Water-Supply and Irrigation Paper No. 129 Series P, Hydrographic Progress Reports, 84 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIEECTOB

REPORT

PROGRESS OF STREAM MEASUREMENTS

THE CALENDAR YEAR 1904

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF F. H. NEWELL

BY

R. E. HORTON, E. JOHNSON, Jr., and JOHN C. HOYT

PART VI. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Drainage

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1905
Water-Supply and Irrigation Paper No. 129, Series P, Hydrographic Progress Reports, 34 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIBECTOB

REPORT

PROGRESS OF STREAM MEASUREMENTS

THE CALENDAR YEAR 1904

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF F. H. NEWELL

BY

R. E. HORTON, E. JOHNSON, Jr., and JOHN C. HOYT

PART VI. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Drainage

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1905
CONTENTS.

Page.

Letter of transmittal........................ M ............................ 5

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

Cooperation and acknowledgments........................................ 16

Lake Michigan drainage basin............................................. 17

Escanaba River near Escanaba, Mich.............................. 17

Menominee River near Iron Mountain, Mich- -..........-.-..-....- 20

Iron River near Iron River, Mich ................................. 24

Fox River at Wrightstown, Wis................................... 25

St. Joseph River and Portage Creek at Mendon, Mich............... 26

St. Joseph River near Buchanan, Mich............................. 27

Fawn River near White Pigeon, Mich.............................. 30

Kalamazoo River near Allegan, Mich........ ..................... 32

Grand River at North Lansing, Mich .............................. 33

Grand River at Grand Rapids, Mich............................... 37

Red Cedar River at Agricultural College, Mich..................... 40

Muskegon River at Newaygo, Mich................................ 41

Manistee River near Sherman, Mich-.............................. 46

Boardman River at Traverse City, Mich............................ 49

Lake Huron drainage basin ....... ........................................ 49

Thunder Bay River near Alpena, Mich ............................ 50

Au Sable River at Bamfield, Mich................................. 52

Rifle River at Omer, Mich ..................... A................. * 55

Tittabawassee River at Freeland, Mich............................. 56

Flint River at Flint, Mich......................................... 58

Lake Erie drainage basin....................... .......................... 60

Huron River at Dover, Mich...................................... 62

Huron River at Dexter, Mich ..................................... 63

Huron River at Geddes, Mich ....................... ............. 64

Huron River at French Landing, Mich ............................ 66

Huron River at Flat Rock, Mich................................... 67

Maumee River near Sherwood, Ohio............................... 68

Tiffin River near Defiance, Ohio................................... 71

Black River near Elyria, Ohio ............-.....-....-...--.-.---. 74

Cuyahoga River at Independence, Ohio............................ 75

Lake Ontario drainage basin................................................ 79

Oak Orchard Creek near Medina, N. Y............................. 79

Genesee River near Mount Morris, N. ^i........................... 81

Genesee River at Rochester, N. Y...................... .......... 83.

Canadice Lake outlet near Hemlock, N. Y .......-......-......---. 86

Honeoye Creek at East Rush, N. Y................................ 87

Skaneateles Lake outlet at Willowglen, N. Y.............--.:.---.. 91

Oswego River at Battle Island, N, Y............................... 93

Seneca River at Baldwinsville, N. Y............................... 96

3
4 CONTENTS.

Lake Ontario drainage basin Continued. Page.

Onondaga Lake outlet at Long Branch, N. Y....................... 98

Oneida Lake, N. Y ............................................... 101

Oneida River near Euclid, N. Y................................... 102

Chittenango Creek at Chittenango, N. Y......... ................. 104

Salmon River near Pulaski, N. Y...............-..........._...... 107

Black River near Felts Mills, N. Y................................. 110

Moose River at Moose River, N. Y............................... . 114

St. Lawrence River drainage basin......................................... 115

Oswegatchie River near Ogdensburg, N. Y ......................... 118

Racquette River at Massena Springs, N. Y.......................... 120

Racquette River near South Colton, N. Y.......................... 122

Lake Cham plain drainage basin ............................................ 124

Richelieu River at Fort Montgomery, N. Y......................... 125

Saranac River near Plattsburg, N. Y............................. . 128

Ausable River near Keeseville, N. Y............................... 130

Bouquet River near Willsboro, N. Y............................... 132

Lake George outlet at Ticonderoga, N. Y........................... 133

Mettawee River and tributaries in New York and Vermont......... 135

Poultney River and tributaries in New York and Vermont.......... 136

Great and Little Chazy rivers and tributaries in New York and

Vermont ...................................................... 137

Fish Creek at Burgoyne, N. Y..................................... 137

Otter Creek at Middlebury, Vt.................................... 139

Winooski River at Richmond, Vt...............................

Index ................................................................

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PLATE I. Map showing location of principal gaging stations in the United

States........................................................ 8

II. Price current meters, with buzzers ............................... 10

FIG. 1. Cable station, showing section of the river, car, gage, etc....... ...... 9
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY,

HYDROGRAPHIC BRANCH, 

Washington, D. <?., May 13, 1905.

SIR: I transmit herewith the manuscript of Part VI of a series of 

twelve papers which compose the Report of Progress of Stream 

Measurements for the Calendar Year 1904. Parts I to VI of this 

report contain the results of the data collected in the territory east of 

Mississippi River. Parts VII to XII are devoted to the data collected 

in the territory west of Mississippi River.

The original data for this paper were collected under the direction of 

District Hydrographers R. E. Horton and E. Johnson, jr. Mr. Horton 

had charge of the work in New York and southern Michigan, and was 

assisted by C. C. Covert. Mr. Johnson had charge of the work in the 

other States, and was assisted by F. W. Hanna. The assembling of 

the data and the preparation for publication were done under the direction of John C. Hoyt, who has been assisted by R. H. Bolster, Robert 

Follansbee, Willis E. Hall, A. H. Horton, H. D. Comstock, F. H. 

Tillinghast, and R. M. Packard.

I request that this manuscript be published as one of the series of 

Water-Supply and Irrigation Papers. 

Very respectfully,

F. H. NEWELL, Chief Engineer. 

Hon. CHARLES D. WALCOTT,

Director United States Geological Survey.
PROGRESS REPORT OF STREAM MEASUREMENTS 

FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 1904.

PA.BT VI.

By R. E. HORTON, E. JOHNSON, Jr., and JOHN 0. HOYT.

INTRODUCTION.

The hydrographic work of the United States Geological Survey 

includes the collection of facts concerning and the study of conditions 

affecting the behavior of water from the time it reaches the earth as 

rain or snow until it joins the oceans or great navigable rivers. These 

investigations became a distinct feature of the work of the Survey in 

the fall of 1888, when an instruction camp was established at Embudo, 

N. Mex. Since that date the work has been continually and gradually 

extended as larger funds became available. The first distinctive appropriation for gaging streams was made by the act of August 18, 1894, 

which contained an item of $12,500, "for gaging the streams and 

determining the water supply of the United States, including the investigation of underground currents and artesian wells in the arid and 

semiarid sections. 1 '1 (Digest of Appropriations for 1895, p. 270.)

Since that time a similar act has been passed each year and the 

appropriations have gradually increased, as shown in the following 

table:

v Anmjial appropriations for hydrographic surveys.

Year ending June 30, 1895 .............................................. $12,500

Year ending June 30, 1896 ...I.......................................... 20,000

Year ending June 30, 1897 .............................................. 50,000

Year ending June 30, 1898 ........... .. .\ .............................. 50,000

Year ending June 30, 1899 .............................................. 50,000

Year ending June 30, 1900 .............................................. 50,000

Year ending June 30, 1901 .............................................. 100,000

Year ending June 30, 1902 .............................................. 100,000

Year ending June 30, 1903 .............................................. 200, 000

Year ending June 30, 1904 .............................................. 200,000

Year ending June 30, 1905 .............................................. 200, 000

Year ending June 30, 1906 ......... .................................... 200,000

7
8 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

The chief feature of the work of the hydrographic division is the 

systematic study of the flow of the surface waters and the conditions 

affecting the same. In this connection other information that ma.y be 

of use to the engineer or others in hydrographic studies, such as river 

profiles, duration and extent of damage by floods, water-power data, 

etc., is collected. Furthermore, the work has been so directed that 

the information collected will be of direct value in the commercial 

and agricultural development of the country.

As a result of the increased appropriations since June 30, 1902, the 

work has been largely extended and thoroughly systemized. The 

various States have been grouped into districts, each of which is under 

the supervision of a district hydrographer who, with a corps of assistants, devotes his whole time to the study of the hydrographic resources 

of his district.

The methods used in the collection of these data and in their preparation for publication are given in detail in Water-Supply Paper No. 

9-1. (Hydrographic Manual, U. S. Geol. Surve}^.)

The general plan of stream gaging which has been developed is to 

obtain eventually data in regard to the flow of all the important 

streams in the U nited States. With this in view gaging stations are 

established at points where the data will be of greatest commercial 

value. At these stations discharge measurements are taken from time 

to time at typical river stages, and the daily surface fluctuation is 

obtained by means of gage readings. From these two factors it is 

possible to estimate both the total flow and its distribution through 

the period of observations.

The selection of the site for a gaging station and the length of time 

the station is maintained depend largely upon the needs of each locality. If the stream is to be used for water power, special efforts are 

made to obtain information concerning the low-water flow. If water 

is to be stored, the high waters are given special attention. In all 

sections certain permanent stations are maintained for general statistical purposes, to show the conditions which exist through long periods. 

They also act as primary stations, and are used in connection with 

short series of measurements to determine the flow in particular portions of the drainage basin.

Gaging stations are divided into .two general classes: First, currentmeter stations; and second, weir stations. The former class is subdivided as to location into bridge, cable, boat, and wading stations. 

Fig. 1 shows a cable station, with car, tag-line, inclined gage, etc. In 

addition to the bridge, cable, or boat, the equipment of a current-meter 

gaging station consists in a gage for determining the daily fluctuations 

of the water surface, bench marks to which the zero of the gage is 

referred, and permanent marks on the bridge or a tagged line indicating the points of measurement. Where the current is swift some
U S GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER NO. 129 PL. I

127° 185 183 181° 119° 111" 115° 113° 111" 109° 107° 105° 103° 101° 99° 97° 95° 93° 91 87° 85° 83° 81° 79° 77° 75° 73° 71° 69° 67° 66°

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 miles

119° 117° 115° 113° 111° 109° 107° 105° 103° 101° 99° 95° 93° 91° 89° 87° 85° S33 81°79*

MAP OF THE UNITED STATES, SHOWING LOCATION OF PRINCIPAL EIVER STATIONS MAINTAINED DURING 19O4.
HOBTON, JOHNSON/ 

AND HOTT. INTRODUCTION. 9

appliance generally a secondary cable is necessary to hold the ineter 

in position below the surface.

Gaging stations are generally located at bridges, if the channel conditions are satisfactory, as from them the meter can be easily manipulated, and the cost of the equipment is comparatively small. The 

stations are located as far as possible at points where the channel is 

straight, both above and below the gaging section, and where there are 

no cross currents, backwater, or boils. The bed of the stream should 

be as clear as possible from large projections and of a permanent 

character. The banks should be high, and should overflow at high 

stages only. Great care is taken in the selection and equipment of 

gaging stations, in order that the data may have the required degree 

of accuracy.

FIG. 1. Cable station, showing section of river, car, gage, etc.

On many of the larger rivers where water power is developed by 

dams, estimates of flow are obtained by observing the head on the crest 

and using a weir formula. On the smaller streams sharp-crested 

weirs are in some cases erected.

The principal instrument used in stream-measurement work is the 

current meter, by which the velocity of the flow of water is determined. 

After years of experience the Survey has adopted the Price current 

meter for general work. This meter, as is shown on PL II, is made 

in two sizes, known as the large and small Price. The small Price has 

been largely developed by the officers of the Survej", using the Price 

acoustic meter as a basis.

A discharge measurement is the determination of the quantity of 

water flowing past a certain point at a given time. This quantity is the 

product of two factors: (1) The mean velocity, which is the function 

of the cross section, surface slope, wetted perimeter, and roughness of 

bed; (2) the area, which depends upon the permanency of the bed .and 

the fluctuations of the surface, which govern the depth.

In making the measurement an arbitrary number of points are laid 

off perpendicular to the thread of the stream (see fig. 1). These points 

are usually at regular intervals, vailing from 2 to 20 feet, depending
10 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

upon the size and conditions of the stream. They are known as measuring points, and at them the observed data, the velocities and soundings, are taken. The perpendiculars dropped from the measuring 

points divide the gaging section into strips, and for each strip or pair 

of strips the mean velocity, area, and discharge are determined independently; thus conditions existing in one part of the stream are not 

distributed to parts where they do not apply.

The methods of obtaining velocity with the current meters which 

are in general use may be grouped into three classes: Single point, 

multiple point, and integration.

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

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

which the coefficient for reducing to mean velocity has been determined. Extensive experiments by vertical velocity-curves show that 

the thread of mean velocity lies at from 0.5 to 0.7 of the total depth. 

In general practice the thread of mean velocity is considered to be at 

0.6 depth, and it is at this depth that the meter is held in the majority 

of the measurements, this being known as the six-tenth depth method. 

It is found by a large number of vertical velocity-curve measurements, 

taken on various streams and under various conditions, that the coefficient for reducing the velocity obtained at six-tenths depth to mean 

velocity is practically unity, ranging, in a series of 910 measurements 

made at 39 gaging stations, between 0.94 and 1.04, with a mean for the 

910 observations of 1.00. In the other principal single-point metht>d 

the meter is held near the surface, usually 1 foot below, or low enough 

to be out of the action of the wind or other disturbing influences. 

This is known as the subsurface method. The coefficient for reducing 

the velocities taken at the subsurface has been found by repeated 

experiments with vertical velocity-curves to be from 0.85 to 0.95, 

depending upon the depth of the stream and velocity and channel 

conditions. This method is specially adapted for flood measurements, 

or when the velocity is so great that the meter can not be kept at 0.6 

depth.

The three principal multiple-point methods in general use are: The 

vertical velocity-curve; top and bottom; and top, bottom, and mid 

depth. In the vertical velocity-curve method a series of velocity 

determinations are taken in the vertical at regular intervals, usually 

from 0.5 to 1 foot apart. By plotting these velocities as abscise as 

and their depths as ordinates, and drawing a smooth curve through 

these points, the vertical velocit}T -curve is produced, which shows the 

change in velocity from the surface to the bottom of the stream. The 

mean velocity in the vertical is then obtained by dividing the depth 

into the area bounded by this mean velocity-curve and the initial line. 

Owing to the length of time it takes to make these measurements, they 

are seldom used except for determining coefficients for purposes of 

comparison, and for measurements under ice.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

PRICE CURRENT METERS, WITH BUZZERS.
HOETON, JOHNSON 

AND HOYT. '] INTRODUCTION. 11

In the second multiple-point method the meter is held from 0.5 to 1 

foot below the surface and about 0.5 foot above the bottom, and the 

mean of the velocities at these two points is taken as the mean velocity 

for that vertical. This method is not well adapted for general work, 

as the roughness of the bottom disturbs the velocity at that point. 

For shallow streams with comparatively smooth beds good results are 

obtained by this method. In the third multiple-point method the 

meter is held at mid depth, at 0.5 foot below the surface and at 0.5 foot 

above the bottom, and the mean velocity is determined by dividing the 

sum of the top velocity twice the mid-depth velocity, and the bottom 

velocity by 4.

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. The number of revolutions and the time taken in the 

operation is noted, and the mean velocity is found by dividing the 

number of revolutions by the number of seconds taken in the run. 

This method has the advantage in that the velocity at each point of 

the vertical is measured twice. It is well adapted for measurements 

under ice and as a check on the point methods.

The area, which is the other factor for determining the discharge of 

the stream, depends upon the stage of the river, which is taken on a 

gage, and the general contour of the bed of the stream, which is found 

by sounding. The soundings are usually taken at each measuring 

point at the time of the discharge measurement, either by using the 

meter, and cable or by a special sounding line or rod. For stations 

with permanent beds standard cross sections are usually taken during 

low water. These sections serve to check the soundings which are taken 

at the time of the measurements, and from them any change which may 

have taken place in the bed of the stream can be detected. They are 

also used for obtaining the area for use in computations of high-water 

measurements, as accurate soundings are hard to obtain at high stages.

In computing the discharge measurements from the observed velocities and depths at the various points of measurements the measuring 

section is divided into elementary strips, as shown in fig. 1, and the 

mean velocity, area, and discharge are determined separately for either 

a single or double strip. The total discharge and area are the sums of 

those, for the various strips, and the mean velocity is obtained by__ 

dividing the total discharge by the total area.

The volume of water flowing in a stream is known as run-off. In 

expressing it various units are used, depending upon the kind of work 

for which the data are needed. Those used in this report are "secondfeet," "acre-feet," "run-off per square mile," and "run-off in depth 

in inches," and may be denned as follows:

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

the body of water flowing in a stream 1 foot wide, 1 foot deep, at a rate 

of 1 foot per second.
12 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

The "acre-foot" is the unit of capacity used in connection with storage for irrigation work, and is equivalent to 43,560 cubic feet. It is 

the quantity required to cover an acre to a depth of 1 foot. There is a 

convenient relation between the second-foot and the acre-foot; 1 secondfoot flowing for twenty-four hours will deliver 86,400 cubic feet, which 

equals 1.9835 acre-feet, or, approximately, 2 acre-feet.

The expression " second -feet per square mile" means the average 

number of cubic feet of water flowing each second from every square 

mile of drainage area on the assumption that the run-off is uniformly 

distributed.

"Depth in inches" means the depth of water in inches that would 

have covered the drainage area, uniformly distributed, if all the water 

could have accumulated on the surface. This quantity is used for 

comparing run-off with rainfall, which quantity is usually given in 

depth in inches.

It should be noticed that "acre-feet" and "depth in inches" represent the actual quantities of water which are produced during the 

periods in question, while "second-feet," on the contrary, is merely 

a rate of flow per second.

The base data for computing the daily discharge of a stream are the 

daily gage heights and the various discharge measurements, of which 

there should be sufficient number to cover the range stage. The fundamental laws upon which these computations are based are the following:

(1) The discharge will remain constant so long as the conditions at 

or near the gaging station remain constant;

(2) Neglecting the change of slope due to the rise and fall of the 

stream, the discharge will be the same whenever the stream is at a 

given stage; and

(3) The discharge is both a function of, and increases gradually 

with, the gage heights (2 and 3 depend on 1).

As the beds of many streams are changeable, the problem divides 

itself into two classes: (1) Those of streams with permanent or practically permanent beds, and (2) those of streams with changeable beds. 

The base data and methods of obtaining them are the same for either 

class, and it is only in the computation of the mean daily flow that 

different methods are necessary.

In determining the daily discharge of streams with permanent beds, 

the results of the discharge measurements are platted on cross-section 

paper, with gage heights as ordinates and discharges as abscissas. 

Through these points a smooth curve is drawn, which shows the discharge for any gage height, and from which a rating table is prepared. 

The mean velocity and area determined for each discharge measurement are also platted. Through these points the curves of mean 

velocity and of area are drawn, and the rating curve is largely determined by taking the product of the mean velocity and the area at vari-
INTRODUCTION. 13

ous stages as determined by these curves. These curves of mean 

velocity and area are of special value in determining the location of 

the rating curve for stages at which actual discharge measurements are 

not available and for extending the discharge curve outside the limits 

of the measurements. In the preparation of the rating table the discharge for each tenth or half-tenth on the gage is found from the 

curve. The first and second differences of these discharges are then 

taken and adjusted according to the law that they shall either be constant or increasing, never decreasing. The discharges in the table are 

then changed in accordance with these adjusted differences. In making up the station rating curve, the individual discharge measurements 

and the conditions under which they were taken are carefully studied, 

in order that proper weight shall be given to each measurement. 

Rating curves in general take the form of a parabola, and as a rule the 

high-water portion of the curve approaches a straight line. For stations of permanent character, the results of the measurements from 

year to year should be within 5 per cent of the curve, with the exception of those taken during high water, when the probable error may 

be as high as 10 per cent.

The determination of the daily discharge of streams with changeable 

beds is difficult, and unless frequent discharge measurements are made, 

the results obtained are only roughly approximate. For streams with 

continually shifting beds, such as Colorado River and the Rio Grande, 

discharge measurements are made every two or three days, and' the 

discharges for the intervening days are obtained by interpolation, 

modified by the gage heights for these days. For stations with beds 

which shift slowly, or are only materially changed during floods, station rating curves and tables can be prepared for the periods between 

changes, and satisfactory results can be obtained with two or three 

measurements a month, providing measurements are taken soon after 

the changes occur.

In determining the flow for periods when the streams are frozen, 

special rating curves and tables have to be prepared from measurements taken under these conditions. The methods of constructing 

these curves and tables are the same as for open sections. The discharge measurements, however, are taken either by integration in verticals or by vertical velocity-curves, as sufficient experiments have not 

been made on ice-covered streams to determine the laws which govern 

the position of the thread of mean velocity.

The Report of Progress of Stream Measurements for the Calendar 

Year 1904, of which this is Part VI, is published in a series of twelve 

Water-Supply Papers, Nos. 124-135, inclusive, under the following 

subtitles:

Part 1. Atlantic coast of New England drainage.

Part 2. Hudson, Passaic, Raritan, and Delaware River drainages.
14 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Part 3. Susquehanna, Patapsco, Potomac, James, Roanoke, Cape. Fear, and Yadkin 

River drainages.

Part 4. Santee, Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha rivers, and Eastern Gulf of Mexico 

drainage.

Part 5. Eastern Mississippi River drainage.

Part 6. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River drainage.

Part 7. Hudson Bay, Minnesota, Wapsipincon, Iowa, Des Moines, and Missouri 

River drainages.

Part 8. Platte, Kansas, Meramec, Arkansas, and Red River drainages.

Part 9. Western Gulf of Mexico drainage.

Part 10. Colorado River and the Great Basin drainage. .

Part 11. The Great Basin and Pacific Ocean drainage in California.

Part 12. Columbia River and Puget Sound drainage.

The territory covered by each paper is given in the subtitle, and the 

larger drainages are, for convenience in arrangement, subdivided into 

smaller ones, under which the data are arranged, as far as practicable, 

geographically.

These papers contain the data that have been collected at the regular 

gaging stations, the results of the computations based upon the observations, and such other information that has been collected that has a 

direct bearing on these data, including, as far as practicable, descriptions of the drainage areas and the streams draining them.

For each regular station are given, as far as available, the following 

data:

1. Description of station.

2. List of discharge measurements.

3. Gage-height table.

 i. Rating table.

5. Table of estimated monthly and yearly discharges and run-off.

The descriptions of stations give, as far as possible, such general 

facts about the locality and equipment as would enable the reader to 

tind the station and use the same. They also give, as far as possible, 

a complete history of all the changes that have occurred since the 

establishment of the station that would be factors in using the data 

collected.

The discharge-measurement table gives the results of the discharge 

measurements made during the year. This includes the date, the 

hydrographer's name, the gage height, and the discharge in secondfeet.

The table of dairy gage heights gives for each day the mean height 

of the surface of the river as found from the mean of the gage readings taken on that day. At most of the stations the gage is read in 

the morning and in the evening.

The rating table gives discharges in second-feet corresponding to 

each stage of the river as given by the gage heights.

In the table of estimated run-off the column headed "Maximum " gives 

the mean flow for the day when the mean gage height was the highest,
HORTONj JOHNSON 

AND HOYT. N 'l INTRODUCTION. 15

and it is the flow as given in the rating table for that mean gage height. 

As the gage height is the mean for the day, there might have been 

short periods when the water was higher and the corresponding discharge larger than given in this 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"gives the 

average flow for each second during the month. Upon this mean the 

computations for the three remaining columns, which are defined on 

page 12, are based.

In the computations for the tables of this report the following general and special rules have been used:

Fundamental rules for computation.

1. The highest degree of precision consistent with the rational use of time and 

money is imperative.

2. All items of computation should in general be expressed by at least two and by 

not more than four significant figures.

3. Any measurement in a vertical velocity, mean velocity, or discharge curve whose 

per cent of error is 5 times the average per cent error of all the other measurements 

rhould be rejected.

4. In reducing the number of significant figures, or the number of decimal places, 

by dropping the last figure, the following rules apply:

(a) When the figure in the place to be rejected is less than 5, drop it without 

changing the preceding figure. Example: 1,827.4 becomes 1,827.

(b) When the figure in the place to be rejected is greater than 5, drop it and 

increase the preceding figure by 1. Example: 1,827.6 becomes 1,828.

(c) When the figure in the place to be rejected is 5, and it, is preceded by an even 

figure, drop the 5. Example: 1,828.5 becomes 1,828.

(d) When the figure in the place to be rejected is 5, and it is preceded by an odd 

figure, drop the 5 and increase the preceding figure by 1. Example: 1,827.5 becomes 

1,828.

5. In constructing and applying rating tables a maximum limit of one-half per 

cent error should seldom be exceeded.

Special rules for computation.

1. Rating tables are to be constructed as close as the data upon which they are 

based- will warrant. No decimals are to be used when the discharge is over 50 

second-feet.

2. Daily discharges shall be applied directly to the gage heights as they are 

tabulated.

3. Monthly means are to be carried out to one decimal place when the quantities 

are below 100 second-feet. Between 100 and 10,000 second-feet the last figure in the 

monthly mean shall be a significant figure. This also applies to the yearly mean.

4. Second-feet per square mile and depth in inches for the individual months shall 

lie carried out at least to three significant figures, except in the case of decimals, 

where the first significant figure is preceded by one or more naughts (0), when the 

quantity shall be carried out to two significant figures. Example: 1.25; .125; .012; 

.0012. The yearly means for these quantities are always to be expressed in three 

significant figures and at least two decimal places.

The results of the stream measurements made during previous years 

by the United States Geological Survey can be found in the following
16 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Survey publications. A detailed index of these reports (from 1888- 

1903) is given in Water-Supply Paper No. 119:

1888. Tenth Annual Report, Part II.

1889. Eleventh Annual Report, Part II.

1890. Twelfth Annual Report, Part II.

1891. Thirteenth Annual Report, Part III.

1892. Fourteenth Annual Report, Part II.

1893. Bulletin No. 131.

1894. Bulletin No. 131; Sixteenth Annual Report, Part II.

1895. Bulletin No. 140.

1896. Water-Supply Paper No. 11; Eighteenth Annual Report, Part IV.

1897. Water-Supply Papers Nos. 15 and 16; Nineteenth Annual Report, 

Part IV.

1898. Water-Supply Papers Nos. 27 and 28; Twentieth Annual Report, 

Part IV.

1899. Water-Supply Papers Nos. 35 to 39, inclusive; Twenty-first Annual 

Report, Part IV.

1900. Water-Supply Papers Nos. 47 to 52, inclusive; Twenty-second Annual 

Report, Part IV.

1901. East of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 65 and 75. 

West of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers No& 66 and 75.

1902. East of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 82 and 83. 

West of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 84 and 85.

1903. East of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 97 and 98. 

West of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 99 and 100.

1904. East of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 124 to 129, inclusive. 

West of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 130 to 135, inclusive.

A limited number of these are for free distribution, and as long as 

the supply lasts they may be obtained by application to the Director 

United States Geological Survey or to members of Congress. Othei 

copies are filed with the Superintendent of Public Documents, Washington, D. C., from whom they maybe had at prices little above cost. 

Copies of Government publications are, as a rule, furnished to the 

public libraries in our large cities, where thejr may be consulted by 

those interested.

COOPERATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Most of the measurements presented in this paper have been 

obtained through local hydrographers. Acknowledgment is extended 

to other persons and corporations who have assisted local hydrographers or have cooperated in any way, either by furnishing records 

of the height of water or by assisting in transportation.

The following list, arranged alphabetically by States, gives the 

names of the resident hydrographers and others who have assisted in 

furnishing and preparing the data contained in this report:

Michigan (Southern Peninsula). District hydrographer, R. E. Horton.« Records 

have been furnished by the following individuals and corporations: Kalamazoo Valley Electric Company, Kalamazoo, Mich.; Charles A. Chapin Electric Companj,

a Office of district hydrographer for Michigan (Southern Peninsula) and New York, 75 Arcade, 

Utica, N. Y.
HOKTONj JOH 

AND HOYT. JNSON.J LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BASIN. . 17

Buchanan, Mich.; Newaygo Portland Cement Company, Newaygo, Mich.; Fletcher 

Paper Company, Alpena, Mich.; George S. Pierson, Kalamazoo, Mich.; L. W. Anderson, city engineer, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Traverse City, Mich.; citizens of Sherman, 

Mich. Transportation has been furnished by the Au-Sable and Northwestern Railroad Company. In the maintenance of gaging stations on Huron River a large part 

of the expense has been borne by the Washtenau Electric Company, Ann Arbor, 

Mich. Acknowledgment is also due to Lyman £. Cooley, Chicago, ID., and R. W. 

Hemphill, in connection with gagings on Huron River.

Michigan (Northern Peninsida). District hydrographer, E. Johnson, jr.« Acknowledgment is due W. J. Phillips for voluntary observations furnished at Iron River.

New York. District hydrographer, R. E. Horton, & assisted by C. C. Covert. Records have been furnished by the following: E. A. Fisher, city engineer, and JohnE. 

Skinner, special assistant engineer, Rochester, N. Y.; T. P. Yates, Waverly, N. Y.; 

William S. Bacot, Utica, N. Y.; International Paper Company, Fort Edward, N. Y.; 

Schroon River Pulp and Paper Company, Warrensburg, N. Y.; Duncan Company, 

R. P. Bloss, Mechanicsville, N. Y.; George Beebe, deputy city engineer, Syracuse, 

N. Y. Special acknowledgment is made of the interest and assistance of William 

Pierson Judson, deputy State engineer.

Ohio. District hydrographer, E. Johnson, jr., assisted by R. W. Pratt, engineer 

of the State board of health. Acknowledgment should also be made to the Baltimore 

and Ohio Railroad for passes issued to E. Johnson, jr., and R. W. Pratt.

Vermont. District hydrographer, N. C. Grover until July 1; after that time H. K. 

Barrows, c assisted by S. K. Clapp and T. W. Norcross. Acknowledgment should 

be made to Professors A. D. Butterfield and G. M. Brett, of the University of Vermont, for assistance rendered; to the Boston and Maine Railroad for passes issued to 

N. C. Grover (later to H. K. Barrows) and S. K. Clapp; to the Rutland Railroad for 

pass issued to H. K. Barrows, and to the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad for pass issued to H. K. Barrows.

LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BASIN.

The Lake Michigan drainage basin comprises a comparatively narrow strip of flat or gently rolling land in eastern Wisconsin, on the 

west shore of the lake, and a much wider strip of nearly the same 

character in Michigan on the east shore of the lake. The principal 

streams entering the lake from the west are the Fox and Menominee 

rivers; from the east, the St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Grand, Muskegon, 

and Manistee rivers.

The following pages give the results of data collected during 1904 

: n the Lake Michigan drainage basin.

ESCANABA RIVER NEAR ESCANABA, MICH.

Escanaba River rises near Champion, southwest of Lake Superior, 

: n Upper Peninsula, Michigan, and flows southeasterly a distance of 

TO miles, entering Lake Michigan through Little Bay de Noquette.

a Office of district hydrographer for Michigan (Northern Peninsula) and Ohio, 876 Federal Building, Chicago, 111.

6Office of district hydrographer for Michigan (Southern Peninsula) and New York, 75 Arcade, 

Utica, N. Y.

c Office of district hydrographer for Vermont, 6 Beacon street, Boston, Mass., rooms 808-809,

IKR 129 05 2
18 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Ihe gaging station is located 4 miles above the mouth of the river at 

a single-span highway bridge, where a chain gage was established in 

June, 1903. Bench mark No. 1 is the top surface of the steel abutment at the right end of the bridge on the downstream side. Its elevation above gage datum is 15.15 feet. Bench mark No. 2 is a nail in 

the root of a 5-inch birch tree about 200 feet east of the east abutment 

and about 50 feet downstream. Its elevation above gage datum is 18.81 

feet. Gage readings are made once each day by Felix Beauchamp. 

The bed of the stream is covered with small bowlders and is rough but 

permanent. The current is swift. During the winter the channel is 

filled with ice, and it is impossible to make discharge measurements. 

The channel is nearly straight and is 194 feet wide between bridge 

abutments without piers.

The observations at this station during 190-1 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Escanaba River near Escanaba, Mich., in 1904-

Date.

May 17«. ------

June 2. ........

October 11.....

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

F. W. Hanna ....

Width.

Feet. 

194

194

194

194

194

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

799

719

396

527

804

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.18

2.95

0.83

1.69

3.43

Gage 

height.

Feet, 

4.25

3.82

2.04

2.91

4.20

Discharge.

Second feet. 

2,546

2,120

329

891

2,760

a Float measurement. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Escanaba River near Escanaba, Mich., for 1904-

Day.

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

f>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17.............................;.....

May. June.

4.1

3.9

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.9

3.9

3.9

4.0

3.5

3 A

3

0

3

1

i) 9

2.9

2.8

July.

"9

2.7

2.6

2.7

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.6

2.9

2,5

"6

2.5

2 5

2.4

2.6

2.5

Aug.

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.4

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.2

9 3

2.4

2.5

2.3

2.3

Sept.

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.9

2.8

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.0

2.4

2.4

2.6

2.5

Oct.

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.3

2.4

2.7

3.8

3.6

4.2

3.5

3.1

Nov.

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

 2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.5

Dec.

2 7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.7

*> 7

2.7
LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BASIN. 19

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Escanaba River near Escanaba, Mich.,etc. Cont'd.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30

31..............................'....

May.

4.0

4.0

3.7

3.8

3.7

9 0

3.7

3.9

4.9

5.4

5.0

4.7

4.4

4.5

June.

2.9

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.3

3

1

2.9

2.8

3

0

3 1

3.2

3

0

2

0

July.

2.5

2.4

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.5

2.5

2.7

2

K

2.5

2.4

2

0

2.3

Aug.

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.2

i> q

2.3

2.3

2.2

2 *>

2.1

2.1

1 9

2.0

Sept.

3.5

3.4

3.0

3.1

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.5

2.7

2.5

2.5

2.5

2

K

Oct.

3.0

3.1

3.1

2.9

3.1

*> 9

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.9

Nov.

2.5

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.1

2.1

2.5

Dec.

Rating table for Escanaba River near Escanaba, Mich., from April 10,1903, to December

31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

163

229

295

362

429

497

565

633

701

771

857

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

Discharge

Second-feet.

960

1,080

1,205

1,330

1,455

1,580

1,710

1,845

1,985

2,130

2,280

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,435

2,590

2,745

2,905

3,065

3,225

3,390

3,560

3,730

3,900

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

6.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4,070

4,410

4, 750

5,090

5, 430

5,770

6,110

6, 450

6,790

7,130

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

12 discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is well defined between 

gage heights 2 feet and 4.6 feet. The table haa been extended beyond these limits. 

Above gage height 4.6 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 170 per 

tenth.
20 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Estimated monthly discharge of Escanaba River near Escanaba, Mich., for 1903 and 1904. 

[Drainage area, 800 square miles.]

Month.

1903. 

August 25-31 ..................

September ....................

November 1-21 ...............

1904. 

May 18-31 ....................

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

November ....................

December 1-10. ...............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,845 

2,905 

3,225 

1, 205

10, 870 

2,590 

960 

633 

1,710 

2,745 

857 

771

Minimum.

633

857 

771

857

1,985 

857 

362 

229 

295 

497 

362 

701

Mean.

1,376 

1,647 

1,625 

985

3,477 

1,521 

669 

454 

741 

1,145 

657 

757

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.72 

2.06 

2.03 

1.23

4.35 

1.90 

.836 

.568 

.926 

1.43 

.821 

.946

Depth in 

inches.

0.448 

2.30 

2.34 

.960

2.26 

2.12 

.964 

.655 

1.03 

1.65 

.916 

. 352

MENOMINEE RIVER NEAR IRON MOUNTAIN, MICH.

Menominee River forms part of the boundary between Wisconsin 

and the upper peninsula of Michigan. It is formed by the junction of 

Brule and Michiganime rivers in T. 41 N., R. 31 W., and flows in a 

general southeasterly direction, entering Lake Michigan through 

Green Bay. The station was established September 4, 1902. It is 

located at the homestead highway bridge, 2^ miles south of Iron Mountain, Mich. The gage is a vertical board fastened to the right abutment; it is read twice each day by Theodore Moll. On November 18, 

1904, a chain gage was established with the same datum as that of the 

board gage, and having a length of 28.19 feet from end of weight to 

the outside of the ring which is used as the marker. Discharge measurements are made from the single-span bridge to which the gage is 

attached. The channel is straight and has a width of 220 feet between 

bridge abutments. The current is moderate. The bed of the stream 

is composed of gravel and small bowlders. The bench mark is the top 

of the 12-inch timber bridge seat on the right abutment over the gage. 

Its elevation is 22.68 feet above the zero of the gage. During the 

winter the stream freezes beneath the bridge and it is difficult to 

obtain measurements in the frozen section. The drainage area at this 

station is 2,415 square miles.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.
MICHIGAN DBAINAGE BASIN. 21

Discharge measurements of Menominee River near Iron Mountain, Mich., in 1904.

Date.

May 18 ........

September 5 ...

November 18 ..

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

F. W. Hanna ....

E. Johnson, jr . . .

Width.

Feet. 

210

210

205

210

225

210

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

2,312

2,522

1, 101

1,571

2,408

1,511

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.68

3,01

1.42

2.02

3.20

1.94

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.95

8.97

2.06

4.34

8.25

4.02

Discharge.

Sec.-Jeet. 

6,193

7,591

1,558

3,176

7,714

2,925

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Menominee River near Iron Mountain Mich., for 1904.

Day.

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

o

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

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

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

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

7;.............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

3.20

2.90

2.70

2.75

2.75

3.20

3.60 

3.50

3.45

3.20

3.10

3.40

4 95

4.30

4.30

4.15

4 O5

4.25

4.20 

4.20

4.50

4.45

4.35

Feb.

4.30

4.25

4.30

4.50

4.30

4.25

4.20

4.20

4.25 

4.00

3.90

3.95

3.90

3.85

3.95

3.80

3.75

3.75

3.70

3.90

3.75

3.55

3.65 

3.55

4 55

4 90

Mar.

4.75

4.70

4.55

4.10

3.90

4.50

4.90

4.80

4.70 

3.95

3.50

3.00

3.15

3.30

3.25

3

0C

3.45

3.15

3 40

3.45

3.75

4.55 

4.60

4.35

4 40

4

0rt

4.55

4.60

Apr.

4.65

4.55

4.35

4.60

5.10

4.85

4.70

4.65

6.05 

6.20

4.10

3.80

3.65

3.70

3.75

4.10

3.95

4 OF;

4.30

6.05

7.35 

7. 25

7.45

7.75

9.40

May.

7.90

7.95

8.70

9.70

8.15

9.70

8.50

10.40

11.95

(«)

11.80

11.10

10.70

10.55

9.65

8.10

8.15

4.90

7.05

8.25 

9.60

(«)

10 90

10.00

8.70

8.00

June.

8.45

6.95

5.65

6.30

9.60

7.30

8.80

7.50

8.55 

8.50

7.50

6.70

6.70

5.90

5.40

4.95

4.60

3.70

4 40

3 7O

3.70

5.45

7.20

6.75

6.70

6.70

July.

4.60

2.35

2.20

2.90

2.80

3.70

3.60

3.60

4.20 

3.30

4.10

4.20

1.80

4.30

3.75

4 30

1.65

3.25

3.05

2.50

2.70

2.30

1.30

2.75 

1,40

2.70

1.45

1.30

Aug.

2.35

3.30

2.90

3.00

1.30

2.70

1.30

1.20

1.45 

3.20

3.80

4.40

4.00

1.90

2.05

3.70"

3.60

4.00

3.10

3.15

3.90

3.90 

3.40

2.05

1.95

Sept

1.80

3.15

3.70

4.95

4.30

4.00

4.10

4.10

3.70 

3.15

2.90

3.10

2.55

2.85

3.50

2.80

3.15

2.60

2.70

2.95

2.30

3.80

3.90 

3.95

4.15

4 00

3.50

3.37

Oct.

3.05

2.75

2.65

2.45

2.75

2.85

2.55

2.90

3.30 

6.70

7.60

8.25

7.80

7.35

6.40

5.90

5.55

5.30

5.20

5.15

5.05 

5.15

5.05

4.85

4.35

4.30

3.90

Nov.

3.10

3.65

4.10

3.75

3.25

3.50

3.80

4.85

4.10 

3.10

3.20

3.20

3.25

3.05

2.95

3.05

3.15

2 77

2.85

2.75 

2.42

1.92

1.75

2.00

2.07

Dec."

2. 42

2.20

<? 2°

2. 25

2.55

2.50

2.30

2.92

2.95 

2.97

2.75

2.50

2. 32

 2. 27

2.32

2.32

2.47

2.50

2.47

2.27

' ° 22

2.37

2 40

2.47

2.32

62.20

(")

(")

2.60

« Gage under water. & River frozen. 

KOTE. Probable ice conditions January, February, and March.
22 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Hating table for Menominee River near Iron Mountain, Midi., from September 4, 1902, to

December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,032

1,094

1, 156

1,219

1,282

1,346

1,410

1, 475

1,540

1,606

1,672

1,739

1,806

1,874

1,942

2,011

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,080

2, 150

2,220

2,290

2,361

2,432

2, 503

2,575

2,647

2,719

2,792

2,866

2,940

3, 015

3,090

3,166

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,242

3,319

3,396

3,474

3,552

3, 630

3,708

3, 865

4, 023

4,183

4,345

4,510

4,680

4,860

5,040

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Second-feet.

6. 80 5, 230

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.50

9.00

9.50

10.00

10.50

11.00

11.50

12.00

5, 420

5,615

5,815

6,025

6,235

6,450

7,020

7,630

8,280

8,970

9,670

10, 370

11,070

11, 770

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

14 discharge measurements made during 1902 to 1904, inclusive. It is not well 

defined. Above gage height 9.60 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference 

being 140 per tenth.
HOKTON 

ANDND HO?x!SON'] LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BASIN. 23

Estimated monthly discharge of Menominee River near Iron Mountain, Mien., 1902-1904. 

[Drainage area, 2,415 square miles.]

Month.

1902. 

September 4-30 ...............

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

November ....................

1903. 

January &_ ....................

February ^. ............... ^. ..

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

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

June .........................

September ....................

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

December o....... ............

1904. 

January 6 .. ...................

May c ........................

August .......................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,772 

2,625 

5,306

2, 647

6,780 

11, 560 

8,020 

6,670 

7,630 

10, 650 

6,130 

3,669 

2,719

8, 150 

11, 770 

8,410 

3,396 

3,242 

3,669 

6,725 

3,591 

2,199

Minimum.

1, 032 

1,094 

1,806 

1,282

1,705 

4,698 

1,540 

1,806 

2,467 

2,575 

2,719 

1,874 

1,705

2,683 

3, 630 

2, 575 

1,094 

1,032 

1,410 

1,840 

1,378 

1,672

Mean.

1,295 

1,596 

2,829 

1,909

5, 175 

7,496 

3,417 

3,553 

4,049 

5,091 

4,057 

2, 505 

2,150

3, 995 

7,879 

4,791 

2,196 

2, 125 

2,488 

3, 650 

2,293 

1,838

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.536 

.661 

1.17 

.790

2.14 

3.10 

1.41 

1.47 

1.68 

2.11 

1.68 

1.04 

.890

1.65 

3.26 

1.98 

.909 

.880 

1.03 

1.51 

.949 

.761

Depth in 

inches.

0.538 

.762 

1.30 

.911

2.39 

3.57 

1.57 

1.70 

1.94 

2.35 

1.94 

1.16 

1.03

1.84 

3.76 

3.21 

1.05 

1.01 

1.15 

1.74 

1.06 

.877

a Conditions for December uncertain; rating table applied for open channel.

t> Probable ice conditions'; no estimate made.

e Discharge estimated for two day^that gage was under water.
24 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

IRON RIVER NEAR IRON RIVER, MICH.

This station was established by the engineers of the Oliver Iron 

Mining Company. It is located at the mine bridge 1 mile below a 

dam used for ponding logs, which at times causes fluctuations. The 

gage is a vertical board attached to a braced cedar post at the left end 

and upstream side of the mine bridge. The gage-height record is 

kept by the engineers of the mining company. Discharge measurements are made from the mine bridge, which has a span of 30 feet 

between abutments. The bed of the stream is composed of gravel 

and small bowlders, and the current is swift. The stream rarely 

freezes over at the gaging station. The pumpage from the mine enters 

the stream a short distance above the gage; on September 5, 1902, it 

amounted to 1.7 second-feet. All gage heights have been expressed in 

terms of their elevation above the mine datum. The drainage area at 

this station is 63 square miles. ,

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Iron Hirer near Iron Jiiver, Midi., fur 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IS..............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

86. 40

86.40

86. 25

86.25 

86.25 

86.25

86. 25

86. 25

86.20

86. 20

86. 20

86. 20

86. 20

80. 35

86.35

86. 35

85. 35

86. 80 

86.80

86.80

86.80

Feb.

86. 65

86. 65

86. 55

86.50 

86.50 

86.50

86.50 

86.50

86.45

86. 45

86.40

86.40 

86.40

Q(\ on

86.30

86 30

86.20

86.10

.......

Mar.

86. 10

86.10

86.80

86.40 

86.40 

86.25

86.25 

86. 15

86.15

86.10

86.10

86.10

86.10

86.25

86.25

C£ on

86.40

86 °0

8C. 25

Apr.

86.30

86.30

86.30

86.40 

86. 50 

86.50

86. 50 

86.40

86.40

86.20 

86. 20

86 °0

86.20

86.20

Qf\ on

86.90

ST Qn

86 95

87.68

87.30

May.

86.70

86.70

86.90 

86.50 

86.50

87.00

88.42

88.40

87. 65

87.58

87.60 

87. 35

87. 20

Uj? j»O

88.45

s7 sn

87.50

<1*7 1 ^

S7. 15

86.80

June.

86.80

86. 75

86.70

86.90

86.80 

86.90

86.80

86.70

86.70

86.55

86.55

86.50

86.50 

86.50

 86.50

86.70 

86.50

86.40

s7 no

§6. 50

86 40

86.40

86.40

July.

86.40

86.20

86.40

86.40 

86.40 

86.65

86.40 

86.70

86.70 

86.40

86.40

86.40

86.40

86.40

86.30 

86.30

86.30

86.30

86. 2*0

86.20 

86 ^0

86.20

Aug.

86.20

86. 20

86.20

86.20 

86.20 

86.20

86.20 

86. 35

86. 55 

86.40

86.50

86.50

86.40

86.40

86.30 

86.30

86. 25

86.30 

86 30

86.30

Sept.

f-6. 30

87. 05

86. SO

Xfi. 50

86. 65 

86. SO

86.70 

86.55

86. 45 

86.40

86. 40

86. 40

86.55

86.50

86. 35 

86.35

86.35

86.35

86.35

86.45

Cj? £n

86.45

86.40

86. 35

Oct.

86. 35

86. 35

86.35

86.40 

86.35 

86.35

86.50 

86.60

87.45 

87.20

86.95

86.80

86. 65

86.60

86. 50

86.70

86.70

86.60

86. 50

86.50

Nov.

86.50

86. 45

86.45 

86.40 

86.40

86.40 

86.40

86.40 

86.40

86.40

86. 35

86. 35

86.30

86.30

86.30

86. 30

86.30

86.30

Dee.

86.30

86.30 

86.30 

86. 30

86.30 

86. 30

86.30 

86.20

S6. 20

86.20

86. 20

86.20 

86 °0

86 °0

86.20

86.20

86.20

86.20

86.20 

86.20

86.20

86.20

Ice conditions during portions of Januu, , February, and March.
HOKTON, JOHNSON,"] 

AND HOYT. J

LAKE MICHIGAN DKAINAGE BASIN. 25

FOX RIVER AT WRIGHTSTOWN, WIS.

This station was established November 19, 1902, by L. E. Stockman, it is located at the highway bridge, about 2,000 feet from the 

Chicago and Northwestern Railway station. A small tributary enters 

just above the bridge on the right side. There are no dams nearer 

than Kaukauna, which is 6 miles up the river. There is a small island 

just above the bridge, near the right bank. The gage is a vertical 

board fastened to a pile in the protection to the central pier; it is read 

twice each day by Peter Van Lieshout. Discharge measurements are 

made from the upper side of the six-span highway bridge, to which 

the gage is attached. The initial point for soundings is a nail in the 

railing at the left end of the bridge. The channel is straight for 2,500 

feet above and below the station. At the bridge the channel is 460 

feet wide, broken by five piers. The right bank is low; the left bank 

is high, both being covered with grass to the water's edge. The entire 

flow passes beneath the bridge at all stages. The bed of the stream is 

of clay and loam, is without vegetation, and is permanent. The current 

velocity is moderate and well distributed. Bench mark No. 1 is a 

projecting stone in the northwest corner of the foundation of the 

American House at a point two-tenths of a foot above the sidewalk and 

2 feet from the corner of the foundation. This building is located on 

the street that crosses the bridge. The elevation of the bench mark 

is 20.21 feet above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is a cross 

in a limestone rock in the east end of the south bridge abutment. Its 

elevation above the zero of the gage is 12.40 feet. On the vertical 

face of this abutment is an arrow pointing upward to the bench mark. 

The drainage area at this station is 6,213 square miles.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Fox Hirer at Wrightstoivn, Wis., for 1904.

Bay.

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

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

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

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

Jan.

5.3

5.2

5.3

5.3

6.6

6.4

C.8

6.8

6.S

Feb.

5.6

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.6

6.7

5.8

5.4

6.7

6.7

6.7

Mar.

6.6

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

5.5

5.4

G.8

7.0

7.0

7.0

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22

Jan.

6.6

6.7

6.6

6.6

6.5

5.4

5.0

5.9

6.4

6.4

Feb.

6.8

6.8

5.7

5.4

6.7

6.7

6.6

(1.7

6.6

6.4

Mar.

6.9

5.C

5.8

6.6

7.0

7.1

7.0

7.1

5.8

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

6.7

5.1

5.6

6.6

6.7

6.8

6.7

6.7

5.8

Feb.

6.6

7 2

7.2

7.0

5.4

5.8

Mar.

7.6

7.5

10.8

(«)

" Gage destroyed. 

NOTE. Ice conditions January 1 to March 25 Gage heights to surface of water in hole cut ia ice.
26 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

ST. JOSEPH RIVER AND PORTAGE CREEK AT MENDON, MICH.

This station was established October 25, 1902. It is located at the 

Marantette Bridge, near Mendon, Mich. The bridge has a single 

span of 136.5 feet between abutments, stands squarely across the 

direction of the current, and affords a fairly permanent cross section 

for gaging, the bed being of smooth clay. There is a bend in the 

stream a short distance above the bridge, but the channel below for 

some distance is straight. It is broken by an old bridge pier in the 

center, which causes eddying and some dead water. Little Portage 

River flows parallel to and about 1 mile distant from St. Joseph River 

at Mendon, and was at one time diverted across the divide, affording 

water power with a fall of 20 feet, but this has been discontinued. 

The drainage area above Marantette Bridge is 84i square miles. The 

gage is a vertical board attached to a cedar post near the water's edge 

in the village, about half a mile above the station. It is read twice 

each day by William P. McCoy. Little Portage River enters the St. 

Joseph between the gage and the measuring section and complicates 

the problem somewhat. The bench mark is the top of the head of a 

spike driven into the brick wall at the southeast corner of Masonic 

Hall building, 150 feet northwest from the gage. Its elevation is 

19.95 feet above the zero of the gage. The growth of aquatic plants 

in the channel changes the relation of gage height to discharge during 

the summer.

The observations at this station during 190i have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of St. Joseph River at Mendon, Mich., in 1904.

Date.

June 3 ........

June 7 ........

September 9 ...

September 22 . .

Hydrographer.

R. E. Horton ...........

H. E. Beebe ............

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

Area of 

section.

Sq./eet. 

468

455

387

389

Mean

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.73

1.53

.83

.79

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.50

1.35

1.38

1.24

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

810

697

322

306

Discharge measurements of Portage Creek at Mendon, Mich., in 1904.

Date.

June 4 ........

June 7 ........

Hydrographer. Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

14.2

14.1

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.35

1.C3

Gage ' 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

19.2

16.8
LAKE MICHIGAN DHAINAGE BASIN.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of St. Joseph River at Mendon, Mich.,for 1904-

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1'2...... ........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*.3 .............. 

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

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

28 .... .

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

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

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

Jan. a

1.60

1.60

1.60 

1.60 

1.60

1 60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1 60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.50

1.50

1.50 

1.60

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

Feb. Mar.

1.90

2.00

3.00

3.50 

64.00 

4.50 

5.75

6.80

6.90

6.20

6.00

5.65

5 00

4.95

4.00

3.90

S.50

3.50

3.40

3.40

3.60

4.70 

5.65

c'6.75

7.60

8.00

7.80

6.60

6.25 

5.90

Apr.

5.80

5.70

5.50

5.15 

4.90 

4.30

3.95

3.90

3.85

3.70

3.65

3.30

3.20

3.10

2.95

2.75

2. 65

2.40

2.30

2.30 

2.30

2.25

2.20

2.05

1.95

1.90

1.80

May.

1.55

1.50 

1.50 

1.50

i -t^»

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.40 

1.40

1.40

1.50 

1.50

June.

1.50 

1.50 

1.40 

i QP»

1 30

1. 25

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10 

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

July.

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10 

1.15 

1.20 

1.20

1 '*0

1.65

1.80

1.80

1.95

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.95

1.80

1.70

1.60

1.50

1.50

1.50 

1.50

1.45

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.50 

1.55

Aug.

1.65

1.70

1.60

1.55 

1.45 

1.40 

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.32

1.40

1.40

1.70

 1.90

1.90

1.90 

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.85

1.80

1.70

1.70 

1.70

Sept.

1.70

1.65

1.60

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.40

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.40

1.35

1.30

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20 

1.20

1.20

1.65

1.70

1.95

2.00

1.95

Oct.

1.90

1.75

1.65

1.60 

1.50 

1.50 

1.40

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.30

1.30 

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20 

1.20

Nov.

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20 

1.20 

1.10 

1.05

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

.95

.85

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.90

.85 

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

Dec.o

0.80

.75

.75

.85

.90

.90

.95

1.00

1.00

1.00

.95

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

1.00 

1.10

1.20

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.40

. a ice conditions. Gage read to surface of water. 

b Ice gorge. 

f Flood caused by break in dams above.

ST. JOSEPH RIVER NEAR BUCHANAN, MICH.

A gaging station was established on St. Joseph River at the dam of 

the South Bend Electric Company, 1 mile below the village of 

Buchanan, April 1, 1901. The dam is of frame timber of the Beardshy type, 10 feet high, and rests on earth foundation, leakage being 

prevented b}r means of triple-sheet piling at the downstream toe. 

The upstream face of the dam has a slope of approximately 2.4 horizontal to 1 vertical. The downstream side is also faced with a sloping 

apron, the two slopes meeting at the crest at an angle of. 90°. The 

dam is level and 392.5 feet in length. The crest gage is attached to 

piling 45 feet upstream from the crest and is read four times each 

day by Charles E. Babcock. On the left-hand side of the dam are two 

35-inch Leffel turbines in separate vertical-cylinder cases connected to 

a single governor; from them power is transmitted to adjacent mills 

by manila rope. The average working head on the water wheels is
28 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

11.25 feet. A small amount of leakage through the dam existed in 

1901, which was repaired during 1903, an estimate of the leakage was 

obtained, and a new profile taken.

In June, 1904, a new power plant was put in operation at this dam. 

The new plant contains three units, each containing three wheels. 

The turbines are 68-inch Leffel-Samson. The first and second units 

are controlled by Lombard governors. The third unit is controlled 

by hand. There is also a 40-inch Leffel-Samson turbine used to drive 

exciters. A record is kept of the number of hours per day each turbine unit is operated, and governor readings are taken every four 

hours, showing the proportional part of full gate opening at which 

the wheels are being operated. A record of the total electrical output in kilowatt hours is also obtained.

From November, 1903, to November, 1904, the record consisted of 

readings of the crest gage and of the Watt meter above described. 

The operation of the water wheels was not recorded. In order to calculate the discharge for this period, an estimate was made of the efficiency of the plant, based in part on tests, and the water required to 

furnish the recorded power under the existing head and at the assumed 

efficiency, was calculated and taken as representing the discharge 

through the turbines.

During the month of December, 1904, a careful record was kept 

both of the turbine operation and of the electrical output. The results 

furnish a check on the calculations for the preceding months.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of K. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of St. Joseph River near Buchanan, Mich.,for 1903

and 1904.

Day.

1903. 

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

?:.... .........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

4, 052 

4,209

4, 353 

4,574

4,899 

4,977

4,977 

4,977 

4, 821 

4,743 

4, 652 

4,587 

4,509 

4,353 

4,353

4,209 

4,065

Feb.

6,380 

6,903

7,077 

7, 253

7,336 

6, 9H9

7, 042 

6,698 

6, 618 

6,366 

6, 282 

6,618 

6,956 

7, 214 

6,698

6,866 

5,364

Mar.

9,560

8,878

9,068

8,783

9,360 

10, 145

10,463 

10, 670 

11, 468 

10,958 

10,658 

10, 248 

9, 838 

9,458 

9,078

8, 688 

8. 223

Apr.

4, 277 

4,277

4,277 

4,421

5,388 

6,605

5,933 

5,849 

5, 597 

5,111 

5,681 

6, 982 

8,675 

9,730 

10, 645

10, 745 

10. 440

May.a June. « July.a Aug.a Sept." Oft .a Nov.

438 

967 

960 

960 

1,025 

982 

1,885 

1,802 

1,628 

1,880 

1,753 

1,566 

1,648 

1,614 

1,486 

1,732 

1.804

Dee.

1.990 

1,908 

1,825 

1,997 

1,678 

1,447 

2,048 

2,374 

2,381 

2,448 

2,099 

1,809

(°) 

1,736 

2,282 

2,540 

2.525

a Record not available.
 f OBTON, JOHNSON,, 

AND HOYT. ] LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BASIN. 29

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of St. Joseph River near Buchanan, Mich.,for 1903

and 1904 Continued.

Day.

1903 Cont'd.

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

"O

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

<:3. .............

'<~ r-

<:6. .............

;:7. .............

;:s. .............

o.... ..........

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

1904.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

:o. .............

'ii. .............

?2. .............

'i3...... ........

 ;4. .............

'<6. ..:..........

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

^9. .............

M. .............

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

Jan.

3,908

3,777

3,777

3,637

3,637

3,707

3,777

3,764

3,849

3,993

4,137

5,385

7,077

6,225

3,045

2,830

2, 574

2,520

2,692

3,044

3,016

2, 974

3, 059

2, 655

2,953

2,707

2,504

1,731

2,238

2,369

4,964

8,179

7,654

8,756

9,964

11,558

12, 857

7,158

10,131 

10, 694

9,408

10, 574

9,792

6,355

Feb.

4,146

3,382

8,178

3,586

4,058

4,734

5,862

5,694

5,445

5,862

7,128

9,872

11,010

9,006

9,237

10, 165

9,450

8,430

7,710

7,166

6,428

5,624

5,698

5, 604

5,836

5,954

(")

3,968

3,719

3, 238

3,336

3,138

3,004 

3,064

3,132

3,234

5,926

Mar.

7,918

7,654

7 302

6,956

6,782

6,702

6,534

6,114

5,445

4,968

4,890

4,646

4,578

4,578

10,650

11, 184

10,120

10, 027

10, 487

10, 144

11,524

13,077

12,934

12,094

12, 941

13,504

11,134

10, 737

9,909

8,968

9,165

8,430

9 l>ctb

10,283

10, 554

12,209

12, 275

13, 882 

16, 772

18,602

17, 788

15,668

1 ^ OfiQ

Apr.

11, 102

8,480

7,905

7,115

6,689

6,521

6,211

5,681

5,351

4,799

4,421

16,300

18,100

15, 345

13,945

12, 871

12, 158

11, 484

11,102

10, 629

10,222

8,618

8,654

8,452

7,907

6,977

7,226

6,851

6,976

5,874

5, 715

5,758 

5,758

5,962

5,408

5 1 V)

May.a

4,648

4,634

4,192

4,070

3,942

3,928

3,772

3,772

3. 642

3,554

3,526

3,386

3,044

3, 216

. 3, 274

3,737

3,747

3,556

3, 312 

3,274

3,492

3,542

3 Q£tQ

June.a

4,014

3,788

3,492

3,448

3,132

3,021

3,012

2,711

2,520

2,498

2,579

2,309

2, 548

2, 487

2,173

1,986

1,690

1,949

2,747

o 534

2,703 

') 639

2,592

2,261

2 flQfi

July.a

(«)

(«)

2,802

2,676

2,970

2,480

2,559

2,754

2,725

3,425

3,342

3,288

3,152

3,316

3,027

3,324

3,451

2,805

2, 452

1,991

o 103

2,339 

1,850

1,788

2, 184

(")

Aug.a

1 Qd^

1 *l3fi

Sept."

1,278

1,274

1,510

1,352

1,356

1,476

1, 524

1,394

1,432

1,331

736

1,380

1,408

837

1,020

1 380

1,470

774

1 °°6

1,271

1,214

814

1,497

1,462

1,607

1,754

Oct.a

1,738

950

868

1,317

1,608

1,620

1,570

1,626

1,289

1,475

1,575

1,712

2, 196

2,333

2,206

1,780

2,542

2,329

2,006

2, 076

2, 070

2,076

1,645

2,501

2,330 

2, 160

2,137

2,099

2,206

1,628

2,292

Nov.

1,982

1,946

1,931

1,569

2,076

1,864

2,012

2,000

1, 753

1,691

(«)

1,997

2,141

2,376

2,064

2,017

2,085

1,830

2,336

2,053

1,652

1,848

1,885

1,727

1,731

2,236

1,873

1, 259

1,648

1, 598

1,782

1,318

1,950

1,725

1,903

1,930

1,706 

1,754

1,463

1,895

1,837

1,712

Dec.

<Z fiSfl

3,374

3,641

3,448

3,913

3, 427

3,670

3,087

2,817

1, 511

1,476

1,584

1,089

1,346

1,624

1,663

1,582

1,674

1,693

1,443

1,615

1,716

1,589

1,169

929

1,317

1, 135

1,389

1,683

1,637

1,683

1,793

2, 135

1,822 

2,015

2,060

1,650

1,523

1,824

« Record not available.
80 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Estimated monthly discharge of St. Joseph River near Buchanan, Mich., for 1903 and 1904- 

[Drainage area, 3,935 square miles.]

Month.

1903.

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

May « ........................

July « ........................

August « . .....................

September^. ..................

October a .....................

1904.

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

June .........................

July, 28 days 6 ................

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

November ....................

December ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

7,077 

7,336 

. 11,470 

11,100

Minimum.

3,637 

3,178 

4,578 

4,277

Mean.

4,450 

5,973 

8,084 

6,933

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.13 

1.52 

2.05 

1.76

i

2,076 

3, 913

12, 860 

11, 010 

18,600 

18, 100 

4,901 

4,014 

3,451

1,754 

2, 542 

2,376 

2, 135

438 

1,447

1,731 

3,004 

8,099 

5,152 

3, 044 

1,690 

1,617

736 

868 

1,259 

929

1,620 

2,609

5,853 

5, 830 

12,070 

8,801 

3,744 

2,669 

2,639

1,292 

1,870 

1,844 

1,594

.412 

.663

1.49 

1.48 

3.07 

2.24 

.951 

.678 

.671

.328 

.475 

.469 

.405

Depth in 

inches.

1.30 

1.58 

2.36 

1.96

.459 

.765

1.72 

1.60 

3.54 

2.50 

1.10 

.756 

.774

.366 

.548 

.523 

.467

a Records not available. 6 Mean for number of days observed taken as mean for entire month. 

FAWN RIVER NEAR WHITE PIGEON, MICH.

Fawn River is a tributary of St. Joseph River, rising in northern 

Indiana near the Michigan line, flowing generally westward, crossing 

and recrossing from Michigan to Indiana, and entering St. Joseph 

River at Constantine. The drainage basin is flat with soil of sand and 

loam, and contains numerous lakes and undrained ponds, Klinger and 

Pickerel lakes being the largest and having water-surface areas of 

about 1 square mile each.

A gage was erected at the highway bridge below the abandoned 

Kidd mill dam, 4 miles from White Pigeon, July 4,1903. The stream
HORTON, JOHNSON,"] 

AND HOYT. J

LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BASIN. 31

stage nas been observed twice daily, by William Probst, on a vertical 

graduated scale attached to the downstream left side of the bridge. 

Discharge measurements have been made from a boat at a point 500 

feet downstream from the gage.

In the winter the stream freezes over at the gage and below, thereby 

changing the relation between the stage or discharge of the stream, as 

compared with open periods.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Fawn River near White Pigeon, Mich., in 1904-

Date.

September 10 . .

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert ............

H. R. Beebe............

Area of 

section.

Sq./eef. 

124

116

93

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.73

1.59

.99

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.10

2.00

« 1. 95

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

215

182

92

a Distance to water surface from top right-hand anchor stake at measuring section. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Fairn Nirer near White Pigeon, Mich., for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23..........................1.................

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.75

1.75

1.70

1.70

1 7^

1 80

1 Q^

o in

2 o:>

2.40

2.20

O OQ

2.10

Feb.

2.10

2.15

2.20

2.15

2.15

2.25

2.80

o gn

2.70

2.65

o fin

2.50

2.45

o QC;

2 30

O Qrt

 > 30

2.30

2.40

2 40

o .m

2 30

3

Qf\

Mar.

3.80

4.25

3.90

3.70

3.45

3.65

3.60

3.50

3 fin

3 4^

3 on

S

en

4 30

3 9^

3

(\r\

3 in

3 00

0 QC

3.00

3

nt

3

'?^

3

0rt

3 on

3.45

3 on

Apr.

3.30

3.35

3.30

3.25

3.15

3.10

3.00

2.9.5

2.95

3.00

3.00'

3.00

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.70

2.60

2.55

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2 40

2.30

May.

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

9 05

2.00

2.10

2. 15

2.10

2. 15

2.15

2.10

2.10

2.15

2. 20

2.20

2.10

2.15

2.20

June.

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.85

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.85

1.90

2.00

2.05

2.10

2.05

1.95

1.90

1.90

1.90

1 90

1.90

July.

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

NOTE, Ice conditions January 1 to March 2. Gage read^to water surface.
32 STKEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120.

KALAMAZOO RIVER NEAR ALLEGAN, MICH.

A gaging station was established at the dam of the Commonwealth 

Power Company, Trowbridge Township, 6 miles upstream by river 

from Allegan, April -±, 1901. The dam is of timber crib work filled 

with stone, resting on a pile foundation in clay hardpan. The dam 

is equipped with three Taintor segmental flood gates, each of 19.7 

feet clear width. In the adjacent power house, forming a portion of 

the dam, are eight 43-inch Leffel-Samson turbines arranged in two 

sets on a horizontal shaft, each set controlled by a separate governor. 

The gaging record includes the number of hours of daily run; the 

average gate opening of the turbines, as indicated by the index wheels 

of the governors; the stage of water on the tailrace gage; and the 

reading of the crest gage. The crest gage is set with its zero at the 

elevation of the horizontal spillways of 20 feet crest width each, which 

are closed by the Taintor gates. The crest gage also serves to show 

the depth flowing over the crests of the Taintor gates or of flashboards 

placed thereon. A record of the opening and closing of the Taintor 

gates is also kept. The pond above the dam covers an area of 1,000 

acres. The turbines run continuously and the flow of the stream is 

nearty all utilized, except in times of extreme freshet. At such times 

the water level is controlled by means of the flood gates described.

The crest and tailrace gages are set with a difference of elevation of 

12 feet, and both are referred to the top of the masonry pier at the 

entrance to the flume as a bench mark. The elevation of the zero of 

the crest gage is 83.95 feet; that of the zero of the tailrace gage, 71.95 

feet. The effective head varies from 21 to 23 feet.

The record is. maintained in cooperation with the Commonwealth 

Power Company by R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kalamazoo Siver near Allegan, Mich., for 1904-

Day.

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

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

±. .............

K.. ............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

917

936

1,005

1,155

1,070

941

1,067

874

1,079

1,020

1,213

1,213

1,004

941

1,280

736

944

Feb.

1,319

1,004

1,387

'' 351

2,048

1,995

1,380

2, 014

1,494

1,902

1,808

1.653

Mar.

1, 4.37

1,623

2,485

1,903

o 034

O AQQ

4,941

4,561

5,113

4, 653

4,378

3,018

2.925

Apr.

4, 678

4,220

4,228

4,267

4,049

o 70^

2 7^7

2 349

3.223

May.

1,590

4,164

1,201

1,231

1,335

1,371

1,335

1,199

1,335

1.359

June.

1,769

1,395

1,330

1,450

1,155

1,203

1,194

1,095

1,231

747

873

973

July.

1,162

1,000

1, 105

1,139

1, 222

1,591

1,431

1,267

980

988

858

900

Aug.

561

691

691

677

c;Q7

660

660

1, 057

700

781

Sept.

787

693

732

751

751

719

731

810

751

811

676

405

Oct.

1,359

489

474

712

956

1,009

956

841

1,208

1,157

1,303

1,564

988

817

783

956

Nov.

1,008

875

841

1,229

707

793

726

745

662

481

772

785

988

822

904

751

769

Dec.

738

999

705

670

899

883

780

643

805

681

805

855

971

619

585

512

99
H°T/D Ho?T S °N '] LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BASIN. 33

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kalamazoo River, etc.. Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30........'......

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

Jan.

1,003

1,627

1,399

1,632

1,271

1 7^9

1,148

1,657

1,752

1,575

1,384

Feb.

1,137

1,262

860

1,103

995

957

1,073

1,190

1,119

1,341

1,341

Mar.

3,148

3,255

2,768

6,703

4,000

5,209

9,678

9,956

10,236

10,006

8,178

Apr.

2,535

2,469

2,277

2,057

2,010

1,941

1,780

1,685

1 fi'^ft

1,530

1,704

May.

1,271

1,733

1,881

1,686

1,455

1,550

1,614

1,493

1,569

1,868

1 456

1,484

1,653

June.

843

911

810

911

747

851

1,000

QCC1

1,000

1,095

1 OQ«>

1,122

July.

QfkA

789

851

QUO

OHO

803

890

n-i q

634

601

Q-IQ

721

769

Aug.

764

805

1,306

1,114

1 148

888

1,011

1 1P.9

858

624

872

923

971

Sept.

666

922

858

858

778

77S

*V71

2,410

1,525

1 °20

1 495

1,645

Oct.

815

604

909

2,333

1,575

1,459

1,199

1,319

1,059

889

733

931

1,089

Nov.

795

643

922

738

866

772

805

876

556

939

928

791

Dec.

535

'922

833

742

1,091

1,152

968

1,313

1,242

1,348

1,061

638

717

Estimated monthly discharge of Kalamazoo River near Allegan, Mich.,for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 1,471 square miles.]

Month.

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

March. . ......................

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

June .........................

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

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

The year ...............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,752 

2, 351 

10,260 

6,489 

4,164 

1,769 

1, 591 

1,306 

2,410 

2,333 

1,229 

1,348

10,260

Minimum.

736 

860 

1,437 

1,530 

1,120 

747 

601 

493 

405 

474 

481 

99

99

Mean.

1, 215 

1,443 

5,057 

3,062 

1,513 

1,079 

973 

811 

894 

1,046 

804 

827

1,560

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.826 

.981 

3.44 

2.08 

1.03 

.734 

.661 

.551 

.608 

.711 

.547 

.562

1.06

Depth in 

inches.

0. 952 

1.06 

3.97 

2.32 

1.19 

.819 

.762 

.635 

.678 

.820 

.610 

.648

14.46

GRAND RIVER AT NORTH LANSING, MICH.

This station was established March 2, 1901, by H. K. Vedder. It 

is located at the Seymour Street Bridge a short distance below the 

North Lansing dam. About November 8, 1901, a low, submerged 

dam was constructed a short distance downstream from the gaging 

station to supply water to the factory of the Michigan Beet Sugar 

Company. The diversion at this point is small compared with the 

flow of the stream. In order to determine the effect of the submerged 

dam on the gage readings, a second gage was established a short disIRK 129 05 3
34 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

tance downstream and comparative readings were taken. The gage 

readings made prior to the construction of the dam have been corrected from the data thus obtained. The vertical gage is attached to 

the downstream end of the central pier of the bridge. It is read by 

Thomas Costigan. Discharge measurements are made from the twospan bridge to which the gage is attached. Each span has a length of 

92 feet. During low water the bridge makes a slight angle with the 

normal to the direction of the current, at one side of the stream. 

The bed of the stream is composed of gravel and silt and is thickly 

overgrown with weeds above the bridge. The current becomes sluggish at low stages. The channel is nearly straight for 200 feet above 

and below the station.

Beginning October 19,1904, gage readings have been taken at 6 a. m., 

noon, and 6 p. m. each day. The mean gage height for the day has 

been obtained by adding together twice the morning reading, the noon 

reading, and twice the afternoon reading, and dividing by 5. The 

different readings are thus given weight in proportion to the number of 

hours for which they are assumed to represent the stage of the stream.

Observations of the stage were taken at half-hour intervals during 

a portion of the low-water season of 1904, in order to determine the 

diurnal variation in stage and discharge resulting from the draft and 

storage at the mills and dam just above the gaging station. The half 

hourly observations were plotted, and the actual daily discharge was 

integrated from the diagrams by planimeter.

It was found that by using three daily readings in the manner above 

described the integral discharge could be closely approximated. The 

diurnal variation is a maximum in low water, decreasing in effect as 

the stage of the stream increases. "**f 1

On March 26, 1904, a flood of unusual severity occurred, owing to 

the sudden melting of an unusually great accumulation of snow. The 

stage of the stream greatly exceeded the limit of the rating curve.

It is impossible to make meter measurements at the maximum stages, 

owing to the presence of ice and drift and to the high velocity. It is 

possible that the rating curve, as deduced, gives somewhat too large 

results for high stages, owing to the difficulty of holding the meter in 

position.

The dam just above the gaging station affords an opportunity to check 

'the rating table for the higher stages and to extend it considerably. 

Arrangements have been made to procure a record at this dam during 

the spring freshet of 1905. When this has been done, it may be possible to calculate the. discharge during the freshet of March 26, 1904.

The observed maximum stage, 18.55 on the gage, occurred at 6 a. m. 

March 26. The high-water, mark at the North Lansing dam on the 

same date indicated a discharge of about 16,700 second-feet over the 

main spillway, which is 192 feet in length. In addition water flowed 

around both ends of the dam in an amount sufficient to increase the 

total discharge to somewhere from 20,000 to 25,000 second-feet.
HOKTON, JOHNSON,"! 

AND HOYT. J

LAKE MICHIGAN DKAINAGE BASIN. 35

During 1904 the United States Weather Bureau erected gages at 

various points along Grand River for use in predicting floods. 

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under

o

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Grand River at North Laming, Mich., in 1904-

Date.

May 95

May 28........

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert............

R. E. Horton...........

C. C. Covert............

H. R. Beebe.. ..........

.....do ..........:......

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

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

C. C. Covert............

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

734

631

466

382

392

154

164

342

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.67

1.61

1.29

1.02

.91

.54

.55

.99

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.90

3.45

2.50

2.37

2.27

1.10

1.20

2.10

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

1,239

1,020

600

391

357

83

92

339

Mean daily gaije height, in feet, of Grand River at North Lansing, Mich., for I904. a

Day.

9

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

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

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

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

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

13

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

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

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

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

°0

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

'^... ...........

0«.

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

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

°8

°9

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

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

Jan. 6

2.18

2.15

2.28 

2.35

2.45

2.59

2.45

2.25

1.92

2.36

2.42

2.50

2.15

1.95

2.00 

2.15

2.30

2.60

3.25

3.40

3.20

3.20

3. CO

3. CO

3.52

3.45

3.35

3.15 

3.05

Feb.?'

3.45

3.38

3.28 

3.20

3.10

3.10

4.30

5.65

6.00

6.42

6.40

5.68

5.06

4.75

4.38 

4.18

3.84

3.34

3.49

3.38

3.28

3.20

3.28

Mar.'>

3.52

3.75

5.19 

6.59

7.30

 8.08

10.08

11.72

12.19

12.50

12.19

11 22

10.35

9.18

7 95

6.95

6.45 

6.06

5.65

6.25

6.60

7.80

11.39

13.78

16.65

18. (12

16.05

14.05

1° 80

10. 86 

11.07

Apr.

n

7K

11.40

11.10

8.95

8.22

7.70

7.55"

7.70

7.58

7.22

6.78

6 S"7

6.05

5.74

5. 82 

6.18

6.28

5. 52

5.08

4.75

4.71

4 69

4.45

4 19

4.00

3.84

May.

q on

3.74

3.60 

3.45

3.35

3.12

o go

2.85

2 79

2.74

2.65

2.76

2.70

2.72

2.74

O cri

2.74

3.75

4.52

4.22

4.10

3.72

3.58

3.63

3.10

3.05 

3.00

June.

2.95

2.98

2.85

2.55

2.55

2.40

2 35

2.35

2.08

1 Q^

1.90

1 7£*

1.55

1.74

1.68

1.50

1.65

1

QQ

2.12

1

QC

«> QQ

1 QO

1.95

July.

i 9**

1.85

1.95

1.85

1.75

1.72

1.74

2.12

O gg

2 OK

2.26

*) 1Q

1

QQ

1 81

1.88 

1.70

1.72

1.59

1.68

1.55

1 KO

1.60

1.68

1.42

1.'38 

1.40

Aug.

1.52

1.55

1.55 

1.48

1.60

1.55

1.40

1.35

1.72

1 90

1.72

1.68

1.65

1.38 

1.52

1.68

2 20

2.45

2 00

1.75

o 00

1.75 

1.85

Sept.

1.85

1.85

1.60 

1.50

1.75

1.29

1.75

1.63

1.15

1.80

1.69

1.72

1.68 

1.16

1.80

1.48

1.44

1.20

1.55

1.74

2 20

2.18

2.25

Oct.

2.15

2.10

2.10 

1.98

2.15

2.20

2.25

2.18

2.25

2.30

2.35

2.52

2.45

2.21

O OQ

2.26

2.20 

2.05

2.02

2.08

1.89

1.84

1.95

1 96

1 9°

2.01

1.94

1.86

1 79

1.96 

1.80

Nov.

1.96

1.90

1.86

1.88

1.82

1.76

1.58

1.88

1.74

1.65

1.82

1.92

1.71

1.64

1.76

1.68

1.80

1.82

1.74

1.72

1.78

1.78

1.70

1.76

1.75

1.68

1.89

Dec.&

1.62

1.71

1.74 

1.30

1.66

1.54

1.64

1.81

1.64

1.64

1.73

1.64

2.06

2.08

1.82

1.84

1.72 

1.48

1.74

1.66

1.86

1.75

1.71

1.86

1.84

1.84

2.04

3.06

2.94

2.51 

2.00

a Weighted mean of three readings per day, beginning October 19,1904.

&Ice conditions January 1 to March 28; also December 13 to 31, but not sufficient to modify flow.
8TKEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Rulii ig table for Grand River at North Lansing, Mich.,from March 3, 1901, to December

31, 1904-

Gage 

height.

Fed.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

80

108

136

164

192

220

248

276

304

332

360

392

2. 20 424

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

456

488

520

558

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

596

634

672

710

754

798

842

886

930

980

1,030

1,080

1,130

1,180

1,230

1,290

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,340

1,400

1,450

1,510

1,570

1,630

1,690

1,750

1,870

2,000

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Second-fret.

6. 80 3, 010

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.20

8.40

8.60

2, 130 8. 80

2, 260 9. 00

2,390

2,540

2,690

2,840

9.50

10.00

10. 50

11.00

3,170

3,350

3,540

3,730

3,930

4,130

4,360

4, 590

4,840

5, 110

5,380

6,120

7,010

8,000

9,000

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

discharge measurements made from 1902 to 1904. It is fairly well denned between 

gage heights 1 foot and 5.5 feet. Above 5.5 the curve depends on ten scattered 

measurements at 10 feet approximately. Special corrections have been applied to 

discharge on account of temporary obstructions in the river. The table has been 

extended beyond these limits.

Location, of United States Weather Bureau flood stations on Grand River, Michigan, and 

elevations of stream bed, flood, and danger lines.

[Compiled by C. 7-'. Schneider, section director, United States Weather Bureau.]

High water Mar. 26-27, 190-1:

Danger line:

River bed and gage zero above

Jackson.

<«)

5.00

920

61.84

44.3

Eaton 

Rapids.

837.36

6.50

858.16

49 11

26.4

Lansing.

828.50

19.45

819 C 0

10. 85

find ftf^

 29. 66

n

o

Grand 

Ledge.

793. 40

14.01

6.50

77Q ^O

81.04

26 2

Portland.

712.79

14.44

709. 93

11.58

85. 63

21.5

Ionia.

640. 27

27.55

637.27

24. 55

612. 72

Grand 

Rapids.

608.31

20. 45

10.73

Grand 

Haven.

(«)

a No gage.
H°B AND LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BASIN. 37

Estimated monthly discharge of Grand Rirer at North Lapsing, Mich., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 1,230 square miles.]

Month.

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

March, 7 days .................

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

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

October ;.......... .........

December ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

980 

2, 708 

(") 

(«) 

1,465 

700 

480 

504 

440 

530 

346 

732

Minimum.

262 

754

942 

1, 105 

577 

220 

185 

178 

122 

304 

241 

164

Mean.

589 

1,319 

3,747 

2,729 

854 

410 

302 

291 

265 

391 

297 

325

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.479 

1.07 

3.05 

2. 22 

.694 

.333 

.246 

.237 

.215 

.318 

. .241 

.264

Depth in 

inches.

0. 551 

1.16 

1.92 

2.15 

.798 

.372 

.283 

.273 

.240 

.366 

.269 

.304

"Above limit of rating table. 

GRAND RIVER AT GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

Grand River rises in northern Hillsdale County, in the vicinity of 

Bunday Hills. The headwaters of the Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Raisin, 

and northern branches of Maumee River are in this same locality. Its 

principal tributaries are Flat, Maple, Lookingglass, and Cedar rivers 

from the north and Thornapple River from the south. Water power 

is extensively developed on the main stream and on certain of these 

tributaries. The drainage area is flat or moderately rolling, and comprises alternate areas of sand, loam, .and clay. It is largely under 

cultivation, isolated timber areas remaining, Numerous small lakes 

and undrained hollows are located in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the drainage basin.

The station was established March 12, 1901, by L. W. Anderson, 

city engineer of Grand Rapids, Mich. The gage is attached to the 

upstream end of the ice breaker of the left bridge pier. The elevation of its zero is 0.55 foot below the city datum. All gage heights 

have been expressed as elevations above the city datum. Discharge 

measurements are made from the Fulton Street Bridge at which the 

gage is located. The channel is straight for several hundred feet 

above and below the bridge and is broken b}^ three bridge piers. The 

gaging section is shallow and tile bed is composed of cobblestones and 

gravel. The current is rapid and the velocity is poorly distributed at 

low stages.
38 STBEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PAET VI. [NO. 123.

The flood discharge of Grand River during March, 1904:, exceeded 

all previous records, and the stage of the stream rose considerably 

above the limit of discharge measurements. An estimate of the discharge March 27, 1904, indicates that the flow was about 40,000 

second-feet, or 8.2 feet per second per square mile from tributary 

drainage area of 4,900 square miles. The rating table for higher 

stages is subject to revision, having been estimated from a logarithmic 

formula based on data indicating somewhat higher discharge than 

would be obtained from the ordinary extension of the rating table.

The flood discharge of Flat River, tributary to Grand River, during 

the same flood, as estimated by Layman E. Cooley, was 4,370 secondfeet, or 7.15 second-feet per square mile from a tributary drainage 

basin of 610 square miles. 0

During the year 1904 gages were erected by the United States 

Weather Bureau at various points along Grand River for use in predicting floods. 6

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Grand River at Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1904-

Date.

May 31 ........

ftf*i~ii"f>'mTiftTl 1 *)

Hydrographer.

H. E. Beebe ............

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

2,095

673

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.05

2.28

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.05

.35

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

4,288

1,532

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Grand River at Grand Rapids, Mich., for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

1.90

1 60

1.60

1.55

1.25

1.40

.......

1.45

1.45

1.35

1.40

Feb.

2.35

1.95

2.10

2.25

2.15

2.20

2.88

3.38

3.98

4.35

4.35

4.22

Mar.

2.25

2.35

2.80

3.55

4 50

6.25

7.40

8.25

9.28

10.95

12.05

12. 40

Apr.

14.45

12.85

12.08

11. 20

10.50

9.55

9.40

8.70

8.60

8.28

7.85

May.

2.50

2.30

2.05

1.92

1.72

1.55

1.45

1.55

1.40

1.30

1.20

1.15

June.

1.70

1.55

1.30

1.40

1.15

.95

.80

.65

.40

.20

.28

July.

0.65

.35

.05

.05

- .08

- .10

- .10

.02

.35

.25

Aug.

-0.02

- .08

- .38

- .48

- .50

- .32

- .40

- .65

- .55

- .48

- .65

- .65

Sept.

-0.50

- .10

- .08

- .32

- .35

- .25

- .30

- .40

.......

- .40

- .28

- .48

Oct.

0.50

.32

1.05

1.15

1.00

1.00

1.38

1.40

1.50

1.38

Nov.

0.25

.15

.20

.10

.10

- .05

.05

.05

- .10

- .05

- .10

- .10

Dec.

-0.10

1 f\

25

OK

- .25

- .20

- .20

- .15

- .15

......

- .30

- .20

- .10

a Report of L. E. Cooley, C. E., on flood conditions of Grand River at Grand Rapids, Mich., 

t> See patfe 36 for list.

1904.
DJ HOYT S °Nj] LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BASIN. 39

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Grand River at Grand Rapids, Midi., etc. Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

IS..............

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

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

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

>>o

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

1.30

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.45

1.35

1.45

1.60

2.30

2.25

2.15

2. 15

2.25

2. 25

Feb.

3.80

3. 55

3.35

3.00

2.80

2.60

2. 55

2. 45

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.25

Mar.

12. 15

11.70

11.30

10.75

10.10

9.20

9.30

10.68

11.45

15. 10

18.10

19.30

19.17

18. 12

Apr.

7.32

6 8**

6.20

6.15

6.15

6.00

5.68

5.25

4.65

4.38

3.75

3.52

May.

1.05

1.05

.95

1.15

1. 55

2.00

5.00

5.30

4. 55

3. 85

3

QC

Q (\f\

2.10

June.

.15

- .05

- .15

- .18

- .35

- .32

- .42

- .45

.00

.70

.55

July.

°0

- .20

- .18

- .30

_ 25

- .30

- .40

 .40

- .55

- .40

- .50

60

Aug.

0.55

.50

- .50

- .55

- .30

- .20

- .20

- .25

.10

.05

- .10

_ _ 22

JK

.55

Sept.

-0.45

- .45

- .52

- .25

- .30

- .38

 25

- .15

.65

.90

.75

1.00

65

Oct.

1.32

.88

.95

.70

.55

.65

.80

.52

.60

.45

.42

40

.35

.10

Nov.

-0. 08

- .18

- .20

- .10

- .05

- .05

- .10

- .05

_ _12

- .10

- .15

1 P»

Dee.

0.00

- .10

- .05

- .05

- .10

- .05

- .10

- .02

.10

......

.18

.95

1.25

1 05

NOTE. River 

heights to wate

eonsidered frozen greater portion of January, 

r surface. Sunday or holiday, no record.

February, March, and December. Gage

Rating table for Grand River at Grand Rapids, Midi., from Jdnuary 1, 1903, to December

31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

-0.90

- .80

- .70

- .60

- .50

 .40

- .30

- .20

 .10

.00

.10

.20

.30

.40

.50

.60

.70

.80

.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

730

860

980

1,110

1,245

1,370

1,495

1, 625

1,755

1, 885

2,015

2,140

2, 265

2,405

2, 545

2,675

2,810

2,945

3, 075

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,205

3,335

3,470

3, 605

3, 745

3, 890

4, 030

4,170

4,310

4, 450

4590

4,730

4,870

5, 010

5, 155

5, 305

5,450

5, 595

5,740

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.90

3.00

3.20

3.40

3.60

3.80

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.60

4.80

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

Discharge.

ftfcmid-fett.

5, 885

6, 035

6, 325

6,610

6,910

7,205

7, 505

7,805

8,105

8,410

8,720

9,025

9,335

9,670

10, 015

10, 350

10, 685

11,015

11,380

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.60

6.80

7.00

7.50

8.00

8.50

9.00

9.50

10. 00

10.50

11.00

11.50

12.00

12.50

13.00

13.50

14.00

15. 00

16.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

11, 770

12, 130

12, 490

13, 470

14, 390

15, 400

16, 425

17,460

18, 495

19, 530

20, 565

21, 600

22, 635

23, 670

24, 705

25, 740

26, 775

28, 895

31, 090
40 STREAM MEASUREMENTS rx i§o4, PART vi. [NO. 120.

Estimated monthly discharge of Grand Riper at Grand Rapids, Midi., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 4,900 square miles.]

Month.

April, 26 days .................

May, 25 days. .................

July, 25 days. .................

August, 27 days ...............

September, 25 days ............

November, 25 days ............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

27, 730 

9,490 

4,170 

2,740 

2, 015 

3,205 

3,890 

2, 200

Minimum.

6,'250 

3, 140 

1,310 

1,110 

1,040 

1,210 

2,015 

1,560

Mean.

14, 210 

4,907 

2,537 

1,732 

1,433 

1,748 

2,913 

1,821

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

2.90 

1.00 

.517 

.353 

.292 

.356 

.594 

.372

Depth in 

inches.

3.24 

1.15 

.577 

.407 

.337 

.397 

.685 

.415

NOTE. Mean for number of days observed taken as mean for entire month. No estimate made for 

January, February, March, and December owing to ice conditions.

RED CEDAR RIVER AT AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, MICH.

This gaging station was established August 30, 1902. The gage is 

located at the highway bridge just below the Agricultural College 

grounds. The bridge has a single span of 75 feet between abutments. 

The bed is of sand and gravel, fairly smooth and permanent. The 

channel is straight for a distance of about 400 feet downstream from 

the gage. A short distance upstream is a low dam forming an ice 

pond, below which the stream does not ordinarily freeze over. In this 

stretch of the river is the railroad bridge of the college spur of the 

Pere Marquette Railroad, from which gagings are made at high water 

or when the stream is frozen across at the gaging station. Near this 

bridge low-water measurements are also made by wading. The gage 

is of the usual wire type, and is attached to the downstream guard rail 

of the bridge. The upstream corner of the right-hand wing wall of 

the bridge abutment is used as a bench mark, with an arbitrary elevation of 100 feet. The elevation of the datum plane of the gage is 

85.45 feet. The gaging station is situated about 4 miles from the 

mouth of the stream. Sycamore Creek, an important tributary, 

enters in this section. The drainage area above the gaging station is 

358 square miles, and from the gaging station to the mouth of the 

stream 114 square miles, making the total above Grand River 472 

square miles. The flow is sluggish at low stage and the station is 

subject to backwater from Grand River. Gage readings at this station 

were discontinued December 31, 1903.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.
~TOB AND Ho?T SON'] LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BASIN. 41

Discharge measurements of Red Cedar River at Agricultural College, Mich., in 1904.

Date.

7*ay 24. .......

September 8 ...

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert............

H. R. Beebe............

Area of 

section.

Hq.feet. 

370

07

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per sec. 

0.99

.17

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.30

1.31

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

367

4.6

MU8KEGON RIVER AT NEWAYGO, MICH.

The drainage basin of this stream lies immediately north of that of 

3rand River. Originally it was covered with pine timber, but now 

: t is almost entirely cleared. Much of the soil is sand and gravel, 

unfit for profitable cultivation. Large stump-covered areas form a 

conspicuous feature of the topography. The drainage areas tributary 

.o Muskegon River are given in the following table:

Drainage areas of Muskegon River and tributary.

Stream.

Olam River .....................

Location.

Above mouth .......... ..............

Area.

Sq. miles.

787

307

1,094

1,764

2,352

2,663

In March, 1901, a station was established at the dam of the Newaygo 

"Portland Cement Company. This darn crosses Muskegon River in a 

deep valley above the village of Newaygo. It is of timber, having 

cramed cribs filled with stone. It is provided with a main spillway, 

^ith log ways, and with four flood wa^ys. The flood ways are provided with Taintor segmental flood gates, which are operated by a 

traveling crab. A record is kept of the time and amount of opening 

of the flood gates and log ways, as well as the depth of water on the 

crests of ther spillways. Ordinarily the flood gates and log ways are 

closed, and the entire flow passes over the main spillway or through 

*:he turbines. Water is carried from the pond to the power house 

"y a short headrace separated from.the stream channel by a crib 

breakwater.

The power house contained originally two turbine units. The number has recently been increased to four units. Each unit comprises 

four 35-inch Left'el-Samson turbine runners mounted on a horizontal 

^haft, and connected to the electrical generator by endless rope drives.
42 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Each turbine unit is controlled by a Lombard governor and the gaging 

record includes a statement of the number of hours per day each unit 

is operated, together with the average gate opening. Beginning 

August, 1904, hourly readings of the governors have been taken. 

The wheels are ordinarily operated continuously twenty-four hours 

per day.

From the vicinity of Evart to Newaygo, Muskegon River flows 

between high banks and has a rapid fall. Levels which have been 

run for this purpose show that within a distance of 10 miles, 5 miles 

each way from Big Rapids, there is a total fall of 104 feet. Of this 

16 feet is now utilized, leaving an available fall of 88 feet. There are 

favorable sites for the location of dams, so that practically the entire 

fall could be economically developed.

In connection with power development, good opportunities exist 

for the conservation of flow by artificial storage. The water-surface 

areas of the principal lakes of the watershed and of the tributary 

drainage which they control is given below:

Drainage and surface areas of Jakes in Muskegon Rirer waterithed.

Lake.

Higgins and H ought 011 lakes ..........---.--.---...---.........

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles.

57

67

67

185

252

Water 

surface.

ftq. miles. 

8.0

6.7

15.0

31.0

46.0

In the upper portion of the watershed there is a total lake area of 

about 110 square miles. Formerly a lumberman's dam was maintained 

for the purpose of flooding logs between Houghton and Higgins lakes, 

but this has been washed out. A lumberman's dam, built of logs and 

earth, which still remains about 1 mile below the foot of Houghton 

Lake, raises the water level in that lake 4 feet, providing a storage of, 

in round numbers, 3,350,000,000 cubic feet.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.
E A°NKD LAKE MICHIGAN DKAINAGE BASIN. 43

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Mnskegon River at Newaygo, Mich., 1901-1904-

Day.

1901. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'5. ............

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

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

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

:.o. .............

 a

'TO

 ;.3.. ............

'-.4..............

:.5.. ............

:.i.... ..........

C.8. .............

;.9.. ............

: : 0.. ............

1902. 

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

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

'3. .............

'1..............

"S

"1. .............

' x. ............

'7..............

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

Jan.

678

743

663

743

663

703

663

663

743

713

743

703

703

703

743

743

733

783

783

Feb.

732

772

772

812

812

692

692

732

692

812

988

852

852

852

732

652

732

Mar.

783

812

783

824

967

972

1,026

986

932

880

1,834

1,942

2,191

2,195

9 9*3^

9 10g

1 8°9

1.838

Apr.

2,012

2,695

2,982

3,033

2,747

2, 715

2,668

2,427

2, 515

2,716

2,844

2,844

2 7K.Q

2,749

1.650

May.

2,026

1,711

1,904

6,196

6 ^66

6,248

4,258

2,920

2

QAO

2, 573

 2, 177

2.239

June.

1,219

1,141

1,160

1,196

1,060

1,062

1,114

1,180

1,042

1,072

1,072

1,305

1,161

1,161

1,139

1,029

1,063

1,047

1,047

1,053

1,053

994

1,001

1,016

978

903

980

893

1,960

1,964

2,420

2,239

1,958

2,075

2,075

2,075

1 794

1 fi^Q

1 COQ

1 7f*Q

1,811

1 804

1 799

1 754

1 7>vl

1.674

July.

987

1,043

1,220

1,380

1,389

1,243

1,169

1,153

1,084

1,206

1,107

989

1,098

1,041

910

895

900

1,051

609

695

899

972

930

1,010

1,067

1,128

1,110

1,088

1, 185

1,255

1,170

1,578

1,618

1,561

1,391

1,547

1,387

1,332

1 079

1 540

1,403

1,523

1,580

1,539

1,601

1 641

1.540

Aug.

767

741

685

799

577

693

673

680

717

845

558

507

536

568

1,262

1,199

1,108

1,108

1,180

1,160

1,280

1,180

1,247

1,304

1, 342

1,069

1,096

1,057

1,136

1,067

1,031

1,212

1,248

1,248

1,178

1,203

1,055

1,073

1,073

1,025

1,076

1,076

1,118

1,118

1,010

1,010

1.064

Sept.

900

1,115

1,082

1,002

922

991

1,002

1,082

1,059

941

698

584

812

786

696

866

1,001

806

729

736

1, 018

921

856

926

767

798

856

856

961

826

908

925

901

821

909

958

979

1,100

1,155

1,075

1,118

1,173

1,166

1.188

Oct.

727

971

936

837

797

877

892

972

932

846

1, 142

966

1,039

1,639

1,684

1,674

1,794

1,634

1,672

1,679

1,794

1,538

1,597

1,063

1,043

916

1,043

1,098

852

908

a860

1,561

1,635

1,635

1,560

1,560

1,620

1,694

1,724

1,604

1,568

1,568

1,547

2,033

2,007

1 644

1,644

1.482

Nov.

813

793

913

957

825

882

762

797

823

861

661

794

905

948

828

1,018

1,098

798

967

1,083

967

955

1,023

1,043

960

873

957

902

861

865

2,214

2,214

2, 214

2,214

2,114

2,140

1,980

1,980

1,308

1 122

1,122

1,122

943

943

040

980

1.053

Dec.

967

967

1,007

1,014

932

932

932

852

986

986

813

799

762

897

743

703

703

760

842

882

833

845

972

1,000

9o7

l.OCO

1,040

a52

986

873

^73

J-73

7IV7

757

757

757

757

757

813

873

873

932

1,000

1,000

2.189

a Interpolated.
44 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, .PART VI. [NO. 129. 

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Muskegon River at Newaygo, Mich., etc. OontM.

Bay.

1902. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

°9

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

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

1903. 

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

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

00

°3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1904. 

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

o

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

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

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

Jan.

703

703

703

743

823

743

823 

623

663

703

703

663

Feb.

732

732

812

772

772

812

772 

732

732

2,015

2, 253

2,020

1,889

1,695

2,135

1,960

1, 852

o 30Q

1,970

1 93°

592

847

847

860

1,027

967

1, ICO

Mar.

1,306

1,312

1, 289

1,338

1,209

1,172

1,192 

1,205

1,319

1,695

1, 577

1,215

1,155

1,335

1,500

1,688

1,665

3, 517

4 °59

1 OOQ

4,280

4 962

4 9°6

4,500

4,232

4,252

4,536

4, 267

4,418

4,219

4,159

Apr.

1,746

1, 835

1,804

1,754

1,666

1,884

2, 565

2,475

O QftT

2, 535

2,066

2,110

2,344

3,344

d o^

2,946

3,005

3,071

2,886

2,945

5,055

5,116

4 798

4,570

3 049

3,108

Q 10Q

O g^Q

0 0£g

May.

2, 135

2, 035

2, 055

1,987

2,244

2,069

2, 219 

2,018

2, 078

2,018

2,086

2,772

2,498

2, 434

2,314

2,314

2,171

o OOA

o oon

2, 160

2 1 '3Q

2 1 QQ

2,079

2 019

1 914

1 914

O 000

2 000

9 000

1, 672

1 794

2,032

1, 912

1 914

2, 245

2, 189

2, 093

June.

1,754

1,794

1,638

1,618

1,557

1,523

1,618 

1, 618

1

RQQ

July.

1,452

1,462

1,422

1,462

1,484

1,484

1,444 

1,477

1,531

1 531

.......

Aug.

965

1,045

1, 045

1,036

1,072

996

1,124 

1,193

1,145

1,110

1,158

1,593

1,286

1,276

1,204

1.234

Sept.

1,173

1,084

1,088

1, 065

1, 063

1,063

1, O.H3 

1,372

1,204

1,195

674

662

582

582

546

Oct.

1,751

1,491

1,431

1,431

1,431

1.470

1,350 

1,390

1,390

i QQft

1,510

1,380

947

1,078

970

983

1,090

Nov.

1,128

1,216

1,288

1,068

1,068

1,068

873

873

873

1,098

992

982

944

954

Dec.

2, 281

2,395

2,509

2, 281

2, 130

1,260

1, 288 

783

783

1 Q*>Q

1,323

807

868

769

849

1,049
HOR AND! HO?T S°Nj] LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BASIN. 45

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Muskegon River at Newaygo, Mich., etc. Goat'd.

Day.

1904. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

«>0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr.

 >

May. June. July. Aug.

1,026

1,042

1,078

1,050

1,024

1,092

1,077

1,065

1,053

993

1,051

1,001

1,077

1,113

1,126

1,051

1,086

913

991

979

932

932

954

933

Sept.

702

630

618

678

856

820

748

885

850

844

798

922

820

937

869

892

802

1,122

940

925

Oct.

898

910

1 060

1,040

1,374

1,489

1,268

1,088

1,160

943

1,015

955

983

971

1,096

1,181

1,030

1,004

1,175

1,067

1,054

957

1,172

906

1,090

Nov.

993

1,044

1,028

846

1,004

862

1,052

1,004

1,030

992

1,063

1,054

1,054

1,090

1,142

909 887'

922

724

Dec.

1,013

853

1, 051

923

708

724

934

904

1,006

836

800

908

980

1,076

898

897

956

789

968

1,079

1,134

943

Estimated, wouthly discharge of Mtixkegon River at Newaiigo, Mich., 1901-1904- 

[Drainage area, 2,352 square miles.]

Month.

1901.

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

November ....................

December ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,305 

1,389 

1,342 

1,115 

1,794 

1,098 

1,051

Minimum.

893 

609 

507

584 

727 

661 

703

Mean.

1,073 

1,064 

939 

886 

1,175 

898 

904

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.456 

.452 

.399 

.377 

.500 

.382 

.384

Depth in 

inches.

0.509 

.521 

.460 

.421 

.576 

.426 

.443
46 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129. 

Estimated monthly discharge o/Muskegoti River at Newaygo, Mich., 1901-1904 Continued.

Month.

1902. 

January .................. ....

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

March ........................

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

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

June .........................

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

August .......................

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

November ....................

1903. 

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

March. . ......................

April .........................'

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

1904. 

August .......................

September ....................

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

November ....................

December ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

823 

988 

2,235 

3,033 

6,266 

2,420 

1,676 

1,248 

1,372 

2, 033 

2,214 

2, 509

6,266

2,343 

4,962 

5,116 

2,772

1,593 

1,122 

1,489 

1,160 

1,134

Minimum.

623 

652 

783 

1,650 

1,711 

1,523 

1,312 

965 

821 

1,350 

788 

757

623

592 

1,155 

2,066 

1,672

913 

546 

898 

724 

708

Mean.

717 

773 

 1,348 

2,430 

3,149 

1,809 

1,498 

1,095 

1,078 

1,572 

1,338 

1, 281

1,507

1,579 

3,715 

3,244

2, 153

1,075 

778 

1,061 

993 

920

Run-off.

Second -feet 

per square 

mile.

0.305 

.329 

.573 

1.03 

1.34 

.769 

.637 

.466 

.458 

.668 

.569 

.545

.641

.671 

1.58 

1.38 

.915

.457 

.331 

.451 

.422 

.391

Depth in 

inches.

0.352 

.343 

.661 

. 1.15 

1.54 

.858 

.734 

.537 

.511 

.770 

.635 

.628

8.72

.699 

1.82 

1.54 

1.05

.527 

.369 

.520 

.471 

.451

MANISTEE RIVER NEAR SHERMAN, MICH.

Manistee River is the most northerly of the group of large rivers 

draining central Michigan and flowing westerly into Lake Michigan. 

The fall of the stream is very gradual, and no important utilization of 

water power has been made, the principal use of the stream being for 

rafting logs. Manistee, at the mouth of the river, affording an excellent harbor, is an important lumber center. The drainage basin is 

sandy and the stream receives a very large portion of its supply from 

ground storage through springs along the river bank and along the 

tributaries.
HORTONj JOHNSON,"] 

AND HOYT. J LAKE MICHIGAN DRAINAGE BAKIN. 47

A chain gage was established at North Bridge, near Sherman, July 

10, 1903. The stage of the stream is observed twice each day by 

Lincoln Jewell. Current-meter discharge measurements are made at 

the bridge, which consists of a single span; the stream bed is of clay 

and sand and has some logs in it, as is frequently the case with rivers 

used for lumbering. It also becomes frozen over in the winter, so 

that the relation between the gage height and discharge is modified 

for that season.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Manistee River near Sherman, Mich., in 1903 and 1904.

Date.

-1903. 

July 4.........

July 10........

July 24........

July 24........

August 26 ......

1904. 

June 2 .........

September 13 . .

September 16 ..

September 16 ..

December 14.. .

Hydrographer.

W. M. Gregory ..........

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

W. M. Gregory. .........

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

C. C. Covert ............

H. E. Beebe ............

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

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

C. C. Covert............

Area of 

section.

Si], feet. 

344

368

354

358

538

335

359

359

362

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.64

2.79

2.96

2.97

2.86

2.82

2.77

2.70

2.72

2.38

Gage 

height.

Feet.

« 2. 45

a 2. 49

« 2. 55

a 2. 30

3.62

2.05

2.06

2. 05

1.76

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

935

1,043

1, 050

1,060

994

1, 514

921

907

912

860

« Superseding gage heights as given in the 1903 report.

Corrected mean daily gage height,a in feet, of Manistee Hirer near Sherman, Mich., for 1903

and 1904.

Day.

1903. 

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

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

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

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

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

'0........ .....

"1. .............

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

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

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. June.

.......

July.

.......

2.55

2.45

2.40

2.35

Aug.

2.50

2.35

2.45

3.40

4.25

4.25

3.90

3.60

3.30

3.05

3.00

3.00

3.10

Sept.

8.00

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.80

2.85

3.05

3.10

3.10

3.00

Oct.

2.58

2.6S

2.68

2.88

2.78

2.78

2.78

2.78

2. 88

2.78

2.78

2.78

2.68

Noy.

2.46

2.46

2.46

2.46

2.46

2.46

2.46

2.56

2.76

2.71

2.56

2.96

2.96

Dec.

2.39

2 24

2.24

2.44

2.44

2.44

2.44

2.44

2.44

2.54

2.39

2.24

3.64

"Superseding gage heights as given in the 1903 report.
48 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Corrected mean daily gage height, in feet, of Manistee River, elc. Continued.

Day.

1903. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1904. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. ...T.. .......

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

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

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

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

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

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

^2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

3.52 

3. 52 

3.07

2.92

2.92

2.92

2.92

2.82

2.67

2.62

2.62

2.42

2 02

1 97

2.37

2.47

2.62

2.62

1.87

2.07

2.27

2.42

2. 42

Feb.

.......

2.40 

2.40 

9 40

2.40

O PJ\

2. 50

2.25

2.30

i ^n

2.25

2.30

2.20

2.15

o OR

9 3^

O OK

2.40

o on

2.35 

2.40

2.45

2.35

o f^n

O F.fl

Mar.

2.5* 

2.58 

2.58

2.38

2. 53

2.48

>> 43

2.48

2.53

2.43

2.38

2.18

2.23

2.28

2.28

2.23

2.28

2.28

2.38

2.48

2.73

3.68

3.38

3.08

3.08

3.78

Apr.

.......

4.31 

4.41

4.21

4.21

4.41

5.11

5.49

6 19

6.19

6.13

5.61

5.21

4.86

A <?1

4.71

4 36

4.26

4.11

4.11 

4.41

4 91

5.46

5.56

5.21

J Qfi

May.

.......

4.84 

4.69 

4.54

4.34

4 19

3.84

4.44

4.44

4.54

4 44

4 19

3.99

3.79

3 64

3 54

3 64

3.64

3 fiQ

3.74

4.24

4.44

4.44

4 59

4 49

4 °9

4.04

June.

3.82 

3.72 

3.47

3.42

3.32

3 17

3.02

3

AO

o qo

2 {f

2 9°

2.92

o 70

2.57

2.52 

2.57

2.52

2.47

2 CO

July.

2.35 

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.25

2.15

2.15

o 35

2.60

2.65

o 50

2.55

2.45

2.50

2.80

2.75

<~> go

2.50 

2.50 

o F.n

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40

2 40

2.40

o d(\

2.85

2.70

2 60

0 AX.

2.35

** 30

2.30

2.35

2.40

o 40

2.40

2.40

2.40

Aug.

3.05 

2.95

2.85

2.1,0

2.65

2.45

2.45

9 35

2.35

2.32

o 30

2.30

2.35

2.60

2.90

2. as

2.38

2.28

o 03

2.33

2.38

 > 33

2.38

2.43

2.48

2.38

t 4g

2.43

2.38

2.38

2.38

2.23 

2.33

(«) -

(«)

2.08

2 OQ

1 98

1.98

Sept.

3.10 

3.10

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.10

3.05

2.90

2.88

2.75

1 7O

2.60

o 55

2.60

2.60

^.60

2.60

1.97 

2.17 

2 22

2. 27

2.07

2.07

2.07

2.07

2.07

1 97

2.02

2.00

1.95

1.95

2.15

*> 9P»

2.15

t 05

2.05 

 > 30

2.45

2.35

2.55

2.45

2.35

Oct.

2. 58 

2.58

2.63

2.88

3.18

3.18

3.03

2.93

2.78

2.68

2.68

2.58

2.58

2.58

2.48

2.48

2.48

2.48

 . 5 

2.20

2.25

2.30"

2.25

9 05

2.40

2.45

2.55

2.60

2.65

2.75

2.65

2.55

2.55

2.45

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.25 

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.30

Nov.

2.96 

2.96

2.86

2.86

2.86

2.76

2.61

2.56

2.56

2.66

2.51

2.41

2.36

2.31

2.36

2. 41

2.35 

2.25 

2.25

2.25

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.35

2.40

2.25

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.05

o 05

1.95 

1.95

2.00

1.95

1.95

1.90

2.15

Dec.

3.39 

3.29

3.24

3.24

3.14

3.14

2.79

2.64

2.54

2.54

2.54

2.44

2.54

4.54

3.79

3.74

3.69

3.54

2.15 

2. 05 

t.95

1.95

1.90

1.95

2.00

2.05

2.00

1.95

2.00

2.05

1.90

1.78

1.95

2.30

2.00

2.05

2.10

2.20

2.10

2.25 

2.35

2.30

2.25

2.30

2.20

1.85

2.20

2.20

a Log jam.
HTORTON, JOHNSON 

AND HOYT. '] LAKE HURON DRAINAGE BASIN. 49

BOARDMAN RIVER AT TRAVERSE CITY, MICH.

A gage was erected on Boardman River at Upper Union Street 

Bridge July 14, 1903, and the stream stage was observed twice daily 

by D. McLachlan. The record was furnished by Traverse City. 

Boardman River drains a generally level sand-covered area tributary 

to Lake Michigan through Grand Traverse Bay. The upper drainage 

basin is 10 miles in breadth, tributaries are few, and there are a small 

number of undrained lakes and ponds. Near the mouth the drainage 

area becomes much narrower and the fall is rapid, water power being 

utilized to some extent. Boardman Lake lies above Traverse City, at 

an elevation of about 25 feet above Lake Michigan. The outlet of the,, 

lake makes an abrupt bend and flows parallel with the water front of 

Traverse Bay for one-half mile above its outlet. A dam furnishes 

power for a flour mill, drawing its water supply from Boardman Lake. 

In order to avoid, as far as possible, backwater from Traverse Bay 

the gage was placed near the foot of the dam. The discharge measurements have been made by current meter at the Park Place Bridge 

near the mouth of the river.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Boardman River at Traverse City, Mich., in 1904.

Date.

June 2.........

June 2. ........

September 14 ..

September 14..

September 15 ..

Hydrographer.

R. E. Horton...........

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

H. R. Beebe............

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

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

Area of 

section.

Sq.Jeet. 

282

281

334

334

321

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.36

1.30

1.14

1.03

1.24

Gage 

height. «

Feet. 

9.65

9.67

9.35

9.44

6 9. 54

Discharge.

Second '-feet. 

382

364

380

344

398

« Distance to water surface from reference point, Park Place Bridge. 

t> Gage height approximate.

LAKE HURON DRAINAGE BASIN.

South of Saginaw Bay the Lake Huron slope is very narrow and is 

drained by brooks and runnels a few miles in length. The so-called 

Thumb of the Mitten is drained by three streams which flow northwest, known as the Willow, Pinnepog, and Pigeon, lying in a flat, 

marshy region.

The drainage surrounding Saginaw Bay is included in the Saginaw 

River system.

Northward from Sagiuaw Bay are Rifle, An Sable, and Thunder Bay 

rivers, streams having considerable fall, excellent ground storage in 

JRR 129 05 i
50 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120.

sand areas, and well-sustained flow. The rainfall is less than on the 

western or Lake Michigan slope of the State.

Cheboygan River also belongs in the Lake Huron drainage.

The following pages give the results of data collected during 1904 

in Lake Huron drainage basin:

THUNDER BAY RIVER NEAR ALPENA, MICH.

Thunder Bay River is tributary to Lake Huron at Alpena, Mich. 

The drainage basin is largely underlain by fissured limestone, more or 

less overlain with sand, and covered with dwarfed timber. The original pine forest has been largely lumbered. The drainage Basin contains numerous small lakes in the region of the headwaters; it also 

contains Hubbard Lake, having a water surface of 13.4 square miles. 

The regimen of the stream is comparatively steady, but is more or less 

influenced by the operation of lumbermen's dams.

A gaging station was established at the dam of the Fletcher Paper 

Company, 4 miles above Alpena, April 4,1901. The run-off for years 

preceding 1904 will be found in Water-Supply Paper No. 83, pages 

289-293, and Water-Supply Paper No. 97, pages 436-438. The record 

includes two readings each day of the depth on the crest gage, located 

75 feet upstream from the head-gates, opposite the left end of'the dam. 

The dam is of timber, practically water-tight, and is usually surmounted by flashboards. It contains, in addition to three spillways, 

sections of lengths 90, 105, and 181.5, and a log slide 40 feet in width. 

The crest of the dam was originally level, but settlement of the middle 

section has made it necessary to subdivide the spillways into several 

short sections, each assumed level at its average elevation, for purposes of calculation. The discharge over the main dam has been computed by the weir formula, using coefficients derived from Cornell 

University experiment No. 13 of the United States Deep Waterways 

Board, for a dam of similar cross section. Discharge over flash board 

sections has been calculated by means of the Francis formula. There 

is also a subsidiary logway and a headrace overflow, the latter 3 feet 

in width, the flow through which has been computed by suitable 

formulas. The adjoining pulp and paper mill has 14 pairs of 26-inch 

Trump model turbines, arranged in three groups, each containing four 

turbines on horizontal shafts, with one double horizontal turbine. 

The daily run of the turbines and the working head on the wheels, 

which is determined from readings of the crest and tailrace gage, is 

also recorded.

The observations of this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.
J HOTT SON> ]

HURON DRAINAGE BASIN. 51

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Thunder Bay River near Alpena, Mich., for 1904.

Day.

I.1 .............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

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

22..

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

25........*......

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

29

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

Jan.

533

483

310

503

470

488

359

511

516

480

504

482

477

298

496

475

491

502

522

484

323

534

556

614

fV7fi

325

Feb.

677

683

677

645

657

577

370

633

655

646

643

602

549

402

605

559

573

552

546

480

363

633

583

588

579

526

485

(«)

589

Mar.

518

502

502

521

(«)

571

KQC

571

fV7<i

tyin

639

(«)

(a)

677

665

512

669

664

(«)

673

705

823

7QQ

883

971

1,284

1,600

1,477

1,524

1,615

Apr.

1,985

J QC^t

4, 822

6,421

6,934

6, 927

7,275

6

QJA

6,592

6,095

6,427

4,730

4,233

3,502

3,077

o 93Q

o 80''

2,467

3, 121

3

K4K»

4,393

4 466

4 555

3,594

May.

3,299

3,175

<> ggo

1,875

I

Kiq

745

1,471

3,548

1,470

1, 428

747

1 404

1,383

1,582

2, 145

2 211

2, 521

O UQO

3

107

 j oflfi

o 913

S OF;^

3

0*17

3, 125

June.

2 494

2

QC *

2 1Q7

1

*7O t

1 7*V7

0 Qg^

9 556

9 569

9 579

2

0AQ

2,012

1 992

1,697

1 Q91

1 Q77

1 *?33

1 Q1Q

1 fU9

097

740"

706

58''

269

KAJ

491

July.

474

534

460

54

KJQ

c.14

542

*>°4

f=US

1 7Q

638

FV>9

588

634

RAJ

23

638

ceq

524

CAQ

436

503

54

545

460

433

404

420

427

547

Aug.

462

OQ1

OQQ

OJO

OCQ

4ftd

50°

fV77

fV77

KQO

280

609

rvic

548

f^i

543

541

169

KQO

K-lfi

KOo

KQK

55°

581

22

1^07

471

415

Sept.

QQA

QQO

421'

f>CK5

243

S97

EDO

402

rni

561

475

461

404

132

518

609

KOK

jqq

415

496

001

^79

520

511

493

487

Oct.

481

206

631

478

505

461

FlAO

d'">A

00

631

rno

548

705

610

57O

*>7O

721

594

524

KOA

558

OQg

J1 PI

379

501

O4O

629

535

Nov.

OQQ

415

449

409

439

216

524

449

428

338

QQ7

371

45

538

479

702

422

290

515

536

609

484

473

450

325

Dec.

522

Q-IO

458

OQO

470

489

K-IQ

498

473

451

279

453

478

478

443

417

400

451

488

595

OQA

496

491

515

491

511

a Record not available.

Estimated monthly discharge of Thunder Bay River near Alpena, Mich., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 1,260 square miles.]

Month.

February, 28 days .............

March, 27 days. ............. .^

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

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

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

December ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

614 

683 

1,615 

7,275 

4,219 

2,579 

638 

609 

572 

721 

702 

595

Minimum.

298 

363 

502 

- 1, 985 

745 

269 

23 

22 

132 

23 

45 

279

Mean.

478 

574 

800 

4,391 

2, 254 

1,474 

461 

461 

428 

476 

444 

441

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.379 

.456 

.635 

3.48 

1.79 

1.17 

.365 

.365 

.340 

.378 

.352 

.350

Depth in 

inches.

0.437 

.475 

.638 

3.88 

2.06 

1.31 

.421 

.421 

.379 

.436 

.392 

-.404
52 STBEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120. 

AU SABLE RIVER AT BAMFIELD, MICH.

Au Sable River rises in southern Otsego County, flows south to 

Grayling, thence east to the west line of Alcona County, from which 

point it follows a tortuous course in a general southeasterly direction to its outlet in Lake Huron at Oscoda. Its drainage basin 

embraces a region at one time noted for the abundance of white pine. 

The area is now almost entirely cleared of its valuable native timber 

and contains a large extent of sandy plains covered with shrub conifers. There are also areas of diversified soils, pink clay, loam, and 

gravel. The basin is underlain by Coldwater shales. Rock outcrops 

are very rare, the stream bed being usually clay or sand.

The basin contains numerous small lakes, wet sand areas, and 

undrained hollows, the topographic features being mainly the work 

of the retreating ice of the Glacial epoch.

At Bamfield, about 40 miles from the outlet, following the river, 

the elevation is about 850 feet above sea level. From this point to the 

mouth of the stream excellent sites for water-power development 

occur. These water powers are favored by a stream bed of firm clay, 

the river being flanked in many places with high terraced clay bluffs, 

rising often 60 to 100 feet above the stream. In some places the 

upper half or two-thirds of the bluff is sand, the lower portion being 

clay. At the clay horizon numerous springs appear. The tributaries 

are not important, nearly all the rainfall being directly absorbed by 

the porous sand areas. The drainage area above the junction of the 

two branches of Au Sable River is 1,005 square miles; above the 

gaging station at Bamfield, 1,425 square miles; and above its mouth 

at Oscoda, 1,932 square miles.

A gaging station was established at the highway bridge at Bamfield 

August 27, 1902, and gage readings have been taken twice each day 

since that date. The observer is William H. Bamfield. The gage is 

a vertical scale graduated to feet and tenths, attached to the left side 

of the left pier supporting the main bridge span on the downstream 

side. The bridge has three spans, one a main Pratt truss span of 92 

feet, with flood channels at ends. One truss is supported on trestle 

work that is clogged with drift. Only a small part of the flow, however, passes through this channel at high water. The channel is 

straight for 800 feet below the station, and in this distance slight 

rifts occur. It is straight for 500 feet above the gage. The channel 

has a width at ordinary stage of 140 feet. The bed of the stream is 

composed of sand and -gravel, and is somewhat rough, with sunken 

logs and short piles, but is permanent. The velocity is moderate to 

rapid. The banks are low and are skirted on the right by a flood 

plain, which is, however, seldom overflowed. Beyond the flood plain 

on the right, and close to the river on the left, are high gravel banks.
LAKE HURON DRAINAGE BASIN. 53

The stream .seldom freezes over in winter so that the relation of gage 

height to discharge differs little from that in summer. Anchor ice 

backs the water up at times, however. Wire spikes, driven into the 

upstream end of the left pier, serve as a temporary bench mark. Its 

elevation is 8.00 feet above the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 190± have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Au Sable River at Bamfield, Mich., in 1904.

Date.

May 28........

June 10........

September 5. ..

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert............

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

H. R. Beebe...... ......

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

823

653

466

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.19

2.79

2.29

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.30

2.20

1.00

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

2,56£

1,823

1,066

Mean, daily gage height, in feet, of Au Sable River at Bamfield, Mich., for 1904-

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

si..:...........

Jan.

2.70

2.70

2.70

3.00

3.40

3.20

3.00

3.00

3.00 

3.00

3.00

2.80

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

4.00

4.10

4.30

4.36

4.35

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30 

4.30

Feb.

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.45 

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.20

4 °0

4 *>0

4.00

4 on

4.00

4 00

4 nn

4.00

Mar.

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

3. CO

3.60

3.50

3.50 

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.40

3.30

3.20

3.00

2.90

o 85

2.70

2 go

2.50

2.20

2.00 

2.00

Apr.

2.25

2.30

2.50

2.50

2.70

2.90

3.10

3.30

3.50 

3.75

4.05

4.40

4.50

4.27

4.03

3.93

3.40

3

10

2.97

2.80

2.87

2.80

3.30

4.10

4.53

3.77

3.63

May.

3.35

3.10

2.75

2.70

2.60

2.50

2.40

2.45

2.60 

2.70

2.85

3.00

3.05

3.05

3.00

2.90

2.-80

2.75

2 g5

2.75

2.80

2.85

q no

3 OF;

2.75

2.30

2 on

2.15 

2.10

June.

2.00

2.00

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.25

2.30

2.25

2.20 

2.15

2.10

2.10

2.00

1.75

1.65

1.45

1 ^Ul

1.20

i °.n

1.25

I

on

1.25

1 9R

1.35

1.65

July.

1.75

1.75

1.70

l.GO

1.45

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.35 

1.40

1.50

1.40

1 30

1.45

1.30

1 30

1.20

1.30

1.25

1.25

1 9^

1.25

i f^

1.35

1.30 

1.30

Aug.

1.20

1.25

1.25

1.30

1.30

1.35

1.35

1.40 

1.25

1.30

1.25

1.25

1.30

1.40

1 QPi

1.25

1.20

i '*£*

1.30

1.10

1 00

on

.95 

.95

Sept.

1.00

1.00

.95

1.00

.95

1.00

.95

1.00

1.00 

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1 00

1.00

1 00

1.10

1.00

1 00 

-i nn

1.05

1.20

1.00

1.00

Oct.

1.05

1.15

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.00

1.05

1.10

1.16 

1.25

1.60

1.75

1.65

1.50

1.35

1.25

1.10

1.10

1.05

1.00

1 00

1.00

1.05

1.00

1.00

i on

1 00

1.00

1.05 

1.00

Nov.

0.95

1.00

1.00

1.00

.95

.90

1.00

1.00

.95 

.90

.95

1.00

.95

.90

1.00

1.00

i no

1.00

nn

.95

1.00

1.00

i on

1.00

1.05

1 1 ^

1.10

Dec.

1.05

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.10 

1.20

1.05

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.20

2.40

2 65

2.95

4. CO

4.00

4.25

4.00

3.45

8.50

3.50

8.50

8.40 

3.40

NOTE, Ice conditions January 16 to March 22, and December 14 to 31.
54 STEEAM- MEASUBEMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120.

Rating table for Au Sable River at Bamfield, Mich., from August. 27, 1902, to December

31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.50

.60

.70

.80

.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

875

919

963

1,000

1,050

1,100

1,140

1,200

1,240

1,300

1,340

1,400

Gage " 

height.

Feet.

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,460

1,520

1,570

1, 630

1,700

1,760

1,830

1,900

1,960

2,040

2,110

2,190

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,260

2,340

. 2, 410

2,490

2,570

2,650

2,730

2,810

2,890

2,970

3,050

Gage 

height.

Feet. .

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,130

3,210

3,300

3,390

3,480

3,560

3,650

3,740

3,840

3,930

4,020

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

11 discharge measurements made during 1902 to 1904, inclusive. It is fairly well 

defined between gage heights 0.70 foot and 3.50 feet. The table has been extended 

beyond these limits. Above gage height 3.50 feet the rating curve is based upon 

logarithmic extension.

Estimated monthly discharge of Au Sable River at Bamfield, Mich., 1902-1904. 

[Drainage area, 1,425 square miles.]

Month.

1902. 

August 27-31 .................

November

1903.

March 4-31 f ..................

June .........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,030 

1,120 

1,460 

1,700 

1,460

2,530 

2,410 

1,600 

1.200

Minimum.

1,000 

1,000 

1,000 

1,050 

1,200

1,100 

1,570 

1,240 

1.070

Mean.

1,006 

1,008 

1,067 

1,352 

1,299

2,030 

1,938 

1,380 

1.117

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.706 

.707 

.749 

.949

.912

1.42 

1.36 

.968 

.784

Depth in 

inches.

0.131 

.789 

.864 

1.06 

1.05

1.64 

1.52 

1.12

.875

alee conditions January 7 to 1 ft Ice conditions February 18 to March 3.

c Mean for 28 days taken as mean for entire month.
L^KE HURON DRAINAGE BASIN. 55

Estimated monthly discharge of Au Sable River at Bamfield, Midi., 190&-1904 Cont'd.

Month.

1903. 

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

September ....................

November ....................

December 1-14 « ..............

1904.

February & . ...................

March 23-31 6. ................

June .........................

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

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

November ....................

December 1-13 c ..............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,300 

2,080 

1,630 

1,320 

1,140 

1,300

2,340 

3,580 

2,610 

1,830 

1,490 

1,300 

1,170 

1,490 

1,170 

1,200

Minimum.

1,050 

1,000 

1,140 

1,140 

1,100 

1,100

1,630 

1,800 

1,700 

1,200 

1,200 

1,050 

1,070 

1,100 

1, 050 

1,100

Mean.

1,124 

1,465 

1,436 

1, 228 

1, 107 

1,184

1,994 

2,698 

2,142 

1,506 

1,290 

1,212 

1,108 

1,175 

1,094 

1,155

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

.789 

1.03 

1.01

.862 

.777 

.831

1.40 

1.89 

1.50 

1.06 

.905 

.851 

.778 

.825 

.768 

.811

Depth in 

inches.

.910 

1.19 

1.13 

.994 

.867 

.433

.469 

2.11 

1.73 

1.18 

1.04 

.981 

.868 

.951 

.857 

.392

"Probably ice conditions December 15 to 31. bice conditions January 16 to March 22.

< Ice conditions December 14 to 31. k: 

NOTE. During frozen period gage heights are to water surface in hole cut in ice. ., ; >

RIFLE RIVER AT OMER, MICH.

Rifle River rises in the vicinity of Rose City, northern Ogemaw 

Count}7 , flows southward to the northwest corner of T. 19 N., R. 4 W., 

turns easterly, and then gradually to the southeast, and finally enters 

Saginaw Bay. The basin is heavily overlain with glacial deposits, 

sand, over wash gravel, and till. There are two old lumber dams in 

the basin and a water-power dam at Oiner. There are numerous small 

glacial lakes, but no controlled storage, and a very small percentage of 

natural wafer surface in the drainage basin. The basin is narrow and 

elongated, having a width of about 3 miles at the mouth. Ramifying 

tributaries in the headwaters give the stream a relatively large volume 

at the entrance of West Branch, in T. 21 N., R. 3 E. At Onier the 

stream falls from an elevation of 608 to 595 feet over a dam, affording 

power for a grist and saw mill. The drainage area at Omer is 364 

square miles, and at the mouth of the stream is 385 square miles.
56 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. LNO. 129.

The gaging station was established September 1, 1902. It is located 

at the Detroit and Mackinaw Railroad bridge, one-half mile below the 

dam in Omer village. The gage is a wire gage with a boxed scale, 

graduated to feet and tenths, and is attached to the downstream guard 

rail of the bridge. The regular gage readings were discontinued 

December 31, 1903. The bridge has a single span of 109 feet. The 

bed is of sand and fine drift. The channel is curved and does not pass 

beneath the bridge at right angles. The bed is stony on the concave 

and sandy on the convex side, with some piles and sunken logs in 

between. The bench mark is on the right corner of the left bridge 

abutment on the downstream side. Its elevation is 15.75 feet above 

gage datum.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Rifle River at Omer, Midi., in 1904.

Date.

May 27 ........

September 4 ...

September 6 ...

September 6 ...

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert............

H. R. Beebe.. ..........

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

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

363

142

175

160

Mean 

velocity.

ft. per sec. 

2.37

1.26

1.61

1.20

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.35

4.68

4.96

4.66

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

855

179

279

157

TITTABAWASSEE EIVEE AT FKEELAND, MICH.

Tittabawassee River forms the most northerly of the three tributaries which join to form Saginaw River at Saginaw. Their combined 

catchment areas receive the drainage from a crescent-shaped region of 

about 6,000 square miles surrounding Saginaw Bay. Tittabawassee 

River drains an area relatively flat, with clay soil predominating, and 

with occasional sand patches; the glacial sandaand clay overlying the 

rock of the Coal Measures to a depth of several hundred feet. The 

area is largely cleared and under cultivation. From railroad profiles, 

the fall of the stream from Highwood to its mouth, a distance of about 

50 miles along the river, is estimated at 140 feet.

The gaging station was established August 22, 1903, by W. M. 

Gregory. It is located at Freeland highway bridge, 10 miles northwest of Saginaw, in sec., 21, T. 13 N., R. 3 E., one-half mile from 

Freeland, Mich. The bridge consists of two main spans 320 feet 

between abutments, an auxiliary trestle span of 150 feet, and two overflow channels under the highway, some distance from the right end of 

the bridge. The gage is a standard chain gage, bolted to the upstream 

side of the iron guard rail, 180 feet from the left end. The length of
HOETOM,, JOHNSON,"! 

AND KOTT. J

LAKE HURON DRAINAGE BASIN. 57

the chain from the end of the weight to the marker is 31.38 feet. The 

gage is read twice each day by W. E. Dennison. Discharge measurements are made from the downstream side of the bridge to which the 

gage is attached. The downstream hand rail is painted and numbered 

at 5-foot intervals. The initial point for soundings is the left end of 

the hand rail, on the downstream side of the bridge. The channel is 

straight above and below the station. The current is uniform and 

has a medium velocity. It may be affected at times by strong winds, 

which have a free sweep through the valley. The right bank has a 

flood plain which is inundated only at extreme flood stages. The left 

bank is high and smooth and is not subject to overflow. The bed of 

the stream is composed of clay and cobblestones and is fairly permanent, but tends to cut near the left bank. Bench mark No. 1 is the 

top of a nail head 1 foot below the top of the cedar corner post of 

the road fence in front of the blacksmith shop on the left bank. Its 

elevation is 32.96 feet above gage datum. Bench mark No. 2 is a 

circle inclosing the letters "B. M. 1 ' painted on the top of "the downstream end of the left pier. Its elevation is 22.88 feet above gage 

datum. The elevation of the top of the gage pulley is 31.33 feet, and 

that of the reference point, the top of the hand rail over the pulley, 

is 31.50 feet above gage datum.

The observations at this station during 190i have been made under 

the direction of R,. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Tittabawassee River at Freeland, Stick., in 1904.

Date.

May 26........

June 10.... ....

September 3 ...

September 6 ...

September 20 ..

September 20 . .

December 13 ..

December 15 ..

Hydrographer.

C. 0. Covert ..............

R. E. Horton .............

H. R. Beebe ..............

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

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

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

C. 0. Covert ..............

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

Area of 

section.

Sq./eet. 

2,394

1,239

. 748

727

769

787

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per sec. 

2.54

1.65

.81

.62

.70

.67

Gage 

height.

Fed. 

6.62

3.35

1.35

1.13

1.30

1.28

2.00

2.10

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

6,499

2,047

597

454

536

526

«576

«611

a Measurement made through ice.
58 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120. 

Mean daily gage height, infect, of Tittabau-assee River at Freeland, Midi., for 1904-

Year.

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

t

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

fr... ...........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan. a

2.70

2.62

2.55 

2 50

2.60

2.68

2.70

2.80

2.88

2.90 

3.00

3.02

3.10

3.05

3.00

2.95

2.90

° 90

3

1 A

3.10

2.95

2.90

2.88

2.90

2.80

2.95

3.10 

3.10

Feb.«

3.15

3.20

3.20

3

0^

3.30

3.30

3.25

3

QA

3.35

3.35 

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.45

3.45

3.50

3.50

3.45

3

p:a

3

K*>

3

KK.

3.60 

3 fin

3 fin

3.65

3 7fi

4 05

Mar.a

4.15

4.20

4.20 

4.30

4.40

4.45

4.55

5.10

5.60 

6.20

6.75

7.00

7.00

7.15

7.22

7.30

7 30

7 I K

6.95

7.10

7.75

8.25

9.50

12 70

17.30

16.50

14.90

13. 85 

13.80

Apr.

14.50

14.80

13.90 

12.80

11.60

10.75

9.20

9 50

10.15

10.75 

10.60

10.20

9.68

9.32

7.60

7.15

7.05

9 95

10.07

9 02

7.92

6.69

7.22

7 7Q

7.22

6.62

5.92

5.52

May.

5.17

4.37

4.02

3.87

3.57

3.07

3.07

3.07

3.27 

3.62

3.62

3.47

3.49

3.39

3.32

3.12

3 °9

4.12

4.19 

5.72

8.27

7.62

6.88

5.92

5. 12

4.38 

3.60

June.

3.22

2.95

3.00 

3.18

3.22

4.15

4.48

4 40

4.18

3.55 

3.15

2.85

2.65

2.45

2.25

2.08

1.95

1.70

1.70

1.62 

1.58

1.60

1.70

1.62

1.58

1.50

1.58

1.75

July.

1.88

1.95

2.00 

2.00

1.92

1.82

1.80

1.85

1.90

1.92 

1.95-

2.05

2.30

2.15

1.95

1.82

1.68

1.60

1.45

1.45 

1.50

1.48

1.40

1.35

1.30

1.48

1.42

1.42 

1.55

Aug.

1.75

1.95

1.98

1.82

1.75

1.62

1.70

1.62

1.52 

1.45

1.42

1.40

1.32

1.22

1.20

1. 28

1 30

1.38

1 48

1.35 

1.30

1.38

1.50

1.45

1.42

1.28

1.18

1.08 

1.22

Sept.

1 22

1.28

1.38

1.18

1.12

1.35

1.52

1.52

1.42 

1.32

1.25

1.05

1.15

1.38

1.40

1.35

1.30

1 19

1.48

1.58

1.50 

1 60

1.70

1.80

1.72

1.82

1.90

1.75

1.58

Oct.

1.50

1.62

1.70 

1.78

1.85

2.00

1.85

1.72

1.75

1.95

2.25

2.60

2.90

2.75

2.38

2.18

2.05

1.78

1.85

1.75

1.80

1.82

1.90

1.92

1.85

1.78

1.72

1.75 

1.82

Nov. a

1.82

1.85

1.80 

1.75

1.68

1.65

1.72

1.62

1.62

1.70 

1.68

1.68

1.72

1.70

1.72

1.68

1.75

1.68

1.70

1.70

1.70 

1.78

1.70

1.65

a 1.62

1.48

1.32

1.25

1.28

Dec. a

1.36

1.52

1.65 

1.80

1.82

1.88

1.95

2.02

2.10

2.15 

2.12

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.05

2.10

2.15

2.18 

2.25

2.32

2.40

2.42

2.48

2.48

2.42

2.41 

2.44

a Frozen January 1 to March 28 and November 26 to December 31. 

FLINT RIVER AT FLINT, MICH.

This station was established September 9,1903, by W. M. Gregory. 

It is located at the Grand Trunk Railway bridge at Flint, Mich. A 

plain board gage graduated to feet and tenths is attached to piles on 

the inside of a row of piling 3i feet from the right abutment. It is 

read twice each day by F. J. Lowlery. Discharge measurements are 

made from the Smith Street Bridge above or the South Street Bridge 

below the railway bridge, the first having a single span of 129.5 feet 

and the latter a single span of 105 feet. The initial point for soundings at the Smith Street Bridge is the face of the left abutment on the 

downstream side. At the South Street Bridge it is the left end of the 

iron guard rail on the downstream side. The channel is straight for a 

short distance above and below the station. The current is moderate. 

Both banks are composed of earth, clean, and seldom, if ever, overflow.
HORTON,, JOHNSON, 

AND HOYT. ] LAKE HDKON DRAINAGE BASIN. 59

The bench mark is a point marked on the top of the downstream 

guard rail of the railway bridge to which the gage is attached, 34 feet 

from the right end. Its elevation is 18.47 feet above the zero of the 

gageThe observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Flint River at Flint, Mich., in 1903.

Date.

September 9« . .

September 9 . . .

Hydrographer.

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

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

350

330

Mean' 

velocity.

Feet, per sec. 

2.06

1.91

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

H5.75

1.10

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

721

632

a Durrant and Dort Bridge above gage.

& Distance to water surface from top of iron guard rail, downstream side, 13 feet from left end.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Flint Hirer at Flint, Mich., for 1903 and 1904.

Day.

1903. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22.....1........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. June. July.

.......

Aug.

.......

Sept.

1.10

.95

.80

.70

.70

.70

1.45

2.65

4.40

4.05

3.60

3.30

2.65

2.30

1.90

1.36

1.05

.85

.70-

.60

Oct.

0.70

1.00

1.10

1.25

1.36

1.05

.95

1.85

1.65

1.40

1.25

1.15

1.05

.95

.75

.70

Kfl

.60

.55

.50

.50

.40

.40

.40

.30

.20

.10

.10

.05

.00

.00

Nov.

0.25

- .30

- .45

- .15

- .10

- .10

- .10

- .10

- .10

- .10

- .15

.05

.25

.35

.20

.45

56

.60

.75

.10

.10

.10

.15

.10

- .05

- .30

- .40

- .25

- .10

Dec.

-0.20

- .30

- .30

- .30

- .30

- .30

- .35

- .40

- .40

- .40

- .40

- .50

- .40

 .20

- .30

- .20

- .30

- .30

- .20

- .20

- .20

- .20

.20

- .10

- .10

.00

- .20

- .10

- .10

- .10
60 8TEEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Flint River at Flint, Mich., etc. Continued.

Day.

1904. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

.10

.00

.10

.00

.00

- .10

- .10

- .10

- .10

- .10

.00

.05

- .10

- .10

- .10

- .20

- .20

- .20

.20

- .20

- .20

- .20

- .20

- .20

- .20

- .20

- .20

- .20

- .20

Feb.

20

- .10

.85

1.05

1.70

1.90

2.05

2.00

1.95

1.95

1.85

1.75

1.55

1.'40

1.25

1.05

QK.

.85

.70

.65

.55

.45

.37

.30

.25

Mar.

0 ''O

.45

i ft^

2.35

Apr. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

LAKE ERIE DRAINAGE BASIN.

The Lake Erie drainage basin is conspicuous by the lack of any 

large streams which flow through it, this being due to the comparatively short distance from the lake to the divide between it and its 

adjacent drainage areas. The largest stream is the Maumee, which is 

formed in the northeast part of Indiana by the junction of St. Joseph 

and St. Mary rivers, and flows northeast, entering Lake Erie at the 

northwest corner of Ohio.

Huron River is tributary to the west end of Lake Erie, near the 

mouth of Detroit River. The Huron receives drainage from an irregular-shaped basin having its greatest length parallel to, and lying at a 

distance of 25 to 30 miles from, Detroit River. This basin is connected 

with Lake Erie by a long, narrow valley averaging 5 miles in width, 

and extending from a point near Ypsilanti southeasterly to Lake Erie, 

a distance of 28 miles. In this portion of its course, a large part of
LAKE EEIE DRAINAGE BASIN. 61

the total fall of the river occurs. The conditions are thus nearly ideal 

for the development of water power, in that nearly the entire catchment 

area, all the large tributaries, and an extensive area affording lake and 

ground storage, lie above the head of the narrow valley referred to.

The drainage basin below Ypsilanti is flat, the soil comparatively 

heavy and impervious, mostly under cultivation, the ground water 

level being controlled by means of numerous drain trenches.

In the vicinity of Ann Arbor the topography is very rolling. The 

stream flows through a broad, flat valle}^ bordered by abrupt hills 100 

to 200 feet in height. The channel is tortuous and changeable. 

Numerous abandoned sections remain as bayous. Large streams issue 

from the morainal hills.

On the right-hand or southwesterly side, the main catchment basin 

above Ann Arbor is moderately rolling and comprises a very large 

percentage of marsh area. There are a few small lakes and a considerable number of undrained depressions. The numerous branching 

tributaries have been cleaned to facilitate drainage, and main drainage 

channels have been excavated through the marsh.

The northerly portion of the main catchment basin is rolling and its 

topography complex. The stream flows through a series of lakes", and 

the entire basin is largely comprised of lakes and surrounding marshes 

north of Dover.

An investigation of the water power of Huron River was made by 

Lyman E. Cooley, C. E., in 1904, and the following results of miscellaneous measurements of Huron River have been collected and furnished by Mr. Cooley:

Discharge May 7, 1898, deduced from surface-velocity measurements in Osborne 

mill, by A. A. Weber and M. A. "Wood, 261.6 second-feet.

Discharge at Argo mill, deduced by M. H. Freeman and F. M. Rademacher, from 

average gage reading at Swift's dam, Ann Arbor, April 21 to May 4, inclusive, 1903, 

was 807.4 second-feet; the maximum discharge observed during the summer period 

was 1,775 second-feet.

Discharge at Flat. Rock measured by W. T. Sherman, September 11, 1903, 688.6 

second-feet. Water level above normal.

Discharge at Geddes dam, Ann Arbor, Mich., June 15, 1903, estimated by L. E. 

Cooley from depth on spillway and run of turbine was 424 second-feet. Flood discharge of July 7, 1902, at Geddes dam, Ann Arbor, estimated by L. E. Cooley, was 

5,510 second-feet.

In addition to the above, the following miscellaneous measurements 

have been made by W. M. Gregory:

August 4, 1904, at lower highway bridge, Ann Arbor, discharge 134 second-feet. 

Water surface 16.35 feet below top of iron handrail, 75 feet from zero mark on bridge, 

downstream fdde.

August 4, 1904, discharge at Dover, Mich., 116 second-feet.

During the winter of 1903-1904 a survey of Huron River was made, 

under the direction of L. E. Cooley, by H. B. .Alexander. Data were
62 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

obtained at various dams along the stream, from which the following 

data of discharge have been computed:

Discharge of Huron River in winter of 1903-1904.

Name of dam and locality.

*

Ann Arbor. ..........

Do ..............

Peninsular and Dubel.

Below waterworks, . . . 

Do ..............

Do ..............

Date.

Jan. 27

Feb. 5

Feb. 17

Feb. 22

Feb. 26

Mar. 2

Mar. 3

Mar. 8 

Mar. 9

Mar. 10

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

369

367

347

540

505

730

1,300 

1,800

3,100 

3, 100

3,100

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

520

683

520

724

757

757

795 

801

801 

801

801

Estimated 

discharge 

at Geddes.

Sec.-feet. 

337

407

505

564

505

730

1,238 

1,626

3,200 

3,200

3,200

Remarks.

Thaw on Feb. 6.

Thawing Feb. 28, 29.

Do.

Some uncertainty.

Relative stage.

Freezing Mar. 12-17.

A portion of the drainage basin is shown on the Ann Arbor sheet of 

the United States Geological Survey Typographic Atlas. The drainage areas have been deduced from this and other recent maps. The 

area above Ann Arbor has formerly been given as 841 square miles.

The discharge at Rawsonville, Mich., was measured by surface floats 

by Edgar Williams, C. E., October 10, 1904, and was 310 second-feet. 

The maximum discharge in the flood of March, 1904, deduced from a 

profile of the Geddes dam by L. E. Cooley was 4,700 second-feet.

HURON RIVER AT DOVER, MICH.

A gage was erected at the highway bridge at Dover, August 7,1904. 

The conditions are not suitable for the use of current meter at the 

highway bridge. The stream above this point is unregulated, and the 

fluctuations in gage heights show its natural variation. The gage is 

read and the record furnished by F. Burkett. A current-meter measurement by W. M. Gregory, made by wading near the gage August 4, 

1904, showed a discharge of 116 second-feet.

The observations at this station during ] 904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.
HORTON, JOHNSON, 

AND HO1T. ] LAKE ERIE DRAINAGE BASIN. 63 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Huron River at Dover, Mich., for 1904-

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug.

.......

.......

0.25

.22

.20

.20

.20

.25

.25

.25

.25

.25

Sept.

1.20

1.10

1.05

1.00

.90

.70

.60

.60

.90

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.15

1.15

1.20

Oct.

2.25

2.25

2.20

2.20

- 2.15

2.12

2.10

2.15

(")

.......

.......

.......

.......

.......

2.20

Nov.

1.90

1.90

1.85

1.85

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

Dec.6

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.65

1.66

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

Day 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug.

.25

.25

.28

.52

1f\ 

 ft)

.92

1.05

1.20

1.25

1.25

1.20

1.18

1.20

1.20

1.25

Sept.

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.25

1.28

1.30

1.70

1.95

2.00

2.10

2.12

2.20

.......

Oct.

2.20

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.10

2.10

2.05

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

Nov.

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

Dec. &

1.50

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.65

1.70

1.70

1.80

1.90

1.90

2.00.

2.10

aNo record. ft Probable ice conditions during December.

HURON RIVER AT DEXTEB, MICH.

A vertical gage scale, divided decimally, was erected for use during 

low water just above the highway bridge in the village of Dexter, 

September 1, 1904. The record has been maintained by the Washtenaw Electric Company, and has been furnished by R. W. Hemphill, 

manager. A boat and cable section was selected a short distance below 

the highway bridge, and current-meter measurements have been made, 

as indicated in the accompanying table. The gage is located just above 

a rapid, where it will be less affected by freezing than elsewhere.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Huron River at Dexter, Mich., in 1904-

Date.

September 21 ..

October 6......

December 19. ..

Hydrographer.

H. R. Beebe............

Edgar Williams .........

C. C. Covert............

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

282

274

279

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.67

.76

.86

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.10

1.14

1.37

1.10

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

189

208

« 278

241

a Velocity determined by floats.
64 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Huron River at Dexter, Mich., for 1904.

Day.

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

<j

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

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

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

6. ...... ..L.....

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

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

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

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

ii......:.........

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

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

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

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

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

Sept.

1.30

1.40

1.25

1.10

1.25

1.15

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.15

1.08

1.10

1.08

1.02

Oct.

1.38

1.35

1 °8

1.30

1.35

1 30

1 30

1 30

1 30

1.40

1.40

1.42

1.40

1 <V\

1 OK

Nov.

1.18

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1 1 ^

1.15

Dec.

1.05

1.05

1 05

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.25

1.30

1.40

1 *?n

Day.

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

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

19

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

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

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

24.....:... ......

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

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

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

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

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

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

01

Sept.

1.05

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.05

1.02

1.05

1.02

1.12

1 30

1 60

1.55

1.40

Oct.

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.30

1.28

1.25

1.25

1. 25

1.25

1 *>0

1.20

1 ''0

1.20

1.20

Nov.

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.10

1.10

1.10

Dec.

1.35

1.30

1.25

1.25

 1.25

1.25

1.10

1.10

1.25

1.35

1.30

1.35

1.40

1.35

1 30

HURON RIVER AT GEDDES, MICH.

A record of the depth of overflow at the dam and of the run of the 

water wheels in the adjacent electric plant was maintained at Gedcles 

by the Washtenaw Electric Company, beginning February 1, 1904. 

This record has been compiled and the discharge computed by L. E. 

Cooley, and a copy of the results furnished. A survey of the clam 

was made by R. E. Horton for the United States Geological Survey 

in September, 1904. New gages were erected and the record has been 

maintained and furnished to the Survey from that date. The crest of 

the dam was changed in September, 1904, and the additional data necessary for computation of the discharge to the end of the year have not 

been obtained. This gaging station affords opportunity to determine 

the discharge during low water both in summer and winter. At times, 

when water flows over the dam, the discharge is less certain.
HORTOlsr, 

AND LAKE ERIE DRAINAGE BASEST. 65

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Huron Hirer at Geddes, Mich., for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q -

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

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

£::::::::::::::::: 10

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

 IK

16....:.............

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

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

1Q

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

21.,.,..,,,.........

f>9

23.........,,.,.,,..

24..........,,,.,,..

25

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feb.

"465

a 450

a 435

a 420

407

a 410

"590

a 700

676

a 600

"560

a 540

"530

"515

"510

505

a 503

a 501

«500

«530

564

a 600

"560

a 520

505

"500

a536

"570

Mar.

a 600

730

1,238

1,636

a 2, 600

3,200

3,200

a2,%0

aj,300

a 1,000

1,089

1,312

1,602

1,502

2,642

2,965

2,673

3, 535

3, 519

3,090

3,720

3,734

3,409

3,096

Apr.

fc,602

3,066

3, 254

3,000

2,761

2,412

2,226

O OOJ

2, 211

2, 285

2,081

"1,977

1,610

1,309

1 134

1, 245

1,278

1,228

1,257

1,198

1,166

1,123

1,131

877

815

981

819

782

749

722

May.

791

754

739

819

onj

763

684

466

589

601

541

440

448

494

410

617

952

1,006

745

811

713

633

707

749

649

June.

617

559

652

543

521

" *VI4

413

343

300

01 C

438

357

241

227

217

171

198

167

156

148

157

157

138

162

347

518

396

212

233

July.

219

210

396

337

184

176

197

199

278

196

189

154

136

113

146

153

119

122

98

107

92

105

134

132

324

118

102

106

Aug.

117

111

117

ns

135

136

97

125

128

119

153

147

155

132

130

126

127

164

335

304

292

245

260

258

233

236

269

254

213

a 254

Sept.

288

325

271

222

271

238

238

222

222

238

216

22°

197

197

191

191

222

222

222

206

197

206

197

228

288

403

436

383

Oct.

307

307

288

288

288

307

288

288

288

288

325

325

332

325

307

307

307

307

307

288

288

2%

271

271

271

271

254

254

254

254

254

Nov.

248

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

238

a interpolated, 

Estimated monthly discharge of Huron River at Geddes, Mich,, for 1904.

Month.

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

March ...........................................

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

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

June .............................................

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

September ........................................

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

November 1-19 ...................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

700 

3, 734 

3,602 

1,006 

652 

396 

335 

436 

332 

248

Minimum.

407 

600 

722 

410 

138 

92 

97 

191 

254 

238

Mean.

525 

2,387 

1,684 

656 

334 

169 

180 

250 

290 

239

im 129 05-
66 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120.

HURON RIVER AT FRENCH LANDING, MICH.

A temporary gage was erected at the Wabash Railroad bridge at 

Frenchville, and maintained for a few weeks during the low-water 

season of 1903. A new gage was erected August 5,1904, at the highway bridge at French Landing. This gage consists of a vertical scale 

divided decimally attached to the downstream side of the right-hand 

bridge abutment. The gage is read twice each day by F. L. Robbe. 

The record is furnished by the Washtenaw Electric Company, of Ann 

Arbor, Mich. The stream freezes over in winter, and when frozen 

the conditions are unfavorable for the determination of the discharge. 

The right-hand bank is never overflowed. The highway may be overflowed for a short distance from the bridge during extreme freshets.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer. 

Discharge measurements of Huron River at French Landing, Mich., hi 1903 and 1904-

Date.

1903.

September 18 ..

1904. 

May 24........

August2. ......

September 23 . .

September 23 . .

Hydrographer.

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

R. E. Horton ...........

W. M. Gregory .........

H. R. Beebe ............

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

Area of 

section.

Xq.fect. 

455

500

516

322

305

352

371

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per src. 

1.50

1.64

1.51

.61

.88

.96

1.04

Gage 

height.

Fret. 

« 1. 70

" 2. 20

« 2. 00

6.88

^1.49

&1.80

61.98

Discharge.

Hcrond-feet. 

685

824

781

197

269

337

387

« Board gage at Wabash Railroad bridge.

b Permanent gage at highway bridge from which measurements are made.

Mean daily yage heiglit, in feet, of Huron River at French Landing, Mich., for 1904-

Day.

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

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug.

.......

1.27

1.10

.80

.42

.60

1.27

1.24

1.10

.97

.67

.22

1.22

Sept.

1.2S

1.58

1.78

1.58

1.42

1.45

1.88

1.42

1.20

.55

 .70

.30

1.90

1.38

1.15

1.18

Get.

2. GO

1.95

1.85

2.10

1.78

1.75

1.75

1.72

1.90

1.65

2.05

2.10

1. 55

1.88

2.05

1.62

Nov.

1.75

1.75

1.50

1.32

1.30

1.28

1.10

1.58

1.42

1.15

1.22

1.28

1.15

1.00

1.70

1.35

Dec. a

1.18

1.20

1.52

1.28

1.00

1.85

1.38

1.08

1.05

1.22

1.15

1.10

1.55

1.45

1.42

1.35

Day.

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

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

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

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

°1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug.

1.10

1.12

1.22

1.87

.87

1.54

1.72

1.50

1.47

1.44

1.27

1.10

1.30

1.44

1.49

Sept.

1.20

.88

1.38

1.22

1.28

1.68

1.80

1.72

1.60

2.32

3.00

3.12

2.85

2.68

Oct. "

1.S5

2.15

1.65

1.78

1.85

1. 85

1.58

1.52

1.92

1.70

1.58

1.68

1.65

1.60

1.22

Nov.

1.22

1. 25

1.22

1.12

1.28

1.68

1.32

1.28

1.28

1.25

1.18

1.35

1.82

1.28

.......

Dec. «

1.08-

1.22

1.48

2.10

1.48

1.48

1.48

1.68

1.58

1.50

J2.55

2.5,5

1.55

1.8Q

2.4C

«Ice conditions during December.
HORTON,, JOHNSON, 

AND HOYT. ] LAKE ERIE DRAINAGE BASIN. 67

HURON RIVER AT FLATROCK, MICH.

A gage was erected on August 6,1904, at the highway bridge below 

Metler's dam at Flatrock. The gage is a vertical scale, divided decimally, attached to the downstream side of the left-hand bridge abutment. The stream bed is of horizontal rock overlaid with sand and 

gravel. The current, aside from slight eddies and swirls carried b}^ 

the water from the dam and mill above, is comparatively smooth and 

uniform. The gage is read twice each day by C. L. Metier.

The stream freezes over but little in.winter, owing to the close proximity to the dam above, and the banks are smooth and are only overflowed in highest freshets, occurring at rare intervals, such as, for 

example, the flood of March 26, 1904, which overflowed the banks on 

the right-hand side of the bridge. Flatrock is located about 8 miles 

above the mouth of the stream.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Huron River at Flatrock, Mich., in 1904-

Date,

August 1 .......

August 6 .......

September 1 . , .

September 23 . .

December 20. ..

Hydrographer.

W. M, Gregory ..........

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

Horton and Bee be .......

H.B.Beebe.. ...........

C. C. Covert ............

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet,

79

144

168

177

159

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per st'« 

1.21

1.43

1.63

1.68

1.30

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.30

.98

1.29

1.35

1.20

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

95

208

274

298

209

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Huron River at Flatrock, Mich., for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug.

0.95

.85

.45

.34

.59

.88

.82

.90

.82

.46

Sept.

1.30

1.80

1.60

1.40

1.30

1.50

1.65

1.30

1.20

1.28

1.10

1.22

1.25

1.25

Oct.

2.10

1.80

1.85

1.65

1.60

1 65

1.70

1.75

1.70

1.80

1.90

1.80

1.45

1.95

Nov.

1.40

1.60

1.30

1.40

1.30

1.40

1.25

1.65

1.45

1.35

1.40

1.45

1.40

1.30

1.40

1.40

Dec.

1.30

1.15

1.40

1.35

1.60

1.65

1.30

1.35

1.40

1.30

1.25

1.15

1.75

1.25

Day.

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

IS............

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

21

00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug.

1.05

.95

.95

1.19

1.01

1.12

1.60

1.40

1.15

1.20

1.25

1.10

.95

1.40

1.35

Sept.

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.20

1.12

1.55

1.40

1.55

1.90

2.65

2.65

2. 62

2.55

Oct.

1.40

1.85

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.60

1.35

1.65

1.55

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.35

Nov.

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.30

1.40

1.60

1.40

1.30

1.30

1.40

1.40

1.35

1.50

1.35

Dec.

1.25

1.45

1.40

1.30

1.60

1.35

1.55

1.60

1.35

1.15

1.85

2.50

2.10

2.00

1.85
68 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, t»ART {NO.- 129.

MAUMEE RIVER NEAR SHERWOOD, OHIO.

This station was established May 19, 1903, by R. Winthrop Pratt. 

It is located at the highway bridge 2| miles south of Sherwood, Ohio, 

and 200 feet upstream from the Cincinnati and Northern Railroad 

bridge. The inclined gage which was established on the bank under 

the north end of the bridge was destroyed. A regulation chain gage 

was installed in June, 1903. This is bolted to the hand rail of the 

bridge on the upstream side, 200 feet from the south abutment. The 

length of the chain from the end of the weight to the marker is 28.88 

feet. The channel is straight for 1,000 feet above and 500 feet below 

the bridge. Both banks are high and clean, and both may overflow 

at extreme high water. A high-water gage is painted on the bridge 

abutment at the north end of the bridge. The observer is George J. 

Coffin. Discharge measurements are made from the two-span highway bridge, which has a total length of 300 feet between abutments. 

The initial point for soundings is the face of the south abutment.

The following bench marks have been established: (1) A copper 

bolt in the stepping stone of the west wing wall of the north abutment (stone is in tier just below the top tier). It is 22.30 feet above 

the zero of the gage. (2) A cut in the iron hand rail directly over 

the pulley of the gage. Its elevation is 29.69 feet above the zero 

of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer,

Discharge measurements of Maumee River near 8herwood,0hio, in 1904,

Date.

February 12«..

March 31 ......

May 11........

May 31........

August 18 & ....

September 27 . .

October 13 ......

Hydrographer.

K. W. Pratt. ........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

284

282

245

250

139

244

244

- 156

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

5,112

4,973

787

1,022

212

506

527

170

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.45

3.42

1.06

1.54

.61

.39

.49

.64

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

 18.30

18.50

3.34

4.34

1.98

2.20

2.28

1.83

DIs,

charge.

Sec.-feet. 

12, 520

17,000

832

1,572

130

199

258

109

"Partially frozen. Velocity partially estimated. Backwater due to ice gorge below, 

& Wad-ing at different section.
HOETON, JOHNSON, 

AND HOVT. ] LAKE ERIE DRAINAGE BASIN. 69

Mean daily gage height, infect, of Maumee River near Sherwood, Ohio, for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

3.50

3.40 

3.20

3.00

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70 

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

6.60

«19 00

22.50

22.75

19 °5

18.50

18.00

17.50

17.00

16.50

Feb.

16.00

13.00 

11.00

10.50

10.20

10.70

12.50

17.50 

18.50

19.30

19.50

18.30

17.40

16.30

14.70

11.50

10.50

9 on

9.30

8.70

8.30

8.40

8.70

11.00

11.30

10.10

11.30

-------

Mar.

20.60

21.30 

21.80

21.60

21.00

21.00

20. 40

20.90 

20.30

19.30

7.20

6

t|»

11.70

11.70

14. 20

14.00

14.30

18.50

19. 85

19.65

19.15

18.30

18.60

Apr.

18.80

18. 50 

18.00

18.10

17.50

9.60

8.50

7 00

4 90

4 60

4 00

3 Qft

10.20

9 80

7 90

May.

6.70

5.80 

5.00

4.70

4.20

3.90

3.30 

3.40

3 ''O

3.00

3 no

3 00

3 20

3 40

3 50

3 40

3 40

3.40

3 fin

4.20

June.

4.70

5.20 

4.90

4.70

4.30

4.00

3.80

3.60 

3.40

3.20

9 go

o go

2.70

2 60

o 50

O P,ft

o 50

3 0ft

S in

3 10

3.00

9 *ift

July.

2.80

2.80 

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.90

5.10 

7.60

7.70

7 90

7.50

3 ^0

o go

2.70

2 60

9 60

9 ^ft

O Rfl

9 50

'> 30

*> 3ft

o 30

o go

2.30

Aug.

2.30

2.30 

2.30

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30 

2.20

2.20

2.20

2 Oft

2 Oft

2.10

2 00

o oo

2.20

2 30

2.40

3 Oft

o go

2 80

o go

2 60

9 p.n

2.40

Sept.

2.40

2.40 

2.30

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20 

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.10

2.30

2.20

0 9Q

2.20

2 <>0

2.20

O OQ

2.30

Oct.

2.40

2.45 

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.20

2.20

2,15 

2.30

2.40

2.30

2.30

2. 25

2.20

2 **0

2 °0

2.20

2.15

9 1C,

2.15

9 fifl

O ftft

 > oo

2.00

2.00

Nov.

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.95 

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.90

1.90

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1 8^

1 Q^

1.85'

1 ftf^

1.85

1 ft^

1.85

1 cA

Dec.

1.85

1.85 

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.80

1.80

1.80 

1.80

1.80

1.85

1.90

1.90

1.90

2.00

2.00

2.00

 > oo

* 00

2.00

O An

2.00

2.00

o 00

9 00

2.35

2

Cft

3.65

4 00

4.00

a Backwater caused by ice gorge. 

NOTE. Ice conditions January 1 to March 11, and during December.
STEEAM MEASUEEMETSTTS IN 1904, PAET VI. [NO. 129.

Rating table for Maumee River near Sherwood, Ohio, from May 19, 1903, to December 31,

1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3. 00

3.10

3.20

. 3.30

3.40

Discharge.

Second-feet. '80

110

145

185

230

280

330

380

440

500

560

620

680

740

800

860

925

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3. 90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

995

1, 065

1, 135

1, 205

1, 275

1, 345

1,415

1,485

1, 555

1, 625

1, 695

1, 765

1,835

1,910

1,990

2,070

2,230

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

'6.80

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

.8.50

9.00

9.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,390

2, 550

2,710

2,870

3, 030

3, 190

3, 350

3, 510

3, 670

3, 830

3,990

4,170

4, 350

4, 530

4,980

5, 430

5, 880

Gage 

height.

Feet.

10.00

10. 50

11.00

11.50

12.00

12. 50

13.00

13. 50

14.00

14. 50

15.00

15. 50

16.00

16. 50

17.00

18.00

19.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

6,370

' 6,870

7,370

7,920

8,470

9, 020

9, 580

10, 180

10, 780

11, 430

12, 080

12, 730

13, 380

14,080 .

14, 780

16, 280

17, 780

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

15 discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is well denned between 

gage heights 1.80 feet and 6.20 feet. Above 6.20 feet the rating curve is determined 

by one high-water measurement. Above gage height 17.00 feet the rating curve is 

a tangent, the difference being 150 per tenth.

 Estimated monthly discharge of Maumee River near Sherwood, Ohio, for 1903 and 1904. 

[Drainage area, 2,190 square miles.]

Month.

1903. 

January ..........

February .........

March.... ........

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

May 20-31 ........

June .............

July « ............

August a .... ......

December 1-10 & . .

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,205 

4,980 

620 

380 

1,695 

440 

380 

230

Minimum.

230 

230 

110 

185 

280 

185 

185 

230

Mean.

756 

1,313 

287 

255 

689 

287 

261 

230

Kun-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.345 

.600 

.131 

.116 

.315 

.131 

.119 

.105

Depth in 

inches.

0.154 

.669 

.151 

.134 

.351 

.151 

.133 

.039

Per cent 

of rainfall.

19 

3 

3 

18 

6 

8

Rainfall in 

inches.

1.65 

3.91 

1.91 

5.02 

3.15 

3.56 

4.56 

4.45 

1.99 

2.56 

1.70 

2.42

« Discharge July 21 to August 4 interpolated. & River frozen December 11 to 31.
HORTON, JOHNSON, 

AND HOYT. ] LAKE ERIE DRAINAGE BASIN. 71

Estimated monthly discharge of Mauitiee River near Sherwood, Ohio, etc. Continued.

Month.

1904. 

January ..........

February .........

March 12-31 ......

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

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

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

 October ..........

November ........

December ........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

19, 130 

17, 480 

3,430 

2, 230 

4,620 

860 

330 

355 

145

Minimum.

3, 270 

1, 135 

680 

380 

280 

145 

165 

145 

95

|

Mean.

10, 400 

6,648 

1,130 

860 

1, 354 

313 

232 

229 

113

Run-oft.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

4.75 

3.04 

.516 

.393 

.618 

.143 

.106 

. 105 

.052

Depth in 

inches.

3.53 

3. 39 

.595 

.438 

.712 

.165 

.118 

.121 

.058

Per cent 

of rainfall.

95 

18 

20 

19 

5 

4 

6 

40

Rainfall in 

'inches.

4.55 

3.33 

6.39 

3.58 

3.28 

2.18 

3.74 

3.42 

3.14 

1.87 

.14

NOTE. River frozen during omitted periods 1904.

TIFFIN RIVER NEAR DEFIANCE, OHIO.

This station was established May 19, 1903, by R. Winthrop Pratt. 

It is located at the highway bridge on the new road to Evansport, onehalf mile above the settlement of Brunnesburg, and 3 miles by river 

above the center of the cit}r of Defiance, Ohio. A standard chain gage 

is located on the upstream handrail of the bridge, about 100 feet from 

the initial point for soundings. The length of the chain from the end 

of the weight to the marker is 28.00 feet. The gage is read once each 

day by F. A. Goddard. Discharge measurements are made from the 

single-span highway bridge 110 feet long between abutments. The 

initial point for soundings is the face of the south abutment. The channel is somewhat curved, but the section is at right angles to the direction of the current. The velocity is sluggish at low stages at the 

regular section, but can be measured by wading a short distance below 

the bridge. The bed of the stream is composed of gravel and rock, 

with deposits of silt at the sides of the channel. Both banks are high; 

the right bank is not liable to overflow, but the left will overflow at 

extreme high stages on account of a low place in the road. The bench 

mark is a cut on the upstream corner of the north abutment. Its elevation is 23.82 feet above gage datum.
STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART vi. [NO. 120.

The observations at this station during 190tt have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Tiffin River near Dejianc'e, Ohio, in 1904-

Date.

February 12 « . . 

March 31 ......

May 11........

August 18 b ....

October 13.....

December 3 b . .

Hydrographer.

R. W. Pratt........ 

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

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

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

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

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

.....do .:..........

Width.

Feet. 

128 

130

99

45

90

91

42

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

1,341 

1,639

335

74

234

242

36

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per tscc. 

2.01 

2.67

.71

.49

.21

.25

.78

Gage 

height.

feet. 

11.80 

14.00

3.44

2.40

2 52

2.60

2 32

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

2, 700 

4,378

238

36

50

61

28

alee. z»Wading at different section. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Tiffin River near Defiance, Ohio, for 1904.

Day.

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

2.. .....

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

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

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

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

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

8............'..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

m.. .............

22

323.. ............

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

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

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

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

°8

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

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

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

Jan. «

3.50

3.40

3.30

3.20

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.1.0

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

4.60

12.00

17.10

17.80

.......

14.70

13.70

12.50

10.90

9.20

8.40

Feb."

6.30

6.20

6.70

6.30

6.00

6.60

10 un

14.00

13.80

12. 60

11.80

11.05

8.80

7.60

6.50

5.70

5.50

5.00

4.90

4.90

5.60

5.70

6.00

5.60

13. 30

Mar."

20.50

20. 80

17.40

15.40

14.05

13. 30

13.90

12. ,SO

12. 00

11.60

11.20

9.00

7.70

6.70

6.10

5.70

6.30

9.00

11.20

12.50

13.50

13. 10

13.00

17.60

19. 50

18.00

15.00

12.70

14.00

Apr.

16. 20

17.20

17.50

15.30

13.50

10.20

9.20

7.20

7.00

8. 00

7.50

7.20

6.90

6.30

5.70

5.40

4.00

4.60

4.40

4.20

4.10

4.00

4.50

6.50

8.50

7.00

6.40

5.70

May.

r\ 40

4.50

4.10

3.90

3.60

3.50

3.40

3.20

3.20

3.30

3.30

3.40

3.30

3.20

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.50

3.80

3.90

3.80

3.60

3.20

3.10

3.00

3.00

3.10

5.30

June.

5.50

5.00

4.70

4.30

.......

3.90

3.70

3.50

3.20

3.10

2.90

2.80

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.60

2.50

2.50

July.

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

3.00

4.50

6.40

6.30

5.60

4.70

4.00

3.60

3.00.

.......

2.60

2.50

2.70

2.70

2.90

2.70

.......

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.50

2.50

Aug.

3.00

2.70

2.70

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.40

2.40

2.60

2.40

2.60

2.40

2.40

2.55

.......

4.20

3.70

3.50

3.10

3.00

2.85

2. 80

2.70

2.60

Sept.

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.50

2.50

2.70

3.10

3.20

Oct.

2.90

3.15

3.10

2.70

2. 65

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.55

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.65

2.60

2.50

2.50

- 2.40

2.50

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

Nov.

2.50

2.50

2.45

2.50

2^50

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.50

2.50

2. ,50

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

Dec.

2.40

2.35

2.30

......

......

ft 2. 50

2.35

......

2.50

2.70

2.90

4.80

4.55

4.60

4.15

a Ice conditions January 1 to March 10. 

NOTE. During frozen period gage read to water surface

River frozen December 12 to 31.
, JOHNSON,T 

AND HOYT. J LAKE ERIE DRAINAGE BASIN. 73

Rating table for Tiffin River near Defiance, Ohio, from January 1 to December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

24

 33

46

64

88

114

140

167

194

221

249

277

306

335

364

393

423

453

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

484

515

546

578

610

642

674

706

738

770

803

836

869

902

935

968

1,001

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.80

, 5.90

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.20

8.40

8.60

8.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,034

1,068

1,102

1,172

1,242

1,312

1,382

1,454

1, 526

1,598

1,670

1, 742

1,814

1,890

1,966

2,044

2,122

Gage 

height.

Feet.

9.00

9.50

10.00

10.50

11.00

11.50

12.00

12.50

13.00

13.50

14.00

15.00

16.00

17.00

18.00

19.00

20.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,200

2,400

2,600

2,811

3, 035

3,260

3,485

3,710

3, 935

4,160

4, 385

4,835

5,285

5, 735

6, 185

6,635

7,085

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 12 

discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is fairly well defined between 

gage heights 2.3 feet and 3.1 feet, and poorly denned above. A single high-water 

measurement at gage height 14.0 feet determines the upper part of the curve. Above 

gage height 10.6 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 45 per tenth.

Estimated monthly discharge of Tiffin River near Defiance, Ohio, for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 748 square miles.]

Month.

March 11-31 ..................

June .........................

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

August .......................

September. ...................

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

November ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

6,860 

5, 960 

902 

935 

1,242 

515 

221 

208 

46

Minimum.

1,001 

453 

167 

46 

33 

24 

33 

33 

33

Mean.

3; 730 

1,865 

328 

209 

270 

109 . 

49.7 

68.6 

36.7

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

4.99 

2.49 

.439 

.279 

.361 

.146 

.066 

.092 

.049

Depth in 

inches.

3.90 

2.78 

.506 

.311 

.416 

.168 

.074 

.105 

.055

NOTE. Discharge interpolated for missing days. River frozen January 1 to March 10, also during 

December.
STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120.

BLACK RIVER NEAR ELYRIA, OHIO.

This station was established May 23, 1903, by R. Winthrop Pratt, 

the object being to furnishdata«for the water supply of near-by towns. 

The station is located at the Niel Avenue Bridge, about 5 miles from 

the center of the city of Elyria, Ohio. The original gage consisted of 

an inclined 1 by 6 inch board set on edge in the bank and secured to 

long stakes, and a vertical section nailed to stakes driven in the ground. 

The inclined section reads from zero to 5 feet and the vertical section 

from 5 to 12 feet. A regulation chain gage has been installed to replace 

the rod gage first established. The length from the end of the weight 

to the marker is 21.67 feet. The gage is read once each day by N. L. 

Durfee. Discharge measurements are made from the single-span 

highway bridge. The initial point for soundings is the face of the west 

abutment. The bed of the stream is a rock ledge, and there is but one 

channel. The current is sluggish at low stages at the regular section, 

but may be measured by wading 500 feet below. The channel is straight 

for 300 feet above and 200 feet below the bridge. The right bank is 

fairly high, and overflows only in extreme floods. When this occurs 

a large adjacent field is generally flooded. The left bank is a high, 

rocky bluff, from 75 to 100 feet in height, which can not overflow.

The following bench marks have been established: (1) A wire nail in 

the root of a double tree which is in line with the center of and 38 feet 

west from the west end of the bridge. Its elevation is 28.71 feet above 

gage datum. (2) The top of the flange of the fifth floor beam from the 

west abutment on the downstream end (almost under the pulley of the 

gage). Its elevation is 22.56 feet above gage datum. The elevation 

of the center of the pulley is 21.67 feet above gage datum. The drainage area at this station is 117 square miles.

The observations at this station during 1901 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Black River near Elyria, Ohio, in 1904.

Date.

March 9 .......

May 17 ........

June 22........

June 22........

July 6 .........

July 28 ........

August 11 ......

October 4......

Hydrographer.

R.W. Pratt........

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

....^io ............

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

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

feet. 

79

63

35

35

80

41

34

35

33

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

188

66

20

19

246

24

14

17

13

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.68

1.03

.59

.58

3.63

1.04

.59

.60

22

Gage 

height

Feet. 

3.55

1.70

1.15

1.15

4.11

1.28

1.05

1.14

.96

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

691

«68

12

11.4

894

25

8.2

10.5

2.8

« Channel changed.
LAKE ERIE DRAINAGE BASIN. 75

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Black River near Elyria, Ohio, for 1904-

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"}.... ..........

n...... ........

]S..............

] 5..... _....-_..

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

1*. .............

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

:>l... ...........

S3.............. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31. .............

Jan.

2.00 

1.90

1.80 

1 SO

1.80

1.70

1.70 

1.60 

l.CO 

1.50 

1 "SO

1.40 

1.40

1.30

1,30

1.30

1.50 

2.90

11. 50 

18.50

15.60 

10. 50 

6.10

4.50 

2.80

3.40

3.20

3.00 

2.80

Feb.

2.80 

2.70

2.90 

4.20

2.70

10.60 

8.20 

5.10 

4.90 

3 on

3.90 

3.80

2.50

 i 30

2.20

2.20 

2.10

2.20 

3.20

3.90 

3.50 

3.30

3.10 

2.60

2.40

7.60

.......

Mar.

13.60 

6.50

8.90

9.40 

5.90

4.70

4.40

4.10 

3.50 

2.90 

2.40

2.30

1 90

4.10

5.20

3.90 

3.50

3.40 

4. 50 

4.00

11.90 

12.20

7.50

4.60

2.40 

4.80

Apr.

12.20 

13.40

7.80

3.70 

o 50

2.40

2.10 

2.10 

2.50 

2.40 

3 10

2. 50 

2.80

2.10

2.00

1.90

1.90 

1.80

1.50 

1.30

1.20 

1.20 

2.20

3.10 

4.50

4.10

4.50

4.40

May.

4.50 

3.70

2.60

2.10 

1.60

1.20

1.10

1.00 

1.00 

1.50 

1.50 

1.40

1.40 

1.40

1 60

1.60

i p»n

2.10

1.80

1.40 

1.90

2.00

2.70 

5.80

June.

8.70 

8.10

5.10

3.20 

2.70

2.60

2.40 

1.90 

1.70 

1.50

1.40

i *3fi

1.30

1.40

1 30

1.20 

1 °0

1.30 

1.20

1.20 

1.20 

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

July.

1.00 

1.00

1.40

1.40

4.20

5.90 

 3.40 

2.30 

2.40

1.90 

1.60

1.40

1 Qfl

1 %

1 °0

1.20

1.70

1.70 

1.60

1.40

1.10

1.10 

1.00

Aug.

1.00 

1.10

1.10

1.00 

1.00

1.00

.90 

1.00 

1.00 

1.20 

1.70

1.80 

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.80 

1 90

1.90 

1.80

1.80 

1.70 

1.70

1.50

1 40

1.30

1.20 

1.20

Sept.

1.30 

1.30

1.20

1.10 

1.10

1.10

1.00

1.00 

1.00 

1.00 

.90 

1.10

1.10 

1 °0

1.25

1 °0

1.15

1.15 

1.15

1.10 

1.05

.90 

.90 

.95

1.20 

1.05

.90

.90

.90

Oct.

1.10 

1.20

1.15

1.10 

1.10

1.05

1.00

1.00 

.90 

.90 

1.01 

1 0"

1.15 

1.15

1.01

1.01

1.02

1.15

1.05 

1.00

1.00 

1.03 

1.03

1.02 

1.02

1.01

1.01

1.05 

1.05

Nov.

1.00 

1.00

1.05

1.05 

1.00

.90

.90

.90 

1.00 

1.00 

1.00

1.50 

1.50

1.40

1.40

1.60

1.70

1.80 

1.80

1.70

i.eo

1.60 

1.70 

1.80

1.90 

1.90

1.85

1.80

1.70

Dec.

1.40 

1.30

1.20

1.20 

1.20

1.10

1.00

1.10 

1.60 

1.60 

1.50

1.60 

1.50

1.40

1 50

1.40

«1.40

1.50 

1.40

1.40 

1.40 

. 1.45

1.60 

2.50

2.60

2.50

2.30 

2.40

"Ice conditions January, February, and March, and also December 19 to 31. 

CUTAHOGA RIVER AT INDEPENDENCE, OHIO.

This station is located on a single-span highway bridge at the town 

of Independence, 10 miles south of Cleveland, Ohio, and 4 miles south 

of the gaging station formerly located on the highway bridge between 

Brooklyn and Newburg. It was established at this point September 

31, 1903. The observer is W. H. Rupp. The initial point for soundings is the face of the eastern abutment. The gage is a regulation 

rthain gage bolted to the hand rail of the bridge on the downstream side, 

5 00 feet west of the initial point. The length from the end of the weight 

'o the back of the ring is 26.84 feet. The conditions at this point are 

generally favorable, though the current at low water is sluggish, and 

i n the center there is the remains of an old pier used in the support of 

a former two-span bridge. ^

The following bench marks have been established: (1) A cross cut on 

,he northeast corner of the top stone of the northerly wing wall of ttye 

^est abutment; elevation, 23.65 feet above gage datum. (2) A cross
76 STEEAM MEASUBEMENTS IN 1904, PAET VI. [NO. 129.

cut on the southwest corner of the top stone of the southerly wing wall; 

elevation, 22.58 feet above gage datum. (3) The top of the inside 

eyebeam of the lower chord, downstream side, at a point 100 feet west 

of the initial point; elevation, 23.95 feet above gage datum. Elevation 

of the center of the pulley is 26.18 feet above gage datum.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Cuyahoga River at Independence, Ohio, in 1904.

Date.

March 7 .......

April 15 .......

May 18........

June 25 .......

July 27--..-...

August 11 ......

September 16 ..

October 5......

November 5 ...

December 1 ....

Hydrographer.

R. W. Pratt .......

.....do ............

.....do ............

..... do ............

.....do ............

.....do ............

.....do ............

.....do ............

.....do ............

.....do ............

Width.

Feet. 

102

78

70

68

71

76

62

62

62

64

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

1,183

397

286

293

268

276

229

239

244

262

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per. sec. 

. 4.41

2.40

1. 15

1.33

1.27

1.52

.42

.52

.39

.57

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

14.65

7.05

5.63

5.52

5.45

5.61

4.98

5.10

5.00

5.15

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

5,230

«952

''330

390

341

420

95

£'125

(191

150

« No flow in canal. & Canal, 32 second-feet. < Canal, 78 second-feet. d Canal, 67 second-feet. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Cuyahoga River at Independence, Ohio, for 1904.

Day.

1.............. 

2..............

3..............

4.............. 

5........ ..... 

6..............

8..............

9..............

10.............. 

11.............. 

12..............

13..............

14.............. 

15.............. 

16.............. 

17..............

18............... 

19..............

20..............

21..............

22..............

Jan.

5.70

5.50 

6.50 

5.40 

5 .in

5.50

5.50 

5.40 

6.40 

& 40

5.60

5.50 

5.60 

5. CO

5.60

5.60

11.00

11.00

Feb.

11.70

10.00 

9.70 

9.70 

1° 00

12.00

12.00 

12.00 

12.00

10 f\A

12.00 

12.00 

12.00 

12.00

12.00 

1'' 00

12.00

11.00

11.00

Mar.

17.00 

17.00

17.00

17.00 

17.00 

14.00 

14.00

10.40

9.90 

9.50 

8.60

7 80

1 <U1

6.90 

6.80 

6.30

9 on

9.40 

9 °0

8.60

10.80

Apr.

16.30 

15. 10

13.40

11.56 

10.10 

9.10 

Son

8.70

8.30 

7.90 

7.90 

7.80

7.30 

7.00 

6.80

6.50

6.00

May.

8.70

7.40 

7.00 

6.50 

6.20

6.10

6.00 

(i.OO 

5.90 

5 on

5.60 

5.70 

5.70 

5.60

5.60

6.50

June.

11.20

12.00 

10.40 

8.90 

7 90

7.00

6.50 

6.50 

5.90

7.10 

5.70 

5.60

5.30 

5.70

5.30

5.70

5.10

July.

5.30

E

6.00

5.80 

5.80

5.30

Aug.

5.50

5 60

5.30 

5.20 

5.10

5 1ft

4.90

5.10 

5.10 

5.60 

5 ''O

5.10

5.60 

5.20 

5.20

5.10 

4 90

5.30

5.20

Sept.

5.10

5.10 

5.10 

5.05 

5.20

5.00

5.00 

5.00 

4.90

5.10

5.10

5.05 

5.00 

4 95

4.90

4.80

4.90

Oct.

4.95 

4.90

4.90

5.10 

5.10 

5.05 

5.00

5.10

5.10 

5.00 

4.96 

5.10

5.10

5.15 

5.10 

5.05 

4 95

4.95

4.95

5.00

Nov.

5.10 

5.05

5.00

5.15 

5.00 

5.05

5.10

5.05 

5.05 

5.10 

5.10

5.15

5.00 

5.20 

5.10

5.15 

5.05

4.95

5.00

Dec.

5.05 

5.10

4.75

4.70

4.75 

5.00 

5.15

«5.00

5.10 

5.00 

5.00

5.05

5.00 

5.00 

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00
ERIE DRAINAGE BASIN. 77

Mean dotty gage height, in feet, of Cuyahoga River at Independence, Ohio, etc. Coat'd.

Day.

23..............

"».. ............

tt. ............. 

26..............

27..............

28. ............. 

29. .............

30. .............

33.. .............

Jan,

12.00

12.00

12.00 

12.00

12.00

12.00 

12.00

1'' 00

11.80

Feb.

11.00

11.00

11.00 

11.00

11.00 

16.00

Mar.

9.60

9.00

16.30 

15.20

12. 10

11.60 

10.60

11.00

Apr.

6.20

6.20

7.30

7.80 

8.80

S on

May.

6.50

7.50

7.30 

7 nn

8.80 

8.20

7.90

11.00

June.

5.70

5.70

6.60

5 Oft

5 on

5.50 

5 40

5 Of)

July.

6.30

5.80

5.50 

5.50

5.50

5.90 

5.50

6.50

5.50

Aug.

6.80

5.50

5.20 

5.50

5.30

5.20

5.15

5.05

Sept.

4.85

4.85

4.90 

4.85

5.10 

5 00

4 85

Oct.

6.10

5.00

5.20 

5.20

5.10

5.05 

5.05

5.00

4.80

Nov.

5.05

5.10

4.80 

4.90

4.85

4.90 

5.05

5.15

Dec.

5.10

5.15

5.40 

5.55

8.75

7.65 

0.55

5.35

5.35

a River frozen December 8 to 26. 

NOTE. High water January 21 to March 5 caused by ice gorge below station.

Rating table for Cuyahoga River at Independence, Ohio, from September 21, 1903, to

August S3, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.40

4.50

4.60

4,70

4,80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

56

82

109

187

166

195

225

255

286

317

349

381

414

447

481

515

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.00

6.10

6.20

6,30

6,40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

7.00

7.10

7.20

7.30

7.40

7.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

550

586

623

660

698

736

774

812

852

892

932

972

1,012

1,053

1,094

1,136

Gage 

. height.

Feet.

7.60

7.70

7.80

7.90

8,00

8.20

8.40

8,60

8.80

9.00

9.20

9.40

9.60

9.80

10.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,178

1,220

1,263

1,306

1,350

1,439

1,530

1, 622

1,715

1,809

1, 903

1,999

2,096

2,196

2,300

Gage 

height.

Peet.

10.20

10.40

10.60

.10. 80

11.00

11.50

12. 00'

12.50

13.00

13.50

14.00

14.50

15.00

16.00

17.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2, 408

2,516

2,624

2,734

2,845

3,137

3,445

3,765

4,090

4,424

4,770

5,120

5,470

6,170

6,870

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

10 discharge measurements made durin» 1903 and 1904. It is well defined between 

gage heights 4.70 feet and 7.05 feet. The table has been extended beyond these 

limits. One flood measurement at gage height 14.65 determines the upper partof the 

curve. Above gage height 13.7 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference 

being 70 per tenth. Some change seems to have occurred in the channel between 

August 11, 1904, and September 16, 1904. The above table has been applied to the 

medial date of August 24, 1904. The table following has been made for the remaining portion of the year.
78 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, BART VI. [NO. 120.

Rating table for Cuyahoga River at Independence, Ohio, from August 24 to December 31,

1904.

Gage 

height. Discharge. Gage 

height. Discharge. Gage 

heig height. Discharge. Gage 

height. Discharge.

Feet. 

4.80 

4.90 

5.00 

5.10

Second-feet.

37

66

96

126

Feet. 

5.20 

5.30 

5.40

Second-feet. 

157 

188 

220

Feet. 

5. 50 

5.60

5.70

Second-feet. 

252 

285 

318

Feet. Second-feet.

5.80 352

5.90 386

6.00 421

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

3 discharge measurements made during 1904, and parallels the curve for the first 

part of the year. This table is but a rough approximation.

Estimated monthly discharge of Cuyahoga Hirer at Independence, Ohio, for 1903 and 1904. 

[Drainage area, 698 square miles.]

Month.

1903.

September 21-30 .................................. 195

October ........;....._....,.._.,...__............ 3, 077

November «....................................... 2, 248

1904.

March 11-31...................................... 6,380

April........................................ .... 6,380

May ............................................. 2, 845

June............................................. 5,330

July »............................................ 774

August........................................... 812

September..... .................................. 157

October .......................................... 157

November........................................ 157

December 1-7..................................... 142

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum. | Minimum. | Mean

109

56

56

660

550

414

255

317

111

37

37

37

10

160

472

337

2,342

1,641

959

1,094

546

288

92.7

104

109

76.1

"Discharge interpolated November 4 to 6,1903. 

6 Discharge interpolated July 3 to 16, 1904.

NOTE, The ahove estimates do not include the canal, which parallels the river.
HORTON., JOHNSON 

AND HUYT. '] STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. 79

LAKE ONTARIO DRAINAGE BASIN.

Lake Ontario drainage basin comprises an area of about one-fourth 

of the State of New York. The principal streams that drain this area 

are the Oswego River, formed by the Seneca and Oneida rivers, which 

drain the chain of lakes in central New York; the Genesee, Salmon, 

and Black rivers. The upper part of the drainage basin is mostly hilly 

pasture land, the lower part gently rolling, cultivated land.

OAK ORCHARD GREEK NEAR MEDINA, N. T.

Oak Orchard Creek drains a swampy plateau having an elevation of 

600 to 650 feet, lying in an easterly and westerly direction, south of 

Medina and Albion, N. Y.

At the western border of this swamp the stream turns northerly, 

crosses Erie Canal at Medina, and enters Lake Ontario at Point 

Breeze. The creek and its watershed are shown on the Albion, 

Medina, Ridge way, and Oak Orchard sheets of the United States 

Geological Survey Topographic Atlas. The original Tonawanda 

Swamp had twT o outlets, the eastern end draining into Sandy Creek 

near Holly, N. Y., and the western end being tributary to Tonawanda 

Creek.

In 1824 a channel was cut across the western end of the Tonawanda 

Swamp entering Oak Orchard Creek, the object being to divert a portion of the flow of Tonawanda Creek to feed the long level of Erie 

Canal extending from Lockport to Rochester. This feeder channel 

intercepts the drainage from a portion of Tonawanda Creek watershed, 

including Whitney Creek, a small tributary. The flow from the 

diverting dam on Tonawanda Creek into the feeder channel is controlled by gates and is cut off, except during the season of canal 

navigation.

Water brought from lower Tonawanda Creek and from Lake Erie 

through the Erie Canal is passed over the waste weir at Medina, 

entering Oak Orchard Creek. The amount thus inverted to the watershed at times greatly exceeds that taken from Oak Orchard feeder for 

the supply of the canal; hence the importance of the stream for waterpower purposes is chiefl}7 confined to its lower course, about 18 miles, 

from Medina to its mouth. In this distance occurs a fall of 250 feet. 

The stream flows throughout much of the distance through a gul£ cut 

in the drift overlying the Medina sandstone and affording a narrow 

flood plain.

A temporary gaging station was established on Oak Orchard Creek 

at Coon's bridge, which is located 6 miles from Medina along stream, 

and is just below the junction of Tonawanda feeder and the so-called 

Acker ditch, an artificial channel 2 miles in length leading Oak Orchard
80 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Creek into the lower end of the feeder channel. The bridge has a 

single span of 60.8 feet between vertical masonry abutments. The 

low-water flow is confined in a central channel about 25s feet in width 

with hard gravel bed and smooth, uniform current, this channel having 

been excavated by the State of New York in 1894. A low-water gage, 

reading from zero to 4.5 feet, is attached vertically to a brace post 

underneath the downstream side of the bridge and at the right-hand 

side of the low-water channel.

The stream bends about 100 feet above the bridge, but is straight 

below, and the current passes underneath normal to the bridge. The 

remaining channel, unoccupied by the low-water course, is covered 

with silt and sand, with numerous willow bushes.

A secondary flood channel, having a width of 26 feet between abutments, is situated 283 feet to the right of the main bridge. Water also 

flows over a highwa}7 between the two bridges in extreme freshets.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrograpber, ~

Drainaye areas of Oak Orchard Creek, a

Location.

Above Coon's bridge ..........................................

Above Medina feeder dam .....................................

Above Ridgeway ..............................................

Above mouth. .................. T ...,,... ....................

Swamp area .,,.....,...,,.,......,..,....,.,................,

Tonawanda Creek above diverting dam .........................

Place to 

place.

Sq. miles. 

142.6

8.1

7,5

23.7

Total 

area,

Sq. miles. 

142.6

150.7

158.3

281.9

32.0

6236,3

a From United States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas. 

b From Bien's Atlas of New York.

Discharge measurements of Oak Orchard Creek near Medina, N. Y., in 1904.

Date.

April 13 .......

July 21........

Hydrographer.

Hortou and Mott. .......

C. C. Covert ............

Area of 

section.

Hq.feet. 

194

20

Mean 

velocity.

ft. per src. 

1.58

1.19

Gage 

height.

feet. 

5.91

1.20

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

306

24
LAKE ONTAMO DRAINAGE BASIN. ^ 81 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Oak Orchard Creek near Medina, N. Y.,for 1904.

Day.

1. ..................................

3 ...................................

4...................................

5........... .......................

6. ........... .......................

7...................................

9..................................

10 ...................................

11 ...................................

12 ...................................

-10

14...................................

15...................................

16...................................

17...................................

18...................................

19

09

93

25........... .......................

26...................................

27 ...................................

28...................................

29 ...................................

30...................................

31...................................

Jan.

1.90

1.95

2.50

Feb.

6.80

*7 P\fl

7 60

7.40

7.05

i 3ft

Mar.

6.60

7.20

9 58

9.70

10. CO

10.60

10.20

9.60

8 or.

7.48

6.15

6.10

6.88

8

QQ

S

OPL

10. 62

9 5H

9

Q^

Apr.

9.38

9.25

8.90

8. SO

8.42

7 60

7.10

6.82

6.25

6.05

5. 68

5.45

4 98

5.50

5. 85

6.15

6.45

6.55

6.50

6.98

7.05

6" 9R

May,

5.68

5.42

5.28

5.00

4.75

4.40

3.82

3.50

3.05

2.85

2.65

o 50

2.60

2. 45

2.30

2.35

2.38

2.70

o go

O 99

i> 1 K

2.10

2.00

1.88

1.78

1.75

1.90

June.

2.40

2. 25

2.08

2.00

2.00

1.92

1.82

1.90

1.98

1.90

1.82

1.72

1.68

1.48

1 V

1.22

1.20

1.12

1.22

1.18

1.10

1 08

1.02

1.00

.98

1.00

1.05

July.

1.10

1.32

1.30

1.30

1.50

1.50

1.55

1.40

1.35

1.45

1.35

1.55

1.80

1.7S

1.50

1 °5

1 08

1.15

1.10

1.10

1.05

1.00

1.05

1.08

q5

.98

Aug.

0.92

.92

.88

.78

.78

.80

.70

.70

.70

NOTE. Creek frozen January 1 to March 4.

GENESEE RIVER NEAR MOUNT MORRIS, N. f,

A current-meter gag-ing station was established at this point May 

22, 1903. Observations of the stream stage are taken twice each day 

by J. T. Trewer, observer. The discharge measurements are made 

from a footbridge erected on the outriggers of the downstream side of 

the highway bridge, which consists of two spans of 174.3 and 31.7 

feet, respectively. A weight and chain gage 15.50 feet in length is 

secured to the truss uprights near the center of the main bridge span 

on the upstream side. The bench mark is corner of wing wall lefthand abutment upstream side. Assumed elevation, 100.00 feet. Elevation datum plane of gage, 69.6-1 feet.

The river channel is of clay and straight for several hundred feet below

the gage. About 300 feet above the bridge is an abrupt bend. The

location of the gaging station and the course of the river from Jones

Bridge to its outlet into Lake Ontario near Rochester is shown on the

IKK 129 05 6
82 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Caledonia, Honeoye, and Rochester sheets of the United States 

Geological Survey Topographic Atlas. The gaging station is located 

a short distance below the inflow of Canaseraga Creek. The course of 

Genesee River below Mount Morris is very winding, traversing from 

side to side a flood plain li miles average width. Owing to overflow 

on this flood plain, the high-water discharge is not determined at that 

point.

Cuba reservoir on the Genesee-Allegheny divide receives the drainage from a tributary area of 26.6 square miles. The storage volume 

is 4:54,000,000 cubic feet/' The overflow from this reservoir enters 

Allegheny River. The storage water may be turned into the summit 

level of the abandoned Genesee Valley canal, and thence into Genesee 

River.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge meaxurements of Genesee Rirer near Mount Morris, X. Y., in 1904.

Date.

March 10 b .....

April 12 .......

July 16........

November 10. ..

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert............

Horton and Covert ......

Area of 

section.

Hq. feet. 

3,870

1,071

250

180

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.45

4.35

2.57

2.14

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

25. 30 

11. 86

5. 25

4.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

9,413

4, 658

644

387

Mean d<tily ynge height, in feet, of Genexee River near Mount Morris, N. Y., for 1904.

Day.

1..............

3........ .......

4...........^.

5..............

8.... ..........

10..............

11..............

12

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

Jan.

6.42

6.32

6. 22

6.32

6.47

6.52

6.47

6.42

6.47

6.32

6.37

6.32

6.27

6.17

6.02

Feb.

11.92

10.92

9.92

9.42

9.52

9.72

18.82

28. 42

°3 87

23.77

21. 02

18.47

16.77

15.32

11.92

12.02

Mar.

12.02

15. 37

20.87

20.47

24.42

21.02

21. 97

27.07

26. 62

25.31

22. 70

18.48

15.45

13 90

13.10

11.65

12.05

Apr.

14.30

18. 85

14. 05

10.90

10. 20

10.00

9.60

9.70

1° °5

19.63

14.45

U 7K

10.90

9 35

8.85

8 °0

13.25

May.

12.15

10.40

9.10

8. 20

7.60

7.20

6.90

6.55

G.10

5.95

5.75

5.70

6.80

7.50

8.75

June.

14.40

10. 65

8.90

7.90

8.45

7.85

6.90

6.55

6.85

7.45

6.45

5.85

5.60

5.40

5.30

5.20

5.10

5.00

4.85

July.

4.55

4.65

4.70

4.60

4.80

5.50

5.60

5.15

7.85

7.50

5.60

4.95

4.75

4.70

Aug.

4.85

5.00

5.45

5.10

4.70

4.55

4.40

4.45

4.18

4.13

4.18

4.28

4.18

4.13

4.23

4.03

Sept.

4.12

4.07

4.17

4.47

4.52

4.32

4.27

4/27

4.37

4.32

4.17

4.17

4.22

4.22

4.12

4.02

4.01

4.11

Oct.

5.06

4.81

4.61

4.61.

4.46

4.36

4.36

4.35

4.35

6.75

7.00

7.90

6.20

5.40

5.20

5.05

Nov.

4.94

4.94

4.74

4.64

4.64

4.64

4.59

4.64

4 54

4 on

4.55

4.40

4.50

4.45

4.45

4.30

Dec.

4.35

4.30

4.05

4.25

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.20

5.25

5. 10

4.80

4.70

4.60

4.70

«Including Rockville reservoir. & Backwater caused by ice jam.
LAKE ONTARIO DRAINAGE BASIN. 83

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Genesee River near Mount Morris, N. Y., for 1904-

Continued.

Day.

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

26..............

26..............

27. .............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

6.22

6.22

6.42

17.68

24.02

19.57

16.07

15.27

14.07

12. 82

12.42

12.27

Feb.

11.77

11.77

12. 47

12. 42

12.37

11.32

10.67

11.07

12.02

Mar.

16.95

23.70

27.15

26.15

26.60

°4 80

19.65

13.05

11.20

11. 75

Apr.

10.15

9.55

10.70

9.95

10. 30

10.20

q ig

13.35

14.00

13.25

May.

10. 15

8.75

8.00

7.15

7. 20

7.95

6.90

8 in

9.10

7.25

6.70

June.

4.85

5.05

6

*>n

5.40

5.15

4.90

4.75

4 65

4.55

4 60

4.55

July.

4.55

4.50

4.45

4.70

5.00

6.30

6.20

E: on

5.35

6? 75

5.60

5.15

Aug.

4.33

4.88

4.78

4.78

4.93

4. 88

4.58

4.38

a QO

4. 22

4.02

Sept.

4.11

4.01

3.96

4.21

4.91

5 or.

4.86

4.71

5.01

Oct.

4.95

5.00

6.00

6.35

5. 85

5.50

5.45

5.45

5.24

5.19

5.04

Nov.

4.40

4.45

4.45

4.35

4.30

4.40

* OK

4.00

4.15

4.45

Dec.

4.70

4.80

4.70

4.80

7.10

10.50

9.35

9.75

19.80

10.90

7.80

7.80

NOTE. Owing to the swiftness of the current the river seldom freezes over at the gaging station. 

Discharge measurements of Canaseraga Creek at Mount Morris, N. Y., in 1904.

Date.

April 12.......

July 16........

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert..............................

Gage 

height.a

Feet. 

17.42

21.2

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

1,048

242

a Distance to water surface below top of horizontal tie bar, 20 feet from left-hand end downstream 

^ide of bridge.

.Discharge measurements of tailrace of Mount Morris power canal near Mount. Morris,

N. Y., in 1904.

Date.

July 16........

November 10 ..

Hydrographer.

C. 0. Covert..............................

Horton and Covert ........................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2. 05

2.08

Discharge.

Second-feet.

107

116

GENESEE RIVER AT ROCHESTER, N.

During the low-water 

'iieter measurements were 

Johnson and Seymour racewi 

'lie Johnson and Se}Tmour ( 

stage of the water was beloi 

'lie period while measurem 

exceptions noted on the tal 

daytime and at night to det 

for power purposes, 1

jns of 1903 and 1904 a series of currentmade in the Carroll and Fitzhugh and 

ys, which receive their water supply from 

.im on Genesee River in Rochester. The 

the crest of the dam at all times during 

;iits were being taken, in 1904, with the 

Jes. Measurements were taken both in 

rmine the relative day and night use of 

.ie water being drawn down to the mini-
84 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120.

mum stage, and they therefore represent, as nearly as could be 

obtained, the natural low-water flow of the stream at this point. The 

Johnson and Seymour dam is of masonry, practically water-tight. It 

is located below the point of diversion from Genesee River to Erie 

Canal feeder, and the pond above the dam receives only the water 

supply available to the extensive power development at the three falls 

on the river, which occur within the city limits.

A record of the daily stage of Genesee River in the pond, measured 

at a point 15 feet upstream from Johnson and Seymour dam, has been 

kept, beginning March, 1893; a survey and profile of the dam have 

also been made. From these data the high-water discharge has been 

calculated.

In addition to the canal feeder mentioned, water is diverted from 

Alien Creek at Scottsville and brought down the abandoned Genesee 

Valley canal for the supply of Erie Canal at Rochester. The water 

supply of the city of Rochester is also drawn from Hemlock Lake, 

the outlet of which is tributary to Genesee River.

A standard cypress gage staff 16 feet in length, graduated decimally 

with galvanized-iron division marks, was secured to the downstream 

face of the first pier from the right-hand abutment of the Elmwood 

Avenue Bridge in Rochester, and readings of the stage have been 

taken under the direction of E. A. Fisher, city engineer. This gage 

is located above the State diverting dam, which causes, however, but 

little fluctuation in the level.

The bridge consists of three spans of about 125 feet each. The 

stream bed is of gravel, clean, and fairly permanent, and conditions are 

favorable for the use of a current meter.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district bydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Genesee Hirer at Rochester, N. Y., in 1904.

Date.

July 20 ........

August 12... ...

August. 27 ......

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert ...........

E. H. Fisher...........

.....do ................

.....do ................

.....do ................

.....do ................

.....do................

.....do ................

.....do ................

C. C. Covert...........

Area.

,SV;. feet. 

1,008

976

957

944

963

973

972

916

923

994

Mean 

velocity.

Feel per see. 

0.59

.63

.62

.63

.69

.60

.72

.64

.56

.54

Gage 

height.a

Feet. 

246. 89

246. 77

246. 69

246. 74

246. 79

246. 69

246." 82

246. 66

246. 64

246. 79

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

592

614

589

594

667

587

703

554

511

534

« City topographic datum.
HORTON, JOHNSON,"I 

AND HOYT. J

LAKE ONTAEIO DRAINAGE BASIN. 85

Mean da'dy elevation of water surface above city datum of Genesee River at Rochester, N. Y.,

for 1904.

Day.

1.. .........

9

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...........

29...........

30...........

31...........

Tel).

256. 74

254.19

252.59

(«)

Mar.

248.49

252. 19

252. 89

°5° 89

252. 49

252. 29

253. 69

254.19

254. 69

254. 09

053 19

251. 29

249. 79

248. 49

248. 19

248. 09

249. 59

251. 69

253. 29

253. 49

255. 99

256. 09

254.69

251. 89

250. 29

Apr.

250.49

251. 89

251. 79

250. 69

249. 79

249. 49

249. 39

249. 19

249. 19

OPV> 1Q

250.99

949 49

''49 99

250. 09

249. 89

249. 79

°49 49

251. 39

''51 °9

May.

250. 29

249.99

248. 59

248. 39

248. 29

248. 19

248. 09

247. 99

247. 89

247. 64

°47 59

248. 59

248. 69

248. 29

248. 39

249. 39

249. 29

248. 59

248. 19

248. 09

248. 19

248. 39

248. 79

June.

250. 59

250. 59

249. 39

248. 59

248. 39

248. 49

248. 29

247. 99

247. 89

<>4g 19

247. 99

'247. 49

247. 49

247. 49

247. 39

247. 19

247. 09

247.04

''47 04

247. 29

247.39

247. 39

''47 19

247 09

''46 99

July.

246. 99

246.99

247. 09

247. 09

246. 99

047 09

''47 19

"47 39

''47 19

"47 49

''47 99

248. 39

"47 49

047 39

247. 09

246. 99

''46 99

"47 °9

''47 79

247. 49

Aug.

247.29

247. 09

246. 99

247. 19

247. 19

246. 99

246. 99

246. 89

246. 79

246. 69

246.69

246. 69

246. 79

24G. 79

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 79

246. 89

246. 99

246. 89

24fi. 69

246. 59

Sept.

246. 59

246. 69

246. 69

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246.69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 59

246. 59

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 59

246. 59

246. 79

246. 89

247. 09

246.99

246. 99

Oct.

246. 99

247. 09

246. 99

246. 89

246. 79

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

247. 59

247. 69

248. 09

247. 89

247. 49

247. 29

247. 19

247. 09

246. 99

246. 99

246. 89

247. 09

247. 39

247.49

247. 29

247. 19

247. 19

247. 19

247. 09

246. 99

Nov.

246. 99

246. 99

246. 99

246. 89

246. 89

246. 89

246. 89

246. 89

246. 89

246.79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

24C. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246.69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

246. 69

240. 69

Dec.

246. 69

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246.79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246.79

246.79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 79

246. 89

246. 99

248. 09

249. 99

252. 19

 249.89'

248. 89

« River frozen February 13-March 1, inclusive; no record. 

Discharge measurements of Fitzlnigh and Carroll race <it RocJiester, N. Y., in 1904-

Date.

June So........

July 5.........

July 7 .........

July 8.........

July 14........

July 18........

July 25........

Hydrographer.

E. H. Fisher...... ........................

.....do ..................................

.....do ...................................

.....do ..................................

.....do ...................................

.....do ...................................

.....do ...................................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.05

2.10

3.50

3.42

3.90

3.05

' 3.00

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

578

442

229

309

441

408

454

NOTE. Discharge in raceway at given stage varies with running of turbines.
86 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IK 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120. 

Discharge measurements of Johnson and Seymour race at Rochester, N. Y., in 1904-

Date.

June 30........

July 1.........

July 1.........

July 5.........

July 7.........

July 8.........

July 14........

July 25........

Hydrographer.

E. H. Fisher. .............................

.....do ..................................

.....do ...................................

.....do ...................................

.....do ..................................

.....do ...................................

.....do ...................................

.....do ...................................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.90

2.80

1.78

4.40

4.20

4.50

4.00

Discharge.

Seeond-fftt. 

508

462

360

477

501

545

662

454

NOTE. Discharge in raceway at given stage varies with running of turbines.

CANADICE LAKE OUTLET NEAR HEMLOCK, N. Y.

Canadice Lake is tributary to Genesee River through Hemlock Lake 

outlet and Honeoye Creek. The drainage basin is shown on the 

Honeoj^e and Wayland sheets of the United States Geological Survey 

Topographic Atlas.

Canadice Lake drains an area forming an irregular rectangle, the 

lake lying somewhat to the left of the longitudinal axis, with the 

greater portion of the drainage on the easterly slope. The westerly 

slope is narrow and precipitous; Bald Hill rising from altitude 1,090 

feet at the lake to altitude 1,800 feet at the summit, the axis of the hill 

being parallel with the lake and an average of three-fourths mile distant therefrom.

The lake has a water surface area of 0.7 square mile and drains a 

total area of 12.6 square miles, 5.0 per cent of which is lake surface. 

A weir was constructed on the outlet at the foot of the lake by the 

city engineers department of Rochester, N. Y., in February, 1903. 

The entire yield of the drainage basin passes this weir. It consists of 

a standard thin-edged weir with a 5-foot crest and two end contractions, so arranged with needle timbers at the ends that the length may 

be increased to 14.96 feet with no end contractions during high water.

The weir crest stands 3 feet above the stream channel, and is never 

submerged by backwater. There are two additional rectangular gates, 

each 1 foot square, with three complete contractions, and a fourth 

partial contraction at the bottom. The outflow from the lake above 

the weir is controlled by gates. A reading of the depth on the weir 

is taken each morning, and also for each change of the gates; the depth 

being read to hundredths, and corrections being made for velocity of 

approach for the larger discharges.

The discharge is calculated by the Francis formula. The record has 

been furnished by E. A. Fisher, city engineer, and John F. Skinner, I 

special assistant city engineer, of Rochester, N. Y.
HOKTON, 

AND LAKE ONTARIO DRAINAGE BASIN. 87

Estimated monthly discharge of Canadice Lake outlet near Hemlock, N. Y., for 1903. 

[Drainage area, l'J.6 square miles.]

Month.

March ...............................

April 26-30. ..........................

July .................................

August ...............................

October ..............................

November. ....................... ...

Mean discharge in 

second-feet.

« 7. 85 

8.33 

8. 50 

8.03 

6.44 

4.50 

4.04 

5.08 

5.90

Mean elevation of lake 

above low 

 water.

1.08 

2.48

3.04 

2.42 

1. 87 

2. 09 

1.57 

1.45 

1.40 

1.42 

1.27

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.623 

.661 

.675 

.638 

.511 

.357 

.321 

.403 

.468

Depth in 

inches.

0.695 

.760 

.756 

.734 

.588 

.400 

.369 

.451 

.538

"Mean for days observed taken us mean for entire month. 

HONEOYE CREEK AT EAST RUSH, N. Y.

A gaging station was established February 13, 1903, on Honeoye 

Creek at the gristmill in the village of East Rush. The record 

includes the flow over the dam, which is of timber, having a crest 

varying somewhat in level 150.15 feet in length; also the discharge 

through two Leffel standard turbines, one 48 inches, the other 35 

inches diameter. A record is kept of the head on the turbines and 

the number of hours each runs per day and the average gate opening. 

The latter is obtained by noting the number of gear teeth out of the 

total possible number through which the wheel gates stems may be 

turned to open the gates, allowance being made for lost motion. The 

bench mark on the window sill of the mill near flume is assumed at 

elevation 100.00, the gages being set with their zero marks as below:

Crest gage elevation ..................................................... 94.855

Tailrace gage............................................................ 87,380

Difference ........................................................ 7.475

Honeoye Creek is the outlet of Honeoye Lake, which forms one of 

a group of narrow parallel lakes similar to the Finger Lakes of the 

Seneca River basin and located to the west of the latter. Honeoye 

Creek is joined 4 miles below its source by the combined outlet of 

Hemlock and Canadice lakes, which enters Genesee River near 

Rochester Junction. This group of lakes has areas and elevations 

as indicated below: "

"The drainage basin of Honeoye Creek is shown on the Honeoye, Canandaigua, Naples, and Wayland- sheets of the U. K. Geological Survey topographic atlas, from which-the areas have been 

taken, with the exception of those for Hemlock and Canadice lakes, which are from surveys of 

Rochester waterworks.
STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART [NO. 123.

Location.

Hemlock Lake ....,.....___...___..._........

Canadice Lake ...............................

Honeoye Lake ...............................

Elevation.

Peek 

896

1,092

800

Watersurface 

area.

8q. miles. 

2.8

0.7

2.5

Drainage 

area.

»S'c/. miles. 

46.8

12.6

39.6

Per cent 

water 

surface.

6.12

5.57

6.41

Honeoye Creek enters Genesee River at Genesee Valley Junction. 

The entire drainage area is approximately rectangular, having a length 

of 30 miles; average width, 9.5 miles. The fall of 280 feet in the 

course of the stream has been largely utilized by the construction of 

dams.

The lakes, which serve as natural reservoirs, have inlets draining 

considerable areas at their uppermost ends. The slopes adjacent to 

the lakes themselves are narrow and steep and are drained by gulleys 

and torrential brooks. The area below the lakes is rolling, the soil 

rich and extensively cultivated. The stream tributaries are not 

numerous, but ramify in such manner as to give good drainage of all 

portions of the area.

The diversion from Hemlock Lake by the city of Rochester is to be 

added to the measured run-off at East Rush to obtain the total yield 

of the drainage basin. The average diversion rate is about 22 secondfeet.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Drainaye areas of Honeoye Creek.

Location.

Hemlock Lake outlet to Canadice Lake outlet. ..................

Canadice Lake outlet to Hemlock Lake outlet. . .................

Junction of Hemlock and Canadice Lake outlets. . ...............

Honeoye Creek, from lake outlet to junction of Hemlock Lake

Houeoye Creek, East Rush to mouth ...........................

Place to 

place.

Sq. miles. 

46.8

.1

12.6

18.9

15.6

39.6

31.7

44.0

50.0

28.0'

Total.

,S'g. miles.

46.9

31.5

78.4

94.0

71.3

165

209

260

288
HORTON. JOHNSON, | 

AND HOYT. J

LAKE ONTARFO DRAINAGE BASIN. 89

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Honeoye Creek at East Rush, N. Y., for 1903

and 1904.

Day.

1903.

3..............

5 .............

s. ...... .....

9. .............

10. .............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17. ... ..........

18..............

19

°1

 »

03

°4

20..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30. .............

1904. 

1. .............

4..............

ft..............

fi..............

8..... ........

9

10..............

11.............

12..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19.............:

20..............

Jan.

(a)

. 

( h)

(")

17

 > >

31

37

< 6 >

"1

81

13

I'')

19

31

Feb.

%f)

145

< b)

 >ig

85

294

''94

( h )

146

135

155

017

Mar.

(l)

293

293

323

420

353

( b )

1,295

652

614

526

I")

381

417

417

('')

1,427

875

527

( b )

682

( b)

1, 528

302

( b)

305

07 F;

186

410

(b)

Apr.

381

417

2,710

( h )

008

690

526

526

381

( b)

305

526

690

526

363

(b)

°56

174

174

(*)

152

152

130

472

(« )

253

323

193

171

175

(")

253

193

149

171

(")

223

343

May.

108

108

(»)

86

86

86

86

86

(b)

76

76

66

66

(*>)

55

CO

(16

55

76

66

( b)

( b )

( b )

172

150

126

106

( b )

106

106

106

69

{")

415

0-1*7

OF;*?

*37Q

476

June.

55

55

55

76

35

(b)

35

35

35

55

55

76

(ft)

76

76

76

(b )

70

196

< h )

108

254

150

105

( b )

95

68

( b )

82

82

60

CO

30

July.

108

76

CO

CO

76

76

76

76

76

55

l b)

55

55

76

76

76

76

CO

76

55

196

152

('')

66

C6

66

66

( b)

( ft )

18

16

( ft )

CO

191

69

131

( b)

30

( 15

Aug.

65

( b )

44

173

129

85

( b)

129

85

65

65

44

(6) .

44

44

( b >

65

65

129

173

173

173

('')

173

80

32

<-io

ell

 )O

31

( b)

31

31

24

49

f\fi

( b)

29

36

35

Sept.

f>95

129

85

65

w

44

44

33

33

65

65

w

44

55

55

44

85

65

( b)

33

33

32

( b)

32

32

32

i-15

<-14

24

( b )

31

28

26

26

19

31

(« )

42

52

36

57

( b)

46

55

Oct.

33

33

( b )

33

33

33

37

129

75

(« )

65

44

44

44

33

(b)

65

44

43

38

(*>)

33

33

37

38

39

34

68

07

67

43

49

67

34

38

( b )

43

47

68

68

67

52

(b)

67

31

23

30

Nov.

33

( b)

52

69

74

( fc )

61

43

43

43

32

39

( b )

43

104

150

82

53

57

( b )

52

71

136

( b )

53

( b )

32

32

53

26

53

39

(")

50

50

44

44

37

(-7

52

56

50

29

Dec.

31

32

36

32

32

( b)

36

31

33

32

45

59

( b)

38

29

29

39

25

23

w

34

52

55

46

( b)

60

( b )

43

3»

33

33

15

35

1,9

23

50

40

49

27

26

<-7

26

26

24

34

32

32

ci

27

26

"Stream frozen from January 1 to February 12, 1903.

bSunday or holiday; no record. No estimate made owing to pondage.

"Flow held back by pondage.
90 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IK 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120. 

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Honeoye Creek at. East Hush, N. Y., etc. Cont'd.

Day.

1904.

°3

24..............

25..............

26..............

28. .............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

(' )

Feb.

190

70

102

( h)

563

Mar.

1 ^7

( b)

522

377

341

Apr.

172

I")

450

May.

304

(6)

149

132

323

129

(b)

145

June.

23

33

36

32

( b )

32

32

24

24

July.

"10

«5

mo

I 6 )

126

123

112

40

132

69

(6)

Aug.

(")

49

36

36

"12

a 13

a 13

(*)

31

17

Sept.

54

40

32

23

(")

68

66

66

283

65

Cot.

41

(« )

37

3<S

38

3.S

3.H

38

38

31

Nov.

46

46

61

41

40

«7

61

63

60

Dec.

34

32

36

« 8

35

153

418

56

45

35

a Flow held back by pondage. 

b No record.

c Stream frozen January 24 to February 24, 

inclusive; record not available.

Estimated monthly discharge of Honeoye Creek at Eiwt Rush, X. Y., for 1903 and 1904. 

[Drainage area, 238 square miles.]

Discharge in second-feet. Run-off.

Month.

1903. 

January a . ....................

February, 16 days .............

March, 26 days. . ..............

April, 26 days. ................

June, 26 da^7 s .................

July, 26 days ..................

August, 26 days ...............

September, 26 days --.-........

October, 27 days ..:...........

November, 24 days ............

December, 26 days ............

1904. 

January, 19 days a . ............

February a . ...................

March, 27 days. ...............

June, 26 days .................

August, 27 days ...............

September, 26 days. ...........

October, 28 days ..............

December ....................

Maximum.

617

1,427

2, 710

108

2, 263

196

225

225

129

136

60

2,188

K.RQ

476

407

191

80

283

68

66

418

Minimum, b Mean.

222

564

448

74.9

161

81.2

95.9

54.3

45.8

60.4

37.3

29.7

685

O7Q

188

81.7

55.6

31.0

48.1

46.2

39.4

46.3

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0. 933

2.37

1/88

.315

.677

.341

.403

2°8

.193

.254

.157

.125

2.88

1.17

7QO

.343

.234

.130

.202

.194

.166

.195

Depth in 

inches.

0.486

2.29

1.82

2.92

.655

.304

.330

.220

.194

.227

.152

.884

2.89

1 1Q

.764

.332

9HQ

.130

.195

.202

.179

.225

"Stream frozen January 1 to February 12,1903; also January 24 to February 24, 1904. 

b Regimen of stream disturbed by pondage.

NOTE. This discharge does not include the diversion from Hemlock Lake for water supply for 

Rochester.
LAKE ONTARIO DRAINAGE BASIN. 91 

SKANEATELES LAKE OUTLET AT WILLOWGLEN, N. Y. a

The daily discharge over a thin-edged weir, located in the village of 

Willowglen, 1|- miles below the foot of Skaneateles Lake, has been 

observed, beginning March 10, 1895. The weir has a crest length of 

27 feet, with two end contractions. The discharge is calculated from 

the observed depth on a stake set with its top at crest level 5.2 feet 

upstream from the weir, by means of the Francis formula, including 

corrections for end contractions and velocity of approach.

Beginning July 1, 1894, the water supply of the city of Syracuse 

has been drawn from Skaneateles Lake and the amount of its diversion 

should be added to the discharge over Willowglen weir to obtain the 

total run-off from the drainage basin. The calculated diversion, as 

determined from the record of gate openings and head at the inlet 

gates, using the formula for orifices with a constant coefficient stated 

as 0.62, have been furnished by the city of Syracuse. The observations were taken at the weir and gates by Edward Conron.

Drainage areas of Skaneateles Lake. a

Location. Area.

Land surface above State dam at Skaneateles. 

Water surface of lake at Skaneateles.........

Sq. miles.

60.25

12.75

Total drainage area above foot of lake. 73.00

(Water surface above foot of lake is 17.46 per cent.) 

Total area above Willowgleii weir .................

Area above Erie Canal at Jordan..................

74.25

93.00

" Areas here given have been taken from proceedings in condemnation of water powers on Skaneateles outlet. The lake and its tributary area are shown on the Skaneateles, Tully, Cortland, and 

Moravia sheets of the U. S. Geological Survey topographic atlas.

The lake surface is at an elevation about 865 feet above tide.

The average width of the land surface on the two sides of the lake 

is 2| miles. In this distance occurs a rise of 400 to 800 feet, the 

greater portion being within 1 mile of the lake on either side. The 

surface inflow takes place through numerous short lateral feeders 

flowing down these slopes.

Skaneateles Lake outlet enters Seneca River above Cross Lake, crossing Erie Canal at Jordan. The fall from the foot of the lake to this 

point is 465 feet.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

« For complete description of gagings which have been made of this stream, see Report on Stream 

Gagings, contained in Supplement, Report of State Engineer and Surveyor of New York for 1902 

pp. 61 to 76.
92 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Mean daily discharge,® in second-feet, of Skaneatele* Lafa outlet at Willoirglen, N. Y.

for 1904.

Day.

1. .............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7.............. 

8-..-.-........

10-.----.-......

11..............

12-..-.---......

-iq

14------.--..-..

15.----...-..... 

16-.----........

17-.---......... 

18-----....-....

19- -

20-- ........... . 

21-------.....-.

"W.

oq

25- -.--......... 

26--.--.-..-....

27-----.-.......

OO

99.

30------.-...... 

31..............

Jan.

91.2

91 °

91.2

91 °

91.2 

91 °

91 °

91 °

91.2 

91 °

91.2

91 2

91.2

91.2 

94.2

1 fWJ £

100.3 

97.2

94.2 

91 °

91 2

91.2 

91.2

Feb.-

74.7

109.8

94 ''

91 °

 S5.5

80.0

80.0

74.7

80.0 

85.5

8

t) Q

85. 5 

g»> £

85.5

QQ O

S

O Q

Mar.

80.0

82.8

88.3

85.5

85.5

85.5

122.7

85. 5

74.7

91.2

85.5 

97 °

97.2

97 ' *

97.2 

97.2

106.6

113.0

135. 8 

119 4

116.2

103.4

103.4 

109.8

Apr.

116.2

116.2

109.8

103.4

103.4 

103.4

103.4

122. 7 

129.2 

129 °

129 '7

129.2 

1°9 2

142.5 

149.5

142.5

142.5

May.

14° 5

14'> R

142. 5

142. 5 

142. 5

142. 5

142. 5

142.5

116.2

116.2

109.8

IftQ 8

109.8 

109.8

1 f Q V

1OQ )

129.2

1OQ O

129.2

190 9

129 °

129.2 

129.2

June.

129.2

1°9 °

1°9 °

1°9 °

1°9 ^

129.2

129 °

1^9 "

1''9 °

129.2 

1°5 9

125. 9 

125. 9

125. 9 

lot> 9

125.9

97.2 

94.2 

91 °

91.2

91 "

91.2 

91 *>

91.2 

91 °

91 °

91.2

July.

91.2

Q1 '1

91 ''

91.2

91 '~>

91.2

91.2

91.2

91.2

91.2 

91.2

91.2

91.2 

91.2

91.2 

91 '

91.2

91.2 

91.2 

91.2

91 °

91.2 

91.2

135.8

135.8

135.8 

91.2

Aug.

91 ->

91 2

91 °

91 ''

91.2

97.2

119.4

119.4

119 4

119.4 

119 4

119.4

119.4 

119.4

119.4 

119.4

119.4

119.4 

122. 7 

122.7

122. 7

122. 7

122.7 

122.7

122.7

122.7 

122. 7

Sept.

"1 OO *T

1 Q 1^ £

135.8

135.8 

119 4

119.4

103.4

103.4

103.4

103.4

103.4 

1U3.4

109.8 

103.4 

103.4

103.4

103.4

109.8

103.4

103.4

Oct.

103.M

103.4

103.4

103.4

106.6

103.4

103.4

103.4

103.4

103.4 

109.8 

116.2

103.4

103.4 

103.4

103.4

103.4 

103.4

Nov.

103.4

103.4

103.4

103.4

103.4

103.4

100.3 

100.3

100.3

100.3

97.2

97.2 

97 °

97.2

91.2

88.3

85.5

85.5

85.5

85.5 

85.5 

85.5

85.5

85.5 

85.5

85.5 

85.5

85.5

85.5

Dec.

85.5

85.5

85.5

85.5

85.5 

85.5

82.8

82.8

80.0

72.2 

72.2

74.7

74.7 

74.7

74.7

74.7

74.7

74.7 

74.7 

69.6

72.2

so.o

88.3

82.8 

82. 8

« Actual flow in outlet, not including diversion.

Estimated monthly discharge of Skaneateles Lake outlet « at Willowglei\,-N. Y., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 74.2 square miles.]

Month

January ......................

February .....................

March ........................

April .........................

May ................ ........

June .........................

July .........................

August .......................

September ....................

October ...............__.....

November ....................

December ....................

The year ...............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

113.0 

116.2 

135.8 

149.5 

146.0 

129. 2 

135. 8 

122.7 

135.8 

116.2 

103.4 

88.3

149,5

Minimum.

91.2 

69.6 

69.6 

103.4 

109.8 

91.2 

91.2 

91.2 

103.4 

103.4 

85.5 

69.6

69.6

Mean.

93.6 

84.3 

96.5 

117.6 

127.2 

114.8 

97.1 

114.4 

112.4 

104.5 

92.9 

78.9

102.8

Run-off.

Seeond-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.26 

1.14 

1.30 

1.59 

1.71 

1.55 

1.31 

1.54 

1.52 

1.41 

1.25 

1.06

1,39

Depth in 

inches.

1.45 

1.23 

1.50 

1.77 

1.97 

1.73 

1.51 

1.78 

1.68 

1.63 

1.40 

1.22

18.87

a Actual flow in outlet, not including diversion.
LAKE ONTAKIO DRAINAGE BASIN. 93

Estimated monthly discharge of Skaneateles Lake outlet a near Wittowglen, N. Y., for

1903 and 1904.

[Drainage area, 74.2 square miles.]

Month.

1903. 

November ..........,.....___.

December ....................

1904. 

January ......................

February .....................

March ........................

April. ........................

May .........................

June .........................

July .........................

August .......................

September ............ r_ ......

October . . . . ..................

November ....................

December ....................

The year ...............

D'hcharge in second-feet.

In outlet.

113.0 

91.4

93.6 

84.3 

96.5 

117.6 

127.2 

114.8 

97.1 

114.4 

112.4 

104. 5 

92.9 

78.9

Through 

conduit.

19.1 

17.5

18.4 

18.4 

18.2 

19.6 

18.9 

19.0 

20.0 

19.5 

18.7 

19.6 

17.2 

17.5

Total.

132.1 

108.9

112. 0 

102.7 

114.7 

137.2 

146.1 

133.8 

117.1 

133. 9 

131.1 

124.1 

110.1 

96.4

121.6

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.78 

. 1.47

1.51

1.38 

1.55 

1.85 

1.97 

1.80 

1.58 

1.80 

1.77 

1.67 

1.48 

1.30

1.64

Depth in 

inches.

1.99

1.70

1.74 

1.49 

1.79 

2.06 

2. 27 

2.02 

1.82 

2.08 

1.98 

1.92 

1.65 

1.50

22.30

"Including diversion for mnnicipal water supply of Syracuse, N. Y. 

OSWEGO RIVER AT BATTLE ISLAND, N. Y.

Oswego River is formed by the confluence of Oneida and Seneca 

rivers at Three River Point. The stream is shown throughout its 

course of 2-i mi'es on the Oswego Special and Baldwinsville sheets of 

the United States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas. The drainage tributary to the river below the junction of Oneida and Seneca 

rivers is of small extent. The tributaries of Oswego River proper are 

neither large nor numerous, receiving the drainage from a number of 

small lakes and marshes in a moderately rolling basin. Oneida and 

Seneca rivers are both notable for the large extent of lake and marsh 

area contained within their basins, Oneida Lake in the. former and 

the Finger Lakes tributary to the latter streams affording extensive 

natural storage, regulation of flow to Oswego River.

A fall of 100 feet in the course of Oswego River is mainly utilized 

by seven dams, which also partially canalize the stream. The intervening stretches are covered by the Oswego canal, which draws its
94 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 12!>.

water supply from the river. The accompanying tables of discharge 

show the actual flow past the gaging station, not including the flow in 

Oswego canal. a

The observations at this station during 19<M have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurement of Osweyo Rirer at Battle Island, A7. Y., in 1904.

Date. Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert............

Area of 

section.

Sq.Jeet.

2, 051

1,640

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.36

2.44

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

87.15

86. 15

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

6,891

4,002

Mean daily elevation of water surface of Oswego River at Battle Island, N. Y., for 1904

Day.

1..............

2.............. 

3..............

4.. ............ 

6..............

6.............. 

7..............

8.............. 

9

10..............

11..............

12..............

13............'..

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19.............. 

20.............. 

21..............

22..............

24..............

25..............

27..............

09

30.........:....

31..............

Jan.

87.85

88.20 

88.80

88.95 

89.00

89. 05 

89.10

89. 05 

89.02

89.05

89.05

89. 05

89.10

89.07

89.13

89.33

89.15

88.85

89. 02 

89. 25 

89.28

89.00

88.95

89. 25

89.65

89.85

90.12

90.10

89.72

Feb.

90.10

89.85 

89. 75

89.78 

89.75

89. 65 

89.70

90. 53 

91.23

91.50

91.45

91.35

91.32

91.60

91. 25

90.70 

{10. 05

90.65 

90.50 

90.60

90 58

90.40

90.30

90.20

90 18

91.15

91.48

Mar.

91.25

91.38 

91.25

91.32 

91.25

91 . 18 

91. 75

92. 80 

93.45

93.50

93.38

93.15

93.00

92.98

92. 85

92. 65

92. 55 

9° 45

92. 35 

92. 08 

92. 15

9° °5

92.70

92.82

93.70

94 05

94 05

94.05

94.18

Apr.

94. 15

94.25 

94.25

94.22 

94. 05

93. 95 

93.78

93.50 

93. 40

93.48

93.60

93. 52

93.40

93.38

93.20

92.95

92. 88 

92. 85 

92. 68

92.50

92.38

92.26

92. 15

92.15

92.20

92.28

May.

92.10

92.15 

92.02

91.90 

91.90

91.82 

91.50

91.45 

91.38

91.05

90. 82

 90.62

90.30

90.08

90.05

90. 05

89.95 

89.98

89.92

89.88 

89.85

90.00

89.90

89.68

89.68

90.12

90.35

89.40

89.35

89.25

June.

89. 15

89.03 

88.90

88.70 

87.83

87.75 

87.80

87.85 

87.87

87.90

88. 05

88.00

88.12

88.10

87.95

87. 72 

87.75

87.55 

87. 52 

87.45

87.30

87.15

87.07

86.75

87.00

86.95

86.85

86.85

July.

86.78

86.55 

86.15

86.35 

86.50

86.42 

86.18

86.35 

86. 25

86.00

86.32

86. 15

86. 22

86.26

86.38

86.45

85.50 

86. 25

86.18 

86.02 

85.75

85.65

85.15

85.80

85.55

85.50

85.02

85. 32

85.32

85.00

Aug.

85.75

85.50 

85.40

85.30

85. 22

85. 20 

85.10

85.50

85.28

85. 12

85.05

84.90

84.78

85.20

85.15

84.90

84.98 

84.80

84.90 

85.10 

84.75

84.98

85.40

85.58

85.40

86. 20

85.10

84.60

85. 50

85.15

85.12

Sept.

85.10

85.05 

85. 12

84.62 

85.10

85.05 

85.10

85. 08 

85.05

84.98

84.48

84.90

85.20

85.10

85. 22

85. 25

85. 05 

84. 25

85.22 

85.08 

85.15

85.10

86.05

 85.18

84.48

85.92

85.40

85.38

85.70

85.60

Oct.

85.35

84.95

85. 85

85. 85 

85.95

85. 95 

86.00

86. 02 

85. 35

86.36

86.33

86.40

86.65

86.50

86.40

85. 90

86.80 

86.65

86.45 

86.33 

86.37

86.10

87.10

86.70

86.70

86.65

86.85

86.67

86.20

87.00

Nov.

86.65

86. 60 

86. 65

86. 57 

86.40

85. 75 

87.05

86.55 

86.35

86.40

86.35

86. 25

85. 40

86.70

86.37

86.15

86. 05 

86.13

86.00 

85. 35 

86.30

86.00

86.10

86.13

86.00

85.60

85.60

86.05

85.85

85.80

Dec.

85.75

85.75 

85.65

85.85 

86.15

85.96 

85.90

85.95 

85.95

85.63

85.20

85.60

85.50

85.50

85.45

85. 35

85.35 

85.25

85.50 

85.65 

85.50

85.45

85.25

85. 10

84.95

85. 40

'85.25

87.80

88.10

88.45

88.45

a For additional data of gagings of Oswego River see Report on Stream Gagings, contained in 

Supplement, Report of State Engineer and Surveyor of New York for 1902, pp. 84-%; also 1903, pp. 

41-42.
TND'H TNSON '] LAKE ONTAEIO DRAINAGE BASIN. 95

Eating table for Ostrego Hirer fit Battle Island, N. Y., from January 1 to December 31,

1904.

 Gage 

height.

Feet.

83. 00

83. 10

83. 20

83. 30

83. 40

83. 50

83. 60 

83.70

S3. 80

83. 90

84.00

84.10

84.20

84.30

84.40

84.50

Discharge.

Seeond-ftet.

1,280

1,350

1,420

1,480

1,550

1,620

1,700 

1 , 790

1,870

1,950

2,040

2,140

2,230

2,330

2,420

2, 520

Gage 

height.

Feet.

84. 60

84.70

84.80

84.90

85. 00

85.10

85. 20 

85. 30

85. 40

85.50

85. 60

85.70

85. 80

85.90

86.00

86.20

Discharge.

Second-feel.

2, 630

2,740

2, 860

2,970

3,080

3,210

3, 340 

3, 460

3, 590

3,720

3, 860

4,000

4,150

4, 290

4, 430

4,740

Gage 

height

Feet.

86. 4C

86. 6C

86.81.

87.01.

87. 2C

87.41.

87.61 

87. Sf

88. OC

88. 20

88.41

88. 61.

88. 8C

89. 0(

89. 2(

89. 4(

Gage 

height.

Feet.

86.40

86.60

86.80

87.00

87.20

87.40

87. 60

87. SO

88.00

88. 20

88. 40

88. 60

88.80

89.00

89.20

89.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5, 050

5, 380

5, 730

6,080

6, 450

6,820

7,200

7,590

7,990

8,390

8,790

9,200

9,610

10, 020

10, 440

10, 850

Gage 

height.

Feet.

89.60

89.80

90.00

90.20

90.40

90.60

90.80

91. 00

91. 50

92.00

92.50

93. 00

93. 50

94.00

94.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

11,280

11,710

12, 150

12, 590

13, 020

13, 460

13,910

14, 360

15, 490

16, 630

17, 830

19,000

20, 190

21,400

22, 610

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 

discharge measurements made during 1901-1904. It is well defined between gage 

heighths 85 feet and 93 feet. Below 85 the curve is based on 1 measurement at 

83.6. The table has been extended beyond these limits.

* 

Estimated monthly discharge of Oxweyo Ricer at Battle Island, N. Y., for 1904.

[Drainage area, 4,990 square miles.]

Month.

January u. ....................

March « ......................

April .........................

May .........................

July .........................

November ....................

December « ...................

Drainage in second-feet.

Maximum.

22, 000 

16, 990 

10, 330 

5,680 4,070' 

' 4, 320 

6,260 

6,170

Minimum.

16,990 

10, 540 

5, 640 

3, 080 

2, 630 

2,280 

3, 020 

3,530

Mean.

19, 330 

13, 320 

7,497 

4,416 

3,291 

3,223 

4,904 

4,719

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

3.87 

2.67 

1.50 

.885 

.660 

.646 

;983 

.946~

Depth in 

inches.

4.32 

3.08 

1.67 

1.02 

.761 

.721 

1.13 

1.06

«Probable ice conditions January 1 to March. 31; December 1-31.
96 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129. 

SENECA EIVEE, AT BALDWINSVILLE, N. Y.

This station was established November 12, 1898. a The gaging station is located at the State dam in Baldwinsville, 12 miles along the 

river from the junction of Seneca River with Oneida River. These 

two streams unite at Three River Point to form Oswego River.

Seneca River receives the drainage from the central group of lakes 

lying southward from Lake Ontario. The drainage basin is rolling, 

though not precipitous, excepting for the deep, narrow valleys crossing it, in which the lakes are situated, and certain additional valleys 

not at the present time occupied b}r lakes.

The location of the gaging station is shown on the Baldwinsville 

sheet of the United States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas. 

The topographic sheets also show the entire drainage basin. Currentmeter measurements, to determine the leakage of the several mills, 

have been made during 1904, as in preceding years, and the allowance 

for this leakage has been made. The record has also been checked by 

current-meter measurements made during 1901, 1903, and 1904 at Belgium. The discharge at New Bridge, Belgium, April 15, 1904, was 

10,615 second-feet.

The gaging record at Baldwinsville includes the discharge over the 

main dam, which is calculated by the formula for a broad, flat-crested 

weir when flashboards are removed. Discharge over flash boards is 

calculated by the Francis formula. Gage readings in the river channel 

below the dam are utilized to determine the average working head on 

turbines. Discharge through the three main canals is determined from 

records of the run of water wheels kept in each mill, and from the 

recorded lockage and openmg of paddles at the Oswego Canal lock at 

the foot of the canal. 6

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

 (By George W. Rafter for U. S. Board of Engineers on Deep Waterways.

bSee Report State Engineer and Sury?vor of New York, Supplement, 1902, pp. 77-81,1903, pp. 39-40,
] LAKE ONTARIO DEAINAGE BASIN. 97

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of fteneca River at Baldu'insvUle, N. Y., for 1904.

Day,

1. .............

2..............

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19

°0

21..............

23..............

24..... ........

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30.............. 

31..............

Jan.

2,270

2,480

1,360

2, ISO

2,260

2,240

2,210

2,340

1,870

2, 370

O OJirf)

2,240

2, 320

2, 280

2,320

2, 170

 > 060

1,960

o }20

2,380

4, 220

4,680

4,300

Feb.

4,270

3,970

3,760

3,800

3,670

3,460

3,620

4,400

4,880

5, 260

5,300

5,150

5, 270

4,950

5,300

5,330

5

AFU1

4.R50

4,410

4,070

5, 010

4,480

4,370

4,460

J ivi

3,850

Mar.

4,130

4,100

4,230

4,450

4,830

4,410

5,180

6,540

6,810

6,940

6,940

7,130

7,080

7,080

6,870

6,580

6,500

6,040

6,620

6,720

7,640

7 QQfl

8,580

9 ftftfl

9,550

10, 310

10 °90

10, 260 

10 °50

Apr.

8,450

8,150

8 1 ftft

7 730

8 'MO

7 860

8,050

7 970

8,120

7,940

May.

7,610

7,610

7 IQft

7,050

6 QQft

5 Finn

6,400

June.

5,610

5, 610

4,730

5, 360

A onn

5,180

4 930

4,630

3 740

4 °90

4, 120

3 640

3,550

July.

2, 750

3 Finn

2,440

3 1 on

») 340

O *7ftft

1, 720

O onn

2,380

2,280

2, 420

o 430

2, 510 

1,830

Aug.

2,460

2,540

2,460

2,390

1,600

2,300

2, 440

2,400

1,820

2, 060

2, 170

1,610

2, 240

2, 100

o 100

2,040

1,970

2 340

1,610

2, 210

2,170

1,760

1,710

i son

1,910

1,650

Sept.

1,630

1,630

1,630

840

2,170

1,850

1,670

1,830

1,830

1,830

1,200

1,850

1,700

1,700

1,730

1,700

1,230

1 840

1,860

1,870

1,800

1,750

Oct.

1,850

1,220

2,160

2,260

2,170

1,960

1,860

1,820

1,150

2, 150

2, 140

2,160

2,170

2,020

1,920

1,770

2,400

2,420

2,520

o 040

2,850

2,780

2,790

2,810

2,410 

2,870

Nov.

2,940

2,940

2, 980

2,940

2,770

2, 250

3,010

2,890

2,970

2,930

2,970

2,830

2,110

2, 820

2,790

2,850

2,700

1,610

2,770

2,660

2,430

1, 820

2,500

2,430

2,410

Dec.

2,690

2, 690

2, 500

1,740

2, 560

2, 510

2, 530

2,550

2,410

2, 440

1,330

2,100

1,970

1,950

2,150

2, 160

2, 260

1,380

2,380

2,340

2,320

2,240

1,480

2,570

3,250

3,800

3,850 

3,840

NOTE. Ice formed on portion of crest of dam during January and February, 

excessive.

IRK 129 05 7"

Discharge may be
98 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Estimated monthly discharge of Seneca River at Balduwisville, N. Y. f for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 3,103 square miles.]

Month.

February .....................

March _.....__._._._..._.._._.

May ..:......................

June .........................

July..........................

August .......................

October ......................

November ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,680 

5, 330 

10, 310 

10, 230 

7,910 

5,850 

3,800 

2,700 

2,170 

3,080 

.3, 010 

3,850

10, 310

Minimum.

1,360 

3,460 

4,100 

7,630 

5, 340 

3,280 

1,720 

1,320 

800 

1,150 

1,610 

1,330

Mean.

2,594 

4,490 

6,986 

8,663 

6,421 

4,673 

2,818 

2,065 

1,711 

2,266 

2,647 

2,411

800 3, 979

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.836 

1.45 

2.25 

2.79 

2.07 

1.51 

.908 

.665 

.551 

.730 

.853 

.777

1.28

Depth in

inches.

0.964 

1.56 

2.59 

3.11 

2.39 

1.68 

1.05 

.767 

.615 

.842 

.952 

.896

17.42

ONONDAGA LAKE OUTLET AT LONG BRANCH, N. Y.

Readings have been taken showing the stage of this stream on a 

vertical staff g~age graduated decimally and having its zero mark at 

elevation 360.81, located 800 feet upstream from Long Branch 

highway bridge. Current-meter measurements have also been made 

to determine the outflow from Onondaga Lake. The discharge is not 

a continuous function of the stage of the stream, however, owing to 

the variation in the water level of Seneca River, which forms the outlet of the lake, and to the growth of grass and aquatic plants in the 

stream channel.

Onondaga Lake receives the drainage from an irregular pear-shaped 

area; the broad endr!7 miles in width, extends east and west just west 

of Syracuse, the lake lying near the northern boundary. The length 

of the drainage basin is 25 miles, the apex lying in the Tully Lake, 

region. The altitude of Onondaga Lake is 364 feet. The general elevation of the flats surrounding the lake and extending eastward to the 

boundary of the drainage area is 400 feet.. The surface rises rapidly 

to elevation 800 feet on a Hue crossing the basin immediately south 

of Syracuse. South of this line the topography is bold, broad hills 

2 to 4 miles in diameter rising to altitudes of from 1,200 to 1,800 feet.

Otisco Lake here occupies the western portion of the main drainage 

basin, and comprises approximately one-third the total area. The
HOBTON, JOHNSON, 

AND HOYT. ] LAKE ONTARIO DRAINAGE BASIN. 99

lake is at an elevation of 784: feet, and its drainage basin is at an average 

altitude about 200 feet greater than that of Onondaga Creek. Otisco 

Lake lies parallel to and at a distance of 2f miles from Skaneateles Lake. 

The latter is at elevation 867 feet; the difference of level between the 

two lakes being 83 feet. They are separated by a ridge rising to elevation 1,700 feet.

The Tully Lakes are located in a flat-bottomed valley from 1 to 2 

miles wide. Two of these lakes have a southerly outlet to Tioughnioga 

River; the remaining lakes have no surface outlets. Just north of 

these lakes the valley drops rapidly from elevation 1,200 to elevation 

900, within a distance of one-half mile, and on this slope, within a 

short distance of Tully Lakes, spring-fed streams rise forming the 

headwaters of Onondaga Creek.

- The drainage area is largely rich agricultural land. There are no 

extensive marshes. Stream tributaries are rather sparse and the steep 

hillside slopes are usually smooth in the Onondaga Creek basin, but 

serrated and with numerous short lateral streams in the Otisco basin. 

The combined water surface of Onondaga arid Otisco Lakes is 8 square 

miles, or 2.8 per cent of the total drainage area.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Drainage areas of Onondaga Creek. a

Location.

Otisco Lake: 

Above foot of lake & . . . . ....................................

Onondaga Creek:

Onondaga Lake: 

Total area above outlet &. ..................................

Water surface. ........-.--.-.-.....-.........-.-.....-..-.

Onondaga Lake outlet:

Areas.

Place to 

place.

Sq. miles. 

44.7

74.0

40.6 

65.3

3.0

Total.

Sq. miles. 

44.7 

3.3 

118.7

40.6 

105.9

288.4 

4.7

291.4

"From Syracuse, Baldwinsville, Skaneateles, and Tully sheets of the United States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas. 

& Including water surface.
100 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART.VI. [NO. 129. 

Discharge measurements of Onondaga Lake outlet at Long Branch, N. Y., in 1904-

Date

April 15.......

April 25 .......

May 18........

May 27........

July 30........

September 2 ...

November 19 . .

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert..............................

.....do ...................................

.....do ...................................

.....do ...................................

.....do ...................................

Covert and Weeks ........................

Gage 

height."

Feet. 

7.60

6.80

6.40

4.80

4.70

2. 45

2.10

1.80

Discharge.

Second-feft. 

6563

774

805

796

605

< 276

338

331

«Barge canal gage about 700 feet above bridge.

& Backwater from Seneca River. '

f Stream badly choked by eel grass.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Onondaga Lake outlet at Long Branch, N. Y., for 1904-

Day.

1..... ..............................

o

3...................................

4...................................

5.. .................................

7...................................

8...................................

9...................................

10...................................

11 ...................................

12

13...................................

14...................................

15.. ................................

16...................................

17...................................

18...................................

19...................................

20...................................

21 ...................................

22 ...................................

23...................................

24...................................

26...................................

27...................................

28...................................

29...................................

30...................................

31............;......................

Apr.

7.50

7.40

7.30

7.30

7 00

6.80

May.

6.80

6.60

6.50

6.50

6.10

5.90

5.70

5.20

5.00

4.95

4.85

4.85

4 on

4.80

4 80

4.80

4 80

4.75

4 50

4.50

June.

4.40

4.25

4.15

4 00

3.90

3.80

3.95

3.60

3. 55

3.55

3.50

3.40

3.30

2.90

July.

2.85

2. SO

2.65

2.55

2.50

2.72

2.65

2 Fin

Aug.

2.60

2.52

2.33

2.30

2 40

Sept.

2.15

2.10

2 08

2.07

2.04

1 98

2 00

2 05

Oct.

2.10

2.00

1.90

2.10

° 50

Nov.

2.40

2.20

2.20

1.80

1.80

1.80
HORTON, 

AND LAKE ONTARIO DRAINAGE BASIN. 101

ONEIDA LAKE, NEW YORK.

Oneida Lake affords a large evaporation surface in summer. In 

winter, however, the evaporation rate is greatly reduced by freezing 

of the lake surface. At the same time the precipitation on the drainage basin to the north and east is chiefly held back as surface storage 

in the form of snow, this portion of the area lying in the region of 

maximum snowfall of the State, the depth of accumulated snow 

aggregating sometimes several feet in the woodlands and having a 

water equivalent of from 2 to 3 inches per foot of densely compacted

snow.

The following table shows the date of opening and closing of Oneida 

Lake by ice at Constantia, N. Y., the data up to 1896 having been 

collected for the United States Deep Waterways Commission by 

William Pierson Judson, C. E.:

Table shonnng dates of opening and dosing of Oneida Lake oy ice.

Year.

1845..............

1846 ..............

1847 ..............

1848 ..............

1849... ...........

1850..............

1851 ..............

1852..............

1852..............

1853 ..............

1854 ..............

1855 ..............

1856 ..............

1857 _ .............

1858 ..............

1859 ..............

1860 ..............

1861 ..............

1862..............

1863..... ........

1864 ..............

1865 ..............

1866 ..............

1867..............

1868..............

1869 ..............

1870 ..............

1871..............

1872 ..............

1873..............

1874..............

Opened.

Apr. 3

Apr. 10

Apr. 12

Apr. 9

Apr. 3

Mar. 28

Apr. 15

Apr. 2

Apr. 8

Apr. 3

Apr. 9

Apr. 2

Mar. 26

Mar. 30

Mar. 24

Apr. 2

Apr. 3

Apr. 12

Apr. 6

Closed.

Dec. 15

Dec. 8

Dec. 28

Dec. 25

Dec. 14

Dec 29

Feb 10

Dec. 13

Dec. 24

Dec 3

Dec 17

Dec. 25

Dec. 16

Dec. 3

Dec 17

Dec. 20

Dec 15

Dec. 4

Dec. 20

Dec 13

Dec. 5

Dec 11

Dec. 25

Dec 10

Dec. 25

Dec. 16

Dec. 2

Dec. 24

Dec. 3

Dec. 13

Year.

1875 ..............

1876 ..............

1877 ..............

' 1878 ..............

1879..............

1880..............

1881 ..............

1882..............

1883..............

1884..............

1885 ..............

1886 ..............

1887..............

1888..............

1889 ..............

1890 ..............

1891 ..............

1892. .............

1893..............

1894 ..............

1895 ...............

1896 ..............

1897 ..............

1898 ..............

1899 ..............

1900 ..............

1901 ..............

1902..............

1903... ...........

1904..............

Opened.

Apr. 2

Mar. 27

Apr. 3

Apr. 1

Apr. 7

Apr. 25

Apr. 6

Apr. 2

Apr. 3

Apr. 2

Apr. 1

Apr. 3

Apr. 6

Apr. 25

Apr. 2

Apr. 6

Apr. 19

Apr. 19

Mar. 30

Apr. 20

.Apr. 18

Mar. 28

Mar. 21

Mar. 15

Closed.

Dec. 24

Dec. 15

Dec. 19

Dec. 3

Dec. 25

Dec. 16

Dec. 3

Dec. 15

Dec. 24

Dec. 6

Dec. 7

Dec. 13

Dec. 25

Dec. 13

Dec. 25

Dec. 22

Dec. 16

Dec. 11

Dec. 24

Dec. 17

Dec. 28

Dec. 18

Dec. 12

Dec. 28

Dec. 25

Dec. 30

Dec. 24

Dec. 22
102 S1^^A.M MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 12D.

RIVER NEAR EUCLID, 1ST. Y.

Oneida Lake has W water-surf ace area of 80 square miles and lies at 

elevation 370 feet above tide. The drainage basin within a radius of 

10 miles to the south and west is relatively flat, with numerous marshy 

tracts. The lake receives, through Chittenango and. Oneida creeks, 

drainage from an extensive area of the central New York plateau, and 

through Wood and Fish creeks on the east, drainage from a portion 

of the west slope of the plateau bordering the Adirondack Mountains. 

On the north the drainage area is less extensive and the inflowing 

streams are small.

The outflow from the lake through Oneida River, 16 miles in length, 

joins Seneca River at Three River Point, forming Oswego River, which 

is tributary to Lake Ontario. Observations of the stream stage have 

been taken by measuring down to water surface each morning and 

evening from a reference point on the bulkhead coping of the lock at 

the Oak Orchard State dam 0.4 mile above SchroeppeFs bridge. 

Flashboards placed on the dam during the low-water season of 1904 

have modified the stage' during the period when they are in use.

A calibration curve for the cross section of the stream at Schroeppel's bridge has been obtained by current-meter measurements. The 

gage readings have been taken above the dam, as stated, to avoid 

backwater from ice or other causes as far as possible.

The gaging station is 7 miles upstream from Three River Point. 

The observations are taken by Arthur McArthur. The drainage area 

above the gaging station has been taken provisionally at 1,400 square 

miles."

Above a certain stage the dam becomes submerged and the discharge 

modified. A special rating table deduced from measurements made 

during the period of submergence has been used to calculate the discharge in the high-water season of 1904. Allowance is made for opening of lock paddles in winter.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

« From Bien's Atlas of New York. A portion of the drainage area is shown on 

the Syracuse, Chittenango, Oneida, Oriskany, Morrisville, Cazenovia,.and Tully sheets 

of the United States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas. For additional data concerning Oneida River see report on stream gagings, contained in Supplement, Report 

of State Engineer and Surveyor for New York, 1902, pp. 82-84.
^AKE ONTARIO. DRAINAGE BASIN. 103

Discharge measurements of Oneida River near Euclid, N. Y., in 1904.

Date.

April 26 .......

May 12........

May 18........

May 28........

June 25........

July 29........

Hydrographer.

C. 0. Covert............

.....do .................

.....do .................

.....do .................

0. C. Covert............

C. A. Swancott. .........

.....do .................

Area of 

section.

Ng. feet . 

2,070

1,920

1,711

1,575

578

1,003

839

829

852

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

4.06

4.13

3.90

3.67

6.70

. 2.19

1.43

1.38

1.53

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.87

1.10

1.92

2.40

3.00

4.20

4.15

4.22

4.60

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

8,408

7,959

6,683

5, 792

3,880

2,199

1,200

1,143

1,307

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Oneida River near Euclid, N. Y., for 1904.

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."

2,450

2,540

2,710

2,630

2,540

2,540

2,640

2,370

2,300

2,230

2,080

2,010

1,940

1,800

1,800

1,660

1,870

1,940

2,080

2,230

2,080

1,870

1,800

1,870

1,940

2,080

2,080

2,160

2,230

2,370

2,300

Feb.a

2,300

2,230

2,230

2,370

2, 540

2,540

2,710

3,140

3,420

3,620

3,830

3,830

3,830

3,830

3,930

4,130

4,330

4,030

4,030

3,830

3,830

3,720

3,620

3,620

3,520

3,420

3,420

3,420

3,420

Mar.

3,420

3,320

2,960

3,140

3,320

3,520

4,130

4,900

6,460

6,330

6,330

6,210

5,960

5,840

5,600

5,470

5,240

5,130

5,130

4,790

4,680

4,790

5,350

6,330

7,750

9,020

9,860

9,800

9,730

9,730

9,730

Apr.

11, 710

10,000

9,730

9,930

10,000

9,930

9,860

9,800

9,600

9,930

10,080

10,200

10, 150

10,000

9,930

9,800

9,600

9,600

9,800

9,160

8,920

8,780

8,520

8,600

8,380

8,320

8,320

8,380

8,600

8,600

May.

8,380

8,240

8,170

8,170

8,040

7,900

7,750

7,610

7,480

7,200

6,810

6,550

6,300

6,050

5,800

5,440

5,560

5,440

5,310

4,970

4,850

4,740

4,740

4,520

4,520

4,290

3,870

3,970

3,870

3,870

3,870

Jvine .

3,970

3,770

3,460

3,260

3,260

2,980

2,980

2,890

3,060

2,980

2,890

2,890

2,800

2, 720

2,550

2,380

2,380

2,290

2,290

2,290

2, 140

2,070

2,070

2,070

2,000

1,920

1,780

1,920

1,780

July.

1,780

1,640

1,640

1,640

1,640

1,640

1,640

1,640

1,640

1,570

1,450

1,450

1,350

1,300

1,300

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,350

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,400

1,350

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,300

Aug.

1,300

1,240

1,190

1,190

1,090

1,090

1,140

1,190

1,190

1,190

1,090

1,090

1,090

1,090

1,090

1,090

1,040

1,040

1,140

1,240

1,240

1,240

1,350

1,350

1.240

1,240

1,350

1,350

1,350

1,350

1,450

Sept.

1,300

1,240

1,240

1,240

1,190

1,190

1,190

1,190

1,190

1,190

1,190

1,190

1,190

1,190

1,140

1,090

1,090

1,090

1,090

1,140

1,190

1,140

1,090

1,090

1,090

1,090

1,090

1,090

1,040

Oct.

940

940

990

1,040

1,090

1,240

1,300

1,300

1,300

1,400

1,300

1,710

1,640

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,500

1,640

1,500

1,780

1,780

1,850

1,920

1,780

1,920

1,920

1,920

1,920

1,920

Nov.

1,920

1,920

1,850

1,780

1,850

1,710

1,780

1,780

1,780

1,710

1,500

1,500

1,350

1,350

1,450

1,400

1,400

1,570

1,450

1,400

1,350

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,300

 1,300

1,300

1,400

1,350

Dec.

1,240

1,300

1,250

1,350

1,410

1,350

1,300

1,250

1,250

1,250

1,250

1,250

1,250

1,300

1,350

1,350

1,350

1,300

1,250

1,200

1,150

1,150

1,150

1,150

1,300

1,560

1,300

1,610

1,800

1,800

1,900

"January 1 to February 22 stream partly frozen above dam, but not sufficient to modify the flow.
104 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI.

Estimated montldij discharge of Otteida River near Euclid, N. Y.,for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 1,313 square miles.]

Month.

April........... ..............

May .........................

June .........................

July .........................

October .................. ^ ...

November ....................

December ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,710 

4,330 

9,860 

10,200 

8, 380 

3,970 

1,780 

1,"450 

1,300 

1,920 

1,920 

1,900

10, 200

Minimum.

1,660 

2,230 

2,960 

8,320 

3,870 

1,780 

1,300 

1,040 

1,040 

940 

1,300 

1,150

940

Mean.

2,162 

3, 403 

5,934 

9, 474 

5,944 

2, 592 

1,439 

1,204 

1,152 

1,517 

1,535 

1,344

3,142

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.64 

2.59 

4.52 

7.22 

4.53 

1.97 

1.10 

.917 

.877 

1.16 

1.17 

1.02

2.39

Depth in 

inches.

1.89 

2.80 

5.20 

8.06 

5.22 

2.20 

1.27 

1.06 

.978 

1.34 

1.30 

1.18

32. 50

CHITTBNANGO CREEK AT CHITTENANGO, N. Y.

A current-meter gaging station was established at Main Street 

Bridge in Chittenango village May 22, 1901. The stream at this point 

is entrained between parallel walls, affording a channel 50 feet wide, 

over which the bridge passes at a single span. The bridge stands at 

an angle to the thread of -the stream, and has a span between abutments of 57 feet. The gage board is secured in a vertical position to 

the right abutment on the upstream side, and reads decimally from 

zero to 8 feet. The stage of the stream is observed twice daily by 

Bessie M. Kellogg. The bench mark is on the upstream corner of the 

coping of the'right-hand bridge abutment. 

Elevation bench mark................................................... 100. 00

Elevation gage zero...................................................... 91. 77

The gaging station is one-half mile above the State dam diverting 

water for the supply of the summit level of Erie Canal. The flow of 

Chittenango Creek above Chittenango is regulated by storage in Cazenovia Lake and Erieville reservoir. 8

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Erieville reservoir. 

Tributary watershed ................................. .square miles.. 5.4

Storage capacity.........................................cubic feet.. 318,424, 000

Water surface ...............................................acres.. 340

a Data below from New York Barge Canal Report, 1900.
UOItTONj JOHNSON 

AND HOI'T";SON'] LAKE ONTAE10 DRAINAGE BASIN. 

Drainage areas of Chitlenango Creek. «

105

Location. Area.

Sq. miles. 

63.0 

78.9 

326.3

«Prom Morrisville, Oneida, Cazenovia, Chittenango, Tully, and Syracuse sheets of the United 

States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas.

Discharge measurements of Chittenango Creek at Chittenango, N. Y., in 1904.

Above Chittenango Falls 

Above gaging station 

Above mouth...........

Date.

June-30 .......

Julv28........

Hydrographer.

C. A. Swancott .............

.....do.....................

.....do.....................

A. M. Evans ...............

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

97

104

95

96

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec.

0.70

.82

.73

.58

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.38

1.50

1.48

1.34

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

55

70

70

56

Mean daily gage height, infett, of Chittenango Creek at Chittenango, N. Y.,for 1904.

Day.

1. .............

')

ft.......

7..............

15..............

16.............. 

17..............

18.............. 

19..............

21.............. 

22..............

24..............

25..............

27..............

28..............

29.............. 

30.............. 

31..............

Jan.

1.80

1.80

1.70

1.70 

f 1. 70 

1.70 

1.70 

1.70

1.70 

1.90

2.45

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.00 

2.00 

1.95

Feb."

1 90

1.90

1 90

o QO

1.90

3.03

3.15

2.20

2.00 

2.00 

1.90 

1.85 

1.80

1.75 

2.00 

1.85

1.80

1.82

1.80

1.80

Mar.

1.70

1.70

f> 20

 2.25

1.95

1.92

 > 90

3.45

2.75

9 go

2.15

9 00

1 90

1.90 

2.00 

2.10 

2.15

2.10 

2.70

3.80

3.40

2.80 

2.80 

2.60

Apr.

3.10

2 60

2.40

2.45

2.55

3 30

2.30 

2.30 

2.20 

2.20

2.30 

2.32 

2.45

2.45

2.08 

9 go

2.55 

2.20

May.

2.20

9 f\i)

>> oo

1.90

1.85

1.80

1.95 

1.85 

1.75 

1.70

1 7f^

1.70 

1.60 

1 60

1.50

1.50

1 f^fl

1.95

1.75

1.55 

1.55 

1.60

June.

i ^n

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.50

1 45

1.40

1.40

1 95

1.70

i t\f\

i F^n

i F^n

1 Pift

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.40 

1.40

1.40 

1.40 

1.40

1.40

1.30

1 ^O

1.48 

1.52

July.

1

1Q

1.55

1.25

1.32

1

40

1.40

1.40

1 3fl

1.30

1 ^1\

1.32

1.48

1.45

1 3^

1.45 

1.50 

1.42 

1.32 

1 48

1.35 

1.35

1.55

1.58

1.55

1.65 

1.52 

1.50

Aug.

1.45

1.75

1.55

1.40

1.48

1.42

1.35

1.52

1.45

1.50 

1.50 

1.62 

1.65 

1 90

1.75 

1.80 

2.15

1.75

1.55

1.45

1.42 

1.45 

1.45

Sept.

1.45

1.35

1.38

1.45

1.40

1.45

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1 30

1.38

1.48

1.50 

1.45 

1.40 

1.40 

1.40

1.50 

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.45

1.45

1.40

1.70 

1.65

Oct.

1.40

1.45

1.45

1 30

1.40

1.50

1.40

1.30

1.25

1.30 

1.50 

1.40

Nov.

1.40

1.35

1.35

1.40

1.40

1 30

1.25

1.45 

1.45 

1.45 

1.40 

1.45

1.50 

1.50 

"1.50

1.45

1.65

1.55

1.55

1.55 

1.50

Dec.

1.55

1.30

1.35

1.30

1.20

1.10

1.25

1.40

1.20

1.20

1 00

90

.85 

.85 

.80 

.90 

.95

.95 

.90 

1.35

1.75

1.55 

1 00

1.45

2.65

3.00 

2.00 

1.80

a During the most of February the creek was frozen part way across.

& Anchor ice.

^Stream completely frozen over.

rfStream open.

NOTE. During the frozen season the gage was read to the water surface in hole cut in ice.
106 BTREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, FART VI. [NO. 120.

Rtt.ing table for Chittenango Creek at Chittenango, N. Y., from December 16, 1901, to

December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

16

22

29

36

45

54

66

78

93

111

130

155

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

180

210

242

276

318

359

405

454

504

558

613

669

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

728

786

846

906

968

1, 030

1,100

1,170

1,240

1,320

1,410

Gage 

height.

feet.

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

Discharge.

Second-fed.

1,500

1, 590

1,680

1,780

1,870

1,970

2,190

2,410

2.640

2,900

3,160

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

29 discharge measurements made during 1902 to 1904, inclusive. It is well denned 

between gage heights 1.4 feet and 3 feet. Above gage height 3 feet the rating curve 

is based on 1 measurement at ^.8 feet. The table has been extended beyond these 

limits by means of logarithmic section paper.

Estimated monthly discharge of Chittenango Creek at Chittenango, N. Y.,for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 79 square miles.]

Month.

January ......................

February .....................

March. .......................

April......... ....... ........

May .........................

June ..... ....................

July .........................

August .......................

September ....................

November ..... ..............

December ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,780 

669 

180 

120 

63 

168 

78 

54 

72 

504

Minimum.

78 

150 

54 

36 

28 

45 

36 

32 

32 

9

Mean.

-361 

305 

91.5 

52.4 

48.0 

62.7 

48.0 

42.6 

48.0 

51.8

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

4.57 

3.86 

1.16 

.663 

.608 

.794 

.608 

.539 

.608 

.656

Depth in 

inches.

5.27 

4.31 

1.34 

.740 

.701 

.915 

.678 

.621 

.678 

.756

a No record October 16-22. Mean for actual number of days observed used as mean for entire month. 

NOTE. For ice conditions, see footnote to daily gage heights.
] LAKE ONTARIO DRAINAGE BASIN. 107

Cazenovia Lake. 

Tributary watershed................................. .square miles.. 8. 7

Storage capacity......................................... cubic feet.. 206,997,000

Water surface ........................................ square miles.. 1.7

The drainage basin is deeply rolling, mostly cleared, and has a heavy 

impervious soil with extensive sodded meadow areas. The soil is 

underlaid by shale rock, often outcropping and affording numerous 

springs. The stream tributaries are somewhat sparse, marsh and 

swamp areas are very limited, with the exception of the Nelson Swamp, 

about 2 square miles in area.

Cazenovia Lake is located at an elavation of 1,190 feet. From its outlet to the foot of the plateau at Erie Canal crossing, the stream descends 

770 feet; the distance, following the general trend of the valley, is 11 

miles. The freshet of December 15, 1901, changed the cross section of 

the stream at the gaging station. Separate rating curves have been 

prepared for the periods preceding and following that date.*

SALMON RIVER NEAR PULASKI, N. Y.

A current-meter gaging station was established at Fox Bridge September 5, 1900. The original gage was a vertical board scale attached 

to the upstream end of the center pier, having its zero mark at elevation 88.11 feet, the top of the capstone of the central pier, upstream 

end, being used as a bench mark, with arbitrary elevation 100.00.

This gage was carried away by ice in the winter of 1901-2, and was 

replaced July 23, 1902, by a standard chain and weight gage, having 

its datum at elevation 87.21 feet.

The gage readings have been taken twice each day by S. J. Fox, 

and have been continued throughout winter and summer, the winter 

readings being obtained by observing the height to which the water 

rose in a hole in the ice underneath the gage. Owing to the obstruction of the river channel by ice the discharge for the winter period 

has not been deduced.

The gaging bridge consists of two spans 183.5 feet between abutments. The stream bed is of gravel and cobble, relatively flat and 

shallow. There are also two small overflow channels and a flood plain 

at an average elevation at the highway of 95 feet; the discharge 

through these is included in the high-water measurements.

The drainage basin above the gaging station is rolling and very 

sandy, rock lying near the surface in the upper regions of the watershed, in which locality there are also extensive areas of original forest.

The drainage area at the gaging station is provisionally taken at 26-i 

square miles.

The drainage basin is located in a region of heavy snowfall; several 

feet of snow sometimes accumulating in the forest areas, and, by

"For results of gagings of Chittenango Creek at Bridgeport, just above the inflow to Oneida 

Lake, see Report on Stream Gagings, contained in Supplement, Report of State Engineer and Surveyor of New York, pp. 52-57.
108 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

gradually melting, feeding the stream during March and April. The 

current-meter measurements are made at 5-foot intervals across the 

stream from the downstream side of Fox Bridge, which is located 

about 2 miles upstream from Pulaski. The location of the gaging 

station is shown on the Pulaski sheet of the United States Geological 

Survey Topographic Atlas.

The observations at this station during 1904: have been made under 

theliirection of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Salmun River near Pulaski, N. Y., in 1904.

Date.

April 11 ...___.

September 23 . _

Hydrographer.

A. M. Evans. ...........

E. F. Weeks ............

Area of 

section.

,SV/. feet. 

1,055

259

248

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per sec. 

5.73

.83

1.23

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.45

2.71

2.82

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

6,053

«215

305

a Discharge probably affected by brush in stream a few feet below gaging section. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Salmon Hirer near Pulaski, N. Y.,for 1904.

Day.

5..............

0. .............

9

11..............

13..............

14.............. 

15..............

16..............

17..............

IS.............. 

19

°0

oo

27

28..............

29..............

30......... ....

31..............

Jan."

ft 4. 10

4.30

<?4.35

h 4. 80

Feb.«

5.70

(J5.00

Mar.a

a 5. 60

5.80

.......

/7.40

7.20

4.45

Apr.

4.70

4.50

4.60

4.82

6.12

4.60 

4.28

3.92

3.95 

4.05

3 SO

3.80

3.82

4.70

6.78

6.27

5.95

May.

5.80

6.00

5.75 

5.45

4.32

3.95

3.60 

3.98

4.90

4.25

3.75

3.78

3.80

3.98

June.

3.28

3.05

3.10 

3.05

3. 28

3.05

2.95

2.88 

2.92

3.10

2.92

2.82

2.75

3.42

3.12

3.00

2.95

2.80

2.78

2.98

July.

3.72

3.32

3.50 

3.25

2. 85

2.75

2.80

2.88

3.40 

3.00

2.85

2.75

3.20

o 92

2.70

2.72

3.00

2.92

2.80

2.75

2.72

2.95

3.00

Aug.

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.60

2.70 

2.65 

2.60

2.50

2.48

2.45

2.45

2.45 

2.45

2.42

2.40

2.40

2.85

5.75

4 20

4.10

3.48

3.15

3.15

3.05

2.88

2.80

2.68

2.70

Sept.

2.60

2.58

3.90

3.38

3.10 

2.95

2.78

2.75

2.70

2.68

2.55

2.90 

3.08

2.98

2.75

2.78 

2.70

2. 72

2.70

2.70

2.78

5.00

4.55

3.90

3.48

3.55

5.25

 Oct.

4.38

3.75

3.48

3.30

3.15

3.28 

3.30

3.65

4.95

4 65

3.98

3.62 

3.42

3.30

3.18

3.10

Q ft°

3.42

4.05

3.82

3.58

3.68

4.00

3.75

3.58

3.50

3.38

Nov.

3.28

3.05

3.05 

3.00 

3.00

o 99

2.92

2.88

2.88

2.85 

2.82

2.82

2.80

2.80

9 95

2.80

2.85

2.85

2.75

'2.80

2.80

2.80

Dec.

2.85

 ) 90

2.95 

3.05 

9 98

3.08

(«)

3. 85

4.70

4.30

3.95

3.90

a Stream frozen over January 16 to March 28 and 

December 4 to 31, inclusive. Readings taken 

weekly to water surface.

?> lee 18 inches thick at gage.

flee 22 inches thick at gage.

dice 28 inches thick at gage.

elce 20 inches thick at gage.

/River open; ice jam below the station.

ylce 30 inches thick at gage.

Alee 26 inches thick at gage.
'] LAKE ONTARIO DRAINAGE BASIN. ' 109

Rating table for Salmon River near Pulaski, N. Y.,from January 1 to December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

Discharge.

Second-feel.

110

144

181

218

265

312

364

422

480

550

620

697

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

781

865

965

1,060

1,170

1,300

1, 420

1,450

1,680

1,830

1,980

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,140

2,300

2,470

2,640

2,840

3,020

3,240

3,460

3,700

3, 950

4,200

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4,490

4,780

5,100

5,770

6,580

7,340

8,190

9,070

10, 000

11,000

12, 060

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

discharge measurements made during 1902 to 1904, inclusive. It is well defined 

between gage heights 2.45 feet and 3.25 feet. Above this point the curve is based on 

three measurements at gage height 6.3 feet. The table has been extended beyond 

these limits.

Estimated monthly discharge of Salmon Rirer near Pulaski, N. Y., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 264 square miles.]

Month.

February a.^. .................

March « ......................

April .........................

May .....-...-.-.-......---..

June .-------_--..-.-...--....:

July..........................

September ....................

December « ...................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

9,420 

6,340 

865 

4,260 

4,350 

3,130 

2,550 

532

Minimum.

965 

585 

241 

218 

110 

162 

378 

241

Mean.

3,175 

2,143 

411 

443 

430 

581 

874 

317

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

12.03 

8.13 

1.56 

1.68 

1.63 

2.20 

3.31 

1.20

Depth in 

inches.

13.42 

9". 37 

1.74 

1.94 

1.88 

2.46 

3.82 

1.34

«Stream frozen. Record not available.
110 STREAM -MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129. 

BLACK RIVER NEAR FELTS MILLS, N. Y.

The gaging station is located at the dam of the Black River Traction 

Company, near the village of Felts Mills. The dam is situated 9 miles 

upstream from Watertown and 7 miles upstream from the old Huntingtonville gaging station on the same stream. The drainage area is estimated at 1,851 square miles, or 37.5 square miles less than that at 

Huntingtonville. The intervening area is mainly comprised in two 

small streams, Townsend and Rutland Hollow creeks.

The dam is of squared timber and has a slope on the upstream face 

of 2.88 horizontal to 1 vertical. The crest is protected by boiler plate, 

and the downstream face is vertical, giving a free overfall. The main 

crest is 380.6 feet in length. There are two additional sections on the 

right-hand side, one 14.1 feet long and the other 17.9 feet in length. 

A similarly constructed dam, 117 feet long at the left bank, serves-as 

an auxiliary spillway and as a headrace wall.

The gage is attached vertically to a crib at the juncture of the main 

and auxiliaiy spillways, 12 feet upstream from the crest, and a correction is made to the gage readings for velocity of approach during high 

waier. The discharge over the spillwaj^s has been calculated by means 

of the weir formula using coefficients derived from experiments of 

the United States Geological Survey for a dam of similar cross section. 

The dam was constructed in 1900, rests on limestone foundation, and 

is very nearly water-tight. The headrace is closed by a bulkhead, 

no water wheels having been installed.

Owing to continued discharge over,dam to a considerable depth 

during the years 1903 and 1904, it has not been possible to obtain a 

new profile of the crest. The discharge has been calculated from the 

known elevations of the ends of the crest, and the results given are 

subject to revision. Settlement of the crest, if any has taken place, 

would have the effect of making the discharge at a given gage height 

greater than that given in the accompanying tables. The gage readings are taken twice daily, at 7 a. in. and 6 p. m., by George W. 

Kidder.

The regimen of Black River is controlled by storage on its larger 

tributaries, including Beaver River at Beaver, a series of reservoirs at 

the headwaters of Moose River, and additional reservoirs at Forestport 

and on the headwaters of Black River.

Water is diverted from Black River through Forestport feeder to 

supply the Black River canal at Boonville. A portion of this diversion flows northward from Boonville and enters Black River again at 

Lyons Falls; the remainder flows southward through Black River 

canal and enters Erie canal at Rome. The amount of this diversion 

which takes place during the season of canal navigation is not continuously recorded.

Measurements made by the New York Barge Canal Survey in 1900
HORTON, JOHNSON, 

AND HUYT. J LAKE ONTAEIO DBAINAGE BASIN. Ill

showed the following amounts of flow in the Black River canal south 

of the Forestport feeder:

Date. Discharge.

August 31, 1900.... 

September 24, 1900. 

November 7, 1900.. 

December 1,1900...

Second-feet. 

197.4 

"242. 2 

254.2 

181.2

The observations at this station during- 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Black River near Felts Mills, N. Y., 1903-1904'

Day.

1902. 

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..............

1903. 

1..............

2..............

3..............

4.... ..........

5..............

6..............

7'..............

9..............

Jan.

2,470

3,970

3,620

3,400

9 goo

2.470

Feb.

5,640

6,590

6,690

7,400

8,360

7,600

6,690

6,010

6.320

Mar.

8,690

9,160

9,870

8,930

7,300

7,500

10.200

Apr.

5,920

5,720

5,240

6,300

7,300

(a)

(«)

(")

fal

May.

2,210

1 970

1 640

1,690

1 640

1. 520

June.

^99

453

453

453

351

9Q9

9go

718

July.

1 070

1,920

1 Q7n

O OgQ

1,860

9 340

3,270

3 1 ^Ifi

2.730

Aug.

1,220

1,120

932

5 KCA

3 (V7ft

3 con

3 4ftft

3,540

S

oon

4 l^O

4 430

2.730

Sept.

975

1,070

1,320

1,270

1,120

975

590

1,470

1,470

2,340

1,970

1,580

1,120

1,420

1,320

1,270

1,220

1,170

932

1,170

1,020

761

847

1,320

1 Pisn

2,210

1 7f^ft

1

7cn

1,420

1,220

1,120

932

676

Oct.

1,520

1,470

1,580

1,270

804

1,370

1,970

1,970

2,150

1,860

1,220

1,320

1,470

2,080

2,410

2,080

1,690

1,640

1,420

1,800

1,970

2,210

1,750

2,080

1,640

1,690

1,970

2,340

3,970

4,750

4,830

1,020

1,120

1 °°0

1,320

1,750

3.270

Nov.

3,900

3,130

2,860

2,210

1,750

1,690

1,690

1,750

1,690

1,580

1,520

1,580

4,590

5,070

5,240

3,970

3,130

2,730

2,660

2,860

2,340

1,750

2,800

2,280

1,920

2,080

2,730

3,130

9 280

2,340

9 080

1 970

1,750

2,210

2 ufln

2,470

1,970

1.750

Dec.

2,600

2,210

2,080

4,990

4,430

2,860

3,000

9 660

2,470

2,280

1,860

1,370

1,420

1,470

1,320

1,580

590

2,340

3,400

3,200

3,620

4,200

5,820

6,500

5,240

4,270

3,620

3,200

2,800

1,320

1,420

1,520

i <vin

1,750

1 860

1,970

2, 210

1.860

"Record not available.
112 STREAM: MEASUREMENTS IN 19<M, PART vr. [NO. 129.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Black River near Felts Mills, N. Y., etc. Cont'd.

Day.

1903. 

10. .............

13.............. 

14..............

16..............

17..............

19..............

20..............

o>>

OQ

24..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29.............. 

30..............

31..............

1904. 

1. .............

1............

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11.............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

21..............

22..............

23..............

25..............

26. .............

27..............

28..............

29... ...........

30..............

31..............

Jan.

1,750 

1,640

1,750

1 970

2

onn

o 080

2,210

2,660

2,800

2,800

2,800

3,690 

4, 590

6,010 

2,470

2,210

1,970

2,210

1,750

1,420

1,120

1,320

1 640

1,970

1,520

847

676

590

590

761

761

847

1 3°0

2,470

"> 730

1,750

1,520

1 9r>0

1,120

1,120

932

Feb.

4,430

5, 560 

5, 640

5, 240

4,040

o onn

2,930

0 730

2,660

2,470

2,410

2,540

3,470

932

1 2''0

1 640

1 860

2,470

5,720

5,400

5,070

4,750

4,430

4 1°0

3,270

3 nnn

2

ocn

2,210

I

Cfifl

2,470

1,860

1,520

i ^*>n

Mar.

16,700 

15, 500

11, 500

11,200

12,800

14,700

18,800

22, 100

( b)

(b)

( b)

13,300 

8,360

6,690

i sfin

2,470

3,400

4,270

5, 070

4,270

3,270

3 690

3,540

S Aflrt

2,470

2 730

2 600

1 640

2,080

S nort

3 Q7n

5,720

7 090

7,920

12 000

1 Q Qflfl

iq qnn

12 800

11,500

10,200

Apr.

(«)

(«)

(«)

(«) 

(a) 

(a)

(«)

(")

(«)

(«)

(«)

(")

(a)

(«)

(a)

(a)

1 P\Sfi

2,030

2,540

2,150 

i ^an

9 nan

9,520

9 flirt

9 7Rfl

10 °00

9 7^0

9 040

S

oort

8,590

14,700

1 ft onn

19 °00

15,300

13 100

9 run

1 t\nf\

5,070

5,400

5,720

7 Q9rt

9 con

-JO "I f\f\

14 400

-IK p*flrt

May.

1,320

1,020

1,520

1,320 

975

590

718

890

1,020

590

419

590

159

590

F,qn

453

453

385 

(< )

(")

(<0

(< )

( c )

( e )

( c)

( c )

(0

( c )

(< )

( c )

(0

(< )

3 800

5, 110

5,360

5,030

4,240

4,310

5,190

4 790

3

7q«

3,730

3

7Qn

4,080

3,660

June.

890

487

1,750

5,320 

4,910

S

oon

2,660

1,750

1,470

1,020

o 7*m

3,470

3,470

3,970

2,340 

1,970

3,310

o goo

r> 19Q

 1 ]OQ

1,960

2, 840

5,030

4,160

2

qon

1,680

1 730

1,460

1,110

r> ggQ

2 1^0

1,210

758

KCO

1 *Zfif\

July.

2,340

1,750

1,520

1,640 

1,320 

1,120

1,020

847

761

590

1,020

1,420

3,000

2,600

2, 210

2,470

6,500

1,410"

2,120

1,960

2,010

1, 110

1,160

1 °60

1,510

1,460

1,260

1,160

1,460

3

7*m

2 840

t r\fif\

007

844

844

1,410

1,680

1 360

1,060

i *7on

1 900

1,160

Aug.

3,130

3,400

3,830 

3,540 

2,470

1,860

1, 120

1, 120

1,580

1,690

1,750

1,520

2, 470

2, 340

2, 340

1,510

1,160

1,310

1 01 n

PLQC

493

801

1,310

1,020

887

673

Qon

3

7on

3 C7fi

2 840

2, 120

1,460

1,210

Sept.

676

847

676

1,020 

590 

590

590

847

1,750

QQO

2, 120

847

590

1,320

513

907

1 3SO

907

907

693

i 7P»n

1,180

1,430

S21

£QQ

992

2 400

3

-10fl

5,620

6,360

6

 >cn

6 QCfl

Oct.

11,600

17,600

18, 200

10, 500

8, 590

6,500

5, 920

7,500

10, 200

10,200

4,750

4,430

4,270

3,690

3,400

3,000 

2,730

2,470 

7,760

7,760

6,360

5,130

3,460

2,990

2, 530

2,400

3 con

5,300

5, 780

5,300

2,140

5,130

5,460

5,620

5,980

5, 620

4,490

4 030

"> 92Q

2,660

Nov.

1, 520

1,320

1, 520

1,320 

1, 520 

1, 750

1,970

1,970

1,750

1,420

1,320

2,600

2,0*0

1,970

1, 750

1,420

1,220 

1,520

2,530

2,470

2, 210

2,470

2,340

2,140

2, 090

1, 750

1,580

1,580

1,580

1,380

1,640

1,580

1,700

1,580

1,330

1,640

1,040

1 480

1,810

1,700

QO1

1,580

Die.

1,320

1,750

1,750

1,520 

1,7.50

1,860

1,420

1,750

1,750

3,970

4,270

3,400

3,000

3, 270

3, 270 

2,,H60

2,600 

1,280

1,380

1,480

616

907

1,080

1,280

992

1,040

1,040

1, 280

1,530

1,380

1 580

1 480

1,700

1,530

1,580

1,480

1,580

1,430

1,430

1,640

1,580

3

r.QA

1,480

* Record not available. & Above rating table. No record.
HOKTON, JOHNSON,,"] 

AND HOYT. J

LAKE ONTARIO DRAINAGE BASIN. 113

Estimated monthly discharge of Black River near Felts Mills, N. Y., 1902-190b. 

[Drainage area, 1,851 square miles.]

Month.

1902.

November ....................

1903. 

January ......................

March, 28 days. . ..............

IVTs v

June .........................

Julv .........................

November ._____._.._...__ ._..

1904. 

January ......................

March ........................

April. ........................

May 15-31. ...................

June .........................

July .........................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,340 

4,830 

5,240 

6,500

6,010 

- 8, 360

(«,)

( & ) 

2,210 

5, 320 

6, 500 

5,560 

2,210 

18, 200 

2,860 

4,270

2,730 

6,890 

13, 300 

" 19, 200 

5, 360 

5, 280 

3,730 

5,520 

6, 950 

7,760 

2,530 

3,530

Minimum.

590 

804 

1,520 

590

1,320 

2,410 

6,690

159 

282 

453 

1,120 

590 

1,020 

1,220 

1,320

590 

932 

1,640 

5, 070 

3,510 

562 

844 

493 

513 

1,810 

821 

616

Mean.

1,205 

2,009 

2,628 

3,098

2,610 

4,743 

12, 700 

4, 036 

1,031 

2,002 

2,178 

2, 725 

1, 047 

5,837 

1,846 

2, 238

1,438 

3,007 

5,249 

10, 160 

4,323 

2,327 

1,586 

1,779 

2,174 

4,373 

1,723 

1,474

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.651 

1.09 

1.42 

1.67

1.41 

2.56 

6.86

2.18 

.557 

1.08 

1.18 

1.47 

.566 

3.15 

.997 

1.21

.777 

1.62 

2.84 

5.49 

2.34 

1.26 

.857 

.961 

1.17 

2.36 

.931 

.796

Depth in 

inches.

0,726 

1.26 

1.58 

1.92

1.63 

2.66 

7.14 

.811 

.642 

1.20 

1.36 

1.70 

.632 

3.63 

1.11 

1.40

.896 

1.75 

3.27 

6.12 

1.48 

1.41 

.988 

1.11 

1.30 

2.71 

1.04 

.918

« Above rating table.

6 Record not available April 6-25, inclusive.

1KB 129 05 8
114 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120.

MOOSE RIVER AT MOOSE RIVER, N, Y.

Moose River drainage basin lies mainly in Herkimer and Hamilton 

counties, N. Y. The stream is tributary to Black River at Lyons 

Falls. The gaging station was established June 5, 1900. Two readings of the stream stage are taken daily on a graduated board scale 

attached to posts on the left bank of the stream at Moose River village, the gage comprising a high-water and a low-water section. The 

observer is Chris Hannan.

A cableway was erected at the gaging station in June, 1903, having 

a clear span of 269 feet, from which the current meter measurements 

listed below have been made in 1904. The bed of the stream is of 

cobble with occasional bowlders, the current smooth, depth fairly uniform. A short distance below occurs a fall. The stream is smooth 

above the gaging station to the foot of McKeever Dam, 2 miles 

upstream, but is divided by an island a short distance above the gage, 

which creates an ice jam during spring freshets. The gage was carried out by such an ice freshet February 28, 1903, and was replaced at 

a slightly different elevation. The bench mark is on top of a bowlder 

on the left stream bank 300 feet upstream from cablewa}^.

Elevation bench mark, assumed.......................................... 100. 00

Elevation gage zero prior to February 28,1903............................. 84. 64

Elevation gage zero after February 28, 1903............................... 84.47

The flow for the spring months is controlled by lumbermen's dams, 

large volumes of water being turned into the stream .when required 

for log driving.

The stream freezes over in winter, alternate layers of ice and snow 

or slush often forming in such manner as to prevent discharge measurements being made. During the ice season the gage is read once 

each week.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Drainage areas of Moose River. a

Stream.

South Branch Moose River. ........

Indian River. .....................

Total .......................

Middle Branch Moose River. ......

Moose River. . ... ................

Do...........................

Location. Area.

Sq. miles. 

67.2

50.2

117.4

52.3

374.1

439.6

a From U. S. Geol. Maps, East of 75th Meridian, remainder from ]Jjen'§ Atlas of New York.
ST- LAWBEISTCE KIVEE DBAINAGE BASIN. 115

Discharge measurements of Moose Hirer at Moose River, N. Y.,'in 1904.

Date.

June 29........

September 21 . .

October 22.....

October 23.....

October 24. ....

Hydrographer.

0. 0. Covert............

A. M. Evans. ...........

Beebe and Swancott.

.....do .................

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

474

702

1,408

1,116

828

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.62

.92

2.25

1.74

1.30

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.15

2.21

5.39

4.22

3.12

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

290

648

3,162

1,943

1,074

Mean daily gage height, iiifeet, of Moose River at Moose River, N. Y., for 1904.

Day.

1. .............

2..............

3...... ........ 

4..............

5..............

6.............. 

7..............

8..............

9.............. 

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19.............. 

20..............

21.............. 

22..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26.............. 

27.............. 

28..............

29..............

30. .............

31...............

Jan.

1.80

1.80

1.80 

1.80

1.90

1.90 

1.85

1.80

1.80 

1.85

1.80

1.80

1.90

1,90

1.90

2.05

2.10

2.10

2.10 

2.10

2.10 

2.20

2.40

2.70

2.95

2.95 

3.00 

2.80

2.75

(«)

Feb.

.......

2.60

.......

2.10

3.60

Mar.

.......

3.90

4.40

3.60

.......

4.30

Apr.

4.60

5.70

5.00

4.45

3.85

3.80

3.70

3.55

3.35 

2.90

2.70 

2.55

2.80

3.20

5.45

5.35 

5.20 

5.70

6.35

6.50

May.

6.65

5.85 

5.35

4.75 

4.25

3.75

3.05

9 85

2. 75

4.10

3.35

3.10 

3.30

* 3.25 

3.05"

2.70

2.70 

3.15 

3.25

3.20

o 50

2.40

June.

2. 35

2. 25

1.95

2.95 

3.20

9 QP»

4.05

5

JA

4 °0

2.60

2.05

1.85

1 60

1.50 

1.40

1.75

3.05

2.25

1.95 

1.65 

1.35

1.10

1. 25

July.

1 60

2.25

O OK

 > 45

2. 65 

2.40

2.05

1.85

i ^

1 °5

1.15

Oft

.95

.85

.70 

.80

.85

QK

1.25

1.55 

1.65 

1.65

1.65

Aug.

1.40

1.40 

1.35

1.25

1.35 

1.25

1 °0

1.15 

1.10

.90

95

1.15

1.40

1.50

1.35

1.25

1.15 

1.85

4.15 

3.50

3.05

2.65

1.85

1.60 

1.35 

1.15

1.00

.85

80

 Sept.

0.80

1.20

1.45

2.75

2.20

1.70 

1.45

1.35

1.20 

1.10

95

1.05

.95

1.00

1.35

1 90

2.05

1.75

1.70 

2.35

2.45 

2.30

2.10

o 05

5.10

5.05 

4.15 

3.85

3.65

6.05

Oct.

4.85

4.05

3.85 

3.60

3.35

3.25 

3.10

2.60

2.25 

2.25

4.45

4.65

3.90

3.50

2.90

2.45

2.30

2.60

2.45 

2.25

2.50 

5.55

4.20

3.40

2.90

2.85 

2.85 

2.60

2.20

2.10

2.15

Nov.

2.15

9 55

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.55 

2.35

2 55

2.50 

2.55

2.35

2 20

2.25

2.30

2.20

2.05

1.95

1.85

1.75 

1.80

2.05 

2.05

2.15

2.15

2.00

1.80 

1.65 

1.65

1.90

1.80

Dec.

1. (V,

i.e..

1.7T, 

l.ff

1.G-".

l.fO

1.40

1. I'll

1.50 

1.75

1.80

1.70

1.60

1.65

1.65

1.60

1.50

1.50

1.40 

1.50

1.40 

1.50

1.45

1.40

1.45

1.50 

1.85 

2.30

2.85

2.95

3.05

a River frozen January 31 to April 8.

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

St. Lawrence River receives the drainage from a number of New 

York streams having their headwaters in a northerly slope of the 

Adirondack region, wherei.here are also numerous lakes and storage 

facilities.
116 STBEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Grass, Raquette, and St. Regis rivers lie within the United States. 

Salmon, Trout, Chateaugay, and English rivers cross the international 

boundary line and flow northerly into St. Lawrence River in Canada, 

as does also Richelieu River, the outlet of Lake Champlain.

St. Lawrence River tributaries in United States.

Stream.

Oswegatchie River ...................................................

Grass River.............. ............................................

Raquette River ......................................................

St. Regis River. ......................................................

Little Salmon River a . ................................................

Salmon River a ........ ...............................................

Trout River ^ ........................................................

Chateaugay River ^>. ..................................................

Lake Champlain ^>... .................................................

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

1,609

' 637

1,219

910

103

273

129

199

53

8,187

"Above junction near international boundary. 6Above New York State line.

Chateaugay River has extensive surface storage in the Upper and 

Lower Chateaugay lakes lying on the north slope of the Adirondacks. 

A measurement of the ordinary spring discharge of this stream was 

made by the engineers of the United States Deep Waterways at Ormstown, April 19, 1899; discharge, 2,720 second-feet, or 13.6 secondfeet per square mile.

English River rises near the international boundary, flows southeasterly in New York, then recrosses into Canada, draining an area 

above the crossing of the boundary line of 53 square miles. A measurement of the spring flow of this stream was made near the New 

York and Canada boundary line, April 26, 1899, by the engineers of 

the United States Deep Waterways, at which time the discharge was 

392 second-feet.

St. Lawrence River drains, through Lake Champlain, an area of 

4,560 square miles in the State of Vermont. This drainage is practically all from Missisquoi, Lamoille, and Winooski rivers and Otter 

Creek.

Missisquoi River has a total drainage area of 860 square miles, of 

which 245 square miles lie in Canada.' It has its headwaters in the 

highlands west of Lake Memphremagog, thence"flows southerly through 

Canada and westerly through Vermont into Lake Champlain. The 

slopes as a rule are quite steep. The basin is very generally made up 

of farm lands, but considerable areas of forest are found at tae head-
HORTON, JOHNSON, "1 

AND HOYT. J

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 117

waters of all its tributaries. There is no great amount of lake or artificial storage. At many points water power is in use, but the storage 

at such power plants is invariably small.

Lamoille River drains a total area of 725 square miles. Its headwaters lie in the Green Mountain region in the northern part of 

Vermont; thence it flows in a general westerly direction into Lake 

Champlain. The basin includes considerable farm land, but extensive 

areas of forest occur at the headwaters, especially in the mountainous 

regions. As the slopes are steep, there is no great amount of natural 

or artificial storage. Water power is used at many points along the 

river.

Winooski River drains a total area of 995 square miles, all in Vermont. It has its headwaters in the Green Mountain district in the 

east-central part of the State; thence it flows generally northwesterly 

into Lake Champlain near Burlington. The basin is generally in farm 

lands, with considerable areas of forest in the headwaters. The storage, either natural or artificial, is insignificant.

Raquette River drains a long, narrow watershed extending from 

Hamilton County to St. Lawrence River. Above Piercefield the 

drainage basin broadens out, including a region interspersed with 

lakes and ponds and affording ample opportunities for storage development,'2 as shown by the following list of lakes:

Lake.

Blue Mountain Lake 6 . ..........................

Raquette Lake ..................................

Forked Lake ........................... J.......

Elevation of 

water 

surface.

Feet. 

1,788

1,762

1,741

1,629

1,554

Surface 

area.

Sq. miles. 

3.9

8.3

2.5

4.7

8.0

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

39.3

93.9

39.8

152.2

59.3

The headquarters of Raquette River are on an elevated plateau 

dotted with mountains and interspersed with lakes. The region is 

timbered, and underlaid with granitic gneiss of the Adirondack formation, the soil in the valleys being often sandy. Numerous marsh and 

swamp areas exist; many of these are on the watershed divide and 

feed streams flowing in opposite directions/

a Described in report on a survey of upper Hudson and Raquette rivers, Farrand N. Benedict; 1872.

& Including Eagle and Utowana lakes.

eThe upper drainage basin is shown on the Blue Mountain, Raquette Lake, Big Moose, and Canada 

Lake sheets of the United States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas. Drainage areas south of 

the 75th meridian have been taken from this map. Those oil the north are from Bien's atlas of New 

York.
118 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 12*). 

Drainage areas of Raquette River.

Location.

South inlet, above mouth ..................................

Above Forked. Lake dam ...................................

Above outlet Long Lake ...................................

Above Raquette Pond dam .................................

Above Hannawa Falls .....................................

Above mouth .............................................

Area.

Point to 

point.

frq. miles.

67.0 

55.2 

100.5 

421.1 

257.9 

216.0 

50.0

Total.

Sq. miles. 

18.4 

32.7 

118.1 

173. 3 

273.8 

694.9 

952.7 

1, 168. 7 

1,218.7

Otter Creek drains a total area of 925 square miles, all in Vermont. 

Its headwaters are in the southern part of the State, generally at 'a 

lower elevation than those of either of the three rivers mentioned 

above. It flows generally northerly through some of the best farm 

districts in Vermont. The slope of the river between Rutland and 

Middlebury is very small, while between Middlebury and the mouth 

it is greater. The slopes of the tributary streams are generally steep. 

Storage in the basin is insignificant. Considerable areas on the headwaters of the river are in forest.

The following pages give the results of data collected during 1901 

in the St. Lawrence River drainage basin:

OSWEGATCHIE RIVER NEAR OGDENSBURG, N. Y.

A gaging station was established at Eel Weir Bridge May 16, 1903. 

Observations of the stream stage are taken twice daily by Joseph H. 

La Rue. This stream has its source in a region of lakes and timbered 

swamps in the southern part of St. Lawrence County. The largest of 

the lakes is Cranberry Lake, which affords valuable storage to water 

power users on its outlet, East Branch of Oswegatchie River. The 

East and West branches flow in a general direction northwesterly. 

The two branches join near Talcville. From Gouverneur to Oxbow the 

river flows southwest. It then turns abruptly to the northeast. At 

Galilee it is joined by the outlet of Black Lake, and finally enters St. 

Lawrence River at Ogdensburg. The Eel Weir Bridge is located just 

below the junction of Oswegatchie River and Black Lake outlet. The 

channel is in rock and is partly artificial, rock underneath the bridge 

having been removed by blasting to increase the bridge opening.
LAWRENCE RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 119

A standard chain gage is attached to the iron work of the bridge on 

the upstream side of the right-hand span. The bench mark is a square 

chisel draft on the upstream side of the right-hand abutment.

Elevation assumed..............................._...............-...---- 100.00

Elevation of datum plane of gage ......................................... 83. 28

The bridge consists of two spans: Right-hand, 129.6; left-hand, 

130.1, feet length, respectively.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

I>rainage areas of Oswegatchie River. a

Stream.

West Branch Oswegatchie River. . . .

Oswegatchie River . ......;._____

Do. ..........................

Do...........................

Indian River. .....................

Do...........................

Cranberry Lake water surface. .....

Location.

.....do .........................'...

Above Galilee. .....................

Above Ogdensburg .................

Area.

Sq. miles. 

358

272

630

727

1,033

216

544

1,577

1,609

17.2

12.8

a From Bien's Atlas of New York State.

Discharge measurements of Osiregatchie River near Ogdensburg, N. Y., in 1904-

Date.

April 8 ........

April 10 .......

July 4 .........

October 23.....

October 23.....

Hydrographer.

Covert and Swancott ....

.....do .................

C. C. Covert ............

.....do .................

Area of 

section.

S*q. feet. 

1,166

1,176

306

549

536

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per sec. 

8.11

8.11

3.95

4.40

4.42

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

8.10

8.05

4.80

5.68

5.64

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

9,464

9,548

1,206

2,414

2,372
120 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. two. 129. 

Mean daily gage, height, in feet, of Oswegatchie .Hirer near Ogdensbitrg, N. Y., for 1904-

Day.

1..............

9

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7... '...........

8.... ..........

9..............

10..............

11... ...........

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18. '.............

19..............

20..............

21..............

 2-i. .............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

5.10 

5 10

5.00

4.90

4.90

4.80

4.65

4.60

4.60

4. 60 '

4.65

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.65

4.70

4.70

4.85

5.25

5.80

6.10

6.15

5.90

5.70

5.45

Feb.

5.40 

5 40

5.40

5.25

5.10

5.00

5.90

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.15

5.35

5.30

5.30

^ 'in

5.20

5.20

5.20

5.20

5.20

5.20

5.20

5.15

5.25

5.30

5.30

5.20

5.20

5.20

Mar.

5.20 

5.30

5.30

5.30

5.40

5.45

5.55

6.05

6.70

7.40

7.35

7.50

7.20

7.30

7.10

6.85

6.60

6.25

5.95

5.80

5. 85

5.60

5.90

6.65

7.20

8.25

9.15

9.60

9.95

9.90

9.65

Apr.

9.60 

9.45

9.20

9.05

8.65

8.30

8.20

8.00

7.90

7.95

7.95

8.05

7.90

7.90

7.65

7.40

7.30

7.10

6. 85

6.45

6.40

6.30

6. 35

6. 40

6.40

6.30

6. 25

6.25

6.50

6.60

May.

6.70 

6.70

6.65

6.60

6.50

6.40

6.35

6. 25

6.10

6.05

5.95

5.55

5. 50

5.50

e c A

O. OU

5.45

5.30

5.30

5.30

5.60

5.85

6.10

G. 05

6.00

6.00

tj, ^ Q^ UO

5. 85

5.60

5. 50

5.50

5.40

June.

5.45 

5.50

5.65

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.40

5.40

5.30

5.25

5.20

5.05

5.00

5.00

o. ^ ftft uu 

4.80

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.69

4. 60

4.65

4.70

4.70

4. 65

4.70

4.70

4.65

July.

4.60 

4 60

4.65

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.80

5.00

5.20

5.15

5.00

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.70

4.70

4.75

4.80

4. SO

4.80

4.80

4. 80

4.85

5.00

5.05

5.10

5.10

5.20

5.10

5.00

Aug.

5.00 

5.00

4.90

4.90

4.90

4.90

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.75

4.70

4.70

4. 65

4.65

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4. 60

4.50

4. ,50

4.50

4.50

4.65

4.85

5.00

5.10

5.15

5.10

5.10

5.10

Sept.

5.00 

4.95

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.20

5.35

5.30

5. 20

5.10

5.10

5.10

5.05

4.90

4. 90

4.90

4.90

4.90

4.90

4.90

4.95

5.00

5.00

5. 05

4.-90

4.90

5.10

5.45

5.55

6.10

Oct.

6.20 

6.40

6.60

6.60

6.60

6.45

6.30

6.05

6.15

6.30

5.65

5.50

5.60

6.60

5.55

5.50

5. .50

5.45

5.40

5.40

5. 50

5. 55

6.45

5.55

5.60

5.60

5.70

5.70

5.80

5.70

5.75

Nov.

5.80 

5.70

5.70

5.60

5. 50

5.55

5.60

5. 50

5.40

5.40

5.30

5.45

5.00

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.75

4.70

4.70

4.75

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.65

4.60

Dec.

4.60 

4 60

4.65

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.65

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4. 65

4.65

465

4. 65

4.70

4. 60

4. 60

4.60

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

4. 50

4.50

4. .50

4.60

4.70

4.80

5.15

5.10

NOTE. The river seldom freezes on account of the swiftness of its current.

RAQUETTE RIVER AT MASSENA SPRINGS, N. T.

Observations at the dam of the Hannawa Falls Power Company on 

Raquette River were taken from September 31, 1902, to March 31, 

1903. The discharge has not been computed. A gaging station was 

established at Massena Springs highway bridge on Raquette River 

September 21, 1903. Observations were continued until October 17,

1903. when the station was temporarily abandoned. It was resumed

1904. The gage is a vertical scale attached to the right abutment on 

the upstream side of the bridge. The bench mark is a cross painted 

on the outside downstream corner of the foundation adjacent to the 

sulphur springs. Its elevation is 12.21 feet above gage datum. The 

bridge has a single span of 167.5 feet. The current is swift and uniform. The banks are not subject to overflow. The channel is 

straight for 300 feet above and 1,000 feet below the bridge. The 

headwaters of Raquette River are on an elevated plateau dotted with 

mountains interspersed with lakes. The region is timbered, but
JOHNSON,"I 

AND HOYT. J

ST. LA WHENCE HIVES DHAttfAGE BASIN.

numerous marsh and swamp areas exist. Many of these are on the 

divide and feed streams flowing in opposite directions. Raquette 

River drains a long, narrow basin extending from Hamilton County 

to St. Lawrence River. Above Piercefield the drainage basin 

broadens out, including a region containing many lakes and ponds 

and affording ample opportunities for storage development, as shown 

by the following list of lakes.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge Measurements of Raquette River at Massena Springs, N. Y., in 1904.

Date.

April 9 ........

July 2.........

July 3.........

August 21 .---..

August 22......

August 23......

August 26... . ..

August 27..... .

October 20.....

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert............

.....do .................

.....do .................

.....do .................

.....do .................

.....do ..................

.....do .................

.....do ............. ....

.....do .................

A. M. Evans. . ..........

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet.

1,097

449

484

375

340

177

302

451

434

719

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.69

2.34

2.39

1.87

1.97

1.27*

1.69

2.08

1.96

2.92

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.15

1.60

1.85

1.18

.75

.10

.72

1.50

1.40

2.86

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

4, 052

1,050

1,153

702

670

226

511

937

848

2,102
122 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. INO. 129. 

Mean daily gage height, in feel, of Riquette River at Massena Springs, N. Y., for 1904.

Day.

o

3.. .........................

4...........................

5...........................

6...........................

10...........................

11...........................

13...........................

14. ..........................

15...........................

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19...........................

20...........................

21...........................

99

24...........................

25...........................

26...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29...........................

30......... .......... ..........

31. .........................

Apr.

5.25

6.50

6.15

6.75

6.20

5.85

5.30

5.20

5.10

5.10

6.20

4.90

5.00

5.15

6.10

4.10

5.20

5.15

5.80

5.00

4.90

May.

5.20

5.10

5.10

4.85

4.70

4.85

4.50

5.80

6.20

6.25

6.00

5.70

5.35

5.45

-5.10

5.35

5.55

5.75

5.75

5. 55

5.30

5.05

5.10

4.50

4.75

4.60

4.35

4.35

5.15

5.45

5.60

June.

5.80

5.50

5.45

5.25

5.10

4.90

4.70

4.50

3.95

3.55

 3.05

3.10

3.10

3.40

3.60

3.30

2.90

3.10

4.10

3 an

3.40

3.35

3.35

2.65

1.90

2.25

1.45

1 45

July.

1.90

1.90

1.70

2.40

2.85

2.60

2.20

2.30

2.00

1.15

1.65

2.20

2.90

2.65

1.50

1.90

.75

.90

1.10

1.75

1.20

.90

.55

.30

.25

.35

.20

30

.90

60

Aug.

0.60

.55

.60

.60

.35

.55

.40

.35

.30

.30

.45

.75

.60

1.10

1.30

1.15

1.15

.85

1.30

1.40

.35

.85

1.05

1.38

1.60

1.45

1.55

1 30

1.10

.95

Sept.

1.00

1.05

1.25

1.35

2.35

2.25

1.45

1.40

1.30

1.30

1.60

1.45

1.45

1.75

1.50

1.15

1.25

1.45

1.45

1.70

1.60

1.25

1 05

1.60

2.05

1.95

1.95

3

KA

Oct.

4.05

3.80

3.85

3.60

3.85

3.80

3.60

3.40

3.30

3.25

3.25

3.45

3.60

3.50

3.20

3.05

3.15

2.90

2.95

2.85

2.95

3.40

3.30

4.00

4.05

4.10

4.05

4 00

3.95

Nov.

3.95

4.55

4.30

4.15

3.95

3.80

3.65

3.30

3.40

3.25

3.10

2.90

2.75

2.60

2.35

2.30

2. 55

3.15

2.75

1.75

2.00

2.05

1.90

1.90

2.10

o 05

3.05

3.25

2.95

Dec.

2.60

2.90

2.90

2.55

1.85

2.65

3. 20

3.30

3.30

a 3. 30

3.30

3.30

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.30

3.30

3.20

3.20

3.05

3.00

3.00

o 95

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.85

9 go

 > go

alee conditions December 10 to 31. 

RAQUETTE RIVER NEAR SOUTH COLTON, N. Y.

A temporary gaging station, for use during low water, was established on the Lindsay farm, 2£ miles upstream from South Colton, 

N. Y., August 17, 1904. The stream stage is observed twice daily by 

William McDonald from a standard staif gage. Current-meter measurements are made by boat from a rope ferry. The stream bed is of 

rock, forming a single channel 150 feet in width at ordinary stages, but 

partially divided by a submerged rock ridge.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.
HORTON, .: 

AND N '] ST- LAWRENCE RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 123

Discharge measurements of Raquette Rirer near South Colton, N. Y., in 1904.

Date.

August 18... ..

October 19. ....

Hydrographer.

.....do .................

C. C. Covert ............

.....do .................

Area of 

section.

Sq.Jeet. 

627

626

694

680

750

Mean, 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.14

.96

1.41

1.23

2.38

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.87

.80

1.24

1.10

2.16

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

714

602

980

. 835

1,782

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Raquette River near South Colton, N. Y., for 1904-

Day.

1..... .......

2............

3............

4............

5............

6............

7............

8............

9............

10 ............

11............

12............

13 ............

14 ............

15 ............

16............

Aug.

.......

Sept.

0.8S

.95

1.35

1.58

1.32

90

.85 

1 °5

.98

.92

.88

.45

.85

1.38

1.20

Oct.

2. 62

2.50

2.75

2.45

2.55 

2.45

2.48

2.60

2.42

2.35

2.20

Nov.

3.38

3.20

3.00

9 90

2.82

2.35

2.40

2.30

2.10

° 30

1. 35

1.95

2 °2

Dee.

1.38

1.50

1.35

2.05

1.70

2.00

2.25

2.16

« 2. 50

2.65

2.20

2.90

2.80

Day.

17............

IS............

19............

22............

23............

25. ...........

26............

27............

28............

°9

30............

31............

Aug.

0.72

.28

.80

.95

.95

1.10

1.12

.95

.70

.55

.30

.85

Sept.

1.05

1.10

.90

.48

1.50

1. 25

1.10

1.65

2.65

Oct.

, 1.86

2.35

2.18

2.02

2.55

2.70 

2.70

2.95

2.96

3.00

2.98

3.00

3.02

Nov.

1.55

1.35

1.50

1.45

1.46

1.30

1.50 

1.35

1.40

1.38

1.28

1.02

1.35

Dec.

2.66

2.55

2.85

1.66

2.78

2.60

2.60 

2.30

2.00

2.30

1.80

1.25

2.86

2.60

a Ice conditions December 11 to 31. 

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Raquette Riuer near South Colton, N. Y., for 1904-

Day.

I............

o

3............

4 ............

6 ............

6 ............

7............

9............

10 ............

11 ............

12 ............

13 ............

14 ............

15............

16............

Aug. Sept.

671

1,060

693

649

758

758

671

( fc )

619

1, 102

95''

Oct.

(a)

(«)

(«)

2,030

00

00

O flQA

1,923

00

(«)

2, 030

2,008

1,944

Nov.

CO

(«)

CO

(«)

CO

CO

1 944

00

1,987

1 901

1,599

1,836

Dec.

1,102

1,685

1,383

1,642

1,857

1, 728

CO

00

00

(a)

Day.

17............

18............

19

21. ...... .....'

00

oq

24............

OF;

26............

°9

30

31............

Aug.

(»)

( 6 )

(« )

' 606

736

974

866

888

736

(6)

(<')

( b)

649

Sept.

823

866

£QO

( 6 )

(« )

823

1,211

909

996

866

959

1,470

(«)

Oct.

1,513

1 944

1 793

(a)

(»)

(«)

(«)

(a)

(«)

(«)

(«)

(«)

(«)

Nov.

1,254

1,167

1,167

1,081

1 1°4

802

1,211

1,081

Dec.

(°)

(«)

(«)

1,340

00

(«)

2,073

1,901

1 64°

995

(a)

(«)

(«)

a Above limit of rating curve. b Below limit of rating curve.
124 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART vi. [NO. 129.

LAKE CHAMPIjAIN DRAINAGE BASIN.

Lake Champlain occupies a depression between the Adirondack 

Mountains in New York and the Green Mountains of Vermont. Its 

surface elevation is normally about 95 feet above tide. The lake 

forms a boundary between the States of New York and Vermont. 

Its outlet at Rouses Point is on the boundary line between United 

States and Canada, and Richelieu River, which receives its outflow, 

lies entirely in Canada, emptying in the St. Lawrence at Sorel.

Its drainage enters chiefly through large water courses, including 

Pike River in Quebec, Missoquoi, and Winooski rivers and Otter 

Creek in Vermont, and the following-named streams in New York:

Tributaries of Lake Champlain in New York.

Big Chazy Eiver .....................................................

Little Chazy River ........................................... .......

Saranac River. ........................ _ .............................

Salmon River ........................................................

Little Au Sable River ................................................

Ausable River .......................................................

Bouquet River .......................................................

Mettawee River. .................................................... '.

Poultney River ......................................................

Total 

drainage.

Sq. mites. 

299

62.9

630

63.8

75.1

521

269

220

290

266

The inflow through the principal Vermont tributaries is measured 

at gaging stations in that State. The inflow through Saranac River 

and Lake George outlet is measured at gaging stations in New York, 

and temporary stations have also been maintained on Ausable and 

Bouquet rivers during the low-water season of the present year.

The entire surface of Lake Champlain freezes over nearly every 

winter. The freezing over of the lake may affect the discharge in 

two ways:

(1) By holding back as surface storage the depth of water on the 

frozen lake, equal to about seven-eighths of the ice thickness, thus 

water being held from the time that freezing takes place in the early 

winter until the ice melts in the spring.
CHAMPLAIN DKAINAGE BASIN. 125

(2) The freezing modifies the evaporation, the loss from this source 

probably being less from frozen surface than from open water.

RICHELIEU RIVER AT FORT MONTGOMERY, N. T.

A record of the height of Lake Champlain at Rouse Point, the head 

of Richelieu River, the outlet of the lake, has been kept by the United 

States Corps of Engineers, beginning 1875.

Through the courtesy of Capt. Harry Taylor, the gage readings 

taken by William McComb, fort keeper, at 9 a. m. each day are 

reported weekly to the United States Geological Survey.

The depth of water is taken on a reference mark on the base of 

the pcarp wall, north face of bastian B, about 3 feet from the angle 

with the east curtain of Fort Montgomeiy. This reference point is 

1.50 feet above an assumed zero, and 1.50 is added to the measured 

depth to determine the gage reading. In winter the depth as the 

water rises in a hole in the ice is commonly taken. On windy days 

the depth is taken in a well within the fort inclosure by measuring the 

depth on a flagstone in the bottom of the well.

Above tide. 

Elevation of reference point 011 carp wall of Fort Montgomery <*........... 94. 998

Elevation of gage zero ...................................... ........... 93.501

Assumed high.water, Lake Ohamplain................................... 102. 611

Assumed low water, Lake Ohamplain:................................... 93. 361

The range of rise and fall of the lake is thus seen to be 9.25 feet, 

representing an available storage volume of 6.2-4 inches on the entire 

catchment area. A variation in level of 1 foot per month is equivalent to a continuous storage or draft at the rate of 4,685 second-feet.

The daily discharge from the lake has been determined from observations of the depth and discharge over the Chanibly Dam, 35 miles 

below the head of Richelieu River, made in 1898 by the United States 

Deep Waterways Survey.

Estimates of the drainage area of Lake Champlain differ considerably. The run-off given in previous reports has been estimated on the 

basis of a land surface drainage area of 7,750 square miles above the 

outlet at Rouses Point. The mean monthly discharge, 1875 to 1898, 

inclusive, has been taken from the computation of the United States 

Deep Waterways Surveys. The monthly mean corresponds to the 

mean of the daily gage readings. -Beginning with 1899, the mean of 

the daily discharges taken out for each day of the month is used.

a U. S. Deep Waterways Report, Pt. 1, p. 429.
126 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Richelieu, River at Fort Montgomery, N. Y., for 1904-

Day.

1. .............

o

3..............

5..............

6..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

13.............. 

14.............. 

15.............. 

16.... .........

17..............

18..... ........

19.... .........

20.............. 

21..... .........

23......... ....

24.............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

30.............. 

31..............

Jan.

1.05 

1.05

1.00

.98

1.05

1.05 

1.05

1.10 

1.00

1.05 

1.02

1.00

1.05 

1.07 

1.00 

1.05

1.05

.98

1.05 

.95 

1.08

1.05

1.00

1.03

1.07

1.05

1.10

1.10 

1.12

Feb.

1.15 

1.10

1.00

1 05

1.10

1.10 

1.12

1.05 

1.10

1.10 

1 I9

1.10

1.12 

1.15 

1.15 

1.10

1.12

115

1.18

1.20 

1.25 

1.35

1.30

1.35

1.35

i ^

Mar.

1.40

1.70

1.45

1.50 

1.50

1.65 

1.70

1.80 

1.85

1.80

1.98 

2.05 

2.15 

2.15

2.10

2. 15

o 05

2.20 

2.20 

2. 35 

>> 3Q

O £Q

2 85

4.50

4.70

4.80 

4.80

Apr.

5.10 

5.00

5.10

P, OQ

5.25

5.20 

5,40

5.15 

5.25

5.30 

5.45

5.60 

5.55

5. 60

5. 45

5.35 

5.30 

5.15

5 1 f\

R of)

PL n^

5.40

May.

5.50 

5.60

C lift

5.60

5.5S

5.55 

5. 50

5.35 

5 °0

5 1 1\

5.05 

5.15 

5.00 

4 90

4 90

4.80

4.85

4.83 

6.05 

5.10 

5.15

4 80

4.85

4.85

4.75

4.70

4.60 

4.45

June.

4.35 

4.35

4.25

4.20

4.10

4.05 

4 00

4.00 

3.95

3.90

3

QPL

3.75 

3.80 

3.75

S on

3.15 

3.05 

3.00

q if)

3 1 f\

3 Oft

2.85

O gQ

O Q^

2.75

July.

2.75 

2.70

2.55

2.60

2.55

2.60 

2.53

2.50

2.35 

2.40 

2.35

2.10

2.20

2.00 

1.90 

1.88 

1 90

1.85

1 80

1 80

1.85

1.85

1

QQ

1.80 

1.90

Aug.

1.75 

1.60

1.55

1.80

1.60 

'l.45

1.40 

1.45

1.70

1.40 

1.30 

1.25

1.15

1.15

1.60 

1.20 

1..55 

1.20

1.40

1.55

1.35

1.40

1.25 

1.20

Sept.

1.40 

1.15

1.25

1.25

1.30

1.25

1.20 

1.40

1.35 

1.55

1. 25

1.15 

1.50 

1.10 

1. 25

1.15

1.30

1.10

1.45 

1.05 

1.10

1.15

1.40

1.40

1.70

1.60

Oct.

1.50 

1.60

1.65

1.80

1.95

1.65 

1.85

2.15 

1.80

2.30 

1.70

1.80

1.75 

1.70 

1.70 

1.80

1.85

1.75

1.78

2.00 

2:10 

2.25 

2 50

2.47

2.85

2.55

o 50

2.80

o go

2.50 

2.55

Nov.

2.50 

2.60

2.70

2.60

2.40

' 2. 40 

2. 35

2.27 

2.25

2.20 

2.20

2. 45

2.05 

1.90 

2.15 

2.00

2.03

2.10

1.95

2.00 

1.90 

2.05 

1.85

1.85

1.83

1.80

1.78

1.75

2.10

1.75

Dec.

1.70 

1.50

1.60

1.55

1.70

1.50 

1. 55

1.45 

1.42

1.40 

1.38

1.35

1.33 

1.30 

1.30 

1.28

1.30

J.28

1.28

1.20 

1.15 

1.05 

1 08

1.10

1.08

1.10

1.10

1.12

1.15

1.20 

1.25

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Richelieu River at Fort Montgomery, N. Y.,

for 1904.

Day.

3..............

4..............

5..............

6.... ..........

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

Jan.

6,870

6,870

6,700

6,620

6,870

6,870

6,870

7,040

6,700

6,870

6,780

6,700

6,870

6,960

6,700

6.870

Feb.

7,210

7, 040 ,

6,700

6,870

7,040

7,040

7,120

6,870

7,040

7,040

7,120

7,040

7 1°0

7,210

7,210

7.040

Mar.

«7 Q3O

9 080

8,570

8,400

8,910

9,080

9,420

9,590

9,420

10, 270

10, 610

10. 610

Apr.

22, 180

oj 7QQ

OO JgQ

22, 180

23, 140

23, 860

24, 620

°4 6°0

24,360

24,620

24.100

May.

04 i0Q

Oi fiOft

04 ggo

24,620

24 490

°4 880

°4 360

24,100

*>0 OQfl

22,660

<>2 420

oj Q4o

22, 420

21. 260

June.

1 fi S7fl

18, 870

18,450

18,240

17, 820

17, 610

17,400

17,400

17, 310

17, 020

16, 830

16, 640

16, 640

16,450

15. 120

July.

1O 'Tftft

I*7 5°0

11 980

11 980

10 i£ft

11,980

11,720

n oftft

11 890

11 800

11 460

n oQA

11 460

11,290

11.460

Aug.

9 950

8,740

8,570

8,400

9 4°0

8,740

8

00ft

8,060

8 °30

9 080

7 &on

S flAfl

7,720

7,550

7.720

Sept.

8,060

7,210

7,550

7,720

7,380

8,060

 7 QQfl

8,570

7,210

8,400

7,040

7.550

Oct.

8,400

8,740

9 930

9 420

11, 120

9 080

9 °50

9,080

9,080

9.420

Nov.

11,800

1° 160

12,520

I9 160

11, 460

11 460

11 ^90

11,040

10 780

11,630

10,270

9,760

10,610

10. 100

Dec.

9

flQA

8 400

8,740

8

K»7fl

9 080

8,400

8,570

8 230

8,980

7 800

7,720

7.640

a Interpolated.
HOKTON, JOHXSON.T 

AND HOl'T. J

LAKE CHAMPLAIIST DRAINAGE BASIN. 127

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Richelieu River at Fort Montgomery, N. Y.,

for 1904 Continued.

Day.

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

21..............

22

23..............

24. .............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

Jan.

6,620

6,870

6, 620

6, 870

6,530

6,960

6,870

6,870

-6,700

6,780

6,960

6,870

7,040

7,040 

7,120

Feb.

7,120

7,210

7,300

7,380

7,550

7,890

8,060

7,720

7,890

7, 720

7,720

7,890

7,800

Mar.

10,440

10, 610

10, 950

10, 780

10, 780

11, 290

11, 120

11,890

13,060

14,550

17,020

19,500

20, 380

20,820 

20, 820

Apr.

23,860

23, 620

23, 620

23,380

23, 140

22, 420

22, 420

23, 140

22, 180

21, 940

22, 180

22,420

22, 660

23, 620

May.

21, 260

20, 820

21,040

20,930

21, 940

22, 180

22, 420

20, 820

21, 040

21,040

20,600

20,380

20, 160

19, 940 

IQ *>on

June.

15, 120

14,360

14,360

14, 170

13, 790

13, 600

13, 980

14, 170

13, 600

13, 060

12,340.

12,880

13,060

12,700

July.

10, 440

10,780

10, 610

10,100

9,760

9,680

9,760

9,590

9,420

9, 420

9,590

9,590

9,500

9,420 

97fin

Aug.

7,720

7,210

7,210

8,400

7,aso

8,570

7,380

8,060

8,570

7,550

7,890

8,060

7,380

7, 550

Sept.

7,210

7,720

7,040

8,230

6,870

7,040

7,720

8,400

7,210

8,060

7,720

8,060

9,080

8,740

Oct.

9,590

9,250

9,340

10,100

10, 440

10, 950

11, 800

11,720

13, 060

11,980

11, 800

12,880

13,240

11,800 

11, 980

Nov.

10^180

10, 440

9,930

10, 100

9,760

10, 270

9,590

9,590

9,500

9.420

9,340

9,250

10, 440

9,250

Dec.

7, 720

7,640

7,640

7,380

7,210

6, 870

6,960

7,040

6,960

7,040

7,040

7,120

7, 210

7,380 

7,550

Estimated monthly discharge of Richelieu River at Fort. Montgomery, N. Y., for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 7,750 square miles.]

Month.

January ...... '. ...............

March® ......................

April .........................

May .........................

July .........................

August ................. ......

September ....................

November ....................

The year ...............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

7,120 

8,060 

20, 820 

24, 620 

24, 880 

18, 870 

12, 700 

9,420 

9,080 

13, 240 

12, 520 

9,080

24, 880

Minimum.

6,530 

6,700 

8,060 

21, 700 

19, 290 

12, 340 

9,420 

7,210 

6,870 

8,400 

9,250 

6,870

6,530

Mean.

6,835 

7,309 

11,630 

23, 060 

22, 270 

15, 610 

10, 860 

8,055 

7,737 

10, 330 

10, 530 

7,799

11, 840

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0. 882 

.943 

1.50 

2.98 

2.87 

2.01 

1.40 

1.04 

.998 

1.33 

1.36 

1.01

1.53

Depth in 

inches.

1.02 

1.02 

1.73 

3.32 

3.31 

2.24 

1.61 

1.20 

1.11 

1.53 

1.52 

1.16

20.77

« March 1 interpolated.
128 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

SAKANAC KIVEK NEAK PLATTSBURG, N. T.

The headwaters of Saranac River lie in the southern part of Franklin County. The southern boundary of the drainage basin is the 

Ampersand Mountain range. The stream drain* the north slope of 

the most elevated region of the State.

In 1854 a timber dam was built below Lower Saranac Lake for the 

purpose of flooding logs. In 1899-1901 a masonry dam and lock were 

erected by the State at this point, raising the water level of Lower 

Saranac Lake 18 inches.

Drainage areas oj Saranac, River. a

Location.

Above Saranac Lake State dam. ...... ......................

Above Saranac Lake village ................................

Above Franklin Falls. .....................................

North Branch Saranac River ................................

At junction North Branch. . ................................

Above High Falls .........................................

Above Cadvville ..........................................

Above Kent Falls ........................... ^... ..........

Above Morrisonville. ......................................

Above Lozier dam .................................. ........

Above mouth .............................................

Area.

Place to 

place.

>S</. miles.

44.9 

104.3 

136. 6

19.6 

74.6 

2.9 

2.0 

26.1 

5.6

Total.

iSV/. yniles. 

157. 5 

202.4 

306.7 

136.6 

498.8 

518. 4 

593. 0 

595. 9 

597.9 

624.0 

629.6

a From Bieu's Atlas of New York State.

About 16.2 per cent of the upper drainage area is water surface.

Saranac River enters Lake Champlain at Plattsburg, and owing to 

its somewhat equalized flow and rapid fall presents numerous opportunities for power development.

A gaging station was established at this dam March 27, 1903. The 

record includes the flow over a straight spillway crest 190 feet in 

length; the discharge through two 5-foot waste gates when open, and 

the discharge through four 33-inch Victor turbines controlled by 

automatic governors. Experiments have been made at Cornell University hydraulic laboratory on a modQ l of the ogee section of the 

dam, from which coefficients have been derived for calculation of the 

discharge. The gages are read and the record furnished by A, E, 

Hare,
HORTON,, JOHNSON, ~| 

AND HOYT. J LAKE CHAMPLAIN DRAINAGE BASIN. 129

The observations at this station during1 190i have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Saranac River near Plattsburg, N. Y.,for 1904.

Day.

1...... ........

o

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

21..... .........

90

25. .............

26..............

27 .............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

634

498

496

490

664

610

656

523

432

485

370

428

426

404

428

400

283

44fi

417

414

329

373

388

451

414

524

403

404

405

Feb.

448

399

416

400

361

386

181

390

515

564

606

647

498

421

451

554

477

460

395

489

263

486

451

444

350

Mar.

374

448

501

400

381

305

519

719

853

634

581

519

431

700

743

643

579

599

568

349

646

686

911

1,790

4,460

3,470

1,620

1,570

Apr.

1 930

1,990

1,840

1,950

2,390

3,020

2,390

1, 820

1,560

1,180

1,050

1,160

1,110

987

985

907

828

987

1,350

1,450

1,720

1,950

1,720

1,600

1,630

o 030

May.

1,810

1,530

1,280

1 °30

997

875

934

873

1,050

],300

1,160

1,080

1,240

1,340

9°6

922

Q99

941

£Qo

June.

783

650

688

669

630

654

493

444

403

384

401

456

00

361

251

9XO

493

455

90*

342

July.

415

522

658

572

398

384

107

CO

434

4°0

381

415

401

292

360

282

278

252

000

324

382

311

367

Aug.

Q^lo

341

360

939

422

273

341

938

324

291

384

386

416

266

325

265

281

462

706

619

475

348

453

510

338

Sept.

Q97

297

646

580

566

418

422

405

400

407

362

420

407

521

464

434

400

00

(a)

444

530

572

629

707

618

970

Oct.

00

(«)

945

803

753

(")

(«)

(«)

(")

672

778

808

790

706

642

643

475

(«)

(")

(a)

(«)

00

00

00

00

(«) ,

00

615

676

Nov.

(a)

00

(«)

702

697

647

697

574

439

383

383

549 '629

493

521

395

407

495

496

455

476

486

448

33S

225

335

Dec.

512

496

OQQ

131

277

228

227

380

264

124

242

328

262

308

240

195

369

375

252

261

381

343

233

579

467

279

383

368

621

«No record. Water being drawn down.

IKK 129 OS
130 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

Estimated monthly discharge of Saranac River near Platfsburg, N. Y.,for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 624 square miles.]

Month.

January ......................

March .......................

April .........................

May .........................

June, 29 days a ................

July, 30 days" ................

August .......................

September, 28 days a ..........

October, 15 days a .............

December ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

664 

606 

4,680 

3, 016 . 

2, 053 

783 

658 

800 

970 

1,160 

702 

621

Minimum.

283 

181 

305 

828 

692 

251 

107 

232 

297 

475 

225 

124

Mean.

455

428 

1,122 

1,634 

1,208 

507 

383 

414 

519 

748 

482 

327

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.729 

.686 

1.80 

2.62 

1.94 

.812 

.614 

.663 

.832 

1.20 

.772 

.524

Depth in 

inches.

0.840 

.740 

2.08 

2.92 

2. 24 

.876 

.685 

.764 

.866 

.669 

.775 

.604

"Water being drawn down during the missing days. 

AUSABLE RIVER NEAR KEESEVILLE, N. Y.

The drainage basin of Ausable River lies north of Bouquet River, 

and the stream enters Lake Champlain from the west. This stream 

drains a rugged mountainous area nearly all timber covered. Two 

main branches unite at Ausable Forks, about 20 miles from the 

mouth of the stream along river. In this portion a total descent of 

460 feet occurs, a portion of which is in the famous Ausable chasm. 

The East Branch of Ausable River drains a long, narrow basin, 

extending northeasterly and southwesterly. There are few lakes or 

marshes in this area aside from Ausable lakes at the head of the 

stream. Tributaries numerous and branching.

The North Branch of Ausable River receives the outflow from 

Lake Placid at elevation 1,864 feet. Numerous smaller lakes feed 

this branch of the river. Its drainage basin occupies a plateau at a 

general elevation of 800 to 1,200 feet, the mountainous boundaries of 

the watershed rising to altitudes of 3,000 to 5,000 feet.

On August 1, 1904, a temporary low-water station was established 

3^ miles above Keeseville. It was discontinued September 29.
HOETON. JOHI.SON," 

AND HOYT. LAKE CHAMPLAIN DEAINAGE BASIN. 131

The observations at this station during- 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Drainage areas of Ausable River. a

Location.

Lake Placid water surface ..................................

Lake Placid drainage area. ............................ ......

West Branch from foot Lake Placid to junction of East Branch. 

East Branch above forks ...................................

Above gaging station ......................................

Gaging station to Keeseville ................................

Keeseville to Birmingham. ...............................:.

Birmingham to mouth .....................................

Area.

Place to 

place.

Sq. miles.

21.8 

211.2 

196.9 

40.1 

6.1 

27.4 

17.8

Total.

Sij. miles. 

3.8 

21.8 

233.0 

429.9 

470.0 

476.1 

503.5 

521.3

«From Willsboro. Ausable, Lake Placid, Mount Marey, and Elizabethtown sheets of the United 

States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas.

Discharge measurements of Ausable River near Keeseville, N. Y., in 1904.

Date.

August 17......

August 22......

September 9 ...

Hydrographer.

E. D. Chase ............

.....do .................

.....do .................

.... .do .................

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet.

157

143

267

148

155

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.53

1.35

2.88

1.34

1.40

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.22

1.10

2.14

1.12

1.21

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

239

193

770

198

217

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Ausable River near Keeseville, N. Y., for 1904-

Day:

1. ............

3.............

4.............

5.............

6.. ...........

7.. ...........

9

'0.............

-1.... .........

Aug.

1.1

1.0

1.0

Sept.

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.1

Oct.

3.2

2.1

2.4

1.9

1.7

IA

1 Q

1.8

1.8

Day.

12............

14............

15............

16............

17............

18............

1Q

20............

Aug.

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.0

1.0

3.7

Sept.

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.1

Oct.

1.7

2.4

......

......

Day.

22............

24............

25. ...........

27............

28............

29

30

31............

Aug.

2.3

1.9

1.6

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.1

Sept.

1.1

1.3

4.0

2.7

2.6

2.0

Oct.

......
132 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129. 

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Atisable River near Keeseville, N. Y., for 1904-

Day.

1...............

5 ...............

8...............

0

0. ..............

11 ...............

Aug.

193

193

193

170

170

Sept.

-mo

O1 C

246

°80

246

218

193

Day.

12 ..............

10

14..............

15 ..............

16..............

17 ..............

18 ..............

19

OQ

Aug.

170

193

170

170

170

193

170

170

(°)

Sept.

193

170

170

193

280

246

218

193

218

Day.

22 ..............

23 .. .........

24 ..............

26 ..............

27 ..............

28 ..............

29 ..............

30 ..............

31 ..............

Aug.

1,008

636

547

360

280

246

218

218

193

Sept.

193

246

(°)

(«)

(«)

636

547

a Discharge beyond limits of rating curve. 

BOUQUET RIVER NEAR WILL.SBORO, N. Y.

Bouquet River is tributary to Lake Champlain from the west at a 

point near Willsboro, N. Y. This stream drains an irregular rectangular area, its eastern edge lying at a distance of 3 to 5 miles from 

Lake Champlain. The basin is moderately rolling, and has an altitude varying from 300 to 800 feet in the valleys and central portion. 

The margins of the basin are formed by precipitous mountain ranges 

rising to altitudes of from 2,000 to 4,000 feet, the greater portion of 

this rise occurring usually within a few miles of the watershed divide. 

The interior basin contains a few small lakes and numerous narrow 

valley marshes. The main stream comprises two branches, the basin 

of the north branch occupying the northern half of the drainage area. 

All portions of the catchment area are well drained by branching 

tributaries.

Drainage areas of Bouquet River. a

Location.

Above Wadhams Mills. ....................................

Whallonsburg to junction of North Branch. .................

North Branch .............................................

Junction of branches to Willsboro ..........................

Willsboro to mouth ........................................

Place to 

place.

Sq. miles. 

134.6

20.8

9.8'

100.4

3.9

2.5

Total.

Sq. miles. 

134.6

155.4

165. 2

2a5.6

269.5

272.0

Area.

a From Elizabethtown, Port Henry, Mount Marcy, Ausable, and Willsboro sheets of the United 

States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas.
HORTON, JOHNSON,! 

AND HOYT. J

LAKE CHAMPLAIN BRAINAGE BASIN. 133

During the low-water season of 190i-current-meter measurements 

were made by boat and cable at a point below the New York and Pennsylvania Company's dam in Willsboro.

The observations at this station during 190-i have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Bouquet, River near Willsboro, N. Y., in 1904-

Date.

July 30........

August 2.......

August 4. ......

September 2 ...

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert............

.....do .................

E. D. Chase ............

E. D. Chase ............

.....do .................

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

113

96

94

88

206

88

77

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per sec. 

1.67

.92

1.00

.88

3.95

1.23

.92

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.46

1.04

1.00

. 72

2.62

.85

.67

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

188

88

94

814

108

71

Mean daily gage heigJit, in feet, of Bouquet River near Willsboro, N. Y., for 1904-

Day.

1 ...............

r,

3. ..............

4 ...............

5...............

6...............

7...............

8...............

9...............

10...............

11...............

Aug.

0.10

.15

.10

.10

- .25

.50

- .60

-1.20

-2.00

- .60

Sept.

0.50

- .40

- .40

........

Day.

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20.... .'.........

21 ..............

Aug.

-1.20

fin

- .25

- .20

1.15

Sept. Day.

2'2.. ............

24..............

26..............

°8

29 ..............

30..............

31..............

Aug.

0.65

.40

.40

.18

.00

.00

.10

- .80

Sept.

LAKE GEORGE OUTLET AT TICONDEEOGA, N. Y. a

Lake George occupies a valley extending in a northeasterly and 

southwesterly direction and lying between Schroon River on the west 

and the south arm of Lake Champlain on the east. The lake has a 

general width of from 1 to 2 miles, contains numerous islands, and has 

precipitous forest-covered slopes reaching to the shore on either side. 

The inflow is through small tributaries in deep-cut gulleys on the side 

slopes. The lake lies at elevation 323 feet above tide, and the adjacent hills rise to elevation 1,200 to 2,000 feet within 1 or 2 miles of 

the lake margin. Outside of the main lake, there is but little water 

surface within the drainage basin. The total area tributary to the

a The drainage basin of Lake George is shown on the Glens Falls, Bolton, Whitehall, Ticonderoga, 

and adjacent sheets of the United States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas.
134 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 129.

lake above its outlet is 220 square miles. Of this 45 square miles are 

water surface representing 20.5 per cent of the total area.

The outlet of Lake George is a stream 3 miles in length entering 

Lake Champlain at Fort Ticonderoga. This stream leaves Lake 

George at a distance of about H miles from Lake Champlain and at 

an elevation 220 feet greater. It makes an abrupt bend in which 

occur naturally several cascades over rock. The water power is at' 

present developed by dams located successively along the stream, the 

uppermost dam controlling the outflow from Lake George.

A gaging station was established at the "Br mill of the International Paper Company at Ticonderoga August 24, 1904. This is the 

second dam below Lake George. Observations of the depth on the 

crest of the dam and in the tailrace are taken four times each day by 

C. E. Carpenter. The dam is of masonry, without leakage, and has a 

horizontal crest 6 feet in breadth and substantially level. The discharge through the turbines is determined from current meter measurements in the tailrace below the pulp mill.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Lake George outlet at Ticonderoga, N. Y., in 1904.

Date.

July 30........

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert.... ..........................

E. D. Chase..--......-.-..-..........----.

.....do ...................................

A. M. Evans............... ....... ........

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

« 7. 40

« 3. 50

« 3. 65

<*4.14

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

&242

«179

t'178

<-286

a Distance to water surface from mark on bridge support.

& Below Lower Falls.

< At highway bridge above "A" mill.

d Distance to water surface, first projection below bridge seat, downstream corner of left abutment.

Discharge measurements of Lake George outlet at Ticonderoga, N. Y., in 1904. 

[Tailrace International Paper Company's "B" mill.]

Date.

July 30........

August 5... ....

August 24 ......

August 30......

August 30 ......

September 6 ...

October 5 ......

November 12...

Hydrographer.

C. C. Covert............

Horton and Beebe ......

E. D. Chase. ............

.....do .................

.....do .................

A. M. Evans.. ..........

H. E. Beebe............

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

130

132

150

143

136

142

160

136

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per sec. 

1.87

1.30

1.45

1.48

1.14

1.89

1.57

2.00

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.41

2.15

2.22

2.15

1.98

2.10

2.36

2.40

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

242

172

217

212

155

198

252

272
HORTON, JOHNSON,"] 

AND HOYT. J

LAKE OHAMPLAIN DRAINAGE BASIN. 135

METTAWEE RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES IN NEW YORK AND VERMONT.

Mettawee River is an interstate stream rising in Dorset Mountains, 

Vermont, crossing the State line into New York and Grandville and 

entering the south arm of Lake Champlaiu below Whitehall. The 

drainage basin is a rugged area of rock, mostly forest covered, and 

tributaries are rather numerous and branching, there being no lakes 

or marshes. Near Whitehall the stream is joined by Wood Creek.

Wood Creek flowed naturally in a tortuous course in a flat valley 

skirted by bold slopes, the general course being northerly from a point 

5 miles east of Hudson River at Fort Edward. From Smith basin 

northerly, it is alternately paralleled by and canalized to form Champlain canal, so that the flow of this portion of the stream is artificially 

controlled.

Half Way Creek, the principal tributary of Wood Creek, enters at 

Fort Ann. This stream receives the drainage from Putnam Mountain, an adjacent group of small lakes. A declivity of 60 feet occurs 

at Kane's falls.

Drainage areas of Mettawee River, New York. 0

Location.

Wood Creek: 

Above Fort Ann&. .....................................

Fort Ann to mouth ....................................

Mettawee River: 

Above Middle Granville ...............................

Wood Creek ..........................................

Wood Oreek to Whitehall...... ........................

Whitehall to mouth ....................................

Area.

Place to 

place.

Kq. miles.

63.7 

141.2

161. 5 

46.1 

204.9 

14.1 

1.2

Total.

Sq. miles. 

63.7 

204.9

161.5 

207.6 

412.5 

426.6

427.8

a From Fort Ann Whitehall, Mettawee, and Glens Falls sheets of the United States C4eological Survey Topographic Atlas.

i> Including Halfway Creek.

The discharge of Mettawee River at the first bridge above the junction 

of Wood Creek was measured by current meter September 17, 1903, 

the flow being 57.8 second-feet. Water surface 12.74 feet below 

coping right-hand abutment downstream corner. The measured discharge is equivalent to .280 second-foot per square mile from the 

tributary area of 206.5 square miles at this point.

The discharge of Wood Creek at a farm bridge 3 miles above the 

junction of Mettawee River September 17,1903, was 84.5 second-feet; 

water surface 10.58 feet below top of downstream guard rail 5 feet
136 STKEAM MEASUKEMENTS IN 1904, PAET VI. [NO. 123.

from left-hand end of bridge. The equivalent discharge in second-feet 

per square mite was .430. Tributary drainage area, 196.5 square miles. 

The precipitation at Glens Falls preceding these measurements was 

as follows:

Inch

August 28 to Septeml >er 2 .................................................. 0. 82

September 2 to 16.......................................................... 0

POTJLTNEY RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES IN NEW YORK AND VERMONT.

Poultney River rises in a group of lakes in Rutland County, Vt. 

Above Poultnej7 the drainage is rugged and precipitous. From Poultney to its outlet in the south arm of Lake Champlain the thread of the 

river forms a boundary line between New York and Vermont.

Castleton River, the principal tributary, enters near Fairhaven. 

The drainage of this stream lies entirely in Vermont. Castleton River 

rises in a valley between two parallel ridges of the Green Mountains, 

flows southward to Rutland, then westward through a low divide of 

the mountains and receives at Hydeville the outlet of Bomoseen Lake. 

This lake in turn receives the discharge of a number of smaller tributary lakes. The water-surface elevation of Bomoseen Lake is 413 feet 

above tide.

Drainage areas of Poultney River. a

\ 

Location.

Bomoseen Lake: 

Bomoseen Lake water surface. ..........................

Bomoseen Lake total drainage. .........................

Castleton Eiver: 

Above Hydeville ......................................

Hydeville to mouth. ....................'...............

Poultney Eiver: 

Above Castleton Eiver ..........-.....___.-............

Junction Castleton Eiver to Carver Falls. ................

Carver Falls to mouth.. ................................

Area.

Place to 

place.

Sq. miles.

57.8 

4.9

78.4 

10.6 

75.9

Total.

Sq. mites. 

3.9 

38.2

96.0 

100.9

179.3 

189.9 

265. 8

a Prom Whitehall, Castleton, Mettawee, and Port Ann sheets of the United States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas:

A current-meter measurement of the flow of Poultney River at Delaware and Hudson River Railroad bridge above junction with Castleton River, September IT, 1903, Showed a discharge of 15.1 second-feet. 

Flow probably influenced by pond storage above.

At Carver Falls, 2 miles below the junction of Poultney and Castleton rivers, occurs a descent of 126 feet over rock. Electric power is 

developed for transmission to adjoining towns.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN DRAINAGE BASIN. 137

GREAT AND LITTLE CHAZY EIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES IN NEW YORK

AND VERMONT.

These streams are tributary to the north end of Lake Champlain, 

from the New York side.

Great Chazy River flows at one point within one-half mile of the 

United States and Canada boundary line. Its drainage is, however, 

chiefly from the south and in the United States. The catchment area, 

which is mostly shown on the Mooers and House Point sheets of the 

United States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas, is relatively flat 

and contains numerous swamp areas. At Mooers Forks two main 

branches of the stream unite. A measurement of the spring freshet 

discharge April 25, 1899, was made by the United States Deep Waterways Engineers at Champlain, 6 miles above the mouth of the stream; 

discharge 1,038 second-feet, equivalent to 4 second-feet per square 

mile from the tributary drainage area of 257 square miles.

Little Chazy River, which enters Lake Champlain 2 miles to the 

south, has a drainage area of similar character.

FISH CREEK AT BURGOYNE, N. Y.

Fish Creek forms the outlet of Saratoga Lake and is 8 miles in length 

below the limit of slack water from the lake. It enters Hudson River 

at Schuylerville, at which point water power is developed. The stream 

descends 100 feet in the lower 4 miles of its course, the greater portion 

of this fall being concentrated at Victory Mills.

The drainage basin of Saratoga Lake lies mostly to the north and 

west of the.lake and is chiefly tributary through Kayaderosseras Creek. 

This stream drains a highland region, having its sources in a range of 

hills which rise about 800 feet above the general plateau and run in a 

northwesterly and southeasterly direction. On the main plateau the 

topography is moderately rolling, tributaries rather sparse, and soil 

sandy, with few marsh or lake areas.

A temporary gage was attached to the right-hand abutment of Brandt's 

bridge at Burgoyne station August 25, 1904. Observations of the 

stage of the stream are taken once each day by G. R. Warner. 

Current-meter measurements have been made from the bridge. The 

discharge is not a continuous function of the stage of the stream, however, owing to the growth of grass and aquatic plants in the river channal, thereby causing the velocity to vary with the season. The channel 

is occasionally cleared of grass by the water-power users in order to 

facilitate the flow.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. E. Horton, district hydrographer.
138 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI.

Drainage area of Fish Creek. a

[NO. 129.

Location.

Kayaderosseras Creek above Middle Grove. .................

Kayaderosseras Creek, Ballston Springs to mouth ............

Total direct drainaere into Saratoara'Lake 6 . ..................

Area.

Place to 

place.

Sq. miles. 

43.8 

65.8 

85.1 

6.8 

41.1

Total.

jS'q. miles. 

43.8 

109.6 

194.7

235.8

a From Saratoga, Schuylerville, Schenectady, Glens Falls, Luzerne, and Broadalbin sheets of the 

United States Geological Survey Topographic Atlas. 

b Above Brandt's bridge.

Discharge measurements of Fish Creek at Burgoyne, N. Y., in 1904.

Date.

September 16 ..

November 11 ..

Hydrographer.

R. E. Horton. ..........

H. R. Beebe. ...........

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

355

339

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.80

.92

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.46

1.47

1.65

1.25

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

«283

311

301

"321

a Some grass in channel. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Fish Creek at Burgoyne, N. Y., for 1904.

Day.

1................

2................

3................

4................

5................ 

6....... ........

7...... ...........

8................

9................

10................

11................

12.................

13................

14................

15................

16................

Sept.

1.05

1.10

1.08

1.20

1.17 

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.00

1.00

1.00

.96

.90

.88

1.40

Oct.

1.55

i ^n

1.31

1.36

1.40

1.46

1.52

1.55

Nov.

1.82

~1.80

1.77

1.70

1.62 

1.56

1.53

1.45

1 40

1.36

1.30

1.25

1.20

1.22

1.26

1.28

Dec.

0.80

.80

.70

.75

.75 

.70

.55

.50

60

.55

.45

.40

.35

30

.35

30

Day.

17.......

18.......

19.......

20........

21....... 

22.......

23.......

24.......

25.......

97

28.......

29.......

30.......

01

Aug.

1.45

1.42

1.40

1.26

1 1 *\

1.12

 Sept.

1.46

1.52

1.54

1.45

1.37 

1.32

1.30

1 29

i <*ft

1.28

1.28

1.26

1.20

1.42

Oct.

1.54

1.52

1.50

1.45

1.42 

1.80

2.10

2.18

2 19

o in

2.08

2 00

1 Qfi

Nov.

1.25

1.22

1.20

1.15 

1.15

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

QC

on

QK

Dec.

0.30

«. 30

.30

.20

.20 

.20

.20

.20

.20

Cfi

.30

.70

1 00

1.00

1.05

alee conditions December 18 to 31.
HORTON, JOHNSON,"] 

AND HOl'T. J LAKE CHAMPLAIN DRAINAGE BASIN. 139

OTTER CREEK AT MIDDLEBURY, VT.

This station was established April 1, 1903, by H. K. Barrows. It 

is located at the railroad bridge in the village of Middlebury, above 

and within the influence of the dam used for power purposes. The 

water, however, never falls below the crest of the dam. The drainage 

area at this point is 615 square miles. A chain gage is attached to the 

downstream truss of this bridge; length of chain is IT.52 feet to the 

10-foot tag. It is referred to a bench mark on top of south bolt 

in bridge seat on downstream side of north abutment; elevation 20.08 

feet above gage datum. Measurements are made from a boat at 

medium stages, and from a stone-arch highway bridge about one-quarter 

mile downstream at low stages of the river. The current at the gage 

is small, except at high stages of the river; at the stone-arch bridge it 

is medium at low stages of the river. The banks are high and not subject to overflow, and the bed is permanent. The gage is read twice 

daily by R. P. Binghani, of Middlebury.

The observations at this station during 190*4 have been made under 

the direction of H. K. Barrows, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurement of Otter Creek at Middlebury, Vt., in 1904.

Date.

October 29.....

Hydrographer. Width,

Feet. 

118

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

408

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. -per sec. 

3.18

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

13.68

Discharge.

Sec.-feet, 

« 1,300

a From arch bridge. 

Mean daily gage Jieight, in feet, of Otter Creek River at Middlebury, Vt., for 1904-

Day.

1... ...........

2..............

3..............

4..............

6..............

7.............. 

8. .............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12.............. 

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

Jan.

&12.8

d!2.6

d!2.5

d!2.5

A 12. 5

Feb.

a 12. 7

a 12. 6

a 14. 7

/13.7

/13.0

Mar.

«13.0

/14.7

<«13.4

Apr.

16.1

15.7

15.4

14 9

13.9

14.0 

14.4

14.7

15.0

15.0

15.1 

15.1 

15.0

14.7

14.15

May.

15.4

15.3

15.1

14.7

14.25 

13.7

13.3

13.2

13.3

13.4 

13.25

1<> 1

13.1

June:

12.6

12.5

12.45

12. 45

12.4

13.2

13.3

12.85

12. 65 

12.4 v 

12.4

no q

12.3

July.

12.7

1Q 1

12.85

12.45

12.5

12.4 

12.3

12.2

n

o

11.95 

12.35

 10 of*

12.3

12.2

Aug.

12.3

12.4

12.5

12. 35

12 2

12.2 

11 9

12.0

12 1

1° 05

12. 15

12.25

19 9^

12.1

Sept.

12.0

1° 05

12.4

12.1

12.2

12.25 

12.2

19 1 K

12.1

19 1

11.9 

11.9

12.5

13.55

Oct.

14.5

13.8

13 °5

12.9

12.8

12.7

1'* 9

13.4 

13.4

1Q Q

13.2

13.05

Nov.

13.1

13.0

1° 85

1° 80

12.75

12.7

12.65

12.5

12.4

12.4

12.4 

12.4

12.4

12.4

12.4

Dec.

12.4

12.4

12.3

12.2

11 9

<12. 2

012.1

a Ice 1.35 feet thick. 

6 Ice 0.65 foot thick. 

c River frozen over.

dice 1 foot thick. 

f Ice 0.15 foot thick. 

/Ice 1.4 feet thick.

o Ice 0.6 foot thick, 

ft Ice 0.85 foot thick.
140 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [NO. 120. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Otter Creek River at Middlebury, Vt., etc. Cont'd.

Day.

17..............

18..............

19..............

20. .............

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

o 12. 5

M2.4

&13.0

.......

/12.7

Feb.

.......

£ 12. 8

/14.5

.......

/13.6

Mar.

&12.9

913.4

915.3

15. 35

Apr.

13.75

13.7

13.8

13.85

13.7

13.7

13.7

13.8

14. 05

14.4

14.4

14.65

15. 05

15.3

May.

14.1

14.25

14.0

14.3

14.5

14.5

14.2

13.7

13.35

13.3

13.35

13.15

12.9

12.7

1° 65

June.

12.3

12.2

12.1

11.85

12.1

JO 9

12.2

12. 15

12.1

12.1

11.95

12.1

12.1

12.1

July.

12.1

11.9

12.1

12.1

12.0

12.0

11.9

12.0

11.8

11.85

12.1

12.4

12.3

12.4

Aug.

12. 2

12. 15

12.05

12.05

12. 5

12.8

12.9

12.8

12.65

12.45

12.3

12.3

11.9

12.0

Sept.

13.5

13.15

12. 95

12.8

13.0

1-2. 85

12.7

12. 5

13.0

13.35

13.6

13.45

13.3

14.4

Oct.

12.9

12.8

12.7

12.7

12.85

14.8

14.8

14.65

14. 25

13.8

13.85

14.1

13.8

13.5

13.2

Nov.

12.4

12.2

12.3

12. 35

12.4

12. 95

12.95

12.9

12.7

12.7

12.55

12. 25

12. 15

12.3

"Dec.

<U2. 05

<-12. 15

......

......

......

......

ft 13. 5

a Ice 0.9 foot thick.

& Ice 1.25 feet thick.

clce 1.4 feet thick.

dice 0.85 foot thick.

*Ice O.S5 foot thick. Gage reading to surface of ice=12.2.

/Ice 1.35 feet thick.

olce covered with water.

ft Water 1.25 feet deep on top of ice.

NOTE. During frozen season gage heights are to surface of water in hole cut in ice. 

Haling table for Otter Creek at Middlebury, Vl., from January 1 to December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

11.60

11.70

11.80

11.90

12.00

12.10

12.20

12.30

12.40

12.50

12. 60

12.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

163

188

217

248

283

320

360

403

450

501

555

610

Gage 

height.

Feet.

12.80

12. 90

13.00

13.10

13.20

13.30

13.40

13. 50

13.60

13.70

13. 80

13.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

670

740

810

880

955

1,030

1,110

1,190

1, 275

1,365

1,455

1,550

Gage 

height.

Feet.

14.00

14.10

14.20

14.30

14.40

14.50

14. 60

14.70

14.80

14.90

15.00

15.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,645

1,745

1,845

i,95a

2,055

2,160

2,270

2,380

2,490

2,600

2,710

2,820

Gage 

height.

Feet.

15.20

15.30

15. 40

15.50

15.60

15.70

15.80

15.90

16.00

16.10

16.20

16.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,930

3,040

3,150

3, 265

3,380

3,495

3,610

3,725

3,840

3,955

4,070

4,185

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is well defined to gage height 

14 feet. Above 14 feet it is determined by one measurement.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN DRAINAGE BASIN. 141

Estimated monthly discharge of Otter Creek at Middlebury, Vt., for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 615 square miles.]

Month.

April .........................

May .........................

June .........................

July .........................

August .......................

October ......................

November ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,955 

3,150 

1,030 

880 

740 

2, 055 

2,490 

880 

450

Minimum.

1,365

582 

232 

217 

248 

248 

610 

340 

248

Mean.

2,198 

1,623 

471 

396 

398 

661 

1,225 

545 

'372

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

3.57 

2.64 

.766 

.644 

.647 

1.07 

1.99 

.886 

.605

Depth in 

inches.

3.98 

3.04 

.855 

. 742 

.746 

1.19 

2.29 

.988 

.135

NOTE. Ice conditions January 1 to March 31 and December 7-31. No estimate made. 

WINOOSKI RIVER AT RICHMOND, VT.

This station was established June 25, 1903, by H. K. Barrows. It 

is located at the steel highway bridge about one-fourth mile from Richmond, railway station, on the road to Huntington. The drainage 1 area 

at this point is 885 square miles. A standard chain gage is attached 

to the downstream truss; length of chain, 29.61 feet. It is referred to 

bench marks as follows: (1) On top of plate near north end of gage 

box; elevation, 28.76 feet. (2) Marked point on the west end of south 

abutment; elevation, 27.42 feet. Elevations are above gage datum. 

The channel is straight for 100 feet above and 100 feet below this station, and is about 175 feet wide. The bed is gravelly and permanent. 

The current is medium except at low water. Gagings at low stages of 

the river are made by wading at a point 2,500 feet upstream from 

bridge, where the bed is of gravel and the current swift. The banks 

are fairly high, but overflow at extreme high water. The gage is read 

twice daily by George Champang, a farmer, of Richmond.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of H. K. Barrows, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Winooski River at Richmond, Vt., in 1904-

Date.

May 4 .........

May 7 .........

May 10 ........

August 18 ......

October 31.....

Hydrographer.

.....do ...............

H. K. Barrows ........

.....do ...............

Width.

Feet. 

182

182

182

161

180

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

1,590

1,380

1,370

171

1,230

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec.

2.27

- 1.71

1.41

2.06

.98

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.10

6.16

5.89

4.08

5.08

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

3,610

2,360

1,930

a 352

1,210

a Wading one-half mile upstream.
142 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1904, PART VI. [so. 120. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Winooski River at. Richmond, Vt., for 1904-

Day.

1. .............

2..............

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19

20..............

00

23..............

24..............

°5

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

31..............

Jan.

«6.8

/5.66

.......

f'5.75

i'5.8

«5.75

"5.7

95.85

s5.8

..... .

&5.75

Feb.

&5.7

35.75

.......

J5.95

»»6.2

m6.1

c6. 0

c6.0

.......

Mar.

t*5.9

ft6.7

?6.4

Z6.5

P6.6

11.15

12.7

17.95

15.3

13.4

9.7

6.7

6.8

Apr.

7.0

6.8

6 9

6 45

6.55

7.2

7.85

7.8

9.15

8.4

7.6

7.35

6.65

6.3

5.8

6.2

6.3

6.1

6.2

6.25

6.8

7.1

8.4

8.6

7.5

7.65

8.9

9 95

May.

8.65

7 9

7.4

7.3

7.0

6.5

6.2

6.1

5.9

5.85

5.75

5 7

5.4

5.3

5.1

6.3

7.5

6.2

6.0

7.85

7.1

o. 2

5.9

5.7

5.55

5.6

5.6

5.35

5.0

4 9

4.8

June.

4.75

4.75

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.55

4.6

4.8

5.3

4.9

4.4

4.3

4.25

4.4

4.2

4.0

4.0

4.05

4.1

4.2

4.25

4.2

4.0

4.15

4.05

4.1

4.15

July.

4.15

4.8

4.4

4.25

4.3

4.2

4.05

4.1

4.0

4.0

4 9

4.8

4.45

4.15

4.05

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.9

3.75

3.95

4.35

4.6

4.5

4.2

Aug.

4.1

4.1

4.2

4.05

4.0

3.9

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.05

4.0

4.0

4.3

4.15

3.95

3

0

4.0

6.6

5.25

5.25

4.7

4.4

4.2

4.1

4.0

3.85

3

0

3.9

Sept.

3

0

S

QF;

4.0

5.1

4.8

4.5

4.35

4 *>§

4.1

4.05

4.0

3 OF;

3

n

4.0

4.3

5.15

4.6

4.25

4.6

4.8

6.6

5.4

4 9

5.05

5.75

5.7

5.3

5.0

Oct.

7.6

7 95

6.6

5.95

5.5

5.4

5.3

5.0

5.0

4.9

5.2

B

OF;

5.05

5.15

5.2

5.1

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.7

5.85

10.0

6.6

5.95

5.6

5.4

5.8

5.7

5.6

B

OC

5.1

Nov.

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.35

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.4

4.5

4.35

4.7

4.6

4.65

5.1

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.6

Dec.

4.5

4 55

4.65

«4.95

fc5.2

......

o4.95

' 5.0

......

......

......

a Gage reading to ice surf ace = 

& Gage reading to ice surface= 

cGage reading to ice surface= 

rfGage reading to ice surfaoe= 

« River frozen over December 

/Gage reading to ice surface= 

ffGage reading to ice surf ace= 

ft Gage reading to ice surf ace=

* Gage reading to ice surface 

3 Gage reading to ice surface= 

fc Gage reading to ice snrface=

* Gage reading to ice surface= 

m Gage reading to ice surface 

« Gage reading to ice surf ace= 

"Gage reading to ice surface= 

pGage reading to ice surface 

9 Gage reading to ice surface 

»' Gage reading to ice surface=

* Gage reading to ice surf ace=

* Gage reading to ice surf ace =

5.85; ice 1.35 feet thick. 

5.85; ice 2.1 feet thick. 

6.5; ice 2.75 feet thick. 

6.4; ice 2.65 feet thick. 

4.

5.7; ice 1.45 feet thick. 

5.85; ice 2.15 feet thick. 

7.0; ice 2.65 feet thick. 

5.8; ice 1.6 feet thick. 

6.2; ice 2.4 feet thick. 

5.3; ice 0.6 foot thick. 

6.9; ice 2.65 feet thick. 

6.6; ice 2.75 feet thick. 

5.8; ice 1.65 feet thick. 

5.05; ice 1.1 feet thick. 

6.75; ice 2.6 feet thick. 

5.85; ice 1.6 feet thick. 

5.05; ice 1.4 feet thick. 

5.85; ice 1.85 feet thick. 

5.4; ice 1.65 feet thick.

NOTE. During frozen season gage readings to surface of water in hole cut in ice.
ItOBTON, JOHNSON,"! 

AND HOST. J

LAKE CHAMPLAIN DRAINAGE BASIN. 143

Rating table for Winooski River of, Richmond, Vt., from January 1 to December 31,1904-

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50 -

4.60

4.70

4.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

140

165

195

235

285

340

400

470

540

620

710

800

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

900

1,000

1, 100

1,200

1,300

1,410

1, 520

1,630

1,740

1,850

1,970

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,090

2,220

2,350

2,490

2,630

6.50 2,770

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

7.00

2,910

3,050

3,190

3,330

3,470

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.10

7.20

7.30

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.20

8.40

8.60

8.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,610

3,750

3,890

4,030

4,310

4,590

4,870

5,150

5,430

5, 710

5,990

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is well defined between 

gage heights 3.7 feet and 7.5 feet. The table has been extended above gage height 

7.50 feet. Above gage height 6.20 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference 

being 140 per tenth.

Estimated monthly discharge of Winooski River at Richmond, Vt., for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 885 square miles.]

Month.

April .........................

May .........................

June .........................

Julv .........................

August .......................

September ....................

October ......................

November ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

7,600 

5, 780 

1,300 

900 

2,910 

5,640 

7,670 

1,100

Minimum.

1,850 

800 

235 

152 

180 

180 

710 

400

Mean.

3,893 

2,412 

482 

365 

433 

998 

1,822 

599

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

4.40 

2.73 

.545 

.412 

.489 

1.13 

2.06 

.677

Depth in 

inches.

4.91 

3.15 

.608 

.475 

.564 

1.26 

2.38 

.755

NOTE. River frozen during January, February, March, and December. No estimate made.
IE"DEX.

Agricultural College, Mich. Page. 

Red Cedar River at:

description ......................... 40

discharge........................... 41

Allegan, Mich.

Kalalmazoo River near:

description ......................... 32

discharge, mean daily.............. 32-83

discharge, monthly................. 33

Alpena, Mich.

Thunder Bay River near:

description ......................... 50

discharge, mean daily.............. 51

discharge, monthly................. 51

Au Sable River at 

Bamfleld, Mich.:

description ......................... 52-53

discharge........................... 53

discharge, monthly................. 54-55

gage heights........................ 53

rating table......................... 54

A usable River near 

Keeseville, N. Y.:

description ....................... 130-131

discharge........................... 131

discharge, mean daily.............. 132

gage heights........................ 131

TJaldwinsville, N. Y. 

Seneca River at:

description......................... 96

discharge, mean daily.............. 97

discharge, monthly................. 98

Bamfleld, Mich.

Au Sable River at:

description ......................... 52-53

discharge........................... 53

discharge, monthly................. 54-55

gage heights........................ 53

rating table......................... 54

Battle Island, N. Y. 

Oswego River at:

description ......................... 93-94

discharge........................... 94

discharge, monthly,................ 95

elevation of water surface.......... 94

rating table......................... 95

-> lack RiVer near 

Elyria, Ohio:

description ......................... 74

discharge........................... 74

gage heights........................ 75

Felts Mills, N. Y.:

description....................... 110-111

discharge, mean daily............ 111-112

discharge, monthly................. 113

IRR 129 05 10

Boardman River at Page. 

Traverse City, Mich..

description......................... 49

discharge........................... 49

Bouquet River near 

Willsboro, N. Y.:

description ....................... 132-133

discharge........................... 133

gage heights........................ 133

Buchanan, Mich.

St. Joseph River near:

description ......................... 27-28

discharge, mean daily.............. 28-29

discharge, monthly................. 30

Burgoyne, N. Y. 

Fish Creek at:

description ....................... 137-138

discharge........................... 138

gage heights........................ 138

Canadice Lake outlet near 

Hemlock, N. Y.:

description......................... 86

discharge, monthly................. 87

Canaseraga Creek at 

Mount Morris, N. Y.:

discharge........................... 83

Chittenango, N. Y.

Chittenango Creek at:

description ................... 104-105,107

discharge........................... 105

discharge, monthly................. 106

gage heights........................ 105

rating table ........................ 106

Chittenango Creek at 

Chittenango, N. Y.: 

* description ................... 104-105,107

discharge........................... 105

discharge, monthly................. 106

gage heights........................ 105

ratingtable ........................ 106

Cuyahoga River at 

Independence, Ohio:

description ......................... 75-76

discharge.............:............. 76

discharge, monthly................. 78

gage heights........................ 76-77

rating table ........................ 77-78

Defiance, Ohio:

Tiffin River near:

description ......................... 71-72

discharge........................... 72

discharge, monthly................. 73

gage heights........................ 72

rating table ........................ 73

145
146 INDEX.

Dexter, Mich. Page. 

Huron River at:

description......................... 63

discharge........................... 63

gage heights............. .......... 64

Dover, Mich.

Huron River at:

description ......................... 62

gage heights........................ 03

East Rush, N. Y.

Honeoye Creek at:

description ......................... S7-S,s

discharge, mean daily.............. 89-90

discharge, monthly................. 90

Katoii Rapids, Mich. 

Grand River at:

flood-station data................... 36

Elyria, Ohio:

Black River near:

description ......................... 74

discharge........................... 74

gage heights........................ 75

Kscanaba, Mich.

Escanaba River near:

description ......................... 17-IS

discharge........................... 18

discharge, monthly................. 'JO

gage heights........................ 18-19

rating table......................... 19

Kscanaba River near 

Kscanaba, Mich.:

description ......................... 17-18

discharge........................... 18

discharge, monthly................. 20

gage heights........................ 18-19

rating table......................... 19

Euclid, N. Y.

Oneida River near:

description ......................... 102

discharge........................... 103

discharge, mean daily.............. 103

discharge, monthly................. 104

Fawn River near 

White Pigeon, Mich.:

description ......................... 30-31

discharge........................... 31

gage heights........................ 31

Felts Mills, N. Y.

Black River near:

description ....................... 110-111

discharge, mean daily............ 111-112

discharge, monthly................. 113

Fish Creek at 

Burgoyne, N. Y.:

description........................ 137-138

discharge.. .......................... 138

gage heights........................ 138

Fitzhugh and Carrol 1 race at 

Rochester, N. Y.:

discharge........................... 85

Flatrock, Mich.

Huron River at:

description ......................... 67

discharge........................... 67

gage heights........................ 67

Flint, Mich. Page. 

Flint River at:

description......................... 58-59

discharge........................... 59

gage heights........................ 59-60

Flint River at 

Flint, Mich.:

description ......................... 58-59

discharge........................... 59

gage heights........................ 59-60

Flood stations on Grand River, Mich., at 

Various places:

elevations.......................... 36

Fort Montgomery, N. Y. 

Richelieu River at:

description......................... 125

discharge, mean daily......... .. 126-127

discharge, monthly ................ 127

gage heights........................ 126

Fox River at 

Wrightstown, Wis.:

description .................. ...... 25

gage heights ....................... 25

Freeland, Mich.

Tittabawassee River at:

description......................... 56-57

discharge........................... 57

gage heights........................ 58

French Landing, Mich. 

Huron River at:

description......................... 66

discharge........................... 66

gage heights........................ 66

Geddes, Mich.

Huron River at:

description......................... 64

discharge, mean daily.............. 65

discharge, monthly ................ 65

Genesee River at and near 

Mount Morris, N. Y.:

description ......................... 81-82

discharge........................... 82

gage heigh ts.................... _... 82-83

Rochester, N. Y.:

description ......................... 83-84

discharge........................... 84

elevation of water surface.......... 85

Grand Haven, Mich. 

Grand River at:

flood-station data................... 36

Grand Ledge, Mich. 

Grand River at:

flood-station data .................. 36

Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Grand River at:

description......................... 37-38

discharge........................... 38

discharge, monthly ................ 40

flood-station data .................. 36

gage heights........................ 38-39

rating table ........................ 39

Grand River at 

Eaton Rapids, Mich.:

flood-station data................... 86

Grand Haven, Mich.:

flood-station data................... 36
INDEX. 147

'"'and River at Page.

Grand Ledge, Mich.:

flood-station data................... 36

Grand Rapids, Mich.:

description......................... 37-38

discharge........................... 38

discharge, monthly................. 40

flood-station data................... 36

gage heights........................ 38-39

rating table......................... 39

Ionia, Mich.:

flood-station data................... 36

Jackson, Mich.:

flood-station data................... 36

North Lansing, Mich.:

description......................... 33-35

discharge........................... 35

discharge, monthly................. 37

flood-station data................... 36

gage heights........................ 35

rating table......................... 36

Portland, Mich.:

flood-station data................... 36

Great Chazy River and tributaries in 

New York and Vermont:

description ......................... 137

]:i<?mlock, N. Y.

Canadice Lake outlet near:

description......................... 86

discharge, monthly................. 87

Foneoye Creek at 

East Rush, N. Y.:

description ......................... 87-88

discharge, mean daily.............. 89-90

discharge, monthly................. 90

] r'iron River at 

Ann Arbor, Mich.:

discharge........................... 61,62

Dexter, Mich.:

description......................... 63

discharge........................... 63

gage heights........................ 64

Dover, Mich.:

description......................... 62

discharge........................... 61,62

gage heights........................ 63

Flatrock, Mich.:

description......................... 67

discharge........................... 67

gage heights........................ 67

French Landing, Mich.:

description......................... 66

discharge........................... 66

gage heights........................ 66

Geddes, Mich.:

description......................... 64

discharge, mean daily.............. 65

discharge, monthly................. 65

miscellaneous measurement on ........ 61-62

winter discharge....................... 62

" dependence, Ohio:

Cuyahoga River at:

description......................... 75-76

discharge........................... 76

discharge, monthly................. 78

gage heights........................ 76-77

rating table......................... 77-78

'onia, Mich.

Grand River at:

flood-station datu................... 3fi

Iron Mountain, Mich. Page. 

Menominee River near:

description ......................... 20

discharge........................... 21

discharge, monthly ................ 23

gage heights........................ 21

rating table......................... 22

Iron River, Mich. 

Iron River near:

description......................... 24

gage heights........................ 24

Iron River near 

fron River, Mich.:

description ........... ,t ............ 24

gage heights........................ 24

Jackson, Mich. 

Grand River at:

flood-station data................... 36

Johnson and Seymour race at 

Rochester, N. Y.:

discharge........................... 86

Kalamazoo River near 

Allegan, Mich.:

description......................... 32

discharge, mean daily.............. 32-33

discharge, monthly................. 33

Keeseville, N. Y.

Ausable River near:

description ....................... 130-131

discharge........................... 131

discharge, mean daily.............. 132

gage heights........................ 131

Lake Champlain drainage basin:

description ........................... 124-125

Lake Erie drainage basin:

description ............................. 60-62

Lake George outlet at 

Ticonderoga, N. Y.:

description ....................... 133-134

discharge........................... 134

Lake Huron drainage basin:

description ........ .-L ................... 49-50

Lake Michigan drainage basin:

description ............................. 17

Lake Ontario drainage basin:

description ............................. 79

Lansing, Mich. 

Grand River at:

flood-station data .................. 36

Little Chazy River and tributaries inNew York and Vermont:

description......................... 137

Long Branch, N. Y.

Onondaga Lake outlet at:

description ......................... 98-99

discharge........................... 100

gage heights........................ 100

Manistee River near 

Shennan, Mich.:

description ......................... 46-47

discharge........................... 47

gage heights........................ 47-48

Massena Springs, N. Y. 

Raquette River at:

description ....................... 120-121

discharge........................... 121

gage heights........................ 122
148 INDEX.

Maumee River near Page.

Sherwood, Ohio:

description......................... 68

discharge........................... 68

discharge, monthly................. 70-71

gage heights........................ 69

rating table......................... 70

Medina, N. Y.

Oak Orchard Creek near:

description ......................... 79-80

discharge........................... 80

gage heights........................ 81

Meudon, Mich.

Portage Creek at:

description......................... 26

discharge........................... 26

St. Joseph River at:

description......................... 26

discharge........................... 26

gage heights........................ 27

Menominee River near 

Iron Mountain, Mich.:

description......................... 20

discharge........................... 21

discharge, monthly.......... ...... 23

gage heights............... ........ 21

rating table......................... 22

Mettawee River and tributaries in 

New York and Vermont: -

description ....................... 135-136

Middlebury.Vt. 

Otter Creek at:

description......................... 139

discharge........................... 139

discharge, monthly................. 141

gage heights...................... 139-140

rating table......................... 140

Moose River, N. Y. 

Moose River at:

description ......................... 114

discharge........................... 115

gage heights........................ 115

Moose River at 

Moose River, N. Y.:

description......................... 114

discharge........................... 115

gage heights........................ 115

Mount Morris, N. Y. 

Canaseraga Creek at:

discharge........................... 83

Genesee River near:

description ......................... 81-82

discharge........................... 82

gage heights........................ 82-83

Mount Morris power canal near:

discharge........................... 83

Mount Morris power canal near 

Mount Morris, N. Y.:

discharge........................... 83

Muskegon River at 

Newaygo, Mieh.:

description ......................... 41-42

discharge, mean daily.............. 43-45

discharge, monthly ................ 45-46

Newaygo, Mich. Page.

Muskegon River at:

description......................... 41-42

discharge, mean daily.............. 43-15

discharge, monthly ................ 45-46

North Lansing, Mich.

Grand River at:

description......................... 33-35

discharge........................... 35

discharge, monthly................. 37

flood-station data................... 36

gage heights........................ 35

rating table ........................ 36

Oak Orchard Creek near 

Medina, N. Y.:

description ......................... 79-80

discharge........................... SO

gage heights........................ 81

Ogdensburg, N. Y.

Oswegatchie River near:

description....................... 118-119

discharge........................... 119

gage heights........................ 120

Omer, Mich.

Rifle River at:

description ......................... 55-56

discharge........................... 56

Oneida Lake in 

New York:

description......................... 101

opening and closing, by ice ........ 101

Oneida River near .

Euclid, N. Y.:

description......................... 102

discharge........................... 103

discharge, mean daily............... 103

discharge, monthly ................ 104

Onondaga Lake outlet at 

Long Branch, N. Y.-.

description......................... 98-99

discharge........................... 100

gage heights........................ 100

Oswegatchie River near 

Ogdensburg, N. Y.:

description ....................... 118-119

discharge........................... 119

gage heights........................ 120

Oswego River at 

Battle Island, N. Y.:

description ......................... 93-94

discharge...--....---........-.-.-.- 94

discharge, monthly................. 95

elevation of water surface.......... 94

rating table......................... 95

Otter Creek at 

Middlebury, Vt.:

description ......................... 139

discharge........................... 139

discharge, monthly................. 141

gage heights...................... 139-140

rating table......................... 140

Plattsburg, N. Y.

Saranac River near: j 

description....................... 128-12S

discharge, mean daily.............. 12S

discharge, monthly................. 130
INDEX. 149

nortage Creek at Page.

Mendon, Mich.:

description ......................... '26

discharge........................... 26

'Jortland, Mich.

Grand River at:

flood-station data................... 36

'Joultney River and tributaries in 

New York and Vermont:

description......................... 136

"'ulaski, N. Y.

Salmon River near:

description ....................... 107-108

discharge........................... 108

discharge, monthly................. 109

gage heights........................ 108

rating table......................... 109

Raquette River at and near 

Massena Springs, N. Y.:

description ....................... 120-121

discharge.................'.......... 121

gage heights........................ 122

South Colton, N. Y.:

description ......................... 122

discharge........................... 123

discharge, mean daily.............. 123

gage heights........................ 123

Red Cedar River at 

Agricultural College, Mich.:

description. ...................... 40

discharge........................... 41

Richelieu River at 

Fort Montgomery, N. Y.:

description ......................... 125

discharge, mean daily............ 126-127

discharge, monthly................. 127

gage heights........................ 126

Richmond, Vt.

Winooski River at:

description.........:............... 141

discharge........................ I.. 141

discharge, monthly................. 143

gage heights........................ 142

rating table......................... 143

Rifle River at 

Omer, Mich.:

description......................... 55-56

discharge........................... 56

Rochester, N.Y.

Fitzhugh and Carroll race at:

discharge........................... 85

Genesee River at:

description......................... 83-84

discharge.-.......................... 84

elevation of water surf ace.......... 85

Johnson and Seymour race at:

discharge........................... 86

St. Joseph River at and near 

Buchanan,Mich.:

description......................... 27-28

discharge,mean daily.............. 28-29

discharge, monthly.................. 30

Mendon, Mich.:

description......................... 26

discharge........................... 26

gage heights........................ 27

St. Lawrence River drainage basin: Page, 

description........................... 115-118

Salmon River near 

Pulaski.N.Y.:

description....................... 107-108

discharge........................... 108

discharge, monthly................. 109

gage heights........................ 108

rating table......................... 109

Saranac River near 

Plattsburg.N.Y.:

description....................... 128-129

dicharge, mean daily............... 129

discharge, monthly................. 130

Seneca River at 

Baldwinsville, N. Y.:

description......................... 96

discharge,mean daily.............. 97

discharge, monthly................. 98

Sherman, Mich.

Manistee River near:

description .^....................... 46-47

discharge........................... 47

gage heights........................ 47-48

Sherwood, Ohio:

Maumee River near:

description......................... 68

discharge........................... 68

discharge, monthly................. 70-71

gage heights........................ 69

rating table.......................... 70

Skaneateles Lake outlet at 

Willowglen.N.Y.:

description......................... 91

discharge, mean daily.............. 92

discharge, monthly................. 92-93

South Colton, N. Y.

Raquette River near:

description......................... 122

discharge........................... 123

discharge,mean daily.............. 123

gage heights...'..................... 123

Thunder Bay River near 

Alpena, Mich.:

description......................... 50

discharge, mean daily.............. 51

discharge, monthly ................ 51

Ticonderoga, N. Y.

Lake George outlet at:

description....................... 133-134

discharge........................... 134

Tiffin River nearDefiance, Ohio:

description......................... 71-72

discharge........................... 72

discharge, monthly ................ 73

gage heights........................ 72

rating table ........................ 73

Tittabawassee River at 

Freeland, Mich.:

description ......................... 56-57

discharge........................... 57

gage heights........................ 58

Traverse City, Mich. 

Boardman River at:

description ......................... 49

discharge....,., B ........... r ....... 49
150 INDEX.

White Pigeon, Mich. 

Fawn River near:

description......................... 30-31

discharge........................... 31

gage heights........................ 31

Willowglen, N. Y.

Skaneateles Lake outlet at:

description......................... 91

discharge, mean daily.............. 92

discharge, monthly................. 92-93

Willsboro, N. Y.

Bouquet River near:

description ....................... 132-133

Willsboro, N. Y. Continued. Page. 

Bouquet River near:

discharge........................... 133

gage heights........................ 133

Winooski River at 

Richmond, Vt.:

description......................... 141

discharge........................... 141

discharge, monthly ................ 143

gage heights........................ 142

rating table......................... 143

Wrightstown, Wis. 

Fox River at:

description.......................... '£>

gage heights......................... 25

o
PUBLICATIONS OF UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

[Water-Supply Paper No. 129.J

The publications of the United States Geological Survey consist of (1) Annual 

Reports; (2) Monographs; (3) Professional Papers; (4) Bulletins; (5) Mineral 

Resources; (6) Water-Supply and Irrigation Papers; (7) Topographic Atlas of 

United States, folios and separate sheets thereof; (8) Geologic Atlas of United 

States, folios thereof. The classes numbered 2, 7, and 8 are sold at cost of publica-' 

tion; the others are distributed free. A circular giving complete lists may be had 

on application.

Most, of the above publications may be obtained or consulted in the following ways:

1. A limited number are delivered to the Director of the Survey, from whom they 

may be obtained, free of charge (except classes 2, 7, and 8), on application.

2. Every member of Congress is allotted a certain number, from whom they may 

be obtained, free of charge, on application.

3. Other copies are deposited with the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, 

D. C., from whom they may be had at practically cost.

 4. Copies of all Government publications are furnished to the principal public 

libraries in the large cities throughout the United States, where they may be consulted by those interested.

The Professional Papers, Bulletins, and Water-Supply Papers treat of a variety of 

subjects, and the total number issued is large. They have therefore been classified 

into the following series: A, Economic geology; B, Descriptive geology; C, Systematic 

geology and paleontology; D, Petrography and mineralogy; E, Chemistry and 

physics; F, Geography; G, Miscellaneous; H, Forestry; J, Irrigation; J, Water 

storage; K, Pumping water; L, Quality of water; M, General hydrographic investigations; N, Water power; O, Underground waters; P, Hydrographic progress reports.

Serirs P. The hydrographic progress reports contain the results of s.tream measurements. A 

report is issued for every'calendar year, containing the results of data collected during that year. 

These reports were first published as a part of the Director's annual report or as a bulletin; they are 

now published as water-supply and irrigation papers. The following is a list, by years, of the publications containing the progress reports of stream measurements. Adetailed index of these reports 

(1888-1903) is published as Water-Supply Paper No. 119.

1888. Tenth Annual Report, Part II.

1889. Eleventh Annual Report, Part II.

1890. Twelfth Annual Report, Part II.

1891. Thirteenth Annual Report, Part III.

1892. Fourteenth Annual Report, Part II.

1893. Bulletin No. 131.

1894. Bulletin No. 131; Sixteenth Annual Report, Part II.

1895. Bulletin No. 140.

1896. Water-Supply Paper No. 11; Eighteenth Annual Report, Part IV.

1897. Water-Supply Papers Nos. 15 and 16; Nineteenth Annual Report, Part IV.

1898. Water-Supply Papers Nos. '27 and 28; Twentieth Annual Report, Part IV.

1899. Water-Supply Papers Nos. 35,36,37,38, and 39; Twenty-first Annual Report, Part IV.

1900. Water-supply Papers Nos. 47,48,49,50,51, and 52; Twenty-second Annual Report, Part IV.

1901. East of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 65 and 75. 

West of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 66 and 75.

1902. East of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 82 and 83. 

West of Mississippi River, Water Supply Papers Nos. 84 and 85.

I
II . ADVERTISEMENT.

1903. East of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 97 and 98. 

West of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 99 and 100.

1904. East of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 124, 125,126,127,128, and 129. 

West of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Tapers Nos. 130,131, 132,133, 134, and 135.

The Geological Survey and the Reclamation Service have suboffiees in different parts of the United 

States, from which hydrographie and reclamation work in the respective localities is carried on, and 

where data may be obtained on application. These offices are located as follows:

Boston, Mass., 6 Beacon street; Utica, N. Y., 75 Arcade; Atlanta, Ga., 409 Temple court; Austin, 

Tex., University of Texas; Chicago, 111., Federal Building; Belle Fourche, S. Dak.; Cody, Wyo.; 

Denver, Colo., Chamber of Commerce Building; Salt Lake, Utah; Los Angeles, Cal., 1108 Braly Building; San Francisco, Cal., 422 Merchants' Exchange Building; Phoenix, Ariz.; Carlsbad, N. Mex.; El 

Paso, Tex.; Billings, Mout.; Great Falls, Mont.; Hazen, Nev.; Boise, Idaho; Spokane, Wash., 424 

Peyton Block; Pendleton, Oreg.

Correspondence should be addressed to

THE DIRECTOR,

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY,

WASHINGTON, D. C. 

AUGUST, 1905.
LIBEAEY CATALOGUE SLIPS.

[Mount each slip upon a separate card, placing the subject at the top of the 

second slip. The name of the series should not be repeated on the series 

card, but the additional numbers should be added, as received, to the first 

entry.]

U. S. Geological survey.

. . . Report of progress of stream measurements for 

g the calendar year 1904. Prepared under the direction 

I of F. H. Newell by R. E. Horton, E. Johnson, jr., and 

John C. Hoyt. pt. VI. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River drainage. Washington, Gov't print, off., 

1905.

150, iii p. illus., II pi. (incl. map) 23cm. ( Its Water-supply and irrigation paper no. 129)

Subject series: P, Hydrographic progress reports, 34.

1. Stream measurements. 2. Rivers U. S. I. Horton, Robert Elmer, 

1875- II. Johnson, Edward, jr., 1876- III. Hoyt, John Clayton, 1874-

U. S. Geological survey.

. . . Report of progress of stream measurements for 

1 the calendar year 1904. Prepared under the direction 

I of F. H. Newell by R. E. Horton, E. Johnson, jr., and 

John C. Hoyt. pt. VI. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River drainage. Washington, Gov't print, off., 

1905.

150, iii p. illus., II pi. (incl. map) 23cm. (Its Water-supply and irrigation paper no. 129)

Subject series: P, Hydrographic progress reports, 34.

1. Stream measurements. 2. Rivers U. S. I. Horton, Robert Elmer, 

1875- II. Johnson, Edward, jr., 1876- III. Hoyt, John Clayton, 1874-

U. S, Geological survey.

» Water-supply and irrigation papers.

Sl '

* no. 129. Report of progress of stream measurements 

for . . . 1904 . . . by R..E. Horton, E. Johnson, jr., and J. C. Hoyt. pt. VI. 1905.

U. S. Dept. of the Interior.

w

I see also

S

* U, S, Geological survey,

in