according to the discretion 

and judgment of the engineer. In general, the points should not be
0. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 266 PLATE

A. FOR BRIDGE MEASUREMENT.

£. GAGING NORTH FORK OF SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AT CASSELLS, COLO. 

TYPICAL GAGING STATIONS.
MISSOURI BIVEE BASIN. 21

spaced farther apart than 5 per cent of the channel width, nor farther 

apart than the approximate mean depth of the section at the time 

of measurement.

The measuring points divide the total cross section into elementary 

strips, at each end of which observations of depth and velocity 

are made. The discharge of any elementary strip is the product 

of the average of the depths at the two ends times* the width of the 

strip times the average of the mean velocities at the two ends of the 

strip. The sum of the discharges of the elementary strips is the total 

discharge of the stream. 1

Depths for the determination of the are«, are usually obtained 

by sounding with the current meter and cable. In rough sections 

or swift current an ordinary weight and cable are used, particular 

care being taken that all observations shall be in the plane of the cross 

section.

Two methods of determining the velocity of flow of a stream are 

in general use the float method and the current-meter method.

The float method, with its various modifications of surface, subsurface, and tube or rod floats, is now considered obsolete in the 

ordinary practice of the United States Geological Survey. The use 

of this method is limited to special conditions where it is impracticable 

to use the current meter, such as in places where large quantities of 

ice or debris which may damage the meter are flowing with the current, and for miscellaneous measurements or other work where a 

high degree of accuracy is not necessary. Tube floats are very satisfactory for use in canals with regular bottoms and even flow of current. Measurements by the float method are made as follows: 

The velocity of flow of the stream is obtained by observing the time 

which it takes floats set free at different points across the stream to 

pass between two range lines about 200 feet apart. The area used is 

the mean value obtained from several cross sections measured between 

the two range lines. The chief disadvantages of this method are 

difficulty in obtaining the correct value of mean area for the course 

used and uncertainty regarding the proper coefficient to apply to the 

observed velocity.2

The Price current meter is now used almost to the exclusion of 

other types of meters by the United States Geological Survey hi the 

determination of the velocity of flow of water in open channels, a 

use for which it is adapted under practically all conditions.3

i For a discussion of methods of computing the discharge of a stream, see Engineering News, June 25,1908.

« Further Information regarding this method is given in Water-Supply Paper 95 and in the various textbooks covering the general subject of stream flow. The edition of this paper is nearly exhausted. It can, 

however, be consulted at most of the larger libraries of the country, or can be obtained from the superintendent of documents, Washington, D. C., at a cost of 15 cents.

s See Hoyt, J. C., and others, Use and care of the current meter as practiced by the United States Geological Survey: Trans. Am. Soc. C. E., vol. 66,1910, p. 70.
22 STJEFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET VI.

Plate II shows in the center the new type of penta-recording current 

meter equipped for measurements at bridge and cable stations; on the 

left the same type of meter is shown equipped for wading measurements, to record by the acoustic method; the meter is shown on the 

right equipped to record electrically. (See PL I, B.} Briefly, the 

meter consists of six cups attached to a vertical shaft, which revolves 

on a conical hardened-steel point when immersed in moving water. 

The number of revolutions is indicated electrically. The rating or 

relation between the velocity of the moving water and the revolutions 

of the wheel is determined for each meter by drawing it through still 

water for a given distance at different speeds and noting the number 

of revolutions for each run. From these data a rating table is prepared 

which gives the velocity per second of moving water for any number of 

revolutions in a given time interval. The ratio of revolutions per 

second to velocity of flow in feet per second is very nearly a constant 

for all speeds, and is approximately .0.45.

Three classes of methods of measuring velocity with current meters 

are in general use multiple-point, single-point, and integration.

The two principal multiple-point methods in general use are the 

vertical velocity curve and 0.2 and 0.8 depth.

In the vertical velocity curve method a series of velocity determinations are made in each vertical at regular intervals, usually about 

10 to 20 per cent of the depth apart. By plotting these velocities as 

abscissas and their depths as ordinates and drawing a smooth curve 

among the resulting points, the vertical velocity curve is developed. 

This curve shows graphically the magnitude and changes in velocity 

from the surface to the bottom of the stream. The mean velocity 

in the vertical is then obtained by dividing the area bounded by 

this velocity curve and its axis by the depth. This method of 

obtaining the mean velocity in the vertical is probably the best 

known, but on account of the length of time required to make a 

complete measurement its use is largely limited to the determination of coefficients for purposes of comparison and to measurements 

under ice.

In the second multiple-point method the meter is held successively 

at 0.2 and 0.8 depth, and the mean of the velocities at these two points 

is taken as the mean velocity for that vertical. (See PL I, A.) On 

the assumption that the vertical velocity curve is a common parabola 

with horizontal axis, the mean of the velocities at 0.22 and 0.79 depth 

will give (closely) the mean velocity in the vertical. Actual observations under a wide range of conditions show that this multiple-point 

method gives the mean velocity very closely for open-water conditions and that a completed measurement seldom varies as much 

at 1 per cent from the value given by the vertical velocity curve 

method. Moreover, the indications are that it holds nearly as well
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER -SUPPLY PAPER 266 PLATE II

w

SMALL PRICE CURRENT METERS.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 2

for ice-covered rivers. It is very extensively used in the regular 

practice of the United States Geological Survey.

The single-point method consists in holding the meter either at 

the depth of the thread of mean velocity or at an arbitrary depth 

for which the coefficient for reducing to mean velocity has been 

determined or must be assumed.

Extensive experiments by means of vertical velocity curves show 

that the thread of mean velocity generally occurs between 0.5 and 

0.7 total depth. In general practice the thread of mean velocity is 

considered to be at 0.6 depth, and at this point the meter is held in 

most of the measurements made by the single-point method. A 

large number of vertical velocity curve measurements, taken on 

many streams and under varying conditions, show that the average 

coefficient for reducing the velocity obtained at 0.6 depth to mean 

velocity is practically unity. The variation of the coefficient from 

unity in individual cases is, however, greater than in the 0.2 and 

0.8 method and the general results are not as satisfactory.

In the other principal single-point method the meter is held near 

the surface, usually 1 foot below, or low enough to be out of the 

effect of the wind or other disturbing influences. This is known as 

the subsurface method. The coefficient for reducing the velocity 

taken at the subsurface to the mean has been found to be in general 

from about 0.85 to 0.95, depending on the stage, velocity, and channel conditions. The higher the stage the larger the coefficient. This 

method is especially adapted for flood measurements or when the 

velocity is so great that the meter can not be kept in the correct 

position for the other methods.

The vertical-integration method consists in moving the meter at a 

slow, uniform speed from the surface to the bottom and back again 

to the surface and noting the number of revolutions and the time 

taken in the operation. This method has the advantage that the 

velocity at each point of the vertical is measured twice. It is useful 

as a check on the point methods. In using the Price meter great 

care should be taken that the vertical movement of the meter is not 

rapid enough to vitiate the accuracy of the resulting velocity.

The determination of the flow of an ice-covered stream is difficult, 

owing to diversity and instability of conditions during the winter 

period.and also to lack of definite information in regard to the laws 

of flow of water under ice. The method now employed is to make 

frequent discharge measurements during the frozen periods by the 

0.2 and 0.8 and the vertical velocity curve methods, and to keep an 

accurate record of the conditions, such as the gage height to the surface of the water as it rises in a hole cut in the ice, and the thickness 

and character of the ice. From these data an approximate estimate 

of the daily flow can be made by constructing a rating curve (really
24 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

a series of curves) similar to that used for open channels, but considering, in addition to gage heights and discharge, the varying 

thickness of ice. 1

OFFICE METHODS OF COMPUTING AND STUDYING DISCHARGE AND

RUN-OFF.

At the end of each year the field or base data for current-meter 

gaging stations, consisting of daily gage heights, discharge measurements, and full notes, are assembled. The measurements are plotted 

on cross-section paper and rating curves are drawn wherever feasible. 

The rating tables prepared from these curves are then applied to 

the tables of daily gage heights to obtain the daily discharges, and 

from these applications the tables of monthly discharge and run-off 

are computed.

Rating curves are drawn and studied with special reference to 

the class of channel conditions which they represent. The discharge 

measurements for all classes of stations when plotted with gage 

heights in feet as ordinates and discharges in second-feet as abscissas 

define rating curves which are generally more or less parabolic in 

form. In many cases curves of area in square feet and mean velocity 

in feet per second are also constructed to the same scale of ordinates 

as the discharge curve. These are used mainly to extend the discharge curves beyond the limits of the plotted discharge measurements and for checking purposes to avoid errors in the form of the 

discharge curve and to determine and eliminate erroneous measurements.

For every rating table the following assumptions are made for 

the period of application of the table: (a) That the discharge is a 

function of and increases gradually with the stage; («5) that the 

discharge is the same whenever the stream is at a given stage, and 

hence such changes in conditions of flow as may have occurred 

during the period of application are either compensating or negligible, 

except that the rating as stated in the footnote of each table is not 

applicable for known conditions of ice, log jams, or other similar 

obstructions; (c) that the increased and decreased discharge due 

to change of slope on rising and falling stages is either negligible or 

compensating.

As already stated the gaging stations may be divided into several 

classes, as indicated in the following paragraphs:

The stations of class 1 represent the most favorable conditions for 

an accurate rating and are also the most economical to maintain. 

The bed of the stream is usually composed of rock and is not subject 

to the deposit of sediment and loose material. This class includes

1 For information in regard to flow under ice cover see W-Ver-SirypIy Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 187.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 25

also many stations located in a pool below which is a permanent 

rocky riffle that controls the flow like a weir. Provided the control 

is sufficiently high and close to the gage to prevent cut and fill at the 

gaging point from materially affecting the slope of the water surface, 

the gage height will for all practical purposes be a true index of the 

discharge. Discharge measurements made at such stations usually 

plot within 2 or 3 per cent of the mean discharge curve, and the rating 

developed from that curve represents a very high degree of accuracy. 

Stations of this type are found in the north Atlantic coast drainage 

basins.

Class 2 is confined mainly to stations on rough mountainous 

streams with steep slope. The beds of such streams are, as a rule, 

comparatively permanent during low and medium stages, and when 

the flow is sufficiently well defined by an adequate number of discharge measurements before and after each flood the stations of this 

class give nearly as good results as those of class 1. As it is seldom 

possible to make measurements covering the time of change at flood 

stage, the assumption is often made that the curves before and after 

the flood converged to a common point at the highest gage height 

recorded during the flood. Hence the only uncertain period occurs 

during the few days of highest gage heights covering the period of 

actual change in conditions of flow. Stations of this type are found 

in the upper Missouri River drainage basin.

Class 3 includes most of the current-meter gaging stations maintained by the United States Geological Survey. -If sufficient measurements could be made at stations of this class results would be 

obtained nearly equaling those of class 1, but owing to the limited 

funds at the disposal of the Survey this is manifestly impossible, 

nor is it necessary for the uses to which discharge data are applied. 

The critical points are as a rule at relatively high or low stages. 

The percentage error, however, is greater at low stages. No absolute 

rule can be laid down for stations of this class. Each rating curve 

must be constructed mainly on the basis of the measurements of the 

current }&ear, the engineer being guided largely by the past history 

of the station and the following general law. If all measurements 

ever made at a station of this class are plotted on cross-section paper, 

they will define a mean curve which may be called a "standard 

curve." It has been found in practice that if after a change caused by 

high stage a relatively constant condition of flow occurs at medium 

and low stages, all measurements made after the change will plot on a 

smooth curve which is practically parallel to the standard curve with 

respect to their ordinates, or gage heights. This law of the parallelism of ratings is the fundamental basis of all ratings and estimates 

at stations with semipermanent and shifting channels. It is not 

absolutely correct, but, with few exceptions, answers all the practical
26 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART VI.

requirements of estimates made at low and medium stages after a 

change at a high stage. This law appears to hold equally true 

whether the change occurs at the measuring section or at some controlling point below. The change is, of course, fundamentally due to 

change in the channel caused by cut or fill, or both, at or near the 

measuring section. For all except small streams the changes in section usually occur at the bottom. The following simple but typical 

examples illustrate this law:

(a) If 0.5 foot of planking were to be nailed on the bottom of a 

well-rated wooden flume of rectangular section, there would result, 

other conditions of flow being equal, new curves of discharge, area, 

and velocity, each plotting 0.5 foot above the original curves when 

referred to the original gage. In other words, this condition would 

be analogous to a uniform fill or cut in a river channel which either 

reduces or increases all three values. of discharge, area, and velocity 

for any given gage height. In practice, however, such ideal conditions rarely exist.

(&) In the case of a cut or fill at the measuring section there is a 

marked tendency toward decrease or increase, respectively, of the 

velocity. In other w,ords, the velocity has a compensating effect, 

and if the compensation is exact at all stages the discharge at a given 

stage will be the same under both the new and the old conditions.

(c) In the case of uniform change along the crest of a weir or 

rocky control, the area curve will remain the same as before the 

change, and it can be shown that here again the change in velocity 

curve is such that it will produce a new discharge curve essentially 

parallel to the original discharge curve with respect to their ordinates.

Of course, in actual practice such simple changes of section do not 

occur. The changes are complicated and lack uniformity, a cut at 

one place being largely offset by a fill at another, and vice versa. 

If these changes are very radical and involve large percentages of 

the total area as, for example, on small streams there may result 

a wide departure from the law of parallelism of ratings. In complicated changes of section the corresponding changes in velocity 

which tend to produce a new parallel discharge curve may interfere 

with each other materially, causing eddies, boils, backwater, and 

radical changes in slope. In such extreme conditions, however, the 

measuring section would more properly fall under class 4 and would 

require very frequent measurements of discharge. Special stress is 

laid on the fact that, in the lack of other data to the contrary, the 

utilization of this law will yield the most probable results.

Slight changes at low or medium stages of an oscillating character 

are usually averaged by a mean curve drawn among them parallel 

to the standard curve, and if the individual measurements do not 

vary more than 5 per cent from the rating curve the results are
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 27

considered good for stations of this class. Stations of this type are 

found in the south Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico drainage 

basins.

Class 4 comprises stations that have soft, muddy, or sandy beds. 

Good results can be obtained from such sections only by frequent 

discharge measurements, the frequency varying from a measurement every two or three weeks to a measurement every day, according to the rate of diurnal change in conditions of flow. These 

measurements are plotted and a mean or standard curve drawn 

among them. It is assumed that there is a different rating curve 

for every day of the year and that this rating is parallel to the 

standard curve with respect to their ordinates. On the day of a 

measurement the rating curve for that day passes through that 

measurement. For days between successive measurements it is 

assumed that the rate of change is uniform, and hence the ratings 

for the intervening days are equally spaced between the ratings 

passing through the two measurements. This method must be 

modified or abandoned altogether under special conditions. Personal judgment and a knowledge of the conditions involved can 

alone dictate the course to pursue in such cases. Stations of this 

type are found in the Platte, Arkansas, Rio Grande, and lower Colorado drainage basins.

The computations have, as a rule, been carried to three significant 

figures. Computation machines, Crelle's tables, and the 20-inch 

slide rule have been generally used. All computations are carefully 

checked.

After the computations have been completed they are entered 

in tables and carefully studied and intercompared to eliminate or 

account for all gross errors so far as possible. Missing periods are 

filled in, so far as is feasible, by means of comparison with adjacent 

streams. The attempt is made to complete years or periods of discharge, thus eliminating fragmentary and disjointed records. Full 

notes accompanying such estimates follow the daily and monthly 

discharge tables.

For most of the northern stations estimates have been made of 

the monthly discharge during frozen periods. These are based on 

measurements under ice conditions whenever available, daily records 

of temperature and precipitation obtained from the United States 

Weather Bureau, climate and crop reports, observers' notes of conditions, and a careful and thorough intercomparison of results with 

adjacent streams. Although every care possible is used in making 

these estimates, they are often very rough, the data for some of 

them being so poor that the estimates are liable to as much as 25 

to 50 per cent error. It is believed, however, that estimates of this 

character are better than none at all, and serve the purpose of indi-
28 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

eating in a relative way the proportionate amount of flow during 

the frozen period. These estimates are, as a rule, included in the 

annual discharge. The large error of the individual months has a 

relatively small effect on the annual total, and it is for many purposes desirable to have the yearly discharge computed, even though 

some error is involved in doing so.

ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF FIELD DATA AND COMPARATIVE

RESULTS.

Practically all discharge measurements made under fair conditions are well within 5 per cent of the true discharge at the time of 

observation. Inasmuch as the errors of meter measurements are 

largely compensating, the mean rating curve, when well defined, is 

much more accurate than the individual measurements. Numerous 

tests and experiments have been made to test the accuracy of currentmeter work. These show that it compares very favorably with the 

results from standard weirs and, owing to simplicity of methods, 

usually gives results that are much more reliable than those from 

stations at dams, where uncertainty regarding the coefficient and 

complicated conditions of flow prevail.

The work is, of course, dependent on the reliability of the obervers. 

With relatively few exceptions, the observers perform their work 

honestly. Care is taken, however, to watch them closely and to 

inquire into any discrepancies. It is, of course, obvious that one 

gage reading a day does not always give the mean height for that 

day. As an almost invariable rule, however, errors from this source 

are compensating and virtually negligible in a period of one month, 

although a single day's reading may, when taken by itself, be considerably in error.

The effort is made to visit every station at least once each year 

for the purpose of making a measurement to determine the constancy 

of conditions of flow since the last measurement made during the 

preceding year and also to check the elevation of the gage. On 

account of lack of funds or for other causes some stations were not 

visited during the current year. If conditions of flow have been 

reasonably permanent up to the time of the last preceding measurement, it is considered best to publish values of discharge on the 

basis of the latest verified rating curve rather than to omit them 

altogether, although it should be distinctly understood that such 

records are at times subject to considerable error. This is also 

true, although to a less degree, of the period of records since the 

date of the last measurement of the current year. As a rule, the 

accuracy notes are based on the assumption that the rating curve 

used is strictly applicable to the current year.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 29

In order to give engineers and others information regarding the 

probable accuracy of the computed results, footnotes are added to the 

daily discharge tables, stating the probable accuracy of the rating 

tables used, and an accuracy column is inserted in the monthly discharge table. For the rating tables "well defined " indicates, in general, that the rating is probably accurate within 5 per cent; "fairly 

well defined," within 10 per cent; "poorly denned " or '' approximate," 

within 15 to 25 per cent. These notes are very general and are based 

on the plotting of the individual measurements with reference to the 

mean rating curve.

The accuracy column in the monthly discharge table does not apply 

to the maximum or minimum nor to any individual day, but to the 

monthly mean. It is based on the accuracy of the rating, the probable reliability of the observer, and knowledge of local conditions. In 

this column, A indicates that the mean monthly flow is probably 

accurate within 5 per cent; B, within 10 per cent; C, within 15 per 

cent; D, within 25 per cent. Special conditions are covered by footnotes.

USE OF THE DATA. -

In general, the policy is followed of making available for the public 

the base data which are collected in the field each year by the survey 

engineers. This is done to comply with the law, and also for the 

express purpose of giving to any engineer the opportunity of examining the computed results and of changing and adjusting them as may 

seem best to him. Although it is believed that the rating tables and 

computed monthly discharges are as good as the base data up to and 

including the current year will warrant, it should always be borne in 

mind that the additional data collected at each station from year to 

year nearly always throws new light on data already collected and 

published, and hence allow more or less improvement in the computed 

results of earlier years. It is therefore expected that the engineer 

who makes serious use of the data given in these papers will verify 

all ratings and make such adjustments in earlier years as may seem 

necessary. The work of compiling, studying, revising, and republishing data for different drainage basins for 5 or 10 year periods or 

more is carried on by the United States Geological Survey so far as 

the funds for such work are available.

The values in the table of monthly discharge are so arranged as to 

give only a general idea of the conditions of flow at the station, and it 

is not expected that they will be used for other than preliminary 

estimates.

The daily discharges are published to allow a more detailed study 

of the variation in flow and to determine the periods of deficient flow.
30 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

COOPERATIVE DATA.

Cooperative data of various kinds and data regarding the run-off 

at many stations maintained wholly by private funds are incorporated 

in the surface water-supply reports of the United States Geological 

Survey.

Many stations throughout the country are maintained for specific 

purposes by private parties who supply the records gratuitously to 

the United States Geological Survey for publication. When such 

records are supplied by responsible parties and appear to be reasonably accurate they are verified, so far as possible, and estimated 

values of accuracy are given. Kecords clearly known to be worthless 

or misleading are not published. As it is, however, impossible to 

completely verify all such records furnished because of lack of funds 

or for other causes they are published for what they are worth, as 

they are of value as a matter of record and afford at least approximate 

information regarding stream flow at the particular localities. The 

survey does not, however, assume any responsibility for inaccuracies 

found in such records, although most of them are believed to be 

reasonably good.

COOPERATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

The greater part of the work in Montana has been done under 

cooperative agreement with the United States Keclamation Service, 

the work being done by the Geological Survey and the expense borne 

by the Keclamation Service. Some aid has been also received from 

the State. The State engineer has a small fund available for this 

work, which is expended in accordance with paragraph 3, section 

2244, of the Kevised Codes of 1907 of the State of Montana, which 

reads as follows:

The State engineer shall become conversant with the waterways of the State and the 

needs of the State as to irrigation matters, shall make or cause to be made measurements and calculations of the ordinary and flood discharge of streams, cooperating in 

this work as much as possible with the United States Geological Survey and the Montana Experiment Station; such measurements to be made on streams in order of their 

importance, provided that measurements already made, if deemed reliable, may be 

adopted.

This fund has been expended for gage-observers' salaries on stations 

in connection with the Carey Act projects.

Acknowledgments are due to the Glass-Lindsay Land Co. for 

transportation furnished in connection with work in Sweetgrass 

County. Acknowledgments are also due to the Great Northern and 

Northern Pacific railway companies.

In Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska assistance has been rendered 

or records furnished by the following persons or corporations, to 

whom acknowledgments are due:
MISSOUBI RIVER BASIN. 31

The United States Reclamation Service, the United States Weather 

Bureau, the United States Forest Service, the Central Colorado Power 

Co., the Denver Reservoir and Irrigation Co., the Geneva Power Co., 

the Denver Power and Irrigation Co., and the Denver Union Water Co.

Special acknowledgments are due the following parties for financial or cooperative assistance:

The State engineer of Colorado, Mr. Charles W. Comstock, who paid 

the salaries of the observers and the expenses of the hydrographers at 

a number of stations, furnished many records which he secured independently, and materially assisted in the work in other ways.

The State engineer of Nebraska, Mr. E. C. Simmons, who, under 

cooperative contract, paid more than half the expense of carrying 

on the stream-gaging work in that State.

The State engineer of Wyoming, Mr. C. T. Johnston, who paid the 

salaries of the observers at three stations in 'the Wind River drainage 

basin, Wyoming.

The United States Indian Office, Shoshone irrigation survey, which 

paid the salary and expenses of a hydrographer and the salaries of the 

gage observers for several months during 1909 on cooperative work 

in the Shoshone or Wind River Reservation, Wyo.

Mr. George B. McFadden, of Denver, who paid the salaries of the 

hydrographers and all other expenses in connection with the maintenance of the two stations on Cache la Poudre River. 

 Prof. George J. Lyon, of Colorado College, who furnished his services as hydrographer gratis for a number of weeks during the year and 

gave valuable suggestions and assistance to the work.

DIVISION OF WORK.

The work in Montana was under the charge of J. E. Stewart, district engineer, assisted by W. A. Lamb and Raymond Richards.

The work in North Dakota was carried on by E. F. Chandler, 

assistant engineer.

The field data in the South Platte and North Platte drainage areas 

and in the Bighorn drainage area above the Shoshone were collected 

under the direction of W. B. Freeman, district engineer, assisted by 

J. B. Stewart, G. H. Russell, C. L. Chatfield, A. P. Poorman, R. L. 

Cooper, Prof. G. J. Lyon, R. C. Miles, Arthur A. Dobson, and 

engineers of the United States Reclamation Service.

The field work in the Niobrara, Platte, and Kansas River drainage 

basins in Nebraska has been under the general supervision of W. B. 

Freeman, district engineer, but under the more immediate direction 

of Mr. E. C. Simmons, State engineer, assisted by Arthur A. Dobson, 

D. D. Price, and employees of the State engineer's office.

The ratings, special estimates, and studies of the completed data 

were made by W. A. Lamb and F. F. Henshaw for Montana, and by
32 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

W. B. Freeman and R. H. Bolster for Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska. The computations and the preparation of the completed 

data for publication were made by R. C. Rice, J. G. Mathers, H. D. 

Padgett, M. I. Walters, C. E. Ellsworth, G. L. Parker, J. J. Phelan, 

W. A. Lamb, Raymond Richards, and M. E. McChristie. The report 

was edited by Mrs. B. D. Wood.

GAGING STATIONS MAINTAINED IN THE MISSOURI 

RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

The following list comprises the gaging stations maintained in the 

Missouri River drainage basin by the United States Geological Survey 

and cooperative parties. Data for these stations have been published 

in the reports listed on page 13. The stations are arranged by river 

basins, in downstream order, tributaries of main streams being indicated by indention. (See p. 15.)

Red Rock River (head of Missouri) at Red Rock, Mont., 1890.

Red Rock River at Lima, Mont., 1907-1909.

Beaverhead River at Barratts, Mont., 1907-1909.

Beaverhead River at Dillon, Mont., 1907.

Jefferson River near Sappington, Mont., 1896-1905.

Missouri River near Townsend, Mont., 1895-1904.

Missouri River at Canyon Ferry, Mont., 1889.

Missouri River near Craig, Mont., 1890-1902.

Missouri River at Cascade, Mont., 1902-1909.

Missouri River at Great Falls, Mont., 1897-1905.

Missouri River near Williston, N. Dak., 1905-1907.

Missouri River at Mannhaven, N. Dak., 1904.

Missouri River at Washburn, N. Dak., 1905.

Missouri River near Bismarck, N. Dak., 1904-5.

Missouri River at Kansas City, Mo., 1905-6.

Madison River near Red Bluff, Mont., 1890-1893.

Madison River near Norris, Mont., 1897-1905.

Madison River near Three Forks, Mont., 1895-1897.

West Gallatin River (head of Gallatin) near Salesville, Mont., 1895-1905.

West Gallatin River near Bozeman, Mont., 1889-1893.

Gallatin River at Logan, Mont., 1895-1905.

Middle Creek near Bozeman, Mont., 1895-96, 1898-1900, and 1901. 

Crow Creek near Radersburg, Mont., 1903. 

Prickly Pear Creek near Clancy, Mont., 1908-9. 

Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont., 1908-9. 

Lump Gulch Creek at Clancy, Mont., 1908-9. 

Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont., 1908-9. 

Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye, Mont., 1908-9. 

Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont., 1909. 

Little Prickly Pear Creek near Canyon Creek, Mont., 1909. 

Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont., 1909.

Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont., 1909. 

Marsh Creek near Marysville, Mont., 1909. 

Dearborn River near Clemons, Mont., 1908-9. 

Falls Creek near Clemons, Mont., 1908-9. 

Smith River at Truly, Mont., 1905-1907.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 33

Missouri River tributaries Continued.

Sun River (North Fork) at Augusta, Mont., 1889-1890, 1903-1909. 

Sun River at Sun River, Mont., 1905-1909. 

Sun River near Great Falls, Mont., 1897.

Willow Creek near Augusta, Mont., 1905-1909. 

Sun River (South Fork) at Augusta, Mont., 1904-1909. 

Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont., 1906-1909. 

Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont., 1906-1909. 

Belt Creek near Belt, Mont., 1905-6. 

High wood Creek near High wood, Mont., 1905-6. 

Marias River near Shelby, Mont., 1902-1907.

Two Medicine River near Midvale, Mont., 1902-3. 

Two Medicine River at Family, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Badger Creek near Family, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Cutbank Creek at Cutbank, Mont., 1905-1909. 

Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont., 1907-1909.

Dupuyer Creek at Dupuyer, Mont., 1908-9. 

Teton River at Chouteau, Mont., 1905-6. 

Teton River near Belleview, Mont., 1905-6 and 1908-9. 

Musselshell River (North Fork) near Delpine, Mont., 1909. 

Musselshell River (North Fork) near Martinsdale, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Musselshell River at Harlowton, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Musselshell River at Shawmut, Mont., 1902-1907. 

Musselshell River at Lavina, Mont., 1906.

Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont., 1909. 

Musselshell River (South Fork) near Martinsdale, Mont., 1907-1909. 

American Fork near Harlowton, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Lebo Creek near Harlowton, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Milk River (South Fork) near Browning, Mont., 1905-1909. 

Milk River at Havre, Mont., 1898-1909. 

Milk River at Chinook, Mont., 1897. 

Milk River at Malta, Mont., 1902-1909. 

Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont., 1909.

Milk River (West Fork) at Chinook, Mont., 1906-1909. 

Milk River (North Fork) near Chinook, Mont., 1906-1909. 

Beaver Creek near Ashfield, Mont., 1903-1906 and 1908-9. 

Beaver Creek overflow channel near Bowdoin, Mont., 1903-1906. 

Rock Creek near Hinsdale, Mont., 1905-1907. 

Porcupine Creek near Nashua, Mont., 1908-9. 

Canals in Milk River basin 

Paradise Valley canal near Chinook, Mont., 1903-1909. 

Cook canal near Chinook, Mont., 1905-1909. 

Matheson canal near Chinook, Mont., 1905-6 and 1908-9. 

Reser ditch near Chinook, Mont., 1905-6. 

West Fork ditch near Chinook, Mont., 1905-6. 

Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont., 1904-1906 and 1908-9. 

Agency ditch near Harlem, Mont., 1905-1909. 

Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., 1903-1909." 

Winter Anderson canal near Chinook, Mont., 1906 and 1908. 

Rock Creek canal near Hinsdale, Mont., 1905-1907. 

Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont., 1908-9. 

Wolf Creek at Wolf Point, Mont., 1908-9. 

Wolf Point ditch at Wolf Point, Mont., 1909. 

Poplar Creek near Poplar, Mont., 1908-9. 

Big Muddy River near Culbertson, Mont., 1908-9. 

84548° WSP 266 11 3
34 SUKFACE WATEK SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Missouri River tributaries Continued.

Yellowstone River near Horr, Mont., 1888-1893. 

Yellowstone River at Livingston, Mont., 1897-1905. 

Yellowstone River at Billings, Mont., 1904-5. 

Yellowstone River at Huntley, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Yellowstone River at Junction, Mont., 1906-7. 

Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., 1897-1909.

Big Timber Creek (North Fork) near Big Timber, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Big Timber Creek (South Fork) near Big Timber, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Boulder River 

Boulder River (East Fork) near McLeod, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Boulder River (West Fork) near Bruffeys, 1907-1909. 

Boulder River (West Fork) near McLeod, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Sweetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., 1905-1909. 

Pry or Creek near Huntley, Mont., 1904-1909.

Big Wind River (head of Bighorn) near Wind River, Wyo., 1906-1909. 

Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont., 1904-1909. 

Bighorn River at Thermopolis, Wyo., 1900-1905. 

Red River near Dubois, Wyo., 1909. 

Din woody Creek near Crowheart, Wyo., 1909. 

' Dry Creek at Crowheart, Wyo., 1909. 

Meadow Creek near J. K. Ranch, Wyo., 1909. 

Willow Creek at J. K. Ranch, Wyo., 1909. 

Bull Lake Creek near J. K. Ranch, Wyo., 1909. 

Little Wind River at Fort Washakie, Wyo., 1908-9. 

Little Wind River above Arapahoe Agency, Wyo., 1906-1909. 

Little Wind River below Arapahoe Agency, Wyo., 1906-1909.

Little Wind River (South Fork) near Wind River, Wyo., 1909. 

St. Lawrence Creek, near Wind River, Wyo., 1909. 

Trout Creek at Wind River, Wyo., 1909. 

Little Popo Agie River at Hudson, Wyo., 1907-1909. 

Gray Bull Creek near Meeteetse, Wyo., 1897, 1903. 

Shoshone River at Cody, Wyo., 1902-1909. 

Shoshone River at Corbett dam., Wyo., 1908-9. 

Shoshone River near Lovell, Wyo., 1897-1899.

Shoshone River (South Fork) at Marquette, Wyo., 1903-1909. 

Little Bighorn River at Crow Agency, Mont., 1905-6.

Prairie Dog ditch near Story, Wyo., 1903. 

Tongue River near Dayton, Wyo., 1903.

Big Goose Creek near Sheridan, Wyo., 1895-1897.

Little Goose Creek near Sheridan, Wyo., 1896-7. 

Powder River 

Clear Creek at Buffalo, Wyo., 1896-1904.

Piney Creek at Kearney, Wyo., 1902-1906.

Cruez ditch near Story, Wyo., 1903. 

Little Muddy River near Williston, N. Dak., 1904-1909. 

Little Missouri River at Alzada, Mont., 1904-1906. 

Little Missouri River at Camp Crook, S. Dak., 1903-1906. 

Little Missouri River at Medora, N. Dak., 1903-1908. 

Knife River at (near) Broncho, *N. Dak., 1903-1909. 

Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak., 1903-1909. 

Apple Creek near Bismarck, N. Dak., 1905 

Cannon Ball River at Stevenson, N. Dak., 1903-1909.
MISSOUBI RIVER BASIN. 35

Missouri River tributaries Continued.'

Grand River (North Fork) at Haley, N. Dak., 1908-9. 

Grand River near Seim, S. Dak., 1904-1906. 

Owl (Moreau) River, near Bixby, S. Dak., 1904-1906. 

Cheyenne River at Edgemont, S. Dak., 1903-1906.

Beaver Creek near Edgemont, S. Dak., 1905-6.

Hat Creek near Edgemont, S. Dak., 1905-6.

Battle Creek near Hermosa, S. Dak., 1903.

Spring Creek near Rapid, S. Dak., 1903-1906.

Rapid Creek at Rapid, S. Dak., 1903-1906.

Box Elder Creek at Blackhawk, S. Dak., 1903-1905. 

Corbin-Morse ditch at Rapid, S. Dak., 1906.

Elk Creek near Piedmont, S. Dak., 1903.

Belle Fourche River at Belle Fourche, S. Dak., 1903-1906.

Belle Fourche River near Belle Fourche, S. Dak., 1906. 

Redwater River at Belle Fourche, S. Dak., 1903-1906. 

Redwater River near Minnesela, S. Dak., 1903.

Redwater canal at Minnesela, S. Dak., 1904-1906. 

Spearfish Creek near Spearfish, S. Dak., 1903-1906. 

Crow Creek near Belle Fourche, S. Dak., 1904. 

Owl Creek near Belle Fourche, S. Dak., 1904. 

Indian Creek near Belle Fourche, S. Dak., 1904. 

White River at Interior, S. Dak., 1904-1906.

Niobrara River near Valentine (Fort Niobrara), Nebr., 1897,1899,1901-1906. 

Niobrara River near Spencer, Nebr., 1908. 

Niobrara River near Niobrara, Nebr., 1902.

Red Deer Lake (head of Plum Creek) near Woodlake, Nebr., 1904-5. 

James River near Lamoure, N. Dak., 1903. 

Big Sioux River near Watertown, S. Dak., 1900-1903. 

Big Sioux River near Sioux Falls, S. Dak., 1900-1.

Grizzly Creek at Hebron, Colo., 1904-5.

North Platte River (head of Platte River) near Hebron, Colo., 1904-5. 

North Platte River near Cowdrey, Colo., 1904-5. 

North Platte River near Pinkhampton, Colo., 1904. 

North Platte River at Saratoga, Wyo., 1903-1906 and 1909. 

North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo., 1905-1909. 

North Platte River at Alcova, Wyo., 1904-5. 

North Platte River near Douglas, Wyo., 1894. 

North Platte River near Orin Junction, Wyo., 1895-1900. 

North Platte River near Fort Laramie, Wyo., 1887-1889. 

North Platte River at Guernsey, Wyo., 1900-1908. 

North Platte River at Whalen, Wyo., 1909. 

North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr., 1901-1909. 

North Platte River near Gering, Nebr., 1897-1900. 

North Platte River near Camp Clark, Nebr., 1896-1900. 

North Platte River at Bridgeport, Nebr., 1902-1906. 

North Platte River near North Platte, Nebr., 1894-1909. 

Platte River near Lexington, Nebr., 1902-1906. 

Platte River at Columbus, Nebr., 1895-1909. 

Platte River near South Bend, Nebr., 1903.

Little Grizzly Creek at Hebron, Colo., 1904-5.

North Platte (Roaring Fork) near Hebron, Colo., 1904-5.

North Platte (North Fork) at Higho, Colo., 1904-5.

Michigan Creek near Walden, Colo., 1904-5.

Michigan Creek near Cowdrey, Colo., 1904-5.
36 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Missouri River tributaries Continued. 

Platte River tributaries Continued.

Canadian River at Cowdrey, Colo., 1904-5. 

Grand Encampment Creek near Peryam's ranch, Wyo., 1900. 

Medicine Bow River near Medicine Bow, Wyo., 1901. 

Sweetwater River near Splitrock, Wyo., 1902-3. 

Laramie River at Glendevey, Colo., 1904-5. 

Laramie River near Jelm, Wyo., 1904-5. 

Laramie River near Woods Landing, Wyo., 1895-1900. 

Laramie River near Uba, Wyo., 1895-1900, 1903. 

Mclntyre Creek near Gleneyre, Colo., 1904-5. 

Little Laramie River near Hatton, Wyo., 1902-3. 

Little Laramie River near Laramie, Wyo., 1903. 

South Platte (South Fork) near Cheesman Lake, Colo., 1899-1901. 

South Platte (South Fork) at South Platte, Colo., 1905-1909. 

South Platte River at South Platte, Colo., 1902-1909. 

South Platte River near Deansbury (Platte Canyon), Colo., 1887-1892,

1895-1900.

South Platte River at Denver, Colo., 1895-1906, 1909. 

South Platte River near Kersey, Colo., 1901-1903, 1905-1909. 

South Platte River near Orchard, Colo., 1895-1900. 

South Platte River near Julesburg, Colo., 1902-1906, 1908-9. 

South Platte River near Big Spring., Nebr., 1902-3. 

Goose Creek near Cheesman Lake, Colo., 1899. 

South Platte River (North Fork) at Cassells, Colo., 1908-9. 

South Platte River (North Fork) at South Platte, Colo., 1909.

Geneva Creek above Jackwhacker Creek, near Grant, Colo, 1909. 

Geneva Creek at Old Geneva smelter, near Grant, Colo., 1909. 

Geneva Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo., 1908-9. 

Smelter Creek at Old Geneva smelter, near Grant, Colo., 1909. 

Duck Lake Creek near Grant, Colo., 1909. 

Scott Gomer Creek at Geneva Power Co. dam site, Colo., 1909. 

Scott Gomer Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo., 1909. 

Bear Creek near Morrison, Colo., 1888-1891, 1895-1902. 

Clear Creek at Forkscreek, Colo., 1899-1909. 

Clear Creek at Golden, Colo., 1897-1898 and 1909. 

St. Vrain Creek near Lyons, Colo., 1888-1892, 1895-1903, and 1909. 

Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo., 1907-8.

Boulder Creek, near Boulder, Colo., 1888-1892, 1895-1901, 1907-1909. 

North Boulder Creek near Boulder, Colo., 1887-1890. 

South Boulder Creek near Marshall, Colo., 1888-1892,1895-1901, 

and 1909.

Community Canal near Marshall, Colo., 1909. 

Big Thompson Creek near Arkins, Colo., 1888-1890, 1895-1903, and

1909.

Big Thompson Creek near Loveland, Colo., 1888-1890. 

Handy Ditch near Arkins, Colo., 1899-1900, 1903. 

Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo., 1909. 

Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo., 1884-1901 and 1909. 

Cache la Poudre River near Greeley, Colo., 1903. 

Middle Crow Creek near Hecla, Wyo., 1902-3. 

Loup River at Columbus, Nebr., 1894-1909.

Middle Loup River near St. Paul, Nebr., 1895, 1897, 1899, 1903. 

North Loup River near St. Paul, Nebr., 1895, 1897, 1899, 1903.
MISSOURI BJVEB BASIN. 37

Missouri River tributaries Continued. 

Platte River tributaries Continued.

Elkhorn River near Norfolk, Nebr., 1896-1903. 

Elkhorn River near Arlington, Nebr., 1898-1903. 

Elkhorn River (South Fork) near Norfolk, Nebr., 1896. 

Republican River (North Fork) [head of Kansas River] near Benkleman,

Nebr., 1895.

Republican River at Benkleman, Nebr., 1903-1906. 

Republican River at Bostwick, Nebr., 1904-1909. 

Republican River near Superior, Nebr., 1896-1903. 

Republican River at Junction, Kans.,.1895-1905. 

Kansas River near St. George, Kans., 1904. 

Kansas River near Topeka, Kans., 1904. 

Kansas River near Lecompton, Kans., 1899-1901, 1903-1906 

Kansas River near Lawrence, Kans., 1895-1899. 

Republican River:

Republican River (South Fork) at Benkleman, Nebr., 1895, 1903-1906.

Frenchman River near Wauneta, Nebr., 1895.

Frenchman River near Palisade, Nebr., 1895-96.

Smoky Hill River at Ellsworth, Kans., 1895-1902, 1904-5.

Smoky Hill River at Solomon, Kans., 1902-1904.

Beaver (Ladder) Creek near Scott City, Kans., 1904-5. 

Saline River near Salina, Kans., 1895-1903. 

Solomon River near Niles, Kans., 1895-1903. 

Blue River at Manhattan, Kans., 1895-1905.

Little Blue River near Fairbury, Nebr., 1908-9. 

Osage River at Ottawa, Kans., 1902-1905. 

Gasconade River at Arlington, Mo., 1903-1906.

Gasconade River (Piney Fork) near Houston, Mo., 1908.

Gasconade River (Piney Fork) near Hooker, Mo., 1903. (Also called

Big Piney Creek.) 

Little Piney Creek near Arlington, Mo., 1903.

MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

GENERAL FEATURES.

Missouri River and its innumerable tributaries drain an immense 

area in the northern and western sections of the United States. The 

northern boundary of this area is approximately the fiftieth parallel, 

the southern the thirty-ninth; to the west it is limited by the Rocky 

Mountains; to the east the divide between it and the upper Mississippi 

basin crosses eastern North and South Dakota, western Iowa, and 

northeastern Missouri. Its extent east and west is about 900 miles; 

north and south it is 600 miles; and it comprises a total of 492,000 

square miles.

The topography of the basin shows all gradations from the mountainous regions of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado to the rolling 

prairies of the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Kansas. The upper tributaries drain a forested region, but the main stream flows through a 

country almost wholly devoid of forests. The precipitation in the 

mountainous portion of the basin is mainly in the form of snow, but 

a great part of the area lies within the arid and semiarid regions, and
38 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART VI.

it is probable that the annual average precipitation throughout the 

entire basin is less than 20 inches.

The tributaries are chiefly in the upper course of the river and from 

the western side of the basin. The most important of these are 

Musselshell, Sun, Marias, Milk, Yellowstone, Cheyenne, Platte, and 

Kansas rivers.

Owing to the high altitude and northern climate ice prevails in the 

upper portions of this basin from November to April. The Missouri 

itself freezes over entirely, but many of its tributaries remain partly 

open on account of the extreme rapidity of the water. The amount 

of snow falling on the prairies is usually small, but among the mountains the snows begin early, continue late, and accumulate to great 

depths.

Irrigation is practiced to a great extent on the various tributaries 

of the Missouri and agriculture has been extensively developed in 

many of the valleys. The Madison and Gallatin and many other of 

the mountain tributaries afford unsurpassed storage facilities, the 

waters of the Be&verhead, Bighole, Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin 

rivers furnish great supplies for irrigation, and the basins of Milk, 

Sun, Yellowstone, and Musselshell rivers, already extensively utilized, still offer opportunities for broader irrigation, storage, and 

water-power development.

MISSOURI RIVER PROPER. 

DESCRIPTION.

Missouri River proper is formed in southwestern Montana by the 

union of three streams, which were discovered by Lewis and Clark 

in 1806 and named by them Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers. 

Jefferson and Madison forks come together first, and within 2 miles 

they are joined by the Gallatin. The head of the Missouri thus formed 

lies about in latitude 45° 56' north and longitude 111° 32' west. Each 

of the three headwater rivers is about 90 feet wide, flows with great 

velocity, and discharges large quantities of water. The Gallatin is 

the most rapid of the three, but the Jefferson drains the largest area, 

and is here treated as the continuation of the main river. The Jefferson itself is formed by the union of two forks Bighole and Beaverhead 

rivers the Beaverhead draining the larger area and having as its 

master headwater stream Red Rock River. The source of this lastnamed river the Red Rock Lakes, lying in the Rocky Mountains 

6,700 feet above sea level may, therefore, be regarded as the ultimate source of the great Missouri. <

Below the junction of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin the 

course of the Missouri lies through mountain valleys and deep canyons, from which it finally emerges through a gorge in a range of
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. SO

rocks, called by Lewis and Clark the "gates of the Rocky Mountains." 

Thirty-five miles above Fort Benton the river pours over Great Falls, 

and from that point onward it is a navigable stream. For miles below 

the falls the river flows in a deep canyon, with banks ranging from 

100 to 160 feet in height. Below the mouth of Marias River, which 

enters from the north, the banks are less abrupt and rise with gentle 

slopes to the bluffs. The high-water width of the river, which in the 

vicinity of Fort Benton is 500 to 1,000 feet, increases to 1,500 feet at^ 

the mouth of Milk River and to 2,000 feet near the mouth of the 

Yellowstone. Below the Yellowstone the width gradually increases 

from 2,000 to 3,000 feet, and this remains approximately the average 

width for 600 miles of its course.

From the mouth of the Yellowstone the Missouri follows a winding 

but on the whole southeasterly course until it is joined by the Kansas; 

thence it flows more to the east across the State of Missouri, and 

empties into the Mississippi 16 miles above St. Louis, 189 miles above 

the mouth of the Ohio, and 2,340* miles below the junction of its 

three upper forks.

For the first 350 miles below the union of the three forks the Missouri is a comparatively clear stream, but approximately midway 

between the forks and the mouth of the Yellowstone its character 

gradually changes and it becomes turbid. Although a large amount 

of the sediment carried by the Missouri is undoubtedly brought in by 

the drainage of its tributaries, the greater part is derived from the 

caving of its banks.

Except in the mountain canyons the Missouri flows through an 

alluvial bottom land of the most fertile character, varying in width 

from 1^ miles near the mouth to 17 miles in the vicinity of Sioux City.

The volume of Missouri River is subject to great variations, the 

ordinary high-water discharge at the mouth being about 28 times the 

low-water discharge. The freshets are caused by melting snows and 

heavy summer rains. The regular floods occur in May, June, and 

July, the June discharge being the greatest. Thereafter the river 

steadily decreases in volume, the minimum being reached during the 

winter months. Records obtained at Cascade and Townsend indicate 1899 as the wettest year and 1905 as the driest.

The Missouri itself has not been used for irrigation, owing to its 

high banks and consequent difficulty of diversion. Approximately 

150,000 acres of land are now under irrigation in Beaverhead Valley, 

and by storing the waters of the upper Beaverhead or Red Rock 

River in Red Rock Lakes fully 125,000 acres more can be put under 

irrigation.

i Given as 2,824 miles in Water-Supply Paper 246. This number was taken from the report of the 

Tenth Census. More reliable information has since been published. See Water-Supply Paper 44, p. 70.
40 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 190§, PART VI.

In Montana the Missouri, with its tributaries, affords many opportunities for power development. A number of large, substantial 

power stations have been built, and approximately 75,000 horsepower 

is now being developed. Engineers estimate that 350,000 horsepower can be developed on the Missouri River near Great Falls.

BED ROCK RIVER AT LIMA, MONT.

' This station, which was established August 14, 1907, to obtain data 

concerning the amount of water available for irrigation, is located 

near the Gleed ranch, 1 mile east of Lima.

The tributaries above the station are small and unimportant, the 

stream at the gaging station receiving its water supply chiefly from 

the melting snow in the mountains. Below the station Sheep and 

Sage creeks are the principal tributaries.

Diversions from this stream are many. Above the station 3 

ditches, carrying approximately 900 miner's inches each, receive their 

water supply from the Red Rock. The water is all appropriated 

above the station, but the rights are unadjudicated. The dam of 

the reservoir storing the water of the Red Rock has been completed, 

but no canals have been built. It is an earthen dam with concrete 

core, is 50 feet high, and has a capacity of 90,000 acre-feet. The dam 

is 16 miles above Lima, Mont., and 27 miles below lower Red Rock 

Lakes. Its top elevation is 6,700 feet. This water will be used to 

irrigate 25,000 acres of land near Lima.

On October 27, 1908, a new chain gage with a new datum was 

installed just above the cable, 300 feet farther downstream than the 

old staff gage which it replaces. The stream bed is permanent and 

the results obtained are good. A large spring enters the stream just 

above the gage and the river remains open the entire year. Measurements are made from a cable in ordinary and high-water stages, but 

in extreme low water measurements may be made by wading just 

below the cable section.

Discharge measurements of Red Rock River at Lima, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 19

Apr. 29

June. 16

Aug. 18 a

Hydrographer.

J. E. Stewart.. ............................................

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

34

40

32

32

QK

Area of 

section.

Mh,

135

42.6

37.9

54 9

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.70

3.11

1.00

1.13

i 4n

Discharge.

Sec.-/?. 

49.1

537

54.8

70.5

110

a Made by wading.
MISSOURI RIVEB BASIN. 41

Daily gage height, in feet, of Red Rock River at Lima, Mont., for 1908-9. 

[Alice Gleed, observer.]

Day.

1908. 

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

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

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

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

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

6.:..........

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

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

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

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

...... -1.8 

...... 1.8

...... 1.8

1 8

5 1.2 

1.2 

5 1.3 

1 19

1908. 

5 11............ ...... 1.6 

12............ ...... 1.7

13............ ...... 1.65 

14 1 6

...... 1.9 1.2 16............ ...... 1.6

1 8 1 '-?-r> 17 - 1 5

...... 1.7

1 6

5 1.2 

1.3

18............ ...... 1.6

19. ......... ..... 1.45

...... 1.55 1.2 20............ ...... 1.5

Day.

1909. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21................

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

23...............

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

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

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

97

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

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

3001

Jan.

0.9

.9

.9

.85

.8

.8

.75

"".'65"

Feb.

0.7

.75

.7

.75 

.75

.75

.7

.75

.8

'"'.85' 

.8

Mar.

0.85

.85 

.85

.9

.95 

.95

.9

1.0 

1.0

i.6

.......

1.1 

1.1 

1.15

1 9

Apr.

1.2

1.25 

1.35 

1.5 

1.55

1.6 

1.65 

1.6 

1.5 

1.45

1.5 

1.6 

1.65 

1.75 

1.85

2.0

2.25 

2.25 

2.25 

2.0

2.25 

2.2 

2.25 

2.0 

2.4

2.6 

3.0 

3.1 

3,2 

3.25

May.

3.25 

3.6 

3.65 

3.7 

3.8

3.6 

3.5 

3.4 

3.4 

3.5

3.45 

2.6 

2.7 

2.75 

2.8

2.8 

2.8 

2.75 

2.8 

2.75

2.7 

1.85 

1.9 

2.0 

2.1

2.3 

2.4 

2.5 

2.6 

2.65 

2.5

June.

2.6 

2.65 

2.7 

1.85 

1.65

1.6 

1.6 

1.65 

2.4 

2.6

1.5 

1.6 

1.5 

1.0'.8

.7 

.65 

1.4 

1.5 

1.6

1.65 

1.8 

1.7 

1.65 

1.7

1.6 

1.7 

1.75 

1.85 

1.9

Dec.

1.25 

1.2

1.2 

1.15

1.2

1.1

1.15

1.1 

1.1

1.15

July.

1.8 

 1.85 

1.9 

1.8 

1.75

1.7 

1.65 

1.6 

1.65 

1.7

1.65 

1.6 

1.6 

1.5 

1.4

1.35 

1.3 

1.3 

1.25 

1.2

1.3 

1.4 

1.3 

1.25 

1.4

1.35 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.25 

1.2

Day. Oct.

1908. 

21............ .....

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

23............ ..... 

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

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

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

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

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

29............ 1.95

30............ 1.9

31............ 1.85

Aug.

1.3 

1.25 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

1.25 

1.25 

1.2 

1.25 

1.2

1.25 

1.2 

1.25 

1.2 

1.2

1.15 

1.1 

1.15 

1.05 

1.05

1.05 

1.0 

1.05 

1.05 

1.0

1.05 

1.05 

1.0 

1.05 

1.1 

1.15

Sept.

1.2 

1.3 

1.35 

1.4 

1.45

1.4 

1.45 

1.5 

1.55 

1.6

1.65 

1.6 

1.55 

1.5 

1.45

1.45 

1.4 

1.35 

1.4 

1.35

1.35 

1.45 

1.45 

1.5 

1.5

1.55 

1.6 

1.65 

1.7 

1.7

Oct.

1.7 

1.75 

1.7 

1.7 

1.75

1.75 

1.75 

1.7 

1.75 

1.75

1.8 

1.8 

1.8 

1.8 

1.7

1.7 

1.65 

1.65 

1.6 

1.6

1.65 

1.6 

1.65 

1.7 

1.65

1.7

1.7 

1.7 

1.65 

1.7 

1.7

Nov.

1.45 

1.4 

1.35 

1.4 

1.35

1.2 

1.25 

1.2 

1.25 

1.2

Nov.

1.75 

1.75 

1.75 

1.7 

1.7

1.7 

1.7 

1.6 

1.6 

1.55

1.55 

1.55 

1.55 

1.55 

1.55

1.5 

1.5 

1.5 

1.55 

1.5

1.45 

1.45 

1.4 

1.4 

1.35

1.3 

1.35 

1.3 

1.25 

1.2

Dec.

1.15 

1.1 

1.0 

1.05 

1.1

1.15 

1.1 

1.0 

1.15 

1.0 

1.1

Dec.

1.2 

1.15 

1.15 

1.1 

1.2

1.25 

1.3 

1.25 

1.3 

1.25

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.4 

1.4

1.35 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

1.3 

1.3 

1.35 

1.35 

1.35

1.4 

1.4 

1.4 

1.35 

1.35 

1.35

NOTE. Gage heights for 1908, prior to Oct. 29 are in error and consequently are not published. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Red Rock River at Lima, Mont., for 1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

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

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

4

K

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

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

g

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

Oct. Nov.

224

010

224

224

246

235

213

202

173

164

Dec.

114

107

122

107

114

107

114

107

122

107

Day.

1908. 

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

1 9

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

14

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

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

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

la

ID

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

Oct. Nov.

173

1Q9

182

173

182

173

155

173

155

Dec.

114

107

107

100

107

93

100

QO

93

100

Day.

1908. 

21............

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

23............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct.

246

235

224

Nov.

146

138

130

138

130

107

114

107

114

107

Dec.

100

93

80

86

93

100

93

80

100

80

93
42 SURFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PAET VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Red Rock River at Lima, Mont., for 1908-9 Continued.

Day.

1909. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

90

90

80

70

70

68

68

68

68

68

68

68

68

65

62

57

57

57

57

57

56

54

52

47

48

46

44

42

41

40

Feb.

44

46

47

48

50

52

51

50

48

47

48

50

52

52

52

52

52

50

50

52

54

56

57

58

60

62

57

Mar.

58

60

62

62

62

62

62

65

68

70

71

72

74

74

72

70

68

72

76

80

80

80

84

87

90

93

93

QQ

100

107

Apr.

107

114

130

155

164

173

182

173

155

146

155

173

178

195

215

250

300

300

300

240

300

287

300

227

327

382

510

540

572

583

May.

583

705

722

740

775

705

670

635

635

670

652

376

406

421

436

436

436

421

436

421

406

190

200

220

243

292

319

347

376

391

347

June.

376

391

406

190

150

141

141

150

319

376

124

141

124

56

39

31

28

108

124

141

150

180

160

150

160

141

160

170

190

200

July.

180

190

200

180

170

160

150

141

150

160

150

141

141

124

108

100

93

93

86

79

93

108

93

86

108

100

93

93

93

86

79

Aug.

93

86

93

93

93

86

86

79

86

79

86

79

86

79

79

72

66

72

61

61

61

56

61

61

56

61

61

56

61

66

72

Sept.

79

93

100

108

116

108

116

124

132

141

150

141

132

124

116

116

108

100

108

100

100

116

116

124

124

132

141

150

160

160

Oct.

160

J70

160

160

170

170

170

160

170

170

180

180

180

180

160

160

150

150

141

141

150

141

150

160

150

160

160

160

150

160

160

Nov.

170

170

170

160

160

160

160

141

141

132

132

132

132

132

132

124

124

124

132

124

116

116

108

108

100

93

100

93

86

79

Dee.

79

72

72

66

79

* 86

' 9386

93

86

93

93

93

108

108

100

93

93

93

93

93

93

100

100

100

, 108

108

108

100

100

100

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: 

Oct. 29 to Dec. 31, 1908, well denned between 50 and 500 second-feet. 

Jan. 1 to Apr. 2,1909, well defined between 40 and 170 second-feet. 

Apr. 13 to Apr. 29, 1909, indirect method for shifting channels used. 

Apr. 30 to Dec. 31,1909, well denned between 47 and 775 second-feet. 

Discharges interpolated for days when gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of Red Rock River at Lima, Mont., for 1908-9.

Month.

1908.

1909. 

January ...........................................

May. ..............................................

July...............................................

October. . . .......................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

246 

122

90 

62 

107 

583 

775 

406 

200 

93 

160 

180 

170 

108

775

Minimum.

107 

80

40 

44 

58 

107 

190 

28 

79 

 56 

79 

141 

79 

66

28

Mean.

168 

101

60.3 

51.6 

75.7 

261 

471 

174 

123 

73.8 

122 

161 

128 

93.2

150

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

10,000 

6,210

3,710 

2,870 

4,650 

15,500 

29,000 

10,400 

7,560 

4,540 

7,260 

9,900 

7,620 

5,730

109,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.
MISSOURI K1VER BASIN. 43

BEAVERHEAD RIVER AT BARRATTS, MONT.

This station, which was established August 12, 1907, to obtain data 

for the solution of irrigation problems, is located 1 mile above -Barratts and 10 miles southwest of Dillon, Mont.

This stream is called Red Rock River from its source in Red Rock 

Lakes to the post office of Red Rock, below which to its junction 

with Big Hole River it is called the Beaverhead. The principal 

tributaries to the Beaverhead above the station are Grasshopper 

Creek, 12 miles south of Dillon, Horse Prairie Creek, 20 miles south, 

and Rattlesnake and Blacktail Deer creeks.

Irrigation has probably been practiced in Beaverhead Valley longer 

than in any other valley in Montana, ditches constructed in the early 

seventies being still in operation. Innumerable diversions are made. 

Decreed water rights aggregating 85,866 inches of water are filed on 

from Lima on Red Rock River to a point 10 miles above Twin Bridges. 

The three largest canals diverted below the gaging station are Canyon 

Creek canal, appropriating 6,000 inches; Union canal, appropriating 

4,000, and the Beaverhead canal, diverted just north of Dillon, appropriating 5,000 inches. The Union Electric Co., of Dillon, has a 

canal with a carrying capacity of 6,000 inches.

An ordinary staff gage, fastened to the downstream side of the 

bridge, was used till June 22, 1908, when it was replaced by a standard 

chain gage. Measurements are made from the downstream side of 

the bridge.

The stream remains open during the winter months. The gaging 

section has a rocky bottoni and should not shift. Records obtained 

are good.

It is worthy of note that the number and quantity of flow of springs 

in this valley have increased since irrigation began. The ground 

evidently serves as a reservoir, the water being absorbed as by a 

sponge and later coming to the surface as springs.

Discharge measurements of Beaverhead River at Barratts, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 19

Apr. 29

Aug. 19

Nov. 18

Hydrograjher.

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

60

62.5

62.5

64

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

151

221

141

181

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.19

2.26

.97

1.53

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

413

841

307

555
44 SURFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PABT VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Beaverhead River at Barratts, Mont., for 1909. 

[Roy Dingley, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...............

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

23. ..............

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

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

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

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

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

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

01

Jan.

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.6

1.6

1.25

1.2

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.5

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.15

1.3

1.05

Feb.

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.0

1.1

1.05

1.1

1.2

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.2

Mar.

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.35

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.45

1.5

1.5

Apr.

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.75

1.7

1.65

1.55

1.6

1.75

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.8

2.05

2.3

2.1

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.05

2.0

2.05

2.2

2.35

2.45

2.3

2.3

May.

2.15

2.2

2.2

2.45

2.7

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.45

2.65

2.4

2.05

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

2.3

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.85

3.2

2.95

2.6

June.

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.7

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.25

2.9

2.75

2.5

2.25

2.0

2.05

2.15

2.1

2.0

2.05

2.5

2.15

2.0

1.8

1.7

1.55

1.4

1.45

1.2

1.2

July.

1.15

1.0

1.0

1.2

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

.95

.85

.8

.8

1.0

1.3

1.25

1.15

1.25

1.3

1.3

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.65

1.45

Aug.

1.4

1.35

1.25

1.25

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.15

1.0

.95

.95

.95

.95

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

Sept.

0.7

.8

1.0

1.05

1.1

1.2

1.25

1.3

1.2

1.15

1.25

1.65

1.6

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.45

Oct.

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.6

Nov.

1.55

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.85

1.65

1.6

1.65

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.5

1.6

1.65

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.85

1.9

1.65

1.7

1.7

Dec.

1.7

1.7

1.4

1.2

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.9

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.3

1.3

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Beaverhead River at Barratts, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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...............

qi

Jan.

400

365

400

400

382

400

550

550

418

400

490

490

490

470

510

418

400

382

400

400

400

400

365

365

365

365

400

365

435

ocn

Feb.

365

365

382

400

400

335

365

350

365

400

350

365

365

382

400

418

400

365

400

400

382

382

382

382

400

418

400

400

Mar.

400

418

400

418

435

435

400

435

400

400

382

400

400

435

435

435

452

470

452

435

435

418

400

452

510

530

550

550

490

510

510

Apr.

550

595

640

685

618

595

572

530

550

618

' 595

572

572

595

640

755

885

780

805

780

780

730

755

730

755

830

912

970

885

885

May.

805

830

830

970

1,120

1,190

1,060

1,060

1,000

970

1,090

940

755

685

640

640

685

685

662

595

595

595

618

885

1,000

1,060

1,060

1,220

1,480

1,300

1 060

June.

1,000

1,060

1,120

1,120

1,330

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,510

1,260

1,160

1,000

858

730

755

805

780

730

755

1,000

805

730

640

595

530

470

490

400

400

July.

382

335

335

400

400

418

400

365

382

365

365

350

350

335

335

320

292

280

280

335

435

418

382

418

435

435

618

618

618

572

490

Aug.

470

452

418

418

435

435

418

435

418

418

418

418

418

418

. 382

335

320

320

320

320

305

305

305

305

305

280

260

260

260

260

260

Sept.

260

280

335

350

365

400

418

435

400

382

418

572

550

510

490

470

435

452

470

470

490

490

470

470

470

452

452

452

452

490

Oct.

510

530

550

550

572

595

595

595

595

618

595

595

595

595

595

572

550

550

530

530

510

490

470

470

470

490

510

530

550

550

550

Nov.

530

572

595

595

662

572

550

572

595

618

595

595

550

510

510

530

510

550

572

595

550

595

618

595

595

662

685

575

595

595

Dec.

595

595

470

400

510

550

550

685

510

510

510

490

490

470

470

435

435

435

435

418

435

435

435

435

435

435

435

435

470

435

435

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between 260 and 2,075 

second-feet.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 

Monthly discharge of Beaverhead River at Barratts, Mont., for 1909.

45

Month.

April ..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

550

418 

550 

970 

1,480 

1,510 

618 

470 

572 

618 

685 

685

1,510

Minimum.

350 

335

382 

530 

595 

400 

280 

260 

260 

470 

510 

418

260

Mean.

416 

383 

445 

705 

906 

921 

402 

358 

438 

549 

581 

477

548

Run-oft 

(total in 

acre-feet).

25,600 

21,300 

27,400 

42,000 

55,700 

54,800 

24, 700 

22,000 

26,100 

33,800 

34,600 

29,300

397,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

MISSOURI RIVER AT CASCADE, MONT.

This station, which was established July 20, 1902, to obtain records 

for use in connection with irrigation and power development, is 

located on the highway bridge on the east side of the town of Cascade, 

Mont., 100 yards from the Great Northern Railway.

The Missouri receives many tributaries above the station, the most 

important being Dearborn River, Wolf Creek, and Prickly Pear 

Creek; within 100 miles below Sun and Marias rivers enter. The drainage area at the station is 18,300 square miles.

Although irrigation is extensively developed in the Missouri River 

Valley, the water is taken from the tributary streams, the Missouri 

itself, because of its high banks, great variation in flow, and difficulty 

of diversion, being little used.

The datum of the standard chain gage on the bridge used at this 

station has remained unchanged. All measurements are made from 

the lower side of the bridge.

Records obtained have been very good, the channel being permanent except in extreme floods. Gage heights are affected by ice 

during the winter months.

Discharge measurements of Missouri River at Cascade, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 10

July 13

Sept. 4

Oct. 11

Hydrographer.

J. E. Stewart..................... ........ ..................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

365

460

376

365

365

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

3,030

4,950

3,560

3,450

3,410

height.

Feet. 

5.30

9.48

6.00

5.47

5.47

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5,310

21,200

7,640

5,920

5,830
46 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Missouri River at Cascade, Mont., for 1909. 

[Frank Warner, observer.]

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.

6.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.25

7.45

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.4

7.4

7.3

7.3

7.2

7.2

7.1

7.1

7.0

7.0

6 Q

Feb.

6.8

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.65

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

Mar.

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.6

6.5

6.5

6.0

5.5

5 5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5 f; 4

5.3

5.3

5 9

5.1

5.1

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.3

5.3

5.4

5.4

Apr.

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.. 3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.4

5.4

5 A

5.4

5

C

5.6

K 7

5

0

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.8

5.9

5.9

5.8

May.

5.9

5.9

5 9

6.0

6.0

6.1

6.6

6.5

6.6

6.5

6.4

6.3

6.4

6.6

6.5

6.6

6.7

6.8

6 Q

ft Q

6 9

6 Q

7.1

7.75

8.15

8.9

8.85

9.75

9.7

June.

9.55

9.35

9.55

9.9

10.4

11.0

11.35

11.85

13.15

13.25

12.6

11.65

11.05

10.5

9.65

9.5

9.85

10.2

10.5

10.65

10.55

10.3

9.65

9.15

8.8

8.35

8.2

8.15

8.0

July.

7.8

7.5

7.4

7.8

8.2

8.45

7.7

7.4

7.2

7.1

6.7

6.5

6.15

6.0

5.9

5.8

5.65

5.3

5.1

5.2

5.35

5.3

5.25

5.05

4.8

4.9

5.4

5.65

5.6

5.5

5.4

Aug.

5.65

5.7

5.55

5.4

5.4

5.25

5.1

5.1

5.05

4.85

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.35

4 9

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.75

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

Sept.

4.4

4.3

4.5

5.4

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.25

5.4

5.55

5.75

6.0

5.95

5.8

5.7

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.35

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

Oct.

5.15

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

Nov.

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.3

5.05

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

Dec.

4.6

4.6

4.7

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

NOTE. Gage heights January 1 to March 11 and during December affected by ice conditions. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Missouri River at Cascade, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

I...........................

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...........................

Mar.

5,930

5,930

5,930

5,930

5,930

5,930

5,930

5 34ft

4,770

4,770

5,050

5

ncn

5,340

5,630

5,630

Apr.

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,340

5,340

5,340

5,340

5,340

5,340

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,930

6,530

6,850

6 OKA

6,850

6,850

6,530

a OCA

7,170

7,170

6 OCA

May.

7,170

7,170

7,170

7,500

7,500

7,830

9,580

9,220

9,580

9,220

8,860

8,510

9,580

9 99(1

9,580

9,950

10,700

14,200

1 c QnA

19 200

18,900

oo Ann

99 cnn

June.

22, 100

21,200

22,100

23, 600

25,900

28, 600

30,200

32, 400

38,300

38, 700

35, 800

28,800

 26, 400

22,500

21, 800

23, 400

26, 400

27,000

26,600

22,500

20,300

18, 700

16, 700

16, 100

July.

14,400

13, 100

12, 700

14, 400

16, 100

17,200

13,900

12, 700

11,900

11,500

9,950

9,220

8,000

7,500

7,170

6,850

6,380

5,340

4,770

5,480

5,340

4 KAf\

3,970

6,380

6,230

5,930

5,630

Aug.

6,380

6,530

6,080

5,630

5,630

5,200

4,770

4,770

4,640

4,100

3,720

3,720

3,720

3,720

3,970

3,970

3,720

2,890

4,230

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,840

3,230

3,000

3 nnn

3 nnn

3 nnn

3,000

Sept.

3,000

2,780

3,230

5,630

4,770

4,770

4,770

4,770

4,500

4,500

5,200

5,630

6,080

6,690

7,340

6,850

6,530

6,230

5,930

5,930

5,930

5,930

1 4sn

5

nRn

5,050

5,050

Oct.

4,910

5,340

5,050

5,050

5,050

5,050

5,340

5,630

5,930

5,930

5,930

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,340

5,340

5,340

5,340

5,340

5 q4n

5,050

5,050

5,050

5,050

Nov.

5,340

5,340

5,340

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,630

5,340

5,340

5,050

5,340

5,340

4,640

3,970

3, 720

3,720

3,720

3,720

3,470

3,470

3

9Qn

3,230

3,230

3,230

3,230

3,230

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that Is well denned between 3,230 and 9,220 secondfeet.
MISSOURI RIVEE BASIN". 47

Monthly discharge of Missouri River at Cascade, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 18,300 square miles.]

Month.

March 12-31... ..............

April.......................

July........................

Discharge In second-feet.

Maximum.

5,930 

7,170 

24,300 

38,700 

17,200 

6,530 

7,500 

5,930 

5,630

Minimum.

4,770 

5,340 

7,170 

15,200 

3,970 

2,890 

2,780 

4,910 

3,230

Mean.

5,480 

6,000 

11,900 

25, 100 

8,610 

4,040 

5,370 

5,340 

4,580

Per 

square 

mile.

0.299 

.328 

.650 

1.37 

.470 

.221 

.293 

.292 

.250

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.22 

.37 

.75 

1.53 

.54 

.25 

.33 

.34 

.28

Total in 

acre-feet.

217,000 

357,000 

732,000 

1,490,000 

529,000 

248,000 

320,000 

328,000 

273,000

4,490,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

PRICKLY PEAR CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Prickly Pear Creek rises in the mountains in the northwestern part 

of Jefferson County, Mont., and takes a general northeasterly course 

to its junction with the Missouri near Eldorado bar in the southeastern part of Lewis and Clark County. Its principal tributaries are 

McClellan, Lump Gulch, Tenmile, and Silver creeks. Its upper valley is narrow and little irrigation is practiced, but below Helena the 

entire normal flow is diverted for irrigation.

PRICKLY PEAR CREEK NEAR CLANCY, MONT.

This station, which was established July 15, 1908, to obtain data 

for use in connection with irrigation projects, is located about 2 miles 

below Clancy and 12 miles south of Helena, and is directly west of the 

house of the observer. This station was discontinued June 5, 1909.

Lump Gulch Creek enters about a mile above the station, and 

McClellan Creek comes in between the station and East Helena. 

Owing to the very narrow valley and the small amount of irrigable 

land above the station little water is diverted for irrigation.

The stream bed is of gravel and sand and shifts. Gage heights 

are affected by ice during the winter months and the records obtained 

are unsatisfactory. All measurements are made by wading near the 

staff gage, the datum of which has remained unchanged.

The greatest flood experienced in this valley for many years is 

probably that of June, 1908.
48 SUKFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAKT VI.

Discharge measurements of Prickly Pear Creek near Clanq/, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 17

May 3

Hydrographer.

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

.....do....................................................

.. ...do............. ........................................

Width.

Feet. 

32

31

22

Area of 

section.

Sq. ft. 

30.5

39.6

57.2

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.51

1.96

3.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

52.3

81.1

255.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Prickly Pear Creek near Clancy, Mont., for 1909. 

[W. P. Russell, observer.]

Day.

1..........

2. .........

3..........

5..........

6..........

7. .........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13 ..........

14 ..........

15..........

Jan.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.7

Feb. Mar. Apr.

1.5

1.45

1.5

1.55

1.5

1.3

1.1

1.25

1 93

1.6

1.45

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.4

May.

1.95

June.

3.65

Day.

16. .........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Jan.

1.7

1.7

1.7

Feb. Mar.

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

Apr.

1.3

1.35

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.5

1.8

May. June.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Prickly Pear Creek near Clancy, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1.......

2.......

3.......

5.......

6.......

7.......

8.......

9.......

10.......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15. ......

Jan.

51

51

51

36

36

32

46

46

46

51

51

57

57

63

63

Feb. Mar. Apr.

51

48

51

54

51

32

38

41

57

48

41

46

May.

80

80

80

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19

20. ......

21.......

23.......

24. ......

25. ......

20.......

27.......

28. ......

29.......

30.......

31.......

Jan.

63

63

63

Feb. Mar.

51

51

51

50

50

49

49

48

48

47

47

46

46

46

46

Apr.

41

44

48

48

46

48

46

48

46

51

70

70

70

70

80

May.

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between 41 and 130 

second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Prickly Pear Creek near Clancy, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

March 17-31 .......................................

April..............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

63 

51 

80

Minimum.

32 

46 

32

Mean.

51.4 

48.3 

50.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,840 

1,440 

2,990

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B.
MISSOURI KIVEE BASIN. 49

PEICKLY PEAE CKEEK AT EAST HELENA, MONT.

This station, which was established July 18, 1908, to obtain data 

for use in irrigation development, is located where the Northern 

Pacific Kail way crosses the stream at East Helena, Mont.

McClellan and Lump Gulch creeks are the only important tributaries entering above the station; Tenmile and Silver creeks come 

in below. All the normal flow of this stream is used for irrigation, 

the greater part of the water being diverted below this station.

At the gaging section the channel is rocky, clean, and nonshifting. 

The bed of the stream is so extremely rough that even in low water 

measurements are difficult. Fair results, however, have been 

obtained.

A staff gage is securely fastened to the piling on the Northern 

Pacific Railway bridge. The gage datum has remained the same. 

Measurements are made by wading just below the gage or from the 

highway bridge nearby.

Discharge measurements of Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 23

May 3

July 3

Aug. 18

Sept. 25

Nov. 27

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

19

28

31

37

23

48

38

Area of 

section.

8g. ft. 

18.6

37.1

74.9

60.7

35.0

36.7

41.3

height.

Feet. 

1.01

1.24

2.00

1.C4

1.04

1.23

1.09

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

53.6

98.0

336.

197.

48.0

75.0

50.9

Daily gage height, in feet, of Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont., for 1909. 

[J. R. McNamara, observer.]

Day.

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

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

3...........----------......

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

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

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

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

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

Mar.

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.1

1.2

1.2

Apr.

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

May.

1.1

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.6

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.4

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

2.2

2.2

2.0

June.

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

1.9

1.8

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.3

2.5

2.4

2.2

2 2

2.0

2.0

2.0

July.

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.7

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.2

Aug.

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

1.1

1.0

Sept.

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.3

1.6

1.6

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Oct.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.1 1.1

1.1 1.1 1.1

Nov.

1.2

. 1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

........

84548° WSP 266 11-
50 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, infect, of Prickly Pear Creel at East Helena, Mont., for 1909 Con.

Day.

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

27 . .

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

29. ........................ .-

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

01

Mar.

1.2

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

Apr.

1.2

1.1

1.0

May.

2.0

2.1

2.1

1.9

1.8

1.9

June.

1.9

2.0

1.9

1.7

1.9

July.

1.2

1.2

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.5

Aug.

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

Sept.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Oct.

J.I

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Nov.

i. i

NOTE. Ice conditions during January, February, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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...........................

Mar.

52

61

61

70

KO

52

52

52

52>y>

36>y>

52

70

70

90

on

90

70

70

70

61

70

90

90

90

70

61

61

61

70

Apr.

70

70

90

52<y>

52

36

52

70

70

61<y>

52

70

70

70

70

70

70

90

70

70

70

70

70

112

90

70

70

W

May.

70

112

112

165

195

112

112

90

112

137

90

70

70

90

112

112

112

112

137

137

137

165

415

415

335

335

375

375

295

260 295

June.

295

335

375

335

335

375

375

295

260

335

335

335

295

295

375

375

375

455

535

475

397

397

321

321

" 321

284

321

284

212

284

July.

284

247

212

179

179

212

179

149

149

149

122

122

98

98

98

77

77

59

59

77

212

149

122

122

77

77

77

179

212

179

149

Aug.

98

77

77

77

77

77

77

59

59

59,

59

59

59

68

68

43

43

43

43

43

43

30

30

59

43

43

30

30

30

30

30

Sept.

43

59

77

98

77

77

59

59

59

58

179

179

90

90

70

90

90

70

70

90

70

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

Oct.

52

52

52

52

52

52

37

37

52

52

37

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

37

37

52

52

52

52

52

52

37

37

37

37

37

Nov.

70

70

70

70

70

60

52

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

68

66

63

60

58

55

52

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Mar. 1 to June 19 fairly well 

denned between 52 and 435 second-feet.

June 20 to Sept. 12 fairly well defined between 43 and 240 second-feet. 

Sept. 13 to Dec. 3 fairly well defined between 37 and 90 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

90 

112 

415 

535 

284 

98 

179 

52 

70

Minimum.

36 

36 

70 

212 

59 

30 

43 

37 

52

Mean.

65.8 

67.8 

183 

344 

141 

53.6 

75.4 

47.2 

66.8

Run-off

(total in 

acre-feet).

4,050 

4,030 

11,300 

20,500 

8,670 

3,300 

4,490 

2,900 

3,970

63,200

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 51

LUMP GULCH CREEK AT CLANCY, MONT.

Lump Gulch Creek, a small mountain stream with no important 

tributaries, has been quite extensively used for placer mining. At 

present the creek furnishes some water for irrigation, but the valley is 

narrow and affords but little irrigable land. The normal flow of the 

stream is appropriated.

The gaging station, which was established July 15, 1908, to obtain 

information concerning the amount of water available for storage 

and for irrigation, is located at the ranch of Charles Zastron, 1 mile 

from Clancy, 15 miles from Helena, and one-half mile above the 

stream's junction with Prickly Pear Creek.

The stream bed is gravelly, unclean, and shifting, making it 

difficult to obtain satisfactory data. Gage heights are affected by 

ice. No flood records have been obtained.

A staff gage is located on the left bank of the stream directly south 

of the observer's house. All measurements are made by wading.

Discharge measurements of Lump Gulch Creek at Clancy, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 17

May 30

June 5

July 20

Oct. 20

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

12

12

12

11

11

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

6.8

13.0

18.1

11.7

6.3

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.44

.83

1.47

.80

.74

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

12.2

25.0

52.0

26.4

11.1

Daily gage height, in feet, of Lump Gulch Creek at Clancy, Mont., for 1909. 

[Chas. Zastron, observer.]

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...........................

Mar.

0.25

" .25

.3

.3

.35

.35

.35

.35

OK

.4

.4

45

.45

45

.45

.35

OK

OK

.45

Apr.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.95

.8

75

.7

.75

.75

7K

7C

.75

.75

.8

.8

May.

.8

.85

.85

.85

.95

.95

95

QK

95

.95

.95

95

.95

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.5

1.8

June.

1.5

1.8

9 A.

*> *>

2.1

2.0

1 9

1.9

1 Q

1 9

1.6

1.5

1.5

1 ft

1.7

1 7%

1.6

1.6

1.5

July.

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.4

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

95

QK

9

9

.7

.65

.65

oe

.7

.65

.65

.M

Aug.

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.45

45

45

45

5

.5

Sept.

0.6

.65

.65

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75?<;

7K

.85

.85

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

Oct.

0.7

.7

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Nov.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6
52 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Lump Gulch Creel at Clancy, Mont., for 1909 Contd.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

31

Mar.

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

Apr.

0.75

0.75

0.75

0.7

0.7

May.

1.9

2.2

2.1

June.

1.4

1.45

1.3

2.1

1.4

July.

0.65

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

Aug.

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

Sept.

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

Oct.

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

Nov.

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.6

NOTE. Ice conditions existing in January, February, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Lump Gulch Creel at Clancey, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

28......---.-..-..-..-...-...

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

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

01

Mar.

9

C

9.5

10.0

10.0

10.7

10.7

10.7

10.7

10.7

11.4

11.4

11.4

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

10.7

10.7

10.7

11.4

11.4

11.4

12.5

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

Apr.

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

29

21

19.5

21

21

21

91

21

21

23

23

21

21

1Q fi

May.

19.5

23

25

25

25

29

29

29

29

29

29

29

29

29

31

31

31

31

31

36

36

40

40

54

69

74

89

84

69

69

69

June.

69

69

66

59

52

54

54

65

100

90

85

80

74

74

74

74

60

55

55

70

65.

67

60

60

55

50

52

46

87

51

July.

46

42

42

51

42

42

40

37

37

34

34

32

32

30

30

26

22

22

20

20

25

22

20

20

20

20

17

17

17

17

17

Aug.

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

13

13

12

12

12

12

11

11

11

11

12

12

11

11

11

11

11

10

10

Sept.

13

14

14

16

16

16

16

16

15

15

18

18

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

12

12

12

12

12

11.5

11.5

11.5

11.5

11.5

11.5

Oct.

10.4

10.4

10.4

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

Nov.

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

- 8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Mar. 1 to June 5, fairly well 

denned between 11.4 and 64 second-feet. June 6 to Oct. 1, indirect method for shifting channels. Oct. 2 

to Nov. 30, poorly defined.

Monthly discharge of Lump Gulch Creel at Clancey, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April ..............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

13.6 

29 

89 

100 

51 

14 

18 

10.4 

8.8

Minimum.

9.5 

13.6 

19.5 

46 

17 

10 

11.5 

8.8 

8.8

Mean.

11.6 

18.1 

40.7 

65.7 

28.8 

12.4 

13.6 

9.11 

8.80

Kun-ofl 

(total in 

acre-feet).

713 

1,080 

2,500 

3,910 

1,770 

762 

809 

560 

524

12,600

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 53

TENMILE CREEK NEAR HELENA, MONT.

This station, which is located opposite the Broadwater Hotel, 

near Helena, Mont., was established July 8, 1908, to determine the 

amount of water available for irrigation and for municipal supply.

Part of the water supply of the city of Helena is taken from Tenmile 

Creek above the station. Two irrigation ditches also take their 

water from this creek above the gage. The entire low-water flow~ 

is appropriated and used before it reaches the mouth of the creek.

The principal tributaries above the gaging station are Blue Cloud, 

Spring, and Walker creeks; Sevenmile Creek enters 2 miles below.

The channel shifts somewhat during flood stages, but at medium 

and low water the conditions are good for obtaining accurate discharge data. The stream freezes over during the winter months and 

no records are kept.

The gage is of the staff type and is located on right bank of stream. 

The datum has remained the same. Measurements are made by 

wading.

Discharge measurements of Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 23

July 3

Oct. 1

Hydrographer.

.....dO.....................................................

.,... do. ...j.................. ..............................

Width.

Feet. 

15

30

56

38

16

20

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

15.6

41.1

64.4

33.0

7.2

13.0

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.00

2.80

3.60

2.85

1.71

2.00

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

16.0

87.0

210

5.7

16.2

Daily gage height, in feet, of Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont., for 1909. 

[Harry Hillman, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 %

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

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

1ft

19

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

99

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

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

Mar.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.7

1 Q

9 n

2.0

9 n

2.0

2.0

2.0

2 A

2.0

2.1

2.1

Apr.

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.8

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.2

May.

2.3

2.4

2.6

3.0

3.2

3.0

2.9

2.85

2.9

3.2

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.5

3.8

4.0

4.3

4.5

June.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.7

4.0

4.6

4.6

4.7

4.7

4.4

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.0

3.6

4.0

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.2

July.

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.1

Aug.

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

Sept.

1.7

1.8

2.0

2.4

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.0

Oct.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

.2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

' 2.0

2.0

2.1

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.2

2.0

2.0

Nov.

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.1.

2.0

2.0

1.9

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.2

Dec.

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5
54 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

Apr.

2.6

2.5

2

K

2

K

2.2

May.

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.2

4.0

June.

3 1

3.1

3

1

3

1

3.3

July.

3.0

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

Aug.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

Sept.

2.0

1.9

1 9

1 9

1 9

Oct.

9 n

2.0

2 n

2.0

2.0

Nov.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

Dec.

NOTE. Ice conditions January 1 to February 28 and December 10 to 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

S.. .................

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19................... 20. ...............:..

21...................

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

23...................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

11.5

11.5

11.5

11.5

10.0

11.5

11.5

11.5

6.0

4.0

2.5

2.5

6.0

11.5

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

19.0

19.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

Apr.

15.0

19.0

19.0

19 0

1 K f)

n c

8.5

15.0

15.0

19.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

19 0

19.0

19.0

19.0

- 19.0

19.0

19.0

19.0

19.0

25

25

25

 M

49

49

49

25

May.

32

40

59

109

140

109

95

88

QK

140

109

109

109

109

140

124

140

157

194

257

303

376

426

451

477

451

351

303

June.

351

351

351

280

257

235

303

451

451

477

477

401

351

351

351

327

303

214

303

235

214

194

175

140

124

124

124

157

July.

124

124

124

124

124

Q<;

95

82

82

82

70

59

49

40

32

32

25

19 0

19.0

19.0

40

32

25

25

19.0

19 0

109

.59

49

40

32

Aug.

25

25

19.0

19.0

19 0

11.5

11.5

11.5

11.5

11.5

11.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

Sept.

6.0

8.5

15.0

40

OK

19.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

19.0

25

40

32

25

25

19.0

19.0

19.0

19.0

25

25

19.0

25

15.0

15.0

11.5

11.5

11.5

11.5

Oct.

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0 1 K n

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

19.0

32

25

32

25

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

17

Nov.

19.0

25

32

40

40

40

40

32

25

19.0

19.0

15.0

15.0

11.5

19.0

19.0

25

25

25

25

15.0

15.0

19.0

25.0

25.0

25.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

Dec.

15.0

11.5

8.5

8.5

6.0

4.0

4.0

2.5

2.5

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 2.5 and 303 second-feet. 

Monthly discharge of Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April ..............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

19.0 

59 

477 

477 

124 

25 

40 

32 

40 

15.0

Minimum.

2.5 

8.5 

32 

124 

19.0 

6.0 

6.0 

15.0 

11.5 

2.5

Mean.

12.4 

22.6 

199 

283 

60.3 

9.79 

19.5 

16.9 

23.2 

6.95

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-i'eet).

762 

1,340 

12,200 

16,800 

3,710 

602 

1,160 

1,040 

1,380 

124

39,100

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 55

SEVENMILE CREEK NEAR BIRDSEYE, MONT.

This station, which is located at Richard Tobin's ranch, one-fourth 

mile from Birdseye, Mont., was established March 27, 1909. From 

July 16, 1908, to August 26, 1908, a station was maintained on this 

stream at Dr. Head's ranch, near Helena, Mont. The records determine the value of the stream for irrigation and municipal water 

supply.

The entire flow of this creek is appropriated and used for irrigation.

The staff gage is used. All measurements are made by wading.

Discharge measurements of Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 27

May 8

Aug. 18

Hydrographer.

J. E. Stewart. . ............................................

.....do...!.................................................

.....do...;.................................................

Width.

Feet. 

11.5

12

14

6

7

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

4.8

7.1

14.4

3.1

3.5

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.28

2.49

3.50

1.82

1.96

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

10.2

17.0

52.6

5.0

6.7

Daily gagelheight, in feet, of Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye, Mont., for 1909. 

[Richard Tobin, observer.]

Day.

I................

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

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

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

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

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

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

10.......---...-..

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

1G. ...............

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

19

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

21.. .............

O 'I

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

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

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

30

01

..........

..........

Apr.

2.35

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.15

2.25

2.3

2.15

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.2

2.1

2.15

2.1

2.2

2.25

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.25

2.35

2.35

2.3

2.35

2.35

2.25

........

May.

2.35

2.25

2.35

2.4

2.6

2.4

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.5

2.4

2.5

2.4

2.55

2.75

2.45

2.55

2.6

2.65

9 7

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.1

3.1

3.3

3.2

3.05

9 Q

June.

2.95

2.65

2.6

2.65

2.6

2.65

2.75

3.2

4.0

3.95

3.6

3

£C

3.5

3.4

3.25

3

0

2.7

2

CK

2.55

2.5

2.5

2

K

2.55

2.6

July.

2.45

2.4

2.45

2.45

2.55

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.4

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

3.55

2.2

2.15

2.1

Aug.

2.05

2.05

2.05

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.9

1.75

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1 9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.75

1 7*1

Sept.

1.75

1.8

2.2

2.05

1.85

1.85

2.5

2.0

2.05

1.95

2.1

1.95

1.9

1.95

1.95

1.9

1.95

1.9

1.85

1.95

2.05

1.95

1.9

1.95

1.9

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

2.0

Oct.

1.95

1.85

1.95

1.85

1.95

2.05

2.05

2.05

1.95

1.95

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

Nov.

'2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

1.95

2.05

2.0

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

1.95

1.95

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

Dec.

1.95

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

NOTE. Ice Dec.;8 to 31.
56 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye, Mont., for 1909.

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............................

Apr.

12.6

9.8

9.8

10.7

9.0

10.7

11.6

9 0

11.6

9

0

9 8

9

0

9 0

9.8

8.3

9 0

8.3

9 8

10.7

9

0

9 0

9 A

9 0

10.7

12.6

11.6

12.6

10.7

May.

10.7

12.6

1"? 7

18.9

13.7

14 9

 tA Q

14 9

14.9

16.1

13 7

16.1

1"? 7

17 5

23.8

14 9

10 K

20.5

29.1

on i

29.1

07

07

on

4.K

41

QC

29.1

June.

31

20.5

18.9

20.5

18.9

20.5

23.8

41

74

72

72

57

EQ

59

EQ

51

AQ

43

AK

07

00 1

17.5

16.1

16.1

16.1

17.5

17 ^

July.

14.9

13.7

14.9

14.9

17.5

16.1

14.9

10 7

14.9

lo 7

12.6

11.6

10.7

9.8

Q 8

9 8

9.8

11.6

Q 8

Q 8

9.8

9.8

9 8

55

17 *\

9.8

9 A

8.3

8.3

Aug.

7.6

7.6

7.6

6.4

6.4

6.4

5.9

4.6

C A

5 A

5.4

5 A

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

6 A

5.4

5.4

5.9

4.9

4 9

4.2

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.2

4.2

4.6

4.6

4.6

Sept.

4.6

4.9

9.8

7.6

5.4

5.4

16.1

7.0

7.6

6.4

8.3

6.4

5.9

6.4

6.4

5.9

6.4

5.9

5.4

6.4

7.6

6.4

5.9

6.4

5.9

6.4

6.4

6.4

6.4

7.0

Oct.

6.4 6.4'

6.4

5.4

6.4

7.6

7.6

7.6

6.4

6.4

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

Nov.

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

6.4

7.6

7.0

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

6.4

6.4

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

Dec.

6.4

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve well defined below 60 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

August ........................................ ...

October. . .........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

12.6 

45 

72 

55 

7.6 

16.1 

7.6 

9.0 

9.0

Minimum.

8.3 

10.7 

16.1 

8.3 

4.2 

4.6 

5.4 

6.4 

6.4

Mean.

10.3 

22.2 

35.7 

16.5 

5.41 

6.77 

7.30 

7.65 

8.63

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

613 

1,360 

2.120 

830 

333 

402 

449 

455 

120

6,680

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

LITTLE PRICKLY PEAR CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Little Prickly Pear Creek rises in the Kocky Mountains near the 

Continental Divide, about 10 miles northwest of Marysville, Mont., 

and flows in a northeasterly direction to its junction with Missouri 

River, about 45 miles below Helena. The principal tributaries are 

Deadman, Marsh, Canyon, and Wolf creeks.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 57

The valley of the Little Prickly Pear is narrow and bounded by high 

mountains and is exceptionally well irrigated on the upper portion of 

the stream. Additional water supply may be obtained by storage.

LITTLE PRICKLY PEAR CREEK NEAR MARYSVILLE, MONT.

This station, which is located on the upper portion of the stream at 

the Pearce ranch, 6 miles west and 3 miles north of Marysville, Mont., 

was established May 18, 1909, to obtain data for use in connection 

with irrigation.

Above this station Little Prickly Pear Creek has no important 

tributaries. Many small ditches take water from the stream, practically the entire flow of the stream being appropriated.

A staff gage is used, the datum of which has remained unchanged 

since the station was established. All measurements are made by 

wading.

The channel bed shifts in high water. During the winter months 

the creek freezes over.

Discharge measurements of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 18

July 10

Sept. 29

Nov. 11

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

9

i6

11

8

29

Area of 

section.

Sq.fl

16.6

10.0

5.6

3.8

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.78

3.50

3.10

2.71

2.62

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

13.0

40.0

21.2

7.8

5.1

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909.

[Gertrude M. Pearse, observer.]

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....................................

May.

2.8

2.8

2.85

3.0

3.3

3.55

3.55

3.6

June.

3.8

4.0

4.0

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.65

3.5

3.9

4.15

4.15

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.4

3.3

July.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.95

Aug.

2.9

2 9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85-

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2

Q

2

0 

. O

Sept.

2.8

2

0

2

Q

2

0

2

0

2.8

2.8

2

Q

9 ft

2

0

2

0

2

0

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.7

Oct.

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

Nov.

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

Dec.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

, 2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

. 2.6

2.6

2.6
58 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909 

Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

May.

3.9

4. T!

4.1

3.9

3.8

3.7

June.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.25

July.

2.95

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.95

Aug.

2.8

2.8

2

0

2

0

2

0

2

0

Sept.

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

Oct.

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.65

Nov.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

Dec.

2.6

2.C

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.55

Daily discharge, in, second-feet, of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont.,

for 1909.

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....................................

May.

*

14

14

16

21

34

47

47

60

69

86

82

69

62

56

June.

62

73

73

61

53

48

50

40

64

79

79

76

76

76

70

64

58

- 58

52

46

46

43

35

30

30

30

30

30

28

July.

25

25

25

23

23

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

19

19

19

17.1

17.1

17.1

17.1

17.1

17.1

17.1

17.1

17.1

15.4

15.4

17.1

17 1

17.1

15.4

15.4

Aug.

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

10.3

10.3

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

Sept.

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

Oct.

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

6.0

6.0

6.0

Nov.

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

i6.0

6.0

6.0

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

Dec.

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: May 18jto 25. not well defined; 

May 26 to June 7, indirect method for shifting channels; June 8 to Dec. 31, well defined below 50 secondfeet.

Monthly discharge of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

May 18-31............... ..........................

July...............................................

The period ..................................

Discharge In second-feet.

Maximum.

86 

79 

25 

13.6 

10.3 

7.4 

6.0 

4.7

Minimum.

14 

28 

15.4 

10.3 

7.4 

6.0 

4.7 

3.6

Mean.

47.6 

53.8 

19.1 

11.7 

9.12 

7.26 

5.13 

4.56

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,320 

3,200 

1,170 

719 

543 

446 

305 

280

7,980

Accuracy.

B. 

A.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 59

LITTLE PRICKLY PEAR CREEK NEAR CANYON CREEK, MONT.

This station, which is located near Canyon Creek post office, was 

established April 1, 1909, to determine the quantity of water available 

for irrigation. Above this station Canyon, Marsh, Lost Horse, and 

Deadman creeks are the principal tributaries. Many small ditches 

take water from this stream and the low-water flow is practically all 

appropriated.

The channel at the gaging station will shift in flood, but at ordinary 

stages remains permanent.

Ice is common during the winter months. The staff gage -datum 

has remained the same. Measurements are made by wading.

Discharge measurements of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Canyon Creek, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 1

May 18

July 9

Hydrographer.

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

30

34

22

23

23

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

36.8

47.4

57.7

34.4

26.5

oq A

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.51

2.88

3.52

2.63

2.32

2 91

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

66.8

111

207

64.3

33 6

26.2

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Canyon Creek, Mont., for 1909.

fW. J. Carbis, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1O

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23. ..........................

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

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

97

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

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

OA

31

Apr.

2.5

2.45

2.45

2.2

2.15

2.2

2.05

2.15

2.35

2.5

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.25

2.4

2.5

2.3

2.4

2.45

2.4

2.5

2 7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2 9

May.

2.45

2.45

3.0

3.3

3.1

3.1

3.0

2.85

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.95

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.2

3.7

3.95

4.0

4.1

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.0

June.

4.0

3.95

3.95

3.85

3.7

3.5

3.5

3.5

4.25

4.35

4.4

4.35

4.4

4.35

4.2

4.1

3.9

3.85

3.7

3.75

3,9

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.6

3

C

3.4

3.3

3.35

3

0

July.

3.1

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.3

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.95

1 9

2.1

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.3

Aug.

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

2.0

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1,95

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2 A

2.0

Sept.

2.1

2.3

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.4

2.35

2.35

2.3-

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.3

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.3

2.3

2

O

Oct.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

Nov.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.26

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

Dec.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

NOTE. Ice Dec. 12 to 31.
60 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAKT VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Canyon Creek, Mont.,

for 1909.

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...........................

Apr.

65

60

60

38

34

38

28

34

50

65

46

38

46

60

60

60

42

55

65

46

55

60

55

65

88

76

76

65

38

May.

60

60

126

170

140

140

106

100

113

113

106

113

100

100

120

113

113

113

126

155

238

284

293

312

331

370

370

350

293

June.

293

284

284

238

203

Ofto

198

355

355

365

326

307

270

260

228

237

265

245

228

210

210

192

175 162*

165

143

July.

115

101

89

89

89

78

78

66

66

61

61

C1

51

34

26

22

19

13

19

13

9

9

11

9

19

42

42

38

14.

Aug.

34

30

26

19

13

13

11

13

13

13

11

13

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

19

19

19

19

19

13

13

13

13

Sept.

19

34

46

46

46

42

42

38

38

38

42

38

38

34

38

38

38

34

38

38

38

42

3S.

34

34

38

34

34

34

Oct..

34

34

34

OJ.

34

34

3404.

04

34

*2A

34

34

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

19

19

19

19

19

13

13

13

13

11

Nov.

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

22

22

19

11

19

19

19

26

30

34

34

42

42

42

38

34

34

34

34

Dec.

26

26

26

26

22

22

22

19

19

19

NOTE. These discharges are based on curves applicable as follows: Apr. 1 to June 7 Well defined 

between 50 and 225 second-feet. June 8 to July 8 Indirect method for shifting channels. July 9 to 

Dec. 11 Well defined between 20 and 80 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Canyon Creek, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

88 

370 

365 

127 

34 

46 

34 

42 

26

Minimum.

28 

60 

143 

9 

11 

19 

13 

13 

19

Mean.

54.1 

181 

257 

49.9 

15.1 

37.8 

26.1 

28.1 

23.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,220 

11,100 

15,300 

3,070 

928 

2,250 

1,600 

1,670 

502

39,600

Accnracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

DEADMAN CREEK NEAR MARYSVILLE, MONT.

This station, which is located near the ranch of Charles Johnson, 

about half a mile above the junction of Lost Horse Creek with Deadman Creek and 6 miles from Marysville, was established April .2, 

1909, to obtain data for use in connection with irrigation development. One or two small ditches take water from the stream.
MISSOURI EIVER BASIN. 61

On June 8, 1909, the staff gage was moved down stream 300 yards 

and was given a new datum.

The channel does not shift. Measurements are made by wading. 

Ice is common during the colder months.

Discharge measurements of Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 2

May 18

July 10

Nov. 11

Hydrographer.

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

6.4

12

12

11

7.8

9

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 7

12.3

19.6

10.5

4.4

3.1

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.72

3.41

2.60

2.10

1.89

1.86

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.5

24.1

52.0

13.8

5.1

3.7

Daily gage height, in feet, of Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909. 

[Charles Johnson, observer.]

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...........................

9Q

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

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

Apr.

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2 OK

2.85

2.8

2.85

2.85

2 OK

2.90

9 Q

2.9

2 Q

2.95

2.95

2.95

3.1

3.15

3 1 £.

3.2

May.

3.2

3.2

3.4

3.6

3.9

3.95

4.0

4.0

3.95

4.0

4.0

3.95

3.95

4.0

4.0

3.8

3.5

3.4

3.7

3.9

4.05

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.5

4 5

4.45

June.

4.4

4.35

4.3

4.25

4.15

3.7

3.7

2.6

2.95

3.2

3.25

3

O

3.25

3

Q

3.2

3.1 ? n

2.9

2

Q

9 7%

2 7

2.6

2

CE

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.45

2.4

July.

2.4

2.35

2.35

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2

1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.5

9 c;

2.5

2.5

2.5

2

K

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.0

Aug.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1 QK.

1 QK.

1.95

1 QK

1.95

1 QK.

1 QK.

1.95

1 Qfl

1 95

1.95

1.95

1 QK.

1.95

1 QK.

1.95

1 QK.

Sept.

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1 9

1 9

1 Q

1.9

1 9

1 9

1.9

1 Q

1 9

1.9

1 9

1 9

Oct.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 9

1.9

1 9

1.9

1.9

Nov.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

Dec.

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

NOTE. Ice conditions from Dec. 12 to 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

3.5

3.9

5.0

5.0

6.1

May.

16.9

16.9

23

30

42

June.

64

62

60

CO

54

July.

34

30

30

26

23

Aug.

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

Sept.

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

Oct.

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

Nov.

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

Dec.

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1
62 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909 Contd.

Day.

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...................

Mar. Apr.

6.1

6.1

5.0

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

7 3

7

0

6.1

7 °.

7 °.

8.5

8

p

8.5

8.5

Q £

9

0

9

0

13 9

15.4

1* A.

16.9

May.

44

47

47

44

47

47

44

47

47

00

26

23

24

34

42

49

CC

56

60

64

68

68

68

66

64

June.

34

34

51

86

113

118

113

118

Q1

81

' 71

66

61

51

46

42

49

38

00

38

38

34

July.

19.4

19.4

16.5

16.5

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

13.6

42

42

49

42

42

49

42

42

49

in A

1Q 4

19.4

1Q A.

9 0

Aug.

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

7.2

7.2

7 9

7.2

7 9

7.2

7 9

7 9

7.2

7 9

7.2

7.2

7 9

7.2

7 9

7.2

7 9

7.2

Sept.

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

9.0

'9.09.0

9 A

Q ft.

9 0

9

n

9 0

9.0

5.4

5 4

5.4

5.4

z $.

5.4

K A

5 4

C A

5 4

5.4

K A

Oct.

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

K A

5 4

5.4

5 4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

K A

5.4

5.4

5.4

K A

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

Nov.

5.4

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

Dec.

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

NOTE. These discharges are hased on rating curves applieahle as follows: Apr. 2 to June 7, not well 

denned; June 8 to Dec. 11, fairly well denned below 60 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April ..............................................

June ..............................................

July...............................................

August. ............................... ........

October............................... .... .

December 1-11................ .... .. ..........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

16.9 

68 

124 

42 

9.0 

9.0 

5.4 

5.4 

4.1

Minimum.

3.5 

16.9 

34 

9.0 

7.2 

5.4 

5.4 

4.1 

4.1

Mean.

7.96 

44.9 

68.0 

25.4 

7.84 

7.02 

5.40 

4.36 

4.10

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

474 

2,760 

4,050 

1,560 

482 

418 

332 

259 

89.5

10,400

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

LOST HORSE CREEK NEAR MARYSVILLE, MONT.

Lost Horse Creek is a small stream and is fed by springs and 

melting snow in the mountains.

The gaging station, which was established April 2, 1909, is at the 

ranch of Charles Johnson, one-fourth mile above the junction of Lost 

Horse with Deadman Creek, and about 6 miles from Marysville.

One ditch receives its water from Lost Horse Creek. There are 

no tributaries. Data is of value for irrigation. Channel conditions 

are good in low and ordinary stages, but will shift in high water. 

A staff gage is used. Measurements are made by wading.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 63 

Discharge measurements of Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 2

May 18

June 8

July 10

Sept. 29

Nov. 11

Hydrographer.

J. E . Stewart. .............................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet.

5.0

5.5

5.6

3.3

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

2.8

4.8

3.1

1.4

71

height.

Feet. 

1.50

1.96

2.68

2.20

1.79

1.74

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

aO.4

5.3

15.1

10.3

1.1

.55

a Estimated.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909. 

[Charles Johnson, observer.]

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...........................

Apr.

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.6

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.75

1 7^

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.8

May.

1.85

1.95

1.9

1.9

2.1

2.15

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.1

1.95

2.0

2.05

2.2

2.35

2.5

2.7

2.85

3.0

3.05

3.2

3.15

3.1

June.

3.1

3.1

3.15

3.05

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.4

2.7

3.95

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

3.85

3.65

3.55

3.4

3.2

3.1

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.7

July.

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.3

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.3

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2,5

2.5

2.2

2.2

Aug.

 2.2

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.95

1 OS

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.9

1.9

Sept.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1 O

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

Oct.

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

Nov.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

Dec.

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

NOTE. Ice conditions Dec. 12 to 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

0.4

.4

.9

.9

1.4

1.4

.9

1.4

.9

May.

4.2

4.2

4.7

4.7

7.2

7.8

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

June.

22

22

22

21

18.5

18.5

17.0

15.5

11.5

16.0

July.

16.5

16.5

16.5

15.0

15.0

15.0

13.6

13.0

11.5

11.0

Aug.

9.8

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

Sept.

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

5.6

Oct.

0 8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

Nov.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

.8

.8

.8

.8

Dec.

0.4

.4

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.2

.2

.2
64 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909-

Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

1.4

2.0

2.0

2.0

2

n

9 fi

2.5

2.5

2.5

3.0 "3.0

3.0

2.5

2.5

3.0

3.0

3.6

3.6

May.

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

7.8

7 9

5 q

5.9

6.6

8.5

12.6

15.5

17.8

20.0

21

23

22

22

June.

38

42

42

Aft

40

36

32

31

28

24

23

20

20

18.0

18.0

17.0

16.0

16.0

17.0

July.

11.0

11.0

11.0

11.0

10.2

10.2

11.0

10.2

9.5

8.8

8.8

8.8

11.5

14.0

14.0

14.0

14.0

14.0

9.8

9.8

Aug.

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.5

A K 4.5

Sept.

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.9

3.5

3.5

2.8

2

0

2.8

2.3

2.1

2.0

.8

.8

Oct.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Nov.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Dec.

0.2

NOTE. These discharges are based on curves applicable as follows: Apr. 2 to June 8, well defined below 

20-second feet. June 9 to Sept. 29, indirect methodfor shifting channels. Sept. 30 to 11, not well defined.

Monthly discharge of Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April 2-30 .........................................

July...........................;...................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3.6 

23 

42 

16.5 

9.8 

5.9 

1.1 

1.1 

.4

Minimum.

0.4 

4.2 

11.5 

8.8 

4.5 

.8 

.8 

.5 

.2

Mean.

2.00 

10.9 

24.8 

12.3 

6.09 

4.07 

.95 

.76 

.28

Run-off

(total in 

acre-feet).

115

670 

1,480 

756 

374 

242 

- 58.4 

45.2 

6.11

3,750

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C.

MARSH CREEK NEAR MARYSVILLE, MONT.

This is a small stream that rises in the mountains about 10 miles 

from Marysville. The station was established April 1, 1909, and is 

located at the Hartmiller ranch, about 1 mile above the junction of 

Marsh Creek with the Little Prickly Pear. Marsh Creek has no 

tributaries and no diversions of any size. Data is of value for irrigation. Measurements are made by wading near the staff gage.

Discharge measurements of Marsh Creek near Marysville, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 1

May 18

July 10

Sept. 29

Nov. 11

Hydrographer.

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

.....do....................... ..............................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do..................... ...............................

Width.

Feet. 

4.5

4.4

9

7

4.5

4.7

Area of 

section.

S?./,8

1.7

4.4

3.9

1.3

1.2

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.71

1.77

1.98

1.80

1.43

1.39

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.9

3.4

8.0

6.8

1.8

1.6
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 65

Daily gage height, in feet, of Marsh Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909. 

[J. Hartmiller, jr., observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

fj

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

30

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

Apr.

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.65

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

2.0

1.8

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.7

May.

1.8

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.9

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.85

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.05

2.05

2.1

2.1

2.15

2.1

June.

2.05

2.05

2. a

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.95

1 Q

1 Q

1 Q

1.85

1.85

July.

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

1 7

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.65

1.9

1,7

1.65

1.65

1.6

Aug.

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.45.

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

Sept.

1.45

1.5

1.75

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Oct.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Nov.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Dec.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

NOTE. Ice conditions Dec. 4 to 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Marsh Creek near Mary smile, Mont., for 1909.

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...........---..-......-.-.

Apr.

2.8

2.4

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.7

1.7

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.4

2.0

2.4

2.8

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

8.4

4.0

2.8

2.4

2.4

2.8

May.

2

0

4 0

7.1

7.1

7.1

5.8

4.0

4 9

4 0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.9

4 0

4.9

5.8

4.0

5.8

4.9

5.8

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4

10.0

10.0

11.6

11.6

13.5

11.6

June.

11.6

10.0

10.0

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4

1 0 A

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

14.0

14.0

14.5

14.6

13.0

13.0

13.0

11.2

11.2

9.4

9.4

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.1

7.1

July:

7.1

7.1

7.1

5.9

5 0

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

<; Q

5.9

5.9

5 0

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

6.8

4.9

4.2

4.2

4.2

3.4

4.2

9.4

4 9

4.2

4.2

3.4

Aug.

3.4

3.4

3.4

2.8

2.8

2.8

2

O

2

0

2

0

2.8

2.3

2.3

2.8

2.3

2.3

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.3

2.0

2.3

2 3.

2.8

2.3

2.3

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

Sept.

2.0

2

0

5.9

2.3

2

0

2.0

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

2.0

2.3

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Oct.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Nov.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

2.0

2.3

2.0

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Dec.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Apr. 1 to June 6 fairly well 

defined from 2 to 10 second-feet. June 7 to July 11, indirect method for shifting channels. July 12 to 

Dec. 4, fairly well defined below 8 second-feet.

84548° WSP 266 11 5
66 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Marsh Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1909,

Month.

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

8.4 

13.5 

15.0 

9.4 

3.4 

5.9 

1.6 

2.3

Minimum.

1.7 

2.8 

7.1 

3.4 

2.0 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

Mean.

2.43 

6.66 

11.4 

5.71 

2.45 

1.88 

1.60 

1.65

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

145 

410 

678 

351 

151 

112 

98 

98

2,040

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

DEARBORN RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Dearborn River rises on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains 

in Lewis arid Clark County, Mont., and takes a general southeasterly 

course to its junction with the Missouri about 40 miles southwest of 

Great Falls.

The construction of a project under the Carey Act to reclaim about 

30,000 acres of land was undertaken several years ago. The water 

supply for this project comes from the natural flow of the Dearborn 

at a point just below the mouth of Falls Creek.

DEARBORN RIVER NEAR CLEMONS, MONT.

This station, which was established May 4, 1908, to obtain information concerning the amount of water available for irrigation, is located 

2 miles above demons, Mont., and half a mile above the headworks 

of the reclamation project.

The only important tributary near the station is Falls Creek, which 

enters one-half mile below. The drainage area is 110 square miles.

Measurements at this station are made by wading. The conditions 

are good for obtaining accurate results at low and medium stages, 

but measurements at flood stages are impossible. The stream freezes 

over during the winterj and no record of gage heights is kept. The 

datum of the staff gage has remained unchanged.

Discharge measurements of Dearborn River near demons, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 6

July 9

Oct. 21

Hydrographer.

..... do........................................... ......... .

.....do.....................................................

J.. E. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

71

50

63

48

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

7*3

91.1

48.1

65.0

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.43

.68

.07

-.08

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

183

260

81

45.4
MISSOUBI RIVER BASIN". 67

Daily gage height, in feet, of Dearborn River near demons, Mont., for 1909. 

[Dr. O. A. Kenk, observer.]

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...........................

Mar.

- .24

- .24

- .22

- .22

- .20

- .20

Apr.

-0.20

- .20

- .20

- .18

- .18

- .18

- .19

- .20

- .20

- .18

- .14

- .14

- .02

- .02

- .03

- .02

May.

-0.03

0

80

.50

.42

.42

.41

.42

.42

.42

45

CO

90

1 4ft

1.45

1.38

1.25

June.

1 Qfi

1.75

1 03

1.89

2.05

2.06

2.06

2 ftfi

2.08

1 QK.

1.56

1.28

Lib

i f\ti

1.06

July.

i ru

1 00

on

.71

.66

.63

.63

"W

*ut

KO

K/l

.48

.44

Aug.

0.39

.36

.35

.27

.22

.12

.12

.ii

.10

.09

.04

.01

0

Sept.

0.14

90

.38

.30

.27

.17

.15

.12

.12

.12

.ii

.10

.09

.10

Oct.

0.10

.06

.04

.00

-.02

-.01

.00

.66

.00

.00

-.01

-.01

.00

.02

Nov.

6.02

.01"

.02

.02

.02

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 18 and Nov. Jl to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Dearborn River near demons, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

7.............--....-.-.-.-.

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

9

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

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

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

1 3

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

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

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

17.......--..........-----...

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

19

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

9Q

3(1

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

Mar.

20

22

22

22

22

24

24

24

26

27

27

27

27

Apr.

27

27

27

27

27

30

30

30

30

30

30

29

28

27

27

27

30

30

34

37

37

37

48

58

58

58

57

56

57

58

May.

56

59

62

307

198

172

172

172

170

169

170

172

172

172

172

172

177

182

194

205

277

349

405

508

610

625

640

620

599

528

547

June.

566

577

588

704

820

928

904

952

1,000

1,000

1,010

1,020

1,030

1,020

1,010

1,010

1,010

1,010

1,020

' 940

706

625

544

508

472

435

430

425

425

425

July.

415

405

395

380

364

349

310

272

263

254

248

243

243

243

243

238

233

229

224

218

212

210

208

203

198

196

194

192

186

179

171

Aug.

163

158

154

152

151

140

128

124

119

114

106

98

89

89

89

88

86

85

84

83

82

79

75

71

68

64

63

62

62

62

62

Sept.

94

222

349

254

160

148

136

134

131

128

115

102

99

96

92

89

89

89

89

88

87

86

85

85

84

83

82

83

83

84

Oct.

84

75

73

71

66

62

60

59

58

59

60

60

61

62

62

62

62

62

62

62

62

62

61

60

60

60

61.

62

64

66

66

Nov.

66

66

65

64

65

65

66

66

66

66

66

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve well defined between 40 and 300 second-feet. Discharges interpolated for days when gage was not read.
68 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Dearborn River near demons, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 110 square miles.]

Month.

Mar.19-31. .....................

July............................

Nov.1-11.......................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

27 

58 

640 

1,030 

415 

163 

349 

84 

66

Minimum.

20 

27 

56 

425 

171 

62 

82 

58 

64

Mean.

24.2 

36.9 

291 

770 

255 

98.4 

122 

63.4 

65.5

Per 

square 

mile.

0.220 

.335 

2.65 

7.00 

2.32 

.895 

1.11 

.576 

.595

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.10 

.37 

3.06 

7.81 

2.68 

1.03 

1.24 

.66 

.24

Total in 

acre>-feet.

624 

2,200 

17,900 

45,800 

15,700 

6,050 

7,260 

3,900 

1,430

101,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

FALLS CREEK NEAR CLEMONS, MONT.

This station, which is located 1^ miles above demons, Mont., and 

500 feet above the mouth of the creek, was established May 4, 1908, 

to obtain data for use in connection with water-power and irrigation 

development.

Falls Creek has a large fall above the gaging station and affords 

opportunities for water-power development. No water is diverted 

from this stream, its entire flow reaching Dearborn River.

The conditions for obtaining accurate discharge measurements are 

fair at medium and low stages. Measurements are impossible at 

flood stages, as they can be made only by wading. No records are 

kept during the winter, as the gage heights are affected by ice. The 

datum of the staff gage has remained unchanged.

Discharge measurements of Falls Creek near demons, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

July 9

Oct. 21

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

36

55

32

24

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

32

52

26.6

20.7

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.30

1.61

1.09

.94

Discharge.

Sec.ft. 

66.2

145

55. 4

33.6

Daily gage height, in feet, of Falls Creek near demons, Mont., for 1909. 

[Dr. O. A. Kenck, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

g

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

Mar.

0.81

.81

.82

.80

.81

Apr.

0.82

.82

.82

OO

.82

.82

May.

0.92

.95

1.50

1.30

1 3ft

1.32

1.33

June.

2.31

2.37

2.80

3.04

2.85

2.98

July.

1.96

1.91

1.80

1.65

1.60

Aug.

1.40

1.36

1.30

1.27

i.is

Sept.

1.11

1.71

1.41

1.50

i.32

Oct.

1.12

1.10

1.08

1.04

1.00

Nov.

0.96

.95

.89

.89
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 69 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Falls Creek near demons, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

17.....-..--...--........-...

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

19

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

O Q1

ft9

QO

.83

.83

.82

CO

.83

.82

.82

Apr.

0.82

QO

QO

.85

.85

ftfi

91

.91

.88

91

May.

1 31

1 9ft

1 98

1 3A

1 3A

1.85

1 91

9 V>

2.40

2.34

June.

2.98

3.01

2.96

2.98

2.98

2.96

2.32

2.20

2.00

2.00

1 98

July.

1 59

1.55

1.55

1.51

1.50

1.48

1 48

1.45

Aug.

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.08

1.07

1.01

1.01

1.00

1.00

Sept.

1.22

1.22

1.20

1.20

1.18

1.15

1.14

1.10

1.12

Oct.

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

i.66

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Nov.

0.88

NOTE. Ice conditions during January and February and Nov. 12 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Falls Creek near demons, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

is

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

15.7

15.7

15.7

15.7

16.0

16.4

15.7

15.0

15.4

15.7

15.7

15.7

16.4

16.4

16.4

16.6

16.8

17.1

17.1

16.4

16.8

17.1

17.1

17.1

16.8

16.4

16.4

16.4

Apr.

16.4

16.4

16.4

16.4

16.4

16.4

16.4

16.4

16.4

16.4

17.4

18.5

18.5

1Q K

1ft ft

21

qq

22

22

22

21

2290

May.

24

25

26

inn

66

66

68

70

74

78

74

70

70

70

70

70

72

70

73

70

1OA

195

OKA

305

qiQ

332

qqi

OOA

qi K

31 P;

June.

315

322

330

SQ9

455

540

475

CAA

525

525

525

525

KOK

510

510

510

522

(W9

K/Y7

320

OAK

290

OQA

290

290

290

OQA

July.

225

218

211

203

195

187

170

146

141

142

142

134

134

134

134

134

131

128

124

123

119

119

119

119

116

108

Aug.

103

100

%

90

85

84

82

QA

73

66

A9

58

IK

. 55

55

55

55

54

52

52

K1

50

48

47

45

43

43

43

42

42

42

Sept.

56

112

168

105

114

123

1AA

89

80

72

79

72

70

69

69

68

66

65

62

62

61

61

58

55

56

57

58

Oct.

58

55

54

52

50

47

46

44

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

40

Nov.

39

38

37

36

34

32

30

30

30

30

29

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating applicable as follows: Mar. 1 to May 6, well defined below 

100 second-feet; May 7 to July 9, indirect method for shifting channels; July 10 to Nov. 11, well defined 

below 200 second-feet. Discharges interpolated for days when gage was not read.
70 SttRPACE WATER SUPPLY, 190&, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Falls Creek near demons, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

July...............................................

Nov. 1-11. . ........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

17.1 

23 

332 

540 

225 

103 

168 

58 

39

Minimum.

15.0 

16.4 

24 

290 

108 

42 

55 

40 

29

Mean.

16.3 

18.3 

139 

428 

146 

61.5 

80.4 

44.2 

33.2

Ban-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,000 

1,090 

8,550 

25,500 

8,980 

3,780 

4,780 

2,720 

724

57,100

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B.

SUN RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Sun River rises on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains in 

northwestern Montana, flows southward for about 60 miles, then, 

turning abruptly, flows eastward through a canyon, emerging on a 

level plain, through which it runs for 75 miles to its junction with 

the Missouri at Great Falls. The area of the drainage basin is about 

2,240 square miles.

South Fork and Willow Creek, its only important tributaries, rise 

in the mountains and are perennial streams. The others are small 

intermittent streams whose drainage areas lie entirely within the 

plains region.

The valley of Sun River proper is from 1 to 3 miles wide and the 

river flows from 5 to 25 feet below its general surface. Steeply 

sloping bluffs, about 300 feet high, border this valley, and between 

these bluffs and the adjoining river valley are comparatively smooth 

bench lands. The highest peak in the mountains stands about 8,900 

feet above sea level; the altitude of the river at the canyon where it 

leaves the mountains is 4,450 feet; at its mouth it is 3,300 feet above 

sea level.

The mountainous part of the basin is included in the Lewis and 

Clark National Forest and is heavily timbered. The plains section 

is treeless except for a few willows and cottonwoods along the streams.

The mean annual rainfall varies from 12 inches in the plains region 

to about 45 inches in the mountainous sections. The heaviest rainfall occurs during the month of June, but the regular June floods are 

caused by the melting snow in the mountains. During the greater 

part of the winter season all the streams are frozen over.

Much of the land in the valley has been irrigated, and the ordinary 

summer flow of the stream is practically all utilized. The United 

States Reclamation Service has started construction on an irrigation 

project that will store the flood water of Sun River and its tributaries
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 71

and carry it to the higher bench lands at the north of the valley, where 

260,000 acres of irrigable land can be reclaimed. A number of reservoir sites have been selected, the largest being the W^arm Springs 

reservoir, with a capacity of 156,800 acre-feet. The other reservoirs 

are the Willow Creek, with a capacity of 84,320 acre-feet; the Pishkun, with a capacity of 45,747 acre-feet; and the Benton Lake, with a 

capacity of 140,200 acre-feet.

Natural power opportunities are good, as Sun River has a minimum 

flow at the point where it leaves the mountains of 150 second-feet 

and a fall of about 40 feet to the mile.

NORTH FORK OF SUN RIVER NEAR AUGUSTA, MONT.

This station, which is situated below the head of the Kilraven 

ditch, near Christian's ranch, 12 miles oaorthwest of Augusta and 21 

miles .southwest of Chouteau, Mont., was established October 31, 1903, 

to determine the amount of water available for storage and irrigation.

The only important tributaries are Willow Creek and the South 

Fork of Sun River, both of which enter several miles below the gaging 

station. Very little water is diverted above the station, but below 

nearly all of the valley land is irrigated from this stream.

The datum of the chain gage has not been changed since the station was established. Conditions for obtaining accurate discharge 

data are excellent except during the winter months, when the discharge is affected by ice.

Measurements are made from a cable.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of Sun River near Augusta, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 5

July 10

Sept. 23

Oct. 23

Hydrographer.

.....do-...------....-..---...-.-.....-.............-.-.....

.....do.....................................................

J. E. Stewart.................... ..........................

Width.

Feet. 

139

147

141

130

131

Area of 

section.

84. ft. 

459

844

511

290

267

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.71

4.56

2.52

.87

.68

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,020

4,670

1,570

388

324

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Sun River near Augusta, Mont., for 1909.

[G. B. Christian, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

0.8

1.0

Feb.

1.0

Mar.

1.0

.......

Apr.

0.5

, .5

.5

.4

.4

.4 

.4

.3 

.3

May.

O K

.8

1.3

1.9

1.3 

1.2 

1.0

1.2 

1.6

June.

5.0

5.8

6.0

5.5

5.3

4.9 

4.6 4 <;

4.5 

4.5

July.

3.9

3.7

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.2 

3.0

2.8

2.7 

2.5

Aug.

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.7 

1.7 

1.6

1.6 

1.6

Sept.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0 

1.0 

1.0

1.0 

1.0

Oct.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

Nov.

0.6

.6

1.0

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.6 

1.5

1.5 

1.4

Dec.

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

......
72 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Sun River near Augusta, Mont., for 1909 

Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...............

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

23...............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*an.

1.1

1.1

i.i

Feb.

1.0

1.1

1.1

Mar.

0.9

.9

.9

.8

.7

.7

.6

.6

.5

.5

.4

.4

.6

Apr.

0.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.3

.4

.4

.4

.4

.5

.8

.6

.6

.5

May.

1.4

1.2

1.3

1.5

1.7

1.7

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.9

2.3

3.2

i 1

3.9

4.0

4.3

4.6

4.4

4.4

3.9

4.0

June.

4.5

4.5

4.6

5.1

5.9

6.0

5.8

5.6

5.3

5.0

4.9

4.7

4.4

4.1

4.0

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.8

July.

2.5

2.5

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.8

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.8

3.2

2.7

2.2

Aug.

1.7

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Sept.

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

Q

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

Oct.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Nov.

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.0

.9

.8

.8

1.0

1.2

1.3

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.4

Dee.

NOTE. Ice conditions^ January, February, March, and Dee. 5 to Dec. 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Sun River near Augusta, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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...........................

3(1

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

Apr.

260

260

260

235

235

235

235

215

215

215

235

235

235

235

235

235

235

235

235

215

235

235

235

235

260

375

290

290

260

260

May.

260

260

375

670

1,160

670

600

480

600

900

740

600

670

820

980

980

820

820

900

1,160

1,570

2,660

2,530

3,650

3

QAA

4,250

4,720.

4,400

4,400

3,650

3,800

June.

5,360

6,690

7,030

6,180

5,840

5,200

4,720

4,560

4,560

4,560

4,560

4,720

5.520

6,860

7,030

6,690

6,350

5,840

5,360

5,200

4,880

4,400

3,950

3,500

3,350

3,350

3,350

July.

3,650

3,350

3,070

3,070

2,930

2,660

2,400

2,150

2,030

1,790

1,790

1,790

1,570

1,460

1,360

1,260

1,260

1,160

1,070

1,070

980

1,070

1,260

1,260

1,260

1,790

2,400

3,500

2,660

2,030

1,460

Aug.

1,260

1,160

1,160

1,160

1,070

980

980

900

900

900

980

820

740

670

670

670

670

600

600

600

540

540

540

540

480

480

480

480

480

480

480

Sept.

480

480

480

480

480

480

480

480

480

480

480

480

480

425

425

425

425

425

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

330

Oct.

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

330

290

290

290

290

290

290

290

290

290

290

Nov.

290

290

480

1,070

1,070

980

900

820

820

740

740

670

670

600

540

480

480

425

375

375

480

600

670

900

900

900

900

820

740

740

Dee.

600

600

540

540

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined up to 5.0 feet.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 73 

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Sun River near Augusta, Mont., for .1909.

Month.

April........... ...................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

The period.. ................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

375 

4,720 

7,030 

3,650 

1,260 

480 

330 

1,070

Minimum.

215 

260 

3,350 

980 

480 

330 

290 

290

Mean.

246 

1,740 

5,050 

1,950 

742 

427 

317 

682

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

14,600 

107,000 

300,000 

120,000 

45,600 

25,400 

19,500 

40,600

673,000

Accuracy.

B.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

SUN RIVER AT SUN RIVER, MONT.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge over Sun 

Kiver, Mont., was established July 31, 1905, to obtain data for use 

in connection with irrigation projects. The records at this station 

do not show the total run-off from the drainage area above it, as 

practically the entire valley above is irrigated from this stream. 

The greater part of the ordinary summer flow is utilized for irrigation.

The gage is a staff nailed securely to piling on the left bank just 

above the bridge.

The gage datum has not been changed since the station was established. The discharge is affected at times during the winter by ice. 

The gaging section at the bridge has been very poor since the high 

water of 1907, but good low-water measurements can be made by 

wading.

Discharge measurements of Sun River at Sun River, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May8...

July 12. .

Sept. 25o

Oct. 18o.

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

127

9fi7

167

127

118

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

822

2,010

749

126

254

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.89

Q QK

5.10

2.79

2.77

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

S44

9

qcrt

i Ann

467

452

o Made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sun River at Sun River, Mont., for 1909. 

[R. A. Lange, observer.!

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8............----...

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

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

Mar.

<? >;

3.2

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.5

3.5

Apr.

Q >;

3.5

3.5

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.05

May.

3.5

3.6

3.8

4.0

4.2

3.85

4.0

4.0

3.95

3.95

June.

8.75

8.9

8.9

8.65

8.95

8.7

7.75

7.8

10.2

9.0

July.

6.7

6.5

6.55

6.4

9.9

8 7

8.3

6.7

6.4

6.4

Aug.

4

QK

4.5

4.45

4.1

4 0

4.0

4.0

3.95

3.9

Sept.

3.5

3

K

3.7

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.7

3.6

3.3

3.0

Oct.

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.8

Nov.

2

Q

Q ft

3.5

3.55

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

Dec.

Q 9

3.6

3.6

Q 7

3.7

Q 7

3.7

3.5

3.3E

3.3
74 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sun River at Sun River, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...................

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

23...................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.25

3.45

3.7

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.5

3.3

3.3

Apr.

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.15

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.1

3.0 '3.0

May.

3.95

3.9

4.0

4.0

5.0

5.0

5.7

6.1

6.1

6.05

6.5

6.65

6.7

7.0

7.0

7.5

7.85

7.8

7.65

8.6

8.65

June.

8.0

8.0

8.8

8.9

9.15

9.5

9.4

9.2

9.1

9.0

8.9

7.75

7.4

7.4

7.0

7.0

6.75

6.75

6.6

July.

6.35

5.0

5.0

4.8

4.8

4.6

4.3

4.3

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.15

4.05

3.95

4.8

5.95

6.95

6.5

5.5

4.2

4.0

Aug.

3.85

3.8

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Sept.

3.0

2.85

2.5

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.55

2.6

2.75

2.75

2.8

2.8

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.85

Oct.

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.8

Nov.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.85

3.8

3.75

3.9

3.9

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.9

4.05

4.05

3.4

3.4

3.3

Dec.

3.3

3.5

3.5

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.4

3.4

3.6

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.9

3.85

NOTE. Probable ice conditions during January and February.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sun River at Sun River, Mont., for 1909.

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...................

Mar.

620

478

395

395

395

395

395

395

620

620

620

620

620

570

570

546

523

478

500

595

79Q

523

523

523

620

523

523

523

Apr.

620

620

620

523

478

478

395

395

415

415

415

395

395

395

395

435

478

47 c

435

395

395

OQC

546

620

620

435

395

OQE

May.

620

673

788

915

1,060

819

915

915

882

850

915

915

1,790

1,790

2,560

3,060

3,000

3,860

3

QQA

4,390

5,950

5

Qjn

7 son

June.

8,020

8,470

8,470

8,150

8,760

8,450

6,530

6,850

12,000

9.400

7,360

9,000

9 onn

9,600

10,100

9 660

9,420

9 nnn

6,500

5,850

5,850

4,950

4

QKA

4 ' 300

July.

4,300

3,970

4,040

3,820

10,600

7,700

6.900

4,120

3,690

3,690

3,500

1,780

1,780

1,610

1,450

1,230

1,100

1,100

1 030

1^130

1,060

1,000

1,610

2

0AA

4,300

2,330

1,160

1 ' 030

Aug.

1,740

1,380

1,340

1,230

1,100

1,030

1,030

1,030

1,000

970

940

910

800

750

750

530

530

530

530

495

460

460

445

385

385

385

385

385

385

385

Sept.

750

750

855

1,030

1,030

1,030

855

800

655

530

530

478

385

430

430

418

385

395

395

405

445

445

460

460

530

530

J.Q*i

460

478

Oct.

530

530

530

530

530

530

445

430

430

460

495

478

460

460

430

430

445

445

445

445

445

445

445

430

430

430

430

445

115

460

Nov.

4*60

530

750

775

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

855

855

940

910

882

970

970

1 030

1,030

1 AOA

970

1 060

1,060

700

700

655

Dec.

610

750

800

855

855

855

855

750

678

655

655

750

750

775

750

750

750

750

750

800

828

800

800

700

700

800

910

910

910

970

940

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Mar. 1-May 25, well defined 

between 395 and 8,070 second-feet: May 2&-July 12, indirect method for shifting channels used; July 13- 

Dec. 31, well defined.
MISSOURI MVEB. BASIN. 75 

Monthly discharge of Sun River at Sun River, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April ..............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

729 

620 

7,800 

12,000 

10,600 

1,740 

1,030 

530 

1,060 

970

Minimum.

395 

395 

620 

4,300 

1,000 

385 

385 

430 

460 

610

Mean.

534 

468 

2,770 

7,800 

2,910 

756 

574 

462 

843 

787

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

32,800 

27,800 

170,000 

464,000 

179,000 

46,500 

34,200 

28,400 

50,200 

48,400

1,080,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A.

WILLOW CREEK NEAR AUGUSTA, MONT.

Willow Creek rises on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains 

in the northwestern part of Lewis and Clark County, Mont., and 

flows in a general northeasterly direction to its junction with North 

Fork of Sun River.

The gaging station, which is located at Jordan's ranch just below 

the mouth of Little Willow Creek, about 7 miles northwest of Augusta, 

Mont., was established June 8, 1905, to obtain run-off data for use in 

connection with the Sun River irrigation project. Willow Creek dam, 

work on which has been begun, will provide a reservoir with a capacity 

of 84,320 acre-feet.

Much of the valley land above the station is irrigated, the water 

being taken from this stream.

Conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are excellent. 

No ice forms at this station, as a large spring enters the creek just 

above the gage. A standard chain gage, which is located on the 

right bank near the observer's footbridge, is used. Measurements are 

made by wading at any convenient section. The datum of the gage 

has not been changed.

Discharge measurements of Willow Creek near Augusta, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 5

July 10

Oct. 22

Hydrographer.

.....do............-....-.--........--.-..-----. ...........

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

21

29

28

18

12

Area of 

section.

*.Aw

43

32

15

17

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.73

3.90

2.64

1.41

1.24

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

45.8

172.0

76.0

28.9

20.4
76 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Willow Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1909. 

[S. N. Jordan, observer.]

Date.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19............... 20.....:.........

21...............

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

23...............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.70

.70

.70

.75

.75

.7

.8

.75

.8

1.5

1.95

4.85

2.75

1.65

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

.85

.9

Feb.

0.95

.95

95

.95

.9

.8

.85

.75

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.75

.75

.75

.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

Mar.

0.75

.75

.8

.85

.8

.75

.75

.75

.8

.75

.75

.8

.85

1.1

g

1.0

9

.9

95

.95

Q1

g

.9

g

g

g

g

Apr.

1.0

.9

g

.85

.8

.8

.8

.8

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

g

.8

.8

0

.85'

.9

.95

.9

g

1 ^

1.1

.95

1.0

May.

1.0

1.0

1.3

1.55

1.5

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.55

2.1

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

2.05

2.55

2.5

2.55

2.8

2.9

3.15

3.15

3.00

2.8

2.7

June.

2.9

2.95

3.0

2.8

2.5

2.45

3.5

3.7

8.1

6.8

5.9

5.7

5.6

5.75

5.8

5.7

5.35

5.15

5.7

7.1

6.1

5.45

5.1

4.8

4.5

4.3

4.1

3 9

3.8

3.65

July.

3.5

3.35

3.3

3.1

3.0

3.3

3.0

2.8

2.75

2.6

2.55

2.45

2.35

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.05

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.8

2.4

6.15

4.45

3.3

2.95

2.85

Aug.

2.55

2.45

2.40

2.40

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.00

2.00

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.5

Sept.

1.55

1.6

2.4

2.1

1.9

1.75

1.7

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

Oct.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Nov.

1.2

1.2

1.35

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.55

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.3

Dec.

1.2

1.1

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Willow Creek near Augusta, Mont, for 1909.

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.

9.7

9 7

9.7

,9.7

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4

7.2

7.2

7.2

8.4

8.4

7.2

Q 7

8.4

9.7

35

nc

240

101

42

19.5

16.0

16.0

16.0

14.2

11.1

12.5

Feb.

14.2

14.2

14.2

14.2

12.5

9 7

11.1

8.4

9.7

9.7

9.7

9 7

9.7

8.4

8.4

8 A

9 7

8.4

8 A

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4

9 7

9 7

9 7

9 7

9.7

Mar.

8.4

8.4

9.7

11.1

9.7

8.4

8.4

Q 7

8.4

7.2

5.0

9 7

8.4

8.4

9 7

11.1

19.5

12.5

12.5

19 ^

12.5

14.2

14.2

14.2

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

Apr.

16.0

12.5

12.5

11.1

9.7

9.7

9.7

9.7

11.1

11.1

11.1

11.1

11.1

11.1

11.1

11.1

12.5

9.7

9 7

9 7

11.1

12.5

14.2

12.5

12.5

27

19.5

12.5

14.2

16.0

May.

16.0

27

37

35

31

29

27

27

35

31

01

33

OK

07

64

52

49

Af\

49

62

89

86

89

110

125

125

116

104

98

June.

110

113

116

104

86

83

146

159

488

384

313

292

302

306

274

260

408

328

282

257

236

215

187

173

165

154

July.

143

132

127

114

106

121

102

89

83

76

73

69

65 "63

59

59

57

55

53

51

48

44

46

46

44

68

320

200

115

96

90

Aug.

76

71

68

68

61

59

59

55

55

53

51

51

48

48

44

44'

44

44

44

44

44

42

40

38

36

36

36

36

35

33

33

Sept.

35

37

70

56

48

42

38

36

34

34

34

37

36

35

33

33

33

33

33

31

31

31

29

28

28

28

28

26

24

24

Oct.

24

24

24

24

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

22

22

21

21

21

18

18

18

18

18

18

Nov.

18

18

24

22

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

13

16

16

16

26

23

23

26

26

26

32

28

28

28

31

34

30

23

Dec.

19

16

14

13

13

13

13

13

14

1C

16

21

19

19

18

18

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between 5.0 and 180 

second-feet, used Jan. 1 to June 28. June 29 to Dec. 31 indirect method for shifting channels used.
MISSOURI EIVER BASIN". 77 

Monthly discharge of Willow Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

240 

14.2 

19.5 

27 

125 

488 

320 

76 

70 

24 

34 

21

488

Minimum,

7.2 

8.4 

5.0 

9.7 

16.0 

83 

44 

33 

24 

18 

13 

13

5.0

Mean.

24.4 

10.0 

11.1 

12.4 

58.6 

235 

90.8 

48.3 

34.8 

21.9 

22.6 

16.0

48.8

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,500 

555 

682 

738 

3,600 

14,000 

5,580 

2,970 

2,070 

1,350 

1,340 

984

35, 400

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

SOUTH FORK OF SUN RIVER AT AUGUSTA, MONT.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge on the road 

from Augusta to Craig, Mont., about half a mile from Augusta, was 

established December 2, 1904, to obtain run-off data for use in connection with the Sun River irrigation project.

Water is diverted to irrigate the valley lands, both above and 

below the stations. During dry seasons the entire summer flow is 

utilized.

The original gage was spiked to the cribwork of the right abutment on the downstream side of the bridge. On April 17, 1907, a 

new gage was established 100 yards above the bridge. This gage is 

spiked to a tree on the left bank and is set at a different datum. 

Records for 1909 are referred to original gage. The gage heights 

are affected by ice during the winter.

Measurements in high water may be made from the highway bridge; 

in low water by wading.

Discharge measurements of South Fork of Sun River at Augusta, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 7

July 8

Sept. 24

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................:..............................

Width.

Feet. 

12

96

33

34

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

30.6

100

27

25

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.01

1.55

1.22

1.15

Discharge. -

Sec.-ft. 

93.6

265

75.4

65.0

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of Sun River at Augusta, Mont., for 1909. 

[Richard Auchard, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

Mar. Apr.

0.5

.5

.5

.45

.4

May.

0.6

.6

.7

1.0

1.1

June.

2.2

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.25

July.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Aug.

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

Sept.

1.25

1.35

1.7

1.7

1.5

Oct.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Nov.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2
78 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of Sun River at Augusta, Mont., in 1909 

Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

9....-....-.--....-.......-.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

0.7

.7

.9

.7

.7

.5

.5

.6

.6

.6

.5

.5

.5

Apr.

0.4

.4

.4

.4

.5

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.5

.4

.4

.4

.4

.45

.5

.5

.5

.6

May.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.6

2.0

2.2

2.35

2.5

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.3

2.3

June.

2.1

2.4

3.8

4.15

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.3

3.3

3 25

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.6

1.5

July.

1.9

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.6

Aug.

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

Sept.

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

,1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Oct.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Nov.

- 1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 13, Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of Sun River at Augusta, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

4f. .........................

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...........................

Mar.

53

53

64

77

77

64

ca

53

37

37

44

44

44

37

37

37

37

37

Apr.

37

07

37

34

32

32

OO

32

32

37

32

32

32

32

32

37

32

32

32

32

32

32

34

37

Q7

37

44

44

44

May.

44

44

53

93

113

93

93

93

93

93

113

113

113

113

138

138

168

203

223

289

553

729

878

1,040

1,260

1,260

1,150

1,040

82&

826

June.

729

930

826

826

778

638

2,590

3,040

2,220

2,100

1,980

1,860

1,980

1,980

1.920

1,620

1,500

1,380

1,150

1,040

826

729

638

553

553

475

405

289

243

July.

289

289

289

289

289

475

289

289

243

243

203

203

203

168

138

138

138

138

168

168

168

203

203

203

243

474

474

404

404

336

270

Aug.

270

208

208

153

153

153

111

111

111

94

94

94

94

94

94

94

76

76

76

76

76

76

94

94

94

94

94

94

94

94

94

Sept.

94

132

336

336

208

153

111

111

111

153

153

111

111

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

Oct.

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

Nov.

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

NOTE. These discharges are based on two rating curves that are poorly denned.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 79

Monthly discharge of South Fork of Sun River at Augusta, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

March 14-31 ..............................................

April.....................................................

July .....................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

77 

44 

1,260 

3,040 

475 

270 

336 

76 

76

Minimum.

37 

32 

44 

243 

138 

76 

76 

76 

76

Mean.

49.2 

34.7 

394 

1,220 

259 

111 

114 

76 

76

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,760 

2,060 

24,200 

72,600 

15,900 

6,820 

6,780 

4,670 

4,520

139,000

FORD CREEK NEAR AUGUSTA, MONT.

This station, which is located at the ranch of Joseph Ford, 16 

miles west of Augusta, was established April 11, 1906, to obtain 

run-off data for use in connection with the Sun River irrigation 

project.

Ford and Smith creeks unite and form the South Fork of Sun River. 

Ford Creek has no tributaries. One small irrigation ditch diverts 

water from the creek above the gage.

The current is swift and the gage heights are but little affected by 

ice. Conditions of flow are changeable, requiring frequent measurements to properly define the rating curve. '

The datum of the staff gage located on the right bank of the stream, 

near the observer's house has remained unchanged. All measurements are made by wading.

Discharge measurements of Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

July 8

Oct 22

Hydrographer.

..... do. ............ ....................................... .

.....do....--..-......-...--......-..--..-........-.........

..... do. ....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

25

20

24

14

Area of 

section.

*#

27

15.6

20.2

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.45

1.76

1.32

1.21

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

53.8

72.1

23.6

17.5

Daily gage height, in feet, of Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1909. 

[Joseph Ford, observer.)

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

1.05

.9

.9

1.8

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

Feb.

n Q

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

Mar.

0 9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

Apr.

0 75

75

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

May.

O Q

.95

1.25

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1 t&

1.6

June.

2.25

2.35

2.30

2.25

2.30

2.10

2.85

3

1

2.95

July.

9 (\*\

1 Q

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1 7^

1.75

Aug.

1.5

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

Sept.

1.35

1.35

1.65

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

Oct.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

Nov.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1 9^

1.25

Dec.

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15
80 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909, PART VI. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21............... 

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

23...............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.2

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9 

g

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

1.3 

.9

.9

Feb.

1.6

1.6

1.6

.9

.9

.9

g

.9

.9

9

.9 

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

Mar.

0.9

9

.9

.9

.8

.8

.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75 

.75

.75

Apr.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8 

.8

.8

.8

.9

.95

.90

.90

.90 

.95

May.

1.6

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.45

1.65 

1.95

1.9

2.0

2.05

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.2

2.15

June.

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.85

3.05

3.1

3.1

3.1 -

4.35

3.5 

2.8

2.7

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.3 

2.2

July.

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55 

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.6

2.15

1.9

1.8 

1.75

1.65

Aug.

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.35 

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35 

1.35

1.35

Sept.

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25 

1.25

Oct.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25 

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25 

1.25

1.25

Nov.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25 

1.3

1.35

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.2 

1.15

Dec.

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15 

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15 

1.15

1.15

NOTE. Gage heights Jan. 1, Jan. 4 to 15, Jan. 23.and Jan. 29; also Feb. 6 and Feb. 8 to 13 are distorted, 

due to ice conditions.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1909.

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.

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

Feb.

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

91

Mar.

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

16

16

16

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

Apr.

14

14

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

21

fJA

21

91

24

May.

21

24

42

64

64

60

60

60

64

69

69

60

56

52

KO

48

45

45

cfi

74

108

102

115

122

IV?

144

144

144

136

June.

152

168

160

152

160

129

129

270

329

293

281

258

258

270

317

329

329

329

670

231

178

168

158

149

149

149

131

July.

108

86

86

80

80

80

80

73

67

67

61

61

56

56

Eft

56

56

50

44

44

44

44

Kf)

123

Sfi

70

67

56

Aug.

39

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

39

34

34

34

34

30

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

Sept.

26

26

56

30

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

22

22

22

22

22

22

19

19

19

19

Oct.

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

Nov.

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

22

26

19

19

19

19

19

16

13.5

Dec.

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

 iQ e

13.5

13.5

13.5

NOTE. Discharges on days where the gage heights were distorted by ice conditions have been estimated. 

These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to June 21 the 1908curve is used, 

which is well denned. June 22 to Dec. 31 fairly well denned up to 254 second-feet.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 81

Monthly discharge of Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 18 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

21 

21 

21 

24 

152 

705 

123 

44 

56 

19 

26 

13.5

70.5

Minimum.

21 

21 

14 

14 

21 

129 

44 

26 

19 

19 

13.5 

13.5

13.5

Mean.

21 

21 

17.4 

17.1 

78.5 

256 

65.4 

34.4 

26.4 

19.0 

19.1 

13.5

19.0

Per 

square 

mile.

1.17 

1.17 

.967 

.950 

4.36 

14.2 

3.63 

1.91 

1.41 

1.06 

1.06 

.750

2.72

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

1.35 

1.22 

1.11 

1.06 

5.03 

15.84 

4.18 

2.20 

1.57 

1.22 

1.18 

.86

36.82

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,290 

1,170 

1,070 

1,020 

4,830 

15,200 

4,020 

2,120 

1,510 

1,170 

1,140 

830

35,400

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

SMITH CREEK NEAR AUGUSTA, MONT.

This station, which is located 1 mile above J. W. Nixon's ranch, 

16 miles southwest of Augusta, Mont., was established April 14, 1906, 

to obtain run-off data for use in connection with the Sun Kiver irrigation project.

The ordinary summer flow is practically all used for irrigation; 

but no water is diverted above the gaging station.

The gage is an inclined staff, fastened securely to a bowlder on 

the left bank just above the ford. Discharge measurements are made 

by wading.

Discharge measurements of Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 6

July 9

Oct. 22

Hydrographer.

..... do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

26

33

24

17

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

22.7

30.1

17.1

13.5

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.00

.87

.53

.48

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

61

67

23.4

15.5

Daily gage height, in feet, of Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1909. 

[Mrs. J. W. Nixon, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

Jan.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Feb.

0 6

6

6

6

6

Mar.

0.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

Apr.

0.55

.55

.55

.6

.6

May.

0.65

1.2

1.26

1.26

1.2

June.

1.75

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.45

July.

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.0

.95

Aug.

0.75

.75

.7

.7

.7

Sept.

0.6

.75

.95

.8

.8

Oct.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Nov.

0.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

Dec.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

84548° WSP 266 11-
82 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

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

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

10.-..........---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...............

23. ..............

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

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

27.....-...-.-...

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

30..--.......---.

31

Jan.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.0

Feb.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

Mar.

0.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.55

.55

.55

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.0

Apr.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.66

.65

.65

.65

.65

* .65

.65

.65

May.

1.0

1.0

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.15

1.3

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.6

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

June.

1.75

2.6

2.8

2.4

2.35

2.25

2.25

2.3

2.35

2.35

2.2

2.0

1.85

1.8

1.7

1.65

1.5

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.1

July.

0.95

.95

.9

.85

.85

.85

.8

.8

.8

.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

1.0

1.5

.95

.9

.8

.8

Aug.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

Sept.

0.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

Oct.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.45

.45

.45

.45

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

Nov.

0.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.45

.45

.45

.5

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

.55

Dec.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1909.

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.

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

18.2

18.2

18.2

18.2

18.2

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

Feb.

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

10.2

10.2

10.2

10.2

10.2

Mar.

10.2

10.2

10.2

10.2

10.2

10.2

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

10.2

10.2

1Q C

13.5

13.5

10 C

13.5

13.5

13.5

Apr.

10.2

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13 z

13.5

13 e;

13.5

1Q C

13.5

13.5

10 C

13.5

10 C

13.5

10 P

13.5

10 C

1Q 0

18.2

18.2

18.2

18.2

May.

18.2

QR

108

98

62

62

54

54

54

54

54

54

54

54

62

62

70

88

110

172

183

01 Q

218

206

206

206

June.

218

194

194

183

150

218

468

408

3Q£

070

384

OQA

ocn

312

276

264

241

OOA

195

1 cn

140

19Q

1OQ

ion

119

109

July.

109

100

100

90

81

81

81

64

56

56

56

56

49

49

49

4Q

42

42

42

42

42

90

81

72

Cfi

56

Aug.

49

49

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

36

36

36

30

3n

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

26

26

26

26

26

26

Sept,

30

49

81

56

56

42

42

42

36

36

36

36

36

30

30

v\

 26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

21

91

21

Oct.

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

20

19

19

18

13.5

13 t;

13 Z

13 5

10

10

10

10

10

10

Nov.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

13.5

10 C

10 P

17

99

09

22

22

27

27

97

27

22

22

oo

22

Dec,

17

17

17

-17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

10 C

13.5

10 K

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10°

10-

10

10

10

^ NOTE. These discharges are based on three rating curves that are fairly well defined, applicable as follows: Jan, 1 to June 8; June 9 to Oct. 15; and Oct. 16 to Dec. 31, respectively/""
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 83

Monthly discharge of Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 26 square miles.]

Month.

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

18.2 

13.5 

13.5 

18.2 

229 

468 

195 

49 

81 

21 

27 

17

468

Minimum.

13.5 

10.2 

7.0 

10.2 

18.2 

109 

42 

26 

21 

10.0 

10.0 

10.0

7.0

Mean.

14.3 

12.6 

9.71 

14.4 

116 

255 

68.6 

35.3 

33.7 

17.3 

16.4 

13.3

50.6

Per

square 

mile.

0.550 

.485 

.374 

.554 

4.46 

9.81 

2.64 

1.36 

1.30 

'.665 

.631 

.512

1.95

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.63 

.50 

.43 

.62 

5.14 

10.94 

3.04 

1.57 

1.45 

.77 

.70 

.59

26.38

Total in 

acre-feet.

879 

700 

597 

857 

7,130 

15,200 

4,220 

2,170 

2,010 

1,060 

976 

818

36,600

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B.

MARIAS RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The headwaters of Marias River rise on the eastern slope of the 

main divide of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of over 8,000 

feet and flow in an easterly direction through a region of elevated 

plains and prairies. Marias River proper is formed by the union of 

Cutbank and Two Medicine rivers, which meet at the eastern boundary of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. From this junction to the 

Missouri, which it enters 14 miles below Fort Benton, its length is 

about 110 miles and its fall does not exceed 5 feet per mile. Its 

principal tributaries are Willow and Cottonwood creeks, which enter 

from the north, and Teton River which comes in from the south.

The general altitude of this country is from 3,000 to 4,000 feet, the 

plains rising by gentle terraces toward the mountains to elevations 

of about 5,000 feet. Grass is abundant and the region is devoted to 

grazing. Considerable spruce and pine timber is found at the headwaters in the mountains, but the remainder of the basin is bare except 

for fringes and small groves along the streams.

The mean annual rainfall varies from about 60 inches in the 

mountains to 12 inches near the mouth of the river, the average for 

the plains section being about 16 inches. The streams are icebound 

from December until early in, March, and this is the season of least 

flow.

Irrigation has been practiced to a slight extent for a number of 

years in the valleys of the tributaries, and three large irrigation projects are now under construction. One is-being constructed by the 

United States Reclamation Service, and the other two under the
84 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART VI.

Carey Act. Altogether about 450,000 acres will be reclaimed. The 

basin affords a number of excellent reservoir sites, which will be utilized in storing the flood waters of the upper tributaries from which 

the principal water supply for these projects will come.

The great fall and the abundant water supply of the upper tributaries of Marias River also afford favorable conditions for water-power 

development.

Run-off records in this basin extend back to 1902. The wettest 

year since that time was 1903 and the driest was 1905.

TWO MEDICINE-KIVEK AT FAMILY, MONT.

This station, which is located at the Holy Family Mission, 16 miles 

southeast of Browning, Mont., and about 6 miles above the mouth of 

Badger Creek, the nearest tributary, was established April, 1907, to 

determine the amount of water available for irrigation.

The United States Reclamation Service has under consideration a 

project which will use about 200 second-feet of water for irrigating 

land north of the stream for the Blackfeet Indians. The water will 

be diverted near the mouth of Little Badger Creek, a small tributary 

entering from the south above the station. A storage reservoir will 

be built at Two Medicine Lake near the headwaters of the stream to 

augment the low-water flow. The only diversion from this stream at 

present is that made by a ditch which supplies water for about 100 

acres of land on the farm at the Holy Family Mission. It heads about

2 miles above the gage.

The gage is of the standard chain type and is located on the east 

bank of the stream directly back of the family mansion. High-water 

measurements must be made from the old wagon bridge located about

3 miles above the bridge. Wading-measurements are made in low 

water at a section near the gage.

The datum of the gage was lowered 0.95 foot July 21, 1908.

The results are good at this station, except during the winter months 

when they are affected by ice.

Discharge measurements of Two Medicine River at Family, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

July 10 &

Sept. 19 c

Oct. 19 c

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb...............................................

.... .do. .........................................*...........

J. E. Stewart. . ............. . ..........................

W. A. Lamb.. .............................................

'Width.

Feet. 

54

126

70

66

Area of 

section.

Sq. ft. 

122

240

72

64

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.76

3.20

1.64

1.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

375

696

86

74

a Made from bridge above station. Results fair. 

& Made by wading below gage.

cMade by wading at gage.

NOTE. From data collected May 31,1909, the following flood estimate of discharge has been made: 

Area of section, 670 square feet; gage height, 6.72 feet; n=0.025; R=4.0; s=0.0025, discharge=5,000 

second-feet.
MISSOURI EIVEB BASIN. 85

Daily gage height, in feet, of Two Medicine River at Family, Mont., for 1909. 

[John Ripperger, observer.]

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...............

9Q

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

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

Jan.

1.4

1.2

1.25

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.4

1.45 

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

2.1

2.1

2.2

1 95

2

n

2.1

2

OC

1.9

1.95

Feb.

1.9

1.95

1.95

2.0

1.9

1.95

1.9

1.85

1.9

1.95

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.1

1.8

1.85 

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.85

1.8

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.9

Mar.

1.9

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.9

1.85

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.8 

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.8

1.7

1 7H

1.75

1.75

1.7

Apr.

2.05

2.05

2.05

1.95

2.05

2.05 

1.95

1.85

1.95

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.95

2.75

2.75

2.35

2.35

May.

2.25

2.75

3.05

4.35

4.55

3.85

3.55

3.35

3.55

4.05

3.55

3.45

3.25

3.45

3.45

3.25 

3.45

3.25

3.45

4.05

4.45

4.55

4.95

5.25

5.65

5.95

6.25

5.65

5.95

5.65

5.45

June.

6.45

6.65

6.95

6.65

6.65

5.95

5.65

5.65

8.15

6.95

6.15

5.45

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.5 

5.5

5.75

5.85

5.55

5.45

5.25

4.85

4.65

4.45

4.15

3 95

3.85

3.85

3.75

July.

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.5

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

2.9

2 Q . y

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.7

4.0

8.0

6.15

5.25

4.35

Aug.

3.75

3.45

3.25

3.15

3.05

2.85

2.75

2.65

2.55

2.45

2.35

2.35

2.25

2.25

2.15

2.15 

2.15

2.05

2.05

2.05

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

Sept.

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6'

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6 

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6 1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Oct.

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6 

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

Nov.

1.55

1.55

1.9

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85 

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

2.3

2.0

1.9

3.3

4.3

3.2

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.6

Dec.

2.7

2.7

3.3

4.5

3.9

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.1

2.9

......

,

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 23-Mar. 31 and Dec. 12-31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Two Medicine River at Family, Mont., for 1909.

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.

56

41

44

48

56

65

56

56

 52

48

48

56

52

52

56

60

52

48

48

48

56

56

Feb. Mar.

'

Apr.'

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

120

125

130

140

140

140

122

140

140

122

108

122

140

140

140

190

190

190

190

402

402

222

222

May.

190

402

590

1,770

1,980

1,270

990

820

990

1,460

990

902

740

902

902

740

902

740

902

1,460

1,880

1,980

2,450

2,820

3,360

3,790

4,240

3,360

3,790

3,360

3,090

June.

4,550

4,870

5,380

4,870

4,870

3,790

3,360

3,360

7,600

5,380

4,080

3,090

3,290

3,160

3,160

3,160

3,160

3,500

3,640

3,220

3,090

2,820

2,330

2,100

1,880

1,560

1,360

1,270

1,270

1,170

July.

1,220

1,220

1,120

1,120

1,220

1,220

1,120

945

780

700

700

700

625

555

490

490

430

375

375

375

325

325

325

280

280

375

1,410

7,310

4,080

2,820

1,770

Aug.

1,170

902

740

662

590

460

402

350

302

260

222

222

190

190

162

162

162

140

140

140

122

122

122

122

108

100

100

100

100

100

100

Sept.

100

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

' 75

75

75

75

75

Oct.

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

70

70

70

Nov.

70

70

115

375

375

375

280

240

205

175

150

130

115

115

108

108

100

100

100

100

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well denned up to 700 second-feet. 

Above 700 second-feet the curve is based upon a measurement computed from Kutter's formula. Discharges estimated Apr. 1 to 10.
86 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Two Medicine River at Family, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

65 

402 

4,240 

7,600 

7,310 

1,170 

100 

80 

375

Minimum.

41 

85 

190 

1,170 

280 

100 

75 

70 

70

Mean.

52.5 

156 

1,730 

3,340 

1,130 

283 

78.8 

76.8 

170

Per

square 

mile.

0.143 

.424 

4.70 

9.08 

3.07 

.769 

.214 

.209 

.462

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.12

.47 

5.42 

10.12 

3.54 

.89 

.24 

.24 

.34

Total in 

acre-feet.

2,290 

9,280 

106,000 

199,000 

69,600 

17,400 

4,690 

4,720 

6,740

420,000

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

BADGER CREEK NEAR FAMILY, MONT.

This station, which is located near the road crossing 4 miles east 

of Family, Mont., was established April 20, 1907, to determine the 

amount of water available for irrigation. The United States Reclamation Service proposes to divert the natural flow of the stream to 

irrigate land in the eastern part of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation 

and north of Birch Creel*"

The gage and bench marks were washed out in June, 1908, and a 

new gage was established July 22, 1908, about 400 feet farther up 

stream and at a different datum. As the bench mark was destroyed, 

the relation between the two gages could not be determined. The 

gage was again washed out May 25, 1909, and was reset at a different 

datum some 4 miles below the cable section and just below the old 

Piegan Mission crossing. High-water measurements are made from 

a cable. Low-water measurements can be made by wading at the 

cable section.

On account of poor channel conditions high-water measurements 

are only fair. The low records, however, are good.

Discharge measurements of Badger Creek near Family, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 27o

July 126

Sept. 19 c

Oct. 18 d

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

.....do....................................................

J. E . Stewart . .............................................

W. A. Lamb..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

44

72

50

64

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

100

122

113

82

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.05

3.%

3.84

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

180

415

213

157

o Made from cable.

& Made by wading at road crossing.

« Made by wading below gage. 

d Made by wading above gage.
MISSOURI EWER BASIN. 87

Daily gage height, in feet, of Badger Creek near Family, Mont., for 1909. 

[Oliver J. Racine, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

n...... .........

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

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

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

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

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

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

18..............'.

1Q

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

21...............

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

23...............

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

91

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

3.4

s ^

3.85

3.6

Feb.

3.6

4.2

3.9

4.1

Mar.

4.2

S A

2.2

1.8

1.9

Apr.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

May.

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.8

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.8

3.0

3.8

3.8

3.9

June. July. Aug. Sept.

3.95

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

Oct.

3.9

3.9

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

Nov.

3.85

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.3

4.15

4.0

4.0

3.95

3.9

3.9

3.85

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.85

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.95

4.1

4.3

4.4

4.25

4.2

4.15

4.15

4.2

Dec.

4.15

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

6.3

6.6

7.25

7.2

7.15

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 26. Nov. 23 to Dec. 31. No gage height records May 25 to Sept. 21. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Badger Creek near Family, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1..........

2. .........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6.........:

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

Mar.

......

Apr.

118

118

118

118

118

96

118

96

118

118

118

118

118

118

118

May.

220

270

330

383

420

383

248

314

248

420

248

383

383

248

383

Sept. Oct.

182

182

174

166

158

158

158

158

158

158

146

135

135

135

Nov.

158

398

459

523

398

312

232

232

207

182

182

135

135

135

135

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21 ..........

22..........

23. .........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Mar.

118

124

130

136

142

Apr.

118

118

118

118

118

118

118

118

118

118

193

193

167

167

167

 May.

383

248

420

420

420

497

839

839

884

Sept.

207

182

182

182

182

182

182

182

182

Oct.

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

Nov.

135

158

182

182

182

182

207

NOTE. These discharges are based on two rating curves that are poorly defined. Discharges estimated 

during missing gage height observations in October.
88 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART vi.

Monthli} discharge of Badger Creek near Family, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 224 square miles.J

Month.

March 27-31.. ..............

April.......................

May 1-24...................

September 22-30. ...........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

142 

193 

884 

207 

182 

523

Minimum.

118 

96 

220 

182 

135 

135

Mean.

130 

126 

410 

185 

145 

231

Per 

square 

mile.

0.580 

.562 

1.83 

.826 

.647 

1.03

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.11 

.63 

1.63 

.28 

.75 

.84

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,290 

7,500 

19,500 

Si 300 

8,920 

10,100

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

C. 

B.

CUTBANK GREEK AT CUTBANK, MONT.

This station, which is located half a mile southwest of Cutbank, 

one-fourth mile below the Great Northern Railway bridge, and 12 

miles above the mouth of Two Medicine, was established August 4, 

1905, to obtain data for use in connection with irrigation projects 

under consideration by the United States Reclamation Service.

The intake of the Great Northern Railway's pumping station is 

located a hundred yards above the gage. The average quantity 

pumped is about 14,000 gallons an hour for 18 hours a day 

equivalent to a continuous flow of 0.4 second-foot.

The datum of the gage has not been changed since the station was 

established. The records during the winter months are somewhat 

affected by ice. The results taken as a whole can be considered as 

good.

Measurements in high water are made from a cable. The chain 

gage used at this station is located on the left bank about 100 yards 

above the cable.

Discharge measurements of Cutbank Creek at Cutbank, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 15

25

18

July 13

Aug. 28«

Sept. 216

Oct. 23 c

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

104

136

135

136

105

68

50

54

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

128

260

290

292

128

71

46

68

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.50

4.20

4.30

4.32

3.48

3.02

2.88

2.95

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

316

1,040

1,150

1,190

344

84

49

65

Made by wading above cable. 6 Made by wading at cable. c Made by wading at gage.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 89

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cutbank Creek at Cutbank, Mont., for 1909. 

[Conrad Peters, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

20....-.--.......

21...............

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

23............... 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.8

3.8

3.6

^ 7

3.75

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4 05

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.6 

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.9

4.0

4.0

Feb.

3.9

3.8

3.9

3.9

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.9

4.0

3.9

3.9

^ Q

3.8

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.9

3.9

3.9 

3.9

3.9

4.0

4.0

4.0

.......

Mar.

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.85

3.8

3.9

3.9

3.9

3 9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.8 

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

Apr.

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2 

3.2

3.2

3.25

3.35

3.5

3.4

3.3

May.

3.2

3.3

3.45

3.8

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.45

3.75

4.1

4.25

4.8

4.75 

4.35

4.2

4.2

4.35

4.4

4.35

4.3

4.3

June.

4.2

4.25

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.2

4.3

4.35

4.45

4.3

4.15

4.1

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.1

4.0

4.0 

3.95

3.9

3.85

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

July.

3.7

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.65

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2 

3.2

3.2

3.35

3.7

4.65

5.2

4.7

4.1

Aug.

3.9

3.8

3.65

3.55

3.5

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0 

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

Sept.

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9 

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

Oct.

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9 

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.0

Nov.

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.25

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.4 

3.5

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

Dec.

3.5

3.4

3.25 3.0

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.6

3.7

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.ff

3.6

3.6

3.5 

3.5

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 28 and Dec. 1-31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cutbank Creek at Cutbank, Mont., for 1909.

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...I.......................

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

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

30

si

Mar.

'

352

352

qro

Apr.

352

352

280

280

280

216

216

216

160

160

160

160

160

160

136

113

113

113

113

113

160

160

160

160

160

188

248

352

280

216

May.

160

216

316

610

708

610

518

392

352

352

352

352

352

352

352

352

432

316

564

922

1,100

1,810

1,740

1,220

1,040

1,040

1,220

1,290

1,220

1,160

1,160

June.

1,040

1,100 1,280

1,290

1,290

1,160

1,160

1,220

1,350

1,160

980

922

1,040

1,040

1,040

1,040

1,160

1,160

1,040

922

812

812

760

708

659

610

610

518

518

July.

518

610

610

610

610

610

610

518

475

392

352

352

352

280

280

280

280

216

216

216

160

160

160

160

160

248

518

1,610

2,330

1,680

922

Aug.

708

610

475

392

352

316

280

280

280

216

216

160

160

160

160

113

113

113

113

113

77

77

77

77

77

77

77

77

77

77

77

Sept.

77

77

77

77

77

77

77

77

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

Oct.

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

52

77

Nov.

77

77

77

77

188

280

280

280

216

216

160

160

160

160

113

160

216

280

216

216

216

216

280

352

432

432

432

432

432

432

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 52 and 1,290 secondfeet.
90 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART vi.

Monthly discharge of Cutbank Creek at Cutbank, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 971 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

May........................

July........................

The period ...........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

352 

1,810 

1,350 

2,330 

708 

77 

77 

432

Minimum.

113 

160 

518 

160

77 

52 

52

77

Mean.

198 

728 

982 

532 

199 

58.7 

52.8 

242

Per 

square 

mile.

0.204 

.750 

1.01

.548 

.205 

.060 

.054 

.249

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.23 

.86 

1.13 

.63 

.24 

.07 

.06 

.28

Total in " 

acre-feet.

11,800 

44,800 

58,400 

32,700 

12,200 

3,490 

3,250 

14,400

181,000

Accuracy.

B.

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B.

BIRCH CREEK NEAR DUPUYER, MONT.

This station, which is located at Shields ranch, 12 miles northwest 

of Dupuyer, Mont., and about 25 miles from its junction with Two 

Medicine River, was established July 25, 1907, to determine the 

amount of, water available for irrigation projects on the Blackfeet 

Indian Reservation.

No storage is used on this stream, but a number of ditches divert 

water for irrigation. The largest of these, owned by the Conrad 

Investment Co., diverts water about half a mile below the station.

The gage datum remained the same from the time the station was 

established until the high water of June, 1908, when the gage was 

washed away and the channel changed. A temporary staff gage 

was put in July 23, 1908, about 200 feet below the original gage. 

This gage was used until October 1, 1908, when a permanent chain 

gage was established one-fourth mile above. Measurements are 

made from a car and cable located three-fourths of a mile downstream from the gage. By wading just below the cable section 

better low-water results may be obtained.

Discharge measurements of Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 27o

July 11»

Sept. 20a

Oct. 186

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do....................................................

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

W. A. Lamb. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

32

56

54

50

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

42

95

63

60

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.05

5.24

4.75

4.55

Discharge.

Sec.-fl. 

100

309

114

98

a Made by wading below gage. b Made by wading above gage.
MISSOURI TUVEB, BASIN.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont., for 1909. 

[J. A. Earhart, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

7.... -....--..--... -

10.. ...... ..A.......

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...................

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

23...................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

4.75

4.8

4.85

4.85

4.8

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.75

3

0

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.8

3.8

3.8

Apr.

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.8

3.85

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.85

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.8

3.8

3.S5

3.8

3.8

3.85

3.8

3.85

3.9

3.9

3.9

4.15

4.05

4.05

4.0

May.

4.0

4.0

4.3

4.8

4.8

4.5

4.5

4.45

4.5

4.45

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.5

4.6

.4.7

4.7

4.8

5.45

5.6

5.75

6.1

6.25

6.65

6.5

6.5

6.-2S

6.3

June.

6.8

7.15

7.1

6.85

6.65

6.4

6.15

7.1

8.5

7.0

6.8

6.7

6.8

6.7

6.8

6.85

6.65

6.7

6.45

7.0

6.7

6.3

6.1

6.0

5.8

5:65

5.6

5.6

July.

5.65

5.6

5.7

5.65

5.5

5.4

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.25

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.05

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.85

4.85

4.85

6.5

8.7

9.3

7.5

6.5

6.4

Aug.

6.0

5.8

5.6

5.4

5.3

5.5

5.55

5.4

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.1

5.15

5.25

5.15

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.05

5.0

5.0

5.05

4.9

4.95

4.95

4.95

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.85

Sept.

4.85

4.85

4.85

4.8

4.8

4.75

4.7

4.75

4.75

4.65

4.85

4.85

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.85

4.75

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.75

4.8

4.65

4.7

4.65

4.65

4.55

4.75

4.65

Oct.

4.65

4.6

4.65

4.6

4.65

4.7

4.65

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.65

4.65

4.6

1.6

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.55

4.55

4.55

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.55

4.55

4.55

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.55

Nov.

4.5

4.55

4.7

4.75

4.9

4.95

4.95

4.95

4.85

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.55

4.55

4.55

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.55

4.55

4.55

4.55

4.55

4.55

4.55

4.55

Dec.

4.6"

4.55

4.55

4.55

NOTE. Probable ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 13; Dec. 5 to 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1 ..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

8..........

9

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

July.

416

432

416

345

296

296

273

273

308

296

273

251

251

Aug.

457

OQC

336

279

OKI

307

322

279

223

197

173

197

237

Sept.

141

141

141

131

122

113

122

.122

105

141

113

Oct.

97

97

105

113

97

97

Q7

105

Q7

97

Q7

Nov.

82

QA

113

122

151

162

162

162

141

O7

07

90

90

90

on

Dec.

O7

90

QA

90

Day.

16..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28-......-..

29..........

30

31..........

July.

251

262

251

230

230

210

210

220

220

220

680

1,460

1,680

993

623

KQA

Aug.

223

197

173

185

173

173

185

151

162

162

162

151

151

151

131

141

Sept.

141

122

113

113

113

131

122

131

105

113

105

105

90

122

105

Oct.

97

90

90

90

90

82

82

82

82

90

90

90

82

82

82

on

Nov.

82

82

97

97

97

97

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

Dec.

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: 

July 1 to July 27,1909, fairly well denned between 80 and 400 second-feet. 

July 28 to Dec. 4, not well defined.
92 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 155 square miles.]

Month.

July.......................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,680 

457 

141 

113 

162

Minimum.

210 

131 

90

82 

82

Mean.

427 

218 

121 

93.9 

103 

a 85

Per 

square 

mile.

2.75 

1.41 

.781 

.606 

.664 

.549

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

3.17 

1.63

.87 

.70 

.74 

.63

Total in 

acre-feet.

26,300 

13,400 

7,200 

5,770 

6, 130 

5,230

64,000

Accuracy.

ppppp

a Discharge estimated. Mean is approximate. 

DUPUYER CREEK AT DUPUYER, MONT.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge at Dupuyer, 

Mont., was established April 15, 1908, to obtain data for use in connection with irrigation projects in that locality.

The staff gage is nailed to the cribbing under the east end of the 

highway bridge. The gage was washed out July 28 and replaced 

September 20, gage readings for September and October being reduced to the old datum. High-water measurements are made from 

this bridge. Low-water measurements are made by wading.

The datum of the gage has not been changed since the station was 

established. Frequent discharge measurements are necessary to 

insure good results at this station, as the channel conditions are poor. 

Ice affects the results during the winter months.

Discharge measurements of Dupuyer Creek at Dupuyer, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 28 a.

June 246

256

July lie

Sept. 20 c

Oct. 18 c

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb........ ......................................

J. E. Stewart .............................................

.....do.......................... ... ......................

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

W. A. Lamb..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

44

36

36

34

17

18

Area of 

section.

Sq. ft. 

24

70

68

31

18

14

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.36

2.02

1.94

1.34

1.41

1.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

66

209

191

100

39

30

a Made by wading below gage. 6 Made from bridge. c Made by wading above ga

Daily gage height, in feet, of Dupuyer Creek at Dupuyer, Mont., for 1909. 

[Hildreath Miller, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

1.15

1 91

1 OK

1 OK

1.25

May.

1.25

1.35

1.7

2.05

1.75

June.

2.05

2

0

2 OK

o o

2.0

July.

1.55

1.4

1 65

1.65

1.65

Aug. Sept. Oct.

1.35

i qc

1 25

1 91

1.35
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 93 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Dupuyer Creek at Dupuyer, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21............................................

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

23............................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31....:.......................................

Apr.

1.25

1.25

1.05

1.05

.95

.85

.85

1.00

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.75

1.65 1 °.«;

1.45

1.35

May.

1.55

1.45

1.35

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.55

1.7

2.05

1.4

1.4

1.8

1.95

2.05

2.3

2.35

2.35

2.1

2.4

2.45

2.35

2.2

.2.0

1.95

June.

1.95

2.2

2.85

3.25

3.0

2.75

2.75

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.55

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.35

2.25

2.15

2.0

1.95

2.25

1.75

1.65

1.65

July.

1.7

1.55

1.55

1.45

1.45

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.55

2.95

Aug. Sept.

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.35

Oct.

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.35

1.35

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

NOTE. No observations July 28 to Sept. 19.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Dupuyer Creek at Dupuyer, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21............................................

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

23............................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

39

50

50

50

CA

50

50

Q.Q

30

30

21

14

14

25

Q.Q

on

on

39

39

<w

39

39

QQ

39

39

122

106

76

62

May.

50

62

114

178

199

90

76

76

76

76

76

76

90

114

69

69

131

158

178

232

244

244

188

257

270

244

209

158

June.

178

209

244

209

168

158

209

535

450

380

355

360

370

370

328

302

302

302

277

254

232

202

192

254

157

142

142

July.

127

107

142

142

142

149

127

127

114

114

95

90

90

90

90

90

79

79

79

79

79

70

70

70

70

127

444

Aug. Sept.

34

34

34

34

25

25

25

25

25

25

34

Oct.

34

34

25

25

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

25

25

25

25

34

34

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

21

21

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows:

Apr. 1 to June 7, fairly well defined between 25 and 284 second-feet.

June 8 to June 17, the discharges were obtained by the indirect method for shifting channels.

June 18 to July 27, fairly well defined between 66 and 315 second-feet.

Sept. 20 to Oct. 31, fairly well defined between 21 and 48 second-feet.
94 SUEFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Dupuyer Creek at Dupuyer, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April ..............................................

July 1-27 ..........................................

Sept. 20-30 ........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

122

270 

535 

444 

34 

34

Minimum.

14 

50 

142 

70 

25 

21

Mean.

45.6 

140 

280 

114 

29.1 

28.2

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

2,710 

8,610 

16,700 

6,110 

635 

1,730

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

TETON RIVER NEAR BELLEVIEW, MONT.

Teton River, the most important tributary of Marias River, rises 

in the Rocky Mountains and flows eastward in a course approximately parallel to that of Sun River, crossing and recrossing the sixth 

standard parallel north, and emptying into Marias River about a 

mile above the point where the latter joins the Missouri.

This station, which is located 1 mile north of Peeble's ranch, 16 

miles above Chouteau, Mont., was established November 26; 1904, to 

obtain data for use in connection with irrigation projects. The nearest post office is Belle view.

No important tributaries enter the stream near the station. Deep 

Creek and Muddy Creek join the Teton below the station. Practically no water is diverted above, but the ordinary flow below is 

appropriated and used for irrigation.

An irrigation project now being constructed under the Carey Act 

proposes to store the flood water of Teton River in a reservoir located 

about 5 miles north of the gaging station. The water will be diverted 

one-half mile above the gage. The capacity of the reservoir is 90,000 

acre-feet and can be increased to 210,000 by raising the top of the 

dam 20 feet. It will serve 120,000 acres of land on the north side of 

the river.

The first gage was spiked to a post on the left bank about 40 feet 

above the bend of KrofFs irrigation ditch. March 9, 1905, it was 

moved by the observer 250 feet upstream to avoid the effect of the 

dam erected at the head of the ditch below. On May 8, 1905, the 

gage was referred to the bench marks, and it was found that the 

datum had been raised 0.78 foot in moving, while the difference 

between the level of the water surface at the old and new locations 

was but 0.10 foot. The gage datum was lowered on this date 0.20 

foot. May 8, 1906, the gage was again moved 1^ miles upstream to 

Mr. Bjornstad's new ranch and set at an entirely different datum. 

The station was discontinued during 1907, but was reestablished 

again June 16, 1908, near the location of the gage that was used during 

1906, but there is no connection between the gage reading.

A standard chain gage on the left bank is used at this new location. 

Measurements in flood are made from the cable about one-fourth
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 95

mile above the gage. The current is swift at the gage and the river never 

freezes across. The conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data 

during high water are rather poor on account of the shifting channel.

Discharge measurements of Teton River near Belleview, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 4

July 11

Sept. 22

Oct. 19

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

J. E. Stewart. .... ........................................

Width.

Feet. 

40

65

82

45

36

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

40

138

105

504

76

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.90

6.80

5.53

4.95

-4.56

Discharge,

Sec.-ft. 

92.8

843

328

118

94.6

a Made from cable.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Teton River near Belleview, Mont., for 1909. 

[Belle Peebles, observer.]

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. ..............

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

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

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

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

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

31--.-...........

Jan.

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4:7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

Feb.

4.5

4.5

- 4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4. a

4.6

4.5

4.5

Mar.

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.6

4.6

. 4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

Apr.

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

5.6

4.6

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

May.

4.7

4 7

4.8

4 9

4.85

4.8

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.1

5.1

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.3

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

5.7

5.75

5.9

6.05

6.25

6.5

6.6

June.

6.7

6.7

6.8

6.8

6.7

6.8

6.9

6.95

7.0

6.9

6.85

6.8

6.8

6.9

6.9

7.0

7.1

7.2

7.3

7.2

7.15

7.05

6.%

6.85

6.7

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.5

6.5

July.

6.5

6.5

6.4

6.35

6.25

6.05

5.85

5.75

5.6

5.45

5.4

5.4

5.5

5.45

' 5.3

5.3

5.3

5.25

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.05

5.4

6.35

7.2

6.7

6.55

6.45

6.4

Aug. 

6.25

6.05

5.9

5.85

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.45

5.4

5.35

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.0

5.0

Sept.

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.8

Oct.

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.55

4.6

4.6

Nov.

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.65

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.45

4.4

4.45

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.7

Dec.

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.65

4.6

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.5

4.5

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Teton River near Belleview, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

50

50

50

50

65

65

65

65

65

65

Feb.

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

50

50

Mar.

38

38

38

45

45

45

45

45

32

32

Apr.

32

32

32

32

32

45

45

45

45

45

May.

60

60

75

93

85

85

105

105

105

105

June.

790

790

830

830

790

843

870

890

910

870

July.

6%

695

655

655

635

- 600

520

440

405

350

Aug.

580

500

445

425

400

360

360

360

345

325

Sept.

140

140

140

140

140

140

140

115

115

135

Oct.

105

105

105

105

105

100

100

100

100

100

Nov.

105

105

105

110

120

120

120

120

120

105

Dec.

120

120

120

140

140

140

140

140

160

160
96 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Teton River near Belleview, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...............

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

23...............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

50

50

50

50

50

cn

50

50

50

38

38

Feb.

50

50

50

65

65

65

65

65

65

80

80

65

65

50

50

38

38

Mar.

00

32

32

32

32

32

32

00

32

32

22

22

22

22

22

22

qo

32

00

32

Apr.

45

32

32

00

32

32

32

45

45

45

45

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

May.

130

 130

150

150

190

190

190

210

260

325

345

375

430

505

585

660

v>n

June.

850

830

830

870

870

910

955

1,000

1,040

995

975

935

835

835

775

735

735

735

695

695

July.

290

275

275

310

290

245

245

245

230

215

215

ISO

190

175

270

620

965

760

700

655

635

Aug.

325

295

295

280

260

250

230

230

230

205

205

205

205

205

175

175

175

175

175

140

140

Sept.

135

135

135

135

115

115

115

115

115

115

115

115

115

115

115

115

115

110

110

110

Oct.

100

100

100

100

95

95

95

85

85

85

85

85

70

70

70

80

80

80

92

105

105

Nov.

105

105

105

105

92

85

85

85

80

70

80

85

85

85

85

105

105

105

105

120

Dec.

160

160

140

140

140

140

140

140

140

120

120

110

105

120

120

105

105

105

95

85

85

NOTE. These discharges were determined by the indirect method for shifting channels. 

Monthly discharge of Teton River near Belleview, Mont:, for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 170 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

65 

80 

45 

60 

720 

1,040 

965 

580 

140 

105 

120 

160

1,040

Minimum.

38 

38 

22 

32 

60 

695 

175 

140 

110 

70 

70 

85

22

Mean.

56.5 

52.1 

32.4 

43.7 

232 

852 

440 

280 

124 

93.1 

100 

128

203

Per

square 

mile.

0.332 

.306 

.191 

.257 

1.36 

5.01 

2.59 

1.65 

.729 

.548 

.588 

.753

1.19

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.38 

.32 

.22 

.29 

1.57 

5.59 

2.99 

1.90 

.81 

.'63 

.66 

.87

16.23

Total in 

acre-feet.

3,470 

2,890 

1,990 

2,600 

14,300 

50,700 

27,100 

17,200 

7,380 

5,720 

5,950 

7,870

147,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

MTJSSELSHELL RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Musselshell River is formed by two forks. The North Fork (or 

master stream) rises on the southern slopes of the Little Belt Mountains in the northern part of Meagher County, Mont., at an elevation 

of 8,000 feet above sea level, flows southeastward for 10 miles, 

emerging into an irrigable valley, one-half mile to 1 mile in width, 

and joining the South Fork near the town of Martinsdale, 30 miles 

below its source, at an elevation of 4,700 feet above sea level. The
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 97

South Fork has its source in several small streams draining the northward slopes of Crazy Mountains, about 20 miles southwest of Martinstiale, at an elevation of 5,500 feet above sea level, and flows 

northeastward through a valley 1 mile to 3 miles wide From Martinsdale the Musselshell flows almost due east for 130 miles to Melstone, where it turns abrubtly to the north, and 60 miles farther on 

it enters the Missouri.

Below the forks the valley widens and is bordered by low rolling 

hills. The larger part of the basin is covered by glacial deposits. 

The soil is black loam, and when properly irrigated the land is suitable for agriculture. Forestation is scant. At the headwaters of 

the North Fork pines are found, but elsewhere the timber consists 

only of the few cottonwoods and willows that border the stream 

channels. The mean annual rainfall is about 25 inches in the upper 

areas of the basin, but near the mouth of the river it decreases to 12 

inches.

The principal source of supply for the streams in this basin is the 

melting snow. Ice forms on the. streams during the winter months.

The tributaries of the Musselshell are small intermittent streams, 

and the river exhibits wide variations in discharge. Much of the 

water is used for irrigation, the diversions all being small. During 

the irrigating season the Musselshell carries but little water.

A project now under way under the Carey Land Act will utilize 

a small but excellent reservior site on the North Fork to store the 

flood waters of that stream and of Checkerboard Creek, which will be 

diverted into the reservoir. The dam will be 130 feet high and the 

reservoir will store 28,000 acre-feet of water. The dam site is 19^ 

miles from Martinsdale.

The Musselshell basin affords no opportunities for power development. The fall of greatest magnitude occurs on the upper North 

Fork, but the supply of water is insufficient to warrant an expenditure necessary to develop it.

The longest records of stream flow in the Musselshell basin have 

been kept at Shawmut and Harlowton. The wettest year recorded 

was 1908, while the driest was 1906.

NORTH FORK OF MUSSELSHELL RIVER NEAR DELPINE, MONT.

This station, which is located about 16 miles northeast of Martinsdale and 3 miles above Delpine at a proposed dam site, was established May 19, 1909, to determine the amount of water available for 

storage. The drainage area above the gaging station affords an 

excellent reservoir site, and with a 130-foot dam at the station 

28,000 acre-feet of water may be stored. No important tributaries 

enter above the station. Several ditches take water for irrigation.

84548° WSP 266 11 1
98 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

An ordinary staff gage is nailed securely to a foot log, which spans 

the stream near the left bank. Measurements are made from this 

log or by wading.

The station is at a high altitude, and the stream freezes entirely 

over during cold weather. The gage datum has remained unchanged 

and records obtained are good.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of Musselshell River near Delpine, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 26

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

12

10.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

8.8

6.0

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.72

1.54

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

17.9

9.7

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Musselshell River near Delpine, Mont., for 1909.

[Thomas Harbor, observer.]

Day.

1....

 2.... 

3....

5....

6.... 

7....

8....

9....

10. ...

11.... 

12.... 

13.... 

14.... 

15....

May.

1.7

1.85 

2.15 

1.75

1.7

1.65 

1.7 

1.7

1.6 

1.6

1.65 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

June.

1.9

2.0

1.8

2.15

2.05 

2.25 

2.5

2.45 

2.45

2.3 

2.1 

2.3 

1.95 

2.0

July.

2 1

2.0 

2.0

1 Q

1.8

1.85 

1.9 

1 9

1.9 

1.85

1.9 

1.9 

1.7 

1.75 

1.7

Aug.

1.8

------

1.8 

1.8

1.75 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.6

Sept.

1.5

1.7 

1.9 

1.7

1.6

1.6 

1.55 

1.55

1.5 

1.5

1.7 

1.65 

1.6 

1.55 

1.55

Oct.

......

......

1.55 

1.55

1.55 

1.55 

1.55 

1.6 

1.6

Nov.

1.55

1.55 

1.55 

1.55

1.55

1.55 

1.55 

1.55

1.55

1.55 

1.55 

1.6

Day.

16....

17.... 

18.... 

19....

20....

21.... 

22.... 

23....

24. ... 

25....

26. ...

27. ... 

28. ... 

29. ... 

30.... 01

May.

1.65

1.65 

1.6 

1.7

1.7

2.0 

1.6 

1.85

1.6 

1.6

1.7 

1.75 

1.9 

1.95 

2.15 

9 n

June.

2.15

2.25 

2.25 

2.0

2.35

2.35 

2.35 

2.3

2.25 

2.3

2.25 

2.0 

2.1 

2.1 

2.15

July.

1.7

1.65 

1.6 

1.75

2.1

1.9

1.8 

1.8

1.75 

1.7

1.7 

1.75 

1.75 

1.7 

1.75

Aug.

1.6

1.6

1.6 

1.6

1.65

1.65 

1.55 

1.55

1.7 

1.65

1.65 

1.6 

1.5 

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

Sept.

1.5

1.5 

1.6 

1.55

1.55

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

1.5 

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

Oct.

1.6

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

1.6

1.6 

1.6 

1.55

1.55 

1.55

1.55 

1.6 

1.6 

1.55 

1.55 

1.55

Nov.

"i."55 

1.55

1.55 

1.55

1.55 

1.55 

2.15 

2.1 

1.6

NOTE. No observations made Aug. 2 to Aug. 8 or Oct. 1 to Oct. 8. Ice conditions Nov. 14 to Nov. 21 

and Nov. 28 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Musselshell River near Delpine, Mont., for

1909.

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8....

9....

10....

11....

12....

13....

14. ...

15....

May.

16.5

25

47

19.2

16.5

14.2

16.5

16.5

12.0

12.0

14.2

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

June.

28

35

22

16.5

47

39

56

80

75

75

60

43

60

32

35

July.

43

35

35

28

22

25

28

28

28

25

28

28

16.5

19.2

16.5

Aug.

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

19.2

16.5

16.5

16.5

12.0

Sept.

8.2

16.5

28.0

16.5

12.0

12.0

10.1

10.1

8.2

8.2

16.5

14.2

12.0

10.1

10.1

Oct.

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

12.0

12.0

Nov.

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

12.0

Day.

16....

17....

18....

19....

20. ...

21....

22. ...

23. ...

24....

25....

26. ...

27. ...

28....

29---.

30. - - -

31....

May.

14.2

14.2

12.0

16.5

16.5

35.0

12.0

25

12.0

12.0

16.5

19.2

28

32

47

35

June.

47

56

56

35

65

65

65

60

56

60

56

35

43

43

47

July.

16.5

14.2

12.0

19.2

43

28

22

22

19.2

16.5

16.5

19.2

19.2

16.5

19.2

21

Aug.

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

14.2

14.2

10.1

10.1

16.5

14.2

14.2

12.0

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

Sept.

8.2

8.2

12.0

10.1

10.1

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

S.2

8.2

Oct.

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

12.0

12.0

10.1

10.1

10.1

Nov.

..

"io.'i

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is defined only fairly well. The curve was 

determined from two measurements and the standard cross section.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 99 

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Musselshell River near Delpine, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

47 

80 

43 

22 

28 

12.0 

12.0

Minimum.

12.0 

16.5 

12.0 

8.2 

8.2 

8.2 

10.1

Mean.

19.5 

49.8 

23.5 

15.7 

10.8 

10.5 

10.2

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,200 

2,960 

1,440 

965 

643 

646 

384

8,240

Accuracy.

B. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

NORTH FORK OF MUSSELSHELL RIVER NEAR MARTINSDALE, MONT.

This station, which was established May 10, 1907, to determine the 

amount of water available for irrigation, is located at the ranch of 

Martin J. Settle, 4 miles north of Martinsdale and one-half mile above 

the junction of the North and South Forks.

All the tributaries to the North Fork enter the stream above the 

station, the principal ones being Checkerboard and Flagstaff creeks.

Under a Carey Land Act project the water of this fork, which is 

practically all appropriated, will be stored about 20 miles above the 

station and used to irrigate land between Martinsdale and Harlowton.

A chain gage on the left bank of the stream just above the observer's 

private wagon bridge is used. Its datum has remained the same. 

Measurements may be made from this bridge or by wading.

The bed of the stream is composed of gravel and may shift somewhat during high water, as the current is swift. Ice forms during 

the winter season, but records obtained during the open season are 

very good.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont.,

in 1909.

Date.

Arir Q

Mav 25

July 13

Oct. 9

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

23

26

22

23

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

71.6

27.3

21.1

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

 ? w>

£.25

t Ul

3.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

34 5

326

38.2

41.4

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont.,

for 1909.

[Martin J. Settle, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

Apr.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.4

May.

3.6

3 7

4.35

4.85

June.

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.2

4.2

July.

3.7

3.65

3-65

Aug.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

Sept.

3.55

3 Q

3.8

3.85

3.85

Oct.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.65

3.6

Nov.

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

Dec.

3.6

3.4

3.8

3.- 7
100 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont.,

for 1909 Continued.

Day.

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...........................

Apr.

3 A

3.35

3 or

3.35

3.65

3

AZ

3 A

3.6

3 A

3.45

4.0

3.5

3 0

3 A

3.5

3.6

3

C

4.2

3.85

3 Q

3.65

3

C

May.

3 Q

3.8

3

7*

3

7C

3 Q

3 9

3

7K

3.75

3

7K

3.8

3 9

3.85

3 Q

3 Q

3 Q

4.2

4.7

4.7

5.0

5.7

5.0

4 75

5.0

5.0

4 9

June.

4.1

4.25

A OK

4.7

4 EC

4 EC

4.6

4.5

A OP

4.2

4 1 ^

4.1

4

f\K

A KK.

4.7

4.4

4.3

4.1

4.0

4.0

3 Q

3.8

3.8

July.

4 9

3.8

3 7

°. 7

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.45

3

4

3.35

3.3

6.4

4.25

3 Q

3.8

3.8

o 7

3.7 ? 7

3.9

3.7

3.6

Aug.

3.5

3.5

3

C

3.5

3.5

3 EC

3.55

3.5

3

7*

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3

AK

3.45

3.8

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

Sept.

3.8

3.85

3 Q

0 Q

3.65

3 Q

3.6

3.7

3.65

3.65

3.65

 3.6

3.65

3 9

3.65

3.65

3.6

3.65

3.8

3.8

3.6

3.6

Oct.

3.6

3.6

3 A

3.6

3.6

3 A

3.6

3.6

3

C

3.5

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

Nov.

3.55

3.55

3

CK

3.55

3.6

3.55

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.9

3.6

3.65

3.7

3.65

3.6

Dec.

3 S=

NOTE. Probable ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 31 and Dec. 7-31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale,

Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10

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

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

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

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

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

1Q

2Q-. .........................

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

9>?

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

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

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

2Q

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

01

Apr.

63

63

63

57

39

39

0.4.

0.4.

0.4.

70

44

39

on

63

63

44

120

51

70

105

63

C1

63

K1

70

151

98

105

70

51

May.

63

76

175

262

105

90

83

83

105

105

83

83

83

on

105

98

105

105

105

151

OQC

235

289

415

283

238

977

265

272

OCA

June.

231

214

214

131

131

116

10Q

TOQ

214

100

188

180

124

116

108

188

914

147

116

101

101

87

73

73

July.

61

55

55

55

55

249

73

61

61jn

49

44

38

33

00

28

24

20

16

520

135

79

66

66

54

54

54

79

54

48

43

Aug.

43

43

43

43

33

33

33

33

33

33

38

38

33

60

38

33

33

33

33

33

28

28

28

66

43

38

33

33

33

33

33

Sept.

38

79

66

72

72

66

79

79

48

79

60

43

54

48

48 1 48

48

43

48

79

48

48

48

43

48

66

66

43

43

Oct.

43

43

43

48

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

33

33

43

43

43

43

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

Nov.

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

43

43

38

43

. 43

43

43

43

43

43

48

43

43

43

43

79

43

48

54

48

43

Dec.

43

24

43

66

54

66

NOTE. Discharges from Apr. 1 to May 24 based on a rating curve that is well defined below 200 second-feet. 

May 25 to 31 and July 20 to 21 discharges obtained by the indirect method for shifting channels. 

Discharges for remaining year based on a rating curve that is not well defined.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 101

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

May..... ..........................................

July......'.........................................

Dec. 1-6 ...........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

151 

415 

231 

520 

66 

79 

43 

79 

66

Minimum.

34 

63 

73 

16 

28 

38 

33 

38 

24

Mean.

63.6 

163 

148 

74.5 

36.7 

57.4 

40.6 

43.4 

49.3

Kun-off, 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,780 

10,000 

8,810 

4,580 

2,260 

3,420 

2,500 

2,580 

586

38,500

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

MUSSELSHELL RIVER AT HARLOWTON, MONT.

This station, which was established July 11, 1907, to take the place 

of the station formerly maintained at Shawmut, is located at the 

highway bridge 1 mile south of Harlowton. The records furnish 

information of value for irrigation development.

The tributaries above and below the station are all small streams. 

American Fork enters the stream between this station and Shawmut.

A large part of the valley is irrigated and many small ditches receive 

their water supply from the Musselshell. Practically the entire flow 

of the stream is appropriated. A minimum discharge of 2 secondfeet is recorded during the irrigating season at this station.

During the high water of June, 1908, the approaches to the bridge 

were partly destroyed, but the gage was not disturbed. In October, 

1908, the bridge caved in, destroying the gage.

On April 10, 1909, a temporary staff gage was installed which read 

0.73 foot too 'high. On May 24, 1909, a standard chain gage was 

placed on the upstream side of the new public highway bridge with a 

datum 0.52 feet greater than the bench mark. The datum of the 

bench mark was raised 0.52 foot. All gage heights for 1909 have been 

corrected to this new datum.

Measurements may be made from this bridge or by wading. The 

bed of the stream is composed of sand and gravel and will probably 

shift in flood.

Discharge measurements of Musselshell River at Harlowton, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 10

May 24

July 13

Oct. 8

Hydrographer.

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

38

100

60

32

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

30 1

279

88.9

32.1

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.19

2.61

1.33

 1.18

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

104

912

159

124

a Made from bridge.
102 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in. feet, of Musselshell River at Harlowton, Mont., for 1909. 

[G. Yamamota, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IS...........................

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

17.........--------....---...

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.25

1 ^t

1.45

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.7

1.6

1.55

1.55

May

1.45

1.45

1.45

1 60

2.20

1.90

1.45

1.45

1.35

1 35

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.3

1.25

1.35

1.25

1.4

1.7

2.55

3.2

2.95

2.85

2.85

2.75

2.75

June.

2.65

2.65

2.7

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.65

2.85

2.75

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.4

3.1

3.05

2.75

2.6

2.45

2.3

2.15

2.05

1.9

July.

1.8

1.7

1.65

1.55

1.5

2.05

1.9

1.55

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

2.15

1.7

1.45

1.35

1.3

1.3

^ 1

1.95

1.5

1.3

1.3

Aug.

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.25

1.35

1.25

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.3

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

Sept.

1.3

1.45

1.35

1.45

1 45

1.35

1.5

1.55

1.4

1.35

1.45

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

Oct.

1.15

1.1

1.2

1.25

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Nov.

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

l.*15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

Dec.

I.I

.95

.8

NOTE. No observations made till Apr. 10. Probably ice conditions January, February, March, and 

December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Musselshell River at Harlowton, Mont., for 1909.

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...........................

Apr.

94

83

106

106

83

118

1S9

131

146

302

250

226

May.

182

182

250

616

418

226

182

182

146

118

118

131

118

118

146

118

118

162

302

880

1 ^fifi

1,180

1,110

1,030

1,030

June.

957

957

995

1,030

995

995

920

957

1,110

1,030

995

920

845

845

770

770

695

785

1,270

1,050

975

825

718

680

605

540

440

July.

380

325

300

245

222

540

440

250

223

175

175

150

150

123

123

123

123

100

90

100

620

330

204

166

150

150

1,320

486

225

150

150

Aug.

136

123

123

112

100

80

80

123

100

100

100

100

136

166

136

112

100

100

100

100

150

123

112

100

100

100

100

90

80

Sept.

150

204

166

204

204

166

225

250

183

166

204

150

150

150

136

136

123

123

183

150

150

123

123

123

123

123

123

112

112

Oct.

112

100

123

136

150

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

123

Nov.

123

' 123

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

123

123

136

123

123

123

123

123

100

Dec.

100

79

52

NOTE.-

deflned.

-These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Apr. 10 to May 24, not well 

May 25 to July 11, indirect method for shifting channels. July 12 to Dec. 3, not well defined.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 103

Monthly discharge of Musselshell River at Harlowton, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

Apr. 10-30 .........................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

302 

1,360 

1,310 

1,320 

166 

250 

150 

136

Minimum,

83 

118 

440 

90 

80 

112 

100 

100

Mean.

144 

426 

888 

268 

111 

156 

123 

119

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

5.990 

26,200 

52,800 

16,500 

6,820 

9,280 

7,560 

7,080

132,000

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

CHECKERBOARD CREEK NEAR DELPINE, MONT.

Checkerboard Creek, a small stream with no tributaries, rises in 

the Little Belt Mountains. The creek is about 12 miles long. It is 

proposed to carry the water from this creek over a small divide into 

the reservoir located on the North Fork of Musselshell River.

The gaging station, which is located 1\ miles above the junction 

of Checkerboard Creek with Musselshell, 21 miles from Martinsdale 

and 8 miles from Delpine post office, was established May 26, 1909, 

to determine the amount of water available for irrigation.

The gage is a staff nailed to a foot log and located near the right 

bank. All measurements are made from this foot log or by wading. 

As the station is located at a high altitude, ice is common. Since the 

station was established the gage datum has remained unchanged.

Discharge measurements of Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 26

Oct. 8

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

14.5

12.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

16.1

5.2

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.30

.49

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

63.7

6.9

Daily gage height, in feet, of Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont., for 1909. 

[Thos. Harbor, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IS....................................

May.

1.9

2.0

1.0

.8

.7

.75

.8

.8

.8

.75

.75

.75

.7

June.

0.9

.9

.8

.75

.75

.95

.95

.95

.95

1.05

1.0

.85

.9

.85

.8

July.

0.7

.6

.65

.65

.6

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

Aug.

6.55

.55

.53

.5

.5

.5

.5

Sept.

0.5

.55

.65

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.5

.5.

.55

.55

.55

.5

.5

Oct.

0.45

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Nov.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Dec.

0.5

.5

.5
104 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont., in 1909 Contd.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

21....................................

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

23....................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May.

0.8

OK

.8

.8

.8

1.0

1.2

1.2

1.0

1.05

1.05

1 95

.95

1.0

June.

0 75

8

8

85

8

7K

«p;

8

7*»

7

7

July.

0.55

.55

.55

.55

KK

.55

.55

.55

.55

54

.5

.55

.5

.5

Aug.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.52

.55

.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

Sept.

.5

.5

.55

.55.

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Oct.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Nov.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Dec.

NOTE. No observations Aug. 1 to Aug. 8 and Oct. 1 to Oct. 7. Stream frozen over Dec. 4 to 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

g

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

11.................................... 12............:.......................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21.....-..---.-..-.---................

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

23....................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May.

133

133

133

146

36

99

16

19

99

22

19

1Q

19

16

22

22

99

36

54

54

36

28

40

59

32

28

36

June.

28

28

22

19

1Q

00

32

32

00

40

36

25

9g

25

22

1Q

99

22

99

OQ

oc

22

99

19

OK

22

1Q

16

16

July.

16

11.2

13.6

13.6

n

o

16.0

11.2

11.2

11.2

11.2

9

0

9

0

9.2

 9 2

9 2

9

0

9 9

9 2

9 2

9 2

9

0

8

0

7 9

7 9

9 2 '

7 9

7.2

' Aug.

7.4

7.6

7.9

8.1

8.3

8.6

9.0

9.2

9.2

8.4

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7 9

7.2

7 9

7.2

7 9

8.0

9.2

9 2

9 2

7 9

7 9

7 9

7.2

Sept.

7.2

9.2

13.6

9

0

9.2

9 9

9.2

9.2

7 9

7.2

9 9

9 9

7.2

7.2

7 9

7.2

9 2

9.2

9.2

7.2

7.2

7 9

7 9

7 9

7 9

7.2

7.2

7 9

Oct.

7.0

6.8

6.6

6.4

fi 9

6.0

5.8

5.6

7 9

7.2

7.2

7.2

7 9

7.2

7.2

7 9

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7 9

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7 9

7.2

7 9

7.2

Nov.

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

' 7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7 9

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7 9

Dee.

7.2

7.2

7.2

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that was determined from two discharge measurements and the standard cross section.

Monthly discharge of Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

May...............................................

July.-.-...-....----.-.-.....-.-...................

The period. . ................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

146 

40 

16 

9.2 

13.6 

7.2 

7.2

Minimum.

16 

16 

7.2 

7.2 

7.2 

5.6 

7.2

Mean.

43.0 

24.7 

10.1 

7.85 

8.21 

6.97 

7.20

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

2,640 

1,470 

621 

483 

489 

429 

428

6,560

Accuracy.

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 105

SOUTH FORK OF MUSSELSHELL RIVER NEAR MARTINSDALE, MONT.

This station, which was established June 19, 1907, to determine 

the amount of water available for irrigation, was located near the 

ranch of Martin J. Settle, but on April 28, 1908, it was removed upstream about 1J miles, near the blacksmith shop of the Martinsdale 

Sheep Co. and near the public highway, li miles northeast of Martinsdale.

The South Fork has no important tributaries. Many small ditches 

are taken from the creek, and during the irrigating season all the 

water is diverted.

When the new station was established a new datum was used, 

which has remained unchanged. The gage is an ordinary staff nailed 

to a tree on the right bank of the stream. Measurements may be 

made by wading near the gage or from a bridge 150 feet below.

The bed of the stream is chiefly gravehand is clean and nonshifting. 

Ice forms during the whiter season, but records obtained during the 

open season are good.

Discharge measurements of South Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont.,

in 1909.

Date.

May 25

July 13

Oct. 9

Hydrographer.

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

40.5

61

23

31

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

32.0

255

34.4

25

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.55

5.45

1.89

1.74

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

33.4

1,040

56.6

41.2

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdak, Mont.,

for 1909.

[J. G. Wallace, observer.]

Day.

1................. ...................

2....................................

3....................................

4. ....................................

5............... .....................

6. ...................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14. ...................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

OA

22....................................

00

24....................................

25....................................

Apr.

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.8

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.5

1.7

1.55

1.6

1 45

1.5

 1.7

1.75

1 9

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.8

May.

1.8

1.75

1.75

2.9

3.75

3.5

9 fi

2.4

2.3

9 35

2.7

2.55

2.3

2.4

1 95

1 95

2.7

2.5

2.5

3.3

3.65

4.3

5.6

June.

4.7

4.9

5.2

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.6

4.3

4.5

4 4

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.0

4 1

4 0

4.15

4.5

3.9

3 Q

4.4

4.7

4.4

4.5

4.0

July.

2.8

2.65

2.55

2.25

2.2

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.5

9 ft

2.5

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.65

1.7

2.95

2.1

1.9

1.85

1.65

Aug.

1.65

1.55

1.5

1.35

1.35

1.2

1.15

1.25

1.65

1.45

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.35

1.35

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.6

Sept.

1.35

1.75

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.5

2.7

1.7

2.85

1.85

2.00

1.95

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.8

3.75

1.7

Oct.

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.75

1.75

-1.75

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.7

Nov.

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6
106 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY,, 1909,, PAET VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont.,

for 1909 Continued.

Day.

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30....................................

31....................................

Apr.

2

0

2.0

9 fi

2.7

May.

5.1

5.2

5.1

5.0

4.9

4.55

June.

3.8

3.6

3.5

3.1

July.

1.65

1.85

1.85

1 Q

1.65

1.65

Aug.

1.45

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.25

Sept.

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

Oct.

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.5

1.5

1.5

Nov.

NOTE. Probable ice conditions from January to March. Biver frozen over from Nov. 13 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale,

Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1. ...................................

2....................................

3...--.-.........-..--.-...-.........

4....................................

5....................................

6................ ................ ....

7--.....-...---.---......-.-----.....

8....................................

9....................................

11....................................

12....................................

1 3

14....................................

15............ ....................... .

16....................................

17.......... ..........................

18.... .......................... ......

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

23....................................

24....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28-.-........-.-.-..-.---........-....

29....................................

30q-i

Apr.

58

54

54

50

43

36

50

36

30

33

36

28

30

46

40

40

50

95

112

66

66

143

May.

50

46

46

170

330

275

130

106

95

102

143

124

95

106

62

62

143

118

118

106

143

236

307

480

1,140

902

846

792

74ft

576

June.

642

740

902

792

740

740

597

480

555

516

480

447

447

390

417

390

432

555

365

365

516

642

516

555

390

341

296

275

185

201

July.

156

136

124

90

85

118

118

124

118

66

118

66

62

58

54

50

50

50

40

43

178

75

58

54

40

40

54

54

58

40

40

Aug.

40

33

30

22

22

16

14

18

40

28

22

20

20

25

30

22

22

28

28

28

20

20

20

30

36

28

22

20

18

18

20

Sept.

22

46

66

66

66

62

58

30

143

43

163

54

66

62

54

50

46

50

54

50

54

58

50

46

43

43

43

50

50

50

Oct.

46

46

46

43

46

46

46

46

46

43

43

50

46

46

46

43

43

54

54

54

50

50

54

50

43

40

40

40

30

30

30

Nov.

40

40

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 300 second-feet. 

Monthly discharge of South Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale Mont., for 1909.

Month.

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

143 

1,140 

902 

178 

40 

163 

54 

40

Minimum.

28 

46 

185 

40 

14 

22 

30 

36

Mean.

51.8 

304 

497 

78.0 

24.5 

57.9 

44.8 

36.6

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,080 

18,700 

29,600 

4,800 

1,510 

3,450 

2,750 

944

65,800

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 107

AMERICAN FORK NEAR HARLOWTON, MONT.

American Fork rises in the Crazy Mountains and flows northeastward to its junction with the Musselshell, a few miles below the gaging 

station, which was established July 28, 1907, at the Shaw & 

Elliott ranch, 5 miles southeast of Harlowton, Mont., to determine 

the amount of water available for irrigation and storage.

American Fork has no' important tributaries except Lebo Creek, 

which enters the stream a short distance below the station, but 

receives its water supply from the melting snow on the mountains. 

The basin of this stream affords some good storage sites, and by holding back the spring flood waters much more land can be put under 

irrigation.

A chain gage is fastened to the upper bridge rail of a small wagon 

bridge. Its datum has remained constant. In flood, measurements 

may be made from this bridge.

Records obtained during the open season are good. The bed of 

the stream at the gaging station is composed of sand and clay, and 

shifts only under extreme conditions.

Discharge measurements of American Fork near Harlowton, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 9

May 24

Oct. 7

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

10.5

18.0

 19

11

Area of 

section.

,,/,5

11.3

11.8

3.2

Gage" 

height.

Feet. 

1.66

1.90

1.60

1.27

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.6

17.1

11.4

1.6

Daily gage height, in feet, of American Fork near Harlowton, Mont., for 1909. 

[Samuel A. Shaw, observer.]

Day.

2...........................

4...........................

5...........................

6...........................

7...........................

8...........................

9

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

20...........................

21...........................

22.. .........................

23

24...........................

25...........................

Mar.

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

Apr.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1 65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

May.

1.75

1.65

1 65

1.65

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.75

1.75

1 75;

1.7

1.7

2.5

2.0

2.0

3.0

June.

2

0

2.8

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

3.0

3.6

3.3

3.0

2.8

2.7

July.

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.8

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.55

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.1

1.2

1.35

2.0

1.9

1.75

1.4

1.1

Aug.

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.45

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.1

1.1

1.0

.9

,95

1.0

1.0

Sept.

0.9

.9

1.5

1.6

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.8

1.45

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Oct.

1.3

1.3

1 0

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

Nov.

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

- -1.25

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3
108 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of American Fork near Harlowton, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29. ..........................

30...........................

31...........................

Mar.

i VP;

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

Apr.

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

May.

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.8

2.7

June.

2.5

2.4

2.2

2.0

2.0

July.

1.45

1.5

1.6

1.8

1.75

1.6

Aug.

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

Sept.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

Oct.

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

Nov.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 16, Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of American Fork near Harlowton, Mont., for 1909.

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

Mar.

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

"6.8

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

P. 8

6.8

 Apr.

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.'l

6.8

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

May.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

4.1

4.1

2.6

4.1

4.1

4.1

2

ft

2.6

2.6

2.6

6.8

6.8

6.8

4.1

4.1

9026 '

26

175

123

104

123

146

123

104

June.

136

136

162

162

191

191

191

191

262

250

285

210

178

150

125

114

114

114

226

484

346

227

163

137

105

87

62

43

43

July.

20

24

24

24

43

43

00

24

24

22

22

8.2

6.2

3.2

2.2

.1

.5

3.2

44

34

22

4.5

.1

6.2

8.0

13

26

22

1 3

Aug.

6.2

6.2

6.2

2.0

.5

.1

6.2

8.0

4.5

4.5

4.5

6.2

4.5

3.2

4.5

3.2

2.0

1.2

.1

.1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sept.

0.0

.0

8

13

4.5

3.2

3.2

26

6.2

4.5

6.2

'4.5 4.5

3.2

3.2

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Oct.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3 9

Nov.

2.0

2.0

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Mar. 17 to May 24, fairly well 

defined between 1.0 and 90 second-feet. May 25 to July 11, the discharges were obtained by the indirect 

method for shifting channels. July 12 to Nov. 30, fairly well denned between 0.5 and 44 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of American Fork near Harlowton, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

May...............................................

July. ..............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

6.8 

6.8 

175 

484 

44 

8.0 

26 

3.2 

2.0

Minimum.

4.1 

2.6 

2.6 

43 

.1 

0 

0 

2.0 

1.2

Mean.

6.08 

3.68 

36.1 

174 

17.7 

2.38 

3.87 

2.58 

1.84

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

181 

219 

2,220 

10, 400 

1,090 

146 

230 

159 

109

14,800

Accuracy.

OQQQQOOOO
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 109

LEBO CREEK NEAR HARLOWTON, MONT.

Lebo Creek rises at an elevation of 5,600 feet, flows northeastward, 

and enters American Fork half a mile below the gaging station. 

It is about 20 miles long, is fed by springs, and its flow is nearly uniform. Its water is used for irrigation.

The gaging station, which was established July 28, 1907, to determine the amount of water available for irrigation, is located near the 

Shaw & Elliott ranch, 5 miles southeast of Harlowton.

A staff gage is nailed to a pile of the small wagon bridge on the 

right bank. It has the same datum as American Fork. Measurements are made by wading.

Records obtained are fair. The flow is affected by grass in the 

stream bed.

Discharge measurements of Lebo Creek near Harlowton, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

July 12

Oct. 7

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

9.5

12.0

10.0

13.7

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft

10.8

8.0

7.8

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.87

1.51

.83

1.03

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

20.5

41.1

16.7

17.5

Daily gage height, infect, of Lebo Creek near Harlowton, Mont., for 1909. 

[Samuel A. Shaw, observer.]

Day.

1....................................

2. .....-...--.-..---.---..------.--.-

5............-.-.......---.---...--..

6............. -.----.--...----.-- ....

7........------..---.------------.-..

g

10....................................

11....................................

19

13

14....................................

15....................................

16. .----.-...-.-..---...-...-....-.-..

17-..-......--.-.--..------.-.........

1R

19

20- .-.....--.--.--.-.--..---.-...-....

21....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27--..---..-.--...-.................-.

28....................................

29..-.. ...............................

30. ...................................

31....................................

Apr.

1 0

1 0

95

95

9

9

9

85

8

8

8

8

85

85

g

9

9

9

9

Q

g

May.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

1.5

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.1

1 ?

1 ^

1.2

1.15

1.6

1.3

1.6

2 Q

3.0

3 A

3 A

2 A

1.7

1.4

June.

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.3

1.2

1 9

2 A

2 A

1.6

1 4

1.3

1.2

1 9

1.1 1.1

1.0

1.0

1.6

1.4

1.4

I Q

1.3

1

O

1.1

1.0

9

.8

July.

0.7

.5

.5

.5

.8

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.2

1.2

1.0

1.0

.85

.75

.65

.6

.55

.5

.6

1 9

1.4

1.0

.75

.5

.7

.6

.8

.7

.75

.75

Aug.

0.6

.55

.5

.5

.4

.4

.7

.8

.8

.8

.9

.85

.8

.8

9

.85

7C

.7

.8

9

95

.95

9

g

g

9

Sept.

0.9

1.0

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.0

1.0

1 9

1.0

1.0

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Oct.

1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1

1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1

1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1

1.1

1.2

1 9

1 9

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

Nov.

1.2

1.2

1 9

1.2

1 9

1.2

1 9

1 2

1 2

1 9

1.2

1 2

1 2

1.2

1 2

1 2

1 9

1 2

1 2

1 9

1 9

1.2

1 9

1 9

1 9

1.2

1 9

1 9

1 9

1 9

1 9

NOTE. Ice conditions: January, February, March, and December.
110 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Lebo Creek near Harlowton, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1.................. ..................

2....................................

3....................................

5....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12............................... ....

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19............................... ...

20....................................

21...............................

22............................... ...

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29............................... ....

30....................................

31....................................

Apr.

24

24

22

22

21

21

21

20

18

18

18

18

20

20

21

21

21

91

21

21

21

21

21

91

21

21

21

........

May.

21

21

21

21

41

33

30

27

24

30

30

30

27

27

24

24

27

33

33

30

28

45

33

45

145

154

154

154

70

51

36

June.

31

27

27

31

35

31

27

27

70

70

45

35

31

27

27

24

24

22

22

42

34

34

29

29

27

24

22

18

17

17

July.

16

11

11

11

17

40

36

34

26

26

21

21

17

15

13

12

11

10

12

29

35

23

16

15

10

14

12

16

14

15

15

Aug.

12

11

10

10

9

9

13

15

15

15

17

16

15

15

15

17

16

15

14

13

15

15

17

17

17

17

16

16

16

16

16

Sept.

16

17

23

25

23

17

17

23

17

17

23

20

20

20

20

20

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

Oct.

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

22

22

22

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

Nov.

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

32

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: 

Apr. 1 to May 24, fairly well defined between 18 and 55 second-feet. 

May 25 to Oct. 6 indirect method for shifting channels. 

Oct. 7 to Nov. 30 fairly well denned between 16.5 and 33 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Lebo Creek near Harlowton, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

MSy. ..............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

24 

154 

70 

40 

17 

25 

22 

22

Minimum.

18 

21 

17 

10 

9 

16 

18 

22

Mean.

20.8 

47.4 

30.9 

18.5 

14.5 

18.5 

19.2 

22.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,240 

2,910 

1.840 

1,140 

892 

1,100 

1,180 

1,310

11,600

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

c. 

c. 

c.

MILK RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Milk River is formed in the southern part of the Canadian Province of Alberta 1 by the union of two streams, the North Fork and 

the South Fork, that rise in the undulating foothills of the Eocky

i Beginning July 1, 1909, the Canadian Government maintained stations on Milk River basin in the 

Province of Alberta. .The data are published in the report of progress of stream measurements for 1909, 

issued by the Department of the Interior, Dominion of Canada,
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. Ill

Mountains in northeastern Montana, near the international boundary line. For about 100 miles from this junction the Milk flows 

eastward parallel to and on the northeastern side of the boundary. 

It then turns to the southeast, passes across the northern part of 

Montana, and discharges into the Missouri east of Glasgow.

The tributaries of Milk River, except Clear Creek, near Yantic, 

and North Fork, at Chinook, are for the most part intermittent 

streams, but the drainage ways that carry them contain local water 

pockets, which are used as watering places for stock.

From the point at which it leaves Canada and enters Montana to 

Yantic, 10 miles east of Havre, the Milk is bounded on both sides 

by high cliffs that rise 20j) feet or more above the stream. At Yantic 

the cliffs recede and become less abrupt and the valley spreads out, 

and it maintains a width from 3 to 4 miles to its lower end, where it 

narrows to a mile near Hinsdale. This wider part of the valley 

was probably the preglacial channel of the Missouri before it was 

turned aside by the ice sheet and forced to seek a new outlet eastward along the southern face of the glacier.

From the top of the cliffs the country has a rolling aspect, exhibiting no abrupt changes except-where tributaries to the main river 

have eroded deep channels in passing from higher or bench lands 

to the valley. The general slope of the country is toward the east.

A deposit of glacial drift, varying from a layer so thin as to be 

unnoticeable to a bed 70 feet thick, covers the greater part of the 

drainage basin except along the streams, and many small ponds 

that dry up in summer time are scattered over the area. Most of 

these ponds occupy shallow depressions with no outlet, and their 

waters, as a rule, contain salts leached from the soil, and are therefore alkaline. Highly alkaline water was also obtained by a number 

of wells that have been sunk in the vicinity of Havre and Chinook.

The entire drainage basin lies within the plains section, and is 

treeless except for a few willows and cottonwoods along the stream.

The mean annual rainfall, which is about 14 inches at Havre, is 

19 inches at the extreme western edge of the basin. As a rule, most 

of this rainfall occurs during the months of May and June. As 

might be expected in this northern latitude, the streams and lakes 

are ice bound from the last part of November to the first of April.

As the rainfall is so scanty, irrigation is necessary for successful 

cultivation of crops. The United States Reclamation Service has 

begun construction on an irrigation project that will store the flood 

water of Milk River, reenforce the discharge by water from St. 

Mary River, and ultimately reclaim 250,000 acres of land in the 

lower valley.

. Reservoirs for the storage of flood waters are possible at a number 

of places in the basin, as at Chain Lakes, 30 miles northwest of Havre,
112 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

and Mud Lake, in Tps. 31 and 32 N., Rs. 31 and 32 E., and at Lake 

Bowdoin and Lonesome Lake.

Natural power opportunities are wholly lacking in this basin, for 

the fall of none of the streams is large, and Milk River itself is apt to 

cease to flow in the late summer and autumn.

The longest run-off record extends back to 1898. The wettest 

year since that time was 1899 and the driest was 1905. The total 

flow of the river in the driest year was only one-thirtieth of that of 

the wettest.

SOUTH "FORK OF MILK RIVER NEAR BROWNING, MONT.

This station, which is located at Richard Croff's ranch, about 40 

miles northeast of Browning, Mont., and about 6 miles south of the 

Canadian boundary line, was established April 28, 1905, to obtain 

data for use in connection with irrigation projects in Milk River 

valley.

No storage is used above this station. A number of small ditches 

divert water to irrigate meadow lands in the river bottom, a considerable amount of this water returning to the stream as seepage 

and waste water.

The river overflows its banks at a gage height of 12 feet. During 

the high water of June, 1908, the gage was washed out and was not 

replaced until July 31, 1908. From high-water marks the stage was 

found to be 15.4 feet. The flood width was 850 feet and the flood 

cross section about 2,600 square feet.

On July 31 a new chain gage and cable were put in at their original 

locations. The datum of the gage remains the same.

The results are excellent, except during the winter months, when 

they are affected by ice.

Discharge curves at this station are shown in figure 1.

Discharge measurements of South Fork of Milk River near Browning, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 29

July 8

Sept. 17 a, Oct 15°

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

W. A. Lamb..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

73

74

74

32

31

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

142

112

30

31

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4

K1

3 QO

3.55

2.60

2.62

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

448

276

179

33

oe

Made by wading above cable.
300 400 500 

DISCHARGE IN SECOND-FEET 

FIGUBE 1. Discharge curves of South Fork of Milk Kiver near Brown
114 SUBFACE WATEB SUPPLY,, 1909, PAET VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of Milk River near Browning, Mont., for 1909.

[R. J. Croff, observer.]

Day.

1... .................................

2. ...................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

7.................... ...............

g

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14. ...................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18-.--.-...-...........--.--.--.......

19....................................

20....................................

21..... ...............................

22. ...................................

23....................................

24. ...................................

OK

26....................................

27. ...................................

28. ...................................

29....................................

30q-i

il................... ............ t....

May.

4.55

4.4

4.3

June.

4

9

4.35

4.2

4.3

4.0

4.0

4

0

5.65

4.85

4.35

4 9

4.1

4.0

3.9

3.9

3 Q

4.3

3.95

4.5

4.55

4.1

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.4

3.5

July.

3 A

3.3

3.3

3 A

3.6

3.65

4.05

3.6

3.45

3.35

3.3

3 OK

3.2

3.15

3.1

3.5

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.9

2.85

2.85

2.8

2.8

3.2

4.55

5.9

5.55

3.95

3.55

Aug.

3

4

3.3

3.2

3

0

3.15

3.0

3.0

3 fi

2.95

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.75

9 7S

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.6

Sept.

2 65

2.7

2.7

9 7

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.65

2.8

2.6

Oct.

2.6

2 7

2.7

2.7

2.65

0 £K

2.6

2

K

9 *

2.6

2.65

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2

(*

2.6

2.65

2.65

2.65

2

CK

2.6

2.6

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.65

2.65

Nov.

2.6

2.6

2.65

2

7K

2 OK

2 Q

3 {\

2.75

2.75

2.8

3 fi

3.2

2.6

2.55

2.55

2

K

2.65

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.95

3.1

3.1

Dec.

3 n

2 9

2.7

2

0

2

0

2

0

2.7

2 7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2 7

2.6

NOTE. Gage not read until May 29. Ice Dec. 15 to 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of Milk River near Browning, Mont.

for 1909.

Day.

2....

4....

5....

7....

10....

11....

12....

13

14....

15....

May. June.

385

400

4nn

355

385

eoo

KK.4

400

355

326

297

269

July.

147

127

127

147

1Q9

204

319

192

158

127

118

109

100

92

Aug.

147

109

100

77

77

70

64

64

58

58

52

52

Sept.

36

41

41

41

41

41

36

36

32

OO

32

41

52

41

36

Oct.

32

41

41

41

36

36

32

27

27

V)

36

41

32

32

32

Nov.

32

39

36

46

SS

A4

70

77

46

46

52

77

109

32

30

Day.

16..-.

17....

18....

19....

20..--

21....

22....

23....

24....

25....

26....

27....

28....

29....

30. ...

31-...

May.

460

415

385

June.

269

269

385

283

445

460

326

242

216

192

192

180

169

147

169

July.

169

77

70

70

70

64

58

58

52

52

109

460

900

782

283

180

Aug.

47

47

41

41

41

41

41

41

36

32

32

36

41

41

36

32

Sept.

32

32

41

41

Qfi

41

41

41

36

36

32

32

36

52

32

Oct.

32

32

32

36

36

36

36

32

32

36

36

36

36

32

36

36

Nov.

30

27

36

52

41

41

41

64

64

52

41

41

41

41

41

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve well defined below 500 second-feet. Discharges 

Nov. 28-30 estimated on account of ice.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 115

-Monthly discharge of South Fork of Milk River near Browning, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 283 square miles.]

Month.

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

815 

900 

147 

.52 

41 

109

Minimum.

147 

52 

32 

32 

32 

27

Mean.

334 

185 

60.2 

38.0 

34.5 

48.7

Per 

square 

mile.

1.18 

0.654 

.213 

.134 

.122 

.172

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

1.32 

.75 

.25 

.15 

.14 

.19

Total (in 

acre-feet) .

19,900 

11,400 

3,700 

2,260 

2,120 

2,900

42,300

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

MILK EIVER AT HAVRE, MONT.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge over Milk 

River at Havre, Mont., was established May 15, 1898, to obtain 

data for use in connection with a storage project for irrigation in 

Milk River valley. The nearest important tributaries enter about 

20 miles east of the station.

The drainage area above Havre is about 7,300 miles, but the 

entire run-off from this area does not pass Havre, as an elaborate 

canal system in southern Alberta is supplied by Milk River. The 

theoretical discharge of the main canal of this system is about 330 

second-feet. The Canadian minister of the interior has granted the 

canal company 500 second-feet of the low-water flow and 1,500 secondfeet of the high-water discharge. As the system has not been wholly 

in operation, the full effect of the diversions on the flow of Milk River 

has not yet been felt at Havre.

There are no other important irrigation rights ab'ove Havre, but 

farther downstream are five large canal systems supplied directly 

from Milk .River and irrigating about 22,000 acres. The water rights 

of these various systems have not yet been adjudicated, although 

preliminary steps have been taken. A suit in behalf of the Fort 

Belknap Indians was decided in their favor, with the result that they 

were given a prior right over the other canals to 125 second-feet, 

the priority of the other rights not being touched upon. Although 

no provision for storage has been made by the above claimants, the 

entire unappropriated flow of the stream has been filed upon by the 

United States Reclamation Service in connection with its Milk River 

irrigation project, which is now under construction.

A chain gage fastened to the bridge rail on the downstream side is 

used; its datum has remained the same .since the station was established. Measurements may be made from the bridge or by wading. 

From the last part of November to the first part of April the river at
116 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Havre is frozen entirely over, and in portions of the cross sections it is 

usually frozen to the bottom.

Frequent discharge measurements are necessary at this station, 

and even with these the estimates are subject to considerable error. 

This characteristic is true of the entire river. In dry years the flow 

ceases entirely and the water stands in pools for several months.

Discharge measurements of Milk River at Havre, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 19

May 10

14

24

10

July 3

24

Aug. 21

Sept. 12 a

22 >> Oct. 2»

22c

Nov. 18d

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do................. ....................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

123

60

45

170

156

155

154

173

86

83

94

50

100

35

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

195

351

380

1,070

283

277

191

126

74

73

60

52

71

35

height.

Feet. 

4.66

5.90

5.90

10.35

6.50

6.25

6.09

5.30

5.10

5.50

5.45

5.50

5.62

5.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

 286

1,030

1,020

3,940

723

630

417

- 177

90

71

64

64

84

27

a Made from upper side of bridge. 

& Wading measurement above bridge.

c Wading measurement below bridge. 

A Ice one-half foot thick.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Milk River at Havre, Mont., for 1909. 

[L. H. Ling, observer.]

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.

"4." 85" 

5.45

5.45 

5.3 

6.3

"5." 05"

Feb.

4 95

.......

"i" 95'

5.45 

5.25 

5.35

Mar.

5.15

A QC

4.85

4

QC

4.95

4.9

4.85 

 4.75

4.75

4.75

4.75

4.75

4.65 

4.65 

4.7 

4.7

4.75 

4.75 

5.05

5.05 

5.05

4.95 

4.85 

4.75 

4.85 

5.05

4.9

Apr.

5.25

5.05

4 9

5.45 

5.15

4.95 

4.85

4.9 

4.9

4.7

4.65

4.65

5.0 

5.0-

4.75 

4.65 

4.65 

4.7

4.65 

4.5 

4.7

4.8 

4.95

4.85 

4.85 

5.1 

6.7 

6.3

May.

5.8

5.5

4.7

4.5

8.8 

8.8

7.5 

6.5

5.9 

5.7

5.5

5.6

5.9

5.55 

5.4

5.4 

7.2 

6.8 

6.0

5.9 

6.05 

8.3

10.2 

11.7 '

10.1

8.7 

8.1 

7.8 

7.6

7.3

June.

6.9

6.7

6.65

6.5

6.4

6.4 

6.4

6.4 

6.3

6.25 

6.25

7.25

7.2

6.7

6.4 

6.3

6.2 

6.25 

6.55 

7.0

6.9 

6.8 

6.6

6.5 

6.9

6.55 

6.3 

6.25 

6.2 

6 95

July.

6.15

6.05

6.0

6.4

6.3 

6.25

6.3 

6.35

6.15 

6.2

6.2

6.1

5.8 

5.8

5.7 

6.15 

5.7 

5.6

5.4 

5.4 

5.3

5.5 

5.3

5.2 

5.35 

5.8 

5.95 

5.6

5.65

Aug.

7.0

6.65

6.3

6.0

5.8

5.65 

5.6

5.5 

5.5

5.55 

5.45

5.35

5.3

5.3

5.25 

5.15

5.1 

5.05 

5.05 

5.05

5.0 

5.0 

4.95

4.9 

4.9

4.9 

4.85 

4.85 

4.8

4

O

4.8

Sept.

4.8

4.8

4.75

4.7

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5 

5.4

5.4 

5.4 

5.4 

5.4

5.4 

5.35 

5.5

5.5 

5.5

5.45 

5.45 

5.45 

5.45

Oct.

5.45

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5 

5.5

5.5 

5.5

5.45 

5.45

5.45

5.45

5.45

5.45

5.5 

5.55 

5.5 

5.5

5.5

5.6 

5.65

5.65 

5.65

5.65 

5.65 

5.65 

5.7

5 7

5.7

Nov.

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7 

5.7

5.7 

5.7

5.7 

5.7

5.7

5.7

.......

.......

"'5.' 7'

Dec.

5.7

5.7

......

......

NOTE. Ice during January and February and Nov. 14 to Dec. 31.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 117 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Milk River at Havre, Mont., for 1909'.

Day.

1...........................

2...........................

3...........................

5...........................

6...........................

7...........................

8...........................

g

10. ..........................

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16............. ..............

17...........................

18. ....-.--........--.-......

1Q

20...........................

21...........................

22...........................

23...........................

24. ..........................

26...........................

27...........................

28.. ................... ......

29...........................

30. ..........................

01

Mar.

450

430

390

355

390

390

355

370

OCR

355

315

315

315

315

315

285

OOK

285

300

OAfi

01 C

315

430

430

OQA

335

315

355

430

07fl

Apr.

430

515

470

430

370

610

470

395

355

370

370

300

265

265

405

405

ST!

265

265

300

285

245

OAK

340

QQE

OAA

. 360

490

1,400

1,140

May.

840

685

465

375

305

2,810

2,810

1,980

1,350

1,030

900

590

840

1,020

830

750

750

1 860

1 640

1,160

1,070

1,160

3,780

4,160

3 77ft

2,790

2,290

2,120

1,800

June

1,160

840

825

745

690

690

690

690

620

620

1,160

1,130

830

670

620

C7H

535

685

930

870

810

705

655

870

650

525

500

480

865

July.

450

405

405

390

565

520

495

515

540

450

470

470

590

430

320

320

285

450

285

230

200

200

175

225

170

1 ^ft

180

310

365

545

260

Aug.

835

650

480

360

290

245

230

190

190

205

180

155

145

145

120

105

97

95

O9

92

90

85

80

70

65

60

52

48

40

38

38

Sept.

38

38

32

27

29

29

28

27

2525-

70

85

80

78

75

55

55

55

55

55

55

52

68

68

68

62

62

62

62

62

Oct.

62

68

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

62

62

62

62

62

62

62

- 70

75

70

70

70

84

90

90

90

90

90

90

95

95

95

Nov.

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

NOTE. These discharges were obtained by the indirect method for shifting channels. 

Sept. 5-11 estimated by observer.

Monthly discharge of Milk River at Havre, Mont., for 1909.

Discharges

Month.

April. .............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

October. ...........................................

Nov. 1-13, 30. .....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

450 

1,400 

4,160 

1,160 

590 

835 

85 

95 

95

Minimum.

285 

245 

305 

480 

150 

38 

25 

62 

95

Mean.

354 

430 

1,610 

742 

367 

180 

52.7 

73.6 

95.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

21,800 

25,600 

99,000 

44,200 

22,600 

11,100 

3,140 

4,530 

2,640

235,000

Accuracy.

000000000

MILK RIVER AT MALTA, MONT.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge at Malta, 

Mont., was established July 31, 1902, to obtain data for irrigation 

projects in Milk River valley. The nearest tributaries above the 

station are West and North forks of Milk River ? which enter about 

60 miles west of Malta,
118 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART VI.

The drainage area above is about 14,000 square miles, but the 

entire run-off does not pass this station, for between Havre and 

Malta seven irrigation canals, which irrigate about 25,000 acres of 

land, divert water from Milk River and its tributaries. The United 

States Reclamation Service has under construction a diversion dam 

at Dodson, about 17 miles above the station, which diverts water 

for the irrigation of about 108,000 acres of land in Milk River valley 

east of Malta. There are two canals, one on each side, with a total 

discharge of 1,000 second-feet.

The chain gage is fastened to the footrail on the down side of the 

bridge. The gage datum has not been changed since the station 

was established. Measurements are made from the bridge or by 

wading. From November until April the gage heights are affected 

by ice, so that estimates of run-off are only approximate.

Discharge measurements of Milk River at Malta, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 4

11

19

20

24

25

July 2

23

Aug. 23

Oct. 2o

Nov. 196

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb .............................................

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ...................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................:...............................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

84

124

142

115

130

127

174

163

132

89

78

73

63

60

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

137

302

580

262

330

336

1,650

1,240

359

178

97

72

50

62

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.15

3.75

5.73

3.40

4.00

4.00

12.35

9.95

4.20

2.70

1.70

1.40

1.45

1.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

308

1,100

2,380

880

1,220

1,250

6,300

4,680

1,350

486

132

71

90

65

a Made by wading above bridge. 6 Made by wading below bridge. Channel partly frozen over.

Daily gage height, infect, of Milk River at Malta, Mont., for 1909. 

[Ed. Kenayer, observer.]

Day.

1. .........

3..........

5.....-..-.

6,,........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

J6.. ........

17..........

18..........

1Q

20.,,.......

Jan.

1.35

.

1.4

1.35

Feb.

3.65

3.35

3.25

3.15

2,95

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.65

2.25

2.25

2.15

Mar.

2.05

4.15

4.55

4.45

0 AK

3.95

3.45

3

qc

3.35

Apr.

3 or

3.25

3.45

3.95

3

QC

2.55

9 7^

2.85

2 A^

2 65

2 45

2.25

2.45

2.45

May.

2.5

4.0

3.7

3-4

3.0

2.8

3.65

6.3

6.6

5.7

4.0

3.7

3

C

3.4

3.5

3.4

4.1

June.

4.6

4.3

3.7

3.2

2.9

2.8

2.9

3.0

3

0

3.3

3.7

3.85

3.6

3.4

3.2

4.0

July.

4.3

4.2

4.2

3.9

3.7

3.5

5.1

4.9

4.2

3.8

4 1

8 7

3.4

3,3

3.2

3.1

9 Q

2.9

Aug.

3.6

3 9

3.0

Q 7

3.6

3.2

3.0

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.4

3 A

2.3

2.2

2 9

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

Sept.

1 9

1.7

1.6

1.4

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 9

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

Oct.

1 °.

1.4

1.3

1 0

1 3

1 3

1.3

1 -Q

1 °.

1 Q

1 °.

1 °.

1.3

1 9

1.6

Nov.

- 1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

i °.

1.3

1 3

1.3

1 °.

1.3
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 119 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Milk River at Malta, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

21 ..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Jan.

2.9

3 9

Feb.

1.35

.95

Mar.

3.45

3.25

3.35

3.55

3.55

3.75

Apr.

2.35

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.5

May.

4.8

4.7

4.5

5.6

7.65

9.2

9.55

8.1

6.4

5.4

June.

6.9

9.4

12.75

13.0

9.7

6.8

5.7

5.5

5.0

4.8

July.

2.8

2.9

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.3

3.5

Aug!

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

Sept.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

Oct.

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

. 1.6

Nov.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

NOTE. Ice conditions during January, February, March, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Milk River at Malta, Mont., for 1909.

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....................................

Apr.

846

788

904

962

962

1,200

1,080

846

622

426

520

570

472

472

382

301

301

382

382

340

264

' 247

247

282

282

282

320

404

361

May.

962

1,240

1,050

875

649

545

1,020

2,860

3,060

2,450

1,590

1,240

1,050

991

875

933

933

875

1,300

1,820

1,740

1,590

1,980

2,380

3,720

4,650

4,860

3,980

2,920

June.

1,960

1,660

1,440

1,240

1,050

760

596

545

596

596

649

817

817

760

1,050

1,140

991

875

760

1,240

3,260

4,770

6,820

6,980

4,950

3,190

2,450

2,320

1,960

1,820

July.

1 Mf\

1,370

1,370

1,240

1,170

1,050

933

1,520

2,040

1,890

1,370

1,110

1,300

1,050

875

817

760

704

596

596

545

596

545

449

404

361

320

320

320

320

933

Aug.

991

760

649

1,050

991

760

649

545

449

404

361

361

320

282

282

247

215

215

215

215

186

160

137

137

116

116

97

97

97

80

80

Sept.

80

186

137

116

80

75

70

65

72

65

65

65

65

65

52

65

65

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

65

65

Oct.

80

65

80

80

80

80

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

52

116

116

97

97

97

97

97

97

97

116

116

116

Nov.

116

116

116

116

116

116

116

116

116

116

116

116

80

80

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

80

80

80

80

80

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined. Discharges Nov. 28-30 estimated on account of ice.

Monthly discharge of Milk River at Malta, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April. .............................................

July ...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,200 

4,860 

6,980 

2,040 

1,050 

186 

116 

116

Minimum.

247 

404 

545 

320 

80 

52 

52 

65

Mean.

547 

1,830 

1,940 

913 

363 

79.9 

82.5 

88.9

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

32,500 

113,000 

115,000 

56, 100 

22,300 

4,750 

 5,070 

5,290

354,000

Accuracy.

A. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B.
120 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART VI.

MILK EIVEE AT HINSDALE, MONT.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge over Milk 

Hiver, near Hinsdale, Mont., a point 46 miles from its junction with 

Missouri River, was established May 13, 1908, to obtain data for 

use in connection with irrigation projects in Milk River valley.

Three tributaries enter between Malta and Hinsdale: Beaver, 

Creek from the south and Frenchman and Rock creeks from the north. 

These streams discharge large volumes of water during the rainy 

weather in the spring and summer, but they are low or even dry 

during the fall and winter months.

No diversions are made between Malta and Hinsdale. The United 

States Reclamation Service has appropriated the now of the stream 

in connection with the Milk River project and will divert it at a point 

9 miles east of Hinsdale to irrigate land in lower Milk River valley.

From late in November until the 1st of April the stream is frozen 

entirely across and to a considerable depth. It is impracticable to 

keep gage records here during this period.

A chain gage is located on the upstream side of the highway bridge. 

The datum has remained unchanged. Measurements are made from 

the bridge or by wading.

Discharge measurements of Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 23

May 4

5

11

20

21

21

24

July 2

22

Aug. 23«

236

Sept. 18 c

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

126

130

130

138

130

129

131

130

163

139

120

120

92

62

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

790

978

958

1,290

876

875

917

980

2,280

1,470

836

658

126

124

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.29

4.80

4.58

7.10

4.05

4.05

4.35

4.76

13.25

8.23

3.72

2.18

2.18

1.75

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

633

1,540

1,440

3,410

1,050

1,060

1,220

1,470

8,090

4,090

836

194

200

77

a Made from bridge.

6 Made by wading three-fourths mile above bridge.

c Made by wading one-half mile above bridge.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont., for 1909. 

[M. F. Chester, observer.]

Day.

1.... ................................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

Apr.

5.15

5.95

5.75

4.95

4.65

4.6

4.65

4.65

5.05

May.

3.4

3.6

3.8

4.8

4.6

4.3

^ OS

3.6

4.6

5.5

June.

6.6

5.8

5.5

5.0

4.7

4.35

4 05

3.65

3.45

3.45

July.

10.95

8.55

7.95

7.35

5.85

5.25

8.7

7.3

7.5

7.8

Aug.

3.45

4.15

3.85

3.7

4.0

4.1

3.85

3.4

3.2

3.1

Sept.

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

Oct.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.7

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

Nov.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.95

2.0

2.0

2.0
MISSOURI BTVER BASIN. 121 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

U'......... ...........................

12............................ ...... is................:...................

14............... .... . .

15...................................

16............... ....

17....................................

18...................................

19....................................

20..................................

21...................... . .

22........

23....................................

24...................... ..... ....

25....................................

26............................ . ...

27........ .....

28....................................

29..................................

30....................................

31..................................

Apr.

4.65

4.3

4.35

3.95

3.95

3.65

3.45

3.55

3.05

3.55

3.25

3.3

3.0

2.7

2.7

2 7

3.0

3.2

3

0

May.

7.0

6.6

5.85

4.6'

4.3

4.2

4.1

4.2

4.1

4.05

5.0

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.2

6.6

7.6

8.6

8.8

7.35

June.

3.4

3.4

3.65

3.6

3.65

3.6

4.3

4.25

3.9

7.5

17.1

18.6

14.5

13.25

13.3

12.55

10.15

8.05

14.55

15.05

July:

8.25

6.9

5.85

5.3

5.1

4.6

4.3

4.3

4.15

4.0

3.9

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.3

3.3

A KK

4.35

4.55

5.6

3.9

Aug.

3.05

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.15

2.05

2.0

1.9

1.85

Sept.

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Oct.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

Nov.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

NOTE. Ice conditions during January, February, March, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Mills; River at Hinsdale, Mont., for 1909.

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....................................

Apr.

1,770

2,430

2,360

2,210

1,630

1,420

1,380

1,420

1,420

1,700

1,420

1,180

1,220

1,060

970

970

802

700

750

512

750

602

625

490

370

370

370

490

580

625

May.

675

775

885

1,520

1,380

1,180

970

775

1,380

2,020

3,170

2,850

2,280

1,740

1,380

1,180

1,120

1,060

1,120

1,060

1,030

1,660

1,800

1,800

1,740

1,800

2,850

3,650

4,450

4,610

3,450

June.

2,850

2,240

2,020

1,660

1,460

1,220

1,030

802

700

700

675

675

802

775

802

775

1,180

1,150

940

3,570

11,200

12,400

9,170

8,170

8,210

7,610

5,690

4,010

9,210

9,610

July.

6,330

4,410

3,930

3,450

2,280

1,840

4,530

3,410

3,570

3,810

4,170

3,090

2,280

1,875

1,740

1,380

1,180

1,180

1,090

1,000

940

830

775

725

625

625

1,350

1,220

1,350

2,100

940

Aug.

700

1,090

912

830

1,000

1,060

812

675

580

535

512

490

450

410

410

390

370

330

295

260

225

225

225

210

195

180

165

148

135

110

OS 98

Sept.

85

85

75

65

65

65

65

65

65

58

58

58

58

58

58

58

58

58

58

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

Oct.

50

50

50

50

58

65

75

75

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

75

85

98

110

110

110

110

Nov.

110

110

110

110

110

110

122

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 1,800 second-feet. 

1,800 second-feet it is fairly well defined. 

Discharges interpolated for days when gage was not read.

Above
SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART VI. 

Monthly discharge of Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April ..............................................

July............ ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,430 

4,610 

12,400 

6,330 

1,090 

85 

110 

135

Minimum.

370 

675 

675 

625 

' 98 

50 

50 

65

Mean.

1,090 

1,850 

3,710 

2,190 

452 

58.8 

71.3 

96.9

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

64,900 

114, 000 

221, 000 

135, 000 

27,800 

3,500 

4,380 

5,770

576, 000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B.

NORTH FORK OF MILK RIVER NEAR CHINOOK, MONT.

This station, which is located about 4£ miles north of Chinook, 

Mont., and about 7 miles above the junction of North Fork with Milk 

River, was established April 22, 1905, to obtain data for use in connection with irrigation projects in Milk River valley.

No storage is used on this stream. Three canals which divert an 

aggregate of about 20 second-feet take out aboA^e the station. Several small pumping plants which supply water for irrigating the 

bottom land along the river valley also operate above the station. 

Below the station the Matheson and Cook canals divert water for 

irrigating land in Milk RiA^er valley near the rnouth of North Fork. 

The aggregate appropriation of these canals is 78 second-feet.

The results at this station may be considered reliable as a fair rating 

curve has been obtained. Ice during the winter months makes gage 

readings impracticable. A chain gage is located on the left bank 

near the house of the observer. The datum of the gage has remained 

the same since the station was established in 1905. Measurements 

may be made by wading or at the cable near the gage.

The greater part of the run-off occurs during floods caused by 

heavy rains in the spring and early summer. The stream often goes 

dry in the fall.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of Milk River near Chinook, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 22

25

July 3

24 a

Sept. 72 6

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.......................\.............................

.....do....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

56

55

28

62

53

24

17

6

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

79

34

352

123

30

7.9

1.6

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.11

1.56

.95

4.50

1.70

.75

.25

.11

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

57

102

36

1,000

157

38

6.8

1.3

a Made by wading above gage. & Made by wading at gage.
MISSOURI KIVEB BASIN. 123

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Milk River near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

[Mrs. R. B. Snedecor, observer.]

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. ..................

01

Mar.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.2

1.25

1.0

.8

.8

Apr.

1.2

1.35

1.4

1.3

1 OK

.95

1.3

1.2

.9

1.1

1.6

1.3

1.2

1.35

1.3

1.2

1.0

.95

.9

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.35

1.25

1.2

1.15

May.

1.35

1.3

1.15

1.3

1.5

1.1

2.05

3.2

2.25

1.8

1.65

1.6

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.55

1.4

1.35

2.3

2.4

5.35

3.95

2.5

2.2

1.95

1.85

1.8

1.55

1.4

June,

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.05

1.05

.95

.95

.9

.8

.8

.8

.85

.9

.9

.8

4.6

11.25

6.7

4.5

3.95

4.45

3.4

3.15

2.6

2.2

2.2

July.

2.6

2.0

1.55

1.3

3 A

6.5

5.6

3.9

2.15

3.15

3.0

2.9

2.25

1.6

1.45

1.6

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

.8

.75

.7

.9

2.75

1.65

1.25

Aug.

0.8

.7

.7

.65

.65

.65

.6

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.25

.25

.25

.2

.2

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

Sept.

0.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.15

Oct.

0.15

.2

.3

.3

.25

.25

.25

.25

.3

.3

.3

.25

.25

.25

.25

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.35

.35

.35

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

Nov.

0.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.45

.5

.55

.65

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

Dec.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

NOTE. Ice conditions from Jan. 1 to Mar. 22 and after Nov. 13. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Milk River near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

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...........................

Mar.

40

40

40

46

62

68

40

24

24

Apr.

62

81

88

74

81

36

74

62

32

51

119

74

62

81

74

62

40

36

32

46

40

40

51

40

40

51

81

68

62

56

May.

81

74

56

74

103

51

205

528

251

154

128

119

96

88

88

88

103

111

88

81

263

288

1,320

798

314

239

184

164

154

111

88

June.

88

81

74

74

62

51

40

46

46

36

36

32

24

24

24

28

32

32

24

1,030

3,570

1,840

1,020

818

1 000

625

540

372

266

266

July.

372

219

132

93

492

1,770

1,430

800

254

540

492

461

278

140

115

140

68

57

57

57

57

57

52

38

34

30

47

416

149

86

62

Aug.

38

30

30

26

23

26

26

23

17.0

17.0

17.0

17.0

17.0

17.0

14.5

14.5

14.5

14.5

14.5

14.5

5.0

5.0

5.0

3.0

 ? ft

3.0

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Sept.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

2.1

Oct.

2.1

3.0

7.0

7.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

9.5

9.5

9.5

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0-

12.0

12.0

12.0

Nov.

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

12.0

14.5

17.0

20.0

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Mar. 23 to June 21, well defined 

below 200 second-feet; June 22 to Nov. 12, well defined below 200 second-feet.
124 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of North Fort; of Mill River near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

March 23-31......... ..............................

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

68 

119 

1,320 

3,570 

1,770 

38 

2.1 

12 

20

Minimum,

24

32 

51 

24 

30 

1.2 

1.2 

2.1 

12

Mean.

42.7 

59.9 

209 

407 

290 

14.2 

1.23 

7.73 

13.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

762 

3,560 

12,900 

24,200 

17,800 

873 

73.2 

475 

317

61,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B.

BEAVER CREEK NEAR ASHFIELD, MONT.

Beaver Creek rises in the little Rocky Mountains, flows northeastward, and enters Milk River near Hinsdale, Mont. 

' The gaging station, which was established December 31, 1903, to 

obtain data for use in connection with irrigation projects in Milk 

River valley, is located at Craig's ranch, about 18 miles from Malta 

and 3 miles south of Ashfield, Mont., the nearest post office.

The only diversion is that for the irrigation of land bordering the 

stream. The water is diverted by small ditches leading from the 

stream and by small pumping plants near the banks.

The entire run-off from this area does not pass the station. At 

medium and high stages a second channel, known as Beaver Creek 

overflow, leaves the stream above the station, follows a depression 

to the west of the main channel, and reenters at a point some distance 

below the gage. Records are kept of the flow of this channel.

A staff gage was first established at Bridge No. 455 of the Great 

Northern Railway, half a mile west of Ashfi3ld, Mont. It was moved 

to its present location 2^ miles upstream December 31, 1903. Measurements are made from a cable or by wading. The stream carries 

but little water except at the times of the spring floods or heavy 

rains. During the summer months the channel is obstructed by a 

dense growth of weeds and willows, which have to be cleared out 

occasionally, thus making it a difficult matter to procure a permanent 

rating. The results therefore are only fair.

Discharge measurements of Beaver Creel near Ashfield, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 22 a

June 19

20

July 1

236

Aug. 23 c

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

9

44

42

40

19

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

2.8

99

132

118

20

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.40

4.25

4 00

.60 -.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3.0

107

159

151

15

.1

a Made by wading at gage. 6 Made by wading near gage. c Estimated.
MISSOURI BIVER BASIN. 125

Daily gage height, in feet, of Beaver Creek near Ashfield, Mont., for 1909. 

[Mrs. W. P. Craig, observer.]

Day.

1. .........

2..........

5..........

5..........

7. .........

8..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

IQ

14..........

15..........

Mar.

i.7

5.35

C 1 K

4

TK

4.65

4.05

3

7C

3.65

3.55

Apr.

0.05

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

1<!

.15

.15

.15

1 K

1 K

May.

0.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

June.

1.4

1.3

1 ^

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

O 0

5.6

July.

4.1

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.15

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2 ft

1.8

1 7%

Aug.

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.6

1.4

.7

.6

.5

.2

.2

.2

.3

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26......'....

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Mar.

2.95

2.75

2.55

2.35

2.25

5.55

6.65

7.75

6.85

5.35

2.75

2.05

2.05

1.55

.95

.25

Apr.

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

May.

.1

.4

.5

.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

June.

5.5

4.5

4.1

4.1

4.3

5.1

5.25

5.4

5.85

8.2

9.2

8.45

8.0

7.3

6.1

July.

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.2

1.1

1.0

.8

.6

.5

.5

.5

.5

.7

.95

1.5

Aug.

0.3

.15

.05

0

0

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Beaver Creek near Ashfield, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1..........

2..........

3..........

4..........

6..........

7. .........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

Mar.

11

230

250

1QA

184

148

124

118

Apr.

3.5

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

K ft

5.0

5.0

K n

May.

4.0

4 0

4.0

4.0

4 0

4.0

4 0

4 0

4.0

4 0

4/0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

June.

35

32

32

32

32

29

26

26

26

26

26

26

64

247

247

July.

151

116

116

116

116

111

108

98

56

53

53

53

53

47

46

Aug.

41

47

41

35

16

14

12

8.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21 ..........

22...........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

OA

31..........

Mar.

90

82

74

66

62

244

326

445

342

230

82

54

54

40

22

7

Apr.

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

May.

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

10

12

20

50

50

47

44

41

41

38

38

June.

240

175

151

151

163

212

222

233

264

516

755

565

482

385

282

July.

41

38

38

35

29

26

23

18

14

12

12

12

12

16

22

38

Aug.

8.0

5.0

3.5

3.0

3.0

NOTE. These discharges were obtained from a rating curve that is fairly well defined. No flow Aug. 

21-Dec. 31.

Monthly discharge of Beaver Creek near Ashfield, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

March 7-31 ........................................

May...... ._......................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

445 

5 

50 

755 

151 

47 

0 

0 

0 

0

Minimum.

7 

3.5 

4 

26 

12, 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

Mean.

146 

4.68 

14.9 

190 

54.2 

10.4 

0 

0 

0 

0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

7,240 

278 

916 

11,300 

3,330 

640 

0 

0 

0 

0

23,700

Accuracy.

A. 

C. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B.
126 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART VI.

BEAVER CREEK OVERFLOW NEAR BOWDOIN, MONT.

This station which was established June 29, 1903, discontinued 

August 30, 1906, and reestablished May 2, 1908, is located at John 

Turmell's ranch, 14 miles from Malta, Mont.

The flow of this channel must be added to that of the Beaver Creek 

station to get the total flow from the drainage area. The channel 

was practically without flow during the season of 1909 as the water 

was standing in pools.

The datum of the staff gage has remained unchanged. Flood measurements are made at a bridge half a mile below the gage. Lowwater measurements are made near the gage by wading.

Discharge measurements of Beaver Creek overflow near Bowdoin, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

June 20 a, 

July 16

Hydrographer.

W. A . Lamb ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

70

34

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

236

59

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.50

5.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

168

46

a Made from bridge. 6 Made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Beaver Creek overflow near'Bowdoin, Mont., for 1909.

[John Turmell, observer.]

Day.

1....

2....

5....

6....

7....

9-...

10..--

11....

12....

13.... 

14....

15....

Mar.

6.6

Apr.

3.9

3.8

9 7

3.6

9 K

Q 9

3.0

2.9

9 Q

2.9

2.9 

2.9

2.9

May.

2.6

2 P.

2.6

2.5

2

c

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

June.

2.1

2.1

9 1

2.1

2.0 

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1 Q

1 Q

3.95 

6.6

6.75

July.

5.5

5.0

5.3

5.0

C fi

4.6

4.3

4.1

Aug.

3.0

3.0

9 Q

2.8 

2.8

9 7

9 7

9 V

9 A

9 (\

9 A

2.6

2.5

Sept.

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1 

2.1

2.1

9 fi

9 fi

2.0

Day.

16-..-

18--.-

19

20....

00

9fi

97

28....

on

30.--. 

31....

Mar.

7.25

6.0

5.6

5.0

4.95

7.55

6.25

6.0

5.5 

4.5

4.2 

4.0

Apr.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8 

2.8

2

0

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7 

2.7

2.7

May.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4 

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2 

2.2

2.2 

2.1

June.

6.5

6.25

5.25

5.25 

6.35

6.3

8.9

8.9

7.75

6.5 

6.3

5.8

July.

4.0

3.8

3.4

3.4 

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1 

3.1

3.1 

3.0

Aug.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4 

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2 

2.2

2.2 

2.2

Sept.

NOTE. Water standing in pools April 1 to June 12 and July 17 to September 10. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Beaver Creek overflow near Bowdoin, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

2....

3....

5....

6....

7.-.-

8.-..

g

10--.-

11....

12....

13....

14....

15..-.

Mar.

9.0

157

Apr.

O o

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

May.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

June.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

.6

157

176

July.

57

44

99

27

14.1

11.3

9.0

7.0

5.2

3.6

2.2

Aug

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sept.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Day.

16.-

17....

1 8

1 Q

20. -.

21

23. ..

26-...

27. ...

28....

29. ...

30...-

31....

Mar.

96

79

aA

27

9 0

262

189

119

96

57

9.0

3.6

1.0

Apr.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

May.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

June.

14C

119

41

21 9

41

124

110

956

956

364

145

124

79

......

July.

1.0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Aug.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sept.

NOTE. These discharges were obtained from a rating curve that is fairly well defined below 200 seeondeet.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 127

Monthly discharge of Beaver Creek overflow near Bowdoin, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

March 1 4-3 1 .......................................

April..............................................

May.......--.--....... ...........................

July. ..............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

315 

,2 

0 

956

57 

0

Minimum.

1.0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

Mean.

98.3 

0 

0 

137 

12.1 

0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,510 

0 

0 

8,150 

744 

0

Accuracy.

B.

B.

C.

PORCUPINE GREEK AT NASHUA, MONT.

Porcupine Creek rises in the northern part of Valley County, Mont., 

flows southward, forming the west boundary of the Fort Peck Indian 

Reservation, and enters Milk River at Nashua, a point about 5 miles 

from the junction of Milk River with the Missouri.

The drainage area comprises a strip of rolling prairie about 40 miles 

long and extending but a short distance back from the narrow valley 

formed by the stream. Forestatiori is lacking, except a growth of 

willows and cottonwoods along the banks' of the stream.

The greater part of the run-off comes from the melting snow in the" 

early spring and from heavy rains during the summer. In the late 

summer and winter the stream is dry. The annual rainfall is about 

13 inches. The water of this stream is neither diverted nor stored.

The only gaging station is at the road crossing at Nashua. It was 

established July 11, 1908, to obtain data for an irrigation project 

under construction by the United States Reclamation Service for the 

Fort Peck Indians.

Measurements are made by wading near the staff gage, which is 

nailed securely to a tree on the right bank of the stream at the road 

crossing.

Discharge measurements of Porcupine Creek at Nashua, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

July 15 *

16o

21 a

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb. .............................................

..... do.... ........................................... ......

..... do.................................... ------ ...........

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

24

5

38

42

28

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

9.0

1.4

152

107

20

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.85

5.85

2.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

6.9

173

110

27

a Made by wading at the ford. 6 Made from a raft.
128 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Porcupine Creek at Nashua, Mont., for 1909. 

[Mollie E. Martin, observer.]

Day.

1.. ........

3..........

4. .........

5..........

6. .........

7..........

8.. ........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

Apr. May.

2.7 

2.7

2.6

9 H

2.3

2 1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2,1

2.1

2.1

2

1

June.

2.0

9 fi

9 n

9 f\

9 n

2 ft

9 n

9 n

9 n

2.0

2.0

2

f\

2.0

1 9

1 9

July.

2.0 

1 9

1 9

1 9

1 9

1 9

3.1

4.0

3 9

3 Q

5.1

5.1

Q 1H

7.05

Aug.

2.1

2

1

2 1

2 1

9 n

9 n

9 n

2.0

2.0

1 9

i a

1.8

1.8

1.8 i s

Sept.

0.9 

9

.8

. .8

Day.

16.......... 

17..........

18........'..

19

20

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25. .........

26. .........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30

31..........

Apr.

2 7

2.5

9 ft

2.6

2.7

2.8

9 Q

May.

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

ft.O

2.0

9 n

2.0

June.

1.9 

1.9

1.9

1.9

' 1,9

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

9 n

July.

4.9 

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.1

35

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

Aug.

1.8 

1.7

1.6

1.4

1 8

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Sept.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Porcupine Creek at Nashua, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1. .........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

Apr. May.

25

25

22.0

13.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

June.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4 9

4.2

2.8

2.8

July.

4.2

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

38

72

76

68

68

122

122

408

244

Aug.

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

2.8

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Sept.

0

0

0

0

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19. .. .......

20..........

21 ..........

22..........

2i. .........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31 ..........

Apr.

25

19.0

22.0

25

28

31

May.

7.0

7.0

10.0

7.0

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

June.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

July.

11238 '

34

34

38

19.0

16.0

16.0

16.0

10.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

Aug.

0.6

.1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sept.

NOTE. These discharges were obtained from a rating curve that is fairly well defined below 120 secondfeet.

Monthly discharge of Porcupine River at Nashua, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April 24-30............ ..... . .... . ........

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge hi second-feet.

Maximum.

31 

25 

7.0 

408 

7.0

Minimum.

19.0 

4.2 

4.2 

2.8 

0

Mean.

25 

8.2 

4.2 

56 

1.8

Run-off 

(total hi 

acre-feet).

342 

607 

253 

3,440 

110

Accuracy.

B. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

C.

PRIVATE CANALS IN MILK RIVER VALLEY. 

DESCRIPTION.

Since 1905 a number of stations have been maintained on private 

canals in Milk River valley for the purpose of ascertaining the extent 

of private water rights. With the exception of Rock Creek canal, 

which is £ear Hinsdale, in Valley County, these canals are located in
MISSOURI RIVER, BASIN. 129

Chouteau County and are used to irrigate lands in the vicinity of 

Harlem and Chinook.

The canals are all built on small grades and in soil which is easily 

eroded. In many of them silt has been deposited, and nearly all of 

them contain a growth of weeds and moss. At low stages the water 

is uniformly sluggish. In order to divert water into the laterals 

checks are erected in the main canals, and these checks often produce 

back-water effects for long distances above. They were put up under 

a great variety of conditions, and as a result velocities are found to 

differ widely at the same gage height during the season. In order to 

establish the correct relation between gage height and discharge it is 

necessary to make several rating curves for the same canal station. 

Frequent discharge measurements are necessary to obtain reliable 

results. Staff gages are located on all canals and most measurements 

are made by wading.

PARADISE VALLEY CANAL NEAR CHINOOK, MONT.

This station, which was established in June, 1903, is located near 

the head gate at Rudolph Friede's ranch and is reached by driving 

along the south river road from Chinook.

Discharge measurements of Paradise Valley canal near Chinook, Mont., in 1909.

Date..

May 3

18

26

July 14

20

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb. .............................................

.....do....................................:................

.....do.....................................................

.....do......................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

13.8

15

6

8

16

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

2.1

13.4

1.2

2.1

15.6

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.71

1.85

1.10

1.30

1.45

2.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

10.2

14.2

0

.4

1.1

13.8

0

Daily gage height, infect, of Paradise Valley canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909. 

[Rudolph Friede, observer.]

Day.

1.......

2.......

3.......

4. ......

6.......

7.......

8.......

10. ......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

Apr. May.

1.70

1.63

1.60

1.37

1.74

1.12

1.86

1 80

1.79

1.70

1.58

1.42

1.43

1.55

June.

1.43

1 48

1.10

1.88

1.90

1.87

2.30

1.96

2.08

July.

1.30

1.60

1.50

1.40

2.01

1.32

1.37

1 78

1.65

1.88

1.66

1.41

1.41

1.30

Aug.

2.25

1.70

2.08

2.00

1.92

1.50

1.50

1.28

1.24

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22. ......

23. ......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30

31.......

Apr.

1.10

1.30

May.

1.44

1 3ft

1.93

1 80

1.73

1.82

1.86

1.89

1 84

1.30

1 25

1.22

1.58

1.74

1.70

1.51

June.

1.84

1.70

1.74

2.10

2.40

1.49

1.40

1.35.

1.32

1.32

1.32

1.31

1.31

1.29

1.28

July.

1.10

1.70

1.43

1.39

1.75

2.19

2.03

2.15

2.15

2.55

1.80

1.64

2.05

Aug.

84548° WSP 266 11-
130 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Paradise Valley canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1.......

5.......

6.......

7.......

8.......

Q

10.......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

Apr. May.

10.0

8.3

7.6

7 9

3

0

11.0

9

H o

12.6

19 1

10.0

7.2

4.1

6.6

June.

5.1

0

0

0

0

0

15.0

13.6

27

19 4

July.

3 Q

1.1

12.6

.1

.6

7.0

4.1

9.0

A O

.7

.7

9

Aug.

13.8

1.7

8.1

6.4

4.9

.1

.1

0

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22.......

23.......

24.......

25.......

26. ......

28.......

29.......

30

31.......

Apr.

0

2.2

22.0

May.

4.4

2.2

16.3

12.6

10.8

13.2

14.3

15.1

13.7

2.2

1.6

1.2

7.2

11.0

10.0

5.7

June.

12.1

7.6

9.6

18.4

28

3.4

1.9

1.3

.7

.5

.4

.4

.4

.3

9

July.

0

0

0

3.9

.3

.1

4.1

14.1

11.2

9.2

11.9

11.5

23.2

3.4

1.2

8.0

Aug.

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves as follows:* 

Apr. 28 to June 3, fairly well denned. 

June 10 to June 26, indirect method for shifting channels. 

June 27 to August, curve fairly well denned.

Monthly discharge of Paradise Valley canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

May...............................................

July...............................................

Aug. 1-7...........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

16.3 

28 

23.2 

13.8

Minimum.

0.2 

0 

0 

.1

Mean.

8.40 

6.67 

4.86 

5.01

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

516 

397 

299 

69.6

Accuracy.

PPPP

COOK CANAL NEAR CHINOOK, MONT.

This station, which was established April 10, 1905, is located at a 

small wooden highway bridge on the road running parallel to the 

Great Northern Eailway, about 3 miles east of Chinook.

Discharge measurements of Cook canal near Chinook, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 21

May 3

18

26

July 14

Aug. 1

20

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

.....do....................... ........... . . .......

.....do.....................................................

.....do.................. .. ..... . .......

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.................... ... .......

Width.

Feet. 

12.5

13

12

13

7

7

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

30

32

32

38

3.0

3.4

4.6

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.85

3.20

3

QO

1.70

1.80

1.20

2.00

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

18

20

20

18

1.9

1.8

0

3.7
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 131

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cook canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909. 

[Herbert Reynolds, observer.]

Day.

1.......

2.......

3.......

5.......

7.......

8.......

9.......

10. ......

11.......

12.......

13. ......

14.......

15.......

Apr. May.

 > A

2.9

3.0

0 I

2.9

o Q

3.4

3.5

3.0

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.2

June.

1.4

2.5

3.3

3.2

3 9

3.4

3.3

3 9

3.3

3.2

2.9

2.8

2.6

July.

2.2-

1.9

1.7

1.7

1.7

2.7

2.3

2.0

2.3

1.9

1.8

1.5

1.3

1.2

1.9

Aug.

2.2

1.7

1.4

1.4

1.3

1 9

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.3

1.4

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20. ......

21.......

22. ......

23.......

24. ......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

31.......

Apr.

2.9

2.7

2.9

2.9

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.9

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.0

May.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.1

3.0

3.5

3.3

3.5

2.8

2.3

2.0

1.9

2.3

1.9

1.8

1.5

June.

3.0

3.1

2.9

3.1

3.0

3.1

3.0

2.5

2.3

2.4

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

July.

1.6

1.5

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.4

1.5

1.9

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.3

Aug.

1.5

1.4

1.5

1.6

2.3

2.1

2.2

2.0

1.8

1.8

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.5

2.6

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cook canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1.......

3.......

4.......

6.......

7. ......

8.......

9.......

10. ......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

Apr. May.

1Q ft

18.3

19 6

21.0

18.3

18.3

22.5

23.8

17.3

13.5

22.5

21.2

21.2

19.9

19.9

June.

2.0

7.8

17.5

17.5

16.1

16.1

17.5

18.9

17.5

16.1

17.5

16.1

12.2

11.0

8.8

July.

5.0

2.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

9.9

5.9

3.5

5.9

2.8

2.2

.8

0

0

2.8

Aug.

5.0

1.7

.4

.4

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

.4

0

.4

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22. ......

23.......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

31.......

Apr.

18.3

15.7

18.3

18.3

15.7

17.0

17.0

18.3

18.3

19.6

18.3

18.3

19.6

May.

21.2

21.2

21.2

18.6

17.3

23.8

21.2

23.8

14.7

8.8

6.0

5.2

8.8

5.2

4.4

2.5

June.

13.4

14.7

12.2

14.7

13.4

14.7

13.4

7.8

5.9

6.8

1.7

1.2

1.2

.8

.8

July.

1.2

.8

0

0

- 0

0

0

0

.4

.8

2.8

4.2

4.2

5.0

5.9

5.9

Aug.

0.8

.4

.8

1.2

5.9

4.2

5.0

3.5

2.2

2.2

2.8

3.5

4.2

3.5

7.8

8.8

NOTE. These discharges are based on three rating curves, fairly well defined, applicable from Apr. 18 

to May 6, May 7 to June 1, June 2 to Aug. 31, respectively.

Monthly discharge of Cook canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April 18-30 ........................................

May....... ........................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

19.6 

23.8 

18.9 

9.9

8.8

Minimum.

15.7 

2.5 

.8 

0 

0

Mean.

17.9 

16.8 

11.2 

2.51 

2.10

Kun-ofE 

(total in 

acre-feet).

462 

1,030 

666 

154 

129

Accuracy.

QQQQQ

MATHESON CANAL NEAR CHINOOK, MONT.

This station, which was established April 10, 1905, is located at a 

footbridge 200 feet below the head gate near the main road, 3| miles 

east of Chinook.
132 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of Matheson canal near Chinook, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 21

May 3

18

26

July 14

Aug. 1

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

8

8

8

8

6

2

3

Area of 

section.

*£«

6.1

8.6

9.4

4.8

.8

1.7

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.25

2.20

2.45

2.55

2.30

2.10

2.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

6.6

6.2

7.0

5.8

2.0

.3

1.2

Daily gage height, in feet, of Matheson canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909. 

[Herbert Reynolds, observer.]

Day.

1.......

2.......

4.......

5.......

6.......

1. ......

8.......

g

10.......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

Apr.

2.2

9 8

2.4

2.4

9 A

2.3

2.3

2.0

1 9

1 9

1 9

1.8

1.7

May.

2.5

2.6

2 A

2.5

2.4

2

9

3 ft

3.0

2.8

9 7

3 A

9 7

2.4

2.4

2.3

June.

2.3

2.3

3

1

2.8

2,8

2.8

2.3

2.6

2.6

2

K

9 ^

2.5

2.5

2.3

2.0

July.

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.7

2.3

2.1

2.2

2 A

9 3

1 Q

1.8

2.1

2.4

Aug.

2.3

2.0

1 0

1.9

1.8

1 9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

Day.

16.. ....!

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22. ......

23.......

24.......

25.......

26. ......

27.......

28.......

9Q

30.......

31.......

Apr.

2.3

2.0

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.4

2.4

2.5

' 2.5

2.5

2.3

May.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.7

2.3

3.0

2.7

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.5

2.4

June.

2.0

2.5

2.6

2.7

3.0

3.5

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.9

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.1

July.

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.7

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.0

9 rt

9 1

9 1

3.3

3.0

2.6

2.5

Aug.

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.3

1 3

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.3

1.3

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Matheson canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1. ......

2.......

3.......

4.......

5.......

6.......

7.......

8.......

10.......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15. ......

Apr.

6.2

11.5

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.0

7.0

4.6

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.4

3.4

2.9

May.

8.8

0 7

7.9

8.7

7.7

6.7

13.0

12.8

10.8

9.9

12.7

9.8

7.0

7.0

6.1

June.

4.6

4.5

11.3

8.5

8.5

8.5

4.0

6.4

5.8

5.2

5.2

5.0

i Q

3.3

.9

July.

1 9

.6

0

0

.6

4.5

1.7,

.3

2.1

1.4

0

0

.3

1 9

Aug.

1 9

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22.......

23.......

24. ......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28. ......

29.......

30.......

31.......

Apr.

7.0

7.0

6.2

6.2

7.0

10.6

11.5

19 H

7 Q

7 9

8.8

8

0

8.8

7.0

May.

. ft 8

6.7

6.7

6.6

ft i

8.8

5.2

9.6

8 7

A Q

5

0

5.8

6.6

7.5

6.2

5.4

June.

4

K

5.2

5.9

8 A

13.1

4

0

3

1

3 A

3 A

7.0

2.0

2 0

i 3

July.

3.5

9 ft

2.6

4.1

2.6

1.9

1 Q

1.2

0

0

0

2.6

9 A

6.7

3 A

2.6

Aug.

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: 

Apr. 2 to May 3, poorly denned. 

May 4 to Aug. 31, indirect method for shifting channels.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 133 

Monthly discharge of Maiheson canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

Apr. 2-30..........................................

May.... ...........................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

12.5 

13.0 

13.1 

9.4 

1.2

Minimum.

2.9 

5.2 

.3 

0 

0

Mean.

7.02 

8.01 

5.04 

1.95 

.04

Run-ofl 

(total in 

 acre-feet).

404 

493 

300 

120 

2.5

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

D. 

OX

HARLEM CANAL NEAR ZURICH, MONT.

This station, which was established in June, 1903, is located about 

500 feet below the head gates of the canal, 1J miles southeast of the 

Great Northern Railway section house at Zurich. It is reached by 

driving from Chinook.

The canal was not in use in 1907, as the headworks were out of 

order.

Discharge measurements of Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 21

May 3

18

26

Aug. 1

20

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

24

24

26

19

10

Area of 

section.

S^

57

56

27

10

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.13

3.25

3.20

1.85

.20

1.10

.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

70

77

74

32

0

8.9

.5

Daily gage height, in feet, of Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont., for 1909. 

[Joel Lean, observer.]

Day.

1. .........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

g

10..........

11..........

12..........

10

14..........

15..........

Mar. Apr.

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.0

2.9

9 Q

2.9 i n

3.0 

2,9

9 Q

9 7

2 7

3 0

May.

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.0

2.2

2.0

3

0

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

2.8

3 A

June.

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.0

2 A

1 9

1.9

1.8 

1 9

2.1

2.3

2

Q

July.

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.6

2.2

2.0 

1.8

2 A

1.8

1.6

Aug.

1.1

1.0

1.0

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26.......... 

27..........

28..........

29.......... in

31..........

Mar.

......

2.0

2.4

2.7

3.1

Apr.

3.1

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.2 

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.4

May.

3.0

2.9

3.0

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.0

3.2

3.1

June.

2.2

2.2

2.9

9 Q

3.0

2.9

......

July.

1.5

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.2

2.2

2.0

1 i

1.2

Aug.

......
134 ' SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1. .........

4..........

5. ....... ..

6..........

7. .........

8..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

Mar. Apr.

81

84

84

81

68

64

64

64

68

 8

64

64

58

58

68

May.

77

77

74

74

68

42

36

74

77

74

74

71

68

61

68

June.

0

51

51

54

.51

51

36

36

33

33

30

33

39

AK

AK

July.

0

0

0

0

0

 50

KQ

55

4Q

07

01

26

31

Oft

20

Aug.

9.0

7 9

7.2

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19. .........

9fl

21 ..........

99

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31.........

Mar.

36

48

58

71

Apr.

71

68

71

71

71

74

74

71

74

74

77

77

77

81

May.

68

64

68

71

74

74

68

74

71

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

June.

42

42

64

64

68

64

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

July.

17.5

10.9

7.2

7.2

9.0

72

72

10.9

10.9

10.9

9.0

10.9

37

31

12.9

10.9

Aug.

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: 

Mar. 28 to June 21, fairly well denned between 22 and 84 second-feet. 

July 6 to Aug. 3, fairly well denned between 7.2 and 31 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Harlem, canal near Zurich, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July.- .............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

84 

77 

68 

59

Minimum.

58 

0 

0 

0

Mean.

71.4 

53.1 

31.1 

19.5

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

4,250 

3,260 

1,850 

1,200

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

AGENCY DITCH NEAR HARLEM, MONT.

This station, which was established July 14, 1905, is located at 

the highway bridge, about one-fourth mile below the head gate. It 

is reached by driving south from Harlem, Mont.

The head gates were opened for the season April 21, 1908, but 

were closed again for repairs from May 4 to 17, and also June 13 to 

July 6. The ditch was emptied August 1, 1908, and later a small 

flow was admitted to furnish water for the steam plow, but not for 

irrigation.

The following discharge measurement was made by W. A. Lamb:

June 28, 1909: Width, 14.5 feet; area, 12 square feet; gage height, 2.83 feet; discharge, 11 second-feet.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Agency ditch near Harlem, Mont., for 1909. 

[Carl A. Grant, observer.]

Day.

1. .............

2..............

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

June.

5.25

5.35

5.0

4.9

5.0

July.

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.8

2.75

2.9

2.8

Day.

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

IS

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

June.

4.9

5.0

5.1

5.45

5.3

5.2

5.3

4.85

4.7

5.3

July.

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.8

2.85

2.8

2.85

2.8

2.85

2.75

Day.

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29.........:....

30..............

31..............

June. July.

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.85
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 135

FORT BELKNAP CANAL NEAR CHINOOK, MONT.

This station, which was established June 21, 1903, is located at 

the highway bridge, about 500 feet below the head gates of the canal, 

8 miles east of Chinook.

The high water of June, 1908, washed out both the bridge and the 

gage, A new gage was installed on June 27, 1908, at a different 

datum, within a few feet of the site of the old gage.

A new bridge was built about one-fourth mile upstream from the 

site of the old one. Measurements can be made from this bridge 

only when the canal is running full. Wading measurements are 

made at a section about 300 feet downstream from the gage.

There was flow in the canal on the single days for which gage 

heights are missing. During a few of the days when the canal was 

at its highest, owing to the flood in Milk River, the water was wasted, 

but the greatest part of the time from June 5 to 30 the water was used 

for irrigation.

The head gates were closed for the season September 22, 1907, 

September 23, 1908, and November 18, 1909.

Discharge measurements of Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 20

May 12

22

June 8

30

Aug. 2

20

Sept. 13

27

Nov. 18

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do...............-....--...-....--....----.........-...

.....do.................-...--....-....---...----.........-.

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ........-....-...-.......-.-...--....--....--.......

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

46

42

38

 48

36

32

32

34

30

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

93

66

50

58

34

34

32

25

28

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.70

2.65

2.25

2.75

2.25

2.25

2.18

2.01

2.15

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

67

64

43

63

38

33

29

' 17.2

24

0

Daily gage height, in feet, of Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

[Bruce Glenn, observer.]

Day.

I............ -.....--..-.-.....-... ..

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12..................... . ... ..... .. is.....................:..............

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

Apr.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.85

2 OK

29

2

0

2.95

May.

3.0

O OK

2.8

2.8

2

0

2 9

2.8

2.8

9 "7^

2.7

2.75

2.8

2.8

o e

2

0

9 Q

2

0

2

fiK

O 4K

2.3

June.

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

o 7^

2.7

2 7

2.7

2.75

2

7K

2.8

2.8

2 Q

3.0

July.

2.25

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.35

2

0

2.3

2

0

2.25

2.4

Aug.

1.7

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.25

2.3

2 A

2.4

2 OK

9 K.

2.25

Sept.

2.2

2.0

1 9

1.85

Oct.

2.05

2.05

2.10

2.15

2.15

2.20

2.20

Nov.

2.15

2.15

2.05

2.00
136 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Fart Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909 Contd.

Day.

91

99

23....................................

24....................................

OC

26....................................

97

28....................................

OQ

^?ft

^1

Apr.

2 AC

9 Q

2 Q

2.95

2 AC

3.0

Q A

3.0

O QC,

Q n

May.

9 3

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.35

2.3

2.3

9 1

2.35

2.4

June.

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.25

July.

2.5

2.45

2.45

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

Aug.

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.2

2.2

Sept.

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.05

Oct.

2.15

2.15

2.2

2.2

Nov.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1........... .........................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

W. ...................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22. ...................................

93

24....................................

OC

26....................................

97

28....................................

29....................................

30....................................

31........ ............................

Apr.

74

74

74

74

78

78

81

81

85

OC

85

81

81

85

85

89

OQ

ftQ

85

89

May.

89

85

74

74

74

81

74

74

70

67

70

74

74

74

74

81

74

fi4

52

45

45

43

41

41

V)

48

45

45

45

48

50

June.

50

55

61

67

66

66

66

66

66

66

63

60

60

60

63

63

66

66

73

80

0

0

0

0

0

0

36

36

38

38

July.

38

40

44

44

46

46

44

44

46

46

44

44

42

42

42

42

42

42

38

44

49

46

46

44

49

49

54

54

0

0

0

Aug.

16

30

30

34

38

38

34

34

34

32

32

34

36

38

38

36

38

43

32

30

30

30

30

32

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

Sept.

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

17

17

17

17

16

15

14

13

13

12

12

12

22

22

22

21

21

20

20

20

20

Oct."

20

20

20

20

20

21

22

22

23

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

25

26

26

26

25

25

24

24

24

25

25

26

26

26

25

Nov.

24

24

24

22

20

18

18

18

18

18

18

- 18

18

NOTE. Owing to heavy growth of vegetation in canal five rating curves were necessary to determine 

 ating.

Monthly discharge of Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

Aprilll-30.. ................... ....... .. .....

May.. .............................................

July...............................................

August ............................................

The period. .................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

89 

89 

80 

54 

43 

30 

26 

24

Minimum.

74 41' 

0

16 

12 

20 

18

Mean.

82.1 

62.8 

47.7 

40.4 

32.5 

21.1 

23.7 

19.9

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,260 

3,860 

2,840 

2,480 

2,000 

1,260 

l;460 

513

17,700

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 137

LITTLE PORCUPINE CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

LITTLE PORCUPINE CREEK NEAR FRAZER, MONT.

Little Porcupine Creek rises near the central-western part of the 

Fort Peck Indian Reservation, flows southward, and enters Missouri 

River near Frazer, Mont.

The drainage area comprises a strip of land about 25 miles long, 

extending but a short distance back from the narrow valley bordering the stream. Except for a growth of cottonwoods and willows, 

the basin is without forestation.

The run-off comes from the melting snow in the spring and from 

heavy rains during the summer. During the greater part of the 

year the channel is dry, except for about one-half second-foot of 

water derived from springs near the mouth of the stream. The annual 

rainfall is about 13 inches. The stream is not used for diversion.

The only gaging station in this basin is about 2 miles south of 

Frazer, Mont. A staff gage is located on the stream near the house 

of the observer. Measurements are made by wading. The station 

was established July 13, 1908, to obtain data for use in connection 

with an irrigation project being constructed by the United States 

Reclamation Service for the Fort Peck Indians.

Discharge measurements of Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

July 17

20

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

4

4

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1.8

.6

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.50

1.45

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3.7

.6

NOTE. The following flood estimate was made by Kutter's formula: Gage height, 5.0 feet; discharge, 

315 second-feet, only approximate.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont., for 1909.

[T. C. Flynn, observer.]

Day.

1.. ..................................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8..... ...............................

9....................................

10....................................

ft

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

Mar.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

Apr.

1.3

1.3 i.e

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.0

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 3

1.4

1.4

1.3

May.

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 3

1.3

1.3

1.2

June.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

July.

1.2

1 %

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

3.0

5.0

4.0

3.1

3.0

2.7

2.0

2.0

1.8

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

Aug.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

Sept.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

L3

L3

1.3

L3

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Oct.

L4

L4

L4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

L4
138 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont., in 1909 Contd.

Day.

21.................................... 

22....................................

23.................................... 

24...................................

25....................................

26....................................

27.......................

28....................................

29..............

30....................... ... ...

31....................................

Mar.

1.7 

1.8

2.5 

2.3

2.0

1.7

1 5

1.4

1.4

Apr.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 3

1.4

1.4

May.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1 q

1.3

1 Q

1 1%

1 ^

1 Q

June.

1.15

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1 9

July.

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3 i s

1.3

1 Q

1 Q

Aug.

1.35 

1.35

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Sept.

1.4

1.4

1.4 

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1 4

Oct.

1.4 

1.4

1.4 

L4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

NOTE. Water standing in pools for all gage heights below 1.5 feet. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1................... .................

2....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6. ........... ........................

X.. ......... .........................

^. ...................................

10.................. ..................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17---------.---.-.............-.......

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30....................................

31....................................

Mar.

0

0

0

0

0

0

11

15

57

43

25

11

11

3

3

0

0

Apr.

0

0

7

43

43

36

25

11

11

11

3

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

May.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

June.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

July.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

97

315

198

10G

97

72

25

25

15

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Aug.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sept.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Oct.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

NOTE. These discharges are based on a curve that is fairly well denned between 0 and 300 second-feet. 

Water standing in pools on dates showing no discharge. It is probable that there was no flow Jan. 1 

to Mar. 14 and Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.

Monthly discharge of Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April. .............................................

May...............................................

July.................................... ..........

The year. ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

0 

0 

57 

 43 

0 

0 

315 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

315

Minimum.

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0.

0

Mean.

0 

0 

5.8 

6.4 

0 

0 

31 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

3.6

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

0 

0 

357 

381 

0 

0 

1,910 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

2,650

Accuracy.

C. 

C.

C.

NOTE. There Is no record for Jan. 1 to Mar. 14 and Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, but it is probable that there was no 

flow.
fiJISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 139

WOLF CHEEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

WOLF CREEK AT WOLF POINT, MONT.

Wolf Creek rises near the center of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, flows southward, and enters Missouri River near the Wolf 

Point Agency. The drainage area comprises the central part of the 

Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The entire area, with the exception 

of a narrow valley along the stream, is a rolling prairie. The only 

forestation is the growth of willows and cottonwoods along the 

banks of the streams.

The run-off comes from the melting snow in the spring and heavy 

rains during the summer. The upper part of the channel is dry 

during the late summer and winter, but near the mouth the flow is 

kept up by springs. The annual rainfall is about 13 inches. The 

stream is not used for storage and the only diversion is that made 

by the Indian agency ditch at Wolf Point, which diverts the entire 

flow during the low period.

The gaging station, which was established August 15, 1908, to 

determine the amount of water available for an irrigation project 

under consideration by the United States Reclamation Service for 

the Fort Peck Indians, is located at William Smith's ranch, 2J miles 

northwest of Wolf Point.

Measurements are made by wading near the staff gage, which is 

located close to the house of the observer.

The Wolf Point ditch heads above the gage and practically the 

entire low-water flow of the creek is diverted through it.

Discharge measurements of Wolf Creek at Wolf Point, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 8

June 22

July 16

Aug. 27

Hydrcgrapher.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

2.0

8

18

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

0.2

4.8

15

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.42

2.00

2.32

1.52

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

0.1

5.4

9.3

.1

Daily gage height, in feel, of Wolf Creek at Wolf Point, Mont., for 1909. 

[W. H. Smith, observer.]

Day. Mar.

1............ .......................

2...................................

4...................................

5...................................

6.. ............. ....................

7...................................

8.......... .........................

9...................................

10...................................

Apr.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

May.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.4

1.4

June.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

July.

2.5

2.2

2.2

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.8

2.8

2

D

2

0 

. o

Aug.

1.8

1.8

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Sept.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Oct.

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Nov.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7
140 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Wolf Creek at Wolf Point, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14. ............ ..............

15...........................

16...........................

17...........................

18. ................... .......

19...........................

20...........................

21...........................

22. ..........................

23...........................

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30...........................

31...........................

Mar.

5.2

5.2

.. 5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

3.2

3.2

Apr.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

May.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.9

1.9

June.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

July.

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.5

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

Aug.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

Sept.

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Oct.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.6

Nov.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

NOTE. Ice conditions existing where observations are missing.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Wolf Creek at Wolf Point, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1.. .........................

2. ..........................

3...........................

4...........................

5...........................

6...........................

7...........................

8...........................

9...........................

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16...........................

17-...-.......-.......------.

1s

10

20...........................

21...........................

22

oq

24...........................

OK

26...........................

97

00

30...........................

11

Mar.

52

52

52

52

52

EO

52

52

KO

t\9

91 ^

Apr.

21.5

21.5

21.5

18.6

18.6

18.6

11.6

11.6

11.6

11.6

11.6

11.6

11.6

11.6

11.6

11.6

11.6

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

3.3

q q

. 3.3

3

0

3.3

3

0

May.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.6

.6

 .6

.6

.6

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

4.3

4.3

June.

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

July.

11.6

7.7

7.7

11.6

13.0

13.0

15.8

15.8

15.8

15.8

14.4

14.4

14.4

11.6

9.0

9.0

9.0

5.4

5.4

4.3

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

2.9

2 9

2.9

2.9

2.9

Aug.

2.9

2.9

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sept.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Oct.

0

0.8"

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

.8

Nov.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

NOTE. These discharges are based on two rating curves fairly well defined, applicable Mar. 19 to July 20, 

July 21 to Dec. 1, respectively.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 

Monthly discharge of Wolf Creek at Wolf Point, Mont., for 1909.

141

Month.

March 19-31 .......................................

April..............................................

July...............................................

Discharge In second-feet.

Maximum.

52 

21.5 

4.3 

7.7 

15.8 

2.9 

0 

2.9 

1.8

Minimum.

21.5 

3.3 

.1 

4.3

2.9 

0 

0 

0

.8

Mean.

47.3 

10.2 

1.57 

6.68 

8.49 

.19 

0 

1.22 

1.40

Run-ofl 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,220 

607 

97 

397 

522 

12 

0 

75 

42

2,970

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

B. 

B.

Discharge measurements of Wolf Point ditch at Wolf Point, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 8

July 16

Aug. 27

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do..................*................................. .

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

3.5

2.0

1.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.f^

.6

.3

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.30

1.82

1.80

1.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3:i

.3

.2

.05

Daily gage height, in feet, of Wolf Point ditch at Wolf Point, Mont., for 1909. 

[W. H. Smith, observer.]

Day.

1.... 

2.... 

3.... 

4....

5....

6.... 

7....

8....

9.... 

10....

11.... 

12 ... 

13. ...

14.... 

15....

May.

......

2.3 

2.3

2.3 

2.3 

2.3

2.3 

2.6

June.

------

......

July.

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.9

1.9

1.9 

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8 

1.8 

1.8

1.8 

1.7

Aug.

1.5 

1.5 

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.7 

1.7

1.7 

1.7 

1.7

1.7 

1.7

Sept.

1.5 

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5

1.5 

1.4

1.4

1.4 

1.4

Oct.

1.7 

1.7 

2.0 

2.0

2.0

2.0 

9 n

2.0

2.0 

2.0

2.0 

2.0 

2.0

2.0 

2.0

Nov.

2.2 

2.2 

2.2 

2.2

2.2

2.3 

2.3

2.3

2.3 

2.3

2.3 

2.3 

2.3

Day.

16.... 

17.... 

18.... 

19....

20....

21....

22....

23....

24.... 

25....

26. ... 

27.... 

28....

29.... 

30.... 

31....

May.

2.6 

2.6 

2.6 

2.6

2.6

2.3 

2.3

2.3

2.3 

2.3

2.3 

2.3

2

0

2.3

June.

"~2"6~ 

2.0 

2.0

2.0

2.0

2 fi

2.0

2.0 

1.8 

1.8 

1.8 

1.8

1.8

July.

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.6 

1.6

1.6 

1.5 

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

Aug.

1.7 

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7 

1.6

1.6

1.6 

1.6

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

Sept.

1.4 

1.4 

1.4

1.8

1.8

1.8 

1.8

1.8

1.8 

1.8 

1.8 

1.8 

1.8

1.7 

1.7

Oct.

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0

2 0

2.0 

2.0

2.0

2.0 

2.0

2.0 

2.0 

2.0

2.0 

2.0 

2.2

Nov.

..::::

......

------

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Wolf Point ditch at Wolf Point, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

.8....

9. . 

10. .

11. . 

12. . 

13. . 

14...

15...

May.

3.1 

3.1

3.1 

3.1 

3.1 

3.1

6.1

June.

.. ..

July.

0.1

.1

.1

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5 

.2

.2

.2 

.2 

.2

.1

Aug.

0

0

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1 

.1

.1

.1 

.1 

.1

.1

Sept.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0 

0

0

0 

0 

0

0

Oct.

0.1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0

1.0

Nov.

2.3

9 H

2.3

2

0

9 ^

3.1

?. 1

3.1

3.1 

3.1

3.1 

3.1 

3.1

Day.

16....

17....

18....

in

20....

21. ..

22. ..

23. ..

24. .. 

25. ..

26. ..

27. .. 

28. .. 

29....

30....

31....

May.

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

3.1

o f

3.1

3.1 

3.1 

3.1 

3.1 

3.1 

3.1

June.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.2

.2

.2 

.2 

.2

July.

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

0 

0

0 

0 

0 

0

0

0

Aug.

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

0

0

0 

0

0

0 

0 

0

0

0

Sept.

0

0

0

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2 

.2

.2

.2 

.2 

.1

.1

Oct.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0 

1.0

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0

1.0

2.3

Nov.

......

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well denned.
142 STJBFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PAET VI.

Monthly discharge of Wolf Point ditch at Wolf Point, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

May 9-29 ............................ 1 .............

June 17-29. ........................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

6.1 

1.0 

.5 

.1 

.2 

2.3 

3.1

Minimum.

3.1 

.2 

.0 

.0 

.0 

.1 

2.3

Mean.

3.96 

.69 

.17 

.06 

.073 

.98 

2.79

Run-ofl 

(total in 

acre-feet).

165 

18 

10 

4 

4 

60 

72

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A.

POPLAR CHEEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

POPLAR CREEK NEAR POPLAR, MONT.

Poplar Creek rises in the southern part xjf the Canadian Province 

of Saskatchewan, flows southeastward through the northern part of 

Valley County, Mont., thence through the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, and unites with Missouri River-near Poplar, Mont. The largest 

tributary is the West Branch, which enters near the north boundary 

' of the Fort Peck Reservation. The greater part of the drainage area 

is a rolling prairie cut by a-number of small coulees and the valley 

of the creek. The only forestation is a growth of willows and cottonwoods along the banks of the stream.

The run-off comes from melting snow in the spring and heavy rains 

during the summer. The dry-season flow is considerable. The 

annual rainfall at Poplar is about 13 inches.

The United States Reclamation Service has under consideration a 

project which will divert the water of this stream to irrigate land 

along its lower course and along Missouri River near Poplar, Mont.

The gaging station was established August 15, 1908, at Buershia's 

ranch, 6 miles north of Poplar, Mont.

A staff gage fastened to a tree is located on the right bank of the 

stream and across the river from the house of the observer. The gage 

datum has not changed. All measurements are made by wading.

Discharge measurements of Poplar Creek near Poplar, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 25

29

June 22

July 20

Aug. 26

Hydrographer.

C.J. Moody... ............................................

.....do.......................................-.....:.......

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

50

50

66

54

52

64

27

20

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

48

35

61

60

44

102

25

21

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.90

3.20

3.10

2.80

3.70

2.65

9 V\

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

49

00

86

7Q

43

191

24

15
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 143

Daily gage height, infect, of Poplar Creek near Poplar, Mont., for 1909. 

[Louis Obersham, observer.]

Day.

1..... ......................

3....... ......... ...........

4....--.-----.....-.-....-..

5...........................

6.-.-..............-.------.

7.......... ........ ...------

8.....----......--...-..-...

10... ............... ---------

11...........................

12..............------------.

10

14...........................

115

16.............-.-.----..--..

17.....--......----.--------.

1 R

1Q

20..........--...-...-.-----.

21...........................

22...........................

9S

24..........--...-..-...-----

OK

26...........................

27...........................

OQ

9Q

30.......-.--.-..-------..-..

31...........................

Mar.

2.7

2.9

2.9

3.1

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

Apr.

2.9

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.4

3.9

3.9

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.0

4.0

7 Q

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

3 9

3.8

3.6

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.6

3.6

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.2

May.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.9

June.

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

3.0

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

July.

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7 2.8'

3.1

3.0

3.5

4.4

4.5

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

Aug.

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

Sept.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Oct.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

 2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

Nov.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

.

NOTE. Ice conditions existing during times of missing observations.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Poplar Creek near Poplar, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1.......... .................

2.....---...........-.---...

3...........................

5...........................

6.....---.----..-...........

7... .................... ...

8... .......................

9.. .............----------.

10...........................

11..........................

12.. ........................

13 ..........................

14..........................

115

16..........................

17. ....................... .-

18..........................

19

20. .................... ......

21...........................

23. ...... -.----....-----.-.-

24... ........................ 9*;

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30... ........................

31...........................

Mar.

30

, 52

52

79

52

52

52

40

40

Apr.

52

112

112

95

130

235

235

331

307

307

259

235

283

9<to

259

259

235

213

170

130

130

190

190

130

130

112

95

May.

95

95

95

79

79

79

95

95

112

112

130

150

130

112

05

95

79

79

79

79

52

CO

an

40

40

40 ?n

30

40

40

52

June.

52

52

40

52

52

65

65

79

79

65

65

7Q

65

65

65

65

52

59

52

40

65

A(\

dfl

40

Qrt

40

drt

30

30

30

July.

30

30

30

30

30

30

40

79

65

150

355

381

331

331

331

307

259

259

235

191

191

170

150

112

at

95

95

79

65

Aug.

65

65

65

52

52

52

52

40

65

65

52

52

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

30

30

22

22

22

22

22

22

15

15

Sept.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10115

15

15115

15115

15

15

15

Oct.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

22

22

22

22

22

22

30

Nov.

22

22

22

22

22

22

30

30

30

30

30

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 10 and 213 second-feet.
144 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Poplar Creek, near Poplar, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

March 23-31 .......................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

79 

331 

150 

79 

381 

65 

15 

30 

30

Minimum.

30 

52 

30 

30 

30 

15 

10 

15 

22

Mean.

49.9 

190 

78.1 

52.9 

158 

39.5 

12.8 

17.5 

25.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

891 

11,300 

4,800 

3,150 

9,720 

2,430 

762 

1,080 

602

34,700

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

BIG MUDDY RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

BIG MUDDY RIVER NEAR CULBERTSON, MONT.

Big Muddy River rises in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada, 

flows southward into Montana, forms the eastern boundary of the Fort 

Peck Indian Reservation, and unites with Missouri River near Blair, 

Mont. It drains a rolling prairie country cut by many small coulees. 

The greater part of the run-off comes from the melting snow in the 

spring months.

The gaging station, which was established July 14, 1908, to determine the amount of water available for irrigation projects under 

consideration by the United States Reclamation Service for the Fort 

Peck Indians, is located about 3 miles above the mouth of the stream.

Because of backwater effect from Missouri River, this station was 

discontinued July 19, 1909, and a new station was established at Gustave Sholtz's ranch, 8 miles above.

The results obtained at the new station are considered good.

The gage is the inclined-rod type and is located on the left bank of 

the stream, near the residence of the observer. The gage datum has 

remained the same. All measurements are made by wading.

Discharge measurements of Big Muddy River near Culbertson, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 7

June 21

July 19

Aug. 24

Sept. 29

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.................... ...............................

Width.

Feet. 

36

32

30

12

10

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

30

31

53

20

height.

Feet. 

1 91

6.15

3.19

2.75

1.85

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

33

31

19

6.8

.9
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 145

Daily gage height, in feet, of Big Muddy River near Culbertson, Mont., for 1909. 

[James Boyd, observer.]

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...................

9Q

30...................

31...................

Mar.

3.5

3.7

A f\

4.5

4.7

5.0

5.6

5.8

6.1

6.2

6.5

Apr.

6.5

6.0

A Q

4.1

4.3

4.4

4.5

5.8

6.1

5.5

4.7

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.4

3.3

3.0

2.8

2.7

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.0

May.

2.0

1.9

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1 9

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.0

9 n

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.1

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.7

June.

^ Q

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

4 0

4.4

4.6

4.6

5.2

6.0

A Q

7.0

6.6

6.0

5.7

5.5

5.7

5.8

6.9

7 Q

6.7

6.7

6.9

6.4

5.8

5

K

6.3

July.o

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

Aug.

3.3

3.8

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

^ 9

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3/1

3.1

3.0

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2 7

2 7

2.7

2.7

Sept.

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.4

2.3

2.1

1 9

1 O

1 Q

1.9

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1 8

1.8

1 S

1.8

Oct.

1* ft

1 S

I Q

1 S

1 S

1.8

1 Q

1 Q

1 S

1 S

1 Q

1 S

1

C

1 Q

1 S

1 S

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

Nov.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1 5

1.5

1 K.

1.5

1.5

1 5

1 5

1.5

1 t\

1.5

1.5

1 K.

1.5

1.5

i 5

1.4

1.4

1.4

Dec.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

o New gage.

NOTE. Gage heights Mar. 21 to Apr. 19 and May 26 to June 30 of little value on account of backwater 

from Missouri River. No observations made July 1 to July 18. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 20 and from 

Nov. 13 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Big Muddy River near Culbertson, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1. ...................................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

8....................................

g10....................................

11....................................

i o

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

is

19

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

OK

OA

27....................................

98

90

30. ...................................

31....................................

Apr.

200

180

140

120

101

82

82

82

64

64

47

May.

47

32

47

47

32

32

32

32

32

47

64

64

47

47

64

47

47

64

64

32

32

32

32

32

32

June. July.

18.7

18.7

18.7

18.7

18.7

18.7

18.7

22.3

22.3

22.3

22.3

22.3

22.3

Aug.

22.3

22.3

26.3

26.3

26.3

26.3

26.3

26.3

22.3

22.3

22.3

22.3

18.7

18.7

18.7

18.7

18.7

15.5

15.5

15.5

15.5

15.5

12.7

8.3

8.3

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

Sept.

6.6

5.2

5.2

3.2

2.5

1.6

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.5

.5

.5

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

Oct.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.6

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Nov.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

NOTE. These discharges are based on two partially defined curves. Applicable Apr. 20 to May 25 and 

July 19 to Nov. 12, respectively.

84548° WSP 266 11 10
146 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Big Muddy River near Culbertson, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April 20-30................... .....................

May 1-25 ..........................................

July 19-31 .........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

200 

64 

22.3 

26.3 

6.6 

.7 

.5

Minimum.

47 

32 

18.7 

6.6 

.3 

.5 

.3

Mean.

109 

43.2 

20.4 

17.1 

1.28 

.61 

.38

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

2,380 

2,140 

526 

1,050 

76 

38 

9

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C. 

C.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The upper Yellowstone rises in the Shoshone Mountains, in northwestern Wyoming, near the southeast corner of the Yellowstone 

National Park, flows northwestward for 40 or 50 miles, and then 

enters Yellowstone Lake, which may be considered the great source 

of the main river. This lake is about 15 miles long by 20 miles wide, 

lies at an elevation of 7,778 feet above the sea, and is hemmed in on 

every side by lofty mountains, from whose snow-covered slopes its 

chief supply of water must come, since it receives no important 

streams. Issuing from the lake at the north end, the river flows 

northwestward for 10 or 15 miles, plunges over the Great Falls of the 

Yellowstone, and for the next 20 miles runs through its "Grand 

Canyon," which is impassable throughout. About 80 miles from the 

lake it emerges from the Snow Mountains, and thence runs eastward 

and northeastward until it joins the Missouri at Fort Buford, N. Dak. 

At this point it has an elevation of about 1,900 feet. (See PI. III.)

As it leaves the mountains the river is about 600 feet wide; thence 

to Clark Fork, which enters from the south about 15 miles above 

Billings, Mont., it is characterized by bold, sweeping curves and 

many islands. Between Clark Fork and the mouth of the Bighorn 

it is from 1,500 to 1,800 feet wide, is free from rapids, and has a current from 3 to 4 miles an hour. Between the Bighorn and the Powder 

the main stream increases in width from 2,400 to 2,700 feet and 

becomes turbid, like the Missouri. Below the mouth of the Powder 

the banks are low and caving, and the stream contains some rapids 

and shoals and numerous densely timbered islands.

The Yellowstone is about 500 miles long; the area of its basin is 

approximately 67,500 square miles.

Of the tributaries of the Yellowstone the most important is the 

Bighorn,1 which has its source in the many small streams draining 

the slopes of the Wind Kiver Kange. Other important tributaries 

of the Yellowstone are Shields, Boulder, Big Timber, Sweetgrass,

i See description of basin on pp. 169-171,
U. 8. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 266 PLATE III

A. YELLOWSTONE RIVER ABOVE UPPER FALLS, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK.

I

B. HEADGATES ON LOWER YELLOWSTONE PROJECT, YELLOWSTONE RIVER, MONTANA.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 147

Stillwater, Clark Fork, Tongue, and Powder rivers. Shields, Big 

Timber, and Sweetgrass rivers have their sources in the Crazy Mountains, rising to an elevation of 10,000 feet; the Boulder, Stillwater, 

and Clark Fork rise on the southeastern slope of the Shoshone Mountains, at an elevation of 10,500 feet. Powder and Tongue rivers have 

their sources in the high plains region and Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, flowing parallel and in a northeasterly direction until they join 

the Yellowstone.

The headwaters of the Yellowstone and many of its tributaries 

drain portions of heavily timbered areas. The Yellowstone, Crazy 

Mountain, Bighorn, and Otter national forests are thus drained. 

However, the greater part of the drainage basin lies within the plains 

section and is treeless except for a few willows and cottonwoods 

along the stream channels.

The mean annual rainfall in Yellowstone Park is approximately 

17 inches; at Billings, 15 inches; Glendive, 10 inches; andatBuford, 

12£ inches. A greater portion of the rainfall occurs in June. Snow 

lies in the mountains from November to June. The streams are 

partly frozen during the colder months.

The great areas of irrigable land and the abundant water supply 

afford wonderful opportunities for irrigation in the Yeltowstone basin. 

The United States Keclamation Service has practically completed 

irrigation projects diverting water from the Yellowstone and reclaiming 100,000 acres of arid land. The Shoshone project, reclaiming 

132,000 acres, is partly finished. Several private irrigation projects 

are completed and more are under construction.

Many possible reservoir sites for the storage of flood water are 

found on the upper portion of the Yellowstone and its tributaries. 

Shoshone dam, 325 feet high, on the Shoshone Kiver, stores 456,000 

acre-feet.

The Yellowstone basin contains many natural power sites. The 

abundance of water and the magnitude of fall in the higher altitudes 

make the development of hydro-electric power most feasible. Power 

for municipal purposes is now generated at Livingston, Big Timber, 

and Billings.

The run-off record extends back to 1889, although a few stream 

measurements were made on the Yellowstone River in the national 

park as early as 1878. The wettest year recorded at Livingston from 

1897 to 1908 was 1899; the driest was 1905.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER AT HUNTLEY, MONT.

This station, which is located at the new steel highway bridge 

1 mile below Huntley, Mont., and replaces that formerly maintained 

at Junction, was established October 1, 1907, to obtain data applicable to irrigation and power development.
148 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909,, PART VI.

The only tributary near the station is Pryor Creek, which enters 

the Yellowstone 1 mile above. The drainage area at Himtley is 

about 12,000 square miles.

The Huntley canal, built by the United States Reclamation 

Service, takes water from the river about 2 miles above the gaging 

station; its normal capacity is 400 second-feet, and it supplies water 

for 29,000 acres of land. (See PL IV.) Near Laurel are the head gates 

of the Billings Land & Irrigation Co.'s large canal, which carries 

about 305 second-feet and irrigates 28,000 acres. Many small ditches 

take water from the tributaries of the Yellowstone, but few from the 

stream itself, owing to the variation of the stages of the water surface 

and consequent difficulty in diversion.

This river freezes entirely over in places during the winter, but 

during the coldest seasons open channels with floating ice are not 

uncommonly seen. Conditions for obtaining accurate data at this 

station are only fair, as the channel is shifting and extra measurements are necessary to obtain a good rating curve.

Measurements are made from the downstream side of the bridge. 

The chain gage used at this station is fastened to the bridge rail. 

The gage datum has remained unchanged.

Discharge measurements of Yellowstone River at Huntley, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 7

May 20

July 19

Sept. 15

Hydrographer.

.....do.--..--..---.---.-...-...-....-..-.-..-.......-......

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

432

460

530

479

247

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,420

1,780

5,110

3,750

1,850

Gage 

height.

'"Feet. 

1.79

2.60

8.19

5.77

3.36

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,770

4,820

31,200

17,200

7,790

Daily gage height, in feet, of Yellowstone River at Huntley, Mont., for 1909. 

[Arthur Foster, observer.)

Day.

1. .........

2..........

3..........

4. ...... ...

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

Jan.

1.9

1.8

2.2

2.0

1.75

.1.75

1.7

Feb. Mar.

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.1

3.0

3.1

Apr.

1 9

1.9

1 Q

1 9

1 9

1 9

1 Q

1 9

1 9

1 9

1 9

1.9

1 9

1.9

1.9

May.

2.0

2.0

2

n

2.0

2.3

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.6

June.

6.5

6.5

7 R

9 0

9 9

9

K

9

n

8 1

7 ^

7.1

7.0

6.7

6.5

7.5

July.

9 45

9.55

9

RK

9 65

9 05

8.25

7 OK

7.6

7 45

7.25

6 OK

6.75

6.55

Aug.

A OK

4.75

4.75

4.55

4.45

4.35

4.35

A QK

4.45

Sept.

3.35

Oct.

2.85

2.85

2 OK

2 OK

2 OK

2 OK

2 OK

2

0

2

O

2

7K

2.7

Nov.

9 Afi

2.45

2.45

2

AK

2.45

2.45

2.45

9 JA

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.35

2.35
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 266 PLATE IV

A. CONCRETE-LIMED PORTION OF MAIN CANAL THROUGH ROCK CUT, LOOKING TOWARD PORTAL

OF TUNNEL NO. 2.

B. WASTEWAY GATES AND PORTAL OF TUNNEL NO. 3.

HUNTLEY PROJECT, MONTANA.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 149 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Yellowstone River at Huntley, Mont., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Jan. Feb. Mar.

3.1

2.8

2.7

2.5

2.35

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.0

1 9

Apr.

1.9

2.0

1.9

1.95

2.05

2.0

1 9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 9

2.05

2.0

May.

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.8

4.7

6.8

6.5

6.3

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

June.

7.8

8.85

9.65

9.65

9.65

9.35

8.95

8.55

8.25

8.15

8.15

8.15

8.45

9.05

9.30

July.

6.25

5.85

5.85

5.8

5.7

5.55

5.5

5.45

5.35

5.35

5.25

5.25

5.45

5.25

4.95

4.85

Aug. Sept.

3.05

3.05

2.95

2.95

Oct.

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

Nov.

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.45

2.55

2.45

2.45

2.35

2.35

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 8 and Dec. 1 to 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Yellowstone River at Huntley, Mont., for 1909.

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...........................

Mar.

7,520

7,190

7,190

6,870

6,240

5,940

6,240

6,240

5,790

5,350

5,060

4,510

4,110

3,470

3,470

3,230

3,230

3,470

3,350

3,350

3,230

3,230

3,000

Apr.

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,'230

3,230

3,000

3,120

3,350

3,230

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,350

3,230

May.

3,230

3,230

3,230

3,230

3,720

3,980

4,780

4,780

4,780

4,510

4,780

5,350

5,350

5,060

4,780

4,510

4,780

4,780

5,060

5,060

5^350

5,350

8,210

12,100

23,000

21,200

20, 100

21,200

21,200

21,200

21,200

June.

21,200

21,200

29,000

36,200

42,200

41,600

39,200

36, 200

30,800

27,200

24,800

24,200

22,400

21,200

27,200

29,000

35.300

40,100

40,100

40,100

38,300

35,900

33,500

31,700

31,100

31, 100

31,100

32,900

36,500

38,000

July.

38,900

39,500

40,100

40,100

36,500

34,100

31,700

31,100

29,300

27,800

26,900

25,700

23,300

22,700

21,500

19,800

17,800

17,800

17,600

17, 100

16,400

16, 100

15,800

15,400

15,400

14,800

14, 800

15, 800

14,800

13,400

12,800

Aug.

12,800

12,400

12,400

11,500

11,100

10,700

10,700

13,400

11,100

10,700

10,400

10,100

9,800

9,600

9,400

9,300

9,100

9,000

8,700

8,500

8,300

8,100

8,000

7,500

7,300

7,200

7,000

6,400

5,900

5,800

5,800

Sept.

5,800

5,900

5,900

6,900

8,000

10,000

9,300

8,800

8,100

8,000

8,000

8,000

7,900

7,800

7,790

7,700

7,700

7,600

7,500

7,200

7,000

6,900

6,800

6,700

6,700

6,700

6,670

6,670

6,360

6,360

Oct.

6,050

6,050

6,050

6,050

6,050

6,050

6,050

6,050

6,050

6,050

5,900

5,900

5,750

5,750

5,600

5,750

5,750

5,750

5,600

5,600

5,600

5,460

5,460

5,160

5,160

5,160

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

Nov.

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,880

4,600

4,600

4,600

4,600

4,600

4,600

4,600

4,600

4,600

4,600

4,880

5,160

4,880

4,880

4,600

4,600

4,600

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: 

Jan. 1 to Aug. 8 fairly well defined between 2,100 and 33,200 second-feet 

Aug. 9 to Sept. 26 discharge estimated from hydrographs of Yellowston 

Hardin and measurement made Sept. 15. 

Sept. 27 to Nov. 30 curve fairly well defined between 4,460 and 6,830 second-feet.

.e at Glendive and Big Horn at
150 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Yellowstone River at Huntley, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 12,200 square miles.]

Month.

March 9-31. ................

April.......................

July........................

The T)eriod

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

7,520 

3,350 

23,000 

42,200 

40,100 

13,400 

10,000 

6,050 

5,160

Minimum.

3,000 

3,000 

3,230 

21,200 

12,800 

5,800 

5,800 

4,880 

 4,600

Mean.

4,840 

3,060 

8,680 

32,300 

23,400 

9,290 

7,360 

5,620 

4,770

Per 

square 

mile.

0.397 

.251 

.711 

2.65 

1.92 

,761 

.603 

.461 

,391

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.34 

.28 

.82 

2.96 

2.21 

.88 

.67 

.53 

.44

"1

Total in 

acre-feet.

221,000 

182,000 

534,000 

1,920,000 

1,440,000 

571,000 

438,000 

346,000 

384,000

5,940,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER AT GLENDIVE, MONT.

This station, which was established in 1893 by the United States 

War Department, was transferred to the Department of Agriculture, which has kept daily records of river height. When a study 

of the lower Yellowstone Valley was begun in 1903 the station was 

taken up by the United States Geological Survey, whose records 

began August 1, 1903. The station is located at the steel highway 

bridge leading northward from Glendive, about one-fourth mile from 

the post office. The records are used to determine the amount of 

water available for the lower Yellowstone project and other irrigation 

enterprises. The drainage area of Yellowstone River at Glendive is 

66,000 square miles.

The only large diversion from the Yellowstone near Glendive is 

the lower Yellowstone canal, built by the United States Reclamation 

Service. It leaves the river 18 miles below Glendive and diverts 

water to irrigate 66,000 acres of land.

A standard chain gage fastened to a bridge rail is used, and since 

1903 no change in gage datum has been made. All measurements are 

made from the bridge. The records obtained at this station are good 

during the open season, although in low water the old piling and 

cribwork of a former bridge somewhat obstruct the flow. Ice exists 

from December to April.

Discharge measurements of Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 8

Sept. 17

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

710

740

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

2,500

<040

Gage 

height.

Feet,. 

1.32

3. 36

Discharge.

Sec. -ft. 

5,640

13,300
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 151

Daily gage height, in feet, of Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., for 1909. 

(Howard Roby, observer.)

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..........

01

Jan.

4.2

4 5

' 4.1

2.6

2.6

Feb.

2.3

2.0

2.0

1.8

1.4

Mar.

1.3

2.0

Apr.

1.8

1.7

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.4

May.

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.95

2.7

2.65

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.6

2.35

2.4

2.5

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.9

2.65

2.65

3.35

5.2

6.65

6.85

7.0

7.55

7.65

June.

7.5

7.3

7.1

7.8

9.0

9.75

10.5

11.9

12.0

11.1

10.7

10.1

9.85

8.8

8.1

8.0

8.45

9.1

10.05

10.65

10.95

11.15

11.1

10.5

10.2

9.8

9.6

9.7

9.7

10.5

July.

10.3

10.6

10.3

10.45

10.4

10.65

11.3

10.6

9.95

9.2

8.7

9.25

7.8

7.5

6.9

6.6

6.5

6.25

6.15

6.05

6.85

6.5

6.4

6.25

5.95

5.65

5.6

5.5

5.6

5.5

5.45

Aug.

5.15

4.95

4.7

4.55

4.5

4.45

4.5

4.2

5.15

5.4

5.75

4.75

5.0

4.8

4.45

4.35

4.35

4.15

4.00

3.85

3.70

3.6

3.5

3.35

3.25

3.25

3.3

3.05

2.9

2.9

2.8

Sept.

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.95

3.9

4.15

4.45

4.05

3.85

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.8

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.35

3.15

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.55

Oct.

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

Nov.

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.45

NOTE. River frozen over from Jan. 1 to Mar. 31 and Nov. 16 to Dec. 31. . 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1........... .........................

2....................................

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....................................

Apr.

6,740

6,490

5,990

5,7CO

5,760

5,760

5,760

5,760

5,530

5,300

5,190

5,300

5,080

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,530

5,530

5,530

5,760

5,990

5,760

5,760

5,760

5,530

5,640

May.

6,240

6,490

6,240

5,990

5,990

5,990

6,240

7,160

9,540

9,360

8,650

8,480

8,480

8,650

9,180

8,320

8,480

8,820

9,000

8,820

8,820

10,300

9,360

9,360

12,200

22,900 

35,400

37,600

39,200

45,500

46,700

June.

44,900

42,500

40,300

48,500

64,000

74,500

85,000

106,000

107,000

93,500

87,800

79,400

75,900

61,300

52,200

50,900

56,800

65,400

78,700

87,100

91,300

94,200

93,500

85,000

80,800

75,200 

72,400

73,800

73,800

85,000

July.

82,200

86,400

82,200

84,300

83,600

87,100

96,500

86,400

77,300

66,800

60,000

54,200

48,500

44,900

38,100

34,900

33,900

31,400

30,600

29,600

37,600

33,900

32,900

31,400

28,800

26,300 

25,900

25,100

25,900

25,100

24,700

Aug.

22,600

21,200

19,500

18,600

18,200

18,000

18,200

16,500

22,600

24,300

27,100

19,800

21,500

20,200

18,000

17,400

17,400

16,200

15,400

14,600

13,900

13,400

12,900

12,200

11,800

11,800 

12,000

10,900

10,300

10,300

9,920

Sept.

9,920

9,920

9,730

9,540

10,500

14,900

16,200

18,000

15,700

14,600

14,400

13,900

13,400

13,400

13,400

14,400

13,400

13,100

12,900

12,200

11,300

10,700

10,300

10,300

10,100

9,920 

9,540

9,180

9,180

9,000

Oct.

8,820

8,820

8,480

8,480

8,160

8,160

8,160

8,160

8,010

8,160

8,010

7,860

7,860

7,860

7,860

7,860

7,720

7,580

7,580

7,300

7,300

7,300

7,300

7,020

6,880

6,740 

6,740

6,740

6,740

6,740

6,740

Nov.

6,490

6,490

6,360

6,240

6,240

6,240

6,240

 6,240

6,240

6,240

6,240

6,240

5,990

5,990

5,880

........

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined for all discharges.
152 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 66,100 square miles.]

Month.

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

6,740 

46,700 

107,000 

96,500 

27, 100 

18,000 

8,820 

' 6,490

Minimum.

5,080 

5,990 

40,300 

24,700 

9,920 

9,000 

6,740 

5,880

Mean.

5,630 

14,000 

74,200 

50,020 

16,700 

12,100 

7,650 

6,220

Per 

square 

mile.

0.085 

.212 

1.12 

.769 

.253 

.183 

.116 

.094

Run-oft.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage

0.09 

.24 

1.25 

.88 

.29 

.20 

.13 

.05

3.13

Total in 

acre-feet.

335,000 

861,000 

4,420,000 

3,090,000 

1,030,000 

720,000 

470,000 

185,000

11,100,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

NORTH FORK OP BIG TIMBER CREEK NEAR BIG TIMBER, MONT.

This station, which was established May 6, 1907, is located 1 mile 

above the Tintinger ranch, 15 miles northwest of Big Timber, just 

above the junction with the South Fork.

The source of North Fork is two lakes in the Crazy Mountains. 

These lakes form excellent reservoir sites. It is proposed to utilize 

the flow of the North Fork in connection with a project under the 

Carey Land Act. The drainage area above the station is only 40 

square miles.

Several ditches above the station divert water to irrigate approximately 30O acres of land. A large ditch appropriating 50,000 inches 

of water has its head gate just below the gage. This appropriation 

includes both forks. The water rights on Big Timber Creek have 

never been adjudicated.

A staff gage is located on the left bank of the stream. Its datum 

has remained constant. Measurements are made by wading.

At the gaging station the bed of the stream is composed of bowlders 

and coarse gravel, and is probably permanent. Results obtained 

during the open season are good.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont.,

in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 2

May 18

23

Sept. 11

Nov. 22

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

17

22

34

44

38

20

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

10.8

15.7

40.7

45.4

29.4

11.3

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.92

1.16

1.81

1.94

1.51

1.02

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

15.8

31.5

109

146

58.8

20.0
MISSOURI RIVER. BASIN. 153

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont.,

for 1909.

[N. S. Tintinger, observer.]

Day.

1...................

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...................

90

30.........-------...

31...................

Mar.

0.65

.65

.75

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.657<;

.8

.65

.65

.65

.75

.75

.75

.8

.8

.75

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

Apr.

0.85

01

.95

.95

01

.95

Q^

.95

Qf{

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.05

.95

May.

0 95

1.35

1.45

1.35

1.15

1.15

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.4

1.55

1.8

1.85

2.45

2.55

2.35

2.55

2.55

2.15

1.95

1.95

June.

2.25

2.35

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.75

2.45

2.2

2

OC

1.8

1.95

2.45

2.15

2.45

2.25

2.35

2.15

3.0

2.65

2.15

2.05

1 95

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.95

1 Q

1.7

July.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

O ft£

1.95

1.55

1.45

1.45

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1 tt

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.7

1.95

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.55

1.7

1.55

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.55

1.55

Aug.

1.6

1.55

1.45

1.35

1.35

1 4<;

1.35

1.35

1.45

1 Q^

1 3^

1.35

1.35

1 3^

1.35

1.35

1 3^

 1.35

1.35

1 ^*\

1.35

1.35

1.55

1.5

1 ^*\

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Sept.

1.4

2

OC

1 Q^

1.95

1.95

1.85

1.7

1.55

1.4

1 ^^

1 Q*\

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.35

1 ?

1.35

1 3^

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

i oe

1.25

1.25

1 9^

1.25

Oct.

1.65

1.35

1 9^

1.25

1.25

1.25

1 25

1 9^

1 25

1 it\

1.25

1.25

1 9^

1 9^

1.25

1.25

1 9^

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.05

1.05

.95

.95

Nov.

0 9

.95

01

g

g

9

01

95

.95

95

.95

.95

1.1

1.05

1.0

95

.95

.95

.95

1.0

1.05

1.05

.95

.95

.85

Dec.

0.85

1.05

NOTE. Stream frozen over during January, February, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber,

Mont., for 1909.

Day.

2...................

4...................

5...................

6.. ........... ......

7...................

8...................

910...................

11...................

12...................

13..-.........---..-.

14...................

15...................

16.-.-.....-...--...-

17...................

18...................

19...................

20

91

23...-..-.....---....

24...................

25...................

26...................

27...................

28........--.--......

9Q

30

31...................

Mar.

9

9

11

9

9

9

9

9

9

11

12

9

9

9

9

11

11

11

12

12

11

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

Apr.

14

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

19

19

19

19

19

17

19

19

19

19

22

22

22

22

27

27

24

22

17

May.

17

22

42

52

42

27

27

22

22

. 22

34

34

34

34

37

37

34

34

34

46

66

110

122

296

332

262

332

332

200

146

146

June.

230

262

479

479

498

479

404

296

214

230

146

110

146

296

200

296

230

262

200

498

368

200

172

146

110

90

90

146

133

90

July.

90

90

90

82

172

146

66

52

52 90

90

90

73

66

73

66

66

66

90

146

100

90

90

66

90

66

90

90

82

66

66

Aug.

73

66

52

42

42

52

42

42

42

52

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

66

58

42

42

37

37

37

37

Sept.

46

230

146

146

146

122

90

6(5

46

42

146

110

73

46

42

37

42

42

37

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

Oct.

82

42

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

42

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

30

30

30

30

30

27

27

27

24

22

22

17

17

Nov.

15

15

15

17

17

15

15

15

15

15

17

17

17

22

17

17

17

24

22

19

17

17

17

17

19

22

22

17

17

14

Dec.

13.5

22

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 11 and 185 secondfeet. Above 185 second-feet the rating curve has been extended and at the best is only approximate.
154

Monthly di

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

of North Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

12.0

27 

332 

498 

172 

73 

230 

82 

24

Minimum.

9.0 

13.5 

17.0 

90 

52 

37 

34 

17 

13.5

Mean.

10.6 

19.2 

96.7 

250 

85.5 

45.4 

67.6 

32.5 

17.4

Run-off 

total in 

acre-feet.

652 

1,140 

5,950 

14,900 

5,260 

2,790 

4,020 

2,000 

1,040

37,800

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

SOTJTH FORK OF BIG TIMBER CREEK NEAR BIG TIMBER, MONT.

This station, which was established May 6, 1907, to determine the 

amount of water available for irrigation in connection with a Carey 

Land Act project, is located 1 mile above Tintinger's ranch, 15 miles 

northwest of Big Timber. The station is just above the junction 

with the North Fork.

The drainage area above the station is about 10 square miles. A 

few diversions are made, and practically all the water is appropriated.

A staff gage is used on the South Fork of Big Timber Creek. Its 

datum has remained constant. All measurements are made by wading near the gage.

Ice forms during the winter months. The channel is practically 

permanent and fairly good results have been obtained during the 

open season.

Discharge measurements of South Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont.,

in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 2

May 18

23

Sept. 11

Nov. 22

Hydrographer.

.....do....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

14

22

24

24

20

15

rea of

ction.

q.ft.

7.4

12.4

23.2

23.6

14.3

9.9

Gage

height.

Feet.

0.42

.58

1.03

1.02

.82

.58

Discharge.

See.-ft.

7.4

16.1

71.5

71.9

34.5

13.7

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont.,

for 1909. 

[N. S. Tintinger, observer.]

Day.

1. ..................

2...................

3...................

4.. .................

5...................

6...................

7.. ...... ...........

8...................

9...................

10...................

Mar.

0.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

Apr.

0.4

.4

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

May.

.75

.85

.65

.55

.55

.55

June.

1 OE

 1.55

1.65

1.6

1.65

1.55

1.5

1 4.c

1.25

 1.25

July.

1.05

1.0

.95

.95

1.3

1.05

.95

.85

.85

1.0

Aug.

0

7E

.75

.75

.75

.75

 .7

.65

.55

55

.65

Sept.

O EE

1.2

1.05

1.05

.95

.8

65

.65

.6

Oct.

0

7C

.65

.6

CK

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

* 

Nov.

0.5

.5

KC

55

.5

.5

r.

.55

Dec.

0.6fit;
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 155

Daily gage height, infect, of South Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont.,

for 1909 Continued.

Day.

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

16...................

17...................

18...................

19...................

20...................

21...................

22...................

23...................

24...................

25...................

26...................

27...................

28...................

29...................

30...................

31...................

Mar.

0.3

.35

.3

.3

.3

.3

ot

.35

v\

.35

w*

.4

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

Apr.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.55

CE

.55

.55

.55

.65

.7

.65

.45

May.

O CE

.55

.55

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.75

.85

g

1.55

1.65

 1.55

1.45

1.65

1 4CL

1.05

1.05

June.

1.1

1.05

1.15

1.55

1.35

1.45

1.35

1.3

1.25

2.05

1 9

1.35

1.0

1.0

.95

.95

QC

1.05

1.0

1.05

July.

O QC

1.0

g

.85

.75

.85

.8

.8

.85

g

.85

.757>;

.75

.75

.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

Aug.

0.65

.65

65

.65

.55

.55

.55

CE

.55

.55

CE

.55

.55

.65

.55

.55

Ati

.45

45

.45

.45

Sept.

1.05

QCL

.8

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Oct.

0.65

CE

.55

CE

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

' .55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

Nov.

0.55

.55

.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.6

.6

.65

.6

.6

Dec.

NOTE. Stream frozen over during January, February, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber,

Mont., for 1909.

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...........................

Mar.

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

4.5

3

3

3

3

3

3

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

6

6

6

4.5

4.5

4.5

Apr.

6

6

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

12

12

12

12

12

19

23

19

8

May.

6

12

28

40

28

19

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

28

40

48

228

260

228

196

260

196

80

80

June.

164

228

260

244

260

228

212

196

134

134

92

80

106

228

164

196

164

149

134

395

344

164

68

68

58

58

58

80

68

80

July.

80

68

58

58

149

80

58

40

40

68

58

68

48

40

28

40

33

33

40

48

40

28

28

28

28

33

28

28

28

28

28

Aug.

28

28

28

28

. 28

23

19

12

12

19

19

19

19

19

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

19

12

12

8

8

8

8

8

Sept.

12

119

80

80

80

58

33

19

19

15

80

58

33

23

19

19

19

23

23

19

19

19

19

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

Oct.

28

19

15

12

15

15

15

15

15

15

19

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

15

15

15

15

15

12

12

12

10

10

10

10

Nov.

10

10

10

12

12

10

10

10

10

12

12

12

15

15

15

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

15

15

19

15

15

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 92 second-feet. 

92 second-feet the rating curve has been extended and is only approximate.

Above
156 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1&09, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of South Fork of Big Timber CrSek near Big Timber, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April .................................... . May...............................................

June ....................................

July...............................................

November. ............................ .

The period ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

6.0 

23

260 

395 

149 

28 

119 

28 

19

Minimum.

3.0 

6.0 

6.0 

58 

28 

8.0 

12 

10 

10

Mean.

3.82 

10.5 

63.4 

160 

47.1 

15.9 

33! 1 

13.9 

12.5

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

235

625 

3,900 

9,520 

2,900 

978 

1,970 

855 

744

21, 700

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

EAST FORK OF BOULDER RIVER NEAR McLEOD, MONT.

This station, which was established August 13, 1907, to determine 

the value of the stream for power and irrigation, is located at the 

first highway bridge over the East Boulder, 4 miles from McLeod. 

The station is 1 mile above the mouth.

This fork, which drains a valley of well-irrigated land, has no 

important tributaries. Several ditches receive their water from the 

East Boulder.

The bed of the stream is composed of coarse gravel and bowlders 

and should be permanent, but the swiftness of the current at high 

stages and the rough rocky bed make it difficult to obtain good 

results. This stream freezes over during the winter months.

A staff gage is fastened to the lower side of the bridge from which 

measurements were made in flood. Low-water measurements were 

made by wading just above the bridge.

No change in gage datum has been made. This station was discontinued December 31, 1909.

Discharge measurements of East Fork of Boulder River near McLeod, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 31

May 19

June 13

Sent. 7

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

J. E. Stewart. ...................... ......................

Raymond Richards .......................................

Width.

Feet.

28

30

30

29

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

20.3

24.8

61.5

29.8

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.01

.13

.80

.17

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

19.8

28.9

251.0

53.9

Daily gage height, in feet, of East Fork of Boulder River near McLeod, Mont., for 1909.

[E. C. McConnell, observer.]

Day.

2...................

3...................

5............. ......

6....... ............

8...................

9.....-.--..--......

10...................

Mar.

0.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

Apr.

0.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

May.

0.0

.0

.1

.15

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

June.

1.05

1.3

1.65

1 71

1.45

1.15

.8

.8

.85

.75

July.

l.l

.95

.9

.8

.85

.8

.7

.5

.55

.55

Aug.

0.1

.2

.15

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.05

Sept.

0.05

.0

.3

.3

.2

.2

.2

.2

.15

.1

Oct.

0.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

Nov.

0.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

Dec.

0.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0
MISSOUEI RIVEB BASIN. 157

Daily gage height, in feet, of East Fork of Boulder River near McLeod, Mont., for 1909 

Continued.

Day.

11...................

12. ..................

13...................

14. ..................

15...................

16...................

17...................

18. ..................

19...................

90

21...................

22...................

23...................

24...................

26........... .......

26. ..................

27...................

28...................

29...................

30

31...................

Mar.

0.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

05

.05

05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

05

.05

.05

.0

Apr.

0.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

May.

0.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.15

.3

.7

1

QC

.85

.8

.8

g

.8

.7

.7

June.

0.7

.8

71

1.0

1.25

1.3

1.7

1.85

1.5

1.4

1.4

1 9

1.15

1.15

1.25

1 9

1.1

1 *?1

1.3

1.15

July.

0.6

.5

.45

.5

.45

4K

.5

.45

41

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.35

.3

.3

OK

.15

Aug.

0-05

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.05

.05

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.05

.1

.1

.1

.05

.05

Sept.

0.1

.15

.1

.15

.2

.2

.15

.15

.1

.15

.15

.1

.15

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

Oct.

0.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.05

.05

.05

Nov.

0.05

.05

.05

.05

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.05

.05

.05

.05

.0

.0

.0

Dec.

NOTE. Ice conditions January, February, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of East Fork of Boulder River near McLeod, Mont.,

for 1909.

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...................

Mar.

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

18

Apr.

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

May.

18

18

24

30

36

24

24

24

24

OA

24

24

24

24

24

° 24

24

24

30

36

55

180

564

255

232

232

283

232

193

193

June.

378

540

785

860

640

Mt\

250 910

971

228

205 9in

228

355

515

553

840

952

690

620

620

480

448

448

515

480

415

515

553

448

July.

4.1 *

328 oiv)

OCA

275-

250

205

1 39

149

149

166

118

1QO

118

118

132

118

118

103

103

103

103

103

91

7Q

79

69

59

CQ

Cfl

Aug.

42

59

50

42

42

42

42

42

42

OC

35

42

42

Af)

42

42

42

42

QC

35

28

28

28

28

28

35

42

42

42

35

35

Sept.

35

28

79

7Q

59

V)

59

59

50

42

42

50

42

ift

1Q

59

50

50

42

50

50

42

50

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

Oct.

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

35

35

35

Nov.

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

35

35

35

35

28

28

28

Dec.

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: 

Mar. 1 to May 23 fairly well defined between 18 and 180 second-feet. 

May 24 to June 6 indirect method for shifting channel used. 

June 7 to Dec. 7 fairly well denned between 28 and 358 second-feet.
158 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 3909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of East Fork of Boulder River near McLeod, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

July...............................................

November

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

21 

18 

564 

952 

415 

59 

79 

42 

35 

28

Minimum.

18 

18 

18 

205 

50 

28 

28 

35 

28 

28

Mean.

20.9 

18.0 

95.1 

493 

149 

39.0 

49.3 

41.3 

32.2 

28.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,290 

1,070 

5,850 

29,300 

9,160 

2,400 

2,930 

2,540 

1,920 

389

56,800

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

WEST FOEK OF BOULDEE EIVEE NEAR BEUFFEYS, MONT.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge on the Livingston road about 7 miles from Bruffeys and 30 miles from Big 

Timber, was established May 7, 1904, by the State engineer of Montana, for the purpose of obtaining data in connection with irrigation 

projects. On May 4, 1907, it was transferred to the United States 

Geological Survey.

West Fork receives numerous small tributaries which enter from 

both sides above the station, the largest being Davis Creek, which 

comes in from the west 1^ miles upstream. One small irrigation 

ditch above the station diverts 3 or 4 second-feet of water. The 

drainage area is 94 square miles.

The channel is composed of small bowlders and coarse gravel and 

is reasonably permanent. The gage datum has remain unchanged 

since the station was established and the results obtained are excellent for the entire open season. At times during the winter this 

stream is open, but during the greater part of this period the gage 

heights are affected by ice.

A staff gage is located on the bridge from which flood measurements are made. For low and medium stages better results may be 

obtained by wading.

Discharge measurements of West Fork of Boulder River near Bruffeys, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

June 13

Nov. 23

Hydrographer.

J. E. Stewart .....................:........................

.... .do. ....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

68

63

50

Area of 

section.

Sq. ft. 

140

67

40

height.

Feet. 

2.53

1.61

1.36

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

484

11Q

68
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 159

Daily gage height, in feet, of West Fork of Boulder River near Bruffeys, Mont., for 1909.

[E. W. Gregory, observer,]

Day.

1.. ............

2..............

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7....--.-......

8..............

9..............

10..............

Nov. Dec.

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.45

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

Day.

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15. .............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20.............*.

Nov. Dec.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.4

1.35

Day.

21..............

22..............

23..............

24. .............

25..............

26. .............

27 ..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31 ..............

Nov.

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.45

1.5

1.35

1.35

Dec.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

NOTE. All gage heights prior to Nov. 23 are in error.

WEST FORK OF BOULDER RIVER AT McLEOD, MONT.

This station was established May 4, 1907, at Koozer's private 

bridge, several hundred yards upstream from the highway bridge at 

McLeod post office, to determine the value of the stream for irrigation and power.

The West Fork has no important tributaries, deriving the greater 

part of its water from melting snow. It joins the main Boulder about 

1 mile below the gaging station. The drainage area above the station 

is 137 square miles.

Water to irrigate about 800 acres of land is diverted above this 

station. A Carey Land Act project reclaiming 12,000 to 15,000 acres 

is now under investigation, the water to be diverted from the West 

Fork about 12 miles above the station.

The staff gage is fastened securely to a piling of the bridge near the 

right bank. The gage datum has remained unchanged. Measurements are made from this bridge or by wading. The bed of the 

stream is composed of bowlders and is rough but permanent. Ice 

forms during the winter months, but results obtained are good during 

the open season.

Discharge measurements of West Fork of Boulder River at McLeod, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 31

Hydrographer.

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

38

52

56

42

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

42.6

63.6

129

59

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.29

.61

1.97

.78

Discharge.

Sec.Jt. 

36.3

73.8

569

110
160 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of West Fork of Boulder River at McLeod, Mont., for 1909.

[C. E. Wailes, observer.]

Day.

1...........................

2...........................

3...........................

4............................

6...........................

7.......-..--...-....-...-..

8...........................

9...........................

10...........................

11 ...........................

12...........................

1Q

14...........................

1 *\

n. ..........................

18...........................

19

20...........................

21...........................

22...........................

23...........................

OK

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30...........................

31...........................

Apr.

0.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

0

.4

.4

.4

.6

.3

0

.10

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.4

.4

.3

.4

.4

.3

.3

May.

0.4

.4

.9

.6

.6

.6

.5

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.7

.7

1.3

1.6

2.8

2.3

2.2

2.35

2.4

2.0

1.7

1.7

June.

2.0

3.2

3.4

3.5

3.1

3.0

9 7

2.7

2.6

2.3

2.3-

1.9

2.0

2.6

2.7

3.3

3.6

3.0

2.8

2 Q

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.85

2.8

2.7

2.8

July.

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.6

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.1

2.0

1.8

1.95

1.9

1 Q

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1 4

1.3

Aug.

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Sept.

0.6

.7

.8

1.0

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.8

.8

.8

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.8

.8

.8

.8

.9

.9

.9

.95

.95

.95

1.0

1.0

1.0

Oct.

1.0

.9

.85

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Nov.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.7

.7

.7

.8

.8

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Dec.

0.5

.5

.4

.4

NOTE. Ice conditions during January, February, March, and December. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of West Fork of Boulder River at McLeod, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1...........................

2...........................

3............. -.-..--....--.

4...........................

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 ...........................

Apr.

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

44

44

41

73

34

34

22

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34.

44

34.

44

34

44

44

34

34

May.

44

44

57

138

73

73

73

17

57

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

92

92

264

390

i ion

797

729

832

868

602

438

438

June.

602

1,570

1,780

1,880

1,470

1,370

1,100

1,100

1,020

7Q7

797

543

602

1,020

1,100

1,670

1,990

1,370

1,190

1,280

1,190

1,020

1,190

1,190

1 ion

1,230

1,190

1,100

1,190

July.

1,280

1,190

1,190

1,020

868

797

797

664

602

489

572

543

543

489

489

489

438

390

390

390

390

390

390

390

390

345

345

345

303

303

264

Aug.

264

228

195

195

165

165

165

138

138

114

114

114

114

92

92

92

114

92

92

92

92

92

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

Sept.

73

92

. 114

165

114

114

114

114

114

92

114

114

114

165

138

138

138

114

114

114

114

138

138

152

152

152

165

165

165

Oct.

165

138

126

114

114

114

114

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

82

82

82

82

82

73

73

73

73

73

73

Nov.

73

73

73

73

73

73

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

92

92

92

114

 114

17

57

E7

57

C7

F;?

t\7

57

57

17

57

Dec.

57

57

44

44

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between 34 and 729 second-feet. Above a discharge of 729 second-feet the curve is based on one measurement only and is only 

approximate.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIIT. 161 

Monthly discharge of West Fork of Boulder River at McLeod, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

June. .................................. .........

July...............................................

September. ........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

73 

1,190 

1,990 

1,280 

264 

165 

165 

114

Minimum.

22 

44 

'543 

264 

73 

73 

73 

57

Mean.

37.2 

261 

1,190 

564 

117 

128 

94.5 

69.6

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

2,210 

16,000 

70,800 

34,700 

7,190 

7,620 

5,810 

4,140

148,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

SWEETGRASS CREEK ABOVE MELVILLE, MONT.

Sweetgrass Creek rises in the Crazy Mountains and flows southeastward to the Yellowstone, which it joins a short distance below Big 

Timber. -It has no important tributaries. The drainage area is about 

47 square miles.

The gaging station, which was established May 5, 1907, to determine 

the amount of water available for irrigation, storage, and power, is 

located at C. M. Rein's ranch, 16 miles northwest of Melville and 35 

miles from Big Timber, on the reservoir site of a project proposed 

under the Carey Land Act.

A few small ditches divert water above the station. The stream 

freezes over during the winter months.

When the station was established a secondary staff gage, to be used 

during extreme high water, was installed at a different datum about 

300 feet below the regular gage. During the high water of June and 

July, 1908, the regular gage was undermined, and after August 19 

readings were discontinued. Beginning October 1, 1908, all gage 

heights refer to the secondary gage, which will be used hereafter as 

the regular gage. The new gage heights are not comparable with the 

old ones. Measurements are made from the foot bridge to which the 

gage is fastened or by wading.

The stream bed is composed of rough gravel and is permanent.

Discharge measurements of Sweetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 1

23

Sept. 10

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

32

32

68

54

48

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

15.4

12.7

103

101

49.4

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.30

1.33

2.31

2.78

1.99

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

11.3

12.8

214

404

104

84548° WSP 266 11 11
162 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, ofSweetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont., for 1909. 

[Mrs. C. M. Rein, observer.]

Day.

1...........................

2...........................

3...........................

5...........................

6.............!.............

9...........................

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13.....---.-....-.-.---......

14. ..........................

15...........................

16...........................

17......----.........--......

18...........................

19

20...........................

21...........................

22.... ......................

93

24...........................

f)K

26...........................

27...........................

28.....---..----...........--

90

30...........................

31. ..........................

Apr.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1 ?<;

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

May.

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.8

2.30

2.65

2.95

3.1

3.0

2.8

2.5

2.6

June.

3.1

3.4

3.6

3.5

3.8

9. n

2.65

2.6

2.55

2.45

2.35

2.4

S.5

2.5

2.85

3.25

3.35

3.2

3.0

4.7

4.0

3.15

2.75

2.7

2.65

2.75

2.9

3.0

3.0

2.9

July.

2.8-

2.7

2.5

2.5

3.15

2.7

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.5

2.35

2.25

2.2

2.2

2,2

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.05

Aug.

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

Sept.

1.8

1.85

2.0

2.1

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 9

1.9

Oct.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

Nov.

1.8

1.8

1.75

1,75

1.75

1.75

L75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

L6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Dec.

1.6

3.6

1.6

NOTE. Ice onditions during January, February, March, and December. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sweetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1.. ....... ..................

2...........................

3...........................

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...........................

Apr.

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

19

19

19

12

12

19

12

12

12

12

19

12

12

May.

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

60

349

559

510

416

284

327

June.

559

710

814

762

920

510

349

327

306

264

224

243

284

284

439

634

684

fiflQ

510

1,410

1,030

584

OQ4

771

349

394

462

510

462

July.

416

371

284

284

584

371

284

243

204

204

224

186

167

167

167

1 t^fl

1 tifl

1 tifl

167

167

167

1 *\ft

T^n

1 vi

1 *\ft

ivi

134

134

120

Aug.

120

105

105

105

105

105

105

105

105

92

92

92

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

an

70

70

70

60

60

60

60

60

60

Sept.

60

70

105

134

92

92

92

92

92

92

134

134

105

105

92

92

80

80

80

80

80

80

on

Qf\

Qf\

on

80

80

ftfi

80

80

Oct.

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

60

60

60

60

60

Nov.

60

60

52

52

52

52

52

44

Id

44

44

44

dd

07

07

07

07

07

07

on

30

30

30

30

30

30

30in

Dec.

30

30

30

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 11 and 510 second-feet,
MISSOURI BIVEE BASIN. 163

Monthly discharge of Sweetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont., for 1909.

 

Month.

April .............................................

May. ..............................................

July........................................... ...

September... . .....................................

The period ..................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

12 

559 

1,410 

584 

120 

134 

80 

60

Minimum.

11 

12 

224 

120 

60 

60 

60 

30

Mean.

11.7 112- 

530 

215 

84.1 

90.1 

72.9 

40.8

! Run-off | . 

(total in Qu- aere-feet). | racy696 

6,890 

31,500 

13,200 

5,170 

5,360 

4,480 

2,430

69,700

B.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

SWEETGRASS CREEK BELOW MELVILLE, MONT.

This station, which was established May 4, 1907, to .determine the 

amount of water available for irrigation, was located at Adams's 

ranch, 9 miles below Melville, 20 miles from Big Timber, and 2 \ miles 

below the head gate of the Glass-Lindsay Land Co.'s canal, a 

Carey Land Act project. It was discontinued April 1, 1909, and a 

new station was established at McAllister's ranch about 3 miles above 

Adams's ranch and just above the head gate of the canal owned by the 

Glass-Lindsay Land Co.

Many diversions are made on this stream, with a total appropriation of 550 second-feet of adjudicated rights. The Glass-Lindsay 

Canal, partly completed, will carry 575 second-feet and irrigate 

30,000 acres. This canal will divert water into two storage reservoirs, with capacities of 12,000 and 6,000 acre-feet, respectively, 

which will be filled from the spring run-off, the low-water flow being 

all appropriated.

The staff gage is located on the left bank of the stream near the 

observer's house. Measurements are best made by wading at this 

section.

The stream bed is composed of clean gravel and is nonshifting. 

Ice forms during the winter season. Records obtained are good.

Discharge measurements of Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont., in 1909.

jDate.

Apr. 1

May 17

June 22

Sept. 9

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

22

00

70

85

29

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

13.8

99 Q

104

144

33

height.

Feel. 

1.17

1.26

2.67

1.63

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

23.8

07 o

Q-IA

561

98.4
164 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAE.T VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, ofSweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont., for 1909. 

[Peter McDonald, observer.]

Day.

1...........'.........................

2.....--......---...----.--...---....

4....................................

5.............---...-----..-.-----...

6. ...................................

7..........--....----...------......-

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13..----......----.....---....--.--...

14....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21.....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

OC

26. ...................................

27. ...................................

28....................................

9Q

30

31....................................

Apr.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.2

1 9

1 9

1.2

1 9

1 9

1.2

1.2

1 9

1.2

1 9

1 9

1 2

1 9

1.2

1 9

1.2

1.2

May.

1.2

1.2

1.05

1.1

1.05

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.2

1 Q

1 3

1 3

1.2

1.25

1.4 i a*

2

OC

2 OK

2.55

2

C

2

0

June.

2.45

2.55

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.4

2.65

2.5

2.3

2.2

2.2

2 OK

2.7

2.85

2 OK

2.7

3.0

3 3

2.7

2.5

2.4

9 9

2.15

2.15

2.2

2

oc

2 9

July.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.05

2.1

2.4

2.05

1.85

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

-4.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

2.1

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.5

1.8

1.7

1.65

1.65

1 65

Aug.

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.6

1.55

1.4

1.4

1.35

1 3S

1.35

1.4

Sept.

1.5

1.6

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.8

1.7

1.85

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

Oct.

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.55

Nov.

1.55

1.55

1.55

1. 55

1.5

1.5

NOTE. Ice conditions in January, February, March, November, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1....................................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

g

10. ...................................

11....................................

12....................................

1O.

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20. ...................................

21....................................

22................................. ..

23....................................

24. ...................................

25...... ..............................

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30....................................

31....................................

Apr.

30

30

30

24

19

24

1Q

1Q

24

9J.

30

Ort

on

on

3fl

on

on

30

on

30

30

3ft

30

3n

30

on

30

on

30

May.

30

30

14

19

14

30

3fl

30

3ft

3fl

30

3fl

24

24

24

30

43

43

JO

OA

30

36

57

1 K.3

O1 3

365

480

480

J.PTA

338

June.

421

480

w»

608

608

575

392

421

450

338

oco

365

421

575

675

675

575

778

QQQ

575

450

288

266

266

9QQ

O.AK

9QQ

July.

288

288

288

223

243

392

223

153

102

91

91

82

' ft9

73

73

wq

73

73

73

73

243

11.3

113

73

138

102

102

Aug.

91

82

82

73

65

57

65

57

50

43

JO

43

Cn

57

w

43

43

50

<¥7

57

57

<¥7

57

91

82

57

57

KA

KA

KA

57

Sept.

73

91

138

138

113

91

113

91

91

91

138

113

1 IW

113

113

Q1

102

102

102

113

102

91

91

91

91

Q1

91

Oct.

113

113

102

102

102

91

91

91

91

102

102

102

102

102

91

91

91

91

91

91

91 91

91

91

82

73

73

70

82

Nov.

82

82

82

82

73

73

NOTE, These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 8 and 778 second-feet.
MISSOURI RIVER SASltf. 165

Monthly discharge of Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont., for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

July...............................................

October. ..........................................

Nov. 1-6..........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

30 

480 

988 

392 

91 

153 

113 

82

Minimum.

19 

13.5

266 

73 

43 

73 

73 

73

Mean.

27.9 

114 474 ' 

142 

58.8 

104 

93.6 

79.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,660 

7,010 

28,200 

8,730 

3,620 

6,190 

5,760 

940

62,100

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

CLAEK FOKK AT FROMBEKG, MONT.

Clark Fork enters Yellowstone River from the south about 15 

miles southwest of Billings, Mont. The stream is bordered by irrigable land which is used for agriculture.

The gaging station, which was established June 3, 1905, to determine the amount of water available for irrigation, is located on the 

highway bridge one-half mile east of the Northern Pacific Railway 

station at Fromberg, Mont.

One small stream, Red Rock Creek, flows into the river between 

the gaging station and its mouth. The drainage area above the 

station is about 2,500 square miles.

As almost all the valley land is under irrigation many diversions 

are made, but owing to the abundance of water only a small portion 

of the flow is used.

The ice period ranges from December to the middle of March, but 

frequently during this period the river breaks up and floating ice 

may be seen.

The original staff gage has been replaced by a standard chain gage 

fastened to the upstream side of the bridge but no change in gage 

datum has occurred. Records obtained are excellent. The gaging 

section which is from the bridge would be ideal if it were not for the 

middle pier of the bridge which divides the channel. The bed of the 

stream is composed of rock and gravel, is free from vegetation, and 

is permanent.

Discharge measurements of Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 22

July 17

Sept. 13

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

123

183

230

210

151

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

295

470

1,210

780

446

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.50

4.68

8.25

6.11

4.49

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

320

1,300

7,780

3,050

1,030
166 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., for 1909. 

[Mrs. E. V. Moran, observer.]

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............--------.......

Mar.

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

Apr.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.45

3.45

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.55

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

May.

3.55

3.55

3.8

3.8

4.0

4,0

4.0

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.0

4.0

4.25

4.05

4.15

4.35

4.1

3.95

4.0

4.1

4.4

4.8

5.5

6.05

6.0

6.5

6.9

6.9

7.65

7.9

7 Q

June.

8.15

8.6

8.9

9.1

8.9

8.7

8.4

8.3

8.0

7.85

7.75

7.5

7.7

7.55

7.65

7.7

8.25

8.9

9.4

9.1

8.95

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.7

8.8

8.95

9.15

9.4

July.

9.5

9.5

9.7

9.7

9.6

9.3

8.95

8.35

7.95

7.2

6.95

6.6

6.3

5.95

5.8

5.8

5.75

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.6

5.55

5.45

K A

5.3

5.3

5.15

5.05

5

ft

Aug.

5.0

4.95

5.0

4.9

5.0

4.8

4.8

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.76

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.75

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.45

4.4

4.4

4.35

4.25

Sept.

4.2

5.1

5.1

4.85

4.55

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.45

4.6

4.7

4.55

4.45

4.35

4.3

4.2

4.15

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.05

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

Oct.

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.85'

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.6

3.55

£55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

Nov.

3. 45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

0 AK

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

NOTE. Ice during January, February, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., for 1909.

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...........................

Mar.

430

430

430

430

430

430

430

430

430

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

325

325

Apr.

v>%

QOK

325 ^ftft

97K

275

275

275

300

300

00 K

325

325

350

375

orft

325

325

325

325

325

OOP;

325

325

325

00 K

325

325

325

May.

OCA

O.CA

490

AQft

fiOK

625

1,040

1 040

1,040

625

625

820

663

740

902

700

Knn

 fi9<i

700

ait;

1,340

2,160

2 Q4fi

3,700

4,440

6,100

6,760

6,760

June.

7,480

8,810

9,410

9,710

9,110

8,210

7,910

7,030

6,620

fi 3Aft

6,230

S ofifi

6,600

6,230

7,760

9 710

11,200

in 3ftn

9,860

8,210

8,210

8,210

9,110

9,410

11,200

July.

11,500

11.500

12,100

11,800

10 900

9,860

8,060

5,050

4,530

3,880

3,360

2,780

2

KAfl

2,560

2

Cf)fl

2,420

2 49ft

2,420

2 290

9 inn

2,040

1,920

1,620

1,620

1 fififi

Aug.

1,560

1,560

1,560

1,340

1,340

1,440

1,340

1,340

1,340

1.280

1,230

1,280

1,340

1,340

1,230

1,230

1,230

1,230

1,130

1,130

1,080

QQn

OAK

900

Sept.

780

1,680

1,680

1,390

1,080

1 040

1,040

1,040

QQA

1,130

1,230

1 080

990

860

780

740

700

700

700

663

ccr

KKC

W\

555

555 w«

555

555

Oct.

522

522

522

522

522

522

522

460

460

460

460

460

460

460

403

403

403

403

403

403

403

403

375

350

350

350

350

350

350

350

Nov.

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

NOTE. These discharges were obtained from a rating curve well defined between 200 and 8,000 secondfeet.
MISSOURI HtvER BASIN. 167 

Monthly discharge of Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., for 1909. 

Month.

April..............................................

July...............................................

The period. .................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

430 

375 

6,760 

11,200 

12,100 

1,560 

1,680 

522 

300

Minimum.

325 

275 

350 

5,740 

1, 560 

820 

555 

350 

300

Mean.

359 

319 

1,810 

'8,430 

4,880 

1,260 

878 

430 

300

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

22,100 

19,000 

111,000 

502,000 

300,000 

77,500 

52,200 

26,400 

17,900

1,130,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B.

PRYOR CREEK AT HUNTLEY, MONT.

Pryor Creek rises in the Pryor Mountains in southern Carbon 

County, Mont., flows northeastward, and enters Yellowstone Eiver 

from the south about 15 miles northeast of Billings.

The channel is straight with uniform slope for 800 feet above and 

below the station. The banks are steep and uniformly graded, are 

clean, and will not overflow. The current is moderate. The bed is 

composed of clay and gravel and may change somewhat. On the 

upper portion of the stream some water is diverted for irrigation.

The gaging station was originally established August 6, 1904, to 

determine the amount of water available for irrigation. On June 

15-16, 1906, the creek was turned into a new channel by the United 

States Eeclamation Service, and a station was established on the 

steel highway bridge crossing this channel one-half mile from the 

railroad station at Huntley. Since then the chain gage datum has 

not been changed. Measurements are made from this bridge.

The stream freezes over during the winter months. Results 

obtained are good.

Discharge measurements of Pryor Creek at Huntley, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 7

May 20

July 19

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

J. E. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

29

32.5

29

33

28.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

25.7

60.8

47.9

38.4

51.1

height.

Feet. 

1.48

1.94

1.49

1.18

1.41

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

43.7

93.4

46.9

17.3

33.9
168 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Da^ly gage height, in feet, ojfPryor Creek at Huntley, Mont., for 1909. 

[Arthur Foster, observer.]

Day.

1...........................

2...........................

0

5...........................

7...........................

8...........................

g

10...........................

11.. .........................

12...........................

13...........................

14........................... 1*;

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

1Q

20...........................

21...........................

99

9^

24...........................

OC

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

Oft

31...........................

Mar.

i 9

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

Apr.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

i t;

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.85

1 0

1 a

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.7

May.

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1 9

1.9

1 9

1 9

1.9

1 9

3.3

2.8

4.4

3.2

2.6 '

2.4

2.2

2 1

2.1

June.

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75'

1.8

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.4

2.2

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

July.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.2

Aug.

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.2

6.3

Sept.

1.4

1.15

1.05

1.05

1.15

Oct.

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.35

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.35

1.35

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

Nov.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.4

1.4

1.4

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 24 and Dec. 24 to 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, ofPryor Creek at Huntley, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1. ..........................

2...........................

3...........................

4...........................

5...........................

6...........................

7...........................

10...........................

11...........................

13...........................

14........................... 1*;

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19

20...........................

21...........................

22. ..........................

23...........................

24........... ................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30. ..........................

31...........................

Mar.

67

62

56

56

56

46

Apr.

46

46

46

51

51

46

46

46

46

46

46

4670

67

56

56

56

84

78

78

67

62

62

67

67

56

56

67

May.

78

72

67

67

67

78

Qf\

90

7ft

67

67

67

67

56t;fi

56

90

90

90

90

on

90

309

218

555

290

186

156

128

115

115

June.

102

102

102

90

78

78

72

72

78

102

102

102

156

128

90

78

67

67

67

67

56

56

56

46

46

46

47

47

38

38

July.

38

38

37

37

37

36

36

36

35

35

34

34

34

26

26

26

26

26

19

19

.19

19

19

19

19

19

19

33

25

19

19

Aug.

19

19

16

16

19

19

19

990

Sept.

33

16

10

10

16

Oct.

13

13

10

10

10

10

13

13

10

16

16

16

16

29

22

22

22

22

29

29

22

19

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

Nov.

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

29

29

29

29

33

33

33

33

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: 

Mar. 25 to June 25, fairly well defined between 12 and 171 second-feet. 

July 20 to Nov. 30, fairly well denned between 13 and 41 second-feet.
MISSOURI KlVEH BASIN.

Monthly discharge of Pryor Creek at Huntky, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 800 square miles.]

Month.

March 25-31.. ...............

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

90 

84 

555 

156 

38 

990 

33 

29 

33

Minimum.

46 

46 

56 

' 38 

19 

16 

10 

10 

22

Mean.

61.9 

57.4 

120 

75.9 

27.9 

140 

17.0 

18.7 

24.4

Per 

square 

mile.

0.077 

.072 

.150 

.095 

.035 

.175 

.021 

.023 

.030

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.02 

.08 

.17 

.11 

.04 

.05 

.004 

.03 

.03

Total in 

acre-feet.

859 

3,420 

7,380 

4,520 

1,720 

2,220 

168 

1,150 

1,450

22,900

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B.

BIGHORN RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Bighorn River is formed by the junction of Big and Little Wind 

rivers near Riverton, Wyo.

Big Wind River rises some 50 miles southeast of the Yellowstone 

National Park in the mountains of the Shoshone and Wind River 

ranges, whose highest peaks attain altitudes of more than 12,000 

feet, and flows in a general southeasterly direction for about 100 

miles to its mouth, where the elevation is 5,100 feet. The upper 

part of its basin is hilly and mountainous except along the river 

and its tributaries, where the bottom lands average a mile or so in 

width. About 40 miles above Riverton the valley broadens out and 

includes stretches of land several miles in width excellently adapted 

to agriculture. The most important tributary of Big Wind River 

is Bull Lake Creek; among other tributaries may be mentioned Red 

Dinwoodie, Dry, Willow, and Meadow creeks.

Little Wind River rises on the eastern side of the Wind River 

Range and flows eastward for about 50 miles to its confluence with 

Big Wind River. At the junction of the North and South forks of 

the Little Wind, near Fort Washakie, the valleys of these streams 

widen out into an excellent agricultural section. Above Fort Washakie the drainage area is generally hilly and mountainous in character.

The principal tributary of Little Wind River is the Popo Agie, 

which rises in the high mountains and flows in a northeasterly 

direction to its confluence with the Little Wind River at Arapahoe, 

Wyo., and which emerges from the mountains about 8 miles above 

Lander, Wyo. This stream at its mouth is considerably larger than 

Little Wind River. Important tributaries of the Popo Agie are the 

North Fork, which enters just below Lander, and the Little Popo 

Agie, which comes in at Hudson, about 10 miles below Lander. The
176 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, !&)§, PART VI.

valleys of the Popo Agie and its tributaries are comparatively wide 

and form one of the oldest irrigated sections of Wyoming. Among 

the other tributaries of the Little Wind River are St. Lawrence, 

Sage, and Trout creeks.

From Riverton, Wyo., to its junction with the Yellowstone near 

Bighorn, Mont., a distance of about 250 miles, the Bighorn flows 

northward. At Thermopolis, 55 miles below Riverton, the elevation 

is about 4,200 feet; at the mouth of the Shoshone, 90 miles below 

Thermopolis, it is 3,800 feet; and at the mouth of the Bighorn it is 

about 2,700 feet.

Owl Creek, No Wood River, Greybull River, Shell Creek, Shoshone 

River, and Little Bighorn are important tributaries of the Bighorn. 

The drainage area of the Bighorn River above the mouth of the 

Shoshone is about 15,500 square miles.

The mountainous area drained by the Bighorn and its tributaries 

contains several hundred square miles of timber land, a great part 

of which is included in national forests. The remainder of the area, 

with the exception of occasional strips of land under cultivation, may 

be classed as range and sagebrush land.

The rainfall seems to vary from 20 inches or more above an altitude 

of 9,000 feet to an average of 12 to 15 inches at elevations from 4,000 

to 7,000 feet. Below an altitude of 4,000 feet the rainfall is locally 

less than 12 inches.

The winters on the upper Bighorn above an altitude of 4,500 feet 

are severe. Snowfall is abundant in the high mountains, and heavy 

snowstorms also take place in the more open country, but in the 

plains section the snow does not usually remain for long periods. 

As compared with those in the upper basin the winters in what is 

called the Bighorn Basin are mild. This basin begins where the river 

emerges from the canyon above Thermopolis and extends nearly to 

the mouth of the river. Most of the lower drainage area of Shoshone 

River is included in this basin. This belt is subject to the influence 

of the so-called chinook winds. Nearer the mouth of the stream the 

winters are more severe.

Irrigation along Bighorn River is developing very rapidly. For 

a number of years irrigation has been practiced in comparatively 

restricted tracts at various points along the stream and its tributaries, as in the Lander and Thermopolis districts in Wyoming, and 

in the Crow Reservation in Montana, as well as on the No Wood, 

Greybull, Shoshone, and other tributaries; but such irrigation has 

used only'a small part of the total flow of these streams. Extensive 

irrigation works now being constructed by the Indian Service on the 

Shoshone Reservation in Wyoming and the Crow Reservation in 

Montana will eventually serve probably 225,000 acres; the Shoshone 

project of the United States Reclamation Service will provide for the
MiSSOUM RI?EB BASIN. 171

irrigation of more than 125,000 acres along Shoshone River; by 

using some of the storage sites on Big Wind River the Wyoming 

Central Irrigation Co. will irrigate several hundred thousand acres of 

land near Riverton, and other private enterprises will irrigate considerable land near Basin. Many opportunities for additional projects 

are to be found on the tributary streams.

As a large part of the drainage area of Bighorn River has never 

been carefully surveyed, the full extent of the storage possibilities 

is not very well known, but undoubtedly many excellent reservoir 

sites exist at the headwaters of Big Wind and Little Wind rivers. 

Among others may be mentioned the site on Bull Lake Creek, which 

is situated at a natural lake on this stream, and many similar lakes 

are to be found in that locality. It is believed that very good sites 

can be found for storing the flood waters of Paint Rock, Owl Creek, 

Shell Creek, and Greybull River. Many of these streams have a large 

annual run-off, but some of them are intermittent in character.

Probably the best reservoir site in the area is the one which the 

Reclamation Service is now developing on Shoshone River 8 miles 

above Cody, Wyo. With a dam 310 feet high above foundation, the 

reservoir will have a capacity of 456,000 acre-feet.

The value of the land along the Bighorn River and its tributaries 

for agriculture will probably restrict water-power development to 

streams of the headwater regions. The fall of many of these streams 

exceeds 300 feet to the mile. Popo Agie and Little Wind rivers 

probably afford the best opportunities. In the canyon of the Bighorn above Thermopolis, where the Big Horn Co. is now constructing 

a plant with a capacity of about 5,000 horsepower, at least 25,000 

horsepower can be developed. Of the 100,000 horsepower or more 

which might easily be developed, probably less than 1,000 horsepower are now being utilized.

BIG WIND RIVER NEAR WIND RIVER, WYO.

This station, which was established November 3, 1908, to replace 

the station near Riverton, Wyo., and to' obtain data for the United 

States Indian Service concerning the amount of water available for 

irrigation, was located at Speed Stagner's ranch, about 20 miles 

north of Wind River and 35 miles above Riverton. It is about 4 

miles below the mouth of Bull Lake Creek, the only important tributary in the vicinity. The station was discontinued September 22, 

1909.

The United States Indian Service has recently completed several 

irrigation canals which will divert water from numerous tributaries 

above for the irrigation of several thousand acres. Excellent reservoir sites are to be found on many of these tributaries. It is believed 

that considerable opportunities exist for additional filings on Big
StJRf ACE WA*EB SUPPLY, 1909, JPAKT VI.

Wind River, though the Wyoming Central Irrigation Co. has filed on 

practically all of the available flow.

The vertical rod gage first established was replaced in the early 

part of 1909 by a chain gage on the right bank. The datum of the 

gage remained unchanged. The gage was not read except by the 

engineers on their occasional visits. Discharge measurements were 

made mainly from a cable about 100 yards downstream from the

Ice affects the flow for about four months each year, but otherwise 

conditions favored very good results.

Discharge measurements of Big Wind River at Speed Stagner's, near Wind River, Wyo.,

in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 12a

May 16

Sept. 22

Hydrographer.

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.......................... ..........................

.... .do. ....................................................

.... .do. ................... . ..........................

Width.

Feet. 

115

90

90

108

247

137

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

242

97

177

934

347

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.64

.50

.66

1.22

S

on

1.32

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

234

305

583

7,202

a Ice conditions. 

BIGHORN RIVER NEAR HARDIN, MONT. 1

This station, which was established June 16, 1904, to determine the 

amount of water available for irrigation, is located at the bridge of 

the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad about half a mile above 

the junction of Bighorn and Little Bighorn rivers, and 2 miles 

from Hardin. Water is diverted a few miles above the station by a 

private irrigation company to irrigate land on the west side of the 

river.

The river freezes over during the winter months.

The present gage datum is 3 feet higher than that of the original 

chain gage; but on August 10, 1905, the gage was moved to the west 

span of the bridge and the datum lowered 2 feet. Gaging conditions 

at this station are good. The bed of the stream is of gravel, and is 

free from vegetation. All measurements are made from this railroad 

bridge.

Discharge measurements of Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 21

July 18

Sept. 14

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.-...do.....................................................

J. E. Stewart ..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

437

438

438

437

438

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,520

1,720

3,660

3,170

2,410

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.21

3.78

6.25

4.80

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,880

3,150

24,200

11,800

5,970

i Referred to as at "Fort Ouster" in Water-Supply Paper 208, p.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 173

Daily.gage height, in feet, of Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont., for 1909. 

[J. S. Tapper, observer.] 

Day. .

1... ................

2...................

3...................

4...................

5...................

6...................

7. ......... ,.'.......

9.. ....... ..........

10...................

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15. ..................

16...................

17. ..................

18...................

19

20.--.....--.........

21...................

22...................

23. ..................

24. ..................

25. ..................

26. ..................

27...................

28...................

29. ..................

31...................

Mar.

5.45

5.35

a 9<;

5.35

5.55

5.65

5.55

5.25

4 Ac

4.75

5.05

3.95

3.95

411

4.15

4 AC

3.85

3.95

4.05

3 AC

Apr.

3.95

3.85

3.85

3.35

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.25

3

0

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3 9

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.3

May.

3.3

3.3

3 A

3.4

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

3 7

3.65

3.65

3.65

d, i<;

4.55

4 AC

4.85

5.15

5

AK

5.55

5.65

5.85

5.85

June.

5

QC

6.45

7 9>;

7 7d

8.25

7 tt

7 QK.

7 PLP1

7.15

6 95

7 9f;

7 4*

7 £.£.

7 7*;

8.15

8

QC

8.75

8.65

8.55

8.25

8.15

8.25

8

-QC

July.

9 0

9.2

9

0

Q t\

9 6

8 9

8.5

7 9

7.7

7.4

7.0

6.8

6

0

6.6

6.5

6.3

fi 9

6.25

6

0

fi 9

6.1

6.0

6.0

6.0

5 Q

5.9

6.1

5 0

5.8

 5.6

5.4

Aug.

5.3

<; 9

5.1

5.0

5.0

4.8

4.8

4

0

4.8

4.9

4 9

4.8

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.6-

4.6

-4.6

A K

A p;

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

Sept.

4.3

4.3

4.4

5.2

5.1

5.0

4 9

4.7

4 7

4.6

4.6

4 6

4.8

4.7

4.6

4

C

4.3

4.3

4.1

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.6

3.5

Oct.

3.5

3.5

3

C

3.4

°. d.

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.5

3

C

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3 A

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

Nov.

3

0

3.3

3

0

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3 9

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.6

3.7

3.7

4.0

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

Dec.

°, Q

°, Q

3

0

0 0

3.6

3.6

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

NOTE. Ice conditions in January and February, also Dec. 13 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

1...................

2...................

3...................

5...................

6...................

9...................

11...................

12. ..................

13...................

14...................

15...................

16...................

17...................

18...................

19. ..................

20. ..................

21...................

22...................

23...................

24...................

25...................

26. ..................

27...................

28...................

29. ..................

30. ..................

31...................

Mar.

8,280

7,880

7,500

7,880

8,680

9,100

8,680

8,280

7,500

6,430

5,770

5,150

5,770

5,770

6,430

7,130

6,780

4,270

3,480

3,480

4,000

3,730

3.230

3,480

3,730

3,480

3,480

Apr.

3,480

3,230

3,230

2,560

2,160

1,880

1,880

1,880

1,970

2 nfifi

2,060

2,060

2,060

1,880

1,880

1,880

1,710

1,710

1,710

1,710

1,880

1,880

2,060

2,060

2 Afif|

2,060

2

9CA

2,250

May.

2,060

2,060

2,250

2,660

2,660

2,880

2 660

2,660

2,660

2,880

2,880

2,880

2,770

2,770

2,770

3,000

A Ann

5,150

5 4fift

6,100

7,130

8,280

8,680

9,100

9,960

9,960

9,520

June.

10,400

11,300

12,800

17,400

20,900

22,400

19,400

21,600

19,400

16,800

15,600

17,400

18,800

20,900

30,500

33,800

27,200

24,800 04 mo

24,800

9C fiAA

July.

30,900

32,600

33,400

35,000

35,900

30,100

26,800

22,000

20,500

18,400

15,900

14,700

13,600

13, 100

12,100

11,600

11,800

11,600

11,600

10,600

10,200

10 200

11,100

10 200

9 74ft

8,0*0

Aug.

7,690

7,310

6,950

6,600

6,«00

5,930

5,930

5,930

5,930

6,260

6,260

5,930

5,610

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,000

5,000

>; nnn

5,000

4,700

4,410

4,410

4,130

4,410

4,410

4,130

4,130

Sept.

4,410

4,410

4,700

4,700

7,310

6,950

6,600

6,260

5,610

5,610

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,930

5,610

5,000

4,410

4,410

3,860

3,600

3,600

3,350

3,110

3,110

2,660

2,660

2,660

2,450

Oct.

2,450

2,450

2,450

2,250

2,250

2,250

2,450

2,450

2,450

2,450

2,450

2,450

2,250

2,250

2,250

2,250

2,250

2,250

2,250

2,250

2,250

2.060

2,060

2,060

2,060

2,060

2,060

2,060

2,060

2,060

2,060

Nov.

2,060

2.060.

2,060

2,060

2,060

2,060

2,060

1,880

1,880

1,880

1,880

1,880

1,880

1,880

1,880

1,880

2,060

2,060

2,060

2,250

2,250

2,250

2,660

2,880

2,880

3,600

3,860

3,860

3,600

3,600

Dec.

3,350

3,350

3,110

3,110

2,660

2,660

3,110

2,880

2,660

2 660

2,660

2,450

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 1,710 and 24,000 second-
174 STJEFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET VI.

Monthly discharge of Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 20,700 square miles.]

Month.

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

9,100 

3,480 

9,960 

33,800 

35,900 

7,690 

7,310 

2,450 

3,860 

3,350

Minimum.

3,230 

1,710 

2,060 

10,400 

8,080 

4,130 

2,450 

2,060 

1,880 

2,450

i

Mean.

5,790 

2,110 

4,410 

22,200 

17,0(to 

5,440 

4,580 

2,250 

2,370 

2,890

Per 

square 

mile.

0.280 

.102 

.213 

1.07 

.821 

.263 

.221 

.109 

.114 

.139

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.32 

.11 

.25 

1.19 

.95 

.30 

.25 

.13 

.13 

.06

Total in 

acre-feet.

'356,000 

126,000 

271,000 

1,320,000 

1,050,000 

334,000 

273,000 

138,000 

141,000 

68,800

4,080,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

RED CREEK NEAR DTTBOIS, WYO.

Red Creek is tributary to Big Wind River from the south, entering 

about 15 miles below Dubois, Wyo. This station was established 

April 10, 1909, in cooperation with the United States Indian Ofl&ce 

and abandoned on October 30, 1909. It is located just upstream 

from the crossing of the Fort Washakie-Dubois stage road and a 

short distance above the mouth of the stream.

The vertical staff gage on the right bank remained constant while 

the station was maintained. Discharge measurements were made 

by wading.

Discharge measurements of Red Creek near Dubois, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 10

IWav 14

Hydrographer.

.....do....................................................

Width.

Feet.

8

8

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

3

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

. 0.90

.90

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.6

2

f\

Daily gage height, in feet, of Red Creek near Dubois, Wyo., for 1909. 

[Jim Locke, observer.]

Day.

2.......

3.......

4.......

5.......

6.......

7.......

8.......

9.......

10..... -.

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

June.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.4

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

July.

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

.9

1.1

.9

.9

.9

1.0

1.0

Aug.

0.9

9

1 0

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

Sept.

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

Oct.

0.8

.8

8

8

8

8

8

8

O

 1

8

8

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20. ......

21.......

22.......

23.......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

31.......

June.

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.3

.9

.9

1.1

.9

.9

.9

1.2

1.3

1.1

July.

.9

.9

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

1.0

9

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.9

Aug.

.9

9

9

.9

.9

.9

.8

.8

.8

.8

Sept.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

Oct.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 175

DINWOODY CREEK NEAR CROWHEART, WYO.

This station was established December 15, 1908, in cooperation 

with the United States Indian Office and was discontinued October 31, 

1909. It was located 7 miles above Crowheart, Wyo., at the highway 

bridge on the stage road from Wind River to Dubois. The records are 

useful in determining the amount of water available for irrigation.

As the station is but a short distance above the confluence of the 

stream with Big Wind River, no tributaries enter below. A little 

water is diverted above for irrigation.

The chain gage is on the highway bridge at an elevation of about 

6,200 feet above sea level. The location and datum of the gage 

have not changed.

Measurements are made by wading or from a cable 400 yards above 

the bridge. On account of large bowlders in the stream bed, it is 

difficult to obtain measurements. Ice affects the flow for several 

months during the winter season.

Discharge measurements of Dinwoody Creek near Crowheart, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

July la

Aug. 26

Hydrographer.

.....do...----......--------......----.-......-------.......

.....do......-..............------....-.-----.-.....-.---.-.

.... .do. .--..-......--.........----.........-------..-......

.....do.......-........--..--.-....----------.......-------.

Poonnan and Gonin. ............... ......................

Width.

Feet.

28

28

47

55

53

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

24

28

72

152

126

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.00

1.00

2.00

3.30

2.70

Discharge.

Sec-ft. 

30

30

14.5

32

199

679

505

a Ice; discharge estimated.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Dinwoody Creek near Crowheart, Wyo., for 1909. 

[Jim Locke, observer.]

Day.

1..... ...............................

2.--......-....-....----......-.-.---

4....................................

5--------.....---..------..-------.-.

6....... ............................ .

7---......-.-....-.-.---.....-.-.---.

8... ................................ -

9....................................

13....................................

12....................................

13----.. ......... .....................

14...................................

15-.-. --............----....----------

16....-1---......-..--- .... ...........

17....................................

18........---------------.---.---..--.

19............. .......................

9O

21.................. ..................

22....................................

23....................................

25-.-...-.....-...----.--..-..........

26....................................

27....................................

28. ...................................

29....................................

30.. ...............................

31............. .......................

Jan.

1.0

Mar.

1 0

May.

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.4

1.2

1.6

1.6

1.4

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.7

1.5

June.

1.8

1.8

1.8

2.5

2.9

2.6

2.1

2.1

2.0

1.9

2 fl

2.5

2 9

3.3

3.4

2.9

2.4

2

K

2.6

2.7

^ 1

3.3

3.4

July.

3 9

3.3

3.5

3 9

4.0

4.1

3.4

3.2

3.1

2.6

2.3

2 q

2.4

2.6

3.1

3.3

3.3

3.1

3 9

3.1

3.1

3.1

2.8

2.3

2.2

Aug.

2.2

2.2

2.3

2 9

2.2

2.3

2.5

2.6

3.3

3.2

3.2

2.9

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.9

2.6

2.3

2.2

2.7

2.1

Sept.

2

0

3.7

3.9

3.3

2.4

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

2

n

2.0

1 Q

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.6

1.2

1.8

1.7

Oct.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

' 1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2
176 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

DRY CREEK AT CROWHEAB.T, WYO.

This station was established December 14, 1908, at the highway 

bridge at Crowheart, Wyo., which is on the Fort Washakie-Dubois 

stage line about 40 miles from Wind River. It was discontinued 

October 31, 1909. The records are used to determine the amount 

of water available for irrigation by the United States Indian Office.

The Dry Creek ditch of the United States Indian Office, which will 

irrigate about 4,000 acres, is taken out about a mile above the station; Big Wind ditch No. 2 from Big Wind River comes into the 

creek above the station and is diverted 1 mile below. Neither of 

these ditches has as yet carried water for irrigation.

It has been observed that considerable water sinks into the stream 

bed between Crowheart and the intake of Big Wind River ditch 

No. 2, but it commences to rise again just below this intake.

The first gage was on the highway bridge, which was washed out 

by high water on June 5, 1909. When the bridge was replaced at a 

slightly different location a chain gage was installed at a new datum, 

and the gage readings prior to June 30, 1909, have been reduced to 

this datum by adding 0.18 foot.

Discharge measurements were made from the highway bridge, at 

the footbridge just above the intake of Dry Creek ditch, and at the 

intake of Big Wind River ditch No. 2.

When the two canals commence to operate it will be necessary to 

move the gage to a position upstream from the head of the Dry 

Creek ditch in case it is decided to reestablish the station.

Discharge measurements of Dry Creek at Crowheart, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 16

Mar. 11

May 12

30

Aug. 13

26

26

Hydrographer.

.....do..........................................

.....do..........................................

.....do..........................................

.....do..........................................

Poorman and Gonin ............................

Width.

Feet.

is

34

32

30

32

30

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

14

54

80

51

63

30

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per sec.

1.07

2.78

5.32

2.9

1.62

2.57

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.98

5.38

3.03

4.07

5.00

4.1

4.0

4.0

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

a 12

04

15

150

426

147

102

77

o, Estimated.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Dry Creek at Crowheart, Wyo., for 1909. 

[Jim Locke, observer.]

Day.

1....

 2.... 

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

9....

10. ...

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

Jan. Mar.

5.38

May. June.

3.6

3.9 

5.0

5.5

Aug. Sept.

4.6

4.9 

4.3

4.0

3.9

4.0

4.1

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.6

.Oct.

3.1

3.0

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

Day.

16....

17.... 

18....

19....

20....

21....

22. ...

23....

24. ...

25....

26....

27....

28....

29....

30. ...

01

Jan.

4.98

5.18

Mar. May.

3.3 

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.6

3.6

3.6

4.1

3.9

3.9

3.7

June. Aug.

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.6

Sept

3/5

4.1 

3.1

3.1

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

Oct.

3.0

"~2."9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2,9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 177

MEADOW CREEK NEAR J. K. RANCH POST OFFICE, WTO.

This station was established December 14, 1908, to determine the 

amount of water available for the Meadow Creek ditch of the United 

States Indian Office. It was located about 1| miles above the Wind 

River-Dubois stage road, and a few miles from J. K. ranch, the nearest post office. It was abandoned October 31, 1909.

The main gage is attached to the head gate of the Meadow Creek 

ditch; a secondary rod gage was established at the crossing of the 

stage road, so that the stage driver could take daily readings. The 

gages remained constant in position while the station was in 

operation.

The station is below all tributaries of any importance, and the 

Meadow Creek ditch, the only important diversion from the stream, 

is not yet carrying water for irrigation.

Ice affects the discharge for several months during the winter 

season. Discharge measurements were made by wading.

Discharge measurements of Meadow Creek at J. K. ranch post office, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 10

May 15

June 13

Aug. 13

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

9

9

9

7

9

12

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

6.2

7

7

4

9

14

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.40

1.50

1.30

1.30

1.90

1.80

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

8.8

7.6

9.0

8.0

27

23

a. Ice conditions.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Meadow Creek at J. K. ranch post office, Wyo., for 1909.

[Jim Locke, observer.]

Day.

1....

3....

4....

6....

7-...

8....

9-...

10. ... 

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

Mar.

1.5

May.

......

......

June.

1.6

1.6

1.9

1.9

2.1

1.7

2.1

1.7

1.8 

1.4

1.4

1.6

1.4

July.

1.8

1/8

1.8

1 9

1.9

1.6

1.5

1.7

1.7

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.5

Aug.

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.1

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.5 

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.6

Sept.

1.8

1.9

1.7

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5 

1.4

1.6

1.5

1.4

Oct.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.3

1.2

1.3

.8

.8

.8

1.2

Day.

16....

17....

18....

19....

20. ...

21....

22....

23....

24....

25.... 

26....

27....

28....

29....

30. ... 

31....

Mar. May.

1.3

1.3

1.2

.8

1.3

1.5

1.4

1.3 

1.4

1.3

1.7

1.7 "i.y

June.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.6 1.6' 

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.8

July.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.5

1.6

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5

Aug.

1.5

1.6

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.5

i.4

1.6

1*4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3 

1.3

Sept.

1.4

1.4

1.4

l ?

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

Oct.

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1 

1.1

1.1

1.3

1.1

1.1

NOTF. These gage heights ^ere taken on the gage at the stage road and bear no relation to the gage 

heights of the measurements.

WILLOW CREEK AT J. K. RANCH POST OFFICE, WTO.

This station was established December 13, 1908, to obtain records 

of the amount of water available for the Willow Creek ditch of the 

United States Indian Office. It is located at the J. K. ranch post 

84548° WSP 266 11 12
178 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAST VI.

office, which is on the Wind River-Dubois stage line, about 30 miles 

from Wind River. It was discontinued October 31, 1909.

The creek receives no tributaries below the station; the Willow 

Creek ditch, about 2 miles above, is the only diversion of any importance. There are about 1,500 acres of land under this ditch, but it 

has not yet carried water for irrigation.

A staff gage is located on the highway bridge. The datum has not 

changed. Discharge measurements are made from the bridge or by 

wading. Ice affects the discharges for several months during the 

winter season.

Discharge measurements of Willow Creek at J. K. ranch post office, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

Apr. 33

May 15

13

A ncr 14

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

15

14

12

12

16

14

12

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

13.9

Q

5.2

6

32

19

8.7

Gage 

heighi.

Feet. 

1 80

1.20

1.20

3.00

2.30

Discharge.

Sec. ft. 

12.6

9 0

7.2

8.0

155.

72

20

0 Ice conditions.

Daily gage height, infect, of Willow Creek at J. K. ranch post office, Wyo., for 1909.

[Jim Locke, observer.]

Day.

1.... 

2

4

g

6....

7....

8....

9....

10.-..

11....

19

13.... 

14....

15....

Mar.

1.2

May. June.

1.7 

2.1

2.9

3.7

4.5

3.6

3.4

3.5

3.4

2.2

2.4

"2.~7"

2.9

July.

3.4

2.8

3.3

3.1

3.2

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.3

1.8

2.1 

1.8

1.8

Aug.

"i.T

1.3

1.2

1.3

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.5

1.4 

1.3

Sept.

1.4 

1.4

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0 

1.1

1.3

Oct.

1.2 

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1 2

1.2 

1.2

1.1

Day.

16.... 

17....

18....

19....

20....

21 ....

22....

23....

24....

25....

26. ...

27....

28.... 

29....

30.... 

31....

Mar. May.

"i.'s"

1.3

1.3 1.-4

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

2.7 "i.'g"

"LY

June.

"s.y

3.4

3.6

2.5

2.8

2.5

3.2

2.5

3.1 

3.6

2.8

July.

1.6 

2.1

1.8

2.1

1.6

1.6

1.3

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5

1.4 

1.4

Aug.

1.2 

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1 

1.1

Sept.

1.4 

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2 

1.1

1.1

Oct.

1.1 

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0 

1.0

BULL LAKE CREEK NEAR J. K. RANCH POST OFFICE, WYO.

This station was established November 3, 1908, at the highway 

bridge on the stage road from Wind River to Dubois, three-eighths of 

a mile above the confluence of the creek with Wind River. The 

records are used to determine the amount of water available for irrigation and storage, particularly for the purposes of the United States 

Indian Office. It was discontinued August 27, 1909.

The Bull Lake Creek ditch, which the United States Indian Office 

proposes to divert some distance above the station, will probably 

irrigate 15,000 acres of land. There are no tributaries below the 

station. Bull Lake Reservoir site, which is at a natural location a few 

miles above, is capable of equalizing the entire flow of the stream.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 179

The chain gage is located on the bridge and its datum has not 

changed. Gage readings were obtained only when the station was 

visited to make measurements.

Measurements were made from the bridge or from a cable some 

distance down stream. The roughness of the stream bed makes it 

difficult to obtain accurate measurements. Ice conditions affect the 

flow for several months each year.

Discharge measurements of Bull Lake Creek near J. K. ranch post office, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 18«

Mar. 12

Apr. 6

May 16

29

Aug. 12

27

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

Width.

Feel. 

70

65

72

73

106

115

109

93

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

108

90

64

81

226

480

289

182

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.20

1.00

1.00

1.30

1.80

4.90

3.50

2.90

Discharge.

Sq.ft. '

81

54

39

94

827

3.105

1,309

730

<» Ice conditions. 

LITTLE WIND RIVER AT FORT WASHAKIE, WYO.

This station, which was established October 31, 1908, to obtain 

data for use by the Indian Office in connection with irrigation development, is located about three-fourths of a mile below the junction of 

North and South forks. Gage readings were discontinued June 30, 

1909, but discharge measurements were made until September 23, 

1909, when the station was abandoned.

The Indian Office. has recently built a number of small canals 

diverting water from various tributaries above the station the 

Coolidge ditch, about 2 miles below, which will irrigate some 15,000 

acres of Indian land, and the Sub-Agency ditch, 20 miles below, 

which will water about the same acreage.

The datum of the chain gage on the right bank remained the same 

while the station was in operation. Discharge measurements were 

made from a footbridge near the gage. The stream freezes during 

the winter.

Discharge measurements of Little Wind River at Fort Washakie, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

25«

May 7

17

25

6

16

A IIPP 9

11

19

Sept. 14

23

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do............. .......................................

Width.

Feet. 

72

40

' 47

54

54

62

84

100

94

81

83

64

68

58

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

155

60

65

78

78

113

178

368

306

166

169

136

123

96

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.07

2.47

1.87

1.87

1.87

2.47

3.32

5.17

4.57

2.97

3.17

2.77

2.57

2.17

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

on

49

60

107

315

2,662

1,960

594

650

450

329

166

Ice conditions.
SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Wind River at Fort Washakie, Wyo., for 1909.

[John S. Guyer, observer.]

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

5....

6.... 

7....

8.... 

9....

10....

11....

12....

13.... 

14....

15....

Jan.

2.4

2.5

2.55

2.7

2.65

2.6 

2.65

2.7 

2.95

2.75

2.8

2.8

2.9 

3.15

Feb.

3.55

3.45

3.45

3.35

3.2

2.7 

3.45

3.5 

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.4

3.35 

3.4

Mar.

3.1

2.9

2.7

2.75

2.85

2.7 

2.65

2.1

2.75

2.4

2.45

2.5

2.75 

2.7

2.65

Apr.

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.4 

1.45

1.4 

1.5 ,

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.5 

1.45

1.5

May.

1.7

1.65

1.7

1.85

2.4

2.05 

2.0

1.95 

1.95

2.0

2.15

2.0

1.85 

1.90

June.

o 7

3.0

3.45

4 0*1

4.75

5.4

4.8 

4.25

3 Q

3.65

3.5

3.55 

3.9

4 05

July.

4.95

.......

Day.

16....

17....

18....

1Q

20....

21....

22. ...

23.... 

24....

25. ...

26. ...

27....

28.... 

29....

31....

Jan.

3.65

3.7

3.85

3.9

3.75

3.85 

3.8

3.85 

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7 

3.6

3.5

3.5

Feb.

3.5

3.35

3.4

3.35

3.4

3.35 

3.4

3.25 

2.9

2.7

2.7

3.2

Mar.

2.4

2.6

2.6

2 4

2.4

2.35 

2.3

2.25 

2.3

1.8

1.6

1 *{

1.55 

1.5

1.5

1.45

Apr.

1.45

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.55

1.6 

1.5

1.5 

1.45

1.6

1.7

1.75 

1.8

1.6

May.

2.0

2.0

2.0

9 1

2.2

2.45

2.6

2.6 

2.5

2 55

2.75

2.85

2.95 

2.9

2.8

2.85

June.

4.7

4.95

5.05

5.2

5.3

4.85 

4.6

4.5 '

4.7

4.65

4.9 K n^

5.2 

5.15

5 n

July.

......

......

......

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 25. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Wind River at Fort Washakie, Wyo., for 1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

1. .............

2..............

3..............

6..............

8..............

9..............

in

Day.

1909. 

1....

2.... 

3.... 

4.... 

S....

6. .. 

7. .. 

8. .. 

». .. 

10. ..

11.... 

12.... 

13.... 

14.... 

15....

Jan.

90 

90 

90 

90 

90

90 

90 

90 

90 

90

90 

90 

90 

90 

90

Nov.

108 

120 

108 

108 

108

108 

108 

108 

108

88

Feb.

70 

70 

70 

70 

70

70 

70 

70 

70 

70

70 

70 

70 

70 

70

Mar.

70 

70 

70 

70 "70

70 

70 

70 

70 

70

50 

50 

50 

50 

50

Dec.

120 

88 

100 

100 

100

100 

100 

100 

100 

100

Apr.

40 

47 

54 

47 

40

28 

34 

28 

40 

34

34

28 

40 

34 

40

Day.

11 

12 

13 

14 

15

16 

17 

18 

19 

20

May.

70 

62 

70 

98 

265

146 

132 

120 

120 

132

175 

132 

98 

108 

120

1908.

June.

410 

570 

870 

1,400 

2,160

2,950 

2,400 

2,220 

1,610 

1,250

1,030 

910 

950 

1,250 

1,400

July.

2,400

.......

Nov.

98 

79 

79 

120 

146

175 

160 

146 

132 

108

Day.

1909. 

16.... 

17.... 

18....

19.... 

20....

21....

22....

23....

24....

25....

26....

27....

28. ...

29....

30

31....

Dec.

95 

95 

95 

95 

95

95 

95 

95 

90 

90

Jan.

90 

90 

90 

90 

90

90 

90 

90 

90 

90

90 

90 

90 

90

90

90

Day.

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

3 

3

Feb.

70 

70 

70 

70 

70

70 

70 

70 

70 

70

70 

70 

70

1908. 

1. .............

2..............

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

0. .............

1. .............

Mar.

50 

50 

50 

50 

50

60 

60 

60 

60 

60

54 

40 

47 

40 

40 

34

Apr.

34 

10 

47 

54

47

54 

40 

40 

34 

47

54 

70 

79 

88 

54

Nov.

108 

88 

70 

79 

70

79 

108 

88 

108 

120

May.

132 

132 

132 

160 

190

288 

360 

360 

310 

335

435 

488 

542 

515 

460 

488

Dec.

90 

90 

90 

90 

90

90 

90 

90 

90 

90 

90

June.

2,100 

2,400 

2,520 

2,700 

2,820

2,280 

1,990 

1,880 

2,100 

2,040

2,340 

2.520 

2,700 

2,640 

2,460

July.

------

NOTE. These discharges based on a curve that is fairly well defined below 2,600 second-feet. Discharges 

estimated Nov. 30,1908, to Mar. 25,1909, on account of ice conditions.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 181

Monthly discharge of Little Wind River at Fort Washdkie, Wyo.,for 1908-9.

Month.

1908.

1909.

May.................................... :.........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

175

88 

542 

2,950

Minimum.

70

28 

62 

410

Mean.

108 

94.8

90 

70 

56.6 

45 

231 

1,900

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

6,430 

5,830

5,530 

3,890 

3,480 

2,680 

14,200 

113,000

143, 000

Accuracy.

B. 

D.

D. 

D. 

D. 

C. 

B. 

A.

NOTE. Discharges Nov. 30,1908, to Mar. 25, 1909, estimated, on account of ice conditions. 

LITTLE WIND RIVER ABOVE ARAPAHOE, WYO.

This station, which was established May 11, 1906, to determine 

the amount of water available for irrigation and storage, is located at 

the Government bridge a short distance above the mouth of Popo Agie 

River and about one-half mile west of the post office at Arapahoe, 

Wyo. The drainage area is about 650 square miles.

Water is diverted from Little Wind River and various tributaries 

above the station by the United States Indian Office canal systems, 

which will eventually irrigate several thousand acres of land. Some 

of the canals are already in operation.

A rod gage was fastened to a pile of the bridge when the station 

was established but this was replaced by a chain gage installed 

October 21, 1907, on the handrail of the bridge. The datum of the 

gage was not changed.

Measurements were made from the bridge or by wading. Fair 

results have been obtained but measurements are somewhat affected 

by the pile bents of the bridge. The river is icebound for several 

months during the winter.

The station was discontinued December 17, 1909.

Discharge measurements of Little Wind River above Arapahoe, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 27o

20

22

Aug. 9

17

30

Sept. 9

17

Hydrographer.

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do......................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

C. E. Burbank ............................................

.....do............ ........................................

Width.

Feet.

OR

Qfi

98

101

110

110

105

104

102

105

103

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

207

62

80

83

321

343

184

158

112

177

137

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2

AO

1.42

QQ

1.20

1.30

3.59

2.20

1 07

1 46

2.06

1.56

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

100

76

136

169

1,550

1,650

578

471

249

534

310

o Ice conditions.
182 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Wind River above Arapahoe, Wyo.,for 1909. 

[Miss Dora Dietz and Miss Mildred Vincent, observers.]

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..........

31..........

Jan.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

2.3

2.3

2

0

9 ^

9 ^^

2.5

2.4

2 AC

2.6

2.3

2.4

2.45

9 °£

2 1

1.7

Feb.

1.9

2.1

2.1

1.95

Apr.

1.15

1.1

1.10

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.2

1.15

1 1^

May.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.25

1.3

1.25

1.25

1 9

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1

0

1 ^5

1.7

1.7

1.7

1 a

1 9

1.9

1 95

2.0

2.0

June.

1.95

2.0

2.15

2.65

3.6

4.2

4.3

4.0

3.65

3.2

2.9

2.7

2.6

3.1

3.15

3.55

3.85

4.1

4.2

. 4.35

4.1

3.75

3 7

3.8

3.9

4 0

4.25

4.3

4.2

July.

4.2

4.15

4 0

4.05

4.2

4.4

4.2

3.7

3.35

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.65

2.55

2.6

2.55

2.55

2.5

2 f{

9 fi

2.55

2.5

2.4

2.4

9 d.

2.3

2.2

2.2

i o";

1.6

Aug.

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.65

1.7

1.9

.2

2.2

2.3

' 2.25

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.1

1.95

1.9

1.85

1.75

1.75

' 1.65

1.7

1.65

1.7

1.6

1.65

1.5

1.5

1 45

1.5

Sept.

1.65

2.15

2.25

2.15

2.05

2.05

2.25

2.1

2.0

1.95

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.65

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1 45

1.45

1.45

1.6

2.6

1.3

1.25

1.25

Oct.

1.25

1.35

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.05

1.05

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

Nov.

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

.95

1.05

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.25

1.15

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.15

1.15

1.25

1.25

1.50

Dec.

1.45

1.35

1,25

1.45

1.35

1.25

1.15

1.45

1.55

1.55

1.75

1.75

1.85

1.75

1.85

1.85

1.65

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Apr. 17 and Nov. 30 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Wind River above Arapahoe, Wyo., for 1909.

Day.

1....................................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16: ...................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21.... ...............................

22...................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30. ...................................

31....................................

Apr.

105

92

105

105

105

105

92

09

105

135

120

May.

105

105

105

105

130

152

170

152

152

130

170

170

170

135

135

170

170

135

135

170

270

340

340

340

390

440

440

468

522

495

June.

468

495

580

910

1,640

2,140

2,230

1,970

1,680

1,320

1,090

945

875

1,240

1,280

1,600

1,840

2,060

2,140

2,280

2,060

1,760

1,720

1,760

1,800

1,880

1,970

2,180

2,230

2,140

July.

2,140

2,100

1,970

2,010

2,140

2,320

2,140

1,720

1,440

1,160

1,090

1,020

910

840

875

840

840

805

875

875

840

805

735

735

735

670

610

610

522

468

Aug.

365

390

365

365

315

340

440

610

610

670

640

610

610

580

550

468

440

415

415

365

365

315

340

315

340

290

315

250

250

230

250

Sept.

315

580

640

580

522

522

. 640

550

495

468

415

415

390

365

315

270

270

270

230

230

230

230

230

 230

230

290

290

170

152

152

Oct.

152

190

152

152

152

152

152

152

152

152

152

152

152

152

120

120

120

92

92

120

120

120

120

120

120

120

120

92

92

92

92

Nov.

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

68

92

80

92

92

152

120

152

152

152

152

152

120

120

152

152

150

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between 35 and 1,970 

second-feet. Discharge Nov. 30 estimated on account of ice.
MISSOURI KIVER BASIN. 183

Monthly discharge of Little Wind River below Arapahoe, Wyo.,for 1909.

Month.

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

522 

2,280 

2,320 

670 

640 

190

Minimum.

105 

468 

390 

230 

152 

92 

68

Mean.

239 

1,610 

1,140 

414 

356 

130 

112

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

14,700 

95,800 

70, 100 

25,500 

21,200 

7,990 

6,660

242,000

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

LITTLE WIND RIVER BELOW ARAPAHOE, WYO.

This station, which was established May 11/1906, to obtain data 

for use in general studies of run-off, is located at the Government 

bridge, 200 yards balow the mouth of Popo Agie River, one-half mile 

south of the post office at Arapahoe, and about 6 miles above the 

junction of Little Wind and Big Wind rivers. Beaver Creek enters 

from the south between the station and the mouth of the river. The 

drainage area of Little Wind River at its mouth is about 1,900 square 

miles.

The records at this station show practically the entire flow of 

Little Wind River except a small amount of water used for irrigation.

Many diversions are made for irrigation from Little Wind and Popo 

Agie rivers above this station, but opportunities for additional development both for power and irrigation yet remain.

The location of the rod gage, which is fastened to a pile of the 

bridge, has remained unchanged since the establishment of the 

station, but the bridge was raised 0.17 foot at the gage when the ice 

went out in the spring of 1908, and all the gage readings for 1908 

are low by that amount. They have not been corrected to the old 

datum. Gage heights for 1909 have been corrected by subtracting 

0.23 foot to reduce them to the datum used in 1908, as there was a 

settlement of the bridge when the ice went out in the spring.

Conditions at this station are not favorable for accurate results 

because of the eddies around the pile bents at all stages and the 

sluggishness of the. current at low water. The stream is icebound 

for several months during the winter season.

The station was discontinued November 27, 1909.
184 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of Little Wind River below Arapahoe, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 20 a

Apr. 15

May 5

20

19

22

A IIP" Q

17

30

Rant Q

17

Hydrographer.

. ....do... ................................................ --

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

..... do....- -..---.---..--....--...-.-.. ----..-.....---...-

.....do................................ .-.....-...-.......-

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

100

95

96

99

100

107

110

109

101

100

99

101

100

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

509

277

342

391

369

851

917

851

518

467

411

502

417

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.20

2.70

1.22

1.82

2.17

6.02

6.57

5.97

2.97

2.63

1.97

2.-90

2.12

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

525

173

155

386

601

4,570

65,430

4,620

1,120

816

497

1,030

508

a Ice. & Discharge estimated by comparison with measurement of June 5.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Wind River below Arapahoe, Wyo., for 1909.

[Miss Dora Dietz and Miss Mildred Vincent, observers.]

Day.

1...........................

2. ......... .................

3. .....-....--..--...-.... .-

4. ........... ...-....-...-..

5...--....--.......-...-.-..

6. ..-..-....--..-........ ...

7...........................

8...........................

g

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13....-........-..-...-..--..

14...........................

15...........................

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19...........................

20...--...-..--...-..-.......

21...........................

23. ..........................

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28. ..........................

29....'.......................

30...........................

31....--..--..-..-...........

Jan.

3.15

3.05 3 n

Apr.

1.50

1.6

1.55

1.22

1.6

1 55

1.45

1.35

1.4

1 3

1.25

1.4

1.55

1.7

1.65

1.55

May.

1.55

1.6

1.45

1.65

1.9

2.05

2.1

2.05

1.95

1.85

2.05

2.1

1.95

2 A

1.95

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.45

2.7

2.85

3 1

3.2

3.25

3.5

3.6

3 OK

3.65

3

C

June.

3.55

3.85

4.55

5.3

6.15

7.0

7.0

6.65

6.1

5.45

4.95

4.7

4.75

5.2

5.35

5.85

6.35

6.6

7.1

6.55

5.85

5.8

5.85

6.1

6.3

6.55

6.7

6.5

July.

6.35

6.35

6.25

6.3

6.35

6.45

6.15

5.25

4.95

4.55

4.35

4.25

3.95

3.95

3.95

3.85

3.9

3.8

4.0

3.95

3.9

3 9

3.45

3.5

3.35

3.15

3.2

3.15

o n

2.7

2.55

Aug.

2.55

2.6

2.55

2.55.

2.45

2.45

2.8

3.05

3.05

2.75

3.05

3.10

3.0

2.95

2.75

2.65

2.7

2.55

2.5

2.4

2.35

9 3

2.25

2.4

2.35

2.2

2.1

2.05

2

1

1 95

1 OK

Sept.

2.55

3.5

3.3

3.1 .

2.95

2.95

3.3

3.05

2 9

2.75

2.65

2.7

2.55

2.5

2.45

2.25

2.25

2.05

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.85

1 9

1.85

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.75

Oct.

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.65

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.55

1.6

1.55

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.35

1 V\

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.15

1.15

1.15

Nov.

1.15

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.15

l.]5

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.15

1. ]5

1.2

1.05

1.35

1.4

1.35

1.35

NOTE. Ice January, February, March, and Nov. 14 to Dec. 31.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 185 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Wind River below Arapahoe, Wyo.,for 1909.

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.---...-...-.......-........---....-

Ofl

31....................................

Apr.

290

325

308

300

290

280

260

250

240

220

210

200

180

170

155

215

270

308

290

255

220

255

308

360

345

308

May.

308

325

272

345

445

515

540

515

468

422

515

540

468

490

468

490

540

540

CQC

752

920

1,030

1,240

1,320

1,360

1,590

i con

1 940

1,690

June.

1,640

1,940

2,710

3,640

4,790

6,070

6,070

5,540

4,720

3,830

2,880

2,940

3,500

3,700

4,370

5,080

5,460

5,840

5,380

4,370

4,240

4 QAfV

4,370

5,010

5,380

5,610

5,310

July.

5,080

5,080

4,940

5,010

5,080

4,790

3,570

3,190

2,710

2,480

2,360

2,040

2,040

2,040

1,940

1,990

1,890

2,090

2.040

1,320

1,540

1,590

1,460

1 280

1,320

1,280

1,150

QOA

818

Aug.

818'

850

818

818

752

752

995

1.190

1,190

958

1,190

3,240

1,150

1,110

958

885

920

818

785

720

688

655

625

720

' 688

595

540

515

540

468

468

Sept.

818

1,590

1.410

1,240

1,110

1,110

1,410

1,190

1,070

958

885

920

818

785

752

625

625

515

490

445

445

468

422

445

422

380

400

380

400

380

Oct.

380

400

380

400

380

380

360

345

360

345

345

360

308

325

308

272

290

272

255

235

255

235

255

235

235

220

178

190

178

178

Nov.

178

190

178

190

178

178

190

178

190

178

178

190

152

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between 290 and 5,310 

second-feet. Discharges Apr. 4-14, 16, and 17 interpolated.

Monthly discharge of Little Wind River below Arapahoe, Wyo.,for 1909.

Month.

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

360 

1,940 

6,230 

5,240 

1,240 

1,590. 

400

Minimum.

155 

272 

1,640 

818 

468 

380 

178

Mean;

262 

792 

4, 430 

2,590 

820 

764 

293

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

15,600 

48, 700 

264,000 

159,000 

50,400 

45,500 

IS, 000

601,000

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

SOUTH FORK OF LITTLE WIND RIVER NEAR WIND RIVER, WYO.

On August 7, 1909, a temporary station was established on the 

South Fork of Little Wind Eiver, 3 miles west of Wind Eiver, Wyo., 

and 3 miles above the junction of the North and South forks, to determine the amount of water which is available for diversion into the 

Ray ditch of the United States Indian Office, which takes out water 

just below. This ditch, with an auxiliary supply from Trout Creek 

and by storage in the Ray Lake reservoir, a natural depression 3 

miles east of Wind River, which will have a storage capacity of about 

10,000 acre-feet, will provide for the irrigation of about 15,000 acres.
186 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

No gage has been set at the station, but river stages are referred to 

the corner of the West wall of the concrete intake to the Ray ditch. 

The level of the sill of the gate is the assumed zero and the top of the 

wing wall is 10 feet, with an elevation of 5,715.50 feet above sea level.

Measurements are made by wading. Only one measurement has 

been made, and there is no record of daily gage height.

The following discharge measurement was made by A. P. Poorman:

August 7, 1909: Width, 75 feet; area, 166 square feet; gage height, 4.10 feet; discharge, 397 second-feet.

ST. LAWRENCE CREEK NEAR WIND RIVER, WYO.

This station, which was established January 22, 1909, to determine 

the amount of water available for storage and irrigation by the 

United States Indian Office, is located about 100 feet above the 

confluence of this tributary with the North Fork of Little Wind River, 

about "10 miles west of Wind River, Wyo.

The St. Lawrence basin, the lower edge of which is less than 1 mile 

above the mouth of the stream, is a natural excellent reservoir site. 

The United States Indian Office proposes to divert a canal out of 

this stream for irrigation.

Very good opportunities for power development are presented, as 

the stream has a fall of over 1,000 feet in the last mile above its 

mouth.

The rod gage remained constant as to position and datum while the 

station was in operation. Discharge measurements were made by 

wading.

Daily gage readings were not taken, and the station was abandoned 

at the end of the season of 1909.

Discharge measurements of St. Lawrence Creek near Wind River, Wyo., in 1910.

Date.

May 23

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

11

11.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

13.1

12

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.50

2.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5.2

23

a Ice conditions. 

TROTTT CREEK AT WIND RIVER, WYO.

This station, which was established December 22, 1908, to determine the amount of water in the creek available for diversion into the 

Ray ditch of the United States Indian Office, is located 100 yards 

south of Wind River post office. It was abandoned August 31, 1909.

The creek receives no tributaries below the station, and very little 

water is being diverted above or below.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 187

The staff gage which is fastened to the footbridge remained constant 

in position during the maintenance of the station. Discharge measurements have been made from the footbridge or by wading.

Discharge measurements of Trout Creek at Wind River, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 25«

Mar. 15

24

May 6

21

26

31

Aug. 3

3

3

31

Hydrographer.

.....do......................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feel. 

11.5

9.6

10.6

10

10

9

11

11

13

10

6.5

13

10

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

5.0

10.8

18

7

8

14

14

16

22

8

41

7.6

8.0

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.00

2.20

2.35

1.75

1.80

2.05

2.30

2.50

2.95

1.72

1.72

1.72

1.68

Discharge.

Scc.-ft. 

4.0

6.8

36

11

14

24

41

64

98

5.9

6.5

5.7

4.5

a Ice conditions.

Daily gage Tieight, in feet, of Trout Creek at Wind River, Wyo., for 1909. 

[Jas. D. Miller, observer.]

Day.

1. .........

2. .........

3. .........

4. .........

5.......... 

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10.......... 

11..........

12.......... 

13..........

14.......... 

15..........

Jan.

2.4

2.4

2.9

2.7

2.4 

1.8

2.9

2.8

2.6

2.1 

1.6

1.8 

2.9

2.9 

2.9

Feb.

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.2

1.9

1 8

Mar.

~~2.~2"

May.

1.75

1.8

June.

2.5

2.5

2.7

2.8

2.8 

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8 

2.7

2.6 

2.6

2.5 

2.6

July."

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

9 1

2.0 

1.9

1.9 

2.0

2.0 

2.0

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19

20.......... 

21..........

22..........

23..........

25.......... 

26..........

27.......... 

28..........

29.......... 

30.......... 

31..........

Jan.

2.3

2.2

2.2

1.7

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7 

2.1

2.1 

2.2

2.2 

2.2 

1.8

Feb. Mar.

2.4

1.6

1.6

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

May.

2.05

2.2

2.3

2.2

2.2 

2.3

2.3 

2.4

2.5 

2.5

June.

2.6

2.7

2.6

2.5 

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3 

2.2

"2.T

2.1 

2.1

July.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.7 

1.7

......

LITTLE POPO AGIE RIVER AT HUDSON, WYO.

This station, which was established August 26, 1907, to determine 

the amount of unused water in the stream available for additional 

irrigation and storage, is located at the highway bridge three-eighths 

 of a mile southwest of the post office at Hudson, Wyo., and a few 

hundred yards above the mouth of the stream. The station is below 

all the tributaries of the Little Popo Agie. The drainage area is about 

360 square miles.

For 20 miles or more above this station small ditches take out 

water to irrigate the valley lands along the stream.

The present chain gage, which was established on June 13, 1908, 

is located 100 yards downstream from the bridge and the old rod gage. 

It was set at a different datum from the old gage, but the reading was 

the same as the reading of the old gage at the time it was located.
188 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

High-water measurements were taken from the bridge, but the 

location is not specially good. There is a bend in the stream a short 

distance above, the right bank is subject to overflow at high stages, 

and the bridge itself is sometimes overflowed at extreme stages. 

However, the results obtained here have been very satisfactory. 

The flow is affected by ice for several months during the winter 

season.

The station was discontinued December 31, 1909.

The following discharge measurement was made by R. L. Cooper:

May 5, 1909; width, 36 feet; area, 73 square feet; gage height, 2.85 feet; discharge, 

143 second-feet.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Pope Agie River at Hudson, Wyo., for 1909.

[O. S. Riggs, observer.]

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...........................

Apr.

3.5

2.9

9 *\

2.4

2.25

2.25

2.15

2.4

9 AK

2.35

2.35

2.45

9 1

2.6

2.75

2.7

2.55

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.4

2.5 '

2.6

2.65

2.7

2.55

May.

2.5

2.55

2.5

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.8

2.8

9 7

2 OK

2.9

2.85

2

0

2 OK

2 9

2.85

2 9

2.9

3.0

3.1

3 9

3.3

3.5

3.9

3.8

3.75

3.9

3.95

3.85

3 OK

June.

4.1

4.25

4.55

4.8

5.2

6.0

6.15

6.0

5.8

5.2

4.8

4.6

4.65

4.7

5.15

5.4

5.6

5.8

6.45

6.25

6.35

5.2

5.1

5.25

5.3

5.35

5.4

5.5

5.3

July.

5.0

4.9

4.8

5.0

5.35

4.7

4.15

3.9

3.8

.3.6

3.5

3.3

3.25

3.2

3.15

 3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.65

2.6

Aug.

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3 . 2.3

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

Sept.

2.6

3.0

2.8

. 2.65

2.6

2.6

2.75

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.25

2.2

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

Oct.

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.5

2.5

Nov.

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.5

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.15

2.15

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

Dec.

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

SHOSHONE RIVER AT CODY, WYO.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge 1 mile northeast of Cody, Wyo., was established April 26, 1902, to obtain data to 

be used in connection with the Shoshone reclamation project.

The principal tributaries are the North and South forks, which 

unite 8 miles above Cody to form the Shoshone. The drainage area 

above the gaging station is" 1,400 square miles, but the entire run-off 

from this area does not pass the station as a number of private irrigation canals divert water from the Shoshone and its branches above 

the station. These canals irrigate about 35,000 acres of land. Below
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 189

Cody irrigation has been carried on extensively by means of private 

canal systems that serve about 45,000 acres.

A staff gage, the datum of which has not changed, is spiked to a 

crib pier of the bridge. Measurements are made from the bridge.

The conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are good. 

Ice does not affect the flow at this station, as the river is kept open 

by springs which enter the river a short distance above the gage.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Shoshone River at Cody, Wyo.,for 1909. 

[S. C. Bovard, observer.]

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.

2.2

2.2

2.2

ol.5

«1.5

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2 0

2.2

2.2

2.2

2

9

2.3

2.7

2.7

9 7

2.7

2 7

2.7

2 7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.4

Feb.

2.4

2.4

2 A

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2 A

2.4

2.4

2.4

2 A

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

9 i

«1.9

2.4

2.4

Mar.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

9 4.

2.6

9 fi

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

9 7

2.8

2.7

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.6

Apr.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.85

2.85

2

Q

2 9

2.9

3.1

3.1

2.95

2.8

2.8

May.

2.8

2.8

3.0

3.05

4.0

3.55

3.55

3.45

3.45

3.75

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.6

4.1

4.6

4.7

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.5

5.7

5.5

5.4

5.1

June.

5.5

6.4

6.8

8.0

8.0

7.5

7.0

6.6

6.0

6.0

5.5

5.45

5.5

5.9

6.5

6.55

7.4

8.4

7.5

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.1

7.3

7.4

7.4

8.2

8.6

7.9

July.

8.2

8.0

9.1

9.0

8.0

7.8

7.6

7.1

7.1

6.6

6.4

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

5.9

5.8

5.6

5.6

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.2

Aug.

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.1

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

Sept.

3.7

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3 9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

Oct.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3

O

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

Nov.

3 0

3.2

3.2

3.2

3

1

3.0

3 fl

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9 2.9'

2 Q

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.2

3

O

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

Dec.

3.0

2.9

2 Q

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2 9

2.9

«Ice conditions. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Shoshone River at Cody, Wyo.,for 1909.

Day.

3.......

4.......

6.......

8.......

10. ......

11.......

19

 10

14.......

15.......

Jan.

10ft

190

190

ion

190

190

190

ion

1Qfi

ton

Ion

190

Ion

190

Feb.

265

265

265

265

ORP;

265

265

265

265

265

265

Mar.

310

310

310

265

OftK

265

265

265

265

265

265

265

Apr.

310

310

310

310

310

360

qcrt

360

420

480

310

01 A

360

360

May.

480

480

620

fififi

1,870

1,180

1,180

1,060 i,oeo

1,470

1,250

1,120

1,060

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

1Q

20.......

21.......

oo

23.......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27. ......

28.......

29.......

30

Jan.

225

225

420

420

420

420

420

420

- 420

420

420

360

360

310

265

Feb.

265

265

265

265

265

265

265

265

Mar.

265

360

360

310

310

360

360

360

360

420

480

420

310

360

Apr.

360

480

480

480

515

C1 C

480

550

550

700

585

480

480

May.

NOTE. The above discharges are based on the 1908 curve, which is not well defined.
190 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Shoshone River at Cody, Wyo., for 1909.

Month.

May 1-14. ................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

420 

265 

480 

700 

1,870

Minimum.

190 

265 

265 

310 

480

Mean.

284 

265 

319 

434 

1,060

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

17,500 

14,700 

19,600 

25,800 

30,400

NOTE. No measurements were made in 1909 and these estimates are only approximate. They are carried 

to the beginning of the records at Corbett Dam, which start before high water, to give an idea of the flow 

of the river for the full year.

SHOSHONE RIVER AT CORBETT DAM, WYO.

This station, which is located 8 miles below Cody, Wyo., at the 

Corbett diversion dam built by the United States Reclamation Service, was established April 20, 1908.

The dam is a reenforced concrete structure of the buttressed type, 

having on the upstream side a deck 2J feet thick, sloping 1 to 1, and 

supported by buttresses 2 feet thick, spaced 14 feet on centers. It 

raises the low-water elevation of the river 10.2 feet. The length 

between abutments is 400 feet. (See PI. V, a.)

Sage Creek, the only important tributary that enters between 

this station and that at Cody, drains only about 25 square miles. 

During the irrigating season of 1908 about 75 second-feet were 

diverted above the dam through Corbett tunnel and used on the 

Shoshone reclamation project.

The gage is situated 40 feet above the crest of the dam, and it reads 

the height of the water above the crest.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Shoshone River over Corbett dam, Wyo., for 1909.

Day.

1........... .........................

2....................................

3....................................

5....................................

6....................................

8....................................

9

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

May.

0.76

.78

.78

.71

.75

.85

1.18

1.48

1.72

2.00

1.73

June.

1.58

2.70

3.30

3.75

3.88

3.50

3.12

2.85

2.43

2.37

2.24

2.10

1.95

2.25

2.77

3.44

3.67

3.90

4.03

3.50

3.07

3.06

3.10

3.25

3.43

July.

3.93

3.98

4.65

4.79

3.91

3.76

3.41

3.00

2.83

2.70

2.55

2.32

2.10

2.03

2.13

2.42

2.40

2.36

2.31

2.28

2.28

2.00

1.90

1.77

1.91

Aug.

1.43

1.41

1.35

1.31

1.31

1.26

1.18

1.21

1.19

1.15

1.12

1.08

1.14

1.19

1.00

1.04

1.03

.95

.91

.89

.84.

.82

.77

.90

.74

Sept.

0.77

1.21

.97

.96

.83

.80

.45

.75

.71

.62

.64

.74

.97

.89

.74

.65

.58

.58

.55

.53

.50

.54

.52

.64

.53

Oct.

0.37

.35

.33

.32

.34

.32

.32

.30

.28

.28

.40

.37

.36

.47

.35

-2.00

-2.00

-2.00

-2.00

-2.00

 2.00

.47

.44

. .49

.53

Nov.

0.49

.47

.48

.48

.48

.49

.50

.48

.46

.47

.48

.49

-2.00

-2.00

-2.00

-2.00

-2.00

-2.00

-2.00

.53

.57

.64

.65

.64

.61

Dec.

0.56

.54
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 266 PLATE V

A. CORBETT DIVERSION DAM, SHOSHONE PROJECT, WYOMING.

B. WHALEN DIVERSION DAM AND HEADWORKS, NORTH PLATTE PROJECT, NEBRASKA-WYOMING. 

Looking up river from north side.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 191 

Daily gage height, in feet, ofShoshone River over Corbett dam, Wyo.,for 1909 Continued.

Day.

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29...................................

30....................................

31................ ...................

May.

1.78

2.10

2

11

2.10

1.84

1.70

June.

3.54

3 Oft

3.82

July.

1.76

1.75

1 90

1 55

1.48

1.50

Aug.

0.77

.71

.63

.58

.59

.64

Sept.

0.46

.47

.43

.40

Oct.

0.56

.58

KG.

KA

.51

.50

Nov.

0.58

.59

.57

.58

.58

Dec.

NOTE. The zero of the gage is at the top of the dam, hence minus readings indicate the distance of the 

water surface below the top.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Shoshone River and sluices at Corbett dam, Wyo.,

for 1909.

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....................................

May.

872

906

906

787

855

1,030

1,680

2,390

3,020

3,050

3,190

4,090

4,120

4,090

3,350

2,970

June.

6,040

8,380

10,500

9,380

7,760

6,710

5,250

5,050

4,220

3,790

6,420

10,100

11,100

11,700

9,370

7,560

7,520

7,680

8,300

9,070

9,150

9,550

11,600

12,100

10,800

July.

11,300

11,600

14,700 i E 4nn

11 200

10,500

8 980

7,280

6,640

6,170

5,650

4,890

4,220

4,020

4,310

5,220

5,150

5,020

4,860

4,770

4,770

3,930

3,650

3,290

3,680

3,260

3,230

3,650

2,700

2,520

2,560

Aug.

2,380

2,190

2 non

2,090

1,980

1,800

1,860

1,820

1,730

1,660

1,580

1,710

1,820

1,420

1,500

1,480

1 330

1^260

1,220

1,130

1,040

952

1,180

903

952

850

711

643

658

737

Sept.

952

1,800

1,310

1,290

1,060

1,000

1,510

1,110

1,050

900

932

838

1,250

1,100

838

690

580

580

535

505

805

865

835

1,020

850

751

765

751

710

669

Oct.

614

589

578

finn

578

578

556

538

538

669

636

625

420

270

540

540

477

477

477

00

420

379

446

505

550

580

550

520

475

460

Nov.

420

433

433

446

460

433

406

420

433

446

984

984

984

984

984

984

00

505

575

674

690

674 626'

580

595

565

580

580

Dec.

550

520

NOTE. These discharges were computed considering the dam as a weir and the sluices as submerged 

orifices.

Monthly discharge of Shoshone River and sluices at Corbett dam, Wyo., for 1909.

Month.

May 15-31 .........................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,120 

12,100 

15,400 

2,380 

1,800 

669 

984

Minimum.

787 

2,650 

2,520 

643 

535 

00 

00

Mean.

2,420 

8,050 

6,110 

1,450 

929 

510 

592

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

81,600 

479,000 

376,000 

89,200 

55,300 

31,400 

35,200

1,150,000

Accuracy.

QQOaaaa
192 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Corbett tunnel at Corbett, Wyo.,for 1909,

Day.

1....

2....

4....

5....

6....

7....

g

10....

11....

12....

13

14....

15....

May.

103

June.

106

110

112

113

152

149

148

147

144

144

144

143

108

110

July.

200

200

203

205

171

170

169

181

181

180

179

179

211

206

Aug.

195

195

195

208

208

208

208

208

208

208

216

Sept.

169

171

169

169

169

169

166

169

169

167

00

00

122

Oct.

121

121

120

120

120

120

120

120

120

120

122

122

179

179

179

Nov.

. Ill

111

m111

111

111

81

81

76

76

76

0

-------

Day.

16.. .

17.. .

19..

20..

21..

22..

23..

24..

25

26...

27...

28

9Q

30.... 

31....

May.

103

103

102

103

103

104

105

107

106

106

107

107

106 

106

June.

112

113

114

114

112

111

148

148

149

149

149

169

172

172

198

July.

207

207

207

207

207

207

205

203

201

203

201

201

203

200

192 

192

Aug.

216

216

216

216

216

215

215

215

216

215

215

215

192

192

192 

192

Sept.

122

121

121

121

1?1

121

121

121

121

91

1?1

121

121

120

120

Oct.

178

178

178

178

178

178

199

150

131

131

131

131

131 

121

Nov.

-----

NOTE. These discharges were computed considering the gate openings as submerged orifices. 

Monthly discharge of Corbett tunnel near Corbett, Wyo.,for 1909.

Month.

May 15-31 .........................................

July ...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

107 

198 

207 

218 

171 

199 

111

Minimum.

102 

106 

169 

192 

0 

120 

0

Mean.

105 

137 

196 

208 

131 

144 

88

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,540 

8,150 

12,100 

12,800 

7,800 

8,850 

2,090

55,300

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

LITTLE MUDDY RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Little Muddy River is a prairie stream that receives the drainage 

from an area of about 1,000 square miles 35 miles from north to 

south and 30 miles from east to west in the center of Williams 

County, the northwestern county of North Dakota. It flows southward and joins the Missouri at Williston. About one-sixth of the 

whole area of the Little Muddy is drained by Stony Creek, a tributary 

which enters a few rods above its mouth. Altitudes in this basin 

range from 1,850 to 2,400 feet above sea level. The area is entirely 

without trees or shrubs, but is everywhere covered with rank prairie 

grass. The mean annual rainfall is about 15 inches.

Only a minor fraction of the run-off from this drainage area is carried by the stream. The entire region is deeply covered by glacial 

drift and there are many hollows and pools that receive the run-off 

and hold it till it evaporates, except when the rains are very heavy 

and long continued or the annual rainfall unusually great.

The headwaters of the main stream and the tributaries afford some 

storage sites, but only in shallow reservoirs from which evaporation
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 193

is rapid. Several such reservoirs holding from 10 acre-feet to 200 

each are already in use, and a number of small irrigation plants with 

ditches carrying 2 or 3 second-feet or less are in operation.

About 50 filings for water rights, aggregating 2,000 second-feet, 

were made on this stream and its tributaries prior to the passage by 

the legislature in 1905 of the revised irrigation code, but many of these 

claims have been abandoned and nearly all call for quantities greater 

than are ever available except sometimes during a few days of spring 

flood.

About 12,000 acres in this valley are included in the Williston 

reclamation project, 8,500 acres being under canals already completed. Owing to the variability in annual discharge of the Little 

Muddy, which even with complete storage would probably not furnish 

an adequate supply in dry years, the water for the Williston project 

is obtained by pumping from the Missouri.

One station has been maintained in this basin Little Muddy River 

near Williston, N. Dak., 1904 to 1909.

LITTLE MUDDY RIVER NEAR WILLISTON, N. DAK.

This station, which is located about 7 miles north of Williston, 

N. Dak., at the center of sec. 19, T. 155 N., R. 100 W., was established 

February 4, 1904, to determine the value of the stream for irrigation.

Camp Creek, a small tributary, comes in from the right a few rods 

below the station. The drainage area above this point is about 800 

square miles.

An inclined staff gage is securely fastened to posts on the right 

bank. The gage datum has not been changed since the station was 

established. Measurements are made from a cable near by in flood 

and from a foot log or by wading in low water.

Changes in channel conditions have been slight. Low-stage estimates of discharge are correct within a few second-feet, although 

the flow is so small that a change of one-tenth of a foot in gage height 

indicates a very large percentage change in flow. As only a few 

discharge measurements have been made at high water, the highstage rating table is not perfectly checked, but the monthly estimates 

at such times are fairly good.

The station was discontinued April 24, 1909.

This station was last inspected September 13, 1908. The accuracy 

of the daily and monthly discharges given therefore depends on the 

permanency of conditions of flow and of the elevation of the gage 

since that date.

Conditions of flow are known to be reasonably permanent at this 

station, and the 1907 rating table will apply fairly well. 

84548° WSP 266 11 13
194 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Muddy River near Williston, N. Dak., for 1909.

[W. O. Hollar, observer.]

Day.

1. .............

5..............

6.. ............

g

10..............

Mar.

3.1

3.15

3.2

3.35

3.3

3.3

Apr.

3.45

4.0

3.6

3.45

3.4

4.05

4.25

4.0

3.4

3.1

Day.

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16......'........

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

Mar.

3.3

3.2

3.25

3.2

3.3

3.35

4.3

Apr.

3.0

3.0

2.85

2.85

- 2.6

2.65

2.6

2.45

2.4

2.4

Day.

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Mar.

6.9

6.0

5.5

5.2

4.95

5.05

4.9

4.55

4.4

4.3

3.95

Apr.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

NOTE. Ice conditions during January and February. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Muddy River near Williston, N. Dak., for 1909.

Day.

1. .............

2..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

Mar.

42

46

51

67

61

61

61

61

61

61

Apr.

83

239

114

83

340

239

74

42

Day. .

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17. .............

18..............

19..............

20..............

Mar.

61

61

61

61

51

56

51

61

67

361

Apr.

34

34

24

24

12

14

12

8

7

7

Day.

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Mar.

1,730

1,200

930

780

655

705

630

405

361

224

Apr.

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve which is not well defined. Discharges Mar. 7 to 

13 and Apr. 25 to 30 estimated.

Monthly discharge of Little Muddy River near Williston, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 800 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,730 

340

Minimum.

42 

6

Mean.

310 

59

Per 

square 

mile.

.388 

.074

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

.447 

.083

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

19,100

3; 510

Accuracy.

C. 

C.

KNIFE RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Knife River rises in the northeast portion of Billings County, 

N. Dak., and flows eastward to Missouri River at Stanton, N. Dak., 

90 miles in a direct line. It drains a basin whose greatest width is 

40 miles and whose area comprises about 2,500 square miles. Onefifth of this basin is drained by the chief tributary, Spring Creek, 

which enters the Knife about 20 miles above its. mouth.
MISSOURI RIVER-BASIN. 195

Altitudes range from 1,700 to 2,500 feet above sea level. The 

mean annual rainfall varies from 15 to 17 inches. There are no 

forests and only a few scattered trees along the streams.

Through most of the year the flow is small, but owing to the steep 

slopes of the sides of the valley there are occasional sudden floods 

after heavy rains.

The land in the lower portion of the valley is very favorably located 

for irrigation if the flood waters can be stored, but no really economical localities for storage have yet been found.

KNIFE RIVER NEAR BRONCHO, N. DAK.

This station, which is located at C. D, Smith's ranch, in the SE. £ 

sec. 4, T. 142 N., R. 90 W., the former site of the post office of 

Broncho, N. Dak., was established on May 29, 1903, to determine 

the amount of water available for irrigation. The present location 

of the post office is some 6 miles from the old site.

Spring Creek enters about 15 miles below the station and Elm 

Creek one-half mile above. The drainage area is 1,260 square miles.

The station was originally 2 miles farther down the river, but it 

was moved to its present location March 23, 1905, and since that time 

the gage datum has been unchanged. The drainage areas at the two 

locations are practically identical, the area at the lower point being 

perhaps about 5 square miles greater.

The channel conditions at this point do not change perceptibly. 

Sufficient discharge measurements at high stages have not yet been 

made to check the rating curve satisfactorily, but it is approximately 

defined. The chain gage is located on the left bank of the stream 

just below the observer's house. Measurements in flood are made 

from a car and cable just below the gage. Low-water measurements 

are made by wading.

The following discharge measurement was made by J. W. Bliss:

April 3, 1909; width, 45 feet, area, 96.3 square feet; gage height, 5.70 feet; discharge, 194 1 second-feet.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Knife River near Broncho, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[C. D. Smith, observer.]

Day.

1. ................ .........

2..........................

3...........................

4...........................

5...........................

6...........................

8...........................

9.'... .......................

10...........................

Mar.

4.0

7.8

9.8

10.4

10.0

9.8

9.25

8.85

8.4

8.3

Apr.

6.0

5.3

5.0

5.2

5.6

6.0

5.2

4.9

4.7

4.7

May.

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

June.

13.3

15.1

11.15

7.1

5.5

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.5

July.

9.5

9.0

6.5

6.1

5.0

6.0

5.0

4.8

4.6

4.6

Aug.

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

. 3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.8

3.8

Sept.

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

Oct.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

Nov.

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3 7

3.7

1 Measurement was probably affected by ice lodged in the channel.
196 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Knife River near Broncho, N. Dak., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

15...........................

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19...........................

20...........................

21 ...........................

22...........................

23...........................

25...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30

01

Mar.

8.2

8.2

8.35

8.1

8.0

8.2

7.4

7.1

6.9

7.3

9.4

11.3

11 9

10.3

9 7

9 3

8.05

8.0

7.2

6.7

Apr.

4.5

4.4

4.3

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.9

May.

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.9

4.5

5.9

4.9

4.8

4.5

4.1

4.1

4.0

5.9

8.55

8.55

June.

9.5

6.3

6.2

6.2

7.2

6.8

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.1

4.1

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.9

July.

45

4.4

4:4

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.8

5.2

4.8

4.1

4.0

3.8

3.7

3.7

Aug.

5.55

7.25

8.9

9.0

8.15

6.6

6.1

5.3

4.5

4.2

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

Sept.

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

Oct.

3.6

3.6

3.65

3.65

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

.3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

Nov.

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

NOTE. Ice conditions probably prevailed during January, February, March, and after Nov. 16. 

The river was frozen Nov. 17.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Knife River near Broncho, N. Dak., for 1909.

Day.

1......... ...........................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6........................ .............

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

iO.. ..................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27. ...................................

9fi

29....................................

on

31....................................

Apr.

318

197

151

181

OXQ

318

iai

136

108

108

82

70

59

40

An

An

40

19

qo

32

00

9.9

qo

9.9

25

oe

May.

25

25

19

19

19

19

19

19

14

14

14

14

10

10

10

10

14

14

14

25

82

300

136

122

82

40

40

19

300

856

June.

2,140

2,580

1,510

534

232

181

181

166

151

232

1 080

373

354

354

 555

471

95

95

82

70

70

59

40

32

25

25

25

19

25

July.

1,080

960

411

336

151

318

151

122

95

95

82

70

70

59

49

49

49

40

32

25

25

25

19

19

181

122

40

32

19

14

14

Aug.

14

14

14

10

10

10

10

10

19

19

240

566

936

960

764

431

S?6

197

82

49

25

25

25

25

25

19

19

19

19

14

14

Sept.

14

14

19

19

19

19

19

19

14

14

14

14

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

Oct.

10

10

10

14

19

14

14

14

10

10

10

10

12

12

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

Nov.

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

NOTE. These discharges are" based on a rating curve that is well defined below 82 second-feet. 

Discharges November 17-30 estimated for ice conditions as equivalent to 14 second-ieet per day.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN.

Monthly discharge of Knife River near Broncho, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,260 square miles.]

197

Month.

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

318 

856 

2,580 

1,080 

960 

19 

19

Minimum.

25 

10 

19 

14

10 

7 

10

Mean.

«640 

91.8 

102 

373 

153 

159 

11.5 

13.1 

614.0

Per

square 

mile.

0.508 

.073 

.081 

.296 

.121 

.126 

.0091 

.010 

.011

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.59 

.08 

.09 

.33 

.14 

.15 

.01 

'.01 

.01

Total in 

acre-feet.

39,400 

5,460 

6,270 

22,200 

9,410 

9,780 

684 

806 

833

94,800

Accuracy.

D. 

C. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

D.

« Estimated. Partly estimated.

HEART RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Heart River rises in eastern Billings County, N. Dak., flows eastward and southeastward for about 100 miles by general course, then 

turns abruptly to the north and northeast for 30 miles, and enters 

Missouri River at Mandan, N. Dak. The entire drainage area is 

3,350 square miles.

The largest tributaries are Big Muddy Creek, which enters from 

the north a few miles above the big bend and drains 480 square miles, 

and Green River, which is one of the headwaters and drains 340 

square miles.

Altitudes range from 1,640 feet above sea level at Mandan to about 

2,700 feet at the western boundary of the basin. The mean annual 

rainfall is from 13 to 17 inches, of which about half falls in the three 

months of May, June, and July. There is no forestation, merely 

scattering fringes and groves along the streams.

HEART RIVER NEAR RICHARDTON, N. DAK.

This station, which is located at the steel highway bridge 10 miles 

south of Richardton, N. Dak., in or near sec. 21, T. 138, R. 92, and 

half a mile below the mouth of Blacktail Creek, was established 

May 18, 1903, to obtain data as to irrigation possibilities. The 

drainage area above this point is 1,250 square miles.

The datum of the gage has been unchanged, but the channel bottom is not permanent and occasional small changes in the rating 

curve are required. No extreme high-stage measurements have yet 

been obtained, and not enough medium high-stage measurements to 

properly define the upper portion of the rating curve; hence the
198 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET VI.

estimates of the extreme floods are only approximate. A standard 

chain gage is fastened securely to the downstream side of the highway bridge. Flood measurements are made from this bridge. 

The following discharge measurement was made by J. W. Bliss:

April 3, 1909: Width, 60 feet; area, 108 square feet; gage height, 6.10 feet; discharge, 

169 1 second-feet.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Heart River near Ri&iardton, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[W. F. Church, observer.]

Day.

1. ..........................

2...........................

3...........................

4................. .........

5...........................

6...........................

7...........................

8...........................

9...........................

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19

20...........................

21...........................

22...........................

oq

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30

31...........................

Mar.

10.4

10.2

10.1

10.0

9.6

9.4

9.3

10.7

11.0

10.7

10.3

9.6

9.0

8.5

8.1

7.6

Apr.

6.3

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

5.8

5.6

5.8

5.7

5.5

5.4

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4 9

4.8

4

0

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.6

May.

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.6

4.8

5.0

5.3

9.9

9.7

9 A

7.2

5.7

5.6

5.4

5.2

5.1

7.6

9.2

June.

14.2

18.0

14.4

11.2

8.0

7.7

7.1

6.7

6.5

6.4

9.2

8.7

8.5

9 2

8.0

6.9

6.3

6.1

' 5.8

5.6

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.1

4.9

4.8

4.7

7.0

July.

11.5

10.2

9.0

8.4

7.2

7.3

7.5

7.7

7.2

6.1

6.6

6.7

6.7

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.5

5.3

5.1

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.8

5.4

5.2

5.0

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.7

Aug.

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

9.6

7.4

13.9

14.2

13.8

10.4

9.1

8.6

7.3

6.5

6.1

5.9

5.7

5.5

5.3

5.2

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.8

Sept.

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.3

Oct.

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

Nov.

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

NOTE. Ice conditions probably prevailed during January, February, March, and after Nov. 15. The 

river was frozen Mar. 13-20.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak., for 1909.

Day.

2....................................

3....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8...--....--...-...--........-.......

g

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

Apr.

260

212

182

182

182

182

138

111

138

124

98

86

65

56

56

May.

21

21

21

21

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

11

11

11

June.

2,350

3,920

2,430

1,330

523

462

347

277

244

228

788

673

629

788

523

July.

1,420

1,040

741

607

365

384

422

462

365

182

260

277

277

138

138

Aug.

27

21

21

16

16

21

21

16

16

885

403

2,240

2,350

2,200

1,190

Sept.

33

27

27

27

27

27

21

21

21

21

16

16

16

16

16

Oct.

7

7

4

4

4

4

4

7

7

7

7

7

7

4

4

Nov.

11

11

11

11

11

11

14

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

Measurement was probably affected by ice lodged in the channel.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 199

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak., for 1909

Continued.

Day.

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20. ...................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25. ...................................

26....................................

27. ...................................

28....................................

9Q

30. ...................................

31....................................

Apr.

56

48

48

40

40

40

33

33

33

33

27

27

27

27

21

May.

11

21

33

48

75

960

910

741

365

124

111

86

65

56

788

June.

311

212

182

138

111

86

86

75

75

65

56

40

33

27

329

July.

124

98

75

56

48

48

40

40

33

86

65

48

40

33

33

27

Aug.

764

651

384

244

182

152

124

98

75

65

48

48

40

40

33

33

Sept.

16

16 ' 16

16

16

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

7

7

7

Oct.

4

7

7

7

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

Nov.

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined below 523 second-feet. 

Discharge Nov. 16-30 estimated for ice conditions is equivalent to 15 second-feet per day.

Monthly discharge of Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,250 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

May........................

June.......................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

260 

960 

3.920 

1,420 

2,350 

33 

11

Minimum.

21 

11

27 

27 

16 

7 

4

Mean.

86.8 

160 

578 

257 

401 

17.0 

7.8 

a 14. 4

Per 

square 

mile.

0 069 

.128 

.462 

'.206 

.321 

014 

.0062 

.012

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.08 

.15 

.52 

.24 

.37 

.02 

.007 

.01

Total in 

acre-feet.

5,160 

9,840 

34,400 

15,800 

24,700 

1,010 

480 

857

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

D.

a, Partly estimated.

GRAND RIVER BASIN.

NORTH FORK OF GRAND RIVER AT HALEY, N. DAK.

The North Fork of Grand River unites with the South Fork to form 

the Grand in the northeastern part of Butte County, S. Dak., the 

main stream flowing from this junction eastward across the Standing 

Rock Indian Reservation to the Missouri.

This station, which is located about 20 rods south of the post office 

at Haley, N. Dak., near the northeast corner of sec. 36, T. 129, R. 100, 

was established May 17, 1908, to obtain data for the reclamation 

project under survey at that point. Two hundred feet below the 

staff gage is a standard car and cable outfit from which high-water 

gagings may be made. Low-water measurements are made by 

wading.
200 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

The drainage area above the station includes only the North Fork 

of the Grand and comprises about 500 square miles. As no measurements at high stage have yet been made, no rating curve has been 

prepared.

Discharge measurements of Grand River at Haley, N. Dak., in 1909.

Date.

6

Hydrographer.

R. M. Stee. ................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

37

37

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

64

61

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.27

1.23

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

15.2

16.6

Daily gage height, in feet, of Grand River at Haley, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[H. N. Lungwitz, observer.]

Day.

1.. ........

3..........

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..........

Feb.

0.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

3.60

4.15

5.05

5.95

Mar.

6.30

6.25

5.50

4.70

4.00

3.45

3.20

3.15

2.55

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.30

1.80

1.60

1.55

1.75

2.05

2.05

2.55

2.40

2.10

1.85

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.65

1.40

1.35

Apr.

1.35

1.35

1.30

1.20

1.15

1.15

1.20

1.15

1,15

1.05

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.08

1.05

1.05 LOO 1

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

.90

.90

.90

.95

.95

.95

.95

1.00

1.10

May.

1.10

1.00

.98

.95

.95

.95

.95

1.00

1.00

1.00

.98

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

1.00

.98

.98

.90

.90

.90

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1 00

1.00

1.45

1.60

7.80

June.

6.62

6.42

4.40

2.85

2.25

2.00

1.80

1.82

6.75

4.30

3.15

3.35

4.90

3.32

2.50

2.50

1.85

1.65

1.48

1.45

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.15

July.

1.12

1.15

1.10

1.15

1.20

1.32

1.40

1.40

1.30

1.30

1.50

1.42

1.35

1.40

1.35

1.32

1.20

1.10

1.05

1.05

1.10

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Aug.

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

3.58

1.85

1.45

1.25

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.08

1.05

1.05

1.00

1.00

1.00

LOO

1.00

1.00

.95

.95

.95

.95

Sept.

0.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.9.5

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

Oct.

0.95

.95

. .95

.95

.95

.95

.95

1.00

1.00

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95 '.95

95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

Nov.

0.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

Dec.

0.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.as

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

95

NOTE. Ice conditions Feb. 7 to 20 and Mar. 10 to 13.

PLAT.TE RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

GENERAL FEATURES.

Considered only with regard to extent of the area drained, the 

Platte is the most important tributary of the Missouri. It is formed 

by two forks, North Platte and South Platte, which rise, respectively, 

in northern and in central Colorado and unite a little southwest of the 

center of Nebraska. Its entire drainage basin comprises about 

84,000 square miles, of which 28,500 square miles belong to the 

North Platte and 24,000 to the South Platte. The lower «ourse of
MISSOURI RIVER BAS1F. 201

the river is fairly well settled, but farther west the population is more 

scattered.

For convenience the description of the basin is divided, and the 

North Platte, Platte River proper, and South Platte are considered 

separately, being arranged in downstream order.

NORTH PLATTE RIVER. 

DESCRIPTION.

The source of North Platte River is in North Park, Colo., or 

rather in the mountains which, rising to elevations from 4,000 to 

5,000 feet above its general level, hem it in on all sides. The park is 

just east of the Continental Divide, some of the peaks of which in that 

locality exceed 12,000 feet in altitude. From the steep slopes of the 

mountains numerous small streams descend, unite below into large 

creeks, and flow outward to the center of the basin. The two which 

may be said to form the real head of the North Platte are Grizzly and 

Little Grizzly creeks, but within the park the river is joined by four 

large tributaries, Roaring Fork and North Fork from the west and 

Michigan and Canadian Creeks from the east. Leaving the park, the 

river makes a bold curve northward into Wyoming, but near Casper, 

on the north side of the Casper Range, it turns abruptly to the east 

and southeast, maintaining the latter course to its point of junction 

with the South Platte in central Nebraska.

Within North Park the topographic features are diversified, including every degree of roughness from the snow-capped peaks of the Park 

and Medicine Bow ranges to the level prairie mesas along the lower 

portion of the stream. Dense forests cover the mountain tracts, the 

heaviest being those on the east slope of the Park Range and the west 

slope of the Medicine Bow Range. At an elevation of 8,500 feet 

above sea level the forests give way to the open prairie country, which, 

except for the dense growth of willows along the river bottoms, is 

entirely free from forests of any description.

The soil, composed principally of sandy and gravelly loam on the 

mesas and of sandy and black loam along the river bottoms, is in general fertile, but climatic conditions are such that the agricultural 

products are limited to wild hay, roots, and a few of the hardier 

grains.

In its northward course through Wyoming the stream receives many 

tributaries, the Snowy Range on the east contributing its drainage* 

through Douglas, French, and Brush creeks, while the northeast slope 

of the Sierra Madre is drained by Beaver, Big Cow, and Spring creeks 

and. Grand Encampment River. Medicine Bow and Sweetwater 

rivers are added to the North Platte between Saratoga and Casper, 

beyond which the only important tributary is the Laramie, which 

enters at old Fort Laramie.
202 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

The greater part of the region below Saratoga is a rolling, undulating prairie. The soil throughout Wyoming is a sandy loam of 

sufficient depth to produce meadows of rich grasses, even up to elevations of 7,000 feet. At lower elevations the soil becomes more 

friable and deeper.

Throughout its course in western Nebraska the valley of the North 

Platte is 10 to 15 miles wide. The present floor, consisting of sediments deposited in a former greater valley, is bordered by terraces 

and table-lands scarred by numerous tributaries and arroyos. The 

stream is broad and shallow, with a flood plain from 1 mile to 4 miles 

wide.

The character of the river bed at the Big Bend and at the Seminoe 

Mountains, in Wyoming, seems to indicate a considerable underflow. 

A part of this is collected at the Big Bend, and probably the entire 

amount is brought to the surface as the river passes through the Seminoe Eange. In its lower course the bed of the stream is of fine quicksand underlain at a depth of 15 to 20 feet by a hard layer which seems 

to be clay.

The total length of the river, from source to mouth is nearly 650 

miles. At Pinkhampton, Colo., it is about 8,000 feet above sea level; 

at Fort Steele, Wyo., about 500 miles above its mouth, it is 6,500 feet; 

at Fort Laramie it is 4,200 feet, and at North Platte, Nebr., 2,800 feet.

The drainage area includes about 28,800 square miles, of which 

1,800 square miles are in Colorado, 20,000 in Wyoming, and nearly 

7,000 in Nebraska.

In the mountain districts precipitation, usually in the form of 

snow during the winter and spring months, varies from 7 to 15 inches, 

the average being about 11 inches; in the high mountains it is 20 

inches and upward. Throughout the lower portion of the basin the 

precipitation is from 15 to 18 inches, and the evaporation from the 

water surface is 5 to 6 feet annually.

The stream is subject to periodic floods, which reach the maximum 

at the mouth sometime during the latter part of June and are caused 

by the melting snow on the high ranges. The river runs lowest in 

winter and is usually covered with thick ice. High water prevails 

from the middle of April untij. the middle of July, during which period 

the river is frequently bank full.

The winters are quite severe throughout the basin of this stream, 

and particularly so above an altitude of 4,000 feet. On the plains 

areas, although there is considerable snowfall, the snow does not lie 

for more than a few days at a time.

Agriculture in the basin of the North Platte has been confined 

largely to the valleys of the tributaries, and most of the available 

agricultural lands on* these tributaries are now occupied. . At present 

irrigation is most extensively practiced on Laramie and Little Lara-
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 203

mie Rivers in the vicinity of Laramie; on the Laramie in the vicinity 

of Wheatland, and on the North Platte itself for a considerable distance on both sides of the Wyoming-Nebraska line.

The Laramie-Poudre project will divert a considerable portion of 

the flow of Laramie River in Colorado across the divide by means of a 

tunnel into the headwaters of the Cache la Poudre, where the waters 

will be used to irrigate land in the South Platte drainage. Construction is about to be begun on this project. The nearly completed 

North Platte pioject of the Reclamation Service will provide for the 

irrigation of about 100,000 acres of land along the North Platte in 

Nebraska and Wyoming. Numerous other irrigation projects are 

contemplated or are in course of construction, and many additional 

opportunities for development by storage of flood waters still remain.

The basin contains many excellent reservoir sites, a few of which 

have been developed. The most notable is the Pathfinder reservoir 

of the United States Reclamation Service. This reservoir, with a 

dam 215 feet high, will have a capacity of over 1,000,000 acre-feet. 

Another excellent site is at what is usually known as the "Devils 

Gate" on Sweetwater River a few miles above its mouth. Tt has a 

capacity of over 300,000 acre-feet, but has never been developed on 

account of the inadequacy of the water supply; and as the Pathfinder reservoir will store the flood waters of the Sweetwater it is not 

likely that the Devils Gate reservoir will ever be built. On the North 

Platte and its tributaries in Colorado are several fairly good reservoir 

sites, the largest being on the North Platte near Pinkhampton, which 

would have a capacity of nearly 100,000 acre-feet with a dam 100 

feet high. The reservoir site on Laramie River near Glendevey, Colo., 

has a capacity of about 15,000 acre-feet.

Power development on the North Platte will be limited largely to 

the upper river and its tributaries and probably never will be in 

excess of 50,000 horsepower. Present development amounts to only 

a few hundred horsepower.

The more recent records of the United States Geological Survey 

indicate 1902 as the driest and 1909 as the wettest year.

PLATTE EIVEE. 

DESCRIPTION.

From the point of junction of North and South Platte rivers the 

main stream winds eastward across Nebraska for over 200 miles, 

uniting with the Missouri at Plattsmouth, about 10 miles south of 

Omaha. Its course lies chiefly through broad, level bottom lands, 

rather sandy in places, but for the most part fertile, bordered by 

bluffs varying in height from 50 to 300 or 400 feet. From its source 

to a point near Ashland, Saunders County, it is a broad, shallow 

stream, flowing in many places as a network of interlacing channels 

among numerous islands and sand bars, but farther east it is con-
204 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

fined between heavily wooded limestone bluffs. The average fall is 

about 6 feet per mile.

The average annual precipitation is about 23 inches, of which 69 

per cent falls during the five months of the growing season, from 

April to August; about one-half of the remainder is snowfall. The 

evaporation averages about 4J feet. The stream is subject to periodic floods caused by melting of snows in the headwaters regions of 

North and South Platte rivers. These floods reach a maximum in 

June and July and often do considerable damage to property on the 

lower portions of the stream. In the western part of the drainage 

area the waters of the stream are extensively used for irrigation.

The records of the Survey indicate 1905 and 1909 as years of high 

water, and 1902 and 1908 as low-water years.

NORTH PLATTE RIVER AT SARATOGA, WYO.

This station, which was established June 9, 1903, and discontinued 

October 31, 1906, was reestablished on April 1, 1909, to determine 

thev amount of water coming down for storage in the new Pathfinder 

reservoir of the United States Reclamation Service, which was just 

beginning to store water. It was located about 100 yards below the 

two-span iron-truss highway bridge connecting East and West Saratoga, in T. 17 N., R. 84 W. The station was abandoned December 

17, 1909.

Spring Creek enters the river about 2 miles above the station and 

Jack Creek comes in several miles downstream. Water for the irrigation of several thousand acres, mostly meadow land, is diverted in 

the vicinity of Saratoga and from the North Platte and various 

tributaries above. The drainage area above the station is about 

2,900 square miles and the elevation at the station is about 6,700 feet 

above sea level.

The drainage basin contains many reservoir sites, and it is believed 

that opportunities for considerable irrigation exist without interfering 

with the needs of the United States Reclamation Service.

Measurements were made from the highway bridge above the gage. 

Ice interferes with the flow for several months each year, and at certain stations "tie drive" blocks the stream for a few days.

The location and datum of the gage have remained constant since 

the station was established.

Discharge measurements of North Platte River at Saratoga, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

'July 2

3

4

5

Hydrographer.

C. L. Chatfield. . ..........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

262

254

254

254

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,720

1,710

1,640

1,740

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.15

6.17

6.00

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

10,500

10,400

9,610

11,000
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 205

Daily gage neight, in feet, of North Platte River at Saratoga, Wyo.,for 1909. 

[J. M. Sterrett, observer.]

Day.

1.. .........................

2...........................

3...........................

4...........................

5...........................

6...........................

7...........................

8...........................

9...........................

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16...........................

H. ..........................

18...........................

19...........................

20...........................

21...........................

22...........................

23...........................

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

30. ..........................

31...........................

Apr.

2.10

2 OK

2.30

2.45

1.95

2 00

1.95

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.60

9 Q^

2.70

2.85

2.85

2.75

2.70

2.75

2.85

3.20

3.70

4.15

4.30

3.90

May.

3 A K

Q OA

3.80

4.65

4 55

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.70

4.80

4.90

4.60

4.45

4.40

4.40

4.45

4 60

4.80

4 on

5.15

5.40

5

Kf\

5.35

5.00

4.90

5.10

5.35

5.15

5 1 ^

June.

5.10

5.20

5

7A

6.25

6.85

7.35

7 tt

7.70

7.60

7.25

7.00

6.80

6.65

6.65

6.75

6.70

6.80

7.00

7.20

7.30

7 W

7.15

6.95

7 00

6.90

6.75

6.70

6.60

6.50

6.45

July.

6.20

6.05

6.05

6.20

6.00

5.75

5.50

5.05

4.70

4.50

4.30

4.10

3.95

3.85

3.75

3.70

3.60

3.70

3.70

3.70

3.55

3.40

3.85

3.80

3.60

3.65

3.45

3.25

3.15

2.90

Aug.

2.80

2.85

2.85

2.80

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.95

2.90

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.20

3.05

2.85

2.70

3.05

3.20

3.20

3.05

2.85

2 80

2.70

2 go

2.65

2.60

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

Sept.

2.55

2.60

2.6(1

2 50

2.55

2.85

3.10

3.10

3.00

2.80

2.65

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.55

2.50

2.40

2.35

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.40

2.40

2.35

2.30

2.25

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.10

Oct.

2.10

2.10

110

2.05

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.10

2.10

2.05

2.05

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.05

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.95

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.95

Nov.

2.05

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.95

1.90

1.95

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.80

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.80

2.00

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.30

2.30

2.25

2.30

1.85

1.85

2.00

Dec.

2.00

2.00

1 it.

1.60

1.65

1.80

1.95

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.00

1.90

1.90

1.90

2.05

1.95

1.80

NOTE. Ice conditions January, February, March, and December 17 to 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River at Saratoga, Wyo.,for 1909.

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...........................

Apr.

485

565

702

750

912

450

485

450

485

485

485

485

485

565

655

750

1,100

1,610

1,230

1,450

1,450

1,300

1,230

1,300

1,450

2,060

3,140

4,320

4,740

3,640

May.

2,560

2,250

3,390

5,030

5,780

5,480

5,320

5,320

5,320

5,940

6,260

6,570

5,630

5,180

5,030

5,030

5,180

5,630

6,260

6,570

7,370

8,180

8,500

8,010

6,890

7,210

8,010

7,370

7,370

June.

7,210

7,530

9,150

11,000

13,100

14,900

15,600

16, 200

15,800

14,500

13,600

12,900

12,400

12,400

12,700

12,600

12,900

14,300

14,700

14,700

14,200

13,400

13,600

13,300

12,700

12,600

12,200

11,900

11,700

July.

11,200

10,800

10,300

10,300

10,800

10,200

9,320

8,500

7,050

5,940

5,325

4,740

4,180

3,780

3,520

3,270

3,140

2,900

3,140

3,140

3,140

2,790

2,460

3,520

3,390

2,900

3,020

2,560

2,150

1,960

1,530

Aug.

1,380

1,450

1,450

1,380

1,230

1,230

1,230

1,610

1,530

1,870

1,870

1,870

2,060

1,780

1,450

1,230

1,780

2,060

2,060

1,780

1,450

1,380

1,230

1,100

1,100

1,100

970

855

855

855

855

Sept.

1,030

1,100

1,100

970

1,030

1,450

1,870

1,870

1,700

1,380

1,160

1,100

1,100

1,230

1,030

970

855

802

750

750

750

855

855

802

750

702

655

655

565

565

Oct.

565

565

565

525

565

565

565

565

565

525

525

525

565

565

525

525

485

485

485

485

485

525

485

485

485

485

450

415

415

415

450

Nov.

525

485

485

485

485

485

485

450

415

450

415

415

415

355

328

328

328

355

485

655

655

655

655

750

750

702

750

385

385

485

Dec.

485

485

328

255

278

355

450

565

565

565

485

415

415

415

525

450

355

NOTE. These discharges are based on a curve that is well defined between 328 and 10,150 second-feet.
206 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Saratoga, Wyo.,for 1909.

Month.

July...............................................

Dec. 1-17. .........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,740 

8,500 

16,200 

11,200 

2,060 

1,870 

565 

750 

5«5

Minimum.

450 

2,250 

7,210 

1,530 

855 

565 

415 

328 

255

Mean.

1,310 

5,860 

12,900 

5,190 

1,420 

1,010 

511 

500 

435

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

78,000 

360,000 

768,000 

319,000 

87,300 

60,100 

31,400 

29,800 

14,700

1,750,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

NORTH PLATTE RIVER AT PATHFINDER, WYO.

This station, which is located one-half mile south of Pathfinder 

post office and 500 feet below the mouth of the canyon, in sec. 24, T. 

29 N., R. 84 W., sixth principal meridian, Wyoming, was established 

May 9, 1905, and has been maintained by the United States Reclamation Service to show the amount of water available for storage in connection with the North Platte project.

The Pathfinder dam site is about one-fourth mile above the station, 

which is at an elevation of nearly 5,700 feet, and Sweetwater River 

enters the North Platte about 3 miles above. The drainage area is 

about 12,000 square miles.

Very little water is diverted above the station. Some land is irrigated on the North Platte and its tributaries, but opportunities for 

much additional development can be found.

 The datum of the gage has remained constant during the maintenance of the station. The flow is affected by ice for several months 

during the winter season. The results obtained at this station have 

been on the whole very satisfactory.

Discharge measurements of North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 30 a

June 8

Oct. 15

16

Ilydrographer.

L. V. Branch. ............................................

. ... .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

175

213

198

193

Area of . 

section.

Sq. ft. 

437

560

1,760

1,180

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.52

7.23

4.02

2 49

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

AAf\

706

7,970

2,430

849

i Gaging made under ice 18 inches thick.
MISSOURI EIVER BASIN. 207

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo.,for 1909. 

[W. F. Costello and Charles E. Hamilton, observers.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

1<?

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19. ..............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23. ..............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27. ..............

28. ..............

29. ..............

30. ..............

31........ .......

Jan.

2

QC

2.40

2.40'

2.55

2.90

2.95

9 on

2.80

2.85

2.75

9 7fl

2.85

2 fin

2.70

2 7n

2.90

2.85

2

7c

2.70

2.60

2.50

2.45

2.40

2

AK

2.35

2.30

2.40

Feb.

2.20

2.20

2.30

2 OK

2.25

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.25

2 on

2

QC

2.40

2.35

2.40

2.40

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

Mar.

2.45

2.50

2.55

2.60

2.95

3.00

3.10

2 7n

2.80

2.55

2.40

2

Af\

2.40

2.25

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.20

3.25

3.25

3 on

3.30

3.25

3.20

Apr.

3.20

3.15

3.20

3.20

3.30

3.30

3 on

3 an

3.25

3.20

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.20

3 30

3.35

3.40

3.40

3.45

3.50

3.45

3.45

3.50

3.60

May.

4.25

5

7c

5.70

5.70

5.75

5 8ft

6.65

6.70

6.65

6.60

6.60

6.70

6.65

6.65

6.60

6.65

6.65

6.70

6.75

6.80

6.85

6. 00

6.90

6.90

6.95

June.

7.00

7.00

7.00

7.00

7.05

7.10

7.20

7.20

7 <*n

7.35

7 3^

7 df\

7.35

7.40

7.40

7.40

7.40

7.45

7.50

7.50

7.55

7.55

7.50

7.50

7.55

7.55

7.60

7.60

7.55

July.

7 ^

7 ^

7.55

7 sin

7.65

7.65

7.65

7 60

7 60

7 60

7 60

7.60

7 60

7 60

7.60

7.60

7 60

7.55

7 *J\

7.55

7.50

7.50

7.50

7.50

7 ^in

7.50

7.45

7.45

Aug.

7.40

7 4ft

7 4ft

7 4ft

7 4ft

7 4ft

7 V\

7 OK

7 ^0

7 QO

7.30

7 9^

7

0C

7.25

7.25

7.25

7.20

6.90

6.65

6.30

5 Qft

5.90

5.90

5.35

4.80

4.80

4

ci:

4.30

A an

4.30

Sept.

4 30

4 on

4 30

4 30

4 30

4 on

4 on

4.50

4.70

4.70

4.65

4.65

4.65

4.65

4.65

4.65

4 60

4 60

4 60

4.60

4 60

4.65

5

CA

6.35

6.25

Oct.

6.25

6.10

6.05

6.00

5.90

5.85

5.80

5.70

5 fin

5 40

4.20

2.40

2.40

1.75

2.25

' 2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.15

2 1 f»

2.10

2.10

2.10

Nov.

9 in

2.10

2.10

2.20

2 on

2.15

2.10

2.10

2.00

1.60

i j.^

1 45

1.45

1.60

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.55

2.25

Dec.

2.25

i on

1.75

1 60

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.80

2

ne

2.10

2.00

1.95

1 90

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.60

1 60

1.65

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

NOTE. River frozen over January 1 to March 19 and December 9 to 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo.,for 1909.

Day.

1... ............

2...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7.... ...........

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12. ..............

13

14. ..............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

"Jan.

475

455

490

535

640

640

AOC

595

580

610

CCfk

580

610

640

625

595

550

520

505

490

445

490

Feb.

425

425

455

440

425

425

425

QQC

425

440'

455

455

475 ion

475

490

490

505

505

505

490

490

485

480

475

j7c

Mar.

505

520

cKfl

685

705

750

640

685

700

640

610

625

640

670

685

770

900

1,000

1,070

1,140

1,220

1,400

1,400

1,440

1 440

1 490

1,490

1,440

Apr.

1,400

1,360

1,400

1,400

1,490

1,490

1,490

1,490

1,400

1,400

1 400

1,310

1,310

1,310

1,400

1 490

1,540

1,590

1,640

1,690

1,640

1 640

1,790

May.

1,840

2,530

4,690

4,600

4,600

4,690

4,780

S

tiAft

6,580

6,480

6,370

6,370

6,370

6,580

6 480

6,480

6,370

6,480

6,480

6,370

6,580

6,690

6,800

6,910

7,020

7 130

June.

7,240

7,240

7,240

7,240

7,350

7,460

7 680

7,680

7 680

7,900

8,010

8,010

8,120

8,010

8,120

8,120

8,120

8,230

8 340

8,340

8,450

8,340

8,450

8,450

July.

8,450

8,450

8,670

8,670

S Cfifl

S Cfifl

8

c£n

S

CfiA

8,560

S

CftA

8,560

8,560

8,450

8 450

8,450

8 450

8,340

8,340

8 340

8,230

Aug.

8,120

8,120

8,120

8,120

8,120

8,010

8,010

7 Qftft

7,900

7,790

7,790

7 7Qn

7,790

7 7QO

7,680

7,020

5,740

4,960

4 960

4,960

4,020

3 94ft

2,590

2,590

2,590

Sept.

2,590

2,590

2 ran

2,590

2,590

2,590

2,590

2,590

2,850

3,110

3,110

3,040

3,040

3,040

2,980

2,980

2,980

2,980

2,980

5,840

5,640

Oct.

5,640

5,540

5,540

5,440

5,340

5,240

5,140

4,960

4,600

4,430

4,100

3,640

2,470

835

715

590

498

742

715

715

715

715

715

690

665

665

665

Nov.

665

665

665

665

665

715

715

715

690

665

665

615

615

430

370

370

370

430

780

835

880

940

940

970

940

940

910

742

Dec.

715

742

565

498

475

475

475

475

520

640

715

665

615

590

565

520

475

475

430

430

457

457

442

427

457

442

427

422

427

NOTE. Discharges January 1-March 18 and December 23-31 estimated by Reclamation Service engineers because of ice conditions. Other discharges were obtained from a rating curve which is well defined.
208 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, into Pathfinder reservoir at Pathfinder, Wyo.,for 1909.

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8....

10....

11....

12....

13....

14. ...

15....

Apr. May.

6,920 

4,230 

3,460 

4,720 

2,410

4,480 

7,440 

6,290 

8,580 

6,910

6,740 

7,320 

8,060 

7,860 

6,710

June.

9,250 

9,300 

12,300 

12,800 

14,500

14,000 

18,800 

22,100 

25,400 

27,600

21,800 

20,800 

20,400 

15,200 

15,800

July.

14,600 

13,600 

13, 100 

13,100 

12,900

13,400 

13,400 

12,400 

10,800 

9,190

6,730 

5,710 

6,210 

4,700 

4,190

Aug.

3,180 

2,880 

2,580 

2,280 

1,980

1,680 

1,680 

1,670 

1,840 

2,000

2,170 

2,340 

2,340 

1,430 

1,270

Sept.

1,140 

1,140 

1,150 

1,160 

1,160

1,290 

1,940 

2,590 

2,590 

2,390

1,790 

1,450 

1,350 

1,250 

1,140

Oct.

870 

875 

875 

880 

880

880 

880 

890 

895 

900

910 

920 

930 

940 

920

Day.

16....

17....

18.... 

19.... 

20....

21.... 

22.... 

23.... 

24. ... 

25....

26.... 

27.... 

28.... 

29.... 

30.... 

31....

Apr.

2,280 

'2, 470 

2,960

3,380 

2,940 

2,360 

2,060 

2,180

1,660 

2,420 

3,080 

4,500 

4,680

May.

6,160 

6,260 

6,210 

6,210 

6,060

6,560 

8,480 

8,980 

8,630 

11,300

12,000 

11,000 

9,080 

8,580 

9,590 

10, 700

June.

17,300 

17,800 

15,800 

16,400 

18,600

16,600 

18, 700 

17, 700 

18,600 

17,600

17, 700 

15, 700 

15, 700 ie;2oo

16, 100

July.

4,190 

4,150 

3,140 

3,130 

3,050

3,540 

3,040 

2,940 

2,930 

2,930

2,930 

2,930 

2,930 

2,350 

2,810 

3,810

Aug.

1,700 

1,600 

2,200 

2,030 

1,540

1,320 

2,040 

1,340 

1,130 

950

800 

1,160 

1,010 

990 

1,030 

1,140

Sept.

1,140 

1,140 

1,140 

1,140 

1,040

1,040 

1,050 

1,050 

1,050 

1,050

1,050 

1,040 

960 

870 

870

Oct.

785

NOTE. These discharges are the estimated daily flow of North Platte River into Pathfinder reservoir 

where they differ from the discharge below the dam.

Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 12,000 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

May........................

July........................

The year .............

Discharge hi second-feet.

Maximum.

655 

505 

1,490 

1,790 

7,130 

8,560 

8,670 

8,120 

5,840 

5,640 

970 

 742

8.670

Minimum.

445 

395 

505 

1,310 

1,840 

7,240 

8,230 

2,590 

2,590 

498 

370 

427

370

Mean.

560 

462 

938 

1,480 

5,920 

8,010 

8,480 

6,390 

3,100 

2,670 

697 

522

* 3,270

Per

square 

mile.

0.047 

.039 

.078 

.123 

.493 

.668 

.708 

.532 

.258 

.222 

.058 

.044

.272

Run-off.

Depth hi 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.05 

.04 

.09 

.14 

.57 

.75 

.82 

.61 

.29 

.26 

.06 

.05

3.73

Total in 

acre-feet.

34,400 

25,700 

57,700 

88,100 

364,000 

477,000 

521,000 

393,000 

184,000 

164,000 

41,500 

32,100

2,380,000

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

Monthly discharge into Pathfinder reservoir near Pathfinder, Wyo., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 12,000 square miles.]

Month.

July........................

The year .............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

655 

505 

1,490 

4,680 

12,000 

27,600 

14,600 

3,180 

2,590 

940 

970 

742

27.600

Minimum.

445 

395

505 

1,310 

2,410 

9,250 

2,350 

800 

870 

498 

370 

427

370

Mean.

560 

462 

938 

2,030 

7,350 

17,200 

6,610 

1,720 

1,310 

792 

597 

522

3.350

Per 

square 

mile.

0.047 

.039 

.078 

.169 

.612 

1.43 

.551 

.143 

.109 

.066 

.058 

.044

.279

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.05 

- .04 

.09 

.19 

.71 

1.60 

.64 

.16 

.12 

.08 

.06 

.05

3.79

Total in

acre-feet.

34,400 

25,700 

57,700 

121,000 

452,000 

1,020,000 

406,000 

106,000 

78,000 

48,700 

41,500 

32,100

2, 420. 000

Accuracy.

oooooooooooo

NOTE. The above data are estimated inflow. The difference between the total yearly inflow and the 

total discharge below the dam (at Pathfinder) represents estimated evaporation and remaining silt.
MISSOURI EIVBK BASIN.

NORTH PLATTE RIVER AT WHALEN, WYO.

209

This station^ which is located at the head of the Interstate canal at 

Whalen, Wyo., about 7 miles below Guernsey, was established May 1, 

1909, by the United States Reclamation Service at the recently completed Whalen weir, to obtain data on stream flow available in connection with the North Platte project, and to replace the station on 

the North Platte at Guernsey. (See PL V, B.)

No important tributaries enter the river for several miles above the 

station. Laramie River comes in about 6 miles below.

The zero of the weir gage is at the level of the weir crest, which is 

300 feet wide. To the computed flow over the weir is added the flow 

through the four sluice gates in the weir, which are 5f feet wide and 

6 feet high when fully opened, and the discharge through the nine 

diversion gates of the Interstate canal, which are the same size as the 

sluiceway gates.

Another gage is fastened to the retaining wall 75 feet downstream 

from the weir crest, the zero of which is 10 feet below the zero of the 

weir gage.

The canal gage is painted on the retaining- wall about 1,000 feet 

below the diversion gate, and its zero is on a level with the canal 

bottom.

The readings on the river and canal gages have been used only when 

it is necessary to compute the discharges through the gates, when the 

gate openings are submerged.

The weir and discharge coefficients have been rather uncertain, and 

it is the intention during the season of 1910 to check them up by 

meter measurements of the canal and by measurements of the river 

from a cable which will be installed 1 mile down stream.

The seven diversions of the proposed Fort Laramie canal are the 

same size as those of the Interstate canal and are situated at the 

other end of the Whalen weir. The canal has not yet been constructed.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River at Whalen, Wyo., for 1909.

Day.

1............... .....................

2.. ..... ..... ..........

3....................................

4....................................

5.................... ...............

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10. ...................................

11....................................

12. ......... ........................

13. ....... .....................

14....... . ......................

15. ...................................

May.

2,750

2,590

2,690

2,740

3,690

5,450

5,780

5,560

5,560

5,560

5,560

6,700

6,700

6,700

6,700

June.

9,970

16,100

20,200

14,900

12,500

12,100

12,800

17,300

14,200

12,000

12,100

12,300

10,700

10,600

9,830

July.

8,090

8,200

7,910

8,070

7,850

7,870

7,870

7,890

7,920

7,500

7,560

7,700

7,790

7 630

7,840

Aug.

7,280

7,270

7, 270.

6,990

6,980

6,990

6,990

6,990

6,990

6,990

6,990

7,280

7,970

7,580

6,950

Sept.

2,970

2,980

3,130

2,880

2,820

2,820

2,810

2,810

2,810

2,810

2,730

2,810

2,780

2,860

3,190

Oct.

4,730

5,210

5,280

5,560

5,480

5,530

5,480

5, 350

5,350

5,210

5,210

5,080

5,080

4,820

4,690

Nov.

1,060

1,060

1,060

1,060

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

770

Dec.

1,140

967

830

473

153

125

125

150

306

474

643

767

968

. 968

968

84548° WSP 266 11 14
210 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River at Whalen, Wyo., for 1909 Contd.

Day.

16. ...................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20. ...................................

21....................................

22. ...................................

23....................................

24. ...................................

25....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28. ...................................

29. ...................................

30....................................

31...---.-....--.-.....-..............

May.

6.700

6,700

6,700

6,700

6,700

6,700

7,070

7.670

9,330

11,600

10,000

9,210

9,630

June.

9,910

9,230

Q 94f>

8,970

8,990

8,750

8,550

8,290

8,360

8,130

8,280

8,000

8,040

8,060

July.

7,520

7,620

8,070

7,700

7,560

7,420

8,150

7,610

7,610

7,490

7,460

7,4fiO

7,460

7,460

7,180

7,180

Aug.

7,000

7,000

6,860

6,860

6,860

6,720

6,170

5,900

5,040

4,800

4,820

4,810

4,130

3,510

3,510

3,250

Sept.

3,150

3,150

3,150

3,150

3,140

3,140

3,140

3,270

3,270

3,140

3,140

3,060

3,060

3,060

3,060

 Oct,

4,440

4,083

3,280

2,090

1,680

1,520

1,440

1,260

1,130

1,130

1,130

1,130

1,130

1,130

1,130

1,130

Nov.

620

458

500

880

1,320

1,140

1,230

1,010

1,010 1,010-

1,080

1,080

1.1.40

1,230

1,320

Dec.

832

900

1,060

1,220

1,220

1,140

1,140

1,060

831

900

831

703

703

643

703

703

Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Whalen, Wyo., for 1909.

Month.

May......................................................

July......................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

11,600 

20,200 

8,200 

7,970 

3,270 

5,560 

1,320 

1,220

Minimum.

2,590 

8,000 

7,180 

3,250 

2,730 

1,130 

458 

125

Mean.

6,620 

10,900 

7,700 

6,280 

3,010 

3,450 

1.000 '763

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

407,000 

649,000 

473,000 

386,000 

179,000 

212,000 

59,500 

. 46,900

NOTE. The records of discharge published above have been furnished by engineers of the United States 

Reclamation Service. They have not been verified by engineers of the United States Geological Survey.

NORTH PLATTE RIVER NftAR MITCHELL, NEBR.

This station, which was established June 3, 1901, to replace the 

station at Gering, is located at a highway bridge 1 mile south of 

Mitchell, Nebr., in sec. 27, .T. 23 N., K. 56 W. The records at this 

point show the amount of water passing the Wyoming-Nebraska 

State line, and are of especial value in connection with interstate 

questions concerning the distribution of water. Laramie River and 

Rawhide Creek enter the river in Wyoming below the Guernsey station, and Horse Creek comes in just below the State line. No important tributaries enter below the station. Important diversions for 

irrigation are made both above and below the station.

The chain gage is fastened to the upstream handrail of the pile 

bridge from which discharge measurements are usually made. The 

datum of the gage was lowered 1 foot May 3, 1902, to obviate negative 

readings. As the river sometimes freezes solid, few records have been 

obtained during the winter.

As the bed of the river is of shifting sand, and the measurements are 

insufficient in number to indicate all changes, the results obtained are 

unsatisfactory.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 211

Discharge measurements of North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 25

May 14

July 11

Aug. 27

Sept. 6

Hydrographer.

G. W. Bates ..............................................

.. ...do......... .......................................... .

.....do... ..................................................

Width.

Feet. 

960

1,060

1,570

1,580

1,260

8,680

962

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

889

1,140

2,610

4,030

2,980

1,560

919

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.90

2.85

4.00

5.28

4.32

3.28

2.95

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,950

2,630

7,220

16,500

13,800

3,900

2,050

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr., for 1909. 

 [B. H. Newbold, observer.]

Day.

1...................

2...................

3...................

5...................

6...................

7...................

8...................

10...... ............ .

11...................

12...................

13...................

14... ............... .

15...................

16...................

17...................

18...................

20...................

21...................

22...................

23...................

24...................

OC

26...................

27...................

98

90

30...................

31...................

Mar.

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.8

2.8

2.9

9 Q

2.9

2.8

2.9

2.9

9 8

Apr.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2

0

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.0

May. 

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

3

0

3.5

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.8

4.0

4.0

3 Q

3.9

3.9

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.2

4.3

4.85

5.0

4.8

4.8

4.7

June.

4.7

4.9

6.0

6.0

5.5

5.3

5.4

5.4

5.6

5.2

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.2

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

July.

4.6

4.6

4.4

4.4

4.2

4.2

4.5

4.3

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

3.9

3.9

3.9

3

0

Aug.

3.8

3.9

3.9

3.9

3 Q

3.9

4.0

3

Q

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.8

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.0

2 9

Sept.

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2 9

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

Oct.

3.0

3.0

3.5

3.5

3.6

4.0

3.7

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.0

2.8

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

Nov.

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

9 ?

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.4

3.0

3.0

3.4

3.2

3.3

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.6

2.6

Dec.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.9

3.0

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.9

3.0

NOTE. Ice conditions prevailed January 1 to March 8 and December 6-11. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr., for 1909.

Day.

1...................

2...................

3...................

4...................

5...................

6.... .............. .

7.. .................

8...................

9...................

10...................

Mar.

1,130

930

Apr.

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,490

1,360

1,620

1,620

1,910

1,910

1,620

May.

2,570

2,750

2,930

2,930

2,930

3,310

4,700

5,660

5,660

5,660

June.

11,600

13,100

23,000

23,000

18,100

17,200

16,400

17,200

17,200

19,000

July.

14,100

14,300

14,500

14,900

13,500

13,800

12,300

12,500

15,100

Aug.

8,350

8,280

8,800

8,700

8,630

8,540

8,480

8,700

8,910

8,220

Sept.

2,200

2,150

2,090

2,020

2,070

2,230

2,230

1,910

1,910

1,910

Oct.

2,230

2,230

3,180

4,120

4,120

4,570

6,540

5,030

5,510

5.270

Nov.

760

760

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

Dec.

1,130

1,130

1,130

930

900

800

800

800

900

1,000
212 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr.,for 1909 

Continued.

Day.

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

16...................

17...................

18...................

19...................

20...................

21...................

22...................

23...................

24...................

25...................

26...................

W.. .................

28.... ...............

29...................

30...................

31...................

Mar.

930

930

1,130

1,030

930

760

760

1,130

930

930

1,280

1,620

1,620

1,910

1,910

1,910

1,620

1,760

1,910

1,910

1,620

Apr.

1,760

1,910

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,910

1,910

2,230

2,230

2,570

2,400

2,230

1,910

1,910

1,910

2,230

May.

6,160

6,160

7,200

7,200

6,670

6,670

6,670

7,200

7,200

7,200

7,200

7,760

8,330

8 940

12,700

13 onn

12,400

12,400 10 nnn

11,600

June.

15,500

17,200

17,200

17,200

17,600

17,800

16,300

13,200

13,400

13,200

13,000

13,100

13,300

13,500

13,700

13,900

14,100

14,300

14,500

14,700

July.

13,700

13,800

14,300

15,200

14,900

14,900

12,300

12,300

12,200

11,400

11,300

11,200

11,100

11,100

10,900

10,800

10,700

9,300

9,250

9,120

8,450

Aug.

8,140

8,080

7,410

7,340

8,100

8,300

8,200

8,110

7,460

6,830

6,760

6,150

5,590

5,510

4,970

4,880

4,820

4,700

3,660

2,620

2,250

Sept.

1,910

1,760

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,910

1,910

1,910

1,910

1,910

2,230

1,910

1,910

1,910

1,910

2,070

2,230

2,230

2,230

2,230

Oct..

5,030

5,030

4,570

4,120

4,120

4,120

3,910

3,700

3,700

2,230

1,620

1,360

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,360

1,360

1,360

1,130

1,130

945

Nov.

600

600

760

760

760

2,230

2,230

3,700

2,930

3,310

2,340

1,360

1,360

1,130

1,130

760

760

945

1,130

1,130

Dec.

1,200

1,600

1,910

2,230

2,570

2,230

2,230

2,230

2,230

2,230

1,910

1,910

1,910

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,910

1,910

2,230

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: March 9 to May 6 and September 6 to December 31 (fairly well defined between 760 and 13,800 second-feet); May 7 to June 14 (not well 

defined above 7,200 second-feet); June 15 to September 5 (indirect method for shifting channels- used). 

Discharges were interpolated for days on which gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr.,for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,910 

2,570 

13,900 

23,000 

15,200 

8,910 

2,230 

6,540 

3,700 

2,570

Minimum.

760 

1,360 

2,570 

11,600 

8,450 

2,250 

1,620 

945 

600 

800

Mean.

1,330 

1,830 

7,140 

15,200 

12,500 

6,950 

1,990 

3,180 

1,210 

1,610

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

60,700 

109,000 

439,000 

904,000 

769,000 

427,000 

118,000 

196,000 

72,000 

99,000

3, 193, 700

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

D. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

D.

NORTH PLATTE RIVER NEAR NORTH PLATTE, NEBR.

This station was established October 5, 1894; to determine the 

amount of water contributed by the North Platte to the Platte below 

all diversions. The highway bridge from which measurements are 

made is located 3J miles above the junction of North and South 

Platte rivers about one-half mile north of the city of North Platte, in 

sec. 28, T. 14 N., R. 30 W. The gage, which is a vertical rod, is at the 

Union Pacific Railroad bridge, 2 miles below.

Many diversions are made between the Mitchell station and the 

measuring section. One small tributary, Birchwood Creek, maintains a small flow of water at the measuring section at times when 

the river itself would otherwise be dry.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 213

The drainage area is 28,500 square miles.

During the winter the river often freezes solid, as it is very shallow. 

Records at this station are subject to the same limitations of shifting 

channel and poor measuring conditions as other stations on the river, 

though to a somewhat less degree.

The datum of the gage has remained unchanged since the station 

was established.

Discharge measurements of North Platte River near North Platte, Nebr., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 23

Apr. 10

May 15

July 12

Aug. 18

Hydrographer.

G. W. Bates. ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

1,070

1,570

1,930

2,030

1,950

1,920

Area of 

section.

Sq. ft. 

962

1,260

2,470

7,160

3,430

2,620

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.40

2.70

3.00

5.00

3.25

3.12

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,040

3,140

6,350

29,600

9,670

6.220

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Platte River near North Platte, Nebr., for 1909.

 

[C. P. Miller, observer.]

Day.

1..........

2..........

3

6..........

7..........

8..........

Q

10..........

11..........

12..........

13. .........

14..........

15..........

16..........

17..........

18..........

1Q

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

W

31..........

Jan.

2.7

, 2.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.5

Mar.

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

Apr.

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.7'

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.65

2.65

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

May.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.75

2.95

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.25

3.3

3.35

3.4

3.4

3.45

3.75

3,7

3.6

June.

3.4

3 15

3.3

3.3

3.75

4.8

4.4

405

3.9

41

4.55

4.5

3.9

3.65

3.6

3.7

. 3.9'

3.7

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.15

3.1

July.

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

2.95

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.6

2.6

2.85

2.9

Aug.

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.65

2.6

2.55

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.25

2.2

Sept.

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2,2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

Oct.

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.35

2.45

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.9

3.0

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.15

2.10

2.1

Nov.

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.4

Dec.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.85

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.0

NOTE. Ice probably existed from January 1 to Match 20 and during December.
214 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River near North Platte, Nebr.,for 1909.

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. .....M.. .......... .. .

26. .............. ... .

27........................

28. .............. ... ...

29..........................

30.................:.........

31.................... ..

Mar.

2,900

2,350

1,900

2,350

2,900

2,350

2,350

1,900

1,900

1,900

1,530

Apr.

1,530

1,900

1,900

1,900

1,900

1,900

1,900

2,350

2,900

3,500

3,500

3,500

2,900

2,900

2,900

2,120

1,900

1,900

1,900

1,900

1,900

1,900

1,900

1,900

3,200

3,200

2,350

2,350

2,350

2,350

May.

2,350

2,350

2,350

2,620

2,900

2,900

2,350

2,350

2,620

3,850

5,450

5,900

5,900

5,900

5,900

6,900

6,900

8,000

8,000

6,900

6,900

6,900

8,550

9,100

9,650

10,200

10,200

10,800

14,400

13,800

12,600

June.

10,200

7,450

9,100

9,100

14,400

27,100

22,200

18,000

16,200

18,600

24,000

23,400

16,200

13,200

12,600

13,800

16,200

13,800

12,000

11,400

11,400

11,400

11,400

10,800

10,200

9,100

9,100

8,000

7,450

6,900

July.

8,000

6,900

6,900

6,900

6,900

6,900

6,900

6,900

8,000

9,100

6,900

6,900

6,900

6,900

6,900

8,000

8,000

6,900

6,900

5,450

4,200

4,200

4,200

3,500

1,900

1,900

1,900

2,900

2,900

4,600

5,000

Aug.

4,600

4,200

4,200

4,200

4,200

4,200

4,200

4,200

4,200

5,000

4,200

4,200

3,500

3,500

2,900

2,900

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

3,200

2,900

2,620

3,500

2,900

2,900

2,350

2,350

1,900

1,380

1,230

Sept.

1,230

1,530

1,900

1,530

1,530

1,230

1,230

1,230

1,230

1,230

1,230

980

980

980

980

980

1,230

980

980

980

980

980

1,230

1,230

1,230

1,100

1,230

1,230

1,230

1,230

Oct.

980

980

980

980

980

1,230

1,720

2,120

3,200

3,500

3,500

3,500

4,200

4,200

5,000

5,900

5,000

4,600

4,200

4,200

4,200

3,500

3,500

2,900

2,350

1,900

1,530

1,230

1,100

980

980

Nov.

780

980

1 230

1,230

980

1,100

1,100

980

1,230

1,230

1,230

980

1,230

980

1,530

1,530

1,530

1,530

1,900

1,900

1,900

1,900

2,350

2,120

1,900

1,530

1,530

1,900

1,900

1,900

NOTE. The discharges are based on a rating curve that is only approximate.

Monthly discharge of North Platte River near North Platte, Nebr.,for 1909.

Month.

July.....................................................

November ...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,900 

3,500 

14,400 

27,100 

9,100 

5,000 

1,900 

5,900 

2,350

Minimum.

1,530 

1,530 

2,350 

6,900 

1,900 

1,230 

980 

980 

780

Mean.

2,210 

2,350 

6,630 

13,500 

5,820 

3,600 

1,190 

2,750 

1,470

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

48,200 

140,000 

408,000 

803,000 

358,000 

221,000 

70,800 

169,000 

87,500

2,305,500

NOTE. Owing to unreliability of daily gage heights these estimates can only be considered as approximate.

PLATTE RIVER NEAR COLUMBUS, NEBR.

This station, which was established June 4, 1895, and has been 

kept continuously since that date except during the winter months, 

is located above the mouth of Loup River, at Meridian Bridge, about 

3 miles south of Columbus, in sec. 31, T. 17 N., R. 1 E. No important tributaries enter the river between the junction of the North 

Platte and the South Platte and this station, and Loup River and
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 215

Elkhorn River are the only large tributaries below. The drainage 

area is 56,900 square miles.

In the late summer practically all the water of the river disappears, 

either from diversion or evaporation from the wide shallow channels. 

No records have been obtained during the ice period of the winter.

The bed of the river is of shifting sand and at low water the stream 

flows in many shallow channels, so that determination of discharge 

is largely a matter of estimation. Poor measuring conditions, combined with shifting channel, render the records liable to considerable 

error. The gage datum l^as remained the same throughout. 1

The river at this point flows in three channels, known as the 

main, middle, and south channels, which are each spanned by pile 

bridges, from the upstream side of which discharge measurements 

are made. The chain gage is fastened to the upstream side of the 

main channel bridge, which is called the Meridian Bridge, and has a 

span of nearly 2,000 feet. The middle channel bridge is over 300 

feet long, and the south channel bridge is about 80 feet long.

Discharge measurements of Platte River near Columbus, Nebr., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 20

May 8

July 8

Oct. 22

Hydrographer.

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

..... do..... ............................................... -

..... do. -.........-..-....-.....-....-..-..-........-..-..--

.... .do. ....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

1,490

1,770

1,720

2,300

2,000

2,130

1,640

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

2,240

1,900

1,330

4,550

1,890

2,680

3,600

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.85

3.55

3.38

4.53

3.30

3.90

3.63

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5,870

4,270

2,690

11,800

3,690

6,240

3,560

Daily gage height, in feet, of Platte River near Columbus, Nebr., for 1909. 

[W. D. Benson, observer.]

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

5--.......-.....

6............... 

7...............

8. .............. 

9...............

10...............

11...............

12............... 

13...............

14...............

15...............

16. .............. 

17...............

18...............

19............... 

20...............

Jan.

2.20

3.2

' "i's" '

"5.~2"

5.3

Feb.

4.0

4.1

-------

.......

.......

.......

Mar.

4.25

4.0

3.5 

4.75

4.0 

3.95

3.55

3.25

4.2

3.6

3.35

3.7 

3.6

3.55 "s.'s"

Apr.

3.55

3.5

0 K

3.55

3.4

"3.~55"

3.55 

3.65

3.65

3.55

3.55 

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.45 

3.4

3.3

3.55 

3.8

May.

3.7

3.65

3.5

3.4

3.35

3.4

3.45

3.35 

3.3

3.4

3.6

3.4 

3.5

3.85

4.05 

4.15

3 CW

3.8 

4.0

June.

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.65

4.85 

4.6 "s.y

5.2

5.1

5.55

5.7

5.55

5.6

5.3 

5.25

K OK

5.35 

5.3

July.

4.95

5.1

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.75 

4.65

4.55

4.6

4.9

4.85 

4.9

4.55

4.55

4.7 

4.5

4.4

4.3

4.2

Aug.

3.6

3.45

3.9

3.85

3.4

3.4 

3.45

3.45 

3.25

3.65

3.35

3.35 

3.35

3.4

3.55

3.75 

3.45

3.45

3.5 

3.45

Sept.

3.2

4.0

3.85

3.55

3.55

3.65 

3.7

3.6 

3.35

3.35

3.15

3.05 

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.6 

2.7

2.7

2.65 

2.6

Oct.

3.3

3.35

3.25

3.15

3.2

3.1 

3.25

3.35 

3.4

3.55

3.6

3.75 

3.75

3.6

3.7

3.8 

3.85

3.85

3.95 

4.0

Nov.

3.45

3.75

3.65

3.45

3.35

3.35 

3.25

3.2 

3.3

3.25

2.95

2.95 

3.1

3.25

2.9 s!o

3.1

2.9

Dec.

4.1

5.0

6.8

6.8

......

i Data collected at this station prior to 1908 have been compiled in Water-Supply Paper 230: Surface 

water supply of Nebraska.
216 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Platte River near Columbus, Nebr., for 1909 Contd.

Day.

21...............

22...............

23...............

24............... 

25...............

26. .............. 

27............... 

28. .............

29............... 

30. .............. 

31...............

Jan.

3.0 

3.1

3.3 

3.85

Feb. Mar.

3.5 

3.45

3.6

3.45 

3.6

3.6 

3.5 

3.4

3.5 

3.55 

3.55

Apr.

3.4 

3.35

3.45

3.45 

3.3

3.2 

3.25 

3.35

"3.3"

May.

3.9 

4.0

4.1

4.1 

4.05

4.7 

4.25 

4.25

4.55 

4.15

4.25

June.

5.2 

5.1

5.05

"5." 25'

5.1 

5.0 

4.95

5.0 

5.0

July.

4.15 

3.85

3.7

3.6 

3.9

3.9 

3.9 

3.7

3.45 

3.45 

3.6

Aug.

3.45 

3.4

3.5

3.45 

3.45

3.45 

3.35 

3.3

3.35 

3.3 

3.25

Sept.

2.8 

2.85

2 9

2.95 

3.1

3.25 

3.25 

3.35

3.35 

3.3

Oct.

3.9 

3.75

3.75

3.85 

3.85

3.7 

3.65 

3.65

3.65 

3.65 

3.35

Nov.

3.25 

3.0

3.7

4.2 

4.45 

4.2

"3." 95"

Dec.

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1-Mar. 3 and Dec. 6-31. The river was frozen at the gage on Nov. 18. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Platte River near Columbus, Nebr., for 1909.

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.....--....-..-..----..--..

Mar.

8,600

6,900

3,200

12,300

6,900

6,500

5,200

4,000

8,300

4,300

2,950

4,900

4,300

4,000

5,530

4,350

3,500

4,360

4,370

3,800

4,110

4,120

Apr.

4,160

3,870

3,880

4,200

3,280

3,750

4,220

4,230

4,820

4,850

4,260

A O7fi

3,920

3,660

3,660

3,410

2,800

4,210

5,780

3,140

3,650

3,450

2,660

2,250

2,460

2,720

2,540

May.

A AQfi

4,430

3,480

2,860

2,630

2,870

3,090

2,670

2,360

3,800

4,310

5,360

6,780

7,490

6,110

5,260

6,470

5,900

6,470

7,260

7,400

7,070

11,800

8,460

11,500

7,900

8,600

June.

11,200

11,200

11,300

10,900

11,800

13,200

11,300

14,000

16,700

16,000

15,200

19,800

18, 700

19,100

16,900

16,500

17,400

17,400

17,000

16,300

15,700

15,300

16,000

16,800

15,700

14,900

15,100

15,100

July.

14.700

15,700

13,600

13,700

13,800

13,500

12,700

11,800

12,100 19 4Aft

14,700

14,700

12,000

12,000

14,700

11,700

10,900 10,100

9,400

9,050

6,940

5,930

5,300

7,200

7,300

7,300

6,000

4,400

4,350

5,320

Aug.

4,370

7,300

6,950

4,150

4,150

4 450

4,450

3,320

5,700

3,860

3,860

4,200

5,080

6,400

4,460

4,460

4,760

4,460

4,460

4,200

4,850

4,550

4,550

4,550

3,950

3,700

3,950

3,700

3,450

Sept.

3,150

8,180

7,100

5,130

5,050

6,020

5,380

3,800

3 snn

2,750

2,350

1,600

1,600

1,600

920

1,120

1,120

1,000

890

1,370

1,500

1,650

1,820

2,300

2,950

2,950

3,470

3,130

Oct.

3,130

3,470

2,800

3,400

2,600

2,200

2,750

3,250

3,500

4 OKA

4,550

5,600

5,600

4,550

5,050

5,700

6,050

6,050

6,650

6,950

5,250

5,180

5,750

5,780

4,620

4,250

4,200

4,150

4,100

2,500

Nov.

3,020

4,450

3,800

2,750

4,200

2,250

1,900

1,730

2,070

i onn

1,030

1,030

1,430

1,900

1,400

900

1,150

1,290

1,430

900

1,900

1,150

2,550

3,950

5,550

7,150

8,900

7,150

6,300

5,450

NOTE. These discharges were obtained by the indirect method for shifting channels. Discharges interpolated for days when gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of Platte River near Columbus, Nebr., for 1909.

Month.

Mar . 4-31 ..........................................

April ..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

12,300 

5,780 

11,800 

19,800 

15,700 

7,300 

8,180 

6,950 

8,900

Minimum.

2,500 

2,250 

2,360 

10,900 

4,350 

3,320 

890 

2,200 

900

Mean.

4,930 

3,680 

5,620 

15,300 

10,600 

4,560 

3,100 

4,530 

3,020

..........

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

274,000 

219,000 

346,000 

910,000 

652,000 

280,000 

184,000 

279,000 

180,000

3,320,000

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 217

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER. 

DESCRIPTION.

The South Platte rises in the mountainous region surrounding 

the large basin near the center of the State of Colorado, known as 

South Park, and in the long eastern slopes of the high mountains 

forming the- Continental Divide. The river might properly be said 

to be formed at South Platte, Colo., by the junction of the North and 

South forks. The drainage area of the South Fork comprises about 

2,150 square miles, and that of the North Fork only about 450 square 

miles, but there is little difference in the mean annual flow of the two 

branches. The North Fork is about 50 miles long and the South 

Fork a little over 100 miles. Geneva Creek, with a drainage area 

of 50 square miles, is the most important tributary of the North 

Fork, other tributaries being Deer Park, Elk, and Buffalo creeks. 

Tarryall Creek and Goose Creek are the principal tributaries of the 

South Fork.

South Fork, usually considered the main branch of the river, flows 

in an easterly direction to Lake George, then northward to its junction with the North Fork, and on to the mouth of the Cache la Poudre 

near Greeley. From Greeley its general course is eastward, until it 

joins the North Platte at the town of North Platte, Nebr.

At the mouth of the South Platte its elevation is 2,800 feet above 

sea level; 100 miles above the mouth it is 3,600 feet; at Denver, 288 

miles above the mouth, it is 5,170 feet; and at South Platte, 30 miles 

above Denver, it is about 6,100 feet. Lake George, about 50 miles 

up the South Fork, is 8,000 feet above sea level, and Cheesman reservoir, 23 miles up from South Platte, is 6,850 feet. At the mouth of 

Geneva Creek, at Grant, Colo., 40 miles up the North Fork from 

South Platte, the elevation is about 8,500 feet.

The drainage basin, which comprises about 20,000 square miles 

above Julesburg, Colo., is bisected in an irregular way by the channel 

of the South Rlatte. To the north and west lies the mountainous 

portion, which consists of a long, narrow strip, extending in a northsouth direction from a point a short distance above the south boundary of Wyoming to Palmer Lake, Colo. This area furnishes at least 

90 per cent of the total run-off of the basin. South and east of the 

river the basin lies entirely within the plains region.

The mountainous region consists of peaks and jagged masses of 

granite, with sedimentary rocks cut and gashed by stream channels 

along the foothills. The stream gradients are steep, and many of 

the streams consist of series of cascades and rapids. The soil cover 

as a whole is light, and except during spring freshets or heavy storms 

the streams are remarkably free from sediment in suspension.
218 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

The lower basin, somewhat scarred and broken along the foothills, 

gradually merges farther east into the undulating prairies so chararo 

teristic of the Great Plains east of the Rocky Mountains. The soils 

of the plains are the product of the disintegration of shales and sandstones, and range from adobe clays to sandy loams. The controlling 

vegetation is largely native grasses, the only timber being a few 

bunches of scraggly cottonwoods along the stream channels and small 

patches of pine, cedar, and pinon along the higher portions.

The forest cover of the mountains, consisting originally of coniferous trees, is rapidly disappearing, but through the occurrence of 

fires a foothold has been furnished for the deciduous aspen, which is 

gradually increasing its dominion. Most of the timber land in this 

drainage is included in the Pike and Medicine Bow national forests; 

in all there are probably 1,000 square miles of merchantable timber 

lands.

The tributaries of South Platte comprise, first, the small streams 

that rise on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, and, second, 

the plain streams. The mountain streams furnish a perennial 

supply of water, the amount of which, however, varies with the 

snowfall, being light during the latter part of the summer and in the 

fall and winter, and large during the spring floods. This water is 

almost entirely diverted for irrigation and does not reach the South 

Platte except in times of heavy floods. The principal streams of this 

class are Bear, Clear, Boulder, and St. Vrain creeks and Big Thompson 

and Cache la Poudre rivers. The plains streams are all intermittent 

in their nature and furnish water only during storms or in the season 

of melting snow. The chief streams of this class are Cherry, Lone 

Tree, Crow, Kiowa, Boxelder, Bijou, Beaver, and Pawnee creeks.

In the mountainous regions the flow of the South Platte is perennial, but in the plains area the volume is greatly diminished by the 

numerous irrigation diversions. At North Platte, Nebr., just above 

the mouth of the river, the stream channel is dry for the greater part 

of the year, or consists of several small channels carrying a few 

second-feet of water.

The river is subject to periodic floods that occur in May and June, 

the magnitude varying from year to year with seasonal precipitation 

and temperature. At Julesburg, Colo., the stream flow varies from 

nothing up to 12,000«second-feet.

The rainfall is 25 inches or more in the highest mountains; 15 to 

20 inches between altitudes of 5,500 and 9,000 feet; 10 to 15 inches 

between 4,000 and 5,000 feet; and in the lower basin, below an elevation of 4,000 feet, from 15 to 20 inches annually.

The winters are very severe, especially above the points where the 

mountain streams emerge into the more open country. In the 

mountain sections the snowfall is heavy, and snowstorms are com-
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 219

mon on the plains areas, but here the snow usually disappears within 

a few days after each storm. During the winter months the river 

and its tributaries are frequently frozen over throughout their entire 

courses. The ice period varies from about two months in the vicinity 

of Julesburg, Colo., to about five months in the high mountains, 

where the streams are frozen almost to the bottom.

The South Platte basin contains the oldest cultivated and irrigated 

areas in Colorado. At present nearly 1,000,000 acres are under irrigation in Colorado from the South Platte and its tributaries. In fact, 

the entire normal flow is being used for this purpose, and additional 

irrigation will necessitate the construction of storage reservoirs or the 

diversion of water from other drainage areas. The North Grand 

ditch, which has been in operation for several years, diverts water 

from the North Fork of Grand River across the divide into Cache 

la Poudre River. The Laramie-Poudre project, which will soon be 

begun, contemplates the diversion of the headwaters of Laramie River, 

in the watershed of the North Platte, into the Cache la Poudre, in 

the watershed of the South Platte; and the Denver Reservoir & Irrigation Co. proposes to divert the headwaters of Fraser River, a tributary of the Grand, into the headwaters of South Boulder, a tributary 

of the South Platte. Other similar projects are under consideration. 

The storage of the flood waters of the intermittent streams in the 

lower basin offer opportunities for considerable irrigation development. Very little is known as to the flow of these streams, but it is 

certainly very large at times and many excellent storage sites are 

available.

About a half million acre-feet of the annual flow from the mountain 

section of this basin are now being stored for irrigation in many small 

reservoirs, and a large part of the mountain flow is still available for 

irrigation by proper conservation and storage.

Conditions on the upper South Platte and its tributaries are unusually favorable for storage. Some of the many good sites are natural depressions or are situated on small tributaries, so that the reservoirs will have to be supplied by feeder canals. Of this type is the 

Standley reservoir of the Denver Reservoir & Irrigation Co. This 

reservoir, which is now under construction, will have a maximum 

capacity of about 100,000 acre-feet.

The largest reservoir which has been constructed in the South Platte 

basin is the Cheesman Lake of the Denver Union Water Co. This 

reservoir, which was completed in 1904, has a maximum capacity of 

79,000 acre-feet. Among other proposed reservoirs may be mentioned the Antero, Tarryall, Lake George, Lost Park, Eagle Rock, and 

Geneva. Opportunities for storage are also found on Clear Creek, 

Boulder, St. Vrain, Big Thompson, and the Cache la Poudre. Some 

excellent reservoir sites have been surveyed on the last-named stream,
220 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET VI.

and no doubt will be developed shortly. The reservoirs on the upper 

portions of these streams will be used primarily for power development, but the stored waters can also be used for irrigation in the 

valleys below.

Water-power development is necessarily limited to the mountainous parts of the drainage area. Many favorable opportunities for 

such development are presented on Geneva Creek, the South Fork, 

Clear Creek, Boulder Creek, Big Thompson, and Cache la Poudre. 

Many power sites have been filed upon. The ultimate power development in this drainage basin will probably amount to nearly 200,000 

horsepower, but present development is limited to numerous small 

plants with a total capacity of less than 5,000 horsepower. Most of 

these plants are on Clear Creek and Boulder Creek. The plant of the 

Eastern Colorado Power Co., on Boulder Creek, a few miles above 

Boulder, Colo., is now under construction, and when completed will 

have a capacity of probably 20,000 horsepower.

Of the years for which survey records are available, 1902 seems to 

be the driest, while 1908 was also very dry. It is believed that 1909 

is the high-water year in this basin; 1899 and 1907 were also very 

high years, and 1900 was quite high in some parts of the basin.

SOUTH FORK OF SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AT SOUTH PLATTE, COLO.

This station, which was established May 8, 1905, to determine the 

run-off in this basin and the amount of water available on this branch 

of the South Platte for power and irrigation, is located at South 

Platte, Colo., in T. 7 S., R. 70 W.

The North and South forks of the South Platte unite about 500 feet 

below the station, and the Cheesman reservoir, which intercepts the 

flow of Tarryall and Goose Creeks in addition to that of the main 

branch, is about 20 miles above. No very important tributaries 

enter below Cheesman Lake. The drainage area above the station 

is 2,160 square miles, of which probably less than 20 per cent can be 

classed as timbered land.

No water is diverted above this point except for the irrigation of 

hay lands in South Park, but the flow is regulated by the Cheesman 

reservoir, which has a capacity of 79,000 acre-feet. So many filings 

for power development have been made on this stream that it is 

doubtful whether additional filings can be made except near the headwaters.

The flow of the river at this station is affected by ice for about 

three months in the winter season.

No change has been made in the inclined rod gage since it was first 

established, and the datum remains the same. Discharge measurements are made from a cable near the gage and by wading.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 221

Fair results should be obtained at this station, but as the bed is 

shifting, frequent measurements are necessary. The gage heights 

are apt to show fluctuation at certain times of the year owing to 

storage or release of water in the Cheesman reservoir.

Discharge measurements of South Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,

in 1909.

Date.

1909 

Feb. 9a

Mar. llo

Apr. 27

9

26

July 28

Sept. 7

27

Oct. 16

Nov. 196

Dec. 15o

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

G.H.Russell.............. ...............................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

12.8

33

41

40

70

69

66

60

66

62

64

40

34

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

20.4

28

39

72

1 VI

169

08

103

250

148

94

54

39

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.90

.81

1.15

2.05

3 OK

3.30

2.60

5.10 A fin

2.80

2.40

2.18

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

19.9

33

67

193

597

AO1

280

383

1,408-

<as.

29fr

147

121

o Measurement made by wading. Ice conditions. 

6 Made by wading 100 feet above the cable.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,

for 1909.

[Miss E. H. Jardine, observer.)

Day.

1. ..............

2...............

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.

1.8

1.75

1 7*i

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.9

2.3

1.15

1.15

1 9

1.7

1.7

2.15

2.15

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.50

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.0

.85

9 fi

Feb.

2.5

2.1

1 9

1.75

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

2.1

9 rt

1.95

1.70

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

9 n

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.25

1.2

1.2

Mar.

1.25

1.25

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.0

.8

1.0

1.0

.8

.8

.75

.7

.7

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.9

.9

.9

1.0

.95

.9

.9

.9

Apr.

n Q

.9

.9

.85

.85

.8

.8

.8

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

May.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.3

1.75

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.85

2.1

2.15

9 9

2.25

2.3

2.45

2.3

2.15

2.1

2.0

2.0

June.

9 fi

2

rt

9 1

2

nc

9 9

2.2

9 %

9 Q

3.3

3.3

3.4

3 25

3 9

3.4

3.2

3.2

3 9

3.2

3

C

3.65

1 71

3.85

3.7

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.15

July.

3.2

3.1

3 f

3.6

4.1

4.45

4.65

4.45

3.6

3.2

2

0

2.45

9 1 c

2.0

2.05

2.3

2.1

2.0

1.9

2.05

2.1

2.5

3.1

3.5

3.3

2.95

2.55

2.4

2.35

911!

Aug.

1.95

1.9

1 Q

2 1 %

2 9

2.2

2

0

2.35

2.3

2

0

2.5

2

7C

9 7%

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

4.05

5.15

5.40

4 60

4.2

A fiK

3.95

3.8

3.6

3.6

3.45

3.25

3.3

3.4

Sept.

3.6

3.75

3

QC

4.6

5.15

5.5

5.6

6

AZ

5 9

5.1

5.6

5.85

5.9

5.7

i ^

5.3

5

n

4.8

4.6

4.55

4 4

4.25

4.15

4 00

3.95

3.9

3.8

3.55

Oct.

3.6

3.4

3 OK

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.05

S ftfl

2 Q

2 Q

9 Q

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

3.05

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

9 7

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

Nov.

9 M

2.65

2 fie

2 65

2.65

2.6

2.35

2.35

9 9

2.2

2

0

9 °.

2.3

2.4

2.3

9 9

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.45

2.5

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

Dec.

2.5

2.55

9 J.

2.35

2.25

2.1

2

1

2.1

2.15

2.3

2.25

9 9f»

9 9

2.15

2.1

2.0

9 fi

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.3

2.2

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 10 and Dec. 23 to 31.
222 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY/ 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of South Platte River at South Platte,

Colo., for 1909.

Day.

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.

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

 25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

Feb.

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

Mar.

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

36

50

KA

36

36

33

30

30

36

36

36

36

36

42

42

42

50

46

50

50

CA

Apr.

50

50

50

50

39

39

36

36

36

50

58

58

58

58

58

68

58

- 78

78

78

68

58

58

58

58

58

58

58

68

68

May.

58

58

58

58

58

58

58

58

58

68

63

58

58

58

78

142

134

151

169

160

211

223

235

248

261

302

261

223

211

189

189

June.

189

189

211

200

235

235

316

452

618

618

661

597

576

661

576

576

576

576

704

768

812

856

790

704

661

618

576

576

555

555

July.

576

534

534

747

966

1,120

1,210

1,120

1,000

700

565

410

295

215

178

187

. 244

197

176

156

185

189

288

491

660

575

432

298

260

250

205

Aug.

168

161

163

218

234

240

268

288

272

275

340

429

430

455

450

445

438

970

1,440

1,540

1,190

1,010

944

900

834

747

747

682

597

618

661

Sept.

747

812

900

966

1,100

1,190

1,430

1,580

1,630

1,560

1,450

1,410

1,630

1,740

1,760

1,640

1,530

1,420

1,240

1,140

1,020

970

870

775

690

620

570

555

524

438

Oct.

467

400

392

375

350

360

368

368

376

384

343

334

310

310

318

313

305

305

305

305

370

290

290

275

250

250

250

238

238

238

225

Nov.

225

225

225

225

225

202

171

152

152

128

128

145

136

136

151

136

118

150

140

138

163

172

183

172

172

191

191

191

172

172

Dec.

172

183

153

14B

128

107

107

107

114

138

128

128

120

114

107

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

100

100

105

105

105

105

105

105

105

NOTE. The above discharges are based on a curve that is fairly well defined, applicable the following 

dates: Mar. 11 to July 7 and Aug. 21 to Sept. 15. Indirect method for shifting channels used for other 

periods. Jan. 1 to Mar. 10 and Dec. 23 to 31 discharges estimated on account of ice conditions.

Monthly discharge of South Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo., for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

78 

302 

856 

1,210 

1,540 

1,760 

467 

225 

183

1,760

Minimum.

36

58 

189 

156 

161 

438 

225 

118 

95

Mean.

25 

22 

38.2 

56.6 

136 

541 

483 

586 

1,130 

319 

170 

115

302 .

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,540 

1,220 

2,350 

3,370 

8,360 

32,200 

29,700 

36,000 

67,200 

19,600 

10,100 

7,100

219,000

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

D. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AT SOUTH PLATTE, COLO.

This station, which was established March 28, 1902, furnishes valuable data for use in connection with storage, irrigation, and waterpower development. It is located on the Colorado & Southern 

Railroad in T. 7 S., R. 7 W., about 9 miles above the mouth of the 

canyon and just below the junction, of the North and South Forks.
MISSOURI EIVEB BASIN. 223

Records at Platte Canyon and at Deansbury, a few miles below, 

extend back to 1887, with the exception of the years 1893 and 1894, 

and records at Platte Canyon are still being taken by the Denver 

Union Water Co. The earlier records, 1887 1892, were taken by 

the State engineer, and the records from 1895 to 1898 were taken 

under the direction of the Denver Power & Irrigation Co.

The station is especially important because of its location above 

the head gates of all irrigation systems and also above the intake of 

the Denver Union Water Co. The location of the Cheesman storage 

reservoir on the South Fork, 20 miles above this station, and the 

proposed installation of several power plants on both forks of the 

river above add to the importance of the station.

A great many filings for power development have been made on 

the tributaries of the river above this point; but doubtless opportunities for additional filings still exist.

The flow of the South Fork of the South Platte is regulated by 

storage in Cheesman reservoir. The flow of the North Fork is natural, except for slight variations due to the many ice and fish ponds 

for 30 miles above its mouth.

The river and its tributaries are usually frozen over from two to 

four months during the whiter time.

On May 7, 1905, the gage was moved from the county bridge to a 

point 150 feet downstream, which no doubt caused some change in 

the relation of gage readings. This last gage, which is an inclined 

rod, is still in use. Discharge measurements are made from a cable 

near the gage and by wading.

The stream bed is more or less shifting, and frequent discharge 

measurements are necessary to obtain the best results. The gage 

readings taken twice each day are apt to show considerable fluctuation owing to the regulation of the flow from the Cheesman reservoir. 

The records from 1895 to 1898 were bought by the Denver Union 

Water Co. from J. E. Rhodes, representing the Denver Power & 

Irrigation Co.

Discharge measurements of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

1909. 

Feb. 9o

Mar. lla

Apr. 27&

9

15

July 28

Aug. 14

Sept. 27

Oct. 16

Nov. 19&

Dec. I5a

Hydrograplier.

J. B. Stewart. .............................................

W. B. Freeman. ..........................................

.....do.....................................................

Miles and Lewis ............................................

G. H. Russell. ............................................

.... .do. ....................................................

G . H. Russell .............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

2L3

39

75

77

85

77

78

79

82

78

74

58

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

36

39

125

206

323

254

190

186

237

168

125

67

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.55

1.40

2.16

3.35

4.10

a 90

a 20

a 28

ago

a is

2.40

2.15

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

48

56

262

758

1,558

1,025

629

698

1,022

598

281

181

a Measurement made by wading. Ice conditions. * Measurement made by wading.
224 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo., for 1909. 

[Miss E. H. Jardine, observer.]

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.

1.75

1.75

L70

 1.70

1.80

1.85

1.80

L80

2.15

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.75

2.10

2.10

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.55

1.50

1.40

1.50

1.50

1. 60

1.60

1.65

1.70

L90

Feb.

2.15

2.20

1.90

L90

1.30

1.40

1.45

i 4n

L40

1.30

1.20

1.90

1.90

1.85

1.85

L85

L80

L80

L80

1.80

1.80

2.10

L50

1.50

1.50

Mar.

i pjft

1.55

1.60

1.60

1 60

1.60

1.60

1.70

1.60

1.50

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

i f;n

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.55

1.60

1 55

1.50

1.50

Apr.

i VI

1.50

1.55

1 60

1 60

1 55

1.50

i ^n

1.70

1.80

1.80

1.75

1.80

1.80

9 (\T\

9 ft£

9 1 1\

9 in

2.10

1 QA

1 Q^

i Qft

1.90

1.95

o in

2.25

O Qft

2.15

May.

O f\fi

2.05

o in

o in

2.15

9 in

9 9ft

2. 40

9 <V\

2.45

9 1%

2.40

2.45

2.65

2.80

O Oft

2.80 2.85

*J AC

3.15

*j on

3.30

3.25

3.15

3.10

3.00

3.00

June.

O QK

3.00 *j in

3.35

3.70

3.75

q on

3.85

4. 20

4. 00

4.05

3.95

3.95

ass

3.90

4.00

4. 00

4.35

4.40

4.45

4.60

4.50

4.35

4.30

4.15

4.00

ago

ago

July.

*j on

3.85

4.50

4.45

K IK

4.80

4.85

4. 10

aso

3.55 a25

3.15

*J AK

3.00

3.05

O Q£

2.90

3.00

*J AA

3.00

o Aft

3.60

3.85

3.70

O AA

3.20

a 15

2.95

Aug.

2.85

2.80

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.80

2.90

o on

o on

3.05

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.45

4.40

5.75

6.05

5.05

4.30

4. 20

4. 10

4.10

4.00

4 00

3.85

3.70

3.70

3.70

Sept.

3.90

3.95

4. 10

4.25

4.50

4. 80

5.95

6.05

6.20

6.20

5.75

5.50

6.25

6.45

a 50

6.30

6.10

5.85

5.35

5.15

5.00

4.75

4.60

4.55

4.40

4.40

4.30

4.20

4.15

Oct.

4.00

4.00

s Q*;

ago

3.75

3.70

a 70

a 70

3.65

a 60

aso

3.40

3.35

3.30

*J Oft

3.15

3.15

a 15

3.15

a20

3.00

3.00

2.95

2.90

2.80

2.70

2.75

2.75

175

2.75

Nov.

2.65

2.65

9 R*\

2.65

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.40

9 dft

9 At\

2.40

2.50

2.40

2.35

O Aft

2.30

2.30

2.40

2.40

2.45

2.55

2.55

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.50

Dec.

9 ^n

2.50

2.35

2.35

2.10

2.20

2.20

2.30

2.20

2.15

2.20

2.15

o IP;

2.25

2.10

2.45

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.80

2.75

2.80

2.60

2.60

2.80

2.60

2.60

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 15 and Nov. 22 to Dec. 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo., for 1909.

Day.

1... ............

2.----...-..-.-.

4.---....--.....

6...............

7...---.........

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

14. ..............

15...............

16. ..............

17.....--..-.....

18.-.-....------.

19. .----.........

20. ..............

21..-....---.....

22...---..-.--.-.

23. ..............

94

oc

26. ..............

27...----.....-..

28...---.........

29...............

30...............

31----........-..

Jan.

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

Feb.

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

Kft

50

50

rn

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

cn

50

50

50

Mar.

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

90

90

90

90

90

QA

90

QA

108

108

108

99

108

99

90

QA

Apr.

Qft

90

QQ

99

108

IAC

QQ

90

QA

128

150

1 ttft

150

1 W\

200

214

OAK

229

174

187

187

174

174

187

278

9Qfi

245

May.

914

914

99Q

229

245

99Q

261

333

OKC

314

333

oco

436

499

AQQ

499

520

608

con

7^n

705

655

630

608

585

CQK .

June.

563

585

630

758

990

1,080

1,050

1,270

1,080

1,110

1,050

1,050

993

1,020

1,080

1,080

1,260

1,330

1 360

1,460

1,400

1,260

1,260

1,170

1,110

1,080

1,020

1,020

July.

1,020

993

1 260

1,400

1,360

1,850

1,920

1,600

1,640

1,140

964

007

672

624

578

555

578

532

510

555

555

747

854

908

747

647

672

624

532

Aug.

488

467

446

446

4R7

488

510

510

510

578

fU7

672

647

fU7

647

774

1 330

2,300

2,540

1,780

1 260

1,200

1,140

1 140

1,080

1,080

993

908

908

908

Sept.

1,020

1,050

1 140

1 230

1 dflft

1,600

2,460

2,540

2,660

2,660

2,300

2,100

2,700

2,860

2,900

2,580

2,420

2,380

1,990

1,850

1,740

1,570

1,460

1,430

1,330

1,330

1,260

1,200

1,170

Oct.

1,040

1,040

978

QQA

867

867

867

840

812

758

706

681

656

608

584

' 584

584

584

584

608

515

515

492

428

388

408

408

40§

408

Nov.

369

369

OfiQ

369 <jcn

350

314

280

280

297

280

314

280

264

280

248

248

314

280

280

297

280

280

280

280

280

280

280

280

280

280

Dec.

1Qfl

1Qfl

190

ion

190

ion

ion

190

ion

190

1Qft

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

ion

190

190

190

190

190

190

NOTE. The above discharges are based on 3 curves that are applicable, as follows: Mar. 16 to June 9- 

June 10 to Sept. 30, and Oct. 1 to ice period. They are fairly well denned. Discharges estimated Jan. 1, 

Mar. 15 and Nov. 22 to Dec. 3. '
MISSOURI EIVEB BASIN. 225 

Monthly discharge of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

The year. ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

108 

296 

730 

1,460 

1,920 

2,540 

2,900 

1,040 

369

2,540

Minimum.

90 

214 

563 

510 

446 

1,020 

388 

248

Mean.

60 

50 

78.4 

166 

449 

1,070 

917 

902 

1,900 

663 

298 

190

563

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,690 

2,780 

4,820 

9,880 

27,600 

63,700 

56,400 

55,500 

113,000 

40,800 

17,700 

11,700

408,000

Accuracy.

D. 

D.

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

c. 

c. 

c.

D.

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AT DENVER, COLO.

This station, which is located a short distance below the mouth of 

Cherry Creek, was maintained under the direction of the United 

States Geological Survey from 1895 to 1906, and since that time 

more or less intermittent records have been taken by the State 

engineer's office.1 The station affords data concerning the amount 

of water available for irrigation.

The rod gage used from 1906 to August 11, 1909, inclusive, is 

located on the right bank about 100 feet above the Sixteenth Street 

Viaduct. Beginning August 12, 1909, a Bristol automatic gage, at 

practically the same datum, fastened to a pier of the Sixteenth 

Street Viaduct, has been used.

Discharge measurements are made from the Fifteenth Street 

Bridge and by wading.

The flow of the stream at this point is seldom affected by ice.

The 1909 records were taken under the direction of the State 

engineer of Colorado and are published as furnished by him.

Discharge measurements of South Platte River at Denver, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

May 28

29

July 7

Aug. 21

Sept. 11

Nov. 10

Hydrographer.

.....do.........................................................

C. L. Chatfleld. ................................................

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

183

355

260

512

445

567

118

115

Gage 

height.

feet. 

1.90

2.80

2.10

3.75

3.40

4.00

1.02

1.35

Discharge.

Sec. -ft. 

453

1,122

670

2,246

1,814

2,568

220

226

1 This station is fully described in Water-Supply Paper TJ. S. Geol. Survey No, 208, p. 154. 

84548e WSP 266 11 15
226 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909,, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Pkttte River at Denver, Cole., for 1909.

Day.

1............................ ........

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

H........................... .........

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

28....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30..'..................................

31....................................

May.

i.s

2.6

i.9

June.

2.8

2.1

July.

.3.5

3.75

1.0

.85

1.8

2.25

2.3

2.2

1.9

1.6

2.0

1.9S

1.5

Aug.

1.45

1.5

1.15

1.6

1.8

1.65

1.85

2.2

1.95

2.05

1.85

 1.95

1.9

1.85

1.8

2.0

2.9

4.0

4.1

3.4

2.45

2.4

2.2

2.0

2.15

2.15

2.08

2.1

1.96

2.0

Sept.

2.05

2.2

2.25

2.6

3.2

3.25

3.7

4.25

4.3

4.25

4.0

3.6

3.8

4.05

4.1

4.25

4.25

4.1

3.7

3.3

3.1

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.65

2.5

2.5

2.5

Oct.

2.45

2.4

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.0

1.95

1.95

1.85

1.75

1.75

1.7

1;%

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.85

1.56

1.65

1.46

1.35

1.8

1.25

Nov.

1.25

1.25

1.3

1.3

1.3S

1.4

1.2

1.15

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.05

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.35

1.35

1.4

1.55

1.55

1.56

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.66

1.35

1.6

1.45

1.68

Dec.

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.3

1.46

1.45

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.25

.95

.80

1.0

1.2

1.16

1.13

1.25

1.3

1.26

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.4

1.5

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Platte River at Denver, Colo.,for 1909.

Day.

1. ...... .............................

2.. ..................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10. ...................................

11....................................

12. ...................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

33....................................

24....................................

25....................................

36....................................

27....................................

2g....... .............................

29....................................

30....................................

31....................................

May.

195

050

450

June.

1,130

670

July.

1,930

2,236

215

190

182

270

420

760

7Qfl

730

560

420

610

585

380

Aug.

360

380

255

420

510

460

446

535

730

585

640

535

585

560

535

510

610

1,270

2,580

2,720

1,810

895

860

730

610

700

700

640

670

585

610

Sept;

640

739

760

1,016

1,590

1,640

2,170

2,940

2*940

2,575

2,050

2,300

2,858

2,720

2,940

2,940

2,720

2,170

1,700

1,480

1,380

1,270

1,180

1,180

1,090

1,096

930

930

930

Got.

895

860

798

760

730

670

670

730 m

700

670

670

640

810

585

585

535

485

485

460

440

420

440 m

440

400

400

360

320

300

285

Nov.

285

28S

300

300

320

340

270

255

238

228

215

328

300

360

270

320

320

340

400

400

400

420

380

340

340

440

320

420

360

400

Dee.

28

26

26

28

18i

m

18

16

1ft

24

24

21

21

21

19.

19

18

10

7

11

16

151

IS

IS

16

IS

19

19.

16

231

26

NOTE. These discharges are based on two rating curves, applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to June 18 

and Dec. 1 to Dee. 31 fairly well defined. June 29 to Nov. 30 well defined. Discharges interpolated for 

days having no gage readings. Discharges for December may be slightly in error, due to ice conditions. 

The rating tables were computed by the State engineer of Colorado and published as received.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 227

Monthly discharge of South Platte River at Denver, Colo.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 3,840 square miles.]

Month.

July 19-31. .................

. Discharge in second-feel.

MlnlwiTm.

790 

2,720 

3,010 

895 

440 

285

Maximum.

182 

255 

640 

285 

215 

70

Mean.

470 

775 

1,790 

564 

324 

197

Per 

square 

mile.

0.122 

.202 

.466 

.147 

.084 

.051

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area

0.06 

.23 

.52 

.17 

.09 

.06

Total in 

acre-feet.

12,100 

47,600 

107,000 

34, 700 

19,300 

12,100

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER .NEAR KERSEY, COLO.

This station, which was established April 27, 1901, is located at 

a pile bridge about 1^ miles north of Kersey, on the Union Pacific 

Kailroad about 6 miles east of Greeley, in T. 5 N., R. 64 W. The 

station was discontinued during the fall of 1903, but was reestablished 

March 5, 1905.

The station is below all the important tributaries of the South 

Platte that derive their supply from the mountain region, and the 

records are therefore particularly important as showing the amount 

of water available for storage reservoirs in northeastern Colorado.

Cache la Poudre River, a very important tributary of the South 

Platte, enters 2 or 3 miles above the station. Crow Creek and Boxelder Creek, two intermittent streams, come in from the north and 

south sides, 4 or 5 miles below. The drainage area at Kersey is 9,500 

square miles.

Above Kersey are numerous irrigation and canal systems serving 

one of the most extensively irrigated areas in Colorado. Nearly 

790,000 acres were irrigated above this station in 1907, about 380,000 

acre-feet of water were stored, and about half of it used during the 

season. In 1908 about 300,000 acre-feet were stored? all of which was 

used for irrigation.

No important water-power plants are operated on the South Platte 

or its tributaries above the station, but one or two are now under 

construction and several are contemplated. In order to secure additional water rights for irrigation it will be necessary to construct 

storage works on some of the tributaries, as filings greatly in excess 

of the natural flow of the stream have been on record for a number 

of years.

The river is generally frozen over from the middle of December to 

the first of March.

In the fall of 1906 a chain gage was established on each of the two 

channels into which the river is divided at ordinary stages. Formerly 

one rod gage was used, but it was found that the elevation of the
228 SUEPACE WATEK SUPPLY, 1909, PAKT VI.

water surface in the two channels differed considerably. In 1909 

the observed gage heights for the two channels were properly 

weighted and combined and a single curve used to obtain the total 

discharge. Owing to the shifting character of the stream bed, a slight 

change in the datum of the gage is not apt to seriously affect the 

value of the results, as marked changes occur in the rating curve 

from one season to the next and often during a single season.

Measurements should be taken at this station on an average of at 

least once every three weeks, except when the river is at a constant 

stage. Accurate results are rather difficult to obtain on account of 

the piles of the bridge and the fact that the bridge is not at right 

angles to the direction of the current. Whenever possible measurements should be taken by wading. At high stages the river flows in 

three channels and during extreme floods overflows into one or two 

channels on the left bank.

Discharge measurements of South Platte River near Kersey, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

26

Sept. 1

24

Oct. 22

Nov. 12

Dec. 13

Hydrographer.

R.C.Miles.. .......................................

G. H. Russell ............................................

.... do.. .......................................... .........

..... do.. ................................................ ...

.....do. ...................................................

Width.

Feet. 

228

549

471

160

80

316

217

217

280

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

365

2,600

1,780

227

128

857

462

416

565

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.22

6.97

6.53

3.09

2.59

5.06

3.85

3.66

5.23

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

751

7,260

974

1Q9

2,210

1,100

1,120

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Platte River near Kersey, Colo., for 1909. 

[Mrs. J. C. Maisner, observer.]

Day.

3.... .......................

4.... .......................

5.... ........-...--....----.

6. ....-..-.-....-.....---...

7.... .......................

8... ........................

9

10.....-..---...--.....--....

11...........................

12...... .................... .

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16.. ...................... ...

17...........................

18.. ............ .............

19. .. ..--..--.....----.---...

20...........................

21...........................

22...........................

23. . .........................

24...........................

25...........................

Apr.

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.85

May.

4.25

4.1

4.2

3.95

4.0

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.9

3.7

3.6

3.25

3.0

2.75

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.45

2.7

3 A

3.15

3.75

June.

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.7

3.9

4.4

5.9

6.35

6.95

6.95

7.1

6.45

6.65

6.6

6.7

6.6

6.6

6.85

7.35

7.35

£ Q

6.5

6.5

July.

5.35

5.25

5.0

5.25

7.6

7.5

6.75

6.55

6.35

5.1

4.45

4.15

3,6

3.4

3.0

2.85

2.75

2.65

2

EK

2.7

2.75

Aug.

2.75

2.65

2.65

2.65

9 P*f»

2.65

3.1

3.05

2.85

2.85

2.65

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.7

4.2

4.6

4.7

3.65

3.45

Sept.

2.55

2.5

2.55

2.7

4.6

4.8

5.2

c o

5.5

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.75

5.85

5 9

6.15

6.05

5.85

5.7

5.55

5.35

C OK

5.1

4.9

Oct.

4.35

4.15

4.05

A AC

4.0

4 i

4.1

4 0

4.15

4.2

4.25

4.2

4.55

A f\K

3 95

3.85

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.75

Nov.

3

CK

3.55

3.65

3.65

3.6

3.65

3.65

3.55

3

CK

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.65

3.75

3.65

3.75

3.7

3 7

3.7

3 is

3.75

3

OC

3

QK

3.75

Dec.

3.85

3 Q

3

QC

3.85

3 75

3.65

3.75

5.45

5.4

5 4

5.25

5.2

4.8

4.4

4.15

3.95

3.45

3

C

3.5

3

C

3.55

3.5

q re

3,65
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 229 

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Platte River near Kersey, Colo.,far 1909 Contd.

Day.

26....................;......

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30...........................

31...........................

Apr.

3

D

3.8

3.9

4.05

4.0

May.

4.5

4.2

3.9

3.65

3.7

3.5

June.

6.3

6.15

5.75

5.35

5.45

July.

3.0

2.95

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.75

Aug.

3.15

3.0

2.85

2.8

2.7

2.55

Sept.

4.9

475

4.65

4.55

4.45

Oct.

3.7

3.75

3.7

3.65

3.65

3.55

Nov.

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.85

Dec.

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.7

NOTE. Ice conditions Dec. 8 to 16,1909. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Platte River near Kersey, Colo., for 1909.

Day.

1...........................

2...........................

3. .......................... 4......................:....

5.. ...... .................. .

6...........................

7...........................

8...........................

9........................... 10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15..C. .......................

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19...........................

20...........................

21...........................

22...........................

23...........................

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29. ..........................

30...........................

31...........................

Apr.

1,180

1,180

1,110

1,080

1,040

1,110

1,220

1,180

May.

1,360

1,250

1,320

1,140

1,180

1,040

1,140

1,040

1,040

1,110

980

920

742

635

538

490

460

380

430

405

495

520

635

698

1,010

1,580

1,320

1,110

950

980

865

June.

815

815

865

980

1,110

1,490

3,990

S Ofift

7,120

7,120

7,650

7,120

5,500

6,120

5,960

6,280

5,960

5,960

6,780

8,550

9,660

8,550

6,950

5,650

5,650

5,060

4,640

2,730

2,940

July.

2,730

2,540

2,140

2,540

4,780

9,470

9,100

7,480

6,440

5,800

5,000

3,680

1,920

1,240

980

670

560

430

380

325

280

250

220

230

225

250

240

220

210

210

210

Aug.

210

200

200

200

200

200

180

200

205

270

260

230

230

200

200

180

180

180

205

570

740

780

570

395

340

280

250

230

220

205

180

Sept.

180

190

205

245

390

960

1,130

1,500

1,580

2,000

2,360

2,500

2,650

3,040

3,440

3,780

4,540

4,380

3,860

3,500

3,160

2,730

2,540

2,290

2,010

2,010

1,830

1,720

1,630

1,540

Oct.

1,450

1,290

1,220

1,220

1,220

1,180

1,250

1,250

1,180

1,490

1,290

1,320

1,360

1,320

1,630

1,630

1,630

1,220

1,140

1,080

1,080

1,040

980

980

1,010

980

1,010

980

950

950

892

Nov.

892

892

950

950

950

4320

950

950

892

892

892

892

892

950

1,010

950

1,010

980

980

980

1,040

1,010

1,080

1,080

1,010

1,010

1,010

1,010

1,010

1,080

Dec.

1,080

1,110

1,140

1,080

1,012

950

1,012

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

920

840

865

865

865

892

865

892

950

950

950

950

950

950

980

NOTE. The above discharges are based on a curve that is fairly well defined between 635 and 4,000 secondfeet, applicable Jan. 1 to July 11 and Sept. 21 to Dec. 31. Indirect method for shifting channels used July 

12 to Sept. 20. Discharges estimated Dec. 8 to 16.

Monthly discharge of South Platte River near Kersey, Colo., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 9,470 square miles.]

Month.

Apr. 22-30.................

Mliy.. ......................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,220 

1,580 

9,660 

9,470 

780 

4; 380 

1,630 

1,080 

1,140

Minim vim.

1,040 

380 

815 

210 

180 

180 

892 

892 

840

Mean.

1,130 

894 

5,030 

2,280 

280 

2,130 

1,200 

970 

1,000

Per 

square 

mile.

0.119 

.094 

.531 

.241 

.030 

.225 

.127 

,102 

.106

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.04 

.11 

.59 

.28 

.03 

.25 

.15 

.11 

.12

Total in 

acre-feet.

20,200 

55,000 

299,000 

140,000 

17,200 

127,000 

73,800 

57,700 

61,500

851,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

C.
230 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI. 

SO^TH PLATTE RIVER AT JTTLESBTTRG, OOLO.

This station, which is located 1 mile south of Julesburg, Colo., in 

T. 12 N., R. 44 W., below all irrigation ditches taking water from the 

South Platte in Colorado except one, was established April 2, 1902, 

but was not in operation during 1907. It was reestablished on May 

2, 1908, at a new pile bridge about 2,000 feet upstream from the old 

location.

The greatest value of this station lies in the fact that it is situated 

less than a mile from the Colorado-Nebraska line, and its records therefore show the amount of water passing into Nebraska. It has also 

some importance in obtaining data on the flow of return waters.

All the tributaries for 100 miles or more above the station are intermittent streams and none is of any importance. The same may be 

said of the tributaries between Julesburg and North Platte, where the 

river joins the North Platte River to form the Platte. The drainage 

area at Julesburg is 20,600 square miles. Numerous irrigation systems and reservoirs are located on the South Platte and tributaries 

above Julesburg for a distance of 250 miles. In 1907 more than 

900,000 acres were irrigated in this valley. Nearly 450,000 acre-feet 

were stored in reservoirs, and over half of this quantity was used for 

irrigation in that year. Additional rights can not be provided for in 

the South Platte Valley without constructing reservoirs to store 

surplus flood waters.

The flow of the river at Julesburg during the irrigation season 

depends on the amount of water diverted above and is likely to be 

small except when the river is in flood. During the nonirrigating 

season considerable water is diverted by feeder canals to storage 

reservoirs from the main river or its tributaries or is intercepted by 

reservoirs on the tributaries.

The river is usually frozen over wholly or in part for two or three 

months during the winter.

When the station was reestablished in 1908 the gage was moved 

2,000 feet upstream and it is in no way referred to the old gage. 

However, the recorded gage heights give no indication of the discharge 

of the river from one season to the next because of the sandy and 

extremely shifting character of the stream bed. In low water the 

river consists of a number of small rivulets flowing between sand bars. 

In order to procure reliable results measurements should be taken as 

often as once every two weeks throughout the year. They are made 

from the bridge at high stages and by wading when the river is low.
MISSOURI HIVEB BASIN. 231

measurements of South Platte River at Juksburg, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 25«

Mar. 20

Apr. 23

May 24

June IS

26

25

Nov. 13

Hydrographer.

.....do...--...--..---....--.........--....-.--..--.....-...

.....do.............---.....-.........----....--....-....-..

.....do.....................................................

.....do.................-...---..--......--....--..--....-..

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do......................--..-.--......--..-.....---....

Width.

Feet. 

361

420

718

340

1,440

1,350

896

267

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

274

376

636

136

1,910

1,920

167

1,200

574

380

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.70

2.25

2.53

1.50

3.38

3.36

1.20

3.05

2.40

3.20

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

298

760

1,270

1«4

4,710

4,580

276

2,960

1,190

800

«Ice conditions.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Pl&tte River at Julesburg, Colo., for 1909. 

[Mrs. M. C. Wood, observer.]

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.

3.0

3.06

3.1

3.0

Feb.

2.7

Mar.

3.05

2.85

2.50

2.25

9 an

9 dn

9 4K

Apr.

2.35

2.35

2,6

2 65

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.55

9 ^

2.3

May.

2.4

2

1 C

1 9

1.9

1.65

1.55

1.5

1.4

June.

1.36

2.80

3.60

3.40

3.35

3.30

3.35

0 1ft

3.05

0 ft

2.85

July.

2.7

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.3

3.2

3.0

2.85

2.7

2.5

2.15

1 %

1 41

1.15

1.10

1.0

.95

Aug.

0.85

1.2

1.1

Sept.

1.15

2.6

2.75

2.85

2.9

2.9

2.95

3.1

3.05

3.05

3

ftC

9 Q^

2.85

2.75

2

7R

2.6-

Oct.

2.6

2.45

2.4

2.45

2.46

2.45

2.15

2.15

2.20

2.25

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.35

2.40

2.40

2.45

2.45

Nov.

2.3

2.5

2 46

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.6

2.6

2.45

2.6

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.6

Dee.

2.65

2.6

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

3.4

3.4

3.42

3.45

. lee eowiitiens Jan. 1 to Mar. 19 and Dec. 1 to 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Platte River at Julesburg, Colo., for 1909.

Day.

1... ........................

2.........................

3...........................

4...........................

5...........................

6...........................

7...........................

8...........................

9...........................

10...........................

Mar. Apr.

1,040

1,020

1,000

980

960

940

920

905

905

905

May.

890

920

950

980

910

840

770

700

640

June.

80

76

73

70

310

550

7on

1,030

1,270

1,510

July.

1,680

1,080

980

905

865

830

1 800

2,760

3,730

5,420

Aug. Sept. Oct.

1,570

1,500

1,430

1,360

1,280

1,190

1,280

1,280

1,280

1,140

Nov.

1,060

1,040

1,200

1,370

1,280

1,250

1,220

1,190

1,190

1,190
232 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Platte River at Julesburg, Colo., for 1909 

Continued.

Day.

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16...........................

17... ........................

18...........................

19...........................

20...........................

21 ...........................

22...........................

23...........................

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

38...........................

29...........................

30...........................

31...........................

Mar.

765

800

870

QAK

980

980

1,030

1,080

1,060

1,050

Apr.

985

1,070

1,150

1 oqn

1,310

1,400

1,540

1,400

1,320

1,240

1,170

1,170

1,280

1,130

980

830

830

830

830

830

May.

KEK

470

380

380

325

270

210

190

170

155

150

140

1 ^n

122

114

106

98

90

87

83

June.

1,740

1,980

3,330

4,680

6,040

5,430

4,820

4,540

4,250

4,320

4,390

4,460

4,540

4,540

4,540

3,220

2,750

2,160

July.

4,530

3,640

2,750

2,160

1,680

1,170

640

Aug. Sept.

1,570

1,760

1,960

2,260

2,430

2,430

2,620

2,920

3,230

3,020

3,020

3,020

2,620

2,260

1,960

1,960

1,570

Oct.

1,000

855

855

882

910

942

975

1,050

1,120

1,190

1,190

1,190

1,120

1,160

1,190

1,190

1,280

1,280

1,230

1,180

1,130

Nov.

1,190

1,190

1,190

1,260

1,320

1,390

1,450

1,510

1,570

1,570

1,430

1,280

1,570

1,470

1,370

1,400

1,430

1,470

1,570

1,570

NOTE. These discharges are based on two rating curves that are fairly well denned, applicable as follows: Mar. 20 to June 26 and June 27 to Nov. 30; discharge, July 18 to Aug. 31, low but very uncertain 

as to quantity. Discharges interpolated for days when gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of South Platte River at Julesburg, Colo., for 1909.

Month.

March 20-31 .......................................

April..............................................

July 1-17. .........................................

September 14-30. ..................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,080 

1,540 

980 

6,040 

5,420 

3,230 

1,570 

1,570

Minimum.

765 

830 

83 

70 

640 

1,570 

855 

1,040

Mean.

1,030 

1,070 

421 

2,830 

2,150 

2,390 

1,170 

1,340

Kun-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

22,500 

63,700 

25,900 

168,000 

72,500 

80,600 

71,900 

79,700

Accuracy.

QQQQQQQQ

NORTH FORK OF SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AT CASSELLS, COLO.

This station, which is located at a private highway bridge at 

Cassells, Colo., was established July 4, 1908, to determine the value 

of the stream for power development.

Geneva Creek, one of the most important tributaries, comes in 

about 2 miles above, and supplies a large part of the water passing 

the station.

The drainage area above the basin comprises 100 square miles, a 

considerable part of which is timbered. No diversions of any importance are made above this point on the main stream or any of its 

tributaries, but many filings have been made for power sites, especially on Geneva Creek. Additional power sites are, however, probably available.

The stream is liable to freeze over from the middle of November 

to the 1st of April.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 233

No change has been made in the datum of the gage since it was 

first established. The vertical rod gage originally installed was 

replaced in December, 1908, by a chain gage on the bridge.

Very good results should be obtained except in.extremely high 

water. Measurements can be taken by wading the greater part of 

the year (PL I, B) , those at the higher stages being taken from the 

bridge. Frequent measurements are necessary to determine the 

winter flow accurately.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of South Platte River at Cassells, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 1«

3a

27o

28o

29a

29o

Feb. 28o

28o

Mar. 1

Apr. 116

126

126

May 9

10

31

July 5

16

18

Oct. 17

20

7o

Hydrographer.

W. B. Freeman... . ........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.................................. ..................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

W. B. Freeman... . ........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do................................. ...................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do. ....... ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

...;.do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.. .-..do. ..................................................... .

.....do................................................ . ...

J. B. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

18

18

8.6

9

9

14

10

11

10

20

14

23

29

34

44

32

28

41

43

29

46

28

30

28

26

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

12

12

9

7.4

9.6

15

11

13

9.3

14

13

24

61

45

57

84

92

52

54

73

56

55

56

34

52

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.10

1.07

1.28

1.10

1.40

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.40

.90

.90

1.10

1.48

1.50

1.79

2.30

2.60

1.70

1.78

2.03

1.80

1.60

1.45

2.45

3.35

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

19

18

15

14

14

18

12

11

11

23

14

50

110

96

188

395

525

147

181

259

173

88

76

43

39

o Ice conditions. 6 Slush ice in the morning.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of South Platte River at Cassells, Colo., for 1909.

[Miss Lulu Cassell, observer.]

Day.

1. ..............

2.... ...........

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10.......... ....

11....... .. .

12........ ......

13...............

14.......... .

15............ ..

16........ ......

17........... ...

18...............

19...............

20...............

Jan.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1:05

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.1

1.05

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

Feb.

1.3

1.25

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

' 1.3

1.35

1.45

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.3

1.4

1.25

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

Mar.

1.4

1.25

1.5

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.25

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.1

1.0

Apr.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

.7

.85

1.0

1.0

1.0 1.1

.9

1.0

.85

.85

.9

1.0

1.45

1.25

1.25

1.1

May.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.35

1.5

1.4

1.5

1.55

1.5

1.5

L65

1.6

1.55

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.65

1.8

1.75

1-8

June.

1.8

1.8

2.05

2,35

2.55

2.3

2.45

2.7

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.3

2.25

2.4

2.75

2.75

2.8

July.

2.55

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.35

2.8

2.55

2.55

2.25

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.05

Aug.

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

i:s

2.05

2.0

2.35

2.05

Sept.

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.8

2.0

2.1

2.45

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.25

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.1

2.05

2.1

2.05

Oct.

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.55

1.45

1.4

Nov.

1.35

1.3

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.5

1.7

1.6

1.75

1.65

1.4

1.3

Dec.

1.15

1.2

1.4

1.2

2.1

3.2

3.3

3.6

3.3

2.9

2.3

2.6

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.25
234 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, infeet, of North Fork of South Ptotte River at Cassells, Co<,o., for 1909 

Continued.

Day.

21...............

22. ..............

28...............

24...............

25...............

26. ..............

27...............

.28.. .............

29. ..............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.0

1.05

1.25

1.15

1.45

1.5

1 4

Feb.

1.45

1.4

1.3

1.4

1.1

1.35

1.5

1.5

Mar.

1.0

1.0

1.0

g

.95

.95

.85

.8

.8

.85

Apr.

1.15

1 05

.95

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.3

1.4

1.3

1.2

May.

1.8

1.95

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.8

June.

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.65

2. 7

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.S

2.6

July.

2,0

2.15

2.1

2.05

2 1

2.0

2.0

1.9

2.1

1.9

1.75

Aug.

1.95

2.05

2.0

2.05

1.9

1.8

1.75

1.9

1.8

1.85

1.8

Sept.

2.1

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

Oct.

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

Nov.

1.3

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.2S

1.2

Dec.

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.35

1.15

1.0

1.7

1.65

1.25

1.15

1.15

NOTE. Ice conditions January 1 to March 26 and November 14 to December 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of South Platte River at Cassells, Colo.,

for 1909.

Day.

l........ .......

2...............

3...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

10. ..............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18....... ........

19...............

20...............

21...............

22

23...............

24. ..............

25.. .............

26...............

27. ..............

28...............

29. ..............

3D. ..............

31...............

Jan.

19

19

18

16

16

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

16

19

13

18

15

15

15

15

12

12

14

12

14

15

14

16

17

14

Feb.

14

14

14

u

u

1.4

U

14

14

15

15

15

15

12

12

12

12

12

12

11

12

11

11

11

10

10

U

12

Mar.

11

12

12

11

11

11

11

12

14

16

14

14

16

16

17

17

18

1«

19

18

18

18

18

19

19

20

16

16

20

18

Apr.

24

24

24

24

8

20

34

34

34

46

24

34

20

20

24

a4

09

67

67

46

53

40

29

34

46

46

74

90

74

60

May.

60

60

60

82

108

90

108

119

108

108

142

130

119

130

108

130

142

182

168

182

182

y&i

214

182

154

154

168

182

198

100

182

June.

182

1S2

270

420

545

390

480

650

450

450

450

420

420

420

390

365

450

685

685

720

650

6SO

580

615

658

510

510

510

510

580

July.

545

510

545

580

510

519

519

420

720

545

545

365

340

325

305

290

250

250

250

270

oefl

815

290

270

290

250

250

2U

214

168

Aug.

168

154

154

154

168

130

168

130

168

154

154

154

154

154

182

182

270

250

420

270

232

270

250

270

214

182

168

214

182

198

182

Sept.

182

16.8

188

182

250

290

480

420

390

390

365

340

365

290

290

270

280

270

290

220

290

250

232

214

214

182

182

182 too

1&4

Get.

142

142

134

154

r<2

1?0

13D

19S

WO

130

m

m

166

108

108

130

119

99

90

90

90

82

90

74

74

82

74

67

67

67

Nov.

82

74

90

$2

74

74

90

®>

(JO

7.4

 Z4

74

8?

106

149

125

164

137

89

75

75

54

48

48

4ft

48

54

48«y

61

Dec.

54

52

49

46

43

40

40

40

40

40

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

QA

30

30

NOTE. Discharges during the frozen period partly estimated from discharge measurement and partly 

computed by shifting ehannel methods. The open-channel estimates are baaed" oo a curve that is fairly 

well defined.
MISSOURI BIVEB BASIN. 235 

Monthly discharge of North Fork of South Platte River at Cassells, Colo., for 1909.

Month.

March. ............................................

April ..............................................

May...............................................

June. ..............................................

July. ..............................................

October. ................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

19 

15 

20 

99 

232 

720 

720 

420 

480 

154 

164

720

Minimum.

12 

10 

11 

8 

60 

182 

168 

130 

154 

67 

48

Mean.

14.8 

12.8 

15.6 

41.8 

141 

493 

367 

197 

268 

188 

78.6 

36.3

148

Run-ofl

(total in 

acre-feet.

910 

711 

959 

2,490 

8,670 

29,300 

22,600 

12,100 

15,900 

6,640 

4,680 

2,230

107,000

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C. 

C.

NORTH FORK OF SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AT SOUTH PLATTE, COLO.

This station, which was established June 4, 1909, to show the 

total run-off of the creek available for power and storage and, in connection with the records at the station on the South Fork of the 

South Platte, to serve as a check on the South Platte station below 

the forks, is located about one-third mile above the mouth of the 

stream. The station is maintained in cooperation with the Denver 

Power & Irrigation Co.

The drainage area above the station is about 450 square miles.

Measurements are made from a cable 100 yards upstream from the 

inclined rod gage and by wading. The channel is quite shifting in 

character and the results obtained have not been very satisfactory. 

Ice affects the gage heights for several months during the winter. 

The datum has remained constant since the station was established.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo. f

in 1909.

Date.

1909.

9

14

26

July 28

Aug. 14

Sept. 7

27

Oct. 16

Nov. 196

Dec. 15*

Hydrographer.

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

R. C. Miles. ...............................................

G. H. Russell. ............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

I. B. Stewart. .............................................

G. H. RurseU. ............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

19

58

75

70

70

70

55

59

79

65

61

45.5

15

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

21.8

78

153

178

135

174

88

89

193

110

90

54

31

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.87

4.00

3.65

3.80

2.60

2.40

4.55

3.30

2.60

2.20

2.10

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

23

161

870

1,060

628

948

253

265

1,190

488

261

123

68

a Made by wading. Made by wading. Ice along edges.
236 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,

for 1909.

[Miss E. H. Jardine, observer.]

Day.

1

2

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8--..

9....

10....

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

June.

"s.T"

3.85

3.8

3.9

3.75

3.95

3.6

3.75

3.55

3.6

3.7

3.65

July.

3.55

3.45

3.65

4.2

3.6

3.6

3.45

3.35

3.85

3.6

3.35

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.05

Aug.

9 A

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.65

2.5

2.55

2.4

2.4

Sept.

2.8

2.7

2.85

3.05

3.4

3.3

4.35

3.85

3.95

4.0

3.9

3.85

4.2

4.1

4.15

Oct.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.7

Nov.

9 3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.35

2.3

2.05

2.15

2.1

1.95

2.1

Dec.

2 9

2.15

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.9

2.0

1.9

2.2

2.35

2.05

1.8

2.1

2.1

2.1

Day.

16....

17....

18....

19....

20....

21....

22....

23....

24....

25....

26....

27-...

28....

29....

30....

31....

June.

3.6

3.75

3.7

4.05

4.1

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.75

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.5

July.

2.95

2.75

2.7

2.7

2 9

2.75

2.7

3.15

3.15

3.0

2.9

2.75

2.65

2.85

2.7

2.65

Aug.

2.4

3.1

3.25

3.9

3.25

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.1

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.75

Sept.

4.1

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.75

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.3 '

3.25

3.25

Oct.

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

Nov.

2.1

2.2

2.4

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.8

2.2

2.2

Dec.

2.2

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.8

2.7

NOTE. Ice December 9 to 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of South Platte River at South Platte,

Colo., for 1909.

Day.

1

2

3

4....

5....

6....

7....

8-...

9....

10....

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

June.

630

860

860

940

900

1,040

800

830

680

660

650

655

July.

780

Ton /OU

830

1,1*

780

780

7<J#

66CL

8§P

760

640

580

500

500

480

Aug.

270

270

240

210

220

225

230

240 " -275

280

340

290

315

265

250

Sept.

355

315

380

460

640

560

1,090

815

865

890

840

815

970

920

950

Oct.

450

450

465

465

420

380

390

395

360

360

370

340

320

300

300

Nov.

160

160

160

160

130

130

130

117

170

160

98

117

107

80

107

Dec.

130

117

107

87

72

72

87

72

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

Day.

16.. .

17.. .

18.. .

19.. .

20.. .

21....

22....

23....

24....

25....

26...

27...

28...

29...

30...

31

June.

640

730

730

930

980

890

860

830

850

920

920

820

800

770

770

July.

440

335

315

315

395

320

300

490

490

410

365

310

270

350

295

285

Aug.

250

490

610

930

610

520

520

520

470

520

410

385

385

385

340

335

Sept.

920

870

800

750

720

700

675

630

590

540

535

510

500

470

470

Oct.

280

260

260

260

260

260

220

220

190

190

190

160

160

160

160

160

Nov.

107

130

190

130

130

145

130

107

107

87

87

80

58

130

130

Dec.

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

70

NOTE. A discharge curve, fairly well defined, with the indirect method for shifting channels used. 

Discharges estimated Dec. 9 to 31.

Monthly discharge of North Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo., for 1909.

Month.

July...............................................

September. ........................ .

November. ........... .......... . . .

The period ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,040 

1,120 

930 

1,090 

465 

190 

130

Minimum.

630 

270 

210 

315 

160 

58

Mean.

813 

530 

374 

685 

295 

124 

75.9

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

43,500 

32,600 

23,000 

40,800 

18, 100 

7,380 

4,670

170,000

Accuracy.

0000000
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 237

GENEVA CREEK ABOVE JACKWHACKER CREEK, NEAR GRANT, COLO.

A temporary station was established on Geneva Creek August 17f 

1909, to obtain run-off and power data. It is located 100 feet above 

the mouth of Jackwhacker Creek, 12 miles above Grant, Colo.

The vertical staff gage has remained unchanged in datum and 

location since the station was established. Discharge measurements 

are made by wading.

Discharge measurements of Geneva Creek above Jackwhacker Creek, near Grant, Colo.,

in 1909.

Date.

Oct. 19

Hydrographer.

J. B. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

17

10

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

10

4.1

height.

Feet. 

0.82

.55

Discharge.

Sec. ft. 

19.7

6.6

Daily gage height, in feet, of Geneva Creek above Jackwhacker Creek, near Grant, >G&lo,,

for 1909.

[Edward Sullivan, observer.]

Day.

1............

2............

3............

6............

7............

8............

9............

10............

Aug. Sept. Oct.

0.70

.65

Day.

11............

13............

14............

15............

16............

17............

18............

19............

20............

Aug.

0.82

.90

Sept. Oct. Day.

21............

22............

23............

24............

25............

26............

27............

28............

29............

30............

31............

Aug. Sept.

0.30

Oct.

0.55

.50

GENEVA CREEK AT OLD GENEVA SMELTER, NEAR GRANT, COLO.

This is a temporary station, established August 17, 1909, to 

determine the amount of water available for storage and power 

development, and is located a short distance below the mouth of 

Smelter Creek, and 10 miles above Grant, Colo.

The vertical staff gage has remained ,in the same position since 

the establishment of the station. Discharge measurements are made 

by wading.

The stream is covered with ice and snow for several months every 

winter.

Discharge measurements of Geneva Creek at Old Geneva smelter, near Grant, Colo.,

in 1909.

Date.

Aug. 17

Oct. 19

Hydrographer.

J. B. Stewart. . ............................................

Width.

Feet.

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

15

8

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.78

1.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

37

12.8
238 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Geneva Creek at Old Geneva smelter, near Grant, Goto.,

for 1909.

[Edward Sullivan, observer.]

Day.

1..,.. .......

2............

3............

4............

5............

6............

7............

8.. ..........

9............

10............

Aug. Sept. Oct.

1.5

1.45

Day.

11............

12............

13............

14............

15............

16............

17............

18............

19............

20............

Aug.

0.8

2.0

Sept. Oct.

1.5

1.35

Day.

21............

22............

23............

24.. ......... .

25............

26............

27............

28............

29............

30............

31............

Aug. Sept.

1.6

Oct.

1.4

1.4

GENEVA CREEK AT SULLIVAN'S RANCH, NEAR GRANT, COLO.

This station, which is located at Sullivan's ranch, 3| miles above 

Grant, Colo., in T. 6 S., R. 74 W., was established July 5, 1908, to 

obtain data concerning the run-off from a small mountain drainage 

area and also to determine-the flow available for power development.

The station is about 3£ miles above the confluence of Geneva 

Creek with the North Fork of the South Platte, about 50 feet below 

the mouth of Gold Run, or Threemile Creek, and about a mile below 

the mouth of Scott Gomer Gulch, which is called on some of the old 

maps the North Fork of the South Platte. The drainage area, 

which is very mountainous and part of which area is heavily timbered, comprises 49 square miles above the station.

No water is diverted above the station. Several power sites have 

been filed on, but the stage of construction at none of these has yet 

been reached. The creek has a fall of 900 feet in the last 4 miles, 

and a very much greater fall above. With proper storage it will be 

possible to develop 10,000 horsepower during a six months' period. 

The development of the Continental reservoir site, about 3 miles 

above the station, is under consideration.

The creek is frozen wholly or in part for four or five months during 

the year.

The datum or position of the vertical rod gage has not been changed 

since the station was established.

Very good results should be obtained except at very high stages, 

when the current is likely to be swift. Measurements can be made 

by wading at most seasons of the year, but for flood measurements a 

cable must be installed. Such high-water measurements as there 

are have been made from the highway bridge at Grant, 3J miles 

downstream.
MISSOUBI EI7-EB BASIN. 239 

Discharge measurements of Geneva Creek at $wJ&#sw'« rcmefa, ne&r Grant, Cote., in 1909.

Date.

28«

Feb. 28»

30

16

Bfec. 6&

Hydfographar.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width,

Feet.

m1211

19.8

43«^,s

22.5

42

38

43.5

29.5

21

Area of 

semofl.

Sy.ft. 

7.6

9.4

7.7

12.6

17.8

41.4

48

. 51

43

42

41

31

44.5

Gage

Feet.

1.07

1.85

1.85

1.20

1.20

1.20

.90

1.88

Discharge.

Sec.ft.

11.9

9.4

22.6

55

123

297

325

110

114

123

66

27.5

o Measurement made at Grant, Colo. 6 tbe.

Daily gaffe height, in feet, of Geneva Creek at Sullivan's ranch, new Grant, Colo., far 1909.

[M. A. Sullivan, observer.]

Day.

2.............. ......................

3....................................

4......... ...........................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

12....................................

13....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17. ...................................

1C

20. ...................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24.................................... 9<;

26. ...................................

27....................................

28....................................

29. ...................................

30..........-..........----..--..-....

31....................................

May.

1.6S

June.

1.20

1.85

1.55

1.80

1 Q%

i on

1.95

2.20

1.80

1.75

1.65

1 80

1.90

1.85

1.65

1 fifl

1 <K

2 in

2 it

2.30

2.10

1.90

2.00

2.00

1 90

1 90

1.85

1.96

July.

1.80

1.65

1.80

9 flft

1.95

1.95

1.85

1.76

2.25

1.85

1 80

1.75

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.55

1.45

1 40

1 45

1 45

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.65

1.50

1 VI

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.45

1.35

Aug.

1.30

1.25

1.20

1.15

1.25

1.20

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.20

1 45

1.30

1.25

1.28

1.25

1.30

1 liO

1.55

1.60

1 liO

1 §0

1 ff\

1.45

1.50

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.36

1.30

1.35

1 4/1

Sept.

1.30

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.50

1.45

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

l.Sfl 1.60

1.69

1.6ft

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.35

1 M\

1.46

1.45

1.40

Oct.

1.39

1.25

1.15

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.00

.90

1.00

1.05

1.00

§5

.95

.95

.95

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.85

.85

.80

.80

.80

.70

.80

.75

Nov.

t

Dee.

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.95

2.00

i.eo

1.80

1.80

.95

.95

.85

.75

.76

.70

.70

.70

NOTE. Ice during Deeember.
240 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Geneva Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo.,for

1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

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.........

July.

47

47

47

47

47

54

47

47

60

60

60

60

54

60

60

60

60

54

60

54

68

54

54

54

47

35

35

35

35

54

54

Aug.

54

54

47

47

47

60

54

47

47

47

47

47

54

47

60

60

75

68

60

60

47

47

47

47

41

47

41

35

41

41

Sept.

35

41

41

47

41

35

30

35

on

35

25

25

35

35

35

35

30

25

25

25

25

25

25

35

25

30

25

25

Oct.

30

25

25

00

22

OK

22

25

OK

25

25

25

25

22

25

OK

25

OK

30

25

35

25

25

25

91

OK

25

25

^n

35

Nov.

35

25

25

OK

30

25

Ofl

25

OK

QC

OK

30

25

25

f)K

25

OK

25

20

20

20

20

20

11

15

15

15

15

Dec.

15

15

T?

15

15

15

15

T?

T?

15

T?

15

15

15

15

T?

15

15

15

15

15

15

12

12

12

12

12

11

14

14

14

Day.

1909. 

1.......

2.......

5.......

6.......

9

10.......

11.......

19

1 °.

14.......

15.......

16.......

17.......

18.......

19

20.......

21.......

22.......

00 -

24. ......

25.......

26. ......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

31.......

June.

151

184

232

OAK

333

320

QQO

°95

OQO

258

90S

320

308

258

308

<M1

374

389

436

374

320

346

374

346

320

320

308

320

320

July.

295

258

295

346

333

333

308

282

420

268

255

242

230

230

230

192

170

158

170

170

182

206

230

218

182

182

182

182

206

170 147

Aug.

136

126

116

107

126

116

107

107

107

116

170

126

126

126

136

182

192

206

182

182

170

182

147

136

136

136

136

147

158

Sept.

136

126

116

116 182

170

230

206

206

206

182

206

206

206

182

182

182

182

158

158

136

136

136

136

126

158

170

170

158

Oct.

136

126

107

QQ

98

98

Oft

81

66

81

on

HI

74

74

74

74

74

66

66

66

66

66

KQ

59

52

19

52

40

52

46

46

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows:

July 5 to November 14, 1908, and June 1 to July 9, 1909, not well defined.

July 10 to October 31, 1909, not well defined.

July 1 to 4, 1908, interpolated.

November 15 to December 31,1908, estimated on account of ice conditions.

Monthly discharge of Geneva Creek near Grant, Colo.,for 1908-9.

Month.

1908. 

July...............................................

1909.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

September... . .....................................

The year. ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

68 

75 

47 

35

436 

420 

206 

230 

136

Minimum.

35 

35 

25 

22

151 

158 

107 

116 

40

Mean.

51.9 

50.6 

31.5 

25.6 

24.0 

14.3

11.3 

9 

10.5 

30 

97 

315 

235 

144 

167 

74.8 

57 

24.4

97.9

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,190 

3,110

1,870 

1,570 

1,430 

879

12,000

695 

500 

646 

1,790 

5,960 

18,700 

14,400 

8,850 

9,940 

4,600 

3,390 

1,500

71,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

D. 

D. 

D. 

D. 

D. 

C. 

C. 

C.

8; D. 

D.

NOTE. Monthly discharge for 1908 supersedes that published in Water-Supply Paper 246. Means for 

January, February, March, April, May, November, ana December, 1909, estimated.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 241

SHELTER CREEK NEAR GRANT, COLO.

A temporary station on Smelter Creek, about one-fourth mile 

above its confluence with Geneva Creek at the old Geneva smelter, 

10 miles above Grant, Colo., was established August 17, 1909.

None of the water in this stream has been diverted for any purpose, but some opportunity is presented for power development on 

account of the precipitous character of the stream bed.

There has been no change in the location of the vertical staff 

gage since the station was established. Discharge measurements 

are made by wading.

The stream is covered with ice and snow for several months during 

the winter season.

Discharge measurements of Smelter Creek near Grant, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

Aug. 17

Oct. 19

Hydrographer.

W. B. Freeman.... . .......................................

J. B. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

11

11

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

7.2

4.8

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.78

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

12

3.6

Daily gage height, in feet, of Smelter Creek near Grant, Colo., for 1909. 

[Edward Sullivan, observer.]

Day.

1.... ........

2............

3............

4............

5............

6............

7............ 

8............

9............

10............

Aug. Sept. Oct.

0.7

.8

.8

Day.

11............

12............

13............

14............

15.........'...

16............

17............

18............

19............

20............

Aug.

0.78

.87

Sept. Oct.

0.7

Day.

21............

22............

23............

24............

25............

26............

27............ 

28............

29............

30............

31............

Aug. Sept. Oct.

0.7

«5

DUCK LAKE CREEK NEAR GRANT, COLO.

Duck Lake Creek has a total drainage area of about 8 square miles, 

at an elevation varying between 9,700 and 13,000 feet.

It is proposed to make a storage reservoir out of Duck Lake, which 

is about 5 miles above the mouth of the stream, at an elevation of 

.11,000 feet.

A temporary station was established August 17, 1909, about 50 

yards above the confluence of Duck Lake Creek with Geneva Creek, 

about 7 miles above Grant, Colo.

A vertical staff gage is fastened to the crib abutment of an old 

bridge, and measurements are taken from a footlog at the gage 

or by wading.

84548° WSP 266 11 16
242 3UEFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET VI.

So far no water has been diverted from this creek, though filings 

have been made both for power and irrigation projects.

Discharge measurements of Duck Lake Creek near Grant, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

May 30

July 5

A riff 17

Oct. 19

60

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

8

11

12.5

2.8

8

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

5.2

12.6

14.0

7.1

3.1

5.05

height.

Feet.

1 30

1.00

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

9.3

35.1

36.7

6.5

3.9

4.5

olce. 

NOTE. Measurements were made at various sections.

SCOTT GOMER CREEK AT SULLIVAN'S RANCH, NEAR GRANT, COLO.

Scott Gomer Creek, an important tributary of Geneva Creek, has 

a total drainage area of 21 square miles, at elevations from 9,500 

to 14,000 feet. As the fall of this creek is large, it offers excellent 

opportunities for power development. At present no water is being 

diverted from the stream.

A temporary station, with a vertical staff gage, was established 

on Scott Gomer Creek, 3 miles above its mouth and three-eighths 

of a mile above the Geneva Power Co.'s dam site, August 16, 1909, 

to determine the amount of water available for power development.

As the location was very inaccessible, another vertical rod gage 

was established on September 4, 1909, at the highway bridge, onefourth mile above the junction of the stream with Geneva Creek. 

The station is one mile above Sullivan's ranch which is 3^ miles 

above Grant. Several small tributaries come in between the two 

stations, but there are none below the lower one.

The creek is covered with ice and snow for several months each 

winter. Discharge measurements are made by wading.

Discharge measurements of Scott Gomer Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo.,

in 1909.

Date.

Oct. 19

Hydrographer.

J. B. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

25.5

6.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

26.2

4.6

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.90

1.37

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

19.6

7.5
MISSOUEI EIVER BASIN. 243 

CLEAR CREEK AT FORESCREEE, COLO.

This station, which is located at Forkscreek, Colo., in T. 3 S., R. 

71 W.; was established May 29, 1899, to determine the amount of 

water available for irrigation and power development.

This station is at a foot bridge a few hundred feet below the mouth 

of the North Fork. No other important tributaries enter between 

this fork and the mouth of the stream. For 13 miles below the 

station the creek flows in a deep canyon, falling in that distance 

1,225 feet. It then emerges into a broad valley, where the entire 

normal flow is used for irrigation. The drainage area above the 

station comprises a narrow strip of very mountainous country, composed entirely of granitic rock, in many places barren of soil and 

studded with heavy patches of coniferous timber, remnants of a once 

extensively forested area. This area is 345 square miles.

Two of the oldest mining districts in Colorado lie in this basin, and 

in these districts the waters of the upper tributaries of the stream 

have been used for mining. The stream now carries in suspension 

immense quantities of tailings and sediment, and the name Clear 

Creek has long been a misnomer.

The water is used to some extent for power, and 4,000 horsepower 

are at present developed by about a dozen small plants. Several 

other plants are planned or in the course of construction. By utilizing all the storage facilities on the stream above Forkscreek it will 

be possible to develop about 30,000 horsepower for six months during 

the year and 20,000 more between that point and its mouth.

The natural flow of the stream is more or less affected by storage 

in various ponds and reservoirs above. The creek is frozen over for 

three or four months during the winter.

On July 19, 1905, the gage was moved 30 feet upstream from its 

original location, but it is not likely that the relation of gage heights 

was materially affected thereby. This last gage, which is a chain 

gage fastened to the footbridge, is still in use. Very good results 

should be obtained at this station except in times of high water, when 

it is very difficult to measure, on account of the swiftness of the current 

As the channel is occasionally shifted by floods, new rating curves 

must from time to time be constructed.

The creek is subject to disastrous floods, due to the heavy rains in 

summer months, which frequently wash out the tracks of the Colorado 

& Southern Railway in the bottom of the canyon.
244 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of Clear Creek at Forkscreek, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

16

July 29

Aug. 12

Sept. 9

Nov. 16a

Hydrographer.

R. C. Miles .................................................

G. H. Russell .............................................

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

43

45

39

24

28

24

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

78

143

123

%

109

41

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.72

6.70

5.35

5.18

5.25

3.95

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

480

1,070

545

444

512

66

Daily gage height, in feet, of Clear Creek at Forkscreek, Colo., for 1909. 

[C. W. Hoisington, observer.]

Day.

I....................................

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....................................

Apr.

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.05

5.25

5.35

5.3

5.25

May.

5.2

5.25

5.3

5.25

5.3

5.4

5.45

5.5

5.4

5.45

5.45

5.4

5.45

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.5

5.6

5.65

5.8

5.8

5.9

6.0

6.0

5.9

5.9

5.9

6.0

6.0

5.85

5.8

June.

5.8

5.75

5.9

6.1

6.3

6.7

6.55

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.8

6.95

7.1

7.15

6.85

6.65

6.55

6.7

6.75

6.55

6.5

6.5

6.6

6.5

July.

6.5

6.45

6.5

6.95

6.65

6.55

6.45

6.4

6.35

6.25

6.0

5.9

5.8

5.7

5.6

5.6

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.5

5.6

5.7

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.3

5.25

5.25

Aug.

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.2

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.0

5.15

5.45

5.5

5.4

5.3

5.25

5.2

5.2

5.15

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

Sept.

4.9

4.9

5.0

5.1

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.25

5.2

5.35

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.15

5.15

 5.1

5.1

5.0

5.0

4.95

4.95

4.9

4.9

4.85

4.85

Oct.

4.85

4.85

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.75

4.75

4.7

4.7

4.65

4.65 4.6

4.6

4.55

4.5

4.5

4.45

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.35

4.35

4.35

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.35

4.35

4.3

4.3

Nov.

4.3

4.25

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.25

4.25

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.25

4.25

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.15

4.2

4.2

NOTE. Ice November 13 to December 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Clear Greek at Forkscreek, Colo., for 1909.

Day.

1.. ..................................

2.................................. .

3....................................

4... ...............................

5....................................

6.................................. .

7....................................

8.................................:..

9

10....................................

Apr. May.

190

210

230

210

230

270

290

310

270

290

June.

440

420

565

670

775

980

915

950

960

970

July.

1,020

995

1,020

1,250

1,090

1,110

1,020

990

960

910

Aug.

472

472

426

380

380

380

472

518

472

472

Sept.

334

334

380

426

472

518

564

564

518

495

Oct.

313

313

292

292

292

273

273

254

254

237

Nov.

140

128

140

140

140

128

128

116

116

116
MISSOURI RIVEE BASIN. 245 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Clear Creek at Forkscreek, Colo., for 1909 Contd.

Day.

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16. ...................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

so.....:..............................

31........... ........................

Apr.

160

130

130

130

130

145

210

245

230

210

May.

290

270

290

310

270

270

310

350

370

440

440

485

530

530

485

485

530

530

460

440

June.

975

980

1,040

1,050

1,060

1,070

1,130

1,210

1,280

1,320

1,160

1,060

1,030

1,100

1,130

1,030

1,000

1,000

1,070

1,020

July.

790

760

710

660

615

615

580

590

600

610

610

590

635

700

630

610

610

565

520

495

495

Aug.

472

472

472

426

426

380

449

588

612

564

518

495

472

472

449

426

380

380

380

334

334

Sept.

472

541

564

518

518

472

472

472

449

449

426

426

380

380

357

357

334

334

313

313

Oct.

237

220

220

205

190

190

177

164

164

164

164

152

152

152

 140

140

140

152

152

140

140

Nov.

116

116

100

75

70

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

NOTE. The above discharges are based on a curve faMy well defined, applicable July 30 to November 

12. Indirect method for shifting channels April 21 to July 29. Discharge estimated November 13 to 30.

Monthly discharge of Clear Creek at Forkscreek, Colo., for 1909.

Month.

April 21-30. .......................................

May...............................................

June ..............................................

July....................:..........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

245 

530 

1,320 

1,250 

612 

564 

313 

140

Minimum.

130 

190 

440 

495 

334 

313 

140

Mean.

172 

357 

979 

753 

450 

438 

205 

91.5

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,410 

22,000 

58,300 

46,300 

27,700 

26,100 

12,600 

5,440

202,000

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

NOTE. Discharge estimated November 13 to 30.

CLEAR CREEK NEAR GOLDEN, COLO.

This station, which was established about December 1, 1908, by 

the Denver Reservoir & Irrigation Co. and maintained throughout 

1909, is located about 2 miles above Golden, Colo. It is about 10 

miles below the Forkscreek station and above all irrigation diversions 

except one.

Several small tributaries which carry considerable water during 

the spring and early summer enter the stream between Forkscreek 

and this station. During the winter, when there is no water being 

diverted, however, the flow at the station should not differ greatly 

from the discharge at Forkscreek.

Gage heights have been obtained by means of a Lallie automatic 

gage, the datum of which has remained constant. Discharge measurements have been made from a cable near the gage.
246 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Though the flow is naturally affected by ice during the winter 

months, the channel has been kept quite open by a ditch rider 

employed by the company.

The records are published practically as furnished by the company, 

the only modifications being to make them conform to the rule of 

three significant figures in use by the United States Geological Survey.

Discharge measurements of Clear Creek near Golden, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

26

30

Feb. 2

6

11

13

16

17

23

Mar. 1

5

9

13

17

20

23

26

Apr. 1

6

12

23

24

May 1

4

9

12

20

22

30

8

15

18

July 7

9

19

20

31

Aug. 8

10

23

28

Hydrographer.

.....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.... ...................................................... .-...do...........................................:.............. .....at)............................................. .............

.....do............................ .............................

.....do..........................................................

.....do............................ .............................

Ripple. .... ....................................................

.....do............................................................

.....do..........................................................

.....do..:.......................................................

.....do.....................................................::...

.....do..........................................................

.....do.......................................................... .....do................................::.....................:..

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

29.4

42.9

22.3

34.8

25.2

25.2

46.2

43.8

43.8

39.0

54.3

52.8

36.9

50.2

46.2

49.2

44.4

47.5

44.1

44.1

28.7

39.0

36.0

42.5

43.2

50.2

54.5

86.1

86.1

102

105

166

166

166

171

172

155

112 "

120

79.5

70.6

84.2

85.1

77.6

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.11

1.43

0.94

1.28

1.07

1.40

1.32

1.20

1.14

1.13

1.25

1.11

1.09

1.30

1.04

1.10

1.04

1.09

1.02

1.04

1.13

1.37

1.39

1.50

1.48

1.90

1.93

2.46

2.53

2.69

2.73

3.69

3.73

3.70

4.10

4.10

3.80

3.05

3.20

2.51

2.25

2.52

2.55

2.38

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

58

78

21

60

24

42

71

59 56

47

74

59

44

67

50

55

46

56

53

53

60

131

111

143

136

193

223

480

468

532

542

1,250

1,340

1,340

1,600

1,190

1,080

588

702

497

306

419

424

357

Daily gage height, in feet, of Clear Creek near Golden, Colo., for 1909. 

[Stanley Krajicek, observer.]

Day.

1...... .........

2... ............

3

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9

10. ..............

Jan.

1.07

1.25

1.20

1.11

1.14

1.17

1 34

1.26

1.21

1.20

Feb.

1.31

1.28

1.31

1.30

1 25

1.10

1.13

1.45

1 ^

1.16

Mar.

1 1 ^

1.16

1.19

1 30

1.16

1 10

1.00

1.10

1.18

Apr.

1.07

1.10

1.20

1.21

1 21

1.10

1.14

1.05

1.08

1.21

May.

1.61

1 AQ

1 J9

1.56

1 7Q

1 84

2 10

2 00

1 ft7

1.84

June.

2

AQ

2.52

2.90

3 AD

3.28

3

01

3.65

3.53

July.

3.85

4.12

4 75

4 90

4.80

4 35

A on

4.26

4.10

Aug.

2.06

2 10

9 19

2.39

2 CO

9 7ft

2.34

2.21

Sept.

2

qe

2.29

2.11

2 20

3.00

3 nn

2 77

2. 75

Oct.

2

f\A

2.10

2.08

2.03

2 fi1

1 QO

1 97

2 ni

2 00

2.03

Nov.

1 11

1 O.Q

1 43

1 AK.

1 41

1 43

1 49

1.41

Dec.

1 JO

1 43

1.26

i ^i

1 OK

1.42

1.42

1.45
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 247 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Clear Creek near Golden, Colo.,for 1909 Continued.

Day.

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21. ..............

22...............

23...............

24............... 

25...............

26...............

27... ............ 

28...............

29...............

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

1.18

1.21

1.12

1.11

1.39

1.29

1.20

1.17

1.14

1.15

1.16

1.15

1.22

1.11 

1.05

1.27

1.40 

1.25

1.29

1.07 

1.01

Feb.

1.03

1.37

1.39

1.26

1.21

1.21

1.20

1.18

1.11

1.08

1.12

1 08

1.13

1.14 

1.08

1.15

1.05

97

:::::::

Mar.

1.18

1.06

1.16

1.20

1.14

1.14

1.13

1.12

1.12

1.09

1.09

1.09

1.10

1.14 

1.16

1.05

1.15 

1.12

1.12

1.12 

1.16

Apr.

1.25

1.16

1.22

1.33

1.39

1.52

1.53

1.51

1.49

1.41

1.33

1.32

1.34 

1.35

1.00

1.57

1.90

1.60

May.

1.84

1 91

1.99

2.01

2.01

2.14

2.16

2.26

2.45

2.49

2.56

2.73

2.73 

2.65

2.62 

2.63

2.65

2.66 

2.49

June.

3.43

3.80

3.40

3.42

3.45

3.57

3.50

4.19

4 58

4.23

4.41

4.19

4.10

3.99 

4.16

4.35

4.80

4.29

4.65

July.

4.00

4.01

3.70

3.30

3.07

2.90

3.00

3.12

3.24

3.17

3.06

3.10

3.06

3.06 

3.06

3.06

2.90 

2.98

2.50

2.34 

2.17

Aug.

2.25

2.41

2.42

2.45

2.38

2.61

2.82

3.11

2.88

2.82

2.98

2.54

2.54

2.54 

2.54

2.50

2.40 

2.40

2.40

2.36 

2.36

Sept.

2.75

2.74

2.81

2.74

2.76

2.72

2.68

2.68

2.63

2.66

2.65

2.63

2.55

2.49 

2.46

2.28

2.20 

2.08

2.01

1.99

Oct.

2.02

2.01

1.99

1.98

1.93

1.88

1.87

1.85

1.84

1.81

1.81

1.84

1.82

1.81 

1.74

1.71

1.66 

1.58

1.53

1.48 

1.48

Nov.

1.40

1.40

1.43

1.46

1.42

1.39

1.36

1.41

1.43

1.41

1.40

1.39

1.37

1.37 

1.32

1.29

1.29 

1.30

1.44

1.42

Dec.

1.43

1.21

1.22

1.37

1.32

1.27

1.30

1.13

1.21

1.41

1.41

1.50

:::;::

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Clear Creek near Golden, Colo.,for 1909.

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.

52

66

63

58

60

61

74

68

63

62

60

62

55

55

75

68

61

59

57

57

58

57

62

53

49

65

75

63

66

50

26

Feb.

51

60

54

47

26

25

48

52

27

20

39

59

67

62

;, , 61

59

58

73

50

52

47

50

48

47

56

51

49

Mar.

66

66

71

64

74

60

54

42

45

52

54

49

57

59

55

55

54

54

55

54

54

43

52

56

60

56

61

53

53

53

55

Apr.

56

58

65

66

66

61

61

54

57

66

69

62

79

80

99

108

148

152

145

140

115

99

91

97

100

135

163

185

185

157

May.

171

141

119

108

212

183

267

274

212

209

211

234

266

275

275

264

327

347

386

445

499

535

538

496

480

485

485

507

510

430

435

June.

430

442

692

630

756

895

923

1,170

1,250

1,120

1,000

1,480

1,010

1,010

1,040

1,270

1,140

1,660

1,970

1,840

1,520

1,650

1,580

1,480

1,620

1,780

2,150

1,150

1,530

1,530

July.

1,370

1,510

2,120

2,290

2,210

1,830

1,800

1,820

1,720

1,580

1,540

1,500

1,250

898

738

707

694

792

721

701

743

782

745

745

745

722

664

688

434

361

295

Aug.

260

250

280

- 380

275

380

440

570

360

310

320

390

395

408

380

485

592

800

685

592

685

404

404

404

404

434

389

389

389

368

368

Sept.

365

340

312

274

305

700

700

602

571

560

560

554

592

' 554

565

542

521

521

497

512

507

497

458

429

415

336

305

264

243

235

Oct.

252

270

264

249

243

238

233

243

240

249

246

243

238

235

222

209

207

203

200

193

193

200

196

193

178

172

162

148

140

134

134

Nov.

127

123

120

127

126

129

129

126

124

123

121

121

126

131

124

' 120

115

123

126

123

121

120

117

117

111

108

108

109

124

124

Dec.

124

123

126

111

103

110

114

124

124

129

126

98

100

117

111

105

108

90

99

123

123

120

120

100

100

90

90

90

90

85

85
248 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VL

Monthly discharge of Clear Creek near Golden, Colo.,for 1909.

Month.

July......................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

75 

67 

74 

185 

538 

2,150 

2,290 

800 

700 

270 

131 

129

2,290

Minimum.

26 

20 

42 

54 

108 

430 

295 

250 

235 

134 

108 

80

20

Mean.

60.0 

48.6 

56.0 

101 

333 

1,260 

1,120 

425 

461 

211 

121 

108

359

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,690 

2,700 

3,440 

6,010 

20,500 

75,000 

68,900 

26,100 

27,400 

13,000 

7,200 

6,640

261,000

NOTE. The above records were furnished by the Denver Reservoir & Irrigation Co. and have not been 

verified by engineers of the United States Geological Survey.

ST. VRAIN CREEK AT LYONS, COLO.

This station, which is located one-half mile below Lyons and 300 

feet below the junction of the North and South forks of St. Vrain 

Creek, was maintained under the direction of the United States 

Geological Survey from 1895 to 1903.1 Since 1903 it has been 

maintained more or less continually under the direction of the 

State engineer's office.

Several ditches take water above the station for irrigation, besides 

the water supply of Lyons and Longmdnt.2

The drainage area above this station is about 200 square miles.

The location and datum of the gage are probably the same as for 

the station used in 1903. On August 9, 1909, a new slope gage was 

put in, which is practically at the same datum as the old gage. The 

old bench mark could not be found.

The flow of the stream is affected by ice for several months during 

the winter.

These records were taken under the direction of the State engineer 

of Colorado and are published as furnished by him.

Discharge measurements of St. Vrain Creek at Lyons, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

July 14

Aug. 9

Sept. 27

Oct. 22

Dec. 2

Hydrographer.

C. L. Chatfield. ................................................

.....do.........................................................

.....do............................. ...........................

.....do.........................................................

Chatfleld and T. Grieve. .......................................

Area of 

section.

*#

80

54

48

18.2

height.

Feet. 

3.15

2.87

2.20

2.08

1.85

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

316

189

54

35.1

15.9

1 This station Is fully described In Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 99, p. 193. 

»Idem, p. 195.
MISSOURI KIVBR BASIN. 249

Daily gage height, in feet, of St. Vrain Creek at Lyons, Colo.,for 1909. 

[Wm. Siglinger, observer.]

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.................... .. ...

26................

26. .................

27............ .. .

28..................

29................... . .

30. ................

31.................. .. . .

Apr.

2.86

3 A

O QK

2.9

2 Q

9 Q(=i

3

(\

3 1

3.15

3.3

3.3

3.1

May.

2.95

2.8

2.8

2.9

3.0

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.3

3.4

3.45

3.45

3.5

3

AR

Q Q

3.3

3.35

3.4

3.2

3.2

June.

2.95

3.25

3.5

3.7

4.05

4.05

4.1

4.05

4.1

4.1

4.05

4.05

4.05

4.05

4.05

4.0

4.05

4.2

4.5

4.5

4.25

4.2

4.2

4.2

A OK

4.1

4.15

4.1

4.15

4.2

July.

4.1

4.2

4.5

4.6

4.55

4.6

4.2

4.05

3.95

3.9

3.8

3.65

3.45

3.25

3.2

3.25

3.35

3.35

3.45

3.35

3.3

3.3

3.15

3.05

3.35

3.25

3.25

3.15

3.1

3.0

2.95

Aug.

2.95

2.9

2.95

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2:9

2.86

2.8

2.95

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.85

3.05

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.86

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

Sept.

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.85

3.0

2.95

3.3

3.2

2.95

2.85

2.7

2.7

2.75

 2.65

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

Oct.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.05

2.0

2.0

1 Q

1.95

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.0

1.95

Nov.

1.95

' 2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.95

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.1

2.1

2.05

2 1

2.05

9 ft

2.0

9 ft

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

Dec.

1.8

' 1.9

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.8

2.0

2.1

2.05

2.0

1.95

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.9

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.9

1.85

1.9

1.86

1.9

1.86

1.9

1.95

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of St. Vrain Creek at Lyons, Colo.,for 1909.

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...........................

Apr.

182

232

014

196

196

214

232

273

295

365

OftC

273

May.

214

168

196

232

318

273

273

273

232

273

273

232

232

232

252

232

232

232

365

41 ^

437

437

461

437

365

365

389

413

318

318

June.

214

342

461

55&

730

730

755

730

755

755

730

730

730

730

730

705

730

805

955

955

830

805

805

805

830

755

780

755

780

805

July.

755

805

955

1,000

980

1,000

805

730

680

656

607

534

437

342

318

342

389

389

437

389

365

365

295

252

389

342

342

295

273

232

, 214

Aug.

214

196

214

196

196

168

168

196

182

168

214

273

232

232

196

182

252

273

232

232

196

168

168

196

182

143

143

143

143

120

120

Sept.

143

143

143

182

232

214

365

318

214

182

143

143

156

132

110

99

99

81

81

73

73

73

65

58

51

51

51

45

45

Oct.

65

65

65

65

65

73

81

65

65

65

51

51

39

29

29

39

51

65

51

45

39

34

29

29

20

24

20

20

29

29

24

Nov.

24

OQ29

29

20

20

24

29

29

29

29

20

29

24

20

20

20

39

- 39

34

39

34

29

29

29

29

20

20

20

20

Dec.

12

20

20

12

7.5

12

12

29

39

34

29

24

29

24

20

12

20

20

16

20

12

16

20

20

16

20

16

20

16

20

24

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined to 400 second-feet, 

constructed by the State engineer of Colorado and published as received.

It was
250 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of St. Vrain Creek at Lyons, Colo.,for 1909.

Month.

Apr. 19-30. ...............................................

May.....................................................

July.....................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

365 

461 

955 

1,000 

273 

365 

81 

39 

39

Minim nm.

182 

168 

214 

214 

120 

45 

20 

20 

7.5

Mean.

253

298 

726 

513 

191 

126 

45.8 

26.8 

19.5

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

6,020 

18,300 

43,200 

31,500 

11,700 

7,620 

2,820 

1,600 

 1,200

124,000

BOULDER CREEK AT ORODELL, COLO.

This station, which was established March 18, 1907, is located just 

above the mouth of Fourmile Creek, about 4 miles above Boulder 

Colo. The records are valuable chiefly in connection with power 

development. Boulder Creek has an immense amount of fall, and 

the distance from the Continental Divide at its headwaters to the 

plains at Boulder is only 20 miles.

No diversions are made above the station. The first canal has its 

intake a short distance below.

The creek is frozen four or five months of the year and discharges 

for such periods have been obtained by interpolation between discharge measuremeijts and weir records.

The records at this station since May 20, 1907, have been kept and 

furnished by the Central Colorado Power Co.

Discharge measurements of Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 8

9

22

23

Feb. 8

9

16

17

26

Mar. 8

Apr. 3

15

27

Hydrographer.

C. L. Chatfleld ................. ... ........................

.... .do. ......................... ... ........................

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................:...............

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

28

12

33

38

38

Area of 

section.

Sq-%*

10.9

10.5

10.7

10.0

9.3

9.3

7.7

17.5

11.0

19.0

25.0

41.0

height.

Feet. 

0.52

.58

.48

.51

.57

.49

.64

.53

1.60

1.62

1.88

2.08

2.42

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

9.6

12

6.3

7.3

6.7

5.7

7.8

7.2

10.0

6.5

30.0

47.0

11.0
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 251 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo.,for 1909.

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.

0.54

.52

.51

.50

.51

.55

.58

.53

.52

.56 

.57

CQ

.53

.55

.54

.52 

49

.49fin

.50

CO

.50

.48

.55

.56

.56

.52

.53

Feb.

0.60

.53

.50

.48

.52

.50

.48

.47

.44

.45 

.54

.53

.51

.49

.79

.61 

1.55

1.60

1.67

1.64

1.74

1.70

1.78

1.69

1.61

1 fiQ

1.70

1.57

Mar.

i 11

1.50

1 ^7

1.57

1.55

1.60

1.65

1.61 

1 60

1.61

1.61

1.55

1.50

1.50

1 Vt

1.53

1.53

i ^fi

1.60

1.70

1.70

1.75

1.75

1.70

1.69

1.65

Apr.

1.70

1.74

1 Qfi

2.05

2.03

1.95

1.88

1 86

1.92

1.98

O AO

2.06

2.17

2.34

9 43

2.49

2.46

O At)

9 QQ

2.26

2.21

2.28

2.37

2.48

2.56

2.56

2.44

May.

2.34

2.29

2.39

2.56

2.63

2.65

2 fiA

2.59

2 71

9 73

2.58

2.52

2.62

2.70

9 74.

2.87

2.92

2.98

2.87

2.82

2.78

2.85

9 Q7

3.01

2.84

2.78

June.

2.72

2.75

3.14

3.28

3.42

3.51

3 RO

3.56

3.53 

3.41

3

QQ

3.34

3.33

3.32

3.38

3.60

-3.87

4 00

3.89

3.83

3.85

3.86

3.79

3.76

3.72

3.74

3.82

July.

3.82

3.82

3.79

3.78

3.85

3.84

3.72

3.59

3.53

3.46 

3.37

3.34

3.12

3.10

3.05 

2.98

2.93

2.98

3.05

3.14

3.12

3.05

3.10

3.02

2.97

2.98

2.94

2.86

2.79

2.73

Aug.

2.68

2.64

2.61

2.57

2.57

2.60

2.74

2.69 

3.02

2.91

2.90

2.81

2.76 

2.90

3.02

2.89

9 7Q

2.79

2.75

2.76

2.71

2.64

2.60

2.61

2.57

2.55

2.48

Sept.

2.47

2.40

2.34

2.55

2.63

2.61

2.78'

2.67

2.62

2.60 

2.55

2.59

2.63

2.60

2.59

2.57 

2.58

2.52

2.49

2.41

2.29

2.30

2.29

2.26

2.21

2.19

2.12

2.10

2.10

2.09

Oct.

2.08

2.02

1.97

1.96

2.00

2.03

2.03

2.00

1.95

"i.'ge'

1.95

1.95

1.92

1.90

1.86

1.86

1.81

1.78

1.78

1.79

1.79

1.75

1.63

Nov.

1.51

1.69

1 69

1.67

1.74

1.75

1.77

1.71

1.71

1.73 

1.63

1.75

1.67

1.76

1.77

1.90

1.85

1.98

1.81

1.78

1.80

1.77

1.78

1.78

1.65

1.47

1.36

1.20

1.60

1.56

Dec.

1.50

1.50

1 4fi

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.35

3.35

3.35

NOTE. An automatic register was used Feb. 17 to Dec. 3.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6. ..............

7...............

8......... ......

9. ..............

10. ..............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14. ..............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30. ..............

01

Jan.

10

9

9

9

9

11

12

10

10

11

12

13

10

11

10

8

7

7

7

7

8

7

7 ' 7

6

8

9

9

9

8

Feb.

7

6

6

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

6

7

7

7

12

9

11

15

13

19

17

22

16

12

16

17

10

Mar.

8

7

8

10

10

9

9

11

14

12

11

12

12

9

7

7

8

8

8

7

7

11

17

17

20

20

16

17

16

14

Apr.

17

19

37

47

44

36

31

29

34

39

46

45

45

49

64

90

107

119

114

104

89

76

68

71

79

97

118

136

135

110

May.

91

80

80

102

137

152

158

159

131

142

175

178

143

141

129

150

151

169

180

222

229

237

256

221

205

194

216

255

266

213

195

June.

176

186

237

315

370

430

471

510

493

477

423

416

393

389

384

469

510

632

698

654

640

612

621

628

593

580

566

573

609

July.

608

609

595

- 590

622

618

564

507

479

449

407

392

341

307

OQO

284

257

240

257

279

315

308

282

301

271

253

256

242

219

196

178

Aug.

164

155

154

147

138

137

144

189

181

167

272

242

234

230

204

188

229

268

230

228

197

' 196

184

187

175

155

145

148

138

134

118

Sept.

115

102

91

133

153

147

193

163

150

146

132

142

153

146

144

137

139

128

121

104

. 81

83

81

76

68

65

56

53

53

52

Oct.

50

43

38

37

41

44

44

41

36

37

36

36

34

31

32

29

29

25

22

22

23

23

20

12

Nov.

8

16

16

15

19

20

22

18

18

19

13

20

15

21

22

32

28

39

25

22

24

22

22

22

14

6

5

3

11

10

Dec.

7

7

6

9

9

9

9

9

8

8

8
252 SUEPACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 108 square miles.]

Month.

April..............................

July...............................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

13 

22 

20 

136 

266 

698 

622 

272 

193 

50 

39 

9

Minimum.

6 

5 

7 

17 

80 

176 

178 

118 

52 

12 

3 

6

Mean.

9 

10.1 

11.3 

69.8 

173 

482 

372 

183 

114 

32.7 

18.2 

8.1

Per 

square 

mile.

0.083 

.094 

.105 

.646 

1.6 . 

4.46 

3.44 

1.69 

1.06 

.303 

.169 

.075

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.10 

.10 

.12 

.72 

1.84 

4.98 

3.97 

1.95 

1.18 

.27 

.19 

.03

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

553 

561 

695 

4,150 

10,600 

28,700 

22,900 

11,300 

6,780 

1,560 

1,080 

177

89, 100

NOTE. The above records were furnished by-outside parties and have not been verified by engineers of 

the United States Geological Survey.

BOULDER CREEK NEAR BOULDER, COLO.

This station, which is located 1£ miles above the town of Boulder, 

in T. 1 N., R. 71 W., was established May 13, 1895, to determine the 

quantity of water available for irrigation and power development. 

Records were also kept on this stream near Boulder from 1888 to 

1892. From 1895 to 1901 the station was maintained in cooperation 

with the State engineer of Colorado. From 1902 to 1906 the records 

are published only in the reports of the State engineer of Colorado.

The station is at the mouth of Boulder Canyon, about 1J miles 

below Fourmile Creek and some 20 miles above the confluence with 

the St. Vrain.

Two small irrigation ditches take water above the station, but 

their combined flow amounts to only a few second-feet. The municipal supply of Boulder is also taken out above the station.

This valley is broad and is practically all under irrigation, the entire 

normal flow of the stream being used for that purpose.

The upper portions of this creek and its tributaries flow through 

mountainous areas which are extensively timbered, although they 

have been deforested to a very considerable extent. The drainage 

area above the Boulder station is 129 square miles, and at the junction with the St. Vrain, 434 square miles.

The Eastern Colorado Power Co! is now constructing a plant on 

Boulder Creek which will have a capacity of probably 20,000 horsepower. By making use of storage facilities it would be possible to 

develop at least 50,000 horsepower on this stream during six months 

of the year. The upper waters are now being used for placer mining 

and by small power plants which aggregate less than 1,000 horsepower. Sites for additional power filings no doubt exist.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 253

As good measurements can not be made during high water at the 

bridge where the gage is located, an auxiliary gage was located at 

the Ninth Street Bridge in Boulder, and high-water measurements 

have since been made at this point. Between the two gages the 

Farmers' canal and the Anderson ditch are diverted and Sand Creek 

and Gregory Creek come in, so allowance is made for these in using 

the measurements made at the Ninth Street Bridge to obtain the 

discharge at the upper gage.

Boulder Creek, like other mountain streams in this part of Colorado, is frozen over wholly or partly for three or four months in the 

winter time. The natural flow is not at present greatly modified by 

reservoirs, but will be when some of the reservoirs now under construction are completed.

The gage was washed out during the flood on August 1, 1908, and 

was replaced on August 14 by another sloping rod gage in practically 

the same location, but the- datum of which was about 0.5 foot lower 

than that of the old gage. No other changes in the gage datum are 

on record since the station was established.

As the stream is very swift and the bed is composed of bowlders it 

is impossible to procure very accurate results during high water. At 

moderate and low stages very good measurements can be obtained.

The United States Geological Survey did not cooperate in maintaining the station during 1909. Unfortunately such gage heights 

and records as were obtained were worthless, so only the list of 

discharge measurements is published.

Discharge measurements of Boulder Creek near Boulder, Colo., in 1909.

Date.'

Aug. 13

Sept. 24

28

Oct. 20

Dec. lla

20o

Hydrographer.

C. L. Chatfleld .................................................

.....do..........................................................

.....do..........................................................

.....do..........................................................

.....do..........................................................

.....do..........................................................

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

32

27

18.3

7.3

9.8

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.00

1.57

1.45

1.10

1.90

0.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

224

61

54

26.3

10.5

8.9

a Through ice. 

SOUTH BOULDER CREEK NEAR MARSHALL, COLO.

This station, which is located at the mouth of the "canyon about 

3 miles west of the Colorado & Southern Railway station at Marshall, 

was maintained under the direction of the United States Geological 

Survey from 1895 to 1901,* and since then more or less intermittent 

records have been obtained under the direction of the State engineer's 

office.

i See Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 49, p. 287.
254 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Two ditches, the more important being the Community ditch, 

divert water above the station.

The rod gage, which has the same location and datum as in 1901, 

is located a short distance below the Community canal.

The drainage area above this station is about 195 square miles.

During 1909 the station was maintained both by the State engineer 

and by the Denver Reservoir & Irrigation Co., and they have used 

the same daily gage readings. Th'e daily discharges have been 

computed from discharge measurements made by both parties and 

they have both agreed upon them. The Denver Reservoir & Irrigation Co. also obtained records of the flow of the Community ditch.

The river station is maintained for run-off purposes and to obtain 

data on the amount of water available for irrigation.

Ice forms for several months during the winter periods.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Boulder Creek near Marshall, Colo., for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4............... 

5...............

&.... .......... .

1..... ..........

8...-...-..--...

9. ............. .

10. ....... ...... .

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16....... ........

17...............

18. ....... .......

19...............

20-...-..-.......

21...............

23. ..............

24...............

25...............

26. ..............

27.-..--.........

28. ..............

29...............

30. ..............

31 ...............

Jan.

0.98

.98

.98

.98 

.95

.92

1 00

1.00

1.00

.95

.90

.88

.92

.98

1.00

1.00

1 00

1.00

1 00

1.00

1 00

1 00

1 00

.85

99

.98

98

1.00

.72

.78

.95

Feb.

0 95

.98

.95

.95 

90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

90

.90

.92

.92

.95

.95

1.00

QQ

.95

QK

Q*

.95

QC

.95

95

.95

Mar.

0 95

.98

1.00

1.05 

1.08

1.12

.88

.90

1.00

i.oo

no

1 00

.98

98

.92

1 00

1.05

1.05

1.08

1.10

1.10

1.10

i 99

1 00

1.20

1.22

Apr.

1.25

1.35

1.48

1.56 

1 48

1.35

i 5n

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.65

1 KK

1 60

1 60

1.68

1 Q9

2 no

2.10

2 00

1 90

1 SS

1 S9

1 89

2 AC

9 ft^

.......

May.

1.95

1 92

2.00

2.38

2.38

2.25

2.30

2

qe

2.28

2.28

2.25

2

00

2.45

2

Cft

2 45

2.50

2 Eft

2.48

2.42

2.48

2.52

2.45

2.45

June.

2.45

2.52

2.52 

2 fin

2.88

3.02

3.05

2.92

2.88

2.85

2.82

2.78

2.78

3.08

3

0ft

3.22

2 OS

3.08

2 on

2.92

2.88

2 CO

2.78

July.

2.72

2.70

2.80

2.95 

2.92

2.85

2.72

2.58

2.45

2.35

2.28

2.18

2.10

2.05

2.02

1 98

2.00

2.05

9 02

2

AO

2.05

1 QS

1 92

1 Qft

1.80

1 89

1.78

Aug.

1.70

1.70

1.65

1.65 

1.62

1.60

1.60

1.82

1.78

1.75

1.88

1.78

1.72

1.65

1.70

1 80

1 KS

1 89

1 YK

1.75

1 79

1.70

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.60

1.60

Sept.

1.62

1.60

1.60

1.70 

1.85

1.80

2.45

2.40

2.08

2.08

1.92

2.10

1.95

1.95

1.90

1.85

1.80

1 80

1.70

1.70

1.68

1.68

1.65

1 60

1 60

1.60

1.60

Oct.

1.58

1.58

1.55

1.55 

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.45

1.52

1.50

1 48

1.45

1.40

1.40

1 40

1 40

1 40

i w

1.35

1 QC

1.35 i 09

1 30

1.32

1.28

Nov.

1.25

1.2S

1.30

1.30 

1.28

1.22

1.25

1.25

1.22

1.28

1.20

1.28

1.25

1.15

1.10

1.12

1.18

1.38

1.35

1.35

1 ^

1 t^f\

1 ^Ift

1 OK

1.22

1 99

1.08

1.35

1.28

Dec.

1.28

1.25

1.20

.98 

.88

1.02

1.12

1.22

1.28

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.18

1.18

1.15

1.10

1.05

1.05

1.00

1.05

1.08

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.12
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 255

Monthly discharge of South Boulder Creek near Marshall, Colo.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 125 square miles.]

Month.

May..............................

July..............................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

13 

13

28 

206 

326 

910 

635 

176 

268 

54 

32 

24

910

Minimum.

5. 

10 

10 

32 

130 

303 

110 

67 

54 

24 

11 

3

3

Mean.

12 

11 

18 

106 

258 

571 

253 

98 

101 

36 

21 

13

125

Per 

square 

mile.

0.096 

.088 

.144 

.848 

2.064 

4.568 

2.024 

.784 

.808 

.288 

.168 

.104

1.000

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.111 

.102 

.166 

.978 

2.380 

5.267 

2.334 

.904 

.932 

.332 

.194 

.120

13.820

Total in 

acre-feet.

738 

611 

1,107 

6,307 

15,864 

33,977 

15,556 

6,026 

6,010 

2,214 

1,250 

799

90,459

NOTE. The above records were furnished by outside parties and have not been verified by engineers of 

the United States Geological Survey.

COMMUNITY CANAL NEAR MARSHALL, COLO.

This canal diverts water from South Boulder Creek just above the 

Marshall gaging station. The 1909 records were obtained by the 

Denver Reservoir & Irrigation Co. A Lallie automatic gage was 

used, and as the canal at this section is of concrete the rating is 

permanent.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Community canal near Marshall, Colo., for 1909.

Day.

1....

2.. .

3. .

4. .

5. .

6. .

7. .

8. .

9. .

10. .

11. .

12. .

13. .

14. .

15. .

Mar.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Apr.

38

40

60

65

60

50

65

50

50

50

62.5

55

60

63

65

May.

89.5

89.5

89.5

109

95.5

105.5

131

131

65

0

0

0

0

0

0

June.

15.5

17

18.9

12.7

0

0

0

29.6

70.9

70.9

47.2

0

0

0

0

July.

0

19

43

35.5

35

35.5

27

29.4

14

0

0

0

0

0

0

Aug.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Q

0

0

" 0

0

0

Sept.

0

0

0

17

107

104

163.5

157.5

141

139

123.7

75

64.8

64.8

64.8

Day.

16. .

17. .

18. .

19. .

20. .

21. .

22. .

23. .

24. .

25. .

26. .

27. .

28. .

29. .

30...

31...

Mar.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

5

5

25

25

25

25

Apr.

40

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

8.4

89.5

89.5

0

May.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

June.

0

89.4

89.4

104.5

116

83.8

70.9

0

41

41

61.2

89.4

89.4

0

0

0

July.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Aug.

0

7.2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sept.

64.8

40.2

59

33

19.5

0

0

0

0

0

0

 o

0

8.3

0

0
256 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Community canal near Marshall, Colo.,for 1909.

Month.

July .....................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

25 

89.5 

131 

116 

43 

7.2 

163.5

Minimum.

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

Mean.

3.7 

35.4 

30.1 

33.5

7.6 

.2 

50.7

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

228 

2,110 

1,860 

2,290 

468 

14 

3,020

9,980

NOTE. The above records have been furnished by outside parties and have not been verified by engineers 

of the United States Geological Survey.

BIG THOMPSON CREEK NEAR ARKINS, COLO.

This station, which is located at a private wagon bridge 10 or 12 

miles above Loveland, 4 miles southwest of Arkins, Colo., and about 

400 feet below the Handy dam; was maintained under the direction of 

the United States Geological Survey from 1895 to 1903.* Since that, 

time it has been continued more or less intermittently under the direction of the State engineer. The station furnishes data concerning the 

amount of water available for irrigation.

A rod gage on the bridge pier was established in 1909 at a different 

datum from the 1903 gage, as the old bench mark could not be found. 

The Handy ditch 2 diverts water for irrigation above the station. In 

1903 this ditch used 17,000 acre-feet of water.

The flow of the creek is affected by ice for several months during the 

winter season.

The 1909 records were taken under the direction of the State engineer and published as furnished by him.

Discharge measurements of Big Thompson Creek near Arkins, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

July 13

Aug. 6

Sept. 25

Oct. 25

Do....

Dec. 1

Hydrographer.

G. L. Chatfield .................................................

.....do.........................................................

.....do.........................................................

.....do.........................................................

.....do.........................................................

Chatfield and Grieve. . .........................................

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

149

104

99

58.8

64.9

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

 2.80

1.90

1.55

1.10

1.27

1.20

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

473

238

113

90 a

49.0

47.5

i See Water-Supply Paper 17. S. Geol. Survey No. 99, p. 189. 2 Idem, p. 191.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 257

Daily gage height, in feet, of Big Thompson Creek near Arkins, Colo.,for 1909. 

[Minnie V. Lammon, observer.]

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...........................

W. ........... ...............

30

31...........................

Apr.

1.65

1.65

1.4

1.25

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.65

2.0

2.15

2.3

9 ne;

May.

1.9

1.85

1 Q

2.05

2.3

2.4

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.25

2.45

2.45

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.25

2.2

2.35

2.65

2.55

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.5

2.35

2.5

2.7

O AK

2.35

June.

2.3

2.35

2.55

3.05

3.2

3.45

3.75

3.6

3.45

3.35

3.15

3.25

3.25

3.15

3.15

3.35

3.6

3.95

4.05

3.7

3.55

3.7

3.8

3.75

3.7

3.75

3.65

3.65

July.

3.65

3.65

3 7

3 OK

4.05

3.75

3.65

3.4

3.25

S 9

3.05

2.95

2.65

2.5

2.55

2.65

2.6

2.65

2.7

2.75

2.65

2.7

2.75

2.7

2.6

2.45

2.5

2.35

2.3

2.25

Aug.

2.15

2.2

2.15

2.05

2.0

1 9

1.95

2.1

2.05

2.05

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.1

2.05

2.0

2.3

2.8

2.25

2.3

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.1

1.95

1.9

1.95

1.95

2.0

2.1

Sept.

2.05

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

2.1

2.8

2.55

2.2

2.2

2.05

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1..5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

Oct.

1.35

1.4

1 ^K.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.35

1

QC

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.2

Nov.

1.2

1.25

i 9<;

1.25

1.25

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.1

.95

.95

.9

.8

1.0

1.2

Dec.

1.2

- 1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1 i 9<;

1.65

2

9

2.2

1.9

1.45

1 9

1.2

1.25

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.42

1.5

1.6

NOTE. Gage heights Dec. 7 to 31 distorted by presence of ice.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Big Thompson Creek near Arkins, Colo.,for 1909.

Day.

1...........................

1. ........ ......... ......... 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...........................

9Q

3O

31...........................

Apr.

130

130

76

50

58

67

76

76

67

130

226

278

337

242

May.

196

182

196

242

337

382

407

382

360

316

407

407

360

360

r>AA

360

316

2%

360

520

460

432

460

488

432

360

337

432

551

407

360

June.

337

360

460

850

983

1,210

1,340

1,480

1,340

1,210

1,120

933

1,030

1,030

938

938

1,120

1,340

1,660

1,740

1,430

1,340

1,300

1,430

1,520

1,480

1,430

1,480

1,390

1,390

July.

1,390

1,390

1,430

1,560

1,740

1,480

1,390

1,160

1,030

983

850

760

589

520

432

460

520

488

520

551

589

520

551

589

551

488

407

432

360

337

316

Aug.

278

296

278

242

226

196

211

259

242

242

259

259

242

259

242

226

337

627

379

337

259

226

259

259

259

211

196

211

211

226

259

Sept.

242

226

226

196

1%

259

627

460

296

296

242

226

226

211

196

168

168

155

142

142

130

118

118

118

107

96

96

96

76

76

Oct.

67

76

67

58

58

58

67

67

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

58

58

58

58

50

50

50

42

35

28

28

28

28

23

23

42

Nov.

42

50

50

50

50

58

50

50

42

42

42

35

28

28

23

23

28

58

58

42

50

42

50

28

15

15

12

8

18

42

Dec.

42

28

28

28

28

28

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve constructed by the State engineer of Colorado and 

are published as received. Ice from Dec. 7 to 31. Discharge estimated to be equivalent .to 28 Secondfeet daily.

84548° WSP 266 11 17
258 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Big Thompson Creek near Arkins, Colo.,for 1909.

Month.

April 17-30. ..............................................

May.....................................................

July.....................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

337 

551 

1,740 

1,740 

627 

627 

76 

58 

42

Minimum.

50 

182 

337 

316 

196 

76 

23 

8 

28

Mean.

139 

370 

1,190 

786 

265 

198 

55.1 

37.6 

28.5

Run-oft 

(total in 

acre-feet.)

3,860 

22,800 

70,800 

48,300 

16,300 

11,800 

3,390 

2,240 

1,750

181,000

NOTE. Discharge from Dec. 7 to 31 estimated.

CACHE LA POTTDRE RIVER NEAR ELKHORN, COLO.

This station, which was established January 6, 1909, to determine 

the amount of water available for storage and power development, 

is located at the lower bridge at Fry's ranch, on the stage line 50 

miles above Fort Collins, 7 miles above Elkhorn post office, and 20 

miles below Chambers Lake.

Sheep Gulch comes in about a mile above the station, and Elkhorn 

Creek enters about 8 miles below. The drainage area, is about 250 

square miles, at elevations from 7,500 to 11,500 feet,

No water is diverted for irrigation above the station, but the North 

Grand ditch has been diverting water from the North Fork of Grand 

River into the Cache la Poudre, above the station, for a number of 

years, and the Chambers Lake reservoir has been used to regulate 

the flow for irrigation below. The proposed Roosevelt reservoir, 

which is to be used in connection with a power project, is located 

about 3 miles above the station and will have a capacity of 117,000 

acre-feet, with a dam 231 feet high above the stream bed.

Discharge measurements at high and medium stages are made from 

the highway bridge, upon which the chain gage is located. Winter 

measurements are made through the ice.

The stream flow is affected by ice for several months each winter.

During 1909 frequent measurements were made by parties cooperating with the United States Geological Survey through George B. 

McFadden, an engineer of Denver, Colo. Computations of daily and 

monthly discharges have been made by engineers of the United States 

Geological Survey.

In developing rating curves for this station, the discharge measurements were considered in groups as the channel conditions are 

permanent, though rough. Owing to the erratic plotting of highwater measurements, the estimates for this period should be used 

with caution.
MISSOURI BIVEK, BASIN. 259

Discharge measurements of Cache la Poudre River near ElUiorn, Colo., in 19G9. 

[By N. W. Fry and H. Mertens.]

Date.

Jan. 6

6

7

8

9

10

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Feb. 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

Mar. 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

31

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.38

2.09

2.08

2.15

2.22

2.19

2.16

2.13

2.15

2.10

2.17

2.20

2.29

2.25

2.21

2.13

2.11

2.45

2.90

2.75

2.19

2.11

2.13

2.19

2.20

2.41

2.38

2.06

2.27

2.27

2.05

2.05

2.07

2.10

2.11

2.10

2.10

2.13

2.17

2.30

2.13

2.10

2.12

2.38

2.25

2.21

2.22

2.40

2.71

2.25

2.21

2.15

2.20

2.27

2.20

2.27

2.39

2.30

2.37

2.15

2.28

2.26

2.39

2.76

2.63

2.35

2.22

2.46

2.30

2.15

2.25

2.20

2.27

2.30

2.20

2.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

25

29

25

27

32

36

34

33

32

36

30

34

35

32

32

35

28

30

22

35

31

28

27

28

30

30

23

22

28

32

32

28

27

29

23

27

27

28

29

33

30

30

27

26

35

35

35

37

39

63

41

34

32

32

36

 28

37

37

34

33

27

35

35

40

73

62

39

30

48

35

27

30

33

38

38

35

36

Date.

Apr. 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

May 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

26o

27

28

29

30

31

June 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.39

2.39

2.20

2.26

2.27

2.36

2.35

2.35

2.37

2.36

2.39

2.15

2.25

2.10

2.16

2.25

2.35

2.46

2.50

2.40

2.34

2.31

2.30

2.25

2.31

2.42

2.45

2.58

2.51

2.48

2.61

2.50

2.42

2.48

2.70

2.81

2.92

3.05

2.94

3.10

3.30

3.41

3.32

3.29

3.38

3.43

3.41

3.74

3.90

4.03

4.18

4.34

4.63

4.48

.4.18

4.02

4.15

4.55

4.85

4.45

4.45

4.30

4.50

4.95

5.30

5.80

5.85

6.70

6.80

6.65

6.64

6.27

6.03

6.08

6.36

6.35

6.35

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

40

43

35

35

33

42

42

40

44

46

39

28

33

22

26

30

43

52

54

49

44

38

40

37

41

46

54

65

58

54

64

55

47

51

72

96

108

120

112

152

178

190

191

182

179

200

200

283

291

342

458

494

622

545

457

370

410

539

700

523

530

490

561

747

988

1,376

1,482

1,917

2,116

2,076

1,864

1,611

1,437

1,480

1,686

1,680

1,610

Date.

June 17

1 loa

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

July 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

Aug. 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

Sept. 1

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.75

6.80

7.30

6.77

6.77

6.76

6.68

6.73

6.82

6.85

6.80

6.76

6.85

6.96

6.93

6.68

6.40

6.36

6.43

6.38

6.24

5.87

5.89

5.82

5.53

5.43

5.32

5.05

4.90

5.06

4.95

5.02

5.03

5.05

4.86

4.73

4.70

5.07

4.80

4.67

4.66

4.65

4.55

4.50

4.33

4.20

4.24

4.20

4.06

3.97

3.96

4.04

4.00

4.09

3.98

4.05

4.09

4.10

4.01

3.91

3.82

4.30

4.82

4.40

4.10

3.97

3.90

3.82

3.78

3.72

3.61

3.60

3.69

3.57

3.57

3.62

4.03

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

1,970

2,570

3,110

2,700

2,530

2,400

1,980

1,920

2,300

2,470

2,580

2,490

2,240

2,220

2,010

1,960

1,750

1,820

1,900

1,880

1,370

1,100

1,120

1,130

947

859

798

715

686

751

703

695

750

733

688

633

604

777

646

647

639

595

486

522

432

401

451

443

345

316

319

344

332

360

319

371

351

383

325

322

283

478

683

521

385

348

341

294

280

250

228

210

257

224

199

231

352

Date.

Sept. 2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

2021-

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Oct. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Nov. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

15

16

17

18

19

20

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.82

3.63

3.58

3.61

3.69

4.31

4.19

4.13

3.93

3.81

3.70

3.66

3.60

3.63

3.49

3.40

3.32

3.28

3.20

3.24

3.21

3.22

3.20

3.14

3.10

3.08

3.06

3.02

3.00

2.98

2.91

2.87

2.86

2.90

2.89

3.03

2.99

2.87

3.04

2.91

2.92

2.90

2.90

2.86

2.86

2.80

2.84

2.82

2.74

2.75

2.73

2.70

2.69

2.70

2.72

2.70

2.73

2.66

2.69

2.68

2.67

2.70

2.72

2.72

2.68

2.67

2.47

2.56

2.60

2.63

2.59

2.63

2.58

2.70

2.70

2.61

2.57

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

281

225

227

223

256

469

376

341

290

281

241

215

204

191

181

173

145

147

132

135

133

137

127

121

113

110

110

105

104

111

101

106

98

94

93

111

109

103

112

99

94

93

98

89 -92

82

86

85

82

78

79

68

68

70

78

67

73

70

67

72

65

69

69

70

66

63

39

49

54

48

48

46

35

46

54

52

52.

Made by "W. B. Freeman and N. "W. Fry.
260 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo., in 1909 Contd.

Date.

Nov. 21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.60

2.71

2.59

2.57

2.53

2.50

2.49

2.47

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

53

65

47

47

44

41

40

39

Date.

Nov. 29

30

Dec. 1

2

8

9

11

12

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.61

2.64

2.53

2.63

3.13

3.07

3.14

2.80

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

48

55

43

51

35

50

34

34

Date.

Dec. 13

14

15

16

17

18

19

21

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.58

2.68

2.78

2.78

2.67

2.73

2.92

2.78

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

37

35

30

35

34

43

27

31

Date.

Dec. 22

23

27

28

29

30

31

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.64

2.72

2.82

2.59

2.76

2.60

2.59

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

38

23

31

25

26

25

25

NOTE. Measurements made under ice conditions January 6 to March 23 and November 8 to December 31.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo., for 1909. 

[Norman W. Fry, observer.]

Day.

1.. .............

2... ............

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.

2.38

2.09

2.09

2.15

2.22

2.22

2.58

2.19

2.15

2.14

2.19

2.16

2.13

2.15

2.10

2.10 

2.20

2.17

2.25

2.13

2.11

2.45

2.90

2

7C

Feb.

2 19

2.11

2.19

2.20

2.41

2.38

2.06

2.05

2.05

2.10

911

2.10

2.10

2.17

2.30

2.13

2.10 

2.12

2.38

2.25

2.22

2.40

Mar.

2 71

2.25

9 T;

2.20

2.20

2 39

2 on

9 Q7

2.15

2.26

2 OH

9 3 s,

2.22

2.46

2.30

2.15

2.20

2 30

2.18

2.20

2 on

Apr.

2.39

2.27

2.35

2

07

2.36

2 QQ

2.15

2.10

9 1fi

2.25

2.35

2.50

2.40

2.34

2.31 

2.30

2.25

2

Q1

2.58

2.51

2.48

May.

2.50

2.92

2 04

3 on

3.41

3

00

3.38

3.41

3.74

3.90

4.03

4.18

4.34 

4 63

4.48

4.15

4.55

4.85

4.45

4 45

June.

4.48

c no

5.38

5.85

6 64

6.30

6.06

6.10

6.43

6 CO

6.69

7.41

6.91

6.71

6.78 

6.62

6.79

6.77

6

00

6.78

6.96

July.

6.96

6.71

6.42

6.39

6.64

fi on

6.22

K Q1

5.81

5

C1

5 11

5.01

4.87

5.00

4.93

5.00

5.05

5.03

4.88

4.74

5.04

4.77

4.60

4.51

4.47

Aug.

4.24

4.20

4 06

3.97

4.04

4 00

4 09

A nc

4 09

4 10

4.01

Q Q1

3.82

4.30

4.40

4.10

3.97

3.90 

3.82

3.78

3.61

3.60

3.69

3.57

3.62

Sept.

4.03

3.82

3.63

3.58

3.61

3.69

4.31

4.19

3.81

3.70

3.66

3.60

3.49

3.40

3.32

3.28

3.20

3.24

3.21 

3.22

3.20

3.14

3.10

3.08

3.06

3.02

3.00

Oct.

2.98

2.91

2.87

2.86

2.90

2.89

3.03

2.99

2.87

3.04

2.99

2.91

2.92

2.90

2.86

2.86

2.80

2.84

2.82

2.74

2.75 

2.73

2.70

2.69

2.70

2.72

2.70

2.73

2.66

2.69

Nov.

2.68

2.67

2 7ft

2.72

2.72

2.68

2.67

2.47

O Cfi

2.60

2.63

2.59

2.60

2.51

2.53

2.58

2.70

2.70

2.61

3.57

2.60

2.71 

2.59

2.57

2.53

2.50

2.49

2.47

2.61

2.64

Dec.

2.53

2.63

2

CA

2.84

2.73

3.10

3.18

3.13

3 ft7

^ 14

2.80

2.68

2.78

2.67

2.73

2.92

3.00

2.78

2.64 

2.72

2.84

2.96

2.84

2.82

2.59

2.76

2.60

2.59

NOTE. Ice Jan. 6 to Mar. 23 and about Nov. 8 to Dec. 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo., for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4

5...............

 §..... ..........

7.... ...........

8...............

9...............

10...............

Jan.

28

28

28

28

28

27

25

27

32

36

Feb.

28

27

28

30

QA

23

22

28

32

32

Mar.

63

41

34

32

36

28

Q7

^7

34

Apr.

42

42

29

33

33

40

39

39

41

40

May.

64

53

45

51

74

87

100

118

103

125

June.

468

536

796

1,000

1,320

1,380

2,240

2,360

2,040

2,060

July.

2,430

2,140

1,840

1,810

2,060

1,810

1,380

1,150

1,150

1,090

Aug.

420

436

420

371

340

336

364

350

382

343

Sept.

360

291

238

225

232

252

464

416

396

326

Oct.

108

99

94

93

98

97

114

109

94

116

Nov.

72

71

74

76

76

72

71

39

49

54

Dec.

43

51

48

46

43

40

38

35

50

42
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 261

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo.,for 1909 

Continued.

Day.

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23. ..............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

36

35

35

35

35

34

34

33

32

36

30'

34

35

32

32

28

30

22

35

31

Feb.

28

27

29

23

27

27

28

29

33

30

30

27

26

35

35

35

37

39

Mar.

33

27

35

35

40

73

62

39

30

48

35

27

30

29

33

35

29

28

27

29

35

Apr.

42

27

32

25

27

32

39

49

53

43

38

36

35

32

36

45

48

61

54

51

May.

161

184

159

178

189

184

267

315

360

413

604

536

413

357

402

568

710

522

522

June.

1,720

1,490

1,530

1,650

1,850

1,950

2,120

2,280

2,980

2,140

2,220

2,040

2,230

2,210

2,280

2,240

2,220

2,310

2,430

July.

901

862

862

715

686

751

703

695

750

733

688

655

635

807

670

612

604

590

550

532

464

Aug.

368

382

385

318

291

460

695

500

385

340

291

279

261

232

230

252

222

222

235

Sept.

288

255

f>AK.

230

238

203

182

165

157

143

150

145

147

143

132

125

122

119

113

110

Oct.

109

99

100

98

98

93

93

86

91

88

79

80

78

74

73

74

76

74

78

70

73

Nov.

48

48

47

47

46

35

46

54

52

52

53

65

47

47

44

41

40

39

48

55

Dec.

34.

34

07

35

30

35

34

43

27

29

31

38

23

25

27

29

31

25

26

25

25

NOTE. Discharges estimated Jan. 1 to 5; Jan. 6 to Mar. 23; July 14 to July 21; Nov. 8 to Dec. 31, discharges obtained from measurements. The remaining discharges are based en a rating curve which is 

well defined below 785 second-feet, July 7 to 13 a high water curve parallel to first.

Monthly discharge of Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo.,for 1909.

. Month.

April..............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

36 

39 

73 

61 

710 

2,980 

2,430 

695 

464 

116 

76 

51

2,980

Minimum.

22 

22 

27 

25 

45 

468 

464 

222 

110 

70 

35 

23

22

Mean.

31.5 

29.5 

36.5 

39.4 

274 

1,880 

1,010 

348 

220 

90.5 

53.6 

34.8

338

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,940 

1,640 

2,240 

2,340 

16,800 

112,000 

62,100 

21,400 

13,100 

5,560 

3,190 

2,140

244,000

Accuracy.

\. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C. 

C. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER NEAR FORT COLLINS, COLO.

This station, which was established January 8, 1909, to determine 

the amount of water available for storage, irrigation, and power 

development, is situated about 1,000 feet below the Fort Collins 

waterworks intake, 16 miles above Fort Collins, and 500 yards above 

the mouth of the North Fork of the Cache la Poudre.

Practically no water is diverted from the main stream or its tributaries above the station, with the exception of that taken for the 

Fort Collins water supply. The station is below all tributaries above 

the North Fork.
262 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Discharge measurements are taken from a cable about 120 yards 

downstream from the vertical rod gage, which is driftbolted to a 

cliff on the left bank, and which has remained constant. Winter 

and low-water measurements are made by wading.

Ice affects the gage heights for several months each winter.

All of the ordinary flow and a considerable proportion of the flood 

waters have been filed upon for irrigation below, but if the flood 

waters are stored opportunities for power development will be 

afforded.

The proposed Elkhorn reservoir, the dam for which is to be located 

2 miles below the mouth of Elkhorn Creek, will have a capacity of 

113,000 acre-feet, with a dam 400 feet high; and the proposed Stove 

Prairie reservoir, located 8 miles above the gaging station, will have 

a capacity o£ 26,500 acre-feet with a dam 200 feet high.

During 1909 frequent measurements were made by parties cooperating with the United States Geological Survey through George B. 

McFadden, an engineer of Denver, Colo. Computations of daily and 

monthly discharges have been made by engineers of the United States 

Geological Survey. In developing the rating table for this station 

the discharge measurements were considered in groups, as the channel 

conditions are permanent, though rough.

Discharge measurements of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 8a

May 27

Aug. 31

Sept. 14

Oct. 23

Nov. 11

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

G.H.Russell........ ... .......... . ...................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

34

75

68

68

53

64

Area of 

section.

*#,

167

%

96

60

53

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.50

4.02

3.15

3.15

2.30

2.15

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

47.7

622

313

268

104

83.0

a Made through ice.

Discharge measurements of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo., in 1909. 

[By F. E. Epperly and F. H. Stearley.]

Date.

Jan. 9

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.42

2.70

2.72

2.62

2.54

2.52

2.50

2.42

2.34

2.32

2.32

2.20

2.10

2.22

2.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

38.5

52.8

59.9

59.8

56.6

50.8

52.0

49.5

48.6

53.3

58.6

34.9

29.2

38.0

46.8

Date.

Jan. 28

31

Feb. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

11

12

15

16

18

19

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.30

2.34

2.52

2.50

2.40

2.34

2.34

2.00

2.30

2.40

2.32

2.42

2.34

2.40

2.32

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

44.9

28.0

62.7

56.4

48.4

44.7

44.6

21.5

33.8

43.1

37.7

42.4

39.0

43.2

42.3

Date.

Feb. 20

21

23

24

25

26

27

28

Mar. 1

2

3

4

5

6

8

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.27

2.44

2.62

2.62

2.54

2.52

2.54

2.52

2.54

2.62

2.50

2.30

2.20

2.02

2.02

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

34.7

55.2

36.8

43.0

41.7

43.3

41.8

43.7

47.8

42.9

63.7

60.2

48.0

53.9

53.5

Date.

Mar. 9

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.20

2.02

2.22

2.22

2.22

2.24

2.04

2.10

2.10

2.02

2.10

2.14

2.10

2.30

2.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

59.6

38.6

62.7

59.4

60.1

74.7

49.6

55.9

58.7

44.8

58.9

57.4

60.8

87.5

86.4
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 263

Discharge measurements of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo., in 1909

Continued.

Date.

Mar. 26

28

29

30

31

Apr. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

12

13

14

15

16

17

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

May 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.26

2.22

2.10

2.22

2.22

2.30

2.30

2.36

2.48

2.46

2.30

2.30

2.28

2.39

2.46

2.36

2.40

2.44

2.44

2.54

2.67

2.75

2.69

2.63

2.56

2.60

2.60

2.65

2.73

2.90

2.99

2.98

2.77

2.70

2.73

2.74

2.83

3.04

3.07

3.19

3.26

3.16

3.30

3.52

3.60

3.47

3.41

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

84.2

60.8

61.6

59.7

59.2

87.7

88.3

99.7

117.0

121.0

92.0

91.2

92.6

114.0

128.0

113.0

110.0

129.0

130.0

154.0

157.0

161.0

170.0

144.0

106.0

143.0

132.0

154.0

184.0

208.0

255.0

2*9.0

174.0

160.0

167.0

169.0

176.0

245. 0

257.0

277.0

319.0

294.0

329.0

400.0

453.0

369.0

370.0

Date.

May 15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

25

26

27

28

29

30

June 16

July 10

Aug. 17

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

Sept. 8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.40

3.50

3.50

3.66

3.75

3.95

4.10

4.18

4.43

4.10

4.00

4.16

4.48

4.70

4.40

6.15

5.30

3.66

3.45

3.40

3.33

3.30

3.30

3.20

3.10

3.25

3.12

3.65

3.50

3.50

3.65

3.30

3.20

3,15

3.10

3.00

2.95

2.95

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

347.0

400.0

374.0

447.0

484.0

554.0

637.0

689.0

816.0

659.0

575.0

650.0

842.0

1,010.0

800.0

2, 040. 0

1,420.0

408.0

472.0

407.0

375.0

370.0

337.0

309.0

266.0

290.0

251. 0

492.0

411.0

400.0

487.0

321.0

292.Q

267.0

264.0

249.0

254.0

217.0

195.0

192.0

177.0

185.0

175.0

171.0

177.0

173.0

167.0

Date.

Sept. 28

29

30

Oct. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

t 1S

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Nov. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

10

11

12

13

14

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.55

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.59

2.59

2.55

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.47

2.50

..2.49

2.45

2.45

2.40

2.39

2.37

2.38

2.31

2.30

2.30

2.27

2.30

2.22

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.17

2.15

2.17

2.15

2.15

2.05

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

137.0

142.0

148.0

155.0

144.0

147.0

137.0

146.0

147.0

165.0

161.0

172.0

146.0

154.0

154.0

146.0

154.0

130.0

'130.0

130. 0

128.0

124.0

116.0

122.0

107.0

103.0

106.0

82.0

77.4

81.6

77.3

80.8

77.7

78.3

75.6

85.9

83.2

83.3

74.2

75.0

81.9

78.7

69.4

66.2

56.9

58.1

58.7

Date.

Nov. 15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Dec. 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

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.00

2.00

2.22

2.30

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.15

2.15

2.20

2.00

2.10

2.10

2.20

2.10

2.10

1.70-

1.65

1.95

2.05

2.20

2.10

2.95

3.00

3.35

3.10

2.95

2.95

2.70

2.60

2.45

2.53

2.25

2.20

2.25

2.30

2.40

2.70

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.60

2.60

2.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

60.5

60.4

54.1

93.8

79.2

82.8

83.2

84.9

81.6

80.5

78.2

78.4

74.7

67.9

66.8

66.5

92.9

78.2

78.3

26.2

11.8

18.1

27.1

35.2

32.3

79.0

83.4

66.9

81.5

69.2

65.8

60.5

53.5

44.2

47.8

38.3

38.1

41.0

38.8

37.4

54.3

53.0

51.5

53.6

55.4

54.3

52.8

NOTE. Discharge measurements made under ice conditions January 9 to March 16, and December 4 to 13.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo., for 1909.

[Fred Stearley, observer.]

Day.

2........ .......

q

5. ..............

6...............

9

10...............

11...............

12............... 

13...............

14...............

15...............

Jan.

.......

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.25 

2.5

2.7

2.7

Feb.

2.5

2.5

2.3

2.3

2.1

2 15

2.2

2.15

2.35

2.3 

2.3

2.3

2.4

Mar.

2.5

2.5 

2.5

2.3

2.2

2.0

2.0

1.85

2.0

2.05

2.15

1.9 

2.1

2.0

2.0

Apr.

2.3

2.3 

2.35

2.5

2.45

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.45

2.35 

2.4

2.45

2.45

May.

2.75

2.8 

2.8

2.85

3.05

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.15

3.3

3.55

3.65 

3.55

3.45

3.45

June.

4.2

4.4 

4.7

5.1

5.85

6.25

6.66

7.0

6.75

6.55

6.3

5.7 

6.0

6.25

6.3

July.

6.8

6.7 

6.6

6.75

6.45

6.35

6.05

5.7

5.5

5.2

5.0

4.9 

4.7

4.6

4.4

Aug.

3.65

3.6 

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.5

3.6 

3.65

3.55

3.3

Sept.

3.2

3.1 

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.7

3.65

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.3 

3.2

3.15

3.1

Oct.

2.5

2.5 

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.55

2.55

2.5

' 2.5

2.5 

2.5

2.5

2.5

Nov.

2.2

2.2 

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.15 

2.1

2.05

2.0

Dec.

2.2

2.1 

2.05

1.7

1.7

2.0

2.1

2.25

2.25

2.9

3.05

3.3 

3.05

2.95

2.9
264 SUEFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909, PAET VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo., for 1909 

Continued.

Day.

16...-..--.......

17... ........... .

18..---..-.......

19...............

20...............

21..--........-..

22. ..............

23...............

24... ............

25... ............

26...............

27......... ......

28...............

29...............

30.. .............

31...............

Jan.

2.6

o cr

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.05

2.15

2.4

Feb.

2.3

2.3

2 4

2.3

2.1

2.4

2.3

2.45

2.55 9 f;

2.5

2.45

2.45

Mar.

2.1

2

n

2.15

2.05

2

(\K

2.15

2.1

2.05

2.3

2 OK

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

Apr.

2.55

2.65

2.8

2.75

9 7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

9 fif;

2.75

2.9

3.0

3

n

2.8

May.

3.5

3

CK

3.65

3.8

3

QK

4.2

4.5

4.3

4.1

4.0

4.1

4.4

4.65

4.4

4.3

June.

6.1

6.7

7.4

7.9

7.9

7.1

7.0

7.05

7.45

7.35

7.1

7.0

6.85

6.85

July.

4.4

4.4

4.35

4.65

4.60

4.5

4.35

4.25

4.35 4 Q

4.2

4.2

3.95

3.8

3.75

Aug.

3.2

3 7

4.3

3.95

3.75

3.5

3.45

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.25

3.15

3.0

3.75

Sept.

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.66

2.6

2.6

Oct.

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

Nov.

2.05

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

9 i f;

2.15

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.1

Dec.

2.7

2.55

2.45

2.45

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.35

2.45

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.7

NOTE. Ice effect at intervals Jan. 1 to Mar. 10 and Dec. 4 to 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cache la Poudre River near Fcrt Collins, Colo., for 1909.

Day.

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.

45

45

45

45

45

48

38

35

30

25

45

53

60

60

57

51

52

50

49

59

35

29

38

47

45

35

30

28

Feb.

56

48

45

45

22

34

30

30

30

43

38

40

40

42

39

40

43

42

35

55

37

43

42

43

48

44

Mar.

48

43

64

60

48

54

55

54

60

60

60

39

63

59

60

68

K7

74

fi9

62

74

68

62

95

88

QC

88

81

74

81

81

Apr.

QK

95

102

127

118

95

QK

95

110

118

110

102

110

118

118

136

1 w

177

166

166

146

146

146

i w

177

212

907

237

188

May.

177

188

188

200

250

264

292

324

278

324

414 AKA

414

376

376

395

414

454

517

696

865

749

646

fifU.

646

805

960

June.

AQfi

992

1 260

1,900

2,280

2,680

3,040

2,780

2,580

2,340

1,760

2,040

2,280

2,340

2,140

2,740

3,440

3,940

3 14fl

3 040

3,' 080

3,480

2,980

2,880

July.

2,740

2,640

2,780

3,480

2,380

2,080

1,760

1,580

1,340

1,190

1,120

992

928

805

805

805

777

960

928

865

777

722

777

749

696

696

582

560

517

496

Aug.

434

434

434

395

395

395

434

395

358

395

434

454

414

324

292

475

749

582

496

395

376

292

324

324

292

264

308

278

292

Sept.

292

264

292

292

292

292

475

454

395

395

434

324

292

278

264

237

224

224

188

188

188

188

188

177

166

166

166

14.fi

146

Oct.

127

127

127

127

127

127

146

136

136

127

127

127

127

127

127

118

118

110

110

110

110of;

95

95

88

Qf;

88

81

81

81

81

Nov.

81

81

81

81

81

81

81

81

81

74

74

74

68

62

57

62

81

95

95

81

81

81

81

81

74

74

68

V7

68

68

Dec.

81

68

62

26

12

18

27

35

32

79

83

67

82

69

66

60

54

44

48

38

38

41

39

37

54

53

52

KA

55<M.

53

NOTE. These discharges were obtained as follows:

Jan. 1 to Mar. 16 and Dec. 4 to 31, actual measurements or estimated from measurements.

Mar. 17 to Dec. 3, from a well-defined rating curve.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 265

Monthly discharge of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo.,for 1909.

Month.

April ..............................................

July. ..............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

60 

63 

95 

237 

960 

3,940 

3,480 

749 

475 

146 

95 

83

3,940

Minimum.

22 

39 

95 

177 

696 

496 

237 

146 

81 

57 

12

12

Mean.

44.1 

41.3 

65.7 

141 

488 

2,570 

1,300 

391 

259 

113 

76.2 

51.0

462

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

2,710 

2,290 

4,040 

8,390 

30,000 

153,000 

79,900 

24,000 

15,400 

6,950 

4,530 

3,140

334,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

LOUP RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The Loup and its branches, which form the most important tributaries of the Platte below the forks, drain an area 13,540 square 

miles in extent, lying in the heart of Nebraska. The Loup proper is 

formed by the junction of North and Middle Loup rivers, which unite 

near the city of St. Paul, the middle Loup in turn receiving the 

south Loup in the southwestern part of Howard County. The 

principal tributaries are Beaver, Cedar, Calamus, and Dismal creeks. 

A comparatively small amount of water is diverted for irrigation, 

the ditches generally being small and covering limited areas. A 

number of power plants are in operation and others of considerable 

extent have been proposed, particularly one near Columbus, by 

which it is believed that about 20,000 continuous horsepower may 

be developed. On Loup River the flow was probably lowest in 1895.

LOTTP RIVER AT COLTTMBTTS, NEBR.

This station, which was established October 13, 1894, is located at 

the highway bridge in the outskirts of Columbus and about 3 miles 

above the mouth of the river, in sec. 25, T. 17 N., R. 1 W.

The records show the total discharge of the river at its mouth, and 

are valuable in connection with power development. They show 

also the remarkably uniform flow of the stream. A comparatively 

small amount of water is diverted for irrigation.

Records have usually been suspended during the winter months 

on account of the severe ice conditions.

Measurements at this station are rough at best, owing to the soft 

and constantly shifting bed and the high and uneven velocity. Gage 

heights are only an approximate index of discharge, as the swift current changes the channel very rapidly, and at least one measurement 

a week would be required to give even fairly good results.
266 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

No daily discharges have been computed for 1909, as any computation based on the data at hand would be misleading, and a fair 

idea of the discharge can be obtained from the discharge measurements. Two gages have been used at this station: A chain gage at 

the highway bridge has been used since 1904; and a staff gage at the 

former cable location, 1^ miles above, was used prior to that time. 

The datum of the staff gage is 8.56 feet above the present gage 

datum. Otherwise, no changes in datum have been made. Discharge measurements are being made from the highway bridge to 

which the gage is attached.

Discharge measurements of Loup River at Columbus, Nebr., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 13

20

Apr. 13

July 8

Aug. 31

Oct. 22

Hydrographer.

G. W. Bates. ...............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.................................:...................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

300

360

870

870

850

412

530

650

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

645

712

714

788

1,210

742

917

902

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.60

4.55

4.55

4.68

4.79

4.55

4.57

4.77

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3,340

2,800

3,010

2,370

6,640

1,850

2,660

2,290

Daily gage height, in feet, of Loup River at Columbus, Nebr., for 1909. 

[W. D. Benson, observer.]

Day.

2..........

3..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9

10..........

11..........

12..........

10

14..........

16..........

17..........

18..........

19

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29

30..........

qi

Jan.

4.4

4.45

4.45

5.75

6.2

6.7

6.5

6.3

Mar.

6.3

5.55

5.2

4.8

4 65

4.6

4.75

4.6

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.4

4.45

4.55

4.55

4.5

4.6

4.4

5.5

4.35

4 45

Apr.

4.45

4.35

4.4

4 K

4.5

4.65

4.5

4

CE

4 65

4.4

4 45

4.4

A OK

4.35

4.45

4.4

4.45

4 45

4

CC

4

AK

4.45

4

E

4.45

4 9

May.

4.55

4.2 4 *?

4.45

4.45

4 6

4.35

4.6

4.6

4.6

4 45

4.0

A Q

4.75

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.65

6.35

4 9

4.85

A Q

June.

4.85

4.7

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.85

4.75

4.85

4 9

4.8

4.8

4.75

4.6

4.5

4.95

4.75

4.95

4.75

4.55

4.5

July.

4.55

4.55

4.65

4.75

4.9

6.65

5.15

4.8

5.1

5.55

5.6

5.1

4.7

4.65

47

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.45

4.6

4.7

4.9

4.7

4.65

4.65

Aug.

5.05

4.85

5.35

5.3

4.95

4.85

4.7

4.65

4.6

4.6

4.75

4.65

4.6

4.8

4.9

5.05

4.8

4.7

4.65

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.45

4.45

4.45

4.45

4.5

4.6

Sept.

4.5

4.75

4.8

4.9

4.85

5.8

5.05

4.9

4.85

4.85

4.75

4.75

4.85

4.85

4.85

4.7

4.75

4.7

4.65

4.6

4.7

4.65

4.7

4.75

4.65

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

Oct.

4.65

4.65

4.65

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.75

4.8

4.9

5.05

4.00

4.75

4.75

4.5

4.5

4.55

4.5

4.55

4.5

4.45

4.4

4.45

4.5

4.6

4.55

4.45

4.55

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.7

Nov.

4.7

4.8

4.75

4.7

4.55

4.65

4.75

4.8

4.6

4.55

4.5

4.5

4.8

5.05

5.0

4.8

4.45

4.4

4.55

5.2

5.15

4.85

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.75

4.65

4.65

Dec.

4.75

4.4

5.8

4.0

3.8

4.65

4.55

4.7

4.85

4.9

4.9

4.95

5.0

5.0

5.7

5.65

5.7

5.2

5.2

5.25

5.2

5.15

5-1

5.1

5.15

NOTE. Ice Jan. 7 to Mar. 3 and Dec. 27-31.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIK. 267

KANSAS RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of Kansas River lies between the basins of 

the Platte and the Arkansas, entirely within the region of the Great 

Plains. The Kansas as such is a comparatively short stream, being 

formed by the union of Smoky Hill and Republican rivers in Geary 

County, Kans., whence it flows eastward, entering the Missouri at 

Kansas City, Mo,

The Smoky Hill rises near the boundary between Kansas and 

Colorado, pursues a winding but on the whole easterly course through 

Kansas, and near Junction unites with the Republican. Its length 

is 335 miles and the extreme width of its basin is about 100 miles. 

The river runs close to the northern border of the Arkansas basin, 

and its chief tributaries are from the north. Solomon and Saline 

rivers are the most important, the former draining the northern part 

of Kansas and the latter the territory between the Solomon and the 

Smoky Hill.

Republican River rises in the arid plains of eastern Colorado, flows 

northeastward into southwestern Nebraska, then eastward through 

the southern tier of counties to Superior, where it turns to the southeast, enters Kansas, and finally joins the Smoky Hill. The length 

of the basin east and west is approximately 360 miles, its greatest 

width is 120 miles, and the total area drained is 25,840 square miles. 

The river is wide and rather shallow, with a rapid descent, and the 

bed is largely shifting quicksand of the most unstable character. In 

its upper course the Republican receives many tributaries, chiefly 

from the south. Nearly all of these flow through a region where the 

rainfall is less than 22 inches, but as this part of the basin is covered 

with buffalo grass, which sheds rain like a roof, the per cent of rainfall reaching the streams is great. Near the mouth the drainage 

area is .very narrow and the tributaries are small and unimportant, 

but here the rainfall is 28 to 30 inches a year. Many small springs 

are found along the main stream and its branches, and the ground 

water generally lies at medium depth. The soil of the middle part 

of the basin is porous, sandy loam, and about 55 per cent of the land 

is under cultivation; along the lower course the soil is black loam and 

clay, and about 75 per cent of the land is cultivated. The rainfall 

in the lower basin is considered sufficient for all growing crops. The 

Republican is subject to sudden rises and falls and occasionally 

overflows its banks.

The most important feeder of the Kansas below the junction of 

Smoky Hill and Republican rivers is the Blue, which rises in southeastern Nebraska, flows to the southeast and south into Kansas, and 

joins Kansas River at Manhattan. The principal tributary of the
268 SUEFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Blue is the Little Blue, which rises in southern Nebraska, flows 

southeastward, and unites with the main stream near Blue Rapids. 

The basin of the Kansas comprises the richest portion of the State 

of Kansas, consists of bottoms and rolling uplands, well timbered 

with oak, cottonwood, ash, elm, hickory, etc. The section is under 

a high state of cultivation and produces a great variety of crops. 

The river flows through a rich alluvial bottom land. The banks are 

sandy and easily cave in. In places the bed contains rock and bowlders, but in general it is composed of sand and at many points of 

quicksand. The channel as a rule hugs one bank or the other and 

is somewhat shifting. Islands are formed here and there by the 

deposit of sediment during high water, drift lodges upon them, and 

a thick growth of brush, mainly cottonwood, soon springs up. At 

Topeka the river is 900 feet wide between banks. At ordinary low 

water the channel occupies 150 to 200 feet of this width and has a 

depth of 8 to 9 feet; at mean high water the average depth is probably 10 feet for the entire distance between banks.

REPUBLICAN RIVER AT BOSTWICK, NEBR.

This station, which is located at a highway bridge 1 mile north of 

Bostwick, Nebr., in sec. 23, T. 1 N., R. 8 W., was established June 

6, 1904, to replace the station at Superior, Nebr., which had been 

maintained from 1896 to 1903. Records at this point show the 

amount of water carried by the river at the Nebraska-Kansas State 

line, and are of value in connection with irrigation above and flood 

control below.

, No records have been obtained during the winter period. No 

storage is used on the stream to reduce floods or to reenforce the lowwater flow, so that the variation in discharge is great. Owing to the 

unstable condition of the stream bed the records are more or less 

unsatisfactory.

The chain gage has remained the same since the establishment of the 

station. It is fastened to the bridge from which discharge measurements are made.

Discharge measurements of Republican River at Bostwick, Nebr., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 26

Apr. 13

17

June 24

Nov. 20

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

315

870

2,400

310

200

290

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

440

714

302

962

239

165

208

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.95

4.55

1.66

3.60

1.56

1.12

1.47

Discharge.

Sec-ft. 

794

3,010

572

2,450

386

206

382
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN". 269

Daily gage height, in feet, of Republican River at Bostwick, Nebr.,for 1909. 

[Jos. W. Keifer, observer.]

Day.

1.... ...............

2...................

3...................

4...................

5...................

6...................

7..... ..............

8...................

10...................

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

16...................

17...................

18...................

19

20...................

21...................

23...................

24...................

26...................

27...... .............

28...................

9Q

31...................

Mar.

2.0

2.0

1 9

1.9

1.75

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

2.0

1 95

2.0

1.95

2.0

2.1

2.0

Apr.

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.8

(«)

(«)

(«)

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

May.

1.45

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.5

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.25

3.75

3.2

2.75

2.35

2.15

June.

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.75

1.85

1.7

2.0

4.3

2.65

2.3

2.6

2.4

2.4

3.4

3.35

3.25

2.9

2.65

2.55

4.15

4.95

3.6

4.0

3.05

2.65

3.1

2.35

2.15

July.

2.1

2.0

4.5

3.0

3.15

3.5

2.95

2.15

2.05

5.1

4.0

3.25

3.05

2.9

2.4

2.15

2.0

1.9

1.75

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.45

1.95

Aug.

1.45

1.25

2.25

2.0

1.65

1.4

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.05

1.15

1.4

1.2

1.1

1.05

1.0

1.45

1.05

1.05

.95

.85

.85

.75

.7

.65

.65

1.4

1.1

.9

.7

.7

Sept.

0.65

2.15

2.1

1.45

1.25

1.05

1.0

.95

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.25

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.9

5.85

4.35

3.2

2.85

2.0

1.75

1.6

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.35

Oct.

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.1 1.1"

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

].0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.1

1.15

Nov.

1.2

2.0

1.55

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.4

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.85

1.85

1.85

Dec.

1.85

].75

1.75

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

a Gage out of order; flood. 

NOTE. Ice probably from Jan. 1 to Mar. 6; ice Dec. 5 to 31, 6 inches thick on Dec. 7.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Republican River at Bostwick, Nebr.,for 1909.

Day.

I...................

o

3...................

5...................

6...................

9...................

10...................

11...................

12...................

14...................

15...................

16...................

17...-......----..-..

38... ......... .......

19...................

20...................

21...................

22...................

23

24...................

25...................

Mar.

865

865

860

765

765

645

765

765

670

670

670

670

755

755

750

660

660

840

795

Apr.

640

590

495

480

420

400

380

370

325

335

315

(a)

f«)

(a)

600

480

440

440

440

440

480

480

480

May.

360

385

400

375

375

375

375

350

350

325

300

325

350

400

300

325

300

300

280

270

270

320

June.

805

805

805

790

670

550

805

3,480

1,230

1,500

1,130

1,440

1,230

1.230

2, 360

2,610

2,300

2,180

1,780

1,500

1,390

3,240

4,300

2,440

2.940

July.

800

720

1,740

1,900

3,520

2,320

1,680

845

760

4,410

2,940

2,020

1,800

1,630

1,100

845

720

640

535

500

435

375

375

348

Aug.

348

250

720

468

320

250

230

212

178

212

320

230

195

178

160

348

178

178

145

115

115

88

75

65

Sept.

65

845

800

348

250

178

160

145

160

160

160

160

195

230

250

195

160

160

640

5,480

3,400

1,960

1,580

720

535

Oct.

270

270

250

230

212

195

195

230

250

230

195

195

178

178

178

160

160

160

178

178

195

195

195

212

Nov.

230

720

- 405

295

270

250

230

230

270

270

270

250

375

375

348

270

230

230

320

348

348

375

348

348

375

Dec.

605

535

535

500

570

a Flood.
270 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Republican River at Bostwick, Nebr., for 1909 Contd.

Day.

26...................

27. ..................

28...................

29...................

30...................

31...................

Mar.

835

7CC

770

930

710

Apr.

440

110

AA(\

410

May.

2,740

2 rtfift

1 140

CMC

June.

1,800

1 ^fift

1,850

1 '845 040

July.

OOA

OOfJ

295

348

680

Aug.

65

195

130

75

75

Sept.

435

375

320

295

Oct.

195

195

195

178

las

212

Nov.

435

605

605

605

Dec.

NOTE. The discharges from Mar. 7 to June 23 were obtained by the indirect method for shifting channels. Discharges June 24 to Dec. 8 were obtained from a rating curve that is fairly well defined between 

65 and 2,600 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Republican River at Bostwick, Nebr., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 23,300 square miles.]

Month.

March 7-31... ..............

April.......................

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

930 

640 

2,740 

4,300 

4,410 

940 

5,480 

270 

720 

605

Minimum.

660 

280 

270 

550 

295 

65 

65 

160 

230 

500

Mean.

755 

444 

555 

1,680 

1,250 

238 

690 

201 

358 

549

Per 

square 

mile.

0.032 

.019 

.024 

.072 

.054 

.010 

.030 

.0086 

.015 

.024

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.03 

.02 

.03 

.08 

.06 

.01 

.03 

.01 

.02 

.004

Total in 

acre-feet.

37,400 

23,800 

34,100 

100,000 

76,900 

14,600 

41,100 

12,400 

21,300 

5,440

367,040

Accuracy.

C. 

D. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

LITTLE BLUE RIVER NEAR FAIRBURY, NEBR.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge 1^ miles south 

of Fairbury and about 12 miles above the Nebraska-Kansas State 

line, was established May 23, 1908, to obtain data for use in studies 

of run-off and flood control and in power development. A chain 

gage, the datum of which has remained constant, is fastened to the 

bridge, from which discharge measurements are made.

Sandy Creek, the principal tributary, enters about 10 miles above. 

Muddy Creek, a small stream, is the only tributary between the 

station and the Kansas line.

The dam of the Fairbury roller mill is about 2 miles above the 

station, and may possibly cause some daily fluctuation in stage.

Gage heights are apparently little affected by ice.

Records have been fairly satisfactory, though the channel shifts at 

high stages. The maximum discharges are somewhat uncertain, as 

the river overflows its banks at about 11 feet gage height. The 

amount of overflow has been estimated.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN". 271 

Discharge measurements of Little Blue River near Fairbury, Nebr., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 25«

Apr. 246

May 22

July 16

23

Sept. 16

Nov. 11

Hydrographer.

G. W. Bates. ..............................................

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.......................................... ..........

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

D. D . Price ...............................................

Width.

Feet. 

90

80

75

84

110

55

90

70

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

201

113

102

127

669

118

205

112

Gage 

height.

Feel. 

3.96

3.00

2.91

3.65

10.85

4.69

3.20

3.80

3.10

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

329

202

171

372

3,310

1,250

207

387

188

o Fine slush ice running. & Wind strong across stream.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Blue River near Fairbury, Nebr., for 1909. 

[Fred Borland, observer.]

Day.

1..... ..........

2...-------..--.

3...... ...... ...

6. ..............

7....... ........

8... -----------

9

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15.--.-.-....-.-.

16. ..............

17............. . .

18...............

19...............

20...............

21............... 

22...............

23...............

24...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

2.6

2.75

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.0

, 3.0

3.0

3.0

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.5

2.9 

2.95

2.95

o n

3.0

3.0

o n

3.5

3.5

3.5

Feb.

3.5

3.5

3.1

3.25

3.25

3.3

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.35

Q OC

2.95

9 Q

Q. ft

3.0

3.0 

3.0

3 fi

3 9

3 Q

Q Q

3.65

Mar.

3.5

3.35

3.25

3.15

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2

QE

2

QE

2.95

o fi

3.0

2.95

2.95 

2.95

2

QC

3.0

3.3

3

0

3.1

3

0

2 95

2.9

2.9

Apr.

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.0

2.8

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

3.0

2.9

2 Q

2.9

2.8 

2.9

2 Q

2.9

2.9

^2.8

2

0

2

0

2.9

May.

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2

0

2

0

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

3.7

4.6

4.5

6

AK

7.6

4.0

3.5 

4.0

4.1

3.0

4 45

5.8

3

0

3

C

3.4

3.8

June.

3.2

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.5

3.4

3.5

12.3

11.0

10.9

6.3

5.2

5.0

4.5

4.0

4 3

4.0

3.6

3.4

3.2

3.0 

5.3

12.6

7.7

6.5

6.3

5.3

A K

4.0

4.5

July.

4.0

4.7

3.4

3.4

8.2

11.5

8.8

8.9

8.1

9.5

6.0

6.0

5.6

5.3

4.7

4.6

4.1

3

0

3.6

3.6

3.5 

3.4

3.4

 3 0

3

0

Q 0

3.2

3

1

3.1

3.1

3.1

Aug.

3.2

4.3

3.4

3.2

3.0

3.0

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.9

3.8

3.6

3.6

2 7

2.6

9 fi

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6 

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2

fi

2.6

2.6

Sept.

2.6

4.4

3.1

9.2

7.5

6.0

6.0

5.8

3.8

3.5

3.6

4.9

5.3

5.2

4.5

5.4

5.2

3

0

3.2

3.4

3.4 

5.3

5.1

5.2

4.8

4.0

3.7

o 7

3.4

3.2

Oct.

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.2

3

f)

3.0

3.2

3.2

3.0 

3.0

3.0

3.1

2 9

2.9

3.0

2.8

2.8

Nov.

2.8

2.9

4.2

4.8

4.1

4.0

3.6

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

4.7

7.9

7.7

5

0

4.5

4.0

3 9

3.8

3.6 

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.4

4.8

5.9

4.7

Dec.

4.5

7.9

7.7

5.8

3.9

4.0

3.8

3.9

4.2

4.1

3.9

3.6

3.5

3.7

3.5

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.1

4.0 

3.9

3.8

3.7

3

D

3.8

3.9

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.6

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 5 to 20, Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, and Feb. 10 to 16.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Blue River near Fairbury, Nebr., for 1909.

Day.

1.......... . .

2...............

3..............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

Jan.

150

165

180

IQft

190

190

190

180

Feb.

190

ion

200

0-1 Q

218

OOF;

210

205

205

180

Mar.

OCR

218

205

200

1Qfl

190

190

190

185

Apr.

190

190

190

180

180

190

180

180

190

170

May.

180

170

170

170

170

170

170

170

170

160

June.

240

225

210

255

255

9,550

4,780

3,380

July.

o.qn

240

270

2,890

8,200

3,740

3,990

3,200

5,200

Aug.

210

240

210

190

190

330

330

810

330

Sept.

150

450

200

3,650

2,060

1,090

1,090

990

310

255

Oct.

210

210

200

200

190

190

190

190

350

350

Nov.

170

180

400

575

375

350

270

225

210

210

Dec.

480

2,390

2,220

990

330

350

310

330

350

40Q
272 SURFACE WATER .SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Blue River near Fairbury, Nebr., for 1909 

Continued.

Day.

12...... .........

13......-.-.-....

14...............

15...............

16... ............

17...............

18...............

19...............

21...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27. ..............

28..-.-...-......

29...............

30

31...............

Jan.

180

180

180

180

180

180

180

180

180

180

180

1SS

185

185

190

190

190

190

190

190

Feb.

isn

180

ion

180

180

185

180

Ion

190

i on

190

330

310

290

Mar.

1QC

185

185

1QC

185

185

1Qf|

190

1 Q5

195

195

195

210

200

225

185

180

180

Apr.

IQfl

180

180

170

190

180

180

180

ion

170

180

180

180

180

180

170

170

180

May.

170

170

170

180

290

510

480

2,140

350

255

190

465

990

255

240

310

June.

300

230

180

130

150

130

120

110

100

8,300

1,680

1,010

960

580

350

290

430

July.

1,650

1,750

1,570

1, 450

1,170

1,200

710

580

400

255

240

210

210

210

200

200

200

200

Aug.

270

160

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

150

Sept.

610

770

730

480

810

730

210

240

240

690

730

575

350

990

290

240

210

Oct.

350

210

210

200

210

190

190

210

190

190

190

200

180

180

190

180

180

170

170

Nov.

200

200

540

2,390

2,220

990

480

350

330

310

270

270

270

270

255

240

240

575

1,040

540

Dec.

375

330

270

255

290

255

375

375

350

375

350

330

310

290

310

310

330

290

290

310

270

NOTE. Discharges June 9 to July 19 were obtained by the indirect method for shifting channels. Discharges for the balance of the year were obtained from a rating curve that is well denned between 180 and 

2,100 second-feet. Discharges Jan. 10 to 20, Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, and 10 to 16, estimated.

Monthly discharge of Little Blue River near Fairbury, Nebr., for 1909.

Month.

April. ............................................ .

July...............................................

October. ..........................................

December. ...................... .

The year.............................. .. ..

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

330 

255 

190 

2,140 

9,550 

8,200 

425 

3,650 

350 

2,390 

2,390

9,550

Minimum.

150

iso

170 

160 

100 

200 

150 

150 

170 

170 

270

100

Mean.

183 

213 

197 

180 

354 

1,180 

1,350 

204 

656 

209 

498 

477

479

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet.)

11,300 

11,800 

12, 100 

10,700 

21,800 

70,200 

83,000 

12,500 

39,000 

12,900 

29,600 

 29, 300

344,000

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

D. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

C. 

C.

GASCONADE RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of the Gasconade lies in the south-central part 

of Missouri. The river is formed by Piney, Lock, and Osage forks 

and Roubidoux Creek, which rise in southern Missouri and flow northward to unite in Laclede and Pulaski counties. From the junction 

of the forks to the point where the Gasconade enters the Missouri 

the distance by general course is about 60 miles, but including the 

windings it is probably more than 100 miles. The total area of the 

basin is about 3,500 square miles.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 273

The headwater region comprises an area of regular outline, about 

65 miles long by 45 miles wide, forming part of an elevated tableland belonging to the Ozark Range of hills, and along the streams 

the surface is very rough and broken. The lower part of the basin, 

below Arlington, is long and narrow, its average width for a distance 

of about 55 miles being less than 15 miles. Below Vienna the valley 

averages about hah6 a mile in width and is bordered by bluffs 100 to 

200 feet high. Throughout the lower section the river flows in a succession of shoals and pools. On the shoals the stream bed is usually 

gravel, but the pools contain considerable deposits of sand and mud. 

Depth to rock beneath the stream bed is estimated at 10 to 30 feet. 

The rocks along the stream are chiefly limestone and sandstone.

The sources of the river are from 1,400 to 1,600 feet above sea 

level. At Arlington the elevation is about 650 feet and at the mouth 

of the river it is about 490 feet above the sea.

Above the junction of the forks the drainage basin is partly forested, but below that point it may be considered a deforested region. 

The mean annual rainfall is about 40 inches. The winters are mild. 

Facilities for storage have not been investigated.

The basin contains a great number of springs, some of those in the 

upper part being very large, and these springs help to maintain the 

low-season flow of the river. The streams offer fair opportunities for 

power development. As the main river is very crooked, it may be 

possible in some localities to shorten it by cutting across the narrow 

necks and to utilize the fall thus developed. Some of the tributaries 

may offer sites with good heads, as the slope of the tributaries is 

much greater than that of the main stream.

The Gasconade is subject to sudden floods, reaching approximately 

25 feet above low water.

PINEY FORK OF GASCONADE RIVER NEAR HOUSTON, MO.

This station, which is located about 3J miles northwest of Houston, 

Mo., was established October 7, 1908, to obtain data for use in connection with water-power development. The station was discontinued June 30, 1909.

Brushy Creek enters about 200 feet above the station. The lowwater flow is modified by a power plant a short distance above the 

station.

The datum of the chain gage, which is located 50 feet below the 

measuring section, has remained unchanged.

Measurements are made by means of a boat and cable or by wading 

in low water.

84548° WSP 266 11 18
274 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, ofPiney Fork of Gasconade River near Houston, Mo., for 1909.

[Q. A. Stewart, observer.]

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

6....

7....

9....

10....

Jan.

4.98

4.98

4.94

4.88

4.89

4.94

Apr. May.

6.09

6.08

6.08

6.07

6.04

5.90

5.92

16.04

8.60

June.

6.12

6.10

6.12

6.10

6.11

6.02

Day.

11....

12....

13....

14....

IS....

16....

17....

18....

19....

30....

Jan.

4.98

6.29

6.30

Apr.

7.92

7.93

7.93

7.90

7.90

8.01

8.08

May.

7.88

7.18

6.78

6.72

6.60

5.92

5.84

5.85

5.85

June.

5.47

5.48

5.48

5.48

10.56

6.60

6.48

Day.

21....

22....

23....

24....

25....

26....

27....

28....

29....

30....

31....

Jan.

6.32

6.40

6.48

6.46

6.46

6.46

Apr.

10.00

May.

7.01

7 05

7.32

7.17

7.12

6.15

6.15

June.

6.28

6.30

6.27

MISCELLANEOUS MEASUREMENTS.

The miscellaneous measurements made in the Missouri River basin 

in 1909 are presented in the following pages. They have been 

listed under drainage basins in the same order as the regular stations.

Miscellaneous measurements in Missouri River basin. 

Missouri River proper.

Date.

Nov. 17

Stream.

Missouri River .............. 

.....do ......................

Tributary to 

Mississippi Rivera..

Locality.

Kansas City, Mo ......

Gage 

height.

Feet, 

b 17. 40 

611.09

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

171,000

Musselshell River basin.

4 9

Yellowstone River basin.

10

Feb. 2

Mar. 1

2

North Fork of Little Wind

River.

.....do....................... .....do..............

above upper gaging 

station on Sweetgrass Creek.

.....do................

7 7Qn

25.2

Af>

50

45

a At Hannibal Railway bridge, near foot of Broadway.

6 Gage on bridge. Stages are referred to St. Louis directrix, which is 303.3 feet below the zero of the
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN". 275

Miscellaneous measurements in Missouri River basin Continued. 

Cheyenne River basin.

Date.

19

19

24

24

19 

19

19

Stream.

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

.....do....................... 

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

Tributary to 

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................ 

.....do................

.....do................

Locality:

12, T.I N., R. 3 E., 

B. H. H., S. Dak. 

.... .do...... ..........

-....do................

.....do................

.....do................

NE. iofNW. Jsec. 7, 

T. 1 N., R. 4E., B. 

H. M., S. Dak.

8,T.1N.,R.4E.,B. 

H. M.. S. Dak. 

.....do................

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

32.6

28

25

29

28

31 

30

28

North Platte River basin.

Sept. 4

29

July 3

6

Mar. 24

20

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

Spotted Tail Creek ..*........

.....do................

.....do................

.....do. ...............

.. ...do.... ............

. ....do. ...............

Lucerne Canal, Fort 

Laramie, Wyo. 

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

State line. 

Sec. 10, T.23N., R.5fi

W., Nebr.

6,980

1,900

2,120

1 790

2,300

56.3

7.4

Flatte River basin.

St. Paul, Nebr....... .

South Flatte River basin.

Jan. 2

28

Apr. 12

10

30

July 5

Aug. 17

July 5

5

7

16

Sept. 4

Dec. 6

19

19

Dec. 7

North Fork of South Platte

River. 

.....do......................

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

Run). 

.....do.......................

.....do................:......

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

South Platte River....

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

North Fork of S'outh

Platte River.

Gr6O6V£l CrG6k

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

Platte River. 

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

above Scott Gomer 

Creek, Geneva Park, 

Colo.

Duftk Lake.

Duck Lake.

dam site. Grant,Colo.

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

Colo.

Crossons, Colo ........

o 1.85

ol.48

ol.20

o .95

2.50

814

7.4

5.4

7.1

4.4

68

5 9

16.1

26.4

52.5

66

650

13.5

62.0

a 4. 5

o2.0

a 50

07

a Distance of water surface below reference mark on downstream stringer near left edge. 

6 Estimated.
276 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART VI.

Miscellaneous measurements in Missouri River basin Continued. 

South Platte Kiver basin Continued.

Date.

Dec. 7

Aug. 17

20

20

Feb. 7

Mar. 14

May 5

9

Aug. 9

July 16

Jan. 7

Stream.

.....do......................

Buflalo Creek. ..............

.....do......................

.....do.......................

.....do...................'...

.....do.......................

Left Hand Creek. ...........

.....do.......................

North Fork of Cache la 

Poudre.

Tributary to 

Platt River. 

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

Turkey Creek

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

St. Vrain Creek.......

.....do................

Cache la Poudre. ......

Locality.

fer, Colo.

Colo. 

.....do................

Station,Denver,Colo. 

.....do................

.....do................

Livermore, Colo. ......

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.50

1.75

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

0.4 0

a2

14.6

a7.0

o.5

o.5

04

ol.5

02

08

55

90

33

Minor Missouri Kiver drainage basins in Nebraska.

May 5 Weeping Water, Nebr. 8.6

Kansas Kiver basin.

Mar. 29 

29 

29 

Mar. 30 

30

30

.....do......................

Republican River. ....

Prairie Dog Creek

.....do................

6 miles south of Alma, 

Nebr.

439 

48.5 

56.9 

.4 

3.0

1.4

a Estimated.
INDEX.

Page. 

Accuracy, degree of......................... 28-29

Acknowledgments to those aiding ......... 30-31

Acre-foot, definition of..................... 16

Agency ditch near 

Harlem, Mont.'

description......................... 134

discharge........................... 134

gage heights........................ 134

Alma, Nebr.,

Cook Creek at:

discharge........................... 276

Methodist Creek near:

discharge........................... 276

Prairie Dog Creek near:

discharge........................... 276

Altona, Colo.,

Left Hand Creek at:

discharge........................... 276

American Fork near 

Harlowton, Mont.:

description ......................... 107

discharge........................... 107

discharge, daily.................... 108

discharge, monthly................. .108

gage heights...................... 107-108

Appropriations, amount of................. 9

Arapahoe,Wyo.,

Little Wind River above:

description......................... 181

discharge........................... 181

discharge, daily.................... 182

discharge, monthly................. 183

gage heights........................ 182

Little Wind River below:

description......................... 183

discharge........................... 184

discharge, daily.................... 185

discharge, monthly ................ 185

gage heights........................ 184

Arkins, Colo.,

Big Thompson Creek near:

description......................... 256

discharge........................... 256

discharge, daily.................... 257

discharge, monthly ................ 258

gage heights........................ 257

Ashfleld, Mont.,

Beaver Creek near:

description......................... 124

discharge........................... 124

discharge, daily.................... 125

discharge, monthly ................ 125

gage heights............:........... 125

Page.

79

79

80

81

Augusta, Mont.,

Ford Creek near:

description ..................

discharge....................

discharge, daily.............

discharge, monthly .........

gage heights........................ 79-80

Smith Creek near:

description......................... 81

discharge........................... 81

discharge, daily.................... 82.

discharge, monthly ................ 83

gage heights........................ 81-82

Sun River (North Fork) near:

description......................... 71

discharge........................... 71

discharge, daily.................... 72

discharge, monthly ................ 73

gage heights........................ 71-72

Sun River (South Fork) at:

description......................... 77

discharge........................... 77

discharge, daily.................... 78

discharge, monthly ................ 79

gage heights........................ 77-78

Willow Creek near:

description......................... 75

discharge............................ 75

discharge, daily.................... 76

discharge, monthly................. 77

gage heights........................ 76

Authority for investigations, recital of..... 9

B.

Badger Creek near 

Family, Mont.;

description......................... 86

discharge........................... 86

discharge, daily.................... 87

discharge, monthly................. 88

gage heights........................ 87

Baileys, Colo., 

Crow Creek at:

discharge........................... 275

Barratts, Mont.,

Beaverhead River at:

description......................... 43

discharge........................... 43

discharge, daily.................... 44

discharge, monthly ................ 45

gage heights ....................... 44

Beaver Creek near 

Ashfleld, Mont.:

description......................... 124

discharge........................... 124

discharge, daily.................... 125

discharge, monthly................ 125

heights....................... 125

277
278 INDEX.

Beaver Creek overflow near 

Bowdoin, Mont.:

description......................... 126

discharge........................... 126

discharge, daily.................... 126

discharge, monthly ................ 127

gage heights ....................... 126

Beaverhead River at 

Barratts, Mont.:

description......................... 43

discharge........................... 43

discharge, daily.................... 44

discharge monthly................ 45

gage heights ....................... 44

Belleview, Mont, 

Teton River near:

description......................... 94-95

discharge.... ...................... 95

discharge, daily.................... 95-96

discharge, monthly................ 96

gage heights....................... 95

Bighorn River basin, description of...... 169-171

stream flow in........................ 171-192

Bighorn River near 

Hardin, Mont.:

description......................... 172

discharge........................... 172

discharge, daily.................... 173

discharge, monthly ................ 174

gage heights........................ 173

Big Muddy River drainage basin, description of.......................... 144

stream flow in........................ 144-146

Big Muddy River near 

Culbertson, Mont.:

description......................... 144

discharge .......................... 144

discharge, daily.................... 145

discharge, monthly ................ 146

gage heights ....................... 145

Big Thompson Creek near 

Arkins, Colo.:

description......................... 256

discharge........................... 256

discharge, daily.................... 257

discharge, monthly................ 258

gage heights ....................... 257

Big Timber Creek (North Fork) near 

Big Timber, Mont.:

description......................... 152

discharge........................... 152

discharge, daily.................... 153

discharge, monthly................. 154

gage heights........................ 153

Big Timber Creek (South Fork) near 

Big Timber, Mont.:

description......................... 154

discharge........................... 154

discharge, daily.................... 155

discharge, monthly................. 156

gage heights...................... 154-155

Big Wind River near 

Wind River, Wyo.:

description...... .................. 171

discharge........................... 172

Billings, Mont.,

Yellowstone River at:

discharge........................... 274

Birch Creek near 

Dupuyer, Mont. : 

description..

discharge, daily 

discharge, monthly, 

gage heights........

Birdseye, Mont.,

Sevenmile Creek neardescription .........

discharge...........

discharge, daily....

discharge, monthly, 

gage heights........

Bolster, R. H., work of......

Bostwick, Nebr.,

Republican River at: 

description.........

Page. 

90

90

91

92

91

........................ 268

discharge, daily.................. 269-270

discharge, monthly................. 270

gage heights........................ ' 269

Boulder Creek at or nearBoulder, Colo.:

description ....................... 252-253

discharge........................... 253

Oredell, Colo.:

description......................... 250

discharge........................... 250

discharge, daily.................... 251

discharge, monthly................. 252

gage heights........................ 251

Boulder River (East Fork) near 

McLeod, Mont.:

description......................... 156

discharge........................... 156

discharge, daily.................... 157

discharge, monthly ................ 158

gage heights ..................... 156-157

Boulder River (West Fork) at or near 

Bruffeys, Mont.:

description ......................... 158

discharge........................... 158

gage heights........................ 159

McLeod, Mont:

description......................... 159

discharge........ ................ 159

discharge, daily.................... 160

discharge, monthly................. 161

gage heights ....................... 160

Bowdoin, Mont.,

Beaver Creek overflow near:

description......................... 126

discharge........................... 126

discharge, daily.................... 126

discharge, monthly................ 127

gage heights ....................... 126

Broncho, N. Dak.,

Knife River near:

description......................... 195

discharge........................... 195

discharge, daily.................... 196

discharge, monthly ................ 197

gage heights...................... 195-196

Browning, Mont.,

Milk River (South Fork) near:

description......................... 112

discharge........................... 112
INDEX. 279

Browning, Mont. Continued. 

Milk River near Continued.

discharge, daily.................... 114

discharge, monthly ................ 115

gage heights........................ 114

Bruffeys, Mont.,

Boulder River (West Fork) near 1

description......................... 158

discharge........................... 158

gage heights........................ 159

Buffalo Creek at 

Buffalo Creek, Colo.:

discharge........................... 276

Bull Lake Creek near 

J. K. ranch post-office, Wyo..

description....................... 178-179

discharge........................... 179

C.

Cache la Poudre River near 

Elkhorn, Colo.:

description.......................... 258

discharge......................... 259-260

discharge, daily.................. 260-261

discharge, monthly................. 261

gage heights........................ 260

Fort Collins, Colo.:

description....................... 261-262

discharge......................... 262-263

discharge, daily.................... 264

discharge, monthly................. 265

gage heights..................... 263-264

Cache la Poudre River (North Fork) at 

Livermore, Colo.:

discharge........................... 276

Cambridge, Nebr., 

Medicine Creek at:

discharge........................... 276

Republican River at:

discharge........................... 276

Canyon Creek, Mont.,

Little Prickly Pear Creek near:

description......................... 59

discharge........................... 59

discharge, daily.................... 60

discharge, monthly................ 60

gage heights.................... ... 59

Cascade, Mont.,

Missouri River at:

description......................... 45

discharge........................... 45

discharge, daily.................... 46

discharge, monthly................ 47

gage heights........................ 46

Cassells, Colo.,

South Platte River (North Fork) at:

description....................... 232-233

discharge........................... 233

discharge, daily.................... 234

discharge, monthly................. 235

gage heights...................... 233-234

Castle Creek (S. Dak.), discharge of........ 275

Castle Rock, Colo., 

Plum Creek at:

discharge........................... 276

Chandler, E. F., work of................... 31

Chatfleld, C. L., work of.................... 31

Checkerboard Creek near 

Delpine, Mont.: Page, 

description......................... 103

discharge........................... 103

discharge, daily.................... 104

disci arge, monthly................ 104

gage heights ..................... 103-104

Cherry Creek at * 

 Denver, Colo.:

discharge........................... 276

Cheyenne River basin, miscellaneous measurements in .................... 275

Chinook, Mont.,

Cook canal near:

description......................... 130

discharge........................... 130

discharge, daily.................... 131

discharge, monthly................ 131

gage heights........................ 131

Fort Belknap canal near:

description......................... 135

discharge........................... 135

discharge, daily.................... 136

discharge, monthly ................ 136

gage heights...................... 135-136

Matheson canal near:

description......................... 131

-discharge .......................... 132

discharge, daily.................... 132

discharge, monthly ................ 133

gage heights........................ 132

Milk River (North Fork) near:

description......................... 122

discharge........................... 122

discharge, daily.................... 123

discharge, monthly ................ 124

gage heights........................ 123

Paradise Valley canal near:

description......................... 129

discharge........................... 129

discharge, daily.................... 130

discharge, monthly ................ 130

gage heights........................ 129

Clancy, Mont.,

Lump Gulch Creek at:

description......................... 51

discharge........................... 51

discharge, daily.................... 52

discharge, monthly ................ 52

gage heights........................ 51-52

Prickly Pear Creek near:

description......................... 47

discharge........................... 48

discharge, daily.................... 48

discharge, monthly ................ 48

gage heights........................ 48

Clark Fork at 

Fromberg, Mont,:

description......................... 165

discharge........................... 165

discharge, daily.................... 166

discharge, monthly ................ 167

gage heights........................ 166

Clear Creek at or near 

Forkscreek, Colo.:

description......................... 243

discharge........................... 244=
280 INDEX.

Clear Creek at or near Continued.

Forkscreek, Colo Continued. Page, 

discharge, dally.................. 244-245

discharge, monthly ................ 245

gage heights........................ 244

Golden, Colo.:

description....................... 245-246

discharge.............'.............. 246

discharge, daily.................... 247

discharge, monthly ................ 248

gageheights...................... 246-247

demons, Mont.,

Dearborn River near:

description......................... 66

discharge........................... 66

discharge, daily.................... 67

discharge, monthly ................ 68

gage heights........................ 67

Tails Creek near:

description ........................ 68

discharge........................... 68

discharge, daily.................... 69

discharge, monthly ................ 70

gage heights........................ 68-69

Cody, Wyo.,

Shoshone River at:

description....................... 188-189

discharge, daily.................... 189

discharge, monthly ................ 190

gage heights........................ 189

Columbus, Nebr.,

Loup River at:

description....................... 265-266

discharge........................... 266

gageheights........................ 266

Platte River near:

description....................... 214-215

discharge........................... 215

discharge, daily.................... 216

discharge, monthly................. 216

gage heights...................... 215-216

Community canal near 

Marshall, Colo.:

description......................... 255

discharge, daily.................... 255

discharge, monthly................ 256

Conifer, Colo.,

Turkey Creek near:

discharge........................... 276

Cook canal near 

Chinook, Mont.:

description ......................... 130

discharge........................... 130

discharge, daily.................... 131

discharge, monthly ................ 131

gageheights....................... 131

Cook Creek at or nearAlma, Nebr.:

discharge........................... 276

Shawnee, Colo.:

discharge........................... 275

Cooper, R. L., work of...................... 31

Cooperation, credit for..................... 30-31

Cooperative data, use of.................... 30

Corbett, Wyo.,

Corbett tunnel at:'

discharge, daily.................... 192

discharge, monthly................. 192

Corbett dam, Wyo.,

Shoshorne River at: Page. 

description......................... 190

discharge, daily.................... 191

discharge, monthly................. 191

gageheights...................... 190-191

Corbett tunnel atrCorbett, Wyo.:

discharge, daily.................... 192

discharge, monthly................. 192

Crossons, Colo.,

Deer Park Creek near:

discharge......... ................. 275

Crow Creek at 

Baileys, Colo.:

discharge........................... 275

Crowheart, Wyo.,

Dinwoody Creek near:

description......................... 175

discharge........................... 175

gage heights........................ 175

Dry Creek at:

description......................... 176

discharge........................... 176

gage heights........................ 176

Culbertson, Mont.,

Big Muddy River near:

description......................... 144

discharge........................... 144

discharge, daily.................... 145

discharge, monthly................. 146

gage heights........................ 145

Current meter, description of.............. 21-22

use of................................... 22-24

views of................................ 22

Current-meter stations, views of........... 20

Curves, discharge, figure showing ......... 113

Cutbank Creek at 

Cutbank, Mont.:

description......................... 88

discharge........................... 88

discharge, daily.................... 89

discharge, monthly................ 90

gage heights........................ 89

D. 

Data, accuracy of........................... 28-29

use of............................... 29

Dayton, Wyo.,

Tongue River at: 

' discharge........................... 274

Deadman Creek near 

Marysville, Mont.:

description......................... 60-61

discharge........................... 61

discharge, daily.................... 61-62

discharge, monthly................. 62

gage heights........................ 61

Dearborn River drainage basin, description

of............................... 66

stream flow in........................... 66-69

Dearborn River near 

demons, Mont.:

description......................... 66

discharge........................... 66

discharge, daily.................... 67

discharge, monthly ............. 68

gageheights........................ 67
INDEX. 281

Deer Park Creek near 

Crossons, Colo.: Page, 

discharge........................... 275

Definitions of terms ........................ 15-16

Delpine, Mont.,

Checkerboard Creek near:

description ......................... 103

discharge........................... 103

discharge, daily.................... 104

discharge, monthly................. 104

gage heights...................... 103-104

Musselshell River (North Pork) near:

description......................... 97-98

discharge........................... 98

discharge, daily.................... 98

discharge, monthly ................ 99

Denver, Colo.,

Cherry Creek at:

discharge........................... 276

South Platte River at:

description......................... 225

discharge........................... 225

discharge, daily.................... 226

discharge, monthly ................ 227

gage heights........................ 226

Dinwoody Creek near 

Crowheart, Wyo.:

description......................... 175

discharge........................... 175

gage heights........................ 175

Discharge, computation of................. 24-28

curves for .............................. 24

figure showing ..................... 113

measurement of........................ 18-24

Discharge measurements, nature of........ 18

Dobson, A. A., work of..................... 31

Domestic water supply, importance of..... 11

Drainage, stream flow and ................. 11-12

Drainage basins, list of..................... 12

Dry Creek at 

Crowheart, Wyo.:

description......................... 176

discharge........................... 176

gage heights........................ 176

Dubois, Wyo.,

Red Creek near:

description......................... 174

discharge........................... 174

gage heights........................ 174

Duck Lake Creek near 

Duck Lake outlet (Colo.):

discharge..... 1..................... 275

Grant, Colo.:

description....................... 241-242

discharge........................... 242

Dupuyer, Mont.,

Birch Creek near:

description......................... 90

discharge........................... 90

discharge, daily.................... 91

discharge, monthly................ 92

gage heights........................ 91

Dupuyer Creek at 

Dupuyer, Mont.:

description......................... 92

discharge........................... 92

Dupuyer Creek at Continued. 

Dupuyer, Mont. Continued.

discharge, daily.................... 93

discharge, monthly................ 94

gage heights........................ 92-93

. EEast Helena, Mont.,

Prickly Pear Creek at:

description......................... 49

discharge........................... 49

discharge, daily.................... 50

discharge, monthly................. 50

gage heights........................ 49-50

Elk Creek atPine Grove, Colo.:

discharge........................... 276

Shaffers Crossing, Colo.:

discharge........................... 276

Elkhorn, Colo.,

Cache la Poudre River near:

description......................... 258

discharge......................... 259-260

discharge, daily.................. 260-261

discharge, monthly ................ 261

gage heights ....................... 260

Ellsworth, C. E., work of................... 31

Equivalents, list of......................... 16-17

P.

Pairbury, Nebr.,

Little Blue River near:

description......................... 270

discharge........................... 271

discharge, daily.................. 271-272

discharge, monthly ................ 272

gage heights........................ 271

Falls Creek near 

demons, Mont.:

description......................... 68

discharge........................... 68

discharge, daily.................... 69

discharge, monthly ................ 70

gage heights ....................... 68-69

Family, Mont.,

Badger Creek near:

description......................... 86

discharge........................... 86

discharge, daily..................'.. 87

discharge, monthly ................ 88

gage heights ....................... 87

Two Medicine River at:

description......................... 84

discharge........................... 84

discharge, daily.................... 85

discharge, monthly ................ 86

gage heights........................ 85

Field methods, features of................. 18-24

Float method, description of............... 21

Floods, prevention of ...................... 12

Ford Creek near 

Augusta, Mont.:

description......................... 79

discharge........................... 79

discharge, daily.................... 80

discharge, monthly ................ 81

gage heights........................ 79-80
282 IKDEX.

Forkscreek, Colo., Page. 

Clear Creek at:

description......................... 243

discharge........................... 244

discharge, daily.................. 244-245

discharge, monthly................. 245

gage heights........................ 244

Fort Belknap canal near 

Chinook, Mont.:

description......................... 135

discharge........................... 135

discharge, daily.................... 136

discharge, monthly................. 136

gage heights...................... 135-136

Fort Collins, Colo.,

Cache la Poudre River near:

description ....................... 261-262

discharge......................... 262-263

discharge, daily.................... 264

discharge, monthly................. 265

gage heights...................... 263-264

Fort Laramie, Wyo.,

North Platte River near:

discharge........................... 275

Fort Washakie, Wyo., 

Little Wind River at:

description ......................... 179

discharge........................... 179

discharge, daily.................... 180

discharge, monthly.'................ 181

gage heights........................ 180

Frazer, Mont.,

Little Porcupine Creek near:

description ......................... 137

discharge........................... 137

discharge, daily .................... 138

discharge, monthly................. 138

gage heights...................... 137-138

Freeman, W. B., work of................... 31

Fromberg, Mont., 

Clark Fork at:

description......................... 165

discharge........................... 165

discharge, daily.................... 166

discharge, monthly................. 167

gage heights........................ 166

G.

Gasconade River drainage basin, description of............................ 272-273

stream flow in........................ 273-274

Gage heights, readings of................... 17

Gaging stations, classification of............ 24-27

selection and equipment of ............ 20

views of ................................ 20

Gasconade River, Piney Fork of, near 

Houston, Mo.:

description......................... 273

gage heights.................^ ...... 274

Geneva Creek at or near 

Geneva Park (Park County), Colo.:

discharge........................... 275

(above) Jackwhacker Creek (near

Grant), Colo.: 

description......................... 237

discharge........................... 237

gage heights........................ 237

Geneva Creek at or near Continued. Page.

Old Geneva smelter (near Grant), Colo.:

description......................... 237

discharge........................... 237

gage heights........................ 238

Sullivan's ranch (near Grant), Colo.:

description......................... 238

discharge........................... 239

discharge, daily.................... 240

discharge, monthly ................ 240

gage heights ....................... 239

Glendive, Mont.,

Yellowstone River at:

description ......................... 150

discharge........................... 150

discharge, daily.................... 151

discharge, monthly ................ 152

gage heights........................ 151

Golden, Colo.,

Clear Creek near:

description....................... 245-246

discharge......... .................. 246

discharge, daily.................... 247

discharge, monthly ................ 248

gage heights........................ 246

Gold Run at 

Sullivan's ranch (near Grant), Colo.

See Threemile Creek. 

Grand River basin, description of.......... 199

stream flow in........................ 199-200

Grand River (North Fork) near 

Haley, N. Dak.:

description ....................... 199-200

discharge........................... 200

gage heights........................ 200

Grant, Colo.,

Duck Lake Creek near:

description ....................... 241-242

discharge........................... 242

Geneva Creek at or near.

See Jackwhacker Creek; Old Geneva 

smelter; Sullivan's ranch.

Jackwhacker Creek at:

discharge........................... 275

Scott Gomer Creek at:

discharge........................... 275

Smelter Creek near:

description......................... 241

discharge........................... 241

gage heights........................ 241

South Platte River (North Fork) at:

discharge........................... 275

H.

Haley, N. Dak.,

Grand River (North Fork) near:

description ....................... 199-200

discharge........................... 200

gage heights........................ 200

Hardin, Mont.,

Bighorn River near:

description......................... 172

discharge....... ................. 172

discharge, daily.................... 173

discharge, monthly ................ 174

gage heights......... ........... 173
INDEX. 283

Harlem, Mont., Page.

Agency ditch near:

description......................... 134

discharge........................... 134

gage heights........................ 134

Harlem canal nearZurich, Mont.:

description......................... 133

discharge........................... . 133

discharge, daily.................... 134

discharge,monthly..... ........... 134

gage heights........................ 133

Harlowton, Mont.,

American Pork near:

description......................... 107

discharge........................... .107

discharge, daily.................... 108

discharge, monthly................. 108

gage heights...................... 107-108

Lebo Creek near:

description......................... 109

discharge........................... 109

discharge, daily.................... 110

discharge, monthly................. 110

gage heights........................ 109

Musselshell River at:

description......................... 101

discharge........................... 101

discharge, daily.................... 102

discharge, monthly................ 103

gage heights........................ 102

Havre, Mont.,

Milk River at:

description......................... 115

discharge........................... 116

discharge, daily.................... 117

discharge, monthly................. 117

gage heights........................ 116

Heart River drainage basin, description of. 197

stream flow in........................ 197-199

Heart River near 

Richardton, N. Dak.:

description....................... 197-198

discharge........................... 198

discharge, daily .................. 198-199

discharge, monthly ................ 199

gage heights........................ 198

Helena, Mont., -

Tenmile Creek near:

description......................... 53

discharge........................... 53

discharge, daily.................... 54

discharge, monthly................. 54

gage heights........................ 53-54

Henshaw, P. P., work of.................... 31

Hinsdale, Mont.,

Milk River at:

description......................... 120

discharge........................... 120

discharge, daily.................... 121

discharge, monthly................. 122

gage heights...................... 120-121

Horse Creek at 

Nebraska-Wyoming State line:

........................ 275

Houston, Mo.,

Gasconade River, Finey Pork of, near:

description ......................... 273

gage heights........................ 274

Hudson, Wyo.,

Little Popo Agie River atdescription...............I....... 187-188

discharge........................... 188

gage heights........................ 188

Huntley, Mont.,' 

Pryor Creek at:

description......................... 167

discharge........................... 167

discharge, daily.................... 168

discharge, monthly................. 169

gage heights........................ 168

Yellowstone River at:

description....................... 147-148

discharge........................... 148

discharge, daily.................... 149

discharge, monthly.................. 150

gage heights...................... 148-149

Huntley project, Montana, view of canal

and wasteway of................ 148

I.

Ice, measurements under ............... 23,27-28

Investigations, authority for ............... 9

purposes of.......... .................. 11-12

scope of................................. 10

Irrigation, dependence of, on stream flow.. 11

J.

Jackwhacker Creek at 

Grant, Colo. (mouth):

discharge........................... 275

Jackwhacker Creek (near Grant), Colo.,

Geneva Creek above:

description......................... 237

discharge........................... 237

gage heights........................ 237

J. K. ranch post office, Wyo.,

Bull Lake Creek near:

description ....................... 178-179

discharge........................... 179

Meadow Creek near:

description......................... 177

discharge........................... 177

gage heights.................'....... 177

Willow Creek at:

description ....................... 177-178

discharge........................... 178

gage heights........................ 178

Julesburg, Colo.,

South Platte River near:

description......................... 230

discharge........................... 231

discharge, daily.................. 231-232

discharge, monthly................. 232

gage heights........................ 231

K.

Kansas City, Mo., 

Missouri River at: 

discharge...... 274
284 INDEX.

Page. 

Kansas River drainage basin, description

of............................. 267-268

stream flow in........................ 268-272

miscellaneous measurements in........ 276

Kersey, Colo.,

South Platte River near:

description ....................... 227-228

discharge........................... 228

discharge, daily.................... 229

discharge, monthly................. 229

gage heights...................... 228-229

Knife River drainage basin, description

of............................. 194-195

stream flow in........................ 195-197

Knife River near 

Broncho, N. Dak.;

description......................... 195

discharge........................... 195

discharge, daily.................... 196

discharge, monthly................. 197

................... 195-196

L.

Lamb, W. A., work of................... 31

Lebo Creek near 

Harlowton, Mont.:

description......................... 109

discharge........................... 109

discharge, daily.................... 110

discharge, monthly ................ 110

gage heights ....................... 109

Left Hand Creek at 

Altona, Colo.:

discharge.. .......................... 276

Lima, Mont,,

Red Rock River at:

description ......................... 40

discharge........................... 40

discharge, daily.................... 41-42

discharge, monthly ................ 42

gage heights ....................... 41

Little Blue River near 

Fairbury, Nebr.:

description......................... 270

discharge........................... 271

discharge, daily.................. 271-272

discharge, monthly ................ 272

gage heights ....................... 271

Little Muddy River drainage basin, description of........................ 192-193

stream flow in.................... 193-194

 Little Muddy River near 

Williston, N. Dak.:

description......................... 193

discharge, daily.................... 194

discharge, monthly................ 194

gage heights........................ 194

Little Popo Agie River at 

Hudson, Wyo.:

description....................... 187-188

discharge........................... 188

gage heights........................ 188

Little Porcupine Creek drainage basin, description of..................... 137

stream flow in........................ 137-139

Little Porcupine Creek near 

Frazer, Monk

description......................... 137

discharge........................... 137

discharge, daily..................... 138

discharge, monthly................ 138

gage heights...................... 137-138

Little Prickly Pear Creek drainage basin,

description of................... 66-57

stream flow in.......................... 66-66

Little Prickly Pear Creek near 

Canyon Creek, Mont.:

description......................... 69

discharge........................... 59

discharge, daily.................... 60

discharge, monthly................ 60

gage heights........................ 59

'Marysville, Mont.:

description......................... 67

discharge........................... 67

discharge, daily.................... 58

discharge, monthly................. 58

gage heights........................ 57-58

Little Wind River at or near 

(above) Arapahoe, Wyo.:

description......................... 181

discharge........................... 181

discharge, daily.................... 182

discharge, monthly ................ 183

gage heights........................ 182

(below) Arapahoe, Wyo.:

description ......................... 183

discharge........................... 184

discharge, daily.................... 185

discharge, monthly ................ 185

gage heights........................ 184

Fort Washakie, Wyo.:

description......................... 179

discharge........................... 179

discharge, daily.................... 180

discharge monthly................. 181

gage heights........................ 180

Little Wind River (North Fork) in Wyoming, discharge of ............. 274

Little Wind River (South Fork) nearLittle Wind River, Wyo.:

description....................... 185-186

discharge........................... 186

Livermore, Colo.,

Cache la Poudre River (North Fork) at:

discharge........................... 276

Lost Horse Creek near 

Marysville, Mont.:

description......................... 62

discharge........................... 63

discharge, daily.................... 63-64

discharge, monthly................ 64

gage heights........................ 63

Loup River at 

Columbus, Nebr.:

description....................... 265-266

discharge........................... 266

gage heights........................ 266

Loup River basin, description of........... 265

stream flow in.................... 265-267
INDEX. 285

Lump Gulch Creek at 

Clancy, Mont.: Page, 

description......................... 51

discharge........................... 51

discharge, daily.................... 52

discharge, monthly................ 52

gage heights........................ 51-52

'Lyon, G. J., work of........................ 31

Lyons, Colo.,

St. Vrain Creek at:

description......................... 248

discharge........................... 248

discharge, daily.................... 249

discharge, monthly................ 250

gage heights....... _.............. 249

M. 

McChristie, M. E., work of................. 31

McLeod, Mont.,

Boulder River (East Fork) near:

description......................... 156

discharge........................... 156

discharge, daily.................... 157

discharge, monthly ................ 158

gage heights...................... 156-157

Boulder River (West Fork) at:

description......................... 159

discharge........................... 159

discharge, daily.................... 160

discharge, monthly................. 161

gage heights........................ 160

Malta, Mont.,

Milk River at:

description....................... 117-118

discharge........................... 118

discharge, daily.................... 119

discharge, monthly ................ 119

gage heights...................... 118-119

Marias River drainage basin, description

of............................... 83-84

stream flow in.......................... 84-96

Marsh Creek near 

Marysville, Mont.:

description......................... 64

discharge........................... 64

discharge, daily.................... 65

discharge, monthly ................ 66

gage heights........................ 65

Marshall, Colo.,

Community Canal near:

description.......:................. 255

discharge, daily.................... 255

discharge, monthly ................ 256

South Boulder Creek near:

description....................... 253-254

discharge, monthly ................ 255

gage heights........................ 254

Martinsdale, Mont,

Musselshell River (North Fork) near:

description .......................... 99

discharge........................... 99

discharge, daily .................... 100

discharge, monthly ................ 101

gage heights....................... 99-100

Musselshell River (South Fork) near:

description......................... 105

discharge........................... 105

discharge, daily.................... 106

Martinsdale, Mont. Continued.

Musselshell River near Continued. Page, 

discharge, monthly ................ 106

gage heights...................... 105-106

Poplar Creek at:

discharge........................... 274

Marysville, Mont.,

Deadman Creek near:

description......................... 60-61

discharge........................... 61

discharge, daily.................... 61-62

discharge, monthly ................ 62

gage heights........................ 61

Little Prickly Pear Creek near:

description......................... 57

discharge........................... 57

discharge, daily.................... 58

discharge, monthly ................ 58

gage heights........................ 57-58

Lost Horse Creek near:

description......................... 62

discharge........................... 63

discharge, daily.................... 63-64

discharge, monthly ................ 64

gage heights........................ 63

Marsh Creek near:

description......................... 64

discharge........................... 64

discharge, daily.................... 65

discharge, monthly ................ 66

gage heights.................... ... fi5

Mathers, J. G., work of..................... 31

Matheson Canal near 

Chinook, Mont.:

description......................... 131

discharge........................... 132

discharge, daily.................... 132

discharge, monthly ................ 133

gageheights ....................... 132

Meadow Creek near 

J. K. ranch post office, Wyo.:

description......................... 177

discharge........................... 177

gage heights........................ 177

Medicine Bow River at 

Medicine Bow, Wyo.:

discharge............... ........... 275

Medicine Creek at 

Cambridge, Nebr.:

discharge....................... __ 276

Melvijle, Mont.,

Sweetgrass Creek above:

description ......................... 161

discharge............. J............. 161

discharge, daily.................... 162

discharge, monthly................. 163

gageheights........................ 162

Sweetgrass Creek below:

description......................... 163

discharge........................... 163

discharge, daily.................... 164

discharge, monthly................. 165

gageheights........................ 164

Methodist Creek near 

Alma, Nebr.:

discharge........................... 276
286 INDEX.

Middle Loup River at 

St. Paul, Nebr.:

discharge........................... 275

Miles, R. C., work of....................... 31

Milk River at 

Havre, Mont,:

description......................... 115

discharge........................... 116

discharge, daily.................... 117

discharge, monthly ................ 117

gage heights........................ 116

Hinsdale, Mont.:

description......................... 120

discharge........................... 120

discharge, daily.................... 121

discharge, monthly ................ 122

gage heights...................... 120-121

Malta, Mont.:

description....................... 117-118

discharge........................... 118

discharge, daily.................... 119

discharge, monthly ................ 119

gage heights...................... 118-119

Milk River drainage basin," description

of v ........................... 110-112

stream flow in........................ 112-136

Milk River (North Fork) nearChinook, Mont.:

description.................... .... 122

discharge........................... 122

discharge, daily.................... 123

discharge, monthly................. 124

gage heights........................ 123

Milk River (South Fork) near 

Browning, Mont.:

description......................... 112

discharge........................... 112

discharge curves of, figure showing............................. 113

discharge, daily.................... 114

discharge, monthly ................ 115

gage heights........................ 114

Milk River valley, private canals in, description of................... 128-129

private canals in, flow of............. 129-136

Miner's inch, definition of ................. 16-

Miscellaneous measurements in 

Cheyenne River basin ................. 275

Kansas River basin..................... 276

Missouri River basin ................. 274-276

Missouri River drainage basins in Nebraska (minor)................. 276

Missouri River proper.................. 274

Musselshell River basin................ 274

North Platte River basin............... 275

Platte River basin...................... 275

South Platte River basin ............. 275-276

Yellowstone River basin ............... 274

Missouri River at 

Cascade, Mont.:

description......................... 45

discharge........................... 45

discharge, daily.................... 46

discharge, monthly ................ 47

gage heights........................ 46

Kansas City, Mo.:

discharge........................... 274

Page. 

Missouri River drainage basin, description

of............................... 37-38

gaging stations in ...................... 32-37

stream flow in......................... 38-273

miscellaneous measurements in...... 274-276

Missouri River drainage basins in Nebraska 

(minor), miscellaneous measurements in.................... 276

Missouri River proper, description of...... 38-40

miscellaneous measurements of........ 274

flow of tributaries of.................... 40-47

Mitchell, Nebr.,

North Platte River near:

description ......................... 210

discharge........................... 211

'discharge, daily.................. 211-212

discharge, monthly ................ 212

gage heights........................ 211

Morrison, Colo.,

Turkey Creek at:

discharge........................... 276

Musselshell River at 

Harlowton, Mont.:

description......................... 101

discharge........................... 101

discharge, daily.................... 102

discharge, monthly ................ 103

gage heights ....................... 102

Musselshell River drainage basin, description of.......................... 96-97

stream flow in......................... 97-110

miscellaneous measurements in........ 274

Musselshell River (North Fork) near 

Delpine, Mont.:

description......................... 97-98

discharge........................... 98

discharge, daily.................... 98

discharge, monthly ................ 99

gage heights........................ 98

Martinsdale, Mont.:

description......................... 99

discharge............................ 99

discharge, daily.................... 100

discharge, monthly ................ 101

gage heights....................... 99-100

Musselshell River (South Fork) near 

Martinsdale, Mont.:

description......................... 105

discharge........................... 105

discharge, daily......._.......... 106

discharge, monthly ................ 106

gage heights...................... 105-106

N.

Nashua, Mont.,

Porcupine Creek at:

description......................... 127

discharge........................... 127

discharge, daily.................... 128

discharge, monthly................. 128

gage heights ....................... 128

Navigation, dependence of, on stream flow. 11

North Platte, Nebr.,

North Platte River near:

description....................... 212-213

discharge........................... 213

discharge, daily.................'... 214

discharge, monthly................. 214

gage heights........................ 218
INDEX. 287

North Platte, Nebr. Continued.

South Platte River at: Page, 

discharge........................... 275

North Platte project, Nebraska-Wyoming, 

view of Whalen diversion dam 

of............................... 190

North Platte Eiver, description of........ 201-203

flow of ............................... 204-214

North Platte River at or nearFort Laramie, Wyo.:

discharge........................... 275

Mitchell, Nebr.:

description......................... 210

discharge........................... 211

discharge, daily.................. 211-212

discharge, monthly ................ 212

gage heights........................ 211

North Platte, Nebr.:

description^............-...-..... 212-213

discharge........................... 213

discharge, daily.................... 214

discharge, monthly................. 214

gage heights........................ 213

Pathfinder, Wyo.:

description......................... 206

discharge........................... 206

discharge, daily.................. 207-208

discharge, monthly................. 208

gage heights........................ 207

Saratoga, Wyo.:

description......................... 204

discharge........................... 204

discharge, daily .................... 205

discharge, monthly................. 206

gage heights........................ 205

Whalen, Wyo.:

description......................... 209

discharge,daily .................. 209-210

discharge, monthly................. 210

North Platte River Basin, miscellaneous

measurements in............... 275

O.

Office methods, features of................. 24-28

Old Geneva smelter (near Grant), Colo. 

Geneva Creek at:

description......................... 237

discharge........................... 237

gage heights........................ 238

Orodell,Colo.,

Boulder Creek at:

description......................... 250

discharge........................ 250

discharge, daily.................... 251

discharge, monthly................. 252

gage heights........................ 251

P.

Padgett, H. D., work of................... 31

Paradise Valley canal near 

Chinook, Mont.:

description ......................... 129

discharge..........---..---.-...--.. 129

discharge, daily .................... 130

discharge, monthly................. 130

gage heights........................ 129

Parker, G.L., work of....................... 31

Pathfinder, Wyo.,

North Platte River at:

description......................... 206

discharge........................... 206

discharge, daily .................. 207-208

discharge, monthly................. 208

gage heights........................ 207

Pathfinder reservoir near:

monthly discharge into ............ 208

Phelan, 3.3., work of....................... 31

Piney Fork of Gasconade River near 

Houston, Mo.:

description......................... 273

gage heights........................ 274

Pine Grove, Colo., 

Elk Creek at:

discharge........................... 276

Platte River drainage basin 

general features of................... 200-201

miscellaneous measurements in........ 275

stream flow in........................ 204-265

Platte River near 

Columbus, Nebr.:

description....................... 214-215

discharge........................... 215

discharge, daily.................... 216

discharge, monthly................ 216

gage heights...................... 215-216

Plum Creek at 

Castle Rock, Colo.:

discharge........................... 276

Poorman, A. P., work of.................... 31

Poplar, Mont.,

Poplar Creek near:

description......................... 142

discharge........................... 142

discharge, daily.................... 143

discharge, monthly................. 144

gage heights........................ 143

Poplar Creek at or near 

Martinsdale, Mont.:

discharge.......................... 274

Poplar, Mont.:

description......................... 142

discharge........................... 142

discharge, daily.................... 143

discharge, monthly ................ 144

gage heights ....................... 143

Poplar Creek drainage basin, description of. 142 

stream flow in........................ 142-144

Porcupine Creek at 

Nashua, Mont.:

description ........................ 127

discharge........................... 127

discharge, daily.................... 128

discharge, monthly................ 128

gage heights........................ 128

Prairie Dog Creek nearAlma, Nebr.: 

discharge............................... 276

Price, D. D., work of ....................... 31

Price meters, views of...................... 22

Prickly Pear Creek at or near 

Clancy, Mont.:

description......................... 47

discharge........................... 48

discharge, daily.................... 48
288 INDEX.

Prickly Pear Creek at or near Contd. 

Clancy, Mont. Continued.

discharge, monthly............

Page.

..................... 48

East Helena, Mont.:

description......................... 49

discharge........................... 49

discharge, daily.................... 50

discharge, monthly ................ 50

gage heights........................ 49-50

Prickly Pear Creek drainage basin, description of.......................... 47

stream flow in.......................... 47-56

Pryor Creek at 

Huntley, Mont.:

description......................... 167

discharge........................... 167

discharge, daily.................... 168

discharge, monthly ................ 169

gage heights........................ 168

, Publications, lists of ....................... 12-15

R.

Eating curves, construction and use of.... 24

Eating tables, construction of.............. 24

nature of............................... 18

Eed Creek near 

Dubois, Wyo.:

description......................... 174

discharge................:.......... 174

gage heights........................ 174

Eed Rock River at 

Lima, Mont:

description......................... 40

discharge........................... 40

discharge, daily.................... 41-42

discharge, monthly................. 42

gage heights........................ 41

Republican River at 

Bostwick, Nebr.:

description......................... 268

discharge........................... 268

discharge, daily.................. 269-270

discharge, monthly.................. 270

gage heights........................ 269

Cambridge, Nebr.:

discharge........................... 276

Revision, need for.......................... 28-29

Rice, R. C., work of......................... 31

Richards, Raymond, work of............... 31

Richardton, N. Dak., 

Heart River near:

description....................... 197-198

discharge........................... 198

discharge, daily.................. 198-199

discharge, monthly................. 199

gage heights........................ 198

Run-off, computation of.................... 24-28

definition of............................ 15

Russell, G. H., work of..................... - 31

S.

St. Lawrence Creek near 

Wind River, Wyo.:

description......................... 186

discharge........................... 186

St. Paul, Nebr. 

Middle Loup River at: Page, 

discharge........................... 275

St. Vrain Creek at 

Lyons, Colo.:

description......................... 248

discharge........................... 248

discharge, daily.................... 249

discharge, monthly................. 250

gage heights........................ 249

Saratoga, Wyo.,

North Platte Eiver at:

description......................... 204

discharge........................... 204

discharge, daily.................... 205

discharge, monthly................. 206

gage heights........................ 205

Scott Gomer Creek at 

Grant, Colo.:

discharge........................... 275

Sullivan's ranch (near Grant), Colo.:

description......................... 242

discharge........................... 242

Second-foot, definition of................... 15

Section, changes in, estimating for ......... 26-27

Sevenmile Creek near 

Bird seye, Mont.:

description......................... 55

discharge........................... 55

discharge, daily .................... 56

discharge, monthly................. 56

gage heights-....................... 55

Shaffers Crossing, Colo., 

Elk Creek at:

discharge........................... 276

Shawnee, Colo.,

Cook Creek near:

discharge............................ 275

Shoshone project, Wyoming, view of Corbett diversion dam of .......... 190

Shoshone River at 

Cody, Wyo.:

description....................... 188-189

discharge, daily.................... 189

discharge, monthly................. 190

gage heights........................ 189

Corbett dam, Wyo.:

description......................... 190

discharge, daily.................... 191

discharge, monthly................. 191

gage heights...................... 190-191

Simmons, E. C.,work of.................... 31

Slope method, description of............... 19

Smelter Creek near 

Grant, Colo.:

description......................... 241

discharge........................... 241

gage heights........................ 241

Smith Creek nearAugusta, Mont.:

description......................... 81

discharge........................... 81

discharge, daily.................... 82

discharge, monthly................. 83

..................... 81-82
INDEX. 289

South Boulder Creek nearMarshall, Colo.: Page, 

description....................... 253-264

discharge, monthly................. 255

gage heights........................ 254

South Platte, Colo.,

South Platte Eiver at: 

. description....................... 222-223

discharge........................... 223

discharge, daily.................... 224

discharge, monthly................. 225

gage heights........................ 224

South Platte River (North Fork) at:

description......................... 235

discharge........................... 235

discharge, daily.................... 236

discharge, monthly................. 236

gage heights....._.................. 236

South Platte River (South Fork) at:

description......................... 220

discharge........................... 221

discharge, daily.................... 222

discharge,monthly... ............. 222

gage heights........................ 221

South Platte River at or near 

Denver, Colo.:

description......................... 225

discharge........................... 225

discharge, daily .................... 226

discharge, monthly................. 227

gage heights........................ 226

Julesburg, Colo.:

description......................... 230

discharge........................... 23L

discharge,daily .................. 231-232

discharge, monthly................. 232

gage heights........................ 231

Kersey, Colo.:'

description....................... 227-228

discharge........................... 228

discharge, daily .................... 229

discharge, monthly................. 229

gage heights...................... 228-229

North Platte, Nebr.:

discharge........................... 275

South Platte, Colo.;

description....................... 222-223

discharge........................... 223

discharge, daily .................... 224

discharge, monthly................. 225

gage heights........................ 224

South Platte River basin, description of.. 217-220 

miscellaneous measurements in.. 275-276 

stream flow in.................... 220-265

South Platte River (North Fork) at 

Cassells, Colo,:

description....................... 232-233

discharge........................... 233

discharge,dally .................... 234

discharge, monthly................. 235

gage heights...................... 233-234

Grant, Colo.:

discharge........................... 275

South Platte, Colo.:

description......................... 235

discharge........................... 235

discharge, daily ............. ...... 236

South Platte River at Continued.

South Platte, Colo. Continued. Page, 

discharge, monthly ................ 236

gage heights........................ 236

South Platte River (South Fork) at 

South Platte, Colo.:

description......................... 220

discharge........................... 221

discharge, daily.................... 222

discharge, monthly ................ «222

gage heights........................ 221

Spotted Tail Creek (Nebr.):

discharge............................... 275

Stewart, J. E., work of ..................... 31

Stream measurement, accuracy of......... 28-29

data on, use of ......................... 29

methods of............................. 18-24

Sullivan's ranch (near Grant), Colo., 

Geneva Creek at:

description......................... 238

discharge........................... 239

discharge, daily.................... 240

discharge, monthly ............... 240

gage heights........................ 239

Scott Gomer Creek at:

description......................... 242

discharge........................... 242

Threemile Creek (or Gold Run) at:

discharge........................... 275

Sun River at 

Sun River, Mont.:

description......................... 73

discharge........................... 73

discharge, daily.................... 74

discharge, monthly..........:..... 75

gage heights........................ 73-74

Sun River drainage basin, description of... 70 

stream flow In.......................... 71-83

Sun River (North Fork) near 

Augusta, Mont.:

description......................... 71

discharge........................... 71

discharge, daily.................... 72

discharge, monthly................. 73

gage heights........................ 71-72

Sun River (South Fork) at 

Augusta, Mont.:

description......................... 77

discharge........................... 77

discharge, daily.................... 78

discharge, monthly................. 79

gage heights........................ 77-78

Swamps, dependence of drainage of, on

stream flow..................... 11-12

Sweetgrass Creek (Mont.) nearupper gaging station in canyon:

discharge........................... 274

above Melville, Mont.:

description.......;................. 161

- discharge........................... 161

discharge, daily ..I..........-...,.". 162

discharge,monthly............ .... 163

gage heights........................ 162

below Melville, Mpnt.:

description......................... 163

discharge........................... 163

discharge, daily.................... 164

84548° WSP 266 11- -19
290 INDEX.

Sweetgrass Creek (Mont.) near-Contd.

below Meltille, Mont Continued. Page, 

discharge, monthly................. 166

gage heights........................ 164

T. 

Tables, explanation of...................... 17-18

Tenmile Creek nearHelena, Mont.: 

 description......................... 53

discharge........................... 63

discharge, daily.................... 54

discharge,monthly................. 54

gage heights........................ 58-54

Terms, definitions of....................... 15-16

Teton River near 

Belleview, Mont.:

description......................... 94-95

discharge........................... 95

discharge, d .ily.................... 95-96

discharge, monthly................. 96

gage heights........................ 95

Dupuyer, Mont.:

description......................... 94-95

discharge........................... 95

discharge, daily.................... 95-96

discharge, monthly................. 96

gage heights........................ 95

Thfeemile Creek (or Gold Run) at 

Sullivan's ranch, Colo.:

discharge........................... 275

Tongue River at 

Dayton, Wyo.:

discharge........................... 274

Trout Greek at 

Wind River, Wyo.:

description....................... 186-187

discharge........................... 187

gage heights........................ 187

Two Medicine River at 

Family, Mont.:

description......................... 84

discharge........................... 84

discharge, daily.................... 85

discharge, monthly................. 86

gage heights........................ 85

Turkey Creek near 

Conifer, Colo.:

discharge........................... 276

Morrison, Colo.:

discharge........................... 276

Trfrkey Creek (North Fork) at 

rnduth df Turkey Creek:

discharge........................... 276

V. 

Velocity method, description of............ 19-20

W.

Water power, dependence of, on stream

flow ............................ 11

Water supply, dependence of, on stream

flow ............................ 11

Walters, M. I., work of..................... 31

 Weeping Water Creek at 

Weeping Water, Nebr.:

discharge........................... 276

Weir method, description "of................ 19

Whalen, Wyo..

North Platte River at: Page. 

description......................... 209

discharge, daily.................. 209-210

discharge, monthly ................ 210

Whalen diversion dam, North Platte project, Wyoming-Nebraska, view 

of............................... 190

Williston, N.Dak.,

Little Muddy River near:

description ......_............... 193

discharge, daily.................... 194

discharge, monthly................. 194

gage heights.... ................... 194

Willow Creek at or near 

Augusta, Mont.:

description......................... 75

discharge........................... 75

discharge, daily.................... 76

discharge, monthly................. 77

gage heights........................ 76

J. K. ranch post office, Wyo.:

description....................... 177-178

discharge........................... 178

gage heights........................ 178

Wind River, Wyo.,

Big Wind River near:

description......................... 171

discharge........................... 172

Little Wind River (South Fork) near:

description ....................... 185-186

discharge........................... 186

St. Lawrence Creek near:

description ......................... 186

discharge .......................... 186

Trout Creek at:

description....................... 186-187

discharge........................... 187

gage heights........................ 187

Wolf Creek at 

Wolf Point, Mont.:

description......................... 139

discharge........................... 139

discharge, daily.................... 140

discharge, monthly ................ 141

gage heights ..................... 139-140

Wolf Creek drainage basin, description of.. 139 

stream flow in........................ 139-142

Wolf Point ditch at 

Wolf Point, Mont.:

description......................... 139

discharge........................... 141

discharge, daily.................... 141

discharge, monthly ................ 142

gage heights........................ 141

Wood, Mrs. B. D., work of.................. 31

Work, division of........................... 31-32

Y.

Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone River above,

view of......................... 146

Yellowstone project (Lower), Montana,

headgates on, view of .......... 146

Yellowstone River at 

Billings, Mont.:

discharge........................ 274
INDEX. 291

Page. 

Yellowstone Elver at Continued.

Glendive, Mont.:

description......................... 150

discharge........................... 160

discharge, daily.................... 151

discharge, monthly ................ 152

gage heights........................ 151

Huntley, Mont.:

description....................... 147-148

discharge........................... 148

discharge, daily.................... 149

discharge, monthly................ 150

gage heights...................... 148-149

Page.

Yellowstone River drainage basin, description of........................ 146-147

miscellaneous measurements in........ 274

stream flow in........................ 147-192

Z. 

Zurich, Mont.,

Harlem Canal near:

description......................... 133

discharge........................... 133

discharge, daily.................... 134

discharge, monthly ................ 134

gage heights........................ 133

o