DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

GEORGE OTIS SMITH, DIRECTOR

WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 265

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY OF THE 

UNITED STATES

1909

PART V. HUDSON BAY AND UPPER 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASINS

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF M. 0. LEIGHTON

BY

ROBERT FOLLANSBEE, A. H. HORTON 

AND R. H. BOLSTER

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1911
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

GEORGE OTIS SMITH, DIRECTOR

WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 265

SURFACE WATER SUPPLY OF THE 

UNITED STATES

1909

PART V. HUDSON BAY AND UPPER 

MISSISSIPPI R1YER BASINS

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF M. 0. LEIGHTON

BY

ROBERT FOLLANSBEE, A. H. HORTON 

AND R. H. BOLSTER

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1911
CONTENTS.

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

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 Hudson Bay and upper Mississippi River basins. 29

Hudson Bay drainage basin............................................... 31

General features....................................................... 31

St. Mary River drainage basin......................................... 32

Description........................................................ 32

St. Mary River near Babb, Mont.................................... 33

St. Mary River near Cardston, Alberta.............................. 35

Swiftcurrent Creek near Babb, Mont ................................ 39

Red River drainage basin ............................................. 42

Description........................................................ 42

Ottertail River near Fergus Falls, Minn.............................. 47

Red River near Fergus Falls, Minn................................. 49

Red River at Fargo, N. Dak....................................... 51

Red River at Grand Forks, N. Dak................................. 54

Pelican River near Fergus Falls, Minn............................... 57

Wild Rice River at Twin Valley, Minn.............................. 58

Devils Lake near Devils Lake, N. Dak............................... 60

Red Lake River at Thief River Falls, Minn.......................... 60

Red Lake River at Crookston, Minn................................ 61

Thief River near Thief River Falls, Minn............................ 65

Clearwater River at Red Lake Falls, Minn.......................... 66

Pembina River at Neche, N. Dak................................... 68

Mouse River basin................................................. 70

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

Mouse River at Minot, N. Dak................................. 71

Evaporation at University, N. Dak.................................. 73

Rainy River drainage basin ........................................... 75

Description........................................................ 75

Rainy River at International Falls, Minn........................... 76

Little Fork River at Little Fork, Minn............................... 78

Big Fork River at Big Falls, Minn.................................. 79

Big Fork River near Laurel, Minn .................................. 80

Black River near Loman, Minn.................................... 81

3
4 CONTENTS.

Page.

Upper Mississippi River drainage basin .................................... 82

General description..................................................... 82

Mississippi River.................................................. 86

Mississippi River near Fort Ripley, Minn........................... 86

Mississippi River at Anoka, Minn .................................. 88

Prairie River drainage basin........................................... 94

Description.............. I......................................... 94

Prairie River near Grand Rapids, Minn............................. 94

Crow Wing River drainage basin....................................... 95

Description........................................................ 95

Crow Wing River at Motley, Minn................................... 97

Crow Wing River at Pillager, Minn.................................. 98

Long Prairie River near Motley, Minn.............................. 99

Sauk River drainage basin ..................".......................... 100

Description........................................................ 100

Sauk River near St. Cloud, Minn.................................... 101

Crow River drainage basin ............................................ 103

Description........................................................ 103

North. Fork of Crow River near Rockford, Minn....................... 104

Crow River at Rockford, Minn...................................... 105

South. Fork of Crow River near Rockford, Minn....................... 107

Rum River drainage basin ............................................ 109

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

Rum River at Onamia, Minn........................................ Ill

Rum River at Cambridge, Minn..................................... 113

Rum River near Anoka, Minn....................................... 114

Minnesota River drainage basin........................................ 116

Description........................................................ 116

Minnesota River near Odessa, Minn................................. 119

Minnesota River near Montevideo, Minn............................ 120

Chippewa River near Watson, Minn................................. 122

Redwood River near Redwood Falls, Minn.......................... 123

Cotton wood River near New Ulm, Minn............................ 124

Blue Earth River at Rapidan Mills, Minn............................ 125

St. Croix River drainage basin......................................... 126

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

Kettle River near Sandstone, Minn.................................. 128

Snake River at Mora, Minn......................................... 132

Cannon River drainage basin.......................................... 134

Description........................................................ 134

Cannon River at Welch, Minn....................................... 135

Chippewa River drainage basin........................................ 136

Description...................................... % ................. 136

Flambeau River survey............................................. 138

Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls, Wis............................. 139

Chippewa River near Eau Claire, Wis ............................... 142

Red Cedar River at Cedar Falls, Wis................................ 143

Zumbro River drainage basin.......................................... 144

Description...................................................... 144

Zumbro River at Zumbro Falls, Minn.............................. 145

Black River drainage basin............................................ 146

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

Black River survey................................................ 147

Black River at Neillsville, Wis.................................... 147
ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page. 

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

measurement .................................................. 18

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

III. Discharge, area, and mean velocity curves for Mississippi River at

Anoka,Minn ................................................. 88

IV. A, Typical low-head development, Crow River at Rockford, Minn.;

B, Dam of St. Louis River Power Company, Thompson, Minn.... 106 

6
CONTENTS. 5

Upper Mississippi River drainage basin Continued. , Page.

Boot River drainage basin............................................. 148

Description....................................................... 148

Root River neai Houston, Minn. . ................................. 150

Wisconsin River drainage basin........................................ 151

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

Wisconsin River survey........................................... 153

Eau Claire River survey.......................................... 154

Wisconsin River near Rhinelander, Wis............................. 154

Wisconsin River at Merrill, Wis..................................... 156

Wisconsin River near Necedah, Wis................................. 158

Wapsipinicon River drainage basin .................................... 159

Description...................................................... 159

Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa............................. 160

Rock River drainage basin............................................ 165

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

Rock River at Rockton, 111......................................... 167

Iowa River drainage basin ............................................ 167

Description...................................................... 167

Cedar River near Austin, Minn..................................... 169

Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa................................. 170

Des Moines River drainage basin ...................................... 171

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

Des Moines River at Jackson, Minn................................. 172

Illinois River drainage basin ....................................... - v.. 174

Description...................................................... 17 i

Sangamon River drainage basin.................................... ] 75

Description.................................................. 175

Sangamon River at Monticello, 111............................. 176

Sangamon River at Riverton, 111................................ 178

Sangamon River near Oakford, 111.............................. 181

South Fork of Sangamon River at Taylorville, III............... 183

Salt Creek near Kenney, 111.................................... 186

Cahokia Creek drainage basin.......................................... 189

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

 Cahokia Creek at Poag, 111....................................'..... 190

Kaskaskia River drainage basin........................................ 190

Description...................................................... 190

Kaskaskia River near Arcola, 111................................... 191

. Kaskaskia River at Shelbyville, 111................................ 194

Kaskaskia River at Vandalia, 111.................................... 197

Kaskaskia River at Carlyle, 111..................................... 200

Kaskaskia River at New Athens, 111................................ 203

Shoal Creek near Breese, 111....................................... 208

Silver Creek near Lebanon, 111............ ^........................ 210

Big Muddy River drainage basin ...................................... 213

Description . . ........'............................................ 213

Big Muddy River near Cambon, 111................................. 214

Beaucoup Creek near Pinckneyville, 111. .s.......................... 217

Miscellaneous measurements .......................................... 220

Summary of mean discharge per square mile ............................... 221

Index....................................................'............... 223
SURFACE WATER SUPPLY OE THE HUDSON BAY AND 

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIYER BASINS, 1909.

By ROBERT FOLLANSBEE, A. H. HORTON, and R. H. BOLSTER.

INTRODUCTION.

AUTHORITY FOR INVESTIGATIONS.

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

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

either independently or in cooperation with organizations mentioned 

herein. These investigations are authorized by the organic law of 

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

among other things, as follows:

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

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

Inasmuch as water is the most abundant and most valuable 

mineral in nature the investigation of water resources is included 

under the above provision for investigating mineral resources. The 

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

by appropriations in successive sundry civil bills passed by Congress 

under the following item:

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

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

The various appropriations that have been made for this purpose 

are as follows:

Annual appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30 

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

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

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

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

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

1907....-......-....-.-.....-.....----.--.-----..--..-.-.-.-..^:---- 150,000

1908 to 1910, inclusive.".. ................ 1....................' .iy.... 100,000

1911................... 'j^............................................. 150,000

7
8 SUEFACE WATEK SUPPLY, 1909, PART V. 

SCOPE OF INVESTIGATIONS.

These investigations are not complete nor do they include all the 

river systems or parts thereof that might purposefully be studied. 

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

The field covered is the widest and the character of the work is believed 

to be the best possible under the controlling conditions. The work 

would undoubtedly .have greater scientific importance and ultimately 

be of more practical value if the money now expended for wide areas 

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

is impossible because general appropriations made by Congress are 

applicable to all parts of the country. Each part demands its proportionate share of the benefits.

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

period of years long enough to determine within reasonable limits 

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

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

streams. Experience has shown that the records for some streams 

should cover from five to ten years, and for other streams twenty 

years or even more, the limit being determined by the relative importance of the stream and the interdependence of the results with other 

long-time records on adjacent streams.

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

highest degree of precision possible with a rational expenditure of 

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

all engineering work there is a point beyond which refinement is 

needless and wasteful, and this statement applies with especial force 

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

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

general sufficiently accurate for all practical purposes. Many of the 

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

reduction of appropriations and consequent abandonment of stations. 

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

incomplete records.

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

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

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

Alaska, has been investigated. During 1909 regular gaging stations 

were maintained by the survey and cooperating organizations at about 

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

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

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

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

papers from time to time.
INTRODUCTION. 9 

PURPOSES OF THE WORK.

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

land drainage, and flood prevention.

Navigation. The Federal Government has expended more than 

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

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

the intelligent solution of the many problems involved.

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

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

any irrigation system depends absolutely on the amount of water 

available. Therefore investigations of stream flow in that portion of 

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

lands but constitute an insurance of federal and private investments.

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

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

interest than the branches already named, it nevertheless has so 

broad a significance with respect to the general welfare that the Federal Government is ultimately and intimately concerned.

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

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

and the cost of steam power is increasing accordingly. Industrial 

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

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

affords the only avenue now open. When the electric transmission 

of power was accomplished the relation of our water powers to 

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

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

individual citizen is vitally interested. Inasmuch as the amount of 

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

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

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

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

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

When this land is drained it becomes exceedingly productive, and its 

value increases many fold. Such reclamation would add to the 

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

first consideration in connection with drainage projects. If by the 

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

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

upon to convey that overflow conditions are created in places where 

previously the land was not subject to inundation, then drainage 

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

Flood prevention. The damage from floods in the United States 

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

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

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

property of great regions should be reduced in the orderly progress 

of government. It goes without saying that any consideration of 

flood prevention must be based on a thorough knowledge of stream 

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

along the great lowland rivers.

PUBLICATIONS.

The data on stream flow collected by the United States Geological 

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

of the work and the territory covered by these different publications 

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

States Reclamation Service, the United States Forest Service, the 

United States Weather Bureau, and the United States Geological 

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

divided into twelve parts, whose boundaries coincide with certain 

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

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

lies between York and James rivers.

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

Part.

I

II

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 basins.

Part.

VI

VII 

VIII

IX

X

XI 

XII

No.

266

267 

268

269

270

271 

272

Title. ,

Missouri River Basin.

Lower Mississippi River Basin. 

Western Gulf ofMexico.

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.
INTRODTJCTlOEr. 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........

14th Ann., pt. 2........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

W. S. 35 to 39. .........

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

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

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

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

Descriptions, measurements, gage heights, ratings, and 

monthly discharge (also many data covering earlier years).

Descriptions, measurements, ratings, and monthly discharge 

(also similar data for some earlier years). 

Descriptions, measurements, and gage heights, eastern United 

States, eastern Mississippi River, and Missouri River above 

junction with Kansas. 

Descriptions, measurements, and gage heights, western Mississippi River below junction of Missouri and Platte, and western United States. 

Descriptions, measurements, ratings, and monthly discharge 

(also some long-time records). 

Measurements, ratings, and gage heights, eastern United 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. 

1884 to June 30, 

1891. 

1884 to Dec. 31, 

1892. 

4888 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 SURFACE, WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET V.

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

Atlantic coast and eastern 

Gulf of Mexico: 

New England rivers.. 

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

Susquehanna River to 

York River, incluJames Rivet to Yadkin River, inclusive. 

Santee River to Pearl 

River, inclusive. ....

Mississippi River:

Upper Mississippi 

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

Missouri River. . ......

Lower Mississippi 

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

Western Gulf of Mexico . . . 

Pacific coast and Great 

Basin:

South Pacific coast to 

Klamath River, inNorth Pacific coast.. . .

1899.0

35 

35

35

(35), 36

36 

36

36

| 36

(36), 37

} »

37 

(37), 38

38, (39)

38

1900.6

47 

47 fASft

48

48

48 

49

48, (49)

49

49, (50)

50

60 

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

1 (65), 

\66,75

66,75 

66,75

66,75

66,75

66,75

1902.

82 

82

82

(82), 83

83 

(82), 83

85

83

83

84

}(83),84

84 

85

85

85

85

1903.

97 

97

97

(97>, 98

98 

97

100

98

98, (99)

99

(98), 99

99 

100

100

100

100

1904.

124 

125

126

126

127 

129

130

128

128, 

(130)

130,

(131) 

(128), 

131

132 

f 133,

I (134) 

/ 133,

\ (134) 

134

135

1905.

165 

166

167

167

168 

170

171

169

}m

} 172

(169), 

173

174 

175,

(177) 

176,

(177)

177

/(177), 

\ 178

1906.

201 

202

203

203

204 

206

207

205

207

208

(205), 

209

210

l^id; 

212.

(<21d) 

213

} 214

1907-8.

241 

241

241

242

242 

244

245

243

245

246

I 247

248 

249,

(251) 

250,

(251) 

251

252

1909.

261 

261

261

262

262 

264

265

263

265

266

267

268 

269

(271) 

270,

\6tl)

271

272

Nuf&bers of water-supply papers containing data covering portions of drainage basins.

No.

128

130

131

134

169

177

205

213

251

271

River basin. Tributaries included.

James.......

Missouri....

Colorado....

Sacramento. 

Great Basin. 

Delaware... 

Ohio........

Missouri....

Lower Mississippi.. 

f James..............

\St. Lawrence......

Lower Mississippi.. 

'James..............

Lower Mississippi..

Upper Mississippi..

Lower Mississippi..

Upper Mississippi..

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

f Colorado...........

\Great Basin........

Lower Mississippi.. 

f Colorado...........

<Great Basin........

(North Pacific coast.

Lower Mississippi.. 

(Colorado...........

\Great Basin........

fCotorado...........

\Great Basin........

Gallatin.

Green, Gunnison, Grand above junction with Gunnison.

Except Kings and Kern.

Mohave.

Wissahickon and Schuylkill.

Scioto.

Loup and Platte near Columbus, Nebr. All tributaries below

junction with Platte. 

Yazoo.

Lake Ontario, tributaries to St. Lawrence River proper. 

Yazoo.

Do.

Tributaries from the west. 

Yazoo.

Tributaries from the west. 

Platte, Kansas.

Data near Yuma, Ariz., repeated. 

Susan, Owens, Mohave. 

Yazoo.

Below junction with Gila. 

Susan repeated, Owens, Mohave. 

Rogue, Umpqua, Siletz. 

Yazoo, Homochitto.

Data at Hardyville repeated; at Yuma, Salton Sea. 

Owens, Mohave.

Yuma and Salton Sea stations repeated. 

Owens River basin.
INTKODUCTIOET. 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 TEEMS.

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 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

"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 ac»e-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-feet.

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 2,823,200 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.
INTRODUCTION. 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.

mi,, , . ,, Sec.-ft.Xfall in feet To calculate water power quickly: ^i =net horsepower on water

wheel realizing 80 per cent of theoretical power.

EXPLANATION OF TABLES.

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

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

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

importance or interest.

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

and so far as available, the 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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

All gage heights during ice conditions, backwater from obstructions, 

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

is not applicable for such periods unless the proper correction to 

the gage heights is 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.
16 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

The discharge measurements and gage heights are the base data 

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

The rating table gives, either directly or b}T interpolation, the discharge in secondyfeet corresponding to every stage of the river recorded 

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

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

daily discharges for the purpose of verifying the published results as 

follows:

First plot the discharge measurements for the current and earlier 

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

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

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

range of stage given and the corresponding discharges for the days 

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

used and will lie among the plotted discharge measurements. After 

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

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

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

increasing or constant, except for known backwater conditions.

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

corresponding to the observed gage heights as determined from the 

rating tables.

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

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

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

mean for the day, it does not indicate correctty 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 01 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.
INTRODUCTION. 17

Slope method. Much information has been collected relative to the 

coefficients to be used in the Chezy formula, v = c-/Ks. This has 

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

determining the values of the coefficient n which appears therein. 

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

approximate, owing to the difficulty in obtaining accurate data and 

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

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

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

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

Survey. For full information regarding this method the reader is 

referred to the various textbooks on hydraulics.

Weir method. Relatively few stations are maintained at weirs or 

dams by the United States Geological Survey. Standard types of 

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

accurate coefficients have been experimentally obtained, give very 

accurate records of discharge if properly maintained. At practically 

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

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

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

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

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

turbines with imperfect ratings, and many others depending on the 

type of development and the uses of the diverted water.

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

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

experience of the United States Geological Survey, however, that 

records at current-meter gaging stations under unobstructed-channel 

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

the conditions are reasonably favorable are practically as good as 

those obtained at sharp-crested weirs .a

Velocity method. Streams in general present throughout their 

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

location of the measuring section with respect to these physical conditions, current-meter gaging stations may in general be divided into 

four classes (1) those with permanent conditions of flow; (2) those 

with beds which change only during extreme high water; (3) those

a 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 text-books on 

hydraulics. "Turbine water-wheel tests'and power tables" (Water-Supply Paper 180) treats of the 

discharge through turbines when used as mebers. The edition of the latter water-supply paper is nearly 

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

be obtained from, the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D, C., at a cost of 2.Q cents.

79483° WSP 265 11 2
18 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

with beds which change frequently but which do not cause a variation of more than about 5 per cent of the discharge curves from year to 

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

the daily flow different office methods are necessary for each class. 

The field data on which the determinations are based and the methods 

of collecting them are, however, in general the same.

Great care is taken in the selection and equipment of gaging 

stations for determining discharge by velocity measurements in order 

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

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

gage height and discharge will always remain constant for any given 

stage. The experience of engineers of the Geological Survey has 

been that permanency of conditions of flow is the prime requisite of 

any current-meter gaging station when maintained for several years, 

unless funds are available to cover all changes in conditions of flow. 

A straight, smooth section, without cross currents, backwater, boils, 

etc., at any stage is highly desirable, but on most streams is not 

attainable except at the expense of a cable equipment. Rough, 

permanent sections, if measurements are properly made by experienced engineers, taking measuring points at a distance apart of 2 

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

yield better results for a given outlay of money than semipermanent 

or shifting sections with smooth, uniform current. So far as possible, stations are located where the banks are high and not subject 

to overflow at high stages and out of the influence of tributary 

streams, dams, or other artificial obstructions which might affect 

the relation between gage height and discharge.

A gaging station consists essentially of a gage for determining the 

daily fluctuations of stage of the river and some structure or apparatus from which discharge measurements are made, usually a bridge 

or cable.

The two factors required to determine the discharge of a stream 

past a section perpendicular to the mean direction of the current 

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

to that section.

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

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

plane of the measuring section at which observations of depth and 

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

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

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

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

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 265 PLATE I

A. FOR BRIDGE MEASUREMENT.

B. FOR WADING MEASUREMENT. 

TYPICAL GAGING STATIONS.
INTRODUCTION. 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.0

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

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

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

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

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

the mean value obtained from several cross sections measured between 

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

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

used and uncertainty regarding the proper coefficient to apply t6 the 

observed velocity.6

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.0

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

& Further information regarding this method Is given in Water-Supply Paper 95 and in the various 

text-books covering the general subject of stream flow. The edition of this paper is nearly exhausted. 

It can, however, be consulted at most of the larger libraries of the country, or can be obtained from the 

Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C., at a cost of 15 cents.

cSee Hoyt, J. C., and others, use and care of the current meter as practiced by the United States Geological Survey: Trans. Am. Soc. C. E., vol. 66,1910, p. 70.
20 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

ments, to record by the acoustic method; the meter is shown on the 

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

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

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

The revolutions are indicated electrically. The rating or relation 

between the velocity of the moving water and the revolutions of the 

wheel is determined for each meter by drawing it through still water 

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

revolutions for each run. From these data a rating table is prepared which gives the velocity per second of moving water ifor 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 ofi^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 a completed measurement 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
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 265 PLATE II

SMALL PRICE CURRENT METERS.
INTRODUCTION. 21

for which the coefficient for reducing to mean velocity has been 

determined or must be assumed.

Extensive experiments by means of vertical velocity curves show 

that the thread of mean velocity generally occurs between 0.5 and 

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

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

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

large number of vertical velocity curve measurements, taken on 

many streams and under varying conditions, show that the average 

coefficient for reducing the velocity obtained at 0.6 depth to mean 

velocity is practically unity. The variation of the coefficient from 

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

0.8 method and the general results are not as satisfactory.

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

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

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

the subsurface method. The coefficient for reducing the velocity 

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

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

method is especially adapted for flood measurements or when the 

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

position for the other methods.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

rapid enough to vitiate the accuracy of the resulting velocity.

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

owing to diversity and instability of conditions during the whiter 

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

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

frequent discharge measurements during the frozen periods'by the 

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

accurate record of the conditions, such as the gage height to the surface of the water as it rises ha 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."

oFor information in regard to flow under ice cover see Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey Nc. 187.
22 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1§09, PART V.

OFFICE METHODS OF COMPUTING AND STUDYING DISCHARGE AND

RUN-OFF.

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

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

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

The rating tables prepared from these curves are then applied to 

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

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

are computed.

Rating curves are drawn and studied with special reference to 

the class of channel conditions which they represent. The discharge 

measurements for all classes of stations when plotted with gage 

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

define rating curves which are more or less generally parabolic in 

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

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

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

discharge curve and to determine and eliminate erroneous measurements.

For every rating table the following assumptions are made for the 

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

of and increases gradually with the stage; (&) 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
INTRODUCTION. 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. 

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

basins.

Class 2 is confined mainly to stations on rough mountainous 

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

comparatively permanent during low and medium stages, and when 

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

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

possible to make measurements covering the time of change at flood 

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

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

recorded during the flood. Hence the only uncertain period occurs 

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

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

in the upper Missouri River drainage basin.

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

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

funds as 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 precentage 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 past history 

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

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

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

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

high stage a relatively constant condition of flow occurs at medium 

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

smooth curve which is practically parallel to the standard curve with 

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

at stations with semipermanent and shifting channels. It is not 

absolutely correct, but, with few exceptions, answers ail 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 ^,t some controlling point below. The change is, of course, fundamentally due to 

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

measuring section. For all except small streams the changes in sec-
24 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

tion usually occur at the bottom. The following simple but typical 

examples illustrate this law:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(6) 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 a weir or 

rocky controlling point, the area curve will remain the same as 

before the change, and it can be shown that here again the change 

in velocity curve is such that it will produce a new discharge curve 

essentially parallel to the original discharge curve with respect to 

their ordinates.

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

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

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

If these changes are very radical and involve large percentages of 

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

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

which tend to produce a new parallel discharge curve may interfere 

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

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

measuring section would more properly fall under class 4 and would 

require very frequent measurements of discharge. Special stress is 

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

utilization of this law will yield the most probable results.

Slight changes at low or medium stages of an oscillating character 

are usually averaged by a mean curve drawn among them parallel 

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

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

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

found in the south Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico 

drainage basins.

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

Good results can be obtained from such sections only by frequent
INTEODTJCTTON. 25

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

measurements are plotted and a mean or standard curve drawn 

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

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

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

measurement the rating curve for that day passes through that 

measurement. For days between successive measurements it is 

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

for the intervening days are equally spaced between the ratings 

passing through the two measurements. This method must be 

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

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

type are found in the Platte, Arkansas, Rio Grande, and Lower 

Colorado drainage basins.

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

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

slide rule have been generally used. All computations are carefully 

checked.

After the computations have been completed they are entered in 

tables and carefully studied and intercompared to eliminate or 

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

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

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

notes accompanying such estimates follow the daily and monthly 

discharge tables.

For most of the northern stations estimates have been made of 

the monthly discharge during frozen periods. These are based on 

measurements under ice conditions wherever available, daily records 

of temperature and' precipitation obtained from the United States 

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

adjacent streams. Although every care possible is used in making 

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

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

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

character are better than none at all, and serve the purpose of indicating in a relative way the proportionate amount of flow during the 

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

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

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

is involved in doing so.
26 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF FIELD DATA AND COMPARATIVE

RESULTS.

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

observation. Inasmuch as the errors of meter measurements are 

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

much more accurate than the individual measurements. Numerous 

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

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

usually gives results that are much more reliable than those from 

stations at dams, where uncertainty regarding the coefficient and 

complicated conditions of flow prevail.

The work is, of course, dependent on the reliability of the 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-
iNTKODTJCTION. 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 tables does not 

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

the monthly mean. It is based on the accuracy of the rating, the 

probable reliability of the observer, and knowledge of local conditions. 

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

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

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

USE OF THE DATA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

year nearly always 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 five or ten 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 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
28 SUEFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909,, PABT V.

the United States Geological Survey for publication. When such 

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

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

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

completely verify all such records furnished because of lack of funds 

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

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

information regarding stream flow at the particular localities. The 

Survey does not, however, assume any responsibility for inaccuracies 

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

reasonably good.

COOPEEATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Assistance has been rendered or records furnished by the following, 

to whom special acknowledgment is due: United States Engineer 

Corps, United States Reclamation Service, United States Weather 

Bureau, Minnesota and Ontario Power Company, St. Anthony 

Falls Water Power Company, Kettle River Quarries Company, Great 

Northern Development Company, Great Northern Power Company, 

Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company, Chippewa Valley Railway, Light and Power Company, Chippewa Lumber and Boom 

Company, New Athens Journal, Mr. Frank Dearborn.

The State of Illinois cooperates in the stream-gaging work in that 

State, the appropriation being under the control of the Internal 

Improvement Commission, Isham Randolph, chairman.

The work in Minnesota during 1909 has been done with State 

cooperation under the terms of an act of the legislature of 1909, as 

embodied in the following sections:

SECTION 1. The State Drainage Commission of the State of Minnesota is hereby 

authorized and directed to cause to be made a topographical survey of the several 

watersheds of the State for the purpose of securing data from which complete plans 

for a uniform system of drainage may be prepared.

SEC. 6. The Drainage Commission of the State of Minnesota as hereby authorized 

to cooperate with the United States in the execution of drainage or topographical 

surveys in any county in this State, whenever said Drainage Commission deems it 

expedient and in the best interest of the State so to do.

The work has been carried on in conjunction with the State Drainage Commission, George A. Ralph, chief engineer.

The Minnesota State Board of Health (Dr. H. M. Bracken, secretary) cooperated in the survey of Mille Lac Lake, which was made 

to determine its availability for storage.
GAGING STATIONS. 29 

DIVISION OF WORK.

The field data for the Hudson Bay drainage area were collected 

under the direction of J. E. Stewart and Robert Follansbee, district 

engineersr assisted by W. A. Lamb, E. F. Chandler, G. A. Gray, and 

J. O. JSTomland.

The field data for the upper Mississippi drainage basin were collected under the direction of Robert Follansbee and A. H. Horton, 

district engineers, assisted by G. A; Gray, C. R. Adams, C. B. Gibson, 

C. J. Emerson, R. J. Taylor, W. M. O'Neill, and H. J. Jackson.

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

were made by Robert Follansbee, A. H. Horton, W. A. Lamb, R. H. 

Bolster, and E. F. Chandler.

The computations and preparation of the completed data for 

publication were made under the direction of R. H. Bolster, assistant 

engineer, by W. A. Lamb, G. C. Stevens, H. D. Padgett, R. C. Rice, 

J. G. Mathers, and M. I. Walters. The report was edited by Mrs. 

B. D. Wood.

GAGING STATIONS MAINTAINED IN HUDSON BAY AND 

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASINS.

The following list comprises the gaging stations maintained in 

Hudson Bay and upper Mississippi River basins by the United States 

Geological Survey and cooperative parties. Data for these stations 

have been published in the reports listed on pages 11 and 12. The 

stations are arranged by river basins, in downstream order, tributaries 

of main streams being indicated by indention, as described on page 13.

HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN.

St. Mary River at Main, Mont., 1901-2.

St. Mary River near Babb (formerly Dam Site), Mont., 1902-1909.

St. Mary River near Cardston, Alberta, 1902-1909.

Swiftcurrent Creek near Babb (formerly Wetzel), Mont., 1902-1909.

Kennedy Creek near Babb (formerly Wetzel), Mont., 1903-1906. 

Ottertail River (head of Red River), near Fergus Falls, Minn., 1904-1909. 

Red River at Fargo, N. Dak., 1901-1909.

Red River at Grand Forks, N. Dak., 1901-1909 (gage height record 1895-1901). 

Red River at Emerson, Manitoba, 1902.

Pelican River near Fergus Falls, Minn., 1909.

Sheyenne River at Haggart, N. Dak., 1902-1907.

Devils Lake near Devils Lake, N. Dak., 1901-1909.

Wild Rice River at Twin Valley, Minn., 1909.

Red Lake River at Thief River Falls, Minn., 1909.

Red Lake River at Crookston, Minn., 1901-1909. 

Thief River near Thief River Falls, Minn., 1909. 

Clearwater at Red Lake Falls, Minn., 1909.

Pembina River at Neche, N. Dak., 1903-1909.
30 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Mouse River near Foxholm, N. Dak., 1904-1906.

Mouse River at Minot, N. Dak., 1903-1909.

Des Lacs River at Foxholm, N. Dak., 1904-1906. 

Rainy River at International Falls, Minn., 1909.

Little Fork Rainy River at Little Fork, Minn., 1909. 

Big Fork River at Big Falls, Minn., 1909. 

Big Fork River near Laurel, Minn., 1909. 

Black River near Loman, Minn., 1909.

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

Mississippi River near Fort Ripley, Minn., 1909. 

Mississippi River near Sauk Rapids, Minn., 1903-1906. 

Mississippi River at Anoka, Minn., 1905-1909. 

Mississippi River at St. Paul, Minn. 3 1895-1901. 

Prairie River near Grand Rapids, Minn., 1909. 

Crow Wing River at Motley, Minn., 1909. 

Crow Wing River at Pillager, Minn., 1903 and 1909. 

Long Prairie River near Motley, Minn., 1909. 

Sauk River near St. Cloud, Minn., 1909. 

Crow River, North Fork, near Rockford, Minn., 1909. 

Crow River at Rockford, Minn., 1909. 

Crow River near Dayton, Minn., 1906.

South Fork of Crow River near Rockford, Minn., 1909. 

Rum River at Onamia, Minn., 1909. 

Rum River at Cambridge, Minn., 1909. 

Rum River at St. Francis, Minn., 1903. 

Rum River near Anoka, Minn., 1905-1909. 

Minnesota River near Odessa, Minn., 1909. 

Minnesota River near Montevideo, Minn., 1909. 

Minnesota River near Mankato, Minn., 1903-1906.

Chippewa River near Watson, Minn., 1909.

Redwood River near Redwood Falls, Minn., 1909. ,

Cotton wood River near New Ulm, Minn., 1909.

Blue Earth River at Rapidan Mills, Minn., 1909. 

St. Croix River:

Kettle River near Sandstone, Minn., 1909.

Snake River at Mora, Minn., 1909. 

Cannon River at Welch, Minn., 1909. 

Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls, Wis., 1899-1909. 

Chippewa River near Eau Claire, Wis., 1902-1909.

Flambeau River near Ladysmith, Wis., 1903-1906.

Red Cedar River at Cedar Falls, Wis., 1907-1909.

Red Cedar River at Menominee, Wis., 1907-8. 

Zumbro River at Zumbro Falls, Minn., 1909. 

Black River at Neillsville, Wis., 1905-1909. 

Black River at Melrose, Wis., 1902-3. 

Root River near Houston, Minn., 1909. 

Wisconsin River near Rhinelander, Wis., 1905-1909. 

Wisconsin River at Merrill, Wis., 1902-1909. 

Wisconsin River near Necedah, Wis., 1902-1909. 

Wisconsin River at Muscoda, Wis., 1902-3. 

Maquoketa River at Manchester, Iowa, 1903. 

Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa, 1903-1909. 

Rock River above mouth of Pecatonica River at Rockton, 111., 1903. 

. Rock River below mouth of Pecatonica River at Rockton, 111., 1903-1909. 

Rock River near Nelson, 111., 1906.
HUDSON BAY DKAINAGE BASIN. 31

Rock River at Sterling, 111., 1905-6.

Catfish River at Madison, Wia., 1902-3.

Lake Mendota at Madison, Wis., 1902-3. 

Iowa River at Marshall town, Iowa, 1903. 

Iowa River at Iowa City, Iowa, 1903-1906.

Cedar River near Austin, Minn., 1909.

Red Cedar River at Janesville, Iowa, 1905-6.

Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 1903-1909. 

Des Moines River at Fort Dodge, Iowa, 1905-6. 

Des Moines River at Des Moines, Iowa, 1902-3, 1905-6. 

Des Moines at Keosauqua, Iowa, 1903-1906.

Raccoon River near Des Moines, Iowa, ]902-3. 

Illinois River near Minooka, 111., 1903-4. 

Illinois River, near Seneca, 111., 1903. 

Illinois River at Ottawa, 111., 1903-4. 

Illinois River near La Salle, 111., 1903. 

Illinois River near Peoria, 111., 1903-1906.

Kankakee River at Davis, Ind., 1905-6.

Kankakee River at Momence, 111., 1905-6. 

Yellow River at Knox, Ind., 1905-6.

Desplaines River above mouth of Jackson Creek near Channahon, 111., 1903- 

1906.

Desplaines River above Kankakee River, near Channahon, 111., 1902-3.

Fox River at Sheridan, 111., 1905-6.

Fox River at Ottawa, 111., 1903.

Sangamon River at Monticello, 111., 1908.

Sangamon River at Decatur, 111., 1905.

Sangamon River at Riverton, 111., 1908-9.

Sangamon River near Springfield, 111., 1903.

Sangamon River near Oakford, 111., 1909.

Sangamon River near Chandlerville, 111., 1908.

Sangamon River, South Fork, near Taylorville, 111., 1908-9. 

Salt Creek near Kenney, 111., 1908-9. 

Cahokia Creek at Poag, 111., 1909. 

Kaskaskia River near Arcola, 111., 1908-9. 

Kaskaskia River at Shelbyville, 111., 1908-9. 

Kaskaskia River at Vandalia, 111., 1908-9. 

Kaskaskia River at Carlysle, 111., 1908-9. 

Kaskasfcia River at New Athens, 111., 1909.

Shoal Creek near Breese, 111., 1909.

Silver Creek near Lebanon, 111., 1908-9. 

Big Muddy River near Cambon, 111., 1908-9. 

Beaucoup Creek near Pinckneyville, 111., 1908-9.

HUDSON BAY DKAINAGE BASIN.

GENERAL FEATURES.

All the waters that reach Hudson Bay from the United States pass 

through Lake Winnipeg and thence into the bay through Nelson 

River. The principal tributaries of Lake Winnipeg, and thus, indirectly, of Nelson River, are Saskatchewan, Red, and Winnipeg rivers. 

The Saskatchewan drains the major portions of the Provinces of 

Alberta and Saskatchewan, in the Dominion of Canada, and, through
32 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

St. Mary River, a small area in northwestern Montana, in the United 

States. Red River drains a large basin in the United States, covering portions of Minnesota and North and South Dakota. Winnipeg 

River is the outlet of Lake of the Woods, which receives Rainy River, 

an international stream rising in Rainy Lake.

ST. MARY RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

St. Mary River heads in northern Montana, near the Canadian 

boundary line, on the eastern slope of the main range of the Rocky 

Mountains, in a region of perpetual snow and in the midst of innumerable glaciers. It starts from the great Blackfoot Glacier, probably the largest in the Rocky Mountains within the United States, 

and receives affluents from at least a dozen lesser glaciers. These 

small streams unite within a short distance from their source and flow 

into a lake which is hemmed in by high mountains and is known as 

Upper St. Mary Lake. Below this lake and separated from it by a 

narrow strip of land is Lower St. Mary Lake. The aggregate length 

of these two lakes is about 22 miles. The river flows out of the lower 

lake, the elevation of which is 4,460 feet above sea level, and within 

2 miles is joined by Swiftcurrent Creek, which is fed by waters of 

Grinnell Glacier and four small glaciers. From the confluence of 

these streams to the international boundary, a distance of 12 miles, 

the St. Mary flows in a northerly direction, receiving Kennedy Creek 

a few miles before crossing the boundary. Entering the Province of 

Alberta it empties into Belly River, its waters eventually finding 

their way through the Saskatchewan into Hudson Bay. a

That portion of the drainage area below the region of glaciers is 

heavily forested, the timber consisting of spruce and fir on the higher 

slopes and a dense growth of willows and aspen on the lower portions.

The mean annual precipitation is about 60 inches, and occurs in 

greater part in the form of snow. The altitude of the drainage basin 

within the United States ranges from 4,000 feet to 10,000 feet.

The only diversion from the St. Mary in the United States is that 

which is being made by the United States Reclamation Service in 

connection with the Milk River project. It is proposed to reservoir 

Lower St. Mary Lake and divert 850 second-feet of water into the 

Milk River drainage basin. Both Upper and Lower St. Mary lakes 

can be made into storage reservoirs. Water power is not important 

in this basin, as the many small streams which form the river are frozen 

over during the winter months.

a Information and data on stations maintained by the Dominion of Canada in this basin are contained m 

a Report of Progress of Stream Measurements for 1909, published by the. Department of Interior, Dominion, 

of Canada.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 33

ST. MARY RIVER NEAR BABB, MONT.

This station, which was established April 9, 1902, for the purpose 

of procuring run-off data for use in connection with irrigation projects 

on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation and in the Milk River Valley, is 

located below Lower St. Mary Lake, above the mouth of Swiftcurrent 

Creek, the nearest tributary, and about 2 miles south of Babb. The 

run-off at this point is that from. Upper and Lower St. Mary lakes. 

The drainage area is 177 square miles. No water is diverted above 

the station, but the United States Reclamation Service has appropriated 850 second-feet of water which will be diverted near the station. A reservoir will also be formed at Lower St. Mary Lake.

Discharge measurements are made from a cable or by wading. The 

cable was originally located about 4,500 feet below Lower St. Mary 

Lake and about 2,500 feet above the mouth of Swiftcurrent Creek. 

It was moved about 300 feet upstream to a better location on September 13, 1909. The chain gage, which is located about 1,000 feet above 

the original cable, has been maintained at a constant datum since the 

station was established.

Discharge measurements of St. Mary River near Babb, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 27. ........

July 0... .......

July?..........

SSD temper 14 ^

October 13 &. . . .

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

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

J E. Stewart. ......................................

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

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

Width,

Feet. 

96

110

98

98

Q7

97

97

106

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

219

407

352

359

333

330

313

88

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.98

4.42

4.40

4.39

1.80

1.80

1.76

1.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

QOQ

2,440

2 91O

2

orn

OC£*

QOO

235

a Made from new cable station. 

79483° WSP 265 11 3

& Made by wading above gage.
34 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily gage height, in feet, of St. Mary River near Babb, Mont., for 1909. 

[Herman S. Bruce, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

8.-.......---...

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

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

19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

1.15

1.15

1.35

Feb.

1 9P;

1.3

1.3

Mar.

1.3

1.35

1.3

.......

Apr.

1.15 

1.15

1.15

May.

1.25

1.25

1 9P;

1.3

1.35

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.6

1.75

1.75

2.05

2 05

2.1

2.15

2.3

2.4

2.75

3.0 

3.05

3.05

A 1 C

June.

4.15

4.6

5.5

5.65

5.05

5.05

4.85

4.85

4.6

4.4

4.35

4.5

4.65

4.65

4.05

5.6

5

fiC

5

0

5.45

5.15

5.0

4.45

4.3

4.45

4.05

July.

3.95

4.05

4.35

4.35

4.35

4.1

4. 1

3.95

3.7

3.6

3.45

3.35

3.35

3.3

3.25

9 7

2.25

2.05

1.95

2.05

2.55

2.9

3.4

3.3

Aug.

3.25

2.80

2.75

2.65

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.6

9 Z^

2.6

2.45

2.5

2.45

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.35

2.25

Sept.

2.25

2,35

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.25

2.25

2.35

2.35

2.15

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

Oct.

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.35 

1.3

1.25

1.25

Nov.

1.25

1.25

1.5

1.75

1.85

2.2

2.15

2.1

1.85

1.95

2.05

2.0

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.8

2.05

1.95

2.05

2.05

"2." 65'

2.1

Dec.

2.25

1.85

1. 7

1.6

1.45

1.35

1.3

1.3

NOTE. Ice conditions prevailed from January 1 to some time in April, and from November 23 to December 31. Gage heights during ice periods are to water surface.
. . _ HTJDSOU .BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. . 35 

Daily discharge, 'in seton'd-feel, of Sf. Mary River'near Babb, Mont., for '1909.

Day.

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

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

3.................................... 4...:..-.....:........................

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

6.................................... 7..........:.........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

136

136

136

May.

161

161

161

161

161

161

252

252

235

252

270

326

346

450

450

471

493

682

560

605

605

795

918

950

985

985

1,960

June.

1,960

2 460

3 7nfi

2,980

2 ggo

2,740

2 460

2,240

2,180

2,260

2,520

2,520

1 860

3^640

3,700

3,900

3,460

3,100

2,920

2,300

2,130

2,080

2,300

1,960

1,860

July.

1,760

1,860

2 ncn

2,180

2,180

1,910

1,910

1,760

1,510

1,420

1,200

1,200

1,160

1,130

855

765

682

538

450

407

450

682

795

885

1,200

1,240

1,160

' Aug.

1,130

1,070

1,040

979

948

917

886

855

825

825

795

765

738

710

710

682

710

630

655

G30

630

605

605

582

582

538

538

582

Sept.

538

582

582

c^n

538

538

493

366

366

366

366

326

326

307

288

288

288

279

270

261

252

252

252

252

252

252

Oct.

252 °52

9 CO

9 co

9C.9

244

OQK

944

252

244

235

OQC

235

219

203

203

188

203

188

188

188

181

174

188

174

161

101

Nov.

161

161

235

326

OCA

515

493

471

366

407

450

346

366

3S6

346

4C.D

443

436

421

414

407

428

450

450

450

450

450

471

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 174 and 2,350 secondfeet. The open-channel rating was used for November 23-30, as it is believed that the ice conditions did 

not seriously affect the flow.

Discharges interpolated for days between April 28 and November 30, when the gage was not read.

Monthly discharge of St. Mary River near Babb, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 177 square miles.]

Month.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,960 

3,900 

2,180 

1,130 

605 

252 

515

Minimum.

161 

1,860 

407 

538 

252 

161 

161

Msan.

479 

2,670 

1,320

775 

386 

217 

399

Per 

square 

mile.

2.71 

15.1 

7.46 

4.38 

2.18 

1.23 

2.25

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

3.12 

16.85 

8.60 

5.05 

2.43 

1.42 

2.51

Total in 

acre-feet.

29,500 

159, 000 

81,200 

47, 700 

23,000 

13,300 

23,700

377,000

Accuracy.

A. 

B.

A. 

B.

A. 

A. 

A.

ST. MARY RIVER NEAR CARDSTON, ALBERTA.

This station was established September 4, 1902, near Shaw's ranch, 

one-fourth mile north of the boundary line between the United States 

and Canada and 17 miles south of Cardston, Alberta, for the purpose
36 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

of obtaining data for use in connection with irrigation projects in the 

Milk River valley.

The station is 6 miles below the mouth of Kennedy Creek, the last 

tributary entering from the United States. With the exception 

of the area drained by Boundary Creek, a small stream entering 

a short distance above the station, the drainage basin lies within 

the United States. The total area drained is 452 square miles.

The only diversion above the station is that which is being made 

at Babb by the United States Reclamation Service in connection 

with the Milk River project. About 850 second-feet of water will 

tie diverted into the Milk River drainage basin.

The chain gage was originally located about 1,200 feet above the 

cable. This gage was destroyed during the highwater of June, 1908, 

and a new chain gage was installed July 17, 1908, about one-fourth 

mile below the cable. There is no determined relation between the 

gages. An auxiliary staff gage with the same datum as the chain 

gage, was established October 14, 1909, and was used during low 

water. Results at this station are affected by shifting channel and 

heavy ice during the winter months.

Discharge measurements are made from the cable or by wading.

Monthly estimates for June to December, 1908, computed by 

means of data procured since the high water of June, 1908, are included 

in this report. /

Discharge measurements of St. Mary River near Cardston, Alberta, in 1909.

Date.

July 8 a........

October 14 6....

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

186

151

101

97

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

681

505

241

207

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.15

5.20

1.47

1.16

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4,350

3,020

527

387

a Made from highway bridge at Kimball, 7 miles by river below the gaging station. 

6 Made from cable.

NOTE. A canal that heads just above the bridge at Kimball was diverting 486 and 420 second-feet on 

June 14 and July 8 respectively. These amounts have been included in the discharge for measurements 

made on these dates.
HUDSON BAY DKAINAGE BASIN. 37

Daily gage height, in feet, of St. Mary River near Cardston, Alberta, for 1909. 

[Veraon Shaw, 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........................... 01

Apr.

2.6

3.2

3.75

3.8

3.85

May.

3.06

4.2

3.6

3.1

2.8

2.6

2.75

2.75

3.1

3.2

3.0

3.0

3.3

3.35

3.25

3.1

3.05

3.4

4.0

4.15

4.35

4.65

5.1

5.4

5.65

5.85

5.9

5.9

5

QC

June.

6.2

6.55

6.8

6.85

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.35

6.1

6.0

5.85

6.0

6.0

6.3

6.4

6.5

6

CK

6.65

6.75

6.85

6.5

6.3

6.1

5.9

5.6

5.25

5.15

5.1

July.

5.2

5.2

5.3

5.3

5.35

5.35

5.3

5.2

4.9

4.75

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.2

4.1

4.0

4.0

3.9

3 7

3.6

3.5

3.35

3.35

3.3

3.5

4.5

6.6

6.6

5.0

Aug.

........

Sept.

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Oct.

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

.95

.9

.85

.85

.85

.«S

.8

Nov.

0.75

.85

1.05

1.5

2.05

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.4

1.45

1.45

1.6

1.55

1.6

1.8

2.15

2.0

2.15

2.2

2.15

Dec.

2.15

2.0

1.9

1.75

1.4

1.3

1.55

' 1.55

NOTE. Ice conditions prevailed from January 1 to about April 22, and from November 21 to December 31.
38 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of-St. Mary River near Cardstbn, Alberta, for 1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16.................*.........

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

18, ..........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1909. ' 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

255

255

255

345

255

255

255

240

225

240

272

325

388

455

505

.532

620

830

1,060

1,280

1,510

1,580

1,710

1,780

1,860

1,780

1 640

1,510

1 ' 390

700

1 380

1,430

1,480

May.

1,340

1,390

1,390

1,450

1,510

1,720

1,930

2,440

2,630

2,730

2,730

3,040

3,150

3,150

3,260

3,260

3,040

2,740

2,440

2,440

2,260

2,090

2,090

3,720

3,260

2,630

2 630

3,490

895

QQC

1,810

1,260

920

780

7nn

760

760

920

975

870

870

1,070

1,000

920

895

1,610

1,760

1 980

2,320

2,560

2,880

3,280

3,910

3,980

3,980

4,050

June.

5,360

4,960

4,450

6,440

18,000

17,000

15,000

13,000

11,000

9,000

7,400

7,000

6,400

5,900

5,500

5,400

5,100

4,800

4,400

4 200

3,900

3,600

3,100

3,100

"2,900

3,100

3,100

3,000

2,900

2,700

4,410

4,940

5,310

5,380

5,160

5,160

5,160

5,160

A Ofif)

4,120

4,120

4,120

4,560

4,710

A Qfift

4,940

5,080

5,240

5,380

4,860

4,560

4,260

3,980

3,770

3,560

3,080

2,940

2,880

July.

2,580

2,580

2,750

2,800

3,000

3,050

3,000

2,800

2,800

2,850

2,850

2,850

2,800

3,000

2,850

3,000

2,800

2,800

2,750

2,550

2,450

2,350

2,350

2,350

2,300

2,100

1,560

1,430

1,340

1 260

1,180

3,010

3,140

3,140

3,210

3,210

3,140

2,140

2,140

2 030

1,810

1,710

1,610

1,520

1,340

1,180

1,070

1,070

1 040

1,180

5,010

5,010

2,750

2,750

Aug.

1,180

1,100

1,100

1,040

1,006

975

948

920

895

882

870

848

825

780

760

700

640

640

640

620

740

660

740

700

720

700

545

545

336

328

Sept.

475

458

458.

458

458

449

440

440

440

440

440

440

458

475

475

492

510

510

492

475

475

475

475

475

475

440

425

425

440

545

495

AQK

495

450

450

450

Oct.

440

425

. 425.

425.

418

' 410

... 410

410

495

380

380

365

380

528

601

640

640

660

620

545

528

510

510

528

492

492

475

475

475

475

466

405

385

385

365

365

365

365

365

365

330

330

315

300

288

288

288

288

275

Nov.

458

458

475

475

475

458

458

458

458

458

475

475

475

492

484

475

440

440

475

510

528

528

510

510

492.

475'

458.

410.

425.

458.

265"

288

348

545

828

800

745

745

720

720

695

645

620

595

495

520

520

595

570

Dec.

510

545

545

564

564

573

582

564

NOTE. These discharges, except those for June 5 to July 26,1908, are based on rating curves applicable as 

follows: April 1 to June 4, 1908, well denned; July 27, 1908, to July 31, 1909, fairly well defined between 

325 and 870 second-feet and between 2,140 and 4,860 second-feet; poorly denned between 870 and 2,140 second-feet; September 18 to November 20, 1909, not well defined.

Discharges June 5 to July 26,1908, were obtained by hydrograph comparison with St. Mary River near 

Babb, Mont.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 39

Monthly discharge of St. Mary River near Cardston, Alberta, for 1908-9. 

fDrainage area, 452 square miles.)

Month.

190S.

April.......................

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

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

1909. 

April 23-27. ................

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

October 14-31. . .............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,800 

3,720 

18,000 

3,050 

1,180 

510 

660 

528

1,480 

4,050 

5,380 

5,010 

545 

405 

828

Minimum.

225 

1,340 

2,700 

1,180 

528 

425 

365 

410

700 

700 

2,880 

1,040 

450 

275 

265

Mean.

50 

100 

 225 

844 

2,490 

6,390 

2,490 

785 

462 

485 

472 

125

1,240

1,190 

1,750 

4,480 

2,330 

479 

337 

593

Per 

square 

mile.

0.111 

.221 

.498 

1.87 

5.51 

14.1 

5.51 

1.74 

1.02 

1.07 

1.04 

.277

2.75

2.63 

3.87 

9.91 

5.15 

1.06 

.746 

1.31

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.13 

.24 

.57 

2.09 

6.35 

15.73 

6.35 

2.01 

1.14 

1.23 

1.16 

.32

37.32

0.49 

4.46 

11.06 

5.94 

.32 

.50 

.97

Total in 

acre-feet.

3,070 

5,750 

13,800 

50,200 

1-53 OOP 380, oa

153,000 

48,300 

27,500 

29.800 

28,100 

7,690

900,000

11,800 

108,000 

267,000 

143,000 

7,600 

12,000 

23,500

Accuracy.

D. D.' 

D. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

D.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B.

a, Ice conditions and discharge estimated. 

SWIFTCURRENT CREEK NEAR BABB, MONT.

This station, which is located about 1 mile from the mouth of the 

stream, at a point where it leaves the foothills, and about 2 miles 

south of Babb, was established April 8, 1902, to obtain data for use in 

connection with irrigation projects on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation and in the Milk River valley.

No water is diverted or stored above* this station. The construction of storage reservoirs is, however, feasible, and because of the 

great fall of the stream considerable power could be developed. 

Although the current is swift the flow during the winter months is 

to some extent affected by ice.

Discharge measurements are made from a cable or by wading. 

The cable has been located at different positions since the station 

was first established. Low-water measurements are made by wading 

near the gage.

The,first gage was destroyed by high water in June, 1902, and the 

station was reestablished July 30, 1902, at a point 1,800 feet above 

the first gage. It was again moved September 27, 1902, to a point 

about 900 feet farther upstream and set at a different datum. At 

this location it remained until it was destroyed by the flood of June 

5, 1908. July 26, 1908, the gage was reestablished, with a new 

datum, about 100 feet above its former location and 400 feet above 

the present cable.
40 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Discharge measurements of Swiftcurrent Creek near Babb, Mont., in 1909.

Date.

May 27.. .......

June 13.........

July?.. ........

Hydrographer.

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

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

J. E. Stewart . ......................................

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

120

115

85

48

51

58

Area of

section.

Sq.ft. 

240

207

188

81

75

71

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.83

4.23

3.95

2.72

2.67

2.76

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,890

1.220

958

143

129

147

« Made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Swiftcurrent Creek near Babb, Mont., for 1909. 

[Herman S. Brace, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

21........:......

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

2.2

2.15

2.25

1

2.3

Feb.

2.2

2.15

2.2

Mar.

9 3

2.3

9 3Pi

2.4

2 OK

2.4

Apr.

9 515

2.6

9 r^

a

rc

9 ^

9 f^

2.6

2 65

o o=

3 q

May.-

3

AZ

3.45

3.55

3.55

q A&

3.35

q OK

2.95

2.85

ao0 QK

q qc

3.6

3.55

3.75

q Q

3 9

q QC

4.85

4.75

4.75

June.

4.95

5.15

5.3

4.85

4.7

A 7K

4.95

5.15

4.85

4.75

4.65

4 65

4.6

A AK

4.65

4.65

4 7\

4.9

5.55

6.0

5. S

5

7c

C ce

5 OP;

July.

3.7

3.6

q 4,c

3.45

q q

3.3

q q

3.2

3.05

2.8

2.55

2.55

0 QE

2 95

3.75

3.85

4.7

4.85

5.0

Aug.

4.75

A CC

Sept.

2.7

2. 7&

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

Oct.

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.5

9 ^

2.5

2.5

2.45

2 5

Nov.

2.45

2.4

2.8 ai

3.3

3-2

2.9

2.9

2.7

2.C5

2.6

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.6

2.55

2.4

3.1

Dec.

3.3

2.95

2. »

NOTE. Ice conditions prevailed during January, February, March, and after November 23. Readings 

are to water surface during periods of ice conditions.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 41

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Swiftcurrent Creek near Babb, Mont., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

Apr.

»85

»90

95

105

101

98

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

96

97

99

100

110

103

105

109

113

118

148

178

May.

464

518

518

518

595

518

445

378

318

21S

178

240

218

332

445

445

635

595

900

900

1,090

1,240

1,890

1,890

1,780

1,780

June.

2,010

2,250

2

AJA

2

AA()

1,890

1.720

1,780

2,010

2,250

1,890

1,780

1,660

] 660

1,610

1,660

1,660

1,660

1,780

1,950

2,760

3,360

3 1 no

3

f)0f\

2,760

2 330

1,780

1,340

July.

1.330

1,400

1 fiflft

1,360

1,220

832

720

678

678

635

518

518

410

410

410

345

265

265

160

95

QC

218

218

678

765

855

1,720

1,890

2,070

Aug.

1,780

1,560

1,040

995

700

500

460

430

415

375

350

350

350

350

340

340

330

330

320

320

310

qflA

290

280

270

260

250

250

250

250

Sept.

250

260

270

250

240

240

250

260

250

230

200

180

155

]30

126

122

118

132

145

138

130

130

130

124

118

112

105

95

100

105

Oct.

95

92

88

85

85

82

78

86

95

112

130

138

145

132

118

118

105

95

95

95

85

95

85

85

85

85

85

78

78

85

82

Nov.

78

70

160

9on

410

OAK

270

195

195

130

118

]05

88

70

70

71

73

74

75

76

77

78

a Estimated.

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 105 and 2,070 secondfeet. Discharges June 27 to July 7 and August 5 to September 13 estimated by hydrograph comparison 

with St. Marys River near Babb, Mont. Discharges interpolated for other days having no gage record.

Monthly discharge of Swiftcurrent Creek near Babb, Mont., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 101 square miles.]

Month .

April....................... 

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

410 

1,890 

3,360 

2,070 

1,780 

270 

145 

410

Minimum.

85 

178 

1,340 

95 

250 

95 

78 

70

Mean.

119 

764 

2,120 

783 

476 

170 

96.7 

140

Per

square 

mile.

1.18

7.56 

21.0 

7.75 

4.71 

1.68 

.957 

1.39

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

1.32

8.72 

23.43 

8.94 

5.43 

1.87 

1.10 

1.19

Total in 

acre-feet.

7,080 

47,000 

126,000 

48, 100 

29,300 

10, 100 

5,950 

6,390

280,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.
42 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V. 

BED RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Red River rises in Minnesota, its most remote source being a small 

lake near the southwest corner of Clearwater County, about 13 miles 

west of Lake Itasca, at an elevation of about 1,550 feet above sea 

level. From this lake it flows southward 60 miles (measured in a 

direct line) through a succession of small lakes to Ottertail Lake 

(elevation about 1,320 feet), thence westward 42 miles to Breckenridge, Mum., and Wahpeton, N. Dak. (elevation 943 feet); from this 

point it runs northward 285 miles (measured in a direct line) to the 

southern end of Lake Winnipeg, passing the Canadian boundary at 

Pembina at a distance of 190 miles and the city of Winnipeg at about 

250 miles. On account of the meandering of the river the length of 

its channel is nearly double the length of the direct line.

Lake Winnipeg is about 250 miles long, and from its north end 

Nelson River flows northeastward 400 miles to Hudson Bay.

The upper part of Red River is called Ottertail River, that name 

being variously applied down as far as Ottertail Lake, Fergus Falls, 

or exceptionally to Breckinridge and Wahpeton as a lower limit; the 

portion flowing northward from Wahpeton to Lake Winnipeg is 

universally called Red River.

The upper course of Red River lies in that region of many lakes 

known as the park region of Minnesota. In Ottertail County there 

are more than 1,000 lakes, the largest being Ottertail Lake itself, 

which is 8 miles long and 2£ miles in average width. Many of these 

lakes have no visible outlet except during high water. In this portion of the drainage basin the country is a rolling prairie.

A survey of Ottertail River from the dam at Phelps to a point 

several miles below the Dayton Hollow dam was made to determine 

the amount of power available on the river. From the data collected 

on this survey, sheets have been prepared showing a profile of the 

water surface, a plan of the river, and the topography adjacent to the 

river. The results of this survey have been published on separate 

sheets and may be had upon application to Robert Follansbee, district engineer, United States Geological Survey, Old Capitol Building, 

St. Paul, Minn. From this survey the following table of elevations 

and distances has been compiled:
HUDSON BAY DKAINAGE BASIN. 

Elevations and distances along Ottertail River.

43

Township line, 132-133 N... .....................................................

Ranee line, 42-43 W.. ...........................................................

Distance 

helow 

 Phelps 

dam.

Miles. 

51

45

45

39

38

35

35

35

35

34

34

32

32

28

21

15

13

9

9

6

Elevation.

Fetl. 

1,035

1,073

1,118

1,125

1,157

1,167

1,168

1,182

1,185

1,198

1,203

1,215

1,232

1,251

1,268

1,287

1,298

1,302

1,303

1,309

1,318

Although the main branch of Red River is Ottertail River, the 

term Red River Valley is applied to the valley of the Bois des Sioux 

rather than to that of the Ottertail. This valley, which extends from 

Lake Traverse northward to Lake Winnipeg, is a plain from 30 to 50 

miles wide and 315 miles long. As the elevation of Lake Traverse is 

970 feet and that of Lake Winnipeg is 710 feet, the fall of the valley in 

the entire distance is 260 feet, or considerably less than 1 foot per 

mile.

Lake Traverse is 15 miles long, from 1 mile to 1J miles wide and is 

shallow, being for the most part less than 10 feet deep. It is bordered 

on both sides by bluffs that rise 100 to 150 feet above the lake level 

and that continue on each side of Brown's valley to Bigstone Lake. 

During the glacial epoch Red River Valley was occupied by an 

immense lake, called Lake Agassiz, which had outlet through Brown's 

valley into Bigstone Lake and through the present Minnesota Valley. 

At the present time there is water connection between the two lakes 

during periods of very high water, as the divide is a marsh that is only 

3 feet above Lake Traverse and 11 feet above Bigstone Lake.

In addition to its gentle northward slope the valley slopes gently 

from each side toward the center. In this axial depression Red River 

has cut a channel 20 to 60 feet deep. Between the drainage lines of 

the tributaries, which cross the valley at right angles to the river, 

there are areas 5 to 15 miles wide that have no watercourses. The 

whole basin of Red River is deeply covered with glacial drift, or, in 

the bottom of Lake Agassiz, with an even layer of silt. No rock- in 

place is found.
 44 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

The water of the wells, springs, and streams in the Red River 

Valley is hard, owing to the presence of calcium and magnesium carbonates. In the lower part of the valley, especially in Kittson 

County, salt water is found, not only in the gravel beds of the glacial 

drift, but also in the underlying rock; much of the surface water is 

also permeated by salt.

At the margins of the Red River drainage basin elevations range 

between 1,200 and 1,600 feet, but the boundaries are not precisely 

defined. Along much of the eastern side the country is so level that 

the many swamps and marshes drain with equal facility to either side; 

along the western side there are wide belts whose drainage systems 

were destroyed by the accumulation of drift and moraines left by 

the ice of the glacial epoch, and in these belts the surface water collects in innumerable hollows, kettle holes, and sloughs, and stands 

till it evaporates. If the rainfall were greater these many sink holes 

and lakelets would overflow, and natural erosion would perfect the 

drainage system and make it again apparent to the eye.

So far as can be determined from the best existing maps the 

drainage area tributary to Red River above the point where it crosses 

the Canadian boundary at Pembina comprises 34,330 square miles, 

of which 16,100 are in Minnesota, 930 in South Dakota, and 17,300 

in North Dakota.

East of a north-south line drawn about 50 miles east of the main 

Red River the whole country is heavily timbered; west of such a line 

it is open prairie, treeless except along the streams.

The mean annual rainfall of the Red River drainage area increases 

uniformly from west to east, being 15 to 18 inches at the western 

boundary, 19 to 24 inches at stations in the middle of the valley, and 

24 to 26 inches at the eastern boundary. Owing to the larger rainfall 

on the eastern side of the area the run-off per square mile from the 

tributaries on this side is from two to ten times as great as that from 

the tributaries on the west side. About 75 per cent of the total rainfall occurs in the six months from April 1 to September 3*0.

Drainage work is being carried on rapidly in this basin, especially 

in that portion lying in Minnesota. As a result, the following areas 

have been benefited by ditching:

Areas improved by drainage.

	Acres. 

Kittson County................ 220, 000

Roseau County................. 160, 000

Norman County................ 164,000

Clay County................... 262,000

Wilkin County................. 196,000

Ottertail County............... 27,000

Becker County................ 3,000

Actes. 

Traverse County............. 89,000

Grant County............... 54,000

Polk County................ 972,000

Clearwater County............ 23, 000

Total.................. 2,170,000
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 45

As a consequence of this extensive improvement of natural drainage, which is being actively continued, the regimen of the various 

streams in the basin is being changed materially.

The principal tributaries of Red River are as follows: On the east 

side, Pelican, Buffalo, Wild Rice, Red Lake, and Snake rivers, and 

Two Rivers; on the west side, Bois des Sioux, which forms the 

Minnesota-North Dakota boundary from Wahpeton to the southeast 

corner of North Dakota, but is otherwise unimportant, being merely 

a prairie stream having very small flow except during a few weeks 

in the spring. Other western tributaries are Wild Rice, Sheyenne, 

Goose, Park, and Pembina rivers. These tributaries drain a district 

bounded on the south by the Minnesota River basin, on the east by 

the basins of the upper Mississippi River and of Rainy River (which 

flows into Lake Winnipeg), on the west by the basin of James River 

(which flows into the Missouri), by the Devils Lake Basin (an inland 

basin), and by the basin of Mouse River, which enters Red River at 

Winnipeg.

Red Lake River, the principal tributary of Red River, drains a 

large area in Beltrami and Polk Counties. It is the outlet of Red 

Lake, which is the largest lake wholly within Minnesota, its area 

being 441 square miles. From Red Lake the river flows in a general 

westerly, though very tortuous, course until it reaches Red Lake Falls, 

where it receives the water from Thief River, and turning sharply to 

the south, pursues a southerly and then a westerly course to Red 

River, joining that stream at Grand Forks. Above the junction it 

carries a larger volume than Red River. For 10 to 15 miles below 

Red Lake the river is bordered by extensive swamps. The many 

swamps and lakes within its basin act as natural reservoirs, and the 

range in stage of Red Lake River is therefore small.

In order to.determine the availability of Red Lake River for power 

development a survey was made during 1909 from the outlet of Red 

Lake to Crqokston. From the data collected on this survey, sheets 

have beenf {prepared showing a profile of the water surface, a plan of 

the river, axkd the contours along the river bank. The results of this 

survey hav$ been published on separate sheets and may be had on 

application to Robert Follansbee, district engineer, United States 

Geological Survey, Old Capitol Building, St. Paul, Minn.
46 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

From this survey the following table of elevations and distances 

has been compiled: . ;

Elevations and distances on Red Lake River above Crookston, Minn.

Section line, 32-33 ...............................................................

Range line, 44-45 W.. ...........................................................

Range line, 42-43 W .............................................................

Section line, 22-23. ..............................................................

Township line, 152-153 N. .......................................................

Distance 

above 

Crookston.

Miles. 

0

0

6

11

14

18

23

9fi

28

30

32

37

38

38

39

42

42

45

47

49

56

61

. 61

67

72

72

77

85

90

99

110

124

143.

Elevation.

Feet. 

842

852

853

861

865

873

883

887

893

904

917

937

943

QCK

955

' 963

973

981

1,007

 1,027

1,062

1.075

1,080

1,085

1.102

1,116

1,118

1,130

1,136

1,145

1,154

.1,165

1,175

Red Lake River .is used extensively for logging as far down as 

Crookston, although there are no dams to control the flow for that 

purpose. During the spring and summer months, when the logs are 

being driven down the river, they may jam at different points and 

cause temporary backwater above or hold back the natural flow below 

the jam.

The basin of Red River lies so far north that the streams are icebound from the middle of November until late in March or early in 

April, and the winter flow is small but uniform, for thaws sufficient 

to cause winter floods never occur. Destructive floods sometimes 

occur in the spring, however, if the snow accumulation is large and 

if the ground is frozen so deeply that little of the water percolates 

downward.

The headwaters of the tributaries on the eastern side nearly all of 

which pass through numerous lakes, afford many opportunities for 

inexpensive storage; on the west side a few localities for limited storage are also found on Pembina and Sheyenne rivers; on Red River 

itself, below Breckenridge, there are no feasible storage sites.

The lake-regulated tributaries on the eastern side also present opportunities for power development, and power plants are in operation
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 47

at a number of places, especially on Ottertail River within a few miles 

of Fergus Falls, where there are five plants; on Red River at Crookston, Red Lake Falls, and Thief River Falls; on Wild Rice River at 

Heiberg and Perley; on Pelican River at Lakeview, Kingsbury Lock, 

Pelican Rapids, and Elizabeth; and on Sand Hill River at Fertile. 

There are numbers of undeveloped power sites on these rivers that 

could be profitably utilized.

Red River is navigable from Grand Forks down to Winnipeg. 

Theoretically it is navigable from Grand Forks up to Breckenridge 

except during low water, but in recent years there has been no traffic 

except in the lower 25 miles of this portion, and many fixed bridges 

have been cheaply built, practically closing it to navigation. Red 

Lake River is navigable in its lower course and also in the upper 40 

miles, there being regular traffic from Thief River Falls to Red Lake.

The records of the gaging stations in this area provide data of value 

for general statistical and comparative use in settling questions concerning the seasonal or total flow of the whole river or any of its tributaries. On the main river such questions will relate chiefly to navigation and the prevention of flood damage; on the tributaries they 

will relate also to water power and opportunities for drainage development.

OTTERTAIL RIVER NEAR FERGUS FALLS, MINN.

This station which was established May 9, 1904, is located at Threemile Bridge, about 3| miles northeast of Fergus Falls, Minn.; because of the loop in the river, however, it is 8 miles higher up the valley than Fergus Falls.

The records furnish information of especial value in connection 

with the future development of water power, for which this stream 

is particularly available.

The nearest tributary is the outlet of Wall Lake, which enters Ottertail River several miles below the station. Twenty miles above the 

station is Ottertail Lake, about 22 square miles in area, through which 

the river flows and by which its flow is so well regulated that the recorded range of stage has not exceeded 1.45 feet. On the upper part 

of the river there are a number of logging dams used to drive logs to 

the sawmill at Frazee, but there are none between the lowest logging 

dam at Frazee and the. dam at Maine, several miles below Ottertail 

Lake, in about sec. 35, T. 134, R. 41. During the low-water season 

the closing of the turbine gates at Maine may affect the flow immediately below the dam, but the small lakes through which the river 

flows before reaching the gaging station serve to equalize the flow at 

the latter point. Below the station there are a number of power 

plants, but owing to the fall of the river the operation of the plants 

produces no effect at the gage. The chain gage is attached to the 

bridge from which discharge measurements are made. Two vertical
48 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

rod gages, located at the left bank near the bridge, have occasionally 

been used, the readings being reduced to the datum of the chain gage.

There have been no changes in either gage datum or discharge curve 

since the station was established and the results are excllent for the 

entire open season. From December to March the river is frozen 

over and occasional discharge measurements are made through the 

ice to determine the winter flow.

The United States Engineer Office maintained a gaging station on 

Ottertail River at the outlet of Ottertail Lake from May 1, 1899, to 

May 14, 1904. As there is no important tributary between, these 

records are almost directly comparable with those of the Geological 

Survey given herewith, the difference in drainage area being about 

12 per cent.

Discharge measurements of Ottertail River near Fergus Falls, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 12.........

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

91

90.5

92

92

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

136

178

195

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.10

2.99

3.45

4.26

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

353

306

543

440

<* Ice conditions.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Ottertail River near Fergus Falls, Minn., for 1909. 

[H. G. Evensen, jr., observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2S............. ......

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

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

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

Mar.

3.50

3 50

3.45

3.45

Apr.

3.45

3.42

3.40

3.40

3.35

3.30

3.25

3.25

3.20

3.15

3 in

3 HP;

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.05

3.05

3 1 fi

3 1 fi

3.20

May.

3.20

3.25

3.25

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3

0ft

3.30

3

0ft

3.30

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.35

3

qc

3.40

3.40

3.45

June.

3.45

3.50

3.45

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3

9C

3.30

3

0ft

3.30

3

OC

3

0C

3.25

July.

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.15

3.15

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.05

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.05

3.05

3.05

3

ft.fi

3.00

3.00

3 Aft

3

nn

3.00

3.00

3 fifi

3.00

Aug.

3.00

3.00

3.00

2.95

2.95

2.95

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.05

3.05

3.10

3.10

3.15

3.20

3.20

3.30

3.30

3.35

3.35

3.35

Sept.

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3 en

3.50

Oct.

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

's.so

3.45

3.45

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.35

Nov.

3.35

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.15

3.15

Dec.

3.15

3.15

3.15

........

NOTE. The river was frozen over January 1 to March 27 and December 5 to 31.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 49

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Ottertail River near Fergus Falls, Minn., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18...-.-.-.-.-.......

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

COG

Apr.

526

526

510

499

499

499

474

449

426

402

402

380

357

336

315

315

315

315

315

336

336

336

357

357

380

380

May.

402

402

402

426

426

426

449

449

449

449

449

449

449

449

449

449

474

474

474

474

474

474

474

499

499

499

499

499

499

526

June.

526

526

552

552

552

526

526

526

499

/IQQ

499

499

499

499

4QQ

499

499

499

499

AQQ

474

474

474

449

449

449

426

426

426

426

July.

402

402

402

380

380

380

357

357

357

357

357

357

357

336

336

315

315

315

336

336

336

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

315

Aug.

315

315

315

294

294

294

336

336

336

336

336

315

315

315

336

336

357

357

380

402

402

426

449

449

449

474

474

474

474

474

474

Sept.

499

499

499

499

499

526

526

526

552

552

552

552

552

552

580

580

580-

580

580

580

580

580

580

552

552

552

552

552

552

552

Oct.

552

552

552

552

552

552

552

552

552

552

426

526

526

499

499

499

499

499

499

499

474

474

474

474

474

474

474

474

474

474

474

Nov.

474

449

449

449

449

449

449

449

449

449

426

426

426

426

426

426

426

426

426

426

426

402

402

402

402

402

402

402

380

380

Dec.

380

380

380

380

NOTE. T!iese discharges are based on a rating curve that is well definec'.

Monthly discharge of Ottertail River near Fergus Falls, Minn., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,310 square miles.]

Month.

April.......................

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

526 

526 

552 

402 

474 

580 

552 

474

Minimum.

315 

402 

426 

315 

294 

499 

474 

380

Mean.

399 

460 

492 

343 

375 

549 

511 

426 

«390

Per 

square 

mile.

0.305 

.351 

.376 

.262 

.286 

.419 

.390 

.325 

.298

Run-ofl.

Depth In 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.34 

.40 

.42 

.30 

.33 

.47 

.45 

.36 

.34

Total in 

acre-feet.

23,700 

28,300 

29,300 

21,100 

23,100 

32,700 

31,400 

25,300 

24,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. AA. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

D.

o Estimated. 

RED RIVER NEAR FERGUS FALLS, MINN.

This station, which is located at Dewey Bridge, 3J miles west of 

Fergus Falls and about 1 mile below the mouth of Pelican River, was 

established June 19, 1909, to obtain data for use in connection with 

water power development of Red River.

79483° WSP 265 11 4
50 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Except Pelican River no tributary enters within several miles of the 

station. The drainage area above this point is 1,800 square miles.

The nearest dam above the station is at Fergus Falls. Although the 

intermittent operation of the mills at this point may cause a daily 

fluctuation, its effect is very slight at the station, as there is no consistent difference between the recorded morning and evening gage 

heights. Three or four miles below the vertical staff gage at the bridge 

section is the Dayton Hollow dam, which is the control for the gaging 

section, as is shown by the drop in the gage heights when the water 

level,above the dam is lowered for repairs to that structure. When 

the station was established, it was believed that this control was 

reasonably permanent, but the data acquired showed such unsatisfactory conditions that the station was discontinued December 31, 1909.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge.

Owing to the short time that the station has been operated it has 

not been completely rated; hence no estimate of daily flow can be 

given.

Discharge measurements of Red River near Fergus Falls, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

1906.

1909.

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

127

124

123

124

124

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

435

320

284

390

365

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.01

6.98

6.79

Discharge.

Sfc.-fl. 

1,350

499

404

676

724

a Gage height recomputed from recorded cross-section.

NOTE. The discharge at this station is at tunes affected by back water from Dayton Hollow dam, 4 

miles below.

Daily gage height, infect, of Red River near Fergus Falls, Minn., for 1909.

[M. Dewey, observer.]

Day.

1.... 

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8....

9....

10....

11....

12.... 

13.... 

14.:.. 

15....

June

;:::::

July.

6. 52 

6. 34

6. 22

6.11

6.12

6.14

6.06

6.06

6.08

6.10

6.15

6.31 

6.37 

6.24 

6.16

Aug.

6.08 

6.09

6.04

6.05

6.02

6.10

6.61

6.34

6.27

6.34

6.42

6.58 

6.65 

6.65 

6.56

Sept.

6.99 

6.99

7.00

6 91

6.98

7.01

7.01

7.03

7.02

7.01

7.01 

7.03 

6.91 

7.02

Oct.

6.82

6.74

6.71

6.71

6.66

6 64

6.59

6.66

6.60 

6.52 

6.54 

6.51

Nov.

6.31

6.25

6.27

6.21

6.22

«5.74

«5.88

«5.96 

«5. 95 

6.91 

 8.58

Dec.

6.80 

5 91

5.92

7.90

Day.

16.... 

17....

18....

19....

20....

21 ....

22....

23....

24....

<»;

26....

27.... 

28.... 

29.... 

30.... 

31....

June.

......

6.21

6.22

6.18

6.18

6.18

6.29

6 19

6.16 

6.01 

6.12 

6.25

July.

6.14 

6.03

6.01

6.07

6.04

6.46

6.80

6.55

6.48

6.58

6 54

6.30 

6.26 

6.20 

6.12 

5.99

Aug.

6.58 

6.56

6.52

6.54

6.52

6.64

6.68

6.84

7.02

6.89

7 09

7.07 

7.01 

6.94 

6.96 

6.98

Sept.

7.07 

7.00

7.06

7.08

7 09

7.02

7.08

7.06

7.65

7 04

6.96

6.90 

6.86 

6.84 

6.82

Oct.

6.44 

6.54

6.43

6.42

6 49

6.46

6.39

6.42

6.35

6

0Q

6.32 

6.34 

6.29 

6.34 

6.31

Nov.

8.66 

8.58

8.26

8.16

8.16

8.16

8.19

8.25

8.31

8.31

7.82 

7.33 

7.48 

7.54

Dec.

7.70

7.10

"Y.OO

a Dayton Hollow dam being repaired.

NOTE. The river was frozen over during December.

The maximum recorded ice thickness of 1.4 feet occurred December 31.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN.

RED RIVER AT FARGO, N. DAK.

51

This station, which is located at the highway bridge connecting 

Front street, Fargo, N. Dak., with Moorhead, Minn., was established 

May 23, 1901. Discharge measurements are made a half mile farther 

upstream, at the footbridge at the Fargo waterworks pumping station, except at very high stage, when the Front Street Bridge or the 

Northern Pacific Railway bridge is used.

The drainage area above this station is about 6,020 square miles, 

3,770 being in Minnesota, 500 in South Dakota, and 1,750 in North 

Dakota. The nearest tributary is Sheyenne River, which enters Red 

River 10 miles below.

The vertical staff gage is attached to the breakwater for the center 

pier of the Front Street Bridge and is read from the bridge or the 

banks by the aid of a field glass.

The gage datum has not been changed since the establishment of the 

station. The channel is in clay and silt, and slight changes in depth 

occur from time to time. The fall is so small that any accidental 

obstruction in the channel is likely to cause an appreciable effect for a 

long distance upstream and to affect the rating. Hence, unless frequent discharge measurements are made, slight errors will enter, but 

there have been no very great changes in the rating curves for nine 

years, and the records are fairly good except when affected by ice, by 

which the stream, is smoothly closed for about four months of the year. 

At the spring break-up, on account of the comparatively sluggish 

current and the fact that the river flows northward into a colder district, a pronounced backwater effect is usually caused by ice jams and 

partial ice jams, and the river is raised disproportionately high for 

several days or several weeks. At that season, therefore, the records 

can only be approximate unless daily discharge measurements are 

made.

Discharge measurements of Red River at Fargo, N. Dak., in 1909.

Date. Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler. ....................................

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

Width.

Feet. 

112

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. ' 

456

459

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

9 54

9.25

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

887

757

NOTE. These measurements were made at the Fargo waterworks footbridge.
52 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Red River at Fargo, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[H. R. Grasse, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9

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

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

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

-10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.2

8.5

8.5

8.6

9

f>

9 A

11.2

19 ft

12.5

12.9

13.0

13.0

Apr.

12.6

12.3

19 ft

n

n

19 ft

12.0

11.8

11.8

11.7

11.5

11.4

11.3

11.0

11.0

a 11.1

611.4

11.0

10.2

10.0

9 Q

9 7

Q 7

9.7

9 A

9 A

9 A

9

C

Q ^

9.6

Q S

May.

9

C

9

C

9 p.

Q 7

9

c

Q 4

9 7

Q SI

9

0

9 7

9 7

9 A

9 7

9 7

9 7

9 A

9

fl

9 7

9.6

9 7

Q 7

9 A

'Q 7

9

0

Q Q

10.0

10.0

10.1

10.3

11.7

June.

11.8

11.9

19 ft

12.0

11 9

11.6

n

o

11.2

U 9

11.1

11.0

10.8

10.8

10.7

10.1

' 10.0

10.0

9 Q

9.8

9

0

9 7

9

fi

9.5

Q d

Q 4

9 3

9 9

9 3

9.4

9 4

July.

S Q

8.7

8.0

8.5

9 ft

9 0

9 9

9.0

8 9

8.4

8.3

8.5

8.5

8.6

8.5

8.6

8.6

8.5

8.6

8.6

8.7

8.6

8.6

8.7

8.8

8 9

8.9

8.9

8.8

8.7

Aug.

8.6

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.6

8.5

8.6

8.6

9 n

9.6

9 9

8.^8

8

0

9 9

9

c

Q fi

9.5

9 9

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.4

9 ft

Q 1

9 A

Q ^

9.6

9.4

9.4

Sept.

9.3

9.2

Q 9

9.3

9 9

Q 1

9 9

Q n

9 1

9.2

Q 1

Q ^

9

0

9

0

9

0

Q ^

9

0

9

0

9.3

9 4

9

K

9

K

9.6

9 A

Q fi

9 fi

9

C

10.0

10.0

Q 1

Oct.

9.3

9.4

9.4

9.4

Q 4

9 4

Q d

9.4

9 4

9.4

9.4

9.4

9.5

9.5

9 A

9.3

9 9

9.2

9.3

9.3

9 3

9.2

9.2

9.2

9.1

9.0

Q ft

9.0

9.0

9.0

8.9

Nov.

8.9

8.9

8.9

8.9

8.9

8 9

8.9

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.8

8.4

8.4

8.7

9.5

Dec.

9.6

9.4

9.4

........

a Ice running. 6 Ice all out. 

NOTE. Ice conditions prevailed during January, February, March, April 1 to 15, and after November 15.
HUDSON BAY DEAINAGE BASIN. 53 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Red River at Fargo, N. Dak., for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

21............................^......

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

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

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

t)K

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

1 030

970

Q4TI

882

882

882

QCO

QFLQ

853

825

770

853

911

May.

825

825

853

882

825

797

882

911

911

882

882

853

882

882

QCQ

853

QSJ9

ocq

882

853

882

911

940

970

970

1,000

i flfifl

1,780

1,510

June.

i Mn

1,580

1,610

1,580

1,470

1 380

1,340

1,340

1,310

1,280

1,220

1,180

1,000

970

Q7ft

o4n

911

911

882

825

7O7

7Q7

770

743

770

797

797

July.

664

614

450

565

690

690

743

690

664

541

518

565

565

589

PLafL

KOQ

589

rfte

589

COQ

614

589

589

614

639

664

664

664

ftQQ

614

Aug.

589

565

565

565

565

565

589

565

589

589

690

853

743

639

639

743

825

QCQ

825

743

639

639

639

541

690

716

797

825

853

797

797

Sept.

770

743

743

770

743

716

743

690

716

743

770

770

' 770

770

770

770

770

770

770

797

825

825

853

853

853

853

970

970

770

Oct.

770

797

797

797

797

797

797

797

797

797

797

797

825

825

. 797

770

743

743

770

770

770

743

743

743

716

690

690

690

690

690

664

Nov.

664

664

664

664

664

664

-664

664

639

639

639

639

639

639

541

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 250 and 4,700 second-feet. 

The following are estimates of flow dating frozen conditions: March 14 to 31 equivalent to 523 second-feet 

per day; April 1 to 17 equivalent to 995 second-feet per day; November 16 to 30 equivalent to 503 secondfeet per day. These estimates are based on observer's notes, ice thicknesses, and general knowledge of 

local conditions. They are only roughly approximate.

Monthly discharge of Red River at Fargo, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 6,020 square miles.]

Month.

March 14-31................

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,780 

1,610 

743 

853 

970 

825

Minimum.

797 

743 

450 

565 

690 

664

Mean.

a 523 

6947 

937 

1,110 

609 

685 

791 

762 

6574

Per 

square 

mile.

0.087 

.157 

.156 

.184 

.101 

.114 

.131 

.127 

.095

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.06 

.18 

.18 

.21 

.12 

.13 

.15 

.15 

.11

Total in 

acre-feet.

18,700 

56,400 

57,600 

66,000 

37,400 

42,100 

47,100 

46,900 

34,200

406,000

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C.

a Estimated. 6 Partly estimated.
54 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V. 

RED RIVER AT GRAND FORKS, N. DAK.

This station, which is located at the Northern Pacific Railway 

bridge between Grand Forks, N. Dak., and East Grand Forks, Minn., 

was established May 26, 1901. Gage height records had, however, 

been kept by the United States Army engineers for many years at this 

point, their staff gage being located on the same breakwater as the 

original United States Geological Survey gage, but at a datum 5.00 

feet higher. A chain gage was later installed on the downstream side 

of the bridge at the same datum, which has remained unchanged 

since the establishment of the station.

Discharge measurements are usually made from the Great Northern 

Railway bridge about 1,000 feet above the chain gage. The chain 

gage is one-half mile below the mouth of Red Lake River. The drainage area at this station includes about 13,400 square miles in Minnesota, 500 in South Dakota, and 11,100 in North Dakota, a total of 

25,000 square miles. Red Lake River, which drains 5,680 square 

miles of the total area, is much more steady in its flow than Red River, 

so that at low stages (in winter, and often in late summer and fall) 

Red Lake River brings from one-half to three-fifths of all the water 

passing this station.

The channel is in clay and silt,, and is subject to small gradual 

changes, but unusually precise gage records have been kept; the range 

of tlie river in height is so great 47 feet between the extremes of low 

and high water that a change of 0.1 foot in gage height causes only a 

small percentage change in flow, and as frequent discharge measurements have been made the records are satisfactory, being as a rule 

excellent through the open season.

The river flows under smooth ice from about November 15 to April 

10; the flow during the winter fluctuates little, and since 1905 enough 

discharge measurements have been made each winter to give fairly 

satisfactory summaries for the winter.

When the ice breaks up in the spring, because the river has only a 

gentle current and because it flows north into cooler regions where the 

river is not yet open, the gage reading is usually excessively and disproportionately high for a few days or weeks, so that the figures for 

quantity of flow must depend largely on estimation; actual measurements when the river appeared entirely open and clear of ice. at this 

point have sometimes shown the gage reading to be 5 feet greater 

than would have been needed for the same discharge later in the season, after the whole length of the river was entirely open.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 55

Discharge measurements of Red River at. Grand Forks^N. Dak., in 1909.

Date.

AT>ril26........

July 30........

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler.....................................

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

138

134

158

239

217

Are,a of 

section.

Sqjt. 

492

446

1,620

3,190

1,240

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6,00

6.15

11.15

18.73

7.78

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

677

592

3,780

9,210

1,480

a Ice. Measurement made at a section above the Great Northern Railway bridge.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Red River at Grand Forks, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[H. L. Hayes, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

G...............

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

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

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

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

11........'.......

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

on

Jan.

6

9

6.15

6.0

6.1

Feb.

5.3

6.1

6.0

G.35

Mar.

6.4

.......

6.65

.......

7.6

8.05

Apr.

10.9

11.85

12.88

14.0

15.7

16.3

16.5

16.45

16.4 

16.2

16.1

16.0

15.8

15.55

15.0

14.8

13.3

12.4 

12.05 

11.8

11.45 

11.3

11.2

11.1

10.85

10.4

May.

10.1

9 7

9.5

9.35

9.5

9 6

9.6

9.55 

9.7

9 7

9.6

9.6

9.7

10.3

10.4

10.2

10.1

10.2 

10.15 

10.15

10.1

9.7

9.7

9.8

9.8

11.0

June.

12.85

1°. 1

13.0

11.7

11.1

10.8

10.4

10.3 

10.1

9.7

9.6

9.35

9.2

9.18

9 1

9.0

9.0 

9.0 

8.9

8.75 

8.7

8.6

8.65

8.6

8

C

July.

8.65

8.6

8.55

8.5

8.5

8.45

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4 

8.4

8.4

8.2

8.2

8.2 

8.18

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.0

8.0 

9.55 

14.45

14.85

15.5

16.4

17.3

17.3

18.8

Aug.

16.3

13.6

12.4

12.22

12.15

12.38

12.25

12.2 

12.2

12.1

12.05

13.3

15.55 

16.6

17.3

16.8

16.6

16.35

16.1 

15.15 

14.3

14.0 

13.75

13.5

13.5

13 4

13.22

13.05

Sept.

13.0

13.0

12.82

12.8

12.4

12.0

11.65

11.15

10.5

9.6 

9.45

9.4

9.25

9.15

9.0 

9.0

9.0

8.9

8.85

9.1

9.05 

9.0 

9.0

9.0 

9.0

8.9

8.9

8.9

8.82

8.8

Oct.

8.7

8.7

8.68

8.6

85

8.48

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.32

8.3

8.3

8.3 

8.3

8.25

8.2

8.0

8.0

7.92 

7.9

7.88

7.8 

7.8

7.78

7.7

7-7

7.6

7.6

8.1

Nov.

8.6

8.52

8.52

8.6

8.6

8.6

8.35

8.3

8.22

8.14 

8.15

8.15

8.02

7.6

6.4

.......

9.2

Dec.

10.25

11.3

10.3

......

......

9.9

»OTE. Ice conditions prevailed during January, February, March, April 1 to 20, and November 14 

to December 31.
56 SUEFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Red River at Grand Forks, N. Dak., 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............................... .

April.

4,530

4,320

4,170

S Qfifi

3 Q7ft

3 Q1ft

3,750

3,610

3

VRf\

3

OOft

May.

3,200

3,140

2,980

2,880

2,780

2,800

2,880

2,930

2,930

2,900

2,980

2,980

2,930

9 Q3O

2,980

3,170

3

QAA

3

*}fif|

3 9rtn

3 250

3^220

3 9ftn

3,140

9 QCfl

2 QCfl

3,030

3,0«)

1 fifiO

3

CfV\

June.

4,820

4,980

5,050

4,920

4,600

4,110

3,750

3,580

3,360

3,300

3,200

3,140

2,980

2,930

2,800

2,760

2

7QA

2,680

2,630

2

CQA

2,630

2,580

2,500

9 d^fl

2,430

2 460

2

9Qf|

July.

2,460

2,430

2,400

2,380

2,380

2,360

2,330

2,330

2,330

2,330

2,330

2,330

2,240

2,240

2,240

2.230

2,200

2,200

2,150

2,150

2,900

5,920

6,300

6,660

7,330

8

(\Af\

8,040

9,260

8,280

Aug.

7,260

5,600

5,320

4,530

4,530.

4,420

4,380

4,520

4,440

4,410

4,410

4,350

4,320

5,120

6,700

7,490

8,040

7,640

7,490

7,300

7,110

6,410

5,810

5,600

5,420

5,250

5,250

5,180

5,060

5,050

4,950

Sept.

4,920

4,920

4,800

4,790

4,530

4,290

4,080

3,780

3,420

2,930

2,860

2,830

2,760

2,700

2,630

2,630

2,630

2,580

2,560

2,680

2,660

2,630

2,630

2,630

2,630

2,580

2,580

2,580

2,540

2,530

Oct.

2,480

2,480

2,470

2,430

2,390

2,380

2,370

2,330

2,330

2,330

2,330

2,290

2,280

"2,280

2,280

2,280

2,260

2,240

2,150

2,150

2,110

2,100

2,100

2,060

2,060

2,050

2,020

2,020

1,970

1,970

2,200

Nov.

2,430

2,390

2,390

2,430

2,430

2,430

2,310

2,280

2,250

2,210

2,210

2,210

2,160

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined.

Discharge April 1 to 20 estimated for ice conditions as equivalent to 4,580 second-feet per day. Discharge 

November 14 to 30 also estimated similarly as 1,580 second-feet per day.

Monthly discharge of Red River at Grand Forks, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 25,000 square miles.]

Month.

March ............ .....

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

Noveniber. .................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,690 

5,050 

9,260 

8,040 

4,920 

2,480

Minimum.

2,780 

2,380 

2,150 

4,320 

2,530 

1,970

Mean.

"703 

o564 

o925 

64,340 

3,090 

3,200 

3,780 

5,590 

3,180 

2,230 

61,900 

o2,430

2,660

Per

square 

mile.

0.028 

.023 

.037 

.174 

.124 

.128 

.151 

.224 

.127 

.089 

.076 

.097

.100

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.03 

.02 

.04 

.19 

.14 

.14 

.17 

.26 

.14 

".10 

.08 

.11

1.42

Total in 

acre-feet.

43,200 

31,300 

56,900 

258,000 

190,000 

185,000 

232,000 

344,000 

191,000 

137,000 

113,000 

149,000

1,930,000

Accuracy.

D. 

D. 

D. 

D.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C. 

D.

Estimated. Z> Partly estimated.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN*. 57

PELICAN RIVER NEAR FERGUS FALLS, MINN.

The station, which was established June 19, 1909, in connection 

with the general investigation of the water resources of Minnesota, 

is located 6 miles northwest of Fergus Falls, in sec. 18 of that township, at a private bridge, from which discharge measurements are 

made.

Pelican Kiver enters Ked Kiver about 5 miles below the gaging 

station, and as the range of stage in Ked Kiver is small, there is no 

danger of backwater. The nearest dam is at Elizabeth 6 or 8 miles 

above the station, and the intermittent operation of the mill at that 

point causes a slight daily fluctuation in the gage heights. The staff 

gage at the bridge is read twice each day and the mean of these 

readings is taken as the mean for the day. The drainage area of the 

station is 433 square miles.

From the middle of November to the first of April, when the river 

is ice-bound, gage readings are taken through a hole in the ice.

Owing to the short time that the station has been operated, it 

has not been completely rated; hence no estimate of daily flow is 

presented.

Discharge measurements of Pelican River near Fergus Falls, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

1909. 

July 12.........

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler .....................................

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

29

29

29

29

29

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 53 

48.1

66.1

68.5

63

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.26

5.99

6.64

6.56

7.40

Discharge.

See. ft. 

126

74.6

193

195

128

« Frozen.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Pelican River near Fergus Falls, Minn., for 1909. 

[Henry W. Luther, observer.]

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8....

9....

10....

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

June. July.

6.20

6.18

6.18

6.11

6.11

S on

6.02

6.06

6.96

6.01

6.11

6.24

6.10

6.04

Aug.

6.09

6.16

6.06

6.01

6.06

6.32

6.36

6.36

,6.31

6.39

6.61

6.65

6.65

Sept.

6.46

6.49

A PLJ.

6.61

A K4.

6.64

6.60

6.61

6.50

6.54

6.51

6.50

6.46

6.52

Oct.

6.54

A RA

A to

A fin

6.52

A *lft

6.52

6.51

6.58

6.68

6.45

6.50

6.45

6.46

6 45

Nov.

6.35

6.39

6.38

6.38

6.35

6.38

6.38

6.38

6.40

6.38

6.36

6.38

7.42

7.62

Dec.

7.28

7.20

7.64

7.75

Day.

16....

17....

18....

19....

20. ...

21....

22. ...

23....

24....

25....

26....

27....

28....

29....

30. ...

31....

June.

6.46

6.46

6.35

6.36

6.34

6.28

6.61

6.32

5.99

6.00

6.19

6.21

July.

6.01

6.05

6.02

6.02

5.75

6.48

6.39

6.35

6.30

6.21

6.15

6.10

6.11

6.10

6.09

Aug.

6.44

6.39

6.38

6.35

6.35

6.31

6.32

6.45

6.54

6.51

6.66

6.51

fi,50

6.50

6.49

6.46

Sept.

6.58

6.60

6.50

6.55

6.52

6.58

6.58

6.54

6.56

6.55

6.58

6.58

6.60

6.58

6.55

Oct.

6.44

6.62

6.41

6.34

6.40

6.45

6.41

6.45

6.50

6.45

6.45

6.44

6.36

6.34

6.41

6.45

Nov.

7 05

6.90

6.95

7.05

6.99

7.05

6.91

6.91

7.06

7.06

7.02

7.50

7.76

7 3fi

7.48

Dec.

7.45

7.45

7.62

NOTE. Backwater at the gage November 14 to December 4 caused by ice conditions. The river was 

frozen over from December 5 to 31. The maximum recorded ice thickness was 1.25 feet on December 31.
58 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

WILD RICE RIVER AT TWIN VALLEY, MINN.

This ^tation, which is located at the steel highway bridge at Twin 

Valley, Minn., was established June 30, 1909, to obtain data for use 

in determining available water power and in studying means of flood 

prevention, which are much needed in this valley.

The nearest tributary is at Heiberg, 2 miles below. The drainage 

area above the station is 805 square miles.

A staff gage is located at the bridge from which discharge measurements are made.

The river is dammed at Heiberg, but the highest backwater effect 

is at a point a mile below Twin Valley. At the outlet of Wild Rice 

Lake is a logging dam used to store the flow through the winter 

and early spring months for the purpose of driving the logs to Ada. 

During the winter period, therefore, the flow at Twin Valley is less 

than normal, and in the spring the flood flow is augmented by the 

stored water. There is also a dam at Twin Lake outlet which is used 

in the same way. An exceptionally severe flood in July, 1909, 

overflowed the lower part of the valley and wrecked the power dam 

at Faith by cutting around the end of it and greatly increasing the 

width of the channel.

Sufficient measurements have been made to enable computation 

of the daily flow. The estimate for the flood discharge above 14 

feet is based on Kutter's formula in connection with the known area 

of the cross section and may be somewhat in error, but it is believed 

this error will not exceed 10 per cent.

Discharge measurements of Wild Rice River at Twin Valley, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 26. ........

July 27.........

July 28.........

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feel. 

63.5

63.5

366

95.5

83

74.5

60

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. ; 1441

146

968

782

623

421

149

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.20

6.17

12.94

12.26

11.89

9.32

6.14

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

345

323

3,290

2,990

2,670

1,523

318
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 59

Daily gage height, in feet, of Wild Rice River at Twin Valley, Mnn., for 1909. 

[William Lewis, observer.]

Day.

1.... 

2.... 

3....

4....

5....

6.... 

7....

8....

9.... 

10....

11.... 

12....

13. ... 

14. ...

15....

June. July.

6.00 

5.90 

6.05

5.90 

5.90

5.60 

5.80

5.70

5.70 

6.10

6.20

6.10 

6.20

5.80

Aug.

9.91 

9.30

O QO

8.90 

9.40

8.92 

8.65

8.90

8.70 

8.55

8.90 9>>n

9.20 

8.89

8.50

Sept.

6.20 

6.25 

6.10

6.00 

6.00

6.00

6.05

6.00 

6.15

6.00

6

QC

6.10 

6.00

6.05

Oct.

5.25 

5.0

4

7K

4.85 

4.9

4.75 

4.6

4.9

4.85 

4.9

4.9 

5.0

5.0 

5.2

5.0

Nov.

5.2 

5.4 

5.4

5.4 

5.3

5.32

5

0

5.2

5.2 

5.22

5.2

5 no

5.35 

5.2

5.2

Dec.

""s.'e"

.......

5.4

Day.

16. ... 

17....

1ft

19.... 

20....

21....

99

23....

24.... 

25....

26.... 

27....

28.... 

29....

30.... 

31....

June.

6.28

July.

5.85 

5.70 

5.40

5.40 

17.70

18.00 

19 80

17.20

15.00 

14.00

12.85 

12.30

11.90 

11.74

10.35 

10.00

Aug.

8.16 

8.30

7 Q1^

7.75 

7.55

7.45

7 1 K

6.75

6.65 

6.85

6.75 

6.60

6.45 

6.35

6.20 

6.10

Sept.

5.90 

6.00 

6.05

5.80 

6.00

6.15 

6.00

6.00

5.90 

5.90

5.80

5.50 

5.45

5.60

Oct.

5.2 

5.0 

5.05

5.15

5.2

5.0 

3.0

5.4 

5.4

5.3 

^ 3

5.2 

5.2

5.3

Nov.

5.2 

5.22 

5.2

5.2

5.3

Dec.

5

0

5.1

5.1

NOTE. The river was frozen over from the middle of November, 1909, to the end of January, 1910, during 

which time the ice thickness varied from 0.25 to 1.5 feet.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Wild Rice River at Twin Valley, Minn., for 1909.

Day1... .......

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

June. July.

295

979

307

272

9TO

208

! 250

228

228

319

343

367

319

' 343

250

Aug.

1,750

1,300

1,300

1,520

1,300

1,180

1,300

1,210

1,140

1,300

1,560

1,430

1,120

Sept.

343

355

319

295

295

295

272

307

295

331

295

380

319

295

307

Oct.

138

Q9

52

67

7K

52

00

75

67

75

75

92

09

129

92

Nov.

129

168

168

168

14B

152

14B

129

129

133

129

135

158

129

129

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20. .........

21..........

99

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30.... ......

01

June.

362

July.

261

228

170

170

7,230

7,500

9.120

6,780

4,820

4,020

3,250

2,920

2,620

1,950

1,790

Aug.

979

1,040

895

816

740

705

606

487

459

516

487

445

406

380

343

319

Sept.

272

295

307

250

295

331

295

295

272

272

250

179

188

179

208

Oct.

129

92

101

120

129

92

92

130

168

168

148

148

129

129

148

138

Nov.

129

133

129

129

129

129

129

129

129

129

129

129

129

129

129

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 22 and 4,000 secondfeet, except November 20 to 30, which are estimated because of ice conditions.

Monthly discharge of Wild Rice River at Twin Valley, Minn., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 805 square miles.]

Month.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

9,120 

1.750 

355 

168 

168

Minimum.

170 

319 

179 

32

Mean.

1,930 

961 

286 

105 

136

Per 

square 

mile.

2.40 

1.19 

.355 

.130 

.169

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

2.77 

1.37 

.40 

.15 

.19

Total in 

acre-feet.

119,000 

59,100 

17,000 

6,460 

8,090

210,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

C.
60 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

DEVILS LAKE NEAR DEVILS LAKE, N. DAK.a

Devils Lake, in the north-central part of North Dakota, affords 

an interesting example of the ratios between rainfall, evaporation, 

and run-off. This lake has no outlet, its size depending entirely 

upon the relations between the evaporation' from its surface, the 

rainfall upon it, and inflow from the surrounding country. The total 

area draining to Devils Lake is theoretically somewhat more than 

3,500 square miles. Surveys made about twenty-five years ago, 

when the region was first settled, showed the lake to have a length 

of 35 miles, a width ranging from 1 mile to 15 miles, and an area 

of approximately 120 square miles; because of its many bays and 

slender arms the shore line measured more than 200 miles. The 

present area of the lake is not precisely known, but is estimated as not 

more than 60 square miles.

Since June 8, 1901, the United States Geological Survey has maintained on Devils Lake a staff gage, which is attached to the piles of 

the pier at the Chautauqua grounds steamer landing, 6 miles southwest 

of the city of Devils Lake. This gage is read occasionally by Capt. 

E. E. Heerman. A standard United States Geological Survey bench 

mark post is set in the bank directly behind the gage and about 8 

rods distant. The gage zero is 1,416.2 feet above sea level, and the 

bench mark is 22.90 feet above the gage zero. 6

That the lake level is still being lowered is shown by the following 

gage heights, those at the close of the season being the lowest ever 

recorded.

Gage height of Devils Lake, N. Dak., in 1909.

Feet. Feet.

May 1... . .................... 10.35

May 15."........................ 10. 4

May 29. ........................ 10. 95

June 6.......................... 11. 0

July 11.......................... 10. 8

August 17........................ 10. 8

October 25....................... 10. 0

October 31....................... 10. 01

RED LAKE RIVER AT THIEF RIVER FALLS, MINN.

This station, which is located one-third mile below the dam at 

Thief River Falls, was established July 2, 1909, to obtain data for use 

in connection with the development of water power and the practicability of storage on upper Red Lake River as an aid to navigation 

and flood prevention.

The nearest tributary is Thief River, which enters a mile or more 

above the station. The drainage area above this point is 3,430 

square miles.

o For description of Devils Lake and all data available from 1867 to 1908 see Water-Supply Paper IT. S. 

Geol. Survey No. 245, pp. 51-54.

6 In the descriptions of the station published in Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 66, p. 14, 

and No. 85, p. 238, the statement of the elevation of the bench mark above mean sea level was in error.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 61

The dam which supplies head to the Hansen and Barzen mills and 

the city lighting plant is a short distance above the station. The 

fluctuating loads on the turbines cause a slight fluctuation in the 

river below the dam. Logs are floated down Red Lake River and by 

jamming may cause backwater for a few days or may hold back the 

normal flow above the gage.

Discharge measurements are made by means of a car and cable 

located at the gage section. The gage is read morning and evening 

and the mean of the two readings is taken as the mean for the day.

From the latter part of November to the 1st of April the river is 

frozen over, and the gage heights taken through the ice.

As the station has not yet been completely rated, no estimates of 

daily flow can be given at present.

Discharge measurements of Red Lake River at Thief River Falls, Minn., in 1909.

Date. Hydrographer.

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

E. F. Chandler. ....................................

Width.

Feet. 

142

140

139

144

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

426

414

442

524

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.83

5.74

5.96

6.55

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

972

886

906

1,020

Daily gage height, in feet, of Red Lake River at Thief River Falls, Minn., for 1909.

[Chas. P. Quist, observer.]

Day.

1... .......

2. .........

3..........

4..........

5.......... 

6..........

7..........

8.......... 

9..........

10. .........

11 ..........

12. .........

13..........

14..........

15..........

July.

5.55

5.50

5.78 

6.22

6.06

6.21 

6.32

.6.20

6.18

7.05.

7.18

7.30

7.35

Aug.

5.60

5.68

5.72 

5.65

5.68

5.90 

5.96

5.98

6.26

6.15

5.96

Sept.

6.02

6.00

6.00

5.85 

5.80

5.75

5.60 

5.46

5.55

5.48

5.55

5.75

5.80

5.80

Oct.

5.58

5.52

5.68 

5.62

5.65

5.60 

5.60

5.41

5.78

6.10

5.94

Nov.

6.14

6.11

6.15

6.22 

6.28

6.24

6.35 

6.28

6.20

6.32

6.28

03.15

Dec.

7.28

7.55

7.50

7.45 

7.65

7.85

7.95 

8.25

8.20

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19

20. ......... 

21..........

22..........

23.. ........ 

24..........

25..---.....

27..........

28..--......

30..........

31 ..........

July.

7.40

7.20

7.00

8.45

8.95 

8.40

7.15

6.40 

6.22

6.08

6.05

6.18

5.80

5.52

5.55

Aug.

6.05

5.91

5.85

5.72

5.62 

5.60

5.65

5.60 

6.10

6.50

6.60

6.45

6.18

6.30

6.22

Sept.

5.85

5.85

5.95

5.90

5.92 

6.15

6.30

6.40 

6.55

6.55

6.50

6.50

6.50

6.48

6.08

Oct.

5.88

5.95

5.96

6.01

5.99 

6.20

6.30

6.34 

6.25

6.34

6.35

6.18

6.10

6.11

6.14

6.15

Nov.

a3.00

5.40

5.70

5.60

5.65 

5.75

6.00

6.20 

6.18

6.22

6.28

6.30

6.38

.6.45

6.50

Dec.

7.0

6.9

7.2

6.9

a Ice and log jam held water back. 

NOTE. Ice conditions during the latter part of November and all of December.

RED LAKE RIVER AT CROOKSTON, MINN.

This station, which is located a short distance below the dam in 

Crookston, was established May 19, 1901, to obtain data necessary 

in developing water power on Red Lake River and also in planning 

relief for the serious floods in the lower Red River valley.
62 SURFACE, WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET V.

No tributaries enter within several miles of Crookston. Less than 

a quarter of a mile above this station are the dam and power house 

of the Crookston Water Works, Power, and Light Company. As the 

power plant operates almost continuously, though with varying 

load, the gage heights below the dam fluctuate less than they would 

if the plant were shut down during a portion of the time with the 

water below the crest of the dam. The drainage area above the 

station is 5,320 square miles.0

Until July 1, 1909, the chain gage and auxiliary staff gages were 

located at the old Sampson's Addition bridge, but on that date a 

new chain gage was installed on the new steel bridge 20 rods below, 

and set to read the same as the original gage, whose datum has 

remained constant since the station was established. Discharge 

measurements are now made from this bridge.

The river channel at the old gaging section was wholly or part 

open during the winter, owing to the presence of the dam, but at 

the present section the river freezes entirely across from December 

to March, and discharge measurements are made through the ice to 

determine the approximate winter flow.

The daily fluctuation of the water surface may possibly cause a 

slight error in the daily mean gage height, but otherwise the records 

at this station should be considered good.

Discharge measurements of Red Lake River at Crookston, Minn., in 1909.

"Date.

June 18.........

June 30.........

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler........ . ..........................

E. F. Chandler. ........... ........................

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

132

138

158

163

162

140

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

256

382

709

820

749

305

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.95

4.42

6.20

6.53

6.09

3.75

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

323

660

1,660

1,980

1,810

321

a Revised.

6 Ice measurement made at old bridge.

« Partly frozen below the bridge section.

NOTE. Measurements beginning June 18 were made from new steel bridge.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 63

Daily gage height, in feet, of Red Lake River at Cvoolcston, Minn.,for 1909. 

[J. E. Carroll, 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.

4.7

4.75

4.5

4.7

4.6

4.4

4.7

4.75

4.85

4.75

5.0

5.0

4 95

5.0

S

AK

5.2

5.3

S

O

5.1

5.1

5.3

5.35

4.6

5.6

5.4

5.1

5.1

5.0

5.05 

5.2

Feb.

5.25

5.2

5.0

4.4

5.0

5.0

5.2

4.9

5.0

5.0

4.95

5.05

5-0

5.1

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.3

5.2

5.1

5.15

Mar.

5.35

5.2

5.1

5.2

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.4

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.05

5.2

5.3

5.05

5.15

5

n

6.9

6.95

5.7

5.5

5.8

5.6

5.85

5.7 

6.05

Apr.

6.5

7.2

7.55

8.12

8.3

8.2

8.2

7.8

7.55

7.4

7.5

6.9

6.85

6.3

6.25

6.25

6.1

6.5

7.05

6.55

6.35

6.45

6.35

6.58

6.22

6.1

6.15

5.9

May.

5.75

5.5

5.5

5.35

5.8

5.-55

5.82

5.8

5.8

S

n

6.4

6.5

6.3

6.5

6.4

6.3

6.0

6.15

c 7

5 of;

5.25

5

ftC

5.3 

5.7

June.

6.0

6.2

5.65

5.7

4.95

4.9

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.45

5.35

4.95

4.6

5.0

4.8

4.95

5.05

4.68

4.7

4.2

4.68

4.55

4.35

4.35

4.15

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.60

6.15

July.

6.2

5.8

5.95

5.15

4.9

4.5

4.7

5.05

4.1

4.3

4.9

4.55

4.8

4.3

4.4

5.05

4.65°

6.2

8.71

8.7

8.55

8.48

8.1

7.92

7.6

7.2

7.08 

6.3

Aug.

6.75

6.9

6.88

7.0

6.6

6.0

6.68

6.8

6.58

6.9

6.65

6.6

7.0

7.6

7.3

7.0

6.8

6.55

6.5

6.4

6.4

6.6

6.7

7.0

7.8

8.25

8.2

7.7

7.25

6.95 

6.7

Sept.

6.65

6.5

6.1

6.1

6.3

6.0

5.6

5.35

5.3

5.25

4.5

5.0

5.05

5.0

5.15

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.25

5.25

5.3

5.35

5.95

5-9

6.2

5.75

5.7

5.75

5.6

5.45

Oct.

5.35

5.35

5.25

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.3

5.42

5.32

5.15

5.3

5.35

5.75

6.2

6.1

6.05

5.8

5.95

6.0

6.05

6.0

5.95

6.2

6.4

6.45

6.4

6.3

6.2

6.05

6.05 

5.95

Nov.

6.0

5.9

5.8

5.7

5.9

5.9

5.55

5.75

5.80

5.7

5.6

5.2

5.2

3.35

3.75

3.75

3.95

4.0

4.7

4.7

4.5

5.4

5.5

5.95

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.6

5.7

Dec.

5.7

5.7

5.95

5.85

6.55

6.75

6.95

6.95

6.95

7.05

6.75

6.55

6.65

6.35

6.35

6.45

6.55

6.55

6.05

6.15

6.15

6.15

6.0

5.75

5.65

5.7

5.7

5.55

5.7

5.65 

5.65

NOTE. More or less ice during January, February, and March. The river was entirely frozen over from 

about December 15 to 31. Gage heights November 15 to December 31 are to the under surface of the ice 

and are only approximate.
64 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Red Lake River at Crookston, Minn.,for 1909.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19..............................'......

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OQ

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

Apr.

1,960

2,450

2,710

3,150

3,290

3,210

3,210

2,900

2,710

2,600

2,670

2, -iQO

2,240

2,200

1,890

. 

1,820

1,780

1,780

1,680

1,960

2,340

2,000

1,860

1,920

1,860

2,020

1,760

1,680

1,720

1,540

May.

1,450

1,290

1,290

1,200

1,230

1,320

1,480

1,320

1,420

1,490

1,480

1,450

1,480

1,580

1,750

1,540

1,920

1,890

1,960

1,820

1,960

1,890

1,820

1,610

1,720

1,420

1,140

1,140

1,380

1,170

1,420

June.

1,610

1,750

1,380

1,420

960

930

1,230

1,170

1,110

1,260

1,200

960

762

990

872

960

1,020

805

816

558

805

736

633

633

534

.558

558

608

762

1,720

July.

1,750

1,480

1,580

1,080

930

710

816

1,020

510

608

510

930

736

872

608

658

1,020

789

464

1,750

3,630

3,620

3,490

3,430

3,130

3,490

2,990

2,740

2,450

2,370

1,820

Aug.

2,140

2,240

2,230

2,310

2,030

1,610

2,090

2,170

2,020

2,240

2,060

2,030

2,310

2t740

2,520

2,310

2,170

2,000

1,960

1,890

1,890

2,030

2,100

2,310

3,000

3,250

3,210

2,820

2,480

2,100

Sept.

2,060

1,960

1,680

1,680

1,820

1,610

1,350

1,200

1,170

1,140

710

990

1,020

990

1,080

1,110

1,110

1, 110

1,140

1,140

1,170

1,200

1,580

1,540

1,750

1,450

1,420

1,450

1,350

1,260

Oct.

1,200

1,200

1,140

1,230

1,170

1,110

1,170

1,240

1,180

1,080

1,170

1,200

1,450

1,750

1,680

1,640

1,480

1,580

1,610

1,640

1,610

1,580

1,750

1,860

1,920

1,890

1,820

1,750

1,640

1,640

1,580

Nov.

1,610

1,540

1,480

1,420

1,540

1,540

1,320

1,450

1,480

1,420

1,350

1,110

1,110

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined above 338 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Red Lake River at Crookston, Minn.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 5,320 square miles.]

Month.

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,290 

1,960 

1,750 

3,630 

3,250 

2,060 

1,920 

1,610

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

Minimum.

1,540 

1,140 

534 

464 

1,610 

710 

1,OEO 

1,110

Mean.

«480

a 385 

«660 

2,240 

1,520 

977 

1,680 

2,280 

1,340 

1,480 

1,410

Per

square 

mile.

0.090 

.072 

.124 

.421 

.286 

.184 

.316 

.429 

.252 

.278 

.265

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.10 

.07 

.14

.47 

.33 

.21 

.36 

.49 

.28 

.32 

.13

Total in 

acre-feet.

29,500 

21,400 

40,600 

133,000 

93,500 

58,100 

103,000 

140,000 

79, 700 

91,000 

36,400

826,000

Accuracy.'

D. 

D. 

D. 

A.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B.

o Estimated.

NOTE. The controlled flow at this station makes any estimates for the frozen period of November and 

December very uncertain, hence they have been omitted.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 65

THIEF KIVEK NEAR THIEF RIVER FALLS, MINN.

This station, which is located at the Drybrooke ford 6 miles north 

of Thief Kiver Falls, in sec. 3,'T. 154 N., K. 43 W., was established 

July 1, 1909, in connection with the general plan of investigating the 

water resources of Minnesota and also to determine the practicability 

of draining swamp lands in the basin.

The nearest tributary is the outlet of Mud Lake, which enters 

Thief Kiver in the northeastern part of T. 156 N., K. 42 W. The 

drainage area above the gaging station is 1,010 square miles.

The nearest dam is at Thief River Falls at the mouth of Thief 

River. This dam backs up the water in Thief River for several miles, 

but produces no effect at the gage owing to rapids below the station.

The gage is an inclined rod on the right bank about 100 feet below 

the ford. Discharge measurements are made by means of a boat 

and cable a short distance below the staff gage, or by wading at the 

ford at very low stages.

From the middle of November to the 1st of April the river is 

entirely frozen over, and readings are taken through the ice.

As the station has not yet been completely rated no estimates 

of daily flow can .be given at present.

Discharge measurements of Thief River near Thief River Falls, Minn., in 1909.

Date. Hydrographer.

E. P. Chandler. ....................................

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

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

E. F. Chandler.....................................

Width.

Feet. 

136

111

82

81

81

80

Ajea of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

212

248

233

220

227

210

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.21

6.36

6.36

6.14

6.25

6.12

Discharge,

Sec.-ft, 

327

381 37*

288

324

298

a Made by wading. 

79483° WSP 265 11 5

& Made from boat and cable.
66 STJEFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Thief River, near Thief River Falls, Minn.,for 1909. 

[H. J. Maland, observer.]

Day.

1. .........

2..........

3.......... 

4. ......... 

5..........

6... ......

7..........

8.......... 

9..........

10.......... 

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

July.

6 99

5.84 

5,70 

5.50

5.36

5.30

5.24 

5.20

5.20 

5.20

5.85

5.88

5.80

5.85

Aug.

6-28

6.50 

6.41 

6.45

6.32

6.25

6.90 

6.78

6.75 

6.80

6.78

6.60

6.51

Sept.

6.10

6.10

6.06 

6.12 

60S

6 OR

6.01

6.00 

6.00

6.00 

6.00

6.00

6.12

6.22

6.25

Oct.

6.10

6.18 

6.20 

6.26

6.30

6.35

6.38 

6.38

6.38

6

01

6.30

6.30

6.32

Nov.

6.32

6.31 

6.30 

6.30

6.30

6.28

6.25 

6.25

6.25

A 99

6.20

6.12

Dec.

R Q

"6.65

6.75

6.75

Day.

16..........

17..........

18.......... 

19.......... 

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

July.

5.72

5.60

5.52 

10.60 

9.90

9.20

8.15

7.55 

7.35

6.85 

6.68

6.52

6.40

6.32

6.28

6.32

Aug.

6.39

6.30

6.22 

6.15 

6.08

6.00

6.16

6.10 

6.55

6.70

6.40

6.28

6.10

6.08

Sept.

6.20

6.14

6.10 

6.20 

6.20

6.34

6.32

6.29 

6.22

6.19 

6.16

6.15

6.15

6.11

6.10

Oct.

6.32

6.34

6.32 

6.32 

6.34

6.45

6.42

6.42 

6.42

6.42 

6 40

6.32

6.34

6.34

6.32

Nov.

"7.T

"To"

Dec.

6.75 i

""e.'s

6.8

NOTE. Ice November 14 to December 31. The following comparative readings were made:

Date.

Gage 

height 

to water 

surface.

Feet. 

7.1 

7.0 

6.98 

6.9 

6.65 

6.75 

6.75 

6.75 

6.8 

6.8

Gage 

height 

top of 

ice.

Feet. 

7.2 

7.25 

7.05 

7.28 

7.0 

7.0 

6.9 

6.9 

6.85 

6.85

Thickness of ice.

At gage.

Feet. 

0.4 

.6 

.56 

.65 

.55 

.62 

.80 

.80 

.83 

.92

Average.

Feet. 

0.35 

.50 

.57 

.55 

.66 

.68 

.65 

.70 

.75 

.78

CLEARWATER RIVER AT RED LAKE FALLS, MINN.

This station, which is located 30 rods southeast of the Great 

Northern Railway station at Red Lake Falls, and 1J miles above the 

mouth of the Clearwater, was established June 18, 1909, to determine the amount of available power on this stream.

The nearest tributary is 2 miles above Red Lake Falls. The 

station is at least half a mile above the influence of the Healy dam, 

which is located a short distance below the mouth of Clearwater 

River.

The gage is an inclined staff on the right bank. Discharge measurements are made at high stage from a car and cable located at a 

tag-wire section a short distance below the gage; during medium 

and low stages wading measurements are made at the tag-wire section.

From the middle of November to the 1st of April, when the river 

is frozen over, gage readings are taken through a hole in the ice.

Conditions at this station are excellent, and the records may be 

considered reliable.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 67

Discharge'measurements of Clearwater River at Red Lake Falls, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July26. .......

Hydrographer.

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

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

E. F. Chandler. ....................................

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

109

111

127

179

180

180

123

123

178

175

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

164

115

123

463

433

535

229

227

177

194

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.52

6.53

6.60

8.40

8.34

8.90

6.99

6.97

7.60

7.88

Discharge.

Sec.-lt. 

146

150

161

1,140

1,040

1,440

281

274

274

305

« Made from footbridge.

6 Made by wading at tag-wire section.

c Made from cable. 

d Ice conditions.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Clearwater River at Red Lake Falls, Minn., for 1909.

[Jas. Benoit, observer.]

Day.

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8....

9....

10....

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

June. July.

6.65

6.48

6.50

6.46

6.44

6.39

6.32

6.30

6.10

6.30

6.30

6.42

6.55

Aug.

8.56

8.41

8.32

8.24

8.14

8.05

8.08

8.29

8.14

8.65

8.50

9.15

9.28

9.08

Sept.

7.98

7.97

7.78

7.62

7.43

7.23

7.23

7.13

7.06

6.98

6.98

6.93

6.90

6.88

6.88

Oct.

7.00

7 04

7.00

6.80

6.80

6.80

6.80

6.80

6.80

6.82

7.00

7.35

7.49

7.45

Nov.

7.30

7.32

7.26

7.20

7.08

7.00

7.00

7.00

6.90

6.90

6.90

6.90

7.12

7.32

7.45

Dec.

7.50

7.55

7.30

Day.

16....

18....

19....

20....

21....

22....

23....

24....

OC

26....

27....

28....

29....

3»....

31 ....

June.

6.58

6.56

6.49

6.35

6.32

6.30

6.29

6.30

6.29

6.26

6.32

o7.55

o7.25

July.

6.66

6.60

6.55

6.55

6.50

6.60

6.95

8.30

9.38

9 28

9.12

8.84

8.70

8.60

8.60

Aug.

8.94

 8 90

8.79

8.63

8.53

8.42

8.28

8.30

8.68

o on

8.88

8.62

8.33

8.20

8.10

Sept.

6.89

6.90

6.56

6.85

6.98

7.10

7.25

7.39

7.45

7.50

7.44

7.25

7.10

7.00

6.99

Oct.

7.44

7 49

7.40

7.35

7.40

7.25

7.25

7.38

7.35

7.52

7.50

7.44

7.38

7.40

7.20

Nov.

7.44

7.36

7.40

7.41

7.42

7.40

7.60

Dec.

7.20

7.88

7.92

o Gage height estimated from high-water marks as the gage was destroyed.

NOTE. Backwater due to ice conditions from November 13 to 20. River frozen over November 21 to 

December 31, gage readings being taken to water surface. The maximum ice thickness recorded was 

0.9 foot.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Clearwater River at Red Lake Falls, Minn., for 1909.

Day.

1. .........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

June. July.

o268

178

140

144

135

131

120

107

103

93

74

103

103

126

155

Aug.

1,210

1,110

1,050

1,000

936

878

897

1,030

936

975

1,280

1,170

1,620

1,720

1,580

Sept.

832

826

703

607

493

385

385

339

310

279

279

261

250

244

244

Oct.

286

302

286

218

218

218

218

218

218

218

224

286

AAQ

529

505

Nov.

420

431

400

370

318

286

286

286

250

250

250

250

250

250

250

Day.

16. .. .......

17..........

18. .. .......

19

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30

31..........

June.

162

157

142

112

107

103

101

103

101

97

a565

0395

July.

180

166

155

155

144

166

268

1 040

1,790

1,720

1,600

1,410

1,310

1,240

1 240

1^240

Aug.

1,480

1,450

1,370

1,260

1,190

1,120

1,030

1,040

1,300

1,450

1,440

1,250

1,140

1,060

975

910

Sept.

247

250

157

234

279

326

395

470

505

535

499

395

326

286

282

Oct.

499

529

475

475

395

395

A&A

448

547

535

499

464

475

431

370

Nov.

250

250

250

250

250

250

250

250

250

260

260

270

270

270

274

274

o Estimated.

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined, except November 13 to 30, 

which are estimated because of ice conditions.
68 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of Clearwater River at Red Lake Palls, Minn., for 1909, 

[Drainage area, 1,310 square miles.]

Month.

June 18-30. .................

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

o565 

1,790 

1,720 

832 

547 

431

Minimum.

97

74 

878 

157 

 218

Mean.

173 

510 

1,190 

387 

382 

280 

a260

Per 

square 

mile.

0. 132 

.389 

.908 

.295 

.292 

.214 

.198

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.06 

.45 

.1.05 

.33 

.34 

.24 

.23

Total in 

acre-feet.

4,460 

31,400 

73,200 

23,000 

23,500 

16,700 

16,000

188,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

C. 

C.

a Estimated. 

PEMBINA RIVER AT NECHE, N. DAK.

This station, which was established April 29, 1903, is located at 

the Great Northern* Railway bridge two-thirds of a mile north of 

Neche, N. Dak.

The records of this stream are necessary to determine the value 

of the many water-power sites on the Pembina, and are valuable in 

connection with problems of navigation and flood.damages on Red 

River and in drainage investigations.

The total drainage ar6a above this station is about 2,940 square 

miles, of which 2,020 are in Manitoba, as the stream rises in Manitoba and flows for about 90 miles close to and nearly parallel with 

the international boundary before it crosses into North Dakota, 50 

miles above its mouth at Pembina.

The staff gage used prior to September 1, 1909, is firmly spiked to 

the railway bridge abutment and its datum has not been changed. 

On account of difficulty in reading this gage at some stages a standard 

chain gage was installed on the highway bridge about 400 feet downstream and set to read the same as the staff gage. Discharge measurements are made from this bridge.

A loose-rock dam, about 3 feet high, at the railway water-tank 

intake pipe, one-third mile below the gage, raises the water at the 

gage from 1 to 2 feet at low stage. As the dam is changed somewhat by the ice each spring, the lower portion of the rating curve 

requires revision each year. Hence, unless several low-stage discharge measurements are made each season the summaries for the 

low-water season are merely approximate or fair.
. HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN.

Discharge measurements of Pembina River at Neche, N. Dak., in 1909.

69

Date.

JulyS..........

Hydrographer.

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

61

56

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

173

128

30

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.69

2.93

2.81

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

147

42

28

a Made by wading below Great Northern Railway dam.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Pembina River at Neche, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[Roy O. Young, observer.]

Day.

I..........

2..........

3..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9. ....... ..

10. ....... ..

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

June.

5.5

6.35

5.8

5.6

5.5

5.4

5.2

5.2

5.0

4.8

4.7

July.

3.8

3.6

3.7

3.7

3 7

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

Aug.

3.3

3.4

3.3

3.25

3.2

3.25

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

2.95

3.0

2.95

Sept.

2.75

2.75

2.8

2.8

2.85

2.85

3.8

2.85

2

0

2.8

2.75

2.8

2.85

2.8

2.8

Oct.

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

Nov.

3.1

3.0

3.05

3.0

2.95

3.0

3.15

3.1

3.0

3.15

3.0

2.9

2.95

3.0

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28....-..-..

30..........

31..........

June.

4.6

July.

3.5

3.5

3 A

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3 '

3.2

3.3

Aug.

2.9

2.95

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.8

2.75

Sept.

2.8

2.8

2

0

O 0

2.8

2.85

2.85

2

0

2

0

2.8

2.8

2.85

2.S

2.8

2.8

Oct.

2.9

2.9

2.95

2.95

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.15

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.0

Nov.

-

NOTE. Ice November 14 to December 31. No observer June 17 to July 6.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Pembina River at Neche, N. Dak., for 1909.

Day.

1. .........

2..........

3..........

5..........

6..........

7. .........

8..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13 ..........

14..........

15..........

June.

268

478

654

538

498

458

418

418

379

341

322

July.

164

131

147

147

131

131

115

115

Aug.

86

100

86

80

73

80

73

61

61

61

61

49

49

Sept.

22

22

27

27

32

32

27

32

27

27

22

27

32

27

27

Oct.

38

38

38

32

38

38

32

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

38

Nov.

61

49

55

49

44

49

67

61

49

67

49

38

44

o41

Day. .

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23 ..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

June.

304

July.

115

115

100

100

100

115

115

115

115

100

100

86

86

86

73

86

Aug.

38

44

38

38

38

32

27

32

27

27

27

27

22

22

27

22

Sept.

27

27

27

27

27

32

32

27

27

27

27

32

27

27

27

Oct.

38

38

44

44

49

49

49

49

61

67

73

67

67

61

6149-

Nov.

a Estimated. 

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined.
70 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of Pembina River at Neche, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 2,940 square miles.]

Month.

July 7-31. ..................

Discharge In second-feet.

Maximum.

654 

164 

100 

32 

73 

67

Minimum.

268 

73 

22 

22 

32 

38

Mean.

427 

113 

48.3 

27.7 

45.9 

51.9

Per 

square 

mile.

0.145 

.038 

.016 

.0094 

.016 

.018

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.07 

.04 

.02 

.01 

.02 

.009

Total in 

acre-feet.

11,000 

5,600 

2,970 

1,650 

2,970 

1,440

Accuracy.

B. 

A. 

A.

A. 

A. 

A.

MOUSE RIVER BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The Mouse (or Souris) River rises in the southeastern part of the 

Province of Saskatchewan, Canada, and flows southeastward 230 

miles to the northern boundary of North Dakota; thence it continues 

in a southeasterly direction for 80 miles to the southwestern part of 

McHenry County, where it makes a loop by swinging to the northeast, north, and northwest, and in 90 miles reaches the Canadian 

boundary again; thence it flows north and east 120 miles through 

the Province of Manitoba to Assiniboine River, which discharges 

into Red River 120 miles farther east, at Winnipeg.

The drainage area above the point where the river enters the 

United States is about 7,200 square miles, nine-tenths of this area 

being in Saskatchewan and the remainder comprising a narrow strip 

along the northern edge of North Dakota. Above the point where 

the river leaves the United States the total drainage area is about 

12,000 square miles.

The Mouse has only three important tributaries in North Dakota 

Des Lacs River, draining about 700 square miles, and Cut Bank and 

Willow Creeks, draining each about 1,100 square miles. All three 

streams flow from a rolling prairie whose surface was left uneven 

by the ice of the glacial epoch and whose drainage is imperfectly 

developed. Hence in ordinary years the run-off from only a small 

portion of the drainage area, perhaps one-fourth, reaches the streams, 

but the water stands in scattered pools and lakelets that dry away 

through the season. In unusually wet or stormy years these pools 

and sloughs overflow, causing abnormal increases in the flow of the 

river.

The whole area is deeply covered with glacial drift, except a portion 

of the "Mouse River loop," which is covered with silt and is more 

level, having been in the glacial epoch the bottom of Lake Souris,
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 71

an arm of Lake Agassiz, which filled the Red Kilter valley at that 

time.

The elevation of this drainage basin is 1,450 feet above sea level 

at the lowest point in North Dakota and about 2,000 feet at its 

western margin in North Dakota.

In the upper part of its course the river occupies a valley a hundred 

feet deep and a mile wide; after turning north around the loop, it 

runs through a prairie scarcely above the water level. The whole 

stretch in North Dakota is very sluggish on account of its small fall, 

and in the last 40 miles before the river reenters Canada its total fall 

is only 8 feet.

The area is without forests or trees except small scattered clumps 

or groves on the steep hillsides and fringes along the streams. The 

mean annual rainfall is from 13 to 17 inches, half of which falls in the 

three months of May, June, and July.

During the winter the streams are closed for at least four months, 

and the flow beneath the ice is very small. Thaws sufficient to 

cause any considerable rise or flood in winter are unknown.

The stations in the Mouse River basin were established to determine the practicability of irrigation, and the records have shown that 

(except in years so wet that the irrigation would be of little value) 

the flow of the streams is too small to justify as expensive construction as would be necessary for extensive irrigation works in a country 

of such small slope. The station records are now found to be essential 

for investigating the methods of reclamation by drainage in the 

Mouse River loop, and for flood prevention.

The tributaries afford some storage sites, as, for example, at Des 

Lacs Lakes on Des Lacs River, but losses by evaporation would be 

so great that this storage would probably be uselesss except for flood 

prevention.

MOUSE RIVER AT JUINOT, N. DAK.

This station which is located north of the Great Northern Railway 

roundhouse, at Minot, N. Dak., was established May 5, 1903.

Des Lacs River enters 7 miles above the station.

The vertical staff used previous to December 28, 1909, was attached 

to a pier of the private footbridge about 150 feet from the roundhouse. This bridge was removed June 28, 1909, but the gage was 

left undisturbed. On December 28, 1909, a new staff gage was 

installed at the Anne Street bridge about 40 rods downstream. Discharge measurements in the past have been made from the footbridge. In the future they will be made from the Anne Street bridge.

Except as just indicated the location and datum of the gage have 

not been changed. Channel conditions remain nearly constant. 

Gage heights at low stages are controlled by a 3-foot rock-filled dam
72 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

with plank core w^.11 at .the "Soo" Railway water tank, a mile below 

the former location of the gage. At extreme low water this dam 

raises the water at the gage about 2 feet. During the summer of 

1904 the dam was rebuilt and has since remained practically unchanged. 

It has an approximately level crest. Weir formulas have been found 

to apply satisfactorily except at extreme low stages, when the slight 

leakage has to be considered. A good rating curve for nearly .all 

stages has been developed.

Discharge measurements of Mouse River at Minot, N. Dak., in 1909.

Date.

April 12........

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler. ....................................

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

105

48

55

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

715

41.7

107

Gage 

height.

Feet, 

a, 10. 34

3.89

3.65

3.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,040

24

3.2

1.6

« Gage height possibly affected by temporary obstruction other than ice. 

6 Made by wading below Soo dam. 

c Weir measurement at Soo dam. 

NOTE. Measurements on December 28 were unaffected by ice conditions. They are only approximate.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Mouse River at Minot, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[Ephraim Cox, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16. ..i................... ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

28.....:.....................

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

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

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

Mar.

5.0

5.3

K K

5.65

6.1

6.0

Apr.

5

7C

5.85

6.0

6.1

6.2

6 45

6.85

7.1

7.65

8.55

9.1

9 4

9.45

9.4

9.2

8.8

7 9

6.85

6.25

6.1

K Q

5.8

5.7

May.

5.65

5.5

5.4

5.35

5.2

5.15

5.0

4.95

5.0

5.05

5.1

5.05

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.1

5.2

5.3

5.35

5.2

5.1

5.0

5.0

4 95

June.

5.1

5.1

5.15

5.2

5.35

5.6

5.82

5.92

6.1

6.0

5.82

5.62

5.4

5.25

5.15

5.1

5.1

5.2

5.25

5.35

5.45

5.3

5.2

5.1

5.0

4.95

4.9

4.75

4.7

4.7

July.

4.65

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.55

4.5

4.5

4.45

4.45

4.4

4.4

4.35

4.35

4.3

4.25

4.2

4.15

4.15

4.15

4.1

4.1

4.05

4.05

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.95

3.95

3.95

4.0

4.0

Aug.

4.0

3.9

4.0

3.8

3.8

3.85

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.9

4.0

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.05

4.0

4.0

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.05

4.1

4.2

4.2

4.1

3.95

4.1

3.95

Sept.

4.0

4.0

3.95

4.1

4.1

4.05

4.0

4.0

3.85

3,85

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.6

3.55

3.55

3.4

3.35

3.2

Oct.

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

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

Nov.

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

NOTE. Gage height for December 28 was 3.65 feet.

Ice conditions prevailed presumably during January, February, the first part of March, and after November 13. The river was frozen at the gage on November 14.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 73

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Mouse River at Minot, N. Dak., in 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...........................

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

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

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

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

Mar.

ojq

321

070

JOO

464

546

519

492

4fl7

Apr.

450

478

506

519

572

632

716

761

848

977

1,050

1,090

1,090

1,080

1 060

1,010

991

716

676

609

KQA

546

492

678

464

450

J.0. A

May.

422

378

364

349

oo e

294

281

243

231

OJQ

256

268

256

294

294

268

268

294

091

335

335

308

294

268

ojo

243

231

243

June.

268

268

281

294

335

407

470

497

546

519

470

413

349

308

281

268

294

308

335

364

321

294

268

243

231

219

185

174

174

July.

163

152

152

141

141

130

130

120

120

109

109

99

99

so

70

61

61

61

52

44

44

36

36

36

29

29

29

36

36

Aug.

36

22

36

11

11

16

36

36

22

11

11

22

36

52

52

4436'

36

52

52

52

36

44

52

70

70

52

29

52

29

Sept.

36

36

29

52

52

44

36

36

16

16

11

11

11

11

7.0

7.0

7.0

4.5

4.5

4.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

1.5

1.0

1.0

.79

.71

.5

Oct.

0.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5 

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.57

.57

.57

.57

Nov.

0.57

.57

.57

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined between 36 and 2,600 

second-feet. Below 36 second-feet the curve is only approximate owing to leakage through dam and 

lack of reliable low water measurements.

Discharge November 14 to 30 estimated as equivalent to 0.5 second-foot per day. *

Monthly discharge of Mouse River at Minot, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 8,400 square miles.]

Month. : *

March 21-30. ...............

April.......................

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

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

October...........:........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

546 

1,080 

422 

546 

163 

70 

52 

.57 

.57

Minimum.

243 

436 

231 

174 

29 

11 

.5 

.5 

.5

Mean.

411 

727 

289 

322 

82.1 

37.7 

15.5 

.509 

a. 507

Per 

square 

mile.

0.049 

.087 

.034 

.038 

.0098 

.0045 

.0018 

.000061 

.000060

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.02 

.10 

.04 

.04 

.01 

.005 

.002 

.00007 

.00007

Total in 

acre-feet.

8,970 

43.300 

17,800 

19,200 

5,050 

2,320 

922 

31 

30

97,600

Accuracy.

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

D.

a Partly estimated. 

EVAPORATION AT UNIVERSITY, N. DAK.a

The evaporation gage at University, N. Dak., was established April 

17, 1905. It is located on a pool in a ravine called English Coulee,

o For complete description of this station and records of evaporation, rainfall, and temperature for 1905- 

1908, see Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 245, pp. 64-67.
SURFACE WATEK SUPPLY, 1909, PART v.

which runs through the campus of the University of North Dakota, 

which is immediately west of Grand Forks, N. Dak., and 2 miles west 

of the Minnesota boundary.

The coulee drains about 60 square miles of very level prairie. 

Except for brief freshets the flow in the coulee is small, varying from 

1 second-foot or less to 20 second-feet. In very dry weather the water 

lies in pools with scarcely any perceptible flow.

A heavy galvanized-iron tank, 3 feet square and 18 inches deep, is 

placed in the center of an anchored raft, so that the water in the tank 

is at the same level as the water surface outside. The tank is filled 

nearly to the top, to a height precisely marked by the pointed tip of 

a vertical rod in the center of the tank. Once each day, after the 

change produced by evaporation or rainfall, the water level is restored 

to the original height, the precise amount of water transferred being 

measured with a cup of such size that one cupful of water is equivalent 

to 0.01 inch depth in the tank.

A standard rain gage is located on the open prairie about 10 rods 

distant. On days of rainfall the difference (which is usually small) 

between the quantity measured by the rain gage and the surplus in 

the tank is considered the total evaporation for the day. Observations were made usually about 6 p. m. The water temperature is the 

mean temperature of the water at that hour; the air temperature is 

the mean of the maximum and minimum thermometer readings for 

each day.

Results of observations of evaporation, rainfall, and temperature 

for 1909 are presented in the following table:

Evaporation, rainfall, and temperature at University, N. Dak., for 1909. 

[M. H. Smith and W. R. Holgate, observers.]

Date.

July 1 to 10. ...................................................

July 21 to 31................................... ................

September 11 to 20 .............................................

October 11 to 20. ...............................................

Evaporation.

Inches. 

0.89 

1.23 

1.03 

1.58

1.76 

1.53 

1.73 

1.44 

1.42 

1.33 

1.00 

1.37 

1.31 

.91 

.30 

.30

19.13

Rainfall.

Inches. 

0.53 

.05 

.47 

2.08

.09 

.46 

.41 

1.86 

.06 

.67 

.07 

.50 

.10 

.39 

.00 

.06

7.80

Temperature of 

Water.

. ° F. 

41 

49

f, 53

L 5°

i 72 

74 

74 

74 

74 

67 

58 

63 

54 

55 

34 

34

Air.

0 F. 

35 

47 

54 

61

67 

63 

69 

71 

70 

65 

59 

61 

54 

57 

36 

37

« Record for June defective.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 75 

RAINY RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Rainy River, which rises in Rainy Lake and flows westward into 

Lake of the Woods, is an international stream, forming throughout 

its length a portion of the boundary between Minnesota and the 

Canadian province of Ontario. The ultimate source of the boundary 

waters flowing into Rainy Lake is North Lake, in T. 65 N., R. 2 W. 

The elevation of the source is nearly 440 feet above Rainy Lake.

From the Canadian side the principal tributaries are Turtle, Little 

Turtle, and Pipestone rivers, which flow into Rainy Lake, and La 

Vallee and Pine rivers, which flow into Rainy River; from the American side Vermilion and Rat Root rivers flow into Rainy Lake, and 

Little Fork, Big Fork, Black, Rapid, 1 and Winter Road rivers flow 

into Rainy River. The entire drainage area above Lake of the Woods 

is 20,400 square miles.

From Rainy Lake, which has an approximate area of 344 square 

miles, to International Falls the banks of the river rise 10 to 12 feet 

above the water surface; below the falls the general surface level has 

remained unchanged, although the river has dropped 23 feet and the 

banks are correspondingly higher. During the glacial period a large 

portion of the drainage basin was covered by a lake which is known 

as Lake Agassiz, and in consequence this portion of the surface is 

very smooth. The country is for the most part flat, but a few hills 

rise 50 to 75 feet above the plain.

Above Rainy Lake there is an immense area, thickly dotted with 

lakes drained by streams that flow over bed rock and find their way 

through the lake into Rainy River; the tributaries to the west flow 

over the glacial drift without touching the underlying rock. In the 

area below Rainy Lake few lakes are found. The northward slope 

of the area south of Rainy River is not sufficient to afford good 

drainage, and consequently there are extensive areas of swamp. Dry 

land in general is found only along the banks of the streams which flow 

in very tortuous channels cut 5 to 40 feet below the surface. So wet 

is the country that very few settlers are found except near the rivers, 

and during the open season canoes afford the chief means of transportation. Very little reclamation work has been undertaken, but 

about 40,000 acres have been drained in Koochiching County.

Between the south end of Bow String Lake and the head of Big 

Fork River and Lake Winnibigoshish is a continuous river valley, 

which, during high-water stages, makes connection between Mississippi 

River and Hudson Bay. In the eastern part of area there is probable 

connection between North and South lakes in Rainy and Superior 

drainage, respectively. The range of elevations in the basin is from 

1,025 to 2,000 feet above sea level.
76 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART v.

The greater part of the drainage basin is heavily forested though 

it has been cut over extensively, a,t least in Minnesota. Very little of 

the land, however, has been cleared. Many of the streams are used 

for driving logs.

No rainfall stations have been maintained by the Weather Bureau 

in this basin, but at stations just south of the southern boundary of 

Ihe basin the records show an annual rainfall of about 27 inches. 

* From November to April the streams are frozen entirely over and 

ire much used as roadways. The snow is heavy and remains in the 

forests until late in the spring.

The lakes in the upper part of the basin afford many reservoir 

sites for the regulation of the stream flow. The high dam at Koochiching Falls backs the water up in Rainy Lake, which provides immense 

storage.

Water power is available at a number of places in the basin, as most 

of the streams have a good fall, but by far the largest and, at present, 

the only utilization is at International Falls where a plant, to be used 

largely in operating the wood pulp mills which are being erected at 

the power site, will develop 18,000 horsepower on the American side 

and a like amount on the Canadian.

RAINY RIVER AT INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MINN.

This station, which was established by the Minnesota and Ontario 

Power Company March 1,1907, is located at its American power house, 

a short distance below its dam at International Falls and 2 miles below 

the outlet of Rainy Lake. The records represent the run-off from 

the Rainy Lake region and are important because of the power available on Rainy River. The drainage area above the gage is 14,200 

square miles.

Observations of gage height, made on the staff gage installed by 

the company on the cofferdam surrounding the power house, have 

been furnished the United States Geological Survey gratis since the 

station was established. In the later part of 1909 the Geological 

Survey began a rating of the station, and when that is completed the 

daily discharge since the beginning of the gage-height observations 

can be computed, as the channel is permanent. The discharge 

measurements are made by means of a boat and cable at a section 

several hundred yards below the gage, where an island divides the 

river into two channels.

The flow at the gaging section is controlled to a certain extent by 

the dam of the power company. Owing to the filling of the reservoir 

above, which includes Rainy Lake itself, the flow for the latter part 

of 1909 was less than the natural run-off.

The presence of the dam prevents ice at the gaging section, and the 

open-water rating curve applies throughout the year.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN.

Conditions at this station are excellent, and the records of flow s 

therefore be reliable.

Discharge measurements of Rainy River at International Falls, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

1909.

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray. ........................................

Width.

Feet. 

520

466

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

7,310

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

464.97

462. 92

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

8,560

5,190

Daily gage height, in feet, of Rainy River at International Falls, Minn., for 1907-1909.

Bay.

1907. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17...'............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1908. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16....'...........

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

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

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

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

Jan.

468.5

468.0

Feb.

.......

467.6

466.8

Mar.

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0 

464.0

464.0

464.0

463.9 

463.8

463.7

463.7 

463.7

463.7

463.5 

463.5

463.5

463.3

463.3

463.0

462.5

462.8

462.8 

462.8

466.1

465.7

ies.'e

Apr.

462.6

462.6

462.5

462.4

462.4

462.6

462.5 

462.5

462.6 

462.5

462.5

462.5 

462.4

462.3

462.3

462.5 

462 6

462.6

462.7

463 7

463.7

463.8

AM C

463.5 

463.4

462.1

464.1

May.

463.3

463.8

464.0

464.0 

463.9

464.0

464.0

463.9

464.4

464.9

465.2

465. 6

465.5

465.5

465.6

AfiK Q

AKC\ <>

466.6

June.

466.0

465.9

465.6

465.5

465.4

"465.T

465,4 

465.5

465.6

465.7

465. 7 

465.8

466 3

466.5

468.6

467.3

July.

467.2

467 4

.......

"467~6~

468.0

467 7

467 7

467 9

467.8

468 0

469.1

Aug.

467.7

467.7

"467." 8~

467.9

467.9 

467.9

~469.T

469.5

469.5

469.4

469.2

469.2

469.5

469.6

469.6

469.7

"469."9"

470.2

468.5

468.2

468.2

Sept.

470.2

470.2

470.2 

470.2

470.3 

470.3

470.3 

470.2

470.3

470.3

470.3

4'0.3

470.5

470.8

470.8

470.8

470.8

"476.~7~

467.0

466.9

466.6

465.6

466.5 

466.5

Oct.

470.6

470.5

470.5

"iro-'e"

470.6

470.5 

470.6

470.5 

470.5

470.5

470.3

470.3

470.3

469.9

469.8

469.8

469.7

469.8 

469.8

469.8

466.3

466.2

466.1

465.5

465.4

"465." 3

Nov.

469.7

469.7

469.6

469.6

469.6 

469.5

469.5

469.5

469.4 

469.3'

469.2

469.1 

469.1

469.1

"468." 9"

468.9

468.8

468.7

468.6

468.6

468.5

468.5

464.8

434.7

464.6

464.6

464.5

464.4

464.3

464.3

464.2

464.2

464.2

464.2

464.0

464.0 

464.0

464.0

Dec.

468.9

468.9

469.0

469.2

......

468.8

465.5

465.8

465.7

465.5

465.4

465.2

465.1

465.1

465.0

464.9

464.9

464.7

464.7

464.6

~464.'5
78 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Rainy River at International Falls, Minn.,for 1907-1909 

Continued.

Day.

1908. 

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

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

00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ql

1909. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. .............. l<?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

91

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

JAO 0

467.8

464.3

464.2

464.2 

464.3

464.3 

464.3

464.3

464.3

464.3

464.3

464.3

464.2

464.2

464.2

464.1 

464.0

464.2

464.1 

464.0

464.0

464.2 

464.3

Feb.

466.6

464.1

464.1 

464.0

464.0 

464.0

463.9

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

463.9

463.9

463.9

463.9

463.9

463.9

"m.s

463.8

463.8

463.8

463.8 

463.7

.......

Mar.

463.6

463.7

463.7 

463 6

463.6 

463.5

463.4

463.3

463.2 

463.2

463.1

462.8

463.6

463.6

463.6

~463.'4" 

463.3

463.3

463.3

463.3 

463.2

463.2

462.9

Apr.

467.5

462.8

462.6

"462."4"

462.0

461.9

461.8 

461 7

461.5

460 4

460.3

460.3

460.2

459.6

459.6

458.7 

459.4

459.9 

460.0

460.- 0 

460.2

May.

468.2

460.4

460.5

.......

460.6

461.2

461.5 

461 6

461.6

461.6

462.3

463.9

465.3

465.0

463.7

463.1

462.4 

461.8 

461.3

460.9

460.5

460.0 

459.7

459 4

459.1

459.0

June.

467.6

459.2

460.0 

461.0

462.2 

462.6

462.9 

462.1

462.3

463.1 

463.2

463.2

463.7

463.8

463.8

463.9 

464.7 

464 8

465.1

465.3

465.4 

465.7

465 9

466.1

July.

468.8

468.6

466.3

466.3 

466.4

"466.3

466.4

466.4

466.4

466.2

466.2

465.7

465 6

465.9

466.5

466.5

466.5 

466.5

4-ftft q

466.0

465.8 

465.1

465.6 

465 4

465.4

Aug.

468.0

467.3'

467.5

465.3

465.3 

465.4

465.8 

465.6

465.7 

465.8

465.9 

466.2

466 4

466.4

468.0

467.6

467.2

467.0

466.9

467.2 "m.s

465.7

464.0 

464.1

464.4

Sept.

466.4

466.3

464.9

464.6

465.3

465.4

464.4

465.1 

465.4

465.8

465.8

465.8

464.8

464.8 

464.9 

464 9

465 0

465.0 

~465."6~

465 0

465.0

Oct.

465.2

465.1

465 1

465.0

465.0

464.9

464.9

464.8

464.8 

464.8

465.6 

465 6

465.6

465.6

465 7

465.8

465 9

463.8

463.9

464.2 

464.6 

464 8

465.3

465.6 

465.7

465.5

465.5

465.2

Nov.

463.9

463.8

463.8

463.7

463 7

463.7

463.7

463.6

465.0

.......

.......

.......

462.2

461 6

461 7

461.9

461.9

462.0

~462.~2' 

462.5

461.3 

461.6

463.0 

463.0

Dec.

464.5

464.5

464.4

464.3

464.2

464.1

464.1

463.0

463.0 

463.9

466.4 

468.1

468.6

468.6

468.2

468.0

468.1

468.0

4fi7 fi

"468." i

468.1 

468.1

NOTE. Owing to the presence of the falls, and later of the dam, there is very little ice effect at this station during the winter.

LITTLE FORK RIVER AT LITTLE FORK, MINN.

This station, which is located at the lower of the two highway 

bridges at Little Fork, Minn., was established June 23, 1909, in connection with the general investigation of the water resources of Minnesota. The data obtained will be of value also for power and drainage 

studies. The drainage area above the station is 1,720 square miles.

The nearest tributary is Beaver Brook, which enters the river 1£ 

miles below the station.

Little Fork is used extensively for log driving during the spring 

and summer months, although no dams are known to exist on the 

headwaters for the purpose of controlling the natural flow. The
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 79

river is frozen over at the station and observations are discontinued 

from November to April.

The datum of the staff gage has remained unchanged since the 

station was established.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge at ordinary 

stages and by wading at extreme low stages.

As the station has not yet been completely rated, no estimates of 

daily flow can be made.

Discharge measurements of Little Fork River at Little Fork, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

1909. 

July 4.... ......

July 24.. .......

August 26......

Hydrographer.

G. A. Grav. ........................................

G. A. Gray. ........................................

Width.

Feet. 

122

122

133

132

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

201

184

452

445

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.41

7.66

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

237

190

910

824

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little Fork River at Little Fork, for 1909. 

[Theo. La Chapelle, observer.]

Day.

1. .........

2.......... 

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8...-.-.-..

9..........

10..........

11..........

13..........

14.......... 

15..........

June. July.

5.59

5.58 

5.52

5.45 

5.41

5.38

5.34

5.31

5.25

5.16

c 1A

5.12

5.25 

5.22

Aug.

5.62

5.52 

5.45

5.48 

5.50

5.80

6.55

7.58

7.69

9.45

13.55

14.19

14.61 

14.39

Sept.

8.02

7.70 

7.32

7.06 

7.80

6.58

6 34

6.22

6.10

5.95

5.80

K 7Q

5.70

Oct.

7.18

6.96 

6.90

6.60 

6.42

6.18

6.01

6.12

6.28

6.50

6.50 

6.60

Nov.

8.80

8.54 

8.38

8.18 

7.90

7.78

7.61

7.45

6.92

7.10

7.30

7.14

6.85

Day.

16..........

17..........

19.......... 

20..........

21..........

23..........

24..........

25. .........

26..........

97

28..........

29..........

31 ..........

June.

6.12

5.96

5.86

6 QO

5.76

5.71 

5.68

July.

5.22

5.20 

5.24

5.36 

5.38

5.38

6 4H

5.38

5.34

5.64

5.81

5.86

6.01

6.05 

5 94

5.78

Aug.

13.95

13.35 

12.38

10.32 

9.90

8.60

8

1 K

7.72

7.72

7.62

7 <&

8.08

8.30

Sept.

5.62

5.60 

5.54

5.58 

5.62

5.71

5.79

6.08

6.14

6.98

7.75

7.92

7.92

7.75 

7.45

Oct.

6.85

6.95 

7.12

7.15 

7.38

8.52

10.21

10.85

11.58

11.59

11.30

11.00

10.55

9.90 

9.35

9.10

Nov.

......

------

NOTE. The river was frozen November 14 to December 31.

BIG FORK RIVER AT BIG FALLS, MINN.

This station, which is located on the Minnesota & International 

Railroad bridge crossing Big Fork River from Big Falls to Grand 

Falls, was established August 27, 1909, for the purpose of obtaining 

data concerning the power available at the falls, a short distance 

below the station.

The nearest important*tributary is Sturgeon River, which enters 

Big Fork about 3 miles below Big Falls. The drainage area above 

the station is 1,320 square miles.

Like most of the streams in northern Minnesota, Big Fork is used 

in the spring for log driving, and the log jams that frequently'occur 

may cause temporary backwater at the gage and render it impossible
80 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

to make discharge measurements. The stream is ice bound from 

December to April.

The bridge from which the discharge measurements are made is 

oblique to the current. The datum of the staff gage, which is located 

at the measuring section, has remained unchanged since the gage was 

installed.

As the station has not yet been rated no record of daily flow can be 

given.

Discharge measurements of Big Fork River at Big Falls, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

1909.

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray.........................................

Width.

Feet. 

266

246

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,510

1,210

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.66

4.01

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

960

535

Daily gage height, in feet, of Big Fork River at Big Falls, Minn., for 1909. 

[Chas. P. Benbow, observer.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug. Sept.

4.34

4.18

4.01

3.92

3.89

3.79

3.76

3.71

3.69

3.68

3.68

3.71

Oct.

3.94

3.90

3 on

3.85

3.90

4.05

4.26

4.50

Nov.

4.90

4.81

4.72

4 66

4.61

4.52

4.45

4.35

4.31

4.18

4.10

4.05

4.00

Day.

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

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

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

19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30............... ?1

Aug.

4.69

4.78

4.86

4.80

4.65

Sept.

3.73

3.75

3.71

3.82

3.90

3.98

4.16

4.35

4.42

4.41

4.32

4.22

4.14

4.10

4.05

Oct.

4.55

4.60

4.60

4.65

4.85

5.15

5.70

6.05

6.05

6.01

5.85

5.65

5.45

5.25

5.11

4.99

Nov.

4.00

4.05

4.09

4.14

4.22

4.34

4.35

4.35

4.35

4.35

4.35

4.35

4.35

4.35

4.35

NOTE. Ice during the latter half of November and all of December.

BIG FORK RIVER NEAR LAUREL, MINN.

A station was established June 22, 1909, on Big Fork Biver near 

Laurel. Because of the inaccessibility of the station and the expense 

of maintenance, it was discontinued September 12, 1909, the station 

at Big Falls taking its place. Sufficient data were not obtained to 

enable estimates of flow to be made. The gage heights were read on 

a staff gage. ,

The following discharge measurement was made by G. A. Gray:

July 1, 1909: Width, 150 feet; area, 381 square feet; gage height, 5.45 feet; discharge, 191 second-feet. This measurement was made by wading.
HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 81

Daily gage height, in feet, of Big Fork River at Laurel, Minn., for 1909. 

[Tharread Berg, observer.]

Day.

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

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June. July.

5.45

5.42

5.30

5.21

5.28

5.30

5.20

5.16

5.12

5.20

5.15

5.14

5.10

5.05

Aug.

5.05

5.05

5.12

5.14

5.28

5.40

5.54

5.58

6.30

6.95

7.35

9.55

1-1. 25

11.15

11. 05

Sept.

8.38

8.28

7.90

7.65

7.40

7.38

7.32

7.25

7.20

7.08

7.00

7.00

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June.

5.92

5.85

5.76

5.72

5.64

5.58

5.51

5.48

5.45

July.

5.04

5.04

5.05

5.18

5.14

5.11

5.12

5.10

5.05

5.08

5.11

5.10

5.10

5.09

5.10

5.06

Aug.

10.55

10.10

9.50

9.25

9.05

8.85

8.50

8.25

8.20

8.95

9.12

9.22

9.40

9.20

9.05

Sept.

BLACK RIVER NEAR LOMAN, MINN.

A station was established June 23, 1909, on Black River near 

Loman. Because of the small flow of the stream the station was 

discontinued September 4, 1909. The gage heights were read on a 

staff gage. Sufficient data were not obtained to enable estimates 

of flow to be made.

Discharge measurements of Black River near Loman, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 1. .........

Do.........

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray............ .............................

Width.

Feet. 

29

29

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

22.8

22.8

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.18

5.18

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

11.9

11.8

Daily gage height, in feet, of Black River near Loman, Minn., for 1909. 

[George Norman, observer.]

Day.

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

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

3...............

5...............

6...............

8...............

10...............

11...............

12....... ........

13...............

14...............

15...............

June. July.

' 5. 18

5.20

5.16

C AQ

5.12

5.12

5.02

5.00

4.95

4 Q1*

5.02

5.06

5.00

Aug.

4.81

4.80

4.80

4 85

4.82

4.95

4.95

5.22

5.69

6.00

6.08

6.75

7.30

7.80

7.72

Sept.

5.85

5.65

5.50

5.50

Day.

16........-----..

17...............

18......-.----...

20...............

21. ..... .........

23...............

25.........:.....

26...............

28...............

29

30. .............. 01

June.

5.70

5.55

5.50

5.40

5.30

5.30

5.50

5.20

July.

4.95

4.92

4.89

5.00

5.02

5.06

5.04

5.00

4.98

4.96

4.96

4.88

Aug.

7.54

7.12

6.65

6.00

5.95

 5.90

6.22

7.05

7.39

7.30

7.05

6.75

6.60

Sept.

79483° WSP 265 11 6
82 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

Mississippi Eiver drains the greater part of the territory of the 

United States lying between the Allegheny and the Eocky Mountains. 

Its basin, irregular in shape, occupies the central part of the United 

States, and is best described as an oblong, with the major axis, 1,700 

miles in length, running southeastward from, the northwestern part 

of Montana, through North Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, and Tennessee, into the northwestern corner of Alabama. On each side of this 

line the basin spreads out from 300 to 500 miles, and on the east is a 

large protuberance from the general outline extending to the Alleghenies. The basin comprises about 1,240,000 square miles, and 

includes wholly or in part 30 States, besides a small area in the 

Dominion of Canada. Of the total area, about 527,000 square miles 

drain to the Missouri, about 171,500 square miles to the upper Mississippi above the mouth of the Missouri, and about 204,000 square 

miles to the Ohio. The mean annual flow of the Missouri is about 

100,000 second-feet; of the upper Mississippi, about 125,000 secondfeet; of the Ohio, about 300,000 second-feet.

Immediately beneath the covering of drift at the sources of the 

Mississippi lie the oldest rocks known to the geologist. Its mouth is 

surrounded by the soft marshes of its own delta now forming. Between these two extremes rocks of all geologic ages are represented.

All varieties of topography are likewise exhibited in the drainage 

basin, mountain and prairie, arid plain, and alluvial bottom covered 

with vegetation, being fully represented; but the greater part of its 

broad extent is very uniform in contour.

For convenience in publication the basin of Mississippi River has 

been divided into the upper Mississippi, Missouri Eiver, lower Mississippi, and Ohio drainage basins. The upper Mississippi basin, as 

considered in this discussion, is that portion lying above the mouth 

of the Missouri. The upper Mississippi basin therefore occupies the' 

north-central part of the United States, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and a few square miles in 

South Dakota and the northern peninsula of Michigan. The sources 

of this branch of the great river are almost exactly in the center of the 

continent on an east and west line.

The Mississippi rises, not in Lake Itasca, so long considered the 

source, but in a smaller lake called Hernando de Soto, which is 

situated in the northeastern part of Becker County, Minn., and which 

drains into Lake Itasca through Nicollet Creek. From these lakes to 

the mouth of Crow Wing Eiver it flows almost in a circle, as at this point 

it is only 75 miles from its sources, while the distance following the 

river is 350 miles. Leaving the lakes its course is northward, but
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 83

below the junction with the Crow Wing it turns to the south and continues in this direction until it finally reaches the Gulf of Mexico.

The total length of the river is about 2,555 miles; from the source 

to the mouth of the Ohio is about 1,500 miles."

The important tributaries of the upper Mississippi, beginning at the 

source and following down the west bank, are Leech Lake, Willow, 

Pine, Crow Wing, Sauk, Crow, Minnesota, Cannon, Zumbro, Root, 

Turkey, Wapsipinicon, Iowa, Des Moines, and Missouri Rivers; on 

the east bank are Prairie, Elk, Rum, St. Croix, Chippewa, Black, La 

Crosse, Wisconsin, Rock, Illinois, Kaskaskia, Big Muddy, and Ohio 

rivers.

From Lake Hernando de Soto to the Falls of St. Anthony the river 

flows almost exclusively through a drift-covered region. Down to 

Pokegama Falls it occupies a valley which is in some places narrow, 

in others broad and savanna-like, with many rapids in the narrower 

and with gentle or sluggish currents in the broader portions. In this 

part of its course it drains a number of lakes, among which Bemidji, 

Cass, Winnibigoshish, and Leech are the most important. The first 

rock in place is at Pokegama Falls, and thence to the mouth of Crow 

Wing River, which enters from the west, the average width of the 

stream is 300 feet, the valley is less winding, and the current is good, 

with many rapids of small extent.

Below the mouth of the Crow Wing the river flows in a general 

southeasterly direction for about 475 miles. Within this stretch are 

several rapids the chief being Little Falls and Sauk Rapids and 

many timbered islands. The banks are abrupt, of clay or sandy 

loam, and lead to meadows that stand 60 feet above the river. At 

the falls of St. Anthony the river pitches down a vertical fall and 

rapids amounting to 80 feet in half a mile, and in so doing leaves the 

prairie and clay banks for a channel that lies between rocky bluffs of 

limestone and sandstone, which continue for many miles down the 

river, gradually increasing to a height of 500 feet as the bed sinks 

below the general prairie level. The sides of the bluff are not vertical, 

bare surfaces of rock, but are composed of easily eroded stone and 

drift, which form well-wooded or grassy slopes. It is believed by 

geologists that the gorge from the mouth of the Minnesota River to 

St. Anthony Falls was caused by the gradual wearing away of the 

falls, which were originally at the mouth of the Minnesota.

Minnesota River enters the Mississippi about 16 miles below 

St. Anthony Falls, and below its mouth the width of the main stream 

averages 1,000 feet. From this point to the mouth of the Missouri it

a The Twenty-second Annual Report of the United States Geological Survey, pt. 4, p. 210, contains a 

detailed description of the Mississippi from the sources to St. Paul, taken from the Reports of the Chief of 

Engineers, U. S. Army. The hydrographic investigations of the United States Engineer Corps on tlie 

upper Mississippi extend over a period of thirty-two years, from 1866 to 1898, and form, according to the 

Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1897, " the largest continuous record over large drainage areas that has 

been made in the United States,"
84 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

is a broad, placid stream, containing innumerable islands, the entire 

width of the valley averaging 1 mile. In many places, especially 

where tributaries enter, fertile flats lie between the river and the 

bluffs. Fifty-five miles below the mouth of the Minnesota is Lake 

Pepin, an expansion of the river apparently caused by the immense 

quantities of sand brought dowTn by the Chippewa. At two places 

exceptions occur to the otherwise placid character of the river. At 

Rock Island, 111., 384 miles from St. Paul, there are rapids by which 

the river falls about 20 feet in 12 miles; and at Keokuk, Iowa, 509 

miles from St. Paul, is the foot of the Des Moines Rapids, where in a 

distance of 11 miles the river falls about 22 feet.

The following table, compiled chiefly from the charts of the Mississippi River Commission, shows the elevations at different points of 

the upper river. (The distances are measured along the river 

channel.)

Elevations and distances along Mississippi River.

Distance 

below 

Lake 

Itasca.

Elevation.

Lake Itasca..................................................................... 0

Lake Bemidji, above dam....................................................... 42

Winnibigoshish Lake, above dam............................................... 85

Leech Lake River............................ .................................. 117

Ball Club River................................................................. 120

Vermilion River......................... . .. ................................. 142

Rice Creek...................................................................... 149

Above Pokegama dam.......................................................... 158

Above Grand Rapids dam....................................................... 161

Prairie River.................................................................... 164

Swan River..................................................................... 203

Dinky Rapids................................................................... 215

Oxbow Rapids.................................................................. 226

.Sandy River.................................................................... 234

Willow River................................................................... 262

Aitkin.......................................................................... 282

Indian Lake outlet.............................................................. 309

Pine River...................................................................... 313

Above Brainerd dam............................................................ 334

Buffalo Creek................................................................... 340

Crow Wing River............................................................... 347

Pipe Island..................................................................... 358

Above Little Falls dam......................................................... 372

Pike Creek...................................................................... 374

Two Rivers..................................................................... 383

Above Sartell dam.............................................................. 404

Sauk River..................................................................... 407

Above St. Cloud dam........................................................... 410

Clearwater River................................................................ 422

Silver Creek..................................................................... 430

Monticello...................................................................... 439

Elk River.................:..................................................... ' 450

Crow River..................................................................... 456

Rum River..................................................................... 464

Above St. Anthony Falls, upper dam........................................... 473

Below St. Anthony Falls, lower dam............................................ 473

Below United States Lock and Dam No. 2...................................... 478

Minnesota River................................................................ 490

St. Paul......................................................................... 496

Lake St. Croix.................................................................. 522

Red Wing....................................................................... 542

Frontenac......................................................... 1............. 553

Chippewa River................................................................. 570

Wabasha........................................................................ 574

Whitewater River............................................................... 590

Winona......................................................................... 608

Root River...................................................................... 638

State line....................................................................... 658

Feet.

1,472

1,340

1,304

1,285

1,282

1,278

1,277

1,277

1,268

1,246

1,229

1,225

1,217

1,212

1,203

1,194

1,189

1,180

1,172

1,152

1,149

1,138

1,102

1,078

1,032

1,014

992

978

936

929

897

859

843

827

796

718

702

692

689 "673

668

667

664

663

652

643

628

615
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 85

The headwaters of the main stream and its tributaries which lie in 

Wisconsin and in Minnesota north of a line drawn diagonally through 

Douglas, Stevens, Meeker, McLeod, Sibley, Lesueur, Rice, and 

Dakota counties are in a region that was originally forested. Most 

of this area has been cut over extensively, though a comparatively 

small proportion has been cleared except in the southern part of 

the area where agriculture is making rapid strides. The remainder 

of the drainage area is prairie land.

The entire basin, at least as far south as the southern boundary of 

Minnesota, is covered with glacial drift of varying thickness. The 

tributaries north of St. Anthony Falls at Minneapolis flow over the 

drift without uncovering the underlying rock, while those farther 

south have worn deep valleys through both the drift and the rock. 

Along these bluffs are found many springs.

Rainfall records have been kept in the upper basin for many years 

and from them the following data have been compiled:

Mean annual rainfall at points in upper Mississippi basin.

Inches.

Lake WinnibigOBhish, 1888-1909..................-................ 26. 5

Leech Lake, 1888-1909. ......................................... 27.4

Pokegama Falls, 1888-1909....................................... 27. 9

Sandy Lake, 1893-1909.......................................... 27.1

Pine River dam, 1888-1909...................................... 28. 2

Park Rapids, 1885-1909.......................................... 26. 7

Long Prairie, 1893-1909.......................................... 26.1

Collegeville, 1893-1909........................................... 23. 3

New London, 1897-1909......................................... 23. 8

St. Paul, 1837-1909.............................................. 27.8

Red Wing, 1886-1909............................................ 30. 2

Wabasha, 1893-1909............................................. 30. 5

Winona, 1886-1909 .............................................. 30. 5

The winters in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa are severe; snowfall is heavy throughout the greater part of this area, the snow lasts 

for considerable periods, ice forms to thickness of one to two feet, 

and lasts for three to four months. In other parts of the drainage 

basin the winters are milder.

According to some authorities the basin of the upper Mississippi 

contains from 5,000 to 6,000 lakes, nearly all of which are near the 

sources of the main river and its northern tributaries. In addition 

there are vast swamp areas in this region, so that there is great natural 

storage for steadying the flow of the river. Practically none of this 

swamp land has been drained at the present tune. By building 

comparatively low dams it will be possible to create reservoirs on 

many of the lakes.

The river is navigable as far up as St. Anthony Falls, and above 

that there are navigable stretches from 10 miles below Brainerd to
88 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Grand Rapids; from Cohasset to Pokegama Lake and Ball Club; 

on Winnibigoshish and Cass lakes, and on Lake Bemidji, Lake 

Irving, and Lake Plantagenet.

The Army Engineer Corps has built five reservoirs on the Mississippi 

headwaters for the purpose of aiding navigation during the low 

water open season. These reservoirs have the following storage 

capacity:

Pine River dam. ................ . . ..........................................

Feet 

head.

14

5.7

7.5

9.4

16.2

Cubic feet.

44,000,000,000

33,000,000,000

5,300,000,000

3,200,000,000

7,700,000,000

Although the reservoirs are operated primarily in the interest of 

navigation, water power and flood control are also benefited. The 

operation during the winter, or nonnavigation season, is based on 

the necessity for having 39,000,000,000 cubic feet empty storage 

capacity on April 1 to take care of the spring high water. Tims 

if the preceding year has been very dry'and the storage has been 

nearly exhausted, the reservoirs allow only the normal minimum 

winter flow (as determined previous to building the reservoirs) to 

pass down the river. If the preceding navigation season has not 

drawn heavily on the reservoirs, the winter flow is increased by a 

sufficient amount to make possible the required empty storage 

capacity April 1.

That there are valuable power sites on Mississippi River is shown 

by the fact that plants at Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Brainerd, Little 

Falls, Sartell, St. Cloud, and Minneapolis develop about 80,000 

horsepower. Besides these there are several other points where a 

heavy fall occurs within a comparatively short distance, especially 

between Minneapolis and Brainerd.

The river is used extensively for logging as far down as Minneapolis, 

and log jams frequently occur on the various bars, that cause more 

or less backwater for short* periods. (See PL V, A.)

MISSISSIPPI BIVEB. 

MISSISSIPPI EIVER NEAR FORT RIPLEY, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge 1 mile north of 

Fort Ripley, was established June 25, 1909, to obtain data for use in 

determining the power available on the upper Mississippi.

The nearest tributary, Nokasippi River, enters the main stream 

a short distance below the bridge. There is no dam nearer than Little 

Falls below and Brainerd above Fort Ripley.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 87

The flow at Fort Ripley, as at all stations on the upper Mississippi, 

is controlled by the Government dams on the headwaters for the purpose of increasing the low-water open flow for navigation.

During the open-water season the river is used extensively for driving logs which are likely to form jams on the rapids a few hundred feet 

below the bridge and cause temporary backwater at the gage. The 

occurrence of this condition is noted, however, and an allowance is 

made for such backwater during the period. Ice conditions prevail 

and observations at this station are discontinued from December to 

March.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge to which the 

staff gage is attached. A gage belonging to the United States 

Weather Bureau is also fastened to the pier that holds the Geological 

Survey gage. The datum of the Weather Bureau gage is 1.40 feet 

higher than that of the Survey gage. The datum of the staff gage 

has remained unchanged since the station was established.

Conditions at this station are favorable for good results except when 

the flow is obstructed by log jams. The station has not yet been 

rated.

Discharge measurements of Mississippi River near Fort Ripley, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

September 9....

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray . . .......................................

Width.

Feet. 

358

351

368

358 

352

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,740

1,610

2,280

1,800 

1,830

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.02

5.63

7.38

6.22 

6.10

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5,360

4,260

7,630

5,220 

4,790

Daily gage height, in feet, of Mississippi River near Fort Ripley, Minn., for 1909. 

[L. A. White, observer.]

-Day.

1....

2.... 

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8....

9.... 

10....

11.... 

12.... 

13.... 

14....

15....

June.

......

------

July.

5.62

5.66 

5.65 

5.35

5.11 

5.31

5.49

5.35 

5.25

5.12 

4.95 

5.18 

5.42

5.38

Aug.

6.40

6.29 

6.48 

6.05

5.72

5.58 

5.55

5.50

5.68 

5.88

6.26

7.47 

7.22 

8.45

8.62

Sept.

7.25

7.16 

6.98 

6.80

6.58

6.48 

6.50

6.34

6.24 

6.22

6.24 

6.12 

6.10 

6.16

6.06

Oct.

6.35

6.34 

6.25 

6.24

6.38

6.35 

6.31

6.31

6.38 

6.22

6.06 

6.12 

6.01 

5.95

5.95

Nov.

6.02

6.12 

6.15 

6.15

6.10

6.09 

6.02

5.98

6.10 

6.05

6.05 

5.99 

5.98 

6.04

5.98

Dec.

6.38 

6.45 

6.67

6.32

7.64 

7.65

7.98

8.10

Day.

16....

17.... 

18.... 

19....

20....

21.... 

22....

23....

24.... 

25....

26.... 

27.... 

28.... 

29....

30....

31....

June.

~6."6i"

5.96 

5.85

5.68

July.

5.30

5.40 

5.31 

5.16

5.68 

6.15

7.72

7.90 

7.68

7.60 

7.56 

7.25 

7.02

6.76

6.61

Aug.

8.62

8. CO 

8.59 

8.38

8.22

8.00

7. 88

7.92

8.10 

8.02

7.92 

7.79 

7.61 

7.55

7.42

7.32

Sept.

6.02

5.98 

5.88 

5.81

5.89

6.18 

6.21

6.29

6.35 

6.38

6.31 

6.34 

6.35 

6.44

6.35

Oct.

5.90

5.85 

5.82 

5.82

5.94

6.00 

6.07

6.08

6.05 

6.05

6.08 

6.10 

6.05 

6.08

6.18

6.10

Nov.

6.00

6.10

6.05

6.05

5.82

6.02

5.99

5.87

5.85 

.5.95 

5.94 

6.01

6.18

Dec.

......

......

NOTE. Ice during December.
88 SUBFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET V. 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT ANOKA, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge connecting 

Anoka with Champlin, Minn., from which the discharge measurements 

are made, was established May 8, 1905, to obtain data for use in studies of power and navigation problems. The station was temporarily 

discontinued from July 20 to August 10, 1906.

Rum River enters a short distance below the station.

The nearest dam is at Minneapolis, but owing to the intervening fall 

of the river the influence of the dam does not extend to the Anoka 

station. The first dam above Anoka is at St. Cloud. The flow of the 

river is controlled by Government dams on the upper river for the purpose of increasing the low-water open-season flow in the interest of 

navigation.

Although the river is used extensively for log driving there is very 

little backwater except for a few days due to jams forming below the 

station. Ice conditions obtain from December to March, inclusive. 

During this period the river is frozen and observations are discontinued.

The winter flow at this station can be estimated very closely from 

the records of Mississippi River at Minneapolis as kept by the 

St. Anthony Falls Water Power Co., by rating the spillway as a weir 

and noting the amount of water passing the wheels. From these 

records a quantity varying from 200 to 250 second-feet, depending on 

the year, has been subtracted to allow for the flow of Rum River and 

a few other small streams which enter the Mississippi between the 

Anoka station and Minneapolis.

The original United States Geological Survey staff gage was set to 

read the same as the United States engineer's gage placed on the same 

pier in 1896. This latter gage was read for one year, and during that 

time frequent discharge measurements were made. The staff has 

since been replaced by a chain gage attached to the bridge. No 

change in gage datum has been made since the station was established. 

Although no measurements were made during 1907 and 1908, those 

made in 1909 indicate no change in the rating curve as developed in 

1905 and 1906, and it can therefore be applied to all gage heights 

since the station was'established.a (See PL III.) This permanence 

of condition indicates that the records of flow are reliable.

a Gage heights for 1905. to 1908 have been published in Water-Supply Papers 171, p. 53; 207, p. 44, and 245, 

pp. 71 and 72.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

9.0

4000 8000 12000 16OOO 2OOOO 24OOO 28OOO 32OOO 3fOOO 4OOOO 

DISCHARGE IN SECOND-FEET

DISCHARGE, AREA. AND MEAN VELOCITY CURVES FOR MISSIS
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 80 

Discharge measurements of Mississippi River at Anoka, Minn., in 1905, 1906, and 1909.

Date.

1905. 

May8..........

July 21.........

September 16

1906. 

April 12........

May 25. ........

1909.

October 18 6....

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler. ....................................

E. F. Chandler. ....................................

... ..do.. ............................................

E . F. Chandler .....................................

G. A. Gray .........................................

Width.

Feet. 

762

785

772

774

764

756

755

776

781

725

754

724

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

5,050

6,580

4,670

5,090

4,600

4,060

3,700

6,740

6,250

2,980

4,500

3,100

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.08

4.98

2.97

3.26

2.36

1.77

2.86

5.20

4.50

.52

2.40

.48

Discharge.

Sec.Jt. 

15,000

27,200

15,600

16,400

12,200

9,650

7,910

24, 000

22, 200

5,460

12,700

5,010

a Ice measurement made at section 600 feet below bridge. Lower surface of ice at gage height 1.90 feet: 

average thickness of ice 1.06 feet. 

* Logs running.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Mississippi River at Anoka, Minn., for 1909. 

[Bernard Witte, jr., observer.]

Day.

1...................

2...................

3...................

4...................

5. ..................

6...................

7...................

8...................

9...................

10...................

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

16...................

17...................

18...................

19...................

20. ............... .

21...................

22...................

23...................

24...................

25. ..................

26...................

27...................

28...................

29...................

30. ..................

31...................

Jan.

1.40

Mar.

2.00

1.50

1.60

Apr.

1.80

2.50

2.50

2.60

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

2.80

2,60

2.50

2.20

2.00

1.80

2.00

1.80

1.60

1.50

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.60

1 60

1 60

1.70

May.

1.70

1.70

1,70

1.80

1 80

1.80

. 2.10

2.20

2.20

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.20

2.00

2.00

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

June.

2.20

2.40

2.60

2.60

2.50

3.00

2.90

2.40

2.40

2.20

2.00

1 90

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.20

2.20

2.20

1.90

1.90

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.90

1.80

1 80

1.40

1.20

July.

1.20

1.15

1.00

1.00

on

.85

.70

.40

.40

.30

.45

.50

.40

.30

.35

.40

.30

.20

.20

.20

.50

.60

1.30

1.80

1.60

1.40

1 60

1.40

1.20

1.10

Aug.

1.00

.80

.80

.60

80

.60

.58

.70

.80

.90

.80

95

1.85

2.00

2.00

2.30

2.40

2.40

2 25

2.20

2.00

1.80

1.90

1.95

1.90

1.90

1 80

1.60

1 60

1.60

Sept.

1.40

1.35

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.00

.80

.75

.65

.80

.70

80

.95

.65

.55

.50

.55

.50

60

80

.90

.90

.95

.90

1.00

.95

1.00

.85

.80

Oct.

0.80

.90

.90

.60

.80

.80

80

.80

.80

.85

.90

.90

.90

.90

.85

.75

.90

.65

.72

.68

.58

60

.80

.64

.69

.68

.65

.68

.68

.62

.70

Nov.

0.68

.78

.62

.72

.74

.80

.74

.70

.80

.70

.65

.68

.60

.90

.65

.66

.94

.58

.45

.60

.80

.75

.80

.76

.80

.92

.81

1.00

.95

.89

NOTE. Ice conditions January 1 to about March 27 and during December.
90 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART v.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Mississippi River at Anoka, Minn, for 1905-1909.

Day.

1905.a 

1. ..........................

2...........................

3............----------.....

5..............-....-----...

6. .................. ........

7...........................

8...........................

g

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19...........................

20. ..........................

21...........................

22. ..........................

23...........................

24. ..........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30. ..........................

31...........................

1906.1* 

1. ..........................

2...........................

3...........................

4......................... .

5...........................

6..........................

7...........................

8...........................

9............................

10...........................

11.......................

12.......... ......

13...........................

14..........................

15...........................

16.......... ...

17................ .

18........................ .

19...........................

20...........................

21 .......................

22...........................

23....................

24..........................

25...........................

26...........................

27..........................

28...........................

29...................... .

30...........................

31...........................

Mar. Apr.

11,900

16,800

26, fOO

27,100

22, 100

29,600

27, 100

26, 600

27, 100

26, 100

26, 600

29,400

29,400

28, 800

26, COO

25, 100

23, 600

23,600

May.

15, 400

17, 100

18,700

21,900

26,COO

28,100

30,100

30,600

32,700

31,700

29,900

27,400

25,600

24, 800

24,100

23,600

22 ; 100

21,400

18,OCO

17,300

15, 900

20,900

20,900

20,900

18,700

18, 700

18, 700

19, 700

20, 700

20,700

16,800

16,800

16,100

17,300

19 000

20, 600

22,100

26,600

29,600

29,600

June.

13, 500

12,400

11,500

11,500

15,000

15,900

17,300

18,300

19, 200

19, 700

19,700

19, 700

19, 700

19, 700

19,700

21,100

22,600

26, 100

28, 600

29, 100

29, 400

29, 100

28,600

28, 100

28,600

29,900

31,700

32, 700

632,700

32, 700

29,600

28, 600

27, 600

29,600

29,600

31,900

33, 800

34,800

35, 800

36, 600

36, 100

35,800

33, 800

32, 200

30, 100

27,600

25,400

24,100

23, 800

23, 800

22, 100

22,100

23,600

23,800

23,100

22, 400

23, 600

23, 800

23, 800

July.

32,700

32,700

32,700

33,200

34,300

37,400

41,100

43,800

44,300

43,200

42,200

40,000

39,000

37, 400

33,200

31,200

29, 600

27, 600

26,800

24,600

24, 600

24,100

623,600

23, 100

21,900

19,700

19,000

18,000

17,500

17,300

16,400

23,600

23, 800

24, 800

24, 600

24,800

24, 100

23, 800

24, 600

24, 600

23,600

23,600

20, 700

19, 700

18, 700

17,500

17, 300

15, 000

14, 100

13,000

115,000

8,700

8,500

8,200

8,000

7,800

7,600

7,400

6,900

Aug.

15,000

15,000

15,000

15,000

14,800

14, 800

15,000

15, 200

15,200

15,200

15,200

15,900

16,100

16,100

16,100

16,800

19,200

19,000

618, 500

17,800

18,700

18, 000

16,800

16,800

16,800

15, 700

16, 400

16, ICO

15,000

14,600

13,700

6,900

6,900

7,000

7,100

7,200

7,400

7,600

8,000

8,400

8,610

8,610

8,600

8,820

9,220

9,840

9,840

9,840

9,840

9,840

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,700

12,800

13, 200

14, 100

14, 100

Sept.

13,200

13,000

12,800

12, 400

12,400

12,400

12,400

12,400

12,200

12, 200

11, 900

11,500

11,500

11,500

11,700

12,200

11,700

12,800

14,100

15,000

15,700

15,000

14,800

15,400

15,400

15, 400

13,200

13,200

12, 400

12, 200

14, 100

14, 100

14, 100

14,100

13,700

13,500

13,500

13,200

11,900

10,700

8,610

8,610

8,610

8,610

9,840

9,840

9,840

9,840

10. 000

10,000

10,300

10, 700

12, 200

14, 100

15,000

15,000

Oct.

11,700

11,300

11,300

10,900

10,900

10, 700

10,300

10,300

10,300

10,300

10,300

8,820

8,820

8,820

8,820

8,820

8,820

8,820

8,820

8,820

11,500

11,500

11,500

12,400

12,400

12,400

13,200

13,200

12,400

12,400

11, 900

17,300

16,600

16,600

15,900

15,000

15,000

14, 100

14,100

13, 200

11,900

11, 900

11,500

11,500

11,500

9,840

9,840

9,840

10,500

10,700

10,700

10,900

10,300

9,840

9,840

9,840

11,900

14, 100

15, 000

614, 900

614,800

Nov.

10,700

9,840

9,640

9,640

9,640

9,640

9,640

10,300

10,300

10,300

10,300

10,300

9,640

9,640

9,020

8,820

8,820

8,820

8,210

8,210

8,210

8,210

7,810

c7,810

c7,810

c 7, 810

c7,810

c 7, 810

c 7, 710

c 7, 810

614,700

6 14, 600

6 14, 500

6 14, 400

614,300

614,200

14,100

14,100

13, 900

13,700

13,700

13, 700

13,200

12,800

12,400

12,400

12,200

11, 100

10,300

10,000

9,800

9,600

9,400

9,300

9,200

9,100

9,000

8,900

8,800

8,700

a These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well denned below and 25,000 second-feet,except 

as indicated.

6 Interpolated.

c Estimated.

d These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 25,000 second-feet, except as noted. 

Discharges July 21 to August 14 and November 20 to 30 were obtained from a hydrograph furnished by 

the St. Anthony Falls Power Co. at Minneapolis, allowance being made for inflow between the two points. 

See description.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 91

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Missisdpi River at Anoka, Minn.,for 1905-1909 

Continued.

Day.

1907.0 

I...........................

2. ..........................

3. ................... .......

4. ..........................

f>. ..........................

6...........................

1. ..........................

8. ..........................

9. ..........................

10...........................

11...........................

12. ..........................

13...........................

14...........................

15. .1... .....................

16...........................

17...........................

18 ...........................

20...........................

21 ...........................

22. ..........................

23...........................

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27. ..........................

28...........................

29... .........................

30...........................

31 ...........................

1908.0 

1........................

2...........................

3........................

4........................ ..

5...........................

C. ..........................

7...........................

8........................

9...........................

10...........................

11........................

12........................

13.........................

14............... ... ..

15...........................

1C...........................

17........................ ..

18...........................

19...........................

20............................

21........................

22...........................

23...........................

24...........................

25...........................

26........................

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30...........................

31 ...........................

Mar.

24,100

25, 100

28,000

37,400

9,840

Apr.

36,900

34,800

37,400

33,800

30,600

29,600

28,600

27,600

27, 100

25,600

24,600

24, 100

23, 100

22, 100

21,100

19, 700

18, 700

17 800

17,300

16,800

16,400

16,400

15,000

15,000

14,600

14, 100

13, 700

13,700

9,430

9,430

9,020

9,020

9,020

9,020

9,430

9,020

9,020

9,020

9,020

8,610

8,210

8,210

7,420

7,420

7,040

6,340

7,040

6,680

6,340

6,680

7,420

8,210

10,300

11,500

12,400

May.

13,700

13,700

13,200

12,800

12,400

12,400

11,500

11,500

11,100

11,100

9,430

8,610

9,020

9,430

9,840

9,430

9,840

9,840

9,020

9,430

9,840

9,020

8,610

9,020

10,300

11,500

13,700

16,400

19 700

13,200

12,400

11,100

11,100

10,300

9,840

9,430

9,020

8,610

8,610

8,610

9,020

9,430

9,840

9,840

10,300

10,300

10,700

10,700

11,100

12,400

14,100

15,900

17,800

19,700

21,600

25,600

June.

19,200

18,700

17,800

17,300

16,800

16,400

15,000

14, 100

13,700

14, 100

15,000

18,300

20,200

21,100

22, 100

22,600

21,600

20,700

18,700

17,800

16,800

16,800

15,900

15,000

15,000

14, 100

13,200

13,200

12,400

28,100

29, 100

28,600

27,600

27,100

27, 100

27,100

29,600

32,200

34,800

39,000

37,900"

35,800

33,800

31,700

29,600

28,100

26,600

24,600

24,100

24 100

24,600

24,600

24,600

25,100

25,100

25,100

25, 100

25, 100

July.

11,900

11,100

10,300

9,430

9,020

9,020

9,430

8,210

7,810

7,420

6,680

6,340

6,020

6,680

6,680

7,420

7,420

7,040

6,680

6,340

5,450

7,040

6,680

6,020

5,720

5,720

5,720

5,720

5,720

e

fJQA

24,100

23,100

22,100

20,700

19,700

18,700

17,800

16,800

15,900

14,600

13,700

12,800

11,900

11,100

10,700

10,700

10,300

9,840

9,840

9,840

9,430

9,430

9,430

9,020

9,020

9,020

9,020

9,020

9,020

8,610

8,610

Aug.

6,340

6,020

5,450

5,450

5,450

5,450

6,020

6,340

6,680

6,340

6,020

5,450

6,020

6,020

6,020

6,680

6,340

6,020

5,450

7,420

10,300

9,840

9,020

8,610

8,610

8,210

8,210

8,210

8,210

7,810

7,810

8,210

8,210

7,810

7,810

7,810

7,810

7,420

7,420

7,420

6,680

7,040

6,680

6,680

6,340

6,020

6,020

5,720

5,720

6,680

 6,340

6,020

6,020

5,720

5,720

6,340

7,040

7,040

7,040

6,680

6,020

5,720

Sept.

7,040

6,680

6,340

6,020

5,720

5,450

5,200

4,960

4,960

4,730

4,730

4,960

4,730

4,730

4,960

5,200

5,450

5,450

5,720

6,340

7,810

8,610

10,300

9,840

9,840

9,430

9,020

9,430

9,430

9,020

5,720

5,450

5,450

5,430

5,430

5,720

5,720

5,450

5,450

5,450

5,200

5,200

5,450

5,450

4,960

5,720

6,020

6,340

6,680

6,020

6,020

6,680

5,200

5,450

5,450

5,450

5,200

5,450

6,340

6,680

Oct.

8,210

8,210

8,210

8,210

8,210

7,810

7,420

7,420

7,420

7,420

7,040

6,680

6,340

6,020

7,420

6,680

6,340

6,340

6,340

6,340

6,340

6,340

6,340

6,020

5,720

6,020

5,450

5,200

5,720

6,340

5,720

6,680

6,340

6,680

6,020

5,450

6,680

6,020

5,450

5,450

5,450

5,200

5,200

5,720

5,450

5,450

5,450

4,960

4,960

4,960

4,960

4,960

5,200

5,200

5,450

5,720

6,020

6,020

6,020

6,680

6,340

6,020

Nov.

6,340

6,340

6,340

6,340

6,680

7,040

6,680

6,680

6,680

6,340

6,680

7,040

7,420

6,680

6,340

6,020

5,720

6,020

6,340

6,020

6,020

6,020

6,020

6,020

6,020

6,020

5,720

5,720

5,720

5,720

6,020

5,720

5,720

5,450

5,720

5,450

5,450

5,450

4,960

4,960

4,960

5,450

4,960

4,960

4,960

4,960

4,960

4,960

4,730

4,730

4,960

4,730

4,730

4,730

4,510

4,510

4,730

4,510

4,510

4,510

o These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well denned below 25,000 second-feet.
92 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART v.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Mississippi River at Anoka, Minn.,for 1905-1909 

Continued.

Day.

1909.o 

1.................

2........................... ! ''5fc

*i..........................

*. ................... ^ .....

6...........................

7...........................

8...........................

9...........................

10...........................

11............

12...........................

13...........................

14..................... .

15...........................

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19...........................

20...........................

21 ...........................

22..................

23............................

24.....................:.....

25...........................

26. .......................

27...........................

28..........................

29...........................

30...........................

31 ...........................

Mar.

10,700

9,020

Apr.

10 OAA

1 9 ftfifi

13,200

15,000

15,000

15,000

15,000

14,100

11,500

10,700

9,840

a

non

8,610

8,210

8,610

9

AOA

8,610

9,020

9,020

9

4QA

May.

9,430

9

40A

9 430

9,840

9

QAf\

9,840

11,500

12,400

12,400

11,500

10,700

11,500

11,500

11,500

11,500

11,500

11,500

11,100

11,100

11, 100

11,100

11,100

in 7nn

10,700

10,700

June.

11,500

19 4/V)

i ^ 9nn

13,200

1 9 QfW"i

15,000

12,400

11,500

10,700

10,700

11,500

11,500

10,700

10,700

10,700

9,840

9

QAf)

'8,210

July.

7,420

7 9^n

6,680

6,680

6,340

6,180

6,020

5,720

4,960

4,960

4,730

5,200

4,960

4,730

4,960

4,730

4,510

4,510

4,510

5,200

5,450

7,810

9,840

9,020

8,210

9,020'

8,210

7,420

7 ' 040

Aug.

6,680

6,020

5,450

6,020

5,450

5,400

5,720

6,020

6,340

6,020

6,510

10,000

10,700

10,700

11,900

12,400

12,400

12,400

11,700

11,500

10,700

9,840

10,300

10,500

10,300

10,300

9,840

9,020

9,020

Q non

Sept.

8,210

8,010

7 J.9O

7,420

6,680

6,020

5,870

5,580

6,020

5,720

6,510

5,580

5,320

5,200

5,320

5,200

5,450

&5,740

6,020

6,340

6,340

6,510

6,340

6,680

6,510

6,680

6,180

6,020

Oct.

6,020

6,540

6

SAf\

%4SO

6,020

6,020

6,020

6,020

6,020

6,180

6,340

6,340

6,340

6,340

6,180

5,870

6,340

5,580

5,780

5,670

5,400

5,450

6,020

5:560

5,690

5,670

5,580

5,670

5,670

5,500

5,720

Nov.

5,670

5,960

5,780

5,840

6,020

5,840

5,720

6,020

5,720

5,580

5,670

5,450

6,340

5,580

5,610

6,480

5,400

5,080

5,450

6,020

5,870

6*020

5,-9GO

6,020

6,410

6,050

6,680

6,510

6,310

o These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 25,000 second-feet. 

6 Interpolated.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 93

Monthly discharge of Mississippi River at Anoka, Minn., for 1905-1909. 

[Drainage area, 17,100 square miles.]

Month.

1905. 

May 9-31. ...................

July........................

1906.

July........................

1907.

April.......................

July........................

1908.

April.......................

May........................

July........................

1909.

April.......................

July........................

The year. .............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

32,700 

32,700 

44,300 

19,200 

15,700 

13,200 

10,700

29,600 

29,600 

36,600 

24,800 

14, 100 

15,000 

17,300

36,600

37,400 

19,700 

22,600 

11,900 

10,300 

10,300 

8,210 

7,420

37,400

12,400 

25,600 

39,000 

24,100 

8,210 

6,680 

6,680 

^ 6,020

39,000

15,000 

12,400 

15,000 

9,840 

12,400 

8,210 

6,340 

6,680

15.000

Minimum.

14,800 

11,500 

16,400 

13,700 

11,500 

8,820

11,900 

15,900 

22,100 

6,900 

6,900 

8,610 

9,840

13,700 

8,610 

12,400 

5,450 

5,450 

4,730 

5,200 

5,720

6,340 

8,610 

24, 100 

8,610 

5,720 

4,960 

4,960 

4,510

8,210 

9,430 

7,420 

4,510 

5,400 

5,200 

5,400 

5,080

Mean.

23,300 

22,800 

30,100 

16,100 

13,100 

10,700 

9,010 

a 7, 190

a 6, 020 

a 5, 340 

a 6, 580 

24,500 

20,500 

28,000 

& 16, 600 

&9,530 

11,900 

12,600 

& 11, 900 

a 7, 580

13,400

a 6, 700 

a 6, 480 

a 12, 300 

2,500 

11,500 

17,100 

7,350 

6,960 

6,740 

6,750 

6,290 

a3,600

9,520

a 2, 590 

«2,740 

a 4, 340 

8,600 

12,600 

28,400 

13,000 

6,750 

5,680 

5,680 

5,030 

o3,380

8,230

a 2, 750 

o2,600 

a 4, 300 

11,300 

11,000 

11,200 

6,200 

8,840 

6,280 

5,910 

5,880 

a5,300

6,800,

Per 

square 

mile.

1.36 

1.33 

1.76 

.942 

.766 

.626 

.527 

.420

.352 

.312 

.385 

1.43 

1.20 

1.64 

.971 

.557 

.696 

.737 

.696 

.443

.785

.392 

.379 

.719 

1.32 

.672 

1.00 

.430 

.407 

.394 

.395 

.368 

.211

.557

.151 

.160 

.254 

.503 

.737 

1.66 

.760 

.395 

.332 

.332 

.294 

.198

.481

.161 

.152 

.251 

.661 

.643 

.655 

.363 

.517 

.367 

.346 

.344 

.310

.398

Run-off. ?

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

1.16 

1.48 

2.03 

1.09 

.85 

.72 

.59 

.48

.41 

.32 

.44 

1.60 

1.38 

1.83 

1.12 

.64 

.78 

.85 

.78 

.51

10.66

.45 

.39 

.83 

1.47

.77 

1.12 

.50 

.47 

.44 

.46 

.41 

.24

7.55

.17 

.17 

.29 

.56 

.85 

1.85 

.88 

.46 

.37 

.38 

.33 

.23

6.54

.19 

.16 

.29 

.74 

.74 

.73 

.42 

.60 

.41 

.40 

.38 

.36

5.42

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,060,000 

1,360,000 

1,850,000 

990,000 

780,000 

658,000 

536,000 

442,000

7,680,000

370,000 

297,000 

405, 000 

1,460,000 

1,260,000 

1,670,000 

1,020,000 

586,000 

708,000 

775,000 

708,000 

466,000

9, 720, 000

412,000 

360,000 

756,000 

1,340,000 

707,000 

1,020,000 

452,000 

428,000 

401,000 

' 415,000 

374,000 

221,000

6,890,000

159, 000 

158,000 

267,000 

512,000 

775,000 

1,690,000 

799,000 

415,000 

338,000 

349,000 

299,000 

208,000

5,970,000

169,000 

144,000 

264,000 

672, 000 

676,000 

666,000 

381,000 

544,000 

374,000 

363,000 

350,000 

326,000

.4,930,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C.

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C.

C. 

C. 

C. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C.

C. 

C. 

C. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C.

C. 

C.

c.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C.

«Estimated from records kept by the St. Anthony Falls Water Power Company at Minneapolis. 

See description.
94 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V. 

PRAIRIE RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Prairie River, which empties into the Mississippi about 2 miles 

below Grand Rapids, drains an area comprising 501 square miles 

located chiefly in the southeastern part of Itasca County.

The basin is covered with glacial drift, and its surface is comparatively level; consequently the drainage is very poor and lakes and 

swamps are numerous.

The entire area is forested, though much of it has been cut over, as 

logging is one of the chief industries in the northern part of the State. 

Prairie River is used for log driving and its flow is controlled for that 

purpose by a dam at the outlet of Prairie Lake. The annual rainfall is about 27.5 inches. Storage reservoirs can be created by building low dams across the outlets of the various lakes. No water power 

is developed in the basin, though the fall of the river affords moderate head at different points.

PRAIRIE RIVER NEAR GRAND RAPIDS, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge on the State 

road from Grand Rapids to Bovey, about 5 miles from Grand Rapids, 

Minn., and about a mile below the outlet of Prairie Lake, was established June 29, 1909, in connection with the general plan of investigating the water resources of Minnesota.

A chain gage is attached to the new bridge just below the old 

bridge, to which a staff gage is attached, and from which the discharge measurements are made. The datum of the staff gage is 7 

feet lower than that of the chain gage. The 1909 gage heights refer 

to the staff gage. The drainage area above the station is 485 square 

miles.

Owing to the isolation of the locality, it was not possible to secure 

an observer after September 11, at which date observations ceased.

Discharge measurements of Prairie River near Grand Rapids, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

June 29........

October 2......

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray. ........................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

55

5555'

65

56

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

128

183

111

249

157

Gage 

height.

Feet.

9.68

8.35

10.55

9 05

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

187

509

120

1,220

293
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 95

Daily gage height, in feet, of Prairie River near Grand Rapids, Minn.,for 1909. 

[J. C. Hager, observer.]

Day.

1................

2................

3. .......... .....

4................

5................

7................

8.. ..............

9

10.-..---....-..-.

11...........----.

19

10

14................

15. ...............

June. July.

9.38

9.25

9.12

8.95

8.82

8.72

8.61

8.55

8.46

8 41

8

VQ

8.36

8.38

Aug.

8.40

8.37

8.39

8.38

8.35

8.32

8.35

8.52

8.55

8 64

9 40

9 84

in 39

10.43

10.72

Sept.

9 80

9.68

9.56

9.48

9.38

9.12

9.04

8.99

8.96

8.91

Day.

16................

17................

18................

19................

20................

21................

22................

23................

24................

25................

26................

27................

28................

29................

30. ...............

31................

June.

9.t8

9.64

July.

8.31

8.29

8.26

8.28

8.28

8.32

8.38

8.38

8.38

8.38

8.38

8.38

8.38

8.38

8.36

Aug.

10.79

10 98

11.12

11.09

11.04

11.02

10.94

10.89

10.80

10.60

10.48

10.44

10.31

10.17

10.02

9.92

Sept.

NOTE. Gage heights stopped for lack of an observer.

CROW WING RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of Crow Wing Kiver lies a little northwest 

of the center of Minnesota and embraces part or all of Cass, Hubbard, Wadena, Becker, Ottertail, Douglas, and Todd counties. The 

Crow Wing rises in the southern part of Hubbard County, in a remarkable chain of a dozen lakes, of considerable size, that lie in a 

river-like valley with abrupt sides 20 to 40 feet high and extend 

about 30 miles in a northeast-southwest direction. From the most 

southern of the lakes Crow Wing Hives flows southward, and after 

crossing the line into Wadena County receives the waters of Shell 

Kiver, which heads in Shell Lake in Becker County. Below Shell 

Kiver the Crow Wing takes a general southerly though very winding 

course till it is joined by Leaf and Partridge rivers, and then bends 

to the southeast and enters the Mississippi on the boundary line 

between Cass and Morrison counties. Aside from the streams above 

mentioned the only important tributaries are Long Prairie River, 

which enters from the south, and Gull River, which enters from the 

north near its mouth. The length of the river, from the outlet of 

the lakes to the mouth, is 89 miles.

For 20 miles below the lake outlet the river flows between low, 

swampy banks and has an average width of 175 feet; in its lower 

course the width of the river gradually increases to about 400 feet, 

and the banks become gradually higher until at the mouth of the 

stream they are some 30 feet above the water. The total area 

drained by the Crow Wing is 3,580 square miles. -

Elevations within the basin range from 1,200 to 1,500 feet above 

sea level. The surface of the country is drift-covered and gently
96 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

undulating and is elevated but little above the streams. None of 

the streams have worn their channels through to the underlying rock. 

Many springs deriving their waters from the porous modified drift 

are found along the ravines and valleys, and on the banks of the lakes.

The basin lies in the original forested section of the State, but 

much timber has been cut off and very little of the cut-over waste 

land has been cleared.

Eecords of rainfall have been kept in this drainage area since 1885, 

and the mean of the records for the entire period shows the annual 

rainfall to be about 28 inches. During the winter the streams are 

covered with ice from 1 to 1.5 feet thick for three or four months.

The basin contains many lakes, some of which, notably the chain 

of lakes in which the Crow Wing heads, would afford excellent reservoir sites. A logging dam is maintained at the outlet of these lakes 

for the purpose of driving the logs down the river in the spring. 

This dam raises the water 7 or 8 feet.

In order to determine the availability of Crow Wing River for 

power development a survey was made during 1909 from the outlet 

of the Crow Wing Lakes to the mouth of the river. From the data 

collected on this survey sheets have been prepared showing a profile 

of the water surface, a plan of the river, and the contours along 

the river bank. The results of this survey have been published 

on separate sheets and may be had upon application to Robert 

Follansbee, district engineer, United States Geological Survey, Old 

Capitol Building, St. Paul, Minn. From this survey the following 

table of elevations and distances has been compiled:

Elevations and distances along Crow Wing River.

Gull River. . ....................................................................

Distance 

above 

mouth.

Miles. 

0

4

11

15

20

22

27

32

37

41

49

54

57

61

65

66

67

72

78

82

89

Elevation.

Feet. 

1,148

1,156

1,177

1,188

1,205

1,212

1,221

1,230

1.238

1,243

1,253

1,261

1,276

1,300

1,317

1,320

1,330

1,346

1,352

1,356

1,362
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 97

None of the available horsepower on the river has been developed.

Areas of swamp, which add to the natural storage of the many 

lakes, are scattered throughout the drainage basin. It is estimated 

from the reports of county officials that about 60,000 acres of land 

have been benefited by drainage.

CROW WING EIVER AT MOTLEY, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge at Motley, 

was established June 10, 1909, because of the power available on 

Crow Wing River and also as a check, in connection with the Long 

Prairie station, on the records of the station at Pillager.

The nearest tributary is Long Prairie River, which enters Crow 

Wing River 2 miles below the station. The drainage area above 

Motley is 2,140 square miles.

The only dam on the river is the logging dam at the outlet of 

Lower Crow Wing Lake, more than 60 miles above the station. A 

few hundred yards above the station is a sawmill to which logs are 

transported by the river. During high water the logs may escape 

from the log boom at the mill and lodge at the bridge section and on 

the rapids a short distance below. When lodged at the rapids they 

may cause slight backwater effect at the gage; when at the bridge 

they obstruct a portion of the measuring section, making it difficult 

to secure a satisfactory measurement. Owing to these unsatisfactory conditions the station was discontinued November 30, 1909.

A staff gage was read prior to September 1, on which date a chain 

gage at the same datum was installed on the bridge.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge.

During the latter part of the summer the river contains considerable floating grass, which probably somewhat retards the flow, as 

shown by measurements made during that period, and thus cause 

backwater at the gage.

The datum of the chain gage has remained unchanged since the 

station was established.

Owing to the effect of the logging operations, the conditions at this 

station can not be considered better than fair and the records are not 

as reliable as those at the Pillager station, which is practically free 

from logging.

As the station has not been completely rated, no estimates of daily 

flow can be given.

79483° WSP 265 11 7 '
98 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909,, PART V.

Discharge measurements*)/ Crow Wing River at Motley, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

Do.-.-.-...

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray.........................................

C. B. Gibson..... ..................................

G. A. Gray. ........................................

Width.

Feet. 

228

228

228

236

226

225

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

656

656

662

569

428

537

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.70

6.72

6.74

6.92

6.55

6.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,230

1,240

1,000

1,130

745

918

Daily gage height, in feet, of Crow Wing River at Motley, Minn., for 1909. 

[S. W. Jacobs, observer.]

Day. June.

2.......... 

3..........

4.......... 

5..........

6..........

7.......... 

8..........

9.......... 

10.... 6.50

11.... 6.42

12.... 6.40

13.... 6.45

14.... 6.58

15.... 6.82

July.

6.40 

6.32

6.18 

6.05

6.00

5.92 

5.88

5.90 

5.88

5.81

5.81

5.84

5.85

5.85

Aug.

6 84

6.79 

6.72

6.72 

6.72

6.71

6.71 

6.86

7.01 

7.00

7.36

7.84

8.00

8.06

8.26

Sept.

6.91

6.90 

6.85

6.80 

6.75

6.69

6.65 

6.65

6.62 

6.62

6.60

6.60

6.58

6.56

6.55

Oct.

6.65

6.59 

6.54

6.50 

6.50

6.50

6.50 

6.50

6.51 

6.66

6.75

6.72

6.70

6.68

6.65

Nov.

6.60

6.60 

6.60

6.58 

6.58

6.55 

6.55

6-. 55 

6.58

6.56

6.55

6.55

6.58

6.44

Dec.

......

Day.

16....

17....

18....

19.... 

20....

21....

22. ... 

23....

24. ... 

25....

26....

27....

28....

29....

30.... 

31....

June.

6.88

6.85 

6.82

6.90 

6.90

6.85

6.88 

7.12

7,02 

6 68

6.59

6.54

6.50

6.50

6.46

July.

6.00

6.29 

7.00

7.00 

7.28

7.44

7.56 

7.85

7.62 

7.55

7.58

7.44

7.22

7.10

7.04 

6.96

Aug.

8.50

8.48 

8.34

8.14 

7.80

7.58

7.51 

7.40

7.45 

7.44

7.41

7.36

7.22

7.11

7.02 

6.96

Sept.

6.55

6.52 

6.48

6.49 

6.50

6.62

6.82 

6.88

6.84 

6.81

6.80

6.71

6.70

6.68

6.66

Oct.

6.62 

6.62

6.60 

6.60

6.65

6.75 

6.75

6.75 

6.75

fi 79

6.70

6 65

6.60

6.60 

6.60

Nov.

6 19

6.52 

6.82

6.70 

6.64

6.88

6.89 

6.75

6.60 

6.62

6.85

6.84

6.85

7.01

6.80

Dec.

......

NOTE. It is probable that there was backwater from ice during the latter part of November. 

CROW WING RIVER AT PILLAGER, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge half a mile 

south of Pillager, was established June. 11, 1909, on account of the 

power available on Crow Wing River.

The nearest tributary is Pillager Creek, which enters the river a 

short distance below the station. The drainage area at this point 

is 3,230 square miles.

There are no dams near the station, as the only one on the river 

is a logging dam at the outlet of Lower Crow Wing Lake.

During the latter part of the summer the river contains considerable floating grass, which, as shown by measurements made during 

that period, somewhat retards and thus causes backwater at the 

gage. From December to March the river is frozen over at the 

gage and discharge measurements are made through the ice to 

determine the winter discharge. The staff gage is located at the 

bridge from which measurements are made. The datum of the 

gage has remained unchanged since the station was established.

Conditions at this station are favorable for good results except in 

the late summer, when the flow may be retarded by floating grass,
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 99

although the river bed may shift somewhat during high water and 

thus necessitate the use of more than one rating curve. The records 

should, therefore, be reliable. As the station has not been completely rated, no estimates of daily discharge can be given at present.

Discharge measurements of Crow Wing River at Pillager, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

June 23........ 

Do.........

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray......................................... 

C. B. Gibson.... ...................................

G. A. Gray.........................................

Width

Feet. 

215 

215

215

215

211

211

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,000 

1,000

86&

837

716

642

height.

Feet. 

6.84 

6.82

6.33

6.61

6.05

6.10

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,670 

1,660

1,260

1,320

904

976

Daily gage height, in feet, of Crow Wing River at Pillager, Minn., for 1909. 

[Miss Augusta Sterling, observer.]

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

5....

7....

8....

9....

10....

11.... 

12....

13....

14....

15....

June.

......

6.75 

6.50

6.45

6.40

6.75

July.

6.11 

6.10

5.88

5.70

5.62

5.58

5.51

5.45

5.40

5.42

5.42 

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.39

Aug.

6.49 

6.40

6.35

6.29

6.30

6.25

6.18

6.29

6.75

6.79

7.30 

7.98

8.40

8.60

8.77

Sept.

6.59 

6.54

6.46

6.44

6.34

6.31

6.25

6.19

6.14

6.11

6.05 

6.00

5.98

5.98

6.00

Oct.

6.04 

6.04

6.00

5.96

5.95

5.91

5.95

5.98

6.04

6.18

6.32 

6.36

6.31

6.30

6.28

Nov.

6.12 

6.12

6.10

6.10

6.06

6.05

6.05

6.02

6.00

6.00

6.00 

6.00

6.06

6.24

5.58

Dec.

6.50 

6.62

6.72

7.40

7.60

Day.

16.... 

17....

18....

19....

20....

21....

22....

23....

24. ...

25....

26. ...

27....

28....

29....

30....

31....

June.

6.90 

6.90

6.85

6.95

6.90

6.92

6.85

6.81

6.78

6.70

6.56 

6.42

6.36

6.26

6.18

July.

5.44 

5.65

5.40

5.35

5.60

6.50

7.38

8.05

7.95

7.79

7.75 

7.50

7.22

6.95

6.72

6.62

Aug.

8.89 

8.80

8.57

8.24

7.82

7.55

7.35

7.20

7.24

7.28

7.18 

7.06

6.96

6.82

6.72

6.64

Sept.

6.00 

5.98

5.91

6.00

6.09

6.18

6.50

6.61

6.55

6.51

6.48 

6.38

6.31

6.21

6.11

Oct.

6.25 

6.25

6.21

6 19

6.19

6.26

6.34

6.35

6.30

6.32

6.30 

6.25

6.19

6.18

6.15

6.12

Nov.

5.72 

6.22

6.40

6 48

6.40

6.20

6.42

6.35 

6.40

6.58

6.42

6.32

Dec.

7.20

7.20

7.00

7.00

7.00

NOTE. Probable ice conditions during the latter part of November and all of December.

The following comparative readings were made:

Date.

Gage 

height 

to water 

surface.

Feet. 

7.6 

7.4 

7.2 

7.2 

7.0 

7.0 

7.0

height 

top of 

ice.

Feet. 

7.2 

7.5 

7.6 

7.6 

7.6 

7.6 

7.6

Thickness of ice.

At gage.

Feet. 

0.5 

.4

.7 

.7 

.7 

.7 

.8

average.

Feet. 

0.4

5 

7 

8 

8 

8 

8

Remarks.

Water overflowed ice. 

Do. 

River frozen entirely across. 

Do. 

Do. 

Narrow open channel. 

River frozen entirely across.

LONG PRAIRIE RIVER NEAR MOTLEY, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge 1 mile south of 

Motley, in sec. 19, T. 133 N.,R. 31W., was established June 10, 1909, 

as a check, in connection with the records of the station on the Crow
100 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Wing at Motley, on the records of the Crow Wing at Pillager, a few 

miles below. The drainage area above this point is 973 square 

miles.

Long Prairie River enters Crow Wing River 2 miles below the 

gaging station, but owing to the fall of the Long Prairie no backwater 

effect is recorded at the gage except possibly for a few days in the 

spring, when the Crow Wing is ice gorged.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge except during 

low stages, when they are made by wading a short distance upstream.

The datum of the staff gage, which is located about 200 feet above 

the bridge on the left bank, has remained unchanged since the gage 

was installed.

Conditions at this station are favorable for good results and the 

records should be reliable.

Discharge measurements of Long Prairie River near Motley, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

June 24.. .......

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

HO

103

102

97

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

268

135

131

111

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.88

5.12

5.16

5.08

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

439

153

128

113

NOTE. These measurements were made by wading at various sections.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Long Prairie River near Motley, Minn., for 1909. 

[John Greene, observer.]

Day.

1....

2...

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8....

9....

10....

11....

12. . . .

13....

14....

15....

June.

6.15

6.08

5.95

5.85

5.80

5.72

July.

5.52

5.50

5.48

5.45

5.42

5.42

5.40

5.40

5.36

5.34

*5.32

5.31

5.30

5.28

5.25

Aug.

5.15

5.14

5.12

5.10

5.10

5.11

5.25

5.35

5.34

5.60

5.82

5.88

5.72

Sept.

5.15

5.14

5.14

5.14

5.14

5.10

5.11

5.10

5.10

5.10

5.09

5.08

5.05

5.06

5.08

Oct.

5.21

5.19

5.17

5.15

5.15

5.12

5.14

5.15

5.18

5.25

5.29

5.30

5.28

5.25

5.24

Nov.

5.14

5.14

5.12

5.11

5.11

5.10

5.10

5.12

5.11

5.10

5.10

5.24

Dec.

5.45

5.52

5.48

5.32

5.38

5.38

5.22

5.28

Day.

17....

18....

19....

20....

21....

22. ...

23....

24....

25....

26....

27....

28....

29....

30....

31....

June.

5.72

5.80

5.80

5.82

5.90

5.95

5.98

6.00

5.86

5.75

5.69

5.64

5.61

5.55

July.

5.25

5.25

5.22

5.22

5.28

5.40

5.56

5.54

5.41

5.36

5.31

5.29

5.24

5.22

5.20

5.20

Aug.

5.62

5.56

5.48

5.44

5.39

5.35

5.32

5.30

5.32

5.30

5.29

5.25

5.22

5.20

5.19

5.15

Sept.

5.10

5.09

5.08

5.10

5.11

5.25

5.38

5.40

5.40

5.42

5.40

5.41

5.35

5.25

Oct.

5.20

5.18

5.17

5.15

5.22

5.20

5.20

5.19

5.18

5.19

5.18

5.12

5.12

5.12

5.14

5.15

Nov.

5.38

5.29

5.31

5.32

5.46

5.31

5.25

5.20

5.17

5.19

5.22

5.38

5.41

5.30

Dec.

......

NOTE. Ice conditions during the latter part of November and all of December. 

SATJK RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Sank River drains an area comprising 821 square miles lying south 

of the basin of Crow Wing River and north of that of the Crow. The 

Sauk rises in Osakis Lake, in the southwestern part of Todd County,
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 101

and takes a generally southeasterly course to its junction with the 

Mississippi about 2 miles above St. Cloud. Its tributaries are not 

important. In its upper course the river passes through a number 

of small lakes, and throughout the basin there are many small 

lakes, some of which have no visible outlet. The entire surface is 

covered with glacial drift, and is moderately rolling, being from 40 

to 80 feet above the level of the Sauk. Elevations within the basin 

range from 1,050 to 1,400 feet above sea level.

For half its length the Sauk forms the dividing line between the 

prairie region and the section of original forest which lies nortji of 

the river as far south as Richmond. The country below Richmond 

was formerly included in the timbered belt, but the proportion of forested area has been greatly reduced by clearing.

The mean annual rainfall at three points in this basin has been 

compiled from records covering periods of more than ten years.

Mean annual rainfall in Sauk River basin.

Inches.

Long Prairie, 1893-1909......................................... 26.1

Collegeville, 1893-1909.......................................... 23.3

New London, 1897-1909........................................ 23. 8

The mean derived from the observations at Collegeville and New 

London indicate an area of abnormally low rainfall in this basin, 

as records at other stations in the State show a precipitation of 27 

inches and upward. The river is frozen over from December to 

March, and snow remains for considerable periods.

Storage reservoirs may be provided by building dams across the 

lakes through which the Sauk flows, but at present there are no 

large reservoirs in the basin.

Water power is developed at Melrose, Sauk Center, Cold Spring, 

and near the mouth of the river, and a small amount of power may 

be available at other points on the river.

SAUK RIVER NEAR ST. CLOUD, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge 3 miles west 

of St. Cloud and about 2 miles above the mouth of the river, was 

established July 8, 1909, in connection with the general investigation of the water resources of Minnesota.

The nearest tributary enters Sauk River at Rockville, 10 miles or 

more above the station. The nearest dam is at the mouth of the 

river and is 9 feet high. Not only is the station above the influence 

of this dam, but the dam itself prevents backwater from Mississippi 

Biver reaching the station. The first dam above the station is at 

Cold Springs, 15 miles distant. The opening and shutting of the 

turbine gates at Cold Springs affect the flow at the gaging station
102 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

during the low-water season. The drainage area above the station is 

816 square miles.

Discharge measurements are made at the bridge section, where 

is located the chain gage. Gage heights from a temporary staff 

gage located one-eighth mile above the bridge and used until August 

2 have been corrected to the datum of the chain gage. Gage heights 

are read twice a day, and the mean of the readings is taken as the 

mean for the day.

From December to March the river is frozen completely over in the 

vicinity of the gaging station and discharge measurements are made 

through the ice to develop an approximate winter rating.

On account of the daily fluctuations of the stage of the river due to 

control of flow by dams above the station, the mean daily gage 

height during the low-water season is subject to some error, and the 

records for that period can not be considered better than fair.

Discharge measurements of Sank River near St. Cloud, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

JulyS..........

August 18...... 

Septembers....

Hydrographer.

.....do......................................

G. A. Gray.................................

Width.

Feet. 

94 

94 

94 

92 

87

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

176 

166 

171 

143 

108

Gage height.

Staff 

gage.

Feet. 

a6.22 

6.14 

6.20 

6.05

Chain 

gage.

Feet.

6.14 

6.27 

5.93 

5.74

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

224 

174 

217 

145 

889

a. Gage height refers to old staff gage. 

NOTE. Beginning August 3 new chain gage was used.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sank River near St. Cloud, Minn., for 1909. 

[Ida Waite observer.]

Day.

1.. .........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

July.

"6."45'

6.80

6.85

6.80

7.30

6.80

6.85

7.10

Aug.

6.05

6.10

6.10

fi 4A

6.08

5.65

5.85 

6.00

6.30

6.27

6.32

6.32

fi 915

6.25

Sept.

5.84

5 7Q

6 70

5.76

5.44

5.59 

5.82

5.64

l» 74

K KA

5.34

5

QJ

5 54

e KA

Oct.

5.80

5

7C

5.70

5.60

6 fin

5.65

5.70 

5.70

e 7n

5 7ft,

e 70

5.75

e o

5.76

Nov.

5.60

5.70

6 78

5.75

5.81

5.79 

5.75

6.08

5.86

e QQ

5.80

5.72

5.70

Dec.

6.29

6.05

5.90

e on

5.90

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19

20..........

21..........

22.......... 

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29....-.-...

QA

Of

July.

6.80

6.80

6.45

6.60

6.60

7.00

7.00 

6.75

6.75

6.60

6.40

6.40

6.40

6 30

6.10

Aug.

5.57

5.65

5.57

5.62

5.62

5.62

5.62 

5.59

5.62

6.14'

6-04

5.54

5.44

5.44

5.14

5.54

Sept.

5.64

5.74

5.79

5.84

6.04

5.64

5.54 

5.64

5.64

5.74

5.69

5.66

5.69

5.69

5.69

Oct.

5.74

5.56

5.59

5.54

5.62

5.70

5.70 

5.68

5.70

5.70

5.65

5.68

5.50

5.65

5.65

5.50

Nov.

5.75

5.90

5.95

6.15

6.25

6.30

6.30 

6.28

6.30

6.20

6.25

6.30

6.30

6.30

6.30

Dec.

6.9

6.9

7.15

7.15

NOTE. The river was frozen entirely across during the greater part of December, the maximum thickness of ice being l.l feet. The gage readings are to water surface. It is probable that the high stage 

during the Jatter part of November was due to backwater.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 103 

CROW RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Crow River drains an area comprising 2,590 square miles, situated 

in Stevens, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Renville, McLeod, Wright, and 

Hennepin counties,, south of the basin of the Sauk and north of that 

of the Minnesota. Crow River itself is a short streajn, which is 

formed by the union of its north and south forks 2 or 3 miles above 

Rockf ord and discharges into the Mississippi at Dayton. Throughout 

its course it forms the boundary between Hennepin and Wright 

counties.

The North Fork, which is the larger of the two upper branches, 

rises in the eastern part of Pope County in McLeod and Grove lakes. 

These lakes together are about 4 miles long and one-third mile in 

average width. From the outlet of the lakes the North Fork flows 

southeasterly, passing through Rice and Cedar lakes (both of considerable size) and at Manannah receiving the waters of the Middle 

Fork. The Middle Fork rises in Crow Lake, in the southwestern 

part of Stevens County, flows southward to and through Green Lake 

(which has an area of several square miles), and then takes an easterly 

course to its junction with the North Fork. Below the mouth of 

Middle Fork the North Fork has one or two small tributaries which 

also head in lakes.

The South Fork rises in a number of lakes in the southeastern part 

of Kandiyohi County, from which it takes a general easterly course, 

flowing through Otter Lake.

The surface varies from nearly flat to undulating, and the entire 

area is covered with glacial drift, through which the streams flow in 

very winding but not deeply eroded channels. The valley of the 

North Fork lies 40 to 50 feet below the general surface level; that 

of the South Fork, which is one-fourth to one-half mile wide, 30 to 40 

feet below. The basin is thickly dotted with lakes of size which 

tend to equalize the flow of the rivers. Elevations range from 900 

to 1,300 feet above sea level.

The upper part of the basin lies in the prairie region; the lower 

part, east of the west line of Wright County, lies in the area that was 

originally forested, but the greater part of the timber has been 

cut; very little forest remains at the present time.

The annual mean rainfall in the Crow River region is indicated 

by the following table, compiled from records covering periods of 

more than ten years:
104 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Mean annual rainfall in Crow River region.

Inches. 

Morris, 1894-1909............................................... 23. 3

Collegeville, 1893-1909......................................... 23. 3

New London, 1897-1909......................................... 23. 8

St. Paul, 1837-1909. ........................................... 27. 8

St. Peter, 1894-1909............................................ 27. 3

From December to March the rivers are frozen entirely over 

with ice of a foot or more thick.

Good reservoirs could readily be obtained by building low dams 

across the outlets of lakes, some of which are in the channels of 

the streams.

Water power has been developed at a number of points on Crow 

River, though all the plants are small. In the flatter portions of 

the basin considerable drainage work has been done, more than 

50,000 acres having been drained, of which nearly 40,000 are in 

Kandiyohi County.

NORTH FORK OF CROW RIVER NEAR ROCKFORD, MINN.

This station, which is located 3 miles west of Rockford at the first 

highway bridge above the forks, 1^ miles distant, was established 

June 15, 1909, because of the power available on the river and also 

to obtain records to check (in connection with the South Fork Station) the records at Rockford on the main stream. The drainage 

area above this station is 1,310 square miles.

No tributaries enter the North Fork within several miles of the 

station. The nearest dam is that at Rockford, which backs the 

water up to a point beyond the gage, but since the establishment of 

the station this control has remained permanent except as noted 

below, and the water has not fallen below the crest of the dam.

The river is icebound from December to March, inclusive, and 

during that period observations are discontinued. The minimum 

flow during the frozen period can be roughly estimated by comparing 

drainage areas and records of the minimum run-off per square mile 

of drainage area at the Rockford station.

The datum of the staff gage, which is located at the bridge, has 

remained unchanged since the station was established; but from 

July 27 to August 10, 1909, when the dam at Rockford was open 

for repairs, the conditions of flow were temporarily changed.

As the station has not been completely rated, records of daily flow 

for 1909 can not be given.
TIPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 105

Discharge measurements of North Fork of Crow River near Rockford, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

1909.

July 22.. .......

July 31 a.......

September 23 . .

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray . . .......................................

G. A. Gray . . .......................................

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

148

135

119

134

134

Area of. 

section.

**'%.

521

286

483

500

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.88

4.72

2.89

4.41

4.53

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,200

438

303

329

262

a Control temporarily changed. 6 Original control restored.

Daily gage height, in feet, of North Fork of Crow River near Rockford, Minn., for 1909. 

[Miss Grace Wandersee, observer.]

Day.

2....

3....

5....

6....

7....

8....

9....

10....

11....

12.... 

13....

14....

15....

June.

6.92

July.

5 7H

5.58

5.48 

5.39

5.30

5.22

5.12

5.00

(a) '

(a)

(a)

5.08 

5.35

5.54

5.45

Aug.

2 Q7

2.91

2.83 

2.91

2.81

2.75

2.73

2.97

3.85

4.38

4.48 

4.47

4.43

4.41

Sept.

3 99

3.99

3.98

4.13

4.01

3.93

3.93

3.91

4.11 

4.63

4.55

4.53

Oct.

4.28

4.25

4.27 

4.25

4.35

4.35

4.38

4.35

4.41

4.43

4.43 

4.43

4.43

4.43

Nov.

4.35

4.38

4.35 

4.33

4.38

4.35

4.33

4.33

4.35

4.35

4.32

4.32 

4.39

4.48

4.48

Dec.

4.63

4.69

4.73 

4.83

4.58

4.39

4.38

4.38

4.43

4.35

4.25 

4.23

4.23

4.25

Day.

16. ...

17....

18.... 

19

20. ...

21....

22....

23....

24. ...

25....

26. ...

27.... 

28. ...

29....

30. ... 

31....

June.

7.10

7.20

7.20 

7.14

7.15

6.88

6.65

6.52

6.48

6.36

6.25

6.12 

6.00

5.95

5.82

July.

5.38

5.15

5.05 

4.90

4.60

4.71

4.71

4.63

4.61

4.52

3.43 

t.98

2.94

2.85 

2.91

Aug.

4.34

4.34

4.42 

4.35

4.33

4.29

4.24

4.28

4.21

4.15

4.14

4.13 

4.08

4.03

4.02 

4.01

Sept.

4.45

4.35

4.35 

4.33

4.23

4.48

4.59

4.53

4.43

4.38 

4.33

4.31

4.28

Oct.

4 43

4.43

4.41 

4.41

4.43

4.39

4.41

4.39

4.43

4.38

4.38

4.34 

4.33

4.28

4.31 

4.33

Nov.

4.48

------

4.58

4.51

4.53

4,61

4.68 

4.73

4.61

4.68

Dec.

4.23

4.31

4.28 

4.28

4.28

4.33

4.31

4.28

a Below gage height 5.0 feet.

NOTE. From July 27 to August 10 the dam at Rockford was open. This caused the control at this 

station to change. Original control restored August 11. It is probable there were ice conditions during 

the latter part of November and all of December.

CROW RIVER AT ROCKFORD, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge at Rockford, 

was established June 4, 1909, to determine the power available on 

Crow River.

A little more than a mile above the station is the junction of the 

North and South forks. Between the forks and the station two very 

small streams the outlets of Rebecca Lake and Lake Sarah enter 

the river. As stations have been established on both forks above 

their junction, the combined records may be used as a check on the 

Rockford record.

About 40Q feet above the station is the 7-foot dam of a flour mill 

which operates intermittently. (See PI. IV, A.) As the turbine has 

used but a small portion of the flow since the establishment of the 

station the effect of shutting it down is inappreciable at the gage.
106 SUEFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET V.

Owing to the proximity of the dam to the station, ice conditions 

are not severe, the stream remaining open through the greater part 

of the section and for a distance of several hundred yards below.

During high and medium stages discharge measurements are made 

from the bridge at which the staff gage is located; at low stages measurements are made from a boat and cable several hundred yards 

downstream.

The datum of the gage has remained unchanged since the station 

was established.

Conditions at this station are favorable for excellent results and the 

records should be reliable.

Discharge measurements of Crow River at Rockford, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 22. .......

September 23 6.

Hydrographer.

C. B. Gibson............. .........................

G. A. Gray.........................................

Width.

Feet. 

276

287

267

225

176

183

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

657

1,390

415

251

435

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.95

9.65

6.18

5.54

5.72

5.75

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,150

3,330

744

347

470

461

a Very poor low-water section. & Boat measurement 1,200 feet below regular section.

Daily gage-height, in feet, of Crow River at Rockford, Minn., for 1909. 

[George W. Florida, observer.]

Day.

1....

2

3

4....

5....

6....

7..-.

8....

9....

10....

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

June.

6.95

6.90

7.65

7.75

7.85

7.90

7.82

7.65

7.58

8.20

9.40

9.68

July.

7.68

7.45

7.38

7.25

7.12

7.00

6.80

6.60

6.45

6.35

6.35

6.68

7.32

7.45

7.35

Aug.

5.64

5.56

5.52

5.50

5.45

5.42

5.40

5.48

5.52

5.45

5.55

5.74

5.70

5.67

5.65

Sept.

5.18

5.15

5.12

5.18

5.22

5.22

5.18

5.14

5.10

5.12

5.08

5.32

6.00

5.86

5.78

Oct.

5.35

5.35

5.34

5.38

5.43

5.32

5.30

5.30

5.30

5.32

5.36

5.35

5.32

5.32

5.30

Nov.

5.20

5.20

5.18

5.20

5.20

5.20

5.19

5.18

5.18

5.16

5.17

5.18

5.18

5.35

5.36

Dec.

5.75

5.76

5.84

6.00

5.66

5.47

5.40

5.37

5.42

5.38

5.39

5.35

5.39

'5.38

5.40

Day.

16....

17....

18....

19. ..

20. ..

21. ..

22. ..

23. ..

24. ..

25. ..

26. ..

27. ..

28. ..

29. ..

30....

31

June.

9.98

10.09

10.05

9.90

9.70

9.40

9.12

8.85

8.72

8.72

8.55

8.20

8.02

7.98

7.85

July.

7.15

6.85

6.62

6.45

6.25

6.20

6.16

6.12

6.00

5.92

5.84

6.35

5.78

5.70

5.61

5.59

Aug.

5.55

5.54

5.58

5.57

5.55

5.42

5.40

5.36

5.36

5.34

5.31

5.30

5.27

5.24

5.21

5.20

Sept.

5.69

5.52

5.43

5.40

5.33

5.46

5.71

5.76

5.75

5.79

5.59

5.48

5.40

5.39

5.38

Oct.

5.30

5.28

5.25

5.24

5.24

5.30

5.27

5.25

5.24

5.24

5.23

5.22

5.24

5.24

5.20

5.19

Nov.

5.34

5.20

5.30

5.38

5.48

5.50

5.50

5.23.

5.41

5.45

5.58

5.74

5.84

5.75

5.76

Dec.

5.42

5.39

5.36

5.38

5.39

5.38

5.37

5.36

5.36

5.40

5.39

5.39

5.40

5.38

5.38

5.38
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 265 PLATE IV

A. TYPICAL LOW-HEAD DEVELOPMENT, CROW RIVER, AT ROCKFORD, MINN.

B. DAM OF ST, LOUIS RIVER POWER COMPANY, THOMPSON, MINN.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 107

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Crow River at Rockford, Minn.,for 1909.

Day.

1

2

3

4..

5..

6..

7..

8..

9..

10..

11..

12..

13..

14..

15..

June.

1,190

1,160

1,680

1,750

1,830

1,870

1,810

1,680

1,630

2,110

3,130

3,380

July.

1,700

1,540

1,490

1,400

1,300

1,220

1,100

965

875

815

* 815

1,020

1,440

1,540

1,460

Aug.

415

375

355

345

322

309

300

336

355

322

370

467

445

430

420

Sept.

209

198

187

209

225

225

209

194

179

187

172

266

610

533

489

Oct.

278

278

274

291

314

266

257

257

257

266

283

278

266

266

257

Nov.

217

217

209

217

217

217

213

209

209

202

206

209

209

278

283

Dec.

472

478

522

610

425

332

300

287

309

291

296

278

296

291

300

Day.

16...

17...

18...

19...

20...

21...

22...

23...

24...

25...

26...

27...

28...

29...

30...

^1

June.

3,650

3,750

3,720

3,580

3,400

3,130

2,880

2,640

2,530

2,530

2,390

2,110

1,970

1,930

1,830

July.

1,320

1,130

978

875

755

725

701

677

610

566

522

815

489

445

400

390

Aug.

370

365

385

380

365

309

300

283

283

274

261

257

245

233

221

217

Sept.

440

355

314

300

270

327

450

478

472

494

390

336

300

2%

291

Oct.

257

249

237

233

233

257

245

237

233

233

229

225

233

233

217

?,13

Nov.

274

217

257

291

336

'345

345

229

304

322

385

467

522

472

478

Dec.

309

2%

283

291

296

291

287

283

283

300

296

296

300

291

291

291

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined.

Monthly discharge of Crow River at Rockford, Minn., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 2,520 square miles.]

Month.

June 4-30. ..............................

July....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,750 

1,700 

467 

494 

314 

522 

610

Minimum.

1,160 

390 

217 

172 

213 

202 

278

Mean.

2,420 

970 

333 

320 

253 

285 

328

Per 

square 

mile.

0.960 

.385 

.132 

.127 

.100 

.113 

.130

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

0.96 

.44 

.15 

.14 

.12 

.13 

.15

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.

SOUTH FORK OF CROW RIVER NEAR ROCKFORD, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge 3£ miles southwest of Rockford and 2 miles above the junction of the North and 

South forks, was established June 15, 1909, on account of power 

available on the river, and also to obtain a check (in connection with 

the North Fork station) on the records at Rockford on the main 

stream. During all stages except low, discharge measurements are 

made from the bridge at which the staff gage is located; at low 

stages measurements are made by wading a short distance upstream.

No tributaries enter within several miles of the station. The 

nearest dam is that at Delano, which is used merely as a diversion 

dam for the Great Northern Railway. The station is slightly within 

the influence of the dam at Rockford on the main river, but as there 

are no flashboards on this dam, and no sluice gates, the control is 

nearly permanent as long as the dam remains unchanged.

Ice conditions prevail at this station from December to March, 

inclusive, and observations are then discontinued. The minimum
108 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

flow during the frozen period can be roughly determined by comparing drainage areas and records of the minimum run-off per square 

mile of drainage area at the Rockford station.

The datum of the gage has remained unchanged since the gage was 

installed, but from July 27 to August 10, 1909, when the dam at 

Rockford was open for repairs, conditions of flow were temporarily 

changed.

;Conditions at this station are favorable for excellent results, ajcui 

records should be reliable. ^..

J Discharge measurements of South Fork of Crow River near Rockford, Minn., 1909^

Date.

July 22. ........

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

140

113

105

96

103

100

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

803

412

227

119

171

262

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.68

4.60

2.73

1.62

2.20

2.60

Di#s 

charge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,110

704

235

136

111

204

a Control temporarily changed. i> Original control restored.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork of Crow River near Rockford, Minn., for 1909.

[Jacob Horsch, observer.]

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

8....

9....

10....

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

June.

7.65

July.

4.28

4.24

4.15

4.01

3.92

3.75

3.56

3.38

3.24

3.07

3.08

3.68

4.48

4.52

4.20

Aug.

1 firt

1.58

1.45

1.44

1.41

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.60

2.19

2.29

2.26

2.19

2.16

Sept.

1.70

1.71

1.72

1.82

1.88

1.84

1.66

1 69

1.70

1.70

2.15

3.48

3.04

2.85

Oct.

2

1ft

2.15

2.10

2.14

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.28

2.29

2.28

2.28

2.25

2.24

Nov.

2

1 0

2.12

2.10

2.11

2.14

2.11

2.10

2.10

2.05

2.09

2.14

2.28

2.39

Dec.

2 fin

2.64

2.82

3.10

2.62

2.35

.

Day.

16....

17....

18....

19....

20....

21....

22....

23....

24....

25....

26....

27....

28....

29....

30.... 01

June.

7.89

7.75

7.46

7.15

6.72

5.78

5.45

5.10

4.82

4.65

4.05

4.59

4.45

July.

3.88

3.50

3.25

3.35

2.85

2.76

2.71

2.66

2.56

2.45

2.40

1.94

1.75

1.70

1.65

1.61

Aug.

2.11

2.11

2.12

2.11

2.08

2.01

2.00

1.98

1.92

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.86

1.80

1.76

1.72

Sept.

2.45

2.30

2.28

2.22

2.32

2.61

2.56

2.48

2.38

2.30

2.19

2.20

2.20

Oct.

2.22

2.24

2.15

2.14

2.16

2.19

2.18

2.20

2.18

2.14

2.12

2.11

2.10

2.12

2.10

2.10

Nov.

2.40

2.22

2.34

2.35

2.42

2.44

2.45

2.40

2.36

2.36

2.46

2.65

2.85

2.74

2.69

Dec.

NOTE. From J_uly 27 to August 10 the dam at Rockford was opened by dynamite which changed the 

control during this period. Ice conditions during December.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 109

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of Crow River near Rockford, Minn.,for 1909.

Day.

1. ........

2.........

3..--..-.-

5. ........

6.........

7. ........

8....... .

9......--.

10.....--..

11.......:;. 12.. ../s:. i, .,»-,.. £ -* »

J*---xssrJune.

2 non

July.

614

w>

575

533

510

421

378

345

306

450

686

con

Aug.

130

128

115

114

111

105

100

100

130

123

141

123

118

Sept.

45

46

48

63

73

66

39

44

45

45

116

299

257

Oct.

118

116

108

115

125

125

125

125

139

141

139

139

134

132

Nov.

113

111

108

110

115

110

108

10S

108

105

106

115

139

160

Day.

16.........

17.........

18.........

19......---

9fl

23......--.

24.........

25.........

26....--.--

27.........

28.........

29.........

on

31 .........

June.

2.200

2,220

2,150

1,990

1,820

1,610

1,350

1.160

1,030

890

787

728

728

707

605

July.

500

407

348

371

257

237

226

216

195

172

162

176

148

140

135

131

Aug.

110

110

111

110

105

94

92

89

79

76

76

76

70

60

54

48

Sept.

214

172

143

139

129

147

192

205

195

178

158

143

123

125

125

Oct.

129

132

116

115

118

123

122

125

122

115

111

110

108

"108 111

108

Nov.

162

129

151

152

166

170

172

162

154

154

174

214

257

233

222

NOTE. These discharges, except for period July 27 to August 10, are based on a rating curve that is 

fairly well defined. Discharges for period July 27 to August 10,1909, when the control was changed, are 

based on a curve defined by one measurement made on July 31.

Monthly discharge of South Fork of Crow River near Rockford, Minn.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,160 square miles.]

Month.

July.-.....--.----..........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,220 

686 

141 

402 

141 

257

Minimum.

665 

131 

48 

39 

108 

100

Mean.

1,380 

361 

101 

135 

122 

146

Per 

square 

mile.

1.19 

.311 

.087 

.116 

.105 

.126

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.71 

.36 

.10 

.13 

.12 

.14

Total in 

acre-feet.

43,800 

22,200 

6,210 

8,030 

7,500 

8,690

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

C.

BUM RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Rum River drains an area comprising 1,550 square miles, situated 

east of the central part of Minnesota, chiefly in Mille Lacs, Isanti, and 

Anoka counties. The Rum rises in Mille Lacs Lake (which has an 

area of about 207 square miles), and for a distance of 16 or 18 miles 

flows through a chain of three lakes, beyond which it pursues a winding 

but, in general, southerly course as far as Princeton, where it is joined 

by the West Branch; below Princeton it flows easterly in a still more 

winding course until it reaches Cambridge, where it resumes its 

southerly course. It enters the Mississippi at Anoka. In addition 

to the West Branch, the larger tributaries of Rum River are Tibbetts, 

Bogus, Spencer Brooks, and Upper and Lower Stanchfield creeks, and 

Cedar Creek.

The surface of the basin is for the most part level or slightly undulating and the entire area is covered with glacial drift, but granite
110 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

outcrops at many places along the valley of the Rum. Altitudes 

range from 850 to 1,300 feet above sea level, and the stream beds are 

cut 20 to 30 feet below the general level. With the exception of 

Mille Lacs Lake and the chain of lakes at its outlet there are no lakes 

in the drainage basin.

Below Princeton the greater part of the drainage basin is under 

cultivation, but between Princeton and Milaca the proportion of 

cleared and cultivated land becomes smaller, and above Milaca, 

except for isolated clearings and farms along the river, the country is 

cut-over timber land covered with a second growth.

The annual rainfall in the basin is about 27 inches. From December to March the river is covered with ice about a foot thick.

Mille Lacs Lake forms a natural reservoir for Rum River and tends 

to equalize its flow throughout the year. Of the area above the outlet 

about half is comprised in the lake itself. As the shores of Mille Lacs 

are low in many places, and large areas of swamp lie back of them, it 

would not be feasible to increase the storage capacity of the lake by 

raising the water level. The more feasible plan would be to dredge 

the outlet of the lake and thus allow the level to be drawn down the 

necessary amount, giving as storage the range between normal level 

and the new low level. A survey made of the lake by the United 

States Geological Survey shows the lake to have a nearly uniform 

depth of 30 feet with a maximum depth measured of 43 feet. In 

addition to Mille Lacs Lake, a number of good reservoir sites exist on 

the upper part of Rum River.

In order to determine the storage possibilities of Mille Lacs Lake 

a survey was made in 1909. From the data collected on this survey 

a map has been prepared, showing the shore line of the lake, adjacent topography, and the depth of the lake in many places. This 

map may be had on application to Robert Follansbee, district engineer, United States Geological Survey, Old Capitol Building, St. Paul, 

Minn.

In order to determine the availability of Rum River for power 

development, a survey was made during 1909 from Anoka to the 

outlet of Lake Onamia, at Onamia. From the data collected on this 

survey sheets have been prepared showing a profile of the water 

surface, a plan of the river, and the contours along the river bank. 

The results of this survey have been published on separate sheets and 

may be had upon application to Robert Follansbee, district engineer, United States Geological Survey, Old Capitol Building, St. Paul, 

Minn. From this survey the following table of elevations and distances has been compiled:
UPPER MISSISSIPPI EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 

Elevation and distances along Rum River.

Ill

Range line, 24-25 W.. ...........................................................

Gillespie Bridge. ................................................................

Range line, 23-24 W ............................................................

Findell Bridge. .................................................................

Section line, 15-22. ..............................................................

Township line, 37-38 N .........................................................

Distance 

above 

Anoka.

Miles. 

0

0

10

16

19

22

22

27

34

42

49

53

59

65

72

78

84

87

93

100

103

105

no

112

112

114

117

122

126

132

136

142

Elevation.

Feet. 

833

848

865

873

885

894

895

896

899

903

907

912

919

930

938

947

951

960

973

987

996

1,028

1,040

1,045

1,057

1,085

1,121

1,152

1,193

1,225

1,249

At the present time power is developed at only two points Anoka 

and St. Francis. A number of logging dams exist at different points, 

but these have all been abandoned as logs are no longer driven down 

Rum River.

HUM RIVER AT ONAMIA, MINN.

This station, which is located at the wooden highway bridge a 

few yards below the "Soo" Railway bridge at Onamia and at the 

outlet of Lake Onamia, was established September 24, 1909, to 

ascertain the run-off from Mille Lacs Lake and the chain of three 

lakes into which it flows. A station was established at the outlet 

of Mille Lacs proper, but conditions of flow were so unstable that 

the gage heights did not serve as a true index of the flow and that 

station was therefore abandoned in favor of the station at Onamia.0 

The records will show the run-off from Lake Onamia that would be 

available for storage and indicate the flow throughout the upper 

portion of Rum River the section of river having the greatest 

fall available for hydraulic development.

The nearest important tributary is Bradbury Brook, which enters 

Rum River 5 miles below the station. The drainage area above

a For discharge measurements made at Mille Lacs outlet in 1909, see p. 220.
112 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Onamia is 414 square miles, of which 207 square miles are taken 

u-p by the water surface of Mille Lacs Lake.

Two miles below Onamia is an abandoned logging dam which 

raises the water level about 3 feet, but does not control the flow, 

and owing to the fall of the river the influences of this dam do not 

reach the gaging station.

Discharge measurements are made from the steel highway bridge 

250 feet below the gage.

The staff gage is fastened to the upstream side of an abandoned 

logging dam that is now used as a highway bridge. This dam controls the flow above it by raising the water level slightly. The water 

flows through the old sluiceway of the dam, which is composed of 

two rectangular openings with a sloping wooden flume and vertical 

walls; the flow is therefore very uniform. Owing to the natural 

storage afforded by the lakes the range of stage at Onamia is slight.

As the current through the sluiceways is swift the water does not 

freeze, and although a narrow fringe of ice forms near the gage the 

readings are taken to the water surface.

Conditions of flow should be permanent at Onamia as long as the 

wooden bridge remains, and the records of flow should therefore 

be reliable when the section is finally rated.

Discharge measurements of Rum River at Onamia, Minn., in 1909.

Date. Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

39

72

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft.

29.0

66.3

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.72

.73

Discharge.

Sec.-/*. 

103

98 4

Daily gage height, in feet, of Rum River at Onamia, Minn., for 1909. 

[R. Swedburg, observer.]

Day.

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4. ..............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...:...........

14...........:...

15...............

Sept. Oct.

0.72

.72

.72

.72

.72

.72

79

.72

.72

.72

.75

.75

80

.90

1.00

Nov.

0.72

.72

.72

.72

.72

.72

.72

.72

.75

.757*;

.75

.78

.82

Dec.

0.85

.85

on

 .90

.80

.65

.65

.65

.65

.62

Day.

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

9">

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

97

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Sept.

0.72

.72

.72

79

.72

.72

.72

Oct.

0.90

.88

.85

.85

.82

.82

Qfl

.78

.75

.72

.72

.72

.72

.72

.72

.72

Nov.

0.85

.85

.85

.85

.82

.82

C9

.82

.82

.80

.80

.80

.80

.82

.82

Dec.

0.62

.62

A9

60

.60

.58

NOTE. There were practically no ice effects at this station during 1909.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 113

RUM RIVER AT CAMBRIDGE, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge one-half 

mile west of Cambridge, was established June 12, 1909, on account 

of the power available on Rum River.

No tributary enters within several miles of Cambridge. At St. 

Francis, 20 miles below Cambridge by river, there is a 10-foot dam 

and power plant. Between the crest of the dam and the water 

surface at the gaging station there is a difference in elevation of 

about 6 feet. The fact that the morning and evening gage heights 

during the low-water period show no consistent change, being for 

the most part the same, indicates that the St. Francis dam has little 

effect on the flow at this point, even though the flow may fall below 

the crest during certain portions of the day. The only dam above 

Cambridge is one at Milaca, which is used to form a pool from which 

water is pumped. The drainage area above the station is 1,160 

square miles.

From December to March discharge measurements are made 

through the ice to develop an approximate winter-rating curve.

The staff gage is located at the bridge from which the discharge 

measurements are made. Its datum has remained unchanged since 

the station was established. As conditions at this station are 

favorable the results should be good and the records should be 

reliable.

Discharge measurements of Rum River at Cambridge, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 10. ........

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray ........'.................................

Width.

Feet. 

Ill

97

SO

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

599

319

227

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.45

3.90

3.14

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,040

330

79483° WSP 265 11-
114 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET V.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Rum River at Cambridge, Minn.,for 1909. 

[Martin Lofstrom, observer.]

Day.

1.... 

2....

3.. .

4 ...

5....

6.... 

7....

8....

10.... 

11....

12.... 

13....

14....

15....

June.

......

6.45 

6.15

5.95

5.80

July.

5.35 

5.15

4.85 

4.65

4.50

4.40 

4.25

4.15 

4.00

3.90 

3.86

3.94 

3.91

3.85

3.79

Aug.

3.85 

3.71'

3.62

3

CQ

3.52 

3.45

3.48 

3 49

3.58 

3.76

3.80 

3.86

4.18

4.29

Sept.

3.15 

3.15

3.15

3.14 

3.16

3.10

S.15 

3.15

3.20 

3.21

3.26

3.28

Oct.

3.78

9 7>?

3.70 

3.68

3.68 

3.64

0 CO

3.55

Q Cfi

3.60 

3.62

3.72 

3.66

3.68

3.75

Nov.

3.48 

3.54

3.55

3 CO

3.52 

3.52

3

cn

3.48

3.48 

3.48

3.45 

3.45

3.80

4.08

Dec.

4.19 

4.32

4.30

4.25

4.28

4.28

Day.

16.... 

17....

18.... 

19

20....

21.... 

22. ...

23....

24....

25. ... 

26. ...

27.... 

28....

29....

30.... 

31

June.

5.70 

5.65

5.60 

5.60

5.45

5.25 

5.15

5.85 

6.40

6.75 

6.85

6.75 

6.50

6.10

5.75

July.

3.69 

3.61

3.55 

3.48

3.56

4.22 

4.44

4.30 

4.45

4.56 

4.42

4.22 

4.05

4.09

4.00 

3.92

Aug.

4.16 

4.00

3.85 

3.72

3.59

3.54 

3.42

3.38 

3.36

3.32 

3.30

3.28 

3.28

3.28

3.25 

3.15

Sept.

3.22 

3.18

3.19 

3.30

S.-29

3.72 

4.68

4.72 

4.71

4.59 

4.35

4.19 

4.05

3.95

3.88

Oct.

3.75 

3.70

3.70 

3.66

3.61

3.65- 

3.60

3.58 

3.58

3.58 

3.55

3.51 

3.48

3.48

3.50 

3.48

Nov.

4.31 

4.50

4.15

4.34 

4.39

4.11

4.15

Dec.

4.28

"4." 25

4.25

NOTE. The river was frozen from November 18 to December 31. The following comparative readings 

were made:

Date.

Gage 

height 

to water 

surface.

Feet. 

4.25 

4.28 

4.28 

4.28 

4.25 

4.25

Gage 

height 

top of 

ice.

Feet. 

4.3 

4.32 

4.32 

4.32 

4.32 

4.32

Thickness of ice.

At gage.

Feet. 

0.32 

.40 

.33 

.42 

.54 

1.00

Average.

Feet. 

0.33 

.54 

.50 

.50 

.54 

.75

RUM RIVER NEAR ANOKA, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge 6 miles north 

of Anoka, on the line between ranges 24 and 25 west, was established 

May 8, 1905, but was discontinued July 21, 1906. On June 22, 1909, 

it was reestablished for the purpose of obtaining data relative to the 

water power available on Kum Kiver; it was finally discontinued 

November 23, 1909, the station at Cambridge being substituted.

The nearest tributary, Cedar Creek, enters Kum Kiver 2J miles 

above the bridge. The drainage area above this point is 1,430 square 

miles.

Between the crest of the 13-foot dam at Anoka and the river at the 

gage (which is located at the measuring section at the bridge), a distance of 10 miles measured along the river, there is a fall of 3 feet at 

low-water stage. It is probable that the station is slightly within the 

influence of the dam, as shown by the profile of the river. At St. 

Francis, which is 12 miles above the gaging station, tAiere is a dam 

and water-power plant. During the low-water season the flow is held 

back somewhat by this plant, as the morning gage readings are usually 

about one-tenth lower than those of the evening.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI KITEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 115

Since the installation of the staff gage in 1905, its datum has 

remained unchanged.

Discharge measurements of Rum River near Anoka, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

June 22. .......

Hydrographer.

C. B . Gibson .......................................

G. A. Gray.........................................

Width.

Feet. 

152

152

92

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

808

805

545

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

12.00

12.00

10.98

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

837

846

346

Daily gage height, in feet, of Rum River near Anoka, Minn., for 1909. 

[H. E. Faherty, observer.]

Day.

1......

2......

3......

4......

5..---.

6......

7......

8......

9......

10..---.

11......

12......

13......

14......

15......

June. July.

12.52

12.15

11.70

11.72

11.80

11.70

11.65

11.52

11.40

11.32

11.50

11.45

11.50

11.30

11.20

Aug.

11.30

11.25

11.30

11.25

11.20

11.45

11.02

11.12

11.11

11.14

11.18

11.28

11.26

11.32

11.65

Sept.

10.80

10.75

10.70

10.66

10.66

10.70

10.96

10.80

10.76

10.72

10.75

10.68

10.81

10.88

10.70

Oct.

11.08

11.05

10.85

10.68

10.31

10.84

10.78

10.72

10.65

10.76

10.90

10.90

10.89

10.90

10.92

Nov.

10.84

10.84

10.88

10.85

10.72

10.84

10.84

10.76

10.68

10.74

10.76

10.76

10.85

11.12

11.38

Day.

16.....

17.....

18.....

19.....

20.....

21.....

22.....

23.....

24.....

25.....

26.....

27.....

28.....

29.....

30.....

31

June.

......

"ii'02

11.82

12.40

12.70

12.90

13.10

13.05

12.85

12.70

July.

11.05

11.00

11.00

10.90

10.85

11.20

11.95

11.92

11.75

11.80

11.85

11.75

11.65

11.70

11.60

11.30

Aug.

11.64

11.56

11.45

11.31

11.15

11.18

11.08

11.12

11.06

11.08

10.98

10.90

10.84

10.85

10.84

10.79

Sept.

10.76

10.10

10.22

10.28

10.58

10.90

11.65

11.92

11.82

11.76

11.55

11.42

11.31

11.20

11.15

Oct.

10.94

10.95

10.90

10.84

10.85

10.86

10.88

10.85

10.82

10.85

10.80

10.76

10.74

10.70

10.65

10.64

Nov.

11.25

11.35

12.20

11.85

11.88

11.95

11.88

11.75

......

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Rum River near Anoka, Minn., for 1909.

Day.

1. .........

2..........

3..........

5..........

6..........

7..........

8..........

9..........

10..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15. .........

June. July.

913

606

641

606

589

506

480

539

522

539

474

Aug.

474

458

474

458

442

522

386

413

49^

436

468

4.R1

480

556

Sept.

322

wto

296

286

286

296

368

322

312

301

291

325

344 319"

Oct.

404

395

336

291

214

333

317

301

284

312

350

350

347

350

356

Nov.

333

344

336

301

333

333

312

291

306

312

312

336-

416

500

Day.

16........

17........

18........

19

20........

21........

22........

23........

24........

25........

26........

27........

28........

29........

30........

31 ........

June.

723

648

867

985

1,080

1,170

1,140

1,050

985

July.

395

380

380

350

336

442

696

685

624

641

624

589

606

572

474

Aug.

586

559

522

477

426

436

404

416

398

404

374

350

333

336

333

319

Sept.

312

182

199

209

268

350

589

685

648

627

556

513

477

442

426

Oct.

362

365

350

333

336

339

344

336

328

336

322

312

306

296

284

282

Nov.

458

791

670

696

670

624

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is not well denned.
116 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of Rum River near Anoka, Minn., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,430 square miles.]

Month.

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,170 

913 

586 

685 

404 

791

Minimum.

648 

336 

319 

182 

214 

291

Mean.

950 

556 

437 

372 

328 

442

Per 

square 

mile.

0.664 

.389 

.306 

.260 

.229 

.309

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.22 

.45 

.35 

.29 

.26 

.26

Total in 

acre-feet.

17,000 

34,200 

26,900 

22,100 

20,200 

20,200

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

MINNESOTA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN, 

DESCRIPTION.

Minnesota River, by far the largest tributary of the Mississippi in 

the State of Minnesota, drains an area comprising 16,600 square miles, 

and extending nearly across the southern part of the State from west 

to east. The river rises on the eastern slope of the Dakota foothills 

(Coteau des Prairies) in the northeastern part of Marshall County, 

S. Dak., about 30 miles west of Lake Traverse, at an approximate 

elevation of 1,896 feet above sea level, and flows southeastward to 

the State border where it enters Bigstone Lake, a body of water 26 

miles long, 1 to H miles wide, and exceeding 15 feet in depth at only 

a few places. In this portion of its course the river is a mere mountain torrent, whose fall in 40 miles is about 900 feet and whose bed is 

often entirely dry; for this reason, perhaps, Bigstone Lake has commonly been considered its source. Emerging from Bigstone Lake at 

Ortonville the Minnesota flows southeastward 225 miles to Mankato, 

where it turns abruptly and flows northeastward to its junction with 

the Mississippi a few miles below the falls of St. Anthony, between 

the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

About 29 miles below Bigstone Lake the river is joined by the 

Pomme de Terre, which drains lakes lying in the Ottertail region and 

which has deposited near its mouth sufficient alluvium to form a sort 

of natural dam behind which the Minnesota expands into the shallow 

water body, 4 miles long by 1 mile wide, known as Marsh Lake. Lac 

qui Parle, which begins 35 miles below Bigstone Lake and extends 

some 10 miles with a width varying from one-fourth to 1 mile and a 

maximum depth of 12 feet, is a similar expansion caused by deposits 

brought from the south by Lac qui Parle River.

At Granite Falls and at Minnesota Falls, where granite ou tcrops in 

the channel, the river descends in falls and rapids 41 feet within a 

distance of 4 miles.
UPPEK MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 117

The valley of the Minnesota ranges in width from 1 mile to 2 miles 

and lies 125 to 225 feet below the general level of the country. The 

soil within the valley is alluvium. Below Minneopa the river occupies a preglacial gorge whose bottom, filled with gravel and sand, lies 

100 to 200 feet below the bed of the river.

During the glacial epoch a vast lake, now known as Lake Agassiz, 

occupied the northwestern portion of the State and had outlet through 

Lake Traverse into Bigstone Lake, which lies at an elevation 8 feet 

lower than Lake Traverse at the present time, and finally into the present valley of the Minnesota. Owing to the presence of ice barriers 

the Minnesota did not follow its present course, but was deflected 

southward and reached the Mississippi through the valley of the 

Cannon and other rivers.

Except in the immediate valley of the Minnesota, the Blue Earth, 

and one or two other tributaries, the drainage basin is covered with 

glacial drift, and rock outcrops are rare. The country is flat or gently 

undulating except along the southern boundary of the basin, where 

the surface rises several hundred feet to a table-land, which is from 

20 to 30 miles wide and extends from southeast to northwest across 

the southwestern part of the State.

Elevations in the basin range from 1,000 in the valleys to 1,900 

feet above sea level on the high plateau.

The chief tributaries are Pomme de Terre and Chippewa rivers and 

Chetamba Creek from the north and Lac qui Parle, Redwood, Cottonwood, and Blue Earth rivers from the south.

Above Mankato the drainage area is prairie land; below Mankato 

the land was originally forested, but the greater part of it is now under 

cultivation.

Rainfall records covering periods exceeding 15 years are available 

for different sections of the drainage basin. These records indicate 

that the annual rainfall increases from 24 or 25 inches in the upper 

part to 27 or 28 inches in the central and lower parts. From December to March the rivers in the-basin are covered with ice.

Bigstone Lake, which takes its name from the conspicuous granite 

outcrops found in the valley 1 to 3 miles below, is nearly surrounded 

by bluffs, and were it not for the small tributary drainage area and 

the correspondingly small run-off it would make an excellent reservoir site. Marsh Lake and Lac qui Parle afford reservoir sites with 

considerably larger tributary drainage areas than Bigstone Lake.

The following table of elevations and distances, compiled from surveys by the Army Engineer Corps, will give an idea of the opportunities for power development on the river. Elevations are reduced 

to approximately 1 foot on gage at Mankato, ordinary low water.
118 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Water surface elevations and distances along Minnesota River.

Bigstone Lake.................................................................. 0

Whetstone River............................................................... 2

Bridge southwest of Odessa..................................................... It

Yellow Bank River............................................................. 15

Marsh Lake bridge ............................................................. 22

Pomme de Terre River......................................................... 29

Bridge southwest of Appleton.................................................. 31

Lac qui Parle bridge.................:....................-.-.............-.-... 36

Lac qui Parle River............................................................ 46

First bridge below Lac qui Parle.. .............................................. 48

Bridge southwest of Watson.................................................... 51

Bridge northwest of Montevideo................................................ 55

Chippewa River................................................................ 62

Bridge at Montevideo........................................................... 62

Bridge at Myers................................................................ 70

Great Northern Rwy. above Granite Falls...................................... 79

Pond above dam............................................................... 80

Highway bridge, Granite Falls.................................................. 81

Pond above dam, Minnesota Falls.............................................. 84

Yellow Medicine River......................................................... 96

Hawk Creek.................................................................... 96

Sacred Heart bridge............................................................ 103

Sacred Heart Creek............................................................. 109

Bridge north of Delhi........................................................... Ill

North Redwood bridge ......................................................... 122

Morton......................................................................... 132

Bridge south of Franklin....................................................... 141

Fort Ridgely bridge ............................................................ 158

Henderman bridge............................................................. 164

Bridge below New Ulm......................................................... 189

Cottonwood River.............................................................. 192

Courtland bridge............................................................... 198

Judson bridge.................................................................. 212

Blue Earth River............................................................... 224

St. Peter........................................................................ 243

Ottawa......................................................................... 250

LeSueur.................................................................-..-.. 258

Henderson...................................................................... 268

Faxon.......................................................................... 282

Belle Plaine.................................................................... 289

Crest of Little Rapids............................................................ 303

Carver.......................................................................... 308

Bloomington ferry.............................................................. 323

Mendota bridge................................................................ 339

Distance 

below Bigstone Lake.Elevation.

Feet.

966

956

944

940

936

935

931

926

924

923

921

917

913

913

910

907

906

891

883

861

860

848

835

831

820

810

803

793

791

784

780

774

762

757

730

723

716

710

700

696

693

690

690

About 600 horsepower is now developed at Granite Falls and 

Minnesota Falls.

The bottom land of the Minnesota Valley is so greatly subject to 

severe overflow that a considerable portion of it is not under cultivation at the present time. The flood of 1908, which did an immense 

amount of damage in the valley, was unusually severe. At that 

time the Weather Bureau gage at Mankato recorded 21.2 feet, the 

maximum reading since the establishment of the station in 1903. 

The state drainage commission has made a topographic survey of 

the valley for the purpose of devising means to protect the overflowed 

lands. The United States army engineers have also made a topographic survey for the purpose of improving the river for navigation, 

as the Minnesota is a navigable stream, although it carries very little 

traffic.

Because of the extreme flatness of much of the basin it has been 

necessary to resort to artificial drainage for the purpose of aiding 

the natural channels; about 500,000 acres have been ditched.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 119

MINNESOTA RIVER NEAR ODESSA, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge 1 mile southwest of Odessa, was established July 4, 1909, for the purpose of 

determining the run-off from Bigstone Lake available for storage on 

Whetstone River, which enters the Minnesota above Odessa. A 

station was also established on that stream for the purpose of determining the amount of water passing Odessa from that source.

Owing to its extreme flatness tjie valley immediately below Bigstone Lake is subject to severe overflow during high water and it 

was therefore not possible to locate a satisfactory gaging station 

above Odessa. Even at this station some water overflows around 

one end of the bridge at extremely high stages, but this is only a 

small percentage of the entire flow.

The nearest tributary is Stony Run, a very small stream that 

enters from the north a half mile above the station.

The flow at Odessa is entirely uncontrolled, as the nearest dam 

is at Granite Falls. The river is frozen over and observations are 

discontinued from December to March. The flow during that 

period may be roughly estimated by utilizing the run-off per square 

mile of drainage area above Montevideo.

A staff gage was used until July 24, when a chain gage was installed 

at the same datum. Since the establishment of the chain gage, 

which is attached to the bridge from which the discharge measurements are made, the datum has remained unchanged.

Conditions at this station are favorable for reliable records.

Discharge measurements of Minnesota River near Odessa, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 4..........

July 24.. .......

September 17...

Hydro grapher.

G. A. Gray . . .......................................

G. A. Gray . . .......................................

Width.

Feet. 

36

00

34

34

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

7&5

36.9

40.6

47.0

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.98

2.65

2.78

2.88

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

52.7

32.8

42.2

449
120 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Minnesota River near Odessa, Minn.,for 1909. 

[Claud Shellenbarger, observer.]

Day.

1. .........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6.......... 

7.......... 

8..........

9..........

'10..........

11..........

12..........

13.......... 

14..........

15..........

July.

2.91

2.91 

2.8fi 

2.92

2.98

2.96

2.90

3.16

3.05 

2.99

2.95

Aug.

2.45

2

C7

2 fift

2.51

2.42 

2.80 

3.06

3.04

2.91

2.77

2.78 

2.82

2.85

Sept.

2 en

2.60

2.66

2.70

2.69 

2.70 

2.70

2.70

2.60

2.62 

2.72

2.88

Oct.

2.99

3.10

3 in

3.06

3.08

3.02 

3.05 

3.08

3.38

3.70

3.94

3.56

3.19

Nov.

3

1Q

3.18

3 1 ^

1 14

3.17

3.07 

3.16 

3.09

2.96

3

f)A

3.17

Dec.

3.81

3.78

3.70

3.62

3.62

3.68 

3.85 

4.05

4.12

4.05

4.02

Day.

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21.......... 

22.......... 

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28.......... 

29..........

30..........

31..........

July.

2.86

2.80

2.75

2.64

2.62

2.65 

2.79 

2.72

2.60

2.52

2.55

2.54

2.45 

2.53

2.47

2.53

Aug.

2.75

2.79

2.80

2.76

2.71

2.75 

2.72 

2.71

2.61

2.64

2.56

2.66

2.62 

2.62

2.56

2.59

Sept.

2.98

2.89

2.96

2.82

2.98 

3.15 

3.09

3.08

3.05

2.98

2.94

3.06 

3.09

3.08

Oct.

3.15

3.20

3.12

3.04

3.16

3.19 

3.10 

3.20

3.06

3.18

3.18

3. lo

3.09 

2.95

3.04

3.20

Nov.

4.02

3.82

3.75

3.62

3.62

3.62 

3.61 

3.60

3.68

3.70

3.69

3.68

3.68 

3.71

3.75

Dec.

NOTE. Ice during latter part of November and all of December.

MINNESOTA RIVER NEAR MONTEVIDEO, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge about 1 mile 

south of Montevideo, was established July 23, 1909, to obtain information concerning the power available on Minnesota Eiver at 

Granite Falls, a few miles below. The records will also afford data 

of value in connection with studies of flood prevention.

Chippewa River enters the Minnesota a short distance above the' 

station. The nearest dam, that above Granite Falls, is not more 

than 6 or 8 feet high, and its influence does not extend to the Montevideo station. There is no dam above the station.

The river is frozen entirely across at this -station from December to 

March, during which period discharge measurements are made 

through the ice to develop an approximate frozen-season rating curve.

The chain gage is attached to the bridge from which the discharge 

measurements are made. The datum of the gage was lowered 2 

feet September 16, 1909, and again lowered 1 foot in 1910. All 

readings have been corrected to conform to the datum established 

in 1910.

Conditions at this station are excellent and the results should 

therefore be reliable.

Discharge measurements of Minnesota River near Montevideo, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 23. ........

Hydrographer.

G. A. Grav. .......................................

G. A. Gray. ........................................

Width.

Feet. 

100

96

82

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

396

320

167

Gage 

freight.

Feet. 

5.40

4.63

3.05

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

803

576

205
UPPEK MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 121

Daily gage height, in feet, of Minnesota River near Montevideo, Minn.,for 1909. 

[Miss May Hendricks, observer.]

Day.

1..........

2.......... 

3..........

4..........

5..........

6.......... 

7.......... 

8..........

9... .......

10..........

11.......... 

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

July. Aug.

4.14

4.09 

4.06

4.04

3.96

3.86 

4.00 

4.22

4.31

4.42

4.42 

4.46

4.55

4.65 

4.56

Sept.

3.30

3.30 

3.32

3.25

3.21

3.21 

3.18 

3.19

3.24

3.16

3.02 

3.08

3.14

3.14 

3.08

Oct.

3.24

3.21 

3.18

3.14

3.11

3.05 

2.99 

2.95

3.22

3.35

3.52 

3.70

3.52

3.39 

3.50

Nov.

3.49

3.53 

3.45

3.43

3.40

3.40 

3.38 

3.47

3.36

3.22

3.26 

3.37

3.42

3.56 

3 40

Dec.

-------

"4." 36"

4.70

4.60

Day.

16..........

17.......... 

18..........

19

20..........

21..........

22.......... 

23..........

24..........

25..........

26.......... 

27..........

28..........

29.......... 

30..........

31..........

July.

......

"5.4f)' 

5.26

5.10

4.94

4.78' 

4.68

4.46

4.26

Aug.

4.51

4.42 

4.36

4.22

4.12

4.01 

3.96 

3.86

3.75

3.69

3.76 

3.65

3.59

3.58

3.39

Sept.

3.06

3.09 

2.95

2.92

3.02

3.41 

3.60 

3.62

3.59

3.61

3.55 

3.51

3.49

3.32 

3.26

Oct.

3.42

3.46 

3.48

3.52

3.45

3.50 

3.55 

3.56

3.52

3.49

3.55 

3.56

3.55

3.29 

3.29

3.42

Nov.

3.48

3.89 

3.92

3.86

3.63

4.34 

4.22 

3.97

3.50

3.68

3.69 

3.60

3.33

3.89 

3.81

Dec.

4.17

4.22

4.22

4.02

" "4." 27

NOTE. Ice during December. The following comparative readings were made:

Date.

Gage 

height 

to water 

surface.

Feet. 

4.30 

4.70 

4.60 

4.17 

4.22 

4.22 

4.02 

4.27

Gage 

height, 

top of 

ice.

Feet. 

3.37 

4.00 

3.70 

3.43 

3.47 

3.50 

3.33 

3.50

Thickness of ice.

At gage.

Feet. 

0.4 

.7 .8- 

.8 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0

Average.

Feet.

0.7 

.9 

.8 

1.0 

1.0 

.9 

.95

Remarks.

Narrow open channel in center. 

River entirely frozen over.

Three inches of snow on ice. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Minnesota River near Montevideo, Minn.,for 1909.

Day.

1........

2........

3........

4........

5........

6........

7........

8........

9

10........

11........

12........

1O

14........

15....-..-

July. Aug.

446

433

426

420

400

374

410

492

523

523

534

559

587

562

Sept.

248

248

252

238

230

230

224

226

236

221

197

207

217

217

207

Oct.

236

230

224

217

212

202

193

187

232

259

296

336

296

268

292

Nov.

290

299

281

277

270

270

266

285

261

232

240

263

274

305

270

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22.......

23.......

24.......

25. ......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

July.

805

761

713

668

623

595

551

534

514

Aug.

548

523

506

467

441

413

400

374

348

334

350

325

312

310

279

268

Sept.

204

208

187

183

197

272

314

318

312

316

303

294

290

252

240

Oct.

274

283

288

296

281

292

303

305

296

290

303

305

303

246

246

274

Nov.

288

382

389

374

321

500

467

402

292

332

334

314

255

382

362

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined.
122 SURFACE WATEE, SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of Minnesota River near Montevideo, Minn.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 6,300 square miles.]

Month.

July 22-31 ..................

December.... .. . ......

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

805 

587 

318 

336 

500

Minimum.

478 

268 

197 

187 

232

Mean.

"624 

431 

243 

267 

316 

«230

Per 

square 

mile.

0.099 

.068 

.039 

.042 

.050 

.037

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.04 

.08 

.04 

.05 

.06 

.04

Total in 

acre-feet.

12,400 

26,500 

14,500 

16,400 

18,800 

14, 100

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

D.

a Estimated, because of ice conditions. 

CHIPPEWA RIVER NEAR WATSON, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge about 2-J 

miles northeast of Watson, was established July 6, 1909. The 

records of flow will be of value in devising means for flood prevention.

No important tributary enters between the station and the mouth 

of the river, about 10 miles distant. Dry Weather Creek enters the 

Chippewa about 2 miles above the station. The drainage area above 

the station is 1,940 square miles.

A water-power plant at Montevideo utilizes a head of 7 feet, but the 

backwater from the dam does not extend to the gaging station. The 

only dam above the station is at Benson, but here the power is only 

used during high-water stages, and at other times the flow is not controlled.

The gage is located at the bridge section at which measurements 

are made. From December to March observations are suspended 

because of ice.

Since the installation of the gage its datum has remained unchanged.

Owing to the impossibility of obtaining a reliable observer during 

1909, no data are available except the discharge measurements. By 

comparing these records with the complete records of flow of other 

stations in the same basin, the daily flow can be roughly estimated.

Discharge measurements of Chippewa River near Watson, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 6. .........

July 24. ........

 Hydrographer.

C. B. Gibson .......................................

G. A. Gray . . .......................................

G. A. Gray . . .......................................

Width.

Feet. 

110

85

74

50

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet.

272

151

98

42

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.28

6.17

5.66

4.87

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

474

267

162

48.7
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 123

REDWOOD RIVER NEAR REDWOOD FALLS, MINN.

This station, which is located about 3 miles above Redwood Falls 

at the first highway bridge, was established July 2, 1909, as part of 

the general plan for investigating the water resources of the Minnesota. The records furnish information not only in regard to available water power but also concerning the run-off tributary to Minnesota River.

The nearest dam, that at Redwood Falls, creates a pond that 

extends upstream for a considerable distance; but rapids just below 

the gaging station prevent backwater effects at the gage. This dam, 

by utilizing the natural fall of the river, creates a head of 85 feet.

During all stages except low, discharge measurements are made 

from the bridge; low-water measurements are made by wading at 

different sections.

Observations are discontinued from December to March because 

of ice.

A staff gage was used prior to July 22, 1909, on which data a chain 

gage was attached to the bridge. The gage datum has remained 

unchanged.

Conditions at this station are favorable for excellent results and the 

records should therefore be reliable.

Discharge measurements of Redwood River near Redwood Falls, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 2. .........

July 22.........

August 13 ......

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray .........................................

C. J. Emerson a. .......................... .* ........

Width.

Feet. 

88

77

34

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

370

256

576

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.20

2.85

2.18

Discharge.

Sec.-fl.

781

222

50.0

a. Made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Redwood River near Redwood Falls, Minn., for 1909. 

[C. J. Farlee and Mrs. S. C. Haskins, observers.]

Day.

1. ......... 

2.......... 

3. ......... 

4..........

5..........

6. ......... 

7.......... 

8..........

9..........

10..........

11.......... 

12. .........

13.......... 

14..........

15..........

July.

Ti9 

4.08 

3.91 

3.81

3.68 

3.60 

3.59

3.42

3.16 

3.18

3.35 

3.28

3.10

Aug.

2.24 

2.21 

2.22 

2.20 

2.20

2.15 

2.15 

2.14

2.14

2.14 

2.19

2.18 

2.28

2.55

Sept.

2.10 

2.10 

2.11 

2.09 

2.05

2.05 

2.05 

2.04

2

(\A

2.02

2.01 

2.04

2.02 

2.00

1.99

Oct.

1.92 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90

1.90 

1.89 

1.89 

1 94

1.92

1.92 

1.92

1.92 

1.92

1.92

Nov.

2.01 

1.98 

1.95 

1.95 

1.95

1.98 

1.98 

1.98 

1 98

1.98

1.98 

1.98

2.00 

2.00

2.00

Dec.

2.20 

2.20 

2.15 

2.00

.......

Day.

16.......... 

17.......... 

18.......... 

19.......... 

20..........

21.......... 

22.......... 

23..........

25..........

26.......... 

27..........

28.......... 

29..........

30.......... 

31..........

July.

3.00 

2.96 

3.02 

2.99 

2.91

2.86 

2.75 

2.64

2.51

2.46 

2.40

2.35

2.28

2.28 

2.29

Aug.

2.65 

2.71 

2.74 

2.79 

2.81

2.79 

2.74 

2.66 

 2.55

2.46

2.40 

2.34

2.28 

,2.22

2.19 

2.14

Sept..

1.95 

1.95 

1.95 

1.96 

1.95

1.95 

1.96 

1.95 

1.95

1.95

1.95 

1.95

1.95 

1.92

1.92

Oct.

1.92 

1.% 

1.92 

1.92 

1.92

1.92 

1.92 

1.95 

1.%

1.92

1.92 

1.92

1.90 

1.90

1.91 

1.92

Nov.

2.00 

2.00 

2.00 

2.00 

2.15

2.20 

2.20 

2.20 

2.10

2.15

2.20 

2.20

2.20 

2.20

2.20

Dec.

......

......

NOTE. Ice conditions during the latter part of November and all of December.
124 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET V.

COTTONWOOD EIVEE NEAE NEW ULM, MINN.

This station, which is located at the Alwin highway bridge, about 

2 miles southwest of New Ulm, and about 3J miles above the mouth 

of the river, was established July 2, 1909, in accordance with the 

general plan of studying the water resources of the Minnesota River 

basin.

"The dam of the Cottonwood Roller Mill, 2 miles below the station, 

prevents any possible effect of backwater from the Minnesota reaching 

the"gage. Though the dam itself may be the control for the station, 

the low-water records show no systematic variation which would 

indicate such control. '

Observations of flow are suspended from December to March 

because of ice.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge to which the 

chain gage is attached.

A staff gage was used .until July 21, on which date a chain gage was 

installed. On August 12, 1909, the datum of the chain gage was 

lowered 2.28 feet. All readings prior to that date have been corrected and all gage heights apply to the new datum.

As conditions at this station are favorable for excellent results the 

records should be reliable.

Discharge measurements of Cottonwood River near New Ulm, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

Julyl..........

July 21.........

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray a. .......................................

Width.

Feet. 

127

122

61

63

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

575

225

77.6

63.9

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.64

3.88

2.60

2.08

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,000

593

191

79.8

a Made by wading.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cottonwood River near New Ulm, Minn., for 1909. 

[Miss Esther Alwin, observer.]

Day.

1. ..........

2...........

3...........

5...........

6...........

7. ..........

8...........

9...........

10...........

11...........

12...........

13...........

14........... 

15...........

July.

6.60

6.30

5.88

5.36

4.83

4.53

4.48

4.38

4.28

4.16

4.00

3.96

4.00 

3.98

Aug.

2.34

2.46

2.38

2.37

2.37

2.33

2.28

2.30

2.28

2.32

2 40

2.55

4 48

5.88 

5.94

Sept.

2.32

2.29

2.32

2.22

2.24

2.15

2.14

2.14.

2.08

2.07

2.07

2.11

2.05' 2.10

2.05

Oct.

1.94

1 90

1.88

1.87

1.85

1.82

1.82

1.88

2.05

2.04

1.97

1.92

1.92 

1.97

Nov.

2.00

2.02

2.04

2.04

2.04

2.02

1 98

1.95

1 94

1.98

1.88

1.92

1.88

Dec.

2.87

9 Q7

2.99

3.02

Day.

16. ..........

17...........

18...........

19

20...........

21...........

22...........

23...........

24...........

25...........

26...........

27...........

28. ..........

29........... 

30...........

31.........'..

July.

3.76

3.60

3.73

3.88

4.00

3.83

3.60

3.36

3.34

2,96

2.80

2.70

2.60

2.47 

2.40

2.43

Aug.

5.65

5.22

4.62

4.16

3.78

3.46

3.22

3.07

3.06

2.98

2.88

2.80

2.73

2.62 

2.56

2.42

Sept.-

2.01

1.98

1 98

1 98

2.06

2.04

1.98

2.02

2.10

2.08

2.04

2.00

1.98 

1.96

Oct.

2.00

1.99

1.98

1.95

1 98

2.08

2.07

1.99

1.95

1.90

1.97

1.98

1.98 

1.98

1.98

Nov.

1.80

2.36

 ) Q5

2.79

2.69

2.69

2.68

2.67

2.58

2.45

2.61

2.80 

2.84

Dec.

NOTE. The river was frozen over during December.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 125

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cottonwood River near New Ulm, Minn., for'1909.

Day.

1. ......

2.......

3.......

4.......

5.......

6.......

7. ......

8.......

9.......

10.......

11.......

12.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

July.

1 980

1,820

1,590

1,300

1,040

898

876

831

786

7CQ

732

644

660

652

Aug.

157

141

139

139

131

121

191

121

145

178

1,590

1,620

Sept.

129

123

129

109

113

95

93

93

82

80

80

87

85

78

78

Oct.

61

55

52

52

50

48

43

43

52

78

76

66

58

58

66

Nov.

70

73

76

76

76

73

67

62

61

67

55

52

58

52

48

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21.......

22.......

23.......

24. ......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

Q1

July.

564

500

542

612

660

592

500

416

342

288

240

215

190

159

145

151

Aug.

1,460

1,240

939

732

572

451

367

321

318

294

264

240

290

195

180

149

Sept.

72

70

67

67

67

79

76

67

73

85

82

76

70

67

64

Oct.

70

68

67

62

62

67

82

80

68

62

55

66

67

67

67

67

Nov.

40

136

285

315

238

212

212

210

208

185

155

150

150

145

145

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined between 70 and 2,200 secondfeet, except November 27 to 30, which are estimated because of ice conditions.

Monthly discharge of Cottonwood River near New Ulm, Minn., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,190 square miles.]

Month.

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1^980 

1,620 

129 

78 

315

Minimum.

145 

121 

64 

43 

40

Mean.

689 

444 

84.5 

62.4 

125

Per 

square 

mile.

0.579 

.373 

.071 

.052 

.105

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage . 

area.

0.67 

.43 

.08 

.06 

.12

Total in 

acre-feet.

42,400 

27,300 

5,030 

3,840 

7,440

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B.

BLUE EARTH RIVER AT RAPID AN MILLS, MINN.

This station is located 2 miles west of Rapidan, a station on the 

Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, about 9 miles above the 

mouth of the river. On June 1, 1909, a station was established at the 

highway bridge 4 miles above Mankato, but, owing to unsatisfactory 

conditions, was discontinued and the present station established July 

20, 1909, at the highway bridge at Rapidan Mills. The records will 

be of value not only because of the power available on Blue Earth 

River, but also for use in connection with the records of the Minnesota near Mankato, to estimate the discharge of Minnesota River 

above the Blue Earth available for navigation or power. The drainage area of this river above its mouth is 3,430 square miles; above 

the gaging station it is 2,260 square miles. This large difference is 

due to the area drained by Lesueur River, which enters Blue Earth 

River below the gaging station.

The nearest important tributary is Watonwan River, which enters 

Blue Earth about 4 miles above the gaging station. The heavy fall of
126 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

the river at this point is utilized immediately above the station by a 

power plant which develops 23 feet head and generates 100 horsepower.

It was intended to maintain this station during the winter, but ice 

gorges below the gage cause so much backwater and such unstable 

ice conditions that the winter records have been abandoned.

The chain gage is attached to the bridge from which discharge 

measurements are made. The datum of the gage was lowered 1.90 

feet on August 11, and all gage heights prior to that time have been 

increased by that amount, so that all records refer to the same datum.

Conditions at this station are good for reliable results, when the 

section is completely rated.

Discharge measurements of Blue Earth River near Rapidan Mills, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 20.. .......

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

128

106

95

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

450

234

193

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.28

o2.60

2.05

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

243

143

a Gage height rose 0.36 foot during the measurement.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Blue Earth River near Rapidan Mills, Minn., for 1909.

[T. L. Rodgers, observer.]

Day.

1. ......

2.......

3.......

4.......

5.......

6....... 

7.......

8.......

9.......

10.......

13.......

14.......

15.......

July. Aug.

2.70

2.65

2.61

2.56

2.48

2.42 

2.39

2.34

2.31

2.41

2 19

2.35

Sept.

2.19

2.20

2.06

2.11

2.12 

2.10

2.08

2.05

2.04

2.00

2.08

2.14

Oct.

2.19

2.14

1 98

2.28

2.31

Nov.

2.18

2.26

4.04

4.10

3.98 

3.78

3.56

3.40

3.26

3.15

3.11

3.22

3.56

4.25

Day.

16.......

17.......

18.......

19.......

20.......

21....... 

22.......

23.......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30.......

31.......

July.

3.82 

3.58

3.40

3.28

3.12

3.02

2.88

2.79

2 Qf\

2

7«

Aug.

3.22

3.28

3.26

3.18

3.07

2.98 

2.88

2.80

2.70

2.63

2.54

2.49

2.43

2.37

2.32

2.26

Sept.

2.14

2.16

2.16

2.19

2.14

2.15 

2.25

2 28

2.58

2.70

2.60

2.50

2.42

2.35

2.29

Oct.

2.25

2.30

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.16 

2.08

2.05

2.05

2.06

2.00

2.02

2.02

2.04

2.02

2.15

Nov. "

4.95

4.96

4.88

4.81

4.88

4.82 

4.92

4.88

4.78

4.68

4.85

NOTE. Gage not read October 3 to 11. It is probable that the rise in gage heights during the latter part 

of November was due partly to ice gorging. The river was badly gorged during December.

ST. CROIX RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

St. Croix River, which forms throughout the greater part of its 

length, the boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin, drains an 

area of 7,580 square miles lying in eastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The river rises at an elevation of 1,010 feet above
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 127

sea level, in Lake St. Croix, on the Lake Superior divide, only 20 

miles from Lake Superior, and flows southwest and then south till it 

joins the Mississippi opposite Hastings, Minn. In its total length of 

160 miles it descends 338 feet, all but 20 feet of which is in the upper 

116 miles.

Its principal tributaries are Namakagon, Yellow, Apple, and Willow 

rivers from the Wisconsin side, and Tamarack, Kettle, Snake, and 

Sunrise rivers from the Minnesota side.

Almost the entire basin is so thickly covered with glacial drift that 

rock outcrops, except near the rivers, are very rare. Probably the 

greater part of the area is underlain by the pre-Cambrian crystalline 

rocks whose intersection with the St. Croix near Taylors Falls, Minn., 

causes the falls and rapids that extend for 6 or 7 miles above that 

point.

The country is for the most part gently undulating and is deeply 

trenched by the larger rivers which have cut through the drift and 

into the underlying rock. Kettle River, especially, flows at a level of 

75 to 100 feet below the top of the bluffs in a valley cut in the underlying sandstone. In many places the sandstone forms the river bed 

and produces rapids. Throughout the greater part of its course the 

river flows alternately in rapids and pools and its aggregate fall is 

great.

The upper part of the drainage basin is timbered, being at the 

present time cut-over land.

The annual rainfall is about 30 inches. From December to March 

the rivers are frozen over, except at the rapids, with ice 1.5 feet thick, 

and snow remains upon the ground for considerable periods.

In the Wisconsin portion of the basin lakes are much more numerous than elsewhere. Many of the lakes are without surface outlet; 

and many others have been dammed to control the outflowing stream 

for logging.

The lakes afford excellent reservoir sites which could be utilized 

at a comparatively low cost.

The following table a shows the elevation at different points of the 

St. Croix River and thus indicates the possibility of power 

development.

u From Water-Supply Paper, U. S. Geol. Survey, No. 156, p. 119.
128 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Elevations and distances along St. Croix River.

Sec. 35, T. 38 N.,R. 20 W. ......................................................

Mouth of Kettle River. .........................................................

Sec. 1, T. 40 N., R. 18 W ........................................................

Distance 

above 

mouth.

Miles. 

0

5

28

42

48

60

65

75

79

86

89

90

93

101

104

115

127

139

160

Elevation.

Feet. 

667

668

672

683

687

753

758

773

782

790

801

816

850

868

874

888

908

1,001

1.010

At Taylors Falls a 50-foot dam has been constructed with hydroelectric development of about 26,000 horsepower. On Kettle River 

near Sandstone there are two power plants which develop an aggregate of 800 horsepower.

During the glacial epoch, when the volumes of the rivers were 

much greater than now, Lake Superior stood at an elevation 500 feet 

above its present level and there was a continuous water channel 

through Moose and Kettle rivers to the St. Croix and finally to the 

Mississippi.

KETTLE RIVER NEAR SANDSTONE, MINN.

This station, which is located at the quarries of the Barber Asphalt 

Company at Banning, 3 miles above Sandstone, was established 

October 18, 1908, by the Kettle River Quarries Company to obtain 

data concerning the power available on the river. The gage heights 

prior to October 1, 1909, have been furnished through the courtesy 

of the quarries company; but since that date the station has been 

maintained in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey, 

although no discharge measurements have been made. The company has also furnished a rating for the section made by current meter, 

and as the stream flows at the gaging section through solid rock this 

rating should hold permanently.

No important tributaries enter within several miles of the station. 

The nearest dam is at Sandstone; but as there is a heavy fall in the 

3 miles between the two points the station is above its influence.

The gage is 50 feet above decided rapids, which remain open except 

for very short periods of extremely cold weather, when they may 

freeze, and thus cause backwater. As the channel very seldom 

freezes entirely over at the gage, it is probable that the open-channel 

rating is applicable, except for the few days when the rapids freeze, 

and it has been used in computing the winter flow.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 129

Since the installation of the staff gage, its datum has remained 

unchanged. Conditions are exceptionally favorable for excellent 

results at this station.

Discharge measurements of Kettle River near Sandstone, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

March 23.......

March 31.......

July 23. ........

Hydrographer.

W. R Hoag. ..........................................................

W. R. Hoag................................ ...........................

W . R . Hoag ...........................................................

height.

Feet. 

1.27

1.64

2.0

2.3

2.5

2.5

2.8

3.04

3.0

4.3

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

105

200

330

460

560

575

740

835

910

1,840

NOTE. The above measurements were scaled from a rating curve furnished by the Kettle River Quarries 

Company, and are the only data available. See description.

Daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Kettle River near Sandstone,

Minn., for 1908. 

[E. H. Thompson, 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.....................................................

20. .................................................

27.....................................................

28 ..................................................

29....... ..............................................

30........................................ . ..... .

31..................................................

October.

Gage 

height.

0.9

.95 

1.35 

2.3 

2.7

2.05 

2.15 

3.2

3

0

3.7 

3.3

Discharge.

38 

45 

124 

465 

675

352 

398 

1,000 

1.440 

1,370 

1,070

November.

Gage 

height.

3.2 

3.1 

2.5

2.7 

1.7

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7 

1.7

1.65 

1.6 

1.65 

1.5 

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1.65 

1.6 

1.6

1.6 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6 

1.8

2.0 

2.2 

2.0 

2.2 

2.0

Discharge.

1.000 

'930 

565 

675 

216

216 

216 

216 

216 

216

201 

186 

201 

160 

160

160 

160 

201 

186 

186

186 

186 

186 

186 

186

186 

186 

186 

186 

186

December.

Gage 

height.

1.85 

1.8 

1.8 

1.7 

1.6

1.6

 1.55

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.45

1.5

1.6

3.0

Discharge.

186 

186 

186 

186 

186

186 

186 

180 

173 

166

160 

154

148 

148 

148

148 

148 

148 

148 

148

148 

142 

136 

142 

148

154 

160 

160 

160 

160 

160

NOTE. The daily discharges were obtained from a rating curve that is well defined between 90 and 2,000 

second-feet, except as noted below. Below 90 second-feet the rating is an extension and is only approximate.

Backwater conditions prevailed November 25 to December 4; discharges estimated. Ice conditions 

December 2S^o 31, discharges estimated. Discharges interpolated for days On which gage was not read.

79483° WSP 265 11 9
130 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Kettle River near Sandstone, Minn.,for 1909. 

[E. H. Thompson, observer.]

Day.

1. ..............

2...............

3...............

5.. .............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9.. .............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19............... 

20.... ...........

21...............

22...............

23...............

24

25...............

26...............

27............... 

28.. .............

29.... .......... -

30...............

31...............

Jan.

1.40

1.80

1.45

1.45

1.40

1.40

1.30

"i."25'

"i.'35"

' 1.40

1.40

1.40

.......

Feb.

1.40

1.35

1 oc

1.30

1.30

"i.'scT

1 9<;

1 9^

"i.~25"

......

Mar.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1 OK

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1 IK,

1.35

1.35 

1.35

1.35

1 4A

1.40

1 4*1

1.45

1 50

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1.55

1.65

Apr.

1.90

2.00

2.20

2.45

2.80

2.80

2.85

2.90

2.80

2.75

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.60

2.55

2.70 

2.90

3.10 

3.00

2.90

2 80

3.00

2 85

2.80 

2.80

2.85

2.65

May.

2.40

2.55

2.75

2.95

3.10

4.30

5.30

5.00

5.10

4.90

4.70

4.40

4.20

4.40

4.55

4.50

4.40

4.40

4.30 

4.20

3.80 

3.05

3.70

3.60

3.40

3.35

3.20 

3.15

2.95

3.00

2.95

June.

3.20

4.00

3.80

3.75

3.90

4.00

3.80

3.50

3.10

2.90

2.70

2.60

2.45

2.50

2.60

2.55

2.50

2.50

2.50 

2.40

2.30 

2.20

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

1.90 

1.85

1.80

1.80

July.

1.65

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.45

1.40

1.40

1.35

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.10 

1.30

1.50 

2.30

3.10

2.90

2.80

2.75

2.60 

2.50

2.45

2.30

2.50

Aug.

2.50

2.50

2.45

2.35

2.20

2.10

1.95

1.90

1.80

2.00

5.40

6.60

6.40

5.80

5.20

4.80

4.20

3.50

3.30 

3.00

2.85 

2.70

2.55

2.50

2.40

2.35

2.30 

2.20

2.15

2.30

2.00

Sept.

1.90

1.80

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.65

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.65

1.65

1.60

1.65

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.70 

1.70

2.20 

2.70

2.80

2.70

2.65

2.55

2. .40 

2.30

2.30

2.15

Oct.

2.10

2.05

2.00

1.95

1.95'

1.95

1.90

1.80

1.80

1.85

1.90

1.95

2.00

2.00

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.90 

1.90

1.90 

1.90

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.90

1.90 

1.85

1.80

1.80

1.80

Nov.

1.90

1.85

1:85

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.90

2.05

3.00

2.90

2.80

2.70

2.65 

2.60

2.55 

2.50

2.50

2.45

2.45

2.60

2.90 

2.90

2.95

3.00

Dec.

2.95

2. SO

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.20

3.50

3.50

3.20

2.90

2.70

2.70

2.65

2.60

2.70

2.75

2.90

2.95

2.95 

2.80

2.60 

2.30

2.10

2.00

2.10

2.40

2.40 

2.50

2.70

2.85

3.00

NOTE. There was little ice during January, February, and the greater part of November. Effective 

ice conditions from about November 26 to December 31.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI R1VEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 131

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kettle River near Sandstone, Minn.,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.

154

148

142

136

139

142

145

14S

148

148

148

142

136

13G

136

128

120

112

106

101

112

124

128

132

136

136

136

136

136

136

Feb.

136

130

124

124

124

120

116

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

106

101

101

101

101

101

Mar.

101

101

101

101

101

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

112

124

124

124

124

124

136

136

148

148

160

160

160

160

173

201

Apr.

288

330

420

540

675

735

735

765

795

735

705

675

620

620

565

620

620

592

675

795

930

860

795

735

860

765

735

735

765

648

May.

515

705

828

930

1,840

2,660

2,500

2,160

1,920

1.760

1,920

2,000

1,920

1,920

1,840

1,760

1,440

895

1.370

1,300

1 14rt

1,110

1,000

965

828

860

828

June.

1,000

1,440

1,410

1,520

1,600

1,440

1,220

930

7Q1

675

620

565

592

565

565

565

515

465

420

375

375

330

330

288

269

250

250

July.

201

173

160

160

160

148

136

136

124

124

112

112

112

112

101

90

90

80

70

112

160

465

930

795

735

705

620

565

540

465

565

Aug.

565

565

540

490

420

375

309

288

250

330

2,750

3,810

3,630

3,090

2,240

1,760

1,220

1,070

860

765

675

592

565

515

490

465

420

398

375

330

Sept.

288

250

216

186

186

201

216

216

216

201

201

186

201

216

186

186

186

186

216

216

420

675

735

675

648

592

515

465

465

398

Oct.

375

352

330

309

309

309

288

250

250

269

288

309

330

330

309

309

309

309

288

288

288

288

309

309

309

288

288

269

250

250

250

Nov.

288

269

250

250

250

250

250

250

269

269

288

352

860

795

735

675

648

620

592

565

565

540

540

o520

o500

o490

o480

o470

a Estimated.

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well denned between 90 and 2,000 second-feet, 

except as follows: Discharges interpolated January 5 to 7 and February 9 to 18 because of probable backwater due to temporary ice jams, and for other days not having gage heights.

Monthly discharge of Kettle River near Sandstone, Minn.,for 1908-9. 

[Drainage area, 825 square miles.]

Month.

1908.

1909.

April.......................

May...................... ...

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,440 

1,000 

186

154 

136 

201 

930 

2,660 

1,600 

930 

3,810 

735 

375 

860

3,810

Minimum.

38 

160 

136

101 

101 

101 

288 

515 

250 

70 

250 

186 

250 

250

70

Mean.

634 

271 

161

134 

113 

127 

678 

1,490 

738 

292 

1,060 

325 

297 

446 

o200

492

Per 

square 

mile.

0.768 

.328 

.195

.162 

.137 

.154 

.822 

1.81 

.895 

.354 

1.28 

.394 

.360 

.541 

.242

.596

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.31 

.37 

.22

.19 

.14 

.18 

.92 

2.09 

1.00 

.41 

1.48 

.44 

.42 

.60 

.28

8.15

Total in 

acre-feet.

13,800 

16,100 

9,900

8,240 

6,280 

7,810 

40,300 

91,600 

43,900 

18,000 

65,200 

19,300 

18,300 

26,500 

12,300

358,000

Accuracy.

A. 

B. 

B.

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C.

o Estimated on the basis of the flow in January, 1910, when the river was open.
132 SURFACE, WATBE SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

SNAKE RIVER AT MORA, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge three-fourths 

of a mile south of Mora, was established June 11, 1909, in connection 

with the general plan for investigating the water resources of 

Minnesota.

The nearest tributary, Ann Eiver, enters 1 mile below the station. 

There are two logging dams above Mora, at Knife Lake outlet and at 

White Pine, but these dams have not seriously affected the gage 

heights since the station has been established. The only dam below 

Mora is at the outlet of Cross Lake at Pine City and is too far distant 

to affect the river at Mora.

About 40 miles above Mora and just below the Aitkin-Kanabec 

county line Snake River iliakes a considerable descent known as the 

upper and lower falls. The upper falls are two-thirds of a mile below 

the mouth of Cowans Brook and are caused by granite outcrops on 

both banks of the river, which here flows between vertical walls for a 

distance of 10 rods, with a fall of about 3 feet. At the lower falls, 

which are located a short distance farther downstream, the river 

descends 20 feet in a distance of three-fourths of a mile.

From December to March, when ice conditions prevail at the station, discharge measurements are made through the ice to determine 

the approximate winter rating.

The low-water section of the staff gage is placed at the right abutment of the old bridge location, 2 rods upstream from the present 

bridge, which carries the high-water portion of the gage. Discharge 

measurements are made from the highway bridge and by wading.

Conditions at this station are excellent, and the records should 

therefore be reliable.

Discharge measurements of Snake River at Mora, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 9

October 20.....

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray . . .......................................

G. A. Gray.........................................

Width.

Feet. 

104

91

107

103

92

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

129

55 4

270

137

111

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.65

5.89

7.58

6.23

5.90

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

169

59.2

417

97.7

59.5
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 133

Daily gage height, in feet, of Snake River at Mora, Minn.,for 1909. 

[Edith Lasher, observer.]

Day.

1....

2.... 

3....

4....

5....

6....

7.... 

8....

9....

10....

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

June.

6.60 

6.55

6.50

6.40

6.30

July.

6.55

6.50 

6.20

6.20

6.20

6.20

6.20 

5.90

5.80

5.80

5.82 

5.85

5.82

5.78

Aug.

6.50

6.50 

7.55

7.30

7.00

6.55

6.50

6,45

6.50

7.80 

9.50

9.90

10.00

9.60

Sept.

6.20

6.12 

6.10

6.08

6.00

6.00 

6.00

5.90

5.85

5.80 

5.70

5.90

5.90

Oct.

5.95

5.90

5.90

5.90

5.90 

5.90

5.90

5.90

5.95 

5.95

5.90

5.90

5.90

Nov.

6.00

6.00

6.00

6.00

6.00 

6.00

6.00

6.00

6.00 

6.00

6.00

6.20

6.40

Dec.

7.15

7.40 

7 40

7.40

.......

7.90

7.40

Day.

16....

17.... 

18....

19....

20. ...

21....

22.... 

23. ...

24....

25....

26. ... 

27....

28....

29....

30

01

June.

6.30

6.40 

6.40

6.42

6.32

6.25

6.35 

6.62

6.62

6.58

6.50 

6.60

6.85

6.78

6.70

July.

5.70

5.80 

5.80

5.80

6.00

6.52

7.00

8.15

7.90

7.50 

7.10

6 90

6.80

6 en

Aug.

9.55

9.15 

8.85

8.20

7.65

7.25

7.10 

7 00

6.90

6.55

6.50 

6.50

6.50

6.45

6.35

6.28

Sept.

5.90

5.90 

5.90

5.90

5.90

6.00

6.18 

6.25

6.32

6.30

6.20 

6.20

6.10

6.10

6.05

Oct.

5.90

5.90 

5.90

5.90

5.90

5.90

5.90 

5.95

6.00

6.00

6.00 

6.00

6.00

6.00

6.00

Nov.

7.70

7.70 

8.45

8.20

8.00

7.45

7.30 

7 20

7.00

7.00

6.90 

6.80

7.00

7.15

Dec.

7.60

7.10

7.90

6 on

NOTE. The river more than half frozen over during first half of December; entirely frozen over during 

the last half of December. It is probable that the gage heights were affected by ice conditions November 

16 to December 31.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Snake River at Mora, Minn.,for 1909.

Day.

1...........

2...........

3...........

5...........

6...........

7...........

8...........

9...........

10...........

11...........

12...........

13...........

14...........

15...........

June.

156

148

125

111

July.

148

97

97

97

97

97

61

51

51

63

56

63

49

43

Aug.

140

140

407

242

148

140

132

140

500

1,340

1,560

1,620

1,400

Sept.

07

86

8381-

71

71

71

61

56

51

43

61

61

61

Oct.

66

61

61

61

61

61

61

61

61

61

66

66

61

6161-

Nov.

71

71

71

71

71

71

71

71

71

71

71

97

125

Day.

16.........

17.........

18.........

19.........

20.........

21.........

22.........

23.........

24. ........

25. ........

26.........

27.........

28.........

29.........

30.........

31.........

June.

Ill

125

125

128

114

104

118

160

160

153

140

156

206

190

174

July.

43

51

51

51

71

143

242

390

652

541

390

268

217

194

174

140

Aug.

1,370

1,150

990

675

442

311

268

242

217

148

140

140

140

132

118

108

Sept.

61

61

61

61

61

71

94

104

114

111

97

97

83

83

77

Oct.

61

61

61

61

61

61

61

66

71

71

71

71

717i

71

66

Nov.

300

300

250

225

200

150

150

125

125

125

125

100

MO

180

100

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is well defined below 390 second-feet, except 

those for November 16 to 30, which are estimated, because of probable ice conditions at the gage.

Monthly discharge of Snake River at Mora, Minn.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 422 square miles.]

Month.

June 11-30. .................

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

*206 

652 

1,620 

114 

71

Minimum.

104 

43 

108 

43 

61 

71

Mean.

142 

155 

483 

75.4 

64.1 

a 121 

680

Per 

square 

mile.

0.336 

.367 

1.14 

.179 

.152 

.287 

.190

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.25 

.42 

1.31 

.20 

.18 

.32 

.22

Total in 

acre-feet.

5,630 

9,530 

29,700 

4,490 

3,940 

7,200 

4,920

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

D. 

D.

a Partly estimated because of ice conditions. 6 Estimated because of ice conditions.
134 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART V. 

CANNON RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Cannon River drains an area comprising 1,490 square miles, located 

chiefly in Goodhue, Rice, Lesueur, and Steele counties, Minn. The 

river rises in Shields Lake, in the western part of Rice County, flows 

westward into Lesueur County, then southward and eastward into 

Rice County again, passing through several lakes, the largest being 4 

miles long and from one-half to three-fourths of a mile wide, and 

finally taking a general northeasterly course to its junction with the 

Mississippi a short distance above Red Wing. The last lake on the 

river is Cannon Lake, which has an area of several square miles. The 

valley is deeper in the lower part than in the upper, and its limits are 

marked by steep bluffs. At the lower end the width of the valley is 

one-half mile.

Except in the valleys, the region is covered with glacial drift and 

presents a generally undulating surface, which is, in the lower part of 

the basin, deeply cut by the river valleys. These valleys are marked 

by gravel terraces.

During the glacial epoch the Cannon Valley carried the waters of 

Minnesota River, as the lower Minnesota Valley was blocked by ice. 

Its discharge during this period was apparently not directly into the 

Mississippi, but in part by way of Hay Creek to Wells Creek, reaching 

the Mississippi at Florence.

The principal tributaries are Devil, Wolf, Heath, and Chub creeks 

from the north, and Straight and Little Cannon rivers, and Belle, 

Hay, and Wells creeks from the south.

Straight River, the most important of the tributaries, rises in lakes 

and springs scattered among the morainic hills in the southern part 

of the basin, flows northward over the drift until it reaches a point about 

2 miles north of Owatonna, where it first encounters bed rock, and 

joins the Cannon just below Cannon Lake.

The annual rainfall in the basin, as determined from a number of 

records exceeding fifteen years in length, is about 29 inches.

As Cannon River lies in one of the most thickly settled farming 

sections of the State by far the greater part of its drainage area is 

cultivated land.

From December to March the streams are frozen over except at 

rapids, and snow lies on the ground for considerable periods.

The many lakes drained by the river and its tributaries afford possible reservoir sites for the regulation of flow of the main stream.

In order to determine the availability of Cannon River for power 

development, a survey was made during 1909 from the mouth to 

Cannon Lake, a short distance above Faribault. From the data collected on this survey, sheets have been prepared showing a profile of
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 135

the "water surface, a plan of the river, and the contours along the river 

bank. These sheets have been published separately, and may be had 

on application to the Director of the Geological Survey. From this 

survey the following table of elevations and distances has been compiled :

Elevation and distances along Cannon River.

Miles. Feet.

Mississippi River................................................................. 0

Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Ry.............................................. 4

Highway bridge................................................................. 7

Range line, 15-16 W............................................................. 9

Belle Creek...................................................................... 11

Welch, tail water................................................................ 14

Welch, head water............................................................... 14

Range line. 16-17 W............................................................. 18

Sec. 10, T. 112 N., R. 17 W...................................................... 21

Pine Creek...................................................................... 23

Cannon Falls, tail water......................................................... 25

Cannon Falls, head water....................................................... 25

Goodhue Mill, tail water........................................................ 26

Goodhue Mill, head water....................................................... 26

Sec. 14, T. 112 N., R. 18 W...................................................... 28

Prairie Creek.................................................................... 30

Chicago Great Western R. R.................................................... 33

Wallace, tail water............................................................... 34

Wallace, head water............................................................. 34

Highway bridge................................................................. 37

Highway bridge.........,.............................:......................... 38

Highway bridge................................................................. 39

Waterford, tail water............................................................ * 40

Waterford, head water.......................................................... 40

Northneld, tail water..... ....................................................... 42

Northfield, head water.......................................................... 42

Dundas, tail water.............................................................. 45

Dundas, head water............................................................. 45

Highway bridge................................................................. , 53

Highway *54

Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific R. R............................................ 57

Faribault, tail water............................................................ 59

Faribault, head water........................................................... 59

Sheffield, tail water............................................................. 61

Sheffield, head water............................................................ 61

Distance 

above 

mouth.

Elevation.

Of the 312 feet fall between Cannon Lake and the mouth of the 

river approximately 75 feet have been utilized by power plants developing about 1,500 horsepower at Faribault, Bridgewater, Northneld, 

Waterford, Cannon Falls, and Welch. Just above Cannon Falls a 

high dam is being built to develop about 60 feet additional head.

CANNON RIVER AT WELCH, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge at Welch, was 

established June 7, 1909, to determine the amount of water power 

available on the river.

The nearest important tributary, Belle Creek, enters 3 miles below 

Welch. A very small tributary enters the river just above the station.

About 800 feet above the bridge is a dam at which approximately 

40 horsepower are developed. The operation of this water-power 

plant, together with other plants farther upstream, causes considerable variation in the flow. The gage is read twice daily.
136 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

During the period from December to March ice is frequently gorged 

at the bridge, and reliable winter records are thereby made impossible.

The chain gage is attached to the bridge from which discharge 

measurements are made. The current makes an angle of less than 90 

degrees with the bridge, and a correction for the angle must therefore 

be made at each measurement. This correction involves some uncertainty, and therefore the records can not be considered excellent, 

especially as the flo^v is controlled.

Prior to September 10 a staff gage was used, after which date readings were from a chain gage installed at the same datum. Since the 

installation of the gage its datum has remained unchanged.

Discharge measurements of Cannon River at Welch, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 16. .......

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray. ........................................

G. A. Gray.........................................

G. A. Gray.........................................

Width.

Feet. 

97

87

102

91

93

96

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

448

270

478

355

382

293

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.70

5.55

7.21

6.06

6.32

6.20

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

637

224

1,010

385

426

394

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cannon River at Welch, Minn., for 1909. 

[William Veith, observer.]

Day.

1....

2.... 

3....

4....

5....

6.... 

7.... 

8.... 

9....

10....

11....

12....

13....

14.... 

15....

June.

"e-'ro"

6.65 

6.55

6.45

6.40

6.40

6.50

6.55 

6.60

July.

fi on

6.20

6.05

5.80

5.80 

5.70 

5.65 

5.40

5.60

5.80

5.85

5,95

5.90 

5.90

Aug.

S

CO

5.58 

f; sn

5.68

5.32 

5.58 

5.40 

5.40

5.55

5.50

6.78

6.80

9.50 

10.95

Sept.

5.85

5.86 

5.78

6 40

6.20 

6.30 

6.38 

6.48

6.36

6.28

7.72

8.84

7.44 

7.10

Oct.

6.21

6.15 

6 46

5.85

6.20

6.28 

6.12 

6.19 

6.22

6.46

6.55

6.68

6.71

6.71 

6.54

Nov.

6.65

9.10 

8 90

8.28

7 44

6.85 

6.78 

6.78 

6.72

6.40

6.35

6.68

8.18

9.35 

9 18

Dec.

8.21

8.08 

8.29

8.22

8.12

8.25 

7.10 

7.20

Day.

16....

17.... 

18. ...

19....

20....

21.... 

22.... 

23.... 

24....

25....

26....

27....

28....

29.... 

30. ...

31....

June.

6.60

6.65 

6.80

6.65

6.30 

6.30 

6.30 

6.20

6.20

6.20

6.00

6.00

6.10 

6.20

July.

5.65

5.78 

5.80

5.38

5.35

5.72 

5.75 

5.70 

5.25

5.40

5.15

5.70

5.52

6.05 

6.12

6.05

Aug.

10.55

8.70 

7.18

7.30

7 28

7.40 

6.41 

6.38 

6.20

6.11

6.04

6.00

5.86

5.81 

5.85

5.80

Sept.

6.78

6.84 

6.32

6.34

6.30

6.30 

6.78 

7.40 

7.22

7.00

6.82

6.60

6.20

6.22 

6.05

Oct.

6.45

6.35 

6.32

6.38

6.10

6.08 

6.31 

6.30 

6.31

6.32

6.20

6.28

6.22

6.21 

6.18

6.20

Nov.

9.01

8.86 

9.15

9.16

9.00

8.68 

8.20 

8.22 

8.08

7.81

7.92

8.22

8.25

8.22 

8.18

Dec.

NOTE. The high water in November and December was chiefly due to rain and melting snow. During 

December there were ice conditions.

CHIPPEWA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Chippewa River drainage system has its source in more than a 

hundred lakes, large and small, with many connecting swamps, 

lying in the northwestern part of Wisconsin, near the Michigan 

boundary and only 20 miles from Lake Superior. The main line of
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 137

drainage runs very nearly along the central line of the basin, but the 

name Chippewa River is not applied to the continuation of the main 

stream. The river divides 112 miles from the mouth; one branch, 

the prolongation of the line of drainage, called the Flambeau, rises 

in the lakes near the Michigan line, at an elevation approximately 

1,600 feet above sea level; the other branch, the Chippewa, is formed 

in the central part of Sawyer County by the union of East and 

West branches, both of which rise in the southwestern part of Ashland County. The course of the river is general southwestward to 

its junction with the Mississippi at the foot of Lake Pepin. The 

Flambeau drains about 1,983 square miles; the Chippewa above its 

junction with the Flambeau drains only about 1,777 square miles. 

The total length of the Chippewa is 267 miles. The drainage basin, 

which is regular in shape, is about 180 miles long and about 60 miles 

in average width, and comprises about 9,573 square miles, of which 

over 6,000 square miles include the most unsettled region of northern 

Wisconsin.

The important tributaries of the Chippewa are as follows: From 

the west (beginning at the sources), West Branch and Red Cedar 

rivers; from the east, East Branch, Thornapple, Flambeau, Jump, 

Yellow, and Eau Claire rivers.

The entire area above Chippewa Falls is covered with glacial drift, 

the underlying crystalline rocks appearing only in the river bed. In 

the southern part of the basin the rivers have cut deeply into the 

drift and rock, but in the northern districts they have not cut much 

below the surface. The country is level or rolling.

With few exceptions all the many and important water powers on 

Chippewa River are found in the region of crystalline rocks, but on 

account of the deep glacial drift the power sites on the upper streams 

occur at bowlder rapids.

The lakes in this drainage basin are situated in two widely separated 

groups; one in the extreme northeastern part at the headwaters of 

the Flambeau, the other in the northwestern part at the headwaters 

of Chippewiiand Red Cedar rivers. The remainder of the area is 

almost devcfld of lakes. The wooded regions, however, include very 

large areas of cedar and tamarack swamps. The sources of Chippewa 

River haveifri elevation of about 1,500 feet above sea level; at Chippewa Falls the elevation is 806 feet; at the mouth of the river it is 

about 665 ftlet. The elevation of the sources of Flambeau River is 

about 1,650 feet; at Ladysmith the elevation is 1,115 feet.

This drainage basin contains the richest forests of both hard and 

soft woods still standing in Wisconsin. Although lumbering has been 

carried on actively for many years, considerable pine timber still 

remains, chiefly at the upper headwaters, but it is fast disappearing. 

The upper half of the drainage basin may be considered forested.
138 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

The mean annual rainfall is about 30 inches. The winters are 

severe. The snowfall is heavy and lasts for long periods; ice forms 

on the streams about 2 feet in thickness and remains for three to four 

months.

This drainage area affords an unusually large number of excellent 

sites for reservoirs. According to surveys made by the United States 

Engineer Corps in 1880, 12 reservoir sites were located and surveyed, 

whose total capacity was approximately 25,000,000,000 cubic feet. 

The highest dam necessary was about 26 feet. The operation of these 

reservoirs, it was estimated, would increase the ordinary low-water 

flow of the river by 3,245 second-feet for ninety days, thus about 

doubling the present available water power of the river. The main 

obstacle to building such reservoirs at the present time by the Government is the fact that, owing to the settling of this region, the land that 

would be flooded has become very valuable. Private enterprise has 

developed some of the smaller sites.

Several valuable developed water powers and many undeveloped 

power sites are located on this river and its tributaries. The Dells 

Paper & Pulp Co.'s p\ant, near Eau Claire, has a turbine installation 

of over 8,000 horsepower, and plans have been made to increase the 

head from 26 to 32 feet by increasing the height of the dam. On the 

Flambeau and Red Cedar exceptionally good power sites exist. Near 

Ladysmith, on the Flambeau, are two plants, one of which has a rated 

turbine installation of 3,000 horsepower. In a 30-mile stretch of Red 

Cedar River there are six sites for water power capable of developing 

about 13,000 horsepower. The utilization of many of the power sites 

is retarded by the fact that the area is not now thickly settled and 

many sections lack railroad facilities.

The river and its tributaries are used extensively for running logs, 

but where railroads are accessible the logs are moved by rail. The 

extension of railroad facilities in this section will tend to relieve the 

river of its burden of logs and correspondingly add to the value of 

the streams for water power development.

The use of the river for flooding logs modifies the normal flow of 

the river very materially.

FLAMBEAU RIVER SURVEY.

In order to determine the amount of power available along Flambeau River, a survey was made during 1906 from Flambeau to a 

point near the western border of Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation; the section from the mouth to Flambeau had been surveyed 

by the Geological Survey in 1902. From the data collected sheets 

have been prepared showing a profile of the water surface, a plan of 

the river, contour along the bank, and prominent natural or artificial
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 139

features. The results of this survey have been published on separate 

sheets, and may be had on application to E. A. Birge, director, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, Madison, Wis.

CHIPPEWA RIVER AT CHIPPEWA FALLS, WIS.

This station is located at the highway bridge at Chippewa Falls, 

Wis. The gage was originally established by the Chippewa Lumber 

& Boom Co. in April, 1899, and records of gage heights since that 

time have been obtained by that company. The gage heights as 

originally recorded are in feet and inches, but have been reduced to 

feet and hundredths. On June 1, 1906, the United States Geological 

Survey began taking discharge measurements at this place to determine the amount of water available for water power and storage and 

to obtain data of value in general statistical and comparative studies 

of run-off. The United States Weather Bureau has obtained gageheight records for this station beginning with 1904, and the gage 

heights furnished by them have been used for March to September, 

1905, 1907, 1908, and April to July, 1909.

The dam of the Chippewa Lumber & Boom Co. is about 2,500 feet 

above the station.

The winters are severe in this vicinity, and ice forms on the river 

about 2 feet in thickness; but, owing to the swift water and the 

proximity of the dam, considerable open water is found at the measuring section. The river fluctuates very rapidly at times during the 

"sawing season" on account of the storage and release of water at a 

reservoir at Holcombe, some 30 miles above. The stored water is 

used to flood logs to the sawmill.

The normal flow of the stream is much modified by logging and by 

the power plants at Chippewa Falls, which cause great and rapid 

fluctuations in stage from day to day. The datum of the staff gage, 

which is located on one of the bridge piers, has remained unchanged.

Conditions of flow appear to be permanent, and an excellent rating 

curve has been developed. Discharge measurements are made from 

the bridge only.

The following discharge measurement was made under ice conditions by W. M. O'Neill:

February 15, 1909: Width, 339 feet; area, 1,090 equate feet; gage height, 0.85; foot 

discharge, 1,240 second-feet.
140 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls, Wis.,for 1909. 

[N. O. Swift, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

5.~:'..... .......

6/?T............

8.T-L. .........

9............... io.:r.\..........

11...............

12...............

13...............

14. ..............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19. ..............

20...............

21...............

22. ..............

23...............

24. ..............

25. ..............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

.9

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.7

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

Feb.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.7

.6

.6

.6

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

.5

Mar.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.7

.7

.7

.7

.8

g

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Apr.

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.9

2.0

2.0

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.5

2.6

3.3

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.8

5.0

5.5

6.0

5.8

3.6

4.3

3.3

4 7

4.9

5.0

4.9

May.

4.2

3.9

3.4

3.9

4.4

6.7

6.8

8.0

6.9

7.1

6.5

6.8

5.4

2.2

3.9

7.3

8.0

8.5

8.1

7.2

7.0

6.0

5.9

5.1

4.5

4 0

3.5

3.6

3.1

3.0

6.3

June.

2.5

3.3

4.8

7.4

2.0

4.5

4.9

5.3

6.0

5.7

4.7

3.7

2.3

2.5

2.1

3.0

2.5

3.1

3.0

3.7

2.9

2.5

2.2

2.3

2.1

2.2

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.8

July.

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.0

1.3

1.1

1.0

1.1

1.0

.9

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.6

1.5

1.7

1.5

1.6

1.7

2.1

3.6

4.0

3.9

3.5

3.0

3.4

2.2

Aug.

2.5

2.8

1.8

1.8

2.0

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.5

1.5

1.7

1.8

1.5

2.8

2.1

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.0

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 *.

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

Sept.

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0 1.1

.8

.8

1.0

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.2

1.2 1.2*

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.0

Oct.

1.0

1.0

.9

.85

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.05

1.05

.95

1.2

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.45

1.5

1.55

1.45

1.4

1 65

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.6

Nov.

1.8

2.05 '-8.4

4.0

3. 9

3.7

3.4

3.0

-#'35

1.95

2.1

2.75

5.25

7 4*;

7.25

6.6

5.4

4.5.

4.6

4.55

3 Q

3.1

3.15

3.1

3 9

3.9

4.6

4.8

Dec.

4.25

3.9

3.55

3.75

3.45

3.25

3.0

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.55

9 ^

2.65

2.7

2.5

2.65

3.0

2.9

2.8

3.0

2.95

2

0

2

QC

3.0

2.95

2.85

2.95

3.0

NOTE. Ice conditions existed from January 1 to about March 25. 

Gage heights are to water surface during period of ice conditions.

Maximum thickness of ice was 1.3 feet.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 141

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls, Wis.,fa? 1909.

Day.

1.... .........

2. ............

3. ............

5.............

6.............

8.............

9.............

10.............

11.............

12.............

13.............

14.............

15.............

16. ............

17.............

18. ............

19. ............

20. ............

21.............

22. ............

23.............

24. ............

25. ............

26. ............

27.............

28. ............

29.............

30.............

31.............

Jan.

1,700

1,700

1,700

1,700

1,600

1,600

1,600

1,500

1,500

1,400

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,300

1 300

1,300

1,200

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,200

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,300

1 300

1,300

1,300

Feb.

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,200

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1 000

1,000

1,000

Mar.

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1.200

1,200

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,100

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,300

1,500

1,600

1,600

1,600

1,700

1,800

Apr.

2,000

2,400

2,700

S

QAfl

4,040

4,280

4,040

4,280

4,520

5,510

5,770

7,710

8,300

8,600

8,900

13,000

U 7f>rt

16,600

15,800

10,700

7,710

12,700 iq AHA

12,700

May.

10,400

9,500

8,000

9 500

11,000

19,200

19,600

24,200

20,000

20,700

18,400

19,600

U 4/V1

4,760

9 CAA

21,500

24,200

26,200

24,600

21,100

20,400

16,600

16,200

13,300

11,400

9,800

8,300

8,600

7 130

6,850

17,700

June.

5,510

7,710

12,300

91 Qfin

4,280

n

Af\f\

12,700

14,000

16,600

15,400

12,000

8,900

5,010

5.510

4,520

6,850

5,510

7,130

6,850

8,900

5,510

4,760

5,010

4,520

4,760

4,520

4,280

3,800

July.

3,110

2,890

2,670

2,450

2,030

2,240

2,030

2,030

1,830

2,670

9 SQfi

3,110

3

0Af\

3,800

3,110

3,570

3,110

3,340

3,570

8,600

9 CAA

9,500

8,300

6,850

8,000

4,760

Aug.

5,510

6,300

3,800

3,800

4,280

3 son

3,800

3,800

3,110

3,110

3,570

3 CAA

3,110

4,700

6,300

4,520

3 CAA

3,800

3,570

3,800

2,030

2,670

2,670

2,670

3,110

2,670

2,450

2

.4KA

2,450

2,450

Sept.

2

yf KA

2,240

2,240

2 030

2 030

2,240

1,640

2

AQA

2,350

2 fi7fi

2

QQA

2,670

2 fi7fi

2,670

3,110

2,450

2,450

2,450

2,450

2,450

2,450

2,030

2

AQA

2,030

Oct.

2

AOA

2,030

1,830

2,140

1,930

2

yfKA

3,110

3,110

3 99ft

3,000

3,110

3,220

3,000

2

CQA

3,460

3,340

3,570

3,570

4,040

3,800

3,800

3,340

NOT.

3,800

4,400

8,000

9 QAA

9

CAA

8 QAA

8,000

6,850

6

0AA

4,160

6,160

10 QAfi

99 1AA

91 °/Ml

18,800

14 400

U JAA

11,700

U CAA

7,130

7 280

7,130

7,420

8,150

9,500

11,700

12,300

Dec.

10,600

9

CAA

8,450

9

ACA

8 1 VI

7 (y^n

6,850

6,440

6

0AA

6,160

6,030

5,770

5 77ft

5

RAf\

5,510

C QAA

6,030

5,510

C QAA

6,850

6,570

6,300

6,850

6,710

6,710

6,850

6,710

6

AAf\

6,710

6,850

NOTE. Daily discharges for January 1 to March 25 were obtained from the 1908 ice curve and are only 

approximate. "Discharges estimated for period March 26 to April 3, and interpolated for days of no gage 

height during August and September. Discharges after April 3 were obtained from a rating well defined 

between 2,030 and 36,400 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls, Wis.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 5,300 square miles.]

Month.

April...................................

July....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,700 

1,400

16,600

26,200 

21,900 

9,800 

6,300 

3,110 

4,040 

22,100 

10,600

26,200

Minimum.

1,100 

1,000 

1,100

4,760 

3,800 

1,830 

2,030 

1,640 

1,740 

3,800 

5,510

1,000

Mean.

1,360 

1,180 

1,250 

7,820 

15,200 

8,020 

4,060 

3,600 

2,350 

2,920 

9,690 

6,810

5,350

Per

square 

mile.

0.257 

.223 

.236 

1.48 

2.87 

1.51 

.766 

.679 

.443 

.551 

1.83 

1.29

1.01

Run-off 

(depth, in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

0.30 

.23 

.27 

1.65 

3.31 

1.68 

.88 

.78 

.49 

.64 

2,04 

1.49

13.76

Accuracy.

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A.
142 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

CHIPPEWA RIVER NEAR EAU CLAIRE, WIS.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge at Shawtown, 

about 2 miles below Eau Claire,, Wis.., was established November 13, 

1902, to obtain data for water-power and storage problems, and was 

discontinued March 31, 1909.

Eau Claire River enters from the east about 3 miles above the 

station. Winters are severe in this vicinity. Ice forms to a thickness 

of 1 to 2 feet and greatly modifies the relations between discharge 

and gage heights. The normal flow of the stream is very materially 

affected by the power plants at Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls and 

by the holding and releasing of storage water for logging.

Discharge measurements are all made from the bridge. The datum 

of the chain gage, which is located on the bridge, has remained 

unchanged. Except as noted, the records are reliable and accurate, 

and the estimates of the flow should be good.

Daily gage height, infect, of Chippewa River near Eau Claire, Wis., for 1909. 

13. E. Kimpton, observer.]

Day.

1......

2......

3......

6......

8......

9......

10......

Jan.

3.15

Feb.

3.80

Mar.

3 on

3.88

3.92

4.70

4.75

Day.

11......

12......

13......

14......

15......

16......

17......

18......

19

20......

Jan.

4.80

Feb.

4.50

Mar.

4.35

4.34

3.92

3.74

3.84

3.90

4.04

3.90

3.88

3.80

Day.

21......

22......

23......

24......

25......

26......

27......

28......

29......

30......

31......

Jan.

4.1

Feb.

3.50

3.40

Mar.

3.72

3.98

4.05

4.24

3.83

3.98

4.25

4.16

4.16

4.26

4.36

NOTE. Ice conditions existed from January 1 to about March 4. Thickness of ice varied from 0.7 to 

1.6 feet. Gage heights during January and February are to water surface.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Chippewa River near Eau Claire, Wis., for 1909.

Day.

1. ........................

2.... .....................

3.........................

4............. ............

5.........................

6.........................

8.........................

9......................... 10........:................

Mar.

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,760

1,720

1,800

3,380

3,490

Day.

11.......................

12.......................

13.......................

14.......................

15.......................

16.......................

17.......................

18.......................

19.......... ............

20.......................

Mar.

2,640

2,620

1,800

1,460

1,650

1,760

2,030

1,760

1,720

1,570

Day.

21.......................

22.......................

23.......................

24.......................

25.......................

26.......................

27.......................

28.......................

29.......................

30.......................

31.......................

Mar.

1,430

1,910

2,040

2,420

1,630

1,910

2,440

2,260

2,260

2

AAA

2,660

NOTE. Daily discharges estimated for March 1 to 5, and obtained from a rating well denned above 1,950 

second-feet for the rest of the month.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 143

Monthly discharge of Chippewa River near Eau Claire, Wis., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 6,740 square miles.]

Month.

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,490

Minimum. Mean. .

1,730 

1,500 

2,360

Persquare 

mile.

0.257 

.223 

.350

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.)

0.30 

.23

.40

Accuraracy.

D.

D. 

B.

NOTE. Monthly means for January and February obtained from the records at Chippewa Falls by 

use of the drainage area ratio.

RED CEDAR RIVER AT CEDAR FALLS, WIS.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge on the outskirts of Cedar Ealls, Wis., was, established in 1908 to replace the 

station at Menomonie, but gage heights were not obtained until April 

1, 1909. The data collected at this station are used in studying 

water-power, water-supply, pollution, and storage problems.

No important tributaries enter Red Cedar River hi the immediate 

vicinity of the gage.

Winters are severe in this locality. Anchor ice forms at the rapids 

a short distance below the bridge and at tunes produces backwater 

at the gage.

The datum of the staff gage, which is fastened to a pier of the 

bridge, has remained unchanged.

The records are reliable and accurate, except as conditions above 

noted may affect the gage heights. No measurements of discharge 

have been obtained. The observer at this station is paid by the 

Chippewa Valley Light & Power Co.
144 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Red Cedar River at Cedar Falls, Wis.,for 1909. 

[Olaf Oas, observer.)

Day.

1. ...........................

2...........................

3...........................

4...........................

5...........................

6...........................

7...........................

8...........................

9...........................

10...........................

11...........................

12...........................

13...........................

14...........................

15...........................

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19...........................

20...........................

21 ...........................

22...........................

23 ...........................

24. ..........................

25 ...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29. ..........................

30...........................

31...........................

Apr.

3.45

3.85 3.9*

3.75

3.55

3.5

3.4

3.35

3.4

3.45

3.3

3.25

3.4

3.35

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.0

3.45

3.35

3.2

3.15

3.3

May.

3.35

3.3

3.25

3.2

3.35

3.8

4.5

4.4

3.65

3.35

3.15

3.1

2.8

2.85

2.95

3.5

3.9

3.9

3.75

3.5

3.45

3.3

3.0

2.85

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

June.

2.9

3.45

3.55

3.6

3.25

3.35

3.9

4.0

3.8

3.15

3.0

2.8

2.8

2.85

2.9

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

July.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.6

2.7

2.55

2.45

2.35

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

Aug.

2.3

2.2

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.25

2.6

2.65

2.5

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

Sept.

2.3

.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

,2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

Oct.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.45

2.55

2.7

2.65

2.55

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.45

Nov.

2.65

2.75

2.95

3.3

2.85

2.75

2.65

2.6

2.8

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.9

3.6

3.45

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.05

3.0

3.15

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.0

3.05

3.25

3.4

Dec.

3.25

3.05

3.2

3.25

3.15

3.05

3.0

3.0

S.O

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.15

3.25

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.55

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

4.0

NOTE. Ice conditions existed from-December 5 to 31, the stream, being frozen over after December 25. 

Gage-height of December 30 was read to water surface. Thickness of ice on that day was 0.5 foot.

ZTJMBRO RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Zumbro River drains an area comprising 1,390 square miles 

bounded by the Cannon River basin on the north and the basin of 

Root River on the south and located chiefly in Wabasljia, Goodhue, 

Dodge, and Olmsted counties in southeastern Minnesota. The 

North Branch of Zumbro River rises in the southeaster^ part of Rice 

County and flows eastward; the South Branch is formed b|y a number 

of small tributaries in the southwestern part of Olmstec^ County and 

flows northward, receiving throughout its course many tributaries, 

the largest being the Middle Branch. In the western partj of Wabasha 

County the two streams unite to form the Zumbro, which takes a 

general easterly course until it reaches the flood plain of the Mississippi, where it empties into one of the sloughs of the region.

The valleys of the North and South branches are cut 100 to 200 feet 

below the general level of the country and are bounded by bluffs. 

The valley of--lower Zumbs©^ River becomes 4eeper>-and--at themouth 

is 400 feet deep and is bounded by rock cliffs, chiefly sandstone.
TIPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 145

The general width of the valley is from 1 to 2 miles. The streams 

discharging into the Zumbro Valley at the present time deposit on the 

flood plain more material than the Zumbro itself can carry away, and 

the valley is being gradually filled up. A great many large springs 

issue from the bluffs along the various streams, and there are many 

springs and marshes that form the sources of the headwater streams.

The region is in general a gently undulating prairie that is deeply 

cut by the streams, all of which lie in well-defined valleys in the 

upper part cut into the glacial drift and the lower part sunk deep into 

the underlying rock.

Very little forest remains in the basin of the Zumbro at the present 

time, as most of the land is under cultivation.

The rivers of the basin are frozen over generally during the period 

from December to March, except at rapids, and snow lies on the 

ground for considerable periods.

Because of the complete absence of lakes and the general flatness 

of the uplands, reservoir sites can be obtained only within the valleys 

of the streams by building dams from bluff to bluff.

The river has a good fall throughout its course, and there are many 

places where water power in moderate amounts can be developed. 

At the present time there are power plants at Zumbrota, Forest 

Mills, Mazeppa, and Jarretts on the main river.

Owing to the flatness of the uplands drainage work has been carried 

on to a considerable extent, about 34,000 acres, chiefly in Wabasha 

and Dodge counties, having been ditched.

ZUMBRO RIVER AT ZUMBRO FALLS, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge at Zumbro 

Falls, was established June 8, 1909, on account of the power available 

on the Zumbro.

The nearest tributary is the South Branch, which enters the river 

about 8 miles above this point. The nearest dam is at Jarretts, but 

its influence does not extend to the station, owing to the fall of the 

river between the two points.

Owing to the rapids a short distance above the station and also to 

springs, open water continues practically throughout the year from 

the rapids for a distance of several miles downstream.

Prior to October 22, 1909, a staff gage was used, after which date a 

chain gage installed at the same datum was'read. Since the installation of the chain gage, which, is attached to the bridge from which 

discharge measurements are made, its datum has remained unchanged.

Conditions at this station are good and the records of flow should be 

reliable.

79483° WSP 265 11 10
146 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY,, 1909,, PART V.

Discharge measurements of Zumbro River at Zumbro Falls, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

July 15. ........

August 26. .....

October 22.....

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray. ........................................

Width.

Feet. 

129

129

129

129

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

279

185

228

197

Gage 

height .

Feet. 

6.30

5.52

5.69

5.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

618

270

319

281

Daily gage height, in feet, of Zumbro River at Zumbro Falls, Minn., for 1909. 

[P. J. Sugg and A. H. Sugg, observers.]

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8...

9...

10...

11...

12... 

13... 

14... 

15...

June.

6.30

6.20

6.10

6.15

6.20 

6.15 

6.00 

6.00

July.

6.05

5.90

5.95

5.75

5.75

5.65

5.60

5.55

5.50

5.55 

5.50 

5.55 

5.49

Aug.

5.24

5.24

5.24

5.21

5.21

5.19

5.16

5.35

5.42

8.00 

7.40 

8.00 

8.45

Sept.

6.42

5.42

5.42

5.42

5.42

5.39

5.39

5.39

5.39

5.41

5.41

6.70 

7.10 

6.60 

6.60

Oct.

5.51

C Cfi

5.46

5.46

5.45

5.48

5.62

5.88 

5.70 

5.67 

5.64

Nov.

5.52

6.70

6.69

6.48

6.22

6.02

5.90

5.78

5.70

5.82

6.59 

7.65 

9.75 

11.85

Dec.

7.38

7.22

7.30

7.55

7.20

6.55

6.26

6.88 

6.70 

6.66 

6.56

Day.

16....

17.. .

18.. .

19.. .

20.. .

21.. .

22.. .

23....

24....

25....

26....

27.... 

28.... 

29.... 

30....

June.

5.90

6.00

6.35

6.20

6.15

5.85

5.90

7.35

6.65

6.60

6.35

6.45 

6.45 

6.35 

6.30

July.

5.45

5.44

5.44

5.46

5.44

5.41

5.32

5.31

5.34

5.31

5.26

5.29 

5.26 

5.26 

5.26 

5.24

Aug.

9.05

7.40

6.95

6.72

6.35

5.82

5.82

5.95

5.68

5.62

5.72

5.68 

5.68 

5.69

5.58

Sept.

6.32

6.28

6.18

6.10

5.85

5.82

5.82

5.88

5.92

5.95

5.92

5.82 

5.68 

5.40 

5.15

Oct.

5.59

5.54

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.52

5.50

5.48

5.45

5.46

5.45 

5.41 

5.40 

5.41 

5.40

Nov.

9.89

8.55

7.70

7.51

7.38

7.38

7.64

7.30

7.02

6.96

6.98

8.05 

8.79 

8.10 

7.60

Dec.

6.42

6.38

6.20

6.26

6.30

6.36

6.32

6.30

6.21

6.14

6.06

6.10 

6.09 

6.00 

6.02

NOTE. During December the river was open more than half way across at the gage and this open space 

extended from a point J mile above to f mile below the gage. 

Backwater caused by temporary ice gorging December 8 to 11.

BLACK RIVER 'DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of the Black River lies west of the central 

part of the State of Wisconsin. The river rises in the northeastern 

part of Taylor County, flows in a generally southwesterly direction, 

and joins the Mississippi at La Crosse. The drainage basin is long 

and narrow and the tributaries are small. The more important 

are Poplar River and East Fork of Black River, both of which enter 

from the east. The total length of the river is about 145 miles; the 

total drainage area is about 2,272 square miles.

The basin is about 120 miles long and has an average width of 

20 miles. All that portion of the river north of Black River Falls 

is in the crystalline rock. Through a large portion of this stretch 

the river has worn deeply into the rock, and the banks rise 40 to 60 

feet above the river. In places the rock is covered with glacial drift. 

Below Black River Falls the river flows into a sandstone region, 

its valley is wide and the banks are usually low. The surface of the 

basin is level or rolling. The soil in the upper part of the basin is 

sandy, but a heavier clay soil is found in some places. This section
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 147

was at one time covered with pine. In the lower part of the basin 

the soil is less sandy, as it contains more clay.

The elevation of the sources of the river is about 1,400 feet; at 

Neillsville the elevation is 990 feet; at the mouth of the river the 

elevation is 628 feet.

The timber on this drainage basin has been about all cut off. 

Tne river is no longer used for running logs. The country is well 

settled.

The mean annual rainfall is about 32 inches. The winter conditions are severe. The snowfall is heavy, and ice forms from 1 to 2 

feet in thickness and lasts about three months.

There are but few lakes in the drainage basin, and some of these 

may afford suitable reservoirs, but the basin is so well settled that 

the building of storage reservoirs would be prohibited by the cost of 

the land that would be flooded.

Conditions are not favorable for the development of water power, 

for the size of the drainage area decreases rapidly toward the head 

of the river. The porous nature of the soil, however, compensates in 

a measure for the smallness of the drainage area, and power sites of 

considerable head, favorably located for the building of dams, are 

numerous. Most of the valuable sites are above Black River Falls.

BLACK RIVER SURVEY.

In order to determine the availability of Black River for power 

development, a survey was made during 1906 from Black River Falls 

to Wisconsin Central Railway crossing. From the data collected on 

this survey sheets have been prepared showing a profile of the water 

surface, a plan of the river, contour along the bank, and prominent 

natural or artificial features. The results of this survey have been 

published on separate sheets and may be had on application to 

E. A. Birge, director, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History 

Survey, Madison, Wis.

BLACK RIVER AT NEILLSVILLE, WIS.

This station, which is located at the lower highway bridge across 

Black River, about 700 feet below the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis 

& Omaha Railroad bridge at Neillsville, Wis., was established 

April 7, 1905, to obtain data for use in studying water power, water 

supply, and pollution problems. This station was discontinued 

March 31, 1909.

The winters are severe in this vicinity; ice forms to a thickness of 

1 to 2 feet and modifies the relation between discharge and gage 

heights.

The datum of the chain gage, which is located on the bridge, has 

remained unchanged. The records are reliable and accurate. In
148 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

extreme low water measurements are made by wading; at other times 

measurements are made from the bridge.

The following discharge measurement was made under ice conditions by W. M. O'Neffl:

February 17, 1909; width, 130 feet; area, 100 square feet; gage height, 3.38 feet; 

discharge, 51 second-feet.

Daily gage height, infect, of Black River at Neillsville, Wis.,for 1909. 

[A. Bissell, observer.]

Day.

1......

2......

3......

5......

6......

8......

9......

10......

Jan.

3.2

3.5

Feb.

3.3

Mar.

as

Day.

11......

12......

13......

14......

15......

16......

17......

18......

19......

20......

Jan.

3.4

Feb.

1 Q

Mar.

4. 4

Day.

21......

22......

23......

94

25......

26......

27......

28......

29......

30......

31......

Jan.

A K

4.0

Feb.

3.5

3.4

Mar.

4.3

4.8

Mom Ice conditions from January 1 to March 28, an ice cover ranging in thickness from 0.6 foot to 2.1 

feet existing during the period. Water was reported on top of the ice on January 24 and March 28.

Monthly discharge of Black River at Neillsville, Wis., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 675 square miles.]

Month.

Discharge in secondfeet.

Mean.

98

54

139

Per

square

mile.

0.144

.080

.206

Run-off

(depth in 

inches on

drainage

area).

0.17

.08

.24

AccuD.

D.

D.

NOTE. These monthly mean discharges are based on one discharge measurement during the period, a 

study of climatologic data, and observer's notes on ice conditions.

BOOT RIVflB DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Root River, which joins the Mississippi about 3 miles below La 

Crosse, drains an area comprising 1,660 square miles, including the 

extreme southeastern portion of Minnesota and a very small area, 

not exceeding a few square miles, in northeastern Iowa. The North 

Fork, which is the principal branch, rises in the southeastern part of 

Dodge County and flows in a general easterly course, being joined by 

the Middle Fork a few miles below Chatfield and by the South Fork 

near Lanesboro. Rush Creek enters the main stream near Rushford, 

and Money Creek and South Root River near Houston.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 149

The region drained is an undulating plateau whose uplands range 

in altitude from 1,100 to 1,300 feet above sea level. In the upper 

portion of the basin the Root and its fanlike tributaries flow over 

glacial drift, but farther down they occupy rock-cut valleys which 

become deeper as the streams are descended. In general the main 

valley is about 500 feet deep and 2 miles in average width. Main 

and tributary valleys cut through sandstone.

By far the greater part of the region drained by the Root is under 

cultivation, the forested areas being chiefly on the sides of the bluffs. 

The annual rainfall for the basin, as shown by a number of records 

exceeding ten years in length, is about 32 inches. From December 

to March the streams of the basin are frozen over for the most part 

and snow remains on the ground for considerable periods.

As the basin contains no lakes, reservoirs can be formed only by 

building dams from bluff to bluff across the gorgelike valleys. One 

good site of this type exists on the North Fork, a few miles above 

Chatfield.

In order to determine the availability of Root River for power 

development, a survey was made during 1910 from the mouth to 

Orion Mill, a point on the North Branch several miles above Chatfield. From the data collected on this survey, sheets have been prepared showing a profile of the water surface, a plan of the river, 

and the contours along the river bank. These sheets have been 

published separately, and may be had upon application to Robert 

Follansbee, district engineer, United States Geological Survey, Old 

Capitol Building, St. Paul, Minn. From this survey the following 

table of elevations and distances has been compiled:

Elevations and distances along Root River.

Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Ry. .............................................

Do. .........................................................................

Crystal Creek ...................................................................

South Root River. ..............................................................

Chatfleld. .......................................................................

Distance 

above 

mouth.

Miles. 

0 

4 

6, 

8 

11 

18 

21 

23 

27 

31 

34 

44 

47 

52 

62 

66 

77 

81 

91 

94 

94 

95 

98 

103 

107

Elevation.

Feet. 

633 

635 

636 

640 

645 

655 

659 

662 

669 

680 

686 

710 

725 

734 

768 

784 

850 

873 

913 

927 

925 

939 

951 

990 

1,018
150 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

The streams are fed by many springs, which are found in the 

bluffs, and the flow is therefore comparatively uniform, although 

the streams are subject to sudden freshets from heavy rains. When 

the river is in flood it inundates large areas of the valley lands. In 

the lower part of the valley the floods are so frequent that much of 

the bottom land is not under cultivation.

ROOT RIVER NEAR HOUSTON, MINN.

This station, which is located at the first highway bridge 1 mile 

below Houston, was established May 28, 1909, to obtain data for 

use in connection with water-power development and studies of 

flood prevention.

The nearest tributary, South Root River, enters 1 mile below the 

bridge. Although this is ordinarily an insignificant stream, during 

heavy rains it overflows its banks badly and floods a considerable 

area. The drainage area above this station is 1,560 square miles.

There is no dam below, and the nearest one above it is at Rushford. 

As the flow of the river is at all times ample for the power generated 

at that point, it is not held back during certain portions of the day 

and thus has no influence on the gage heights at Houston.

The river is ice bound from December to March, and during that 

period discharge measurements are made through the ice to obtain 

an approximate winter rating curve.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge at which the 

staff gage is located. Since the establishment of the gage its datum 

has remained unchanged.

The channel scours out during floods and gradually fills in afterwards, and for this reason it is necessary to make more frequent 

measurements than at other sections, and the estimates based on the 

measurement can probably not be considered as better than fair, 

or possibly good, except during low stages when no change occurs.

Discharge, measurements of Root River near Houston, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

1909. 

May 28.. .......

June 18........

Do.........

July 14. ........

August 26......

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray.........................................

C. B. Gibson.......................................

Width.

Feet. 

105

103

103

102

105

104

105

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

302

273

279

240

424

290

288

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.50

1.30

1.30

.92

1.76

1.11

1.45

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

615

540

530

424

605

426
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 151

Daily gage height, in feet, of Root River near Houston, Minn.,for 1909. 

[Olof Larson, observer.]

Day.

1....................................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

C..... ...............................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................................

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26....................................

27......................'..............

28....................................

29....................................

30....................................

31....................................

May.

1.50

1.50

1.48

1.42

June.

1.40

1.40

1.35

1.65

1.80

2.20

1.98

1.75

1.65

1.60

1.58

1.50

1.42

1.38

1.30

1.28

1.35

1.32

1.25

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.10

1.20

1.32

1.22

1.82

1.78

1.70

2.15

July.

1.75

1.50

1.32

1.20

1.15

1.10

1.10

1.02

1.05

1.32

1.10

1.05

.98

.90

.90

.90

.82

.82

.80

.75

.75

.80

.75

.72

.70

.70

.72

.75

.72

.72

.70

Aug.

0.68

.75

.65

.70

.65

.65

.65

.60

.65

.65

4.65

4.00

3.72

4.85

3.80

3.08

2.70

2.40

2.15

2.00

1.92

1.88

1.75

1.64

1.55

1.48

1.39

1.34

1.32

Sept.

1.25

1.22

1.35

1.32

1.22

1.21

1.18

1.14

1.14

1.12

1.11

1.50

1.36

1.75

2.15

2.04

1.98

 1.86

1.66

1.60

1.48

1.38

1.32

1.28

1.22

1.16

1.15

1.12

1.12

1.08

Oct.

1.05

1.05

1.00

1.06

.98

.96

.96

.95

.96

1.02

1.02

1.05

1.05

1.02

1.02

.98

1.04

.96

.95

.96

.99

.98

.90

.95

.95

.95

.92

.92

.90

.92

.94

Nov.

1.34

1.42

1.40

1.42

1.58

1.44

1.30

1.26

1.20

1.14

1.50

1.55

2.50

4.84

7.50

7.72

4.92

3.96

3.46

3.20

3.09

3.35

3.60

3.20

2.99

2.88

2.98

4.58

4.74

3.78

Dec.

3.32

3.10

2.96

2.90

2.95

2.82

2.48

2.80

2.90

2.80

2.80

NOTE. Water over gage August 14 and 15. Maximum gage height August 14, 9.40 feet, determined 

from high-water mark.

It is probable that the rise .in gage heights during the latter part of November was due partly to backwater. The river was frozen over during the greater part of December. The following comparative readings were made:

Date.

Gage 

height to 

water 

surface.

2.8

2.9

2.8

2.8

Gage 

height, 

top of 

ice.

Feet. 

3.7

3.7

2.85

2.9

2.9

2.9

Thickness of 

ice at 

gage.

Feet. 

0.3

.7

.8

.5

.5

.6

Remarks.

WISCONSIN RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of Wisconsin River, except for a few square 

miles, lies wholly within the State of Wisconsin. The river rises in 

Lake Vieux Desert, lying directly on the boundary line between 

upper Michigan and Wisconsin, whence it flows in a southwesterly 

direction for about 300 miles to the city of Portage, near the center 

of -Portage County. At this point it turns westward and empties
152 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

into Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien, Wis., about 40 miles 

from the southern boundary of the State. The important tributaries beginning at the sources are as follows: On the west or right 

bank of the river, Tomahawk, Rib, Big Eau Pleine, Eau Pleine, 

Yellow, Lemonweir, Baraboo, Pine, and Kickapoo rivers; on the 

left bank, Pelican, Prairie, Eau Claire, and Plover rivers.

The total length of the river is about 429 miles. The total drainage 

area is about 12,280 square miles.

The drainage area is comparatively long and narrow, being about 

225 miles long and about 50 miles average width. The river flows, 

for the most part, in the eastern half of its basin. Below Portage it 

flows within 10 miles of its southern edge. At Portage the divide 

between Wisconsin River and Fox River is so low that during high 

water the current in one of the tributaries of the Wisconsin is reversed 

and flows into the Fox.

Like all the large rivers of the State, the Wisconsin heads in the 

high drift-covered region. That part of the basin which lies above 

Nekoosa, including more than half of the drainage area, is underlain by crystalline rocks, which, by presenting a barrier to erosion, 

cause numerous rapids that afford excellent sites for water power. 

Below Nekoosa the crystalline rocks give way to the softer sandstone, the disintegration of which has made the bed of the river a 

succession of shifting sand bars almost without interruption to its 

mouth. Where this formation is near the surface in the surrounding country the soil is very light and in places even sterile. North of 

Nekoosa this sandy belt rapidly narrows, and at Merrill, Wis., about 

90 miles above, almost entirely disappears, and is replaced by the 

clayey loams and loamy clays. North of Tomahawk the clays are 

again replaced by sandy soils containing gravel and by bowlders 

^.nd glacial drift.

In general the country is level or undulating. In places decided 

ridges break the surface, as, for example, the Baraboo ranges of 

quartzite and the bluffs along the lower river. The northern part of 

the drainage area is covered with innumerable lakes and swamps 

which tend to make the flow of the stream uniform and steady.

According to the United States Engineer Corps, the elevation of 

Lake Vieux Desert, the source of the river, is about 1,650 feet; the 

elevation at the mouth is about 604 feet; the total fall is therefore 

about 1,050 feet. About 634 feet of this fall occur in the 150 miles 

between Rhinelander and Nekoosa, an average of over 4 feet to the 

mile. This descent is concentrated at many places, producing a 

large number of valuable water powers, many of which are still 

undeveloped.

The dense growth of pine which covered the upper part of the 

drainage basin of Wisconsin River has nearly all been cut off, and a
TIPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 153

thick growth of brush and second-growth timber has taken its place; 

large areas have been brought under cultivation. In some places 

this second growth has been burned over, leaving almost impenetrable thickets of brush and dead timber. The effect of this new 

growth of brush and timber on the run-off is probably about the 

same as that of the pine forests which it has replaced.

The mean annual rainfall on the headwaters of the river is about 

31 inches; at the lower part of the basin the rainfall is about 34 

inches.

The winters, except in the very lowest part of the basin, are 

severe. The snowfall is comparatively heavy and stays on the 

ground for long periods, and the streams are covered with ice from 

1 to 2 feet in thickness for three to four months. These conditions 

tend to make the winter season the period of minimum flow, and 

discharge measurements taken during the ice period are very valuable.

The basin affords many sites for storage. The United States 

Engineer Corps located and surveyed eight reservoir sites at the 

headwaters of Wisconsin River to aid navigation of Mississippi 

Eiver. The capacity of these reservoirs is about 20,000,000,000 

cubic feet, and it was estimated that a flow of 3,000 cubic feet per 

second could be maintained for three months. Such a flow would 

nearly double the low-water flow of the river and its resulting water 

power. Several of these reservoirs have been constructed by private 

p arties for water-power development. The Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co. has been authorized by law to construct, acquire, and 

maintain a system of reservoirs located on the tributaries of the 

Wisconsin Eiver north of the south line of township 34, about 6 

miles below Tomahawk, for the purpose of producing a uniform flow 

of water, etc. The law provides that when this company shall have 

completed reservoirs of a capacity of 2,000,000,000 cubic feet it 

may collect &nd receive reasonable tolls from the owner of every 

improved ami operated water power located on the river below such 

reservoirs. fThe tolls are to yield not to exceed 6 per cent on the 

actual investment.

The street is used quite extensively for logging, but the greater 

part of the ttrge timber has been cut off and lumbering is decreasing, 

although considerable pulp wood is being run on the river. Dams 

at the wateK-power sites would not interfere seriously with the small 

run of logs At the present time.

WISCONSIN RIVER SURVEY.

In order to determine the amount of power available along Wisconsin River a survey was made during 1906 between Sauk City and 

Dekorra and between Lewiston station and Jersey City. From the 

data collected sheets have been prepared, showing a profile of the
154 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PAET V.

water surface, a plan of the river, contour along the bank, and prominent natural or artificial-features. The results of this survey have 

been published on separate sheets and may be obtained by applying 

to E. A. Birge, director, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History 

Survey, Madison, Wis.

EAU CLAIRE RIVER SURVEY.

A survey was also made along Eau Claire River during 1906, from 

the mouth of the river to Johnson. From the data collected sheets 

have been prepared, showing a profile of the water surface, a plan of 

the river, contour along the bank, and prominent natural or artificial 

features. The results of this survey have been published on separate 

sheets and may be obtained by applying to E. A. Birge, director, 

Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, Madison, Wis.

WISCONSIN RIVER NEAR RHINELANDER, WIS.

This station, which is located at a highway bridge about 8 miles 

southwest of Rhinelander, Wis., at Forbes & Wixson's power station, 

was established December 1, 1905, to obtain data for water power, 

water supply, pollution, and storage problems.

Pelican River enters about 8 miles above the station.

The winters in this vicinity are severe, but the operation of the 

power plant about 400 feet above the bridge prevents the river from 

freezing at the gaging section, and ice forms only in narrow strips 

along the shores. The pond above the dam modifies the normal 

flow, and the total range in gage height is small. The fluctuations 

of the load on the turbines may also affect discharge measurements. 

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge.

The datum of the chain gage, which is located on the bridge, has 

remained unchanged, and aside from the above conditions the records 

are reliable and accurate.

The gage reader at the station has been paid by the Wisconsin 

Valley Improvement Co., Madison, Wis., since April, 1909.
T7PPEK MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIH. 155

Daily gage height, in feet, of Wisconsin River near Rhinelander, Wis.,for 1909. 

[Charles Hagen, observer.]

Day.

I...............

2...............

3............... 

4...............

5...............

6..... ..........

7...............

8... ............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15. ..............

16...............

17...............

18.. .............

19

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

2.3

2.4

2.4 

2.4

2.9

2.5 2.5"

3.1

2.6

2.8

2.5

3.0

2.5

2.3

2.5

2.7

2.8

2.6

2.4

2.7

3.1

2.6

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.8

Feb.

2.4

2.8

2.3

2.8

2.4

2.3

2.5

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.9

2.5

2.5

3.1

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.4

Mar.

2.4

2.3

2.5 

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.4

2.3

2.9

2.4

2.9

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.3

2.3

1.9

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.4

1.5

2.3

2.3

2.3

Apr.

2.3

2.7

2.3

1.8

2.8

2.7

9 9

2.8

2.8

2.4

2.7

2.8

2.9

3.4

3.0

2.9

3.2

2.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

4.1

3.5

May.

3.5

3.4 

3.2

3.1

3.4

3.4

3.4

2.5

3.8

3.9

4 0

4.0

4.0

4 1

3.0

4.1

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.7

2.4

3.5

3.4

3.5

3.1

3.3

3.2

1.9

3.1

June.

3.1

3.3

2.7 

3.3

3.3

2.4

3.4

3.6

i ^

3.5

3.6

3.5

2.4

3.3

3.2

3.2 ? n

3.2

^ 9

1.9

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.7

1.5 9 t;

2.0

2.1

July.

2.8'

2.8

2.7 

1.6

1.6

1.6

2.2

2.8

2.3

2.3

1.8

3.1

2.9

2.5

2.6

2.4

3.1

1.6

3.3

3.1

3.3

3.8

3.6

3.6

2.8

3.8

3.8

3.9

3.7

3.7

3.6

Aug.

3.6

3.7

3.7 

3.3

3.4

3.3

2.3

3.3

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

1.8

3.6

3.5

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

1.8

3.6

3.0

3.2

3.2

3.4

4.0

1.0

2.6

3.2

Sept.

3.3

2.6

2.3 

3.6

2.6

1.0

3.3

3.2

2.9

2. ft

2.8

1.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

3.1

3.2

3.2

1.6

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.1

3.1

2.7

1.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

Oct.

2.1

2.7

1.5 

2.1

2.1

1.7

2.6

2.6

9 7

1.-6

2.- 7

- 2.7

2.4

2.6

2.4

2.5

1.4

2.7

2.6

3.0

2.7

2.9

2.7

2.7

2.5

2.5

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

1.7

Nov.

3.2

3.1

3.2 

3.2

3.4

3.2

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.8

3.0

3.0

3.2

3.1

3.8

3.5

3.2

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.3

3.4

3.3

2.8

3.1

2.6

3.6

3.2

3.3

3.1

Dee.

3.0

3.0

3.2 

3.2

2.9

2.6

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.7

2.6

2.8

2.5

2.7

2.7

2.9

2.7

2.9

2.7

2.7

2.9

3.0

2.8

2.7

2.9

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Wisconsin River near Rhinelander, Wis.,for 1909.

Day.

1...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

606

690

690

690

1,200

775

775

1,440

870

1,090

775

1,320

775

606

870

775

980

1,090

870

690

980

1 '870 440

870

690

690

690

690

775

775

1,090

Feb.

690

1,090

606

1,090

690

606

775

690

775

775

775

775

1,200

775

775

1,440

775

690

690

775

775

775

775

775

526

606

690

690

Mar.

690

606

775

606

606

606

606

690

690

606

690

606

1,200

690

1,200

606

606

690

606

606

324

690

606

606

526

606

690

140

606

606

606

Apr.

606

980

606

270

1,090

980

526

1,090

1,090

690

980

1,090

1,200

1,780

1.320

1,200

1,550

452

1,550

1,550

1,550

2,580

1,900

May.

2,010

1,900

1,780

1,550

1,440

1,780

1,780

1,780

775

2,240

2,360

2,470

2,470

2,470

2,580

1,320

2,580

2,470

2,470

2,360

2,240

2,120

690

1,900

1,780

1,900

1,440

1,660

1,550

324

1,440

June.

1,440

1,660

980

1,660

1,660

690

1,780

2,010

1,660

1,900

2,010

1.900 '690

1,660

1,550

1,550

1,320

1,550

1,550

324

1,090

980

980

980

1,090

980

140

775

384

452

July.

1,090

1,090

980

179

179

179

526

1,090

606

606

270

1,440

1,200

775

870

690

1,440

179

1,660

1,440

1,660

2,240

2,010

2,010

1,090

2,240

2.240

2,360

2,120

2,120

2,010

Aug.

2,010

2,120

2,120

1,660

2,010

1,780

1,660

606

1,660

2,010

2,010

2,010

2,010

2,010

270

2,010

1,900

2,010

1,900

1,900

1,900

270

2,010

1,320

1,550

1,550

1,780

2,470

15

870

1,550

Sept.

1,660

870

606

2,010

870

15

1,660

1,550

1,200

870

1,090

179

980

980

980

1,440

1,550

1,550

179

1,550

1,440

1,550

1,440

1,440

980

223

980

980

980

980

Oct.

452

980

140

452

452

223

870

870

980

179

980

980

690

870

690

775

106

980

870

1,320

980

1,200

, 980

980

775

775

980

980

980

870

223

Nov.

1,550

1,440

1,550

1,550

1,780

1,550

1,320

1,320

1,320

1,090

1,320

1,320

1,550

1,440

2,240

1,900

1,550

1,780

1,780

1,900

1,660

1,780

1,660

1,090

1,440

870

2,010

1,550

1,660

1,440

Dec.

1,320

1,320

1,550

1.550

1,200

870

606

606

606

870

980

1,090

980

980

870

980

870

1,090

775

980

980

1,200

980

1,200

980

980

1,200

1,320

1,090

980

1,200

NOTE.- 

feet.

-These daily discharges are based on a rating that is well defined between 775 and 3,070 second-
156 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of Wisconsin River near Rhinelander, Wis.,for 1909.

Month.

April.............................. ..... ...................

July...........................................................

October..................... .. .. .... ...... ....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,440 

1,440 

1,200 

2,580 

2,580 

2,010 

2,360 

2,470 

2,010 

1,320 

2,240 

1,550

2,580

Minimum.

606 

526 

140 

270 

324 

140 

179 

15 

15 

106 

870 

606

15

Mean.

875 

788 

645 

1,030 

1,860 

1.250 

1,240 

1,640 

1,090 

761 

1,550 

1,040

1,150

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B.

WISCONSIN RIVER AT MERRILL, WIS.

This station, which is located at a highway bridge at the east end 

of Merrill, Wis., was established November 17, 1902, to obtain data 

for water power, water supply, pollution, and storage problems.

The bridge is about 1,000 feet below the dam. Prairie River enters 

from the east about half a mile above the station. The flow is somewhat modified by the dam and power plants above the station.

The current ,is so swift that ice does not form across the section, 

and there is open water at the gage the year round, but winters are 

severe, and during the ice period the relation between gage height 

and discharge is affected by backwater. The stream is used considerably for log running, and jams below the measuring section may 

affect the gage heights for short periods. Discharge measurements 

are all made from the bridge.

The datum of the chain gage, which is located on the bridge, has 

remained unchanged; the records are reliable and accurate except as 

conditions above may affect the readings. o,,

The gage reader at this station has been paid by the Wisconsin 

Valley Improvement Co., Madison, Wis., since April, 1$09.

The following discharge measurement, with 4 percent of the 

discharge under ice cover, was made by W. M. O'Neilh

February 19, 1909; width, 251 feet; area, 744 square feet; gage bright, 4.79 feet; 

discharge, 1,610 second-feet.
UPPEE MISSISSIPPI EIVEE DBAINAGE BASIN.

'157

Daily gage height, in feet, of Wisconsin River at Merrill, Wis.,for 1909. 

[A. F. Lueck, observer.]

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.

4.7

4.8

4.7

5.1 

4.35

4.7

4.8

4.35

4 1

4.25

4 1 1;

4.75

4.85

4.65

4.45

4.55

4.5

4.65

4.6

4.6

4.75

4.7

4.55

4.6

4 65

4 7^

4.7

4.65

4.65

4.75

Feb.

4.7

4.75

4.8

4.75 

4.3

4.6

4.6

4.4

4.65

4.7

4.6

4.55

4.6

4.25

4.6

4.75

4.5

4.4

4.25

4.55

4.45

4.45

4.6

4.65

4.45

Mar.

4.5

4.55'

4.65

4.5 

4.55

4.5

4.35

4.4

4.3

4.4

4.55

4.5

4.4

4.35

4.8

4.55

4.5

4.4

4.35

4.1

3.85

4 55

4.45

4 65

4.6

4.55

4.4

4.45

4.45

Apr.

4.55

4.35

4.45

5.25 E; 95;

5.15

5.25

5.1

5.55

5.65

5.75

5.7

6.05

6.4

7.05

7.75

8.25

8.35

7.75

7 W

7.2

6.8

7.35

7.25

7.25

7.25

May.

7.0

6.25

6.6

6.65 

7.2

8.0

8.65

8.5

8 A

8.15

8.4

7.75

7.65

8.1

7.7

7 Q

8.05

8.05

8.25

8.0

7.2

7.3

6.4

6 9

6.7

R fit;

6.5

5.4

6.05

6.1

6.15

June.

5.8

6.35

6.15

6.2 

6.2

6.5

7.1

7.55

8.05

7.1

6.4

6.4

5.7

5.4

5.45

5.65

5.9

5.85

5.5

5.3

4.95 4 E;

4.9 E; n

4.8

4.65

4 115

4.4

4.35

4.55

July.

3.55

4.6

4.35

4.45 

4.1

4.2

3.35

3.35

3.95

4.8

4.35

4.25

4.4

4.9

4.9

5.2

6.1

5.95

5.7

6.15

5.9

5.95

6.35

fi Q

6.35

5.8

5.0

5.55

5.45

5.5

5.75

Aug.

5.6

5.1

4.75

5.55 

5.2

5.05

5.05

4.95

<; n>;

4.7

4.6

5.05

4 9

4.85

4.75

4.9

5.05

5.05

4.95

4.75

4 RE;

4.55

4 1

4.5

4 7

4 65

4.65

4 65

4.65

4.7

Sept.

4.95

4.3

4.9

4.3 

4.4

4.25

4.15

4.15

4 65

4.75

4.75

5.05

4.65

4.65

5.05

4.9

5.5

5.25

4.95

4.5

4.95

5.15

5.0

4.8

4.9

4.85

4.55

4.0

4.7

4.7

Oct.

4.6

4.45

4.25

4.15 

4.0

4.7

4.65

4.25

4 45

4.4

4.55

4.4

4.6

4.55

4.55

4.66

4.6

4.55

3.95

4.55

4.85 E; o

4.9

4.6

4.55

4 6

4.6

4.9

4.7

4.65

4.3

Nov.

4.25

5.15

5.75

5.95 

5.75

5.85

5.9

5.7

5.4

5.35

5.55

6.4

6.55

6.65

6.65

7.85

7.4

6.7

6.45

6.6

6.4

6.15

6.1

6.05

5.95

5.7

5.9

6.2

6.65

6.5

Dec.

6.25

6.1

6.0

6.0 

5.7

5.95

5.25

5.0

5.15

5.15

5.1

5.0

4.95

5.2

4.95

4.95

5.05

4.95

4.9

4.95

4.75

5.05

4.8

4.7

4.85

5.05

5.2

5.1

5.1

4.95

4.75

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Wisconsin River at Merrill, Wis.,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.

1,600

1,730

1.600

2,160

1,180

1 600

1,730

1,180

940

1,080

 H385

1 660 i)soo

1.540

1,300

1,410

1,350

1)540

1,470

1,470

1,660

1 600

lUlO

1,470

1,540

1,660

1 600

1,300 

1,540

1.660

Feb.

1,600

1,660

1,730

1,660

1,130

1,470

1,470

1,240

1,540

1,600

1,300

1,470

1,410

1,600

1,470

1 080

1,470

1,660

1,350

1,240

1,080

1,410

1,300

1,470

1,240

1 KAf\

1,300

Mar.

1,350

1,410

1,540

1,350

1,410

1,350

1,180

1,240

1,130

1,240

1,240

1,410

1,350

1,240

1,240

1,180

1,730

1,410

1,350

1,240

1,180

735

1,300

1,540

1,470

1,410

1,240 

1,300

1.300

Apr.

1,410

1,180

1,300

1,520

1,740

1,950

2,170

2,390

2,390

2,240

2,390

2,160

2,920

3,110

3,320

3,210

3,980

4,820

6,430

8,340

9,840

8,340

6,820

5,800

7,220

6,960

6,960 

6,960

May.

4,460

5,300

5,430

6,820

9,070

11,100

10,600

9,070

9,520

10,300

8,050

9,370

8,190

8,770

9,220

9,220

9,840

9,070

6,820

7 090

4^820

5,550

5,180

E; nfin

2,640

3,980 

4,100

4.220

June.

4,700

4,220

4,340

4,340

5,060

6,560

7,770

9,220

6,560

4,820

3,210

2,640

2,730

3,110

3,640

3,530

2,820

2,470

1,940

1,870

1,730

1,540

1,410

1,240

1,180 

1,410

July.

530

1,470

1,180

1,300

940

1,030

415

415

810

1,730

1,180

1 080

1,240

1,870

1,870

2,310

4,100

3,760

3,210

4,220

3,640

3,760

4,700

6,040

4,700

3,420

2,010

2,920

2,730 

2,820

3.320

Aug.

3,010

2,160

1,660

2,920

2,310

2,080

2,080

2,080

1,600

1,470

2,080

1,870

1,800

1,660

1,870

2,080

2,080

1,940

1,660

1,800

1,410

1,350

1,600

1 540

1,540

1,540 

1,540

1.600

Sept.

1,940

1,130

1,870

1,130

1,240

1,080

985

985

1,540

1,660

1,660

2,080

1,540

i,540

2,080

1,870

2,820

2,390

1,940

1,350

1,940

2,240

2,010

1,730

1,870

1,800

850

1,600 

1,600

Oct.

1,470

1,300

1,080

985

850

1,600

1,540

1,080

1,300

1,240

1,410

1,240

1,470

1,410

1,410

1,540

1,470

1,410

810

1,410

1,800

2,010

1,870

1,470

1,410

1,470

1,470

1,870

1,600 

1,540

1.130

Nov.

1,080

2,240

3,320

3,760

3,320

3,530

3,640

3,210

2,640

2,560

2,920

4,820

5,180

5,430

5,430

8,620

7,360

5,550

,4,940

5,300

4,820

4,220

4,100

3,980

3,760

3,210

3,640

4,340

5,430 

5,060

Dec.

4,460

4,100

3,870

3,870

3,210

3,760

2,390

2,010

2,240

2,240

2,160

2,010

1,940

2,310

1,940

1,940

2,080

1,940

1,870

1,940

1,660

2,080

1,730

1,600

1,800

2,080

2,310

2,160

2,160 

1,940

1.660

NOTE. These daily discharges were obtained from a rating fairly well defined from 1,350 to 10,600 secondfeet.
158 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of Wisconsin River at Merrill, Wis.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 2,630 square miles.]

Month.

April.....................................

July....................................

The year. . ........................

Discharge In second-feet.

Maximum.

2,160 

1,730 

1,730 

10,200 

11,100 

9,220 

6,040 

3,010 

2,820 

2,010 

8,620 

4,460

11,100

Minimum.

940 

1,080 

735 

1,180 

2,640 

1,180 

415 

940 

850 

810 

1,080 

1,600

415

Mean.

1,490 

1,420 

1,300 

4,530 

7,160 

3,520 

2,410 

1,840 

1,660 

1,410 

4,250 

2,370

2,780

Per 

square 

mile.

0.567 

.540 

.495 

1.72 

2.72 

1.34 

.916 

.700 

.631 

.536 

1.62 

-C01

1.06

Run-off 

depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

0.65 

.56 

.57 

1.92 

3.14 

1.50 

1.06 

.81 

.70 

.62 

1.81 

1.04

14.38

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

WISCONSIN RIVER NEAR NECEDAH, WIS.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge about 3 miles 

east of Necedah, Wis., was established December 2, 1902, to obtain 

data for studying water power, water supply, and pollution problems.

Big Eoche a Cri Creek is tributary from the west about 5 miles 

below the station. The drainage area above the section is about 

5,800 square miles.

The winters in this region are severe. Ice forms from 1 to 2 

feet in thickness and lasts for about three months. Part of the 

river bottom is liable to shift in floods. But few discharge measurements have been made since 1906. The 1906 discharge table should 

not be used for later years. Discharge measurements are all made 

from the bridge.

The datum of the chain gage, which is located at the bridge, has 

remained unchanged. The gage heights are reliable and accurate.

The gage reader at this station has been paid since April, 1909, by 

the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Co., Madison, Wis.

The following discharge measurement was made under ice conditions by W. M. O'Neill:

February 11, 1909: Width, 328 feet; area, 1,600 square feet; gage height, 6.01 feet; 

discharge, 2,190 second-feet.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 159

Daily gage.height, in feet, of Wisconsin River near Necedah, Wis.,for 1909. 

[W, F. Huber and Michael Coughlin, observers.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4.. .............

5...............

6...............

7.. .............

8...............

9...............

10. .............

11............... 

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22........... ... 

23...............

24. ..............

25. .............. 

26. ..............

27...............

28. .............. 

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

5.65

5.8

5.8

5.9

Feb.

5.95

6.6

6.05

6.0

Mar.

6.2

6.3

6.2

5.8

5.7 

5.95

5.8 

5.8

t; 7

5.7

4.95

Apr.

7.55

8.45

8.8 

8.5

8.1

8.95

9.3

9.4

9 9

9 1

9.4

9.75

10.5

10.9

n

o

11.4

10.95 

10. 15-

9.6 

9.3 

9.3

9.2

May.

9.05

8.8

8.3

8.75

8.8

9.5

10.45

10.8

11.2

10.8 

10.3

9.8

9.3

9 1

8.7

9.2

9.9

10.5

10.2

9 9

9.2 

8.6

8.3

8.2 

7.7

7.3 

7.4 

7.2

7.0

6.9

June.

6.85

6.8

6.8

7.2

7.6

7.7

8.0

8.2

9.2

9 6

9.45 

9 0

8.3

7.8

7.45

7.2

7.1

6.9

6.95

7.1

6.95

6.8 

6.6

6.3

5.95 

5.8

5.9 

5.8 

5 9

5.65

July.

5.45

5.4

5.35

5.3

5.1

A Q _

5.65

4.8

4.9

5.2

5.15 

5.0

4.7

5-0

5.0

5.15

5.2

5.2

5.3

5.45

5.2

5.2 

x, 1 1;

5.0

5/1 

5.3

5.45 

5.6 

t; ?

5.5

5.5

Aug.

5.5

5.2

5.4

5.25

5.3

5.35

5.4

5.35

5.2

5.7

5.45 

4.75

5.15

5.0

5.15

5.15

t; 4

5.2

5.2

5.1

5.2 

t; 9t;

 5.25

5.15 

4 95

4.95 

4.9 

t; 9

5.2

5.1

Sept.

4.8

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.9

4.95

4.85

4.75

4.95

5.0 

5.0

4.95

4.8

4.85

5.1

5.1

5.45

5.45

5.3

5.65

5.4 

t; i

5.2

5.0

5.1 

5.1 

4.7

5.0

'Oct.

5.85

4.85

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.7

5.1

4.7

4.6

4.8

4.65 

4.8

4.4

4.85

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.85

4.6

5.1

4.95 

4.85

4.85

4.75 

5.2

4.9 

5.1 

4.65

4.9

4.95

Nov.

5.0

5.15

4.8

5.0

4.8

4.6

4.8

5.5

6.0

5.75

5.9 

5.75

5.75

5.75

6.55

8.2

9.25

9.35

9.0

8.1

7.75

7.75

7.25

6.85 

6.35

6.85 

6.75 

6.55

6.85

Dec.

7.45

7.55

7.25

7.0

7.0

6 9

6.8

6.45

7.85

8.15

7.55

......

6.95

NOTE. Stream covered with ice from January 1 to after March 17; thickness of ice varying from 0.7 to 

2.45 feet. River clear of ice on March 24. Ice formed December 10 and averaged 1 foot in thickness from 

December 17 to 31. Readings during frozen periods are to water surface.

WAPSIPINICON RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of Wapsipinicon River lies almost entirely in 

the northeastern part of Iowa. The river rises a few miles north 

of the Minnesota State line in Mower County, flows southeastward, 

and joins the Mississippi along the southern boundary of Clinton 

County, Iowa, about 10 miles below the city of Clinton, Iowa. The 

length of the river, not following the numerous bends, is about 220 

miles, and the total length by stream course is not far from 300 miles. 

The drainage basin is long and narrow, being approximately 185 miles 

in length and 14 miles in average width.

The tributaries are all small. The more important are the West, 

Middle, and East branches, which unite above Tripoli in Bremer 

County, and Little Wapsipinicon River and Buffalo Creek, which 

enter from the east.

The basin is underlain by limestones which have been thinly covered 

with glacial drift. The surface of the country is a gently undulating 

prairie, and the valley of the river is narrow with gently sloping sides.
160 SURFACE. WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Near Anamosa the valley is narrow and picturesque; .the bed and 

banks are rocky, the banks rising to a good height and in places 

running abruptly up into bluffs.

The elevation of the sources of the river is about 1,250 feet; at 

Independence the elevation is about 900 feet; at Stone City, about 

780 feet; at the mouth the elevation is 560 feet.

The drainage basin contains no forested areas. The mean annual 

rainfall is about 32 inches. The winters are severe, snowfall is heavy, 

and ice forms from 1 to 2 feet in thickness and lasts about three 

months.

Storage sites have not been investigated, but the topography of the 

basin is not favorable and the high value of the land for farming would 

undoubtedly prohibit the construction of reservoirs.

A number of fair power sites are found along the river, some of 

which have been developed. Conditions are favorable for building 

dams, as the banks are as a rule firm, and rock forms the river bed in 

many places. The geological formation tends to keep the flow of the 

river fairly uniform and steady, as the glacial drift is thin, and the 

rainfall reaches the river through springs at the rock outcrops.

One gaging station has been maintained in this drainage basin: 

Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa, 1903 to 1909.

WAPSIPINICON RIVER AT STONE CITY, IOWA.

This station is located at Stone City, Iowa, at the highway bridge, 

a short distance above the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway 

bridge. It was established August 19, 1903, to obtain data for use 

in studying water power, water supply, and pollution problems. 

The records at this station are furnished by Frank Dearborn.

Buffalo Creek enters from the east about 4 miles below the station.

The winters are severe; ice forms from 1 to 2 feet in thickness and 

lasts about three months. ;

The datum of the chain gage is 776.69 feet above sea, level. On 

December 4, 1906, repairs to the bridge resulted in raising the gage 

box. The necessary corrections have been applied to thia gage readings between that date and January 23, 1910. The ga^e is located 

on the bridge from which all discharge measurements have been 

made. No measurements have been made since 1906. 'Tjhe accuracy 

of the daily and monthly estimates published below depends, therefore, 

on the conditions of flow, which are believed to be permanent.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 161

Daily gage height, in feet, of Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa, for 1907-1909.

[Frank Dearborn, observer.]

Day.

1907.o 

1...............

2...............

3...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

g

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

1908. 6 

1.. .............

2.............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8............... 9.............:.

10...............

11..............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

2Si.. .............

26. ..............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

4.83

4.23

3.86

6.43

5.13

4.26

2.92

2.92

2.89

2.87

2.87

2.87

2.87

2.87

2.87

2.84

2.75

2.89

2.99

Feb.

3.23

3.27

3.09

4.51

5.46

6.26

6.76

7.71

8.61

8.81

7.26

7.19

7.21

7.23

7.34

3.31

3.37

5.47

5.59

5.29

4. 47

3.97

4.89

7.37

8.17

7.82

7.37

6.97

Mar.

7.86

8 91

9.26

9 4.1

9 91

9.06

9.01

8.51

7.76

6.56

6.11

5.46

5.01

4.66

461

4.61

4.53

4.33

4.21

4.16

4.01

4.16

4.05

4.01

4 09

4.13

476

5.09

6.91

6.83

6.52

6 46

5.71

8.01

6 Q1

5.84

5.98

5.86

5.81

4 96

4 91

4.33

i is

3.86

3.88

3.81

2.71

2.68

3.63

3.61

403

Apr.

5.26

5.03

4.77

A QQ

5.06

4.76

4.43

A 97

4 06

4.01

3.93

3.88

3.77

3.71

3.66

3.58

3.47

3.39

3.39

3.36

3.33

3.33

3.25

3.25

3.21

3.29

3.25

3.31

4.48

4.26

4.11

3.78

3.78

3.91

3 no

4 01

408

3.93

3.76

3.81

3.83

3.81

3.78

3 71

3

OA.

3.56

S

CO

3 48

3 46

a 66

3.58

3.53

3.56

May.

3.33

3.26

q 91

3.23

3.09

3.12

010

3.11

3.07

3.06

3.06

3.11

3.13

3.06

3.07

3.03

3.01

3.01

3.03

3.11

3.31

3.41

3.66

3.63

3.66

3.53

3.56

3.53

q Aa

q AR

q 4q

3.43

3.41

3.36

q qo

q 70

4 38

4.73

4.51

4 48

4 46

4 98

4 88

5.11

5.96

5.33

7.70

8.23

9.61

9.63

June.

3.43

3.33

3

1 1

3 48

3.61

3.96

4.13

4.33

473

6.29

5.61

4 93

417

401

3.89

3.91

4.06

433

463

4.24

9.46

8.69

8.14

fi 10,

4.89

4 64

449

4.21

4.21

4.11

404

q QI

3.89

. 3. 86

5.64

z, 41

499

4.96

484

6.51

6.71

July.

3.87

3.75

3.72

3.06

3.50

3.77

4.77

5.14

5.10

5.60

5.75

6i20

6.65

7.37

7.50

9.65

9 65

9.15

8.42

6.72

6.60

6.20

5.47

483

448

412

6.70

6.50

6.90

5.78

5.45

4 90

448

 423

408

4.20

440

418

433

7.65

7.90

7.43

7.25

7.30

7.10

6.55

5.70

493

440

413

Aug.

404

S on

3.80

3.62

3.82

455

4.70

4.33

3.72

3.52

3.40

3.35

7.86

9.92

7.67

4.77

4.18

3.77

3.65

3.55

3.50

3.50

4.25

5.02

6.85

7.92

3.88

3.78

3.63

3.48

3.48

3.45

3.38

3.33

3.23

3.58

3.53

3.33

3

01

3.25

3.23

3.23

3.23

3.23

3.25

3.23

3.21

3.21

3.18

3.43

3.30

3.18

Sept.

6.10

4.38

4.18

4 00

3.86

3.98

413

4.38

4 t>5

425

4.18

3.98

3 90

3.85

3.78

3.70

3.63

4.08

4.30

4.10

3.98

3.92

3.84

3.78

3.90

4.80

4.68

4.66

3.13

3.13

3.13

3.13

3.08

3.08

2.98

2.98

2.95

2.93

2.81

2.73

2.78

2.73

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.90

2.90

2.88

3.01

Oct.

4.55

4.78

5.40

6.28

5.90

5.13

4.26

3.88

3.78

3.73

3.60

3.48

3.45

3.43

3.40

3.38

3.38

3.36

3.36

3.33

3.33

3.30

3.08

3.06

3.06

3.06

3.06

2.98

2.93

2.91

2.88

2.83

2.83

2.95

2 93

2.93

2.90

2.90

2.98

2.93

2.93

2.90

2.85

2.78

2.83

2.85

2.93

3.08

3.00

2.93

2.91

2.88

2.88

2.85

2.83

Nov.

3.05

3.09

3.05

3.03

3.03

3.03

3.07

3.17

3.15

3.20

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.22

3.22

3.13

3.15

3.17

3.27

3.52

3.37

3.22

3.09

3.02

2.99

2.97

2.97

3.02

2.99

9 Q7

2.92

2.82

2.82

2.92

2.97

2.97

2.94

2.87

2.77

2.70

2.74

2.77

2.82

2.79

2.82

2.96

3.07

3.00

2.97

Dec.

2.99

2.97

2.95

2.92

2 95

2.99

2.97

2.95

2.95

3.27

3.12

3.39

3.42

3.17

3.09

3.05

3.08

3.09

3.09

3.11

3.09

3.07

3.09

3.09

3.05

3.05

3.01

2.95

2.94

2.87

2.77

2. 77

2.77

2.72

2.84

2.89

2.77

o Ice conditions existed from January 1 to March 8, and December 18 to 27. Readings are to top of ice 

on January 3 and December 18, and to water over ice for February 17 to 24

6 Ice conditions existed from January 6 to March 8, and December 5 to 31. Readings are to top of ice for 

January 6 to 10, and February 12 to 25.

79483° WSP 265 11 11
162 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa, for 1907-1909 

Continued.

Day. '

1909. a 

1.. .............

2. ..............

3.. .............

5...............

 6...............

7...... .........

8...............

9...............

10...............

11..... .........

12...............

13...............

15...............

16. .............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

2i. ..............

25..-.......-..-.

26...............

27...............

28. ..............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

2.47

9 Plft

9 W

Feb.

5.62

q 79

5.54

5.97

6.32

6.29

5.94

5.47

5.17

5.12

5. (fi

5.02

4 97

4.75

5.30

5.90

6.67

6.72

7.00

6.65

6.15

Mar.

6.10

6.02

6.20

6.47

6.30

6.72

7.02

6.52

6.40

6.05

5.78

5.57

5 HA

487

4.85

4.55

5.40

6.08

6 72

6.97

7 99

7 99

8.20

7.92

7.05

7.02

Apr.

6.87

6.82

6.80

6.42

5.72

5 47

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.27

5.10

4 97

5.57

5.79

5.92

6.45

7.17

7.82

9.30

12.67

iq qft

11.35

9.67

a 77

a 30

6.95

7.72

a 30

M.ay.

9.12

9.05

9.00

9.40

9.10

8.25

7.50

6.25

5.70

5.35

5.05

4.62

4.40

4.35

5.20

a 02

9.75

7.50

5.70

5 45

5.45

5.40

5.20

5.02

4.67

4.45

4. 15

4.00

3.87

3.67

3 79

June.

3.70

3.77

3.75

3.67

3.65

3.62

3.70

6.10

6.95

6.38

6.35

6.28

5.92

5.48

5.12

4.95

4.91

4.70

4.62

4.47

4.35

4.60

4.75

5.10

5.12

4.60

4.85

4.97

4.97

5.05

July.

4.97

4.90

4.82

4.70

4.95

4.90

4.82

4.88

4.40

4.00

3.85

3.80

3.74

3.70

3.65

3.60

3.52

3.48

3.42

3.35

3.30

3.30

3.28

3.27

3.25

3.20

3.20

3.15

3.12

3.07

q f\K

Aug.

3.02

2.97

2.95

2.92

2.90

2.85

2.82

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.85

3.00

3.27

3-95

4.17

4.60

5.22

5.46

5.03

4.95

4.90

4.65

4.38

4.10

3.92

3.80

3.68

3.50

3.35

Sept.

3.23

3.22

a 17

a 10

3.02

3.05

3.02

3.00

3.00

3.00

2.97

2.97

3.07

3.52

a 45

3.38

3.25

3.17

3.22

3.30

3.30

3.27

3.22

3.18

3.15

3.10

3.02

3.00

2.97

2.95

Oct.

2.90

2.89

2.88

2.75

2.72

2.68

2.60

2.60

2.57

2.55

2.55

2.58

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.52

2.52

2.52

2.50

2.47

2.62

2.68

2.72

2.62

2.65

2.65

2.62

2.62

2.65

2.67

Nov.

2.64

2.62

2.74

2.76

2.76

2.73

2.68

2.79

2.83

2.86

2.86

2.99

3.01

3.62

4.16

4. 66

5.26

5.63

5.86

6.11

5.53

5.16

4 86

A 7O

4 69

4 81

5.06

Dec.

5.33

5.66

5.99

6.43

6.66

6.86

7.01

6.83

5.73

5.41

5.23

5.09

4.63

4.23

3.86

a Ice conditions existed January 1 to March 7, and December 8 to 31. Readings are to top of ice for February 4 to March 7, December 9 to 12, and December 16.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 163

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa, for 1907-1909.

Bay.

1907.a 

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...................

Day.

1908.o

2...................

3...................

4. ..................

5...................

6...................

7...................

8...................

9. ..................

10...................

11...................

12. ..................

13. ..................

15. ..................

16...................

17. ..................

18. ..................

19. ..................

21...................

22...................

23...................

24. ..................

25...................

26. ..................

27...................

28. ..................

29...................

30

01

Mar.

3,860

3,480

2,950

2,160

1,890

1,500

1,250

1,050

1,030

1,030

985

885

825

800

725

750

800

745

725

750

765

785

1,110

1,290

Apr.

1,380

1,260

1,110

1,230

1,270

1,220

1,110

935

855

750

725

685

660

605

575

550

510

500

455

415

415

400

385

385

348

348

330

366

348

375

Mar.

2,390

2,190

1,710

1,720

1,590

1,810

1,740

1,740

1,710

1,430

1,260

1,220

1,190

975

885

785

650

660

625

165

157

535

525

735

May.

385

352

352

330

339

310

282

294

298

290

275

272

272

290

298

272

275

272

268

261

254

254

261

290

375

425

505

550

535

550

485

Apr.

960

850

775

650

610

610

675

685

725

760

685

600

625

635

625

610

575

540

500

485

450

460

450

475

. 550

510

485

475

525

June.

435

400

385

290

390

460

525

700

785

885

1,090

1,750

1,990

1,960

1,810

1,590

1,200

1,050

915

805

725

665

625

675

750

885

975

1,040

840

735

May.

500

485

475

450

450

435

435

425

400

385

435

585

725

910

1,090

975

960

950

1,040

1,230

1,170

1,300

1,390

1,530

1,800

1,420

2,910

3,280

3,740

4,330

4

O4A

July.

655

595

580

545

286

272

470

605

730

890

1,110

1,320

1,300

1,580

1,670

1,940

2,220

2,690

2,780

4,360

4,360

3,960

3,420

2,270

2,190

1,940

1,830

1,500

1,150

960

780

June.

4,210

3,620

3,220

2,750

2,350

1,930

1,650

1,180

1,140

1,040

965

825

840

825

775

740

675

675

665

6501

965

1,600

1,420

1,470

1,230

1,220

1,150

1,450

2,130

2,260

Aug.

740

670

620

590

530

470

630

995

1,010

1,080

885

580

480

420

395

3,020

4,580

2,890

1,110

810

730

605

545

495

470

470

745

845

1,250

2,350

3,060

July.

2,260

2,120

2,380

2,310

1,710

1,490

1,690

1.490

1,180

960

835

760

820

920

910

872

835

810

885

1,940

2,880

3,050

2,730

2,610

2,640

2,520

2,160

1,640

1,200

920

Sept.

1,880

910

810

720

650

710

785

910

1,050

920

845

810

710

670

645

610

570

. 535

760

870

770

710

680

640

610

670

755

1,130

1,060

1,050

Aug.

660

610

535

445

460

460

445

385

370

339

339

485

445

385

375

348

339

339

339

339

361

348

339

330

330

318

435

370

Oct.

995

1,120

1,460

1,700

1,990

1,760

1,310

850

750

660

610

585

520

460

445

440

435

420

420

410

410

400

400

385

385

279

979

272

272

979

Sept.

298

298

298

286

279

279

272

268

250

244

244.

234

228

204

192

184

170

184

170

162

162

162

162

162

162

218

218

212

254

Nov.

268

290

282

275

268

261

261

261

275

314

306

326

348

348

348

335

335

298

306

314

357

480

405

335

282

257

257

247

240

Oct.

244

228

221

212

198

198

234

244

228

218

218

228

244

228

228

218

221

204

184

184

198

204

228

279

250

228

221

212

212

204

198

Dec.

247

240

234

224

224

234

247

240

234

234

357

294

415

430

314

282

268

Nov.

240

257

247

240

195

195

189

195

. 224

240

257

240

240

231

209

195

181

162

162

173

181

195

195

186

195

237

275

250

240

a See note on page 164,
164 SUEPACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET V.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa, for 1907-1909 

Continued.

Day.

1909. 

1...... .............

2...................

3.. .. ..............

5...................

6...................

8...................

9...................

10. ..................

11...................

12...................

13...................

14...................

15...................

16. ..................

17...................

18...................

19...................

20...................

21...................

22. ..................

23...................

24...................

25...................

26...................

27...................

28...................

29...................

30...................

31...................

Mar.

2,460

2,140

2,060

1,850

1.690

1,560

1,240

1,170

1,160

995

1,460

1,870

2,430

2,590

2,590

3,260

3,860

2,460

Apr.

2,370

2,330

2,320

2,070

1,820

1,650

1,500

1,460

1,460

1,460

1,390

1,340

1,300

1,220

1,560

1,770

4 080

7,370

5,880

4 380

3,680

3,330

2,920

3,330

May.

3,940

3,890

3,850

4 160

3,920

3,300

2,780

1,970

1,640

1,430

1,270

1,030

920

895

1,350

1,350

1,250

945

795

720

655

555

June.

570

605

595

555

545

530

570

1,880

2,420

2,050

1,990

1,770

1,210

1,190

1,080

1 030

955

1,100

1,300

1,020

1,160

1,220

1,220

1,270

July.

1,220

1,180

1,140

1,080

1,210

1,180

1,140

1,170

920

720

645

620

590

570

545

480

ARf\

395

370

361

357

338

326

326

306

294

275

268

Aug.

257

240

234

224

218

203

195

189

189

189

189

203

250

357

695

805

1,020

1,500

1,260

1,210

1,180

1,050

910

770

680

620

560

470

395

357

Sept.

339

335

314

286

257

268

257

250

250

250

240

240

275

480

445

410

348

314

335

370

370

357

335

318

306

286

257

250

239

234

Oct.

218

215

213

175

167

157

137

137

130

126

. 126-

133

126

126

126

119

119

119

115

109

142

157

167

142

150

150

142

142

150

155

147

Nov.

147

142

173

178

178

170

157

186

198

206

206

247

254

272

310

530

800

1,380

1,600

1,740

1,890

1,710

1,540

1,330

1,160

1,090

1,070

1,140

1,270

Dec.

1,420

1,620

1,810

2.080

2,130

2,360

2,460

NOTE. The daily discharges for 1907 to 1909 were obtained from a rating based on measurements made 

during 1904 to 1906 which is well defined above 162 second-feet.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 165

Monthly discharge of Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa, for 1907-1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,310 square miles.]

Month.

1907. 

March 8-31. .............................

April...................................

May....................................

June ....................................

July....................................

October. ................................

1908. 

March 8-31. ...............................

May....................................

July....................................

1909. 

March 8-31. .............................

April...................................

July....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,860 

1,380 

550 

1,990 

4,360 

4,580 

1,880 

1,990 

480 

430

2,390 

960 

4,340 

4,210 

3,050 

660 

298 

279 

275

3,860 

8,190 

4,440 

2,420 

1,220 

1,500 

480 

218 

1.890 

2,460

Minimum.

725 

330 

254 

290 

272 

395 

535 

272 

240 

224

157 

450 

385 

650 

760 

318 

162 

184 

162

920 

1,220 

555 

530 

268 

189 

234 

109 

142 

1,420

Mean.

1,340 

683 

338 

911 

1,640 

1,100 

815 

679 

308 

278

1,180 

599 

1,310 

1,520 

1,620 

404 

225 

220 

215

2,120 

2,730 

1,960 

1,200 

639 

580 

307 

146 

744 

1,980

Per 

square 

mile.

1.02 

.521 

.258 

.695 

1.25 

.841 

.622 

.518 

.235 

.212

.901 

.457 

1.00 

1.16 

1.24 

.308 

.172 

.168 

.164

1.62 

2.08 

1.50 

.916 

.488 

.443 

.234 

.111 

.568 

1.51

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

0.91 

.58 

.30 

.78 

1.44 

.97 

.69 

.60 

.26 

.13

.80 

.51 

1.15 

1.29 

1.43 

.36 

.19 

.19 

.18

1.45 

2.32 

1.73 

1.02 

.56 

.51 

.26 

.13 

.63 

.39

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

BOCK RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Rock- River drains the southeastern part of Wisconsin and the 

northwestern part of Illinois. The river rises in the southeastern 

part of Fond du Lac County, in Wisconsin, flows in a slight southwesterly direction across the Illinois State line, and at Rockford, 111., 

turns more to the southwest and joins Mississippi River about 6 

miles below the city of Rock Island, 111. The total length of the 

river is about 286 miles. The total drainage area is about 11,000 

square miles, of which 5,650 square miles are in Wisconsin, and 

about 5,350 square miles in Illinois.

The more important tributaries beginning at the sources are on 

the left or east bank: East Branch of Rock River, Oconomowoc, 

Bark, Turtle Creek, Kiskaukee, Kyte, and Green rivers; on the right 

or west bank, West Branch of Rock River, Crawfish, Catfish, and 

Pecatonica rivers, and Rock Creek.

The drainage basin is irregular in shape, being about 175 miles in 

length and about 85 miles in greatest width. In the upper part of
166 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

its course the river flows rather toward the eastern side of the basin, 

at the Illinois State line it approaches the center, and in its lower 

course it flows decidedly near the western boundary. The rocks 

underlying this basin are limestones and shales which have been in 

large part covered by the drift and morainic debris of glacial times, 

and the soils vary with the geologic formations on which they rest.

The Illinois portion of the drainage area is an undulating, semiprairie region; in Wisconsin the surface is moderately hilly, elevations ranging from 750 feet where the river enters the State of Illinois 

to 1,100 feet on the crests of the Kettle Range. The rise from the 

interior of the valley is gradual, and few of the hilltops are more 

than 100 feet above the intervening valleys. The low uneven topography has led to the formation of an intricate tributary system with 

numerous spring-fed lakes. These lakes occur chiefly in two groups, 

an eastern, comprising about 20 lakes with an aggregate area of 11 

square miles, and a western, including five lakes, with a total area 

of 13 square miles. The elevation of the sources of the river is 

approximately 1,000 feet above sea level; at Horicon the elevation 

is 858 feet; at the State line it is 731 feetj and at the mouth of the 

river 540 feet. The average slope is a little over 1 foot per mile.

According to L. S. Smith, of Madison, Wis., about 30 per cent of 

the Wisconsin part of the drainage area is forested. The forested 

area in Illinois is probably less than in Wisconsin, as the State has 

been longer settled.

The mean annual rainfall is about 35 inches. The winters in the 

northern part of this drainage area are comparatively severe, snowfall 

is heavy, and ice forms a foot or more in thickness on the streams. 

In the lower part of the drainage basin the winters are somewhat 

milder.

The basin contains many sites at which storage might be developed, but the value of the land that would be flooded by reservoirs 

prohibits their construction. Lake Koshkoning, an expansion of 

Rock River, 23 square miles in extent, is the only body of water now 

controlled in the interests of manufacturing.

Although1 the average slope of Rock River is small, sites for .water 

power are numerous, as in general, good foundations for dams may 

be found. A great many of the power sites are fully or partly developed, but there are still undeveloped power sites on the main stream 

and its .tributaries. The power sites on the tributaries, with few 

exceptions, have small fall, and many developed sites have been 

abandoned because of the greater value of the submerged land for 

farms.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 167

ROCK RIVER AT ROCKTON, ILL.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge at Rockton, 

111., was established May 13, 1903, to obtain data for studying water 

power, water supply, and pollution problems, and was discontinued 

March 31, 1909.

Pecatonica River enters from the west about three-fourths of a 

mile above the station. A dam and power plant above the station 

may modify the flow somewhat during periods of low water.

The winters in this vicinity are comparatively mild; ice forms on 

the river, but open places generally exist at the section. Ice jams are 

frequent below the station and cause backwater at the gage.

Discharge measurements are all made from the bridge at which 

the gage is located.

The monthly discharge for October, November, and December, 

1,906, was determined from a rating curve applicable to gage heights 

based on the original datum, and hence are considerably in error. 

When a new rating curve is developed these will be revised.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Rock River at Rockton, III., for 1909. 

[O. F. Bartholomew, observer.]

Day.

2 3'." I!"

5.......

7.......

8.......

10.--....

Jan.

1.75

1.78 

1.35

1.2

1.35

2.35

2.88

2.85

2.52

2.45

Feb.

3.8 

3.15

3.2

4.05

5.35

4.9

5.05

4.85

3.78

Mar.

G.05

5.8 

5.4

4.88

4.82

4.92

5.0

5.15

5.45

6.18

Day.

11.....

12...-. 

13.....

14.....

15.....

16.....

17.....

18.....

19.....

20.--.-

Jan.

2.52

2.48 

2.55

2.45

2 22

2.38

2.1

2.25

2.32

2.15

Feb.

3.72

4.1 

3.85

3.4

4.05

6.2

5.42

4.7

3.88

3.15

Mar.

6.28

6.28 

5.98

5.2

4.15

3.82

3.45

3.48

3.5

3.55

Day.

21.....

23".!!'.!

24.....

25.....

26.....

27.....

28.....

29.....

30.....

31.....

Jan.

2.1

2.1 

6.12

5.55

5.55

5.15

5.55

5.85

5.95

4.25

Feb.

2.7

4.68 

5.75

6.88

6.1

6.45

6.6

6.45

Mar. 

3.8

4.4 

4.7

4.9

5.1

4.9

4.8

4.55

4.3

4.12

4.05

NOTE. Gage heights were probably affected by ice conditions from January 1 to March 1. Stream 

frozen across February 17.

IOWA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of Iowa River and its tributary, Cedar River, 

occupies the north-central and southeast-central part of the State of 

Iowa, and parts of Freeborn, Dodge, Steele, and Mower counties in 

southern Minnesota. The river rises in the northern part of Hancock 

County, Iowa, flows southeastward, and joins Mississippi River in the 

southeastern part of Louisa County. The length of Iowa River is 

about 270 miles, not following the bends. The total drainage area is 

about 12,400 square miles.

Cedar River, which is called a tributary of the Iowa, although its 

drainage area above their junction is much the larger, rises in the south-
168 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART v.

ern part of Dodge County, in southern Minnesota, flows southeastward 

into Iowa, and continues in that direction until it reaches Moscow, in 

the northern part of Muscatine County, where it makes an abrupt 

turn to the southwest and joins the Iowa in Louisa County. The 

river is about 260 miles long, not following the bends. In its upper 

course it is called Ked Cedar Kiver. The drainage area above its 

mouth is about 7,600 square miles. It is the only important tributary of the Iowa. The principal tributaries of Cedar Kiver are 

Little Cedar, Shell Kock, and West Fork of Ked Cedar rivers, all of 

which are tributary above Waterloo.

The drainage basin of Iowa River proper is long and narrow. The 

river rises in a broad, flat, or slightly undulating drift region, and the 

first rock exposed in its valley is the limestone that forms the rocky 

banks of the stream in the southwestern corner of Franklin County; 

from this point to its confluence with the Cedar, the river crosses a 

succession of sedimentary rocks. The drift which covers this region 

is well supplied with springs which help to maintain the flow of the 

stream. The surface of the surrounding country is a gently undulating prairie.

The drainage basin of Cedar River is underlain throughout its 

entire course by limestones which are thinly covered with glacial 

drift. Rock is exposed at many places along the main stream and 

its tributaries. The valleys of the upper tributaries are narrow, with 

gently sloping sides; below the mouth of the Shell Rock the valley is 

broad and shallow and is separated from the uplands by distinctly 

defined borders. The surface of the country is a gently undulating 

prairie, apparently level in some sections. The upper basin is about 

50 miles wide, but the lower is much narrower, and at one point below 

Cedar Rapids it measures only 8 or 9 miles across.

At the headwaters of both Iowa and Cedar rivers are a few lakes, 

ranging in area from 2 to 10 square miles.

- The elevation of the sources of Iowa River is about 1,250 feet above 

sea level; at Iowa City the elevation is 670 feet; at the mouth of the 

Cedar it is 565 feet, and at the junction with the Mississippi the elevation is about 522 feet. The elevation of the sources of Cedar 

River is about 1,300 feet; at Waterloo about' 820 feet; at Cedar 

Rapids about 725 feet, and at the mouth about 565 feet.

The basin contains no large forested areas. The mean annual rainfall is about 32 inches. The winters are severe, especially in the 

upper part of the basin. The fall of snow is comparatively heavy, 

and ice forms to considerable thickness on the streams and lasts for 

three to four months.

It may be possible to make storage reservoirs at the lakes at the 

headwaters of both Cedar and Iowa rivers, but the overflow damages 

would undoubtedly prohibit their construction.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVEB DRAINAGE BASIN. 169

Iowa and Cedar rivers are by far the most important streams in 

Iowa for water power. Power sites of small head are numerous, and 

a number of them have been developed. Those on Cedar River are 

more important than those on the Iowa. The numerous rock outcrops furnish good foundations for dams. The flow of the streams 

sustained is kept up by numerous springs, but during long-continued 

droughts the flow becomes very low.

CEDAR RIVER NEAR AUSTIN, MINN.

This station, which is located just below the Red Cedar mill dam 2 

miles below Austin, was established May 29, 1909, for the purpose of 

determining the amount of water power available on Cedar River.

The nearest tributary is Turtle Creek, which enters the Cedar 1 

mile above the station. The drainage area above this point is 425 

square miles.

Immediately above the station is the power plant known as Red 

Cedar mill. During the low-water season the water is drawn down 

below the crest of the dam by the end of the ten or twelve hour run, 

and after the turbine is closed the water is held back for several 

hours before it has risen sufficiently to flow over the crest. Consequently the stage of the river changes considerably during each 

twenty-four hours. In order to get a mean, gage height the gage is 

read five times daily, as follows: Before the turbine is started in the 

morning, one hour after starting, at noon, just before shutting down 

the turbine at night, and half an hour later.

Observations are little affected by ice during the winter months 

as the gage is placed near the tailrace of the mill where the river 

remains open for the most part.

Since the establishment of the station the datum of the staff gage 

has remained unchanged.

The natural conditions of flow at this point are excellent and as 

there is a favorable measuring section at the highway bridge 100 

yards below the gage, excellent results would be obtained were it not 

for the uncertainty in mean daily gage height resulting from the controlled flow. The system of five daily readings should, however, 

give the mean with a good degree of accuracy.

Discharge measurements of Cedar River near Austin, Afinn., in 1909.

Date.

1909. 

May 29... ......

Do.........

July 14. ........

Hydrographer.

J. C.Hoyt.. ........................................ 

G. A. Gray.........................................

C. B. Gibson.... ...................................

Width.

Feet. 

107 

111

111

108

113

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

136 

172

14704 <;

164

'Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.48 

4.85

4.85

3.90

4.67

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

128 

218

231

48.6

189
170 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cedar River near Austin, Minn.,for 1909. 

[J. M. Bang, 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....................................

May.

4.32

4.36

4.92

June.

4.63

4.56

4.56

5.06

5.12

5.12

5.16

5.10

5.28

5.10

4.94

4.71

4.50

5.10

5.54

4.93

4.93

4.75

4.55

4.25

4.50

4.25

4.30

4.25

4.55

4.65

5.88

6.05

5.55

5.12

July.

4.70

4.60

4.40

4.25

4.30

4.40

4.32

4.30

4.05

4'. 40

4.05

4.15

3.82

4.19

3.94

3.84

3.88

3.85

3.95

4.05

3.82

3.92

3.88

3.89

3.92

3.88

3.90

3.86

3.84

3.80

3.88

Aug.

3.78

4.18

4.09

3.92

3.94

3.41

3.80

3.30

3.75

3.85

3.%

4.15

4.60

8.30

10.04

8=40

7.40

6.82

6.10

5.58

5.20

4.79

4.75

4.55

4.36

4.45

4.35

4.34

3.99

4.19

4.22

Sept.

4.20

4.15

4.20

4.15

3.95

4.20

4.15

4.10

4.15

4.00

4.05

3.95

4.25

4.55

4.60

4.60

4.45

4.40

3.95

4.10

4.15

4.10

4.30

4.30

4.25

4.05

4.20

4.15

4.15

4.15

Oct.

4.15

4.15

3.85

3.95

4.00

4.05

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.30

4.25

4.45

4.25

4.20

4.20

4.10

4.25

4.10

4.30

4.30

4.35

4.35

3.95

4.15

4.40

4.20

3.90

3.95

3.95

3.75

Nov.

4.45

5.66

5.50

5.10

4.80

4.55

4.50

4.20

4.30

4.20

4.90

6.25

7.70

14.4

11.7

8.95

7.30

6.50

5.95

5.80

6.05

6.05

5.70

5.70

5.50

6.20

10.15

8.75

7.20

6.25

Dec.

5.95

5.95

6.40

6.55

5.45

5.25

5.15

4.95

4.50

4.65

4.60

4.50

4.60

4.60

4.55

4.50

4.50

4.45

4.40

4.65

4.40

4.50

4.70

4.40

4.20

4.20

4.40

4.70

4.70

4.45

4.45

NOTE. There was very little Ice effect at this station, owing to the nearness to the mill dam above. 

CEDAR RIVER AT CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA.

The station on Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was established October 26, 1902, to obtain data for studying water power, 

water supply, and pollution problems, and was discontinued March 

31, 1909.

The gage is an inclined timber, set on posts in the bank of the river, 

and is located about half a mile below the First Avenue Bridge. 

Discharge measurements previous to August 18, 1903, were made from 

a cable immediately above the gage. Since that date they have been 

made from the bridge. There is a large island in the river about 

500 feet below the section.

The gage is located where the current is swift and the river rarely 

freezes clear across, ice forming only along the shores. The relation 

between gage height and discharge is probably therefore very little 

affected by ice. A dam and power plant above the station may 

modify the flow to some extent in low water.

The elevation of the gage zero has not been checked for a number 

of years, but it is thought that the datum has remained unchanged. 

The records and estimates of the discharge at this station are considered excellent.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 171 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 1909.

Day.

1. -.

2. ..

3. ..

4. ..

5. -.

6. -.

7. -.

8. .. 10" g '.'.

Tan.

2.9

2.95

2.9

.2.95

2.95

3.0

3.05

3.05

3.1

3.15

Feb.

4.3

4.0

3.8

4.0

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.6

4.9

4.7

Mar.

4.55

4.45

4.55

4.7

5.1

5.45

5.15

6.5

6.45

6.2

Day.

11. ....

12. ....

13. ....

14. ...

15. ...

16. ...

17. ...

18. ...

20." 19 .""

Jan.

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.1

3.15

3.15

3.2

3.2

3.2

Feb.

4.7

4.55

4.6

4.6

4.8

4.8

4.4

3.95

3.9

3.75

Mar.

6.25

5.65

5.3

5.0

4.65

4.5

4.35

4.35

4.4

5.05

Day.

21. . .

22. . .

23. . .

24. . .

25. . .

26. . .

27. . .

28. ....

29

30

31

Jan.

3.2

3.25

3.2

 3.15

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.2

4.3

5.8

4 9

Feb.

3.7

4.25

5.05

5.1

4.9

5.15

5.05

4.9

Mar.

5.0

5.05

5.05

5.15

5.55

5.8

6.4

7.65

8.75

8.8

7.85

NOTE. Slight ice conditions existed January 1 to 28. Gage heights were probably slightly affected by 

backwater from January 29 to March 8.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 1909.

Day.

2.....

3....

4....

5....

6.... .

7.... .

8......

9

10......

Jan.

905

840

905

905

970

1,040

1,040

1,110

1 

' 190

Feb.

4,120

3,180

2,580

3,180

4,780

5,100

5,450

5,100

6,150

S

JCft

Mar.

A QA(\

4,610

4,940

5,450

6,850

8,080

7,020

11,900

11,700

Day.

11. ...

12. ...

13. ...

14. ...

15. ...

16. ...

17. ...

18. ....

19. ....

20. ....

Jan.

1,270

1,270

1,190

1,190

1,110

1,190

1,190

1,270

1,270

Feb.

5,450

4,940

5, 100

5,100

5,800

5,800

4,450

3,020

2,880

9 AAf\

Mar.

8,780

7, 550

6, 500

5,280

4,780

4,290

4,290

4,450

Day.

21... ..

22. . ..

23. . ..

24. . ..

25. . ..

26. . ..

27. . ..

28. ....

29......

30

31......

Jan.

1,270

1,360

1,270

1,190

1,190

1,110

1,110

1.270

4,120

6,] 50

Feb.

2,300

3,960

6,680

16,850

6,150

7,020

6,680

6,150

Mar.

6

CAfi

6,680

6,680

7,020

8,420

9,300

11,500

16,800

20 800

17 

' 600

NOTE. These daily discharges are based on a rating well defined between 840 and 33,600 second-feet.

Monthly discharge of Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 6,320 square miles.]

Month.

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

9,300 

7,020 

21,000

Minimum.

840 

2,300 

4,290

Mean.

1,660 

4,850 

8,780

Per 

square 

mile.

0.263 

.767 

1.39

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

0.30 

.80 

1.60

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B.

NOTE. The open channel rating was applied during the period; accuracy only slightly affected by the 

slight ice conditions. The above values of accuracy are dependent on the constancy of conditions of flow 

since the last measurements were made in 1906.

DBS MQINES RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Des Moines River rises in the southern part of Minnesota, flows to 

the south and southeast diagonally across the State of Iowa and 

enters the Mississippi near Keokuk, Iowa. Its principal tributaries 

are East Fork of the Des Moines, which enters near Dakotah, in 

Humboldt County, and Raccoon River, which joins the main stream 

at Des Moines.
172 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

The total drainage area is 14,700 square miles. The area in Minnesota is 1,220 square miles; above the mouth of the Raccoon, 6,460 

square miles. The drainage area of the Raccoon is 3,680 square 

miles.

The Des Moines throughout its course flows in a well-defined 

valley eroded for the most part in the glacial drift which covers the 

entire drainage basin. The depth of the valley increases from 50 to 

150 feet, with a width of one-third to two-thirds of a mile between 

the top of the bluffs along the river. The entire area is within the 

prairie region and the only timber is found on the borders of the 

numerous lakes in the upper part of the basin or along the larger 

streams.

The annual rainfall is about 30 inches. During the period from 

December to March the streams are frozen over entirely with ice 1 

foot or more in thickness.

The Des Moines affords many sites for the development of water 

power. The lakes in the upper part of the basin aid in regulating 

the stream flow.

DES MOINES RIVER AT JACKSON, MINN.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge hah6 a mile 

below the dam at Jackson, was established May 31, 1909, because of 

the power available on Des Moines River and also as part of the 

general plan for investigating the water resources of Minnesota.

The nearest tributary is a small stream that enters from the west 

at a point 300 feet below the station.

At the dam hah6 a mile above the station is a power plant which 

develops 35 horsepower under a head of 6J feet. The plant operates 

only six hours per day on the average, but thus far the morning and 

evening gage heights do not show any appreciable change in the 

stage of the river owing to water being held back in low-water season 

after the turbines have been shut down.

From December to March observations are discontinued because 

of ice.

The datum of the gage has remained unchanged since the station 

was established. The staff gage is located at the bridge fronf which 

discharge measurements are made. Conditions are favorable for 

good results and the records of flow should be reliable.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN". 173

Discharge measurements of Des Moines River at Jackson, Minn., in 1909.

Date.

May 31.. .......

Do.........

Do.........

October 27.....

Do.........

Hydrographer.

G. A. Gray . . .......................................

G. A. Gray . . .......................................

Width.

Feet. 

87

87

87

87

88

81

78

78

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

450

460

442

439

605

163

103

92.2

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.55

7:55

7.52

9.46

4.13

3.39

3.28

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,010

1,040

923

1,010

1,540

197

80.0

66.7

Daily gage height, in feet, of Des Moines River at Jackson, Minn., for 1909. 

[Albert Strobel, observer.]

Day.

1....................................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

5....................................

6....................................

7................. ...................

8-----------.-.....-.................

9....................................

10........................ . ...........

11....................................

12....................................

13................-...----.-----......

14. ...................................

15. ...................................

16....................................

17..................... ................

18....................................

19.................:........--........

20..............-..-..--.-....-.-.--..

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

26.---..-.....------------.........-..

97

28..-----.-------...............-.....

29............--..---...----......----

OA

31------.----............ -------------

May.

7.60

June.

7.78

7.65

7.70

8.00

8.12

8.05

7.82

7.85

7.75

7 79

7.82

8.20

8.02

7.70

7.55

7,25

6.95

fi 7K

6.80

6.80

* 7 30

8.00

7.82

7.78

8.32

9.25

10.00

9 78

July.

9.32

9.30

9.35

9.52

9.68

9.75

9.80

9.72

9.50

9.65

9.55

9.58

9.45

9.35

9.22

9.14

9.05

9.05

9.00

8.82

8.56

8.35

8.05

7.88

7.58

7.38

7.20

6.88

6.72

6 40

6.30

Aug.

6.06

5.82

5.55

5.45

5.30

5.14

5.19

5.00

5.00

4.90

4.90

4.95

4 88

4.80

4.72

4.70

4.58

4.54

4.35

4.30

4.22

4.18

4.15

4.08

4.06

' 3.92

3.91

3.80

3.66

3.58

Sept.

3.48

3.58

3.56

3.52

3.50

3.45

3.45

3.40

3.36

3.28

3.40

3.39

3.44

3.42

3.41

3.35

3.30

3.28

3.24

3.30

3.30

3.28

3.25

3.20

3.16

3.16

3.15

3.12

3.12

Oct.

3.10

3.08

3.06

3.01

3.00

3.02

3.04

3.05

3.05

3.06

3.15

3.30

3.11

3.11

3.12

3.08

3.05

3.06

3.06

3.05

3.05

3.06

3.09

3.10

3.06

3.24

3.25

3.18

3.06

3.18

3.15

Nov.

3. 16

3.26

3.31

3.24

3.28

3.15

3.20

3.05

3.04

3.10

3.16

3.22

3.28

3.72

3.68

3.45

3.45

3.45

3.60

^3.32

3.72

3.85

3.85

3.60

3.55

3.75

4.14

4.24

3.72

4.05

Dec.

4.10

4.24

4.30

4.15

4.18

4.10

4.04

4.10

4.14

4.20

4.20

4.30

4.32

NOTE. Backwater conditions probably prevailed during December, due to freezing.
174 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, ofDes Moines River at Jackson, Minn.,for 1909.

Day.

1....

2....

3....

5....

8....

9....

10. ...

11....

12....

13....

14....

May. June.

1,070

1 f\Af\

1,050

1 AnA

1,130

1,160

1,120

1 080

1,090

1,060

1,050

1,080

1,190

1,140

July.

1 W\

1 490

1,510

1,560

1,600

1,610

1,550

1 ^QO

1,560

1,570

1,510

1,470

Aug.

z<&

492

468

AOK

Aftfl

411

370

Q4Q

Q4Q

QfiA

Oil

Sept.

QC

no

106

103

no

ne

88

88

82

77

68

82

87

QC

Oct.

AQ

39

00

40

42

43

43

44

KA

70

49

49

Crt

Nov.

55

71

63

68

KA

TO

43

42

4S

55

61

68

127

121

Day.

16....

17....

18....

10

20....

21....

22....

23....

24. ...

25. ...

26....

27....

28....

29....

30. ...

31--..

May.

1,020

June.

1,050

1,010

928

795

808

808

941

1,130

1 080

1,070

1,220

1,480

1,690

1 7 630

July.

i 4pyi

1,420

1,420

1,410

1,290

1,230

1,140

1,100

1,020

QCQ

914

787

704

Aug.

307

282

273

236

226

211

203

198

186

1 US

155

157

139

118

106

Sept.

QQ

76

70

68

63

70

70

68

64

59

55

55

54

50

50

Oct.

4fi

43

44

43

43

44

47

48

44

63

64

57

44

57

54

Nov.

88

88

88

109

72

127

147

147

109

102

132

196

215

127

180

NOTE. These discharges are based on a rating curve that is fairly well defined.

Monthly discharge of Des Moines River at Jackson, Minn.,for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 1,160 square miles.]

Month.

July........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,690 

1,630 

616 

106 

70 

223

Minimum.

795 

678 

106 

50 

38 

42

Mean.

1,100 

1,320 

300 

76.1 

47.9 

97.6

Per

square 

mile.

0.948 

1.14 

.259 

.066 

.041 

.084

Run-off.

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

1.06 

1.31 

.30 

.07 

.05 

.09

Total in 

acre-feet.

65,500 

81,200 

18,400 

4,530 

2,950 

5,810

178,000

Accuracy.

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

ILLINOIS RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Illinois River enters the Mississippi from the east about 24 miles 

above the mouth of the Missouri. Its drainage area, comprising 

29,000 square miles, is distributed among three States Illinois, "Wisconsin, and Indiana; 24,700 square miles are in Illinios, extending in a 

broad band 250 miles long and averaging 100 miles in width directly 

across the center of the State in a northeast-southwest direction; 

1,080 square miles are in Wisconsin, extending north from the Illinois 

area; and 3,220 square miles are in Indiana, projecting east from the 

same area. The eastern projection is the basin of Kankakee River; 

the northern one contains the basins of Fox and Des Plaines rivers. 

The name Illinois is applied to the river from the junction of the 

Kankakee and Des Plaines.

The region drained by the Illinois is level or undulating, and includes 

some of the finest agricultural land in the United States. Many large 

and prosperous cities are situated within it, and it is covered with a 

network of railroads.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER. DRAINAGE BASIN. 175

The drainage into the Illinois is rather evenly distributed along its 

course. The more important tributaries are Fox and Spoon rivers 

from the west, and the Vermilion and Sangamon from the east.

SANGAMON RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of Sangamon Kiver lies wholly within the State 

of Illinois, very nearly in the center of the State. The river rises in 

the southwestern part of Ford County, flows southwestward to 

Decatur, in Macon County, thence westward to a point near Springfield, northwestward to its junction with Salt Creek at the northern 

boundary line of Menard County, and westward to its junction with 

Illinois Kiver at the northern boundary of Cass County. Springfield 

is about 20 miles southwest of the center of the basin, which is roughly 

a right triangle in shape, with the mouth of the river opposite the vertical. The river is about 180 miles long, not including bends. The 

total drainage area is 5,410 square miles. The principal tributaries 

are Salt Creek and South Fork.

The eastern third of the drainage basin is somewhat undulating and 

elevated, the rest of the basin is a level prairie. The soil is a very 

fertile, rich, black loam, especially adapted for raising corn. There 

are coal mines in the vicinity of Springfield. The bed and banks of 

the river are soft and insecure. The slope of the river is small. The 

elevation of its source is about 700 feet above sea level, and that of its 

mouth is about 430 feet. The only timber in this drainage basin is in 

small groves or along the river banks.

The annual rainfall is about 37 inches. The winters are mild. Ice 

forms to some extent, and during severe winters attains considerable 

thickness.

The basin contains many swamp areas and is so level and low that 

little ground storage is available. High water follows every heavy 

rain, floods are of frequent occurrence and considerable duration, and 

as the banks of the river are low large areas are flooded. The drainage 

of the swamps and the opening up of channels so that flood waters 

may have an opportunity of returning quickly to the main stream 

makes the study of flood control and drainage of considerable importance. In some places short sections of the main stream are being 

straightened in an effort to provide a better channel so that floods 

will quickly drain off the adjacent land. Such work is of doubtful 

value, for in a few years at the most the river will return to its former 

channel or make new channels in order to keep in equilibrium. Any 

improvement of this kind should take into account the stream as a 

whole and should be begun at the lower end.

On account of the low slope, floods/low water, and lack of suitable 

foundations for dams, opportunities for development of water power 

are lacking.
176 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

SANGAMON RIVER AT MONTICELLO, ILL.

This station, which is located at the Illinois Central Railroad bridge 

about hah6 a mile west of Monticello, 111., was established February 

4, 1908, for the purpose of collecting data to be used in studying 

drainage, water supply, and flood-control problems.

No important tributaries enter near the station. The drainage area 

above the section is 550 square miles.

Discharge measurements are made from the railroad bridge and a 

trestle approach on the left bank.

The datum of the chair gage, which is located on the bridge, has 

not been changed; the records are reliable and accurate.

Discharge measurements of Sangamon River at Monticello, III., in 1908-9.

Date.

1908.

May 12........

July 26 ........

1909. 

March 20. ......

March 24.......

May 20. .......

Hydrographer.

.....do..............................................

.....do........ ......................................

W. M. O'Neill. .....................................

..... do............................. ................ .

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

154

366

101

67

137

125

138

116

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,110

2,860

130

64

417

351

463

181

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

9.25

13.65

2.65

2.05

4.83

4.35

5.13

3.07

Discharge.

Sec.-Ji. 

1,410

6,830

61

13

281

222

352

79

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sangamon River at Monticello, III., for 1909. 

[Martin Doyle, 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.

2.4 

2.3 "i's"

2.3

2.0

2.0 

2.0

2.0

2.0 

2.1

2.1 

2.1 

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0 

2.0

2.1 

2.4

2.5 "i's"

9 3r.

2.3

2.3

2.6 

2.5

Feb.

2.5

2.4

2.4 

2.4 

2.6

2.7

"3." 2"

3.8

4.8

4.8 

4.6

4.9 

"7."2~~

8.5 

8.0

7.8

8.0 

9.0

"g'.'s"

10.1

10.85 

11.1

10.3

Mar.

8.6 

8.1

7.7 

7.1 

6.7

6.4

"5~8"

5.9 

6.3

6.5 

6.2

5.9 "s.'i"

5.2 

5.0

4.7

4.9 

4.9

i.'e"

4.S

4.3 

4.7

5.0

5.2

"i.~85~ 

4.6

Apr.

4.25 

4.15

4.2

4.3

8.4 

9 8

9.1

7.6

"6."2"

9.95 

10.9 

10.9

10.15 

9.2

8.55 

8.75

 9.8 

10.5

10.0

8

GC

8

n

7.4 

7.05

8 7

May.

9.25

8.55 

7.6

6.6

6.05 

6.1

7.95 

9.15

9.35

8

QC

8.10 

7.5 

6.9

5 7

5.4 

5.2

5.05 

4.8

4.45 

4.9

6.6

Q O

9.0

7.9

June.

6.55 

6.4

6.85 

7.4 

7.3

5.8

8.55 

8.4

7.15 

6.9

"~9.~7" 

7.9

6.3 

5.75

5.2

4.9

4.4 

5.3

5.3

4.8 

4.5

4.4

4.8 

4.4 

4.1

July.

3.85 

3.6

3.5

3.8

7.8

8.2 

7.2

9.2

13.15 

10.95 

9.1

7.8 

6.9

5.7 

5.2

5.0 

4.75

4.3

4.15

3.8

3.8

3.7 

3.6

3.35

Aug.

"s.'i"

3.0 

2.95 

2.95

2.9

2.8

2.6 

2.55

2.5 

2.45

2.4 

2.4

2.4 

2.3

2.3

2.25 

2.2

2.2

2.0

2.1 

2.1

9 Q

^ ft

2.45 

"~2.~2"

2.2

Sept.

2.2 

2.1

2.2 

2.2

2.1

2.1 

2.1

2.1 

2.1

2.1

2.05 

2.0 

2.1

1.95 

1.95

"i"6"

2.0 

2.4

2.4

2.25

2.2

2.1

2.1 

2.1 2.0-

Oct.

2.0 

2.0 "2. 6"

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.95

2.0 

2.0

2.0 

-----

2.0

2.3

2.15 

2.2

2.25 

2.3

2.4

~"2.~i"

2.35

2.3

2.3 

2.3 

2.25

Nov.

2.35 

3.4

2.35 

2.35 

2.35

2.3

2.3 

2.3

2.3

2.7

2.9 

"2.9"

4.4 

5.0

4.7 

4.25

"3." 7"

3.8

3.8 

3.95

Q QC

3.7 "s.'i"

3.3

Dec.

3.25 

3.2

3.15 

3.1

3.5

3.5

2.8

 3.7 

4.3 

4.3

4.35 

4.4

4.2 

3.9

3.7 

3.6

3.5

3.4 

3.5

3.2

3.25

3.25 

3.1 

3.1

3.1

NOTE. Varying ice conditions existed from January 6 to February 5, and December 7 to 31. Gage 

heights are to top of ice on January 6, 7, and 30, and on December 8 to 10 and 18 to 31.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 177 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sangamon River at Monticello, III., for 1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

1909. 

1.... ...........

2...............

3...............

4...... ........

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10. ..............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20,. .............

21...............

22. ..............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

01

25

25

OK

25

8

6

6

6

6

8

8

8

8

10

10

101111

31

07

30

23

28

25

 25

20

20

15

Feb.

194

524

1,100

1,240

1,010

846

676

562

756

1,100

2,120

3,240

3,480

4,250

3,360

2,120

976

920

846

895

777

1,010

2,020

2,540

2,430

2,430

20

31

31

31

43

50

70

90

148

284

284

252

302

518

735

1,070

920

870

920

1,240

1,490

1,740

2,020

2,820

3,120

3,120

2,220

1,660

Mar.

1,830

1,920

2,430

2,650

2,650

2,650

2,650

2 7 fin

2,650

2,120

1,580

1,330

1,170

1,040

920

777

715

715

920

1,130

1,200

1,070

895

756

619

562

562

676

581

619

1,100

948

846

71 ^

638

581

524

dR7

562

600

486

439

392

320

268

302

302

277

252

236

208

268

320

356

325

293

252

222

Apr.

619

638

600

562

543

543

524

1,280

1,450

1,170

976

777

735

676

676

695

695

657

638

581

505

505

920

2,020

2,430

3,120

3,000

2,760

2,650

201

188

194

188

182

208

1,040

1,280

822

682

1,880

2,880

2,880

2,070

1,330

1,200

1,080

1,150

1,740

2,430

2.320

1,920

1,520

1,120

920

777

705

1,130

May.

1,920

1,280

1,070

1,580

3,360

3,600

4,970

5,920

5,440

3,990

6,720

8,320

9 280

7,360

5,120

3,860

3,730

3,600

3,600

3,730

2,760

2,020

1,660

1,330

1,130

976

948

920

870

1,360

1,220

1,080

822

695

619

514

907

1,300

1,420

1,220

948

799

676

600

524

448

392

356

329

284

256

229

302

619

976

1,240

895

738

581

June.

756

657

581

543

505

429

392

338

320

302

268

236

208

222

222

194

170

159

148

148

138

118

118

108

99

90

82

82

90

90

610

581

666

777

756

612

467

383

1,080

1,040

725

1,170

1,660

895

562

458

356

302

262

222

374

374

284

236

222

253

284

222

182

July.

82

138

99

90

82

74

74

66

66

66

58

58

50

66

82

66

58

50

43

43

43

43

37

37

43

43

37

37

31

25

25

154

128

118

120

123

148

870

1,070

976

735

1,330

8,720

6,000

2,940

1,280

870

676

562

448

356

320

276

208

188

168

148

148

138

128

113

104

Aug.

20

20

20

15

15

15

15

11

11

11

11

15

25

20

20

20

15

11

11

11

11

8

8

8

- 8

8

8

8

8

8

93

82

74

70

70

66

58

50

43

40

37

34-

31

31

31

31

25

25

22

20

20

16

11

15

15

66

74

34

27

20

20

Sept.

11

8

8

8

8

6

6

6

6

6

6

G

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6 ' 8

8

8

20

15

20

20

18

15

15

15

15

15

15

14

13

11

15

10

10

10

10

11

11

31

31

22

20

18

15

15

15

11

Oct.

8

8

8

8

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

8

8

8

8

8

8

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

10

10

10

11

1111

13

15

11

18

25

18

20

22

25

31

31

31

28

25

25

25

22

25

Nov.

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

15

15

15

20

20

15

20

25

28

108

28

28

28

25

26

28

25

25

25

50

66

66

66

222

320

236

268

201

170

138

148

148

164

153

138

123

108

99

Dec.

20

20

20

20

20

18

15

15

15

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11u11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

25

31

94

90

86

82

100

118

118

80

50

40

50

100

138

208

208

215

222

180

150

130

120

100

80

70

60

50

50

40

40

30

30

NOTE. These daily discharges for 1908 to 1909 are taken from a rating based on 1908 to 1910 measurements, 

and well defined between 11 aad 1,390 second-feet, and fairly well defined to 6,720 second-feet. Discharges 

for the following periods in 1909 have been estimated because of ice conditions, January 6 to 18; January 

29 to February 1; December 8 to 12 and ] 8 to 31. Discharges were interpolated for days of no gage height.

79483° WSP 265 11 12
178 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of Sangamon River at Monticello, III., for 1908-9. 

»

[Drainage area, 550 square miles.]

Month.

1908. 

February 4-29. .........................

July....................................

1909.

April...................................

May....................................

July....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,250 

2,760 

3,120 

9,280 

756 

138 

25 

11 

11 

25 

31

37 

3,120

1,100 

2,880 

1,420 

1,660 

8,720 

93 

31 

31 

320

8,720

Minimum.

194 

562 

505 

870 

82 

25 

8 

6 

6 

11 

11

208 

182 

229 

182 

104 

11 

10 

10 

25

Mean.

1,890 

1,380 

1,120 

3,610 

260 

58.5 

13.2 

6.63 

7.29 

12.9 

14.2

16.8 

932 

448 

1,210 

738 

556 

954 

40.4 

15.9 

17.7 

109 

101

428

Per

square 

mile.

3.44 

2.51 

2.04 

6.56 

.473 

.106 

.024 

.012 

.013 

.024 

.026

.031 

1.69 

.815 

2.20 

1.34 

1.01 

1.73 

.074 

.029 

.032 

.198 

.184

.778

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

3.33 

2.89 

2.28 

7.56 

.53 

.12 

.03 

.01

.or

.03 

.03

.04 

1.76 

.94 

2.46 

1.54 

1.13 

1.99 

.09 

.03 

.04 

.22 

.21

. 10.45

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

B.

C. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

C.

SANGAMON RIVER AT RIVERTON, ILL.

This station, which is located on the Wabash Railroad bridge 

about one-fourth mile west of the depot at Riverton, 111., was established February 13, 1908, to obtain data to be used in the study of 

drainage and flood control problems.

The South Fork joins the Sangamon 2 or 3 miles above the station. 

The drainage area above the section is 2,560 square miles.

Discharge measurements are made from the railroad bridge to 

which the chain gage is attached.

The datum of the gage has not been changed. The records are 

reliable and accurate.

The high water of 1883 reached a height of approximately 32 feet 

on the present gage. The high water of 1875 is said to have been 

about one-half foot lower than this.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 179

Discharge measurements of Sangamon River at Riverton, III., in 1908-9.

Date.

1908.

July 27. ........

1909.

Marcn 18. ......

Hydrographer.

W. M. O'Neill. .....................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

218

151

157

181

175

197

180

Area of 

section.

Sq. ft. 

2/200

733

856

1,360

1,170

1,760

1,210

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

16.50

8.4

9.39

12.27

11.33

14.56

11.97

Discharge.

Ser..-jt. 

3,760

326

397

1,480

1,090

2,440

1.250

Daily gage height, in feet, of Sangamon River at Riverton, III., for 1909. 

[B. H. Watson, observer.]

Day.

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6:..............

7...............

8.. ...... .......

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

10

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18.......-.-...-.

19...............

20...............

21...............

22. ..............

23...............

24...............

25. ..............

26. ..............

97

28...............

29...............

30

31...............

Jan.

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.2

7.3

7.3

7.3

7.4

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

' 7.6

7.6

7.9

Feb.

8.2

8.4

8.6

8.6

8.7

8.9

9.0

9.4

9.6

9.9

10.4

10.5

10.8

10.9

11.0

11.2

14.0

15.1

16.0

17.0

18.0

18.6

19.4

19.6

Mar.

17.2

16.4

15.7

15.0

14.7

13.9

12.5

12.4

12.0

11.8

11.5

11.9

12.0

12.1

12.1

11.9

11.8

11.6

11.6

11.5

11.5

11.4

11.3

11.3

11.2

11.25

11.1

11.0

11.0

Apr.

11.0

10.9

10.9

10.9

10.9

10.8

10.8

10.9

11.4

12.1

12.6

12.9

iq o

13.8

14.0

14.4

16.9

18.4

19.5

20.8

21.9

22.6

22.3

22.0

21.4

19.0

18.1

17.5

May.

16.5

16.0

15.2

15.0

14.8

14.9

15.1

16.5

16.4

17.2

18.5

18.4

18.3

18.0

17.4

16.7

16.2

14.4

13.4

12.6

11.7

13.0

14.05

15.6

17.5

17 ^

19.0

June.

20.0

19.0

19.25

18.0

16.9

15.4

15.65

14.5

14.7

13.7

13.1

12.7

12.1

11.8

11.6

11.2

11.0

10.7

11.0

11.6

11.8

11.4

July.

10.7

10.0

9 8

9.6

10.1

13.7

20.5

19.9

19.9

19.0

20.5

22.5

23.7

24.3

24.0

22.0

21.0

20.5

in A

18.0

17.2

16.5

14.0

1°. i

19 7

11.6

11.2

10.8

10.6

Aug.

10.5

10.4

10.2

10.1

9.9

Q S

9.8

9.8

Q 7

9

e

9 3

9 9

8 9

8.7

8.7

Q A

8.3

8.1

8.1

8.0

7 Q

7.8

7.8

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.6

7.6

7.6

Sept.

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.7

7.7

7.7

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.9

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.2

8.2

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.0

8.0

8 f\

8.0

8.0

8 n

Oct.

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.4

8.5

8

e

8.5

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.3

8.3

8

0

8.3

Nov.

8.4

8.4

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.6

8.8

8.9

9.0

9.0

9.05

11.8

12.0

11 9

11.65

11.0

Dec.

10.9

10.6

10.45

10.2

10.2

9.7

9.3

9.6

9.8

10.0

10.3

10.9

11.8

12.4

12.9

12.4

12.0

11.7

11.7

11.4

10.9

10.7

10.5

10.4

10.2

10.0

10.0

NOTE. Ice conditions existed from December 8 to 31. 

one-fourth mile above the gage.

On December 30 the ice was 1 foot thick about
180 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Sangamon River at Riverton, III., for 1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22. ..............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

1909. 

1.. .............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14. ..............

15. ..............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

110

119

119

119

128

138

138

138

138

148

148

179

Feb.

3,490

4,370

5,740

5,830

6,720

6,320

5,830

6,220

6,320

6,320

5,920

5,830

6,420

7,570

8,010

7,900

7 ' 680

214

240

270

270

287

324

344

435

486

572

728

760

856

888

920

990

2,100

2,700

3,200

3,780

4,370

4,760

5,340

5,500

5,270

5,040

4,810

4,580

Mar.

8,010

7,790

7,570

7,350

7,130

7 460

7,350

7,460

8,230

8,010

7,790

7,570

7,350

6,820

6,520

5,420

3,840

3,490

3,200

2,920

2,700

2,600

2,480

2,320

2,260

2,430

2,650

2,980

3,140

3,260

4,350

4r 120

3,900

3,430

3,040

2,650

2,480

2,050

1,460

1,420

1,280

1,200

1,100

1,240

1,280

1,310

1,310

1,240

1,200

1,130

1, 130

1,100

1,100

1,060

1,020

990

1,010

955

920

920

Apr.

3,140

3,200

3,260

3,200

3,090

3,040

3,430

3,720

3,840

3,780

3,720

3,430

3,140

2,700

2,380

2,100

2,050

1,830

1,830

2,050

2,600

3,200

4,760

5,580

6,920

6,720

6,520

920

888

888

888

888

856

856

888

1,060

1,310

1,500

1,620

1,750

2,000

2,100

2,320

3,140

3 790

4,620

5,420

6,620

7 7Qfi

8,580

8,230

7,900

6,320

5,040

4,070

May.

6,220

C CfiA

7,680

9,180

11, 200

13,000

12, 700

11,900

11,200

10 600

9,420

9,540

9,660

9,180

8,580

8,010

8,580

8,340

8,120

7,900

7,790

7,240

6,320

5,580

4,310

3,490

3, 200-

3,090

2 980

2^760

2,650

2,540

2,600

2,700

3,490

3,430

3,900

4 690

4, 620

4,010

3,610

3,320

2,870

2,320

1,500

1,170

1,660

2,130

2,980

3,430

4,070

5,040

June.

3,320

2,260

2,000

1,750

1,620

1,460

1,280

1,240

1,170

1,100

 1, 060

920

856

792

728

696

665

572

542

486

460

435

411

388

366

344

486

5,830

5,040

5,040

5,230

4,370

3,720

3,090

2,870

3,010

2,620

2,380

2,380

2,480

2,600

1 960

1,710

1,620

1,310

1,200

1,130

1,020

990

920

824

920

1,130

1,200

1,130

1,060

July.

460

388

344

344

324

513

792

760

603

460

411

366

324

287

287

270

270

254

254

254

254

254

270

270

254

254

240

227

214

202

824

542

486

634

1,960

6,320

5,740

5,740

5,420

6,320

8,460

9,900

7,900

6,820

6,320

5,340

4,370

3,900

3,490

2,760

2,100

1,710

1,540

990

856

792

Aug.

190

179

179

168

158

158

158

158

158

158

158

158

158

158

158

148

148

148

148

138

128

129

119

119

110

110

101

128

760

728

696

634

572

542

542

542

460

411

388

324

240

202

202

190

179

168

168

158

148

148

148

148.

Sept.

148

148

138

138

128

119

119

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

101

101

92

83

83

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

92

168

168

168

168

168

168

168

168

158

158

158

148

148

148

148

179

190

190

190

214

214

202

202

202

190

190

190

190

190

190

Oct.

92

92

83

83

83

83

83

83

83

83

83

83

83

75

75

75

75

75

75

75

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

67

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

190

240

254

254

254

240

240

240

240

240

227

227

227

227

Nov.

67

67

67

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

67

75

75

75

75

75

83

83

92

92

101

101

101

101

240

240

254

254

254

254

254

270

305

324

344

344

355

400

800

1,000

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,220

1,240

1,260

1,280

1,280

1,240

1,150

1,060

920

Dec.

101

101

101

101

101

 101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

101

888

792

776

744

665

665

650

400

300

400

542

603

696

888

1,200

1,420

1,660

1,620

1,420

1,280

1,170

1,000

800

700

600

500

500

400

400

300

300

NOTE. These daily discharges for 1908 to 1909 are taken from a rating, based on 1908, 1909, and 1910 

measurements, and fairly well defined between 254 and 4,370 second-feet. Discharges were estimated 

because of ice effects for December 8 to 10 and 22 to 31,1909, and interpolated for days of missing gage heights.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 181

Monthly discharge of Sangamon River at Riverton, III., for 1908-9. 

[Drainage area, 2,560 square miles.]

Month.

1908.

May...................*................

July....................................

1909.

May....................................

July....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

8,010 

8,230 

6,920 

13,100 

3,320 

792 

190 

148 

92 

101 

101

179

8,580 

5,040 

5,830 

10,600 

760 

214 

254

i,6CO

Minimum.

3,490 

2,260 

1,830 

4,310 

344 

202 

101 

83 

67 

60 

101

101 

214 

920 

856 

1,170 

824 

486 

148 

148 

190 

240

101

Mean.

6,260 

5,360 

3,530 

8,810 

1,080 

350 

147 

107 

76.1 

72.6 

101

114 

2,140 

1,690 

3,460 

3,200 

2,340 

4,160 

355 

178 

211 

723 

783

1,610

Per 

square 

mile.

2.45 

2.09 

1.38 

3.44 

.422 

.137 

.057 

.042 

.030 

.028 

.039

.044 

.836 

.660 

1.35 

1.25 

.914 

1.62 

.139 

.070 

.082 

.282 

.306

.630

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

1.55 

2.41

1.54 

3.97 

.47 

.16 

.07 

.05 

.03 

.03 

.05

.05 

.87 

.76 

1.51 

1.44 

1.02 

1.87 

.16 

.08 

.09 

.31 

.35

8.51

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C.

c.

c.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

C. 

C.

SANGAMON RIVER NEAR OAKFORD, ILL.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge about 3 miles 

northeast of Oakford, 111., and about 2^ miles upstream from the 

Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad bridge, was established October 

26, 1909, for the purpose of obtaining data for use in studying problems of drainage and flood control.

Crane Creek enters on the right bank about If miles below, and 

Salt Creek, also on the right bank, about 6| miles above the section. 

The total drainage area above the gaging station is 5,000 square 

miles.

This station is on the improved portion of the river, the new 

channel being straight for about 5 miles above and 1J miles below 

the gaging section. When constructed, this artificial channel was 

70 feet wide at the top and is now about 140 feet wide. Material 

changes are therefore liable to occur in the gaging section and cause 

variations in the relation of discharge to gage height. The bridge of 

the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad, 2^ miles below the station, 

is a wooden trestle with numerous piles in the stream bed which 

have a decided tendency to obstruct the flow at high water, as the 

trestle is oblique to the current, and drift and ice lodging against 

it cause backwater which affects the gage heights.
182 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge and the trestle 

approaches at each end.

The datum of the chain gage, which is attached to the bridge, has 

remained unchanged since the gage was installed. Because of the 

inaccessibility of the gage it has not been possible to procure daily 

readings, but the records obtained are accurate and reliable.

The floods of February and March, 1907, and May, 1908, reached 

a height of about 21 feet on the present gage datum.

Discharge measurements of Sangamon River near Oakford, III., in 1909.

Date.

October 26.....

Novembr 27....

Hydrographer.

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

223

255

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

591

1,480

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.10

6.82

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

817

2,926

Daily gage height in feet and discharge in second-feet of Sangamon River near Oakford,

III, for 1909.

[Bert. Weaver, 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.....................................................

October.

Gage 

height.

3.1 

3.1 

2.95 

2.85 

2.7

Discharge.

810 

810 

765 

735 

695 

682

November.

Gage 

height.

2.6 

2.6 

2.6

2.6 

2.55

2.65

2.9 

4.85

6.15 

6.5

8.4

9.1

8.4 

7.9

7.2 

6.8

6.3 

5.9

Discharge.

670 

670 

670 

670 

670

668 

664 

670 

676 

682

716 

760 

1,580 

2,000

2,430

2,700 

3,460

4,220 

4,640

4,860 

4,540

4,220 

3,780

3,590 

3,410

3,220

2,920 

2,850 

2,540 

2,250

December.

Gage 

height.

5.7 

5.45 

5.3

4.9

4.6

4.25 

4.05

4.7

5.55 

6.0

6.4

8.4

8.0

7.6

6.6

5.75 

5.7

Discharge.

2,110 

1,940 

1,850 

1,770 

1,690

1,610 

1,520 

1,440 

1,260 

1,170

1,280 

1,390 

1,500 

1,750 

2,000

2,320 

2,470 

2,620 

2,500 

2,400

2,300 

2,200 

2,100 

2,000 

1,900

1,800 

1,650 

1,500 

1,400 

1,300 

1,200

NOTE. Ice conditions existed from December 12 to 31. Gage heights are to top of ice December 20 to 31. 

An ice gorge at railroad bridge 2J miles below gage caused rise in gage height on December 18. The daily 

discharges were obtained from a rating, based on measurements in 1909 and 1910, and are well defined between 

810 and 7,180 ^econd-feet. Discharges estimated for December 18 to 31 because of ice conditions and interpolated for days of no gage height previous to December 18.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 183

Monthly discharge of Sangamon River near OaJcford, III., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 5,000 square miles.]

Month.

October 26-31... ........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

810 

4,860

Minimum.

' 682 

658

Mean.

750 

2,240 

1,800

Per 

square 

mile.

0.150 

.448 

.360

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

0.03 

.50 

.42

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

C.

SOUTH FORK OF SANGAMON RIVER NEAR TAYLORVILLE, ILL.

This station, which is located at the Wabash Railroad bridge, about 

3^ miles southwest of Taylorville, 111., and about one-fourth mile 

upstream from the highway bridge across the South Fork known as the 

Half Acre Bridge, was established February 11, 1908, for the purpose of obtaining data for use in studying drainage, flood control, and 

water-supply problems.

Bear Creek, a small tributary, enters the stream on the left bank a 

few miles below the station. The drainage area above the gaging 

station is 427 square miles.

Discharge measurements are made from the railroad bridge to 

which the gage is attached.

In August, 1909, a drainage ditch was dug along the river in this 

vicinity, straightening the course of the stream but coinciding with 

the original channel at the gaging station. The cross section of the 

stream at the gaging station was not altered, but the relation between 

gage height and discharge was materially changed as the result of the 

change in slope. The gage heights from February 11, 1908, to August 

10,1909, inclusive, refer to the section before the change; gage heights 

from August 11 to September 1, 1909, inclusive, are of no value, 

because the stream was dammed up for purposes of construction 

during that period. On September 2, 1909, the datum of the chain 

gage was lowered 2 feet, and the gage heights from that date on refer 

to the new conditions. In making comparisons between the data for 

the original and the new conditions it should be noted that the gage 

datum has been changed. The records are accurate and reliable.
184 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART v.

Discharge measurements of South Fork ofSangamon River near Taylorville, III., in 1908-9.

Date.

1908. 

March 25 .......

1909.

March 17 ....... 

March 22 .......

May 17.........

Hydrographer.

.....do.............................................

R. J. Taylor ........................................

W. M. O'Neill. .................................... 

.....do.............................................

.....do.............................................

Width.

Feet. 

122

85

100

119 

92

122

59

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

484

345

422

429 

390

462

237

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.55

3.3

4.10

4.09 

3.60

4.57

3.98

 Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

169

88

143

144 

121

214

95

a New channel caused by the construction of a drainage ditch coinciding with the natural channel at the 

bridge.

Daily gage height, in feet, of South Fork Sangamon River near Taylorville, III., for 1909.

[K. J. Hanon, observer.]

Day.

1.. ............. 

2...............

3...............

5...............

6... ............

7.. .............

8...............

9

10...............

11............... 

12............... 

13...............

14...............

15. ..............

16...............

17...............

18............... 

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23............... 

24. .............. 

25...............

26............... 

27............... 

28...............

29............... 

30............... 

31...............

Jan.

1.3 

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.1

1.0

.9

.8 

.8 

.7

.7

.7

.8

.8 

.9 

9

1.0

1.4

2.05

3.0 

3.4 

3.5

3.2 

1.6 

1.9 

2.0 

2.1 

1.9

Feb.

1.5 

1.7

1.9

2.3

2.5

3.4

4.1

4.2

4.5

4.2

3.9 

3.7 

3.4

5.4

6.2

6.4

5.8 

6.3 

6.5

8.4

8.6 

8.6 

8.6

8.5 

8.0 

7.5

Mar.

6.5

^ Q

5.6

5.0

4.9

4.7

4.4

4.1

4.2

4.6

4.9 

5.6 

5.2

4.8

4.5

4.1

3.95 

3. 85 

3.75

3.55

3.55

3.7 

3.65 

3.6

3.55 

3.75 

3.55 

3.4 

3.35 

3.3

Apr.

3.25 

3.15

3.3

3.2

3.05

3.25

4.8

5.65

5.55

4.85

4.75 

6.6 

6 9

8.6

8.55

8.55

8.0 

7.15 

6.95

6

7C

9 4

10.0 

9.55

7.7 

6.65 

6.25 

5.9 

5.25

May.

4.45 

4.9

4.75

4.5

4.15

*4.0

3.85

4.7

7.2

7.85

8.7 

8.25 

7.7

6.9

6.2

5.1

4.6 

4.15 

3.9

3.85

3.75

3 55

3.4 

3.4 

5.1

5.9 

6.9 

7.25 

7.1 

6.45 

6.5

June.

6.45 

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.4

6.1

5.85

5.55

4.85

5.2

5.75 

5.6 

5.65

5.15

4.6

4.25

4.15 

3.9 

3.55

3.4

3.0

3.2

2.9 

2.15 

2.45

2.8 

3.2 

4.75 

6.0 

6.55

July.

6.15 

5.0

3.9

2.7

6.5

8.2

9 i

10.1

9.9

9.3

9.3 

9.2 

9.05

8.8

8.45

8.15

7.7 

6.05 

5.5

4.5

4.0

3.85 

3.7

3.6 

3.55 

3.5 

3.45 

3.4 

3.35

Aug.

3.0

2.8

2.7

2.55

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.0

2.0

1.9

.......

.......

-------

Sept.

"i.'es"

1.65

1.65

1.7

1.6

1.8

1.75

1,7

1.7

1.65 

1.65 

1.65

1.65

2.0

1.8

1.75 

1.7 

1.7

1.65

1 65

1.65

2.5 

2.65 

2.1

1.75

1.75 

1.7 

1.7 

1.65

Oct.

1.65 

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6 1.6'

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55 

1.6 

1.55

1.5

3.65

3.2

3.1

5.05 

4.2 

4.0

3.95 

3.65 

3.15 

3.0

2.85 

2.4

Nov.

2.4 

2.35

2.2

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.8

3.3

3.95

3.7

3.42 

3.35 

4.5

6.2

6.3

6.5

7.35 

7.2 

6.85

6.0

5.45

5.4

5.15 

4.85 

4.5

4.3 

4.2 

4.1 

3.95 

3.9

Dec.

3.75 

3.6

3.55

3.45

3.65

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.5 

3.95 

4.65

6.75

7.2

6.75

6.15 

5.75 

5.3

5.15

4

QS

4.85

4.55 

4.45 

4.3

4.0 

3.95 

3.95 

3.95 

3.95 

3.95

NOTE. lee conditions existed from January 3 to February 13, and December 8 to 31. Gage heights 

are to top of ice December 17 to 31. Gage heights from August 11 to September 1 were of no value, because 

oi the construction of a drainage ditch which, coincided with the natural channel at the bridge.
TIPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 185

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of South Fork of Sangamon River near Taylorvilk, III.,

for 1908-9.

Pay.

1908. 

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9

10...............

11...............

12...............

13

14...............

15...............

16.---......-....

17..---.....--...

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28.--.-..........

29...............

30...............

31---.-.....-....

1909. 

1..... ..........

2...............

3...............

4...............

5.---...........

6...............

7.---......-....

8...............

9...............

10...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17.----..........

18.---..----.....

19

20... ------ ......

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25.--....-.-.....

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

« 

Jan.

10

10

10

10

8

8

8

6

5

4

5

5

7

12

93

100

79

16

24

20

15

Feb.

800

524

424

586

800

1,730

1,560

1,420

1,270

1,070

914

762

690

690

1,030

1,980

1,810

1,430

10

15

22

33

41

93

160

196

160

116

93

341

524

586

424

554

620

800

1,170

1,430

1,430

1,390

1,190

990

Mar.

800

1,030

1,270

1,270

1,110

1,150

1,190

1,230

1,390

1,190

1,110

1,110

952

762

586

470

34'1 424

269

322

286

253

223

209

196

196

150

160

209

209

196

620

447

381

269

253

223

183

150

160

209

253

381

304

238

196

150

136

128

120

112

104

104

116

112

108

104

120

104

93

90

86

Apr.

762

690

876

952

800

690

726

800

800

990

952

838

654

524

424

361

286

253

238

238

209

171

150

762

1,070

1,190

1,310

1,270

1,190

1,030

82

76

86

79

69

82

238

392

371

246

230

654

762

1,430

1,410

1,410

1,190

857

781

708

],290

1,770

2,020

1,830

1,290

1,070

672

539

447

313

May.

800

554

654

762

2,560

3,300

3,110

3,060

2,970

2,020

1,600

1,730

1,640

1,430

1,440

1,460

1,470

1,480

1,500

1,510

1,520

1,530

1,550

1,560

1,230

1,070

762

726

690

464

238

190

253

230

196

155

140

128

223

876

1,130

1,470

1,290

1,070

762

524

286

209

155

132

128

120

104

93

93

286

447

762

895

838

603

620

June.

238

223

209

183

150

118

86

79

86

93

93

86

79

55

86

60

50

50

41

37

41

33

30

24

22

20

20

16

22

20

603

654

654

654

586

496

436

371

246

304

413

381

392

295

209

166

155

132

104

93

66

79

60

28

39

55

79

230

470

637

"July.

12

10

8

510

269

132

50

620

1,270

2,060

1,980

1,730

1,730

1,680

1,620

1,520

1,370

1,250

1,070

483

361

196

177

140

128

116

112

108

104

100

96

93

89

Aug.

8

7

7

7

6

7

7

6

6

7

7

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

37

16

10

66

55

50

43

41

37

33

24

24

22

Sept.

8

7

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

8

8

8

8

9

7

11

10

9

9

8

8

8

8

15

11

10

9

8

8

8

30

36

18

10

10

9

9

8

Oct.

6

6

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

6

6

6

6

6

7

7

6

6

6

6

8

8

7

7

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

7

6

5

8

12

20

30

40

80

58

14.

165

109

97

94

80

56

50

44

27

Nov.

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

7

8

9

10

8

8

7

7

12

27

26

21

24

21

21

42

62

94

82

68

64

127

265

276

299

430

403

348

245

197

103

173

150

127

115

109

103

94

92

Dec.

Q

Q

10

8

8

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

' 77

7

6

6

12

12

10

84

77

74

69

79

77

77

70

60

50

60

94

136

333

403

333

240

200

170

150

130

110

90

80

75

70

70

65

65

60

60

NOTE. Daily discharges from February 11,1908, to August 10,1909, were obtained from a rating based 

on measurements in 1908 to 1909, and fairly well denned between 86 and 269 second-feet. July 1 to 28,1908, 

has been estimated as equivalent to 19 second-feet per day. Discharges after September 2, 1909, were 

obtained from a rating well denned between 87 and 1,390 second-feet and based on measurements'made in 

1909 to 1910. Discharge estimated equivalent to 20 second-feet per day for August 11 to 31,1909, and estimated because of ice conditions for January 5 to 17, January 30 to February 2, and December 8 to 11 and 

17 to 31,1909. Also estimated for October 15 to 19, 1909.
186 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of South Fork of Sangamon River near Taylorville, III., for 1908-9. 

[Drainage area, 427 square miles.]

Month.

1908.

April....................................

July.. ......... ..........................

^Jovemt)er

1909.

July.....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,160 

1,390 

1,310 

3,300 

238

37

8 

7 

12 

12

100 

1,430 

620 

 2,020 

1,470 

654 

2,060

36 

165 

430 

403

2,060

Minimum.

424 

150 

150 

238 

16 

8 

5 

5 

5 

6 

6

86 

69 

93 

28 

50

7 

5 

21

Mean.

1,140 

654 

707 

1,500 

78.3 

18.1 

7.7 

5.7 

5.5 

6.7 

7.7

19.5 

' 552 

192 

746 

465 

303 

736 

26.3 

10.9 

36.1 

143 

120

.279

Per 

square 

mile.

-2.67 

1.53 

1.66 

3.51 

.183 

.042 

.018 

.013 

.013 

.016 

.018

.046 

1.29 

.450 

1.75 

1.09 

.710 

1.72 

.062 

.026 

.085 

.335 

.281

.654

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

1.89 

1.76 

1.85 

4.05 

.20 

.05 

.02 

.01 

.01 

.02 

.02

.05 

1.34 

.52 

1.95 

1.26 

.79 

1.98 

.07 

.03 

.10 

.37 

.32

8.78

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

D. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

C. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

D. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

D.

SALT CREEK NEAR KENNEY, ILL.

Salt Creek is a tributary of Sangamon Kiver.

The gaging station, which is located at the highway bridge about 2 

miles west of Kenney, 111., a short distance below the Vandalia Kailroad bridge, was established February 14, 1908, to collect data for 

use in the study of drainage and flood control problems.

Tenmile Creek enters on the right bank about 4 miles above the 

gaging station. The drainage area above the section is 459 square 

miles.

The chain gage is attached to the bridge; its datum has not been 

changed.

The records are reliable and accurate. Discharge measurements 

are made from the bridge and small approach spans at each end.

The high water of 1882 is said to have been about 1 or 1^ feet 

higher than that of the spring of 1908, or to have reached a height 

of about 16 feet on the present gage.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 187

Discharge measurements of Salt Creek near Kenney, III., in 1908-9.

Date.

1908. 

May8.......... 

July28.. .......

1909. 

February 6.....

May 19.. .......

Hydrographer.

R. J. Taylor.. ......................................

R. J. Taylor. ....................................... 

W. M. O'Neill. .....................................

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

157 

107

102 

109

110

111

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,280 

178

119

258

254

265

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

10.5 

2.1

1.91 

2.89

2.92

3.17

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3,240 

64

27 

201

215

236

Daily gage height, in feet, of Salt Creek near Kenney, III., for 1909. 

[Chris McDermott, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

4.... ...........

5...............

6...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16. ..............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25. ..............

26...............

27...............

28. ..............

29...............

30...............

W

Jan.

1.9

1.8 '1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

'1.6 1.7

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

2.0

2.1

2 1

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.8

2.0

2.1

2.1

Feb.

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.2

3.0

3.7

3.2

3.0

. 2.7

4.0

5.5

4.1

4.9

4.7

5.0

5.6

5.7

6.1

7.5

8.4

7.4

6.4

5.5

5.2

Mar.

4.8

4.6

4.2

4.0

3.8

3.7

3.5

3.4

3.7

3.9

3.9

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.3

3.2

3.1

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.65

2.6

2 65

2.85

2.95

2.95

2.85

2.8

2.65

2.55

Apr.

2.5

2.5

9 fi

2.45

2.4

2.45

3.1

3.55

3.3

3.0

2.8

2.75

5.1

5.75

5.15

4.55

4.15

3.9

4.9

5.2

6.25

7.4

7.7

5.85

5.4

4.85

4.65

4.3

4.05

5.55

May.

6.0

5.25

4.7

4.2

3.9

3.75

3.5

3.3

3.9

4.6

4 7

4.35

4.0

3.8

3.65

3.45

3.25

3.05

2.9

2.85

2.75

2.7

2.6

2.5f

2.5S

4.0

4.35

4.05

3.7

3.4

3.2

June.

3.1

2 9

2.9

2.85

2.8

3.1

2.9

2.7

3.8

4.9

5.0

4.15

4.3

5.45

5.4

3.9

3.75

3.3

3.05

2.85

2.7

2 6

2 6f

2 5f

2.7

3.75

2.75

2.7

2.4

2.3

July.

2.2

2.1

2.05

1.95

2.5

2.8

5.75

6.25

6.0

5.2

4.3

6.6

7.25

5.3

4.8

4.2

3.75

3.45

3.2

3.0

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.45

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.15

2.1

Aug.

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.-8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.4

3.85

2.1

1.8

1.6

1.55

1.45

Sept.

1.45

1.4

1.7

1.65

1.5

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.5

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.7

2.5

2.05

1.8

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.45

Oct.

1.45 1.3'

1.35

1.35

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.45

1.4

1.5

1.3

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.7

1.6

2.4

1.9

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.55

Nov.

1.5

1.9

1.85

1.75

1.75

1,75

1.75

1.65

1.4

1.75

1.65

2.8

3.0

2.6

2.35

4.4

4.85

4.4

3.8

3.3

3.15

3.05

3.15

3.2

3.0

2.9

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.45

Dec.

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.3

1.95

2.1

2.15

2.15

2.2

2.5

2.8

3.1

3.35

3.4

3.45

2.85

2.65

2.55

2.6

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.35

2.4

2.4

2.4

NOTE. Varying ice conditions existed during January and from December 7 to 31. Stream was frozen 

over on December 12. Gage heights were to top of ice from December 12 to 31. Maximum thickness of 

ice reported was 8 inches on December 26.
188 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Salt Creel: near Kenney, III., for 1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4...............

&...........,...

6.... .......... .

7...............

8. ............- -

9............... 10...............

11...............

12. ..............

13...............

14...............

15. ..............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22. ..............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26......:........

27...............

28...............

29. ..............

30...............

1909. 

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...............

97

28...............

29...............

30. ..............

31...............

Jan.

9e;

25

OK

25

25

15

15

10

10

5

5

5

8

8

10

10

10

10

10

18

18

43

Ci

54

25

18

25

OK

4.1

54

KA

Feb.

1,950

2,480

3,020

2,480

1,140

524

352

465

645

707

900

1,670

1,950

1,810

1,410

54

54

XA

54

43

43

54

208

208

148

933

494

738

676

770

966

999

1,140

1,710

1,670

1,250

QOO

834

Mar.

1,070

1,330

1,490

1,490

1,530

1,810

1,850

1,530

1,330

1,100

770

834

738

676

645

465

436

407

524

645

584

465

465

436

407

407

OA1

352

326

277

977

707

645

524

465

4O7

070

Ortl

JQA

352

277

253

OQA

187

177

167

138

177

198

1Q8

177

167

138

120

Apr.

301

352

277

253

301

277

379

524

645

707

676

584

465

436

738

834

738

738

645

524

465

379

253

1 030

1,490

1,760

1,710

1,410

1,100

112

112

112

104

96

230

277

9ftft

167

802

1,020

818

630

509

738

1,670

1,810

1,050

722

660

554

480

950

May.

966

834

707

1,950

2,430

3,350

3,020

3,350

3,870

3,240

2,850

4,680

5,840

4,100

4,510

2,960

2,290

1,950

2,240

2,380

1,950

2,000

1,490

1,330

1,070

1,070

966

933

867

738

1,100

850

676

524

436

OQO

326

977

645

676

569

465

4ft7

314

265

219 1 07

177

Tyj

148

129

120

569

480

379

OKQ

June.

645

- 524

465

465

407

436

379

352

277 

253

253

208

187

187

208

187

167

167

187

187

167

167

167

148

129

112

96

81

148

167

187

187

177

167

187

148

738

770

509

554

916

900

436

277

91 Q

177

148

129

138

120

148

393

1 £.3

148

96

81

July.

167

167

129

96

81

96

96

81

67

54

54

54

43

43

54

253

129

112

67

54

54

43

301

67

43

43

4n7

208

67

43

00

67

54

38

112

167

1,020

1 190

1,100

834

zu

1,330

1,600

707

524

314

o co

208

167

148

19O

104

81

81

O1

67

60

KA

Aug.

33

25

25

33

33

33

33

25

25

33

33

33

43

43

33

25

33

25

25

33

25

18

18

18

14

14

14

14

18

14

14

43

38

00

29

29

25

' 22

1ft

18

16

14

14

10

12

10

10

10

10

10

7

7

7

6

7

422

54

OK

14

12

8

Sept.

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

10

14

14

18

14

10

7

7

5

7

7

7

7

7

7

7

10

18

14

10

10

8

7

18

16

10

8

10

8

7

7

7

5

5

5

6

7

5

5

5

18

48

25

14

10

10

10

8

Oct.

10

10

10

14

14

14

10

14

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

.14

18

10

25

33

33

33

25

33

25

25

25

25

25

"3325

8

5

6

6

7

6

6

5

5

7

5

6

5

7

10

5

10

14

10

18

14

00

22

22

1 8

14

12

10

12

Nov.

33

33

25

25

25

25

25

25

18

25

33

18

33

18

18

25

25

18

25

33

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

10

33

29

22

22

22

22

16

7

22

16

167

208

129

88

584

722

584

977

219

242

253

208

187

148

19Q

112

104

Dec.

33

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

18

18

18

18

18

18

18 - 25

18

18

18

18

18

14

18

18

25

18

33

81

54

96

96

81

81

81

74

81

38

54

60

60

50

70

100

180

250

270

200

60

50

40

30

OK

20

20

1<i

15

15

10

10

NOTE. These daily discharges for 1908 to 1909 were obtained from a rating fairly well defined between 

33 and 3,240 second-feet and based on measurements made 1908 to 1910. The daily discharges for January 6 

to 18,, 1909, and December 7 to 31,1909, have been estimated because of ice conditions.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 189

Monthly discharge of Salt Creek near Kenney, III., for 1908- 

[Drainage area, 459 square miles.]

Month.

1908. 

February 14-29. .........................

July.....................................

October. ................................

December. ..............................

1909.

April....................................

May.....................................

July.....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,020 

1,850 

1,760 

5,840 

645 

407 

43 

18 

33 

33 

81

54 

2,140 

707 

1,810 

1,100 

916 

1,600 

422 

112 

96 

722

2,140

Minimum.

352 

277 

253 

707 

81 

33 

14 

5 

10 

18 

14

43 

120 

96 

120 

81 

38 

6 

5 

5 

7

Mean.

1,470 

805 

725 

2,280 

251 

103 

26.0 

11.2 

18.5 

25.2 

24.5

22.4 

619 

294 

593 

401 

312 

401 

30.7 

14.0 

13.3 

174 

72.6

246

Per 

square 

mile.

3.20 

1.75 

1.58 

4.97 

.547 

.224 

.057 

.024 

.040 

.055 

.053

.049 

1.35 

.641 

1.29 

.874 

.680 

.874 

.067 

.031 

.029 

.379 

.158

.535

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

1.91 

2.02 

1.76 

5.73 

.61 

.26 

.07 

.03 

.05 

.06 

.06

.06 

1.41 

.74 

1.44 

1.01 

.76 

1.01 

.08 

.03 

.03 

.42 .18'

7.17

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

B

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B 

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

C.

CAHOKIA CHEEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage area of Cahokia Creek lies in the southwestern part 

of the State of Illinois. The creek rises in the southern part of and 

about on line between Montgomery and Macoupin counties, flows in 

a southwesterly direction diagonally across the southeast corner of 

Macoupin County and the northwest portion of Madison County, past 

Edwardsville, through East St. Louis, 111., and empties into Mississippi 

River.

The creek is very crooked and its length is approximately 55 miles. 

Its basin is about 45 miles long, has an average width of about 8 miles 

and a maximum width of about 12 miles, and comprises 360 square 

miles. Its principal tributary is Indian Creek, which enters from the 

right bank about three-fourths of a mile north of the Wabash Railroad 

bridge near Poag, 111. The area drained is low, level, or undulating, 

and is crossed by a chain of bluffs just north of Poag, 111. The sources 

of the creek are about 680 feet, and the mouth about 385 feet above 

sea level.

The basin contains no forested areas. The mean annual rainfall is 

about 40 inches. In general the winters are mild. The opportunities 

for storage and water-power development have not been investigated 

but are undoubtedly not worthy of consideration. Flood control,
190 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

especially in its relation to the proposed flood protection works of the 

East Side levee and sanitary district of East St. Louis, 111., is the 

most important problem under consideration at present in connection 

with this drainage basin.

CAHOKIA CREEK AT POAG, ILL.

This station, which is located at the Wabash Railroad bridge about 

three-fourths of a mile northeast of the Wabash Railroad station at 

Poag, 111., was established December 13, 1909, to obtain data for use 

in studying drainage and flood control problems. The data collected 

will be used by the East Side levee and sanitary district of East 

St. Louis, 111., in its study of flood control and prevention at that 

place.

Indian Creek enters on the right bank about three-fourths of a 

mile above the section. The total drainage area above the gaging 

station is 259 square miles.

Discharge measurements can be made from the railroad bridge 

over the main channel and a plate girder bridge over the flood channel about one-fourth mile north of the main channel. No measurements were made in 1909.

The datum of the chain gage, which is located on the railroad 

bridge, has remained unchanged since the installation of the gage.

The records are accurate and reliable.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Caholda Creek at Poag, III.

Day.

1. ......

2. ......

3.......

4.......

5.......

Dec. Day.

6......

7......

8......

9......

10.....

Dec. Day.

11.....

12.....

14.....

15.....

Dec.

12.0

11.0

8.5

Day.

16.....

17.....

18.....

19.....

20.....

Dec.

7.0

6.2

5.0

3.6

3.0

Day.

21.....

22.....

23.....

24.....

25. ....

Dec.

2.8

2.3

2.1

2.0

1.9

Day.

26.....

27.....

28.....

29.....

30.....

31.....

Dec.

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

2.0

NOTE. The flow at this station was affected by ice from December 18 to 31.

KASKASKIA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

Kaskaskia River, also called the Okaw, lies wholly in the State of 

Illinois. The river rises in the center of Champaign County, flows 

southwestward, and empties into the Mississippi in Randolph County, 

near the city of Chester, 111. It is about 190 miles in length, not following the bends, but as it is very crooked its length by course is not 

far from 400 miles. The total drainage area is 5,840 square miles. 

It has few tributaries worthy of mention, the most important being 

Shoal and Silver creeks, which enter from the north at the lower part 

of the river.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 191

The drainage basin is long and comparatively narrow, the average 

width being about 30 miles and the maximum width about 60 miles. 

The ground is low, level, or undulating, and in consequence the slope 

of the river is small. The sources of the river are about 740 feet and 

its mouth about 350 feet above sea level. The soil of the area is 

mostly black loam. In the lower portion of the drainage area the 

soil gradually changes to a yellowish brown clay. The only rock 

exposure along this stream is found about 20 miles above Shelbyville. In this 15 or 20 mile section the banks and bed are largely of 

limestone and sandstone; elsewhere the banks and bed are mostly 

soft soil with some gravel.

The basin contains no forested areas. The annual rainfall is about 

40 inches. As a rule the winters are mild.

The question of storage has not been investigated to any extent. 

Opportunities for important water-power development are entirely 

lacking.

Because of the lowness of its drainage area the basin affords little 

ground storage. During wet weather the ground-water plane rises 

to the surface, and the rains run off into the streams very quickly, 

producing very sudden rises and floods; in dry weather, as there is 

little or no ground water stored, the flow of the stream becomes very 

small and in some places dries up entirely. The banks of the river 

are low, and in times of floods large areas are covered with water, 

delaying the planting of crops and at times destroying growing 

crops. Storage, land drainage, and flood control are subjects of 

considerable importance in this basin.

KASKASKIA RIVER NEAR ARCOLA, ILL.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge known as the 

Bagdad Bridge, about 4 miles west of Arcola, 111., was established 

April 11, 1908, for the purpose of obtaining data for use in studying 

drainage, flood protection, and storage problems.

Lake Fork is tributary from the west 3 qr 4 miles above the gaging 

station. The drainage area above the station is 390 square miles.

Discharge measurements are made from the highway bridge and a 

small approach span.

The datum of the chain gage, attached to the bridge, has remained 

unchanged since the gage was installed.

The records are accurate and reliable.

The river at this point is said to go dry at times and was dry for 

about two months in 1908. The high water of May, 1908, reached a 

height of 17.3 feet on the gage.
192 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Discharge measurements of Kaskaskia River near Arcola, III., in 1908-9.

Date.

1908. 

April 29........

July 24. ........

1909. 

March 22.......

May 21. ........

Hydrographer. -

W. M. O'Neill. . ....................................

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

226

68.5

96

103

107

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

1,180

75

234

308

337

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

10.0

2.75

4.58

.5.32

.5.65

Discharge.

Sec. ft. 

1,250

44

182

248

255

Daily gage height, in feet, of Kaskaskia River near Arcola, III., for 1909. 

[L. L. Pfeifer, observer.]

Day.

1. ....... .......

2............... 

3............... 

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10. ..............

11 ...............

12...............

13...............

15...............

16...............

17. .............. 

18...............

19............... 

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26............... 

27. ..............

28. ..............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

.......

0.8

.8 

.9

.9

.1.0

1.0

Feb.

1.4 

1.4 

1.6 

2.0

3.6

5.7

6.1

6.4

6.6

6.4

6.0

6.5

6.9

7.1

7.7

8.4 

9.1

14.4

13.6 

12.2

Mar.

11.0 

10.9 

10.1

9.8

9.4

8.9

7.1

9.2

8.6

7.4

6.5

6.1

6.0

5.9

5.8 

5.8

5.7 

5.2

5.0

4.9

4.7

4.5

4.5 

4.4

4 9

4.1

4.0

Apr.

4.0 

4.0 

3.9

3.9

7.7

11.7

11.4

11.0

10.8

13.2

15.0

14.1

13.4

12.2

11.4 

11.6

11.9

12.2

12.4

11.2

10.1 

9.4

8.8

8.1

7.8

May.

7.6 ""T.'S"

7.5

7.4

7.3

7.2

7.1

9 4

10.0

9 6

8.9

8.3

7.5

6.5 

6.1

5.8 

5.7

5.3

5.2

5.3

6.1 

8.0

12.9

June.

9.8 

8.7 

8.2 

7.6

8.6

8.2

7.5

7.2

7.8

6 9

6.4

6.0

5.5

5.4 

5.2

4.9

4.8

5.0

5.6

4.9 

4.7

4.2

4.0

July.

4.8 

4.6 

4.5

5-A

7.0

8.4

9.2

7.7

10.4

14.1

15.4

15.7

13.2

10.4 

9.2

8.0

7.1

7.0

6.8

6.1

5.8

5.2

4.1

3.9

Aug.

""s.'e"

3.4 

3.4

3.2

3.1

2.9

2.6

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.1

2.1 

2.0

2.0 

1.9

1.9

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.9 

3.2

3.1

2.8

2.8

Sept.

2.7 

2.6 

2.5 

2.3

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6 

1.5

-----

1.4

1 9

2.3

2.1

1.9

1 S

1.7

Oct.

1.7 

1.6 ""i.'e"

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

2.6 

2.6

2.5

3.0

4.0

3.9 

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.7

Nov.

3.6 

3.6 

3.4 

3.2

3.1

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.9

4.6

4.9

5.9 

7.2

 7.1 

6.9

6.2

5.7

5.8

5.6

5.4 

5.2

5.1

5.0

Dec.

4.8 

4.6 

4.5 

4.2

4.1

4.1

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.7

fi 9

8.1

8.3

8.1 

8.0

" " "7." 9

7.8

7.8

7.7

7.6

7.5

7.2

7.1

7.0

6 9

NOTE. No flow from January 1 to 24. Varying ice conditions existed from December 7 to 31. 

heights are to top of ice December 22 to 31. Maximum thickness of ice 5 inches.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 193

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kaskaskia River near Arcola, III., for 1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

1.......

2.......

3.......

4.......

5.......

'6.......

7.......

8.......

9.......

10.......

11.......

12. ......

13.......

14.......

15. ......

Apr.

794

G9G

598

518

465

May.

OKA

714

690

fifiK

1,960

3,650

3,290

2,930

2,500

1,920

1,820

June.

OQQ

265

287

276

254

234

254

265

254

244

234

215

196

July.

64

58

58

84

77

70

98

84

58

53

48

43

38

Aug.

38

34

29

21

18

18

15

14

12

12

12

10

10

10

Day.

1908. 

16.......

17.......

18.......

19

20.......

21.......

22.......

23.......

24.......

25.......

26.......

27.......

28.......

29.......

30. ......

31.......

Apr.

416

358

332

qon

309

244

 372

714

952

1,190

1,260

1,070

May.

1 7an

1 4.W\

1,160

1 13ft

1,190

1,160

926

822

689

598

465

448

June.

187

178

162

154

154

i Aa

138

130

122

114

106

91

77

July.

Oft

84

84

88

91

01

ft4.

77

58

53

50

48

43

43

43

Aug.

6

6

6

5

5

4

3

3

2

2

1.5

1.0

.8

Day.

1909. 

1.......... ....

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30. ..............

31...............

Jan.

0.5

.5

.7

.7

1.0

1.0

2.5

Feb.

4

4

6

15

98

254

270

287

332

372

401

372

320

353

386

448

482

598

767

971

1,120

1,260

1,260

1,640

2,820

2,540

2,030

1,820

Mar.

1,600

1,560

1,290

1,190

1,-070

909

696

482

1,000

822

537

386

332

326

320

303

298

298

' 287

234

224

214

205

187

170

170

162

154

146

138

130

Apr.

130

130

122

122

122

598

1,850

1,740

1,600

1,530

1,460

1,390

2,390

3,040

2,720

2,460

2,030

1,880

1,740

1,820

1,920

2,030

2,100

1,670

1,480

1,290

1,070

879

689

620

May.

577

567

557

557

537

518

500

482

776

1,070

1,260

1,130

909

740

557

472

386

332

298

287

244

234

224

214

244

S32

665

2,280

1,960

1,640

1,330

June.

1,190

850

714

577

822

768

714

557

500

620

537

345

358

372

320

265

254

234

205

200

196

187

214

276

205

187

166

146

146

130

July.

196

178

170

188

206

224

465

767

1,000

1,070

834

598

1,390

2,720

3,180

3,290

2,390

1,890

1,390

1,000

665

482

465

432

382

232

298

234

170

138

122

Aug.

110

98

84

84

70

64

53

46

38

33

29

25

25

21

20

18

18

15

15

12

12

11

10

10

6

12

70

64

56

48

48

Sept.

43

38

33

25

23

20

18

15

12

10

10

9

8

8

6

6

6

5

4.5

4

4

12

25

21

18

16

15

12

10

8

Oct.

8

6

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

4

16

29

38

38

33

33

58

 94

130

122

122

114

106

106

102

Nov.

98

98

84

70

64

58

56

53

53

48

48

48

53

116

178

205

309

500

482

448

396

345

287

298

276

254

234

229

224

214

Dec.

196

178

170

146

142

138

138

122

122

114

106

165

224

345

689

740

689

665

550

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

170

150

130

100

100

NOTE. There was no flow from September 1, 1908, to January 24, 1909. Discharges for December 19 to 

31,1909, have been estimated because of ice conditions. Discharges interpolated for days of missing gage 

heights. Daily discharges were obtained from a rating well defined between 43 and 1,260 second-feet and 

based on measurements made during 1908 to 1910.

79483° WSP 265 11- -13
194 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of Kaskaskia River near Arcola, III., for 1908-9. 

[Drainage area, 390 square miles.]

Month.

1908. 

April 11-30. ...............................

July......................................

October a .................................

1909. 

January o. ................................

May......................................

July......................................

October. ................................

The year. ...........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,260 

3,870 

298 

98 

38 

0 

0 

0 

0

2.5 

2,820 

1,600 

3,040 

2,280 

1,190 

3,290 

110 

43 

130 

500 

740

3,290

Minimum.

244 

432 

77 

43 

.7 

0 

0 

0 

0

0 

4 

130 

122 

214 

130 

122 

6 

4 

4 

48

0

Mean.

618 

1,550 

191 

65.5 

10.5 

.0 

.0 

.0 

.0

.22 

758 

511 

1,420 

706 

408 

867 

39.5 

14.8 

39.5 

194 

282

437

Per 

square 

mile.

1.58 

3.97 

.490 

.168 

.027 

.00 

.00 

.00 

.00

. 00056 

1.94 

1.31 

3.64 

1.81 

1.05 

2.22 

.101 

.038 

.101 

.497 

.723

1.12

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

1.18 

4.58 

.55 

.19 

.03 

.00 

.00 

.00 

.00

.0006 

2.02 

1.51 

4.06 

2.09 

1.17 

2.56 

.12 

.04 

.12 

.55 

.83

15.08

Accuracy.

A. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

C.

D. 

B.

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

C.

a No flow from September 1, 1908, to January 24, 1909. 

KASKASKIA RIVER AT SHELBYVILLE, ILL.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge at the edge 

of Shelbyville, just above the Chicago & Eastern Illinois and Big 

Four railroad bridges and just below the pumping station of the 

City Water Company of Shelbyville, was establish^ February 25, 

1908, for the purpose of collecting data for use in studying drainage 

and flood-control problems.

No important tributaries enter the stream near Shelbyville. The 

drainage area above the gaging station is 1,030 square miles.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge to which the 

chain gage is attached.

The datum has remained unchanged since the gage was installed. 

Gage heights may be affected during high water by backwater 

caused by the lodging of drift at the two railroad bridges below the 

gaging station.

The records are accurate and reliable.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 195

Discharge measurements of Kaskaskia River at Shelbyville, III., in 1908-9.

Date.

1908.

June 10.........

July 21.........

1909.

March 17.......

May 14.........

May 15.. .......

Hydrographer.

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

W. M. O'Neill. .....................................

.... .do. .............................................

.... .do. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

147

149

113

103

105

108

110

151

124

102

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

975

1,020

1,010

713

788

852

560

QQK

892

224

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

11.53

12.2

8.7

6.3

6.85

7.32

8.00

11.48

10.76

6.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,350

2,720

1,080

218

402

572

761

2,130

1,910

a 216

a Partial ice cover; 47 per cent of the discharge was under ice.

Daily gage height, infeeet, of Kaskaskia River at Shelbyville, III., for 1909. 

[Homer Pound, observer.]

Day.

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12. ..............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29.. .............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

5.7

5.8

5.8

. 5.8

5.7

,5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

Feb.

5.7

5.8

5.8

5.9

6.1

6.2

6.6

7.0

7.1

7.3

7.5

7.9

8.2

8.6

8.8

9.0

9.7

11.0

12.1

13.2

13.5

13.6

13.7

14.2

14.3

14.3

13.9

13.3

Mar.

12.8

12.0

11.0

10.3

9.7

Q ^

9 4

9.6

9.8

9.6

9 3

9 1

9.0

8.7

8.4

8.1

8.6

7.8

7.7

7.6

7.5

7.3

7.1

7.3

7.4

7.5

7.4

7.1

7.1

7.0

6.9

Apr.

6.8

6.8

6.7

6.7

6.7

15.9

15.8

15.0

14.1

13.0

12.8

14.7

19.4

20.8

19.8

18.9

18.0

17.3

16.3

14.8

17.5

18.9

19.8

17.3

17.2

16.8

15.7

13 9

13.8

May.

10.5

10.4

10.4

10.3

9 9

9.8

9.9

13.9

13.9

13.8

13.6

11.9

11.65

11.0

10.1

9.3

8.9

8.6

8.2

7.2

7.7

7.6

7.4

7.7

9.4

11.2

11.0

11.2

12.6

14.2

June.

14.9

14.3

14.2

13.5

12.5

n

o

11.5

10.9

10.5

11 9

11.9

10 9

10.3

10.2

10.4

Q 8

10.6

9.6

8 9

7.9

7.5

7.4

7.4

7.2

7.2

7.8

7.7

7.6

7.3

7.2

July.

6.9

6.5

6.5

6.4

11.1

12.2

17.3

17.7

16.6

13.2

11.9

11.9

13.8

12.9

12.5

11.9

12.6

13.7

13.9

13.3

11.9

11.7

10.5

9.6

7.6

7.7

7.5

7.2

6.9

6.8

6.7

Aug.

6.6

6.4

6.3

6.2

6.0

5.9

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.6

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.4

5.4

5.5

Sept.

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.6

5.6

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

Oct.

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.2

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

5.6

5.7

5.7

5.6

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.9

Nov.

5.9

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.6

5.8

5.8

5 9

5.9

6.9

6.8

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.8

8.4

8.3

8.2

8.1

7.7

7.5

7.3

7.1

6.9

Dec.

6.8

6.7

6.7

6.6

6.6

6.5

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.5

6.9

7.6

8.7

9.7

9.9

9.8

9.6

8.9

9.2

9.1

8.9

8.8

8.7

8.2

8.1

7.9

7.9

7.6

7.6

7.6

NOTE. Ice conditions existed January 1 to February 11, and December 7 to 31.
196 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY,, 1909,, PAET V.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kaskaskia River at Shelbyville, III., for 1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

1...............

2...............

3...............

4.. .............

5...............

6...............

7..... ..........

8...............

9 ..............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17.. .............

18...............

19..... ..........

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24.. ............

25 ..............

26...............

27 ..............

28...............

29...............

30 ..............

31 ..............

1909. 

1...............

2 ..............

3...............

4 ..............

5...............

6 ..............

7 ..............

8 ..............

9 ..............

10...............

11. ....... . ......

12 ..............

13...............

14...............

15 ..............

16 ..............

17 . ............

18 ..............

19 ..............

20. ..............

21 ..............

22. ..............

23...............

24.. ............

25...............

26 ..............

27...............

28. ..............

29...............

30 ..............

31 ...............

Jan.

34

34

S4

34

34

30

30

25

25

25

20

20

20

25

25

25

25

30

S4

45

58

73

90

90

90

73

73

73

50

40

Feb.

3,760

4,990

5,330

5,100

4,370

40

on

on

109

160

460

AQA

562

630

774

882

1,030

1,110

1,190

1,490

2,100

2,650

3,210

3,380

3,430

3,480

3,760

3,820

3,820

3,260

Mar.

4,260

4,480

4,990

4,760

4,540

4,420

4,650

4,870

5,100

5.330

5,220

4,650

4,090

3,7fO

3,430

3,lfiO

2,550

1,630

1,680

1,490

1,450

1,400

1,360

1,310

1,190

1,070

994

1,150

1, 150

1,070

3,000

2,600

1,770

1,490

1,310

1,450

1.540

1,440

1,310

1,230

1,190

1,070

846

738

666

562

494

562

596

630

494

494

460

426

Apr.

2,400

3,000

2,500

2,300

1,580

1,450

1,400

2,350

2, 450

2,500

2, 350

2, 250

2,150

2,100

1,680

1,150

1,070

1,030

956

918.

1,680

1,910

2,200

2,500

2,700

2,800

2,550

392

392

OKQ

358

358

4,650

4,200

3 7OO

3 ^ inn

3,000

6 740

7^580

6 980

5,910

4,930

4,090

5,620

5,450

5,220

4,590

3,600

3,540

May.

2,500

2,300

1,810

7,820

8,780

8,480

8,720

10,600

9,260

7,820

7,220

6,800

6,480

5,850

5,330

4,990

4,700

4,140

3,480

3,000

3,480

3,160

2,900

2,600

2,350

2,250

1,630

1,540

1,360

1,190

1,860

1,810

1,810

1,770

1,580

1,580

3,600

3,540

3,430

2,420

1,680

1,310

1,150

1,030

882

702

666

702

1,360

2 9nft

3,760

June.

1,030

956

918

1,110

956

846

738

66J3

810

956

918

774

666

630

562

460

426

358

 324

392

358

358

324

290

290

256

224

160

192

224

4,140

3,820

3,720

3,380

2,850

2,550

2,350

2,050

2,550

2,550

2,050

1,770

1,720

1,810

1,540

1, 910

1,450

1,150

774

630

596

596

528

528

738

666

528

July.

256

224

256

224

224

256

358

392

426

324

290

290

224

192

130

130

109

90

160

160

160

130

130

109

90

90

73

73

58

73

90

426

290

290

256

2,150

2,700

5,500

5,740

5,100

3,210

2,550

2,550

3,540

3, 050

2,850

2,550

2,900

3,480

3,600

3,260

2,550

2,450

1,860

1,450

666

702

630

528

426

392

358

Aug.

90

73

73

58

58

45

45

45

58

73

73

58

73

58

58

45

45

45

34

34

34

25

25

25

25

25

25

18

18

25

25

358

324

256

224

192

130

109

90

90

90

90

73

73

58

45

34

34

25

25

25

25

18

13

13

13

25

18

18

34

34

45

Sept.

34

25

25

18

18

18

18

18

13

13

10

10

10

10

10

10

13

13

13

13

13

10

10

10

10

10

10

13

18

25

34

34

34

34

25

25

18

18

25

25

25

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

58

58

34

25

25

25

25

Oct.

25

18

18

18

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

8

8

8

10

10

10

8

8

8

18

18

18

18

18

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

13

25

58

73

73

58

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

130

109

Nov.

8

10

10

13

13

18

18

18

18

-18

18

18

18

18

18

25

25

25

25

25

25

34

34

45

45

58

58

45

45

45

109

90

90

73

73

73

90

90

73

73

58

90

90

109

109

426

392

666

666

666

738

956

918

882

846

702

630

562

494

426

Dec.

34

34

34

25

25

25

25

25

25

34

34

34

34

34

34

34

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

18

18

18

25

25

34

34

392

358

358

324

324

290

250

230

216

200

200

426

666

1,070

1,490

1,580

1,540

1,450

1,150

1,000

850

700

600

520

470

400

350

300

250

220

200

NOTE. These daily discharges for 1908 and 1909 were obtained from a rating well defined between 224 

and 2,700 second-feet, and based on measurements made during 1908 to 1910. The following periods in 

1909 were estimated because of ice conditions: January 6 to 18; January 29 to February 1; December 7, 8, 

10,11, and December 20 to 31.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI EIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 197

Monthly discharge of Kaskaskia River at Shelbyville, III., for 1908-9. 

[Drainage area, 1,030 square miles.]

Month.

1908.

April...................................

May....................................

July. ......................... ..........

1909.

April...................................

July....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

5,330 

5,330 

3,000 

10, 600 

1,110 

426 

90 

34 

25 

58 

34

90 

3,820 

3,000 

7,580 

3,760 

4,140 

5,740 

358 

58 

130 

956 

1,580

7,580

Minimum.

3,760 

994 

918 

1,190 

160 

58 

18 

10 

8 

8 

 18

426 

358 

528 

528 

256 

13 

18 

13 

58

Mean.

4,710 

3,010 

1,920 

4,730 

572 

187 

45.5 

14.7 

11.8 

26.4 

27.8

43.4 

1,650 

1,090 

4,240 

1,940 

1,740 

2,190 

83.9 

25.4 

54.3 

375 

593

1.240

Per 

square 

mile.

4.57 

2.92 

1.86 

4.59 

.555 

.182 

.044 

.014 

.011 

.026 

.027

.042 

1.60 

1.06 

4.12 

1.88 

1.69 

2.13 

.081 

.025 

.053 

.364 

.576

1.14

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

0.85 

3.37 

2.08 

5.29 

.62 

.21 

.05 

.02 

.01 

.03 

.03

.05 

1.67 

1.22 

4.60 

2.17 

1.89 

2.46 

.09 

.03 

.06 

.41 

.66

15.31

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

C.

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

C.

KASKASKIA RIVER AT VANDALIA, ILL.

This station, which is located at the highway bridge at the east 

end of Main Street, Vandalia, 111., was established February 26, 1908, 

to obtain data for use in studying drainage questions, flood protection, and levee construction.

No important tributaries enter the river near Vandalia. The 

drainage area above this point is 1,980 square miles.

Knowledge of winter conditions is as yet incomplete. The river 

for some miles above and below Vandalia is leveed along the left bank. 

It is claimed that these levees, by confining the floods, have caused 

floods of unusua height on the right side of the river, and a number 

of lawsuits have been instituted to recover damages to property on 

the right bank. During extreme floods these levees sometimes give 

way, thus reducing the flood flow; all the water, however, eventually 

passes the gaging section.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge to which the 

gage is attached.

The datum has remained unchanged since the gage was installed.

The records are reliable and accurate.
198 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Discharge measurements of Kaskaskia River at Vandalia, III., in 1908-9.

Date.

1908.

March 19. ......

March 20.......

April 30........

July 6. .........

1909. 

February 20....

March 16. ......

March 24.......

May 13. ........

May 22. ........

Hydrographer.

.....do..............................................

.... .do ..............................................

.....do..............................................

.....do... ...........................................

W. M. O'Neill. .....................................

.....do..................................... .........

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

155

128

128

151

112

106

156

132

121

151

123

124

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

2,350

1,510

1,430

1,890

713

563

2,440

1,150

908

2,100

1,030

1,080

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

18.53

10.1

9.6

12.9

3.6

2.3.

15.78

7.26

5.33

13. 86

6.41

7.15

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

6,870

2,400

2,130

3,600

287

84

5, 330

1,340

702

4,100

1,030

1,440

Daily gage height, in feet, of Kaskaskia River at Vandalia, III., for 1909. 

[W. F. Radclifl, 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.

1.7 

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6 

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.85

2.35

2.95

3.0

3.0 

2.8 

2.65

2.55

2.5

2.45

3.8

4.75

Feb.

3.8 

2.7

2.75

2.8

6.35 

8.4

5.85

5.6

8.9

8.55

6.1

4.8 

6.C

12.75

* 7 QP\

7.6

11.3

16.8

16 9

16.75 

16.95 

17.2

16.85

14.3

Mar.

12.85

10.05

9.35

9 fl

8.5 

7.9

7.55

16.75

17.1

9.75

7.75

7.3

f\ Q

6.5

6.2

5.75

5.45 

5.35 

6.6

5.75

5.5

5.3

Apr.

 

4.9

4 T\

4.6

4 ^

10.35 

17.7

20.3

18.8

17.4

16.5

18.3

19 7

18.6

18.25

17.5

17.4

17 7^

18.45 

18.0 

17.6

16.8

16.55

16.2

14.25

May.

12.15

10.1

9.65

Q 3

9.0

8.1

14.85

16.55

15.25

13.75 

13.7

10.8

9

nc

7.95

7 ^

6.8

6.05 

5.9 

6.15

8 A

8.9

Q 1

9.6

11 9

June.

13.2 

13.1

13. 65

14.1

14.8

14.9 '

11.05

9.8

9.5

11.35

12.85

9.05

1 9 7P\

12.8

6.2

5.7 

5.6 

5.25

C A

5.6

5.3

5.6

July.

5.8 

5.0

4.6

4.3

4.1

6.2 

10.6

14.0

15.6

16.4

17.0

17.6

17.9 

18.4

17.0

i c 7

13.85

12.75

12.4

11.25

9 9 

8.65 

8.1

6.8

6.5

5.9

5.6

5.85

7.2

Aug.

6.85 

5.2

4.65

4.3

3.85 

3.65

3.45

3.15

3.0

2.9

2.85

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.2 

2.15 

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.0

1 9

1.9

1 Q

Sept.

1.9 

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 9

1.9 

1.9

1.9

2.65

4.0

2.8

2.5

2.3 

2.15

2

n

1.9

i n

1.8

1.8

2.3

3.85

4.2 

3.3 

2.65

2.15

2.05

1.9

1.8

1.7

Oct.

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6 

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5

1.7

1.7

1.7

2.6

^ 7^

3.6

3.8 

4.25 

4.05

3.35

3.0

3.0

2.9

9 Q

Nov.

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.7

2 7

2.65 

2.6

4.5

3.85

3.6

3.35

4 9

9.7 

8.1

5 A

6.5

U CE

9.25

7.6

6.7

7.8

10.65 

11.15 

9.9

7 9

6.0

5.5

5.15

Dee.

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.4 

4.3

4.2

4.15

4.1

4.4

5.7

10.3 

11.6

9.9

8.8

8.65

8.4

7.9

"5.'5"

5 A

NOTE. Ice conditions existed from December 8 to 31. Gage was read to top of ice on December 25 and 

31. Maximum thickness of ice was 9 inches on December 31.
UPPEE MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 199

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kaskaskia River at Vandalia, III., for 1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

1...............

2. ...... ........

3...............

4...............

6...............

7...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14. ..............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23. ..............

24...............

25. ..............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

1909. 

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6. ...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18................

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24. ..............

25..............

26. ..............

27...............

28. ..............

29. ..............

30. ..............

Jan.

35

42

42

35

35

35

35

35

29

29

29

29

29

29

29

35

35

46

94

172

ISO

180

149

128

116

110

104

340

563

Feb.

6,320

6,870

7,020

6,620

340

135

142

149

122

999

1,710

858

788

1,910

1,770

928

575.

1,070

3,850

3,580

1,540

1,410

2,910

4,900

5, 520

5,570

5,500

5,600

5,720

5,540

5, 070

4,290

Mar.

6,220

6,120

6,020

5,920

5,720

5,820

6,020

5,820

6,120

6,520

6, 570

6,320

5,970

5,620

5.270

4,440

3,550

2,910

2,350

2,190

2,030

1,870

1,830

1 830

1,790

1,640

1,480

1,410

1,340

1,270

1.230

3,620

3,020

2,090

1,950

1,750

1,520

1,390

4,170

5,500

5,670

3,940

2,250

1,690

1,460

1,300

1,170

1,040

956

900

872

830

746

718

1,070

1,280

1,070

830

760

705

664

Apr.

1,640

3,230

3,780

3,320

2 560

2,520

2,480

3,410

4,630

4,920

4,250

3,320

2,600

2,270

2,110

1,950

1,640

1,560

1,640

1,670

1,450

1,170

1,040

4,680

5,220

5,270

5,220

4,820

3,690

600

 563

527

503

479

2,500

5,970

7,270

6,520

5,820

5,370

4,870

6,270

7,570

6,970

6,420

6,240

6,040

5,870

5,820

6,000

6,300

6,340

6,120

5,920

5,740

5,520

5,400

5,220

4,270

May.

3,090

2,780

2,600

4, 100 

5,670

7,720

7,370

7,520

7,070

6,720

6,370

6,170

6,170

5,970

5,770

5,670

5,620

5,520

5,370

5,120

4,630

4,580

5,420

5,520

5,070

4,340

3,280

2,600

2,190

1,950

1,710

3,300

2,780

2,390

2,210

2,070

1,950

1,730

1,600

2,930

4,560

5,400

4,750

4,040

4,010

3,390

2,690

2,210

1,810

1,540

1,320

1,140

1,030

914

872

942

1,790

1,850

1,910

1,990

2,190

3,180

June.

1,200

1,070

1,070

1,140

1,010

788

844

984

QOO

928

844

678

678

527

503

ETC

1,070

788

625

431

408

385

318

276

479

3,740

4,200

4,530

4,580

2,800

2,270

2,150

2,930

2,350

3,620

4,390

3,090

1,970

3,580

4,700

3, 600

1,450

1,120

956

816

788

692

732

858

788

705

788

July.

385

340

362

340

296

296

97ft

296

479

455

385

318

276

236

216

216

256

340

296

296

296

340

216

180

164

149

135

135

122

122

99

844

625

527

455

408

956

2,600

4,150

4,920

5,320

5,620

5,920

6,070

6,320

6,220

5,620

4,970

4,080

3,580

3,410

3,320

2,890

2,310

1,810

1,600

1,140

1,040

872

788

858

1,270

Aug.

99

88

78

59

50

59

68

78

42

42

35

29

42

59

59

78

99

122

88

78

59

50

42

35

29

29

24

24

24

29

35

1,150

678

539

455

396

351

307

266

246

207

180

164

156

142

135

122

122

110

110

99

88

78

78

73

68

68

59

59

50

50

50

Sept.

59

50

35

29

24

24

24

19

19

24

24

19

19

24

24

24

24

19

19

24

12

12

19

19

15

15

19

19

24

24

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

128

388

149

110

88

73

59

50

50

42

42

88

246

351

431

236

128

73

64

50

42

35

Oct.

24

24

29

29

29

24

24

19

18

17

16

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

35

35

35

35

35

29

29

29

29

26

24

24

24

24

29

35

35

35

122

408

329

296

340

443

396

172

207

180

180

164

164

Nov.

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

12

12

12

15

15

15

15

15

15

19

24

24

29

29

29

29

29

29

35

35

42

42

42

164

149

149

135

135

128

122

503

351

296

246

600

2,230

1,600

732

1,040

3,020

2,050

1,410

1,100

942

1,480

2,630

2,850

2,310

1,520

1,150

900

760

664

Dec.

42

35

35

29

9Q

29

29

35

42

42

42

42

42

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

35

29

29

29

29

29

29

24

24

24

24

600

575

575

551

539

479

455

400

380

360

479

816

2,480

3,050

2,310

1,970

1,870

1,810

1,710

1,520

1,200

1,200

1,000

800

500

500

500

400

400

400

400

NOTE. Daily discharges for 1908 to 1909 were obtained from a rating well defined between 88 and 4,150 

second-feet and based on measurements of 1908 to 1910. Discharge estimated for December 8 to 10 and 

21 to 31,1909, because of ice conditions.
200 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of Kaskaskia River at Vandalia, III., for 1908-9. 

[Drainage area, 1,980 square miles.]

Month.

March......

April.......

May........

June.......

July........

August.....

September. 

October....

November. 

December..

1908.

January....

February.. 

March......

April.......

May........

June.......

July........

August......

September. 

October....

November. 

December..

1909.

The year.

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

6,570

5,270

7,720

1,340

479

122

59

29

42

42

563

5,720

5,670

7,570

5,400

4,700

6,320

1, 150

431

443

3,020

3,050

7,570

Minimum.

1,230

1,040

1,710

276

99

24

12

15

15

24

29

122

664

479

872

692

408

50

35

24

122

Mean.

3,970

3,010

4.960 '780

268 

55.1

23.5

17.8

22.3

33.0

104

2,590

1,850

4,970

2,400

2,520

2,920

215

111

127

1,050

975

1,650

Per 

square 

mile.

2.01

1.52

2.51

.394

.135

.028

.012

.009

.011

.017

.052

1.31

.934

2.51

1.21

1.27

1.47

.109

.056

.064

.530

.492

.834

Run-off

(depth in

inches on 

drainage 

area).

2.32

1.79

2.89

.44

.16

.03

.01

.01

.01

.02

.06

1.36

1.08

2.80

1.40

1.42

1.70

.13

.06

.07

.60

.57

11.25

Accuracy.

B. B.-

B.

A.

A.

B.

C.

C.

c.

B.

B.

A.

A.

B.

A.

A.

A.

B.

B.

B.

A.

C.

KASKASKIA RIVER AT CARLYLE, ILL.

This station, which is located at the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railroad bridge about one-fourth mile east of the railroad 

station at Carlyle, 111., was established March 2, 1908, for the purpose 

of obtaining data for use in studying drainage, flood control, and 

water supply problems.

The river receives no important tributaries for 10 miles above and 

below this station. Shoal Creek comes in on the right bank about 

15 miles below the station. The drainage area above the gaging 

station is 2,680 square miles.

The intake of the water supply, system of Carlyle is above the 

gaging station. The dam is about 700 feet above the section and is 

about 3J feet high. The average amount of water pumped is about 

3,500,000 gallons every 30 days, and during June, July, and August 

the quantity is about 4,500,000 gallons every 30 days. The outfalls 

of one section of the city sewerage system and some private sewers 

are above the gaging station, so the diversion is small.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge to which the 

chain gage is attached.

The datum has remained unchanged since the gage was installed.

The records are accurate and reliable.

The flood of 1882, which is the highest known, is said to have 

reached a height of 1^ feet higher than the flood of 1908, or about
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 201

32^ feet on the present gage. The stream never goes dry at this 

point. It has been noticed during periods of low water that the 

water is hard, a fact that indicates that the flow is maintained by 

springs.

Discharge measurements of Kaskaskia River at Cartyle, III., in 1908-9.

Date.

1908.

Julys..........

October 22......

1909.

March 25.......

May?.... ......

October 28......

Hydrographer.

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.... .do. .............................................

W. M. O'Neill. .....................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.... .do. .............................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.... .do. .............................................

Width.

Feet. 

196

512

124

514

531

149

177

129

228

229

142

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. i, no

3,770

239

4,480

773

1,540

276

2,080

2,120

595

520

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

16.7

21.35

8.1

7.1

5.6

5.6

90 7A

10.86

15.36

7.32

17.77

17.84

9.63

9 11

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

5,360

426

a 62

a 32

4,710

7,110

1,260

395

3,870

3,880

939

801

« Discharge partly estimated.

Daily gage height, infect, of Kaskaskia River at Carlyle, III., for 1909. 

[Michael Schilling, 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

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.9

5.9

5.9

6.1

6.1

6.3

6.6

6.6

6.7

6.8

Feb.

7.0

7.2

7.5

7.5

7.5

8.7

9.1

9.4

10.4

10.7

11.1

12.1

12.3

12.7

13.4

14.5

14.7

15.1

16.9

19.0

19.4

19 8

20.4

20.7

21.2

21.4

21.9

21.9

Mar.

21.4

21.3

20.9

20.7

20.2

19.9

19.9

20.4

20.8

21.2

21.9

22.9

22.9

19.9

18.0

13.2

12.5

12.0

11.9

11.8

11.8

11.5

11.2

11.2

11.2

11.3

11.3

11.0

10.7

10.6

10.2

Apr.

9.9

9.2

9.2

9.4

9.4

9.9

12.8

17.2

18.5

19.3

19.8

20.0

23.2

24.3

25.0

25.3

25.4

25.4

25.0

24.2

24.1

24.1

24.1

24.1

24.1

24.0

24.0

23.8

23.6

23.0

May.

22.2

22.1

22.0

21.5

21.2

21.0

15.5

13.8

14.6

16.8

18.4

19.0

19.6

20.0

20.4

20.6

20.9

20.9

18.6

15.0

12.7

11.8

11.0

10.6 ao.2

11.0

12.3

13.2

13.3

13.6

13.9

June.

15.3

17.2

17.6

18.7

19.3

19.5

19.8

19.9

19.8

18.6

16.2

15.6

16.0

16.5

17.4

17.8

16.6

15.5

17.3

17.8

16.6

12.6

10.8

10.0

9.8

9.4

9.5

9.8

10.0

9.9

July.

9.7

9.3

8.8

8.6

8.1

8.5

12.0

15.0

17.0

18.0

18.6

19.1

19.7

20.1

20.6

21.0

21.3

21.6

21.9

22.0

22.0

21.8

21.4

20.6

18.6

15.0

12.7

11,5

10.5

9.9

9.6

Aug.

10.3

11.8

10.3

8.9

8.4

8.1

7.8

7.5

7.4

7.3

7.1

7.0

6.9

6.8

6.75

6.6

6.5

6.4

6.35

6.3

6.2

6.15

6.1

6.1

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.95

5.9

5.85

5.75

Sept.

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.7

10.3

8.8

7.1

6.4

6.1

6.4

6.6

6.4

6.0

5.8

5.85

5.9

8.0

8.9

8.0

7.2

6.4

6.1

6.0

5.9

Oct.

5.85

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.65

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.9

6.1

7.4

9.6

9.4

8.9

8.3

8.4

8.4

8.3

7.7

7.2

6.9

6.7

6.6

Nov.

6.6

6.5

6.45

6.45

6.5

6,55

7.6

6.95

10.0

10.95

8.9

8.5

9.8

12.2

16.2

14.1

15.45

17.7

18.0

14.65

12.0

11.65

14.9

18.4

19.1

19.0

16.25

13.6

11.2

10.5

Dec.

10.0

9.65

9.3

9.05

8.9

8.75

8.8

8.8

8.65

7.95

8.75

13.5

18.6

18.95

19.7

20.1

19.6

17.45

14.85

14.45

13.7

13.05

12.7

12.7

12.6

11.9

10.85

10.7

9.95

9.65

9.65

NOTE. Ice conditions existed from December 8 to 31. The gage was read to top of the ice from December 

25 to 31. The ice was 7J inches thick on December 30 and gage reading to water surface was 8.9 feet.
202 SURFACE, WATER SUPPLY,, 1909, PART V.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kaskaslda River at Carlyle, III., for 1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...........---.

8.. .--....-.----

9...............

10. .-.-.-.-.-....

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18. ..............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

"25...............

26...............

27...............

9g

29...............

30. ..............

31...............

1909. 

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7. ..............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

IS...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...--.-.-......

28. ..............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

,

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

59

86

86

86

116

116

1 4S

202

220

240

Feb.

280

394

OQ4

OQ4

692

074

1,140

1,330

1,600

1,650

1,770

1,970

2

QAA

2

QCfl

Q ftKft

3,800

3 Q7ft

4 160

4,510

4,750

5,360

5 660

6,420

Mar.

9,150

9 finfi

8,240

7 Q4fi

7,790

7,790

9,000

8,550

8,090

7,180

5,960

2

QCfl

1,880

1,740

1,650

1,790

1,820

5,660

5,510

A Q7fl

4 380

4,220

4,510

4,850

5,360

6,420

7 940

7 940

4 220

1,910

1,710

1,570

1,520

1.520

1 440

1,350

1, 350

1,350

1 Qflfi

1 °.sfi

1 Qfifi

1 220

Apr.

3 9Qfi

3,570

3,430

3,800

4,750

5,810

5,810

.5,510

4,580

3,110

2 390

1,790

1,650

2,570

3,470

4,220

5,360

6,110

6,570

1 nnft

099

000

874

1 fififi

3,150

4 160

4 97ft

S OQfl

11,100

11,600

11,700

11,700

11,100

9 Q1fi

9 760

9 7fifi

9 7fifi

9

7fJA

9,610

9,610

9,000

8,090

May.

6,870

6,72fl

5,510

6,270

11,000

17,400

19,900

18,700

16,900

13,100

11,900

11 000

10 200

9,610

9 000

8,550

8,090

7,630

7 940

7,630

7 ^3fi

6,870

6,570

6,270

4 660

6,870

6,570

5,810

5,360

5,090

2 080

3 fi9fi

3,570

S OfJfl

A Oftfi

4,510

4,660

4 Q7fi

2,450

1 Qflrt

1,190

1,080

1 °.fifi

1,650

1,910

1 QJ.fi

2,120

June.

3,840

2,640

1,710

1,540

1,460

1,490

1,350

1,330

1,540

1,300

1,190

1,190

1.160

978

952

796

1,110

666

640

590

2,540

0 CQfl

3,930

4,020

3,650

2 640

2 760

2 Q9ft

3 990

3

ocn

3,180

9 Q^ft

978

nof\

9

70

1,030

1,000

July.

515

565

565

540

515

540

540

515

515

442

640

565

515

515

466

418

442

490

466

565

540

666

590

640

874

565

515

418

952

CMC

718

666

640

1,570

3 080

3,430

3,650

3 840

4,110

4,330

4 660

5,090

5,960

6,420

6,570

5,660

3,650

1,770

1 440

1,000

926

Aug.

394

346

240

220

302

302

324

260

220

220

184

202

202

184

184

184

166

166

166

148

116

100

100

86

86

86

86

116

184

184

1,110

1,520

1,110

744

615

466

346

280

260

240

9qn

202

1S4

166

157

148

1 39

116

116

100

100

100

93

86

79

66

Sept.

116

100

100

86

72

72

86

86

72

86

59

59

59

59

59

47

59

59

47

59

47

59

47

47

47

47

47

47

66

66

66

CQ

59

59

59

59

CQ

1,110

71 Q

166

116

166

166

100

72

7Q

86

744

515

324

166

116

100

86

Oct..

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47 * 47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

79

59

59

KQ

53

47

47

47

41

41

OK

35

00

00

00

Sfi

116

0.70

074

615

615

590

442

260

220

202

Nov.

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

202

1S4

175

175

1S4

193

418

1 030

1 9QO

744

640 070

1,630

2 con

2 1S.fi

3,430

2,340

1,570

1,480

2,420

3,570

3,840

2

040

1,350

1,160

Dec.

47

47

CA

ftfi

86

86

86

86

59

CQ

59

en

59

CQ

59

59

CQ

59

59

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

47

1,030

939

848

7QQ

7ii

705

718

600

600

800

705

2 fififi

3 7S.fi

4,110

4 330

4 fififi

2,400

2 flAft

1,860

1,450

1,300

1 900 MOO

950

800

700

700

NOTE. Daily discharges for 1908 to 1909 were obtained from a rating well denned between 280 and 7,030 

second-feet, and based on measurements made during 1908 to 1910. Discharges for December 8 to 10 and 

23 to 31,1909, have been estimated because of ice conditions.
TIPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 203

Monthly discharge of Kaslaslia River at Cartyle, III., for 1908-9. 

[Drainage area, 2,680 square miles.]

Month.

1908. 

March 2-31. . .............................

April...................................

July....................................

1909.

April...................................

May....................................

July....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

9,150 

6,870 

19, 900 

3,840 

874 

394 

116 

47 

47 

86

240 

6,420 

7,940 

11,700 

6,870 

4,220 

6,570 

1,520 

1,110 

926 

3,840 

4,330

Minimum.

1,650 

1,650 

4,660 

590 

418 

86 

47 

47 

47 

47

47 

280 

1,080 

822 

1,080 

874 

540 

66 

59 

23 

175

Mean.

5,950 

3,950 

9, 550 

1,230 

570 

195 

64.9 

47.0 

47.0 

59.6

84.2 

2,500 

3,260 

6,880 

3,390 

2,640 

3,250 

339 

215 

248 

1,630 

1,670

2,180

Per 

square 

mile.

2.22 

1.47 

3.56 

.459 

.213 

.073 

.024 

.018 

.018 

.022

.031 

.933 

1.22 

2.57 

1.27 

.985 

1.21 

.127 

.080 

.093 

.608 

.623

.812

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

2.48 

1.64 

4.10 

.51 

.25 

.08 

.03 

.02 

.02 

.03

.04 

.97 

1.41 

2.87 

1.46 

1.10 

1.40 

1.15 

.09 

.11 

.68 

.72

11.00

Accuracy.

B.

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

B. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

A. 

A. 

A. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

C.

KASKASKIA RIVER AT NEW ATHENS, ILL.

This station, which is located at the Illinois Central Railroad 

bridge about 600 feet north of the Illinois Central Railroad station 

at New Athens, 111., and about 600 feet upstream from the highway 

bridge, was established November 1, 1909, for the purpose of obtaining data for use in studying problems of drainage, flood control, and 

navigation.

Silver Creek enters on the right bank about 1 mile above and 

Lively Creek on the left bank about 3 miles below the gaging station. 

The total drainage area above the gaging station is 5,220 square 

miles.

Discharge measurements are made from the railroad bridge and 

the trestle approaches at each end.

The datum of the chain gage attached to the railroad bridge has 

remained unchanged since the gage was installed. The records are 

accurate and reliable. The stream is fed by springs and never goes 

dry at this point. The flood of the fall of 1898 reached a height of 

about 34.5 feet on the present gage datum.

A record of river height at this point from January 23, 1907, to 

October 28, 1909, inclusive, was kept for the New Athens Journal 

by C. J. Von Roth Roffy. The river height was taken on Wednesday 

and Thursday mornings of each week, the river height for Thursday
204 SUEFACE WATEB SUPPLY, 1909, PAET V.

being published each Friday with the change in twenty-four hours, 

as obtained from the river height of Wednesday. This record of 

stage was kept by the Journal mainly for the information of farmers 

who lived on the west side of the river and who are cut off from 

reaching New Athens via the highway bridge when the river reaches 

a stage of about 30 feet. The record is authentic. These gage 

heights have been carefully reduced to the datum of the present gage. 

The maximum error is probably not over 0.4 foot; the lower the 

stage the greater the error.

Discharge measurements of KasTcasTda River at New Athens, III., in 1909.

Date. Hydrographer.

.....do................... ..........................

.....do...................... .......................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

174

239

250

218

213

208

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

610

3,600

l;820

1 490

Oage 

height.

Feet. 

4.13

16.59

18.02

9 80

8.54

7.40

Dis

charge.

Sec.-ft. 

101

7 A9ft

2, 470

1,920

i inn

Daily gage height, in feet, of Kaskaskia River at New Athens, III., for 1907-1909. 

' [C. J. Van Roth Rossy, observer for New Athens Journal.]

Day.

1907. 

1...............

2.. .............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7.-.....----....

8...............

9...............

10. ..............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14............... 

15...............

16.--...-........

17.-.....-....-..

IS.... ...........

19...............

20............... 

21...............

22.... ...........

23......... ......

24...............

25...............

26.. .............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

24.4

24.3

24.4

19.0

Feb.

18.0

17.7

6.3

5.7

7 9

7.6

2.1

9.1

Mar.

11.7

10.1

15.5

19.6

22.2

21.3

17.9

17.fi

Apr.

9.7

9.1

7 9

7.1

in *3

11.6

May.

15.5

17.5

ii.i

12.1

14.T

17.5

14.1

15.1

10.2

8 9

June.

19.1

19.7

21.5

22.4

22.8

21.2

10.1

11.1

July.

7.6

6.6

-------

7.6

7.9

15.6

15.6

Aug.

13.6

7.4

8.7

17.0 

16.0

12.7

. 15.6

13.5

10.8

Sept.

6.6

5.6

5.4

.......

4 4

4 -\

Oct.

4.0

4 0

9.8

<; 7

4.4

4.2

3.9

3.8

4.3

4.4

"Nov.

6.8

6.4

4.4

4.3

5.8 

4.9

5.4

5.2

Dec.

4.6

------

5.1

5.3

6.6

7.7

15.2

16.7
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 205 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Kaskaskia River at New Athens, III., for 1907-1909 Con.

Day.

1908. 

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...............

2';........... ...

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

1909. 

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.

16.2

13.6

10.8

17.1

10 9

10.5

8.0

7.6

3.9

3 9

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

5.8

5

O

Feb.

10.5

16.5

1Q ft

23.9

24.7

24.3

7.6

7.2

18.0

18.5

21.5

22.2

Mar.

24.3

24.2

22.6

22.2

17.1

14.1

21.8

21.2

22.6

23.6

22.7

22.0

9.6

11.3

9.8

Apr.

14.1

14.1

16.5

18,8

20.1

19.3

12.8

11.8

21.1

23.1

9

1

10.6

14.8

22.1

23.2

26.6

26.5

25.1

24.3

May.

24.5

27.3

32.2

24.5

23.8

23.9

23.4

2JL3

20.7

17.4

16.5

9.2

10.1

June.

14.7

15.1

17.5

17.3

ii. 5

17.2

-

14.7

15.1

18.2

18.8

10.3

July.

14.8

14.1

14.4

13.5

10.3

9.4

8.7

8.8

12.1

10.8

n.s

20.9

21.2

18.7

18.0

14.5

11.3

Aug.

5.4

5.4

5.6

6.3

4.7

4.6

4.1

4.0

9.7

9.7

5.5

5.4

4.7

4.6

4.0

3 9

Sept.

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.6

3.6

5.3

4.8

4.6

5.5

4.8

4.4

Oct.

3.5

3.5

3.5

^.3

Q Q

3.3

3.3

3.5

3.4

3.1

3.1

8.5

10.1

7.4

6 9

Nov.

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

4.2

4.05

4.0

3.95

3.9

4.05

5/2

6.8

8.7

W o

10.3

11.25

12.5

14.45

16.05

17.15

17.4

17.7

18.0

18.2

16.6

14.9

15.2

15.8

16.2

16.0

14.9

12.6

10. 05

Dec.

5.4

4.9

3.9

3.8

3.6

3.5

s 4

3.5

8.0

7.9

7.45

7.1

6.8

6.85

7.1

7.4

7.5

7.35

6.85

9.3

14.1

15.95

17.3

18.05

18.4

18.1

17.3

15.45

12.2

9.95

9.4

8.5

8.1

8.6

8.45

8 3

8.3

8.0

7.7

NOTE. Ice conditions existed from December 8 to 31,1909, the river being entirely frozen over on December 30 and 31. The gage was read to the top of the ice on December 31.
206 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY,, 1909, PART V. 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, ofKaskaskia River at New Athens, III., for 1907-1909.

Day.

1907.a 

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...............

1908.<t 

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.

.......

.......

23,700

24, 100 

9,120

6,620

4,790

4,190

3,190

7,340 

8,13C

3,240 

3,020

1,700

1,510

Feb.

8,130

7,860

974 

770

1,650 

1,510

120 

2,260

-------

3,020 

6,860

10,300

9,820

.......

22,300 

25,100

24, 100 

23,700

Mar.

3,680 

2,800

6,070 

9,820

16,500 

13,400

8,040 

7,770

23,700 

23,400

.......

17,900 

16,500

7,340 

5,090

-------

Apr.

2,580

2,260

.......

1,650

1,470 

1,290

-------

2,920

3,630

5,090 

5,090

8,910

10,500 

9,460

4,310 

3,740

12, 700

19,600

May.

6,070

7,680

"3,"366" 

3,900

5,090

7,680

.......

5,090

5,790

2,860

24,400

34,100

54,400

51,000

24,"466"

22,000

22,400 

20, 600

June.

9,230

9,940

14,100

17,200

18,600

13,000

2,800

5,510 

5,790

7,520

7,680 

7,430

July.

.......

1,510

1,090

1,510

1,650

4,790

6,150

6,150

5,580

5,090

5,300 

4,730

2,920 

2,420

2,100

3,900

3, 190

Aug.

4,790

1,420 

2,050

7,260 

6,470

4,250

6,150

4,730

3,190

682 

682

738 

974

.......

516 

494

396

378

Sept.

1,090

1,010

.......

738 

682

.......

454 

454

344 

344

344 

328

312 

312

296

Oct.

378 

.. 378

-------

2,640

 770

454 

414

-------

3CO 

344

434 

454

296

296 

296

264 

264

264 

264

Nov.

1,170

1,010

454 

434

802 

560

682 

630

264 

264

264!

264:

--{

264 

264

Dec.

494 

454

......

606 

656

i,090 

1,560

5,860 

7,020

682 

560

360 

344

312 

296

280 

296

a See note on page 207.
TIPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 207

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kaskaskia River at New Athens, III., for 1907-1909 

Continued.

Day.

1909. 

1...............

2...............

3...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14............... 1^;

16...............

17...............

18...............

19

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24. ..............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

9Q

30...............

31...............

Jan.

360

360

328

328

312

312

802

802

Feb.

1,510

1,340

8,130

8,610

14,100

16,500

Mar.

15,100

13,000

17,900

21,300

18,200

15,800

2,530

3,460

2,640

Apr.

2,260

3,080

5

Kcn

31,700

26,500

May.

13,400

11,600

7,600

6,860

2,310

2,800

June.

5,510

5,790

8,310

2,920

July.

3,580

13,000

8,810

8,130

5,370

3,460

Aug.

2,580

1,560

710

682

516

494

378

360

Sept.

280

264

312

312

656

538

494

710

538

454

Oct.

296

280

236

236

1,950

2,800

1,420

1,210

Nov.

444

414

387

378

369

360

387

630

1,170

2,050

3,240

2,920

3,440

4,130

5,340

6J510

7,390

7,600

7,860

8,130

8,310

6,940

5,650

5,860

6,310

6,620

6,470

5,650

4,190

2,780

Dec.

2,000

1,650

1,450

1,290

1,170

1,190

1,290

1,420

1,470

1,400

1,190

2,360

5,090

6,430

7,520

8,180

8,510

8,220

7,520

6,040

3,960

2,720

2,420

1,950

1,750

2,000

1,920

1,600

1,450

1,300

1,200

NOTE. Daily discharges for 1907 to 1909 were obtained from a rating well defined between 378 and 15,800 

second-feet, and based on measurements made during 1909 to 1910. Discharges for December 28 to 31 were 

estimated because of ice conditions.
208 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of Kaskaskia River at New Athens, III., for 1907-1909. 

[Drainage area, 5,220 square miles.]

Month.

1907.

July....................................

1908.

July.. ..................................

The year. .........................

1909.

March.... . ..............................

May....................................

July....................................

September. ..........................

October. ..............................

December. ..........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

8,310 

8,510

Minimum.

360

Mean.

20,300 

2,910 

8,510 

2,190 

4,970 

11,000 

3,260 

4,480 

738 

663 

718 

2,220

5,160

4,370 

15,600 

15,700 

8,630 

31,700 

6,940 

3,730 

608 

326 

278 

264 

391

7,380

450

8,360 

12,200 

17,800 

7,430 

6,290 

7,780 

910 

456 

1,050 

4,060 

3,150

5,830

Per

square 

mile.

3.89 

557 

1.63 

.420 

.952 

2.11 

.625 

.858 

.141 

.127 

.138 

.425

.989

.837 

2.99 

3.01 

1.65 

6.07 

1.33 

.715 

.116 

.062 

.053 

.051 

.075

1.41

.086 

1.60 

2.34 

3.41 

1.42 

1.20 

1.49 

.174 

.087 

.201 

.778 

.603

1.12

Run-ofl 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

4.48 

.58 

1.88 

.47 

1.10 

2.35 

.72 

.99 

.16 

.15 

.15 

.49

13.52

.96 

3.22 

3.47 

1.84 

7.00 

1.48 

.82 

.13 

.07 

.06 

.06 

.09

19.20

.10 

1.67 

2.70 

3.80 

1.64 

1.34 

1.72 

.20 

.10 

.23 

.87 

.70

15.07

Accuracy.

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

B.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

A. 

C.

NOTE. Monthly discharges for January, 1907, to October, 1909, are based on means for days when gage 

was read.

SHOAL CREEK NEAR BREESE, ILL.

Shoal Creek is tributary to Kaskaskia River in Clinton County 

about 15 miles below Carlyle.

The gaging station, which is located at the Baltimore & Ohio 

Southwestern Railroad bridge about 1| miles east of Breese, 111., 

was established November 5, 1909, for the purpose of obtaining 

data for use in studying problems of drainage, flood control, water 

supply, and storage.

Beaver Creek enters on the left bank about 3 miles below the 

gaging section. The total drainage area above the gaging station 

is 760 square miles. The intake of the pumping station of the
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 209

water supply system of Breese is about one-fourth mile above the 

gaging section.

Discharge measurements are made from the railroad bridge and 

a wooden trestle over a flood channel east of the main channel.

The datum of the chain gage attached to bridge has remained 

unchanged since the gage was installed. The records are accurate 

and reliable.

The creek is fed by-springs and has not been known to go dry at 

this point. The flood of 1907 reached a height of about 22 feet on 

the present gage datum.

Discharge measurements of Shoal Creek near Breese, III., in 1909.

Date. Hydrographer.

... .do.................... .........................

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

59

126

68

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

62

1,280

102

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.77

15.93

2.54

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

96

2,720

166

Daily gage height in feet and discharge in second-feet of Shoal Creek near Breese, III., for

1909.

[John Nordman, observer.]

Day.

1... ............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13............. .

14...............

15...............

November.

Gage 

height.

Discharge.

i

1.7

1.6 

1.7 

2.6 

11.5 

7.5

3.3 

2.9 

13.55 

15.5 

15.1

90

84 

90 

185 

1,800 

1,020

283 

222 

2,240 

2,710 

2,600

December.

Gage 

height.

2.6 

2.2 

2.5 

2.2 

2.5

2.95 

3.2 

2.9 

2.3 

2.25

3.2 

5.6 12.9 : 

14.5 

11.5

Discharge.

185 

137 

173 

137 

173

228 

267 

180 

130 

120

267 

678 

2,100 

2, 450 

1,800

Day.

16...............

18......--.--....

10...............

20...............

22...............

23...............

24........=......

25...............

26...... ....... ..

27. ..............

00

29...............

30...............

on

November.

Gage 

height.

15.8 

16.4 

16.1 

15.4 

8.5

5.2' 

6.5 

9.7 

11.1 

7.9

4.6 

3.5 

2.9 

2 Q

2.7

Discharge.

2,810 

3,050 

2,920 

2,680 

1,200

606 

840 

1,440 

1,720 

1,090

502 

315 

222 

222 

197

December.

Gage 

height.

8.95 

6.5 

5.7 

5.2

4.15

2.8

Discharge.

1,290 

840 

696

eoe

500

400 

300 

240 

220 

200

170 

130 

100 

80 

70 

70

NOTE. Ice conditions existed from December 8 to 31. Ice was 8 inches thick on December 23 at the 

gage and 13 inches on December 30. The daily discharges were obtained from a rating fairly well defined 

between 90 and 3,930 second-feet and based on measurements made during 1909 and 1910. Discharge 

estimated for December 8 to 10 and 20 to 31 because of ice conditions.

79483 ° WSP 265 11- -14
210 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Monthly discharge of Shoal Creek near Breese, III., for 1909. 

[Drainage area, 760 square miles.]

Month.

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3.050 

2,450

Minimum.

84

Mean.

1,-200

482

Per

square 

mile.

1.58 

.634

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

1.53 

.73

Accuracy.

B.

C.

SILVER CREEK NEAR LEBANON, ILL.

Silver Creek is a tributary of Kaskaskia River about 1 mile above 

the gaging station at New Athens, 111.

The gaging station, which is located at the highway bridge at 

Wrights Crossing, about 2 miles west of Lebanon, 111., between the 

Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern and the East St. Louis & Suburban 

railway bridges across Silver Creek, was established March 3, 1908, 

for the purpose of collecting data for use in studying drainage and 

flood control problems.

The creek receives no tributaries near the gaging station.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge and approach 

spans, and during high water also from three steel viaducts on road 

west of bridge.

The datum of the chain gage, which is located on the bridge, has 

remained unchanged since the gage was installed. From March 

3, 1908, to May 10, 1909, this gage was so situated that 2 feet was 

the lowest obtainable reading, and the gage reader noted that the 

stream was dry whenever the water surface was below 2 feet. On 

inquiry he stated that the stream was dry for only one week during 

1908. The position of the gage was changed on May 10, 1909, so 

as to obviate this difficulty. Except as noted above, the records 

are accurate and reliable.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 211

Discharge measurements of Silver Creek near Lebanon, III., in 1908-9.

Date.

1908. 

March 21. ......

May 2..........

July 9. .........

1909.

March 14.......

March 25. ......

May 10. ........

Hydrographer.

.... .do. .............................................

.....do..............................................

W. M. O'Neill ......................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.... .do. .............................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

38

41

35

378

46

50

32

62

24

26

360

53

Area of 

section.

Si. ft. 

Ill

130

107

1,610

185

254

90

434

70

77

1,320

347

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.5

4.25

3.5

12.56

5.34

6.66

2.77

10.03

2.24

2.28

12.04

8.54

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

71

107

58

1,760

180

314

34

761

6

0

1,124

410

a Measurement not made at regular section.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Silver Creek near Lebanon, III., for 1909. 

[F. P. Myers, 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

4.0

A 9

3 7

2.8

3.6

4.5

8.2

Feb.

5.0

4.5

3.2

4.0

4 7

7.5

6.2 

5.3

^ n

4.7

4.2

3.5

10.7

8.5

6.4 

11.2

12 1

12 2

12.7

12.5

1 9 K

11.2

10.0

Mar.

9.3

8.7

5.0

3.6

3.2

2.7

9.5 

12.6

10 A

12.8

11.0

9.2

7.8

6.7

5

n

3.6

K A

8 7

ft Pi

3.7

3.5 

3.3

Apr.

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.0

2.8

7.1

5.6 

4.4

3.5

Q n

12.3

13.5

13.0

12 5

9 8

""g.'g"

11.3

12.8

14.0

13.8

12.5

Q 9

4.3

3.8

3.6

3.3

May.

3.1

3.0

s n

3.0

2.9

2 Q

2.8

10.0

8.5

8.0

8.7

10.4

11.0

5 7

4.1 

3.3

3.0

3.0

2 7

9 7

3 a

5.5

5 0

3.0

June.

5.1

7.6

8.8

10.4

11.5

11.7

10.9 

10 4

10.0

8.2

4.5

3.7

3 A

9 PL

9 t\

2.5 

2.5

2.4

2 4

q E

3 9

^ n

9 7

9 F»

4.1

3.5

July.

3.0

2.3

1.8

4 Q

6.5

11.2

13.6 

14.0

8.5

ft 9

3

c

3.1

'"2.8

9 ^

2.3

2.0

1 9

1.7

10.0

Q >T

5.1

2.9

2.5 

2.3

Aug.

2.1

2.0

9 n

1 9

1.7

1.7 "Ye"

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

4.5 9 n

1 5

1.5

1.4 

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.0

g

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.6 

.6

Sept.

0.6

.6

.6

.6

.6

.7

.7 

.8

g

.9

1 9

1 9

1.9

1.7

1.7

1.5

1.0 

1.0

1.0

1.2

6.0

5 1

3

K

2

0

1.7

1.5

1.0

1.0

.9

Oct.

1.0

.9

.8

.7

.7

.6

.6

.6 -.6

.6

.6

CK

.55

.5

.55

.6

.7

8.8 

10.0

9 9

10.0

9.7

6.1

5.0

4.1

3 9

9 S

9 F;

2.3

2.3 

2.3

Nov.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.65

5.15 

8.6

9.0

5.75

5.0

9.2

10.3

12.9

12.6

12.1

11.95 

11.9

10.35

5.4

9 0

7.4

5.1

4.2

3 7

3.5

3.3

3.2

Dec.

3.1

3.15

3.2

3.15

3.3

3.35

3.5

3.45 

3.45

3.45

3.0

5.4

9.9

10.7

11.0

10.4

6.9

6.1 

5.7

4.5

3.8

3.25

3.0

3.0

3.0

Q n

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0 

2.9

NOTE. The gage was not placed over the main channel originally and 2.0 feet was the lowest obtainable 

reading. The gage heights for January 1 to 20 were less than 2.0 feet. Ice conditions existed from 

December 8 to 31, readings being taken to top of ice from December 17 to 31.
212 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Silver Creek near Lebanon, III., for 1908-9.

Day.

1908. 

1...............

4...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8.-.---.........

9

10...............

11...............

12...............

14...............

15...............

16.. .............

17...............

18...............

19

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28. ..............

9Q

30.... ...........

31......... ......

1909. 

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5... ............

6...............

7. ..............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20. ..............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27................

28. ..............

29. ..............

30

31...............

Jan.

29

92

104

104

104

74

33

69

Feb.

1 ^7

122

4Q

92

136

375

.Q1X

253

179

157

136

104

64

397

7QA

792

480

915

1,400

1,680

1,680

915

665

620

Mar.

64

62

59

54

54

49

45

64

69

74

110

576

504

117

69

49

29

600

2,180

1,980

860

564

484

405

298

157

69

89

108

148

167

187

504

280

146

74

64

Apr.

122 116'

110

92

no

92

110

1 17

730

860

SCO

520

179

104

104

14Q

143

I^Q

133

122

86

64

885

945

1,310

1 680

1,320

1 non

516

41

41

49

45

41

33

9QP1

203

116

64

52

41

1 4Qft

2,180

1,680

£OQ

646

652

1,980

3,190

1 680

1,060

447

110

80

69

54

May.

164

116

110

104

3,080

4,800

5,240

4 800

3,300

2,240

1,190

639

01 Q

345

253

150

220

235

179

98

860

1,490

1,580

1,140

492

860

325

200

41

43

41

41

41

37

37

33

665

480

425

504

730

860

536

98

54

41

41

29

9O

29

69

1QK

157

110

41

KO

64

June.

74

1Q

49

187

235

203

171

235

405

157

69

iru

409

814

375

157

49

33

26

45

64

29

122

49

23

10

269

33

1 fid

385

11 fi

730

1,010

1,050

836

730

665

447

122

74

59

23

o«?

oq

23

22

20

20

64

49

41

OQ

26

00

98

64

July.

23

10

17

23

23

23

92

187

64

29

17

14

10

10

17

41

92

171

100

29

104

164

69

69

69

74

80

375

280

64

23

41

17

58

110

280

915

2,780

1,240

1,320

1,400

1,780

480

253

64

45

39

33

23

17

10

8

6

336

665

504

164

37

17

Aug.

10

10

10

8

8

86

280

219

188

157

136

104

41

10

10

14

12

10

10

8

6

6

5

5

5

4

4

4

122

10

4

4

3

2.0

1.0.

1.0

1.0

.4

.2

.2

.2

Sept.

0.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.2

.2

.4

.7

.7

2.0

8

8

6

6

4

1.0

1.0

1.0

2.0

235

164

64

17

4

1.0

1.0

.7

Oct.

1.0

.7

.4

.2

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.1

.05

.05

.0

.05

.1

.2

516

665

652

665

626

244

157

98

49

33

23

17

17

Nov.

59

14

14

14

14

14

14

28

168

492

540

215

157

564

712

2,080

1,780

1,320

1,220

1,190

721

187

104

540

365

164

104

74

54

49

Dec.

49

9Q

45

47

49

47

54

56

64

60

50

40

35

187

652

792

860

730

250

200

150

100

80

60

40

30

20

20

20

20

15

15

15

NOTE. Daily discharges for 1908 to 1909 were obtained from a rating fairly well defined between 29 and 

1,780 second-feet, being based on measurements made 1908 to 1910. No estimates are possible for period 

August 15,1908, to January 20,1909, when gage heights were less than 2.0 feet and could not be read because 

of the position of the gage. Discharges were estimated for December 8 to 11 and 17 to 31,1909, and interpolated for days of no gage height, except for the period mentioned above.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 213

Monthly discharge of Silver Creek near Lebanon, III., for 1908-9. 

[Drainage area, 335 square miles.]

Month.

1908.

May.....................................

July....................................

1909.

July.....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

HO 

1,680 

5,240 

814 

375 

280

447 

1,880 

2,180 

3,190 

860 

1,090 

3,190 

122 

235 

665 

2,080 

860

Minimum.

45 

64 

98 

10 

10

29 

49 

29 

33 

29 

20 

6 

.1 

.1 

.0 

14

Mean.

64.0 

433 

1,180 

175 

76.2 

85.1

135 

616 

427 

788 

196 

286 

512 

7.85 

17.8 

122 

433 

155

Per

square 

mile.

0.191 

1.29 

3.52 

.522 

.227 

.254

.403 

1.84 

1.27 

2.35 

.585 

.854 

1.53 

.023 

.053 

.364 

1.29 

.463

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

0.08 

1.44 

406 

.58 

.26 

.14

.16 

1.92 

. 1.46 

2.62 

.67 

.95 

1.76 

.03 

.06 

.42 

1.44 

.53

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

B. 

C.

C. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

C. 

C. 

B. 

C.

NOTE. The gage at this station was not set over the main channel, hence for stages below 2.0 feet, which 

occurred August 4 and 5, August 10 t& November 29, and December 3, 1908, to January 19, 1909, the 

stream was dry immediately under the gage. There was water flowing in the main channel for all but 

about one week during these periods.

BIG MUDDY RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The drainage basin of Big Muddy River lies in southern Illinois. 

The river rises in the northwestern part of Jefferson County, flows 

southward to the town of Zeigler, in Franklin County, thence westward to Murphysboro, in Jackson County, and then southward to 

its junction with the Mississippi about 40 miles above Cairo, 111. 

Below Zeigler the river is extremely crooked. The river is about 

100 miles long, including bends. The total drainage area is 2,390 

square miles. The principal tributaries are Beaucoup Creek, Little 

Muddy River, Caseys Creek, and Middle Fork Creek, all small streams 

of little importance.

The drainage basin is elliptical in shape, with a major axis about 

70 miles long and a minor axis about 50 miles long. The country 

is level or undulating. The soil is known as "mulatto soil" a 

yellowish-brown clay. Winter wheat is the staple crop. The 

southeastern part is underlain with valuable coal veins, and coal 

mining is carried on extensively.

The slope of the river is small. Its sources are about 710 feet, 

and its mouth is about 310 feet above sea level. The banks and bed 

of the stream are soft and insecure.
214 SURFACE, WATEE SUPPLY,, 1909, PART V.

The area is timberless except for scattered groves and the growth 

along the banks of the stream.

The mean annual rainfall is about 42 inches. The winters are 

mild. Ice does not form very thick, and, as a rule, .the snowfall is 

light and does not last long.

The subject of storage has not been investigated, but owing to 

the growing demand for water in this section, it should receive careful 

attention.

The basin offers no opportunities for power development. Like 

the other rivers in central and southern Illinois this stream is subject to high floods and very low water. During floods some sections 

resemble lakes, high water overflowing the land on each bank for 

2 or 3 miles. Backwater from the Mississippi frequently extends 

to Murphysboro, said to be 60 miles distant following the river, and 

floods reach the height of 30 feet above low water.

BIG MUDDY RIVER NEAR CAMBON, ILL.

This station, which is located at the Chicago, Burlington & 

Quincy Railroad bridge about 1 mile north of Cambon railroad 

station and about 1J miles east of Plumfield, 111., was established 

June 16, 1908, to obtain data for use in studying the problems of 

drainage, flood control, and navigation.

The Middle Fork of the Big Muddy enters on the left bank about 

one-fourth mile above the station. The drainage area above the 

section is 735 square miles.

Discharge measurements are made from the railroad bridge and a 

trestle approach.

The datum of the chain gage attached to the bridge has not been 

changed; the records are reliable and accurate. The water was 

standing in pools in the river at this point in the fall of 1908.

Discharge measurements of Big Muddy River near Cambon, III., in 1908-9.

Date.

1908.

1909.

March 12. ......

March 27.......

Hydrogr'apher. Width.

Feet. 

R. J. Taylor ........................................ 41.5

R. J. Taylor. ....................................... 589

W. M. O'Neill..... . .. ................... 641

.....do................. ............................ 102

.....do.......... .. ... .. .............. .......... 26

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

53

3,230

8,250

455

455

12

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.7

16. 58

24.54

8.28

8.27

1.79

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. '19

3,040

10.300

542

548

1
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 215

Daily gage height, in feet, of Big Muddy River near Cambon, III., for 1909. 

[W. O. Bourland, observer.]

Date.

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

1,4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.7

2.5

4.1

3.9

3.6

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.1

2.6

Feb.

2.6

2.6

2.0

2.6

3.7

3.9

4.1

5.2

5.8

5.9

6.0

6.1

6.7

11.7

14.2

14.5

15.9

16.0

16.4

16.2

15,2

15.3

16.4

18.7

20.5

21.0

20.5

18.9

Mar.

16.8

14.8

12.9

10.2

6.8

5.5

4.7

4.1

16.4

21.2

24.3

24.7

23.8

21.9

20.6

18. 75

16.9

12.7

10.5

9.7

8.2

7.75

6.45

4.9

6.85

8.75

7.9

6.2

5.7

4.5

4.0

Apr.

3.65

3.35

3.25

3.25

3.25

6.2

10.3

11.6

11,2

10.3

9.9

7.1

13.9

14.95

16.45

17.45

18.4

17.1

16.3

17.4

18.95

20.05

20.15

20.25

20.2

18.25

17.05

14.5

8.9

9.85

May.

9.95

10.45

7.65

5.2

4.0

3.9

4.7

4.5

7.3

8.5

7.4 6.7'

5.05

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

3.6

3.2

2.9

2.7

2.5

2.5

2,45

3.4

5.5

8.5

9.95

8.75

6.6

June.

4.9

4.3

3.8

3.75

4.85

10.65

11.3

10.6

9.65

6.5

4.2

3.5

5.3

9.2

10.6

11.2

10.1

6.85

3.8

3.2

9 Q

2.8

2 6,5

2.45

4.8

7.55

8.2

6.95

7.35

6.5

July.

6.3

4.5

3.65

3.0

2.7

2.55

2.4

5.7

6.1

5.65

8.45

15.4

18.95

20.55

20.4

19.75

18.7

16.7

12.1

8.25

5.15

3 Q

3.05

2.7

2.5

3.4

3.6

3.2

2 9

2.7

Aug.

4.9

10.0

10.2

5.4

5.0

3.4

3.1

5.1

6.9

4.3

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.15

3.05

3.65

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.0

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

Sept.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

2.2

2.1

2.05

2.0

2.0

1.95

2.45

5.6

8.65

7.95

5.6

4.2

3.4

3.0

2.7

Oct.

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.1

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

Nov.

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85'

1.9

3.5

4.8

4.5

6.1

6.8

6.1

5.6

5.1

6.7 7:0

8.7

7.6

5.5

5.5

4.8

3.35

Dec.

3.0

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.55

2.55

9 55

2.5

2.5

2.5

3.2

7.3

10.4

12.5

13.25

13.55

13.65

13.4

9.5

6.2

5.4

4.55

3.75

3.2

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.45

NOTE. Ice conditions existed from December 8 to 31.
216 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Big Muddy River near Cambon, III., for 1908-9.

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 ..............

Day.

1909. 

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10....-.....-.-..

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15....-......--..

16...............

17...............

18...............

19............. .

21...............

22. . .....

23...............

24...............

25...............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

Jan.

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

4

17

84

72

57

42

38

38

34

19

Day.

1908.

Feb.

19

19

19

19

62

72

84

166

228

239

262

337

1,220

1,960

2,700

2,750

2,950

2,400

4 4cri

6,030

Mar.

3,180

2,200

1,530

900

196

124

84

2,950

6,710

9,940

10, 400

9.420

7,420

6,120

4,490

3,240

1,470

960

806

542

475

140

635

496

274

217

110

78

4

Apr.

60

44

4T»

dCl

Af\

274

920

1,200

1,110

920

842

389

1,850

2,260

2,980

3,600

4,260

2,900

3,560

4,700

5,620

5,720

5,800

5

7«n

4,160

3,330

662

833

May.

851

950

461

166

78

72

181

124

110

415

590

428

337

152

90

90

90

84

57

38

27

21

17

17

16

47

196

590

851

635

324

June.

17

13

11

9

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

g

g

3

June.

140

96

67

64

136

993

1,140

982

797

311

90

52

176

716

982

1,110

880

356

67

38

27

24

20

16

132

448

542

370

422

311

July.

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

84

24

9

6

5

4

3

124

140

July.

286

110

60

30

21

18

15

217

262

212

582

1,860

2, 450

4,700

6,080

5,940

5,360

4,450

3,120

1,310

550

162

72

32

21

17

47

57

38

27

21

Aug.

67

30

21

15

11

17

52

38

30

67

52

52

21

17

13

9

6

6

5

4

4

3

3

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

Aug.

140

860

900

186

148

47

34

157

363

96

47

42

42

36

32

60

15

13

11

7

5

4.5

4.5

4

4

4

4

4

4

3.5

3.5

Sept.

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

 >

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

9

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

Sept.

3

3

3

3

2.5

2.5

2.5

4

4

4

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

11

9

8

7

7

6.5

16

206

617

503

206

90

47

30

21

Oct.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

3

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Oct.

15

13

11

10

10

9

 6

6

6

6

5.5

5.5

5.5

5

5

4.5

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4.5

5

5

5

5

5

NOT.

1

l

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

I

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

Nov.

5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

6

52

132

110

262

350

262

206

157

337

376

626

454

196

196

132

44

Dec.

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

Dec.

30

24

21

19

18

18

18

15

12

10

38

415

940

1,420

1,640

1,730

1,760

1,680

770

274

186

114

64

38

25

20

15

10

8

5

5

NOTE. Daily discharges for 1908 to 1909 were obtained from a rating fairly well denned, being based on 

measurements made during 1908 to 1910. Daily discharges have been estimated because of ice conditions 

for December S to 10 and 24 to 31.1909.
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN

Monthly discharge of Big Muddy River near Cambon, III., for 

[Drainage area, 735 square miles.]

Month.

1908.

July.....................................

1909.

April....................................

July.....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

17 

140 

67 

2 

1 

2 

2

84 

6,510 

10.400 

5,800 

9EO 

1,140 

6,080 

900 

617 

15 

626 

1,760

Minimum.

3 

32 ' 

2

1 

1 

2

2 

19 

78 

^0 

16 

16 

15 

3.5 

2.5 

4 

4.5

Mean.

6.9 

15.0 

18.3 

2.0 

1.0 

1.2 

2.0

14.4 

1.920 

2,460 

2,310 

261 

384 

1,230 

106 

61.1 

6.13 

132 

366

771

Per 

square 

mile.

0.0094 

.020 

.025 

.0027 

.0014 

.0016 

.0027

.020 

2.61 

3.35 

3.14 

.355 

.522 

1.67 

.144 

.083 

.0083 

.180 

.498

1.05

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

0.005 

.02 

.03 

.003 

.002 

.002 

.003

.02 

2.72 

3.86 

3.50 

.41 

.58 

1.92 

.17 

.09 

.01 

.20 

.57

14.05

Accuracy.

B. 

B. 

B.

C. 

C. 

C.

c. 

c.

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

B. 

C. 

B. 

C.

217

W8-9.

BEAUCOUP CREEK NEAR PINCKNEYVILLE, IL

Beaucoup Creek is tributary to Big Muddy River about 5 miles 

above Murphysboro in Jackson County.

The gaging station, which is located at the Illinois Central Railroad bridge about 1J miles east of Pinckneyville, 111., wTas established June 17, 1908, for the purpose of obtaining data for use in 

studying drainage and flood control problems.

Little Beaucoup Creek enters on the left bank below the gaging 

station, and Galum Creek on the right bank about 10 miles below 

the station. The drainage area above the station is 227 square miles.

Except in extreme low water, discharge measurements are made 

from the wooden trestle of the railroad bridge, at whici the gage is 

located.

The datum of the chain gage has remained unchanged since the 

gage was installed. During 1908 observations were ta" :en whenever 

the gage reader happened to be in the vicinity of tho gage. The 

monthly discharges based on means for days when gage was read are 

believed to be fairly accurate.

The flood of 1902 reached a height of about 27.5 feet on the present 

gage. The creek goes dry at times; the water then stands in pools 

near the gage.
218 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY, 1909, PART V,

Discharge measurements of Beaucoup Creek near Pinckneyville, III., in 1908-9.

Date.

1908. 

June 17.........

1909.

March 26. ......

Do.........

May 11.........

Do.........

Hydrographer.

R. J. Taylor. ....................................... 

.....do..............................................

W. M. O'Neill. . ....................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

.....do..............................................

... ..do.. ........................................... .

.....do..............................................

Width.

Feet. 

53

130

87

130

128

108

128

107

66

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

48

916

289

862

692

 396

652

477

67

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.3

9.67

3.97

8.95

7.87

5.25

7.42

5.93

1.73

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

12

602

76

502

449

170

304

217

0

Daily gage height, in feet, of Beaucoup Creek near Pinckneyville, III., for 1909. 

[R. C. Huggins, observer.]

Day.

1...............

2...............

3...............

4...............

5. ............. .

7...............

8. ..............

9...............

10...............

11...............

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23. ..............

24...............

25

26. ..............

27...............

28...............

29...............

30. ..............

31...............

Jan.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

2.3

2.3

2.2

Feb.

2.5

2.5

3.3

4.1

3.3

3.4

14.1

12.0

5.1

4

C

13.6

9.1

16.6

4.9

4.1

Mar.

3.9

3.7

3.1

2.7

20.85

20.7

17.3

4.0

3.1

3.1

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.9

3.55

3.6

3 7

3.85

6.6

9.9

5.25

3.1

3.0

2.1

Apr.

2.8

2.85

2.75

2.7

3.2

H Q

12.8

12.75

4.6

3.75

2.7

2.6

16.0

19.7

11.3

7.5

5.2

A Q

9

1

12.8

19.2

17.9

14.1

8.1

6.3

5.4

4.0

3.1

2.9

May.

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.6

2.55

2.75

3.9

4.6

7.8

12.6

5.9

4.4

4.1

3.4

4.3

5.0

4.5

4.1

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.1

4.3

3.4

2.5

3.6

4.9

June.

4.'5

3.1

2.7

3.7

5.0

4.5

3.8

2.9

2.5

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

3.0

2.95

2.5

4.9

July.

3.5

2.2

2.1

2.0

1.95

1 Q

1.9

7.4

12.0

5.4

14.5

15.85

18.8

16.0

6.7

4.1

2.75

2.5

2.2

2.1

2.5

2.0

1.9

1 Q

2.1

2.55

5.0

3.75

2.7

3.45

Aug.

5.2

3.1

2.45

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.75

2 65

2.2

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

Sept.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.75

1.7

1.75

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

' 1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.95

2.5

 4.3

5.2

5.0

3.1

2.2

2.1

2.0

1.95

Oct

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

2.0

1.95

1.85

1.85

2.0

1.95

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.7

Nov.

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.8

1.9

1.95

1.9

3.75

3.9

3.3

3.2

4.2

3.9

2.9

2 55

2.5

3.55

9.2

4.4

3.2

2.75

2.55

2.5

2.5

Dec.

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.25

2.3

2.3

2.5

2.5

2.6

3.1

8.2

13.25

11.35

6.85

5.6

4.55

3.45

3.2

3.1

2.75

2.35

2.2

2.1

2.15

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

NOTE. Ice conditions existed from December 8 to 31. 

thickness of ice varying from 3^ to 6 inches.

On December 29 the creek was frozen over,
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN 

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Beaucoup Creek near Pinckneyville

Day.

1....

2....

3....

4....

5....

6....

7....

8....

9....

10....

11....

12....

13....

14....

15....

June. July. Aug. Sept.

50 ............

1

8 <J ......

............ 1

...... 28 ......

...... 227 .....

3 3 .....

...... ...... 1

3 ...... ......

...... 3 ......

Oct.

0

0

Nov.

0

0

Dec.

3.0

3.0

2.0

2.0

Day.

16.....

17.....

18.....

19.....

21.....

22.....

24.....

25.....

26.....

27.....

28. ....

29.....

30.....

31.....

June.

8 .

3 

3 .

2 .

2

2

July.

2 

2.5

2

28

55

24

Aug. Sep

2 ....

1

2 ....

2 ....

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Beaucoup Creek near Pinckneymlle

Day.

1..............

2.. ............

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18.......:......

19..............

20..............

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26. .............

27..............

28. .............

29. .............

30. .............

31..............

Jan.

2

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 2' 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2.

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

5 

8 

8 

8

8 

7 

7 

6 

9 

11

Feb.

14 

14 

14 

14 

30

45 

66 

86 

72 

59

45 

48 

50 

620 

1,190

900 

155 

112 

616 

1,120

600 

567 

534 

1,540 

1,520

140 

86 

80

Mar

75 

70 

65 

36

28

20 

727 

1,430 

2,140 

2,120

1,640 

860 

80 

58 

36

36 

24 

20 

20 

28

58 

60 

65

72 

281

628 

167 

99 

36 

32 

4

Apr.

24 

26 

22 

20 

40

512 

1,010 

1,000 

119

68

20 

17 

1,460 

1,980 

809

363 

163 

140 

534 

1,010

1,910 

1,730 

1,190 

679 

424

254 

179 

80 

36

28

May.

24 

22 

20 

17 

16

22 

75 

119 

393 

984

219 

105 

86 

50 

98

147 

112 

86 

17 

14

11 

8 

6 

4 

4

51 

98 

50 

14 

60 

140

June

112 

36 

20 

65 

147

112

70 

28 

'414

3 

3 

3 

3

3'

3 

3

2.5

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

32 

30 

14 

140

July.

55 

6 

4 

3 

3

3 

3 

353 

900 

179

1,250 

1,440 

1,850 

1,460 

290

86 

22 

14 

12 

6

4 

14 

3 

3 

3

4 

16 

147 

68 

20 

52

Aug.

163 

36 

12 

8 

6

4 

22 

18 

16 

6

4 

3 

3 

2.5

2

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

1 

1 

1.5 

2 

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

1 

1 

1

Sept.

1 

1 

1 

1 

1

1 

2 

2 

2 

2.5

2 

2 

2 

.2 

2

1.5 

1.5 

1 

1 

1

3 

14 

98 

163 

147

36 

6 

4 

3 

3

Oct. Nov.

) .....

0 0

) .....

...... 0

) .....

Dec.

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

III., for 1909.

Oct.

2 

2

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

1.5 

1.5

1 

1 

1

1 

1 

3 

3

2.5

2.5 

3 

3 

3 

2.5

2.5

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

Nov.

2 

2 

2 

2 

2

2 

2 

2 

1

2

3 

3 

3

68 

75

45 

40 

92 

75 

28

16 

14 

58 

545 

105

40 

22 

16 

14 

14

Dec.

11 

8 

8 

6

7

8 

8 

14 

14 

17

36 

435 

1,080 

816 

304

195 

116 

52 

40 

36

22 

10 

6 

4 

5

6 

6 

4 

3 

3 

2

219

III., for 1908.

NOTE. Daily discharges for 1908 to 1909 were obtained from a rating fairly well 6 

640 second-feet, being based on measurements made 1908 to 1910. Discharges were 

ice conditions for December 29 to 31,1909. Discharges were interpolated for days of 

during 1909.

fined between 3 and 

stimated because of, missing gage heights
220 SURFACE WATEE SUPPLY, 1909, PAET V.

Monthly discharge of Beaucoup Creek near Pinckneymlle III,, for 1908-9. 

[Drainage area, 227 square miles.]

Month.

1908. 

June 14-30. ....................................

July...........................................

1909.

July...........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,540 

2,140 

1,980 

984 

147 

1,850 

163 

163 

3 

545 

1,080

2,140

Minimum.

4 

17 

4 

2 

3 

1 

1 

1 

1

Mean.

3.3 

16.7 

30.7 

.7 

.0 

.0 

1.9

3.8 

369 

355 

528 

99.1 

28'. 8 

267 

10.6 

16.9 

1.98 

43.2 

106

154

Per 

square 

mile.

0.015 

.074 

.135 

.0031 

.0 

.0 

.0084

.017 

1.63 

1.56 

2.33 

.437 

.127 

1.18 

.047 

.074 

.0087 

.019 

.467

.678

Run-off 

(depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area).

0.008 

.09 

.16 

.003 

.0 

.0 

.01

.02 

1.70 

1.80 

"2.60 

.50 

.14 

1.36 

.05 

.08 

.01 

.02 

.54

8.82

NOTE. Monthly discharges for 1908 are based on means for days when gage was read. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASUREMENTS.

The following measurements at points other than regular gaging 

stations were made in the upper Mississippi River drainage basin 

in 1908 and 1909:

Miscellaneous measurements in upper Mississippi River drainage basin.

Date.

1908. 

March 26. ......

1909.

July 25.........

August 16. .....

June 16........

Stream.

Sugar Creek. ..........

.....do./..............

.....do................

.....do................

.....do...... ..........

.....do................

Tributary to 

Sangamon River ......

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

Locality.

Illinois Central railroad bridge, near 

Hartsburg, 111.

Minn.

let Minn. 

.....do................

.....do................

Bigstone, S. Dak. 

.....do. ...............

.....do................

miles above Mankato, Minn. 

.....do................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.7

2.46

1.04

.40

.38

5.55

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

285

1,080

77.6

93.8

93.1

14.2

9.7

5.0

2,670

2,340
TIPPER, MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 221

SUMMARY OF MEAN DISCHARQE PER SQUARE MILE.

The following summary of discharge per square mile is given to 

allow ready comparison of relative rates of run-off from different 

areas in the upper Mississippi and Hudson Bay drainage basins.

It shows in a general way the seasonal distribution of run-off, and 

the effect of snow, ground, surface, and artificial storage. The most 

important fact worth noting is the almost entire lack of uniformity or 

agreement between any two streams, which indicates that the discharge of each stream is a law unto itself, and that all projects dependent upon stream flow, if they are to be developed along the 

safest and most economical lines, must be based on records of stream 

flow collected with great care over a^long series of years as near the 

location of the project under consideration as possible.

Summary of discharge in second-feet per square mile in upper Mississippi River and 

Hudson Bay basins for 1909.

Gaging station.

Ottertail River near Fergus Falls, Minn.

Bed River at Grand Forks, N. Dak .....

Red Lake River at Crookston, Minn .... 

Clearwater River at Red Lake Falls, Minn

Mississippi River at Anoka, Minn ......

South Fork of Crow River near RockRum River near Anoka, Minn. ........ 

Minnesota River near Montevideo, Minn

Cottonwood River near New Ulm, 

Minn

Kettle River near Sandstone, Minn .....

Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls,

Chippewa River near Eau Claire, Wis. .

Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa.

Des Moines River at Jackson. Minn. .... 

Sangamon River at Monticellb. Ill ......

South Fork of Sangamon River near

Kaskaskia River at Shelbyville. Ill .....

Kaskaskia River at New Athens, 111. ....

Big Muddy River near Cambon, 111 ..... 

Beaucoup Creek near Pinckneyville, 

111...................................

Drainage area.

8a. 

miles. 

177

452

101

1,310 

6,020

25,000 

805

5,320 

1,310

2,940

8,400

17,100 

2,520

1,160

1,430 

6,300

1,190

825 

422

5,300 

6,740 

675 

2,630 

1,310 

6,320

1,160 

550 

2,560 

5; 000

427 

459 

390 

1,030 

1,980 

2,680 

5,220 

760

335

735 

227

t-s

0.03

.09

.16

.16

.26 

.26 

.14 

.57

".~03 

.04

.05 

.05 

(a) 

.04 

.05 

.03 

.09

.02 

.02

£2 

£

0.02

.07

.15

.14

.22 

.22 

.08 

.54

"77

1.69 

.84

1.29 

1.35 

1.94 

1.60 

1.31 

.93 

1.60

1.84

2.61 

1.63

1

0.04

.12

.25

.15

.24 

.35 

.21 

.50

i on

"."82 

.66

.45 

.64 

1.31 

1.06 

.93 

1.22 

2.34

1.27

3.35 

1.56

ft <i

1.18

30

Ifi

.17

.42

09

.66

.82

1.48

1.72 

2.08

2." 20 

1.35

1.75 

1.29 

3.64 

4.12 

2.51 

2.57 

3.41

2.35

3.14 

2.33

&

2.71

3,87

7 56

.35

16

.12

.29

.03

.64

1.81

2.87

2.72 

1.50

i."34 

1.25

1.09 

.87 

1.81 

1.88 

1.21 

1.27 

1.42

..W

.36 

.44

1 >->

15.1

9.91

21.0

.38

.18

.12

.18

.66

-----

.90

1.51

1.34 

.92

.95 

1.01 

.91

.71 

.68 

1.05 

1.69 

1.27 

.98 

1.20

 .85

.52 

.13

jsj. "3

>-5

7 46

5.15

7 75

,26

.10

.15 

2.40

.32 

.39

.01

.36 

.38

31

.39

.58

.35 

.37

.77

.92 

.49

1.14 

1.74 

1.62

1.72 

.87 

2.22 

2.13 

1.47 

1.21 

1.49

1 53

1.67 

1.18

si

%

4 38

4.71

,11

.22 

1 19

.43 

91

.02

00

.52 

13

.09

.31 

07

.37

1.28 

1.V4

.68

.70 

.44

.26 

.07 

.14

.06 

.07 

.10 

.08 

.11 

.13 

.17

.0?

.14

.05

4J

ft

&

?, 18

1 68

4?

.13

.13 

.36

.25 

,30

.01

no

.37 

1?

1?

.26 

.04

07

.39 

.18

.44

.63 

.23

.07 

.03 

.07

.03 

.03 

.04 

.02 

.06 

.08 

.09

05

.08 

.07

o 

O

1.23

.96

.39

.13

.09 

13

.28 

.29

.02

.00

.35 

.10

.10

.23

04

.05

.36 

.15

.55

.54 

.11

.04 

.03 

.08

.08 

.03 

.10 

.05 

.06 

.09 

.20

.36

.01 

.01

i

fc

?: 25

3?

.10

.08 

17

.21

no

.34

13

.05

,10

.54 

.29

1.83

1.62 

.57

.08 

.20 

.28 

45

.34 

.38 

.50 

.36 

.53 

.61 

.78

1 ?9

.18 

.02

8 ft

0 30

.10

20

.31 

,13

.04

.24 

.19

1.29

.90

".'is

.31 

.36

.28 

.16 

.72 

.58 

.49 

.62 

..60 

63

46

.49 

.47

*H 

Ctf

£

0.11

.40

.60

1.01

1.06

"."78 

.63

.65 

.54 

1.12 

1.14 

.83 

.81 

1.12

1.05 

.68

a 0.00056.
INDEX.

A.

Page. 

Accuracy, degree of.......................... 26-27

Acknowledgments to those aiding........... 28

Acre-foot, definition of....................... 14

Adams, C. R., work of...................... 29

Anoka, Minn.,

Mississippi River at:

curves for, plate showing............ 88

description.......................... 88

discharge........................... 89,221

discharge, daily..................... 90-92

discharge, monthly.................. 93

gage heights......................... 89

Rum River near:

description.......................... 114

discharge.......................... 115,221

discharge, daily..................... 115

discharge, monthly.................. 116

gage heights......................... 115

Appropriations, amount of.................. 7

Arcola, 111.,

Kaskaskia River near:

description.......................... 191

discharge.......................... 192,221

discharge, daily..................... 193

discharge, monthly.................. 194

gage heights......................... 192

Austin, Minn.,

Cedar River near:

description.......................... 169

discharge............................ 169

gage heights......................... 170

Authority for investigations................. 7

B. 

Babb, Mont.,

St. Mary River near:

description.......................... 33

discharge........................... 33,221

discharge, daily..................... 35

discharge, monthly.................. 35

gage heights......................... 34

Swiftcurrent Creek near:

description.......................... 39

discharge........................... 40,221

discharge, daily..................... 41

discharge, monthly................. t 41

gage heights......................... 40

Beaucoup Creek near 

Pinckneyville, 111.:

description.......................... 217

discharge.......................... 218,221

1 discharge, daily..................... 219

discharge, monthly.................. 220

gage heights......................... 218

Big Falls, Minn.,

Big Fork River at: Page, 

description.......................... 79

discharge............................ 80

Big Fork River at or near 

Big Falls. Minn.:

description........................

discharge..........................

gage heights.......................

Laurel, Minn.:

description........................

discharge-.........................

gage heights.......................

Big Muddy River drainage basin, description

of............................. 213-214

stream flow in......................... 214-220

Big Muddy River near 

Cambon, 111.:

description.......................... 214

discharge.......................... 214,221

discharge, daily...................... 216

discharge, monthly.................. 217

gage heights ......................... 215

Bigstone, S. Dak.,

Whetstone River at:

discharge............................ 220

gage heights......................... 220

Black River (Minn.) near 

Loman, Minn.:

description.......................... 81

discharge............................ 81

gage heights......................... 81

Black River (Wis.) at 

Neillsville, Wis.:

description.......................... 147

discharge.......................... 148,221

discharge, monthly.................. 148

gage heights......................... 148

Black River (Wis.) drainage basin, description of...--.....-.....-......-. 146-147

stream flow in......................... 147-148

Black River (Wis.) survey................... 147

Blue Earth River at or near 

Mankato, Minn.:

discharge............................ 220

gage height.......................... 220

Rapidan Mills, Minn.:

description.......................... 125

discharge............................ 126

gage heights......................... 126

Bolster, R. H., work of...................... 29

Breese, 111.,

Shoal Creek near:

description........................ 208-209

discharge.......................... 209,221

discharge, monthly.................. 210

gage heights......................... 209

223
224 INDEX.

C.

Page.

Cahokia Creek at 

Poag, 111.:

description.......................... 190

gage heights......................... 190

Cahokia Creek drainage basin, description of- 189 

stream flow in........................... 190

Cambon, 111.,

Big Muddy River near:

description.......................... 214

discharge.......................... 214,221

discharge, daily...................... 216

discharge, monthly.................. 217

gage heights......................... 215

Cambridge, Minn., 

Rum River at:

description.......................... 113

discharge............................ 113

gage heights......................... 114

Cannon River at 

Welch, Minn.:

description........................ 135-136

discharge............................ 136

gage heights......................... 136

Cannon River drainage basin, description of. 134-135 

stream flow in......................... 135-136

Cardston, Alberta,

St. Mary River near:

description.......................... 35-36

discharge........................... 36,221

discharge, daily...................... 38

discharge, monthly.................. 39

gage heights......................... 37

Carlyle, 111.,

Kaskaskia River at:

description.......................... 200

discharge.......................... 201,221

discharge, daily...................... 202

discharge, monthly.................. 203

....................... 201

Cedar Falls, Wis.,

Red Cedar River at:

description.......................... 143

gage heights......................... 144

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 

Cedar River at:

description.......................... 170

discharge............................ 220

discharge, daily...................... 171

discharge, monthly.................. 171

gage heights......................... 171

Cedar River at or near 

Austin, Minn.:

description.......................... 169

discharge............................ 169

gage heights......................... 170

Cedar Rapids, Iowa:

description.......................... 170

discharge............................ 221

discharge, daily...................... 171

discharge, monthly.................. 171

gage heights......................... 171

Chandler, E. F., work of..................... 29

Chippewa Falls, Wis.,

Chippewa River (Wis.), at: Page, 

description.......................... 139

discharge.......................... 139,221

discharge, daily...................... 141

discharge, monthly.................. 141

gage heights......................... 140

Chippewa River (Minn.) nearWatson, Minn.:

description.......................... 122

discharge............................ 122

Chippewa River (Wis.) at or near 

Eau Claire, Wis.:

description.......................... 142

discharge............................ 221

discharge daily...................... 142

discharge, monthly.................. 143

gage heights ........................ 142

Chippewa Falls, Wis.:

description.......................... 139

discharge.......................... 139,221

discharge, daily-.-------.---.-.--...- 141

discharge, monthly.................. 141

gage heights......................... 140

Chippewa River (Wis.) drainage basin, description of.............................. 136-138

stream flow in......................... 139-144

Clearwater River at 

Red Lake Falls, Minn.:

description.......................... 66

discharge........................... 67,221

discharge, daily---.-..........-....-- 67

discharge, monthly.................. 68

gage heights......................... 67

Cooperation, credit for....................... 28

Cooperative data, use of..................... 27-28

Cottonwood River near 

New IJlm, Minn.:

description.......................... 124

discharge.......................... 124,221

discharge, daily-------.............-- 125

discharge, monthly.................. 125

gage heights......................... 124

Crookston, Minn.,

Red Lake River at:

description......................... 61-62

discharge .......................... 62, 221

discharge, daily..................... 64

discharge, monthly.................. 64

gage heights .......................... 63

Crow River at 

Rockford, Minn.:

description........................ 105-106

discharge.......................... 106, 221

discharge, daily..................... 107

discharge,monthly. ................ 107

gage heights......................... 106

 view of.............................. 106

Crow River drainage basin, description of... 103 

mean annual rainfall in.............. 104

stream flow in....................: 104-109

Crow River (North Fork) near 

Rockford, Minn.:

description.......................... 104

discharge............................ 105

...................... 105
INDEX. 225

Crow River (South Fork) near 

Rockford, Minn.: Page, 

description.......................... 107

discharge......................... 108,221

discharge, daily..................... 109

discharge, monthly.................. 109

gage heights......................... 108

Crow "Wing River at or nearMotley, Mifln.:

description.......................... 97

discharge............................ 98

gage heights......................... 98

Pillager, Minn.:

description........................... 98-99

discharge............................ 99

gage heights......................... 99

Crow "Wing River drainage basin, description

of.............-..--..-...-..-.-. 95-97

stream flow in...................... 97-100

Crow "Wing River, elevations and distances

along............................ 96

Current meter, description of................ 19-20

use of............................... 20-21

views of.....-...--...-..-....-..-..- 20

Current-meter stations, views of............. 20

Curves, discharge, figure showing............ 88

D.

Data, accuracy of............................ 26-27

use of............................... 27

Definitions of terms......................... 13

Des Moines River at 

Jackson, Minn.:

description.......................... 172

discharge.......................... 173,221

discharge, daily..................... 174

discharge, monthly.................. 174

gage heights......................... 173

Des Moines River drainage basin, description

Of............................. 171-172

stream flow in..................... 172-174

Devils Lake near 

Devils Lake, Minn.:

description.......................... 60

gage heights......................... 60

Discharge, computation of................... 22-25

curves for............................... 22

figure showing....................... 88

measurement of......................... 16-21

summary of............................. 221

Discharge measurements, nature of........... 15

Domestic water supply, importance of....... 9

Drainage, stream flow and................... 9-10

Drainage basins, list of...................... 10

E. 

Eau Claire, Wis.,

Chippewa River (Wis.) near:

description.......................... 142

discharge, daily..................... 142

discharge, monthly.................. 143

gage heights......................... 142

Eau Claire River survey..................... 154

Emerson, C. J., work of..................... 29

Equivalents, list of.......................... 14-15

79483° WSP 265 11 15

F.

Fargo, N. Dak., Page, 

Red River at:

description.......................... 51

discharge........................... 51.221

discharge, daily..................... 53

discharge, monthly.................. 53

gage heights......................... 52

Fergus Falls, Minn., 

Ottertail River near:

description.......................... 47

discharge........................... 48,221

discharge, daily..................... 49

discharge, monthly.................. 49

gage heights......................... 48

Pelican River near:

description.......................... 57

discharge............................ 57

gage heights......................... 57

Red River near:

description.......................... 49-50

discharge............................ 50

gage heights......................... 50

Field methods, features of .........'.......... 16-21

Flambeau River survey................... 138-139

Float method, description of................. 19

Floods, prevention of........................ 10

Follansbee, Robert, work of................. 29

Fort Ripley, Minn.,

Mississippi River near:

description.......................... 86-87

discharge............................ 87

gage heights......................... 87

G.

Gage heights, readings of.................... 15

Gaging stations, classification of.............. 22-25

list of, in Hudson Bay and Upper Mississippi drainage basins............ 29-31

types of, description of.................. 18

views of ................................... 18

Gibson, C. B., work of....................... 29

Grand Forks, N. Dak., 

Red River at:

description.......................... 54

discharge........................... 55,221

discharge, daily...................... 56

discharge, monthly.................. 56

gage heights..................... 55

Grand Rapids, Minn., 

Mississippi River at:

discharge. .................t.......... 220

gage height.......................... 220

Prairie River near:

description.......................... 94

discharge............................ 94

gage heights......................... 95

Gray, G. A., work of......................... 29

H. 

Hartsburg, HI.,

Sugar Creek near:

discharge............................ 220

gage height.......................... 220

Horton, A. H., work of...................... 29
226 INDEX.

Page.

Houston, Minn., 

Root River near:

description. ..........'..."............ 150

discharge. ........................... 150

gage heights. ........................ 151

Hudson Bay drainage basin, description of. . 31-32 

gaging stations in.. ...................... 29-30

stream flow in. .......................... 32-81

I.

Ice, measurements under. ................... 21, 25

Illinois River drainage basin, description of. 174-175 

stream flow in. ........................ 175-189

International Falls, Minn., 

Rainy River at:

description. ......................... 76

discharge. ........................... 77

gage heights. ........................ 77-78

Investigations, authority for. ................ 7

purposes of .............................. 9-10

scope of .................................. . 8

Iowa River drainage basin, description of. . . 167-169 

stream flow in. ........................ 169-171

Irrigation, dependence of, on stream flow . . .

J.

Jackson, Minn.,

Des Moines River at:

description .......................... 172

discharge .......................... 173, 221

discharge, daily...................... 174

discharge, monthly. ................. 174

gage heights ......................... 173

Jackson, H. J., work of ...................... 29

K.

Kaskaskia River at or near 

Arcola, 111.:

description. ......................... 191

discharge. ......................... 192, 221

discharge, daily. ..................... 193

discharge, monthly. ................. 194

gage heights. . ....................... 192

Carlyle, 111.:

description. . ........................ 200

discharge. ......................... 201, 221

discharge, daily...................... 202

discharge, monthly. ................. 203

gage heights ......................... 201

New Athens, 111.:

description. ....................... 203-204

discharge. ......................... 204, 221

discharge, daily. ................... 206-207

discharge, monthly. ................. 208

gage heights. . ..................... 204-205

Shelbyville, 111.:

description.......................... 194

discharge. ......................... 195, 221

discharge, daily. ..................... 196

discharge, monthly. ................. 197

gage heights. ........................ 195

Vandalia, 111.:

description. ......................... 197

discharge. ......................... 198, 221

discharge, daily.... . ....... ......_.. 199

discharge, monthly. ................. 360

gage heights. ........................ 198

Page. 

Kaskaskia River drainage basin, description

of............................... 190

stream flow in......................... 191-213

Kenney, 111.,

Salt Creek near:

description.......................... 186

discharge.......................... 187,221

discharge, daily...................... 188

discharge, monthly.................. 189

gage heights......................... 187

Kettle River near 

Sandstone, Minn.:

description.-....................... 128-129

discharge.......................... 129,221

discharge, daily.................... 129,131

discharge, monthly.................. 131

................... 129-130

Lamb, W. A., work of.... 

Laurel, Minn.,

Big Fork River near:

description.......

discharge.........

29

81

Lebanon, 111.,

Silver Creek near:

description.......................... 210

discharge.......................... 211,221

discharge, daily...................... 212

discharge, monthly.................. 213

gage heights......................... 211

Little Fork, Minn.,

Little Fork River at:

description.......................... 78

discharge............................ 79

gage heights......................... 79

Little Fork River at 

Little Fork, Minn:.

description.......................... 78

discharge. ........... A.............. 79

gage heights......................... 79

Loman, Minn.,

Black River (Minn.) near:

description.......................... 81

discharge............................ 81

gage heights......................... 81

Long Prairie River near 

Motley, Minn.:

description......................... 99-100

discharge.........^.................. 100

...................... 100

M. 

Mankato, Minn.,

Blue Earth River near:

discharge............................ 220

gage height.......................... 220

Mathers, J. G., work of...................... 29

Merrill, Wis.,

Wisconsin River at:

description.......................... 156

discharge.......................... 156,221

discharge, daily...................... 157

discharge, monthly.................. 158

gage heights......................... 167
INDEX. 227

Mille Lac Lake outlet, Minn.,

Rum River at: Page. 

discharge............................ 220

....................... 220

Miner's inch, definition of................... 13

Minnesota' River drainage basio, description of ..................... .. 116-118

stream flow in......................... 119-126

Minnesota River nearMontevideo, Minn.:

description.......................... 120

discharge.......................... 120,221

discharge, daily ..................... 121

discharge, monthly ................. 122

gage heights......................... 121

Odessa, Minn.:

description.......................... 119

discharge............................ 119

...................... 120

Minnesota River, water surface elevations

and distances along ............. 118

Minot, N. Dak., 

Mouse River at:

description.......................... 71

discharge........................... 72,221

discharge, daily..................... 73

discharge, monthly.................. 73

...................... 72

220

Miscellaneous measurements inUpper Mississippi River drainage basin.. 

Mississippi River at or near 

Anoka, Minn.:

curves for, plate showing............ 88

description.......................... 88

discharge........................... 89,221

discharge, daily..................... 90-92

discharge, monthly.................. 93

Fort Ripley, Minn.:

description.......................... 86-87

discharge............................ 87

gage heights......................... 87

Grand Rapids, Minn.:

discharge............................ 220

gage heights......................... 220

Mississippi River drainage basin (upper), description of..................... 82-86

gaging stations in....................... 30-31

miscellaneous measurements in.......... 220

stream flow in.......................... 86-220

Mississippi River, elevations and distances

along.......................... 84

Montevideo, Minn.,

Minnesota River near:

description.......................... 120

discharge.......................... 120,221

discharge, daily..................... 121

discharge, monthly........... 1...... 122

gage heights......................... 121

Monticello, 111.,

Sangamon River at:

description.......................... 176

discharge.......................... 176,221

discharge, daily..................... 177

e, monthly.................. 178

...................... 176

Mora, Minn.,

Snake River at: Page, 

description.......................... 132

discharge.......................... 132,221

discharge, daily...................... 133

3, monthly.................. 133

...................... 133

Motley, Minn.,

Crow Wing River at:

description.......................... 97

discharge............................ 98

gage heights......................... 98

Long Prairie River near: 

description......................... 99-100

...................... 100

...................... 100

Mouse River at 

Minot, N. Dak.:

description.......................... 71

'discharge .......................... 72,221

discharge, daily..................... 73

discharge, monthly.................. 73

gage heights......................... 72

Mouse River basin, description of............ 70-71

stream flow in........................... 71-73

N.

Navigation, dependence of, stream flow,on.. 9 

Necedah, Wis.,

"Wisconsin River near:

description. .....................

discharge........................

158 

158 

15?

Neche, N. Dak.,

Pembina River at: 

description.........

discharge...........

discharge, daily.....

discharge, monthly. 70

Neillsville, Wis.,

Black River (Wis.) at:

description.......................... 147

discharge.......................... 148,221

discharge, monthly.................. 148

New Athens, HI.,

Kaskaskia River at:

description........................ 203-204

discharge.......................... 204,221

discharge, daily................... 206-207

discharge, monthly.................. 208

gage heights....................... 204-205

New Ulm, Minn.,

Cottonwood River near:

description.......................... 124

discharge.......................... 124,221

discharge, daily...................... 125

discharge, monthly.................. 125

gage heights......................... 124

Nomland, J. O., work of.................... 29

O. 

Oakford, 111.,

Sangamon River near:

description........................ 181-182

.................... 182,221

5, monthly.................. 183

...................... 182
228 INDEX,

Odessa, Mlnn.,

Minnesota River near: Page. 

description.......................... 119

discharge............................ 119

gage heights ........................ 120

Office methods, features of................... 22-25

Onamia, Minn., 

Rum River at:

description........................ 111-112

discharge............................ 112

gage heights......................... 112

O'Neill, W. M., work of..................... 29

Ottertail River near 

Fergus Falls, Minn.:

description.......................... 47

discharge........................... 48,221

discharge, daily..................... 49

discharge, monthly.................. 49

gage heights.. ....................... 48

P.

Padgett, H. D., work of. 

Pelican River nearFergus Falls, Minn.:

description......

discharge........

29

Pembina River at 

Neche, N. Dak.:

description.......................... 68

discharge............................ 69

discharge, daily..................... 69

discharge, monthly.................. 70

gage heights......................... 69

Pillager, Minn.,

Crow Wing River at:

description........................

discharge..........................

Pinckneyville, 111.,

Beaucoup Creek near:

description.......................... 217

discharge.......................... 218,221

discharge, daily..................... 219

discharge, monthly.................. 220

gage heights......................... 218

Poag, HI.,

Cahokia Creek at:

description.......................... 190

,gage heights......................... 190

Prairie River drainage basin, description of.-. v 94 

stream flow in........................"... 94-95

Prairie River near 

Grand Rapids, Minn.:

description.......................... 94

discharge............................ 94

gage "heights......................... 95

Price meters, views of....................... 20

Publications, lists of......................... 10-13

R. 

Rainy River at 

International Falls, Minn.:

description.......................... 76

discharge............................ 77

gage heights......................... 77-73

Eainy River drainage basin, description of.. 75 

stream flow in........................... 76-82

Rapidan Mills, Minn.,

Blue Earth River at: Page. 

description.......................... 125

discharge............................. 126

...................... 126

Rating curves, construction and use of....... 22

Rating tables, construction of............... 22

nature of................................ 15-16

Red River at or near 

Fargo, N. Dak.:

description.......................... 51

discharge........................... 51,221

discharge, daily..................... 53

discharge, monthly.................. 53

gage heights......................... 52

Fergus Falls, Minn.:

description.......................... 49-^50

discharge............................ 50

gage heights......................... 50

Grand Forks, N. Dak.:

description.......................... 54

discharge........................... 55,221

discharge, daily..................... 56

discharge, monthly.................. 56

gage heights......................... 55

Red River drainage basin, description of..... 42-47

stream flow in........................... 47-78

Red Cedar River at 

Cedar Falls, Wis.:

description. ........~................. 143

gage heights......................... 144

Red Lake Falls, Minn.,

Clearwater River at:

description.......................... 66

discharge........................... 67,221

discharge, daily..................... 67

discharge, monthly.................. 68

gage heights......................... 67

Red Lake River at 

Crookston, Minn.:

description.......................... 61-62

discharge........................... 62,221

discharge, daily..................... 64

discharge, monthly.................. 64

Thief River Falls, Minn.:

description.......................... 60-61

discharge............................ 61

gage heights......................... 61

Redwood Falls, Minn., 

Redwood River near 

description.......................... 123

discharge............................ 123

gage heights......................... 123

Redwood River near 

Redwood Falls, Minn.:

description.......................... 123

discharge............................ 123

gage heights......................... 123

Revision, need for........................... 27-28

Rhinelander, Wis.,

Wisconsin River near:

description.......................... 154

discharge, daily..................... 155

discharge, monthly.................. 156

gage heights......................... 155

Rice, R. C., work of......................... 29
INDEX. 229

(verton, HI.,

Sangamon River at: Page. 

description.......................... 178

discharge.......................... 179,221

discharge, daily..................... 180

discharge, monthly.................. 181

gage heights......................... 179

ck River at 

Rockton, m.:

description....................... 1.. 167

gage heights......................... 167

lock River drainage basin, description of. 165-166

stream flow in........................... 167

lockford, Minn.,

Crow River at:

description........................ 105-106

discharge.......................... 106,221

discharge daily..................... 107

e, monthly.................. 107

..................... 106

view of.........--.-....-.----.----.- 106

Crow River (North Fork) near:

description.......................... 104

discharge............................ 105

gage heights......................... 105

Crow River (South Fork) near:

description.......................... 107

discharge.......................... 108,221

discharge, daily..................... 109

discharge, monthly.................. 109

gage heights......................... 108

Rockton, 111.,

Rock River at:

description.......................... 167

gage heights......................... 167

Root River drainage basin, description of.. 148-150

stream flow in......................... 150-151

Root River, elevation and distances along... 149 

Root River near 

Houston, Minn.:

description.......................... 150

discharge............................ 150

gage heights......................... 151

Rum River at or near 

Anoka, Minn.:

description.......................... 114

' discharge.......................... 115,221

discharge, daily..................... 115

discharge, monthly.................. 116

gage heights......................... 115

Cambridge, Minn.:

description.......................... 113

discharge............................ 113

gage heights......................... 114

Mille Lac Lake outlet:

discharge............................ 220

gage height.......................... 220

Onamia, Minn.:

description........................ 111-112

discharge............................ 112

gage heights......................... 112

Rum River drainage basin, description of.. 109-111

stream flow in......................... 111-116

Rum River, elevation and distances along... Ill

run-off, computation of.................. 22-25

definition of............................. 13

S.

Page. 

St. Croix River drainage basin, description

of............................. 126-128

stream flow in......................... 128-133

St. Croix River, elevations and distances

along............................ 128

St. Louis River Power Company, view of

dam of, at Thompson, Minn..... 106

St. Mary River drainage basin, description of. 32 

stream flow in........................... 33-41

St. Mary River near 

Babb, Mont.:

description.......................... 33

discharge........................... 33,521

discharge, daily..................... 35

discharge, monthly.................. 35

gage heights.......................... 34

Cardston, Alberta:

description.......................... 35-36

discharge........................... 36,221

discharge, daily..................... 38

discharge, monthly.................. 39

gage heights......................... 37

St. Cloud, Minn., 

Sauk River near:

description........................ 101-102

discharge............................ 102

gage heights......................... 102

Salt Creek near 

Kenney, 111.:

description.......................... 186

discharge.......................... 187,221

discharge, daily...................... 188

discharge, monthly.................. 189

gage heights......................... 187

Sandstone, Minn., 

Kettle River near:

description........................ 128-129

discharge.. T....................... 129-221'

discharge, daily..................... 131

discharge, monthly.................. 131

gage heights....................... 129-130

Sangamon River at or near 

Monticello, 111.:

description....................... t .. 176

discharge.......................... 176,221

discharge, daily...................... 177;

discharge, monthly.................. 178

gage heights......................... 176

Oakford, 111.:

description........................ 181-182

discharge.......................... 182,221

discharge, daily................. 1... 182

discharge, monthly.................. 183

gage heights......................... 182

Riverton, 111.:

description.......................... 178

discharge.......................... 179,221

discharge, daily..................... 180

discharge, monthly.................. 181

gage heights......................... 179

Sangamon River drainage basin, description

of............................... 175

stream flow in......................... 176-189
230 INDEX.

Sangamon River (South Fork) near 

Taylorville,!!!.: Page. 

' description.......................... 183

discharge.......................... 184,221

discharge, daily..................... 185

discharge, monthly.................. 186

gage heights......................... 184

Sauk River drainage basin, description of.. 3 00-101 

mean annual rainfall in.................. 101

stream flow in......................... 101-102

Sauk River near 

St. Cloud, Minn.:

description........................ 101-102

discharge. ...........\............... 102

gage heights......................... 102

Second-foot, definition of.................... 13

Section, changes in, estimating for........... 23-25

Shelbyville, 111.,

Kaskaskia River at:

description.......................... 194

discharge.......................... 195,221

discharge, daily..................... 196

discharge, monthly.................. 197

gage heights......................... 195

Shoal Creek near 

Breese, 111.:

description........................ 208-209

discharge.......................... 209,221

discharge, daily..................... 209

discharge, monthly.................. 210

gage heights......................... 209

Silver Creek near 

Lebanon, 111.:

description.......................... 210

discharge.......................... 211,221

discharge, daily..................... 212

discharge, monthly.................. 213

gage heights......................... 211

Slope method, description of................. 17

Snake River at 

Mora, Minn.:

description.......................... 132

discharge.......................... 132,221

discharge, daily..................... 133

discharge, monthly.................. 133

gage heights......................... 133

Stevens, G. C., work of...................... 29

Stewart, J. E., work of...................... 29

Stone City, Iowa,

Wapsipinicon River at:

description.......................... 160

discharge............................ 221

discharge, daily................... 163-164

discharge, monthly.................. 165

gage heights....................... 161-162

Stream measurement, accuracy of........... 26-27

data on,use of........................... 27

methods of...........................'... 16-21

Sugar Creek near 

Hartsburg, 111.:

discharge............................ 220

gageheight.......................... 220

Swamps, dependence of drainage of, on stream

flow............................. 9-10

Swiftcurrent Creek near 

Babb, Mont.: Pag 

description..........................

. discharge........................... 40,2

discharge, daily.....................

discharge, monthly..................

gage heights.........................

T.

Tables, explanation of....................... 15-1(|

Taylor, R. J., work of.......................

Taylorville, 111.,

Sangamon River (South Fork) near:

description........................... 183|

discharge.......................... 184,2211

discharge, daily..................... 185|

discharge, monthly.................. 1861

gage heights......................... 1841

Terms, definitions of........................ 13 ]

Thief River nearThief River Falls, Minn.:

description..........................

discharge............................

gage heights......................... 66

Thief River Falls, Minn., 

Red Lake River at:

description.......................... 60-61

discharge............................ 61

gage heights......................... 61

Thief River near:

description.......................... 65

discharge............................ "65

gage heights......................... 66

Thompson, Minn.,

view of dam at.......................... 106

Twin Valley, Minn., 

Wild Rice River at:

description.......................... 68

discharge........................... 58,221

discharge, daily..................... 59

discharge, monthly.................. 59

gage heights......................... 59

TJ. 

University, N. Dak., evaporation at........ 73-74'

V. 

Vandalia, 111.,

Kaskaskia River at:

description.......................... 197

discharge.......................... 198,221

discharge, daily*.................... 199

discharge, monthly.................. 200

gage heights......................... 198

Velocity method, description of............. 17-18

W.

Walters, M. I., work of.................... 29

Wapsipinicon River at 

Stone City, Iowa:

description.......................... 160

discharge............................ 221

discharge, daily................... 163-164

discharge, monthly.................. 166

.................... 161-162
INDEX. 231

Page

fapsipinicon River drainage basin, description of........................... 159

stream flow in......................... 160-165

fater power, dependence of, on stream flow.. 9 

[ater supply, dependence of, on stream flow. 9 

patson, Minn.,

Chippewa River (Minn.) near:

description.......................... 122

discharge............................ 122

feleh, Minn,,

Cannon River at:

description........................ 135-136

discharge............................ 136

gage heights......................... 136

Peir method, description of................ 17

etstone River at 

Bigstone, S. Dak.:

discharge............................ 220

gage height.......................... 220

Pild Rice River at 

Twin Valley, Minn.:

description.......................... 58

discharge........................... 58,221

discharge, daily..................... 59

discharge, monthly.................. 59

gage heights......................... 59

I Wisconsin River at or near 

Merrill, Wis.:

description.......................... 156

discharge.......................... 156,221

discharge, daily..................... 157

discharge, monthly.................. 158

...................... 157

Wisconsin River at or near 

Necedah, Wis.:

description.......................... 158

discharge............................ 158

gage heights......................... 159

Rhinelander, Wis.:

 description... a...................... 154

discharge, daily..................... 155

discharge, monthly.................. 156

...................... 155

Wisconsin River drainage basin, description

of............................. 151-153

stream flow in........................ 154-159

Wisconsin River survey................... 153-154

Wood, Mrs. B. D., work of.................. 29

Work, division of............................ 29

Z.

Zumbro Falls, Minn., 

Zumbro River at:

description.......................... 145

discharge............................ 146

gage heights......................... 146

Zumbro River at 

Zumbro Falls, Minn.:

description.......................... 145

discharge............................ 146

gage heights......................... 146

Zumbro River drainage basin, description

of............................. 144-145

stream flow in......................... 145-146

o