DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

GEORGE OTIS SMITH, DIRECTOR

WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 286

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY OF THE 

UNITED STATES

1910

PART VI. MISSOURI RIVER BASIN

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF M. 0. LEIGHTON

BY

W. A. LAMB, W. B. FREEMAN, RAYMOND RICHA^S §

AND R. C. RICE g sr

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WASHINGTON

PRIJi

1911

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE *

CONTENTS.

Page.

Introduction ........-...._........--.-...............................-.-- 1

Authority for investigations........................................... 1

Scope of investigations................................................ 2

Publications ......................................................... 3

Definition of terms.................................................... 6

Convenient equivalents ............................... ............... 7

Explanation of data................................................... 8

Accuracy and reliability of field data and comparative results............ 9

Cooperative data ..-----..-.---....................................--. 11

Cooperation and acknowledgments..................................... 12

Division of work ..................................................... 14

Gaging stations maintained in Missouri River drainage basin .............'... 14

General features of Missouri River drainage basin .........._---..-.....---. 20

Missouri River proper .................................................... 21

Description .......................................................... 21

Red Rock River at Lima, Mont..'--.......................--......--... 23

Beaverhead River at Barratts, Mont............... .................... 25

Jefferson River near Silverstar, Mont.................................. 27

Missouri River at Toston, Mont. ....................................... 29

Missouri River at Cascade. Mont...................................... 31

Missouri River at Fort Benton, Mont.................................. 33

Tributary basins.......................................................... 35

Bighole River basin.................................................. 35

Bighole River near Dewey, Mont.................................. 35

Pipestone Creek basin ................................................ 36

Pipestone Creek near Whitehall, Mont............................. 36

Whitetail Creek basin................................................ 37

Whitetail Creek near Whitehall, Mont............................. 37

Madison River basin........-.-............_........_..........___.-.. 38

Madison River near Norris, Mont.................................. 38

Gallatin River basin.................................................. 39

West Gallatin River near Salesville, Mont. ......................... 39

Prickly Pear Creek basin ............................................. 40

Description .....--...................-.....-.....:-..-...-....... 40

Prickly Pear Creek near Clancy, Mont............................. 40

Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont..............-...-.-.--.. 42

Lump Gulch Creek at Clancy, Mont................................ 44

Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont..........-....-........---..--.. 46

Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye, Mont.............................. 48

Little Prickly Pear Creek basin........................................ 50

Description ...................................................... 50

Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont........--.....--... 50

Little Prickly Pear Creek near Canyon Creek, Mont................. 52

Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont........--.....--...-.-..... 54

Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont........................... 56

Marsh Creek near Marysville, Mont............................... 58

in
IV CONTENTS.

Tributary basins Continued. PageDearborn Eiver basin................................................. 60

Description...................................................... 60

Dearborn River near demons, Mont...-.........__.............._. 60

Falls Creek near demons, Mont................................... 62

Sun River basin...................................................... 64

Description...................................................... 64

North Fork of Sun River near Augusta, Mont...................... 65

Sun River at Sun River, Mont..................................... 67

Willow Creek near Augusta, Mont................................. 69

South Fork of Sun River at Augusta, Mont......................... 71

Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont..-...-...--......-...-........---. 73

Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont.................................. 76

Marias River basin.................................................... 78

Description...................................................... 78

Two Medicine River at Family, Mont.............................. 78

Badger Creek near Family, Mont..-..-....-...-.-...-......--..... 81

Cutbank Creek at Cutbank, Mont................................. 83

Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont.................................. 86

Dupuyer Creek at Dupuyer, Mont................................. 88

Teton River near Strabane, Mont.................................. 90

Judith River basin.................................................... 92

Judith River near Lewistown, Mont...---...........-..----.-..... 92

Musselshell River basin ............................................... 94

Description ....................................................... 94

North Fork of Musselshell River near Del pine, Mont............... 95

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

Musselshell River at Harlowton, Mont.......I..................... 99

Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont. .......................... 101

South Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont............ 103

American Fork near Harlowton, Mont..........--...--....---..... 105

Lebo Creek near Harlowton, Mont....-...........----.........--. 107

Milk River basin .-.-....-...-..-...-.....--.-...........---....------ 109

Description ...................................................... 109

South Fork of Milk River near Browning, Mont......-.....---..... 110

Milk River at Havre, Mont........................................ 112

Milk River at Malta, Mont........................................ 114

Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont. -...-.........---.--..-........---.. 116

North Fork of Milk River near Chinook, Mont..................... 118

Beaver Creek near Saco, Mont .........-..-.....---...--...--..... 120

Beaver Creek o.verflow near Bowdoin, Mont........................ 122

Porcupine Creek at Nashua, Mont...-.....-..-..-..-.-..--....---. 123

Private canals in Milk River valley........--..-.--..........-.---. 125

Description ...^.............................................. 125

Cook canal near Chinook, Mont............................... 125

Matheson canal near Chinook, Mont........................... 127

Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont..-......-.-......-.......-.-. 128

Agency ditch near Harlem, Mont...-..--....---,----....-.-.-- 129

Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont......--..-....-....--. 130

Little Porcupine Creek basin................-.-..-.--...-.........---- 131

Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer. Mont.....-...-.-.--....-----.. 131

Wolf Creek basin.................-....--......--------.-...-...------ 133

Wolf Creek near Wolf Point, Mont...............,-,,,....-.------ 133
CONTENTS. V

Tributary basins Continued. Page.

Poplar Creek basin.................................................... 135

Poplar Creek near Poplar, Mont.................................. 135

Big Muddy Biver basin............................................... 138

Big Muddy Kiver near Culbertson, Mont.......................... 138

Yellowstone Kiver basin.............................................. 140

Description...................................................... 140

Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Mont....................... 141

Yellowstone River at Huntley, Mont.............................. 142

Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont............................. 145

Big Timber Creek basin.......................................... 147

North Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont....... 147

South Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont........ 149

Boulder River basin .............................................. 151

Boulder River near Contact, Mont................ ............ 151

West Fork of Boulder River near Bruffeys, Mont............... 153

West Fork of Boulder River at McLeod, Mont................. 155

Sweetgrass Creek basin ........................................... 157

Sweetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont......................... 157

Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont........................ 159

Stillwater River basin ............................................ 162

Stillwater River near Absarokee, Mont........................ 162

Rosebud River at Absarokee, Mont............................ 163

Clark Fork basin................................................. 165

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

Pryor Creek basin ................................................ 172

Pryor Creek at Huntley, Mont................................ 172

Bighorn River basin.............................................. 174

Description .................................................. 174

Bighorn River near Thermopolis, Wyo......................... 176

Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont............................. 178

Owl Creek^near Thermopolis, Wyo............................ 180

No Wood River basin ........................................ 181

Description .............................................. 181

No Wood River at Bonanza, Wyo .........-..---...-.-.... 182

Tensleep Creek near Tensleep, Wyo ....................... 183

Paint Rock Creek near Bonanza, Wyo..................... 185

Greybull River basin ......................................... 186

Description .............................................. 186

Greybull River near Meeteetse, Wyo....................... 186

Wood River near Meeteetse, Wyo ......................... 187

Shoshone River basin ............................................ 188

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

Shoshone River at Corbett dam, Wyo.......................... 188

Knife River basin .................................................... 191

Description...................................................... 191

Knife River near Broncho, N. Dak................................. 191

Painted Woods Creek basin........................................... 193

Description ...-...-...-....-...-.................---.....;........ 193

Painted Woods Creek near Washburn, N. Dak ..................... 194

Turtle Creek near Washburn, N. Dak.............................. 195

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

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

Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak.............................. 197
VI CONTENTS.

Tributary basins Continued. Page.

Grand Kiver basin..................................................... 199

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

Niobrara River basin................................................. 203

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

Niobrara River at Niobrara, Nebr................................. 203

Platte River basin.................................................... 204

General features.................................................. 204

North Platte River and Platte River proper........................ 205

Description .................................,.........._..... 205

North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo........................ 208

North Platte River and Interstate canal at Whalen, Wyo....... 211

North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr........................ 214

North Platte River at North Platte, Nebr...................... 216

Platte River near Columbus, Nebr............................. 218

Laramie River basin.............................................. 219

Description................................................... 219

Laramie River at Glendevey, Colo. ......................^..... 220

South Platte River basin......... ...........................J..... 221

Description.................................................. 221

South Fork of South Platte River at Fairplay, Colo............. 225

South Fork of South Platte River near Lake George, Colo....... 226

South Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo......... 226

South Platte River at South Platte, Colo....................... 229

South Platte River at Denver, Colo............................ 232

South Platte River near Kersey, Colo.......................... 234

South Platte River at Julesburg, Colo.......................... 239

TarryallCreek basin.......................................... 241

Description ............................,.,^.............. 241

Tarryall Creek near Jefferson, Colo........................ -242

Tarryall Creek near Hayman, Colo........................ 242

Jefferson Creek at Jefferson, Colo ......................... 243

Michigan Creek near Jefferson, Colo....................... 244

Basin of North Fork of South Platte River..................... 244

North Fork of South Platte River at Grant, Colo............ 244

North Fork of South Platte River at Cassells, Colo.......... 246

North Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo ..... 248

Geneva Creek basin ...................................... 250

Geneva Creek above Jackwhacker Creek, near Grant,

Colo...:........................................... 250

Geneva Creek at Old Geneva smelter, near Grant, Colo.. 251

Geneva Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo..... 251

Smelter Creek near Grant, Colo...........-...---..... 254

Duck Lake Creek near Grant, Colo.................... 254

Scott Gomer Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo. 255

Clear Creek basin............................................. 256

Description ........_................................... 256

Clear Creek at Forkscreek, Colo........................... 256

Clear Creek at Idaho Springs,- Colo ........................ 259

St. Vrain Creek basin......................................... 260

Description ................_............................ 260

St. Vrain Creek at Lyons, Colo.....................----..- 260

Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo............................ 262

South Boulder Creek near Rollinsville, Colo ............... 265

South Boulder Creek near Marshall, Colo .................. 265
CONTENTS. VII

Tributary basins Continued. Page. 

Platte Eiver basin Continued.

South Platte Eiver basin Continued.

Big Thompson Creek basin.................................... 267

Description .............................................. 267

Big Thompson Creek at Arkins, Colo ...................... 268

Cache la Poudre Eiver basin .................................. 270

Description.............................................. 270

Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo................. 270

Cache la Poudre Eiver near Fort Collins, Colo.............. 275

Cache la Poudre River at mouth of canyon, near Fort Collins, Colo.............................................. 278

Loup River basin................................................. 280

Description .................................................. 280

Loup Eiver at Columbus, Nebr................................ 281

Kansas Eiver basin................I.................................. 282

Description...................................................... 282

Republican Eiver at Bostwick, Nebr........................... 284

Big Blue River at Beatrice, Nebr.............................. 286

Little Blue Eiver near Fairbury, Nebr......................... 287

Miscellaneous measurements in Missouri River drainage basin............... 289

Index................................................................... 293

ILLUSTRATIONS.

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

measurement................................................. 8

II. Small Price current meters ...................................... 8

III. Aj Ice on Cache la Poudre River near Home, Colo.; B, Gaging station on Cache la Poudre River at Fry's ranch, near Elkhorn, Colo., 

showing method of making discharge measurement under ice.... 270

IV. A, Halligan dam, 72 feet high, on North Fork of Cache la Poudre 

Eiver near Livermore, Colo.; B, Bristol automatic gage used at 

gaging station on Laramie River at Glendevey, Colo............ 270

FIGURE 1. Discharge curve for Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont.............. 166

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY OF MISSOURI RIVER BASIN,

1910.

By W. A. LAMB, W. B. FEEEMAN, RAYMOND RICHARDS, and

R. C. RICE.

INTRODUCTION.

AUTHORITY FOE INVESTIGATIONS.

This volume contains results of measurements of the flow of certain 

streams in the United States. The work was performed by the 

United States Geological Survey, either independently or in cooperation with private or State organizations. The organic law of the 

Geological Survey (Stat. L., vol. 20, p. 394) contains the following 

paragraph:

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.

As water is the most abundant and most valuable of- the minerals 

the investigation of water resources is authorized under the provision for examining 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 gaging the streams and determining the water supply of the United States, and 

for 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

1
2 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI. 

SCOPE OF INVESTIGATIONS.

These investigations are not complete nor are they inclusive of all 

the streams 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 5 to 10 years, and those 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 long-time 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 nearly 2,000 different points in 

the United States. The surface water supply of small areas in 

Seward Peninsula and the Yukon-Tanana region, Alaska, and in 

Hawaii has also been investigated. During 1910 regular gaging 

stations were maintained by the Survey and cooperating organizations 

at about 1,100 points in the United States, and many discharge 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 BIVBE BASIK.

PUBLICATIONS.

The data on stream flow collected by the United States Geological 

Survey have appeared in the annual reports, bulletins, and watersupply 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 have 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 1910. 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, 1910.

Part.

I

II

III

IV

V 

VI

VII 

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

No.

281

282

283

284

285 

286

287 

288

289

290

291

292

Title.

North Atlantic coast.

South Atlantic coast and eastern Gu

Ohio River basin.

St. Lawrence River basin.

If of Mexico.

Upper Mississippi River and Hudson Bay basins. 

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 special papers:

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

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

Report.

10th A. ,pt. 2... .......

llth A., pt. 2..........

12th A., pt. 2... .......

B. 131...... ...........

16th A., pt. 2..........

B. 140..... ............

WS. 11 ...............

18th A., pt. 4..........

WS. 15........ .......

Character of data.

.....do...........................................................

ly discharge (also many data covering earlier years).

(also similar data for earlier years).

States, eastern Mississippi River, and Missouri River above 

junction with Kansas.

Year.

1884 to Sept.,

1890. 

1884 to June 30,

1891. 

1884 to Dec. 31,

1892. 

1888 to Dec. 31,

1893. 

1893 and 1894.

1895.

1896.

1895 and 1896.

1897.
4 STJKFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

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

Report.

WS.16...............

19thA.,pt.4.. ........

WS. 27 ......... ......

WS. 28. ..............

20th A,, pt. 4.. ........ ' WS. 35 to 39... .......

21st A., pt.4. ..........

WS.47 to 52.. .........

22d A., pt.4...........

WS.65, 66............

WS. 75.... ............

WS. 82 to 85. .........

WS.97to 100... ......

WS.124to 135.. ......

WS. 165 to 178........

WS. 201 to 214.. ......

WS. 241 to 252.. ......

WS. 261 to 272........

WS.281to292........

Character of data.

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

(also some long-time records).

eastern Mississippi River, and Missouri River.

western United States.

.....00...........................................................

.-...do...........................................................

-..-.do...........................................................

.....do...........................................................

.....do...........................................................

Year.

1897.

1897.

1898.

1898.

1898.

1899.

1899.

1900.

1901.

1901.

1902.

1903.

1904.

1905.

1906.

1907-S.

1909.

1910.

NOTE. No data regarding stream flow are given in the fifteenth and seventeenth 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 1910. 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 Eiver were published hi 

Water-Supply 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.

Numbers of water-supply papers containing results of stream measurements, 1899-1910.

Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico:

Hudson River to Delaware River, inclusive. .... 

Susquehanna River to York River, inclusive. ...

Mississippi River: 

Ohio River. .....................................

Pacific coast and Great Basin:

South Pacific coast to Klamath River, inclusive. .

1899 «

35

35 

35 

(35), 36

36

36

36

36

(36), 37

37

37

(37), 38

38, (39)

(38), 39 

38

19006

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

65,75

66,75

65,75

65,75

66,75

/ (65),

66,75

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

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

& Rating tables and index to Water-Supt)ly Papers 47-52 and data on precipitation, wells, and irrigation 

in California and Utah contained in Water-Supply Paper 52.
MISSOURI EIVEB BASIN., 5

Numbers of water-supply papers containing results of stream measurements, 1899-1910 

Continued.

I

Atlantic coast and easteni Gulf of Mexico:

Susquehanna River to York River, inclusive. .... 

James River to Yadkjn River, inclusive. .........

Mississippi River:

Pacific coast and Great Basin:

South Pacific coast to Klamath River, inclusive. .

1904

124 i9p;

126 

126

19Q

130

128,

(130) 

130,

(131) 

(128),

131

1QO

/ 133,

1 (134) 

I 133,

I (134) 

134

135

1905

165

166

167 

167

168

170

171

IRQ

} >"

}

1"79

GfiWi 173 

174

175,

(177) 

176,

(177) 

177 

/ (177),

\ 178

1906

201

9n9

203 

203

204

9Ofi

207

205

207

208

(203),

209 

210

211,

(213) 

212,

(213) 

213

| 214

1907-8

241

241

241

94.9

242

244

9JA

O/1Q

94 15

246

} 247

249,

(251) 

250,

(251) 

251

252

1909

261

261

261 

262

9fi9

264

265

263

265

266

268

269,

(271) 

270,

(271) 

271

272

1910

OQ1

001

281

000

282

284

285

OQQ

285

286

287

9QO

289,

(291) 

290,

(291) 

291

292

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

No.

128

130

131

134

169

177

205

213

251

271

291

River basin. Tributaries included.

James.......

Missouri....

Colorado....

Sacramento. 

Great Basin. 

Delaware... 

Ohio........

Missouri....

Lower Mississippi.. 

(James..............

\St. Lawrence......

Lower Mississippi..

James..............

Lower Mississippi..

Upper Mississippi..

Lower Mississippi..

Upper Mississippi..

Missouri...........

/Colorado...........

\GreatBasin........

Lower Mississippi.. 

[Colorado...........

\ Great Basin........

[North Pacific coast.

Lower Mississippi.. 

/Colorado...........

\GreatBasin........

Icolorado...........

[Great Basin........

Gallatin.

Green, Gunnison, Grand above junction with Gunnison.

Except Kings and Kern.

Mohave.

Wissahickon and Schuylkill.

Scioto.

Loup and Platte near Columbus, Nebr. All tributaries below

junction with Platte. 

Yazoo.

Lake Ontario, tributaries to St. Lawrence River proper. 

Yazoo.

Do.

Tributaries from the west.

Yazoo.

Tributaries from the west.

Platte, Kansas.

Data near Yuma, Ariz., repeated.

Susan, Owens, Mohave.

Yazoo.

Below junction with Gila.

Susan repeated, Owens, Mohave.

Rogue, Umpq.ua, Siletz.

Yazoo, Homochitto.

Data at Hardyville repeated; at Yuma, Salton Sea.

Owens, Mohave.

Yuma and Salton Sea stations repeated. 

Owens River basin.
6 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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

downstream. The main stem of any river is determined by measuring or estimating the drainage area; that is, the headwater stream 

having the largest drainage area is considered the continuation of the 

main stream, and local changes in name and lake surface are disregarded. Records for all stations from the source to the mouth of the 

main stem of the river are presented first, and records for the tributaries in regular order from source to mouth follow, all records in each 

tributary basin being given before those of the next basin 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 simpler 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. The units used in 

this series of reports are second-feet, feet per square mile, and run-off 

in inches and acre-feet. They may be defined 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.

"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.

"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.
MISSOUEI KIVEB BASIN. 7 

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 March. 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 mile 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 96.0 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 gallon 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 Stales 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.

1 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-feet.

1 horsepower equals 550 foot-pounds per second.

1 horsepower equals 76.0 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.

To calculate water power quickly: ec-- X a in ee __ne^ horsepower on water 

wheel realizing 80 per cent of- theoretical power.
8 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI. 

EXPLANATION OF DATA.

For each drainage basin there is given a brief general description 

covering such items as area, source, tributaries, topography, geology, 

forestation, rainfall, irrigation, storage, power, and other interesting or important facts.

For each regular current-meter gaging station the following data, 

so far as available, are given: 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 channels, 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 records 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 affected by the presence of ice in the streams or 

by backwater from obstructions are published as recorded, with 

suitable footnotes. The rating table 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 negative readings shall 

not occur.

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:
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 286 PLATE

A. FOR BRIDGE MEASUREMENT.

B. FOR WADING MEASUREMENT.

TYPICAL GAGING STATIONS.



MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 9

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 cross-section 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 

periods.

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 th« 

water surface was at crest height and the corresponding discharge 

was 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 6, are based.

The field methods used in the collection of the data presented in 

this series of reports are described in the introductory sections of 

Water-Supply Papers 261 to 272, inclusive, " Surface water supply 

of the United States, 1909." Plate I shows typical gaging stations, 

indicating the method of suspending the current meter; Plate II 

shows the various types of current meters 1 used in the work. A 

sample rating curve is shown in figure 1 (p. 166).

ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF FIELD DATA AND COMPARATIVE

RESULTS.

The accuracy of stream-flow data depends primarily on the natural 

conditions at the gaging station and on the methods and care with 

which the data are collected. Errors of the first group depend on the 

degree of permanency of channel and of permanency of the relation 

between discharge and stage.

JSee Hoyt, J. C., and others, Use and care of current meter as practiced by the U. S. Geological 

Survey: Trans: Am. Soc. Civil Eng., vol. 66,1910, p. 70.

97746° WSP 286 11 2
10 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Errors of the second class are due, first, to errors in observation 

of stage; second, to errors in measurements of flow, and, third, to 

errors due to misinterpretation of stage and flow data. 

''' 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, tho mean rating curve, when well defined, is much 

more accurate than the individual measurements. Numerous experiments made to test the accuracy of current-meter work 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 the coefficient 

may be uncertain and conditions of flow are complicated.

The work is, of course, dependent on the reliability of the gage 

observers. With relatively few exceptions the observers perform 

their work honestly. The records are, however, closely watched, 

and the cause of any discrepancy is investigated. It is 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.

An 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 in 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 estimates of discharge based on 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.

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 defined" or "approximate," 

within 15 to 25 per cent. These notes are very general and are based
MISSOURI RIVER BASIIST. 11

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.

In general, the base data which are collected in the field each year 

by the Survey engineers are published, not only to comply with the 

law, but 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~ts 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 throw 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 figures presented in these papers will verify all ratings and make such adjustments for 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 estimates 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.

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
12 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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

values of accuracy are given. Records clearly 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.

Much of the work in Montana has been carried on under cooperative 

agreement with the United States Reclamation Service, the work 

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

Reclamation Service. The State engineer of Montana has a fund 

available for this work, which is expended in accordance with paragraph 3, section 2244 of the revised codes of 1907 of the State of 

Montanaj 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 chiefly for observers' salaries and 

field work on stations in connection with Carey projects. From July 

1 to December 31, 1910, a State hydrographer was employed, whose 

salary and traveling expenses were paid from this fund and whose 

time was spent in stream-gaging work under the direction of the 

Geological Survey.

Since July, 1910, several stations have been maintained in the 

western part of the State in cooperation with the Forest Service; the 

gage observations being made by the forest rangers and occasional 

discharge measurements being made by the district engineer of the 

Forest Service.

Acknowledgments are due to the Great Northern and Northern 

Pacific railway companies for transportation furnished during the 

year.

The following tables show the amounts appropriated and expended 

for hydrographic work in the Missouri River basin in Montana in 

1910, and the distribution of expenditures.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 13

Statement of hydrographic work in the Missouri River drainage basin in Montana,

calendar year 1910, 

Appropriations:

United States Geological Survey....................... $6,833. 39

TJniited States Reclamation Service................... 2,996.14

Tot^l Government funds........................ .9, 829. 53

State of Montana. ................................... 2,036. 00

Total expenditures for maintenance of river stations and 

allied investigations.................................... 11,865. 53

Number of stations maintained............................ 88

Number of s^eeam gagings made.......................... 401

Cost per station.......................................... $134. 84

Cost per gaging;.......................................... $29. 59

Distribution of expenditures:

Field services ...................................... per cent.. 38

Office services .........................................do.... 15

Traveling expenses.....................................do.... 29

Supplies and equipment................................do.... 7

Lost time (Sundays, holidays, etc.)...................... do.... 6

Rent and storage. .....................................do.... 2

General...............................................do.... 3

Special acknowledgments are clue to the following persons:

Mr. E. C. Sirnmons, State engineer of Nebraska, who spent over $500 

on stream-gaging work under a cooperative contract with the United 

States Geological Survey.

Mr. C. W. Comstock, State engineer of Colorado, who paid the salaries of the gage observers and the expenses of the United States 

Geological Survey engineers, amounting to several hundred dollars. 

He also furnished a number of records, published in this paper, for 

stations which his office maintained independently of the United 

States Geological Survey.

Mr. George B. McFadden, an engineer representing a Denver company, who spent several hundred dollars in the maintenance of two 

stations on the Cache la Poudre in cooperation with the United States 

Geological Survey. He has contributed a number of valuable photographs taken on Cache la Poudre River, some of which are reproduced 

in this report.

The United States Reclamation Service, for the records on the 

North Platte at Pathfinder and Whalen, Wyo., and on the Belle 

Fourche at Belle Fourche, S. Dak.

The United States Forest Service, for gage observations furnished 

by its rangers and for other cooperative assistance.

Thanks are also due to the United States Weather Bureau, the 

Denver Union Water Co., the Denver Reservoir & Irrigation Co., and 

all other companies and persons who have rendered assistance and 

furnished records.
14 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

DIVISION OF WORK.

The work in the upper Missouri River drainage basin was under 

the direction of William A. Lamb, district engineer, assisted by Raymond Richards, M. E. McChristie, John C. Beebe, Benjamin E. Jones, 

junior engineers, and C. S. Heidel, State hydrographer.

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

The field data for the Missouri River drainage area in Colorado and 

Nebraska and the North Platte and Upper Bighorn basins in Wyo1 

ming were collected under the direction of W. B. Freeman, district 

engineer, assisted by G. H. Russell, H. D. Padgett, G. J. Lyon, S. T. 

Harding, E. O. Christiansen, and Arthur Dobson. The work in Nebraska was under the more immediate direction of Mr. E. C. Simmons, 

State engineer, and some of the stream-gaging work was done by his 

assistants.

The ratings and special estimates were made and the completed 

data prepared for publication by Raymond Richards and R. C. Rice. 

Computations have been made by G. C. Stevens, J. G. Mathers, J. J. 

Phelan, H. D. Padgett, and M. E. McChristie. The report has been 

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 pages 3 to 5. The stations are arranged by 

river basins, in downstream order, tributaries of main streams being 

indicated by indention. (See p. 6.)

Red Rock River (head of Missouri) at Lima, Mont., 1907-1910.

Red Rock River at.Red Rock, Mont., 1890.

Beaverhead River (continuation of Red Rock River) at Barratts, Mont., 1907-1910.

Beaverhead River at Dillon, Mont., 1907.

Jefferson River (continuation of Red Rock-Beaverhead River) near Sappington, Mont.,

1896-1905.

Jefferson River near Silverstar, Mont., 1910. 

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., 1902-1910. 

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

Missouri River at Fort Benton, Mont., 1910. 

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 BASIN. 15

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

Bighole River near Dewey, Mont., 1910. 

Pipestone Creek near Whitehall, Mont., 1910. 

Whitetail Creek near Whitehall, Mont., 1910. 

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

Madison River near Norris, Mont., 1897-1905, 1910. 

Madison River near Three Forks, Mont., 1895-1897. 

West Gallatin River (head of Gallatin River) near Salesville, Mont., 1895-1905,

1910.

West Gallatin River near Bozeman, Mont., 1889-1893. 

Gallatin River at Logan, Mont., 1895-1905.

Middle Creek near Bozeman, Mont., 1895-96, 1898-1900, 1901. 

Crow Creek near Radersburg, Mont., 1903. 

Prickly Pear Creek near Clancy, Mont., 1908-1910. 

Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont., 1908-1910.

Lump Gulch Creek at Clancy, Mont., 1908-1910.

Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont,, 1908-1910.

Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye, Mont., 1908-1910. 

Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont., 1909-10. 

Little Prickly Pear Creek near Canyon Creek, Mont., 1909-10.

Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont., 1909-10.

Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont., 1909-10.

Marsh Creek near Marysville, Mont., 1909-10. 

Dearborn River near demons, Mont., 1908-1910.

Falls Creek near demons, Mont., 1908-1910. 

Smith River at Truly, Mont., 1905-1907.

Sun River (North Fork) near Augusta, Mont., 1889-90, 1903-1910. 

Sun River at Sun River, Mont., 1905-1910. 

Sun River near Great Falls, Mont., 1897.

Willow Creek near Augusta, Mont., 1910.

Sun River (South Fork) at Augusta, Mont., 1904-1910. 

Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont., 1906-1910. 

Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont., 1906-1910. 

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 Mid vale, Mont., 1902-3.

Two Medicine River at Family, Mont., 1907-1910. 

Badger Creek near Family, Mont., 1907-1910.

Cutbank Creek at Cutbank, Mont., 1905-1910.

Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont., 1907-1910.

Dupuyer Creek at-Dupuyer, Mont., 1908-1910.

Teton River at Chouteau, Mont., 1905-6.

Teton River near Belleview (Strabone) Mont., 1905-6, 1908-1910. 

Judith River near Lewistown, Mont., 1910. 

Musselshell River (North Fork) near Delpine, Mont., 1909-10. 

Musselshell River (North Fork) near Martinsdale, Mont., 1907-1910. 

Musselshell River at Harlowton, Mont., 1907-1910. 

Musselshell River at Shawmut, Mont., 1902-1907. 

Musselshell River at Lavina, Mont., 1906.

Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont., 1909-10.

Musselshell River (South Fork) near Martinsburg, Mont., 1907-1910.

American Fork near Harlowton, Mont., 1907-1910. 

Lebo Creek near Harlowton, Mont., 1907-1910.
16 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Missouri River Continued.

Milk River (South Fork) near Browning, Mont., 1905-1910. 

Milk River at Havre, Mont., 1898-1910. 

Milk River at Chinook, Mont., 1897. 

Milk River at Malta, Mont., 1902-1910. 

Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont., 1908-9.

Milk River (West Fork) at Chinook, Mont., 1906-1908. 

Milk River (North Fork) near Chinook, Mont., 1906-1910. 

Beaver Creek near (Ashfield) Saco, Mont., 1903-1906, 1908-1910. 

Beaver Creek overflow near Bowdoin, Mont., 1903-1906, 1908-1910. 

Rock Creek near Hinsdale, Mont., 1905-1907. 

Porcupine Creek near Nashua, Mont., 1908-1910. 

Canals in the Milk River Basin 

Paradise Valley canal near Chinook, Mont., 1903-1909. 

Cook canal near Chinook, Mont., 1905-1910. 

Matheson canal near Chinook, Mont., 1905-6, 1908-1910. 

Reser ditch near Chinook, Mont., 1905-6. 

West Fork ditch near Chinook, Mont., 1905-6. 

Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont., 1904-1906, 1908-1910. 

Agency ditch near Harlem, Mont., 1905-1910. 

Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., 1903-1910. 

Winter Anderson canal near Chinook, Mont., 1906, 1908. 

Rock Creek canal near Hinsdale, Mont., 1905-1907. 

Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont., 1908-1910. 

Wolf Creek at Wolf Point, Mont., 1908-1910. 

Wolf Point ditch at Wolf Point, Mont., 1909-10. 

Poplar Creek near Poplar, Mont., 1908-1910. 

Big Muddy River near Culbertson, Mont., 1908-1910. 

Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Mont., 1910. 

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., 1907-1910. 

Yellowstone River at Junction, Mont., 1906-7. 

Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., 1897-1910.

Big Timber Creek (North Fork) near Big Timber, Mont., 1907-1910. 

Big Timber Creek (South Fork) near Big Timber, Mont., 1907-1910. 

Boulder River near Contact, Mont., 1910.

Boulder River (East Fork) near McLeod, Mont., 1907-1909. 

Boulder River (West Fork) near Bruffeys, Mont., 1907-1910. 

Boulder River (West Fork) near McLeod, Mont., 1907-1910. 

Sweetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont., 1907-1910. 

Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont., 1907-1910. 

Stillwater River near Absarokee, Mont., 1910. 

Rosebud River at Absarokee, Mont., 1910. 

Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., 1906-1910. 

Pryor Creek near Huntley, Mont., 1904-1910.

Big Wind River (head of Bighorn) near Wind River, Wyo., 1908-9. 

Big Wind River near Riverton, Wyo., 1906-1908. 

Bighorn River at Thermopolis, Wyo., 1900-1905, 1910., 

Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont., 1904-1910. 

Red Creek near Dubois, Wyo., 1909. 

Dinwoody Creek neai Crowheart, Wyo., 1909, 

Dry Creek at Crowheart, Wyo., 1909.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 17

Missouri River Continued.

Yellowstone River Continued. 

Bighorn River Continued.

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 Rivei, 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. 

Owl Creek near Thermopolis, Wyo., 1910. 

No Wood River at Bonanza, Wyo., 1910.

Tensleep Creek near Tensleep, Wyo., 1910. 

Paint Rock Creek near Bonanza, Wyo., 1910. 

Greybull River near Meeteese, Wyo., 1897, 1903, 1910.

Wood River near Meeteese, Wyo., 1910. 

Shoshone River at Cody, Wyo., 1902-1910. 

Shoshone River at Corbett Dam, Wyo., 1908-1910. 

Shoshone River near Lovell, Wyo., 1897-1899.

Shoshone River (South Fork) at Marquette, Wyo., 1903-1908. 

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., 1896-97. 

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., 1903-1910. 

Painted Woods Creek near Washburn, N. Dak., 1909-10.

Turtle Creek near Washburn, N. Dak., 1909-10. 

Heart River near Richard ton, N. Dak., 1903-1910. 

Apple Creek near Bismarck, N. Dak., 1905. 

Cannon Ball River at Stevenson, N. Dak., 1903-1909. 

Grand River (North Fork) at Haley, N. Dak., 1908-1910. 

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.
18 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Missouri River Continued.

Cheyenne River Continued.

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 pear 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, 1910.

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., 1900-1901.

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 Hiver at Saratoga, Wyo., 1903-1906, 1909. 

North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo., 1905-1910. 

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 and Interstate canal at Whalen, Wyo., 1910. 

North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr., 1901-1910. 

North Platt.e 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 at North Platte, Nebr., 1894-1910. 

Platte River near Lexington, Nebr., 1902-1906. 

Platte River at Columbus, Nebr., 1895-1910. 

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 WTalden, Colo., 1904-5.

Michigan Creek near Cowdrey, Colo., 1904-5.

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, 1910.

Laramie River near Jelm, Wyo., 1904-5.

Laramie River near Woods Landing, Wyo., 1895-1900.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 19

Missouri River Continued. 

Platte River Continued.

Laramie River near Uva, 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 Fairplay, Colo., 1910. 

South Platte (South Fork) at Lake George, Colo., 1910. 

South Platte (South Fork) at South Platte, Colo., 1905-1910. 

South Platte River at South Platte, Colo., 1902-1910. 

South Platte River near Deansbury (Platte Canyon), Colo., 1887-1892, 1895-

1900.

South Platte River at Denver, Colo., 1895-1906, 1909-10. 

South Platte River near Kersey, Colo., 1901-1903, 1905-1910. 

South Platte River near Orchard, Colo., 1895-1900. 

South Platte River near Julesburg, Colo., 1902-1906, 1908-1910. 

South Platte River near Big Spring, Nebr., 1902-3. 

Tarryall Creek near Jefferson, Colo., 1910. 

Tarryall Creek near Hayman, Colo., 1910. 

Jefferson Creek near Jefferson, Colo., 1910.

Michigan Creek near Jefferson, Colo., 1910. 

Goose Creek near Cheesman Lake, Colo., 1899. 

South Platte River (North Fork) at Grant, Colo., 1910. 

South Platte River (North Fork) at Cassells, Colo., 1908-1910. 

South Platte River (North Fork) at South Platte, Colo., 1909-10.

Geneva Creek above Jackwhacker Creek, near Grant, Colo., 1909-10. 

Geneva Creek at Old Geneva smelter, near Grant, Colo., 1909-10. 

Geneva Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo., 1908-1910. 

Smelter Creek .at Old Geneva smelter, near Grant, Colo., 1909-10. : Duck Lake Creek near Grant, Colo., 1909-10. 

Scott Gomer Creek at Geneva Power Go's, dam site, Colo., 1909. 

Scott Gomer Creek at Sullivan's ranch near Grant, Colo., 1909-10 

Bear Creek near Morrison, Colo., 1888-1891, 1895-1902. 

Clear Creek at Forkscreek, Colo., 1899-1910. 

Clear Creek at Idaho Springs, Colo., 1910. 

Clear Creek at Golden, Colo., 1897-98 and 1909. 

St. Vrain Creek near Lyons, Colo., 1888-1892, 1895-1903, 1909. 

Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo., 1907-8, 1910. 

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, 

1909.

Community canal near Marshall, Colo., 1909.

Big Thompson Creek near Arkins, Colo., 1888-1890, 1895-1903, 1909. 

Big Thompson Creek near Loveland, Colo., 1888-1890. 

Handy ditch near Arkins, Colo., 1899-1900, 1903. 

Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo., 1909-10. 

Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo., 1909-10. 

Cache la Poudre River at mouth of canyon near Fort Collins, Colo., 1884-

1901, 1910.

Cache la Poudre River near Greeley, Colo., 1903. 

Middle Crow Creek near Hecla, Wyo., 1902-3.
20 SUKFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

Missouri River Continued. 

Platte River Continued.

Loup River at Columbus, Nebr., 1894-1910.

Middle Loup River near St. Paul, Nebr., 1895, 1897, 1899, 1903. 

North Loup River near St. Paul, Nebr., 1895, 1897, 1899, 1903. 

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., 1904-1910. 

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 (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. 

Big Blue River (head of Blue River) at Beatrice, Nebr., 1910. 

Blue River at Manhattan, Kans., 1895-1905.

Little Blue River near Fairbury, Nebr., 1908-1910. 

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.

GENERAL FEATURES OF MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE

BASIN.

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 tribu-
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. - 21

taries 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 regipns and 

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 current. 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 Beaverhead, 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 border 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 rivers 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,
22 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 

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 averagewidth 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 1 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 year of greatest flow and 1905 as the time of least 

flow.

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,

1 Given as 2,824 miles in Water-Supply Paper 246. This figure was taken from the report of the Tenth 

Census. More reliable information has since been published. See Water-Supply Paper 44, p. 70.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 23

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. ^

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 BOCK BIVEB 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 three 

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 should be good. During the first six months 

of 1910 the gage height records are not as reliable as desired. 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 near Lima, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Mar. 2

July 8

Sept. 14

Do...

Hydrographer.

J. C. Beebe. ...............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

36

29

31

38

36

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

44

24

69

69

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.08

.94

1.45

1.42

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

92

42

' 52

104

100
24 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Red Rock River at Lima, Mont., for 1910. 

[Alice Gleed, observer.]

Day.

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

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

3.......-.-----.

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

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.

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Feb.

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Mar.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

11^

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

1.3

1.5

1.7

Apr.

1.7

1.95

1.95

2.7

2.8

3.5

3.55

3.6

3.6

4.1

4.0

4.0

4 0

4.1

4.2

4.0

4.0

4.2

4.0

3.8

4.0

4.1

3.9

3.8

3.95

3.9

May.

3.8

3.7

3.7

3 7

Q 7

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.2

3.0

2.7

9 7

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.15

2.15

2.3

2.5

June.

2.3

2.25

2 9

2.6

3.6

3.75

3.7

3.75

3.1

3.2

3.0

3.0

3.0

Q rt

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.0

1.5

1.3

1.2

1.0

1.0

.9

July.

1.0

1.0

1.6

1.7

.9

.9

1.0

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.15

1.15

1.25

1.15

1.15

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

.9

.95

Aug.

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.35

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.4

1 45

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.6

Sept.

1.6

1.2

1.2

1.0

.8

.8

.8

.85

.85

1.0

1.8

1.8

2.4

2.6

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.9

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.3

Oct.

3.6

3.6

Q rt

2.0

1.5

1.0

1.0

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

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.45

Nov.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.5

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.3

.1.2

Dec.

1.2

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

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Red Rock River at Lima, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

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

2...... ---------

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

4.......----....

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

7. .----.-.------

9... ......-...--

10. --------------

11........---....

12........-----.-

13....... --------

14.......----..-.

15.......-.--....

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

17.-.. -----------

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

19.......-----...

20.--. -----------

21...............

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

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

25.......--------

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

27.......-.----..

28...........----

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

30........-------

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

Jan.

105

98

91

91

91

98

91

91

91

98

98

105

91

98

105

91

91

98

98

91

91

91

91

91

91

91

91

91

91

91

Feb.

79

85

85

79

79

91

91

91

85

85

85

85

91

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

91

91

91

91

91

Mar.

91

91

91

91

no

98

QQ

98

no

98

98

105

105

105

105

105

105

105

105

190

Apr.

245

245

421

452

485

79P:

742

760

760

936

900

900

900

936

920

840

840

990

840

SSrt

840

son

820

820

May.

765

730

730

730

730

CQC

695

730

695

695

finK

660

cce

490

400

400

311

209

209

246

971

340

June.

284

284

271

258

Q7rt

415

695

748

7OA

748

555

520

520

555

490

490

490

490

430

430

400

OAQ

113

84

71

48

48

July.

48

129

146

146

38

48

54

48

48

48

48

54

65

65

78

65

65

AQ

48

54

38

43

Aug.

71

84

84

98

129

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

106

91

QS

106

106

98

98

113

98

QA

84

98

113

Sept.

129

71

71

29

48

29

29

29

29

29

34

34

34

34

48

165

165

311

370

370

430

430

430

430

460

460

555

590

590

590

Oct.

765

695

695

490

209

113

AQ.

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

121

113

113

113

121

121

113

Nov.

113

113

113

113

113

106

113

121

121

121

113

113

98

98

98

98

98

106

98

98

106

106

106

113

113

98

84

84

71

Dec.

71

71

71

71

65

65

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

48

48

48

48

48

54

48

48

48

NOTE. These discharges are based on fairly well defined rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to 

Apr. 15, Apr. 16 to Dec. 31.
MISSOURI EI7EB BASIN. 25 

Monthly discharge of Red Rock River at Lima, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

May. ..............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

105 

91 

190 

936 

765 

748 

146 

129 

590 

765 

121 

71

936

Minimum.

91 

79 

91 

190 

209 

38 

38 

59 

29 

48 

71 

48

29

Mean.

94.2 

86.3 

106 

736 

502 

393 

59.9 

99.9 

234 

183 

105 

57.6

221

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

5,790 

4,790 

6,520 

43,800 

30,900 

23,400 

3,680 

6,140 

13,900 

11,300 

6 250 

3,540

160,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B.

NOTE. Approximately 40,000 acre-feet of water were stored in the Red Rock reservoir in 1909 and 

released during the irrigating season of 1910.

BEAVEBHEAD 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 Ked Kock River from its source in Red Rock 

Lakes to the post office of Red Rock, below which to its junction 

with Bighole 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 bottom and should not shift. Records obtained 

are good.

97746° WSP 286 11 3
26 SURFACE WATETl SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

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 1910.

Date.

Nov. 7 «

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb...............................................

J. C. Beebe. ...............................................

J. C. Beebe. ...............................................

Width.

Feet. 

66

86

64

72

60

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

206

96

146

84

142

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.04

.70

.82

.65

1.20

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

862

179

304

188

406

a Made at bridge. & Made by wading below bridge.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Beaverhead River at Barratts, Mont., for 1910.

[W. A. Meeds, 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.

1.30

1.28

1.45 

1.50 

1.55

1.50

1.50 

1.25

1.24

1.11

1.08

1.10

1.10

1.16

1.25

1.10

1.22

1.22

1.26

1.32 

1.35

1.25

1 1 Q

1.20

1.25 

1.30

Feb.

1.22

1.20

1.15 

1.18 

1.20

1.24

1.26 

1.10

1.20

1 19

1.12

1.15

1.16

1.10

1 1 K

1 Ifi

1 25

1.16

1 IS

1.26

1 9A

1.10

1 1 fi

1 1 fi

1.10

1.15

1.15

Mar.

1.22

1.50

2.22 

3.55 

3.70

2 OK

2.02

1 fiK

1 64

1.70

1.76

1 Q1

1 91

1 97

1 Q7

2 00

2 18

2

KA

2

0A

2.92

q HO

2.90

2 4ft

1 Q7

i on

1

7K

1.70

1 62

1.60 

1.70

Apr.

1.75

1.97

1.88 

1.92 

2.00

2 AC

2.15

2 AS

2 7K

2

70

2

7K

2 62

2 60

2

KK

2 55

2

70

2

09

2.75

2

7A

2.74

9 74.

2 70

2.80

May.

2.50 

2.58 

2.68

2

QA

2.90 

2.60

2 72

2 92

2

QC

3.02

9 Q9

2 7C

2 79

2

KO

2

KA

2

qc

2 26

2

-jQ

-J QA

1.70 1 59

1.55

1 fiQ

1 72

2 AC

1 95

1.72 

1.55

June.

1 45

1.36

1.35 

1.30 

1.30

1 30

1.38 

1 48

1 49

1 qc

1 9K

1.16

1.11 i ns

1 05

1 02

1 AA

QA

60

KA

KA

45

.42

K1

.55

55

.55

July.

..:....

"b'.n

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.71

.75

7K

.74

.70

.70

.74

.80

.787*;

7S

7B

.75

.78 

.79

Aug.

0.79

.78

.78 

.78 

.74

.74

.75

CO

OK

.85

OK

OK

OK

OK

.85

fifi

.80

70

.74

.71

.70 

.70

.66

64

CO

60

.60 

.60

Sept.

0.60

.59

.55 

.60 

.59

.68 

.58

CO

Kfi

.60

60

60

.64

fiQ

.74

OO

OQ

QO

1.15

1.28

1 qK

1 40

1 i" 40^

1 QK

1.35

Oct.

1.36

1.40

1.44 

1.45 

1.24

1.20

1.12 

1 no

1.06

1.05

1.05

1.04

1 05

1.05

1 05

1 06

1.10

1.10

1.06

1 06

1.10

1.10 

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.14 

1.19

Nov.

1.20

1.20

1.20 

1.20 

1.20

1.20

1.20 

1.32

1 'SO

1 30

1 30

1 qA

1 4.9

1 48

1 39

1 q9

1 Q9

1 30

1 9K

1 9ft

1.35

I

qe

1.34

1 99

1 30

1 30

I

qA

1.25

Dec.

1.30

1.25

1.26 

1.25 

1.21

1 19

1.15 

1.12

1 19

1.20

1.18

1.15

1.10

1.15

1.02

1.16

1 00

.99

1 00

i on

1.00

1 00

1.02 

1.01

1.04

1.06

1.12

1.10

1 no

.99 

1.00

NOTE, Gage stolen June 29. Replaced at same datum July 8,
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 27 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, ofSeaverhead River at Sarratts, Mont., for 1910.

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...............

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

Jan.

4ee

530

ccc

555

430

445

425

364

351

360

387

430

415

415

AOK

4**

465

480

AC.K

430

400

445

430

^cc

Feb.

41 *

382

one

405

49*

AQK.

360

382

Af)K

400

369

382

387

360

382

QQC

430

387

QQC

435

jnc

396

QQfi

360

382

382

Mar.

41 ^

962

842

794

742

627

660

693

776

776

812

830

938

1,140

1 340

1 430

1,490

1,420

1,130

812

770

688

660

616

660

Apr.

688

812

759

782

830

860

920

980

1 040

1,260

1,310

1,310

1,220

1,220

1,170

1,170

1 200

1 Q4O

1,310

1,280

1 3flfl

1,300

1,320

1,320

1,340

1,340

May.

1,270

1,140

1,420

1 9QO.

1 430

1,430

i 9Qn

i ion

1 140

1,040

986

944

770

660

600

580

671

860

800

671

Tune.

530

485

480

455

455

455

/IQC

545

550

495

430

387

364 °A1

000

324

97 e

160

130

130

120

114

120

14*

133

145

14*

150

July.

155

160

165

170

175

180

185

1QK

195

1Q*

199

91 K.

215

91 ^

211

195

IQC

91 1

9Q*

227

215

997

227

91 *

227

99.1

Aug.

931

227

227

227

211

211

215

267

O**

O**

255

255

9^

oe*

255

9**

o*Q

235

997

911

199

1QC

195

188

181

174

167

160

160

160

Sept.

160

157

145

160

157

148

154

154

154

154

160

160

160

174

178

188

1Q9

243

971

307

382

/I AC

480

505

505

480

480

480

Oct.

485

con

49 1;

4AC

369

356

338

338

338

333

338

338

338

338

0,19

360

049

342

OCA

360

360

360

360

360

360

378

Nov.

405

405

405

405

405

405

465

455

455

545

465

465

455

430

405

480

475

415

455

455

455

Dec.

430

435

430

410

400

382

369

396

382

360

382

324

387

315

311

315

9.15

01 C

315

324

320

333

342

360

315

311

315

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between 130 and 1,140 

second-feet. Discharges interpolated for days on which gage heights were not recorded.

Monthly discharge of Beaverhead River at Barratts, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

580 

435 

2,010 

1,360 

1,500 

550 

235 

267 

505 

530 

555 

455

2,010

Minimum.

351 

360 

415 

688 

580 

114 

155 

160 

145 

338 

405 

311

114

Mean.

442 

393 

934 

1,150 

1,070 

304 

202 

220 

268 

378 

452 

361

515

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

27,200 

21,800 

57,400 

68,400 

65,800 

18, 100 

12,400 

13,500 

15,900 

23,200 

26,900 

22, 200

373,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A.

JEFFERSON RIVER NEAR SILVERSTAR, MONT.

This station, which was established August 11, 1910, is located a 

few miles below the junction of Bighole and Beaverhead rivers, on 

the big highway bridge on the road from Iron Rod to Silverstar about 

1 mile from Iron Rod station on a branch of the Northern Pacific 

Railway, 18 miles from Whitehall and 8 miles from Twin Bridges. 

The principal tributaries below the station are Pipestone and Whitetail creeks.
28 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

A standard staff gage is fastened to outer pier on the downstream 

side of the bridge from which discharge measurements are made.

Irrigation is carried on extensively from the headwaters of this 

stream to its mouth.

Discharge measurements of Jefferson River near Silverstar, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Aug. 11

Hydrographer.

J. C. Beetle. ...............................................

Width.

Feel. 

152

200

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

289

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.80

2.78

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

353

1,180

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Jefferson River near Silverstar,

Mont., for 1910.

[C. A. Barkell, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

5...-.....-.---.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...................

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

23...................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ai

Gage 

height.

1.80

1 80

1.85

i QA

1 90

1.90

1.85

1.85

1.75

1.70

1.75

i 7c

1.75

f on

1.80

1 80

1.85

1.85

1.85

igDischarge.

OCA

368

385

385

385

385

368

368

335

320

DOC

QOC

335

OCA

350

350

368

368

Se

Gage 

height.

1.85

1.90

f QC

f QC

2.00

2 no

2.00

2 fifi

2

fiC

9 1 K.

2 1 K

2 in

2 in

2 in

2

f\K

9 n^,

2.10

2.60

2.40

2

Qfi

2

Qfi

2

CA

2 AH

2

CC

2.60

2 fin

pt.

Discharge.

385

425

425

425

425

450

475

475

505

CfiK

475

47 K

475

AKft

450

47 c

COK

925

700

610

610

805

QOC

865

865

925

Oc

Gage 

height.

2.55

2.50

2.60

2.65

2.60

2.55

2.60

2.60

2

CC

2.65

2.60

2.60

2.65

2

CC

2.60

2.60

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.70

2.75

2.75

2.70

2.70

2.75

t.

Discharge.

865

805

865

925

993

925

865

865

925

925

QQO.

QQO.

993

QOC

QOK

993

QQO

925

925

993

993

993

993

1,060

1,140

1,140

1,060

1,060

1,140

1,140

N(

Gage 

height.

2.80

2.80

2.85

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.84

2.86

2.92

2 Q4

2 Qfi

3.00

3.00

3.10

3.20

3

1 fi

3.10

3.00

3.00

3.00

2.90

2.90

2.96

2.98

3.00

3.00

2.95

2.90

)V.

Discharge.

1,210

1,210

1,290

1,290

1,210

1,210

1,210

1,210

1,270

1,310

1,400

1,440

1,470

1,540

1,540

1,720

1,910

1,720

1,720

1,540

1,540

1,540

1,370

1,370

1,470

1,510

1,540

1,540

1,460

1,370

D

Gage 

height.

2.97

3.00

3.10

3.00

3.00

2.90

2.90

2.80

-2.80

2.80

2.80

2.86

2.86

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.96

2.94

2 gg

2.88

2.86

2.88

2.80

2.86

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

ec.

Discharge.

1,490

1,540

1,720

1,540

1,540

1,370

1,370

1,210

1,210

1,210

1,210

1,310

1,310

1,370

1,370

1,370

1,370

1,370

1,470

1,440

1,370

1,340

1,320

1,340

1,210

1,310

1,370

1,370

1,370

1,370

1,370

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve fairly well defined between 340 and 2,800 secondfeet.
-MISSOUKI EIVER BASIN. 

Monthly discharge of Jefferson River near Silverstar, Mont., for 1910.

29

Month.

Aug. 11-31............................. . . ......

October. ..........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

385 

925 

1,140 

1,910 

1.720

Minimum.

320 

368 

805 

1,210 

1,210

Mean.

359 

572 

974 

1,440 

1,370

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

15,000 

34,000 

59,900 

85,700 

84,200

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A.

MISSOUBI BIVEB AT TOSTON, MONT.

A station was established on the Missouri River at the highway 

bridge at Toston, Mont., on April 5, 1910. Gallatin, Jefferson, and 

Madison rivers unite about 25 miles above the station. Sixteenmile 

Creek is the only tributary of importance between the station and the 

headwaters. Between Toston and the station at Cascade, Prickly Pear 

and Little Prickly Pear creeks and Dearborn River enter the Missouri.

A standard chain gage is fastened to the downstream side of the 

public highway bridge. Measurements are made from a newly constructed cable equipment just above the bridge. Excellent results 

can be obtained. The discharge is affected by ice only in extremely 

cold weather.

Discharge measurements of Missouri River at Toston, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 15

June 2

Do...

July 7

22

Aug. 13

Do...

Nov. 5

Dec. 7

Do.

Tlydrographer.

..... do... ................................................. .

.....do.................---.......------------.....----.-...

M. E. McChristie. . ........................................

. J. C. Beebe ................................................

B. E. Jones. ..............................................

B. E. Jones.. . .............................................

W . A. Lamb ..............................................

Width.

Feet.

448

450

445

455

397

384

374

407

455

453

455

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

1,740

2,260

2,530

2.520

1, 180

1,140

1,030

1,010

1,360

1,330

1,330

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.50

5.75

6.19

6.19

3.30

3.20

2.95

2.95

3.71

3.75

3.75

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

fi,390

10,500

13,300

13,600

2,420

2,340

1,860

1,820

4,030

3,700

o3,520

a Meter affected by ice; results low.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Missouri River at Toston, Mont., for 1910. 

[W. B. Lorentz, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

i.. ........ .................

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

4.50

4.40

4.40

4.50

4.65

4.95

May.

6.60

6.50

6.20 

5.90

5.75

5.70

5.75

5.90

6.00

6.20

June.

6.10

6.00

5.95 

5.65

5.55

5.30

5.25

5.05

4.95

5.00

July.

3.35

3.35

3.40 

3.40

3.35

3.40

3.25

3.35

3.35

3.25

Aug.

2.80

2.90

2.90 

3.25

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.80

2.90

2.85

Sept.

3.00

3.02

2.97 

3.05

3.10

3.15

3.20

3.32

3.20

3.27

Oct.

3.55

3.48

3.45 

3.75

3.80

3.75

3.73

3.65

3.50

3.60

Nov.

3.65

3.60

3.65 

3.75

3.65

3.70

3.68

3.62

3.68

Dec.

3.68

3.68

3.75 

3.78

3.82

3.68

3.75

3.75

3. 75

3.60
30 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Missouri River at Toston, Mont., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

14......:..................

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

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

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

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

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

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

21.........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

5.05

5.50

C KA

5 OK

5.05

5. TO

5.00

5.05

5.15

c on

5.55

5.85

6.20

May.

6.65

7.10

7 05

6.90

6.80

6.65

6.10

5.85

c cn

C AE.

5.40

5.55

5.75

6.05 

6.10

6.20

June.

5.00

4 90

4.80

4 70

A Art

4.40

4.15

4.20

3.95

3.85

3.70

3.45

3.60

3.50

July.

3.20

3.15

3.20

q OA

3 OK

3.25

3.30

S

on

3.25

3.30

2.95

2.85

2.85

2.75

2.85

2.90

Aug.

2.95

3.00

2.95

9 Q 1^

2.90

2.90

2.95

2.90

2.87

2.67

2.95

9 Q^

2.95

2.85

2.95 

2.90

2.90

Sept.

3.27

3.30

3.27

3.25

3.23

3.22

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.38

3.50

3.53

3.43

3.50

3.58

3.55

3.63

3.63 

3.60

3.65

Oct.

3.52

3.52

3.52

3.60

3.75

3.70

3.50

3.50

3.65

3.72

3.73

3.68

3.65

3. 68

3.68

3.67

3.66

3.63 

3.75

3.78

Nov.

3.75

3.75

3.80

3.98

3.95

3.95

3.87

3.85

3.70

3.78

3.75

3. 82

3.82

3.85

3.80

3.88

3.70

3.62 

5.65

3.68

Dec.

3.eo

3.58

3. CO

3.62

3.62

3.62

3.42

3.45

3.50

3.40

3.35

3.40

3 40

3.35

3.50

3.42

3.30

3.40 

3.40

3.38

3.40

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Missouri River at Toston, Mont., for 1910.

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...........................

Apr.

6,310

5 940

5.940

8,100

10 400

9,780

8.500 

8,300

8,300

8.500

8 990

10,200

11.100

n oon

13,500 

15,400

May.

14 900

13,500 12 ''OO

11^500

1 1 °.nn

11,500

]9 OQQ

17,800 17 f^ftft

16 400

15,600 

15,200

14 900

12 600

11,900

10 °00

9 990

U finn

11,500

n oon

12,800 iQ inn

13 

' 500

June.

13, 100

12,600

1° 400

10.600

9,340

7,890

7,080

t\ ftQft

5,940 Sft^o,

5,230

5 930

4,890

4,410

4,100

3,660

3,380

2 980

3,380

3,110 

2,850

July.

2,720

2,720

9 85Q

2,850

2,720

2,850

2,480

2,720

2,360

2.240

o 300

9 7^0

2,480

2,600

2,480

2 Ann

1,730

1,820

1,640

1,640 

1,640

1,640

Aug.

1,500

1,730

1,730

2,480

1,820

1,820

1,820

1,730

1,640

1,820

1,920

1,820

1,820

1,730

1,730

1,730

1,820

1,730

1 680

1,700

1,370

1.820

1,820

1,640

1,820 

1,730

1.730 l'9°0

'

Sept.

1,920

1,960

1,860

2.020

2,130

2,240

2,360

2,650

2,360

2,530

2,530

2,600

2,530

2,480

2,430

2,410

2,480

2,480

2,800

3,110

3,190

2, 930

3,110

3,330

3,240

3,460 

3,380

3,520

Oct.

3,240

3,060

2,980

3,800

3,950

3,800

3, 750

3,520

3,110

3,380

3,160

3,160

3,160

3,380

3,800

3,660 

3,110

3.110

 3,520

3,720

3, 750

3,600

3,5°0

3,600

3,600

3,580

3,550

3, 4CO 

3,800

3.890

3,580

Nov.

3, 520

3,380

3, 520

3,800

3,520

3,660

3.660

a 3, 550

3,440

3,600

3.800

3,800

3,950

4,500

4,400 

4,160

4,100

3,660

3,890

3,800

4,010

4,010

4,100

3,950

4,190

3,660

3,440 

3,520

3,660

Dec.

3,660

3,660

3,800

3, SCO

4,010

3,600

3,800

3,800

3,800

3,380

3,380

3,330

3,380

3,440

3, 440

3,440 

2,900

2,980

3,110

2,850

2,720

2,850

2,850

2,720

3,110

2,900

2,600

2,850 

2,850

2,800

2,850

NOTE.-

a Interpolated. 

-These discharges are based on a well-defined rating curve.
MISSOURI RIVER BASItf.

Monthly discharge of Missouri River at Toston, Mont., for 1910.

31

Month.

Apr. 5-30 .........................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

16,100 

17,800 

13,100 

2,850 

2,480 

3,520 

3,950 

4,500 

4,010

Minimum.

5,940 

9,990 

2,720 

1,480 

1,370 

1,860 

2,980 

3,380 

2,720

Mean.

9,490 

13,300 

6,700 

2,320 

1,770 

2,670 

3,490 

3,820 

3,140

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

489,000 

818,000 

399,000 

143,000 

109,000 

159,000 

215,000 

227,000 

193,000

2,750,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

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, Little Prickly Pear Creek, and 

Prickly Pear Creek; within 100 miles below the station 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 1910.

Date.

Feb. 28

July 8

23

Alter Q

Nov. 25

Hydrographer.

M. E. McChristie. .........................................

Width.

Feet. 

470

354

349

359

360

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,900

2,700

2,820

2,420

2,850

2,930

Gage 

height.

Feet, 

(a)

4.36

4.05

3.61

4.80

05.21

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4,050

3,270

2,500

1,630

4,420

5,070

Discharge affected by ice.
32 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Missouri River at Cascade, Mont., for 1910. 

[Wm. W. Doan, observer.]

Day.

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

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

3.--.--...-.....

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

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

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.

4.6

4.6

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

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

Feb.

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

. 4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.8

5.0

5.1

5.2

Mar.

5.5

6.05

7.25

8.1

10.25

10.7

9.3

7.7

6.8

6.7

6.5

6.1

5.7

5.7

5 7

5.7

5.85

6.15

6.2

6.2

6.35

6.6

6.85

6.9

6.9

6.9

6.85

6.65

6.4

Apr.

6.4

6.4

6.4

6.5

6.5

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.7

6.8

7.0

6 9

6 9

6.9

6

QC

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.15

7.2

7.2

7.25

7.35

May.

8.2

8.05

7.85

7 ^

7,4

7 ^

7.8

8 ftp.

8 OK

8.45

8.7

8.9

8.9

8.8

8

fiK

8.3

8.0

8.1

8.0

7.85

7.75

7 %

7.1

7.35

7.6

7.6

7.7

7.8

June.

8.0

7.9

7.7

7.3

7.0

7.0

7.1

7 o

7 q

7.1

6.7

6.45

6.2

6.1

6.0

6.0

5 Q

5.8

5 7

5.- 6

5.45

5

OC

5.15

5.0

4.9

4.75

4.6

4.6

4.5

July.

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.3

4

0

4.3

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.2

4.1

4.15

4.15

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.95

4.1

4.0

3.9

Aug.

3 9

3 9

3 Q

3

0

3

0

3 7

3.6

3.5

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3

£

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.72

3

7C

3.62

3.64

3.64

3.65

3.60

3.72

Sept.

3.82

3.85

3 7

3.65

3.65

3.7

4 99

4

O

4.38

4.3

4.4

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.8

4.4

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.7

4.6

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.0

Oct.

4

e

4.4

4.7

4

QC

4.6

4.6

4

C

4

e

4 5

A C

4.4

4.4

4.4

4

C

4.4

4

C

4.8

4 9

4.7

4.5

4.9

4 9

4.7

4.9

5.0

5.1

4.9

4 <;

Nov.

4 H

4.7

4.6

4.7

4.7

4.7

A Q

4 9

5.1

5.1

4.9

4 9

5.0

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

Dec.

4 9

4 9

5.0

5.1

5.1

>; 1

5.0

5.0

>; i

5.1

5.1

>; ft

5.0

5.0

4 9

4

0

4 7

4.8

A Q

A Q

4 9

4 9

4 9

4 9

5.0

5.0

5.0

. 6.0

6.1

6.1

6.1

NOTE. Gage heights distorted by ice Jan. 1 to Mar. 10 and Dec. 26 to 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Missouri River at Cascade, Mont'., for 1910'. 

[Wm. W. Doan, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

7. ...... --------

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

Q

10.-.-.-....--...

11.....----......

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

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

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

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

16.......----....

17-....----......

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

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

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

21...............

23...............

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

25.-.-.....--....

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan. Feb. Mar.

4,500

6,000

9,000

10,000

10,000

10, 000

10,000

11,000

10, 600

10, 200

8,710

7,840

7,320

7,320

7,320

7,840

8 K4fi

8,890

9,070

9,070

9,610

10,500

11, 600

11,600

11,600

10,700

9,790

Apr.

9,790

9,790

9,790

10, 200

10,200

10, 500

10, 500

i fi finn

in f^nn

in f\nn

11,300

11 600

11,600

11 800

12, 000

19 nnn

12,000

12,000 io Ann

12, 700

12, 700

12, 900

15,800

May.

16,800

16,200

15, 300

14, 100

13,900

13, 900

15, 100

16, 200

17, 800

18, 900

19,700

19,700

19, 300

18, 700

17, 800

17, 200

16,400

16, 000

14,900

13,900

12,400

13, 300

14, 300

14, 300

14, 700

15, 100

15,500

June.

16, 000

15,500

14, 700

13, 100

12,000

12, 400

12, 700

12, 400

10,900

9,970

9,070

8,710

8,360

8,360

8,010

7 660

7,320

6,980

6,480

5,830

5,510

5,040

3,740

4,300

3,870

3,870

3,600

July.

3,600

3,600

3,340

3,340

3,340

3,340

3,090

3,090

3,090

3,340

3,340

3,340

3,090

2,840

2,600

2,720

2,720

2,600

2,600

2,600

2,370

2,370

2,370

2,160

2,260

2,600

2,370

2,160

Aug.

2,160

2,160

2,160

1,970

1,970

1,650

1,520

1,650

1,650

1,800

1,800

1,650

1,650

1,650

1,650

1,800

1,800

1,970

1,770

1,830

1 880

1,880

1,680

1,720

1,710

1,710

1 790

1,650

1,7'0

1,830

Sept.

2,010

2,060

1,800

1,720

1,720

1,800'

2,260

2,890

2,890

3,090

3,290

3,090

3,340

3,090

3,340

3,340

3,340

3,340

3,340

3,870

4,150

3,8'0

3, 8^0

4,150

3,870

2,840

2,600

2,600

2,370

Oct.

3,600

3,340

4,150

3,890

3,870

3,870

3,600

3,600

3,600

3,340

3,340

3,340

3,600

3,340

3,600

3,600

4,440

3,740

4,150

3,600

3,600

3,740

3,740

4,150

3,740

5,0*0

5,350

3,740

3,870

3,600

Nov.

3,600

4,150

3,870

4,150

4,150

4,150

4,150

4,150

4,440

3,740

5,350

5,350

3,740

3,740

5,040

5,350

5,040

5,040

5,040

5,040

5,040

5,040

5,350

5,350

5,350

5,350

5,350

5,350

5,350

Dec.

3,740

3,740

5,040

5,350

5,350

5,350

5,040

5,040

5,350

5,350

5,350

5,040

5,040

5,040

3,740

4,440

4,150

4,440

4,440

4,440

3,740

3,740

3,740

3,740

5,040

5,040

5,040

5,040

5,040

5,040

5,040

NOTE. These discharges are based on a fairly well defined curve, 

to 31 estimated.

Discharges Mar. 1 to 10 and Dec. 26
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 33

Monthly discharge of Missouri River at Cascade, Mont., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 18,300 square rniles.]

Month.

February. ..................

July...... .................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

15,800 

19, 700 

16,000 

3,600 

2,160 

4,440 

5,350 

5,350 

5,350

Minimum.

9,790 

12,400 

3,600 

2,160 

1,520 

1,720 

3,340 

3,600 

3,740

Mean.

o3,400 

o 3, 450 

o9,480 

11,500 

15,900 

8,840 

2,840 

1,800 

3,010 

3,800 

4,730 

4,700

6,120

Per 

square 

mile.

0.186 

.188 

.518 

.628 

.869 

.483 

.155 

.098 

.164 

.208 

.258 

.257

.334

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.21 

.20 

.60 

.70 

1.00 

.54 

.18 

.11 

.18 

.24 

.29 

.30

4.55

Total in 

acre-feet.

209,000 

192,000 

583,000 

684,000 

978, 000 

526, 000 

175,000 

111,000 

179, 000 

234, 000 

281, 000 

289,000

4,440,000

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

a Estimated from records obtained at Canyon Ferry Dam. 

MISSOURI RIVER AT FORT BENTON, MONT.

This station was established by the United States Weather Bureau 

on July 1, 1902, and gage-height readings have been obtained since 

that date. On April 28, 1910, a regular gaging station was established by the United States Geological Survey and partial estimates 

of run-off have been obtained for the year 1910. AMott tape-andweight gage was installed April 11, 1907, on the upstream side 

of the public highway bridge at Fort Benton. The gage datum has 

remained constant since that date. Current-meter measurements are 

made from the downstream side of the bridge.

Many tributaries enter Missouri River above the station. The 

drainage area at Fort Benton embraces 112,000 square miles.

Discharge measurements of Missouri River at Fort Benton, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 28

May 23

30

July 16

24

Aug. 10

16

Sept. 21

Hydrographer.

W. A . Lamb ..............................................

M. E. McChristie ..........................................

..-..do.....................................................

.....do ..................................................

.....do.....--..........--....-...-----......-..............

.. ..do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

B . E, Jones. ...............................................

Width.

Feet. 

553

554

554

411

422

377

389

452

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

3,540

3,690

3,690

1,800

1,610

1,460

1,500

1,870

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.40

4.62

452

.88

.63

.25

.35

1.12

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

17,100

19,400

18,800

4,070

3,250

2,380

2,550

4,750
34

Daily

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Missouri River at Fort Benton, 

Mont., for 1910.

[Guy Quick, 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..--....----.......

Ai

Gage 

height.

0.30

.35

.38

39

.30

OQ

.36

.42

.44

.40

.37

JK

.47

.47

.56

igDischarge.

2,620

9 fiQO

2,520

2,710

2,820

2,730

2,670

2,840

o g9Q

2,890

3,110

Se

Gage 

height.

0.58

.58

.66

.62

.48

.52

.46

.55

.81

.90

Qfi

1 00

1.04

1.05

1.05

1.04

1.10

1.31

1.20

1.14

1 94

1.25

1.22

1.29

1 99

1.14

99

.89

pt.

Discharge.

3,160

3 160

3,370

3,260

2,910

3,010

2,780

o OSfi

3,800

4,070

4,260

4,380

4

C7O

4 540

1 110

4,510

4,700

4 830

5,170

5,110

5 340

4,830

4,070

0<

Gage 

height.

0.82

.96

1.12

1.20

1.20

1.12

1.16

1.14

1.12

1.10

1 19

1.20

1 01

1.44

1.42

1 "3Q

1.12

1 96

1.44

1 46

1.57

1.59

1.56

3t.

Discharge.

3,830

4,260

4, 770 '

4,800

4,800

4,800

4,900

4,950

5,030

5,030

4,830

4,900

5,030

5,400

5,850

5,780

5,680

5,240

5,850

5,920

6,300

6,380

6,270

Nc

Gage 

height.

1.31

1.12

1.14

1.16

1.27

1.19

1.32

1.32

1.43

1.41

)V.

Discharge.

5,400

4,770

4,830

4,900

5,270

5,000

5,440

5,440

5,820

5,740

D

Gage 

height.

1.29

1.30

1.30

1.28

1.28

1.00

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.40

1.40

1.30

1.30

1.20

1.15

1.10

1.10

1.10.

1.00

1.00

1.00

.90

.90

.90

.80

.80

.60

.60

.70

.70

3C.

Discharge.

5,340

5,370

5,370

5,300

5,300

4,380

5,370

5,370

5,370

5,710

5,710

5,370

5,370

5,030

4,860

4,700

4,700

4,700

4,380

4,380

4,380

4,070

4,070

4,070

3,770

3,770

3,210

3,210

3,480

3,480

NOTE. The daily discharges are based on a fairly well defined curve. Discharges Oct. 4 to 9 interpolated.

Monthly discharge of Missouri River at Fort Benton, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

Aug. 17-31..........-......---....---.....--.......

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3.110 

5,400 

6,380

(a) 

5,710

Minimum.

2,520 

2,780 

3,830 

(a) 

 3,210

Mean.

2,740 

4,250 

5,220 

5,460 

4,680

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

81,500 

253,000 

321,000 

325,000 

288,000

Accuracy.

A.' A. 

A. 

B. 

A.

Nov. 11 to Dec. 1 discharge interpolated.
MISSOURI KIVEB BASIN. 35 

TRIBUTARY BASINS. 

BIGHOLE RIVER BASIN. 

BIGHOLE EIVEE NEAE DEWEY, MONT.

Bighole River rises in the Bitterroot Mountains, flows in an easterly direction, and unites with the Beaverhead to form Jefferson 

River just below Twin Bridges,. Mont. The most important tributary of the Bighole is Wise River.

The valley of the Bighole is exceptionally well irrigated by water 

from the stream. The river also offers opportunities for power 

development. Good reservoir sites exist on the upper portions of 

the Bighole and its tributaries.

A gaging station was established September 15, 1910, at Young's 

bridge, 4 miles above Dewey and 11 above Divide, Mont. Wise 

River enters a few miles above the gaging station.

A staff gage is fastened to southeast piling of bridge on downstream 

side. Discharge measurements are made from the bridge.

The channel is rocky, clean, and nonshifting.

Ice is common during the winter months. A large hydroelectric 

power plant is in operation about 8 miles below the station.

Discharge measurements of Bighole River near Dewey, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Sept. 15

Nov. 8

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

63

108

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

139

482

Gage, 

height.

Feet. 

1.99

2.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

184

511

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Bighole River near Dewey,

Mont., for 1910.

[Win. J. Fish, observer.]

Day.

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

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

S..... ...............................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Se

Gage 

height.

2.00

pt.

Discharge.

187

O

Gage 

height.

2.30

2.32

2.35

2.85

2.65

2.55

2

K.fi

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2 fin

2.50

3t.

Discharge.

304

312

324

542

452

409

387

387

387

387

387

387

OQ7

387

Nc

Gage 

height.

2.60

2.65

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.76

2.77

2.76

2.76

2.76

2 7ft

2.77

)V.

Discharge.

430

452

474

474

474

496

496

496

500

505

500

500

500 cnfi

505

D

Gage 

height.

2.71

2.61

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.53

2.50

2.50

3C.

Discharge.

478

434

430

430

430

430

387

400

387

387
36 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Bighole River near Dewey, 

Mont., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

21....................................

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

23....................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sep

Gage 

height.

2.00

2.10

2.40

2.40

2.20

2.20

2

Kf\

2

4A

2

OA

2 on.

t.

Discharge.

187

225

345

345

264

w\

264

a 264

387

387

345

304

OAd

O(

Gage 

height.

2.40

2.50

2.£0

2.50

2.40

9 4ft

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2 fin

2 fin

2.60

2.60

;t.

Discharge.

345

387

387

387

345

345

345

387

430

430

430

430

JOA

d^n

430

430

Nc

height.

2.77

2.78

2.79

2.79

2.80

2.80

2.79

2.79

2.78

2.79

2.80

2.81

2.81-

2.71

V.

" Discharge.

505

510

515

515

519

519

515

515

510

515

519

524

524

524

.478

D(

Gage 

height.

)C.

Discharge.

»Interpolated. 

NOTE. Discharges are based on a fairly well defined rating curve.

Monthly discharge of Bighole River near Dewey, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

Sept. 15-31 ........................................

October................................ ... ....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

387 

542 

524

478

Minimum.

187 

304 

430

Mean.

271 

393 

500 

367

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

9,140 

24,200 

29,800 

22.600

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

D.

NOTE. Discharge estimated Dec. 11 to 31 by comparison with stations on Beaverhead River at 

Barratts and Jefferson River near Silverstar, Mont.

PIPESTONE CREEK BASIN. 

PIPESTONE CREEK NEAR WHITEHALL, MONT.

Pipestone Creek rises near the Continental Divide, just east of 

Butte, Mont., flows in a southeasterly direction, and joins Jefferson 

River near Whitehall. Its principal tributary is the Little Pipestone.

A gaging station was established October 15, 1910, 6 miles west 

of Whitehall, Mont., at Peyton Alfred's ranch, a short distance above 

the junction of the creek with the Little Pipestone.

A staff gage is fastened to a large post on the left bank of the 

stream directly north of the observer's house.

The bed of the creek is sandy and shifting.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 37

Discharge measurements ofPipestone Creek near Whitehall, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Oct. 13

13

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

9

9

Area of 

section.

sK'-fi

2.7

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.50

.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.4

2.3

NOTE. Measurements made by wading one-eighth mile below gage.

Daily gage height, in feet, ofPipestone Creek near Whitehall, Mont., for 1910. 

[Peyton Allred, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a............

9

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

Oct. Nov.

0.6

.6

.6

.55

.5

.55

.55

.6

.6

.6

Dec.

0 85

8

8

85

85

9

9

85

85

8

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.55

.55

.55

Nov.

0.6

.6

.6

.5

.5

.5

.7

.8

.8

.8

Dec.

0.8

.8

.75

.75

.7

.7

.75

.75

.75

.7

Day.

21............

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

23............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

Nov.

0.8

.8

.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.8

.8

.85

Dec.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

WHITETAIL CHEEK BASIN.

WHITETAIL CREEK NEAR WHITEHALL, MONT.

Whitetail Creek rises in the central part of Jefferson County and 

flows southward'to its junction with Jefferson River near Whitehall. 

The stream furnishes water for irrigation.

A gaging station was established October 14, 1910, 6 miles north 

of Whitehall, Mont., and 1 mile above the junction of the creek with 

the Little Whitetail, the principal tributary. A private wagon 

bridge spans the stream about 300 feet below the station.

A staff gage is nailed to a large tree on the right bank of the stream.

The channel is sandy and shifting.

At low and ordinary stages discharge measurements are made by 

wading near the gage; at flood stages the private wagon bridge 

about 300 feet below the station may be used.

No gage heights were obtained for 1910.

The following discharge measurement was made by Raymond 

Richards:

October 14, 1910: Width, 9.5 feet; area, 4.70 square feet; gage height, 1.10 feet; 

discharge, 3.54 second-feet. Made by wading.
38 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

MADISON RIVER BASIN. 

MADISON RIVER NEAR NORRIS, MONT.

Madison River, the largest of the three forks of the Missouri, rises 

in Yellowstone National Park and flows northwestward, draining 

through many small tributaries a heavily timbered and mountainous 

region. The river affords opportunity for large power and irrigation 

developments. On the lower portions of the stream irrigation is 

extensively practiced.

A gaging station was established August 12, 1910, on the public 

highway bridge over the Madison, about 5 miles east of Norris, Mont. 

Previous to this date records were obtained on the Madison as follows:

August 24, 1893 to May 1, 1897, at the Northern Pacific Railway 

bridge, near Three Forks, Mont.

May 2, 1897, to December 31, 1905, 5 miles below the present location, at the ranch of S. A. Black.

The gage is an ordinary staff fastened to a tubular pier on the left 

bank. Discharge measurements are made from the downstream side 

of the bridge. Cherry Creek enters the stream a few miles below the 

station. The stream remains open practically the entire year.

Discharge measurements of Madison River near Norris, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Nov. 3

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

224

219

Area of 

section.

Sq. ft. 

421

379

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.69

1.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,480

1,260

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Madison River near Norris,

Mont., for 1910.

[William H. Foster, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Al

Gage 

height.

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.65

igDischarge.

1,500

1,500

1,270

1.380

Se

Gage 

height.

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.6

pt.

Discharge.

1,050

1,270

1,050

1,270

1,270

1,270

1,050

1,270

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,270

1,050

1,270

0

Gage 

height.

1.7

1.6

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.8

1.9

3t.

Discharge.

1,500

1,270

2,020

2,020

1,750

2,020

1,500

1,270

1,500

1,270

1,500

1,270

1,270

1,750

2.020

N(

Gage 

height.

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.7

)V.

Discharge.

1,380

1,270

1,270

1,500

1,270

1,270

1,050

1,500

1,270

1,500

1,270

1,500

1,500

1,750

1.500
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 39

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Madison River near Norris, 

Mont., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

21....................................

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

23....................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ai

Gage 

height.

1.7

1,65

1.75

1.75

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.6

igDischarge.

1,500

1 380

1,620

1,270

1,270

1,160

1,750

1,270

850

950

850

1,270

1,270

Se

Gage 

height.

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.7

pt.

Discharge.

1,270

1,270

1,500

1,500

1,270

1,500

1,750

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,270

1,500

O

Gage 

height.

1.8

1.6

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.6

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.75

1.65

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.7

3t.

Discharge.

1,750

1,270

1,620

1,750

1,270

1,500

1,620

1,500

1,620

1,380

1,500

1,270

1,500

1,500

Nc

Gage 

height.

2.0

1.7

1.7

1.6

)V.

Discharge.

2,300

1,500

1,500

1,270

1,270

NOTE. Ice after November 20. The daily discharges are based on a fairly well defined rating curve. 

Monthly discharge of Madison River near Norris, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,750 

1,750 

2,020 

2,300

Minimum.

850 

1,050 

1,270 

1,050

Mean.

1,310 

1,360 

1,560 

1,430

Run-off 

(total in 

acre- feet).

52,000 

80,900 

95, 900 

56, 700

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

GALLATIN RIVER BASEST. 

WEST GALLATIN RIVER NEAR SALESVILLE, MONT.

Gallatin Kiver proper is formed just east of Logan by the union of 

East and West Gallatin rivers. West Gallatin, the larger and more 

important stream, rises in the northwestern part of Yellows tone Park, 

and flows in a mountainous, timbered, and precipitous area. On the 

lower portions of the stream irrigation is extensively practiced.

A gaging station was maintained at the highway bridge just below 

the mouth of the canyon and 4 miles above Salesville, Mont., from 

July 18, 1895, to December 31, 1905, and was reestablished August 9, 

1910.

Spanish Creek is the most important tributary above the station.

The drainage area at this point is 860 square miles.

A standard chain gage, boxed, is fastened near middle of bridge 

on upstream side. The datum of the gage remained constant. Discharge measurements are made from the lower side of the bridge.

The bed of stream is of gravel and small bowlders and will not shift.
40 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of West Gallatin River near Salesvilk, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Aug. 9

Nov. 2 a

Hydrographer.

J. C. Beebe. ...................... ........................

Width.

Feet. 

94

60

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

212

199

Gage 

hei-ht.

Feet. 

3.29

Discharge.

Sec.-fl. 

446

434

a Made by wading below bridge. Rough section. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of West Gallatin River near Salesville, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1.......

2.......

3.--.-..

4.......

5.......

6.......

8.......

9.......

10.......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

Aug.

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.4

3.2

3.2

Sept.

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3 9

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

Oct.

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

3

D

3.3

3

0

3

0

3.2

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.2

3 9

Nov.

3.25

3.25

3 9

3.2

3 9

3

0

3 9

°. 1

3.1

3.2

3.05

3.05

3 1 K.

Dec.

3 9

3 AC

3.15

3 A

3 A

0 Qtj

°. 1

3 0

9 A

3 A

3.0

2

QC

2.95 Q n

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

90

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

QA

01

Aug.

3 9

3 1

3.1

3

1

3

1

3.0

3 A

3 A

°. 1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3

1

0 1

. Sept.

3 9

3.2

3.2

3 9

Q. 9

3.2

3 9

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

s n

Oct.

3.3

3

0

3 A

3.2

0 9

3

0

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.2

Nov.

3.0

3.1

3.2

3.1

3.1

3

0C

3.25

3.15

3.1

3.2

3.1

3.1

Dec.

3.0

2.95

3.0

3

AK

3.05

2.95

Q n

3.05

3.0

2.95

3.0

3.05

3.05

2.95

3.0

3.05

PRICKLY PEAR CREEK 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 southeast/- 

ern 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.

The flood of June, 1908, was probably greater than any other in 

this valley for many years.

PRICKLY PEAR CREEK NEAR CLANCY, MONT.

This station was originally established July 15, 1908, about 2 miles 

below Clancy and 12 miles south of Helena, and about 1 mile below 

the mouth of Lump Gulch Creek. It was discontinued June 5, 1909. 

On July 12, 1910, it was reestablished at the private wagon bridge 

back of the ranch buildings on the Stafford ranch, and just to the 

right of the Great Northern Railway, about 1 mile below Clancy and 

just below the mouth of Lump Gulch Creek.

A staff gage is nailed to the downstream side of the bridge abutment.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 41

All discharge measurements at the old location were made by wading near the staff gage, the datum of which remained unchanged 

during the period of its use.

Discharge measurements at the new location are made from the 

wagon bridge or by wading.

Ice is common at this station in extreme cold weather.

Discharge measurements of Prickly Pear Creek near Clancy, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

July 12

Ausr 19

Do...

Sept. 27

Nov. 12

Dec. 10

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

26

16

16

20

20

28

Area of 

section.

*#

9 6

9 7

21

18

22

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.60

1 46

1 4fi

1 95

1.85

1.75

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

23

14

1 *\

61

46

35

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Prickly Pear Creek near

Clancy, Mont., for 1910.

[H. Y. Barrow, observer.]

Day.

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

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

0

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. .............

July.

Gage 

height.

1.60 

1.55 

1.50 

1.50

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.45

1.45 

1.50 

1.50 

1.45 

1.50

1.50 

1.45 

1.45 

1.45 

1.45 

1.45

Discharge.

23

20 

16 

16

16 

16 

16 

16 

14

14 

16 

16 

14 

16

16 

14 

14 

14 

14 

14

Aug.

Gage 

height.

1.45 

1.45 

1.45 

1.40 

1.40

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40

1.40 

1.45 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40

1.40 

1.45 

1.45 

1.55 

1.70 

1.75

Discharge.

14 

14 

14 

12 

12

12 

12 

12 

12 

12

12 

12 

12 

12 

12

12 

14 

12 

12 

12

12 

12 

12 

12 

12

12 

14 

14 

20 

31 

36

Sept.

Gage 

height.

1.85 

1.90 

1.90 

1.80 

1.80

1.80 

1.90 

1.85 

1.85 

1.80

1.80 

1.80 

1.80 

1.75 

1.75

1.75 

1.70 

1.70 

1.70 

1.70

1.75 

1.90 

1.95 

2.00 

2.10

2.00 

2.00 

1.90 

1.90 

1.80

Discharge.

47 

53 

53 

41 

41

41 

53

47 

47 

41

41 

41 

41 

36 

36

36 

31 

31 

31 

31

36 

53 

60 

68 

84

68 

68 

53 

53 

41

Oct.

Gage 

height.

1.80 

1.90 

1.85 

1.90 

1.85

1.80 

1.80 

1.78 

1.78 

1.75

1.72 

1.73 

1.72 

1.73 

1.71

1.71 

1.70 

1.80 

1.83 

1.79

1.77 

1.75 

1.74 

1.73 

1.77

1.82 

1.72 

1.72 

1.77 

1.72 

1.76

Discharge.

41 

53

47 

53

47

41 

41 

39 

39 

36

33 

34 

33 

34 

32

32 

31 

41 

45 

40

38 

36 

35 

34

38

43 

33 

33 

38 

33 

37

Nov.

Gage 

height.

1.79 

1.79 

1.78 

1.75 

1.71

1.74 

1.77 

1.76 

1.79 

1.79

1.79 

1.81 

1.80 

1.70 

1.64

1.69 

1.69 

1.74 

1.75 

1.74

1.73 

1.75 

1.75 

1.69 

1.73

1.66 

1.70 

1.70 

1.64 

1.62

Discharge.

40 

40 

39 

36 

32

35 

38 

37 

40 

40

40 

42 

41 

31 

26

30 

30 

35 

36 

35

34 

36 

36 

30 

34

28 

31 

31 

26 

25

Dec.

Gage 

height.

1.68 

1.69 

1.70 

1.74 

1.72

1.88 

1.96 

1.73 

1.73 

1.75

2.00 

2.20 

2.58 

2.64 

2.80

2.79 

2.76 

2.96 

3.05 

2.86

2.96 

3.08 

2.15 

2.00 

1.82

Discharge.

29 

30 

31 

35 

33

50 

62 

34 

34 

36

NOTE. Ice Dec. 11 to 31. The daily discharge is based on a fairly well defined rating curve, 

97746° WSP 286 11 4
42 . SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

Monthly discharge of Prickly Pear Creek near Clancy, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

July 12-31... ......................................

August. ...........................................

December. ........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

23 

36 

84 

53 

42 

62

Minimum.

14 

12 

31 

31 

25

Mean.

15.8 

14.0 

46.8 

38.4 

34.5 

o32.4

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

627 

861 

2,780 

2,360 

2,050 

1,990

10, 700

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C.

o Dec. 11-31 estimated because of ice. 

PRICKLY PEAR CREEK AT EAST HELENA, MONT.

This station, which was established July 18, 1908, is located where 

the Northern Pacific Railway 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 near by.

Discharge measurements of Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Mar. 29

May 16

July 6

Sept. 10

Oct. 1

Nov. 14

Nov. 16

Dec. 10

Dec. 20

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

W. A. Lamb..............................................

M. E. McChristie. .........................................

C. S.Heiael.......... .....................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

37

36

26

22

26

26

25

24

26

24

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

37

34

22

20

16

29

21

19

22

18

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.25

1.23

1.15

1.00

.91

1.10

1.00

.93

1.04

.98

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

77

76

61

38

28

50

37

32

43

34
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 43

Daily gage height, in feet, of Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont., for 1910. 

[J. P. McNamaia, observer.)

Day.

1.......

2

3.......

4.......

5.......

6.......

7.......

8.......

9.......

10.......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

Mar.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Apr.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

May.

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.5

1.4

1.2

1.2

1.2

June.

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Nov.

0.96

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19. ......

90

21.......

22.......

23.......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

31.......

Mar.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Apr.

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.2

May.

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

June.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.2

Nov.

98

1.01

1.01

1.02

.94

96

95

1.03

1.03

1.05

1.06

1.00

1.06

1.04

NOTE. No observer June 27 to November 14. Probable ice in January and February.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1.......

0

3.......

4.......

5.......

6.......

8.......

9.......

10.......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

Mar.

88

88

88

88

112

112

112

112

112

112

Apr.

68

68

. 68

68

68

68

68

68

140

112

88

88

88

78

68

May.

68

51

51

68

68

68

68

68

104

14O

112

68

68

68

68

June.

60

51

51

60

60

60

68

112

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

Nov. Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

90

21.......

22.......

23.......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28. ......

29.......

30....... ?l

Mar.

112

112

112

140

140

140

140

88

88

88

68

68

68

68

68

68

Apr.

68

51

51

51

51

f;i

51

51

51

51

51

51

68

88

68

May.

112

88

68

68

88

78

68

60

51

51

51

60

60

68

60

60

June.

78

68

68

68

68

68

88

88

78

78

68

66

64

62

60

Nov.

35

38

38

40

41

30

33

32

41

44

4507

45

43

NOTE. Daily discharges based on a fairly well-defined rating curve. Discharges estimated or interpolated for days on which gage heights were not recorded.

Monthly discharge of Prickly Pear Creek at East Helena, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

April.......................................................................

May........................................................................

Mean discharge in secondfeet.

o93.3

68.6

71.9

73.6

« 39.1

638

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

5,740

4,080

4,420

4,380

2,330

2,340

23,300

Accuracy.

A.

A.

A.

B.

C.

C.

a Mar. 1 to 5 and Nov. 1 to 14 estimated by comparison with stations on Prickly Pear Creek near Clancy 

and from discharge measurements.

i> Estimated by comparison with records at Clancy station and from discharge measurements made 

during the month.
44 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

LUMP GULCH CREEK AT CLANCT, 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, is, 

located at the ranch of Charles Zastrow, 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. On November 12, 1910, a new gage was 

installed at the same location, but at a datum 1.0 foot lower than that 

previously used. All gage heights for 1910 have been reduced to the 

new datum. All measurements are made by wading.

Discharge measurements of Lump Gulch Creek at Clancy, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

July 12

Do...

Sept. 27

Nov. 12

Hydrographer.

C. S. Heidel.. .............................................

J.C.Beebe.. ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

J. C. Beebe. . ..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

6

3

2.5

8

10

6

Area of 

section.

Sq.f^

.5

.3

4.1

9.7

3.2

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.11

1 00

1 00

1.25

1.39

1.14

Discharge

Sec.-ft. 

1.9

.2

6.1

9.7 4 n

NOTE. All gage heights refer to datum of gage set Nov. 12, which is 1 foot lower than that used in 1909.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Lump Gulch Creek at Clancy, Mont., for 1910. 

[Chas. Zastrow, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.50

1.50

1.50

Apr.

1.65

1.65

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

May.

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

June.

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.45

1.50

1.50

1.40

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.25

July.

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.05

1.05

1.05

Aug.

1.02

1.02

% 1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

Sept.

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

Oct.

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

Nov.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 45 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Lump Gulch Creek at Clancy, Mont., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

1.50

1.60

1.60

1.70

1.75

1.80

1.85

1.90

1.90

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.60

1.60

Apr.

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

May.

1.55

1.60

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.35

1.35

1.30

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.35

1.35

June.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

July.

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

1.05

1.05

1.05

Aug.

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.10

1.10

1.10

Sept.

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.25

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

Oct.

1.15

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

Nov.

1.30

1.28

1.28

1.28

1.30

1.30

1.35

1.35

1.38

1.38

1.38

1.38

1.38

1.38

1.38

NOTE. All gage heights for 1910 refer to a datum 1 foot lower than that used in 1909. Ice in January, 

February, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Lump Gulch Creek at Clancy, Mont., for 1910.

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.

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

16

16

16

16

21

21

26

29

32

35

38

38

16

16

16

16

21

21

21

Apr.

23

23

29

29

29

26

26

26

26

26

23

23

23

23

23

21

21

21

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

21

21

21

21

May.

18

18

18

16

16

16

16

14

14

14

11

11

11

11

11

18

21

16

16

11

11

11

9.2

9.2

7.2

11

11

11

9.2

9.2

June.

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

14

16

16

11

9.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

2.8

2.8

2.8

9 S

2

0

July.

1.7

1.7

1-7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.0

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

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Aug.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

1.7

1.7

1.7

Sept.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2

0

2.8

2.8

2.8

4.0

 4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

5.6

7.2

7.2

7.2

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

Oct.

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

 2.8

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

Nov.

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

7.2

6.6

6.6

6.6

7 9

7 9

9.2

9

0

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

NOTE. These discharges are based on a fairly well defined rating curve.
46 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Lump Gulch Creek at Clancy, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

July...............................................

October. ..........................................

November. ........................... ... . .

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

38 

29 

18 

16 

1.7 

1.7 

7.2 

4.0 

11

Minimum.

9 

18 

7.2 

2.8 

1.0 

.5 

1.7 

2.8 

5.6

Mean.

a9.0 

09.0 

a 18. 8 

22.3 

13.4 

6.57 

1.27 

.616 

4.11 

3.77 

8.75 

«9.0

8.88

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

553 

500 

1,160 

1,330 

824 

391 

78 

38 

245 

232 

521 

553

6,420

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

B. 

B. 

B.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 5, and month of December. 

December are only approximate.

Means for January, February, and

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 partly over during the winter months.

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 1910.

Date.

Mar. 31

May 15

July 6

6

Sept. 8

27

Nov. 14

16

Dec. 9

10

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb................ ..................

M. E. McChristie. ........ ..................

J. C. Beebe ................................................

C. S. Heidel...............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

23

23

12

14

20

20

20

17

18

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

19

18

5.1

5.1

11

14

12

8.2

10

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.40

2.30

1.58

1.58

1.12

1.88

1.90

1.78

1.62

1.77

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

42

36

2.4

2.3

a. 1

10.8

9.7

6.4

3.3

6.7

a Discharge estimated.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 47

Daily gage height, in feet, of Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont., for 1910. 

[Harry Hillman, 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.

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.4

2 5

2.6

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

Apr.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

May.

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.6

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.1.

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

2 0

1 9

1.9

1.9

June.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

July.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1 ^5

1 25

1.2

Aug.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

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

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

Sept.

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.55

1.7

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.8

Oct.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.9

Nov.

1 Q

1 Q

1 9

1 Q

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 Q

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.90

1.90

1.82

1.78

1.90

1.93

1.92

1 91

1.91

1.91

1.91

1.88

1.86

1.84

1.63

1.90

1.86

Dec.

1.84-

1.84

1.84

1.80

1.76

1.74

1.72

1.77

NoTE. Ice hi January, February, and after Dec. 10.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont., for 1910.

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.

15

15

15

10

15

15

15

20

26

26

26

34

43

53

63

74

63

63

53

53

43

43

43

43

43

Apr.

43

43

43

43

43

43

53

53

63

63

74

74

63

63

63

63

63

63

74

85

74

63

63

63

63

63

63

53

53

43

May.

43

43

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

63

43

34

34

20

34

34

43

43

43

43

34

20

20

20

20

20

15

15

10

10

10

June.

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

4. 5

4. 5

4.5

7.0

15

15

10

7.0

7.0

4. 5

4.5

9 7

1.5

1.5

.8

.8

.8

4 %

2.7

1.5

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

July.

0.8

.8

.8

1.5

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

1.5

.8

.8

.8

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.2

Aug.

0.2

.2

.2

.2

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

Sept.

0.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.2

.8

.8

1.5

2.7

A C

4.5

4.5

9 7

2.1

4.5

15

10

7

7

7

10

10

8.7

7.0

Oct.

7.0

7.0

7.0

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

7.0

5.8

5.8

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

3.6

4.5

4. 5

5.8

5.8

5.8

7.0

7.0

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

10

10

Nov.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

13

13

13

13

10

10

7.7

6.5

10

11

11

11

11

11

11

9.7

9.0

8.4

3.2

3.4

10

9.0

Dec.

8.4

8.4

8.4

7.0

6.0

5.5

5.0,

«5. 4

«5.8

6.2

a Discharges estimated. 

NOTE. These discharges are based on a well-defined rating curve.
48 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Tenmile Creek near Helena, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maxiinum.

74 

85 

63 

15 

2.7 

.2 

15. 

10 

13

Minimum.

43 

10 

.8 

.2 

.15 

.15 

3.6 

3.2

Mean.

«3.0 

o4.0 

031.2 

59.2 

30.7 

4.44 

1.04 

.144 

3.73 

6.85 

9.83 

o4.99

13.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

184 

222 

1,920 

3,520 

1,890 

264 

64 

9 

222 

421 

585 

307

9,610

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B.

o Discharge estimated January, February, Mar. 1 to 6 and Dec. 11 to 31. 

NOTE. The means for January, February, and December are only approximate.

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. 

A staff gage is used. All measurements are made by wading.

The channel is sandy and shifting.

Discharge measurements of Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

May 5

Nov. 16

Hydrographer.

C. S. Heidel. ..............................................

B. E. Jones................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

10

8

7

6

11

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

4.3

2.3

2.3

2.8

3

n

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.40

2.22

2.27

2.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

8

9 Q

3.6

4.4

Q 7

o Flow affected by Ice.

t)aily gage height, in feet, of Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye, Mont., for 1910. 

[Richard Tobin, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

2 6

2.5

May.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2 A

9 4

2.4

June.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.3

9 Q

9 Q

2.2

July.

2.45

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

9 3^

2.2

Aug.

2.1

2.1

2 1

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.1

9 1

2.0

Sept.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

Oct.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

9 Q

2.2

Nov.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.25

2.25

2.3

2.3

2.2

Dec.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 49 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye, Mont., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

25

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

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

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

29

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

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

Apr.

9 fi

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.45

9 t\

2.5

2.5

2.4

9 3

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.45

May.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

9 1

2.5

2.5

2.45

9 A

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

June.

9 3

2 q

2.3

2.3

2.2

2

0

2 q

2.3

2.3

9 A

2 4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2 25

2.'35

2.3

9 3

9 3

2.3

July.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25

2 9

2

0e

2.3

9 9

2 9

9 3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.2

2.2

9 1

2.0

2.1

Aug.

2 1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

9 9

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.35

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.3

Sept.

9 3

9 9.

2.3

2.3

2.2

9 3

9 3

2.3

2.3

9 9

9 Q

2.1

9 1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.3

9 3

9 3

2.2

Oct.

9 3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2 9

9 9^

2.3

2.2

9 i c

2 q

9 9H*

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.25

9 3

2.3

2.2

2.3

Nov.

9 3^.

2 OK

2.3

2.3

2.2

2 25

9 3

2.3

2.3

9 3

9 3

9 3

9 3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

9 5

9 3

2.25

Dec.

NOTE. Ice in January, February, and after Dec. 7. The stream was undoubtedly open during March 

and the first part of April, but gagb observations were not begun until Apr. 9.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye,Mont., for 1910.

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...........................

qt

Apr.

17

12

17

17

17

17

10

12

12

12

8.0

4.4

10

8.0

8.0

8.0

4.4

8

8

12

12

10

May.

12

12

12

12

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

10

8

8

12

12

12

10

8

19

12

12

8

4.4

8

8

8

8

4.4

4.4

June.

4.4

4.4

4.4

1.9

4.4

4.4

4.4

44

1 9

4 4

4.4

4.4

1.9

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

3.1

6.2

4 4

4 4

4.4

4.4

July.

10

6.2

4.4

4.4

1.9

4.4

4.4

4.4

6.2

1 Q

4 4

4.4

4.4

4 4

3.1

1.9

6.2

6.2

4.4

1.9

1 9

4 4

4 4

4.4

1.9

44

1.9

1.9

.6

.1

.6

Aug.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.1

.6

.6

.6

.6

.1

.6

.6

.6

.6

1.9

1.9

3.1

1 Q

1.9

.6

1 9

1.9

4.4

6.2

1.9

4 4

4.4

4.4

4.4

1.9

4.4

Sept.

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

1.9

4.4

4.4

4.4

4 4

1 Q

44

44

4.4

4 4

1 9

4.4

4.4

4 4

4.4

1.9

4 4

.6

.6

.6

.6

1 9

4 4

44

4.4

1 9

Oct.

4 4

4.4

4.4

4.4

1.9

4.4

4 4

4 4

44

1 9

4 4

4.4

4.4

4.4

1 9

1.9

3.1

4.4

1 Q

1.2

4 4

3.1

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 9

3.1

44

4.4

1 9

44

Nov.

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

1.9

3.1

3 1

44

4 4

1 Q

6.2

6.2

4 4

4 4

1.9

3.1

4.4

4.4

4 4

4.4

4 4

4 4

4.4

4.4

44

44

4.4

44

3.1

Dec.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve fairly well defined.
50 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

Monthly discharge of Sevenmile Creek near Birdseye, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

17 

12 

8.0 

10 

6.2 

4.4 

4.4 

6.2

.

Minimum.

4.4 

4.4 

1.9 

.1 

.1 

.6 

1.2 

1.9

Mean.

04 

04 

a 10 

oll.7 

9.07 

4.77 

3.74 

1.90 

3.39 

3.36 

4.10 

a 1.9

5.16

Run-ofi 

(total in 

acre-feet).

246 

222 

615 

696 

558 

284 

230 

117 

202 

207 

244 

117

3,740

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Apr. 8, and Dec. 8 to 31. 

NOTE. The means for January, February, March, and December are only approximate.

LITTLE PRICKLY PEAR CREEK BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Little Prickly Pear Creek rises in the Rocky 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.

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. The discharge is affected by 

ice during the winter months.
MISSOURI EIVEE, BASIN. 51 

Discharge measurements of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

May 17

NOV. 10a

Hydrographer.

C. S. Heidel ..............................................

.....do. ................................................. ...

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

15

13

10

10

9

Area of 

section.

Sg.feet. 

9.2

7.0

5.7

5.0

4.1

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.93

2.70

2.49

2.49

2.42

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

19.5

11.7

4.9

5.5

3.5

o Made by wading above bridge.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1910.

[Gertrude P. 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...................

Mar.

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.5

O K

2.5

9 %

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.65

9 7

2.6

2.6

Apr.

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.65

2.65

2.75

2.8

2.75

2.8

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.9

9 afc

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.05

May.

3.05

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.85

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.95

2.9

2.95

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.95

2.95

3.0

2.95

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.85

2.8

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.8

2.85

June.

2.85

2.8

2

0

2.8

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.75

2

7C

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.7

9 7

2.6

July.

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.6

2

ft

2.6

2.6

2.65

2.6

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.55

Aug.

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.5

9 %

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.5

Sept.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.5

2.55

9 P^

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.*5

2.5

2.5

9 %

2.5

Oct.

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

' 2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

9 4.^

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

Nov.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.35

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.42

2.41

2.40

2.40

2.40

Dec.

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.39

2 on

2.39

2.39

2.39

2.38

2.38

2.38

2.38

2.38

2.38

. 2.38

2.38

2.38

2.38

2.38

NOTE. No gage record kept prior to Mar. 13. Probably little or no ice effect.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont.,

for 1910.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar. Apr.

10

10

8.4

8.4

R Q

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4

6.9

May.

24

22

22

20

17

18

18

18

20

18

June.

17

15

15

15

19

13

is

13

11

12

July.

10

10

10

10

8.4

10

10

10

. 10

8.4

Aug.

6

n

6.9

6.9

6.9 % \

6 9

6.9

6.9

6.9

5.4

Sept.

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

4 9

C A

5.4

5.4

% \

4.2

Oct.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

A 9

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

Nov.

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

i 1

3.1

2.3

2.3

3.6

Dec.

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1
SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Mary smile, Mont.,

for 1910 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...................

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

23...................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

9 1

2.3

2.3

** 1

A O

* 4.

5.4

4.2

5.4

5.4

5.4

5 4

5.4

6.9

8.4

10

19

8.4

8.4

Apr.

10

1011

15

13

15

17

17

17

17

18

20

22

22

24

26

26

26

26

24

May.

20

22

99

22

18

20

20

99

20

18

18-ID

17

17

15

17

17

17

IT

15

17

June.

10

10

10

11

12

10

11

IQ

10

12

10

10

19

12

10

12

19

12

1 9

8.4

July.

10

10

8.4

8.4

6.9

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4

6.9

8.4

O A

8.4

8.4

10

8.4

6.9

6.9

fi O

5 4

6.9

Aug.

5.4

5.4

5 4

5.4

4.2

5.4

5; A.

5.4

5.4

4.2

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

4.2

5.4

5.4

5.4 f; 4

4.2

5.4

Sept.

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

42

5.4

6.9

6.9

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

Oct.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

42

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

42

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

Nov.

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

3.3

3.1

3.1

3.1

Dec.

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

NOTE. The above discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined.

Monthly discharge of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

March. . .................................... ....

April. . ............................................

June ......................................... ....

July. ..............................................

October ...........................................

November. .................................. ....

Discharge In second-feet.

Maximum.

12 

26 

24 

17 

10 

6.9 

6.9 

4.2 

3.6 

3.1

Minimum.

2.3 

6.9 

15 

8.4 

5.4 

42 

4.2 

3.1 

3.1 

2.8

Mean.

o3.3 

o3.0 

04.58 

15.4 

18.9 

12.7 

8.58 

5.63 

5.21 

4.02 

3.33 

2.96

7.30

Run-off

(total in 

acre-feet).

203 

167 

282 

916 

1,160 

756 

528 

346 

310 

247 

198 

182

5,300

Accuracy.

C. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B.

o Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 12. 

NOTE. The means for January and February are only approximate.

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.
MISSOURI EIVER BASIN. 53

Ice is common at this station 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 1910.

Date.

May 17

Sept. 9

Nov. 11

Hydrographer.

.... .do. ....................................................

C. S. Heidel...............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet,- 

30

6

5.5

14

24

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

1.4

1.3

7.9

26

&,

Feet. 

2.77

1.70

1.74

1.99

2.32

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

74

1.9

1.3

7.7

26

NOTE. These measurements have been made by wading at different sections.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Canyon Creek, Mont., for

1910.

[W. J. Carbis, 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...................

91

Mar.

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.6

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.85

2.9

2.75

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.55

2.55

2.6

2.55

2.65

2.65

Apr.

2.65

2.75

2.7

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.75

2.75

 2.85

3.05

3.15

3.25

3.15

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.15

3.25

3.35

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.15

3.15

3.05

3.1

2.95

May.

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.8

9 S

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.3-

2.25

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.85

June.

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.95

2.15

2.15

2.05

2.05

1.95

1.85

1.85

1.75

1.75

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1:6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.65

July.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.6

1.55

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.65

Aug.

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.65

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.75

1.7

Sept.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.95

1.95

2.0

2.0

2.05

2.0

2.0

1.95

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

Oct.

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.25

2.30

2.25

2.25

2.15

2.15

2.25

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.25

2.30

2.25

2.25

2.30

2.35

2.40

2.35

2.35

2.25

2.25

2.30

2.20

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.20

2.15

Nov.

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.31

2.31

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

Dec.

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.22

2.22

2.22

2.32

2.32

2.22

2.22

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.22

2.22

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.22

2.22

2.22

2.22

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

NOTE. Probably more or less affected by ice from January 1 to March 6.
54 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Canyon Creek, Mont.,

for 1910.

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. Feb. Mar.

25

25

25

25

30

30

QK

31

31

35

35

QK

51

71

71

71

71

71

86

94

71

64

58

58

51

46

46

51

46

58

58

Apr.

58

71

64

71

64

71

71

86

120

138

156

138

120

120

156

176

156

156

156

156

156

138

120

129

102

May.

86

86

86

78

78

78

71

71

64

64

58

CO

58

58

46

46

40

40

36

31

23

20

8-

8

5

4

5

5

4

June.

2.2

3

4

4

4

6.5

14

14

10

10

6.5

4

4

2.2

2 2

8

8

8

8

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

.8

.8

July.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

.8

.8

1.5

2.2

2.2

2.2

.8

.8

.8

.8

1.5

0

0

.8

1.5

1.7

1.7

2.2

2.2

1.5

1.5

.8

Aug.

0

0

.8

.8

.8

.8

1.5

2.2

2.2

1.5

.8

2.2

2.2

1.5

.8

.8

.8

.8

2.2

3.0

2.2

1.5

1.5

1.5

2.2

1.5

1.5

.8

.8

2.2

1.5

Sept.

5

5

5

6.5

6.5

8

8

10

8

8

6.5

8

8

8

8

8

10

10

10

10

8

10

10

10

12

12

12

12

12

12

Oct.

10

10

10

20

23

20

20

14

14

20

14

14

14

20

23

20

20

23

27

31

27

27

20

20

23

17

14

14

14

17

14

Nov.

20

20

20

20

27

27

27

31

31

31

25

25

25

25

24

24

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

Dec.

25

25

25

18

18

18

25

25

18

18

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

18

18

25

25

25

18

18

18

18

25

25

25

25

25

NOTE. These daily discharges are based on a fairly well denned rating curve. Discharges estimated 

for March 1 to 6.

Monthly discharge of Little Prickly Pear Creek near Canyon Creek, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

April ................................................

July. ................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

176 

86 

14 

2.2 

3 

12 

31 

31 

25

Minimum.

58 

3 

0 

0 

0 

5 

10 

20 

18

Mean.

a 25 

a 25 

50.2 

119 

42.6 

3.28 

.91 

1.38 

8.88 

18.5 

25.1 

22.5

28.5

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,540 

1,390 

3,090 

7,080 

2,620 

195 

56 

85 

528 

1,140 

1,490 

1,380

20,600

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

a Estimated. 

NOTE. Means for January and February are only approximate.

DEADMAN CREEK NEAR MARYSVILLE, MONT.

This station, which, is located near the ranch of Charles Johnson, 

one-half mile above the junction of Lost Horse Creek and Deadman 

Creek and 6 miles from Marysville, was established April 2, 1909, to
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN". 55

obtain data for use in connection with irrigation development. One 

or two small ditches take water from the stream.

On June 8, 1909, the staff gage was moved downstream 300 yards 

and was given a new datum.

The channel does not shift. Measurements are made by wading.

Ice is common at this station during the winter months.

Discharge measurements of Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

May 17

Aug. 3

Nov. 10

Hydrographer.

C. S. Heidel. ...............................................

.....do.--......--....--.--.--..-.........................-.

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

18

16

6

6

7

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

9.7

7.4

3.3

3.2

4.0

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.23

1.99

1.80

1.76

1.93

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

24

9.3

3.1

2.6

5.9

NOTE. Discharge measurements made by wading above the gage.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1910. 

[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...................

Mar.

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.05

2.08

2.12

2.18

2.26

2.30

2.32

2.32

2.28

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.05

2 OK

Apr.

2.10

2.08

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.18

2.28

2.35

2.40

2.45

2.40

2.42

2.40

2.02

2.18

2.22

2.32

2.35

2.50

2.52

2.55

2.58

2.61

2.64

May.

2.64

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.75

2.72

2 7fi

2.65

2.58

2.46

2.30

2.25

2.22

2.22

2.20

2.18

2.18

2.18

2.18

2.18

2.18

2.15

2.15

2.15

915

2.15

2.15

June.

2.15

2.15

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.05

2.05

2.00

1.98

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.92

1.92

July.

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1 09

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.91

1.90

1.90

1.90

1 Qfl

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1 90

1.90

1.88

Aug.

1.85

1.85

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

Sept.

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.80

1.80

1.78

1.77

1.76

1.74

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.78

1.80

1.82

1.82

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.85

1.8.5

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.82

1.82

Oct.

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.85

1.85

Nov.

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.90

1.90

1.91

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

Dec.

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.92

1.94

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.92

1.92

1.92

NOTE. Probably affected by ice from January to about Mar. 13.
56 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Deadman Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1910.

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...................

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

Mar.

*

9.3

9 3

9 3

12

14

16

20

26

30

32

32

28

22

22

1 K

15

12

12

Apr.

15

14

12

12

12

12

12

12

20

28

34

38

43

38

40

OQ

10

12

20

93

V)

34

42

48

Eft

CO

56

57

59

ft9

May.

62

63

63

63

68

68

68

7Q

70

74

63

56

30

26

OQ

93

22

99

9n

9n

20

20

20

9n

i a

18

IS

18

1 B

IS

June.

18

is

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

12

12

9

Q

8.6

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

6.3

6.3

July.

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

6.0

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.1

Aug.

4.3

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

1

3.1

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

Sept.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.1

3.1

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.4

2.6

,2.6

2.6

2.9

3.1

3.6

3.6

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

3.6

3.6

Oct.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

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

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

4.3

4.3

Nov.

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

5.6

5.6

6.0

6.3

6.3

6.3

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

Dec.

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

7.1

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

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

NOTE. These discharges are based on a well-defined rating curve below 30 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Deadman Creek near Marysvilk, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

July...............................................

October. ..........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

32 

62 

74 

18 

6.3 

4.3 

4.3 

4.3 

7.4 

7.4

Minimum.

4 

10 

18 

6.3 

5.1 

3.1 

2.4 

3.1 

4.3 

6.3

Mean.

04 

o4 

a 13. 7 

31.3 

39.0 

11.0 

6.00 

3.58 

3.36 

3.37 

6.35 

6.79

11.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

246 

222 

842 

1,860 

2,400 

655 

369 

220 

200 

207 

378 

418

8,030

Accuracy.

C.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

« Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 13. 

NOTE. Means for January and February are only approximate.

LOST HORSE CREEK NEAR MARYSVILLE, MONT.

Lost Horse Creek is a small stream, fed by springs and melting 

snow in the mountains. It is tributary to Deadman Creek.

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.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 57

One ditch receives its water from Lost Horse Creek. There are 

no tributaries. 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.

Discharge measurements of Lost Horse Creek near Marysmlle, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

May 17

Aug. 3

Nov. 10

Hydrographer.

.....do. ...................................................

C. S. Heidel ..............................................

.... .do. ...................................................

.....do....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

5

4

2.3

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.4

.8

.3

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.85

1.78

1.62

1.50

1.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.2

.9

.2

oO

<* Channel at gage dry, but there was about 2 second-feet flowing one-fourth mile below the gage. See 

description. 

NOTE. Measurements made by wading at various sections.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1910. 

[Charles Johnson, observer.]

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.

1.93

1.93

1 93

2 nn

2.03

2.06

2.11

1.98

1.98

1 Q^

1.93

1.88

1.88

1 R*?

1.83

1.83

Apr.

1.85

1.85

1.83

1.83

1.78

1.75

1.78

1.83

1.88

1.91

1.98

2.01

2.03

2.03

2.03

2

fiO

1 Q3

1.98

1.98

1 98

1.98

1 98

1 98

2.08

2.15

2.18

2.18

2

OO

2

OO

May.

2.23

2.23

2.25

2.28

2.28

2.28

2.28

2.31

2.30

2.28

2.23

2.21

2.15

2.11

2.08

9 A3

1.90

1.90

1.88

1.88

1.85

1.85

1.82

1.82

1.80

1.80

1.82

1.82

1.82

1.82

June.

1.82

1.82

1.80

1.80

1.82

1.84

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.82

1.82

1 80

1 80

1 80

1.80

1.80

1 80

1.80

1 80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1 80

1.80

1.80

1.78

July.

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.78

1.76

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.70

Aug.

1.65

1.65

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.58

1.58

1.58

1.58

1.58

1.68

1.68

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

Sept.

1.50

1.50

1.50

NOTE. Probably slightly affected by ice during January, February, and first part of March. 

97746° WSP 286 11 5
58 SUEFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1. .........

2.......... 

3.......... 

4.......... 

5..........

6..........

7..........

8.......... 

9.......... 

10..........

11..........

12..........

14..........

14..........

15..........

Mar.

------

2.8

2.8

Apr.

1.9

1.9 

1.7 

1.7 

1.3

1.1

1.3

1.7 

2.2 

2.5

3.4

1 7

4.0

4.0

40

May.

6.6

0.6 

0.8

7.2 

7.2

7.2

7 0

7.6 

7.5

7.2

6.6

6

0

5.5

5.0

4 6

June.

1.6

1.6 

1.4 

1.4 

1.6

1.8

1 9

1.9 

1.9 

1.9

1.9

1 9

1.9

1.6

1.6

July.

1.3

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

1.3

1 Q

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

1.3

1 0

1.3

1.3

1 Q

Aug.

0.4

.4 

.3 

.3 

.3

.3

.3 

.3 

.3

.2

.2

.2

.2

Day.

16..........

17..........

18.......... 

19.......... 

20..........

21..........

22..........

23.......... 

24.......... 

25. .........

26..........

27..........

28... .......

29..........

30..........

31..........

Mar.

2.8

3.6 

4.0 

4.4 

5.0

3.4

3.4

2.8 

2.8 

2.8

2.2

2.2

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

Apr.

4.0

2.8 

3.0 

3.4 

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4 

3.4 

4.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

6.6

6.6

May.

4.0

2.4 

2.4 

2.2 

2.2

1.9

1.9

1.6 

1.6 

1.4

1.4

1.0

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

June.

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

1.3

July.

1.3

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1 

1.1 

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.7

Aug.

0.2

.2 

.2 

.2 

.2

.2

.2

.2 

.2 

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve fairly well defined below 3 second-feet. 

Monthly discharge of Lost Horse Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1910.

I

Month.

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

5.0 

6.6 

7.6 

1.9 

1.3 

.4

Minimum.

1.1 

1.4 

1.3 

.7 

.1

Mean.

a 2. 26 

3.37 

4.20 

1.56 

1.19 

.219

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

139 

205 

258 

93 

73 

13

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

o Discharge estimated; Mar. 1 to 13.

NOTE. There was very litle flow during January, February, and September to December. Estimated 

total run-off in acre-feet for year, 828.

MARSH CREEK NEAR MARYSVILLE, MONT.

Marsh Creek, a small stream, without tributaries, 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. The 

creek supplies no important ditches. Measurements are made by 

wading near the staff gage.

Discharge measurements of Marsh Creek near Marysville, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

May 17

Cent Q

Nov. 10

Hydrographer.

C. S. Heidel ...............................................

.....do.....................................................

.. ...do.. ...... .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

8

8

7

5

5

Area of 

section.

sff./,7

1.9

1.8

2.2

2.2

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.61

1.47

1.25

1.30

1.30

Discharge.

Sec. ft. 

5.3

3.0

2.0

1.7

1.4

NOTE. Discharge measurements are made by wading at various sections.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 59

Daily gage height, in feet, of Marsh Creek near Marysville, Mont., J"01 1910. 

[J. Hartmiller, jr., 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.

1.47

1.47

1.47

1.47

1.47

1.47

1.57

1

K7

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.57

1.57

1.57

1 K7

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1 fi9

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

May.

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.57

1.57

1.67

1.62

1.62

1.57

1.67

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

June.

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

APL

1 AK

1 45

1

APL

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

July.

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.5

I

OC

I

OC

1.35

1.35

1 35

1 35

1.3

I

D

1.2

1 9

1 9

1 25

I

OK

I

OK

1.25

1 25

1.25

1.3

1 3

1.3

Aug.

1 25

1 OK

1 9

1 9

1 9

1 9

1 25

1.25

1.2

1 9

1 9=.

1.2

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1 9

1 9

1 9

1.2

1.25

1 OK

1.2

1.2

i 3

1 Q

1.3

Sept.

I

D

I

D

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 %

1.25

1.25

1.3

1 25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

Oct.

i 1

1 91

1.25

1 3

1 3

1.3

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

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 Q

1.3

1.25

Nov.

1 25

1 oc

1

9C

1 3

1 3

I

D

1 3

1.3

1.3

1

0

I

D

1.33 

1.30

- 1.27 

1.27

1.27

1.27

1 97

1 97

1 97

1 9Q

1.29

1 97

1

9C

1.25

1 oc

I

OC

Dec.

1 oc

1 25

1.25

1 25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

 I OK

NOTE. Gage heights probably affected by ice during January and February. Little or no ice during 

March. Ice existed after Dec. 10.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Marsh Creek near Marysville, Mont., for 1910.

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...........................

97

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

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

D1

Apr.

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

4.4

4.4

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.4

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0 i o

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

May.

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.4

4.4

5.8

5.0

5.0

4.4

4.4

5

0

5.4

4.7

4.7

4.7

5.4

4.7

4.2

A 9

4.2

4.2

4.2

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

June.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

2.8

2.8

2.8 9 a

2.8

1 9

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.6

3.6

3.6

2.8

9 fi

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

3.6

July.

3.2

2.8

2.8

3.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2 2

2.2

2.2

2.2

1.8

1.8

1.8

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2 A

2.0

2.0

2 A

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

Aug.

2.0

2.0

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

Sept.

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

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Oct.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

Nov.

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

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Dec.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve poorly defined. Discharges Apr. l and 2 estimated.
60 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Marsh Creek near Marysville, Mont,, for 1910.

Month.

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

5.0 

5.8 

3.6 

3.6 

2.0 

1.7 

1.6 

1.4

Minimum.

3.4 

3.6 

2.8 

1.8 

1.7 

1.5 

1.3 

1.3

Mean.

a 1.50 

a 1.50 

a 3. 00 

4.45 

4.63 

3.23 

2.30 

1.80 

1.64 

1.41 

1.36 

61.30

2.34

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

92 

83 

184 

265 

285 

192 

141 

111 

98 

87 

81 

80

1,700

Accuracy.

oooooooo

a Estimated. & Discharge Dec. 11 to 31 estimated. 

NOTE. The means for January, February, March, and December are only approximate.

DEARBORN RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Dearborn River rises on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains 

in Lewis and 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 head works 

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 from cable located just above 

the gage and by wading. Owing to the fact that the gage is 

located some 2 miles from the observer's house observations were 

not made every day. Interpolations made are believed to be fairly 

accurate. The stream freezes over during the winter and no record 

of gage heights is kept. The datum of the staff gage was lowered 

1.0 foot on October 21, 1910, and all gage heights for the year were 

consequently changed.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 61

Discharge measurements of Dearborn River near demons, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 27

May 27

July 14

Aug. 28

Oct. 11

Nov. 22

Hydrographer.

.... .do. ....................................................

M. E. McChristie ..........................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet.

70

60

43

57

58

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

 86

42

44

37

74

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.08

1.66

1.06

.02

.8

.96

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

427

237

68

on

50

42

NOTE. Measurement Apr. 27 made at footbridge below mouth of Falls Creek. Measured discharge 

576 second-feet. Discharge of Falls Creek Apr. 27, 149 second-feet subtracted to give flow past gaging 

station on Dearborn River. All other discharge measurements at this station were made by wading 

above mouth of Falls Creek.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Dearborn River near demons, Mont., for 1910. 

[Dr. O. A. Kenck, observer,]

Day.

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

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

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

6............. --.---

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

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. .:................

21...................

23...................

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

9^

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

97

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

9Q

3n

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

Mar.

1.05

1.18

~

1.21

1.25

Apr.

1.33

1.54

2.10

1.88

May.

1.68

1.72

2.20

i.90

2.00

1.80

1.75

2.69

1.56

1.57

1.55

1.60

1.66

1.58

1.63

June.

1.60

1.54

1.47

1.46

1.46

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.43

1.42

1.44

1.44

1.47

1.35

1.31

1.27

1.23

July.

1.22

1.22

1.19

1.18

1.16

1.14

1.10

1.09

1.06

1.06

1.05

1.03

1.02

1.00

1 00

.98

.95

.97

Aug.

0.95

.94

Qfi

.99

.80

.90

.88

.85

.85

.84

.84

.83

.83

.83

.82

.82

Sept.

0.82

84

.84

.84

84

.86

.89

.93

1.00

1.19

1.30

1.23

1.21

1.20

1.18

1.15

1.15

1.15

Oct.

1.00

1 00

.99

.99

.99

.97

.97

.95

.95

.92

.92

.92

.94

.95

Nov.

0.95

.95

.95

.95

.96

.96

.98

.98

.98

.98

.98

.96

.96

.95

.95

Dec.

0.94

90

on

.87

.87

.85

.85

.85

.84

.84

.87

.93

1.10

1.48

1.61

1.63

NOTE. Ice during January and February and after Dec. 20. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Dearborn River near demons, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

66

69

72

75

78

Apr.

119

121

123

131

139

147

155

163

174

185

May.

235

241

247

252

372

492

412

333

358

383

June.

205

195

185

174

162

159

159

158

156

156

July.

97

97

91

90

89

86

84

83

82

78

Aug.

50

49

50

52

54

56

28

36

43

42

Sept.

31

32

34

34

34

34

36

37

40

42

Oct.

58

58

58

57

56

56

56

56

56

53

Nov.

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

51

52

Dec.

49

46

43

43

43

40

38

38

38

37
62 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Dearborn River near demons, Mont., for 1910 Contd.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. ..................

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

23...................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

81

84

89

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

100

102

104

107

110

113

116

Apr.

200

215

230

241

260

275

290

305

335

350

365

380

395

410

425

436

380

324

280

May.

334

286

264

780

486

191

192

194

195

192

188

194

200

205

216

228

198

207

216

June.

156

153

148

147

150

153

153 i F^

158

162

145

123

118

108

104

100

98

July.

74

72

70

68

68

68

66

64

63

62

61

60

58

58

56

55

52

50

52

53

52

Aug.

40

38

38

36

36

36

35

34

34

34

33

32

32

32

32

32

32

31

31

31

31

Sept.

44

47

58

74

91

115

108

100

98

95

94

93

91

89

86

84

84

84

84

84

Oct.

53

52

52

51

51

50

50

49

49

48

48

47

46

46

46

46

46

48

49

50

50

Nov.

52

52

54

55

55

55

55

55

CK

KK

55

54

CO

52

52

51

50

cn

50

50

Dec.

36

36

36

36

36

35

34

34

34

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve well defined between 20 and 520 second-feet. Discharges interpolated for days on which gage heights were not read.

Monthly discharge of Dearborn River near demons, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

April.......................

May........................

July........................

November

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

116 

436 

492 

205 

97 

56 

115 

58 

55 

49

Minimum.

119 

188 

98 

52 

31 

31 

46 

50

Mean.

«60 

<»65 

<J87.6 

263 

283 

148 

69.6 

37.7 

68.6 

51.3 

52.1 

036.8

102

Per

square 

mile.

0.545 

.591 

.796 

2.39 

2.57 

1.35 

.633 

.343 

.624 

.466 

.474 

.335

.926

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.63 

.62 

.92 

2.67 

2.96 

1.51 

.73 

.40 

.70 

.54 

.53 

.39

12.60

Total in 

acre-feet.

3,690 

3,610 

5,380 

15,600 

17,400 

8,810 

4,280 

2,320 

4,080 

3,150 

3,100 

2,260

73, 700

Accuracy.

C. 

C.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 5 and Dec. 20 to 30. 

NOTE. The means for January and February are only approximate.

FALLS CREEK NEAR CLEMONS, MONT.

This station, which is located 1J 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.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. - 63

No records are kept during the winter, as the gage heights 

are affected by ice. The datum of the staff gage has remained 

unchanged.

Measurements are made by wading or from a recently constructed 

cable. Observations are fragmentary on account of the great distance 

the observer lives from the gage. Interpolations made are believed 

to be fairly accurate.

Discharge measurements of Falls Creek near demons, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 27

May 27

July 14

Oct. 21

Nov. 22

Hydrographer.

.... .do. ....................................................

M. E. McChristie ..........................................

.....do.....................................................

J.C.Beebe. ...............................................

Width.

Feet. 

45

33

30

27

28

26

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft 

49

37

20

14

21

16

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.69

1.38

.91

.73

.90

.81

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

149

91

31

18

25

18

NOTE. All measurements were made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Falls Creek near demons, Mont., for 1910. 

[Dr. O. A. Kenck, 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.

0.89

97

1.03

1 19

Apr.

1.47

1.22

1.72

1.62

May.

1.42

1.43

1.77

1.52

1.72

1.52

1.49

1.42

1.32

i.32

1.31

1.34

1.40

1.30

1.32

June.

1.30

1.27

1.20

1.20

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.20

1.18

1.16

1.17

1.16

1.18

1.10

1.08

1.05

1.02

July.

1.01

1.01

1.00

.99

.99

.98

.95

.95

.91

.90

.89

.89

.89

.88

.88

.85

.82

.81

Aug.

0.81

.81

.80

.78

.77

.77

.77

.76

.76

.75

.75

.73

.72

.72

.73

.73

Sept.

0.75

.75

.74

.74

.74

.76

.81

.83

.85

.87

.91

.98

.98

1.00

.99

1.02

1.00

.99

Oct.

0.98

.98

.96

.96

.96

.96

.96

.94

.94

.80

.80

.80

.80

.82

Nov.

0.82

.83

.82

.82

.81

.81

.81

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.81

.81

.81

.80

Dec.

0.80

.80

.79

.77

.77

.77

.76

.76

.76

.76

.81

.84

.90

1.52

1.69

1.77

NOTE. Ice during January, February, and Dec. 20 to 30.
64 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Falls Creek near demons, Mont., for 1910.

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.

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

34

35

35

36

36

37

38

39

40

42

44

46

47

50

55

60

65

Apr.

 70

85

100

90

85

80

75

70

65

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

120

130

135

140

145

152

140

129

110

May.

91

91

Of)

92

128

164

136

109

130

152

130

109

106

103

91

82

74

74

74

74

74

73

74

76

77

82

87

79

71

72

74

June.

71

69

67

62

57

57

55

55

55

55

57

56

55

54

52

52

53

53

52

54

55

50

45

44

43

42

40

38

37

36

July.

36

36

35

34

34

34

34

34

33

32

31

31

30

28

27

27

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

25

24

00

22

22

22

22

Aug.

22

22

22

21

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

19

. 19

19

19

18

18

18

18

18

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

Sept.

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

19

20

' 22

22

23

24

24

25

28

34

41

41

41

38

35

38

42

40

37

36

35

34

34

Oct.

33

33

33

33

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

31

31

31

31

30

30

29

28

26

24

22

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

22

22

Nov.

22

22

22

23

23

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

21

21

Dec.

21

21

21

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

NOTE. These discharges are based on a well-defined rating curve. Discharges interpolated on days 

when gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of Falls Creek near demons, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

April..............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

65 

152 

164 

71 

36 

22 

41 

33 

23 

21

Minimum.

60 

71

36 

22 

17 

18 

21 

21

Mean.

«25 

a 25 

a36.6 

99.0 

94.9 

52.3 

28.5 

18.8 

28.6 

27.7 

21.7 

019.5

39.8

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,540 

1,390 

2,250 

5,890 

5,840 

3,110 

1,750 

1,160 

1,700 

1,700 

1,290 

1,200

28,800

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 5 and Dec. 20 to 31. 

NOTE. The means for January and February are only approximate.

SUN RIVER 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
MISSOURI RIVEE BASIN. 65

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 1 to 3 miles wide and the river 

flows 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 ranges 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 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 

Warm 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 secondfeet 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 northwest 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.
66 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 measurement of North Fork of Sun River near Augusta, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 29

May 25

July 12

Aug. 26o

Oct. 15

Nov. 20o

Hydrographer.

.... -do. ....................................................

J. C. Beebe...................... ..........................

M.E.McChristie.. ........................................

B. E. Jones................................................

J.C. Beebe................................................

Width.

Feet. 

145

150

149

108

135

106

Area of 

section.

 Sq.ft. 

720

750

340

216

237

124

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.97

4.08

1.44

.64

.85

.95

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3,360

3,750

749

270

325

« Made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Sun River near Augusta, Mont., for 1910.

[J. R. King, jr., observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...................

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

23...................

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

9(>

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

28

29

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

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

Mar.

.9

.9

.9

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.6

1.8

2.1

2.2

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.3

1.2

Apr.

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.6

1.7

1.9

2.3

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.6

2.8

3.1

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.4

3.6

4.1

4.5

4.6

4.0

May.

3.2

3.6

3.8

4.1

4.4

4.6

4.9

5.1

4.8

4.6

4.4

3.9

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.4

4.1

4.2

4.0

3.4

3.2

3.3

3.4

June.

3.7

3.5

3.2

2.8

3.1

3.2

3.1

2.9

2.7

2.8

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.3

2.3

9 3

July.

2.2

2.2

2.2

 2 4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.1

1.8

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Aug.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

Sept.

0.7

.7

.6

.6

.6

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.6

.6

.6

.C

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Oct.

06

6

7

7

7

7

7

7

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

1 5

1 1

8

8

8

8

Nov.

08

8

8

8

9

9

9

9

1 1

9

1 0

1 0

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

1 0

1 0

9

8

8

8

8

Dec.

0 8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

.7

.8

.7

.8

.9

1.0

1.1

1.0

1.0

NOTE. Ice January 1 to about March 12 and from about December 22 to 31.
MISSOURI EWER BA&IJ5T. 67

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Sun River near Augusta, Mont., for 1910.

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...................

Mar.

355

355

355

400

450

450

510

815

980

1 OKA

1,350

980

895

895

895

O1 C

735

580

510

Apr.

510

510

450

510

510

580

815

895

1,070

1,450

1,660

1,660

1,660

1,550

1,550

1,550

1,770

1,990

2 OCA

2,470

2,350

2 OCA

2,470

2,720

2

QOA

3 640

4^200

4 340

3' 500

2,980

May.

2,470

2,980

3,240

3,640

4,060

4,340

4,760

5,040

4,620

4,340

4,060

3,370

2,980

2,590

2,720

2,350

2,350

2,470

2,470

2,350

2,470

2,470

2,470

2,720

3,640

3,780

3,500

2,720

2,470

2,590

2.720

June.

3,110

2,850

2,470

1,990

2,350

2,470

2,350

2,110

1,880

1,990

2,230

2,110

2,110

2,110

1,990

1 QQA

1,990

1,990

1,770

1,660

1,550

1,450

1 d^A

1,550

1,450

1 450

1J450

1,400

July.

1,350

1,350

1,350

1,550

1,550

1,450

1,450

1,450

1,450

1,250

980

735

735

655

580

580

510

510

510

510

510

510

510

510

510

450

450

450

450

450

450

Aug.

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

355

355

315

315

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

Sept.

275

275

 240

240

240

275

275

275

275

275

275

275

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

240

Oct. .

240

240

275

275

275

275

275

275

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

735

450

315

315

315

315

Nov.

315

315

315

315

355

355

355

355

450

355

355

400

400

355

355

355

355

355

355

355

355

355

355

400

400

355

315

315

315

315

Dec.

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

305

295

285

275

295

315

300

290

275

295

315

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between 200 and 4,000 

second-feet. Discharges interpolated on days in December with missing gage heights.

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Sun River near Augusta, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

January. ..........................................

February. .........................................

July...............................................

August. ...........................................

December. ........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,350 

4,340 

5,040 

3,110 

1,550 

400 

275 

735 

450

5,040

Minimum.

355 

450 

2,350 

1,400 

450 

275 

240 

240 

315 

275

Mean.

0400 

»375 

o579 

1,900 

3,190 

1,960 

831 

315 

250 

320 

365 

o208

901

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

24,600 

20,800 

35,600 

113,000 

196,000 

116,000 

51,100 

19,400 

14,900 

19,700 

21,700 

12,800

646,000

Accuracy.

C. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

o Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 12 and Dec. 22 to 31. 

NOTE. The means for January and "February are only approximate.

SUN RIVER AT SUN RIVER, MONT.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge over Sun 

River, 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
68 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

practically the entire valley above is irrigated from this stream. 

The greater part of the ordinary summer flow is utilized for irrigation. 

The principal tributaries are all above the station, South Fork of Sun 

River, Willow Creek, and Simms Creek being the most important.

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 1910.

Date.

July 9

Aug. 11

Sept. 3 o

Nov. 26

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

J. C. Beebe. ...............................................

M. E. McChristie. .........................................

.....do.....................................................

C.S.Hoidol. .................. ............................

Width.

Feet. 

205

145

112

23

116

96

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

963

601

582

175

108

735

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.27

4.85

3.49

1.80

2.38

2.80

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3.450

1,900

1,020

194

309

571

a Made by wading 200 feet above gage.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sun River at Sun River, Mont., for 1910. 

[R. A. Lange, 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.

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.8

3.8

3.65

3.6

3.65

3.65

3.9

4.0

4.2

3.9

3.5

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.2

3.1

Apr.

3.1

3.15

3.15

3.1

3.05

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.5

3.8

4.25

4.3

5.0

5.0

4.75

4.35

4.1

4.75

5.0

5.05

5.7

5.55

5.45

5.45

6.2

6.8

6.8

6.9

6.7

May.

5.8

5.5

5.3

5.0

5.0

5.5

5.9

6.9

.7.0

7.0

7.1

6.6

6.5

6.2

6.2

6.15

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.5

5.2

5.2

5.6

5.8

6.2

6.5

7.0

6.75

6

O

6.0

5.8

June.

5.5

5.4

5.05

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.95

4.8

4.9

4.9

4.6

4.55

4.55

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.3

4 7

4.7 "

4.0

3.9

3.8

July.

3.8

4.0

3.9

4.2

4.0

3.9

3.85

3.75

3.5

3.3

2.9

2.7

2.8

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.65

2.5

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.65

Aug.

1.3

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.5

1.8

1.3

1.2

1.05

1.0

1.0

.95

.9

1.0

1.5

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.0

1.5

Sept.

1.6

1.8

1.9

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.15

2.1

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.3

2.4

2.25

2.15

2.4

2.35

2.4

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.6

2.65

Oct.

2.6

2.45

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.75

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.85

2.85

2.95

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.85

3.0

3.0

2.45

3.0

3.1

Nov.

3.0

3.1

3.1

3 n

2.95

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.8

3.0

3.0

3.1

3 1

3.0

3.0

3.05

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.65

3.0

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

Dec.

2.75

2.8

2.8

9 52

2.7

2.7

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

o c

2.8

9 S

9 ft

2.65

2.6

O ft

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.65

2.75

9 S

2.85

2.85

2.8

2 9

O Q

2.85

NOTE. Ice probable during January, February, and first part of March.
MISSOUKI EIVEE BASIN. 69 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sun River at Sun River, Mont., for 1910.

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.

995

960

960

1,100

1,100

995

960

995

995

1,170

1,240

1,380

1,170

900

780

780

750

720 660-

Apr.

660

690

690

660

635

660

720

780

900

1,100

1,420

1,460

2,080

2,080

1,840

1,500

1,310

1,840

 2,080

2,130

2,830

2 660

2,560

2,560

3,410

4,180

4,180

4,320

4,050

3,530

May.

2,940

2,610

2,390

2,080

2,080

2,610

3,050

4,320

4,460

4,460

4,600

3,920'

3,790

3,410

3,410

3,350

3,170

3,170

3,170

2,610

2 280

2,280

2,720

2,940

3,410

3,790

4,120

3,410

3,170

2,940

June.

2,610

2,500

2,130

2,080

2,080

2,080

1,980

1,980

1,710

1,620

1,620

1,620

2,030

1,890

1,980

1,980

1,710

1,660

1,660

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,460

1,800

1,800

1,170

1,100

1,100

July.

1,100

1,240

1,170

1,380

1,240

1,170

1,140

1,060

900

780

560

460

510

510

510

510

460

AVK

^7ft

220

220

220

220

200

200

180

180

180

165

Aug.

130

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

150

180

130

120

115

100

100

105

100

100

150

110

110

110

110

120

115

115

115

110

110

150

Sept.

160

180

190

340

325

310

265

250

280

265

265

310

340

295

265

340

325

340

310

340

340

390

390

370

370

390

390

390

410

435

Oct.

410

355

340

370

370

410

485

460

485

485

460

485

485

485

460

510

510

510

510

535

535

585

460

435

435

535

610

610

355

610

660

Nov.

610

660

660

610

585

560

535

510

485

485

510

610

610

660

660

610

610

635

510

510

510

485

436

610

535

510

510

510

510

510

Dec.

485

510

510

510

460

460

535

510

510

510

510

510

510

510

510

510

435

410

410

460

435

410

435

485

510

535

535

510

560

560

535

NOTE. 

feet.

-These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 100 and 4,000 secondMonihly discharge of Sun River at Sun River, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

February. .........................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

December. ........................................

The period ..................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,380 

4,320 

4,600 

2,610 

1,380 

180 

435 

660 

660 

560

Minimum.

660 

635 

2,080 

1,100 

165 

100 

160 

340 

435 

410

Mean.

o600 

o550 

6979 

1,980 

3,260 

1,770 

589 

115 

319 

482 

558 

493

974

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

37,000 

30,500 

60,200 

118,000 

200,000 

105,000 

36,200 

7,070 

19,000 

29,600 

33,200 

30,300

706,000

Accuracy.

C. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

o Discharge estimated, Jan. 1 to Feb. 28. 6 Mean of 19 days taken as mean for month. 

NOTE. The means for January and February are only approximate.

WILLOW CEEEK NEAE 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,
70 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Mont., was established June 8, 1905, to obtain run-off data for use in 

connection with the Sun River irrigation project. Willow Creek 

darn, 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 is located on the right 

bank, near the observer's footbridge. 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 1910.

Date.

Apr. 29

May 26

July 12

Aug. 26

Oct. 15

Nov. 20

Hydrographer.

.....do......................................................

J. C. Beebe...... ..........................................

M. E. McChristie.................... ......................

J.C. Beebe................................................

Width.

Feet. 

22

17

8

2.5

17

12

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

31

11

1.6

.4

5.8

8.1

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.73

1.10

.48

.45

.74

.87

Discharge.

Sec. ft.

. 41

16

1.8

a.8

4.8

7.4

a Estimated. 

NOTE. Discharge measurements made by wading at various sections.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Willoiv Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1910. 

[Elizabeth Ireland, 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...............

97

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

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

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

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

Jan.

1.12

1.12

1.10

1.12

1.05

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

.98

.95

.95

.92

of>

.92

.92

95

as

.98

1.00

1.28

1.30

1.05

1.02

1.02

1.05

1.10

1.20

Feb.

1.32

1.10

1.10

1.08

1 ns

.98

1.00

1 00

.98

1 00

1.00

1 00

1.00

.92

.92

.92

.95

.95

95

Q1

.92

.90

on

.90

.90

.90

90

90

Mar.

0.95

4 71

5.80

3.60

2 7ft

2.05

1.75

1 60

1.45

1.45

1.65

1.45

1.55

1.45

1.35

1.45

1 45

1 45

1.55

1.65

1 65

1.55

1.25

1.4

1 31;

1.25

1.35

1.35

1 3ft

Apr.

1.35 i m

i m

1.35

1 3ft

1.30

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.65

1.45

1 45

1 xn

1 VI

1 VI

i ^i

1.65

1.70

1 55

1.55

1.65

1.65

1 60

1.70

1 79

1 60

1.55

May.

1.53

1.55

1.55

1.30

1 3ft

1.30

1.30

1.25

1 m

1.30

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.10

1.05

1.10

1.10

1.05

1.05

1.05

1 00

June.

0.90

.90

.95

.95

on

.90

.90

.90

.90

.85

.70

.65

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.60

.60

.60

60

.55

.55

.55

July.

0.55

55

.55

.55

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.25

.35

.35

40

.40

.40

40

.40

.35

.40

40

.40

.40

.40

40

Aug.

0.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.45

.45

.45

.40

.45

.45

. .45

.45

.45

.40

.40

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

Sept.

0.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.50

.55

.60

.60

60

.60

.60

.60

60

.60

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.75

.75

.75

Oct.

0.75

.75

.75

.75

71

.75

.75

.75

.75

71

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

7C

.75

.85

.85

.85

.85

80

80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

Nov.

0.80

.80

80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

80

.80

sri

.80

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.88

.90

.85

.90

.90

.85

.82

.78

.78

.78

.78

Dec.

0.78

.78

.78

.78

.78

.79

.79

.79

.78

.78

. .75

.77

.77

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

80

.80

.77

.77

.77

.75

.75

.72
'MISSOURI BIVEE BASIN. 71

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Willow Creek near Augusta, Mont., far 1910.

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.

15

15

14

15

13

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

10

10

9 q

9.3

9 q

9 q

1011

1111

21

22

13

12

12

12

13

14

18

Feb.

23

14

14

13

13

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

9.3

9

O

9.3

10

10

10

10

9.3

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

Mar.

10

203

275

135

86

55

42

35

00

22

00

38

28

32

00

24

00

28

28

28

32

38

38

32

20

26

24

20

24

24

22

Apr.

24

24

24

24

22

22

24

24

24

32

00

32

38

28

00

30

QA

QA

32

38

40

32

32

00

38

35

40

41

35

32

May.

32

32

32

22

22

22

22

22

20

24

00

22

20

18

10

18

18

16.

16

16

16

16

16

14

13

14

14

13

13

13

11

June.

8.8

8.8

10

10

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

7.7

4.6

3.8

4 6

4 6

4.6

4.6

4.6

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3

2 A

2.4

2.4

July.

2 A

2.4

2.4

2.4

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

.0

.5

.8

.8

.8

.8

.5

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

Aug.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

1 9

1 9

1 9

1.2

1.2

1 0

1.2

1 9

1 9

1 9

1 9

1.2

1 9

1 9

1.2

1 9

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Sept.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

2 A

3

3

3

3

3

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4 6

4.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

Oct.

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5 R

5.6.

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

Nov.

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

8.3

8.8

7.6

8.8

8.8

7.6

7.0

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

Dec.

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.1

6.1

5.6

5.9

5.9

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

5.9

1 Q

5.9

5.6

5.2

5.0

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 42 second-feet. 

Monthly discharge of Willow Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

February.. . .......................................

March. ............................................

April .............................................

May...............................................

June. .............................................

July...............................................

The year. ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

22 

23 

275 

41 

32 

10 

2.4 

1.2 

5.6 

7.6 

8.8 

6.5

275

Minimum.

9.3

* 8.8 

10 

22 

11 

2.4 

0 

.8 

1.7 

5.6 

6.1 

5.0

0

Mean.

12.5 

10.8 

47.6 

30.8 

18.9 

5.42 

1.30 

1.06 

3.04 

6.15 

7.05 

6.15

13.1

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

769 

600 

2,930 

1.830 

1.160 

323 

80 

65 

181 

378 

420 

378

9,110

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

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 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.
72 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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. 

The new gage was used during 1907 and 1908. Records for 1909 

and 1910 are referred to old 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 1910.

Date.

Apr. 26

May 24

July 12«

Oct. 16"

Nov. 21»

Hydrographer.

M. E. McChristie ..........................................

.....do.....................................................

J. C. Beebe. ...............................................

Width.

Feet. 

35

17

16

2.5-

14

26

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

24

16

13

.6

12

22

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.07

.99

.69

.33

.90

.92

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

58

46

12

61

9Q

36

a Made by wading below bridge. t> Estimated.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of Sun River at Augusta, Mont., for 1910. 

[Richard Auchard, 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.

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

Apr.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.15.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

May.

1.2

1.15

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

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.8

.8

June.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.6

.5

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.6

.4

July.

0.4

.5d<;

.45

.45

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.6

.5

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.3

.3

.3

.2

.2

.2

.2

.1

.1

-.2

 .0

.0

.5

Aug.

0.4

..4

.4

.4

.3

.3

.3

.2

.2

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.4

.4

Sept.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.6

.6

.6

.6

.7

.7

.7

.7

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.8

.8

.85

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

Oct.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Nov.

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

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

1.0

1.0

1.1

2.0

Dec.

1.0

1.0

 1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

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

1.0

1.4

1.8

2.1

2.4

NOTE. Ice, Jan. 1 to Mar. 12. The river was partly frozen over Nov. 29 and 30. 

discharge to greater or less extent during December.

Probably ice affected
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 73 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of Sun River at Augusta, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

90

21...................

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

23...................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

81

81

72

72

72

72

72

72

81

81

81

81

72

72

72

72

63

63

63

Apr.

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

72

72

72

81

 81

81

81

81

81

81

81

81

81

79

72

72

63

63

63

63

63

63

81

May.

81

72

72

72

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

46

46

46

32

32

32

21

21

June.

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

13

13

13

13

7.7

4.2

2

2

2

2

2

2

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

7.7

2

July.

2

4.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

4.2

4.2

4.2

4 9

4.2

7.7

13

4.2

2

2

2

2

2

.8

.8

.8

.3

.3

.3

.3

.2

.2

0

0

0

4.2

Aug.

2

2

2

2

.8

8

8

3

3

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

2

2

Sept.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.7

13

13

13

13

17

17

17

17

17

17

21

91

26

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

Oct.

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

46

46

46

46

46

Nov.

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

4fi

46

46

46

46

4fi

4fi

46

46

46

46

4fi

4fi

46

46

32

32

32

4fi

46

46

46

Dec.

46

46

46

46

46

32

32

32

32

32

32

46

46

4fi

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

NOTE. These discharges are based on a curve that is well defined between 5 and 70 second-feet, 

charge estimated Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 28-31, because of ice conditions.

Monthly discharge of South Fork of Sun River at Augusta, Mont., for 1910.

DisMonth.

June ..............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

81 

81 

81 

21 

13 

2 

32 

46 

46 

46

Minimum.

63 

63 

21 

2 

0 

.3 

4.2 

32 

32 

32

*Mean.

o50 

o50 

a 77. 9 

71.4 

57.1 

11.9 

2.57 

1.00 

17.8 

37.9 

44.6 

43.3

38.8

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,070

2,780 

4,790 

4,260 

3,510 

708 

158 

61 

1,060 

2,330 

2,650 

2,660

28,000

Accuracy.

C. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C.

o Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 12 because of ice conditions. 

NOTE. The means for January and February are only approximate.

FOED 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.

97746° WSP 280 11 6
74 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 1910.

Date.

Apr. 28

May 27

July 14

Aug. 27

Oct. 16

Nov. 21

Do..

Hydrographer.

Raymond Richards .......................................

J. C. Beebe................. ...............................

M. E. McChristie ..........................................

J. C. Beebe................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

25

24

19

17

16

15

15

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

23.5

20

17

14

16

15

15

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.65

1.49

1.10

.98

1.03

1.08

1.06

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

58

37

18

13

1i

12

10

Daily gage height, in feet, of Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1910. 

[Joseph Ford, 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.

1.15

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 

1.10

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.15

Feb.

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

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05 

1.05

1.05

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

Mar.

1.05

1.45

1.60

1.65

1 30

1.15

1.10

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25 

1.25

1 915

1 30

1.35

1.45

1.45

1.40

1.40

1.40

1 40

1.35

1.25

1.25

Apr.

1.25

1

95

1 95

1.25

1.25

1 95

1 95

1.25

1 45

1.45

1.52

1.45

1.45

1.45

1 45

1.45

1.45 

1.45

1 51

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.62

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.72

1.62

1.65

1.55

May.

1.55

1.55

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55 

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.52

1.52

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

June.

1.45

1 45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1 ni»

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

1.30

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.22

1.20

1.20

1.20

July.

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.13

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

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

1.05

1.05

1.05

Aug.

1.05

1 05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95 

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

Sept.

1.05

1 05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

1.15

1.20 

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.15

1.05

1.05

1.05

f.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

bet.

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

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.00 

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Nov.

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.01

1.04

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.07

1.06

1.05

1.06

1.08

Dec.

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

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04 

1.05

1.04

1.05

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.05

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

NOTE. Gage height distorted by ice Feb, 20 to 28 and Mar. 2 to 7.
MISSOURI EIVBE BASIN. 75 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1910,

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.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

13

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

15

Feb.

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

Mar.

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

23

27

36

36

31

31

31

31

27

20

20

20

Apr.

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

36

36

43

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

47

47

47

47

55

59

59

59

68

55

59

47

May.

47

47

55

55

55

55

55

55

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

43

43

36

36

36

36

35

35

June.

35

35

34

34

34

32

32

32

32

32

' 32

31

31

31

31

31

31

30

30

30

30

30

29

29

29

29

29

27

27

27

July.

26

26

25

25

24

24

23

22

21

21

20

18

18

18

18

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

Aug.

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

Sept.

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

12

12

12

12

12

12

22

25

16

16

16

22

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

Oct.

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

. 12

11

11

11

11

Nov.

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

9.5

11

11

11

11

12

11

11

11

12

Dec.

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to May 27 and Nov. 

21 to Dec. 31, well defined between 10 and 80 second-feet; May 28 to July 13 and Oct. 17 to Nov. 20, indirect method for shifting channels. July 14 to Oct. 16, fairly well defined between 12 and 20 second-feet. 

Discharges interpolated because of ice Feb. 20 to 28 and May 2 to 7.

Monthly discharge of Ford Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 18 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

July........................

November. ................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

15 

11 

36 

68 

55 

35 

26 

16 

25 

16 

12 

11

68

Minimum.

11 

11 

11 

20 

35 

27 

16 

12 

12 

11 

9.5 

11

9.5

Mean.

13.4 

11.0 

19.5 

39.2 

46.1 

30.9 

18.9 

13.3 

15.9 

13.9 

10.6 

11.0

20.3

Per 

square 

mile.

0.744 

.611 

1.08 

2.18 

2.56 

1.72 

' 1.05 

.739 

.883 

.772 

.589 

.611

1.13

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.86 

.64 

1.24 

2.43 

2.95 

1.92 

1.21 

.85 

.99 

.89 

.66 

.70

15.34

Run-Qff 

(total in 

acre-feet).

824 

611 

1,200 

2,330 

2,830 

1,840 

l,lfiO 

818 

946 

855 

631 

676

14,700

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.
76 SURFACE WATER-SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 River 

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 1910.

Date.

Apr. 28

July 14

Aug. 27

Oct. 16

Nov. 21

22

Hydrographer.

J. C. Beebe ................................................

M. E. McChristie. . .......................................

B . E . Jones ...............................................

J . C. Beebe ................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

33

28

20

11

22

18

19

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

29

22

12

9

12

13

14

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.86

.68

' .46

.38

.48

.50

.49

Discharge.

Sec.-fl. 

56

34

14

10

14

13

14

NOTE. These measurements are made by wading at various sections.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1910. 

[Mrs. J. W. Nixon, 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.

0.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.45

45

.45

AK.

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

Feb.

0.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.35

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

Mar.

0.7

.8

.75

.75

.7

.65

.6

.5

.45

.45

AR

.45

.45

.5

.5

.55

.7

.75

.8

Q

.9

.9

.85

.85

.75

.75

.7

.7

.65

.6

.6

Apr.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.65

 .65

.7

.7

.7

.75

.8

.8

.75

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.85

.85

.85

g

.85

OK

OK

May.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.75

.75

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.65

June.

0.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

July.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

Aug.

0.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.45

.45

.4

.4

.4

.4

.5

Sept.

0.5

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.5

.5

.5

.5

.55

.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.7

.7

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

.5

.5

AK

AK

Oct.

0.5

.5

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.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

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Dec.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

45

.45

45

.45

.45

JC

45

-45

AK

.45
MISSOURI KIVEE BASIN. 77 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1910.

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.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

13

13

13

13

10

10

10

10

10

Feb.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

8

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Mar.

36

48

42

42

36

30

25

16

13

13

13

13

13

16

16

20

36

42

48

63

63

63

Wt

Wt

42

42

36

36

30

25

25

Apr.

25

25

25

25

25

30

30

36

36

36

42

48

48

42

48

48

48

48

48

48

56

56

ftfi

63

63

63

63

56

56

56

May.

48

48

48

48Af)

42

42

42

49

48

48

48

48

48

48

At)

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

30

June.

30

30

30

30

on

30

30

30^n

30

30

30

9>S

25

25

9>S

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

July.

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

13

13

13

13

13

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Aug.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

13

13

10

10

10

10

10

16

Sept.

16

13

13

13

13

13

16

16

16

16

20

90

20

16

16

16

36

36

30

30

25

25

25

25

25

20

16

16

13

13

Oct.

16

16

20

20

20

20

20

20

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

Nov.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

Dec.

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

NOTK. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: jTan._l to Oct. 16, curve well 

defined; Oct. 17 to Nov. 20, indirect method for shifting channel; ""

defined.

Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, rating curve poorly

Monthly discharge of Smith Creek near Augusta, Mont., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 26 square miles.]

Month.

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

13 

10 

63 

63 

48 

30 

16 

16 

36 

20 

15 

14

63

Minimum.

10 

8 

13 

25 

30 

16 

10 

10 

13 

15 

14 

13

8

Mean.

10.4 

9.93 

34.0 

45.0 

41.0 

23.7 

12.8 

10.2 

19.6 

16.3 

14.7 

13.5

21

Per 

square 

mile.

0.400 

.382 

1.31 

1.73 

1.58 

.912 

.492 

.392 

.753 

.627 

.566 

.519

.805

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.461 

.398 

1.51 

1.93 

1.82 

1.02 

.567 

.452 

.840 

.723 

.632 

.598

10.95

Total in 

acre-feet.

640 

551 

2,090 

2,680 

2,520 

1,410 

787 

627 

1,170 

1,000 

875 

830

15,200

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B.
78 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI. 

MARIAS RIVER 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 above sea level, and flow eastward 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 3,000 to 4,000 feet above sea 

level, 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 ranges 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 

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 RIVER 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
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 79

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.

A standard chain gage is located on the east bank of the stream 

directly back of the mission buildings. 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 1910.

Date.

Apr. 23

Apr. 25

26

May 18

Sept. 10 o

Nov. 22

Hydrographer.

M. E. McChristie....... ...................................

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

.......do...................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do....................................................

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

59

59

59

59

68

57

58

60

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

309

326

344

210

195

42

46

178

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.40

3.75

3.92

3.12

2.93

1.64

1.70

2.33

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

964

,1,240

1,490

812

666

95

120

358

a Made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Two Medicine River at Family, Mont., for 1910. 

[Otto Johnson, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

3.0

Apr.

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.4

2.6

2.6

3.0

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.7

3.3

3.1

3.0

3.1

3.3

3.2

3.8

May.

3.5

3.3

3.05

3.0

2.9

3.05

3.3

3.65

3.95

3.9

3.8

3.6

3.45

3.45

3.3

3.25

3.15

3.2

3.25

June.

3.45

3.45

3.35

3.25

3.0

2.9

2.95

3.1

2.95

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.05

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.85

2.8

2.7

July.

2.35

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

Aug.

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.5

Sept.

1.5

1.7

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.85

1.81

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.81

' 1.8

1.8

Oct.

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.85

2.75

2.78

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.22

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.05

Nov.

2.10

2.08

2.09

2.05

2.00

1.95

1.90

2.00

2.23

2.75

2.80

2.68

2.50

2.40

2.33

2.11

2.16

2.16

1.96

1.90
80 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Two Medicine River at Family, Mont., for 1910 Contd.

Day.

21. .......... t ... ............

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

23............................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

o 9

3.6

3.7

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.4

2.3

Apr.

3 7

3.6

°. 4

3.6

 ? Q

1 Q

4.3

4.3

4.0

3.7

May.

o 9

3.1

3.15

3.3

3.5

3.7

3.65

3.55

3.5

3.45

3.45

June.

2.6

2.55

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.35

2.35

2.4

July.

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

Aug.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Sept.

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

Oct. Nov.

2.00

2.24

2.15

2.05

2.15

2.25

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to about Mar. 19 and Nov. 27 to Dec. 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Two Medicine River at Family, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

S. ..........................

Q

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

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

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

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

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

15.......-.-...-.-...-...-...

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

23...........................

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

OK

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

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

OO

9>Q

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

01

Mar.

715

850

1,160

1,240

715

595

485

430

485

380

330

Apr.

330

330

285

285

285

380

485

485

715

1,160

1,160

1,080

1,240

920

780

715

780

920

850

1,320

1.240

1,160

995

1,160

1,410

1,410

1,790

1,790

1,500

1,240

May.

1,080

920

748

715

655

748

920

1,200

1,460

1,500

1,410

1,320

1,160

1,040

1,040

920

885

815

850

885

850

780

815

920

1,080

1,240

1,200

1,120

1,080

1,040

1,040

June.

1,040

1,040

958

885

715

655

685

780

685

655

655

715

748

715

685

685

685

625

595

540

512

485

458

405

380

355

330

355

355

380

July.

355

33'0 355

330

285

265

245

225

225

205

205

205

171

171

158

158

158

158

158

158

140

140

127

114

114

114

114

114

114

114

103

Aug.

103

103

103

103

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

84

84

84

84

84

84

84

84

75

75

75

75

92

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

Sept.

75

114

140

114

114

114

114

114

114

114

158

143

140

140

140

140

140

143

140

140

140

158

140

140

171

171

171

171

171

171

Oct.

265

265

265

485

430

430

430

625

568

584

540

485

430

380

330

294

265

265

245

225

225

225

230

230

235

235

235

2*0

240

245

245

Nov.

245

237

241

225

205

188

171

205

299

568

595

529

430

380

345

249

269

269

' 191

171

205

303

265

225

265

308

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve well denned between 140 and 1,600 second-feet. 

Discharges estimated Oct. 21 to 31.
MISSOURI EIVER BASIN. 81

Monthly discharge of Two Medicine River at Family, Mont., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 368 square miles.]

Month.

March......................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,160

1,790 

1,500 

1,040 

355 

103 

158 

625 

595

1,790

Minimum.

285 

656 

330 

103 

75 

75 

225 

171

Mean.

a 75 

a 75 

o275 

940 

1,010 

629 

188 

85.4 

138 

335 

a292 

a 100

345

Per 

square 

mile.

0.204 

.204 

.747 

2.55 

2.74 

1.71 

.511 

.232 

.375 

.910 

.793 

.272

.938

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.24 

.21

.86 

2.84 

3.16 

1.91 

.59 

.27 

.42 

1.05 

.88 

.31

12.74

Total in 

acre-feet.

4,610 

4,170 

16,900 

55,900 

62,100 

37,400 

11,600 

5,250 

8,210 

20,600 

17.400 

6,150

250,000

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

D. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

D.

o Discharge estimated because of ice Jan. 1 to Mar. 19 and Nov. 27 to Dec. 31. 

NOTE. The means lor January, February, March, and December are only approximate.

BADGER CREEK NEAE FAMILY, MONT.

Badger Creek is tributary to Two Medicine Creek.

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 Creek.

The gage and bench marks were washed out in June, 1908, and a 

new gage was' established July 22, 1908, about 400 feet farther upstream 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.

The stream at the gage flows in two channels at both medium and 

low stages. At high stages there are several channels. High-water 

measurements are, therefore, only fair. The low records, however, 

are good.

No records of gage heights were obtained during January, February, and first part of March, owing to lack of funds.
82 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of Badger Creek near Family, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 23

25

May 20

Sept. 106

Nov. 226

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

-....do.....................................................

.....do............. ........................................

M. E. McChristie ..........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

W. A. Lamb... ............................................

Width.

Feet. 

57

60

58

57

73

90

78

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

166

188

170

151

115

83

81

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.64

5.02

4.73

443

3.80

3.88

4.06

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

466

702

4S6

319

142

154

205

a Made by wading above cable. & Made by wading above gage. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Badger Creek near Family, Mont., for 1910. 

[Oliver J. Racine, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

W.. .................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...................

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

23...................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

6.38

6.30

6.30

3.90

3.82

3.85

3.78

3.82

3.75

3.80

3.95

3.90

4.15

4.10

4.05

4.05

3.92

4.00

3.85

3.82

3.90

3.82

Apr.

3.80

3.90

3.80

3 on

3.88

3.72

3.92

3.88

4.10

4.30

A Kf)

4.52

4.50

4 W

4.28

4.38

4.68

4.90

4.70

4.70

4.68

4.70

5.00

5.00

5.18

5.15

5.05

4.90

May.

A fi9

4 65

4 60

A t&

4.75

4.90 A on

4.92

5.05

5.15

4.98

4.90

4.85

A QK

4.75

4 80

4.72

4.60

4.62

4.88

5.00

4..95

4.78

4.72

A ft^

June.

4 85

4.72

4.65

4

KO

A e&

4.48

4.50

4.55

4.45

4.40

4.42

4.42

4.42

4.42

4.42

4.42

4.30

4.28

4.30

4.22

4.25

4.18

4.15

4.18

July.

4 no

A 1 K

405

4.05

4.02

4.00

. 4.10

3.92

3.98

3.95

3.92

4 05

3.92

3.92

3.92

3.88

3.98

3.88

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.95

3.82

3.85

3.85

3.82

3.80

3.90

Aug.

3.80

3.80

3.80

0 QA

3.80

3.80

3.78

3.78

3.78

3.80

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.80

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.78

3.72

3.72

3.75

3.75

3.82

3.80

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.82

3.85

Sept.

3.88

3.90

3.92

3.92

3

QA

3.88

3.88

3.85

3.88

3.88

3.88

3.88

3.88

3.88

3.88

3.88

3.88

3.88

3.88

3.92

3.95

3.98

3.95

3.95

3.95

3.95

3.92

3.98

3.95

Oct.

3.95

3.98

3.98

4.15

4.15

4.18

4.18

4.28

4.25

4.22

418

4.15

4.12

4.08

4.08

3.90

3.92

3.92

3.92

3.92

3.92

3.98

4.02

4.38

4.28

4.22

4.18

4.15

412

410

Nov.

4.08

400

4.00

4 00

4 00

405

408

410

412

410

408

4.05

4.05

4.08

405

4.05

4.00

405

400

4.05

4.08

410

4.12

418

4.22

425

4.28

Dec.

432

4.40

4.28

4 48

448

448

4 50

452

4.55

455

455

460

452

4.05

402

400

3.95

3.92

3.95

3.98

3.98

400

400

405

408

408

410

4.12

410

412

418

NOTE. Probably affected by ice during part of period Jan. 1 to Mar. 12 and Nov. 26 to Dec. 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Badger Creek near Family, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar. Apr.

141

160

141

141

156

127

164

156

178

208

May.

429

447

417

406

510

612

612

627

727

810

June.

490

447

374

374

354

363

390

363

340

July.

210

210

208

203

224

195

195

187

182

208

Aug.

141

141

141

141

141

141

138

138

138

141

Sept.

156

160

164

164

160

156

156

150

156

160

Oct.

171

178

178

208

224

224

233

233

268

277

Nov.

203

182

182

182

182

195

203

208

214

208
MISSOURI BIVEB, BASIN. 83

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Badger Creek near Family, Mont., for 1910 Contd.

Day.

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

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

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

14....;......................

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

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

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

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

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

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

21 ...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

160

145

150

138

145

132

141

172

160

224

208

195 JQC

164

150

145

160

1 AK

Apr. .

275

363

374

363

374

268

316

308

406

612

477

477

406

477

687

687

835

810

727

612

May.

672

627

612

575

575

410

465

556

542

490

417

429

477

598

687

650

612

527

490

C77

556

June.

316

325

325

325

325

325

OOK

275

268

275

94fi

277

233

224

233

OOrt

995

220

215

91 c

July.

164

178

171

164

195

164

164

164

166

178

156

150

150

150

171

14t

150

150

145

141

160

Aug.

132

132

132

132

141

132

132

132

132

138

127

127

132

132

145

141

132

132

1^9

145

150

Sept.

156

156

156

156

156

156

156

156

156

156

164

171

178

171

171

171

171

164

178

171

Oct.

246

233

224

214

203

203

160

164

164

164

164

164

178

187

308

268

246

233

224

214

208

Nov.

203

195

195

203

195

195

182

187

188

190

195

182

195

203

208

NOTE. These discharges are based on a curve that is well defined between 100 and 850 second-feet. 

Discharges June 26 to July 2 and Nov. 18 to 20 interpolated.

Monthly discharge of Badger Creek near Family, Mont., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 224 square miles.]

Month.

January. ...................

March......................

April.......................

May........................

July........................

August.....................

December. .................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

224 

835 

810 

577 

224 

150 

178 

308 

277

835

Minimum.

132

127 

406 

6215 

141 

127 

150 

160 

182

Mean.

a 100 

«75 

ol62 

381 

553 

316 

174 

136 

162 

212 

199 

0175

220

Per

square 

mile.

0.446 

.335 

.723 

1.70 

2.47 

1.41 

.777 

.607 

.723 

.946 

.888 

.781

.982

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.51 

.35 

.83 

1.90 

2.85 

1.57 

.90 

.70 

.81 

1.09 

.99 

.90

13.40

Total in 

acre-feet.

6,150 

4,160 

9,960 

22,700 

34,000 

18,800 

10,700 

8,400 

9,640 

13,000 

11,800 

10,800

175,000

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

D.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 12 and Nov. 26 to Dec. 31, 

NOTE. Means for January and February are only approximate.

6 Estimated value.

CUTBANK CREEK AT CUTBANK, MONT.

This station, which is located half a mile southwest of Cutbank, 

one-fourth mile below the Great Northern Kailway 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 Keclamation Service.
84 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 Cuibarik Creel:, at Cuibarik, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 26

May 21

June 21

Aug. 11 «

Sept. 25

Nov. 28 &

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb. .............................................

.....do.....................................................

. . . . .do. ...................................................

C. S. Heidel. ..............................................

M. E. McChristte......... ............. .......

B. E. Jones. ..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

105

112

105

44

97

58

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

142

146

112

23

63

80

height.

Feet. 

3.65

3.66

3.41

2.80

3.10

3.00

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

404

413

253

39

108

28

a Made by wading below cable.

b Creek frozen over. Thickness of ice at measuring section ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 foot.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cuibarik Creel:, at Cutbank, Monf,.,for 1910. 

[Conrad Peters, 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

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

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

Mar.

3.9

3.9

3.75

3.7

3.75

3.95

4.0

3.95

3.9

3.8

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

Apr.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.45

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.45

3.55

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.65

3.75

3.9

3.8

May.

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.65

3.75

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.75

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7 .

3.7

3.7

June.

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.75

3.7

3.6

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

3.4

3.35

3.3

3.4

3.4

July.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

Aug.

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

 2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2

0

2

0

2

0

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

Sept.

2.8

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

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

Oct.

3.05

3.15

3.35

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.45

3.5

'3.5

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.25

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.1

3.15

3.5

3.4

3.35

3.3

3.3

Nov. 

3.25

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.15

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.25

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.1

3.2

Dec.

3.2 3.3

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.2

Q 9

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.25

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.0

2.9.

2.95

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

NOTE. Ice probably existed Jan. 1 to about Mar. 7 and after Nov. 20.
MISSOUEI BIVER BASIN. 85 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cuibarik Creek at Cutbank, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

7..........--.----.......-..

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

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

11.............'..............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

9Q

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

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

Mar.

650

650

543

4Q4

445

494

711

772

711

650

543

303

246

246

246

9dfi

246

94fi

94fi

1 4ft

148

148

Apr.

148

148

148

148

148

148

148

148

246

246

274

303

303

274

246

246

246

274

335

367

367

367

303

303

4n«

4Q4

650

KQA

543

May.

445

367

367

303

303

303

303

406

4Q4

650

650

543

543

494

445

445

445

367

367

367

367

445

44S

445

494

543

543

543

44fi

44S

445

June.

543

543

4Q4

445

367

367

367

494

54a

445

367

367

367

367

367

367

367

367

367

303

303

303

303

303

303

94fi

194

94A

94A

July.

194

194

194

171

148

148

129

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

80

80

80

80

80

80

57

57

57

57

57

Aug.

57

57

57

57

57

57

39

39

3Q

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

Sept.

3Q

57

57

57

57

57

57

57

57

57

57

57

57

57

57

57

57

80

80

80

80

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

Oct.

95

129

246

246

246

246

246

274

303

303

274

274

274

194

194

194

171

171

148

148

148

148

129

110

129

303

246

194

Nov.

171

148

148

129

129

129

110

110

148

148

110

171

246

194

194

148

148

129

NOTE. These discharges are based on a well-defined curve between 30 and 1,400 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Cutbank Creek at Cutbank, Mont., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 971 square miles.]

Month.

May........................

July........................

December. .................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

772 

650 

650 

543 

194 

57 

110 

303 

246

MJnimTlTn.

148 

148 

303 

194 

57 

39 

39 

95

Mean.

Q150 

Q150 

«355 

292 

444 

363 

114 

42.5 

75.4 

207 

«117 

o35

196

Per 

square 

mile.

0.154 

.154 

.366 

.301 

.457 

.374 

.118 

.044 

.078 

.213 

.120 

.036

.202

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.18 

.16 

.42 

.34 

.53 

.42 

.14 

.05 

.09 

.25 

.13 

.04

2.75

Total in 

acre-feet.

9,220 

8,330 

21,800 

17,400 

27,300 

21,600 

7,010 

2,610 

4,490 

12,700 

6,960 

2,150

142,000

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C.

o Discharge Jan. 1 to Mar. 7 and Nov. 20 to Dec. 31 estimated for ice effect. 

NOTE. The means for January, February, and December are only approximate.
86 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 1910.

Date.

Apr. 24

May 19

Sept. 166

Hydrographer.

M.E. McChristie.. ........................................

W. A. Lamb..............................................

M. E. McChristie ..........................................

.....do......................................................

C.S.Heidel... ............................................

.....do......................................................

Width.

Feet.

71

72

70

40

43

34

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

101

98

80

47

47

QQ

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.35

5.30

5 Of\

4.41

4.70

4 63

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

279

263

85

ioe

fil

o Made by wading 125 feet below cable.

& Made by wading at gage.

c Ice. Gage read through hole cut in ice.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont., for 1910. 

[Fred A. Nelson, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9........................... 10...........................

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

19

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

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

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

Mar.

4.45

4.47

4.50

Apr.

4.59

4.59

4.54

4.52

4.53

4.56

4.83

4.87

4.93

4.98

5.14

5.17

5.18

5.02

5.00

May.

5.33

5.25

5.18

5.15

5.04

5.04

5.44

5.67

5.87

5.82

5.73

5.62

5.48

5.44

5.42

June.

5.38

5.36

5.22

5.13

5.12

5.13

5.14

5.12

5.08

5.02

5.00

5.06

5.10

5.00

5.12

July.

4.63

4.61

4.61

4.60

4.58

4.55

4.52

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.49

4.49

4.48

4.48

4.47

Aug.

4.43

4.42

4.42

4.42

4.41

4.41

4.41

4.40

4.40

4.39

4.39

4.39

4.38

4.38

4.37

Sept.

4.65

4.58

4.48

4.45

4.48

4.49

4.48

4.48

4.45

4.62

4.60

4.58

4.56

4.55

4.65

Oct.

4.66

4.68

4.70

4.74

4.74

4.76

4.78

4.80

4.81

4.76

4.75

4.70

4.71

4.68

4.66

Nov.

4.61

4.62

4.63

4.61

4.60

4.58

4.57

4.58

4.63

4.68

4.71

4.73

4.72

4.68

4.66
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 87 

Daily gage height, infect, of Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

19.......................:...

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

4.52

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.71

A on

5.00

5.01

4 98

4.93

4.83

4.73

4.67

4.66

4.65

4.58

Apr.

4.95

4.90

5.41

5.44

5.37

5.34

5.17

5.37

5.57

5.76

5.78

5.80

5.75

5.67

5.40

May.

5.25

5.23

5.42

5.28

5.21

5.13

5.12

5.38

e Kft

e fi9

5.41

5.28

5.24

5.42

5.35

June.

5.03

5.02

5.00

4.98

4.99

4.92

4.8J

4.87

4 84

4.83

A. 81

4.80

4.78

4.72

4.67

July.

4.46

4.46

4.46

4.45

4.44

4.44

4.44

4.43

4.43

Aug.

4.37

4.36

4.35

4.33

4.31

4.29

4.28

4.28

d. 4rt

4.35

4

QA

4.33

4.33

4.33

4.33

4.32

Sept.

4.70

4.69

4.62

4.58

4.60

4.58

4.55

4.65

4.73

4 68

4.65

4.63

4.68

4.70

4.68

Oct.

4.65

4.63

4.63

4.62

4.62

A. ff\

4.58

4.56

4.54

4.73

4.76

4.70

4.68

4.66

4.67

4.65

Nov.

4.65

4 64

4.63

4.63

4.62

4.62

4.62

4.61

4.61

4 60

4 CO

4.68

4.75

4.75

4.63

NOTE. Ice Jan. 1 to about Mar. 13, and Nov. 27 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont., for 1910.

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.

90

93

97

100

97

112

128

130

168

191

193

186

175

153

134

123

122

120

109

Apr.

110

110

103

100

101

106

153

161

175

163

224

231

233

196

191

180

168

295

303

384

275

231

384

340

397

403

394

370

292

May.

272

251

233

226

200

200

303

370

430

415

388

355

314

303

298

251

246

298

259

248

241

221

219

286

337

355

295

259

248

298

278

June.

286

. 284

243

221

219

221

224

219

209

196

191

205

214

191

219

198

196

191

186

189

173

160

162

155

153

149

147

143

132

122

July.

117

114

114

112

109

104

100

97

97

97

96

94

94

93

92

92

92

90

90

90

90

90

89

89

89

89

89

89

88

88

Aug.

88

87

87

87

85

85

85

84

84

83

83

83

82

82

81

81

80

78

76

74

72

71

71

84

78

77

76

76

76

76

75

Sept.

120

109

94

90

94

96

94

94

90

115

112

109

106

104

120

128

126

115

109

112

109

104

120

134

125

120

117

125

128

125

Oct.

122

125

128

136

136

139

143

147

149

139

138

128

130

125

122

120

117

117

115

115

112

109

106

103

134

139

128

125

122

123

120

Nov.

114

115

117

114

112

109

108

109

117

125

130

132

125

122

120

118

117

117

115

115

115

114

114

112

109

NOTE. These discharges are based on a curve that is well defined between 70 and 350 second-feet, 

charges estimated July 20 to 26.

Dis-
88 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Birch Creek near Dupuyer, Mont., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 155 square miles.]

Month.

May... .....................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

193

409 

430 

286 

117 

88 

128 

149 

134

430

Minimum.

90 

100 

200 

122 

88 

71 

90 

103

71

Mean.

o90 

o90 

all6 

239 

287 

193 

95.8 

80.2 

111 

126 

a 114 

«85

136

Per

square 

mile.

0.581 

.581 

.748 

1.54 

1.85 

1.25 

.618 

.517 

.716 

.813 

.735 

.548

.875

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.67 

.60 

.86 

1.72 

2.13 

1.40 

.71 

.60 

.80 

.94 

.82 

.63

11.88

Total in 

acre-feet.

5,530 

5,000 

7,130 

14,200 

17,600 

11,500 

5,890 

4,930 

6,600 

7,750 

6,780 

5,230

98,100

Accuracy.

C.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

o Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 12 and Nov. 27 to Dec. 31 because of ice. 

NOTE. The means for January, February, and December are only approximate.

DUPUYER CREEK AT DUPUYER, MONT.

Dupuyer Creek is tributary to. Birch Creek.

This station, which was established April 15, 1908, is Located at the 

highway bridge in the town of Dupuyer, Mont.

The original staff gage was nailed to the cribbing under the east 

end of the highway bridge. The gage was washed out July 28, 1909, 

and was replaced September 20, 1909, gage readings being reduced 

to the original datum.

In the spring of 1909 a breakwater was constructed on the left 

(west) bank which deflected the water to the opposite side. A new 

gage was installed April 25, 1910, at the same location and to the 

original datum, but owing to the changes in the channel the 1910 

gage record is not directly comparable with that for earlier years.

High-water discharge measurements are made from the downstream side of the highway bridge. Low-water measurements are 

made by wading. Frequent measurements are necessary to insure 

good results at this station as conditions at the channel are unfavorable. Ice affects the results during the winter months.

Discharge measurements of Dupuyer Creek, at Dupuyer, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 25

Sept. 16

Hydrographer.

M. E.McChristie........ ..................................

W. A. Lamb..............................................

M. E.McChristie..........................................

.....do.....................................................

C. S. Heidel...............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

16

18

16

11

20

18

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

15

19

12

3.6

13

11

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.04

1.15

.79

.50

.85

1.67

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

26

40

12

1.8

14

23

"Ice.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 89

Daily gage height, in feet, of Dupuyer Creek at Dupuyer, Mont., for 1910. 

[John Pfeiffer, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12........................... 13............:.....-.-......

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

115

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

May.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

June.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.0

.9

.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

7^

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

July.

.75

7C

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Aug.

O K

.5

,5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Sept.

O K

.5

.5

7K

7K

.75

7K

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

7K

.85

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

i.i 1.1

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

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

1.1

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.

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

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Dec.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

I

K

1.5

1.5 1 *;

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1 P»

1.5

1.5 1 *;

1.5

1.5

1.5 i *;

NOTE. Discharge affected by ice after Nov. 19.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Dupuyer Creek at Dupuyer, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

21....................................

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

23....................................

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

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

97

30

01

Apr.

33

33

33

24

24

24

May.

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

33

33

33

33

33

33

38

38

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

24

24

June.

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

33

33

24

24

33

33

24

17

12

9.8

9.8

9.8

9-8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

July.

9.8

9.8

9.8

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

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

Aug.

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

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

1.8

Sept.

1.8

1.8

1.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

14

33

33

33

33

33

33

50

50

50

33

33

33

33

33

Oct.

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

Nov.

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve fairly well defined below 45 second-feet. 

97746° WSP 288 11 7
90 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1910, PAKT VI.

Monthly discharge of Dupuyer Creek at Dupuyer, Mont., for 1910.

Month..

July...............................................

August ............................................

September. ........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

38 

33 

9.8 

1.8 

50 

33 

33

Minimum.

24 

9 8 

1.8 

1 8 

1.8 

33 

23

Mean.

o!8 

o20 

«25 

o28.4 

29-7 

18.4 

2.57 

1.8 

21 7 

'33.0 

«31.5 «20

20.8

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,110 

1,110 

1,540 

1,690 

1,830 

1,100 

158 

111 

1,290 

2,030 

1,870 

1,230

15,100

Accu 

racy.

A. 

A. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

C.

o Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Apr. 24 and Nov. 20 to Dec. 31. 

NOTE. The means for January, February, March, April, and December are only approximate.

TETON RIVER NEAR STRABANE, 1 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 emptymg-into the 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. In 1910 

the post office was moved from Belleview to Strabane, Mont.

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 the station, 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 J>ench 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

»This station was tnown as "Teton River near Belleview, Mont.," in earlier years.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 91

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 readings.

A standard chain gage on the left bank is used at this new lojsation. 

Measurements in flood are made from the cable about ofie-fourth 

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 Strabane, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 18

Sept. 14 c

Hydrographer.

W A. Lamb..............................................

W. A. Lamb..............................................

C. S. Heidel. .............................:................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

34

28

61

38

20

35

Area of 

section.

*.*w

63

79

30

32

30

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.08

5.57

4.80

4.04

4.02

3.97

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

131

205

57

62

54

a Made by wading below cable.- c Made by wading at cable.

6 Made by wading at ford. <* Made by wading below cable; discharge aflected by ice.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Teton River near Strabane, Mont., for 1910. 

[B. H. Peebles, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...............

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

23...............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

4.5

4.5

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.7

4.8

4.9

4.8

4.75

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.65

4.6

4.7

4.6

4.6

4. C5

4.5

4.5

4.45

4.5

4.4

Feb.

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.5

4.55

4.7

4.6

4 6

4.5

4.6

4.45

4.4

4.5

4.4

4.35

4.4

4.4

4.35

4.3

4.4

4.25

4.2

4.4

4.3

4.35

4.5

4.4

4.4

Mar.

4.4

4.5

4. 05

4.0

4.7

4.8

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.65

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.65

4.6

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.9

4.8

Apr.

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.9

4.7

4.75

4.95

4.9

5.05

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.25

5.45

5.35

5.35

5.5

5.45

5.65

5.85

6.0

6.1

6.1

6.1

May.

6.1

6.3

6.15

6.25

6.15

5.75

5.7

5.75

5.8

5.9

5.7

5.75

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.5

5.4

5.5

5.65

5.5

5.55

5.4

5.4

5.6

5.5

5.45

5.4

5.35

5.4

5.3

June.

5.4

5.45

5.3

5.4

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.3

5.25

5.45

5.45

5.4

5.2

5.2

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.95

4.8

4.85

4.65

4.7

4.55

4.6

4.4

4.4

4.35

4.5

4.4

4.5

July.

4.3

4.4

4.3

4.5

4.35

4.35

4.2

4.3

4.15

4.4

4.3

4.4

4.2

4.3

4.1

4.2

4.0

4.2

4.15

4.4

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.1

4.0

4.15

4.1

4.3

4.2

Aug.

4.15

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.0

3.95

3.75

3.95

3.9

4.15

4.0

4.2

4.0

4.05

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.1

3.9

4.05

3.8

3.85

3.7

3.8

3.75

3.9

3.8

4.0

3.9

4.1

Sept.

4.1

4.2

4.0

4.1

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.45

4.15

4.2

3.95

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.75

3.85

3.8

4.05

3.9

4.1

4.1

4.25

4.3

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.1

Oct.

3.95

4.05

4.1

4.15

4.2

4.25

4.3

4.35

4.25

4.4

4.35

4.25

4.2

4.15

4.1

4.05

4.1

4.05

4.15

4.15

4.15

4.3

4.25

4.3

4.2

4.15

4.25

4.1

Nov.

3.95

4.0

4.1

4.05

4.1

4.15

4.2

4.25

4.25

4.3

4.25

4.25

4.4

4.35

4.4

4.3

4.35

4.3

4.25

4.25

4.15

4.15

4.15

4.05

4 1

4.05

4.0

4 1

Dec.

4.05

4 05

41

3.95

4.0

3.95

S Q

3 9

3.9

4.0

3 95

3.95

4.0

4.05

4.1

4,05

4.05

4 1

4.05

3.95

3

QC

4 0

4.1

4. 05

4 05

s Q<;

3.9

3.85
92 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Teton River near Strabane, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8......---.----.

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IS...............

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

20.......--.-.-..

21...............

22.--.-..--......

93

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

qi

Jan.

85

85

118

100

100

136

117

117

117

133

117

132

150

130

120

129

110

110

110

126

98

88

105

88

88

96

73

73

67

73

60

Feb.

72

72

86

70

77

100

83

83

69

83

62

57

68

57

52

56

56

51

48

55

44

42

55

47

51

64

53

53

Mar.

52

57

62

66

71

102

62

63

64

67

57

58

66

62

63

67

68

78

93

70

71

71

72

72

103

75

7K

105

89

Apr.

65

65

72

65

64

63

70

77

85

102

103

104

107

98

125

170

131

131

170

220

200

207

248

238

280

352

397

405

425

450

May.

446

490

500

508

440

375

363

370

390

392

395

405

350

325

318

317

320

327

355

408

370

388

352

355

416

388

374

360

346

360

333

June.

360

374

333

360

306

306

280

333

374

374

360

306

306

254

254

229

242

205

217

170

181

148

158

117

117

108

137

117

137

July.

99

117

99

137

108

108

82

99

74

117

99

117

82

99

67

82

55

82

74

117

82

82

67

67

55

67

55

74

67

99

82

Aug.

74

82

67

67

55

50

36

50

46

74

55

82

55

61

55

55

55

67

46

61

38

42

33

38

36

46

38

55

46

67

67

Sept.

67

82

55

67

82

82

82

99

99

127

74

82

50

55

55

46

36

42

38

61

46

67

67

90

99

82

67

67

55

67

Oct.

50

61

67

74

82

90

99

108

90

117

108

90

82

74

67

61

61

67

61

74

74

74

99

90

99

82

74

90

74

67

61

Nov.

50

55

67

61

67

74

82

90

90

99

90

90

117

108

117

99

108

99

90

90

74

74

74

61

67

61

61

55

55

67

Dec.

61

61

67

50

55

50

46

46

46

55

50

50

55

61

67

61

61

67

61

55

50

50

55

55

67

61

61

. 61

50

46

42

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to May 24, indirect 

method for shifting channels used; May 25 to Dec. 31, fairly well defined between 50 and 450 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Teton River near Strabane, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

150 

100 

105 

450 

508 

374 

137 

82 

127 

117 

117 

67

508

Minimum.

CO 

42 

52 

63 

317 

108 

55 

33 

36 

50 

50 

42

33

Mean.

105 

63. 

71. 176 ' 

382 

249 

87.5 

54.8 

69.6 

79.6 

79.7 

55.6

123

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

6,460 

3, 500 

4,400 

10, 500 

23, 500 

14, 800 

5,380 

3,370 

4,140 

4,890 

4,740 

3,420

89,100

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

JUDITH RIVER BASIN. 

JUDITH RIVER NEAR LEWISTOWN, MONT.

Judith River rises in the southern part of Fergus County, Mont., 

and flows northward about 70 miles to its junction with Missouri 

River. Near its source it receives a number of small tributaries 

which rise in the Little Belt and Snowy mountains.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 93

A portion of the drainage area near the headwaters is included in 

the Snowy Mountains and Little Belt national forests. The central 

portion of the drainage area contains large areas of excellent farming 

land.

Water is diverted from the main stream and its tributaries for 

irrigation. The lower portion of the drainage area is hilly and 

broken.

A gaging station was established September 9, 1910, near Lewistown, Mont., just below the mouth of Warm Spring Creek, a stream 

entering Judith River from the east about 30 miles from its mouth. 

The station was established to obtain data for power and irrigation 

projects in that vicinity.

The gage is an ordinary staff fastened to a post driven in the left 

bank of the stream. Measurements are made by wading. Gage 

datum has remained constant. The warm water discharged by 

Warm Spring Creek causes the section at the gage to remain open 

throughout the year.

The following discharge measurement was made by Raymond 

Richards:

September 9, 1910: Width, 87 feet; area, 121 square feet;- gage height, 1.28 feet; 

discharge, 344 second-feet.

Daily gage height, infect, of Judith River near Lewistown^ Mont., for 1911. 

[John S. Shields, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

6......................................:...............................

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

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

9

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

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

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

13....................------.-----...-.......-.-.....------.--.-----....

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

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

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

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

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

19

20........---.-............--.--..--...........-.-- ....................

21.......... .....I............... .......................................

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

23......................................................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sept.

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

i q

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3 i }

i }

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

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

i 9

1.2

i 9

1.2

1 9

i o

1 Q

Nov.

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

I Q

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 0

1.3

1.3

I Q

I Q

Dec.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 i

1.3

1 3

1 ?

1 ?

1.3 1 <*

1 ?

1.3

1 3

i >

i >

1 3

1 3

i >

1.3

1 ?

1.3

1 0

1.3

1.3
94 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

MUSSELSHELL RIVER 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 

South Fork has its source in several small streams draining the northward slopes of Crazy Mountains, about 20 miles southwest of Martinsdale, 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 abruptly 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 Act will utilize a small 

but excellent reservoir 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 19J 

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.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 95

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.

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. The gage at this station during 

1909 has not been in the best condition and the records obtained are 

not as reliable as could be wished.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of Musselshell River near Delpine, Mont., in

1910.

Date.

Apr. 7

Oct. 14 a

Hydrographer.

C.S.Heidel... ..:.........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

11

10

7

8

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

8.7

5

3.3

3.3

&,

Feet. 

1.80

1.40

1.42

1.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

18

5

6.4

5.0

« Made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Musselshell River near Delpine, Mont., for

1910.

[Thos. Harbor, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

2.10

2.23

3.30

3.50

3.05

3.10

2.70

2.45

2.25

2.15

Apr.

1.80

1.80

1.81

1.82

1:90

1.87

1.85

1.90

1.90

1 90

1.88

1.90

1.90

1.85

1.80

1.90

1.90

1.70

1.73

1.75

May.

1.85

1 80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.80

2

fiC

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1 90

1.85

1 QC

1.83

1.83

June.

1 60

1 60

1.60

1.58

1 60

1 60

1.65

2.00

1.80

1.65

1.65

1.58

1.58

1 CO

1.58

1 ^ft

1 *i7

1.55

1 P»3

1.50

July.

1.45

1.42

1.42

1 43

1 45

1.45

1.45

1 45

1.43

1.42

1 49

1.40

1.40

1.40

1 4n

1 40

1 40

Aug.

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.43

1 43

1.40

1.40

1.45

1 43

1 43

1.42

1.42

1.42

1 42

1 49

1.42

1 49

1 JO

1 49

1.42

Sept.

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1 40

1 49

1.42

1.42

1.43

1 45

1 45

1.43

1 43

1.43

1 45

1.45

Oct.

1 40

Nov.

1

CA

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

Dec.

1.70

1.75

1.70
96 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Musselshell River near Delpine, Mont., for

1910 Continued.

Day.

21...................

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

23...................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

2 on

2 45

2.05

2 00

1 95

i o<;

1 on

1.85

1 80

1.80

1 7^

Apr.

i sn

1 sn

1.80

1.80

1.80

i sn

1.75

1.80

1.83

1.85

May.

I sn

i sn

1 75

1.70

1.75

i on

1.88

1.80

1.7S

1.75

1.70

June,

1 V\

] 55

1.50

1.45

1.45

1 45

1.42

1 42

1.42

1.45

July.

1.38

1.38

1.38

1.38

1.40

1.45

1.45

Aug.

1.42

1.42

1.42

1.42

 1.42

1.42

1.42

1.42

1.40

1.40

1.40

Sept.

1.45

1.43

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

Oct. Nov.

1.50

1.55

1.60

1.60

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

Dec.

NOTE. Ice probable Jan. 1 to about Mar. 9 and Nov. 22 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Musselshell River near Delpine, Mont.

for 1910.

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.

35

44

156

178

128

134

90

65

112

46

38

50

65

32

28

25

25

23

20

18

18

16

Apr.

18

18

18

19

23

21

20

23

23

23

22

23

23

20

18

23

23

14

15

16

18

18

18

18

18

18

16

18

19

20

May.

20

18

18

18

18

* 16

16

16

18

31

20

20

20

20

20

23

20

20

19

19

18

18

16

14

16

23

22

18

16

16.

14

June.

10

10

10

10

JO

10

12

28

18

12

12

10

10

10

10

10

9.5

8.9

8.3

7.5

7.5

8.9

7.5

6.6

6.6

6.6

5 7

5.7

5.7

6.6

July.

6.6

5.7

5.7

5.9

6.1

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.1

5.7

5.7

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.0

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

5.2

6.6

6.6

Aug.

6 6

6.6

6.6

6.1

6.1

5.2

5.2

6.6

6.1

6.1

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

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.2

5.2

5.2

Sept.

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.7

5.7

5.7

6.1

6.6

6.6

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.1

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

Oct.

5.2

Nov.

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

Dec.

7.5

NOTE. These discharges are based on a poorly defined rating curve. Discharges interpolated for days 

on which gage was not read.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 97 

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Musselshell River near Delpine, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

February. ........................................

March .....................

April...................... . . .

June ................................ ............

July................................. ............

December .........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

178 

23 

31 

28 

6.6 

6.6 

6.6

Minimum.

14 

14 

5.7 

4.8 

5.2 

5.2

Mean.

a 10 

a 10 

a 49 

19.5 

18.7 

, 9.79 

5. 56 

5.79 

6.01 

66.05 

67.5 

a 7.5

13.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

615 

555 

3,010 

1,160 

1,150 

583 

342 

356 

358 

372 

446 

461

9,410

Accuracy.

C. 

C.

C.

c. 

c.

c.

D. 

D.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 9 and Nov. 22 to Dec. 31 becaus? of ice. 

6 Discharges Oct. 1 to 13,15 to 31, Nov. 1 to 9 interpolated.

NOTE. The means for January, February, and December are only approximate. 

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 half a 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 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 1910.

Date.

May 19

July 14

Aug. 25

Oct. 13

Hydro grapher.

C.S.HKldel. .............................................

... .Ao.. .................................................. -

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

31

28

. 10

6

10

Area of 

section.

Sq. ft.

28

25

3.9

1.6

6

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.80

3.50

2.92

2.94

3.24

Discharge.

Sec'.-ft. 

96

46

2.9

1.7

16

NOTE. Measurements during 1910 made by wading about 200 feet downstream from the gage.
98 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont.^

for 1910. 

[Martin J. Settle, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18. .......... .-s ......

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

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

21...................

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

23.. .................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

5.66

5.46

5.26

5.06

4.96

5.06

5.06

4.66

4.26

3.96

3.96

4.06

4.06

4.06

4.26

4.16

4.16

3.96

3.86

3.86

3.76

3.76

3.66

3.66

3.71

Apr.

3 71

3.76

3.76

3.56

3.66

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.85

3.9

3.9

4.0

4.0

3.95

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.7

3.15

^ Q

3.8

May.

3.8

^ 7H

3.7

3.7

3.75

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.75

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.35

^ Q

3.55

3.2

June.

3.15

3.15

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.15

s 1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

2.9

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.9

2.85

9 85

2.95

July.

2.85

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.2

3.0

2.95

2.9

2.9

3.0

2.9

3.0

o 9

2.9

3.0

2.9

2.85

2.85

2.9

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.85

2.95

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.8

Aug.

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.75

2.75

2.85

2.8

2

O

2.8

2.9

2.S

2.8

2.95

2.85

2.85

2.95

2.8

2.85

2.85

2.95

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.85

2.9

3.05

2.85

2.85

2 9

3.05

2.9

Sept.

2.95

3.1

2.95

2.9

3.0

2.95

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.2

3.2

3.25

3.15

3.15

3.25

3.1

3.2

3 9

3.15

3.25

3.2

3.35

3.25

3.2

3.4

3

0

3.35

3.25

3

O

3.3

Oct.

3.2

3.3

3.2

3.25

3.35

3.25

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.2

3.3

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.2

3.2

3

0

3.3

3.25

3

0

3.25

3.6

Nov.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.65

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.55

3.6

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.5

3 A

3.4

3.6

^ n

Dec.

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.3

NOTE. Gage heights probably affected by ice, Jan. 1 to about Mar. 6 and Nov. 17 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale,

Mont., for 1910.

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.

410

376

335

297

280

297

297

228

160

113

113

128

128

128

160

144

144

113

98

98

84

84

71

71

77

Apr.

77

84

84

58

71

90

90

90

97

104

104

119

119

112

97

97

97

97

90

90

90

90

83

83

83

83

76

83

104

90

May.

90

83

76

76

83

76

70

63

63

83

90

76

76

70

70

70

70

57

51

51

51

51

46

40

51

51

40

35

30

57

20

June.

16

16

9.5

9.5 9.-5

9.5

9.5

40

30

30

16

16

12

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

12 

2.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

2.5

1.8

1.8

4.5

July.

1.8

2.5

2.5

2.5

20

6.5

4.5

2.5

2.5

6.5

2.5

6.5

2.5

2.5

6.5

2.5

1.8

1.8

2.5

6.5

2.5

2.5

1.8

1.8

4.5

1.8

1.0

1.0

1.0

2.5

1.0

Aug.

1.0

1.0

2.5

.5

.5

1.8

1.0

1.0

1.0

2.5

1.0

1.0

4.5

1.8

1.8

4.5

1.0

1.8

1.8

4.5

1,0

1.0

2.5

1.8

1.0

K n

.5

.5

1.0

5.0

1.0

Sept.

2

7

2

1

3

2

13

13

10

13

13

17

10

10

17

7

11

13

10

17

13

26

17

13

30

21

26

17

1 ^

21

Oct.

13

21

13

17

26

17

21

13

13

21

13

21

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

13

13

21

21

17

91

17

52

Nov.

52

52

52

30

41

41

58

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to Aug. 24 fairly well 

denned; Aug. 25 to Dec. 31 not well defined.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 99

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

April. . ...........................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

410 

119 

90 

40 

20 

5 

30 

52 

58 

25

Minimum.

20 

58 

20 

1.8 

1.0 

0.5 

1.0 

13 

30 

20

Mean.

a 25 

a 20 

a!74 

91 

61.8 

10.5 

. 3.51 

1.83 

13.0 

18.4 

o33.9 

a22.3

39.6

Run-ofl 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,540 

1,110 

10,700 

5,420 

3,800 

625 

216 

113 

774 

1,130 

2,020 

1,370

28,800

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

C.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 6 and Nov. 16 to Dec. 31, because of ice. 

NOTE. The means for January, February, and December are only approximate.

MUSSELSHELL EIVER 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 foot greater than the bench mark. The datum of the 

bench mark was raised 0.52 foot. All gage heights for 1909 were 

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 1910.

Date.

Apr. 6

May 20

July 15o

Aug. 26 o

Oct. 12o

Hydrographer.

C. S. Heidel ...............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

57

62

25

6

32

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

67

83

17

1.1

35

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.31

].53

.60

.33

.78

Discharge.

Sfc.-ft. 

211

262

16

.8

67

o Measurements made by wading 100 feet below bridge.
100 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Musselshell River at Harlowton, Mont., for 1910. 

[W. G. Yamamota, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

4. .. r. ..............

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.

2.0

1.8

1.75

1.55

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.9

2.0

1.9

1.65

1.6

' 1.5

1.5

1.4

1.35

1.3

Apr.

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1 tt

1.65

1.7

1 7^

1.7

1.65

1.6

1 ^

1.55

1.55

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

2.1

2.1

May.

1.85

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.8

1 9

1 9

1.8

. 1.8

1.9

2.15

2.1

2.0

1.95

1.85

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.35

1.55

1.65

1 i\z

1.55

1.4

1.3

June.

1.25

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.0

1.85

1.5

1.3 -

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

9

9

.8

.8

.8

.8

.75

.7

.7

.65

.6

July.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

1.1

*7C

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.5

.5

.5

.5

«5

.5

45

.4

.4

Aug.

.35

.3

.2

.2

.1

.1

.15

.2

.2

.2

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

Sept.

0

0

.3

.35

.35

.35

.4

.5

.5

.5

.55

.6

.7

.7

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

Oct.

0.8'

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.75

7K

.75

.75

7^

.75

.75

.75

.75

7K

.75

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.8

Nov.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.85

.85

.85

.85

.8

.8

.85

.85

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.95

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.0

.9

Dec.

n Q

.9

.9

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.65

NOTE. No observations until March 6. Discharge during January and February was probably 

affected by ice.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Musselshell River at Harlowton, Mont., for 1910. 

[W. G. Yamamota, observer.]

Day.

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...................

30...........'........

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

Mar.

100

100

100

550

430

402

297

272

322

375

348

460

430

348

430

402

402

490

550

490

348

322

272

272

997

187

Apr.

169

151

1 AQ

151

1 Q7

227

9Q7

297

348

q7K

402

97;:

348

297

297

375

375

375

375

375

430

520

615

615

May.

460 o7c

q7c

qoo

430

430

430

490

648

615

550

eon

460

375

322

322

272

272

227

207

187

207

297

227

187

June.

169

151

119

105

91

91

4fin

187

i in

105

91

91

91

91

Q1

Q1

Q1

67

67

4fi

46

4fi

4fi

38

22

16

July.

16

16

16

16

119

67

OQ

16

16

16

16

16

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

4.5

2

2

2

2

2

2

Aug.

2

1.2

0

0

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

Sept.

0 4

.4

1.5

2

C

4. S

7

11

15

15

15

21

27

44

44

44

44 '44

44

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

Oct.

66

66

fifi

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

fiA

55

KK

55

55

KK

CK

55

55

55

55

KK

44

44

44

14

66

Nov.

66

fifi

66

66fifi

66

gg

66

66

66

79

 79

79

79

66

66

79

79

92

92

92

92

92

92

107

122

156

156

122

92

Dec.

no

no

no

66

66

44

44

44

44

44

55

55

55

55

55

55

44

44

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve fairly well defined. Discharges Mar. 1 to 5 and 

Dec. 25 to 31 estimated.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 101 

Monthly discharge oj 1 tusselshell River at Harlowton, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

May................................

July................................

November. .........................

December. .........................

The year. ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

550 

615 

615 

460 

119 

2 

66 

66 

156 

92

615

Minimum.

151 

187 

16 

2 

0 

.4 

44 

66

Mean.

o45 

«45 

325 

322 

375 

103 

15.7 

.37 

35.9 

57.8 

85.8 

49.6

122

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

2,770 

2,500 

20,000 

19,200 

23,100 

6.130 

965 

23 

2,140 

3,550 

5,110 

3,050

88,500

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B.

a Estimated.

CHECKEEBOA

Checkerboard Creek, 

the Little Belt Mountains 

proposed to carry the w iter 

the reservoir located on

The gaging station, which 

of Checkerboard Creek 

and 8 miles from Delpir 

to determine the amoun

The gage is a staff n 

bank. All measuremen 

As the station is located 

station was established 1

;D CEEEK NEAE DELPINE, MONT.

a, small stream with no tributaries, rises in

The creek is about 12 miles long. It is 

from this creek over a small divide into 

the North Fork of Musselshell Kiver.

is located 2^ miles above the junction 

i\dth Musselshell, 21 miles from Martinsdale 

i post office, was established May 26, 1909, 

of water available for irrigation, 

iled to a foot log and located near the right 

s are made from this foot log or by wading, 

at a high altitude, ice is common. Since the 

fie gage datum has remained unchanged.

Discharge measurements oj Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont., in 1910.

DateApr. 6 

July 14 

Aug. 25 

Oct. 14

Hyd

C. S. Heidel.. ............

.....do....................

.....do....................

ographer. Width.

Feet. 

14 

32 

11 

12

Area of 

section.

s?i;6

4.6 

3.4 

3.6

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.57 

.42 

.42 

.41

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

10 

5.6 

4.0 

3.3

NOTE. Measurements made by wi 

Daily gage height, in feet,

ding.

/ Checkerboard Creels near Delpine, Mont., for 1910. 

[Thos. Harbor, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

g

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

Mar. Apr.

0.53

.53

.53

.53

.53

.57

.52

.62

.57

.62

May.

0.72

.70

.67

.67

.62

.67

.62

.62

.67

.72

June.

0.52

.52

.52

.52

.52

.52

.50

.57

.52

.52

July.

0.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

Aug.

0.44

.44

.43

.43

.43

.43

.43

.43

.43

Sept.

0.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

Nov.

.40

Dec.

0.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42
102 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,. 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont., for 1910 Contd.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

1C...........................

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

!&.. .........................

19

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

°9

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

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

Mar.

0.56

.58

.63

.63

.63

.63

.63

.68

.63

.68

.63

.53

CQ

.58

.55

<w

.58

.53

.53

KQ

12

Apr.

0.62

.72

.72

.67

.70

.67

.67

.67

.67

72

.67

.72

.72

.70

.70

.72

.72

.72

.72

.72

May.

0.67

.67

.67

.62

.62

.64

.62

.57

60

.60

.57

.57

.52

.57

.57

.57

.57t?i

CO

.52

June.

0.52

.52

CO

.52

.52

.52

.47

.47

.45

45

.45

.45

.45

.44

.44

.44

.44

.43

.42

July.

0.42

.42

.42

.42

49

.42

.42

.44

.44

.44

.44

.44

.44

.44

Aug.

0.43

.43

.43

.43

.43

.43

.43

.42

49

.42

.42

.42

.42

- .42

.42

.42

.42

.42

Sept.

0.42

.42

49

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.40

.42

.42

' .37

Nov.

0.40

.40

.40

40

.40

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

.42

Dec.

0.42

.42

42

.42

.42

.42

.42

NOTE. Gage heights probably affected by ice during January, February, and first part of March. Observer absent Sept. 29 to Nov. 9.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

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

9

2

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

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

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

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

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

Q

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

00

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

OK

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

97

90

9Q

on

31

Mar.

9.3

9.8

13

13

13

13

13

15

13

15

13

8.4

8.4

Q 8

9.5

9 6

9 8

8.4

8 4

8.4

Q A

Apr.

8.4

8.4

8 A

ft 4

8.4

9 6

8.2

12

9 6

12

12

17

17

15

16

15

15

15

15

17

15

17

17

16

16

17

17

17

17

17

May.

17

16

15

15

12

15

12

12

IS

17

15

15

15

12

12

13'

12

10

9.6

11

11

9.6

9.6 8 9

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

9 6

8.2

8.2

June.

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

9.6

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

6.8

6.8

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

S.9

5.9

S.9 5.9

5.6

5.4

5.3

July.

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3 5.'6

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.6

5.5

5.S

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.5

5.S

5.5

5.S

S.5

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.2

Aug.

5.2

5.2

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

Sept.

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

3.3

4.1

4.1

2.7

2.7

2.7

Nov.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

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

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Mar. 11 to July 18, well 

defined; July 19 to Aug. 25, indirect method for shifting channels used; Aug. 26 to Dec. 31, poorly defined. 

Discharges interpolated on days on which gage was not read.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 103 

Monthly discharge of Checkerboard Creek near Delpine, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

January......... ... .

April.................................

July..................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

17 

17 

9.6 

5.6 

5.2 

4.1

Minimum.

8 9 

. A

8.2 

5.3 

5.2 

4.0 

2.7

Mean.

«4.5 

«5.0 

«9.90 

13.8 

12.0 

7.22 

' 5.37 

4.45 

3.93 

«3.3 

«3.65 

«4.06

6.43

Run-off

(total in 

acre-feet).

277 

278 

609 

821 

738 

430 

330 

274 

234 

203 

217 

250

4,660

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C.

c.

"Discharge estimated Jaa.

NOTE. The means for 

October and Nov. 1 to 9 was constant.

. 1 to Mar. 10 and Oct. 1 to Nov. 9 and Dec. 19 to 31. 

January and February are only approximate. The discharge of the creek during

SOUTH FORK OF MUSSELSHELL RIVEE NEAR MARTINSDALE, MONT.

This station, which W1S

the amount of water available 

near the ranch of Martin 

upstream about 1^ miles, 

Sheep Co., and near the 

tinsdale.

established June 19, 1907, to determine 

for irrigation, was originally located 

J. Settle. On April 28, 1908, it was moved 

near the blacksmith shop of the Martinsdale 

public highway, 1J miles northeast of MarThe South Fork has no

tak(

wat

T\

whi<

nail

be i

T

Ice

ope]

Disci

Dati

Apr.

July

Oct., '

water from the cree

3r is diverted.

Tien the new statioi

;h

3d

has remained ui

to a tree on the ri^

aade by wading near

le bed of the stream :

'orms during the win

i season are good.

arge measurements of Sout

fi

4

4

25

3c

-

Hydr

.....do. ....................

C.S.Heidel.. ...... .......

.....do.....................

.....do.....................

ft Stream dry. 6 D

important tributaries. Many small ditches

k, and during the irrigating season all the

i was established a

ichanged. The gag<

new datum was

3 is an ordinary

used,

staff

ht bank of the stream. Measurements may

the gage or from a bridge 150 feet below.

s chiefly gravel and is clean and nonshif ting.

ter season, but records obtained during the

h Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont., in

1910.

agrapher. Width.

Feet.

44

47

38

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

61

78

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.48

2.88

.70 i <;<;

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

113

165

aO

6.2

97

scharge estimated. c Made by wading at gage.
104 SUKFACE. WATEK SUPPLY, 1910, PAKT VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of Mussetihell River near Martinsdale, Mont.,

for 1910.

[J. G. Wallace, 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 9

3 9

3.8

3.8

3.8

3 7

3.7

3.7

3.75

3.2

3 OK

2.9

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.45

2.3

2.2

2

0

Apr.

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.3

2.45

2.45

2.6

2.7

3.0

3.1

3.25

3.25

3.5

3.0

2.9

2.85

^ 1

3.3

3.25

3 OK

3.25

3.3

3.4

3.6

3.8

4.5

4.3

May.

4.0

3.7

3.4

3 3

3.25

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.6

4.2

4.0

3.75

3.6

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.2

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.5

3.0

2.9

2.9

2

0

2.8

2.6

June.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.5

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.5

2.5

2.0

2. a

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.45

1.45

1.2

1.2

1.1

.9

July.

0.9

.9

.9

1.0

1.5

1.35

1.2

.8

.8

.8

.8

.75

.75

.75

.7

.7

.75

.8

.8

.8

.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.7

.7

.7

.7

Aug.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.65

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

Sept.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

1.2

1.25

1.25

1-25

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.65

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

Oct.

1.55

1.55

1.55

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

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

Nov.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

" 1.6

1.55

1.55

1.7

1.7

1.7

NOTE. Probably some ice during January and February, and during December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of Musselshell River near Martinsdale,

Mont., for 1910.

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...........................

O1

Mar.

363

363

337

337 007

O10

312

312

094

214

222

168

1 98

116

104

110

92

81

92

Apr.

81

92

92

92

98

92

110

110

128

141

183

198

222

222

268

183

161

161

198

231

222

222

222

231

249

289

337

545

478

May.

390

312

249

231

222

249

249

249

268

289

447

390

324

289

249

249

214" 249

168

161

154

154

128

128

116

183

168

168

154

154

128

June.

116

116

116

92

81

71

71

81

116

92

92

81

81

71

71

71

71

116

116

62

62

30

30

30

22

22

11

11

8

3

July.

3

3

3

5

24

17

11

2

2

2

2

1.2

1.2

1.2

.5

.5

1.2

2

2

2 

2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

.5

.5

.5

.5

Aug.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.2

.2

.2

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Sept.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

11

13

13

13

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

24

27

30

30

34

34

24

24

30

30

30

27

Oct.

27

27

27

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

27

27

27

27

27

Nov.

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

27

27

30

30

30

30

30

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

30

30

30

27

27

37

37

37

NOTE. These discharges are based on a fairly well defined rating curve, 

second-feet, the 1909 rating was used.

For discharges above 275
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 105 

Monthly discharge of South Forkl of Musselshell River near Martinsdale, Mont., for 1910.

Januar 

Februs 

March 

April. 

May

Month.

y. ..............................

,rv

...... .........................

June ,1----- .- - . - _-..--_

luly.

Augusl 

Septen 

Octobe 

Noverr 

Decem

T

i::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Iber

fr. ..........................................

Kpl*

ber.................. ...........[----.-.---

r

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

545 

447 

116 

24 

.5 

30 

27 

37

Minimum.

81 

116 

3 

.5 

.2 

.5 

24 

24

Mean.

a 20 

a 25 

o251 

201 

228 

67.1 

3.13 

.47 

16.8 

24.8 

27.3 

a 20

73.7

Run-off 

(totai in 

acre- feet).

1,230 

1,390 

15,400 

12,000 

14,000 

3,990 

192 

29 

1,000 

1,530 

1,620 

1,230

53,600

Accuracy.

C. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 12 and Dec. 1 to 31. 

NOT?. The means for January, February, and December are only approximate.

AMERICAN FORK NEAR HARLOWTON, MONT.

American Fork rises in the Crazy Mountains and flows northeastward to its junction with ijhe 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 n(} 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 ajffords 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 rejmained constant. In flood, measurements 

may be made from this brjidge.

Refcords 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 River near Harlowton, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 5 

May 20

July 15

Aug. 26

Oct. 12

NOTE.

Hydr

....fdo..... ...................

C.S. Heidel. .................

do

>grapher.

.............................

.............................

.....do. ....................... i. ------- -. . _ _

Width.

Feet.

7.0

6

Area of

section.

Sg..ft.

e!o

1.4

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.29

1 V)

1 in

Discharge.

Sq.ft.

U.2

1.7

a Stream dry.

-Gage height of zero flow, 1.05 f^et.

37746° WSP 286 11 

-8
106 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910. PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of American Fork near Harlowton, Mont., for 1910. 

[Mrs. Neva Clark, observer.]

Day.

I....

2.... 

3....

4.... 

5...-

6....

7....

8....

9....

10.... 

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

Apr.

......

......

1.3 

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

May.

1.95

1.95 

1.85

1.8 

1.85

1.9

1.95

2.1

2.1

2.25 

2.45

2.35

2.25

2.1

1.95

June.

1.2

1.2 

1.2

1.2 

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.45

1.35

1.25 

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

July.

0.55

.55

.45

.45 

.45

.4

.4

.35

.3

.15 

.2

.2

Sept.

......

......

......

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

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

1.2

1.2

Day.

16....

17.... 

18....

19..-. 

20. ...

21....

22....

23....

24. ...

25..-. 

26....

27....

28....

29....

30.... 

31....

Apr.

1.25

1.25 

1.25

1.25 

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.65

1.9

May.

1.95

1.85 

1.7

1.55 

1.5

1.45

1.35

1.25

1.25

1.2 

1.25

1.25

1.3

1.35

1.25 

1.25

June.

1.2

1.15 

1.15

1.1 

1.0

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

.85 

.95

.8

.75

.6

.5

July.

......

......

......

Sept.

------

1.2

1.35

1.25

1.3

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

1.25 

1.25

Nov.

1.25

1.2 

1.2

1.2 

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

NOTE. There was probably some ice during January and February and December. Observations 

did not begin until Apr. 10. Stream dry June 19 to Sept. 25. Water probably standing in pools June 19 

to July 12, and change in gage height due to evaporation.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of American Fork near Harlowton, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1.. ........

9

3..........

4.........=

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

1 0

15..........

Apr.

4

4

4

4

3

May.

48

48

38

34

38

42

48

64

64

82

109

95

82

64

48

June.

2

2

2

2

1

1

0

10

5.8

2

2

2

1

Sept.

,

Oct.

2

2

2

2

9

2

9

2

2

2

Nov.

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

2

2

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21 ..........

22

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29.....-..-.

30..........

31..........

Apr.

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

22

42

May.

48

38

26

16

12

10

5.8

3

3

2

3

3

4

5.8

3

3

June.

2

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sept.

2

5.8

3

4

2

Oct.

2

2

<>

2

2

9

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

3

3

Nov.

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

Monthly discharge of American Fork near Harlowton, Mont., for 1910.

Month. 

May...............................................

July..............................................

November. ........................... . . ...

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum .

109 

10

5.8 

 3 

3

Minimum.

2 

0

0 

2 

2

Mean.

a 1.5 

a 2.0 

o6.0 

5.13 

35.1 

1.39 

0 

0 

.56 

2.07 

2.47 

a 1.5

4.81

Run-ofl 

(total in 

acre-feet).

92 

111 

369 

305 

2,160 

83 

0 

0 

33 

127 

147 

92

3,520

Accuracy.

C. 

C.

D.

C. 

C.

o Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Apr. 9 and Nov. 28 to Dec. 31. Stream dry.

NOTE. Stream dry June 19 to Sept. 25. The means for January, February, March, and December are

only approximate.
Le >o Creek rises at an elevation of 5,600 feet, flows northeastward,

and

form

MISSOURI RIVER BASIN.

LEBO CREEK NEAR HARLOWTON, MONT.

107

snters American Fork half a mile below the gaging station.

It is about 20 miles long, is fed by springs, and its flow is nearly uniIts 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 

strea^n bed.

Discharge measurements ofLebo Creek near Harlowton, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

May 20

Aug. 26

Oct. 12

Hydrographer.

.....do...................................................:

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

13

14

8

10

10

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

6

7.9

3.1

5.5

5.8

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.03

1.24

.63

.88

.98

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

19

,2.7

8.8

10.3

a Meter not working well.

.Daily gage height, in feet, of Lebo Creek near Harlowton, Mont., for 1910. 

[Mrs. Neva Clark, observer.]

Day.

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

2

3;::::: :::::?:::::::::::::::::::::::

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

5 -.-- - - ... --. -

6.......

7.......

8.......

9.......

10

11.. ....\.. ...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20...... j........ .....................

21........................... ......

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

23....................................

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

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

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

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

31.......

NOTE.-

did not 1

Apr.

1.03

1.00

1.05 

1.10 

1.05 

1.05 

1.00

1.05 

1.05 

.95 

.90 

.95

.80 

.80 

.85 

.75 

.80

.95 

.90 

.90 

1.05 

1.15

May.

1.05 

1.00 

1.05 

1.10 

1.35

1.35 

1.30 

1.10 

1.10 

1.20

1.35 

1.20 

1.25 

1.25 

1.45

1.50 

1.25 

1.25 

1.25 

1.25

1:1

1.25 

1.30 

1.25

1.25 

1.20 

1.05 

1.05 

1.05 

1.25

June.

0.90 

.90 

.90 

.85 

' .90

.90 

.85 

1.45 

1.30 

1.05

.85 

.90 

1.30 

.95 

.95

.85 

1.08 

.98 

.93

.88

.88 

.83

.78 

.78 

.78

.73 

.73 

.68 

.58 

.58

July.

0.73 

.73 

.68 

.68 

.73

.78 

.78 

.78 

.73 

.73

.73 

.68 

.68 

.63 

.58

.6h 

.53 

.53 

.53

.48

.48 

. .48 

.43 

.43 

.43

.48 

.53

.58 

.58 

.58 

.58

Aug.

0.68 

.68 

.73 

.73 

.63

.63 

.63 

.68 

.68 

.68

.68 

.73 

.73 

.73 

.73

.73 

.73 

.73 

.73 

.73

.73 

.73 

.73 

.83

.88

.88 

.88 

.88 

.88 

.93 

.93

Sept.

0.93 

.98 

.98 

.98 

.93

.98 

1.03 

1.23 

1.13 

1.33

1.33 

1.33 

1.43 

1.33 

1.33

1.43 

1.-23 

1.23 

1.23 

1.23

1.28 

1.28 

1.28 

1.28 

1.28

1.23 

1.23 

1.13 

1.13 

1.03

Oct.

0 98 

98 

98 

98

98 

98 

98 

98 

98

98 

98 

98 

98 

98

98 

98 

98 

98 

98

98 

98 

98 

98 

93

98 

1 03 

98 

98 

98 

98

Nov.

0.98 

.98 

[98 

.98 

.98

.98 

.98 

.98 

.98 

1.03

1.03 

1.03 

1.03 

1.03 

1.08

1.08 

1.13 

1.13 

1.13 

1.13

1.23 

1.23 

1.28 

1.33 

1.43

1.53 

1.53

-There was probably some ice during January and February and after Nov. 20. Observations 

egin until Apr. 10.
108 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, ofLebo Creek near Harlowton, Mont., for 1910.

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.

12

12

13

15

13

13

12

13

13

10

8.8

10

6.3

6.3

5.2

6.3

10

8.8

8.8

13

16

May.

13

12

13

15

- 23

23

21

15

15

18

23

18

20

20

27

29

20

20

20

20

21

20

20

21

20

20

13

13

13

20

June.

8.8

8.8

8.8

7.5

8.8

8.8

7.5

27

21

13 .

7.5

8.8

21

10

10

7.5

14

11

9.6

8.3

8.3

7.0

5.9

5.9

5.9

4.8

4.8

3.7

1.9

1.9

July.

4.8

4.8

3.7

3.7

4.8

5.9

5.9

5.9

4.8

4.8

4.8

3.7

3.7

2.8

1.9

3.7

1.2

1.2

1.2

.7

.7

.7

.4

.4

.4

.7

1.2

1 9

1.9

1.9

1.9

Aug.

3.7

3.7

4.8

4.8

2.8

2

0

2.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

 18

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

7.0

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.3

9.6

9.6

Sept.

9.6

11

11

11

9.6

11

12

19

16

22

22

22

26

22

22

26

19

19

19

19

21

21

21

21

21

19

19

16

16

12

Oct.

ol2

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

9.6

11

12

11

11

11

11

Nov.

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

12

12

12

12

12

14

14

16

16

16

16

a Estimated. 

NOTE. These discharges are based on a fairly well defined rating curve.

Monthly discharge of Lebo Creels near Harlowton, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

29 

27 

5.9 

9.6 

26 

12

Minimum.

12 

1.9 

.4 

2.8 

9.6 

9.6

Mean.

a 12 

a 12 

a 13 

11 

18.8 

9.26 

2.78 

5.34 

17.8 

11 

12.2 

a 10

11.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

738 

666 

799 

655 

1,160 

551 

171 

328 

1,060 

676 

726 

615

8,140

Accuracy.

A.

A. 

B. 

C. 

B, 

B. 

B. 

B.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Apr. 9; and Nov. 21 to Dec. 31. 

NOTE. Means for January, February, March, and December only approximate.
MISSOURI RJVEK BASIN. 109

MILK RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

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 Rocky 

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 200 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 icebound from the last part of November to the first of April.

i Beginning July 1,1909, the Canadian Government maintained stations in the Milk River basin in the 

Province of Alberta. The data are published in the report of progress of stream measurements for 1509, 

issued by the department of the interior, Dominion of Canada.
110 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 stoie 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, 

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 ^as 

found to be 15.4 feet. The flood width was 850 feet and the flood 

cross section a,bout 2,600 square feet.

On July 31, 1908, 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 measurements of South Fork of Milk River near Browning, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 21

Sept. 16

Hydrographer.

M. E . McChristie ..........................................

Width.

Feet. 

73

18

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

88

13.5

height.

Feet. 

3.35

2.48

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

143

17.5
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. Ill

Daily t/age height in feej^of South Fork of Milk River near Browning, Mont., for 1910.

[R. J. Croff, 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.

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.00

2.90

3.00

3.28

3.42

3.48

3.52

3.60

3.55

3.55

3.48

3.25

3.20

3.18

3.28

3.30

3.40

*3.38

3.28

3.18

3.20

3.32

3.35

3.35

3.30

3.28

3.18

May.

3.15

3.12

3.05

3.00

3.05

2.98

2.98

3.08

3.15

3.20

3.38

3.35

3.25

3.18

3.35

3.30

3.65

3.55

3.40

3.65

3.50

3.30

3.18

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.08

3.00

3.00

3.03

2.95

June.

2.92

2.92

2.90

2.95

2.97

2.88

2.88

3.50

3.80

3.30

3.10

3.02

2.92

2.85

2 85

2.80

2.82

2.78

2.72

2.75

2.70

2.70

2.75

2.80

2.83

2.70

2.62

2.60

2.58

2.57

July.

2.50

2.55

2.50

2.55

2.55

2.50

2.55

2.55

2.52

2.55

2.50

2.55

2.50

2.45

2.50

2.40

2.35

2.30

2.30

2.35

2.30

2.35

2.28

2.25

2.30

2.25

2.30

2.22

2.25

2.30

2.25

Aug.

2.25

2.25

2.20

2.20

2.30

2.28

2.35

2.30

2.32

2.35

2.25

2.30

2.25

2.25

2.30

2.30

2.40

2.35

2.30

2.30

2.25

2.30

2.25

2.30

2.40

2.35

2.35

2.30

2.35

2.40

2.35

Sept.

2.50

2.55

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.70

2.68

2.75

2.68

2.65

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.45

2.42

2.55

2.60

2.65

2.62

2.75

2.75

2.70

2.68

2.60

Oct.

2.60

2.60

2.65

2.65

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.60

2.65

2.65

2.60

2.55

2.58

2.55

2.60

2.60

2.52

2.58

2.70

2.70

2.60

Nov.

2.58

2.55

2.55

2.58

2.45

2.60

2.58

2.55

2.58

2.50

2.65

2.65

2.55

2.50

2.50

2.52

2.55

2.68

2.55

2.58

2.65

2.40

2.65

2.80

2.55

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

 NOTE. Ice probably existed during Januaay, February, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of Milk River near Browning, Mont., for

1910.

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

Apr.

94

94

94

79

65

" 79

126

154

108

177

195

184

184

108

120

111

108

126

130

150

148

126

108

111

134

140

140

130

126

108

....

May.

102

97

86

79

86

76

76

91

102

111

146

140

120

108

140

130

206

184

150

208

172

130

108

94

94

94

91

79

79

84

72

June.

68

68

65

72

75

62

62

172

246

130

94

82

68

58

58

52

55

50

44

47

42

42

47

52

56

42

34

32

30

29

July.

23

28

23

28

28

23

28

28

25

28

23

28

23

20

23

16

13

10

10

13

10

13

9.6

9

10

9

10

8.4

9

10

9

Aug.

9

9

8

8

10

9.6

13

10

11

13

9

10

9

9

10

10

16

13

10

10

9

10

9

10

16

13

13

10

13

16

13

Sept.

23

28

32

32

42

42

40

47

40

37

42

32

32

28

28

28

23

23

23

20

17

28

32

37

34

47

47

42

40

32

Oct.

32

32

37

37

32

32

32

32

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

32

37

37

32

28

30

28

32

32

25

30

42

42

32

Nov.

30

28

28

30

20

32

30

28

30

23

37

37

28

23

93

25

28

40

28

30

37

16

37

52

28

23

23

23

23

23

NOTE. These discharges are based on a well-defined rating curve.
112 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of South Fork of Milk River near Browning, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

May...............................................

July...............................................

August. ............................................

September ........................................

November.................... ..... .. ..... ....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

195 

208 

246 

28 

16 

47 

42 

52

Minimum.

65 

72 

29 

8.4 

8 

17 

28 

16

Mean.

o25 

o25 

o65 

 129 

114 

67.8 

17.7 

10.9 

33.3 

31.5 

28.4 

«25

47.7

Run-off, 

(total in 

acre-feet);

1,546 

1,390 

4,000 

7,680 

7,010 

4,030 

1,090 

670 

1,980 

1,940 

1,690 

1,540

34,600

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

o Discharge estimated January, February, March, and December, and the means are therefore only 

approximate.

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 above 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.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 113

From the last part of November to the first part of April the river at 

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 1910.

Date.

Mar. 30

Apr. 30

May 7

June 20

July 18

Hydrographer.

M. E . McChristie ..........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

122

114

124

87

21

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

169

124

123

72

6.8

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.25

5.73

5.70

5.29

4.48

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

333

180

170

72

5.2

Daily gage height, infect, of Milk River at Havre, Mont., for 1910. 

[U. S. Weather Bureau, 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.

8.2

8.5

8.9

8.9

8.7

8.4

8.0

7.9

7.4

7.7

7.9

7.5

7.4

7-9

7.6

8.4

8.1

7-6

7.3

7.4

7.2

. 7.1

6.9

7.8

6.8

6.7

6.8

6.8

6.6

fi 4.

Apr.

6.1

6.1

6.0

6.0

5.9

5.9

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.6

t; fi

5.5

5.5

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.9

5.9

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.7

6.2

6.2

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.7

May.

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.7

' 5.7

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.7

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.9

5.9

5.9

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.7

June.

5.7

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.7

5.7

5.5

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0,

July.

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.9

4 Q

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

Sept.

-

4.6

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.9

4.8

4.9

. 4.8

4.8

4.7

Oct.

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.8

4.8

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

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

A Q

Nov.

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

5.1

5.1

5,0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

NOTE. Ice Jan. 1 to Mar. 1 and after Nov. 25. Biverxlry from July 28 to Sept. 14.
114 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Milk River at Havre, Mont., for 1910.

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....................................

9fi

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

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

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

3d

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

Mar.

1,400

1,600

1,860

1,860

1,720

1,530

1,280

1,220

920

1,100

1,220

980

920

1,040

1,530

1,340

1,040

860

920

 800

740

630

1,160

575

COK

575

C7K

480

QQC

Apr.

283

283

249

249

217

217

188

188

188

188

138

117

117

161

161

161

217

217

188

188

188

161

161

319

319

188

188

161

161

May.

161

161

161

161

161

161

161

138

138

138

161

161

138

138

138

138

138

161

188

188

188

188

188

161

217

917

217

188

188

161

161

June.

161

138

138

138

138

138

138

117

117

117

117

117

98

98

98

81

161

161

117

98

81

81

81

81

65

51

38

38

38

38

July.

38

27

27

27

27

27

38

38

 27

27

27

27

27

27

18

11

7

6

6

4

2

2

2

2

2

1

1

0

Sept.

7

7

11

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

27.

18

27

18

18

11

Oct.

11

11

11

11

11

11

7

11

11

11

18

18

18

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

Nov.

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

51

51

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

NOTE. These discharges are based on a well-defined rating curve below 400 second-feet. Above this 

the curve is an extension. Stream dry July 28 to Sept. 14. Discharge interpolated Nov. 18 to 22.

Monthly discharge of Milk River at Havre, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

January...........................................

April ..............................................

June ..............................................

July...............................................

December. ........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Ma'mum.

1,860 

319 

217 

161 

38 

0 

27 

27 

51

Minimum.

396 

117 

138 

38 

0 

0 

0 

7 

27

Mean.

a 40 

« 50 

1,060 

197 

167 

103 

15.3 

0 

9.0 

20.8 

a 34. 2 <J25

143

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

2,460 

2,780 

65, 200 

11,700 

10,300 

6,130 

940 

0 

536 

1,280 

2,040 

1,540

105, 000

Accuracy.

C. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B.

C. 

B.

B.

« Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 1 and Nov. 26 to Dec. 31. 

NOTE. Stream dry July 28 to Sept. 14.

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.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 115

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 Kiver 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 foot rail 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. The 

channel is sandy and shifts during floods.

Discharge "measurements of Milk River at Malta, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Mar. 29

May 12o

17«

21a

24a

July So

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb.... ..........................................

M. E. McChristie .. . .......................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feel. 

122

40

32

34

34

26

6

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

297

41

20

25

24

38 "

1.2

&,

Feet. 

3.65

1.32

1.10

1.22

1.23

1.18

.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1.050

54

39

52

50

47

.9

« Made lay wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Milk River at Malta, Mont., for 1910. 

[R. H. Thomas, observer.]

Day.

1.......

2.......

3.......

4.......

5.......

6.......

7.......

8.......

10.......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

Apr.

2.65

2.65

2.45

2.05

2.05

2.25

2.45

2.35

1.95

1.65

1.45

1.55

1.65

1.55

May.

1.1

1.0

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

June.

1.6

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.1

1.0

1.0

.9

.8

.8

.7

.7

July.

 0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.55

.5

.5

.5

.45

Dec.

0.2

.2

.2

.2

.3

.5

.6

.6

.5

.5

.5

.5

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22.......

23.......

24.......

25. ......

26. ......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

31.......

Apr.

1.45

1.45

1.35

1.25

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

May.

1.2

1.3

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.6

June.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

July.

0.4

.4

.4

.4

.35

.3

.3

.35

.3

.25

.25

.2

.2

.15

.1

.05

Dec.

0.5

.5

NOTE. Ice probably existed to greater or less extent during January, February, and December.
116 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Milk River at Malta, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1. ......

2.......

3.......

4.......

5.......

6.......

7. ......

8.......

9....... 10....:..

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

Apr.

472

472.

382

231

231

301

382

340

200

126

88

106

126

106

May.

40

29

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

June.

116

80

80

80

65

65

65

40

29

29

21

14

14

8

8

July.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2.5

1

1

1

0.5

Dec.

1

4

4

1

1

1

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22.......

23.......

24 ......

25.. ....

26.......

27.......

28

29.......

30. .....

31.......

Apr.

88

88

72

58

34

34

34

58

58

58

58

65

65

52

40

May.

52

65

40

40

52

65

52

40

52

52

52

65

65

80

80

116

June.

4

4

4

4

4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

July.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

- 0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Dec.

1

1

NOTE. These discharges are based on a well-defined rating curve. Above 52 second-feet it is the same 

as the 1909 curve. Stream dry July 16 to Dec. 8.

Monthly discharge of Milk River at Malta, Mont., for 1910.

Month. '

April............ ............... ................

July........................... ..................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

570 

116 

11& 

2.5

Minimum.

34 

29 

1 

0

Mean.

« 50 

a 55 

al,700 

166 

50 2 

24 8 

.52 

0 

0 

0 

0 

5

171

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,070 

3,050 

105,000 

9,880 

3,090 

1,480 

32 

0 

0 

0 

0 

31

126,000

Accuracy.

A. 

B. 

B. 

C.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Apr. 1 and Dec. 1 to 31.

NOTE. The means for January, February, March, and December are only approximate. Stream dry 

July 16 to Dec. 8.

MILK RIVER AT HINSDALE, MONT.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge over Milk 

River about 1 mile from 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 flow of the stream
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN.

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. Channel is gravel and nonshifting.

Discharge measurements of Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Mar. 28

Apr. 28

May 18

28

July 8

25

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

136

64

65

63

18

Area of 

section.

Sq.-ft. 

1,290

151

131

130

7.7

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.57

2.08

1.71

1 68

.89

.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.830

158

86

81

9

"3.5

o Discharge estimated.

Daily gage height, in feel, of Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont., for 1910. 

[Goldie Wooldridge, 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.

G.6

5.6

4.75

Apr.

4.6

4.3

4.3

4

7C

4.3

A. I*?

3.7

3.55

3.4

3.1

4.1

3.6

3.1

3.0

2.7

2.4

4.3

3.2

2.3

2.3

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.9

1 Q^

2.1

1.7

May.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.65

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.5

1.7

1 45

1 45

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.4 '

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

June.

1.7

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.5

July.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.55

.55

.55

.5

.55

.45

Aug.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

45

.5

45

.45

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.45

.45

2.15

2.25

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.4

1 Vi

1.3

1.1

.9

.9

.8

.85

.8

.8

71

Sept.

1.4

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

.8

.7

.75

.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6'

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.55

.55

.5

Oct.

0.5

.5

.5

45

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.55

.6

.6

.6

.55

.5

.5

.5

.55

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

.6

.6

.6

' .6

.6

.6

.6

.65

Nov.

0.65

.65

.6

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

NOTE. Ice probably existed during January and February and after Nov. 12. There was a slight 

freeze Oct. 28. Gage heights Oct. 28 to Nov. 12'are probably slightly affected.
118 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

i^,. ..........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21...........................

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

23...........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31...........................

Mar.

2 QKn

2

OEfl

2,100

Apr.

i 1 on

1 490

1^180

1,090

830

750

eqe

1,060

77K

256

eor\

222

222

222

192

166

143

143

112

166

1AO

86

May.

103

103

Ino

103

103

103

103

103

86

70

70

78

56

56

50

56

86

50

50

44

34

34

56

44

86

86

86

June.

86

103

86

86

lrio

86

103 in1?

86

70

56

56

56

56

56

70

56

56

44

34

26

19

19

19

13

13

56

July.

13

13

1 Q

iq

10

IQ

1Q

13

13

g

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

3.6

3.6

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.3

2.0

.6

Aug.

1.3

1.3

1 3

1 0

.6

1 0

.6

0

0

0

.6

.6

179

in*}

44

44

39

34

19

9

9

6.5

6.5

6.5

5.5

Sept.

44

26

19

19

6.5

4.5

5.5

4.5

4.5

3.6

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

9 8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.0

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

2.0

2.0

1.3

Oct.

1.3

1.3

1 °.

.6

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

2.0

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.0 i *i

1.3

1.3

2.0

2.8

2.8

2.0

2.0

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

3.6

Nov.

3.6

3.6

2.8

3.6

3.6

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

NOTE. These discharges are based on a well-defined curve, the 1909 rating table being used above 295 

second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Milk River at Hinsdale, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,380 

103 

103 

13 

207 

44 

3.6 

3.6

Minimum.

86 

34 

13 

.6 

0 

1.3 

.6

Mean.

«55 

a 60 

«2, 500 

581 

73.8 

63.1 

fi.97 

25.8 

6.48 

2.07 

a 2. 76 

a 3.0

281

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,380 

3,330 

154, 000 

34, 600 

4,540 

3,750 

429 

1,590 

386 

127 

164 

184

207,000

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

a, Discharge estimated by comparison with other Milk River stations Jan. 1 to Mar. 27 and Nov. 13 to 

Dec. 31.

NOTE. The means for January, February, March, and December are only approximate.

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.
MISSOURI RTVEE BASIN. 119

No storage is used on this stream. Three canals, which divert an 

aggregate of about 20 second-feet, take out above the station. Several small pumping plants, which supply water for irrigating the 

bottom land along tlie river valley, also operate above the station. 

Below the station th^ Matheson and Cook canals divert water for 

irrigating land in Mils River valley near the mouth of North Fork. 

The aggregate appropriation of these canals is 78 second-feet.

The results at this station maybe considered reliable, as a fair rating 

curve has been obtaiiied. 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 wadmg or at the cable near the gage.

The greater part ti»f the run-off occurs during floods caused by 

heavy rains in the spring and early summer. The stream often goes 

dry in the fall. Chajinel sandy and shifting.

Discharge measurements o\f North Fork of Milk River near Chinook, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

13<»

I

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

lydrographer.

L....................................

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Width.

Feet. 

44

36

16

16

6

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

72

OQ

24

94

1.1

Gage 

height.

Feet.

.63

48

43

.05

Discharge.

Sec.-Jt.

T97

OE

14

11

.4

a Made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, dnd discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Milk River near

Chinook, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

 

1

2. .............................. L ....

3..... .................... ...... r ....

4

5..-.--.-.-..-----.-.....-...-.-.-...

6......... .....................L...

7...-.............-.............L....

9......... .........................

10................... . ..............

11... ...................... .....4....

12... ............................L....

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....... .................. ......L....

17....... ........................[....

1 o

19....................................

20.... ..................... ......L....

Mar.

Gage 

height.

2.07 

2.35 

2.12 

2.04

2.04 

3.32 

4.37 

4.47 

3.72

4.07 

3.62 

3.09 

2.41 

2.27

Discharge.

209 

275 

221 

203

203 

570 

954 

991 

713

843 

677 

491 

291 

256

Apr.

Gage 

height.

1.34

1.28 

1.32 

1.28 

1.23

1.18 

1.12 

1.20 

1.27 

1.14

1.30 

1.22 

1.21 

1.18 

1.10

1.02 

1.00 

.98 

.94 

.92

Discharge.

87 

79 

84 

79 

74

69 

63 

71

79 

65

82 

73 

72 

69 

61

53 

51

49 

46 

44

May.

Gage 

height.

0.76 

.68 

.64 

.61 

.55

.52 

.50 

.48 

.46 

.43

.44 

.44 

.44 

.42 

.44

.52 

.52 

.50 

.47 

.46

Discharge.

31

26 

23 

22 

18

17 

16 

15 

14 

12

13 

13 

13 

12 

13

17 

17 

16 

14 

14

June.

Gage 

height.

0.30

.27

.22

.17

.12

.07

.02

Discharge.-

7.0 

6.7 

6.4 

6.1 

5.6

5.1

4.6 

4.2 

3.8 

3.4

3.0 

2.7 

2.4 

2.0 

1.7

1.4 

1.1 

.8 

.6 

.4
120 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1910,. PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge in second-feet, of North Fork of Milk River near 

Chinook, Mont., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

21....................................

99

23....................................

24....................................

OC

26....................................

97

28....................................

29....................................

30....................................

31....................................

Mar.

Gage 

height.

2.64 

2.54 

2.37 

2.27

2.22

2.04 

1.87 

1.78 

1.64 

1.52 

1.40

Discharge.

352 

325 

280 

256 

244

203 

168 

151 

127 

110 

94

Apr.

Gage 

height.

0.92 

.90 

.89 

.92 

.90

.86 

.81 

.80 

.80 

.78

Discharge.

44 

42 

41 

44 

42

39 

35 

34 

34 

40

May.

Gage 

height.

0.43 

.43 

.50 

.48 

.46

.43 

.41

.38 

.33 

.32 

.32

Discharge.

12 

12 

16 

15 

14

12 

12 

10 

8.2 

7.8 

7.8

June.

Gage 

height.

Discharge.

NOTE. There was probably ice during January and February. These discharges are based on the 1910 

rating curve up to 194 second-feet, which is well denned. Above 194 second-feet 1909 rating is used. Discharges interpolated in June for days having no gage record. Stream-dry June 21 to Dec. 31.

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Milk River near Chinook, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

February. .........................................

April..............................................

July...............................................

September.... . ....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

991 

87 

31 

7

Minimum.

34

7.8 

0

Mean.

a 10. 012 

0332 

68.2 

14.9 

2.3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

37.5

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

614 

666 

20,400 

3,460 

916 

137 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

26,200

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 6.

NOTE. The stream was dry from June 21 to the end of the year. The means for January and February 

are only approximate.

BEAVER CREEK NEAR SACO; MONT.1

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, 

3 miles south of Ashfield, Mont., and near Saco, 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.

1 This station was called "Beaver Creek near Ashfield, Mont.," in earlier reports.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 121

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 Ashfield, 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.

The following estimate of discharge was made by W. A. Lamb:

April 27, 1910: Gage height, 0.35 foot; discharge, 1.0 second-foot.

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Beaver Creek near Saco, Mont.,

for 1910.

(Mrs. W. P. Craig, 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........ ..................................

M

height.

3.75

3.65

3.5

3.35

3.3

2.85

2.65

2.25

2.15

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.35

ar.

Discharge.

130

124

116

108

106

86

78

62

58

48

48

48

44

41

38

35

34

34

34

A

Gage 

height.

1.35

1.35

1 35

1.25

1.25

1.65

2.1

2.15

1.95

1.25

1.0

.55

.35

.05

.05

.05

0

-.35

-.4

-.4

pr.

Discharge.

34

34

34

30

30

42

56

58

52

30

23

13

9

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

.8

.5

.5

Mi

Gage 

height.

-0.4

- .4

- .5

. _ £

- .5

- .5

iyDischarge.

0.5

.5

.5

0

0

0

0

NOTE. There probably was ice during January and February. The stream began to flow Mar. 5, but 

no gage heights were kept until Mar. 13. The stream was dry from May 4 to the end of the year with 

the exception of Aug. 13 to 16, when a little flow occurred. Gage heights for these days were: Aug. 13, 

1.0 foot; Aug. 14, 0.7 foot; Aug. 15, 0.4 foot; Aug. 16, 0.15 foot. The discharges were obtained from a 

well-defined rating curve. Discharges interpolated Apr. 17 to 21 and 23 to 27. Discharge Aug. 13, 23 

second-feet; Aug. 14,16 second-feet; Aug. 15,10 second-feet; Aug. 16, 5 second-feet.

97746° WSP 286 11 9
122 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Beaver Creek near Saco, Mont., for 1910.

Month.-

April ..............................................

July...............................................

August. ...........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum,

34 

.5 

0 

0 

23

Minimum. 1 Mean.

, 0 

.5 

0 

0 

0 

0

olVO 

15.1 

.05 

0 

0 

1.74

Run-off

(total in 

acre-feet).

10,500 

898 

3 

0 

0 

107

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

D.

D.

a Mar. 1-12 estimated on basis of high-water marks noted by the observer. 

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 

TurmelFs ranch, 14 miles from Malta, Mont.

The flow of this channel must be added to that at the '. leaver Creek 

station to get the total flow from the drainage area. Water flows 

into this channel only when Beaver Creek is high; the remainder of 

the season water is standing in pools, and fluctuations in water level 

are due wholly to local rains and evaporation.

The datum of the staff gage has remained unchanged. Flood

measurements are made at a bridge half a mile below the

water measurements are made near the gage by wading. 

The following observation was made by W. A. Lamb

April 27, 1910: Gage height, 3.12 feet; discharge, 0 second-feet (stream dry).

Daily gage height, in feet, of Beaver Creek overflow near Bowdoin, Mcnt.,for 1910.

[John Tunnell, observer.]

gage. LowDay.

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.

6.45

6.05

5.55

5.05

4.55

4.15

3.85

3.75

3.75

3.65

^ tt

3.45

3.35

3.25

'3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.15

Apr.

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.05

3.05

4.55

4.35

4.15

4.05

3.95

3.85

3.75

3.65

3.55

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.15

3.15

3.2

3.2

3.1

^ i

May.

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2 7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2 6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2 4

2.4

2.4

2.3

9 3

2.3

9 3

2.3

June.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2 2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

9 n

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1 Q

1.9

1.8

Julj

1

1

1

1

1

]

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1.

1

1.

1

1

1.

1

1

1

1.

1

7

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

c

C

5

c

4

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

?,

Aug.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.75

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2 7

2.7

2 7

3.0

3.0

3.0

Sept.

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2 4

2.4

2 4

2.4

2.4

NOTE. This stream began to flow about Mar. 5. No gage heights were kept during the period Mar. 5 

to 12. There was no flow af*er Mar. 20, excepting Apr. 7 to 12, as the water was standing in pools. 

Fluctuation of water surface due to local rains and evaporation.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 123 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Beaver Creek overflow near Bowdoin, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1.. ............

2..............

3..............

4..............

5. .............

6. .............

7.. ............

8..............

9..............

10. .............

Mar. Apr.

0

0

0

0

0

0

10

6.1

9 Q

1.6

Day.

11..............

12..............

13......-..--...

14..............

15..............

16..............

17.... ..........

is

19

20. .............

Mar.

140

100

60

tn

10

2.9

.1

0

Apr.

0.6

.1

0

Day.

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31

Mar.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Apr.

NOTE. These discharges are based on a fairly well defined rating curve.

Monthly discharge of Beaver Creek overflow near Bowdoin, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

March. ..................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

10

Minimum.

0 

0

Mean.

75.6 

.70

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

4,650 

42

NOTE Mar. 5-12 estimated on basis of high water marks and statements made by observer. There 

was practically no flow during balance of year. These estimates are approximate. Total acre-feet for 

year, 4,692.

PORCUPINE CREEK 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, extending but a short distance back from the narrow valley 

formed by the stream. Forests, except for willows and cottonwoods 

along the banks of the stream, are lacking.

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.
124 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of Porcupine Creek at Nashua, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Mar. 27

May 9

Hydrographer.

M. E. McChristie. ................................ ........

Width.

Feet. 

39

14

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

258

5.3

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

10.15

2.1

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

490

6.8

Daily gage height, in feet, of Porcupine Creek at Nashua, Mont., for 1910. 

[Rosella Dunean, observer.]

Day.

2.......

4. ......

6..:....

7.......

8.......

10. ......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

T;

Mar.

*

8.9

9

f\

Apr.

5.0

4.2

4 }

5.0

7.0

7.0

6.8

6.5

5.8

5.7

5.2

4.8

4 3

3

0

3 A

May.

2.2

2.1

9 1

2.1

. 2.0

9 -n

9 n

9 n

2.0

9 n

2.0

2.0

1.9

1 Q

1 9

June.

1 ^

1 9

1 9

1,2

1 9

1 7

1.5

1.7

1 9

9 n

2.0

9 n

2.0

9 9

9 9

July.

1 9

1 Q

1 9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1,7

1.7

1.6

1.5

Day.

16. ......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22.......

23.......

24. ......

25 ......

26. ......

27.......

28.......

30.......

31.......

Mar.

9.3

9.4

9

C

9.5

8.7

7.7

7-7

8.7

11.0

9.4

9 2

10.2

9.0

7.0

Apr.

3.2

3.2

3 9

3.1

3.0

3

n

9 Q

2.8

2.8

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.3

9 3

2.2

May.

2.0

2.0

2

(\

1 9

1 9

1.8

1.8

1 8

1.7

1.7

1.0

1.6

1.6

1.4

1.3

June.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2 9

9 9

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

1 Q

1.9

July.

1.4

1 ^

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.8

.4

NOTE. Water was standing in pools from about July 12 to 28. Stream dry July 29. Ice probably 

existed during January and February.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Porcupine Creek at Nashua, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

I.......

2.......

5.......

6.......

7. ......

8.......

g

10. ......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

Mar.

387

Apr.

116

80

84

116

9.4Y1

240

205

161

155

126

106

84

58

May.

10

7

7

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

2.8

2.8

2.8

June.

0

0

0

0

0

0

2.8

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

10

10

July.

2.8

2.8

2.8

.6

.6

.6

.6

.1

.1

.1

.1

0

0

0

0

Day.

16. .......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20. ......

21.......

22. ......

23. ......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

0-1

Mar.

425

435

445

445

371

292

292

371

610

435

415

531

520

498

396

292

Apr.

40

40

40

37

34

34

31

28

28

22

16

16

13

13

10

May.

4.2

4.2

4.2

2.8

2.8

2.8

.6

.6

.6

.1

.1

0

0

0

0

0

June.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

7

4.2

4.2

2.8

2.8

July.

. 0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

NOTE. These discharges are based on a fairly well-defined rating curve. Water standing in pools July 

12 to 28, no flow; dry July 29.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 

Monthly discharge of Porcupine Creek at Nashua, Mont., for 1910.

125

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July.................. ............................

The year..... ................. ... .......

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

610 

240 

10 

10

2.8

Minimum.

0 

10 

0 

0 

0

Mean.

o296 

82.1 

31.0 

5.36 

.36

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

18,200 

4,890 

1,910 

319 

22

25,300

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

« Discharge estimated Mar. 1 to 12. 

NOTE. There was little or no flow the rest of the year, water standing in pools or creek dry.

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 near Hinsdale, in Valley County, these canals are located in 

Chouteau County and are used to irrigate lands in the vicinity o'f 

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.

COOK CANAL NEAR CHINOOK, MONT.

This station, which was established April 10, 1905, is located about 

one-half mile above a small wooden highway bridge on the road 

running parallel to the Great Northern Railway, about 3 miles east of 

Chinook.

Discharge measurements are made from the highway bridge.
126 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of Cook canal near Chinook, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

May 6a

16

20

25

Hydrographer.

M. E. McChristie. . ........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

13

13

14

16

14

8

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

34

27

27

34

27

13

height.

Feet. 

3.11

2.60

2.45

2.57

2.54

1.95

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

21

13

9.7

15

9.7

3.5

« Made from south side of footbridge.

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Cook canal near Chinook,

Mont., for 1910.

[Berto Snedecar, 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.

Gage 

height.

Discharge.

21

21 

21 

21 

21 

21

21 

21 

21 

21 

21

21 

21 

21 

21 

21

May.

Gage 

height.

2.95 

2.9

2.8 

2.7

2.6 

2.5 

2.4 

2.3 

2.3

2.35 

2.3 

2.3 

2.3 

2.35

2.5 

2.5 

2.6 

2.6 

2.6

2.5 

2.45 

2.4 

2.4

2.5

2.45 

2.4 

2.3 

2.25 

2.15 

2.1

Discharge.

18.5 

18.5 

17.7 

16.1 

14.6

13.0 

11.3 

9.6

7.8 

7.8

8.4 

7.8 

7.8 

7.8 

8.4

9.8 

9.8 

15.4 

15.4 

15.4

9.8 

9.0 

8.2 

8.2 

9.7

8.7 

8.1 

7.0 

6.5 

5.4 

4.9

June.

Gage 

height.

2.05 

2.0 

1.95 

1.95 

1.5

1.45 

1.3 

1.3 

1.2 

1.15

1.1 

1.05 

1.0

Discharge.

4.4 

4.0 

3.5 

3.5

.7

.5 

.2 

.2

NOTE. Canal not running Jan. 1 to Apr. 14, nor June 9 to Dec. 31. The discharges were obtained by 

the indirect method for shifting channels. Discharges April 15 to May 1 were estimated from known 

condition of canal regulation.

Monthly discharge of Cook canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

Apr. 15-30. ...............................................

May......................................................

June 1-8. .................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

21

18.5 

4.4

Minimum.

21 

4.9

.2

Mean.

o21 

10.5 

2.12

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

666 

646 

34

a Estimated.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 

MATHESON CANAL NEAR CHINOOK, MONT.

127

This station, which was established April 10, 1905, is located at a 

footbridge 200 feet below the head gate near the main road, 3^ mileg 

east of Chinook.

'Discharge measurements of Matheson canal near Chinook, Mont., in 19101

Date.

Apr. 29

May 6

16

20

25

Hydrographer.

M. E. MeChristie. .........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

9

7.5

5

2.5

4

Area of 

section.

*.?. q

5.3

4.8

2.4

4.1

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.18

2.00

1.90

1.84

1.88

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.3

2.5

1.9

1.0

1.2

NOTE . All measurements were made from footbridge.

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Matheson canal near Chinook,

Mont., for 1910.

[Mrs. Winnie Sisson, 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.

Gage 

height.

......................................... ..........

Discharge.

3 

3 

3

3

4 

4 

4 

4

4 

5 

5 

5 

5

May.

Gage 

height.

2.25 

2.00 

1.9 

1.9 

1.9

2.0 

1.9 

1.8

2.0 

2.0

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0

1.9 

1.9 

1.9 

1.9 

1.8

1.8 

1.8 

1.8 

1.8 

1.9

1.9 

1.8 

1.8 

1.8 

1.8 

1.8

Discharge.

5.2 

2.5 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

2.5 

1.6 

.9 

2.5 

2.5

2.5 

2.5 

2.5 

2.5 

2.5

1.6 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

.9

.9 

.9 

.9 

.9 

1.6

1.6

.9 

.9 

.9 

.9 

.9

June.

Gage 

height.

1.75 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

2.3

2.3 

2.3 

2.3 

2.0

2.0

2.0 

2.0 

1.9 

1.85 

1.7

1.7 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

1.3 

1.3

Discharge.

0.7 

.5 

.5 

.5 

5.8

5.8 

5.8 

5.8 

2.5 

2.5

2.5 

2.5 

1.6 

1.2 

.5

.5

NOTE. Canal not running Jan. l to Apr. 17 nor June 17 to Dec. 31. Water standing in canal June 17 to 

22. Discharges based on a fairly well defined rating curve. Discharges Apr. 18 to 30 were estimated from 

known conditions of regulation.
128 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Matheson canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

Apr. 18-30...... ..................................... ...

May....................................................

June 1-16.............. ........................... .. ....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

5.0 

5.2 

5.8

Minimum.

3.0 

.9 

.5

Mean.

«4.0 

1.73

2.45

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

103 

106

78

a Estimated. 

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.

Discharge measurements of Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 29o

May 6

16

20

20

25

25

Hydrographer.

M. E . McChristie. .........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

19

19

19

20

20

18

18

18

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

39

37

42

47

47

46

46

32

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.65

2.60

2.95

3.10

3.10

3.09

3.09

1.83

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

52

52

60

62

65

60

63

38

a Made from highway bridge 2 miles below gage. 

NOTE. All measurements after Apr. 29 were made at one section between gage and head gates.

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Harlem canal near Zurich,

Mont., for 1910.

[Joel Lean, observer.]

Day.

1....................................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8... .................................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19........... .........................

20....................................

Mar.

Gage 

height.

2.9

3.0 

3.0 

3.1 

3.0 

3.1

3.2 

3.1 

3.1 

3.0 

3.0

Discharge.

59

62 

62 

65 

62 

65

67 

65 

65 

62 

62

Apr.

Gage 

height.

3.0 

3.0 

2.9 

2.9 

2.8

2.9 

2.9 

2.9 

2.7 

2.7

2.6 

2.8 

3.0 

3.1 

3.1

3.2 

3.2 

3.2 

3.1 

3.1

Discharge.

62 

62 

59 

59 

56

59 

59 

59 

54 

54

51 

56 

62 

65 

65

67 

67 

67 

65 

65

May.

Gage 

height.

« 

2.7 

2.6 

2.7 

2.7 

2.7

2.7 

2.8 

2.8 

2.8 

2.7

2.6 

2.6 

2.8 

3.0 

3.0

2.95 

3.0 

3.2 

3.1 

3.1

Discharge.

54 

51 

54 

54 

54

54 

56 

56 

56 

54

51 

51 

56 

62 62

60 

62 

67 

65 

65

June.

Gage 

height.

2.6 

2.6 

2.6 

2.2 

2.1

2.1

2.2 

2.2 

2.2 

2.1

Discharge.

51 

51 

51 

44 

42

42 

44 

44 

44 

42
MISSOURI EIVER BASIN. 129

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Harlem canal near Zurich, 

Mont., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

21....................................

22. ...................................

23....................................

24. ...................................

25

26....................................

27. ...................................

28. ...................................

29....................................

30. ...................................

31....................................

M

Cage 

height.

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2

Q

2.8

2

Q

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

ar.

Discharge.

59

59

56

56

59

56

59

62

62

62

65

A

Gage 

height.

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

9 0

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.7

pr.

Discharge.

65

65

62

62

62

59

59

56

54

54

M

Gage 

height.

3.25

3.1

3.0

3.1

3.05

3.2

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.85

2.8

ay- .

Discharge.

69

65

62

65

63

67

62

62

59

57

56

JU]

height.

ne.

Discharge.

NOTE. Canal not running Jan. 1 to Mar. 9, nor from June 11 to Dec. 31. These discharges are based on 

a fairly well defined rating curve.

Monthly discharge of Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

Mar. 10-31 .........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

67 

67 

69 

51

Minimum.

56 

51 

51 

42

Mean.

61.4 

60.4 

59.1 

45.5

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet) .

2,680 

3,590 

3,630 

903

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

AGENCY DITCH NEAR HARLEM, HONT.

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.

No gage heights were observed regularly during 1910.

Discharge measurements of Agency ditch near Harlem, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

May 4

May 14

22

July 9

18

Hydrographer.

M. E . McChristie ..........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

W. A. Lamb..............................................

\Yidth.

Feet. 

21

16

19

22

22

20

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 7

18

4Q

78

77

56

Gage, 

height.

Feet. 

4.45

2.05

3.75

5.15

5.20

4.95

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

60

26

40

48

29

15
130 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Agency ditch near Harlem, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1. ..............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10. ..............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

Apr.

60

60

60

fin

60

60

60

60

May.

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

June.

40

40

40

40

40

40

10

10

10

10

10

40

July.

40

40

40

40

40

35*>K

O1

9Q

OQ

29

oe

25

99

20

Day.

16...............

17...............

IS

19

20...............

91

00

90

24...............

.oc

26...............

97

OQ

29

30...--......-.--

Apr.

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

May. June.

40

40

40

40

48

48

48

48

48

48

45

45

45

July.

18

18

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

NOTE. These discharges are based on actual measurements and the following note, which was obtained 

from the irrigation engineer at the agency: "Canal was opened Apr. 8, and remained constant until 

May 10, when it was shut down for repairs. Water turned on June 2 and was constant until June 9, 

when the gates were partly closed. June 10 to 14, discharge estimated. Gates opened June 15; same 

discharge as before being closed. June 22 gates raised, also flush boards on waste gate. Since June 30 

discharge decreased on account of river falling. Gates closed July 27."

Monthly discharge of Agency ditch near Harlem, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

Apr. 8-30. .........................................................................

May 1-9. ..........................................................................

June 2-30. ........................................................................

July 1-27.... ......................................................................

Discharge 

in secondfeet . 

(mean).

60

60

37

25

Run-off 

(total in

acre-feet).

2,740

1,070

2,130

1,340

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 at the 

bridge.

Discharge measurements of Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

April 30

May 5-

13

19

26

Hydrographer.

M.E.McChristie..........................................

.....do............................ ...... ............

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

48

48

48

42

49

49

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

65

69

69

61

75

75

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.56

2.62

2.65

2.64

2.75

2.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

66

68

69

62

81

72

i
MISSOURI EIVEB BASIN. 181

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Fort Belknap canal near

Chinook, Mont., for 1910.

[Brace Glenn, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8.. .............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12 ...............

13 ...............

14...............

15...............

May.

Gage 

height.

2.60 

2.60 

2.60 

2.60 

2.60

2.60 

2.65 

2.65 

2.60 

2.60

2.60 

2.60 

2.60 

2.60 

2.60

Discharge.

67 

67 

67 

67 

67

67 

70 

70 

67 

67

67 

67 

67 

67 

67

June.

Gage 

height.

2.70 

2.65 

2.65 

2.65 

2.65

2.65 

2.65 

2.65 

2.60 

2.60

2.60

Discharge.

75 

72 

72 

72 

72

72 

72 

72 

67 

67

67

Day.

16 ...............

17 ...............

18 ...............

19 ...............

20...............

91

22 ...............

23...............

24...............

25 ...............

26 ...............

27 ...............

28 ...............

29...............

30 ...............

31 ...............

 May.

Gage 

height.

2.65 

2.70 

2.68 

2.65 

2.65

2.65 

2.65 

2.70 

2.70 

2.75

2.75 

2.75 

2.75 

2.70 

2.70 

2.60

Discharge.

62 

62 

62 

62 

62

62 

62

73 

73 

81

81 

81 

81 

75 

75 

67

June.

Gage

2.40 

2.45 

2.45 

2.45 

2.45

Discharge.

56 

59 

59 

59 

59

NOTE. Canal gates closed June 12 to 20, and on June 26 for rest of the year.

Monthly discharge of Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

Mar. 19-31 ...............................................

April. ...................................................

May.....................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

81

75

Minimum.

67 

56

Mean.

32.8 

63.0 

68.8 

67.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet) .

845 

3,750 

4,240 

2,130

NOTE. Discharge for period Mar. 19 to Apr. 30, estimated from statements of observer before regular 

observations began.

UTTLE PORCUPINE CHEEK BASIN. 

LITTLE PORCUPINE CEEEK 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.
132 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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.

This station was discontinued September 30, 1910.

The following discharge measurement was made by Raymond 

Richards:

March 26, 1910: Width, 29 feet; area, 20 square feet; gage height, 2.43 feet; 

discharge, 51 second-feet.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont., for 1910.

[T. C. Flynn, observer.]

Day.

1.. ...........................................

2.............................................

3.............................................

4.. ........................... A..............

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.

2.55

3 fi

4 05

4.0

3

e

2 Q

2.95

2

QK

2.5

2

KK

2.9

2.95

3.05

2.4

3.55

3.6

3.25

3

nt:

Apr.

2.4

2.25

2.2

2.25

2.25

2.0

2.05

1.9

1.95

2.05

2.1

2.15

2.0

2.25

2.25

2.1

2.05

1.9

1.75

1.75

1.6

1.65

1.5

1.55

1.45

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.55

1.45

May.

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.3

1 1%

1 3

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.2

June.

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.35

2.65

2.05

1.7

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.25

' 1.2

July.

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.2

1 OX

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

Aug.

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.35

1 Q

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.35

1.35

1.3

Sept.

i QI?

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.35

1 ^

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.3

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1. ..........................................'..

2.............................................

3.. ....-....__._.........._,..................

5.............................................

6.............................................

8.............................................

9.............................................

10.............................................

Mar. Apr.

50

40

36

AC\

40

25

28

20

22

28

May.

0

L5

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

June.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

July. Aug. Sept.
MISSOUEI RIVER BASIN. 133

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont., for 1910 

Continued.

Day.

11...........................'..................

12...........................................:.

13.............................................

14.......-........-------.-.-.-...-............

15............................................

16.............................................

17.............................................

18.. ................. ..........................

19

20.... .........................................

21.............................................

22.............................................

23.. ......--- ..................................

24...................-.---.-..-..----.--.......

25.............................................

26. ...........................................

27.....---.-........--.------................-.

28.. ........---.---.-....... ...................

29.............................................

30.............................................

31.. ...........................................

Mar.

61

97

204

198

204

145

102

89

93

o^

57

61

89

93

102

50

155

120

102

Apr.

on

33

25

<lrt

40

30

28

20

10

13 

7

9

3

5

1.5

0

1.5

3

1.5

May.

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

69

28

11

0

July. Aug. Sept.

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined.

Monthly discharge of Little Porcupine Creek near Frazer, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

May...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

204 

50 

1.5 

69

Minimum.

0 

0 

0 

0

Mean.

«83.8 

21.2 

.05 

3.60

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

5,150 

1,260 

3 

214

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

D. 

D.

« Discharge estimated Mar. 1 to 10.

NOTE. The creek was dry, or water standing pools, Jan. 1 to about Mar. 1, May 3 to June 14, and from 

June 18 to the end of the season. Total run-off in acre-feet for year, 6630.

WOLF CREEK BASIN. 

WOLF CREEK NEAR 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
134 SUB-PACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

by the Indian agency ditch at Wolf Point, which takes 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 near Wolf Point, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Mar. 27

May 10

Hydrograplier.

M. E. McChristie. .........................................

Width.

Feet. 

20

.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

38

2

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.51

1.73

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

80

« 1.2

a Does not include flow in Wolf Point ditch.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Wolf Creek near Wolf Point, Mont., for 1910. 

[W. H. Smith, 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.

3 Q

3 9

3.9

3.6

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

0 1

2.5

2.5

2.75

3.05

2.8

2.7

2.7

2 7

Apr.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.5

2.5 2.'5

2.45

2.5

2.35

2.4

2.3

2.25

2.1

2.05

2.1

2.05

2.05

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.05

2.05

May.

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.95

2.0

1.95

2.0

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.95

2.0

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.95

1.95

9 n

June.

1.95

1.95

1.95

2.0

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

July.

1.9

1.85

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.6

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

Aug.

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1:45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

Sept.

1.45'

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45
MISSOURI RIVEK BASIN. 135

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Wolf Creek near Wolf Point, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1............................................

2............................................

3............................................

4..........................................:.

&............ ................................

6... ......... ...........i.............. .......

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.

110

110

110

87

87

56

56

56

AQ

49

49

15

15

26

45

29

23

23

23

Apr.

29

29

29

29

18

18

18

23

23

23

21

15

15

15

13

15

10

11

8.8

7.7

5.0

4.4

5.0

4.4

4.4

6.7

5.8

5.0

4.4

4.4

May.

2.3

2.7

2.3

2.7

2.3

2.3

2.3

3.2

3.7

3.2

3.7

3.2

3.2

3.2

2.3

2 7

2.3

2.3

2.3

3.2

3.7

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.7

2.3

2.3

3.2

3.2

3 7

June.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.7

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.7

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2 7

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2 7

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.7

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

July.

2.7

2.3

.4

.4

.4

.6

.4

.4

.4

.2

.6

.4

.4

.4

.2

.6

.1

.1

.1

.1

 .2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

Aug.

0.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

Sept.

0.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.1

NOTE. These discharges are based on a fairly well defined rating curve.

Monthly discharge of Wolf Creek near Wolf Point, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

August. ...........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

29 

3.7 

3.7

2.7 

.2 

.2

Minimum.

4.4 

2.3 

2.3 

.1 

.1 

.1

Mean.

0 

0 

«54.1 

14.0 

2.76 

2.49 

.41 

.12 

.12 

0 

0 

0

6.17

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

0 

0 

3,330 

833 

170 

148 

25 

7 

7 

0 

0 

0

4,520

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

D. 

D. 

D.

a Discharge estimated Mar. 1 to 12.

NOTE. The creek was practically dry, or water standing hi pools, Jan. 1 to about Mar. 1, and Oct. 1 to 

Dec. 31.

POPLAR GREEK BASIN. 

POPLAR CREEK NEAR POPLAR, MONT.

Poplar Creek rises in the southern part of 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 Eiver near Poplar, Mont. The largest
136 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 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 creek from the house of the observer. The 

gage datum has not been changed. All measurements are made by 

wading.

Discharge measurements of Poplar Creek near Poplar, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Mar. 26

May 11

July 1

28

Hydrographer.

M. E. McChristie. .........................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

95

63

20

30

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

204

56

24

21

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.77

2.93

2.53

9 ^4

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

449

70

18

6.1

NOTE. Zero flow is at 2 feet.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Poplar Creek near Poplar, Mont., for 1910. 

[Louis Obershaw, observer.]

Day.

2...........................

3......----.-..-..-.-.......

4. ..........................

5.......----..--..----......

6... ........................

7...........................

8..........--.--..-..-......

10...........-..-.--.-.-.....

11...........................

12. ..........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

17. ..........................

18...........................

19

20...........................

21...........................

22. ..........................

23...........................

24. ..........................

OK

26. ..........................

97

28...........................

29. ..........................

30..---....-...-..--.-.......

31...........................

Mar.

4.8

A Q

5.0

5 9

5.1

Apr.

4.6

4 4

4.4

4

0

A O

4 1

4 4

4.5

4. 4

4

0

4. 2

4.1

4.0

3

Q

3

0

3 7

^ 4

3 A

o 4

3.4

^ 9

^ 9

O 0

O 0

3

0

3

0

3

0

3

0

3

0

May.

3

1

O 1

^ 1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3

n

3 A

9 Q

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

o c

2 7

2.7

9 7

9 7

2.7

2 7

9 7

2.6

2.' 6

 2.6

9 7

2.7

June.

9 7

9 7

o 7

2.7

27

2.6

2.6

2.6

9 fi

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

9 7

2.7

2 6

9 fi

9 fi

9 f\

9 *

2.5

9 t\

9 *

2.5

2.5

0 K

2.5

July.

2

C

9 f\

9 *

9 PL

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

9 P\

2.5

9 P\

2.5

2.5

2.5

2

C

2

C

9 P\

9 P\

2.4

2 4

0 A

2.3

2.3

o o

2.3

9 ^

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

Aug.

9 9

o 9

2.2

2 2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

22

2.2

2 2

23

2.4 9 t;

9 t;

2.5

2 4

2.4

2 4

24

24

9 t\

2.5

2.5

2

C

25

2.5

2.5

Sept.

9 P\

2

c

9 5

2.5

2.5

2.5

9 1

2.5

9 P\

2.5

9 ^

2.5

2.5

2.5

2

C

2

C

9 P\

2.5

9 R

9 P\

2.5

2.5

25

25

25

2.5 9 t;

2.5

2.5

2.5

Oct.

o c

9 ^

9 *

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.3

2.3

9 3

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.5

9 P\

9 K

9 5

2.5

9 R

9 c

9 P\

2.5

2.5

2.5

9 P\

2.5

9 P\

25

25

25

2.5

Nov. -

9 ^

9 P%

9 1

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.7

26

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.7

'

NOTE. Ice probably existed during January and February, and after Nov. 14.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN. ' 137

 *

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Poplar Creek near Poplar, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1... ........................

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...........................

30...........................

31...........................

Mar.

457

457

507

557

532

Apr.

418

360

360

336

336

336

360

384

360

336

312

289

267

245

223

202

182

145

145

145

145

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

May.

94

94

94

94

94

94

94

79

79

79

66

52

52

52ff>

52

51

51

51

^Q

39"

39

39

38

38

38

28

28

28

37

VI

June.

36

36

36

36

36

29

29

28

27

27

26

25

25

34

OJ.

34

33

33

25

24

24

17

17

17

16

16

16

15

15

15

July.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

9-5

9

C

9.5

9.5

5

5

5

5

5

2

2

2

Aug.

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

5

9.5

15

15

15

9

C

9.5

9.5

9.5

9.5

15

15

15

15

11

15

15

Sept.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

Oct.

15

15

15

15

15

15

5

5

5

5

9.5

9.5

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

Nov.

15

15

15

15

15

15

30

22

30

30

30

22

22

30

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Mar. 26 to May 11, poorly 

defined; May 12 to June 30, indirect method for shifting channels; July 1 to Nov. 14, well defined. This is 

the same as the 1909 curves.

Monthly discharge of Poplar Creek near Poplar, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

February. .........................................

April.............. ..............................

May...............................................

July..................-..-.-.--..--.--.---...-.....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

418 

94 

36 

15 

15 

15 

15

Minimum.

110 

28 

15 

2 

2 

15 

9.5

Mean.

olS.O 

olo.O 

o600 

229 

58.1 

26.0 

11.1 

7.74 

15.0 

13.4 

618.7 

ol5.0

85.3

Kun-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

922 

833 

36,900 

13,600 

3,570 

1,550 

682 

476 

893 

824 

1,110 

922

62,300

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C.

o Discharge estimated by comparison with Big Muddy River near Culbertson. 

6 Nov. 15 to 30 estimated because of ice.

NOTE. Means for January, February, March, and December are only approximate. 

97746° WSP 286 11 10
138 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

BIG MUDDY RIVER 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 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 from the 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 of 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.

The following discharge measurement was made by R. Richards:

March. 25, 1910: Width., 71 feet; area, 182 square feet; gage height, 4.76 feet; discharge, 156 second-feet.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Big Muddy River near Culbertson, Mont., for 1910. 

[Gustave Sholtz, 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.

7.1

7.1

7.05

7.1

7.2

7.2

7.25

7.3

7.3

7.15

7.1

7.1

6.95

7.0

6.8

6.8

6.45

6.5

6.2

5.45

4.8

4 6

4.6

4.5

4.4

4.4

Apr.

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.15

4.2

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.7

3.2

3.2

3.25

3.1

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.85

2.8

2.75

2 7

2 7

2.75

2.7

May.

2.65

2.6

2.5

2.55

2.5

2.55

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.4

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.4

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.3

2.35

2.3

2.35

2 A

9 4

2.55

2.6

2.55

June.

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.3

2.3

2.45

2.4

2.45

2.4

2.5

2.55

3.5

3.75

3.5

3.2

3.05

2.7

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.75

2.7

2.75

2.7

9 7

2.75

2 7

2.7

2.8

July.

2.75

2.6

2.65

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.45

2.4

2.3

2.35

2.3

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.1

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.0

' 1.95

1.9

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.7

1.75

Aug.

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

"1.75

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7 i ?<;

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7

Sept.

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.75

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.65

1.7
MISSISSIPPI EIVER BASIN. 139

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Big Muddy River near Culbertson, Mont., for 1910.

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.

436

436

430

436

448

448

454

460

460

442

436

436

418

424

400

400

358

364

328

238

162

140

140

129

118

118

Apr.

129

190

129

129

92

97

59

59

59

55

59

59

51

51

47

51

19

19

21

15

9.1

8.1

8.1

9.1

8.1

7 3

6.5

6.5

7 ^

6.5

May.

5.8

5.2

4.1

4.6

4.1

4.6

3.2

3.2

3.6

3.2

3.6

3.2

3.2

3.6

3.2

3.6

3.2

3,2

3.6

4. 1

3.6

3.2

2.5

2.8

9 ^

2.8

3.2

3.2

4.6

5.2

4.6

June.

3.2

3.2

3.6

2.5

2.5

3.6

3.2

3.6

3.2

41

4.6

36

55

36

19

14

6.5

7.3

6.5

6.5

7.3

6.5

7.3

6.5

6.5

7.3

6.5

7.3

6.5

8.1

.Ally.

7.3

5.2

5.8

4.1

4.1

3.6

3.2

3.6

3.2

2.5

2.8

2.5

2.8

2.5

2.5

2.2

1.6

1.8

1.6

1.6

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.0

.7

.8

.7

.8

.7

.5

.6

Aug.

0.5

.6

.5

.5

.6

.5

.6

.5

.5

.6

.5

.6

.5

.5

. .6

 '.5

.6

.5

.5

.6

.5

.6

.5

.5

.6

.5

.6

.5

.6

.5

Sept.

0.6

.5

.5

.6

.5

.6

.5

.5

.6

.5

.5

.6

.5

.6

.3

.3

.4

.3

.4

.3

.3

.4

.3

.4

.3

.3

.4

.3

.4

.5

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve fairly well defined below 160 second-feet. Below 

8.1 second-feet the 1909 rating was used.

Monthly discharge of Big Muddy River near Culbertson, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

April ..............................................

May....-.....--..--..---..-.....-...-....-.-..--..

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

460 

129 

5.8 

55 

7.3 

.6 

.6

Minimum.

6.5 

2.5 

2.5 

.5 

.5 

.3

Mean.

0 

0 

«326 

46.9 

3.69 

9.80 

2.39 

.54 

.44 

0 

0 

0

32.5

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

0 

0 

20,000 

2,790 

227 

583 

147 

33 

26 

0 

0 

0

23,800

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

a Discharge estimated Mar. 1 to 5.

NOTE. There was little or no flow during months of January, February, October, November, and 

December.
140 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1916, PART VI.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER 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 to 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.

As it leaves the mountains the river is about 600 ftfet 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 River Range. Other important tributaries 

of the Yellowstone are the Shields, Boulder, Big Timber,^ Sweetgrass, 

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 source in the high plains region and Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, flowing parallel and in a northeasterly direction until they join 

the Yellowstone.

i See description of Bighorn basin on pp. 173-175,
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 141

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; and at Buford, 

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 Yellowstone basin. 

The United States 'Reclamation 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 River,. 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 hydroelectric 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 CORWIN SPRINGS, MONT.

This station was established September 2, 1910, in the canyon at 

Corwin Springs, Mont., 8 miles below Gardiner, one of the entrances 

to Yellowstone National Park. Gardiner River is the most important 

tributary between the station and Yellowstone Lake.

A staff gage is nailed to the right-bank wooden pier on lower side 

of highway bridge. Discharge measurements are made from the 

downstream side of highway bridge.

The bed of the stream is rocky and free from vegetation.

Practically no water is diverted from the Yellowstone near this 

station.

Sufficient measurements have not been made to develop a rating 

curve.
142 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

The following discharge measurement was made by Raymond 

Richards:

September 2, 1910: Width, 238 feet; area, 585 square feet; gage height, 1.80 feet; 

discharge, 1,710 second-feet.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Mont., for 1910. 

[C. H. Wilks, observer.]

Day.

1.. .............

2

3...............

4...............

5......----.---.

6. ..............

7...............

9

10

11...............

12. ..............

13...............

14...............

15. ..............

Sept.

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Oct.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.4

Nov.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.0

Dec.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Day.

16...............

18...............

1Q

21

2?

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

31

Sept.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Oct.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Nov.

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

Dec.

NOTE. Ice Dec. 13 to 31.

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.

The only tributary near the station is Pryor Creek, which enters 

the Yellowstone 1 mile above. The drainage area at Huntley 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. 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.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 143

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 1910.

Date.

May 10

July 18

26

24

Nov. 13

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb. . ............................................

.....do........................................ ............

.....do............................ .........................

Vidth.

Feet. 

230

635

234

240

216

200

207

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

2,510

4,640

1,860

1,820

1,590

1,540

1,540

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.68

8.08

3.78

3.62

2.82

2.50

2.52

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

18,400

30,600

7,970

8,030

4,090

3,300

3,310

Daily gage height, in feet, of Yellowstone River at Huntley, Mont., for 1910: 

[Arthur Foster, observer.]

Day.

1...... .............

2...................

3...................

4...................

5...................

6...................

7.... ...............

8...................

9...................

10...................

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

10. ..................

17...................

18...................

19

20...................

21................... 22.............:.....

23...................

24..... ...... ....

25...................

26. ..................

27.......... ........

28...................

29...................

30. .................

31...................

Mar.

5.20

5.00

3

K(\

3.00

2 fifl

2.50

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2

fiK

2.70

2.90

2 on

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.60

Apr.

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.60

3 fin

3.05

3 in

3.10

3.10

3.30

3 Of)

3.40

3

Kfl

3.50

3.60

3.80

4.00

4.30

4.60

4.90

5.40

5.90

May.

5.70

5.70

5.40

5.30

5.10

5.10

5.00

5.10

5.50

5.70

6.70

6.50

6.30

6.20

6.20

6.00

5.70

5.40

5.20

5.00

5.00

4.90

5.00

5.40

6.00

6.80

6.80

6.90

6. CO

6.50

6.80

June.

7 71

8 40

8.10

7,00

6.40

6.10

6.10

6.00

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.10

6.20

6.20

6.30

6.40

6.20

6.00

c 7ft

5

A(\

5.20

5.20

5.20

5.10

5.10

July.

5.10

5.10

4.90

4.80

4.60

4.60

4.50

4.30

4.20

4.10

4.00

4.00

4.00

3.90

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.80

3.80

4.40

4.50

4.00

3.60

3.50

3.40

3.35

3.30

3.20

Aug.

2.85

2.85

2.65

2 7K

2.40

2.80

2.75

2.70

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

Sept.

2.45

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.60

2

x(\

2.50

2

Kfl

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.60

2.70

3.00

3.00

3.10

3.15

3.00

2.90

2.90

2.85

Oct.

2.75

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.75

2.70

2.70

2 p.f)

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.65

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.65

2.65

2.65

2. CO

2. CO

2.55

2.55

Nov.

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.52

2.50

2.50

2 50

2.47

2

JC

2.45

2.45

9 11

2.47

2.48

2.48

2.48

2.48

2.40

2.35

2.35

Dec.

2.35

2.42

2.45

2.50

2.52

2.52

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.57

2.50

2.45

2

90

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.30

2.30

2.28

NOTE. Ice January and February. Water away from gage Aug. 1 to 9.
144 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Ye^lowstone River at Huntley, Mont., for 1910.

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.

16,000

15,000

8,230

6,520

5,300

5,010

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,450

5,600

6,200

6,200

6,200

5,900

5,900

5,600

5,300

5,300

5,300

Apr.

5,010

5,010

5,010

5,010

5,010

5,010

5,010

4,730

4,730

5,010

5,300

5,300

6,520

6,680

6,840

6,840

6,840

7,500

7,500

7,860

S

oon

8,230

8,610

9 400

10^200

11,600

14,500

17,000

May.

18,500

18,500

17,000

16,500

15,400

15,400

15,000

17,500

18,500

23,900

22,600

21,600

21,000

20,900

18,400

17,000

15,900

15,200

15.200

15,000

15,600

17,200 10 onn

24 000

24,' 600

23,200

00 QAA

June.

29,000

31,600

30,600

24,300

20,900

19,200

19,200

18,700

18,700

18,200

18,700

19,200

19,200

19,200

19,800

19,800

20,300

21,400

20,900

20,900

19,800

18,700

17,100

14,500

14,500

14,500

14,000

July.

14,000

14,000

13,000

12,500

11,600

11,600

11,200

10,300

9,840

9,400

8,960

8,960

8,960

8,520

8,080

8,080

8,080

8,520

8,520

8,520

8,080

8,080

10,700

s ofin

7,220

6,810

6,410

6,220

6,020

5,640

Aug.

5,520

5,390

5,270

5,140

5,020

4,890

4,760

4,630

4,500

4,390

4,390

3,720

4,050

2,920

4,560

4,220

4,050

3,880

3,880

3,560

3,560

3,240

3,240

3,240

3,080

3,080

3,080

3,080

3,080

Sept.

3,080

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,920

3,5CO

3,240

3,240

3,240

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,920

3,560

3,880

4,910

4,910

5,270

5,460

4,910

4,560

4,560

4,390

Oct.

4,050

3,880

3,880

3,880

3,880

3,880

3,880

3,880

3,880

4,050

3,880

3,880

3.560

3,560

3,560

3,560

4,050

4,050

4,050

3,720

3,720

3,560

3,560

3,560

3,720

3,720

3,720

3,560

3,560

3,'400

3,400

Nov.

3,240

3,240

3,240

3,240

3,240

3,240

3,240

3,240

3,240

3,300

3,240

3,240

3,240

3,140

3,140

3,080

3,080

3,080

3,400

3,140

3,140

3,180

3,180

S lftfl

3,180

3,180

3,080

2,920

2,760

2,760

Dec.

2,760

2,980

3,080

3,210

3,300

3,300

3,400

3,400

3,400

3,460

3,240

3,080

2,860

2,760

2,760

2,760

2,760

2,760

2,760

2,760

2,760

2,760

2,760

2,760

2,670

2,670

2,670

2,600

2,600

2,540

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Mar. 11 to May 10, fairly well 

defined; May 11 to June 3, indirect method for shifting channels used; June 4 to Dec. 31, fairly well defined. 

Discharges Aug. 1 to 9 interpolated.

Monthly discharge of Yellowstone River at Huntley, Mont., for 1910. 

[Drainage area 12,000 square miles.]

Month.

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

19,600 

26,600 

31,600 

14,000 

5,520 

5,460 

4,050 

3,300 

3,460

26,600

Minimum.

4,730 

15,000 

14,000 

5,640 

3,080 

2,920 

3,400 

2,7CO 

2,540

2,540

Mean.

«3,000 

o2,900 

o8,330 

7,640 

19, 100 

19,700 

9,290 

3,980 

3,550 

3,870 

3,160 

2,920

7,280

Per 

square 

mile.

0.250 

.242 

.693 

.637 

1.59 

1.64 

.774 

.332 

.296 

.322 

.203 

.243

 .607

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.29 

.25 

.80 

.71 

1.83 

1.83 

.89 

.38 

.33 

.37 

.29 

.28

8.25

Total in 

acre-feet.

184,000 

161,000 

512,000 

455,000 

1,170,000 

1,170,000 

571,000 

245,000 

211,000 

238,000 

188,000 

180,000

5,280,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

o Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 10. 

NOTE. The means for January and February are only approximate.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 145

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 

66,100 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 usually 

exists from December to April.

Discharge measurements of Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Aug. 11

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

.....do...-:.....--..-...................-.,.......-......--

Width.

Feet.

857

724

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

6,230

3,100

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.56

2.58

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

33,500

8,840

Daily gage height, in feet, of Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., for 1910. 

[E. C. Andrews, observer.]

Day.

1.. .................

2...................

3...................

4...................

5...................

6...................

7...................

8...................

9. . .

10...................

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

Mar.

4.7

5.7

7.85

7.35

6.35

5.9

5.5

5.3

4.85

4.15

Apr.

2.3

2.15

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.85

2.15

2.6

May.

5.9

6.1

5.95

5.55

5.2

4.95

4.65

5.05

5.45

5.05

5.2

5

*>E

5.8

6.8

6.8

June.

6.65

A Q

7.4

7.55

7.85

7.4

7.1

7.05

7 BK

7.0

6.5

5

QK

5.65

5.9

5.75

July.

5.3

5.25

5.1

5.0

4.95

4.85

4.8

4.7

4.55

445

4.25

0 QK

3.8

3.7

3.6

Aug.

3.1

3.05

3.0

2.95

2.85

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

9 ^

2.5

2.4

2.4

Sept.

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.3

1 3

1.3

1.3

1.4

Oct.

2.6

2.2

1.75

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1 0

1.3

1.3

1.2

Nov.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 s

1.3

1.3

1.2

Dec.

1.5

3.5

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.9

3.9

3 Q

3.9

3 Q

4.0

4.0

4.1
146 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.,

Daily gage height, in feet, of Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., for 1910 Contd.

Day.

16...................

17. ..................

18...................

19...................

20. ..................

21...................

22.............. . .

23...................

24...................

25...................

26...................

27. ..................

28. ..................

29...................

30...................

31...................

Mar.

4.0

3.6

3.1

2.95

2.8

9 7

2.7

9 a

2 OK

2.95

3.3

2.95

2.5

2.4

Apr.

2.75

2

QK

3 fl

2.9

2.75

2.6

2.65

2 Q

3.5

3.65

3.6

3.75

4 15

4 65

5.15

May.

6.85

7.0

6

QK

6.55

6.1

5.95

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.4

5.35

, 5.8

/ 6.6

6 Q

7.0

7.1

June.

5.85

K OK

5.8

6.15

6.4

6.3

6.15

6.0

5.8

5.75

5.75

5.6

5.5

5.3

July.

3.5

q A

3.35

3.3

3.3

3.35

q A

3.75

4.1

4 OK

4.05

3.8

3.4

3.2

3.2

3.1

Aug.

2.4

2.15

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Sept.

1.4

i i

i s

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 45

1.8

2.25

2 7

3.6

4.15

4 05

3.9

3.3

Oct.

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

i q

1 ^

1.3

1 i

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Nov.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 i

1 i

1.3

i q

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Dec.

4.2

42

42

4.2

42

4.2

4.2

4.2

A 9

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

NOTE. River frozen January, February, Mar. 1 to 4. Ice breaking up Mar. 4. River clear Mar. 8. 

River frozen again Dec. 2.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., for 1910.

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.

47 600

41 800

31, 700

27,700

24,600

23, 100

15,900

15,100

13, 100

19 ftftft

in onn

10,400

9,810

9 460

10,400

11, 700

o9,600

8,790

8,470

Apr.

. 8,160

7,720

7,570

7,290

*7 9Qfl

7,290

7,150

7,010

6,880

7,720

9,120

9,640

10,400

10,500

10, 200

9,640

9,120

9 9Qfl

10, 200

13 400

13, 100

13,800

i ^ onn

22, 100

May.

27, 700

29,400

28,200

24,900

99 4JTA

20, 700

18,800

21,400

24,200

21,400

22,400

23,400

26,900

36,000

36,000

36,400

38,000

37,500

on 4flfl

28,200

25,300

23,400

9fi Qftn

37,000

38,000

39, 100

June.

34,500

37,000

42,400

44,000

47,600

42,400

39, 100

38,600

47,600

38,000

33,000

28,200

25, 700

27,700

26,500

27,300

27,300

26,900

29,000

9Q Qflfi

32,100

31,200

29,900

28, 600

26,900

26,500

26,500

25,300

24, 600

23, 100

July.

23, 100

22, 700

21, 700

21,100

20,700

20, 100

19,800

19, 200

18,200

17,600

16,500

14,900

14,100

13,600

13,100

12,600

12,200

12,000

11,700

11,700

12,000

12,200

13,800

15,600

16,500

15,400

14,100

12,200

11,300

11,300

10,900

Aug.

10,900

10,700

10,500

10,400

9,990

9,810

9,460

9,460

9,120

9,120

9,120

8,790

8,790

8,470

8,470

8,470

8,010

7,720

7,290

7,290

7,010

6,740

6,480

6,230

6,230

6,230

5,990

5,990

5,990

5,990

5,990

Sept.

5,760

5,760

5,650

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,330

5,330

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,760

5,760

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,880

6,740

8,010

9,460

13, 100

15,900

15, 400

14,600

11,700

Oct.

9,120

7,860

6,610

6,230

5,990

5,990

5,760

5,760

5,760

 5,760

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,330

5,330

5,330

5,330

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

Nov.

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,330

5,330

5,330

5,330

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

5,540

a, Interpolated.

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined, 

this station were considered in developing the rating curve.

All measurements made at
MISSOURI RIVEK BASIN. 147

Monthly discharge of Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 66,100 square miles.]

Month.

May........................

June.......................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

22,100 

39, 100 

47,600 

23, 100 

10,900 

15,900 

9,120 

5,540

Minimum,

6,740 

18,800 

23,100 

10,900 

5,990 

5,330 

5,330 

5,330

Mean.

a 5, 500 

o5,000 

018,800 

9,960 

28,600 

32,200 

15, 500 

8,090 

7,260 

5,820 

5,510 

o4,500

12,300

Per 

square 

mile.

0.083 

.076 

.284 

.151 

.433 

.487 

.234 

.122 

.110 

.088 

.083 

.068

.186

Run-ofl.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.01 

.08 

.33 

.17 

.50 

.54 

.27 

.14 

.12 

.10 

.09 

.08

2.52

Total in 

acre-feet.

338,000 

278,000 

1, 160, 000 

593,000 

1,760,000 

1, 920, 000 

953,000 

497,000 

432, 000 

358,000 

328, 000 

277,000

8,890,000

Accuracy.

C. 

A.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B.

o Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 7 and Dec. 1 to 31. 

NOTE. The means for January, February, and December are only approximate.

BIG TIMBER CREEK BASIN. 

NORTH FORK OF 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 exceUent reservoir sites. It is proposed to utilize 

the flow of the North Fork in connection with a project under the 

Carey Act. The drainage area above the station is only 40 square 

miles.

Several ditches above the station divert water to irrigate approximately 300 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.
148 SUE£FACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET vi.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont., in

1910.

Date.

Apr. 8

May 8

July 9

Aug. 18

Oct. 5

Dec. 14«

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb..............................................

Raymond Richards. ......................................

.....do....................................................

C. S. Heidel. ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do....................................................

Width.

Feel. 

17

38

35

19

17

18

18

Area of 

section.

*#

37

30

14

8.9

13

14

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.03

1.84

1.58

.99

.73

.97

1.02

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

22

98

67

19

7.7

17

16

«Ice. 

NOTE. All measurements made by wading near gage.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont.,

for 1910.

[N. J. Tintinger, observer.]

Day.

1.... ................................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6. ...................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

2L... ............ .....................

22. ...................................

23....................................

24....................................

25. ...................................

26........................."...........

27. ...................................

28....................................

29....................................

30. ...................................

31....................................

Mar.

O QO

.98

QQ

1.08

98

1.03

1.03

1 08

1.08

1.08 i is

1.13

1 l^i

1.08

1.23

1.23

1.18

1.18

1.13

1.08

1.08

1.08

1.08

i i^

Apr.

1.18

1.18

1.23

1.18

1.08

1.08

1.03

1.03

1.03

1.13

1.13

1.23

1.23

1.33

1.33

1.43

.53

.53

.53

.53

.53

.53

1.53

1.53

1.63

1.63

1.68

1.93

1.93

1.88

May.

1.63

1.63

1.73

1.88

1.78

1.93

1.93

1.98

2.00

2.00

2.00

June.

1.20

1.20

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.25

1.30

1.30

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.00

1.00

l.'OO

.90

.80

.80

.80

.75

.75

.75

July.

0.75

.75

.75

.80

.75

.75

.75

.75

1.00

.95

.95

.80

.75

.75

1.05

1.10

1.00

1.00

1.00

.95

1.00

1.00

.95

.95

.90

.95

.95

.95

.95

.85

.90

Aug.

0.90

.90

1.10

1.10

.95

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.10

.95

1.00

1.00

1.20

1.10

.95

1.00

.85

.73

.85

.75

.85

.85

.85

1.10

1.00

1.10

1.00

.80

.80

.75

.90

Sept.

1.00

1.00

.90

.90

.80

.70

.75

.75

.75

.65

.75

.80

.70

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.05

1.20

1.25

Oct.

0.95

1.00

.95

1.00

.97

NOTE. Ice probably existed January, February. The gage was destroyed May 12. Replaced at 

same location and datum June 8.
MISSOURI EIVEK BASIN. 149

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber,

Mont., for 1910.

. 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.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

17

17

23

17

20

20

23

23

23

26

26

26

23

32

32

29

9Q

26

23

23

23

23

26

Apr.

29

29

32

29

21

23

20

20

20

26

26

32

32

dC\

40

50

62

fi9

62

62

62

62

62

62

7ft

78

87

i4n

140

128

May.

78

78

96

128

106

140

140

153

158

1 CO

158

June.

30

30

Q7

37

37

Q7

QJ.

37

37

34

to

30

30

18

18

18

14

9

e

9.5

9.5

7.8

7.8

7.8

July.

7.8

7.8

7.8

9.5

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

18

16

16

9.5

7.8

7.8

21

24

ia

18

18

16

18

18

16

16

14

16

16

16

16

12

14

Aug.

14

14

24

24

16

18

18

18

24

16

18

18

30

24

16

18

19

7.2

12

7.8

12

12

12

24

18

24

18

9.5

9.5

7.8

14

Sept.

18

18

14

14

9.5

6.2

7.8

7.8

7.8

5.0

7.8

9.5

6.2

30

30

27

34

34

34

30

30

27

21

30

QJ.

Oct.

16

18

16

18

17

NOTE. These discharges are based on a curve that is well defined below 110 second-feet. Above 24 

second-feet it is the same as the 1909 curve.

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

April ..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

September.... . ....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

32 

140 

158 

37 

24 

30 

34

Minimum.

15 

20 

30 

7.8 

7.8 

7.2 

5.0

Mean.

o20.8 

53.9 

o75.1 

025.7 

13.7 

16.4 

020.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,280 

3,210 

4,620 

1,530 

842 

1,010 

1,210

13,700

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

a Discharge estimated Mar. 1 to 7, May 12 to June 7, and Sept. 26 to 30. 

SOUTH FORK OF BIO 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 

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.
150 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 at this station 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

1910.

Date.

July 9

Aug. 18

Oct. 5

Hydrographer.

C. S. Heidel. ..............................................

.....do........................................ .............

.....do.....................................................

Width.

feet. 

19

23

13

13

13

17

11

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

8.6

19

8.7

8.2

6.5

10.2

5.7

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

 0.55

.95

.66

.56

.48

.61

.56

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

9.7

44

16.7

8.4

6.1

14.1

7.6

«Ice. 

NOTE. All measurements made by wading near gage.

Daily gage height, in feet,of South Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont.,

for 1910.

[N. J. Tintinger, observer.]

Day.

1....................................

2..--.-..-.--.-....--.--.--..----....

3. ................................. ..

4. ................................. ..

6........-.....-..----....-----......

7......---.........---.---.--........

g

10...-...---.-..--..-...----.....-....

11....................................

19

13......-.-.....--.---..--------......

14......-.........----......----......

15. .......................... -1 .......

16........-......----...--.----.......

17....................................

18........-...-.-.----..---------.....

19....................................

20......--......--.-...------.--......

21....................................

22.......... .........................

23........................ ...........

24....................................

25....----.......-.--...-..--.-.......

26....................................

27. ...................................

28................ ...................

29. ...................................

30

31---.--.-.....-.---.-..-.--..---.....

Mar.

O CA

.54

.54

*;fi

*;fi

.59

.59

.59

TO

.59

TO

.64

.66

.64

69

.69

.66

.66

.64

64

64

59

CQ

64

Apr.

0.64

.64

.64

.59

.59

.59

.56

.56

.56

.56

59

64

.69

.69

.69

69

.74

.74

.74

.74

.74

.74

.74

.74

.74

.74

84

1.04

1.04

May.

0.84

.89

.94

.96

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

.64

.59

.59

.64

.64

.64

.59

.54

.79

.74

.64

.74

.64

.64

.64

.64

64

.74

June.

0.64

.64

.59

.59

.64

.64

.64

.59

.55

.60

.60

.60

.55

.55

.55

:eo

.60

.60

.60

.55

.55

.50

.45

.45

.45

.45

4*;

.50

.50

.60

July.

0.60

.60

.60

.55

.55

.55

.55

KK

.55

.45

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

tt

.55

.45

.45

.35

.45

.45

.45

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

in

.40

Aug.

0.40

.55

.55

.55

.40

wi

en

.55

.60

.48

.55

.55

.70

.65

.50

CK

.55

.55

.55

.45

.55

.55

.55

.60

.50

.55

.55

.55

.55

4.K

.60

Sept.

0.60

.65

.50

.60

.60

w

60

60

60

.50

.60

.60

.50

.70

.75

.65

.75

.75

.70

.60

.65

.65

.50

.65

.70

Oct.

0.55

.50

.50

.45

.61
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 151

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber,

Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1....................................

2....................................

4....................---.---.-...-...

5......-.-..-...-......-...---.---.-.

6....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

19

1 o

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20...---... ..........................

21....................................

22....................................

23..................-.-.-.-.----......

24..............--.-..-...-.....---...

25. ...................................

26. ...................................

27....................................

28........ ...... ..................... .

29....................................

30. ...................................

31....................................

Mar.

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

10

10

12

12

12

12

12

12

15

17

15

19

19

17

17

 15

1 <^

1 e;

12

12

15

Apr.

15

15

15

12

12

12

10

10

10

10

12

15

19

19

19

19

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

33

ti

54

43

May.

33

38

43

45

54

54

54

54

54

54

54

ti

54

15

12

12.

15

15

15

12

9

27

23

15

23

15

15

15

15

15

23

June.

15

15

12

12

15

15

15

12

9.6

12

12

12

9.6

9.6

9.6

12

12

12

12

9.6

9.6

6.9

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

6.9

6.9

12

July.

12

12

12

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

5.2

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

5.2

5.2

2.8

5.2

5.2

5.2

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

2.0

3.5

Aug.

3.5

9.6

9.6

9.6

3.5

6.9

6.9

9.6

12

6.2

9.6

Q A

20

16

6.9

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

5.2

9.6

9.6

9.6

12

6.9

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.6

5.2

12

Sept.

12

16

6.9

12

12

6.9

12

12

12

6.9

12

12

6.9

20

24

16

24

24

20

12

16

16

6.9

16

20

18

16

14

12

10

Oct.

9.6

6.9

6.9

5.2

13

NOTE. These discharges are based on a curve that is well defined between 5 and 50 second-feet. 

Monthly discharge of South Fork of Big Timber Creek near Big Timber, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

July...............................................

The period... .. ..............................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

19 

54 

54 

15 

12 

20 

24

Minimum.

9 

10 

9.0 

5.2 

2.0 

3.5 

6.9

Mean.

12.4 

21.3 

30.2 

10.4 

7.14 

9.24 

14.2

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

762 

1,270 

1,860 

619 

439 

568 

845

6,360

Accuracy.

B.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

o Discharge estimated Mar. 1 to 7 and Sept. 26 to 30.

BOULDER RIVER BASIN. 

BOULDER RIVER NEAR CONTACT, MONT.

Boulder River rises in the rugged mountains bordering Yellowstone Park. Below the station it traverses a narrow but well-irrigated country.

Because of its abundant water and rapid fall, this stream possesses 

many opportunities for water-power development as well as for 

irrigation.
152 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

The gaging station was established May 1, 1910, at the ranch of 

G. W. Baker, about 8 miles above McLeod post office, and 4 miles 

from Contact, Mont., and 2^ miles below Boulder Falls.

The gage is fastened to the left bank abutment of the private 

wagon bridge near the ranch buildings. Discharge measurements 

in low water may be made by wading just above the footbridge, 

which is some 400 yards above the gage. Ice is common.

Discharge measurements of Boulder River near Contact, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

10

July 7

27

Sept. 3

Oct. 7

Dec. 16

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

C.S.Heidel... .............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

56

72

120

75

72

65

62

58

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.7

96

236

145

118

70

65

56

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.60

2.60

4.25

3.52

3.05

2.36

2.40

2.03

Discharge.

See. -ft. 

132

140

1 000

540

335

105

109

33

<» Made from bridge at Baker's ranch. Channel conditions poor.

Daily gage height, injeet, of Boulder River near Contact, Mont., for 1910, 

[G. W. Baker, 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....................................

May.

3.2

3.15

3.2

3.0

3.4

3.65

4.0

4.6

5.3

5.55

5.75

4.3

4.3

4.1

3.4

3.9

3.65

1 O

4.1

4.05

4.1

4.05

3 9

5.3

5.4

4 Q

4.4

5.2

5.4

June.

6.4

6.25

5.35

4.85

4.6

4.85

5.0

4.1

4.0

4.9

6.2

5.9

5.3

5.2

5.0

5.1

5.2

5.0

4.8

5.15

5.2

4.8

4

«3

4.2

4.0

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.5

July.

4.1

4.0

3.9

3.7

3.6

3.9

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.4

3.25

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.25

3.3

3.25

3.2

3.15

3.3

3.25

3.25

3.15

3.15

3.25

3.15

3.2

3.15

3.05

Aug.

3.05

3.05

3.0

2.85

2.75

2.75

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25

9 9

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.05

2.1

2.15

2.2

2.25

Sept.

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.52

2.55

2.58

2.58

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.55

Oct.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

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

 > 4

2.4

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

Nov.

2.38

2.38

2.38

2.38

2.38

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.32

2.32

2.32

2.32

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

0

Dec.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

NotB. Ice after Dec. 16.
MISSOURI KTVEE BASIN. 153 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Boulder River near Contact, Mont., for 1910.

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....................................

98

29....................................

30

31....................................

May.

39fi

374

396

310

493

630

840

1,240

1,720

1,900

1,040

1,040

493

778

630

778

QOd

872

872

778

1 000

1,790

1,440

1,100

1,650

1 7Qfl

2,120

June.

2,440

9 380

1,760

1,240

1,410

840

1,440

2,140

1,720

1,650

1.510

1,370

QfiQ

718

659

601

545

July.

904

840

778

ftKQ

778

Af\1

493

443

493

396

352

396

443

420

396

374

OQfi

420

420

Vli

374

420

374

396

374

091

Aug.

331

331

310 2*i6

221

221

186

170

139

111

111

111

111

86

86

86

86

86

75

64

55

46

39

46

55

64

75

Sept.

86

86

111

139

139

lit

164

164

154

154

139

154

170

170

170

170

170

170

170

170

154

154

154

1 FJ4

Oct.

139

139

139

139

139

139

111

139

139

139

111

111

111

111

111

111

111

111

lit

111

111

111

98

98

98

98

98

98

98

98

102

Nov.

10C

106

106

106

106

98

98

98

98

98

98

98

91

91

91

91

86

86

86

86

8fi

86

86

86

86

86

64

64

64

64

Dec.

64

64

64

64

64

64

64

64

04

64

32

32

32

32

32

32

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined below 1,170 second-feet. 

Discharges estimated Dec. 17 to 31.

Monthly discharge of Boulder River near Contact, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

JlllV..... ..........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,120 

2,440 

904 

331 

170 

139 

106 

64

Minimum.

310 

545 

331 

39

86 

98 

64

Mean.

1,060 

1.380 

'475 

131 

150 

115 

89.9 

a42.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

65,200 

82,100 

29,200 

8,060 

8,930 

7,070 

5,350 

2,600

209,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C. 

C.

a Discharge estimated for ice effect Dec. 17 to 31. 

WEST FORK OF BOULDER RIVER NEAR BRTTFFEYS, 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

97746° WSP 286 11 11
154 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

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 remained 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 1910.

Date.

Julv 6

26 

Sept. 2

Oct. 6

Dec. 15«

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

C. S. Heidel ............................................... 

.... .do. ....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do...................................................

Width.

Feet. 

62

69

68

63 

60

60

60

Area of 

section.

*'*«,

129

90

68 

48

51

44

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.4S

2.35

1.93

1.62 

1.35

-1.40

1.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

78

400

206

1J9 

64

68

43

a Ice.

Daily gage height, in feet, of West Fork of Boulder River near Bruffeys, Mont., for 1910.

[E. W. Gregory, 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.

1.55

1.55

1.60

1.60

1.65

1.65

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.30

1.20

1.30

1.30

1 Qft

1.20

1.30

Feb.

1.30

1.30

1.35

1.40

1.35

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.30

1.30

1.20

1.40

1.60

1.60

1.70

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.80

1.60

1.60

1.50

Mar.

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.27

1.47

1.57

1.57

1.52

1.47

1.47

1.37

1.37

1.27

1.17

1.37

Apr.

1.27

1.22

1.22

1.27

1.27

1.37

1.37

1.37

1.48

1.52

1.67

1.77

1.82

1.72

1.52

1.57

1.67

1.67

1.77

1.97

1.97

1.87

1.87

2.02

2.17

2.37

2.42

2.57

2.27

May.

. 2.08

'1.88

1.88

1.98

2.38

2.18

2.43

2.53

2.68

2.83

2.88

2.48

2.48

2.43

2.38

2.28

2.18

2.48

2.28

2.18

2.18

2.28

2.73

3.08

3.08

2.78

2.68

2.58

2.88

3.08

June.

3.50

3.70

2.65

2.40

2.50

2.80

2.80

2.35

2.30

2.80

3.20

2.80

2.80

2.70

2.90-

2.80

2.65

2.70

2.70

2.75

2.50

2.20

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.35

2.35

July.

2.30

2.10

2.00

1.80

2.10

1.93

1.90

1.80

2.00

1.90

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

1.80

1.60

1.70

1.62

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.60

Aug.

1.60

1.60

1.55

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.45

1.45

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.30

NOTE. Gage heights Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 affected by ice. No observer after Aug. 27.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 155

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of West Fork of Boulder River near Bru/eys, Mont., for

1910.

Day.

1.. ........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

Mar.

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

Apr.

49

42

42

49

49

63

63

63

84

92

128

155

171

141

92

May.

269

190

190

227

416

314

444

504

603

708

744

473

473

444

416

June.

1,230

1,400

582

427

485

586

686

686

400

373

686

985

686

686

616

July.

373

277

235

164

277

208

202

197

164

235

197

164

164

164

164

Aug.

110

110

99

99

88

88

88

88

110

99

88

78

78

74

69

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28.......:..

29..........

30..........

31..........

Mar.

35

35

35

35

49

82

103

103

92

82

82

63

63

49

35

63

Apr.

103

128

128

155

224

224

187

187

243

309

411

439

630

530

358

May.

363

338

314

473

363

314

314

363

637

890

890

672

603

536

744

890

June.

758

686

582

616

616

651

485

323

485

485

485

485

427

400

400

July.

164

164

164

323

323

323

323

164

110

135

115

125

135

135

135

110

Aug.

69

69

69

69

61

61

61

61

61

53

53

53

NOTE. These discharges are based on a curve that is well defined below 830 second-feet. Discharges 

interpolated on dates with missing gage heights.

Monthly discharge of West Fork of Boulder River near Bruffeys, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

March .............................................

April. . ............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

The period ..................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

103 

630 

890 

1,400 

373 

110

Minimum.

35 

42 

190 

323 

110 

53

Mean.

49.4 

185 

488 

613 

198 

"75.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,040 

11,000 

30,000 

36,500 

12,200 

4,630

97,400

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

" Discharge Aug. 28 to 31 estimated. 

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 

one 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 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.
156 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of West Fork of Boulder River at McLeod, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 9

11

26

Oct. 7

Dec. 16o

Tlydrographer.

W. A. Lamb...............................................

.....do.....................................................

C. S.Heidel........... ....................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Widih.

Feel. 

40

54

55

63

54

48

51

28

Area of 

section.

**m

74

113

98

80

62

65

26

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.70

.90

1.65

1.21

.75

.46

.66

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

86

124

408

227

no

50

73

33

a Ice conditions. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of West Fork of Boulder River at McLeod, Mont., for 1910.

[Clyde Curtis, observer.]

Day.

1. ...................................

2....................................

3....................................

4. ...................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11........ ...........................

12....................................

11

14...................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

93

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30

31....................................

May.

2.3

2 7

June.

2.9

3.0

2.1

1.8

2.0

2.0

2.4

1.8

1.7

9 1

2.7

2.1

2.3

2 2

2.3

2 2

9 t

9 9

2.4

2

0

1 9

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

July.

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Q

1.0

1.0

1.3

1.1

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.6

.6

Aug.

0.5

.5

.5

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.3

.3

.25

.2

.2

.2

.25

.25

.3

.3

.5

.4

.4

.4

.4

.6

Sept.

0.5

.5

.45

.45

- .6

.65

.65

.55

.55

.55

.55

.6

.6

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.7

.7

.7

.75

.8

.8

.7

.7

.65

.65

.6

Oct.

0.6

.7

.7

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Nov.

0.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.55

Dec.

0.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.55

.6

.55

NOTE. Ice after Dec. 10.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of West Fork of Boulder River at McLeod, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1............. .......................

2....................................

0

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10............ ........................

May. June.

1,280

1,370

660

490

600

600

725

860

490

440

July.

390

345

305

305

305

265

265

230

230

230

Aug.

56

56

56

45

45

45

45

45

45

45

Sept.

56

56

50

50

69

76

76

62

62

62

Oct.

69

85

85

85

69

69

69

69

69

69

Nov.

69

69

69

62

62

62

62

62

69

69

Dec.

62

f.2

56

56

56

56

56

62

69

62
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 157

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of West Fork of Boulder River, at McLeod, Mont.,for 1910 

Continued.

Day.

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22.....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30....................................

31....... .......................... ...

May.

600

790

1,100

June.

660

1,100

660

7Qfl

725

790

79 K

790

725

860

725

545

440

440

440

440

440

440

July.

195

195

160

160

160

160

130

130

160

160

265

195

130

105

105

85

85

85

85

69

69

Aug.

45

36

36

32

28

28

28

28

28

32

32

36

36

36

56

45

45

45

45

56

fiQ

Sept.

62

69

69

85

69

69

69

69

69

85

85

85

95

105

105

85

85

76

76

69

Oct.

69

69

69

69

69

69

f.Q

77

77

77

69

69

fiQ

69

69

fiQ

69

69

69

69

£Q

Nov

62

62

62

62

62

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

fi9

Dec.

NOTE. These discharges are based on a well-defined rating curve. Discharges estimated Dec. 11 to 15 

and 17 to 31.

Monthly discharge of West Fork of Boulder River at McLeod, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

July...............................................

The period ..................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,370 

390 

69 

105 

85 

69 

69

Minimum.

440 

69 

28 

50 

69 

56 

33

Mean.

671 

186 

42.1 

73.3 

71.3 

60.4 

43.5

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

39,900 

11,400 

2,590 

4,360 

4,380 

3,590 

2,670

67,600

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C.

a Discharge estimated Dec. 11 to 31 on basis of measurement made Dec. 16.

SWEETGRASS CREEK BASIN. 

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 site of a reservoir proposed under 

the Carey Act.

A few small ditches divert water above the station. The stream 

freezes over during the winter months.
158 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 is nailed to lower side 

(right bank) of the footbridge directly behind ranch buildings of 

observer. The new gage heights are not comparable with the old 

ones. Discharge measurements are made by wading near the gage 

at ordinary stages; at high stages a footbridge is used.

The stream bed is composed of rough gravel.

Discharge measurements of Sweetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 8

May 7

July 9

Aug. 18

Oct. 5

Dec. 14

Hydrographer.

W. A . Lainb ..............................................

Raymond Richards. ......................................

C. S. Heidel ...............................................

.....do.....................................................

. ...do...............'......................................

. ...do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

24

54

38

30

36

31

Area of 

section.

**'* 

85

62

42

d.^

34

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.40

2.52

2.03

1.72

1.97

1.62

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

14

281

105

41

83

25

Daily gage height, in feet, of Siveetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont., for 1910.

[C. M. Rein, observer.]

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.

1 4Q

1.48

1.46

1.43

1.43

1.43

1.43

1.43

1.43

1.43

1.43

1.43

1.43

1.43

1.43

Apr.

1.43

1 43

1.43

1 43

1.43

1.41

1.41

1.43

1.44

1.45

1 45

1.46

1.48

i 11

i 11

1.53

1.53

1

KA

1 K.7

1 K.7

1.61

1.61

1.63

1 65

1

QQ

2.38

2.77

2 on

2.42

May.

2.20

2.17

2.14

2.31

2.38

2

CC

2.96

2.96

2.78

2

Krt

2 49

2.41

2 34

2.20

2.20

2 97

2 98

2 9ft

2

AQ

2

A*7

2.71

2.74

2.49

2 41

2.78

June.

2.78

2.83

2.41

2

00

2.24

2.21

2 41

2.28

2.30

2.42

2.56

2

K.A

2.51

2 CO

2.66

9 tU

2

K1

2

AQ

2.61

2

KO

2 OK

2

00

2 Oft

2.18

2.16

2.14

July.

2.15

2.15

2.12

2.08

2.07

2

fiK

2.05

2.02

2.02

2.00

1.99

1.97

1.97

1

QK

1 QK.

1.93

1.93

1 09

1 09

1 09

1 Q1

1

QQ

1 QQ

1 89

1

07

1.87

1.87

1.86

1 RK.

Aug.

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.83

1.83

1.82

1.80

1.80

1.77

1.77

1 y;

1.75

1 71

1 79

1.72

1.72

1 79

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.69

1.69

1.69

1.67

1.67

1.67

1.65

Sept.

1.66

1.66

1.63

1.63

1.63

1.63

1.66

1.68

1.66

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

I

ftK

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.80

1.90

1.96

1.90

1.95

1.96

1.96

1.96

1.96

Oct.

1.96

1.96

1.96

1.97

1.96

1.96

1.96

1 96

1.96

1.96

1.96

1.%

1 Qt;

1.95

1.95

1.93

1 Q3

1.93

1.91

1.91

1.90

1.90

1.90

1 ftft

1.88

1.88

1 86

1 Rl

1.84

Nov.

1.82

1.82

1.80

1 80

1.78

1.76

1.76

1.76

1.76

1.73

1.73

1.73

1

70

1 73

1.73

1.72

1 79

1.68

I

ftO

1.68

1.68

1.63

Dec.

1.63

1.63

1.63

1.61

1.61

1.61

1.61

1.61

1.61

1.6?

1 fi9

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.61

1.61

1.60

1.59

NOTE. Ice in January and February and after Dec. 25.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 159 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sweetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont., for 1910.

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.

20

20

20

19

19

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

Apr.

18

18

18

18

18

17

16

16

18

18

18

18

18

20

22

'22

24

24

25

27

27

31

31

34

36

77

401

237

May.

178

158

149

139

196

222

294

430

477

477

392

269

237

233

207

175

158

158

165

172

185

185

261

257

360

320

265

233

294

June.

392

415

233

185

172

161

233

245

185

192

237

294

286

273

277

337

315

286

273

261

315

277

175

168

161

158

152

146

139

July.

142

142

133

127

121

118

112

112

104

104

98

95

90

90

86

86

80

80

78

78

78

76

71

71

71

67

67

67

65

fi9

Aug.

62

62

62

62

58

58

56

56

52

52

47

47

44

44

44

38

38

38

38

37

36

35

35

35

34

34

34

31

31

31

28

Sept.

30

30

26

26

26

26

30

32

30

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

52

73

88

73

86

88

88

88

88

Oct.

88

88

88

89

on

89

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

86

86

86

. 80

80

80

76

76

73

73

73

69

69

69

65

60

60

Nov.

56

56

52

52

49

47

45

45

45

45

42

40

40

40

40

40

40

38

38

36

34

32

32

32

 32

32

31

30

28

9fi

Bee.

26

26

26

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

24

24

25

25

25

25

25

25

23

23

23

22

22

21

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Mar. 13 to Apr. 27, fairly well 

defined; Apr. 28 to Dec. 25, well defined above 20 second-feet. Discharge interpolated for days having no 

gage heights.

Monthly discharge of Sweetgrass Creek above Melville, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

20 

401

477 

415 

142 

62 

88 

90 

56 

26

Minimum.

18 

16 

139 

139 

62 

28 

26 

60 

26 

20

Mean.

122 

119 

119.0 

63.1 

258 

236 

91.4 

43.8 

43.9 

80.5 

39.8 

123.0

78.3

Run-off

(total in 

acre-feet) .

1,350 

1,060 

1,170 

3,750 

15,900 

14,000 

5,620 

2,690 

2,610 

4,950 

2,370 

1,410

66,900

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B.

i Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 12 and Dec. 26 to 31. 

NOTE. The means for January and February are only approximate.

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 ranch, 

9 miles below Melville, 20 miles from Big Timber, and 1\ miles below 

the head gate of the Glass-Lindsay Land Co.'s canal, a Carey Act
160 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

project. It was discontinued April 1, 1909, and a new station was 

established at McAllister's ranch, about 3 miles above the Adams 

ranch and just above the head gate of the canal owned by the GlassLindsay 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 nonshif ting. Ice 

forms at this station during the winter season. Records obtained 

are good.

Discharge measurements of Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 7

May 7

July 8

Aug. 17

Oct. 4

Dec. 13a

13<»

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb.... ..........................................

C. 8. Heidel... ............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

J. C. Beebe................................................

C.S.Heidel... ............................................

Width.

Feet. 

34

63

18

18

47

46

45

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.fi

77

12

13

56

33

32

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.09

1.85

1.03

1.08

1.50

1.59

1.59

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

30

172

27

28

85

54

57

alee. 

NOTE. All measurements were made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont., for 1910. 

[William Alien, observer.]

Day.

1... .................................

2........ ...........................

3........ ...........................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12. ...................................

13....................................

14...................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

Apr.

1.09

1.44

1.49

1.41

1.44

1.37

1.44

1.38

1.42

1.42

1.42

1.38

May.

2.01

1.91

1.85

1.83

1.75

1.91

1.84

2.05

2.08

2.18

2.35

2.08

2.10

1.80

1.98

1.92

1.82

1.72

1.62

1.58

June.

2.08

2.10

2.02

1.92

1.88

1.78

1.68

2.08

1.68

1.58

1.52

1.75

1.90

1.95

1.85

2.10

2.05

2.05

1.85

1.78

July.

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.32

1.30

1.18

1.12

1.10

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.10

1.08

1.00

.90

.90

.95

.98

1.00

Aug.

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.10

1.05

1.02

1.00

1.10

1.15

1.00

1.00

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.00

1.00

1.00

Sept.

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.05

1.08

1.10

1.10

1.15

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.15

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

Oct.

1.40

1.40

1.45

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.60

1.52

Nov.

1.32

1.30

1.35

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.32

1.32

1.30

1.32

1.28

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.25

1.22
MISSOURI EIVEE BASttf. 161

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont., in 1910 Contd.

Day.

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30. ...................................

31....................................

Apr.

1.33

1.33

1.36

1.43

1.41

1.40

1.87

2.07

2.27

May.

1.52

1.58

1.55

1.58

1.72

2.00

2.15

2.12

1.78

1.78

2.02

June.

1.68

1.62

1.60

1.58

1.52

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.45

1.40

July.

1.10

1.00

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

Aug.

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Sept.

1.50

1.55

1.45

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.35

1.40

1.40

1.40

Oct.

1.40

1.45

1.42

1.40

1.30

1 30

Nov.

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.35

1.45

NOTE. Ice after Nov. 25. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1.......................... ..........

2. ........... ........................

a...... ..............................

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.

30

59

74

83

69

74

62

74

64

71

71

71

64

56

56

61

72

69

67

180

254

345

371

May.

229

194

174

168

144

194

173

246

259

301

386

259

267

158

218

197

164

135

110

101

89

101

95

101

135

225

288

276

152

152

233

June.

259

267

233

197

184

152

124

124

101

89

144

190

208

174

267

246

246

174

152

124

110

105

101

89

85

85

85

76

67

July.

67

67

67

55

52

38

33

31

23

23

23

23

31

29

23

16

16

20

22

23

31

23

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

Aug.

40

40

40

36

36

36

31

27

25

23

31

36

23

23

31

31

31

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

Sept.

23

23

23

27

29

31

31

36

40

40

40

40

36

36

40

40

40

40

40

40

85

95

76

52

52

52

60

67

67

67

Oct.

67

67

76

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

105

105

89

67

76

71

67

52

52

52

52

 52

52

60

Nov.

55

52

60

60

52

52

52

52

55

55

52

55

50

46

40

40

40

40

46

42

40

40

40

60

76

NOTE. These discharges are based on a curve that is well defined. Discharges Apr. 8 and 9 and Oct. 

26 to 29 interpolated.
162 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Sweetgrass Creek below Melville, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

371

386 

267 

67 

40 

95 

105 

76

Minimum.

30 

89 

67 

16 

23 

23 

52 

40

Mean.

87.4 

191 

157 

35.4 

27.8 

45.6 

75.9 

50.1 

o56

65.4'

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

5,200 

11,700 

9,340 

2,180 

1,710 

2,710 

4,670 

2,980 

3,440

43,900

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C.

a Discharge estimated on basis of ice measurements of Dec. 13 and by comparison with upper station.

STILL WATER RIVER BASIN. 

STILLWATER RIVER NEAR ABSAROKEE, MONT.

Stillwater River rises in the rugged mountains bordering Yellowstone Park, and flows northeastward to its junction with Yellowstone 

River near Columbus.

The territory bordering Stillwater is well irrigated. The river has 

a heavy fall and carries an abundance of water, and therefore affords 

excellent opportunity for the development of hydroelectric power.

The gaging station was established July 19, 1910, on the public 

highway bridge crossing the stream at the Riverside Road House, 13 

miles southwest of Columbus, Mont. Rosebud Creek enters the 

river a mile above the station.

A staff gage is nailed to right abutment pier on upstream side of 

bridge. Discharge measurements are made from the lower side of 

the bridge.

The bed of the stream is composed of gravel and bowlders and is 

very rough but will not shift.

Ice is common at the gaging section in extreme cold weather.

Discharge measurements of Stillwater River near Absarobee, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

July 19

Aug. 3

Aug. 31

Nov 9

Hydrographer.

J. C. Beebe. ...............................................

W. A. Lamb. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

147

146

137

124

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

469

366

272

196

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.68

1.82

.80

.52

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,060

1,210

553

322
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 163

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Stillwater River near Absarokee,

Mont., for 1910.

[James Bennet, 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...................

Ju

Gage 

height.

2.7

2.75

3.4

3.4

3.0

2.72

2.4

2.2

2.2

' 2.05

2.0

1.9

1.85

iyDischarge.

2,070

2,120

2,860

2,860

2,400

2,090

1,760

1,560

1,560

1,420

1,370

1,280

1,230

At

Gage 

height.

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

.8

igDischarge.

1,180

1,180

1,100

1,020

<un

940

940

965

965

890

890

890

1,020

940

965

890

720

720

650

650

650

650

650

650

650

580

CCK

535

510

485

465

Se

Gage

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.8

.9

.9

1.2

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

pt.

Discharge.

465

465

465

465

465

465

415

415

415

415

465

465

465

465

415

415

465

520

520

520

720

965

965

965

940

890

720

650

650

580

O

height.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

Et.

Discharge.

520

520

520

520

520

465

465

465

465

465

465

465

465

415

415

415

415

465

465

465

465

415

415

415

415

465

465

415

415

415

415

Nc

height.

0.7

.7

.7

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.5

.5

.55

.55

.55

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.65

.65

.7

.7

.65

.7

.75

.8

.8

.7

>V.

Discharge.

415

415

415

465

465

465

465

415

330

330

350

350

350

370

370

370

370

370

370

370

392

392

415

415

392

415

440

465

465

415

NOTE. Ice during December. The discharges are based on a well-defined rating curve.

Monthly discharge of Stillwater River near Absarokee, Mont., for 1910.

Month.

July 19-31.........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,860 

1,180 

965 

520 

465

Minimum.

1,230 

465 

415 

415 

330

Mean.

1,890 

801

574 

455 

401

Run-ofl 

(total in 

acre-feet).

48,700 

49,300 

34,200 

28,000 

. 23,900

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B.

ROSEBUD RIVER AT ABSAROKEE, MONT.

Rosebud River rises in several small lakes in the high mountains 

bordering Yellowstone Park, flows northwestward, and unites with 

Stillwater River near Absarokee.

The gaging station was established July 19, 1910, on the highway 

bridge just west of Absarokee, Mont., and 14 miles from Columbus, 

about 1 mile above the mouth of the stream. There are no important 

tributaries above the station other than the many forks of the stream 

itself.
164 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

A staff gage is fastened to the downstream side of left abutment 

pier of the bridge. Discharge measurements are made from the 

downstream side of the bridge.

The bed of stream is composed of gravel and bowlders, and is not 

likely to shift. The flow at this station is practically unaffected 

by ice.

Irrigation is practiced considerably above the station.

Discharge measurements of Rosebud River at Absarokee, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

July 19

Aug. 3

31

Nov. 10

Hydrographer.

J. C. B<3ebe. . ..............................................

W. A. Lamb....................... ......................

Width.

Feet. 

75

74

69

69

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

236

204

156

130

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.18

.86

.24

.00

Discharge

Sec.-ft. 

1,010

661

283

178

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Rosebud River at Absarokee,

Mont., for 1910.

[Chris Carstens, 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.........

Ju

Gage 

height.

1.2

1.3

1.5

1 ft

1.7

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

iy.

Discharge.

1,020

1 140

1,390

1 CAn

1,660

1,520

1,260

1,020

910

910

910

910

A

Gage 

height.

1.1

1.1

.9

.9

1.1

1.1

1.0

.9

.7

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.6

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.6

.6

.5

.5

.4

.3

.3

ug.

Discharge.

910

910

715

715

910

910

810

715

552

412

412

412

412

412

412

412

412

412

412

412

412

412

48/1

480

412

412

352

qco

OQQ

299

Se

Gage 

height.

0.3

.2

.1

.1

.25

.1

.1

.15

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.1

.1

.1

.3

.5

.7

9

g

1.0

1.2

1.4

1 1

1.0

g

pt.

Discharge.

299

299

252

219

91Q

276

209

209

230

252

252

252

252

252

209

209

209

299

299

412

552

71 K

715

«762

810

1,020

1,260

1,390

sin

71 ^

0

Gage 

height.

0.4

.4

.4

.3

.3

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.2

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

ct.

Discharge.

J532

352

352

352

299

299

252

252

252

252

252

209

209

209

209

209

209

252

252

252

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

OAQ

209

209

N

Gage 

height.

0.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

ov.

Discharge.

209

- 209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

209

252

252

252

252

oeo

252

OCO

252

D

Gage 

height.

0.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

}C.

Discharge.

252

252

252

252

252

252

252

276

276

276

276

276

276

276

276

276

276

260

260

260

260

260

260

250

250

250

250

250

9>;n

250

NOTE.-

deflned.

a Interpolated. 

-Discharge afiected by ice after Dec. 17. The discharges are based on a curve that is fairly well
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 

Monthly discharge of Rosebud River at Absarokee, Mont., for 1910.

165

Month.

July 19-31.........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,800 

910 

1,390 

532 

252 

276

Minimum.

910 

299 

209 

209 

209 

250

Mean.

1,180 

518 

462 

250 

220 

261

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

30,400 

31,900 

27,500 

15,400 

13,100 

16,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

CLARK FORK BASIN. 

CLARK FORK AT FROMBERG, 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. (See fig. 1, p. 166.)

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.

All estimates of discharge for this station have been revised in the 

light of recent measurements and are published herewith. Gage 

heights for years 1905 to 1909 may be found in Water-Supply Papers 

172, page 102; 208, pages 92, 93; 246, pages 173, 174; and 266, page 

166.
MEASUREMENTS IN 1905 Nos. I to 6

4000 5000 6000

DISCHARGE IN SECOND-FEET

FIGUEE 1. Discharge curve for Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mo
MISSOURI EIVEB BASIN. 167 

Discharge measurements of Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., in 1905-1910.

Date.

1905.

27

July 25

Aug. 19

Sept. 16

Oct. 17

1906. 

May 12

June 2

15

26

July 28

Sept. 4

1907. 

Apr. 10

July 12

Aug. 17

Nov. 126

1908. 

Mar. 30

May 22

July 20

1909.

May 22

July 17

Sept. 13

1910. 

July 16

Aug. 30

Nov. 11

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

.;... do.... .................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

J. C. Beebe ................................................

Width.

Feet. 

209

185

210

135

122

122

190

168

9ftQ

170

165

130

120

207

214

184

125

118

158

211

206

1^?

183

230

210

151

165

126

105

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

845

578

970

309

289

637

534

1,010

493

479

348

288

733

1,130

526

310

263

438

1,090

750

375

oof;

470

1,210

780

446

505

330

275

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.42

4.95

7.25

3.98

3.53

3.47

5.57

5.17

7.32

5.00

4.62

3.90

3.56

6.04

7.83

4.95 3 64

3.40

4.54

7.55

6.10 4 ia

3 en

4.68

8.25

6.11

4.49

4.68

3.58

3.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4,120

1,660

5,730

734

416

372

2,530

1,930

5,950

1,750 i 4Jin

696

374

3,320

6,590

1,410

370

269

1,080

5,850

3,030

 717

320

1,300

7,780

3,050

1,030

1,330

368

346

a Measurement made without sufficient amount of lead. 6 Slight ice effect.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., for 1910. 

[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...................

Mar.

4.05

4.0

4.2

4.2

4.15

4.35

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.35

4.3

4.05

3.85

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

Apr.

4.1

4.05

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.75

3.8

3.8

3.95

4.1

4.2

4.5

May.

5.4

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.8

5.65

5.6

5.7

5.7

5.6

5.8

6.1

6.55

6.0

5.85

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.55

5.6

June.

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.7

7.6

7.75

7.65

7.45

7.15

6.85

6.8

6.75

7.0

7.15

7.05

7.0

6.65

6.6

6.55

July.

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.35

5.3

5.2

5.2

4.95

4.9

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.7

4.7

4 65

4.7

4.5

4.5

4.5

Aug.

4.4

4.35

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.7

Sept.

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

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

Oct.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5 '3.6

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

Nov.

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

Dec.

3.6

3.65

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.45

3.4

3.4
168 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

21...................

22...................

23...................

24...................

25...................

26...................

27...................

28...................

29...................

30...................

31...................

Mar.

3.7

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.9

4.0

4.0

3.95

4.0

4.1

4.1

Apr.

4.5

4.5

4.8

4.7

5.0

5.0

5.15

5.1

5.3

5.3

May.

5 a

5.65

5.7

5.85

5.75

6.0

6.2

6.35

6.8

fi O

June.

6.6

6.5

6.35

6.35

6.35

6.3

6.05

5.95

5

7K

5.55

July.

4.85

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.45

Aug.

3.7

3.7

3.75

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

Sept.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.75

3.95

3.9

3.8

3.75

3.5

Oct.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

Nov.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.7

Dec.

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

NOTE. Ice during January and February. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., for 1905-1910.

Day.

1905. 

1.. .............

2. ..............

3...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9

10...............

11...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

.16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22. ..............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

1906. 

1...............

2...............

3...............

4. ..............

5.........:.....

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr.

Af\f)

458

400

346

400

373

458

458

AZQ

520

458

4ne

don

458

458

May.

738

520

908

908

1,050

999

821

660

660

1,150

1,820

2 qttn

2 Afift

 > KQA

2.980

June.

5,100

5,780

4,260

3,320

3,680

6,260

5

AA(\

3,860

4,160

5,780

5,900

5,210

4,260

3,770

3,500

2,500

2,290

2,740

3,960

3,960

3,960

3,960

4,320

5,210

5,580

4,990

4

Kf\f\

2,280

1,880

2,010

2,010

1,520

2,900

2,500

2,360

2 430

2,580

3,230

4,160

7 380

7,500

6,260

July.

4,360

4,260

3,740

3,580

3,500

3,060

3,140

3,230

3,230

3,230

3,260

3,060

3,060

2,930

2,900

2,820

2,500

2,010

2,010

1,760

1,760

1,630

1,820

1,760

1,760

1,610

1,760

1,580

1,500

1,500

1,430

2,280

2,820

3,140

3,230

3,400

3,680

3,400

3,400

3,140

3,320

S Cflft

3,680

3,320

2,980

Aug.

1,430

1,380

1,690

1,880

1,520

1,300

1,190

1,190

1,080

980

1,050

999

999

926

891

838

804

738

660

624

587

587

587

554

554

520

624

624

660

645

624

908

821

908

908

954

1,140

999

908

908

954

908

821

738

821

738

Sept.

602

554

533

507

4QJ

458

458

429

49Q

429

429

429

429

429

400

400

400

384

373

373

373

346

346

331

321

321

321

321

373

554

738

738

660

660

587

587

544

458

400

400

400

346

400

458

520

Oct.

400

400

400

323

323

346

346

346

346

346

321

321

373

458

400

373

373

357

346

357

389

400

417

429

429

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

373

373

400

373

373

429

373

321

321

321

321

346

346

321

Nov.

400

400

400

446

458

429

429

429

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

321

321

296

296

296

321

321

321

346

346

373

373

373

346

346

Dec.

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

400

.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 169 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., for 1905-1910 Contd.

Day.

1906. 

16........ ......

17......... . ...

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22..............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31..............

1907. 

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...............

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...............

Jan. Feb.

458

458

458

458

458

458

458

4SQ

458

458

458

458

458

412

195

195

195

195

195

195

195

195

195

Mar.

429

400

400

400

400

373

373

373

373

346

346

346

321

321

321

321

346

346

346

346

520

520

520

458

458

458

458

458

489

489

4SQ

195

195

195

1QC

275

275

275

275

275

300

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

300

Apr.

458

520

520

554

602

821

1,240

1,090

926

821

738

738

821

738

400

446

489

489

489

489

489

400

357

429

429

458

520

520

587

660

821

821

587

554

554

520

520

520

587

587

587

587

<&&

554

275

275

300

315

275

285

300

325

325

335

350

350

365

403

490

1.040

1.040

740

1,040

990

1,680

1,500

1,620

1,340

1.560

May.

2 540

2,280

1,720

1,520

1,460

2,100

2,430

2,740

3.320

2,900

3,400

2,900

2,900

2,580

2,740

2,580

738

1,090

1,190

1,250

660

587

660

.660

660

864

1,190

1,180

1,520

1,410

1,520

2,500

2,660

3,230

3,230

3,680

3,860

4,360

4,460

3,770

2,820

1,880

1,940

2,010

2,140

2,660

820

945

1,440

1 CflA

1,440

1,560

1,980

2,710

2,940

3,100

2,290

1,620

1,500

1,280"

1,230

1,130

1,080

1,130

1,140

1,150

1,340

1.280

June.

4,500

3,580

2 140

2,010

2,140

2,010

1,880

1,760

2,010

2,010

2,140

2,140

2,140

3,400

5,210

4,880

3,680

4,160

5,100

6,140

6,630

5,780

5,100

4,360

4,260

4,560

4,060

5,100

5,560

4,770

4,460

4,880

5,440

6,140

6,500

6,760

4,990

4,560

4,360

4,770

5,670

8,020

7,260

4,530

3,790

4,730

3,520

2,640

2,710

3,180

3,790

3,520

3,880

5,510

6,520

6,520

6,360

7,480

7,170

5,980

5,390

3,700

4,150

4,940

3,270

3,520

3,360

3.360

July.

2 OCA

2,080

2,220

2 OCT.

2,220

2,080

1,690

1,630

1,760

1,580

1,580

1,350

1,300

999

1,090

954

7,260

10,000

8,950

10,300

8,660

7,620

7,180

7,330

6,890

6,360

6,620

6,100

5,620

5,860

5,620

4,340

3,610

4,240

4,440

4 71O

5,160

5,380

4,940

5,620

5,740

5,620

4,340

3,880

3,700

3,520

6,100

5,740

6,490

6,620

8,210

6,900

5,620

4,800

4,800

5,740

5,500

5,160

4,840

4,340

4,240'

4,060

3,880

3,520

3,620

3,270

2,780

2,640

2,640

2,420

2.420

Aug.

700

660

660

660

755

2,070

1,190

2,900

3,230

2,900

1,520

954

954

864

908

738

3,610

3,440

3,180

3,180

3,180

2,940

2,640

2,560

2,420

2,290

2,040

2,040

1,740

1,560

1,440

1,440

1,440

1,560

1,440

1,380

1,340

1,340

1,230

1,180

1,080

1,130

1,080

1,040

1,440

1,380

1,340

2,040

2,040

1,920

1,920

1,920

1,800

1,800

1,800

1,800

1,560

1,340

2,040

2,160

2,100

1,620

1,340

1,340

1,340

1,340

1,620

1,340

1,230

1,230

1,230

1,130

Sept.

520

520

AKO

A*&

49Q

400

400

400

400

400

520

520

458

458

400

1,340

1,340

1,180

1,130

1,040

1,040

1,080

1,040

1,040

1,040

1,040

1,040

945

945

860

860

780

780

780

700

700

625

625

555

555

700

700

1,080

990

945

860

860

780

740

700

700

625

555

555

590

663

700

700

625

625

625

663

663

625

625

625

625

625

625

Oct.

001

296

OQfi

*?Qfi

970

273

273

296

296

321

321

321

346

321

321

Q4K

1,040

780

625

625

625

625

555

555

555

555

555

555

555

522

522

490

490

490

490

490

460

460

460

460

430

430

430

430

430

430

555

555

555

663

780

700

700

700

700

700

700

700

700

700

700

' 700

700

700

700

700

625

625

625

625

555

Nov.

Q<lfi

346

001 09-1

321

070

373

373

373

346

400

400

Aff)

402

402

AiY>

4ft9

375

375

375

375

375

350

325

325

325

325

430

430

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

555

555

555

555

555

522

522

522

522

522

490

490

490

490

490

490

490

490

430

430

430

430

403

403

375

Dec.

375

375

375

OCft

350

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

325

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

375

325

97746° WSP 286 11- -12
170 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., for 1905-1910 Contd.

Day.

1908. 

26...............

27...............

28. ..............

29...............

30...............

31...............

1909. 

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...............

1910. 

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. Feb.

195

1QC

195

Mar.

300

O1 K

OAA

300 «JAA

sAft

430

430

43n

430

430

430

43fi

430

430

375

375

O7K

375

375

O.7K

375

375

375

375

375

375

O.7K

O.7K

375

375

O7C

375

O7K

O.7K

OOK

OOK

663

ftOK

7CA

780

740

AAO

1,040

1 '945 040

900

860

663 coA

OAQ

370

9 7 A

430

430

430

430

490

490

4Qfl

555

fiOK

625

590

fiOK

700

700

Apr.

2 160

Q ft A

QOA,

700

700

QOK

QOK

300

97K

97*

97*

275

O.AA

300

OOK

OOK

325

OKA

375

350

325

OOK

OOK

325

OOK

325

325

ooc

325

OOP

OOK

OOK

OOK

700

663

ftOC

fiOC

555

555

4QA

490

490

O.7A

o7A

370

Q7fi

460

490

KQH

700

780

1 fl4fl

1,040

1 ft4ft

1,340

1,230

1 *ftft

i *fift

1,740

1 680

1,820

1,820

May.

1,390

1 fiSft

2,220

2 O£A

2 560

3

QQA

OKA

^K/>

490

490

fiOK

fiO*

625

1 040

1,040

1 040

ftOK

QOA

 740

902

700

*Qfl

fiO*

700

AJK

1,340

2,160

2 ggQ

3

7AA

4,440

6,100

1 940

2 160

2 1 fin

2,160

2

KCA

2 OCA

2 9QH

2 420

2 420

2 9QA.

2

CCA

3,020

3

7QA

2 Q£ft

2,640

2,560

2

CCA

2

CfiA

2

OOA

2 290

2

OQA

2,420

2

aA(\

2

CAA

2

CfiA

3,440

3,610

4 

' 430

June.

3,970

3 CO A

3

Q7A

4,150

5,500

7 480

8

01 A

9 410 in' 3fln

9,710

9,110

8 91 f\

7,910

7 030

5,740 

6,230

C OftA

7,760

10 300

9

CAA

8 91 f\

8 91 f\

8 91 n

8 91 fl

9,110 

941 n

9 860

10,500 

11 200

5 QOA

5

QQA

5,980

5

AOA

5,620

4 940

4 340

4 240

4 1*0

4,630

4 940

4,730

3 Q7A.

3

QQA

^ 70ft

3 QOf\

3 7ftrt

3,440

3,440

3,360

2,940

2

7QA

2

KftA

July.

2 290

2 OCA

2 900

2 290

2 160

2

1 AA

1 150

1 7 T5ft

12,100

12,100

11,800

10 900

9 SAA

8

ACA

6,900

5,050

4,530

3 OCA

3, SCO

2

7OA

2

CCA

2

CHA

2

CAA

2 420

2 49ft

2 420

2* 420

2T oan

2,220

2 100

2,040

1,920

1,920

1,620

1,620

1,560

2

1 Of)

2 160

1*940

1^880

1,820

1 800 i of\n

1 w\

1 440

1^230

1,230

1,130

1 040

1,230

1 9°.ft

1,180

1 230

1,040

1 fl4fl

1,180

1,390

1,340

1,340

1,230

1,230

1,230

1,130

1,130

1,040

990

Aug.

1,130

1,040

1,040

OCA

1,040

QAK

1 *fift

1 PtfXl

1 Plfift

1,440

1 ^.ffl

1,340

1,340

1 440

1 34Or

1,340

1,340

1 9Sfi

i 9^n

1 230

1^340

1 280

1^340

1,340

1,340

1 230

1,230

1 i on

1,130

1,080

990

945

QAK

AAA

820

945

900

860

860

860

700

700

700

700

490

490

490

490

490

490

490

490

490

460

430

430

430

460

490

490

430

430

430

430

430

370

Sept.

555

555

555

KKK

555

7QA

1 AfiA

1,680

1 9.00,

1 080

1,040

1 ft4fl

990

1 1 OA

i 9^n

990

900

860

780

740

700

700

700

700

663

ccc

555

555

KKC

555

555

CCK

555

370

370

370

370

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

370

370

370

370

460

590

555

490

460

320

Oct.

555

555

555

555

555

555

KOO

KOO

KOO

*99

522

coo

460

460

460

460

460

460

460

403

403

403

403

403

403

4*V?

403

403

375

350

OKA

350

350

OKft

350

350

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

370

370

370

345

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

Nov.

O7C

OO K

325

OOK

onn

onn

OAfl

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

370

320

320

320

270

270

270

270

320

320

370

370

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

 370

430

Dec.

370

400

430

430

430

430

430

430

430

430

320

320

320

320

320

320

295

295

270

270

270

270

270

270

270

270

270

270

270

270

270

NOTE. The daily discharge for 1905 to 1910 are based on rating curves applicable as follows, except as 

noted: June 3,1905, to July 5,1907. well denned between 350 and 6,500 second-feet; July 6,1907, to Dec. 31, 

1910, well defined between 200 and 8,000 second-feet. Ice periods Nov. 28,1905, to Mar. 31,1906, Dec. 11, 

1906, to Feb. 14,1907, Jan. 1 to Feb. 16,1908, Dec. 17,1908, to Feb. 28,1909, Dec. 1,1909, to Feb. 28,1910.
MISSOURI RIVEE BASIN. 171

Monthly discharge of Clark Fork at Fromberg, Mont., for 1905-1910.

Month.

1905.

July...............................................

Nov. 1-27 .........................................

The period ..................................

1906.

July...............................................

The period ..................................

1907. 

Feb. 15-28 .........................................

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

The period ..................................

1908. 

Feb. 17-28.........................................

April ..............................................

July...............................................

Dec. 1-16..........................................

The period ..................................

1909. 

March .............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

The period ..................................

1910.

May...............................................

July...............................................

The vear. ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

6,260 

4,360 

1,880 

602 

458 

458

1,240 

3,530 

6,260 

3,680 

3,230 

738 

429 

400

458 

520 

821 

4,460 

8,020 

10,700 

3,610 

1,340 

1,040 

430 

375

195 

325 

2,160 

3,880 

7,480 

8,210 

2,160 

945 

780 

555 

375

430 

375 

6,760 

11,200 

12, 100 

1,560 

1,680 

522 

300

1,040 

1,820 

4,430 

6,360 

2,160 

945 

590 

370 

430 

430

Minimum,

2,290 

1,430 

554 

321 

321 

400

346 

520 

1,760 

954 

660 

346 

273 

296

412 

321 

357 

587 

3,400 

3,520 

1,040 

555 

430 

325 

325

195 

195 

275 

820 

2,640 

2,100 

860 

555 

555 

325 

325

325

275 

350 

5,740 

1,560 

820 

555 

350 

300

370 

370 

1,940 

2,220 

990 

370 

320 

320 

270 

270

Mean.

4,370 

2,570 

927 

418 

378 

407

587 

1,990 

2,980 

2,450 

1,110 

488 

330 

343 

400

455 

405 

533 

2,070 

5,220 

6,140 

1,910 

' 919 

550 

371 

332

195 

294 

758 

1,730 

4,500 

4,180 

1,520 

656 

645 

462 

353

359 

319 

1,810 

8,430 

4,880 

1,260 

878 

430 

300

'o300 

o350 

653 

868 

2,700 

4,470 

1,370 

560 

365 

326 

324 

330

1,050

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

243,000 

158,000 

57,000 

24,900 

23, 200 

21,800

528,000

54,900 

122,000 

177, 000 

151, 000 

68, 200 

29,000 

20,300 

20,400 

7,930

651,000

13,500 

24,900 

31, 700 

127,000 

311, 000 

378, 000 

117,000 

54,700 

33,800 

22,100 

20,400

1,134,000

4,640 

18,100 

45,100 

106, 000 

268,000 

257, 000 

93,500 

39,000 

39,700 

27,500 

11,200

909, 740

22,100 

19,000 

111, 000 

502,000 

300,000 

77,500 

52, 200 

26,400 

17,900

1, 130, 000

18,400 

19,400 

40,200 

51,600 

166,000 

266,000 

84, 200 

34,400 

21, 700 

20, 000 

19,300 

20,300

762,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A.

A. 

A. 

B.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

C.

C. 

B.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C.

C. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B.

B.

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B.

at Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Feb. 28. The means are approximate.
172 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

PRYOR CREEK BASIN. 

PRYOR CREEK AT HUNTLEY, MONT.

Pryor Creek rises in the Pryor Mountains in southern Carbon 

County, Mont., flows northeastward, and enters Yellowstone River 

from the south about 15 miles northeast of Billings.

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 

Reclamation Service, and a station was established on the steel highway bridge crossing this channel one-half mile Irom the railroad station at Huntley. Since then the chain-gage datum has not been 

changed. Measurements are made from this bridge.

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 stream freezes over during the winter months. Results obtained are good.

Discharge measurements of Pryor Creek at Huntley, Mont., in 1910.

Date.

May 10

June 3

July 18

Aug. 10"

24

Nov. 13

Hydrographer.

W. A. Lamb ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

30

29

27

8

30

28

Area of 

section.

*tf

56

44

3.5

15

50

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.72

1.63

1.13

1.05

1.13

1.43

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

74

57

16

7.7

13

41

a Made by wading below canal crossing.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Pryor Creek at Huntley, Mont., for 1910. 

[Arthur Foster, observer.]

Day.

1...................

2...................

3...................

4. ..................

5. ..................

6...................

7...................

8...................

9...................

10...................

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

Mar.

2.05

2.05

2.0

1.95

1.9

Apr.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.8

1.8

May.

1.5

1.5 1 t;

1.5

1.5

1.6

1 65

2.4 1 f>

1.8

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.7

June.

1.8

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.7

July.

1.5

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

Aug.

1.0

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.2

Sept.

1.2

1.8

2.4

1.7

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.35

1.3

1.2

1.2

Oct.

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Nov.

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.42

1.42

1.4

Dec.

1.45

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.5
MISSOURI KIVER BASIN. 173 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Pryor Creek at Huntley, Mont., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

16...................

17...................

18...................

20...................

21...................

22...................

23...................

24...................

25...................

26...................

27...................

28...................

29...................

30. ..................

31...................

Mar.

1.9

1.8

1.8

1. O

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.75

1.7

1:7

1.7

Apt.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

May.

2.4

3.0

3.5

. V

2.6

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.85

June.

1.4

1.4

1.3

J.. O

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.6

1.5

July.

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.9

Aug.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.25

1.2

Sept.

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.45

1.5

3.1

2.7

2.4

2.4

Oct.

1.4

1.6

1.7

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Nov.

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.48

1.48

1.5

1.5

1.48

1.45

1.4

1.42

Dec.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.48

1.48

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.4

NOTE. Probably affected by ice during greater part of January and February.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Pryor Creek at Huntley, Mont., for 1910.

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. ..................

OC

26...................

27...................

28...................

29...................

30...................

31...................

Mar.

109

109

103

97

91

91

79

79

79

79

79

79

91

91

91

91

91

74

68

68

68

Apr.

58

58

. 58

58

58

58

58

58

58

58

58

58

63

79

79

68

68

68

58

58

58

58

58

58

48

48

48

48

48

48

May.

48

48

48

48

48

58

63

1S6

48

79

58

58

58

68

68

156

240

318

226

184

115

115

103

103

103

103

97

01

91

85

June.

79

68

63

63

58

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

68

38 38

29

29

29

29

29

24

20f\t\

20

20

20

58

48

July.

48

29

29

29

29

29

20

20

29

20

20

16

16

16

16

16

16

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

8.5

8.5

5

1

1

1

1

Aug.

5

8.5

5

5

5

5

5

5

06.8

8.5

8.5

5

5

5

20

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

19

5

5

5

5

. 24

20

Sept.

20

79

156

68

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

34

29

20

20

20

12

12

20

20

29

29

29

38

43

48

254

198

1W

156

Oct.

68

58

58

48

43

43

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

58

68

38

38

38

38

38

38

QA

43

38

38

38

38

38

Nov.

38

38

43

43

38

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

40

40

38

38

38

48

68

48

43

43

46

46

48

48

46

43

38

40

Dec.

43

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

58

48

48

48

48

48

48

4S

48

48

48

48

48

46

46

43

43

43

38

a Discharge interpolated. 

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined.
174 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Pryor Creek at Euntley, Mont., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 800 square miles.]

Month.

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

109 

79 

318 

79 

48 

24 

254 

68 

68 

58

318

Minimum.

40 

48 

48 

20 

1 

5 

12 

34 

38 

38

1

Mean.

«25 

o30 

« 84 1 

58.6 

103 

42.7 

16.4 

9.24 

54 3 

42.5 

44.5 

47.2

42.1

Per

square 

mile.

0.031 

.038 

.105 

.073 

.129 

.053 

.020 

.012 

.068 

.053 

.055 

.059

.058

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.04 

.04 

.12 

.08 

.15 

.06 

.02 

.01 

.08 

.06 

.06 

.07

.79

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,540 

1,670 

5,170 

3,490 

6,330 

2,540 

1,010 

568 

3,230 

2,610 

2,650 

2,900

33,100

AccU' 

racy.

C. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B.

o Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 10. 

NOTE. The means for January and February are only approximate.

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, 

Dinwoody, 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 northeastward to its 

confluence with the Little Wind River at Arapahoe, Wyo., and which 

emerges from the mountains about 8 miles above Lander, Wyo.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 175

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 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 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 River are important tributaries of the.Bighorn. The drainage area of 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 range 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
176 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1010, PART VI.

irrigation works now being constructed by the Indian Office 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 

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 amount of practicable storage is not 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 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 Company 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.

BIGHORN RIVER NEAR THERMOPOLIS, WYO.

This station, which is located on the county highway bridge between Thermopolis and the Thermopolis Hot Springs, was established 

May 28, 1900, discontinued December 31, 1905, and reestablished 

June 30, 1910. The principal tributaries above the station are Wind, 

Little Wind, Popo Agie, and Badwater rivers. Below the station 

No Wood, Greybull, Shoshone, and Little Bighorn rivers are the 

important tributaries.

The drainage area above the station is 8,180 square miles.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 177

A staff gage is fastened securely to the downstream side of the 

middle pier of the bridge. The gage datum has remained constant. 

Discharge measurements are made from the highway bridge.

The bed of the stream is composed of rock and gravel and is 

practically permanent. The discharge at this station is little affected 

by ice.

Irrigation is carried on extensively on the tributaries of Bighorn, 

but not from the river itself.

Discharge measurements of Bighorn River near Thermopolis, Wyo., in 1910.

Date

July 30

Aug. 23

Sept. 25

Hydrographer.

.... do...................... ..............................

.....do. ...................................................

Width.

Feet. 

240

216

219

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

744

557

585

AT,

Feet. 

2.44

1.70

1.95

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,320

1,240

1,600

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Bighorn River near Thermopolis,

Wyo., for 1910.

[Victor T Johnson, observer.]

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..............

July.

Gage 

height.

2.45 

2.6

Discharge.

2,320 

2,580

Aug.

Gage 

height.

3.0 

2.6 

2.3 

2.4 

2.5

2.4 

2.3 

2.2 

2.3 

2.0

2.1 

2.1 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0

1.7 

1.8 

1.8 

1.8 

1.7

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.6 

1.5 

1.5

Discharge.

3,300 

2,580 

2,080 

2,240 

2,410

2,240 

2,080 

1,930 

2,080 

1,650

1,790 

1,790 

1,650 

1,650 

1,650

1,250 

1,380 

1,380 

1,380 

1,250

1,250 

1,250 

1,250 

1,250 

1,250

1,250 

1,250 

1,250 

1,130 

1,020 

1,020

Sept.

Gage 

height.

1.5 

1.5

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 

1.6 

2.1 

2.0 

1.9

1.7 

1.6 

1.5 

1.5 

1.4

Discharge.

1,020 

1,020 

995 

970 

945

920 

830 

830 

740 

740

740 

740 

740 

740 

740

740 

740 

740 

740 

740

740 

1,130 

1,790 

1,650 

1,510

1,250 

1,130 

1,020 

1,020 

920

Oct.

Gage 

height.

1.3 

1.42 

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 

1.3 

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

Discharge.

830 

940 

920 

830 

830

740 

740 

740 

740 

740

740 

740 

740 

740 

740

740 

830 

830 

830 

830

830 

830 

830 

830 

830

830 

830 

830 

830 

830 

830

Nov.

Gage 

height.

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

 1.2 

1.2 

1.2 

1.1 

1.1

1.1 

1.1 

1.1 

'1.1 

1.1

1.1 

1.1 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 1.1 1.1

1.1 1.1

1.0 

1.0 

1.0

Discharge.

830 

830 

830 

830 

830

740 

740 

740 

660 

660

660 

660 

660 

660 

660

660 

660 

580 

580 

580

580 

580 

580 

660 

660

660 

660 

580 

580 

580

Dec.

Gage 

height.

1.0 

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

1.1 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0

,9 

.9 

.9 

.9 

.9

.9 

.9 

.9 

.9 

.9 

.9

Discharge

580 

660 

660 

660 

660

660 

660 

660 

660 

660

660 

660 

660 

660 

660

660 

580 

580 

580 

580

510 

510 

510 

510 

510

510 

510 

510 

510 

510 

510

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 920 and 3,300 secondfeet. Discharges interpolated Sept. 3 to 5.
178 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Bighorn River near Thermopolis, Wyo.,for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 8,180 square miles. 1

Month.

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,300 

1,790 

940 

830 

660

Minimum.

1,020 

740 

740 

580 

510

Mean.

1,640 

952 

805 

672 

594

Per 

square 

mile.

0.200 

.116 

.098 

.082 

.073

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.23 

.13 

.11 

.09 

.08

Total in 

acre-feet.

101,000 

56.600 

49.500 

40,000 

36,500

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B.

BIGHORN RIVER NEAR HARDIN, MONT. l

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 & IVIissouri 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 i feet higher than that of the original 

chain gage; but on August 10, 1905, the gage was moved to the 

west span of tne 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., for 1910.

Date.

July 17

Nov. 12

Hydrographer.

J. C. Beebe ................................................

W. A. Lamb..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

437

427

288

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

2,260

1,870

1,460

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.22

3.33

3.03

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4,890

1,510

Daily gage height, in feet, of Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont., for 1910. 

[E. P. Sweeney, observer.]

Day.

2...................

3...................

5...................

6...................

8...................

9...................

10. ..................

Mar.

4 Q

4 9

4.8

Apr.

3

0

3

0

3.3

Q i

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.4

May.

5.3

5.0

4.8

4

O

5.0

5.5

5.5

5 A

5.3

June.

5.5

5.7

6.0

6.0

6.0

5 Q

5.7

5.5

5 A

5.3

July.

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.6

4

K

4.5

4.5

Aug. Sept.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3 9

3.2

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.1

Oct.

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.25

3.15

3.05

3.05

3.05

Nov.

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.1

Dec.

. 3.1

3.1

3 1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3 0

3.0

1 Keferred to as at' 'Fort Ouster " in Water-Supply Paper, No. 208, p. 96.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 179

Daily gage height, in feet, of Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

11...................

12...................

10

14...................

15 ..................

16 ..................

17...................

18 ..................

19...................

 20...................

91

22...................

23...................

24. ..................

26...................

9A

27...................

28...................

29. ..................

30

31...................

Mar.

4.7

4.6

4

0

4.0

3 9

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.6

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

Apr.

3.5

3 7

3.8

3.9

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.8

4.0

4.2

4.2

4

E

4.6

4.9

5.0

5.2

5.7

May.

5.9

6.0

6.1

6.0

5.9

5.6

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.1

5.1

5-1

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.4

5-5

5

J.

5.3

June.

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.5

5.0

5.0

5.4

5 9

5.1

5.0

5.2

5.0

5.0

4

n

4.8

4.7

4.7

July.

4.5

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4

0

4.4

4

C

4.6

4.6

4

E

4.3

4.2

4.2

Aug.

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3 A

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.2

Sept.

31

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.85

2.85

2.95

3.25

3.55

3.35

3.25

3.15

3.05

Oct.

2.95

2.95

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

Nov.

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.05

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.15

3.0

3.0

3.0

Dec.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont., for 1910.

Day.

1. ..................

2...................

3...................

5...................

6...................

7...................

8...................

9

10...................

11 ..................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

16. ..................

17...................

18...................

19...................

20...................

21...................

99

23...................

24

25.. .................

26. ..................

27...................

28. ..................

29...................

30

31 ..................

Mar.

7,050

7,050

6,700

6,360

6,030

5,100

4,230

3 QC/\

3,680

3 49ft

3,160

2,910

3,160

3,290

3

1 on

3,160

3,160

3,160

3,160

2,910

2,910

2,670

2,670

Apr.

2,440

2,440

2,440

2 440

2,440

2,440

2,440

2,440

2 44O

2,670

2,910

3,160

3,680

3

QCft

4,230

4,230

3,680

4,230

4,510

4

enn

4,800

5,710

6,030

6,700

7,050

7.410

8,160

10,200

May.

9,360

7,410

6,700

6,700

7,410

9 360

9,360

9 360

11,100

11 600

11,600

11,100

9 7 en

8,160

7,780

7,780

7 780

7,780

7 780

7 780

8,950

10,200

9,360

8

QtA

8,550

June.

9,360

10,200

11,600

n fion

U fion

11,100

9,360

8 OCA

8 160

8,160

7 7Sft

9

Qfin

9,780

8,950

9,780

9,^60

8,950

8,160

7,780

8,160

7,410

6,700

6,360

6,360

July.

7,410

7,050

7,050

6,360

6,030

5,710

5,710

5,400

5

4AA

5,100

5,100

4,800

4 800

4 800

4,800

5,100

5,710

6,030

5,710

5,400

5,400

5,100

4 ' 800

Aug.

3,680

3,080

3,680

3,680

3,420

3,160

3,160

2

Q1 A

2,910

2,670

2 440

2,220

2,010

2

OOA

2 440

2 440

2,220

Sept.

2,220

2,220

2,220

2,220

2.220

2,670

2,220

2,010

2,010

1,810

1,810

1,6W

1,620

1,620

1,350

1,350

1,350

1,530

1,530

2,330

3,040

2,110

1,910

Oct.

1,910

1,910

1,910

1,910

2,330

2,110

2,110

1,910

1,910

1,910

1,720

1,720

1,530

1,530

1,530

1,530

1,440

1,440

1,440

1,440

1,440

1,440

1,440

1,440

1,440

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

Nov.

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,810

1,810

2,010

2,010

1,810

1,810

1,810

1,810

1,810

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,910

1,910

1,810

1,810

1,810

2,110

1.810

1,810

1,810

Dec.

2,010

2,010

2,010

2,010

2,010

1,810

1,810

1,810

1,810

1,810

NOTE. These discharges are based on a fairly well defined rating curve.
180 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Bighorn River near Hardin, Mont., for 1910. 

| Drainage area, 20,700 square miles.]

Month.

January. ...................

April.......................

May........................

June........................

July........................

The year.............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

10,200 

12,000 

11,600 

7,410

3,040 

2,330 

2,110

Minimum.

2,440 

6,700 

6,360 

4,800

1,350 

1,440 

1,620

Mean.

1,700 

1,800 

4,200 

4,250 

8,940 

8,770 

5,630 

3,450 

2,070 

1,680 

1,760 

1,650

3,820

Per 

square 

mile.

0.082 

.087 

.203 

.205 

.432 

.424 

.372 

.167 

.100 

.081 

.085 

.080

.185

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.09 

.09 

.24 

.23 

.50 

.47 

.31 

.19 

.11 

.09 

.10 

.09

2.51

Total in 

acre-feet.

104,000 

100,000 

258,000 

253,000 

550,000 

522,000 

346,000 

212,000 

123,000 

103,000 

105,000 

101,000

2,780,000

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

D.

NOTE. Means for January and February estimated; mean for period Mar. 1-7 estimated at 4,860 

second-feet; mean for period Aug. 1-13 estimated at 4,210 second-feet; mean for period Dec. 11-31 estimated at 1,5JJO second-feet.

OWL CREEK NEAR THERMOPOLIS, WYO.

Owl Creek rises in the Owl Creek Mountains in western Wyoming, 

and flows eastward to its union with Bighorn River just below 

Thermopolis. Below the junction of its north and south forks it 

receives several small tributaries.

Irrigation is practiced quite extensively on this stream and the 

low-water flow is practically all appropriated. On the upper portions of the stream some good reservoir sites exist.

The gaging station was established July 30, 1910, on a newly constructed highway bridge, about 5 miles northwest of Thermopolis, 

Wyo., near the ranch buildings of the observer, C. H. McCumber.

The gage is an ordinary staff fastened to the upstream side of the 

bridge. Discharge measurements are made by wading. The channel will probably shift.

Discharge measurements of Owl Creek near Thermopolis, Wyo., in 1910.

Date.

July 30

Aug. 23

Sept. 27

Hydrographer.

J. C. Beebe. . ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

16

13

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

7

11

height.

Feet. 

1.69

1.25

1.81

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

7.4

o.2

8.9

'" a, Estimated. 

NOTE. All measurements made by wading at various sections.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 181

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Owl Creek near Thermopolis,

Wyo., for 1910.

[C. H. McCumber, observer.]

Day.

1. .............

2..............

3..............

4.............. 

5..............

6..............

7..............

8... ...........

9..............

10. .............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

W..............

19..............

20..............

21..............

22..............

23..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

July.

Gage 

height.

1.7 

2.1

Discharge.

7 

17

Aug.

Gage 

height.

1.8 

1.5 

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 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

1 Q

1.3

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

Discharge.

9.3 

3.1 

3.1

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

.6 

.6 

.6

.6 

.6 

.6 

.6

.6

.6 

.6 

.6 

.6 

.6 

.6

Sept.

Gage 

height.

1.4

1.4 

1.4

1.4

1.5 

1.5 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

1.5 

2.75 

2.4 

3.0

2.7

1.8 

1.7 

1.7 

1.6 

1.6

Discharge.

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.7

3.1 

3.1

7 

7 

7

7 

7 

7 

7 

7

3.1 

3.1 

3.1 

3.1 

3.1

3.1 

34 

25 

40 

33

9.3

7 

7 

4.9 

4.9

Oct.

height.

1.6

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.6 

1.55

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 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7

Discharge.

4.9

7 

7

7

7 

7 

7 

4.9 

4.0

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

7 

7 

7 

7 

7

Nov.

&L

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

1.7 

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 

1.7

Discharge.

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

Dec.

Gage 

height.

1.7 

1.7 

1.7

1.7

.;A

:-&i

*t;j.

~>&t-<

Discharge.

7 

7

7 

7 

7

(a)

"

a Ice probably existed Dec. 6 to 31. 

NOTE. These discharges are based on a curve that is fairly well defined.

Monthly discharge of Owl Creek near Thermopolis, Wyo., for 1910.

Month.

October. ..........................................

Dec. 1-5..........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

9.3

40

7 

7

Minimum.

0.6 

1.7 

3.1

7

Mean.

1.54 

8.48 

2.32 

7.0 

7.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

95 

505 

143 

417 

69

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

D.

NO WOOD RIVER, BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

No Wood River rises in the Bighorn Mountains and flows northwestward to its junction with Bighorn River near Manderson, Wyo.

The principal tributaries of the No Wood are Otter Creek, Tensleep Creek, and Paint Rock Creek.

The irrigable land along the No Wood bottom is so narrow that 

irrigation can not be extensively practiced. Along the benches to
182 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

the north and west, however, there is considerable land which will 

eventually be irrigated. At present there is a project to take water 

from Tensleep Creek and irrigate the benches between that stream 

and Paint Rock Creek, and another project to carry water from the 

Paint Rock Creek to the benches between No Wood River and Shell 

Creek. In the mountains there are several good dam sites which 

will be used in storing the flood waters for these and other irrigation 

projects.

NO WOOD RIVER AT BONANZA, WYO.

This station was established July 29, 1910, near the ranch of J. W. 

Graves, one-fourth mile north of Bonanza post office, Wyo., in T. 49 

N., R. 91 E. Discharge measurements are made by wading 50 feet 

below the gage. During floods, measurements are made from a 

highway bridge one-half mile below. The winter discharge is 

affected by ice. On August 29 a chain gage was installed on the 

left bank near the public highway, some 30 feet above the temporary staff gage at the same datum.

Paint Rock Creek enters the No Wood 1 mile above the station, 

Tensleep Creek about 20 miles above, and Otter Creek 35 miles above.

Irrigation is carried on to some extent and diversions are made 

both above and below the station.

Discharge measurements of No Wood River at Bonanza, Wyo., in 1910.

Date.

July 29

23

24

Hydrographer.

J.C.Beebe.. ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

85

108

80

88

84

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

60

180

158

185

183

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.92

1.91

2.30

2.59

2.54

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

64

72

151

248

OQ,!

a Made from bridge about one-half mile below gage. 

NOTE. All measurements except that of Aug. 26 were made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of No Wood River at Bonanza,

Wyo., for 1910.

[J. W. Graves, observer.]

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7................

8...............

9...............

10...............

July.

Gage 

height.

Discharge.

Aug.

Gage 

height.

2.20 

2.10 

2.10 

2.10 

2.10

2.10 

2.00 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90

Discharge.

125 

101 

101 

101 

101

101 

80 

63 

63 

63

Sept.

Gage 

height.

1.90 

1.95 

1.95 

2.00 

2.20

2.15 

2.05 

2.10 

2.10 

2.10

Discharge.

63 

72 

72 

80 

125

113 

90 

101 

101 

101

Oct.

Gage 

height.

2.45 

2.45 

2.45 

2.75 

2.69

2.58 

2.56 

2.55 

2.54 

2.53

Discharge.

198 

198 

198 

302 

280

241 

234 

231 

228 

224

Nov.

Gage 

height.

2.48

2.45 

2.45

Discharge.

208 

207 

206 

205 

204

203 

202 

200 

198 

198

Dec.

Gage 

height.

2.38 

2.38 

2.40 

2.38 

2.38

1.98 

2.80

Disch'ge.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN.

183-

height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of No Wood River, at Bonanza, 

Wyo.,for 1910 Continued.

Day.

11...............

12...............

13...............

15...............

16. ..............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24. ..............

25. ..............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30. ..............

O1

July.

Gage 

height.

1.90 

1.90 

2.30

Discharge.

63 

63 

152

Aug.

Gage 

height.

1.95 

1.95 

1.90 

1.90 

2.00

1.95 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.85 

1.90

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90

Discharge.

72 

72 

63 

63 

80

72 

63 

63 

63 

63

63 

63 

63 

56 

63

63 

63 

63 

63 

63 

63

Sept.

Gage 

height.

2.10 

2.15 

2.20 

2.20 

2.25

2.25 

2.25 

2.30 

2.35 

2.30

2.30 

2.65 

2.65 

2.60 

2.60

2.57 

2.55 

2.52 

2.50 

2.46

Discharge.

101 

113 

125 

125 

138

138 

138 

152 

167 

152

152 

266 

266 

248 

248

238 

231 

221 

214 

201

Oct.

Gage 

height.

2.50 

2.50 

2.52 

2.50 

2.46

2.45 

2.46 

2.50 

2.50 

2.50

2.49 

2.48 

2.48 

2.46 

2.46

2.45 

2.45 

2.45 

2.43 

2.42 

2.48

Discharge.

214 

214 

221 

214 

201

198 

201 

214 

214 

214

211 

207 

207 

201 

201

198 

198 

198 

192 

288 

208

Nov.

Gage 

height.

2.45 

2.44 

2.44 

2.44 

2.42

2.40 

2.32 

2.30 

2.38 

2.48

2.28 

2.44 

2.42 

2.42 

2.40

2.40 

2.26 

2.51 

2.46 

2.34

Discharge.

198 

195 

195 

195

188

182 

258 

152 

176 

208

247 

195 

188 

188 

182

182 

141 

140 

140 

140

Dec.

Gage 

height.

Disch'ge.

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve fairly well defined. Ice conditions Nov. 27 to 

Dec. 31. Discharges interpolated Nov. 2 to 8.

Monthly discharge of No Wood River at Bonanza, Wyo., for 1910.

 Month.

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

125 

248 

302 

258

Minimum.

63 

63 

192 

140

Mean.

73 

152 

218 

191

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet) .

4,490 

9,040 

13,400 

11,400

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

TENSLEEP CREEK NEAR TENSLEEP, WYO.

This station was established September 21, 1910, on Burke's ranch, 

5 miles from Tensleep post office. The gage is 800 feet east of the 

county bridge near a cliff 80 feet high on north side of creek. Canyon 

Fork, the principal tributary, enters the stream just above the 

station.

An inclined and upright staff gage is used. At low and ordinary 

stages discharge measurements are made by wading; at flood stages 

measurements are made from the bridges over Canyon Fork and 

Tensleep Creek.

The bed of the creek is a rocky ledge.

Ice will probably occur in extreme cold weather.

A small amount of irrigation is practiced on this stream.
184 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of Tensleep Creek near Tensleep, Wyo., in 1910.

Date.

Sept. 22o

Do.6

Sept. 23&

Hydrographer.

J. C. Beebe........................ .......................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

59

Area of 

section.

**«

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.42

.40

.61

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

93

<=87

dill

o Measurement made in morning, at a rough section below the gage.

6 Measurement made on Tensleep Creek above mouth of Canyon Creek, and on Canyon Creek at mouth, 

and discharges added.

c Discharge of Canyon Creek, 24 second-feet; Tensleep Creek above Canyon Creek, 63 second-feet. 

d Discharge of Canyon Creek, 29 second-feet; Tensleep Creek above Canyon Creek, 82 second-feet.

NOTE. All measurements made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Tensleep Creek near Tensleep,

Wyo., for 1910.

[Miss Bessie Burke, 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....................................

Se

Gage 

height.

0.33

.42

.62

.60

.53

4.fi

.44

.38

00

.33

pt.

Discharge.

88 111

112

102

93

91

84

84

7Q

0

Gage 

height.

0.32

.34

.35

.38

.37

.35

.34

.33

.32

.30

.28

.27

.26

.25

.25

.26

.25

.28

.29

.20

.22

.24

.25

.23

.22

.23

.16

.18

.21

.20

.21

Bt.

Discharge.

78

80

81

84

83

81

80

79

78

76

74

74

73

72

72

7Q

72

74

75

68

70

71

72

70

70

70

65

67

69

68

69

N(

Gage 

height.

0.22

.21

.20

.19

.11

.17

.20

.19

.17

.15

.17

.16

.15

.13

.11

.10

no

.07

.12

.11

.10

.08

.11

.12

.11

.10

.11

.10

.09

)V.

Discharge.

70

69

68

67

62

66

68

67

66

64

66

65

64

63

62

61

59

62

62

61

60

59

62

62

62

61

62

61

60

D

Gage 

height.

0.10

.10

.09

.09

.08

.10

.09

.07

.09

.10

.11

.10

.11

.10

.09

.07

.08

.06

.07

.06

.06

.05

.06

.04

.05

.04

.03

.02

.01

.02

.01

ec.

Discharge.

61

61

60

60

60

61

60

59

60

61

62

61

62

61

60

59

60

59

59

59

59

58

59

57

58

57

57

56

56

56

56

NOTE. These discharges are based on a fairly well defined rating curve.

Monthly discharge of Tensleep Creek near Tensleep, Wyo., for 1910.

Month.

Sept. 21-30........................................

Discharge hi second-feet.

Maximum.

115

84 

70 

62

Minimum.

79 

65 

59 

56

Mean.

93

74 

63 

59

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,840 

4,550 

3,750 

3,630

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIIST. 185

PAINT ROCK CREEK NEAR BONANZA, WYO.

Paint Rock Creek rises in the Bighorn Mountains, flows southwestward, and joins No Wood River at Bonanza post office, Wyo. 

Its tributaries all enter above the station and all are small mountain 

streams.

The gaging station, which was established July 28, 1910, is 

located about 1| miles from Bonanza post office and 12 miles from 

Manderson, Wyo., near the farmhouse of William Paumer.

The chain gage is located on the right bank of the stream, directly 

in front of the house of the observer. Discharge measurements are 

made by wading at the gage at low and ordinary stages, and from 

the highway bridge, one-fourth mile below, at flood stages.

The bed of the stream is rocky and clean, and probably nonshifting. 

The winter discharge is affected by ice.

Some water is diverted above the station for irrigation.

Discharge measurements of Paint Rock Creek near Bonanza, Wyo., in 1910.

Date.

July 28

Aug. 26

Sept. 18

Sept. 23

Hydrographer.

Raymond Richards .......................................

J. C. Beebe................................................

.....do ...................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

38

38

38

40

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

36

29

35

44

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.61

2.42

2.69

2.87

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

40

19

40

62

NOTE. All measurements made by wading at same section, which is practically the same as the one of

Daily gage height, in jeet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Paint Rock Creek near Bonanza,

Wyo., for 1910.

[W. Paumer, observer.]

Day.

1. ............

2.............

3.............

4.............

5.............

6.............

7.............

8. ... .........

9.............

10. ............

11.............

12.............

13.............

14.............

15.............

16.............

17.............

18.............

19.............

20.............

July.

Gage 

height.

Discharge.

Aug.

Gage 

height.

2.50 

2.50 

2.50 

2.50 

2.50

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.40

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.45

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.45

Discharge.

25 

25 

25 

25 

25

18 

18 

18 

18 

18

18 

18 

18 

18 

22

18 

18 

18 

18 

22

Sept.

Gage 

height.

2.40 

2.40 

2.45 

2.40 

2.35

2.40 

2.35 

2.40 

2.35 

2.40

2.50 

2.45 

2.50 

2.55 

2.55

2.65 

2.65 

2.70 

2.65 

2.70

Discharge.

18 

18 

22 

18 

16

18 

16 

18 

16 

18

25 

22 

25 

28 

28

39 

39

44 

39 

44

Oct.

Gage 

height.

2.91 

2.91 

3.00 

3.04 

3.10

3.10 

3.10 

3.03 

3.03 

3.03

3.01 

3.01 

3.01 

3.00 

3.00

3.00 

3.00 

3.00 

2 94 

2.94

Discharge.

66 

66 

77 

82 

89

89 

89 

80 

80 

80

78 

78 

78 

77 

77

77 

77 

77 

70 

70

Nov.

Gage 

height.

2 92 

2.92 

2.92 

2.92 

2.93

2 94 

2.92 

2.92 

3.00 

3.00

2.92 

2.91 

2.91 

2.91 

2.90

2.90 

2.80 

2.80 

2.92 

2.92

Discharge.

67 

67 

67 

67 

69

70 

67 

67

77 

77

67 

66 

66 

66 

65

65 

54 

54 

67 

67

Dec.

Gage 

height.

2.83 

2.83 

2.83

2.82 

2.82

2.82 

2.81 

(a)

Discharge.

57 

57 

57 

56 

56

56 

55

97746° WSP 286 11

Ice from about Dec. 8 to 31. 

13
186 SURFACE WATEK SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Paint Rock Creek near Bonanza,

Wyo., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

21.............

22. ............

23.............

24.............

25.............

26.............

27.............

28. ............

29.............

30. ............

31.............

July.

Gage 

height.

2.60

2.50 

2.50

Discharge.

34 

030 

25 

25

Aug.

Gage 

height.

2.35 

2.40 

2.35 

2.35 

2.45

2.40 

2.45 

2.40 

2.40 

2.45 

2.40

Discharge.

16 

18 

16 

16 

22

18 

22 

18 

18 

22 

IS

Sept.

Gage 

height.

2.70 

2.70 

2.86 

2.85 

2.93

3.01 

3.02 

3.02 

3.02 

2.92

Discharge.

44 

44 

61 

60 

69

78 

79 

79 

79 

67

Oct.

Gage 

height.

3.02 

3.02 

2.94 

2.94 

2.94

3.00 

3.00 

3.00 

3.00 

2.92 

2.92

Discharge.

79 

79 

70 

70 

70

77 

77 

77 

77 

67 

67

Nov.

Gage 

height.

2.92 

2.92 

2.92 

2.92 

2.92

2.92 

2.92 

2.92 

2.92 

2.84

Discharge.

67 

67 

67 

67 

67

67 

67 

67 

67 

58

Dec.

Gage 

height.

Discharge.

o Interpolated. 

NOTE. These discharges are based on a curve that is fairly well defined.

Monthly discharge of Paint Rock Creek near Bonanza, Wyo., for 1910.

Month.

August..................... .. ......

November................... . ....

Dec. 1-7. .....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

25 

79 

89

77 

57

Minimum.

16 

16 

66

54 

.55

Mean.

19.6 

39.0 

76.4 

66.4 

56.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet) .

1,210 

2,320 

4,700 

3,950

808

Accuracy.

B.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

GREYBULL RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Greybull River rises in the Slioshone Range of the Rockies and 

flows northeastward to its junction with Bighorn River just below 

Basin, Wyo.

Greybull River has numerous tributaries, many of them small intermittent streams. Wood River, the largest tributary, rises in the 

mountains to the south of the Greybull and joins the main stream 

about 9 miles above Meeteetse, Wyo.

Irrigation is carried on quite extensively on the Greybull and its 

branches. A project to divert water from Wood River and discharge it into a reservoir on Grass Creek is now under way.

GREYBULL RIVER NEAR MEETEETSE, WYO.

This station, which is about 5 miles from Meeteetse, Wyo., on the 

road to Sunshine and Wilson's mine, 300 feet from Wilson's house, 

was established September 14, 1910. The principal tributary above 

the station is Wood River.
MISSOURI RIVEE BASIN. 187

A staff gage is fastened to south span of the middle pier on the 

upstream side of the bridge. Gage datum has remained constant. 

At flood stages discharge measurements are made from the upstream 

side of the bridge. Low-water measurements are made by wading 

either above or below the bridge.

The bed of the stream is rocky.

The following discharge measurement was made by J. C. Beebe:

September 15, 1910: Width, 56 feet; area, 70 square feet; gage height, 0.68 feet; 

discharge, 127 second-feet. Made by wading about 100 feet above the gage.

Daily gage height, in feet, o/Greybull River near Meeteetse, Wyo.,for 19K).

Day.

2.. .............

3...............

4...............

5. ..............

6...............

7. ..............

8. ...... .......

9.....--.--.....

10.....---.--....

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15.....--.-......

Sept.

0.68

.68

Oct.

0.98

1.01

1.02

. .98

.97

1.06

1.03

.99

.97

.97

.97

.97

Nov.

96

.94

.86

.78

.96

.86

.79

.89

.87

.84

.82

.72

Dec.

.85

.83

.82

.79

.75

.76

.82

.85

.88

.85

.86

.88

90

.94

Day.

IS...............

19., ............

on

21.... ...........

99

24...............

25. ..............

26...............

27...............

28...............

30........---....

31...............

Sept.

0 81

1.30

.86

.98

.85

.88

2.34

1.27

.98

1.07

1.07

.98

98

Oct.

0 96

1.0]

.99

.97

.78

.89

Oft

.90

.88

.89

99

.92

.98

1.02

1.00

.96

Nov.

0.70

7O

.85

.88

69

.75

.70

.88

.85

SO

or

.65

.68

.85

.88

Dec.

0.96

1 f\A

1 65

1.78

98

98

3 no

3.00

2.68

3.00

NOTE. Ice from about Dec. 17 to 31.

WOOD RIVER NEAR MEETEETSE, WYO.

This station, which is on the highway bridge 800 feet above the 

junction of Wood and Meeteetse rivers, 9 miles from Meeteetse post 

office, on the road running west to the Pitchfork ranch, was maintained from September 15 to December 10,, 1910.

Cascade and Indian creeks, the principal tributaries of Wood River, 

enter the stream above the station. Some water is diverted above 

the station for irrigation.

A staff gage is fastened to the wind brace on the north side of the 

bridge. Discharge measurements are made from the downstream 

side of bridge and, at low water, by wading.

The bed of the stream is of gravel. The winter discharge is affected 

by ice.

The following discharge measurement was made by J. C. Beebe:

September 15, 1910: Width, 29 feet; area, 30 square feet; gage height, 0.77 feet; 

discharge, 62 second-feet.
188 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Wood River near Meeteetse, Wyo.,for 1910.

Day.

1. ..............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8. ..............

9...............

10. ..............

11...............

12........."......

13...............

14...............

15...............

Sept.

0.78

Oct.

.85

.82

.80

.81

.81

.78

.75

.75

.75

.74

.74

.73

.73

Nov.

0.75

.75

.75

.74

.74

.73

.73

.73

.72

.72

.73

.73

.72

.71

.71

Dec.

0 79

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

Day.

16...............

17. ..............

IS...............

19

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25. ..............

26.. .............

27. ..............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Sept.

0.82

.85

.84

.84

.85

.84

95

.90

.85

.85

.84

SO

.78

QA

.78

Oct.

0.72

.71

.73

.72

.70

.70

.70

' .fiS

.67

RQ

.72

.77

.80

.77

.75

.77

Nov.

0.71

.71

.71

.72

.73

.71

.72

.72

.70

.70

.71

.71

.75

.75

.75

De,c.

NOTE. Gage heights probably affected by ice Dec-. 11 to 31.

SHOSHONE RIVER BASIN. 

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 section, as a number of private irrigation canals, serving about 35,000 acres of land, divert water above 

the station. Below 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.

No gage heights were obtained in 1910.

The following discharge measurement was made by Raymond 

Richards:

March 16, 1910: Width, 128 feet; area, 352 square feet; gage height, 3.48 feet; 

discharge, 672 second-feet.

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. The estimates of discharge are com-
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 189

puted by considering the dam as a weir and the sluice and tunnel 

gates as submerged orifices.

Sage Creek, the only important tributary that enters between 

this station and that at Cody, drains only about 25 square miles.

The gage is situated 40 feet above the crest of the dam, and reads 

the height of the water above the crest.

Daily gage height, infect, ofShoshone River at Corbett dam, Wyo.,for 1910. 

[J. A. Fleming, observer.]

Day.

1...................

2...................

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...................

Mar.

0.54

.54

.58

.60

.65

.74

.90

.93

.95

.95

.90

.72

.67

.64

.60

.58

.57

.49

.50

Apr.

0.52

.54

.54

.54

.56

.63

.65

.58

.72

.80

.88

.96

1.05

1.06

.98

.80

.70

.82

1.14

1.32

1.38

1.14

1.21

1.28

1.44

1.44

1.54

1.64

1.71

1.52

May.

1.35

1.17

1.07

1.04

1.65

1.35

1.35

1.40

1.53

1.68

1.70

1.90

1.92

1.92

1.88

1.84

1.70

1.46

1.22

1.27

1.30

1.25

1.30

1.32

1.33

1.37

1.37

1.38

.90

.91

1.10

June.

1.20

1.30

1.33

1.34

1.38

1.43

1.43

1.44

1.42

1.44

1 v»

1.48

1.50

1.51

1.51

1.51

1.51

1.52

1.54

1.55

1.55

1.56

1.56

1.56

1.56

1.56

1.58

1.59

1.59

July.

1.60

1.60

1.61

1.61

1.61

1.61

1.61

1.60

1.62

1 60

1.60

1.58

1.58

1.58

1.57

1.57

1.55

1.57

1.56

1.55

1.54

1.54

1.54

1.52

1.51

1.51

1.52

1.50

1.49

1.45

Aug.

1.44

1.44

1.42

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.39

1.35

1.32

1.30

1.28

1.25

1.23

1.23

1.23

1.18

1.14

1.11

1.07

1.01

.96

.92

.92

.91

.89

.86

.85

.84

.84

.83

.81

Sept.

0.81

.83

.80

.80

.79

.77

.75

.70

60

.31

.30

.33

.35

.34

.33

.32

.31

.38

.46

.34

.32

.46

.46

.39

. .37

.34

.31

.31

.29

Oct.

0.30

.32

.31

.31

.35

.36

.38

.00

4n

.40

.31"V\

.30

.31

.30

.27

.27

.27

.33

.31

23

.33

.40

.40

.39

.42

dfi

4S

.44

.43

.43

Nov.-

0.46

.50

.48

.48

44

.45

.45

.45

56

.49

.50

.50

.51

.51

.46

.44

.42

.37

.47

.45

.48

.47

.45

.48

.48

.48

.46

.36

.46

.46

Dec.

0.46

.45

.47

.46

.47

45

.43

.44

4K

Afi

.45

AK

AS.

.43

.45

.40

.42

.41

.43

.42

.42

.43

.38

4.Q

.40

40

40

.39

.39

 40

NOTE. The zero of the gage is the crest of the dam.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, ofShoshone River at Corbett dam, Wyo.,for 1910. 

[Shoshone River and sluices.]

Bay.

1............. ......

4...................

5...................

6...................

7...................

8...................

9...................

10...................

11...................

12...................

13...................

14. ..................

15...................

16...................

17...................

18...................

19...................

20...................

Mar.

534

534

CQO

71 1\

872

1,180

1.250

Apr.

502

534

534

534

566

681

715

598

836

980

1,140

1,310

1,520

1,540

1

0CA

QBft

800

1,020

1,740

2'. 180

May.

2,420

1,970

1,730

1,660

3,250

2,420

2,420

2,560

2,910

3

O4A

3,400

4,020

4,090

4,090

3 QAft

i s&n

3 400

2,720

2,090

2.220

June.

2,040

2,290

2,370

2,390

2,500

2,640

2,660

2 fiOfi

a fififi

2 con

2,780

2 860

2 0fift

2 0fifi

2 OCA

2.940

July.

3,110

3,110

3,140

3,140

3,140

3,140

3,140

3,110

3,170

3,110

3,110

2

QKA

2,950

3,030

3

n«jfi

2 Q7H

3 030

3.000

Aug.

2,660

2,660

2,600

2,560

2,560

2,560

2,520

2,420

2,340

9 OQfi

2

O4A

2 1 fin

2,120

2,120

2 1 on

1,990

1 900

1,820

1,730

1.580

Sept.

1,160

1 °00

1 140

1,140

1,120

1,090

1,050

960

790

OCA

368

404

416

404

392

OCA

464

573

416

Oct.

368

w>

380

380

428

440

Qfi9

894

528

QOA

91fi

210

222

91A

182

1G9

1 G9

246

222

Nov.

414

470

442

442

386

400

400

400

566

470

486

486

414

386

OCQ

294

428

400

Dec.

414

400

414

428

400

079

386

400

414

jnn

400

372

372

400

330

358

341

372

358
190

Daily di.

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

in second-feet, of Shoshone River at Corbett dam, Wyo., for 1910 

Continued.

Day.

21...................

22. ..................

23. ..................

24...................

25...................

26...................

27.. .................

28...................

29...................

30...................

31...................

Mar.

1,290

1 9QO

1,180

836

749

630

598

COO

Apr.

2,500

1 QflA

2,660

2,940

3,230

3,430

2,880

May.

2,290

2 160

2 9QO

2 qd.fl

2,370

2,480

2,500

1 340

1 Ofifl

June.

2,970

2 Q70

3 nnn

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,050

3,080

3 

' 080

July.

2,970

2 Q4.fl

2,940

2,880

2,880

2,820

2, 680'

Aug.

1,470

1,380

1,360

1,320

1,260

1,240

1,220

1,200

1,160

Sept.

392

K7Q

573

476

452

416

404

380

380

358

Oct.

144

QQA

1,020

qqn

318

358

372

386

079

372

Nov.

428

400

442

282

414

Dec.

oeo

079

306

070

ore

330

330

330

oqn

Monthly discharge of Shoshone River and sluices at Corbett dam, Wyo., for 1910.

Month.

March 13-31 .............................................

July.....................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,290 

3.430 

4,090 

3,080 

3,170 

2,660 

1,200 

1,020 

566 

428

Minimum.

456 

502 

1,340 

2.040 

2,680 

1,160 

358 

144 

282 

306

Mean.

794 

1,550 

2,640 

2,780 

3,000 

1,910 

623 

393 

423 

370

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

29,900 

92,200 

162,000 

165,000 

184,000 

117.000 

37,100 

24,200 

25,200 

22,800

859,000

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Corbett tunnel at Corbett dam, Wyo., for 1910.

Day.

2. .........................

 4.... .......................

5......-..-..-.-..-.....-...

6................... .. ......

7........-.--..-.-..-....--.

8...........................

9. ..................... .....

10...........................

11... ........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16. ..........................

17......-.--.......-.....--..

18........-.......--....---..

19...........................

20...........................

91

22. ..........................

23. ..........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29. ..........................

30...........................

31..........................

Mar.

46

74

74

74

74

75

7c

75

75

7C

74

74

74

74

74

74

7370

Apr.

73

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

75

75

56

44

44

44

43

111

154

180

196

194

195

196

267

262

261

May.

258

258

257

257

184

42

68

101

122

122

122

124

124

124

124

79

52

52

52

52

68

78

78

78

114

138

147

156

156

156

156

June.

188

221

249

260-

261

262

275

282

282

282

282

282

282

282

282

282

282

289

293

293

293

293

293

293

293

293

283

262

262

262

July.

262

215

187

200

231

231

231

250

262

262

262

272

277

277

277

277

277

277

277

277

277 277

277

277

277

276

276

276

276

276

276

Aug.

276

276

276

276

276

248

230

230

230

230

230

230

230

230

206

191

170

159

142

132

145

177

188

199

199

198

198

198

198

198

190

Sept.

172

172

164

155

155

155

155

154

153

142

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

144

149

149

149

149

149

149

149

149

137

127

127

Oct.

127

127

127

127

127

127

127

126

147

219

274

274

274

279

284

284

284

284

284

284

284

191

184

128

101

54

26

26

26

26

26

Nov.

34

39

39

39

39

10

NOTE. These discharges were computed considering the gate openings as submerged orifices.
MISSOURI EIVEK BASIN. 191

Monthly discharge of Corbett tunnel at Corbett dam, Wyo., for 1910.

Month.

March 13-31. . ............................................

April ....................................................

May.....................................................

July.....................................................

October. .................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

75 

276 

258 

293 

277 

276 

172 

284 

39

Minimum.

46 

43 

42 

188 

187 

132 

127 

26 

10

Mean.

72.7 

128 

126 

275 

262 

211 

146 

170 

33.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

2,740 

7,620 

7,750 

16,400 

16, 100 

13,000 

8,690 

10,500 

396

83,200

NOTE. Considering the uncertainties involved in the method of computation, the accuracy of the above 

monthly mean is not better than "C."

KNIFE RIVER 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.

Altitudes range from 1,700 to 2,500 feet above sea level. The 

mean annual rainfall ranges 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 EIVEE NEAE BEONCHO, N. DAK.

This station, which is located at C. D. Smith's ranch, in the SE. J 

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 post office 

is some 6 miles away 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 lowest point being 

perhaps about 5 square miles greater.
192 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

No discharge measurements were made in 1910.

The channel at this point does 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 are made from a car and cable 

in flood just below the gage. Low-water measurements are made 

by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Knife River near Broncho, N. Dak., for 1910. 

[C. T>. Smith, 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. ..........................

30

31...........................

Mar.

15.65

16 0

13.4

17.6

16.4

13.0

10.2

8 9

6.7

6.2

5.85

5.45

4 95

4.85

4.4

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.3

Apr.

4.3

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3 9

3 9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3 Q

3 Q

3 Q

3 9

3 9

3.8

3

0

3

0

3.8

3.8

May.

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

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3

n

3.7

3 7

3 7

3.7

3.7

3.7

June.

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

6.0

6.8

5.2

5.0

4.6

4.2

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3 7

3.7

3.7

3.7

July.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.6

Aug.

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.5

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

3.6

Sept.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

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

Oct.

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

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

Nov.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

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

NOTE. Ice probably existed during January, February, and Mar. 1 to 4, and after Nov. 27. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Knife River near Broncho, N. Dak., for 1910.

Day.

1.. .........................

2............... ...........

3...........................

5...........................

6. ..........................

7...........................

8...........................

9........ ..................

10. ..........................

11....................." .....

13...........................

15...........................

Mar.

764

2,730

2,810

1,760

1,360

2,160

3,210

2,910

1.260

Apr.

59

70

70

59

KQ

49

49

40

00

32

32

19

10

1Q

19

May.

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

June.

14

14

14

14

10

10

10

10

318

471

181

151

95

49

July.

10

10

10

8

8

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

Aug.

7

7

4

4

4

4

4

7

7

7

10

10

10

10

10

Sept.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

14

14

Oct.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Nov.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

14

14

14
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 193 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Knife River near Broncho, N. Dak., for 1910 Contd.

Day.

16...........................

17. ..........................

18. ..........................

19...........................

20. ..........................

21......... .........

22...........................

23...........................

24...........................

25...........................

26. ..........................

27......... .. . ........

28...........................

29. ..........................

30. ..........................

Mar.

775

451

354

292

224

174

144

129

88

70

59

70

70

59" 70

59

Apr.

25

25

25

25

25

OK

OK

OK

19

19

19

19

19

May.

14

19

19

19

19

19

19

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

June.

32

25

25

19

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

July.

7

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

7

10

19

19

19

14

14

10

Aug.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Sept.

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

10

10

10

10

10

Oct.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Nov.

14

14

14

14

H

14

14

14

14

14

14

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve well denned below 82 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Knife River near Broncho, N. Dak., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 1,260 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

May........................

July........................

The vear

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,210 

70 

19 

471 

19 

10 

14 

10 

14

Minimum.

19 

14 

10 

4 

4 

10 

10 

10

Mean.

a5 

a6 

a 859

32.4 

15.0 

54.3 

8.5 

8.5 

11.6 

10.0 

12.4 16

85.7

Per 

square 

mile.

0.682 

.026 

.012 

. .043 

.0067 

.0067 

.0092 

.0079 

.0098

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.79 

.03 

.01 

.05 

.01 

.01 

.01 

.01 

.01

Total in 

acre-feet.

307 

333 

52, 800 

1,930 

922 

3,230 

521 

526 

690 

615 

738 

369

63,000

Accuracy.

D. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

« Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 4 and Nov. 27 to Dec. 31 because of probable effect of Ice. 

NOTE. The means for January, February, and December are only approximate,

PAINTED WOODS CREEK BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

This drainage basin, comprising an area of about 900 square miles 

in McLean, Sheridan, and Burleigh counties, N. Dak., is drained by 

Painted Woods and Turtle creeks. Painted Woods Creek flows 

west and Turtle Creek south to their confluence in section 4, T. 143 

N., R. 91 W., about 4 miles southeast of Washburn. Thence, by a 

5-mile course, most of which is through a shallow lake known as 

Painted Woods Lake, the united stream flows to Missouri River.
194 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Altitudes in this basin range from 1,700 to 2,400 feet above sea 

level. The region is a rolling prairie, treeless but covered by rank 

prairie grass or cultivated fields. The mean annual rainfall i§ about 

16 inches.

PAINTED WOODS CREEK NEAR WASHBURN, N. DAK.

This station, which is located at the north side of sec. 34, T. 144 

N., R. 81 W., about 6 miles southeast of Washburn, N. Dak., was 

maintained from March 10, 1909, to November 11, 1910, under the 

supervision of T. R. Atkinson, State engineer of North Dakota.

The drainage area above the station comprises about 390 square 

miles.

The equipment consists of a staff gage attached to a stake. 

Discharge measurements are made by wading or from a cable about 

500 feet downstream, except at very high stages, when a highway 

bridge in section 33, 2 miles below the gage, can be used.

In 1910 the spring flood came unexpectedly early and was unusually small and brief.

Sufficient discharge measurements covering all stages have not 

been made at this station to properly define a rating curve.

Discharge'measurements of Painted Woods Creek near Washburn, N. Dak., in 1909-10.

Date.

1909. 

Mar. 21o

256

July 9

1910. 

Mar. 29

Hydrographer.

.....do....................................................

.....do....................................................

J. W . Bliss ...............................................

Width.

Feet. 

19

37

6.6

5.3

4.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

27

75

8.9

2.9

5.7

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.20

4.00

1.10

.70

1.10

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

55

180

f! 4.

1.3

2.0

alee. . 6 A little ice in the channel. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Painted Woods Creek near Washburn, N. Dak., for 1909-10.

Day.

1909. 

1...................

2... ................

3...................

4...................

5..... ..............

6...................

7..... ..............

8...................

9...................

10...................

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

Mar.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

Apr.

3.5

3.1

2.7

2.5

2.3

2.2

2.1

1.8

1.7

2.0

1.5

1.5

2.4

1.5

1.5

May.

1 0

1 0

9

9

9

9

9

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

7

June.

1.3

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

July.

0.9

.9

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.6

Aug.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.9

1.1

.9

.7

.6

.7

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

Sept.

0.5

.7

.6

.5

.6

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.4

.5

.6

.5

.4

Oct.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.7

.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

Dec.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.6

.6

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

1.5

.8

.8
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 195

Daily gage height, in feet, of Painted Woods Creek near Washburn, N. Dak., for 1909-10 

Continued.

Day.

1909. 

16...................

17...................

18...................

19...................

20...................

21...................

22. ..................

23...................

24............. .....

25...................

26...................

27...................

28...................

29...................

30. ..................

31...................

1910. 

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.

4.2

4.2

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.2

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.5

3.5

3.5

2.6

2 ft

2 A

1.9

2.1

2.1

1 9

1.7

1.6

1 PI

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.1

Apr.

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

9

.9

.9

.9

1.0

1.0

1.0

9

.9

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

May.

0.7

.7

.7

.8

.8

.7

.8

.8

.7

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.5

June.

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

9

9

Q

.9

.9

1.1

.5

.5

.5

.5

.6

.6

.7

.7

.8

.7

.7

.7

.6

1.65

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

1.4

July.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.7

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

1.0

.9

9

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.8

.8

.8

.8

..7

.7

.7

.6

.6

.6

.5

.5

.9

.8

.8

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

Aug.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.5

.5

.5

.6

.6

.5

.5

.5

.4

.4

.4

.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

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Sept.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.6

.6

.6

.5

.5

.5

.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

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Oct.

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

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.7

.7

.7

.7

.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

5

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

.6

Dec.

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

NOTE. : 

andfl;

CE. Ice probably in January, February, greater part of March, December, 1909, January, February, 

rstpart of March, 1910, and after Nov. 11,1910.

TURTLE CREEK NEAR WASHBURN, N. DAK.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge near the northwest corner"of sec. 15, T. 144 N., R. 81 W., about 4 miles northeast 

of Washburn, N. Dak., was maintained from March 10, 1909, to 

November 16, 1910, under the supervision of T. R. Atkinson, State 

engineer of North Dakota.

The drainage area above the station is about 440 square miles.

A staff gage is attached to bridge from which discharge measurements are made.
196 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

Sufficient discharge measurements covering all stages have not been 

made at this station to properly define a rating curve.

In 1910 the spring breakup was unexpectedly and unprecedentedly 

early and the spring flood unusually small and brief.

Discharge measurements of Turtle Creek near Washburn, N. Dak., in 1909-10.

Date.

1909. 

Mar. 26«

June 16

1910 

Mar. 30

Hydrographer.

J.W.-BtiBS. ...............................................

T. Dickinson............................. .................

J.W.Blisa... .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

28

8

3.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

42

12

5.1

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.50

2.20

2.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

94

18

2.4

n Water running over ice.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Turtle Creek near Washburn, N. Dak., for 1909-10. 

[Erick Larson, observer.]

Day.

1909. 

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...................

1910. 

1... ................

2..... .... ... ....

3...................

6...................

8...................

9

10...................

Mar.

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.2

4.2

4.8

.5.0

4.7

5.3

5.6

5.3

4.4

4.2

4.0

4.0

Apr.

3.8

3.7

3.8

4.0

3.7

3.4

3.2

3.1

2,8

2.4

2.9

2.6

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

May.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

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

2.5

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.7

2.7

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

June.

2.7

2.8

3.1

3.0

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.3

1 9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.5

2.5

July.

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.0

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

1.8

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

2.0

2.0

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Aug.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

2

1

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

Sept.

1.4

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.4

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

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

Oct.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

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

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.7

1.7

. 1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

Nov.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

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

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

Dec.

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

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7
MISSOURI RIVEK BASIN. 197 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Turtle Creek near Washburn, N. Dak., for 1909-10 Contd.

Day.

1910. 

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

16...................

17...................

18...................

19...................

20...................

21...................

22...................

23...................

24...................

25...................

26...................

27...................

28...................

29...................

30...................

31...................

Mar.

5.3

4.8

4.0

3.8

3.5

3.2

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

9 Q

2.3

2.3

2.3

9 i=l

2.3

Apr.

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

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

May.

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

June.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

3

C

2.5

2.2

2.2

2.1

2 n

2.0

2.0

9 n

1 9

1.8

1.7

1.7

July.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.3

2 9

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.5

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

Aug.

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

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

1.7

1.7

Sept.

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

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

Oct.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1 Q

1.9

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

Dec.

NOTE. Ice probably affected flow in January, February, and greater part of March, 1909, January, 

February, and first part of March, 1910, and after Nov. 16,1910.

HEART RIVER 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.

HEAET EIVEE 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 determine the amount of water available for irrigation. 

The drainage area above this point is 1,250 square miles.
198 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 

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.

No discharge measurements were made" in 1910.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak., for 1910. 

[W. F. Church, observer.]

Day.

1. .........................

2...........-.-...-----.-.-.

3...........................

4. .... ......................

5. ........ ................. .

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.

5.3

6.0

9 8

11.6

101

14.2

16.7

18.0

19 4

17.1

12.3

10.1

8.3

7.7

7.4

6.3

5.9

5.7

5.6

5.6

5 4

'Apr.

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.1

5.0

4 9

4.9

4.8

4

0

4.7

4.6

4.6

4 5

A C

4.2

4.6

A C

4.4

May.

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.3

A V

A O

4.3

4.3

A q

4.2

A O

A O

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

A O

4 2

4 2

June.

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

<t 9

4.6

5.2

5.4

5.5

c q

5.1

4.9

4.7

4.6

4.6

4

C

A C

4.4

July.

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.9

4.7

4.5

4.4

4

0

4.2

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.1

4.1

4.0

Aug.

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.9

3 9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

Sept.

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

4.0

4.0

4.0

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

3.9

3.9

Oct.

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

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

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

Nov.

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.1

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

4.2

4.2

4.2

NOTE. Ice probably prevailed Jan. 1 to Mar. 4 and after Nov. 26. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak., for 1910.

Day.

I......... ..................

3......------------.--...-..

4.....-.....-......-.--.-...

5......-...-....-.---.-.-...

7...........................

9.......-.-........-...-.--.

10...........................

II............................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

Mar.

167

935

1 A.^f\

2,350

2,870

3,350

3,920

4,570

3,520

Apr.

86

7C

56

48

40

40

00

qq

27

27

21

21

16

16

May.

11

11

11

7

7

7

7

4

7

7

June.

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

4

21

48

65

86

98

75

July.

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

40

33

27

21

16

11

7

4

Aug.

1

1

1

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

1

1

1

4

4

2

Sept.

0.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

0.3

1

1

1

1

 Oct. '

0.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

1

1

. 1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Nov.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

4

4

4

4

4
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 199 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak., for 1910 Contd.

Day.

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19........................... 20.....:.....................

22. ..........................

23...........................

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

00

9Q

30...........................

31...........................

Mar.

3

f\Qf\

2,350

1,680

1.020

586

462

403

167

212

182

152

124

111

111

98

86

Apr.

4

16

21

33

21

16

11

11

11

11

11

May.

11

11

7

7

7

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

June.

Kfi

40

33

27

21

21

16

16

16

16

11

11

11

7

7

July.

1

1

2

2

2

1

1

1

2

2

1

Aug.

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

Sept.

1

1

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

Oct.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Nov.

4

4

4

4

- 4

4

4

4

4

4

4

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined below 520 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak., for 1910.

[Drainage area, 1,250 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,570 

86 

11 

98 

40 

4 

1 

1 

4

Minimum.

4 

4 

2 

1 

.3 

.3 

.3 

1

Mean.

03

«3

«1,160 

26.9 

6.6 

24.1 

7.4 

.97 

.49 

.89 

«3.0 

o2

103

Per 

square 

mile.

6.928 

.022 

.0053 

.019 

.0059 

.00078 

.00039 

.00071 

.0024

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

1.07 

.02 

.01 

.02 

.01 

.001 

.0004 

.0008 

.003

Total in 

acre-feet.

184 

167 

71,300 

1,600 

406 

1,430 

455 

60 

29 

55 

179 

123

76,000

Accuracy.

D. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

D. 

D. 

D.

a Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 4 and Nov. 27 to Dec. 31. 

NOTE. The means for January, February, and December are only approximate.

GRAND RIVER BASIN. 

NORTH PORK 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
200 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

measurements may be made. Low-water measurements are made by 

wading.

The drainage area above the station includes only the North Fork 

of the Grand and comprises about 500 square miles.

The following discharge measurement was made by J. W. Bliss:

March 21, 1910: Width, 60 feet; area, 137 square feet; gage height, 2.60 feet; discharge, 90 second-feet.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Grand River at Holey, N. Dak., for 1910.

[H. N. Lungwitz, observer.]

Day.

1. ..........................

2...........................

3...........................

4...........................

6.....-----...-....---.--...

7.....------..----.--.---...

9...........................

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15 ...........................

16.....-------...............

17...........................

18 ...........................

19...........................

20...........................

21...........................

22...........................

23...........................

24...........................

25 ...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30...........................

11

Mar.

6.5

5.8

7.8

5.8

5.7

5.45

6.4

2.5

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.8

l s

1.8

1.7

Apr.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

3.0

3.5

1.95

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.35

May.

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

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

June.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

2.2

2.05

1.85

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.7

2.15

1.55

1.3

1.15

1.1

1.1

July.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

9

Aug.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

Sept.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.92

1.00

.95

.92

.90

Oct.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

,9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

9

Nov.

n Q

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

NOTE. Gage heights probably affected by ice from Jan. 1 to Mar. 2 and after Nov. 27.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Grand River at Haley, N. Dak., for

1908-1910.

Day.

1908. 

1. .........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7. .........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

Feb. Mar. Apr. May.

2.0

2.5

2.5

3.0

June.

38

54

84

102

43

13

43

38

36

28

23

18

102

227

July.

36

18

8

8

3.5

23

18

18

33

18

3.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Aug.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sept.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Oct.

0.5

.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

Dec.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

 5
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 201

, in second-feet, of North Fork of Grand River at Holey, N. Dak., for 

1908-1910 Continued.

Dayj.

1908. 

16..........

17..........

18..........

20..........

21 ..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

20..........

27..........

9S

29..........

30..........

31..........

1909. 

1..........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10. .........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

16..........

17..........

18..........

IQ

20..........

21..........

22.... ....

23..........

24 .

25. .........

2(5.... .....

27........ .

28..........

29..........

30..........

31....... ..

1910. 

1..........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

1C..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

971

Feb.

0.5

.5 

.5

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

'.5 

.5 

.5

.5

20 

40 

60 

60 

150

188 

262 

324

1

46° \

Mar.

356 

351 

288 

227 

178

141 

12G 

123 

87 

102

102 

102 

102 

102

72

43 

33 

30 

40

57

57 

87 

78 

fiO 

46

38 

38 

38 

30 

23 

20

374 

312 

405

500 

312 

347 

304

284

365 

350 

300 

250 

200

175 

150 

125 

100 

92

VSP 28

Apr.

,

20 

20 

18 

13 

10

10 

13 

10 

10

5.8

8 

8 

8 

7.1 

5.8

5.8 

3.5 

3.5 

3.5 

3.5

3.5 

.5 

.5 

. 5 

2.0

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

3.5

8

33 

33 

33

28 

28

28 

28 

28 

23 

23

23 

23 

23 

23 

23

114 

144 

50 

43 

38

May.

3.0 

3.5

0 K.

q e

164

234 

288 

296 

164 

164

126 

99 

54 

43 

43 

43

8 

3.5 

2.9 

2.0 

2.0

2.0 

2.0 

3.5 

3.5 

3.5

2.9 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

.5 

3.5 

2.9 

2.9 

.5

.5 

.5

3.5 

3.5 

3.5

3.5 

3.5 

3.5 

20 

33 

500

13 

13 

13 

13 

13

13 

13 

13 

13 

13

13 

13 

13 

13 

13

13 

13 

13 

13 

13

-\A

June.

114 

114 

57 

13

48

23 

43 

18 

8 

13

23 

48 

23 

3.5 

38

394 

367 

206 

105 

69

54 

43 

44 

390 

199

123 

135 

241 

133 

84

84 

46 

36

27 

26

20 

18 

18 

18 

13

13 

13 

13 

13 

30

8 

8 

8 

8 

8

8 

8 

8 

8 

66

57 

46 

20 

18 

18

18 

18 

13 

13 

13

July.

0.5 

.2 

3

8 

8

8 

8 

8 

8 

8

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8

9 

10 

8 

10 

13

19 

23 

23 

18 

18

28 

24 

20 

23 

20

19 

13 

8 

5.8 

5.8

8 

5.8 

5.8 

5.8 

5.8

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 

3.5 

3.5 

.5

.5 

. 5 

.5 

.5 

.5

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

Aug.

0.3 

.3 

.3 

.3 

.3

.4 

.4 

.4 

.4 

.4

.4 

.4 

.4 

.5 

.5 

.5

3.5

3.5 

3.5 

3.5 

3.5

3.5 

3.5 

3.5 

3.5 

3.5

3.5 

149 

46 

26 

16

8 

8 

8 

7.1 

5.8

5.8 

3.5 

3.5 

3.5 

3.5

3.5 

3.5 

2 

2 

2 

2

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

.5 

.5

.5 

.5 

.5

.5 

. 5 

.5 

5 

.5

Sept.

0.5 

.5 

1.1 

1.1 

.5

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

.5

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

. 5 

.5

.5 

.5

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

.5

.5 

. 5 

.5 

.5

Oct.

0.5

.8 

.8 

4 

4

2.6 

.8 

.8 

.5 

.5

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

3.5 

3.5 

3.5 

2

2

2 

o

2 

2

2

2 

2

2 

9

2 

2 

2 

2

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

.5 

.5 

.5 

. 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

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 . 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2

2

2

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

o 

2

.5 

.5 

.5 

. 5 

.5

.5 

!.5

.5

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

Dec.

0.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

.5

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

2

2 

2 

2

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2
202 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Grand River at Haley, N. Dak., for

1908-1910 Continued.

Day.

1910. 

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

23..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Feb. Mar.

84

75

60

54

54

48

40

43

43

43

38

Apr.

33

28

28

23

23

23

OQ

23

20

May.

13

13

13

8

8

0

June.

13

19

38

63

30

18

20

July.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Aug.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Sept.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

1.1

s z

o n

1.1

.5

Oct.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

..">

Nov.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

Dec.

NOTE. These daily discharges for 1908-1910 are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 90 

second-feet. Above this the curve is an extension and is approximate. * Discharge interpolated or estimated May 12 to 16, July 18, Aug. 2 to 8, 1908; Feb. 20 to 24, 1909; Mar. 12 to 19,1910.

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Grand River at Haley, N. Dak., for 1908-1910. 

[Drainage area, 420 square miles.]

Month.

1908.

July........................

1909.

July........................

1910.

May........................

July........................

The vear

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

296 

227 

36 

8 

1.1 

4 

.5 

.5

324 

356 

20 

500 

396 

28 

149 

2 

3.5 

2 

2

144 

13 

66 

3.5 

.5 

3.5 

.5 

.5

Minimum.

1.0 

3.5 

.2 

.0 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5

.5 

20 

.5 

.5 

10 

3.5 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

20 

8 

8 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.5 

. .5

Mean.

o56.7 

48.7 

9.57 

1.36 

.54 

.83 

.50 

.50

14.8

aO 

« 39 

103 

7.03 

20.3 

98.7 

11.9 

11.2 

2.0 

2.15 

2.0 

2.0

24.9

a 1.0 

ffll.O 

a 186 

34.4 

11.7 

19.9 

1.37 

.50 

.69 

.50 

a. 50 

ffl.5

21.5

Per 

square 

mile.

0.135 

.116 

.023 

.0032 

.0013 

.0020 

.0012 

.0012

.035

.0 

.093 

.245 

.017 

.048 

.235 

.028 

.027 

.0048 

.0051 

.0048 

.0048

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.16 

.13 

.03 

.004 

.001 

.002 

.001 

.001

.329

.00 

.10 

.28 

.02 

.06 

.26 

.03 

.03 

.005 

.006 

.005 

.006

.059 .82

.0024 

.0024 

.443 

.082 

.028 

.047 

.0033 

.0012 

.0016 

.0012 

.0012 

.0012

..051

.003 

.002 

.51 

.09 

.03 

.05 

.004 

.001 

.002 

.001 

.001 

.001

.695

Total in 

acre-feet.

3,490 

2,900 

588 

84 

32 

51 

30 

31

7,210

0 

2,170 

6,330 

418 

1,250 

5,870 

732 

689 

119 

132 

119 

123

18,000

<51 

56 

11,400 

2,050 

719 

1,180 

84 

31 

41 

31 

30 

31

15,700

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

D. 

D.

D. 

C. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

D. 

D. 

D. 

D.

D. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

D. 

D. 

D.

a Discharge estimated May 1 to 10,1908; Jan. 1 to Feb. 6,1909; Jan. 1 to Mar. 2 and Nov. 27 to Dec. 31, 

1910.

NOTE. The means for January, 1909, January, February, and December, 1910, are only approximate.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 203

NIOBRARA RIVER BASIN. 1 

DESCRIPTION.

Niobrara River rises in the mountains of eastern Wyoming, flows 

eastward through the northern portion of Nebraska, and empties 

into the Missouri in Knox County at the city of Niobrara. Its 

drainage basin is narrow in the upper portion but broadens considerably near the mouth; it comprises about 9,000 square miles.

Precipitation within the basin ranges from 15 to 18 inches in the 

from 18 to 21 inches in the middle portion, and from 

ihes in the lower portion. Evaporation is 6, 5, and 4^ feet 

er, middle, and lower portions, respectively. Sixty-nine 

the precipitation falls during April, May, June, July, and 

about one-half of the remainder is snowfall, 

is not subject to periodic rises of any importance, owing 

that the sand hills which form so large a portion of its 

act as storage reservoirs for the rain and snow, which 

fed to the stream in the form of spring water, thus 

the flow and making the constancy of the discharge almost

and 

river

area

upper portion 

21 to 24 in 

in the upj 

per cent o 

August,

The

to the fac 

drainage 

are

equalizing 

phenomenal

The principal 

rivers and 

is similar 

Niobrara.

The water 

undevelop

afterwards

the

This station 

spanning 

half a mile: 

1^ miles 

establishec. 

tablished i

tributaries are Verdigris, Keyapaha, and Snake 

Minnechaduza Creek. The drainage area of the Snake 

in nearly all respects to that of the western part of the

resources of the Niobrara are at present almost wholly 

d, irrigation being limited to the low, narrow flood plains 

in the bottoms of the canyons. On Minnechaduza Creek at Valentine 

an artificial lake has been formed by a dam, and a power plant has 

been installed for lighting and for furnishing the city with water. 

On the lower course of the Niobrara a-number of mills are in operation, 

receiving ttieir power from small tributaries. On Snake River opportunities for power development are phenomenal, but long transmission 

lines would be required to make it of practical value.

NIOBRARA RIVER AT NIOBRARA, NEBR.

which is located at the Government wagon bridge 

main channel in the SE. \ sec. 18, T. 32 N., R. 6 W., 

south and half a mile west of the depot at Niobrara and 

above the junction of Niobrara and Missouri rivers, was 

May 11, 1902, discontinued October 25, 1902, and reesAugust 19, 1910. The station is below all tributaries.

1 See report 

Paper U. S. Gecl

Niobrara River basin, by Stevens, J. C., Surface waters of Nebraska: Water-Supply 

.. Survey No. 230,1909, pp. 220-238.
204 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

A rod gage is fastened to a pile at the southwest end of the Government bridge in the main channel. The location and datum of 

this gage bear no relation to those of the wire gage used in 1902.

Measurements are made from the Government wagon bridge and 

from the highway bridge which crosses the west channel three-fourths 

of a mile west of the gage. The west channel is separated from the 

main channel by an island for a mile above and below the "gage.

The bed of the stream is sandy and shifting, making frequent discharge measurements necessary. There are two channels at high 

stages and numerous small ones at low stages.

During the winter months gage heights are from time to tune 

affected by ice.

This station is located very near the mouth of the river, and as the 

fall between the gaging section and Missouri River is small, records 

will probably be affected by backwater from the Missouri.

Discharge measurements of Niobrara River at Niobrara, Nebr., in 1910.

Date.

Aug. 26

Oct. 9

Nov. 26

Hydrographer.

D. D. Price. ...............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

330

230

590

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

335

302

457

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.10

1.80

1.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,040

1,000

1,650

Daily gage height, in feet, of Niobrara River at Niobrara, Nebr., for 1910.

Day.

1.......

2.......

3.......

4.......

5.......

6.......

7.......

8.......

9.......

10. ......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15. ......

Aug. Sept.

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Oct.

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.6

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.8

Nov.

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.7

Dec.

1.7

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.8

2.2

2.6

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22.......

23.......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29. ......

30. ......

01

Aug.

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

Sept.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

Oct.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.8

Nov.

1.7

1.7

1.7 1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.8

Dec.

2.8

3.1

3.4

3.6

3.2

3.4

3.6

3.8

2.2

NOTE. River frozen Dec. 25.

PLATTE RIVER 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
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 205

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 course of 

the river is fairly well settled, but farther west the population is more 

scattered.

NORTH PLATTE RIVER AND PLATTE RIVER PROPER. 

DESCRIPTION.

The source of North Platte River, here considered the continuation 

of the main stream, 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 tlie North Platte are Grizzly and Little Grizzly creeks, but 

within th4 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 and the west slope 

of the Medicine Bow ranges. At an elevation of 8,500 feet above 

sea level the forests give way to the open prairie country, which, with 

the exception of 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 ncjrthward course through Wyoming the stream receives many 

tributaries^ the Snowy Range on the east contributing its drainage 

through L^ouglas, French, and Brush creeks, while the northeast slope 

of the Sieijra 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,
206 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

beyond which the only important tributary is the Laramie, which 

enters at old Fort Laramie.

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 Seminole 

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 Seminole Range. 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; 

and 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, ranges 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 some time 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 until the middle of July, .during which period 

the river is frequently bank full.

The winters are quite severe thoughout 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.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 207

Agriculture in the basin of the North Platte has been confined 

largely tb 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 Laramie 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 well along on this project. The nearly completed 

North Platte project 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, has 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. It 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 Sweetw^ater 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 Glendeve}', 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.

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 ranging in height from 50 to 400 feet. To a point near
208 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 confined 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 4| 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.

The following special reports contain information regarding the 

hydrography of Colorado and Nebraska:

Water resources of Colorado by A. L. Fellows, 1902: Water-Supply Paper U. S. 

Geol. Survey No. 74. Surface waters of Nebraska, by J. C. Stevens, 1909: WaterSupply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 230.

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 reservoir 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.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. " 209 

Discharge measurements of North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo., in 1910.

Date.

Jan. lla

Apr. 21

May 31

June 23

Hydrographer.

L. V. Branch .............................................

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

165

185

193

198

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

595

665

755

1,150

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.00

2.12

2.66

4.06

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

448

655

958

2,380

»Ice.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo., for 1910. 

[J. C. Ralston, 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...............

11

Jan.

1.85

1.85

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

2.0

1.95

1.95

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

2.0

1.9

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

2.0

1.8

Feb.

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.75

1.95

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.75

Mar.

1.8

2.1

2.4

2.7

3.0

3.0

3.25

3.4

3.55

3.75

3.6

3.9

3.95

4.05

3.7

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.85

3.95

4.05

4.2

4.25

4.15

4.05

3.9

3.7

3.55

Apr.

0 0

3.2

3.25

3.15

3.3

3.25

3.2

2.95

2.9

3.1

3.2

3.55

4.1

1.8

4.3

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.15

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

May.

2.4

2.35

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.6

2.65

June.

q o

3.8

3.8

3.55

3 9

3.9

4.9

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.45

4.4

4.3

4.35

4.05

4.05

4.05

4.05

4.05

4.05

4.0

4.05

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.05

July.

4.15

4.1

4.05

4.05

4.05

4.0

4.0

4.15

4.1

3.95

3.85

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.85

3.85

3.85

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.75

Aug.

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.65

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.75

3.7

3.7

3.7

Sept.

3.7

3.8

3.5

3.55

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.75

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.65

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.45

3.45

3.45

1.7

1.65

Oct.

1.6

1.25

.85

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.0

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.4

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.6

1.8

2.0

3.3

2.2

2.6

2.2

2.25

1.7

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.95

Nov.

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.3

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.3

Dec.

1.35

1.35

1.35

3.1

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

2.9

2.9

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

NOTE. Ice Jan. 1 to Mar. 5. Ice 15 inches thick at gage Feb. 10,14 inches thick Feb. 26, some water 

on top of ice Mar. 1, ice gone out at station Mar. 6. The gage heights are affected by gate regulation at 

Pathfinder dam. Known dates when gage heights were so affected are: Jan. 29-31, July 21, Aug. 24, Sept. 

5, Oct. 2, 4, 22-25, Nov. 17, Dec. 4, 5,16, and 17.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo., for 1910.

Day.

1......... ......

2...............

3...............

4. ..............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

Jan.

403

403

448

448

448

448

433

448

433

433

Feb.

388

403

388

388

373

388

373

359

359

344

Mar.

388

480

610

760

960

1,260

1,480

1,620

1,760

1,980

Apr.

1,520

1,440

1,480

1,390

1,520

1,520

1,480

1,440

1,220

1,180

May.

820

790

820

820

820

820

850

850

850

850

June.

1,520

2,030

2,030

1,760

2,140

2,140

3,330

2,700

2,820

2,820

July.

2,420

2,360

2,300

2,300

2,300

2,250

2,250

2,420

2,360

2,200

Aug.

1,980

1,980

1,980

1,980

1,980

1,980

1,920

1,920

1,920

1,920

Sept.

1,920

2,030

1,720

1,760

1,820

1,920

1,920

1,920

1,760

1,760

Oct.

438

294

185

354

375

354

375

354

334

214

Nov.

615

569

569

569

569

525

547

547

525

503

Dec.

334

334

334

1,340

276

294

294

294

294

294
210 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo.,for 1910 Con.

Day.

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24................

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29. ..............

30. ..............

31...............

Jan.

448

448

433

418

418

448

418

448

418

418

418

418

403

403

388

388

388

OCQ

448

388

Feb.

344

344

330

330

330

388

388

388

388

359

373

433

359

344

330

359

359

373

Mar.

1,820

2,300

1,920

1,720

1,720

1,720

1,720

1,820

1,920

2,080

2,300

2,470

2,520

2,300

1,920

1,760

Apr.

1,340

1,440

1,760

2 360

525

2,580

569

a\ c

661

661

686

710

710

710

710

760

760

7fift

May.

850

880

880

880

880

880

880

.880

880

915

950

950

950

950

915

915

915

950

985

1,000

June.

2,700

2 700

2,760

2,700

2,580

2,640

2,300

2,300

2,300

2,300

2,300

2,2iO

2,300

2,360

2,300

2,3bO

2,300

July.

2,080

2,030

2,030

1,920

1,920

1,920

1 990

1,920

2,080

2,080

2,080

2,030

2,030

2,030

2,030

1,980

1,980

Aug.

1,920

1,920

1,920

1,920

1,920

1,920

1,870

1,870

1,920

1,920

1 920

2,030

2,030

2,030

1,980

1,980

1,920

1,920

Sept.

1,760

1 920

1,920

1,920

1,870

1,980

1,920

1,920

1,870

1,920

1,870

1,820

1,820

1,760

1,660

1,660

1,660

481

460

Oct.

243

260

276

354

375

375

396

438

coc

615

1,520

710

950

710

735

481

547

547

592

Nov.

481

481

enq

503

481

460

460

313

276

260

260

276

sis

313

334

313

313

334

313

313

Dec.

313

O1 O

313

1,180

294

313

313

 J1 Q

313

313

313

313

313

313

313

313

313

313

313

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to Mar. 5, ice curve 

defined by measurement of Jan. 11, 1910, Mar. 6 to Dec. 31 (computations for this period made by TJ. S. 

Reclamation Service), well defined.

Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 12,000 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

May. .......................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

448 

433 

2,520 

2,580 

a 1,000 

3,330 

2,420 

2,030 

2,030 

1,520 

615 

1,340

3,330

Minimum.

350 

330 

388 

525 

790 

1,520 

1,920 

1,870 

460 

185 

260 

276

260

Mean.

423 

367 

1,760 

1,130 

885 

2,400 

2,100 

1,940 

1,750 

476 

428 

399

1,180

Per 

square 

mile.

0.035 

.031 

.147 

.094 

.074 

.200 

.175 

.162 

.146 

.040 

.036 

.033

.098

Run-ofl.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.04 

.03 

.17 

.10 

..09 

.22 

.20 

.19 

.16 

.05 

.04 

.04

1.33

Total in 

acre-feet.

26,000 

20,400 

108,000 

67,200 

54,400 

143,000 

129,000 

119,000 

104,000 

29,300 

25, £00 

24, £00

850,000

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

C.

a Estimated. 

Inflow, in second-feet, into Pathfinder reservoir at Pathfinder, Wyo., for 1910.

Day.

1...................................... . ....

2.............................................

3.............................................

4................................ . ... .. ..

5.............................................

6........................................... .

7.............................................

8............... .. . . ..... ..... .

9.............................................

10............. .. ........ ...

Mar.

388

480

610

760

960

1,300

1,500

1,630

1,920

1.800

Apr.

1,440

1,410

1,550

1,370

1,440

1,700

1,500

1,460

1,210

1,440

May.

4,500

5,500

3,810

4,610

3,680

3,260

3,450

3,650

3,550

3,300

June.

5,310

8,140

6,9<0

6,790

6,940

5,820

5,000

5,210

4,910

4,000

July.

836

430

368

414

464

363

414

580

525

404

Aug.

423

423

387

387

380

368

363

363

262

262

Sept.

247

252

287

287

388

444

444

439

434

434
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 211

Inflow, in second-feet, into Pathfinder reservoir at Pathfinder, Wyo., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

11.............................................

12..............:..............................

13.............................................

14.............................................

15.............................................

16.............................................

17.............................................

18.............................................

19.............................................

20.............................................

21.............................................

22.............................................

23.............................................

24.............................................

25.............................................

26.............................................

27.............................................

28.............................................

29.............................................

30.............................................

31 ..........................................

Mar.

2,010

1,840

2

CAfl

2,350

1,600

1,720

1,720

1,770

1,860

2

ncn

2,150

2 9 en

2

/1 en

2,550

2,650

2,150

9 firm

1,800

1,800

1,610

Apr.

1,330

1,610

2,300

2,000

2,470

2,380

2,020

1,980

2,640

2,440

2,310

3,360

3,480

2,920

3,130

3,240

3,440

May.

3,190

3,490

3,740

5,100

5,150

5,800

5,560

4,600

4,100

4,490

3,660

3,610

3,410

3,690

3,650

4,200

3,900

4,220

4 ' 920

June.

2,280

3,150

3,150

3,140

3,000

2,640

2,790

2,340

2,340

1,890

1,480

1,530

1,430

1,070

1,230

720

1,020

1,070

720

July.

297

293

293

293

276

276

400

400

400

400

345

405

350

400

450

445

450

450

475

475

475

Aug.

262

257

257

257

257

207

207

207

353

353

353

353

202

207

207

106

100

101

100

139

200

Sept.

434

439

283

333

328

338

378

378

368

368

424

414

414

414

409

409

343

343

328

459

NOTE. These daily discharges were computed by the United States Reclamation Service and are published without change.

Monthly inflow into Pathfinder reservoir at Pathfinder, Wyo., for 1910.

Month.

April.....................................................

May......................................................

July......................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,650 

3,480 

5,800 

8,140 

836 

423 

459

Minimum.

388 

1,210 

3,190 

720 

276 

100 

247

Mean.

1,740 

2,130 

4,110 

3,280 

414 

268 

375

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

107,000 

127,000 

253,000 

195,000 

25,500 

16,500 

22,300

746,000

NOTE. These estimates were furnished by the United States Reclamation Service. They have been 

slightly changed to conform to the computation rules of the United States Geological Survey.

NORTH PLATTE RIVER AND INTERSTATE CANAL AT WHALEN, WYO.

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 for 

use in connection with the North Platte project and to replace the 

station on the North Platte at Guernsey.

No important tributaries enter the river for several miles above; 

Laramie River comes in about 6 miles below the station. 

The zero of the weir gage is the level of the weir crest, which is 

300 feet wide. The discharges given in the table for the river station 

include the flow over the weir, the flow through the four scour gates 

in the weir, which are 5| 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.
212 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Another river gage is fastened to the retaining wall 75 feet downstream from the weir crest. The zero of the gage 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; its zero is on a level with canal bottom.

The readings of the river and canal gages have been used only 

when it has been 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 eventually to check them up by a series of 

meter measurements of the canal and the river. During the spring 

of 1910 a gage and cable were installed at a point about 1 mile 

downstream from the weir, and several meter measurements were 

taken during the season, but the record is not complete enough to 

furnish convincing evidence as to the coefficients.

The seven diversion gates of the proposed Fort Laramie canal 

are the same size as those of the Interstate canal, and are situated 

at the south end of the Whalen weir. This canal has not yet been 

constructed.

The 1910 data for these stations are published as furnished by the 

United States Reclamation Service.

Discharge measurements of North Platte River at Whalen, Wyo., in 1910.

Date.

May 27

31

10

July 15

Aug. 15

Sept. 5

Hydrographer.

W. T. Ferguson. ............ ............................

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do........................... ........ ...............

Width.

Feet. 

286

280

295

300

292

285

284

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

745

620

895

1,090

811

723

685

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.90

1.50

2.45

3.10

2.18

1.97

1 79

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

571

361

913

1 77fl

783

697

438

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River at Whalen, Wyo., for 1910.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5......... ------

6...............

8...............

9.--.....-......

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

Jan.

703

643

650

635

620

615

590

590

590

590

590

590

590

590

590

590

590

645

674

622

Feb.

642

578

578

642

642

642

642

578

578

642

642

642

578

578

642

642

642

642

642

Mar.

740

908

1,223

1,489

3,056

2,384

1,577

1,668

1,760

1,854

1,854

1,947

2,144

2,045

2,144

 

2,350

2,457

2,247

2,144

2,045

Apr.

2, 666

2,558

2,451

2,344

2,241

2,138

2,040

2,040

2,040

1 941

2,138

1,941

2,666

2,774

2,843

2,588

3,191

2.364

May.

1,409

1,409

1,344

1.286

1,333

1,268

1,268

1,275

1,261

1,225

1,143

1,105

1,054

1,044

1,070

1,084

1,119

1,160

1,238

1,258

June.

1,044

970

1,086

1,418

1,860

1,835

1,732

1,835

2,187

2,172

2,225

2,491

2,521

2,531

2,576

2,611

2,554

2,379

2,313

July.

2.111

2,141

2,174

2,128

2,296

2,181

2,104

2,158

2,127

1,990

2,045

2,023

1,951

1,891

1,836

1,836

1,846

1,782

1,628

2,593

Aug.

1,895

1,831

1,773

1,773

1,773

1,773

1,773

1,826

1,801

1,801

1,748

1,763

1,763

1,763

1,768

1,711

1,711

1,716

1,716

1,716

Sept.

1,716

1.716

1,716

1.721

1,530

1,530

1,530

1,530

1,618

1,669

1,669

1,618

1,618

1,618

1,669

1,721

1,778

1,721

1,965

1,778

Oct.

1,711

1,654

1,056

893

700

636

636

578

521

521

469

469

469

418

418

418

418

636

579

1,305

Nov.

765

765

765

765

765

765

765

765

765

700

700

700

700

700

700

700

636

636

636

636

Dec.

418

418

470

521

521

330

374

906

765

418

418

469

374

259

330

294

259

259

330

374
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 213

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River at Whalen, Wyo.,for 1910 Contd.

Day.

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

710

776

850

850

707

707

707

707

642

642

642

Feb.

642

642

531

554

590

590

643

669

Mar.

2,045

2,144

2,247

2,475

2,780

2,780

2,889

3,001

3,114

3,114

2,774

Apr.

2,091

2,081

2,091

2,091

2,008

1,832

1,832

1,754

1,820

1,521

May.

1,331

1,263

1,263

1,216

1,183

1,183

1.183

1,183

1,183

1,184

1,104

Tune.

2,158

2,026

1,970

1,980

1,980

1,980

1,965

1,968

1,919

1,928

July.

2,131

2,290

2,054

2,036

1,895

1,830

1,766

1,766

1,806

1,773

2,423

Aug.

1,664

1,664

1,664

1,664

1,664

1,664

1,716

1,773

1,773

1,773

1,716

Sept.

1,778

1,778

1,836

1,836

1,778

1,721

1,669

1,669

1,652

1,615

Oct.

1,865

1,061

835

765

765

1,398

1,142

1,061

906

835

765

Nov.

765

765

636

578

521

521

521

470

418

418

Dec.

765

521

418

374

294

294

294

234

259

374

418

NOTE. These discharges were computed by the United States Reclamation Service and are published 

herewith unchanged. They have not been verified by engineers of the United States Geological Survey. 

The discharges in this table include the discharge of the Interstate canal and the flow over the river 

weir and sluices.

Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Whalen, Wyo.,for 1910.

Month.

March ...................................................

April....................................................

May.....................................................

July..... .................. ..............................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

850 

669 

3,110 

3,190 

1,410 

2,610 

2,590 

1,900 

1,960 

1,860 

765 

906

3,190

Minimum.

590 

531 

740 

1,520 

1,040 

970 

1,630 

1,660 

1,530 

418 

418 

234

234

Mean.

653 

616 

2,170 

2,210 

1,210 

2,020 

2,020 

1,750 

1,690 

836 

665 

 411

1,360

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

40,200 

34, 200 

133,000 

132,000 

74,400 

120,000 

124,000 

108,000 

101,000 

51,400 

39,600 

25,200

983,000

NOTE. These estimates were computed by the United States Geological Survey from data furnished 

by the United States Reclamation Service, published herewith, and include the total flow in the river 

and Interstate canal.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Interstate canal at Whalen, Wyo.,for 1910.

Day.

1............................................

2............................................

3.................................... ........

4............................................

5............................................

6... : ........................................

7. ..........................................

8..................-....:....................

9......................................... ..

10............................................

11............................................

12..... ......................................

13............................................

14............................................

15............................................

16............................................

17............................................

18. ...........................................

19............................................

20............................................

Apr.

417

420

May.

528

528

528

470

452

452

452

459

W)i

548 <?<«t

550

575

601

615

313

June.

788

714

759

780

875

850

895

850

960

945

1,080

1,090

1,120

1,130

1,175

1,210

1,240

1,240

1,235

1,250

Jrly.

1,205

1,080

0

57

420

690

960

1,095

727

1,005

1,060

1,115

1,115

1,125

1,136

1,136

1 I4fi

1,030

1,008

Aug.

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,190

1,165

1,170

1,185

1,185

1,185

1,190

1,190

1,195

1,195

Sept.

1,195

I,i95

1, 195

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1 900

1,200

1,200

Oct.

1,711

430

420

315
214 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Interstate canal at Whalen, Wyo., for 1910 Contd.

Day.

21............................................

22............................................

23............................................

24............................................

25. ...........................................

26.........................:..................

27............................................

28............................................

29............................................

30............................................

31............................................

Apr.

422

422

422

422

427

425

425

425

1 491

473

May.

630

668

712

712

714

714

714

714

714

751

797

June.

1,250

1,260

1,270

1,280

1,280

1,280

1,200

0

150

702

July.

1,146

1,146

1,146

1,130

1,130

1,130

1,130

1,130

1,170

1,195

1,195

Aug.

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

1,195

Sept.

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,074

780

Oct.

NOTE. These discharges were computed by the United States Reclamation Service from their weir 

and canal gage readings and are published herewith unchanged. They have not been verified by engineers 

of the United States Geological Survey. There was no flow Jan. 1 to Apr. 16, and Oct. 6 to Dec. 31.

Monthly discharge of Interstate canal at Whalen, Wyo., for 1910.

Month.

January. .................................................

June .....................................................

July.....................................................

October... ................................... . .........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

491 

797 

1,280 

1,200 

1,200 

1,200 

1,710

1,710

Minimum.

0 

313 

0 

0 

1,160 

780 

0

0

Mean.

0 

0 

0 

190 

592 

995 

997 

1,190 

1,180 

92.8 

0 

0

439

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

0 

0 

0 

11,300 

36,400 

59,200 

61,300 

73,200 

70,200 

5,710 

0 

0

317,000

NOTE. These estimates were computed by the United States Geological Survey from data furnished 

by the United States Reclamation Service published herewith.

NORTH PLATTE RIVER NEAR 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., R. 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.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 215

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.

This station was discontinued October 6, 1910.

Discharge measurements of North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr., in 1910.

Date.

Mar. 20

Apr. 29

. 23

July 28

Nov. 29

Hydrographer.

D. D. Price. ...............................................

.....do. --.... .............................................

R. H. Willis. .............................................

R. H. Willis. ..............................................

.... .do. ....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

980

497

728

263

679

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,160

732

186

316

93

371

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.10

2.80

2.20

1.65

2.35

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,640

1,530

215

409

120

687

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr., for 1910.

Day.

1................ ....................

2....................................

3............. .......................

4....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26...:................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30....................................

31....................................

Mar.

3.0

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

3.2

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3

1

3 9

q q

3.3

3.2

Apr.

3.2

3.2

3.4

3.3

3.1

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3

1

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.9

3.0

3.0

2.9

9 Q

2.7

May.

2.8

2

Q

9 7

2.7

2.7

2.7

9 H

9 A.

2.4

2.4

9 1

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

9 ^

9 ^

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

9 ?

2.3

2 9

2.2

2.2

June.

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

1 9

1 Q

2.0

2.2

2.3

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.2

2.2

1 9

1 Q

1 Q

2.6

July.

2.3

2.4

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.0

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

2.0

2.1

2.3

1 9

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

Aug.

1.8

2.3

2.0

1.8

1.7

1.7

i.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.4

1.4

Sept.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.6

1.6

1.6

2.0

2.0

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

2.0

2.0

Oct.

2.1

2.4

2.4

2.3

NOTE. Ice probably existed during January and February. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr., for 1910.

Day.

1. ...................................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

ID....................................

Mar.

2,230

1,360

1,360

1,360

1,360

2,230

1,910

Apr.

2,930

2,930

0 Q9A

3,700

3,310

2,570

3,310

3,310

3,310

2,770

May.

1,480

1.620

1.620

1,360

1,360

1,360

1,360

1,140

920

740

June.

440

340

QAA

340

340

340

215

91 1;

265

July.

580

740

1,180

1.620

1,360

i sfin

740

580

580

Aug.

170

580

265

170

135

135

135

135

135

no

Sept.

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

85

110

Oct.

340

540

740

740

580
216 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART'VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr., for 1910 

Continued.

Day.

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

92

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30. ...................................

31....................................

Mar.

1,910

2,230

2 con

2 930

2.570

2.230

2', 230

2,570

2,570

2,570

2,570

2,570

2,570

2,570

2,230

2,570

2,750

3,310

3,310

Apr.

2.230

2,230

2,570

2,570

2,930

2,930

2; 570

2,930

2,570

2,230

2,230

2,070

1,910

2 230

2,230

1,910

1,910

1,360

May.

740

740

Ken

580

580

580

580

EDA

580

580

580

580

580

580

580

58l)

580

440

440

440

June.

440

510

580

920

1,140

1,140

920

920

740

740

740

440

4Af\

328

215

215

215

1,140

July.

580

580

440

265

170

170

152

135

135

265

580

215

175

135

135

135

170

170

170

Aug.

110

110

110

110

110

110

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

85

85

85

85

90

95

85

85

Sept,

110

110

110

265

265

135

135

135

135

135

170

170

215

265

265

265

265

215

265

265

Oct.

NOTE. These discharges are based on a well-defined rating curve below 4,000 second-feet. Discharges 

interpolated for days on which gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of North Platte River near Mitchell, Nebr., for 1910.

Month.

July...............................................

Discharge In second-feet.

Maximum.

3,310 

3,700 

1,620 

1,140 

1,620 

580 

265

Minimum.

1,360 

1,360 

440 

215 

135 

80 

80

Mean.

2,380 

2,620 

803 

551 

481 

129 

159

Kun-ofi 

(total in 

acre-feet).

146,000 

156,000 

49,400 

32,800 

29,600 

7,930 

9,460

431,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A, 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B.

NORTH PLATTE RIVER. AT NORTH PLATTE, NEBR.

This station was originally established October 5, 1894, at the 

Union Pacific Kailroad bridge 2 miles east of North Platte, Nebr., 

and above the junction of North and South Platte rivers. On 

April 10, 1910, it was moved to the highway bridge 3J miles above 

the confluence of the two forks, about one-half mile north of North 

Platte, Nebr., in sec, 28, T. 14 N., K. 30 W.

Many diversions are made between the station near Mitchell and 

the measuring station. 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.

From October 5, 1894, to May 31, 1910, a vertical gage was 

used, attached to a cofferdam surrounding the east pier of the 

Union Pacific Railroad bridge. Because of the stony eddies around
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 217

the gage that vitiated the accuracy of the readings, a chain gage was 

installed March 25, 1910, at a different datum at the highway bridge 

2 miles above, and on April 10, 1910, gage readings were commenced. This gage was stolen and the gage record interrupted from 

July 1 to October 1; on October 15, 1910, a new staff gage was set 

at the highway bridge at a diiTerent datum.

All discharge measurements have been made at the highway bridge.

The datum of the gage at the railroad bridge remained unchanged 

during the time it was in use.

During the winter the river often freezes solid, as it is very shallow.

Records at this station show the amount of water contributed by 

the North Platte to the Platte below all diversions. They 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.

Discharge measurements of North Platte River at North Platte, Nebr., in 1910.

Date.

Mar. 25

Apr. 26

May 26

Nov. 19

Dec. 10

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

K. H. Willis........ ......................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

2.210

1,180

774

370

579

415

Area of

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,300

1,230

523

176

5S3

309

Gauge 

height.

Feet. 

«3.60

«3.40

«3.00

62.60

»3.14

63.45

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3,010

2,600

7JO

228

963

595

<> These measurements were taken at the highway bridge 2 miles above the Union Pacific Railroad bridge. 

The gage heights are the observer's readings at the railroad bridge, as the hydrographer read only the 

gage at the highway bridge.

6 These gage heights are from a new gage established Oct. 15, 1910, at highway bridge at a different 

datum.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Platte River at North Platte, Nebr., for 1910 (highway

bridge gage).

Day.

1.. ........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5.......... 

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12. ......... 

13.......... 

14..........

15..........

Apr.

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.7 

3.7

3.8

May.

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.6

3.5 

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.2

3.2

3.1 

3.0 

3.0

June.

2.9

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.0 

2.3

2.2

2.1

Oct.

......

2.6

Nov.

3.0

3.1

3.15

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.1

3:1

3.1

3.1

3.1 "i'i"

3.1

Dec.

3.3

3.25

3.2

3.15 

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.1

3.3 

3.3

3.4

3.4

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20.......... 

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27.......... 

28.......... 

29..........

30..........

31..........

Apr.

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.4

3.4

3.4 

3.4

3.3

May.

3.0

2.9

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.7

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.95

3.1 

3.2

2.8

June.

2.0

2.4

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.4 

2.4 

2.1

2.1

Oct.

'2.6

2.65

2.6

2.6 

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6 

2.65 

2.9

2.95

Nov.

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.4 "s.'s"

3.25

3.2 -

Dec.

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.7 

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4 

3.4 

3.3

NOTE. Gage readings from Apr. 10 to June 30 observed from gs 

Union Pacific Railroad bridge. New gage established Oct. 15 at hij 

River frozen over Dec. 30.

>e at highway bridge, 2 miles above 

iway bridge, but at different datum,

97746° WSP 280 11- -15
218 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Platte River near North Platte, Nebr., for 1910

(railroad bridge gage).

Day.

1... .......

2.......... 

3..........

4. ........

5..........

6.......... 

7..........

10..........

Mar.

3.3

3.3 

3.0

3.25

3.5

2.5 

9 n

2.0

1.95

1.9

Apr.

2.5

2.5 

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5 

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

May.

2.35

2.4 

2.45

2.45

2.55

2.6 

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

Day.

11..........

12.......... 

13..........

14..........

15..........

16.......... 

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

Mar.

1.9

1.8 

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

Apr.

2.4

2.4 

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

9 A

2.45

2.4

2.4

May.

2.4

2.4 

2.35

2.35

2.3

2.3 

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

Day.

21..........

222s!II! !!!!!!

24. .........

25. .........

26.......... 

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Mar.

2.0

2.0 

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1 

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

Apr.

2.5

2.5 

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.45

9 A*.

2.4

2.4

2.4

May.

2.25

2.3

9 1

2

0

2.3

2.25'

2 OR

9 9*1

2.3

2.3

9 1

NOTE. Ice January, February, Mar. 1 to about Mar. 6. Ice breaking up Mar. 3. 

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 Ptatte and this station, and Loup River and 

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 tb.e 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 estimate. Poor measuring conditions, combined with shifting channel, render the records liable to considerable 

error. The gage datum has remained the same throughout. 1

The river at this point flows in three channels, known as the main, 

middle, and south channels, respectively, each of which is spanned by 

a pile bridge 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.

The gage was destroyed with the bridge early in season of 1910. On 

July 25, 1910, it was reestablished in the same place, but possibly at 

a slightly different datum.

i Data collected at this station prior to 1908 have been compiled in Water-Supply Paper 230 : Surface 

water supply of Nebraska.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 219

Date.

July 25 

Oct. 1 

Nov. 19 

25

Discharge measurement* of Platte River at Columbus, Nebr., in 1910.

Hydrographer.

...,.do... ..................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet.

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.55

.48

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

aQ 

610 

cfl 

628

a River dry. & Estimated. c Water standing in pools which were frozen over. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Platte River at Columbus, Nebr., for 1910.

Day.

1... .........

2............

3............

4............

5............

6............

7............

8............

9............

10............

Sept.

1.55

1.0

1 0

95

7

6

Oct

0.55

55

1 1

1.15

1 1

Nov. Day.

11............

12............

13............

14............

15............

16............

17............

18

19

20............

Sept. Oct. Nov. Day.

21............

22............

23............

24............

25............

26............

27............

28............

29............

30............

31............

Sept.

0.2

.4

.85

.7

.65

Oct. Nov.

0.48

NOTE. The observer records that there was no flow Sept. 7 to 22, 29,30, Oct. 9 to Nov. 24. The hydrographer stated that the river at this point was practically dry all the season.

LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION, i

Laramie River has its source in the mountains of northern Colorado, its headwaters adjoining those of the Cache la Poudre on the 

west. Irrigation is practiced in the basin of this river on a small 

scale in Colorado, but principally for hay ranches, the elevation being 

too great for diversified farming. After crossing the Wyoming line 

Laramie River soon leaves its canyon and enters the Laramie Plains, 

which are extensively irrigated from the main stream and its various 

tributaries, notably Little Laramie River, the low-water flow of which 

is now entirely used. Farther down the river passes through another 

Canyon, and finally enters the plain of lower Laramie River, which 

extends from the eastern edge of Laramie Hills to the mouth of the 

river. It enters the North Platte at Fort Laramie, Wyo.

The highest point of diversion on Laramie River is the canal of the 

Water Supply & Storage Co. of Colorado, called the Sky Line canal, 

which takes water into Cache la Poudre River. This canal is at an 

elevation of about 10,000 feet above sea level, is 5 miles long, and was 

built principally through solid rock at a cost of about $90,000. Its 

maximum capacity is 100 second-feet. On account of its altitude 

this canal is not practically available until late in June. The taking

i For a more detailed description of this basin see the annual reports of the IT. S. Geol. Survey, listed in 

Water-Supply Paper 119,1905, p. 121.
220 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

of this water from Laramie River is a source of loss to irrigators in 

Wyoming, as none of the water returns to the stream through seepage 

or percolation.

LARAMIE RIVER AT GLENDEVEY, COLO.

This station is located at highway bridge one-eighth mile west of 

Glendevey post office, on the State road between Fort Collins and 

Waldon, Colo., in the NW. J sec. 36, T. 10 N., R. 76 W., just below 

the mouth of Nunn Creek, which enters from the east, and some distance below the confluence of Spring Creek with the Laramie and some 

distance above Mclntyre Creek, both of which streams enter from the 

west. It was established June 24,1904, discontinued October 31,1905, 

and reestablished August 18, 1910.

The drainage area at this station is 221 square miles. Some water 

is diverted above the station for irrigation.

A 2 by 4 vertical staff gage, graduated to feet and tenths, fastened 

to northwest corner of wooden pier near east end of wagon bridge, 

was used from June 24, 1904, to October 31, 1905. Anew staff gage 

fastened to the northwest corner of first pier from right bank on 

August 18, 1910, was established at same datum as gage used in 1904 

and 1905.

November 17, 1910, a Bristol automatic gage was established at 

this station, with datum same as that of vertical staff gage. (See 

PL IV, B, p. 270.)

The channel is straight for about 200 feet above the station.

At low stages measurements are made by wading; during high 

water measurements are made with cable from the lower side of 

bridge. The section is rather rough, consisting of gravel and bowlders. Gage heights are very much affected by ice during the winter.

Results should be fair.

This station is maintained by the State engineer of Colorado, who 

has furnished the data for publication. They have not been verified 

by engineers of the United States Geological Survey.

Discharge measurements of Laramie River at Glendevey, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Aug. 19

Sept. 28

Nov. 7

8a

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

W. B. Freeman............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

38

38

33

31

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

42.7

40.2

30

24.4

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.90

1.90

1.86

1.69

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

30

26

28

14

NOTE. All measurements made by wading.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 221

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Laramie River at Glendevey,

Colo., for 1910. 

[A. L. Fairhurst, 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...................

At

Gage 

height.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

lgDischarge.

31

31ai

36

31

31

31

26

31

31

31

31

31

31

Se]

Gage 

height.

1.9

1.95

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.1

1.95

1.90

1.95

2.1

1.95

1.9

2.0

2.05

2.1

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

9t.

Discharge.

31

36

56

76

76

42

31

31

31

56

36

31

36

56

36

31

42

49

56

49

42

42

42

42

42

42

31

31

31

31

Oc

Gage 

height.

1.90

1.9

1.8

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.95

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.05

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.95

1.9

1.9

;t.

Discharge.

31

31

22

42

42

42

42

36

31

31

31

31

31

31

31

31

36

49

49

42

49

56

42

42

36

31

31

31

36

31

31

Nc

Gage 

height.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.85

1.75 1.8'

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.75

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.85

2.0

2.0

2.0

V.

Discharge.

31

31

31

31

31

31

22

26

18

22

22

22

22

18

22

22

26

15

18

15

15

18

42

42

42

36

26

42

42

42

D(

Gage 

height.

1.7

1.75

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.80

1.75

1.8

1.7

1.75

1.9

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.70

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.75

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.85

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.85

JC.

Discharge.

15

18

26

26

22

22

22

18

22

18

22

15

18

31

18

18

18

15

13

13

13

15

18

26

22

18

26

22

15

22

36

NOTE. These data are published as furnished by the State engineer of Colorado. They have not been 

verified by the engineers of the United States Geological Survey.

Monthly discharge of Laramie River at Glendevey, Colo., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 102 square miles.]

Month.

Aug.18-31.....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

36 

76

56 

42 

31

Minimum.

26 

31 

31 

15 

13

Mean.

31.0

42.1 

36.4 

27.4 

20.1

Per square 

mile.

0.304 

.413 

.357 

.269 

.197

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage area.

a 16

.46 

.41 

.30 

.23

Total in 

acre-feet.

861 

2,510 

£,240 

1,630 

1,240

NOTE. These estimates were computed by the United States Geological Survey from data furnished 

by the State engineer of Colorado.

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 

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
222 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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 Platte. 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.

The lower basin, somewhat scarred and broken along the foothills, 

gradually merges farther east into the undulating prairies so characteristic 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 pifion along the higher portions.
MISSOURI EIVEB BASIN. 223

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 timberland in this 

drainage is included in the Pike and Medicine Bow national forests; 

in all there are probably 1,000 square miles of merchantable timberlands.

The tributaries of the South Platte comprise, first, the small streams 

that rise on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains and, second, 

the plains 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, St. Vrain, Boulder, and Big Thompson creeks, and 

Cache la Poudre River. The plains streams are all intermittent 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 common 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 courses. 

The length of the ice period ranges 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 irri-
224 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

gation 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 the Cache 

la Poudre River. The Laramie-Poudre project, which is under 

construction will divert water from the headwaters of Laramie 

River, in the basin of the North Platte, into the Cache la Poudre, 

in the basin 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 half a million acre-feet of the annual flow from the mountain 

section of this basin is 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 has been practically completed at a height considerably 

less than shown on the original plans and has a capacity of about 

50,000 acre-feet. It will undoubtedly be enlarged in the future.

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. 

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 belowWater-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 Creek, and Cache la Poudre
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 225

River. 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.

The following special reports contain information regarding the 

hydrography of Colorado and Nebraska:

Water resources of Colorado, by A. L. Fellows: Water-Supply Paper U. 3. Geol. 

Survey No. 74, 1902.

Surface waters of Nebraska, by J. C. Stevens: Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. 

Survey No. 230, 1909.

SOUTH FORK OF SOUTH PLATTE AT FAIRPLAY, COLO.

This station, which is located at the steel highway bridge in Fairplay, Colo., was established October 17, 1910.

A temporary staff gage was installed at upstream side of bridge. 

Measurements are made from bridge during high stages and by 

wading at various sections during low stages.

The bed of the stream is rocky and fairly permanent. The stream 

is frozen over from three to four months.

This station is maintained in cooperation with the United States 

Forest Service.

The following discharge measurement was made by S. T. Harding:

October 17,1910: Width, 17 feet; area, 14 square feet; gage height, 1 foot; discharge, 

25 second-feet.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of South Platte Mivw at Fwplay, Colo., for

1910.

[E. W. Brown, observer.]

Day.

1..... ....... 

2............

3............

4............

5............

6............ 

7............

9............

10............

Oct. Nov.

0.9

q

.9

.8 

.9 

9

1.1

1.0

Dec.

0.7

.7

.9

.8

.9 

.9 

.9

.9

Day.

11............ 

12............

13............

14............

15............

16............ 

17............ 

18............

19............

20............

Oct.

"i.'o"

1.0

1.0

.9

Nov.

0.9

.8

1.1

.9

.9

.9 

.7 

.7

.9

.9

Dec.

0.7

.7 

.7

Q

.8

1-0

Day.

2t... ......... 

23............

23............

24............

25............

26............ 

27............ 

28............

29............

30... ........ 

31............

Oct.

0.8 

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0 

1.0 

1.0

1.0 

1.0

Nov.

0.9 

9

.8

""."»"

.7

.7

Dec.

......

......

""6.6

NOTE. Observer away on days when gage was not read. Ice during greater part of Desejnber.
226 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

SOUTH FORK OF SOUTH PLATTE RIVER NEAR LAKE GEORGE, COLO.

This station was established October 22, 1910, by the United 

States Geological Survey, in cooperation with the United States 

Forest Service. It is located one-fourth mile below Lake George, 

Colo., on highway bridge, near Hay man (Lake George) post office.

A vertical staff gage is attached to the bridge on left downstream 

side of center pier.

Measurements are made from bridge or by wading. Section is 

rather poor.

The channel is of gravel and cobbles and liable to shift.

Gage heights are affected by ice during winter months, and measurements are somewhat affected by a 2-foot dam 50 feet below the

Discharge measurements of South Fork of South Platte River near Lake George, Colo.,

in 1910.

Date.

Oct. 22

Nov. 18o

Hydrographer.

S. T. Hording... ..........................................

G . H . Russell .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

22.5

29

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

245

48

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.78

1.43

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

58

22

o Thin ice along edges. Made by wading 200 feet below gage.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of South Platte River near Lake George, Colo.,

for 1910.

[By F. C. Parrett, observer.]

Day.

1.. ..........

2............

3............ 

4............

5............

6............ 

7... ........ . 

8... ........ -

9............

10............

Oct. Nov.

1.55 

1.6

1.65

"i.~f>"

1.65

1.7

1.65

Dec.

1.3

"i.'35

1.3

1.2 

1.2 

1.3

1.2

Day.

11............

13............ 

14............

15............

16............ 

17............ 

IS............

19..... ......

20............

Oct. Nov.

1.7

1.7

1.7 

1.6

1.65 

1.65 

"i.'45"

DfC.

1.3

1.3 

1.3

1.35 

"i.'2"

1.2

1.1

Das-.

21............

22............

23........... 

24............

25............

26............ 

27............ 

28............

29............

30..... .....

31............

.Oct.

1.8

1.8 

1.8

1.8

1.8 

1.75 

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

Nov.

1.65

1.65

1.7 

1.65

"i.e"

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.3

Dec.

1.0

9

.9 

.85

.8

.8

.7

.75

.7

.7

NOTE. No ice notes reported.

SOUTH FORK OF SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AT SOUTH PLATTE, COLO.

This station, which was established May 8, 1905, to determine 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 600 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
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 227

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.

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

1910.

Date.

Feb. 15

Mar. 7

Apr. 2

27

May 9

20

July 19

24

28

Aug. 9

11

25

Sept. 24

Nov. 22

Dec. 156

Hydrographer.

G. H.Russell.............................................

.....do.....................................................

G.H.Russell.............................................

.....do.....................................................

H..C.'We&......... .......................................

G.H.Russell.............................................

.....do.....................................................

Grieve and Christiansen. ..................................

G.H.Russell.............................................

Padgett and Miles. ........................................

H. D. Padgett.............................................

R.C. Miles........................... .....................

Width.

Feet. 

45

26

61

65

64

69

64

61

43

42

63.5

65

63

37

39

36

23

Area of 

section.

*-*u

30

84

90

92

106

88

83

39

42

85

83

135

54

61

60

36

33

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.30

1 90

2.78

2.65

2.85

2.80

2.70

2.75

1.90

2.05

2.80

2.83

3.33

2.00

2.10

2.05

1.8

1.55

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

135

74

303

272

315

335

320

285

. 82

95

341

306

582

124

136

114

62

42

« Open channel conditions. ' 6 Channel full of floating ice. 

NOTE. All measurements excepting those of Apr. 27, June 4, and Aug. 10, made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,for

1910.

[E. H. Jardin, observer.]

Day.

1....... ........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

Jan.

2.25

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

F«b.

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.7

1.7

1.7

Mar.

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.5

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.75

3.6

Apr.

2.6

2.6

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.6

May.

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.26

3.05

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.8

June.

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.95

2.85

2.8

2.75

July.

2.45

2.7

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.35

1.9

Aug.

2.25

3.15

3.4

3.3

3.1

3.05

3.0

2.9

2.85

3.3

Sept.

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.95

1.8S

Oct.

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.95

1.95

Nov.

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.95

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.05

. 2.1

Dec.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7
228 SUBFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South'Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,for

' 1910^-Continued.

Day.

11...............

12. ..............

13. .............. 

14. ..............

15. ..............

16'. ..............

17...............

18. ..............

19................

20...............

21...............

22. ..............

23. ..............

24. ..............

25...............

26. ..............

27. ..............

28...............

29...............

30...............

01

Jan.

2.3

2.3

2.3 

2.25

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.3

2.25

2.15

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.2

2.2

Feb.

1.75

1.65

1.7 

1.75

1.9

1.9

1.95

1.95

2.0 .

2.1

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

Mar.

3.55

3.4

3.3 

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

2.9

9 Q

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.6

Apr.

2.65

2.7 

2.85

9 a

2.6

2

ce

2.65

2.7

9 8

2.85

2.85

2

QK

2.9

9 O

9 O

2.9

3.0

3.0

May.

2.8

9 Q

2.9 

2.8

3 n

2.95

3

f\K

3.25

3.15

2.95

2.95

3.0

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.1

2.9

3.0

2.85

2.7

2 7

June.

2.8

2.7

2.75 

2.65

2.75

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.7

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.15

2.2

2.2

July.

1.9

1.9

1.9 

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.05

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.8

3.6

2.8

2.75

Aug.

3.5

3.5

3.5 

3.5

3.1

2.0

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.0

2.05

2.1

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.1

Sept.

1.9

1.9

1.9 

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

2.05

2.1

2.25

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

Oct.

1.95

1.95

1.9 

1.95

1.95

1.95

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.15

2.15

2,15

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

Nov.

2.1 '

2.05

2.0

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.85

1.85

1.7

1.8

1.8

Dec.

' 1.7

1.7

' 1.65 

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.05

NOTE. Ice Jan. 1 to 10, and Dec. 18 to 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of South Platte River at South Platte,

Colo., for 1910.

Day.

0

3...............

4. ..............

5...............

6.. .............

7...............

8......... ......

10..:............

11...............

19

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23. ..............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30. ..............

31...............

Jan.

135

135

135

122

135

160

160

185

172

185

185

172

135

122

100

110

100

110

110

Feb.

120

110

100

80

80

80

70

40

40

40

50

40

45

55

SO

80

89

QQ

98

118

140

140

118

98

98

98

QQ

Mar.

98

118

140

140

220

280

9sn

280

295

608

588

528

488

450

450

414

432

A Cf\

450

AKf)

JCA

A e(\

343

qjq

343

280

280

2£0

250

Apr.

250

250

265

250

250

9^n

98

98

QQ

250

OftC

280

oin.

265

280

°.ifl

326

OOR

OyJO

343

3

/Q

D7Q

378

May.

414

414

414

450

469

396

378

343

310

310

310

343

343

310 070

360

396

469 400

360

qcn.

378

414

A en

jvt

414

343

O7SZ

QOfi

oon

280

June.

280

280

280

280

280

280

360

326

295

310

9QK

265

OQC

310

049

280

220

oen

250

oen

1 An

140

140

July.

205

280

343

310

310

310

310

310

178

80

80

on

$0

80

on

80

98

108

98

118

118

OQK

OQK

one

Dirt

608

295

Aug.

152

431

528

488

414

396

378 a43

326

488

568

KflQ

568

568

414

98

235

oqe

235

QAQ

343.

343

Q4Q

QQ

 108

108

QQ

118

Sept.

108

108

98

98

98

80

- 71

71

89

71

80

80

80

80

80

80

98

89

on

80

108

118

152

129

129

129

Oct.

98

98

98

89

80

so

80

80

89

89

89

89

80

89

QQ

89

98

QQ

9$

98

QQ

129

129

1 9Q

1 1 ft

1 1ft

118

Nov.

80

71

62

71

SO

98

Ofi

98

108

118

118

98

108

108

108

98

98

89

80

80

fi9

71

. 62

55

71

71

4fi

62

fi9

Dec.

48

48

48

48

38

43

48

48

55

48

48

48

43

43

43

43

43

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating tables applicable as follows: Jan. 11 to 31, not well denned; 

Feb. 1 to 14, indirect method for shifting channels used; Feb. 15 to Dec. 17, fairly well defined between 

62 and 380 second-feet.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 229 

Monthly discharge of South Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,f&r 1910.

Month.

January. ..........................................

March. ............................................

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

October. ..........................................

December. ........................................

The period. .................................

Discharge in secona-feet.

Maximum.

152 

608 

378 

469 

360 

608 

568 

152 

129 

118

Minimum.

40 

98 

98 

280 

118 

80 

98 

71 

80 

48

Mean.

ol29 

87.4 

347 

275 

377 

259 

207 

318 

100 

101 

85.0 

145.6

195

Kun-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

7,930 

4,850 

21,300 

16,400 

23,200 

15,400 

12,700 

19,600 

5,950 

6,210 

5,060 

2,800

141,000

Accuracy.

D. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

a Discharge estimated because of ice Jan. 1 to 10 and Dec. 18 to 31. 

SOTTTH PLATTE RIVER AT SOTTTH 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 

Railway 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. 

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 fishponds 

for 30 miles above its mouth.

The river and its tributaries are usually frozen over from two to 

four months during the winter 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 gage, was an inclined rod. Since
230 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

March 14, 1910, a Bristol automatic gage established by the state 

engineer has been used. It is at the same location as the rod gage 

and is referred to the same datum. 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 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 1910.

Date.

Feb. 15 «

Mar. 7

Apr. 2 a

27

May 9

20

July 19 o

24«

28

Aug. 9

11

25

Oct. 31

Dec. 156

Hydrographcr.

G.H.Russell..............................................

.....do.....................................................

G.H.Russell..............................................

.....do.....................................................

R.C. Miles................ ...... ........................

.....do......................................................

G.H.Russell..............................................

G. H- Russell.. ............................................

H. D. Padgett. ....... .....................................

Width.

Feet.

42

42

76

57

77

78.5

75

77

40

74

80

76

75

65

48.5

55

36

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

64

59

116

118

154

154

146

135

64

80

119

125

160

82

71

73

57

41

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.18

1.90

2.62

2.68

3.16

3.18

3.28

2.90

1.95

2.05

2.60

2.82

3.40

2.10

2.05

2.00

1.80

1.68

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

203

152

356

392

555

536

556

423

154

192

411

388

648

196

199

161

112

62

a Wading measurement; very little ice. 6 Made by wading. River full of floating ice.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,for 1910. 

[E. H. Jardin and A. Vermillion, observers.]

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...............

Jan.

2.6

2.4

2.5

2.3

2.3

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.45

2.5

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.6

2.2

2.2

Feb.

2.0

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.8

1.9

2.0

1.9

1.95

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.0

Mar.

1.9

2.0

2.2

2.2

2.5

2.6

2.55

2.65

2.7

3.55

3.55

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.3

3.25

3

0

3.25

3.2

3.25

3.2

3.05

Apr.

2.6

2.65

2.65

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.7

2.85

2.8

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.75

2.8

2.95

2.9

2.95

3.0

3.05

May.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.25

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.3

3.5

3.4

3.2

3.15

3.25

3.45

3.5

3.45

June.

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.15

3.1

3.05

3.05

3.1

3.0

3.1

3.0

3.1

3.15

3.1

3.05

2 9

2.7

2.75

2.7

2.65

2.65

July.

2.8

2.8

2 9

2.85

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.65

2.55

2.1

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

1.9

1.95

2.1

2.2

2.25

2.2

2.6

Aug.

2.6

3.2

3.35

3.2

3.05

3.1

3.0

2.8

2.65

3.25

3.2

3.3

3.25

3.1

2.2

2.1

2.25

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.55

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.15

Sept.

1.9

1.95

1.9

1.95

1.9

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.85

1.85

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.9

Oct.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.65

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.95

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.9

1 95

1.95

1.9

1.9

Nov.

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.9

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.85

1.85

Dec.

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.4

1.35

1.4

1.55

1.65

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.25

1.45

1.75

1.8

1.9

2.0

1.9

2.0

2.0

1.9

2.05

2.1
MISSOURI BIVBE BASIN. 231 

Daily gaga height, in feet, of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,for 1910 Con.

Day.

26...............

27...............

28...............

9O

30...............

31...............

Jan.

2.2

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.1

2.15

Feb.

2.1

2.1

2.0

Mar.

3.0

2.85

2.75

2.75

2.6

2.55

Apr.

3.05

3.1

3.15

3.25

3.3

May.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.25

June.

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.75

July.

2.55

2.55

2.6

3.25

3.2

3.35

Aug.

1.95

1.95

1.95

2.0

1.9

1.9

Sept.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

Oct.

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.95

Nov.

1.75

1.7

1.55

1.6

1.55

Dec.

NOTE. Gage heights affected by ice Jan. 1 to 23 and Dec. 16 to 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,for 1910.

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.

224

224

224

170

196

224

196

210

Feb.

170

196

170

146

146

146

104

104

104

95

104

104

114

124

146

170

146

158

170

196

224

238

224

224

170

196

196

170

Mar.

146

170

224

224

312

343

328

359

375

690

690

630

590

590

590

590

571

590

571

590

571

552

571

552

496

478

426

392

392

343

328

Apr.

343

359

359

312

312

297

312

312

312

312

328

343

375

416

408

359

375

375

392

408

460

443

460

478

496

496

515

534

571

590

May.

590

590

590

630

630

571

552

534

534

534

534

552

590

630

630

610

590

670

630

552

534

571

650

670

650

590

590

590

590

571

571

June.

571

571

571

571

515

515

552

534

515

496

496

515

478

515

478

515

534

515

496

443

375

392

375

359

359

312

297

282

282

392

July.

408

408

443

426

426

408

392

359

328

196

183

170

170

170

183

183

183

183

146

158

196

224

238

224

360

360

380

410

645

625

675

Aug.

395

610

660

605

535

545

500

420

359

571

552

590

571

515

224

196

238

267

267

267

328

343

343

343

210

158

158

158

170

146

146

Sept.

146

1S8

146

158

146

124

114

114

135

135

114

114

124

 124

124

124

124

124

124

124

135

158

158

158

146

146

146

146

146

146

Oct.

124

124

124

124

114

114

114

124

114

114

124

114

95

104

124

146

158

135

135

146

146

158

158

146

146

135

124

124

135

124

158

Nov.

135

124

124

124

146

135

135

158

158

158

158

158

146

135

146

146

124

135

135

114

114

124

110

130

125

105

95

75

80

70

Dec.

65

65

80

80

50

45

50

60

70

60

50

50

50

35

55

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 24 to July 24 and Aug. 9 

to Nov. 22, fairly well defined between 124 and 670 second-feet; July 25 to Aug. 8, indirect method for shifting channels used.

Monthly discharge of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,for 1910.

Month.

February. .........................................

April. .............................................

May

July...............................................

August. ...........................................

October. . .........................................

December...... ....................................

The year..... ................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

238 

690 

590 

670 

571 

675 

660 

158 

158 

158

Minimum.

95 

146 

297 

534 

282 

146 

146 

114 

95 

70

Mean.

199 

159 

460 

402 

591 

461 

318 

367 

136 

130 

127 

58.9

285

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

12,200 

8,830 

28,300 

23,900 

36,300 

27,400 

19,600 

22,600 

8,090 

7,990 

7,560 

3,620

206,000

Accuracy.

D. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

G. 

B. 

C. 

D.

NOTE. Mean discharge estimated on account of ice for Jan. 1-23 at 195 second-feet and for Dec. 16-31 at 

60 second-feet.
232 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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.

This station is maintained by the State engineer of Colorado, who 

has furnished the data for publication.

Discharge measurements of South Platte River at Denver, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Jan. 12 «

Feb. 14»

Mar. 10«

Apr. 8*

236

May 56

176

17 A

26e

30f

Aug. 22 f

31 f

Sept. 17 g

Oct. 50

%g

Nov. 11 6

Hydrograpber.

Grieve and Chatfield.... . .................................

.....do. ...................................................

.....do.. ..................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do....................................................

F. Cogswell. ..............................................

.....do....................................................

.....do..................................... .......... v-...

Width.

Feet. 

91

102

134

53

173

45

46

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

120

85

269

145

162

197

195

174

124

74

77

324

82

53

5964'

53

57

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.30

1.22

2.35

1.62

1.63

1.80

1.87

1.95

1.49

.90

1.20

3.18

1.10

.80

.95

1.00

.90

.89

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

256

165

711

361

386

524

526

512

331

119

183

1,280 '168

86

101

117

87

78

o Frem foot plank at Sixteenth Street viaduct.

6 Wading measurement below Sixteenth Street.

c Made from bridge.

<* Wadiag measurement at bridge.

e Wading measurement above gage.

/ Made from Fifteenth Street Bridge.

g Wading measurement above Sixteenth Street viaduct.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Platte River at Denver, Colo., for 1910.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

Jan.

2.25

1.85

1.75

1.5

1.2

1.1

1.25

1.35

1.25

1.25

Feb.

1.45

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.05

1.0

Mar.

1.35 1 3

1.35

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.55

1 95

2.15

2.25

Apr.

1.7

1 65

1.65

1.7

1 65

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.45

May.

1.8

2.15

2.0

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.55

1.45

1.4

1.4

June.

1.65

1.85

1.85

1.95

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.55

July.

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.1

.95

.8

.85

Aug.

1.75

1.25

1.75

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.75

1.75

Sept.

0.9

.9

.95

1.0

1.05

1.0

.9

.85

.85

.85

Oct.

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

Nov.

0 8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

85

Dec.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

.95

.85

.85

.8

.85

.95

i This station is fully described in Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 208, p. 154.
MISSOURI EIVEB BASIN. 233 

Daily gage height, infest, of South Platte River at Denver, Cola., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

11...............

12............... 

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

2».. .............

24...............

25

26...............

27...............

28.. ..A.. .......

^». ..............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

1,25

1.25 

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.6

1.35

1.3

1.4

1.45

1.35

1.35

Feb.

1.05

1.05 

1.05

1.2

1.15

1.05

.85

.85

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.35

Mar.

2.4

2.35 

2.15

2.06

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.05

2.1

2.05

2.1

2.08

2.05

2.1

2.05

1.95

1 1.85

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.75

Apr.

1.4

1.55 

1.8

1 95

1 CkS

1.8

1.55

1.4

1.5

1.4

1.5

1.75

1.6

1.5

I.ft

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

May.

1.65

1.65

1 71

2.05

2 11

2,25

1.85

1.65

1.7

1.85

1 Q

1.8

1.8

1.9

1 Q

1.75

1.6

1.5

1.55

1.7

1.7

June.

1.35-

1.25 i ?

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.25

Qfi

1.0

.9

1.0

1.26

1.25

1 91

1.15

1.25

July.

0.9

.8 

.8

.8

.8

.75

-75

.75

.8

.8

.8

.85

1.1

1.0

.85

1.1

1.7

2.65

1 Q

Aug.

2.1

2.15 

2.15

2.25

9 n

1.4

1.4

1.7

1.65

1.55

1.5

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.15

1.2

1.4

1.55

1.0

1.1

1.0

Sept.

1.0

.8 

.85

.95

.85

.9

.9

Q

1.3

1.0

1.0

1.2

1.45

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.1

Oct.

0.9

.9 

.9

.9

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.1

1.2

1.15

1.15

.95

1.0

.95

.9

.95

.9

.9

-85

Nov.

0.85

.85 

.85

.85

.85

.85

.9

Q6

.8

.9

.85

.95

1.65

1.05

1.15

1.15

1.8

1.05

.95

.95

Dec.

0.95

.95 

1-0

.95

.8

.85

.85

.85

.9

.95

.9

 g

.9

.95

.95

.95

.9

.9

.9

.9

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Platte River at Denver, Colo.,for 1910.

Day.

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4. ..............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14. ..............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

in

20...............

21..... ..........

22...............

23...............

24

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

678

102

422

315

205

175

222

258

222

222

222

222

, 206

222

222

240

258

258

971

275

258

275

296

315

355

258

240

275

295

258

258

Feb.

295

275

222

205

222

205

205

190

160

145

160

160

160

205

190

160

102

102

160

175

175

175

175

205

222

205

222

258

Mar.

258

240

258

295

901

295

335

520

622

678

765

735

622

570

545

545

545

570

<W1

570

595

570

57O

595

570

520

470

445

445

470

422

Apr.

400

378

378

400

378

355

335

315

315

295

275

335

445

520

528

500

358

290

335

290

335

468

380

335

380

408

380

358

358

358

May.

500

768

645

500

500

468

358

312

9on

290

408

408

468

685

768

855

535

408

435

535

570

500

500

570

570

468

380

335

358

435

435

June.

408

535

535

520

445

470

445

422

335

258

222

240

275

275

258

295

295

9Q1

275

222

130

145

115

145

222

222

222

190

222

July.

285

275

275

275

258

9411

175

130

on

102

H5

90

90

90

on

90

82

82

82

90

90

90

oft

102

145

102

175

400

Q1S

495

Aug.

422

222

422

545

495

405

495

445

422

422

595

622

622

678

545

275

275

400

378

335

315

240

240

222

190

205

275

335

145

175

145

Sept.

90

90

102

115

128

115

90

78

78

78

115

65

78

102

78

90

90

90

200

115

115

170

245

170

170

155

140

155

140

140

Oct.

128

115

115

115

102

102

102

100

102

102

90

90

90

90

102

115

115

115

128

140

170

155

155

102

115

102

on

102

90

90

78

Nov.

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

65

78

78

78

78

78

7g

78

90

102

90

90

78

102

128

128

155

155

115

128

102

102

Dec.

90

90

90

90

102

78

78

65

65

102

102

102

115

102

65

78

78

78

90

102

90

90

90

90

102

102

102

90

90

90

90

NOTE. These discharges were computed by the St^te engineer department of Colorado aad are published herewith without change. They have not been verified by engineers of the United States Geological 

Survey. The discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to Ape. 15 and June 4 to 

Aug. 31; Apr. 16 to June 3; Sept. 1 to Dec. 31.

07746° wgp 286 11- -16
234 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of South Platte River at Denver, Colo.,for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 3,840 square miles.]

Month.

April..............................

May............. ............... ...

July.. .......................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

678 

295 

765 

520 

855 

535 

918 

678 

245 

170 

155 

115

918

Minimum.

102 

102 

240 

275 

290 

115 

82 

145 

65 

78 

65 

65

65

Mean.

268 

191 

501 

373 

492 

304 

187 

374 

120 

110 

89.9 

89.9

259

Per

square 

mile.

0.070 

.050 

.130 

.097 

.128 

.079 

.049 

.097 

.031 

.029 

.023 

.023

.067

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.08 

.05 

.15 

.11 

.15 

.09 

.06 

.11 

.03 

.03 

.03 

.03

.92

Total in 

acre-feet.

16,500 

10,600 

30,800 

22,200 

30,300 

18,100 

11,500 

23,000 

7,140 

6,760 

5,350 

5,530

188,000

NOTE. These estimates were computed by the United States Geological Survey from the daily discharge table furnished by the State engineer of Colorado published herewith.

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER NEAR KERSEY, COLO.

This station, which was established April 27, 1901, is located at 

a pile bridge about 1J miles north of Kersey, on the Union Pacific 

Railroad 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.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 235

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. Gage 

No. 1 is 30 feet from the right bank; gage No. 2 is 325 feet from the 

right bank. Formerly one rod gage was used, but it was found that 

the elevation of the water surface in the two channels differed considerably. 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 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 1910.

[Gage No. 1.]

Date.

Feb. 10

Mar. 21

Apr. 25

May 16

29

A npr Q

27

"Nov. 26

T^fv* 9Qfl

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.........:...........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feel. 

69

83

45

65

45

44

47

39

35

35

67

48

67

Area of 

section.

Sq. ft. 

123

179

42

45

30

66

37

38

33

32

85

48

86

Gage, 

height.

Feet. 

3.30

3.75

2.37

2.40

2.10

2.15

2.21

2.26

2.30

2.88

2.60

2 7Q

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

298

71

80

49

61

60

57

53

74

103

14fi

a Thin ice on edge and slush ice in channel. 

NOTE. All measurements excepting that of Dec. 29 made by wading at various sections.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Platte River near Kersey, Colo., for 1910. 

[Gage No. 1. Mrs. J. C. Maisner, observer.]

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3..... ......... .

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

Jan.

3.8

3.85

4.3

4.05

3.7

3.55

3.6

3.55

3.65

Feb.

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.45

3.4

Mar.

3.45

3.5

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.5

3.45

3.5

3.45

3.7

Apr.

3.4

3.25

3.25

3.15

3.3

2.95

3.0

2.85

2.8

2.65

May.

2.35

2.5

2.75

2.9

2.85

2 7

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.2

June.

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.05

July.

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.2

2.2

2.25

Aug.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.25

2.3

2.3

2.3

2 25

2.2

Sept.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2 2.2'

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

. 2.2

Oct.

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

Nov.

2.85

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.8

2.85

2.9

2.8

Dec.

2.75

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.6

2.75

2.8

2.8

2.8
236 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Platte River near Kersey, Colo.,for 1910 Continued.

Day.

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25.- .............

26. ..............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

3.6

3.6

0 KE

3.6

3.55

3.65

3.65

3.7

3.65

3.7

3.65

3.8

3.85

4 0

3

et

3.85

3.75

3.8

3.65 

3.7

Feb.

3.35

3.4

3.35

3.4

3.35

3.4

3 if.

3.5

3.4

3.5

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.45

3.5

.......

Mar.

3.75

ft Q

3.8

«> Q

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.75

3.7

3.7

3 7

3

7*.

3.65

q 7

3.65

3 7

3.55

0 K

3.3

0 OK

Apr.

2 7

2.8

9 QK

2.95

3.2

OIK

3.05

9 Q

2.75

9 fi

9 f.

2.5

2.45

2 A

2.2

O O

9 9

o o

2.3

May.

2.1

2.1

2.2

o o

2.5

2.4

2.55

2.3

2.2

2.2

9 Af\

2 4

2,7

2

C

2

AK

2.25

2.15

2.2

2.?

9 I*.

June.

2.05

2.1

9 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

2.15

2.15

July.

2.3

2.3

2.25

9 9

2.2

2.2

9 9

9 9

2.2

2.2

9 9

2.2

9 9

9 9

9 9

9 9

2.25

2.25

2.25

9 9

Aug.

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2 9

2.2

2 9

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

9 9.

Sept.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.3

2

0

2 OK

2 OK

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.2

Oct.

2.3

2.5

2.45

9 1

2.55

2.6

2.75

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

i i

3.05

3.0

9 as

2.85

2.85

2.85 

2.8

Nov.

2.75

2.8

2.85

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.8

2.8

2.7

9 7

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.75

2.8

2.75

Dec.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2 7

2.6

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2

ftK

2.7

9 7

9 7

2.75

2.7

2.7

9 S

NOTE. Ice Jan. 1 to 5.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Platte River near Kersey, Colo.,for 1910.

[Gage No. 1.]

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...............

on

31

Jan.

070

390

OEK

373

OQH

373

390

373

390

373

430

430

410

470

490

550

4QA

450

470

410

4Q/»

Feb.

410

410

410

355

320

OOQ

320

ooft

338

320

°J\d

320

304

320

304

320

338

355

320

355

338

338

338

355

355

338

355

Mar.

338

355

338

QOQ

338

one

338

oce

OOQ

430

510

470

470

470

430

450

4QA

430

430

450

4<>n

410

430

373

OKK

9QO

304

Apr.

QOft

273

273

243

288

1 OA

157

111

199

111

157

184

258

91 Q

170

IftA

89

QQ

83

77

KQ

KQ

KQ

KQ

67

May.

79

89

133

170

157

122

89

77

67

KQ

K*J

K*J

KQ

67

89

77

77

OR

67

59

59

83

77

122

89

83

63

56

59

KQ

ER

June.

K.Q

K.fi

53

CO

KO

53

53

53

CO

50

50

50

KO

53

53

53

CO

CO

53

53

53

53

53

53

53

CO

CO

53

56

CR

July.

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

KQ

KQ

63

67

67

63

59

59

59

KQ

5963'

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

63

63

63

KQ

Aug.

59

59

59

63

63

67

67

67

63

59

63

63

<J63

63

63

63

67

67

67

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

CQ

Sept.

59

59

59

<V)

59

ER

56

56>tf>

50

CQ

59

59

59

59

59

KQ

59

59

59

59

59

67

67

63

63

63

«3

63

CQ

Oct.

59

59

63

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

89

83

89

96

104

133

170

198

198

198

198

228

228

213

198

184

157

157

157

144

Nov.

157

157

144

133

133

133

144

157

170

133

144

157

157

157

144

144

144

133

144

144

122

122

104

104

122

133

133

Dec.

133'

122

104

104

96

104

133

144

144

144

144

122

104

96

96

96

96

89

89

89

104

113

122

122

122

133

122

122

o Interpolated. 

NOTE. These discharges were obtained from a fairly well defined rating curve.
MISSOURI EIVEE BASIN. 237

Discharge measurements of South Platte River near Kersey, Colo., in 1910.

[Gage No. 2.]

Date.

Feb. 10

Mar. 21

Apr. 25

May 16

June 9

July 14

Sept. 12

Oct. 8

Oct. 27

Nov. 26

Dec. 29o

Hydrographer.

G. H. Russell.... . .........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

G. H. Russell.... . .........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

G. H. Russell.... ..........................................

Width.

Feet. 

70

150

47

54.5

31

 46

27

38

38.5

41

56

45

75

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

193

203

52

56

22

32

28

30

25

39

130

65

169

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.40

3.60

2.20

2.30

1.56

1.78

1.90

1.89

2.10

2.87

2.70

2.84

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

522

550

131

130

38

48

47

53

40

69

269

183

258

o Slush ice in channel. 

NOTE. All above measurements excepting that of Dec. 29 made by wading at various sections.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Platte River near Kersey, Colo., for 1910. 

[Gage No. 2. Mrs. J. C. Maisner, 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.

3.7

3.9

4.2

4.0

3.8

3.65

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.6

3.65

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

Feb.

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.4

3 41

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.4

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.35

3.45

3.5

3.5

3.5

Mar.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.55

3.7

3.75

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.6 3.5"

3.4

3.3

3.5

Apr.

3.35

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.25

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.8

2.85

2.9

3.0

3.1

3.15

2.9

2.8

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.85

2.0

May.

2.1

2.2

2.6

3.25

2.8

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.05

1.8

1.7

1.9

2.2

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.65

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.55

2.75

2.75

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.0

1.9

June.

1.85

1.85

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

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

July.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.9

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

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

Aug.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

Sept.

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

1.85

1.8

1.8

2.0

2.05

1.85

Oct.

1.9

1.9

2.25

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.4

2.45

2.55

2.7

2.9

3.25

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.2

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

Nov.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

2.85

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.85

2.9

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.85

2.85

Dec.

2.85

2.9

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.75

2.65

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

NOTE. Ice Jan. 1 to 5.
238 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Platte River near Kersey, Goto., for 1910.

[Gauge No. 2.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

595

615

615

615

615

615

595

595

575

575

535

575

595

615

615

595

575

615

655

697

655

615

615

615

575

615

Feb.

615

595

575

535

535

535

515

515

496

496

496

515

515

515

515

496

515

496

496

496

496

ylKQ

477

K1 K

535

535

535

Mar.

535

535

535

535

535

535

535

535

555

615

635

655

655

635

615

595

575

575

575

575

575

575

575

555

575

535

496

477

458

535

Apr.

477

458

420

385

439

315

315

315

282

220

220

220

282

298

315

350

385

402

315

282

250

192

142

121

103

87

73

73

67

87

May.

103

121

220

439

282

166

142

142

121

95

61

51

73

121

lt,d.

154

154

235

121

112

103

206

266

266

192

166

142

121

142

87

7^1

June.

67

67

43

43

40

43

43

43

40

40

40

40

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

July.

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

42

39

53

63

63

58

34

34

34

34

34

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

Aug.

39

39

39

39

42

53

45

45

39

45

45

45

49

45

45

45

45

45

45

39

39

39

42

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

49

Sept.

49

49

49

49

49

45

45

45

49

53

53

53

53

53

53

53

58

53

53

53

63

63

75

75

49

45

45

63

69

49

Oct.

53

53

98

82

82

82

82

82

98

89

89

98

126

137

160

200

260

372

355

355

338

338

355

355

355

338

355

428

428

428

428

Nov.

390

390

390

390

390

245

260

290

290

290

290

290

290

290

290

290

260

260

260

245

245

260

230

215

200

200

230

260

245

245

Dec.

245

260

200

173

173

173

200

260

260

260

260

260

260

230

215

186

200

186

186

173

173

173

200

230

230

230

230

230

230

230

230

NOTE. These discharges were obtained from rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 6 to June 30, 

not well defined; July 1 to Dee. 31, poorly defined. Discharge interpolated for days when gage was not 

read.

Monthly discharge of South Platte River near Kersey, Colo.,for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 9,470 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,020 

1,160 

797 

609 

126 

130 

120 

142 

585 

547

Minimum.

758 

746 

126 

104 

90 

93 

98 

101 

112 

304

Mean.

»1, 020 

858 

964 

419 

237 

97.3 

100 

106 

114 

356 

421 

335

419

Per

square 

mile.

0.108 

.091 

.102 

.042 

.025 

.010 

.011 

.011 

.012 

.038 

.044 

.035

.044

Eun-oflE.

Depth in 

inches on 

 drainage 

area.

0.12 

.09 

.12 

.05 

.03 

.01 

.01 

.01 

.01 

.04 

.05 

.04

.58

Total in 

acre-feet.

62,700 

47,700 

59,300 

24,900 

14,600 

5,790 

6,150 

6,520 

6,780 

21,900 

25,100 

20,600

302,000

Accuracy.

oooooooooooo

o Discharge for Jan. 1 to 5 channel No. 1 estimated as 373 second-feet; channel No. 2 estimated as 595 

second-feet, because of ice conditions.

NOTE. These estimates are for the combined flow in the two channels.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. - 239 

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AT JULESBTOG, COLO.

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 are of any importance. The same may be 

said of the tributaries between Julesburg and North Platte, where the 

river joins 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.

A chain and a rod are fastened to the upstream side of the bridge. 

These gages are in no way referred to the old gage. No change 

has been made in datum of gage since 1908. 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.
240 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of South Platte River at Julesburg, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Feb. llo

Mar. 22

Apr. 26

May 17

June 10

July 15

Aug. 10

Sept. 13

Sept. 30

Oct. 28c

N6v. 25

Dec. 28«

HydfOgrapher.

G. H. Russell.. ............................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....ao.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....«o.... .................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

E. O.ChrlstHxbsen. ........................................

Width.

Feet.

466

481

229

98

73

34

50

52.5

76

69

43.5

181

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

525

334

109

30

21

6

13

11

20

21

17

143

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

62.95

2.23

1.80

1.40

1.30

1.20

1.81

1.80

1.41

1.65

1.40

2.04

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,031

670

169

33

22

5

11

13

22

21

22

234

a Measurement made through ice and by wading.

& Gage probably taken to txrttom of ice.

« Some thin ice in measuring section.

tt Made 1| miles below bridge "by wading. Slosh, ice in channels.

NOTE. All measurements in 1910 were made by wading at various sections.

Dctity gage height, in feet, of South Platte River at Julesburg, Colo., for 1910. 

[J. G. McSparran and Elva McSparran, observers.]

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.

3.7

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3

0

3.8

3.8

1 B

3.8

3.75

3.75

3.75 

3.75

3.7

Feb.

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.55 ^ <K

3 A

3.4

3.4

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.55

3.6

3.6

3

K

3.4

3.3

Mar.

3

0

3.2

3.0

9 <\

2.4

2.4

2.4

9 <i

2.3

2.3

a4.75

2.7

2.4

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.3

2

O

2.2

2.2

2.2

2 2

2.2

2 2

2.1

9 fi

2.1

2

0

2.15 

2.2

2.25

Apr.

2 25

2.2

2.0

9 1

2.2

9 1

9 r»

2.0

2.0

o A

1 Q£

1.9

i Q>;

2.0

2.0

1 9

1 R

1 R

1.75

1.7 i 1*.

1.75

1.75

1 65

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.6 

1.6

Hay.

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1 55

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1 °L

1.35

1.35

1.3

1 °L

1.3 i $

i 3*1

1.35

i ^

i 3

1.3 

1.3

1.25

Tune.

1 9*i

1 25

1.2

1 9

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.2

1 9

1.1 1.1

1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1

1.1 i.i 1.1 1.1 1.1

July.

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

1.15

1.1

l.l

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1 25

1 ^

i s

1 o

1 ^

1.3

1

OC

1.4 

1.4

1.4

AHg.

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.4

1 35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1 35

1.35

1.35

1 35

1.35

1 35

1.4

I

oe

1.35

1.4

1.35 

1.35

1.35

Sept.

1.35

1.85

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.35

I

oe

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

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

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

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 °L

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 O

1.3

1

0

1 °L

1

O

1.3

1 ^

1.4

1.4

Dec.

1 4

1.5

1.5

1.5

i i

1 6

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

O A

2.0

2,1

2 1

2.1

2.2

2

0

9 9

9 1

2.1

2.2

o o

2.2

o o

9 9

9 9

2 2

2.1

2.1

2.2

9 9

o High gage Height due to bursting of Julesburg Reservoir, 

feet at 11 a. m.

Maximum recorded gage height was 5.70

NOTE. Ice probably lasted from Jan. 1 to about Feb. 16. The gage heights Feb. 17 to Mar. 3 are abnormally high, and may be affected by backwater. Probable ice conditions from about Dec. 11 to 31. Gage 

heights Nov. 15 to 28 believed to be about 0.1 foot too small, owing to water being away from gage.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 241 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Platte Ri'ver at Juksburg, Colo., for 1910.

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...................

^i

Mar.

1,150

938

938

938

1,150

758

758

12, MO

1,660

938

1,150

938

758

758

758

605

605

605

605

605

605

472

358

472

605

538

605

682

Apr.

682

605

358

472

605

472

415

358

358

358

358

310

263

310

358

358

263

187

187

158

129

158

158

158

108

87

87

108

87

87

May.

87

87

72

. 72

87

87

87

87

72

72

57

46

46

36

36

36

21

21

28

28

21

21

21

21

28

28

21

21

21

21

16

June.

16

16

11

11

11

16

16

11

11

16

11

11

11

11

10

10

10

10

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

2

July.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

8

12

12

12

12

12

18

23

23

23

Aug.

23

32

23

23

18

23

18

18

18

18

18

12

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

 18

18

18

23

18

18

23

18

18

18

Sept.

18

18

18

»i8

18

18

23

18

18

18

18

18

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

. 12

23

23

23

23

23

18

23

23

Oct.

23

23

23

38

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

NOT.

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

33

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

25

23

23

33

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

Dec.

23

40

40

40

40

65

100

100

100

100

o Interpolated. '

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating tables applicable as follows: Mar. 4 to June 10, fairly well 

defined between 80 and 5,000 second-feet; June 11 to July 15, indirect method for shifting channels used; 

July 16 to Dec. 31, fairly well defined. Discharge Nov. 15 to 28 interpolated.

Monthly discharge of South Platte River at Julesburg, Goto., for fSW.

Month.

Mar! 4-31 .........................................

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

12,'SOO 

682 

87 

16 

23 

32 

23 

23 

23

Minimum.

358 

87 

16 

2 

1 

12 

12 

23 

12 

23

Mean.

1,210 

287 

45.3 

8.33 

5.74 

19.2 

17.3 

23.0 

23.0 

151.

Run-off

(total to 

ararMdet).

67,200 

17,100 

2,790 

500

1^030 

1,«0 

1,370 

9,280

102,000

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

D.

a Estimated mean discharge. Dec. 11 to 15,140 second-feet; Dec. 16 to 20,180 second-feet; Bee. 21 to 25, 

210 second-feet; Dec. 26 to 31,230 second-feet.

TARRYALL CREEK BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Tarryall Creek rises in the Rocky Mountain Front ftang© near 

Breckenridge Pass, above Como, Colo., at an elevation of almost 

11,000 feet above sea level, and flows in a general southeasterly
242 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

direction to its junction with. South Platte River, about 5 miles above 

the upper end of Lake' Cheesman, at an elevation of 7,500 feet above 

sea level. The important tributaries from the north are Michigan, 

Jefferson, and Rock creeks; those from the south are Park Gulch and 

Early Gulch. The creek flows in Park County except for 3 or 4 miles 

at the mouth, which is in Jefferson County. Its drainage area comprises approximately 550 square miles.

The upper half of the valley of Tarryall Creek is fairly broad and 

of gentle slope; the lower end of the valley, between the Tarryall 

Mountains on the north and the Puma Hills on the south, is comparatively narrow and its slopes are steeper.

Some irrigation is carried on in the upper end of the basin, but 

only a small quantity of water is diverted from the stream. Hay is 

the principal crop raised.

At the end of the basin near the Continental Divide are forests composed chiefly of Douglas fir and pine; the lower end of the basin is 

only slightly covered with forest. The drainage basin is in the dry 

belt, 'the average annual run-off ranging from 10 to 15 inches over 

the entire area.

TARRYALL CREEK NEAR JEFFERSON, COLO.

This station, which is located at the L. W. Robbing ranch, 10 

miles below Jefferson, a station on the Colorado & Southern Railway, 

was established October 23, 1910. The station is just above the 

mouth of Rock Creek and 1 mile below mouth of Jefferson Creek.

A vertical rod gage is attached to L. W. Robbing's private bridge 

in his field one-fourth mile from road.

Measurements are made from bridge to which gage is attached 

and by wading at various sections.

The bed of stream is of gravel and sand with shifting tendency.

This is not a regular station as there is no daily gage observer.

This station was maintained in cooperation with the United States 

Forest Service.

The following discharge measurement was made by S. T. Harding:

October 18, 1910: Width, 15 feet, area 11 square feet; gage height, 0.85 foot; discharge, 11 second-feet.

The following additional gage heights were observed by R. M. 

Truman:

November 1, 0.9 foot; November 10, 0.8 foot.

TARRYALL CREEK NEAR HAYMAN, COLO.

This station was established October 23, 1910, by the United States 

Geological Survey in cooperation with the United States Forest 

Service and is being maintained as a cooperative station. It is 

located in T. 11 S., R. 72 W., on a private bridge 20 feet inside of
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 243

field at gate, at McLaughlin's ranch, three-eighths mile downstream 

from sawmill and one-quarter mile up from ranch house, 8 miles 

from Lake George, Colo.

A vertical staff gage is attached on right downstream abutment, 

just under bridge floor.

Measurements are made by wading or from bridge. The measuring section is fair.

The channel is of sand and gravel and only slightly shifting.

Gage heights are affected by ice during the winter months.

Discharge measurements of Tarryall Creek near Hayman, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Oct. 23.

Nov. 18.

Hydrographer.

S. T. Harding. ............................................

Width.

Feet. 

22

20

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

18

13

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.80

.9

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

9.3

13.3

NOTE. The following additional gage heights, in feet, were observed by F. C. Parrett:

Date.

Oct. 27........

Oct. 30........

Nov. 12........

Gage 

height.

0.8

.75

1.0

.9

Date.

Nov. 22.......

Nov. 23......

Gage 

height.

0.9

.85

.8

Date.

Nov. 29......

Dec. 6........

Gage 

height.

1.0

1.1

1.0

Date.

Dec. 15.......

Dec. 22.......

height.

0.8

.7

.6

JEFFERSON CREEK AT JEFFERSON, COLO.

This station, which is located at Jefferson, just below the Colorado & 

Southern Railway bridge, was established October 17, 1910.

A rod gage is located on the left bank 100 feet below the highway 

bridge. Measurements are made by wading at different sections.

The bed of the stream is sandy and shifting. The creek is frozen 

over from three to four months each year.

This station is maintained in cooperation with the United States 

Forest Service.

The following discharge measurement was made by S. T. Harding:

October 17, 1910: Width, 6 feet; area, 1.4 square feet; gage height, 0.4 foot; discharge, 1.2 second-feet.

The following additional gage heights were observed by R. M. 

Truman:

October 17, 0.35 foot; October 30, 0.4 foot; November 10, 0.4 foot; November 28, 

0.3 foot; December 19,1.3 feet.
244 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

MICHIGAN CREEK NEAR JEFFERSON, COLO.

Michigan Creek is tributary to Jefferson Creek.

This gaging station, which is located 3 miles southwest of Jefferson, 

was established October 17, 1910.

A vertical gage is attached to the highway bridge. Measurements 

are made from bridge and by wading at various sections.

The bed of the stream is sandy and shifting. The stream is frozen 

from three to four months each year.

The following discharge measurement was made by S. T. Harding:

October 17, 1910: Width, 8 feet; area, 6.2 square feet; gage height, 0.70 foot; discharge, 5.9 second-feet.

The following additional gage heights were observed by R. M. 

Truman:

 October 31, 0.8 foot; November 11, 0.85 foot; November 26, 0.7 foot.

BASIN OF NORTH FORE OF SOUTH PLATTE RIVER.

NORTH FORK OF SOUTH PLATTE RIVER AT GRANT, COLO.

This station, which is located at Grant, about 250 feet above the 

junction of Geneva Creek with the North Fork of South Platte River, 

was established July 18, 1910.

A vertical gage is located on left bank, 20 feet above foot log. 

Measurements are made from foot log and by wading at various 

sections.

The bed of the stream is of small bowlders and is liable to shift 

during high stages.

The stream is affected by ice for about three months each year.

This station is maintained in cooperation with the United States 

Forest Service.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of South Platte River at Grant, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

July 18o

Sept. 19

Nov. 19«

Hydrographer.

J. B. Stewart. .............................................

W. B. Freeman............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

16.7

14

14

12

8 

Area 'of 

section.

Sq. ft. 

11.9

7.9

8.6

8.4

5.1

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.51

1.35

1.42

1.43

61.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

16.0

8 9

11.0

8.5

6.6

Measurements made by wading. 6 Gage height distorted by ice.
MISSOURI RTVEB BASIN. 245

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of South Platte River at Grant, Cote*, for

1910.

[Edmund Couchj observer.]

Day.

1. .........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

July. Aug.

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.45

Sept.

1.35

1.35

Oct.

1.45

Nov.

1.25

1.25

1 4n

Dec.

1.5

1.6

1.5

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

July.

1 ^

1.5

1.45

Aug.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.35

Sept.

1.42

1.45

1.4

Oct.

1.45

1.35

1.25

Nov.

1.4

1.43

1.45

Dec.

1.6

1.65

NOTE. Gage heights after Nov. 19 somewhat distorted by ice.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of South Platte River at Grant, Colo.,for

1910.

Day.

1.......

2.......

3.......

4.......

5.......

6.......

7.......

8.......

9.......

10.......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

July. Aug.

19

in

15

15

in

in

in

15

1 ^

12.5

12.5

10

10

Sept. .

8.7

8.7

8.7

' 8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

10

Oct.

10

10

10

10

10

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

19 n

Nov.

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

7.4

8.7

10

19 PL

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22. ......

23.......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

31.......

July.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

12.5

12.5

12.5

15

19

23

Aug.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.7

Sept.

10

10

10

11

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5

10

10

10

Oct.

12.5

12.5

12.5

12,5

12.5

12.5

12.5

10

8.7

8.7

7.4

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

Nov.

12.5

10

10

8.5

NOTE. These discharges are based on a fairly well defined rating curve. Discharges interpolated for 

' days on which gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of North Fork of South Platte River at Grant, Colo.,for 1910.

Month.

July 18-31.. ..............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

23 

19 

12.5 

12.5 

12.5

Minimum.

12.5 

8.7 

8.7 

6.6

Mean.

15.3

11.7 

10.1 

10.6 

08.08 

06.8

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

424 

719 

601 

652 

481 

418

o Discharges Nov. 20 to Dec. 31, estimated because of ice. 

NOTE. These estimates are approximate.
246 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

NOBTH FOBK OF SOUTH PLATTB BIVEE AT CASSBLLS, 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.

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, those at the higher stages being taken from the bridge. 

Frequent measurements are necessary to determine the whiter flow 

accurately.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of South Platte River at Cassells, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Jan 30

Feb. 1

1

25

25

Mar. 28

30

30

May 11

11

30

July 18

Aug. 27

28

Sept. 18

18

Nov. 18

Dec. 14

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

....:do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

J. B. Stewart. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

15.3

14.5

13.5

13

14

36.3

22

30.5

48

48

29

18.5

23.5

27.7

23.5

15.1

26

16

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

27.9

21.4

22.6

19.1

20.5

30

16.6

31.2

46

45

66

20.1

43

21.6

12.2

18.3

10.9

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.90

1.50

1.55

1.50

1.65

1.20

1.00

1.45

1.56

1.57

1.75

1.41

1.17

1.17

1.21

1.21

ol.25

ol.27

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

34.1

27.2

30

22.8

23.2

61

24.4

71

126

116

176

60

36.2

30.4

35.8

32.5

28.8

19.5

o Gage heights more or less affected by ice.

NOTE. All measurements made by wading at various sections except those on May 30 and Aug. 28, 

when they were made from the bridge.
MISSOURI KIVER BASIN. 247

Daily gage height, infect, of North Fork of South Platte River at Cassells, Colo., for

1910.

[Lulu Gassell, observer.]

Day.

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4............... 

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

19

1*

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

1Q

20...............

21............... 

22............... 

23...............

24............... 

25...............

26............... 

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.3 

1.2

1 9

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.45

1.55

1 45

1.55 i <;

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.6 

1.6 

1.55

1.55 

1.55

1.25 

1.3

1.5

1.4

1.65

1.65

Feb.

1.5

1.25

1.3

1.25 

1.25

1 95

i 95

1.25

1.25

1 95

1.2

1 91

1 91 <

1 91

1 2

1.1

1 9

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25 

1.4 

1.5

1.6 

1.55

1.5 

1.55

1.45

Mar.

1.4

1.4

1.6

1.55 

1.6

1.6

i 55

1.5

1.4

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.05

1.15 

1.2 

1.15

1.15 

1.1

1.2 

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.25

1.1

Apr.

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.0 

1.1

i 15

i 15

1.1

1.1

i Q

1.2

1

0

1.25

1.0

1.1

1.05

1.1

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.1 

1.2 

1.25

1.3 

1.4

1.55 

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.6

May.

1.55

1.3

1.4

1.6 

1.55

1.4

i 5

i 5

1.55

i 55

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.5

1.55

1.5

1.65 

1.55 

1.5

1.55 

1.6

1.65 

1.65

1.65

1.85

1.75

1.85

June.

1 Q

1.9

1.9

1.9 

1.9

1 Q

1 Q

1.85

1.75

i 75

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.65

1.7

1.6

1.65

1.65

1.55

1.6

1.6 

1.5 

1.55

1.65 

1.6

1.6 

1.55

1.55-

1.55

1.5

July.

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45 

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1 3.1

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.25

.3 

.2 

.3

.25 

.25

.2 

.2

1.4

1.6

1.75

1.5

Aug.

1.5

1.4

.......

1.2

.......

-----

"i'.ib~

1.15

1.15 1.1 1.1

Sept.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15 

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.35

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3 

1.25 

1.25

1.2 

1.2

1.2 

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.15

Oct.

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15 

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.35

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2 

1.25 

1.2

1.2 

1.15

1.05 

1.1

1.0

1.05

1.1

1.1

Nov.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1 

1.05

1.05

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.1

1.0

1.1

1.0

1.15

1.2

1.1

1.25 

1.25 

1.2

1.15 

1.2

1.15 

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

Dec.

1.25

1.2

1.3

1.1 

1.15

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.15

1 9

1.2

1.25

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2 

1.2

1.3 

1.4

1.35 

1.4

1.45

1 i

1.5

1.6

NOTE. Ice Jan. 1 to about Mar. 14, and about Nov. 18 to Dec. 31. Thickness of ice Jan. 30, 1.5 feet; 

Feb. 16,2 feet; ice breaking ap Mar. 3; ice all gone from gage Mar. 15.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of South Platte River at Cassells, Colo.,

for 1910.

Day.

1.......................... ..........

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9

'

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16. ..................................

17....................................

18....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

Mar.

40

46

46

53

46

40

KQ

60

53

53

46

Apr.

4fi

53

5334

4fi

13

KQ

46

46

74

60

60

67

34

46

40

46

60

53

CO

46

60

67

74

90

May.

1 1Q

74

90

130

119

OQ

IAO

108

119

13ft

108

130

130

IV)

142

IV)

108

108

149

108

119

130

June.

914

914

914

214

914

214

914

198

168

154

154

168

100

1 1ft

126

100

100

110

120

120

Oft

105

126

115

July.

7Q

7Q

78

75

67

67

67

63

63

70

63

60

60

54

54

52

19

19

19

40

46

OK

46

40

40

Aug.

79

58

58

KQ

58

Aa

4fi

46

OK

35

OK

35

35

OK

OK

35

35

OK

35

35

OK

OK

OK

QC

35

Sept.

95

25

25

on

25

91

91

20

91

91

91

on

3559

35

30

OE

QC

46

46

46

40

40

OK

35

Oct.

OK

35

30

on

OK

on

35

35

OK

on

on

on

35

OK

QC

35

52

OK

35

35

OK

40

OK

OK

30

Nov.

91

91

91

91

20

20

3ft

on

91

OA,

25

91

20

25

16

25

16
248 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of South Platte River at Cassell8,-Colo. t

for 1910 Continued.

Day.

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30....................................

31....................................

Mar.

60

60

53

46

67

46

Apr.

130

130

154

130

May.

142

142

142

1OS

168

IQft

June.

110

100

100

100

86

July.

35

35

58

88-

118

72

Aug.

35

30

36

39

25

25

Sept.

35

35

30

35

30

Oct.

20

2516-

20

25

25

Nov.

NOIK. These disehargos are based on rating curves appMcable as follows: Mar 15 to June 10, poorl; 

defined; June 11 to July 17, indirect method for shifting channels used; July 18 to Nov. 17, poorly denned 

Discharges estimated Aug. 3 to 10,12 to 24, and 26.

Monthly discharge of North Fork of South Platte River at Cassells, Colo.,for 1910.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

154

198 

214 

118

52 

52

Minimum.

34 

74 

86 

35

20 

16

214

Mean.

o37.4 

o26.8 

046.1 

67.4 

126 

149 

68.0 

39. 1 

32.7 

32.0 

o25.7 

020.8

55.4

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

2,300 

1,490 

2.830 

4,010 

7,750 

8,870 

3,690 

2,400 

1,950 

1,970 

1.530 

1,280

40,100

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

D. 

D. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

D.

a Discharge estimated because of ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 14 and Nov. IS to Dec. 31 on the basis of 

discharge measurements made during these periods. ,

NOETH FOEK OI1 SOUTH PLATTE KIVEB AT SOUTH PLATTE, COLO.

This station, which was established January 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 from the mouth of the 

stream. The station is maintained in cooperation with the Denver 

Power & Irrigation Co.

Many ice and fish ponds divert water for a distance of 30 miles 

above the station.

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.

The station was discontinued September 30, 1910,
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 249

Discharge measurements of North Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo., in

1910.

Date.

Feb. 15o

Apr. 2

Apr. 27

May 9

July 24

Aug. 25

Sept. 24

Oct. 31

Nov. 22

Hydrographer.

G. H. Russell. .............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

R. C. Miles. ...............................................

G.H.Russell..............................................

.....do.....................................................

G. H. Russell..............................................

G. H. Russell. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

19

23

34

61

61

61

59

34

44

40.5

38

38

28.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

22

20

QC

71

71

97

65

36

42

36

33

30

24

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.50

2.95

2

1 K

2.81

2.95

2

4C

1.88

1.87

1.63

1.55

1.40

1.45

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

85

56

217

223

364

160

83

96

84

65

69

41

(6 )

a Ice conditions. & No measurement made. 

NOTE. All measurements by wading at various sections except Apr. 27, June 4, and Oct. 31.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo.,

for 1910.

[E. H. Jardine, observer.]

Day.

1.. .........................

2. ...................... ....

3............--.--.-------..

4. ..................... .....

5............--.----------..

6...........................

7. ........................ ..

8...........................

9...........................

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13............-.-...-.---....

15............ ...............

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19...........................

20...........................

21 ...........................

22...........................

23...........................

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30...........................

31...........................

Jan.

2.65

2.7

2.75

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.6

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

2.9

3.1

2.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.1

3.05

3.05

3.5

3.5

2

0

2.7

2.65

2.7

2.6

2.75

2.7

Feb.

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.55

2.7

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.95

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.4

2.4

' 2.6

Mar.

2.6

2.65

2.6

2.5

2.4

1.95

1.9

1.8

2.0

2.0

2.05

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

1 QS

1.95

1 Q5

1 Q

1 Q

1 9

2.1

Apr.

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.0

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.45

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.5

2.7

2.55

9 ^

2.5

2.7

2.7

2

7C

2.7

2.8

2.7

May.

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.75

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.8

9 7^

2.8

2.9

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.9

2

0

3.0

2.9

2.8

3.1

3.2

2.95

June.

3.05

2.95

2.95

.2.85

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2 65

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.35

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.6

2.55

2.65

2.3

2.2

2.2

July.

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.0

2.05

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.15

1 95

1.95

1 S^

1.85

1.8

1.85

3.95

2.8

2.65

Aug.

2.3

2.25

2.15

2.05

2.1

2.05

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.7

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

Sept.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

NOTE. lee Jan. 1 to Mar. 5.

97746° WSP 286 11- -17
250

Daily di

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

, in second-feet, of North Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, 

Colo., for 1910.

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.

78

72

fin

85

85

92

98

98

98

92

85

85

85

98

98

85

85

85

92

78

78

78

72

72

72

98

Apr.

95

95

95

87

80

85

85

85

120

120

140

145

145

155

155

140

140

140

140

150

190

160

150

145

190

' 190

202

190

215

190

May.

190

190

170

215

190

170

170

170

202

220

200

205

230

210

235

220

240

270

225

225

230

230

310

295

265

340

305

' 280

380

430

340

June.

380

350

350

325

305

305

280

265

210

210

200

200

220

220

220

180

220

180

175

160

145

140

155

155

200

190

210

140

125

125

July.

130

125

125

110

110

110

110

105

98

105

98

98

90

90

90

92

80

92

90

98

112

136

105

105

92

92

85

92

790

295

250

Aug.

165

155

136

120

127

120

98

92

85

85

78

78

78

78

78

72

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

60

60

Sept.

60

60

60

60

66

50

50

50

45

45

45

50

60

60

55

60

60

60

72

66

60

60

60

55

55

55

55

55

55

55

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating tables applicable as follows: Mar, 6 to 31, not well defined; 

Apr. 1 to 25, and May 10 to July 19, indirect method for shifting channels used; Apr. 26 to May 9, not well 

defined; July 20 to Sept. 30, fairly well denned between 30 and 150 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of North Fork of South Platte River at South Platte, Colo., for 1910.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

98 

215 

430 

380 

790 

165 

72

Minimum.

80 

170 

125 

80 

60 

45

Mean.

a80.2 

«60.4 

»80.0 

141 

244 

218 

135 

84.6 

56.6

Run-off

(total in 

acre-feet).

4,930 

3,350 

4,920 

8,390 

15,000 

13,000 

8,300 

5,200 

3,370

66,500

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

C.

"Discharge estimated because of ice Jan. 1 to Mar. 5 on basis of discharge measurements made during this 

period.

GENEVA CREEK BASIN. 

Geneva Creek above Jackwhacker Creek, near Grant, Colo.

A temporary station was established on Geneva Creek, August 17, 

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 

jare made by wading,
MISSOURI EIVEK BASIN. 251

The bed of the stream is made up of small rocks and gravel and is 

fairly permanent.

The stream is frozen over about four months each year. 

This is not a regular station, as there is no daily gage observer. 

The following discharge measurement was made by J. B. Stewart:

July 18, 1910: Width, 8 feet; area, 3.1 square feet; gage height, 0.55 foot; discharge, 

6.4 second-feet.

The following additional gage heights were observed by Edmund 

Couch:

July 27, 0.50 foot; August 18, 0.45 foot.

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 in T. 6 S., R. 75 W., 10 miles above Grant, Colo.

A vertical rod gage is located on left bank at old slaughterhouse 

one-fourth niile below the Old Geneva smelter and the same distance 

below the mouth of Smelter Creek.

Its datum has not been changed since the establishment of the 

station. Discharge measurements are made by wading.

The bed of the stream is composed of small bowlders and is fairly 

permanent.

The creek is frozen for three to four months each year.

This is not a regular station, as there is no daily gage observer.

Discharge measurements of Geneva Creek at Old Geneva smelter, near Grant, Colo., in

1910.

Date.

July 18

Aug. 29

Hydrographer.

W. B. Freeman. ..........................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

16

16

Area of 

section.

,,./,4

6.5

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.24

1.23

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

12

6.3

NOTE. These measurements made by wading at different sections. The following gage heights were 

observed by Edmund Couch: July 27,1.20 feet; August 18,1.15 feet.

Geneva Creek at Sullivaa's ranch, near Grant, Colo.

This station, which is located at Sullivan's ranch, 3J 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
252 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

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.

Discharge measurements of Geneva Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Feb. 256

Mar. 29

May 10

29

July 18

Nov. 19o

Dec. 15

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

16.5

12.3

20.5

42

30

27

23.5

19.8

8.0

Area of

section.

Sq.ft. 

17.4

14

15.8

31

35

23.6

17.4

23.4

20.2

10.3

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.52

.50

.50

1.10

.71

.57

.65

.62

cl.08

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

15.9

13

19.7

73

97

35.2

21.4

25

15.3

10.6

o Slightly affected by ice. & Partly frozen. c Gage height distorted by ice. 

NOTE. All measurements made by wading at various sections.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Geneva Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo., for

1910.

[M. A. Sullivan, observer.]

Day.

1.. ........

2..........

3. ....... ..

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9....--....

10..........

Jan.

0.70

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

Feb.

0.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.55

.6

Mar.

0.45

.45

.5

.5

.8

Apr.

0.55

.55

.6

.6

May.

1.0

June.

1 q

1.3

1 3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

July.

.9

9

.9

.9

.85

.85

.8

.85

Aug.

0.95

.9

QK

.8

.75

.7

7C

.75

Sept.

0.55

.55

.6

.55

.55

.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

Oct.

0.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

.5

.5

.5

.52

Nov.

0.5

45

.45
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 253

Daily gage height, in feet, of Geneva Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo.,for

1910 Continued.

Day.

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15.......... 

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Jan.

O K

Feb.

0.5

Mar.

0.6 

.6

.5

Apr.

0.65

.7

.75

.7

.8

.95

1.0

1.0

May.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.1

.9

1.0

. 1.0

.95

.9

.9

.95

1.0

9

.95

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.3

1.25

June.

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

95

95

1.0

1.05

1.0

05

95

9

July.

0.8

.8 ^.75

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.75

.7

.75

.7

.65

.65

.65

.65

.7

.65

.85

1.0

Aug.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.65

.65

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

Sept.

0.5

.55

.55

.65

.65 

.6

.55

.55

.65

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

Oct.

0.55

.55

.55

.55

.55

Nov.

NOTE. Probably only slightly affected by ice during January, February, and March, last part of November, and December.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Geneva Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo.,

for 1910.

Day.

1....................................

2....................................

3........ ........... ...^. ...........

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11............................. ......

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18

19....................................

20....................................

21.............1......................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

OR

26....................................

27....................................

OC

29....................................

30

31....................................

Apr.

20

20

24

24

23

23

23

23

28

28

31

31

31

31

31

37

35

35

35

35

41

41

34

39

QQ

AA

68

76

75

75

May.

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

94

94

QJ.

104

94

94

59

75

75

67

59

59

67

75

KQ

67

75

94

94

Iqj.

124

June.

134

134

134

134

114

114

94

94

94

94

84

94

QJ.

94

84

75

75

75

75

75

67

67

67

75

84

75

67

67

<W

July.

59

59

59

59

59

52

52

45

45

52

45

45

39

33

33

33

33

33

33

39

33

39

33

28

28

28

28

33

28

52

75

Aug.

67

59

52

45

45

45

39

33

39

39

33

33

33

33

33

28

23

23

23

23

28

28

28

23

23

23

23

23

23

19

19

Sept.

19

19

23

19

19

19

19

15

15

15

15

19

19

28

28

23

 19

19

28

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

19

19

Oct.

19

19

19

19

19

19

15

15

15

17

19

19

19

19

19

Nov.

15

15

12

12

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Apr. 1 to May 9, indirect 

method for shifting channels; May 10 to Nov. 10, fairly well defined. Discharges estimated Apr. 1 to 

6,12 to 19, 22,24,25, 30, May 1 to 9.
254 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Geneva Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo., for 1910.

Month.

January. ..........................................

February.. . .......................................

April. .............................................

July...............................................

The year. . ..................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

134

75 

, 67 

28

Minimum.

59 

28 

19 

15

Mean.

020.0 

015.0 

ois.0 

37.5 

80.9 

89.6 

42.3 

32.5 

20.8 

61&5 

olS.O 

a 11.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,230 

833 

1,110 

2,230 

4,970 

5,330 

2,600 

2,000 

1,240 

1,140 

893 

676

33. 4 1 24,300

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

D.

a Estimated from discharge measurements and observer's notes. 

& Oct. 16 to 31, estimated as 19 second-feet.

Smelter Creek near Grant, Colo.

A temporary station on Smelter Creek, in T. 6 S., R. 75 W., 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 slope 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 1910.

Date.

Jqly 18

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet.

8

2.4

Area of 

section.

* # 

1.6

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.63

.57

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.2

1.8

NOTE. These measurements made by wading above wagon bridge. The following additional gage 

heights were observed by Edmund Couch: July 27,0.6 foot; August 18, 0.6 foot; August 28,0.6 foot.

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.
MISSOURI EIVER BASIN. 255

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 foot log at the gage or 

by wading.

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 1910.

Date.

Jan. 31

Mar. 29

May 10

July 18

Aug. 29

Eydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet.

7

7.8

6.5

7.2

2.2

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

2.8

3.35

4.3

2.9

1.6

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.80

1.00

.82

.71

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1.0

2.0

8.0

2.1

1.4

NOTE. The following additional gage heights, in feet, were observed by Edmund Couch:

Date.

July 27 

Aug. 18

Gage 

height.

0.75 

.75

Date.

Aug. 28 

Sept. 2

Gage 

height.

0.7 

.6

Date.

Oct. 25 

Nov. 18

Gage 

height.

0.7

.7

Date.

Nov. 30 

Dec. 1

Gage 

height.

0.65

.7

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 ranging 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. 

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.
256 SUBFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of Scott Oomer Creek at Sullivan's ranch, near Grant, Colo.,

in 1910.

Date.

Tan. 31 «

Mar. 29 &

May 10

July 18

Aug. 29

Sept. 19

Hydrographer.

W. B. Freeman. ..........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

8.4

7.9

18.5

6.8

5.8

6.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

5.0

44

12.8

4.1

3.1

4.9

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.63

1.23

1.83

1.26

1.16

1.42

Discharge.

8ec.-ft. 

6.3

7.3

19.1

7.2

6.3

7.7

» Partly frozen over. 6 Some ice. 

NOTE. The following additional gage heights, in feet, were observed by Edmund Couch:

Date.

May 19.................

July 23.... .............

July 27........... ......

Aug. 1. ................

Aug. 6... ...........:..

Gage 

height.

1 90

1 1 f;

1.15 1 7f;

1.55

Date.

Aug. 18.... ...........

Sept. 2................

Oct. 25.. ..............

Nov. 18.. .............

Gage 

height.

1.20

1.15

1.65

1 45

1.20

Date.

Nov. 19...............

Nov.30... ............

Dec. 11... .............

Gage 

height.

1.42

1.25

1.30

NOTE. On Nov. 19 there was considerable ice in the stream; thickness, 1£ inches.

CLEAR CREEK BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION. 1

Clear Creek is one of the largest tributaries of South Platte River, 

which it enters about 6 miles below Denver, Like the other streams 

of this region, it flows for a long distance through a mountainous 

territory and then passes out to the plains, where its water is used 

for irrigation, there being comparatively little surplus even during 

the flood stages.

CLEAR CREEK AT FORKSCREEK, COLO.

For 13 miles below Forkscreek 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 Forkscreek station, 345 square miles in 

extent, 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 

extensive forest.

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.

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

i For full description of the basin see Hayden's report of 1875, p. 432; also Report on agriculture by irrigation, Eleventh Census, by F. H. Newell, p. 114.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 257

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.

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 footbridge 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.

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.

Discharge measurements of Clear Creek at Forkscreek, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Feb. 14o

Mar. 26

May 21

21

June 13

25

July 23

Aug. 12

12

Sept. 5

Oct. 1

29

Dec. 80

Hydrographer.

G. H. Eussell. ............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do..................i..................................

.....do.....................................................

G. H. Russell.............................................

.....do.....................................................

H.D.Padgett.. ...........................................

G. H.Russell.............................................

R.C. Miles.. ..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

24

15

22.5

20

20

40

39

27

21

22

19

22

18

19

Area of 

section.

**\

38

49

82

82

107

102

72

50

55

44

34

29

23

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.42

4.90

4.28

4.85

4.85

5.45

5.2

4.65

5.10

5.10

5.00

5.81

5.65

6.35

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

40

48

71

285

277

495

399

181

161

165

135

90

68

31

a Made by wading. Ice conditions.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Clear Creek at Forkscreek, Colo., for 1910. 

[C. W. Hoisington, observer.]

Day.

1.. .................

2...................

3...................

4...................

5...................

6...................

7...................

8...................

9...................

10...................

Mar.

3.8

3.75

3.85

3.75

3.7

Apr.

4.05

4.15

4.2

3.8

3.85

3.9

4.05

4.1

4.2

4.15

May.

4.7

4.65

4.65

4.75

4.65

4.7

4.65

4.7

4.75

6.05

June.

5.85

5.95

5.75

5.85

5.75

5.65

5.55

5.45

5.45

6.4

July.

5.1

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.85

4.8

4.8

4.75

Aug.

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.95

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.15

5.1

Sept.

4.85

4.85

4.85

4.95

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.9

Oct.

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.75

Nov.

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

Dec.

6.25

6.25

6.3

6.25

6.25

6.15

6.3

6.35

6.45

6.45
258 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI. 

Daily gage height, infeet, of Clear Creek at Forkscreek, Colo.,for 1910 Continued.

Day.

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

16...................

17...................

18...................

1Q

20...................

21...................

22...................

23...................

24...................

25...................

26...................

27. ..................

28...................

29...................

30...................

31...................

Mar.

3.6

3.65

4.3

4.15

3 95

3.85

4.0

4.15

4.05

4.2

4.2

4.25

4.2

4.3

4.25

4.3

4.1

4.15

4.15

4.1

4.05

Apr.

4.2

4.25

4.3

4.2

4

Q

3.85

4.2

4.15

4.15

4.3

4.4

4.35

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.55

4.8

4.8

4.9

4.95

May.

5.15

5.15

5.05

5.05

4

QE

4.95

4.85

4.95

4.85

A QC

4.85

4.95

A. O

4

n

A. O

4.9

4.9

5.1

5.35

5.75

5.8

June.

5.45

5.45

6.5

5.5

5.55

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.3

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.2

5.3

5.25

July.

4.75

4.8

4.75

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.8

4.75

4.7

4. O

4.75

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.45

5.15

5.25

5.35

5.3

Aug.

5.1

5.05

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.9

4. O

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.85

4.85

4.85

4.85

4.85

4.85

4.85

4.85

Sept.

4 O

4 S

4.8

4 R

4.75

4.75

4.75

5.55

6.2

6.0

5.9

5.9

5.85

5.8

5.8

5.75

5.75

5.7

5.75

. 5.75

Oct.

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.65

5.65

5.6

5.75

5.75

5.7

5.7

5.65

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.65

5.65

5.65

Nov.

5.6

5.7

5.8

5.9

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

Dec.

6.45

6 5

6.5

6.55

6.55

6.55

6.6

6.6

6.65

6.75

6.75

6.75

6.75

6.8

6.85

6.85

6.9

6.95

7.0

7.0

7.05

NOTE. Ice Jan. 1 to about Mar. 5, and Nov. 12 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Clear Creek at Farkscfeek, Colo.,for 1910.

Day.

1............................

2.... ........................

3....... .......... ...........

4............................

5............................

6............................

10............................

11............................

12............................

10

14............................

15............................

16............................

17............................

18... .........................

1Q

20.......-......-.--..--.....-

91

99

23......... .......... .........

24............................ 9*;

26............................

27............................

98

29........-.-.-.-..-..-..-....

30........-...-.----..-..-.-..

31............................

Mar.

29

26

32

26

23

18

20

80

58

40

32

43

58

48

63

63

72

63

80

72

80

52

58

58

52

Apr.

48

58

63

29

32

36

48

52

63

58

63

72

80

63

80

32

63

58

58

80

103

09

103

103

133

149

234

234

271

290

May.

199

182

182

216

182

199

182

199

216

330

372

372

330

330

290

290

252

290

252

252

252

9Qft

271

271

271

271

271

OKI

462

652

June.

700

748

652

700

652

604

556

508

508

485

508

508

532

532

556

532

485

485

439

439

439

439

394

439

416

41«

416

394

439

416

July.

351

'310 851

310

310

271

252

234

234

216

216

234

216

199

199

165

234

216

199

271

216

199

165

133

133

133

118

372

416

462

439

Aug.

515

500

435

675

395

340

280

270

235

205

190

148

132

132

132

132

104

104

104

104

104

104

104

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

Sept.

92

92

92

118

132

132

132

104

104

104

104

80

80

80

72

72

72

300

555

430

350

320

270

225

200

155

130

95

100

90

Oct.

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

70

70

70

62

62

55

80

80

70

70

62

62

55

55

55

62

62

62

Nov.

62

62

62

62

55

55

55

55

55

55

55

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Mar. 6 to July 31 fairly well 

defined between 50 and 550 second-feet; Aug. 12 to Sept. 17 fairly well defined between 100 and 200 secondfeet; Oct. 1 to Nov. H, fairly well defined between 50 and 150 second-feet.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 259

Monthly discharge of Clear Creek at Forkscreelc, Colo.,for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 345 square miles.]

Month.

January ....................

May........................

June. ......................

July.......... .......

October....................

November. .................

December. .................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

290

676 

748 

462 

675 

555 

80

Minimum.

29 

182 

394 

118 

92 

72 

55

Mean.

o40 

a 45 

a 46. 6 

94.9 

295 

511 

251 

199 

163 

71.1 

52.8 

29.4

150.0

Per 

square 

mile.

0.116 

.130 

.135 

.275. 

.855 

1.48 

.728 

.577 

.472 

.206 

.153 

.085

.434

Run-off.

Depth in

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.13 

.14 

.16 

.31 

.99 

1.65 

.84 

.67 

.53 

.24 

.17 

.10

5.93

Total in 

acre-feet.

2,460 

2,500 

2,870 

5,650 

18,100 

30,400 

15,400 

12,200 

9,700 

4,370 

3,140 

1,810

109,000

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B.

a Discharge estimated for ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 5, and Nov. 12 to 31. The means for January, 

February, November, and December are only approximate.

CLEAR CREEK AT IDAHO SPRINGS, COLO.

This station, which is located at Idaho Springs, half a block above 

Miner Street, was established October 8, 1910.

A vertical rod gage is fastened to the right bank, 50 feet above 

8-inch sewer outlet on left bank. Measurements are made by wading 

at various sections.

The bed of the stream is sandy and shifting. The creek is frozen 

for three or four months each year.

This is not a regular station, as daily gage heights are not recorded.

Discharge measurements of Clear Creek at Idaho Springs, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Oct. 8

Dec. 28

Hydrographer.

S. T. Harding. . ...................................... >1 ...

R. C. Miles ................................................

Width.

Feet. 

34

33

Area of 

section.

'*A

32

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.45

.32

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

95

53

NOTE. The following additional gage heights, in feet, were observed by W. B. Kelso:

Date.

Oct. 10........

Oct. 13........

Oct. 15. .......

Oct. 17........

Oct. 20. .......

Gage 

height.

0.45

.40

.40

.45

.40

Date.

Oct. 22.......

Oct. 23.......

Oct. 29.......

Gage 

height.

0.40

.40

.35

.30

Date.

Nov. 8......

Nov. 21......

Nov. 26......

Nov. 28......

Gage 

height.

0.30

.25

.25

.45

Date.

Dec. 1........

Dec. 4........

Dec. 31.......

Gage 

height.

0.30

.45

.25

.30
260 STJBFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

ST. VKAIN CREEK BASIN.

DESCRIPTION. 1

St. Vrain Creek and its tributaries receive their supply of water 

from the eastern slope of that portion of the Front Eange lying 

between Longs Peak and James Peak, a distance of about 30 miles. 

The general trend of the drainage is northeastward, the St. Vrain 

flowing at last into South Platte Eiver about 6 miles below the town 

of Platteville.

The principal tributaries of the St. Vrain are the North and South 

forks and the Boulder, the South Boulder being ah important branch 

of the latter. The areas drained by the upper portions of these 

streams are mountainous, the streams flowing through deep and 

rugged canyons, where the water can be used only for placer mining; 

leaving the foothills, however, each emerges into a broad and nearly 

level valley where farming by irrigation is extensively practiced.

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 1903.2 Since 1903 it has been 

maintained more or less continually under the direction of the 

State engineer's office.

A number of ditches take water above the station for irrigation, 

besides the water supply of Lyons and Longmont.3

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. They have not 

been verified by engineers of the United States Geological Survey.

i For a full description of this basin see Hayden's report of 1875, p. 436. Also Report on agriculture by 

irrigation, Eleventh Census, by F. H. Newell, p. 103.

s This station is fully described in Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 99, p. 193. 

»Idem, p. 195.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 

Discharge measurements of St. Vrain Creek at Lyons, Colo., in 1910.

261

Date.

Feb. 2o

Mar. 21«

Mar. 22»

June 28*

Sept. 29&

Hydrographer.

C. L.Chatfleld...........................................

.....do....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do....................................................

C. C. Hezmalhalch. .......................................

.....do....................................................

C. L.Chatfleld...........................................

Width.

Feet. 

21

35

35

35

39

36

39

38

Area of 

section.

89.ft. 7

46

49

50

81

66

57

51

&,

Feet. 

1.84

2.10

2.12

2.17

3.10

2.75

2.33

2.18

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

15

38

39

45

230

145

70

49

« Made by wading. & Made from cable. « Made by wading under cable. 

NOTE. The channel was open when measurements were made in February and March.

Daily gage height, in feet, of St. Vrain Creek at Lyons, Colo.,for 1910. 

[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...............

25...............

26...............

27. ..............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

Feb.

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.85

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.65

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.85

Mar.

1.75

1.65

1.65

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.85

1.85

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.05

2.05

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

1.95

2.0

Apr.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.05

2.1

2.25

2.2

2.15

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.05

2.1

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.95

2.0

2.05

2.0

1.95

2.0

2.05

2.15

2.3

2.4

2.6

2.65

May.

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.55

2.65

2.5

2.4

2.45

2.5

2.75

2.85

2.9

2.85

2.85

2.8

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.65

2.8

2.65

2.8

2.8

2.85

2.9

2.9

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.3

June.

3.4

3.5

3.65

3.45

3.4

3.3

3.4

3.25

3.15

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.05

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.9

2.95

2.75

2.95

3.00

July.

3.2

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.65

2.95

2.9

2.75

2.65

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.6

2.8

2.95

2.75

Aug.

2.65

2.7

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.4

2.3

2.25

2.25

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.25

2.25

2.2

2.2

Sept.

2.15

2.15

2.25

2.45

2.55

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.25

2.25

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.1

Oct.

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

1.95

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.95

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.95

1.95

2.05

2.00

2.05

2.1

2.0

2.05

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.85

2.0

1.95

1.9

Nov.

1.9 i 05

1.95

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.75

1.85

Dec.

1.7

1 71

1 S

1 8

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.7

1 9

1 9

1 SI

1 Q

1 8^

1.65

1.7

1

0

1 9

1 8

1 ft*;

1 an

1.85

1 8

1 8

1 a*;

1 9

1 8

1.75

1 8

1 7K

1.75

1.7

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of St. Vrain Creek at Lyons, Colo.,for 1910.

Day.

1...... .........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

Jan.

18

18

18

18

18

16

18

18

16

16

Feb.

13

12

12

16

12

12

12

12

12

11

Mar.

12

10

10

13

16

16

18

16

11

Apr.

26

26

26

31

36

Kfi

48

42

26

26

May.

114

96

80

105

124

96

80

QQ

144

June.

318

353

406

336

318

288

318

97Q

244

216

July.

258

202

190

190

190

154

144

134

134

Aug.

124

134

105

105

105

' 88

88

88

88

72

Sept.

42

42

88

105

96

80

80

80

64

Oct.

36

36

36

36

26

22

26

26

18

22

Nov.

18

22

22

16

18

18

18

18

16

16

Dec.

11

12

13

13

11

10

10

11

18

18
262 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of St. Vrain Creek at Lyons, Colo.,for 1910 Continued.

Day.

11.............

12.............

13.............

14. ............

15.............

16.............

17.............

18.............

19.............

20. ............

21.............

22. .. ........

23.............

24. ............

25.....:.......

26. ............

27. ............

28.............

29.............

30. ............

31.............

I"

Jan.

13

16

18

18

18

18

22

18

18

18

16

18

18

18

16

13

16

13

13

13

13

Feb.

13

12

12

12

10

13

13

13

13

11

11

13

13

16

16

13

16

16

Mar.

11

13

16

16

26

26

26

26

26

31

31

42

36

36

36

36

Oft

36

36

22

26

Apr.

36

31

36

31

31

26

26

22

22

26

31

26

22

26

31

42

64

on

114

124

May.

166

178

166

166

1 ^4.

134

124

114

114

124

154

154

154

166

178

230

258

288

288

June.

216

216

230

230

230

230

258

216

230

230

230

202

202

190

178

190

144

144

190

202

July.

134

124

134

134

114

114

114

114

124

178

144

124

105

105

105

Qfi

114.

154

ion

144

Aug.

64

64

72

80

64

56

56

72

72

72

72

80

80

72-64

56

48

56

56

48

48

Sept.

64

64

64

80

72

64

64

72

80

80

88

80

80

64

56

56

48

42

42

36

Oct.

22

18

18

18

22

22

31

26

31

36

26

31

36

26

26

26

26

16

26

22

18

Nov.

13

16

16

16

16

13

12

13

16

12

11

16

16

16

13

13

12

11

12

16

Dec.

16

18

16

10

11

13

18

13

16

16

16

13

13

16

18

13

12

13

12

12

11

NOTE. These discharges are based on one rating curve. These values are published as furnished by 

the State engineer of Colorado.

Monthly discharge of St. Vrain Creek at Lyons, Colo.,for 1910.

Month.

May.....................................................

July.....................................................

The year.............................. . .........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

22 

16 

42 

124 

288 

406 

258 

134 

105 

36 

22 

18

406

Minimum.

13 

10 

10 

22 

80 

144 

96 

48 

36 

16 

11 

10

10

Mean.

16.7 

12.9 

23.5 

39.7 

150 

241 

146 

75.8 

67.6 

26.0 

15.0 

13.6

69.1

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

* 1,030 

716 

1,440 

2,360 

9,220 

14,300 

8,980 

4,660 

4,020 

1,600 

893 

836

50,100

NOTE. These estimates were computed by the United States Geological Survey from data furnished 

by the State engineer of Colorado, published herewith.

BOULDER CREEK AT ORODELL, COLO.

. This station, which was established March 18, 1907, is located just 

above the mouth of Fourmile Creek, at Orodell, Colo., 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 estimated by interpolation between discharge measurements and weir records.
MISSOURI EIVEK BASIN. 263

The records at this station since May 20, 1907, have been kept and 

furnished by the Central Colorado Power Co.

The data for 1910 are published as received and have not been 

verified by engineers of the United States Geological Survey.

Discharge measurements of Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Feb. 1»

Feb. 21o

Mar. 126

June 13 c

July 27 c

Sept. 3W

Hydrographer.

C. L. Chatfleld. ...........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Chatfleld and Elliott . ......................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

C . C . Hezmalhalch. ........................................

.....do.....................................................

C. L. Chatfleld.... .........................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

7

7.5

7.7

18.5

34

48

34

33.5

36.0

34

28

27

23.5

15

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

4.51

4.4

4.1

10.72

29.1

61.8

46.0

35.7

37.65

29.2

18.3

19

12.6

4.7

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.30

.30

.25

1.60

2.25

2.85

2.50

2.30

2.30

2.15

1.93

1.89

1.68

1.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

7.36

6.50

6.10

8.27

65.4

184

113

76.6

74.0

50.0

26.1

25.6

4.7

2.4

« Measurement made at temporary station at power house. 

6 Made at Orodell.

c Made by wading. 

d Made from cable.

Daily gage height, infect, of Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo., for 1910.

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.

0.36 

.30

.28

.31

.38

.36

.30

.30

.30

.29

.31

.39

.36

.30

.30

.30

.30

.29

.28

.28

.24

.25

.25 

.34

.35

.85 

.58

.55 

.40 .-29

.28

Feb.

0.28 

.28

.34

.34

.29

.30

.30

.29

.28

.29

.29

.28

.29

.29

.32

a .80

.65 

.60

.29

.28

.25

.24

.25 

.25

.26

.28 

.26

.28

Mar.

0.28 

.25

.35

.38

.38

.37

1.65

1.65

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.70

1.70 

1.75

1.80

1.90

1.95

2.00 

2.10 

2.05

2.05

2.00 

1.90

1.90 

1.90

1.75

1.90

Apr.

1.9 

1.9

2.0

1 Q

1.9

1 as

1.95

1.8

1.55

1.55

1.65

1.8

1.8

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.1 

1.95

2.0

2 25

2.15 

2.05 

2.1

2.25

2.05 

2.35

2.25 

2.5

2.65

May.

2.4 

2.35

1.85

2.15

2.25

2.2

2.3

2.55

2.55

2.7

2.85

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.75

.......

1.95 

1.95 

1.9

2.05

2.15

2.5

2.75 

3.0

3.1

3.15

June.

3.15 

3.2

3.25

3.2

3.15

3.05

3.0

2.85

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.7 

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7 

2.7 

2.7

2.7

2.7 

2.7

2.65 

2.65

2.75

July.

2.8 

2.9

2.5

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.35

2.25

2.25

2! 35

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4 

2.5 

2.4

2.35

2.35 

2.3

2.4 

2.4

2.4

2.35

Aug.

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.5

2.45

2.35

2.35

2.25

2.2

2 25

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.15

2.1

2.05 

2.25

2.2 '

2.15

2.05 

2.0

1.9 

1.9

1.9

2.0

Sept.

2.0 

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.05

2.05

2.1

2.05

1.95

1 0*1

1.95

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0 

2.0

1.9

1 Q

1.9 

1.9 

1.8

1.8

1.75 

1.8

1.8 

1.8

1.8

Nov.

1.75 

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1 715

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.65

1.75 

1.9

1.65

1.6

1.7

1.75

1.75 

1.75

1.8

1.8 

1.75

1.75 

1.7

1.7

1.75

Nov.

1.7 

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.7

1.75

1.6

1.6

1.65

1 65

1.45

1.5

1.55

1.45 

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.6 

1.6 

1 65

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.45 

1.4

1.4

Dec.

1.4 

1.45

1.6

1.5

1.6

1 ^

1 A.^

1.45

1.45

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

......

::::::

« Probably caused by choking of channel below. 

NOTE. Ice, Jan. 1 to Mar. 7, and Dec. 18 to 31.
264 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo.,for 1910.

Day.

1............. .................

2..............................

3..............................

4..............................

5..............................

6..............................

7.... ......... ........ .........

8..............................

9..............................

10..............................

11..............................

12..............................

13..............................

14..............................

15..............................

16..............................

17..............................

18..............................

19

9n

22..............................

23..............................

25..............................

26..............................

28..............................

29..............................

30..............................

31..............................

Mar.

11

13

9

9

9

11

11

11

13

13

16

1 Q

24

00

33

11

qo

qo

33

24

24

16

24

Apr.

24

24

33

24

28

28

18

8

8

11

18

18

51

K1

51

44

28

qq

00

51

38

41

66

qo

00

66

112

142

May.

92

83

21

51

58

74

122

122

152

185

185

174

174

163

174

122

51

40

oo

90

28

28

24

00

51

163

218

242

254

June.

254

266

278

266

230

230

1 si

185

174

174

174

174

163

163

152

1 z?)

1 z?)

1 fV>

152

1 19

152

1 19

1 19

152

142

163

July.

174

196

152

152

142

132

112

112

112

102

102

102

83

66

66

74

83

no

92

no

CO

83

74

92

92

no

83

Aug.

83

83

83

83

112

102

102

83

83

58

66

58

58

11

51

51

44

44

51

M

38

66

CO

K1

38

qq

24

24

33

Sept.

33

24

24

24

38

38

38

38

44

38

28

28

28

33

33

33

33

24

24

91

24

24

10

1Q

16

10

18

18

10

Oct.

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

18

16

13

13

13

13

9

11

16

24

11

9

13

16

16

16

18

18

16

16

13

13

16

Nov.

13

9

9

11

9

9

6

13

16

9

9

11

11

5

6

8

5

6

6

8

9

9

11

9

6

6

5

4

4

Dec.

4

5

9

6

9

8

5

5

5

8

8

8

6

11

11

11

9

NOTE. These discharges are based on one rating curve. They are published as computed by the Central Colorado Power Co. Discharges estimated May 16 to 20 and July 3 to 8.

Monthly discharge of Boulder Creek at Orodell, Colo., for 1910.

Month.

May......................................................

July......................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

44 

142 

254 

278 

1% 

112 

44 

24 

16 

11

278

Minimum.

8 

21 

142 

66 

24 

16 

9 

4

Mean.

« 7. 3 

a 6. 5 

a 18.0 

42.3 

107 

184 

106 

59.5 

27.6 

15.0 

8.3 

«7.3

. 49.2

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

449 

361 

1,110 

2,520 

6,580 

10,900 

6,520 

3,660 

1,640 

922 

494 

449

35,600

« Discharges estimated Jan. 1 to Mar. 7 and Dec. 18 to 31 by the State engineer of Colorado because of 

ice conditions.

NOTE. These estimates have been computed by the United States Geological Survey from data furnished by the Central Colorado Power Co., published herewith. « 
MISSOURI BIVEE BASIN. 265

SOUTH BOULDER CREEK NEAR ROLLINSVILLE, COLO.

This station was established September 10, 1910, by the United 

States Geological Survey, in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, and is being maintained as a cooperative station.

It is located at highway bridge about 1J miles above Rollinsville, 

and about 3 miles below the mouth of Jenny Creek.

A vertical rod gage, graduated to feet and tenths, is fastened to 

the right crib abutment of bridge.

Low-water measurements are made by wading; high-water measurements can be made from the highway bridge.

The channel is composed mainly of bowlders and is fairly permanent, but is so rough that the measuring section is poor.

Gage heights are affected by ice during the winter months.

Discharge measurements of South Boulder Creek near Rollinsville, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Sept. 10

Hydrographer.

W. B . Freeman ...........................................

Width.

Feet. 

14

21

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

8.7

8 Q

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.9

87

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

9.4

6.3

NOTE. These measurements made by wading above the gage.

The following additional gage heights, in feet, were observed by F. D. Whitney:

Date.

Sept. 11.......

Sept. 12.......

Sept. 13.......

Sept. 15.......

Gage 

height.

0.9

.95

QC

OR

.95

Date.

Sept. 18......

Sept. 20......

Sept. 21......

Gage 

height.

0.9

.9

.9

Date.

Sept. 23......

Sept. 25......

Oct. 1. .......

Oct. 2. .......

Gage 

height.

O n

.8

« Date.

Oct. 3........

Oct.4. .......

Oct. 5. .......

Oct. 6. .......

Gage 

height.

0.8

.85

9

9

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 

of Colorado.

Two ditches, the more important being the Community ditch, divert 

water above the station.

The rod gage, which has the same datum as in 1901, is located a 

short distance below the Community canal.

The drainage area above this station is about 195 square miles.

i See Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 49,1901, p. 287, 

97746° WSP 286 11 18
266 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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. The 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.

Ice prevails at this station for several months during the winter.

During 1910 this station was maintained by the State engineer of 

Colorado. The data are published as furnished by him. They have 

not been verified by engineers of the United States Geological SurveyDischarge measurements of South Boulder Creek near Marshall, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

July 27

Aug. 14

Feb. 1

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

C. L. Chatfleld..... . .......................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

38

28

24.5

21.5

21

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

39.8

12.6

17.4

13.0

9.24

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.95

1.30

1.40

1.05

1.10

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

121

23.1

33

8.6

10.4

NOTE. All measurements were made by wading at various sections.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Boulder Creek near Marshall, Colo., for 1910. 

[B. E. Chesebro, 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. ..............

2&...... .........

30...............

31...............

Janfc

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.05

1.0

Q5

9

.9

QK

QK

.9

QC

1.0

1.0

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

Feb.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

.......

Mar.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1 2

1 OK

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.15

1 9

1 OC

1 9%

1.25

1.25

1 Q

1 Q

1 4^

1.5

1 35

1 5

1.4

1.4

1 Q

1.15

1 3

1.3

Apr.

1.3

1 *?

1 0

1

9E

1.25

1 Q

1 OK

1.25

1 Q

1 Q

1 0

1 QK.

1 OE

1 OK

1.15

1.15

1 0

1 Q

1.6

1 5

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

1 %

1.8

1 QK

May.

1.8

1 75

1.75

1 7*

1 ft

1.7

1.7

1.7

1 Q

1 Q

1 Q

2 0

1 9

1.95

1 a

1 Q

1 9

1 9

1 Q

1 ft

1 Q

1 9

2 ft

i a

1 Q

1 9

1 a

2

n

2.05

2 1 K.

2.2

June.

2.2

2

0

2 OK

2

1

2

1

2.1

2

1

2 fl

2 fl

1 QE

2 ft

2

fl

1 QK

1 9

1 9

1 Q

1 s=.

1 ft

1 ft

1 Q

i ft

i ft

i fi^

i «>

i ft

1.75

i ft

1 ft

July.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1 55

1.5

1.55

1.0

1 5

1 45

1 45

1.4

1.4

1.6

1.6

1.6

1 55

1 5

1 5

1 45

1.4

1 Q

1 3

1.5

1.6

1 ft

1.6

Aug.

1.5

1.4

1 45'

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.3

1

OK

1.4

1.4

1 Q

1 >

1 ^

1 Q

1 25

1 2

1.2

1 9

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Sept.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1 9

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

Oct.

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1 05

1 05

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.15

1 9

1 IK

1 15

1.15

1.15

QK

1.15

1.05

1.1

Nov.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1 05

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.1

1 flK.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1 flK.

1.0

1.1

1.1

115

1.1

1.05

1.05

QK

.95

.95

Dec.

1.0

1 05

1.1

1.0

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.0

1.05

1 05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

.95

.95

.9
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 267 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of So\uth Boulder Creek near Marshall, Colo.,for 1910.

Day.

1...... .........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

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...............

Jan.

14

17

17

14

11

8

6

4

3

3

3

4

4

4

6

6

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

Feb.

11

11

11

11

8

8

8

6

6

6

6

6

6

11

6

6

6

6

6

6

8

8

6

8

11

11

11

11

Mar.

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

17

20

14

14

11

14

17

20

20

20

24

94

33

38

43

28

43

33

33

24

14

24

94

Ap

,

1

i

\

(

t

i

i

f

f

f

r.

>A

J4

*4>,n

SO

SO

10

0

4

\A

14

lO

SO'ft

4

4

7

4

q

\1

Q

[S

(7

F>

!8

8

7

May.

88

80

80

80

88

72

72

72

88

106

106

126

106

116

106

106

106

106

QQ

QQ

106

106

126

106

106

106

106

126

137

160

173

June.

173

173

188

173

148

148

14S

148

126

126

116

126

126

126

116

106

106

106

Q7

00

QQ

QQ

88

88

97

88

88

80

88

88

July.

72

'7272

fi4

57

57

KA

43

50

43

43

QO

38

33

33

57

57

57

Kf\

43

43

38

33

28

94

94

43

57

88

C7

Aug.

43

43

33

43

38

33

9S

28

28

28

24

20

33

33

24

24

24

24

20

20

17

17

17

17

14

14

11

11

11

11

11

Sept.

11

11

11

11

17

14 '11

11

11

11

11

11

11

17

11

11

11

17

17

11

11

11

17

11

11

11

11

11

8

8

Oct.

8

8

8

6

11

11

11

11

11

11

8

8

11

11

11

11

17

14

11

14

17

14

14

14

14

4

14

8

11

Nov.

11

11

11

11

8

11

11

11

8

11

8

11

11

8

11

11

11

11

8

6

3

11

11

14

11

8

8

4

4

4

Dec.

6

6

8

11

3

3

3

6

14

14

11

14

11

3

6

8

8

6

6

6

8

6

6

8

8

8

6

6

4

4

3

NOTE. These discharges are based on one rating curve. They are published as computed by the State 

engineer of Colorado.

Monthly discharge of South Boulder Creek near Marshall, Colo.,for 1910.

Month.

January. ................................................

June. ...................................... . : . ............

July.....................................................

August. .................................................

December. ...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

17 

11 

43 

97 

173 

188 

88 

43 

17 

17 

14 

14

188

Minimum.

3 

6 

11 

14 

72 

88 

24 

11 

8 

6 

3 

3

3

Mean.

9.0 

8.0 

20.9 

35.0 

104 

118 

49.5 

23.9 

11.9 

11.4 

9.3 

7.1

34.2

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

553 

444 

1,290 

2,080 

6,400 

7,020 

3,040 

1,470 

708 

701 

553 

437

24,700

NOTE. These estimates were computed bjf the United States Geological Survey from data furnished by 

the State engineer of Colorado, published herewith.

BIO THOMPSON CREEK BASIN. 

iDBSCRIPTION.

Big Thompson Creek drains the country lying between St. Vrain 

Creek and Cache la Poudre River. It is one of the largest tributaries 

of the South Platte, into wltuch it discharges about 4 miles above
268 SUEFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

the town of Evans. It is joined by Little Thompson Creek a short 

distance above the point where their combined waters enter the 

South Platte.

Nearly all the normal flow of Big and Little Thompson creeks is 

used for irrigation.

BIG THOMPSON CREEK AT ARKINS, COLO.

This station is located at a private wagon bridge 10 or 12 miles above 

Loveland, and about 400 feet below the Handy dam. Measurements 

of flow of Big Thompson Creek have been made at or near Arkins since 

1888, the earlier records being kept by the State engineer. From 

1895 to 1903 the station was maintained under the direction of the 

United States Geological Survey. Since that time it has been conT 

tinued more or less intermittently under the direction of the State 

engineer, by whom all records are furnished.

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 diverts water for irrigation above the 

station. In 1903 this ditch used 17,OQO acre-feet of water.

The flow of the creek is affected by ice for several months during 

the winter season.

Discharge measurements of Big Thompson Creek at Arkins, Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Feb. 4o

Mar. 176

Apr. 20»

June 10d

June 25d

Aug. Ififr

Sept. 276

Dec. 5«

Hydrographer.

C. L. Chatfleld. ...........................................

.....do.....................................................

G. C. Hezmalhalch. .......................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

C . L. Ohatfleld ............................................

C. C. Hezmalhalch. .......................................

Width.

Feet. 

42

42.5

36.5

57.5

57.5

80

61

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

31

49

38

124

111

72

75

22.8

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.42

1.10

1.10

2.20

2.00

1.40

1.30

.86

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

21

c27

34

310

265

86

04

6.0

« Measurement made through holes cut in ice. 

6 Wading measurement.

c No ice.

d Made from bridge.

e Ice.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Big Thompson Creek at Arkins, Colo., for 1910. 

[Miss Minnie Gammon, observer.]

Day.

1........ .......

9

3...............

4...............

5.. ............ .

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

Jan.

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.35

Feb.

1.5

1.5

1.3

1.25

1.3

1.25

1.4

1 45

1.5

1.5

Mar.

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

Apr.

1.1

1.0

.95QS;

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.1

May.

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.65

1.8

1.65

1.55

1.5

1.7

1.9

June,

2.75

2.85

2.9

2.85

2.55

2.6

2.65

2.6

2.3

2.15

July.

2.25

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.05

2.1

1.9

2.0

2.0

1.75

Aug.

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.5

1.55

1.5

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

Sept.

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.7

1.85

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.4

Oct.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Nov.

0.85

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.15

Dec.

1.15

1.2

1.1

1.1

.95

.85

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.2
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 269

Daily gage height, in feet, of Big Thompson Creek ct Arkins, Colo.,for 1910 Continued.

Day.

U........ .......

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

1.35

1.35

1 3

1.2

1.35

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.36

1.45

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Feb.

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.3

i ^

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.45

1 45

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.35

Mar.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

0

.3

.3

.3

.2

1.2

1.2

1.05

1.2

Apr.

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.55

1.65

1.8

1.8

May.

2.1

9 1>5

2 1

9 fl*»

9 n

1 9

i &

1.7

1.75

1.85

2.0

1.9

1 9

1 9

2.0

2.0

2.0

9 9

2.55

2.75

2.8

June.

2.2

2.45

2.4

2

C

2.4

2.45

2 A

9 3

2.4

2.35

9 9

2.2

2 9

2 9

9 IS

2.0

9 fi

2.0

2.25

2.5

July.

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1 Q

1.8

1.7

1.5

1.5

2.0

2.3

2.45

2.25

Aug.

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1 45

1 45

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

Sept.

1.35

1.5

1 CK

1 CK

1.55

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.5

1 45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

Oct.

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.2

1 9

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.25

1 9

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.05

.9

.9

.9

.9

Nov.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

.95

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.0Q<;

1.0

1.1

1.05

Dec.

1.2

1.15

1.05

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.0

.95

1.05

95

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.05

1.0

.9

.8

.8

.8

NOTE. Ice from January 1 to about February 28. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Big Thompson Creek at Arkins, Colo.,for 1910.

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. Feb. Mar.

39

30

30

30

30

30

39

39

39

39

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

48

48

48

66

66

66

48

48

48

24

48

Apr.

30

17

12

12

17

17

17

24

24

30

30

39

48

39

30

30

48

30

30

39

57

57

48

48

66

86

122

148

192

192

May.

162 1115

110

148

192

148

122

110

162

222

288

3fU

288

979

OKK

222

192

177

207

255

999

222

999

9<y;

9CE

9EC

442

517

536

June.

517

555

574

555

442

460

479

460

355

304

320

408

390

AOK

 JQft

408

390

OCR

390

372

320

 jori

320

Q9fi

QfM

255

9KK

255

338

Af) K

July.

 > ><>

288

9CK

255

272

288

222

255

255

177

162

135

162

162

162

148

192

1Q9

192

222

222

192

162

 IOC

110

110

1QK

355

408

338

Aug.

999

1Q9

162

110

122

110

86

76

fifi

66

66

86

110

135

110

86

86

76

66

66

66

86

98

QQ

86

66

48

48

66

66

66

Sept.

66

57

57

162

207

135

122

110

98

86

76

110

122

122

122

110

135

135

148

162

162

162

110

98

98

86

86

fifi

66

Oct.

66

66

66

57

48

48

48

48

48

48

39

39

39

48

48

48

57

57

48

57

48

57

48

48

48

OQ

94

8

8

8

Nov.

5

39

30

30

30

30

30

3£

39

39

30

30

30

30

30

30

24

24

24

12

17

3d

30

3d

94

17

19

17

30

9J.

Dec.

39

48

30

30

12

6

17

30

48

48

48

39

24

30

39

30

30

17

12

24

12

24

30

30

39

24

17

8

5

5

5

NOTE. These discharges are based on one rating curve. They are published as computed by the State 

engineer of Colorado.
270 SUEFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Monthly discharge of Big Thompson Creek at Arkins, Colo.,for 1910.

Month.

April... ..................................................

May.....................................................

July.....................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

66 

192 

536 

574 

408 

222 

207 

66 

39 

48

574

Minimum.

24 

12 

110 

255 

110 

48 

57 

8 

5 

5

Mean.

«28.7 

025.9 

38.8 

52.6 

238 

389 

218 

93.3 

115 

441 

2d9 

25.8

108

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,760 

1,440 

2,390 

3,130 

14,600 

23,100 

13,400 

5,740 

6,840 

2,710 

1,600 

1,590

78,300

a Discharge Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 estimated by the State Engineer of Colorado.

NOTE. These estimates have been computed by the United States Geological Survey from data furnished 

by the State engineer of Colorado, published herewith.

CACHE LA POTTDRE RIVER BASIN.

DESCRIPTION.

Cache la Poudre River is the largest and the northernmost of the tributaries discharging from the east front of the Rocky Mountains into 

the South Platte. During the irrigation season its discharge is augmented by the supply diverted from the headwaters of Laramie River, 

which heads immediately west of the headwaters of the Cache la 

Poudre, the diversion being made through a canal known as the Sky 

Line canal. Measurements of the discharge of the Cache la Poudre 

basin therefore include some of the Laramie waters. As is the case 

with other streams of this region, the normal flow is almost entirely 

consumed for irrigation, and even the greater part of the flood waters 

is stored for late use. The earliest and most thorough irrigation of the 

State is carried on along this stream.1

CACHE LA POUDRE 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 

Jliver into the Cache la Poudre, above the station, for a number of

1 See Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 9, and Dept. of Agr. Office of Experiment Stations, 

Bull. No. 92.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 286 PLATE III

A. ICE ON CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER NEAR HOME, COLO.

B. GAGING STATION ON CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER AT FRY'S RANCH, NEAR ELKHORN, COLO. 

Showing method of making discharge measurement under ice.

U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 286 PLATE IV

A. HALLIGAN DAM, 72 FEET HIGH, ON NORTH FORK 

OF CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER NEAR LIVERMORE, 

COLO.

Looking across dam; spillway about 10 feet below crest.

B. BRISTOL AUTOMATIC GAGE USED AT GAGING STATION ON LARAMIE RIVER AT GLENDEVEY,

COLO.

MISSOURI RIVER BASIN.

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 acrefeet, 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. (See PI. III.)

The stream flow is affected by ice for several months each winter.

During 1909 and 1910 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 for 1909 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. For 1910 individual measurements were plotted, properly 

weighted, and rating curves developed.

 A peculiarity has been noted in the rating for this station for 1909 

and 1910. Above gage height 5.0 feet-the measurements show that 

a second curve, parallel to the main curve and giving smaller discharges 

for the same gage heights, should be used for certain periods. This 

temporary change in the rating may be due to obstructions on the 

control below the gage or to insufficient channel capacity.

Discharge measurements of Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo., in 1901.a

Date.

Jan. 1. .

2.

3.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

28

29.

30.

31.

Feb. 1.

3.

4

5! !

6. .

Width.

Feet.

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

. 20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

Area of 

section.

8t.fi.

Ol

43

43

45

61

51

41

39

39

43

39

37

39

37

39

39

39

37

39

39

45

41

41

41

44

42

40

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.10

2.74

2.74

2.77

3.58

3.14

2.60

2.54

2.53

2.68

2.54

2.43

2.51

2.43

2.47

2.53

2.50

2.41

2.48

2.50

2.81

2.63

2.63

2,64

2.70

2.60

2.52

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

43

32

34

26

32

32

30

33

30

25

24

21

23

24

29

31

30

20

25

30

23

25

28

30

29

29

26

Date.

Feb. 7. .

8. .

9. .

10. .

11. .

13. .

14. .

19. .

22. .

23. .

24. .

25. .

26. .

27. .

28. .

Mar. 1. .

2. .

3. .

4. .

5. .

6. .

7. .

8. .

9. .

10. .

11. .

12. .

Width.

Feet.

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

40

40

42

46

44

42

40

40

40

40

42

44

44

46

40

46

44

48

44

44

38

44

44

42

36

42

34

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.50

2.54

2.62

2.78

2.66

2.60

2.50

2.48

2.47

2.53

2.64

2.68

2.69

2.80

2.53

2.79

2.74

2.86

2.60

2.70

2.40

2.71

2.74

2.62

2.29

2.58

2.22

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

27

26

25

23

22

27

22

29

14

21

23

24

26

27

21

24

26

30

32

49

30

54

59

45

24

48

21

a Measurements Jan. 1 to 24 by H. Mertens; Jan. 25 to Oct. 31 by N. W. Fry; Nov. 1 to 12 by H. Mertens 

(second measurement on Nov. 4 and first measurement on Nov. 5 made by W. B. Freeman); Nov. 13 to 

Dec. 31 by N. W. Fry. Ice Jan. 1 to Mar. 10 and Dec. 6 to 31.
272 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo., in 1901 Contd.

Date.

Mar. 13. . .

. 14. .. 

15...

16. . .

17...

18...

19...

20...

21...

22.. .

23...

24...

25...

26.. .

27... 

28...

30.. .

31... 

Apr. 1...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

...

9...

10... 

11.. . 

12... 

13... 

14...

15... iclo. . . 

17... 

18...

19... 

20... 

21... 

22... 

23... 

'24... 

25... 

26... 

27... 

28... 

29... 

30... 

May 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... 

June 1 ... 

2...

Width

Feet. 

20

20 

20

20

24

24

24

35

35 

35

35

35

35

35

35 

35

35

35 

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35 

35 

35 

35 

35

35

OK OO

35 

35

35 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39-6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6

Area of 

' section.

Sq.ft. 

36

38 

38

38

44

43

43

54

54 

54

58

54

54

58

54 

54

59

66 

58

54

54

54

58

54

54

58

58

61 

65 

65 

65 

65

61

65 

58 

66

68 

78 

93 

77 

77 

85 

109 

110 

117 

131 

147 

153 

115 

119 

135 

127 

125 

120 

139 

158 

162 

167 

166 

162 

144 

143 

135 

140 

139 

147 

143 

140 

140 

150 

154 

158 

158 

170 

198 

206 

198 

202 

201

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.33

2.41 

2.41

2.37

2.50

2.49

2.50

2.48

2.48 

2.51

2.59

2.52

2.52

2.60

2.54 

2.52

2.60

2.84 

2.58

2.50

2.54

2.54

2.61

2.48

2.53

2.57

2.64

' 2.74 

2.79 

2.82 

2.81 

2.81

2.73

2.78 

2.63 

2.76

2.87 

3.07 

3.34 

3.13 

3.08 

3.30 

3.56 

3.60 

3.83 

4.18 

4.56 

4.48 

3.80 

3.90 

4.26 

4.08 

3.96 

3.89 

4.38 

4.90 

4.98 

5.10 

5.06 

4.98 

5.02 

4.50 

4.32 

4.42 

4.44 

4.58 

4.50 

4.39 

4.44 

4.66 

4.82 

4.90 

4.94 

5.56 

5.88 

6.08 

5.94 

5.99 

6.20

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

25

32 

34

32

41

39

40

39

41 

45

56

48

44

57

44 

40

50

82 

46

41

44

44

50

39

45

47

51

62 

73 

76 

74

77

61

73 

53 

70

82 

113 

155 

117 

116 

154 

176 

191 

264 

366 

492 

454 

287 

303 

428 

353 

326 

291 

443 

616 

716 

807 

754 

684 

669 

518 

421 

472 

529 

582 

570 

437 

496 

591 

607 

632 

623 

1,004 

1,237 

1,531 

1,439 

1,480 

1,593

Date.

June 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...

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... 

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...

Width

Feet. 

39.6

39.6 

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6 

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6 

39.6

39.6

39.6 

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6

39.6

39.6 

39.6 

39.6

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

38 

38 

38 

38 

39.6 

39.6 

39.6 

38 

38 

38 

38 

38 

38 

38

Area of 

section.

Sq:ft. 

206

206 

195

191

188

187

177

175

170

177

183

179

175

175

172 

179

167

168 

160

158

152

144

149

144

144

149

152

148 

144 

141 

138 

144

136

131 

129 

124

124 

120 

120 

116 

116 

112 

112 

112 

120 

116 

120 

116 

112 

112 

108 

104 

100 

96 

116 

132 

116 

108 

104 

98 

95 

99 

95 

94 

85 

79 

65 

85 

85 

99 

89 

89 

85 

82 

81 

81 

81 

81 

81

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.15

6.00 

5.71

5.60

5.54

5.50

5.28

5.22

5.28 

5.27

5.45

5.29

5.20

5.22

5.12 

4.98

5.02

4.99 

4.77

4.76

4.56

4.43

4.48

4.43

4.40

4.52

4.61

4.48 

4.37 

4.26 

4.25 

4.38

4.16

4.06 

4.00 

3.94

3.92 

3.83 

3.76 

3.69 

3.67 

3.60 

3.60 

3.63 

 3.82 

3.69 

3.77 

3.71 

3.64 

3.56 

3.47 

3.37 

3.30 

3.24 

3.68 

4.12 

3.66 

3.53 

3.43 

3.35 

3.24 

3.28 

3.22 

3.12 

3.06 

3.02 

3.00 

2.98 

3.04 

3.16 

3.19 

3.16 

3.02 

2.93 

2.92 

2.90 

2.86 

2.91 

2.92

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1 461

1,210 

1,085

1,021

956

885

832

819

856 

838

918

922

OQ7 

OO/

812

751 

668

668

655 

595

588

561

455

517

448

452

532

586

502 

455 

393 

400 

464

354

323 

301 

288

280 

261 

242 

228 

225 

203 

195 

214 

246 

229 

254 

235 

206 

202 

181 

162 

144 

134 

226 

336 

215 

187 

160 

142 

132 

144 

136 

113 

108 

101 

99 

98 

98 

118 

130 

125 

103 

88 

86 

88 

80 

87 

88
 MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 273 

Discharge measurements of Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo., 1901 -Contd.

Date.

Aug. 23. . .

24...

25...

26. .

27. .

28. .

29. .

30. .

31. . Sept. 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...

Oct. 1 ...

2...

3...

4...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10...

11...

12...

13...

14...

15...

16...

17...

18...

20...

21...

22...

23...

24...

Width.

Feet.

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

39.6

39.6

39.6

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

39.6

39.6

38

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

81

77

77

74

81

89

85

81

77

77

73

77

112

96

97

87

79

87

87

83

94

94

110

%

94

98

114

110

101

106

103

102

86

89

93

89

85

89

. 85

81

81

81

74

74

74

77

77

77

74

73

70

70

70

70

73

77

81

74

81

78

77

75

Gage 

heignt.

Feet.

2.89

2.84

2.81

2.74

2.90

3.10

2.97

2.90

2.81

2.82

2.74

2.78

3.60

3.31

3.32

2.98

2.84

2.96

2.98

2.88

3.19

3.21

3.57

3.33

3.21

3.44

3.70

3.61

3.37

3.49

3.36

3.32

3.22

3.12

3.20

3.10

3.03

2.98

2.%

2.91

2.90

2.90

2.69

2.66

2.66

2.83

2.80

2.76

2.73

2.70

2.58

2.60

2.62

2.64

2.69

2.78

2.91

2.70

2.92

2.76

2.80

2.71

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

85

74

72

62

83

108

93

85

72

71

63

68

201

143

138

88

73

92

99

80

134

127

190

140

129

163

205

196

153

170

157

135

116

109

118

101

91

86

90

81

76

79

61

55

56

72

70

63

57

56

45

47

48

52

51

63

76

55

83

63

67

56

Pate.

Oct. 25...

26...

27...

28...

29...

30...

31...

Nov. 1...

2...

3...

4...

4...

5...

5...

6...

7...

8...

9...

10...

11...

12...

13...

13...

14...

16...

17...

18...

19...

20...

21...

22...

23...

24...

25...

26...

28...

29...

30...

Dec. 1...

2...

3...

6...

8...

9...

10...

11...

12...

13...

14...

15...

16...

17...

18...

19...

20...

22...

24...

25...

26...

27...

30...

Width.

Feet.

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

36

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

37.5

38

37.5

36

38

38

38

38

37.5

37.5

38

38

38

38

37

38

37

36.5

38

37.5

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

73

77

73

73

73

72

73

73

73

72

76

69

62

68

66

70

70

70

70

72

70

59

59

59

59

57

59

56

45

67

59

63

59

54

56

70

59

63

77

49

59

67

66

69

65

58

55

39

36

77

65

70

50

58

50

47

70

52

46

62

41

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.72

2.77

2.74

2.66

2.71

2.64

2.68

2.72

2.68

2.66

2.80

o2.71

62.60

2.53

2.51

2.60

2.61

2.60

2.64

2.59

2.64

2.58

2.58

2.58

2.62

2.52

2. 2

2.54

2.16

2.80

2.59

2.69

2.60

2.53

2.51

2.92

2.61

2.66

2.93

2.28

2.58

2.84

2.69

2.76

2.71

2.68

2.67

2.26

2.20

3.38

3.22

3.24

2.84

3.02

2.79

2.71

3.27

2.89

2.76

3.34

2.76

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

57

60

60

52

61

52

55

58

55

50

65

54

40

39

35

50

48

48

51

45

51

49

48

46

48

36

49

41

15

74

40

56

45

39

40

68

45

53

75

24

42

26

37

61

56

43

46

19

15

42

46

40

34

43

37

38

50

39

35

43

26

a Thin ice. 6 Thin ice and slush at edges; probably not enough to affect results.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo., for 1910. 

[Norman W. Fry, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

Jan.

3.1

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.9

Feb.

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.7

2.6

Mar.

2.8

2.75

2.85

2.6

2.7

Apr.

2.6

2.5

2.55

2

KK

2.6

May.

4.1

3.9

3.8

3 Q

4.25

June.

6.0

6.2

6.15

6.15

6.0

July.

4.5

4.35

4.25

4.4

Aug.

3.55

3.45

3.35

3.25

3.3

Sept.

2.8

2.75

2.8

3.6

3.3

< Oct.

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.65

Nov.

2.70

2.70

2.65

2.80

2.55

Dec.

2.35

2.30

2.60

2.40

2.60
274 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cache la PoudreRiver near Elkhorn, Colo., for 1910 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...............

Jan.

3.6

2.9

2.8

2.65

2.75

2.7

2.75

3.6

3.16

2.6

2.55

2.55

2.7

2.55

2.45

2.5

2.45 

2.45

2.55

2.5

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.8

2.65

Feb.

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.75

2 4

2.6

2.4

2.5

2.45

2.55

2.45 

2.55

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.55

Mar.

2.4

2.7

2.75

2.6

2.3

9 fi

2.2

2.35

9 4

*2.4

2.35

2.5

9 S

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5 

2.6

2.5

2

K

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.4

2.6

2.85

Apr.

9 1

2

KK

2.55

2.65

2

7K

2.8

2.8

2.8

2

0

2.75

2.8

2.65

2

7K

2.85

3.05

3.35

3.15 

3.10

3.3

3

KK

3.6

3.85

4.2

4.55

4.5

May.

4.1

3

QK

^ Q

4.4

4.9

^ o

5.1

5.05

5.0

z n

4.5

4.3

4 4

4.45

4.6

4.5

4.4 

4.45

4.65

4.8

4.9

4.95

5,55

5.9

6.05

5.95

June.

5.7

5.6

5

KK

5.5

5

0

*; 9

5.3

5.25

5

AK

5

0

5.2

5.1

f^ 9

5 A

5.0

5.0

4.75 

4.75

4.55

4.45

4.5

4.45

4.4

4.5

4.6

July.

4.15

4.05

.4.0

3.95

9. Q

3.85

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.65

3.8

3.7

3.75

3.7

3.65 

3.55

3.45

3.35

3.3

3.25

3.7

3.7

4.1

3.65

Aug.

9. 9

3 1

3.05

3.0

3 A

3 A

3.05

3.15

3 9

3.15

3.0

2.95

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.9

2.9 

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.9

3.1

2.95

2.9

2.8

Sept.

3

0

3 A

2.85

2.95

3 A

9 Q

3.2

3.2

3

KK

3.35

3.2

3.45

1 7

3.6

3.35

3.5

3.35 

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.1

3.05

3.0

2.95

Oct.

2

CK

2.85

2.80

2.75

2.75

2 7fi

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.65

2.70

2.80

2.90

2.85

2.70

2.90

2.75 

2. SO

2.70

2.70

2.75

2.75

2.65

2.70

2.65

2.70

Nov.

9 t\fi

2 An

2.60

2.60

2

($K

2.60

2.65

2.60

9 fifl

2.65

2.60

2.50

2.60

2.55

2.15

2.80

2.60 

2.70

2.60

2.55

2.55

2.35

2.90

2.60

2.65

Dec.

2

QC

2.80

2.70

2.75

2.70

2.65

2.25

2.20

3.40

3.20

3.25

2.85

3.00

2.80

2.90

2.70 

3.20

3.25

2.90

2.75

3.35

3.00

2.80

2.75

2.85

NOTE. Ice Jan. 1 to Mar. 10 and Dec. 6 to 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo., for 1910.

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.

43

32

34

34

32

32

30

30

28

28

26

26

32

32

30

33

30

25

24

21

23

24

29

31

30

20

22

25

30

23

25

Feb.

28

29

30

29

29

26

27

26

25

23

22

25

27

22

22

24

26

29

29

27

25

23

21

23

24

26

27

21

Mar.

24

26

30

32

49

30

54

<;Q

45

24

46

20

27

30

30

27

38

38

38

38

38

38

46

38

38

46

42

38

30

46

74

Apr.

46

38

42

42

46

38

42

42

51

62

68

68

68

68

62

68

51

62

74

152

116

108

142

195

206

272

185

532

510

May.

350

288

256

288

405

350

303

288

465

«616

«716

0807

o754

o084

510

425

465

488

555

510

465

488

580

o607

625

650

992

»1,240

al,530

ol,440

June.

al,480

al,590

1,430

1,430

1,320

1,100

1,020

992

960

835

780

835

808

927

835

780

725

780

675

675

o675

o595

o588

532

487

510

488

465

510

555

July.

510

445

405

405

465

368

334

318

303

288

270

243

230

218

286

206

218

256

230

243

230

218

195

173

152

142

133

230

230

350

218

Aug.

195

173

152

133

142

124

108

101

94

94

94

101

116

124

116

94

87

80

80

74

80

80

80

74

68

62

80

108

87

80

68

Sept.

68

62,

68

206

142

142

94

74

87

94

80

124

124

195

152

124

173

230

206

152

184

152

142

124

108

124

108

101

94

87

Oct.

80

80

80

56

51

51

74

68

62

62

56

46

46

46

51

56

68

80

74

56

80

62

68

56

56

62

62

51

56

51

56

Nov.

56

56

51

68

42

38

46

46

46

51

46

51

46

46

51

46

38

46

42

19

68

46

56

46

42

42

27

80

46

51

Dec.

27

24

46

30

46

26

31

37

61

56

43

46

19

15

42

46

40

34

43

37

38

 38

44

50

39

35

43

38

32

26

26

o Discharge measurement used.

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows, except as indicated in footnote 

above: Mar. 11 to May 24 and June 24 to Dec. 5, well denned below 765 second-feet; May 26 to June 21, fairly 

well defined. Discharges estimated or interpolated Jan. 4 to 11, 27, Feb. 2,12,15 to 18, 20 to 22, Dec. 7,21, 

23,28,29, and 31. Discharges obtained from discharge measurements for other days, Jan. 1 to Mar. 11 and 

Dec. 6 to 31.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 275 

Monthly discharge of Cache la Poudre River near Elkhorn, Colo.,for 1910.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

December. ........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

43 

30 

74 

532 

1,530 

1,590 

510 

195 

230 

80 

80 

61

1,590

Minimum.

20 

21 

20 

38 

256 

465 

133 

62 

62 

46 

19 

15

15

Mean.

28.5 

25.5 

38.0 

125 

607 

846 

272 

102 

127 

61.4 

47.5 

37.4

193

Run-Off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

1,750 

1,420 

2,340 

7,440 

37,300 

50, 300 

16,700 

6,270 

7,560 

3,780 

2,830 

2,300

140,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER NEAR PORT 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.

The station is below all tributaries above the North Fork.

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.

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 of 26,500 acre-feet with a dam 200 feet high.

During 1909 and 1910 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 for 1909 the discharge measurements were considered in 

groups, as the channel conditions are permanent, though rough. For 

1910 individual measurements were plotted, properly weighted, and 

a rating curve developed.
276 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Discharge measurements of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo., in 1910. 

[By engineers of the United States Geological Survey.]

Date.

Mar. 5 «

June 1 &

28«

Oct. 9 «

Hydro grapher.

Padgett and Miles. . .......................................

Width.

Feet. 

40

75

73

51

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 7

342

167

57

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.0

5.75

3.72

2.20

Discharge.

Sec. -ft. 

52

1,910

561

77

a, Wading measurement. & From cable.

Discharge measurements of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo., in 1910.

[By Fred Stearley.]

Date.

Jan. 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........

Feb. 1........

2........

3........

4........

5........

6........

7........

8........

9........

10........

12........

15........

17........

19........

22........

26........

28........

Mar. 1. .......

4........

8........

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.65

2.70

2.60

2.70

2.50

2.40

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.70

2.75

2.80

2.75

2.70

2.62

2 50

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.45

2.45

2.49

2.42

2.45

2.30

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.40

2.20

2.30

2.45

2.10

1.80

2.40

2.30

2.42

2.30

2.25

1.95

2.20

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

55

52

55

60

56

AO

43

36

52

54

61

62

68

68

75

58

KA

53

EQ

44

43

58

^4

53

42

43

41

43

41

43

42

41

43

38

38

38

OO

38

37

37

41

32

28

48

36

49

37

52

60

97

Date.

Mar. 12........

11

14........

15........

10

23........

24........

97

30

11

Apr. 1.. ......

4........

7........

11........

14........

16. .......

18. .......

22........

23........

94

97

28

9Q

7........

10........

11........

12........

15........

20........

25

99

9........

12........

15........

10

22........

9K

28........

July 1. .......

10........

15........

10

22........

25........

30........

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.00

2.05

1.90

i on

1 QPl

2.15

2.12

1.90

2.20

2

9E

2.01

2.10

2.30

2.25

2.20

2.60

2

CA

3.25

3.65

4.0

3 4

3.7

3.3

4.25

4.5

4.65

4.3

3.8

4.4

5.2

5.2

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.2

4.1

3 Q

3.7

3.7

3.5

3.2

3.0

3.2

3.0

2.8

3.45

2.8

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

65

79

56

53

59

90

89

01

50

100

105

152

172

1R4

116

102

96

182

159

1 P*1

409

515

654

354

466

14ft

789

938

1,040

788

564

882

1.274

1 260

1,090

988

1,040

722

697

652

500

510

392

405

222

222

217

437

188

Date.

8........

11........ 1C.

18........

22........

27........

31

Sept. 2........

5........

10........

14........

17........

22........

28........

Oct. 3........

6........

8........

15........

18........

21........

25. .......

27........

29........

Nov. 1........

3........

6........

8........

11........

13.. ......

16........

19........

21........

24........

27........

30........

8........

11........

13........

16. .......

19........

21........

25. .......

27........

29........

31........

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.7

2.5

2.5

2.7

2.45

2.35

2 25

2.3

2.2

2.8

2,5

2.4

2.7

2.5

2.-»

2.5

£. 35

2.2

2v3

2.15

2.10

2.3

2.2

9 1C.

2.15

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.2

2.1

2.05

2.05

2.1

1.9

1.9

2.1

2.4

2.0

1.85

1.9

2.1

1.95

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.06

1.9

2.3

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

178

147

132

176

139

114

95

104

92

182

143

116

184

143

205

134

108

88

97

86

82

102

93

86

88

95

82

85

75

96

82

73

74

83

56

58

63

70

61

54

53

40

55

51

49

40

39

34

48

32

NOTE. Ice Jan. 1 to Mar. 1 and Nov. 27 to 31. Beginning Apr. 27 the hydrographer used 0.2 and 0.6 depth 

method instead of 0.2 and 0.8 depth method. Measurements Apr. 27 to July 22, July 30, Aug. 3, Sept 2, 

14, and 22 have been corrected from the original current meter notes using the recorded velocities for the 0.6 

points. These measurements, however, are not as reliable as other measurements made by the 0.2 and 0.8 

depth method.
MISSOUEI BIVEE BASIN. 277

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo.,for 1910.

[Fred Stearley, observer.]

Day.

1. ..............

2...............

3..............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...... ........

13. ..............

14...............

15............. .

16..............

17...............

18...............

19.......... ....

W.... ...........

21.... ..........

22...............

23............ ..

24... ........... 9*;

20...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

ql

Jan.

2.7

2.65

2.7

2 7

2.7

2.7

2 5

2.4

2.45

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.85

2.75

2 7

2.65

2.6

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.5

Feb.

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.35

2.2

2.35

2.4

2.45

9 4

2.35

2.1

2.05

1.8

2.3

2.4

2 4

2.4

2.3

2.4

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.3

2.3

Mar.

2.25

2.25

2.05

2.0

1.95

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.1

1.9

2.05

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.15

2.15

2 1

2.1

2.1

2.05

1.95

1.8

9 IS

Apr.

2.25

2.1

2.05

1.95

1.9

1.95

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.25

2.3

2.25

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.4

2.65

2 7

2.6

2.55

2.85

2.95

3.15

3.75

3.9

3.65

May.

3.45

3.4

3.35

3.55

3.75

3.45

3.3

3.4

3.85

4.25

435

465

445

4.3.

425

3.7

3.8

3.9

3.7

3.85

3.85

4.05

4 9

4.35

4.25

425

4.65

5.0

5.55

June.

5.75

6.0

5.8

5.5

495

5.15

5.0

4.8

4.65

455

4 4^

4.45

4.55

4.6

4 'i'S

445

4.35

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.15

4.05

40

40

3.85

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

4.1

July.

3.75

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.25

3.2

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.1

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.0

2.95

2.9

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.85

3.15

3.45

3.15

Aug.

3.05

2.95

2.8

2.65

2.6

2.7

2.65

2.5

2.45

2.5

2.55

3.05

2.8

2.7

2.65

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.25

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.3

Sept.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.4

2.75

2.6

2.45

2.35

2.3

2 4

2.3

2.3

2.85

. 2.6

2.5

2.5

2.85

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

Oct.

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2 2

2.3

2.3

2 2

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.15

2.1

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

Nov.

2.1

2.15

2.1

2 15

91S

2.05

2.0

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.1

9 n

2.0

2.0

2 05

2.0

2.0

2.05

2.0

1.9

2 2

2.0

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.1

2 25

2.4

2.35

Dec.

2.15

1.95

1.9

1 O

1.7

1.55

1.75

1 Q

2.05

2.15

2.0

1.95

1 O

1.9

1.9

1 O

1.9

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.95

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

2.1

2 25

NOTE. Ice Jan. 1 to Mar. 1, Nov. 27 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo.,for

1910.

Day.

2...............

3...............

4...............

6...............

7..----.........

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

Jan.

55

52

55

60

54

56

48

43

36

52

54

61

62

68

 68

75

58

54

53

53

44

43

58

54

53

Feb.

42

41

43

38

38

38

38

38

37

37

39

41

38

35

32

30

28

38

48

44

40

36

an

43

46

Mar.

52

52

57

62

56

74

74

86

74

50

68

fi9

62

50

50

50

50

50

62

62

74

74

80

80

74

Apr.

93

. 74

68

56

50

56

74

74

74

86

86

100

93

100

03

100

86

86

93

116

165

176

154

144

213

May.

4n>;

386

368

445

532

405

350

386

fisfl

795

855

1 (\Af\

915

825

7QC

738

555

605

510

580

580

682

765

855

June.

1,910

2,150

1,960

1,680

1,250

1,400

1,290

1,140

1,040

978

915

915

978

1,010

978

915

855

765

765

765

738

682

655

655

580

July.

532

510

465

424

424

386

386

350

333

316

300

284

284

254

254

269

284

300

284

284

269

254

240

226

188

Aug.

269

240

200

165

154

176

165

134

125

134

144

269

200

176

165

134

125

116

116

100

100

108

116

100

100

Sept.

86

86

86

116

188

154

125

108

100

116

100

100

213

165

154

134

134

213

226

200

200

200

200

176

176

Oct.

116

108

100

100

93

86

86

93

86

86

80

74

74

74

74

86

100

100

86

86

86

74

80

74

80

Nov.

74

80

74

80

80

68

62

86

74

62

74

74

62

62

62

68

62

62

68

62

50

86

62

50

50

Dec.

65

61

59

56

54

54

53

53

49

44

40

48

55

53

52

51

50

50

49

45

40

40

40

39

39
278 SUEFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART vi.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo.,for

1910 Continued.

Day.

26...............

27. ..............

28...............

29...............

30...............

Jan.

42

43

41

43

41

43

Feb.

49

43

37

Mar.

74

74

68c;fi

40

80

Apr.

240

qnn

605

488

May.

795

7QE

1 ft4ft

1,290

1 730

2

AAft

June.

KCK

KCK

510

510

710

July.

176

176

213

300

405

300

Aug.

86

(«

100

100

116

100

Sept.

144

134

134

134

116

Oct.

80

80

86

86

74

74

Nov.

62

63

65

68

70

Dec.

sfi

34

41

48

40

V)

NOTE. These discharges are based on a fairly well-defined rating curve between 50 and 2,150 secondfeet, except as noted. Discharges Jan. 1 to Mar. 1 and Nov. 27 to Dec. 31, discharge measurements used, 

and discharges between measurements estimated. Discharge estimated Mar. 2 and 3.

Monthly discharge of Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo.,for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 4^5 square miles.]

Month.

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

75 

49 

86 

605 

2,060 

2,150 

532 

269 

226 

116 

86 

65

2,150

Minimum.

36 

28 

46 

50 

350 

510 

176 

86 

86 

74 

50 

32

28

Mean.

52.3 

39.2 

63.8 

156 

747 

994 

312 

143 

147 

85.9 

67.4 

47.4

238

Per 

square 

mile.

0.106 

.079 

.129 

.315 

1.51 

2.01 

.630 

.289 

.297 

.274 

.136 

.096

.481

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.12 

.08 

.15 

.35 

1.74 

2.24 

.73 

.33 

.33 

.20 

.15 

.11

6.53

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

3,220 

2,180 

3,920 

9,280 

45,900 

59,100 

19,200 

8,790 

8,750 

5,280 

4,010 

2,910

173,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER AT MOUTH OF CANYON, NEAR PORT COLLINS, COLO.

From 1884 to 1901 a careful study of the regimen of this stream at 

this point was carried on under the direction of Prof. L. G. Carpenter, 

of the Colorado State Agricultural College, and the results of his study 

were published in the reports of the United States Geological Survey. 1 

On November 30, 1909, a Bristol automatic gage was installed about 2 

miles below the intake of the Fort Collins waterworks, 12 miles from 

Fort Collins, about half a mile below the head gate of the Poudre 

Valley ditch, in the NE. £ sec. 15, T. 8 N., R. 70 W. An auxiliary 

sloping staff gage, used to set the automatic gage, was also installed. 

Continuous gage-height records did not commence until May 8, 1910.

The drainage area above the station comprises about 1,060 square 

miles.

The banks of stream are the remains of the wall of the old flume. 

The stream runs in one channel, not liable to shift.

Measurements are made from a car and cable at the gage.

The bed at the measuring section is composed of round bowlders 

and gravel and is fairly uniform. Results should be good.

1 See Water-supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 119,1905, p. 42.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 279

Considerable water is diverted for irrigation above this station. 

Gage heights are somewhat affected by ice during the winter. 

This station is now maintained by the State engineer of Colorado, 

who has furnished the data for publication.

Discharge> measurements of Cache la Poudre River at mouth of canyon, near Fort Collins,

Colo., in 1910.

Date.

Feb. 3o

Mar. 186

256

Apr. 196

May 11

23

28

July 156

Sept 276

Hydrographer.

C. L. Chatfleld ............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

C. L. Chatfield. ...........................................

Width.

Feet. 

90

94

95

94

98

98

100

97

99

100

95

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

97

160

179

175

305

334

294

247

210

195

185

131

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.69

1.11

1.28

1.28

2.65

2.88

2.55

2.02

1.60

1.42

1.35

.97

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

60

Q&

146

148

936

1,210

818

496

268

196

167

436

Made through ice. 6 Made from cable. Ice conditions.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cache la Poudre River at mouth of canyon, near Fort Collinst

Colo., for 1910.

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.

1.8

2.05

2.25

2.65

2.7

1 2.65

2.55

2.5

2 4

2.25

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.35

. 2.55

2.55

2.6

2.85

3.1

3.15

3.3

June.

3.4

3.45

3.45

3.45

2.95

2.85

2.9

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.7

2.65

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.35

2.25

2.2

2.15

2.0

1.9

1.85

1.95

2.1

July.

2.0

1.95

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.7

1.7

1.55

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.65

1.5

1.6

1.6

1 ^5

1.5

1.45

1.4

1 V\

1.25

1.55

1.8.

1.65

Aug.

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.25

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.1

Sept.

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.2

1.4

1.25

1.2

1.05

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.45

1.5

1 11

1.5

1.45

1.5

1.5

1.35

1 ^

1.25

1.2

1.2

L2

Oct.

1.3

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.25

1.3

1.35

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.3

1.4

1.55

1.55

1.4

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.35

1 25

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.2

Nov.

1.1

1.2

1.25

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

J- 3

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.25

1.1

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.10

1.1

1.15

1.05

1.0

1.05

1.2

1.0

1.15

1.15

1.05

1.10

.90

.95

Dec.

O ne

1.05

1.05

1.1

.8

.7

.7

.8

1.0

.9

.95

.9

.8

.8

.7

.8

.8

.9

.85

.85

.9

.7

.7

1.0

NOTE. Ice during December.
280 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cache la Poudre River at mouth of canyon, near Fort

Collins, Colo., for 1910.

Day.

1....................................

2............. ............ .......1...

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.

355

498

958

1 000

958

872

830

745

632

670

670

670

708

670

670

708

872

872

915

1,150

1,410

1,465

1 ' 630

June.

1,750

1,810

1,810

1,810

1,250

1,150

1 OflA

1,100

1,050

1 000

1,000

958

958

1 000

958

872

830

830

830

830

745

708

632

CQC

562

465

410

382

438

530

July.

465

438

382

355

382

382

305

305

240

282

260

220

220

220

220

220

282

220

260

260

240

220

202

185

168

135

150

240

355

282

Aug.

220

202

185

135

150

168

150

120

108

120

150

150

185

168

150

135

108

108

108

95

95

108

108

85

85

8585'

95

108

95

95

Sept.

85

85

95

120

185

135

120

85

95

120

95

120

185

202

185

168

150

202

220

240

220

202

220

220

168

150

135

120

120

120

Oct.

150

202

185

185

120

108

120

135

150

168

202

202

185

150

185

240

240

185

95

108

120

120

120

120

168

135

95

95

108

120

120

Nov.

95

120

135

95

95

108

108

150

120

95

120

135

95

85

75

75

95

95

108

85

75

85

120

75

108

108 ' 85

95

60

68

Dec.

Monthly discharge of Cache la Poudre River at mouth of canyon, near Fort Collins, Colo.,

for 1910.

 Month.

May 8-31..................... ............................

June. . ...................................................

July......................................................

August.... . ..............................................

November......................

December........................ . . ........

The period. ..............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,630 

1,810 

465 

220 

220 

240 

150

Minimum.

355

382 

135 

85 

85 

95 

60

Mean.

857 

949 

269 

128 

152 

154 

98.9 «45

Kun-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

40,800 

56,500 

16,500 

7,870 

9,040 

9,470 

5,890 

2,770

149,000

a Estimated.

NOTE. These values have been changed slightly to conform to the computation rules of the United 

States Geological Survey.

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
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 281

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.

The following special report contains information regarding the 

hydrography of this basin:

Surface waters of Nebraska, by J. C. Stevens: Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. 

Survey No. 230, 1909.

LOUP RIVER AT COLUMBUS, 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.

No daily discharges have been computed for 1910, 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 made from the highway bridge to which 

the gage is attached.

Discharge measurements of Loup River at Columbus, Nebr., in 1910.

Date.

Apr. 20

May 10

25

July 25

Aug. 31

Oct. 1

Nov. 19

25

Hydrographer.

D. D. Price................................................

.....do........................................./...........

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

-....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

210

340

340

380

520

410

350

390

402

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

687

966

888

642

788

1,010

753

696

714

£&

Feet. 

4.40

4.60

4.50

4.20

4.54

5.40

4.39

4.28

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,280

3,190

2,530

1,780

2,160

3,590

2,120

2,230

2,420

97746° WSP 286 11- -19
282 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Loup River at Columbia, Nebr.,for 1910. 

[W. D. Benson, observer.]

Day.

1......... ..........

2...................

3...................

4...................

5...................

6...................

7...................

8...................

9...................

10...................

11...................

12. ..................

13...................

14...................

15...................

16...................

17...................

18...................

19...................

20. ..................

2i... ................

22...................

23...................

24...................

25...................

26...................

27...................

28...................

29...................

30...................

31...................

Mar%

4.3

4.3

4.45

4.35

4.25

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

* A AZ

4.5

4.4

4.35

Apr.

4.35

4.35

4.35

4.45

4.6

4.55

4.6

4.8

4.85

4 65

4.3

4.45

A C

4.5

4 55

May.

4.3

4.5

4 QK

4.95

4.55

4

JE

4.65

4.6

4.55

4.6

4.65

4.75

4.7

4.65

A EC

4.6

4 6

4.6

4.5

June.

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.75

4.85

K 0

4

QC

4.8

4.7

A. 1

4.35

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.35

4

9

4-3

4.5

5.3

4.8

A 1

4.5

July.

4.35

4.6

4.6

A 7C

4.55

4.85

5.0

4.6

A AZ

4.5

4.4

4.4

A QK

4.35

4.3

4.45

4

C

4

APL

4.4

4 If,

4 25

4.25

4 OK

Aug.

4.35

4.4

4.4

4.4

4 45

4.45

4.5

4.6

4

C

A Q

5.65

5.1

5.3

5.4

5.65

5.2

4.75

4.4

4.3

4.25

4.2

4.1

4.05

i? n

5.4

Sept.

5.55

4.1

4.3

4.3

425

A O

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4 1

4.15

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.25

4.35

4.3

4.3

4.35

4.5

4.55

4.6

4 55

4.5

4.4

Oct.

4.3

4.55

4.55

4 5

4.45

4.0

4 45

4.45

4.45

4.5

4.55

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.5

A q

4.3

4.3

4.4

4.5

4 55

4.7

4.6

4.6

Nov.

4.55

4.6

4.5

4.3

4.1

4.1.

4.2

4.2

4.3

A OK

4.2

4.25

4.2

4.15

4.1

4.2

4.4

4.45

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.35

4.25

4.2

Dec.

4.2

4.35

4.4

4.35

NOTE. Ice conditions Jan. 1 to Mar. 11 and Dec, 5 to 31.

KANSAS RIVER 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 easterty 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
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 283

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 thev 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 Republican 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 

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. 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, and bottoms and rolling uplands are well timbered with oak, cottonwood, ash, elm, hickory, etc. 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 places 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,,

The following special report contains information regarding the 

hydrography of Kansas River basin:

Surface waters of Nebraska, by J. G. Stevens: Water-Supply Paper Uo S. Geol. Survey No. 230, pp. 175-220, 1909.
284 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

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., K. 8 W., was established June 

6, 1904, to replace the station at Superior, Nebr., which had been 

maintained from 1896 to 1903. Kecords 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 1910.

Date.

Apr. 13

TWQT7 IS

July 12

Aug. 13

Sept. 22

Hydrographer.

D . D . Price. ...............................................

D. D. Price................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.. ...do... ..................................................

Width.

Feet. 

270

287

265

195

225

338

275

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

227

235

159

Qi»

100

19.9

IV)

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.70

1.55

1.40

1.01

1.10

1.21

1 34

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

*2AK

429 900

114

110

162

215

Daily gage height, in feet, of Republican River at Bostwick, Nebr., for 1910. 

[J. W. Keifer, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

6.....-..-..--..

7...............

9...............

10. ..............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17. ..............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24.. .............

25...............

Jan. Feb.

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.05

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.7

9 7S

3.0

9 Q

2.9

3 1

9 S

2.75

2

7K

2.75

Mar.

2.75

2.95

2.45

2.35

2.65

2.85

2.5

2.45

2.25

2.25

2.15

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.05

2

AK

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1 QK

1.95

1 Q

1.9

Apr.

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1 V^

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.6

May.

1.55

1.45

1.45

1 4*

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.55

. 1.55

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1 ^

1.5

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.45

i:45

June.

1.5

1.45

1.55

1.55

1.55

1 4H

1.5

2.1

1.75

1.7

1.6

1.55

1.55

1 4";

1.4

14

1.4

1 o

1.2

1

C

1 9

1.1 1.1 1.1

1.2

July.

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.1

1.4

1.0

1.1

1.0.

1.0

Aug.

0.8

.7

.7

1.6

1.3

1 Q

1.4

1.5

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.5

1.4

1.2

4.8

5 9

5 9

5.5

4.0

3

9

2 Q

2

0

2.4

Sept.

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1

0

1 °>

1 o

1 9

1 9

1.2

1 °>

1 *)

1.5

4.0

2.0

Oct.

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4 1 °.

1

0

1 1

1 9

1.2

1.2

1 9

1.1

1.2

1 9

1 9

1 9

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

Nov.

1 9

1 9.

1.3

1 0

1 0

1

0

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Dec.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1 S

1 s

1 Si

1.6

1.7

1 9

1 Q

1

C

1 Q

1

0

1.7

1.7

1.6

I

n

1.7

1 9

2.4

2.7
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 285 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Republican River at Bostwick, Nebr., for 1910 Continued.

Day.

26...............

27. ..............

28...............

9Q

30.......---.....

01

Jan.

2:5

3.25

Feb.

2.7

2.7

2.7

Mar.

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

Apr.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1 i

May.

1.4

1.95

1.8

1.6

1.6

1.56

June.

1.8

1.7

1.5

1.3

1.1

July.

0 9

9

8

8

8

8

Aug.

2.4

2.2

2.0

2.3

2.3

1.8

Sept.

3.1

2.5

2.4

2.0

1.8

Oct.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Nov.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Dec.

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.3

2.1

1.9

NOTE. fee Jan. 1 to Mar. 10 and Dec. 1 to 31. There was a little ice Nov. 28.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Republican River at Bostwick, Nebr., for 1910.

Day.

1.. .........................

4...........................

5.......-.....-...-.------..

6...........................

7...........................

9...........................

10............ ..............

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15.........-.-..-.--.....-...

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19...........................

20...........................

21...........................

22...........................

23...........................

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

98

29...............*............

30...........................

31.... ......................

Mar.

640

680

680

640

600

570

570

540

540

540

KA{\

Knfi

CAA

460

460

460

460

440

jun

400

400

Apr.

AtV)

375

375

345

345

341

375

375

345

345

345

360

360

360

360

360

360

360

380

380

360

360

340

340

340

360

345

325

May.

OAK

OQ£

295

295

345

400

400

07 c

07 c

Jflfl

dOf\

470

440

440

440

440

<t9Q

4no

375

410

410

OKf|

^9*;

^9*;

275

600

500

Q4C

Q4C

310

June.

971

255

300

300

300

255

971

660

410

380

325

300

300

255

235

OQ e

235

1Q1

160

160

160

191

125

191

160

440

380

275

1Q1

125

July.

19*;

19*;

100

100

100

100

191

inn

100

100

75

100

100

100

100

100

391

235

160

125

oqc

100

125

125

125

75

75

60

60

60

60

Aug.

60

50

50

325

195

510

235

275

160

160

125

160

125

275

235

160

4,090

4,830

4,830

5,430

2

Qin

1,870

1,110

920

920

740

580

830

830

44n

Sept.

440

380

325

325

325

275

325

380

275

275

275

275

275

235

195

195

195

160

160

160

1Q1

160

971

2,810

1,410

1,630

1,010

920

EGA

AA£\

Oct.

380

325

380

325

275

275.

275

235

235

195

195

195

160

160

160

160

125

160

160

160

160

160

160

125

125

160

160

160

160

160

160

Nov.

160

195

195

195

195

195

195

235

235

235

235

235

235

235

235

235

235

235

235

275

971

971

971

275

275.

275

275

275

971

971

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Mar. 10 to Apr. 13, not well 

defined; Apr. 14 to May 31, indirect method for shifting channels; June 1 to Nov. 30, fairly well denned 

between 100 and 200 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Republican River at Botswick, Nebr., for 1910. 

[Drainage area, 23,300 square miles.]

Month.

Mar. 11-31..................

May................ .......

July........................

The period. ..........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

680 

400 

600 

660 

325 

5,430 

2,810 

380 

275

Minimum.

400 

325 

275 

125 

60 

50 

160 

125 

160

Mean.

527 

359 

388 

264 

116 

1,120 

496 

201 

239

Per 

square 

mile.

0.023 

.015 

.017 

.011 

.0050 

.048 

.021 

.0086 

.010

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.02 

.02 

.02 

.01 

.006 

.06 

.02 

.01 

.01

Total in 

acre-feet.

22,000 

21,400 

23,900 

15,700 

7,130 

68,900 

29,500 

12,400 

14,200

188,000

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.
286 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

BIG BLUE RIVER AT BEATRICE, NEBK.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge on Sixth 

Street, south of Beatrice, Nebr., on the section line between sees. 

3 and 4, T. 3 N., R. 6 E. of the sixth principal meridian, 300 feet 

downstream from the railroad bridge and 1 mile downstream from 

a mill dam, was established October 15, 1910.

The chain gage used was installed by United States Weather 

Bureau on the upstream side of the highway bridge from which discharge measurements are made. Gage heights have also been 

obtained from this gage by the United States Weather Bureau for 

parts of years since 1905.

The constant angle between the bridge and the current renders it 

necessary to apply a correction coefficient of 0.8 to reduce the measured discharge to normal discharge past the cross section.

Miscellaneous discharge measurements were made at this location 

in 1908 and published in Water-Supply Paper 246, page 296.

No rating curve has yet been developed for this station.

Discharge measurements of Big Blue River at Beatrice, Nebr., in 1910.

Date.

13

Aug. 13

Sept. 22

Oct. 29

Nov. 11

Hydrogr'apher.

D D Price

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

80

150

150

150

150

150

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

137

250

204

247

228

223

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.62

1.18

1.38

1.28

1.35

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

321

382

246

400

328

324

a Made about 3 miles below in SW. } sec. 7, T. 3 N., R. 7 E.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Big Blue River at Beatrice, Nebr., for 1910. 

[Herbert Palmer, observer.]

Day.

1............

3............ 

4............

5............

6............

7............

8............

9............

10............

Oct. Nov.

1.3

1.3

1.3 

1.2

1.2 

1.2

1.2

1.2 

1.3

1.3

Dec.

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3 

1.3

1.2

1.2 

1.2

1.3

Day.

11............

13............ 

14............

15............ 

16............

17............

18............ 

19............

20............

Oct.

1.4 

1.4

1.4

1.6 

1.5

1.4

Nov.

1.3

1.3

1.3 

1.2

1.2 

1.3

1.4

1.4 

1.3

1.3

Dec.

1.4

1.3

1.3 

1.3

1.4 

1.3

1.3

1.3 

1.1

1.2

Day.

21............

22............

23............ 

24............

25............

26............

27.............

28............ 

29............

30............ 

31............

Oct.

1.3

1.3

1.3 

1.2

1.3 

1.4

1.4

1.4 

1.4

1.4 

1.4

Nov.

1.3

1.3

1.3 

1.3

1.3 

1.3

1.3

1.4 

1.4

1.4

Dec.

1.3

1.1

1.1 

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3 

1.3

1.2 

1.2
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 287

LITTLE BLUE BIVEB NEAR FAIRBURY, NEBB.

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 fof 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 fluctuations 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.

Discharge measurements of Little Blue River near Fairbury, Nebr., in 1910.

Date.

Jan. 29

Mar. 2

16

May 21

15

July 14

Aug. 7

Sept. 17

Oct. 25

Nov. 11

Dec. 4

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

..... do ....................................................

.....do...... ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

80

70

75

70

70

335

90

105

72

75

75

75

80

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

291

164

97

92

101

2,320

153

229

94

86

90

96

109

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.9

3.6

2.9

3.0

3.0

12.1

3.9

3.7

2.81

2.71

2.82

2.80

3.11

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

724

350

203

190

201

a 7, 320

333

355

168

137

153

151

165

a Includes overflow of 600 second-feet at north end of bridge.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Slue River near Fairbury, Nebr., for 1910. 

[Clark Hulburt, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2........... ...

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8..............

9...............

10. ..............

11...............

12. ..............

13. ..............

14. ..............

15...............

Jan. Feb.

4.3

4. t;

4.2.

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.4

3.2

3.2

3.5

3.6

Mar.

3.6

3.7

3.8

4.0

4.0

3.8

3.6

3.5

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

Apr.

2.9

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.9

May.

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.8

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.0

2.9

3.1

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

June.

6.0

4 6

4.0

3.7

3.5

3.4

3.5

9.1

11.6

8 9

6.8

5.5

5.1

4.4

4.0

July.

3.4

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.9

3.0

3.7

3.4

3.0

2.9

3.0

4.1

4.0

3.5

Aug.

2.5

2.7

4.2

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

3.9

3.2

3.0

2.9

2.8

3.3

4.0

Sept.

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

Oct.

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

3.0

3.0

2.9

Nov.

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

Dec.

2.9

3.2

3.0

3.1

3.0

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.4

3.1

3.3

3.3
£88 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Blue River near Fairbury, Nebr., in 1910 Continued.

Day.

16...............

17...............

18-......-.-....-

19. ..............

20. ..............

21...............

22. ..............

23...............

24. ..............

25..............

26. ..............

27. ..............

28. ..............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

3.2

3.7

4.7

5.1

4.9

4.7

4.3

Feb.

3.4

3.5

3.7

3.8

3.3

3.7

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.4

3.2

3.6

3.4

.......

Mar.

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.0

2.9

Apr.

2.9

2.8

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.1

3.2

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.6

2.9

2.7

May.

2.9

3.0

2.8

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.6

3.2

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.1

3.0

6.0

6.95

10.6

June.

3.7

3.5

3.5

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.1

3.8

4.0

3.6

July.

3.2

3.1

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

Aug.

3.2

4.1

8.2

5.7

4.5

5.4

5.8

4.6

3.9

3.6

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

Sept.

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.8

3.6

7.35

4.7

5.0

5.3

4.3

4.0

3.6

Oct.

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.8

2.9

Nov.

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.0

2.9

3.0

3.1

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.0

Dec.

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.3

2.9

2.8

3.3

3.5

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.3

NOTE. Ice probably existed to greater or less extent Jan. 1 to Jan. 24 and Dec. 12 to 31. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Blue River near Fairbury, Nebr., for 1910.

Day.

1...............

2.-......-.--...

'3...............

5...............

0.... ...........

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.

260

350

640

790

724

650

520

Feb.

520

580

490

440

Af)f)

375

355

350

345

290

260

320

340

300

325

360

390

290

360

340

360

390

300

270

340

310

Mar.

350

375

380

380

340

320

280

260

260

245

245

245

245

225

225

225

225

225

225

225

210

210

210

225

O1A

OAK

210

205

Apr.

205

210

202

200

210

197

195

194

192

180

188

187

185

175

182

180

170

190

190

180

tsn

190

200

210

190

ion

170 !<ai

180

100

May.

162

172

182

172

192

204

204

194

184

204

186

186

176

176

176

189

199

179

190

190

201

290

215

190

175

160

1Qfl

170

QKA

1 Afi(\

5,050

June.

875

390

260

210

175

160

170

2,800

6,300

2,740

1,270

700

600

425

350

290

270

255

255

225

235

220

220

210

210

210

OOK

340

QQrt

OAA

July.

270

240

220

210

210

210

220

330

280

220

210

220

440

410

300

250

230

220

210

210

190

175

170

165

190

170

170

160

160

Aug.

150

160

400

180

180

180

170

170

330

210

190

180

170

225

350

210

375

2,600

900

450

750

940

475

310

260

220

210

200

200

190

Ion

Sept.

170

170

170

170

170

160

160

150

150

150

140

150

150

150

140

150

150

135

130

135

140

140

240

1,780

470

550

660

300

240

Oct.

240

230

230

220

200

200

200

180

180

180

180

158

180

180

158

151

151

160

160

151

160

153

153

153

153

153

160

153

Nov.

160

151

151

151

160

151

151

160

160

151

151

180

180

180

180

160

180

180

180

180

180

200

ISO

160

180

200

160

180 isn

Ion

Dec.

158

220

180

165

180

220

220

165

180

180

NOTE. These discharges were obtained by the indirect methods for shifting channels.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN1 . 289 

Monthly discharge of Little Blue River near Fairbury, Nebr.,for 1910.

Month.

March.. . .. .........................

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

580 

440 

210 

5,050 

6,300 

440 

2,600 

1,780 

240 

200

6,300

Minimum.

260 

205 

150 

160 

160 

160 

150 

130 

151 

151

Mean.

o320 

361 

267 

187 

412 

710 

225 

378 

264 

174 

170 

ol72

303

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

19,200 

20,000 

16,400 

11,100 

25,300 

42,200 

13,800 

23,200 

15,700 

10,700 

10,100 

10,600

219,000

AccuracyD. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

D. 

D. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

D.

o Discharge estimated Jan. 1 to 24 and Dec. 11 to 31 because of ice conditions. 

NOTE. The mean for January is approximate.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASUREMENTS,

The miscellaneous measurements made in the Missouri River basin 

in 1910 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.22«

Stream. Tributary to Locality.

City, Mo.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

64.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

22,200

Upper Missouri River basin.

June 27

July 6

19

30

13

Oct. 1

Sept. 9

Red Rock River. .......

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

Sixteen Mile Creek. .....

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

nida, Mont. 

.....do..................

.....do...................

.....do...................

Mont.

66

38

38

34

34

29

142

Milk River basin.

Jan. 14

16

July 9

Milk River. .............

.....do...................

.....do...................

.....do...................

.....do..................

.....do................:.

.....do.................. .....do..........:.......

c25

c25

33

35

o Made at Hannibal Railroad bridge near foot of Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. Measurement by G. L. 

Parker.

6 Gage height referred to St. Louis directrix, which is 303.3 feet below the zero of the gage, 

c Estimated.
290 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PART VI.

Miscellaneous 'measurements in Missouri River basin Continued. 

Yellowstone River basin.

Date.

Sept. 10

10

22

23

22

23

Stream.

Clark Fork..............

.....do...................

.....do...................

Tributary to 

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

Locality.

Clark Fork, near 

Clark, Wyo.

Clark, Wyo.

Creek near Tensleep, 

Wyo. 

.....do... ...............

sleep, Wyo. 

.....do..................

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

244

7.8

5.2

C3

82

24

29

Cheyenne- River basin.

May 20 a

.....do................... .....do..................

At cable station, 300 feet

below diverting dam 

near Belle Fourehe. S. 

Dak. 

.....do..................

2.00

1.06

853

321

Minor Missouri River basins in North Dakota.

July 21

Aug. 11

2

10 

10

5

8

White Earth River. .....

.....do...................

.....do...................

Shell Creek. .............

.....do..................

..... do... ...............

.....do.................. 

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

At mouth, T. 153 N., R.

94 W. 

.....do..................

White Earth, N. Dak. . .

Sec. 28, T. 151 N., R. 

91 W. 

At mouth, T. 150 N., R.

90 W. 

Sec. 5. T. 147 N., R.

92 W. 

At mouth, T. 147 N.,

R. 85 W.

62.5

61.0

f>1.8

62.5 

6 1.2

66

61.5

Niobrara River basin.

Pine, Nebr.

50

Minor Missouri River drainage in Nebraska.

Oct. 26 Sec.l6,T.6N.,R. 13 E.,

Brock, Nebr.

88-

Platte River basin.

Sept. 1

Aug. 21

Sept. 18

Nov. 8

9

North Platte River. .....

.....do..................

.....do...................

.....do...................

East Fork of Lone Tree

Creek.

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

Dam site near Glendevey, Colo.

Wyo.

.....do..................

ing, Wyo.

1.00

1.08

1.00

52 c3

42

49

41

cl

o Made by F. J. Barnes, U. S. Reclamation Service. 6 Made by floats. Estimated.
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN. 291

Miscellaneous measurements in Missouri River basin Continued. 

Platte River basin Continued.

Date.

8

7

7

8

7

Stream.

Mclntyre Creek. .........

.....do...................

.....do...................

Tributary to 

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

Locality.

road between Jelm 

and Tie Siding, Wyo.

100 feet below old rod 

gage, Gleneyre, Colo.

Deadman Creek above 

Glendevey, Colo.

Nun Creek, Glendevey, Colo. 

.....do..................

Colo.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.15

Discharge

Sec.-ft.

4.5

4.9

5.2

a2.75

South Platte River basin.

Jan. 30

30 

Feb. 24

25 

Mar. 27

30

Apr. 13 

May 11

28

July 16 

Nov. 19 

Feb. 1

25

Mar. 30 

May 11

28

July 19 

Aug. 30 

Nov. 19 

Feb. 1

Jan. 31

Feb. 28 

Mar. 29

May 10

29

July 18

Aug. 29

Sept. 19 

Nov. 19

Elk Creek...............

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

....do...................

.....do...................

.....do...................

.....do..............'.....

....do...................

.....do...................

.....do...................

.....do...................

.. ...do........ ...........

Clear Creek..............

.....do...................

Platte. 

.....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..................

South Platte River.... . .

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do. .................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do...................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

At mouth Geneva Creek

at Grant, Colo. 

Wading measurement.

above mouth Three 

Mile Creek, near Sullivan's ranch, Grant, 

Colo. 

.....do..................

mouth. Near Sullivan's ranch, Grant, 

Colo. 

.....do..................

.....do..................

mouth Three Mile 

Creek, near Sullivan's ranch, Grant, 

Colo.

feet above mouth 

Three Mile Creek, 

near Sullivan's ranch, 

Grant, Colo. 

.....do..................

Grant, Colo.

of South Clear Creek, 

Georgetown, Colo.

miles above Silver 

Plume, Colo.

a2

a2

«7.5

84

a^

a2

aS

a3

a 10

<Z8

o3

o3

15.0

1 9

2 A

1.65

2.4

0 A

1 ^

1 Q

2

0

in o

20.8

a Estimated.
292 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1910, PAET VI.

Miscellaneous measurements in Missouri River basin Continued. 

South Platte River basin Continued.

Date.

July 23

Dec. 8

Oct. 9

9

8

7

7

7

7

Nov. 6

9

5

5

5

5

5

Stream.

North Fork of Clear

Creek. 

.....do...................

.....do...................

.....do...................

Chicago Creek. . .........

Fall River...............

West Clear Creek.. . .....

Mud Creek..... .........

Cache la Poudre River. .

Dale Creek..............

Trap Creek. .............

Joe Wright Creek........

Fall River. ........... .

Big South Creek ........

Tributary to 

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

West Clear Creek. .......

South Platte River. ....

Poudre River.

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

Locality.

ing 200 feet above 

mouth. At Forkscreek, Colo.

ing 25 feet below C. & 

S. Ry. bridge, Forkscreek, Colo. 

1 mile above Smith Hill,

Colo.

Creek road and 4 miles 

above Blackhawk, 

Colo. 

Above mouth West Chicago Creek, and 8 

miles above Idaho 

Springs, Colo.

Fall River, near Idaho 

Springs, Colo.

Creek and 1 mile above 

Empire, Colo.

Creek, and 8 miles 

above Idaho Springs, 

Colo.

and 1 mile above Empire, Colo. 

Just below Chambers

Lake Outlet, Colo. 

Near Virginia Dale, Colo.

Creek, about 24 miles 

above Home, Colo.

Lake, Colo.

.....do..................

Home, Colo.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3.7

2.5

2.3

1.2

4

6.9

13.6

1.6

a4

14

«2

«2

6 1.0

64.0

61.5

8.2

a Estimated. 6 Float measurement.
INDEX.

A. Page.

Absarokee, Mont., 

Rosebud Creek at:

description........................ 163-164

discharge............................ 164

discharge, daily ..................... 164

discharge, monthly ................. 165

gage heights......................... 164

Stillwater River near:

description.......................... 162

discharge............................ 162

discharge, daily..................... 163

discharge, monthly.................. 163

gage heights......................... 163

Accuracy of discharge measurements, degree

Of............................... 9-11

Acknowledgments to those aiding........... 12-13

Acre-foot, definition of........................ 6

Agency ditch nearHarlem, Mont.:

description.......................... 129

discharge............................ 129

discharge, daily..................... 130

discharge, monthly.................. 130

Allison's ranch (near Clark), Wyo., 

Pat O'Hare Creek at:

discharge at......................... 290

American Fork near 

Harlowton, Mont.:

description.......................... 105

discharge............................ 105

discharge, daily..................... 106

discharge, monthly.................. 106

gage heights......................... 106

Arkins, Colo.,

Big Thomson Creek at:

description.......................... 268

discharge............................ 268

discharge, daily..................... 269

discharge, monthly.................. 270

gage heights....................... 268-269

Ashfield, Mout,

Beaver Creek near. See Saco, Mont.

Augusta, Mont., 

Ford Creek near:

description.......................... 73-74

discharge............................ 74

discharge, daily..................... 75

discharge, monthly.................. 75

gage heights......................... 74

Smith Creek near:

description.......................... 76

discharge............................ 76

discharge, daily..................... 77

discharge, monthly.................. 77

gage heights......................... 76

Augusta, Mont. Continued. Page.

Sun River (North Fork) near;

description.......................... 65-66

discharge............................ 66

discharge, daily..................... 67,

discharge, monthly.................. 67

gage heights......................... 66

Sun River (South Fork) at:

description.......................... 71-72

discharge............................ * 72

discharge, daily..................... 73

discharge, monthly.................. 73

gage heights......................... 72

Willow Creek near:

description.......................... 69-70

discharge............................. 70

discharge, daily..................... 71

discharge, monthly.................. 71

gage heights......................... 70

Authority for investigations................. 1

B.

Badger Creek near 

Family, Mont.:

description.......................... 81

discharge............................ 82

discharge, daily..................... 82-83

discharge, monthly.................. 83

gage heights......................... 82

Barratts, Mont.,

Beaverhead River at:

description.......................... 25-26

discharge............................ 26

discharge, daily..................... 27

discharge, monthly.................. 27

gage heights......................... 26

Beatrice, Nebr.,

Big Blue River at:

description.......................... 286

discharge............................ 286

gage heights......................... 286

Beaver Creek near 

Ashfield, Mont. See Saco, Mont.

Saco, Mont, (station formerly knowjj as

near Ashfield): 

description........................ 120-121

discharge............................ 121

discharge, daily..................... 121

discharge, monthly.................. 122

gage heights......................... 121

Beaver Creek overflow near 

Bowdoin, Mont.:

description.......................... 122

discharge............................ 122

discharge, daily..................... 123

discharge, monthly................. 123

gage heights......................... 122

293
294 INDEX.

Page. 

Beaverhead River, use of, for irrigation ...... 22-23

Beaverhead River at 

Barratts, Mont.:

description.......................... 25-26

discharge............................ 26

discharge, daily...................... 27

discharge, monthly.................. 27

gage heights......................... 26

Beebe, J. C., work of........................ 14

Belle Fourche River near 

Belle Fourche, S. Dak.:

discharge............................ 290

Belleview, Mont.,

Teton River near. See Strabane,- Mont. 

Big Blue River at 

Beatrice, Nebr.:

description.......................... 286

discharge............................ 286

gage heights......................... 286

Bighole River basin, description of.......... 35

stream flow in........................... 35-36

Bighole River near 

Dewey, Mont.:

description.......................... 35

discharge............................ 35

discharge, daily...................... 35-36

discharge, monthly.................. 36

gage heights......................... 35-36

Bighorn River basin, description of.......... 174

stream flow in......................... 176-188

Bighorn River near 

Hardin, Mont.:

description.......................... 178

discharge............................ 178

discharge, daily...................... 179

discharge, monthly.................. 180

gage heights....................... 178-179

Thermopolis, Wyo.:

description........................ 176-177

discharge............................ 177

discharge, daily...................... 177

discharge, monthly.................. 178

gage heights......................... 177

Big Muddy River basin, description of...... 138

stream flow in......................... 138-139

Big Muddy River near 

Culbertson, Mont.:

description.......................... 138

discharge............................ 138

discharge, daily..................... 139

discharge, monthly.................. 139

gage heights......................... 138

Big South Creek near 

Home, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

Big Thompson Creek at 

Arkins, Colo.:

description.......................... 268

discharge............................ 268

discharge, daily..................... 269

discharge, monthly.................. 270

gage heights....................... 268-269

Big Thompson Creek basin, description of. 267-268 

stream flow in......................... 268-270

Big Timber Creek basin, stream flow in... 147-151

Page.

Big Timber Creek (North Fork) near - 

Big Timber, Mont.:

description.......................... 147

discharge............................ 148

discharge, daily...................... 149

discharge, monthly.................. 149

gage heights......................... 148

Big Timber Creek (South Fork) near 

Big Timber, Mont.:

description........................ 149-150

discharge............................ 150

discharge, daily..................... 151

discharge, monthly..................' 151

gage heights......................... 150

Birch Creek near 

Dupuyer, Mont.:

description.......................... 86

discharge............................ 86

discharge, daily...................... 87

discharge, monthly.................. 88

gage heights......................... 86-87

Birdseye, Mont.,

Sevenmile Creek near:

description.......................... 48

discharge............................ 48

discharge, daily...................... 49

discharge, monthly.................. 50

 gage heights.---..................... 48-49

Blackhawk, Colo.,

Clear Creek (North Fork) near:

discharge............................ 292

Bonanza, Wyo.,

No Wood River at:

description.......................... 182

discharge............................ 182

discharge, daily.................... 182-183

discharge, monthly.................. 183

, gage heights....................... 182-183

Paint Rock Creek near:

description.......................... 185

discharge............................ 185

discharge, daily..... ...*........... 185-186

discharge, monthly.................. 186

gage heights....................... 185-186

Boswell ranch (near Jelm), Wyo., 

Laramie River at:

discharge............................ 29C

Boulder Creek at 

Orodell, Colo.:

description........................ 262-263

discharge............................ 263

discharge, daily...................... 264

discharge, monthly.................. 264

gage heights......................... 263

Boulder River basin, stream flow in....... 151-155

Boulder River nearContact, Mont.:

description........................ 151-152

discharge............................ 152

discharge, daily...................... 153

discharge, monthly .................. 153

gage heights......................... 152

Boulder River (West Fork) at or near 

Bruffeys/Mont.:

description........................ 153-154

discharge............................ 154
INDEX. 295

Page.

"Bculder River (West Fork) at or near Con. 

Bruffeys, Mont. Continued.

discharge, daily...................... 155

discharge, monthly.................. 155

' gage heights......................... 154

McLeod, Mont.:

description.......................... 155

discharge............................ 156

discharge, daily.................... 156-157

discharge, monthly.................. 157

gage heights......................... 156

Bostwick, Nebr.,

Republican River at:

description.......................... 284

discharge-........................... 284

discharge, daily...................... 285

discharge, monthly.................. 285

gage heights....................... 284-285

Bowdoin, Mont.,

Beaver Creek overflow near:

description.......................... 122

discharge............................ 122

discharge, daily...................... 123

discharge, monthly.................. 123

gage heights......................... 122

Bristol automatic gage, view of.............. 270

Brock, Nebr.,

Little Nemaha River near:

discharge............................ 290

Broncho, N. Dak., 

Knife River near:

description................. ...... 191-192

discharge, daily ................... 192-193

discharge, monthly.................. 193

gage heights......................... 192

Browning, Mont.,

Milk River (South Fork) near:

description.......................... 110

discharge............................ 110

discharge, daily...................... Ill

discharge, monthly.................. 112

gage heights......................... Ill

Bruffeys, Mont.,

Boulder River (West Fork) near:

description........................ 153-154

discharge-........................... 154

discharge, daily...................... 155

discharge, monthly.................. 155

gage heights......................... 154

Buffalo Creek at 

Buffalo, Colo.:

discharge............................ 291

C.

Cache la Poudre River at or near 

Elkhorn, Colo.:

description........................ 270-271

discharge.......................... 271-273

discharge, daily...................... 274

discharge, monthly.................. 275

gage heights....................... 273-274

gaging station on, view of............ 270

Chambers Lake outlet, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

Fort Collins, Colo.:

description.................... 275,278-279

Page.

Cache la Poudre River at or near Continued. 

Fort Collins, Colo. Continued.

discharge.......................... 276,279

discharge, daily............... 277-278,280

discharge, monthly.............:.. 278,280

gage heights....................... 277,279

Fry's ranch (near Elkhorn), Colo.:

gaging stating on, view of........... 270

Home, Colo.:

ice on, view of....................... 270

Cache la Poudre River basin, description of.. 270 

stream flow in......................... 270-280

Cache la Poudre River (North Fork) near 

Livermore, Colo.:

Halligan dam on, view of ........... 270

Canals (private) in Milk River valley, description of...................... 125

stream flow in......................... 125-131

Canyon Creek, Mont.,

Little Prickly Pear Creek near:

description........................... 52-53

discharge............................ 53

discharge, daily..................... 54

discharge, monthly.................. 54"

gage heights......................... 53

Canyon Creek near 

Tensleep, Wyo.:

discharge............................ 290

Cascade, Mont.,

Missouri River at or near:

description.......................... 31

discharge............................ 31

discharge, daily..................... 32

discharge, monthly.................. 33

gage heights......................... 32

Cassells, Colo.,

South Platte River (North Fork) at:

description.......................... 246

discharge............................ 246

discharge, daily................... 247-248

discharge, monthly.................. 248

gage heights......................... 247

Chambers Lake, Colo., 

Fall River at:

discharge............................ 292

Joe Wright Creek at:

discharge............................ 292

Trap Creek near:

discharge............................ 292

Chandler, E. F., work of.................... 14

Checkerboard Creek near 

Delpine, Mont.:

description.......................... 101

discharge............................ 101

discharge, daily..................... 102

discharge, monthly.................. 103

gage heights..................'..... 101-102

Cheyenne River basin, miscellaneous measurements in........................ 290

Chicago Creek nearIdaho Springs, Colo.:

discharge.................... ........ 292

Chinook, Mont., 

Cook canal near:

description.......................... 125

discharge............................ 126
296 INDEX.

Chinook, Mont. Continued.

Cook canal near Continued.

discharge, daily..................... 126

discharge, monthly............... s .. 126

gage heights......................... 126

Fort Belknap canal near:

description.......................... 130

discharge............................ 130

discharge, daily..................... 131

discharge, monthly.................. 131

gage heights......................... 131

Matheson canal near:

description.......................... 127

discharge............................ 127

discharge, daily..................... 127

discharge, monthly.................. 128

gage heights......................... 127

Milk River at:

discharge............................ 289

Milk River (North Fork) near:

description........................ 118-119

discharge............................ 119

discharge, daily................... 119-120

discharge, monthly.................. 120

gage heights....................... 119-120

Christiansen, E. O., work of................. 14

Clancy, Mont.,

Lump Gulch Creek at:

description.......................... 44

discharge............................ 44

discharge, daily..................... 45

discharge, monthly.................. 46

gage heights......................... 44-45

Prickly Pear Creek near:

description.......................... 40-41

discharge............................ 41

discharge, daily..................... 41

discharge, monthly.................. 42

gage heights......................... 41

Clark, Wyo.,

Clark Fork at:

discharge-........................... 290

Pat O'Hare Creek near:

discharge............................ 290

Clark Fork at 

Clark, Wyo.:

discharge............................ 290

Fromberg, Mont.:

description.......................... 165

discharge............................ 167

discharge curve for.................. 166

discharge, daily................... 169-170

discharge, monthly.................. 171

gage heightc....................... 167-168

Clark Fork basin, stream flow in.......... 165-171

Clear Creek at or near 

Forkscreek, Colo.:

description........................ 256-257

discharge............................ 257

discharge daily...................... 258

discharge, monthly.................. 259

gage heights....................... 257-258

Georgetown, Colo.:

discharge............................ 291

Idaho Springs, Colo.:

description.......................... 259

Clear Creek at or near Continued. Page.

Idaho Springs, Colo. Continued.

' discharge............................ 259

gage heights......................... 259

Silver Plume, Colo.:

discharge............................ 291

Clear Creek basin, description of............. 256

stream flow in......................... 256-259

Clear Creek (North Fork) at or near 

Blackhawk, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

Forkscreek, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

Smith Hill, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

demons, Mont.,

Dearborn River near:

description.......................... 60

discharge............................ 61

discharge, daily..................... 61-62

discharge, monthly.................. 62

gage heights......................... 61

Fails Creek near:

description.......................... 62-63

discharge............................ 63

discharge, daily..................... 64

discharge, monthly.................. 64

gage heights......................... 63

Cody, Wyo.,

Shoshone River at:

description.......................... 188

discharge............................ 188

Columbus, Nebr.,

Loup River at:

description.......................... 281

discharge............................ 281

gage heights......................... 282

Platte River near:

description.......................... 218

discharge............................ 219

gage heights......................... 219

Contact, Mont.,

Boulder River near:

description........................ 151-152

discharge............................ 152

discharge, daily..................... 153

discharge, monthly.................. 153

gage heights......................... 152

Cook canal nearChinook, Mont.:

description.......................... 125

discharge........ s ................... 126

discharge, daily..................... 126

discharge, monthly.................. '126

gage heights......................... 126

Cooperation, credit for....................... 12-13

Cooperative data, use of..................... 11-12

Corbett dam, Wyo.,

Corbett tunnel at:

discharge, daily..................... 190

discharge, monthly.................. 191

Shoshone River at:

description........................ 188-189

discharge, daily................... 189-190

. discharge, monthly.................. 190

gage heights........................ 189
INDEX. 297

Corbett tunnel at Page. 

Corbett dam, Wyo.:

discharge, daily..................... 190

discharge, monthly.................. 191

Corwin Springs, Mont., 

Yellowstone River at:

description........................ 141-142

...................... 142

...................... 142

Crossons, Colo.,

Deer Park Creek near:

discharge............................ 291

Crow Creek at 

Townsend, Mont.:

discharge............................ 289

Culbertson, Mont.,

Big Muddy River near:

description.......................... 138

discharge............................ 138

discharge, daily..................... 139

discharge, monthly.................. 139

gage heights......................... 138

Current meters, views of..................... 8

Current-meter stations, views of.. I.......... 8

Curves, discharge, figure showing............ 166

Cutbank Creek at 

Cutbank, Mont.:

description.......................... 83-84

discharge............................ 84

discharge, daily..................... 85

discharge, monthly.................. 85

gage heights......................... 84

D. 

Dale Creek near 

Virginia Dale, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

Data, explanation of........................ 8-9

field methods used in collection of....... 9

Data on stream flow in publications of United 

States Geological Survey, character of............................ 3-4

Deadman Creek near 

Glendevey, Colo.:

discharge............................ 291

MarysvUle, Mont.:

description.......................... 54-55

discharge. ............................ 55

discharge, daily..................... 56

discharge, monthly.................. 56

gage heights......................... 55

Dearborn River basin, description of........ 60

stream flow in........................... 60-62

Dearborn River near 

demons, Mont.:

description.......................... 60

discharge............................ 61

discharge, daily..................... 61-62

discharge, monthly.................. 62

gage heights......................... 61

Deer Park Creek near 

Crossons, Colo.:

discharge............................ 291

Definitions of terms......................... 6

Delpine, Mont.,

Checkerboard Creek near:

description.......................... 101

discharge............................ 101

97746° WSP 286 11 20

Delpine, Mont. Continued.

Checkerboard Creek near Continued.

discharge, daily..................... 102

discharge, monthly.................. 103

gage heights....................... 101-102

Musselshell River (North Fork) near:

description.......................... 95

discharge............................ 95

discharge, daily..................... 96

discharge, monthly.................. 97

gage heights......................... 95-96

Denver, Colo.,

South Platte River at:

description.......................... 232

discharge............................ 232

discharge, daily..................... 233

discharge, monthly.................. 234

gage heights....................... 232-233

Dewey, Mont.,

Bighole River near:

description.......................... 35

discharge............................ 35

discharge, daily...................... 35-36

discharge, monthly.................. 36

gage heights......................... 35-36

Discharge, definition of...................... 6

curves for, figure showing ............... 166

Discharge measurements, accuracy of........ 9-11

nature of................................ 8

Dobson, Arthur, work of.................... 14

Douglas Creek (N. Dak.) at: 

mouth of Douglas Creek:

discharge............................ 290

Drainage basins, list of...................... 3

Duck Lake Creek near 

Grant, Colo.:

description........................ 254-255

discharge............................ 255

gage heights......................... 255

Dupuyer, Mont., 

Birch Creek near:

description.......................... 86

discharge............................ 86

discharge, daily..................... 87

discharge, monthly.................. 88

gage heights......................... 86-87

Dupuyer Creek at:

description.......................... 88

discharge............................ 88

discharge, daily...................... 89

discharge, monthly.................. 90

gage heights......................... 89

Dupuyer Creek at 

Dupuyer, Mont.:

description.......................... 88

discharge, daily..... 

discharge, monthly. 90

E. 

East Helena, Mont.,

Prickly Pear Creek at:

description.......................... 42

discharge............................ 42

discharge, daily...................... 43

discharge, monthly.................. 43
298 INDEX.

Elk Creek at Page. 

Pine Grove, Colo.:

discharge............................ 291

Elkhorn, Colo.,

Cache la Poudre River at or near:

description........................ 270-271

discharge.......................... 271-273

discharge, daily...................... 274

discharge, monthly.................. 275

gage heights....................... 273-274

gaging station on, view of............ 270

Empire, Colo.,

Mud Creek near:

discharge............................ 292

West Clear Creek near:

discharge............................ 292

Equivalents, list of.......................... 7

Exeter, Mont., 

Milk River at:

discharge............................ 289

F. 

Fairbury, Nebr.,

Little Blue River near:

description.......................... 287

discharge............................ 287

discharge, daily...................... 288

discharge, monthly.................. 289

gage heights....................... 287-288

Fairplay, Colo.,

South Platte River (South Fork) at:

description.......................... 225

discharge............................ 225

gage heights......................... 225

Fall River at or near 

Chambers Lake, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

Idaho Springs, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

Falls Creek near 

demons, Mont.:

description.......................... 62-63

discharge............................ 63

discharge, daily...................... 64

discharge, monthly.................. 64

gage heights......................... 63

Family, Mont.,

Badger Creek near:

description.......................... 81

discharge............................ 82

discharge, daily...................... 82-83

discharge, monthly.................. 83

gage heights......................... 82

Two Medicine River at:

description.......................... 78-79

discharge............................ 79

discharge, daily...................... 80

discharge, monthly.................. 81

gage heights......................... 79-80

Ford Creek near 

Augusta, Mont.:

description.......................... 73-74

discharge............................ 74

discharge, daily..................... 75

, discharge, monthly.................. 75

...................... 74

Forkscreek, Colo.,

Clear Creek at:

description. ....................... 250-257

discharge............................ 257

discharge, daily. .................... 258

discharge, monthly. ................. 259

gage heights. . ..................... 257-258

Clear Creek (North Fork) at:

discharge. ........................... 292

Fort Belknap canal nearChinook, Mont.:

description .......................... 130

discharge. ........................... 130

discharge, daily. .................... 131

discharge, monthly. ................. 131

gage heights ......................... 131

Fort Benton, Mont.,

Missouri River at:

description .......................... 33

discharge. ........................... 33

discharge, daily. .................... 34

discharge, monthly. ................. 34

gage heights ......................... 34

Fort Collins, Colo.,

Cache la Poudre River near:

description .................... 275, 278-279

discharge. ......................... 276, 279

discharge, daily ............... 277-278, 280

discharge, monthly ................ 278, 280

gage heights ....................... 277, 279

Frazer, Mont.,

Little Porcupine Creek near:

description. ....................... 131-132

discharge ............................ 132

discharge, daily. .................. 132-133

discharge, monthly. ................. 133

gage heights ......................... 132

Freeman, W. B., work of.. .................. 14

Fromberg, Mont.,

Clark Fork at:

description. ......................... 165

discharge. . .......................... 167

discharge curve for. ................. 166

discharge, daily. .................. 169-170

discharge, monthly. ................. 171

gage heights. . ..................... 167-168

Fry's ranch (near'Elkhorn), Colo.,

Cache la Poudre River at:

gaging station on, view of ........... 270

G.

Gage heights, readings of .................... 8

Gaging stations, list of, in Missouri River

basin ............................ 14-20

views of................... .............. 8.270

Gallatin River basin, stream flow in. ....... 39-40

Geneva Creek at or nearGrant, Colo.:

discharge. ........................... 291

(above) Jackwhacker Creek (near Grant),

Colo.: 

description ........................ 250-251

discharge. ........................... 251

gage heights. . ....................... 251

Old Geneva smelter (near Grant), Colo.:

description. ......................... 251

discharge ............................ 251
INDEX. 299

Geneva Cieek at or near Continued. Page. 

Sullivan's ranch (near Grant), Colo.:

description........................ 251-252

discharge............................ 252

discharge, daily..................... 253

discharge, monthly.................. 254

gage heights...............'........ 252-253

Geneva Creek basin, stream flow in....... 250-256

Georgetown, Colo., 

Clear Creek near:

discharge.....................'....... 291

Glendevey, Colo.,

Deadman Creek near:

discharge............................ 291

Laramie River at:

Bristol automatic gage used at gaging

station on, view of.............. 270

description.......................... 220

discharge.......................... 220,290

discharge, daily..................... 221

discharge, monthly.................. 221

gage heights......................... 221

Nun Creek near:

discharge............................ 291

Glendive, Mont.,

Yellowstone River at:

description.......................... 145

discharge............................ 145

discharge, daily..................... 146

discharge, monthly.................. 147

gage heights....................... 145-146

Gleneyre, Colo.,

Mclntyre Creek at:

discharge........................._.. 291

Grand River basin, stream flow in............ -202

Grand River (North Fork) at 

Haley, N. Dak.:

description........................ 199-200

discharge............................ 200

discharge, daily.................... 200-202

discharge, monthly.................. 202

gage heights......................... 200

Grant, Colo.,

Duck Lake Creek near:

description........................ 254-255

discharge....:....................... 255

gage heights......................... 255

Geneva Creek at or near:

discharge............................ 291

See also Jackwhacker Creek; Old

Geneva smelter; Sullivan's ranch. 

Smelter Creek near:

description.......................... 254

discharge............................ 254

South Platte River (North Fork) at:

description.......................... 244

discharge............................ 244

discharge, daily...................... 245

discharge, monthly.................. 245

gage heights......................... 245

Threemile Creek near:

discharge............................ 291

Greybull River basin, description of......... 186

stream flow in......................... 186-188

Greybull River near 

Meeteetse, Wyo.:

description........................ 186-187

discharge............................ 187

gage heights......................... 187

H. Page. 

Haley, N. Dak.,

Grand River (North Fork) at:

description........................ 199-200

discharge............................ 200

discharge, daily.................... 200-202

discharge, monthly.................. 202

gage heights......................... 200

Halligan dam, on North Fork of Cache la

Poudre River, view of........... 270

Hardin, Mont.,

Bighorn River near:

description.......................... 178

discharge............................ 178

discharge, daily...................... 179

discharge, monthly.................. 180

gage heights....................... 178-179

Harding, S. T., work of...................... 14

Harlem, Mont.,

Agency ditch near:

description.......................... 129

discharge............................ 129

discharge, daily...................... 160

discharge, monthly.................. 130

Harlem canal nearZurich, Mont.,

description.......................... 128

discharge............................ 128

discharge, daily.................... 128-129

discharge, monthly................ 129

gage heights....................... 128-129

Harlowton, Mont.,

American Fork near:

description.......................... 105

discharge............................ 105

discharge, daily...................... 106 .

discharge, monthly.................. 106

gage heights......................... 106

Lebo Creek near:

description.......................... 107

discharge............................ 107

discharge, daily...................... 108

discharge, monthly.................. 108

gage heights......................... 107

Musselshell River at:

description.......................... 99

discharge............................ 99

discharge, daily...................... 100

discharge, monthly.................. 101

gage heights......................... 100

Havre, Mont., 

Milk River at:

description........................ 112-113

discharge............................ 113

discharge, daily...................... 114

discharge, monthly.................. 114

. gage heights......................... 113

Hayman, Colo.,

Tarryall Creek near:

description........................ 242-243

discharge............................ 243

gage heights......................... 243

Heart River basin, description of............ 197

stream flow in......................... 197-199

Heart River near 

Richardton, N. Dak.:

description........................ 197-198

discharge, daily................... 198-199
300 INDEX.

Heart River near Continued. Page.

Richardton, N. Dak. Continued.

discharge, monthly.................. 199

gage heights......................... 198

Heidel, C. 8., work of....................... 14

Helena, Mont.,

Temnile Creek near:

description.......................... 46

discharge............................ 46

discharge, daily..................... 47

discharge, monthly.................. 48

gage heights......................... 47

Hinsdale, Mont.,

Milk River at:

description........................ 116-117

discharge............................ 117

discharge, daily..................... 118

discharge, monthly.................. 118

gage heights......................... 117

Home, Colo.,

Big South Creek near:

discharge............................ 292

» Cache la Poudre River near:

ice on, view of."...................... 270

Roaring Creek near:

discharge............................ 292

Huntley, Mont.,

Pryor Creek at:

description.......................... 172

discharge............................ 172

discharge, daily..................... 173

discharge, monthly.................. 174

gage heights....................... 172-173

Yellowstone River at:

description.......................... 142

discharge............................ 143

discharge, daily..................... 144

discharge, monthly.................. 144

gage heights......................... 143

I.

Ice, view showing method of making discharge measurement under...... 270

Idaho Springs, Colo., 

Chicago Creek near:

discharge............................ 292

Clear Creek at:

description.......................... 259

discharge............................ 259

gage heights......................... 259

Fall River near:

discharge............................ 292

West Chicago Creek near:

discharge............................ 292

Interstate canal at 

Whalen, Wyo.:

description........................ 211-212

discharge, daily................... 213-214

discharge, monthly.................. 214

Investigations, authority for................. 1

scope of................................. 2

J.

Tackwhacker Creek (near Grant), Colo., 

Geneva Creek above:

description........................ 250-251

discharge............................ 251

...................... 251

Jefferson, Colo., Page. 

Jefferson Creek at:

description.......................... 243

discharge............................ 243

gage heights......................... 243

Michigan Creek near:

description.......................... 244

discharge............................ 244

gage heights......................... 244

Tarryall Creek near:

description.......................... 242

discharge............................ 242

gage heights......................... 242

Jefferson Creek at 

Jefferson, Colo.:

description.......................... 243

discharge............................ 243

gage heights......................... 243

Jefferson River near 

Silverstar, Mont.:

description.......................... 27-28

discharge............................ 28

discharge, daily..................... 28

discharge, monthly.................. 29

gage heights......................... 28

Jelm, Wyo.,

Sand Creek near:

discharge............................ 291.

Laramie River near. See Boswell ranch. 

Joe Wright Creek at 

Chambers Lake, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

Jones, B. E., work of........................ 14

Judith River basin, description of........... 92-93

stream flow of............................ 93-94

Judith River near 

Lewistown, Mont.:

description.......................... 92-93

discharge............................ 93

gage heights......................... 93

Julesburg, Colo.,

South Platte River at:

description.......................... 239

discharge............................ 240

discharge, daily..................... 241

discharge, monthly.................. 241

...................... 240

K.

Kansas City, Mo., 

Missouri River at:

discharge............................ 289

Kansas River basin, description of........ 282-283

stream flow in......................... 284-289

Kersey, Colo.,

South Platte River near:

description........................ 234-235

discharge.......................... 235,237

discharge, daily................... 236,238

discharge, monthly.................. 238

gage heights................... 235-236,237

Keystone, TSTebr.,

North Platte River at:

discharge............................ 290

Knife River basin, description of............ 191

stream flow in......................... 191-193
INDEX. 301

Knife River near Page. 

Broncho, N. Dak.:

description........................ 191-192

discharge, daily................... 192-193

discharge, monthly.................. 193

gage heights......................... 192

L 

Lamb, W. A., work of....................... 14

Laramie River at or near 

Boswell ranch (near Jelm), Wyo.:

discharge............................ 290

Glendevey, Colo.:

description.......................... 220

discharge.......................... 220,290

discharge, daily..................... 221

discharge, monthly.................. 221

gage heights......................... 221

view of Bristol automatic gage used

at gaging station on............. 270

Laramie River basin, description of....... 219-220

stream flow in......................... 220-221

Lebo Creek near 

Harlowton, Mont.:

description.......................... 107

discharge............................ 107

discharge, daily..................... 108

discharge, monthly.................. 108

gage heights......................... 107

Lewistown, Mont., 

Judith River near:

description.......................... 92-93

discharge............................ 93

gage heights......................... 93

Warm Spring Creek at:

discharge............................ 289

Lima, Mont.,

Red Rock River at:

description.......................... 23

discharge............................ 23

discharge, daily..................... 24

discharge, monthly.................. 25

gage heights......................... 24

Little Blue River near 

Fairbury, Nebr.:

description.......................... 287

discharge............................ 287

discharge, daily..................... 288

discharge, monthly.................. 289

gage heights....................... 287-288

Little Missouri River (N. Dak.), discharge

measurement of................. 290

Little Nemaha River near 

Brock, Nebr.:

discharge............................ 290

Little Porcupine Creek basin, description of. 131-132 

stream flow in......................... 132-133

Little Porcupine Creek near 

Frazer, Mont.:

description........................ 131-132

discharge............................ 132

discharge, daily................... 132-133

discharge, monthly.................. 133

gage heights......................... 132

Little Prickly Pear Creek basin, description of. 50 

stream flow in........................... 50-60

Little Prickly Pear Creek near Page. 

Canyon Creek, Mont.:

description.......................... 52-53

discharge............................ 53

discharge, daily..................... 54

discharge, monthly.................. 54

gage heights......................... 53

Marysville, Mont.:

description.......................... 50

discharge............................ 51

discharge, daily..................... 51-52

discharge, monthly.................. 52

gage heights......................... 51

Livermore, Colo.,

Cache la Poudre River (North Fork)

near: 

Halligan dam on, view of............ 270

Lombard, Mont.,

Sixteenmile Creek at:

discharge-........................... 289

Lone Tree Creek (East Fork) near 

Tie Siding, Wyo.:

discharge............................ 290

Long Pine Creek near 

Long Pine, Nebr.:

discharge............................ 290

Lost Horse Creek near 

Marysville, Mont.:

description.......................... 56-57

discnarge............................ 57

discharge, daily..................... 58

discharge, monthly.................. 58

gage heights......................... 57

Loup River at 

Columbus, Nebr.:

description.......................... 281

discharge............................ 281

gage heights......................... 282

Loup River basin, description of....../... 280-281

stream flow in......................... 281-282

Lump Gulch Creek at 

Clancy, Mont.:

description.......................... 44

discharge............................ 44

discharge, daily..................... 45

discharge, monthly.................. 46

gage heights......................... 44-45

Lyons, Colo.,

St. Vrain Creek at:

description.......................... 260

discharge............................ 261

discharge, daily................... 261-262

discharge, monthly.................. 262

gage heights......................... 261

Lyon, G. J., work of......................... 14

Lyons ranch (near Monida), Mont.: 

Red Rock River near:

discharge............................ 289

M.

McChristie, M. E., work of.................. 14

Mclntyre Creek at 

Gleneyre, Colo.:

discharge............................ 291
302 INDEX,

McLeod, Mont., Page. 

Boulder River (West Fork) at:

description.......................... 155

discharge............................ 156

discharge, daily................... 156-157

discharge, monthly.................. 157

gage heights......................... 156

Madison River basin, stream flow in......... 38-39

Madison River near 

Norris, Mont.:

description.......................... 38

discharge............................ 38

discharge, daily..................... 38-39

discharge, monthly.................. 39

gage heights......................... 38-39

Malta, Mont., 

Milk River at:

description........................ 114-115

discharge.......................... 115,289

discharge, daily..................... 116

discharge, monthly.................. 116

gage heights......................... 115

Marias River basin, description of........... 78

stream flow in........................... 78-92

Marsh Creek near 

Marysville, Mont.:

description.......................... 58

discharge............................ 58

discharge, daily..................... 59

discharge, monthly.................. 60

gage heights......................... 59

Marshall, Colo.,

South Boulder Creek near:

description........................ 265-266

discharge............................ 266

discharge, daily..................... 267

discharge, monthly.................. 267

gage heights......................... 266

Martinsdale, Mont.,

Musselshell River (North Fork) near:

description.......................... 97

discharge............................ 97

discharge, daily...................... 98

discharge, monthly.................. 99

gage heights......................... 98

Musselshell River (South Fork) near:

description.......................... 103

discharge............................ 103

discharge, daily...................... 104

discharge, monthly.................. 105

gage heights......................... 104

Marysville, Mont.,

Deadman Creek near:

description.......................... 54-55

discharge............................ 55

discharge, daily...................... 56

discharge, monthly.................. 56

gage heights......................... 55

Little Prickly Pear Creek near:

description.......................... 50

discharge............................ 51

discharge, daily...................... 51-52

discharge, monthly.................. 52

gage heights......................... 51

Lost Horse Creek near:

description.......................... 56-57

discharge............................ 57

Marysville, Mont. Continued.

Lost Horse Creek near Continued, 

discharge, daily..................

discharge, monthly..............

........... 58

........... 58

....................... 57

Marsh Creek near:

description.......................... 58

discharge............................ 58

discharge, daily...................... 59

discharge, monthly.................. 60

gage heights......................... 59

Mathers, J. G., work of...................... 14

Matheson canal near 

Chinook, Mont.:

description.......................... 127

discharge............................ 127

discharge, daily...................... 127

discharge, monthly.................. 128

gageheights........................ 127

Meeteetse, Wyo.,

Grey bull River near:

description........................ 186-187

discharge............................ 187

gage heights......................... 187

Wood River near:

description.......................... 187

discharge............................ 187

gageheights......................... 188

Melville, Mont.,

Sweetgrass Creek near:

description................ 157-158,159-160

discharge.......................... 158,160

discharge, daily.................... 359,161

discharge, monthly................ 159,162

gage heights....................... 158,161

Michigan Creek nearJefferson, Colo.:

description. ........................ 244

discharge............................ 244

gage heights......................... 244

Milk River at 

Chinook, Mont.:

discharge............................ 289

Exeter, Mont.:

discharge............................ 289

Havre, Mont.:

description........................ 112-113

discharge............................ 113

discharge, daiiy...................... 114

discharge, monthly.................. 114

gage heights......................... 113

Hinsdale, Mont.:

description........................ 116-117

discharge............................ 117

discharge, daily...................... 118

discharge, monthly.................. 118

gage heights......................... 117

Malta, Mont.:

description........................ 114-115

discharge.......................... 115,289

discharge, daily...................... 116

discharge, monthly.................. 116

gage heights......................... 115

Milk River basin, description of........... 109-110

miscellaneous measurements in.......... 289

stream flow in......................... 110-131
INDEX. 303

Milk River (North Pork) near Page. 

Chinook, Mont.:

description........................ 118-119

discharge............................ 119

discharge, daiiy.................... 119-120

discharge, monthly.................. 120

gage heights....................... 119-120

Milk River (South Fork) near 

Browning, Mont.:

description.......................... 110

discharge............................ 110

discharge, daily.....---.-...-........ Ill

discharge, monthly.................. 112

gage heights......................... Ill

Milk River valley, private canals in, description of........................... 125

private canals in, stream flow of....... 125-131

Miscellaneous measurements in 

Cheyenne River basin................... 290

Milk River basin........................ 289

Missouri River basin.......'........... 289-292

(minor) in Nebraska................ 290

(minor) in North Dakota............ 290

(upper).............................. 289

Niobrara River basin.................... 290

Platte River basin.................... 290-291

South Platte River basin.............. 291-292

Yellowstone River basin................ 290

Missouri River at or near 

Cascade, Mont.:

description.......................... 31

discharge............................ 31

discharge, daily..................... 32

discharge, monthly.................. 33

gage heights......................... 32

Fort Benton, Mont.:

description.......................... 33

discharge............................ 33

discharge, daily..................... 34

discharge, monthly.................. 34

gage heights......................... 34

Kansas City, Mo.:

discharge............................ 289

Toston, Mont.:

description.......................... 29

discharge............................ 29

discharge, daily..................... 30

discharge, monthly.................. 31

gage heights......................... 29-30

Missouri River basin, gaging stations in, list

of. .............................. 14-20

general features of....../................ 20-21

miscellaneous measurements in........ 289-292

topography of........................... 20-21

tributary basins of, stream flow in...... 35-289

Missouri River basin in Montana, appropriations for hydrographic work in.. 12-13 

Missouri River basin (minor) in Nebraska,

miscellaneous measurements in.. 290 

Missouri River basins (minor) in North Dakota, miscellaneous measurements in........................ 290

Missouri River (proper) basin, description of. 21-23 

power development in, opportunities for. 23 

stream flow in........................... 23-34

Missouri River basin (upper), miscellaneous

measurements in................ 289

Mitchell, Nebr., Page. 

North Platte River near:

description........................ 214-215

discharge............................ 215

discharge, daily................... 215-216

discharge, monthly.................. 216

Monida, Mont.:

Red Rock River near. See Lyons ranch. 

Montana, appropriations for. hydrographic

work in Missouri River basin Ln.. 12-13 

Mud Creek near 

Empire, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

Musselshell River at 

Harlowton, Mont.:

description.......................... 99

discharge............................ 99

discharge, daily..................... 100

discharge, monthly.................. 101

gage heights.......................... 100

Musselshell River basin, description of....... 94

stream flow in.......................... 95-108

Musselshell River (North Fork) near 

Delpine, Mont.:

description.......................... 95

discharge............................ 95

discharge, daily..................... 96

discharge, monthly.................. 97

gage heights......................... 95-96

Martinsdale, Mont.:

description.......................... 97

discharge............................ 97

discharge, daily..................... 98

discharge, monthly.................. 99

gage heights......................... 98

Musselshell River (South Fork) near 

Martinsdale, Mont.:

description.......................... 103

discharge............................ 103

discharge, daily..................... 104

discharge, monthly.................. 105

gage heights......................... 104

N. 

Nashua, Mont.,

Porcupine Creek at:

description.......................... 123

discharge...........................r 124

discharge, daily..................... 124

discharge, monthly.................. 125

gage heights......................... 124

Nebraska, miscellaneous measurements in

minor Missouri River basin in... 290 

Niobrara River at 

Niobrara, Nebr.:

description........................ 203-204

...................... 204

...................... 204

Niobrara' River basin, description of......... 203

miscellaneous measurement in.."........ 290

stream flow in......................... 203-204

Norris, Mont.,

Madison River near:

description.......................... 38

discharge............................ 38

discharge, daily..................... 38-39

discharge, monthly.................. 39

...................... 38-39
304 INDEX.

Page. 

North Dakota, miscellaneous measurements

in minor Missouri River basins in. 290 

North Platte, Nebr.,

North Platte River at:

description........................ 216-217

discharge............................ 217

gage heights....................... 217-218

North Platte River'at or near 

Keystone, Nebr.:

discharge............................ 290

Mitehell, Nebr.:

description........................ 214-215

discharge............................ 215

discharge, daily................... 215-216

discharge, monthly.................. 216

North Platte, Nebr.:

description........................ 216-217

discharge............................ 217

gage heights....................... 217-218

Pathfinder, Wyo.:

description.......................... 208

discharge............................ 209

discharge, daily................... 209-210

discharge, monthly.................. 210

gage heights......................... 209

Whalen, Wyo.:

description........................ 211-212

discharge............................ 212

discharge, daily................... 212-213

discharge, monthly.................. 213

North Platte River basin, description of... 205-208 

stream flow in......................... 208-218

No Wood River at 

Bonanza, Wyo.:

description.......................... 182

discharge............................ 182

discharge, daily................... 182-183

discharge, monthly.................. 183

gage heights....................... 182-183

No Wood River basin, description of...... 181-182

stream flow in......................... 182-186

Nun Creek near 

Glendevey, Colo.:

......................... 291

O.

Old Geneva smelter (near Grant), Colo., 

Geneva Creek at:

description.......................... 251

discharge............................ 251

Orodell, Colo.,

Boulder Creek at:

description........................ 262-263

discharge............................ 263

discharge, daily..................... 264

discharge, monthly.................. 264

gage heights......................... 263

Owl Creek near 

Thermopolis, Wyo.:

description.......................... 180

discharge............................. 180

discharge, daily..................... 181

B, monthly.................. 181

....................... 181

P. Page. 

Padgett, H. D., work of.................... 14

Paint Creek near 

Clark, Wyo.:

discharge............................ 290

Paint Rock Creek near 

Bonanza, Wyo.:

description.......................... 186

discharge............................ 185

discharge, daily........ .......... 185-186

discharge, monthly.................. 186

gage heights....................... 185-186

Painted Woods Creek, description of...... 193-194

stream flow in......................... 194-197

Painted Woods Creek near 

Washburn, N. Dak.:

description.......................... 194

discharge............................ 194

gage heights....................... 194-195

Pathfinder, Wyo'.,

North Platte River at:

description.......................... 208

discharge............................ 209

discharge, daily................... 209-210

discharge, monthly.................. 210

gage heights......................... 209

reservoir at:

inflow into........................ 210-211

inflow, monthly, into............... 211

Pat O'Hare Creek at or near 

Allison's ranch (near Clark), Wyo.:

discharge............................ 290

Clark, Wyo. See Allison's ranch. 

Phelan, J. J., work of........................ 14

Pine Grove, Colo., 

Elk Creek at:

discharge............................ 291

Pipestone Creek basin, stream flow in....... 36-37

Pipestone Creek near 

Whitehall, Mont.:

description.......... ;.............. 36

discharge............................ 37

gage heights......................... 37

Platte River basin, description of............ 204

miscellaneous measurements in........ 290-291

stream flow in......................... 204-219

Platte River near 

'Columbus, Nebr.:

description.......................... 218

...................... 219

...................... 219

Platte River (proper) basin, description of. 205-208 

stream flow in......................... 218-219

Poplar Creek basin, description of......... 135-136

stream flow in......................... 136-137

Poplar Creek near 

Poplar, Mont.:

description........................ 135-136

discharge............................ 136

discharge, daily..................... 137

discharge, monthly.................. 137

gage heights......................... 136

Porcupine Creek at 

Nashua, Mont.:

description.......................... 123

discharge............................ 124

discharge, daily..................... 124
INDEX. 305

Porcupine Creek at Continued. Page. 

Nashua, Mont. Continued.

discharge, monthly.................. 125

gage heights......................... 124

Prickly Pear Creek at or near 

Clancy, Mont.:

description.......................... 40-41

discharge............................ 41

discharge, daily..................... 41

discharge, monthly.................. 42

gage heights......................... 41

East Helena, Mont.:

description.......................... 42

discharge............................ 42

discharge, daily..................... 43

discharge, monthly.................. 43

gage heights......................... 43

Prickly Pear Creek basin, description of...... 40

stream flow in........................... 40-50

Pryor Creek at 

Huntley, Mont.:

description.......................... 172

discharge............................ 172

discharge, daily..................... 173

discharge, monthly.................. 174

gage heights....................... 172-173

Pryor Creek basin, stream flow in......... 172-174

Publications, lists of......................... 3-6

R.

Rating curves and tables, accuracy of........ 10-11

construction of.......................... 9

Red Rock River, irrigation possibilities of... 22-23 

Red Rock River at or nearLima, Mont.:

description.......................... 23

discharge............................ 23

discharge, daily..................... 24

discharge, monthly.................. 25

gage heights......................... 24

Lyons ranch (near Monida), Mont.:

discharge............................ 289

Monida, Mont. See Lyons ranch. 

Republican River at 

Bostwick, Nebr.:

description.......................... 284

discharge............................ 284

discharge, daily..................... 285

discharge, monthly.................. 285

gage heights....................... 284-285

Rice, R. C., work of......................... 14

Richards, Raymond, work of................ 14

Richardton, N. Dak., 

Heart River near:

description........................ 197-198

discharge, daily................... 198-199

discharge, monthly.................. 199

gage heights......................... 198

Rising Water Creek (N. Dak.) at 

mouth of Rising Water Creek:

discharge............................ 290

Eolflnsville, Colo.,

South Boulder Creek near:

description.......................... 265

discharge............................ 265

gage heights......................... 265

Roaring Creek near 

Home, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

Rosebud Creek at 

Absarokee, Mont.:

description........................ 163-164

discharge............................ 164

discharge, daily..................... 164

discharge, monthly.................. 165

gage heights......................... 164

Run-off, definition of........................ 6

Russell, O. H., work of........'.............. 14

Saco, Mont.,

Beaver Creek near (station formerly

known as near Ashfield): 

description........................ 120-121

discharge............................ 121

discharge, daily..................... 121

discharge, monthly.................. 122

gage heights......................... 121

St. Vrain Creek at 

Lyons, Colo.:

description.......................... 260

discharge............................ 261

discharge, daily................... 261-262

discharge, monthly.................. 262

gage heights.............. 1.......... 261

St. Vrain Creek basin, description of........ 260

stream flow in......................... 260-267

Salesville, Mont.,

West Gallatin River near:

description.......................... 39

discharge............................ 40

gage heights......................... 40

Sand Creek near 

Jelm, Wyo.:

discharge............................ 29i

Tie Siding, Wyo.:

discharge............................ 291

Scott Gomer Creek at 

Sullivan's ranch (near Grant), Colo.:

description.......................... 255

discharge............................ 256

gage heights......................... 256

Second-foot, definition of.................... 6

Sevenmile Creek near 

Birdseye, Mont.:

description ......................... 48

discharge............................ 48

discharge, daily..................... 49

discharge, monthly.................. 50

gage heights......................... 48-49

Shell Creek (N. Dak.), discharge measurement of._........................ 290

Shoshone River at 

Cody, Wyo.:

description.......................... 188

discharge............................ 188

Corbett dam, Wyo.:

description........................ 188-189

discharge, daily................... 189-190

discharge, monthly.................. 190

gage heights......................... 189

Shoshone River basin, stream flow hi...... 188-191
306 INDEX.

Silver Plume, Colo., 

Clear Creek near:

discharge. *.........,................ 291

Silverstar, Mont.,

Jefferson River near:

description.......................... 27-28

discharge............................ 28

discharge, daily..................... 28

discharge, monthly.................. 29

gage heights......................... 28

Simmons, E.G., work of.................... 14

Sixteenmile Creek at 

Lombard, Mont.:

discharge...... '. ..................... 289

Smelter Creek near 

Grant, Colo.:

description.......................... 254

discharge............................ 254

Smith Creek nearAugusta, Mont.:

description.......................... 76

discharge............................ 76

discharge, daily..................... 77

discharge, monthly.................. 77

gage heights......................... 76

Smith Hill, Colo.,

Clear Creek (North Fork) near:

discharge............................ 292

South Boulder Creek nearMarshall, Colo.:

description........................ 265-266

discharge............................ 266

discharge, daily..................... 267

discharge, monthly.................. 267

gage heights......................... 266

Rollinsville, Colo.:

description.......................... 265

discharge............................ 265

gage heights......................... 265

South Platte, Colo.,

South Platte River at:

description........................ 229-230

discharge............................ 230

discharge, daily..................... 231

discharge, monthly.................. 231

gage heights....................... 230-231

South Platte River (North Fork) at:

description.......................... 248

discharge............................ 249

discharge, daily..................... 250

discharge, monthly.................. 250

gage heights......................... 249

South Platte River (South Fork) at:

description........................ 226-227

discharge............................ 227

discharge, daily..................... 228

discharge, monthly.................. 229

gage heights....................... 227-228

South Platte River at or near 

Denver, Colo.:

description.......................... 232

discharge............................ 232

discharge, daily..................... 233

discharge, monthly.................. 234

gage heights....................... 232-233

Julesburg, Colo.:

description.......................... 239

discharge............................ 240

South Platte River at or near Continued. Page. 

Julesburg, Colo. Continued.

discharge, daily..................... 241

discharge, monthly.................. 241

gage heights......................... 240

Kersey, Colo.:

description........................ 234-235

discharge.......................... 235,237

discharge, daily................... 236,238

discharge, monthly.................. 238

gage heights................... 235-236,237

South Platte, Colo.:

description........................ 229-230

discharge............................ 230

discharge, daily..................... 231

discharge, monthly.................. 231

gage heights....................... 230-231

South Platte River basin, description of... 221-225 

miscellaneous measurements in........ 291-292

stream flow in.......".................. 225-280

South Platte River (North Fork) at 

Cassells, Colo.:

description.......................... 246

discharge............................ 246

discharge, daily................... 247-248

discharge, monthly.................. 248

gage heights......................... 247

Grant, Colo.:

description.......................... 244

discharge............................ 244

discharge, daily..................... 245

discharge, monthly.................. 245

gage heights......................... 245

South Platte, Colo.:

description.......................... 248

discharge............................ 249

discharge, daily..................... 250

discharge, monthly.................. 250

gage heights......................... 249

South Platte River (North Fork) basin,

stream flow in................. 244-256

South Platte River (South Fork) at or near 

Fairplay, Colo.:

description.......................... 225

discharge............................ 225

gage heights......................... 225

South Platte, Colo.:

description........................ 226-227

discharge............................ 227

discharge, daily..................... 228

discharge, monthly.................. 229

gase heights....................... 227-228

Stevens, G. C., work of...................... 14

Stillwater River basin, description of........ 162

stream flow fa......................... 162-163

Stillwater River near 

Absarokee, Mont.:

description.......................... 162

discharge........................... 162

discharge, daily ..................... 163

discharge, monthly...."............. 163

gage heights......................... 163

Strabane, Mont.,

Teton River near (station formerly known

as near Belleview): 

description.......................... 90-91

discharge............................ 91
INDEX. 307

Strabane, Mont. Continued. Page. 

Teton River near Continued.

discharge, daily.......... 1.......... 92

discharge, monthly.................. 92

Stream measurement, accuracy of........... 9-11

Sullivan's ranch (near Grant), Colo., 

Geneva Creek near:

description........................ 251-252

discharge............................ 252

discharge, daily..................... 253

discharge, monthly.................. 254

gage heights....................... 252-253

Scott Gomer Creek at:

description.......................... 255

discharge............................ 256

gage heights......................... 256

Threemile Creek at:

discharge............................ 291

Sun River at 

Sun River, Mont.:

description.......................... 67-68

discharge............................ 68

discharge, daily..................... 69

discharge, monthly.................. 69

gage heights......................... 68

Sun River basin, description of.............. 64-65

stream flow in........................... 64-77

Sun River (North Fork) near 

Augusta, Mont.:

description.......................... 65-66

discharge............................ 66

discharge, daily..................... 67

discharge, monthly.................. 67

gage heights......................... 66

Sun River (South Fork) at 

Augusta, Mont.:

description.......................... 71-72

discharge............................ 72

discharge, daily..................... 73

discharge, monthly.................. 73

gage heights......................... 72

Sweetgrass Creek basin, description of....... 157

stream flow in......................... 157-159

Sweetgrass Creek near 

Melville, Mont.:

description................ 157-158,159-160

discharge.......................... 158,160

discharge, daily................... 159,161

discharge, monthly................ 159,162

.................... 158,161

T.

Tables, explanation of....................... 8-9

Tarryall Creek basin, description of.......... 241

stream flow in......................... 242-244

Tarryall Creek near 

Hayman, Colo.:

description........................ 242-243

discharge............................ 243

gage heights......................... 243

Jefferson, Colo.:

description.......................... 2.42

discharge............................ 242

...................... 242

Tenmile Creek near Page. 

Helena, Mont.:

description.......................... 46

discharge............................ 46

discharge, daily..................... 47

discharge, monthly.................. 48

gage heights......................... 47

Tensleep, Wyo., * 

Canyon Creek near:

discharge............................. 290

Tensleep Creek near:

description.......................... 183

discharge.......................... 184,290

discharge, daily..................... 184

discharge, monthly.................. 184

gage heights......................... 184

Tensleep Creek near 

Tensleep, Wyo.:

description.......................... 183

discharge.......................... 184,290

discharge, daily...................... 184

discharge, monthly.................. 184

gage heights......................... 184

Terms, definitions of......................... 6

Teton River near 

Belleview, Mont. See Strabane, Mont. 

Strabane, Mont, (station formerly known

as near Belleview): 

description.......................... 90-91

discharge ............................ 91

discharge, daily...................... 92

discharge, monthly.................. 92

gage heights......................... 91

Thermopolis, Wyo., 

Bighorn River near:

description........................ 176-177

discharge............................ 1?7

discharge, daily...................... 177

discharge, monthly.................. 178

gage heights......................... 177

Owl Creek near:

description.......................... 180

discharge............................ 180

discharge, daily...................... 181

discharge, monthly.................. 181

gage heights......................... 181

Threemile Creek near 

Grant, Colo.:

discharge............................ 291

Sullivan's ranch (near Grant), Colo.:

discharge............................ 291

Tie Siding, Wyo.,

Lone Tree Creek (East Fork) near:

discharge............................ 290

Sand Creek near:

discharge............................ 291

Toston, Mont.,

Missouri River at:

description...................... ... 29

discharge............................ 29

discharge, daily...................... 30

discharge, monthly.................. 31

gage heights......................... 29-30

Townsend, Mont., 

Crow Creek at:

discharge............................ 289
308 INDEX.

Trap Creek near Page. 

Chambers Lake, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

Turtle Creek near 

Washburn, N. Dak.:

description........................ 195-196

discharge............................ 196

gage heights....................... 196-197

Two Medicine River at 

Family, Mont.:

description.......................... 78-79

discharge............................ 79

discharge, daily...................... 80

discharge, monthly.................. 81

gage heights......................... 79-80

Virginia Dale, Colo.,

Dale Creek near:

discharge....

V.

292

W.

Warm Spring Creek near 

Lewiston, Mont.:

discharge............................ 289

Washburn, N. Dak.,

Painted Woods Creek near:

description.......................... 194

discharge............................ 194

gage heights....................... 194-195

* Turtle Creek near:

description............... ........ 195-196

discharge............................ 196

gage heights....................... 196-197

West Chicago Creek nearIdaho Springs, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

West Clear Creek nearEmpire, Colo.:

discharge............................ 292

West Gallatin River near 

Salesville, Mont.:

description.......................... 39

discharge............................ 40

gage heights......................... 40

Whalen, Wyo.,

Interstate canal at:

description........................ 211-122

discharge, daily.................... 213-214

discharge, monthly.................. 214

North Platte River at:

description........................ 211-212

discharge............................ 212

discharge, daily.................... 212-213

discharge, monthly.................. 213

White Earth-River at 

White Earth, N. Dak.:

discharge............................ 290

mouth of White Earth River:

discharge............................ 290

Whitehall, Mont.,

Pipestone Creek near:

description.......................... 36

discharge............................ 37

gage heights......................... 37

Whitehall, Mont. Continued. Page. 

Whitetail Creek near:

description.......................... 37

discharge-........................... 37

Whitetail Creek basin, stream flow in....... 37

Whitetail Creek near 

Whitehall, Mont.:

description.......................... 37

discharge............................ 37

Willow Creek nearAugusta, Mont.:

description.......................... 69-70

discharge............................ 70

discharge, daily..................... 71

discharge, monthly.................. 71

gage heights......................... 70

Wolf Creek basin, description of............. 133

stream flow in......................... 133-135

Wolf Creek nearWolf Point, Mont.:

description........................ 133-134

discharge............................ 134

discharge, daily..................... 135

discharge, monthly..... ^............ 135

gage heights......................... 134

Wood, Mrs. B. D., work of.................. 14

Wood River near 

Meeteetse, Wyo.:

description.......................... 187

discharge............................ 187

gage heights......................... 188

Y.

Yellowstone River at 

Corwin Springs, Mont.:

description........................ 141-142

discharge............................ 142

gage heights......................... 142

Huntley, Mont.:

description.......................... 142

discharge............................ 143

discharge, daily..................... 144

discharge, monthly.................. 144

gage heights......................... 143

Glendive, Mont.:

description.......................... 145

discharge............................ 145

discharge, daily..................... 146

discharge, monthly.................. 147

gage heights....................... 145-146

Yellowstone River basin, description of.... 140-141

miscellaneous measurements in.......... 290

stream flow in......................... 141-191

Z.

Zurich, Mont.,

Harlem canal near:

description.......................... 128

discharge............................ 128

discharge, daily................... 128-129

discharge, monthly.................. 129

.................... 128-129

o