DEPAETMENT OF THE INTEEIOE

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

GEORGE OTIS SMITH, DIRECTOR

WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 271

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY OF THE 

UNITED STATES

1909

PAET XL CALIFORNIA

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF M. 0. LEIGHTON

BY 

W. B. CLAPP AND F. F. HENSHAW

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT FEINTING OFFICE 

1911

CONTENTS.

Page.

Introduction.............................................................. 7

Authority for investigations............................................. 7

Scope of investigations................................................ 8

Purposes of the work.................................................... 9

Publications.......................................................... 10

Definition of terms..................................................... 13

Convenient equivalents................................................. 14

Explanation of tables................................................... 15

Field methods of measuring stream flow................................. 16

Office methods of computing and studying discharge and run-off.......... 22

v Accuracy and reliability of field data and comparative results........... 26

Use of the data........................................................ 27

Cooperative data...................................................... 27

Cooperation and acknowledgments....................................... 28

Division of work...................................................... 29

Gaging stations maintained in California.................................... 29

Lower Colorado River drainage basin ....................................... 32

Colorado River at Yuma, Ariz........................................:. 32

Salton Sink........................................................... 35

Salton Sea near Salton, Cal......................................... 35

Alamo River near Brawley, Cal.................................... 37

New River near Brawley, Cal...................................... 39

Great Basin drainage....................................................... 40

General features....................................................... 40

Owens River basin..................................................... 40

Description........................................................ 40

Owens River near Round Valley, Cal............................... 44

Owens River near Tinemaha, Cal................................... 45

Owens River near Lone Pine, Cal.................................. 47

Rock Creek near Round Valley, Cal................................ 49

Pine Creek near Round Valley, Cal................................. 51

Bishop Creek near Bishop, Cal...................................... 53

Baker Creek near Big Pine, Cal.................................... 56

Big Pine Creek near Big Pine, Cal.................................. 58

Birch Creek near Tinemaha, Cal..................................... 60

Tinemaha Creek near Tinemaha, Cal................................ 62

Taboose Creek near Aberdeen, Cal.................................. 64

Goodale Creek near Aberdeen, Cal.................................. 66

Division Creek near Independence, Cal............................. 68

Sawmill Creek near Independence, Cal...............................' 69

Oak Creek near Independence, Cal.................................. 70

Independence Creek near Independence, Cal........................ 71

Shepard Creek near Thebe, Cal...................................... 73

Bairs Creek near Thebe, Cal........................................ 74

3
4 CONTENTS.

Great Basin drainage Continued.

Owens River basin Continued. Page.

George Creek near Thebe, Cal...................................... 75

Lone Pine Creek near Lone Pine, Cal................................ 76

Tuttle Creek near Lone Pine, Cal.................................... 77

Cottonwood Creek near Olancha, Cal................................. 79

Ash Creek near Olancha, Cal....................................... 81

South Pacific Ocean drainage basins...................'.................... 82

General features....................................................... 82

Tia Juana River basin................................................. 83

Description of Cottonwood Creek................................... 83

Cottonwood Creek and flume near Jamul, Cal....................... 84

Sweetwater River basin................................................ 87

Description........................................................ 87

Sweetwater River near Descanso, Cal................................ 88

San Diego River basin................................................. 90

Description........................................................ 90

San Diego River and San Diego Flume near Lakeside, Cal........... 91

Bernardo River basin .................................................. 94

Description...............................................'......... 94

Santa Ysabel Creek near Escondido, Cal............................ 95

San Luis Rey River basin............................................. 97

Description........................................................ 97

San Luis Rey River near Pala, Cal................................. 98

Santa Ana River basin................................................. 99

Description........................................................ 99

Santa Ana River and Mentone Power Co.'s canal near Men tone, Cal.. 101

San Gabriel River basin............................................... 104

Description........................................................ 104

San Gabriel River and power canal near Azusa, Cal................. 106

Los Angeles River basin................................................ 109

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

Diversions from Los Angeles River................................. 109

Santa Ynez River basin............................................... 110

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

Santa Ynez River near Lompoc, Cal............... r ................ 110

Salinas River basin ................................................... 112

Description........................ 1............................... 112

Arroyo Seco near Soledad, Cal....................................... 113

San Francisco Bay drainage basins......'.................................... 115

General features. ...........*........................-..-............... 115

Sacramento River system.............................................. 115

Description....................................................... 115

Sacramento Valley................................................ 118

Sacramento River near Red Bluff, Cal.......................... 119

Cottonwood Creek basin........................................... 122

Description.................................................... 122

North Fork of Cottonwood Creek at Ono, Cal.................... 123

Mill Creek basin .................................................. 125

Mill Creek near Los Molinos, Cal............................... 125

Stony Creek basin................................................. 126

Description..................................................... 126

Stony Creek near Fruto, Cal.................................... 127

Little Stony Creek near Lodoga, Cal............................. 129
CONTENTS. 5

San Francisco Bay drainage system Continued.

Sacramento River system Continued. Page.

Feather River basin............................................... 131

Description................................................... 131

North Fork of Feather River below Prattville, Cal .............. 133

North Fork of Feather River near Big Bend, Cal................. 136

Feather River at Oroville, Cal................................... 137

Butt Creek at Butte Valley, Cal................................ 140

Indian Creek near Crescent Mills, Cal........................... 142

Yuba River basin.............................................. 145

Description................................................ 145

Yuba River near Smartsville, Cal........................... 146

Bear River basin............................................... 149

Description................................................ 149

Bear River at Van Trent, Cal.............................. 149

American River basin............................................. 151

Description.................................................... 151

American River near Fairoaks, Cal.............................. 153

Cache Creek basin................................................ 155

Description.................................................... 155

Cache Creek at Lower Lake, Cal................................ 156

Cache Creek near Yolo, Cal..................................... 158

Puta Creek basin.................................................. 161

Description.................................................... 161

Puta Creek at Winters, Cal..................................... 162

San Joaquin River system.............................................. 165

Description........................................................ 165

San Joaquin River near Friant, Cal................................. 168

San Joaquin River at Herndon, Cal................................. 171

Tulare Lake basin.............................................:... 171

Description.................................................... 171

" Tulare Lake in Kings County, Cal.............................. 172

Tulare Lake near Corcoran, Cal................................ 174

Kern River basin ................................................. 174

Description...................i................................ 174

Kern River near Bakersfield, Cal............................... 177

Tule River basin................................................... 178

Description.................................................... 178

Tule River near Portersville, Cal................................ 179

Kaweah River basin...................................'........... 181

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

Kaweah River below Three Rivers, Cal......................... 182

Kings River basin................................................. 184

Description.................................................... 184

Kings River near Sanger, Cal................................... 186

Merced River basin................................................ 189

Description.................................................... 189

Merced River in Yosemite Valley, Cal........................... 190

Merced River above Merced Falls, Cal.......................... 191

Tenaya Creek in Yosemite Valley, Cal.......................... 193

Yosemite Creek in Yosemite Valley, Cal........................ 195

Tuolumne River basin............................................ 196

Description.................................................. 196

Tuolumne River at Lagrange, Cal.............................. 197
D CONTENTS.

San Francisco Bay drainage system Continued. 

San Joaquin River system Continued.

Tuolumne River basin Continued. Page.

Modesto canal near Lagrange, Cal............................. 200

Turlock^canal near Lagrange, Cal.............................. 202

Lagrange Water & Power Co.'s canal near Lagrange, Cal......... 204

Stanislaus River basin ............................................ 204

Description.................................................... 204

Stanislaus River at Knights Ferry, Cal........................ 206

Stanislaus Water Co.'s canal at Knights Ferry, Cal.............. 208

Calaveras River basin............................................. 211

Description.................................................. 211

Calaveras River at Jenny Lind, Cal............................. 212

Mokelumne River basin .......................................... 216

Description.................................................. 216

Mokelumne River near Clements, Cal........................... 217

Cosumnes River basin ............................................ 219

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

Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar, Cal........................... 220

North Pacific Ocean drainage basin......................................... 222

Klamath River basin.................................................. 222

Description ....................................................... 222

Upper Klamath Lake near Klamath Falls, Oreg...................... 224

Link River at Klamath Falls, Oreg-............................... 224

Lower Klamath Lake near Brownell, Cal............................ 227

Klamath River gages............................................ 228

Klamath River at Keno, Oreg..................................... 228

Williamson River near Klamath Agency, Oreg....................... 230

Lost River at Clear Lake, Cal....................................... 232

Lost River at Olene, Oreg......................................... 234

Lost River near Merrill, Oreg....................................... 236

Tule Lake near Merrill, Oreg...................................... 237

Miller Creek near Lorella, Oreg-.................................... 237

Evaporation station at Keno, Oreg................................ 239

Miscellaneous measurements................................................ 240

Index.................................................................... 245

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page. 

PLATE I. Typical gaging stations: A, For bridge measurements; B, Forwading

measurements ......................-...-......--.;----.-.----. 18

II. Small Price current meters....................................... 20

III. A, Mill Creek near Los Molinos, Cal.; B, Great Western Power Co.'s

dam on North Fork of Feather River at Big Bend, Cal............ 126

IV. A, Equipment of gaging station on Yuba River at Smartsville, Cal.;

B, Gaging section on Yuba River at Smartsville, Cal.............. 146

V. Falls on Roaring River, tributary to South Fork of Kings River...... 186

VI. A, Dam site onTuolumne near the headwaters at Tuolumne Meadows,

Cal.; B, Tuolumne Falls, Grand Canyon, Tuolumne River, Cal.... 196 

FIGURE 1. Discharge curve of Tenaya Creek in Yosemite Valley, Cal......... 194
SURFACE WATER SUPPLY OF CALIFORNIA, 1909.

By W. B. CLAPP and F. F. HENSHAW.

INTRODUCTION.

/

AUTHOEITY FOB INVESTIGATIONS.

This volume contains results of flow measurements made on 

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

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

either independently or in cooperation with organizations mentioned 

herein. These investigations are authorized by the organic law of 

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

among other things, as follows:

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

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

Inasmuch as water is the most abundant and most valuable mineral in nature, the investigation of water resources is included under 

the above provisions for investigating mineral resources. The work 

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

appropriations in successive sundry civil bills passed by Congress 

under the following item:

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

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

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

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

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

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

7
8 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI. 

SCOPE OF INVESTIGATIONS.

These investigations of stream flow are not complete nor do they 

include all the river systems or parts thereof that might purposefully 

be studied. The scope of the work is limited by the appropriations 

available. The field covered is the widest and the character of the 

work is believed to be the best possible under the controlling conditions. The work would undoubtedly have greater scientific importance and ultimately be of more practical value if the money now 

expended for wide areas were concentrated on a few small drainage 

basins; but such a course is impossible because general appropriations made by Congress are applicable to all parts of the country. 

Each part demands its proportionate share of the benefits.

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

period of years long enough to determine within reasonable limits 

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

minimum. The length of such a period manifestly differs for different streams. Experience has shown that the records for some 

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

years or even more, the limit being determined by tjb.e 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 consaquent abandonment of stations. 

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

incomplete records.

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

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

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

has been investigated. During 1909 regular gaging stations were 

maintained by the Survey and cooperating organizations at about 

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

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

water power in many sections of the country and will be made available in the regular surface water-supply papers and in special papers 

from time to time.
CALIFORNIA. 9 

PURPOSES OP THE WORK.

The results contained in this volume are requisite to meet the 

immediate demands of many public interests, including navigation, 

irrigation, domestic water supply, water power, swamp and overflow 

land drainage, and flood prevention.

Navigation. The Federal Government has expended more than 

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

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

the intelligent solution of the many problems involved.

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

Federal irrigation systems, and this amount is far exceeded by the 

private expenditures of this nature in the arid West. The integrity 

of any irrigation system depends absolutely on the amount of water 

available. Therefore investigations of stream flow in that portion of 

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

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

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

supply, and although this branch of the subject is of less direct Federal interest than the branches already named, it nevertheless has so 

broad a significance with respect to the general welfare that the 

Federal Government is ultimately and intimately concerned.

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

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

and the cost of steam power is increasing accordingly. Industrial 

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

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

affords the only avenue now open. When the electric transmission 

of power was accomplished the relation of our water powers to national economy changed entirely. Before the day of electric transmission water power was important only at the locality at which 

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

the individual citizen is vitally interested. Inasmuch as the amount 

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

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

Drainage of swamp and overflowed lands. More fckan 70,000,000 

acres of the richest laSod' in this country are now practically worthless 

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

When this land is drained it becomes exceedingly productive and its 

value increases many fold., Such reclamation would add to the 

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

first consideration in connection with drainage projects. If by the 

drainage of a large area into any particular channel that channel
10 SUEFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

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

upon to convey that overflow is caused in places where previously 

the land was not subject to inundation, then drainage results merely 

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

improvement.

Flood prevention. The damage from floods in the United States 

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

year 1908, according to estimates based on reliable data, the aggregate damage approximated $250,000,000. Such an annual tax on 

the property of great regions should be reduced in the orderly progress 

of government. It goes without saying that any consideration of 

flood prevention must be based on a thorough knowledge of stream 

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

along the great lowland rivers.

PUBLICATIONS.

The data on stream flow collected by the United States Geological 

Survey since its inception have appeared in the annual reports, 

bulletins, and water-supply papers. Owing to natural processes of 

evolution and to changes in governmental requirements, the character 

of the work and the territory covered by these different publications 

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

States Reclamation Service, the United States Forest Service, the 

United States Weather Bureau, and the United States Geological 

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

divided into 12 parts, whose boundaries coincide with certain 

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

following list of papers on surface water supply for 1909. The 

dividing line between the North Atlantic and South Atlantic drainage 

areas lies between York and James rivers.

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

Part.

I

II

in

IV

V

No.

261

262

263

264

265

Title.

North Atlantic coast.

South Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf

of Mexico.

Ohio River basin.

St. Lawrence River basin.

Upper Mississippi River and Hudson 

Bay basin.

Part.

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI 

XII

No.

266

267

268

269

270

271 

272

Title.

Missouri River basin.

Lower Mississippi River basin.

Western Gulf of Mexico.

Colorado River basin.

Great Basin.

California. 

North Pacific coast.

The following table gives the character of data regarding stream 

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

the United States Geological Survey exclusive of all special papers. 

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

as the data are. available.
CALIFORNIA. 11

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

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

Report.

10th Ann., pt. 2.........

llth Ann., pt. 2.........

12th Ann., pt. 2.. .......

13th Ann., pt. 3.........

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

16th Ann., pt. 2.........

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

W.S. 11...... ..........

18th Ann., pt. 4.........

W.S. 15.................

W.S. 16.. ..............

19th Ann., pt. 4. ........

W.S. 27.................

W.S. 28.................

20th Ann., pt. 4.. .......

W. S. 35 to39. ..........

21st Ann., pt. 4..........

W. S. 47 to*52. ..........

22dAnn., pt. 4.... ......

W.S 65,66.............

W.S 75.................

W.S 82to 85. ..........

W.S 97 to 100 .........

W.S 124 to 135.........

W.S 165 to 178.........

W. S 201 to 214. ........

W. S 241 to 252. ........

W.S 261 to 272. ........

Character of data.

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

monthly discharge (also many data covering earlier years).

(also similar data for earlier years).

United States, eastern Mississippi River, and Missouri River 

above junction with Kansas.

sissippi River below junction of Missouri and Platte, and 

western United States.

(also some long-time records).

States, eastern Mississippi River, and Missouri River. 

Measurements, ratings, and gage heights, Arkansas River and

western United States.

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

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

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

Year.

1884 to Sept.,

1890.

1891. 

1884 to Dec. 31,

1892. 

1888 to Dec. 31,

1893. 

1893 and 1894.

1895.

1896.

1895 and 1896.

1897.

1897.

1897.

1898.

1898.

1898.

1899.

1899.

1900.

1900.

1901.

1901.

1902.

1903.

1904.

1905.

1906.

1907-8.

1909.

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

The records at most of the stations discussed in these reports 

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

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

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

numbers of the papers on surface water supply published from 1899 

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

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

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

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

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

relating to Platte and Kansas rivers.
12 SUEFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

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

Atlantic coast and eastem Gulf of Mexico: 

New England rivers. . 

Hudson River to 

Delaware River,

Susquehanna River 

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

James River to Yadkin River, incluSantee River to Pearl 

River, inclusive....

Hudson Bay . . ...........

Mississippi River:

Upper Mississippi

Lower Mississippi 

River..............

Western Gulf of Mexico. . 

Pacific coast and Great 

Basin:

South Pacific coast to 

Klamath River,

North Pacific coast. . .

1899 a,

35 

35

35

fQK\ Oft

36 

36

36

} 36

(36),37

} »

37 

(37),38

38,(39)

(38),39

38

1900&

47 

47,(48)

48

48

48 

49

AQ fjn\

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), \ 65, 75

66,75 

66,75

6«,75

66,75

66,75

1902

82 

82

82

/Qi)\ QO

83 

(82),83

85

83

S3

84

}(83),84

84

UK

85

85

85

1903

97

07

97

(97),98

98 

97

100

98

98,(99)

99

(98),99

99 

100

100

inn

100

1904

124 

125

126

126

127 

129

130

128

128, 

. (130)

130,

(131) 

(128) 

131

132 

/ 133,

I (134) 

/ 133,

\ (134) 

134

135

1905

165 

166

167

167

168 

170 in

169

| 171

I 172

(169), 

173

174 

175.

(177) 

176,

(177) 

177

/(177), 

t 178

1906

201 

202

203

203

204

206

207

205

207

208

(205), 

209

210

211,

(213) 

212,

(213) 

213

1 214

1907-8

241 

241

241

242

242

244

245

243

245

246

} 247

248 

249,

(251) 

250,

(251) 

251

252

1909

261

OA1

261

262

262 

264

265

263

265

266

267

268 

269,

(271) 

270,

(271) 

271

272

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

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

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

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

No.

3^

36 

37 

38 

39 

48 

49 

50

65 

82

83 

97 

98 

99 

128 

130 

131

134 

169

177

205 

213

251 

271

River basin.

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

Lower Mississippi. ................

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

[North Pacific coast. ...............

Lower Mississippi. ................

Tributaries included.

Gallatin. 

Green, Gunnison, Grand above junction with Gunnison. 

Except Kings and Kern. 

Mohave. 

Wissahickon and Schuylkill. 

Scioto. 

Loup and Platte near Columbus, Nehr. All tributaries below 

junction with Platte. 

Yazoo. 

J-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, Umpqua, Siletz. 

Yazoo, Homochitto. 

Data at Hardyville repeated; at Yuma, Salton Sea. 

Owens, Mohave. 

Yuma and Salton Sea stations repeated. 

Owens River basin.
CALIFORNIA. 13

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

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

of drainage area, local changes in name and lake surface being disregarded. After all stations from the source to the mouth, of the 

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

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

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

being given before taking up the next one below.

The exceptions to this rule occur in the records for Mississippi 

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

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

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

forth over the lake surface.

DEFINITION OF TERMS.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

and city water supply.

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

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

It is commonly used by miners and irrigators throughout the West, 

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

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

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

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

regards time and area.

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

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

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

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

in inches.
14 STJEPACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

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

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

used in connection with storage for irrigation work.

CONVENIENT EQUIVALENTS.

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

computations:

1 second-foot equals 40 California miner's inches (law of 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 gallons per second. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 acre-foot equals 325,850 gallons.

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

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

1 foot equals 0.3048 meter. 

1 mile equals 1.60935 kilometers. 

1 mile equals 5,280 feet. 

1 acre equals 0.4047 hectare. 

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-foot.
CALIFORNIA. 15

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 eet_net horsepower on water 

wheel realizing 80 per cent of theoretical power.

EXPLANATION OF TABLES.

For each drainage basin there is given a brief general description 

covering such features as area, source, tributaries, topography, geology, forestation, rainfall, ice conditions, irrigation, storage, power 

possibilities, and other special features of importance or interest.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to statements regarding the location and installation 

of current-meter stations the descriptions give information in regard 

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

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

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

The discharge-measurement table gives the results of the discharge 

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

hyirographer, width and area of cross section, gage height, and discharge in second-feet.

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

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

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

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

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

All gage heights during ice conditions, backwater from obstructions, 

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

is not applicable for such periods unless the proper corrections to 

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

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

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

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

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.
16 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

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 purposes of verifying the published results as follows:

First plot the discharge measurements for the current and earlier 

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

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

of gage heights taken from the daily gage-height table for the complete range of stage given and the corresponding discharges for the 

days selected from tbe 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 

conditions.

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

corresponding to the observed gage heights as determined from the 

rating tables.

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

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

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

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

water surface was at crest height and the corresponding discharge 

consequently larger than given in the "Maximum" column. Likewise, in the column of "Minimum" the quantity given is the mean 

flow for the day when the mean gage height was lowest. The column 

headed "Mean" is the average flow in cubic feet for each second during the month. On this the computations for the remaining columns, 

which are defined on page 13, are based.

FIELD METHODS OF MEASURING STREAM FLOW.

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

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

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

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

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

available, and the length of time that the record is to be continued.

Slope method. Much information has been collected relative to the 

coefficients to be used in the Chezy formula, v=ci/Rs. This has
CALIFORNIA. 17

i

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

determining the values of the coefficient n which appear therein. 

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

approximate, owing to the difficulty in obtaining accurate data and 

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

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

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

the general conditions. It is seldom used by the United States 

Geological Survey.1

Weir method. Relatively few stations are maintained at weirs or 

dams by the United States Geological Survey. Standard types of 

sharp-crested and broad-crested weirs within the limits for which accurate coefficients have been experimentally obtained give very accurate 

records of discharge if properly maintained. At practically all 

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

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

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

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

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

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

the type of development and the uses of the diverted water.

In general, records of discharge at dams are usually accurate 

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

experience of the United States Geological Survey, however, that 

records at current-meter gaging stations under unobstructed channel 

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

the conditions are reasonably favorable are practically as good as 

those obtained at sharp-crested weirs.2

Velocity method. Streams in general present throughout thencourses to a greater or less extent all conditions of permanent, semipermanent, and varying conditions of flow. In accordance with the 

location of the measuring section with respect to these physical 

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

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

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

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

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

i Full information regarding this method is given in text books on hydraulics.

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

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

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

exhausted. It can, however, be consulted at most of the larger libraries of toe country or It can be obtained 

from the superintendent of documents, Washington, D. C., at a cost of 20cesti&

96451° WSP 271 11 2
18 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

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

In determining the daily flow different office methods are necessary 

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

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

the same.

Great care is taken in the selection and equipment of gaging stations for determining discharge by velocity measurements, in order 

that the data may have the required degree of accuracy. They are 

located, as far as possible, at such points that the relation between 

gage height and discharge will always remain constant for any 

given stage. The experience of engineers of the Geological Survey 

has been that permanency of conditions of flow is the prime requisite of any current-meter gaging station when maintained for 

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

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

streams is not attainable except at the cost of a cable equipment. 

Rough, permanent sections, if measurements are properly made by 

experienced engineers, taking measuring points at a distance apart 

of 5 per cent or less of the total width, will, within reasonable limits, 

yield better results for a given outlay of money than semipermanent 

or shifting sections with smooth, uniform current. So far as possible 

stations are located where the banks are high and not subject to overflow at high stages and out of the influence of tributary streams, dams, 

or other artificial obstructions which might affect the relation between 

gage height and discharge.

A gaging station consists essentially of a gage for determining 

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

apparatus from which discharge measurements are made, usually a 

bridge or cable.

The two factors required to determine the discharge of a stream 

past a section perpendicular to the mean direction of the current 

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

to that section.

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

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

measuring section at which observations of depth and velocity are 

taken. (See PI. I, A.) These points are spaced equally for those 

parts of the section where the flow is uniform and smooth and are 

spaced unequally for other parts, according to the discretion and 

judgment of the engineer. In general the points should not be 

spaced farther apart than 5 per cent of the distance between piers, 

nor farther apart than the approximate mean depth of the section at 

the time of measurement.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 271 PLATE I

A. FOR BRIDGE MEASUREMENT.

B. FOR WADING MEASUREMENT. 

TYPICAL GAGING STATIONS.

CALIFORNIA. 19

The measuring points divide the total cross section into elementary 

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

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

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

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

The sum of the discharges of the elementary strips is the total discharge of the stream.1

Depths for the determination of the area are usually obtained by 

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

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

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

section.

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

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

The float method, with its various modifications of surface, subsurface, and tube or rod floats, is now considered obsolete in the ordinary practice of the United States Geological Survey. The use of this 

method is limited to special conditions where it is impracticable 

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

ice or d6bris which may damage the meter are flowing with the current, and for miscellaneous measurements or other work where a 

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

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

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

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

used is the mean value obtained from several cross sections measured 

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

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

course used and uncertainty regarding the proper coefficient to apply 

to the observed velocity.2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

is shown equipped to record electrically. (See PI. I, B.) Briefly,

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

2 Further information regarding the float method is given in Water-Supply Paper 95 and the various 

textbooks on stream flow.

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

Survey: Trans. Am. Soc. Civil Eng., vol. 66,1910, p. 70.
20 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

the meter consists of six cups attached to a vertical shaft which 

revolves on a conical hardened steel point when immersed in moving water. The revolutions are indicated electrically. The rating, 

or relation between the velocity of moving water and the revolutions 

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

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

number of revolutions for each run. From these data a rating 

table is prepared which gives the velocity per second of moving water for any number of revolutions in a given time interval. The ratio 

of revolutions per second to velocity of flow in feet per second is 

very nearly a constant for all speeds and is approximately 0.45.

Three classes of methods of measuring velocity with current meters 

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

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

vertical velocity curve and 0.2 and 0.8 depth.

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

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

abscissas and their depths as ordinates and drawing a smooth curve 

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

This curve shows graphically the magnitude and changes in velocity 

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

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

this velocity curve and its axis by the depth. This method of obtaining the mean velocity in the vertical is probably the best known, 

but on account of the length of time required to make a complete 

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

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

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

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

the assumption that the vertical velocity curve is a common parabola 

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

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

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

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

method. Moreover, the indications are that it holds nearly as well 

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

practice of the United States Geological Survey.

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

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

for which the coefficient for reducing to mean velocity has been 

determined or must be assumed.
U. 8. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 271 PLATE

SMALL PRICE CURRENT METERS.

CALIFORNIA. 21

Extensive experiments by means of vertical velocity curves show 

that the thread of mean velocity generally occurs between 0.5 and 

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

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

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

large number of vertical velocity curve measurements, taken on 

many streams and under varying conditions, show that the average 

coefficient for reducing the velocity obtained at 0.6 depth to mean 

velocity is practically unity. The variation of the coefficient from 

unity in individual cases is, however, greater than in the 0.2 and 0.8 

method and the general results are not as satisfactory.

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

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

of the wind or other disturbing influences. This is known as the subsurface method. The coefficient for reducing the velocity taken at 

the subsurface to the mean has been found to be in general from 

about 0.85 to 0.95, depending on the stage, velocity, and channel 

conditions. The higher the stage the larger the coefficient. This 

method is especially adapted for flood measurements, or for measurements when the velocity is so great that the meter can not be kept 

in the correct position for the other methods.

The vertical integration method consists in moving the meter at a 

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

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

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

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

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

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

rapid enough to vitiate the accuracy of the resulting velocity determination.

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

owing to diversity and instability of conditions during the winter 

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

flow of water under ice. The method now employed is to make frequent discharge measurements during the ice periods by the 0.2 

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

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

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

of the daily flow can be made by constructing a rating curve (really 

a series of curves) similar to that used for open channels, but considering, in addition to gage heights and discharge, the varying thickness of ice.1

i For information in regard to flow under ice see Water-Supply Paper, U. S. Geol. Survey, No. 187.
22 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

OFFICE METHODS O'F COMPUTING AND STUDYING DISCHARGE AND

RUN-OFF.

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

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

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

The rating tables prepared from these curves are then applied to 

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

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

are computed.

Rating curves are drawn and studied with special reference to 

the class of channel conditions which they represent. (See p. 17.) 

The discharge measurements for all classes of stations when plotted 

with gage heights in feet as ordinates and discharges in second-feet 

as abscissas define rating curves which are generally more or less 

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

mean velocity in feet per second are also constructed to the same 

scale of ordinates as the discharge curve. These are used mainly 

to extend the discharge curves beyond the limits of the plotted discharge measurements, and for checking to avoid errors in the form 

of the discharge curve and to determine and eliminate erroneous 

measurements.

For every rating table the following assumptions are made for the 

period of application of the table: (a) That the discharge is a function of and increases gradually with the stage; (&) that the discharge 

is the same whenever the stream is at a given stage, and hence such 

changes in conditions of flow as may have occurred during the period 

of application are either compensating or negligible, except that the 

rating, as stated in the footnote of each table, is not applicable for 

known conditions of ice, log jams, or other similar obstructions; 

(c) that the increased and decreased discharge due to change of slope 

on rising and falling stages is either negligible or compensating.

As already stated, the gaging stations may be divided into several 

classes, as indicated in the following paragraphs:

The stations of class 1 represent the most favorable conditions for 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

discharge. Discharge measurements made at such stations usually
CALIFORNIA. 23

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

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

For examples of this class see stations of the north Atlantic coast 

drainage basins.

Class 2 is confined mainly to stations on rough, mountainous 

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

comparatively permanent during low and medium stages, and when 

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

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

possible to make measurements covering the time of change at flood 

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

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

recorded during the flood. Hence the only uncertain period occurs 

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

actual change in conditions of flow. For examples of this class see 

stations in the upper Missouri River basin.

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

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

funds at the disposal of the Survey, this is manifestly impossible, nor 

is it necessary for the uses to which discharge data are applied. The 

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

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

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

be constructed mainly on the basis of the measurements of the current year, the engineer being guided largely by the history of the 

station and the following general law: If all measurements ever made 

at a station of this class are plotted on cross-section paper, they will 

define a mean curve which may be called a standard curve. It has 

been found in practice that if after a change caused by high stage a 

relatively constant condition of flow occurs at medium and low 

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

curve which is practically parallel to the standard curve with respect 

to ordinates or gage heights. This law of the parallelism of ratings 

is the fundamental basis of all ratings and estimates at stations with 

semipermanent and shifting channels. It is not absolutely correct, 

but, with few exceptions, answers all the practical requirements of 

estimates made at low and medium stages after a change at a high 

stage. This law appears to hold equally true whether the change 

occurs at the measuring section or at some controlling point below. 

The change is, of course, fundamentally due to change in the channel caused by cut or fill, or both, at or near the measuring section. 

For all except small streams the changes in section usually occur at
24 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

the bottom. The following simple but typical examples illustrate 

this law:

(a) If 0.5 foot of planking were to be nailed on the bottom of a wellrated wooden flume of rectangular section, there would result, other 

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

velocity, each plotting 0.5 foot above the original curves when 

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

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

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

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

rarely exist.

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

marked tendency toward decrease or increase, respectively, of the 

velocity. In other words, the velocity has a compensating effect, and 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If these changes are very radical and involve large percentages of 

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

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

Which tend to produce a new parallel discharge curve may interfere 

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

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

measuring section would more properly fall under class 4 and would 

require very frequent measurements of discharge. Special stress is 

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

utilization of this law will yield the most probable results.

Slight changes at low or medium stages of an oscillating character 

are usually averaged by a mean curve drawn amoag them parallel 

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

vary more than 5 per cent from the rating curve, the results are 

considered good for stations of this class.

For examples of stations of this class see stations of the south 

Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico drainage basins.

Class 4 comprises stations on streams that have soft, muddy, or 

sandy beds. Good results can be obtained from such sections only 

by frequent discharge measurements, the frequency ranging from a
CALIFOBNIA. 25

measurement every two or three weeks to a measurement every day, 

according to the rate of diurnal change in conditions of flow. These 

measurements are plotted and a mean or standard curve drawn 

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

for every day of the year and that, this rating is parallel to the standard curve with respect to their ordinates. On the day of a measurement the rating curve for that day passes through that measurement. 

For days between successive measurements it is assumed that the 

rate of change is uniform, and hence the ratings for the intervening 

days are equally spaced between the ratings passing through the two 

measurements. This method must be modified or abandoned 

altogether under special conditions. Personal judgment and a 

knowledge of the conditions involved can alone dictate the course 

to pursue in such cases. Stations of this type are found in the Platte, 

Arkansas, Rio Grande, and lower Colorado drainage basins.

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

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

rule have been generally used. All computations are carefully 

checked.

After the computations have been completed they are entered in 

tables and carefully studied and intercompared to eliminate or 

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

filled in, so far as feasible, by means of comparison with records for 

adjacent streams. The attempt is made to complete years or periods 

of discharge, thus eliminating fragmentary and disjointed records. 

Full notes accompanying such estimates follow the daily and monthly 

discharge tables.

For most of the northern stations estimates have been made of 

the monthly discharge during ice periods. These estimates are based 

on measurements under ice conditions whenever available, on daily 

records of temperature and precipitation obtained from the United 

States Weather Bureau, on climate and crop reports, on observers' 

notes of conditions, and on a careful and thorough intercomparison 

of results with results on adjacent streams. Although every care 

possible is used in making these estimates, they are often very rough, 

the data for some of them being so poor that the estimates are liable 

to as much as 25 to 50 per cent error. It is believed, however, that 

estimates of this character are better than none at all, and serve the 

purpose of indicating in a relative way the proportionate amount of 

flow during the ice period. These estimates are, as a rule, included 

in the annual discharge. The large error of the individual months 

has a relatively small effect on the annual total, and it is for many 

purposes desirable to have the yearly discharge competed even 

though some error is involved in doing so.
26 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF FIELD DATA AND COMPARATIVE

RESULTS.

Practically all discharge measurements made under fair conditions 

are well within 5 per cent of the true discharge at the time of observation. Inasmuch as the errors of meter measurements are largely 

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

more accurate than the individual measurements. Numerous tests 

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

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

usually give results^ that are much more reliable than those from 

stations at dams, where uncertainty regarding the coefficient and 

complicated conditions of flow prevail.

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

With relatively few exceptions, the observers perform their work 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the purpose of making a measurement to determine the constancy of 

conditions of flow since the last measurement made during the preceding year, and also to check the elevation of the gage. On account 

of lack of funds or for other causes, some stations were not visited 

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

permanent up to the time of the last preceding measurement, it is 

considered best to publish values of discharge on the basis of the 

latest verified rating curve rather than to omit them altogether, 

although it should be distinctly understood that such records are at 

times subject to considerable error. This is also true, although to a 

less degree, of the period of records since the date of the last measurement of the current year. As a rule the accuracy notes are based on 

the assumption that the rating curve used is strictly applicable to 

the current year.

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 "approxi-
CALIFORNIA. 27

mate," within 15 to 25 per cent. These notes are very general and 

are based on the plotting of the individual measurements with reference to the mean rating curve.

The accuracy column in the monthly discharge table does not apply 

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

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

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

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

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

USE OF THE DATA.

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

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

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

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

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

computed monthly discharges are as gqod 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 data given in these papers will 

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

seem necessary. The work of compiling, studying, revising, and 

republishing data for different drainage basins for 5 or 10 year periods 

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

the funds for such work are available.

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

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

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

estimates.

The daily discharges are published to allow a more detailed study 

of the variation in flow and to determine the periods of deficient flow.

COOPERATIVE DATA.

Cooperative data of various kinds and also 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
28 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

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

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

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

verify completely 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 the records are 

believed to be reasonably good.

COOPERATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

The hydrographic work of the United States Geological Survey in 

California is being carried on in c'ooperation with the State in accordance with acts of the State legislature, approved March 16, 1903, 

March 20, 1905, March 11, 1907, and April 22, 1909.

The act of March 16, 1903, which covered the period from July 1, 

1903, to June 30, 1905, is in substance as follows:

The State board of examiners are hereby empowered to enter into contracts with 

the Director of the United States Geological Survey for the purpose of making topographic maps to the extent of twenty thousand dollars; also for the purpose of gaging 

streams, surveying reservoir sites and canal locations, for the conservation and utilization of the flood and storm waters of the State, to the extent of fifteen thousand 

dollars * * *.

The acts of March 20, 1905, and March 11, 1907, are in substance 

the same as the previous acts, the appropriations being increased to 

$30,000 for topography and $20,000 for hydrography and covering 

the four fiscal years July 1, 1905, to June 30, 1909. The act of April 

22, 1909, appropriates $30,000 per annum for cooperation between 

the State and Federal Government for topography, hydrography, 

and use and distribution of water for agricultural purposes, this appropriation being made continuous.

Assistance has been rendered or records furnished by the following, 

to whom acknowledgment is due: Department of engineering of the 

State of California, James N. Gillett, governor, Nathaniel Ellery, State 

engineer, and the United States Reclamation Service, for the records on 

Colorado River at Yuma, Ariz., and in the Klamath River drainage 

basin after May; Mr. D. W. Lewis, of Corcoran, Cal., for gage readings in Tulare Lake; the Kern County Land Co./ through Mr. A. K. 

Warren, engineer in charge of water measurements, for the records of 

Kern River; the city of Santa Barbara, for cooperation in gaging 

Santa Ynez River; the Great Western Power Co., through Mr. H. H. 

Sinclair, general manager, for gage heights and stream measurements 

on Feather River and tributaries; the Southern Pacific Co., through
CALIFOBNTA. 29

its chief engineer, Mr. William Hood, fqr river stage records of San 

Joaquin River at Herndon, Cal.; the Los Angeles Aqueduct, for 

cooperation in the Owens River drainage basin; and the Southern 

California Mountain Water Qo., for cooperation on Cottonwood and 

Pine Valley Creeks..

DIVISION OF WORK.

The field work in California, except in the Klamath River basin, 

was carried on under the direction of W. B. Clapp, by W. F. Martin, 

J. E. Stewart, R. E. Haines, and W. V. Hardy. The field work in the 

Klamath River basin was carried on under the direction of J. C. 

Stevens, by Howard Kimble.

The ratings and special estimates were made by W. B. Clapp, J. C. 

Stevens, F. F. Henshaw, and J. G. Mathers.

The computations were made and the completed data prepared for 

publication by G. C. Stevens, R. C. Rice, J. G. Mathers, H. D. Padgett, M. E. McChristie, and J. J. Phelan. The entire report was 

edited by Mrs. B. D. Wood.

GAGING STATIONS MAINTAINED IN CALIFORNIA.

The following list comprises the gaging stations regularly maintained in California, and a few others along the State boundaries, by 

the United States Geological Survey and cooperative parties. Data 

for these stations have appeared in the published reports as shown in 

tables on pages 11 and 12. The stations are arranged by river basins 

and appear in downstream order, as explained on page 13, tributaries of main streams being indicated by indention. The stations are 

in California unless otherwise stated.

Lower Colorado River:

Colorado River at Hardyville, Ariz., 1905-1907. 

Colorado River at Yuma, Ariz., 1878-1909. 

Salton Sea near Salton, 190^1909.

Alamo River near Brawley, 1908-9.

New River near Brawley, 1908-9. 

Great Basin:

Susan River near Susanville, 1900-1905.

Willow Creek at Merrillville, 190<t-5.

Willow Creek near Standish, 1900-1905. 

Owens River near Round Valley, 1903-1909. 

Owens River near Tinemaha, 1906-1909. 

Owens River near Lone Pine, 1909.

Rock Creek near Round Valley, 1903-1909.

Pine Creek near Round Valley, 1903-1909.

Bishop Creek near Bishop, 1903-1909.

Baker Creek near Big Pine, 1908-9.

Big Pine Creek near Big Pine, 1903-1909.

Birch Creek near Tinemaha, 1907-1909.

Tinemaha Creek near Tinemaha, 1907-1909.
30 SUEFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAST XI.

Great Basin Continued.

Owens River Continued.

Taboose Creek near Aberdeen (Tibbetts), 1906-1909.

Goodale Creek near Aberdeen (Tibbetts), 1906-1909.

Division Creek near Independence, 1906-1909.

Sawmill (Eightmile) Creek near Independence, 1906-1909.

Thibaut Creek near Independence, 1908-9.

Oat Creek near Independence, 1905-1909.

Independence Creek near Independence, 1905-1909.

Shepard Creek near Thebe, 1906-1909.

Bairs (Moffett) Creek near Thebe, 1906-1909.

George Creek near Thebe, 1906-1909.

Lone Pine Creek near Lone Pine, 1906-1909.

Tuttle Creek near Lone Pine, 1906-1909.

Cottonwood Creek near Olancha, 1906-1909.

Ash Creek near Olancha (Lone Pine), 1906-1909. 

Little Rock Creek near Palmdale, 1896-1899. 

Tejon House Cr,eek at Tejon ranch house, 1895-6. 

San Emidio Creek at San Emidio ranch house, 1894-5. 

Mohave River at Victorville, 1899-1906. 

Southern Pacific Ocean drainage basins: 

Tia Juana River:

Cottonwood Creek and flume near Jamul, 1906-1909.

Pine Valley Creek near Jamul, 1906-1908. 

Sweetwater River near Descanso, 1906-1909. 

San Diego River and San Diego flume near Lakeside, 1906-1909. 

Santa Ysabel Creek (head of Bernardo River) near Escondido, 1906-1909. 

San Luis Rey River near Pala, 1904-1909. 

Santa Margarita River.

Temecula Creek near Temecula, 1906.

Santa Ana River and Mentone Power Co.'s canal near Mentone, 1896-1909. 

San Gabriel River and power canal near Azusa, 1896-1909. 

Malibu Creek near Calabasas, 1903-1906.

Triunfo Creek near Calabasas, 1903-1906. 

Santa Ynez River near Santa Barbara, 1903-1908. 

Santa Ynez River near Lorupoc, 1906-1909.

Mono Creek near Santa Barbara, 1903-4. 

Santa Maria River near Santa Maria, 1903-1905. 

Salinas River near Salinas, 1900-1901.

Nacimiento River at Bryson, February to April, 1901.

San Antonio River at Jolon, December to April, 1901.

San Lorenzo Creek near Kings City, 1901-1903.

Arroyo Seco near Soledad, 1901-1909. 

San Francisco Bay drainage basins:

Sacramento River at Jellys Ferry, near Red Bluff, 1895-1902. 

Sacramento River at Iron Canyon, near Red Bluff, 1902-1909. 

Sacramento River at Sacramento, 1904-5 (gage heights only).

Pit River near Canby, 1904-5.

Pit River near Bieber, 1904-1908.

South Fork of Pit River near Ivy, 1904-5. 

West Valley Creek near Likely, 1904-5. 

Ash Creek at Adin, 1904-5. 

McCloud River near Gregory, 1902-1908.
CALIFORNIA. 31

San Francisco Bay drainage basin Continued. 

Sacramento River Continued. 

Cottonwood Creek:

North Pork of Cottonwood Creek at Ono, 1907-1909. 

Mill Creek near Los Molinos, 1909. 

Stony Creek near Fruto, 1901-1909.

Little Stony Creek near Lodoga, 1907-1909. 

North Fork of Feather River above Prattville, 1905-1907. 

North Fork of Feather River below Prattville, 1905-1909. 

North Fork of Feather River near Big Bend, 1905-1909. 

Feather River at Oroville, 1902-1909.

Hamilton Branch near Prattville, 1905-1909.

Butt Creek near Butte Valley, 1905-1909. 

- Indian Creek near Crescent Mills, 1905-1909.

Feather River (Middle Fork):

Grizzly Creek near Beckwith, 1906.

Yuba River near Smartsville, 1903-1909.

Yuba River at Parks Bar bridge, near Smartsville, 1900. 

North Fork of Yuba River near North San Juan, 1900. 1 

Middle Fork of Yuba River near North San Juan, 1900.2

Bear River at Van Trent, above Wheatland, 1904-1909. 

American River near Fairoaks, 1904-1909. 

Cache Creek at Lower Lake, 1901-1909. 

Cache Creek near Yolo, 1903-1909. 

Puta Creek near Guenoc, 1904-1906. 

Puta Creek at Winters, 1905-1909. 

San Joaquin River near (Friant), 1907-1909. 

San Joaquin River at Herndon, 1879-1909. 

Tulare Lake in Kings County, 1906-1909. 

Kern River near Bakersfield, 1893-1909. 

Tule River near Portersville, 1901-1909. 

Kaweah River below Three Rivers, 1903-1909. 

Kings River near Sanger, 1895-1909. 

Kings River at Kingsburg, 1895-1904. 

Merced River in Yosemite Valley, 1904-1909. 

Merced River above Merced Falls, 1901-1909.

Tenaya Creek in Yosemite Valley, 1904-1909.

Yosemite Creek in Yosemite Valley, 1904-1909. 

Tuolumne River at Hetch Hetchy Valley dam site, 1901. 

Tuolumne River at Lagrange, 1895-1909. 

Tuolumne River at Modesto, 1895-1897.

Eleanor Creek at Eleanor trail crossing, 1901.

Cherry Creek at Eleanor trail crossing, 1901.

Modesto Canal near Lagrange, 1903-1909.

Turlock Canal near Lagrange, 1899-1909.

Lagrange Water & Power Co.'s canal near Lagrange, 1907-1909. 

Stanislaus River at Knights Ferry, 1895-1900, 1903-1909.

Stanislaus Water Co.'s canal at Knights Ferry, 1904-1909.

Calaveras River at Jenny Lind, 1907-1909.

Mokelumne River at Electra, 1901 and 1903-4.

Mokelumne River near Clements, 1904-1909.

Mokelumne River near Lodi, 1895.

Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar, 1907-1909.

1 Known locally as North Yuba River. 

* Known locally as Middle Yuba River.
32 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

North Pacific Ocean drainage basins: 

Sprague River at Yainax, Oreg., 1904. 

Upper Klamath Lake near Klamath Falls, Oreg., 1904-1909. 

Link River at Klamath Falls, Oreg., 1904-1909. 

Lower Klamath Lake near Brownell, 1907-1909. 

Klamath River at Keno, Oreg., 1904-1909.

Sycan River near Silverlake, Oreg., 1905.

Williamson River at Klamath Agency, Oreg., 1909. 

Lost River at Clear Lake, 1904-1909. 

Lost River at Olene, Oreg., 1907-1909. 

Tule Lake near Merrill, Oreg., 1904^-1909. 

Lost River near Merrill, Oreg., 1904-1908.

Miller Creek at Horsefly, Oreg. ,1904-1909.

LOWER COLORADO RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 1

COLORADO RIVER AT YTJMA, ARIZ.

This station, which is located in the town of Yuma, Ariz., 1£ miles 

below the mouth of Gila River and 10 miles by river above the 

Mexican border, furnishes information concerning the amount of 

water available for irrigation along lower Colorado River. Records 

of river height have been kept by the Southern Pacific Co. since 

April 1, 1878.

The records given herewith are furnished by the United States 

Reclamation Service, through F. L. Sellew, project engineer, Yuma, 

Ariz.

As the bed of the stream is composed of silt and sand and is very 

unstable, frequent measurements are necessary to properly define 

the daily discharge. Neither bank is subject to overflow. Previous 

to May 31, 1903, discharge measurements were made from the railroad bridge. On that date a cable station was established at a 

point 600 feet below the bridge, and all measurements are now made 

from a car, except during highest floods, when a boat is used. At 

flood stages a large part of the water flows through an old channel 

and does not pass under the cable; this overflow water is measured 

at the point where it passes under the railway trestle, one-third mile 

north of the main channel.

The staff gage is in two sections, the upper section, reading above 

24 feet, being the original gage established in 1876. It is located at 

the railroad bridge, 600 feet above the cable section. The elevation 

of the zero of the gage is 102.79 feet above sea level.

iFor full description of Colorado Biver drainage basin see Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey 

No. 269,1911.
CALIFORNIA. 33

me/8$wnments of Colorado River at Yima, Jpis.,, ia,lS09, 

[By R. L. North and N. B. Conway.]

Date.

Jan. 1. ........

Jan. 4.........

Jan. 6.........

Jan. 12.. .......

Jan. 15. ........

Jan. 18.........

Jan. 20. ........

Jan. 22.. .......

Jan. 25. ........

Jan. 27. ........

Jan. 30.........

Feb. 1.........

Feb. 3.........

Feb. 5.........

Feb. 9.........

Feb. 11.........

Feb. 15.........

Feb. 17.........

Feb. 19.- .......

Feb. 23.. .......

Feb. 25.........

Feb. 27.........

Mar. 1.........

Mar. 3.........

Mar. 5.........

Mar. 8.........

Mar. 10.........

Mar. 13.........

Mar. 15.........

Mar. 17.........

Mar, 19.........

Mar. 23.........

Mar. 25.........

Mar. 27.........

Mar. 29.........

Apr, 10.........

Apr. 12.........

Apr, 15.........

Apr. 17.........

Apr,20.. .......

Apr, 32... ......

Apr.24... ......

Apr. 26.. .......

Apr.28.........

Apr,30.. .......

May 3.........

May 5.........

Mav 7

Gage 

hwghj;.

Feet. 

18.70

18.40

18.60

18.30

18.30

18.80

19.40 10 fin

lfl.20

20.40

20.90

20.50

21.80

20.70

20.10

19.70

19.70

19.80

20.00

20.30

20 20

9ft Qfl

20.00

19.90

20.20

20.30

20.20

20.30

20.75

20.90

2L10

20.80

20.80

21.50

21.50

21.50 9A on

23.46

22.60

21.40

21.20 91 sn

21.95

21.60

21.30

21.20

22.65

24,20

24.65

23.90

22.70

23.20

23.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

7,800

6,000

6,860

a, ieo

5,800-

6,200

7,400

11 900

9,900

15,300

21,360

17.600

25,100

18,100

15,600 19 3nn

12,000

it 400

11,800 10 fifln

12,200

16,800

12,000

11,400

12,000

12 900

11,100

11,600

15,700

17,500

18,700

16,100

14,600

18,200

17,700

16,900

43,800

33,600

29,100

24,100

21,609

25,600

26,400

. 22,500

22,000

21,300

32,900

43,700

46,100

41,900

32,400

38,600

40,400

Data.

MsyM. ........

MftV 19

TWftV 1-i

Vr&ir 17

May 19. ........

May 21 May 24

May 26.. .......

May 29. ........

June 12.........

Tun A *LL

July l.........

July 3.........

July 6.........

July 8.........

July 10. ........

July 13. ........

July 15. ........

July 17.........

July 19. ........

July 22. ........

July 24. ........

July 26. ........

July 29. ........

July 31. ........

Aug. 3........

Aug. 5........

Aug. 10.. .......

Aug. 12. ........

Aug. 14.........

&n<r 17

A-fa a 1 Q

Aug. 21. ........

Aug. 28... ......

AiicTi 9R

Aug. 31. ........

Sept 2.........

Sfipt 7.........

Sept. 11... ......

«.

Seet. 

23.00

no fiA

OJ nf\

26.20

26.70

26.20

26.95

25.50

25.80

26.50

26.90

27.10

27.05

26.45

26.80

97 AA

Oft Oft

29.60

30.30

30.75

30.65

29.40

29.40

29. OQ

28.20

27.00

25.50

2460

23.80

22.20

20.00 ift 4n

10 n/i

19.25

19.80

19.50

18,90 iaeo

18.00 ia4o

18.30

in on

1Q Rft

id 7n

20.95

21.20

20.20 10 fin

19.45

21.10

20 80

22.30

22.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 07 on/i

42,500

49,000

60 400

65,400

68,500

64,700

65,400

n

Afyi

74 600

76.' 700

7fi 7flA

79 000

77 100 fin 4ftft

90,700

114,900

126,000

189,500 140. finn

146 000 1->n'onn

m dnn

182,000

116,900

102,900

86,300

75,300

68,400

62,600

An a(]f\

35.600 4/1 .inn

46,500

51,900

44,300

38,700

36,100

28,400

30,400

28,500 An crin

42,300

39,400.

53,800

30,600 i? 9nn

An Ann

39,000

65,200

50,400

76,000

79,900

Date.

Sept 18... ......

Sept 21... ......

Sept 23... ......

Sept 28.........

Oct. 2..........

Oct 5..........

Oct. 7 .........

ftnt O

.Oct. 12.... ......

Do.........

Oct 14..........

Do.........

Oct 16.... ......

Do.........

Qct 19.. ........

Do.........

-Oct. 21... .......

Do.........

Oct 23..........

Do.........

Oct. 26..........

Do.........

Oct. 28.... ......

Oct. 30.. ........

Do.........

Nov. 1... ......

Nov. 4.........

Nov. 6.........

Nov.ll... ......

Nov.13.........

Nov.16.. .......

Nov.18.........

Nov.20.. .......

Nov.23. ........

Nov.27... ......

Nov.SOc. ........

Dec. 4.........

Dec. 7:........

Dec. 9.........

Bac. 11.........

Dec. 14.........

'Dec 18

Dec 21

Dec. 23.........

Dec. 25.........

Dec. 28.........

Dec. 30. ........

£&

Feet. IQ on

moo

18.40

17.60

17.40

17.10

16.80

16.70

16.50

16.30

16.30

16.30

16.30

16.60

16.50

16 40

16.40

16 40

16.40

16.40

16.40

16.30

16.30

16.30

16.00

16.00

16.00

15.90

15.80

15.80

15.80

15.80

15.90

15.90

15.90

15.90

16.00

15.85

15.90

16.00

16.10

16.10

16.00

16.00

15.70

15.35

15.10

15.20

15.30

15.00

1480

Discharge.

See.-ft. 

40,000

qq firm

OQ A(V\

99 fiftf>

21,300

19 200

17,200

16,100

14,500

13,500

13,300

12,700

19 QflO

13,700

13,700

13,100

13,300

12,900

12,900

12,700

12,600

12,000

12,000

11,400

11,100

11,000

10,900

10,000

9,600

9,300

8,700

9,100

9,000

9,100

9,400

9,300

9,500

9,000

9,600

9,800

10,800

11,600

10,900

10,200

9,300

7,600

6,300

6,600

6,600

5,700

4,800

-Measurements July 13 to Sept. 18 made by subsurface method; reduction coefficient used

Badly gage height, in feet, of Colorado Mver at Fttma, Anx., for 1969. 

pt. L. North and N. B, Conway, observers.]

D«gr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

18,65

18.6

18.45

18.35

18.55

1&6

18.4

18.26

18.3

18.3

Feb.

21 7

3t j

20.6

20.2

20.1

20.05

19.85

19.75

19.7

19.65

Mar.

1Q Q

20.2

20.25

20.55

20.3

20.3

20.35

20.15

20.26

20.35

Apr*

24.8

24.1

23.5

23.05

22.66

22.15

22.0

21.55

21.65

21.3

May.

23.45

23.0

22.7

22.85

23 25

23.45

23.35

23.05

23.0

23.0

June.

26.6

26.7

26.9

27.0

27.0

27.1

27.15

27.15

26.95

26.66

JulF29.4

29.45

29.4

29.35

29.15

29.05

28.6

28.1

27.6

26.95

Aug.

20.0

».r

19.4

19.05

18.9

18.85

18.5

18.45

18.3 i&os

Sept

19.5

16. § 

19.6

21.25

21.75

21.05

20.9

20.4

20.35

21.66

Oct.

17.35

117.1

17.05

16.9

16.8

16.8

16.7

16.6

16.5

16.4

Nov.

J6.0

11.0

15.9

15.85

15.8

15.8

15.8

15.8

15.8

15.8

Dec.

15.8

15 95

16.0

16.05

16.0

16.0

16.1

16.2

16.1

16.0

96451° wsr 271 11-
34 SURFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Colorado River at Yuma, Ariz.,for 1909 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

18.35

18.3

18.45

18.7

18.8

18.9

19.05

10 K

19.75

19.6

19.35

10 9

10 1

19.25

20.4

20.35

20.85

20.55

20.55

20.5

22.0

Feb.

19.7

19.7

19.9

19.8

10 o

20.1

20.05

20.5

20.35

20.3

20.15

20 2

20.3

20.45

20.75

20.25

20.0

19.9

Mar.

20.35

20.5

20.75

20.85

20.9

20.9

21.05

nrt OK

20.8

20.85

'20.65

20.65

21.0

21.3

21.55

21.6

21.5

21.5

21.55

22.15

24.3

Apr.

21.75

91 ft

21.8

91 OR

OO A

21.85

21 45

91 *>£

21.35

21.35

91 *>£

91 9K.

21.55

22.8

23.7

24.3

2465

24.65

9A 1 K.

23.85

May.

23.15

23.55

23.95

9A 9

24.5

94 Q

OR 9

25.6

OK Q

26.2

OA 9

26.3

26.2

25.95

25.75

25.5

25.55

25.75

25.85

26.0

26.35

June.

26.4

26.45

26.6

9fi O

27.25

27.6

OO OK

Oft Q

29.3

29.7

30.05

30.25

30.5

30.75

30.75

30.65

30.45

30.1

29.85

29.65

July.

26.55

26.1

25.6

25.05

24.65

24.2

23.65

OO ft

22.05

21.35

20.7

20.05

19.8

19.45

W i

1ft O

19.1

18.95

19.35

19.75

19.85

Aug.

18.05

18.35

18.35

18.35

18.85

20.4

19.35

10 i

19.85

19.95

10 s

20.65

20.45

21.0

21.1

21.15

20.5

20.1

19.35

19.45

19.9

Sept.

22.45

23.3

23.7

23.5

22.3

21.2

20.35

1O UK

19.55

19.2

18.85

18.6

18.35

18.2

18.05

17.8

17.7

17.6

17.55

17.4

Oct.

16.3

16.3

16.3

16.35

16.35

16.5

16.45

16.4

16.45

16.4

16.4

16.4

16.4

16.3

16.3

16.3

16.3

16.25

16.1

16.0

16.0

Nov.

15.75

15.75

15.8

15.8

15.8

15.9

15.95

15.9

15.9

15.9

15.95

15.9

15.9

15.95

16.05

16.0

16.0

15.95

15.95

15.85

Dec.

16.0

16.0

16.0

16.0

16.0

15.7

15.5

15.3

15.25

15.2

15.15

15.2

15.25

15.3

15.3

15.3

15.15

15.0

1i 0

14.75

14.6

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Colorado River at Yuma, Ariz., for 1909.

Day.

1.. ........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Jan.

7,800 

7,100 

6,100 

6,000 

6,900

6,800 

6,000 

6,100 

6,100 

6,100

6,200 

5,8uO 

5,9uO 

6,100 

6,200

6,300 

6,400 

7,400 

8,100 

11,900

10,600 

9,900 

9,400 

10,200 

15,300

15,100 

21,300 

17,100 

17,100 

17,600

31,500

Feb.

25,100 

21,100 

18,100 

14,900 

15,500

15,300 

14,400 

14,000 

12,300 

11,900

12,000 

12,OoO 

13,8uO 

11,400 

11,400

12,000 

11,800 

13,500 

12,800 

12,800

12,300 

12,500 

12,200 

13,700 

16,800

12,500 

12,000 

11,500

Mar.

11,400 

13,200 

12,000 

12,700 

12,900

12,900 

13,400 

11,100 

12,000 

11,600

11,800 

12,600 

15,700 

16,600 

17,500

17,500 

18,700 

17,200 

16,100 

16,500

14,800 

14,800 

14,600 

17,200 

18,200

18,700 

17,700 

17,700 

15,900 

21,700 

35,900

Apr.

43,800 

37,600 

33,oOO 

31,100 

29,400

26,600 

25,800 

24,700 

25,100

22,800

28,500 

25,600 

25,600 

26,600 

26,700

25,900 

22,100 

20,300 

21,200 

22,100

21,900 

21,600 

23,800 

34,100 

41,300

44,400 

46,800 

46,100 

43,400 

41,600

May.

39,400 

36,900 

32,-iOO 

33,600 

39,200

41,700 

40,000 

37,200 

36,800 

37,400

38,500 

43,000 

47,200 

49,000 

51,800

55,500 

61,500 

65,000 

66,400 

70,400

68,500 

69,100 

68,500 

64,700 

61,700

65,400 

66,400 

70,400 

72,400 

72,300 

73,900

June.

75,100 

75,600 

76,700 

77,200 

77,200

78,700 

79,200 

79,200 

78,700 

77,700

76,900 

77,100 

78,500 

81,300 

86,200

90,700 

103,700 

114,900 

124,900 

127,500

134,500 

138,700 

144,200 

149,500 

148,000

145,000 

142,700 

138,300 

135,200 

133,100

July.

130,200 

133,000 

132,400 

133,700 

132,300

133,000 

124,700 

115,400 

110,000 

102,000

98,500 

93,500 

88,100 

80,800 

76,200

71,700 

66,300 

62,700 

60,200 

54,500

48,700 

43,500 

40,300 

36,000 

34,500

34,400 

39,200 

40,700 

47,700 

51,800 

52,800

Aug.

51,600 

48,500 

43,300 

39,200 

38,700

39,500 

33,000 

34,200 

32,300 

29,300

25,000 

29,500 

29,600 

29,600 

34,900

47,400 

42,800 

39,500 

42,700 

42,300

40,200 

47,700 

48,500 

54,100 

52,400

50,200 

47,600 

46,500 

40,800 

40,800 

43,100

Sept.

39,800 

39,300 

47,800 

66,200 

65,700

56,200 

51,000 

52,000 

55,200 

67,300

77,500 

87,700 

93,200 

91,500 

77,800

63,700 

50,700 

39,600 

37,800 

35,500

33,300 

31,100 

28,000 

27,700 

26,500

24,400 

23,600 

22,600 

22,300 

21,300

Oct.

20,700 

19,200 

18,800 

17,800 

17,200

17,000 

16,100 

15,300 

14,500 

13,900

13,600 

13,500 

13,100 

13,100 

12,800

13,700 

13,300 

13,000 

13,600 

13,200

12,900 

12.800 

12,700 

12,200 

12,100

12,000 

11,700 

11,200 

11,000 

11,000 

11,000

Nov.

10,900 

10,900 

10,100 

9,800 

9,600

9,600 

9,500 

9,400 

9,300 

9,000

8,300 

8,300 

9,100 

8,800 

8,400

9,000 

9,700 

9,100 

9,200 

9,400

9,900 

9,400 

9,300 

9,600 

10,500

9,800 

9,500 

9,400 

9,500 

9,000

Dec.

8,800 

9,800 

9,900 

10,100 

9,900

10,000 

10,800 

11,900 

11,600 

10,900

10,900 

10,700 

10,400 

10,200 

9,900

9,300 

8,400 

7,300 

7,000 

6,800

6,500 

6,700 

6,800 

6,800 

6,600

6,800 

6,200 

5,700 

5,300 

4,600 

4,100

NOTE. These discharges were obtained by the indirect method for shifting channels.
CALIFORNIA. 35

Monthly discharge of Colorado River at Yuma, Ariz., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 225,000 square miles.]

Month.

April..............................

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

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

September. .......................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

31,600 

25,100 

35,900 

46,800 

73,900 

149,500 

133,700 

54,100 

93,200 

20,700 

10,900 

11,900

149,500

Minimum.

5,800 

11,400 

11,100 

20,300 

32,400 

75,100 

34,400 

25,000 

21,300 

11,000 

8,300 

4,100

4,100

Mean.

10,000 

13,900 

15,900 

30,300 

54,100 

105,000 

79,600 

40,800 

48,500 

14,000 

9,440 

8,410

35,800

Per 

square 

mile.

0.044 

.062 

.071 

.135 

.240 

.467 

.354 

.181 

.216 

.062 

.042 

.037

.159

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.05 

.06 

.08 

.15 

.28 

.52 

.41 

.21 

.24 

.07 

.05 

.04

2.16

Total in 

acre-feet.

615,000 

772,000 

978,000 

1,800,000 

3,330,000 

6,250,000 

4,890,000 

2,510,000 

2,890,000 

861,000 

562,000 

517,000

26,000,000

SALTON SINK. 

SALTON SEA NEAR SALTON, CAL.

Salton Sink originally formed a part of the Colorado Desert, which 

extends northwestward almost 100 miles from the California-Mexico 

boundary line and comprises an area of nearly 2,000 square miles. 

This desert comprises two fertile valleys, one to the northwest of the 

sink, in Riverside County, known as the Coachella Valley, and the 

other to the southeast of the sink, in Imperial County, called the 

Imperial Valley. Salton Sea, which now partly fills the sink, lies 

between the two valleys, being partly in Riverside County and partly 

in Imperial County. It is about 160 miles southeast of Los Angeles, 

90 miles northwest of Yuma, and 50 miles north of Calexico. The 

longer diameter of'the sea trends northwest and southeast. On December 31, 1908., its surface was 206 feet below mean sea level, its 

length was nearly 45 miles, its maximum width about 15 miles, its 

minimum width 9.5 miles, its maximum depth 67.5 feet, and its superficial area about 443 square miles. WDuring the high water of the summer of 1891 the Colorado overflowed into Salton Sink to such an extent as to endanger the Southern 

Pacific Railroad at its lowest point. In the summer of 1905, after a 

succession of winter and spring floods in Gila River followed by an 

exceptionally heavy summer flow in the Colorado, the flood into the 

sink was repeated on a much larger scale. The old river channel 

occupied by Alamo River was transformed into a deep, wide gorge, 

and another channel, now called New River, was formed. The flood 

did great damage to the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad, to 

the plant of the New Liverpool Salt Co., below Mecca, and to the 

ranches in the vicinity.
36 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Gage-height records kept by the New Liverpool Salt Co. from 

November, 1904, to February 26, 1906, show the actual depth of the 

water above the lowest portion of the sink. February 23, 1906, the 

Government installed a gage at the same datum, about half a mile 

west of Salton railroad station and 3 miles southeast of the old Salton 

station. This gage was destroyed by waves. The Southern Pacific Co. had graduated a trestle bent across Salt Creek about 2J 

miles east of Salton, using the company's datum. The zero of this 

gage is 273.5 feet below mean sea level as determined from United 

Sta^s Geological Survey bench marks, or at an elevation of 280.3 

below sea level, according to the Southern Pacific Co.

Practically all the water received by Salton Sea enters through 

Alamo and New Elvers, but chiefly through the former. These 

rivers run through Imperial Valley, and are drainage channels for the 

excess and waste water from the irrigation system and from the power 

plants.

The following tables show the fluctuation of the surface of Salton 

Sea:

Daily gage height, in feet, of Salton Sea near Salton, Cal., for 1909. 

[J. A. Jeffreys and Benj. C. Kadel, observers.]

Ddy.

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.

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.45

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.4 

67.4

Feb.

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.4

67.85

67.35

67.35

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.3

67.25

67.25

67.25

.......

Mar.

67.25

67.25

67.25

67.25

67.2

67.2

67.2

67.2

67.2

67.15

67.15

67.15

67.1

67.1

67.1

67.1

67.1

67.1

67.05

67.05

67.05

67.05

67.05

67.05

67.05

67.05

67.05

67.05

67.05

67.0 

67.0

Apr.

67.0

67.0

67.0

67.0

66.95

66.95

66.95

66.95

66.95

66.95

fifi Q

66.9

flfi Q

fifi Q

66.9

t

9

9

66.85

66.85

66.85

66.8

66.8

66.8

66.8

66.8

66.75

66.75

66.75

66.75

66.7

May.

66.7

66.7

66.7

66.7

66.7

66,7

66.7

66.7

66.65

66.65

66.65

66.65

66.65

65.65

66.65

66.6

66.6

66.6

66.6

66.6

66.6

66.6

66.55

66.56

66.5

66.45

66.45

66.4

66.35

66.3 

66.3

June.

66.25

66.25

66.25

66.2

66.2

66.15

66.1

66.1

66.15

66.15

66.15

66.15

66.15

66.1

66.1

66.1

66.05

66.05

66.0

66.0

66.0

66.0

66.0

65.95

65.95

65.95

65.95

65.95

65.9

65.9

July.

65.9

65.95

65.85

65.8

65.8

65.75

65.75

65.75

65.7

65.7

65.7

65.7

65.65

65.65

65.65

65.65

65.6

65.55

65.55

65.55

65.55

65.55

65.55

65.5

65.45

65.45

65.4

65.35

65.35

65.35 

65.3

Aug.

65.3

65.25

65.2

65.2

65.2

65.15

65.35

65.3

65.3

66.25

65.25

65.25

65.2

65.2

65.2

65.25

65.15

65.2

65.2

65.15

65.2

65.15

65.15

65.15

65.15

63.1

65.1

65.1

65.1

65.15 

65.15

Sept.

65.35

65.3

65.25

65.3

65.25

65.25

65.3

65.25

65.25

65.25

65.2

65.15

65.1

65.05

65.05

65.05

65.0

C5.0

65.0

6495

649

649

649

649

6485

6485

648

648

6475

6475

Oct.

647

6465

646

646

6455

64.55

645

645

645

6445

64.45

6445

644

644

644

6435

6435

643

643

643

<U 3

6425

6425

6425

6425

642

642

642

642

642

642

Nov.

641

641

fU 1

6405

6405

6405

6405

640

640

63.95

63.95

63.9

63.9

63.9

63.85

63.8

63.8

63.75

68.75

63.75

63.75

63.7

63.7

63.75

63.75

63.75

63.7

63.7

63.7

63.65

Dec.

63.65

63.65

63.65

68.65

63.6

63.6

63.56

63.55

63.6

63.55

63.55

63.55

63.55

63.55

63.55

63.5

63.5

63.5

63.5

63.5

63.45

63.45

63.45

6&45

63.4

63.4

63.4

63.4

63.4

63.4 

63.4
CALIFORNIA. 

Monthly rise of Salton Sea near Salton, Oal.,

37

Month.

1904.

1905.

April...........

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

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

October........

1906.

April...........

Monthly rise.

Feet. 

0.6

.2

1 4

1.6

.8

1.2

1.0

2.2

4.4

2.2

1.2

1.4

1.6

. 2.9

1.1

1.8

2.7

5.6

8.6

15.4

Total 

rise.

Feet.

0.8

2.2

3.8

4.6

5.8

6.8

9.0

13.4

15.6

16.8

18.2

19.8

22.7

23.8

25.6

28.3

33.9

42.5

57.9

Month.

1906. 

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

1907.

April...........

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

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

October........

1908.

Monthly rise.

Feet. 

8.6

2.9

.9

1.2

- .2

1.2

2.8

.7

- .1

- .3

- .5

- .4

__ O

- .3

- .7

- .4

 C

 3

.0

- .1

Total 

rise.

Feet. 

66.5

69.4

70.3

71.5

71.3

72.5

75.3

76.0

75.9

75.6

75.1

74.7

74.5

74.2

73.5

73.1

72.6

72.3

72.3

72.2

Month.

1908.

April........... May............

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

1909.

February.......

March . .....

April...........

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

Monthly rise.

Feet. -0.2

- .4

- .6

- .5

- .5

- .6

Q

- .7

- .3

- .2

.0

- .15

- .25

- .3

- .4

- .4

- .6

- .05

- .5

- .55

 .55

- .25

Total 

rise.

Feet. 

72.0

71.6

71.0

70.5

70.0

69.4

68.6

67.9

67.6

67.4

67.4

67.25

67.0

66.7

66.3

65.9

65.3

65.25

64.75

64.2

63.65

63.4

ALAMO RIVER NEAR BRAWLEY, CAL.

During 1908 discharge measurements were made on Alamo River at 

a highway bridge 3J miles east of Brawley, CaL, by H. R. Edwards, 

engineer for the New Liverpool Salt Co.1 During 1909 measurements 

were made by engineers of the United States Geological Survey. On 

June 24, 1909, a continuous record of gage heights was commenced 

on this point. The staff gage is spiked vertically to a pile in the 

left abutment of the bridge. The datum of the gage has remained 

the same during the maintenance of the station. All discharge 

measurements are made from the bridge.

The data obtained at this station, together with those obtained 

on New River, show the amount of waste water reaching Salton Sea, 

and are of value in connection with experiments being made by the 

United States Weather Bureau for determining the evaporation from 

Salton Sea.

Conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are poor. The 

channel is constantly scouring or filling as the stage fluctuates. 

Both banks are high and well above overflow.

Discharge measurements of Alamo River near Brawley, CaL, in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 14

July 30

Sept. 12

Dec. 31

Hydrograpaer.

Hardy and Jones. . ........................................

W.F.Martin..............................................

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

A H. Koebigjr ..........................................

Width,

Feet. 

55

55

56

60

55

Area of 

section.

«'**

128

120

175

82

&

Feet. 

5.01

5.40

5.26

6.00

4.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

213

401

oqn

675

164

» These measurements were published in Water-Supply Paper U. 8. Geol. Survey No. 249,1910, p. 52, 

and Water-Supply Paper U. 8. Geol. Survey No. 251,1910, p. 46.
38 SUEFAOE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Alamo River near Brawley, Gal., for 1909. 

[Mrs. Flora Helman, observer.]

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8....

9....

10....

11....

12. ...

13....

14....

15....

June. July.

5.95

5.8

5.9

5.85

5.9

5.7

5.5

5.4

5.35

5.4

5.65

5.6

5.45

5.15

4.8

Aug.

5.5

5.45

5.3

5.35

5.2

5.3

5.3

5.35

5.4

5.35

5.15

5.0

5.05

5.3

5.45

Sept.

8.0

7.6

7.1

6.8

6.3

4.95

5.1

5.55

6.3

&2

6.0

6.0

6.4

5.85

5.8

Oct.

5.8

5 75

5.65

5.45

5.75

5.55

5.6

5.65

5.65

5.35

5.25

5.25

5.2

5.1

5.05

Nov.

5.4

5 Q<;

5.45

5.45

5.3

5.3

5.25

5.35

5.15

5.2

5.25

5.2

5.25

5.35

5.35

Dec.

5.65

5 jtK

<; 4

5.4

5.45

5.45

5.4

5.4

5.5

5.8

5.8

6.1

6.1

5.8

5.8

Day.

16....

17....

18....

Id

20....

21....

22....

23....

24...

25...

26...

27...

28...

29...

30...

31....

June.

5.5

5.65

5.8

5.65

5.9

t\ OR

5.95

July.

4.7

4.8

495

5.05

4,85

4.8

4.95

4.75

4.65

5 45

5.45

4.9

4.85

4.95

5.2

5.3

Aug.

5.95

7.65

7.65

8.3

8.1

7.9

8.4

8.35

8.4

8.4

8.5

8.4

7.8

5.95

5.95

7.15

Sept.

5.4

5.2

5.15

5.0

5.25

5.7

fi.6

5.35

5.4

5.45

5.55

5.65

5.8

5.85

6.2

Oct.

5.0

5.05

5.15

5.2

5.2

5.25

5.25

5.2

5.2

5.15

5.15

5.2

5.1

5.2

5.3

6.3

Nov.

5.4

5.35

5.35

5.5

5.65

5.45

5.6

5.35

5.3

5.4

5.55

5.6

5.75

5.8

5.8

Dec.

5.85

5.55

5.45

5.35

5.2

5.15

6.3

5.2

5.25

5.55

5.55

5.65

5.35

5.0

4.85

4.55

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Alamo River near Brawley, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8....

9....

10-...

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

June. July.

604

539

582

560

5891

496

410

368

348

368

474

453

389

278

194

Aug.

410

389

328

348

293

328

328

348

368

348

278

237

250

328

389

Sept.

1 480

1,310

1,100

969

754

226

263

432

754

711

625

625

797

560

539

Oct.

539

518

474

389

518

432

453

474

474

348

310

310

293

263

250

Nov.

368

348

389

389

328

328

310

348

278

293

310

293

310

348

348

Dec.

474

389

368

368

389

389

368

368

410

<WQ

539

668

668

539

539

Day.

16....

17....

18....

19....

Ort

21....

22....

23....

24.. .

25.. .

26..

27..

28..

29..

30..

31....

June.

410

474

539

474

582 fifti

fiTkt

July.

176

194

226

250

204

194

226

185

168

389

389

214

204

226

293

328

Aug.

604

1,330

1,330

1,610

1,530

1,440

1,660

1,640

1,660

1,660

1,700

1,660

1,400

604

604

1,120

Sept.

368

293

278

237

310

496

453

,348

368

389

432

474

539

560

711

Oct.

237

250

278

293

293

310

310

293

293

278

278

293

263

293

328

328

Nov.

3fi8

348

348

410

474

389

453

348

328

368

432

453

518

539

539

Dec.

560

432

389

348

293

278

328

293

310

432

432

474

348

237

204

153

NOTE. These discharges are based on the rating curve that is fairly well denned between discharges 100 

and 1,050 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Alamo River near Brawley, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

June 24-30. ........................................

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

The period. .................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

604 

604 

1,700 

1,480 

539 

539 

668

Minimum.

410 

168 

237 

226 

237 

278 

153

Mean.

529 

339 

856 

580 

334 

377 

404

Run-off 

(total In 

acre-feet).

7,340 

20,800 

52,600 

34,500 

21,200 

22,400 

24,800

184,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.
CALIFORNIA. 39

NEW RIVER NEAR BRAWLEY, CAL.

During 1908 discharge measurements were made at a wagon bridge 

over New River, 1£ miles west of Brawley, Cal., by H. E. Edwards, 

engineer for the New Liverpool Salt Co.1 During 1909 measurements 

were made by engineers of the United States Geological Survey. On 

June 24, 1909, a continuous record of gage heights was begun at this 

point. The staff gage is spiked vertically to the third bridge pile 

from the right bank. The datum of the gage has remained the same 

during the maintenance of the station. At high stages discharge 

measurements are made from the bridge, but at medium and low 

stages measurements are made by wading near the bridge.

The data obtained at this station, together with those obtained on 

Alamo Eiver, show the amount of waste water reaching Salton Sea 

and are of value in connection with experiments being made by the 

United States Weather Bureau to determine the evaporation from 

Salton Sea.

Conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are exceedingly 

poor. The great amount of fine silt carried by this stream causes 

continual changes in the channel. The current is light at low stages. 

Floods occur at long intervals and are extremely torrential.

Conditions at this station during 1909 were fairly good up to the 

middle of August, when heavy rains fell in the Imperial Valley and 

surrounding country. A considerable flood occurred on New River, 

washing out the earth approaches to the bridge, and changing the 

channel so completely that measurements made prior to August are 

not comparable with those that will be made later. Probably the 

channel was fairly stable after October 1, 1909, but sufficient discharge measurements have not been .made to define the new rating 

curve. Estimates of flow are therefore withheld.

Discharge measurements of New River near Brawley, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

14

June 24

July 30

Hydrographer.

W. F. Martin..............................................

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

Width.

Feet. 

23

25.1

58

48.9

Area of 

section.

***m

32

66

53

Sf.

Feet.

6.66

a 31

6.18

Discharge.

Scc.-ft. 

46

47

89

63

NOTE. All measurements made from downstream side of wagon bridge.

i These measurements were published in Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 249,1910, p. 52, 

and Water Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No, 251,1910, p. 46.
40 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of New Kwer near Brawky, Cat., for 1909. 

[Herschell Darnell, observer.]

Day.

a....

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

9....

10....

11....

12. ...

13....

14....

15....

June. July.

6.15

6.1

6.1

6.15

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.15

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.JI

6.2

Aug.

6.2

ft, 2

6.25

6.25

6,26

5.9

5.9

6.9

5.9

5,9 ,

5.9

6.2

7.4S

7.0

6.9

Sept

6.:8

6.15

5.5

5.5

5.5

6.6

5.6

5.3

6.3

5.3

1.2

6.1

5.0

5.1

5.0

Oct.

5.0

4.9

495

4.8

48

4.8

4.8

A 8

4

0

47

4.7

47

4.7

47

A. "I

Nov.

4.9

4.85

4.85

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.85

4.8

A. 8

48

4.8

4.8

A %

4.9

Dee.

4.8

4.9

4.8

4.'85

4.9

4.85

4.8

A Q

A Q

4.9

4 0

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

Day.

16....

17.... is

19....

20

21....

22....

23....

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29

30.

31....

June.

6.3

&3

6.3

6.25

6.3

6.25

6.2

My.

6.2

6.25

6.25

6.0

5.0

5.9

5.85

5.8

5.8

6.0

6.05

6.1

a is

6.2

6.2

6.2

Aug.

6.86

6.8

6.8

7.1 7.0*

6.75

6.6

6.6

6.3

5.95

«9.2

8.75

Sept

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9$

5.0

4.95

5.0&

5.0

49

Oct.

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4,7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4:7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.65 45 '

4.5

Nov.

40

4.9

4,9

4.85

4.9

49

4.9

49

485

40

49

4.8

40

4.9

48

Dee.

48

4.8

4.95

4.85

49

5.15

5.0

5.0

49

5.0

4.9

4.9

5.0

5.0

5.1

5.1

o Maximum gage height 12.6 feet. Mean height estimated. 

GREAT BASIN DRAINAGE. 

GENERAL FEATURES.

The Great Basin clrainage in California comprises all the streams 

flowing from the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, including all or a 

part of the drainage basins of Susan River and Honey Lake, Truckee 

River and Lake Tahoe, Carsbn River, Walker River, Mono Lake, 

and Owens River and Lake. Having no outlet to the ocean, the 

entire run-off from these basins is dissipated mainly through evaporation from the lakes and sinks in which the waters collect.

Investigations of flow have been made on the following streams in 

the Great Basin in California: Susan River, Truckee River, Carson 

River, Walker River, tributaries of Mono Lake, Owens River, and 

tributaries of Owens Lake and Mohave River.

Of these streams, the Truckee, Carson, and Walker discharge their 

waters outside of California and are therefore not considered in this 

report.1

OWENS RIVER BASIN.

DESCRIPTION.

Owens River basin is situated in the eastern part of California in 

Mono and Inyo counties, east of the main crest of the Sierra, which 

for a distance of about 140 miles forms the watershed between it and 

the basin of San Joaquin, Kings, and Kern rivers. It is south of 

Mono Lake basin and north of the arid region separating it from the 

Mohave Desert at the south. Its eastern limit is determined by the 

White Mountains at the north and the Inyo Mountains at the south. 

The length of the basin is about 120 miles, its width is about 20 miles

i See Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 270,1911.
CALIFORNIA. 41

at the south and 30 miles at the north, and its total area, including 

Owens Lake, comprises approximately 2,800 square mile% of which 

abottt 1,100 square miles are east of the river.

Owens River rises among the high peaks of the Sierra, east of 

Mount Lyell and directly opposite the headwaters of San Joaquin 

River, at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet above sea level. It flews 

eastward into Long Valley, thence southwestward through Owens 

River Canyon into Owens VaMey, thence eastward and southward 

through the trough of the valley to Owens Lake, about 20 miles 

southeast of Mount Whitney and directly opposite the northern part 

of the Kern River basin. The total length of Owens River is about 

125 miles 45 miles above the lower end of the canyon and 80 miles 

in Owens Valley.

Owens River has many tributaries. More than forty lateral 

streams, many of them, however, comparatively small, drain a part 

of the eastern slope of the Sierra and enter the main stream ft®m the 

west. The principal tributaries, from north to south, are as follows: 

Rock, Pine, Horton, McGee, Birch, and Bishop creeks, opposite the 

San Joaquin basin; Coyote, Baker, Big Pine, Birch, Tiflemaha, 

Taboose, Goodale, Division, Sawmill (Eightmife), Thibaut, Oak, 

Pine, and Symmes creeks, opposite Kings River basin; and Shepard, 

Bairs (Moffett), George, Hogback, Lone Pine, Tuttle, Richter, Cottonwood, and Ash creeks, opposite Kern River basin. No water 

enters Owens River from the east except during the rare, exceptionally 

heavy rainstorms.

The basin is long and comparatively narrow and its topography is 

varied. It comprises a rough east-side mountain slope 5 or 6 miles 

wide, a valley floor about 6 miles wide, and a west-side slope ranging 

in width from 6 to 10 miles or more. The west-side area is made up 

of a very rugged and precipitous mountain slope 4 or 5 miles wide, 

and a sloping alluvial plain composed of delta-fan surfaces ranging 

in width from 1 to 5 miles and lying at the foot of the mountains and 

west of the western margin of the valley. Owens Valley is smooth, 

and ranges in altitude from 3,600 feet at the south end to about 4,100 

feet at the north end. The crest of the east-side range of mountains 

averages about 6,000 feet higher than the valley floor. The west-side 

plain consists of a porous granitic alluvium of considerable depth, and 

ranges in altitude from about 4,000 feet at the western valley margin 

to about 6,000 feet at the foot of the mountains. It has a fairly uniform slope of 400 to 600 feet to the mile. The eastern slofpe of the 

Sierra is very steep and rugged, and ranges in altitude from about 

6,000 feet at the foot to 13)000 or 14,000 feet at the crest. The geologic formation is granitic.

The basin is rather poorly forested. The eastern slope IB practically 

barren of vegetation, except in places a scanty desert growth. The
42 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

western slope has a very slight soil covering and only a sparse timber 

growth, found chiefly along the watercourses. All the western slope, 

a large part of the eastern slope, and the central part of Owens 

Valley are included in national forests.

The mean annual precipitation in Owens River basin is very light, 

especially on the valley floor and the eastern slope. The only records 

available are for the valley and indicate that the mean annual precipitation there is about 5 inches. On the Sierra slope the precipitation probably increases with increase of latitude and certainly increases 

with increase of altitude. On the higher parts of the slope it is probably 30 or 40 inches and possibly more, and it occurs almost entirely 

as snow, whose melting feeds the numerous streams that issue from 

this slope. These streams usually have their minimum flow in February and their maximum in July. Their combined maximum is 

about ten times their combined minimum. There is about the same 

ratio of disparity in the monthly extremes of precipitation, but the 

seasons are reversed.

Owens Valley is extensively cultivated and is particularly adapted 

to stock raising. Numerous diversions are made for irrigation at different points on Owens Eiver and tributaries, particularly in the upper 

part of the valley. Considerable water is also used for irrigating 

meadow lands in Long Valley north of Owens Eiver canyon, but it is 

returned to the river above the head of Owens Valley.

Many excellent reservoir sites exist on the main stream and on the 

upper reaches of its tributaries.

The basin affords many opportunities for power development. 

The fall is so great and the minimum flow of the stream is so large 

and so reliably constant that many thousands of horsepower could be 

developed. It is estimated that a minimum of more than 100,000 

horsepower could be obtained without storage, and this amount could 

be considerably more than doubled by utilizing all the available storage sites. The Los Angeles aqueduct, when completed, will have a 

capacity of 400 second-feet and a total fall of more than 3,000 feet 

from its intake in Owens Valley to its outfall in San Fernando Valley 

near the city, and will generate more than 100,000 horsepower. A 

full development of all the power sites in Owens Eiver basin would 

probably yield more than 300,000 horsepower continuously.

Considered as a source of water supply, Owens River basin has 

other features of special interest. Nearly all the streams rise in glacial lakelets and marshes which are located at high altitudes near the 

crest of the Sierra, and serve to a certain extent as storage reservoirs 

in regulating the flow. The streams emerge from the mouths of their 

canyons upon the porous alluvial plain at the base of the Sierra, which 

is 1 to 5 miles wide and several hundred feet deep, and across which
CALIFORNIA. 43

they flow to the Owens River channel in the trough of the valley. This 

belt of debris is the source of a large and important loss of water, 

part of which appears in numerous springs throughout the valley. 

Perhaps stronger evidence of the great loss by seepage is afforded by 

the broad belt of wet and somewhat boggy land which extends over 

a large part of the trough of the basin. Undoubtedly large quantities of water can be obtained by sinking wells within this area. Several artesian wells which have been sunk in the vicinity of Independence yield a strong flow and give convincing evidence of an artesian 

belt in the valley. With a view to the greatest ultimate utilization 

of the valley's water supply, the city of Los Angeles is conducting 

special investigations to determine the depth to and fluctuations in 

the ground-water plane and the rate of evaporation from free water 

surface and saturated gravels near Independence; also to determine 

the amount of precipitation on the alluvial plain at the base of the 

Sierra between the 4,000 and 6,000 foot contours and the seepage 

losses of creeks crossing it.

The longest run-off record in Owens River basin extends back to 

1903, when stations were established on the main stream and on 

Rock and Pine creeks near Round Valley, and Bishop Creek near 

Bishop. The wettest year since that time was 1906 or 1907, and the 

driest 1905. The total flow during the wettest year was nearly 

double that during the driest.

In the fall of 1903 stations were established on five or six of the 

principal streams in Owens Valley and on numerous diversion canals 

used for irrigation. These stations were maintained two or three 

years to obtain general statistical data on the water supply of Owens 

Valley and also for the purpose of determining the quantity of 

water used for irrigation at that time and the suitability of the valley 

for a reclamation project. After the city of Los Angeles had acquired 

its extensive holdings in the valley and had taken active steps to 

utilize the flow of Owens River and tributaries for a municipal water 

supply, many other stations were established at the request of and 

in cooperation with the city. Since that time all stations in Owens 

Valley have been maintained in cooperation with the city of Los 

Angeles, the city paying all field and maintenance expenses and the 

National Government furnishing and paying an engineer to do the 

work.

All stations in Owens Valley except those on Owens River are 

located near the western margin of the valley, and most of them are 

below the delta fans which extend eastward from the mouths of the 

canyons and are above1 all diversions. Almost without exception 

measurements are made from footbridges or by wading. The current is swift at almost every station, and the channel is subject to 

more or less change.
44 SURFACE WATEH SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

OWENS RIVER NEAR BOUND VAMJfiT, OAL.

.station was established August 3, 1903, at the footbridge 

700 feet above the junction of Owens River and Rock Creek, and 

was destroyed March 19, 1907. A new station was established May 

29,1907, about 100 feet below the old one, but the new gage was not 

referred to the old datum.

Measurements are made from a cable. The staff gage is located at 

the cable.

Discharge measurements of Owens River near Round Valley, Gal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 22

Feb. 11

27

Mar. 18

29

May 19

30

July 23

Aug. 11

Sept. 1

22

Oct. 13

Nov. 3

24

Hydrographer.

R. E.Haines. .............................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

33

35

35

34.5

34

14.

34.5

35

35

36

34

84

04

34

33

34

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

82.9 S-2

75.8

SO. 8

75.6

88.2

115

v 130

99.8

89.9

80,2

72.1

73.1

71.6

73.3

Gage

height.

Feet. 

2.34

2.14

2.02

2.10

2.48

2.20

2.38

3.15

8.48

2.75

2.40

2.30

2.11

2.09

2.00

2.16

Discharge.

8ec.-ft. 

284

211

187

218

282

224

294

574

710

420

295

256

209

201

193

216

Daily gage height, in feet, of Owens River near Round Valley, Cal.,for 1909. 

[L. Roberts, 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

1.95

2.2

1.95

1.9

1.95 "i'e"

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.4

2.35

2.4

2.4

Feb.

1.7

i.7

1.9

1.95

2.0

2.3

" "2." 25"

2 1

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.95

2.0

Mar.

1.7

1.85

1 9

1.95

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.1

1.9

1.8

1.7

"i'6"

"2.0"

2.0

2.0

Apr.

2.6

3.0

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2 7

2; 9

2 9

2.9

2.8

2.7

16

2.5

2.35

2.3

2.3

May.

2.3

2.35

0 A

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

"is"

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.45 

2.5

2.7

2 7

June.

2.9

3.2

3

0

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.15 

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.25

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.5 

3.6

3.5

3.5

July.

3.5

3.6

3.8

3 1

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.85

2.8

"2." 7~"

"17"

2.6

2.6

Aug.

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2 4

2 4

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.4 

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.56

2.6

2.5

2.45

2.4 

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.25

Sept.

2.3

2; 2

*> 9

2.15

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.15 2- 1

2.2

2.1

2.15

2.1

2.2

2.1

Oct.

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.9

2 0

1.9

1.9

1.95

2.0

1 OK

2.i

2.0

11

10

11

2.0

11

2.0

2 1

N6v.

2.1

2.0

2.0

11

10

125

2.2

2.2 "ii~"

2.3

115

2.25

12

2.2

2.15 

12

"i's"

2.15

Dec.

13

2.2

2.25

12

......

2.3

14

13

2.3

2.3

13

13

13

2.3

2.3

2.3
CALIFORNIA. 45 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Owens River near Hound Valley, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21............... 9*> 1:::::::::::::::

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

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

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

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

28............... 29........:......

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

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

Jan.

170

170

177

177

203

226

203

177

170

170

170

177

253

358

302

253

253

253

263

253

269

269

285

269

269

269 '285

285

285

194

Feb.

149

149

149

158

170

170

177

185

185

203

214

253

253

239

226

203

214

185

177

170

170

170

164

158

170

177

185

185

Mar.

149

158

164

170

170

170

177

185

185

194

203

194

185

194

203

185

203

170

164

158

153

149

164

185

185

185

185

185

185

185

Apr.

358

436

616

436

358

339

320

320

320

358

396

436

476

476

476

476

476

456

436

396

377

358

339

320

285

269

253

253

253

253

May.

253

253

269

285

285

285

285

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

285

339

320

320

320

320

320

302

320

358

396

396

396

June.

436

476

596

616

636

656

676

676

656

676

596

596

596

596

596

596

596

616

636

636

676

676

676

676

696

716

756

736

716

716

July.

716

756

836

816

796

676

636

616

596

576

556

536

516

516

516

516

496

476

476

456

436

456

436

416

396

396

396

377

358

358

Aug.

3J3J

320

320

320

285

285

285

285

285

285

269

285

285

285

285

285

320

320

320

339

358

339

320

302

285

OQ K

. 269

253

253

253 9**Q

Sept.

253

239

226

226

226

226

214

203

203

214

185

194

203

194

185

203

203

214

203

226

203

203

214

203

203

214

226

214

203

Oct.

203

203

186

185

177

170

185

177

170

170

170

177

185

185

177

185

203

214

185

194

203

194

185 '203

194.

186

IQi

203

194

185

203

Nov.

203

203

185

185

194

203

194

185

239

226

226

226

214

203

214

226

226

214

226

239

226

226

226

214

226

239

253

226

214

226

Dec.

253

239

226

239

226

226

226

226

226

253

253

253

253

269

285

269

253

253

253

253

253

253

253

253

253

253

253

253

253

253

253

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between discharges of 185 and 

716 second-feet. Discharges interpolated for days when the gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of Owens River near Hound Valley, Col., in 1909.

Month.

March. ............................................

April..............................................

TWotr

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

October., .........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

358 

253 

203 

516 

396 

756 

836 

358 

253 

214 

293 

285

836

Minimum.

170 

149 

149 

253 

253 

436 

358 

239 

185 

170 

185 

226

149

Mean.

235

186 

179 

374 

317 

637 

531 

296 

211 

188 

217 

249

302

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

14,400 

10,300 

11,000 

22,300 

19,400 

37,900 

32,600 

18,200 

12,600 

11,600 

12,900 

16,300

218,000

Accuracy.

B. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

OWENS RIVER NEAR TINEMA£A, CAL.

This station was regularly established September 20, 1906, but 

the city of Los Angeles had made frequent measurements since the 

beginning of 1906. It is located at a basaltic knojl known as 

Charlies Buttf,, in the* floor of the valley, about 7 miles_sputh of Tinera&hja. Measurements are made from a cable. The st$ff gage is a& 

the measuring section.
46 SUEPACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PABT XI.

When the discharge exceeds 1,800 second-feet the left bank overflows and the station is inaccessible. At such times measurements 

are made from the county bridge near Citrus, about 12 miles below..

The bed of the stream is composed of sand and gravel and is subject 

to some change between high and low water.

The gage was washed out March 22, 1907, and a new one installed 

at the same datum on March 30, 1907.

Discharge measurements of Owens River near Tinemaha, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 23

Feb. 13

Mar. 1

20

Apr. 10

May 1

21

June 12

July 3

25

Aug. 14

25

Oct. 16

Nov. 6

27

Hydrographer. t

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.....do...J..................................................

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

Width.

Feet. 

92

90.5

88.6

85.5

85.5

51

51

90

98

88

75

74

61.5

74

75

86

Area of

section.

Sq.ft. 

319

278

185

149

162

65.2

65.5

288

481

258

135

142

103

149

162

219

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.28

3 79 

2.55

2.10

2.20

60

.58

3.92

fi H4.

3.40

1.60

1.71

1.14

1.85

2.12

2.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

815

791

418

322

364

102

110

740

1,590

664

244

286

189

315

359

494

Daily gage height, in feet, of Owens River near Tinemaha, Cal., for 1909. 

[Ray Bowers, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16..........."....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

2.35

2.35

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.8

3.0

3 1

3.3

3.35

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.5

3.55

3.8

3.6

3.45

3.3

3.2

4.0

4.4

4.4

3.9

3.6

3.3

3.15

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.8

Feb.

2.75

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.65

2.8

2.9

3.1

3.15

3.25

3.3

3.4

3.8

3.1

3.25

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.05

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.7

2 7

2.6

2.6

2.55

Mar.

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.15

2.2

2.25

2.25

2.3

2.35

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.25

2.25

Apr.

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.3

2.35

2.45

2.3

2.15

2.05

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.2

2.25

2.2

2.15

2.05

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.75

1.6

1.45

1.35

1.2

1.0

.85

.75

.80

.70

May.

0.6

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.45

.4

.5

.6

.7

.85

1.0

1.3

1.15

1.0

1.0

at

.7

.55

.5

.6

.75

.95

1.15

1.25

1.35

1.4

1.5

1.65

June.

1.7

1.7

2.05

2.5

3.1

3.7

4.3

4.7

4.5

4.4

4.1

3.9

4.0

4.2

4.4

4.55

4.65

4.7

4.8

4.45

4.35

4.3

4.4

4.65

5.0

5.5

5.95

6.2

6.35

6.4

July.

6.4

6.35

6.3

6.5

6.7

6.9

6.4

5.85

5.2

4.5

4.0

4.2

4.4

4.6

4.55

4.5

4.45

4.4

4.2

4.0

3.8

3.5

3.35

3.35

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.2

3.0

2.9

2.7

Aug.

2.5

2.35

2.2

2.1

2.05

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.55 a. 5

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.6

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.45

1.6

Sept.

1.75

1.9

1.75

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.25

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

1.25

1.3

1.35

1.35

Oct.

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.6

1.75

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.9

1 0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

Nov.

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.6

2 7

3.0

3.0

2.75

2 7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.66

Dec.

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.55

2.65

2.75

2.85

2.95

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.9

2.9

2.95

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.25

3.5

4.0
CALIFOBNIA. 47 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Owens River near Tinemaha, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

408

408

419

440

462

506

550

574

622

634

598

574

598

670

683

748

696

658

622

Vtfi

800

912

912

774

696

622

586

550

528

506

506

Feb.

495

484

462

462

473

506

528

574

586

610

622

646

748

574

610

622

598

574

562

550

528

506

4511

484

484

462

462

451

Mar.

451

451

451

440

419

419

419

419

408

388

377

377

366

366

366

366

377

366

356

356

366

377

388

388

398

408

419

408

398

388

388

Apr.

388

388

388

398

408

430

398

366

346

377

377

366

377

388

377

366

346

315

315

315

288

261

235

219

195

163

142

128

135

121

May.

107

100

94

94

94

94

88

83

94

107

121

142

163

211

187

163

163

156

135

121

100

94

107

128

156

187

203

219

227

243

270

June.

279

279

346

440

574

722

884

1,000

940

912

828

774

800

856

912

955

985

1,000

1,030

926

898

884

912

985

1,090

1,240

1,380

1,450

1,500

1,520

July.

1,520

1,500

1,490

1,550

1,610

1,680

1,520

1,340

1,150

tun

snn

856

912

O7ft

ORR

940

Q9fi

O1 9

856

snn

748

670

634

634

646

646

634

598

550

528

484

Aug.

440

408

377

356

346

335

315

297

288

279

279

279

279

270

261

261

252

243

243

243

252

261

97O

297

297

261

235

227

219

235

261

Sept.

288

315

288

243

227

227

227

219

211

203

203

105

195

195

195

195

195

195

195

195

195

195

195

195

195

195

203

211

219

219

Oct.

211

211

227

261

288

297

315

315

315

315

315

306

297

306

306

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

356

356

356

356

356

356

356

356

Nov.

356

356

356

356

356

356

377

398

419

419

430

440

440

MC\

440

440

451

451

451

462

484

550

550

495

4511

484

484

462

462

473

Dec.

473

462

462

451

440

430

419

4.1 0

440

451

473 do";

517

539

550

550

539

528

528

539

550

550

550

562

550

550

550

550

610

670

800

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between discharges 100 and 1,100 

second-feet and fairly well denned above discharge 1,100 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Owens River near Tinemaha, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

March .............................................

April..............................................

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

912 

748 

451 

430 

270 

1,520 

1,680 

440 

315 

356 

550 

800

1,680

Minimum.

408 

451 

356 

121 

83 

279 

484 

219 

195 

211 

356 

419

83

Mean.

608 

541 

396 

311 

144 

910 

968 

286 

214 

311 

437 

522

470

Run-oft 

(total in 

acre-feet).

37,400 

30,000 

24,300 

18,500 

8,850 

54,100 

59,500 

17,600 

12,700 

19,100 

26,000 

32,100

340,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A.

OWENS EIVEE NEAR LONE PINE, OAL.

This station, which was established June 12, 1908, is located at the 

highway bridge on the road from Lone Pine to the Mount Whitney 

station on the Nevada & California Railroad. It is 2| miles northeast of Lone Pine.
48 SURFACE WATBE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

This stream at this point overflows its banks at high stages and 

flows in two or three channels. Such an overflow took place from June 

28 to July 11, 1909.

The gage is a staff fastened to a pile of the bridge. Measurements 

are made from the bridge. No gage-height record was obtained during 1968. The measurements made during that year were published 

as miscellaneous.

Discharge measurements of Owens River near Lone Pine, Col., in 1909. 

[R. E, Haineg, hydrographer.]

Date.

Jan. 27. .

Feb. 17. .

Mar. 4. .

24. .

Apr. 14. .

May 5. .

24. .

June 16. .

Width.

Feet.

73

74

70.5

70

69

50

43

82

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

335

338

212

187

171

71.4

80.4

470

4&

Feet,

7.23

7.38

6.00

5.60

5.35

3.73

3.74

8.20

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

752

7C1

482

393

366

88.4

101

964

Date,

July 7<z

28.

Aug. 17.

Sept. 13.

Oct. 6.

22.

Nov. 10.

Width.

Feet.

87

77

68

67

62

78

74

Area of 

section.

**&

775

328

135

124

144

188

225

>%.

Feet.

10.55

7.10

4.65

4.50

4.80

5.20

5.80

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

2,000

752

249

213

262

325

450

a Banks overflowed.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Owens River near Lone Pine, Cal., for 1909. 

[G. F. Marsh, observer.]

Day.

l.... ...........

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.

5.7

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.85

5.9

5.95

6.0

6.3

6,4

6.45

&5

6.45

6.6

6.7

6.75

7.5

7,3

6.,96

6,35

7.0

7.7

8.2

8.35

7.6

6.95

6.9

6.8

6.7

6,55

Feb.

6.45

6.3

6.25

6.2

fi 9

6.2

6.4

fi. Q

7.4

7.4

7.6

7.6

7.7

7 Q

7.3

7 9

7.2

7.1

7.0

6.8

6.7

6.5

6.4

6.4

6.35

6.3

6.2

'

Mar.

6.1

6.05

6.0

6.0

e ne

6.0

6.0

5.95

f, Q^

5.95

e ne

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.65

5.65

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.6

5.65

5,7

5.8

5.85

5.76

5.7

Apr.

5.65

5.6 <\ <v\

5.55

5.55

5.5

 i 7

5.6

5.45

5.45

K 4K

K 4K

5.5

5.4

5.3

5.4

5.3

e Q

5.2

5,1

5.0

4.9

4 fi

A 7

46

4.5

43

A ">

41

41

May.

3 Q

3.8

3.75

q 7

n *7

3

*7

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.6

Q a

3.65

 3 f\

40

40

40

405

A f\K

42

4.1

3.9

3 Q

3.8

3.8

3 Q

40

41

4.2

44

455

47

June.

48

48

485

5.25

5.85

5.9

7.4

7 Q

8.2

8.35

Q OK

ft 1

7 Q

8.0

8.2

8.35

8.5

8.7

8.8

8.9

8.5

8.35

8.35

8,5

8.9

9,3

9 5

9.95

10.2

July.

10.2

10.25

10.35

10.35

10.4

10.45

10.6

10.55

10.1

9.5

9.35

8.8

8.35

8.3

8.4

8.6

8.85

8.65

8.5

8.4

8.15

8.2

7.45

7.2

7.1

7.0

6.9

7.0

7.0

6.8

,6.45,

Aug.

6.15

5.9

5.7

5.55

5.45

5.35

5.2

5.1

5.0

495

A Q

485

48

475

47

- 47

465

475

465

4.55

45

45

455

47

5.0

485

475

475

47

465

47

Sept.

5.0

495

5.0

A Q

4.8

4.65

465

46

465

47

46

46

45

445

44

43

4<55

44

44

4.4

44

435

43

43

A 1

425

43

435

44

44

Oct.

44

435

44

455

47

48

5.0

5.1

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.15

5.2

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.35

5.35

5.35

5.4

5.4

5.45

5.5

5.55

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

Nov.

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.7

5.7

5.75

5.8

6.0

6.1

6.15

6.1

6.1

6.05

6.0

6.0

6.1

6.J

6.1

6.2

6.3

6.5

6.5

6.4

6.4

6.3

6,3

Dec.

6.3

6.2

6.2

6.1

6.1

6.0

6.0

6.1

6.2

6.4

45

45

455

46

46

4.6

4.8

45

44

44

44

435

43

43

43

42

41

43

5.0

5,0

5.7
CALIFORNIA. 49 

Daily (Kecht&yt, in s&tend-fdet, &f Owem Bw#r neat Mine Pfaer 0dl, ffor 1909.

D*y.

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

JSfflL

422

442

442

442

442

452

462

472

482

542

562

674

KB*

574

605

627

638

813

765

fiS4

6S4

695

863

993

1,030

838

684

672

649

627

595

Feb.

574

542

542

<Mft

522

533

522

563

672

700

789

838 cod

863

913

755

741

741

71 S

695

649

627

584

563

563

552

542

522

Mar.

502

492

482

m

472

433

482

472

412

^79

472

442

422

422

422

412

412

403

394

394

394

394

385

385

403

412

422

442

452

432 '422

Apr.

412

403

394 jfcU

394

3fc5

422

403

376

376

376

376

385

367

34*

367

*Jft

349

331

313

295

277

260

244

228

212

180

164

148

148

M4y.

117

103

96

gg

QQ

mfi9

75

75

75

75

82

117

132

132

132

140

140

164

14S

117

117

103

103

117

132

148

164

196

220

244

June.

260

28ft

268

349

452

402

684

789

913

993

1,030

1,010

966

913

93»

993

1,030

1,080

1,130

1,160

1,200

1,080

1,030

1,030

1,080

1,200

1,340

1,420

1,630

1,770

Joly.

1,770 1 snB'

1,870

lr&9

I onn

i cun

2

AfcA

2,010

1,720

1 43ft

1,360

1,160

1,030

1,020

1,050

1,100

1,180

1,180

1,080

1,050

980

AAQ

801

741

718

695

672

695

695

649

574

Aug«

512

> 4$

422

394

376

3S8

331

313

295

286

277

268

260

252

244

244

236

282

236

220

212

212

220

244

295

268

252

252

244

236

244

Nrt«

295 ^

295

277

260

236

236

228

236

f)AA

228

228

212

m

196

180

188

196

196

196

196

188

180

180

iftft

172

180

188

196

196

Ott.

m

196

230

244

260-

295

313

331

001

313

313

313

322

331

349

349

349

339

m

366 se? set

376

385

394

403

403

403

403

403

Nov.

403

408

403

403

412

412

412

422

422

A**)

442

482

502

512

502

502

492

482

482

502

502

602

522

542

584

584

663

563

542

642

Dec.

542

fiffi

522

w>

502

482

4fi9

502

522

£63

212

212

220

228

m

m

313

212

TO*

m

196

168

180

180

ISO

164

148

180

295

205

422

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between discharges of 90 and 

940 second-feet.

Monthly disdiarge of Owens River near Lone Pine, Gal., for 1909.

Mertth.

January. . .........................................

March. ............................................

April..............................................

Mav

June... ............................................

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

August ............................................

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

The year....................................

Discharge to secotocMset.

Ma"xinnnn.

1,030 

913 

502 

422 

244 

1,770 

2,050 

512 

295 

403 

584 

542

2,050

Minimum.

422 

522 

3S5 

148 

75 

260 

574 

212 

172 

1SS 

403 

148

75

Mftatu

625 

658 

437 

323 

123 

948 

1,220 

288 

216 

32§ 

482 

313

496

Run-oft 

(total in 

ftcre-feet).

38,400 

36,300 

26,900 

19,200 

7,560 

56,400 

75,000 

17,700 

12,900 

20,200 

28,700 

19,200

358,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

BOCK CEEEK NEAR BOUND VALLEY, CAL.

This station was established August 3, 1903, at thd wagon bridge 

on the Bishop and Long Valley road, about two-thirds of a mile above 

the mouth of the creek.

96451° WSF 271 11 4
50 SURFACE WAfER StTPPLY, 1809, PAET XI.

In July, 1906, the station was moved to a footbridge about 400 

feet below. Measurements are made from this bridge and the staff 

gage is at the bridge. A considerable amount of water is diverted 

above the station. The'records obtained here show the water that 

flows directly into Owens River.

The footbridge was washed away in July and replaced in November.

Discharge measurements of Rock Creek near Round Valley, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 11

27

Mar. 18

29

May 19

30

July 23

Aug. 11

Sept. l

22 Oct. 13

Nov. 3

24

Hydrographer.

R. E. Haines.......................... ....................

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

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

.... t do. ....................................................

....!do.....................................................

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

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

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

.....do.* ................................................... do.*

.....do.fc ...................................................

.....do.fc ...................................................

.....do.&. ..................................................

Width.

Feet. 

14.8

14.9

14.7

13.6

11.5

14.1

14.7

16.0

17.0

14.5

13.9

15.0

14.5

14.0

14.3

15.0

Area of 

section.

s'-ft

18.1

16.9

12.8

12.0

13.2

16.7

42.4

47.6

26.0

16.8

21.6

15.6

16.9

16.1

18.8

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.61

1.46

1.35

1.08

1 00

1.09

1.34

2.88

3.15

2.0

1.29

1.6

1.18

1.30

1.23

1.42

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

47.2

36.6

33.4

20.9

19.5

23.3

33.6

129

147

76.5

34.0

49.2

28.0

31.0

31.1

37.4

a Made from wagon bridge. Stream not at right angles to bridge. Measurement probably not accurate 

on that account. b Made by wading. c Made from new footbridge.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Rock Creek near Round Valley, Cal., for 1909. 

[L. Roberts, observer.)

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14............... is........:......

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11

Jan.

1.3

1.3

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.5

1.6 ""i.'e"

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.6

1.3

1.3

Feb.

1.3

1.4

i.6

1.55 "i.'e"

1.46

1.6

1.4

1.4

1.35 "i.'i"

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.4

.......

Mar.

1 ^

1.3

1.3

1.2

......

1.1

1.1

"1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

9

1.1

1.1

.......

.......

Apr.

1.1

1.1

.9

9

1.0 

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.2 

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.26

1.15 

1.1

1.1

May.

1.2

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35 

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.9 "2." 6"

......

June.

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.55 

2.6

2.9

2.6

2.5

2.55

2.4

2.45

"2." 5"

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.86

3.0 "i'o"

3.15

July.

3.2

3.4

3.5

3.3

3.1

3.0

"2." 7"

2.5

2.35

2.3 

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.9

i o

"i.'s"

1.9

Aug.

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4 

1.4

1.35

1.40

1.40 

1.40

1.60

1.45 

1.40

1.40

1.45

1.40

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4 

1.4

Sept.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

""i."45~

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.4 

1.35

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.35

1.3

Oct.

i.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.35 "i.'s"

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.2

1.1 

1.2

Nov.

1.2

1.25

1.15

1.2

1.1 

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.3

1.25

"i."35~

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.55 "i.'e"

1.6

Dec.

1.6

1.6

1.65

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
CALIFOBJSIA. 51 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Bock Creek near Bound Valley, Gal., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

5....:..........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

32

32

32

32

43

57

54

51

49

46

40

51

51

51

46

41

43

46

46

46

43

41

38

36

34

32

46

32

32

32

32

Feb.

32

34

36

414fi

46

43

46

46

41

38

46

41

36

36

36

36

34

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

34

36

Mar.

32

32

32

32

32

29

27

27

27

25

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

21

19

18

16

19

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

Apr.

23

23

23

19

18

18

18

19

10

19

10

10

19

19

10

19

19

23

27

27

27

25

23

23

27

29

27

25

23

23

May*

27

29

32

32

34

36

36

41

41

41

OQ

36

36

36

36

36

36qo

34

38

36

36

36

36

36

36

63

66

68

72

74

June.

87

100

107

107

107

1fl4

100

104

107

128

107

104

100

100

104

100

94

97

100

100

107

110

114

121

121

125

135

135

135

146

July.

150

164

172

164

157

143

135

125

114

107

100

04

oft

87

87

87

84

81

87

81

74

68

68

.66

63

63

63

60

57

60

63

Aug.

51

46

41

41ifi

UK

36

36

36sfi

34sfi

36

36

DC

36

41

41

38

36

36

36

38

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

Sept.

36

36

36

36

3A

36

38

38

38

41

41

41

41

38

36

36

38

36

36

34

36

36

36

36

34

32

32

34

32

32

Oct.

32

34

32

32

32

32

34

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

29

29

29

27

27

27

29

27

27

25

23

23

25

27

25

23

27

Nov.

27

27

29

25

27

27

25

23

<M.

32

32

32

29

27

29

32

32

29

32

34

32

34

36

36

38

41

43

46

46

46

Dec.

464fi

46

49

46

46

46

46

40

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

51

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that Is well defined below a discharge of 170 secondfeet. Discharges interpolated for days when the gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of Bock Creek near Round Valley, Gal., for 1909.

Month.

March..............................................

April..............................................

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

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

August... .........................................

Discharge In second-feet.

M&yJTTmTn57 

46 

32 

29 

74 

146 

172 

51 

41 

34 

46 

51

172

Minim irm.

32 

34 

16 

18 

27 

87 

57 

36 

32 

23 

23 

46

16

Mean.

41.8 

38.3 

24.4 

22.0 

41.0 

110 

97.2 

37.5 

36.3 

29.1 

32.7 

49.7

46.7

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

2,570 

2,130 

1,500 

1,310 

2,520 

6,540 

5,980 

2,310 

2,160 

1,790 

1,950 

3,060

33,800

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

PINE CREEK NEAR ROUND VALLEY, CAL.

This station was originally established August 3, 1903, at a point 

about 100 feet above the mouth of the creek, and 150 feet below the 

bridge on the road from Bishop to Long Valley. It was reestablished 

May 13, 1908, at a footbridge about 300 feet above the highway 

bridge. Gage heights after that date are not comparable with any 

previously observed. The gage is located at the footbridge and 

measurements are made from it.
52 SUKFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

About June 1,1909, this bridge was washed away, and high-water 

measurements were made from the highway bridge until November, 

when the footbridge was replaced.

The daily variation in stage on this creek during high water is 

large, owing to the effect of warm days and cool nights on the snow in 

the headwater region, but an attempt was made to record gage 

heights representing the mean for the day.

A considerable amount of water is diverted from the creek above 

the gaging station, and the Water which passes the station is that 

which flows directly into the river.

DiscMrge rfteasierements of Pine Creek near Round Valley, Cal., in 1909. 

[R. E. Halnes, hydrogi'apher.]

Date.

Jan 22.

Feb. 11.

27.

Mar. 18.

Apr. 8.

29.

May 19.

June 10 »

Width.

Feet.

9.5

9.3

9.4

9.1

9.1

9.1

10.8

11.7

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

145

12.6

12.2

11.4

11.4

10.8

16.2

31.6

Gage 

heigk.

Feet.

3.58

3.51

3.47

3.40

3.40

3.38

3.82

4.86

Discharge.

8ec.-ft.

9.0

7.4

5.5

4.0

3.9

3.3

19.0

117

Date.

June30«.

July 23«.

Aug. 11 a.

Sept. 16.

226.

Oct. 136.

Nov. 36. 24*.

Width.

Feet.

12.0

11.5

10.5

11.4

11.0

10.5

10.0

10.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

40.5

27.4

21.0

22.1

16.3

15.4

15.4

15.4

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.65

499

408

417

3.70

3.70

3.70

3.63

Discharge.

See.-ft.

248

126

31.2

36.8

8.9

11.3

8.3

5.6

a Made from wagon bridge. & Made by wading.

Dttily ffoye height, in feet, of Pine Creek near Round Valley, Cal.t for 1909. 

[L. Roberts, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

yi... ............

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

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

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

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

2*...... .........

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

2S..... ..........

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

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

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

Jan.

3.4

3.4

3.6

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.6

1 4

3.5

3.4

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

Feb.

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

&4

3.5

a. 4

Mar.

3.4

3.4

3.45

1 A.

3.4

3.35

q 4

3 A

3 A

3.4

3.3

S.3

3.35

3 A.

3." 4

3.4

3.4

Apr.

3.4

3 A

Q, A.

3.4

3.4

3.4

«t i

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.35

3.35

3,8

3.4

3.3

May.

3.4

3 "A

9 A.

3.5

3.55

3.6

3.7

o 7

3.8

3.7

3,8

3.75

1 7

3.75

8.7

q Q

4.0

4.5

June.

4.8

5.4

5.5

5.6

5.7

5.6

5.6

5.45

5.5

5.4

5.35

5.4

5.5

5.6

5.6

5.7

5.6

5.6

5.66

July.

5.7

1 Q

6.0

5.8

5.6

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.3

5.3

4 9

4.8

4.83

4.9

4.9

4.8

4 7

4.6

4.5

Aug.

4.4

4.45

4.4

4.3

i i

42

4.2

4.15

42

4.25

4.2

4 9

4.25

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.25

4.3

4.25

48

425

42

Sept.

42

415

41

4.0

40

40

4.0

3.9

3.95

3.8

3.85

3.7

3-75

3.7

3.8

8.7

8,8

3 7

Oct.

3.7

3.65

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.75

3.7

8.75

3.7

3.75

&T

&« 

3.6

3.6

Nov.

3.5

3.7

3.4

3.6

3.4

3.6

3.5

3.5

3 A

3.55

3.5

3.6

3.6

3.63

3.6

3.7

3.7

s.r..

8*7

Dec.

3.7

3.6

3.66

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
Daily discharge, in

CALIFORNIA. 53 

, of Pine Creek ngar lBfnwd Fatty, Ca,l.,for 1909.

Pay.

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

81...............

Jan.

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

6.6

9.5

6,6

3.8

3.8

3.8

5.0

6,3

7 Q

9,5

6.6

3.8

5.0

6.3

5.0

3.8

44

5.0

4.4

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8 

5.0

Feb.

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

6.8

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

5.0

3.8

6.3

3.8

.......

Mar.

3.8

3.8

8.8

4.4

5.0

4.4

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.3

2.8

3.3

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

2.3

2.8

3.3

3.8

3.8

3.. 8

3.8

3.8

3.8 

3.8

Apr.

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

3.8

3.3

2.8

2.8

2

0

2.8

9 fi

2.3

1.8

3.8

1.8

May.

3.8

O Q

3.8

3.8

3.8

5.0

6.3

7 9

8.7

9.5

11.5

13.6

13.5

13.5

16.0

18.5

16.0

13.5

18.6

16.0

13.5

13.5

14.8

16.0 IA s

10 c

25

29

32

58 

83

June.

102

121

210

2L8

226

234

242

258

242

242

242

230

218

226

221

215

91ft

202

266 91 n

226

234

242

f)At)

9V1

Ofift

242

242

242

250

July.

268

298

318

238

278

238

238

228

218

218

218

209

200

1Q1

182

1fi9

Ififl

11Q

105

108

119

11Q

11*>

105

as

92

86

80

74 

68

Aug.

m

68

49

49

40

40

40

36

38

40

42

40

40

44

46

A.O

A.Q

40

49

49

44

46

An

44

AQ

Afi

44 in

Sept.

OQ

36

34

32

28

35

25

25

25

25

25

22

18.8

20

99

13.4

16.1

9.0

n o

9 n

11.2

low

n o

9 0

11.2

IS A.

U f\

9.0

Oct.

9.0

9-0

7.4

9.0

9.6

Q n

1M

K5.4

13.4

13.4

13.4

13.4

13.4

12-3

11.2

n

o

n o

10.1

9

n

10.1

U o

10.1

9.0

n

o

10.1

o <i

9.0

9.0

5.8

5.8 

5.0

Nov.

4.2

3-4

9.0

1.5

2.4

3.4

2,4,

1.5

5,5

46

3.4

3.4

2.4

1.5

3.0

46

40

3.4

46

5.8

5.8

6.6

7.4

K Q

Q ft

O ft

9.0

9.0

9.0

D«c.

9.0

7.4

5.8

7.4

S.2

9.0

9.0

«.o

9,0

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

a n

a n

a n

a

n

9.0

Q n

Q n

9.0

9 n

9

n

o n

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0 

9.0

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to Jane SO, and July 1 to 

Dec. 31, both fairly well defined. Discharges interpolated for days when gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of Pine Creek near Round Valley, Cal.,for 19Q9.

Month.

March..

April..............................................

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

June _ .............. ........ ...... ...... ..

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

Septejnfeer. .................:......................

November. ........................................

T^hp TTPO.F

Discharge ia second-feet.

MaxSowin.

9.5 

6.3 

5.0 

3.8 

83 

258 

818 

63 

40 

13.4 

9.0 

9.0

318

MMTTHITn.

3.8 

3.8 

1.8 

1.8 

3.8 

102 

68 

36 

9.0 

5,0 

1.5 

5.8

1.5

Mean.

496 

6.08 

3.52 

3.43 

16.8 

208 

172 

45.7 

20.5 

10.2 

5,13 

8.77

42.2

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

305 

338 

216 

204 

1,030 

12,400 

10,600 

2,810 

1,220 

627 

305 

539

30,600

Accuracy.

C.

C.

c. 

c.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C.

BISHOP CREEK NEAR BISJTOP, CAL.

This station was established August 10, 1903, at the wagon bridge 

on the Bishop Boad, about 4 miles southeast of Bishop and 2 miles 

below the mouth of Bishop Creek canyon. The North Hillside canal, 

South Hillside eanal, and Powers canal are tafeen ojut above the 

station.
54 SUEPACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

On June 25, 1909, the Nevada-California Power Co.'s equalizing 

dam at intake No. 2 went out and the bridge was carried away. 

The gage was left intact, but it was removed August 15, 1909, in 

building a new bridge. The bridge was completed August 23 and a 

new gage put in August 31. During the intervening time readings 

were taken from a temporary gage about 40 feet above the location 

of the old one. It was intended to read the same as the old gage, 

but probably did not correspond exactly on account of a change in 

the section.

The diversions on this creek above the gaging station are independent of the stage of the creek and depend on gate regulation. 

No attempt has been made to estimate the amount, as it varies 

greatly with the amount of irrigation being done.

Discharge measurements of Bishop Creek and diversion canals near Bishop, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 21

Feb. 10

26

Mar. 16

Apr. 7

28

May 18

June 9

July 21

Aug. 10

31

Sept. 21

Oct. 12

Nov. 2

23

Hydrographer.

E. E. Halnes..... .....................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

height.

Feet. 

1.86

2.00

1.93

1.91

1.95

2.32

2.40

3.25

2.75

2.05

2.22

1.85

1.82

1.80

1.87

]

Creek.

Sec.-ft. 

56.6

60.6

53.4

52.6

58.1

120

115

267

261

108

111

69.7

63.0

58.2

68.4

discharge.

Canals.

Sec.-ft. 

2.78

1.79

3.09

7.46

17.5

30.6

42.6

52.8

(a)

36.6

51.1

19.1

18.0

12.7

6.16

Total.

Sec.-ft. 

59.4

62.4

56.5

60.1

75.6

151

158

320

145

162

88.8

81.0

70.9

74.6

o Canal not measured.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Bishop Creek near Bishop, Cal., for 1909. 

[C. R. Beal, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16,... ...........

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

18

m

^

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

Jan.

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.9

2.1

2.0

1.9

1 O

1 O

1.85

Feb.

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.9

1.85

1 0

1.8

I

n

1.9

1.9

1.9 i q

1.9

1.85

1.8

1 Q

1 Oft

1.9

Mar.

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.95

1 fin

1.8

1.85

1.8

1 8

1.85

1 Q

1.95

1 8

1.95

1.8

Apr.

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 8

1 8

1

QK

1 Q

1 o

1.8

1.85

1.85 1 9

1 QJ>

9 n

9 1

2 1

o A

2.0

May.

2.2

2.25

2.2

2.35

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.6

2.45

2.5

9 A.

2.2

2.2

2 9

2.2,

9 91

2.3

9 Q

0 *>

2.35

June.

3.0

3.3

3.6

3 7

3.75

3.7

3.5

3 A

3.3

3 n

3.1

3.1

3.4

3 A.

3.75

3

Q

3.8

3.65

3.35

3.76

July.

3.7

4.0

4.3

4.2

3.8

3.8

3.3

3.2

3.0

9 Q

2.8

3.0

3.1

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

2.9

2.8

Aug.

2.5

2.45

2.55

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.2

2.2

2 1

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.0

1 95

2.0

1.95

Sept.

2.4

2.45

2.3

2.25

2.15

2.15

2.1

2 n

2.1

9 1

1.95

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1 Q

1.85

L9

Oct.

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.7

1.85

1.8

1 O

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.85

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.85

1 8

1.75

1.85

Nov.

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1 8

2.0

1 8

1.85

1.85

1.95

1.85

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.85

2.0

1.85

Dec.

2.0

1.9

1.95

1.9

1.9

1 OS

2.0

1 9

2.0

1.95

2.0

1.95

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.1
CALIFOBNIA. 55

Daily gage height, in feet, of Bishop Creek near Bishop, Col., for 1909 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

1.95

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.9

1.85

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.8

Feb.

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.85

Mar.

1 9

1 OS

1 flfi

1 0

1 9

1.8

1.85

1.8

1.95

1.95

1 0

Apr.

2.0

1.95

2.0

2.1 9 n

2.05

2.2

2.3

2.2

2.2

May.

2.7

2.45

2.55

2.65

2.65

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.7

2 7

2.8

June.

3.75

3.9

4.2

4.3

4.2

44

3.7

3.7

3.9

3.8

July.

2.8

2.8

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

Aug.

1.95

' 2.4

2.6

2.5

2.55

2.35

2.3

2.3

2 25

2.4

2.35

Sept.

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.75

Oct.

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.75

1.85

1.75

1.85

1.85

Nov.

2.0

1.85

1.95

1.85

2.0

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.95

Dec.

2.0

2.2

2.0

2.15

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.0

3.1

2.1

NOTE. Gage heights from Aug. 15 to 30 read on a temporary gage.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Bishop Creek near Bishop, Cal.,for 1909.

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.

51

46

40

36

46

40

40

40

fi 61

46

40

46

51

74

62

51

51

51

4fi

56

51

4fi

46

40

51

46

51

46

40

40

Feb.

46

51

51

46

40

51

46

51

40

51

51

51

51

51

51

46

40

51

56

fit

46

46

40

40

40

51

40

46

Mar.

46

40

40

40

40

46

40

46

56

40

40

46

40

40

46

51

56

40

56

40

51

56

56

51

61

40

46

40

56

56

51

Apr.

46

46

51

51

51

40

40

46

51

40

40

46

46

51

56

62

74

74

62

62

62

56

62

74

62

68

87

100

87

87

May.

87

94

87

107

114

114

122

146

122

130

114

87

87

87

87

94

100

100

100

107

162

122

138

154

154

180

172

172

162

162 isn

June.

218

342

364

375

364

320

298

218

237

237

298

298

375

408

386

353

287

375

375

408

480

504

480

713

508

508

564

536

July.

508

593

683

653

536

536

399

373

321

297

273

321

347

399

373

373

373

347

297

273

273

273

297

321

321

321

273

249

225

225

203

Aug.

203

192

214

181

181

181

181

138

138

118

98

118

98

98

100

108

100

96

100

OR

96

130

145

138

142

126

122

122

118

130

131

Sept.

139

147

123

115

101

101

95

83

95

95

77

61

56

61

61

61

61

71

66

71

56

61

61

71

61

61

51

61

61

56

Oct.

61

61

66

66

51

66

61

71

61

66

61

66

56

61

61

61

66

61

56

66

56

61

56

61

56

61

56

66

56

66

66

Nov.

61

61

71

66

66

61

61

61

83

61

66

66

77

66

71

61

71

66

83

66

83

66

77

66

83

66

71

71

71

77

Dec.

83

71

77

71

71

77

83

71

83

77

83

77

83

95

83

95

95

95

83

95

83

108

83

101

83

95

83

95

83

85

OK

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to June 24, fairly well 

defined below a discharge of 260 second-feet; June 26 to Aug. 15, not well denned; Aug. 31 to Dec. 31, 

not well defined. These discharges do not include the diversions. Aug. 15 to 30 estimated from gage 

heights obtained from temporary gage.
56 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly dfachwge of Bishop Cmk near Jfrtekop, Cbl,for W09.

Month.

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

April..............................................

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

June. .............................................

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

September ........................................

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

November................. ... . .................

December .........................................

Diaeiwi

HfjjprijTllJTTJ

74

56

56

109

180

718

683

214

147

71

83

108

713

rgeia second

Tlfljr^nif in n

36

40

40

40

87

218

203

96

51

51

61

71

36

iNtOCv.

Mefgl.

47.5

47.2

46.6

19.3

134

379 368

134

78.0

61.4

69.2

85.5

125

Run-off

(total in 

acre-feet).

2,920

2,620

2,870

3,530

7,^20

22,600

22,300

8,240

4,640

3,780

4,120

5,260

90,500

racy.

A.

A.

A.

A.

A.

B.

B.

C.

B.

B.

B.

B.

BAKER CREEK NEAR BIG PINE, CAL.

This station was established February 20, 1908, at a point about 

150 feet below the bridge on Mill Pond Road and about 3 miles west of 

the town of Big Pine.

No observations of gage heights were made prior to 1909. The 

gage record was discontinued September 30. Estimates of discharge 

for the rest of the year have been made from the discharge measurements.

Measurements are made from a footbridge. The staff gage is at 

the section.

Discharge measurements of Baker Creek near Big Pine, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 23

Feb. 9

25

Mar. 16

Apr. 16

27

May 20

July 2

20

Aug. 13

Sept. 3

24

Oct. 15

Nov. 5

26

Hydrography.

R. E.Haiaes. ............................................. .....do......................... . .......... .....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

4.5

4.1

4.0

3.7

3.8

6.0

6.3

6.0

5.8

3.9

3.5

3.5

8.6

3.8

3.7

3.5

Area of 

section.

*,/,4

4.8

4 6

4.2

4.4

5.7

8.2

7.0

7.1

5.1

4.2

3,8

3.8

3.8

4.1

4.0

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.08

.12

.10

.14

.16

.40

.70

.45

.65

.35

.23

45

.10

.03

.12

.12

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

9.3

9.8

10.6

10.6

11.6

18.2

27.9

22.0

27.6

15.4

13.4

12.0

n o

a

o

- 11.6

10.6
CALIFORNIA. 57

:, in feet, of Baker Cwk we* Big Pfae, Gal., for 1909. 

[J. H. Rinehart, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IB.........................;.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Jan.

0.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.15

.1

.1

.1

.0

.0

.0

.15

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.25

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

Feb.

0.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.15

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

,1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

Mar.

0.1

.1

.15

.15

.2

.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

Apr.

0.15

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.25

.2

.2

.25

.25

.3

.25

.3

.45

.5

.4

.35

.3

.25

.25

.3

.35

.45

.45

.45

.56

.55

May.

0.55

.60

.95

1.05

1.10

1.20

1.25

1.25

1.20

.75

.55

.45

4n

.55

.55

.65

.85

.8

.8

.95

.9

7H

.55

.65

.8

.85

.8

.45

.5

.7

.8

Junt.

0.7

.8

.S5

.8

.65

.5

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.45

.5

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

.40

.50

.50

.45

.50

.50

July.

0.5

.5

.5

.6

.5

.5

.45

.35

.3

.3

.3

.3

.35

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.35

.35

.35

.25

.25

.25

.15

.15

Aug.

0.15

.15

.15

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.2

.2

.2

.15

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.2

.25

.25

Sept.

0.15

.15

.15

.1

.25

.25

.25

.15

.15

.1

.05

.0

.1

.05

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Baker Cre.ek near Big Pine, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. ....j..... .................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

9

9

9

9

9

9

11

10

10

10

9

9

9

11

10

10

10

10

10

10

13

12

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Feb.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

11

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Mar.

10

101111

12

12

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Apr.

11

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

13

12

12

13

13

14

13

14

19

21

17

16

14

13

13

14

16

19

19

19

23

23

May.

23

25

43

50

53

60

63

AQ

60

32

23

10

17

23

23

27

37

35

35

43

40

32

23

27

35

37

35

19

21

29

35

June.

29

35

37

35

27

21

23

21

21

31

21

21

21

21

21

19

17

21

16

16

16

16

16

16

17

21

21

19

21

21

My.

21

21

21

21

21

21

19

18

14

14

14

14

16

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

16

16

16

13

13

13

11

11

A«g.

11

11

11

13

18

13

13

13

13n

13

13

13

12

12

12

11

10

10

10

10

10

11

11

11

11

11

11

12

18

13

S«p!t.

11

11

11

10

13

13

13

11

11

10

10

9

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

NOTE. These discharges are baaed on a rating curve that is fairly well defined below a discharge of 30 

second-feet. ,
58 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Baker Creek near Big Pine, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

March .............................................

April..............................................

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

June...............................................

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

August. . ........................... ..............

September. ........................................

December. ........................................

The year. ...................................

Discharge In second-feet.

Maximum.

13 

11 

12 

23 

63 

37 

25 

13 

13

Minimum.

9 

10 

10 

11 

17 

16 

11 

10 

9

Mean.

9.94 

~10.0 

10.2 

14.5 

35.1 

21.6 

16.6 

11.7 

10.4 

a 10.0 

a 11.0 

oll.O

14.4

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

611 

555 

627 

863 

2,160 

1,290 

1,020 

719 

619 

615 

654 

676

10,400

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

D. 

D. 

D.

a Estimated from measurements. 

BIG PINE CREEK NEAR BIG PINE, CAL.

This station was established December 5, 1903, at a point about 3 

miles southwest of Big Pine, where the creek issues from the foothills. 

On October 29, 1907, it was moved to a footbridge about half a mile 

east of the original location and about 2 miles southwest of Big Pine. 

The records now include the flow of Little Pine Creek, which is 

tributary to Big Pine just above the gaging station. Hessian ditch 

diverts above the station and is used in dry years to supplement 

the diversions from Baker Creek on the north. Very little water 

was diverted in this ditch in 1909. Two other ditches on the north 

above the station divert water for ranches. Measurements are made 

from the footbridge and the gage is- at the section.

No record of gage heights was kept from January 1, 1906, to May 

22, 1908.

The footbridge was washed out in June, 1909, and high-water 

measurements after that time were made from a temporary bridge 

300 feet above the gage.

Discharge measurements of Big Pine Creek near Big Pine, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

-Jan. 23

Feb. 9

25

Mar. 16

Apr. 6

27

May 20

June 8

July 2

20o

Sept. 3o

24«

Oct. 15

Nov. 5

26

Hydrographer.

R. E.Hataes. .............................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

10.0

10.0

10.1

10.2

10.2

10.5

10.5

11.7

13.0

13.8

15.0

14.0 in Q

10.4

10.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

19.2

19.0

17.2

16.8

17.0

23.2

23.8

33.0

21.6

20.6

19.2

12.5

23.5

22.3

21.9

Gage 

height.

Feet. 27n

2.76

2.54

2.52

2.55

3 19

3.14

3.8 4 6

3.84

O EQ

3 44

3.1

2.75

2.67

2.59

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

99 <J

21.3

16.8

16.0

16.2

40 ft

47.3

118.0

241.0

127.0

CM 1

73.3 4n 7

22.6

19.0

16.8

« Made from temporary footbridge.
CALIFORNIA. 59

Daily gage height, in feet, of Big Pine Creek near Big Pine, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Hugh Fisher, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

6.............'..

7..........V.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2L.. .............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

Feb.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.55

2.5

Mar.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2,5

2.5

2.5

Apr.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2 7

2.' 8

2.8

2.8

2.8

3.1

2.9

3.0

May.

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.1

3.2

3.15

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

June.

3.3

3.5

3.8

4 n

4.3

4.5

4.6

4.7

4. 7

4.6

A. fi

4.4

4.0

4.1

July.

4.2

4.6

3.9

3 9

3.9

3.9

4.3

A >\

4.2

3.9

3.85

4 n

4.2

42

A 1

3.7

Aug.

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.3

40

3.7

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.7

Sept.

3.5

3.45

3.4 

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.0

2.9

2.7

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

Oct.

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2,9

3.0

3.0

2.8

2.8

Nov.

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2,6

2," 6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

Dec.

2.6

2.6

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Big Pine Creek near Big Pine, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15..........!....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

15

16

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

in

21

21

21

21

21

21

19

17

17

17

Feb.

17

17

17

17

17

18

20

21

23

21

21

21

21

21

21

23

25

25

25

23

20

17

15

14

16

14

14

14

Mar.

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

13

12

12

12

12

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

Apr.

14

14

14

14

14

16

17

17

17

19

20

21

21

21

21

21

22

24

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

45

30

34

37

May.

40

43

45

49

53

. 58

63

66

70

73

73

73

68

63

57

51

45

49

63

49

53

50

48

45

45

45

45

45

50

54

58

June.

63

73

83

100

118

127

136

145

168

207

223

228

234

240

249

258

258

258

252

246

240

240

240

224

207

187

166

145

160

July.

175

240

131

131

131

131

131

131

131

151

171

191

207

223

1Q4

175

160

146

131

124

145

160

175

175

175

175

168

160

133

106

102

Aug.

98

94 inn

106

112

118

114

110

106 inn

94

88

83

76

69

63

01

118

145

126

106

100

94

100

106

110

114

118

114

110

106

Sept.

94

83

78

73

70

66

63

58

53

49

45

43

40

37

34

30

25

21

29

37

45

45

45

45

45

42

40

37

37

37

Oct.

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

34

32

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

34

37

37

37

33

29

25

25

25

24

23

22

Nov.

22

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

19

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

Dec.

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between discharges of 

14 and 160 second-feet. Discharges interpolated for days when gage was not read.
60 SUBFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

 « of Big Pw« Creek m&xr Big Pine, Ctd., for WOS).

Month.

January . .

March. .. ...

April..............................................

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

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

August. . ..........................................

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

December. ........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

n

25 

14 

45 

73 

25$ 

240 

145 

94 

37 

22 

17

258

Minimuni.

14 

14 

12 

14 

40 

63 

102 

63 

21 

22 

17 

17

12

Mean.

17,1 

19.2 

13.7 

22.4 

54.2 

189.0 

157.0 

103.0 

48.2 

31.9 

18.3 

17.0

57.8

Kun-off 

(total ia 

acre-feet).

1,050 

1,070 

842 

1,330 

3,330 

11,200 

9,650 

6,330 

2,870 

1,960 

1,090 

1,050

41,800

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B.

BIRCH CEEEK NEAR TINEMAHA, GAL.

This station, ariginally established June 14,1905, was reestablished 

December 7, 1906, at a point near Peterson's ranch house, about 1 

mils west of Fiah Springs schoolhouse, and about 8 miles south of 

Big Pine.

Measurements are made from a footbridge. The staff gage is 

located at the bridge.

Discharge measurements of Birch Creek near Tinemaha, Col., m 1909.

Date.

Jan. 20

Feb. 8

24

Mar. 15

26

May 17

June 7

28

July 19

30

Sept. 20

Oct. li

2g

Hydrographer.

R. E. HaiMB...................... ...................... - .....do..................................................... .....do..................................................... .....do... . .......... .....do.....................................................

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

.....do..................................................... .....4o.. ...................................................

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

5.0

5.0

5.2

5,2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.5

6,3

§,0

4.9

6.0

4.6

4,6

4.6

Area of 

section.

*£ 

4.0

3.6

3.7

3.9

41

42

6.3

7.3

5.7

3.8

4.7

4.1

3.6

1.9

4.1

Gage

T- -J-JUJ. jxcigirt.

Jf tf

0.22

.30

.26

.26

.30

.33

.36

.70

.85

.58

.37

.42

.30

.28 -.14

.31

Discharge.

See.-ft. 

4.0

7.3

48

48

6.2

7.9

10.9

25.8

36.2

21.4

9.4

13.4

7.3

6.1

1.0

7.1

Flow of creek nearly shut off by construction of a reservoir in the MIJs.
CALIPOBNIA. 61

Daily gage height, in feet, of Birch Creek near Tinmaka, CQl.,fdf 1909. 

[Enid M. Peterson, 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.

0.2

.2 

.2 

.2 

.2

.2 

.2 

.2 

.2

.4 

.35

.3

.25

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3 

.3

.25 

.25 

.2 

.2

.2

.2

Feb.

0.25

.25 

.26 

.25 

.25

.26 

.25 

.30

OA

.30 

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.a

.3

.3

.3 

.3

.3 

.3 

.3

Mar.

0.25

.2 

.2 

.2 

.2

.2 

.2 

.2

.2 

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.26

.25

.26

.25

.25

.25 

.25

.25 

.25 

.30 

.30

.35

.35

Apr.

0.35

.35 

.36 

.36 

.36

.35 

.30 

.3

.3 

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.35

,35

.85

.35

.3

.3

.3

.3 

.3

.3 

.3 

.35 

.35

.35

May.

O OK

.35 

.35 

.35 

.35

.4 

.4 

.4 

.4

.4 

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4 

.5

.5 

.5 

.55

.55

.55

.6

June.

0.6

.7 

.9 

1.1 

1.0

.75

.7 

.7 

.7

.8 

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.6

.7

.8

.8

.8

1.0

1.2

1.1 

1.0 

1.05 

1.1

1.1

July.

1 9

1.3 

1.4 

1.3

1.2

1.1 

.9

.8

.8 

.85

.9

.95

1.0

.9

g

.85

.85

.6

.85

.9

.9

.9

.9 

.9

.9

.85 

.8 

.7

.7

.5

Aug.

0.4

.4 

.5 

.4 

.4

.4

.45 

.45 

.45

.45 

45

45

.45

.45

45

.45

.45

.45

.46

.45

.5

.5

.5

.5 

.5

.45 

.45 

.4 

.4

,.4

.4

Sept.

0.35

.35 

.3 

.3 

.3

.3

.26 

.26

.3 

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3 

.3

.3 

.3 

.3 

.3

.3

Oct.

0.3

.3 

.3 

.3 

.3

.3 

.3 

.3

.25 

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.2

.2

.2

Nov

0.25

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3 

.3

.3 

.3 

.3 

.3

.3

Dec.

0.3

.3 

.8 

.8 

.8

.6 

.6 

.4 

.4

.6 

.6

.7

.6

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4 

.4

.4 

.4 

.4 

.4

.5

ol.O

« Rfee due to melting of heavy snow. 

NOTE. Water below gage Oct. 24 to Nov. 9, owing to construction of reservoir above.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Birch Creek near Tinemaha, Cal.,for 1909.

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

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

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

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

Jan.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

q o

11

8.8

6.8

5.0

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3

*1

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

5.0

5.0

3.3

 3.3 

3.3 

3.3

im

5.0

5.0

£.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

6.8

4 Q

6.8

0.S

A O

6.8

6.8

8.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

Mar.

5.0

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

0 Q

3.3

3

0

3

O

3

0

3.3

3.3

3.3

^ ^

a. a

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

6.8

6.8 

8.8 

8.8

Apr.

8.8

8.8

8.8

8,8

8,8

8.8

6.8

6.8

a a

6.8

6,8

6.8

6.8

6>8

6.8

6.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

8.8

8.8 

8.8

May.

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

16

16

16

18

18 

18 

21

June.

21

27

40

u

47

30

27

27

27

33

33

OQ

52

33

33

33

33

33

21

27

33

33

33

47

62

54

47

50

54 

54

July.

62

69

77

69

62

54

40

33

ort

33

36

40

43

47

40

40

36

36

21

36

40

40

40

40

40

40

36

33

27 

27 

16

Aug.

11

11

16

11

11

11

13

13-IO

13

15

10

15

13

13

is

13

13

15

15

16

16

16

16

16

13

13

11

11

11 

11

Sept.

8.8

8.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

5.0

5.0

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.,8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8 

6.8

Oct.

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

S.O

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

3.3

3.3

3.3

1.0

1.0

1.0

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

l.C

1.0

3.0

5.0

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8 

6.8

Dec.

6.8

6.8

33

33

33

21

21

11

11

711

21

27

21

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11 

16 

47

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined below a discharge of 40 

second-feet. Oct. 24 to Nov. 9 flow almost shut off by the building of a reservoir. Discharges estimated 

from measurement made during period, '
62 SUEPACE WATEK SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

] 

Monthly discharge cf Birch Creek near Tinemaha, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

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

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

The year. ...................................

Discharge In second-feet.

Maximum.

11. 

6.8 

8.8 

8.8 

21. 

62. 

77. 

16. 

8.8 

6.8 

6.8 

47.

77.

'Mlnimi-im.

3.3 

5.0 

3.3 

6.8

as

21. 

16. 

11. 

5.0 

ol.O 

ol.O 

6.8

ol.O

Mean.

4.68 

6.35 

4.42 

7.67 

12.1 

37.0 

41.5 

13.0 

6.81 

. 4.32 

4.87 

16.3

13.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

288 

353 

272 

456 

744 

2,200 

2,550 

799 

405 

266 

290 

1,000

9,620

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

D. 

D. 

B.

o Estimated. 

TINEMAHA CREEK NEAR TINEMAHA, CAL.

This station was established December 7, 1906, at a point near 

Peterson's ranch house, about 1 mile west of Fish Springs schoolhouse and 8 miles south of Big Pine.

Measurements are made from a footbridge. The staff gage is at 

the measuring section.

On June 28, 1909, the left bank caved in, carrying away the gage 

and changing the section. The gage was replaced July 19.

Discharge mesaurements of Tinemaha Creek near Tinemaha, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 8

24

Mar. 15

26

May 17

28o

July 19*

Aug. 9

30

Oct. 11

Nov. 1

22

Hydrographer.

R.E.Haines. .............................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

/

Width.

Feet. 

8.0

8.5

8.7

8.5

8.4

8.5

8.7

9.8

9.6

10.6

10.3

10.4

9.6

8.8

8.0

9.0

Area of 

section.

*? «

4.5

4.0

3.3

3.3

3.7

5.8

13.

19.

12

8.0

9.2

5.0

4.1

4.0

4.3

Gage

Feet. 

0.50

.58

.52

.46

.47

.50

.70

1.40

0)

1.5

1.14

1.28

.87

.77

.72

.74

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.4

7.1

5.5

3.7

3.6

4.6

10.3

33.6

61.0

34.8

20.7

26.2

10.0

7.4

6.7

6.8

o Gage washed out. & New gage established.
t

CALIFORNIA. 63

Daily gage height, in feet, of Tinemaha Creek near Tinemaha, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Enid M. Peterson, 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.

0.5

.5

.5

.5 

.5

.5 

.5

.5 

.5 

.6

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5 

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.55

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Feb.

0.5

.5

.55

.55 

.6

.6 

.55

.55 

.55 

.6

.6

.6

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

, .7

Mar.

0.7

.6

.6

.6 

.6

.6 

.6

.6 

.6 

.6

.6

.6

.6

.55

.55

.55

,.55 

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Apr.

0.5

.5

.5

.5 

.45

.45 

.4

.4 

.4 

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.45

.45

.45

.45

.5

.5

.5

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

.45

May.

0.45

.5

.5

.5 

.55

.55 

.5

.55

.65 

.7

.6

.65

.65

.7

.7

.7

.7 

.7

.75

.75

.75

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

7C

June.

1.1

1.1

1 9

1.25 

1.3

1.3 

1.4

1.4 

1.45 

1.45

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.7

1.85

,1.9

1.95 

2.0

1.8

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.2

2 25

2.3

2.2

2.1

July.

 - 

.......

.......

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.75

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.5

1 45

1.4

Aug.

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.25 

1.2

1.15 

1.2

1.3 

1.25 

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.25

1.3

1.3 

1.25

1.25

1.25

1 i

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

Sept.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0 

1.0

1.0 

1.0

.9

.85 

.9

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

.95

1.0

.95 

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

.9

.9

.85

.85

.9

.85

.8

.8

.8

Oct.

0.9

.85

.85

.85

.8

.8 

.8

.8 

 .8 

.8

.8

.8

.75

.7

.75

.8

.8 

.8

.75

.75

.8

.8

.8

.8

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

Nov.

0.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75 

.75

.75 

.75

.75

.8

.8

.75

.7

.7

.75

.75 

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

Dec.

0.75

.75

.8

.8 

.8

.9

.8

.9 

.8 

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.8

.8

.8 

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.9

.9

.8

.8

.8

.8

.9

.9

NOTE. Gage washed out, June 28. New gage established July 19. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Tinemaha Creek near Tinemaha, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

 22...... .........

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

4.5

4.5

45

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

7.4

5.9

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

45

4.5

4.5

4.5

5.9

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5 

4.5

Feb.

4.5

4.5

5.9

5.9

7.4

7.4

5.9

5.9

5.9

7.4

7.4

7.4

10

10

10

10

10

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

10

10

10

.......

Mar.

10

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

5.9

5.9

5.9

5.9

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5 

4.5

Apr.

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

3.1

3.1

1.8

1.8

1.8 

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

4.5

4.5

45

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1 

3.1

May.

3

1

A K

4.5

4.5

5.9

5.9

4.5

S O

8.9 

10

7.4

8 O

8 O

10

10

10

10

10

12

12

12

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

12 

14

June.

91

23

27

28q/\

30

34

34

35 

35

VT

39

41

44

50

52

53

55

48

52

55

5Q

62

64

66

62

59

60

60

60

July.

65

65

65

65

65

55

55

55

55 

55

45

45

45

45

45

35

35

35

35

35

37

.39

39

TO

45

43

41

39

35

33 

31

Aug.

v\

29

29

25

23

91

oo

27

25 

19

91

21

21

23

25

27

27

25

25

25

27

27

27

27

27

23

23

23

19

19 

10

Sept.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

12

9.6 

12

15

15

15

13

13

15

13

15

15

15

13

12

12

9.6

0 A

12

9.6

» i

8.1

8.1

Oct.

12

9.6

9.6

9.6

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.1 

8.1

8.1

8.1

7.0

6.2

7.0

8.1

8.1

8.1

7.0

7.0

8.1

8.1

8.1

ft 1

Q ft

9.6

9.6

9 6

9.6

9.6

Q R

Nov.

8.1

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0 

7.0

8.1

8.1

7.0

6.2

6.2

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

6.2

%6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

Dec.

7.0

7.0

8.1

8.1

8.1

12

8.1

12

8.1 

12

12

12

12

12

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.1

12

12

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.1

12

12 

31

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to June 21, well defined 

below a discharge of 35 second-feet; June 22 to July 18, estimated by comparison with Birch Creek; July 

19 to Dec. 31, weU defined below a discharge of 35 second-feet.
64 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly dteehetpge of Tinefotaha Creek near Tin&neha, Gal., for 1909.

Mofith.

January ...........................................

February. .........................................

April..............................................

May...............................................

June. .............................................

July...............................................

The year ....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

7.4 

14 

10 

4.5 

14 

66 

65 

30 

15 

12 

8.1 

31

66

MinltniiTn.

4.S 

4.5 

4.5 

1.8 

3.1 

23 

31 

19 

8.1 

6.2 

6.2 

7.0

1.8

Mean.'

4.68 

9.55 

5,98 

2.99 

9.60 

45.9 

45.8 

24.3 

12.8 

8.49 

6.87 

10.2

15.7

Run-off 

(total to 

acre-feet).

288 

530 

368 

178 

609 

2,730 

2,820 

1,490 

762 

522 

409 

627

11,300

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

B. 

C. 

A. 

B. 

C. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

A.

TABOOSE CHEEK NEAR ABERDEEN,1 CAL.

The original station was not regularly established until August 20,

1906. though discharge measurements had been made from the first of 

the year. It was located about 15 miles north of Independence, 2 

miles northwest of Aberdeen Railway station, and about one-half mile 

west of the crossing on the lower main highway. On February 25,

1907. the station was transferred from the lower road crossing to a 

point on the upper road crossing, 2 miles farther upstream and about 

4 miles northwest of Aberdeen.

Measurements are made from a footbridge. The staff gage is at 

the bridge.

Discharge measurements of Taboose Creek near Aberdeen, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 8

24

Mar. Ifi

26

May 17

28

July 19

30

Sept. 20

Oct. 11

Nov. 1

22

Hydafographer.

E. E. Haines..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....^»........................ .............................

rta

Width.

Feet. 

6.6

7.0

6.1

6.3

6.6

7.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

8.0

7.5

6.8

6.4

6.6

6.6

6.1

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

3 Q

3 A

3.5

4.0

4.7

4.7

7 a

11.2

7.8

5.7

5.3

4.0

4.2

3.7

3

*>

s,

Feet. 

0.26

.26

91

.22

.24

.34

.37

.70

.95

.58

.30

.27

.06

.03

.00

.03

Discharge.

8ee.-ft. 

s i

3.5

3 f\

2.8

3

D

5.3

6 4

23.1

31.6

18.4

10. 3

H>.0

4.3

4.3

4.2

3 Q

1 Formerly known as f Ibbetts.
CALIFORNIA. 65

Daily gage height, in feet, of Taboose Creek near Aberdeen, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Ray Bowers, 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.

0.3

.25

.3

.3

.3

.3

.25

.3

.3

Feb.

0.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.2

.25

Mar.

0.2

.2

.25

'.2

.2

.25

.25

.25

.2

Apr.

"6*25"

.25

.25

.25

.3

.4

.35

.35

.4

May.

.......

0.45

.5

.5

.4

.4

.4

.4

.45

.6

June.

.......

O n

.7

.65

.7

.7

.7

.05

i.6

July.

"i.'is"

.8

.7

.75

.7

.7

.6

.5

.4

Aug.

"o.Y"

.3

.25

.25

.3

.3

.3

.3

Sept.

.......

0.3

.2

.1

.05

.1

.05

.05

.0

Oct.

0.05

.05

.05

.05

.05

.0

.0

.0

.0

Nov.

0.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

-.05

-.05

Dec.

......

-0.05

- .05

- .05

.0

- .05

- .05

.5

.3

.1

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Taboose Creek near Aberdeen, Col., for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4............... 5.............:.

6

7...............

8. ..............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13. ..............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19. ..............

20. ..............

21...............

22. ..............

23. ..............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

4.4

4.4

4.4

3.3

44

4.4

4 4

4.4

4.4

A A

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

44

4.4

44

3

0

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

44

4 4

4.4

4.4

4. A

44

4 4

Feb.

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

44

44

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

44

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

44

4.4

4 4

4.4

4.4

3.3

2.5

9 H

3.3

2.5

9 H

Mar.

2.5

2.5

. 2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

3.3

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Apr.

2.5

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

7.1

7.1

7.1

7 1

May.

7.1

7.1

8.6

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

&6

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

8.6

10

18

13

June.

13

23

26

30

26

26

23

23

23

oq

21

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

24

26

30

32

33

33

33

35

37

July.

37

39

33

30

26

26 25

23

23

23

23

25

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

21

20

20

20

16

16

16

15

13

13

13

Aug.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

9

9

9

9

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Sept.

10

10

10

10

7.6

7.6

7.6

6.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5,2

4.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5-2

5.2

5.2

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

Oct.

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

43

43

4.3

43

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

43

43

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

Nov.

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

Dec.

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3 4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.7

7.6

13

16

16

10

10

10

7.6

5.2

5.2

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to June 1, well defined 

below a discharge of 7 second-feet. June 2 to Dec. 31, well defined below a discharge of 33 second-feet. 

Discharges interpolated for days when gage was not read.

96451° WSP 271 11 5
66 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Taboose Creek near Aberdeen, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

January. ..........................................

April..............................................

July...............................................

October. ..........................................

The year. ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4.4 

4.4 

3.3 

7.1 

18 

37 

39 

10 

10 

4.3 

3.7 

16

39

Minimum.

3.3 

2.5 

2.5 

2.5 

7.1 

13 

13 

9.0 

3.7 

3.7 

3.4 

3.4

2.5

Mean.

4.33 

4.05 

2.73 

4.92 

8.65 

25.7 

22.6 

9.87 

5.64 

4.01 

3.53 

5.60

8.4S

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

266 

225 

188 

293 

532 

1,530 

1,390 

607 

336 

247 

210 

344

6,150

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

D. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

GOODALE CREEK NEAR ABERDEEN/ CAL.

This station was established September 20,1906, at the point where 

the stream leaves the foothills, about 13 miles north of Independence, 

4 miles west of Aberdeen Railway station and one-fourth mile west 

of the upper road crossing.

Measurements are made from a footbridge. The staff gage is at 

the bridge.

Discharge measurements of Goodak Creek near Aberdeen, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 20

Feb. 8

24

Mar. 15

26

May 17

28

July 19

Aug. 9

30

Sept. 20

Oct. 11

Nov. 1

22

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet.

5.4

6.6

5.6

5.7

5.7

6.3

6.4

6.3

5.6

5.3

6.4

5.6

5-6

5.6

5.7

5.6

Area of

section.

Sq.ft. 

2.2

2.4

2.3

2.5

2.8

3.2

3.6

6.7

8.7

6.6

5.4

5.2

4.0

3.8

3.7

3.5

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.10

.25

.21

.24

.28

.37

.42

.75

.95

.70

.50

.44

.27

.19

.19

.16

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.4

2.7

3.0

2.6

3.5

5.6

7.3

16.2

21.3

13.6

10.5

7.9

4.8

4.3

3.6

3.8

1 Formerly known as Tibbetts.
CALIFORNIA. 67

Daily gage height, in feet, ofGoodale Creek near Aberdeen, Cat., for 1909. 

[Ray Bowers, 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.

0.2

.15

.2

.2

.2

.2

.1

.2

.2

.

Feb.

0.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

Mar.

0.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

Apr.

0.2

.2

.25

.25

.25

.4

.35

.4

May.

0.5

.55

.55

.4

.4

.5

.5

.5

.7

June.

n Q

.8

.75

.85

.75

.8

1.0

1.0

July.

1.15

.85

.8

.85

.8

OK

.7

.6

.55

Aug.

6.5

.5

.5

.45

.5

.5

.45

.4

Sept,

0.4

.35

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.25

Oct.

0.2

.2

,2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.15

Nov.

0.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.15

.15

Dec.

0.15

.15

.15

.15

.1

.1

.6

.45

.15

Daily discharge, in second-feet, ofGoodale Creek near Aberdeen, Gal., for 1909.

Day.

1.. .............

2. ..............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22............ ..

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.1

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

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2 4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

Feb.

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

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2 4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

Mar.

.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

2.4

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

Apr.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.9

5.0

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

5.0

3.9

3-9

3.9

? Q

5.0

6.2

6.2

May.

6.2

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

10

10

10

10

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

7.5

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

12

14

14

June.

14

17

20

20

20

17

17

17

17

17

16

17

17

18

17

17

17

16

17

17

17

17

. 20

23

23

23

23

23

23

25

July.

26

27

23

20

18

17

17

17

17

17

17

18

17

17

17

17

17

17

18

17

16

14

14

14

12

12

12

12

12

11

10

Aug.

9.5

9.5

9

K

9.5

9.5

9.5

9

E

9

K

9.5

9.5

9.5

9.5

8.4

7.3

7.3

7.3

7.3

8.4

9.5

9.5

9.5

9.5

9.5

9.5

9.5

9.5

8.4

7.3

7.3

7.3

7 3

Sept.

7.3

7.3

7.3

7.3

7.3

6.3

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5 4

4.7

4.1

4.1

4.1

Oct.

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

3.7

3.7

3.7

4.1

Nov.

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

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

Dec.

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

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

4.1

7.3

7.3

12

11

9.5

8.4

7.3

5.4

4.1

3.7

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to June 30, July 1 to 

Dec. 31, discharges interpolated lor days when gage was not read.
68 SUEFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge ofGooddle Creek near Aberdeen) Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

January. ..........................................

February. .........................................

March.

April..............................................

May...............................................

July..............................................

October ...........................................

November. ........................................

The year. ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2.4 

2.4 

2.4 

6.2 

14 

25 

27 

9.5 

7.3 

4.1 

4.1 

12

27

Minimum

2.0 

2.4 

2.4 

2.4 

6.2 

14 

10 

7.3 

4.1 

3.7 

3.7 

3.7

2.0

Mean.

2.34 

2.40 

2.40 

3.83 

8.58 

18.7 

16.5 

8.83 

5.59 

4.06 

4.02 

4.95

6.87

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

144 

133 

148 

228 

528 

1,110 

1,010 

543 

333 

250 

239 

304

4,970

Accuracy.

D. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B.

DIVISION CREEK NEAR INDEPENDENCE, CAL.

The original station was established January 10, 1906, at a point 

on the upper road crossing, about ij miles west of the Bickey ranch 

house and about 10 miles north of Independence.

A new station was established May 9, 1908, at a point about 200 

feet above the lower intake of the power canal of the Los Angeles 

aqueduct.

When the upper aqueduct power plant was put into operation in 

April, 1909, gage-height observations were discontinued on account 

of the variable amount of water diverted and discharge measurements 

were made during periods of steady load.

Discharge measurements of Division Creek near Independence, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 20

Feb. 4

24

Mar. 11

22

May 17

28

July 13

30

Sept. 20

Oct. 11

Nov. 1

18

Hydrographer.

R. E. Haines..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do......... ..........................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

5.3

5.4

5.3

5.5

7.4

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.5

6.9

6.0

5.9

6.2

6.2

6.2

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

4.6

4.3

4.1

3.7

3.7

4.6

4.9

5.6

6.2

7.4

7.0

7.0

6.3

6.4

6.9

7.1

AB.

Feet. 

0.80

.77

.76

.77

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

7.4

6.2

7.6

7.3

7.1

8.4

9.3

15.5

18.2

164

15.0,

16.6

14.0

13.4

13.4

11.2
CALIFORNIA. 

Monthly discharge of Division Creek near Independence, Cal., for 1909.

69

Month.

May

July...................

Discharge in secondfeet 

(mean).

7.2

6.9

7.3

7.9

10.0

16.7

16.4

Run-off 

(total in 

acrefeet).

443

383

44Q

470

615

QQi

1.010

Accuracy.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

Month.

Discharge in secondfeet 

(mean).

15.6

14.8

13.4

11.9

11.2

11.6

Run-off

(total in 

acrefeet).

959

881

824

708

689

8,420

Accuracy.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

NOTE. Means estimated directly from discharge measurements.

SAWMILL CREEK 1 NEAR INDEPENDENCE, CAL.

This station was established September 20, 1906, at a point on the 

upper road crossing about 300 feet beyond the Eightmile ranch and 

about 8 miles north of Independence. The gage was destroyed in 

the early part of 1907, and was not replaced.

Measurements during 1908 and 1909 were made abcfut 1 mile above 

the ranch.

Discharge measurements of Sawmill Creek near Independence, Cal., in 1909. '

Date.

Jan. 20

Feb. 4

23

Mar. 11

Apr. 2

22

May 14

24

July 13

25

Sept. 10

29

Oc{. 26

Nov. 18

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

. ...do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet.

4. 7

fi Q

5.2

A. 3

4.3

5.9

4.4

4.5

9

C

8.4

8.0

8.0

8.0

7.7

7.5

8.0

Area of 

section.

*KS

5.1

9 Q

2.8

4.3

3.2

3.0

8.7

7.5

5.5

5.0

4 Q

4.7

4.6 5.2-

£&

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.0

4.8

5.2

4.8

5.6

7.2

7.1

7.9

18.8

19.2

13.8

12.5

10.6

10.2

8.2

8.8

Monthly discharge of Sawmill Creek near Independence, Cal., for 1909.

Month.

July...................

Discharge in * secondfeet 

(mean).

4.1

5.0

4.9

6.6

7.3

14.1

17.8

Run-off

(total in 

acrefeet).

252

278

301

393

449

OOQ

1,090

Accuracy.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

Month.

Discharge in secondfeet 

(mean).

13.1

10.6

9.0

8.7

8.0

9.1

Run-off 

(total in 

acrefeet).

806

631

553

518

492

6,600

Accuracy.

0.

C.

C.

0.

C.

NOTE. This creek is one of the most uniform.in flow in the Owens Valley, and the mean discharges 

have been obtained by interpolating between the 16 measurements made in 1909.

i This stream was called Eightmile Creek in the 1906 report.
70 SURFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

OAK CREEK NEAR INDEPENDENCE, CAL.

The original station was put in about 1 mile west of old Fort Independence on June 15, 1905. A new station was established October 

1, 1906, at Bell's flour mill, about 3 miles northwest of Independence. 

This station was discontinued April 19, 1907, and replaced by another 

above and about three-fourths of a mile west of the mill, where the 

conditions were better.

Measurements are made from a footbridge. The staff gage is at 

the bridge.

Discharge measurements of Oak Creek near Independence, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 16

Feb. 4

23

Mar. 10

31

Apr. 23

May 13

23

July 15

Aug. 3

25

29

Oct. 26

Nov. 17

Hydrographer.

Ha ines and Lee. ...........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

14.0

14.2

14.2

14.2

14.2

14.5

15.5

17.0

17.0

17.5

15.8

15.8

15.6

14.8

14.7

14.8

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.7

9.2

8.9

9.2

8.8

10.7

13.6

20.1

18.4

23.6

14.2

13.8

12.2

10.8

10.7

10.7

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.37

34

.32

.32

30

.42

.60

1.00

QE

1.10

Q4

RQ

.76

.70

.69

.68

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

10.9

10.7

9.7

9.8

9.2

15.7

29.6

SO 9

79.8

<M 3

34.4

30.3

20.9

15.5

15.1

13.8

Daily gage height, in feet, of Oak Creek near Independence, Cal., for 1909. 

[A. N. Bell, observer.]

Day.

1... ............

2. ..............

3...............

4... ........... .

5...............

6...............

7... ...... ..-.--

8..........--.-.

10... ............

11...............

12...............

33...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24............... 

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

0.3

.3

.3 '

.3

.4

.5

.35

.35

.4

.4

.4

.35

.35

.35

.3

Feb.

0.3

.3

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

"".'35"

Qe;

<?*

.30

.35

.35

.35

Mar.

0.35

.35

35

.35

.30

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

QA

Apr.

0.35

.35

35

.35

.35

35

.4

.4

.45

.5

.5

.4

.5

AK

.5

.55

.6

May.

0.6

.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.6

.6

.55

.55

.6

'"'.65'

.75

.75

June.

1.0

i.6

.95

.95

.9

.95

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.2

1.3

1.4

1 4

July.

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

""i."3~

1.3

1.2

*"i.'2~

1.0

1.0

Aug.

1.0

.95

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

OR

.9

9

.85

Sept.

0.85

.85

.85

.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

Oct.

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.7

.7

......

.7

.7

.7

.7

Nov.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

Dee.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65
CALIFORNIA. 71 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Oak Creek near Independence, Cat., for 1909.

Day.

1....... .......

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

as

8.8

as

as

as

as

as

as

as

as

12

14

17

20

16

11

11

12

14

14

14

14

12

11

11

11

11

11

11

9.9

as

Feb.

8.8

as

as

as

10

1111111111

1111111111

1111111111

1111

101111

111111

Mar.

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

as

1111111111

1111111111

1111111111

111111

10

9

as

Apr.

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

12

14

14

14

13

12

16

20

20

20

17

14

20

12

16

20

22

25

30

May.

30

30

34

38

42

42

42

42

39

36

36

33

30

30

30

28

25

25

25

26

28

30

32

34

36

42

49

49

49

59

69

June.

79

fid

SQ

89fin

fin

76

72

76

80

83

86

89

SQ

SQ

89

89

89

89

89

89

84

80

128

138

148

169

169

169

184

July.

200

213 234'

234

208

182

1 1^7

146

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

118

100

100

100

82

64

45

45

45

45

Aug.

4fi

4'?

38

45da

45

45

45

da

45

4fi

45

45

45

45

42

38

38

38

38

35

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

30

27

Sept.

27

97

97

97

97

97

24

99

20

18

18

is

18is

is

is

17

16

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

Oct.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

14

13

12

12

12

13

14

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

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

Dec.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

14

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to July 4. well defined 

below a discharge of 90 second-feet. July 7 to 15, fairly well defined. July 18 to Aug. 1, indirect method 

for shifting channels. Aug. 3 to Dec. 31, fairly well defined. Discharges interpolated for days when the 

gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of Oak Creek near Independence, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

April ...................:.....:....................

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

20 

11 

11 

30 

69 

184 

234 

45 

27 

15 

15 

15

234

\TinjTmiTn.

8.8 

8.8 

8.8 

11 

25 

72 

45 

27 

15 

12 

15 

12

8.8

Mean.

11.4 

10.6 

10.8 

15.1 

36.8 

102 

131 

38.9 

18.9 

14.5 

15.0 

13.6

35.1

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

701 

589 

664 

899 

2,260 

6,070 

8,060 

2,390 

1,120 

892 

893 

836

25,400

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.
72 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

INDEPENDENCE CREEK1 NEAR INDEPENDENCE, CAL.

The original station at the city waterworks, which was established 

June 15, 1905, was destroyed in June, 1906. On August 20, 1906, a 

new station was established at a point about 300 feet above the city 

waterworks and 1 mile west of Independence.

Measurements are made from a footbridge. The staff gage is at 

the bridge.

Discharge measurements of Independence Creek near Independence, Cal., in 1909. 

[R. E. Haines, hydrographer.]

:. Date.

Jan. 18.

Feb. 3.

20.

Mar. 9.

31.

Apr. 21. .

May 12.

Mav 22. .

June 3. .

Width.

Feet. 

12

11.7

11.8

11.9

11.8

11.9

12.5

12.4

13.6

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

6.2

5.6

6.2

6.1

5.7

8.8

11.9

11.7

17.8

Gauge 

height.

Feet. 

0.63

.58

.60

.60

.60

.84

1.09

1.07

1.55

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

6.5

5.0

6.0

5.6

5.2

13.9

38.8

36.0

84.0

Date.

June 25.

July 6..

14..

Aug. 4.

26.

Sept. 11.

30.

Oct. 27.

Nov. 17.

Width.

Feet. 

11.6

13.6

13.6

12.0

12.0

11.3

11.0

11.5

11.0

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

21.2

18.9

19.9

10.7

9.2

8.0

6.5

6.1

6.2

Gauge 

height.

Feet. 

1.80

1.30

1.32

.78

.58

.45

.35

.31

.32

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

115

88.9

95.0

39.6

25.3

18.5

10.5

7.6

7.6

Daily gage height, in feet, of Independence Creek near Independence, Cal., for 1909. 

[Le Roy Roeper, observer.]

Day.

1... ............

2...............

q

4.... .... .......

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...............

Jan.

0.6

.b

.5

.6

.6

.8

.8 ""."es"

.65 

.6

.6

.7

.65 

......

.6

.6

.6

Feb.

0.6

.6

.6

.55

.7

.6

.6

.55

.6

.65

.6 

.......

"".'65'

.6

.6

Mar.

0.6

.65

.6

.6

.65

.6

.6

........

........

.6

.6 

.6

.6"."e "

.6

.6

.6

Apr

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.65

.7

.75

.75

.8

.85 

.85

""."75"

May.

1.0

1.0

1.0

i.6

1.25

1.25

1.0

1.0

1.0

L6

"1*9"

"i."25"

1.3

i i

i Q>;

June.

1.4

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.55

"i."55"

"i."55"

1.5

1.45

1.45 "i.'ss'

1.85

1.65

July.

1.55

1.65

1.45

1 ^

1.25

1.25

1 Q

1.45

i~45"

" "i Q>;

1.25

.95

1.0

.95

.85

.85

Aug.

0.75

.75

.75

.75

.65

.65

.65

.65

.75

.80 

""."65"

"".'es'

.6

.65

.65

Sept.

0.6

.6

.55

.5

45

45

.45

""."45"

AK

.45

.4

.35 

""."3

.35

.35

.35

Oct.

0.35

.35

.3

.3

.35

0

.......

""."35"

.35

.35

.25 

""."25"

.25

.25

.35

Nov.

0.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

.3 

""."35"

""."35"

.35

s>;

.35

Dec.

0.35

.4

.4

.35

is

.35

.25

.35

.35 

""."35

""."35

.35

.35

.35

iThis creek is called Little Pine Creek on the United States Geological Survey's topographic map of the 

Mount WMtney quadrangle, but is commonly known as Independence Creek.
CALIFORNIA. 73 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Independence Creek near Independence, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4

5... ..........

6...............

7...............

8...............

9.. .............

10. ..............

11...............

12. ..............

13. ..............

14. .........

16. ..............

16. ..............

17...............

18. ..............

19. ..............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23... ..........

24. ..............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29......... ..

30...............

31...............

Jan.

5.3

5

0

5.3

4.6

4.0

4.6

5

0

5

0

5.3

8.6

12

12

12

9 2

6.4

6.4

r q

K. °.

5.3

6.6

7.8

7.1

6.4

5.8

5.3

5

0

5.3

5.3

5

0

5

0

5.3

Feb.

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.0

4.6

6 9

7.8

6.6

5

0

5.3

5.3

5.0

4.6

5.0

5.3

5.8

6.4

5.8

5

0

5.3

5.3

5.8

6.4

5.8

5

0

5.3

5.3

Mar.

5.3

5.8

6.4

5.8

5.3

5.3

5

0

5.8

6.4

5

0

5

0

5.3

5.3

5

0

5

0

5.3

5

0

5.3

5.3

5

0

5.3

5.3

5

0

5

0

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5

0

5.3

5.3

Apr.

5.3

5

0

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5

0

. 5.8

6.4

7.1

7.8

8.7

9

«

9 6

9 6

11

12

15

15i"?

9 6

10

12

14

16

152

9fi

May.

22

24

26

28

28

28

28

9ft

40

co

K*>

K*>

in

952

952

28

952

952

28

952

38

48

50

53

Cfi

CO

CO

58

61

64

66

June.

69

82

96

96

96

96

Qfl

94

Q1

88

85

85

85

OK

85

85

85

82

80

77

74

74

74

107

140

140

140

131

122

117

July.

112

117

112

103

89

84

84

84

fiA

QQ

96

103

103

103

OS

Q4

89

84

70

C7

CQ

61

60

CQ

58

57

52

48

48

48

Aug.

44

40

40

40

40

40

40

AF\

3fi

Q1

qi

31

31

O1

31

31

QC

40

42

11

38°.i

o-j

01

9O

27

29

,31

si

31

29

Sept.

27

97

27

26

24

22

20

18

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

1"?

13

10

8

K

7 *?

8.6

10

10

10

10

Oct.

10

10

10

8.6

7.3

7.3 7 *?

7 *?

7.3

8.6

10.0

8.6

7.3

7 3

7.3

8.6

10

10

10

10

10

7.6

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

7.6

10

Nov.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

8.6

7 3

8.6

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Dec.

10

10

12

13

13

13

19

10

13

16

15

14

19

10

7.6

5.2

7.6

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to June 25, well defined 

below a discharge of 115 second-feet. June 26 to Dec. 31, well denned below a discharge of 90 second-feet. 

Discharges interpolated for days when gauge was not read.

Monthly discharge of Independence Creek near Independence, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

January ...........................................

March.

April..............................................

July...............................................

September. ........................................

December. ........................................'

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

12 

7.8 

6.4 

20 

66 

140 

122 

44 

27 

10 

10 

16

140

Minimum.

4.0 

4.6 

5.3 

5.3

22 

69 

48 

27 

7.3 

5.2 

7.3 

5.2

4.0

Mean.

6.40 

5.54 

5.44 

9.92 

40.5 

95.2 

81.6 

34.7 

16.1 

7.88 

9.82 

10.8

27.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

394 

308 

334 

590 

2,490 

5,660 

5,020 

2,130 

958 

484 

584 

664

19,600

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

SHEPAED CREEK NEAR THESE,1 CAL.

No regular station has been maintained on this stream, but a sufficient number of measurements were made during 1909 to justify a 

rough estimate of the monthly flow. All measurements were made 

at a point about 3 miles east of the mouth of the creek's canyon, 

and just above the irrigation diversion.

i This station was referred to in the 1906 report as near Independence.
74 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Discharge measurements ofShepard Creek near Thebe, CaL, in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 2

22

30

Apr. 19

May 11

31

Hydrographer.

R. E. Haines. ................

.....do........................

.....do.......................

.....do........................

.....do.......................

.....do........................

.....do........................

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.7

2.3

oO

2.5

2 1

11.3

16.3

15.9

Date.

July 12

24

28

Oct. 25

Nov. 16*

Hydrographer.

.....do........................

.....do........................

.....do........................

.....do........................

.....do........................

.....do........................

.....do........................

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

31.6

43.5

21.1

20.0

12.7

6.9

2.9

7.4

a Frozen up at noon. Some flow later. & Frozen part of the day. 

Monthly discharge ofShepard Creek near Thebe, CaL, for 1909.

Month.

May.

July...................

Discharge 

hi secondfeet 

(mean).

4.7

3.0

2.5

8.8

14.8

07 Q

49 4.

Run-off 

(total hi 

acrefeet).

289

167

154

524

910

2 9£ft

2,610

Accuracy.

0.

C.

C.

C.

Month.

Discharge 

hi secondfeet 

(mean).

20.6

11.0

4.7

3.0

3

n

13 n

Run-off 

(total in 

acrefeet).

1,250

655

289

179

184

9,470

Accuracy.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

NOTE. The mean monthly estimates of discharge have been estimated from 15 discharge measurements 

made in 1909, with the aid of hydrograph comparison with Oak and Independence Creeks.

BAIRS CREEK 1 NEAR THEBE, CAL.

No regular station has been maintained at this point, but during 

1909 enough measurements were made to justify a rough estimate 

of the monthly flow. All measurements were made at a point about 

3 miles east of the mouth of the canyon, and just above irrigation 

diversion.

Discharge measurements of Hairs Creek near Thebe, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 16

Feb. 2

22

Mar. 3

30

Apr. 19

May 11

31

June 22

July 13

24

Sept. 9

28

Oct. 25

Nov. 16&

Hydrographer.

Haines and Lee ....................................................

R. E. Haines ......................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do.............................................................

.....do......................................................... ...

Width.

Feet. 

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

8.0

8.6

8.0

8.8

8.5

6.5

6.5

5.9

6.3

3.4

5.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 7

1.16

1.76

1.73

6.33

7.73

8.38

9 93

8.26

4.9

4.28

3.55

3.19

2.55

3.1

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1.00

.41

(0)

1.48

1.38

10.3

13.9

17.8

20.3

14.1

6.07

3.99

2.86

1.85

.92

1.51

a> No flow; frozen up at 12.30 p. m.; ran later. & Creek frozen up at 11 a. m.

This stream was referred to in the 1906 report as Moffett Creek.
CALIFORNIA. 

Monthly discharge ofBairs Creek near Thebe, Cal., for 1909.

75

Month.

May................:..

July...................

Discharge in secondfeet 

(mean).

1.0

.5

1.5

7.7

13.0

f)A A

15.2

Kun-ofi 

(total in 

acrefeet).

61

28

92

458

799

1,430

935

Accuracy.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

Month.

Discharge in secondfeet 

(mean).

5.0

3.9

1.2

1.0

1.0

6.3

Kun-ofi 

(total in 

acrefeet).

307

232

72

60

61

4,540

Accu 

racy.

C,.

0.

C.

C.

0.

NOTE. The mean discharges of this creek have been estimated from the discharge measurements made 

in 1909 with the aid of hydrograph comparison with Oak and Independence Creeks in the vicinity.

GEORGE CREEK NEAR THESE,1 CAL.

A gage has been placed on this creek at a point about 1 mile west 

of the road from Independence to Lone Pine, at a point just above a 

diversion. All measurements during 1907, 1908, and 1909 were made 

near the gauge.

No gage record was kept during 1909, but a rough estimate has 

been made of the monthly flow.

Discharge measurements of George Creek near Thebe, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 2

22

Mar. 3

30

Apr. 19

May 11

31

June 22

July 12

24

Sept. 9

28

Oct. 25

Nov. 16

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.............................................;.......

.....do.. ...................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do......................................................

Width.

Feet. 

8.0

8.4

7.9

8.3

9.0

9.7

10.1

9.7

10.2

10.1

9 7

9.5

S.8

8.9

8.5

8.0

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

4.0

3.9

4.7

4.2

7.8

9.1

9.2

10.9

11.2

7 9

7.7

6.6

5.6

4.4

4.1

&.

Feet. 

0.64

.55

.58

.63

.59

1.00

1.15

1.20

1.40

1.35

1.10

1.05

.90

.76

.64

.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3.0

2.0

2.4

3.5

2.9

14.2

21.7

24.0

38.1

36.2

15.2

14.3

10.4

5.2

2.6

1.9

Monthly discharge of George Creek near Thebe, Cal., for 1909.

Month.

May...................

July...................

Discharge hi secondfeet 

(mean).

2.8

2.3

3.2

11.4

19.4

43.7

38.4

Run-off 

(total in 

acrefeet).

172

128

197

678

1,490

2,600

2,360

Accuracy.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

Month.

Discharge ha secondfeet 

(mean).

14.7

a 7

3.5

2.0

1 9

12.7

Run-off 

(total in 

acrefeet).

904

518

215

no

117

9,200

Accuracy.

C.

C.

C.

NOTE. The mean discharges have been estimated from the discharge measurements made in 1909 with 

the aid of hydrograph comparison, with Oak and Independence in the vicinity.

i This station was referred to in the 1906 report as near Independence.
SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

LONE PINE CREEK NEAR LONE PINE, CAL.

This station was established September 25, 1906, at a point about 

three-fourths of a mile west of the town of Lone Pine and about 500 

feet above the division boxes on the creek.

Measurements are made from a footbridge. The staff gage is at 

the bridge.

Discharge measurements of Lone Pine Creek near Lone Pine, Cal., in 1909. 

[R. E. Haines, hydrographer.]

Date.

Jan. 27..

Feb. 17.

Mar 4.

26.

Apr. 15 .

May 5.

25.

June 17..

Width.

Feet.

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.4

7.3

8.4

8.5

12.0

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

7.8

8.7

8.4

8.3

10.1

14.6

13.8

19.7

&,

Feet.

2.27

2.25

2.21

2.20

2.46

2.90

2.80

3.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

7.6

7.4

6.5

6.2

11.7

33.0

28.8

88.9

Date.

July 8.

29.

Aug. 18.

Sept. 14 .

Oct. 6..

22..

Nov. 11.

Width.

Feet.

9.8

8.6

9.8

8.0

7.1

7.3

7.2

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

17.1

14.9

17.2

10.8

8.0

7.1

7.1

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.15

2.90

3.10

2.45

2.16

2.00

2.02

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

68.7

40.4

66.1

20.1

11.0

7.6

8.2

Daily gage height, in feet, of Lone Pine Creek near Lone Pine, Cal.,for 1909. 

[S. A. Gallaher, observer.]

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.4

2.35

2.35

2.3

2.25

2.2

Feb.

2.15

2.15

2.25

2.8

2.3

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.2

Mar.

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

Apr.

2.25

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.75

May.

2.85

2.9

2.95

2 Q

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.85

9 a

2

0

9 Q

3.0

June.

* 3.3

3.7

3.6

3.4

3.7

3.4

3.3

3.35

3.5

3.7

July.

3.6

3.4

3.35

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.0

8.05

3.1

Aug.

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

3.1

3.3

2.9

2.75

9 Q

"z. 75"

Sept.

2.75

2.7

2.55

2.6

9 45

2.45

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25

Oct.

2.2

2.2

2.1

9 1

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

Nov.

1.9

1.95

2.0

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

Dee.

2.0

2.0

2.1

2 1

2.0

2.6

2.0

. 2.0

2.0

1.9
CALIFOENIA. 77 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Lone Pine Creek near Lone Pine, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1.... ...........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23. ..............

 24....... .......

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

5.4

5.2

5.::

5.1!

5.5!

6.!!

5.1!

5.!!

5.!!

5.5!

5

1)

5.2

7.0

8

0

10 T

9.V

9.4

9.5!

9

*1

9

*1

9.2

8.8

M8.0

7.?

7.4

7.0

6.6

6.3

6.0

5.8

Feb.

5.5

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.8

6.6

7.0

14

21

97

20

14

8 n

7.6

7.3

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

6.6

6.3

6.0

6.3

6.6

Mar.

7.0

6.6

6.3

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.2

6.4

6.6

Apr.

6.8

6 Q

7.0

7.3

7.6

8 n

8 n

8.0

8.0

a n

8 n

8 n

8 A

8.8

9.2

12

14

17

16

14

13

14

16

17

17

17

1710

22

24

May.

26

28

30

32

33

37

36

34

33

33

00

33

31

29

27

26

24

22

OK

28

30

29

28

27

27

30

33

36

38

41

50

June.

58

66

78

91

104

105

107

108

102

Qfi

QQ

OS

108

118

108

98

89

86

83

SO

82

83

84

90

94

98

104

111

118

114

July.

Ill

108

102

Qfi

89

88

86

84

80

75

71

74

77

80

80

80

80

77

74

71

66

60

55

56

58

*tQ

60

62

63

56

50

Aug.

44

42

41

40

39

37

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

36

50

63

80

69

58

47

44

40

36

40

44

47

44

40

36

Sept.

36

36

36

35

34

33

30

26

24

25

26

27

24

20

20

18

16

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

13

Oct.

13

12

12

12

12

12

11

10

9.7

9 7

9 7

9 7

9.4

9.1

8.8

8.5

8.2

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.6

7.4

7.2

7.0

6.8

6.5

6.5

Nov.

6.5

6.5

6.8

'7.2 7.0

7.4

7.6

7.8

8.2

8.5

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.4

8.1

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7 a

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7 a

7.8

7.8

Dec.

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

8.4

9.0

9.7

9.7

9.7

9.7

9.2

8.6

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

7.4

7.0

6.5

6.5

6.5

NOTE. These dischalrges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 9 to June 5, fairly well 

defined. June 7 to Dec. 31, fairly well defined below a discharge of 75 second-feet. Discharge interpolated 

for days when g^ge was not read.

Monthly discharge of Lone Pine Creek near Lone Pine, Cal.,for 1909.

1

January...............

February. .............

April

lon.th.

May....... . ....................

July...................

August................

............................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

10 

27 

7.0 

24 

50 

118 

111 

80 

36 

13 

8.8 

9.7

118

Minim mn.

5.2 

5.2 

6.0 

6.8 

22 

58 

50 

36 

13 

6.5 

6.5 

6.5

5.2

Mean.

6.97 

8.76 

6.10 

12.2 

31.3 

95.0 

75.1 

43.3 

21.6 

'9.05 

7.81 

8.01

27.1

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

429 

487 

375 

726 

1,920 

5,650 

4,620 

2,660 

1,290 

556 

464 

493

19,700

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

fTUTTLE CREEK NEAE LONE PINE, CAL.

Regular measurements were made on this creek during 1907, 1908, 

and 1909 near Ipone Pine, at a point where the stream leaves the foothills and enterjs the valley. An incomplete gage-height record was 

kept during 1907, 1908, and 1909, but it is of little value on account 

of continual changes at the gaging section.
78 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

Discharge measurements of Tuttle Creek near Lone Pine, Cal., in 1909. 

[R. E. Haines, hydrographer.]

Date.

Jan. 27.

Feb. 17.

Mar. 4.

26.

Apr. 15.

May 7..

25.

June 17.

Width.

Feet.

8.0

8.6

9.0

8.9

9.0

9.5

8.8

10.0

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

5 4

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.4

6.6

6.6

10.4

£g,

Feet.

1.09

1.09

1.08

1.09

1.09

1.18

1.17

1.5

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

6.0

6.4

6.0

5.9

7.0

12.4

11.7

27.2

Date.

July 8.

July 29.

Aug. 18.

Sept. 14.

Oct. 6.

22.

Nov. 11.

Width.

Feet.

10.0

9.7

9.4

8.8

9.0

8.9

9.1

Area of 

section.

Sq.-ft.

14.6

10.2

9.7

6.5

5.8

5.2

5.4

ft.

Feet.

1.8

1.58

1.38

1.25

1.19

1.16

1.18

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

33.2

23.8

18.1

12.0

9.1

7.6

7.7

Daily gage height, in feet, of Tuttle Creek near Lone Pine, Cal., for 1909. 

[8. A. Gallaher, 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.

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

.......

1.1

1.1

"i.'os"

1.0

1.0 

1.0

Feb.

.95

1.0

.95

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05 

1.1

Mar.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

i.i

.........

""i.T

i.i

Apr.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

""i."i"

1.1

1.1

.........

1.1

1.1

May.

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.1

" L2"

1.2

1.25

"i."sT

1.15

1.2

1.25

June.

1.25

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.75

July.

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.85

1.8

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.6

Aug.

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.1

""i.Y

'"1.2

"'i'.2

Sept.

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.25 

1.1

1.1

1.2

"HO"

1.2

1.2

Oct.

1.2

1.1

LOS

1.05

"i.'i"

1.2

1.2

"i."2"

1.2

1.1

Nov.

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15 

1.2

1.2

Dec.

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.3

1.2

1.25

1.4 

1.4

1.2
CALJPOENIA. 79

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Tuttle Creek near Lone Pine, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10. ..............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14. ..............

15. ..............

16...............

17...............

18. ..............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25....... A......

26...............

27...............

28...............

29. ..............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

4

Feb.

4

4

4

5

5

4

4

5

7

8

7

7

7

7

7

8

8

7

7

7

6

6

6

7

7

7

6

Mar.

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

Apr.

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

May.

7

8

10

12

12

12

19

12

10

9

9

9

9

12

12

13

13

13

13

13

15

13

13

13

11

13

13

13

13

15

15

June.

15

15

17

17

17

17

17

20

22

22

22

22

27

27

27

32

32

32

32

31

30

35

35

34

34

33

33

32

34

36

July.

36

36

35

35

32

31

31

3ft

28

28

28

31

34

36

34

34

34

34

29

29

29

29

27

27

27

27

25

25

25

25

16

Aug.

16

16

12

12

12

12-jo

1<>

1 13

13

13

10

14

14

14

14

16

19

19

14

10

7

10

10

14

14

10

10

10

10

10

Sept.

10

14

14

14

14

14

14

10

10

10

7

7

10

12

7

7

7

7

7

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

'Oct.

9

9

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

5

5

6

6

6

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

6

6

6

Nov.

6

6

6

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

9

9

9

9

9

9

Dec.

14

14

14

16

16

16

22

22

22

22

22

16

16

14

14

9

9

12

12

12

14

12

16

16

16

16

16

14

9

9

9

NOTE. These discharges have been obtained by the indirect method for shifting channels. Discharges 

interpolated for days when gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of Tuttle Creek near Lone Pine, Col., for 1909.

Month.

February. .........................................

April..............................................

Mav

June.... ...........................................

July...............................................

October ...........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

6 

8 

6 

8 

15 

36 

36 

16 

14 

9 

9 

22

36

Minimum.

4 

4 

6 

7 

7 

15 

16 

10 

7 

5 

6 

9

4

Mean.

5.10 

6.10 

6.0 

7.43 

11.8 

26.6 

29.9 

12.8 

10.2 

7.36 

7.3 

14.9

12.2

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

314 

339 

369 

442 

726 

1,580 

1,840 

787 

607 

453 

434 

916

8,810

Accuracy.

oooooooooooo

COTTONWOOD CREEK NEAR OLANCHA, CAL.

Cottonwood Creek discharges into Owens Lake. The original station on this creek was established September 25, 1906, at a point 

about one-fourth mile above the crossing of the Los Angeles aqueduct, 

about 12 miles south of Lone Pine, and about 11 miles north of 

Olancha. A new station was established September 9, 1908, at a 

point 100 feet above the head of the diversion pipe of the Los Angeles 

aqueduct.
80 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Discharge measurements are made from a footbridge. The staff 

gage is located 500 feet below the bridge.

Discharge measurements of Cottonwood Creek near Olancha, Cat., in 1909. 

[B. E. Haines, hydrographer.]

Date.

Jan. 28o

Feb. 18o

Mar. 5 a.

Mar. 25o

Apr. 166

May 66.

May 26 6.

June 186.

Width.

Feet.

11.5

13.9

11.2

11.1

17.3

17.1

17.0

17.0

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

11.8

10.7

10.0

9.7

20.8

33.3

35.6

46.8

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.90

1.76

1.78

1.78

2.30

3.30

3.32

3.55

Discharge.

Sec. ft.

18.1

17.2

16.8

16.0

42.6

158

lt>2

198

Date.

July 96..

July 30 6.

Aug. 196.

Sept. 15 a,

Oct. 5o..

Oct. 21 o.

Nov. 12 o.

Width.

Feet.

17.1

17.8

15.0

11.0

11.0

10.6

10.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

35.0

29.3

25.4

14.9

13.2

11.5

12.8

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.00

2.35

2.15

1.78

1.72

1.50

1.56

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

117

51.2

40.8

19.7

16.7

11.4

13.8

oMade by wading. 6 Made from new footbridge.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cottonwood Creek near Olancha, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Sam Robinson, 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.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.65

2.0

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85 

1.9

1.9

Feb.

1.9

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

.......

Mar.

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.8

1 Q

1 Q

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1 7^

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.8

1 Q

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

1 0

1.8

Apr.

1.8

1.8

1.85

1 9

1 Q

1.9

1 9

1 Q

1 9

1 9

1 Q

1 9

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.3

2 A

2.5

2.55

2 A

2.4

2.4

9 ^

2.3

2 A

2.5

2.6

2.8

2.8 

2.8

May.

3.0

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.4

1 A.*,

3.3

3

0

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.35

3.5

3.5

3.3 

3.35

3.85

June.

4.2

4.35

4.6

4.55

4.4

4.15

1 Q"5

3.8

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.45

i d

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3 4

3.4

3.35

3.35 

3.35

July.

3.3

3.3

-3.3 *3.3

3.25

3.2

3.15

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.4 

2.3

2.25

Aug.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2:i

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

2.5

2.2

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.0 

2.6

2.1

Sept.

2.0

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

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.9

1.75

1.7

Oct.

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35 

1.3

1.3

Nov.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.6

1.5 

1.5

Dec.

1.5

1.6

1.3

1.2

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5

1.6
CALIFORNIA. 81 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cottonwood Creek near Olancha, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1. ..............

2...............

S.. .............

4...............

0.. ............

7...............

); .....

«

10. .............

11 ..........

1-'. ..............

13..

14...............

15...............

16. ..............

17...............

18...............

19......... . .

20...............

21...............

22.........

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26. ....... .......

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.3

0 0

8.3

9.4

9 4

8.3

8.3

10

12

24

13

13

13

13

13

24

24

24

20

20

20

20

20

18

18

20

20

Feb.

20

1611

11

11

11

13

13 to

16

16

16

16

16i n

1611

1 i

15

15

11

15

15

1 K

11

11

11

15

Mar.

1511

11

1 1

16

~ 16

16i/»

16

15

15

15

1 K

11

11

11

15

15

15

15

15

16

16

16

16

15

15

15

16

16

Apr.

16

16

1Q

20

20

on

20

20

20

20

20

20

24

30i/»

43

51

60

65

51

51

51

43

43

51

60

70

92

92

92

May.

117

ion

111

1 1Q

174

174

15>o

1 t*Q

1*&

159

159

159

144

lift

144

144

144

159

159

152

1 19

119

166

190 ion

159

166

246

June.

302

326

qcc

oca

004,

OQA.

9fl9

238

214

214

214

214

214

214

206

206

190

182

174

174

174

174

174

174

174

174

166

166

166

July.

1 1Q

1 CQ

11Q

I CQ

119

144

117

117

104

104

104

104

IfU.

104

92

92

92

82

Q9

82

73

73

73

73

65

61

57

57

49

4.R

Aug.

" 42

d.9

42

49

oo

35

35

31

35

35

29

29

29

9O

OQ

24

65

42

OQ

29

29

29

90

24

24

24

24

29

71

35

Sept.

29

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

20

20

20

20

to

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

16

16

14

14

24

18

17

Oct.

17

17

14

17

17

17

17

17

1 A

14

14

14

14

14

14

11

11

10

10

9.0

9.0

Q A

9.0

9 A

9.0

9.0

8.5

8.0

8.0

Nov.

9 A

9 A

9 A

9 A

9

n

9

rt

8.0

9

n

9 A

Q A

8.5

11

11

11

11

14

14

14

12

12

14

12

11

14

14

11

9.0

14

11

11

Dec.

11

14

8.0

7.0

11

11

14

14

17

14

17

20

20

17

17

17

14

11

14

11

14

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

14

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to June 3, fairly well 

defined between discharges of 15 and 200 second-feet; June 4 to Dec. 31, fairly*well denned between discharges of 11 and 200 second-feet.

/ Monthtyidischarge of Cottonwood Creek near Olancha, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

May...............................................

July...............................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

24 

20 

16 

92 

246 

366 

159 

73 

29 

17 

14 

20

366

Minimum.

8.3 

13. 

15. 

16.

117. 

166. 

46. 

24. 

14. 

8.0 

8.0 

7.0

7.0

Mean.

14.6 

15.0 

15.4 

41.2 

158.0 

221.0 

99.2 

34.5 

19.9 

12.6 

11.0 

13.1

54.8

Run-off

(total in 

acre-feet).

898 

833 

947 

2,450 

9,720 

13,200 

6,100 

2,120 

1,180 

775 

654 

806

39,700

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

ASH CREEK NEAR OLANCHA, CAL.

Ash Creek discharges into Owens Lake. The gaging station was 

established April 15, 1907, at a point just above the forks of the 

creek near the mouth of the canyon, about 15 miles south of Lone 

Pine, and about 8 miles north of Olancha. No gage-height record 

is kept.

96451° WSP 271 11 6
82 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Discharge measurements of Ash Creek near Olancha, Col., in 1909. 

[R. E. Haines, hydrographer.]

Date.

Jan. 28.

Feb. 18.

Mar. 5..

Mar. 25.

Apr. 16.

May 6..

May 26.

June 18.

Width.

Feet.

6.1

6.0

6.5

6.5

8.0

10.0

11.0

10.0

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

3.9

4.1

4.4

4.4

6.6

13.2

14.6

13.2

Gage

Feet.

1.49

1.53

1.61

* 1.58

1.91

2.60

2.70

2.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

3.3

5.3

6.1

6.2

11.4

32.8

39.0

39.0

Date.

July 9..

July 30.

Aug. 9.

Sept. 15

Oct. 5 . .

Oct. 21.

Nov. 12...

Width.

Feet.

7.8

6.5

6.4

5.9

6.3

5.5

6.0

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

7.5

5.1

43

4.0

4.0

3.7

4.0

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.85

1.50

1.40

1.30

1.31

1.30

1.32

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

12.5

7.2

5.1

3.6

3.9

3.3

3.5

Monthly discharge of Ash Creek near Olancha, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

April..................

May...................

July...................

Discharge in secondfeet 

(mean).

3.2

4.5

6.3

14.0

33.6

40 7

13.2

Run-off 

(total in 

acrefeet)..

1O7

250

387

833

2,070

2

Qflfl

812

Accuracy.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

C.

Month.

Discharge in secondfeet 

(mean).

5.4

3.8

3.6

3.5

3.5

12.0

Run-off 

(total in 

acrefeet).

332

226

221

208

215

8,710

Accuracy.

C.

0.

C.

C.

C.

NOTE. The mean discharges have been estimated from the discharge measurements made in 1909 by 

the aid of a hydrograph comparison with Cottonwood Creek, which is in the vicinity.

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN DRAINAGE BASINS.

GENERAL FEATURES.

The South Pacific Ocean drainage basins include all streams south 

of San Francisco Bay that drain the western slope of the Coast 

Range and enter the Pacific either directly or indirectly. The 

average width of the basins thus drained is nearly 50 miles and its 

total area is 23,000 square miles. The low-water flow of the 

streams of this area is very small, and in many of them all the water 

disappears in the sand and gravel beds below the canyons. In the 

winter, however, the streams are torrential and discharge large 

volumes of water. North of Santa Barbara the general course of 

the streams is northwestward; south of Santa Barbara, however, 

which is approximately opposite the intersection of the Coast Range 

by the Tehachapi Range, the general direction is southwestward. f

Investigations of flow have been made on the following streams in 

the South Pacific Ocean drainage area:-

Cottonwood Creek (Tia Juana River).

Sweetwater River.

San Diego River.

Santa Ysabel Creek (Bernardo River).

San Luis Rey River.

Santa Margarita River.

Santa Ana River.

San Gabriel River.

Los Angeles River. 

Malibu Creek. 

Santa Clara River. 

Ventura River. 

Santa Ynez River. 

Santa Maria River. 

Salinas River.
CALIFORNIA. 83 

TIA JUANA RIVER BASIN.

DESCRIPTION OF COTTONWOOD CREEK.

Tia Juana Kiver discharges into the Pacific Ocean below San Diego 

Bay near the Mexican boundary. Its. principal tributary,A}ottonwood Creek, rises in the Laguna Mountains of the Coast Range, and 

flows south and west for about 20 miles, where it is joined by Pine 

Valley Creek from the north; it then flows southwestward 12 miles 

to its junction with Tia Juana River at the Mexican boundary, about 

22 miles east of the coast line. The total drainage area of Cottonwood Creek above its junction with Tia Juana River is approximately 

340 square miles. It lies south of the Sweetwater and Otay River 

basins, and is the most southerly stream in San Diego County. Pine 

Valley Creek is its only important tributary.

The basin of Cottonwood Creek is rough throughout, although it 

contains some valley areas at elevations exceeding 3,000 feet; below 

this elevation the creek flows through a deep, narrow canyon, broken 

only by a short stretch of open country with comparatively light 

grade at the junction of Pine Valley Creek. Altitudes range from 

600 feet above sea level, where the creek empties into Tia Juana 

River, to 5,000 feet on the Laguna Mountains.

The Cottonwood basin is very poorly forested. The timber consists of scattered oaks, cottonwoods, and alders, which are confined 

almost entirely to the small valleys along the stream and to the higher 

elevations. The mountain slopes are fairly well covered with brush.

The mean annual rainfall ranges from 8 to 10 inches along the foothills and from 20 to 30 inches in the mountains^'

The basin affords several good reservoir sites. The Barrett reservoir, located at the junction of Pine Valley Creek at an elevation of 

1,500 feet; the Morena reservoir on Cottonwood Creek, at the lower 

end of Morena Valley, 8 miles above the Barrett reservoir; and Pine 

Valley reservoir on Pine Valley Creek, at the west end of Pine Valley. 

The Morena and Pine Valley reservoirs are at an elevation of 3,100 

feet. All of these sites have been surveyed. The Morena dam 

is now in course of construction and considerable preliminary work 

has been done at the Barrett dam, including the building of a low 

concrete dam to a height of about 20 feet above the bed of the stream. 

A conduit has been constructed to divert water from Cottonwood and 

Pine -Valley creeks from above the Barrett dam to the lower Otay 

reservoir in the Otay River basin. This conduit has a capacity of 

about 60 second-feet, and will divert all the water from these creeks 

when their combined discharge does not exceed that amount. The 

city of San Diego receives its water supply from the lower Otay 

reservoir.
84 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART- XI.

COTTONWOOD CREEK AND FLUME .NEAR JAMUL, CAL.

This station, which was established December 14, 1905, chiefly to 

determine the amount of water available at the Barrett reservoir, is 

located near the Barrett dam site near the south line of sec. 15, T. 17 

S., R. 3 E., San Bernardino meridian, and about 6 miles above the 

San Diego Campo Road.

Pine Valley Creek enters Cottonwood Creek 1 mile above the gaging station, and Lyons Creek half a mile above. The drainage area 

above the station, including that of Pine Valley Creek, is approximately 270 square miles.

Discharge measurements to determine the excess water not diverted 

to the Lower Otay reservoir are made at the low concrete dam, back 

of which sand and gravel have been deposited to the level of its crest.

The amount of water diverted is measured in the diversion flume 

of the Southern California Mountain Water Co. about one-fourth mile 

below the concrete dam, and is added to the discharge at the dam 

for estimating the total -flow of the stream. At low stages the flow 

at the dam is restricted to a rectangular wooden opening through 

the wall of the dam, but at high stages the flow is over the entire 

length of the dam, which is 61 feet. Measurements are usually made 

by wading, except in high stages, when only float velocities can be 

obtained. Two staff gages were used, one at the concrete dam and 

one at the measuring section in the diversion flume. The gage-height 

records are furnished by the Southern California Mountain Water Co.

The results obtained at this station are only fair.

Discharge measurements of Cottonwood Creek and diversion flume near Jamul, Cal., in

1909.

CREEK.

Date.

Feb. 24

Apr. 21

May 27

Hydrographer.

W.V. Hardy.. ............................................

Width.

Feet. 

55

6

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

35

3.3

Gage

height.

Feet. 

2.55

0.55

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

90

7.8

0.5

DIVERSION FLUME.

Feb. 24

Do...

Apr. 21

May 27

W.V. Hardy.. ............................................

W.V. Hardy............ ..................................

48

48

48

48

15.7

16.3

17.8

7.9

3.40

3.40

3.70

1.65

. 52.0

51.0

54.2

16.2
CALIFOENIA. 85.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cotton-wood Creek near Jamul, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

3...............

4...............

'-- ---

6...............

7...............

g

10...............

11...............

12. .

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21

22...............

23...............

24........ ......

25...............

26...............

27............. .

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

.......

2." 8

2.8

2.4

2.1

1.7

Feb.

1.4

1.0

.6

1.45

.55

.6

.6

2.9

2.4

1.8

1.7

2.8

3.05

2.8

2.8

2.5

2.3

2 1

1.5

1.2

3.1

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.4

2.3

2.1

2.0

Mar.-

1.9

1 7

1.8

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.8

1.3

1.2

1.1

.7

.6

.5

.4

.4

.45

.5

.4

.4

.4

2.0

3.2

2.9

2.7

2.65

2.7

3.5

3.55

3.45

3.25

3.2

Apr.

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.3

2.05

1.8

1.7

1.65

1.5

1.35

1.2

1.0

.85

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.5

.5

.4

.4

.4

.35

.65

.65

May.

0.5

.4

.4

.4

.4

.35

.3

.4

.3

.35

.35

.35

.35

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

,3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.25

.25

June.

0.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

.2

.2

.2

.25

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.15

.5

July.

0.2

.2

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.15

.1

.1

.1

.06

.08

.0

.0

.0

.0

.05

.05

.05

.2

.2

.1

.0

.0

Aug.

0.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.65

.3

.15

.15

.15

.0

.0

.0

.1

.1

.45

.3

.25

.7

.4

.2

.15

.1

.1

.1

.0

.55

.25

.1

1.0

1.2

Sept.

0.7

.45

.4

.35

.35

.55

.5

.35

.3

.2

.2

.15

.15

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.15

.2

.2

.2

.2

.15

.15

.15

Oct.

a 15

.15

.2

.25

.2

.2

.2

.15

.1

.1

.75

.15

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.15

.2

.2 i

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.2

.25

.25

Nov.

0.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.5

.5

.6

.7

.65

.8

1.05

.7

.65

.6

.6

.55

.55

.6

.6

.6

.6

1.65

1.5

.95

.8

.7

Dec.

0.6

.8

.7

.6

1.1

.9

.5

.5

2.6

1.5

.5

.4

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.8

3.0

1.05

.6

.7

.5

.5

.4

.4

.35

.35

.4

Daily gage height, in feet, of diversion flume near Jamul, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1....................................

2....................................

3........................... . .. ...

4............................ .

5............................ .....

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

1Q

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

9.1

25

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

on

30....................................

31....................................

Jan.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.8

.7

.6

1.0

3.2

2.2

1 9

1.6

i 3

1.1

1.0

1.6

1.5

2

1

1 Q

2.2

2.3

Feb.

2.0

9 ft

3 n

3.0

O 7K

2.5

2.5

2.8

s 1

3.1

** i

^ n

2

QK

2.75

O A

9 Q

9 O

Q A

3.35

O OK

0 <>K

2.85

3.05

3 A

1 W!

O A

5 i

1 A

Mar.

3.4 3.3

3.0

3.65

5 A

3.4

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.25

3.5

3.4

3.15

3.15

Q 1

O -I

Q 1

q i

3.3

3.05

1 7

O K

4 *

q El c

Q OK

3.5

3.45

3 fi

3.6

Apr.

S B

3.6

3.7

3.7

3 7

3.7

3.8

3.5

3.5

3.7

3.7

o 7

3.7

3.7

3 7

Q 17

1 ft

1 7

3.7

rt 7

3 7

3:7

3.4

rt O

3 Q

O I

3.0

3 n

3 ?

2.6

May.

2.5

2 7

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.2

2 1

2.2

2.1

2.3

2.3

2.1

9 1

9 n

2.0

2.0

1 Q

1 Q

1.9

1 Q

1 9

1 9

1.7

1 7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

June.

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.0

.9

.9

.7

.7

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

July.

0.4

.5

.35

.35

.3

.3

.3

.25

.2

.2

Dec.

1.0

.95

1.1

2.25

3.45

2.4

1.6

1.35

1.25

1.15

1.05

.95

.9

.9

2.05

3.5

2.65

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.05

2.0

1.85

1.85

1.85

2.35

NOTE. No water in flume on days of no gage height and during August to November.
86 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of diversion flume near Jamul, Cal.

Day.

1......... ...........................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8............... ....................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18.......-.----.--..........-...-.....

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22. ...................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30....................................

31....................................

Jan.

2 1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

4.5

3.2

2.1

7.3

46.0

26.6

21.5

16.6

H o

8.8

7.3

5.9

.0

.0

.0

.0

16.6

15.0

24.9

21.5

26.6

28.4

Feb.

23 2

23.2

28.4

42.0

37.0

32.1

32.1

38.

44

44

44

42

39

V7

42

40

40

42

49

49

49

<?Q

43

50

49

50

50

50

Mar.

50

48

42

55

50

50

51

50

50

47

52

50

45

45

44 '44

44

44

48

43

.0

.0

18.2

52

52

53

49

52

51

54

54

Apr.

54

54

56

56

56

56

58

52

52

56

56

56

56

56

56

56

54

56

56

56

56

56

50

48

48

44

42

42

48

34

May.

32.1

36.

32.1

30.2

30.2

28.4

28.4

30.2

26.6

24.9

26.6

24.9

28.4

28.4

24.9

24.9

23.2

23.2

23.2

21.5

21.5

21.5

21.5

21.5

21.5

18.2

18.2

16.6

16.6

16.6

15.0

June.

11.8

10.3

8.8

10.3

8.8

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.3

8.8

10.3

8.8

7.3

7.3

7.3

7.3

5.9

7.3

8.8

7.3

5.9

5.9

3.2

3.2

3.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

July.

0.7

1.1

.6

.6

.4

.4

.4

.3

.2

.2

Dec.

7.3

6.6

8.8

27.5

51.0

30.2

16.6

12.6

11.0

9.6

8.0

6.6

5.9

5.9

24.0

52

35

32.1

30.2

28.4

24.0

23.2

20.6

20.6

20.6

29.3

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below a discharge of 55 secondfeet. No water running through flume from July 11 to Dec. 5,1909.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cottonwood Creek and flume near Jamul, Cal., for 1909.

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6..... .........

7. ..............

0

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

16

13

10

24

254

83

66

51

46

29

24

21

78

464

464

620

637

147

157

90

78

64

Feb.

50

40

36

71

44

40

40

198

113

83

80

174

247

169

174

118

102

Q<!

79

71

275

171

135

142

118

112

101

97

Mar.

93

84

81

77

70

67

90

75

72

67

62

58

51

AQ

48

49

50

48

52

47

47

280

178

162

152

163

522

562

488

357

327

Apr.

186

175

167

148

148

134

120

101

91

92

on

86

82

7C

73

69

64

64

64

64

64

64

56

54

52

48

46

45

57

43

May.

38

40

36

34

34

31

31

34

29

28

30

28

31

31

27

27

26

26

26

24

24

24

24

24

24

21

21

1Q

19

19

17

June.

14

12

11

12

11

12

12

12

12

12

10

12

10

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

7.4

8.8

10.0

8.8

7.4

7.4

4.7

47

 4.7

3.6

3.1

8.1

July.

2.2

2.6

1.6

1.6

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.5

.5

.5

.3

.4

.0

.0

.0

.0

.3

.3

.3

1.5

1.5

.5

.0

.0

Aug.

0.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

9.0

2.5

1.0

1.0

1.0

.0

.0

.0

.5

.5

5.0

2.5

2.0

10.0

40

1.5

1.0

.5

.5

.5

.0

7.0

20

.5

17

22

Sept.

10

5

4

3

3

7

6

3

2.5

1.5

1.5

1.0

1.0

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

1.0

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.0

1.0

1.0

Oct.

1.0

1.0

1.5

2.0

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.0

.5

.5

11

1.0

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

1.0

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

2.0

2.0

Nov.

9 H

2.5

9 f.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

6

6

8. .

10

9

12

18

10

9

8

7

7

8

8

8

8

34

30

16

12

10

Dec.

12

10

20

22

13

15

120

81

36

21

15

14

12

10

9.1

8 A

8.4

36

242

53

40

40

34

30

27

25

24

24

33

NOTE. These discharges are the totaVpast the station including the diversion. The estimates for the 

creels for Jan. 1 to 26 were made by the chief engineer of the water company.
CALIFORNIA. 87 

Monthly discharge of Cottonwood Creek and flume near Jamul, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

May... ............................................

July...............................................

September. .......................................

The year. ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

637 

275 

562 

186 

40 

14 

2.6 

22 

10 

11 

34 

242

637

Minimum.

10 

36 

48 

43 

17 

3.1 

.0 

.0 

.5 

.5 

2.5 

8

.0

Mean.

114 

113 

146 

87.5 

27.3 

8.98 

.855 

2.95 

2.10 

1.55 

9.07 

33.9

45.3

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

7,010 

6,280 

8,980 

5,210 

1,680 

534 

52 

181 

125 

95 

540 

2,080

32,800

Accuracy.

0. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

<3. 

C. 

C. 

C.

SWEETWATER RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Sweetwater River rises in the south and east slope of the Cuyamaca 

Mountains of the Coast Range, flows nearly due south for a distance 

of 15 miles, then turns to the v west and southwest and discharges 

into San Diego Bay south of National City. Its length is 45 miles 

and its area comprises approximately 215 square miles, the greater 

part of which is in mountainous country. The basin is extremely 

narrow. It lies directly south of San Diego River and north of the 

Otay and Cottonwood Creek basins.

The topography is not as rough as that of San Diego River basin, 

although the mountains and foothills extend within 3 or 4 miles 

of the shore line of San Diego Bay, and the valley and mesa lands are 

not so extensive as along San Diego River. The basin is poorly 

forested. The timber is confined almost entirely to the immediate 

valleys of the streams and to the higher mountain areas. The mountain slopes have a fairly good covering of brush, but the lower foothills are almost bare, supporting only a sparse growth of low brush.

The mean annual rainfall ranges from 10 to 15 inches along the foothill belt and from 20 to 40 inches in the mountains.

A considerable area lying between San Diego Bay and the foothills 

south from National City to the Mexican boundary is under a high 

state of cultivation. The greater part of this land is irrigated by 

water taken from Sweetwater River. /X"^

The celebrated*Sweetwater dam is located on Sweetwater River 

about 8 miles above its mouth at an elevation of 145 feet. There are 

two other reservoir sites on Sweetwater River, one a short distance 

above the Dehesa post office and another 1 mile below Descanso, at 

an elevation of 3,340 feet above ««ajgvel.
88 SURFACE WATER STIRPLY, 1909, PART XI.

During the extremely dry period from 1898 to 1904 there were 

years when no water from Sweetwater River reached the reservoir. 

From 1899 to 1904 the reservoir was dry, and to tide over this period 

of drought pumping was resorted to. Wells were sunk in the reservoir site and pumps installed, by means of which water was delivered 

to the distribution system. Pumping operations were also extensively carried on in the valley along the river below the reservoir. 

It is probable that the construction of additional storage reservoirs 

on the upper reaches of the river would serve to tide over an extended 

dry period. !

A record of run-off was kept at the Sweetwater reservoir from 1888 

to 1905 by the San Diego Land & Town Co., and is published in 

Water Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 251, 1910, p. 106.

SWEETWATER RIVER NEAR DESCANSO, CAL.

This station, which is located at the Ellis ranch, 1£ .miles below 

Descanso post office, near the east line of T. 17 S., R. 3 Ey San Bernardino meridian, was established December 9, 1905, to determine 

the amount of water available for storage at the Guatay reservoir 

site and to ascertain the run-off in the upper reaches of the basin.

Measurements are made from a cable during high water and by 

wading during low and medium stages.

Guatay Creek enters the river from the east about 2 miles above 

the gaging station. A small diversion amounting only to a fraction 

of a second-foot is made above the gaging station for irrigation on 

the Ellis ranch. No change has been made in the datum of the staff 

gage which is located at the cable sectibn.

Discharge measurements of Sweetwater River near Descanso, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 26

Feb. 21

Feb. 22

Do...

Mar. 10

Mar. 24

Apr. 7

Apr. 20

Do...

May 26

May 28

Hydrographer.

W.V. Hardy....... .............. . ..................

.....do.................. ... ... .........

.....do............................ . ..................

.....do.....................................................

.....do................... ....... ..................

.....do.....................................................

W.V. Hardy..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

18

39

33

36

21

22

22

22

22

15

7.6

Area of 

section.

*tt

36

20

21

10

14

13

11

10

6.3

as

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.9

4.8

4.4

4.6

4.08

42

4.3

4.1

41

a 75

3.64

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

15.1

12.4

76

81

27

39

49

28

28

9.8

7.8

NOTE. Measurements made by wading at various sections.
CALIFOENIA. 89

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sweetwater River near Descanso, Cal.t for 1909. 

[Chas. H. Ellis, 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.

3.15

3.2

3.2 a2

a2

a2

3.2

3.2

3.25

3.3

3.25

a 35

3.75

3.95

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.3

3.3

3.8

6.25

4.0

3.9

3.95

3.9

4.1

40

3.9

3.9

3.85

Feb.

3.85

3.8

3.95

41

40

3.95

a 95

465

44

435

475

495

5.05

47

46

45

44

435

43

425

4 Q

45

42

3.9

ae

3.35

3.3

3.3

Mar.

3.3

3.25

3.2 a2

3.15

3.1 a4

3.5

as

41

405

405

405

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

42

425

42

425

45

5.0

48

475

47

47

Apr.

46

45

445

44

44

43

42

42

42

415

415

A 1 ^

41

41

41

41

41

41

4 1

41

4 1

405

40

40

40

3.95

3.95

3.95 a9

3.85

May.

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

0

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

a 75

3.75

3.75

June.

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.65

a 65

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

ae

3.6

ae

3.6 a55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.5

3.5

July.

3.5

3.45 a45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

a45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3 45

3.45

3.45

3.5

8.5

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

a45

3.45

3.45

3.45

Aug.

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

a?

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.45

3.7

3.65

a 65

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

as

a45 a45

a45

3.4

3.4

3.45

3.7

3.6

Sept.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3. (55

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

as

3.45

a 45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4 a4

3.4

3.4

3.4

Oct.

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4 a4

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

a45

3.45

a45

3.45

3.45

3.45

Nov.

3.45

3.45 a45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.5

3.55

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.75

3.9

3.7

a e

3.55

3.55

as

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.9

as

3.7

3.65

ae

Dec.

3.6 a55

3.55

3.55

3.6

3.6

3.6

ae

46

41

ae

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

ae

ass

as

3.4

as

435

3.95

3.85

3.8

3.8

as

a 75

a 75

a 75

a 75

3.9

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sweetwater River near Descanso, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4..............

5...............

6..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

10...............

11...............

12..............

13...............

H....... .......

15...............

16...............

17. ..............

18...............

19. ..............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

1.1

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.8

2.2

1.8

2 7

9.5

18

4.4

3.2

3.2

2.7

2.2

2.2

11

50.6

21

15

18

15

29

21

15

15

13

Feb.

13

11

18

29

21

18

18

100

61 

55

117

156

177

108

91

75

61

55

49

44

145

115

89

60

31

2.7

2.2

2.2

Mar.

1.9

1.7

1.4

1.4

1.1

.8

3.2

44

44

29

25

25

25

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

39

44

39

44

75

166

126

117

108

108

Apr.

91

75

fiB

61

61

49

39

30

39

34

34

34

29

9Q

90

29

29

29

29

29

29

25

91

21

91

la

la

18

15

IQ

May.

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

9.5

9

E

9 *

June.

9.5

9

E

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

s n

8.0

8.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.2

K O

5 9

5 9

R O

5.2

4.4

4 4

July.

44

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 ft

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3

0

3 ft

4.4

4 4

3

0

3

0

3

0

3

0

3.8

3

0

3

0

3 ft

Aug.

as

3.8

as

3.8

3.8

ao

6.0

6.0

44

44

44

3.8

3.8

ft ft

7.0

7.0

6.0

6.0

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

3

0

3

0

3

0

3 9

3.2

3

0

8

n

6.0

Sept.

44

44

44

44

5 2

6.0

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

4 4

4.4

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.2

3 9

3.2

O Q

3 9

3 9

3.2

3 9

3 9

Oct.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

as

3.8

3.8

3.8

q ft

4.4

4.4

3.8

3

Q

3.8

3 ft

3 (2

3 Q

q Q

3

0

3

0

3

0

a

ft

3 (2

3

0

3

0

3.8

Nov.

as

3. -8

3.8

as

3.8

3.8

3.8

44

5.2

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

9.5

15

8

n

6.0

5.2

5.2

4.4

A A.

A 4.

A Al

4 4

4.4

15

11

K n

7.0

6.0

Dec.

6.0

5.2

5.2

5.2

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

91

29

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.2

4.4

3.2

11

55

18

13

11

11

11

9.5

9.5

9.5

9.5

15

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 130 second-feet. 

Discharges Feb. 22-25 and Mar. 1-2 interpolated.
90 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge ofSweetwater River near Descanso, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 40 square miles.]

Month.

January....................

February ........

March ......

April............ . May.......................

June......................

July.......................

August.....................

September. ................

December. .................

The year.... .........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

506 

177 

166 

91 

11 

9.5 

4.4 

8.0 

6.0 

4.4 

15 

91

506

Minimum.

1.1

2.2 

.8 

13 

9.5 

4.4 

3.8 

3.8 

3.2 

3.2 

3.8 

5.2

.8

Mean.

24.0 

61.6 

37.4 

35.2 10. 9'1 

6.65 

3.87 

4.88 

4.00 

3.74 

6.08 

12.8

17.3

Per 

square 

mile.

0.600 

1.54 

.935 

.880 

.272 

.166 

.097 

.122 

.100 

.094 

.152 

.320

.44

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches out 

drainage 

area.

0.69 

1.60 

1.08 

.98 

.31 

.19 

.11 

.14 

.11 

.11 

.17 

.37

5.86

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,480 

3,420 

2,300 

2,090 

670 

396 

238 

300 

23S 

230 

362 

787

12,500

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A.

SAN DIEGO RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

San Diego River rises in the Cuyamaca Mountains on the western 

slope of the Coast Range and flows in a southwesterly direction, 

discharging into Pacific Ocean through False Bay at the northern 

boundary of San Diego City. Its length is about 50 miles, half of 

which lies in the mountains above the town of Lakeside. The San 

Diego basin lies directly south of the Santa Ysabel basin and north of 

Sweetwater River basin.

The San Diego has several small tributaries, the most important 

being Coleman, Cedar, Boulder, South Fork, and Chocolate creeks, 

all of which enter from the east and south above Lakeside. San 

Vicente Creek, the only important tributary from the north, enters 

the river at Lakeside.

The upper part of the basin, above Lakeside, is extremely rough 

and rugged,' but below Lakeside are numerous valleys and high mesa 

lands that extend to the coast. Elevations throughout the basin 

range from 50 to 600 feet in the foothills and from 600 to 6,4)00 feet in 

the mountains. Cuyamaca Peak, the highest point in the basin, is 

6,028 feet above sea level.

The San Diego basin is very poorly forested. The timber is confined almost entirely to the valley along the streams and to the 

higher mountain areas. The mountain slopes have a fairly good 

covering of brush, but the lower foothills are almost entirely bare, 

having only a scattering growth of low brush. '

The mean annual rainfall ranges from 10 to 15 inches along the 

foothill belt, and from 20 to 40 inches in the mountains.
CALIFORNIA. 91

Irrigation is carried on extensively in the/valleys and on the mesa 

lands between Lakeside and San Diego^ffnd additional areas might 

be irrigated if an adequate supply of water could be assured. Two 

storage reservoirs have been constructed: The Cuyamaca reservoir 

is situated on Boulder Creek, at an elevation of 4,600 feet above sea 

level, and has a capacity of 11,400 acre-feet with a 35-foot earthen 

dam. La Mesa reservoir is located in the foothills about 2 miles 

northwest of the town of La Mesa, at an elevation of 435 feet. The 

dam is of earth and rock, is 66 feet high, and has a storage capacity 

of about 1,500 acre-feet. La Mesa reservoir is filled by water diverted 

from San Diego River during the winter months.

The practicability of future development in this basin can be 

determined only by continuing stream-flow observations.

SAN DIEGO RIVER AND SAN DIEGO FLUME NEAR LAKESIDE, CAL.

This station, which is located about 1 mile above the railway station, at crossing of road from Lakeside to Padre Barona Valley, was 

established in December, 1905, to determine the amount of water 

available for further irrigation development.

Chocolate Creek enters the river from the south 7 miles above, 

and San Vicente Creek from the north 1 mile below the gaging station. The drainage area at this point is 208 square miles.

The San Diego flume diverts water from the river at a point onehalf mile below the junction of Boulder Creek and about 15 miles 

above the gaging station. This flume diverts all 'the low flow of the 

river and a sufficient amount of the winter flow to fill La Mesa storage 

reservoir. The present capacity of the flume is about 16 second-feet. 

A daily record of the depth of water in the flume is kept by the San 

Diego Flume Co. at the trestle crossing at Los Coches Creek, 3£ miles 

southeast of Lakeside, and has been furnished the United States 

Geological Survey. Discharge measurements have been made in the 

flume at this point, and estimated daily discharge is shown in addition to that of the river at Lakeside. '

The conditions at the gaging station are extremely bad for procuring accurate estimates of discharge. The channel is wide and is composed of sand which is constantly shifting and changing the position 

of the stream. Many measurements are necessary to procure reliable 

estimates of discharge. Results obtained at this station are only 

approximate. No change has been made in the datum of the staff 

gage which is located at the cable section.
92 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

Discharge measurements of San Diego River near Lakeside, Cat., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 21

22

22

23

23

23

24

25

Feb. 3

19

27

Mar. 6

7

11

22

25

28

8

12

17

23

May 2

g

25

Dec. 29

Hydrographer.

W. V. Hardy. .............................................

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

W. V. Hardy. ..... ........................................

.... .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

W.V. Hardy...................................... ........

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

W. V. Hardy. .............................................

F. Thum and H. Thum. ..................................

W. V. Hardy. .............................................

F. Thum and H. Thum. . .................................

Beadle and Thum .........................................

W. V. Hardy. .............................................

R. E. Halnes ..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

2

83

83

66

66

65

63

63

63

63

63

62

62

52

63

64

66

63

58

64

53

53

64

59

31.5

46.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

0.8

282

365

170

170

114

61

43

25

46-

58

41

41

29

55

49

108

59

40

43

31

26

19.5

16.4

9.1

12.4

Gage 

heignt.

Feet. 

3.11

6.00

7.00

4.60

4.55

4.20

3.80

3.60

3.33

3.50

3.60

3.52

3.52

3.38

3.60

3.58

4.25

3.70

3.50

3.45

3.40

3.35

3.30

3.22

3.20

3.04

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1.0

2,500

3,440

1,090

946

457

236

162

50

130

200

105

105

71

163

141

457

165

96

98

67

43

29.8

23.1

10.3

15.2

Daily gage height, in feet, of San Diego River near Lakeside, Cal.,for 1909. 

[J. H. Beadle, 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.

, 3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25'

3.25

3.25

3.15

3.3

3.35

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1 '

3.1

6.05

4.5

3.75

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.7

3.55

«" AfL

3.35

Feb.

3.35

3.3

3.35

3.8

3.6

3.5

3.5

5.0

3.75

3.65

3.85

3.85

4.5

4.0

3

Q

3.75

3.7

3.6

3.55

3.55

4.5

3.85

3.8

^ 7

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.5

Mar.

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.5

3.45

3.45

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.65

3.6

3.65

3.6

3.5

4.05

4.15

3.95

3.8

3.7

Apr.

3.65

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.55

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.45

3.4

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.35

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.35

May.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.15

June.

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.10

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.1

July.

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

Aug.

3.1

3.1

3.9

3.6

3.6

3.0

3.0

3.0

Dec.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.8

, 3.2

2.85

2.75

2 7

2.6

2.55

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.75

3.4

3.5

3.35

3.45

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

NOTE. No water running from Aug. 9 to Dec. 4.
CALIFORNIA. 93 

Daily gage height, in feet, of San Diego flume near Lakeside, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1....... ........

0

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

I-'...............

15...............

M...............

17............... 

13............... 

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

23...............

27...............

23...............

2.-)...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

0.47

.50

.43

.33

.30

.30

.28

.29

.34

.47

.48

.48

.35

.43

.52

.60

.66 

.66 

.61

.56

.57

.15

19

.41

.55

.71

.71

.71

.84

.84

.84

Feb.

0.80

43

.33

4TI

.36

.33

.36

.45

.40

9Q

.34

.38

.45

43

.33

.16

.34 

.25 

.10

.10

.57

.03

14

.70

.......

Mar.

0.02

.17

.18

.44

.28

10

.04

.45

.33

.34

.22

.20

.25

.55

.44

.45

Af>

.51

QO

.35

.44

.40

.27

.26

.22

Apr.

0.38

QQ

Q1

4fi

.41

.41

.46

.60

.61

.61

.60

.59

CQ

.53

.65

71

.71

.72 

.74

79

.74

73

.74

.74

.71

.72

.74

.78

.78

.78

May.

0.77

.75

.76

.76

.75

.76

.80

.79

7B

7fi

.77

.77

fin

fin

.78

.76

.75 

.80 

79

79

79

.77

.78

.77

.76

.73

.75

.77

.76

.70

June.

0.68

.60

.61

56

.28

.17

.59

.62

.61

.60

.57

.53

KA

.62

.68

.70

.69 

.70

.71

.65

.58

.54

.51

.50

4Q

.51

.51

.55

.59

.52

July.

0.46

46

48

.53

54

.54

.59

.59

55

.54

.57

.58

.57

.59

.21

56

.56 

.55

.55

.53

.54

.56

.62

.70

.65

.58

50

.59

.56

.53

.50

Aug.

0.47

.55

CQ

CQ

.60

.57

40

.49

.54

.60

50

.60

.56

.66

no

""."53"

.57

.63

.63

fi9

.66

.66

.66

.63

.63

.55

.58

.56

Sept.

0.58

.62

.55

.46

SO

.53

.65

.70

.65

.59

.60

.59

.58

.57

.54

.53

.53 

.53 

.53

.51

.52

.58

.60

.60

.60

.57

.51

.52

.49

.49

Oct.

0.48

49

49

40

40

40

.48

.48

.52

40

40

.52

.51

.54

.56

.52

.49 

.49

4O

40

.49

.46

,19

.36

via

.52

.61

.60

.50

.45

.44

Nov.

fl.44

.47

40

48

.47

.52

.53

.54

54

48

.41

30

.30

Ifi

JO

.33

.32

.25 

.16

1B

DQ

.50

.48

43

.40

.48

4O

.55

.48

.47

Dec.

0 34

OA

OQ

oq

QJ.

.53

.59

.56

46

.45

.58

.65

.65

.66

.67

.60

.56 

.57 

.55

.58

.62

.70

70

.71

.70

.67

.67

.66

.68

.71

.69

NOTE. The above heights represent depths of water in the flume.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of San Diego flume near Lakeside, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

! 7...............

8...............

9...............

10. ..............

11...............

12. ..............

13...............

14. ..............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19.....--.-......

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25. ..............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

5.4

6.0

4.6

2.8

2.3

2.3

2.0

2.1

3.0

5.4

5.6

5.6

3.1

4.6

6.4

8.2

9.6

9.6

8.4

7.3

7.5

.6

.9

4.2

7.1

11

11

11

14

14

15

Feb.

13

4.6

2.8

4.0

3.3

2.8

3.3

5.0

4.0

2 1

3.0

3.6

5.0

4.6

2.8

.7

3.0

1.6

.3

.3

7.5

.1

.0

.0

.0

3.0

.0

11

Mar.

0.0

.0

.0

.7

.8

.0

.0

.0

4.8

2.0

.9

.1

5.0

2.8

3.0

1.2

1.0

1.6

.0

7.1

4.8

5.0

4.4

6.2

2.6

3.1

4.8

4.0

1.8

1.7

1.2

Apr.

3.6

3.8

2.5

5.2

4.2

4.2

5.2

8.2

8.4

8.4

8.2

8.0

8.0

6.6

9.4

11

11

11

12

11

12

11

12

12

11

11

12

13

13

13

May.

12

12

12

12

12

12

13

13

13

13

12

12

13

13

13

12

12

13

13

13

13

13

12.4

13

12

12

11

12

12

12

11

June.

10.

8.2

8.4

7.3

2.0

.7

8.0

8.7

8.4

8.2

7.5

6.6

6.0

8.7

10

11

10

11

11

9.4

7.7

6.9

6.2

6.0

5.8

6.2

6.2

7.1

8.0

6.4

July.

5.2

5.2

5.6

6.6

6.9

6.9

8.0

8.0

7.1

6.9

7.5

7.7

7.5

8.0

1.1

7.3

7.3

7.1

7.1

6.6

6.9

7.3

8.7

11

9.4

7.7

8.0

8.0

7.3

6.6

6.0

Aug.

5.4

7.1

8.0

8.0

8.2

7.5

5.8

5.8

6.9

8.2

8.0

8.2

7.3

9.6

.3

.0

.0

.0

6.6

7.5

8.9

8.9

8.7

9.6

9.6

9.6

8.9

8.9

7.1

7.7

7.3

Sept.

7.7

8.7

7.1

5.2

6.0

6.6

9.4 ir

9.4

8.0

8.2

8.0

7.7

7.5

6.9

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.2

6.4

7.7

8.2

8.2

8.2

7.5

6.2

6.4

5.8

5.8

Oct.

5.6

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.6

5.6

6.4

5.8

5.8 6.4-

6.2

6.9

7.3

6.4

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.2

4.4

3.3

4.4

6.4

8.4

8.2

6.0

5.0

5.0

Nov.

4.8

5.4

5.8

5.6

5.4

6.4

6.6

6.9

6.9

5.6

4.2

3.8

2.3

.8

4.6

2.8

2.6

1.6

.7

.8

3.8

6.0

5.6

4.6

4.0

5.6

5.8

7.1

5.6

5.4

Dec.

3.0

1.7

2.0

2.8

3.0

6.6

8.0

7.3

5.2

5.0

7.7

9.4

9.4

9.6

9.9

8.2

7.3

7.5

7.1

7.7

8.7

11

11

11

11

9.9

9.9

9.6

10

11

10

NOTE, These discharges are based on a rating curve that \s well defined.
94 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of San Diego River and flume near Lakeside, Cal.,for 1909.

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...............

Jan.

6

6

5

3

2

2

2

2

3

6

6

6

4

10

16

16

16

14

11

9

9

2,550

850

204

169

171

131

211

179

109

69

Feb.

63

50

58

239

148

1,320

229

172

OQfi

9RQ

01 e

395

9fiB

241

218

172

150

150

858

320

290

240

220

203

200

iifi

Mar.

135

125

105

111

106

105

105

100

75

72

76

71

55

53

53

51

ifi

57

55

62

60

185

164 ifti

153

108

365

OQJ.

267

192

151

Apr.

124

107

90 i no

1 t\K

104

104

104

105

106

100

<M

fiO

85

7R

74

71

66

63

CO

55

54

51

50

AO

49

47

46

May.

43

An

41

40

3d

qo

qo

q7

f>a

*>e

31

33

qq

qo

qo

30

9Q

29

28

28

27

26

24

24

9*>

22

21

22

22

21

20

June.

10

17

17

16

11

g

16

17

16

16

16

15

13

16

17

is

17

1ft

1 <8

16

14

1 q

12

19

19

12

12 iq

13

11

July,

10

10

11

12

12

11

19

19

1111

19

19

19

11

4

10

10

10

10

10

10

g

11

in

11

10

10

10

7

Aug.

6

g

268

133

133

10

7

7

7

7

10

0

0

0

0

7

10

10

10

7

7

Sept.

8

7

5

6

7

Q

11

Q

7

7

7

7

7

6

6

8

8

6

6

6

6

Oct.

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

7

7

6

6

6

6

6

6

5

4

4

6

6

5

5

Nov.

5

5

6

6

5

6

7

7

7

6

4

4

2

1

5

2

1

1

6

6

5

4

6

6

7

6

5

Dec.

4

6

230

052

15

1 3

13

19

 10

10

12

a£

101

61

Ifi

30

30

3A

25

26

26

NOTE. These discharges were obtained by adding the discharges in the flume to those past the station 

in the river. The latter discharges were estimated, considering gage heights, precipitation, and local 

conditions.

Monthly discharge of San Diego River and flume near Lakeside, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

April....................................................

May.....................................................

July.....................................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,550 

1,320 

394 

139 

43 

19 

13 

268 

11 

8 

7 

230

2,550

Minimum.

2 

50 

51 

46 

20 

11 

4 

0 

5 

3 

1 

2

0

Mean.

155 

285 

124 

83.5 

30.6 

14.7 

10.4 

23.6 

7.40 

5.87 

4.70 

31.3

63.2.

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

9,530 

15,800 

7,620 

4,970 

1,880 

875 

640 

1,450 

440 

360 

280 

1,920

45,800

BERNABDO RIVER BASIN.

DESCRIPTION.

Bernardo River, or Santa Ysabel Creek, as it is known from its 

source\oThe San Pasqual Vajley, rises in the Volcan Mountains on the 

western slope of the Coast Range and flows westward through San
CALIFORNIA. 95

Pasqual Valley, below which it takes its true name, and empties into 

the Pacific Ocean midway between Oceanside and San Diego. Its 

length is 50 miles, and the maximum width of the drainage basin is 

about 15 miles. The total drainage area is approximately 340 square 

miles. It lies south of San Luis Hey River and north of the San Diego 

River basin.

Numerous small tributaries enter Santa Ysabel Creek between its 

source and San Pasqual Valley, the most important being Black 

Canyon and Temescal creeks from the north and Santa Maria Creek 

from the south. Above San Pasqual Valley the creek maintains a 

light flow throughout the year, but below that point the channel is 

dry during the summer months.

The upper part of the basin is rough, the surface being cut by 

many canyons. The lower part in the foothills is more rolling, with 

large areas of valley and high mesa land. The formation is a loose 

granite. The basin has very little timber, the principal cover being 

brush, grass, and a few scattered oaks. '

The mean annual rainfall ranges from 10 to 15 inches along the 

foothills and from 20 to 40 inches in the mountains.

No important amount of irrigation is carried (man this basin. A 

diversion is made in SanPasqual Valley to irrigate a small area along

A . /N 7^^3C I -^^ '

the river. ileJuUL-S l^^^^e^O

A good storage reservoir site exists on the main stream at Pamo 

Valley, below the junction of Temescal Creek with the Santa Ysabel. 

The dam site is about 4 miles above the gaging station.

No great amount of water power can be developed in this basin.

SANTA YSABEL CREEK NEAR ESCONDIDO, CAL.

This station, which is located below the mouth of the narrow canyon 

at the upper end of the San Pasqual Valley, in sec. 31, T. 12 S., R. 1 E., 

San Bernardino meridian, and 13 miles east of Escondido, was established in December, 1905, to determine the quantity of water available 

for storage.

Roden Canyon Creek and Temescal Creek, tributaries from the 

north, enter the Santa Ysabel 1£ and 5 miles, respectively, above the 

gaging station. Santa Maria Creek enters from the south 4 miles 

below the gaging station.

No diversions are made from the creek above the gaging station. 

A small diversion is made below the station for irrigation in San 

Pasqual Valley.

Measurements are made from a cable at high water and by wading 

at medium and low stages. The conditions for obtaining accurate 

discharge data at this station are extremely poor. The channel is 

composed of shifting sand which scours out at high stages of the 

stream and immediately fills in again as the flow decreases. Con-
96 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

tinual measurements of discharge are necessary to procure reliable 

estimates. All results from observations at this station are approximate only.

The datum of the staff gage which is located at the cable section 

remains unchanged.

Discharge measurements of Santa Ysabel Creek near Escondido, Cal., in 1909. 

[W. V. Hardy, hydrographer.]

Date.

Jan. 19«. .

Jan. 28. .

Feb. 16..

Feb. 4...

Feb. 5...

Feb. 6...

Feb. 8...

Feb. 8 ...

Feb. 9...

Do..

Feb. 17..

Feb. 28. .

Mar. 4...

Mar. 13.. .

Width.

Feet.

14

56

72

66

51

51

84

84

66

51

56

57

41

46

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

6

53

31

45

38

31

75

71

60

57

46

50

35

33

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.87

.76

.54

.90

.78

.68

1.10

1.02

.84

.87

.98

.93

1.15

1.25

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

11

156

65

173

153

101

325

284

260

238

129

154

96

86

Date.

Mar. 18.

Mar. 26.

Mar. 27.

Do..

Mar. 28.

Do..

Do..

Mar. 29 .

Apr. 5..

Apr. 10.

Apr. 15.

Apr. 24.

May 24.

Dec. 23 < 

Width.

Feet.

51

86

92

57

87

86

86

61

86

76

66

41

41

58

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

34

42

88

66

74

78

59

51

50

40

31

21

17

33

height.

Feet.

1.28

1.32

1.80

1.70

1.60

1.55

1.51

1.40

1.40

1.35

1.28

1.23

1.20

1.22

Discharge.

Sec.-ft

82

89

342

265

214

2S8

191

173

115

100

63

44

31

83

o Made 1 mile below regular section. 

& Made 400 feet below regular section.

Made by R. E. Haines.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Santa Ysabel Creek near Escondido, Cal., for 1909.

 

[S. F. Potts, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

a

10. ..............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17. ..............

18...............

19

20...............

21...............

22............... 9'i

24...............

25...............

26...............

28...............

29...............

30...... .........

31...............

Jan.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.85

2.1

2.25

1 0

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

2.05

4.65

1.4

.8

.75

.75

.75

.65

.6

.6

Feb.

0.55

.55

.55

.9

.7

.65^

.75

1.15

.8

.9

1.05

1.2

1.3

1.1

1.0

.9

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.4

1.0

(1

.95

.95

.95

Q1

.95

Mar.

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.2

1 9c;

1.2

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.25

1.2

1 ?

1.25

1 ?

1.35

1.5

1 dR

1.4

1.4 "i K

1.6

1.4

1.35

1 ^

Apr.

1.3 i ^

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.35

1.3 1 *

1 ?

1.25

1.3

1 95

1.25

1.3

 I Q

1.25

1 9*\

1 9*\

1 9^

1.25

1.25

1.25

1 9^

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.2

1 9

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

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.15

1.15

June.

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

July.

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.0

.95

1.0

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

Aug.

1.05

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.05

1 05

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

1.0

95

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

.0

1.05

1.15

Sept.

0.95

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

.95

.95

.9

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

Oct.

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.05

Nov.

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.25

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.1

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.2

Dec.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.25

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.9

1.55

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.4

2.4

1.25

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1
CALIFOBOTA. 97

Monthly discharge of Santa Ysabel Creek near Escondido, Col., far 1909. 

[Drainage area, 128 square miles.]

Month.

January ...................................................

February .............................. . . . . March .... .

April ..................................... ........

May......................................................

June ........................................ . . .........

July......................................................

August ...................................................

December .................................................

The year ...................................... .....

Discharge in secondfeet.

Mean.

293 

216 

118 

74.8 

34.5 

23.2 

11.7 

5.32 

4.33 

5.87 

17.1 

90.2

73.7

Per

square 

mile.

2.29 

1.69 

.922 

.584 

.270 

.181 

.091 

.042 

.034 

.046 

.134 

.705

.576

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

2.64 

1.76 

1.06 

.65 

.31 

.20 

.10 

.05 

.04 

.05 

.15 

.81

7.82

Total in 

acre-feet.

18,000 

12,000 

7,260 

4,450 

2,120 

1,380 

719 

327 

258 

361 

1,020 

5,550

53,400

NOTE. On account of conditions at the station these estimates are only approximate. 

SAN LUIS BEY RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

San Luis Rey River drains an area about 575 square miles in extent 

lying wholly in the northern part of San Diego County and extending 

from the crest of the Coast Range to the Pacific Ocean, a distance of 

65 miles, with a maximum width of about 16 miles.

The river is formed by many small streams which have their sources 

in the higher elevations of the Coast Range and come together at the 

lower or west end of what is known as Warner's Valley. Below this 

point the river flows for a distance of 10 miles through a deep, narrow 

canyon with a heavy grade, then over a sandy and gravelly bed with 

light grade for some 40 miles, finally discharging into the Pacific 

Ocean at Oceanside.

Altitudes within this basin range from 50 to 500 feet in the foothills 

in the vicinity of Oceanside and from 500 to 6,000 feet on .the mountains. Palomar Mountain, the highest peak in the basin, has an elevation of 6,126 feet above sea level. The upper portion of the basin 

is more or less rolling, and several of the valleys are under cultivation 

and are used extensively for stock raising; the middle part, occupied 

by the river in its canyon, is rough; on the lower reaches the surface 

becomes less rugged, merging into the .foothills, which extend to the 

coast. The rocks are granitic.

The-basin is poorly forested. Some fairly good timber is found on 

the higher elevations, but the greater part of the cover-is brush and 

grass with a scattered growth of oaks.

The mean annual precipitation in this basin probably ranges from 

10 to 40 inches, gradually increasing with altitude. It occurs almost 

entirely as rain, snow appearing only occasionally on the high 

elevations.

96451° WSP 271 11 7
98 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Small areas are irrigated along the river, and water is diverted and 

used for irrigation and municipal supply at Escondido and vicinity, 

At the head of the rough canyon at the lower end of Warner7 s Valley 

is a good reservoir site^^A. dam constructed at this point would probably store all the normaTflow of the river, but the small discharge of 

the stream at this point durin^extremely dry years makes doubtful 

the advisability of construction./

stream affords little opportunity for power development. The 

total development with storage would probably not exceed 7,000 or 

8,000 horsepower in years of normal stream flow^PWithin the period 

for which^cords are available the wettest year was 1906 and the 

driest 1904?)

/ SAN LUIS REY RIVER NEAR PALA, CAL.

This station, which is located at the road crossing to flour mill, 4 

miles above Pala, was established October 9, 1903, to obtain general 

information regarding the flow of San Luis Rey River, the data being 

essential to the determination of the feasibility of storage, to the 

adjudication of water rights, and to further irrigation development.

No tributaries enter the river near the gaging station. Water is 

diverted from the river during the winter and spring months at a 

point in the rough canyon about 11 miles above the station to a storage 

reservoir, and is used during the summer period for irrigation and 

municipal supply at Escondido and the surrounding country.

Conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are poor. The 

channel is wide, is composed of sand, gravel, and bowlders, and is 

subject to constant change. The current is swift at flood stages. 

The results from observations at this station are considered approximate only.

The datum of the staff gage which is located at the cable section 

was changed on November 13, 1906, the zero being lowered 4.66 feet.

Discharge measurements are made from the cable except at low 

stages when wading measurements are made at a selected point.

Discharge measurements of San Luis Rey River near Pala, CaL, in 1909. 

[W. F. Hardy, hydrographer.]

Date.

Jan. 30.

Jan. 31 «

Feb. 11.

Do.

Do.

Feb. 12.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Feb. 13 d

Width.

Feet.

60

60

72

72

74

77

76

77

78

77

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

41

32

66

86

98

113

104

138

183

138

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.3

7.33

7.9

8.2

8.5

8.77

8.62

9.1

9.48

9.1

Discharge.

Sec. -ft.

155

104

272

389

545

617

575

900

1,130

909

Date.

Feb. 13. .

Feb. 15.

Mar. 2.

Mar. 16 1>

Apr. 1.

Apr. 2.

Apr. 13 e May lc

June 4

Width.

Feet.

77

70

60

45

62

61

47

41

13.5

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

160

94

39

28

54

48

36

22

4.7

height.

Feet.

8.85

8.0

7.32

6.52

7.27

7.2

6.55

6.13

5.63

Discharge.

Sec. -ft.

796

438

120

73

182

167

87

44

7.7

a Channel filled with sand. 

6 Made 150 feet above station.

c Made 250 feet above station. 

<} Float measurement.
CAUFOBNIA. 99

Daily gage height, in feet, of San Luis Rey River near Pala, CaL, for 1909. 

[L. S. Salmons, 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.

5.6 

5.55 

5.6 

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.65

5.6

5.7

6.3

6.7

6.2

5.9

5.8

6.75

5.7

5.7

A S

11.15 

8.3 

7.5

7.6

7.7

8.3 

7.9

7.6

7.3

7.35

Feb.

7.3 

7.3

7.4 

8.2

7.7

7.2

7.8

8.5

7.8

7.6

8 9

9

fi

9.15

8.0

8.0

8.0

7 QX,

7.8

7.6

7.5

8.85

8.3 

7.9 

7.8

7.65

7.4

7.3 

7.3

.......

Mar.

7.3 

7.3

7.2 

7.15

7.1

7.0

6 9

6.8

6.75

6.7

6.7

6.65

6.6

6.6

6.55

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.55

6.55

6.65

7.5 

7.5 

7.2

6.9

7.1

8.15 

8.15

7.8

7.55 

7.4

Apr.

7.25 

7.2 

7.05 

7.0

6.95

A 0

A Q

6.85

6.85

6.8

6.7

6.65

6.6

6.55

6.55

6.5

6.5 -

6.5

6.45

6.4

6.4

6.4 

6.35 

6.3

6.25

6.2

6.2 

6.15

6.15

6.15

May.

6.15 

6.15 

6.1 

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.05

6.05

6.0

5.95

5

QK

5 OK

5 95

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.95

5.9

5.85

5 OK

5.9 

5.85 

5.85

.......

5.7

5.65 

5.65

June.

5.6 

5.6 

5.6 

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

f; A

5.6

5.6

5.55

5.55

5.5

5.55. 

5.55 

5.55

5.55

5.5

5.5 f; f;

5.5

5.5

July.

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.5 f; f;t;

5.55

5.55

"5.5"

5.5

5.5

.......

Aug.

5.5

5.5

.......

5.5

5.55

5.55 

5.5

5.5

5.55

Sept.

..:....

&5

5.5

 s: s

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

5.5

5.5 

5.5

5.5

5.5

Oct.

5.5 

5.5 

5.5 

5.5

5.5

5.5

-, 5.4

5.S

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 

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5 

5.5

5.5

5.5 

5.5

Nov.

5.5 

5.5 

5.5 

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5 5'&

5 5

B? 2|K

5.8

5.85

5.75

5.9

5 95

5.95

5.95

5.9

5.85

5.8

5.8

5.7 

5.7 

5.7

5.7

5.8

5.8 

5.8

5.75

5.75

Dec.

5.75 

5.75

5.76 

5.75

6.0

6.05

6.0

6.05

7.6

7.55

7.4

7.1

7,0

6.85

6.85

6.0 5 9

5.95

6.0

6.0

st n

7.55 

7.4 

7.35

' T 9

7.0

6.9 

6.85

6.85

6.85 

7.3

Monthly discharge of San Luis Rey River near Pala, CaL, for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 318 square miles.]

Month.

March. ...........................

April.............................

May..............................

July..............................

September. .......................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,240 

930 

425 

182 

44 

8 

6 

6 

5 

5 

23 

350

3,240

Minimum.

7 

110 

67 

45 

8 

5 

5 

5 

5 

5 

5 

13

5

Mean.

198 

332 

137 

91.0 

27.6 

6.23 

5.35 

5.13 

5.00 

5.00 

1.23 

107

76.1

Per 

square 

mile.

ft 622 

1.04 

.431 

.286 

.087 

.020 

.017 

.016 

.016 

.016 

.0039 

.336

.239

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.72 

1.08 

.50 

.32 

.10 

.02 

.02 

.02 

.02 

.02 

.00 

.39

3.21

Total to 

acre-feet.

12,200 

18,400 

8,420 

5,410 

1,700 

371 

329 

315 

298 

307 

73 

6,580

54.400

v NOTE. On account of poor conditions these estimates are only approximates. 

SANTA ANA RIVER BASIN. 

DESCBIPTION.

 '"Of the three important streams Santa Ana, San Gabriel, and Los 

Angeles rivers that traverse the valley of southern California, the 

Santa Ana is the largest. Its drainage basin, lying south of the
100 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

San Bernardino Mountains and the Sierra Madre and taking waters 

from their southern slopes, is the most eastern and comprises by 

far the largest area, including the northern part of Orange County, 

the northwestern part of Riverside County, and the southwestern 

part of San Bernardino County. Of the total drainage area, comprising between 1,800 and 1,900 square miles, about two-thirds are in 

the valley, but only a few hundred yield much run-off.

The Santa Ana rises in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains, 

about 30 miles east of Highland, and flows westward for about 25 

miles to the mouth of its upper canyon; thence southwestward 

across San Bernardino Valley, through the lower canyon in the 

Santa Ana Mountains, and across the Coastal Plain to the Pacific 

Ocean at Newport. Beach. Although the course of the stream measures about 100 miles, there is continuous surface flow from mountain 

to sea only during winter floods.

Many small streams from the southern slope of the San BernardinoMountains and a few from the Sierra Madre west of the Cajon Pass 

flow toward the Santa Ana, but some of these discharge water to 

the main stream only in the flood seasons, the ordinary flow either 

being diverted or sinking into the sand and gravel of San Bernardino 

Valley. The principal tributaries are Bear, Alder, Mill, Lytle, and 

Chino creeks.

Altitudes in the Santa Ana drainage area range from a few feet 

above sea level on the Coastal Plain to 2,000 or 3,000 feet on the 

Santa Ana Mountains, 500 to 1,200 feet in the San Bernardino basin, 

and 2,000 to 11,000 feet on the southern slope of the San Bernardino 

Mountains. The more elevated regions are rough and rugged, and 

the mountain sides are incised by many canyons which are the result 

of active stream erosion. The rocks are granitic. The mesa and 

valley lands at the base of the mountains are composed of granitic 

gravel and sand of great depth. The higher mountain slopes support considerable timber; the lower slopes are as a rule covered with 

brush and grass.

The mean annual precipitation varies considerably in different 

parts of the Santa Ana basin. On the Coastal Plain west of the 

Santa Ana Range it averages 10 inches or more; eastward, in the 

San Bernardino Valley, it amounts to 10 to 16 inches. On the 

mountain slopes it ranges from 20 inches at the base to 40 inches or 

more near the crest, and in Bear Valley north of the highest peaks, 

such as San Bernardino and San Gorgonio, it may be even 50 inches. 

Considerable snow falls in the region of these high peaks in winter 

and remains well into the summer, especially on the northern slopes, 

from which the headwaters of the Santa Ana come.

Irrigation in the valleys of the Santa Ana basin has attained a very 

high state of development, improbably no other stream of its size in
CALIFORNIA. 101

the United States is made to serve greater or more varied uses. To 

begin with, a portion of the flow is regulated by artificial storage in 

the upper part of the basin, and the water passes successively through 

three hydroelectric plants before reaching the mouth of the canyon. 

On leaving the lower plant it is turned into high-level canals and used 

for municipal supply and irrigation about Redlands and Highland. 

The irrigation water that escapes through seepage to the body of 

ground water is recovered from springs and flowing wells, and from 

pumped wells, and is used for irrigation around San Bernardino and 

Riverside, the power for pumping being generated on the upper 

reaches of the stream. Bedrock obstructions at Riverside Narrows, 

below the city of Riverside, force to the surface a part of the water 

in the gravel bed of the stream above this point, and this water, 

after being diverted for power development, is returned to the river 

above Corona. Only a few miles below it is again diverted and used 

for irrigation on the Coastal Plain in the vicinity of Santa Ana and 

Anaheim. The seepage water from irrigation is once more recovered 

by numerous pumping plants and flowing wells on the lower Coastal 

Plain west of Santa Ana. It is thus evident that the same water, in 

passing from mountain to sea, a distance of not more than 100 miles, 

may be used at least eight times for power and irrigation. In like 

manner the water in many of the tributaries may be used several 

times before reaching the main stream. )

Further storage and power development are feasible on the upper 

Santa Ana, and with a full utilization of storage sites 25.000 or 30,000 

horsepower at least could be obtained continuously.,^^

The longest run-off record in the Santa Ana basin extends back to 

1896. The wettest year since that time was 1907 and the driest 

1899. T!he total flow during the wettest year was about ten times 

that during the driest.

SANTA ANA EIVEE AND MENTONE POWER CO.5 8 CANAL NEAE

MENTONE, CAL.

This station, which was established in June, 1896, at the road crossing opposite Warm Spring Canyon, about three-fourths of a mile below 

the headworks of the Mentone Power Co.'s canal and 5 miles northeast of Mentone, has been maintained to obtain statistical information concerning the flow of the Santa Ana. The "data show the 

amount and variation in flow of the water available for irrigation 

and power, and are useful in the adjudication of water rights. The 

station is about 2 miles below the mouth of Alder Creek.

Practically all the low-water flow is diverted above the station 

into the power canal, which returns it to the river bed below to be 

distributed to irrigation ditches. The flow in the canal is measured1 

by a weir and is added to that at the station in order to obtain
102 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

total for the stream. The acquired water rights exceed the lowwater flow.

Conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are fair. The 

stream has a rocky bed and is subject to slight change. At high 

stages the current is very swift and it is difficult to get accurate 

gaugings. The records are fairly satisfactory.

Discharge measurements are made from cable except at low-water 

periods, when measurements are made by wading at or near the cable 

section. The staff gage is located at the cable section.

Discharge measurements of Santa Ana River and Mentone Power Co.'s canal nearMentone,

Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 5 

Mar. 23 

May 12 

June 18 

July 9 

Dec. 31

Hydrographer.

W. B. Clapp. .............................................

W.F.Martin.. ............................................

W.B.Clapp. ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.75 

3.30 

3.05 

2.38 

2.20 

4.75

Discharge.

River.

Sec.-ft. 

49 

124 

83 

9 

2.8 

477

Canal.

Sec.-}t. 

76 

76 

73 

76 

64 

70

Total.

Sec.-ft. 

125 

200 

156 

85 

66.8 

547

Daily gage height, in feet, of Santa Ana River near Mentone, Cal., for 1909. 

[Chas. S. Putnam, 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.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

2.3

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

5.5

3.1

2.8

2.6

3.0

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.4

Feb.

2.3

2 2

2.1

3.0

2.6

9 5

4.5

4.1

3.5

3.3

3.4

3.8

4.6

4.0

3.9

3.6

3.5

1 A.

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.2

3.2.

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.9

Mar.

2.9

9 Q

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.'8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.8

3.9

3.7

3.7

S 7

Apr.

3.3

3.3

3.7

3.7

3.7

3 7

3.3

2.9

9 Q

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.9

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.1

1 4.

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

1 A.

3.4

May.

3.4

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.3

3

0

^ A.

3.4

3

n

3

1

3.1

3

1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2 7

2 7

2 7

2.9

2.8

2 7

2.8

2.6

2.6

9 ^

June.

2.5

9 %

9 %

2.5

2.6

1 A

3.4

3.4

2.7

2.7

2 7

2 7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.4

9 1

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2 2

2.2

July.

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 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

Aug.

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 2

2.3

2.5

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

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

2.2

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

2.4

2.2

2.2

Oct.

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

2.2

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

Nov.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.6

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.5

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

Dec.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2 2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

42

4.5

3.1

2 9

2.5

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2 2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

3.0

3.0

2 2

2.2

2.2

4 Q
CALIFORNIA. 103 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Mentone Power Co.'s canal near Mentone, Cal., for1909.

; 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.

40

38

38

38

37

39

37

37

35

, 63

49

48

66

68

64

60

58

49

48

46

77

48

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

Feb.

76

76

74

76

76

76

76

56

76

76

76

76

0

0

0

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

Mar.

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

78

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

Apr.

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

May.

76

76

76

74

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

73

June.

73

73

73

73

73

0

0

0

60

60

65

65

65

65

65

65

78

76

78

78

76

81

80

80

80

78

78

75

74

74

July.

74

72

73

70

70

70

70

73

64

70

64

64

64

63

63

59

59

62

62

62

60

61

61

75

71

67

68

67

64

68

73

Aug.

73

60

56

55

55

60

62

63

61

61

55

55

61

60

61

60

66

68

63

62

61

60

61

68

67

65

67

59

57

57

64

Sept.

63

56

53

52

54

53 ' 56

55

53

55

63

63

59

60

58

59

54

59

63

65

59

59

58

62

57

63

57

69

65

63

Oct.

62

61

65

59

53

54

47

47

59

57

56

59

60

58

59

60

58

 56

56

55

57

49

45

51

54

54

54

55

52

54

51

Nov.

56

55

52

52

50

50

48

46

49

56

53

47

49

57

58

59

53

53

51

51

0.8

0.8

51

49

46

57

63

46

5.3

58

Dec.

50

51

54

41

44

50

50

51

72

66

76

76

74

73

73

71

65

59

38

65

71

63

68

78

78

77

79

74

70

70

70

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Santa Ana River including canal near Mentone, Cal.,

for 1909.

Day.

1. ........ ..:...

2...............

3...............

4. ..............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23. ..............

24...............

25...............

26. ..............

27. ..............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

42

40

40

40

39

41

39

39

37

65

51

50

68

101

66

62

60

51

50

48

79

1,380

282

173

128

105

157

105

95

87

87

Feb.

82

78

75

157

105

95

651

437

256

211

233

343

632

340

302

282

256

233

233

233

233

191

191

191

173

157

157

142

Mar.

142

142

142

128

128

128

128

128

116

116

116

105

105

95

95

95

95

173

173

173

191

191

211

311

311

282

343

378

311

311

311

Apr.

211

211

311

311

311

311

211

142

142

142

142

142

128

142

157

173

173

211

211

211

173

233

233

233

233

233

233

233

233

233

May.

233

256

233

209

208

208

230

230

154

170

-170

170

170

170

154

154

139

125

125

125

113

113

113

113

139 'm

113

125

102

102

92

June.

92

92

92

92

102

157

157

157

100

100

105

105

105

105

105

94

89

82

97

89

82

84

82

82

82

80

80

78

76

76

July.

76

74

76

72

72

72

72

76

66

72

66

66

66

66

66

62

62

64

64

64

62

64

64

78

74

70

70

70

66

70

76

Aug.

76

58

58

58

62

64

66

64

64

58

58

64

62

64

62

72

70

69

64

64

62

64

70

, 70

68

70

62

60

60

66

Sept.

66

58

56

54

56

56

58

58

56

58

66

66

62

62

60

62

56

62

66

68

62

60

64

CO

66

60

80

68

66

Oct.

64

64

68

62

56

56

50

50

62

60

58

62

62

60

62

62

60

58

58

58

60

52

48

54

56

56

5658'

54

56

54

Nov.

58

58

54

54

52

52

50

48

52

85

56

50

52

60

77

62

56

56

54

54

3

3

54

52

48

60

66

48

56

60

Dec.

52

54

56

44

46

52

52

54

497

641

173

142

93

79

76

74

68

62

40

68

74

66

70

80

80

158

160

76

72

72

897

NOTE. These discharges were obtained by adding the canal discharge to the river discharge. The river 

discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below a discharge of 760 second-feet.
104 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Santa Ana River near Mentone, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 182 square miles.]

Month.

February. ..................

April.......................

May........................

July. .................

October....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,380 

651 

378 

311 

256 

157 

78 

76 

80 

68 

85 

897

1,383

Minimum.

37 

75 

95 

128 

92 

76 

62 

58 

54 

48 

3 

, 40

3

Mean.

120 

238 

183 

209 

358 

97.3 

69.0 

64.2 

61.8 

57.9 

53.0 

136

120

Per 

square 

mile.

0.659 

1.31 

1.01 

1.15 

.868 

.535 

.379 

.353 

.340 

.318 

.291 

.747

.660

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.76 

1.36 

1.16 

1.28 

1.00 

.60 

.44 

.41 

.38 

.37 

.33 

.86

8.95

Total in 

acre-feet.

7,380 

13,200 

11,300 

12,400 

9,720 

5,790 

4,240 

3,950 

3,680 

3,560 

3,150 

8,360

86,700

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

NOTE. These estimates include the flow of the canal.

SAN GABRIEL RIVER BASIN.

DESCRIPTION.

San Gabriel River is one of the three most important streams traversing the valley of southern California. Its drainage basin lies 

wholly in Los Angeles County west of the Santa Ana basin and east

of the Los Angeles basin, and stretches from the crest of the Sierra

braced in the San Gabriel ^ 

the Coastal Plain southeast 

The mountainous part

Madre to the Pacific, a distance of about 50 miles. Its total drainage 

area is approximately 700 square miles, about one-third of which 

consists of mountain slopes, which contribute practically all of the 

run-off except in heavy snorms. The remaining two-thirds is emgalley at the base of the mountains and in 

of the city of Los Angeles.

of the basin is somewhat rectangular in 

shape. Its length east and west is about 25 miles and its width about 

10 miles. It lies on the southern slope of the Sierra Madre opposite 

the basins of Big and Little Eock creeks at the north and on the 

southern slope of the San Gabriel Kange, through which the river 

breaks near Azusa and enters the San Gabriel Valley.

The main stream is formed by the junction of two principal forks, 

one from the north and east and the other from the west. Each of 

the branches receives many tributaries from the crests of the surrounding ranges. The headwaters come from the western slope of 

San Antonio Peak (Old Baldy), altitude 10,080 feet, and from the 

southern slope of other high peaks at the north, such as North Baldy 

and Islip mountains. The west fork drains the northern slope of 

Mount Wilson, the eastern and northern slopes of San Gabriel Peak, 

and a- portion of the southern slopes of the main range to the north.
CALTFOKNIA. 105

It joins the main stream about 8 miles above the mouth of the canyon. The general course of the stream is southwestward. After 

leaving the mountains it traverses San Gabriel Valley in a wide wash 

of sand, gravel, and bowlders, then breaks through the range of foothills separating San Gabriel Valley from the Coastal Plain at a point 

called The Narrows, about 5 miles northwest of Whittier, and enters 

the Coastal Plain, across which it flows to its mouth in Alamitos Bay, 

a few miles east of Long Beach. The total length of the stream is 

about 65 or 70 miles.

The principal tributaries of San Gabriel River are Fish Fork and 

Cattle Creek from the east and Iron and West forks from the west.

Altitudes in San Gabriel basin range from 20 to 200 feet on the 

Coastal Plain, from 200 to 900 feet in San Gabriel Valley, and from 

1,000 to 10,000 feet in the mountains. The range of foothills near 

Whittier has an altitude of about 1,250 feet. The topography is 

rough and rugged in the mountains, especially in the upper part, 

where deep and narrow canyons exist. The geologic formation is 

granitic, with a light soil covering. The San Gabriel Valley is more 

or less rolling and is composed of granitic wash from the mountainsThe basin is rather poorly forested, having a sparse timber growth 

on the higher slopes and brush with some scattering timber on the 

middle and lower elevations.

The mean annual precipitation in this basin ranges from 15 to 20 

inches in the valley area and from 20 to 40 inches in the mountainsIt occurs almost entirely as rain except on the higher peaks, where 

snow falls during the winter. On the northern slopes snow remains 

for several months.

The total summer flow of the stream is used for irrigation, and the 

same water may be put to use several times in its journey from mountain to sea. About 5 miles above the mouth of the canyon a power 

canal, with a capacity of 80 second-feet, takes water from the left 

bank of the stream and delivers it to irrigation canals below the 

wheels near the mouth of the canyon for irrigation in San Gabriel 

Valley. Some other small diversions are made in the spring months 

at and below the mouth of the canyon for the same purpose. Most 

of the excess water issuing from the canyon sinks into the sands and 

gravels of San Gabriel Valley to augment the underground basins, 

which are drawn upon for irrigating the lower part of the valley.

Above The Narrows at the lower end of the valley the underground 

flow is forced to the surface by a bedrock obstruction, and this 

water, with additional water developed from many wells, is diverted 

through ditches for irrigating the higher parts of the Coastal Plain. 

The seepage loss from irrigation joins the body of underground 

water and is recovered from pumped and flowing wells in the lower 

Coastal Plain. Storage sites are practically lacking in this basin and
106 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

opportunities for power development are not great. Probably not 

more than one-fifth as much power could be obtained in this basin 

as in the basin of the Santa Ana.

Run-off records in this basin extend back to 1896. The wettest 

year since that time was 1907 and the driest was 1899. The total 

flow during the wettest year was nearly 33 times that during the 

driest.

SAN GABRIEL RIVER AND POWER CANAL NEAR AZUSA, OAL.

This station, which is located just above the road crossing at the 

mouth of the canyon, about one-fourth mile above the Pacific Light 

& Power Co.'s power house and 2 miles north of Azusa, was established in 1896 to obtain information for use in connection with power 

and irrigation development and in the adjudication of water rights. 

Estimates of flow were very unsatisfactory until after the completion 

of the power canal in 1898.

The station is well below all tributaries and is several miles below 

the power and irrigation diversions.

Measurements are made from a cable during high water and by 

wading near the cable section at medium and low stages. The staff 

gage is located at the cable section. The flow in the canal is measured by a weir and is added to that at the station to obtain the total 

flow of the stream. During the spring months additional water is 

diverted about 500 feet above the station and is used for irrigation. 

The acquired water rights greatly exceed the low-water flow of the 

streamThe channel is composed of gravel and bowlders and is subject to 

considerable change, especially above and below the measuring 

section; the current is very swift, and measurements at flood stages 

are difficult, and various temporary diversions for irrigation just above 

the station affect the discharge. The results are not very satisfactory.

Discharge measurements of San Gabriel River and Canal near Azusa, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 26 

Mar. 22 

Apr. 28 

May 14 

June 3 

22 

July 8 

21 

Dec. 18

Hydrographer.

W.f.lSsrtm.... ..........................................

W.B.Clapp.. .............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do......................................................

J. E. Stewart........... ...................................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.5 

4.95 

4.4 

4.2 

3.62 

3.4 

3.1

3.28

Discharge.

Eiver.

Sec.ft.

son

697 

296 

a230

OllO

o62

o 27 

ol.8 

24

Canal.

Sec.ft. 

67 

67 

67 

30 

65 

67 

69 

67 

74

Total.

Sec. ft. 

374 

764 

363 

260 

175 

129 

96 

69 

98

o Includes lower canal diversions other than power company's canal.
CALIFORNIA. 107 

Daily gage height, infect, of San Gabriel River at Azusa, Gal., for 1909.

Day.

1.. ..................................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

ia

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27....................................

28....................................

29....................................

30....................................

31....................................

Jan.

2.2

2.7

2.7

2.5

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

6.3

6 9

5.7

4 S

4.6

4.4

4.6

4.5

4.4

4.3

4.3

Feb.

A 1

A. 1

4.3

4.3

4.3

A 1

0 A

6.5

5.3

5.0

5.4

6.0

6.3

5.9

5.4

5.2

5.0

4.9

A Q

4 7

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4 4

Mar.

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

A 1

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.0

5.6

5.0

4.7

4.6

4.5

A a

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.8

A a

Apr.

4 a

A Q

4.9

5.0

4 9

A a

A a

4 7

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.3

May.

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.8

June.

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

July.

3.1

3.0

* 2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.7

Dec.

5.6

4.7

4.0

3.8

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.7

3.5

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

o7.5

a Exceptionally heavy rain. 

NOTE. AU water in canal Jan. 1 to 12 and July 18 to Dec. 8,1909.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of San Gabriel canal at Azusa, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...:...........

15....'...........

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

IQ

39

39

39

39

IQ

39

39

62

82

58

58

76

69

62

62

62

62

59

58

69

32

63

62

64

62

62

62

62

62

62

Feb.

66

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

6766'

65

66

66

66

66

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

Mar.

.67

67

67

67

67

67

67 '67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

Apr.

67

67

67

00

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

May.

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

62

62

34

30

39

40

40

40

An

June.

40

40

65

66

fifi

66'

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

66

67

67

68

67

67

69

69

68

69

66

July.

66

68

68

69

68

68

69

69

69

69

68

68

68

68

68

68

68

68

68

67

67

66

66

67

67

67

68

67

64

62

61

Aug.

59

59

58

56

w

55

55

55

53

52

51

50

49

48

48

48

49

ff>

56

53

49

48

47

45

44

43

43

43

49

52

51

Sept.

52

48

45

45

43

42

43

42

40

40

38

39

38

37

37

36

36ifi

35

35

35

35

35

36

37

38

38

37

36

37

Oct.

36

43

50

46

42

41

41

39

37

35

35v\

35

35

35

37

39

39

37

37

37

36

35

34

34

14

14

35

36

17

38

Nov.

ifi

35

34

35

OK

35

36

36

46

51

47

46

43

53

66

55

52

50

49

47

47

47

46

45

45

62

82

65

IQ

Hfi

Dec.;

54

53

54

53

57

68

62

66

74

74

>. 74

71

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

74

' 75

NOTE. No water in canal May 20 to 31.
108 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of San Gabriel River, including canal, nearAzusa, Cal., for

1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

39

39

1Q

39

39

39

39

39

62

82

58

58

78

92

85

72

66

64

61

60

2,760

4,080

1,640 finn

457

345

455

395

14R

304

304

Feb.

ono

309

309

309

309

309

7,100

3,190

1,080

777

1,210

2,160

2,760

1,980

1,210

971

777

687

605

529

460

400

400

OCA

OCA

OKA

350

350

Mar.

OAQ

QAQ

OAQ

OAQ

ono

OAQ

DAQ

309

309

309

272

272

272

979

272

979

OOQ

9°.Q

239

209

1,500

777

529

460 4flf»

ftAC

777

687

687

fine

605

Apr.

605

687

687

710

RS7

605

605

eoQ

529

S9O

460

460

4ftft

400

400

460

460

400 4nn

4nn

400

400 4nn

4nn

350

OCA

350

350

350

OAQ

May.

OAQ

OAQ

°.nQ

OnQ

OnQ

O79

979

272

272

979

267

267

260

255

f)KK

255

OK9

OKA

246

242

949

242

224

216

208

200

193

186

172

162

June.

154

152

170

168

166

163

161

1 K.Q

IPtf

1 t&

151

149

146

144

141

13Q

117

134

1 39

130

129

126

121

118

117

111

July.

1AQ

109

106

105

102

100

QQ

Qfi

94

Q9

1 8907

QC

OO

01

79

77

75

73

70

69

68

68

68

68

68

68

68

64

62

61

Aug.

CQ

<M

KQ

56

56

55

55

55

53

52

51

Rf\

4Q

48

48

48

49

56

E&

53

49

48

47

45

44

43

43

43

42

52

51

Sept.

to

48

45

41

43

49

43

42

40

4n

38

1Q

3807

07

36

36

36

35

35

35

35

35

36

37

38

38

37

36

37

Oct.

36

43

50

46

49

41

41

39

37OR

35

OR

35

35oe

07

O.Q

39

37

37

«*7

36

35

34

34

34

34

35

36

37

38

Nov.

Oft

oe

14

35

OR

oe

36

36

46

51

47

46

43

53

66

55

CO

50

49

47

47

47

46

45

45

62

92

65

59

56

Dec.

54

KO

flA

53

57

68

R9

66

1,500

536

216

166

118

107

107

98

OR

OR

OR

148

118

132

118

107

107

107

98

OR

98

5,680

NOTE. These discharges obtained by adding the canal discharge to the river discharge. The river discharges are based on ratin? averages applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to 21, fairly well defined; Jan. 22 to Dec. 

31, well defined below a discharge of 700 second-feet.

NOTE. From May 13 to July 28 additional water was diverted above the station for irrigation. The 

amount of this diversion has been added to the daily discharge for the period.

Monthly discharge of San Gabriel River, including canal, near Azusa, Cal., for 1909. 1 

[Drainage area, 222 square miles.]

Month.

April..............................

May...............................

July...............................

i 

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,080 

7,100 

1,500 

710 

309 

173 

109 

59 

52 

50 

92 

5,690

7,100

Minimum.

39 

308 

209 

309 

162 

111 

61 

42 

35 

34 

34 

53

34

Mean.

414 

1,070 

428 

471 

248 

144 

82.0 

50.7 

39.0 

37.5 

48.4 

340

276

Per 

square 

mile.

1.86 

4.82 

1.93 

2.12 

1.12 

.649 

.369 

.228 

.176 

.169 

.218 

1.53

1.24

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

2.14 

5.02 

2.22 

2.36 

1.29 

.72 

.43 

.26 

.20 

.19 

.24 

1.76

16.83

Total in 

acre-feet.

25,500 

59, .400 

26,300 

28,000 

15,200 

8,570 

5,040 

3,120 

2,320 

2,310 

2,880 

20,900

200,000

NOTE. On account of complications arising from various diversions these records can be considered only 

as fair.
CALIFOENIA. 109 

LOS ANGELES RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Los Angeles Kiver is formed by Tujunga, Pacoima, and other small 

creeks, whose sources lie in the Sierra Madre northeast of the city of 

Los Angeles. These, streams leave the mountains at a point about 25 

miles above the city and enter the comparatively flat country of the 

San Fernando Valley, where, except at times of excessive flood, the 

waters disappear in the sand and gravel washes. At the lower end of 

this valley is a secondary range of hills, extending from east to west, 

and bed-rock obstruction forces the waters to the surface to form what 

is known as Los Angeles Kiver. Below this point the river flows 

through the flat country of the Los Angeles Valley and enters the 

Pacific near the town of Long Beach.

During the summer months the entire flow of Los Angeles Kiver 

is diverted at a point about 5 miles above Los Angeles for the supply 

of the city, only a small amount of( water passing this point except 

during flood periods.

DIVERSIONS FROM LOS ANGELES RIVER.

During the summer of 1909 the amount of water in the 44-inch conduit and in the main-supply conduit of the city of Los Angeles was 

measured to determine the amount of water diverted from Los 

Angeles River for domestic supply. The water is taken from the 

river near Burbank and the measurements show the entire surface flow 

and underground development of the river at this point during the 

summer months. Some return seepage water appears again in the 

river channel near Huron Street, Los Angeles, near which point the 

city has an underground gallery or tunnel for collecting an auxiliary 

supply which is pumped into the reservoir and used in the general 

distributing system. The following measurements of these diversions 

were made during 1909:

Measurements of flow, in second-feet, of diversions from Los Angeles River by the city of

Los Angeles.

Date.

1909. 

Mar. 16.............................................................

May 13....... ......................................................

July 20.............................................................

Aug. 12.............................................................

Oct. 23.............................................................

44-inch conduit.

40.19

37.99

37.84

37.93

37.28

35.28

36.04

37.02

Main-supply 

conduit.

25.47

24.65

23.41

23.25

21.90

22.22

21.06

22.03

Total.

65.66

62.64

61.25

61.18

59.18

57.50

57.10

59.05
110 SURFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PABT XI. 

SANTA YNEZ RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Santa Ynez River is the only important stream lying wholly in 

Santa Barbara County. Its drainage basin lies north of the Santa 

Ynez Mountains, extending for a distance of about 80 miles parallel 

to the coast line, and comprising approximately 900 square miles. 

Four-fifths of this area is mountainous, including the north slope of 

the Santa Ynez and the south slope of the San Rafael mountains, and 

furnishes practically all of the run-off.

Santa Ynez River rises near the boundary line between Ventura and 

Santa Barbara Counties, where the Santa Ynez and San Rafael 

Mountain ranges merge, flows nearly due west, and enters the Pacific 

Ocean at Surf, about 8 miles north of Point Arguello lighthouse, where 

the coast line makes a sharp turn to the north.

Small tributaries are numerous, but the only one of importance is 

Mono Creek, which drains 120 square miles of the southern slope of the 

San Rafael Mountains, and joins the Santa Ynez River about 13 miles 

below its source.

Elevations in the Santa Ynez Mountains range from 3,000 to 4,000 

feet; in the San Rafael Mountains they range from 4,000 to 6,000 feet, 

with a few high peaks, such as Mount Pinos, extending 8,826 feet above 

sea level. The rocks throughout the entire basin consist of shale, 

sandstone, and conglomerate.

The greater part of the drainage basin is included in a national 

forest and is sparsely covered with brush and small trees, only small 

areas on the higher elevations having any considerable growth of 

timber.

The mean annual precipitation in the area ranges from 20 to 30 

inches, the increase being gradual from the lower to the higher altitudes, and is almost entirely rain, there being only a light snowfall on 

the higher elevations during the winter months.

Some small diversions for irrigation are made above Lompoc, and 

present water rights exceed the low-stage flow, of the stream. The 

basin affords good storage sites. Several reservoirs have already been 

surveyed and their combined capacity far exceeds the mean annual 

run-off.

No important water-power development is possible in the Santa 

Ynez basin.

SANTA YNEZ RIVER NEAR LOMPOC, AL.

This station, which was established November 10, 1906, to determine the amount of water available below the Gibraltar station, and 

to obtain data for the adjudication of water rights, was originally at the 

wagon bridge 1J miles east of Lompoc. Early in January, 1907, the 

bridge was destroyed by heavy floods. A new bridge was built dur-
CALIFORNIA. Ill

ing the summer of 1907, and the station was reestablished September 

25, 1907, at the same location.

No tributaries enter the stream in the vicinity of the station and 

no diversions have been made above since the station was established. 

The headworks of canals previously diverting water were destroyed 

by floods and have not been reconstructed. Acquired water rights 

exceed the low flow of the stream. The drainage area above the 

station is about 785 square miles.

The conditions at this station are extremely unfavorable for accuracy of measurements. The channel is wide and the stream at 

medium and low stages constantly shifts. Measurements are made 

from the bridge or by wading. No estimates are possible for 1909. 

The datum of the staff gage has remained unchanged. The station 

has been maintained by the city of Santa Barbara.

Discharge measurements of Santa Ynez River near Lompoc, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 23

Do...

Jan. 24

Do...

Do...

Do...

Do...

Hydrographer.

McDonald and Hyde ........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

267

266

264

267

340

340

371

377

314

312

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

518

498

418

559

1,250

1,340

1,820

1,960

1,120

1,020

height.

Feet. 

4.25

4.15

3.85

4.35

6.65

6.9

8.15

8.5

6.25

5.95

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,290

1.850

1,150

2,560

11,100

10,800

15,700

18,500

8 040

6^640

Daily gage height, in feet, of Santa Ynez River near Lompoc, Cal., for 1909. 

[Donald McDonald, observer.]

Day.

1.^.... .........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29............... 

30...............

31...............

Jan.

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

3.0

2.75

2.9

9 Q

3.15

3.7

3.35

3.2

3.05

2.85

2.85

2.75

4.65

5.6

4.3

i 1

4.3

7.4

fi 0

4.95

4.8 

4.5

4.5

Feb.

4.5

4.4

4.5

4.7

4 4

A Q

«8.65

7.95

5.9

5.7

6.05

7.6

6.7

5.5

5.2

5.1

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.0

Mar.

5.0

5.1

5.0

5.0

i O

A O

5.0

5.0

5.0

i. Q

4 9

4 9

i. Q

4.9

4 9

i. Q

4.8

4.8

4 7

A. Q

5.0

5.1

5.0

6 0

5.7

5 9

5.5

5.5 

5.6

5.4

Apr.

5.4

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.2

5.1

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.2

5.2

5.2

. 5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

3.1

5.0 

49

May.

4.8

4.75

4.75

4.75

4.7

4.65

4.65

4.65

4 65

4 65

4.6

4.6

4 6

4 6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.55

4.5

4.5

4.5

 4.5

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4 

4.4

4.4

June.

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.3

± ^

43

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3 i <?

43

4.3

4

0

i 9.

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4 9

4.2

i 9

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2 

4.2

July.

4.2

4.2

4.2

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

Aug.

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

40

4.0

i ft

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

. 3.9

s o

s o

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9 

3.9

3 0

Sept.

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3 0

3 0

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3 Q

^ Q

3! Q

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3 0 

. V 

3 A

Oct.

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

°. Q

3 9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3 0

3.9

3.9

3 0

<? o

3 0

3.9

3.9 3 9

3.9

3 0

3 0

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9 

3.9

°. Q

Nov.

3.9

3.9

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

4.0

4 0

4 0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

Dec.

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.1

A 1

4.9

48

45

4.4

43

42

42

42

4.2

4.1

41

41

41

41

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

40

4.0

40 

40

40

Maximum, 10.5 feet.
112 SUEFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

SALINAS RIVER BASIN. 1 

DESCRIPTION.

The Salinas Eiver basin lies almost wholly in Monterey and San 

Luis Obispo counties, and comprises an area about 4,780 square miles 

in extent, having a length of 150 miles northwest-southeast and a 

maximum width of about 45 miles.

The Salinas rises on the eastern slope of the Santa Lucia Eange, 

near the southern end of the basin and flows northwestward, parallel 

to the coast, to its mouth, about 4 miles southwest of Castroville.

Topographically the Salinas basin is a long, narrow valley, walled 

in by steep mountain slopes, which have been greatly eroded and 

dissected by stream action. At the northern-'end of the basin are 

the Gabilan Eange and the Sierra de Salinas, separating it from the 

San Benito basin at the east and from Oarmel Eiver at the west; for 

the rest of its length it is flanked by parallel ridges on the west and by 

a broad mesa or elevated plain along the southeast, back of which are 

the crests of the Santa Lucia and Mount Diablo ranges respectively. 

The crest of the encircling mountains ranges in altitude from 2,500 to 

4,000 feet above sea level. The rocks are sedimentary, resting on a 

basement complex of .granite. ,

The forest cover in this basin is light and irregularly distributed. 

The valley has a few scattered trees and the eastern slopes are covered 

by grass, brush, and scrubby timbelrT On the higher elevations of 

the western slope there is considerable timber, most of which is 

included in a national forest reserve.

The mean annual precipitation- is about 10 inches in the Salinas 

Valley, and increases with increase of altitude on the slopes. It is 

undoubtedly greatest on the west slope of the basin, where it probably ranges from 30 to 50 inches on the higher eleyations and occurs 

almost entirely as rainfall..

The river has many tributaries, the most important of which, from 

north to south, are Arroyo Seco, San Antonio Eiver, and Nacimiento 

Eiver from the west and San Lorenzo and Estrella creeks from the 

east. The tributaries from the west are peculiar in that they lie 

west of secondary ranges parallel to the main range .and flow southeastward for the greater part of their length, parallel but in a course 

directly opposite to the general course of Salinas Eiver.

The streams of this basin are torrential and erratic, particularly 

the Salinas itself, which has a very heavy discharge in winter and ordinarily no surface run-off in summer except below Soledad. Some 

irrigation is carried on in the Salinas Valley, the water being obtained 

from flowing streams and by pumping, but further development is 

feasible and very much needed.

i For a detailed discussion of the water resources of Salinas Valley see Water-Supply Paper, U. 6. Geol. 

Survey, No. 89,1904.
CALIFORNIA. 113

There are several storage reservoir sites of more or less value on the 

tributaries of the Salinas River, some of which have already been 

surveyed.

Very little power could be developed continuously in the Salinas 

basin without storage.

ARROYO SECO NEAR SOLEDAD, CAL.

Arroyo Seco, the most northern of the chief tributaries of Salinas 

River, rises at an altitude of about 6,000 feet and flows southeastward 

to the mouth of its canyon; thence northeastward across gravel wash 

to its junction with Salinas River near Soledad. The western part 

of its basin is well covered with underbrush and trees of medium size, 

and is included in a forest reserve.

The mean annual precipitation probably ranges from 30 to 50 

inches in the upper part of the basin, and occurs chiefly as rainfall. 

Several reservoir sites of more or less value for storage have already 

been surveyed in this basin.

The gaging station, which was established early in 1901 at Pettitt's 

ranch about 15 miles south of Soledad, has been maintained to determine the quantity of water available for storage and irrigation.

Several canals, diverting water below the station for irrigation in 

Salinas Valley, head above the broad wash of gravel and sand into 

which the low-water flow sinks and disappears and from which the 

stream receives the name Arroyo Seco.

The channel shifts more or less during high water, and the current 

is very swift. Measurements made at such stages may be considerably in error. Otherwise, the records are very good.

Measurements are made from a cable at high and medium stages 

and by wading at low water. The staif gage is located 300 feet above 

the cable section.

Discharge measurements of Arroyo Seco near Soledad, Cal., in 1909. 

[Charles Pettitt,«hydrographer.]

Date.

Jan. 8. .

Jan. 9.

Jan. 14.

Jan. 21.

Jan, 22.

Jan. 24.

Width*

Feet.

135

128

133

145

135

133

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

637

370

490

851

562

492

Gage 

height.

Feet.

10.00

7.88

9.50

12.80

10.20

9.18

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

2,660

1,220

2,430

5,660

2,910

2,120

Date.

Feb. 12. ..

Apr. 11. ..

May 2.. ..

June 27. ..

Nov. 9.. ..

Dec. 7 »

Width.

Feet.

145

117

120

30

33

122

Area of 

Ejection.

Sq.ft

845

208

172

22

22

238

Gage, 

height.

Feet.

12.80

6.40

5.98

5.46

5.35

6.32

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

6,190

344

180

36

26

386

a River rising rapidly during measurement. 

96451° WSP 271 11 8
114 SURFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Dmly gage height, in feet, ofArroyo Seco near Soledad, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Mrs. Charles Pettitt, observer.)

Day.

1...............

2.. ............

3...... ... .. -

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

1Q

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

5.1

5 35

5 3

5.4

5.3

5.45

6.05

7.2

7.9

6.3

6.1

6.05

8.4

11.2

9.2

7.85

7.0

6.85

6.5

6.5

13.0

10.6

8.6

8.2

8.8

12.4

9.3

8.4

7.8

8.2

7.8

Feb.

7.7

7 65

10 3

8.6

8.3

8.0

8.9

8.4

8.2

7.9

11.2

12.3

11.0

9.15

8.8

8.4

8.1

7.8

7.6

7.4

7.6

7.4

7.2

7.1

t 7.0

6.9

6.8

6.75

Mar.

6.7

6.65

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.65

6.6

6.5

6.5

6.45

6.4

6.4

6.35

6.3

6.3

6.25

6.25

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.85

6.4

6.35

6.7

7.1

7.1

7.0

6.5

7.75

7.2

7.05

Apr.

6.95

6.9

6.85

6.8

6.75

6.7

6.65

6.6

6.55

6.5

fi AI

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.25

6.2

6

0

6.2

6.15

6.15

6 15

6.1

6.1

6.05

6.05

6.05

6.0

6.0

May.

6.0

6.0

5.95

5.95

5.95

5.9

5.9

5.9

5.9

5.9

5.85

5.85

5.85

5.85

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

K 7K

5

7K

5.75

5.75

5.7

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.75

June.

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.55

5.55 ft 1

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.45

5.45

5.45

5.45

July.

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.35

5.4

5.35

5.35

5.35

5.35

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.25

5.25

5.25

1 91

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

Aug.

5.25

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2 '

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.15

5.15

5.15

5.15

5.15

5.15

5.15

6.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

5 1

5.1

5.1

5.1

Sept.

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

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.25

Oct.

5.25

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.25

5.25

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5 25

5 25

5.25

5.25

5.3

5

0

Nov.

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.4

5.4

5.35

5.35

 5.4

5.4

5.35

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.35

5.35

5.35

5.35

5.35

5.35

5.4

5.4

,5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

Dec.

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.6

5.8

6.1

9.25

8.6

6.45

6.2

60

5.9

5 8

5.8

5 8

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.65

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

57

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Arroyo Seco near Soledad, Gal., for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...... .........

3...............

4.. .............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9. ..............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14. ..............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21.............'..

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29............... 

30...............

31...............

Jan.

33

76

64

88

64

103

302

815

1,250

395

320

302

1,660

4,340

2,360

1,210

710

635

475

475

6,150

3,500

1,700

1,390

1,860

5,460

2,270

1,540

1,110 

1,390

1,110

Feb.

1,040

1,010

3,200

1,700

1,460

1,250

1,940

1,540

1,390

1,180

4,130

5,340

3,920

2,140

1 860

1,540

1,320

1,110

980

860

osn

860

745

fiQfl

635

580

530

505

Mar.

480

455

430

430

430

455

430

385

385

364

342

342

qoi

300

300

280

280

259

OKA

OKQ

555

342

391

480

690

fiQfl

635

<*S1

1,080

745

662

Apr.

608

580

555

530 win

480

A1l»

430

408

385

364

364

OAA

OAA

300

OAfl

280

9*M

OKA

OKA

OQQ

238

9QS

918

218

108

1Q8

178 

178

May.

178

158

158

158

13Q

13Q

139

I^Q

199

123

199

199

106

106

106

106 irtft

irtft

106

106

92

09

09

09

70

no

92

09

92

June.

70

79

79

68

68

68

68

58

58

58

50

cn

50

50

AO

AO

*i8

58

58

50

50

AO

AO

42

42

36

36

36 

36

July.

31

31

31

31

31

31

31

31

26

31

26

26

26

26

22

22

22

22

99

is

is

18

1 8

18

18

18

1 18

is

18 

18

18

Aug.

18

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

12

12

12

12

19

12

12

10

10

10

10

10

10 

10

10

Sept.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

15

15

15 

18

Oct.

is

22

22

22

22

22

18

18

15

15

15

15

i 1

15

18

is

18

18

1 8

18

18

18is

is

18

18is

is

18 

22

22

Nov.

22

22

22

22

22

22

31

31

26

26

31

31

26

31

31

31

31

31

26

26

26

26

26

26

31

31

31

31

31 

31

Dec.

01

31

31

38

15

108

216

2,220

1,700

364

259

178

13Q

109

106

106

79

7970

70

79

68

68

58

58

58

58

58 

58

79

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to 20, well denned; 

Jan. 21 to Dec. 31, well defined.
CALIFOENIA. 115

Monthly discharge of Arroyo Seco near Soledad, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 215 square miles.]

Month.

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

6,150 

5,340 

1,080 

608 

178 

79 

31 

18 

18 

22 

31 

2,220

6,150

Minimum.

33 

505 

259 

178 

79 

36 

18 

10 

10 

15 

22 

31

10

Mean.

1,390 

1,590 

444 

334 

117 

54.4 

23.7 

13.1 

10.8 

18.3 

27.7 

217

346

Per 

square 

mile.

6.47 

7.40 

2.07 

1.55 

.544 

.253 

.110 

.061 

.050 

.085 

.129 

1.01

1.61

Kun-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

7.46 

7.71 

2.39 

1.73 

.63 

.28 

.13 

.07 

.06 

.10 

.14 

1.16

21.86

Total in 

acre-feet.

85,500 

88,300 

27,300 

19,900 

7,190 

3,240 

1,460 

806 

643 

1,120 

1,650 

13,300

250,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

A.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY DRAINAGE BASINS. 

GENERAL FEATURES.

The great central valley of California, including an area about 

64,000 square miles in extent lying between the Coast Range on the 

west and the Sierra Nevada on the east, is drained by two trunk 

streams. From the north comes the Sacramento; from the south the 

San Joaquin; both discharge their waters into Suisun Bay, whence 

they find outlet through Carquinez Strait and San Pablo Bay into 

San Francisco Bay, passing finally through the Golden Gate into the 

Pacific Ocean.

SACRAMENTO RIVER SYSTEM.

DESCRIPTION.

The area drained by the Sacramento and its tributaries extends 

from Suisun Bay northward to Mount Shasta and from Trinity 

Mountains and the Coast Range eastward to the Sierra Nevada. On 

the south it merges into the San Joaquin drainage basin. In general 

outline it is roughly elliptical, with a length of about 230 miles and a 

width of about 150 miles. Its total area, including all tributaries, is 

approximately 27,100 square miles.

The Sacramento, .the trunk stream of the basin, is the principal 

river in California. Rising on the eastern slope of Trinity Mountains 

in Siskiyou County, the river flows eastward about 12 miles, then 

almost due south for 370 miles and discharges into Suisun Bay about 

50 miles by water above San Francisco. It is navigable as far north 

as Red Bluff, about 250 miles from its mouth.

The largest and most important tributaries of the Sacramento come 

from the east and include, in order from north to south, Pit River,
116 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Cow, Battle, Antelope, Mill, Deer, Chico, and Butt creeks and 

Feather and American rivers; from the west come Clear, Cottonwood, Thomes, Stony, Cache, and Puta creeks.

Considered as a whole, the basin is a region of rugged topography. 

Approximately 84 per cent of it is mountainous, and the other 16 per 

cent, comprising the gently sloping area along the lower reaches of 

the main stream, constitutes what is known as the Sacramento Valley.

The mountain ranges surrounding the basin belong to the Cordilleran system. The Sierra Nevada has an average width of approximately 70 miles from the rim of the valley to the crest of the range, 

which lies only a few miles west of the eastern boundary of the State. 

The range terminates in the Warner Mountains, in the northeastern 

part of the State, a region presenting evidence of recent volcanic 

action. Vast beds of lava cover the western slope of the range, and 

many cones, craters, ash deposits, and lakes exist in the vicinity of 

Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak, which are themselves the cones of 

extinct volcanoes. The Coast Range has an average width of approximately 35 miles from the rim of the valley to the crest, which lies 

inland from the shore and ranges in distance from 30 miles in the south 

to nearly 100 in the north, where the range takes the name Trinity 

Mountains. In Mount Shasta the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Range 

merge into each other and also into the Cascade Range, which extends 

northward into Oregon.

The valley is in outline a long, narrow half ellipse, cut transversely, 

with its base opposite the mouth of the river. Its length north and 

south is approximately 150 miles, and its width ranges from a few 

miles at the upper end near Red Bluff to 50 miles south of the city 

of Sacramento. The elevation of the valley ranges from 300 feet 

above sea level at Red Bluff to only a few feet at the mouth of the 

river. From the rim of the valley there is a slow rise across the 

zone of low-lying foothills, followed by a more rapid rise up the 

mountain side to the watershed on the summit of the encircling ranges. 

The eastern watershed ranges in elevation from 10,000 feet in the 

south to 6,000 or 7,000 in the north. The western watershed ranges 

from 4,000 in the south to 9,000 in the north, and the northern from 

4,000 to 8,000 feet, exclusive of Mount Shasta, which has an elevation 

of 14,380 feet.

The valley portion of the Sacramento basin has very little natural 

timber, but the fringe of undulating foothills supports a growth of 

brush and scrubby timber which, though sparsely distributed along 

the lower elevations, becomes much denser with increase of altitude. 

Beyond the foothill region the mountain slopes on all sides are well 

timbered, except in the northeastern portion of the basin, where 

large areas are barren. Practically all the public land in the timbered 

section of the basin has been included in Federal forest reserves.
CALIFORNIA.

The mean annual precipitation in the basin varies with the altitude, being least on the valley floor, where it averages 22 inches, and 

increases gradually up the mountain slopes, near whose summits an 

occasional maximum of 100 inches is attained. In the northeastern 

part of the basin, however, the annual precipitation is comparatively 

light, even at considerable elevations. The year is divisible into a 

well-defined "rainy season," extending from November to April, 

and an equally well-defined "dry season," lasting from May to October. The greater part of th*e annual rainfall comes in the winter 

months, particularly in December and January, when about 18 and 

20 per cent, respectively, of the mean annual rainfall is received. 

February and March each bring about 13 per cent and November 12 

per cent, so that about 76'per cent of the mean annual rainfall is 

received in the period November to March, inclusive. During April, 

May, and October 20 per cent more is received. The other four 

months are practically rainless. At the higher altitudes the precipitation appears chiefly in the form of snpw during the late fall, 

winter, and early spring months. Ordinarily the snow melts slowly 

and does not completely disappear until late summer, thus prolonging and equalizing the stream flow. Occasionally the snow line 

extends below the 2,000-foot contour for short periods, thus giving 

rise to conditions which may result in disastrous floods in the valley 

if the temperature rises rapidly and is accompanied by heavy rain. 

Such a combination of conditions produces floods of greater or less 

severity in the winter or spring of almost every year. Ice does not 

form in any of the streams except hi the high mountains far above 

the gaging stations, so that the stream-flow records in this basin are 

not affected by ice conditions.

The possibilities for irrigation hi this basin are great. The Sacramento Valley probably furnishes the greatest field for development 

in the United States.

Existing development in irrigation has been achieved along the 

lines of individual and corporate private enterprise on a small scale. 

Some water is diverted from practically all the streams entering 

the valley and applied to the irrigation of small scattered areas. 

Several irrigation districts have been formed at different times, but 

they have generally proved unsuccessful. The United States Keclamation Service has made preliminary investigations in the valley, 

and is now engaged in the construction of the Orland reclamation 

unit which will supply about 14,000 acres on the west side of Sacramento Kiver. I

The Sacramento basin contains many excellent storage sites, a 

number of which have already been surveyed by the Reclamation 

Service.
118 , SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

The possibilities for water-power development in the Sacramento 

basin are almost unlimited. Fully 50 per cent of all the available 

water power in the State exists in this basin, though its area is not 

more than 17 per cent of that of the State. A number of the streams 

have a fall of 4,000 or 5,000 feet and an average minimum flow of 

several hundred second-feet. Without storage they are capable of 

developing a minimum of 2,000,000 horsepower, and with storage 

about 3,000,000 horsepower. The development at the present time 

is approximately 110,000 horsepower.

Large perennial springs are numerous in the northeastern part of 

the Sacramento basin, many of them discharging more than 100 

second-feet and a few of them several hundred. Nearly all these 

springs have their sources in the lava beds covering this part of the 

basin. They are very effective in equalizing the mean monthly 

stream flow throughout the year and in maintaining a good minimum 

flow in the fall.

The streams of this basin have such heavy gradients as to make 

them generally unsuited for use in logging. Some logging, however, 

is done on Sacramento an.d Pit rivers.

The longest run-off record in this basin is that of Sacramento River, 

which goes back to 1895. The longest record for any of the tributaries 

extends back as far as 1901. The wettest year was 1904 and the 

driest was 1898. The greatest recorded flood flow, however, was in 

March, 1907. The total flow during the wettest year was about four 

times that of the driest. The mean average monthly flow is greatest 

in March and least in September, the ratio being about 1 to 13.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY.

Sacramento Valley, which is by far the most important area in the 

basin; lies along the lower course of Sacramento River for a distance 

of about 150 miles northward from its mouth. Except for Marysville Buttes, in its center, the valley has a gentle and fairly uniform 

slope, ranging from approximately 4 feet to the mile in the north to 

less than 6 niches in the south. It is intensely fertile, has a semitropical climate and good transportation facilities, and lies near large 

centers of population. The valley as a whole suffers from an excess 

of water at one season and a deficiency at another. The problem of 

remedying these defects embraces three distinct phases the preservation and improvement of navigation, the reclamation of swamp 

and overflow lands, and the development of irrigation for all the 

higher lands.

The valley suffers from frequent floods, which occur in winter or 

early spring. The worst floods in recent years occurred in 1904, 

1907, and 1909. Each succeeding flood seems to cause more damage 

than the last in proportion to the volume of water, partly because
CALIFORNIA. 119

there is more property to be damaged and partly because of the debris 

in the river channels. From 1849 to 1880 enormous quantities of 

debris arising from hydraulic mining were deposited in the upper 

courses of several of the streams on the eastern slope of the Sacramento basin. The deposition of this mining debris, together with 

large quantities of natural waste brought down by all the streams 

during flood, has resulted in elevating stream beds and flood plains, 

so that all the streams now occupy ridges and have large overflow 

basins.

The lower course of Sacramento River for a distance of about 100 

miles occupies a ridge from 5 to 20 feet higher than the troughs of 

the nearly parallel flood basins on each side, which are 2 to 7 miles 

from .the river. These big flood basins, Colusa and Yolo on the 

west side, and Butte, Sutter, and American on the east side, have a 

total area of approximately 900 square miles. They have a combined storage capacity equivalent to three days' continuous flood 

flow of all the streams discharging into the valley, and are, therefore, 

very powerful in affecting flood stages. When these basins are full 

they contain sufficient water to cover the. entire valley to a depth of 

1.38 feet.

The total area of the Sacramento Valley is about 4,250 square 

miles, divided approximately as follows: 2,510 square miles of high 

lands not subject to overflow imt requiring irrigation for successful 

farming; 450 square miles of lower lands overflowed occasionally; 

1,250 square miles of low lands overflowed periodically, and submerged for a considerable part of the year; and 40 square miles of 

perennial stream surface. It is thus seen that about 40 per cent of 

the valley suffers from floods and about 60 per cent from drought.

SACRAMENTO RIVER NEAR RED BLUFF, CAL.

This station was established January 28, 1902, at the lower end of 

Iron Canyon, 4 miles above Red Bluff and about 3 miles, by river, 

below the proposed Iron Canyon dam site, at the location used for 

stream gaging by the State engineer in 1879, and by the commissioner of public works in 1893 to 1894. Discharge measurements 

were made in 1901 befoie the station was regularly established.

The river at this point is straight for 2 or 3 miles. The width 

between the banks at low water is about 500 feet. The depth of 

water at low stages averages 6 feet, with a maximum depth of 9 feet. 

The banks are steep and firm. The river flows in a bed of coarse 

gravel and cobblestones, with here and there small bowlders. The 

bedrock is lava.

Discharge' measurements are made from a car and a cable (600 

feet span), which is anchored in the wall of the canyon.
120 SUBFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

No important tributaries enter within several miles of the station, 

above or below. Antelope and Redbank creeks come in about 7 miles 

and Mill Creek about 16 miles below the station. Paines Creek 

enters about 3 miles and Battle and Cottonwood creeks about 10 

miles above the station. Pit River enters about 40 miles above and 

Feather River about 100 miles below.

No diversions of any kind are made above the station, and it is 

believed that no appropriations of nor filings on water have been 

made.

The flow at the station is not affected by artificial storage.

The gage used by the commissioner of public works was still in 

place at the cable location and was used from January 28, 1902, the 

date upon which observations were begun, until December 31, 1903. 

A second gage was placed on the right bank, 3,200 feet below the 

cable, January 1, 1904, as no observer could be obtained to continue 

readings at the cable gage, and it was read until September 28, 1904. 

On this date the gage was removed to the left bank about 4,000 feet 

below the gaging station and read until February 12, 1906. Since 

February 14, 1906, the cable gage has been read. By synchronous 

readings of the lower gage with that at the cable, all readings have 

been reduced to equivalent readings for the cable gage. The datum 

of the cable gage, which is about 30 feet below the cable, has remained 

unchanged.

Discharge measurements of Sacramento River near Red Bluff, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 30

May 27

Nov. 15

Hydrographer.

W. F. Martin.............................................

.....do.....................................................

W.V. Hardy......... ....................................

Width.

Feet. 

545

523

486

Area of

section.

Sq.ft. 

8,150

5,230

4,160

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

9.80

3.80

2.06

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

38,000

12,200

6,230

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sacramento River near Red Bluff, Cal., for 1909. 

[Richard Groebe, observer.]

Day.

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7.. .............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

Jan.

2.75

4.5

9.9

6.5

8.8

16.9

13.7

20.55

19.65

11.8

\ 

8.4

6.9

7.6

13.3

20.87

Feb.

13.75

22.65

»33.4

22.1

18.35

13.75

12.9

11.1

10.0

12.75

11.6

14.65

16.65

12.95

11.8

Mar.

7.4

7-2

7.15

11.2

10.2

9 7

9.4

8.35

7.75

7.2

6.9

6.55

6.25

6.15

6.1

Apr.

6.6

6.5

6.4

6.3

6.1

5.9

5.75

5.5

5.5

5.6

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.7

5.8

May.

5.0

5.05

5.1

5.3

5.2

5.0

4.8

4.7

4.65

4.55

4.4

4 9

4.1

4.05

4.05

June.

3.7

3.9

3.85

3 8

3.8

3.6

3.45

3 Qt;

3.3

3.2

3 1

3.1

3.1

3.0

2.95

July.

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

Aug.

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

1.65

Sept.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

Oct.

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

Nov.

2.2

2.35

2.2

9 1

2.0

2.65

2.1

9 ftfi

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.25

2.1

2.15

2.06

Dec.

1 OR

4.0

3.6

3 i

3.6

3.3

4.0

7.2

18.15

8.75

6.65

5 7

5.3

5.0

4.6

a Maximum, 35.2 feet.
CALIF0BNIA. 121 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sadramento River near Red Bluff, Col., for 1909 Contd.

Day.

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

VL... ............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

28.45

23.2

22.85

17.85

22.7

27.1

21.95

16.25

14.3

14.1

18.65

12.1

10.3

8.95

9.5 

12.1

Feb.

11.05

14.6

13.95

13.3

12.75

12.25

10.55

9.4

9.4

9.65

8.85

8.2

7.8

.......

Mar.

6.2

6.4

6.6

6.5

6.3

6.7

6.5

6.2

6.3

5.95

5.8

5.85

5.9

7.1

7.1 

6.95

Apr.

5.9

6.0

5.95

6.05

5.85

5.6

5.5

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.25

5.4

5.4

5.2

5.0

May.

4.15

4.0

3.9

3.85

3.8

3.85

3.95

3.8

3.7

3.65

3.65

3.8

3.9

3.8

3.6 

3.6

June.

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.75

9 7

2.65

2.6

2.65

9 A

2.5

July.

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

1 OK

1.95

1.9

1 9

i a

1.8

1.85

1.8

1 a

1.8 

1.8

Aug.

1 65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6 "

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55 

1.6

Sept.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.85

2.0

Oct.

1 7

1.7

1.7

2.5

2.15

2.1

2.05

1.*

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.85

2.15

2.05 

2.1

Nov.

2.0

I QK

1.95

2.0

4.5

9.2

6.4

6.2

9 ns

8.8

5.65

4.7

4.1

3.65

3.5

Dec.

4.45

4.2

4.05

3.8

3.7

3.5

3.3

3.15

3.0 <* n

3.1

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.75 

4.05

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sacramento River near Red Bluff, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1........

2........

3........

4........

5........

6........

7........

8........

9........

10........

11........

12........

13........ 

14........

15........

16........

17. .......

18........

19........

20........

21........

22........ 

23........ 

24. .......

25........

26........

27........

28........

29........ 

30........ 

31........

Jan.

8,760

W OAft

OQ crtrt

22,700

33,200

81,500

59,800

111,000

103,000

48 firm

31,309

24,600

27,600 

57,400

113,000

188,000

135,000

132,000

88,500

130,000

177 006

123,000 

76,900 

63,600

62,300

94,800

50,300

40,600

33,900 

36,600 

50,300

Feb.

60,200

130,000 OK/I nnn

125,000

92,400

60,200

55,000

44,800

39,000

54,100

47,500 AS onfi

79,700 

55,300

48,600

44,500

65,500

61,400 K7 Ann

54,100

51,200

41,900 

36,000 

36,100

37,300

33,400

30,300

28,500

Mar.

26,700

25,800

25,600

45,300

40,000

37,500

36,100

31,000

OO Oftft

25,800

24,500

22,900

21,600 

21,200

21,000

21,400

22,300

23,200

22,700

21,900

OQ fiAA

22,700 

21,400 

21,900 $n iinn

19,800

20,000

20,200

25,400 

25,400 

24,700

Apr.

23,200

22,700

91 Qflft

21,000

20,200

19.6CO

18(600

18,600

id nnn

19,200

19,000

19,000

19,400

19,800

20,200

20,600

20,400

20,800

20,000

IQ nnn

18,600 

18,200 

17,800

17,800

17,, 500

18,200

18,200

17,400 

16,600

May.

16,600

16,800

17 000

n fiftn

17 400

16,600

15,800

15,500

-IK on«

H Qnn

14 400

13'?CO

13,300 

13,100

13,100

13,500

19 onn

19 finn

12,400

19 9nn

12,400

12,700 

12,200 

11,900

11,700

11,700

12,200

19 fififl

12,200 

11,500 

11,500

June.

11,900

19 fiflA

12 400

12^200

12,200

11,500

11,000

10,700

10,500

10,200

Q 8/Sfl

9 8/>fi

9,860 

9,540

9,380

9 f54fl

9,540

9

KA(\

9,380

9,220

9 99/1

8,910 

8,910 

8,760

8,600

8,450

8,300

8,450

8,300 

8,000

July.

7,860

7,710

7,710

7,430

7 Mn

7,570

7,430

7,430

7,430

7,290

7,150

7,150

6,880 

6,880

6,880

6,740

6,740

6,610

6,610

6,610

6,480

6,480 

6,350 

6,350

6,090

6,090

6,220

6,090

6,090 

6,090 

6,090

Aug.

5,840

5,840

5.840

5,840

5,840

5,840

5,840

5,840

5,840

5,840

5,840

5,840

5,720 

5,720

5,720

5,720

5,720

5,720

5,590

5,590

S fson

5,590 

5,590 

5,590

5 ion

5,590

5,590

5

CQA

5,590 

5,470 

5,590

Sept.

5,590

5

CQA

5 eon

5,590

5,590

5,590

>; win

5,470

5,470

1 £7f\

5,350

5,470

5,470 

5,350

5,350

5,350

5,350

5,350

5,350

>; Q";n

5,350

5,350 

5,350 

5,350

5,470

6,090

5

Q4f\

5,840

6,220 

6,610

Oct.

6,090

6,220

6,350

6,090

6,090

6,090

6,090

5,840

5,840

5,840

5 840

5 840

5,840 

5,840

5,480

5,840

S Sdfl

S

Qjn

8,000

7,020

6 QQn

6,740 

6,350 

6,220

6,090

6,090

6 090

6^220

7,020 

6,740 

6,880

Nov.

7,150

7,570

7,150

6,880

6,610

8,450

6,880

6,740

8,150

8,000

8,000

7 9Qfl

6,880 

7,020

6 74n

6,610

6,480

6

AQ(\

6,610

14,800

oc -irtrt

22,300 

21,400 

\34 aftn

oq nf\f\

IQ onn

15,500

to onn

11,700 

11,200

Dec.

12,800

19 CMIft

11,500

W orm

11,500

in f\oft

12,900

25,800

90 800

32,900

9Q Ann

IQ Ann

17,800 

16,600

15,100

14,600

13,700 10 if\f\

1 9 OtfVl

11 900

11,200

10,500 

10,000 

9,540

9 540

Q Sfin

0 K4Tt

9,220

8,910 

8,760 

13,100

NOTE. These discharges are based oa a rating curve that is well defined below discharge 115,000 secondfeet.
122 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Sacramento River near Red Bluff, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 9,300 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

July........................

December. .................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

188,000 

254,000 

45,300 

23,200 

17,800 

12,600 

7,860 

5,840 

6,610 

8,000 

35,100 

90,800

254,000

Minimum.

8,760 

28,500 

19,800 

16,600 

11,500 

8,000 

6,090 

5,470 

5,350 

5,840 

6,480 

8,760

5,350

Mean.

72,900 

63,900 

25,500 

19,500 

13,800 

9,890 

 6,840 

5,710 

5,560 

6,250 

12,300 

16, 100

21,500

Per 

square 

mile.

7.84 

6.87 

2.74 

2.10 

1.48 

1.06 

.735 

.614 

.598 

.672 

1.32 

1.73

2.31

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

9.04 

7.15 

3.16 

2.34 

1.71 

1.18 

.85 

.71 

67 

.77 

1.47 

1.99

31.04

Total in 

acre-feet.

4,480,000 

3,550,000 

1,570,000 

1,160,000 

848,000 

588,000 

421,000 

351,000 

331,000 

384,000 

732,000 

990.000

15,400,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A 

A.

COTTONWOOD CREEK BASIN.

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of Cottonwood Creek lies west of Sacramento 

River, east of the Coast Range, and just south of the Clear Creek drainage basin.

Cottonwood Creek has three principal forks, called North, Middle, 

and South or Cold forks. North Fork rises in Bully Choop Mountain, 

which reaches an elevation of 7,073 feet above sea level; it is about 20 

miles long, drains an area of 112 square miles, and has a total fall of 

about 4,200 feet. It unites with Middle Fork a short distance below 

Gas Point. Middle Fork is about 30 miles long, has a fall of 5,900 

feet, and drains an area of 261 square miles. South Fork rises in 

Yallo Bally Mountains, which have an elevation of about 6,000 feet, 

and unites with the main creek a few miles west of the town of Cottonwood; it is about 45 miles long, drains an area of 395 square miles, and 

has a fall of 4,600 feet. The main creek flows eastward and»empties 

into the Sacramento about 5 miles east of the town of Cottonwood and 

opposite the mouth of Battle Creek. The total drainage area is 929 

square miles.

The crest of the Coast Range, which forms the western boundary 

of the basin for a distance of about 50 miles, ranges in elevation from 

6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. From the crest toward ~the east 

the basin slopes rapidly to the foothills around the northern end of 

the Sacramento Valley, and is regularly furrowed by numerous 

drainage ways. About two-thirds of the area is more than 1,000 feet 

above sea level.

The basin is very well timbered, but at the lower elevations the 

growth is more or less scrubby. The upper part of the basins of 

Middle and South forks is included in the Trinity National Forest.
CALIFOBNIA. 123

The mean annual precipitation ranges from 25 inches in the lower 

part, where it occurs as rainfall, to more than 50 inches along the 

crest of the Coast Range, where much of it occurs as snow.

Some irrigation on a small scale is carried on in this basin, especially 

in the northern part along the North Fork, and there is opportunity 

for further development.

Storage is undoubtedly possible in the basin, but to what extent 

is not known. The same may be said regarding power development.

NORTH FORK OF COTTONWOOD CREEK AT ONO, CAL.

This station was established October 27, 1907, at the highway 

bridge one-fourth mile west of Ono, for the purpose of determining 

the amount of water available above Ono for further irrigation 

development.

Several small ditches divert water from the creek above the gauging 

station. In September, 1908, they carried a total of 14 second-feet. 

Acquired water rights greatly exceed the low-water flow. The 

channel is somewhat rough and subject to slight change. At high 

stages the current is swift and is somewhat obstructed by the center 

bridge pier. The datum of the gage has not been changed.

The staff gage is fastened to the middle pier of the bridge near the 

upstream side where the high water measurements are made. Wading 

measurements are made 100 feet below the bridge at low water.

Discharge measurements of North Fork of Cottonwood Creek at Ono, Cat., in 1909,

Date.

Feb. 1

May 28

Nov. 16&

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

W. V. Hardy. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

109

45

14

25

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

217

64

15

28

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.70

5.00

4.20

4.53

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,170

87

6

22

a, Made 150 feet above station. & Made 50 feet below bridge. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Cottonwood Creek at Ono, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1. ..............

2...............

3...............

4. ..............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10. ..............

11...............

12. ..............

13. ..............

14...............

15...............

Jan.

4.9

5.2

5.5

5.1

5.85

5.85

6.3

6.9

5.9

5.65

5.45

5.4

5.4

6.9

6.9

Feb.

6.75

oS.9

8.1

7.2

6.75

6.5

6.4

6.15

6.2

6.1

6.05

7.1

6.5

6.35

6.4

Mar.

5.8

5.8

6.0

6.1

6.0

5.95

5.9

5.9

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

Apr.

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

May.

5.45

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.35

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.25

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

June.

49

49

49

485

485

4.85

48

48

48

47

47

47

47

47

48

July.

4.6

455

45

45

45

45

45

45

4.5

45

45

45

44

4.4

4.4

Aug.

425

4.25

425

43

43

425

425

425

425

42

42

42

42

A 9

42

Sept.

415

42

4 9

42

42

42

A 9

A 9

4.2

42

42

42

42

A 9

42

Oct.

46

45

45

45

445

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

Nov.

4 iu»

45

45

455

455

455

455

46

475

47

46

46

46

455

455

Dec.

48

48

48

4 9

5.0

5.95

6.3

5.7

5.4

5.35

5.2

5.2

5.2

« Maximum, 9.8 feet at 5 p. m.
124 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Cottonwood Creek at Ono, Col., for 1909 Con.

Day.

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26...............

27. ..............

28...............

29...............

30. ..............

31...............

Jan.

7.0

6.85

6.45

7.75

7.5

7.3

6.7

6.35

6.35

6.9

6.6

6.25

6.05

6.0

6.95

6.8

Feb.

6.45

6.3

6.35

fi 9

6.2

6.1

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.95

5.9

5.8

5.8

Mar5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

e Q

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.8

5.9

5.9

5.9

Apr.

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

May.

5.15

5.15

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4 OK

June.

48

48

48

48

4.8

475

475

47 '4 7

4 K

4.65

46

46

4.6

46

July.

43

43

43

43

43

43

4.3

43

43

43

43

425

4.3

425

425

425

Aug.

42

425

415

415

41

41

41

41

41

415

415

415

415

415

4.15

4.15

Sept.

41

41

41

41

41

41

415

415

42

45

455

44

43

47

45

Oct.

44

44

44

5.15

465

4.6

455

45

45

45

45

45

45

455

45

46

Nov.

455

455

45

4 7

5.4

5.25

5.2

5.35

5.3

5.15

5.0

A Q

49

49

49

Dec.

5.2

5.15

5.15

5.1

5.1

5.05

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

495

5.0

5.0

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Cottonwood Creek at Ono, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4. ..............

5...............

6...............

7. ..............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22. ..............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

76

154

275

124

465

465

785

1,380

495

352

252

230

230

1,380

1,380

1,500

1,320

915

2,460

2,130

1,870

1,160

828

828

1,380

1,060

745

595

560

1,440 

1,270

Feb.

1,220

4,040

2,920

1,740

1,220

960

870

668

705

630

595

1,620

960

828

870

915

785

828

705

705

630

Ken

560

560

528

495

435

435

.......

Mar.

435

435

560

630

560

528

495

495

435

435

435

439

435

435

435

435

435

435

435

435

435

435

380

380

380

380

380

435

495

495

AQK

Apr.

431?

435

435

435

380

380

380

<?Rft

380

380

380

380

380

380

380

380

380

380

380

325

OOK

325

300

275

975

275

275

275

275

May.

252

230

230

230

210

190

190

190

190

190

172

154

154

154

1U

139

139

124

124

124

Ti4

124

124

124

98

98

98

OS

98

98

87

June.

76

76

76

66

66

66

57

57

57

41

41

41

41

41

57

57

57

57

57

67

49

49

41

41

28

34

28

28

98

28

July.

28

23

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

11

11

11

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

6

7

6

6 

6

Aug.

6

6

6

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

6

45

45

4

4

4

4

4

45

45

45

45

45

45 

45

Sept.

45

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

4

4

45

4.5

5

18

23

11

7

41

18

Oct.

28

18

18

18

14

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

139

34

28

23

18

18

18

18

18

18

23

18 

28

Nov.

28

18

18

23

23

23

23

28

49

41

28

28

28

23

23

23

23

18

41

230

172

154

210

190

139

98

76

76

76

76

Dec.

76

57

57

57

76

76

98

528

785

380

230

210

1K4

154

154

154

139

139

124

124

111

98

98

98

98

98

98

98

87

98 

98

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below discharge 1,160 second-feet.
CALIFORNIA. 125

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Cottonwood Creek at Ono, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 52 square miles.]

Month.

March. .....................

April.......................

Mar

June........................

July........................

December ..................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,460 

4,040 

630 

435 

252 

76 

28 

7 

41 

139 

230 

785

4,040

Minimum.

76 

435 

380 

275 

87 

28 

6 

4 

4 

11 

18 

57

4

Mean.

907 

1,000 

453 

360 

153 

49.9 

12.0 

5.08 

7.68 

20.6 

66.9 

157

266

Per 

square 

mile.

17.4 

19.2 

8.71 

6.92 

2.94 

.960 

.231 

.098 

.148 

.396 

1.29 

3.02

5.11

Run-ofl.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

20.06 

19.99 

10.04 

7.72 

3.39 

1.07 

.27 

.11 

.17 

.46 

1.44 

3.48

68.20

Total in 

acre-feet.

55,800 

55,500 

27,900 

21,400 

9,410 

2,970 

738 

312 

457 

1,270 

3,980 

9,650

189,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A.

MILL CREEK BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Mill Creek rises in Shasta County just south of Lassen Peak at 

an altitude of about 8,000 feet above sea level and flows in a general 

southwesterly direction to its junction with Sacramento River, 1£ 

miles above Los Molinos.

The drainage basin lies west of Sacramento River and between 

the drainage basins of Antelope and Deep Creeks.

IIIIX CREEK NEAR LOS MOLINOS, CAL.

This station was established September 28, 1909, by the Los 

Molinos Land Co. and is maintained by it. It is located one-fourth 

mile east of the company's dam, one-fourth mile west of the northeast corner of sec. 1, T. 25 N., R. 2 W., 4^ miles northeast of Los 

Molinos, and 5 miles east of Tehama, Cal. (See PL III, A.)

The current is swift but smooth at ordinary stages and very 

swift at flood stages. Owing to the shaky condition of the bridge, 

measuring conditions are only fair.

The gage is of the ordinary staff type, with an inclined section 

for low water. The elevation of the zero of the gage is 423.18 feet 

above sea level (United States Geological Survey datum).

No gage-height record has been kept at this station, as no observer 

could be obtained.
126 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Discharge measurements of Mill Creek near Los Molinos, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

A |1£V Q

Sept. 28

16

25

30

Nov. 6

13

27

Dec. 4

11

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin..............................................

.....do.....................................................

A. Wallace. ...............................................

.....do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

43

44

44

42

44

44

44

44

47

47

50

Area of 

section.

Si. ft. 

104

91

87

86

82

91

89

90

131

132

149

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.08

.96

.86

.91

.90

1.02

.98

1.02

1.72

1.70

1.90

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

199

162

148

141

137

167

162

181

349

359

467

NOTE. Measurements after Sept. 28 were made by employees of the Los Molinos Land Co.

STONY CREEK BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The Stony Creek drainage basin lies on the eastern slope of the 

Coast Range, north of the Cache Creek drainage basin, and south of 

the Thomes Creek basin, which lies between it and the Cottonwood 

basin on the north. The total drainage area of Stony Creek is about 

828 square miles. Of this area about 600 square miles is embraced in 

an irregular parallelogram which is 10 to 15 miles wide and touches 

the crest of the range for a distance of 50 or 60 miles.

The creek rises in the south end of this area and flows northward 

along its eastern border for a distance of about 35 miles, then westward for about 15 miles, and finally southeastward to its junction 

with the Sacramento near St. John. The total length of the creek is 

about 90 miles, and its fall about 4,000 or 5,000 feet.

The principal tributaries of Stony Creek are Little Stony Creek 

from the south end of the area, Briscoe Creek from its middle, Grindstone Creek from its north end, and North Fork, which enters the 

main creek about 10 miles northwest of Orland.

The drainage basin of Stony Creek is somewhat peculiar topographically and geologically. The main stream lies wholly in sedimentary rock; the tributaries from the west come from the granitic 

crest of the range, and have heavy gradients. At various points in 

the basin the streams intersect conglomerate ridges of more or less 

hardness, which, because of their resistance to erosion, have produced 

favorable sites for dams and reservoirs. The basin ranges in elevation from a few hundred feet in the valley to 6,000 feet or more at 

the summit of the range.

This area is covered with a good forest growth of grass and dense 

brush at the lower elevations and heavy commercial timber on the 

mountain summits. About three-fourths of the upper basin is included in a national forest reserve.

The mean annual precipitation varies from 18 inches in the valley 

to 40 inches or more on the mountain summits, where more or less 

of it occurs as snowfall. The worst freshets occur during the winter.
U. 8. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

A. MILL CREEK NEAR LOS MOLINOS, CAL.

B. GREAT WESTERN POWER CO.'S DAM ON NORTH FO-RK OF FEATHER RIVER AT BIG

BEND, CAL.

CAUFOBFIA. 127

For years Stony Creek has been used as a source of water for 

irrigation in the northeastern part of Glenn County. The United 

States Reclamation Service now has under construction the Orland 

reclamation unit, which will furnish water to 14,000 acres around 

Orland. The water will be taken from Stony Creek by the aid of 

several dams for storage and diversion.

The most important reservoir sites on the main stream and its 

tributaries were surveyed several years ago by the Geological Survey.1

The run-off record on Stony Creek runs back to 1901; The wettest 

year since that time was 1909 and the driest 1908, or, possibly, 1901. 

Early in 1909 the maximum daily flow greatly exceeded all previous 

records. The total flow for the wettest year was a little more than 

double that for the driest.

STONY CREEK NEAR FRUTO, CAL.

This station, which is located at Julian's ranch, about 7 miles northwest of Fruto and If miles above the proposed Mill Site dam which 

is in sec. 14, T. 21 N., R, 6 W., Mount Diablo base and meridian, was 

established January 30, 1901, to determine the quantity of water 

available for storage at the dam site below<^

The only important tributary near the gaging station is Grindstone Creek, which drains an area of 173 square miles and enters from 

the west a short distance above the station. Salt, Elk, and Briscoe 

Creeks enter the creek some distance above the station from the south. 

North Fork of Stony Creek, which has a drainage area of about 90 

square miles, enters about 12 miles below.

The gage is in two sections and is read twice each day. The highwater portion is a vertical staff set in a rock excavation about 200 

feet above the cable. A sloping auxiliary staff gage, bolted to rock, 

is used for low water. The gage datum has remained unchanged. 

Measurements are made from a car and cable.

The channel is composed of gravel which shifts more or less during 

the high water, when the current is very swift and the stream is 

several hundred feet wide. The creek is not liable to overflow until 

the 15-foot stage is reached. The records are fair except for very 

Mgh stages. Estimates for flood flow are more or less approximate.

Discharge measurements of Stony Creek near Fruto, CaL, in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 6

May 29

Oct. 15

20 Dec. 12

Hydrographer. Width.

Fest.

130

44

50

135

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

624

131

18.5

24.4

231

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

8.90

5.15

3.95

4.05

5.80

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3,240

350

22

39

696

1 For the result of the^e surveys see Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 86,1903.
128 SUBFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Stony Creek near Fruto, Gal., for 1909. 

[W. H. Julian, observer.]

Day. '

1.... ...........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21... ............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

4.85

5.8

8.0

5.75

7.65

8.95

7.55

13.0

9.7

8.75

7.85

7.4

7.25

14.3

13.4

13.85

11.0

10.15

9.6

10.65

12.45

11.25

9 A

9.5

9.7

9.75

9.25

8.8

9 n

9.0

9.0

Feb.

9.25

15.4o

13.35

11.6

9.9

9.0

9.05

9.0

8.2

8.1

9.35

9.35

9.15

9.1

9.25

9.3

9.5

9.4

9.05

8.65

8.25

8.1

7.85

7.55

7.45

7.35

7.2

7.05

Mar.

6.95

6.8

'J Q

7.55

7.25

fi Qfi

6.9

6.8

6.7

6.5

6.4

6.4

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.2

6.2

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.3

fi 9

6.25

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.1

6.1

Apr.

6.1

6.2

6.15

6.15

6.15

6.25

6.25

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.25

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.0

6.0

6.1

6.0

5.9

1 Q

5.9

5.8

5.8

May.

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5 4

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

June.

4.9

4.9

4 Q

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

i 7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

July.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

A f>

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

Aug.

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.9

3 d

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

Sept.

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

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.9

3.9

1 Q

3.9

Oct.

3.9

4.0

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.1

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

Nov.

4.1

4.1

. 4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.2

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.2

A. *)

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.3

5.8

7.1

6.15

6.3

6.6

6,0

5.8

5.7

5.6

5.5

5.4

Dec.

5.5

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.6

5.6

5.8

5.9

7.5

fi Q

6.5

5.8

5.7

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.2

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.6

o Maximum 16.3. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Stony Creek near Fruto, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10. ..............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14. ..............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18. ..............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

232

720

2,980

688

2,550

4,280

2,430

15,200

5,570

3,990

2,790

2,250

2,080

22,100

17,100

19,500

8,310

6,450

5,380

7,500

12,900

8,950

5,020

5,200

5,570

5,660

4,760

4,060

4,360

4,360 

4,360

Feb.

4,760

29,300

16,900

9,920

5,950

4,360

4,440

4,360

3,240

3,110

4,940

4,940

4,600

4,520

4,760

4,850

5,200

5,020

4,440

3,850

3,300

3,110

2,790

9 dSfi

2,310

2,200

2,030

1,860

.......

Mar.

1,760

1,590

2,850

2.430

2,080

1,760

1,700

1,590

1,490

1,290

1,200

1,200

1,110

1,110

1,110

1,110

1,020

1,020

940

QAf\

940

1,110

1,020

1,060

1,020

1,020

1,020

1,020

1,020

940 

<un

Apr.

940

1,020

980

980

980

1,060

1,060

1,110

1,110

1,110

1,110

1,110

1,110

1,060

1,020

1,.020

1,020

1,020

940

940

860

860

QAf\

860

790

7Qrt

7on

79fi

720

May.

720

720

720

655

655

655

595

595

595

595

535

535

535

535

535

535

485

485

435

385

385

385

385

335

335

335

290

290

QQA

290 

9on

June.

250

250

250

250

213

178

178

178

178

178

148

148

148

148

148

148

148

148

122

122

122

99

99

78

78

78

78

59

59

59

July.

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

43

43

43

43

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

30<?n

30

4D

30 

30

Aug.

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

20

20

,20

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8 

8

Sept.

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

20

20

20

20

20

Oct.

20

30

59

78

99

99

78

59

43

43

43

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

43

59

59

59

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43 

43

Nov.

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

59

99

99

78

78

59

59

59

59

59

78

720

1,920

980

1,110

1,390

860

720

655

595

535

485

Dec.

535

595

535

535

595

595

720

790

2,370

1,700

1,290

720

655

595

535

535

535

485

485

435

385

385

385

335

385

635

535

485

485

485 

595

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 860 second-feet.
CALIFORNIA. 129

Monthly discharge of Stony Creek River near Frutot Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 601 square miles.]

Month.

March..

May........................

July........................

October. .'..................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

22,100 

29,300 

2,850 

1,110 

720 

250 

59 

30 

20 

99 

1,920 

2,370

29,300

Minimum.

232 

1,860 

940 

720 

290 

59 

30 

8 

8 

20 

43 

335

8

Mean.

6,360 

5,480 

1,300 

966 

488 

145 

41.0 

15.9 

12.8 

47.4 

370 

651

1,320

Per 

square 

mile.

10.6 

9.12 

2.16 

1.61 

.812 

.241 

.068 

.026 

.021 

.079 

.616 

1.08

2.20

Eun-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

12.22 

9.50 

2.49 

1.80 

.94 

.27 

.08 

.03 

.02 

.09 

.69 

1.24

29.37

Total in 

acre-feet.

391,000 

304,000 

79,900 

57,500 

30,000 

8,630 

2,520 

978 

762 

2,910 

22,000 

40,000

940,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B.

LITTLE STONY CREEK NEAR LOBOGA, CAL.

This station was established by the United States Reclamation 

Service in March, 1907, for the purpose of determining the quantity of water available for storage in the East Park reservoir. It is 

located at the East Park dam site, 3J miles northwest of Lodoga, 

in sec. 3, T. 17 N., R. 6 W., Mount Diablo base and meridian, and is 

about 4 miles above the mouth of the creek. Records are furnished 

by the Reclamation Service.

Indian Creek enters Little Stony Creek from the east a short distance above the station. The channel is composed of clean rock, 

gravel, and sand, which shifts during high water. , The current is 

swift at moderate and high stages.

The gage datum was changed in the fall of 1907 and on June 1, 

1909, the gage was moved half a mile downstream and set at a different datum. Measurements are made from a cable. The records are 

only fair, owing to changes in channel.

Discharge measurements of Little Stony Creek near Lodoga, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 5o

23

24

It/fair <\

30

306

Nov. 24

Dec. 9

Hydrographer.

O. W. Peterson ...........................................

....'.do....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

F.H.Tffltagbast. ....... ..................................

T. C. Johnson .

Width.

Feet.

44

96 -

96

55

24

3.6

38

72

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

138

118

113

45.4

3.1

14.5

1.6

26

103

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.9

4.5

4.55

3.35

3.15

3.0

3.0

3.4

4.5

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

866

397

412

52

16.2

7.5

6.4

34

380

a Float measurement at dam site. 6 Measurement in flume at dam site. 

NOTE. Beginning June B, gage heights refer to gage at new location at different datum. 

96451° WSP 271 11 9
130 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Stony Creek near Ladoga, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4............... 5..:............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14............. .

15. ..............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

3.35

4.1

4.65

3.6

4.05

5.3

4.55

10.65

4.9

4.15

3.75

3.75

3.75

8.75

8.6

8.95

5.35

5.05

4.95

6.75

7.0

5.8

5.3

5.75

6.5

6.9

5.7

5.4

5.0

5.7

5.95

Feb.

5.95

11.8

6.2

4 CK

A. 05.

5.25

5.25

4.8

4.6

4.35

5.7

6.45

5.25

4.7

A. OR

5.2

4.95

4.8

4.7

5.5

4.7

4.55

4.45

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.3

Mar.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4 1C

4.2

4.2

4.5

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

Apr.

4.1

4.1

4 1

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0

A. n

4.0

4 0

4 0

3.9

3.9

3.8

3

Q

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

May.

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.3

3 q

3 q

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1 i 1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.15

3.15

June.

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15 <i 115

3 115

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.2

3.3

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

July.

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.95

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

Aug.

2.9

9 0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

9 0

9 0

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

Sept.

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

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.8

2.8

2.8

Oct.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.8

2.8

2.8

Nov.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.95

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.15

3.2

3.25

3.3

3.4

3.35

3.25

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.15

Dec.

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.1

3.25

3.4

3.5

3.6

4.5

4.1

3.9

3.85

3.75

3.75

3.7

3.55

3.45

3.4

3.35

3.3

3-3

3.3

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.3

3.3

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Little Stony Creek near Lodoga, Cal.,for 1909.

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...............

Jan.

88

259

490

136

244

866

441

5,910

623

276

168

168

168

4,010

3,860

4,210

899

710

652

2,040

2,280

1,220

866

1,180

1,800

2,180

1,140

932

680

1,140

1,340

Feb.

i iiin

7,060

1,520

616

616

794

794

535

439

333

1,110 i 7*»n

794

485

616

762

616

535

485

960

485

417

374

353

353

313

313

313

Mar.

275

275

275

313

313

313

313

275

275

275

275

97 *\

275

275

275

275

275

tyjQ

239

239

257

275

275

395

313

275

275

275

275

239

930

Apr.

93Q

239

239

239

239

206

206

206

206

206

206

175

175

146

146

146

146

146 idfi

146

120

120

120

120

120

120

OR

OS

98

98

May.

98

98

78

78

60

60

46

46

46

46

34

f>A

34

34

Oyl

34

14.

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

16

16

16

16

16

14

14

June.

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

18

26

18

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

7

7

7

7

July.

7

7

7

7

7

5

7

7

7

7

5

5

5

5

5

7

7

5

5

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

Aug.

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

Sept.

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

as

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

1.0

1.

1.

Oct.

1

1

1

1

1

1

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

1

, 1

1

Nov.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

5

11

11

7

7

7

7

7

11

14

18

22

26

37

32

22

18

18

14

14

Dec.

14

14

14

11

22

37

50

66

380

195

131

118

95

95

K4

58

44

37

32

26

26

26

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

26

26

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to Feb. 1, fairly well 

denned between discharges of 10 and 1,800 second-feet; Feb. 2 to May 20, fairly well denned between 

discharges of 46 and 1,800 second-feet; May 30 to Dec. 31, well defined below a discharge of 380 second-feet.
CALIFORNIA.

Monthly discharge of Little Stony Creek near Lodoga, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 102 square miles.]

131

Month.

February.. . ................

March......................

May........................

July........................

November.. . ...............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

5,910 

7,060 

395 

239 

98 

26 

7 

3 

2 

1.0 

3.7 

380

7,060

Minimum.

88 

313 

239 

98 

14 

7 

3 

2 

0.5 

0.5 

1 

11

0.5

Mean.

1,320 

896 

279 

164 

37.7 

13.7 

4.90 

2.40 

1.02 

.65 

11.1 

57.5

232

Per 

square 

mile.

12.9 

8.78 

2.74 

1.61 

.370 

.134 

.048 

.024 

.010 

.0064 

.109 

.564

2.27

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

14.87 

9.14 

3.16 

1.80 

.43 

.15 

.06 

.03 

.01 

.007 

.12 

.65

30.43

Total in

acre-feet.

81,200 

49,800 

17,200 

9,760 

2,320 

815 

301 

148 

61 

40 

660 

3,540

166,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

D. 

D. 

D. 

D. 

C. 

C.

FEATHEE EIVEE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Feather River heads on the crest of the Sierra and takes a general 

southerly course to its union with the Sacramento about 30 miles 

south of Marysville and about 15 miles northwest of Sacramento. 

Its total length is about 175 miles and its drainage area comprises 

approximately 6,590 square miles, lying on the western slope of the 

Sierra Nevada, south of the Pit River basin, and north of the American River basin.

From north to south the principal tributaries of Feather River are 

Indian Creek, Middle Fork, and Yuba and Bear rivers from the east, 

and Butt Creek and West Branch from the west. Many smaller or 

less important tributaries enter the main stream and the tributaries.

The basin is roughly triangular in shape, or rather more like a circular sector whose center is at the mouth of Feather River and arc 

along the crest of the Sierra from Lassen Peak at the north to Mount 

Lincoln at the northeast. The western leg of the sector is about 150 

miles long, the southern leg 90, and the arc 180.

Feather River basin is naturally subdivided into three other comparatively large basins: Yuba River basin at the south, with a total 

drainage area of more than 1,300 square miles; Middle Fork basin in 

the center and at the east, with a total drainage area of about 1,340 

square miles; and North Fork basin at the north and west, with a 

total drainage area of about 2,220 square miles. Yuba basin will be 

described in connection with the gaging station at Smartsville. Middle Fork basin is long but comparatively narrow except at its east 

end, where it broadens out and includes Sierra Valley, a large meadow 

valley at an altitude of 5,000 feet. Beckwith.Pass, which opens into
132 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

this valley from the east, is the lowest pass in the Sierra Nevada, and 

has an elevation of about 5,200 feet above sea level. Sierra Valley 

and the surrounding country are very dry in the summer. The 

greatest elevation in the Middle Fork basin is about 8,500 feet.

The drainage basin of the North Fork, here regarded as the main 

stream, includes the eastern part of Butte, the greater part of Plumas, 

and the southwestern corner of Lassen counties. The junction of 

North and Middle forks is in Butte County, about 6 miles northeast 

of Oroville. The length of North Fork basin does not exceed 75 

miles, and its width in Plumas County is about 65 miles.

Above Prattville are two small basins of almost equal size, the 

eastern being drained by Hamilton Branch and the western by North 

Fork. The eastern basin ranges in elevation from 4,300 to 7,500 

feet, has an area of 230 square miles, and includes the East Arm of 

Big Meadows and the large, level area called Mountain Meadows. 

The western basin has an area of 245 square miles, from 4,300 to 

10,000 feet in altitude, and includes the West Arm of Big Meadows, 

and the higher elevations about Lassen Peak. Hamilton Branch and 

North Fork unite about 3 miles east of Prattville, at the lower end of 

Big Meadows.

Butt Creek joins North Fork from the west about 12 miles south 

of Prattville. It has a total drainage area of 74 square miles. Indian 

Creek enters North Fork from the east about 20 miles southwest of 

Prattville, and has a total drainage area of about 1,020 square miles.

The greater part of the Feather River drainage area is rough and 

mountainous and is well trenched by numerous stream channels 

which drain the slopes of the mountains. The rocks in the southern 

and eastern parts of the basin are principally granite, with a good soil 

covering. At the lower elevations some porous and deeply eroded 

slates and lavas are also found. The northern part of the basin is 

characterized by cones, craters, deposits of volcanic ash, and lakes, 

which indicate recent volcanic activity. The basin has a good covering of porous soil, which absorbs the moisture readily and serves to 

equalize the stream flow. The numerous meadows and valleys that 

exist in different parts of the area also help to maintain a steady flow 

during the dry season.

The Feather River drainage basin has a good forest cover, consisting for the most part of brush and scrubby timber on the lower 

elevations and commercial timber on the mountain sides, except 

around the summits of the highest peaks, like Lassen. About 

two-thirds of the entire basin, 4,300 square miles in round numbers, is inclosed in national forests, which include all the upper part 

of the basin except Sierra Valley on Middle Fork, the Meadows around 

Prattville on North Fork, and a few other very small valleys.
CALIFORNIA. 133

The mean annual precipitation in the Feather basin is about 30 

inches in the foothill belt, and increases with elevation to the mountain summits. It ranges from 40 to 60 inches in the North and 

Middle Fork basins at the north and east, and from 40 to 75 inches 

at the Yuba basin at the south. In the winter much of it occurs as 

snowfall which does not disappear from the summits until summer.

Very little irrigation is practiced in the Feather basin. Some 

water is diverted for use in the small valleys and in ,tne Sacramento 

Valley below the foothills, but only on a small scale. Considerable 

water is used for mining and power.

Opportunities for storage in this basin are excellent, expecially on 

North and Middle Forks. Surveys of a large number of reservoir 

sites in this area have been made by the United States Reclamation 

Service and many others have been made by private companies.

The minunum flow of the streams in the Feather River basin is 

sufficient to develop more than half a million horsepower, and this 

amount could be almost doubled with storage. On North Fork 

alone about 300,000 horsepower could be developed at low water, 

and with storage half a million would be available. On Middle Fork 

only about 66,000 could be developed at low water, and on Yuba 

River only about 130,000. At the present time the Great Western 

Power Co. is actively engaged in developing its holdings in the North 

Fork basin. """"

The basin has many large springs, especially in the lava districts, 

which supply a more or less steady flow throughout the year. In 

the North Fork basin, especially, are large perennial springs, discharg 

ing 50 to 100 second-feet. One of the largest, Dotta Spring, about 3 

miles east of Prattville, has a maximum discharge of 100 second-feet 

and a minimum of 70 second-feet. Many perennial springs are 

found in the Yuba basin. The Feather basin also contains many 

small glacial lakes, chiefly in Yuba and North Fork basins.

The longest run-off record in the Feather basin goes back to 1902. 

The wettest year since that time was 1907, when a severe flood 

occurred, and the driest was 1908. The total flow in the driest year 

was about one-third of that in the wettest. Other historic floods of 

Feather River occurred in 1849, 1853, 1861, and 1881. At none of 

these, however, was the stage at Oroville so high as in March, 1907. 

This may have been due in part or entirely to the absence of mining 

debris which has been filling the channel at or below Oroville during 

recent years.

NORTH FORK OF FEATHER RIVER BELOW PRATTVILLE, CAL.

This station, which is located in the canyon at the proposed dam 

site of the Great Western Power Co., about 3 miles below the Meadow
134 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

View bridge crossing on the Prattville-Greenville road, and about 5 

miles southeast of Prattville, was established by the power company' 

November 22,1905. The power company probably owns all the water 

rights above the station. Daily gage heights and daily discharges 

are published as furnished by the company.

Butt Creek enters from the west about 5 miles below the station, 

and Indian Creek from the east about 15 miles below, and North 

Fork and Hamilton Branch unite about 5 miles above.

Thin sheet ice is formed occasionally, but does not affect the 

records.

The bed is rocky and is not likely to change materially. The current is swift at high water, but its velocity is moderate at other 

stages. At low water the stream is about 60 feet wide and has a 

maximum depth of 9 feet.

Measurements were made from a boat until November 22, 1905, 

since which time they have been made from a cable and car. The 

staff gage is located 700 feet above the cable section. Gage heights 

are recorded by automatic register. The datum of the gage has 

remained unchanged.

Records at this station are very good.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Feather River below Prattville, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1. ..............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21.. .............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30

31.... ...........

Jan.

1.95

2.43

2.33

2.33

3.24

0.59

3.78

4.55

4.47

3.70

3.13

3.02

6.40

9.45

13.20

11.95

10.12

9.41

9.64

9.87

7.94

7.02

6.24

5.33

5.09

4.75

4.56

4.35

4.00

3.74

Feb.

3.74

3.80

4.35

4.25

3.88

3.72

3.34

3.20

3.14

3.07

3 08

3.40

3.46

3.43

3.54

3.80

4.60

4.93

4.78

4.30

4.09

3.84

3.73

3.67

3.52

3.43

3.37

3.35

Mar.

3.42

3.53

3.78

4.62

4.63

4.42

4.13

3.90

3.70

3.54

3.43

3.45

3.46

3.53

3.68

3.89

4.09

4.11

4.02

3 97

3.79

3.84

3.75

3.65

3.52

3.54

3.77

3.68

3.73

3.68

3.59

Apr.

3.64

3.78

4 03

4.30

4.29

4.19

4.17

4.20

4.28

4.48

4.63

4.68

4.85

5.06

5.28

5.48

5.68

5.92

6.46

6.58

6.22

6.00

5.76

5.73

5.73

5.80

6.03

6.28

6.17

6.08

May.

6.08

6.25

6.38

6.60

6.70

6.74

6.78

6.84

6.80

6.77

6.60

6.27

6.07

5.95

5.90

5.91

5.65

5.55

5.54

5.58

5.69

5.86

5.62

5.40

5.32

5.34

5.54

5.95

5.75

5.54

5.39

June.

5.51

5.80

5.98

6.01

5.96

5.83

5.72

5.56

5.40

5.20

5.08

5.02

A. 07

4.88

4.77

4.75

4.78

4.80

4.80

4 74

4.56

4.38

4.28

4.22

4.22

4.16

July.

3.60

3.55

3.45

3.40

3.35

3.30

3.20

3.15

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.05

3.05

3.00

2.95

2.90

2.85

2.85

2.80

2.80

2.75

2.75

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.65

2.65

Aug.

2.65

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.55

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.40

2 40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.45

2.40

2.40

2.35

2.35

2.35

Sept.

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.25

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.40

Oct.

2.35

2.40

2.40

2.45

2.40

2.30

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.25

2.50

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.25

2.20

2.20

2.25

2.40

2.45

9 AJ\

Nov.

2.40

2.45

2.40

2.35

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.25

2.45

2.55

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.45

2.35

2.25

2.30

2.35

2.50

3.50

5.40

6.30

6.25

6.35

6.05

490

4.25

3.70

3.35

1 95

Dec.

3.60

4.40

4.05

3.35

3.05

2.75

2.80

3.05

3.80

3.85

3.80

3.65

3.55

3.40

3.30

3.10

2.90

2.60

2.40

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.25

2.40

2.40

2.35

2.30

2.30

2.40

3.00
CALIFORNIA. 135

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of North Fork of Feather River below Prattville, Gal., for

1909.

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. ..............

Jan.

607

781

744

744

1,112

1,276

1,370

1,754

1,713

1,331

1,062

1,014

1,094

2,821

4,891

7,648

6,706

5,369

4,864

5,026

5,190

3,841

3,211

2,711

2,175

2,042

1,859

1,759

1,652

1,477

1,351

Feb.

1,351

1,380

1,652

1,602

1,418

1 341

1,159

1,094

1,067

1,036

1,040

1,188

1,217

1,202

1,255

1,380

1,780

1,955

1,875

1,627

1,522

1,399

1,346

1,317

1,246

1,202

1,174

1,164

Mar.

1,198

1,250

1,370

1,790

1,796

1,687

1,542

1,428

1,331

1,255

1,202

1,212

1,217

1,250

1,321

1,423

1,522

1,532

1,487

1,462

1,375

1,319

1,356

1,307

1,246

1,255

1,366

1,321

1,346

1,321

1,276

Apr.

1,302

1,370

1,492

1,627

1,622

1,572

1,562

1,577

1,617

1,718

1,796

1,822

1,912

2,025

2,147

2,259

2,373

2,516

2,853

2,925

2,698

2,564

2,420

2,402

2,402

2,444

2,582

2,736

2,668

2,613

May.

2,613

2,717

2,806

2,938

3,002

3,028

3,054

3,093

3,067

3,048

2,938

2,729

2,607

2,534

2,504

2,510

2,356

2,298

2,292

2,315

2,379

2,480

2,339

2,214

2,169

2,180

2,292

2,534

2,414

2,292

2,208

June.

2,276

2,444

2,552

2,570

2 ^A(\

2,492

2,397

2,304

2,214

2,102

2,036

2,004

1,977

1,928

1,869

1,859

1,875

1,885

1,885

1,854

1,759

1,667

1,617

1,587

1,587

1,557

1,500

1,450

1,390

1,330

July.

1,283

l'^i2

l',188

1,164

1,140

1,094

1,071

1,049

1,049

1,049

1,049

1,049

1,027

1,027

1,006

985

964

944

944

924

924

904

904

884

884

884

884

884

865

865

Aug.

865

846

846

846

846

846'

846

827

818

818

818

818

818

818

789

789

789

789

770

770

770

770

770

770

770

789

770

770

751

751

751

Sept.

751

751

751

751

751

751

751

751

733

733

733

733 733

733

733

715

715

715

715

715

715

697

697

697

715

751

751

751

751

770

Oct.

751

770

770

789

770

733

715

715

715

697

697

697.

697

697

697

697

697

697

715

818

770

733

733

733

715

697

697

715

770

789

789

Nov.

770

789

770

751

733

733

733

715

789

827

818

770

770

789

751

715

733

751

818

1,236

2,214

2,748

2,717

2,784

2,594

1,939

1,602

1,331

1,164

1,117

Dec.

1,283

1,677

1,502

1,164

1,027

904

924

1,027

1,380

1,404

1,380

1,307

1,250

1,188

1,140

1,049

964

846

770

697

697

697

697

715

770

770

751

733

733

770

1,006

NOTE. These discharges, furnished by the Great Western Power Co., are based on a rating curve that 

is well defined between discharges 600 and 3,700 second-feet. Discharges interpolated for June 27 to 30.

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Feather River below Prattville, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 506 square miles.]

Month.

May........................

July........................

August. . ...................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

7,650 

1,960 

1,800 

2,920 

3,090 

2,570 

1,280 

865 

770 

818 

2,780 

1,680

7,650

Minimum.

607 

1,040 

1,200 

1,300 

2,170 

1,330 

865 

751 

697 

697 

715 

697

607

Mean.

2,550 

1,310 

1,380 

2,120 

2,580 

1,950 

1,010 

800 

734 

731 

1,200 

1,010

1,450

Per

square 

mile.

5.04 

2.59 

2.73 

4.19 

5.10 

3.85 

2.00 

1.58 

1.45 

' 1.44 

2.37 

2.00

2.86

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

5.81 

2.70 

3.15 

4.68 

5.88 

4.30 

2.31 

1.82 

1.62 

1.66 

2.64 

2.31

38.88

Total in 

acre-feet.

157,000 

72,800 

84,800 

126,000 

159,000 

116,000 

62,100 

49,200 

43,700 

44,900 

71,400 

62,100

1,050,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A.

NOTE. Monthly estimates computed by the Geological Survey.
136 SUEFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

NORTH FORK OF FEATHER RIVER NEAR BIG BENP, CAL.

This station, which was established June 13, 1905, to determine 

the availability of the North Fork for power development, is located 

about 300 feet above the head of Big Bend Tunnel and about 20 miles 

north of Oroville (PL III, B).

No important tributaries enter for many miles above the station. 

West Branch enters from the west about 10 miles below the station 

by river, and Middle Fork comes in from the east about 20 miles below.

The datum of the sta,ff gage remained unchanged from 1905 to 

1907. During 1908 the gage was changed several times, owing to 

construction work about the head of Big Bend Tunnel.

Discharge measurements are made by means of a boat when the 

stage is below 11 feet. For higher stages float measurements are 

made at this point and check measurements are made 2 miles downstream, from the cable of the Golden State Power Co.

The stream has a rock channel which is practically permanent. At 

ow water the stream is about 85 feet wide and 19 feet deep and has 

a sluggish but uniform current.

On account of construction work in the vicinity of the station 

during 1909 no gage height record was kept, but estimates of daily 

discharges for the last half of the year have been furnished by the 

Great Western Power Co., which has maintained the station since its 

establishment.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Feather River near Big Bend, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

July.

2,695

2,650

2,575

2.660

2,465

2,373

2,301

2,235

2,265

2,075

2,050

2,038

1,989

1,989

1,984

Aug.

1,513

1,538

1,528

1,483

1,405

1,410

1,405

1,395

1,385

1,343

1,306

1,296

1,371

1,314

1,245

Sept.

1,169

1,219

1,204

1,170

1,179

1,089

1,129

1,092

1,080

1,139

1,142

1,124

1,239

1,184

1,194

Oct.

1,389

1,489

1,527

1,566

1,512

1,370

1,237

1,468

1,191

1,390

1,327

1,257

1,290

1,189

1,355

Nov.

1,900

1,575

1,575

1,540

1,385

1,450

1,670

1,511

1,965

2,050

1,928

1,885

1,560

1,730

1,540

Dec.

3,870

4,415

4,115

3,140

2,619

2,635

2,650

6,162

12,053

8,367

6,010

4,579

4,264

3,965

3,265

Day.

16.

17.

18-

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25-

26.

27.

28-

29.

30.

31-....

July.

1,910

1,882

1,778

1,758

1,768

1,703

1,637

1,647

1,632

1,552

1,587

1,507

1,527

1,527

1,522

1,527

Aug.

1,210

1,260

1,130

1,174

1,079

1,099

1,223

1,291

1,321

1,200

1,195

1,175

1,188

1,208

1,131

1,170

Sept.

1,190

1,199

1,314

1,222

1,224

1,170

1,117

1,104

1,209

1,317

1,344

1,427

1,085

1,301

1,328

.......

Oct.

1,327

1,269

1,246

1,823

1,772

1,640

1,404

1,572

1,511

1,495

1,511

1,500

1,895

1,805

1,835

1,754

Nov.

1,505

1,438

1,403

1,977

7,322

9,261

8,920

7,783

8,773

6,708

4,765

3,430

2,897

2,790

2,638

Dec.

3,003

2,850

2,743

2,700

2,499

2,400

2,286

2,160

2,035

2,009

2,025

1,905

2,035

1,982

2,285

5,300

NOTE. These discharges were furnished by the Great Western Power Co.
CAUFOBNIA. 137

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Feather River near Big Bend, CaL, for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,940 square miles.]

Month.

July........ .......................

December. ........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,700 

1,540 

1,430 

1,900 

9,260 

12,100

Minimum.

1,520 

1,080 

1,080 

1,190 

1,380 

1,900

i

Mean.

1,820 

1,290 

1,200 

1,480 

3,230 

3,620

Per 

square 

mile.

0.938 

.665 

.619 

.763 

1.66 

1.87

Run-off.

Depth to 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

1.08 

.77 

.69 

.88 

1.85 

2.16

Total in 

acre-feet.

112,000 

79,300 

71,400 

91,000 

192,000 

223,000

769,000

NOTE. Monthly estimates computed by the Geological Survey.

FEATHER RIVER AT OROVILLE, CAL.

This station was originally established January 1, 1902, at the 

Oroville highway bridge, to obtain data for use in studies of flood 

and reclamation problems in Sacramento Valley.

The station is about 6 miles below the junction of North and 

Middle forks, and about 30 miles above the mouth of Yuba River, 

which enters at Marysville. No other important tributaries enter 

near the station.

No diversions are made immediately above the station. All 

acquired water rights are probably for power development.

The United States Weather Bureau gage, located at the bridge, 

was read from 1902 to 1905. All gage heights for those years refer 

to a datum 2 feet lower than that used by the United States Weather 

Bureau in order to avoid minus readings. Discharge measurements 

were made from a boat about 500 feet above the bridge.

In December, 1905, the station was moved about 1,000 feet above 

the bridge, a staff gage was installed on the left bank, and a cable 

erected near the gage. The bridge gage was read from January 1 

to February 28, 1906, and from September 5 to December 31; the 

cable gage from March 1 to July 24, 1906. No readings were made 

from July 25 to September 4, 1906. ' All gage heights for 1906 were 

reduced to the datum of the cable gage by means of a table of comparative readings on the two gages. The station was completely 

destroyed by the flood of March, 1907, which took away the gage 

and the cable. From March 19 to April 7, 1907, the United States 

Weather Bureau gage on the bridge was read and the readings corrected to the datum of the cable gage.

A new staff gage, referred to the old datum, was put in on April 

8, 1907, 1,000 feet above the highway bridge, and a new cable was 

placed across the river October 10, 1907, about 125 feet below the old 

one and 20 feet below the new gage.
138 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART , XI.

When the station on Feather River was established at the new 

location above the Oroville Bridge the section was thought to be 

fairly permanent, but measurements made during the last three 

years show changes in the gaging section, or in the stream channel 

below the gaging section, which have made it impossible to obtain 

a permanent rating curve. The flood of March, 1907, brought down 

an immense amount of heavy debris and deposited it at a point about 

a quarter of a mile below the gaging section. As a result gage 

heights during the following months were much higher than those 

representing the same discharge during 1906. This debris deposit 

was gradually washed out and the relation of gage heights to the 

discharge at the gage section began to assume conditions which 

existed prior to the March, 1907, flood. The construction of the 

Western Pacific Railway through the canyon of the Feather resulted 

in washing large amounts of heavy debris into the river channel. 

Undoubtedly this debris is constantly being brought down the river 

during periods of flood discharge.

There are many uncertainties in the records on account of the 

washing out of gages, unreliable observers, and shifting channel conditions.

Conditions for obtaining accurate measurements at high stages are 

poor. At other stages the discharge data are fairly reliable, though 

the channel is subject,to change and frequent measurements are 

necessary. At low water the stream is about 280 feet wide and from 

10 to 15 feet deep, and the current is sluggish.

Discharge measurements of Feather River at Oroville, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 28

May 26

July 26

Sept. 4

Nov. 13

27

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin.............................................

.....do.....................................................

W.V. Hardy.. ............................................

W.F.Martin.............................. ........... ..

W. V. Hardy.. . ...........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

229

292

275

278

245

248

275

Area of 

section. .

Sq.ft. 

6,420

3,800

2,510

2,500

2,280

2,600

3,480

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

11.14

9.41

495

458

414

5.25

8.38

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

18,800

10,700

2,190

1,890

1,630

2,740

8,080

Daily gage height, in feet, of Feather River at Oroville, Cal., for 1909. 

[E. S. Blackmore, observer.]

Day.

1...... .........

2...............

3...............

4. ..............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

Jan.

5.5

9.8

13.0

9.1

10.0

14.4

11.3

20.2

15.4

11.8

Feb.

10.3

10.3

11.3

10.8

10.8

10.4

11.1

10.3

10.1

10.0

M%r.

9.8

9.7

10.1

12.2

11.5

11.2

10.7

10.4

10.1

9.8

Apr.

9.5

9.5

9.7

mo

9.9

9.8

9.7

9.8

9.8

10.0

May.

10.7

10.9

11.1

11.2

11.3

11.1

11.0

11.0

10.9

10.8

June.

9.5

9.6

9.7

9.7

9.5

9.4

9.3

9.1

9.0

8.9

July.

7.0

6.9

6.8

6.7

6.6

6.5

6.3

6.2

6.1

6.0

Aug.

48

48

47

4.7

46

46

46

46

47

48

Sept.

42

42

42

42

44

46

43

44

44

41

Oct.

5.1

47

5.3

5.1

46

44

4.2

4.1

4.1

41

Nov.

47

5.0

4.9

4.8

47

41

43

46

6.5

5.9

Dec.

9.1

9.1

8.4

7.7

7.6

7.2

8.5

11,0

140

10.5
CALIFORNIA. 139 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Feather River at Oroville, Cal.,for 1909 Continued.

Day.

11...............

12...............

13...............

14. ..............

15...............

16. ..............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28. ..............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

10.3

9.1 lag

27.5

29.5

aSO.5

21.5

18.7

16.6

19.5

21.8

17.9

14.8

13.2

12.6

12.2

11.6

11.1

10.8

10.7

10.5

Feb.

10.4

15.0

13.1

11.6

11.3

11.2

13.2

13.4

12.5

12.2

11.4

10.8

10.6

10.5

10.3

10.0

9.9

9.8

Mar.

9.6

9.5 'Q A

9.5

9.6

9.7

9.9

mo

9.9

9.8

9.8

9.7

9.5

9.4

9.3

9.2

9.3

9.3

9.8

9.6

9.4

Apr.

 10.1

10.2

10.3

10.7

11.0

11.2

11.4

11.6

11.7

11.6

11.5

11.2

11.0

10.8

10.6

10.8

11.0

11.0

10.9

10.8

May.

10.5

10.1

10.0

Q Q

9.9

9.8

9.6

9.6

9.6

9.7

9.5

9.3

9.2

9.3

9.4

9.3

9.5

9.4

9.3

9.3

June.

8.8

8.7

Q ft

8.5

8.5

8.4

8.4

8.3

8.3

8.2

8.1

8.0

8.0

7 Q

7.8

7.7

7.6

7.4

7.3

7.1

July.

5.9

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.9

Aug.

4.6

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.3

42

4 9

4.2

4.3

4.4

4 9

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.1

. 4.2

4.2

Sept.

4.3

4.0

4.4

4. 9

4.3

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.5

4.6

41

42

42

45

45

47

49

5.0

5.3

47

Oct.

41

41

41

41

41

41

41

41

49

5.3

4-9

45

45

44

43

45

47

5.2

5.1

5.4

5.0

Nov.

5.8

5.3

5.0

5.3

5.0

48

47

46

5.4 ia2

ia4 ia?

9.8

11.1

10. 0

8.9

&1

7.7

7.4

7.0

Dee.

9.4

9.0

&5

8.2

7.9

7.6

7.4

7.3

7.1

6.9

6.8

6.7 6.5

6.3 6.3

,6.3

6.2 6.1

6.1

6.5

10.0

a Height approximate, water over gage. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Feather River at Orovilk, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

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.......

29....... 

30....... 

31.......

Jan.

1,920

13,000

26,000

10,700

13,700

33,200

18,600

66,700

38,700

20,700

14,800

10,700

17,000

118,000

131,000

137,000

74,800

57,700

45,300

62,500

76,700

52,900

35,400

27,000

24,200

22,400

19,800

17,800

16,600 

16,300 

15,500

Feb.

14,800

14,800

 18,600

16,600

16,600

15,100

17,800

14,800

14,600

13,700

15,100

36,500

26,500

19,800

18,600

18,200

27,000

28,000

23,800

22,400

19,000

16,600

15,900

15,500

14,800

13,700

13,400

13,000

Mar.

13,000

12,700

14,100

22,400

19,400

18,200

16,300

15,100

14,100

13,000

12,300

12,000

11,700

12,000

12,300

12,700

13,400

13,700

13,400

13,000

13,000

12,700

12,000

11,700

11,400

11,000

11,400

11,400

13,000 

12,300 

11,700

Apr.

12,000

12,000

12,700

13,700

13,400

13,000

12,700

13,000

.13,000

13,700

14,100

14,400

14,800

16,300

17,400

18,200

19,000

19,800

20,200

19,800

19,400

18,200

17,400

16,600

15,900

16,600

17,400

17,400

17,000 

16,600

May.

16,300

17,000

17,800

18,200

18,600

17,800

17,400

17,400

17,000

16,600

15,500

14,100

13,700

13,400

13,400

13,000

12,300

12,300

12,300

12,300

12,700

12,000

11,400

11,000

11,400

11,700

11,400

12,000

11,700 

11,400 

11,400

June.

12,000

12,300

12,700

12,700

12,000

11,700

11,400

10,700

10,400

10,100

'9,800

9,500

9,200

8,900

8,900

8,600

8,600

8,320

8,320

8,040

7,760

7,500

7,500

7,250

7,010

6,770

6,530

6,080

5,870 

5,450

July.

5,250

5,060

4,870

4,690

4,510

4,340

4,020

3,860

3,710

3,560

3,420

3,290

3,290

3,160

3,040

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,920

2,800

2,680

2,570

2,460

2,350

2,350

2,350

2,350

2,250 

2,250 

2,250

Aug.

2,150

2,150

2,050

2,050

1,960

1,960

1,960

1,960

2,050

2,150

1,960

1,790

1,710

1,710

1,710

1,640

1,640

1,640

1,710

1,790

1,640

1,640

1,570

1,570

1,710

1,710

1,640

1,640

1,570 

1,640 

1,640

Sept.

1,640

1,640,

1,640

1,640

1,790

1,960

1,710

1,790

1,790

1,570

1,710

1,500

1,790

1,640

1,710

1,790

1,710

1,710

1,870

1,960

1,570

1,640

1,640

1,870

1,870

2,050

2,250

2,350

2,680 

2,050

Oct.

2,460

2,050

2,680

2,460

1,960

1,790

1,640

1,570

1,570

1,570

1,570

1,570

1,570

1,570

1,570

1,570

1,570

1,570

2,250

2,680

2,250

1,870

1,870

1,790

1,710

1,870

2,050

2,570

2,460 

2,800 

2,350

Nov.

2,050

2,350

2,250

2,150

2,050

1,570

1,710

1,960

4,340

3,420

3,290

2,680

2,350

2,680

2,350

2,150

2,050

1,960

2,800

14,400

15,100

16,300

13,000

17,800

13,700

10,100

7,760

6,770

6,080 

5,250

Dec.

10,700

10,700

8,600

6,770

6,530

5,660

8,900

17,400

31,000

15,500

11,700

10,400

8,900

8,040

7,250

6,530

6,080

5,870

5,450

5,060

4,870

4,690

4,340

4,020

4,020

4,020

3,860

3,710

3,710 

4,340 

13,700

NOTE. Discharge Jan. 1 is based on a rating curve that is well defined. Discharges from Jan. 2 to Dec. 31 

are based on a rating curve that is well denned below 48,000 second-feet.
140 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Feather River at Orovilk, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 3,640 square miles.)

Month.

January. ......

March ......................

April.......................

May........................

July........................

August .....................

October. ...................

December. .................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

137,000 

36,500 

22,400 

20,200 

18,600 

12,700 

5,250 

2,150 

2,680 

2,800 

17,800 

31,000

137,000

Minimum.

1,920 

13,000 

11,000 

12.000 

11,000 

5,450 

2,250 

1,570 

1,500 

1,570 

1,570 

3,710

1,570

Mean.

39,900 

18,400 

13,400 

15,900 

14,000 

9,060 

3,270 

1,800 

1,820 

1,960 

5,750 

8,140

11,100

Per 

square 

mile.

11.0 

5.05 

3.68 

4.37 

3.85 

2.49 

.898 

.495 

.500 

.538 

1.58 

2.24

3.06

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

aera.

12.68 

5.26 

4.24 

4.88 

4.44 

2.78 

1.04 

.57 

.56 

.62 

1.76 

2.58

41.41

Total in 

acre-feet.

2,450,000 

1,020,000 

824,000 

946,000 

861,000 

539,000 

201,000 

111,000 

108,000 

121,000 

342,000 

501,000

8,020,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B.

BUTT GREEK AT BTJTTE VALLEY, GAL.

Butt Creek rises in the extreme western part of Plumas County and 

flows eastward, discharging into North Fork of Feather Kiver about 

9 miles south of Prattville. The creek is about 25 miles long, and its 

drainage area comprises 74 square miles. It has an approximate fall 

of 3,000 feet, and is well adapted for power development.

The gaging station was established June 14, 1905, about 2 miles 

above the mouth of the creek and 100 feet below the footbridge at 

the lower end of Butte Valley. The bottom of the channel is composed of coarse gravel and shifts somewhat during extreme floods.

The following daily gage heights have been furnished by the 

Great Western Power Co., which has maintained the station since its 

establishment.

Measurements are made by wading at low stages and from the 

footbridge at high water. The staff gage is nailed to a post 15 feet 

below the measuring section and has remained unchanged.

The records are good, as the changes in channel conditions have 

been well covered by measurements. No discharge measurements 

were made during 1909.
CALIFORNIA. 141

Daily gage height, infect, of Butt Creek at Butte Valley, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Observations furnished by Great Western Power Co.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22.. .............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29............... 

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

2.21

2.60

3.50

3.05

3.75

4.45

4.05

5.85

4 80

4.65

4.52

3.00

3.50

6.55

7.90

8.90

5.85

6.00

5.85

6.70

6.85

5 90

5.10

4.10

4.25

4.16

3.75

3.55

3.43 

3.47 

3.53

Feb.

3.20

3.50

3.95

3.50

3.45

3.10

3.34

3.55

3.35

3.30

3.70

3.70

3.45

3.45

3.65

3 40

4.02

3.85

3.65

3.65

3.53

3.60

3.25

3.25

3.12

3.02

3.02

Mar.

3.05

3.05

3.32

4.25

3.80

3.62 3 An

3.23

3.05

3.20

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.20

3.30

3.45

<5 (V)

3.60

3.48

3.43

3.45

3.45

3.30

3.20

3.18

3.18

3.17

3.16

3.38 

3.17 

3.25

Apr.

3.30

3.40

3.55

3.65

8.48

3.45

3.50

3.55

3.62

3.65

3.70

3.82

4 10

4.30

4.45

4.45

4 50

4.57

5.05

4.63

4.25

4.20

4.17

4.15

4.20

4.31

4.40

4.28

4.20 

4.13

May.

4.13

4.18

4.25

4.35

4.45

4.45

4.25

4.20

4.15

4.12

4.00

3.90

3.76

3.75

3.73

3.55

3 40

3.49

3.49

3.49

3.51

3.58

3.45

3.40

3.35

3.40

3.65

3.54

3.40 

3.27 

3.35

June.

3.40

3.45

3.45

3.40

3.35

3.30

3.20

3.14

3.07

3.05

3.00

2.98

2.95

2.93

2.88

2.88

2.88

2.95

2.90

2.85

2.80

2

7<\

2.73

2.68

2.67

2.65

2.62

2.58

2.55 

2.53

July.

2.50

2.48

2.46

2.45

2.43

2.42

2.41

2.40

2.39

2.38

2.37

2.37

2.37

2.37

2.37

2.36

2.36

2.36

2.36

2.35

2.35

9 34

2.34

2.33

2.33

2.32

2.31

2.30

2.28 

2.28 

2.28

Aug.

2.27

2.27

2.27

2.27

2.27

2.27

2.27

2.26

2.26

2.26

2.26

2.26

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.24

2.24

2.24

2.24

2.24

2.24

2.23

2.23

2.23 

2.23 

2.23

Sept.

2.22

2.22

2.22

2.22

2 22

2.22

2.22

2.23

2.22

2.22

2.21

2.21

2.21

2.21

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.21

2.22

2.23

2.24

2.25

2.26

2.27

2.30

2.40 

2.37

Oct.

2.38

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.44

2.43

2.42

2.30

2.39

2.28

2.27

2.26

2.25

2.24

2.23

2.21

2.22

2.22

2.35

2.67

2.61

2.42

2.47

2.44

2.30

2.37

2.37

2.45

2.50 

2.52 

2.47

Nov.

2.47

2.45

2.44

2.43

2.40

2.42

2.45

2.43

2.45

2.55

2.48

2.43

2.43

2.44

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.43

2.55

3.25

4.85

3.40

3.35

3.75

3.20

2.85

2.74

2.68

2.65 

2.63

Dec.

3.10

2.32

2.80

2.90

2.95

3.20

3.10

3.35

3.85

3.30

3.35

3.30

3.10

2.78

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.59

2.59

2.58

2.57

2.56

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.60

2.65 

2.75

2.85

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Butt Creek at Butte Valley, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21......... ....

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29. ..............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

31

59

184

115

227

356

281

682

431

398

370

108

184

874

1,300

1 '682 640

722

682

918

Qfi4

695

407

290

317

301

227

172

179

189

Feb.

137

184

263

184

176

122

I'M

160

115

152

218

218

176

176

9irt

167

276 oje

91 n

01 A

189

201

144

144

125

111

111

Mar.

115

115

155

317

236

204

167

142

115

137

130

130

130

137

152

176

204

201

181

172

176

176

1 <V>

137

134

134

139

131

164

132

144

Apr.

152

167

192

210

181

176

184

192

204

210

218

240

290

326

356

356

366

381

486

3O4

317

308

303

299

308

328

346

322

308

295

May.

295

304

317

336

356

356

317

308

299

294

272

254

229

227

223

109

182

182

182

182

1»R

198

176

167

160

167

91 n

191

167

148

160

June.

167

176

176

167

160

152

137

128

118

115

108

105

101

98

91

91

01

101

04

88

81

75

73

67

66

64

61

57

54

53

July.

50

49

47

46

45

44

44

43

42

42

41

41

41

41

41

40

40

40

40

40

40

39

39

38

38

37

37

36

35

35

35

Aug.

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

32

Sept.

31

31

31

31

31

31

31

32

31

31

31

31

31

31

30

30

30

30

30

30

31

31

32

32

33

34

34

36

43

41

Oct.

42

46

46

46

46

45

44

36

42

35

34

34

33

32

32

31

31

31

40

66

60

44

48

46

36

41

41

46

50

52

48

Nov.

48

46

46

45

43

44

46

45

46

54

49

45

45

46

46

46

46

45

54

144

442

167

160

227

137

88

74

67

64

62

Dec.

122

37

81

94

101

137

122

160

245

152

160

152

122

79

69

69

69

59

59

58

58

57

56

55

54

54

54

59 ' 64

75

88

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between discharges of 25 

and 450 second-feet.
142 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Butt Creek at Butte Valley, Cal., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 73 square miles.]

Month.

March......................

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,640 

276 

317 

486 

356 

176 

50 

34 

41 

66 

442 

245

1,640

Minimum.

31 

111 

115 

152 

148 

53 

35 

32 

30 

31 

43 

37

30

Mean.

460 

178 

159 

280 

233 

104 

40.8 

33.0 

32.1 

42.1 

83.9 

91.0

145

Per 

square 

mile.

6.30 

2.44 

2.18 

3.84 

3.19 

1.42 

.559 

.452 

.440 

.577 

1.15 

1.25

1.98

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

7.26 

2.54 

2.51 

4.28 

3.68 

1.58 

.64 

.52 

.49 

.67 

1.28 

1.44

26.89

Total in 

acre-feet.

28,300 

9,890 

9,780 

16,700 

14,300 

6,190 

2,510 

2,030 

1,910 

2,590 

4,990 

5,600

105,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

INDIAN CREEK NEAR CRESCENT HILLS, CAL.

Indian Creek rises in the Sierra Divide and flows westward to its 

junction with North Fork of Feather River. The stream is about 

50 miles long and its drainage area, comprising 1,025 square miles, 

is much greater than that of North Fork above the junction of the 

two streams. The basin is in the northeastern part of Plumas 

County, north of Middle Fork of Feather River and east of the upper 

part of North Fork. For about 45 miles it lies along the Sierra 

Divide, which separates it from Honey Lake drainage basin at 

the east. The principal tributaries are Squaw, Red, Clover, Little 

Grizzly, and Spanish creeks from the south and Light and Wolf 

creeks from the north.

Practically all of the Indian Creek basin exceeds 5,000 feet in 

altitude, and much of it is 6,000 to 7,000 feet in altitude. The entire 

basin is included in a national forest, except a few small meadows, of 

which Indian and American valleys are the largest.

The mean annual precipitation is between 40 and 45 inches, and a 

large part of it occurs as snowfall. During the winter the streams 

freeze over occasionally.

The basin affords several good storage reservoir sites. Opportunities for power development are also good. With the available 

fall, the flow of the streams is sufficient to generate at least 20,000 

horsepower continuously, and by utilizing storage 60,000 horsepower could be developed.

The longest run-off record covers only four years, of which 1907 

was the wettest and 1908 the driest. The results in these years 

probably represent extreme conditions. The total flow in 1907 was 

more than three times that in 1908.
CALIFORNIA. 143

The gaging station, which was established November 29, 1905, to 

determine the quantity of water available for storage, is located 

about 1| miles below Crescent Mills, on the Green ville-Taylorsville 

road, and about 2,000 feet below the Arlington bridge.

This station is at the lower end of Indian Valley, above which point 

nearly all the important tributaries enter. Spanish Creek enters 

about 5 miles below the station.

The bed of the stream is practically permanent. At low water 

the stream is deep, and the current is very sluggish.

Measurements are made from a cable at high stages and during 

low water at the bridge above. The staff gage is 21 feet above the 

cable station. The datum of the gage has remained unchanged.

The station was discontinued December 31, 1909.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Indian Creek near Crescent Mills, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Eugene Cook, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16. ..............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20................

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

26...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29............... 

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

1.9

3.65

4.15

3.8

4.4

6.0

6.0

7.75

8.15

6.2

4.85

4.1

3.8

8.7

14.0

ol7.0

14.5

11.6

9.85

10.26

11.26

11.35

8.7

7.5

6.95

6.6

6.1

5.6

5.35 

5.15 

5.1

Feb.

4.9

5.0

5.3

5.1

4.95

4.8

6.1

d. 7fi

4.45

4.45

4 4.K

5.5

t; Qt;

5.5

5.3

5.4

6.95

7.2

6.85

6.2

5.8

5.3

5.1

5.05

A. Qfi

4.75

4.6

4.55

Mar.

4.5

4.6

4.75

5.5

5.8

5.5

5.3

5.0

4.9

4.7

4.6

4.5

4 45

4.6

4.8

5.1

5.55

5.85

5.6

5.5

5.4

5.26

5.0

4.9

4.75

4.7

4.9

A. 0

4.9

4.9 

4.7

Apr.

4.8

5.3

5.75

6.35

6.5

6.1

5.9

5.9

5.9

6.2

6.5

6.4

6.75

7.1

8.3

8.4

8.5

8.7

8.75

8.2

7.85

7.6 '7 t;

7.5

7.5

7.7

7.9

7.75 

7.55

May.

7.4

7.35

7.4

7.5

7.7

7.7

7.5

7.3

7.2

6.0

6.7

6.5

6.3

6.1

5.0

5.9

5.85

5.8

5.75

*; 71

5.75

 5.7

5.6

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.55

5.6 

5.45 

5.4

June.

5.4

5.5

5.55

5.55

t; d.f;

5.3

5.2

5.1

4.95

4.8

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.4

4.3

4.25

4.2

4.25

4.45

4 55

4.45

4 25

4.1

4.0

3.85

3.7

3.55

3.5

3.4 

3.3

July.

3.2

3.1

3.0

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.3

2 25

2.2

2.15

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.55 

1.5 

1.45

Aug.

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

0.95

.95

Qt;

.9

.9

.9

. .85

.85

.85

.8

.8

.8

.85

.85

.9

0.95

1.0

1.0

1.0 

1.0 

1 0

Sept.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1 05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

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

1.05

1.05 

1.1

Oct.

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.65

1.75

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.75 

1.9 

1.9

Nov.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.9

1.9

1.85

2.35

2.45

2.3

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.5

3.0

5.1

5.0

4.2

4.1

3.95

3.7

3.3

3.15

2.85 

2.8

Dec.

3.3

4.0

3.55

3.0

2.9

2.75

2.9

3.45

5.4

5.5

4.5

4.1

3.7

3.5

3.25

3.1

2.95

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.55

2.4

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.25 

2.5 

3.9

« Water over top of gage in the morning, 

has been taken as mean for day.

Observer recorded a gage height of 17 feet for this day. It
144 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Indian Creek near Crescent Mills, Cal. t for 1909.

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28.. 1-.... ........

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

164

578

762

630

880

1,800

1,800

3,020

3,300

1,940

1,100

740

630

3,690

7,400

0 Wl

7,750

5,720

4,500

4,780

5,480

5,540

3,690

2,850

2,460

2,220

1,870

1,540

1,390

1,270

1,240

Feb.

1,130

1,180

1,360

1,240

1,160

1,080

1,240

1,060

905

905

on1;

1,480

1,760

1,480

1,360

1,420

2 Ann

2,640

2,400

1,940

1 660

1,360

1,240

1,210

1,160

i rifin

osn

955

Mar.

930

nan

1,060

1,480

1,660

1,480

1,360

1,180

1,130

1,030

osn

930

905

980

1,080

1 240

1,'510

1,700

1,540

1,480

1,420

1,330

1,180

1,130

1 060

1,030

1,130

1,130

1,130

1,130

1,030

Apr.

1,080

1,360

1,630

2,040

2,150

1,870

1,730

1,730

1,730

1,940

2,150

2,010

2,080

2,320

2,570

3,410

3,480

3,550

3,690

3,720

3 Q4fl

3,100

2,920

2 a vi

2,850

2 OCA

9 QQO

3,130

3,020

2,880

May.

2,780

2,740

2,780

2,850

2,990

2,990

2,850

2,780

2,710

2,640

1,800

2,290

2,150

2,010

1,870

1,180

1,730

1,700

1,660

1,630

1,630

1630

1,600 i un

1,480

1,420

1,420

1,510

1,540

1 450

1^420

June.

1,420

1 4Sn

1,510

1,510

1,450

1,360

1,300

1,240

1,160

1,080

1,030

980

930

880

830

808

785

808

905

955

905

808

740

700

648

595

<UK

530

502

M7t\

July.

448

421

395

369

357

345

333

321

310

299

288

278

268

258

248

238

228

219

210

182

173

164

155

146

138

129

121

113

106

98

91

Aug.

84

78

71

64

58

52

40

35

35

35

30

30

30

25

25

25

20

20

20

16

16

16

20

20

25

30

35

35

35

35

35

Sept.

35

35

35

35

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

40

40

46

Oct.

58

71

84

91

91

84

84

84

84

84

84

84

84

84

84

84

84

91

98

121

138

129

113

113

113

113

113

113

138

164

164

Nov.

146

146

146

138

138

164

164

155

248

268

238

200

182

182

182

164

164

164

278

395

1,240

1,180

785

720

682

595

475

434

357

345

Dec.

475

700

545

395

369

333

369

516

1,420

1,480

930

740

595

530

462

421

382

345

333

321

310

299

288

258

278

258

238

238

228

665

NOTE.- 

feet.

-These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below a discharge of 1,940 secondMonthly discharge of Indian Creek near Crescent Mills}<£al.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 740 square miles.] ^-'

Month.

January ....................

March ......................

April.......................

June........................

July........................

December ..................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

9,500 

2,640 

1,700 

3,720 

2,990 

1,510 

448 

84 

46 

164 

1,240 

1,480

9,500

Minim irm T

164 

905 

905 

1,080 

1,180 

475 

91 

16 

35 

58 

138 

228

16

Mean.

2,910 

1,380 

1,200 

2,540 

2,020 

962 

240 

35.3 

36.9 

101 

356 

484

1,020

Per 

square 

mile.

3.93 

1.86 

1.62 

3.43 

2.73 

1.30 

.324 

.048 

.050 

.136 

.481 

.654

1.38

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

4.53 

1.94 

1.87 

3.83 

3.15 

1.45 

.37 

.06 

.06 

.16 

.54 

.75

18.71

Total in 

acre-feet.

179,000 

76,600 

73,800 

151,000 

124,000 

57,200 

14,800 

2,170 

2,200 

6,210 

21,200 

29,800

738,000

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

NOTE. No discharge measurements have been made since 1906, and tbe above estimates of accuracy are 

dependent on the permanency of conditions of flow.
CALIFORNIA. 145 

TUBA RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Yuba River rises near the crest on the western slope of the high 

Sierra and flows south-westward to its junction with Feather Kiver 

at Marysville. The total length of the stream is about 90 miles. 

Its basin lies south of the Middle Fork of Feather River basin, west 

of the Truckee River basin and north of the American and Bear 

River basins, is chiefly in Yuba, Sierra, and Nevada counties, and is 

one of the principal subdivisions of the Feather River basin. It 

has an area of more than 1,300 square miles and is triangular in shape, 

the base of the triangle lying along the crest of the Sierra. Its extreme length from the mouth of the Yuba River to the crest of the 

Sierra is about 70 miles, and its greatest width is about 35 miles.1 

The most important tributaries are Middle Fork of Yuba, South Fork 

of Yuba, and Deer Creek from the east, and North Fork of North 

Fork and Canyon Creek from the north.

The topography of the Yuba basin is rugged and mountainous. 

From the edge of Sacramento Valley the surface rises gently through 

the foothills and then more abruptly through rounded and broken 

mountains to the crest of the Sierra, which along the Yuba-Truckee 

divide has a mean elevation of about 8,000 feet and a few peaks 

exceeding 9,000 feet. The streams have cut deep canyons which head 

well up in the mountains. The lower western part of the basin is 

composed of slates and kindred rocks, much eroded; and the higher, 

eastern part consists of granites and lavas. A stratum of serpentine 

traverses the basin parallel to the crest but at a considerable distance 

from it.

The soil is deep in most places and supports a hardy growth of 

brush and timber, especially along the sides of the canyons. Th.<6 

North Fork basin has at present the best forest cover, and that of 

South Fork the poorest, but this difference is the result of lumbering 

operations. All the upper part of the Yuba basin, more than 800 

square miles, is now included in a national forest.

The mean annual precipitation ranges from 18 inches at Marysville 

to about 70 inches near the mountain crest. In the upper and central parts of the basin the precipitation ranges from 50 to 70 inches 

and occurs principally as snow, which remains on the ground all 

winter and well into the summer. The North and South Fork basins 

probably receive the greatest precipitation.

Numerous small glacial lakes near the headwaters of the South 

Fork are utilized as storage reservoirs. The stored water was 

originally used in hydraulic mining, but at present it is used for

i A report of a reconnaissance of Yuba River was published in Water-Supply Paper IT. S. GeoU

Survey No. 46,1901.

96451° WSP 271 11 10
146 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

irrigation in the foothill belt in the vicinity of Auburn and also for 

power development. The minimum flow of the streams is sufficient 

to develop about 125,000 horsepower without storage.

Perennial springs are found in different parts of Yuba River basin, 

particularly along the North Fork.

The channel of the Yuba for many miles above the mouth of the 

river has been filled with enormous quantities of mining d&bris tailings from hydraulic mining between 1849 and 1880 variously estimated at between 71,000,000 and 700,000,000 cubic yards. This 

d&bris deposit is about 7 feet at the mouth of the river, about 26 feet 

at Dugnes Point, 11 miles above the mouth, and about 84 feet in The 

Narrows, 18 miles above the mouth. An unsuccessful attempt has 

been made to restrain this d&bris from moving downstream by building 

barrier dams.

The longest run-off record in the Yuba River basin dates from 1903. 

The wettest year since that time was 1909 and the driest 1908. The 

total flow in the wettest year was nearly three times that in the 

driest.

YUBA RIVER NEAR SMARTSVILLE, CAL.

This station, which is located 1 mile north of Smartsville and 20 

miles above Marysville, Cal., at a point in the foothills called The 

Narrows, was established June 2, 1903. The data are valuable in 

connection with flood and reclamation problems of Sacramento 

VaUey.

Deer Creek (draining about 89.6 square miles) enters from the east 

about 1 mile above the station. South Fork of Yuba (draining 360 

square miles) and North Fork of Yuba (draining 492 square miles) 

enter from the east and north about 8 and 15 miles, respectively, 

above the station. Dry Creek (draining area 106 square miles) enters 

from the north about 7 miles below the station.

No diversions are made immediately above the station. Extensive 

water rights have been acquired throughout this basin, and practically the entire flow of the South Fork has been preempted by filings.

At the point of measurement (PI. IV, A and B) the channel is 

straight for several hundred feet and is filled to a great depth with 

gravel and sand tailings from hydraulic mining which are continually shifting, alternately filling and scouring. On this account 

frequent discharge measurements are made in order to estimate the 

discharge closely. The banks are high and rocky and confine the 

river at all stages. The current is swift.

After the rains of 1904 it was found that the bed of the stream had 

been lowered for an average depth of 2 feet.

Discharge measurements are made from a car and cable. An 

auxiliary cable is stretched parallel to and 100 feet upstream from the
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 271 PLATE IV

A. EQUIPMENT OF GAGING STATION ON YUBA RIVER AT SMARTSVILLE, CAL.

B. GAGING STATION ON YUBA RIVER AT SMARTSVILLE CAL.

CALIFORNIA. 147

main cable, and a second auxiliary cable, used for float measurements, 

is located 150 feet below the station.

Conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are poor, owing 

to the shifting of the bed and the torrential nature of the stream. At 

high stages only float velocities can be taken.

The staff gage, which is at the cable, is made in two sections and 

is read daily. The low-water portion is bolted to a rock wall on the 

left bank; the high-water portion is bolted to the wall on the right 

bank. During recent years the bed of the stream has been lowering, 

and on August 1,1906, the gage datum was lowered 10 feet.

Discharge measurements of Yuba River near Smartsmlle, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 21

28

Mar. 7

21

Apr. 11

25

May 25

June 26

July 18

Sept. 20

Oct. 10

Nov. 7

14

28

Hydrographer.

J. R. McKeel ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

J. E. MoKeeL. ............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

260

210

210

200

200

.210

184

160

130

115

115

122

130

200

180

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,510

1,140

1,210

1,050

1,140

1,300

1,090

854

426

308

332

397

467

1,200

1,050

s&

Feet. 

12.05

10.7

11.0

10.0

10.5

11.0

9.7

8.6

5.6

4.7

4.9

5.3

5.8

10.2

9.2

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

8,730

5,2%

6,480

4,750

6,080

7,610

6,000

4,120

1,000

411

428

677

1,020

4,170

3,190

Daily gage height, in feet, of Yuba River near Smartsmlle, Cal., for 1909. 

[J. R. McKeel, 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.

7.2 

10.6 

13.5

10.6

10.6

16.0

13.9

20.5

17.0

114

13-6

13.1

17.0

27.8

28.3

23.5

17.4

17.0

15.0

16.5

19.4

16.0

14 1

13.5

12.8

12.2

11.5 

11.1

11.0

10.8 

10.8

Feb.

10.5 

10.4 

U.l

11.0

11.0

10.9

T1 rt

11.9

11.3

11.2

13.4 iao

14.3

13.3

19 7

12.6

14 0

14 0

13.0

13.0

12.1

11.7

11.6

11.3

11.1

10.9 

10.7

.......

Mar.

10.6 

10.6 

10.8

12.7

11.7

11.7

11.0

10.8

10.7

10.5

10.3

10.3

10.1

10.1

in 9

10.3

10.2

10.1

10.0

9.9

9

0

9 7

9

e

9 6

9,5

9 A

10.4

9.8 

9.6

Apr.

9.6 

10.0 

10.4

10.3

10.2

10.1

10.2

10.4

10.5

10.5

10.5

10.8

11.0

11.4

11.6

n

o

11 9

n o

11.6

11.5

10.7

in a

10.9

11.0

11.5

11.7

H O

11.8

11.8

May.

11.8

11.8

n

o

12.0

12.1

12.5

19 £

12.4

11.9

11.8

ift &

10.6

10.5

in i

10.1

10.0

W q

10.5

10.8

10.7

Q 7

9.4

9.2

9 7

1ft 9

10.3 

10.7

10.5

10.6 

10.2

June.

11.5

19 ft"

11.8

11.4

11.1

11.0

10.4

10.0

10.0

Q a

9.5

9 A

9

0

9 9

Q 9

Q ft

8.7

8.8

10.0

9 7

9.5

ft Q

8., 6

Q o

8.1

7.9

July.

7.8 

7.6

7.3

R Q

6.7

6.5

6.3

6.2

6.1

6.0

6.0

<S Q

5.8

5.8

«S 7

«S 7

5.6 5 fi

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4 

5.3

5.3 

5.3

Aug.

"~5."3~

f. 9

5.2

S

o

5.i

5.1

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

4 9

A Q

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.8 "Ts"

Sept.

4.8

4

0

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4 7

4 7

4 7

' 4.7

4.8

4.8

4.9

4.9

Oct.

5.0 

5.3

1 9

5.2

5.1

4 0

4.9

4.9

4 9

4.9

A ft

A. Q

A Q

A. fi

A ft

5.9

5.4

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.0

4 Q

4.9

K 9

5.8

5.5

5.4

Nov.

5.4 

"~5.~3"

5.3

5.4

5.3

5.3

6.8

6.4

6.2

6.0

5.8

5.8

5.6

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.5

10.5

iao

19 Q

14.4

13.6

19 A.

11.0

1ft 9

9.7

9.5

Dec.

15.2 

13.7 

11.8

10.8

10.3

10.1

10.0

12.0

18.0

13.4

12.1

11.5

10.9

10.4

10.0

9.7

0 4

9.3

9.2

9.1

9.0

8.9

8 7

8.5

a 4

8.3

8.1

ft A

7.9

8.2 

16.5
148 SUEPACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Yuba River near Smartsville, Gal., for 1909.

Day.

1.... ......

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15.. .^.....

"l6..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Jan.

700

4,200

10,600

4,200

4 200

19,600

11,800

41,000

24,200

13,300

10,800

9,400 94 non

106,000

111,000

71,000

28,000

18,500

25,400

41,600

23,000

16,500

12,900

10,800

9,100

7,400

6,500

6,300

5,900

5 Qnn

Feb.

5,300

5,100

6,600

6,300

6,300

6,100

11,300

8,400

7,000

6,800

12,600

33,200 i ^ Jinn

12,300

10,500

10,200

14,600

14,600

11,300

11,300

8,800

8,400

7 cion

7,600

6,900

6,400

5,900

5,230

Mar.

5,100 5 iftn

5,700

1ft 9ftft

7,700

8,000

6 480

6,050

5,850

5,500

5,100

5,100

5 nnn

5 Ann

4,850

4,850

5,100

5,300

5,100

4,900

4,750

4,600

4 400

d 4fift

4,100

4,250

4,100

3,900

5,700

4,600

4,300

Apr.

4,300

4,950

5,700

5 RAA

5,600

H 4Aft

5,250

5,400

5,900

6,100

6,100

6,100

6,700

7,250

8,200

8,700

9 inn

9,600

9,600

8,800

8,700

6.800

7,000

7 4flft

7,600

8,800

9,300

9,900

9,900

9,900

May.

Q Qftft

9,900

9 onn

10,700

11,000

19 onft

12,300

12,000

11,300

W ftnn

10,500

7,900 7 tuin

7 9nn

6,800

6,600

6

Af\(\

7,000

7,500

8,200

7 QW1

5,990

5,420

5,080

5,990

7,120

7,350

8,310

7,820

8,060

7,120

June.

10,400

11,000

11,800

11,200

10,100

9 34ft

9 ftsn

8,310

7,580

6,660

6,660

6,200

5,990

5,600

5,420

5,250

5,080

5,080

4,740

4,260

4,410

6,660

5,990

5,600

4,570

4,120

3,980

3,730

3,490

3,250

July.

3,130

2,890

2 7ftn

2,560

2,140

1,940

1,760

1,580

1,490

1,400

1,320

1,320

1,240

1,169

1,160

1,080

1,080

1,000

1,000

930

930

930

860

860

860

860

860

790

790

790

790

Aug.

790

790

79ft

720

720

720

720

720

650

650

650

650

650 win

ion

590 ion

Ron

ion

530

530

530

530

530

530

530

470

470

470

470

470

Sept.

470

470

470

470

470

470

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

390

450

450

450

450

480

480

Oct.

540

740

670

640

570

450

450

450

430

430

430

380

380

380

380

380

380

380

38ft

1,110

740

600

Ivlft

48ft

48ft

430

430

600

1,030

810

740

Nov.

740

700

670

670

710

740

670

670

1,890

1,530

1,350

1,190

1,030

1,030

880

810

740

740

810

6,650

37,000

22,000

11,900

16,000

13,100

9,500

5,600

4,200

3,500

3,200

Dec.

17,800

12,600

7,400

5,300

4 450

4,150

4,100

8,100

32,000

12,000

8,300

7,100

5,900

4,900

4,250

3,800

3,450

3,300

3,200

3,050

2,950

2,850

2,600

2,400

2,300

2.200

1,950

1,850

1,750

2,080

25,000

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to May 21, indirect 

method for shifting channels; May 22 to Sept. 23, fairly well defined; Sept. 24 to Oct. 8, indirect method 

for shifting channels; Oct. 9 to Nov. 19, fairly well defined; Nov. 20 to Dec. 31, indirect method for shifting 

channels. -

Monthly discharge of Yuba River near Smartsvilk, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,220 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

111,000 

33,200 

10,200 

9,900 

12,300 

11,800 

3,130 

790 

480 

1,110 

37,000 

32,000

111,000

i 

Minimum.

700 

5,100 

3,900 

4,300 

5,080 

3,250 

790 

470 

390 

380 

670 

1,750

380

Mean.

23,000 

9,740 

5,330 

7,340 

8,450 

6,520 

1,360 

605 

431 

543 

5,010 

6,550

6,230

Per 

square 

mile.

18.9 

7.98 

4.37 

6.02 

6.93 

5.34 

1.11 

.496 

.353 

.445 

4.11 

5.37

5.11

Run-off.

Depth hi 

inches on 

drainage, 

area.

21.79 

8.31 

5.04 

6.72 

7.99 

5.96 

1.28 

.57 

.39 

.51 

4.59 

6.19

69.34

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,410,000 

541,000 

328,000 

437,000 

520,000 

388,000 

83,600 

37,200 

25,600 

33,400 

298,000 

403,000

4,500,000

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C.
CALIFOBNIA. 149

BEAR RIVER BASIN.

DESCRIPTION.

Bear River drains a narrow strip lying on the western slope of the 

Sierra below an altitude of 5,500 feet. The basin is about 60 miles 

long, and not more than 10 miles wide, and lies south of Yuba River 

basin and north of American River basin. Its total area is less than 

300 square miles.

The river rises near Emigrant Gap, in the extreme northeastern 

part of its basin, and flows southwestward to its junction with 

Feather River about 15 miles south of Marysville. It is the boundary line between Nevada and Placer counties and closely parallels 

the Bear-American divide/ which is 1 to 2 miles south of it. Its 

principal tributaries are Steep Hollow Creek, Greenhorn River, and 

Wolf Creek, all from the north.

The Bear River basin has very little forest, except on a small area 

in the upper part. The mean annual precipitation ranges from 21 

inches in the valley to 52 inches at the source of the river, where 

much of it occurs as snow that soon disappears.

Very little, if any, irrigation is practiced in this basin.

Storage is not feasible, and the minimum flow of the'streams is not 

sufficient to develop much power.

The longest run-off record extends back to 1904. The wettest 

year since that time was 1906, and the driest, 1908. The total flow 

in the wettest year was nearly four times that in the driest.

BEAR RIYER AT VAN TRENT, CAL. 1

This station, which is located about 800 feet below the bridge near 

the Dairy Farm mine, Van Trent post office, and 8 miles above Wheatland, was established October 8, 1904, to obtain data regarding the 

flow of a deforested basin.

No important tributaries enter near the station. Wolf Creek 

enters from the north about 20 miles above, and has a drainage area 

of 76 square miles. Rock Creek is very small and enters about 1 

mile below. No diversions are made immediately above the station.

The staff gage is located 300 feet above the cable section. Its 

datum has remained unchanged.

Measurements are made from a cable except at low water when 

they are made by wading.

Conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are poor, owing 

to the rough channel and torrential nature of the stream.

1 Referred to in previous reports as "above Wheatland." Van Trent is a new post office.
150 SURFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Discharge measurements of Bear River at Van Trent, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 27

May 24

July 25"

Sept. 46

Nov. 12c

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin..............................................

.....do.....................................................

W. V. Hardy. .............................................

.....do......................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet.

40

24

27

75

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

40

18

24

96

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.80

1.73

.90

.96

1.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,900

153

31

33

130

Made 200 feet above bridge. 6 Made 100 feet above bridge, c Made 200 feet above cable.

Daily gage height in feet, of Bear River at Van Trent, Gal., for 1909.

[Herman Ernestus, observer.]

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

2.0

2.5

4.4

3.1

3.15

6.6

4.2

11.9

8.3

5.4

4.3

1 0

11.0

17.65o

16.75

13.8

8.6

8.2

7.0

12.4

12.0

9.6

7.9

6.9

7.1

6.5

6.0

5.7

5.4

5.2

5.7

Feb.

5.3

5.1

6.9

5.8

6.7

5.6

8.2

6.7

5.4

5.1

6.6

12.35

8.5

6.7

5.9

5.6

6.1

5.4

5.5

5.7

5.4

4.8

4.5

4.75

4.5

4.2

4.0

.......

Mar.

3.7

3.6

3.6

5.3

4.6

A Q

5.0

4.4

4.2

4.0

3

0

3.6

3

A

3

0

3

O

3.2

3.2

3.2

3 1

3.1

3.4

3.2

3 1

3 A

2.9

2.9

2.9

2 0

4

7K

3 Q

3.6

Apr.

3.4

1 9

3

1

1 1

3.0

3 A

2 Q

2 Q

2.9

9 O

2.9

2

0

O Q

2

0

2

0

2

0

2

0

2

0

2.7

2.7

2

*7

2 A

2

c

9 *

2.5

2.4

2

0

2

0

2.2

2

0

May.

2.1

9 1

2.0

2.0

2.0

1 0

1 9

1 9

1 8

1 8

1 &

1.7

1.7

1.7 1 7

i &

i &

1 8

1 8

1 &

1 7

1 8

1 7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

2.0 1 9

i a

1.7

June.

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.6

1.4

1.4

1.4

1 1

1 1

1 q

1 t

1 1

1 t

1.5

1.6

1.4

1 4

1.4

1 n

1 3

i Q.

1 4

1 °.

1 Q.

1.2

1 9

July.

1.2

1.2

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

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Aug.

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

Q

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Sept.

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

1.0 1.1 1.1

1.2

1 Q.

Oct.

1.0

1.2

1.4 1.1 1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.3

1.3

1

0

1.1 1.1 1.1

1.1 1.1 1.1

1.6

1.6

1.4

Nov.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.4

2.05

1 9

2.1

1.7

1.6

1 0

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

2.6

6.15

3.1

2 0

2.7

3

K

3 A

9 *

2.4

2.0

1 Q

Dec.

3.4

5.8

3.2

2.7

2.8

2.7

3.6

5.5

12.1

5.1

4.1

3 7

3.4

3

O

3

1

3 A

2.9

2.8

2

0

2

0

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.5

9 >;

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

7.65

a Maximum 18.9 feet at 8 a. m.
CALIFORNIA. 151 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Bear River at Van Trent, Cal., for 1909.

Day.

1..... ..........

2...............

0

l:::::::r.::::::

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

18...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

n.. .............

22............... 23:.. ............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

90

215

1,040

440

460

2,430

971

9,540

3,960 i fion

1,020

835

7,800

25,300

22,400

14,000

4,300

3,860

2,750

10,600

9,750

5,580

3,550

2,670

2,830

2,360

1,990

1,790

1,600

1,480

1,790

Feb.

1,540

1,430

2,670

1,850

2,510

1,720

3,860

2,510

1,600

1,430

2,430

10,500

4,180

2,510

1,920

1,720

2,060

1,600

1,660

1,790

1,600

1,260

1,110

1,240

1,110

971

880

791

Mar.

749

709

709

1,540

1,160

1,260

1,370

1,060

971

880

791

709

632

594

557

557

557

557

521

521

632

557

521

486

452

452

452

452

1,240

835

709

Apr.

632

557

521

521

486

486

452

452

452

452

452

420

420

420

420

420

420

420

390

390

390

361

332

332

332

304

277

252

252

252

May.

228

228

205

205

205

182

182

182

160

160

160

140

140

140

140

160

160

160

160

160

140

160

140

140

140

140

140

205

182

160

140

June.

140

122

122

105

105

105

88

122

88

88

88

73

73

73

73

73

73

105

122

88

88

88

73

73

73

73

73

73

60

60

July.

60

60

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

38

38

38

38

38

38

Aug.

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

30

30

30

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

Sept.

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

 38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

30

30

38

38

48

48

60

73

Oct.

38

60

88

48

48

48

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

 38

73

73

73

48

48

48

48

48

48

122

122

88

Nov.

60

60

60

48

48

48

48

88

216

182

228

140

122

182

122

105

105

105

105

361

2,100

521

452

390

670

486

332

304

205

182

Dec.

632

1,850

557

390

420

390

709

1,660

9,960

1,430

925

749

632

557

521

486

452

420

420

420

390

390

390

361

332

332

332

304

304

304

3,320

NOTE. These discharges were obtained from rating curves appplicable as follows: Jan. 1 to 5, well 

denned below 840 second-feet; Jan. 6 to Dec. 31, fairly well denned below 2,000 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Bear River at Van Trent, Cal., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 263 square miles.]

Month.

February.. .................

March ......................

April.......................

May .

June.......................

July........................

August .....................

September .................

October....................

December..................

The year..... ........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

25,300 

10,500 

1,540 

632 

228 

140 

60 

38 

73 

122 

2,100 

9,960

25,300

Minimum.

205 

791 

452 

252 

140 

60 

38 

30 

30 

38 

48 

304

30

Mean.

4,810 

2,160 

748 

409 

166 

88.7 

46.8 

37.2 

40.0 

53.6 

269 

979

813

Per 

square 

mile.

18.3 

8.21 

2.84 

1.56 

.631 

.337 

.178 

.141 

.152 

.204 

1.02 

3.72

3.09

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

21.10 

8.55 

3.27 

1.74 

.73 

.38 

.21 

.16 

.17 

.24 

1.14 

4.29

41.98

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet.)

296,000 

120,000 

46,000 

24,300 

10,200 

5,280 

2,880 

2,290 

2,380 

3,300 

16,000 

60,200

589,000

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

B.

AMERICAN RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

American River drains the area lying on the western slope of the 

Sierra,, south of the Bear and Yuba River basins, west of Lake Tahoe 

and the Truckee River basin, and north of the Cosumnes and Mokel-
152 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

umne River basins. The area is triangular in shape, the base of the 

triangle following the crest of the Sierra for about 50 miles. The 

basin is about 80 miles long, and its maximum width is 50 miles, and 

its total area is about 2,000 square miles.

American River is formed by the union of three principal forks, 

which rise in the high Sierra at an altitude of 9,000 to 10,000 feet. 

It flows southwestward about 110 miles to its junction with the 

Sacramento. North and Middle forks drain areas of 349 and 640 

square miles, respectively. Each is about 60 miles long and has a 

total fall of nearly 8,000 feet. South Fork is also 60 miles long, 

falls nearly 9,000 feet, and drains an area comprising 861 square 

miles. North and Middle forks unite near Auburn, about 20 miles 

above the mouth of South Fork, which is only a few miles above 

Folsom. Each of the forks has many other forks, branches, and 

tributaries.

The altitude of almost half of the American drainage basin exceeds 

5,000 feet, and probably one-third of it ranges from 6,000 to 9,000 

feet above sea level. The rocks of the upper part are chiefly granites 

which have been eroded by glaciers and by the weathering processes 

into irregular ridges and: drainage channels.

The lower parts of the basin are barren or at most sparsely timbered, but the higher parts support a good growth of timber. All 

the upper part of the basin, 'amounting to considerably more than 

half of the total area, is included in a national forest.

The mean annual precipitation ranges from 21 inches in the Sacramento Valley to probably 60 inches near the summit of the Sierra, 

where it occurs as snow, which does not disappear till summer. In 

the foothill region it ranges from 25/to 30 inches and in the central 

region from 45 to 55 inches. It is probably somewhat greater in the 

northern than in the southern part of the basin. - At the higher 

altitudes much snow falls.

Some water is diverted from the American for irrigation, particularly in the Sacramento Valley, but further development is 

possible.

Considerable storage for power and mining is feasible in the American basin, particularly on Middle and South forks.

The minimum flow of the stream in this basin, with the existing 

fall, is sufficient to develop about 100,000 horsepower without storage, 

of which about 40 per cent is on the South Fork and nearly 30 per 

cent on the Middle Fork.

In the upper part of the American basin are many small glacial 

lakes, some of which have been dammed and used for storage in connection with mining.

The longest run-off record in this basin extends back to 1904. The 

wettest year since that time was 1907, and the driest 1908. The
CALIFORNIA. 153

total flow during the wettest year was nearly four times'that during 

the driest. v

AMERICAN RIVER AT FAIROAKS, CAL.

This station, which is located at the Fairoaks highway bridge 

about 1,000 feet north of the railroad station, was established November 3, 1904, to obtain data for use in connection with studies of flood 

problems in the Sacramento Valley. The old bridge was destroyed by 

flood in March, 1907, after which time measurements were made from 

a temporary bridge until the end of 1908. This temporary bridge 

was washed out January 13, 1909. A new steel bridge was completed early in 1909, and measurements are now made from it except 

at low water, when wading measurements can be made.

No important tributaries enter American River above or below 

Fairoaks, except the South Fork, which joins the main stream about 

3 miles above Folsom and about 10 miles above the station.

Some water is diverted for irrigation at points above the station, 

but the quantity is not known.

The present gage is located at the bridge section. A low-water 

staff gage is fastened to a pile 10 feet below the concrete pier on 

right bank. This gage is graduated from 0 to 6 feet. The concrete 

pier on left bank is graduated from 5 to 10 feet. The position of the 

gage has been changed several times during the life of the station, 

but no change has been made hi the datum.

The conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are poor. 

The stream is torrential and has a changeable bed; the current is 

sluggish at low, and very swift at moderate, stages; the flow is disturbed by bars at low water and by concrete piers at other stages, 

and the channel conditions near the right bank are disturbed by a 

large eddy, which is very objectionable at all stages except the lowest.

Discharge 'measurements of American River at Fairoaks, CaL, in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 24

Feb. 12

Mar. 23

May 22

July 24

Sept. 3

Nov. 9

Nov. 22

Nov. 26

NOT. 29

Dec. 18

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin...............................................

.....do......................................................

W. B. Clapp.... . ...........................................

W. F. Martin.. . ............................................

W.F.Martin...............................................

W.V. Hardy.. ....... ...... .................................

.....do......................................................

.....do......................................................

.....do......................................................

.....do......................................................

Width.

Feet.

369

350

358

309

306

172

283

329

334

313

294

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet.

4,960

2,200

2,220

957

925

530

768

2,350

2,200

1,420

1,460

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

9.60

13.10

5.60

6.20

2.70

2.30

1.70

2.66

7.30

6.80

440

450

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

17,400

33,900

5,770

7,840

903

585

196

774

10,200

8,590

3,290

3,520
154 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of American River at Fairoaks, Cal.,for 1909. 

[M. J. Ferry, observer.]

Day.

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4. ..............

5...............

8...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17. ..............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30. ..............

31...............

Jan.

2.5

2.85

5.7

6.7

7.4

9.4

9.4

6.8

6.8

(a)

9.75

8.9

a 35

7.95

7.65

7.35

7.2

7.0

Feb.

7.2

7.3

7.3

7.3

7.4

8.6

10.75

11.55

11.9

12.4

12.55

13.25

10.85

10.15

9.5

9.15

8.95

8.6

8.35

8.1

7.8

7.3

7.2

7.05

6.8

6.65

6.35

6.1

.......

Mar.

6.1

6.15

6.15

6.1

6.3

6.35

6.5

6.25

6.45

6.3 

6.15

6.05

6.1

6.15

6.2

5.85

5.85

5.65

5.55

5.6

5.5

5.6

5.5

5.3

5.5

5.4

5.3

5.4

5.3

5.4

5.4

Apr.

5.3

C Q

5.4

5.6

5.4

5.7

5.8

5.6

5.8

5.9

5.9

6.0

6.1

5.9

5.9

6.3

6.2

6.8

7.2

6.9

7.0

7.4

7.7

7.5

7.8

7.4

7.6

7.5

7.6

7.4

May.

7.6

7 9

7.8

as

7 Q

7.8

7.7

7.8

8.3

7.9

8.1

7.7

7.3

7.5

7.1

7.0

6.8

6.4

6.1

6.4

6.3

6.0

5.7

5.5

5.5

5.8

6.3

6.7

fi Q

7.5

7.7

June.

7.8

7 S

7 Q

8.0

7.8

7.6

7.3

6.8

7.1

6.7

6.2

6.5

6.2

6.3

6.0

&2

5.6

5.7

5.5

6.2

5.8

5.9

5.2

5.4

5.1

5.6

5.6

5.4

5.2

5.0

July.

5.0

5.1

5.0

5.2

5.2

48

47

44

45

43

40

3.0

3.0

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.5

3.4

3.2

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.4

Aug.

2.5

9 7

2.1

3.0

3.2

3.2

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.6

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

Sept.

2.0

2.0

1.9

1 Q

1.8

1.8

1.9

1 Q

1.8

1.8

2.0

1.8

2.1

1.9

1.9

1.7

1.6

1.8

1.7

1 7

1.9

Oct.

1.8

1.7

1.9

2.2

2.1

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.2

2.3

2.0

2.2

2.1

2.3

2.4

2.3

2.5

2.6

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.6

Nov.

2.6

9 1

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

3.1

3.0

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

3.9

1475

7.3

7.8

8.3

8.0

6.8

6.4

46

5.2

5.9

Dec.

7.2

616.0

465

45

44

43

42

41

41

44

46

45

3.25

3.0

405

3.1

3.3

a Water above gage. 6 Approximate.

NOTE. Gage and temporary bridge washed out Jan. 13 and replaced at same datum at new bridge 

Jan. 24. Again washed out Dec. 2 and replaced at same location and datum Dec. 17.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of American River at Fairoaks, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1... ........

2...........

3...........

4...........

5...........

6...........

7...........

8...........

9...........

10...........

11...........

12. ..........

13...........

14...........

15...........

16...........

17. ..........

18...........

19...........

20...........

21...........

22...........

23...........

24...........

25...........

26...........

27. ..........

28...........

29...........

30...........

31...........

Jan.

160

160

720

1,030

6.110

8,460

10,300

16,900

16,900

8,700

8,700

15,400

23,300

98,000

86,000

77,500

50,000

40,000

28,600

33.700

62,500

33,200

28,200

18,200

15,000

13,200

11,900

11,000

10,200

9,740

9,200

Feb.

9,740

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,300

14,000

22,200

25, 700

27,200

29,500

30,200

33,500

22,700

19,800

17,200

15,900

15,200

14,000

13,200

12,400

11,500

10,000

9,740

9,340

8,700

8,340

7,620

7,030

Mar.

7 030

7,140

7,140

7,030

7,500

7,620

7,980

7,380

7,860

7,500

7,140

6,920

7,030

7,140

7,260

6,460

6,460

6,000

5,760

5,880

5,650

5,880

5,650

5,190

5,650

5,420

5,190

5,420

5,190

5,420

5,420

Apr.

5,190

5,190

5,420

5,880

5,420

6,110

6,340

5,880

6,340

6,570

6,570

6,800

7,030

6,570

6,570

7,500

7,260

8,700

9,740

8,950

9,200

10,300

11,200

10,600

11,500

10,300

10,900

10,600

10,900

10,300

May.

10,900

9,740

11,500

13,000

11,800

11,500

11,200

11,500

13,000

11,800

12,400

11,200

10,000

10,600

9,470

9,200

8,700

7,740

7,030

7,740

7,500

6,800

6,110

5,650

5,650

6,340

7,500

8,460

8,950

10,600

11,200

June.

11,500

11,500

11,800

12,100

11,500

10,900

10,000

8,700

9,470

8,460

7,260

7,980

7,260

7,500

6,800

7,260

5,880

6,110

5,650

7,260

6,340

6,570

4,960

5,420

4,730

5,880

5,880

5,420

4,960

4,500

July.

4,500

4,730

4,500

4,960

4,960

4,080

3,880

3,290

3,480

3,100

2,560

1,180

1,180

2,390

2,220

2,060

1,770

1,640

1,400

1,520

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,400

980

800

800

720

640

Aug.

720

890

420

1,180

1,400

1,400

1,180

1,180

1,080

800

720

640

560

490

420

420

350

350

420

350

350

350

350

350

350

350

350

350

350

350

350

Sept.

350

350

350

350

340

330

320

320

310

300

290

290

290

240

240

290

290

240

240

350

240

420

290

290

200

160

240

200

200

290

Oct.

240

200

290

490

420

290

350

420

490

490

420

420

490

420

350

490

560

350

490

420

560

640

560

720

800

640

720

800

720

800

800

Nov.

800

720

800

800

890

800

800

800

800

1,290

1,180

980

890

890

800

800

800

720

720

2,390

40,800

10,000

11,500

13,000

12,100

8,700

7,740

3,680

4,960

6,570

Dec.

9,740

47,000

14,400

7,740

6,800

5,420

5,650

8,460

33,200

20,400

10,300

7,980

6,340

5,420

4,290

3,880

3,780

3,480

3,290

3,100

2,920

2,740

2,740

3,290

3,680

3,480

1,460

1,180

2,650

1,290

1,520

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined below 32,800 second-feet. 

Discharges Jan. 1, 2,15-23; Aug. 22, 27-28; Sept. 2,3, 5-10,12; and Dec. 3-16, estimated. Discharges for 

Jan. 15-23 and Dec. 3-16 estimated by using gage heights at Folsom.
CALIFOBNIA. 155

Monthly discharge of American River at Fairoaks, Cal., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,910 square miles.]

Month.

January. ...................

March ......................

April.......................

May........................

June........................

July........................

August. .:..................

October. ...................

November. .................

December. .................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

98,000 

33,500 

7,980 

11,500 

13,000 

12,100 

4,960 

1,400 

420 

800 

40,800 

47,000

98,000

Minimum.

160 

7,030 

5,190 

5,190 

5,650 

4,500 

640 

350 

160 

200 

720 

1,180

160

Mean.

24,300 

15,500 

6,460 

7,990 

9,510 

7,650 

2,310 

607 

287 

511 

4,590 

7,670

7,280

Per

square 

mile.

12.7 

8.12 

3.38 

4.18 

4.98 

4.01 

1.21 

.318 

.150 

.268 

2.40 

4.02

3.81

Depth, in 

inches, on 

drainage 

area.

14.64 

8.46 

3.90 

4.66 

5.74 

4.47 

1.40 

.37 

.17 

.31 

2.68 

4.64

51.44

Run-off 

(total in 

area-feet).

1,490,000 

861,000 

397,000 

475,000 

585,000 

455,000 

142,000 

37,300 

17,100 

31,400 

273,000 

472,000

5,240,000

Accuracy.

B. A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

CACHE CREEK BASIN.

DESCRIPTION.

The Cache Creek drainage basin lies on the eastern slope of the 

Coast Range in Lake, Colusa, and Yolo counties, immediately south 

and west of the south end of the Stony Creek basin and north of the 

Puta Creek basin. The upper part of the area, comprising about 

824 square miles, lies in the central part of Lake County, south of 

the divide separating the Eel River and Cache Creek basins. It is 

roughly rectangular in shape, and contains Clear Lake in its center. 

From Lake County the basin extends southeastward to the Sacramento Valley as a strip about 50 miles long and 10 miles wide. The 

total area of the basin is 1,290 square miles.

Cache Creek is the only known outlet of Clear Lake. The lake is 

very irregular in shape and has an area of 65 square miles and an 

elevation of 1,325 feet at mean level. Its length is 20 miles and its 

greatest width 7 miles. The upper part, or main lake, has a maximum depth of 35 feet, but the lower neck has a few small areas as 

much as 50 feet in depth. The drainage area tributary to the lake 

is about 417 square miles, chiefly^toward the south and west. The 

principal creeks flowing into the lake are Scotts, Middle, and Clover 

from the west, and Doba, Kelsey, and Cole from the south. They 

are torrential during the rainy season, but are practically dry in the 

summer.

From the lake Cache Creek flows southeastward to Yolo basin and 

ultimately into Sacramento River through sloughs. Its total length 

is about 80 miles.

The largest and most important tributary of Cache Creek is the 

North Fork, which drains 250 square miles in the eastern part of 

Lake County. The only other tributary of much importance is Bear
156 StJBFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

Creek, which drains the western part of Colusa County. These 

creeks are very small in the summer, but rarely become dry. All 

the tributaries are torrential.

The upper part of the Cache Creek drainage basin in Lake County 

is mountainous and very rugged. Some of the peaks reach an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level, and their slopes, as well as those of 

the lower ranges, are very steep. About 5 miles below the outlet the 

creek enters Cache Creek canyon, in which it flows for 25xmiles on an 

average grade of 35 feet to the mile. In some places the canyon 

walls are vertical cliffs 300 feet high. Below the canyon the creek 

enters Capay Valley, from 1 to 3 miles wide and 20 miles long, through 

which it winds for a distance of nearly 30 miles before entering the 

Sacramento Valley.

On the northern slope of the ranges around Clear Lake are fine belts 

of fir, oak, and pine. Elsewhere on the high ranges the vegetation 

consists of a dense growth of greasewood and chaparral. A strip 

along the northern edge of the basin is included in a national forest.

The mean annual precipitation ranges from 17 inches in the Sacramento Valley to 40 inches or more on the mountainous summits in 

Lake County, where much of it occurs as snowfall in the winter season.

Cache Creek furnishes exceptional opportunities for irrigation 

development in Yolo County. At the present time many ditches 

take water from the creek for irrigating land in the vicinity of "Woodland and Yolo.

Good storage sites are also available in this basin. Clear Lake is a 

natural storage reservoir which is very powerful in regulating Cache 

Creek. 1

The opportunities for water-power development on Cache Creek are 

excellent.

The upper part of this basin contains springs, a number of which, 

especially in the North Fork basin, have medicinal properties that 

attract hundreds of visitors during the summer. Bartlett Springs are 

probably the best known.

The longest run-off] record in Cache Creek basin dates back to 1901. 

The wettest year since that date was 1909, and the driest 1908. The 

flow for the wettest year was four times as great as that for the driest.

CACHE CHEEK AT LOWER LAKE, GAL.

This station was established January 1,1901, to determine the outflow of Clear Lake. The gage and measuring section were originally located at the wagon bridge just below the outlet of Clear Lake, 

about 1 mile from Lower Lake, Cal., and below Siegler Creek. On 

March 26, 1903, a cable was installed 300 feet above the bridge and

i For a detailed account of storage on Cache Creek see Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 46, 

1901.
CALIFORNIA. 157

above Siegler Creek, and a new staff gage was set 100 feet above the 

cable on the left bank. On March 26, when this gage was set, the 

reading was 5.7 feet, the old gage reading being 4.4 feet. The gage is 

read daily. The gage datum has remained unchanged.

No tributaries enter above the station except those which come 

into Clear La,ke. Siegler Creek enters about 300 feet below the station. 

North Fork joins the main creek about 14 miles below the lake.

The flow at the station is regulated by Clear Lake, which diminishes 

the intensity of floods and prolongs the summer flow.

Conditions at this station are peculiar. The stream bed at this 

point forms a gravel bank which controls the outlet of Clear Lake. 

The grade of the creek down to Seigler Creek is small. When Cache 

Creek is low and Siegler Creek high, the current of Cache Creek is 

reversed, and part of the water from Siegler Creek finds its way upstream into Clear Lake, the rest flowing downstream into Cache 

Creek. This phenomenon happens at extreme flood stages and causes 

backwater at the gage above the cable. The flow from Siegler 

Creek is very small, except at these flood periods, which are usually 

of short duration.

The following discharge measurement was made by W. F. Martin 

at bridge 500 feet below regular section:

August 13, 1909: Width, 56 feet; area, 102 square feet; gage height, 3.87 feet; discharge, 244 second-feet.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cache Creek at Lower Lake, Cal.,for 1909. 

[J. R. Anderson, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2. ..............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

10...............

11...............

12. ..............

13. ..............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17. ..............

18...............

WTO

21...............

22...............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

2.25

2 5

2.6

2.8

2.8

3.2

3

0

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.35

4.4

4.55

5.3

6.05

6.4

6.8

7.2

7.4

8.2

Q n

9.1

9

0

9

71;

10.0

10.2

10.35

10.35

10.3

10.55 

10.7

Feb.

in Q

11.65

12.7

12.7

12.9

12.95

13.35

13.0

12.95

12.8

13.0

13.3

13.4

13.65

13.6

13.6

13.5

13.45

13.45

13. 8a

13.65

13.5

19. A

13.4

13.4

13.25

13.15

13.0

Mar.

12.9

12.7

12.5

12.65

12.3

12 4

12.3

12.4

12.05

U Q1

11.8

11.7

11.6

11.45

U QK

11.3

11.3

11.0

11.35

in Q

10.9

10.8

10.8

10.75

10.75

10.7

10.7

10.6

10.5

10.4 

10.45

Apr.

10.35

10.3

10.3

10.4

10.2

9

n

9

0

9 7

9

«

9

R

9 a

9.25

9.2

9.1

9 n

9 n

8.85

8.75

8.7

8.7

8.25

8.35

8.3 ai

8.0

8.1

8.5

7.7

7.4

7.3

May.

7.3

7.2

7.5

7.1

7.0

6.85

R Q

6.9

6.8

6.7

6.65

6.45

6.5

6.4

6 45

6.4

6.35

6.25

6.25

6.2

6.1

6.5

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.95

6.05

5.85

5.8

5.75 

5.7

June.

5.7

5.7

5.65

5.65

5.6

5.55

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.45

5.45

5.4

5.35

5.4

5.3

5.25

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.15

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.05

4.95

A. Q

4.9

4.9

July.

A Q

4.85

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.75

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.65

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.55

4.5

4.5

A. AR

4.45

4.4

4.35

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.25

4.2

4.2

4.15

4.15 

4.15

Aug.

4.15

4.1

4.05

4.05.

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.95

3.95

3.95

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.85

3.85

3.8

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.55 

5.55

Sept.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.45

3 AR

3.45

3.45

3.45

3 AR

3.35

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.1

3.15

3.1

3.15

3.15

3.15

Oct.

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.05

3.09

3.05

3.1

3.05

3.05

3.0

3.05

3.0

3 n

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

310

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.95

3.0

3.0 

3.0

Nov.

3 ft

2.95

2.95

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.95

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.05

2.95

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2 95

2.95

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.05

3.1

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.05

3.1

Dec.

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.25

3.2

3.3

3.35

1 A

3.45

3.5

3.5

3.55

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.55

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.55

3.6

3.55

3.6

3.55

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.55 

3.55

ft Maximum.
158 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cache Creek at Lower Lake, Cal., for 1909.

Day.

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

Q

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29............... 

30...............

31...............

Jan.

it

V7

48

71

71

128

145

325

tdR

348

360

371

407

603

826

935

1,060

1,190

1,260

1 540

1,800

1 880

1 Qfifi

2,150

2,260

2,360

2,440

2,440

2,410 

2,540

2,610

Feb.

2,710

3,110

S fiRfl

3,680

3,800

3,830

4,070

3,860

3,830

3,740

3,860

4,040

4,100

4,250

4,220

4,220

4,160

4,130

4,130 4 tdn

4,250

4,160

4,100

4,100

4,100

4,010

3 QW

3,860

Mar.

3

0AA

3,680

3,580

3,600

3,460

3 V>(\

3,460

3,520

3

oqn

3,270

3

1QA

3,140

3,080

3 ruin

2 QAf\

2 Q9fi

2,920

2,760

2 940

2 7in

2 71 ft

9 fifift

2 fifift

2,640

2,640

2,610

2,610

2,560

2,510 

2,460

2,480

Apr.

2 440

2,410

2,410

2,460

2,360

2,220

2,170

2,130

2 080

2^040

2,000

1 Q4fl

1,920

1,880

1 840

1 840

1,'780

1,740

1 730

1,730

i wn

I

Qcn

1,570

1,500

1,460

1,500

1,650

1 360

l'260 

1,220

May.

1,220

1 190

l'l80

1,160

1,130

1,080

1,100

1,100

1,060

1,030

1,020

951

Ofi7

935

951

935 010

888

QOQ

872

841

967

810

810

795

826

765

750

735

720

June.

720

720

fiftK

605 fion

675

675

660

660

646

646

631

617

631 fint

<WW

575

575

W»

575

wi

547

547

547

547

534

507

404

494 

494

July.

494

482

469

469

469

 456

444

444

444

444

439

410

419

407

407

395

395

383

383

371

360

348

348

336

325

325

314 

314

314

Aug.

0-14

303

9Q9

292

282

282

282

272

272

272

262

262

9R9

262

252

252

242

232

232

232

999

222

212

212

212

212

202

202

202

192

192

Sept.

1Q9

183

183

174

174

174

174

174

174

174

114

145

145

145

145

145 i^fi

136

1QA

128

128

128

120

120

112

120

112

120

120 

120

Oct.

112

112

IfU

104

104

104

104

104

104

104

07

07

104

97

97

97

97

07

97

07

97

on

97

97

07

Nov.

87

90

on

97

on

90

on

07

97

97

104

on

97

90

90

on

on

on

on

Q7

07

104

IfU

112

120

112

112

104

104 

112

Dec.

112

136

19S

145

154

164

174

183

100

1Q9

9/V>

202

1Q9

1Q*>

202

202

192

1Q9

202

192

202

192

1Q9

183

183

183

183 

192

192

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined.

Monthly discharge of Cache Creek at Lower Lake, Cal., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 500 square miles.]

Month.

April... ....................

July........................

October. ...................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,610 

4,340 

3,800 

2,460 

1,220 

720 

494 

314 

183 

112 

120 

202

4,340

TtfinrmnTn.

15 

2,710 

2,460 

1,220 

720 

494 

314 

192 

112 

90 

90 

112

15

Mean.

1,130 

3,940 

3,010 

1,860 

949 

598 

397 

246 

146 

103 

98.1 

177

1,050

Per 

square 

mile.

2.26 

7.88 

6.02 

3.72 

1.90 

1.20 

.794 

.492 

.292 

.206 

.196 

.354

2.11

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage

area.

2.61 

8.21 

6.94 

4.15 

2.19 

1.34 

.92 

.57 

.33 

.24 

.22 

.41

28.13

Total in 

acre-feet.

69,500 

219,000 

185,000 

111,000 

58,400 

35,600 

24,400 

25, 100 

8,690 

6,300 

5,840 

10,900

750,000

Accuracy.

A. 

B. 

B, 

A, 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

CACHE CREEK NEAR YOLO, CAL.

This station was established January 1, 1903, at the old wagon 

bridge on the road from Woodland to Yolo, about 1,000 feet above 

the railroad bridge. The data are useful in connection with power 

and irrigation development and in studies of flood prevention in
CALIFORNIA. 159

Sacramento Valley. In the fall of 1904 a new bridge was constructed, 

and the gage record was interrupted from September 11 to October 

1, 1904.

No important tributaries enter within 12 or 15 miles of the station.

Many diversions are made from Cache Creek above the station, 

water being used for irrigation around Yolo and Woodland. The 

irrigating ditches usually take all the late summer flow. All available 

water in this basin has been filed upon, and all lands embraced within 

storage reservoirs are held in private ownership.

The original staff gage was nailed to the upstream side of the right 

abutment of the old wagon bridge and was read twice each day. On 

October 2, 1904, a new gage was installed. The gage at the new 

location is in four sections, three of which are above the bridge and 

the fourth is bolted to the face of the concrete abutment on the right 

bank. The datum remained the same as before and has been unchanged during the life of the station. Discharge measurements 

have been made from the downstream side of the bridge.

Considered as a whole the records are good. The bed of the stream 

is composed of earth and gravel and is subject to some change. 

The banks are steep and well wooded, and their height has been 

increased by levees, which are overtopped at' extremely high water. 

The current is swift at moderate and high stages. The creek is dry at 

the station almost every summer or fall.

Discharge measurements of Cache Creek near Yolo, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 5

Mar. 21

May 31

Aug. 11

Nov. 27t>

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

W.V. Hardy.. ............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

123

105

91

67

48

25

75

Area of 

section.

Sq.-ft. 

1,460

694

213

68

29

11.5

7Q

heignt.

Feet. 

14.50

7.35

3.08

1.44

1.08

on

1.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

9,380

3,800

666

90

15

6.7

130

« Made 100 feet above station. & Made 50 feet below bridge.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cache Creek near Yolo, Cal., for 1909. 

[Cornelia Bigelow, observer.]

Day.

1...... .........

2.. .............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8............... />

10...............

Jan.

4.4

4.1

2.8

5.65

5.5

3.45

1A <?fi

6.45

Feb.

10.8

13.1

27. 0<*

17.25

14.15

12.2

14.2

12.6

11.65

11.0

Mar.

9.75

9.5

9.3

9.35

9.5

9.15

9.25

9.1

8.85

8.6

Apr.

6.8

6.7

6.65

6.6

6.5

6.4

6.2

6.1

6.0

5.9

May.

4.45

4.3

4.25

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.05

4.0

3.9

3.9

June.

3.05

3.05

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.95 '2.9

9 Q

2.85

July.

2.3

2.25

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.1

Aug.

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

Sept.

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

Oct.

1.0

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.15

Nov.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

Dec.

1.5

L5

1.55

1.7

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.0

6.3

4.65

Maximum 27.8 feet.
160 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily gage height, infect, of Cache Creek near Yolo, Cal.,for 1909 Continued.

Day.

n..... ..........

12...............

13...............

14. ..............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

4.9

4.35

4.25

7.85

23.0

23.450

13.25

9

4

8.0

10.85

17.85

13.95

10.1

51 Q

11.55

17.55

13.2

10.05

9.3

9.15

10.7

Feb.

16.0

17.85

18.2

13.8

12.7

12.5

11.95

11.7

11.5

11.35

14.0

11.55

11.05

10.95

10.9

10.5

10.25

9.95

Mar.

8.4

8.2

8.1

8.0

7 Q

7.75

7.6

7.5

7 4.

7.35

7.4

7.3

7.2

7.35

7.1

7.0

6.95

7.0

7.65

7.2

6.9

Apr.

5.8

5.7

5.65

5.6

5.55

5.5

5.4

5.35

5.3

5.2

5.1

5.05

5.0

4 9

4.8

475

4 7

4.65

4.6

4 H

May.

3.86

3.8

3.,7

3.6

3.5

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.25

3.2

3.15

3.1

June.

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.3

July.

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

Aug.

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

Sept.

.95

.9

.9

.9

.85

.85

.8

.8

.75

.75

.75

.7

.7

.7

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

Oct.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

QH

.95

.9

.9

.9

.9

1.0

1.1

Nov.

1.0

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

1.25

1.5

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.5

Dec.

3.4

2.9

2.7

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.05

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.9

2.0

2.0

a Maximum 24.4 feet. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cache Creek near Yolo, Cal., for 1909.

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8... .............

9............... 10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26. ..............

27...............

28...............

29............... 

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

1,300

1,130

530

2,100

1,990

812

9,390

2,730

1,590

1,270

1,210

3,860

16,700

17,100

8,450

5,180

3,990

6,410

12,400

9,050

5,780

4 760

7,010

12,100

8,410

5,740

5,100 

4,970 

6,280

Feb.

6,370

8,320

20,100

11,900

9,220

7,560

9,260

7 Qflrt

7 non

6,540

10,800

12.400

12,700

8,920

7,480

7,900

7,350

7,140

6,960

6 840

9,090

7,010

6,580

6,500

6,460

6,120

5,900

5,650

Mar.

5,480

5,260

5,100

5,140

5,260

4,970

5,050

4,920

4,710

4,500

4,330

4,160

4 080

i oon

3,900

3,780

3,650

3,570

3,490

3,450

3 A/an

3,410

3

90rt

3,450

3,250

3,170

3,130

3,170

3,690 

3,330 

3,090

Apr.

3,010

2,930

2,890

2,850

2,770

O flan

2,530

2,450

2,370

2,290

2,220

2,140

2 inn

2,060

2,030

1 990

1,920

1,880

1,850

1,780

1,720

1,680

1,650

1 5Qft

1,530

1

EAA

1,470

1 Mt\

1,410 

1,350

May.

1,320

1 240

1,220

1,180

1,130

i I3n

1,100

1,080

1,020

1,020

1,000

Q75

QOC

8fiA

835

812

812

812

812

7Qfi

7on

768

768

768

746

74S

799

722

700 

678 

655

June.

632

632

610

610

590

590 iron

570

570

KKf\

EOA

 vtfi

510

510

510

AQA

4Qft

AQA

470

470

470

AVt

430

410

392

375

375

358

340 

340

July.

340

322

322

305

305

288

288

ifia

97ft

270

270

270

252

252

235

93 «;

235

235

220

220

205

205

205

IQft

ion

190

175

160 

160 

160

Aug.

146

145

132

132

120

120

120

108

108

108

108

inn

95

QC

Q5

Of,

Qfi

95

83

71

71

61

51

51

51

4.9

42

34

34 

34

27

Sept.

27 27

20

20

15

15

10

10

10

8

8

6

6

6

4.5

4.5

3

3

2

2

1

1

1

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5 

.5

Oct.

10

51

42

34

34

34

34

97

97

27

20

20 '20

20

15

15

15

15

10

10

10

10

8

6

6

6

6 

10 

20

Nov.

20

20

20.

20

15

15

15

15

10

10

10

8

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

42

95

145

120

120

108 

95

Dec.

95

OR

ina

145

205

205

205

235

2,610

I

AAt)

7QA

Wft

490

410

392

375

340

305

288

270

252

252

235

235

235

220

220

220

205 

235 

235

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 5,700 second-feet.
CALIFORNIA.

Monthly discharge of Cache Creek near Yolo, Cal., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,230 square miles.]

161

Month.

February. ..................

March......................

April.......................

May........................

July........................

August .....................

September. ................

The year. ............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

17,100 

20,100 

5,480 

3,010 

'1,320 

632 

340 

145 

27 

51 

145 

2,610

20,100

Minimum.

0 

5,650 

3,090 

1,350 

655 

340 

160 

27 

0.5 

6 

6 

95

0

Mean.

5,390 

8,450 

4,040 

2,070 

908 

496 

240 

86.3 

7.17 

18.6 

32.6 

391

1,840

Per 

square 

mile.

4.38 

6.87 

3.28 

1.68 

.738 

.403 

.195 

.070 

.0058 

.015 

.027 

.318

1.50

Run-off.

Depth to 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

5.05 

7.15 

3.78 

1.87 

.85 

.45 

.22 

.08 

.01 

.02 

.03 

.37

19.88

Total in 

acre-feet.

331,000 

469,000 

248,000 

123,000 

55,800 

29,500 

14,800 

5,310 

427 

1,140 

1,940 

24,000

1,300,000

Accuracy.

B, 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A.

PUTA CREEK BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The Puta Creek drainage basin lies on the eastern slope of the 

Coast Range south of the Cache Creek basin and north of Napa 

Valley. It includes the southern part of Lake County, the northern 

half of Napa County, and small parts of Yolo and Solano counties. 

The basin is rather long from northwest to southeast and comparatively narrow, being about 20 miles wide at the north and less than 

10 miles at the east. It has a total area of about 810 square miles.

Puta Creek rises in the northwestern corner of the basin in the St. 

Helena Range and flows southeastward into the Yolo basin near 

Davis, and thence into Sacrament^ River through Cache Slough. 

The total length of the creek is about 80 miles. It has numerous 

tributaries which have a heavy flood discharge in the winter but are 

practically dry during the summer. The chief tributaries are Soda 

Creek from the north and Pope Creek from the west.

The topography of the Puta Creek basin is very rugged. Much of 

the upper basin is rough and precipitous. The tmderlying rock is an 

impervious slate and serpentine with only a thin soil covering. There 

is very little tilled land in the basin except below the foothills. Altitudes range from about 100 feet in the valley to about 5,000 feet on 

the mountain summits.

The lower parts of the basin are comparatively barren of timber, 

though they support a considerable growth of grass and brush which 

extends down as far as the foothills. At moderate elevations timber 

grows scatteringly, and the mountains summits are covered by a 

fairly heavy timber growth. 

96451° WSP 271 11 11
162 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

The mean annual precipitation varies widely in the different parts 

of the basin. Along the foothills it averages about 28 inches, in the 

central part about 40 inches, and along the crest of the divide, where 

some of it occurs as snowfall in the winter, about 65 inches. Helen 

Mine, on the northern slope of Mount St. Helena, receives almost 100 

inches annually.

Below the foothills is a large area of rich irrigable land, which could 

be supplied with water from Puta Creek. Some of this land is already 

irrigated and has been proved to be susceptible of the highest state 

of cultivation. '

At least two good reservoir sites exist on the main stream one 

near Winters and the other near Guenoc.

Only a small amount of power could be developed continuously in 

the Puta Creek basin without storage, because of the torrential nature 

of the streams. By utilizing the storage sites, however, many 

thousands of horsepower could be developed.

The longest run-off record on Puta Creek dates back to 1904. The 

wettest year since that date was 1909 and the driest 1908. The 

total flow in the driest year was 20 per cent of that in the wettest.

PUTA CREEK AT WINTERS, CAL.

This station, which is located about 450 feet below the railroad 

bridge and 800 feet southeast of the railroad station at Winters, was 

established September 26, 1905, to determine the amount of water 

available for storage in the proposed reservoir near Winters. The 

data are very valuable for irrigation and power projects and for use 

in connection with any plan for flood prevention in the Sacramento 

Valley.

No important tributaries enter the creek within several miles of the 

station.

No water is diverted above the station, but a small quantity is 

diverted at the station for irrigation by pumping. Recent filings 

have been made on water in this basin, and all reservoir sites are 

embraced within lands held by private ownership. The channel is 

straight and the main portion is clear. At very high flood stages the 

water spreads out over the left bank for about 150 feet, reaching 

nearly to the foot of the left cable support. At ordinary stages, 

however, the water remains within the high banks.

The records are good except at very low stages, when, owing to the 

width of channel and its tendency to shift, gage heights are not a 

reliable index of the flow.

Measurements are made during low water by wading at a point 

about 400 feet above the bridge, but at higher stages a car and cable 

are used. For float measurements a course 250 feet long has been 

marked off by setting posts painted white 250 feet above and parallel
CALIFOBNTA. 163

with the cable. Floats be can dropped from the railroad bridge above 

and timed from these posts to the cable.

' The gage consists of a series of timbers painted white and located 

under the cable. The first or low-water section is on the right bank 

and is nailed vertically to the trunk of a cottonwood tree. It has a 

range of about 6 feet. The second section is on the left bank and is 

nailed vertically to the stump of a cottonwood tree. The third section is an inclined rod anchored on the left bank with posts. The 

fourth section is on an eucalyptus tree on top of left bank. The 

gage has been read daily.

Beginning August 15,1906, a new low-water gage was used, reading 

0.19 foot higher than the old one.

During part of 1909 the creek, at the station, flowed in two channels, one of which was considerably higher than the other, so that it 

was necessary to maintain an auxiliary gage in the north channel. 

The gage heights for the periods April 6 to May 31, and November 22 

to December 31, 1909, have been adjusted to refer to the normal 

water level on the permanent gauge in the south channel, for which 

the rating curve applies.

Discharge measurements ofPuta Creek at Winters, CaL, in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 6

Aug. 11 Sept. 5o

Nov. 196

28&

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

W.V. Hardy-- ...... ......................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

170

48

29

24

29

52

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

914

42

13

10

18

43

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

9.75

4.90

4.27

4.27

4.40

4.90

Discharge.

See.-fi. 

3,890

106

12

10

30

111

a Made about 100 feet above cable. & Made about 200 feet above cable.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Puta Creek at Winters, Gal., for 1909. 

[Erna Wyatt, observer.]

Day.

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

Jan.

4.65

4.7

12.35

7.65

6.3

9.35

8.65

22.00

16.8

9.2

&3

7.1

7.0

21.256

25. 5«

20.25

13.2

11.4

9.3

16.3

Feb.

10.3

18.0

19.75 10 a

11.2

10.1

11.6

10.7

9.6

8.8

15.4

19.85

15.3

11.5

10.1

9.6

9.2

8.6

8.7

8.2

Mar.

7.2

6.9

as

7.4

7.2

7.0

8.1

7.4

7.0

6.85

6.7

6.5

6.4

6.3

6.2

6.15

6.05

6.0

5.9

Apr.

6.3

6.2

6.1

e QK

5.9

5.85

5.85

5.75

5.75

5.7

5.7

5.65

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.45

5.45

May.

5.2

5.15

5.15

5.15

5.1

5.1

5.05

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.95

June.

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.85

4.85

485

4.85

48

48

4.8

4.8

4.75

4.75

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.75

4.75

July.

A PLK

45

4

C

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.45

4.45

4.45

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

Aug.

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

 4.3

4.25

4.25

4.3

4.3

4.25

4.3

4 3

4.3

4.3

4.3

,.25

4.25

4.25

Sept.

4.25

425

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.2

4.2

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

Oct.

4.3

4.35

4.35

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.25

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.3

4.3

43

Nov.

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.4

44

45

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.45

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.45

Dec.

4.8

5.3

5.0

5.3

4.8

5.35

6.9

17.4

7.9

6.2

5.75

5.6

5.45

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

Maximum 27.5 feet at 2.30 p.m. 6 Maximum 27 feet at 8 p. m. « Maximum 26 feet at 7 a.m.
164 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Puta Creek at Winters, Cal.,for 1909 Continued.

Day.

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

22.0

13.8

10.5

9 A

13.0

16.2

12.5

10.0

8.9

8.2

10.0

Feb.

11.6

9 1

8.5

8.2

8.0

7.8

7.5

7.2

Mar.

6.2

6.55

6.2

6.15

6.35

6.1

6.0

5.95

7.4

7.6

Apr.

5.45

5.45

5.45

5.4

5.4

535

5.35

5.3

5.3

5.3

May.

4.95

4.95

4 95

A QC

A. Qfi

d Qfi

4.9

4.9

4 Q

4.9

4.9

June.

4.75

A 7C

4.7

4 65

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

d <W

4.55

July.

4.4

4.35

4.35

4

QK

4

QK

4.35

4.3

4.3

A. ^

4.3

4.3

Aug.

4.25

4.25

4 OK

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.2

4.25

Sept.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

Oct.

4.3

4.3

4.3

A Q

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.3

A 0

A 3

4.3

Nov.

4.45

5.1

5.0

5.0

5

0

4 Q

4.8

4.9

A. Q

4

Q

Dec.

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.05

5.05

5.05

5.1

5.05

5.05

5.1

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Puta Creek at Winters, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1..... ..........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5. ..............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

56

64

6,530

2,070

921

3,580

2,960

21,000

12,000

3,450

2,640

1,600

1,520

19,500

28,800

17 600

7,440

5,540

3,540

11,200

21,000

8,100

4,640

3,630

7,220

11,100

6,680

4,170

3,180

2,550

4,170

Feb.

4,440

13,800

16,600

7,000

5,340

4,260

5,740

4,840

3,810

3,090

10,000

16,800

9,890

5,640

4.260

3,810

3,450

2,910

3,000

2,550

5,740

3,360

2,820

2,550

2,370

2,200

1,940

1,680

Mar.

1,680

1,430

1 340

1^860

1,680

1,520

2,460

1,860

1,520

1,390

1,260

1,090

1 '921 000

838

70S

758

719

680

604

838

1,130

838

798

963

758

680

642

838

1,860

2,020

Apr.

921

838

7CQ

flA9

fifli

568

568

500

500

468

468

438

438

408

408

380

352

352

322

322

322

322

322

298

298

272

272

246

246

246

May.

203

184

184

184

165

165

14Q

165

133

133

133

133

133

133

133

133

133

133

133

120

120

120

120

120

120

120

106

106

106

106

106

June.

106

106

106

94

94

94

94

83

83

83

83

74

74

64

64

64

64

64

74

74

74

74

64

56

47

47

47

47

40

40

July.

40

33

33

33

33

33

33

33

28

28

28

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

18

18

18

18

18

13

13

13

13

13

Aug.

13

13

13

13

13

13

10

10

13

13

10

13

13

13

13

13

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

6

10

Sept.

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

6

6

10

11

11

11

11

11

8

8

8

8

15

15

15

15

15

15

Oct.

15

19

10

15

17

17

17

13

17

17

17

17

17

13

13

13

13

17

17

17

17

17

17

IS

14

14

14

18

18

18

18

Nov.

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

23

28

28

41

41

41

41

36

30

30

30

30

36

 36

168

137

137

246

89

89

111

111

89

Dec.

89

168

246

137

246

89

272

1,430

12,900

2,280

838

500

408

325

298

246

246

203

203

203

203

165

165

165

149

149

149

165

149

149

165

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to Sept. 15, fairly well 

defined; Sept. 16 to Nov. 10, indirect method tor shifting channels; Nov. 11 to Dec. 31, fairly well defined; 

discharges Mar. 17, July 18 and 19, Oct. 7, and Nov. 8, interpolated.
CALIFORNIA. 165

Monthly discharge of Puta Creek at Winters, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 805 square miles.]

Month.

March....

April.......................

Mav

July........................

September ..................

The year. ............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

28,800 

16,800 

2,460 

921 

203 

106 

40 

13 

15 

19 

246 

12,900

28,800

Minimum.

56 

1,680 

604 

246 

106 

40 

13 

6 

6 

13 

18 

89

6

Mean.

7,370 

5,500 

1,180 

437 

137 

72.6 

23.5 

11.1 

10.6 

16.2 

59.1 

745

1,270

Per 

square 

mile.

9.16 

6.83 

1.47 

.543 

.170 

.090 

.029 

.014 

.013 

.020 

.073 

.925

1.58

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

10.56 

7.11 

1.70 

.61 

.20 

.10 

.03 

.02 

.01 

.02 

.08 

1.07

 21.51

Total in 

acre-feet.

453,000 

305,000 

72,600 

26,000 

8,420 

4,320 

1,440 

682 

631 

996 

3,520 

45,800

922,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B.

SAN JOAQTJIN RIVER SYSTEM. 

DESCRIPTION.

The San Joaquin drainage basin is the southern lobe of the great 

central basin of California and lies southeast of an imaginary line 

drawn from San Francisco Bay to Lake Tahoe. The rim of the 

basin is determined by the crest of the Sierra Nevada at the east, 

the Tehachapi Range at the south, and the Coast Range at the west. 

The basin is somewhat larger than the Sacramento basin, with which 

it merges at the north. It has a length of about 280 miles northwestsoutheast and a width of about 125 miles. It is roughly rectangular in shape, and has a total area of about 32,700 square miles.

San Joaquin River rises in the high Sierra south of the Yosemite 

National Park, about halfway between the north and the south ends 

of the basin, and flows southwestward to the trough of the San 

Joaquin Valley^ whence it takes a northwestward course to its mouth. 

It has a total length of approximately 350 miles 125 miles in the 

mountains and 225 in the valley. It discharges into Suisun Bay, 

about 50 miles by water from San Francisco. It is navigable as far 

as Stockton, about 50 miles above its mouth.

All the important tributaries of San Joaquin drain parts of the 

western slope of the Sierra, take a course parallel to the upper San 

Joaquin that is, southwestward and enter from the east. In 

order from south to north they are Fresno, Chowchilla, Merced, 

Tuolumne, Stanislaus, Calaveras, and Mokelumne rivers. The principal streams from the Sierra south of the upper San Joaquin, in order 

from north to south, are Kings, Kaweah, Tule, and Kern rivers. 

These last-named streams, however, are not directly tributary to 

the San Joaquin, for they are lost in the Tulare Lake depression,
166 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

which, under normal conditions, has no surface outlet to the San 

Joaquin. Kings River discharges partly into Tulare Lake and partly 

into the San Joaquin. Besides the North, Middle, and South forks, 

the upper San Joaquin has many other smaller tributaries, like all 

other Sierra streams.

Topographically the San Joaquin basin comprises three parallel 

strips of country having marked physical differences (1) the eastern 

slope of the Coast Range, having an average width of about 15 miles 

and a comparatively gentle slope incised by the action of short, 

torrential, intermittent streams; (2) the western slope of the Sierra, 

having an average width of about 65 miles and a long steep slope 

deeply cut by many long perennial streams; and (3) the central 

plain, known as the San Joaquin Valley, having an average width 

of nearly 45 miles and a very light slope northwestward. t

The eastern slope of the Coast Range has an area somewhat less 

than 4,000 square miles and is made up chiefly of sandstones, shales, 

and conglomerates. It ranges in elevation from a few hundred feet 

at the edge of the valley to a few thousand at the crest.

The Sierra slope has an area of about 16,000 square miles, or hah5 

the total area of the San Joaquin basin. This slope consists chiefly 

of granites and metamorphic sedimentary and igneous rocks. The 

altitude of the slope ranges from a few hundred feet in the foothills 

to more than 14,000 feet at the crest of the Sierra. Mount Whitney, 

the highest peak near the southern end of the range, rises 14,501 

feet above sea level. The valleys, canyons, and waterfalls of some 

of the principal streams, particularly Kings, Merced, and Tuolumne 

rivers, are famous for their beauty.

The lowland known as the San Joaquin Valley is a great structural 

trough which owes its present condition to fluvial erosion and transportation. It is about 250 miles long and 45 miles wide, and has an 

area of 11,500 square miles. It is divided into an east side and a 

west side plain by the trough axis, or line of lowest depression, Which 

is everywhere much nearer the western than the eastern foothills. 

At some places the axis lies near the western hills; at others, the 

west side slopes are 15 or 18 miles wide, or about one-half as wide 

as the east side slopes. The west side slopes are steeper than those 

of the east. Gradients of less than 6 or 8 feet to the mile are unusual, 

and gradients of 20 or even 40 feet to the mile are common. On the 

east side the maximum grade is about 30 feet to the mile, while 5 

feet or less is about the average.

The unsymmetrical form of the valley floor arises from the difference 

in the character of the streams tributary to each side. The east side 

streams being in every way more important than those from the west, 

particularly with regard to volume and distribution of flow, build up
CALIFORNIA. 167

flatter but more extensive deltas or alluvial fans than are built by 

the smaller more erratic and torrential streams from the west.

The general slope of the valley is upward from north to south and 

from the central axis toward the hills on each side. The topography 

of the San Joaquin Valley is the result of a combination of alluvial 

fan surfaces which have their apexes at the mouths of the canyons of 

the tributary streams, and extend outward into the valley, coalescing 

laterally and terminally. The fans of Kings River on the east and 

Los Gatos Creek on the west have united, forming a delta dam across 

the trough of the valley which separates the Tulare basin on the 

south from the lower part of the main valley. Likewise Kern River 

has extended its delta to the McKittrick Hills, separating Buena 

Vista and Kern Lake basin at the south from the Tulare basin at the 

north.

Large areas in the north end of San Joaquin Valley are inundated during the spring floods unless protected by artificial levees. 

The greater part of the flood waters come from the Sacramento 

system, but the most disastrous consequences result from the simultaneous flooding of the two systems. The alluvial fans are less 

pronounced at the north than at the south end, but they are, nevertheless, predominant along the valley borders.

Some parts of the San Joaquin basin have a good forest cover; 

others are practically barren. The upper reaches of the Coast Range 

have a light brush and timber cover, but the foothills are bare. The 

main valley is treeless except at a few places along water courses or 

irrigated areas. The foothills of the Sierra have a good covering of 

grass, brush, and scattering timber, which increases in density with 

elevation. Above the foothill zone there is a heavy timber growth 

which extends to an altitude of about 10,000 feet, above which altitude little timber is found. The famous California big trees (Sequoia 

ffigantea) occur on the Sierra slope of this basin. About 65 per cent 

of the Sierra slope is included in national forests and parks.

The mean annual precipitation in the San Joaquin basin varies 

with elevation, latitude, and longitude. The southern part of the 

central valley is strictly arid, the rainfall there being less than 5 

inches annually, -but northward along the trough of the valley the 

rainfall gradually increases until, at the north end, it averages nearly 

20 inches. The west side slope has a light rainfall, which increases 

progressively northward. In the Sierra region the precipitation 

increases with elevation up to about 5,000 feet, and then decreases 

somewhat up to the summit. The same progressive increase from 

south to north that exists in the valley continues along the summit. 

This is well shown by the total run-off from the northern and southern 

Sierra, which amounts to about 11,500,000 acre-feet annually. Of 

this amount, about 3,000,000 acre-feet are supplied by the streams
168 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

south of the upper San Joaquin from about 7,500 square miles, and 

8,500,000 acre-feet by the San Joaquin and tributaries to the north 

from about 5,100 square miles.

The precipitation occurs during the "rainy season," which begins 

in the late fall and ends in early spring. The snowfall is heavy in the 

higher mountain region and does not disappear until late summer. 

Much ice occurs in the higher altitudes, but does not interfere with 

stream measurements.

The San Joaquin Valley, like the Sacramento Valley to the north, 

offers great opportunities for irrigation development. Practically all 

the Sierra streams are now drawn upon for irrigation to a greater or 

less extent. For the fullest development of the valley, however, the 

surface supply will have to be augmented by waters drawn from 

underground sources.1

The basin affords many storage sites, some of them being very 

large. More or less storage is already utilized for power development 

in the Sierra.

The minimum flow of the streams is sufficient to generate about 

600,000 horsepower without storage. This amount could be increased to about 1,500,000 horsepower with storage. The most 

important streams for power development are the upper San Joaquin, 

Kings, and Kern rivers, each of which could develop considerably 

more than 100,000 horsepower without storage. The development 

at the present time is about 115,000 horsepower.

Numerous small glacial lakes and smooth, bare domes and ridges 

bear testimony to the former presence of a great glacial ice sheet. 

Undoubtedly the famous Yosemite Valley owes its exquisite grandeur 

in part to glaciation. Small glaciers still protrude from the summits 

of the highest peaks.

The longest run-off record in the San Joaquin basin dates back as 

far as 1893, when a gaging station was established on Kern River 

near Bakersfield. Yearly records have been kept on Kern River 

since 1894, and on Kings, Tuolumne, and Stanislaus rivers since 1896. 

The wettest year on record was 1907 for the streams north of upper 

San Joaquin River, and 1906 for those south of the San Joaquin. 

The driest year was 1898. i The total flow of the wettest year on the 

different streams was from four to eight times that of the driest.

SAN JOAQUTTST RIVER NEAR FRIANT,2 OAL.

This station, which is ; , ^ted at the Fort Miller ranch house, about 

4 miles above the town of Friant, was established October 18, 1907, 

to obtain general statistical data regarding the flow of the river. The

i Mendenhall, W. C., Preliminary report on the ground waters of the San Joaquin Valley: Water-Supply 

Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 222,1908. 

3 Town formerly known as Pollasky.
CALIFORNIA. 169

data are useful also in connection with irrigation and power development and for studies of flood problems in the San Joaquin Valley.

No important tributaries enter near the station and no diversions 

are made above except for water-power development, all such diverted 

water being returned to the river channel above the station. The 

entire flow of the stream is controlled by existing water rights, involving all irrigable lands tributary to San Joaquin River.

Conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are fair. At low 

stage the current is very sluggish, but at such times check measurements can be made from the bridge at Friant. The channel is subject to slight change which may somewhat affect the accuracy.

Measurements are made from a cable. A staff gage in two sections 

is located at the cable section.

No change has been made in the gage datum.

Discharge measurements of San Joaquin River near Friant in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 18

May 16

June 4

18

July 15

30

Aug. 29

Nov. 1

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin.............................................

.....do....................................................

.....do....................................................

W.V. Hardy..............................................

.....do....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do....................................................

.....do....................................................

Width.

Feet.

238

252 *370

252

240

228

214

Area of

section.

Sg.ft.

1,360

2,010

3,440

2,310

1,760

1,150

948

/oO

h».

Feet.

6.41

. J.O

lo. to

9.60

7.60

5.10

*. J.O

. %f

Discharge;

Sec.-ft.

jOaKJ

j *UU

£t£ij OUU

9,360

5,530

1,820

Ol9

Daily gage height, in feet, of San Joaquin River near Friant, CaL, for 1909. 

[E. J. Davis, 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.

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

4.75

4.15

5.25.

4.95

4.2

4.1

8.5

15.0

12.0

8.0

7.15

6.4

6.0

5.7

12.8

11.15

7.15

6.85

6.65

6.45

6.55

5.95

5.6

5.5

5.4

Feb.

5.3

5.05

5.15

5.6

5.25

5.45

5.45

6.0

5.5

6.4

8.4

10.8

9.25

7.45

6.45

6.65

6.45

6.45

6.05

5.85

6.2

5.65

5.45

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.15

5.15

Mar.

5.15

5.2

5.3

6.35

6.25

5.8

5.65

5.55

5.45

5.3

5.2

5.1

5.05

5.15

5.25

5.45

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.3

5.5

5.5

5.65

5.45

5.15

5.3

5.3

6.15

5.3

5.7

5.35

Apr.

5.45

5.85

6.25

6.6

6.35

6.0

6.0

6.3

6.5

7.2

6.8

6.5

7.35

7.8

8.35

9.35

9.5

9.55

9.3

9.7

8.8

7.85

7.4

7.8

8.0

9.45

9.85

9.75

9.25

9.7

May.

10.3

10.65

10.95

11.15

11.2

11.25

11.5

12.0

11.2

10.5

10.15

9.2

9.0

8.6

9.25

9.2

9.25

9.4

9.55

9.4

10.25

9.45

8.85

8.25

9.0

9.85

10.55

10.2

9.8

9.0

11.0

June.

12.2

12.9

13.5

13.9

13.65

13.0

12.2

11.7

11.1

11.05

11.3

11.05

11.25

11.35

11.6

11.1

10.1

9.6

9.1

8.9

9.55

10.1

10.85

11.5

11.2

10.8

10.5

10.6

9.8

10.05

July.

9.9

10.35

11.05

8.35

7.35

7.1

7.05

7.05

7.45

8.35

8.9

8.25

7.45

7.3

7.3

6.9

6.3

5.95

5.9

5.8

5.95

6.1

6.15

5.95

5.8

5.35

5.3

5.2

5.1

Aug.

5.1

5.05

5.05

5.0

4.9

5.0

4.9

4.85

4.85

4.7

4.65

455

46

46

445

44

44

445

4.55

4.65

455

4.55

4.6

4 1

4.4

43

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.25

44

Sept.

4.4

4.45

4.3

4.15

4.05

405

4.15

4.05

4.0

40

4.0

40

3.9

3.85

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

Oct.

3.5

3.7

3.8

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.75

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

Nov.

3.45

3.5

3.45

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.55

3.55

4.1

3.85

3.85

3.85

4.0

3.95

3.9

3.8

3.9

3.95

3.95

4.2

5.5

4.6

455

45

6.0

5.0

4.5

4.5

4.5

Dec.

4.5

6.0

5.7

4.7

4.5

4.5

4.7

5.3

5.7

15.0

8.7

5.3

5.15

5.1

4.95

4.8

4.65

4.55

4.5

4.5

45

4.4

4.4

4.35

4.3

4.3

4.25

4.2

4.2

10.1

15.3
170 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of San Joaquin River near Friant, Cal., for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29............... 

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

320 

320 

400 

400 

400

400 

1,460 

810 

2,030 

1,680

860 

760 

6,860 

26,800 

16,200

5,880 

4,450 

3,370 

2,850 

2,480

18,900 

13,500 

4,450 

4,000 

3,710

3,440 

3,570 

2,780 

2,360 

2,240 

2,120

Feb.

2,000 

1,720 

1,840 

2,360 

1,940

2,180 

2,180 

2,850 

2,240 

3,370

6,660 

12,500 

8,480 

4,930 

3,440

3,710 

3,440 

3,440 

2,920 

2,660

3,110 

2,420 

2,180 

2,120 

2,000

1,890 

1,840 

1,840

Mar.

1,840 

1,890 

2,000 

3,300 

3,180

2,600 

2,420 

2,300 

2,180 

2,000

1,890 

1,780 

1,720 

1,840 

1,940

2,180 

2,240 

2,240 

2,240 

2,000

2,240 

2,240

2,420 

2,180 

1,840

2,000 

2,000 

1,840 

2,000 

2,480 

2,060

Apr.

2,180 

2,660 

3,180 

3,640 

3,300

2,850 

2,850 

3,240 

3,500 

4,530

3,920 

3,500 

4,770 

5,520 

6,560

8,700 

9,060 

9,180 

8,590 

9,560

7,480 

5,610 

4,850 

5,520 

5,880

8,940 

9,940 

9,680 

8,480 

9,560

May.

11,100 

12,100 

13,000 

13,500 

13,700

13,800 

14,600 

16,200 

13, /OO 

11,700

10,700 

8,360 

7,920 

7,060 

8,480

8,360 

8,480 

8,820 

9,180 

8,820

11,000 

8,940 

7,590 

6,360 

7,920

9,940 

11,800, 

10,900 

9,810 

7,920 

13,100

June.

16,900 

19,200 

21,300 

22,700 

21,900

19,600 

16,900 

15,200 

13,400 

13,200

14,000 

13,200 

13,800 

14,100 

14,900

13,400 

10,600 

9,310 

8,140 

7,700

9,180 

10,600 

12,700 

14,600 

13,700

12,500 

11,700 

12,000 

9,810 

10,500

July.

10,100 

11,300 

13,200 

11,000 

8,800

6,560 

4,770 

4,370 

4,300 

4,300

4,930 

6,560 

7,700 

6,360 

4,930

4,690 

4,690 

4,070 

3,240

2,780

2,720 

2,600 

2,780 

2,980 

3,040

2,780 

2,600 

2,060 

2,000 

1,890 

1,780

Aug.

1,780 

1,720 

1,720 

1,670 

1,560

1,670 

1,560 

1,500 

1,500 

1,350

1,300 

1,200 

1,250 

1,250 

1,120

1,070 

1,070 

1,120 

1,200 

1,300

1,200 

1,200 

1,250 

1,160 

1,070

980 

890 

980 

980 

935 

1,070

Sept.

1,070 

1,120 

, 980 

847 

762

762 

847 

762 

720 

720

720 

720 

638 

598 

559

559 

521 

483 

483 

483

483 

483

483 

446 

410

410 

410 

410 

410 

340

Oct.

340 

483 

559 

638 

559

483 

483 

521 

559

483

483 

446 

410 

410 

375

375 

375 

340 

340 

340

340 

340 

340 

306 

306

306 

306 

340 

340 

340 

340

Nov.

306 

340 

306 

340 

340

340 

340 

375 

375 

804

598 

598 

598

720 

679

638 

559 

638 

679 

679

890 

2,240 

1,250 

1,200 

1,100

2,850 

1,670 

1,160 

1,160 

1,160

Dec.

1,160 

2,850 

2,480 

1,350 

1,160

1,160 

1,350 

2,000 

2,480 

26,800

7,270 

2,000 

1,840 

1,780 

1,620

1,450 

1,300 

1,200 

1,160 

1,160

1,160 

1,070 

1,070 

1,020 

980

980 

935 

890 

890 

10,600 

27,900

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: January 1 to 12, fairly well 

defined between discharges of 250 and 4,120 second-feet; January 13 to December 31, fairly well denned; 

July 4 and 5, interpolated.

Monthly discharge of San Joaquin River near Friant, Cal., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,640 square miles.]

Month.

March ......................

April.......................

May........................

June.......................

July........................

August. ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

TVfi^TriTifiviTn^

26,800 

12,500 

3,300 

9,940 

16,200 

22,800 

13,200 

1,780 

1,120 

638 

2,850 

27,900

27,900

Minimum.

320 

1,840 

1,720 

2,180 

6,360 

7,700 

1,780 

935 

340 

306 

306 

890

306

Mean.

4,510 

3,300 

2,160 

5,910 

10,500 

13,900 

5,030 

1,280 

621 

407 

833 

3,580

4,330

Per 

square 

mile.

2.75 

2.01 

1.32 

3.60 

6.40 

8.48 

3.07 

.780 

.379 

.248 

.508 

2.18

2.63

Run-off.

Depth In 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

3.17 

2.09 

1.52 

4.02 

' 7.38 

9.46 

3.53 

.90 

.42 

.29 

.57 

2.51

35.86

Total in 

acre-feet.

277,000 

183,000 

133,000 

352,000 

646,000 

827,000 

309,000 

78,700 

37,000 

25,000 

49,600 

220,000

3,140,000

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.
CALIFORNIA. 171

SAN JOAQUIN EIVEK AT HERNDON, OAL.

This station is at the Southern Pacific Railroad bridge, about 12 

miles northwest of Fresno and 20 miles below Friant. In 1879 the 

engineering department of the Southern Pacific Co. set a staff gage 

on the old trestle bridge, which was used for the regular gaging 

station established at the beginning of 1895. In 1899 the trestle 

was replaced by a steel bridge, to the center pier of which a new 

staff gage was placed at the datum of the old gage. Meter measrements were discontinued at the end of 1901, because of the continual change in the section due to shifting sand. Since that date 

only a gage record has been kept.

The following record has been furnished by William Hood, chief 

engineer of the Southern Pacific Co.:

Daily gage height, in feet, of San Joaquin River at Hemdon, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11. ....... .......

12...............

IS.. .............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

3.15

4.0

3.6

5.35

40

3.65

3.5

13.35

10.0

8.15

7.65

7.1

6.5

6.15

9.0

13.0

7.15

7.0

6.5

5.75

5.4

5.25

5.1

4.75 

4.75

Feb.

4.6

4.5

4.6

4.6

45

4.6

6.0

5.65

5.4

5.25

7.65

11.0

9.6

8.25

7.0

7.0

7.0

6.35

6.0

5.65

5.65

5.35

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

.......

Mar.

4.65

4.4

4.25

40

5.5

5.5

5.35

5.0

485

4.75

4.75

4.65

4.6

4.6

4.35

4.15

5.0

4.85

4.65

4.5

4.5

44

44

4.4

4.35

435

4.35

4.35

4.25

4.25 

4.25

Apr.

4.25

4.25

4.35

5.75

5.65

6.0

5.35

5.4

5.4

6.0

6.4

6.65

6.5

6.5

7.35

8.5

8.5

8.65

9.0

9.0

8.35

8.0

7.65

7.6

7.75

7.35

9.0

9.0

8.5

8.35

May.

9 A

9.5

10.5

10.35

10.25

10.25

10.5

10.5

10.6

10.35

10.0

9.35

9.15

8.5

8.25

ao

7.25

7.5

8.0

8.35

9.0

9.35

9.0

8.5

8.0

8.35

9.35

9.35

9.15

9.0 

10.4

June.

11.0

12.15

13.25

13.35

13.0

12.25

11.65

10.5

10.35

10.5

10.75

11.0

10.35

10.5

10.5

9.65

9.35

9.0

9.0

8.65

8.4

8.15

10.15

10.65

11.0

11.15

10.4

9.25

9.0

10.15

July.

10.0

9.65

9.65

9.5

8.65

8.5

8.4

7.6

7.35

7.25

7.1

7.0

7.0

7.5

7.25

7.0

7.0

6.65

6.5

6.5

6.25

6.1

5.9

6.0

6.0

5.65

5.65

5.5

5.1

5.0 

4.6

Aug.

44

4.35

4.35

4.25

425

4.15

4.15

4.0

40

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.75

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.35 

3.35

Sept.

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

Oct.

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

' 3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0 

3.0

Nov.

3.0

2.85

2.85

2.75

2.75

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.65

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.75

2.85

2.85

3.1

4.5

4.35

4.25

6.75

5.6

5.35

5.1

5.1

Dec.

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.35

5.25

5.0

5.5

5.65

13.5

9.65

7.5

5.75

5.5

5.35

5.0

475

45

415

415

4.0

4.0

40

3.75

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4 

3.6

TULARE LAKE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The Tulare Lake basin is situated near the south end of the San 

Joaquin Valley and embraces that part of the valley determined by 

the Kings River delta at the north and the Kern River delta at the 

south. These rivers leave the foothills and enter the valley near 

Fresno and Bakersfield, respectively. Strictly speaking, they are
172 SUBFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

tributaries of San Joaquin River, but in reality no water from Kern 

River has reached the San Joaquin in recent years. Only a part of 

Kings River enters the San Joaquin.

Below the foothills the Kings River and Kern River channels 

roughly parallel each other in a southwestern direction. They are 

about 90 miles apart, and their courses are approximately at right 

angles to the axis, or old trough, of the valley. During past centuries 

each of these streams has brought down an immense quantity of eroded 

material and deposited it in the valley along its course, the result 

of the deposition being the pronounced delta fans that extend completely across the valley as the Kings River and Kern River ridges. 

The delta ridge -formed by Kern River extends westward to the 

McKittrick Hills and cuts off a small basin in the extreme south end 

of the San Joaquin Valley, which may be called Kern basin. This 

basin has several small lakes, of which Kern reservoir is the largest and 

occupies the lowest depression. Kern River drains into this basin.

North of the Kern River and south of the Kings River ridge is 

another broad but shallow depression known as the Tulare Lake basin 

or the "valley of the tules." Its lowest area lies in the trough of the 

San Joaquin Valley and for several hundred years has been covered 

most of the time by a shallow fresh-water lake. The lake was originally 

a delta swamp and has always fluctuated in depth and extent, depending upon the season and the caprice of the delta rivers supplying it. 

Probably within the last hundred years the entire flow of Kern, Tule, 

and Kaweah rivers has entered this lake and a large part, if not all, 

of Kings River; but at the present time only the Kaweah and the 

Tule, south of Kings River and north of Kern River, are wholly 

tributary to the Tulare basin. At high stages Kings River discharges 

in part into this basin, and sometimes overflow may reach it from the 

Kern basin at the south.

TTTLARE LAKE IN KINGS COUNTY, CAL.

Tulare Lake is a shallow body of water occupying the lowest depression in the Tulare basin. It is about 30 miles directly south of Fresnoand 40 miles northwest of Bakersfield^ The lake is roughly rectangular in shape and its greatest length is from northwest to southeast. 

In November, 1907, when its margin was carefully determined, the 

lake had an area of about 274 square miles^ a maximum depth of 12.4 

feet, an average length of 20 miles, and a width of 13.5 miles; the 

water's edge was- 3 miles from the town of Corcoranr and the water 

surface about 12 feet below. The lake surface reached its greatest 

height in the summer of 1907, when it had a maximum depth of nearly 

14 feet.

For the 25 years preceding 1898 the lake level was steadily lowered, 

with only seasonal fluctuations. This lowering was in part brought
CALIFORNIA. 173

about by the development of irrigation in Tulare basin, the water 

used for this purpose 'being diverted from the streams supplying 

the lake; but undoubtedly the chief factor in producing subsidence 

was light precipitation. During this entire period the precipitation 

was generally below the normal, particularly during the several 

years immediately preceding 1898, and in that year the lake bed 

became practically dry, and, after partly refilling in 1901, it became 

completely dry in 1905. As the water receded a constantly increasing area of exceedingly fertile land was uncovered. From time to 

time this land was leveed on the lake side and cultivated until hi the 

early spring of 1906, the entire lake bed was under cultivation.

On March 15, 1906, the first water reached the lake bed at the 

mouth of Kings River and began spreading out over a large area of 

bottom land, upon which stood a crop of wheat almost matured. A 

few days later water from Kaweah and Tule rivers reached the lake. 

Then began a steady rise which rapidly submerged an increasingly 

large area of wheat fields. On June 1 the water was 7 feet deep, and 

covered about 200 square miles. On June 23 overflow water from 

Kern basin cut through the sand ridge to the south and flowed into 

the lake, which for a few days afterwards rose at the rate of 0.2 foot 

a day. On August 4 the water reached its greatest height for the 

year 1906, and the lake had an area of about 300 square miles and 

a maximum depth of 12.7 feet. The total rise of the lake in 1906 

was 10.8 feet. From this date the lake level slowly subsided until 

December 9, after which a rise began which continued until July, 1907, 

when the lake attained a maximum depth of 14 feet. Since this date 

it has been gradually subsiding.

The lake bed resembles a large flat saucer. The flat, level area in 

the bottom has an elevation of approximately 180 feet above mean 

sea level and covers about 55 square miles. The lowest point on the 

crast of the delta ridge to the north is about 27 feet higher than the 

bottom of the lake. Natural overflow will not occur, therefore, until 

the lake has a maximum depth of nearly 30 feet and an area of nearly 

1,000 square miles.

The lake receives practically all its water from Kings, Kaweah, and 

Tule rivers. Kings River furnishes the largest quantity. During 

flood periods about half of the total flow below all diversions enters 

the lake. Under normal conditions all the water of Tule River and 

nearly all that of Kaweah River are diverted for irrigation, and only 

a small quantity of water from these streams reaches the lake. The 

water from Kern River is stored in Kern basin except in years of 

great run-off. It is said that previous to 1906 no water had reached 

the lake from Kern River for 25 years. It thus appears that in 

years of great run-off, like 1906 and 1907, there will always be a large 

flow into the lake. Owing to variation in the inflow, therefore, and
174 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

in the evaporation, which amounts to. about 4.5 feet a year, it is 

probable that the lake will continue to fluctuate very much as in the 

past, though possibly never reaching very high stages.

The sudden reappearance of Tulare Lake has resulted in a financial 

loss of millions of dollars. Naturally great interest attaches to the 

probable behavior of the lake in the future, since permanent reclamation is ultimately hoped for. Whether the lake is destined to dry up 

or remain a body of water with great fluctuations, as in the past, or 

whether it is to fill and subside alternately, are questions of great 

importance.

During 1906 and a part of 1907 a record of the stage of the lake 

was kept by means of a Government staff gage located near the 

entrance of Bangs River near Lemoore, Cal., at the middle of sec. 4, 

T. 21 S., R. 20 E., Mount Diablo base and meridian. The record was 

kept by Mark Lovelace, of Lemoore, Cal. The zero of the gage is at 

an elevation of 175.1 feet above mean sea level, or 4 feet below the 

bottom of the lake (elevation 179.1 feet). On May 11, 1907, a staff 

gage was set near Corcoran, Cal., and after that date readings were 

made by D. W. Lewis, of Corcoran, Cal. All lake gage heights have 

been adjusted to refer to the gage datum near Lemoore, Cal.

Below is the gage record, showing the actual depth of the water on 

the lowest point of the lake bed and the variations in level during 1909.

TULARE LAKE NEAR CORCORAN, CAL.

The following gage heights were observed in 1909 by D. W.Lewis. 

Gage record shows the actual depth of water at the lowest point of the 

lake bed:

Gage heights of Tulare Lake near Corcoran, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 1.. .................

Apr. 11....... ..........

Apr. 23. ................

May 4.... ...............

May 9........ ...........

May 11....... ...........

May 17....... ...........

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

8.3

10.8

10.9

11.05

11.15

11.2

11.55

Date.

May 25....... ...........

June 25.................

height.

Feet. 

11.65

11.8

12.3

12.65

12.9

13.0

13.1

Date.

July 2.... ...............

July 6...................

July 10...... ............

July 16....... ...........

July 21....... ...........

July 30....... ...........

£b

Feet. 

13.2

13.25

13.3

13.4

13.4

13.3

KERN RIVER BASEST. 

DESCRIPTION.

The Kern River basin, the largest and most southern of all the 

areas tributary to the San Joaquin Valley from the Sierra, also 

extends farther eastward than any of the other basins and differs 

from them in that its main axis is north and south instead of east 

and west. It is long and comparatively narrow, and lies west of the 

main high Sierra divide, but it is east of the secondary parallel crest,
CALIFORNIA. 175

called the Great Western Divide, which separates it from the basins 

of Kaweah and Tule rivers and southern foothill streams at the west. 

It is separated from Kings River basin at the north by a cross range 

about 15 miles in length, known as the Kings-Kern Divide. To the 

east of this basin is the southern part of Owens Valley basin and the 

rough arid region south of Owens Lake and north of the Mohave 

Desert. The basin has a length of about 85 miles and a width of 25 

to 30 miles.

- Kern River has its source in numerous glacial lakes nestling in the 

shadow of many high peaks on the main Sierra divide and on the 

Kings-Kern and the Great Western divides. A half dozen of these 

peaks exceed 14,000 feet in altitude, more than 50 exceed 13,000 

feet, and many of the lakes are at an altitude of 11,000 feet or over. 

Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the United States proper, 

has an altitude of 14,501 feet above sea level and overlooks the 

northern part of Kern basin from the east. The main stream flows 

directly southward for about 70 miles, then southwestward to the 

mouth of its canyon, a few miles northeast of Bakersfield, where it 

enters the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. The total length 

of Kern River from its source to Bakersfield is about 140 miles. Its 

total drainage area above the valley rim is about 2,570 square miles.

The chief tributary of Kern River is South Fork. This stream 

heads in the main Sierra Divide, 15 or 20 miles south of the headwaters of the main stream, at an altitude of 11,000 feet, and flows 

directly southward for about 50 miles, then westward about 20 

miles, to its junction with the main stream at Isabella. Above the 

point of confluence the two streams have about equal lengths and 

drainage areas, and are parallel to each other and to the marginal 

rims. Each receives many short tributaries from the east and the 

west. The most important ones, however, Big Arroyo and Rattlesnake creeks and Little Kern River from the west, and Gold Trout 

Creek from the east, enter the main stream above North Fork.

Altitudes in the Kern River basin range from a few hundred feet 

at the mouth of the river's lower canyon to 14,000 feet and more at 

the north end. The basin is divided into two lesser basins by a, 

medial axial ridge, which extends northward from the junction of 

South Fork with the main stream to an intersection with the Sierra 

Divide near Trail Peak and about 12 miles south of Mount Whitney.

The topography of the two basins is very different. The eastern 

basin is characterized by comparatively low, flat, and irregular hills, 

separated by many intervening meadows, large and email; it is 

drained by South Fork. The western basin is characterized by high 

glaciated peaks and ridges and by deep canyons; it is drained by 

the main stream, which flows through a narrow canyon for a great 

part of its length. The Kern River canyon proper is about 20 miles
176 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

long, 1 mile wide at the top, and 1,500 to 2,000 feet deep. It begins 

at Junction Meadow, 7 miles west of Mount Whitney, at an altitude 

of 8,500 feet, and runs due south to Kern Lake. The bottom of the 

canyon has a width of several hundred feet and an average gradient 

of 100 feet to the mile. The main canyon is intersected by short 

cross canyons, chiefly from the west. Above the junction of Kem 

River and South Fork the canyons broaden out into valleys of considerable size, especially on South Fork. Below the valleys, however, the main stream enters a rough canyon, which it^follows to its 

entrance into the San Joaquin Valley. The rocks are granitic.

In the foothills region of the Kern basin natural vegetation consists 

of grass and brush. Between altitudes of 3,000 and 10,000 feet there 

is a covering of timber and underbrush. The region above the 10,000- 

foot contour, however, is practically devoid of timber. The entire 

basin is included in national forests.

The mean annual precipitation in the Kern basin is small, partly 

because of the position of the basin in the southern region of the 

Sierra, which receives less rainfall than the central and northern 

regions, and partly because it lies east of the Great Western Divide, 

which intercepts the moisture-laden winds. The precipitation is 

undoubtedly heaviest in the northern part of the basin, which is 

surrounded by many high peaks that have snow all the year, but no 

records exist as to the quantity. The central part of the basin 

probably has from 10 to 17 inches and the southern part less than 10 

inches.

Some irrigation is done in the valleys about Kernville, particularly 

on the South Fork. Below the mouth of the lower canyon the total 

low-water flow is diverted for irrigation around Bakersfield in the San 

Joaquin Valley. Further development is undoubtedly possible by 

utilizing storage.

On the South Fork are many excellent reservoir sites, but the runoff of this part of the basin is small. Reservoir sites are also found 

on some of the smaller tributaries of the main stream above South 

Fork.

As the fall of Kern River is very great and the minimum flow is 

furnished almost entirely from the higher altitudes, fine opportunities 

for power development are afforded. The minimum flow of the 

stream is capable of generating about 125,000 horsepower without 

storage. By utilizing the feasible storage this amount could be 

increased to 200,000 horsepower.

The longest run-off record in this basin extends back to 1893. 

The wettest year since that time was 1906 and the driest 1898. 

The total flow during the wettest year was about seven and one-half 

times that during the driest.
OAUFOEliiriA. 177

KERH RIVER NEAR BAKERSFIELD, CAL.

This station, which has been maintained by the Kern County Land 

Co. to furnish a basis for the equitable division of the water of Kern 

River between different appropriators, is located at the mouth of the 

lower canyon, about 5 miles northeast of Bakersfield, at what is 

known-as the "first point of measurement," in sec. 2, T. 29 S., R. 25 

E. It was established September 29, 1893, by Walter James, chief 

engineer of the Kern County Land Co. The records furnish also statistical data regarding the run-off from a large area of the southern 

Sierra.

No tributaries enter below the station and only a few unimportant 

ones for 50 miles above.

Water diverted for power development above the station is returned to the river. Except for local irrigation in the valleys around 

Kernville no water is diverted for irrigation above the station. Below the point of measurement, however, the total flow of the river, 

except at flood stages, is diverted by the Kern County Land Co. and 

the Miller & Lux interests, which o\m all the water rights on lower 

Kern River.

The stream flow records on Kern River are excellent. Regular 

current-meter measurements are made weekly from the foot bridge 

at which the gage is located, and an accurate cross-section is made 

from time to time with an engineer's level.

The results are furnished to the Geological Survey by A. K. Warren, 

engineer in charge.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kern River near Bakersjield, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3........:......

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25.. J..... ..:....

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

9Q7

<wu.

VIA.

362

OAfi.

318

322

454

427

520

Ml

4R3

892

8,779

5,680

2,804

2,010

1,644

1,375

1,196

2,726

7,502

5,174

3,567

2,215

1,807

1,691

1,661

1 47S

1,423

1,384

Feb.

1,325 1 9Jn

1,215

1,237

1 1QS

1,511

2,373

4,425

2,558

2,075

2,345

2,476

3

AAC

2,910

2,538

2,470

2,563

2,861

2,675

2,428

2,667

2,382

2,112

1,972

1,970

1,989

1 QS7

2,075

Mar.

1

QQQ

2,036

2,220

2,725

2,595

2,475

2,398

2,185

2,080

2,032

1,932

1,831

1,781

1,835

1 Q7<»

2,189

2,222

2,262

2,281

2,137

2,163

2

107

2,027

1 Q48

1,865

1,849

1 Cftft

1 041

1 944

2! 090

1,912

Apr.

1 936

2 9J.7

2,686

3,136

3,138

2,909

2 8J&

2 Q93

3,068

3,331

3,332

3,188

3,310

3,729

4,232

4,786

5,225

5,627

5,921

5,503

5

tQ7

.I CIO

4 >Wtl

4 ASIA

4,615

4,867

5,310

5 794

5,962

6,137

"

May.

6,537

7 A19

7,226

7,271

7 346

7,428

7,436

7,331

7,182

7,335

7,126

6,610

6,172

5,603

5

KAA

5,696

5,692

5,689

5,611

5,665

5

01 o

5,903

5

ee/l

5,203

5 049

5,180

5,619

6 040

5,843

5,523

5,659

June.

6.415

7,262

8 191

8,712

8,851

8,608

8,123

7,575

7,299

7,105

6,972

ft CU.7

6,935

6,801

6,701

6,615

6,431

6 044

5^573

5,039

4,889

5,236

5,614

6,050

6,467

6,238

5,786

5,685

5,398

5,190

*"

July.

5.049

5,240

5,680

5,640

5,048

4,294

3,674

3 QQJ.

3,315

3,260

3,211

3,330

3,528

3,611

^ 4fiK

3,110

2,849

2 77Q

2,666

2,366

2 one

2

OQ7

2,343

2,375

2

QJA

2,316

2,157

1

007

1,656

1,568

1,542

Aug.

1 461

1*458

1,'415

1,397

1,381

1,351

1,343

1,311

1,228 i 14ft

1 ftfift

1,021

1,013

QQQ

tun

898

883 010

Q78

1,090

1,080

1,024

963

927

853

794

7Qfi

773

 799

899

1,192

Sept.

1,256

1,126

993

906

841

890

946

894

84.7

844

836

775

731

710

694

687

644

630

618

611

600

601

566

560

552

520

514

499

489

524

Oct.

518

CAC

540

601

616

608

593

584

581

561

539

519

499

490

490

483

482

473

483

477

491

490

464

441

449

451

455

450

469

444

452

Nov.

455

4KK

443

441

44A

443

450

460

486

599

714

605

583

583

604

561

546

583

572

564

569

653

785

721

666

699

732

658

413

630

Dec.

625

636

813

743

SQ4

692

647

1,539

4,167

4,656

2,176

1,593

1,344

1,213

1,092

995

946

912

845

857

928

893

873

867

821

764

868

818

831

823

874

96451° WSP 271 11 12
178 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Kern River near Bakersfield, Cal., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 2,345 square miles.]

Month.

May... ...........................

July..............................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

8,779 

4,425 

2,725 

6,137 

7,436 

8,851 

5,680 

1,461 

1,256 

616 

785 

4,656

8,851

Minimum.

297 

1,198 

1,781 

1,936 

5,049 

4,889 

1,542 

773 

489 

441 

413 

625

297

Mean.

1,930 

2,250 

2,090 

4,160 

6,220 

6,620 

3,170 

1,080 

730 

508 

571 

1,180

2,540

Per 

square 

mile.

0.823 

.959 

.891 

1.77 

2.65 

2.82 

1.35 

.461 

.311 

.217 

.244 

.503

1.08

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.95 

1.00 

1.03 

1.98 

3.06 

3.15 

1.56 

.53 

.35 

.25 

.27 

.58

14.71

Total in 

acre-feet.

119,000 

125,000 

129,000 

248,000 

382,000 

394,000 

195,000 

66,400 

43,400 

31,200 

34,000 

72,600

1,840,000

TULE RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Tule River drains a small, somewhat rectangular area west of the 

Great Western Divide, which is a secondary crest of the Sierra lying 

parallel to and about 25 miles west of the main divide. The Tule 

. River basin is south of the Kaweah basin, west of the Kern basin, 

and north of the Deer Creek basin. Its length north and south 

averages about 25 miles and its width averages about 15 miles. The 

total drainage area above the rim of the valley is about 370 square 

miles.

Tule River .rises at an altitude of about 9,000 feet above sea level. 

The main stream is formed by the Junction of North and Middle 

Forks about 1 mile above Daunt post office and about 15 miles northeast of Portersville. It takes a ^southwesterly course to the point 

where it leaves the foothills about 5 miles east of Portersville, and 

has a length of about 30 miles. South Fork joins the main stream 

about 8 miles below Daunt. The flood water passes westward 

through old channels in the river's alluvial fan to Tulare Lake, which 

it enters south of Corcoran.

Altitudes in the Tule basin range from 500 feet in the foothills to 

10,000 feet along its eastern border. The western third is a typical 

foothill region with large, irregular hills of moderate altitude, separated by valleys. The eastern two-thirds is a typically eroded 

mountain region, which has a rather steep slope that has been characteristically carved by the action of prim: ry and secondary stream 

systems. The rocks are chiefly granitic.

At the lower elevations the basin supports a growth of grass, brush, 

and. scattering timber; at the middle and higher elevations the area
CALIFORNIA, 179

is covered with good timber and underbrush. About two-thirds of 

the upper part of the basin is in a national forest.

The mean annual precipitation is about 8 inches in the valley below 

the foothills, 20 inches in the middle part of the basin, and 30 inches 

or more on the higher elevations where much of it occurs as snow.

Considerable irrigation is carried on in the small valleys above the 

point where the stream leaves the foothills. The total flow of the 

stream at moderate and at low stages is diverted for irrigation in the 

vicinity of Portersville. Without storage further development is 

unlikely, but a small amount of storage is available.

The streams have plenty of fall, but the minimum flow is so small 

that only a few thousand horsepower could be developed continually 

without storage.

The longest run-off record in this basin extends back to 1901. The 

wettest year since that time was 1906, and the driest 1904, with 1905 

a close second. The total flow during the wettest year was nearly 

five times that during the driest. The total for 1909 was nearly as 

great as that for 1906.

TITLE RIVER HEAR PORTERSVILLE, CAL.

This station, which is located 100 feet below the wagon bridge near 

McFarland's ranch, about 1 mile above the mouth of South Fork and 

about 8 miles east of Portersville, was established April, 8 1901. 

The data are valuable in connection with the reclamation of Tulare 

Lake and in planning future power and irrigation development.

South Fork unites with the main stream about 1 mile below the 

station. North and Middle forks join about 8 miles above.

A few small irrigation ditches divert water above the point of 

measurement. Below the station canals divert water for use chiefly 

in irrigating citrus fruits in the vicinity of Portersville. The acquired 

water rights exceed the minimum flow of the stream.

Conditions for obtaining discharge data are good. The channel is 

practically permanent and the velocity moderate. The records are 

thoroughly reliable.

The cable station was destroyed during flood of January, 1909, 

since which time discharge measurements have been made from wagon 

bridge. The staff gage is located at old gaging section 100 feet below 

the bridge. The gage datum has never been changed.

Discharge measurements of Tule River near Portersville, Cat., in 1909.

Date.

May 13

July 11

Aug. 26

Oct. 26

Hydrographer.

W.V. Hardy.. ............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

76

65

50

50

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

212

124

64

60

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.55

2.15

1.22

1.20

Discharge.

8ec.-ft. 

654

193

46

43
180 SUBFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Tule River near Portersville, Col., for 1909. 

[R. W. McFarland, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2.. .............

3...............

4... v . .........

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.

1.3

1 dR

1.4

1.5

1.8

1.6

2.45

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.0

1.8 

7.0

08.4

4.75

3.75

3.35

3.1

2.9

2.8

9 1

6 0

4.75

3.95

3.85

3.7

3.7

3.45

3.35 

3.2

3.1

Feb.

3.0

2.9

3 45

3.3

3.6

3.75

6.55

4 9

4.1

3.8

5.25

5.85 

5.1 

4.3

4.1

4.0

4.0

a a

3.7

3.6

4.0

3.6

3.4

3.35

3.3

3.2

3.15

3.15

Mar.

3.18

3.18

3.9

3.6

3.5

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.05 

3.0 

3.05 3 i

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.4

3.25

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.9 

3.6

3.4

Apr.

3.5

3.7

3.75

3.8

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.55

3.6

3.55

3.5 

3.6 

3.7

3 Q

4.1

4.3

4.25

4.2

4.0

3.85

3.75

3.65

3.45"

3.6

3 9

4.1

4.1

4.1 

4.15

May.

4.15

4.2

4.25

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.1

4.0

3.95

3.9

3.85

3.8 

3.6 

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.4

3.45

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.8

June.

4.1

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.75

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.5 

3.45 

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.3

3.25

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.05

2.95

2.85

2.75

"> 75

July.

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.55

2.5

2 4

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.15

2.1 

2.1 

2.05

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1 65

1.6

1.6

1.5 

1.5

1.5

Aug.

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1 dR

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2 

1.2

1.15

Sept.

1.15

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.2

1.2

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

1.15 

1.15

Oct.

1.15

1.2

. 1.35

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2 

1.2 

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Nov.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.85

1.8

.......

1 dR

1.55

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.7

2.5

2.0

1.85

1.7 

1.7

Dec.

1.7

3.0

2.2

1.85

1.85

4.6

3.6

9.5

7.4

5.0

3.4

2.9 

2.7 

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.3

2.35

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.05

2.0 

2.0

3.0

o Maximum, 11 feet. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Tule River near Portersville, Col., for 1909.

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...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

53

70

64

75

119

88

248

260

248

236

154

110

3,180

4,440

1,340

"K44 732

AAK

376

344

5,070

3,090

1 340

840

784

706

706

588

144

483

445

Feb.

410

376

COO

523

657

730

2,780

1 450

920

757

1,700

2 1fcfl

i Ron

1 *920 040

865

QOK

810

706

651

865

657

565

544

523

483

464

464

Mar.

480

480

O-lrt

657

610

657

610

565

523

483

44K

428

410

428

445

483

483

483

44E

410

565

KA3

MR

44E

MR

523

565

565

810

657

565

Apr.

610

706

tt9

757

610

610

610

634

657

634

610

657

706

810

920

1 040 MIO

980

865

794

700

fifi*>

KQQ

657

filft

920

Q70

920

osn

May.

950

QSfi

1,010

1 040 I'fidn

980

Q9fl

865

838

810

784

7C7

657

634

610

610

610

610

610

610

610

610

565

523

565

coo

657

634

610

657

757

June.

920

SfiR

OfiC

865

865

01 A

757

TOO

706

680

657

610

588

565

565

544

COO

503

464

445

44E

44E

44K

445

428

498

qno

360

329

329

July.

314

300

300

300

260

236

">14

204

103

183

173

164

154

IdR

136

136

119

119

111

111

103

103

103

OR

88

QQ

75

7C

75

Aug.

75

75

70

70

70

64

64is>aj

53

53

CO

53

CO

53

53

53

53

48

48

48

48

48

48

43

43

43

43

43

43

39

Sept.

39

43

43

43

43

43

43

3Q

43

43

43

43

43

WJ

39

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

3510

*m

Oct.

39

43>aj

is

53

48

48

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

Nov.

43

43

43

43

48

48

48

48

128

103

88

82

75

70

82

75

82

88

88

88

QQ

QQ

96

103

*jfifi

154

1QQ

103

103

Dec.

103

410

193

128

128

1,240

657

5 430

Si 540

1,520

565

376

314

286

260

236

225

214

214

225

214

225

193

1fi3

173

164

164

154

154

410

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined below a discharge of 3,200 $econd-feet.
CALIFORNIA. 181

Monthly discharge of Tuk River near Portersvilk, CaL, for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 266 square miles.]

Month.

March ......................

April.......................

May........................

July........................

October ....................

November. .................

December ..................

The year.............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

5,070 

2,780 

810 

1,040 

1,040 

920 

314 

75 

43 

58 

260 

5,430

5,430

Minimum.

53 

376 

410 

588 

523 

329 

75 

39 

35 

39 

43 

103

35

Mean.

895 

896 

530 

759 

732 

584 

165 

53.7 

38.7 

44.5 

88.5 

596

446

Per 

square 

mile.

3.36 

3.37 

1.99 

2.85 

2.75 

2.20 

.620 

.202 

.145 

.167 

,333 

2.24

1.68

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

3.87 

3.51 

2.29 

3.18 

3.17 

2.46 

.71 

.23 

.16 

.19 

.37 

2.58

22.72

Total in 

acre-feet.

55,000 

49,800 

32,600 

45,200 

45,000 

34,800 

10,100 

3,300 

2,300 

2,740 

5,270 

36,600

323,000

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

KAWEAH RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The Kaweah River basin lies on the western slope of the Sierra in 

the northern part of Tulare County, south and west of the Kings 

River basin, north of the Tule River basin, and west of the upper 

Kern River basin. In shape it roughly approximates a rectangular 

quadrilateral with sides about 26 miles in length. One corner is 

formed at the head of the alluvial delta fan below the foothills, and 

the opposite diagonal corner rests on Triple Divide Peak in the high 

Sierra, 15 or 20 miles west of the main crest. The east side of the 

quadrilateral rests on the Kaweah-Kern watershed, a secondary crest 

of the Sierra west of the main one and known as the Great Western 

Divide. The total area of the basin is about 715 square miles.

Kaweah River rises in numerous small lakes nestling among high 

peaks on or near the divide at an altitude of about 12,000 feet above 

sea level. The main stream is formed by the confluence of North, 

Middle, and South Forks 10 or 15 miles above thef head of its delta, 

and its course is southwestward throughout its length. Below the 

foothills it divides into several distributaries which cross the .delta 

fan and enter Tulare Lake near Corcoran. Its total length above the 

delta is about 45 miles.

The topography of the Kaweah basin is varied, altitudes ranging 

from a few hundred feet in the foothills to more than 12,000 feet at 

the eastern border. In the upper parts of the basin are many domes 

and ridges interspersed between numerous upland meadows and 

glacial lakelets. Only a small part of the area is high enough to 

have perpetual snow. Most of the streams have fairly well developed 

canyons with moderately steep slopes. The rocks are granitic.
182 SUBFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

The basin is fairly well forested. The lower foothills are covered 

with grass, brush, and scrubby timber. By far the greater part of 

the area, however, has an excellent cover of timber and underbrush. 

The Sequoia National Park, situated almost wholly in Kaweah 

basin, contains the largest grove of big trees (Seguoia gigantea) in 

the Sierra. Practically all the area outside of the park is included in 

a national forest.

The mean annual precipitation ranges from 10 inches in the valley 

to 20 inches on the lower elevations and probably 40 inches hi the 

upper part. On probably half of the area it occurs chiefly as snow.

The opportunities for irrigation in the Kaweah basin are practically 

restricted to the valley delta below the foothills. Virtually the total 

flow at moderate and low stages is now diverted for irrigating land in 

Tulare County; but little further development seems possible without 

storage, and for this opportunities are not very favorable. Some 

reservoir sites, however, could be developed. One of these sites is 

about 2 miles below Three Rivers post office. Considerable storage 

can be effected in the upper parts of the basin by throwing low dams 

across the outlets of the larger lakes.

Opportunities for water-power development are very good. The 

streams have comparatively heavy gradients and a minimum flow, 

sufficiently large to generate about 30,000 horsepower without storage. For a period of at least six months hi the year more than 

100,000 horsepower could be obtained.

The longest run-off record extends back to 1903. The wettest year 

since that time was 1906 and the driest 1908. The total flow during 

the wettest year was about four and one-half times that during the 

driest.

KAWEAH RIVER BELOW THREE RIVERS, GAL.

This station, which is located about 1^ miles below Three Rivers 

post office and about one-fourth mile back of J. O. Carter's ranch 

house on the wagon road from Lemon Cove to Three Rivers, was 

established April 29, 1903. The data are valuable in connection 

with the reclamation of Tulare Lake and in planning future irrigation and power development. The station is about three-fourths of 

a mile below the confluence of North, Middle, and South forks.

No important tributaries enter below the point of measurement.

Some water is diverted above the station for power, particularly 

on Middle and East forks, but it is returned to the stream above 

Three Rivers. A few small ditches divert water for local irrigation 

and domestic uses in the small valleys above Three Rivers. The 

acquired water rights on this stream probably exceed the low-water 

flow.
CALIFORNIA. 183

The conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are fairly good. 

The stream is confined to its channel except at very high stages, when 

the right bank overflows somewhat. The bed, though composed of 

fine gravel and sand, is not subject to much change. The current is 

somewhat sluggish at very low stages and rather swift at high stages, 

though not excessively so. A fair degree of confidence can be placed 

in the records.

Measurements are made from a cable except at extreme low water 

when a wading section is selected at some favorable point. The 

staff gage is located at the'cable section. The gage datum has never 

been changed.

Discharge measurements of Kawedh River below Three Rivers, Col., in 1909.

Date.

May 14

July 10

July 12

Aug. 27

Oct. 27

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin.............................................

W.V. Hardy... ...........................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

170

163

163

140

110

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

650

624

610

326

225

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.18

6.80

6.70

4.95

4.58

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,730

1,270

1,240

186

82

Daily gage height, in feet, of Kawedh River below Three Rivers, Cal.,for 1909. 

[J. O. Carter, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

4.6

4.95

4.8

4.75

4.7

5.2

5.4

5.0

6.0

6.0

5.25

5.5

69.5

10.3

7.55

6.6

6.3

6.1

5.95

5.95

10.6

8.6

7.3

6.8

6.55

6.4

6.6

6.3

6.2

6.15

6.05

Feb.

5.95

5.9

6.25

6.0

6.2

6.4

7.9

7.0

6.6

6.5

8.55

8.7

7.9

7.3

7.05

6.95

6.8

6.7

6.7

6.5

6.7

6.5

6.4

6.4

6.3

6.3

6.2

6.2

Mar.

6.2

6.25

6.75

6.65

6.6

6.5

6.45

6.4

6.4

6.35

6.25

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.25

6.35

6.2

6.25

6.2

6.2

6.3

6.3

6.2

6.2

6.15

6.35

6.35

6.35

6.S

6.4

6.35

Apr.

6.4.

6.65

6.75

6.75

6.6

6.5

6.55

6.7

6.7

6.9

6.65

6.55

6.75

7.0

7.25

7.3

7.4

7.35

7.4

7.1

7.1

6.9

6.9

7.05

7.1

7.3

7.5

7.5

7.35

7.F

May.

7.8

8.0

8.1

8.2

8.25

8.3

8.35

8.0

8.1

8.1

7.8

7.5

7.35

7.2

7.35

7.4

7.5

7.55

7.65

7.75

7.85

7.65

7.4

7.3

7.45

7.75

8.0

7.8

7.45

7.6

8.4

June.

8.7

9.05

9.25

9.35

9.2

8.95

8.55

8.5

8.4

8.55

8.5

8.45

8.5

8.4

8.3

8.15

8.0

7.55

7.45

7.5

7.8

8.1

8.2

8.55

as

7.75

7.7

7.7

7.55

7.55

July.

7.8

8.0

7.8

7.45

7.2

6.95

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.75

6.8

6.9

6.8

6.25

6.6

6.5

6.4

6.35

6.2

6.1

6.1

6.15

6.15

6.1

6.1

6.0

5.9

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.7

Aug.

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.55

5.55

5.5

5.55

5.45

5.4

5.4

5.35

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.05

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

5.0

5.1

5.1

Sept.

5.05

5.0

4.9

4.9

5.0

5.1

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.85

4.85

4.8

4.7

47

*J4V 6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

46

4.6

46

46

46

46

46

Oct.

46

465

5.0

4.9

49

48

4.8

4.8

475

47

47

4.65

465

46

4.6

46

46

4.6

46

46

46

46

46

455

455

455

455

455

46

465

..465

Nov.

465

46

46

4.6

4.6

46

4.6

46

5.3

5.15

5.05

5.05

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.05

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.75

5.55

5.35

5.3

5.6

5.9

5.5

5.4

5,4

5.4

Dec.

5.4

6.2

5.6

5.3

5.5

5.35

5.4

6.05

«10.1

7.2

6.5

6.2

6.05

5.9

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.55

5.55

5.65

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

7.2

a Mari-minti 12.5 feet. 6 Maximum 12 feet.
184 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kaweah River below Three Rivers, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1...... .........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8............... 9..........:....

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

75

144

110

100

91

216

296

156

628

628

235

342

6,370

8,430

2,240

1,090

839

695

596

596

9,210

4,250

1,870

1,270

1,040

017

1,090

839

765

' 730

662

Feb.

596

564

802

628

765

917

2,830

1,480

1,090

999

4,140

4,470

2,830

1,870

1,540

1,420

1,270

1,180

1,180

999

1,180

999

917

917

839

839

765

765

Mar.

765

802

1,220

1,130

1,090

999

958

917

917

878

802

765

765

765

802

878

765

802

765

765

839

839

765

765

730

878

878

878

999

917

878

Apr.

917

1,130

1,220

1,220

1,090

999

1,040

1,180

1,180

1,370

1,130

1,040

1 220

1,480

1,800

1,870

2,010

1,940

2,010

1,600

1,600

1,370

1,370

1,540

1,600

1,870

2,160

2,160

1,940

2,160

May.

2,650

3,010

3,200

3,400

3,500

3,600

3,700

3.010

3,200

3,200

2,650

2,160

1,940

1,730

1,940

2,010

2,160

2,240

2,400

2,560

2,740

2,400

2,010

1,870

2,080

2,560

3,010

2,650

2,080

2,320

3,810

Jane.

4,470

5,280

5,760

6,000

5,640

5,040

4,140

4,030

3,810

4,140

4,030

3,920

4,030

3,810

3,600

3,300

3,010

2,240

2,080

2,160

2,650

3,200

3,400

4,140

3,600

2,560

2,480

2,480

2,240

2,240

July.

2,650

3,010

2,650

2,080

1,730

1,420

1,270

1,270

1,270

1,220

1,270

1,370

1,270

802

1,090

999

917

878

765

695

695

730

730

695

695

628

564

503

446

446

446

Aug.

419

394

394

371

371

348

371

326

305

305

285

265

265

229

229

229

229

229

229

229

229

229

196

181

166

166

166

140

166

196

196

Sept.

181

166

140

140

166

196

140

140

140

140

128

128

117

97

97

97

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

Oct.

80

88

166

140

140

117

117

117

107

97

97

88

88

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

72

72

72

72

72

80

88

88

Nov.

88

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

265

222

181

181

166

166

166

166

181

196

196

196

474

371

285

265

394

564

348

305

305

305

Dec.

305

765

394

265

348

285

305

662

7,910

1,730

999

765

662

564

503

446

446

371

371

419

371

348

348

348

305

305

305

305

305

305

1,730

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to 14, well denned; Jan. 

15 to Dec. 31, well defined.

Monthly discharge of Kaweah River below Three Rivers, Cal., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 520 square miles.]

Month.

February. .................

March......................

April.......................

May........................

July........................

September. ................

October. ...................

December. .................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

9,210 

4,470 

1,220 

2 160 

3,810 

6,000 

3,010 

419 

196 

166 

564 

7,910

9,210

Minimum.

75 

564 

730 

917 

1,730 

2,080 

446 

140 

80 

72 

80 

265

72

Mean.

1,600 

1,390 

868 

1,510 

2,640 

3,650 

1,140 

260 

111 

92.2 

218 

758

1,170

Per

square 

mile.

2.89 

2.67 

1.67 

2.90 

5.08 

7.02 

2.19 

.500 

.213 

.177 

.419 

1.46

2.25

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

3.33

2.78 

1.92 

3.25 

5.86 

7.83 

2.52 

.58 

.24 

.20 

.47 

1.68

30.66

Total in 

acre-feet.

92,200 

77,200 

53,400 

89,800 

162,000 

217,000 

70,100 

16,000 

6,600 

5,670 

13,000 

46,600

850,000

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A.

KINGS RIVER BASIN.

DESCRIPTION.

The Kings River basin lies on the western slope of the Sierra, south 

of the upper San Joaquin basin and north of the Kaweah and upper 

Kern basins. For a distance of about 50 miles it touches the Sierra
CALIFORNIA. 185

divide, which separates it from the central part of the Owens River 

basin at the east and contains many of the highest peaks in the Sierra. 

In shape and extent this basin is very much like the upper San 

Joaquin basin, which adjoins it at the north. It ia roughly trapezoidal in shape, having a length of about 60 miles from valley rim to 

mountain crest and ranging in width from about 15 miles on the west 

side to about 45 miles at the east. Its total area above the valley 

border is about 1,840 square miles.

Kings River has its source in numerous glacial lakelets nestling at 

the foot of glaciers and perpetual snow banks which protrude from 

the summits of high peaks on and near the Sierra crest. The main 

stream is formed by the confluence of North, Middle, and South forks 

well up in the mountains. It takes a southwestward course to the 

mouth of its canyon, about 10 miles northeast of Sanger, whence it 

continues the same course across its delta fan to the trough of San 

Joaquin Valley, about 6 miles west of Lemoore. From this point 

most of the low-water flow passes northwestward through Kings 

Slough to San Joaquin River about 3 miles north of Mendota, but 

most of the flood flow passes southward to Tulare Lake. The total 

length of the river from its source to the mouth of its canyon is about 

85 miles. Besides the three forks and their tributaries, the other 

principal tributaries are Dinkey and Big creeks from the north and 

Mill Creek from the south.

The topography of the Kings River basin is very rough and irregular. At the head of this basin is the most rugged region in the Sierra. 

Many of the peaks are perpetually snowcapped; many others are 

sharp, bare, and precipitous. Altogether they produce some of the 

sublimest mountain scenery in the United States. Throughout the 

upper part of the basin there are, also, many charming lakes and 

beautiful meadows surrounded by lone peaks and domes. Nearly 

all the tributaries run through deep canyons cut through solid granite. 

The canyons of the three forks and of the main stream below their 

junction are long and narrow and 2,000 or 3,000 feet deep. In 

some places they broaden out into narrow valleys with precipitous 

walls, like Kings River canyon, on South Fork, and Tehipite Valley, 

on Middle Fork, which rival the famous Yosemite Valley in scenic 

grandeur. Altitudes in the basin range from 200 or 300 feet in the 

foothills to more than 14,000 feet at the eastern border. The formation ia granitic.

The greater part of the Kings River basin is well forested. At 

altitudes aboye 10,000 feet vegetation is scanty; below the 10,000- 

foot level, however, there is a heavy covering of timber and underbrush. Extensive groves of big trees grow at many places in this 

basin. On the lower foothills the vegetation consists of brush, 

grass, and scattering small timber. Almost the entire basin above 

the valley rim lies in a national forest.
186 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

The mean annual precipitation varies with altitude. In the San 

Joaquin Valley it is 8 to 10 inches, in the foothills 20 to 30 

inches, and on the higher areas 50 to 60 inches. A large part of 

the basin has a high altitude and receives nearly all its precipitation in the form of snow, which never entirely disappears from the 

highest peaks.

Kings River offers magnificent opportunities for irrigation. Numerous canals, with a combined capacity of 4,000 to 5,000 secondfeet, now divert water from the river below the mouth of the canyon 

for use on the valley lands in Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties, 

where the soil and climate are specially adapted to the raising of 

grapes and other fruits. During low water these canals take the 

total flow of the river.

Only a few storage reservoirs of much value exist in the Kings River 

basin. Several reservoir sites on the main stream and its tributaries 

have been surveyed and their availability determined.1

A great deal of power could be developed in Kings River basin. 

The streams have very heavy gradients, and the minimum flow is 

sufficient to generate at least 125,000 horsepower without storage. 

This amount could be easily doubled by utilizing the potential storage. 

Middle and South forks afford the greatest opportunities for power 

(PL V).

The longest run-off record in this basin extends back to 1895. The 

wettest year since that time was 1906 and the driest 1898. The total 

flow of the wettest year was about five times that of the driest.

KINGS RIVER NEAR SANGER, CAL.

This station, which is located just below a big bend in the river near 

the mouth of the canyon, about 15 miles northeast of Sanger and 

southwest of Red Mountain, was established September 3, 1895. 

The data are useful in considering irrigation, power, and storage 

developments, and in studying the flood and reclamation problems 

of Tulare Lake and lower San Joaquin River.

No tributaries enter below the station. Mill Creek enters from the 

south about 3 miles above the point of measurement. Big and Dinkey creeks enter from the north about 10 and 15 miles, respectively, 

above the station. The fprks unite 20 or 25 miles above.

No diversions are made immediately above the place of measurement. Many miles above, however, a small quantity of water is 

diverted from tributary streams into a flume used for transporting 

lumber from the mountains to Sanger. The total flow of the river at 

low and moderate stages is diverted into irrigation canals only a short 

distance below the station. The acquired water rights greatly exceed 

the low-water flow.

i See Water-Supply Paper U. 8. Geol. Survey No. 58,1902.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 271 PLATE Y

FALLS ON ROARING RIVER, TRIBUTARY TO SOUTH FORK OF KINGS RIVER, CAL.

CALIFORNIA. 187

A Friez automatic water-stage register is used for obtaining gage 

heights at this station, because of the remarkable diurnal fluctuations 

of stage, especially during the spring and early summer when the snow 

is melting rapidly. It is not an unusual thing to remove a weekly 

record sheet that has a notably regular sinusoidal curve traced across 

it, showing an hourly change and a daily range of nearly 2 feet. No 

change has ever been made in the gage datum.

The conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data at this station 

are very good. The stream is confined to its channel at all stages and 

the current is never too sluggish nor too swift. The channel has a 

gravel bottom, but there is very little change in it. This stream is 

well rated every year, so that full reliance can be placed in the records.

Measurements are made from a cable. The staff gage and automatic register are located about 500 feet above the cable section.

Discharge measurements of Kings River near Sanger, CaL, in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 19

May 15

July 8

14

Aug. 28

Oct. 28

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin............................"..................

.....do.....................................................

W.V. Hardy.............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

214

310

305

312

159

95

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

860

1,580

1,570

1,760

489

292

height.

Feet. 

7.03

9.50

9.25

9.85

5.35

4.42

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,610

7,210

6,550

8,300

886

274

Daily gage height, in feet, of Kings River near Sanger, CaL, for 1909. 

[O. G. Williams, observer.]

Day.

1. ........... ..

2. .............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...........:...

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

4.4

4.55

4.6

4.6

4.55

5.1

5.6

5.7

5.95

5.55

5.1

5.25

9.5

612.9

9.8

7.75

7.05

6.6

6.35

6.2

11.35

10.2

8.25

7.45

7.25

6.85

6.85

6.65

6.4

6.3

Feb.

6.1

6.05

6.35

6.5

6.25

6.45

7.6

7.35

6.7

6.8

9.75

10.5

9.8

8.6

7.9

7.65

7.45

7.25

7.05

6.85

6.95

6.75

6.5

6.4

6.3

6.2

6.2

6.15

Mar.

6.1

6.1

6.45

6.85

6.8

6.85

7.1

6 Q

6.7

6.5

6.4

6.25

6.25

6.25

6.35

6.15

6.45

6.5

6.45

6.45

6.6

6.6

6.7

6.45

6.4

6.5

6.55

6.45

6.85

6.75

6.65

Apr.

6.75

7.15

7.3

7.4

7.2

7.0

7 (\t\

7.2

7.4

7.65

7.3

7.15

7.5

8.1

8.6

9 n

9 A

9 6

9.4

8.7

8.5

8.3

8.3

8.45

8.75

9.2

9 7

9.75

9

C

9 0

May.

10.4

10.7

10.8

10.95

11.1

11.2

n

o

11.0

11.1

11.0

10.5

10.0

9.5

9.35

9 6

9 7*

9 0

10.1

10.15

10.55

10.8

10.3

9 85

9.5

9 75

10.4

10.95

10.65

9 a

10.10

11.3

June.

12.0

12.55

12.9

13.0

12.95

12.5

12.05

11.65

11.6

11.65

11.7

11.85

11.8

11.7

11.7

11.65

11.3

10.75

10.2

10.15

10.75

11.15

11.65

11.8

11.7

n

o

11.15

11.25

11.05

10.95

July.

11.05

11.5

11.55

11.15

10.45

9.85

0 9

9 1

9.0

8.95

9.0

9.35

9

C

9.55

9 OK

9

n

R a

8.45

7 9

7.7

7.6

7 t\

7.55

7.75

Q A

7 fi

7.6

7 ^

7.1

6

QC

6.8

Aug.

6.65

6.45

6.35

6.3

6.25

6.25

6.25

6.25

6.35

6.3

6.2

6.1

6.05

6.0

5.8

5.65

5.7

5.75

6.0

6.15

6.0

i a

5.85

5.7

5.6

5.5

5.45

5.4

5.5

5.7

5.8

Sept.

5.7

5.55

5.4

5.3

0.3

5.45

5.4

5.3

5.25

5.25

5.2

5.1

5.05

5.0

4 9

A &\

4.8

4.8

4.8

A Q

4.75

4.75

4.7

4.7

4 7

4.7

4.7

4 7

4 7

4 7

Oct.

4.7

4.75

A 05

4.9

4.85

4.85

4.8

4.8

4.85

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4 7

4.7

4 6

4.55

4.55

a n*

4 55

4,55

4.55

4.5

A K

4.5

4.5

4 45

4 4

4 4

4.45

Nov.

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.S

4.5

4.5

4.75

5.0

4.7

4 9

4.8

4.9

4.9

4.9

4 9

5.85

6.15

5.5

5.3

5.65

6.2

5.6

5.5

5.5

Dec.

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.7

5.7

5.5

7.2

7.1

alO.4

5.5

5.35

5.33

' 5.25

5.2

5.2

5.15

5.15

8.7

Maximum 16.5 feet at 4 a. m. b Maximum 15.1 feet.
188 SURFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kings River near Sanger, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

9O

W

31...............

Jan.

280

345

370

370

345

690

1,090

1,180

1,430

1,040

690

800

7,330

19,800

8,090

3,690

2,680

2,110

1,840

1,680

12,800

9,170

4,580

3,230

2,950

2,420

2,420

2,170

1,890

1,780

1,780

Feb.

1,580

1,530

1,840

2,000

1,730

1,940

3,450

3,090

2,230

2,350

7,960

10,000

8,090

5,290

3,940

3,530

3,230

2,950

2,680

2,420

2,540

2,290

2,000

1,890

1,780

1,680

1,680

1,630

Mar.

1,580

1,580

1,940

2,420

2,350

2,420

2,740

2,480

2,230

2,000

1,890

1,730

1,730

1,730 i sun

2,000

1,940

2,000

1,940

1,940

2,110

2,110

2,230

1,940

1,890

2,000

2,060

1,940

2,420

2,290

2,170

Apr.

2,290

2,810

3,020

3,160

2,880

2,610

2,680

2,880

3,160

3,530

3,020

2,810

3,300

4,300

5,290

6,150

7,090

7,580

7,090

5,500

5,080

4,680

4,680

4,980

5,600

6,610

7,830

7,960

7,330

8,350

May.

9,750

10,700

11,000

11,500

12,000

12,300

12,600

11,600

12,000

11,600

8,620

7,330

6,970

7,580

7,960

8,350

8,890

9,030

10,200

11,000

9,460

8,220

7,330

7,960

9,750

11,500

10,500

8,350

8,890

12,600

June.

15,400

18,000

19,800

20,300

20,000

17,700

15,600

14,000

13,800

14,000

14,200

14,800

14,600

14,200

14,200

14,000

12,600

18,000

9,170

9,030

10,800

12,100

14,000

14,600

14,200

12,600

12,100

12,500

11,800

11,500

July.

11,800

13,400

13,600

12,100

9,900

8,220

6,850

6,380

6,150

6,040

6,150

6,970

7,330

7,460

6,730

6,150

5,930

4,980

3,940

3,610

3,450

3,300

3,380

3,690

4,120

3,770

3,450

3,020

2,740

2,540

2,350

Aug.

2,170

1,940

1,840

1,780

1,730

1,730

1,730

1,730

1,840

1,780

1,680

1,580

1,530

1,480

1,280

1,140

1,180

1,230

1,480

1,630

1,480

1,380

1,330

1,180

1,090

1,000

960

920

1,000

1,180

1,280

Sept.

1,180

'$50

840

840

QflfJ

Q9ft

840

800

800

760

690

655

620

550

520

490

490

490

490

460

460

430

430

430

430

430

430

430

430

Oct.

430

460

585

550

520

520

AQfl

490

520

430

430

430

430

430

430

430

370

345

1AH

345

345

345

345

320

320

320

320

300

280

280

300

Nov.

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

320

460

620

430

4ftfl

490

520

550

490

550

550

550

550

1,330

1,630

1,000

840

1,140

1,680

1,090

1,000

1,000

1,040

Dec.

1,090

1,090

i flon

1 1£A

i isn

1,000

9 San

2 74fl

9 7W

2,610

2 nrm

2,480

2,230

1,890

1,580

1 480

1,380

1,280

1

1 on

1,090

1,000

f\Af)

880

840

840

800

760

760

720

720

5,500

NOTE . These discharges are based on a rating curve that Is well defined below a discharge of 20,000 secondfeet. Discharges for periods having no gauge heights interpolated.

Monthly discharge of Kings River near Sanger, for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,740 square miles.]

Month.

March. . ....................

April.......................

May........................

July........................

December. .................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

19,800 

10,000 

2,740 

8,350 

12,600 

20,300 

13,600 

2,170 

1,180 

585 

1,680 

9,750

20,300

Minimum.

280 

1,530 

1,580 

2,290 

6,970 

9,030 

2,350 

920 

430 

280 

320 

720

280

Mean.

3,260 

3,120 

2,050 

4,810 

9,860 

14,300 

6,110 

1,460 

642 

402 

684 

1,770

4,040

Per

square 

mile.

1.87 

1.79 

1.18 

2.76 

6.66 

8.22 

3.51 

.839 

.369 

.231 

.393 

1.02

2.32

Bun-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

2.16 

1.86 

1.36 

3.08 

6.52 

9.17 

405 

.97 

.41 

.27 

.44 

1.18

31.47

Total in 

acre-feet.

200,000 

173,000 

126,000 

286,000 

606,000 

851,000 

376,000 

89,800 

38,200 

24,700 

40,700 

109,000

2,920,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.
CALIFORNIA. . 189

MERCED RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of Merced River lies on the western slope of 

the Sierra, north of the upper San Joaquin basin and south of the 

Tuolumne basin. It does not extend so far eastward as the other 

two basins, and it touches the Sierra divide in only one point 

Mount Lyell (elevation, 13,090 feet) which is common to the three 

basins. The mountainous part of the basin lies almost wholly in 

Mariposa County; the foothill and valley parts are in Merced County. 

The basin is somewhat rectangular in shape. It is about 65 miles 

long from the rim. of the valley to the crest and 20 to 25 miles wide. 

The total area of the basin above the valley border is about 1,200 

square miles.

Merced River has its source in numerous small glacial lakes in the 

region about Mount Lyell and flows south westward to its junction 

with the lower San Joaquin/'about 5 miles northeast of Newman. 

It has a total length of alxmt 135 miles, two-thirds of which is in 

the mountains. Its chief tributaries are Tenaya and Yosemite 

creeks from the north/and Illilouette and Bridal Veil creeks and 

South Fork from the south.

The rocks in tjfis valley are chiefly granites. The topography is 

very rough amir much broken in the upper parts. Altitudes range 

from a few hjmdred feet in the foothills to 13,000 feet around Mount 

Lyell. Wi£mn this basin is the famous Yosemite Valley, less than a 

mile wijj«nind about 7 miles long, margined by cliffs that rise almost 

vertically 2,000 to 3,000 feet. Over the cliffs hung-up streams leap 

t<f the lower level as magnificent falls./ The country around the 

valley rim is a rolling, glaciated region 3,000 to 8,000 feet higher 

than the floor of the valley, which has an altitude of 4,000 feet above 

sea level. The valley opens westward into Merced Canyon.

The upper reaches of the basin above Yosemite Valley are largely 

devoid of forests, but the middle reaches are timbered. The growth 

extends well down on the lower elevations to the foothills, which are 

covered by scattering timber, brush, and grass. The Mariposa grove 

of big trees is situated in the South Fork basin. All the upper part 

of the basin, amounting to about 850 square miles, is included in 

national forests.

The mean annual precipitation varies with altitude. It is from 

10 to 15 inches in the San Joaquin Valley, about 25 inches in the 

foothills, and probably 60 inches in the higher areas. It occurs 

almost entirely during the "rainy season." The snowfall is heavy 

during the winter and early spring and melts most rapidly in May 

and June, when, except on the higher peaks, the greater part of it 

disappears. The melting snow produces a regular annual rise in
190 SURFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

late spring and early summer. It is during this period that the 

splendid falls in Yosemite Valley attain their greatest beauty.

Opportunities for irrigation development are practically limited to 

the bottom lands in the foothills and parts of the San Joaquin Valley 

below. Present development utilizes almost the entire late summer 

flow of Merced River.

Considerable storage is feasible in the Merced basin above Yosemite Valley. Most of the reservoirs, however, would be very small.

Opportunities for power development are good. The minimum 

flow is small, but the fall is great. Without storage the minimum 

flow is sufficient to develop about 40,000 horsepower; with storage 

this amount could be increased to about 160,000 horsepower continuously.

The longest run-off record in the Merced basin extends back to 

1901. The wettest year since that time was 1907 and the driest 

1908. The total flow during the wettest year was more than four 

times that of the driest.

MERCED RIVER IN YOSEMITE VALLEY, CAL.

This station, which is located at the wagon bridge near the Sentinel 

Hotel, was established July 11, 1904, and has been maintained only 

during the summer season of each year to obtain data for comparing 

the flow over Vernal and Nevada falls, by means of which Merced 

River enters Yosemite Valley.

Tenaya Creek enters from the north about 1 mile and Illilouette 

Creek from the south about 2 miles above the station. Yosemite 

Creek enters from the north about one-half mile and Bridal Veil Creek 

from the south about 3 miles below the station.

No diversions are made above the station except for the small 

hydroelectric plant which supplies the valley with light and power. 

The diverted water returns to the river above the station.

No change has been made in the gage datum. The channel is 

straight and not subject to much change. The current is sluggish. 

A fair degree of confidence can be placed in the results at this station.

Measurements are made from the wagon bridge. The staff gage 

is located at the bridge section.
CALIFOBFIA. 191

The following discharge measurement was made by W. V. Hardy: 

June 27,1909: Width, 94 feet; area, 798 square feet; gage height, 7.80 feet; discharge, 

2,730 second-feet.

Gage heights, in feet, of Merced River in Yosemite, CaL, in 1909. 

[C. W. Tucker, observer.]

Date.

14..................

19..................

27..................

Feb. 4.................

14.................

17.................

&L

5.0

5.8

4.2

3.9

4.0

3.8

3.9

Date.

Feb. 28. ................

Mar. 3. .................

14.................

21.................

13.................

18.................

height.

4.1

4.0

4.2

4.3

4.6

4.9

6.0

Date.

Apr. 23. ....... .........

30.................

May 7.................

20... ..............

%

6.4

6.6

8.0

6.9

7.8

MERGED RIVER ABOVE MERGED FALLS, CAL.

This station, which is located about 1£ miles above Merced Falls, 

was established April 6, 1901, to obtain information regarding the 

flow of Merced River at the point where it emerges from its canyon.

No important tributaries enter for 25 miles above or below the 

station.

The water diverted for power development above the station 

returns to the river. Below Merced Falls, however, the combined 

capacity of irrigating canals in the vicinity of Snelling exceeds the 

low-water flow. All acquired water rights above Merced Falls are 

for power or mining development.

The flow at the station is probably affected somewhat at times 

by artificial regulation at some of the power dams several miles 

above. It is not believed, however, that pondage from the dam at 

Merced Falls has any appreciable effect at the station. The bed of the 

stream at the station is composed of gravel, and is subject to some 

change at high water. The velocity is also very great at flood stages.

At low and moderate stages the records have a fair degree of accuracy. At high stages, however, they are subject to considerable error, 

due mainly to inaccuracy in gaging at such stages and to shifting 

channel.

Measurements are made from cable. A staff gage in several 

sections is located at the cable section. The gage datum has never 

been changed.

Discharge measurements of Merced River above Merced Falls, CaL, in 1909.

Date.

May 17

July 18

Aug. 2

22 Nov. 4

Hydrographer.

W. F. Martin . . . .......

.....do.....................................................

W.V. Hardy..............................................

.....do..................................................... ....do.. . ... ....... .. .. .. .. .. ... ..........

Width.

Feet. 

265

302

168

130

110

96

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

892

1,540

436

257

202

151

«L

Feet. 

12.16

14.35

9.93

9.00

8.60

8.23

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4,510

10,400

1,160

429

254

122
192 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Merced River above Merced Falls, Cat., for 1909. 

[C. Kelsey, 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.

8.05

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.3

8.45

9.45

9.1

10.65

10.0

9.25

o n

14.0

616.9

13.95

11.9

11.4

10 7

10.35

10.2

16.25

14.45

12.3

11.55

11.65

12.25

12.2

11.45

10.8

10.45 

10.8

Feb.

10.45

10.2

11.3

11.25

11.05

10.95

10.95

11.15

10.9

10.6

12.4

16.35

14.15

12.45

11.7

11.45

11.2

10 9

10.75

10.6

10 9

10.7

10.5

10.4

1A Q.

in 9

10.1

10.0

.......

Mar.

10.0

9.95

10.15

10.7

10.6

10.4

10.7

10.65

10.5

10.35

10.2

10.1

10.0

10.0

10.0

10.05

10.1

10.05

10.0

Q Q1

10.0

10.05

9 01

9 95

9

0

9 9

9

°o

9

0

10.1

10.3 

10.1

Apr.

10.05

10.25

10.35

10.5

10.35

10.25

10.2

10.3

10.5

10.7

10.6

10.45

10 7

11.1

11.6

19 A

19 i

12.05

1 O (\

n

A

11.4

11.05

11.05

H 9

12.0

19 OE

19 7

12.05

12.35

May.

12.7

12.9

12.85

13.0

13.1

13.05

13.15

13.2

13.15

13.0

12.5

12.1

H o

11.7

11.95

12.15

12.05

19 9

12.35

12.6

19 7

19 9K

H o

11.65

U 7K

12.45

19 fi

1 O OK

11.95

12.0

10 A

June.

13.6

14.0

14.05

14.2

14.2

13.75

13.2

13.15

12.85

12.75

12.8

13.0

12 95

12.7

12.7

12.6

19 o

1 9 1 C

n a

11.65

U o

19 9

19 K.

12.7

1 O K

12.15

11.95 11 9

11.85

11.75

July.

11.65

11.75

11.8

11.65

11.4

10.8

10.45

10.35

10.3

10.3

10.3

10.5

10.5

10.35

10.25

10.1

10.05

9 Q

9 7

9.6

9.45

9 da

9.55

n fj

9.55

9 45

9 OK

9 OK

9 1

9.0 

o A

Aug.

9.0

9.0

8.85

8.9

9.0

9.0

9.0

9 n

9.0

8.9

8.85

8.85

8.8

8.7

8.7

8.7

8.6

8.55

0 KE

8.65

o 7

8 7

8 7

8 7

S 7

8.6

0 K

8 AC.

8.45

8.45 

8.45

Sept.

8.5

8.6

8.6

8.5

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.35

8,3

8.25

8.35

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

»

o

8.15

8 1

8.1

8.1

8.2

8

AE

8 ft

0 A

8 AR

8.05

8.2

Oct.

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.25

8.3

8.35

8.4

8.35

8.3

8.3

8.4

8.35

8.4

8.35

8.35

8.25

8.2

8.15

8

0

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8 9

8 9

8

O

8 9

8.2

8.2 

8.25

Nov.

8.15

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.25

8.6

8.85

8.7

8.7

8.75

8.7

8.65

8.6

8.65

8.65

8.75

10.05

10.55

9.85

9.6

10.2

10.4

Q SR

9

E

9.45

9.5

Dec.

9.5

11.6

10.35

9.75

9.7

9.55

9.9

9.5

"15.65

11.65

10.5

10.15

10.0

9.85

9.75

9.6

9.55

9 5

9 AH

9 35

9 4

9.25

0 2K

9.2

9 15

9.15

9

1

9 05

9.05

9.1 

13.15

i » Maximum 16.7 feet at 4 a. m. 6 Maximum 18.4 feet at 7 a. m. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Merced River above Merced Falls, Cal., for 1909.

Day.

1.... ..........

2.............

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11...... ........

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30.............. 

31..............

Jan.

80 

90 

90 

90 

145

200

755 

535 

2,000 

1,220

625 

475 

9,300 

19,500 

9,140

4,040 

3,160 

2,070 

1,610 

1,430

17,000 

10,700 

4,810 

3,420 

3,590

4,710 

4,610 

3,240 

2,210

1,740 

2,210

Feb.

1,740 

1,430 

2,990 

2,910 

2,590

2,440 

2,440 

2,750 

2,360 

1,930

5,020 

17,400 

9,760 

5,130 

3,680

3,240 

2,830 

2,360 

2,140 

1,930

2,360 

2,070 

1,800 

1,670 

1,550

1,430 

1,320 

1,220

Mar.

1,220 

1,170 

1,380 

2,070 

1,930

1,670 

2,070 

2,000 

1,800 

1,610

1,430 

1,320 

1,220 

1,220 

1,220

1,270 

1,320 

1,270 

1,220 

1,170

1,220 

1,270 

1,170 

1,170 

1,030

1,120 

1,030 

1,030 

1,320 

1,550 

1,320

Apr.

1,270 

1,490 

1,610 

1,800 

1,610

1,490 

1,430 

1,550 

1,800 

2,070

1,930 

1,740 

2,070 

2,670 

3,500

4,220 

4,410 

4,320 

4,220 

3,500

3,160 

2,590 

2,590 

2,830 

3,590

4,220 

4,920 

4,810 

4,320 

4,920

May.

5,700 

6,190 

6,060 

6,440 

6,700

6,570 

6,840 

6,970 

6,840 

6,440

5,240 

4,410 

3,860 

3,680 

4,130

4,510 

4,320 

4,610 

4,920 

5,470

5,700 

4,710 

4,040 

3,590 

3,770

5,130 

5,470 

4,710 

4,130 

4,220 

6,440

June.

8,090 

9,300 

9,460 

9,920 

9,920

8,530 

6,970 

6,840 

6,060 

5,820

5,940 

6,440 

6,320 

5,700 

5,700

5,470 

4,810 

4,510 

4,040 

3,590

3,860 

4,610 

5,240 

5,700 

5,240

4,510 

4,130 

4,040 

3,950 

3,770

July.

3,590 

3,770 

3,860 

3,590 

3,160

2,210 

1,740 

1,610 

1,550 

1,550

1,550 

1,800 

1,800 

1,610 

1,490

1,320 

1,270 

1,220

940 

860

.755 

755 

825 

860 

825

755 

688 

625 

535 

475 

475

Aug.

475 

475 

385 

415 

475

475 

475 

475 

475 

415

385 

385 

355 

305 

305

305 

260 

240 

240

282

305 

305 

305 

305 

305

260 

220 

200 

200 

200 

200

Sept.

220 

260 

260 

220 

180

180 

180 

145 

145 

145

162 

145 

130 

162 

115

115 

115 

115 

115 

102

90 

90 

90 

115 

80

115 

70 

80 

80 

115

Oct.

115 

115 

115 

130 

145

162

180 

162 

145 

145

180 

162 

180 

162 

162

130 

115 

102 

115 

115

115 

115 

115 

115 

115

115 

115 

115 

115 

115 

130

Nov.

102 

115 

115 

115 

115

115 

115 

115 

130 

260

385 

305 

305 

330 

305

282 

260 

282 

282 

330

1,270 

1,860 

1,070 

860 

1,430

1,670 

1,070 

790 

760 

790

Dec.

790 

3,500 

1,610 

985 

940

825 

1,120 

790 

14,800 

3,590

1,800 

1,380 

1,220 

1,080

985

860 

825 

790

755 

688

720 

625 

625 

595 

565

565 

535 

505 

505 

535 

6,840

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 2,510 second-feet and fairly well defined between 2,510 and 16,000 second-feet.
CAXIFOBNIA. 193

Monthly discharge of Merced River above Merced Falls, CaL, for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,090 square miles.]

Month.

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

19,500 

17,400 

2,070 

4,920 

6,970 

9,920 

3,860 

475 

260 

180 

1,670 

14,800

19,500

Minimum.

80 

1,220 

1,030 

1,270 

3,590 

3,590 

475 

200 

70 

102 

102 

505

70

Mean.

3,700 

3,230 

1,380 

2,890 

5,220 

5,950 

1,550 

336 

138 

133 

531 

1,680

2,220

Per

square 

mile.

3.40 

2.96 

1.27 

2.64 

4.79 

5.46 

1.42 

.308 

.127 

.122 

.487 

1.54

2.03

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

3.92 

3.08 

1.46 

2.94 

5.52 

6.09 

1.64 

.36 

.14 

.14 

.54 

1.78

27.61

Total in 

acre-feet.

228,000 

179,000 

84,800 

172,000 

321,000 

354,000 

95,300 

20,700 

8,210 

8,180 

31,600 

103,000

1,610,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B.

TENAYA CREEK IN YOSEMITE VALLEY, CAL.

Tenaya Creek heads in small lakes above Tenaya Lake at an altitude of 10,000 feet, and flows southwestward to its junction with 

Merced River in the upper end of Yosemite Valley. For about 6 

miles it flows through the beautiful Tenaya Canyon, which opens into 

the Yosemite Valley. From Tenaya Lake, through which it flows, 

to its mouth, a distance of about 10 miles, the creek has a fall of 

4,000 feet.

Considerable storage capacity can be obtained at Tenaya Lake.

The gaging station is located at the wagon bridge below Mirror 

Lake and about 2 miles east of Yosemite post office. It was established July 11, 1904, to obtain data for comparisons of flow with that 

of the station on Merced River at Yosemite and is maintained during 

only the summer season.

The gage datum has never been changed. Conditions for obtaining discharge data are very good, and the results are reliable. (See

%. 1.)

Measurements are made from a wagon bridge. The staff gage is 

located at the bridge section.

The following discharge measurement was made by W. V. Hardy:

June 24, 1909: Width, 45 feet; area, 161 square feet; gage height, 6.53 feet; discharge, 716 second-feet.

96451° WSP 271 11 13
MEASUREMENTS IN F904Nos. Ito2 

" " 1905 " 3 "II 

" " 1906 No. 12 

" " !907Nos.l3tol9 

" " 1908 No. 20 

" " 1909 " 21

) 400 500 600 700

DISCHARGE IN SECOND-FEET 

FIGUEE 1. Discharge curve oi Tenaya Creek in Yosemite Valle
CALIFORNIA. 195

The following gage heights were observed on this creek in 1909:

Gage heights of Tenaya Creek in Yosemite Valley, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 14... .............

Jan. 19... .............

Jan. 29.. ..............

Feb.5. ...............

Feb. 15... ............

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.3

4.3

4.1

4.0

3.9

Date.

Feb. 19. ..............

Feb. 28... ............

Mar.l. ...............

Mar. 12. ..............

Mar. 28.. .............

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.7

<? Q

3.8

4.0

3.8

Date.

A -nr 1 4

Apr. 18...............

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.0

5.6

6.0

6.55

YOSEMITE CREEK IN YOSEMITE VALLEY, CAL.

Yosemite Creek rises in the northern part of Mariposa County, at an 

altitude of 9,600 feet, and flows southward through a rolling upland 

region to the brink of Yosemite Valley, whence it leaps 2,500 feet to 

the floor of the valley and enters Merced River nearly a mile below 

Yosemite post office. Its total drainage area is about 44 square 

miles.

The gaging station, which is located at the wagon bridge below the 

falls, about half a mile from Yosemite post office, and is maintained 

during only the summer season, was established July 9, 1904, to 

obtain data for comparing the quantity of water passing over Yosemite Falls at different times, and thus determining the relative scenic 

magnificence of one of the most interesting features of the park. 

The falls are usually at their best in May or June.

Conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are not very good. 

The stream bed is composed of granitic sand and fine gravel and is 

subject to more or less change.

Measurements are made from the wagon bridge. The staff gage 

is located about 100 feet above the bridge section.

The following discharge measurement was made by W. V. Hardy:

June 27, 1909: Width, 40 feet; area, 137 square feet; gage height, 8.20 feet; discharge, 278 second-feet.

The following gage heights were observed on this creek in 1909:

Gauge heights of Yosemite Creels in Yosemite Valley, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 14................

Feb. 4...............

Feb.14........ .......

Feb.17.. .............

Gage 

height.

'Feet. 

8.5

R Q

5.7

5.4

5.1

5.2

Date.

Feb. 28.. .............

Mar. 3...............

Mar. 14. ..............

Mar. 18. ..............

Mar. 25.. .............

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.4

5.6

5.9

6.3

6.0

7.0

Date.

Apr. 15. ..............

Apr. 20. ..............

Apr. 30...............

May 7................

June 2...............

Gage

height.

Feet. 

8.0

8.7

9.0

9.3

12.0

8.2
196 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

TUOLUMNE RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of Tuolumne River lies on the western slope of 

the Sierra, north of the Merced basin and south of the Stanislaus 

Basin. For a distance of about 50 miles the Sierra divide separates 

this basin from Mono Lake and Walker River basins to the east. 

The Tuolumne basin is roughly trapezoidal in shape, ranging in 

average width from about 15 miles in the San Joaquin Valley to 30 

miles near the eastern border. The length of the basin is about 105 

miles, two-thirds of which is in the mountains. The total area of the 

mountainous part of the drainage basin is about 1,680 square miles 

and lies almost wholly in Tuolumne County.

Tuolumne River has its source in numerous glacial lakes on or 

near the Sierra divide, and flows southwestw^rd to its junction with 

the San Joaquin, 10 miles west of Modesto. Its 'principal headwaters 

come from the glacier and lakes on the northern slope of Mount Lyell 

to the north and east of the headwaters of Merced River. The course 

of the river is through beautiful upland meadows in its upper part, 

then through a canyon nearly 80 miles long, which has been cut out 

of solid granite. The upper part of this canyon, for a distance of 

about 25 miles, is from 3,000 to 4,000 feet deep, and is known as the 

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. At the lower end of the Grand 

Canyon is Hetch Hetchy Valley, which is smaller than Yosemite 

Valley, but in every other way resembles it very much. Finally, the1 

river passes through the lower canyon into the -San Joaquin Valley, 

which it enters near Lagrange. Its total length is about 150 miles.

Nearly all the tributaries of Tuolumne River enter from the north. 

In order from east to west, the principal ones are Return, Rancheria, 

Falls, and Cherry creeks, Clavey River, North Fork of Tuolumne, and 

Woods Creek. Eleanor Creek is tributary to Cherry Creek. South 

Fork of Tuolumne River is tributary to the main stream from the 

south. Middle Fork is tributary to South Fork.

The Tuolumne basin is rough and nigged. The rocks are granites 

which at the higher altitudes are bare and glaciated and in places 

tower thousands of feet in vertical cliffs and domes.

Altitudes in this basin range from about 300 feet in the foothills to 

12,000 and 13,000 feet along the crest of the Sierra divide. The 

upper part of the basin is practically devoid of forests. On the 

middle reaches, however, there is a heavy growth of coniferous timber, which becomes less dense with decrease of altitude. The vegetar 

tion in the foothill region' consists of grass, brush, and scattering 

timber. About 1,200 square miles of the upper part of the basin is 

included in national park and forest.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

A. DAM SITE NEAR THE HEADWATERS AT TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CAL.

B. TUOLUMNE FALLS, GRAND CANYON. 

TUOLUMNE RIVER, CAL.

CALIFOBNIA. 197

The mean annual precipitation varies with altitude. In the San 

Joaquin Valley it is about 10 inches and in the foothill region about 

30 inches; at the higher elevations it is probably 60 inches. On 

the upper half of the basin the precipitation occurs chiefly as snow, 

the greater part of which disappears in the spring;, on the higher 

peaks much snow lasts until late summer. On the northern slope 

of Mount Lyell, at the head of this basin, is one of the few glaciers 

still remaining in the Sierra.

The only opportunities for irrigation in the' Tuolumne basin 

are in the San Joaquin Valley below the foothills. The Turlock 

and Modesto irrigation districts now divert water from Tuolumne 

River above Lagrange for irrigating a large acreage in the valley on 

both sides of the river.

Excellent storage sites exist in the Tuolumne basin (PL VI, A). 

Many of the high glacial lakes, especially those in the northern part 

of the basin, afford exceptional opportunities for constructing storage 

reservoirs, and there are also a number of storage sites on the main 

river.

Tuolumne River has a heavy gradient, and the opportunities for 

power development are great (PI. VI, B). The minimum flow of 

the stream, however, is small and only about 35,000 horsepower 

could be developed continuously without storage. This amount 

could be increased to more than 300,00(X/horsepower by utilizing 

the storage possibilities.

The longest run-off record in the basin dates from 1895. The 

wettest year at the station since that time was 1907 and the driest 

1898. The total flow during the wettest year was about four and 

one-half times that of the driest year. The flow in 1906 was nearly 

as great as in 1907 and 1908 was almost as dry as 1898. The highwater mark of the flood in 1862 indicates a greater maximum discharge than has occurred since 1895.

TtTOLtTMNE RIVER AT LAGRANGE, CAL.

This station, originally located on the wagon bridge at Lagrange, 

about 2 miles below the Lagrange dam and headworks of Turlock 

and Modesto canals, and one-half mile below the powerhouse of the 

Lagrange Water & Power Co., was established August 29, 1895. 

The data obtained are also useful in studying the flood problem 

in the lower San Joaquin. Since April 1, 1908, the gage record 

has been kept at the dam and estimates of the flow made by using 

it as a weir. At critically low stages, however, it is necessary to 

determine the flow from the station at the bridge below.

Woods Creek unites with the main stream from the north about 20 

miles above Lagrange. No other tributaries of importance enter 

near the station.
198 SURFACE, WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Three important diversion systems take water from Tuolumne 

River above Lagrange: The Turlock and Modesto canals take water 

at Lagrange dam from the left and right banks, respectively, for 

irrigation in the San Joaquin Valley. The Lagrange Water & 

Power Co.'s canal takes water from the left bank about 17 miles 

above Lagrange. The diverted water is used chiefly for power 

development and all water so used is returned to the river below 

the dam and above the bridge gaging station on the river. Only a 

few gage heights have been observed on this canal, but from measurements of flow made at various times the mean daily flow has been 

estimated. Water rights already acquired on this stream are considerably in excess of the low-water flow. It is practically impossible 

to determine the minimum flow of the stream very closely because of 

the diversions. During the late summer and fall the power and irrigation canals take the total flow and no water passes over the dam 

for several months at a time. Regular stations are maintained on 

the two irrigation canals, and enough measurements are made on the 

power canal to make an estimate of its average flow? but the minimum flow is appreciably affected by water that seeps around and 

through the dam and from the canals. Then, too, a part of the water 

diverted- by the power canal is returned to the river above the gaging 

station at Lagrange. The minimum flow may be affected, also, by 

pondage above the dam.

A staff gage is nailed to the bridge pier but is not read except at 

flood stages and when measurements are made. The datum has 

never been changed. The gage at the dam is painted on a rock 

ledge about 80 feet upstream. Its datum is the average crest level.

Conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data at Lagrange are 

very good, except for the changing conditions of control above 

described. Except for minimum flow, therefore, full reliance can 

be placed on the records at this station.

Occasional discharge measurements are made at the bridge or by 

wading, for checking rating of dam for comparison of bridge section 

with the dam.

Discharge measurements of Tuolumne River at Lagrange, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Aug. 2

20

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin.............................................

W.V. Hardy.............................................

W.F.Martin.............................................

W.V. Hardy.............................................

Width.

Feet. 

352

19

22

26

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

2,660

18

21

19

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

o9.00

61.50

61.60

1.61

Discharge.

See.-ft. 

13,600

16

29

28

a Gage at dam read 6.12 feet. & Water below gage. Height uncertain. 

NOTE. These measurements were made at the bridge below the dam. Gage heights were read on the 

gage at the bridge. Measurements of Aug. 5 and 20 made by wading below the bridge.
CALIFORNIA. 199

Daily gage height, in feet, of Tuolumne River at Lagrange, Cal.,for 1909.

[3. W. Simmons, 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.

0.1

.2

.4

.5

.1

2.6

1 9

1.4

2.8 

1.8

1.25

1.0

6.3

9.5

7.7

5.4

3.9

2.8 

2.8

S Q1

5 Q

4.0

3.2

4.55

3.55

3.45

2.7

2

0

9 ft

2.05

Feb.

1.8

1.6

3.3

2.4

2.5

2.4

3.2

3.4

2.25 

2.1

4.1

8.3

5.2

3.6

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.7 

2.5

2.75

2.4

2.2

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.8

Mar.

1.8

1.85

2.05

2.1

2.25

2.2

2.3

2.2

2.0 

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.9

1.95

2.15

2.0

2.0

2.0 

1.9

2.05

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.65

1.6

2.1

1.75

1.8

Apr.

1.9

2.0

2.15

2.5

2.1

1.95

1.95

2.1

2.4 

2.65

2.4

2.3

2.6

3.0

3.45

3.9

4.0

4.1

4.05 

3.4

3.0

2.8

2.7

2.9

3.1

3.45

4.0

3.9

3.6

3.85

May.

4 25

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.9

4.7 

4.6

3.9

3.45

3.1

3.3

3.5

3.45

3.4

3.5

3.7. 

4.2

4.5

3-9

3.05

2.6

2.7

3.7

4.15

4.3

3.4

3.1

4.75

June.

5.7

6.35

6.4

6.6

6.6

5.9

5.1

4.8

4.5 

4.45

4.55

4.8

5.0

4.6

4.8

4.5

4.25

3.65

3.55 

3.1

3.6

4.25

4.8

5.0

5.0

4.5

4.1

4.15

4.15

4.0

July.

3.7

3.75

4.0

3.85

3.1

'1.8 2.3

1.75

1.8 

1.75

1.8

2.0

2.1

2.0

1.75

1.6

1.4

1.15

.85 

.65

.45

.45

.7

.6

.45

.3

.2

Oct.

0.06

:::.::.

.......

.40

.25

.25

.25

.3

.3

.4

.7

.5

Nov.

0.5

.5

.92

.92

.7

.85

.85 

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.55

7.0

3.9

2.85

3.25

3.4

3.15

2.4

2.05

2.0

2.0

Dec.

2.05

5.85

3.15

2.4

2.15

2.0

2.3

2.15

8.1 

3.6

2.65

2.15

2.05

1.9

1.8

1.75

1.65

1.45 

1.55

1.55

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.2

1.2

2.0

3.0

5.25

NOTE. From July 28 to Oct. 22 the entire flow was in the canals.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Tuolumne River at Lagrange, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1... .......................

2..........................

3..........................

4..........................

5..........................

6..........................

7..........................

8..........................

9..........................

10..........................

11..........................

12..........................

13..........................

14..........................

15..........................

16..........................

17..........................

18..........................

19..........................

20..........................

21..........................

22..........................

23..........................

24..........................

25..........................

26..........................

27..........................

28..........................

29..........................

30..........................

31..........................

Jan.

29

81

229

320

9Q

3,800

2,370

1,500

4,240

2,180

1,260

905

14,300

26,500

11,400

8,360

6,970

4,240

4,240

24,200

13,000

7,240

5,180

8,780

6,050

5,800

4,020

3,160

2,560

2,660

Feb.

2,180

1,830

5,420

3,370

3,580

3,370

5,180

5,670

2,750

7,520

21,600

1ft 7ftft

6,180

4 940

4,700

4,700

4,580

4,020

3,580

4,130

3,370

2,950

2,750

2,560

2,370

2,180

2,180

Mar.

2,180

2,280

2,660

2,750

3,060

2,950

3,160

2,950

2,560

2,370

2,180

2,000

2,370

2,850

2,560

2,560

2,560

2,370

2,660

2,560

2,560

2,370

2 280

2,180

1,920

1,830

2,750

2,090

2,180

Apr.

2,370

2,560

2,850

3,580

2,750

2,460

2,460

2,750

3,370

3,910

3,370

3,160

3,800

4,700

5,800

6,970

7,240

7,520

7,380

5,670

4,700

4,240

4,020

4,470

4,940

5,800

7,240

6,970

6,180

6,840

May.

7,940

8,360

8,640

8,930

9,810

9,510

9,510

9,810

9,220

8,930

6,970

5,800

4,940

5,420

5,800

5,670

5,920

6,440

7,800

8,640

6,970

4,820

3,800

4,020

6,440

7,660

8,080

5,670

4,940

9,360

June.

12,300

14,500

14,600

15, 400

15,400

13,000

10,400

9,510

8,640

8,500

8,780

9,510

10,100

8,930

9,510

8,640

7,940

6,310

6,050

4,940

'6,180

7,940

9,510

10,100

10,100

8,640

7,520

7,660

7,660

7,240

July.

6,440

6,570

7,240

6,840

4,940

3,160

2,180

2,090

2,180

2,090

2,180

2,560

2,750

2,560

2,090

1,830

1,500

1,110

710

476

274

274

530

421

274

149

81

Oct.

17

229

115

115

115

149

149

229

530

320

Nov.

320

320

799

799

710

620

530

710

710

1,420

1,420

1,340

1,180

1,180

1,180

1,180

1,180

1,180

1,180

1,740

16,800

6,970

4,360

5,300

5,670

5,060

3,370

2,660

2,560

2,560

Dec.

2,660

12,800

5,060

3,370

2,850

2,560

3,160

2.850

20,900

6,180

3,910

3,380

2,850

2,660

2,370

2,180

2,090

1,920

1,580

1,740

1,740

1,580

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,180

1,180

2,560

4,700

10,900

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined. The upper part of the 

curve has been defined by the weir formula, Q=905hS.
200 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Tuolumne River at Lagrange, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,500 square miles.]

Month.

January. ...................

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

26,700 

21,600 

3,690 

8,680 

11,200 

16,700 

8,640 

871 

291 

530 

16,800 

20,900

26,700

Minimum.

223 

2,300 

2,340 

2,880 

5,160 

6,350 

916 

228 

71 

80 

320 

1,180

71

Mean.

6,550 

4,930 

2,860 

5,670 

8,400 

10,800 

3,410 

489 

151 

225 

2,500 

3,770

4,150

Per 

square 

mile.

4.37 

3.29 

1.91 

3.78 

5.60 

7.20 

2.27 

.326 

.101 

.150 

1.67 

2.51

2,76

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

5.04 

3.43 

2.20 

4.22 

6.46 

8.03 

2.62 

.38 

.11 

.17 

L86 

2.89

37.41

Total in 

acre-feet.

403,000 

274,000 

176,000 

337,000 

516,000 

643,000 

210,000 

30,100 

8,980 

13,800 

149, 000 

232,000

2,990,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A.

NOTE. The above monthly discharges include those of the Modesto and Turlock Canals, but not those of 

the La Grange Water & Power Co.'s canal. The discharge of the power canal was found to be about 32 

second-feet by two measurements during June and August.

MODESTO CANAL NEAR LAGRANGE, CAL.

The Modesto canal, which diverts water from the right bank of 

Tuolumne River, is owned by the Modesto irrigation district. The 

water is taken through a concrete bulkhead at the end of Lagrange 

dam. The diverted water is used for irrigating 90,000 acres of land 

around Modesto in Stanislaus County. The district has filed on 640 

second-feet, but the maximum capacity of the canal at present is less 

than 600 second-feet.

The principal part of the construction work on this canal was done 

prior to 1892, but on account of litigation was not finished until April, 

1903. A gage-height record has been kept since April 26, 1903, on 

which date a gage was installed in Indian Hill flume, near Lagrange, 

Cal. On July 12, 1904, the station was moved to a point near the 

intake in order that more gage readings could be made and their fluctuations better interpreted. The gage is an iron staff in a concrete 

well about 50 feet below the waste gates. Measurements are made 

from a footbridge at a concrete section about 500 feet below the headworks.

Discharge measurements of Modesto canal near Lagrange, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

> 4

4

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do........................ . ............ .....

.....do................................................. ...

.....do.....:...................

Width.

Feet. 

20.2

20.9

21

21.2

22

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

9.3

35.

60

50

87

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.33

1.31

2.20

1.86

3.20

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

15

152

333

252

538
CALIFORNIA. 201

Daily gage height, in feet, of Modesto canal near Lagrange, Cal.,for 1909. 

[J. W. Simmons. 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.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.75

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.7

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.3

1.65

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

Feb.

1.8

1.8

1.5

1.85

2.0

2.0

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.75

Mar.

1.7

1.8

2.0

2.8

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.35

2.25

2.0

2.1

2.5

.85

1.25

.7

1.25

1.3

1.3

1.3

Apr.

1.3

2.0

2.2

2.4

2.55

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.9

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

s n

3.05

3.05

3.0

3 n

2.75

2.25

2.8

3.0

3.1

3.0

3.05

3.0

2.05

3.0

May.

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.05

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.05

3.15

2.9

1.0

2.5

3.1

3.15

3.2

3.1

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.2

3.2

3.15

June.

3.2

3.2

3.2

2.8

2.85

3.2

3.25

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.0

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.25

3.2

3.3

1.85

3.2

1.8

July.

3.25

3.25

3.15

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.25

3.25

3.3

3.25

3.25

3.25

3:25

3.2

3.25

3.25

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.35

3.35

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.3

3.25

3.25

2.1

2.05

2.05

Aug.

1.95

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.6

1.65

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.55

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.15

1.1

.95

.8

.8

.8

.85

Sept.

0.9

1.0

1.05

.95

.9

.8

.8

.9

.85

.8

.75

.7

.7

.65

.6

.6

.5

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.25

.25

.25

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

Oct.

0.35

.4

.6

.6

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

' .3

.25

NOTE. No water in canal from Feb. 8 to 22, Mar. 13 to 24, and Oct. 12 to Dec. 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Modesto canal near Lagrange, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1.............................

2.............................

3.............................

4.............................

5.............................

6.............................

7.............................

8.............................

9.............................

10.............................

11.............................

12.............................

13.............................

14.............................

15.............................

16.............................

17.............................

18.............................

19.............................

20.............................

21.............................

22.............................

23.............................

24.............................

5.............................

26.............................

27.............................

28.............................

29.............................

30.............................

31.............................

Jan.

194

194

194

194

194

214

194

194

214

234

244

244

174

174

174

155

155

194

234

155

136

117

100

100

117

155

224

244

244

244

244

Feb.

254

254

194

264

294

294

294

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

174

174

194

214

234

244

Mar.

234

254

294

454

374

354

354

364

344

9Q4

314

394

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

76

146

55

146

155

155

155

Apr.

155

294

334

374

404

424

434

434

434

474

494

494

494

494

494

40 4

504

504

494

494

444

344

454

404

514

494

504

494

504

494

May.

494

494

504

504

514

514

494

534

524

524

504

524

474

100

394

514

524

534

514

524

524

524

534

534

534

534

524

524

534

534

524

June.

534

534

534

454

464

534

544

554

554

554

554

554

554

554

554

554

554

494

554

554

554

554

554

544

544

534

554

264

534

254

July.

544

544

524

534

534

534

544

544

554

544

544

544

544

534

544

544

554

554

554

554

564

564

554

554

544

554

544

544

314

304

304

Aug.

284

274

254

254

214

224

194

194

214

204

214

194

174

164

155

136

136

117

117

117

136

117

126

136

126

117

92

69

69

69

76

Sept.

84

100

108

92

84

69

69

84

76

69

62

55

55

49

43

43

32

14

14

14

14

14

10

10

10

14

14

14

14

14

Oct.

18

22

43

43

14

14

14

14

14

14

10

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined.
202 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Modesto canal near Lagrange, Col., for 1909.

Month.

April..............................................

May...............................................

June.... ...........................................

July...............................................

Discharge In second-feet.

Maximum.

244 

294 

454 

514 

534 

554 

564 

284 

108 

43 

0 

0

564

Minimum.

100 

0 

0 

155 

100 

254 

304 

69 

10 

0 

0 

0

0

Mean.

189 

110 

159 

449 

501 

521 

523 

160 

44.8 

7.1 

0 

0

222

Bun-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

11,600 

6,110 

9,780 

26,700 

30,800 

31,000 

32,200 

9,840 

2,670 

437 

0 

0

leijOoo

Accuracy.

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B.

TTTRLOCK CANAL NEAR LAGRANGE, CAL.

The Turlock canal, which is owned by the Turlock irrigation district, diverts water through a short tunnel from the left bank of Tuolumne River. The head gates are about 50 feet above Lagrange 

dam. The diverted water is used for irrigating 176,000 acres of fertile land in the vicinity of Turlock and Ceres in Stanislaus County. 

The district has filed on 1,500 second-feet, but the maximum capacity 

of the canal at present is somewhat less than 1,000 second-feet.

The first water was turned into the canal in small quantities in 1898 

and was used for puddling. A record of the gage height has been 

kept from July, 1899, to the present time. The gage is a staff float 

in a concrete well a few feet below the waste gates. Measurements 

are made in a board flume about half a mile below the gage well.

Discharge measurements of Turlock canal near Lagrange, Col., in 1909.

Date.

June 2

Do....

Do....

Do....

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

23.8

23.8

23.8

23.8

23.8

Area of 

section.

^4*

78

121

134

138

height.

Feet. 

1.00

2.47

4.10

4.52

4.66

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

89

257

488

575

596
CALIFOBETA. 203

Daily gage height, in feet, of Turlock canal near Lagrange, Cal.,for 1909.

[H. T. Sackett, 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.

1.4

1.4

.9

2.7

3.3

3.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.3

1.3

.5

.7

.7

.7

1.5

1.0

Feb.

2.5

2.2

0.5

2.1

2.1

1 7

1.7

0.6

1.7

1.7

0.4

0.0

1.0

1.05

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.0

1.5

1.5

.8

.8

1.55

1.55

1.55

Mar.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.45

2.45

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

2.2

2.2

2.5

3.0

3.5

3.5

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

4.0

3.2

3.2

2.0

3.2

3.2

Apr.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.6

4.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.4

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.1

5.4

5.7

5.7

May.

5.8

5.9

5.9

5.9

5.95

5.9

5.9

6.0

6.0

6.05

6.0

3.7

3.7

6.0

6.0

4 n

6.3

6.05

6.1

K QK

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.1

6.2

6.2

6.15

6.3

6.5

June.

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.3

6.2

6.25

6.25

6.15

6.25

6.1

6.25

6.2

6.1

6.25

6.2

6.15

6.25

6.25

6.25

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.25

6.2

July.

6.15

6.25

6.25

6.15

6.1

6.15

6.2

6.15

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.1

6.15

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.25

6.2

6.2

6.25

6.25

6.25

6.25

6.25

6.25

6.2

6.1

5.4

4.75

5.0

4.75

Aug.

4.6

4.45

4.25

4.15

4.45

4.05

3.85

3.75

3.5

3.35

3.15

3.3

2.95

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.45

2.45

2.5

2.45

2.45

2.25

1.95

1.9

1.7

1.75

1.7

Sept.

1.75

1.85

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.05

1.0

.95

.95

.95

.9

.9

.9

.85

.8

.85

.85

.9

.8

.7

Oct.

0.75

.8

1.0

3.2

3.5

3.1

2.85

2.65

2.25'

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.0

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.75

1.7

2.0

*

NOTE. On days for which no gage heights are given the water was turned out of the canal, except 

June 2-4 and 22, when gage was not read.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Turlock canal near Lagrange, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1.. ...........................

2.............................

3.............................

4.............................

5.............................

6.............................

7.............................

8.............................

9.............................

10.............................

11.............................

12.............................

13.............................

14.............................

15.............................

16.............................

17.............................

18.............................

19.............................

20.............................

21.............................

22.............................

23.............................

24.............................

25.............................

26.............................

27.............................

28.............................

29.............................

30.............................

31.............................

Jan.

125

125

75

288

375

330

85

85

85

115

115

39

57

57

57

136

85

Feb.

260

221

39

208

208

159

159

48

159

159

30

85

90

136

136

136

136

136

136

85

136

136

66

66

142

142

142

Mar.

247

247

247

254

254

147

147

147

147

147

147

221

221

260

330

405

405

360

360

360

360

485

360

360

195

360

360

Apr.

360

360

360

360

360

360 sfin

360

OCA

^fifl

^firt

421

485

655

655

655

655

655

655

655

655

655

723

741

741

741

672

723

777

777

May.

TOR

813

01 q

813

813

813

831

831

840

831

437

437

831

831

485

885

840

849

822

831

831

831

849

867

867

858

885

921

June.

195

10^

485

867

8fi7

867

885

art?

876

876

858

876

849

876

867

849

876

867

858

876

330

876

876

867

867

867

867

876

867

July.

858

876

876

858

QAQ

858

867

858

SK7

SK7

867

QAQ

858 afi7

867

867

876

867

867

876

876

876

876

876

876

867

849

723

612

655

612

Aug.

587

562

528

510

562

AQA

461

445

405

382

352

375

323

302

288

274

260

240

240

240

254

254

260

254

254

228

189

183

159

165

159

Sept.

165

177

183

171

159

147

136

142

136

130

115

110

105

105

95

90

85

80

80

80

75

75

75

70

66

70

70

75

66

57

Oct.

62

66

85

360

4f>fi

345

309

281

228

247

247

247

247

234

221

195 in

165

159

165

159

195

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well denned. Discharges June 2-4 and 22 

estimated. On days for which no discharges are given the water was turned out of the canal.
204 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Turlock canal near Lagrange, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

January ...........................................

March..................................... ......

April..............................................

May...............................................

July...............................................

August ............................................

September. .......................................

October ...........................................

The year. ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

375 

260 

485 

777 

921 

885 

876 

587 

183 

405 

0 

0

921

Minimum.

0 

0 

0 

360 

0 

0 

612 

159 

57 

0 

0 

0

0

Mean.

72.1 

127 

243 

555 

747 

764 

838 

329 

106 

155 

0 

0

328

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

4,430 

7,050 

14,900 

33,000 

45,900 

45,500 

51,500 

20,200 

6,310 

9,530 

0 

0

238,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

A 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B.

LAGRANGE WATER & POWER CO.'S CANAL NEAR LAGRANGE, CAL.

The Lagrange Water & Power Co.'s canal takes water from the south 

side of Tuolumne River at Indian Bar, about 17 miles above the 

town of Lagrange. This canal was built in the early days to supply 

water for hydraulic mining in the vicinity of Lagrange, and it is now 

locally known as the "old mining ditch." Recently it has been 

thoroughly repaired and is now used as a supply canal for the new 

hydroelectric plant which was installed in the latter part of 1907. 

The power house is situated on the bank of the river about half a 

mile above the town of Lagrange and is below the dam and headworks of the Turlock and Modesto irrigation canals.

The following measurements were made on the power canal during 

1909, but no regular station was maintained. Gage heights are depths 

of water in the flume.

Discharge measurements of Lagrange Water &, Power Co.'s canal near Lagrange, Cal.,

in 1909.

Date.

A njy 4

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin..............................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

7

7

Area of 

section.

a,.^

12

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.60

1.68

Discharge.

Sec.Jt. 

30

33

The mean daily flow of the canal from April to October, 1909, based on daily gage heights was as follows: 

April, 44 second-feet; May, 51 second-feet; June, 47 second-feet; July, 36 second-feet; August, 29 second-feet; 

- -

p, secon-ee; ay, secon-ee; une, se 

September, 32 second-feet; October, 37 second-feet.

STANISLAUS RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION,

Stanislaus River drains a long, narrow basin lying on .the western 

slope of the Sierra, north of the Tuolumne basin, south of the Calaveras and Mokelumne basins, and west of the Walker River basin, 

from which it is separated for a distance of about 25 miles by the
CALIFORNIA. 205 /

Sierra divide. The length of t^he basin from the valley rim to the 

crest of the divide is about 75 miles; its width averages about 12 

miles in the foothills and less than 25 miles near the eastern border. 

North Fork above and the main stream below form the boundary 

between Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. The total drainage area 

above the valley is about 950 square miles.

Stanislaus River has its source in small glacial lakes and on high 

peaks of the Sierra divide, and flows southwestward to its junction 

with the lower San Joaquin about 15 miles west of Modesto. It has a 

total length of about 120 miles, of which'about 80 miles is in the 

mountains and 40 miles in the valley. The main stream is formed 

by the confluence of its three principal forks heading well back in the 

mountains. Middle Fork, the largest and most important, unites 

with North Fork about 12 miles north of Sonora and 30 or 35 miles 

above the valley rim; South Fork joins the mam stream about 8 

miles below the junction of North and Middle forks.

The Stanislaus basin shows rough and broken topography. There 

are many high mountain peaks, more or less barren and precipitous. 

A few small narrow valleys exist in the upper part of the basin. 

Middle Fork courses through a well-developed canyon, 30 or 40 miles 

long and from 1,500 to 2,000 feet deep. North and South forks 

also run through canyons from 500 to 1,000 feet deep. Altitudes 

within the basin range from a few hundred feet in the foothills to 

11,000 feet and more at the crest of the divide. The rocks are granitic.

This basin has little timber above the 8,000-foot level, except at 

places where glacial lakelets and moraines occur. In the middle 

reaches of the basin, however, is a k great growth of timber. The 

North Fork basin contains a, part of the Calatveras grove of big trees 

(Sequoia gigantea), for which, the Sierra is famous. This particular 

grove is the most northerly group of these trees in the Sierra. The 

forest cover of the foothill region consists of grass, brush, and scrubby 

timber. All the upper part of the basin, consisting of about 800 

square miles, is included in national forests.

The mean annual*precipitation varies with altitude. In the valley, 

near the border, it is about 15 inches or more, and on the higher elevations 50 or 60 inches. At the high altitudes it occurs chiefly as 

snow, which lasts well into the summer. The worst floods usually 

occur in the winter as a result of prolonged storms accompanied by 

comparatively high, temperature.

Opportunities for irrigation in this basin are limited to the San 

Joaquin Valley, which is traversed by the lower courses of the river 

for about 40 miles. Water is now being diverted above Knights 

Ferry, and used for irrigation, chiefly in the vicinity of Oakdale. 

Further development, however, is feasible.
206 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Some storage development has been effected in the Stanislaus 

basin, chiefly for mining and power uses. The opportunities for 

storage in this basin are not, however, very great.

Considerable power is available from the streams in this basin, 

chiefly Middle and North Forks and the main stream below. Development has already been begun. With the existing fall the minimum 

flow is sufficient to yield about 80,000 horsepower, and this amount 

could be increased by storage.

The longest run-off record on Stanislaus Kiver extends back to 

1896, with a break for the years 1901 and 1902. The wettest year 

since that date was 1907 and the driest 1898. The total flow during 

the wettest year was about eight times that during the driest year.

STANISLAUS RIVER AT KNIGHTS FERRY, CAL.

A gaging station was first established on this river May 3, 1895, 

at the railroad bridge half a mile north of Oakdaje. On July 30, 

1898, a cable was placed about 1,000 feet below th.4 railroad bridge, 

and the station was maintained at this point until February 16, 1901, 

when it was discontinued. I

The present station, which is located at Knights Ferry, about 12 

miles northeast of Oakdale, was established May 19, 1903. The 

data are useful in the consideration of irrigation aftd power projects 

and in studying the flood problem on the lower San Joaquin.

No important tributaries enter below the station or for many miles 

above. South Fork joins the main stream about 25 miles above the 

station.

Numerous diversions from Stanislaus River are made for mining 

operations, but most of the water is returned to the river. Some 

water, however, is diverted from the South Fork and turned into 

the Tuolumne basin. Water is also diverted from North Fork £or 

use in the vicinity of Murphy and Angels which is not returned to 

Stanislaus River.

The Stanislaus Water Co. diverts water about 3 miles above Knights 

Ferry for power development and also for irrigating land between 

Knights Ferry and Stockton. The amount used for power is returned 

to the river through the power house about 1,000 feet above the 

gauging station. The developed and acquired water rights probably 

exceed the low-water flow of the stream.

The conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data at this 

station are not the best, on account of excessive velocities at high 

stages and changing conditions of control at low and moderate 

stages. About 800 feet above the station there is an island which 

divides the stream into two channels, and a low dam spans each 

at the head of the island. On the right fcank below one of these 

dams is a power house which operates with water taken from behind
CALIFORNIA. 207

the dam, and also from the ditch heading about 3 miles above. Thq 

tail water returns to the river, and varies with the load at different 

hours of the day, thus affecting the gage height somewhat at low 

stages. The channel section at the station is also subject to slight 

change, and both banks overflow to some extent in high floods. The 

position of the gage has been changed, but the datum has remained 

constant.

Except for the conditions stated above, the records at this station 

are fairly reliable.

Measurements are made from cable. The staff gage is located at 

the cable section.

Discharge measurements of Stanislaus River at Knights Ferry, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 16

May 18

July 21

Aug. 19

Nov. 6

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin.. ............................................

.....do.....................................................

. . . . .do. ....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

210

236

125

82

75

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

713

919

286

131

112

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

9.60

10.46

6.85

5.80

5.61

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3,350

5,380

674

164

116

Daily gage height, in feet, of Stanislaus River at Knights Ferry, Cal., for 1909. 

[E. J. Coop, 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...............

?i

Jan.

5.5

5.6

5.5

5.8

6.0

7.25

7.55

7.95

7.6

7.55

6.95

6.6

11.9

15.5

15.3

13.2

11.7

10.65

10.2

10.35

a20.1

13.2

11.1

10.3

10.25

10.45

10.3

9.6

9.2

9.05

8

QC

Feb.

8.7

8.5

10.3

9.3

9.45

9.05

10.65

10.15

9.4

9.0

10.45

12.9

11.6

10.45

9.8

9.6

9.9

9.8

9.6

9.3

9.9

9

3

9.1

8.95

8.85

8.7

8.6

8.5

Mar.

8.5

8.5

8.9

10.0

9.6

9.65

9.55

9

0

9.0

8.9

8.75

8.6

8.55

8.55

8.6

8.8

8.8

8.7

8.8

8.75

8.75

8.65

8.6

8.45

8.4

8.3

8.25

8.2

8.7

8.55

8.45

Apr.

8.5

8.85

9.15

9.6

9.2

9.0

8.95

9.1

9.5

9.7

9.5

9.5

10.0

10.4

10.8

11.1

11.35

11.4

11.35

10.65

10.4

10.05

10.15

10.35

10.5

10.85

10.8

11.0

10.9

11.0

May.

11.3

11.55

11.65

11.8

11.85

11.75

11.9

11.75

11.45

11.4

10.55

10.4

10.15

10.15

10.55

10.5

10.4

10.6

10.4

10.95

11.15

10.5

10.0

9.5

9.75

10.55

10.6

10.8

9.9

9.85

11.15

June.

11.8

12.3

12.15

12.3

12. 3-

11.55

11.0

10.75

10.45

10.3

10.5

10.7

10.5

10.3

10.5

10.2

9.95

9.7

9.5

9.1

9.35

9.9

10.3

10.35

10.15

9.85

9.9

9.65

9.8

9.75

July.

9.15

9.4

9.2

9.05

8.5

8.35

7.8

7.65

7.85

7.7

7.8

7.8

8.3

7.6

7.6

7.55

7.5

7.35

7.2

6.9

6.7

6.9

7.0

7.0

6.65

6.5

6.5

6.7

6.6

6.3

6.5

Aug.

6.65

6.45

6.4

6.4

6.3

6.3

6.25

6.2

7.0

6.75

6.35

6.15

6.15

6.0

5.8

5.8

5.85

5.75

5.7

5.75

5.8

5.8

5.75

5.75

5.7

5.75

5.75

5.85

5.75

5.75

5.7

Sept.

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.6

5.5

5.55

5.5

5.55

5.55

5.5 ,

5^6

5.6

5.5

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.45

5.5

5.45

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.5

Oct.

5.5

5.5

5.6

5.6

5.65

5.6

5.55

5.55

5.6

5.5

5.5 .

5^ -"IS. 5

5.5

5.55

5.45

5.45

5.6

5.55

5.65

5.8 5.5'

5.5

5.55

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.55

5.7

5.7

Nov.

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.7

5.85

5.8

6.2

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.1

6.05

6.0

6.0

5.85

5.95

6.05

11.2

9.1

8.8

7.95

9.25

8.64

7.9

7.4

7.45

7.4

Dec.

8.2

12.05

9.35

8.5

8.6

8.1

8.1

8.15

12.4

9.4

8.7

8.3

8.2

8.05

8.0

7.8

7.75

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.5

7.4

7.35

7.1

7.0

7.1

7.05

6.95

6.9

6.9

10.75

Maximum, 25.3 feet at 10 a. m.
208 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Stanislaus River at Knights Ferry, Cal.,for 1909.

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............

Jan.

120

145

120

205

280

005

1 240

1,620

1,280

1,240

Ton

580

8,620

19,500

18,800

12,200

7,980

5,640 /t 7on

5,060

36,600

12,200

6,580

4,970

4,880

5,260

4 07ft

3,790

3,200

2,990

2,860

Feb.

2,530

2,280

4 970 s'<un

3,560

9 oon

5 640

4,700

3,490

2,920

5,260

11,300

7.730

5,260

4,110

3,790

4,270

4,110

9. 7on

3,340

4,270

3,340

3,060

2,860

2,720

2,530

2,280

Mar.

2,280

2,280

2 7Qfi

1 110

3,790

3 87ft

3,720

3,200

2,920

2,790

2,600

2,400

2,340

9 9.4n

2,400

2,660

2,660

2,530

2,660

2,600

2 fiflfl

2,460

2,400

2,220

2,160

2,040

1 980

1,920

2,530

2,340

2,220

Apr.

2

OQA

2 79n

3 1 on

3 7on

3,200

2,920

2 Cfift

S flAft

3,640

9. 0"tfl

3 640

3 640

4 440

5,160

5 940

6,580

7 140

7 9^

7 140

5 640

5,lfiO

4,520

4,700

5,060

5,350

6 040

5 940

6,360

6,150

May.

7,020

7,610

7,860

8,230

S Ofift

S tftft

8,490

8,100

7,370

7,250

5 110

4,700

4,700

6 A At)

6

qcn

6

KAf)

5,160

6,260

6,690

6

qcn

1 110

3' 640

6

4A(\

5 540

5,940

4,270

4,190

June.

o ooft

9

CCA

9 14(1

9,550

9

CCA

7,610

6,360

5,840

5,260

4,970

S

qcrt

5,350

4 07fl

5,350

4 7Oft

4,360

3

rtcn

3,640

3,060

3,420

4,270

4,970

5,060

4,700

4,190

4,270

3,870

4,110

4,030

July.

3 IDA

3 4.0ft

3,200

2 oon

2,280

2 100

1^490

1 34/1

1,540

1,390

1,490

2,040 1 9on

1,290

1,240

1,200

1,060

940

705

s?n

705

780

780

540

455

455

570

510

360

455

Aug.

K4rt

430

405

Af\K

sfin

sfin

338

315

780

602

382

295

295

235

170

170

185

155

140

155

170

170

155

155

140

155

155

185

155

155

140

Sept.

loo

115

115

102

on

on

115

Oft

102

on

102

102

on

115

115

on

102

on

90

on

on

on

80

on

80

42

J.9

42

42

on

Oct.

90

90

115

115

19B

115

1/y>

IAO

115

on

90

on

on

90

102

sn

80

115 ino

128

170

on

on

102

128

115

115

115

102

140

140

Nov.

140

140

140

1 00

115

115

140 foe

170

315

00 K

235

235

275

255

91 15

235 IOK

218

255

6,800

3,060

2,660

1,640

3,270

2,450

1 CQn

1,110

1,160

1,110

Dec.

1,920

8 CQA

3,420

2 280

2' 4/OQ

1,810

1,810

1 ofin

9 830

3,490

2

KQA

2,040

1,920

1,760

1,700

1,490

1 440

l'290

1 9on

1 9on

1,200

1,110

1.060

860

780

860

820

742

705

705

5,840

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: January 1 to 12, well defined; 

January 13 to December 31, fairly well defined below 18,000 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Stanislaus River at Knight's Ferry, Cat., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 935 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

36,600 

11,300 

4,440 

7,290 

8,600 

9,640 

3,580 

862 

187 

228 

6,850 

8,930

36,600

Minimum.

120 

2,280 

1,960 

2,330 

3,750 

3,140 

424 

196 

101 

119 

141 

744

101

Mean.

5,810 

4,050 

2,670 

4,890 

6,160 

5,600 

1,440 

344 

160 

179 

1,010 

2,280

2,880

Per 

square 

mile.

6.21 

4.33 

2.86 

5.23 

6.59 

5.99 

1.54 

.368 

.171 

.191 

1.08 

2.44

3.08

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

7.16 

4.51 

3.30 

5.84 

7.60 

6.68 

1.78 

.42 

.19 

.22 

1.20 

2.81

41.71

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

357,000 

225,000 

164,000 

291,000 

379,000 

333,000 

88,500 

21,200 

9,520 

11,000 

60,100 

140,000

2,080,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

NOTE. These estimates include the flow of the power canal and Schell ditch. For the latter a mean flow 

of 7 secondtteet per month was assumed.

STANISLAUS WATER CO.'S CANAL NEAR KNIGHTS FERRY, CAL.

This canal diverts water from the right bank of Stanislaus River 

at a point about 3 miles above Knights Ferry. At some distance 

below the intake the Schell ditch diverts a small quantity of water
CALIFOBNIA. 209

from the main canal for irrigation. The flow\in the ditch is about 7 

second-feet and is assumed to be constant. '4-bout one-half mile 

above Knights Ferry is another diversion from the main canal through 

a pressure pipe to the power house on the bank of the, river, and the 

water thus diverted is used for power and then returnee! to the river 

about 1,000 feet above the gaging station.

This station, which is on the Oakdale road about one-half mile 

from Knights Ferry and about 200 feet below the point where the 

canal passes under the flume of Schell ditch, was established June 11, 

1904, for the purpose of determining the amount of water diverted 

above the station on the river and used for irrigation. The station 

is on the main canal below all diversions.

Daily discharges of the canal have been included in those for 

Stanislaus River at Knights Ferry, Cal. The total run-off for the 

canal in 1907 was 34,200 acre-feet, and in 1908, 35,100 acre-feet.

Discharge measurements are made from footbridge. The staff 

gage is located at the gaging section.

The following measurements were made on Schell ditch, 200 feet 

below the intake, in 1909:

July 20, 5.9 second-feet; August 19, 6.4 second-feet.

Discharge measurements of Stanislaus Water Co.'s canal at Knights Ferry, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 16

July 20

Nov. 5

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin..............................................

W.V. Hardy.......... ....................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

9

8

8.5

8

Area of 

section.

^13

19

20

11

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.10

3.02

2.98

2.00

Discharge.

8ec.-ft. 

28

65

66

22

Daily gage height, in feet, of Stanislaus Water Co.'s canal at Knights Ferry, Cal., for

1909.

Day.

1.... ...........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7............... 

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12............... 

13............... 

U..... .......... 

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

Jan.

..::..:

2.5 

1.95 

1.95 

1.95

2.5

2.6

2.8

3.0

3.0

Feb.

2.6

2.6

2.45

1.95 

1.95

1.45 

1.45

1.45

1.45 

1.45 

1.45 

1.45

1.45 1 45

1.45

1 95

2.45

Mar.

.......

 " 

 

Apr.

2.65

2.9

2.9

9 Q

9 0

2.9

3.2 

3.1

3.4 

3.4

3.4

3.4 

3.4 

3.4 

3.4

3.4

3.15

2.55

2.95

3.55

May.

3.6

3.7

3 7

3 7

0 f

3.7

3.6 

3.6

3.6 

3.6

3.6

3.6 

3.6 

3.6 

3.6

3.45

3.6

3.45

3.3

3.55

June.

3.35

3.2

3.2

3.4

3.35

3.4

3.35 

3.3

2.3 

3.0

3.25

3.3 

3.3 

3.3 

3.1

3.0

2.8

3.1

3.2

3.2

July.

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.35 

3.35

3.25 

3.3

3.45

2.8 

3.3 

3.3 

3.3

3.2

3.25

3.35

q ft

3.2

Aug.

2.85

3.15

2 95

2.5

3.1

3.25 

3.25

3.25 

3.2

3.25

3.15 

2.95 

2.9 

3.05

2.95 i ft

9 0

2.9

2.9

Sept.

2.85

3.1

3.1

3 95

3.3

2.95

3.05 

1.5

2.95 

2.9

2.9

2.85 

2.85 

2.8 

2.8

2.8 2 7

3.0

2.85

2.8

Oct.

2.95

3.05

2.85

3.2

3.25

3.25

3.35 

3.35

3.25 

3.15

2.8

2.85 

3.15 

2.2 

3.0

2.95

3.15

2.85

2.65

2.75

Nov.

2.7

2.7

2.85

2.65

2.1

2.6

2.65 

2.5

2.55 

2.6

2.5

2.55 

2.4 

2.7 

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.0

2.4

2.0

Dec.

2.65

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.1

2.6 

2.65

2.6 

2.7

2.65

2.6 

2.55 

2.55 

2.55

2.5

2.6

2.65

2.8

2.6

96451° WSP 271 11 14
210 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Stanislaus Wates Co.'s canal at Knights Ferry, CaL, for

1909 Continued.

Day.

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27.... ...........

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan. Feb.

2.45

2.45

Mar.

2.55

2.5

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.0

2.5

Apr.

3.6

3.6

3.65

3.7

3.7

3.75

3.75

3.7

May.

3.55

3.9

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3 9

3.5

3.45

3.45

June.

3.2

3.05

3 ft

3.1

3.2

3 9

1.6

2.1

3.3

3.3

July.

3.15

3.25

3.3

1.6

3.2

3.15

3.15.

3.2

3.1

2.95

3.0

Aug.

2.95

2.9

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.75

2.5

2.5

2.9

2.85

3.0

Sept.

2.95

2.95

2.95

3.0

3.15

3.1

3.0

2 95

3.05

2.9

Oct.

2.85

9 Q

2.7

3.0

3.05

9 7

2.75

2.7

3.15

2.85

2.75

Nov.

2.6

2.0

2.65

2.4

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.75

2.55

2.75

Dec.

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.65

2.75

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.45

2.8

NOTE. No water diverted Jan. 1 to Jan. 11; Jan. 21 to Feb. 3; Feb. 23 to Mar. 23.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Stanislaus Water Co.'s canal at Knights Ferry, CaL,

for 1909.

Day.

1...... .........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

111..............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

31

Jan.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

41

22

22

22

41

46

56

66

66

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Feb.

0

0

0

46

46

39

22

22

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

22

39

39

39

0

0

0

0

0

0

Mar.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

44

41

39

39

39

10

23

41

Apr.

48

61

61

61

61

61

78

72

92

Q9

92

92

92

no

Q9

Q9

75

44

64

104

108

108

108

108

112

116

116

120

120

116

May.

108

116

116

116

116

116

108

108

108

108

108

108

108

ins

108

108

OK

85

104

104

132

108

108

ins

108

108

78

100

96

96

June.

88

78

92

00

92

00

85

33

66

82

85

85

85

72

66

PK

79

78

78

78

68

66

72

78

78

1 3

26

85

85

July.

92

Q9

88

92

Q9

85

88

88

82

85

96

56

85

85

85

78

82

88

78

78

75

82

85

13

78

75

75

78

72

64

66

Aug.

58

75

64

41

64

72

82

82

82

78

82

75

64

61

68

66

61

61

61

64

61

66

64

64

54

41

41

61

58

66

Sept.

58

72

72

75

85

64

68

11

64

61

61

58

58

56

56

P&

51

66

58

56

64

64

64

66

75

72

66

64

68

61

Oct.

64

68

58

78

82

82

88

88

82

75

56

58

75

29

66

64

75

58

48

54

58

61

51

66

68

51

54

51

75

58

54

Nov.

51

51

58

48

26

46

48

41

44

46

41

44

37

51

39

41

41

23

37

23

46

23

48

37

46

46

41

54

44

54

Dec.

48

51

54

54

51

26

46

48

46

51

48

46

44

44

44

41

46

48

56

46

46

46

41

46

48

54

44

44

44

39

56

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well denned.
CALIFORNIA. 211 

Monthly discharge of Stanislaus Water Co.'s canal at Knights Ferry, Cal.,for 1909.

Month.

January. ..........................................

March. ............................................

April..............................................

July...............................................

September. ........................................

October. ..........................................

The year. ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

66 

46 

44 

120 

132 

92 

96 

82 

85 

88 

58 

56

132

TWinimyim0 

0 

0

44 

78 

13 

13 

41 

11 

29 

23 

26

0

Mean.

12.3 

14.8 

9.84 

88.6 

106 

73.2 

79.3 

64.5 

62.3 

64.4 

42.5 

46.6

55.4

Run-off 

(total in 

acre-feet).

756 

822 

605 

5,270 

6,520 

4,360 

4,880 

3,970 

3,710 

3,960 

2,530 

2,870

40,300

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

CALAVEEAS RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Calaveras River drains a triangular, wedge-shaped area on the 

western slope of the Sierra, north of the Stanislaus basin and south 

of the Mokelumne basin. The basin has a width of from 12 to 16 

miles in the foothills, and a length of about 45 miles from the rim 

of San Joaquin Valley to its apex in the mountains. Its total area 

above the border of San Joaquin Valley is about 500 square miles.

Calaveras River is formed by the confluence of North and South 

forks near San Andreas. The stream has its source in creeks at an 

altitude of 4,000 to 5,000 feet, and flows southwestward to its junction with the lower San Joaquin, a few miles west of Stockton. Its 

total length is about 80 miles, of which 35 miles are in the valley 

and 45 miles in the mountains.

This basin is almost wholly a foothill region. The hills are low, 

and here and there they are separated by small, irregular valleys. 

The highest point in the basin is 6,000 feet in altitude, but only a 

very small part exceeds 4,000 feet. In the upper part of the basin 

the topography is more regular and is characterized by rough, parallel ridges separated by canyons several hundred feet deep, through 

which the small creeks flow.

In the lower foothills the vegetation consists of grass, brush, and 

scrubby timber, chiefly oak; but in the upper part of the basin there 

is a thick growth of timber. The Calaveras grove of big trees (Sequoia 

gigantea) is partly in this basin and partly in the Stanislaus basin to 

the south.

The mean annual precipitation varies with altitude. It is about 

15 inches in the valley, about 22 inches in the low foothills, and 35 or 

40 inches in the upper part of the basin. The very little snow that 

falls in this basin quickly disappears.
212 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Calaveras River is torrential in winter and dry for a few months 

during the summer. It is therefore not especially suitable for irrigation without storage. Some storage on a small scale has already 

been accomplished, but further achievement is possible. Without 

storage very little power can be obtained, especially during the 

summer and fall.

CALAVERAS RIVER AT JENNY LIND, CAL.

This station, which is located at the wagon bridge on the Milton 

Road, about one-fourth mile from Jenny Lind post office, was established December 1, 1906, by the United States Weather Bureau, and 

has been rated by the Geological Survey to obtain general statistical 

information regarding the flow of Calaveras River. The data are 

useful also in the development of irrigation and power projects and 

in studying the general flood problem in the lower San Joaquin; but 

they are of the greatest immediate value in devising protective measures against the flooding of the city of Stockton during the winter.

The station is well up in the foothills, and there are a few small 

intermittent tributaries below. Cosgrove, Slate, and Bear creeks 

enter about 5 miles above the station. North and South forks unite 

about 15 miles above.

No diversions are made immediately above the station. The 

acquired water rights are for mining and power operations.

The conditions for obtaining accurate discharge data are not very 

good. At low stages the stream at the station is about 100 feet wide 

and 2 feet deep, and the current is very sluggish. A considerable 

change in flow makes very little difference in the gage height, so 

that more or less error arises from the fact that the gage record is 

only to tenths of feet. At low stages measurements can be made at 

other sections by wading, thus eliminating inaccuracies from that 

source. At flood stages the current is very swift and the channel 

may change slightly. The upper part of the curve has been determined from slope and cross section.

The records of flow are fairly reliable and satisfactory, except for 

the conditions stated above.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge, except at low 

water, when a wading section is selected at some favorable location. 

The staff gage is located at the bridge. The gage datum has remained 

constant.
CALIFORNIA. 

Discharge measurements of Calaveras River at Jenny Lind, Gal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 15

May 20

July 22«

Nov. 7

Nov. 24

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin..............................................

.....do.....................................................

W.V. Hardy.. ............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet 

151

130

24

75

97

Area of

section.

**lf

170

8.7

43

136

Gage

height

Feet. 

2.80

.29

 .20

 .40

.00

.32

Discharge,

Sec.-ft. 

1,850

93

8.2

62

37

99

a Made 300 feet below station. & Estimated. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Calaveras River at Jenny Lind, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1.... ........................................

2............................................

3............................................

4............................................

5.................... .......................

6............................................

7............................................

8............................................

9............................................

10............................................

11............................................

12............................................

13............................................

14............................................

15............................................

16............................................

17............................................

18............................................

19............................................

20............................................

21............................................

22............................................

23............................................

24............................................

25............................................

26............................................

27............................................

28.............................................

29............................................

30............................................

31............................................

Jan.

0.6

.6

.5

.6

.6

.6

1.0

1.0

2.8

1.7

1.4

1.4

5.4

5.9

5.7

3.2

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.5

11.0

3.9

3.2

3.0

3.5

4.2

3 9

3.2

3.2

2.0

2.0

Feb.

1.8

1.8

2.8

3.8

3.1

2.8

3.0

3.8

2.8

2.2

3.7

6.0

5.0

2.0

2.0

3.0

2.8

1.9

1.8

1.8

2.0

2

n

1.9

1.9

2.0

1.9

1 Q

1.8

Mar.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

2.2

2.2

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

2.0

1.8

Apr.

1.8

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

' 1.2

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

May.

0.7

.6

.6

.6

.5

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

.3

Nov.

0.2

.2

.2

.2

2.6

2.0

1.0

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.8

.6

.6

.6

.6

Dec.

0.6

2.7

2.0

1.9

2.7

2.0

2.4

2.2

6.3

2.4

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.0

.9

.9

1.0

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.6

NOTE. Gage heights May 21 to Nov. 6, Nov. 8, 9, and 14 to 24 are known to be more or less in error 

and are not published. Gage heights for 1907-8 were published in Water-Supply Paper 251.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Calaveras River at Jenny Lind, Cal., for 1907-1909.

Day.

1907. 

1. ..............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

Jan.

1,240

1,010

653

653

2,440

1,010

1,010

1,650

3,620

2,620

1,510

1,120

1,120

2,110

2,620

Feb.

1,650

6,600

5,460

4,480

3,210

2,110

1,510

1,510

1,510

1,510

820

820

653

Mar.

1,010

1,010

1,010

910

3,210

2,110

1,510

1,510

1,510

12,400

8,600

5,460

2,440

1.800

Apr.

1,370

1,370

910

910

910

910

910

820

820

734

734

734

734

734

910

May.

382

382

382

382

382

382

382

382

277

277

977

277

977

1Q4

194

June.

160

160

160

160

160

160

160

160

160

160

1QA

194

1Q4.

1Q4

194

July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

37

37

37

37

48

48

82

130

130

130

194

160

194

194

130
214 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Calaveras River at Jenny Lind, Cal.,for 1907-1909 

Continued.

Day.

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

9t

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

1908.

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

1909. 

1.... ...........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7.... ...........

8...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

Jan.

1,650

1,370

2,440

2,440

1,240

1/240

1,120

1,010

1,010

1,010

1,010

1,010

1,240

2,270

2,620

1,650

233

233

233

277

194

194

194

194

194

194

194

194

104

442

442

277

277

277

277

327

327

327

653

820

382

327

277

277

194

160

82

82

82

82

82

82

194

194

1,800

577

382

382

7,900

9,690

8,960

2,440

820

820

820

1,370

Feb.

653

734

653

653

653

653

6,010

2 440

1,120

2,440

1,240

1,240

1,010

160

160

194

233

233

194

160

160

1,010

2,110

382

382

277

160

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

104

104

104

104

104

104

130

845

845

1,860

3,620

2,310

1,860

2,150

3,620

1 860

1,200

3,420

10,100

6,600

1,010

1,010

2,150

1,860

845

845

Mar.

1,800

IQ Ann

4,710

40,200

6,600

6,600

6,600

6,600

6,600

6,600

4,040

2,620

2,110

2,110

1,370

1,370

277

820

507

442

327

277

194

194

194

160

160

160

160

160

160

160

160

130

130

130

130

130

160

160

160

160

160

160

160

160

845

845

845

845

845

925

1,200

1,200

QOK

925

925

845

845

695

695

695

695

695

695

Apr.

820

653

653

577

577

t;77

507

KA7

A A<y

AAfy

AA<y

AA<y

442

382

382

160

160

160

160

160

160

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

82

82

82

63

63

63

63

63

63

845

695

695

695

560

560

560

560

435

435

330

vtn

330

285

285

285

285

285

245

245

May.

194

194

194

194

194

233

194

194

194

194

194

194

160

160

63

63

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

48

63

63

63

63

63

48

37

210

175

175

175

144

116

116

116

116

116

116

116

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

June.

194

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

37

88

90

92

94

96

80

70

66

63

61

59

58

56

54

52

50

48

47

46

44

July.

28

27

25

24

23

23

23

23

19

18

18

18

15

15

15

12

12

12

* 10

8

Aug.

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

3

2

3

2

2

2

2

2

2

Sept.

2

2

2

2

3

3

3

3

 > 2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Oct.

6

6

6

10

10

10

8

8

8

6

6

6

6

5

5

8

8

6

7

10

Nov.

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

28

35

35

35

36

36

36

37

52

64

72

1,610

1,010

330

170

160

160

150

140

130

130

Dec.

82

82

82

82

104

82

82

82

82

82

82

104

104

160

160

233

28

28

28

28

48

160

160

160

160

233

194

194

194

63

63

63

63

82

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

63

175

1,730

1,010

925

1,730

1,010

1,400

1,200

11,200

1,400

1,010

1,010

925

925

925

330

285

285

330

144
CALIFOBBTIA. 215

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Calav&ras River at Jenny Lind, Cal.,for 1907-1909 

Continued.

Day.

21...............

99

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

33,000

3,830

2,480

2,150

3,030

4 48f)

2,480

2,480

2,480

1,010

1,010

Feb.

1,010

1,010

925

925

1,010

925

925

945

Mar.

695

695

695

695

695

695

695

695

695

1,010

845

Apr.

245

245

245

245

245

245

210

210

210

210

May.

92

102

Q3

90

89

so

88

87

86

85

86

June.

42

40

37

36

<>C

34

qi

30

28

28

July.

8

6

6

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

Aug.

2

o

2

2

3

3

2

2

2

Sept.

1

2

2

3

4

5

5

4

4

4

Oct.

12

1 S

19

17

16

17

20

29

40

35

35

Nov.

120

120

110

100

175

245

175

175

175

175

Dec.

144

144

144

144

144

116

116

116

116

116

175

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating tables applicable as follows: 

Jan. 1,1907, to Jan. 20,1909, Well denned between 30 and 12,000 second-feet. 

Jan. 21 to Dec. 31,1909, well defined below 12,000 second-feet. 

Observations were discontinued from July 1 to Nov. 30,1907. 

No flow July 15 to sometime after Sept. 15,1908.

Discharges May 21 to Nov. 9 and Nov. 14 to 24,1909, estimated by means of a hydrograph through measurements following the rise and fall of Cosumnes Hirer.

Monthly discharge of Calaveras River at Jenny Lind, Cal.,for 1907-1909. 

[Drainage area 395 square miles.]

Month.

1907.

February. ..................

March.... ..................

April.......................

May........................

June........ ................

December. .................

1908. 

January.. ..................

February. ..................

Anril

May........................

1909.

April.... ...................

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,620 

6,600 

40,200 

1,370 

382 

194 

233

],950 

2,110 

'820 

160 

63 

37 

28 

233

33,000 

10,100 

1.200 

845

11,200

Minimum.

653 653" 

910 

382 

160 

130 

37

104 

104 

130 

63

37 

37 

28 

28

63 

845 

695 

210

116

Mean.

1,570 

1,920 

5,230 

712 

255 

157 

102

343

265 

214 

102 

51 

37 

28 

89.3

3,070 

3,450 

811 

375 

110 

55.2 

14.0 

2.9 

2.3 

13.0 

200 

949

736

Per

square 

mile.

3.97 

4.86 

13.2 

1.80 

.646 

.397 

.258

0.868 

.671 

.542 

.258 

.129 

.095 

.071 

.226

7.77 

8.71 

2.05 

.949 

.278 

.140 

.035 

.0073 

.0058 

.033 

.506 

2.40

1.91

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

4.58 

5.06 

15.22 

2.01 

.74 

.44 

.30

1.00 

.72 

.62 

.29 

.15 

.10 

.08 

.26

8.96 

9.07 

2.36 

1.06 

.32 

.16 

.04 

.008 

.006 

.04 

.56 

2.77

25.35

Total in 

acre-feet.

96,500 

107,000 

322,000 

42,400 

15,700 

9,340 

6,270

21,100 

15,200 

13,200 

6,070 

3,140 

2,200 

1,670 

5,490

189,000 

192,000 

49,900 

22,300 

6,760 

3,280 

861 

178 

137 

799 

11,900 

58,400

536,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

B.

NOTE. The above estimates for 1907 and 1908 supersede those published in Water-Supply Paper U. S. 

Geol. Survey No. 251, p. 292.
216 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

MOKELUMNE EIVEE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The Mokelumne Eiver basin lies on the western slope of the Sierra, 

north of the Calaveras and Stanislaus Eiver basins, and south of the 

Cosumnes and American River basins. For a distance of about 20 

miles it touches the Sierra divide, which separates it from the Walker 

River basin on the east. Strictly speaking, the area drained by 

Cosumnes River, and several other small tributaries which enter many 

miles west of the valley border, should be considered as a part of the 

Mokelumne basin; but this area is excluded from this description 

because it contributes nothing to the flow of Mokelumne River 

above the lower Sacramento and San Joaquin delta region. As thus 

limited, the Mokelumne basin is a long, narrow area, in profile very 

much like a long-necked circular bottle, with its mouth opening 

into the valley and its base resting on the crest of the Sierra. Its 

total length is about 75 miles, half neck and half body. The neck 

averages about 3 miles in width and the body about 14 miles. The 

total area of the basin above the valley rim is about 640 square miles.

Mokelumne River has its source in glacial lakelets in Alpine County 

at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, and flows southwestward to its junction with the lower San Joaquin, about 25 miles 

northwest of Stockton. It has a total length of about 140 miles, of 

which approximately 90 miles are in the mountains. For the greater 

part of its course it forms the boundary between Amador County on 

the north and Calaveras County on the south. The principal branches 

are North, Middle, and South forks, which unite about 5 miles above 

Electra and nearly 40 miles above the rim of the valley, at the point 

where the basin begins to contract into the narrow neck characteristic 

of its lower part. Bear River is tributary to North Fork from the 

north.

The topography of this basin presents considerable variety. The 

lower, narrow part is a rolling, hilly region, sloping toward the river 

from each side and having large cultivated areas. Farther upstream 

the slopes become greater, and the river appears in a broad, shallow 

canyon that increases in depth on the main stream almost to its 

source. Above the confluence of the forks the topography is more 

pronounced and regular, and is characterized by parallel ridges separated by canyons. In the upper part of the basin there are small 

lakes and valleys surrounded by high peaks. Altitudes range from 

200 feet in the foothills to 10,000 on the crest of the divide. The 

formation is granitic.

On the middle and higher elevations of the Mokelumne basin is a 

heavy timber growth. Grass, brush, and scattering oaks cover the 

lower reaches. All the upper part of the basin, amounting to about 

400 square miles, is included in national forests.
CALIFORNIA. 217

The mean annual precipitation varies with altitude. It is about 

20 inches in the valley, 25 or 30 inches in the foothills, and 50 inches 

or more on the higher elevations, where most of it occurs as snow. 

Floods in this basin during the winter and spring months are usually 

less severe than in adjacent basins, because of the fact that such a 

large proportion of the catchment area is at a high altitude and 

receives only snowfall.

Opportunities for irrigation in this basin are confined chiefly to the 

bottom lands in the foothills and to the valley lands below. Some 

attempts on a moderately large scale have been made to utilize the 

stream, but as a rule they have not been successful. Except for 

local development along the river the stream is little used for irrigation.

Some artificial storage exists in this basin, but not on a large scale. 

Further development is feasible, especially in the upper part of the 

basin.

The streams have steep gradients, and the minimum flow is sufficient to furnish considerable power without storage. An important 

amount has already been developed.

The longest run-off record in this basin dates back to 1904. The 

wettest year since that time was 1907 and the driest 1908. The 

total flow during the wettest year was nearly four times that during 

the driest.

MOKELTTMNE RIVER NEAR CLEMENTS, GAL.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge about 1 mile 

north of Clements, was established October 28, 1904. The data are 

valuable in constructing projects for irrigation and power and in 

studying the flood problem of the San Joaquin and Sacramento 

Valleys.

No important tributaries enter for many miles above or below the 

station. The three forks unite about 30 miles above Clements, and 

Cosumnes River enters from the north about 30 miles below Clements.

Several ditches take water for use in mining and in power development in the Mokelumne basin, but most of the water is returned to the 

river. No diversions are made immediately above the station, except 

for local irrigation on the bottom lands adjacent to the river. In the 

upper part of the basin some water is probably diverted into contiguous basins. The acquired water rights on the lower part of the 

stream probably take the larger part, if not all, of the minimum flow.

The bed of the stream at the station is composed of sand and fine 

gravel and is subject to slight change. The gage datum has remained 

constant. The records at this station are fairly satisfactory.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge. The staff 

gage is located at the bridge section.
218 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

Discharge measurements of Mokelumne River near Clements, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 14

May 19

July 23

Sept. 1

Nov. 7

23

Hydrographer.

W. F Martin..............................................

.....do.....................................................

W. V. Hardy..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

265

271

96

68

92

245

Area of 

section.

9». ft1,070

1,170

221

95

163

935

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

8.30

8.68

4.80

3.57

4.31

8.10

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,950

3,280

287

51

191

2,450

Daily gage height, infect, of Mokelumne River near Clements, Cal., for 1909. 

[Reba Gaskell, observer.]

Day.

1... ............

2.. .............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9.........1.....

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15.....:.........

16...............

17...............

18. ..............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26

27. ..............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

3.65

3.55

3.65

4.0

°. Q

6.45

5.7

5.45

5.55

5.4

4.15

4.5

7.55

16.15

16.0

14.15

11.4

9.9

8.65

9.0

14.1

11.35

9

0

8.25

8.05

7.75

7.3

7.1

6.7

fi Q

6.5

Feb.

6.4

6.2

7.05

6.&

7.0

6.05

7.25

7.3

6.7

6.2

7.55

12.2

10.4

8.5

7.85

7.7

7.95

7.95

7.65

7.45

7.5

7.2

6.95

6.9

6.75

6.55

6.45

6.05

Mar.

6.4

6.3

6.7

7.85

7

0

7 7%

7.4

7.25

7 05

6.8

6.65

fi 1

6.45

6 45

6.45

6.55

6.55

6.55

fi 5

6.45

6.5

6.4

6.3

6.2

6.3

6.2

6.05

6.05

6 4

6.15

6.15

Apr.

6.15

6.35

6.8

fi Q

7.0

6.75

6.85

6.8

7.05

7.35

7 oe

7.4

7.5

8.25

8.8

9 A

9.9

10.15

9.05

8.5

8.1

8.15

8.2

8.3

9.0

9.7

9.1

a n

9.3

May.

9.5

9 Q

10.2

10.6

10.75

10.7

10.5

10.55

10.05

9

0

9 0

8.55

a 15

8.25

8.75

8.5

8.5

8.7

8.65

9.65

9.85

8.45

7.9

7.5

8.0

9.5

9.1

9.7

8.15

8.55

10.15

June.

11.6

12.5

11.85

12.25

12.0

11.35

10.65

10.6 in o

10.1

10.05

10.75

9.5

9 Q

9.8

9.8

9.35

8.65

8.5

8.25

9.3

9.3

9 75

9.5

9.1

8.3

8.9

8.25

8.45

8.05

July.

7.75

7.65

7.4

6.95

6.65

6.35

6.05

6.0

6.0

5.85

5.9

5.9

5.8

5.65

5.45

5.4

5.4

5.35

5.15

5.15

5.0

4.9

4 7

4.7

4.55.

4.55

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.45

4.45

Aug.

4.45

4.5

4.45

4.45

4.3

4.25

4.25

4.2

4. 1

4.3

4.0

405

4.15

4.05

3.95

3.7

3.85

3.7

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.55

3.5

3.6

3.85

3.95

4.05

3.75

 3.6

Sept.

3.6

3.8

3.7

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.8

S 7

3.95

3.9

3.85

3.8

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.7

3.7

3.75

3.6

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.85

3.85

Oct.

3.95

4. 1

4.15

4.25

4.3

4.25

4.3

4.05

4 05

4.1

3.9

4.1

4.1

4 1

4.1

.4.0

V4.25

3.85

3.95

3.95

4.1

4.05

3.9

4.0

3.8

4.05

4.0

3.95

3.95

4.4

4.4

Nov.

4.25

4.2

4.15

4.25

4.1

4.2

4.1

4.15

4.4

4.7

4.75

4.6

4.55

4.75

4.7

4.7

4.55

4.3

4.35

5.15

12.95

8.75

8.45

7.1

7.95

6.65

6.4

6.25

6.25

6.2

Dec.

6.2

Q 4K

12.6

7.8

7 IS

6.45

6.5

6.4

8.4

7.55

7.1

6.75

6.45

6.4

6.1

6.05

5.85

5.75

5.7

5.65

5.55

5.7

e KK

5.4

5.25

5.3

5.25

5.2

5.1

5.05

9.15

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Mokelumne River near Clements, Cal., for 1909.

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7.. .............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

Jan.

130

112

130

225

195

1,560

1,060

918

972

890

278

420

2,340

10,400

10.300

Feb.

1,520

1,380

1,980

1,800

1,940

1,280

2,120

2,150

1,730

1,380

2,340

6,500

4,710

3,080

2,560

Mar.

.1,520

1,450

1,730

2,560

2,520

2,490

2,220

2,120

1,980

1,800

1,700

1,590

1,560

1,560

1.560

Apr.

1,350

1,480

1,800

1,870

1,940

1,760

1,840

1,800

1,980

2,190

2,190

2,220

2,300

2,880

3,330

May.

3,920

4,260

4,530

4,900

5,050

5,000

4,800

4,850

4,400

4,180

3,500

3,120

2,800

2,880

3,290

June.

5,900

6,800

6,150

6,550

6,300

5,650

4,950

4,900

4,530

4,440

4,400

5,050

3,920

4,260

4,180

July.

2.320

2,240

2,040

1,700

1,480

1,280

1,070

1,040

1,040

940

970

970

905

810

690

Aug.

220

235

220

220

180

168

168

155

130

180

115

122

142

122

108

Sept.

56

85

70

85

70

70

70

56

56

85

70

108

100

92

85

Oct.

108

130

142

168

180

168

180

122

122

130

100

130

130

130

130

Nov.

168

155

142

168

130

155

130

142

205

305

325

270

252

325

305

Dec.

1,170

3,800

6,900

2,360

1,850

1,340

1,380

1,310

2,860

2,160

1,820

1,560

1,340

1,310

1,100
CALIFOENIA. 219

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Mokelumne River near Clements, Cal.,for 1909 Gontd.

Day.

16...............

17..... ...... ....

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

si

Jan.

8,450

5,700

4,260

3,200

3,500

8,400

5,650

3,760

2,880

2,720

2,490

2,150

2,010

1,730

1,870

1,590

Feb.

2,450

2,640

2,640

2, WO

2,260

2,300

2,080

1,900

1,870

1,760

1,620

1,560

1,280

Mar.

1,620

1,620

1,620

1,590

1,560

1,590

1,520

1,450

1,380

1,450

1,380

1,280

1,280

1,520

1,350

1,350

Apr.

3,840

4,260

4,480

4,440

3,540

3,080

2,760

2,800

2,840

2,920

3,500

4,100

3,580

3,500

3,760

May.

3,080

3,080

3,240

3,200

4,050

4,220

3,040

2,600

2,300

2,680

3,920

3,580

4,100

2,800

3,120

4,480

June.

4,180

3,800

3,200

3,080

2,880

3,760

3,760

4,140

3,920

3,580

2,920

3,420

2,880

3,040

2,720

July.

660

660

630

512

512

435

390

305

305

252

252

235

235

235

220

220

Aug.

7p

Q9

70

56

51

dR

46

46

51

46

56

92

108

122

78

56

Sept.

78

78

78

78

78

78

70

70

78

56

78

78

78

92

92

Oct.

115

168

92

108

108

130

122

100

115

85

122

115

108

108

205

205

Nov.

305

252

180

192

512

7,200

3,160

2,900

1,820

2,480

1,480

1,310

1,200

1,200

1,170

Dec.

1,060

938

872

840

810

750

840

750

660

570

600

570

540

485

460

3,520

NOTE. These discharges are based on rating curves applicable as follows: Jan. 1 to June 30, fairly well 

defined between discharges of 90 and 270 second-feet; July 1 to Dec. 31, fairly well defined.

Monthly discharge of Mokelumne River near Clements, Cal.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 642 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

July........................

October

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

10,400 

6,500 

2,560 

4,480 

5,050 

6,800 

2,320 

235 

108 

205 

7,200 

6,900

10,400

Minimum.

112 

1,280 

1,350 

1,350 

2,300 

2,720 

220 

46 

56 

85 

130 

460

46

Mean.

2,910 

2,260 

1,670 

2,810 

3,710 

4,310 

824 

115 

77.3 

131 

951 

1,500

1,770

Per 

square 

mile.

4.53 

3.52 

2.60 

4.38 

5.78 

6.71 

1.28 

.179 

.120 

.204 

1.48 

2.34

2.76

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

5.22 

3.66 

3.00 

4.89 

6,66 

7.49 

1.48 

.21 

.13 

.24 

1.65 

2.70

37.33

Total in 

acre-feet.

179,000 

126,000 

103,000 

167,000 

228,000 

256,000 

50,700 

7,070 

4,600 

8.060 

56,600 

92,200

1,280,000

Accuracy.

B.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B.

COSUMNES RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The Cosumnes Kiver basin lies on the western slope of the Sierra, 

north of the Mokelumne basin and south of the American basin. 

It does not reach the crest of the Sierra like these basinSj but is 

wedged in between them. Its catchment area is somewhat elliptical 

in shape, or leaf-like, and has a length of about 55 miles and a width 

of 12 or 15 miles. Its total area above the valley rim is about 580 

square miles.

Cosumnes River rises in the extreme eastern part of the basin at an 

altitude of 7,700 feet, and flows southwestward to its junction with 

the Mokelumne, about 6 miles east of Walnut Grove. Its total.
220 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

length is about 90 miles. The main stream is formed by the confluence of its three forks, about 45 miles above its mouth and 20 

miles above the valley border.

This basin is characterized by many low hills and ridges separated 

by small irregular valleys. The upper part of the basin is more, 

regular in aspect. The streams run in somewhat parallel and regular 

shallow canyons, which are separated by prominent ridges. Altitudes range from 200 feet in the foothills to 7,700 at the eastern 

border.

The vegetation in this basin consists of grass, brush, and scattering scrubby timber in the lower foothills and good timber in the 

middle and upper areas. A small part of the upper basin is included 

in a national forest.

The mean annual precipitation ranges from 20 inches in the valley 

to 35 or 40 inches at the higher elevations. The snowfall in this basin 

is comparatively light and soon disappears.

Very little irrigation, if any, is practiced in this area. Practically 

nothing is known concerning the opportunities for storage, but it is 

certain that some development is feasible.

The minimum flow of the stream is so small that but little power 

can be developed continually without storage.

COSUHNES RIVER AT MICHIGAN BAR, CAL.

This station, which is located at the Michigan Bar Bridge, about 

8 miles southwest of Latrobe, and not far from the Michigan Bar 

post office, was established October 19, 1907. The data are valuable 

in connection with the use of the river for irrigation and power 

development, and also in studying the flood problem of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys.

No tributaries enter below the station. Big Canyon Creek joins 

the main stream from the north about 6 miles above Michigan Bar, 

and the junction of the three forks is about 14 miles above.

Some water is diverted from the south side of the stream above 

the station and used for hydraulic mining near Michigan Bar. It is 

probable that all acquired water rights are for mining.

The river bed is composed of sand and gravel and is subject to 

change. At low stages the current is very sluggish and at high 

stages very swift. The results are fairly satisfactory.

The monthly discharges include only the river at Michigan Bar 

Bridge and take no account of the water diverted from the south 

side of the river above the station for hydraulic mining at Michigan 

Bar. No measurements have been made on the diversion ditch.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge. The staff 

gage is located at the bridge section.
CAUFOENIA. 221 

Discharge measurements of Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar, Cal., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 13

May 21

Sept. 3»

Hydrographer.

W.F.Martin..............................................

.....do....................................................

.....do....................................................

W. V. Hardy. .............................................

.....do....................................................

Width.

Feet.

282

246

26

15

80

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,330

1,520

664

16

7.2

276

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.68

7.15

4.25

2.70

2.50

3.70

Discharge.

8ec.-ft.

7,450

639

24

6.6

195

a Made 250 feet above bridge. & Made 300 feet above bridge. « Accuracy doubtful.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar, Cal., for 1909.

[C. B. RUIDon, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...:...........

22...............

23. ..............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28............... 

29. ..............

30. .............. o-i

Jan.

3.15

3.35

3.6

425

425

5.1

5.95

4.6

4.15

405

7.2

10.5

7.75

7.5

7.4

7.3

7.3

7.3

9.3

7.6

6.65

5.75

5.65

5.4

5.3

5.05 

4.9

5.0

4 S

Feb.

4.7

4.45

5.3

5.1

5.2

5.0

6.2

5.35

5.0

4.8

6.5

8.1

7.15

6.2

5.75

5.55

5.6

5.65

5.5

5.55

5.4

5.2

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.6

Mar.

4.55

4.55

4.8

5.7

5.4

5.6

5.4

5.25

5.1

4.9

4.85

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.65

4.65

4.6

4.65

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.5

4.4

4.35 

48

47

4.55

Apr.

4.5

4.45

4.55

4.6

465

4.6

46

46

4.6

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.9

4.95

5.05

5.05

5.05

5.0

4.9

4.75

4.65

4.65

4.55

46

4.7

4.6 

4.6

4.55

May.

455

4.55

4.6

4.55

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.45

4.5

44

4.35

4.2

4.15

4.1

4.1

4.1

40

41

4.0

4.0

4.1

4.2

41

41

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

41

405

405

June.

41

4.15

42

4.15

41

4.1

4.0

4.0

3.95

3.9

3.95

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.7

3.65

3.65

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4 

3.4

3.35

July.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3:2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7 

2.65

2.65

2 6

Aug.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.55

2.6

2.6

2.5 

2.5

2.5

Z5

Sept.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.6

2 55

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.6

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.6 

2.6

2.6

Oct.

2.7

2.7

2 7

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.75

2 7

Z75

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

Z7

2.8 

Z95

3.2

3.1

Nov.

3.05

2.95

2.9

2.95

2.9

2.9

Z9

3.0

3.2

3.7

3.7

3.5

3.35

3.45

3.45

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.5

5.4

4.3

4.0

3.8

4.1

4.1

3.85

3.7 

3.£

3.6

Dec.

5.05

5.7

n a

4.6

44

47

4.4

7.1

5.55

i as

A. ftfi

455

4.35

425

4.2

4.1

4.0

40

4 n

3.95

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7 

3.65

3.6

6.1

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar, Cal.. for 1909.

Day.

1....... ........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

Jan.

62

Qfi

166

166

166

628

628

1,850

3,680

1,060

528

44fl

7,360

20,800

9.260

Feb.

1,200

858

2,230

1,850

2,040

1.680

4,350

2,330

1,680

1,350

5,180

10,600

7,200

4,350

3.210

Mar.

988

988

1,350

3,100

2,440

2,870

2,440

2,130

1,850

1,510

1,430

1,350

1,200

1,200

1.060

Apr.

920

858

988

1 nfin

1,130

1,060

1,060

1,060

1,060

1,200

1,200

1,200

V200

1,350

1.510

May.

Q&fi

988

1,060

988

1,060

1,060

920

858

920

795

738

575

528

480

480

June.

480

528

575

480

480

400

400

365

330

365

330

265

265

208

July.

86

86

86

69

69

69

69

69

55

55

55

50

44

44

44

Aug.

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

8

6

6

6

Sept.

6

6

6

6

8

11

11

11

6

11

8

6

6

6

6

Oct.

18

18

18

34

34

34

26

26

26

18

18

18

18

14

14

Nov.

50

39

34

39

34

34

34

44

69

208

208

133

96

120

120

Dec.

1,760

3,100

1,350

1,130

1,060

795

1,200

795

7,030

2,760

1,590

1,130

988

738

628
222 SUEFACB WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar, Cal., for 1909 

Continued.

Day.

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

8,350

8,020

7,690

7,690

7,690

15,400

8,720

5,630

3,210

2,980

2,440

2,230

1,760

1,510

1,680

1,350

Feb.

2,760

9 Si7fl

2 osn

2,650

2,760

2 AA(\

2,040

1,680

1,680

1,510

1,350

1,200

1,060

Mar.

1,060

1,130

1,130

1,060

1,130

1,200

1 '920 060

920

7QC

920

795

738

1,350

1,200

988

Apr.

1,590

1,760

1,760

1,760

1,680

1,510

1,280-

1,130

1,130

QOO

1,060

1,200

1 060 ijoeo

988

May.

480

400

480

400

400

480

K7K

480

480

480

480

480

480

480

440

June.

208

208

265

208

187

187

166

133 100

133

107

107

96

July.

'W

34

34

26

26

26

26

18

18

1Q

18

18

18

14

14

11

Aug.

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

8

8

11

11

6

6

6

6

Sept.

6

6

6

6

6

8

8

8

11

14

18

18

11

11

11

Oct.

26

26

18

22

18

99

44

34

26

26

26

18

26

39

69

55

Nov.

86

fiQ

fiQ

86

133

2

AAf\

680

. 400

265

480

480

297

208

166

166

Dec.

575

480

400

400

400

365

330

265

265

265

265

208

208

187

166

4 080

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve which is fairly well denned below a discharge of 

7,300 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar, Cal., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 524 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

May........................

July........................

October....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

20,800 

10,600 

3,100 

1,760 

1,060 

575 

86 

11 

18 

69 

2,440 

7,030

20,800

Minimum.

62 

858 

738 

858 

400 

96 

11 

6 

6 

14 

34 

166

6

Mean.

4,300 

2,750 

1,360 

1,230 

642 

281 

42.0 

8.29 

8.73 

25.9 

243 

1,130

993

Per 

square 

mile.

8.21 

5.25 

2.60 

2.35 

1.22 

.536 

.080 

.016 

.017 

.049 

.464 

2.16

1.90

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

9.46 

5.47 

3.00 

2.62 

1.40 

.60 

.09 

.02 

.02 

.06 

.52 

2.49

25.75

Total in 

acre-feet.

264,000 

153,000 

83,600 

73,200 

39,500 

16,700 

2,580 

510 

519 

1,590 

14,500 

69,500

719,000

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

A.

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN DRAINAGE BASIN.

KLAMATH RIVER BASIN. 

DESCEIPTION.

Klamath Kiver drains a territory lying east of the Cascade Kange 

in south-central Oregon and south of the Siskiyou Mountains in California. Thi^? river rises in Upper Klamath Lake, .flows generally 

southward, and reaches the Pacific Ocean at Requa, on the coast of 

northern California. Only that part of the basin lying in Oregon has 

been studied in detail. The drainage from this portion of the area is 

collected in large lakes whose margins are wide shallow marsh lands 

covered with tules and aquatic plants. From Upper Klamath Lake,
CALIFOBNIA. 223

which stands 4,141 feet above sea level, flows Link River, a stream 1J 

miles long, discharging into Lake Ewauna at an elevation of 4,080 feet. 

Klamath Falls, the principal city of this section, is located on Link 

River. From Lake Ewauna to the town of Keno, Klamath River 

flows through a flat marshy country a distance of 20 miles. About 5 

miles above Keno the river is connected with Lower Klamath Lake by 

a channel known as Klamath Straits. During high stages water flows 

from Klamath River into Lower Klamath Lake, and during low water 

the direction of the flow is reversed. About half a mile below Keno 

the river breaks over a rocky ledge, and here begins its precipitous 

fall of 100 to 200 feet per mile to its mouth. The drainage area above 

Keno, exclusive of Lower Klamath Lake, is 3,150 square miles. The 

streams draining into upper Klamath Lake head about 6,000 feet 

above sea level. The elevation of Klamath Falls is 4,100 feet.

The principal tributaries of Klamath River are Spraguev River, 

which drains the southwestern rim of the Great Basin divide in Oregon 

and Anna River, which heads in a large spring supposed to be fed by 

the waters 6f Crater Lake. Williamson River, which drains the northern part of the Klamath Indian Reservation, is tributary to Sprague 

River. Lost River, although not a tributary of the Klamath, is 

usually considered with it, as a slough connects the two. Water formerly flowed in either direction, depending on whjch stream was 

higher, but the flow is now stopped by an artificial dike.

The mean annual rainfall at Klamath Falls, about 12 inches, is 

fairly representative for this section of the drainage area. A large 

part of this precipitation occurs as snow during the winter months. 

As nearly all the streams are spring fed and therefore rarely freeze, 

records of stream flow are little affected by ice.

Irrigation is practiced extensively in the upper part of the area, 

although dry-farming methods have been fairly successful. The 

agricultural products consist chiefly of forage crops for stock and 

cattle, the country being well adapted to stock raising. Grains, 

alfalfa, and the hardier vegetables and fruits are grown with some 

degree of success, but the climate is too rigorous for the intensive 

agriculture possible at lower altitudes.

Within the period covered by stream-flow records the lowest run-off 

was in 1905 and the highest in 1907.

Gage records have been obtained since 1904 on Upper Klamath 

Lake, Lower Klamath Lake, and Tule Lake, and during 1907 and 1908 

three gages in Klamath River between upper and lower Klamath 

lakes were observed. Since 1905 records of evaporation have been, 

kept at Keno.
224 SUBFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

UPPER KLAMATH LAKE NEAR KLAMATH FALLS, OREG.

Upper Klamath Lake is to be used by the United States Reclamation Service as a source of water supply to irrigate large areas of 

land. The main canal of the Klamath project has its intake at the 

lake.

A gage was installed on this lake near Klamath Falls, Oreg., May 28, 

1904. The elevation of the zero of the gage is 4,136.13 feet above 

sea level. The daily records since February 16, 1906, are the mean 

daily heights obtained from a Friez automatic water gage.

The winds have a marked effect on the level of the water surface 

of this lake. The water is lowered as much as 6 inches near the outlet 

when the wind blows from the south, and is raised as much over its 

normal level when the wind is in the opposite direction. Differences 

of a foot are frequently noticeable within a few hours. If the wind 

effect were eliminated the lake heights would show much more gradual 

changes than indicated by the accompanying records.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Upper Klamath Lake near Klamath Falls, Oreg., for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2............... 

3............... 

4............... 

5...............

6............... 

7............... 

8...............

9...............

10...............

11............... 

12............... 

13...............

14............... 

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

4.95

4.95

5.66

4.95

5.08 

5.06

5.40

5.40

5.35

5.25

5.55 

5.65

5.70

5.45 

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.45 

5.30

Feb.

5.50

5.50 

6.10 

6.00 

6.05

5.80 

5.85 

5.82

5.81

5.82

5.82 

5.75 

5.78

5.85 

5.85

5.75

5.87

5.87 K. a*

5.93

6.10 

6.08

6.10

5.70

f, on

6.00

5.95

5.93

.......

Mar.

5.95

5.95 

5.90 

6.00 

5.85

6.05 

6.05 

6.15

6.10

6.10

6.00 

5.90 

5.90

5.90 

>» on

5.85

5.80

5.35

5.20

4 90

5.90

5

Q(\

5.80

5.80

K BO

5.85

5.85

.......

Apr.

6.66

5.80 

5.75 

5.75

5.70

.......

5.7

5 7

5.7

5.7 

5.75

5.7

5.65 

5.65

x, ty\

' 5 tt

5.60

K Af\

5.40

May.

5.4

5.50 

5.51 

5.40

5.1

5.12

5.15 

4.99 

5.00

4.98 

4.97

5.60

5.56

5.40

5.38

S

on

5.20 

5.00

5 40

5 40

.......

June.

5.30

"5~4" 

"S." 25"

"h'.i"

5.30

5.18 

5.05

"5." is"

«, f\7

5.02 

4 97

4.85

.......

July.

"i's"

4.7 

4.6

4.6 

4.6 

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.70 

4.68 

4.80

4.45 

4.35

4 25

4.54

4 60

.......

"i" 65"

4 55

4.38

4.22

4.20

4.16

4 1Q

Aug.

4.12

4.20 

4.16 

4.15 

4.18

4.20 

4.38 

4.44

4.37

4.34

4.38 

4.40 

4.37

4.26 

4.12

4.08

4.08

4.06

4 OS

4.20

4.25 

4.35

4.25

4.23 

4.20

4.30

4.30

4.38

4 60

4.62 

4.62

Sept.

4.60

4.60 

4.70 

4.45 

4.46

4.47 

4.50 

4.47

4.60

4.52

4.45 

4.35 

4.36

4.37

4 <W

4.37

4.30

4.40

4.55

4.50

4.40 

4.35

4.23

3.90

.......

Oct.

"i'so"

4.50 

4.38 

4.38

4.25

4.25

4.27 

4.25 

4.25

4.25 

4.26

.......

4.45

4 dfi

4.42

4.46

4.50

4.50

4.40

4.45

Nov.

4.50

4.58 

4.58 

4.65 

4.65

4.43 

4.50 

4.70

4.75

4.80

4.85 

4.75

4.52 

4.23

4.21

4.21

4.15

4.18

.......

4.38 

4.43

4.43

4.45

4.51

4.64

4.65

Dec.

4.60

"5." 90 

5.90 

5.89

5.89 

5.88 

5.87

5.85

5.84

5.82 

5.78 

5.78

5.78 

5.78

......

LINK RIVER AT KLAMATH FALLS, OREG.

This station, which was established May 15, 1904, is located at the 

county bridge over Link River at Klamath Falls, 1| miles below the 

outlet of Upper Klamath Lake and immediately at the head of Lake
CALIFOEE1A. 225

Ewauna. The river has a fall of 70 feet in the 1£ miles between the 

lakes, a portion of which is utilized for water power.

The records prior to June 6, 1908, especially the individual daily 

records, are not reliable. It is probable that for longer periods a 

month or more the total flow can be accepted as not greatly in error. 

This condition is accounted for by the effect of wind on the flow of 

water at this station. The gage until May 8, 1908, was located at 

the bridge at the upper end of Lake Ewauna. At the outlet of Upper 

Klamath Lake the river breaks over a rather shallow ledge. A 

strong wind upstream blows the water back from this outlet and at 

the same time increases the height of water on the gage by backing 

the water in Lake Ewauna. Thus we have diminished flow with 

increased gage height. So great is this wind effect that the river has 

been known to go entirely dry for a few hours at a time. When the 

wind is downstream the flow of Link River is greatly increased; but 

owing to the large surface of Lake Ewauna this increase in flow is not 

shown by the gage heights. In the long run these wind effects are 

no doubt compensatory, but^ little dependence can be placed in the 

published daily records prior to March 7, 1907. On this date an 

anemometer was installed on the bridge and a ship's taffrail log was 

trailed in the water under the bridge. It was hoped that the daily 

reading from this log would afford some indication of the velocities 

with the anemometer records. Although the records obtained by 

this device were much more reliable during 1907 than previously, 

even they were not all that could be desired. It became evident that 

owing to the sudden changes of the wind complete data could not be 

obtained without automatic recording devices on both the log and 

anemometer. The method was effective, however, in reducing the 

probable error of the estimates from about 15 per cent to within less 

than 5 per cent. On June 6, 1908, a Friez gage was installed in the 

rapids, where it could be affected only by change in flow, measurements being made at the bridge as formerly, and since that date the 

records are reliable.

Discharge measurements of Link River at Klamath Falls, Oreg., in 1909.

Date.

Feb. 16

Apr. 17

May 24

24

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

291

290

285

285

284

270

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,680

1,730

1,&30

1,590

1,480

1 

' 140

height.

Feet. 

2.58

2.64

2.24

2.20

2.03

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3,420

3,440

2,760

2,690

2,320

1,040

96451° WSP 271 11- -15
226 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Link River at Klamath Falls, Oreg., for 1909. 

[Ernest W. Jacobson, 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. ..............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

1.68

1.69

1.70

1.71

1.82

1.85 

1.85 

1.85

2.05 

1 98

1.97 

1 96

1.96

2.05

2.12 

2.12

2.13 

2.08

1.92

2.15

2

"cn

2.25

2 40

2.55

2.68

2.67

2.48

2.40

2.10

Feb.

2.10

2.00

2.70

2.60

2.70

2.50 

2.75

9 7*\

2.73 

2.73

2.72 

27n

2.65

2

RK

2.75 

2.70

2.68

2.75

3.10

9 CC

9 7ft

2 70

9 OQ

2.92

2.88

2.85

.......

Mar.

2.75

2.80

2.90 

2.90 

2.98

3.00 

3.00

2.95

2

QC

2.88 

9 7t;

2.80

2.75

'2.70 

9 7ft

2 in

2.65

2.70

2.65

2.65

2

7n

2.68

2.69

Apr.

2.70 

2.65

2.68

2 AQ

2.65

2.60

2 eft

2.75

2

Qft

9 Sft

2.64

2.57

2 58

2 60

2.60

2.50

2.48

May.

2 46

2.45

2 44

2.60

2.43

2.48 

2.43

2

4ft

2.42 

2.40

2.45

9 37

2.38 

2.38

2.38

2.40

9 ii

2 42

2.38

2.30

2

9ft

9 9^

O QO

2.33

2.30

O 1 Q

2.15

2.19

2.21

June

2.25

2.25

2.24

2.32

2.30

2.25

.......

.......

9 fWl

I on

1.85

1 79

1 HI

1.86

1.76

1.71

1.80

1 £ft

.80

1.57

July.

1.60

1.55

1.65

1.70

1.58

1.60 

1.48 

1.51

1.52 

1 49

1.54 

1.52

1.55 

1.58

1.46

1.48 

1.48

1.48 

1.38

1.24

1.28

1.30

1.34

1.35

1.38

1.40

1.25

1.14

1.12

1.08

1.20

Aug.

1.25

1.12

1.14

1.15

1.23

1.23 

1.10 

1.10

.93 

.92

.96 

1.04

.98 

1 00

1.02

.98 

1.00

1.02 

1.00

1.13

1.00

1.08

97

Q7

94

1.03

1.08

.85

95

.90

.90

Sept.

0.95

.95

.92

.95

.95

.93 

.92

Of)

1.03 

1.12

.98 

98

.95 

.95

90

1.00 

1.00

.95 

1.00

1.05

.92

.88

.70

.71

91

1.05

.92

.75

90

.88

Oct.

1.05

1.00

98

90

.93

1.20 

.90 

.90

1.20 

1.22

1.30 

1.30

1.44 

1.42

1.40

.95 

.90

.70 

.80

.75

1.10

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.05

1.15

Nov.

1.24

1.34

1.36

1.36

1.37

"i.'io"

3.19

3.04 

3.01

3.04 

3.04

3.04 

3.06

3.'06

3.09 

3.09

3.09 

SIIS

3.38

3.42

3.54

3.61

3.66

3.71

3.78

3.84

3.89

3.94

3.99

Dec.

4.04

4.18

4.18

4.20

4.22

4.23 

4.32

4.32 

4.32

4.32 

4.34

4.34 

4.30

4.31

4.27 

4.24

4.23 

4.25

4.24

4.23

4.23

4.23

4.24

4.22

4.21

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.24

4.26

NOTE. Gage heights for November 8 to December 31 refer to bridge gage.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Link River at Klamath Falls, Oreg., for 1909.

Day.

1........ .......

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6. ..............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

25...............

26. ..............

27...............

28...............

29............... 

30...............

31...............

Jan.

1 ftfln

1 880

1 son

1 900

2

A7A

2,120

2,120

2,120

2 440

2,330

2,310

2

*>rw-j

2,300

2

Q7ft

2,440

2,560

2,560

2,580

2

cnn

2

OOA

2,620

2 09/1

3,220

2,780

3 040

3,490

3,540

3,530

3,180 

3,040

2,530

Feb.

2

COft

2,360

3

CQA

3 400

3,580

3,220

3,670

3,670

3,630

3,630

3,620

3,580

3,540

3,490

3,490

3,670

3

CQft

3 p;4ft

3,670

3,670

A. 34fl

3,910

3,580

3,580

4,010

S QQfl

3,910

3,860

Mar.

3,670

3 7fiA

3 01 ft

3,860

3,900

3,950

3,950

4,100

4 140

4 140

4

A/IA

4 040

3

Q1 A

3,670

3,760

3,670

3,860

3

CQA

9 H3A

3 1QA

3

CQft

3 4Gft

3 A Qft

3

Eftft

3,540

3 Cftft

3

efiA

3,560 

3,560

3,560

Apr.

3 tfjt\

3,570

3,570

3,570

3,570

3,580

3,580

3,580

3

r,ftA

Q *ftft

3 4Qft

3,540

3

KAf\

3,490

3 Ann

3 Ann

3,670

3 7Aft

3 7fift

3,'470

3 Q7A

3

OQA

3,390

3 4-ftft

3,400

3,220 

3,180

May.

3,150

3

1 Oft

3,110

3 400

i ftQA

3 10 A

S ftQft

3 ft/m

S ftQft

3 040

o ion

9 QQft

3,010

3,010

3,010

3.020

3,030

3 040

3^110

3 nsn

3,010

9 S4fl

O 7ftA

2 900

9 o9ft

9 ft7n

2,620 

2,680

2,720

June.

2

7ftft

2 7fin

2 77ft

2 onn

2

07ft

2

"7fin

2 74A

2 7ftft

2,660

2,630

2 Ann

2,570

2

KAf\

2,510

2,480

2,450

2,420

O OCA

2 9/1O,

2,120

2 HAH

2,140

1 980

1 onn

2 040

1

7OA.

792 

1,710

July.

1

7m

1,680

1,820

i son

1,720

1,750

1,580

1,630

1,640

1,600

1,670

1,640

1 680

l'720

1,560

1,580

1,580

1,580

1,450

1,270

1 VX\

1,340

1 400

1*410

1,450

1,470

1,280

1,150

1,130 

1,080

1,220

Aug.

I

oftfl

1,130

1,150

1,170

1 260

1,260

1,110

1,110

920

909

QCO

1 040 070

QQ4

1,020

Q75

QQ4

1,020

994

1 140

QQJ.

1 080

QftO

962

930

1,030,

1,080

840

941 

888

888

Sept.

QyTI

941

QAA

on

941

920

ono

QflQ

1,030

1,130

973

Q7Q

941

Q41

OQQ

994

994

QJ.1

QQJ.

1,050

QfWl

&AQ

7ft*>

ftQQ

1,050

QAQ

748

888

&AQ

Oct.

1,050

994 070

ftftft

920

1,220

888

888

1,220

1,250

1 340

l'340

1,530

1 500

1,470

O41

888

703

792

748

1,110

1,220

1,220

1,220

1,220

1,220

1,220

1,220

1,220 

1,050

1,160

Nov.

i 970

1,400

1,420

1,420

1 440

1,280

1,110

1 480

1

O.JA

1,310

1 340 i's4n

1,340

1,350

1,350

1

QQA

1" 1,380

1,380

1 440

1^670

1,710 i Qpy^

1 930

2^000

2,060

2,150

2 9Qft

2 Qftft

2,370 

2,440

Dec.

2,510

2,710

2,710

2,740

2,770

2,790

2 930

2,930

2,930

2,930

2,930

2,960

2,960

2,900

2,920

2,850

2,800

2,790

2,820

2,800

2,790

2,790

2,790

2,800

2,770

2,760

2 74ft

2 74ft

2,740 

2,800

2,840

NOTE. Discharges for January 1 to November 7 were obtained from a rating curve well defined 

below 3,600 second-feet. Discharges were interpolated for days of missing gage heights during that 

period. Gage heights observed at the bridge, and a rating table applicable thereto were used to 

obtain the discharges for November 8 to December 31.
CALIFORNIA.

Monthly discharge of Link River at Klamath Falls, Oreg.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 3,110 square miles.]

227

Month.

March. .....................

May........................

July .......................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,540 

4,340 

4,140 

3,760 

3,400 

2,900 

1,890 

1,280 

1,130 

1,530 

2,440 

2,960

4,340

Minimum.

1,860 

2,360 

2,530 

3,180 

2,620 

792 

1,080 

840 

703 

703 

1,110 

2,510

703

Mean.

2,540 

3,580 

3,710 

3,500 

2,990 

2,350 

1,520 

1,030 

927 

1,120 

1,620 

2,810

2,300

Per 

square 

mile.

0.817 

1.15 

1.19 

1.12 

.961 

.756 

.489 

.331 

.298 

.360 

.521 

.904

.740

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.94 

1.20 

1.37 

1.25 

1.11 

.84 

.56 

.38 

.33 

.42 

.58 

1.04

10.02

Total in

acre-feet.

156,000 

199,000 

228,000 

208,000 

184,000 

140,000 

93,500 

63,300 

55,200 

68,900 

96,400 

173,000

1,670,000

Accuracy.

A 

B 

B 

B 

A 

B 

A 

A 

A 

A 

C 

C

LOWER KLAMATH LAKE NEAR BROWNELL, CAL.

Lower Klamath Lake is connected with Klamath River by the 

Klamath Straits. The Southern Pacific Co. has constructed a railroad through the marshes parallel to Klamath River. The embankment which crosses Klamath Straits is provided with gates whereby 

the surface flow can be regulated.

A gage was established in Lower Klamath Lake near Brownell, Cal., 

January 23, 1907. The elevation of the zero of the gage is 4,082.50 

feet, and all gage heights have been referred to this datum. The 

normal area of the lake is 21,000 acres.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Lower Klamath Lake near Brownell,-CaJ,., for 1909.

Day.

1. .

2. .

3. .

4. .

5. .

6. .

7. .

8. .

9. .

10. .

11. .

12. .

13. .

14....

15....

Jan.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.8

Feb.

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.0 3.'0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.1

Mar.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

Apr.

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

May.

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

June.

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

July.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

Day.

16. ..

17. ..

18. ..

19. ..

20. ..

21. ..

22. ..

23. ..

24. ..

25. ..

26. ..

27. ..

28. ..

29....

30....

31....

Jan.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.9

Feb.

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

Mar.

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

Apr.

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

May.

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

June.

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

2.8

July.

.....

......
228 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

KLAMATH RIVER GAGES.

The lands along Klamath River through the bordering marshes from 

Klamath Falls to Keno are grown up with tules and other aquatic 

plants. They will ultimately be drained and large areas of very 

fertile land thus be made suitable for agriculture. For the purpose 

of making a general study of the level of the water surface in this 

territory three gages were established:

Gage No. 1, located 4 miles below Klamath Falls, was established 

June 20, 1906. The elevation of the zero of the gage is 4,079.86 feet 

above sea level.

Gage No. 2, at Lee's ranch, 12 miles below Klamath Falls, was 

established December 19, 1906. The elevation of the zero of the 

gage is 4,075.04. As this gage is inaccessible during high water it 

has not been possible to obtain continuous records.

Gage No. 3, at Teeter's landing, 17 miles below Klamath Falls, 

was established December 19, 1906. The elevation of the zero of the 

gage is 4,079.44.

During 1909, only gage No. 1 was read.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Klamath River 4 miles below Klamath Falls, Oreg., for 1909.

Day.

1. .........

2.......... 

3..........

4.......... 

5..........

6..........

7.......... 

8.......... 

9..........

10..........

11.......... 

12.......... 

13.......... 

14..........

15..........

Jan.

5.35

5.35

5.55

"5."55"

"5."55"

5.7

Feb.

6.2

"6."l5"

"6."i5"

'&.ih'

"e.Y"

6.2

Mar.

6.5

6.6

6.4

"6."45"

6.5 "e.'s"

6.55

Apr.

6.5

"6.'5"

"6."45"

6.45

"e-T"

"e.'is"

«.s

May.

6.4

"6."35"

"e.'s"

"eu"

6.2

6.2

June.

6.05

"~5."95

5.85

"~5.y

"~5."85

5.8

Day.

16..........

17.......... 

18..........

19.......... 

20..........

21..........

22.......... 

23.......... 

24.......... 

25..........

26.......... 

27..........

28.......... 

29..........

30

31..........

Jan.

......

5.95 

5.8

"s.'ss"

5.95

"6."6" 

6.0

Feb.

"e'i"

R d

6.3 "e.T"

"e'is"

Mar.

'&'.55'

6.55

6.55

6.55

Apr.

6.4

6.35

6.4

"e'i""

6.4 

"6.T"

May.

6.2

6.15

6.2 "e'is"

'&.15 '&.i"

6.05

June.

5.85

5.8

5.7

"5."75

5.6

" "5.~65

KLAMATH RIVER AT KENO, OREG.

This station, which is located at the county bridge over Klamath 

River at the lower end of the lakes and marshes that form the headwaters of Klamath River, was established May 31, 1904, to obtain 

data for reclamation projects. The United States Reclamation 

Service is reclaiming lands for irrigation in two ways by diverting 

waters from Klamath Lake and by draining the large swamp areas 

bordering this stream and the lakes which are tributary to it. Immediately below the station the river breaks over a rocky ledge with a 

fall of about 20C feet to the mile.
CALIFORNIA. 229

During the winter the river usually freezes over, but as the water 

is comparatively deep and the ice is not very thick the records have 

not been greatly affected by the ice. At low stages a growth of 

aquatic plants clogs the section and to some extent lessens the accuracy of the results. An additional source of error has resulted from 

the effect of wind on the wide expanse of water above the station. 

A strong upstream wind will blow the water back from the outlet 

and diminish the flow, but as the gage is located at the bridge, 1,000 

feet above the gaging site, gage heights are not always affected to a 

corresponding degree. The datum of the gage has not been changed 

since it was installed.

Discharge measurements of Klamath River at Keno, Oreg., in 1909.

Bate.

29

Sept. 14

Hydrographer.

Howard K1m hip. ................. . ..

Width.

Feet. 

438

416

411

380

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

4,080

3,980

3,920

3,130

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

13.38

13.09

12.76

11.87

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

2,810

1,930

877

' Daily gage fieight, in feet, of Klamaih River at Keno, Oreg., for 1909. 

[Sam Padgett, 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.

12.50

12.49

12.48

12.50

12.59

12.59

12.62

12.68 

12.68

12.68

12.68

12.68

12.69

12.70

12.72

12.80

12.81

12.80

12.85

12.92

12.92

12.91

12.95

13.10

13.00

13.03

13.05

13.07

13.08

13.11

13.12

Feb.

13.14

13.15

13.10

13.15

13.18

13.18

13.19

13.20 

13.20

13.20

13.20

13.28

13.28

13.28

13.28

13.28

13.30

13.38

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.50

Mar.

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50 

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

Apr.

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50

13.50 

13.50

13.45

13.45

13.45

13.45

13.45

13.45

13.45

13.45

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.40

13.38

May.

13.39

13.39

13.38

13.38

13.34

13.35

13.32

13.31 

13.32

13.18

13.21

13.26

13.21

13.23

13.21

13.22

13.20

13.21

13.22

13.18

13.20

13.20

13.22

13.18

13.20

13.21

13.10

13.18

13.15

13.12

13.18

June.

13.12

13.11

13.50

13.60

13.50

13.50

13.10

13.10 

13.20

13.10

13.10

13.20

13.10

12.97

12.95

12.95

12.95

12.95

12.90

12.90

12.91

12.86

12.85

12.86

12.- 84

12.81

12.81

12.80

12.80

12.78

July.

12.65

12.64

12.60

12.60

12.59

12.58

12.58

12.57 

12.49

12.46

12.44

12.44

12.42

12.40

12.38

12.37

12.36

12.36

12.35

12.32

12.30

12.28

12.26

12.24

12.20

12.18

12.15

12.16

12.17

12.20

12.15

Aug.

12.14

12.12

12.12

12.10

.......

11.99

11.97

11.95

11.94

11.93

11.92

11.91

11.91

11.89

11.82

11.88

11.78

11.85

11.87

11.86

11.86

11.87

11.85

11.88

11.83

11.80

Sept.

11.84

11.87

11.88

11.87

11.88

11.89

11.89

11.87 

11.87

11.89

11.87

11.86

11.85

11.86

11.87

11.87

11.82

11.83

11.82

11.75

11.85

11.86

11.85

11.90

11.88

11.87

11.87

11.88

11.87

11.84

Oct.

11.93

11.84

11.86

11.86

11.87

11.89

11.90

11.91 

11.98

11.96

11.98

11.95

11.95

11.97

11.96

11.98

12.00

12.05

11.90

12.00

12.01

12.02

12.00

12.01

12.02

19 nn

12.01

12.03

12.05

12.00

12.00

Nov.

12.08

12.07

12.10

12.16

12.15

12.17

12.14

12.16 

12.15

19 1ft

12.20

12.25

12.28

19 30

12.30

12.38

12.36

19 3Q

12.45

12.48

12.55

12.55

12.55

12.60

12.68

19 7ft

19 7^

12.75

12.80

12.80

Dec.

12.85

12.85

12.85

12.85

12.90

19 on

12.90

12.90 

12.90

19 QA

12.90

12.95

12.97

12.70

12 95

19 OR

19 08

iq nn

13.10

13.00

13.10

13.10 isno

13.10

13.50

10 Krt

13.50

13.20

13.20

13.20

13.20
230 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Klamath River at Keno, Oreg.,for 1909.

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

J2... ............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16................

17..............

18...............

19...............

20..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27............... 

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

1,630

1,620

1,610

1,630

1,750

1,750

1,790

1,870

1,870

1,870

1,870

1,870

1,890

1,900

1,930

2,050

2,000

2,050

2,120

2,230

2,230

2,220

2,280

2,520

2,360

2,410

2,440

2 4.7H

2,490

2.540

2,550

Feb.

2,590

2,600

2,520

2,600

2,660

2,660

2,670

2,690

2,690

2,690

2,690

2,830

2.830

2,830

2,830

2,830

2,870

3,020

3, |@0

3,060

3,060

3,060

3,060

S fifin

3,060

3,060

3,060 Socfi

Mar.

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3.250

3,250

3,250

Q 9"iO

3,250

3,250

S

Offfi

3 OCA

3 9*10

3,250 Socfi

3,250

3,250

3,250

Apr.

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

8,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,250

3,160

3,160

3,160

3,160

3,160

3.160

3,160

3,160

3,060

3.060

3,060

3,060

3,060

3,060

S fifift

S ftAft

3,060

3,060

S fifift

S fifift

3,030

May.

3,040

3,040

3,020

3,020

2,950

2,960

2,910

2,890

2,910

2,660

2,710

2,800

2,710

2,740

2,710

2,730

2,690

2,710

2,730

2,660

9 fiQn

2,'690

2,730

2

CCA

2 Aon

2,710

2,520 

2,660

2 600

2,550

2,660

June.

2,550

2,540

3,250

3,450

3,250

3,250

2,520

2,520

2,690

2,520

2,520

2,690

2,520

2,310

2,280

2.280

2,280

2,280

2,200

2,200

2,220

2.140

2,120

2,140

2,110

2,060

2,060

2,050

2,020

July.

1,830

1,820

1,760

1,760

1,750

1,730

1,730

1,720

1,620

1,580

1,560

1,560

1,530

1,510

1,490

1,470

1,460

1,460

1,450

1,410

1,390

1,370

1,340

1,320

1,270

1,250

1,220

1 OOfl

1,240

1,270

1,220

Aug.

1,200

1,180

1,180

1,160

1,140

1,130

1,120

1,110

1,090

1,070

1,050

1,030

1,020

1,010

1,000

988

979

979

963

914

956

888

935

912

942 949' 

935

056

921

900

Sept.

928

949

956

949

956

963

963

949

949

963

949

942

935

942

949

949

914

921

Q14 -870

935

942

935

970

956

949

949 

956

949

928

Oct.

997

928

942

942

949

963

970

979

1,040

1,020

1,040

1,020

1,020

1,030

1,020

1,040

1,060

1,110

- 970

1,060

1,070

1,080

1,060

1,070

1,080

1,060

1,070 

1 nan

1,110

1,060

1,060

Nov.

1,140

1,130

1,160

1,230

1,220

1,240

1,200

1,230

1,220

1,250

1,270

1, 330

1,370

1,390

1,390

1,490

1,460

1,500

1,570

1,610

1,700

1,700

1,700

1,760

1,870

1,900

1,980 

1,980

2,050

2,050

Dec.

2,120

2,120

2,120

2,120

2,200

2,200

2,200

2,200

2,200

2,200

2,200

2,280

2,310

1,900

2.280

2,330

2,330

2,360

2,520

2,360

2,520

2,520

2,520

2,520

3, 250

3,250

3,250 

2,690

2,690

2,690

2,690

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined. Discharges for August 

5 to 10 interpolated.

Monthly discharge of Klamath River at Keno, Oreg., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 3,150 square miles.]

Month.

May..........................

July..........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,520 

3,250 

3,250 

3,250 

3,040 

3,450 

1,830 

1,200 

970 

1,110 

2,050 

3,250

3,450

Minimum.

1,610 

2,520 

3,250 

3,030 

2,520 

2,020 

1,220 

900 

870 

928 

1,130 

1,900

870

Mean.

2,060 

2,850 

3,250 

3,140 

2,770 

2,440 

1,490 

1,020 

943 

1,030 

1,500 

2,420

2,070

Per 

square 

mile.

0.654 

.905 

1.03 

.997 

.880 

.775 

.473 

.324 

.299 

.327 

.477 

.768

.658

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.75 

.94 

1.19 

1.11 

1.01 

.86 

.55 

.37 

.33 

.38 

.53 

.89

8.91

Total in 

acre-feet.

127,000 

158,000 

200,000 

187.000 

170,000 

145,000 

91,600 

62,700 

56,100 

63,300 

89,300 

149,000

1,500,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

3. 

B. 

B.

WILLIAMSON RIVER NEAR KLAMATH AGENCY, OREG.

This station is located 13 miles northeast of the Klamath Agency 

at a point locally known as Rocky Ford, at the lower extremity of 

Klamath Marsh. It was established March 26, 1908, in cooperation 

with the United States Indian Service. It is expected that a portion 

of the lands in the Klamath Reservation can be reclaimed by irrigation and also by the drainage of tributary swamp areas.

The nearest tributary is Spring Creek, 11 miles below the station. 

Owing to the inaccessibility of the station, continuous records have
CALIFOBNTA. 231

not been possible. During the winter months it is almost impossible 

to reach the station on account of snow.

On October 17, 1908, a Bristol self-registering gage was installed, 

and as this only required weekly visits by the observer, continuous 

records were obtained during the remainder of the year.

The gage was moved May 30, 1909, to a point 100 feet downstream 

at the location of the cable. It was set to read the same as at the 

former location, but on account of the slope of the river there is no 

constant relation.

On November 10, 1909, an auxiliary staff gage was installed 

below the mouth of Spring Creek to be used when the regular station is 

inaccessible. Simultaneous readings were made on both gages during 

November and December, 1909.

Owing to the large storage capacity in Klamath Marsh the river is 

not subject to great fluctuations. It is probable that weekly observations will give sufficient data for an estimate of the flow.

The accuracy of the results is somewhat affected by the growth of 

aquatic plants in the river channel during the season, and a comparatively large number of measurements will be necessary in order 

to secure reliable results. The data herewith were obtained by 

usual methods, using a mean curve.

Discharge measurements of Williamson River near Klamath Agency, Oreg., in 1909.

Date.

May 30

Sept. 30»

Nov. 7

Hydrographer.

.....do I...................................................

Width.

Feet. 

115

Q7

30

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

300

234

43

182

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.62

.93

.30

1.00

Discharged

Sec.-ft. 

526

270

73

239

a Not at regular station.

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of WUliamson River near Klamaih

Agency, Or'eg., for 1909.

[R. C. Spink, observer.]

Date.

Jan. 1.......................

Jan. 4.......................

Jan. 6.......................

Jan. 7.......................

Jan. 10.......................

Jan. 14.......................

Apr.18.. .....................

May 1. ......................

May 9.......................

May 16. ......................

May 30. ......................

June 27.... ...................

July 11. ......................

Gage 

height.

1.03

1.03

1.05

1.20

1.20

1.25

1.30

1.23

1.20

1.20

1.45

1.54

1.47

1.95

1.21

1.15

1.08

.93

.70

.65

.57

Discharge.

280

280

280

288

350

350

371

392

363

350

350

456

495

464

682

354

329

300

241

164

150

128

Date.

July 19 ......................

July 25......................

Aug. 22......................

Sept. 5......................

Sept. 21......................

Oct. 3......................

Oct. 10......................

Nov. 7......................

Nov. 14......................

Nov. 21......................

Nov. 28......................

Dec. 5......................

Dec. 26......................

Gage 

height.

0.51

.47

.20

.18

.25

.25

.25

.27

.30

.31

.43

.47

.70

.85

1.00

1.20

1.90

2.50

1.70

2.40

2.30

1.90

Discharge.

113

104

64

62

68

68

68

70

73

75

96

91

164

213

268

350

659

940

567

893

846

659

NOTE. Discharges in this table are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined. Discharges for 

the periods between gage height observations were interpolated.
232 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Williamson River near Klamath Agency, Oreg.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 840 square miles.]

Month.

January (1-14) .............................................

April (18-30) ...............................................

May.......................................................

June. ..................................... ...............

July.......................................................

August. ...................................................

September.......................... . ... .......

October. ....................... ...... . . . ..........

December. .................................. ..............

Discharge in secondfeet.

Mean.

362 

532 

299 

183 

118 

73.5 

68.4 

121 

502 

734

Per 

square 

mile.

0.431 

.633 

.356 

.218 

.140 

.088 

.081 

.144 

.598 

.874

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.22 

.31 

-.41 

.24 

.16 

.10 

.09 

.17 

.67 

1.01

Total in 

acre-feet.

10,100 

13,700 

18,400 

10,900 

7,260 

4,520 

4,070 

7,440 

29,900 

45,100

NOTE. On account of the incomplete gage-height record these esthnates can only be considered as 

approximate.

LOST RIVER AT CLEAR LAKE, CAL.

This station, which was established September 1, 1904, is located 

13 miles from Langell, Oreg., at the outlet of Clear Lake, 1 mile below 

the mouth of Willow Creek.

Clear Lake is the site of a reservoir, and a dam at the outlet is now 

being constructed by the United States Keclamation Service, where 

it is proposed to store the flood and winter flow of the stream for 

irrigation. The reservoir will hold three years' run-off.

In the winter months the stream is frequently frozen for weeks at 

a time, and for such periods the records are not reliable. Until construction work was begun on the dam it was almost impossible to 

procure gage observations with any degree of regularity. A Friez 

automatic water register was established November 4, 1905, which 

required weekly visits by the observer, but as he was compelled to 

ride 12 miles to change the record sheets, it was not always possible 

for him to do so. Where missing records could be estimated with a 

reasonable degree of accuracy, it has been done.

The conditions at the station during low stages of the river are not 

conducive to accurate results. The channel is obstructed by the 

growth of weeds and aquatic plants, and a large number of measurements are required for reliable estimates of flow. At such times, 

however, the discharge is very low, so that the total run-off can be 

accepted with safety.

Discharge measurements of Lost River at Clear Lake, CaL, in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 4

May 3

May 27

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

133

100

63

Area of

section.

Sq.ft. 

242

90

43

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.35

6.10

5.63

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

622

154

32
CALIFORNIA. 233 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Lost River at Clear Lake, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1..........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6.......... 

7..........

8..........

g

10.......... 

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

Jan.

5,32

5.35

5.35

5.60

5.70

5.65 

6.14

A £tf\

6.60

Feb.

6.09

6.10

6.08

5.76

5.68

5.63 

6.20

6.20

6.20

6.20 

6.20

6.25

Mar.

7.33

7.36

7.38 

7.14

7.10

A fin

6.76 

6.78

6.80

6.68

6.72

Apr.

6.94

7 00

6.96

7 00

7.01

7.01

7.03

7.04

May.

6.09

6.04

5.96

5.91 

5.88

5.86

5.89 

5.87

June.

5.72

5.61

5.52

5.43

5.36

5.26 

5.21

5.16

c 19

5.07

A. 01

4.69

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19

20..........

21.......... 

22..........

23..........

91

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Jan.

7.31

7.42

7.45

7.60

7.62

7 40

7.39 

7.39

7.39

7.38

6.00

6.05

6.10

Feb.

......

......

Mar.

6.86

6.91

6.84

7.00 a90

6.92 

6.90

6.94

6.86

6.83 

6.85

6.90

6.94

6.86

6.82

6.84

Apr.

7.05

7.07

......

May.

5.65

5.63

5.62

5.58

5.55

5.55 

5.53

5.53

5.58

5.59 

5.53

5.63

5.63

5.74

5.89

5.83

June.

......

......

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Lost River at Clear Lake, CaL,for 1909.

Day.

1..........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6......

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13........

14..........

15..........

Jan.

14

15

15

29

51

40

160

110

270

305

200

180

170

200

400

Feb.

146

1iQ

144

65

47

S6

177

177

177

1^7

177

OAA

310

450

Mar.

450

ion

550

615

630

640

520

500

380

364

372

380

355

333

348

Apr.

436

4fin

444

444

AAQ

450

452

452

454

456

460

464

464

472

476

May.

160

155

146

133

inn

Q1

QQ

Q9

91

80

65

52

45

June.

ifi

31

23

18

15

19

9 7

ft 4.

7 ^

6.4

3.6

9 fi

Day.

16..........

17..........

1$. .........

19..........

20..........

91

22..........

90

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Jan.

655

661

678

760

771

7dn

700

675

650

645

645

645

640

123

136

149

Feb.

550

600

620

620

600

570

500

470

460

450

430

425

430

Mar.

404

424

396

460

420

428

420

436

4fU

392

400

420

436

404

388

396

Apr.

480

488

488

470

AM

400

380

350

310

280

245

220

185

165

150

May.

40

36

33

28

26

26

24

24

28

28

24

36

36

60

96

81

June.

......

NOTE. The rating curve on which these discharges are based is fairly well defined. Discharges for 

days on which gage heights are missing are obtained from hydrographs or by interpolation.

Monthly discharge of Lost River at Clear Lake, Gal.

[Drainage area, 550 square miles.]

Month.

February. ..................

April.......................

May........................

June Ito 12................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

771 

620 

630 

488 

160 

56

Minimum.

14 

36 

333 

150 

24 

2

Mean.

370

335 

437 

396 

68.9 

16

Per 

square 

mile.

0.673 

.609 

.795 

.720 

.125 

.029

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.78 

.63 

.92 

.80 

.14 

.01

Total in 

acre-feet.

22,800 

18,600 

26,900 

23,600 

4,240 

381

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C.

c.

-».

D.
234 SURFACE WATER StTWLY, 1909, PAET XI.

LOST RIVER AT OLENE, OKEG.

This station was originally established May 24, 1904, and was 

maintained until July 30 of that year, when the bridge at which 

measurements were made was destroyed and the station was discontinued. It was reestablished May 20, 1907, and the records have 

been continuous since that date. This station replaces the one at 

Merrill, simulatneous records being kept a sufficient length of time 

to make a comparison between the two. The difference of flow is 

largely accounted for by the inaccuracy of the data obtained at 

Merrill station. A slough connecting Lost Eiver with Klamath 

Eiver joins Lost Eiver 5 miles below the Olene station and Klamath 

Eiver 2 miles below Lake Ewauna. Through this slough it is proposed to divert part of the waters" from Lost Eiver into Klamath 

Eiver, and thus reclaim lands bordering Tule Lake. At present, 

however, the slough has been artificially closed and the flow has been 

shut off for several years. Before it was diked no water flowed 

except during high water, the direction depending upon whether 

Klamath or Lost Eiver was the'higher. There is a small amount of 

inflow below Olene. One spring was measured April 14, 1908, 

giving a discharge of 2.9 second-feet, and during the irrigating season there is probably some waste water from irrigation. Nuss Lake 

is situated half a mile from the left bank of Lost Eiver and 1 mile 

below Olene. It has no surface outlet except at flood time, but it is 

possible that a little water passes underground from this lake to the 

river during the summer months.

The conditions at this station are favorable for good results. There 

is a riffle controlling the flow about 200 feet below the station, where 

measurements are made at extreme low water by wading, the velocity 

at the gaging site being too sluggish at such times for good results.

Discharge measurements of Lost River at Olene, Oreg., in 1909.

Date.

Eeb. 26

Mar. 6

May 25

July 10

Sept.l9«

Oct. 15o

Oct. 22o

Nov. 23

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

A. E. Geiger ..............................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

132

138

116

110

35.5

88

150

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

591

742

394

340

42

86

90

63

692

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.30

7.40

4.71

4.49

4.47

4.50

4.52

4.52

7.36

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,070

2,000

191

34

95

112

145

105

1,720

oNot at regular station.
235

Daily gage height, infect, of Lost River at Olene, Oreg.,for 1909. 

[T. A. Wilson, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26. ..............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.75

4.80

4.80

4.85

5.38

5.40

5.40

5.00

5.00

5.28

5.65

aeo

9.35

10.55

10.62

10.38

10.32

10.42

9.05

7-98

6.95

6.80

6.55

6.30

6.30

5.95

5.90

Feb.

5.68

5.62

5.78

&25

6.58

5.92

5.82

5.62

5.55

5.40

5.40

5.45

5.48

6.15

6.78

6.88

6.98

8.12

8.80

7.95

6.95

6.52

6.50

6.50

6.45

6.45

6.40

6.35

Mar.

6.42

6.50

6.80,

7.68

7.68

7.70

7.58

7.55

6.48

6.28

6.18

6.02

5.98

6.00

6.00

5.98

5.90

6.05

6.72

6.62

6.48

6.28

6.22

6.20

6.20

6.15

6.10

6.15

6.28

6.45

6.40

Apr.

6.40

6.48

6.58

6.48

6.40

6.35

6.28

6.25

6.20

6.20

6.15

6.28

6.35

6.40

6.40

6.38

6.32

6.18

6.02

5.92

5.88

5.78

5.67

5.54

5.48

5.40

5.37

5.36

5.30

5.30

May.

5.32

5.26

5.18

5.14

5.10

5.01

4.98

4.96

4.94

4.89

4.85

4.82

4.81

4.80

4.79

4.78

4.78

4.77

4.76

4.74

4.74

4 74

4.73

4.73

472

4.71

4.70

4.70

4.62

438

460

June.

462

464

464

463

462

462

460

461

460

459

460

459

457

457

458

458

460

460

460

459

458

458

458

458

458

457

456

456

456

454

July.

453

453

453

452

452

453

451

450

450

449

450

450

450

5.50

450

451

451

450

450

449

450

450

450

450

450

451

451

451

452

452

454

Aug.

454

454

454

453

453

452

452

452

452

451

450

450

450

450

450

450

450

450

451

451

451

451

451

451

451

451

456

456

460

461

461

Sept.

462

468

470

470

471

470

469

466

467

468

469

465

460

449

449

448

446

446

446

446

446

446

448

450

450

450

451

451

451

451

Oct.

451-

451

452

452

453

454

455

455

455

456

456

456

456

456

456

456

456

456

456

455

455

455

454

453

453

452

452

451

451

451

451

Nov.

451

451

452

451

450

450

450

450

450

450

450

450

450

450

450

450

450

453

454

4.57

457

6.18

7.33

7.86

8.76

6.76

6.25

5.70

5.58

5.40

Dec.

5.32

5.30

5.30

6.25

5.25

5.15

490

482

480

474

470

472

472

472

472

472

470

469

469

469

469

469

469

468

468

460

456

455

454

453

452

Daily discharge in second-feet of Lost River at Olene, Oreg.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5............*..

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29............... 

30...............

31...............

Jan.

143

143

143

143

158

172

172

190

444

455

455

248

248

387

608

1,340

4,080

5,420

5,500

5,220

5,150

5,260

3,760

2,630

1,660

1,520

1,300

1,090

1,090 

815

780

Feb.

627

588

696

1,050

1,320

794

724

588

545

455

455

485

503

970

1,500

1,590

1,680

2,770

3,480

2,600

1,660

1,270

1,250

1,250

1,210

1,210

1,170

1,130

Mar.

1,190

1,250

1,520

2,330

2,330

2,350

2,230

2,200

1,230

1,070

994

866

836

850

850

836

780

890

1,450

1,360

1,230

1,070

1,030

1,010

1,010

970

930

970

1,070 

1,210

1,170

Apr.

1,170

1,230

1,320

1,230

1,170

1,130

1,070

1,050

1,010

1,010

970

1,070

1,130

1,170

1,170

1,150

1,110

994 866'

794

766

696

620

539

ww

455

438

364

398

OQQ

May.

409

376

qqq

313

293

252

240

ooo

224

204

190

179

176

172

169

166

166

163

160

155

11K

11K

152

1 *L9

14Q

146

143

143

125 

80

120

June.

126

129

129

125

125

120

199

120

118

120

118

115

115

116

116

19ft

120

130

118

116

116

116

116

116

115

113

113

113

IrtQ

July.

107

107

107

106

106

107

104

102

102

100

102

102

102

102

102

104

IfU

102

102

100

102

102

102

102

102

104

104

104

106 

106

109

Aug.

109

109

109

107

107

106

106

106

106

104

102

102

102 102

102

102

102

102

104

104

104

104

104

KU

104

104

113

113

120

199

122

Sept.

125

138

143

143

146

143

141

134

136

138

141

132

120

100

100

98

Qt>

95

95

95

QEL

Q 1!

98

102

102

102

Iftd

104

104 

104

Oct.

104

104

106

107

109

111

111

111

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

111

111

111

109

107

107

106

1 106

104

104

104

104

Nov.

104

104

106

104

102

102

102

102

102

102

102

102

102

102

102

102

102

107

109

115

115

QQ4

2,000

2,510

3

4CA

1 480

1^050

640

563

455

Dec.

409

398

398

370

370

318

208

172

155

143

149

149

149

149

149

143

141

141

141

141

141

141

f 00

138

120

113

111

109

107

106

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between discharges of 

120 and 1,700 second-feet.
236 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

Monthly discharge of Lost River at Olene, Oreg.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,290 square miles.]

Month.

February. .................

April.......................

May........................

June. ......................

July........................

October. ...................

November. ................

The year. ............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

5,500 

3,480 

2,360 

1,320 

409 

129 

109 

122 

146 

113 

3,450 

409

5.500

Minimum.

143 

455 

780 

364 

80 

102 

102 

102 

95 

104 

102 

106

80

Mean.

1,640 

1,200 

1,260 

900 

197 

119 

104 

107 

116 

109 

511 

187

533

Per 

square 

mile.

1.27 

.930 

.977 

.698 

.153 

.092 

.080 

.083 

.090 

.085 

.396 

.145

.413

Bun-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

1.46 

.97 

1.13 

.78 

.18 

.10 

.09 

.10 

.10 

.10 

.44 

.17.

5.62

Total in 

acre-feet.

101,000 

66,600 

77,500 

53,600 

12,100 

7,080 

6,400 

6,580 

6,900 

6,700 

30,400 

11,500

386.000

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

LOST RIVER NEAR MERRILL, OREG.

This station, which was established July 26, 1904, is located 4 miles 

northwest of Merrill and-7 miles above the junction of the river with 

Tule Lake.

The data obtained here are used in connection with general reclamation projects under way in this locality. It is expected that storage 

reservoirs on the headwaters of this stream will make a large portion of 

the annual flow available during the summer months and at the same 

time lower the water surface in Tule Lake and thereby expose a considerable area of agricultural lands on the northern border of the lake.

The records obtained at this station are fairly reliable when the 

water surface in the lake is low. When the lake gage registers 9 feet 

or more, water is backed up the river to the gaging station, and even 

at lower lake stages winds blowing up the lake produce the same effect.

After the high water of 1907 it was found impossible to obtain good 

records of discharge at this station and it was, therefore, discontinued 

February 28, 1909, in favor of the station at Olene. A comparison 

of the records at the two stations since May 20, 1907, will reveal somewhat the inaccuracy of the data at Merrill, as there is little or no difference between the flow at the two points so far as can be ascertained 

from surface conditions. The years 1905 and 1906, however, were dry 

years and the records at Merrill were not greatly affected by backwater.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Lost River near Merrill, Cal.,for 1909.

Day.

1..... .........

2..............

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

8..............

10..............

Jan.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.8

4.2

Feb.

5.0

48

48

5.4

6.5

6.1

5.0

48

4.7

4.7

Day.

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

38..............

10

20..............

Jan.

4.0

42

3

n

3.8

3.8

4.8

9.85

13.2

1445

143

Feb.

45

45

4.5

5.0

6.2

7.1

7.1

9.85

11.2

10.6

Day.

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

13.6

13.3

13.1

10.0

8.8

7.6

6.9

6.1

5.6

5.2

5.0

Feb.

8.5

6.7

6.5

6.7

6.7

. 6.4

6.4

6.2
CALIFOEFIA. 237

TULE LAKE NEAE MERRILL. OREG.

This station was established May 17, 1904. It is located at J. F. 

Adams's ranch near the mouth of Lost River. The elevation of the 

zero of the gage has been taken as 4,048.21 feet above sea level. When 

the station was established the gage was referred to a bench mark 

on a juniper post near by. The bench mark at that time was 13.7 feet 

above the zero of the gage. On October 21, 1904, this elevation was 

verified. On May 11, 1907, the elevation of the same bench mark was 

found to be 12.87 feet above zero of the gage, and was independently 

verified on June 11, 1907, and again on November 27, 1908. It appears, therefore, that sometime between October, 1904, and May, 

1907, gage was raised 0.87 foot. This was probably due to the 

action of ice in the lake, although nothing of this kind has been 

observed since that time. Just when it occurred it has been impossible to ascertain, and a graph of the heights has failed to reveal 

any critical points that would account for a sudden change. It is 

therefore likely that the gage was raised a little at a time during the 

winters of 1905-6 and 1906-7. On account of this, error the gage 

heights prior to May, 1907, should not be used for refined studies.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Tule Lake near Merrill, Oreg.,for 1909.

Day.

1...... .........

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

7.35

7.4

7.5

8.0

8.4

Feb.

8.6

8.8

8 9

9.0

Mar.

9.4

9.45

9.5

9.5

Apr.

9.4

9.6

9.7

9.8

Q 8

May.

9.7

9.7

9.5

9.45

9.4

June.

9.4

9.35

9.3

9.15

July.

9.05

8.95

8.7

8.6

8.55

Aug.

8.45

8.35

8.2

8.05

Sept.

7.95

7.85

7.8

7.75

Oct.

7.6

7.5

7.4

7.4

7.45

Nov.

7.45

7 4K

7.5

7.6

Dec.

7.8

-

8.0

o8.0

o7.95

o Lake frozen. 

MILLER CREEK NEAR LORELLA, OKEG.

This station was established August 10, 1904. It is located at the 

lower end of Horsefly Valley, which is intended for use as a storage
238 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART XI.

reservoir by the United States Reclamation Service in its general 

work in this locality. The gaging station is located in sec. 12, T. 

39 S., R. 13 E., 9 miles northeast of Lorella.

During the winter months the river freezes over completely, and 

the data obtained at such periods are not reliable. As the total 

annual flow, however, is the important feature, a large error during 

such periods is admissible without affecting the desired results.

The conditions at the station during the open season are favorable 

for good results. A riffle controls the flow just below the station. 

The datum of the gage has not been altered since it was installed, 

and during a large portion of the time gage heights have been 

obtained by an automatic Friez gage.

The surface flow entirely disappears during the summer months.

Discharge measurements of Miller Creek near Lorella, Or eg., in 1909.

Date.

Mar. 3

Mar. 26

May 2 a

May 26 o

Sept. 18o

Nov. 22

Nov. 24

Hydrographer.

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

.....do.....................................................

Width.

Feet. 

75

69

62

25

9

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

584

481

29

6.6

2.2

704

548

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.90

4.90

3.45

2.92

2.12

8.05

6.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

651

285

54

9.5

1.35

1,590

891

« Not at regular section.

Daily gage height, infect, of Miller Creek near Lorella, Oreg.,for 1909. 

[F. H. Swingle, observer.]

Day.

1...................

2...................

3...................

4...................

5...................

6...................

7...................

o

9...................

10. ..................

11...................

12. ..................

13...................

14...................

15...................

16. ..................

17...................

18...................

19

20...................

21...................

22...................

23...................

24. ..................

25...................

26. ..................

27...................

28...................

29. ..................

30...................

31...................

Mar.

5.90

4 90

Apr.

5.00

5.30

5.00

4.10

3.70

May.

3.45

3.37

3.37

O Oft

3.27

3.00

2.87

2

QK

2

QC

2

QK

2.90

2

QK

2.93

2.95

2

QC

2.97

2.95

3.10

3.00

2.98

June.

3.08

3.06

 * n<i

3.00

2

O1

2.81

2.75

2 CO

2.90

2.85

2.82

2

70

2.75

2.76

2.90

2 09

2.93

3.00

3.08

3.10

3.00

2.75

2.75

2.66

2.63

"> 4Q

2.50

2.53

2.54

July.

2.54

2.52

2

Kft

2.45

2

Af)

2.30

2.35

2.30

2.23

2.20

2.30

2.20

2.20

Aug.

2.40

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.40

Sept.

2.30

2.20

2.12

2.12

2.10

Oct.

2.20

2.30

2.20

2.40

2.70

Nov.

3.66

3.00

3.00

3.50

4.50

7.20

8.05

8.00

6.60

5.90

5.00

4.30

4.10

3.60

3.30

Dec.

3.30

3,30

3.20

2.80
.. . , , . CALIFOBNIA. ' , ^^^^js^if'' 239 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Miller Creek near Lorella, Oreg.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29. ..............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

5

5

5

5

5

15

20

70

120

160

100

60

60

80

100

190

400

500

510

570

500

460

450

450

440

400

200

120

no.

110

110

Feb.

110

110

70

30

20

20

70

120

120

130

130

140

150

180

220

270

320

370

390 3<in

380

370

380

4nn

420

460

490

530

Mar.

560

590

622

680

740

620

500

410

380

360

340

330

320

32Q

310

310

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

300

sno

310

320

320

320

330

Apr.

330

340

360

370

380

^on

4fm

418

400

390

380

360

350

340

330

300

280

250

220

ion

160

134

126

118

110

102

Qi

fifi

78

62

May.

4Q

41

41

32

32

v>

v>

12

11

10

10

8

7

6

5.6

8.4

10.5

10.5

10.5

7.6

9 A

10.5

9 9

10.5

10.5

11.1

10.5

18

12

11.4

June.

17

16

14

12

7.2

7.2

6.5

8.6

9.0

8.0

7.4

6.8

6.5

6.6

9 A

9 A

9

n

12

17

26

18

12

6.5

6.5

5.6

5.3

3.9

4 0

4.3

4 4

July.

4.4

4.2

4.0

3.5

3.2

2 A

2.5

2.0

1.7

1.5

2.0

2.0

2.0

2 A

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

3.0

s n

3.0

Aug.

3.0

3.1

3.3

3.5

3.5

3.7

^ Q

4.0

3.9

3.7

3.5

3.5

3.3

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

s n

3.0

3.0

3.0

2 9

9 7

Sept.

2.5

2.5

2.3

2.1

2.0

1 Q

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.6

 1.5

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.3

Oct.

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.9

2.0

1 Q

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.6

1 9

2.2

2.3

2.6

9 Q

3.0

3.0

4.0

4.0

5.0

5.0

6.0

6.0

Nov.

6

6

6

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12 ' 12

54

206

1,180

1,600

1,570

900

622

330

168

134

66

34

Dec.

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

32

32

30

28

28

26

24

22

19

16

13

11

9

7

7

7

7

7

7

NOTE. Discharges for days when gage was read are based on a rating curve that is well defined above 

10 second-feet. For other days discharges were obtained from a hydrograph following the rise and fall 

of adjacent streams or by interpolation.

Monthly discharge, of Miller Creek near Lorella, Oreg., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 270 square miles.[

Month.

March . .............. ....

April.......................

May........................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

MiygiTmiTn

49 

26

Minimum .

5.6 

3.9

Mean.

204 

242 

387 

' 254 

16.1 

9.56 

2.16 

3.21 

1.47 

2.51 

235 

23.9

Per

square 

mile.

0.756 

.896 

1.43 

.941 

.060 

.035 

.0080 

.012 

.0054 

.0093 

.870 

.088

Run-off.

Depth in 

indies on 

drainage 

area.

0.87 

.93 

1.65 

1.05 

.07 

.04 

.01 

.01 

.006 

.01 

.97 

.10

Total in 

acre-feet.

12,500 

13,400 

23,800 

15,100 

990 

569 

133 

197 

87 

154 

14,000 

1,470

82,400

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

EVAPORATION STATION AT KENO, OREGK

This station was established August 1, 1904, to determine the evaporation from a water surface, and has been maintained continuously 

since that time. During the winter months, when ice interferes and
240 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET XL

when heavy upstream winds are blowing, it is impossible to obtain 

observations. The records are therefore somewhat irregular.

Evaporation is measured by means of a galvanized-iron pan, 3 feet 

square by 18 inches deep, floated in the river to within about 2 inches 

of the top of the pan. In the center of the pan is a needle point, to 

which the water surface can be adjusted with nicety. The observer 

has a galvanized-iron cup which holds a sufficient quantity of water 

to raise the water in the pan one-tenth of an inch. At each visit of 

the observer the water surface is adjusted to the point. At the time 

of the next observation, if no rain has occurred, it is only necessary 

to count the number of cupfuls required to fill the pan to the point 

again. This gives the evaporation in inches. A rain gage is also 

maintained in connection with the pan, and corrections are made if 

any rain has occurred between observations.

This method will determine directly the evaporation from the pan. 

The only source of error involved lies in the possibility that evaporation from this pan is not representative of the evaporation from a 

larger area. The method of course does not determine the rate of 

evaporation, but as the total quantity during a month in the year is, 

as a rule, all that is required, it is believed that the errors are compensating and that the data are sufficiently accurate for all practical 

purposes.

Evaporation from Klamath River at Keno, Oreg., in 1909.

Month.

Ji^.niiq.ry,.. ,

February. .................................................

April.. .....................................................

May........................................................

July........................................................

Evaporation 

(inches).

0.02 

.18 

.29 

3.87 

4.47 

6.65 

6.06 

6.65 

4.68 

2.76 

.83

Precipitation 

(inches).

7.89 

3.36 

.78 

.17 

.08 

.07 

.18

.59 

1.20 

7.48 

2.51

Mean temperature (° FOOf water 

in pan.

36 

39 

44 

59 

61 

68 

.68 

74 

62 

54 

43

Of water 

in river.

36

38 

41 

54 

57 

68 

66 

72 

61 

54 

43

MISCELLANEOUS MEASUREMENTS.

The following miscellaneous discharge measurements have been 

made on streams in California during 1909. They are arranged in 

the same order of drainage basins as the regular stations:
CAJLIFOENIA. 241 

Miscellaneous discharge measurements in Owens River drainage basin, California, in 1909.

Date.

Jan. 22

28

Mar. 19

Apr. 8

29

May 19

June 10

29

Aug. 11

Sept. 22

Nov. 3

Apr. 30

May 19

Nov. 4

May 1

Apr. 22

24

July 13

25

Oct. 27

Jan. 18

Apr. 23

May 13

23

July 16

Aug. 23

July 15 

Feb. 19

Stream.

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

Birch Creek, No. 2....

.....do.................

.....do.................

Thibaut Creek........

.....do... .............

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.... ............

.....do.... ............

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

Independence and Oak 

Creek waste.

Tributary to 

.....do. ...............

.....do.................

.....do... .............

.....do... .............

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

never reaches it).

.....do.. ..............

.....do.................

.....do.....l...........

.....do... .............

.....do. ... ............

.....do.................

.....do.. .............

.....do.. ..............

.....do.................

Locality.

.....do................................

.....do. ..............................

.....do.. .............................

.....do. . ............................

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

base of hills above ranches.

base of hills above ranches. 

.....do................................

.....do................................

Butte.

Independence-Big Pine road.

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

(west of) Independence-Lone Pine 

road. 

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

.....do................................

Near Owens River; this measured 

all surface water reaching river from 

these two creeks.

Lone Pine-Olancha road.

Discharge.

Sec-it. 

29.9

21.6

11.3

3.9

3.19

.88

5.61

27.0

49.6

15.0

5.32

7.13

6.35

7.18

22.6

7.74

1.33

2.21

2.98

2.87

2.14

1.41

.91

.81

.0

5.42

18.5

. 40.6

25.2

16.1

3.43

91.1 

7.14

Miscellaneous discharge measurements of canals in Owens River basin.

Date.

July 22

22

22

22

July 23

24

24

Aug. 10

10 

10

Canal.

Dell...................

South Hillside.. .......

Upper North Hillside . 

Lower North Hillside .

Diversion from 

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

Bishop Creek.

.....do................

.....do................

.....do.................

Locality.

3 miles north of Bishop, Cal., at road

crossing.

Bishop.

ley road crossing. 

2& miles east of Big Pine-Bishop road

crossing.

Near intake, 1 mile west of gauging

station on Bishop Creek. 

At road crossing f mile west of gauging 

station. 

At road crossing $ mile west of gauging 

station.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5.89

29.3

20.4

16.1

73.4'

13.1

18.4

18.0

14.5 

4.67

96451° WSP 271 11 16
242 -__ SUBllACE WATEE SUPPLY-, 1909, PAKT XL, -

Miscellaneous discharge measurements in Upper Klamath Lake drainage basin in 1909.

Date.

Oct. 2 

2 

2

2

Nov. 8 

Oct. 2 

Oct. 3

3

3 

3 

Oct. 4

Oct. 1

1 

Oct. 25

Oct. 30 

Feb. 25 

Sept. 15 

Oct. 2

Stream.

.....do..................

.....do.................

Beetle's Rest Spring. . .

Klamath Falls Light 

& Power Co.'s intake. 

.....do.................

Moore Bros.' flume. . . . 

Klamath Straits ....... 

.....do.................

Tributary toUpper Klamath Lake.

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

Upper Klamath Lake.

Upper Klamath Lake.

.....do.................

Williamson River. ....

.....do.................

8::::::::::::::::::::

Locality.

.....do.......................

At highway bridge 2 miles 

north of Klamath Agency, 

Oreg., above mouth of Tecumseh Creek. 

At farm bridge at Klamath 

Agency, Oreg., below 

mouth of Tecumseh Creek. 

.....do.......................

At highway bridge on main 

road from Fort Klamath 

to Pelican Bay, about 4 

miles southwest of Fort 

Klamath, Oreg. 

At highway bridge on main 

road from Fort Klamath 

to Pelican Bay, Oreg.

.....do.......................

Atcrossing of road from Klamath Fails to Pelican Bay, 

near Odessa, Oreg. 

In flume of Klamath Agency 

sawmill.

.....do.......................

.....do.......................

Ady, Oreg..................

Gauge 

height.

Feet. 

8.2

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

292 

85 

45

80

83 

32 

83

9.7

5.8 

1.9 

6.1

24

500 

335

332 

58 

68 

359

o Takes out of Link River about one-fourth mile below foot of Upper Klamath Lake.

6 Water flowing into Lower Klamath Lake. These straits form a channel connecting Klamath River 

to Lower Klainatn Lake. The water may flow in either direction, depending on the direction of wind or 

relative stages of lake and river.

Miscellaneous discharge measurements in Lower Klamath Lake drainage basin in 1909.

Date.

June 30

30

June 3

Sept. 15

Stream.

Willow Creek. ........

. ....do.. ......... ...... 

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

Tributary to 

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

.....do.................

Locality.

wagon bridge, near Davis ranch, 

Cal. 

At highway bridge on main road from 

Dorris Cal., to Merrill, Oreg.

"JF" ranch, Cal........... ..........

... .do................................

.....do.....-.........:................

ris.Cal.

miles north of Brownell, Cal.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

aQ 0

010.8 

09.6

20.1

16.9

15.3

«4.5

o6.1

o36

« Low stage.
CALIFORNIA. 243 

Miscellaneous discharge measurements in Tule Lake drainage basin in 1909.

Date.

Nov. 22

Oct. 22

Mar. 16

Sept. 17

Stream^

.....do.................

Tule Lake Outlet. .....

.....do.................

Tributary to 

Tule Lake.............

.....do.................

<«).... .................

(')......... ............

Locality.

Oreg., 10 miles below Clear Lake.

west of Bonanza, Oreg.

Cal. 

.....do................................

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

0656

698

30

» Flood stage. 

& Extreme low stage.

c This is an artificial outlet constructed by the UniiM States Reclamation Service. It consists of holes; 

blasted or.t of rock on the south shore, through which the water escapes, presumably to Fall Eiver, Cal.

INDEX.

Aberdeen, Cal.,

Goodale Creek near: Page, 

description.......................... 66

discharge............................ 66

discharge, daily..................... 67

discharge, monthly.-.........------- 68

............. 67

Taboose Creek near:

description.......................... 64

discharge-........................... 64

discharge, daily.............-...---- 65

discharge, monthly.................. 66

gage heights......................... 65

Accuracy, degree of.......................... 26-27

Acknowledgments to those aiding........... 28-29

Acre-foot, definition of....................... 14

Ady, Oreg.,

Klamath Straits at:

discharge............................ 242

Alamo River near 

Brawley, Cal.:

description.......................... 37

discharge............................ 37

discharge, daily...............------ 38

discharge, monthly..-..-.-.---..---- 38

gage heights......................... 38

Alvord, Cal.,

Sanger canal near:

discharge............................ 241

American River at 

Fairoaks, Cal.:

description.......................... 153

discharge............................ 153

discharge, dally..................... 154

e, monthly.................. 155

...................... 154

American River basin, description of...... 151-153

stream flow in......................... 153-155

A. O. Collins canal near 

Bishop, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

Appropriations, amount of.................. 7

Arroyo Seco near 

Soledad, Cal.:

description.......................... 113

discharge............................ 113

discharge, daily..................... 114

e, monthly.................. 115

...................... 114

Ash Creek near 

Olancha, Cal.:

description.......................... 81

discharge............................ 82

discharge, monthly.................. 82

Authority for investigations, recital of....... 7

Azusa, Cal.,

San Gabriel River and canal near:

description.......................... 106

discharge............................ 106

discharge, daily................... 107-108

discharge, monthly.................. 108

gage heights......................... 107

B.

Bairs Creek near 

Thebe, Cal.:

description.......................... 74

discharge............................ 74

discharge, monthly.................. 75

Baker Creek nearBig Pine, Cal.:

description.......................... 56

discharge............................ 56

discharge, daily..................... 57

discharge, monthly.................. 58

gage heights......................... 57

Bakersfleld, Cal., 

Kern River near:

description.......................... 177

discharge, daily..................... 177

discharge, monthly.................. 178

Bear River at 

Van Trent, Cal.:

description.......................... 149

discharge............................ 150

discharge, daily..................... 151

discharge, monthly.................. 151

gage heights......................... 150

Bear River basin, description of............. 149

stream flow in......................... 149-151

Beetle's Rest Spring at 

Klamath Agency, Oreg.:

discharge............................ 242

Bernardo River basin, description of......... 94-95

stream flow in........................... 95-97

Big Bend, Cal.,

Feather River (North Fork) near:

view of dam on...................... 126

description.......................... 136

discharge, monthly.................. 137

gage heights......................... 136

Big Pine, Cal.,

Baker Creek near:

description.......................... 56

discharge............................ 56

discharge, daily..................... 57

discharge, monthly.................. 58

gage heights......................... 57

Big Pine Creek near:

description.......................... 58

discharge............................ 58

discharge, daily..................... 59

245
246 INDEX.

Big Pine, Cal. Continued.

Big Pine Creek near Continued. Page, 

discharge, monthly.................. 60

gage heights......................... 59

Big Pine-Bishop road crossing, Cal.,

Dell canal near:

discharge............................ 241

Big Pine Creek near 

Big Pine, Cal.:

description.......................... 58

discharge............................ 58

discharge, daily...................... 59

discharge, monthly.................. 60

gage heights......................... 59

Birch Creek near 

Tinemaha, Cal.:

description.......................... 60

discharge............................ 60

discharge, daily...................... 61

discharge, monthly.................. 62

gage heights......................... 61

Birch Creek No. 2 inRound Valley, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

Bishop, Cal.,

A. O. Collins canal near:

discharge............................ 241

Bishop Creek near:

description.......................... 53-54

discharge............................ 54

discharge, daily...................... 55

discharge, monthly.. ................ 56

gage heights......................... 54-55

Farmer's canal near:

discharge............................ 241

Geo. Collins canal near:

discharge............................ 241

Upper McNally canal near:

discharge............................ 241

Bishop Creek near 

Bishop, Cal.:

description.......................... 53-54

discharge............................ 54

discharge, daily..................... 55

discharge, monthly.................. 56

gage heights......................... 54-55

Bishop Creek gaging station, Cal.,

Lower North Hillside canal near:

discharge............................ 241

South Hillside canal near:

discharge............................ 241

Upper North Hillside canal near:

discharge............................ 241

Bishop-Round Valley road crossing, Cal.,

Owens River near:

discharge............................ 241

Bonanza, Oreg.,

Lost River near:

discharge............................ 243

Brawley, Cal.,

Alamo River near:

description.......................... 37

discharge............................ 37

discharge, daily...................... 38

discharge, monthly.................. 38

...................... 38

Brawley, Cal. Continued.

New River near: Page, 

description.............. J........... 39

discharge...'......................... 39

gage heights......................... 40

Brownell, Cal.,

Lower Klamath Lake near:

description.................. 1....... 227

gage heights......................... 227

Sheepy Creek near:

discharge.........*................... 242

Butt Creek at 

Butte Valley, Cal.:

description.......................... 140

discharge, daily...................... 141

discharge, monthly.................. 142

gage heights......................... 141

Butte Valley, Cal.,

Butt Creek at:

description.......................... 140

discharge, daily................ J..... 141

discharge, monthly.................. 142

gage heights......................... 141

C.

Cache Creek at or near 

Lower Lake, Cal.:

description........................ 156-157

discharge, daily...................... 158

discharge, monthly.................. 158

gage heights......................... 157

Yolo, Cal.:

description........................ 158-159

discharge............................ 159

discharge, daily...................... 160

discharge, monthly.................. 161

gage heights....................... 159-160

Cache Creek basin, description of........... 155-156

stream flow in......................... 156-161

Calaveras River at 

Jenny Lind, Cal.:

description.......................... 212

discharge............................ 213

discharge, daily.................... 213-215

discharge, monthly.................. 215

gage heights......................... 213

Calaveras River basin, description of....... 211-212

stream flow in......................... 212-215

California, gaging stations in............... 29-32

Carroll Creek nearOwens Lake, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

Charlies Butte, Cal., 

Seeley Springs near:

discharge............................ 241

Cherry Creek nearFort Klamath, Oreg.:

discharge............................ 242

Clapp, W. B., workof....................... 29

Clear Lake, Cal., 

Lost River at:

description.......................... 232

discharge.......................... 232,243

discharge, daily............ 1........ 233

discharge, monthly.................. 233

...................... 233
INDEX. 247

Clements, Cal.,

Mokelumne River near: Page, 

description.. ....................... 217

discharge ........................... 218

discharge, daily................... 218-219

discharge, monthly............ . ... 219

gage heights........................ 218

Colorado River at 

Yuma, Ariz.:

description.......................... 32

discharge............................ 33

discharge, daily.................... 34

discharge, "monthly.................. 34

gageheights......................... 33-34

Colorado River (lower) basin, stream flow in. 32-40 

Cooperation, credit for...................... 28-29

Cooperative data, use of..................... 27-28

Corcoran, Cal.,

Tulare Late near:

gage heights.,........................ 174

Cosumnes River at 

Michigan Bar, Cal.:

description.......................... 220

discharge.......................... 221

discharge, daily................... 221-222

discharge, monthly.................. 222

gage heights......................... 221

Cosumnes River basin, description of...... 219-220

stream flow in......................... 220-222

Cottonwood Creek (Lower Klamath Lake

basin) at 

"JF" ranch, Cal.:

discharge............................ 242

Cottonwood Creek (O wens River basin) near 

Olanpha, Cal.:

description.......................... 79-80

discharge............................ 80

discharge, daily..................... 81

discharge, monthly.................. 81

Cottonwood Creek basin (Sacramento River

system), description of.......... 122

stream flow in......................... 123-125

Cottonwood Creek (Sacramento River system), North Fork, at 

Ono, Cal.:

description.......................... 123

discharge............................ 123

discharge, daily..................... 124

discharge, monthly...... . ......... 125

gageheights................. . ... 123-124

Cottonwood Creek (Tia Juana River basin),

descriptionof.................... 83-84

Cottonwood Creek (Tia Juana River basin)

and flume near 

Jamul, Cal.:

description.......................... 84

discharge............................ 84

discharge, daily..................... 86

discharge, monthly.................. 87

gage heights......................... 85

Crescent Mills, Cal., 

Indian Creek near:

description........................ 142-143

discharge, daily..... . ............. 144

discharge, monthly.................. 144

gageheights......................... 143

Crooked River near 

Klamath Agency, Oreg.: Page, 

discharge............................ 242

Current meter, description of................ 19-20

use of................................... 20-21

views of................................. 20

Current-meter stations, views of............. 18

Curves, discharge, figure showing........... 194

D.

Davis ranch, Cal., 

Willow Creek near:

discharge............................ 242

Dell canal nearBig Pine-Bishop road crossing, Cal.:

discharge......................... 241

Definitions of terms......................... 13

Descanso, Cal.,

Sweetwater River near:

description............. 88

discharge............................ 88

discharge, daily..................... 89

discharge, monthly.................. 90

Discharge, computation of................... 22-26

curves for............................... 22

figure showing...................... 194

measurement of......................... 16-25

miscellaneous measurements of........ 240-243

Discharge measurements, nature of.......... 15-16

Division Creek near 

Independence, Cal.:

description.......................... 68

discharge............................ 68

discharge, monthly.................. 69

Dorris, Cal.,

Dorris Creek near:

discharge............................ 242

Willow Creek near:

discharge............................ 242

Dorris Creek near 

Dorris, Cal.:

discharge............................ 242

Drainage basins, list of...................... 10

E.

Equivalents, list of 14

Escondido, Cal.,

Santa Ysabel Creek near:

description.......................... 95-96

discharge............................ 96

discharge, monthly................... 97

gage heights......................... 96

F. 

Fairoaks, Cal.,

American River at:

description.......................... 153

discharge............................ 153

discharge, daily..................... 154

discharge, monthly.................. 155

gage heights......................... 154

Farmer's canal near 

Bishop, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

Feather River at 

Oroville, Cal.:

description........................ 137-138

discharge............................ 138
248 INDEX.

Feather River at Continued.

Oroville, Cal. Continued. Page, 

discharge, daily..................... 139

discharge, monthly.................. 140

gage heights....................... 138-139

Feather River basin, description of........ 131-133

stream flow in......................... 133-151

Feather River (North Fork) nearBig Bend, Cal.:

view of dam on...................... 126

description.......................... 136

discharge, monthly.................. 137

gage heights......................... 136

Prattville, Cal.:

description........................ 133-134

discharge, daily..................... 135

discharge, monthly.................. 135

gage heights......................... 134

Field methods, features of................... 16-21

Float method, description of................ 19

Floods, prevention of........................ 10

Fort Creek at 

Fort Klamath, Oreg.:

discharge............................ 242

Fort Klamath, Oreg., 

Cherry Creek near:

discharge............................ 242

Fort Creek at:

discharge............................ 242

Jones Creek near:

discharge............................ 242

Seven Mile Creek near:

discharge............................ 242

Wood River at:

discharge............................ 242

Friant (formerly Pollasky), Cal., 

San Joaquin River near:

description........................ 168-169

discharge............................ 169

discharge, daily..................... 170

discharge, monthly.................. 170

gage heights......................... 169

Fruto, Cal.,

Stony Creek near:

description.......................... 127

discharge............................ 127

discharge, daily..................... 128

discharge, monthly.................. 129

gage heights......................... 128

G.

Gage heights, readings of.................... 15

Gaging stations, classification of............. 22-25

equipment of, view of................... 146

list of, in California...................... 29-32

selection and equipment of.............. 18

views of................................. 18

Geo. Collins canal nearBishop, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

George Creek near 

Thebe, Cal.:

description.......................... 75

discharge............................ 75

discharge, monthly.............. .. 75

Goodale Creek near '

Aberdeen, Cal.: Page, 

description.......................... 66

discharge............................ 66

discharge, daily..................... 67

discharge, monthly.................. 68

gage heights......................... 67

Great Basin in California, description of..... 40

stream flow in.......................... 40-115

Great Western Power Co.'s dam on North 

Fork of Feather River at Big 

Bend, Cal., viewof.............. 126

H.

Haines, R. E., workof.......*............... 29

Hardy, W. V., workof...................... 29

Henshaw, F. F., workof.................... 29

Herndon, Cal.,

San Joaquin River at:

description.......................... 171

gage heights......................... 171

Horton Creek in 

Round Valley, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

I.

Ice, measurements under......

Independence, Cal., 

Division Creek near:

description............

discharge..............

discharge, monthly....

Independence Creek near: 

description............

discharge, daily....

discharge, monthly, 

gage heights........

Oak Creek near:

description.........

discharge...........

discharge, daily....

discharge, monthly.

Sawmill Creek near:

description................

discharge..................

discharge, monthly........

Symmes Creek near:

discharge..................

Independence-Big Pine road, Cal., 

Thibaut Creek near:

discharge..................

Independence Creek nearIndependence, Cal.:

description................

discharge..................

i discharge, daily............

discharge, monthly........

21,25

68

72

72

73

73

72

70

70

71

71

70

69

241

241

Independence and Oak creeks, waste of,

nearOwens River, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241
INDEX. 249

Indian Creek nearCrescent Mills, Cal.: Page, 

description........................ 142-143

discharge, daily..................... 144

discharge, monthly.................. 144

gage heights......................... 143

Investigations, authority for................. 7

purposes of.............................. 9-10

scope of................................. 8

Irrigation, dependence of stream flow on .. 9

f

J. 

Jamul, Cal.,

Cottonwood Creek (Tia Juana River

basin) and flume near: 

description.......................... 84

discharge............................ 84

discharge, daily..................... 86

discharge, monthly.................. 87

gage heights......................... 85

Jenny Lind, Cal., 

Calaveras River at:

description.......................... 212

discharge............................ 213

discharge, dally.................... 213-215

discharge, monthly.................. 215

gage heights......................... 213

"J F" ranch, Cal.,

Cottonwood Creek (Lower Klamath Lake

basin) at: 

discharge............................ 242

Jones Creek nearFort Klamath, Oreg.:

discharge............................ 242

K.

Kaweah River basin, description of......... 181-18

stream flow in......................... 182-184

Kaweah River below 

Three Rivers, Cal.:

description........... ............ 182-183

discharge............................ 183

discharge, daily:.................... 184

discharge, monthly.................. 184

gage heights......................... 183

Keho, Oreg.,

evaporation station at, description of.. 239-240 

Klamath River at:

description........................ 228-229

discharge............................ 229

discharge, daily..................... 230

discharge, monthly.................. 230

gage heights......................... 229

table showing evaporation of........ 240

Kern River basin:

description of......................... 174-176

stream flow in......................... 177-178

Kern River near 

Bakersfieid, Cat:

description.......................... 177

discharge, daily..................... 177

discharge, monthly.................. 178

Kimble, Howard, work of................... 29

Kings County, Cal., 

Tulare Lake in:

description.......................... 174

Kings River basin, description of........... 184-186

stream flowln......................... 186-188

Kings River near 

ganger, Cal.:

description........................ 186-187

discharge............................ 187

discharge, daily...'................... 188

discharge, monthly.................. 188

gage heights......................... 187

Kings River (South Fork), falls on Roaring

River, tributary to.............. 186

Klamath Agency, Oreg., 

Beetle's Rest Spring at:

discharge............................ 242

Crooked River near:

discharge............................ 242

Spring Creek at:

discharge............................ 242

Tecumseh Creek at:

discharge............................ 242

Williamson River near:

description........................ 230-231

discharge............................ 231

discharge, monthly.................. 232

gage heights......................... 231

Klamath Falls, Oreg.,

Klamath Falls Light & Power Co.'s intake at: 

discharge............................ 242

Klamath River below:

gage height.......................... 228

Link River at:

description........................ 224-225

discharge............................ 225

discharge, daily...................... 226

discharge, monthly.................. 227

gage heights......................... 226

Moore Bros.' flume at:

discharge............................ 242

Upper Klamath Lake near:

description.......................... 224

gage heights......................... 224

Klamath Falls Light & Power Co.'s intake

at 

Klamath Falls, Oreg.:

discharge............................ 242

Klamath River, evaporation station on... 239-240 

gages of.................................. 228

table showing evaporation from.......... 240

Klamath River at or near 

Klamath Falls, Oreg. (below):

...................... 22P

Keno, Oreg.:

description........................ 228-229

discharge............................ 229

discharge, daily...................... 230

discharge, monthly.................. 230

table showing evaporation of........ 240

Klamath River basin, description of....... 222-223

stream flow in......................... 224-240

Klamath Straits at 

Ady, Oreg.:

discharge............................ 242

Knights Ferry, Cal., 

Stanislaus River at:

description........................ 206-207

discharge............................ 207

discharge, daily...................... 208
250 INDEX.

Knights Ferry, Cal. Continued.

Stanislaus River at Continued. Page, 

discharge, monthly.................. 208

gage heights......................... 207

Stanislaus Water Co.'s canal near:

description........................ 208-209

discharge............................ 209

discharge, daily...................... 210

discharge, monthly.................. 211

.................... 209-210

L. 

Lagrange, Cal.,

Lagrange Water & Power Co.'s canal

near: 

description.......................... 204

discharge............................ 204

Modesto canal near:

description.......................... 200

discharge............................ 200

discharge, daily...................... 201

discharge, monthly.................. 202

gage heights......................... 201

Tuolumne River at:

description........................ 197-198

discharge............................ 198

discharge, daily...................... 199

discharge, monthly.................. 200

gage heights......................... 199

Turlock canal near:

description.......................... 202

discharge............................ 202

discharge, daily...................... 203

discharge, monthly.................. 204

gage heights......................... 203

Lagrange Water & Power Co.'s canal near 

Lagrange, Cal.:

description.......................... 204

discharge............................ 204

Lakeside, Cal.,

San Diego River and flume near:

description.......................... 91

discharge............................ 92

discharge, daily...................... 94

discharge, monthly.................. 94

gage heights....................... 92-93

Link River at 

Klamath Falls, Oreg.:

description........................ 224-225

discharge............................ 225

discharge, daily...................... 226

discharge, monthly.................. 227

Little Stony Creek near 

Lodoga, Cal.:

description.......................... 129

discharge............................ 129

discharge, daily...................... 130

discharge, monthly.................. 131

gage heights......................... 130

Lodoga, Cal.,

Little Stony Creek near:

description.......................... 129

discharge............................ 129

discharge, daily..................... 130

discharge, monthly.................. 131

...................... 130

Lompoc, Cal.,

Santa Ynez River near: Page, 

description.......................... 110

discharge............................ Ill

gage heights.............. 4.......... Ill

Lone Pine, Cal.,

Lone Pine Creek near:

description.......................... 76

discharge............................ 76

discharge, daily..................... 77

discharge, monthly.................. 77

gage heights......................... 76

Owens River near:

description.......................... 47

discharge............................ 48

discharge, daily...................... 49

discharge, monthly.................. 49

gage heights......................... 48

Tuttle Creek near:

description.......................... 77

discharge............................ 78

discharge, daily..................... 79

discharge, monthly.................. 79

gage heights......................... 78

Lone Pine Creek near 

Lone Pine, Cal.:

description....................... .,.. 76

discharge............................ 76

discharge, daily..................... 77

discharge, monthly.................. 77

Lorella, Oreg.,

Miller Creek near: 

description.... 237-:

discharge, daily.....................

discharge, monthly..................

gage heights.........................

Los Angeles River, diversionsfrom...........

diversions from, measurements of flow of. 

Los Angeles River basin, description of.......

stream flow in...........................

Los Molinos, Cal., 

Mill Creek near:

description...................... ...

discharge.....:......................

view of..............................

Lost River at or nearBonanza, Oreg.:

discharge............................

Clear Lake, Cal.:

description..........................

discharge.......................... 232,

discharge, daily.....................

discharge, monthly..................

 238

238

239

239

238

109

109

109

109

125

126

126

Merrill, Oreg.: 

description.

»Olene, Oreg.:

description,...»....

discharge...........

discharge, daily....

discharge, monthly.

Lower Klamath Lake basin, miscellaneous 

discharge measurements in......

243

232

243

233

233

233

236

236

234

234

235

236

235

242
INDEX. 251

Lower Klamath Lake near 

Brownell, Cal.: Page, 

description.......................... 227

gage heights......................... 227

Lower Lake, Cal.,

Cache Creek at or near:

description........................ 156-157

discharge, daily..................... 158

discharge, monthly................... 158

gage heights......................... 157

Lower North Hillside canal near 

Bishop Creek gaging station:

discharge............................ 241

M.

McChristie, H. E., work of.................. 29

Magee Creek in 

Bound Valley, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

Martin, W. F.,workof...................... 29

Mathers, J. G., work of...................... 29

Mentone, Cal.,

Mentone Power Co.'s canal near:

description........................ 101-102

discharge............................ 102

discharge, daily..................... 103

gage heights......................... 102

Santa Ana River near:

description........................ 101-102

discharge............................ 102

discharge, daily..................... 103

discharge, monthly.................. 104

gage heights......................... 102

Mentone Power Co. 's canal near 

Mentone, Cal.:

description........................ 101-102

discharge............................ 102

discharge, daily...................... 103

gage heights......................... 102

Merced Falls, Cal.,

Merced River above:

description.......................... 191

discharge............................ 191

discharge, daily..................... 192

B, monthly.................. 193

....................... 192

Merced River above 

Merced Falls, Cal.:

description.......................... 191

discharge............................ 191

discharge, daily..................... 192

discharge, monthly.................. 193

gage heights......................... 192

Merced River basin, description of.......... 189-190

stream flow in......................... 190-195

Merced River in 

Yosemite Valley, Cal.:

description.......................... 190

discharge............................ 191

gage heights......................... 191

Merrill, Oreg.,

Lost River near:

description.......................... 236

gage heights......................... 236

Tule Lake near:

description.......................... 237

gageheights......................... .237

Michigan Bar, Cal.,

Cosumnes River at: Page, 

description.......................... 220

discharge............................ 221

discharge,daily................... 221-222

discharge, monthly.................. 222

gageheights......................... 221

Mill Creek basin, description of.............. 125

stream flow in......................... 125-126

Mill Creek nearLos Molinos, Cal.:

description.......................... 125

discharge............................ 126

view of.............................. 126

Miller Creek near 

Lorella, Oreg.:

description........................ 237-238

discharge............................ 238

discharge, daily..................... 239

discharge, monthly.................. 239

gageheights......................... 238

Miner's inch, definition of................... 13

Miscellaneous discharge measurements in 

California........... ................. 240-243

Lower Klamath Lake basin............. 242

Owens River basin...................... 241

canals of............................ 241

Upper Klamath Lake basin............. 242

Tule Lake basin......................... 243

Modesto canal near 

Lagrange, Cal.:

description.......................... 200

discharge............................ 200

discharge, daily..................... 201

discharge, monthly.................. 202

gageheights......................... 201

Mokelumne River basin, description of.... 216-217

stream how in......................... 217-219

Mokelumne River nearClements, Cal.:

description.......................... 217

discharge............................ 218

discharge',daily................... 218-219

discharge, monthly.................. 219

gage heights......................... 218

Moore Bros.' flume at 

Klamath Falls, Oreg.:

discharge............................ 242

Moss Creek nearOdessa, Oreg.:

discharge............................ 242

N.

Navigation, dependence of, on stream flow.. 9 

New River near 

Brawley, Cal.:

description.......................... 39

discharge............................. 39

gage heights......................... 40

North Pacific Ocean drainage basin, description of......................... 222-223

stream flow in......................... 224-240

0.

Oak Creek nearIndependence, Cal.:

description.......................... 70

discharge............................ 70
252 INDEX.

Oak Creek near Continued.

Independence, Cal. Continued. Page, 

discharge, daily..................... 71

s, monthly.................. 71

...................... 70

Oak Creek waste. See Independence and

Oak creeks waste. 

Odessa, Oreg.,

Moss Creek near:

discharge............................ 242

Office methods, features of................... 22-25

Olancha, Cal., 

Ash Creek near:

description.......................... 81

discharge............................ 82

discharge, monthly.................. 82

Cottonwood Creek (Owens River basin)

near: 

description.......................... 79-80

discharge............................ 80

discharge, daily..................... 81

discharge, monthly.................. 81

Olene, Oreg., 

Lost River at:

description.......................... 234

discharge............................ 234

discharge, daily..................... 235

discharge, monthly.................. 236

gage heights......................... 235

Ono, Cal.,

Cottonwood Creek, North Fork (Sacramento River system), at: 

description.......................... 123

discharge............................ 123

discharge, daily..................... 124

discharge, monthly.................. 125

gage heights....................... 123-124

Oroville, Cal.,

Feather River at:

description........................ 137-138

discharge............................ 138

discharge, daily..................... 139

discharge, monthly.................. 140

gage heights....................... 138-139

Owens Lake, Cal., 

Carroll Creek near:

discharge............................ 241

Owens River, Cal.,

Independence and Oak creeks, waste of,

near: 

discharge............................ 241

Owens River basin, description of........... 40-43

miscellaneous discharge measurements in 241 

stream flow in .......................... 44-82

Owens River canal near 

Bishop-Round Valley road crossing, Cal.: 

discharge............................ 241

Owens River near 

Lone .Pine, Cal.:

description.......................... 47

discharge............................ 48

discharge, daily...................... 49

discharge, monthly.................. 49

gage heights......................... 48

Round Valley, Cal.:

descrip t ion.......................... 44

discharge............................ 44

Owens River near Continued.

Round Valley, Cal. Continued.

discharge, daily...................... 45

discharge, monthly.................. 45

gage heights......................... 44

Tinemaha, Cal.:

description.......................... 45-^6

discharge............................ 46

discharge, daily..................... 47

discharge, monthly.................. 47

gage heights......................... 46

P.

Pacific Ocean (north) drainage basin, description of.................... 222-223

stream flow in......................... 224-240

Pacific Ocean (south) drainage basins, description of...................,.. 82

stream flow in.......................... 83-115

Padgett, H. D., work of..................... 29

Pala, Cal., X .

San Luis Rey River near: ^

description.............. .<\......... 98

discharge............................ 98

discharge, monthly.................. 99

Phelan, J. J., work of........................ 29

Pine Creek nearRound Valley, Cal.:

description.......................... 51-62

discharge............................ 52

discharge, daily...................... 63

discharge, monthly.................. 63

gage heights......................... 62

Pollasky, Cal.,

San Joaquin River near. See Friant. 

Portersville, Cal., 

Tule River near:

description.......................... 179

discharge............................ 179

discharge, daily...................... 180

), monthly.................. 181

...................... 180

Prattvffle, Cal.,

Feather River (North Fork) below:

description........................ 133-134

discharge, daily...................... 135

discharge, monthly.................. 135

gage heights......................... 134

Price meters, views of........................ 20

Publications, lists of......................... 10-13

Puta Creek at 

Winters, Cal.:

description........................ 162-163

discharge...................:........ 163

discharge, daily...................... 164

discharge, monthly.................. 165

gage heights....................... 163-164

Puta Creek basin, description of........... 161-162

stream flow in......................... 162-165

R. 

Rating curves, construction and use of....... 22

Rating tables, construction of................ 22

nature of................................ 16

Red Bluff, Cal.,

Sacramento River near:

description........................ 119-120

discharge............................ 120
INDEX. 253

Red Bluff, Cal. Continued.

Sacramento River near Continued. Page, 

discharge, daily...................... 121

discharge, monthly.................. 122

gage heights....................... 120-121

Rice, R.C., work of......................... 29

Roaring River (South Fork of Kings River

basin), falls on, view of.......... 186

Rock Creek near 

Round Valley, Cal.:

description.......................... 49-50

discharge............................ 50

discharge, daily...................... 51

discharge, monthly.................. 51

gage heights......................... 50

Hound Valley, Cal., 

Birch Creek No. 2 in:

discharge-........................... 241

Horton Creek in:

discharge,........................... 241

Magee Creek in:

discharge............................ 241

Owens River near:

description.......................... 44

discharge............................ 44

discharge, daily...................... 46

discharge, monthly.................. 45

gage heights......................... 44

Pine Creek near:

description.......................... 51-52

discharge............................ 52

discharge, daily...................... 53

discharge, monthly.................. 53

gage heights......................... 52

Rock Creek near:

description.......................... 49-50

discharge............................ 50

discharge, daily...................... 51

discharge, monthly.................. 51

gage heights......................... 50

Run-off, computation of..................... 22-25

definition of............................. 13

S.

Sacramento River nearRed Bluff, Cal.:

description........................ 119-120

discharge............................ 120

discharge, daily...................... 121

discharge, monthly.................. 122

gage heights....................... 120-121

Sacramento River system, description of.. 115-118 

stream flow in......................... 119-165

Sacramento Valley, description of............ 118

floods in................................ 118

Salinas River basin, description of......... 112-113

stream flow in......................... 113-115

Salton Sea near 

Salton, Cal.:

description.......................... 35-36

gage heights......................... 36

rise.................................. 37

Salton Sink:

description of............................ 35

stream flow in........................... 35-40

San Diego River and flume nearLakeside, Cal.:

description.......................... 91

discharge............................ 92

San Diego River and flume near Continued. 

Lakeside, Cal. Continued. Page. 

discharge,daily...................... 94

discharge, monthly.................. 94

gage heights......................... 92-93

San Diego River basin, description of....... 90-91

. stream flow<in .......................... 91-94

San Francisco Bay drainage basins, general

features of....................... 115

stream flow in ..................*...... 115-222

San Gabriel River and canal near 

Azusa, Cal.:

description.......................... 108

discharge ........................... 108

discharge, daily.................... 107-108

discharge, monthly.................. 108

gage heights......................... 107

San Gabriel River basin, description of.... 104-106

stream flow in......................... 106-108

Sanger, Cal.,

Kings River near:

description........................ 186-187

discharge............................ 187

discharge, daily...................... 188

discharge, monthly.................. 188

...................... 187

Sanger canal near 

Alvord, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

San Joaquin River at or near 

Friant (formerly Pollasky), Cal.:

description........................ 168-169

discharge, daily..................... 170

discharge, monthly.................. 170

Herndon, Cal.:

description.......................... 171

gage heights......................... 171

Pollasky, Cal. See Friant.

San Joaquin River system, description of.. 165-168 

stream flow in......................... 168-222

San Lufa Rey River basin, description of.... 97-98

stream flow in.........................

San Luis Rey River near 

Pala, Cal.:

description. . ......................

discharge............................ 98

discharge, monthly.................. 99

98

Santa Ana River basin, description of....... 99,101

stream flow in......................... 101-104

Santa Ana River near 

Mentone, Cal.:

description........................ 101-102

discharge............................ 102

discharge, daily...................... 103

discharge, monthly.................. 104

gage heights......................... 102

Santa Ynez River basin, description of...... 110

stream flow in......................... 110-111

Santa Ynez River near 

Lompoe, Cal.:

description.......................... 110

discharge............................ Ill

...................... Ill
254 INDEX.

Santa Ysabel Creek near 

Escondido, Cal.:

description.......................... 95-96

discharge............................ 96

e, monthly.................. 97

Sawmill Creek near 

Independence, Cal.: 

description......

discharge, monthly.................. 69

Scorpion Point, Cal., 

Tule Lake outlet at:

discharge............................ 243

Second-foot, definition of.................... 13

Section, changes in, estimating for........... 23-24

Seeley Springs nearCharlies Butte, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

Seven Mile Creek nearFort Klamath, Oreg.:

discharge....'........................ 242

Sheepy Creek near 

Brownell, Cal.:

discharge............................ 242

Shepard Creek near 

Thebe, Cal.:

description.......................... 73

discharge............................ 74

discharge, monthly.................. 74

Slope method, description of................. 16-17

Smartsville, Cal., 

Yuba River near:

description........................ 146-147

discharge............................ 147

discharge, daily.................... . 148

discharge, monthly.................. 148

gage heights......................... 147

gaging section on, view of........... 146

gaging station, equipment of, view of. 146 

Soledad, Cal.,

Arroyo Seco near:

description................ ......... 113

discharge.................... ....... 113

discharge, daily...................... 114

discharge, monthly.................. 115

gage heights..... ................... 114

South Hillside canal nearBishop Creek gaging station, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

South Pacific Ocean drainage basins, description of......:.................... 82

stream flow in.......................... 83-115

Spring Creek at 

Klamath Agency, Oreg.:

discharge............................ 242

Stanislaus River at 

Knights Ferry, Cal.:

description........................ 206-207

discharge........................ ... 207

discharge, daily...................... 208

discharge, monthly.................. 208

gageteights......................... 207

Stanislaus Elver basin, description of...... 204-206

stream flow in......................... 206-211

Stanislaus Water Co.'s canal nearKnights Ferry, Cal.:

description........................ 208-209

discharge............................ 209

discharge, daily....................... 210

discharge,monthly............ ..... 211

gage heights....................... 209-210

Stevens, G. C., work of...................... 29

Stevens, J. C., work pf....................... 29

Stewart, J. E., work of....................... 29

Stony Creek basin:

description............................ 126-127

stream flow............................ 127-131

Stony Creek near 

Fruto, Cal.:

description.......................... 127

discharge............................ 127

discharge, daily...................... 128

discharge, monthly.................. 129

gage heights......................... 128

Stream measurement, accuracy of............ 25-27

methods of...-........................... 16-21

Swamps, dependence of drainage of, on stream

flow............................. 9

Sweetwater River basin, description of...... 87-88

stream flow in........................... 88-90

Sweetwater Elver near 

Descanso, Cal.:

'description........................... 88

discharge............................ 88

discharge, daily...................... 89

discharge, monthly.................. 90

Symmes Creek nearIndependence, Cal.: 

discharge, i..... 241

T.

Tables,explanation of....................... 15-16

Taboose Creek nearAberdeen, Cal.:

description........................... 64

discharge...............:............ 64

discharge, daily...................... 65

discharge, monthly................... 66

Tecumseh Creek at 

Klamath Agency, Oreg.:

discharge............................. 242

Tenaya Creek in 

Yosemite Valley, Cal.:

description........................... 193

discharge............................ 193

discharge, curve of, figure showing... 195 

gage heights.......................... 195

Thebe, Cal.,

Bairs Creek near:

description.......................... 74

discharge............................ 74

discharge, monthly.................. 75

George Creek near:

description.......................... 75

discharge............................ 75

discharge, monthly.................. 75
INDEX. 255

Thebe, CaL Continued.

Shepard Creek near: Page, 

description..:.::.......:............ 73

discharge............................ ^74

discharge, monthly................... 74

Thibaut Creek near 

Independence-Big Pine road, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

Three Rivers, Cal.,

Kaweah River below:

description........................ 182-183

discharge............................ 183

discharge, daily...................... 184

discharge, monthly.................. 184

gage heights......................... 183

Tia Juana River basin, stream flow in....... 83-87

Tinemaha, Cal., 

Birch Creek near:

description.......................... 60

discharge............................ 60

discharge, daily...................... 61

discharge, monthly.................. 62

gage heights......................... 61

Owens River near:

description.......................... 45-46

discharge............................ 46

discharge, daily...................... 47

discharge, monthly.................. 47

gage heights......................... 46

Tmemaha Creek near 

Tinemaha, Cal.:

description.......................... 62

discharge............................ 62

discharge, daily...................... 63

discharge, monthly.................. 64

gage heights......................... 63

Tulare Lake basin, description of.......... 171-172

stream flow in......................... 172-174

Tulare Lake in 

Kings County, Cal.:

description.......................... 174

Tulare Lake near 

Corcoran, Cal.:

gage heights......................... 174

Tule Lake basin, miscellaneous discharge

measurements in................ 243

Tule Lake near 

Merrill, Oreg.:

description.......................... 237

gage heights......................... 237

Tule Lake Outlet at 

Scorpion Point, Cal.:

discharge............................ 243

Tule River basin, description of........... 178-179

stream flow In......................... 179-181

Tule River near 

Portersville, Cal.:

description.......................... 179

discharge............................ 179

discharge, daily...................... 180

discharge, monthly.................. 181

gage heights......................... 180

Tuolumne Falls on Tuolumne River, view of. 196 

Tuolumne Meadows, Cal., view of dam site on

Tuolumne River near............ 1%

Tuolumne River, view of dam site on........ 196

view of Tuolumne Falls on.............. 196

Tuolumne River at 

Lagrange, Cal.: Page, 

descrtpttatr. "l!*:?y?r?.>:' WifWEBB .. 197-198 

discharge.............. ^j**,^.^,.... 198

discharge, daily...................... 199

discharge, monthly.................. 200

gage heights......................... 199

Tuolumne River basin, description of..... 196-197 

stream flow in......................... 197-204

Turlock canal near 

Lagrange, Cal.:

description.......................... 202

discharge............................ 202

discharge, daily..................... 203

discharge, monthly.................. 204

gage heights......................... 203

Tuttle Creek nearLone Pine, CaL:

description.......................... 77

discharge............................ 78

discharge, daily..................... 79

discharge, monthly.................. 79

gage heights......................... 78

IT.

Upper Klamath Lake basin, miscellaneous

discharge measurements in...... 242

Upper Klamath Lake near 

Klamath Falls, Oreg.:

description.......................... 224

gage heights......................... 224

Upper McNally canal nearBishop, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

Upper North Hillside canal nearBishop Creek gaging station, Cal.:

discharge............................ 241

V.

Van Trent, Cal., 

Bear River at:

description.......................... 149

discharge............................ 150

discharge, daily..................... 151

discharge, monthly.................. 151

gage heights......................... 150

Velocity method, description of.............. 17-21

W.

Water power, dependence of, on stream flow.. 9 

Weir method, description of................. 17

Williamson River near 

Klamath Agency, Oreg.:

description........................ 230-231

discharge............................ 231

discharge, monthly.................. 232

gage heights......................... 231

Willow Creek near 

Davis ranch, Cal.:

discharge............................ 242

Don-is, Cal.:

discharge............................ 242

Winters, Cal., 

Puta Creek at:

description........................ 162-163

discharge............................ 163

discharge, daily..................... 164

discharge, monthly.................. 166

gage heights....................... 163-164

Wood, Mrs. B.D., work of.................. 29
256 INDEX.

Wood River at 

Fort Klamath, Oreg.: 

discharge.........

Work, division of.........

242

Y. 

Yolo, Cal.,

Cache Creek near:

description........................ 158-159

discharge............................ 159

discharge, daily...................... 160

discharge, monthly.................. 161

gage heights....................... 159-160

Yosemite Creek in 

Yosemite Valley, Cal.:

description.......................... 195

discharge............................ 195

gage heights......................... 195

Yosemite Valley, Cal., 

Merced River in:

description.......................... 190

discharge............................ 191

gage heights......................... 191

Tenaya Creek in:

description.......................... 193

discharge............................ 193

Yosemite Valley, Oal. Continued.

Tenaya Creek in Continued. Page, 

discharge curve, figure showing...... 195

V gageheights......................... 196

Yosemite Creek in:

description.......................... 195

...................... 195

...................... 195

Yuba River basin, description of........... 145-146

stream flow in......................... 146-148

Yuba River near 

Smartsville, Cal.:

description........................ 146-147

discharge............................ 147

discharge, dally..................... 148

discharge, monthly.................. 148

gage heights......................... 147

gaging section, view of............... 146

gaging station, equipment of, view of. 146 

Yuma, Ariz.,

Colorado River at:

description.......................... 32

discharge............................ 33

discharge, daily..................... 34

discharge, monthly.................. 34

...................... 33-34

o