Water-Supply and Irrigation Paper No. 130 Series P, Hydrographic Progress Reports, 35 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIRECTOR

REPORT

PROGRESS OF STREAM MEASUREMENTS

THE CALENDAR YEAR 1904

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF F. H. NEWELL

BY

CYEUS C. BABB and JOHN C. HOYT

PART VII. Hudson Bay, Minnesota, Wapsipinicon, Iowa, Des Moines, 

and Missouri River Drainages

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1905
Water-Supply and Irrigation Paper No. 130 Series P, Hydrographii 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIRECTOR

REPORT

PROGRESS OF STREAM MEASUREMENTS

THE CALENDAR YEAR 1904

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF F. H. NEWELL

BY

CYEUS C. BABB and JOHN C. HOYT

PART YII. Hudson Bay, Minnesota, Wapsipinicon, Iowa, Des Moines, 

and Missouri River Drainages

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1905
CONTENTS.

Page.

Letter of transmittal...................................................... 7

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

Cooperation and acknowledgments ........................................ 18

Hudson Bay drainage basin ............................................... 19

St. Mary River near St. Mary, Mont............................... 20

St. Mary Eiver near Cardston, Alberta, N. W. T.................... 24

Swiftcurrent Creek near St. Mary, Mont........................... 28

Kennedy Creek near Wetzel, Mont................................ 31

Mouse River near Foxholm, N. Dak............................... 32

Mouse River at Minot, N. Dak .................................... 34

Des Lacs River at Foxholm, N. Dak...-..........---.---.-.--..... 35

Red River at Fargo, N. Dak....................................... 37

Red River at Grand Forks, N. Dak................................ 40

Otter Tail River near Fergus Falls, Minn .......................... 43

Sheyenne River near Haggart, N. Dak............................. 45

Red Lake River at Crookston, Minnl...._......................... 48

Pembina River near Neche, N. Dak ............................... 51

Miscellaneous measurements...................................... 53

Minnesota River drainage basin ........................................... 53

Minnesota River above Mankato, Minn ....-.....--.........--.-... 53

Wapsipinicon River drainage basin ........................................ 55

Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa ........................... 55

Iowa River drainage basin ................................................ 58

Iowa River at Iowa City, Iowa...................-------..-.-..... 59

Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa................................ 62

Des Moines River drainage basin .......................................... 65

Des Moines River at Keosauqua, Iowa............................. 65

Missouri River drainage basin............................................. 68

Missouri River near Townsend, Mont. .....................~....... 69

Missouri River at Cascade, Mont.................................. 72

Missouri River at Mannhaven, N. Dak............................. 75

Missouri River near Bismarck, N. Dak............................. 76

Madison River (including Cherry Creek) near Norris, Mont......... 77

West Gallatin River near.Salesville, Mont ......................... 79

Gallatin River at Logan, Mont.................................... 82

Jefferson River near Sappington, Mont .......--...----...-........ 85

Sun River (North Fork) near Augusta, Mont....................... 88

Sun River (South Fork) near Augusta, Mont....................... 90

Marias River near Shelby, Mont ...................---.-.--..---.. 91

Teton River near Belleview, Mont................................. 93

Teton River near Choteau, Mont.....................-..-...:.--.. 94

Milk River at Havre, Mont....................................... 95

Milk River at Malta, Mont........................................ 98

3
4 CONTENTS.

Missouri River drainage basin Continued. Page. 

Seepage measurements along Milk River between Havre and Glasgow,

Mont................................... ...................... 102

Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont........................... 103

Paradise Valley canal near Chinook, Mont......................... 105

Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont.................................. 106

Beaver Creek near Ashfield, Mont................................. 108

Beaver Creek overflow channel near Bowdoin, Mont................ Ill

Musselshell River near Shawmut, Mont............................. 113

Little Muddy River near Williston, N. Dak ........................ 114

Yellowstone River near Livingston, Mont.......................... 117

Yellowstone River near Billings, Mont ............................ 120

Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont.............................. 123

Pryor Creek at Huntley, Mont.................................... 126

Bighorn River near Thermopolis, Wy<> ............----.--.-....-.. 127

Bighorn River at Fort Caster, Mont............................... 131

Shoshone River near Cody, Wyo..__.._._._..__...-._.....-.....-. 132

Clear Creek at Buffalo, Wyo ...................................... 136

Piney Creek at Kearney, Wyo .................................... 138

Little Missouri River near Alzada, Mont........................... 140

Little Missouri River near Camp Crook, S. Dak .................... 143

Little Missouri River near Medora, N. Dak ........................ 146

Knife River at Broncho, N. Dak................................... 149

Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak ............................. 151

Cannon Ball River near Stevenson, N. Dak ........................ 153

Grand River near Seim, S. Dak ............^....................... 155

Moreau River near Bixby, S. Dak................................. 156

Cheyenne River at Edgemont, S. Dak.............................. 159

Spring Creek near Rapid, S. Dak.................................. 160

Rapid Creek at Rapid, S. Dak..................................... 163

Box Elder Creek at Black Hawk, S. Dak .......................... 166

Belle Fourche River at Belle Fourche, S. Dak...................... 169

Red Water River at Belle Fourche, S. Dak........... .............. 172

Spearfish Creek near Spearfish, S. Dak............................. 175

Owl Creek near Belle Fourche, S. Dak............................. 178

Red water canal at Miiinesela, S. Dak .............................. 178

Crow Creek near Belle Fourche, S. Dak............................ 180

Indian Creek near Belle Fourche, S. Dak ........................... 180

White River near Interior, S. Dak...............................v. 181

Niobrara River near Valentine, Nebr .............................. 183

Red Deer Lake near Woodlake, Nebr.............................. 186

Osage River (Marais des Cygnes) at Ottawa, Kans....--..--...--... 187

Gasconade River near Arlington, Mo ....-....--...-..--..--.----.- 188

Miscellaneous measurements .........-....--.-.--.---....--....... 192

Index................................................................... 195
ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page. 

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

States....................................................... 10

II. Price current meters, with buzzers .............................. 12

FIG. 1. Cable station, showing section of the river, car, gage, etc............. 11
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL..

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY,

HYDROGRAPHY BRANCH, 

Washington, D. C., April 20, 1905.

SIR: I transmit herewith the manuscript of Part VII 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 larger part of the original data for this report was collected 

under the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer, who was assisted 

by A. E. Place, L. R. Stockman, Robert Follansbee, and W. B. Freeman. A portion of the data given herein was collected under the 

direction of M. C. Hinderlider and E. Johnson, jr., as noted in the 

acknowledgments. The assembling of the data and their preparation 

for publication were done under the direction of J. C. Hoyt, who has 

been assisted by R. H. Bolster, Robert Follansbee, W. E. Hall, and 

F. H. Tillinghast.

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.

7
PROGRESS REPORT OF STREAM MEASUREMENTS 

FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 1904.

VII.

By CYRUS C. BABB and JOHN C. HOTT.

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." (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:

Annual appropriations for hydrographic surveys.

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

Year ending June 30, 1896............................................... 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

9
10 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

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 may 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. 

94. (Hydrographic Manual, U. S. Geol. Survey.)

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 United 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 appli-
U. 8. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER NO. 130 PL. I

187° 125 123 U9 117 115° 113° 111 109° 107°' 105° 183° 101 95* 98° 9i° 89° .87° 85° 83° 81° 76° 73' 71° «9° «° "

il»" «H» iftS" MB" 101° 98° 97" 95° 93* 91* 89

MAP OF THE UNITED STATES, SHOWING LOCATION OF PRINCIPAL EIVEB STATIONS MAINTAINED DURING 19O4,
BABB AND"! 

HOYT. J

INTRODUCTION. 11

ance generally a secondary cable is necessary to hold the meter 

in position below the surface.

Gaging stations are generally located at bridges, if the channel condi: 

tions 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.

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.

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

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 Survey, 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
12 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VTT. [NO. 130.

are usually at regular intervals varying from 2 to 20 feet, depending 

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 measuringpoints 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 reducing1 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 .94 and 1.04, with a mean for the 

910 observations of 1.00. In the other principal single-point method 

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

enough to be out of the 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 .85 

to .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 veloeity^urve 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 abscissas and 

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

points, the vertical velocity-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
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER NO. 130 PL. II

PRICE CURRENT METERS, WITH BUZZERS.
BAHOYT ND ] INTRODUCTION. 13

are seldom used except for determining coefficients for purposes of 

comparison, and for measurements under ice.

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 Ynultiple-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 u run-off in depth 

in inches," and may be defined as follows:
14 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

"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.

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 

second-foot 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'1 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 of 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. J

In determining the daily discharge of streams with permanent beds, 

the results of the discharge measurements are plotted 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.
B1aoYT.ND ] INTRODUCTION. 15

The mean velocity and area determined for each discharge measurement are also plotted. Through thes e points the curves of mean

velocity and of area are drawn, and th(b rating curve is largely determined by taking the product of the mean velocity and the area at 

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

velocity and area are of special valu 

of the rating curve for stages at which

in determining the location 

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 the vertical velocity-curve method, 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 VII, is published in a series of twelve
16 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. '[NO. 130.

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.

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

River drainages.

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

drainages.

Part 5. Eastern Mississippi River drainage.

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

Part 7. Hudson Bay, Minnesota, Wapsipinicon, 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 drainages 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.

4. 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 

find 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 daily 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.
BAHOYT ND ] INTRODUCTION. 17

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, 

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 shoH 

periods when the water was higher and the corresponding discharge 

larger than given in this column. Likewise in the column of "Minimum 51 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 two remaining columns which are defined on 

page 1J: are based.

In the computations for the tables of this report the following rules 

have been used in general:

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 

should 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 itand 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 theyare 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 

be 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

IRR 130 05 2
18 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

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 

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 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.

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. Other 

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

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

public libraries in our large cities, where they 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.
] HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 19

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:

Iowa. District hydrographer, E. Johnson, jr.,« assisted by F. W. Hanna, assistant 

engineer. Acknowledgment should be made to Frank Dearborn, Stone City, Iowa, 

who assisted in establishing a gage at Stone City, and supplied voluntary readings 

for the same.

Kansas. Resident hydrographer, W. G. Russell. & Acknowledgments are due the 

Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe; Union Pacific; Missouri, Kansas and Texas; and 

Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific railway companies for annual passes issued to Mr. 

Russell.

Minnesota. District hydrographer, E. Johnson, jr.,« assisted by F. W. Hanna, 

assistant engineer.

Missouri. District hydrographer, E. Johnson, jr.,« assisted by F. W. Hanna, 

assistant engineer. Acknowledgments should be made to the St. Louis and San 

Francisco Railroad for transportation furnished to Mr. Hanna between St. Louis and 

Arlington, Mo., and to George B. Mainprize for voluntary observations at Greer 

Springs, Greer, Mo.

Montana. District engineer, C. C. Babb, c assisted by A. E. Place, L. R. Stockman, 

and Robert Follansbee, assistant engineers, and W. B. Freeman, engineering aid.

Nebraska. Resident hydrographer, J. C. Stevens. 6 Valuable assistance was rendered by Prof. O. V. P. Stout, of the University of Nebraska, in the way of the free 

use by the resident hydrographer of office facilities and suggestions in the methods 

for the collection of field data. Acknowledgments are also due the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy; Chicago and Northwestern; and Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley railroads for annual passes issued in favor of Mr. Stevens.

North Dakota. District hydrographer, ,E. Johnson, jr.,« assisted by E. F. Chandler, 

of the engineering department of the University of North Dakota.

South Dakota. Resident hydrographer, R. F. Walter, & assisted by F. M. Madden, 

engineering aid.

Wyoming. The hydrographic work in this State has been carried on under the 

direction of the district hydrographer, M. C. Hinderlider, & and by the resident hydrographer, A. J. Parshall. Acknowledgments are due for annual passes over all their 

lines in Wyoming to the Union Pacific; Chicago, Burlington and Quincy; Colorado 

and Southern; Colorado and Wyoming; and Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley 

railroads.

HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN.

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

a level topography, broken up in places by moraines and other glacial 

deposits. The major part is prairie, and its eastern half has an 

abundance of lakes and some woods. The main river flows nearly due 

north, cutting a deep channel in its broad, level valley, and is subject

a The office of the district hydrographer for Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and North Dakota is 876 

Federal Building, Chicago, 111.

&The office of the district hydrographer for Kansas, Nebraska, South'Dakota, and Wyoming is 

Chamber of Commerce Building, Denver, Colo.

cThe office of the district engineer, in charge of hydrographic work iu Montana, is Browning, 

Teton County, Mont.
20 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. I NO. 130.

to sudden rises caused by heavy spring rains, entailing frequently 

considerable loss of life and property. The valley of Red River comprises about 9,000,000 acres of excellent agricultural lands, which to a 

large extent still await settlement. A number of water powers have 

been developed during recent years on the tributaries entering from 

both sides.

Red River drains into Hudson Bay through Lake Winnipeg and 

Nelson River. Red Lake River, one of its principal tributaries in 

Minnesota, drains Red Lake in the northern part of the State. Sheyenne River, its principal tributary from North Dakota, joins Red River 

about 10 miles below Fargo, N. Dak.

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

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

Mountains, in a region of perpetual snow and in the midst of numerous glaciers. It starts from the great Blackfoot Glacier (probably the 

largest in the Rocky Mountains within the United States) and receives 

affluents from at least a dozen lesser ones. These small streams unite 

within a short distance from their sources and flow into a lake hemmed 

in by high mountains, known as Upper St. Mary Lake. Below this, 

separated by a narrow strip of land, is Lower St. Mary Lake. The 

aggregate length of the^e two lakes is about 22 miles. The river flows 

out of the lower lake, the elevation of which is 4,460 feet above sea 

level, and within 2 miles is joined by a stream nearly if not quite 

as large as itself, known as Swift Current Creek, which receives 

the water of the Grinnell Glacier and four lesser ones. From the 

confluence of these streams to the boundary of the British possessions, a distance of 12 miles, the river flows in a northerly direction. 

Kennedy Creek is a small tributary entering St. Mary River a few 

miles before the latter crosses the Canadian boundary. Entering 

Alberta it empties into Belly River, its waters at length finding their 

way through Saskatchewan River into Hudson Bay. A canal has been 

constructed in Canada by the Canadian Northwest Irrigation Company which diverts water from the right bank of St. Mary River 

about 5 miles below the international boundary line.

ST. MARY RIVER NEAR ST. MARY, MONT.

This station was established April 9, 1902, by J. S. Baker. It is 

located on Henry Henkel's ranch, about 1 mile east of his house, and 

is 35 miles northwest of Browning, Mont. It is also about 4,500 feet 

below Lower St. Mary Lake. The gage, which is located about 1,000 

feet above the cable from which the measurements are made, is of the 

wire type. It is supported upon a horizontal arm which extends over 

the river and is fastened to a cottonwood stump. The scale board is 

graduated to feet and tenths. The length of the wire from the bottom 

of the weight to the marker is 11.40 feet. A new wire gage was
BABB AND"!

HOYT. J

HUDSON" BAY DRAINAGE BASIK.

installed by C. T. Prall, June 17, 1903. It reads the same and has the 

same length of wire as the 1902 gage. The gage is read once each day 

by Henry Henkel, who lives about 1 mile west of the station. Discharge measurements are made by means of a cable, car, and tagged 

wire. The cable is fastened to a cottonwood tree on each bank. The 

initial point for soundings is on the left bank at the middle of the cot 

tonwood tree to which the cable is fastened. The channel is straight 

for 500 feet above and for 200 feet below the station. Both banks 

are high and rocky and have gentle slopes. The current has a moderate 

velocity. The bed of the stream is composed of gravel and bowlders. 

Bench mark No. 1 is a spike in the foot of a cottonwood tree 30 feet 

north of the gage. It is marked B. M. 9.24> denoting its elevation 

above gage datum. Bench mark No. 2 was a wire spike in the rear 

post of the gage, and was marked B. M. 6.97. Its elevation above 

gage datum was 6.97 feet. This bench mark has been destroyed. 

Bench mark No. 3 is a 60-penny spike in the base of a cottonwood tree 

125 feet above the gage. Its elevation is 9.61 feet above gage datum. 

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

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of St. Mary Hirer near St. Mary, Mont., in 1904.

Date,

May 9.........

June 8 .........

July 11........

July 29........

August 31 ......

Hydrographer,

\V J3 Freenmn

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

Width.

Feet. 

91

101

100

96

87

49

Area of 

section.

S,,.feet. 

202

360

309

202

135

46

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

4.34

5.91

5.73

4.21

3.27

1.34

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.13

4.73

4.30

3.20

2 42

1.25

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

878

2,130

1,771

851

441

62

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of St. Mary River near St. Mary, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan. a Feb. Mar. Apr.

1.00

1.00

1.10

1.10

May.

3.00

3.10

3.20

a. 10

June.

4.30

4.30

4.40

4.70

July.

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

Aug.

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

Sept.

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.70

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

Oct.

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

Nov.

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

Dec.

1.30

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

a River frozen from January 1 to 10 and from January 20 to April 3, when ice went out.
STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of St. Mary River near St. Mary, Mont., for 1904 

Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.50

1,50

1.50

.......

Feb.

.......

Mar.

.......

Apr.

1.10

1.10

1.20

1.20

1.30

1.30

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.80

2.10

2.40

2.50 

2.50 

2.50 

2.60 

2.60 

2.70

2.90

May.

3.10

3.10

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.60

4.00

4.20

4.40 

4.60 

4.60 

4.40 

4.30 

4.20

4.20

June.

4.70

4.70

4.60

4.40

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.40

4.60

4.60

4.80

4.90

4.80

4.80

4.70 

4.70 

4.50 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20

4.20

July.

4.40

4.40

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.10

3.90

3.70

3.60

3.50

3.30

3.20

3.20

3.10 

3.10 

3.10 

3.10 

3.10 

3.20

3.10

3.00

Aug.

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

2.90

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.70

2,80

2.80

2.80

2.70

2.70 

2.60 

2.50 

2.40 

2.40 

2.30

2.30

Sept.

2.30

2.30

2.20

2 20

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.00

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90

1.90

Oct.

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.60 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1.50

Nov.

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.40 

1.30 

1.30 

1.30 

1.30 

1.30

1.30

Dec.

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

(«)

.......

« River frozen.

Rating table for St. Mary River near St. Mary, Mont., from April 9, 1902, 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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

20

33

50

72

98

127

158

190

223

258

295

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

335

375

420

465

515

565

620

675

740

810

880

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.20

4.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

950

1,020

1,090

1,160

1,235

1,315

1,395

1,480

1,570

1,750

1,930

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.60

4.80

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,110

2,295

2,490

2,700

2,920

3,160

3,400

3,640

3,880

4,120

4,360

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

38 discharge measurements made during 1902, 1903, and 1904. It is well defined 

between gage heights 1.25 and 0 feet. The table has been extended beyond these 

limits.

The table supersedes those published in 1902 and 1903. Above 3 feet it has not 

been changed.
BABB AND")

HOYT. J

HUDSON fcAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 23

Estimated monthly discharge of St. Mary River near St. Mary, Mont., 1902-1904' 

[Drainage area, 177 square miles.]

Month.

1902.

February «. .........

March « ............

April & .............

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

November ..........

December c .........

1903.

February d ..........

March d ............

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

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

The year ..... 

1904.

February/. .........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

223 

4,000 

3,760 

4,360 

1,160 

515 

258 

190

158 

72 

72 

223 

2,110 

3,640 

3,280 

1,160 

1,160 

1,090 

465 

335

3,640

Minimum.

120 

190 

950 

1,160 

565 

258 

190 

127

72 

72 

50 

72 

223 

2,110 

1,160 

675 

465 

465 

295 

295

50

Mean.

110 

120 

100 

146 

1,729 

1,862 

2,164 

785 

342 

221 

156 

130

655

93 

72 

57 

129 

743 

3,154 

1,832 

860 

643 

646 

379 

305

743

120

80

Total in 

acre-feet.

6,764 

6,664 

6,149 

8,688 

106, 312 

110, 796 

133, 059 

48, 267 

20, 350 

13, 589 

9,282 

7,993

477, 913

5,718 

3,999 

3,505 

7,676 

45, 685 

187, 676 

112, 645 

52, 879 

38, 261 

39, 721 

22, 552 

18, 753

539, 070

7,379 

4, 602

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.62

.68 

.56 

.82 

9.77 

10.52 

12.23 

4.44 

1.93 

1.25 

.88 

.73

3.70

.53 

.41 

.32 

.73 

4.20 

17.82 

10. 35 

4.86 

3.63 

3.65 

2.14 

1.72

4.20

.68 

.45

Depth in 

inches.

0.71 

.71 

.65 

.91 

11.26 

11.74 

14.10 

5.12 

2.15 

1.44 

.98 

.84

50.61

.61 

.43 

.37 

.81 

4.84 

19.89 

11.93 

5.60 

4.05 

4.20 

2.39 

1.98

57.10

.78 

.49

a Estimated bv C. C. Babb.

b April 1-8, estimated by C. C. Babb.

« Frozen December 7 to 25,1902. Mean estimated by C C. Babb.

d Probable ice conditions during January, February, and March. Rating table has been applied as 

for open channel.

e December 11 to 31,1903, estimated by C. C. Babb.

/Frozen January 1 to 10, January 20 to April 2, and December 22 to 31. Means for January, February, March, and December estimated by C. C. Babb
24 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PAET VIT. [NO. 130.

Estimated monthly discharge of St. Mary Hirer near St. Mary, Mont., 1902-1904 Continued.

Month.

1904. 

March « ............

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

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

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

September ..........

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

November ..........

The year .....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

740 

2,110 

2,390 

1,930 

810 

620 

258 

127 

72

Minimum.

20 

810 

1,750 

810 

420 

258 

127 

70 

50

Mean.

80 

216 

1,220 

2,021 

1,456 

689 

362 

205 

91 

51

549

Total in 

acre-feet.

4,919 

12, 853 

75, 015 

120, 258 

89, 526 

42, 365 

21, 541 

12,605 

5,415 

3, 136

399, 614

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

.45 

1.22 

6.89 

11.42 

8.23 

3.89 

2.05 

1.16 

.51 

.29

3.10

Depth in 

inches.

.52 

1.36 

7.94 

12.74 

9.49 

4.48 

2.29 

1.34 

.57 

.33

42.23

a Frozen January 1 to 10, January 20 to April 2, and December 22 to 31. Means for January, February, March, and December estimated by C. C. Babb.

ST. MARY RIVER NEAR CARDSTON, ALBERTA, N. W. T.

This station was established September 4, 1902, by C. T. Prall, at 

the ranch of L. C. Shaw, about 1,000 feet from the house. It is onefourth of a mile north of the boundary line between the United States 

and Canada, and 17 miles south of Cardston, Alberta. The chain 

gage is located at the crossing near L. C. Shawls house, about 1,200 

feet above the cable. The first gage established here had a chain 

length of 11.40 feet. It was replaced in June, 1903, by the present 

gage, which has a chain length of 10.75 feet from the end of the weight 

to the marker, but the same gage datum. It is fastened to a tree 

and post on the bank. The marker is the outside edge of the ring 

at the end of the chain. The gage is read once each day by Vernon 

Shaw. Discharge measurements are made by means of a cable, 

car, and tagged wire. The initial point for soundings is the zero 

of the tagged wire on the left bank. The channel is straight for 

300 feet above and 150 feet below the station. The right bank is 

high and not liable to overflow. The left bank is sloping and is liable 

to overflow at very high water. The bed of the stream is of sand and 

gravel and is not liable to scour. There is but one channel, and the 

current is swift near the right bank. Bench mark No. 1 is a 60-penny 

spike driven in a cotton wood tree located directly back of the rod. Its 

elevation is 12.92 feet above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 

is a 60-penny spike driven in a post 1 foot in diameter and 2 feet high.
6AIoYTND ] HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 25

The post is set in the ground 92 feet northwest of the gage rod. Its 

elevation is 17.56 feet above the zero of the gage. 

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge "measurements of St.. Mary River near Cardston, Alberta, in 1903 and 1904-

Date.

1903. 

May 11........

May 11........

May 11........

June 23 .......

August 3 ......

1904. 

May 10........

June 9 ........

July 12........

July 30.. ......

September 3 ...

November 19 . .

Hydrographer.

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

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

C. T. Prall.... ......

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

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

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

Robert Follansbee . .

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

L. R. Stockman.....

Width.

Feet. 

130 

130 

130 

173 

170 

141 

135

132 

161 

153 

135 

123 

95

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

270 

286 

286 

«680 

«590 

407 

351

326

517 

427 

318 

232 

119

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

4.19 

3.79 

3.93 

8.75 

7.40 

4.25 

3.77

4.10 

6.36 

5.78 

3.81 

2.62 

.80

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.76 

4.76 

4.76 

7.05 

6.55 

5.20 

4.80

4.88 

6.02 

5.60 

4.82 

4.03 

2.45

Discharge

Sec. feet. 

1,131 

1,085 

1,125 

5,953 

4,406 

1,730 

1,325

1,337 

3,288 

2,468 

1,213 

608 

96

<* Recomputed, using standard section. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of St. Mary River near Cardston, Alberta, for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.a

3.25

3.25

3.25 

3.40 

3.30

3.15

3.10 

3.25

3.25 

3.25

3.35 

3.25 

3.25

Feb.a

3.30

3.35

3.35 

3.35 

4.90

5.20

5.25

5.10

5.10 

5.45

5.20 

5.30

5.40 

5.40 

5.40

Mar.a

.......

Apr.a

66.15

5.95

5.50

5

Qft

6.15 

5.05

4.20 

4.05

4.05 

4.10 

4.10

May.

5.20 

5.20 

5.05

5.00

5.00

4 95

4.90 

4.80

4.90 

4 96

4.90 

4.95 

5.00

June.

p; on

5.90 

5.90

6.00

6.15

6.10

5.95

6 Oft

5.85 

5.75

5.60 

5.55 

5.55

July.

5.60

5.65

5.65 

5.60 

5.60

5.60

6 fin

5.70

5.65 

5.60

5.55 

5.55

5.40 

5.40 

5.35

Aug.

4.70

4.70

4.70 

4.65 

4 65

4.65

4.70

4.70

4.75 

4.70

4.65 

4 60

4.60 

4.60 

4.45

Sept.

4.10

4.05

4.00 

4.00 

4.00

3.95

3 on

3 on

3.90

3 Oft

3.80

3

Qf\

3.80 

3.65 

3.65

Oct.

3.35

3.35

3.35 

3.40 

3.40

3.40

3.40

3

0F^

3.35

3

0ft

3.30

3

O^

3.25 

3.20 

3.15

Nov.

2 80

Q gft

2.80 

2.75

O 7ft

2.65

O Aft

2.60

2.65 

o g5

2.60 

2.60

2.60 

2.60 

2.60

Dec.

2 75

2.75

2.75 

2.90 

2 MO

2.80

2.80

2 80

3.00

3 ftft

3.10 

3 OF;

3.00

2. 85 

2.90

a River frozen from January 18 to April 5. Readings to top of ice January 18 to February 22. 

6 Water running on ice April 5 to 11. lee went out April 11.
26 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PAET VII. [NO. ISO.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of St. Mary River near Cardston, Alberta, for 1904 

Continued.

Bay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

3.20

3.20

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.05

3.10

3.20

3.20

3.20

3 °0

 } if;

3.15

3.25

3.26

3.25

Feb.

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.35

5.35

Mar. Apr.

4.00

4.05

4.10

4.15

4.30

4.40

4.45

4.45

4.50

4.50

4 60

4.90

6.00

5.05

May.

5.05

5.15

5.25

5.40

5.45

5.55

5.90

6.00

6.05

6.00

5.80

5.70

5.60

5.70

5.75

5.85

June.

5.70

5.90

6.05

6.05

6.00

5.95

5.90

5.90

5.75

5.70

5.50

5.60

5.45

5.50

July.

5.35

5.25

5.16

5.05

4.95

4.90

4.86

4.85

4.85

4.85

4.85

4.85

4.80

4.80

4.75

4.75

Aug.

4.45

4.40

4.40

4.60

4.50

4.50

4.45

4.40

4.20

4.20

4.05

4.10

4.00

4.10

Sept.

3.65

3.65

3.55

3.55

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.45

3.55

3.50

3 pen

3.45

3.45

3.40

3.40

Oct.

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.05

3.00

3.00

2.96

2.90

2.90

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.85

Nov.

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.75

2.75

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

Dec.

2.90

2.96

(")

3.00

3.00

3.10

3.30

3.60

3.60

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.05

4.05

4.15

4.45

«Ice cut for readings. River completely frozen for remainder of month.

Rating table for St. Mary River near Cardston,, Alberta, from September 13, 1902, to

December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

Discharge.

Second-feet,

100

109

121

136

153

174

198

225

255

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

288

325

365

410

460

515

575

640

710

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

785

870

960

1,055

1,155

1, 260

1,370

1,490

1, 755

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,055

2,385

2,755

3,165

3,605

4,075

4,585

5, 135

5,725

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

14 discharge measurements made during 1902, 1903, and 1904. It is well defined 

between gage heights 2.45 feet and 7.05 feet. The table supersedes all previous ones 

published.
BABB AND"! 

HOYT. J HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 27

Estimated monthly discharge of St. Mary River near CardMon, Alberta, 1902-1904- 

[Drainage area, 452 square miles.]

Month.

1902.

December ..........

1903. 

January a ...........

February a . .........

March«. ............

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

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

November ..........

The year .....

1904.

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

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

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

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

November c. ........

December c .........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

747 

608 

410 

1,755

1,105 

1,155 

2,755 

2,565 

3,060 

6,175 

4,855 

1,900 

2,300 

1,687 

870 

675

6,175

288

3,273 

3,493 

2,565 

1,208 

640 

288 

136 

240

Minimum.

198 

306 

174 

255

575 

410 

827 

365 

870 

4,075 

1,900 

1,105 

710 

575 

365 

288

288

174

1,260 

2,135 

1,208 

575 

288 

144 

109 

128

Mean.

604

477 

342 

1,092

855 

913 

1,269 

1,068 

1,720 

5,200 

2,924 

1,404 

1,109 

917 

535 

438

1,529

224 

200 

200 

935 

2,022 

2,794 

1,860 

931 

420 

213 

122 

157

840

Total in 

acre-feet.

35, 940 

29, 330 

20, 350 

67, 144

152, 764

52, 572 

50, 705 

78, 028 

63, 550 

105, 759 

309, 421 

179, 790 

86, 329 

65, 990 

56, 384 

31, 835 

26, 931

1, 107, 294

13, 773 

11, 504 

12, 298 

55, 636 

124, 328 

166, 255 

114, 367 

57, 245 

24, 992 

13, 097 

7,260 

9,654

610, 409

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.34 

1.06 

.76 

2.42

1.89 

2.02 

2.81 

2.36 

3.81 

11.50 

6.47 

3.11 

2.45 

2.03 

1.18 

.97

3.38

.50 

.44 

.44 

2.07 

4.47 

6.18 

4.12 

2.06 

.93 

.47 

.27 

.35

1.86

Depth in 

inches.

1.50 

1.22 

.85 

2.79

2.18 

2.10 

3.24 

2.63 

4.39 

12.82 

7.46 

3.59 

2.73 

2.34 

1.32 

1.12

45.92

.58 

.47 

.51 

2.31 

5.15 

6.90 

4.75 

2.37 

1.04 

.54 

.30 

.40

25.32

a Probable ice condition January, February, and March. Rating table applied as for open channel.

& River frozen January 18 to 31, table applied as for open channel.

c Mean for month estimated by Mr. C. C. Babb.

d Ice gorge April 5 to 10. Mean computed from April 11 to 30 is assumed as mean for entire month.
28 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

SWIFTOURRENT GREEK NEAR ST. MARY, MONT.

This station was originally established April 8, 1902, by J. S. Baker, 

and was located one-half mile northwest of HenkeFs ranch and 36 

miles northwest of Browning, Mont. The nearest post-office is Wetzel. Henkel's ranch is reached by regular stage from Wetzel, Mont. 

The channel is straight for 500 feet above and 200 feet below the 

station. The right o bank is low and liable to overflow; 'the left bank

is high and rocky. The bed of the stream is rocky. The station as 

originally established by J. S. Baker was washed away by the high 

water in June, 1902, and was reestablished July 30, 1902, by W. W. 

Schlecht. The original gage was placed on the right .bank of the 

stream. The new gage was located 1,800 feet above the first gage and 

on the same bank of the stream. The gage was again moved on September 27, 1902, by 0. T. Prall, and located about 900 feet above ihe 

former station, as the second location was directly above a dam. The 

length from the pointer to the bottom of the weight was 14.60 feet. 

The distance from the zero of the rod to the outside of the pulley was 

2.15 feet. This gage was washed out about June 10, 1903, and 

replaced June 17 in practically its original position by a gage having 

the same length of wire and the same position of pulley with reference 

to the scale zero as the former one. Settlement of the gage made it 

necessary to change the chain length, November 18, to 14.65 feet. 

Chain length for 1905 is 14.57. Discharge measurements are made 

by means of a cable, car, tagged wire, and stay wire. At low water 

measurements are made by wading. The initial point for soundings 

was formerly on the left bank. Since September 2, 1904, it is located 

at a nail in the top of the upstream arm of the cable shears on the 

right bank. Bench mark No. 1 is a point chipped on a large bowlder 

32.4 feet south of the gage. Its elevation is 12.52 feet above the zero 

of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is the head of a 20-penny wire nail 

driven in a cotton wood tree 64.4 feet east of the gage. Its elevation 

is 12.86 feet above the zero of the gage. The gage is read once each 

day by Henry Henkel.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.
BAHo\T.ND ] HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BA-SIN. 29

Discharge measurements of tSwiftcnrrent Creek near tit. Mary, Mont., in 1904.

Date.

May 9 .........

July 12...--...

July 29........

September 2 «..

November 18 6 .

Hydrographer.

Robert Follansbee ... 

W. B. Freeman ......

.....do .....1. .......

L. R. Stockman ......

Width.

Feet. 

66 

72 

65 

67 

50 

11

Area of . 

section.

tiq.feti. 

108 

206 

145 

106 

58 

8

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per nee. 

3.70 

6.26 

5.03 

3.65 

3. -47 

4.40

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.10 

4.51 

3.66 

3.07 

2.45 

1.80

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

400 

1,290 

730 

387 

201 

36

« Measured from new cable station established September 2, 1904. 

b Measured 750 feet below cable.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Swiftcurrent Creek near St. Mary, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

1 .........

9

4 .........

5 .........

8.........

9.........

11 .........

12.........

19

24 .........

25 .........

26 .........

2S .........

29.........

30.........

31.........

Jan.«

1.90

1.90

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.5U

1.50

Feb. Mar.

'

^

Apr.

2.00

'' 00

2.10

2.30

2.40

2.40

2. 60

2.70

2. 70

2. 80

'2.80

2.80

2.80

3.00

3.20

3.60

3.60

3.70

May.

3.50

3 on

3 Oft

3.20

3.20

3.50

Q £f\

3

tft

3

0ft

3 Qft

4.20

4.60

4 °0

4 00

3.80 

3.80

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

June.

4.15

4 05

Q QK

3.85

4.15

3.85

9 7r;

Q QP,

4.05

4.15

4.05

4.05

3

QPL

3.55

3.45

July.

3.65

3.55

3

CC

Q -IK

O -I R

3

ftFL

3 AC

Q f\£

2.95

o 95

o 95

2.95

2.95

Aug.

o 95

o 95

2. 95

O on:

 > Q^

2.95

2.95

*7 ftF*

2.85

2.85

2.85

2.75

2.75

2.65

9 95

2.95

2.85

2.75

2.55 

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.55

Sept.

2.65

 ) 55

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.35

2.35

2.35

O QK

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2 1 "^

2.05

2 05

2.05 

2.05

2.05

2.05

Oct.

2.05

2. 15

2.15

2.05

o 05

2.05

1.95

1

QFL

1.95

1 95

1 95

1 95

1 95

i ftf^

1.85

1.75

1.65

1.75 

1.85

1.85

1.S5

1.95

1.95

Nov.

1.85

1.75

1.75

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.70

1 90

2.10

2.00

2.00 

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.60

Dec.

1 60

1 60

1.50

1 80

1 80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

( b )

a River frozen January 1 to April 5, with exception of January 12 to 19, when gage was read. 

t> River frozen from December 22 to 31.
30 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Rating table for Swiftcurrent Creek 'near St. Mary, Mont., from June 17, a 1908, to December 31, 1904, superseding the table of 1903.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2. 10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

U

17

24

36

52

70

90

112

136

162

190

219

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

250

285

325

370

420

475

535

600

670

740

810

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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.

880

955

1,030

1,105

1,180

1,260

1,340

1,420

1,500

1,580

1,660

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.

1, 745

1,830

1,915

2,000

2,090

2,180

2,270

2,360

2,450

2,540

2,630

aAlso applicable from April 25 to June 16,1903, after adding 0.3 foot to gage heights, as published in 

Water-Supply Paper No. 100.

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

22 discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. All measurements made 

during 1903 and 1904 have been corrected to a uniform area, using the measurement 

of May 9, 1904, by L. E. Stockman, as standard. With these corrections a fairly 

well-defined curve is obtained.

Estimated monthly discharge of Swiftcurrent OreeTc near St. Mary, Mont., for 1908 and

[Drainage area, 101 square miles.]

Month.

1903. 

January h . ..........

February &.._._...._

March&........._._.

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

June c ..............

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

67 

52 

78 

325 

1,180 

2,630 

1,105 

475

Minimum.

45 

45 

45 

40 

162 

1,180 

420 

325

Mean,

50 

46 

50 

100

465 

1,885 

708 

389

Total in 

acre-feet.

3,074 

2,555 

3,074 

5,950 

28, 592 

112, 165 

43, 532 

23. 918

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.50 

.46 

.50 

.99 

4.60 

18.66 

7.01 

3. 85

Depth in 

inches.

0.58 

.48 

.58 

1.10 

5.30 

20.82 

8.08 

4.44

al902 rating table applied from January 1 to April 24,1903. 1904 rating table applied from April 25, 

1903 to December 81, 1904, after adding 0.3 foot to gage heights April 25 to June 7, 1903. 

6Probable ice conditions. Rating table applied as for open channel. 

<"June 8-16, estimated.
BABB AND 

HOYT

NDl 

. J

HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 31

Estimated monthly discharge, of Swificurrent Greek near St. Mary, Mont., for 1903 and

1904 Continued.

Month.

1903.

December^ .........

1904. 

January &. ..........

February &.... ......

March 6 ............

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

May-.-....... ......

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

November &_._..__..

The year

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,340 

535 

740 

219

2,630

810 

1, 500 

1,540 

845 

348 

234 

101 

90 

36

Minimum.

190 

190 

112 

136

40

60 

420

568 

348 

176 

80 

20 

17 

17

Mean.

421 

277 

256 

166

401

50 

40 

40 

280 

749 

972 

553 

290 

128 

62 

36 

23

269

Total in 

acre-feet.

25, 052 

17, 033 

15, 233 

10, 207

290, 385

3,074 

2,301

2,460 

16, 661 

46, 054 

57, 838 

34, 003 

17, 831 

7,616 

3,812 

2,142 

1,414

195, 206

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

4.17 

2.74 

2.53 

1.64

3.97

.50 

.40 

.40 

2.77 

7.42 

9.62 

5.48 

2.87 

1.27 

.61 

.36 

.23

2.66

Depth in 

inches.

4.65 

3.16 

2.82 

1.89

53. 90

.58 

.43 

.46 

3.09 

8.55 

10.73 

6.32 

3.31 

1.42 

.70 

.40 

.26

36. 25

a December 11-31, estimated.

6 Means supplied by C. C. Babb. River frozen, with the exception of January 12 to 19, and November 1 to 19.

KENNEDY CREEK NEAR WETZEL, MONT.

This station was established October 17, 1903, by C. T. Prall. It is 

located 50 feet above the road from Altyn, Mont., to Cardston, 

Alberta. It is 35 miles northwest of Browning, Mont., and 20 miles 

from Wetzel, Mont., and about 5 miles north of the St. Mary dam 

site. The station is at the mouth of the canyon and about 1 mile above 

the mouth of Kennedy Creek. The horizontal wire gage is bolted to 

a tree and post on the bank of the river. The length of the wire from 

the end of the weight to the marker is 8.45 feet.

Discharge measurements are made by means of a cable, car, tagged 

wire, and stay wire. The initial point for soundings is the zero of the 

tagged wire on the left bank. The channel is straight for 200 feet 

above and 100 feet below the station. The current is very rapid at
32 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOB 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

high stages and moderate at low stages. The right bank is rocky and 

may overflow at extreme high water. The left bank is high and rocky 

and not liable to overflow. The bed of the stream is composed of 

bowlders and gravel, and is probably subject to some change at high 

floods. Bench mark No. 1 is a chipped point on a large bowlder at 

the strut near the north end of the cable. Its elevation is 12.88 feet 

above gage datum. Bench mark No. 2 is a 60-penny spike in a cottonwood tree 90 feet north of the gage. Its elevation is 10.49 feet above 

gage datum. No daily gage heights were read at this station, as it 

was impossible to procure a reader.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of G. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Kennedy Creek near Wetzel, Mont., in 1904.

Datf.

May 9 .........

July 12........

July 30.....-.-

Peptember 3 ...

November 18 ..

Hydrographer.

AV B Freeman

AV B Freeman

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

L. R. Stockman ......

Width.

Feet. 

51

59

59

49

46

37

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

58

92

81

46

39

27

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per.sec. 

2.49

3 66

2.04

1.78

1.23

.96

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.13

6.63

6.40

6.03

5.87

5.61

Discharge.

Sec. feet. 

145

337

165

82

48

26

MOUSE RIVER NEAR FOXHOLM. N. DAK.

This station was established June 22, 1904, by E. F. Chandler, and 

is located at the highway bridge 3i miles northeast of Foxholni, 

N. Dak., a flag station on the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. 

Marie Railway. A plain, vertical, staff gage is spiked to the downstream one of a row of piles that supports the bridge near the left 

bank. It is read once each day by H. Heinen. Discharge measurements are made from the downstream side of the single-span bridge 

to which the gage is attached. The initial point for soundings is the 

left end of the downstream hand rail. The channel is straight for 

about 300 feet above and 500 feet below the station and the current is 

sluggish. The right bank is covered with some brush and overflows 

only at extreme high water and only for a short distance. The left 

bank is a clean meadow. It overflows slightly during the ordinary 

spring floods, and in extreme floods overflows to a depth of several feet 

for a distance of nearly a half mile. The bed of the stream is composed of silt and mud and is not shifting. There is but one channel 

at ordinary stages, which during higher stages is broken by two rows 

of piles near each end of the bridge. The bench mark is two 12-penny 

nails driven into the upstream face of the pile to which the gage is
BABB AND") 

HOYT. J HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 33

attached. Its elevation is 4.92 feet above the zero of the gage. The 

elevation of the zero of the gage, as determined by hand level from 

a Reclamation Service stake, is about 1,572 feet above sea level.

The observations at this station during 1904: have been made under 

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

Discharge measurements of Mouse River near Foxholm, N. Da,k., in 1904. 

Date.

June 22........

July 14........

August 13......

September 17 ..

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler .......

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

E. F. Chandler .......

Width.

Feet. 

66

63

63

62

Area of 

section.

frl.feet. 

313

203

145

142

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.46

1.06

.54

.45

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.97

3.26

2.28

2.38

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

459

215

79

64

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Mouse River near Foxholm, N. Dak., 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....................................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

q-i

June.

4.90

4.80

4.60

4.50

4.40

4.35

4.30

4.05

July.

3.90

4.05

4.45

4.25

3.90

3.55

3.50

3.50

3.20

2.80

3.50

3.50

3.30

3.30

2.90

2.90

2.70

2.70

3.20

3.20

2.90

' 2.80

2 90

2.80

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.50

2.40

2.40

Aug.

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

' 2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.35

Sept.

2.35

2.35

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.45

2.45

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.50

2. 45

2.40

2.40

2.35

2.35

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.25

2.25

2.22

2.25

2.25

2.30

2.30

2.35

2.40

Oct.

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.35

2.35

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.45

2.45

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

Nov.

2.30

2.40

2.30

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.20

2.40

2.40

2.40

(a)

f°)

(a)

(a)

(a)

1°)

(a)

f°)

(a)

(°)

(a)

(°)

IEE 130 05-

a River frozen from November 20 to December 31. 

-3
34 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

MOUSE RIVER AT MINOT, N. DAK.

This station was established May 5, 1903, by F. E. Weyraouth. It 

is located at the footbridge, 150 feet northwest of the Great Northern 

Eailway roundhouse at Minot, N. Dak. The gage is a vertical 1 by 6 

inch board, 20 feet long, nailed to a pile of the center pier of the bridge 

on the downstream side. It is read once each day by H. E. Wheeler. 

Discharge measurements are made from the downstream side of the o _

bridge, at which the gage is located. The bridge makes an angle of 

15° with the normal to the direction of the current, which has to be 

taken into account in computing discharge measurements. The initial 

point for soundings is the zero mark on the downstream guard rail at 

the electric-light pole on the right bank. The channel is straight for 

100 feet above and below the station. The current has a moderate 

velocity. Both banks are high, covered with trees and shrubs, and 

will not overflow. The bed of the stream is composed of sand and is 

fairly constant. There are some snags and brush in the bottom of the 

channel. Bench mark No. 1 is the top of the hydrant at the corner of 

the street, about 150 feet north of the bridge. Its elevation is 21.83 

feet above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is the top of the 

hydrant one block west of bench mark No. 1. This elevation is 21.85 

feet above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 3 is the top of the 

rail of the side track at the southwest corner of the roundhouse. Its 

elevation is 21.18 feet above the zero of the gage. The top of the rail 

of the main track of the Great Northern Railway station has an elevation of 21.19 feet above the zero of the gage. As determined by connection with railroad levels, the zero of the gage has an elevation of 

1,510 feet above sea level. The drainage area of Mouse River at this 

station is 8,100 square miles.

The observations at this station during 1901 have been made under 

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

Discharge measurements of Mouse River near Minot, N. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

April 30 .......

Mav 31 ........

June 22. .......

June 24. .......

July 13........

July 14........

August 12.... ..

September 18 . .

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler.......

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

E. F. Chandler.......

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

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

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

E. F. Chandler. ......

Width.

Feet. 

170

1,668

118

88

87

83

83

77

74

Area oi 

section.

Sq.feet. 

1,880

4,391

1,267

400

373

291

299

220

220

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.65

1.83

1.44

1.74

1.54

.96

1.04

.46

.40

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

17.92

20.48

14.68

6.69

6.32

5.16

5.29

4.40

4.30

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

3,107

8, 056

1,824

698

577

279

312

102

88
BABB AND "1 

HOST. J

HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 35

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Mouse River near Minot, N. Dak., for 1904-

Day.

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

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

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

f>. ...................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr.

6.0

7.0

9.3

10.6

11.3

12.8

13.8

14.2

14.8

15.7

16.4

16.8

17.2

19.0

21.8

21.7

21.5

21.0

20.9

20.7

20.6

May.

20.3

20.2

20.1

20.0

19.9

19.9

19.9

19 9

19.9

19.9

19.8

19.8

19 7

19.4

1Q 9

19 0

18.6

18.4

- 17 9

17.5

17.1

16.8

1 (* f>

15.0

14.5

June.

13.9

11.7

10.5

9.7

9.5

9.2

9.0

8.8

8.7

8.6

8.5

8.4

8.1

8.0

7.8

7.7

7.5

7.0

7.0

6 9

6.6

5 Q

5.8

July.

5.8

5.7

5.6

5.6

5.5

5.3

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0-

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.6

Aug.

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4 4

4 4

4/4

4 4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

Sept.

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4. 25

4.25

4 °5

4.2

4.2

4 2

4 2

4.2

Oct.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.25

4.3

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4 °5

4.25

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4 2

4 2

Nov.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.15

4.15

4.15

4.15

4.15

4.15

4.15

4.15

4.15

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4 1

4.3

4.3

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.2

4.2

( &)

( &)

(&)

( & )

( &)

a From April 20 to 30 the river rose above the gage. The heights are estimated from observer's 

report and high-water marks. 

& Frozen.

DES LACS RIVER AT FOXHOLM, N. DAK.

This station was established June 23, 1904, by E. F. Chandler. It 

is located at the highway bridge at Foxholm, a station on the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railway. A plain staff gage, 

graduated to feet and tenths, is nailed to the downstream side of the 

first pier from the left bank. This pier is composed of a row of piles 

parallel to the bank of the stream. The gage is read once each day 

by L. S. Alden. Discharge measurements are made from the downstream side of the highway bridge to which the gage is attached. The 

initial point for soundings is the right end of the downstream hand 

rail. The channel is straight for about 75 feet above and 25 feet below 

the station. There is but one channel at ordinary stages. During 

high water the channel is divided by the piling piers of the bridge. 

The current is sluggish at low stages. The right bank is high, covered with brush, and does not overflow. The left bank is covered 

with brush and does not overflow except in high floods, when the 

water may pass across a neck a few rods east of the bridge. The bed
36 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PAET VII. [NO. 130.

of the stream is composed of silt and mud, and is slightly shifting. 

The bench mark is a group of four spikes driven into the pile beside 

the gage rod. Its elevation is 10.00 feet above the zero of the gage, as 

obtained by hand level from the railroad, is 1,633 feet above sea level. 

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

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

Discharge measurements of Des Lacs Rirer at Foxholm, N. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

June 23 .......

July 13........

August 12 .....

September 17 «. 

September 17. .

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler ......

E. Eichards .........

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

E. F. Chandler ......

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

Width.

Feet. 

18 

18 

18 

14 

18

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

51 

41 

30 

4.5 

23

Mean Gage 

velocity, height.

ft. per sec. feet. 

0. 80 3. 80 

. 58 3. 12 

. 32 2. 45 

1. 10 2. 22 

. 28 2. 22

Discharge.

Sec. -feet.. 

41 

24 

9.6 

5.0 

6.2

a Measurements by wading. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Des Lacs River at Foxholm, N. Dak., for 1904-

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21.

22

O g

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31.. .

..:.......................

June.

3 sn

3.80 

3.75 

3.75 

3.70 

3.65 

3.60 

3.55

July.

q PJ[)

q p.

3.4 

3.4 

3.4 

3.3 

3.3 

3 °

3 "

3.2 

3.2 

3.1 

3.1 

3.2 

3.4 

3.2 

3.1 

3.1

3.0 

2.9

0 

5 

0 

0 

5 

0 

5

5

0 

0 

5 

5 

5 

5 

0 

5 

0 

5 

0 

7 

5 

n

2.87 

2.84 

2.80 

2.80 

2.75 

2.75 

2.75 

2.73

! Aug. Sept.

2 72 j 2 no

2.70 

2.70 

2.70 

2.68 

2.68 

2.55 

2.54

2.52

2.50 

2.4S 

2.45 

2.42 

2.40 

2.35

2.30 

'2. 2.H 

2. 25 

2. 25 

2.27 

2.25 

2.25

2.25 

2.25 

2.22 

2.20 

2.20 

2.20 2.00" 

2.00

2.00 

2.00 

2.10 

2.10 

2.10 

2.15 

2.19 

2.19

2.18 

2.18 

2.15 

2.20 

2.20 

2.20

2.21 

2.21 

2.21 

2.20 

2.20 

2.20

2.21 

2.21 

J2.22 

2.25 

2.25 

2.26 

2.28

Oct.

2.28

2.28 

2.29 

2.31 

2.33 

2.35 

2.35 

2.38 

2.40

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2. 10 

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

2.40 

o 49

2.40 

2.35 

2.30 

2.25 

2.15 

2.10 

2.05 

2.05

Nov.a

2.10

2.15 

2.18 

2.20 

2. 22 

2.25 

2.25 

2.23 

2.21

2.20

2.00 

2.00 

1.98 

1.98 

1.95 

1.95 

1.92 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90

1.90 

1.90

........

Dec. a

62.35

C2.30

el. 30

........

/2.30

a Gage heights read to water surface during frozen period. A River frozen over.

& Ice 4 inches thick. «Ice 10 inches thick.

"Ice 6 inches thick. / Ice 13 inches thick.
BABB AND!

HOYT. J

HUDSON BAY PBAINAGE BASIN.

Rating table for Des Lacs River at, Fo.vholtn, N. Dak., from January 1 to December 31,

1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2

3

4

5

7

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

9

11

13

15

17

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

19

21

23

25

27

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

29

32

35

38

41

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

5 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is well denned between gage heights 

2.2 feet and 3.8 feet.

Estimated monthly disch&rge of Des Lacs River at Foxholm, N. Dak., for 1904-

Month.

June 23-30 ...........................

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

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

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

November 1-24 .......................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

41 

32 

15.3 

6.6 

9 

6

Minimum.

34 

16 

3 

3 

3.5 

2

Mean.

38.1 

23.3 

8.8 

4.9 

7.8 

3.6

Total in 

acre-feet.

605 

1,433 

540 

290

477 

173

RED RIVER AT FARGO, N. DAK.

This station was established May ^7, 1901, by C. M. Hall, and is 

located at the bridge connecting Front street, Fargo, N. Dak., and 

Main street, Moorhead, Minn. The gage consists of a 1 by 8 inch 

board, painted white, graduated to feet and tenths in black, and 

attached to the east side of the breakwater for the center pier of the 

bridge. The zero of the gage is 44.45 feet below the top of the plank 

walk of the bridge over the gage and is 860.9 feet above sea level, the 

elevation having been determined by leveling from the top of rail of 

Northern Pacific Railway station, Moorhead, Minn. The observer is 

H. R. Grasse, United States Weather Bureau, Moorhead, Minn. 

Discharge measurements were originally made from the bridge to 

which the gage is attached, but owing to unfavorable conditions for 

accurate measurement the measuring section was changed June 10, 

1904, to the footbridge at the Fargo waterworks, one-half mile 

upstream from the gage, except at unusually high stages, when measurements are made from the Northern Pacific Railway bridge, 15 rods
38 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PAET VII. [NO. 130.

below the gage. A movable timber and stay cable, enabling the meter 

to be held about 7 feet horizontally upstream from the footbridge, 

obviates the influence of the small piling piers. This equipment is 

stored in the pump house of the waterworks. The initial point at the 

footbridge is an electric-light pole on the right bank. The initial 

point at the railway bridge is the right end of the draw span. The 

channel is straight for about 100 feet above and 150 feet below the 

station, and the current is medium. The left bank is high and steep, 

while the right bank is low and subject to overflow at times of high 

water. The bed of the stream is composed of silt and mud and is 

fairly permanent. There is but one channel at all stages. The bench 

mark is a point on the extreme north end of the flat top of the concrete pier of the railway bridge at the initial point for soundings. 

Its elevation is 37.12 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 Red River at Fargo, N. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

April 14a......

May 10 &.......

May 10 c - ......

June 6 < .......

June 10 * ......

June 10 & ......

June 27 c ......

July 6 c........

July 30 < -......

October! 7 c....

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler. ......

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

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

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

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

E. C. Murphy........

E. F. Chandler and R.

Richards.

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

124

107

109

95

108

92

128

'l!3

101

98

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

1,064

638

610

493

588

592

1,114

724

429

357

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.13

1.87

1.95

1.88

1.84

1.82

2.37

1.93

1.50

1.44

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

15.97

10.59

10.59

10.18

10.40

10.38

14.38

11.44

8.88

8.22

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

2,268

1, 193

1,19C

925

1,082

1,076

2,645

1,404

643

51 

" Backwater due to ice jams. & Front Street Bridge. 

c Regular station at waterworks bridge.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Red River at Fargo, N. Dak., for 1904.

Day.

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

o

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.a Apr.

11.3

11.3

11.5

11.7

11.7

11.9

11.7

May.

12.0

10.8

10.5

10.4

10.4

10.5

June.

9.8

9 -8

9.8

10.0

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.1

10.2

July.

13.7

12.5

12.0

11.6

11.3

11.1

11.1

10.8

Aug.

8.8

8.7

8.6

8.6

8

K

8.5

8.5

8.4

Sept.

7.7

7.8

7.8

8.0

8.2

8.3

8.3

o q

8.3

Oct.

 8.0

8.0

8.1

8.2

8.2

8

0

8.2

Nov.

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.0

8.0

8.0

8

n

8.0

River frozen during March and December.
] HUDSON BAY DKAINAGE BASIN. 39

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Red River at Fargo, N. Dak., for 1904 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<K>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

8.6

8.6

8.6

8.6

8.6

8.6

8.6

8.7

8.7

9.3

9.5

9.5

9.5

9 PL

9.5

10.3

10.9

Apr.

11.8

12.2

12.9

15.8

17.8

19.0

19.7

20.5

OJ O

21.3

90 9

19.5

18.5

17.7

16.7

16.0

15.0

13.7

12.8

May.

10.6

10.6

10.6

-m K

10.6

10.6

10.1

10.0

9.9

9.8

9.7

9 7

9 7

9.7

9.7

9 8

9..S

9.S

9 8

9."9

9.9

9.9

June.

10.5

10.5

10.5

10.4

10.3

10.1

10.0

9.9

9.8

9.7

9.7

9.6

9.5

9.5

10.5

11.5

13.3

14.5

14.8

14.8

14.4

July.

10.7

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.8

10.6

10. F

10.4

10.2

10.0

9.9

9.9

9.5

9.4

9.2

' 9.0

9.0

9.0

8 9

8.9

8.8

8.8

Aug.

8.4

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.2

8.2

8.1

8.1

8.0

8.0

8.0

7.9

7.8

7.8

7.7

7.7

Sept.

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.1

8.1

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

Oct.

8.2

8.2

8.3

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.3

8.3

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.1

8.1

Nov.

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

' 7.7

7.4

7.0

7.2

Rating (able for Red River at Fargo, N. Dak., from January 1 to December 31,1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.00

7.10

7.20

7.30

7.40

7.50

7.60

7.70

7.80

7.90

8.00

8.10

8.20

8.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

231

252

273

294

315

336

357

378

400

422

444

466

489

512

Gage 

height.

Feet.

8.40

8.50

8.60

8.70

8.80

8.90

9.00

9.10

9.20

9.30

9.40

9.50

9.60

9.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

536

560

585

610

636

662

688

714

741

768

795

822

850

878

Gage 

height.

Feet.

9.80

9.90

10.00

10.10

10.20

10.30

10.40

10.50

10.60

10.70

10.80

10.90

11. 00-

11.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

907

936

966

996

1,026

1,057

1,088

1,119

1,151

1,183

1,215

1,248

1,281

1,350

Gage 

height.

Feel.

11.40

11.60

11.80

12.00

12.20

12.40

12.60

12.80

13.00

14.00

15.00

Discharge.

Second-fed.

1,422

1,496

1,572

1,650

1,730

1,811

1,893

1,976

2,060

2,480

2,920

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 7 feet and 11.5 feet. Above gage height 11.50 the extension of the curve 

is determined by a measurement at 14.4 feet gage height. Discharges applied to gage 

heights above 15 feet are approximate estimates.
40 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Estimated monthly discharge of Red River at, Fargo, N. Dak., for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 6,000 square miles.]

Month. '

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

May ...-...-.-.....

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

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

September ..........

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

6,089 

1, 650 

2,832 

2,354 

636 

512 

512 

466

Minimum.

1,281 

878 

822 

636 

378 

378 

444 

231

Mean.

3,222 

1,043 

1,268 

1,124 

502 

452 

488 

428

Total in 

acre-feet.

191, 700 

64, 130 

75, 460 

69, 120 

30, 870 

26, 900 

30, 010 

25, 470

513, 700

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.537 

.174 

.211 

.187 

.084 

.075 

.081 

.071

Depth in 

inches.

0.599 

.201 

.235 

.216 

.097 

.084 

.093 

.079

RED RIVER AT GRAND FORKS, N. DAK.

This station was established May 26, 1901, by C. M. Hall. It is 

located at the Northern Pacific Railway bridge at Grand Forks, N. 

Dak. The original gage is a vertical 1 by 8 inch board attached to the 

north end of the breakwater of the middle bridge pier. The zero of this 

gage was placed 5 feet below the zero of the United States Army engineers' gage, which is attached to the same breakwater. A standard chain 

gage has been established with the same datum as the vertical gage 

and is attached to the downstream side of the bridge. The length of 

the chain from the end of the weight to the marker is 50.44 feet. The 

gage is read once each day by Philip Hayes. Discharge measurements are made from the Great Northern Railway bridge, about onefifth mile above the gage. The initial point for soundings is marked 

in red paint on the downstream guard rail at the left end of the left 

span. The channel is straight for 500 feet above and for 150 feet 

below the Great Northern Railway bridge. The current has a moderate velocity. The right bank is liable to overflow at high stages 

and is wooded. The left bank will overflow only at very high stages 

and for a short distance. The water at all stages will pass beneath the. 

4-span bridge and its trestle approaches. The bed of the stream is 

composed of sand and mud and is subject to some change. The water 

is usually heavily laden with sediment from Reel Lake River, which 

enters one-half mile above the station. Bench mark No. 1 is the north 

corner of the iron plates of the turntable near the center of the middle 

pier of the Northern Pacific Railway bridge. The bench mark is on, 

the north side, about 1 inch above the surface of the stone pier. Its 

elevation is 43.95 feet above gage datum. Bench mark No. 2 is a 

spike in a telegraph pole in the lumber yard southwest of the left end 

of the bridge, from which it is 200 feet distant. Its elevation is 48.50
BABB AND"! 

HOYT. J HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 41

feet above gage datum. The top of the pulley of the chain gage is 

53.12 feet above gage datura. Gage datum is 45.58 feet above the 

city datum of Grand Forks and is 777.9 feet above sea level.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

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

Discharge measurements of Red River at Grand Forks, N. Dak., in 1904.

Date.

April 12 .......

April 25. ......

May 9 .........

May 23 ........

Octobers......

H y d rographe r.

R. Richards .........

E. F. Chandler ......

E. F. Chandler _.....

E. C. Murphy .......

E. F. Chandler ......

Width.

Feet. 

665

908

307

207

192

155

150

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

11,560

16, 130

5,338

2,814

2,313

876

868

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.81

1.99

2.56

2.95

2.79

1.91

1.74

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

35.74

39.92

25.09

17.10

14.55

6.62

6.48

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

20, 970

. 32, 040

13, 640

8 ?92

6,442

1, 674

1.510

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Red River at Grand Forks, N. Dak., for 1904.

Day.

1........

5......'..

8........

9........

10........

11........

13 ........

14 ........

15 ........

16 ........

17 ........

18 ........

19........

20 ........

21. .......

oo

23 ........

25 ........

26........

27........

28........

29........

30........

31 ........

Jan.

7.7

7.5

7.8

7.3

Feb.

7 Q

7.2

7.0

6.95

......

Mar.

7.1

7.4

7.65

9.75

Apr.

10.45

12. 85

15.90

24. 45

28.55

31.42

34.35

35. 32

35.68

35.90

35.80

35.75

35.90 

b35.88

35.34

35.74

35. 52

34.70

35.20

35.92

36.58

37.70

38.88

QQ QA

40.50

40.62

40.40

39.98

39.38

May.

35.88

29. 25

27.35

25.88

25. 20

24.98

24.85

24.74

24.38

23.78 

23. Id

2° 3S

21.65

20.75

19.90

19. 12

18. 42

17.78

17.05

16.50

16 2°

15. 85

15.60

15.38

15.05

14.78

14.39

June.

-10 QO

14.05

14. 28

14.68

14.70

14.80

14.90

14.82

14.72 

14.50

14.05

13.78

13.72

1?.70

13.78

13. 70

13. 32

13.10

12.82

jo 55

12. 44

12.42

13.05

13.84

14.19

July.

14.21

1°. Sfi

1°. ji

12.90

12.38

12.20

11.78

11.56

11.38

11.02

10.80

10.46 

10.40

10. 12

10.23

10. 21

10. 02

9.93

9.70

9.46

9.28

9.08

8.90

8.70

8.55

8.36

8.20

8.40

8.08

Aug.

7.80

7 80

7.58

7 ftfl

7.35

7 28

7.10

6.90

6.90

6.98

6.89 

6.79

6.61

6.60

6.70

6.52

6.50

6.41

6.49

6.59

6 54

6.42

6.38

6.39

6.15

6.05

6.29

Sept.

6.45

6.80

7.10

7.12

7.04

7.00

6.82

6.70

6.55

6.69 

6.60

6.45

C.60

6.32

6.45

6.32

6.61

6.58

6.38

6.38

6.38

6.45

6.50

6.52

6.48

Oct.

6.58

6 91

6.60

6.88

6.80

6.85

7.22

6.92

6.98

7.10 

7.22

7 9^

7.35

7.40

7.22

7.25

7.58

7.32

7.48

7.28

7.32

7.26

7.05

7.42

7.15

7.02

Nov.

6.98

6.93

7.08

6.95

6.90

6.92

6.88

6.68

6.92

6.88

6.82

6.75

6.62 

6.52

6.78

6.82

6.85

6.75

6.60

6.78

6.60

6.78

6.68

7.20

(°)

(a)

6.50

Dec.

o 6. 30

"6.40

a 6. 50

a River frozen at gage; readings to surface of water; ice 3.5 to 14 inches thick, 

bice running April 15. 

NOTE. Dtiring January, February, and March gage read to surface of water; ice 26 inches thick.
 12 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOB 1904, PAET VII. [NO. 130. 

Rating table for Red River at Grand Forks, N. Dak., from January 1 to December 31,1904-

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

7.60

7.70

7.80

7.90

8.00

8.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,300

1, 350

1,400

1,450

1, 500 "

1,550

1,600

1, 650

1,700

1,755

1, 810

1, 865

1,920

1,975

2, 030

2,085

2,140

2, 195

2,250

2, 305.

2,360

2, 415

Gage 

height.

Feet.

8.20

8.30

8.40

8.50

8.60

8.70

8.80

8.90

9.00

9.10

9.20

9.30

9.40

9.50

9.60

9.70

9.80

9.90

10.00

10.20

10.40

10.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,470

2,525

2,580

2,635

2, 690

2, 750

2, 810

2,870

2, 930

2,990

3,050

3,110

3, 170

3, 230

3, 290

3, 350

3,410

3, 470

3, 530

3, 650

3,770

3,890

Gage 

height.

Feet.

10.80

11.00

11.20

11.40

11.60

11.80

12.00

12.20

12.40

12.60

12.80

13. 00

13. 20

13.40

13.60

13.80

14.00

14.50

15. 00

15. 50

16.00

16.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4,010

4,130

4,260

4,390

4,520

4, 6F.O

4,780

4,910

5,040

5, 170

5,300

5, 430

5,560

- 5, 700

5, 840

5,980

6,120

6,470

6,820

7,170

7,540

7,915

Gage 

height.

Feet.

17.00

17.50

18.00

18. 50

19.00

19. 50

20.00

21.00

22.00

23.00

24.00

25. 00

26.00

27.00

28.00

29.00

30.00

31.00

32. ,00

33.00

34.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

8,290

8,665

9,040

9,420

9,820

10, 220

10, 620

11,440

12, 290

13, 140

14, 020

14,920

15, 870

16, 840

17, 840

18, 880

19, 960

21, 080

22, 240

23, 440

24, 650

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

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

gage heights 5 feet and 18 feet. Above 18 feet a measurement at 39.92 feet determines the direction of the curve. The table has been extended beyond these limits. 

Above gage height 34 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 125 per 

tenth.
BABB AND

HOYT,;ND J HUDSON BAY DEAINAGE BASIN.

Estimated monthly discharge of Red River at Grand Forks, N. Dak., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 25,800 square miles.]

43

Month.

April 15-30 .........

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

August .----........

November, 28 days..

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

32, 920 

30, 210 

6,750

6,267 

2,278 

1,876 

2,074 

1,920

Minimum.

25, 520 

6,393 

5,053 

2,404 

1,325 

1,460 

1,540 

1,550

Mean.

29,200 

13, 720 

6,020 

3,914 

1,758 

1,613 

1,854 

1,704

Total in 

acre-feet.

' 926, 700 

843, 600 

358, 200 

240, 700 

108, 100 

95, 980 

114, 000 

94, 640

2, 782, 000

Run-off.

Seeond-feet 

per square 

mWe.

1.13 

. 532 

.233 

.152 

.068 

.062 

.072 

.066

Depth in 

inches.

0.673 

.613 

.260 

.175 

.078 

.069 

.083 

.069

OTTER TAIL RIVER NEAR FERGUS FALLS, MINN.

This station was established May 9, 1904, by E. F. Chandler. It is 

located at Three-Mile Bridge, about 3i miles northeast of Fergus Falls, 

Minn. The temporary gage is a 2 by 6 inch timber graduated by feet 

and tenths from 1 to 6.2 feet, and marked with brass-headed nails driven 

into the bank near the lower corner of the left abutment. Gravel 

covers the rod to the 2.2-foot mark. The gage is read once each day 

by H. G. Evensen, jr. .Discharge measurements are made from the 

lower side of the single-span steel highwa^y bridge at which the gage 

is placed. The initial point for soundings is the left end of the downstream hand rail. Ten-foot intervals are marked along the rail with 

brass-headed nails. The channel is straight for about 150 feet above 

and for 600 feet below the station. The current is medium at all 

stages. Both banks are high, wooded, and do not overflow. The' bed 

of the stream is composed of clean gravel and small stones, and is 

probably permanent except after extreme floods. There is one channel at ordinary stages, and two possible at high water. The chief 

source of supply is Otter Tail Lake; therefore sudden fluctuations in 

river height are not to be expected. The bench mark is a nail driven 

into the stone wing wall of the left abutment, downstream side, about 

4i feet from the angle of the abutment and just behind the temporary 

gage. Its elevation is 5.56 feet above the zero of the gage.

The observations have been made during 1904 under the direction 

of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.
44 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PAET VII. [NO. 130. 

Discharge measurements of Otter Tail River near Fergus Falls, Minn., in 1904.

Date.

May 9 .........

July 23. .......

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler .....

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

E. C. Murphy ......

R. Richards ........

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

E. F. Chandler .....

Width.

Feet. 

97

97

97

97

98

98

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

197

222

221

187

163

146

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.50

3.08

2.93

2.48

2.14

2.16

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3,54

3.74

3.70

3.34

3.07

2.98

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

491

684

647

464

348

316

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Otter Tail Rirer near Fergus Falls, Mmn., for 1904.

Day.

9

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

34. ........ ..........................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

o»

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May.

3.55

3.5

3.45

3.5

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.55

3. 55

3.6

3.65

3.7

3.7

3.65

Q CC

3.65

3.7

June.

3.65

3.65

3.75

3.8

3. 85

3.85

3.8

3.75

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.6

4.2

3.9

3.85

3.8

3.75

3.8

3.8

July.

3.8

3.75

3.75

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.55

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.4

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.3

Q Q

3.35

S So

Aug.

3.3

3. 25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.25

3. 25

Q O

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.05

S.a'S

3.05

3 n^

Sept.

3.05

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

Q A

3.0

3.0

3

f\

3

f\

Oct.

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3 O^

Nov.

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.05

3.10

(« )

Dec.

(«)

alee 16 inches thicli December 22. & River frozen over November 29.
BABE AND!

HOYT. J

HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 45

Rating table for Cuter Tail River near Fergus Falls, Minn.,from January 1 to December

31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

320

350

383

418

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.40

3.50

3.60

Discharge.

Second- feet.

456

500

568

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.70

3.80

3.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

650

735

820

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.00

4.10

4.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

905

990

1,075

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

6 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is fairly well denned between 

gage heights 3.0 feet and 3.75 feet. The table has been extended above gage height 

3.75 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Cuter Tail River near Fergus Falls, Minn., for 1904.

Month.

May (9-31)...........................

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

November (1-28) .....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

650 

1, 075 

735 

418 

350 

335 

350

Minimum.

478 

568 

418 

335 

320 

320 

320

Mean.

565 

696 

513 

365 

329 

326 

328

Total in 

acre-feet.

25, 780 

41, 420 

31, 540 

22, 440 

19, 580 

20,040 

18, 220

SHEYENNE RIVEK NEAK HAGGART, N. DAK.

This station was established March 22, 1902, by C. M. Hall. It 

is located near the way station of Haggart, on the Northern Pacific 

Railway, 5 miles west of Fargo, N. Dak., at a private wagon bridge 

about one-fourth of a mile north of the railroad. The gage is a vertical 1 by 6 inch board fastened to the piling pier at the middle of the 

bridge, divided into feet and tenths, and reads up to 17 feet. It is 

read once each day by John C. Haggart. Discharge measurements 

are made from the same bridge. The initial point for soundings is 

the end of the hand rail on the lower side of the bridge, right bank. 

The channel is straight for 30 feet above and 200 feet below the station 

and 'the current moderate. Both banks are steep and not liable to 

overflow except in unusual floo4§. There is a single channel at all 

stages and its bed is of clay and only slightly shifting.
46 STEEAM MEASUEEMEFTS FOE 1904, PAET VII. [NO. 130.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

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

Discharge measurements of Sheyenne River near Haggart, N. Dak., in 1904'

Date.

April 14. ......

May 10........

June 6... ......

June 10. .......

June 27........

July 30........

October 17.....

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler. ......

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

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

E. C. Murphy........

E. F. Chandler. ......

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

Width.

Feet. 

76

79

49

52

50

46

46

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

824

957

207

230

189

98

94

Mean

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.44

1.84

2.01

1.93

1.83

1.78

1.14

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

15.45

17.08

7.14

7.19

6.32

4.41

4.19

Discharge.

Sec.-Feet. 

1,186

1,763

415

443

348

175

107

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Sheyenne River near Haggart, N. Dak., for 1904-

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

g

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

81..................

Mar.

-

(< )

6.00

6.20

d6.30

7 90

9 40

9 40

elO.35

11.40

Apr.

12.05

12.40

12.85

-I f> QC

1 9 on

12.50

11 90

12. 45

12.85

m l t\

14.00

b 15. 10

15.70

1 K. cr>

15.85

1*7 7^

18.10

18.15

18.45

18.40

18.48

18.40

18.40

18.40

1.3.40

May.

18.40

18.40

18.35

1 ft Qfi

1 fi 9fi

1 ft 1F\

18.05

17.70

1 *7 OP\

16.85

15.40

1 Q O^

11.75

10.65

9 65

9.15

8 Oft

8 40

8.15

7 90

7.70

7 60

7 45

7.40

7.30

tj OK

7.20

7.05

6.85

6.65

June.

6.50

6.50

6.40

6.50

7 30

7 20

6 90

7 en

7 60

8

KA

8 ^n

9 on

9 no

8 on

8

170

8 in

7 80

6

0A

6

KA

6.00

^ Qfi

'6.20

6.40

6.00

6.00

July.

6.00

5.90

5.90

5

QA

5 70

5.70

5.60

5

CA

5.40

5

OA

5.10

f; **ft

5 on

5.40

5 40

5 50

5 40

5 *7rt

5.50

5.30

K. OA

4 90

4.70

4.50

4.55

4.40

4.70

4.60

Aug.

4.20

4.40

4.38

4 30

4.10

4.00

4 00

3.88

S on

4.10

4.05

3 98

3 9'7

3 95

3

*7 el

3.82

3 98

3 95

3.85

3 on

Q QC

3

nK

3.90

3.80

3 fin

3.80

3

*70

3 in

3.80

Sept.

3.90

4.20

3.90

3 90

3

QA

3

QA

S

on

3 Qfi

3.60

3.00

3.70

4.00

3.90

4.15

3

QC

4.00

3 on

3 Oft

3.60

3 on

4.10

3.80

3.90

S

on

4 00

3

QA

4 00

........

Oct.

4.00

3.90

3.80

3

QA

4.10

4.10

3

QA

4.50

4 60

4 30

4.10

3.90

3.80

3 QA

3

QA

3.90

3.85

3.90

3.85

3.80

3.90

3 Q^

3.85

3.90

3.80

Nov.

3.95

3.80

3.90

3 95

3.90

3.90

3.80

3.85

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

3.90

4.00

4.00

4.10

3.90

4.00

3.90

4.10

4.10

4 00

4.00

/4.00

Dec.

04.00

4.00

4.00

.......

,«Ice 6 inches thick. 

& Ice jam.

c Ice 3 feet thick.

t*4 inches of water on top of ice.

e Ice breaks up. 

/Icel inch thick.
BABE AND"] 

HOYT. J HUDSON .BAY DKAINAGE BASIN. 47

Rating table for Sheyenne River near Haggart, N. Dak., from January 1 to December

31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

4.40

4.50

4.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

32

36

41

47

53

59

66

73

80

87

95

103

112

121

130

139

148

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

5.80

5.90

6. dO

6.10

6.20

6.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

157

167

177

187

197

208

219

230

241

252

263

274

285

296

307

318

329

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.20

8.40

8.60

8.70

8.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

340

351

362

373

384

396

408

432

456

480

504

528

552

576

602

615

628

Gage 

height.

Feet.

9.00

9.20

9.40

9.60

9.80

10.00

10. 50

11. 00

11.50

12. 00

13.00

14.00

15.00

16.00

17.00

18.00

19. 00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

654

680

706

732

758

784

849

914

980

1,050

1,190

1,330

1,470

1,610

1,750

1,890

2,030

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

discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is not well defined. Above 

gage height 12.0 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 14 per tenth.

Estimated monthly discharge of Sheyenne River near Haggart, N. Dak., for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 5,400 square miles.]

Month.

April"5 .. ...... ....

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

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

September ........

November ........

The period .

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,974 

1,946 

654 

296 

130 

112 

148 

103

Minimum.

1,036 

368 

285 

130 

36 

32 

80 

80

Mean,

1, 553 

1,043 

420

217 

88 

85.1 

93.2 

91. 3

Total in 

acre-feet.

92, 410 

64, 130 

24, 990. 

13, 340 

5,411 

5,064 

5,731 

5,433

216, 500

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0. 288 

.193 

.078 

.040 

.016 

.016 

.017 

.017

 -- 

Depth in 

inches.

0.321 

.222 

.087 

.046 

.018 

.018 

.020 

.019

a During the greater part of April backwater was caused by ice gorge. Estimate for the month 

probably somewhat large.
48 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOR. 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

BED LAKE RIVER AT CROOKSTON, MINN.

This station was established May 19, 1901, by C. M. Hall. It is 

located at the bridge which connects Eobert and St. Paul streets, and 

which is known as the Sampson Addition Bridge. It is about onesixth mile west of the Great Northern Eailway station. The lowwater vertical gage is a 1 by 6 inch board, graduated to feet and 

tenths, fastened to the piling of the left abutment under the bridge. 

It reads from 0 to 9.6 feet. The high-water vertical gage is attached 

to the piling of the pier at the right end of the bridge. It reads 

from 7.5 to 15. feet. There is also a wire gage near the middle of the 

single-span bridge. Its horizontal scale reads from 3 to 19 feet. 

The gage is read once each day by J. E. Carroll, the city engineer. 

Discharge measurements are made from the lower side of the singlespan bridge at which the gages are located. The initial point for 

soundings is the post of the hand rail, lower side, at the left end 

of the bridge, at a point where the diagonal member of the bridge 

truss meets the floor timbers. The channel is straight for 250 feet 

above and 200 feet below the station. The current is swift. The 

right bank is low and is covered with trees and brush. It is liable 

to overflow at very high stages, but there would be little current 

in the flooded section, owing to the trees and brush. The left bank 

is high, wooded, and not liable to overflow. The bed of the stream 

is sandy, free from vegetation, and shifting. The dam and power 

house for the city waterworks are located about 1,000 feet above 

the gage. The opening and closing of the sluices cause some variation in the flow, but the gage readings represent a close average of 

the daily river height. Bench mark No. 1 is the top of the hydrant 

at the corner of St. Paul and Eobert streets, 30 feet south of the 

bridge. Its elevation is 24.23 feet above gage datum. Bench mark 

No. 2 is the top of a hydrant 200 feet north of the bridge at the 

corner of St. Paul and Woodlawn streets. Its elevation is 27.46 feet 

above the zero of the gage. The city datum of Crookston has an 

elevation of 4.10 feet above gage datum. The top of the rail of the 

main track at the Great Northern Eailway station at Crookston has an 

elevation of 37.63 feet above gage datum. The gage datum has an 

elevation of 825 feet above sea level.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

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

HOIT,; ND } HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASIN. 49

Discharge measurements of Red Lake River at Crookston, Minn., in 1904.

Bate.

April 15 .......

April 26. ......

May 16........

June 9..... ....

July 16........

September 9 ...

October 24.....

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler.......

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

E. C. Murphy .......

R. Richards .........

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

193

203

201

183

177

173

176

177

Area of 

section.

Si feet. 

3,535

3,007

1,693

1,077

671

357

526

498

Mean 

velocity.

ft. per sec. 

2.33

3.98

3.65

3.23

2.76

2.13

2.21

2.44

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

16.50

18.46

11.58

8.48

6.^26

4.40

5.36

5.20

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

5,915

11,970

6,184

3,486

1,854

759

1,164

1,208

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Red Lake River .at Crookston, Minn., for 1904.

Day.

L:::::::::::::

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.... ..........

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan. a

.......

Feb. Mar. Apr.

8.80 

11.55

15.68 

18.03

17.01

15.12 

13.93

15.42

17.90

16.85

16.35

15.85

15.47

14. »5

12. 72. 

13.30 

15.10

619. 13

19.50

15.65

15. 05

13.90

May.

13.32

12. 42

11.95 

11.30

10.90 

10.55

11.35

11.90

11.90 

11.90

11.60

11.68

11.68

11.95

11.80

11.80

11.40 

10.80

10.57

10.40 

10.10 

9. -20

9.82 

9.52

9.50

9.30

9.30

8.70

8.78

June.

8.65

8.40

8.25 

8.38

8. 65

8.55

8.60

8.80

8.85 

8.70

8.60

8.70

8.10

7.85

7.75

7.75

8.60

8.50 

8.05 

8.05

8.10 

7.95

7.90

8.00

8.15

1 Rfl

7 fin

7.75

Ju

7

7

7 

6

6

7

fi

6

6 

6

6

6

6

6

5

li

5

:

5 

5 

5

5 

5

5

5

5

5

5

5 

5

fly35

15 

95

90 

10

70

XO

65 

15

45

45

35

15

35

95 

?0

95

65 

55 

f>0

58 

70

58

65

60

40

3"?

15 

00

Aug.

5.33

5.30

5.00 

5.30

5.28 

5.10

4.50

4.90

4.92 

4.70

4.55

4.50

4.50

4.75

4.70

4.50

4.53 

4.60

4.63

4.63 

4.45 

4.60

4.65 

4.65

4.55

4.70

4.50

4 65

4.30

4.50 

4.90

Sept.

5.60

5.40

5.35 

5.40

5.30 

5.60

5.35

5.35

5.40 

5.35

4.70

5.10

4.60

4.70

4.85

4.85

4.25 

4.20

4.15

4.90 

4.05 

4.40

4.58 

180

4.50

4.60

4.80

4,35

4.45

4.90

Oct.

4.40

5.10

4.50 

5.00

4.85

4.85

5.00

4.50

5.15 

4.60

4.75

4.75

4.93

4.63

5.10

4.50

4.70 

4.90

4.75

4.80 

5.05 

4.93

5.05 

5.15

4.80

5.10

5.10

5.10

5.40

5.20 

4.60

Nov.

5.05

5.00

4.85 

4.75

4.60

4.50

5.00

5.20 

5.40

5.15

4.85

4.85

5.00

5.05

5.15

4.80

4.60

4.40 

4.20

4.30

4.10

4.25

3.60

3.70

3.90

3.90

Dec.

3.80

4.10

8.70 

3.80

3.70 

4.50

4.70

4.65

4.80 

4.80

4.70

5.05

5.50

5.30

5.60

5.40

5.50 

5.40

5.40

5.50 

5. 65 

5.65

5.00 

5.10

5.10

5.10

{ f*\

« River frozen over from January 1 to April 2.

b Rise at the rate of 1J inches per hour during day.

i-Channel frozen underneath gage, 20 feet channel open.

IRR130 05-
50 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1901, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Rating table for Red Lake River at Crookston, Minn., from January 1 to December 31,

1904.

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

4.70

4.80

4.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

430

470

510

550

590

630

670

710

760

810

860

910

970

1,030

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,090

1,150

1,210

1,270

1,330

1,390

1,450

1,510

1,570

1,630

1,700

1,770

1,840

1,910

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.20

8.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,980

2, 050

2, 120

2, 190

2,260

2,330

2,400

2, 540

2,680

2,820

2, 980

3,140

3,300

3,460

Gage 

height.

Feet.

8.60

8.80

9.00

10.00

11.00

12.00

13.00

14.00

15.00

16.00

17. 00

18.00

19.00

20.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,620

3, 780

3,950

4,800

5,650

6,500

7,350

8,200

9,050

9,900

10, 750

11, 600

12, 450

13, 300

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

discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is fairly defined. Above 

gage height 9 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 85 per tenth.

Estimated monthly discharge of Red Lake River at Grookston-, Minn., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 5,525 square miles.]

Month.

April 3-30..........

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

June ...--....-.....

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

November ..........

December 1-26. .....

The period ....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

13, 570

7,622 

3,822 

2,645 

1,288 

1,450 

1, 330 

1,330 

1,480

Minimum.

3,780 

3,700 

2,820 

1,090 

710 

610 

760 

430 

470

Mean.

7,410 

5,446 

3,341 

1,817 

938 

1,020 

1,021 

893 

1, 059

Total in 

acre-feet.

411,500 

334, 900 

198, 800 

111, 700 

57, 680 

60, 690 

62, 780 

53, 140 

54, 610

1, 346, 000

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.34 

.986 

.605 

.329 

.170 

.185 

.185 

.162 

.192

Depth in 

inches.

1.40 

1.14 

.675 

.379 

.196 

.206 

.213 

.181 

.186
BAHOYT ND ] HUDSON BAY DKAINAGE BASIN. 51 

PEMBINA RIVER NEAR NECHE, N. DAK.

This station was established April 29, 1903, by F. E. Weymouth, 

assisted by E. F. Chandler. At this time a temporary gage was put 

in. The permanent gage was installed by E. F. Chandler May 18, 

1903. It is located at the Great Northern Railway bridge, two-thirds 

of a mile north of the railroad station at Neche., N. Dak. The gage is 

near the northeast corner of sec. 36, T. 164 N., R. 54 W. It consists 

of two sections of 1 by 6 inch plank painted white and divided into 

feet and tenths. The lower section, reading from 0 to 5 feet, is 

driven 2 feet into the bed of the stream, and has its upper end 

spiked to the bridge abutment timbers on the left bank. The upper 

section, reading from 5 to 24 feet, is spiked to the bridge pier on 

the right bank. It is read once each day by P. J. Horgan. Discharge measurements are made from the single-span highway bridge, 

400 feet below the gage. The initial point for soundings is a point 

on the downstream hand rail 3 feet from its right end. The bridge 

crosses the river obliquely. To take this fact into account, the hand 

rail has been divided into intervals of 10.4 feet. This is equivalent 

to 10-foot intervals of a cross section normal to the direction of the 

current. The channel is straight for 100 feet above and below the 

station. Both banks extend about 20 feet above the zero of the gage. 

They are not liable to overflow except at exceptionally high stages. 

The right bank is densely wooded and the left bank is covered with 

brush. The bed of the stream is composed of sand and of mud, in 

which there are some sunken snags. The bed may change slightly. 

About one-third of a mile below the gage there is a loose-rock dam 

4 feet high. This raises the water 1 or 2 feet at the bridge, but, as 

the dam is not tight, the water may fall at low stages. Bench mark 

No. 1 is the top of the horizontal timber on the upstream side of the 

right pier, near the gage. It is marked with brass-headed nails, and 

has an elevation of 23.70 feet above the zero of the gage. Benchmark 

No. 2 is the west rail of the track at the rail joint at the crossing about 

550 feet south of the gage. Its elevation is 26.54 feet above the zero 

of the gage. Bench mark No. 3 is a spike driven in the north face of 

the telephone pole inside the fence in the field west of the track and 

about 550 feet south of the gage. It is about H feet above the 

ground and has an elevation of 24.28 feet above the zero of the gage. 

The elevation of the top of the 12 by 12 inch timber, to which the lowwater gage is fastened, is 4.93 feet. The elevation of the zero of the 

gage above sea level, as determined by hand level from the railroad 

 station at Neche, N. Dak., is 815 feet. The drainage area of Pembina 

River at this station is 2,800 square miles.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.
52 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Discharge measurements of Pembina River near Neche, N. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

April 18 .......

April 26 .......

May 23........

July 9.........

Hydrographer.

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

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

R. Richards. .........

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

L. KWilcox. ........

Width.

Feet. 

85

92

96

86

79

72

70

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

634

1,494

909

837

488

299

274

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.93

2.14

2.45

2.12

1.99

1.22

.91

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

11.85

18.12

13.28

12.04

8.51

5.70

5.22

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

1 °*>7

3,198

2,230

1,778

971

363

249

Mean daily gage, height, infect, of Pemb'ma River near Neche, N. Dak., for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.a

.......

.......

.......

.......

.......

Feb. Mar.

.......

.......

Apr.

3.7

3.8

4.0

4.5

5.0

&7.0

9.3

9.4

10.0

11.7

12.2

13.5

13.8

12.9

11.8

12.4

15.3

16.2

16.8

17.0

17.8

18.0

18.2

18.2

18.3

19.0

19,7

May.

20.7

20.9

20.7

20.3

 19.9

19.3

18.6

18.0

17.4

16.4

16.0

16.5

16.9

17.5

17.7

16.3

15.4

14.6

14.1

13.9

13.3

13.3

13.0

12.5

11.8

11.4

11.1

10 8

10.5

June.

10.2

9.9

9.9

9.9

14.0

13.8

13.3

12.0

11.0

11.8

15.2

15.3

14.0

12.8

12.0

11.3

10.5

10.4

9.7

9.5

13.1

13.2

13.4

12.7

10.3

9.1

8.4

8.3

July.

8

1

7.9

8.9

15.2

16.0

11.8

9.7

9.5

8.6

8.0

7.8

7.6

7.6

7.3

7.0

6.9

6.9

6.9

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.7

6.5

6.2

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.9

6.0

6.0

Aug.

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.9

5.9

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.7

5.9

5.9

5.9

5.9

5.8

5.7

5.7

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.5

Sept.

& K,

5.5

5.5

5.5

5:5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.3

5.4

5.4

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.4

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.1

Oct.

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.1

5.2

5.2

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.2

51

5.0

5.0

Nov.

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

(°)

Dec.

......

a River frozen January 1 to April 8 and November 27 to December 31, inclusive. 

6 Ice broken up.
BABB ANDl 

HOYT. J MINNESOTA EIVEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 53

Miscellaneous measurements in the Hudson Bay drainage basin (St. Mary River subdrainage

basin] in 1904.

[Under the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.]

Date.

July 12........

July 30........

Stream.

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

Locality.

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

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

71

68

Mean velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.35

2.37

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

167

161

MINNESOTA KIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

Minnesota River rises in Bigstone Lake, which forms part of the 

boundary between South Dakota and Minnesota. The river flows in 

a southeasterly direction to the city of Mankato, in the northern part 

of Blue Earth County, where it makes an abrupt turn to the north 

and continues in a northerly and northeasterly direction, entering Mississippi River at a point midway between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The course of this river is generally marked by wide bottom lands. 

It has a sluggish current, affording few opportunities for the development of water power. The United States Geological Survey maintains a gaging station at Mankato, below the junction of Blue Earth 

River, mainly for the study of the sewage disposal of the city of 

Mankato, and for the purpose of ascertaining the run-oif in the' 

southern part of Minnesota.

MINNESOTA KIVEK ABOVE MANKATO, MINN.

This station was established May 20, 1903, by E. Johnson, jr., 

assisted by W. R. Hoag. It is located at Sibley Park, 1 mile below 

the highway and railroad bridges across Blue Earth River and 1^ 

miles above the city bridge in Mankato. The drainage area above 

the station is about 13,400 square miles. Blue Earth River joins the 

Minnesota about 500 feet above the station. The gage is a vertical 

timber, divided into feet and tenths, fastened to a post, which is driven 

into the river bed a few feet from the right bank. It is read once 

each day by George E. Blake. On February 4, 1904, a new TVmda 

galvanized cable was stretched across the river between trees on the 

banks. The old i-inch wire cable from which measurements were 

previously made was left undisturbed and will be used as a tag line. 

The new cable is wound with heavy wire every 25 feet. The first 

point at which wire is wound is 17.34 feet from the tree to which the 

cable is attached. Discharge measurements are made from a small 

rowboat running on this cable. The initial point for soundings is a 

spike in the base of the willow tree to which the small cable is attached
54 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PART VII. [xo. 130.

on the right bank; it is about 15 feet from the top of the bank. The 

channel is stmight for 1,000 feet above and 2,000 feet below the station. 

The current velocity is moderate, though somewhat sluggish near the 

banks at low stages. The width of the channel is about 300 feet at 

low water and about 350 feet at high stages. The right bank is low 

and liable to overflow for a distance of 50 to 75 feet from the gage. 

The left bank is a steep, rocky bluff. The bed of the stream is composed of sand, gravel, and blue earth, and may shift somewhat at high 

water. There is but one channel at all stages. The bench mark is on 

a 20-inch cottonwood tree on the right bank, a short distance above 

the station and about 30 feet from the water's edge. Its elevation is 

14.78 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 Minnesota River above Mankato, Minn., in 1904.

Date.

April 21 .......

June28......._

July 26. .......

October 18.....

Hydrographer.

E. Johnson, jr .......

E.F. Chandler.......

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

R. Richards. .........

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

E. F. Chandler.......

Width.

Feet. 

365

302

286

282

270

270

220

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

1,133

2,004

1,039

773

614

616

498

Mean 

velocity.

Ft,, per sec. 

0.51

2.45

2.09

1.41

.89

1.08

.63

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.30

6.48

3.74

2.70

2.09

2.24

a2.20

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

580

4,909

2,172

1,092

548

665

315

« Gage height of under surface of ice = 1.70. 

Mean daily gage Jieight, in feet, of Minnesota River above Mankato, Minn., for 1904-

Day.

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

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

3.10

3.10

2.10

2.90

2.85

2.70

2.50

2.40

2.35

2.30

2.25

2.25

2.20

2.20

2.15

2.15

2.10

Feb.

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

Mar.

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.45

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

8.00

63.10

Apr.

5.20

5.10

4.95

4.90

4.90

4.80

4.70

4.60

5.60

6.70

7.60

8.30

8.30

8.10

7.85

7 60

7 40

7.10

May.

6.40

6.15

6.00

5.80

5.60

5.65

5.70

5.60

5.50

5.40

5.30

5.10

5.00

4.90

4.70

4.60

4.50

4.35

June.

3.45

3.50

3.60

3.85

4.80

4.90

4.20

4.20

4.25

4.25

4.26

4.20

4.15

4.10

4.00

3.80

8.70

8.70

July.

3.50

3.40

3.35

3.30

3.25

3.20

3.10

3.05

3.00

3.10

3.10

3.00

3.00

3.00

2.90

2.80

2.70

2.70

Aug.

2.75

2.70

2.60

2.50

2.45

2.40

2.35

2.35

2.50

2.55

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.25

Sept.

2.10

2.40

2.55

2.40

2.40

2.35

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.15

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.00

Oct.

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.20

Nov.

2.60

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.50

2.50

2.50

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.80

2.30

Dec.

2.15

2.15

2.15

a 2. 10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2-10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

a River frozen. &lce unbroken.
BABB AND!

HOYT. J WAPSIPTNICON RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 55

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Minnesota River above Mankato, Minn., for 1904 

Continued.

Bay.

1Q

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

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

09

00

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

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

27

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

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

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

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

Jan.

2.10

2.00

2.00 

2 00

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00

Feb.

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

-------

Mar.

3.10

4.00

4.10 

4.20

4 30

4.50 

4.60

4.70

5.00

5.10

5.20 

5.20

5. 25

Apr.

6.90

6.70

6.50 

6.70

7.10

7.40 

7.40

7.30

7.30

7.10

6.80

May.

4.20

4.15

4.10 

4.00

3.95

3.90 

3.80

3.80

3,70

3.65

3.60

3.50

June.

3.60

3.55 

3.50

3.45

3.50

3.75

3.80

3.75

3.70 

3.60

July.

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.50 

2.50

2.70

2.65

o gQ

2.60

2.80

Aug.

2.25

2.20

2.20 

2.20

2.15

2.10 

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

Sept.

2.00

2.00

2.00 

2.00

2.00

2. QO 

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90 

1.90

Oct.

2.30

2.55

2.70 

2.80

2.85

2.80 

2.80

2.75

2.70

2.70

2.70 

2.70

2.65

Nov.

2.30

2.30

2.30 

2.30

2.30

2.30 

2.25

2.25

2.20

2.20

2.20 

2.20

Dec.

2.00

2.00

1.80 

1.80

1.80

1.80 

1.80

1.80

1.80

2.20

2.20 

2.20

2.20

WAPSiPiisricoisr RIVER DRAHSTAGE BASIIST.

Wapsipinicon River rises in Mower County, Minn., and flows 

southeast, entering the Mississippi near Shaffton, Scott County, Iowa. 

There are numerous small power sites on this stream at Toronto, 

Oxford Mills, Newport, Anamosa, Central City, Troy Mills, Quasqueton, Independence, and Littleton. At several of these points, notably 

at Anamosa, there are good opportunities for building dams.

The river is generally fairly constant in its flow, though its headwaters are sometimes low. As a rule, its banks are fairly high and 

the stream is well confined. The United States Geological Survey 

maintains a gaging station at Stone City.

The total drainage area of the Wapsipinicon River is 2,304 square 

miles; that at Stone City, where the United States Geological Survey 

has its station, is 1,308 square miles.

WAPSIPINICON RIVER AT STONE CITY, IOWA.

This station was established August 19, 1903, by F. W. Hanna. It 

is located at the highway bridge just above the Chicago, Milwaukee 

and St. Paul Railway bridge and near the Dearborn stone quarry. 

There is a dam at Waubeck, 4 miles above the station, and another 

at Anamosa, the same distance below. A standard boxed chain gage 

is attached to the guard rail on the upstream side of the bridge. The 

length of the chain from the end of the weight to the marker is 36.4 

feet. The gage is read once each day by Frank Dearborn. Discharge 

measurements are made from the two-span Pratt truss highway bridge, 

which has a length of 225 feet. The initial point for soundings is the 

end of the lower chord on the upstream side of the bridge at the left 

bank. The channel is straight for about 400 feet above and below the 

station, at which points the river makes abrupt turns. Both banks
56 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

are high and are not subject to overflow. The bed of the stream is of 

solid rock and sand and is permanent. The channel is broken by one 

pier,'and the current velocity is moderate. Bench mark No. 1 is the 

east end of the south rail west of the first switch east of the railroad 

station at Stone City. Its elevation is 815.08 feet above sea level and 

38.75 feet above gage datum. Bench mark No. 2 is a cross on the 

northwest corner of the middle pier of the highway bridge at which 

the station is located. Its elevation is 31.09 feet above gage datum 

and 807.42 feet above sea level. The center of the, gage pulley is at an 

elevation of 35.58 feet above gage datum and 811.91 feet above sea level. 

The top of the lower chord, upstream side, at the first cross girder east 

of the pier is 31.75 feet above gage datum. The elevations of the 

bench marks above sea level have been determined by Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Kail way levels. During the spring of 1904 a new 

railroad bridge was erected 100 feet below the station. The two new 

piers of the bridge changed the station conditions to such an extent 

that the measurements prior to June 7 are not comparable to those for 

the remainder of the year.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

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

Discharge measurements of Wapsiplnicon Rirer at Stone City, Iowa, in 1904-

Date.

January 14 «...

March 16 &__...

April 20 .......

May 26 ........

July 12........

August 16 .....

September 6 . . .

October 22.....

November 12 ..

Hydrographer.

F. W. Hanna .......

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

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

F. W. Hanna .......

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

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

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

E. Johnson, jr ......

F. W. Hanua. ......

Width.

Feet. 

125

158

139

139

139

139

131

137

136

132

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

190

342

485

436

509

384

248

295

296

226

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.50

1.60

1.32

.64

1.11

.98

.44

.61

.41

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.54

4.60

3.70

3.30

3.80

3.31

2.36

2.72

2.68

2.44

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

96

547

641

281

567

377

108

180

156

93

« River frozen. Uage height to under surface of ice. 

b Ice conditions.
BABB AND 

HOYT,;ND ] WAPSIPINICON EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 57

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Wapsipinicon River at Stone.City, Iowa, for 1904-

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23..!.. ......... 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

(«)

2.4

(»)

2.8

(ft)

2.8

(<0

2.6

Feb.

2.9

Z>4.8 

/4.7

4.3

4.2 

4.1 

4.0

1 Q

*3.9

3.8

3.7 

3.7 

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6 

3.6 

4.40 

3.70

Mar.

64.58

4.55

4.92

5.57

5.92

'5.8 

5.7

5.0

4.9 

4.9 

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6 

4.6 

5.0

5.38 

fc6.45

7.55

19.60

7.75

7.70 

7.95 

8.70

10.05 

11.70 

11.45 

9.55

6.75

6.15

Apr.

5.62

5.27

4.97

4.32

4.15 

4.10

4.32

4.58 

4.82

4

QO

4.62

4 °7

4.12

4.02 

4.00 

3.96

3.92 

3.82

3.70

3.55 

3.62 

4.05

4.62 

4.96 

4.86 

4.58

4.25

May.

3.90

3.76

3.68

3.63

3.57

3.48 

3.56

3.60

3.68 

3.58 

3.48

3.58

3 7Q

3.66 

3.55 

3 40

3.33 

3.30

3 qn

3 OK

3 OK

3.20 

3.15 

3 40

3.50 

3.55 

4.65 

5.50

6.45

6.05

June.

5.05

4 65

5 45

4 95

4.10

3.95 

3.90

3.90

3.85 

3.60 

3 45

3

07

q qrt

3 99

3.15 

3.27 

3.20

3.20

3 9ft

3 IK

3 7ft

3 7ft

3.60 

3.50 

3.45

3.50 

3.45 

3.35 

3.30

3.35

July.

'{ 30

3.30

3

4C

3

KA

3.40

3.75

3 Qft

3.75

3.60 

3.45 

3 40

3 Qft

3 97

3 OK

3.20 

3.10 

3.02

3.00

2

QK

2 on

2

07

' 2.82

2.78 

2.75 

2.72

2.80 

2.75 

2.70 

2.68

2.65

9 fin

Aug.

2.55

2.52

2.50

2.45

2,42

2.40 

2.37

2.35

2.32 

2.30 

2.40

2.42

2.55

2.48

2.45 

2.40 

2.38

2.40

2.48

2.45

2.52

2.54

2.48 

2.40 

2.40

2.35 

2.30 

2.28 

2.42

2.40

2.35

Sept.

2.32

2.42

2.50

2.42

2.50

2.70 

2.75

2.80

2.70 

2.64 

2.60

t> 58

2.57

2.52

2.54 

2.51 

2.48

2.48 

2.43

2.43

2.40

2.35

2.40 

2.38 

2.46

2.48 

2.48 

2.53 

2.48

2.46

Oct.

2.40

2.36

2.40

2 JO

2.46

2.46

2.48

2.46

2.76 

2.58 

2.51

2.48

2.46

2.46

2.46 

2.56 

2.81

2.76

2.74

2.71

2.70 

2.68 

o 55

2.60 

2.55 

2.50 

'2.48

2.48

2.48

Nov.

2.48

2.46

2.46

2.43

2.46

2.48 

2.46

2.42

2.41 

2.36 

2.32

2 36

2.38

2

Qt;

2.35 

2.40 

2.55

2.52 

2.44

2.42

2.40

2.42

2.46 

2.50 

2.52

2.55 

2.50 

2.35 

2.18

2.15

Dec.

2.18

2.25

2.25

(<*)

.......

1*O Oft

.......

-

»»2 4

.......

.......

m2.2

 alee 14 inches thick.

& Measured to water running over ice.

dee 16 to 24 inches thick.

dice 3.5 inches thick.

e Ice 18 inches thick.

/Ice broken up.

fflce 3.5 inches thick.

NOTE. Gage heights to surface of water.

ft Ice 16 inches thick.

i Ice about 16 inches thick.

jlce 5.5 inches thick.

fclce breaking up.

z Ice went out.

»»Ice 10.5 inches thick.
58 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Rating table for Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa, from June 7 to December 31', 1904-

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.20

2.30

2.40

* 2.50

L'. 60

2.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

50

73

97

122

148

175

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

203

232

262

294

327

362

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

398

436

476

518

563

610

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.00

4.10

4.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

660

712

766

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

6 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is well denned between gage 

heights 2.40 feet and 3.80 feet. The table has been extended beyond these limits. 

(See note in station description.)

Estimated monthly discharge of Wapsipinicon River at Stone City, Iowa, for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 1,308 square miles.]

Month.

June 7-30 .................. July .............. .........;

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

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

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

610 

610 

135 

203 

206 

135

Minimum.

310 

148 

68 

78 

87 

39

Mean.

420 

313 

102 

125 

138 

102

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.321 

.239 

.078 

.096 

.106 

.078

Depth in 

inches.

0.286 

.276 

.090 

.107 

.122 

.087

IOWA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

Iowa River rises in the north-central part of Iowa, flows in a southeasterly direction, and joins Mississippi River about 30 miles above 

Burlington. Its chief tributary is Cedar River, which rises in Minnesota and flows into the Iowa about 50 miles above the latter's mouth.

The total drainage area of Iowa River is 12,410 square miles, 4,470 

square miles of this being tributary to it above its junction with 

Cedar River at Columbus Junction. Its drainage areas at Marshalltown and Iowa City are, respectively, 1,463 and 3,317 square miles. 

Cedar River drains 7,597 square miles above its union with Iowa 

River and 6,317 square miles at Cedar Rapids.

The chief power plants in the Iowa River drainage basin are at 

Iowa City, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Cedar Falls. 

From the standpoint of power development the Iowa River system is 

important.
BAHOTTND ] IOWA EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 59

During 1904 stations have been maintained on Cedar River at Cedar 

Rapids, Iowa, and on Iowa River at Iowa City, Iowa.

IOWA RIVER AT IOWA CITY, IOWA.

This station was established June 1, 1903, by F. W. Hanna. At 

that time a chain gage was installed on the county bridge directly 

west of the State University grounds. On September 15, 1903, the 

standard boxed chain gage was substituted for the gage which was 

first established and made to read the same, with the same length of 

chain from the end of the weight to the marker. This length is 24.43 

feet. On June 8, 1904, the length of the weight and chain to the 

marker was changed to 26.48 feet, the gage datum remaining the 

same. The gage is read twice each day by Arthur G. Smith. Discharge measurements are made from the upstream side of the twospan highway bridge at the foot of Burlington street, about 1,000 feet 

below the bridge at which the gage is located. The initial point for 

soundings is the inner face of the right abutment, located at the west 

end of the bridge, and is marked zero on the bridge floor. The bridge 

is not quite at right-angles with the direction of the current. The 

channel is straight for about 1,600 feet above and below the station. 

The channel is 316 feet wide between abutments, and is broken by 

one pier. The bed of the stream is of soft material, except near the 

bridge pier, and is slightly shifting. The right bank is high and 

somewhat rocky and not liable to overflow. The left bank does not 

overflow, owing to the road embankment. Both banks are covered 

with willows above ordinary high-water mark, which will interfere 

with flood measurements. Bench mark No. 1 is on the top stone just 

north of and against the northwest railing post of the bridge at which 

the gage is located. Its elevation above gage datum is 22.67 feet, and 

above the city datum is 64.72 feet and 672.06 feet above sea level. 

The city bench mark used for reference is .on the north side of the 

base of a maple tree, one block east and one block and 40 feet south 

of the bridge at which the gage is located. The elevation of this 

bench mark is 22.53 feet above gage datum, 64.58 feet above the city 

datum, and 671.92 feet above sea level. The elevation above sea level 

was obtained from the levels of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific 

Railway. The bottom of the top hand rail, just above the pulley 

center, has an elevation of 26.73 feet above gage datum.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.
60 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PAET VIT. [NO. 130. 

Discharge, measurements of Imva River at Imva CXty, Iowa, in 1904.

Date.

April 20.......

May 27 ........

June 8. .........

July 12........

August 17. .....

September 7 ...

October 21.....

November 13 ..

Hydrographer.

F. W. Hanna........

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

F. W. Hanna........

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

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

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

E. Johnson, jr .......

F. W. Hanna. .......

Width.

Feet. 

162

211

187

213

188

165

183

159

162

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

460

980

817

1,051

833

567

754

490

492

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.38

1.53

1.11

1.59

1.24

.57

1.04

.40

.37

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

-1.54

1.30

.37

1.59

.46

-1.26

.00

-1. 41

-1.46

Discharge.

See.-feet. 

175

1,500

908

1,846

1,033

321

784

198

184

a River frozen. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Iowa River at Iowa City, Iowa, for 1904-

Day.

2. .........

3. .........

4..........

5..........

6..... ....

7..........

8..........

9.......... 

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

-IK

IB..........

17..........

18..........

19

20..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

28..........

29..........

Oft

Q1

Jan.a

-0.27

- .20

2.00

.70

.70

d- .30

Feb.o

3 A

j

.1

c4. 25

Mar.a

3 OK

3

0

3

0^

3 7

3.2

2.75

2.4

2.1 

1.9

1.6

1 1 F*

1.1

1.0

0.5

0.4

3.15

1.95

2.7

2.45

2 °5

2.8

2.95

3.4

7.8

4.8

4.4

4.42

3.1

2-. 15

i i

Apr.

1 Q£

1.65

1.55

1.18

1.06

1.0

1.66

1.5 

1.55

1 72

o 05

1.8

1.85

1.7

1.55

1.33

1.13

1.13

1.50

2.93

4.68

5.28

4.33

4.68

4.83

4.28

May.

9 gg

1.96

1.46

1,76

2.16

2.41 

1.86

1.56

1.51

1.56

1.39

1.29

1.14

.99

.84

.69

.64

.39

.39

.44

.39

.78

1.2

1.6 '

June.

O Q

2.15

1 9

1 9

1 45

i ^

1.45

1.7 

1.7

1.65

1 45

.9

.8

.65

.5

.45

.45

.53

.30

.13

.33

1.13

1.23

1.D3

.93

1.13

1.23

July.

O QF;

97

 71^

.65

.55

.50

.55

.45

1.00 

.90

.62

44

.52

.62

.87

.27

.92

- .08

.07

.02

.15

.60

.65

.3

- .05

- .25

- .3

- .38

- .6

- .6

.8

Aug.

0 97

Q'}

.87

1.10

1 1°

1 9*7

1.27

-1.07 

--1.24

-1.35

1 4«l

1.3

-1.4

-1.3

-1.3

-1.3

-1.3

-1.32

-1.38

-1.4

-1.1

-1.1

-1.2

-1.25

-1.35

-1.35

-1.4

-1.0

- .9

1.26

Sept-.

1.25

.7

g

g

9

^

- .45

- .5

.65

.65

.8

- .9

-1.0

1.0

-1.1

-1.1

-1.1

-1.1

-1.15

-1.2

-1.05

-1. 25

-1.35

-1.15

-1.3

-1.3

-1.4

Oct.

1 45

1.5

1.45

- 1.35

1.3

1.25

1.35

-1.15 

-1.2

-1.25

1.25

-1.3

1.3

1.35

-1.3

-1.35

-1. 25

-1.1

-1.25.

-1.3

-1.45

-1.5

-1.5

-1.55

-1.3

-1.45

-1.35

-1.35

-1.45

1 AX.

Nov.

1.4

1.35

1.4

-1.45

-1.3

-1.4

-1.5

1.3

-1.45

1.35

-1.5

-1.1

-1.4

-1.45

 1 **

-1.45

-1.6

-1.5

-1.2

-1.6

-1.7

-1.5

-1.5

-1.6

-1.4

Dec. &

1.7

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.4

1.6

1 7

1 *7

-1.6 

-1.6

-1.7

1 *7

1 ^

-1.6

-1.8

1.6

1.7

-1.6

e 1.4

a River frozen January 1 to March 24, inclusive. 

& River frozen at station December 1 to SI, inclusive. 

c Heavy thaw.

NOTE. Gage heights read to water surface during frozen period,

<*Iee 21 inches thick. 

e Ice 6 inches thick.
BABB AT 

HOYT. IOWA EIVEB DKAHSTAGE BASIN. 61 

Hitting table for Iowa Hirer at, Iowa City, loim, from January 1 to December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

-1.70

-1.60

-1.50

-1.40

-1.30

-1.20

-1.10

-1.00

- .90

- .80

- .70

- .60

- .50

- .40

- .30

- .20

 .10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

160

179

199

220

242

266

292

320

350

380

410

445

480

520

560

600

640

Gage 

height.

Feet.

.00

.10

.20

.30

.40

.50

.60

.70

.80

.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

680

730

780

830

880

940

1, 000

1,060

1,120

1,180

1,250

1,320

1,390

1,460

1,540

1,620

1,700

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.20

2.40

2.60

2.80

3.00

3.20

3.40

3.60

3.80

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,780

1,860

1,950

2, 040

2,220

2,400

2,580

2,780

2,980

3,180

3,380

3, 580

3,800

4,020

4,240

4,460

4,680

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.80

5.00

5.50

6.00

6.50

7.00

7.50

8.00

8.50

9.00

9.50

10.00

11.00

12.00

13.00

14.00

15.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4/920

5, 160

5, 785

6,410

7, 085

7,760

8,460

9,160

9,885

10, 610

11,360

12, 110

13, 610

15, 210

16, 810

18, 410

20, 010

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

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

gage heights 1.40 feet and 2.40 feet. Two flood measurements define the table 

above gage height 2.40 feet. It is the same as the 1903 table above 5.0 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Iowa Rii'er at, Iowa City, Iowa, for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 3,317 square miles.]

Month.

April a .................. j....

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

8,880 

5, 510 

2,840 

2,310 

1,250 

359 

640 

292 

292

Minimum.

2,130 

1,250 

875 

745 

380 

213 

220 

189 

160

Mean.

4,304 

2,330 

1,590 

1,395 

874 

265 

358 

233 

219

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.30 

.702 

.479 

.421 

.263 

.080 

.108 

.070 

.066

Depth in 

inches.

0. 338 

.783 

.552 

.470 

.303 

.092 

.120 

.081 

.074

u April 16 to 17 discharge estimated.
62 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

CEDAR RIVER AT CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA.

This station was established October 26, 1902, by K. C. Kastberg, 

assisted by J. C. Stevens. It is located near the city gas works and 

near the plant of the Iowa Windmill and Pump Company. The gage 

is an inclined 4 by 6 inch timber, graduated to read to vertical tenths 

and half-tenths feet. It is fastened to the right bank by posts set in 

the ground. It is read twice each day by R. S. Toogood. Discharge 

measurements were made during 1903 from a cable and car at a point 

just above the gage. The points of measurement are marked by a 

tag wire. Discharge measurements have been made since 1903 at the 

First Avenue Bridge about one-half mile upstream from the gage. At 

low stages the discharge can be measured by wading at the cable. 

The initial point for soundings at the cable is the foot of the pole 

supporting the cable on the right bank of the river. The channel is 

straight for 800 feet above and below the cable. The right bank is 

high and will overflow only at extreme stages. The left bank is an 

earth embankment and will seldom overflow. The bed of the stream 

is rocky and permanent. At the cable the cross section is regular and 

the channel is about 400 feet wide. Bench mark No. 1 is a city bench 

mark at Williams & Huntings office, on the north corner of Fifth 

avenue and West First street. It is marked by a triangle on the 

stone just north of the first iron post from the corner of the building. Its elevation above sea level, as determined by the city of 

Cedar Rapids from levels of the Northwestern Railway, is 746.6 feet. 

Its elevation above the zero of the gage is 23.57 feet. Bench mark 

No. 2 is a bolt driven into the masonry foundation of the east face of 

the Iowa Windmill and Pump Company's building on the west bank 

of the river just north of Seventh avenue. Its elevation is 740.05 feet 

above sea level and 17.02 feet above the zero of the gage. At the 

First Avenue Bridge the channel has a rock and gravel bottom and a 

straight course, both above and below, for several hundred feet. It 

is divided into five parts by the 5-span Pratt truss bridge, its length 

from abutment to abutment being 714 feet. The current is strong 

and direct. The initial point for soundings is the inner upstream 

face of the left abutment, the measurements being taken from the 

upstream side of the bridge. The channel is straight for 500 feet 

above and 1,000 feet below. The banks are high and not liable to 

overflow. The bed is rock and gravel and permanent. The water 

flows in five channels. For the purpose of comparing soundings, the 

distance of the water surface below the top surface of the downstream 

hand rail at 1 foot west of the nineteenth hand-rail post from the left 

abutment is measured.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.
BABB AND"!

HOYT. J

IOWA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 6$ 

Discharge measurements a of Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1904.

Date.

March 15 &.....

April 19 .......

May 26 ........

July 11. .......

October 22 ....

Hydrographer.

F. W. Haiina .......

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

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

Johnson and Hanna .

F. W. Hanna .......

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

542

607

603

577

616

574

544

571

497

529

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

893

1,767

1,431

1,183

1,718

1,267

. 893

948

674

811

Mean 

velocity.

Ft, per sec. 

1.06

1.92

2.94

1.75

2.62

1.84

1.16

1.03

1.57

1.08

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.60

4.60

4.25

3.50

4.35

3.65

3.00

3.13

3.00

2.90

Discharge,

Second-feet. 

948

3,395

4,207

2,068

4,510

2,336

. 1, 040

1,239

1,056

875

« All measurements made from bridge. b Partially frozen. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 1904^

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27!.............

28

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

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

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

Jan.«

3.7

3.8

3 Q

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.6 

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.4 

3.5

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.7 

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5 

3.6

3.6

% 7

3.8 

3.7

Feb.a

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.8

4.6

5.4 

4.6

4.0

3.8

3.9

4.0 

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.7 

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.8

*? 7

3.8

3.7

4.7

Mar. 6

4.7

4.75

4.7

4.7

4.6

4 65

4.6 

4 55

4.5

4.45

4.45

4.55 

4.55

4.65

4.6

4.45

4.55

4.4

4.5 

4.7

4.9

5.5

5.45

5.2

5.9

6.1

5.1

4.9

4.75

Apr.

4.6

4.4

,1 %

4.05

4.0 

4.15

4.3

4.4

4.5

1.9 

5.1

5.1

5.0

4.8

4.5

4.4

4.25 

4.15

4.5

3 95

4.0

J P;

4.5

4.4

d %

4.2

May.

4.1

4.0

3 A

3. 85

3

U

3.7

3

0

3.75

3.8

3.75

3.8 

3.8

.3.85

3.7

3.6

3.55

3.5

3.45

3.4

3.3

3

c:c

4.4

4 98

5

KK

5.1 

4.65

June.

4.4

4.15

3 Q

4.1

4.3

4.4

4.75

4.7

4.55

4.3 

4.15

4.0

3 OK

3.75

3 7

3 ft

3.65 

3.55

3.5

4.1

4.0

3

0

3.85

3

7K

3

7PL

3.70

July.

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.55

3.6

3.55

3.65

3.6

3.65

3 7

3.65

3.6

3.55

3.5 

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.35

3

0

3.25 

3 4

3.2

3 1 ^

3 1

3.15 

31

Aug.

3.1

3.05

3

1

3

1

3

1

3

1

3.1

i 1

3

1

3.05

3 A

3 A

o QC;

O Q

3 A

 > gtj

3.0

O Q^

3.0

i gc;

0 9

2.9

2

QE

*> WCL

3 A

2.95

Sept.

2.9

2.95

3 1

3

1

3.1

3

1

2.95 

** 9

9 9

9 9

<> 9

3

n

2 95

2.9 

2.9

2.85

2.8

0 Q

2.85 

o 9

o §5

o PA

o s

2.75

Oct.

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.75 

2.7

2.85

2.9

2.85

2.9 

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

3.0 

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.95

2.95

3.0

3

n

3.0

3 A

3 A

3.0 

2.95

Nov.

2.9

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.9 

2.95

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.85

2.9

2.9

2.85

2. as

2.95

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.8

2.8

2.8

2

7K

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.65

Dec. o

2.65

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.65

2 65

2.6 

2.6

2.65

2.65

2.65 

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.7

2.75

2.75 

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.8

2.75

9 7^

9 W

4.EJ

3 fl

« River frozen one-half to two-thirds across, January and February. 

6 River frozen during greater portion of month of March.

f River partially frozen December 2-27, inclusive, and wholly frozen December 28-31. 

NOTE. Gage heights are to water surface during frozen period.
64 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Rating table for Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from January 1 to Deceember 81,1904-

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.65

2.70

2.75

2.80

2.85

2.90

2.95

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

600

650

705

765

830

900

975

1,050

1,210

1,390

1,580

1,780

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,990

2,210

2,440

2,690

2,960

3,250

3,560

3, 880

4,220

4,580

4, 950

5,320

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

5.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,690

6,060

6, 430

6,800

7,170

7, 540

7,910

8,280

8,650

9,020

9,390

9,760

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.90

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

10, 130

10, 5CO

11,240

11, 980

12, 720

13, 460

14, 200

14, 940

15, 680

16, 420

17, 160

17, 900

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

22 discharge measurements made during 1902 to 1904, inclusive. It is well defined 

between gage heights 3 feet and 7.20 feet. The table has been extended beyond 

these limits. Above gage height 4.4 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference 

being 370 per tenth.

Estimated monthly discharge of Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 6,317 square miles.]

Month.

June ...---.---....-...-......

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

August -..--.-.-..............

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

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

7,170 

8,835 

5,875 

2,440 

1,210 

1,300 

1,050 

975

Minimum.

3,105 

1,580 

1,990 

1,210 

830 

705 

650 

600

Mean.

4,614 

3,079 

3,481 

1,938 

1,051 

958 

913 

842

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.730 

.487 

.551 

.307 

.166 

.152 

.145 

.133

Depth in 

inches.

0.814 

.562 

.615 

.354 

.191 

.170 

.167 

.148
BABB AND"! 

HOYT. ] STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 190J-, PART VII. 65

DES MOINES RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

Des Moines River rises in the southern part of Minnesota and flows 

south and southeast, entering the Mississippi near Keokuk, Iowa. Its 

principal tributary is Raccoon River, which enters the Des Moines at 

the city of Des Moines. Des Moines River is the largest river of Iowa, 

and affords numerous good opportunities for the development of water 

power. As it drains a large area, it is a natural recipient of the sewage of many towns. The United States Geological Survey maintained 

stations for a short time at Des Moines on Des Moines and Raccoon 

rivers. These were after a time discontinued and a permanent station was established at Keosauqua, Iowa. The total drainage area of 

Des Moines River is 14,720 square miles. Its drainage above the 

mouth of Raccoon River is 6,462 square miles, while that of the 

Raccoon at its confluence with the Des Moines is 3,677 square miles.

During 1904 stations were maintained in Des Moines River drainage basin on Des Moines River at Keosauqua, Iowa.

DES MOINES RIVER AT KEOSAUQUA, IOWA.

This station was established May 30, 1903, by F. W. Hanna. It is 

located at the county bridge one-fourth mile above the old dam site and 

Government locks. The standard chain gage has the zero of its scale 

1 foot to the left of the sixth strut from the right end of the second 

span from the right end of the bridge. The length of the chain from 

the end of the weight to the marker is 36.80 feet. The gage is read 

twice each day by Oscar McCrary. Discharge measurements are made 

from the downstream side of the four-span bowstring truss bridge, 

to which the gage is attached. The initial point for soundings is 

marked zero on the hand rail at the left bank. This is the edge of 

the west abutment. The channel is straight for 1,000 feet above 

and below the station and has a width between abutments of 614 

feet, broken by three piers. The right bank is high and rocky and is 

not subject to overflow; the low alluvial bank on the left side is subject to overflow at extremely high stages. The bed of the stream is 

regular in shape and is composed of sand and gravel on the left and 

of rock on the right side, and is divided into four channels by the 

bridge piers. A slight shifting of the sand occurs at flood stages. 

Bench mark No. 1 is a cross on the bridge-seat stone at the northeast 

corner of the right abutment of the bridge. Its elevation above 

gage datum is 30.11 feet, and above sea level is 617.06 feet, as determined from the Iowa Geological Survey bench mark in front of the 

Keosauqua railroad station. Bench mark No. 2 is located on a rock 

cliff on the right bank of the river south of the road leading across 

the highway bridge and at a distance of 120 feet from the east end of

IRR 130 05 5
66 STBEAM MEASUREMENTS FOB 1904, PABT VII. [NO. 130.

the bridge. It consists of a notch chiseled into the ledge of rock. 

Its elevation above gage datum is 36.25 feet. Bench mark No. 3 is 

located on the top of the guard rail, 2 feet east of the zero of the gage. 

Its elevation is 36.60 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 Des Moines River at Keosauqua, Iowa, in 1904-

Date.

March 18 ......

April 22. ......

May 28........

TllTIA Q

July 14........

August 18 .....

October 20.....

Hydrographer.

F. W Hanna. ......

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

Johnson and Hanna.

F. W. Hanna .......

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

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

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

E. Johnson, jr ......

F. W. Hanna .......

Width.

Feet. 

549

567

586

586

590

571

567

528

556

556

Area of 

section.

Sg.feet. 

919

1,809

2,892

2,632

4,006

2,039

1, 531

1,665

1,453

1,270

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.83

1.62

2.69

2.65

3.44

1.95

1.20

1.50

.66

.65

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.12

1.75

3.55

3.14

5.25

2.10

1.26

1.60

.85

.79

Discharge.

Second-fed,. 

766

2,954

7,803

6,979

13, 760

3,952

1,842

9 4Q7

965

825

a River frozen.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Des Moines River at Keosauqua, Iowa, for 1904-

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

(a)

1.2

dl.2

31.15

il.15

*1.15

Feb.

2,1 

CO

e3.8

e6. 6 

5.9

"2.7

Mar.

1.5

e 2 ''

( c )

3.0 

/2.46

1.56

1.76

1.56

1.46 

1.46

Apr.

2.83

2.68 

2.63

2.43

2.28

2.25

2.13 

2.38

6.88

6.43

5

>7Q

5.43

5.38

5.13 

4.93

May.

6. 45

5.55 

4.90

4.40

4.05

3.80

3.55

3

ftA

3 CLP:

3 OK

3

Ort

3 1 ^

3.15 

3.15

June.

3.78

4.03 

3.73

4.58

5.53

5

QA

5.85

5 7fi

5

OA

4.55

4.15

3.50

2.75 

2.45

July.

2.25

2.35 

2.30

2.12

2.20

2.62

2

7K

o 45

o 40

2 08

9 05

2.00 

1.95

Aug.

1.78

1. 55 

1.48

1. 52

1.42

1.38

1.30 

1.25

1 °0

1.18

1 1Q

1 30

1.72

1.55

1.40 

1.32

Sept.

1.32

1.77 

1.67

1.72

1.69

1.82

1.77 

1.62

1.45

1.32

1

OQ

1 ot^

1.10

1.10 

1.02

Oct.

2,07

1.65 

1.32

1.14

1.07

.99

QQ

99

.95

89

.87

.87

.87

.82 

.87

Nov.

0.87

.87 

.87

.79

.77

.74

.74 

.74

.74

.74

.69

.64

64

64

.74

.80 

.75

Dec.

,*-0.90

1.45 

1.30

b.82

80

.70

.70 

.65

.65

.60

.62

h. 75

.65

J.60

f!A

.60 

.60

«Ice 1 foot thick.

b Frozen two-thirds of way across.

c Ice 0.8 foot thick.

dice 1.1 feet thick.

e Ice 0.9 foot thick.

/Ice broken up. 

g Ice 1.25 feet thick, 

ft River frozen over. 

f Ice 1.2 feet thick. 

.7 Ice 3 inches thick.
BABB AND

HOYT.

.NDl 

'. J

DES MOINES RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 67

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Des Moines River at Keosauqua, Jowcr, for 1904 

Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

.......

&4.55

(-5.90

3.30

2.40

2.00

2.40

/3.1

W

.......

2.5

(")

Feb.

«2.3

.......

1.7

.......

a 1.5

1.5

Mar.

1.79

3.60

3.45

2.80

2.85

2.80

2.90

7.35

6.55

3.95

3.38

2.95

*> Q^

Apr.

4 58

4.33

4.03

3.73

3.53

3.35

elO.95

13.15

12.45

12. 15

9.90

May.

2.80

2.65

2.40

2.25

2.20

2.10

2. 00

2.35

3.30

4.00

4.30

3.80

June.

3.15

2.70

2.25

2.30

2.12

2.25

2.00

2.38

2.15

2.10

2.23

2.50

2.40

July.

1.75

1.65

2.35

6.70

8.08

4.65

3.28

2.57

9 O\

2. 05

1.85

1.70

2 22

Aug.

1.30

1.35

1.50

1.42

1.45

1.42

1.35

1.20

1.15

1.18

1.15

1.20

Sept.

1.00

1.50

1.35

1.20

1.35

1.25

l".25

1.15

1.20

6.60

3.15

2.45

Oct.

0.87

.79

.77

.80

.80

.83

.88

1.00

1.00

1.00

.92

.87

.87

84

Nov.

0.75

.75

.75

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.72

Dec.

......

rfO.60

......

......

(.70

«Ice 0.9 foot thick. 

b Ice 1.'2 feet thick. 

olce broken up. 

dice thawed out. 

e Heavy rain.

/ River frozen over. 

g Ice 0.4 foot thick. 

h Ice 0.7 foot thick. 

i Ice 4 inches thick.

NOTE. Gage heights during frozen period to surface of water.

Rating tahlefor Des Moines River at Keosauqua, Iowa, from January 1 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.

420

590

770

950

1,140

1,330

1,530

1,730

1,940

2,150

2,360

 2, 580

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,800

3,030

3,260

3, 500

3,750

4,000

4,260

4, 520

4,780

5,060

5,340

5,630

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.9

3.0

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.9

4.0

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,920

6,220

6,520

6,830

7,150

7,470

7,800

8,130

8,460

8,800

9,140

9,490

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

5.0

Discharge.

* Second-feet.

9,840

10, 200

10, 560

10, 930

11, 300

11, 670

12, 040

12, 410

13, 150

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

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

gage heights 0.8 foot and 5.2 feet. There are two flood measurements above 5.2 feet 

gage height. The table has been extended beyond these limits. Above gage height 

4.30 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 370 per tenth. Table 

same as for 1903 above 2.4 feet gage.
68 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Estimated monthly discharge of Des Monies River at Keosauqua, Iowa, for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 14,290 square miles.]

Month.

March 9-31...................

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

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

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

21, 840 

43, 300 

18, 520 

16, 480 

24, 550 

2,984 

19, 070 

3, 675 

1,078

Minimum.

1,650 

3,825 

3,500 

3, 500 

2,800 

1,590 

1, 330 

896 

662

Mean.

6,441 

15, 990 

7,566 

7, 817 

6,026 

2,132 

3, 305 

1,318 

833

Kun-off.

Second - feet 

per square 

mile.

0.451 

1.12 

.529 

.547 

. 422 

.149 

.231 

.092 

.058

Depth in 

inches.

0.386 

1.25 

.610 

.610 

.486 

.172 

.258 

.106 

.065

MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

Missouri River is formed by the junction of Jefferson, Madison, and

Gallatin rivers at Three Forks, Mont. Of its tributaries, Osage River 

rises in the eastern part of Kansas, flows east, and enters the Missouri 

below Jefferson City, Mo. Big Sioux River drains the extreme eastern 

part of South Dakota and flows south into the Missouri at Sioux City, 

Iowa. Niobrara River drains the extreme northern part of Nebraska 

and flows east into the Missouri at Niobrara, Nebr. Yellowstone River 

has its source in a lake of the same name in Yellowstone National Park, 

from which it takes a general northeasterly course and flows into the 

Missouri near the Montana-North Dakota boundary. Its principal 

tributaries are Powder River, of which Clear Creek and Piney Creek, 

in Wyoming, are small tributaries near its headwaters, and the Bighorn, which drains northeastern Wyoming and of which the Shoshone 

is a tributary. Milk River rises on the divide in the northwestern part 

of Montana, flows northeast into Canada, and then, with a general easterly course, flows back into Montana, emptying into the Missouri in 

the northeastern part of the State. Musselshell River rises in Meagher 

County, in south-central Montana, flows east, then north into the Missouri, about 100 miles above the mouth of Milk River. Marias, Teton, 

and Sun rivers rise on the divide in the northwestern part of Montana 

and flow east into the Missouri. Two Medicine Creek is a tributary 

near its headwaters. West Gallatin River, the longest fork of the 

Gallatin, rises in Yellowstone Park and flows north to its junction at 

Three Forks, Mont., with Madison and Jefferson rivers. Middle 

Creek is a small tributary of East Gallatin River. Madison River
] MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 69

rises in Yellowstone Park and flows north parallel to the West Gallatin. 

Pryor Creek is a small tributary of the Yellowstone rising on the 

Crow Reservation, Mont. Jefferson River is formed by Beaverhead 

and Big Hole rivers. Its tributaries drain extreme southwestern 

Montana. Gasconade River rises in the Ozark Mountains in southern 

Missouri and flows northeasterly into Missouri River; it has excellent 

water-power facilities; its total drainage area is 3,166 square miles, 

and its drainage area at Arlington is 2,725 square miles.

MISSOURI RIVER NEAR TOWNSEND, MONT.

This station was established October 1, 1891, by the Missouri River 

Commission. The locality is 2,501 miles above the mouth of the river. 

A standard wire cable gage was erected on a county-road bridge 

located about 300 feet below the Northern Pacific Railway bridge 

across Missouri River near Townsend, Mont. Its zero is set at an 

approximate elevation of 3,700 feet above sea level, as determined 

from a primary line of levels run under the direction of the Commission in 1890 from Three Forks to Fort Benton, Mont., and starting 

from a bench mark of the Northern Pacific Railway at Gallatin, 

Mont. (See Annual Report of Chief of Engineers, 1891.)

The gage reads from 3,785 to 3,799 feet. A record of the daily gage 

height is maintained by the Department of Agriculture. The observer 

for both Departments is M. McMahon. A gage reading of 3,785 feet 

is taken as the zero of the United States Geological Survey observations. Discharge measurements are made from the lower side of the 

bridge, and distances are marked on the guard rail. The initial point 

for soundings is over the left pier on the lower side and is marked on 

the guard rail. The channel is straight for 300 feet above and below 

the station. The right bank is low, but has been known to be overflowed but once. The left bank is high and rocky. The bed of the 

stream is composed of clean gravel and is shifting. The channel is 

broken by three bridge piers, and the velocity is made uncertain by 

eddies and backwater. The piers are protected on the upstream side 

by heaps of riprap and by cofferdams. These cause an appreciable 

difference in the elevation of the water surface above and below these 

protections. They cause a contraction of the current, which has 

eroded large holes under the bridge.

The United States engineers' reference bench mark is B. M. 10 

(Townsend), described as "located on the right bank of Missouri 

Biver, about one-half mile north of Townsend railroad station, about 

one-half mile from river, measured in a perpendicular direction to 

track, and about three-fourths mile south of the railroad bridge over 

Missouri River. It is about 60 feet west of a point on the track 30 

feet north of railroad bridge No. 392, and about 7 feet west of railroad fence. Compass reading to milepost 1121 is 318°. Marked by
70 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

stone and pipe; elevation, 3,795.991 feet." This elevation is erroneous, 

but is the elevation from which the gage is set.

The tabulated records of the Townsend sragfe are reductions to the o

St. Louis directrix datum obtained by subtracting 400.063 feet from 

the daily means of the gage readings. In April, 1903, two jiew 

bench marks were established by J. S. Baker. The first has been 

destroyed. The second of these bench marks is a spike driven 

near the ground in the north side of a 12 by 12 inch post located 

on the north bank of the river about 200 feet below the bridge. 

Its elevation is 14.98 feet above the Geological Survey gage datum. 

A third bench mark was established April, 1904, by A. E. Place. 

It is marked by a chiseled cross on the southeast corner of the northeast bedplate of the north abutment of the railroad bridge, 300 feet 

west of the station. Its elevation is 24.614 above the zero of the gage. 

The area drained at this point is approximately 15,000 square miles, 

comprising, as above stated, the inflow from Gallatin, Madison, and 

Jefferson rivers. This gage at Townsend is the highest of a series of 

twenty or more gages maintained permanently by the Missouri River 

Commission. Descriptions of these gages are given in the annual 

report of the Missouri River Commission, contained in the Annual 

Report of the Chief of Engineers, United States Army; that for 1891, 

on page 3819; for 1892, on page 3271, and for 1893, on page 2316. The 

distance of this point above Sioux City is 1,703 miles, and above Fort 

Benton, the next gage below maintained by the Corps of Engineers, 219 

miles. The station was abandoned May 31, 1904, on account of the 

obstructions and irregularities of the channel caused by the reconstruction of the Northern Pacific Railway bridge above the station. The 

gaging stations on Gallatin River at Logan, Mont., on Jefferson River at 

Sappington, Mont., and on Madison River at Norris, Mont., will cover 

all tributaries to the Missouri above the station with the exception of 

Sixteen Mile Creek, which enters at Lombard, Mont., and a few short 

creeks of minor importance. Between Townsend and Cascade, the 

next gaging station below, there is but one large tributary, Prickly 

Pear Creek. The headwaters of Missouri River can therefore be sufficiently measured without maintaining the Townsend station.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Missouri River near Townsend, Mont., in 1904-

Date.

April 15. ......

May 24 ........

Hydrographer.

A. E. Place .........

Width.

Feet. 

431

404

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

2,145

3,475

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.45

6.45

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.12

7.89

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

7,419

22, 405
iOYTND ] MISSOUEI EIVEE DEAINAGE BASIN. 71

Mean daily gage height, infect, of Missouri River near Toumsend, Mont., for 1904-

Day.

i!.. ......... >

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

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

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

61..... ......

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

8,. ..........

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

10'. ...........

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan."

6.10

6.10

6.10

6.10 

6.10 

6.10

6.10

6.10

6.10

5.60

5.60

5.60

Feb. a

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60 

5.60 

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

Mar. «

6.00

6.30

6.40

6.50 

6.60 

6.80

6.90

7.00

7.00

7.00

7.00

7.00

7.00

7.00

4.50

Apr.

4.20

4.10

4.20

4.30 

4.50 

4.50

4.40

4.30

4.30

4.40

4.50

4,90

4.90

5.00

5.10

May.

6.40

6.20

6.10

6.30 

6.50 

6.60

6.30

6.30

5.90

5.90

6.00

6.10

5.90

6.10

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

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

o6

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

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

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

<*fl

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

Jan.a

5.60

5.60

5.60

5. CO 

5.60 

5.70

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

Feb. a

5.60

5.60

5.70

5.70 

5.70 

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.80

5.90

Mar. a

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10 

4.20 

4.10

4.10

4.00

3.60

3.70

3.90

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.30

Apr.

5.10

5.00

5.00

5.20 

5.40 

5.60

5.70

5.60

5.70

5.90

' 5.70

5.90

6.20

6.50

May.

6.30

6.30

6.40

6.60 

6.90 

7.10

7.40

7.90

8.40

8.40

8.10

7.90

7.50

7.20

7.50

heights do not represent normal flow till March 16 on account of ice conditions. Station

abandoned May 31.

Rating table for Missouri River near Townsend, Mont., from January 1, 1901, to

May 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,200

1,390

1,590

1,800

2,020

2,250

2,490

o TIC *jj fib

3,020

3,315

3,630

3,950

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4,270

4,600

4,930

5,260

5, 600

5, 940

6,285

6,635

7,000

7,375

7,760

8,155

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

8,555

8,965

9,375

9,795

10, 220

10, 655

11, 100

12, 015

12, 960

13, 930

14, 925

15, 950

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.20

8.40

8.60

8.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

17,040

18, 210

19, 450

20, 760

22, 150

23, 650

25, 410

27, 490

29,830

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

discharge measurements made during 1901-1904. It is well defined between gage 

heights 3.3 feet and 8.5 feet. The table has been extended beyond these limits.
72 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Estimated monthly discharge of Missouri River near Tovmsend, Mont., for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 14,500 square miles.]

Month,

January .........

February .........

March 15-31, inclusive .........

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

5,260 

13, 440 

25, 410

Minimum.

2,490 

3, 950 

10, 655

Mean.

a 2, 700 

a 2, 700

& 3, 947 

7,318 

14, 672

Total in 

acre-i'eet.

166, 016 

155, 306

242, 692 

435, 451 

902, 146

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.186 

.186

.272 

.505 

1.012

Depth in 

inches.

0.214 

.201

.314 

.563 

1.167

« Estimated by C. C. Babb. 6 Mean for 17 days taken as mean for entire month.

MISSOURI RIVER AT CASCADE, MONT.

This station was established July 20, 1902, by W. W. Schlecht. It 

is located at the highway bridge at the east end of the town of Cascade, Mont., about one-fourth mile from the railroad. There is an 

island about 600 feet above the station and one about 300 feet below. 

There is a fall of about 1 foot at the island below the station. Thewire gage first installed has been replaced by a standard chain gage,, 

which is located on the upstream side of the left span, and is fastened! 

to the floor of the bridge. The distance from the end of the weight, 

to the marker should be 31.97 feet. The marker is the outside of the 

ring which sei ves as a handle. The gage is read twice each day by 

H. W. Ludwig. Discharge measurements are made from the upstream 

side of the bridge. The central pier of this bridge is protected by am 

ice and drift breaker, which extends about 125 feet upstream. The 

initial point for soundings is notched on the guard rail 2.5 feet to the 

left of center of the southeast bridge pier. The channel is straight for 

about 600 feet above and 200 feet below the station. The right bank 

is low and the left bank is high, with bushes along both banks. The 

single channel is only broken by the bridge piers. The ice breaker 

affects the current to some extent. Two bench marks were established 

in April, 1904. Bench mark No. 1 is the top of an old iron bolt on 

the southwest iron bridge pier, which secures the bed plates. It is 

painted in black "U. 8. G. S. B. M.," and has an elevation of 28.54 

feet above the gage datum. Bench mark No. 2 is a standard bench 

mark of the Missouri Kiver Commission, situated 200 feet east of 

the Great Northern Railway station. Its elevation above the gage 

zero is 36.58 feet.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the Direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.
ftABB AND! 

HOYT. J MISSOURI EIVEB DKAINAGE BASIN.

Discharge measurements of Missouri River at Cascade, Mont., in 1904-

73

Date.

April 13 .......

May 28........

June 3 ........

Julv 27........

September 12 ..

Hydrographer.

A. E. Place. .........

L. R. Stockman .... 1 .

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

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

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

L. R. Stockman ......

Width.

Feet. 

373

489

466

466

356

342

348

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

3,060

4,823

4,767

4,393

2,929

2,447

2,381

2,664

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.19

4.77

4.29

4.09

1.90

1.05

.95

1.43

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.52

9.40

9.24

8.45

5.15

3.90

3.80

4.52

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

6,714

23, 026

20, 437

17, 753

5,552

2,571

2,255

3, 805

Mean daily gage height, in feel, of Missouri River at Cascade, Mont., 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..............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan .a

5.20

5.30

5.30

5.45

5.50

5.50

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.60

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.40

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.50 

6.50

Feb.a

5.50

5.50

5.50

6.50

5.60

5.60

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.80

5.80

5.80

5. SO

5.90

5.90

5.90

6.00

6.20

6.20

6.10

6.10

6.10

6.15

6.15

Mar.a

6.15

6.20

6.20

6.20

6.25

6.25

6.25

6.20

6.20

6.20

6.10

6.10

6.10

6.00

6.00

6.00

6.00

6.00

5.90

5.90

5.90

5.80

5.80

5.80

5.70

5.70

5.70 

5.70

Apr.

5.80

5.80

5.50

5.30

5.30

5.25

5.15

5.05

5.00

5.10

5.30

5.50

5.90

6.00

6.15

6.05

5.95

6.00

5.98

6.08

6.25

6.48

6.52

6.50

6.55

6.62

7.08

May.

7.35

7.25

7.18

7.10

7.12

7.28

7.38

7.30

7.28

7.18

7 05

6.90

6.90

6.90

6.90

7.10

7. 25

7.48

8.30

8.88

9.30

9.50

9

QO

9 02

8.62 

8.38

June.

8.42

8.62

9.05

9.20

9.20

9.08

8.92

8.80

8.70

8.70

8.55

8.50

7.98

7.78

7.88

8.00

7 95

7.62

7.52

7 oc

7.18

6.80

6.72

July.

6.70

6.55

6.38

6.30

6.12

5.98

5.88

5.80

5.80

5.85

5 9°

5.88

5.80

5.75

5.72

5.70

5.62

5.52

5.42

5.52

5.50

5.55

5.50

5.42

5.32

5.28

5.15

4.75

4.55 

4.50

Aug.

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.45

4.45

4.40

4.40

4.25

4.05

3.95

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

3 no

Q QO

3.90 

3.85

Sept.

3.80

3.75

3.70

3.65

3.60

3.55

3.55

3.60

3.65

3.70

3 on

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.80

3.75

3.75

3.75

3.75

3 on

3.80

3.86

3.85

3.90

Oct.

3.95

3.95

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.02

4.05

4.10

4.12

4.18

4.20

4.25

4.25

4.25

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4 on

4.35

4.35

4.40

4 42

4.45

4 50

4.50 

4.50

Nov.

4.45

4.40

4.40

4.35

4.35

4.33

4.35

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

4 50

4.40

4 40

4.45

Dec.

4.45

4.45

4.50

4.53

4.55

4.60

4.50

4.40

4.30

4.20

4.10

4.20

4.20

4.25

4.25

4.30

4.30

4.35

4.60

4.55

4.70

4.80

64.85

4 nn

4.80

4 80

4.70

4.70 

4.60

a River frozen January 1 to April 1. 

b River frozen December 26 to 31.

Readngs to top of ice. Ice 12 to 15 inches thick.
74 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Reding table for Missouri River at Cascade, Mont., from January 1 to December 31, 1904.

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.

1,970

2,090

2,230

2,380

2,550

2,740

2,940

3,150

3,370

3,600

3,870

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.

4,170

4,490

4,810

5, 150

5,490

5,830

6,190

6,550

6,910

7,280

7,650

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.

8,020

8,390

8,760

9,500

10, 240

10, 980

11, 720

12, 460

13, 200

13, 940

14, 680

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.80

8.00

8.20

8.40

8.60

8.80

9'. 00

9.20

9.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

15, 420

16, 160

16, 900

17, 640

18, 380

19, 120

19, 860

20, 600

21, 340

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

16 discharge measurements made during 1902-1904. It is fairly well defined between 

gage heights 3.6 and 9.4 feet. Above gage height 5.5 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 370 per tenth.

Estimated monthly discharge of Missouri River at Cascade, Mont., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 18,295 square miles.]

Month.

February .........

March...... ......

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

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

12, 830 

21, 710 

20,600 

11,350 

3,480 

2,380 

3,600 

3,600 

4,490

Minimum.

5,150 

12,090 

11, 350 

3,600 

. 2,305 

1,915 

2,465 

3,260 

2,740

Mean.

« 6, 000 

«6,000 

« 6, 000 

8,409 

14, 925 

16, 660 

7,436 

2,898 

2,167 

2,979 

3,416 

3,597

6,707

Total in 

acre-feet.

368, 926 

345, 124 

368, 926 

500, 370 

917, 702 

991, 339 

457, 222 

178, 191 

128, 946 

183, 172 

203, 266 

221, 171

4, 864, 355

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.328 

.328 

.328 

.460 

.816 

.911 

.406 

.158 

.118 

.163 

.187 

.197

.367

Depth in 

inches.

0.378 

.354 

.378 

.513 

.941 

1.016 

.468 

.182 

.132 

.188 

.209 

.227

4.986

a Estimated.
TABS AND"! 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 75

MISSOURI RIVER AT MANNHAVEN, N. DAK.

This station was established October 25. 1904, by E. F. Chandler, 

"t is located at Mannhaven, N. Dak., a town on the west side of 

Missouri River about 50 miles north of New Salem, on the Northern 

^acific Railway, and 18 miles west of Underwood, on the Minneapolis, 

:t. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railway. The gage, consisting of 

'hree sections made of 2 by 4 inch timbers, reading to tenths of feet, 

: s installed on the right bank of the river behind the lumber office of 

John Netzer, the observer. Measurements are made by means of a 

^mall gasoline ferryboat which is rented for each measurement. The 

: uitial point for soundings is the face of the perpendicular bank under 

"".jyon's elevator on the right side' of the stream, and the distances for 

'.he soundings are obtained by means of stadia sights taken from the 

boat on the rods placed on each shore. The channel at low-water 

^tages is about 1,450 feet wide and is straight for about 2 miles above 

and one-half mile below the station. The current has a medium 

velocity at ordinary stages. The right bank is a high cliff. The left 

%ank is low, sandy, and wooded and is subject to overflow at high 

stages. The bed of the stream is sandy and shifting.

The observations at this station during 1904 were under the direction of E. Johnson, ji\, district hydrographer.

Discharge measurement of Missouri River at Mannhaven, N. Dak., in 1904.

Date.

October 25.....

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler ......

Width.

Feet. 

800

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

4,840

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.95

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.11

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

14, 270

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Missouri River at Mannhaven, N. Dak., for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

9

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

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

Oct.

........

Nov.

(a)

&3.00

&2.90

Day.

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

10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct.

........

Nov.

(")

o go

f> 90

2.85

2.85

2.80

2.75

2.70 

2.75

2.75

2.80

Day.

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

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

05

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct.

3.10

3.12

3.21

3.15 

3.08

Nov.

2.85

2.90

2.95

......

«Gage broken November 1 to 12, inclusive. & Estimated gage height.
STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

MISSOURI EIVEE NEAR BISMARCK, N. DAK.

This station was established September 28,1904, by E. F. Chandler 

and is located near the town of Bismarck, N. Dak. The gage consists 

of a braided-wire affair of substantial pattern and is located near the 

middle of the second span of the Northern Pacific Railway bridge from 

the left bank. Measurements are made by the means of a cable ferryboat at " Fort Lincoln" ferry, 5 miles southwest from Bismarck. The 

initial point for soundings is the face of the perpendicular bank on the 

right side of the river, and the distances from the initial point are 

obtained by stadia sights from the boat on rods placed on each shore. 

The channel is straight for nearly one-half mile both above and below 

the station. The current has a moderate velocity at ordinary stages. 

The right bank is high and not subject to overflow. The left bank 

consists of sandy slopes and wooded bottoms and is overflowed at 

extreme flood stages. The bed is sandy and subject to considerable 

shifting. The bench mark is the top of the railway track on the 

Northern Pacific Railway bridge at the gage and has an elevation of 

73.9 feet above the datum of the gage. The gage is read each day 

by Mrs. Jennie S. Plante.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

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

Discharge measurement of Missouri River near Bismarck; N. Dak., in 1904-

Date. Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler ......

Width.

Feet. 

 830

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

4,859

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

 > OQ

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.16

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

10, 350

Mean daily gaye height, in feet, of Missouri River near Bismarck, N. Dak., for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12.... ....... _..

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

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

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

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

Sept. Oct.

0.10

.10

.10

.20

.30

.50

.50

.50

.40

.50

.50

.40

Nov.

0.20

.10

.10

.10

.10

.10

.10

.00

.00

.00

.00

.10

.10

Dec."

0.60

.10

.00

.50

.90

.90

.80

.45

.10

.15

.40

1.20

Day.

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

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

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

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

oo

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

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

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

 }g

°9

on.

31

Sept.

0.05

.10

Oct.

0.40

.40

.30

.30

.30

.40

.40

.40

.20

00

AA

.20

.20

Nov.

0.55

.75

.90

1.00

1.00

1.00

.90

.80

80

80

80

60

.10

Dec."

2.05

2

£A

2.85

3.30

3.50

3

KA

3

KA

3.85

4.10

3 on

a River frozen during December.
1 4BB AND 

HOYT. MISSOURI BIVEE DEAINAGE BASIN. 77

MADISON RIVER (INCLUDING CHERRY CREEK) NEAR NORRIS, MONT.

This station is located at the ranch of the observer, Mrs. S. A. Black, 

J miles below the Redbluff County iron bridge over the Madison, and 

" bout li miles below the mouth of Cherry Creek. It is also about 3 

riiles below the location of the old Redbluff station, described in Bulletin No. 131, on page 18. It was established May 2, 1897, at which 

time the one at Threeforks was discontinued. The vertical gage is 

fastened to a post set firmly in the bed of the river and braced with 

crosspieces from the bank. It is about 125 yards west of the observer's 

Tiouse. Discharge measurements are made from the lower side of the 

i"on bridge above. Cherry Creek is measured at the same time, as it 

enters between the gage and the bridge. The initial point for soundi-^gs is at the left abutment of the bridge. The banks are high and do 

"i ot overflow. The bed of the stream is rocky and the current is quite 

fwift. The channel is curved both above and below the station, but 

the bridge is at right angles to the current. The bench mark estabFshed June 6, 1901, by J. S. Baker, is the top of a large granite 

1 owlder 20 feet south of the gage rod and 8 feet east of the river bank, 

."'here is a spot of black paint on the top of the bowlder, and the 

letters "B. M. U. S. G. S. 6.856." The elevation of this bench mark 

i<? 6.856 feet above the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

*he direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Madison River near JVorra, Mont., in 1904.

Date.

: pril 19 .......

I fay 14........

.""une 14 .......

Tuly 6.........

,"uly 19........

/ ugust 23 .....

October 28.....

Hydrographer.

A. E. Place..........

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

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

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

Robert Follansbee.

Area of 

section.

Xq. feet. 

476

557

854

623

493

397

404

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

4.18

4.28

6.51

5.04

4.43

3.60

3.61

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.50

1.91

2.87

2.10

1.78

1.48

1.45

Discharge.

Sec. -j 'ed. 

1,989

2,384

5, 558

3,140

2,186

1,427

1,459

Discharge 

from 

Cherry 

Creek, a

77

80

130

73

20

13

12

a Add discharge of Cherry Creek to that of Madison to get entire amount passing gage.
78 STREAM MEASUREMENTS TTOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Madison River near Norr-is, Mont., 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.n

.......

.......

.......

.......

.......

.......

.......

.......

Feb."

.......

.......

....'...

.......

.......

.......

.......

.......

.......

Mar.«

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.50

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.40

1.40

1 40

1.40

1.40

1.40

Apr.

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.35

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1 45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.40

1.40

1.45

1.50

1.55

1.55

1 5°

1.50

1.50

1.50

1 50

1 50

1. 55

1.60

1.70

1.70

May.

1.70

1.71

1.77

1.85

1.90

1.99

2.00

1.90

1.85

1.87

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

2.00

2.00

2.05

2.10

2.22

2.35

o 5Q

2.70

2.90

3 1 *\

3

i>A

3 AC

2.85

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.90

June.

3. nn UU

3.15

3.20

3.20

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

3.00

3.00

3.02

3.00

2.90

2.85

2.80

2. SO

2.80

2.90

3.10

2.95

O v;g

2.85

2.90

2.76

2.70

9 go

2.45

2.30

2.30

2.30

July.

2. 30

2.30

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.20

2.15

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.05

2.00

1.90

1.90

1.85

1.85

1.80

1.80

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.72

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.71

1.72

1.60

Aug.

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1 50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.48

1.48

1.48

Sept.

1.48

1.48

1.48

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.42

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

Oct.

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.40

1.40

Nov.

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

Dec.n

1.40

......

......

......

......

......

......

'.".".'.

......

......

......

......

......

......

......

n River frozen January 1 to March 5, March 23-25, and December 2-31, inclusive.

Rating table for Madison River (including Cherry Creek) near Norris, Mont., from January 1 to December 31, 1904-

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.30

1.35

1.40

1.45

1.50

1.55

1.60

1.65

1.70

1.75

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,100

1,200

1,300

1,410

1,520

1, 635

1, 755

1,880

2,010

2,145

Gage 

height.

feet.

1.80

1.85

1.90

1.95

2.00

2.05

2.10

2.15

2.20

2.25

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2, 285

2,430

2,580

2, 735

2, 895

3,055

3,215

3, 375

3, 535

3,695

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.30

2.35

2.40

2.45

2.50

2.55

2.60

2.65

2.70

2.75

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3, 855

4,015

4,175

4,335

4, 495

4,655

4,815

4,975

5, 135

5,295

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.80

2.85

2.90

2.95

3.00

3.05

3.10

3.15

3.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,455

5,615

5,775

5,935

6,095 '

6,255

6,415

6,575

6,735
HABB AND"] 

HOST. J MISSOURI KIVEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 79

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

I'pon 7 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is fairly well denned between 

r"ge heights 1.50 feet and 2.87 feet. The table has been extended beyond these 

1 niits. Above gage height 2.0 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 

T20 per tenth.

Estimated monthly discharge of Madison River (including Cherry Creek) near Norris,

Mont., for 1904.

[Drainage area, 2,085 square miles.]

Month.

January ..........

r'ebruary .........

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

"%y .............

T-ily .............

October ..........

The year . . .

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,755 

2,010 

6, 735 

6,735 

3,855 

1,755 

1,520 

1,410 

1,300

Minimum.

1,100 

1,100 

2,010 

3, 855 

1, 755 

1,410 

1,300 

1,300 

1,300

Mean.

« 1, 200 

«1,200 

< 1, 288 

1,433 

3,745 

5,610 

2,667 

1,532 

1,355 

1,346 

1,300 

a 1, 200

1,990

Total in 

acre-feet.

73, 785 

69, 025 

79, 196 

85, 269 

- 230,271 

333, 818 

163, 988 

94, 199 

80, 628 

82, 762 

77, 355 

73, 785

1, 444, 081

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.576 

.576 

.618 

.687 

1.796 

2.691 

1.279 

.735 

.650 

.646 

.624 

.576

.954

Depth in 

inches.

0.664 

.621 

.712 

.766 

2.071 

3.002 

1.475 

.847 

.725 

.745 

.696 

.664

12. 988

a Estimated by C. C. Babb.

6 March 6-31, inclusive. March 23, 24, 25 estimated.

c Mean for 26 days taken as mean for month.

WEST GALLATIN RIVER NEAR SALESVILLE, MONT.

The Salesville station, which has been maintained for a number of 

"rears, was established near Williams's ranch, about 16 miles south- 

^est of Bozeman. A gage rod was erected in July, 1895, and observations were begun on August 1 by Ira T. Williams, a ranchman, living 

about 600 feet away. The gage was spiked to a tree. The bench 

""nark consisted of a 6-inch spike driven in the top of a stump 5 feet 

^orth of the gage post. It was 6.71 feet above the zero of the gage, as 

"owered 5 feet from the original position. A second bench mark con- 

^isted of a 6-inch spike driven into the east bridge abutment. This 

 ^as 9.26 feet above the zero of the gage. The initial point for sound- 

: ngs is marked on the guard rail over the rim of the left pier. The 

Mghway bridge, from the lower side of which discharge measurements 

T.re made, is not at right angles to the current. At flood stages the 

water flows behind the bridge abutments on the right bank, but at
80 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

other times is confined within the channel. The bed of the stream is 

composed of bowlders and is not liable to change. The velocity is 

high, rendering discharge measurements somewhat difficult. The 

channel is nearly straight, with slight curves both above and below. 

The West Galk.tin canal, carrying about 125 second-feet between 

July 1 and September 15, is taken out below the station. The Kleinschmidt canal, parrying about 50 second-feet between July 1 and 

August 15, and one or two smaller ditches are taken out above the 

station. In September, 1896, a wire gage was placed on the bridge, 

the pulley being fastened to the end of the rod opposite the 0.15-foot 

mark. The distance from the end of the weight to the index marker 

is 15.50 feet. On October 15, 1903, this length was 15.70 feet. The 

two gages were made to read the same. April 20, 1904, a standard 

chain gage was substituted for the wire gage, maintaining the same 

datum above the zero of the gage. The new chain length was made 17.38 

feet from end of weight to marker, the latter being a wire index near 

handle. During high water, however, the old rod gage is read, as it 

stands in less turbulent water. Bench mark No. 1 for the new gage 

is the head of the most westerly rivet holding the angle irons to the 

pier of the southeast cylindrical pier. Its elevation is 13.865 feet above 

the gage datum. Bench mark No. 2, established May 22, 1900, by 

J. S. Baker, is a large bowlder set firmly in the ground on the south 

side of the wagon road, near the fence. It is 123 feet east of the center of the southeast cylindrical pier, and is at an elevation of 13.69 feet 

above the gage datum. The observers were Miss Marguerite Williams 

and Mrs. Alvin De Long.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of West Gallatin River at Salesmtte, Mont., in 1904-

Date.

May 13........

May 31........

June 13........

July 18........

August 22 .....

October 27.....

W

w

] 

w

w

]

T,

Hydrographer.

3. C. Murphy. 

B. Freeman .....

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

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

B. Freeman and 

Robert Follansbee.

R. Stockman. ....

Width.

Feet. 

98

143

143

136

98

91

87

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

311

587

561

448

325

221 

221

Mean 

Telocity.

Ft. per sec. 

4.10

7.68

7.37

5.79

4.22

2.45 

2.22

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.21

6.33

6.16

5.18

4.23

3.34 

3.17

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

1,275

4,510

4,132

2,595

1,371

542 

491
RABB AND 

HOST.ND ] MISSOUEI EIVER DBAINAGE BASIN. 81

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of West Gallatin River at Salesrille, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

99

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

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

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

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

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

29............!.

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

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

Jan.

2.80

2.80 

2.80

2.90 

2.90

2.90

2.90

3.10

3.10 

3.10

3.05

3.05

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.70 

2.70

2.70 

2.70

2.70

2.80

2.90

2.90

2.90

Feb.

2.90

2.70 

a2.80

3.00 

3.10

2.80

2.70

2.70

9 8Q

2.80 

2.80

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.70 

9 go

2.80

-2,80

9 gO

2.80

 ) go

......^

Mar.

2.60

2.70 

2.60

2.80 

2.70

. 2.70 

2.80

2.80

2 80

2.80

2.70 

2.70

2.60

2.60

2.70

2.70 

2.70

2.70 

2.70

2.70

2 60

2.70

2.70

2.70

Apr.

2.70

2, 80 

2.80

2.90 

2.90

2.80

2.80 

2.80

2.80

4.10

3.40 

3.20

3.00

3.00

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.40 

3.80

" 3.80 

3.60

3.40

3.40

3.80

4.00 

4.20

4.00

4.00

May.

4.20

4.00 

4.20

4.20 

4.40

4.20

4.20 

4.20

4.20

4.30

4.30 

4.20

4.40

4.60

4.60

4.80

5.30

5.40 

5.60

5.80 

6.30

6.90

7.20

6.20

5.70

5.30 

5.40

6.30

June.

6.75

6.65 

6.45

6.10 

6.00

6.55 

6 15

6.45

6.85

6.75

6.30 

6.15

6.25

6.50

6.55

6.80

7.00

7.15 

6.60

6.65 

6.35

6.05

5.75

5.65

5.35

5.45 

5.50

5.45

5.55

July.

5.70

5.50 

5.60

5.20

5.20

5.30 

5.30

5.20

5.20

5.10

4.80 

4.90

4.90

4.70

4.70

4.50

4.25

4.30 

4.30

4.30 

4.20

4.30

4.20

4.20

4.20

4 20 

4.20

4.10

4.00

3.90

Aug.

3.85

3.75 

3.75

3.75 

3.75

3.65

3.55 

3.55

3.45

3.55

3.65

3.65 

3.65

3.65

3.55

3.55

3.45

3.45

3.35 

3.35

3.35 

3.35

3.35

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.15 

3.35

3.45

3.45

3.35

Sept.

3.25

3.25

3.25 

3.25

3.25

3.25 

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15 

3.25

3.25

3.25

3.15

3.25

3.15

3.15 

3.25

3.35 

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.35

3.35 

3.35

3.35

3.35

Oct.

3.30

3.30 

3.30

3.20 

3.20

3.20

3.20 

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.30

3.30 

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.20

3.20

3.20 

3.20

3.20 

3.20

3.20

3.20

3.10

3.10

3.15 

3.20

3.10

3.10

3.10

Nov.

3.10

3.10 

3.10

3.00 

3.00

3.10

3.10 

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.00

3.00

3.00 

3.00

3.00 

3.00

3.00

3.10

3,10

3.10

3.10 

3.00

3.00

3.00

Dec.

2.90

2.90 

3.00

2.90 

2.90

2.90

2.90 

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90 

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90 

2.90

2.90 

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.70

2.70 

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.00

n Ice formed on edges January 10 and February 3, making channel very narrow.

Hating table for West Gallatin River at ftalesmlle, Mont., from January 1 to December

31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

320

335

355

375

400

435

475

525

585

645

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

Discharge.

Second-feel.

710

785

875

965

1,065

1,180

1,310

1, 450

1,590

1,730

Gage 

height.

Feet..

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,875

2,025

2,175

2,325

2,475

2,625

2,775

2,925

3,075

3,225

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,375

3,525

3,675

3, 825

3, 975

4, 275

4, 575

4, 875

5,175

5,475

IRR 130 05 6
82 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

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

upon 7 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is fairly well defined between 

gage heights 3.1 feet and 6.4 feet. The table has been extended beyond these 

limits. Above gage height 5.0 feet ihe rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 

150 per tenth.

Estimated -monthly discharge of Wast Gallatin River at Salesville, Mont., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 860 square miles.]

Month.

February ..........

March .............

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

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

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

The year ....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

435 

435 

355 

1,310 

5,775 

5,700 

3,525 

920 

555 

525 

435 

400

5,775

Minimum.

335 

335 

320 

335 

1,065 

3,000 

965 

455 

455 

435 

400 

335

320

Mean.

369 

351 

336 

612 

2,563 

4,400 

2,053 

653 

506 

482 

421 

372

1,093

Total in 

acre-feet.

22, 689 

20, 190 

20, 660 

36, 416 

157, 593 

261, 818 

126, 234 

40, 151 

30,109 

29, 637 

25, 051 

22, 873

793, 421

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.429 

.408 

.391 

.712 

2.980 

5. 116 

2.387 

.759 

.588 

.560 

.480 

.432

1.271

Depth in 

inches.

0.495 

.440 

.451 

.794 

3.436 

5.708 

2.752 

.875 

.656 

.646 

.547 

.498

17.298

GALLATIN RIVER AT LOGAN, MONT.

This station was established August 24, 1893, by F. H. Newell, at 

the railroad pump house immediately below the Northern Pacific Railway bridge crossing Gallatin River at Logan, Mont. The gage was a 

vertical rod fastened to the cribwork box sunk in the river for the 

protection of the inlet pipe of the pump. The bench marks consisted 

of nails driven into the angle of the pier of the bridge facing the gage, 

these being placed at the elevation of the 7, 8, 9, and 10 foot marks, 

and designated by corresponding figures. At the bridge itself measurements of volume can not well be made, as the stream is divided 

into four channels, being very swift in two of these and obstructed by 

piles, snags, and sand in the others. Above the bridge, however, is a 

broad straight course, where measurements can be made by means of 

a boat and cable.

On March 10, 1894, the gage rod was washed out, tofdther with the 

crib to which it was attached, no discharge measurements having been 

made while it was in place.
] MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 83

On November 16, 1894, a new gage was established by Arthur P. 

Davis, under the northeast corner of the Northern Pacific Eailway 

bridge above mentioned. This gaere consisted of timbers parity 

inclined and partly vertical, the lower inclined portion being graduated from 0.6 foot up to 7.1 feet and the vertical portion from 7 feet 

up to 12.1 feet. Bench mark No. 1 was on the head of a bridge spike 

in the top of the pile stump to which the lower end of the inclined gage 

'was fastened. Its elevation was 1.62 feet above the zero of the gage. 

Bench mark No. 2 was the head of a bridge spike driven horizontally 

into the first pier east of the river. It was driven into the north end 

and was marked "B. M." Its elevation was 9.32 feet above the zero 

of the gage. The measurements were made by means of a cable across 

the river 100 yards above the bridge.

On September 16, 1896, a wire gage was placed in the east span of 

the railroad bridge and fastened to the guard rail on the upper side. 

The distance from the outside edge of the pulley to the end of the rod 

was 1 foot; from the end of the weight to the index marker was 18.4 

feet. Bench mark No. 1 was the top of the northeast corner of the 

iron plate at the foot of the diagonal end member of the truss at the 

east end on the upper side, and was 13.7 feet above datum. Bench 

mark No. 2 was a spike in a pile stump,, described and called "Bench 

mark No. 1" in the description of the 1894 gage.

The present station is located 450 feet northeast of the railroad 

bridge and 600 feet northwest of the railroad station. It was established in October, 1901, by J. S. Baker. The standard chain gage is 

placed on a horizontal frame 20 feet east of the south cable support. 

The chain length from end of weight to the outside of handle ring is 

21.21 feet. The gage is read once each day by N. A. Smith. Discharge measurements are made by means of a cable, car, stay wire, 

and tagged wire about 450 feet above the railroad bridge. ^The initial 

point for soundings is the left cable support. The channel is straight 

for 200 feet above and below the station. The current has a moderate 

velocity. The right bank is high and rocky and is not liable-to overflow. The left bank is low, but will overflow only at extremely high 

stages. Both banks are covered with bushes. The bed of the stream 

is sandy, with a small amount of vegetation. On July 27, 1901, the 

datum of the gage was raised 1.23 feet. The bench marks in present 

use are located as follows: Bench mark No. 1 is a railroad spike in the 

west side of the post of the gage frame, 3.6 feet from the top of the 

bridge bar. Its elevation is 8 feet above gage zero. Bench mark 

$o, 2 is a temporary bench mark; it is a point halfway down on the 

bevel edge at the top of the coping of the northeast abutment of the 

Northern Pacific Railway bridge. Its elevation is 11.705 feet above 

gage zero.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.
84 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Discharge measurements of Gallatin River at Logon, Mont., in 1904-

Date.

April 16 .......

April 24 .......

May 24........

May 30 ........

June 27 ........

July 20 ........

August 20......

Hydrogrrapher.

A. E. Place.........

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

E. C. Murphy.

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

150

150

150

. 151

152

148

141

137

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

556

563

945

782

885

678

447

294

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.51

2.61

5.59

4.26

4.99

3.36

1.96

1.00

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.34

2.45

4.98

4.08

4.71

3.30

1.83

.78

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

1,399

1,467

5,280

3,330

4,418

2,278

878

294

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Gallatin River at Logan, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

o

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15.... ...... .^.

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

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

19.........'.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

1.40

1.50

"2.80 

a 3. 10

1.10

1:00 

1.00 

 1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.20

1.30 

1.10

1.15

1.20

1 30

1 30

1.40

1.30 

1.50

Feb.

1.00

1.10 

1.10 

1.10

1.10

 1 40

1.40

1.50 

1.60 

1.60

1 60

1.50

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.50

1.30 

1.00

.80

1.00

1.20

1.10

Mar.

1.00

1.00 

1.40

1.10

1.10 

1.20 

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20 

1.20

1.10

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.20

1.20

Apr.

1.90 

1.90 

1.70

1 90

2.50 

2.50 

2.30

2.60

f> 30

o 30

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.30 2.30' 

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.25

2.50

2.85

3.00

2.85

May.

Q S5

2.85

3.00 

3.00

3 -in

S llfi

O Qfl

*> on

3.00 

2.95 

2 95

2.95

3 1 ^

3.90

( 6)

4.60 

4.85

5.15

5.00

4.10

4.05

4.10

4.30 

4.30

June.

(*)

4. 85

4.60

4.50 

4.50 

4 60

4.70

( 6 )

4 90

4.95 

4.80

4.50

4 50

4 80

4.75

4 90

4.40

4.30 

4.10

3.90

3.80

(« )

3.30

3.25

3 25

3.20

July.

3.15

(« )

3.20 

3.05

2.70

2.60

2.50

2.30 

2.35 

2.35

2.30

2.15

2.10

2.10

1.80

1.75

1.70 

1.65

1.60

1.60

1.65

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

Aug.

1.40

1.20

1.20

1.15 

1.05

1 00

.90

.85

.80 

.75 

.70

.60

60

.70

.70

.70

.60

.70 

.80

.85

.95

1.00

1.00

1.05

1.10

1.00 

1.10

Sept.

1.23

1.10

1.10 

1.20

1.20

1.20 

1.20 

1.20

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.45

1.55

1.55

1.60

-

Oct.

1.55

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

1.60

1.60

1.60 

1.60

1.60

1.60

Ir60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60 

1 60

Nov.

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 Aft

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60 

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

Dec.

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.45

1.45 

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.70 

1.80 

1.80

1.85

1.90

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85 

1.85

1.86

1.85

1.85

1.85

«4.10

a4.00

«3. 00 

«3.00

alee jam at railroad bridge (100 yards below station) from January 3 to 9 and December 28 to 3L 

& No observation.
BABB AND 

HOTT,ND ] MISSOUEI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 85 

Rating table, for Oallatin River at Logan, Mont., from January 1 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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

210

230

260

300

340

385

435

485

545

605

670

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

.2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

740

810

880

955

1,035

1,120

1,210

1,300

1,390

1,480

1,570

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,670

1,770

1,870

1,980

2,090

2,205

2,325

2,445

2,565

2,685

2,815

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.60

4.80

5.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,950

3,090

3,240

3,540

3,870

4,230

4,620

5,050

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

7 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is well denned between gage heights 

0.8 foot and 5 feet. The table has been extended beyond these limits.

Estimated monthly discharge of GaUatin River at Logan, Mont., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 1,805 square miles.]

Month.

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

March ..............

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

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

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

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

December &

The year .....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

670 

740 

880 

1,980 

5,400 

4,940 

2,325 

605 

740 

740 

740 

955

5,400

Minimum.

385 

300 

385 

435 

1,770 

2,205 

670 

230 

435 

705 

740 

635

230

Mean.

«462 

524 

478 

1,169

2,772 

3,897 

1,290 

357 

544 

738 

740 

825

1,150

Total in 

acre-feet.

28, 407 

30, 141 

29,391 

69,560 

170, 444 

231, 888 

79, 319 

21, 951 

32, 370 

45, 378 

44, 033 

50, 727

833, 609

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.256 

.293 

.265 

.648 

1.536 

2.159 

.715 

.'198 

.301 

.409 

.410 

.457

0.637

Depth in 

inches.

0. 295 

.316 

.306 

.723 

 1. 771 

2.409 

.824 

.228 

.336 

.472 

.457 

.527

8.664

a Mean of January 11 to 31 is taken as mean for month. 

6 Discharge December 28 to 31 estimated 915 second-feet.

JEFFERSON RIVEK NEAR SAPPINGTON, MONT.

This station was established November 13, 1894, by A. P. Davis. 

It is located 300 feet above the railroad bridge, 1 mile north of the
86 STBEAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

railroad station at Sappington, and 7 miles above Willow Creek. The 

chain gage is fastened to the guard rail on the upstream side of the 

south span of the old Northern Pacific Railway bridge. The length of 

the chain from the end of the weight to the marker is 16.30 feet. It 

is read twice each day by John Fraser. Discharge measurements were 

made by means of a cable, car, and tagged wire about 300 feet above 

the bridge to which the gage is attached. November 1 a new cable 

was installed some 500 feet above the old one on account of a new 

railroad bridge being built at the former site. The section at this 

place is an excellent one, the channel being straight for 500 feet above 

and below, the bed smooth and regular, covered with gravel, and 

entirely free from eddies. The current velocity is swift. Both banks 

are composed of clay and are covered with willows and underbrush. 

The right bank may overflow at extreme high water. On November 3, 

1897, the gage datum was lowered 0.8 foot. The subsequent years were 

adjusted to the new datum, but the remainder of 1897 was corrected to 

agree with the old datum. Bench mark No. 1 consists of a 6-inch 

wire nail driven vertically in the east side of the blocking which 

forms the south abutment of the railroad bridge and is 12.90 feet 

above gage datum. Bench mark No. 2 is a 6-inch wire nail in a telegraph pole about 30 feet south and east of the south abutment of the 

bridge and is at an elevation of 9.93 feet above gage datum. Bench 

mark No. 3 is the head of the northwest bolt fastening the switch' 

standard to the cross-tie 30 feet east of the bridge; its elevation is 

17.70 feet above gage datum. Bench mark No. tt is cross on top of 

coping at NW. corner of small culvert 800 feet from bridge. Elevation 11.568 feet above gage datum.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Jefferson River near Sappington, Mont., in 1904.

Date.

April 26.......

May 18........

May 30........

June28a ......

July 23". _.__._

August 24 « .... 

November 1& ..

Hydrographer.

A. E. Place..........

W. B. Freeman and

E. C. Murphy. 

W. B. Freeman ......

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

W. B. Freeman and 

Robert Follansbee.

L. R. Stockman ......

Width.

feet. 

270

268

268

250

227

220

260

Area of 

section

Sq, feet. 

1,248

1,360

1,457

1,041

762

358 

574

Mean 

velocity.

ft. per sec. 

4.10

4.21

4.77

3.39

1.78

1.24 

1.80

Gage 

height.

feet. 

4.40

4.90

5.43

3.65

2.39

1.45 

2.00

Discharge.

Sec.-feef. 

5, 126

5,727

6,949

3,533

1,358

445 

1,032

a From bridge below cable. b From a new section 300 feet above old cable section.
] MISSOURI EIVEE DEAlKAGE BASIK. 87

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Jefferson River near Sappington, Mont., for 1904- a

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

29

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

Jan.

4.05 

4.10

4.10 

.4.25

4.30

4.30

-4.30

4.30

4.20 

4.30

4.35

4.40

4.40

4.50

4.50 

4.50

4.50 

4.40 

4.15 

3.75

3.90 

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.95

4.00

4.00

4 05

4.10

Feb.

4.10 

4.10

4.10 

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

3.85

3,. 80 

3.80

3.70

3.75

3.80

3.80

3.80

4.05 

4.20

4.20 

4.20 

4.20 

4.20

4.20 

4.20

4.20

4.10

4.15

4.20

4.20

Mar.

4.10 

4.10

.4.10 

4.15

4.20

4.30

4.55

4.30

3.45 

2.70

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40 

2.40

2.40 

2.30 

2.30 

2.30

2.30 

2.30

2.40

2.35

2.25

2.20

2.35

2.50

2.50

Apr.

2.40 

2.40

2.40 

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40 

2.40

2.50

2.65

2.90

3.00

3.35 

3.30

3.30 

3.30 

3.55 

4.10

. 4.20 

4.35

4.40

4.50

4.55

5.00

5.50

5 45

May.

5.00 

4.80

4.75 

5.15

5.50

5.35

4.90

4.85

4.75 

4.50

4.45

4 55

4.55

4.55

4 60

4.90 

4 95

4.90 

5.00 

5.15

5.50

6.35

6.45

6.45

5.85

5

p;X

r; jc

5.35

June.

5.45 

5.50

5.80

5.85

5.60

5.45

5 45

5.30

- 5.25 

5.15

5.10

4.?5

4.70

4,50

4.35

4. 35

4.35 

4.35 

4.45 

4.40

4.20 

4.10

4.15

4.15

3.90

3.70

3.40

3. 25

July.

3.15 

3.10

3.05 

3.05

3.15

3.40

3.60

3.30

3.25 

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3.15

3 1 ^

3.05 

2.85

2.60 

2.50 

2.45 

2 45

2.45 

2.35

2.35

2.25

2.25

2.20

2 1 F\

2.05

Aug.

2.05 

1.95

1.95 

1.95

1.85

1.80

1.70

1,60

1.45 

1.60

1.65

1.60

1.50

1.55

1.55

1.56 

1,55

1.55 

1.55 

1.55 

1.55

1.50 

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.60

Sept.

1.65 

1.65

1.65 

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.60

1.55 

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1. 55 

1.55

1.55 

1.55 

1.55 

1.55

1.55 

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

.......

Oct.

1. 55 

1.55

1.55 

1.55

1.55

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65 

1.65

1.65

1.65

1,80

1.75'

1.90 

1. 95

1.95 

1.95 

1.95 

2,05

2.15 

2.15

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

1.95

Nov.

2.00 

2.00

2.00 

2.05

2.10

2.10

2.20

2.20

2.20 

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2 20

2.20 

2.20

2.20 

2.35 

2.50 

2.50

2.45 

2.40

2.45

2.50

2.50

2 50

2.50

2.50

2.50

Dec.

2.50 

2.45

2.30 

2.30

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20 

2.20

2.20

2.10

2.15

2^30

2.30

2.25 

2.20

2.30 

2.30 

2.20 

2.20

2.20 

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.60

3.30

3.50

6.40

6.90

7.00

a Readings from January 1 to March 9, 1904, inclusive, and from December 27-31,1904, .inclusive, 

do not represent the flow due to ice gorging.

 Rating table for Jefferson River near Sappington, Mont., from March 10 to December 31,

1904.

Gage 

height.

fleet.

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

Discharge.

Second-feel.

505

585

680

780

880

990

1,100

1,210

1,325

1,450

1,580

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,720

1,860

2,000

2,150

2,315

2,495

2,685

2,875

3,065

3, 255

3, 445

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

Discharge

Second-feet.

3,635

3,825

4,015

4,205

4,395

4,585

4,775

4,965

5, 155

5,345

5,535

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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.

5, 725

5,915

6, 105

6,485

6,865

7,245

7, 625

8,005

8,385

8,765

9,145
88 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

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

upon 7 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is fairly well denned between 

gage heights 1.45 feet and 5.50 feet. The table has been extended beyond these limits. 

Above gage height 3.50 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 190 

per tenth. Change in conditions due to obstructions placed in the river just below 

gage.

Estimated monthly discharge of Jefferson River near Sappington, Mont., for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 8,984 square miles.]

Month.

February . . ......

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

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

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

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

September ........

f~\ /-*f f\ V^pi1

November ........

The year . . .

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum. Minimum.

1

1,860 

7, 150 

9,240 

7,720 

3,445 

1, 045 

630 

1, 155

1,580 

1,720

1,210 

1, 450 

5, 060 

2,780 

1,045 

465 

545 

545 

990 

1,100

Mean.

a 1,400 

« 1, 400 

1,433 

3, 218 

6,516 

5, 440 

2, 055 

606 

566 

824 

1,308 

1,353

2,177

Total in 

acre-feet.

86, 083 

80, 529 

88, 112 

191, 484 

400, 653 

323, 702 

126, 357 

37, 262 

33, 679 

50, 666 

77, 831 

83, 193

1, 579, 551

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.156 

.156 

.159 

.358 

.725 

.606 

.229 

.067 

.063 

.092 

.146 

.151

.242

Depth in 

inches.

0. 180 

.168 

.183 

.399 

.836 

.676 

.264 

.077 

.070 

.106 

.163 

.174

3.296

« Estimated by C. C. Babb.

6 March 10 to 31, inclusive. Mean for 22 days taken as mean for month.

c Discharge December 27 to 31 estimated 1,720 second feet.

SUN EIVEE (NORTH FORK) NEAR AUGUSTA, MONT.

This station was established October 31, 1903, by C. T. Prall. It is 

located" below Christian\s ranch and below the head of Kilraven ditch, 

14 miles northwest of Augusta and 21 miles southwest of Choteau, in 

Lewis and Clark County, Mout. The chain gage is on the left bank 

about 250 feet below the cable. The horizontal scale board is painted 

white, and is nailed to a plank, which is bolted to three posts set in 

the ground. The length of the chain from the end of the weight to the 

marker is 13.05 feet. The distance from the outside edge of the pulley to the zero of the scale is 4 feet. Bench mark No. 1 is the highest 

point of rock in Sun River, 12 feet upstream from gage. The size of 

the rock is 4: cubic yards. The elevation of the bench mark is 3.94 

feet above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is a nail in the 

root of a cottonwood tree 15 feet east of the gage. Its elevation is 

14.47 feet above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 3 is a nail in
BABB AND~| 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 89

the post which supports the inshore end of the gage. Its elevation 

is 10.69 feet above the zero of the gage. Discharge measurements are 

made by means of a cable, car, tag wire, and stay wire. The channel is straight for about 300 feet above and 200 feet below the station. 

The right bank is low and may overflow at flood stages; the left bank 

is high and rocky. The bed of the stream is of solid rock. The current is sluggish. The initial point for soundings is the left cable strut. 

Owing to the impossibility of obtaining a regular observer but few 

gage readings were made during the year.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Sun River (North Fork) near Augusta, Mont., in 1903 and 1904.

Date.

1903.

No V(?Hll)GI* I

1904. 

July 8.........

July 9. ........

July 19........

September 8 ...

Hydrographer.

C. T. Prall...........

A. P. Porter..........

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

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

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

Area of 

section.

Square feet. 

378

518

522

404

291

260

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sfc. 

1.19

2.73

2.86

1. 88

.92

.60

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.00

2 42

2.45

1.70

.81

.60

Discharge.

Second-feel. 

453

1,416

1,492

760

269

158

Mean daily gage height in feet of Sun River (North Fork) near Augusta, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

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

9

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

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

19

1 ^

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

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

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

on

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

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

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

so.....--.... -.... ......:...................

July.

2.40

2.45

2.35

1.95

1.90

1.70

1.65

1.60

1.55'

Aug.

./

Sept.

0.80

Oct.

»

Nov.

0.60

60

Dec.-
90 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PAET VII. [NO. 130.

SUN RIVER (SOUTH FORK) NEAR AUGUSTA, MONT.

«

This station was established by Arthur P. Porter, December 2,1904. 

It is located at the highway bridge on the road from Augusta to Craig, 

Mont., about one-half mile out of Augusta. The gage is a vertical 

rod, spiked to the cribwork of the east abutment on its downstream 

side. It is graduated to feet and tenths. The gage reader is Richard 

Auchard, and readings are made daily. The measurements are made 

from the upstream side of the single-span bridge. The initial point 

for sounding is at the east end of the hand rail, and this point, as well 

as the distances every 5 feet apart, is marked in white paint. The 

channel above the station is straight for a few feet and then curves to 

the right. Below it is straight for 30 feet, when it forks into two 

parts. The current is sluggish. Both banks are high and not liable 

to overflow. At the station the water passes between the cribworks 

of the bridge abutments. The river bed is made up of coarse gravel 

and cobblestones. Two sloughs on the east side and an irrigation ditch 

on the west side of the bridge carry water past the point of measurement. Bench mark is the head of a spike surrounded by a ring of 

nails in the top of the east abutment on the downstream side. It is 

Jr.89 feet above the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurement of Sun River (South Fork) near Augusta, Mont., in 1904-

Date.

December 2..,.

Hydrographer.

A. P. Porter.........

Area of 

section.

Squarefeet. 

51. 4«

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.45

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.30

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

23.3

Mean daily gage height in feet of Sun River (South Fork) near Augusta, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dec.

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.50

1.55

1.25

1. 20

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dec.

1.20

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.15

1.10

1.20

1.30

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dec.

1.30

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.00

1.30

(«)

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dec.

(a)

1.50

1.45

1.50

1.30

1.20

alee.
BABB AND"! 

HOTT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 91

MARIAS RIVER NEAR SHELBY, MONT.

This station was established April 4:, 1902, by J. S. Baker. It is 

located at the highway bridge near J. A. Johnston's ranch, 7 miles 

south of Shelby, Mont., from which point it is reached by driving. 

The gage is of the standard chain type, and the scale board is spiked 

to the upstream hand rail of the bridge. The length of the chain from 

the weight to the marker was originally 22.06 feet, but had to be 

reduced November 16,1904, to 21. 91 feet, on account of settling of the 

bridge. It is read once each day by Elsie Bailey. Discharge measurements are made from the highway bridge, the lower chord of which 

is about 15 feet above low water*. The initial point for soundings is 

the east end of the east bridge pier, on the lower side of the bridge, 

on the left bank. It is marked 0. The channel is straight for 300 

feet above and 600 feet below the station. The current velocity is 

moderate. The right bank is sloping and sandy, and is liable to overflow. The left bank is high, and is protected by sheet piling and a 

plank wall. It may overflow at extreme flood stages. The bed of the 

stream is composed of sand and gravel, with some cobblestones; it is 

liable to shift after freshets. There is but one channel, and the current flows toward the left bank. Bench mark No. 1 is a rivet head in 

the footplate at the foot of the batter post on the top of the southeast 

pier. The plate is marked "B. M. 17.54" with black paint. The 

elevation of the bench mark above gage datum is 17.54 feet. Bench 

mark No. 2 is a spike in the southwest side of a cottonwood stump 25 

feet southeast of the southeast pier. It is marked "B. M. 11.24." 

Its elevation above gage datum is 11.24 feet. Observations had to be 

discontinued November 19, 1904, on account of the only available 

observer leaving.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Marias River near Shelby, Mont., in 1904-

Date.

May8.........

May 20........

May 27 ........

June 10--.--...

June 29........

September 5 . . .

Hydrographer.

A. E. Place.........

L. R. Stockman .....

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

W. B. Freeman.....

Robert Follansbee . . .

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

Width.

Feet. 

170

70

75

178

162

143

135

124

Area of 

section.

Sq.Jeet. 

546

603

611

604

444

271

204

199

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

4.31

4.86

4.92

4.63

2.93

1.83

1.13

.93

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.02

4.34

4.44

4.31

3.35

2.44

1.97

1.80

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

2,359

2, 93'4

3,004

2,798

1,303

495

231

184
92 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PAET VIL [NO. 130. 

Mean daily gage hdght, in feet, of Marias River near Shelby, Mont., for 1904-

Day.

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

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

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

24...............'.......

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

3.00

3.10 

3.10

3.20

3.20

3.30

3.30

3.30

3.30 

3.40

3.30

3.30

3.20

3.10

3.10

3.10

3.10

Feb.

.......

Mar.

.......

Apr.

6.30 

5.40

5.00

4.30

4.40

4 °0

4.10

3.90

3.80

3 50

3.80

3.90

A nn

3.80

3. HO

q of)

4 00

4 60

May.

4 30

4.30 

4.30

4.40

4.20"

4.10

3.80

Q QQ

3.90

4.00

3.90

4 00

4.10

4.10

4 °0

4 35

4.40

4.50 

4.70

5 40

4.90

4.60

4.50

4 30

4 60

4 60

June.

4.80 

4 60

4.40

4.30

4.40

4 60

4.50 

4 30

4.30

4.00

3.90

4 00

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.40

4.20

4.00 

o on

3. (10

3.60

July.

3.35

3.55

3.35

3.25

3 1 t\

3.15

3.05

3.05

9 95

2.95

2.85

2.75

2.65

2.H5 

2.55

2.45

2.45

2.35

2.45

2.45

2.45

2 45

Aug.

2.45

2.45 

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.35

9 95

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.05 

2.05

2.15

o 1 K 2.15

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.15

2.15

Sept.

2.15

2.15 

2.05

2.05

2.05

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95 

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.85

Oct.

1.80

1.80 

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.90

1.90

1.90

2.00

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.80 

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

Nov.

1.80

-1J80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80 

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.80

1.70

1.70

a River frozen January 18 to April 7, inclusive. 

t> Readings discontinued for lack of an observer.

Rating table for Marias River near Shelby, Mont., from January 1 to December 31, 1904-

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

150

185

220

265

310

360

410

460

5-15

575

645

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

725

810

900

995

1,110

1,240

1,380

1,530

1,680

1,830

1, 980

Gage 

. height.

Feet.

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,140

2,300

2,460

2,620

2,790

2,970

3,160

3,360

3,560

3,760

3,960

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.

4,160

4,560

4,960

5,360

5,760

6,160

6,560

6,960

7,360

7,760
BABB AND"! 

J

MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

"nut-preceding table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based 

upe»^& discharge measurements made during 1904. It is well denned betweeJHsage 

heights 1.8 feet and 4.5 feet. The table has been extended beyond these Hsaits. 

Above gage height 4.5 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 200 

per tenth.

Estimated monthly discharge of Marias River near Shelhi/, Mont., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 2,610 square miles.]

Month.

January 1 to 18, inFebruary .........

March ............

April 1 to 7, estimated ..........

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

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

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

December ........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,380

8,560 

4,960 

3,760 

1, 605 

490 

335 

265 

185

Minimum.

900

800 

1,980 

1,240 

435 

290 

205 

185 

150

Mean.

«900 

«800 

«8JOO

2,457

2,848 

2, 495 

871 

367 

246 

204 

168 

«150

1,017

Total in 

acre-feet.

55, 339 

46, 016 

49, 190

146, 202 

175, 117 

148, 463 

53, 556 

22, 566 

14, 638 

12, 544 

9,997 

9, 223

742, 851

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.345 

.307 

.307

.941 

1.091 

.956 

.334 

.141 

.094 

.078 

.064 

.057

.393

Depth in 

inches.

0.398 

.331 

.354

1.050 

1.258 

1.067 

- . 385 

.162 

.105 

.090 

.071 

.066

5.337

a Estimated. & Discharge estimated for November 20 to 30.

TETON RIVER NEAR BELLEVIEW, MONT.

This station was established November 26,190-i, by A. P. Porter. It 

is located in sec. 35, T. 25 N., R. 37 W., M. P. M., about 16 miles above 

Choteau, and near the house of Julius Bjornstad. The nearest postoffice is Belleview, Mont. The gage is a vertical rod gage graduated 

to feet and tenths. It is spiked to a 2 by 4 inch post and set in a pit 

about 2 feet in diameter and about 40 feet above the head of an irrigation ditch. It is read daily by Julius Bjornstad. Stream measurements are made from a cable a short distance upstream. This is 

supported on one side by shears and a deadman; on the other, by 

trees. The tagged wire stretched over the cable is marked every 10 

feet. The zero is at the left and serves as an initial point for soundings. The channel above the station is straight for about 200 feet at 

low water. At high water the river curves gradually from the left. 

Below the channel is straight for 75 feet. The bed is free from vegetation and consists of coarse gravel and cobblestones. A bar divides
94 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

the channel at low water. Some 100 feet downstream there are small 

rapids. The current is swift. Both banks are low and covered with 

thick underbrush and a few'scattering trees. Bench mark No. 1 is a 

nail in a 10-inch cottonwood tree 8 feet from the road and 50 feet 

from the river bank. Its elevation is 5.43 above gage zero. Bench 

mark No. 2 is a nail in a 5-inch cottonwood tree ^ feet to the east of 

the road and 50 feet from the bank. Its elevation is 5 feet above gage 

zero. Bench mark No. 3 is a nail in a 20-inch cottonwood tree serving as a post in Bjornstad1 s small corral. Its elevation above the 

gage zero is 3.165 feet.

Observations at this station* during 1904 have been made under the 

direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurement of Teton River near Sellevieu', Mont., in 1904.

Date.

November 27 . .

Hydrographer.

A. P. Porter ...............

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

38.2

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.52

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.60

Discharge.

Second- feet. 

58.0

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Teton Hirer near Belleview, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

] ...............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nov. Dec.

.55

.55

.50

RF;

.56

.55

.55

.65

Day.

12

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

i *\

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

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

-10

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

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

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

Nov. Dec.

.50

50

.50

.50

50

.60

.60

.60

Day.

<>o

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

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

°5

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

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

OQ

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

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

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

Nov.

0.60

.60

.60

.60

Dec.

60

.60

.70

.£5

.40

.40

TETON RIVER NEAR CHOTEAU, MONT.

This station was established November 30, 1904, by A. P. Porter. 

It is located at the highway bridge on the road from Choteau to 

Augusta, Mont., and is about li miles from the town of Choteau. 

The equipment consists of a chain gage fastened to the upstream hand 

rail of the bridge, and a graduated scale board. The distance from 

the tip of the weight to the marker is 14.73 feet. The marker is a 

a copper wire index. The gage is read gratuitously b}^ J. W. Shields. 

The bridge, from the upstream side of which measurements are made, 

is a wooden structure resting on pile bents. The initial point for 

sounding is at the northeast end of the bridge, and is marked " 0" in
BABE AND I 

HOYT. J MISSOUEI EIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 95

white paint. The upstream hand rail is divided into 10-foot stations, 

and their distances from zero are painted. Above the station the 

channel is straight for 200 feet, below it curves to the right for about 

50 feet. The current is swift. The river bed is clean from vegetation, and covered with rocks and coarse gravel. The bank is high on 

the right and low on the left, and is subject to overflow at high water. 

Bench mark No. 1 is a nail in a 3-inch plank just back of the floor 

beam at the west end of the bridge. It is marked with white paint 

and ha£ an assumed elevation of 20.00 feet. Bench mark No. 2 is a nail 

2 feet above ground in the trunk of a cottonwood tree 100 feet from 

the east end of the bridge, and in the fence on the south side of the road. 

Its elevation is 17.79 feet. The zero of the gage is 10.92 feet with 

reference to the bench marks. This gage was stolen before any 

observations could be made, and it was not replaced before the close 

of the year.

Discharge measurement of Teton River near Chateau, Mont., in 1904-

Date.

November 29 ..

Hydrographer.

A. P. Porter.........

Width.

Feet. 

15

Area of 

section.

Sg.feet. 

5.8

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.25

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.8

Discharge.

Sec.-fett. 

7.3

MILK RIVER AT HAVRE, MONT.

This station was originally established by Cyrus C. Babb May 15, 

189S. At that time a cable was stretched across the river not far 

from the highway bridge. The station was reestablished November 

i, 1902, by L. V. Branch, when the cable was taken out and the station was transferred to the highway bridge, at which it is HOW located. 

The original wire gage was replaced January 12, 190-4,, by a standard 

chain gage, which was made to read the same as the old gage. The 

length of chain from the end of the weight to the marker is 25.3 feet. 

The marker is a ring of fine copper wire wrapped around the chain. 

It is placed 0.85 foot from the end of the cast-iron ring at the end of 

the chain. The scale is nailed to the floor of the bridge on the downstream side 90 to 100 feet from the initial point for soundings. It is 

boxed, and reads from 2.5 to 10.5 feet. The gage pulley is located at 

a point which corresponds to a reading of 2 feet on the scale. 

L. H. Ling, who reads the gage, is the United States Weather Bureau 

observer. Discharge measurements are made from the downstream 

side of the bridge to which the gage is attached. The initial point for 

soundings is marked on the downstream guard rail at the right bank. 

The channel is straight above for a short distance, when a sharp curve 

occurs. Below the station it is straight. The current is sluggish at 

ordinary stages. Both banks are high above all ordinary floods, and
96 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

are not wooded. The bed of the stream is shifting- and is liable to 

change after each freshet. The bridge from which the measurements 

are made makes an angle of 20 degrees with the normal to the current. 

The datum used in the establishment of the bench marks is that of the 

city of Havre, deduced from a destroyed temporary bench mark of 

the United States Geological Survey. Bench mark No. 2 is a 20- 

penny nail in a cottonwood tree 100 feet southwest of the southwest 

pier of the bridge. Its elevation is 2,4:77.44 feet. Bench mark No. 3 

is a standard United States Geological Survey bench-mark plate in 

the stone pier of a column supporting the Great Northern Railway 

water tank one-half mile southeast of the bridge and near the roundhouse. It is marked 2,4:83. The correct elevation is 2,482.46 feet. 

There is also a temporary bench mark on the top of the southeast 

corner of the lid of the gage boXc Its elevation is 2,488.60 feet.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Milk Rirer at Havre, Mont., in 1904-

Date.

April 12 .......

May 5 .........

May 19 ........

May 26 ........

June 4 ........

June 30.. ......

July 18 ..... r. .

August 10.

Hydrographer .

A. E. Place. ........

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

E. C. Murphy and

W. B. Freeman.

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

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

Width.

Feet.

172

168

75

- 90

155

62

56

24

"7

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

744

289

124

159

252

70

37

11

5

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.86

2.03

2.90

1.69

1.73

1.34

1.19

1.10

.69

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.18

4.37

4.43

4.93

3.47

3.02

2.80

2.45

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

2,866

588

359

289

435

95

-44

12

3

Mean, daily gage height, in feet, of Milk Rimr at Havre, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

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

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

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

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

b.. ....................

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

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

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

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

]0... ...................

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

Jan.i

.......

Feb. Mar. Apr.

4.60

4.70

7.00

8.00

9.30 

8.20

7 30

6.80

May.

4.80

4.80

5.00

5.00

5 °0

5.00 

4.90

A Oft

4. .HO

June.

4.80

5.00

5.00

4.90

4.70

4 60

4.60 

4.70

4 80

4.90

July.

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.40

3.30

3.30 

3.30

3.30

3.10

3.00

Aug.

2.80

2.65

2.60

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40 

2.45

2.40

2.40

2.40

Sept.

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.50

2. .50 

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.40

Oct.

2.50

2.60

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.50 

3.00

2.90

2.80

2.70

Nov.

'? 8ft -.80

2.85

2.80

2.80

2.90

2.90

2.90 

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

« River frozen January 1 to March 30, inclusive; also during December.
BABB AND 

HOYT,,ND] MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 97

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Milk River at Havre, Mont., for 1904 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

.......

Feb. Mar.

4.50

Apr.

8.00

9.30

8.00

7.00

6.20

5.90

5.60

5.30

5.10

5.00

5.10

5.30

5.30

5.20

5.10 

4.90

4 80

May.

4 80

4 60

4.45

4.40

4

f^n

4 5Q

4.50

4.40

4 30

4.20

4 30

4.60

4.80

4 55

4.50

4.55 

4.70

4.70

4.70

June.

4 60

4 60

4 50

4 40

4 40

4.10

4.15

4.10

4.10

4.00

4.00

3.80

3.70

q 7fl

3.60

3.60 

3.60

3.50

July.

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.85

2.85

2.80

2.70

2.70

2.60

2.60 

2.60

2". 60

2.60

Aug.

9 30

2.25

2.25

2.10

2.10

2.20

2.50

2.40

2.50

o 50

2.60

2.60

2.50 

2.40

2.40

2.40

Sept.

2.30

2 40

2.40

2.40

2.35

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20 

2.20

2.40

Oct.

2.70

2.70

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.90

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80

2.80 

2.80

2.80

2.80

Nov.

o on

2

QA

t> qn

° 90

2 on

9 on

3.10

3.10

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3.00

3,00

3.00 

3.00

3.00

Rating table for Milk River at Havre, Mont., from January 1 to December 31, 1904.

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

3.40

3.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1

9

3

5

10

15

22

31

41

51

63

75

90

105

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

4.70

4.80

4.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

120

135

150

170

190 '

210

230

255

280

310

340

375

410

450

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5. 50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

.6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

490

535

580

630

685

745

805

870

935

1,005

1,075

1,225

1,390

1,565

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.80

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

. 8.00

8.20

8.40

8.60

8.80

9.00

9.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,750

1,950

2,165

2,390

2,630

2,880

3,140

3,400

3,665

3,935

4,205

4,480

4,760

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

8 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is fairly well defined between gage 

heights 2.45 feet and 7.80 feet. The table has been extended beyond these limits.

IRE 130 05 7
98 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PAET VII. [NO. 130.

Estimated monthly discharge of Milk River at Havre, Mont., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 7,300 square miles.]

Month.

February

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

July ...............

September, .........

The year.....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,900 

580 

490 

90 

22 

10 

41 

51

Minimum.

340 

230 

105 

10 

0 

1 

3 

22

Mean.

«90 

«75 

«75 

1,736 

373 

278 

44 

5 

3 

19 

35 

« 25

230

Total in 

acre-feet.

5,534 

4, 314 

4,612 

103, 299 

22, 935 

16", 542 

2, 705 

307 

178 

1,168 

2,083 

1,537

165, 214

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.012 

.010 

.010 

.238 

.051 

.038 

.006 

.000 

.000 

.003 

.005 

.003

.031

Depth in 

inches.

0.014 

.011 

.012 

.266 

.059 

.042 

.007 

.000 

.000 

.003 

.006 

.003

.423

a Estimated by C. C. Babb. 

MILK RIVER AT MALTA, MONT.

This station was established July 31, 1902, by C. T. Prall. It is 

located at the highway bridge on the main road one-fourth mile east 

of the railroad station and post-office at Malta, Mont. The original 

wire gage has been replaced by a standard boxed chain gage, reading 

the same as the old one. It is fastened to the lower downstream 

guard rail of the highway bridge. The length of the chain from the 

end of the weight to the marker is 28.67 feet. The distance from the 

zero of the scale to the outside edge of the pulley is 0.5 foot. The 

marker is a small copper ring near the ring at the end of the chain. 

The gage is read once each day by S. C. Loyd. Discharge measurements are made from the downstream side of the bridge to which the 

gage is attached. The initial point for soundings is a spike on the 

downstream guard rail at the right bank. It is marked zero with 

paint. The channel is straight for about 700 feet above and 250 feet 

below the station.. The current velocity is moderate. Both banks are 

high and sandy and are not liable to overflow. The water passes 

beneath the bridge at all stages. The bed of the stream is composed 

of sand and gravel, and there is but one channel. The bench mark is 

a paint mark on the east end of a plank spiked to the south abutment. 

It is marked "B. M. U. S. G. S." Its elevation above gage datum 

is 13.66 feet, and the elevation of the latter above sea level is 2,221.40,
BABB AND 

HOYT,

ND"j

MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 99

or 37.80 feet below the United States Geological Survey datum at the 

Malta schoolhouse.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Milk River at Malta, Mont. , in 1904-

Date.

April 8 (>.......

April 10.......

April 11 .......

April 12 .......

April 13 .......

April 13 .......

April 15... ....

April 18. ......

April 18. ......

April 19 .......

April 19 .......

April 20.......

April 20 .......

April 21 .......

April 22 .......

April 23 .......

April 24 .......

April 24. ......

April 26.......

April 30 .......

May 5 .........

May 17........

May 25 ........

July5&.. ......

July9&.. ......

July 206.......

July 28........

Hydrographer.

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

W. M. Neptune ......

...,.do ..............

E. C. Murphy.

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet.

150

153

153

145

145

145

145

143

143

142

141

135

131

116

106

106

103

103

100

94

95

98

86

83

87

138

135

110

93

92

22

20

18

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

1,261

1,962

1,682

1,530

1,536

1,505

1,467

1,077

990

830

736

575

485

386

333

327

321

321

313

262

236

238

160

130

146

476

468

318

196

188

21

19

14

Mean 

velocity.

7t. per see. 

2.51

4.14

4.16

4.55

4.44

4.35

4.49

4.45

4.52

4.64

4.73

4.86

5.10

4.85

4.70

4.38

4.40

4.33

4.41

4.03

4.00

3.57

2.66

2.52

3.45

4.59

4.97

4.34

3.07

3.12

2.09

1.00

.41

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

10.45

14.35

12.57

11.94

12.07

11.83

11.82

9.47

8.85

7.80

7.12

6.06

5.52

4.84

4.43

4.19

4.07

4.07

4.06

3.62

3.29

3.29

2.42

2.20

2.37

5.35

5.08

3.98

2.90

2.86

1.34

1.06

.90

.71

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

3,162

8,116

7,002

6,966

6,830

6,545

6,583

4,798

4,475

3,853

3,483

2,792

2,470

1,871

1,566

1,432

1,408

1,390

1,381

1,056

942

850

425

327

503

2,182

2,324

1,382

601

588

44

19

6.(

el

a Ice gorge. 6 By wading At different sections. Estimated.
100 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Mean daily gage fieight, in feet, of Milk River at Malta, Mont., for 1904-

Date.

\.. ...........

2.............

3.............

4.............

5.............

6.............

7.............

8.............

9.............

10............. 

11.............

12.............

13.............

14.............

15.............

16............. 

17.............

19

20.............

21.. ...........

23.............

24.............

25

26.............

27.............

28............. 

29.............

30.............

31.............

Jan.a

1.65

1 55

1.75

2.65

2.55

2.45

2.45

2.35

2.15

1.95 

1.65

1.55

1.55

1.45

1.35

1.35 

1.35

1.65

1.65

2.45

1.75

1.75

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65 

1.65

1.65

Feb.a

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

Mar.a

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

Apr.a

1 7*i

o 85

9.35

10.55

fl5. 15

15.15 

1° 55

11.95

12. 05

11. 45

11.45

11.45 

11. 65

7 95

4.45

J *fK

4.05

4.05

4.05

4.05

4.05

3.75

3.55

May.

3.65

3.55

3.55

3

0C

3

*)^

S flR

2.95

2.85

f> 7K.

2.65

2.55

2.45 

2.35

r> 05

2.35

2 °0

2.30

2.20

2.10

1.90

1.90 

2.00

2.10

June.

2.00

2.10

° 00

O Q0

4 60

3.50

3.30 

2 90

2.90

o Qn

2.80

2.80

2.70 

2.40

>> O0

2.10

2.10

>7 00

1 80

1.70

1.60

1.50 

1.40

1.30

July.

1.30

1 3/1

1 30

1.30

1.20

1.10

1.05

1.05

1 flFi

1.00

1 00

1.00

1.00

1.00 

.90

.90

.85

80

.80

.80

.70 

.70

.70

.70

Aug.

0.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.65 

.65

.65

.55

.55

.55 

.50

.45

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40

.40 

.40

.40

.40

Sept.

0.30

*>n

on

.30

30

30

.30

.30

.30 

30

.30

30

.30

.30

.30 

.30

on,

qa

30

30

30

30

30

30

.30

.30

.30 

.30

30

Oct.

0.30

Oft

on

30

Oft

30

.30

.30

30

.30 

.30

.30

30

.30

.30

.30 

.30

Qf|

30

.30

on

30

.30

.30

.30

.30

.30 

.30

.30

.30

NOT.

0.30

on.

on

.30

on

.30

.30

.30

.30

rf.50

I Oft

1.30

1 °.n

1.20

1.10

1.00 

1.00

1 00

1.00

1 00

1 00

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.00

1 00

Dec.

1.00

1 00

1 00

1 00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1 00

1.00

1 00

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.00

1 00

1 00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00 

1.00

1.10

a River frozen January 1 to April 3, when ice goes out at station.

6 April 5 to 10, water backed up by ice jam.

< Maximum gage height, 16 feet (approximate).

dNo flow August 13 to November 10. Water standing in pools.

e January 23 to April 3, gage height is 1.65 read to ice.
BAHOYTND ] MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 101 

Rating table for Milk River at Malta, Mont., from January 1 to December 31, 1904-

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.70

.80

.90.

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1

4

8

15

24

34

45

58

76

102

136

174

214

254

294

336

380

424

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

1.20

4.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

472

520

568

618

670

722

778

834

894

958

1,022

1,086

1,150

1,215

1,280

1,345

1,475

1,605

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.60

4.80

5.00

5.20

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,735

1, 865

1,995

2, 125

2,255

2, 385

2, 515

2,645

2,775

2,905

3,035

3, 165

3,295

3,425

3, 555

3,685

3, 815

3,945

Gage 

height.

Feet.

8.20

8.40

8.60

8.80

9.00

9.50

10.00

10.50

11.00

11.50

12.00

12.50

13.00

13.50

14.00

14.50

15.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4, 075

4, 205

4,335

4,465

4,595

4,945

5,295

5, 645

5,995

6,345

6,695

7,045

7,»395

7,745

8,095

8,445

8, 795

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

34 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is well defined between point of 

zero flow and 14 feet gage height. Above gage height 9 feet the rating curve is a 

tangent, the difference being 70 per tenth.
102 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOB 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Estimated monthly discharge of Milk River at Malta, Mont., for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 14,044 square miles.]

Month.

April*. .............

May ...............

S ^Tit-ATY! 1~IPT

(~\ r»+r\l"WM»

December ..........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

8,794 

1,118 

2,190 

45 

1 

0 

0 

45 

24

Minimum.

100 

214 

45 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

15

Mean.

« 100

«80 

«80 

3,268 

565 

552 

17 

«1 

0 

0 

a 14 

15

391

Total in 

acre-feet.

6,149 

4,602 

4,919 

194, 460 

34, 740 

32, 846 

1,045 

61 

0 

0 

833 

922

280, 577

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.007 

.006 

.006 

.233 

.040 

.039 

.001

.001 

.001

.028

Depth in 

inches.

0.008 

.006 

.007 

.260 

.046 

.044 

.001

.001 

.001

.374

a Estimated. 6 April 1-10, inclusive, estimated.

SEEPAGE MEASUREMENTS ALONG MILK RIVER BETWEEN HAVRE AND 

GLASGOW, MONT., IN 1904.

During August, 1904, a series of seepage measurements were made 

along Milk Kiver from Havre to Glasgow, Mont., by W. B. Freeman. 

The river was practically dry along certain stretches, a condition 

existing not oftener than once in from five to ten years.

The canals in the vicinity of Chinook, noted below, have been in 

operation about ten years. It is seen that the return water from seepage is very small, the maximum being 0.10 second-foot per mile. 

These results will be of value in comparison with future measurements 

as irrigation develops in the valley.
] MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 103

The following table gives the results of measurements:

Seepage "measurements along Milk River between Havre and Glasgow, Mont., in 1904-

Date.

Augusts.......

Location.

Fort Belknap canal. . .

"\XTrtD f "pV*T*lr i n fl Avir

Paradise canal .......

Indian ditch .........

Malta ...............

Distance, a

Miles.

20 

26

8 

9 

22 

97 

160

Ditch.

Sec.-feet.

2.6

5.3

1.0 

2.0

River.

Sec.-feet. 

3.4

2.9 

2.0

3.0 

2.3 

1.4 

1.0

627.5

Gain or loss.

Total.

Sec.-feet.

+ 2.1

+ 3.4 

+ -3 

+ LI 

 .4

+26.5

Per mile.

Sec.-feet.

0.10

.10 

.03 

.05

.17

a Distances are from point to point, measured along the river.

& Includes inflow from northern tributaries, Frenchman and Kock creeks, and other tributaries 

not measured.

FORT BELKNAP CANAL NEAR CHINOOK, MONT.

Fort Belknap canal is owned by a cooperative company of farmers. 

It irrigates extensive areas of bottom lands near Chinook, Mont. 

The station was established June 21, 1903, by L. E. Granke. It is 

located 1 mile below the head-gates of the canal at the highway crossing. It is reached by driving from Chinook, Mont. The gage is a 

vertical board fastened to the downstream chord of the wooden bridge. 

Discharge measurements are made from the wooden highway bridge, 

to which the gage is attached. The initial point for soundings is a 

spike 15 feet from the gage on the right end of the downstream hand 

rail. Distances from the initial point are marked by spikes every 3 

feet. Both banks are sloping, and the bed is composed of sand. 

Bench mark No. 1 is a nail at the base of a large cottonwood tree 300 

feet southeast of the gage. Its elevation is 3.91 feet above the zero 

of the gage and 2,427.8 feet above sea level. Bench mark No. 2 is a 

nail in a telegraph pole 30 feet northeast of the bridge. This has an 

elevation of 7.57 feet above the gage zero, or an elevation of 2,431.46 

feet above sea level. This gage datum, however, is 0.15 foot higher 

than that of 1903. The canal carries water only during the irrigating season.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.
104 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Discharge measurements of Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., in 1904.

Date.

May 9 .........

May 19 ........

June 30........

Hydrographer.

A. E. Place .........

Width.

Feet. 

27.0

32.0

33.0

7.8

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

41.0

55.0

59.0

3.3

Mean

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.07

1.36

1.50

- .79

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.34

2.93

3.00

.81

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

85

75

90

2 5

« Head-gates being opened during measurement. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

1..........

5..........

6.......... 

7..........

8..........

9

10..........

11..........

May.

«2.30

2.70

2.60

June.

.3.70

o 30

2.30

2.30 

2.20

2.20

1.80

1.60

July.

2.75

2.65

2.60

2.55 

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.20

Day.

12.........

10

1 ?\

16.........

17.........

18.........

19.........

°0

21

22.........

May.

2.70

o go

2.70

2.70

2.70

2.80 

2.70

2.90

o go

3.60

3.70

June.

1.70

1.60

1 60

1.60

3.00

3.30

3.25

3.30

3.20

July.

2.20

o <>o

2 '70

2.20

2. 25 

 > 05

2.20

2.10

2.00

1.90

Day.

23.........

25.........

26.........

27.........

28......... 

°9

30.........

May.

3.80

3.80

3.80 

3.80

3.80

3.80

June.

3.20

2.90

2.85 

2.90

2.80

July.

1.80

« Canal operated from May 2 to July 23, when it was closed for lack of water.

Rating table for Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., for irrigation seasons of 1903

and 1904-

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

18

21

24

28

31

35

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

Discharge.

Second-Jeet.

40

45

50

55

60

65

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

Discharge.

Second-feet .

70

75

80

85

90

95

Gage 

height.

Ffet.

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

100

105

110

115

120

125

Curve is well defined only at the extreme upper and lower limits. Curve extended 

above gage height 3.13 feet.
BABB AND"] 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 105

Estimated monthly discharge of Fort Belknap canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1903 and

1904-

Month.

June 

July

May 

June 

July

1903.

1904. 

9 to 31, inclusive .................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

107 

92

125 

115

70

Minimum.

87 

87

45

18 

24

Mean.

100 

90

91 

61 

46

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,983 

714

4,151 

3,630

2,098

PARADISE VALLEY CANAL NEAR CHINOOK, MONT.

Paradise Valley canal is owned by a cooperative company of farmers. 

It irrigates bottom lands several miles east of Chinook, Mont. The 

station was established in June, 1903, by C. T. Prall. It is located 

near the South Eiver road, 7 miles east of Chinook, from which place 

it is reached by driving. The gage is a vertical board driven into 

the bed of the' canal about 500 feet below the head-gates and fastened 

to a measuring footbridge near the house of the observer, Rudolph 

Friede. Discharge measurements are made from the above-mentioned 

footbridge. The initial point for soundings is the "0" on the footbridge at the left bank. The channel is straight, and the section at 

the station is semicircular. The bed of the canal is composed of 

mud and sand. This canal carries water only during the irrigating 

season. . Bench mark No. 1 is a spike in the top of a 6 by 6 inch post 

on the left side of the downstream end of the head-gate. Its elevation 

above gage datum is 7.29 feet. Bench mark No. 2 is a spike in the 

southwest side of a 12-inch post 40 feet south of the south end of the 

dam and 28 paces east of bench mark No. 1. Its elevation above gage 

datum is Y.38 feet.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discliarge measurements of Paradise Valley canal near Chinook, Mont., in 1904-

Date.

May 18........

June 30........

August 9 ......

Hydrographer.

L. R. Stockman ......

W. B. Freeman ......

Area of 

section.

Square feet. 

9.1-

8.7

7.3

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.79

.60

.73

Gage 

height.

feet. 

0.82

1.20

1.01

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

7.2

5.3

5.3
106 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Mean daily discharge, « in second-feet, of Paradise Valley canal near Chinook, Mont., 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....................................................

25. ...................................................

26. ...................................................

27....................................................

98

29....................................................

30. ..................................................

31.......................................... ........

May.

5.5

3.0

1.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

2.5

14.5

16.0

11.5

6.5

8.0

10.5

13.5

10.5

10.0

8.0

7.5

8.0

June.

5.0

15.0

8.0

5.0

5.0

7.0

6.0

5.0

2.5

.5

1.0

1.0

3.5

1.0

1.0

3.5

2.5

5.5

10.0

10.0

9 0

7.5

7 FI

July.

6.5

7.5

7.5

8.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

9.0

8.0

8.0

10.0

10.0

10.0

9.5

9.5

7.5

3.5

4.5

6.5

7.5

8

e;

10.0

10.0

8.5

6.5

6.5

4.0

Aug.

5.0

5.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.0

3.5

3.5

3.0

3.0

2.5

2.5

2.0

2.5

1.0

1.0

' 1.0

.5

Sept. Oct.

0.5

1.0

.5

.5

.5

1.0

2.0

2.0

a No flow during 1904 excep^t as given in the above table.

NOTE. Owing to the alternate silting up and cleaning oixt of the canal one curve for the season is 

impossible. The discharge has been estimated from a series of parallel curves.

Estimated, monthly discharge of Paradise Valley canal near Chinook, Mont., for 1904-

Month.

June .................................

July .................................

August ...............................

October 11 to 20, inclusive .............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

16 

15 

10 

6 

2

Minimum.

0 

0 

2.5 

0 

0

Mean.

8 

4 

8 

3 

1

Total in 

acre-feet.

333 

238 

492 

184 

20

HARLEM CANAL NEAR ZURICH, MONT.

Harlem canal is owned by a cooperative company of farmers, It

irrigates a considerable area of bottom lands near Harlem, Mont. 

The station was established in June, 1903, by C. T. Prall. It is
BABB AND"! 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 107

located about 500 feet below the head-gates of the canal and about 1 

mile southeast of the Great Northern Railroad section house at Zurich, 

Mont. It is best reached by driving from Harlem or Chinook, Mont. 

The gage is a vertical board driven into the bed of the canal. The 

gage is read daily during the irrigating season by John Palm. Discharge measurements are made from a small bridge 2 miles below the 

gage on the road from Harlem to Cleveland, or by wading near the 

gage board. The initial point for soundings is a stake driven into the 

left bank opposite the gage. The bench mark is a spike in the downstream face of the 6 by 8 inch post on the left and on the downstream 

end of the head-gate. This spike is about 10 inches below the top of 

the cross piece, and is at an elevation of 11.89 feet above the gage 

datum. Two bench marks were established at the lower measuring 

station, No. 1 being a spike in upstream end of bed piece on left abutment 2.10 feet from outside of lower chord. It is 6.62 feet above the 

gage datum. No. 2 is a spike on west side of south gate post, 26 paces 

south of right end of bridge. Elevation, 1.11 above gage datum.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont., in 1904.

Date.

May 18 ........

July I.........

Hydrographer.

L. R. Stockman .....

W. B. Freeman .....

Width.

Feet. 

20.6

20.0

7.5

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

54.0

47.6

2.5

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.92

.50

.40

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.62

1.60

.58

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

49.6

24.0

1.0

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont., for 1904-

Day.

1.... ............

o

3................

4................

5.... ......... ...

6................

7................

8................

9

10................

11.......... .....

12................

13................

14................

15................

16................

May.

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.00

2.00

June.

2.60

2.85

2.65

2.70

2.65

2.60

2.45

2.30

2.20

2.20,

2.20

2.20

2.35

2.50

2.00

2 00

July.

1.55

1.45

1.30

1.00

.90

.75

.60

.60

.60

.60

.60

.60

.60

.70

.70

.80

Aug.

0.70

.70

.60

.60

.60

.50

.60

60

.60

/.60

.60

.60

.60

.50

.50

ECF;

Day.

17...... ........

18.........-.--..

19

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

OR

26...............

27...............

28...............

on

on

31...............

May.

2.10

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.20

2.05

2.15

2.35

2.50

2.60

2.55

2.50

2.50

2.55

2.60

June.

1.90

2.00

2.00

1.85

1.90

1.85

1.80

1 on

1 Qf\

1.40

1 Kfl

1.55

I

Qn

July.

.90

.90

.80

.80

.80

.70

.70

.60

.60

.55

.60

.60

.60

.70

.70

Aug.

.56

E.A

Canal operated April 1 to August 20.
108 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Hating table for Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont., for irrigation seasons of 1903 and

1904.

Gasp 

height.

Feet.

0.60

.70

.80

.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

Discharge.

ftecond-feet.

1

2

4

6

8

10

12

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

15

17

20

23

25

28

30

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

33

36

39

41

44

47

50

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

52

55

57

60

Curve fairly well determined. Curve extended above gage height 2.62 feet. 

Estimated monthly discharge of Harlem canal near Zurich, Mont., for 1904-

Month.

June .................................

August 1 to 13, inclusive ..............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

50 

56 

21 

2

Minimum.

28 

15 

0 

0

Mean.

41 

35 

4

1

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,70£ 

2,08c 

24t 

2f

BEAVER CREEK NEAR ASHFIELD, MONT.

The original station was established July 5, 1903, by A. E. Place. 

It was located at railroad bridge No. 455 of the Great Northern Railroad, one-fourth mile west of Ashfield, Mont. The gage was read 

once each day by John Borek, and consisted of a vertical board gage 

in two sections fastened to the left abutment and to some old piles 

near the channel. Discharge measurements were made from the railroad bridge. The bench mark was a spike in the pile to the left of 

the upper part of the gage, and was marked "U. S. G. S. B. M." 

Its elevation above the zero of the gage was 7 feet. This station was 

discontinued in December, 1903, on account of the influence of the 

backwater from a dam completed August 2, 1903, about 1 mile below. 

A new station was established December 31, 1903, by W. B. Freeman, 

at a point 2^- miles farther upstream, at the Thomas & Gould ranch, 

and above the influence of the dam. The new station is 18 miles 

from Malta, Mont. The gage is an inclined 2 by 6 inch plank securely 

fastened to posts set in the ground at each end, and has a vertical
BABB AND 

HOYT. MISSOURI RIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 109

extension which gives minus readings in very low water. Later tests 

of the gage rod showed the same to read 0.01 foot too great per foot 

vertical. Discharge measurements are made from a i-inch steel cable 

about 225 yards above the gage. The cable has a span of 100 feet 

between supports. A car is suspended from the cable, and a tag wire 

has been installed and marked at intervals of 5 feet. The initial point 

for soundings is a nail in the cable support on the left bank. The 

channel is straight for 300 feet above and below the cable. The right 

bank is sloping and covered with willows and is not liable .to overflow. The left bank is steep and is also covered with willows. The 

^tream has a sluggish velocity. The bed of the stream is composed 

of mud, and there is but one channel. Bench mark No. 1 is the top 

of a nail driven flush in the top of a 2 by 4 stake 12^ feet south of the 

^age. Elevation, 11.432 feet above zero of gage. Bench mark No. 2 

N the top of a railroad spike driven in the northwest corner of 

Thomas's house 1 foot above ground. Elevation, 13.346 feet above 

zero of gage. Gage readings were made during the last year by 

R. H. Thomas and A. H. Gould.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

fhe direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Bearer Creek near Ashjield, Mont., in 1904.

Date.

April 6 ........

April 7 ........

April 9 ........

April 11 .......

April 14 .......

' Tay 13 ........

Hydrographer.

W. B. Freeman ......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

C C. Babb... ........

Width.

Feet. 

62

63

63

58

44

Area of 

section.

Sq.feef. 

316

337

471

233

74

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.11

1.28

2.70

1.18

1.19

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.15

7.55

10.40

5.76

2. 37"

-.60

Discharge.

Xt'c.-feet. 

352

433

1 ^7^

276

88

&0.5

a Float measurement. 6 Estimated.
110 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, and discharge, in second-feet, of Beaver Creek near Ashfield,

Mont., for 1904.

Day.

3. ...............

4................

5................

7.... ....... .....

8................

9................

11................

13................

14................

15................

Ap

Gage 

height.

6.80

a 10. 00

11.65

8.60

5.80

4 40

3.50

2.45

ril.

Discharge.

338

1,728

1,623

1,278

708

278

194

140

93

ME

Gage 

height.

0.10

.10

.05

.05

.00

.05

iy.

Discharge.

5

5

4

4

3

Day.

16...............

17...............

18...............

19...............

21...............

23...............

24...............

25...............

28...............

30...............

Ap

Gage 

height.

2,20

2.40

2.20

1.35

1.10

.95

.85

.55

.45

.35

.30

.20

.15

ril.

Discharge.

83

91

83

67

49

39

33

29

18

15

12

11

8

6

M

Gage 

height.

ay.

Discharge.

a Reservoir broke above gaging station. 

NOTE. Creek dry except from April 6 to May 6.

Rating table for Beaver Creek near Ashfield, Mont., from April 6 to May 6, 1904-

Gage 

height.

Feet.

-0.05

.00

.10

.20

.30

.40

.50

.60

.70

.80

.90

1.00

1.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1

3

5

8

11

14

17

20

23

27

31

35

39

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.9O

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

43

47

51

55

59

63

67

71

75

79

83

87

91

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.20

3.40

3.60

3.80

4.00

4.20

4.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

95

99

103

107

111

115

125

135

146

158

170

182

194

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.60

4.80

5.00

5.50

6:00

6.50

7.00

7.50

8.00

9.00

10.00

11.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

206

218

230

260

290

320

350

410

528

828

1,128

1,428

Curve extended above highest measurement. Above 7 gage height curve is not 

well determined, and the extreme upper part is determined by one float measurement.
BABB AND"! 

HOYT. J MISSOUEI EIVEB DEAINAGE BASIN. Ill

Estimated monthly discharge of Beaver Creek near Ashfield, Mont., for 1904-

Month.

April 6 to 30, incluMay 1 to 6^ inclusive .

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,623 

5

Minimum.

6 

1

Mean.

258 

4

Total in 

acre-feet.

12, 793

48

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.234 

.004

Depth in 

inches.

0.218 

.001

BEAVER CREEK OVERFLOW CHANNEL NEAR BOWDOIN, MONT.

This station was established June 29, 1903, by C. C. Babb. It is 

located on an overflow channel of Beaver Creek, about 4 miles southeast of the Great Northern Kailroad station at Bowdoin, Mont. It 

is reached best by wagon from Malta, Mont., 12 miles distant. The 

water supply is partly due to natural drainage of irrigated lands and 

partly to water wasted over the spillway at the dam above on Beaver 

Creek. The gage is a vertical board nailed to a cotton wood tree 

about 100 feet above the cable. It is graduated to tenths of feet 

and, marked with black paint. The gage is read once each day by 

John Turmell. Discharge measurements are made by means of a 

cable, car, and tagged wire, and also by wading. The initial point for 

soundings is the east side of a post on the west or left bank near the 

wire fence crossing the channel. The channel is straight for 200 feet 

above the station and for 100 feet below. The stream is sluggish. 

During high floods both banks will be submerged, as at that time the 

whole valley is flooded. The bed of the stream at the station forms 

a small bar covered with weeds and swamp grass. Bench mark No. 1 

is a nail in a hub 1 foot south of the back of the gage. Its elevation is 5.79 feet above the zero of the gage and is 2,213.6 feet above 

sea level. Bench mark No. 2 is a nail in the northwest corner of 

Turmell's house. Its elevation above the zero of the gage is 17.64 

. feet. The elevation of these bench marks has been determined from 

the bench mark at the Malta schoolhouse. Its elevation is based on 

the elevation of the rail in front of the Great Northern Eailroad 

station at Malta, Mont.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb,- district engineer.
112 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Discharge measurements of Beaver Creek overflow channel near Bowdoin Mont., in 1903

and 1904.

Date.

1903. 

July 21 ........

1904. 

April 6 ........

April 7 ........

April 9 ........

April 12 .......

April 14 .......

April 20 ........

Hydrographer.

C. C. Babb .........

.....do .............

.....do .............

.....do .............

.....do .............

.....do .............

.....do .............

Width.

Feet.

123

132

128

100

56

6

Area of 

section.

Sq.Jeft. 

42

420

529

463

276

58

24

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.34

1.54

2.72

2.03

1.37

.98

1.12

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.15

3.30

8.40

9.15

8.70

7.10

4.80

3.68

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

14.1

a 2

646

1,480

942

379

57

2.7

a Estimated.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, and discharge in second-feet, of Beaver Creek overflow 

channel near Bowdoin, Mont., for 1903.

Day.

4................

5................

6................

7................

8................

11................

13........ ........

14................

15................

July.

Gage 

height.

3.70 

3.60 

4.70 

5.00 

4.50 

3.80 

3.60 

3.50

Discharge.

4 

3 

49 

74 

33 

5 

3 

2

August.

Gage 

height.

3.25

3.40 

3.60 

3.50 

3.50 

3.45 

3.40 

3.30

Discharge.

1 

3

2 

1 

1

(«)

Day.

16...............

17. ..............

i ft

19

20... .....'.... ...

22...............

«}Q

24...............

25...............

26...............

27. ....... .......

Oft

July.

Gage 

height.

3.50 

5.80 

6.40 

5.90 

5.40 

4.60 

3.70 

3.50 

3.40 

3.43 

3.40 

3.36 

3.33

Discharge.

2 

166 

249 

178 

118 

41 

4

2

1

1 

1 

1

August.

Gage 

height.

Discharge.

a Dry for rest of year.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, and discharge in second-feet, of Beaver Creek overflow 

channel near Bowdoin, Mont., for 1904-

Day.

5..............

6..............

7..............

9..............

10...... .......

12..............

April.

Gage 

height,

7.00 

8.40 

9.30

8.90 

8.70 

8.45 

8.20 

6.85

Discharge.

360 

792 

1,740

1,092 

952 

816 

712 

330

Day.

iq

15...............

16...............

17...............

18...............

"IQ

20...............

April.

Gage 

height.

5.75

4.90 

5.10 

4.45 

3.90 

3.70 

3.70 

3.70

Discharge.

160 

65 

84 

30 

7 

4 

4 

4

Day.

21...............

23. ..............

24...............

25...............

26...........---- 

27....... ........

28...............

April.

Gage 

height.

3.60 

3.60 

3.60 

3.60 

3.60 

3.50

3.30

Discharge

3

3 

3 

3 

3

NOTE: Channel dry except April 5-25, inclusive.
BABB AND") 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 113

Estimated monthly discharge of Beaver Greek overflow channel near Bowdoin, Mont., for

1903 and 1904.

Month.

July 8 to 27, 

August 3 to 8

April 5 to 25,

1903.

1904. 

inclusive ................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

249 

3

1,740

Minimum.

1 

1

3

Mean.

47

2

341

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,864 

24

14, 204

MUSSELSHELL RIVER NEAR SHAWMUT, MONT.

This station was established August 12, 1902, by S. B. Bobbins. It 

is located at Crawford's ranch, one-eighth mile west of the postoffice at Shawmut, Mont., and 25 miles east of Harlowtown, Mont. It 

was established to determine the amount of water available for irrigation and storage. The gage is a vertical rod, graduated to feet and 

tenths with nails, and spiked to a cottonwood stump on the right bank 

of the river about 200 feet north of Crawford's bunk house. The gage 

is read once each day by Elmer E. Crawford. A cable will be installed, 

as there is no bridge from which to make discharge measurements. 

The channel is straight for 250 feet above and 300 feet below the stationT The right bank is high and steep and will overflow at extreme 

high water. The left bank is low and sloping and will overflow at high 

water. There is one channel at all stages. At extreme high water the 

banks may overflow, so that the discharge can not be determined accurately, but this location is the best in this vicinity. Bench mark No. 1 

is a 30-penny spike in an 18-inch cottonwood tree, below a blaze. This 

tree stands at the corral fence, 75 feet northeast of the gage rod. The 

elevation of the bench mark is 5.89 feet above the zero of the gage. 

Bench mark No. 2 is a 10-penny spike in a 6-inch cottonwood tree, 

below a blaze. This tree is 60 feet southeast of the gage rod. The 

elevation of the bench mark is 6.14 feet above the zero of the gage. 

The barometric elevation of this station is 3,900 feet above sea level.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

IRE 130 05 8
114 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PAET VII. [NO. 130. 

Discharge measurement of Musselshell River near Shawmut, Mont., in 1904.

Date. Hydrographer. Area of 

section.

Square feet. 

53.4

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.38

Gage 

height.

feet. 

1.15

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

74.0

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Musselshell River near Shawmut, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

1........ ..............

2......................

3......................

4..... .................

5............... ......

6......................

7......................

8......................

9......................

10.. .....................

11......................

12......................

 10

14......................

15......................

16......................

17...................... 

18...................... 

19......................

20...................... 

21......................

23......................

24...................... 

25...................... 

26...................... 

27......................

28...................... 

29......................

30......................

31......................

Jan.a

1.10

1.10

.90

.90

1.10

1.00

1.10 

90

1 00

1 00

1.00

1.00 

1.10 

1.10 

1.20 

1.30

.......

.......

Feb.

.......

1.50

1.60 

1.50

.......

Mar.

1.60

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40 

1.30 

1.30 

1.20 

1.30

1.20

1.20 

1.20 

1.20 

1.30

1.20 

1.30

1.50

Apr.

1.37

1.37

1.37

1.87

2.17

2.17

1.87

1.77

1.67

2.27

2.84

2.94 

2.84

3.14

3.24

3.24

2.44 

2.34 

2.34 

2.54 

2.61 

2.81

2.81

2.91 

2.71 

2.71 

2.71

2.91 

3,01

1 91

May.

2.88

2.78

2.68

2.88

2.78

2.88

2.78

2.58

2.48

2.48

2.55

2.55 

2.45

2.35

2.35

2.25

2.35 

2.35

2.55. 

2.92 

3.02

3.32

3.62 

3.92 

3.72 

3.22

2.72 

2.52 

2.52

2.62

June.

2.90

' 3.60

3.40

3.10

3.00

2.80

2.70

2.80

2.70

2.50

2.40

2.40 

2.30

2.20

2.10

2.00

2.00 

1.90 

1.90 

1.90 

1.80 

1.80

1.70

1.60 

1.80 

1.90 

1.70

1.60 

1.50 

1.40

July.

1,30

1.30

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.60

1.70

1.50 

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50 

1.50 

1.40 

1.40 

1.30 

1 30

1.30 

1.30 

1.20 

1.20

1.10 

1.00 

1 00

1.00

Aug.

1.00

1.00

.90

.90

.80

.80

.80

.70

.70

.70

.60

.60 

.60

.60

.60

.60

.40 

.40 

.40 

.30 

.30

QA

30

.30 

.30 

.30 

.30

.30 

.30 

.30

.30

Sept.

0.30

1.00

.80

.60

.60

.60

.60

.60

.60

.50

.50

.60 

.60

.60

.60

.60

.60 

.60 

.60 

.65 

.65

.65

.65 

.65 

.65 

.65

.65 

.65 

.65

Oct.

0.65

.70

.70

.75

.75

.80

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95 

95

.95

.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 

1.00 

i nn

1.00

Nov.

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

LOO

1.00

.85

1.00

......

......

......

......

a River frozen January 1 to 7, inclusive, and January 22 to March 9, inclusive. 

LITTLE MUDDY RIVER NEAR WILLISTON, N. DAK.

This station was established February 4, 1904, by E. F. Chandler. 

It is located in Sec. 19, T. 155 N., E. 100 W., the gage in the SW. i, 

the cable in the NE. i, about 7 miles by road from Williston, N. Dak. 

A standard chain gage is attached to a timber projecting horizontally 

over the stream near the house of the observer, W. O. Hollar, who 

reads the gage once each day. The length of the chain from the end 

of the weight to the outer edge of the ring is 22.23 feet. Discharge
BABB AND ~| 

HOYT. J MISSOURI EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 115

measurements are made by means of a cable and car. A barbed wire 

with galvanized iron tags 10 feet apart is stretched across the stream 

just above the cable. The initial point for soundings is a point 6 

inches behind the top of the cable support at the right bank. The 

channel is straight for about 600 feet above and 1,700 feet below the 

station. The current is ^sluggish. Both banks are high, clean, and 

do not overflow. The bed of the stream is composed of silt and is 

fairly permanent. There is but one channel at all stages. The bench 

mark is a post driven to the surface of the ground under the projecting timber of the chain gage, and marked with a brass-headed nail in 

the top. Its elevation above the zero of the gage is 2.92 feet.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Little Muddy River near Williston, N. Dak., in 1904.

Date.

April 16 .......

May 2.........

May 30........

June 7«.. ......

July 12«. ......

September 13 «.

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler.......

.....do ..............

E. F. Chandler and

E. C. Murphy. 

R. Richards. .........

.....do ..............

E. F. Chandler.......

Width.

Feet.

115

104

95

42

7

7

7

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

674

520

289

10

5.8

5.1

5.0

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.31

.69

.21

1.33

1.96

1.66

1.82

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.40

4.14

2.74

2.92

2.52

2.50

2.47

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

885

359

61

40

11.5

8.4

9.

a By wading.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Little Muddy River near Williston, N. Dak., for 1904.

Bay.

1...... ......................

2............................

3...... .....................

4............................

5...... ......................

6............................

7............................

8............................

9............................

10............................

11............................

12............................

13............................

Apr. a

5.7

5.8

6.2

6.6

7.7

7.6

7.6

8.2

10.3

8.4

10.0

May.

4.9

4.95

4.8

4.4

4.2

4.05

3.9

3.6

3.35

3.25

3.3

3.35

3.4

June.

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.7

2.8

2 9

2 9

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.8

3.05

2.85

July.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

Aug.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2 4

2 4

2 4

2 4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Sept.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

5.4

2.4

2.4

2.5

Oct.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Nov.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

Dee.

2.6

2.6

2.6

(*)

a Gage heights April 3 to 15, inclusive, estimated.

6 River frozen during January, February, March, and December
116 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Little Muddy River near Williston, N. Dak., for 1904 

Continued.

Day.

14............................

15............................

16............................

17............................

19............................

21............................

22............................

23............................

24............................

25............................

26......... ..................

27............................

28. ...........................

29............................

30............................

31............................

Apr.

9.0

8.4

5.4

5. 25

5.2

5.0

5.0

4.8

4.65

4.5

4.6

4 95

5.35

5.25

5.1

May.

3 3

3.2

3.15

3 05

3

n

° 9

o g

2.9

0 s

0 s

0 8

2.8

 > 8

2.7

2.7

2.7

June.

2.75

2.7

2.7

o 7

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

July.

 5

2.5

2.5

0 rj

 > 5

2.5

2.5

2.5

'} Pi

2.4

Aug.

 5

0 5

o 5

0 ^

2

PL

2.5

2

£

2.5

2

C

2.4

Sept.

2.5

2.5

2.5

0 C,

2.5

2.5

Oct.

Q 5

" <S

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

Nov.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2

f>

Dec.

Rating table for Little Muddy River near Williston, N. Dak., from February 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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

6

10

16

23

32

43

57

74

93

114

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.40

3. £0

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

137

162

189

218

249

281

315

350

386

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

423

461

500

539

579

620

662

705

749

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

&. 90

6.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

794

839

885

932

980

1,030

1,082

1,135

1,189

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

7 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is fairly denned between gage 

heights 2.4 feet and 5.4 feet. This table has been extended beyond these limits. 

Discharges for gage heights above 6 feet have been estimated.
BABB AND "I 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 117

Estimated monthly discharge of Little Muddy Rirer near Williston, N. Dak., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 800 square miles.]

Month.

April (3-30) ........

May ...............

June .....-.....--..

July ...............

September ..........

October ............

November ..........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,340 

684 

66 

16 

10

10» 16*

16

Minimum.

500 

23 

16 

6 

6 

6 

10 

16

Mean.

1,513 

163 

24.6 

11.8 

8.2 

8.4 

10.4 

16.0

Total in 

acre-feet.

84, 030 

10, 020 

1,464 

726 

504 

500 

640 

952

98, 840

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.89 

.204 

.031 

.015 

.010 

.010 

.013 

.020

Depth in 

inches.

1.97 

.235 

.035 

.017 

.012 

.011 

.015 

.022

YELLOW STONE RIVER NEAR LIVINGSTON, MONT.

This station was established May 2, 1897. It is located at Carter's 

bridge, 5 miles south of Livingston, Mont., at the mouth of the lower 

canyon. A vertical rod was first installed, but was replaced by a 

wire gage, which is located on the lower side of the east span. The 

length of the wire from the end of the weight to the marker was 21.76 

feet. This gage in turn was replaced in April, 1904, by a standard 

chain gage having the same datum, but a chain length 20.73 feet. The 

gage is read once each day by W. O. Cowan. Discharge measurements are made from the downstream side of the bridge. The initial 

point for soundings is marked on the guard rail, 2 feet east of the 

center of the northwest pier. The channel is straight for about 300 

feet above and for 250 feet below the station. The right bank is low, 

and at high stages apart of the water escapes through a slough on that 

side and has to be measured separately. The left bank is high and rocky 

and will not overflow. The current Velocity is swift, and at high water 

it is difficult to keep the meter submerged without the aid of a stay 

rope. On January 1, 1903, the gage and the datum were lowered 3 

feet, increasing all subsequent readings by that amount. Bench mark 

No. 1 is the head of the 2-inch nut on the center pin at the foot of the 

end diagonal of the upstream truss at the east pier. Its elevation is 

13.44 feet above the old and 17.60 feet above the new datum. Bench 

mark No. 2 is a white paint mark on the corner of the top of the shoe 

at the foot of the batter post on the east end of the upstream side of 

the bridge. The batter post is marked " B. M. 14.20, U. S. G. S." in 

white paint. It is also marked " 17.20 " in red paint. Its elevation is 

14.20 feet above the old and 17.20 feet above the new gage datum.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.
118 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Discharge measurements of Yellmvstone River near Livingston, Mont., in 1904.

Date.

April 23. ......

May 16........

June 2 ........

June 23 .......

June 25 .......

July 11........

July 26........

August 20 .....

October °6

Hydrographer.

A. E. Place. .........

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

190

184

274

278

278

274

189

184

181

171

Area of 

section.

Sq.Jeet. 

642

1,009

2,002

2,138

1,927

1,687

1,250

894

738

577

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.44

4.91

8.70

9.62

7.80

7.55

6.14

4.62

3.79

3.30

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.88

4.77

8.42

8.94

8.02

7.16

5.78

4.19

3.34

2.54

Discharge.

Sec.-j'eet. 

2,206

4, 957

17, 418

20, 573

15, 034

12, 736

7,677

4,130

2,794

1,904

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Yellowstone River near Livingston, Mont., 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.............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

1.80

1.65

1.60

1.65

1.60

1.55

1.65

1.75

1.70

1.80

1.85

1.85

1.90

1.90

1.95

1.95

1.90

1.85

1.80

1.65

1.65

1.60

1.65

(«)

1.95

1.75

1.85

1.85

Co'1

1.65

Feb.

1.60

1.65

1.75

1.95

1.80

1.55

(«)

(«)

(«)

(«)

1.85

1.75

1.85

(«)

2.00

1.85

1.75

1 55

1.75

1.85

1.90

1.95

1.90

1.90

2.00

1 Q1^

1 Q^

2.00

Mar.

2.00

1.95

1.90

1.90

1.95

1.95

2.05

2.15

2.35

2.05

2.05

2.05

2.10

2.10

2.05

1.95

2.00

2.10

2.15

2.10

1.80

1.80

1.80

2.05

1.95

9 05

2.15

o -1C

2.15

Apr.

2.10

2.05

2.05

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.20

2.15

2.05

2.25

2.45

2.55

2.60

2.75

2.85

2.85

2.75

2.70

2.75

3.05

3.05

2.95

2.85

2.90

2.80

2.90

3.65

May.

3.75

3.75

3.90

4.25

4.20

4.25

4.10

3.75

^.90

4.30

4.10

4.15

4.30

4.70

4.75

4.75

i>5.25

6.20

6.80

7.80

8.20

8.20

8.90

8.20

7.20

6.70

7 00

7 60

8.20

June.

8.28

7.98

7.48

7.48

7.68

8.18

8.13

8.08

8.48

8.48

8.48

8.48

8.68

8.68

8.78

8.88

8.88

8.88

8.78

8.88

8.78

7.98

7.78

 7 70

*7 7ft

7 98

8.18

July.

8.15

8.15

8.05

8.05

7.95

7.75

7.45

7.30

7.30

7.15

7.15

7.15

7.45

7.15

6.80

6.65

6.55

6.35

6.25

6.25

6.20

6.15

6.05

6.10

5.95

5.85

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.45

Aug.

5.42

5.38

5.12

5.12

5.02

4.92

4.82

4.72

4.72

4.72

4.72

4.68

4.62

4.62

4.42

4.32

4.32

4.32

4.32

4.22

4.12

4.12

4.08

3.92

3.92

3.82

3

QO

3

QO

3

QQ

4.02

4.02

Sept.

3.90

3.80

3.60

3.55

3.50

3.50

3.40

3.40

3.35

3.30

3.30

3.20

3.15

3.15

3.10

3.05

3.00

3.00

3.00

3 nn

3.00

3 (\(\

3.00

Oct.

2.87

2.87

2.82

2.72

2.72

2.72

2.72

2.72

2.72

2.72

2.72

2.72

2.72

2.67

2.67

2.67

2.77

2.77

2.67

2.67

2.67

2 62

2.62

2.57

2.57

2.52

2 60

2 60

9 F»ft

2 Kft

2.50

Nov.

2.50

2.45

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.35

2.30

2.3<f

2.30

2.25

2.25

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.15

2.15

2

1 £

2 20

2.20

Dec.

2.10

2.15

2 20

2.25

2.15

1.70

1.90

2.00

2.00

2.50

2.10

1 Qfl

1 Qfl

2 nn

9 rin

1 95

2.00

9 OQ

9 OQ

o QO

9 00

o oo

1 Q<i

1 on

1.70

1.70

i QH

1 Qft

1.70

2.10

a River frozen at gage. i> Eiver running through side channel May 18 to August 6.
BABB AND 

HOYT

ND~j 

. J

MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 119

Rating table for Yellowstone River near Livingston, Mont., from January 1 to December

31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

900

950

1,010

1,080

1,160

1,250

1,340

1,430

1,520

1,610

1,700

1,790

1,880

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,970

2,070

2,170

2,270

2,380

2,490

2,600

2,720

2,850

2,980

3,125

3,280

3,445

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.90

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.60

4.80

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,615

3,785

4,125

4,465

4,820

5,220

5,700

6,195

6,695

7,210

7,760

8,350

8,985

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.50

9.00

Discharge.

Second-feet

9,645

10, 305

10, 980

11,660

12, 400

13,190

13, 990

14, 810

15, 700

18, 050

20, 400

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

10 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is well denned between gage 

heights 3 feet and 9 feet. The table has been extended beyond these limits. Above 

8 feet the curve is a tangent, the difference being 470 per tenth.

Estimated monthly discharge of Yellowstone River near Livingston, Mont., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 3,580 square miles.]

Month.

January ..........

May .............

June .............

July .............

August ...........

September ........

December ........

The year. . . .

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,385 

1,430 

1,745 

3, 615 

19, 930 

19, 930 

16, 405 

6,695 

3,615 

2,220 

1,880 

1,880

19, 930

Minimum.

1,045 

1,045 

1,250 

1,475 

3,280 

13, 590 

6,820 

3, 445 

2,380 

1,880 

1,520 

900

900

Mean.

1,211 

1,256 

1,460 

2,102 

8,446 

17, 291 

11,069 

4,604 

2,749 

2,030 

1,653 

1,388

4,605

Total in 

acre-feet.

74, 462 

72, 246 

89, 772 

125, 078 

519, 324 

1,028,886 

680, 607 

283» 089 

163, 577 

124,8213 

98,3ft) 

85, 345

3, 345, 566

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.338 

.351 

.408 

.587 

2.359 

4.830 

3.092 

1.286 

.768 

.567 

.462 

.388

1. 286

Depth in 

inches.

0.390 

.378 

.470 

.655 

2.720 

5. 389 

3.565 

1.483 

.857 

.654 

.515 

.447

17.523
120 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

YELLOW8TONE RIVER NEAR BILLINGS, MONT.

This station was established May 29, 1904, by R. S. Stockton. It 

is located at the county wagon bridge, about 2 miles east of Billings, 

Mont., and 200 feet below the bridge of the Northern Pacific Railwa}7 . 

A standard chain gage is attached to the bridge, near the middle of 

the first span from the west bank. The length of the chain from the 

end of the weight to the marker is 27.95 feet. Marker is a copperwire index. The gage is read twice each day by James Dickie. Discharge measurements are made from the lower side of the bridge. 

The bridge is well constructed of wood and has three spans resting on 

steel-jacketed concrete piers. The initial point for soundings is at 

the west end of the bridge. Each 10-foot point is marked on the 

bridge timbers. The channel is straight for about 200 feet above and 

400 feet below the station, and the current is swift. The right bank 

is a low gravel bar which rises to above high water. Above the 

bridge is the headgate for a small ditch. The left bank is low, 

sandy, and overflows in extreme high water. The bed of the stream 

is composed of gravel, free from vegetation. There is but one channel at all stages, broken by two piers. The masonry piers of the railway bridge, 200 feet upstream; an island, 400 feet downstream; and 

the height of the bridge above the water, about 20 feet, affect the 

accuracy of measurements. Bench mark No. 1 is on the top of the 

third course of stones in the left abutment of the bridge of the Northern Pacific Railway. Its elevation is 18.99 feet above the zero of the 

gage. Bench mark No. 2 is the top of a nail on the end of the second 

bsnt from the west end of the wagon bridge, on the downstream end 

of the bent sill. Its elevation is 18.21 feet above the zero of the gage.

A river gage is also maintained by the Department of Agriculture 

at the second county bridge above, about 4 miles west of the Geological 

Survey station.

Observations were made at this station since the end of May, 1904, 

under the direction of C. 0. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Yelloivstone Hirer near Billings, Mont., in 190 £.

Date.

July 10........

July 29 ........

August 18......

September 16 ..

September 27 . .

October 21.....

Hydrographer.

R. S. Stockton .......

.....do ..............

W. B. Freeman ......

.....do ..............

E. S_ . Stockton .......

Width.

Feet. 

462

419

332

320

335

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

4,719

3,230

2,542

2,069

1,974'

1,838

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

4.64

3.80

3.53

2.46

2. 18

2.24

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

8.40

6.05

4.33

2.90

2.53

2.53

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

21,907

12, 289

8,963

5,086

4,305

4,124
BABB AND 

HOYT,;ND ] MISSOURI RIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 121

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Yellowstone River near Billings, -Mont., for 1904.

Day.

1....... ............................

2...................................

3...................................

4...................................

5...................................

6...................................

7...................................

8...................................

9...................................

10................. .................. j

11...................................

12...................................

13...................................

14. ................................

15...................................

17...................................

18...................................

19

20......-..---...............-------.

21...................................

oo

23...................................

24...................................

25...... .............................

26...................................

07

28...................................

29-..-..-....--.-...-................

30...................................

31....... ......-._...................

May.

7.73

8.10

9.00

June.

9.20

9.00

8.40

8.10

8.05

8.60

8.00

9.40

9.60

9.00

8.10

9.00

9.10

9.40

9.60

9

0Fi

10.00

10.25

10.60

10.50

10.40

9.50

9.00

8.30

8.80

July.

8.10

9.05

9.15

9.00

8.75

8.60

8.85

8.80

8.50

8.50

8.30

8.20

8.35

8.20

8.05

7.70

7 W\

6.85

6.40

6.35

6.40

6.55

5.85

6.05

6.05

Aug.

5.95

5.15

5.05

4.85

4.70

4.55

4.50

4.45

4.45

4.45

4.60

4.80

4.70

4.55

4.35

4.35

4.40

4.15

4.10

4.05

4.00

3.75

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

3.65

4.15

4.05

4.55

Sept.

4.45

4.10

3.75

3.65

3.35

3/35

3.35

3.35

3.25

3.25

3.05

3.05

3.00

2.95

2.95

2.85

o g5

2.75

2.60

2.55

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.75

2.75

2.65

2.55

2.45

o 45

2.45

Oct.

2.30

2.30

2.30

2 30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.40

2.50

2.70

2 50

2.50

2.50

2.40

2.40

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.30

2.20

2.20

2.20"

2.20

Nov.

2.20

2.10

2.10

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.10

2.10

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.95

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

1.90

Dec.

1.90

1.90

1.90

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

(a)

1.60

1.60

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.70

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

1.60

a River frozen.
122 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Rating table for Ydloiestone. River near Billings, Mont., from May 29 to December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

2.90

3.00

Discharge.

Seeond-feet.

2,740

2,900

3, 060

3, 225

3,390

3, 555

3,720

3,890

4,060

4,230

4,410

4,590

4,770

4,960

5,150

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

4.40

4.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,350

5,560

5,770

5, 990

6,210

6,440

6,670

6,900

7,130

7,360

7,590

7,820

8,050

8,290

8,530

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

6.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

8,770

9,020

9,270

9,520

9,770

10,290

10, 810

11, 330

11, 860

12, 400

12, 960

13, 550

14, 210

14, 940

Gage 

height.

Fed.

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.20

8.40

8.60

8.80

9.00

9.50

10.00

10.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

15, 690

16, 450

17, 230

18, 040

18, 900

19, 840

20, 820

21, 800

22, 780

23, 760

24, 740

27, 190

29, 640

32, 090

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

6 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is fairly well denned between gage 

heights 2.5 feet and 8.4 feet. Beyond these limits the table is only approximate. 

Above gage height 8 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 490 per 

tenth.

Estimated monthly discharge of Yellowstone River near Billings, Mont., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 11,180 square miles.]

Month.

June .............

July .............

September........

October ..........

November ........

December ........

The period .

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

32, 580 

25, 475 

12, 265 

8,410 

4,590 

3,720 

3,225

Minimum.

19, 840 

11, 995 

6,325 

4,145 

3,720 

3,225 

2,740

Mean.

25, 972 

18, 088 

8, 257 

5, 240 

3,973 

3,420 

2,906

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,545,441 

1,112,188 

507, 703 

311, 802 

244, 290 

203,504 

178, 683

4, 103, 611

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

2.323 

1.618 

.738 

.469 

.355 

.306 

.260

Depth in 

inches.

2.592 

1.865 

.851 

.523 

.409 

.341 

.300
BAHOYT ND ] MISSOUEI EIVEE DEAINAGE BASIN. 123 

YELLOWSTONE RIVER AT GLENDIVE, MONT.

This station, established in 1893 by the United States War Department, was transferred to the Department of Agriculture, where daily 

^ecords of the gage are kept.

When a study of the lower Yellowstone Valley was begun in 1903 

',his station was taken up by the United States Geological Survey, 

Trhose records begin August 1, 1903. It is located at the steel highway bridge leading northward out of Gtendive, aboot one-fourth mile 

"rom the post-office. The gage is of the wire type and is fastened to 

.he upstream hand rail of the second span, about 200 feet from its right 

°md. The graduations are marked upon the hand rail. The marker 

is an adjustable pointer near the handle. The distance from the 

marker to the bottom of the weight is 48.99 feet. This gage was 

destroyed October 24. One month later a standard chain gage, having 

',he same datum as the old wire gage, was put in its place. The gage 

: s read daily by H. A. Sample, of Glendive, Mont. The measurements are made from the downstream hand rail of the bridge, upon 

^hich the distances are painted. The initial point is over the southeast cement-filled iron pier at the rig'ht. The bridge spans the channel 

: n four truss spans of about 300 feet each. The channel above is 

straight for about 500 feet and below for the same distance. The 

^ater, especially at high stages, is very swift. The right bank is 

4gh and of clay and gravel. Being riprapped for some distance, it 

:<^ not subject to inundation. The left is a low bank, beyond which 

are sandy flats covered with trees and brush and extending to the 

"ills, 1 mile distant. These are liable to become submerged. At 

ow water an island becomes visible between the third and fourth 

^pans from the right, and at flood stages water finds it way through a 

^lough traversing the above-mentioned flats. The bed is of sand and 

clay and liable to shift with every flood. Old piling and cribwork, 

remains of a former bridge, obstruct the channel on the upstream 

<?ide. Bench mark No. 1 is a point on the surface of the cement at the 

northwest corner of the girder on the pier under Station " O." Its 

elevation is 26.26 feet above gage datum and 2,060.6 feet above sea 

level. Bench mark No. 2 is the top of the west rail of the Northern 

Pacific track at the right end of the bridge. Its elevation is 30.19 feet 

above gage datum. A temporary bench mark is the center of the 

pulley of the old wire gage, which is fastened to the hand rail and is 

41.96 feet above the gage zero. The elevation above sea level of the 

bench marks was determined from the Northern Pacific Railway elevation of the rail at Terry, Mont. This is 2,242 feet above sea level. 

The gage readings from 1897 to the establishment of the Geological 

Survey wire gage were referred to a "T" on the top of the southeast 

anchor bolt in the south caisson at the east end of the bridge. Its
124 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

elevation when established was 25.08 feet above gage datum. The 

gage heights up to April 8, 1899, were read from a wire gage. On 

this date the gage was carried away by ice and the gage heights during the remainder of 1899 were determined by measuring down from 

the bench mark on the anchor bolt. A new bridge was erected in 

1901, and it is not known whether this bench mark was disturbed 

or not.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

- Discharge measurements of Yellowstone Rirer at Glendire, Mont., in 1904.

Date.

April 22 .......

May 17.... ....

June 1.... .....

June 24...... . .

July 12........

July 25........

August 19.... ..

September 19 ..

October 22.....

Hydrographer.

A. E. Place..........

W. B. Freeman......

E. 0. Murphy. 

W. B. Freeman ......

.....do..............

.....do .............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

L. R. Stockman ......

Width.

Feet. 

649

738

760

1,035

760

744

732

721

727

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

3,617

4,631

7,260

9,722

6,958

5,569

4,117

2,917

2,787

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.96

3.32

5.78

6.71

5.37

4.16

2.98

2.33

2.32

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.44

4.11

7.42

9.21

7.02

5.28

3.35

1.89

1.64

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. ' 

10, 718

15, 396

41, 982

65, 224

37,364

23, 162

12, 250

6,792

6,474

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of YfUowston? River at Glendive, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

1. ................

2.................

3.................

 i. ................

5.................

7.................

8.................

9.................

11.................

13.................

14...............;.

15.................

16.................

17.................

18.................

Jan.«

5.10

5.10

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.10

5.10

5.10

5.10

5.10

5.10

5.10

5.10

5.10

Feb.

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4 60

4.60

Mar.

5.20

5.20

5.20

5.20

5.90

6.50

6.60

6.80

6.80

7.00

9.90

10.60

10.00

8.40

8.00

7.70

Apr.

11.90

7.90

6.70

6.00

6.50

4.80

. 4.00

3.40

3.00

o go

2.70

2.20

2.20

2.20

2.50

o Kn

2.80

May.

3.40

3.60

3.60

3.60

3.70

3.80

4.40

4.90

4.90

d Oft

4.90

4.50

4.30

4.30

4.20

4.20

4.10

4.30

June.

7.40

8.80

8.50

9.60

8.40

8.40

7.90

7.30

7.30

7.80

7.80

8.10

8.50

8^60

8.20

8 °0

8.40

July.

7.00

7.20

7.70

8.20

8.20

8.20

7.50

7.50

7.20

7.10

7.30

7.00

7.00

6.90

6.90

7 00

6.50

Aug.

5.10

4.90

4.70

4.50

4.40

4.20

4.00

4.00

3.90

3.80

3.7P

3.60

3.50

3.50

3.70

3 7ft

3.50

3.50

Sept.

2.85

3.35

3.95

3.55

3.15

2.95

2.85

2.75

2.65

2.55

2.45

2.45

2.35

2.15

2.05

2.05

1.95

1.95

Oct.

1.60

1.50

1.50

1.40

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.40

1.50

Nov. Dec.

0.75

1.15

.95

.85

4.45

66.05

5.75

5.65

6.65

5.55

5.55

5.55

5.45

5.35

5.15

5.10

5.10

5.10

« River frozen from January 1 to March 31, inclusive, gage heights to top of ice. Thickness of ice 

from January 1 to 17, inclusive, 13 inches; from January 18 to 26, inclusive, 14 inches; from January 

27 to March 31, inclusive, 20 inches.

& River frozen; readings to top of ice for remainder of month.
BABB AND 

HOTT,

ND~|

'. J

MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 125

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Yellowstone River at Glendive, Mont., for 1904 

Continued.

Day.

19.................

20.................

21.................

23.................

2fi.. ...............

27. ...............

29.................

30.................

31.................

Jan.

5.10

5.10

5.10

5.10

5.10

4 90

4.80

Feb.

4.60

4.60

4.60

4 60

4.60

4 60

4.60

4.60

4.60

4.80

5.00

........

Mar.

7.50

7.50

7.20

7 ''0

7 00

7 00

7.00

7.00

7.00

5.50

8.40

Apr.

2.90

2.60

2.60

2.60

2.70

3 Art

4.50

9 go

May.

4.40

4.50

4.70

7.10

7 90

8.80

9 30

S on

7 50

7.20

June.

8.80

9 °0

9 30

9 50

9 °0

9 10

7.50

7.20

July.

6.30

6.00

5.70

5.50

5.40

5 30

5.30

5.30

5.40

5.40

5.20

5.20

Aug.

3.40

3.30

3.30

3

q/\

3

Ort

3.10

2.90

2 60

2.60

Sept.

1.85

1.85

1.85

1 7^

1.75

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.55

1.55

1.45

Oct.

2.10

1 80

1.80

1.70

1.60

(«)

Nov.

0.65

.65

Dec.

5.10

4.90

5.00

5. CO

5.10

5.20

4.50

4.40

4.30

4.30

4.40

a Gage broken. Reestablished November 29.

Rating table for Yettoivstone River at Glendive, Mont., from April 1, 1903, 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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,625

5, 750

5,900

6,075

6, 275

6, 500

6,750

7,000

7, 250

7,510

7,780

8,060

8,360

8,680

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

9,020

9,380

9,760

10,150

10, 550

10, 950

11, 360

11,770

12,190

12, 610

13, 040

13,490

13, 960

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.90

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.60

4.80

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

14, 450

14,960

16, 010

17, 100

18, 230

19, 400

20, 610

21, 890

23, 220

24, 600

26, 070

27, 650

29, 330

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.50

9.00

9.50

10.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

31,090

32, 930

34,850

36,900

39, 150

41,580

44, 100

46,700

49,300

55, 800

62, 300

68,800

75,300

The above table is applicable on.y for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

12 discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is well defined between 

gage heights 1.4 feet and 9.2 feet. Above gage height 8.0 feet the rating'curve is a 

tangent, the difference being 1,300 per tenth.
126 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Estimated monthly discharge of Yellmvstone River at Glendive, Mowt., for 1903 and 1904- 

[Drainage area, 66,090 square miles.]

Month.

1903. 

March 16 to 31,

May..............

July........ ......

November 1 to 15,

December ........

The period..

1904.

February

April 2 to 30, inclusive 6 ........

May ..............

July..............

October 1 to 23,

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

20,610 

39, 150 

22, 550 

62,300 

61,000 

30, 200 

10, 150 

7,510

5,900

48, 000 

66,200 

77, 900 

51, 900 

21, 240 

14, 705

7,510

Minimum.

15, 480 

4,600 

4,700 

10, 550 

16, 550 

7,780 

6,075 

5,900

5,750

7,780 

12, 190 

39, 150 

21,890 

9,020 

5,985

5,750

Mean.

17, 550 

6,208 

10, 775 

40, 594 

28, 089 

14, 012 

7,737 

6,860

« 5, 750 

« 5, 700

« 5, 700 

« 5, 700

« 5, 700

& 13, 936 

27,002 

54, 882 

33, 500 

12, 698 

8,273

7,710

Total in 

acre-feet.

556, 958 

369, 343 

664, 066 

2, 415, 629 

1, 726, 818 

861, 564 

460, 384 

421, 805

339, 471 

350, 479

8, 166, 517

350, 479 

327, 868 

350, 479

829, 250 

1,660,288 

3, 265, 706 

2, 059, 835 

797, 371 

492, 278

76, 463

10,210,017

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.266 

.094 

.163 

.614 

.425 

.212 

.117 

.104

.087 

.086

.086 

.086 

.086

.211 

.409 

.830 

.507 

.196 

.125

.117

Depth in 

inches.

0.158 

.105 

.188 

.685 

.490 

.244 

.130 

.120

.097 

.099

.099 

.093 

.099

.235 

.472 

.926 

.584 

.226 

.139

.022

a Estimated by C. C. Babb.

6 Mean for 29 days taken as mean for the month.

o River frozen December 6 to 31.

PRYOR CREEK AT HUNTLEY, MONT.

This station was established August 6, 1904, by R. S. Stockton. It 

is located at Huntley, 13 miles from Billings, Mont. A plain rod gage, 

graduated to feet and tenths, is placed vertically at the right bank, about 

200 feet south of the Northern Pacific Railway station. It is read twice
BABB AND~| 

HOl'T. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 127

each day by J. W. Day. Measurements at present are made by wading 

at a point 50 yards above the gage. Bench mark No. \ is the top of 

rail of Northern Pacific Railway Company's track in front of the 

operator's window. Its elevation is 14.517 feet above the zero of the 

gage. Bench mark No. 2 is a nail in a pile at the foot of large tree 

on east side of the creek opposite the station agent's house and postoffice. Its elevation is 11.-162 feet above^ the zero of the gage. Bench 

mark No. 3 is a spike driven into the root of a large tree 100 feet 

southwest of the water-tank and 150 feet north of the section house. 

The tree is 40 feet east of the track. The elevation of bench mark 

No. 3 is 12.787 feet above the zero of the gage. The zero of the gage 

is 3,012.483 feet above sea level.

Observations at the station since August, 1904, were made under the 

direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Pryor Creek at Hunttey, Mont., in 1904.

Date.

August 6 « .....

Hydrographer.

R. S. Stocktoii .......

W. B. Freeman ......

Width.

Feet.

18

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet.

6

10

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec.

1.00

1.40

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.00

1.25

Discharge.

Sec.-feet.

6

14

a Float measurement. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Pryor Creek at Huntley, Mont., for 1904.

Day.

1...... ......

2............

3............

4............

5............

6............

7............

8............

9............

10............

11............

12............

13............

14............

15............

16............

Aug.

.......

.......

.......

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.18

1.10

1.08

1.05

1.05

Sept.

1.25

1.30

1.30

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.30

I OA -L. OU

Oct.

1.25

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.45

1.45

1.50

1.50

1.40

Nov.

1.45

1.50

1.55

1.65

1.55

1.60

1.45

1.50

1.55

1.45

1.50

1.45

1.50

1.45

1.30

1.70

Dec.

1.90

1.85

1.80

1.85

1.75

1.65

1.60

1.65

1.55

1.80

1.65

1.60

1.55

1.50

1.50

1.45

Day.

17............

18............

19............

20............

21............

22............

23............

24............

25............

26............

27............

28............

29............

30............

31............

Aug.

1.00

1.05

1.08

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.15

1.20

1.25

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.10

1.15

Sept.

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.25

1.30

1.30

1.25

.......

Oct.

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.40

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.60

1.45

1.55

1.45

1.55

1.55

1.50

1.55

Nov.

1.70

1.60

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.60

1.65

1.55

1.50

1.60

1.50

1.55

1.65

1.95

.......

Dec.

1.55

1.45

1.60

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.45

1.55

1.60

1.65

1.55

1.65

1.60

1.60

1.50

BIGHORN RIVER NEAR THERMOPOLIS, WYO.

This station was established on May 28, 1900, by A. J. Parshall. It 

was located about a half inile northeast of Thermopolis, at the ferry 

crossing the river. The gage used during 1900 wms a horizontal rod
128 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

extending out over the water and fastened to posts firmly set in the 

ground, with the usual wire attachments. The bench mark was the 

head of a nail driven in a stake set in the ground 1 foot south of the 

post to which the gage rod was fastened, 2.58 feet below the gage 

frame. Its elevation was 6.50 feet above gage datum. It has been 

destroyed.

In 1901 a new gage with relative heights, the same as that in use in 

1900, was painted on the lower center pier of the recently constructed 

iron bridge, which is located 400 or 500 feet upstream from the former 

station. In March, 1903, a new gage, serving as a bench mark, and 

for the observer's use at times of high water, was painted on the lower 

pier of the bridge on the right bank of the river. This gage is reached 

by the water only when it is at a height of 3 feet above datum. It 

will enable the observer to read heights of high water more accurately 

than can be done on the gage, which is in the center of the stream and 

is exposed to the force of the current, causing a rise and fall of several inches on the gage. The channel is straight above and below the 

station. Both banks are high and not subject to overflow. The bed 

of the stream is composed of rock and gravel. It shifts very little 

from year to year. Measurements, which were formerly made from a 

ferryboat, are now made from the bridge. The gage is read daily by 

V. S. Grout.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of A. J. Parshall, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Bighorn River near Thermopolis, Wyo,

Date.

March 25 ......

June 19 .......

June 22 .......

July 11........

July 12.. ......

July 17 ........

July 28 ........

August 3 ......

August 11 .....

August 26 .....

November 24 . .

Hydrographer.

A. J. Parshall........

V. S. Grout..........

.....do ..............

A. J. Parshall........

.....do ..............

V. S. Grout..........

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

A. J. Parshall........

Width.

Feet. 

94

262

268

261

262

251

244

244

244

225

166

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

198

1,944

2,115

1,247

1,270

1,088

984

807

681

548

306

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.46

6.66

6.73

5.71

5.88

5.63

5.09

4.90

4.23

3.80

1.43

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.41

7.25

7.90

4.60-

4.70

4.00

3.50

3.00

2.50

2.00

.70

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

290

12, 940

14, 240

7,117

7,467

6,130

5,008

3,941

2,878

2,084

438
BABB AND 

HOYT,, ND ] MISSOTJKI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 129

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Bighorn River near TJiermopolis, Wyo., for 1904*

Day.

\....................... .....................

2............................................

3. ...........................................

4............................................

5............................................

6............................................

7.....:....,.................................

8............................................

9............................................

10............................................

11............... ............................

12............................................

13............................................

14............................................

15............................................

17............................................

18............................................

19............................................

20............................................

21............................................

22............................................

23............................................

24............................................

25............................................

26............................................

27...........................................

28............................................

29............................................

30............................................

31............................................

Apr.

0.4

.4

.4

.3

.25

.35

.5

.6

.7

.65

.6

.85

1.05

1.25

1.55

1.4

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.45

1.55

1.65

May.

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.85

1.9

1.75

1.95

2.0

1.95

2.05

1.85

1.7

1.85

2.0

2.05

O OK

2.45

2.75

Q -1 C

3

K

4.9

6.8

7.26

7.2

7.05

7.0

5.6

6 1 f\

4.7

4.75

June.

5.1

5.5

6..0

5.75

5.55

4.45

4.9

5.55

6.05

6.3

6.0

5.65

5.5

5.6

5.8

6

0

6.8

7.25

7.15

7.3

7.55

7.8

7.85

7.75

6.8

5.85

5.7

5.85

5.4

4 6

July.

5.05

5.35

5.1

4 95

5.25

5.65

5.3

4.9

4.65

4.5

4.6

4.65

4.65

4.6

4.65

4.1

4.05

3

QF,

3

*7t\

4.4

3.85

3.75

3.75

4.1

4 05

3.85

3.0

Aug.

3.05

3.05

3.00

2.85

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.45

2.55

2.55

2.45

2.55

2.7

2.7

2.55

2.35

2.2

2.2

2.05

1.85

2.05

2.25

2.5

Sept.

2.45

2.1

1.95

1.9

2.0

1.95

1.85

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

Oct.

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.35

1.45

1.35

1.4

1.5

1.35

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.8

.8

IRE 130 05-
130 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOB 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Rating table for Bighorn River near ThermopoUs, Wyo., from January 1 to December 31,

1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet..

0.20

.30

.40

.50

.60

.70

.80

.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

150

210

280

350

430

520

620

720

820

930

1,040

1,160

1,280

1,400

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

2.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,530

1,660

1,800

1,940

2,080

2,230

2,390

.2,550

2,720

2,890

3,070

3,250

3,440

3,630

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,820

4,020

4,220

4,420

4,620

4,820

5,020

5, 220

5, 430

5,640

5,850

6,270

6,690

7,110

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.80

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

7.50

8.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

7,530

7,950

8,380

8,810

9,240

9,670

10, 100

10, 530

10, 960

11, 390

11, 820

12, 250

13, 350

14, 500

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

10 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is well defined.

Estimated monthly discharge of Bighorn River near ThermopoUs, Wyo., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 8,184 square miles.]

Month.

April ...--.-........

May ...............

June ...............

July ...............

September ..........

October ............

The period ....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,595 

12, 800 

14, 160 

9,347 

3,920 

2,805 

1,400

Minimum.

180 

1,400 

6,795 

3,820 

1, 870 

930 

620

Mean. .

873 

4,984 

10, 370 

6,551 

2,946 

1,470 

974

Total in 

acre-feet.

51, 950 

306, 500 

r 617, 100 

402, 800 

181, 100 

87, 470 

59, 890

1, 707, 000

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.107 

.609 

1.27 

.800 

.360 

.180 

.119

Depth in 

inches.

0.119 

.702 

1.42 

.922 

.415 

.201 

.137
BABB AND"] 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 131

BIGHORN RIVER AT FORT OUSTER, MONT.

This station was established June 16, 1904, by R. S. Stockton. It 

is located at the bridge of the Burlington and Missouri Railroad, 

about one-half mile above the junction of the Bighorn and Little Bighorn rivers. The nearest post-office is at Crow Agency, Mont., 11 

miles distant; and the nearest town is Billings, Mont., 60 miles distant. 

A standard chain gage is fastened near the middle of the first span 

from the east bank. The length of the chain from the end of the 

weight to the marker is 31.71 feet. The gage is read twice each day 

by O. D. Hogue. Discharge measurements are made from the upper 

side of the three-span bridge to which the gage is attached. The 

initial point for soundings is at the east abutment of the bridge. 

Each 10-foot point is marked upon the bridge timbers. The channel 

is straight for about 400 feet above and 300 feet below the station, 

and the current is swift. The right bank is high, and can not be overflowed. The left bank is low, and is subject to overflow in extreme 

high water. The bed of the stream is composed of gravel, and is free 

from vegetation. There is but one channel at all ordinary stages, 

broken by two piers. Bench mark No. 1 is on the top of the east concrete abutment at the south end, on mark XXXIII. Its elevation is 

14.90 feet above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is on the 

top of first concrete pier west of the east abutment on the south end 

of the pier, on mark XXXVI. Its elevation is 14.85 feet above the 

zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 3 is on the top of the south end of 

the west concrete abutment, on mark XXXIV. Its elevation is 14.88 

feet above the zero of the gage. The gage zero is approximately 

2,879.10 feet above sea level.

The observations at this station since its establishment were made 

under the direction of C. C. Babb, district engineer.

Discharge measurements of Bighorn River at Fort Caster, Mont., in 1904-

Date.

July 16........

July 27........

September 17 . .

October 1 ......

October 24.....

Hydrographer.

R. S. Stockton.......

.....do ..............

W. B. Freeman ......

R. S. Stockton .......

Width.

Feet. 

438

438

427

426

418

Area of 

section.

8q. feet. 

2,655

2,357

1; 376

1,295

1,310

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.91

3.76

1.50

1.25

1.28

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

9.00

8.30

6.00

5.69

5.65

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

10, 379

8,867

2,069

1,615

1,673
132 STEEAM MEASTJEEMENTS FOE 1904, PART VII. I NO. 130. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Bighorn River at Fort Ouster, Mont., 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............................................

28............................................

29. ...........................................

30. ..........................................

31............................................

June.

10.10

10.37

10. 35

10. 55

10.62

10.57

10. 65

9.40

9.20

9.25

July.

9.47

9.47

9.35

9.75

9.45

9.40

9.30

9.45

9.35

9.22

9.10

9.40

9.37

9.25

9.07

8.92

8.90

8.70

8.50

8.40

8.25

8.05

8.45

8.65

8.40

7.95

8.15

8.25

8.20

8.10

8.02

Aug.

7.82

7.70

7.58

7.45

7.38

7.28

7.15

7,13

7.03

6.97

6.95

6.87

6.83

6.80

6.85

6.83

6.75

6.75

6.75

6.13

7.05

6.97

6.95

6.80

6.60

6.55

6.45

6.40

6.40

6.57

6.47

Sept.

6.70

6.60

6.52

6 50

6.40

6 40

6.38

6.30

6.00

5 9°

6.02

6.00

6.00

5.92

5.90

5.90

5.85

5.80

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.70

5.70

5.70

Oct.

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.65

5.65

5.65

5,65

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.70

5.75

5.75

5.80

5.80

5.80

5.80

5.80

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.70

5.80

5.75

5.75

5.75

5.70

5.70

5.70

Nov.

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.60

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.50

5.50

5. .50

5.60

5.60

5.65

5.65

5.65

5. 65

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.65

Dec.

5. 65

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.65

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

5.70

8HOSHONE EIVEE NEAR CODT, WYO.

This station was established April 26, 1902, by A, J. Parshall. It 

is located at the wagon briclge 1 mile northwest of Cody, Wyo. The 

gage is a plain staff graduated to half tenths and is fastened to the 

bridge from which discharge measurements are made. The initial 

point for soundings is on the left bank. The channel is straight both 

above and below the station. The current is swift. The right bank 

is low and subject to overflow. The left bank is high and does not 

overflow. The bed of the stream is gravel'and rock. The bench mark 

is a bolt in the bridge sleeper 1.15 feet above the 12-foot mark on the 

gage. It is indicated by a cross. The observer, W. J. Kissick, reads 

the gage twice daily.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of A. J. Parshall, resident hydrographer.
BABB AND!

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASHST. 133

Discharge measurements of Shoshone River nearCody, Wyo., 1902-1904-

Date.

1902. 

April 26 .......

June 1 .........

July 17. .......

July 31 ........

December 8 ....

1903. 

March 20 ......

April 21 .......

April 25 .......

May 19........

May 20........

June 11 .......

June 16 .......

June 17 .......

June 18 .......

June 24 .......

July 14........

July 15........

July 25........

October 31.....

1904. 

March 29 ......

April 30 .......

May 22........

June 17 .......

June 20. .......

August 27 .....

September 9 ...

October 8 ......

December 22...

Hydrographer.

A. J. Parshall .......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

A. J. Parshall ........

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

A. J. Parshall........

.....do ..............

.....do ..... ........

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

J. Ahern ............

A. J. Parshall........

W. E. Young ........

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

A. J. Parshall........

J. Ahern ............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet.

97

148

178

196

206

128

128

110

Area of 

sections.

Sq.feet. 

279

658

579

527

231

219

318

427

405

421

698

865

903

1,113

993.

665

680

630

337

238

564

786

880

1,122

413

376

268

249

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.92

6.61

4.86

3.87

1.32

1.10

1.95

3.18

3.09

2.89

' 3.76

6.35

8.20

8.15

9.89

6.34

5.53

5.24

1.33

1.06

2.72

7.89

- 7.19

8.12

2.87

2.35

1.54

1.29

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.40

4.80

4.10

3.65

2.00

1.95

2.41

3.00

3.20

3.00

4.70

5.25

5.70

6.10

6.20

5.10

4.70

4.50

4.25

2.20

1.90

3.40

5.50

6.10

6.45

3.15

2.78

2.20

1.90

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

538

4,352

2,812

2,039

270

263

633

1,399

1,374

1,263

2,624

5,502

7,297

8,885

8,840

4,212

3,829

3,299

3,087

450

253

1,536

6,200

6,330

9,116

1,186

885

413

321
134 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Shoshone River near Cody, Wyo.,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..............

26.. ............

26..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

2.0

1.9

2.0

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.4

1.2

1.4 

1.5

1.5

2.0

1.7

1.8

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.9

2.0

1.7

1.8

1.6

1.7

1.9

2.0

1.9

1.8

1 9

2.0

2.0

Feb.

2.0

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.0 

1.9

1.9

2.0

1.9

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2 9

2.2

2.0

Mar.

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.2 

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.1

9 1

2

n

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.2

Apr.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.1

2.0

!J 1

3 9

4.0

3 q

3

K

3

n

3

n

3

n

o 9

3

n

3

-f

3

n

2.9

3.9

4.0

q ft

3.8

!J 7

May.

3.5

3.3

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.9 

3.8

3.S

3.9

4.0

3.9

4.0

4.2

5.0

5.5

5.5

6.0

5.8

5.1

5 A

5

1

5 1

5.0

5.3

June.

5.65

4.9

4.9

4.95

4.95

4.9

4.9

5.0

5.2

5.8

5.25

5.5

5.7

5.8

5.S

5.8

5.8

6.9

7.0

7.0

6.85

6.8

fi ?

6.0

5.3

5.25

5

J

5 OK

5 OK

5.55

July.

5.9

5.9

5.8

5.7

5.8

5.7

6.7

5.9

6.0 

6.0

5.9

5.8

6.0

6.0

5.9

5.9

5.9

6.0

5.9

5.8

5.7

5.5

5.0

4.9

4.8

4.S

4.7

4.7

4.5

4.3

4.0

Aug.

4.0

4.0

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.9

3.9 

3.8

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.8

3.7

3.S

3.8

3.9

4.0

Q Q

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.8

3.7

3.5

3

n

3

n

3

n

3.0

3.0

Sept.

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.0

2.9

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.4

o 4

2.3

o o

2.1

2.0

Oct.

2.2

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.9

2.0 

1.8

1.8

l.S

1.9

1.9

1.7

1.7

1.8

l.S

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

2.0

1.9

1.9

Nov.

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

l.S

l.S

1.7

1.8

l.S

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

Dec.

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4 

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.8

.8

.9

1.0

Rating table for Shoshone River near Cody, Wyo., from April 26, 1902, 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.

200

245

295

355

425

500

575

655

740

830

925

Gtese 

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.

1,020

1,120

1,225

1,335

1,450

1, 575

1,710

1,850

1,990

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

5.00

Discharge.

Secotid-feei.

2,440

2,610

2,800

3,000

3,210

3, 420

3,650

3,900

4,170

4; 440

4,730

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,370

6,070

6,810

7, 550

8,290

9,030

9,770

10, 510

11, 250

11,990
1ABB AND~| 

HOYT. J

MISSOUEI EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 135

The preceding table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

28 discharge measurements made during 1902 to 1904, inclusive. It is well denned 

between gage heights 1. 9 feet and 6. 2 feet. The table has been extended beyond 

"Jiese limits, and is only approximate below gage height 1.90 feet. Above gage 

height 5.4 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 370 per tenth.

NOTE. The preceding table supersedes the 1903 table below gage height 2 feet 

and is the same as the 1903 table above gage height 2 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Shoshone Rivernear Cody, Wyo., 1902-1904, superseding

monthly estimates previously published..

[Drainage area, 1,480 square miles.]

Month.

1902. 

May ...............

July ...............

The period . . .

1903.

May ...............

July ...............

The year ..... 

1904.

March. ......... ....

ApriL ..............

May ...............

June ...............

July ...............

August .............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

7,365 

10, 510 

3, 775 

2,440 

655 

655

390 

295 

925 

2,360 

2,900 

10, 140 

6,070 

2,280 

355 

1,070 

878 

830

10, 140

295 

425 

425 

2,440 

8,290 

11, 990 

8,290 

2.440

Minimum.

655 

3,420 

2,440 

655 

655 

655

270 

245 

223 

295 

878 

3,420 

2,060 

575 

98 

295 

270 

120

98

80 

245 

295 

295 

1,450 

4,440 

2,440 

1.120

Mean.

2,698 

5,654 

2,779 

1,343 

655 

655

303 

283 

333 

847 

1,558 

6,819 

3,562 

1,566 

235 

577 

499 

441

1,419

192 

301 

345 

1,154 

3,766 

7,087 

6,592 

2.019

Total in 

acre-feet.

165, 900 

336, 400 

170, 900 

82, 580 

38, 980 

40, 270

835, 000

18, 630 

15, 720 

20, 480 

50,400 

95, 800 

405, 800 

219, 000 

96, 290 

13, 980 

35, 480 

29, 690 

27, 120

1, 028, 000

11, 810 

17, 310 

21, 210 

68, 670 

231, 600 

421, 700 

405, 300 

124. 100

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.82 

3.82 

1.88 

.907 

.443 

.443

.205 

.191 

.225 

.572 

1.05 

4.61 

2.41 

1.06 

.159 

.390 

.337 

.298

.959

.130 

.203 

.233 

.780 

2.54 

4.79 

4.45 

1.36

Depth in 

inches.

2.10 

4.26 

2.17 

1.05 

.494 

.510

.236 

.199 

.259 

.638 

1.21 

5.14 

2.78 

1.22 

.177 

.450 

.376 

.344

13.03

.150 

.219 

.269 

.870 

2.93 

5.34 

5.13 

1.57
136 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. NO. 130.

Estimated monthly discharge of Shoshone River near ( ody, Wyo., 1902-1904, superseding 

'monthly estimat.es previously published Continued.

Month.

1904.

December ..........

The year .....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1. 120 

425 

295 

140

11, 990

Minimum.

295 

165 

120 

40

40

Mean.

752 

225 

194 

85

1,893

Total in 

acre-feet.

44, 750 

13, 830 

11, 540 

5,226

1, 377, 000

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.508 

.152 

.131 

.057

1.28

Depth in 

inches.

0.567 

.175 

.146 

.066

17.44

CLEAR CREEK AT BUFFALO, WYO.

This station was established October 24, 1902, by Jeremiah Ahern. 

It is located at the highway bridge in the town of Buffalo, Johnson 

County, Wyo. The gage is a plain staff graduated to feet and tenths, 

spiked to the pier at the northwest end of the bridge. The initial 

point for soundings is on the left bank. Measurements are made from 

the bridge. The channel is straight both above and below the station. 

Both banks are high and rocky. The bed of the stream is also rocky. 

The gage is read daily by P. A. Gatchell. The bench mark is U. S. 

G. S. B. M. at the court-house, marked "SHER 4635. ?1 Its elevation is 4,635.033 feet above sea level. The elevation of the gage as 

determined from this bench mark is 4,605.766 feet.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of A. J. Parshall, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Clear Creek at Buffalo, Wyo., in 1904-

Date.

May 9 a. .......

May 10«. ......

May 19 «__.____

May20«. ......

May 21 ........

May 22". ......

June 12 a ......

July 7 «.. ......

July 17 ........

September 11 & .

October 14 « ...

Hydrographer.

A. J. Parshall........

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

37

38

39

40

40

40

40

40

37

36

16

25

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet.

71

79

82

115

96

109

109

89

66

55

14

34

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.96

3.33

3.29

5.76

4.71

5.21

5.18

3.64

2.11

1.64

.86

. 74

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.80

2.00

2.00~

3.05

2.50

2.80

2.80

2.20

1.65

1.50

.70

.95

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

210

263

270

663

452

568

565

324

139

91

12

24

a Foot bridge 300 yards above station. b Wading one-third mile above foot bridge.
BABB AND"!

HOYT. J MISSOURI EIVEB DRAINAGE BASIN. 137

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Clear Greek at Buffalo, Wyo., for 1904.

Day.

1..............

0

3..............

4..............

5..............

7..............

8..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20. .............

21..............

°2

23..............

24..............

26..............

27............ . . 

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.a

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.4

1.3

1 2

1.2

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.7

1.6

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5 

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

Feb.a

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.8

1.0

.9

2.0

1.2 

1.2

1.2

Mar.

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.8

.8

.8

1.0

1.0

.8

* .8 

.7

.8

.8

.8

Apr.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

1.0

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.4

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.3 

1.4

1.6

1.6

May.

1.7

1.9

3.0

2.5

2.5

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

H

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

3.0

2.7

2 7

2.8

2.8

3.0

2.7

2.7 

2.2

2.2

2.4

2.5

June.

2 0

2.3

2.0

2.2

2.55

2 65

2.50

3.0

o 5

2.35

o 55

2.65

2.85

2.7

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.35

2.1

2.0

1.8 

1.8

1.8

1.8

July.

1.8

2.75

2.55

2.0

2.0

2.0

1 9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4 

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

Aug.

1 q

1 ^

1 2

1.2

1.0

1.0

.85

.8

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

1.0

1.1

.8

.8

1.5

1.0

.9

.9 

.9

.85

.8

.8

Sept.

0.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

7^

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7 

.7

.7

.7

Oct.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.75

.7

.7

.7

.75

.75

.8

.85

.95

.95

.95

.95

.9

.85

.8

.8

.8

.8

.75

.75

.8 

.8

.8

.75

.7

Nov.

0.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.7

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75 

.75

.75

.75

Dec.a

0.75

.75

7^

.75

7^

7^

7^

.75

7^

.75

.75

.75

.8

.8

.8

.8

Q

.9

.9

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0 

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

a Creek frozen most of the time from January 1 to March 15 and December 1 to 31 

Rating table for Clear Creek at Buffalo, Wyo., from January 1 to December 31,1904-

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.60

.65

.70

.75

.80

.85

.90

.95

Discharge.

Second-feet.

7

9

11

14

17

20

24

28

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

32

42

54

70

92

116

140

170

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

202

234

266

302

338

374

410

446

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

486

526

566

606

646

686

726

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

12 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is not well denned.
138 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VIT. [NO. 130.

Estimated monthly discharge of Clear Creek at Buffalo, Wyo., for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 118 square miles.]

Month.

March 16-31 ........

May ................

July ...............

September ..........

October ............

November ..........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

32 

140 

646 

706 

546 

116 

17 

28 

14

Minimum.

11 

17

170 

202 

70 

14 

11 

11 

11

Mean.

16.6 

52.4 

377 

421 

174 

35.6 

13.0 

16.7 

12.3

Total in 

acre-feet.

527

3,118 

23, 180 

25, 050 

10, 700 

2,189 

774 

1,027 

732

67, 300

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.141 

.444 

3.19 

3.57 

1.47 

.302 

.110 

.142 

.104

Depth in 

inches.

0.084 

.495 

3.68 

3.98 

1.70 

.348 

.123 

.164 

.116

PINEY CREEK AT KEARNEY, WYO.

This station was established September 6,1902, by Jeremiah Ahern. 

It is located at the highway bridge at Kearney, Johnson County, 

Wyo., which is on the stage route between Sheridan and Buffalo, 24 

miles from Sheridan. The gage is a vertical staff graduated to feet 

and tenths and spiked to the abutment of the bridge. It is read daily 

by R. D. Noyce. The initial point for soundings is on the right 

bank. Discharge measurements are made from the bridge. The 

channel is straight for 600 feet above and 200 feet below the station. 

The left bank is high and liable to overflow at extreme high water. 

The right bank is high and does not overflow. The bed of the stream 

is composed of gravel. The bench mark is the U. S. G. S. bench 

mark at Geier's ranch, about 600 feet from the gage. It is marked 

"SHER 4662." Its elevation is 4,661.767 feet above sea level. The 

elevation of the zero of the gage as referred to this bench mark is 

4,645.963 feet.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of A. J. Parshall, resident hydrographer.
BABB AND "I 

HOST. J MISSOURI KIVBE DRAINAGE BASIN. 139 

Discharge measurements of Piney ('reek at Kearney, Wyo., in 1904-

Date.

March 31 ......

May 9 .........

May 20........

May 21 ........

July 8 .........

July 18........

September 12 ..

October 12 «...

Hydrographer.

A. J. Parshall. .......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ...1.... ......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Area of 

section .

Square feet. 

42

106

149

134

125

92

84

49

18

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.95

2.82

5.03

4.62

4.24

1.42

1.03

0.45

1.83

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.50

2.55

3.10

2.95

2.85

2.05

1.85

1.30

1.40

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

40

299

749

620

530

131

87

22

33

« Wading one-fourth mile above station. 

Mean daily gage height, infect, of Piney Creek at Kearney, Wyo., for 1904.

Day.

1..............

2..............

5..............

7..............

8. .............

g

10..............

11..............

12..............

TO

14..............

15..............

16..............

17.............. 

18.............. 

19

"W

23.............. 

24.............. 

25. .............

26..............

28.............. 

29..............

30.............. 

31..............

Jan.a

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45 

1.45 

1.45

1.45 

1.45 

1.45 

1.45

1.45 

1.45

Feb.«

1.45

1.45

1 45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

*.4

1.4

1.4

1.45 

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45 

1.45 

1.45

1.45

1 45

1.5 

1.5

1 ^

1.5 

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

Mar.a

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45 

1.45

1.5

1 P.

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1 \

1 P.

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1.5 

1.55

1.6 

1.6

Apr.

1.6

1.55

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.75

1.8

1.9 

1 9

2 A

2.0

2.05 

2.0 

2.0

2 1

2.15

2.2

2.2 

2.2

2

f)CL

2.25 

2.25 

2.3 

2.3

2.35

May.

2.35

2.5

2 9

2 85

2.7

2.7

2.65 2.6 * 

f> 55

2 55

2.6

2.6

2.65 

2.7

0 Q

3 9

o 9

3.3

3.45 

3.25 

3.2

2.8

2.75 

2.85

3.0 

3.15

June.

3. OH

2.9

2.82

 > 70

3

n

3

n

3 ^

3.0

3.18

2.9 

2.8

o g8

3 1

3 1

3.08 

2.99 

3 02

2 90

o 85

2.70 

2.72 

2 4^

2.28 

2.08 

2.00 

2.04

2.10

July.

2.1

2.5

2.27

2.08

2.02

2.01

2 08

1.9 

1.84 

1.72

1.58

1.52

1.5 

1.5 

1.68

1.62 

1.58 

1.55 

1.51

1.5 

1.5

Aug.

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.4 

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4 

1.35 

1.35

1.35

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.25 

1.2

1.2 

1.2 

1.2

1.2 

1.2

Sept.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1 9^

1.25

1.25 

1.22 

1 22

1.2

1.2

1.2 

1.2 

1.2

1.18 

1.18 

1.18 

1.18

1.18

Oct.

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25 

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.4 

1.5 

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

1.5 

1.5

Nov.

1.5

1.5

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.36

1.3

1.35

1.38 

1.38

1.35

1.35

1.35 

1.35

1.25 

1.35 

1.35

1.35

Dec.&

.......

.......

a Frozen greater portion of time, January 1 to March 15. 

& Frozen during month. /
140 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Rating table far Piney Creek at Kearney, Wyo., fron\ January 1 to December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.15

1.20

1.25

1.30

1.35

1.40

1.45

Discharge.

Second-feet.

12

15

18

21

25

29

33

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

Discharge.

Second-feft.

38

48

60

76

96

118

144

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

178

218

262

310

364

430

500

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

580

660

750

850

960

1,080

1,200

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

9 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is well denned between gage 

heights 1.3 feet and 3 feet. The table has been extended beyond these limits.

Estimated monthly discharge of Piney Creek at Kearney, Wyo., for 1904.

Month.

March 16-31 ..........................

April. ................................

July .................................

August .....--.....-..........._....--

The period ......................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

48 

240 

1,140 

905 

310 

38 

18 

38 

38

Minimum .

38 

43 

240 

118 

38 

15 

14 

14 

21

Mean.

39.6 

122 

566 

534 

* 117 

25.2 

15.2 

28.2 

25.9

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,257 

7,260 

34,800 

31, 780 

7,194 

1,550 

904 

1,734 

1,541

88, 020

LITTLE MISSOURI RIVER NEAR ALZADA, MONT.

This station was established April 3, 1904, by F. M. Madden. It is 

located at the highway bridge on the old Spearfish and Miles City 

stage road, about one-half mile northwest of Aizada, Mont. A plain 

staff gage, graduated to feet and tenths, is attached vertically to the 

downstream side of the crib pier supporting the middle of the bridge. 

It is read once each day by Miss Elsie King. Discharge measurements are made at high stages from the downstream side of the twospan bridge to which the gage is attached. During low-water periods 

measurements are made by wading near the gage. The initial point 

for soundings is a bolt in the downstream hand rail near the left end
BABB AND"! 

HOYT. J

MISSOUBI BIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 141

of the bridge. The channel is straight above and below the station 

for about 200 feet and the current is moderately swift. Both banks 

are high, but subject to overflow in extreme high water. The bed of 

the stream is composed of fine silt and is permanent. Below the section willows grow in some places so that the branches reach nearly 

across the channel. There is but one channel, broken by the middle 

crib pier of the bridge. The large rock-filled crib pier and ice 

breaker just above are the only obstructions in the channel at the 

station. , Willows and brush on the banks tend to retard the flow 

during high water. Bench mark No. 1 is a spike driven into the base 

of a tree about 50 feet west of the left end of the bridge. Its elevation is 16.33 feet above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is a 

United States Geological Survey standard bench mark in the town of 

Alzada, distant about 2,000 feet. Its elevation is 26.82 feet above the 

zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Little Missouri River near Alzada, Mont., in 1904-

Date.

April 3 ........

April 3 ........

May 9.........

May 10........

June 26........

July 8 u .......

July 9 a .......

September 5 &. .

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden .......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

F. C. Magruder ......

F. M. Madden .......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

54

50

21

21

18

9

14

23

Area of 

section.

Sq.Jeet. 

218

176

52

46

29

4.6

3.7

67

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per see. 

1.72

1.73

1.60

1.35

.38

1.00

1.16

1.22

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.70

4.90

2.50

2.20

1.40

1.25

1.20

2.90

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

376

305

83

62

11

4.6

4.3

82

a At wading section.

6 Flow lessened by large growth of willows during July and August.
142 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Little Missouri River near Alzada, Mont., for 1904-

Day.

1.......... ..........................

2....................................

3....................................

4....................................

6....................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

9....................... ............

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................... ............

17....................................

18....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

24....................................

25....................................

27....................................

28. ...................................

29......................... ..........

30............................ ......

Apr.

12.7

9.0

5.3

5.0

5.2

5.3

3.5

2.75

2.0

1.7

1.5

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.5

1.45

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

May.

1.2

4.7

4.7

1.7

1.5

1.7

1.4

2.5

2.2

1.7

1.5

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

2.0

1.5

4.5

2.3

3

(\

2.5

1.7

1.5

1.4

1.3

June.

1.3

2.7

7.2

17.0

17.0

17.0

16.0

5.3

5.0

5.1

4.8

3.0

2.8

2.0

1 9

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.6

1.4

July.

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.5

1.3

1.3

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Aug.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

1.9

1.9

Sept.

1.6

1.6

4.8

8.6

3.4

1.8

1.7

1.5

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.05

1.0

.9

.9

.9

.9

.8

(«)

(«)

(«)

(«)

(«)

(«)

(a)

(a )

(")

Oct.

(«)

0.9

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

l.l

1.1

1.1

1.1

2.1

1.5

1.4

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Nov.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

a River dry. 

Rating table for Little Missouri River near Alzada, Mont. ,from April 1 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

2.20

Discharge.

Second-feel.

1

2

4

7

11

15

20

25

31

38

45

53

61

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

69

77

85

93

101

109

117

125

133

142

151

160

169

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

4.70

4.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

178

187

196

205

214

223

232

241

250

260

270

280

290

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

6.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

300

310

320

330

340

350

360

370

380

390

400

411
BABB AND"! 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 143

The preceding table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based 

upon 8 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is well defined between gage 

heights 1 foot and 6 feet. Discharges above gage height 6 feet are approximate estimates only. After August 29 reduce discharges as given by the table 30 per cent 

on account of back water effect of willows in channel below the gage. The flow is 

estimated as 0 second-feet at gage height .9 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Little Missouri River near Alzada, Mont., for 1904-

Month.

April .................................

May .................................

June .................................

July .................................

August fl .... ..........................

October « .............................

November (t . ..........................

The period ......................

Discharge ID second-feet.

MasJlmum.

1,185 

280 

1,744 

31 

27 

488 

37 

1.4

Miaimum.

4 

4 

7 

2 

0 

0 

0 

1.4

Mean.

127 

51.6 

314 

7.1 

2.0 

30.0 

4.1 

1.4

Total ia 

acre-feet.

7,557 

3,173 

18, 680 

437 

123 

1,785 

252 

83

32, 090

a Estimates August 30 to November 30 approximate. See paragraph under rating table. 

LITTLE MISSOURI RIVER NEAR CAMP CROOK, 8. DAK.

This station was established September 2, 1903, by R. F. Walter, 

assisted by W. T. Carpenter. The station is at the highway bridge 

on the road from Camp Crook to Belle Fourche, about one-half mile 

from Camp Crook. The gage is a vertical 2 by 4 inch pine timber 

fastened to the first pier from the west end of the bridge, on the downstream side. It is graduated to feet and tenths with bronze figures 

marking the foot marks. The bridge at this station was destroyed 

March 9, 1901, by an ice jam which carried away the superstructure 

and nearly all of the two center piers, to one of which the gage 

was spiked. Records were kept by referring the height of the 

water to a temporary mark until the gage was reestablished April 

10, by spiking a 2 by 4 inch pine gage to the east abutment and 

continuing the gage for low water on a 2 by 2 inch pine strip spiked 

to the remains of the pier near the east bank. The gage was read 

once each day by L. P. Chuning. Readings were discontinued November 13, as the gage was removed in preparing foundations for a 

new bridge. Discharge measurements were made from the bridge 

until it was destroyed, since which time they have been made by wading 

and by means of a boat or floats during extreme high water. The initial 

point for soundings was a brass-headed tack surrounded by four 

similar tacks driven into the end post of the hand rail at the west end
144 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

and downstream side of the bridge. The channel is straight for 300 

feet above and 200 feet below the station. The current has a moderate velocity. The right bank is high and not subject to overflow. 

The left bank is subject to overflow at high water. Both banks are 

sparsely wooded. The bed of the stream is covered with stones, the 

largest of which are about 1 foot in diameter. The water flows in one 

channel at medium and high stages. Bench mark No. 1 is a large 

spike driven into a blaze on a tree 6 inches above the ground. The 

tree is at the side of the road, 100 feet from the end of the bridge, 

on the right bank. The elevation of the bench mark aoove the zero 

of the gage is 10.53 feet. Bench mark No. 2 is a large spike driven 

into a blaze on a tree about 6 inches above ground. The tree is on 

the opposite side of the road from the first bench mark and is 175 

feet farther downstream. The elevation of the bench mark above 

the zero of the gage is 12.89 feet.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Little Missouri River near Camp Crook, S. Dak., in 1904.

Date.

April 10 .......

May 10 ........

July?.........

October 26.....

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden .......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

100

61

56

108

100

100

98

40

Area of 

section.

Sq.Jeet.

47

49

214

14 L

131

116

19

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.11

1.15

1.26

2.84

2.28

2.21

2.03

.68

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1 fifl

.80

.85

2.60

1.90

1.80

1.55

.45

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

9fi9

54

62

609

321

289

935

13
] MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 145

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Little Missouri River near Camp Crook, 8. Dak., for 1904-

Day.

1........ ....................

0

3............................

4............................

6............................

7............................

8............................

10............................

11............................

12............................

13............................

14............................

15............................

16............................

17............................

18............................

19

20............................

21............................

22............................

23............................

24............................

28............................

OQ

30

31............................

Mar.

2.8

2.6

2.68

2.7

6.0

5.0

5.7

4.25

4.8

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.7

4 4

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.6

4.6

5.0

5.5

Apr.

6.0

5.7

5.5

4.0

4.2

3.5

2.0

1.5

1.6

1.35

1.0

g

g

1.0

g

g

.8

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

65

.65

.65

May.

0.65

.7

.7

1.0

1.8

1.1

1.0

.9

.85

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

7F\

.75

.75

.75

.7

55

.55

.6

.6

3

0

3

0

2.95

1.5

1.3

1.0

June.

1.0

.9

1.0

3.5

8.0

1°)

(«)

6.4

4.0

3.2

2.9

2.7

2.3

1.8

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.1

1.0

.8

.7

.8

.9

1.0

1.0

g

.8

July.

0.6

.8

.9

.9

.9

.7

.85

.75

.75

.7

.6

.75

.8

.7

.7

.7

.65

.5

.5

.5

.5

45

.45

.45

.4

< 6 )

Aug.

(»)

( b)

(6)

(*)

w(») (*>)

w(6)

w(« )

( &)

w( b)

( b) <*)

(b)

(b)

( 6 )

( b)

( fc )

( b)

(b)

(*) (6 )

( b)

( 6 )

- (b)

( fc )

(6)

( fc >

Sept.

2.25

2.0

1.5

1.3

2.65

1.7

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.0

.8

.55

.5

.5

.55

.55

.5

.4

.4

.35

.3

.3

o

0

.1

.1

.1 (*)

Oct.

(*)

(« )

( b)

( b)

(»)

( ft )

(*)

(*)

( b)

( b )

w(b) (b)

0.3

( 6 )

w(")

w( fc )

(fc )

( fc )

(fc )

(fe)

( b)

(fe)

(*)

( b)

(fe)

(fe)

( b)

Nov.

( b)

('0

(&)

( b)

( & )

( 6)

( b)

( 6)

( b)

wlb)

( b)

(< )

a Water over gage.

b Water below gage.

c Station was closed on November 13, as gage was removed to construct new bridge.

Rating table for Little Missouri River near Camp Crook, S. Dak., from March 5 to November 13, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.10

.20

.30

.40

.50

.60

.70

.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1

3

6

11

18

28

40

54

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

71

90 '

110

132

156

182

210

239

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

270

302

335

370

406

443

482

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

'Discharge.

Kecond-feet.

522

563

605

648

691

735

779

IKK 130 05- -10
146 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

The preceding table is based upon 8 discharge measurements made during 1904. 

It is well denned between gage heights 0.40 foot and 2.60 feet. Discharges above 

gage height 3 feet are estimated 011 the basis of the extension of the discharge curve. 

Estimates below 0.40 foot gage height are uncertain.

Estimated monthly discharge of Little Missouri River near Camp Crook, 8. Dak., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 1,900 square miles.]

Month. 

March 5-31 .......

June, 28 days".... 

July » ............

October 6 .........

The period..

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,185 

2,185 

1,189 

3,180 

71

626 

6

Minimum.

605 

34 

23

28 

0

0 

0

Mean.

1,407 

454

157 

419 

35.8

113 

0.29

Total in 

acre-feet.

75, 350 

27, 020 

9,654 

23, 270 

2,201

6,724

18

144, 200

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.741 

.239 

.083 

221 

.019

.059 

.0002

Depth in 

inches.

0.744 

.267 

.096 

.230 

.022

.066 

.0002

a Water over gage June 6 and 7. No estimate made.

6 Water below gage; July 31 to August 31, September 30 to October 13, and October 16 to November 

13; estimated zero flow.

LITTLE MISSOURI RIVER NEAR MEDORA, N. DAK.

This station was established May 12, 1903, by F. E. Weymouth. It 

is located at the Northern Pacific Railway bridge, one-third mile west 

of the railroad station at Medora, N. Dak. A standard chain gage is 

located on the lower side of the railroad bridge at a point 91 feet from 

the initial point for soundings. The length of the chain from the end 

of the weight to the marker is 30.75 feet. The stream cross section 

having been changed by the railroad a new chain and weight length of 

31.12 feet was established on June 29, 1904, which made the reading 

agree with the timber gage. There is also a 1 by 6 inch vertical board 

gage, reading from 1 to 9 feet, nailed to a pile in the river about 200 

feet above the bridge. The gage is read once each day by W. A. 

Brubaker. Discharge measurements are made from the railroad bridge 

to which the gage is attached. The initial point for soundings is the 

left end of the guard rail on the lower side of the bridge. This point 

is 2.9 feet west of the east face of the concrete abutment. The guard 

rail is marked and numbered every 10 feet with white paint. The 

channel is straight for 100 feet above the station and for 300 feet 

below. The right bank is low and overflows at very high stages. 

The left bank is almost perpendicular and has a height of 30 feet above
BABE AND"] 

HOYT. J MISSOUEI EIVEE DEAINAGE BASIN. 147

gage datum. There is but one channel, broken by one to three piers, 

according to the stage of the river. The bed of the stream is of clay 

and sand and sometimes scours from 5 to 8 feet during floods. At 

ordinary stages the bed of the stream changes only slightly. About 

November 1, 1903, the cross section at the bridge was temporarily 

changed by the railroad company during repairs to the bridge, continuing several months. The bench mark is the top of the southwest 

corner of the concrete abutment on the left bank. Its elevation above 

gage datum is 30.11 feet. The top of the gage pulley is 31.05 feet 

above gage datum. The gage datum is about 2,230 feet above sea 

level, as determined by hand level from the railroad station at Medora, 

N. Dak.

The observations at this station during 1901 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Little Missouri River near Medora, N. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

April 12.......

June 30 .......

August 3 ......

August 4 «_....

September 7 «..

October 27 «...

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler ......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

E. F. Chandler ......

L. L. Wilcox ........

Width.

Feet. 

136

69

68

30

25

28

18

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

475

149

143

76

12

73

9

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.04

1.59

1.54

.25

.91

.37

2.36

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.91

4.16

4.04

3.21

3.20

3.30

3.23

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

1,444

236

221

19

11

27

21.5

a Measurement made by wading. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Little Missouri, River near Medora, N. Dak., for 1904-

Day.

1..............

9

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

10..............

13..............

15..............

17..............

Jan. a

3.6

3.4

-------

Feb.

3.0

.......

Mar.

4.8

5.0

5.6

5.0 

5.7

5.0

Apr.

6.5

7.0

6.5

6.3

6.2

6.8

6.7

5.8

4.5

4.5

4.3

4.3

4.3 

4.3

4.0

May.

4.2

4.0

4.0

3 Q

3 9

4 2

4.4

4.3

4.0

4.0

3.8

4.0 

4.0

3.9

June.

3.7

4.8

5.6

6.0

5.5

7.25

7.15

10.75

10. 75

7.9

6.25

5.55

4.85

4.2 

4.0

4.0

July.

4.2

4.2

4.0

4.0

3.8

4.3

4.4

4.0

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4 

3.4

3.4

Aug.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

2.8

2 9

3.0

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.1 

3.1

3.0

Sept.

3.3

3.4

3.3

3.4

3.3

3.9

4.0

4.0

3.8

3.8 

3.7

3.6

Oct.

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.5

2.4

3.5

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5 

3.5

3.4

Nov.

3 o

3.2

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2 

3.2

3.2

Dec.]

a River frozen from January 1 to March 12. Gage heights to under surface of ice.
148 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Littie Missouri River near Medora, N. Dak., for 1904 

Continued.

Day.

18..............

19..............

20..............

21..............

 »o

23..............

24..............

25

26..............

07

2*. .............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

3.0

3.0

Feb.

4.3

Mar.

5.8

5.3

P. n

5 n

6.0

5

rt

5.9

4.6

4.6

4.6

5.8

7.0

Apr.

4.0

3.8

4.8

4.6

" 3.8

3.8

3.5

3.5

4.4

May.

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.6

4.5

3.9

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

June.

4.0

3.9

3.8

3.8

4.1

4.2

July.

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

Aug.

v n

2.9

0 O

3.2

3.1

3.0

ao

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

Sept.

3.6

3.4

3.4

3.2

3.1

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.8

Oct.,

3.5

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.0

Nov.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

(«)

Dec.

a River frozen from November 27 to December 31, inclusive.

Rating table for Little Missouri River near Medora, N. Dak., from January 1 to December

31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

Discharge.

tiecond-feet.

15

27

44

64

86

110

136

164

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

195

229

266

307

352

400

452

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

507

566

628

694

763

836

912

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

992

1,076

1,163

1,252

1,343

1,436

1,530

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

6 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is fairly defined between gage 

heights 3.2 feet and 6 feet. The daily discharges for gage heights beyond these 

limits have been estimated.
BABB ANDT 

HOTT. J MISSOUBI RIVEB DEATNAGE BASIN. 149

Estimated monthly discharge of Little Missouri River near Medora, N. Dak., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 6,625 square miles.]

Month.

March 13-31 ........

May ...............

June ...............

July ...............

September ..........

October ............

November 1-26 ......

The period....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,480 

2,480 

352 

6,042 

352 

15 

307 

86 

27

Minimum.

452 

64

86 

110

27 

4 

4 

2 

10

Mean.

986 

797 

180 

1,193 

103 

10.1 

80.3 

33.1 

13.7

Total in 

acre-feet.

37, 160 

47, 420 

11, 070 

70,990 

6,333 

621 

4,778 

2, 035 

706

181, 100

Run-off.

Sec.-ft. 

Sq. mile.

0.149 

.120 

.027 ' 

.180 

.016 

.0015 

.012 

.0050 

.0021

Depth in 

inchesr

0. 105 

.134 

.031 

.201 

.018 

.0017 

.013 

.0058 

.0020

KNIFE RIVER AT BRONCHO, N. DAK.

This station was established May 29, 1903, by F. E. Weymouth. It 

is located about 600 feet east of H. M. Haven's ranch house, where the 

post-office is located. The station is about 23 miles north of Hebron, 

N. Dak., which is on the Northern Pacific Railway. The standard 

chain gage is located on the right bank, with the pulley fastened to a 

2 by 4 inch timber projecting horizontally. The length of the chain 

from the end of the weight to the leather marker is 29.89 feet. The hor 

izontal scale is marked with white paint and reads from zero to 16 feet 

The elevation of the center of pulley above gage zero is 18 feet. Two 

bench marks were established October 23, 1904. Bench mark No. 1 

is the top of the post holding shore end of horizontal gage rod: elevation 18.26 feet above gage zero. Bench mark No. 2 is cross cut in 

the top of a gray bowlder set flush with surface of the ground about 

5 feet behind crest of bank and in line with horizontal gage rod; elevation 27.27 feet. A temporary 2 by 4 inch vertical board gage is 

spiked to a tree on the right bank above the ford, three-fourths of a 

mile below the ranch. It reads from zero to 19.3 feet. The gage is 

read once each day by Sarah J. Smith. Discharge measurements are 

made from a car and i-inch cable with a span of 150 feet. The tag 

wire, consisting of barbed wire with zinc markers every 10 feet, is 

stretched about 5 feet east of the cable. The initial point for soundings is the post to which the right end of the tag wire is fastened. 

The channel is straight for 100 feet above the station and for 200 feet 

below. The current velocity is moderate. Both banks are high, with a 

few small trees and some brush. The bed of the stream is composed of 

sand and gravel and is probably fairly permanent. The bench mark 

for the temporary gage rod is a spike in the tree to which the gage is
150 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1901, PAET VII. [NO. 130.

fastened at an elevation of 19.25 feet above its zero. The gage zero 

is about 1,870 feet above sea level, as determined by carrying an aneroid 

barometer four times between this station and Hebron, N. Dak. The 

drainage area of Knife River at this station is 1,260 square miles.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Knife River at Broncho, JV. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

April 9 ........

July 2«........

August 6« ......

August 21«__...

August 24« .....

October 29 «....

Hydrographer.

E. F. Chandler.......

.....do ..............

E. F. Chandler.......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

87

16

11

27

26

13

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

616

23

6.2

9

7.4

10

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.27

.55

.47

.62

.57

.53

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

11.32

.86

.71

.85

.80

.88

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

2,012

13.5

2.9

5.6

4.2

5.2

a Measurement by wading. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Knife Riper at Broncho, N. Dale., for 1904-

Day.

1. ...................................

2....................................

3....................................

4......................... ..........

5....................................

6....................................

7...................................

8... . ..... .

V. .................................

10. ...................................

11.................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15......................... ..........

16....................................

17................ ...................

18.... ................................

I')....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22....................................

23....................................

25....................................

26.... ...............................

28

30. ..........\. .......................

31....................................

Apr.

4.80

6.90

10.20

15.20

18.40

16.00

14.40

12.40

11.40

9.40

9.70

9.40

8.80

6.70

5.40

4.60

3.70

2.80

2.20

1.80

1 80

1.70

1.60

1.80

2.00

2.00

9 9()

2 20

May.

2.90

2.70

2.40

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.80

1.70

1.60

1.50

1.40

1.40

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.25

1.20

1.15

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

June.

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.30

1.30

3.00

2.40

2.80

1.70

2.30

2.00

1.10

.70

.50

1.30

1.20

1.20

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1. 00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

July.

0.90

.85

.85

.85

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

1.00

1.10

1.00

1.00

.95

.90

.85

.85

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

Aug.

0.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80-

.80

.75

.75

.75

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.75

.80

.80

.75

.75

.75

.75

.70

.70

.70

.70

Sept.

0.75

.75

.75

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

. .70

Oct.

0.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70

.75

.75

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.80

.85

.85

.85

.85

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

Nov.

0.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90

.90
BABB AND"! 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 151

HEART RIVER NEAR RICHARDTON, N. DAK.

This station was established June 2, 1903, by F. E. Weymouth. 

It is located at the iron highway bridge 10 miles south of the Northern 

Pacific Railway station at Richardton, N. Dak. The standard chain 

gage is located on the lower side of the bridge. The scale, reading 

from 2 to 23 feet, is marked on the foot guard rail with wire staples 

ancl white paint marks. The length of the chain is 24.34 feet from 

the end of the weight to the marker. The gage is read once each day 

by W. F. Church. Discharge measurements are made from the 

bridge to which the gage is attached. The initial point for soundings 

is the end of the guard rail on the lower side of the bridge at the left 

bank. Distances are marked and numbered with white paint every 

10 feet across the entire length of the bridge. The channel is straight 

for 150 feet above and below the station. The current velocity is 

moderate. Both banks are high and covered with brush. The bed 

of the stream is sandy and shifting. The bench mark is the top of 

the foot guard rail at a distance of 45 feet from the initial point for 

soundings. Its elevation is 25.58 feet above gage datum. The top 

of the gage pulley has this same elevation. Gage datum is 2,150 feet 

above sea level, as determined by carrying an aneroid barometer six 

times between this point and the railroad station at Richardton.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak., in 1904.

Date.

April 12. ......

June 30 « ......

June 30 .......

August 4 &_..__

October 27 « ...

Hydrographer.

R. Richards and E.

F. Chandler. 

R. Richards .......

.....do ............

.....do ............

L. L. Wilcox ......

Width.

Feet. 

75

18

14

1-2

8

Area of 

section.

Square feet. 

541

13

21

0. 13-0. 51

4

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.40

1.16

.68

. 31-1. 00

.71

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

11.10

4.42

4.42

3.90

4.14

Discharge.

Kec.-Jeet. 

1,299

15

14.5

_ 2

2.8

a By wading. b By wading; average of 4 measurements.
152 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Mean daily gage Jteight, in feet, of Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak., for 1904-

Day.

1...... ..............................

o

S....... ............................

5.... ................................

6....................................

7....................................

8....................................

cj

10....................................

11....................................

12....................................

13....................................

14....................................

15....................................

16....................................

17....................................

19....................................

20....................................

21....................................

22...... ..............................

23....................................

25....................................

26....................................

°7

28... ....... ....... . .

29....................................

30....................................

31....................................

Apr

6.80

12.40

17.90

19.30

21. 50

20.30

17.10

14.70

12. 30

11.30

11.50

11.70

10.40

9.10

8.20

7.70

7.10

6.80

6.60

6.30

6.10

5.90

5 60

5.60

5.70

May.

5.70

5.70

5.60

5.50

5.40

5.20

5.20

5.10

5.00

4.90

4.90

4.80'

4.80

4.80

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.70

4.60

4.60

4.60

4 50

4.50

4.50

4.50

4.50

June.

4.50

4.50

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.70

6.60

7.10

6.20

6.00

5.80

5.60

5.50

5.40

5.30

5.20

4.90

4.70

4.60

4.50

4.50

4.60

4.80

4 80

4.70

4 60

4.50

4.50

4.40

4.40

July.

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.40

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.30

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

Aug.

3.90

3.90

3.91)

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.00

4.00

4.00

3.90

3.90

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

Sept.

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

3.90

Oct.

3.90

3.90

3.90

4.00

4.00

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

Nov.

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.20

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

4.10

Rating table for Heart River near Richardton, N. Dak., from January 1 to December

31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

0.2

1

2

4

8

13

19

26

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

34

43

53

64

75

87

100

114

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

128

142

15.7

172

187

203

219

235

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.30

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

7.00

 

Discharge.

Kecond-feet.

252

269

287

305

323

342

361

380

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

6 discharge measurements made during 1904 and 1 made in 1903. It is fairly well
EABB AND 

HOYT

ND~| 

. J

MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 153

denned between gage heights 3.9 feet and 5 feet. Above 5 feet all estimates are 

based upon a measurement at 11.1 gage height, and can only be considered as rough 

approximations.

Estimated monthly discharge of Heart River near Bichardton, N. Dak., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 1,250 square miles.]

Month.

Aprila.. ...........

May .............

July .............

August ...........

September ........

November ........

The period..

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,115 

157 

400 

13 

2 

1 

4. 

4

Minimum.

142 

19 

13 

0.2 

.2 

.2 

_ 2

2.0

Mean.

1, 128 

54.4 

87.6 

5.62 

.64 

,73 

2.14 

3.07

Total in 

acre-feet.

67, 120 

3,345 

5,213 

346 

39 

43 

132 

183

76, 420

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.902 

.044 

.070 

.0045* 

.00051 

.00058 

.OOJ7 

.0025

Depth in 

inches.

1.01 

.051 

.078 

.0052 

.00059 

.00065 

.0020 

.0028

a Discharge estimates April 1-15 are rough approximations. 

CANNON BALL RIVER NEAR STEVENSON, N. DAK.

This station was established June 10, 1903, by F. E. Weymouth. 

It is located one-half mile west-northwest of the post-office at Stevenson, in sec. 20, T. 133 N., R. 82 W., and is about 40 miles south of 

Mandan, N. Dak. The standard chain gage is located on the left 

bank. The pulley is fastened to a horizontal timber at a point 10.08 

feet from the zero of the scale. The length of the chain from the 

end of the weight to the end of the chain and ring is 26.09 feet. It is 

read once each day by Donald Stevenson. Discharge measurements 

are made from a f-inch wire cable and car about 200 feet above 

the gage. The left end of the cable is supported by a post 3 feet 

above ground and 10 feet back from, the crest of the bank, and is 

fastened to a 4-foot log anchor buried in the ground. This end of 

the cable is about 34 feet above gage datum. The right end of the 

cable is attached to a 13-inch cotton wood tree at a point 12 feet above 

ground and 30 feet above the gage datum. The tree is guyed by a 

cable attached to a log anchor buried in the ground. A tag wire, 

consisting of barbed wire with zinc markers every 10 feet, is stretched 

above the cable. The initial point for soundings is a point 2 feet back 

from the cable support on the left bank. The channel is straight for 

100 feet above the station and for 400 feet below. The current velocity 

is sluggish at ordinary stages. The right bank is low and is a gradual
154 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PAJIT VII. [NO. 130.

slope up from the water's edge. It is covered with timber and brush. 

The left bank is steep and about 25 feet high. Bench mark No. 1 is the 

highest point of a bowlder, whose dimensions are 6 by 8 feet, located 

in the stream about 600 feet below the gage, toward the right bank. 

Its elevation above gage datum is 4.84: feet. Bench mark No. 2 is on 

the post to which the shore end of the horizontal gage rod is attached. 

It is the top surface of notch in which the gage rod rests. Elevation 

15.99 feet above gage zero. Bench mark No. 3 is the top of the projecting pulley carrying the chain. Elevation 15.70 feet above gage 

zero. The datum of the gage is about 1,700 feet above sea level, as 

determined by carrying an aneroid barometer six times between this 

station and Mandan, N. Dak. The drainage area of Cannon Ball 

River at this station is 3,650 square miles. The bed of the stream consists of clay, soft mud, and loose stones, and is probably somewhat 

shifting. The depth varies from 2 to 5 feet at ordinary stages.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of E. Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Cannon Ball River near Stevenson, N. Dak., in 1904.

Date.

April 10 .......

July 4.........

August 1 « .....

October 25 «...

Hydrographer.

E.F. Chandler.......

ards. 

E.F. Chandler.......

R. Richards .........

L. L. Wilcox ........

Width.

Feet. 

158

104

37

34

7

Area of 

section.

Square ft. 

686

156

30

21

3.8

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.45

.46

.20

.25

.92

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.18

3.24

2.65

2.64

" 2.58

Discharge.

Serond-ft. 

2,366

72

6

5.2

3.5

a Measurement made by wading. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Cannon Ball River near Stevenson, N. Dak., for 1904.

Day.

1..............

o

3..............

4..............

5..............

6.............. 

7..............

8..............

9.............. 

10..............

11.............:

12......"........

13..............

14..............

Jan.a

-------

Feb.

.......

Mar.

.......

Apr.

67.8

9.1

d7.8

6.6

7 2

7.3

7.3 

7.5

6.6

5.7

5.4

5.2

May.

3.7

3.7

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.5 

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

June.

3.2

<-3.6

5.7

6.6

6.3

6.2 

5.6

3.9

^6.3 

<-6.7

5.6

5.2

5.0

4.7

July.

3.6

3.4

3.3

3.4

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0 

3.0

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.1

Aug.

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2 4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3 

2.3

2.0

1.8

Sept.

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.8

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.1 

2.0

2.0

2.1

. 2.1

Oct.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.3 

2.2

2.2

2.3 

2.3

2.4

2.6

O fi

2.6

Nov.

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9 

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

Dec.

a River frozen over from January 1 to April 4. 

b Old ice still solid.

< Heavy rains. 

d Ice all out.
BABB AND"] 

HOTT. J

MISSOURI RIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 155

Mean daily gage height, infect, of Cannon Ball River near Stevenson, N. Dak., in 1904 

Continued.

Day.

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20. ...... .......

21..............

 >0

23..............

24..............

05

26..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan. Feb.

.......

Mar.

b5.9

&6.8

Apr.

4 9

4.2

4 *>

4.4

4.2

4 2

4.1

4.1

4.0

4.0 

4.0

3 Q

3

Q

3 7

3 7

o 7

May.

3.4

3.4

3.3

q o

3.3

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

3 A

3.2

June.

4.7

4.5

4.2

3.8

3.9

3.9

3.6

3

R

3

K.

3.5 

3.6

3.6

 ^ A

3.2

^ 1

July.

2.9

2.9

9 9

9 9

2.8

2.8

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.6

Aug.

1.8

2.2

2.9

2 9

2.7

2 7

2.6

2.6

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.4

O Q

Sept.

9 2

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.6 

2.6

2.6

2.7

. 2.7

2.6

Oct.

2.6

3.1

3.1

3.4

3.4

3.3

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6 

9 7

9 7

2.6

'2.6

2.8

2.8

Nov.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6 

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

/ ~\

Dec.

.......

a Heavy rains. 

f> Water on top ice.

< River frozen over from November 29 to December 31, inclusive.

GRAND RIVER NEAR SEIM, S. DAK.

This station was established June 6, 1904, by F. M. Madden. It is 

located just below the junction of North and South forks of Grand 

Kiver, near Seim, S. Dak. An inclined gage in two sections graduated 

to read direct to feet and tenths is fastened to a tree and posts set into 

the left bank. It is read daily by James McGee. Discharge measurements are made by wading or by the use of floats during high water. 

The initial point for soundings is the 3-foot mark of the gage. ,The 

channel is curved for about 200 feet above and 300 feet below the station, and the current is swift. The right bank is low, covered with 

scattering trees, and is subject to overflow. The left bank is high, 

clean, and does not overflow. The bed of the stream is composed of 

sand and gravel, free from vegetation, and permanent. There is but 

one channel at high water. During low stages there are three channels above and one below the gage. The slope of the channel is 5.89 

feet to the mile, as determined from a 600-foot section at station. 

Bench mark No. 1 is a railroad spike in the tree to which the upper 

portion of the gage is attached. Its elevation is 9.10 feet above the 

zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is a railroad spike driven into.a 

cottonwood tree 125 feet from the left bank opposite the gage. Its 

elevation is 14.08 feet above the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.
156 STBEAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Discharge measurements of Grand River near Seim, S. Dak., in 1904.

Bate.

June 6 ........

July 14 « ......

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden .......

.....do ..............

Width.

feet. 

130

20

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

171

6.5

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.58

.69

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.45

1.60

Discharge.

See. feet. 

441

4.5

a 50 feet above station. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Grand River near Seim, S. Dak., for 1904.

Day.

1....................................................

2....................................................

3....................... ............................

4....................................................

b.... ................................ ................

6....................................................

7....................................................

8....................................................

9....................................................

10....................................................

11....................................................

12....................................................

13....................................................

14....................................................

15....................................................

16....................................................

17....................................................

18....................................................

20.............................. .....................

°1 *>

2°

23....................................................

24....................................................

25....................................................

26....................................................

27.....................................................

28...... ..............................................

29....................................................

30....................................................

31....................................................

June.

3.45

3.0

4.0

3.9

3.6

3.1

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

July.

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

1.6

(«)

1.6

1.6

1.6

-1.6

(«)

Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov.

« Water below gage July 15.and from July 21 to November 19. 

MOREAU RIVER NEAR BIXBY, S. DAK.

This station was established June 4, 1904, by F. M. Madden. It is 

located about 1,000 feet below the ford one-fourth mile southeast of 

Bixby, S. Dak. A plain staff gage is driven in an inclined position 

as far as possible into the bed of the stream and firmly spiked to two
BABB AND ~| 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 157

small trees upon the right bank. In order to read gage heights in 

floods, the gage is continued on a large cottonwood tree, 50 feet from 

the lower rod, and divided so as to read direct. The gage is read once 

each day by J. A. Hudgins. Discharge measurements are made at 

ordinary stages by wading, and at flood water by means of floats. 

The initial point for soundings is the T-foot mark on the gage. The 

channel is straight for about 300 feet above and curved for 300 feet 

below the station. The current is swift, becoming sluggish below the 

station at low water. The right bank is high, timbered, and does not 

overflow. The left bank is timbered and subject to overflow in extreme 

high water. The bed of the stream, composed of sandstone, containing much clay and fine sand, is free from vegetation and permanent. 

There is but one channel at all stages. Bench mark No. 1 is a railroad 

spike driven into and near the base of a cottonwood tree 75 feet from 

the gage on the right bank. Its elevation is 13.98 feet above the zero 

of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is a railroad spike driven into and 

near the base of a cottonwood tree 100 feet from the gage and 75 feet 

downstream from the first bench mark. Its elevation is 13.95 feet 

above the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904: have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Moreau River near Bixby, 8. Dak. , in 1904-

Date.

June 4 « .......

June 7 a .......

June 8 a .......

July 12........

July 12........

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden.......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

86

87

85

46

82

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

225

251

199

10

117

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.80

3.07

2.66

1.00

1.22

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.6

3.9

3.3

1.5

2.25

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

631

771

530

10

143

« Flood measurement.
158 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 190*, PART \U [NO. 130.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Moreau River near Bixby, >S. Dak'., for 1904.

Day.

1....................................................

2....................................................

3....................................................

4....................................................

5....................................................

6. ...................................................

7...-.-.--....-.-.........---.-.................-....

8....................................................

9....................................................

10....................................................

U.................. ..................................

12. ...................................................

13. ...................................................

14....................................................

15....................................................

16....................................................

17....................................................

18....................................................

19. ...................................................

20. ...................................................

21....................................................

22....................................................

OQ

24.................... ...............................

25. ...................................................

26....................................................

27. ..................................................

28. .................................. . . .......

29

on

01

June.

3.0

4.6

4.3

3.0

3.8

3.8

4.1

2.8

2.3

2.0

2.0

" 1.9

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

July.

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

Aug.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.3

Sept.

1.8

4.0

2.7

2.0

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 3

1.3

1.3

Oct.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1 2

1 2

1 2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1 2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1 °

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Nov.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

i Q

1.3

1.3

1.3

(a)

i Frozen November 27.

Rating table for Moreau River near Bixby, S. Dak., from June 5 to December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1. 30

1.35

1.40

1.45

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

0

2

4

 7

10

18

30

46

64

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

84

104

128

156

184

212

240

272

304

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

340

378

418

458

500

544

588

632

676

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

722

770

818

866

914

966

1,018

1,070

1,122
1:5ABB AND 

HOYT,

ND~| 

 J

MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 159

The preceding table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based 

 ipon 5 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is fairly well defined between 

,-age heights 1.5 feet and 4 feet. The table has been extended beyond these limits.

Estimated monthly discharge of Moreau River near Blxby, S. Dak., for 1904-

Month.

."une 5-30. ...........................

"uly .................................

September ...........................

October ..............................

" Tovember . ...........................

Discharge in second -feet.

Maximum.

1,122 

84 

0 

818 

0 

0

Minimum.

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

Mean.

234 

14.6 

.0 

46.0 

.0 

.0

Total in 

acre-feet.

12, 070 

898 

0 

2,737 

0 

0

CHEYENNE RIVER AT EDGEMONT, S. DAK.

This station was established June 19, 1903, by R. F. Walter. It is

ocated at the highway bridge just downstream from the Burlington

^.nd Missouri River Railroad bridge. It is just above the junction of

Cottonwood Creek and Cheyenne River. The gage is a vertical 2 by

 t inch timber graduated to feet and tenths, and fastened by bolts and 

iron bands to the downstream side of the middle steel pier of the 

bridge. The observer to September 1 was Loyd Stewart, who read the 

o-age once each day. Hebert Wiedenfeld has beenthe observer since 

September 1, 1901. Discharge measurements are made from the 

'lighway bridge. The initial point for soundings is a brass-headed 

'.ack surrounded by four similar tacks in the first post of the hand rail 

on the west end of the bridge. The channel is straight above and 

below the station, and the current velocity is low. The right, bank is 

high enough to prevent overflow, and is cleared. The left bank is low 

and subject to overflow; it has a few scattered trees. The bed of the 

stream is sandy and shifting. The water flows in two channels at low

 vater and in one at high stages. Bench mark No. 1 is a nail sur-

 ^ounded by a circle of brass tacks driven into a knot on the south 

nde of a cottonwood tree 250 feet north of the north end of the 

.wagon bridge. Its elevation above the zero of the gage is 11.29 feet. 

r *ench mark No. 2 is the corner of the abutment at the north end of 

'he railroad bridge. It is on the fourth step of the abutment and on 

'-.he corner on the east side away from the bridge. Its elevation above 

'he zero of the gage is 20.23 feet. The drainage area above the sta4 ion is 7,350 square miles.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

'he direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.
160 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Discharge menmrements of Cheyenne Hirer at Edgemont, S. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

May 14........

May 26........

June 18........

August 6 ......

September 16..

HycLrogrdpher.

F. M. Madden........

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

feet. 

29

66

147

146

5.5

11

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

15

29

266

212

1.5

3.2

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.4

1.24

2.79

2.48

.67

1.06

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.75

2.00

3.40

3.20

1.35

1.60

Discharge.

Sec.-fcd.

21

36

743

526

1

3.4

Mean daily gnge height, in feet, of Cheyenne River at Edgemont, 8. Dak., 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..................

Mar.

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

Apr.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1 9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.5

1 t\

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

May.

3.5

3.35

3.0

3.65

3.15

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

6.4

5.7

3.8

3.55

3 OK

3

O

3.1

3 A

9 9

3.2

June. "

5.6

4.9

6.2

5.0

3.95

3.55

3.3

5.85

4.25

3.7

3.25

2.8

2.4

2.2

3.55

3.3

2.8

2.4

2.2

2.1

3.8

3

<

3.0

2.6

9 4

2 9

9 7

2.5

July.

2.3

6.0

5.55

3.75

2.9

5.3

4.7

4.4

3.7

3.5

4.1

3.4

3.0

2.7

2

K

2.3

2.0

2.0

1 9

2.0

1 9

1.8

1 S

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

Aug.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

3 A

Sept.

3.6

2.8

2.3

2.9

2.4

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1 4

1 Q

1 9

1.7

Oct.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.8

2.0

2.6

2.7

2.5

2.4

2.2

2.0

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1 K

1.5

Nov."

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.8

1.8

2.0

2.2

2.3

2

0

2 4

2.4

Dec."

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

« River frozen November 27 to December 31. 

SPRING CREEK NEAR RAPID, S. DAK.

This station was established June 27, 1903, by R. F. Walter. It is 

located on the highway from Eapid to Hermosa, on the property of Frank
BABB AND"! 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 161

Blair. The gage is an upright 2 by 1 inch timber spiked to a tree at 

the water's edge about 100 feet above a small plank footbridge from 

which measurements of discharge are sometimes made. The gage is 

read once each day by Lyda Blair. The channel is straight for 100 feet 

above and 75 feet below the station. The water is sluggish above and 

below the footbridge, but has a high velocity where measurements are 

made. Both banks are low and subject to overflow. At the station 

the bed of the stream is gravelly; above and below this point it has a 

muddy bottom. Bench mark No. 1 is a steel nail driven into the tree 

to which the gage is attached. Its elevation is 2.11 feet above the zero 

of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is a steel nail driven into the base of 

a tree about 50 feet upstream from the gage. Its elevation is 4.11 feet 

above the zero of the gage. Bench-mark No. 3 is a steel nail driven 

into the roots of a tree about 75 feet downstream from the gage. Its 

elevation is 3.36 feet above the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1901 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrogapher.

Discharge measurements of Spring Creek near Rapid, S. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

May 17 « ......

June 26........

September 24 . .

Hydrographer.

F.M. Madden........

.....do ..............

.....do'..............

.....do -..__.. ........

Width.

Feet. 

16

22

19

16

Area of 

section.

Sy.feet. 

11

43

21

16

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.58

2 72

.67

.38

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.93

2.10

1.10

.90

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

6.4

117

14

6

a Measurement by wading. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Spring Creek near Rapid, S. Dak., for 1904-'

Day.

\

2...... ......................

3............................

4.... .........................

5............................

6............................

7............................

8............................

9...................:........

10............................

11............................

12............................

13............................

14............................

15............................

16............................

Mar. Apr.

0.8

.7

(«)

CO

CO

CO

CO

CO

CO

CO

(«)

CO

CO

CO

CO

(a]

May.

CO

CO

CO

0.7

9

9

1.0

9

9

 9

9

.9

June.

1.5

. 1.5

0 0

2.5

2.5

o 9

o 9

2.5

2.8

3.0

2.8

Ju'y.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.5'

1.5

1.5

1.5

*3.4

1.8

1.8

1.5

Aug.

1.2

1-2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.3

1.1

1.1

Sept.

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.9

.9

1.0

.9

.9

.9

Oct.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

1.0

1.0

1.0

Nov.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.9

.7

.9

.9

.9

.8

.9

.9

a Dry. 63p.m. 

IBB 130 05 11

gage height 4,3 feet; 6 p. m., gage height 2.5 feet.
162 STREAM MEASUREMENTS TOR 1904,, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Spring Creek near Rapid, S. Dak., for 1904 

Continued.

Bay.

19

21............................

00

23............................

24............................

25............................

26............................

28............................

29............................

30............................

31............................

Mar.

9

1.0

9

(«)

g

.S

Apr.

(")

(«)

(«)

(«>

[ a \

(«)

(«)

(«>

(«)

(«)

(")

(«)

i«)

May.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

r.o

1.0

1.0

1.3

1.2

1.2

June.

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.2

 i >)

2.4

2.3

1 9

1.8

July.

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

Aug.

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Sept.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

Oct.

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

Nov.

0.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.9

.8

.8

.8

.9

1.0

.8

" Dry.

Rating table for Spring Creek near Rapid, /S'. Dak., from June 27, 1903, to December 31,

1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.50

.60

.70

.80

.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

Discharge.

St'cimd-fet't.

1.0

1.5

2.5

4.0

6. 0

10

15

21

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

29

37

47

57

- 67

79

91

103

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.10

2. 20

2. 30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

Discharge.

Second-fed.

117.

131

145

160

175

190

206

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

222

238

255

272

289

307

325

The above table is applicable only.for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

7 discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is not well defined.
BABB AND 

HOST

ND~| 

. J

MISSOUEI EIVEE DEAINAGE BASIN. 163

Estimated monthly discharge of Spring Creek near Rapid, S. Dak., for 1903 and 1904. 

[Drainage area, 205 square miles.]

Month.

1903. 

July ...............

1904. 

March 18-31.. ......

May ...............

June ...............

July ....:...........

October ............

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

29 

15 

10 

6 

10 

10

10 " 4 

29 

255 

325 

29 

21 

10 

10

Minimum.

10 

6 

6 

6 

0 

2

0 

0 

0 

47 

21 

10 

6 

6 

, 2.5

Mean.

14.8 

10.0 

6.73 

6.00 

4.03 

5.26

4.39

Or 22 

10.6 

161 

58.5 

15.5 

8.03 

8.32 

6.75

Total in 

acre-feet.

910 

615 

400 

369 

240 

198

2,732

122 

13 

652 

9,580 

3,597 

953 

478 

512 

402

16,310

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.072 

.049 

, .033 

.029 

.020 

.026

.021 

.0011 

.052 

.785 

.285 

.076 

.039 

.041 

.033

Depth in 

inches.

0.083 

.056 

.037 

.033 

.022 

.018

.011 

.0012 

.060 

.876 

.329 

.088 

.044 

.047 

.037

RAPID GREEK AT RAPID, 8. DAK.

This station was established June 10, 1903, by E. F. Walter. It 

is located at a wagon bridge one-half mile downstream from the 

Rapid River Milling Company's mill and one-fourth mile north of 

the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railway. The gage is a 

vertical 2 by 4 inch timber, securely spiked to a timber at the south 

abutment of the bridge. It is graduated to feet and tenths by means 

of brass-headed tacks. The observer, John Merritts, reads the gage 

twice each day. Discharge measurements are made from the downstream side of the wagon bridge. The initial point for soundings is a 

brass-headed tack surrounded by four similar tacks driven into the 

downstream face of the end post at the south end of the bridge. The 

channel is straight for 150 feet above and 100 feet below the 'station. 

The banks are 12 to 15 feet high, and will overflow only at extreme
164 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

high water. The bed of the stream is muddy, with embedded bowlders. 

At high water the stream flows in two channels, one of which is 

extremely small. The river is subject to rapid fluctuations in height, 

owing to the opening and closing of head-gates of a power plant above 

the station. Bench mark No. 1 is the top of a nail driven flush with the 

surface of the top of a low post at the south end of the bridge. Its 

elevation above the zero of the gage is 12.73 feet. Bench mark No. 2 

is the upper surface of the lowest timber of the front doorsill of a 

house owned by Mr. Feigel. Its elevation above the zero of the gage 

is 18.12 feet. This is the first house on the west side of the road going 

north from the bridge. New bench marks were established at this 

station in spring of 1904, as the first ones established were apt to be 

disturbed. Bench mark No. 1, elevation 13.92 above zero of gage, is 

on a railroad spike driven near the base of the second tree from the 

southeast corner of dwelling, across the street from the School of Mines 

dormitory. Bench mark No. 2, elevation 12.81 above zero of gage, is 

on a railroad spike driven near the base of the first tree from the 

corner, south of the School of Mines dormitory.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter^ resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Rapid Creek at Rapid, 8. Dak., in 1904.

Date.

March 26 ......

March 28 ......

April 23 .......

May 18........

June 21 .......

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden .......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

F. C. Magrurler ......

F. M. Madden .......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet.

33

33

34

37

41

35

32

36

Area of 

section.

Sq.fect.

55

55

64

60

131

114

70

49

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.97

.91

2.20

2 12

5.08

3.80

1.30

1.82

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.7

1.7

2.2

2.15

3.8

2.8

1.65

1.6

Discharge.

Sfc.-feet. 

53

50

141

127

665

433

91

89

a Wading. t> Channel changed.
BASS AND 

HOYT;ND ] MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 165

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Rapid Creek at Rapid, S. Dak., for 1904-

Day.

1..............

9

3..............

4..............

5..............

'6..............

7..............

8.............. 

9. .............

10..........!....

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18'.. ............

19..............

20..............

21..............

23..............

24..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.i Feb.

.......

Mar.

1 9

1.85

1.7

1.7

1.68

2.0

1.95

Apr.

1.95

1.92

1.92

2.0

2.C8

2.02

2.0

2.08 

2.08

t> Qg

2.15

2.2

2.18

2.15

2.15

2.12

2.15

2. 15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.15

2.14

May.

2.18

2.20

2.25

2.22

2.2

2.23

2.25

2.25 

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2 2

 i >

2.15

O O'>

2 <w

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.2

2.2

June.

2.22

2.3

2.5

2.82

3.45

4.3

3.7

3.55 

3.5

3 A

3.45

3.4

3.35

3.2

3.12

3.08

2.95

2.85

2.8

2.68

2.58

2.52

July.

2.45

2.3

2.35

2.32

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25 

2.22

2.2

2.12

2.22

2.08

2.00

1.92

1.92

1.88

1 Qfl

1.88

1.85

1.78

1.85

1.7

1.72

1 7fi

1.68

1.75

Aug.

1.68

1.62

1.58

1.68

1.62

1.68

1.6

1.52 

1.6

1.5

1.58

1.6

1.52

1.55

1.55

1.62

1.65

1.45

1 JS

1.48

1.48

1.45

1.45

1.38

1 P»

' 1.42

Sept.

1.8

2.15

1.85

1.72

1.68

1.48

1.65

1.55 

1.58

1.45

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.52

1.55

1.62

1.45

1.5

1.6

1.42

1.48

1 1>i

1 p»

1.55

1.62

1.48

1.48

Oct.

1.55

1.55-

1.6

1.48

1.55

1.55

1.65

1.62 

1.58

1.58

1.6

1.65

1.7

1.68

1.65

1.7

1.62

1.68

1.6

1.62

1.58

1.6

1.6

1.6

Nov.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.58

1.58

1.5 

1.6

1.6

1.58

1.6

1.6

1.58

1.62

1.6

1.62

1.62

1.6

1.65

1.65

1.58

1.6

1.62

1.62

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.62

1.55

Dec.

1.58

(*>)

(*)

( & )

(*>)

1.48

1.45

1.48 

1.55

1.58

1.65

1.5

1.62

1.55

1.48

1.45

1.52

1.38

1.48

1.38

1.45

1.35

1.58

1.68

I*)

I*)

( b )

w(ft)

1.5

1.62

a River frozen January 1 to March 19, inclusive. b Frozen.

Rating table for Rapid Creek at Rapid, S. Dak., from January 1 to June 6, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

50

66

83

101

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

120

141

164

190

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.50

2.60

2.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

220

254

286

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.80

2.90 J

3.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

318

350

382

NOTE. The flood on June 7, 1904, changed the channel so as to require a new table for the remainder of the year. Neither table is accurate.

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

9 discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is fairly well defined 

between gage heights 1.7 feet and 2.3 feet. The table has been extended beyond 

these limits. Above gage height 2.5 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference 

being 32 per tenth.
166 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOB 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Rating table for Rapid Creek at Rapid, S. Dak., from June 7 to December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

66

76

86

99

116

Gage " 

height.

Feet.

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

136

159

183

210

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

239

269

300

332

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

364

396

428

460

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

4 discharge measurements made during 1904, aad is drawn parallel to the curve for 

the first part of 1904. It is not well defined. Above gage height 2.5 feet the rating 

curve is a tangent, the difference being 32 per tenth.

Estimated monthly discharge of Rapid Creek at Rapid, S. Dak., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 410 square miles.]

Month.

March 20-31.. ......

April...............

May ...............

June ...............

July ...............

October ............

The period . . .

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

101 

141 

153 

798 

284 

96 

196 

99 

92 

96

Minimum.

47 

87 

120 

146 

96 

64 

68 

74 

76 

62

Mean.

70.1 

120 

142 

434 

175 

81.3 

88.0 

86.8 

85.5 

79.2

Total in 

acre-feet.

1,668 

7,140 

8,731 

25, 820 

10,760 

4,999 

5,236 

5,337 

5,088 

4,870

79,650

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.171 

.293 

.346 

1.06 

.427 

.198 

.215 

.212 

.209 

.193

Depth in 

inches.

0.076 

.327 

.399 

1.18 

.492 

.228 

.240 

.244 

.233 

.222

a River frozen December 2-5 and 25-29. Discharge estimated. 

BOX ELDER CREEK AT BLACKHAWK, S. DAK.

This station was established June 2f, 1903, by K. F. Walter. It is 

located at the bridge on the road leading past the church at Blackhawk. It is about 2 miles downstream from the point at which Box 

Elder Creek crosses the road from Rapid to Piedmont. The gage is 

a vertical timber graduated to feet and tenths and securely spiked to a 

pile on the upstream side of the east end of the bridge. The gage 

is read once each day by Roy H. Haedt. Discharge measurements
BABB AND"! 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 167

are best made by wading. The initial point for soundings is a brass 

tack driven into the hand rail vertically above the gage. The channel 

is straight for 150 feet above the station and curved for 75 feet below. 

Both banks are high and cleared, but may overflow in extremely high 

water. The bed of the stream is stony, with soft mud along the edges. 

There is considerable water grass just below the station. Bench 

mark No. 1 is a steel spike driven in a large fence post, about 6 inches 

above its base, at the corner of the barnyard, 300 feet east of the station. Its elevation is 16.81 feet above the zero of the gage. Bench 

mark No. 2 is a steel spike driven into the south gatepost, about 6 

inches above its base. This gate is located near a house about 500 

feet from the station, along the road toward Rapid. The elevation of 

the bench mark above the zero of the gage is 16.81 feet. Bench mark 

No. 3 is on drift bolt driven in base of large cottonwood tree on right 

bank, about 75 feet upstream from bridge, and its elevation is 1.34 

feet above zero of gage. The drainage area above the station is 157 

square miles.

The observations at this station during 1901 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Bo.r Elder Creek at Blackltawk, >S'. Dak., in 1904.

Date.

June 7 ........

June 26 « ......

August 15 .....

September 24 . .

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden ......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

47

39

12

12

Area of 

section.

ftq.ffet. 

170

74

5.7

7.3

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per gee. 

2 22

1.23

.79

.64

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.80

1.90

.70

.82

Discharge.

Fee. feet.

91

4.5

4.7

« Drift, interfered with flow. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Box Elder Creek at Blackhawk, 8. Dak., for 1904.

Day. Apr.

1....................................

9

3....................................

4..... ...............................

5....................................

7....................................

S... .................................

9

10....................................

11....................................

-in

13

14....................................

May.

0.95

1.0

1.05

1.3

1.3

1 ^

1.3

1.3

1 1

1.3

1 ^

1.3

1.35

June.

1.35

1.4

1.4

1.85

4. 25

4.5

3.9

3.45

Q i

3.35

t 9

2.75

Jufy.

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.43

1.4

1.6

1.55

1.65

1.55

Aug.

0.95

- .95

.95

g

.9

.85

.85

.85

.85

.8

.8

,75

.75

Sept.

0.75

.75

.75

.75

.78

.78

.75

.75

.75

.85

.88

.9

.9

.9

Oct

0.83

.83

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.86

.85

.85

.83

.83

Nov.

0.68

.65

-.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

,65

.65

Dec.

0.75

.75

.75
168 STREAM MEASUREMENTS fOR 1904, PART Vlt. [NO. 130.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Box Elder Creek at Blackhawk, S. Dak., for 1904-

Continued.

Day.

15 ...........................

19

23............................

24............................

25............................

26............................

27............................

28...... ......................

29

30............................

31.............................

Apr.

0.8

.8

.95

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

.95

May.

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.35

1.3

1.38

1.44

1.4

1.35

1 Q

1.3

1.3

June.

2.68

2.6

2 25

0 9

2. 15

2.15

2.0

2.3

2.0

2.0

1.8

1 7K

1.7

July/

1.45

1 q

1 q

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.2T

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.1

1.05

1.0

.95

Aug-.

0 7

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

. 75

Sept.

9

9

.88

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.83

Oct.

0.83

.83.

.83

.83

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.8

.78

.75

.75

.73

Nov.

0.65

.65

.05

.65

.65

.75

7^

.75

.75

Dec.

........

.

NOTE: .River frozen January 1 to April 17 and December 4 to 31.

Rating table for Bo.c Elder Creek at Blackhawk, fi. Dak., from June 27, 1903, to December 31, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.55

.60

.65

.70

.75

.80

.85

.90

.95

1.00

1.10

1.20

Discharge,

Second-feet,

0.0

. 5

1.0

1.5

2.5

4

6

8

10

12

17

23

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

31

39

47

57

67

78

90

102

114

126

140

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

154

168

182

198

214

230

246

262

278

294

310

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 ,

Discharge.

Second feet.

326

342

358

374

392

410

428

446

464

482

500

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

6 discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is fairly well defined.
AND'

HOYT. MISSOTTKI EIVEE DKAIHAGE 169

Estimated monthly discharge of Box Elder Creek at Blackhawk, S. Dak., for 1903 and

1904.

[Drainage area, 157 square miles.]

Month.

1903. 

July ...............

August .............

November ..........

1904. 

April 18-30.........

May ...............

June ...............

July ...............

October ............

November ..........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

31 

17

8 

4 

.5

17 

42 

500 

62 

10 

8 

6 

2.5

Minimum.

8 

8 

4 

.5 

.5

4 

10 

35 

10 

1.5 

2.5 

1.5 

1.0

Mean.

14.6 

10.6 

6.60 

2. 71 

.50

12.0 

28.5 

182 

36.2 

4.03 

5.46 

4.62 

1.33

Total in 

acre-feet.

898 

652 

393 

167 

30

2,140

309 

1, 752 

10, 830 

2,226 

248 

325 

284 

79

16, 050

Kun-ofE.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.093 

.068 

.042 

.017 

.0032

.076 

.182 

1.16 

.231 

.026 

.035 

.029 

.0085

Depth in 

inches.

0.107 

.078 

.047 

.020 

,.0036

.037 

.210 

1.29 

.266 

.030 

.039 

.033 

.0095

BELLE FOURCHE RIVER AT BELLE FOURCHE, S. DAK.

This station was established May 26, 1903, by R. F. Walter. It is 

located at the county highway bridge on the western outskirts of 

Belle Fourche, S. Dak. The gage consists of a 2 by 4 inch vertical 

timber spiked to a pile on the north side of the bridge on the third 

bent from the east end. It is graduated to feet and tenths. The footmarks are copper figures and the tenths are marked with brass tacks. 

The gage is read twice each day by Ra}miond Giles. Discharge measurements are made from the north side of the bridge. The initial 

point for soundings is the center of the north pile in the first bent on 

the east side. The channel is straight for about 225 feet above the 

station and for 300 feet below. The current is swift. The left bank 

is high, with a few scattered trees. The right bank is low and subject 

to overflow at flood stages. It is sparsely wooded. The bed of the 

stream is of gravel and is permanent. The water flows in a single 

channel except at low stages, when it is divided by a gravel bar below
170 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

the bridge. The original bench mark No. 1 was a spike in a cottonwood tree on the east bank 50 feet downstream from the bridge. Its 

elevation was 8.016 feet above the zero of the gage. On May 21, 

1904:, this spike was removed and a railroad spike was driven into the 

same tree about a foot above the base. Its elevation is 8.05 feet above 

the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is the top of the iron breakwater on the east pier of the railroad bridge, which is 300 feet below 

the highway bridge. Its elevation is 8.13 feet above the zero of the 

gage. The drainage area above the station is 3.250 square miles. A 

United States Geological Survey standard bench-mark post located in 

the Butte County court-house yard has an elevation of 3,011.34:5 feet 

above sea level, and is 18. TO feet above the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904: have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Belle Fourche River at Belle Fourche, 8. Dak., in 1904.

Date.

March 19 ......

March 22 ......

March 29 ------

April 12.......

May 19 "......

May 21 «.___..

May 24........

May 25........

June 3 ........

June 5 ........

June 10 .......

July 1. ........

July 20« ......

July 30........

August 17" ....

August 30 « ....

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden.......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ...............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

W. C. Woods ........

F. C. Magruder ......

.....do .. ...........

.....do ..............

F. M. Madden.......

.....do ..............

......do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

121

121

82

90

73

64

100

126

135

141

135

92

80

58

17

20

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

194

186

85

92

112

90

176

380

491

1,166

424

124

70

48

12

18

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec.

3.07

2.81

1.94

1.80

1.48

1.83

2.45

3.78

4.71

4.67

4.69

2.61

1.43

1.62

2 17

3.44

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.30

3. 10

2.15

o oo

2.10

2.10

2.78

4.45

5. 60

10.55

5.10

2.60

1.80

1.55

1.10

1.50

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

596

523

165

166

166

165

431

1,436

2,314

5, 444

1,987

324

100

78

26

63

a Wading at different sections.
BABB AND

HOYT ND ] MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. '171

Mean daily gage height, in feet., of Belle Fourche River at Belle Fourche, 8. Dnk.,for 1904.

Day.

i

2.. ...........

3.......... ..

5.............

6.............

7 .............

8.............

9.............

10 .............

11............

12.............

13.............

14.. ....... ....

15.............

16.............

17.............

18.............

19.... .........

20 .............

22.............

23 .............

24.............

25 .............

26 .............

27 ............. 

28 .............

29

30 .............

31.............

Jan.a Feb. Mar.

c5.0

5.0

4.8

4.7

4.5

4.2

3.78 

3.48

3.3

3.3 

3.2

3.08 

3.0

3.0

 2.62

2.4 

2.38

2.3

2-. 95

2.8

Apr.

3.05

3.08

2.88

2.8

2.92

3.02

2.88

2.82

2.85

2.45

2.3

2.35

2.35

2*4

2.4

2.5 

2.4

2.35

2.28

2.22 

2.35

2.3

2.28

2.25

2.15 

2.0

2.0

2. 02

May.

2.1

2.95

3.4

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.85

2.55

2.52

2.38

2.38

2.35

2.3

*> i1)

2.15 

2.08

2.05 

2.05

2.05 

2.1

3.45

4.7

3.1

2.58

2.52

2.38

June.

5.18

6 98

10.2

10.88

10.1

7.62

6.3

5.1

4.88

4.58

3.9

3.78

3.5

3.88

3.42 

3.52

3.28

3.08 

2 98

2.9

2.8

2.85

2.7

2.7

3.2H

2.98

2.78

July.

<> g5

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.35

2.3

*~) O

2.48

2.18

2.02

2.00

1.95

1.9

1.9 

1.85

1.8

1.8 

1.78

1.75 

1.72

1.7

1.58 

1. 55

i Pi^

1.55

1.5

Aug.

1.45

1.4

1.35

1 ^9

1.32

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.22

1.15

1.12

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.15 

1.2

1.2

"1.2

1.2

1.3

1.25

0.9

1.0 

1.22

1 °8

1.68

1.82

Sept.

1.75

1.7

2.1

2 0

1.9

1.78

1.7

1.62

1.52

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.48

1.42

1.38 

1.35

1.35 

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35 

1.35

1.35

1.35

Oct.

1.35

1.35

1.35

1 ^

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1 ^

1.35

1.35

3.5

2.75

2.75

1.75

1.7 

1.65

1.65

1.6 

1.6

1.6 

1.6

1.6

1.58

1.55

1.55 

1.5

1.5

1.4

Nov.

1.45

1.45

1.45

1 45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.55

1.65

1.65

1.65 

1.65

1.65

1.55 

1.55

1.65 

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65 

1.65

1.65

1.65

Dec.

1.65

1 cc

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.58

1.58

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65 

1.6

1.55

' 1. 48 

61.48

&1.52 

61.62

61 72

61.75 

61.75

6 1.75^

61.75

61.78

a Ice January 1 to March 10, inclusive. 6 Ice. < Gage

Rating table for Belle Fourche River at Belle Fourche,

December 81, 1904.

heights estimated March 11-15. 

, 8. Dak., from January 1 to

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

15

20

26

33

41

50

61

73

86

101

118

137

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

158

181

206

234

265

299

336

376

419

465

515

575

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.60

4.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

635

705

775

845

 915

985

1, 055

1,125

1,265

1,405

1,545

1,685

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.50

7.00

7.50 

8.00

9.00

10.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,825

1,965

2,105

2,245

2,385

2,525

2,875

3,225

3, 575

3, 925

4,625

5,325
STREAM MEASUREMENTS TOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

The preceding table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based 

upon 24 discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is well defined 

between gage heights 1.10 feet and 6 feet. The table has been extended beyond these 

limits. Above gage height 3.30 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 

70 per tenth. It is the same as the 1903 table above 3.0 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Belle Fourche Rii>er at, Belle Fourche, 8. Dak., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 3,250 square miles.]

Month.

March 11-31".......

May ...............

July ...............

September ..........

December 6 .........

The period . . .

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1, 825 

505 

1, 615 

5,941 

317 

104 

158 

775 

79 

104

Minimum.

206 

137 

147 

211 

61 

15 

45 

45 

56 

59

Mean.

803 

277 

373 

1,495 

148 

38.3 

67.1 

102 

67.8 

77.2

Total in 

acre-feet.

33, 450 

16, 480 

22, 930 

88, 960 

9,100 

2,'355 

3,993 

6,272 

4,034 

4,747

192, 300

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.247 

.085 

.115 

.460 

.046 

.012 

.021 

.031 

.021 

.024

Depth in 

inches.

0.193 

.095 

.133 

.513 

.053 

.014 

.023 

.Q36 

.023 

.028

a Ice January 1 to March 10.

l> Ice December 20-31; discharge applied as for open channel.

RED WATER RIVER AT BELLE FOURCHE, S. DAK.

This station was established July 20, 1903, by R. F. Walter. It is 

located at .the county highway bridge in the eastern limits of Belle 

Fourche, S. Dak. The gage consists of a 2 by i inch timber spiked 

to the west pile of the middle bent of the highway bridge. It is 

read twice each day by Raymond Giles. Discharge measurements are 

made from the west side of the bridge. The initial point for soundings is the center of the pile on the west side and at the south end of 

the bridge. The channel is straight for 50 feet above and below the 

station and the current is swift. The left bank is high enough to 

prevent overflow on thaf side. The right bank, however, is low and 

subject to overflow. There are trees along both banks. The bed of 

the stream is rocky and the channel permanent. The water flows in 

one channel. At very high stages the gage height may be affected 

by back water from Belle Fourche River. There is considerable 

"dead water" below the station. Bench mark No. 1 is on the stone 

water table at the northeast corner of the public school building. Its 

elevation above the zero of the gage is 26.05 feet. Bench mark No. 2
BABB AND ~| 

" HOYT. J MISSOUEI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

is the top of the hydrant 75 feet northwest of the public school building. 

Its elevation above the zero of the gage is 21.83 feet. Bench mark 

No. 3 is the top point on a stone monument near above-mentioned 

hydrant. Its elevation is 19.46 feet above the zero of the gage. A 

United States Geological Survey bench mark in the court-house yard 

is 3,011.345 feet above mean sea level and is 18.46 feet above zero of 

gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Red Water River at Belle Fourche, S. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

March 22 ......

March 28 ......

April 13.......

May 13«s. __.__.

June 5..... ....

June 6.. .......

June 10........

June 13.. ......

June 30. .......

July 20........

July 20«.......

August 30 «....

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden.......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

F. M. Madden.......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ......I.......

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

45

45

46

70

59

90

80

71

70

66

62

42

44

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

143

143

150

70

169

752

578

370

326

232

188

55

76

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.31

1.31

1.49

1.61

2.64

4.90

7.00

3.98

2.23

1.28

.60

1.35

2.17

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.00

3.00

3.15

2.70

3.60

9.50

7. 55

5.00

4.20

3.40

2.75

2. 55

2.90

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

188

188

224

113

447

7,000

4,044

1,472

726

297

113

74

165

« Wading at different sections. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Red Water River at Belle Fourche, S. Dak., for 1904-

Day.

1..............

 >

3: .............

4..............

5..............

6..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11 ..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15.............

Jan. a

.......

Feb. Mar.

.......

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

Apr.

3.02

2.92

2.98

2.95

3.1

3.2

3.2

3. '2

S

fyf.

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2

May.

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.78

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.68

2.65

2.65

2.65

June.

2.95

3.15

3.5

5.7

10.2

7.4

5.7

5.42

5.42

5.0

4.58

4.42

4.25

4.1

4.02

July.

3.4

3.6

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.1

3 n

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

2.95

Aug.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.45

2.5

2.58

2.45

2.45

2.65

2.65

Sept.

2.8

3.05

3.0

3.0

2.95

2.98

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.95

3.0

3.0

2.98

Oct.

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.98

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.6

3.45

3.1

Nov.

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0"

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.02

Dec.

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

a Ice January 1 to March 9, inclusive.

b Gage heights estimated, March 10 to 13, inclusive.
174 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOB 1904,, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Mean duify ga§e height, in feet, of Red Water Rirer at Bette Fmtrche, S. Dak., for 1904 

ContLaoeeL

Day.

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28. .............

29....

30..............

31........ .....

Jan. Feb. Mar.

3.15

3.05

3.02

3.05

3.05

3.0

2.95

3.0

3.02

3.08

3.22

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.02

Apr.

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.00

3.02

3.0

3.0

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.08

3.05

3.00

3.05

3.05

May.

2.65

2.62

2.6

2.58

2.55

2.65

2.92

3.1

3.3

3.28

3.1

2.98

2.92

2 92

2.9

June.

3.98

3.85

3.8

3.72

3.7

3.7

3.65

3.6

3.92

3.7

3.6

3.58

3.52

3.45

July.

2.92

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.82

2.88

2. 72

 7 7

o 65

2.75

2.65

o 55

2.55

Aug.

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.68

2.62

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.95

2.8

Sept.

2.95

2.95

3.0

2.95

2.98

2.95

2.98

2.95

2.95

2.95

2.95

2. 95

2.95

2.95

o 95

Oct.

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.05

3.15

3.15

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

Nov.

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

0 f»

Dec.

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

a3.05

«3.05

«3.05

a 3.1

a 3. 18

03.28

a3.32

o3.3

a3.3

a 3. 3

a 3. 3

alee.

Rating table for Red Water River at Belle Fourche, S. Dak., 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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

57

72

90

111

134

160

188

217

247

279

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

313

349

390

436

487

543

604

670

741

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

817

898

984

1,074

1, 168

1,266

1,368

1,470

1,572

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1, 674

1,776

1,878

1,980

2,082

2,184

2,286

2,388

2,490

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon17 discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is well defined between 

gage heights 2.4 feet and 5 feet. The table has been extended beyond these limits. 

Above gage height 4.9 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 102 per 

tenth.
BABB ANDT 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 175

Estimated monthly discharge of Red Water River at Belle Fourche, 8. Dak., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 1,015 square miles.]

Month.

March 10-31 ......

April. ............

May .............

July .............

November ........

December & .......

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

253 

279 

279 

8,050 

349 

174 

241 

390 

217 

286

Minimum.

174 

166 

' 81 

174 

 81 

65 

134 

174 

188 

188

Mean.

213 

222 

144 

1,096 

177 

92.5 

180 

212 

195 

218

Total in 

acre-feet.

9,295 

13, 210 

8, 854 

65, 220 

10/880 

5, 688 

10, 710 

13, 030 

11,600 

13; 400

161,900

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.210 

.219 

.142 

1.08 

.174 

.091 

.177 

.209 

.192 

.215

Depth in 

inches.

0.172 

.244 

.164 

1.20 

.201 

.105 

.198 

.241 

.214 

.248

a Ice conditions January 1 to March 9.

t> Ice conditions December 20-31; discharge applied as fbr open channel,

NOTE. The water at this station joins that from the Belle Fourche station and together they constitute the available supply for the Belle Fourche project.

SPEARFI8H GREEK NEAR SPEARFISH, S. DAK.

This station was established March 30, 1904, by F. M. Madden. It 

is located at the bridge of the Burlington Railwaj7 , at Bradley's ranch, 

about 1 mile above Spearfish, 8. Dak. It replaces the temporary station 

maintained during a part of the year. 1903 at Toomey's ranch, 6 miles 

from Spearfish, and was placed at this point to get above the ditches 

which take water from Spearfish Creek for the town of Spearfish. A 

plain staff gage, graduated to feet and tenths, is spiked vertically to a 

pile supporting the bridge near the right bank on the downstream side. 

The gage is read once each day by B. F. Bradle}7 . Discharge measurements are made by wading near the gage. In case of extreme high 

water they could be made from the bridge to which the gage is attached. 

The channel is very crooked, and the current is swift and full of rapids. 

Both banks are low, covered with trees and brush, and overflow only 

when the stream freezes and the water runs over the ice. The bed of 

the stream is composed of coarse gravel and cobblestones, not subject 

to much change. There is but one channel at all stages. Bench mark 

No. 1 is a 12-inch driftbolt driven into the base of a cotton wood tree 

on the bank of the stream 50 feet below the gage. Its elevation above 

the zero of the gage is 4.02. Bench mark No. 2 is on the top of the 

head of a bolt in a pile in the first bent from the gage. The bolt is 

marked by a spike driven through a flaw in the washer. Its elevation 

above the zero of the gage is 6.25 feet.
176 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

The observations at this station, during 1904, have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of fipearfish Creek near Spearfish, 8. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

March 30......

April 14 .......

May 25........

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden .......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

26

26

36

28

20

24

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

21

- 32

36

51

25

24

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.43

4.00

4.14

5.71

3.60

3.33

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.75

' 1.00

1.10

1.55

1.00

1.00

Discharge.

Scc.jeet. 

72

128

149

291

90

80

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Spearfish Creek near Spearfish, S. Dak., for 1904-

Day.

1.... ..............

0

3..................

4..................

5. .................

6..................

7..................

8..................

9..................

11..................

12..................

13..................

14..................

15..................

16..................

17..................

19..................

20..................

90

23..................

25..................

27..................

28. .................

30..................

31............. ....

Mar.

.75

Apr.

0.75

.75

.75

.8

.85

.9

9

.8

on

.9

9

1.05

1.0

.95

.95

1.1

1.05

1 05

1.0

1.0

1.1

1.1

May.

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.00

.95

.95

1.05

1.05

1.1

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.05

1.05

June.

1.1

1.25

6.0

2.2

2.15

0 0

2. 05

1.85

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.45

1.35

1.35

1.-3

1.85

1 Q

1.25

July.

1.25

1.25

1.35

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

Aug.

1.05

1.0

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

or;

.95

0*

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

Q^

.95

,95

Qn

.95

.95

.95

.95

Sept.

1.05

1.05

1.0

.95

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95.

Oct.

1.0

1.0

.95

.95

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

Nov.

0.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

1.0

1.0

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

Dec.

0.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

1.0

1.0

1.0

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.95

.9

.9

.9

.8

.75

.8

"1.05

1.05

1.0

.95

«Ice gorge December 28 to 31.
BABB AND

HOYT,fD ] MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 177 

Rating table for Spearfish Greek near Spearfish, S. Dak., from January 1 to June 30, 1904.

Gage 

height.

Foot.

0.70

.75

.80

.85

.90

.95

Discharge.

Second-feet.

61

70

80

91

102

113

Gage 

height.

<

Feet.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

125

149

175

203

235

270

1 

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

Discharge.

Second- feet.

306

344

384

426

470

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

514

558

604

652

700

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

4 discharge measurements made during 1904. It is well denned between gage heights 

0.75 foot and 1.55 feet. The table has been extended beyond these limits. A change 

in channel because of the formation of a gravel bar at the station necessitates new 

rating curve from July to December.

Rating table for Spearfish C^reek near Spearfish, S. Dak., from July 1 to December 31, 1904~

Gage 

height.

Foot.

0.80

.85

.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

50

57

65

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.95

1.00

Discharge.

Second -Jet t.

75

85

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.10

1.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

105

127

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.30

1.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

150

178

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

2 discharge measurements made during 1904, and is drawn parallel to the curve for 

the first part of the year. Discharges for this period are only roughly approximate.

Estimated monthly discharge of Spearfish Creek near Spearfisli, 

[Drainage area, 230 square miles.]

Dak., for 1904-

Month.

May ...............

July ...............

November ..........

The r>eriod . . .

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

149 

162 

4,150 

164 

95 

95 

95 

85 

85

Minimum.

70 

113 

149 

95

75 

75 

75 

75 

44

Mean.

112 

138 

550 

111 

76.3 

83.0 

83.1 

75.7 

69.2

Total in 

acre-feetr

6,664 

8,485 

32, 730 

6,825 

4,692 

4,939 

5,110 

4,504 

4, 255

78.200

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.487 

.600 

2.39 

.483 

.332 

.361 

.361 

.329 

.801

Depth in 

inches.

0.543 

.692 

2.67 

.557 

.383 

.403 

.416 

.367 

.347

« Discharge from December 28 to 31, assumed 50 second-feet. 

IRR 130 05 12
178 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130.

OWL CREEK NEAR BELLE FOURCHE, 8. DAK.

This station was established May 6, 1904, by F. M. Madden as a 

flood water station. It is located at the highway bridge, about 2 miles 

below the proposed Owl Creek reservoir, Belle*Fourche project, 12 

miles northeast of Belle Fourche, 8. Dak. The gage is a plain, vertical staff, spiked to a pile at the downstream side of the bridge. The 

gage is read only at the time of making discharge measurements. 

Discharge measurements are made by wading or from the bridge to 

which the gage is attached. The initial point for soundings is a spike 

driven into the downstream end of the cap of the right abutment. 

The channel is straight for about 50 feet above and 200 feet below 

the station, and the current is swift. Both banks are high, and overflow only during extremely high stages. The slopes of the banks are 

lined almost to the bottom of the channel with brush. The bed of the 

stream is composed of soft mud, free from vegetation, and is permanent. There is but one channel, broken at high stages by the piling 

piers of the bridge. Bench mark No. 1 is a United States Geological 

Survey standard bench-mark post along the road, about 400 feet to the 

left of the stream. Its elevation is 2,933 feet above mean sea level 

and 67.62 feet above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is a 

railroad spike driven into the base of a cottonwood tree, about 150 

feet below the bridge, on the right bank of the stream. Its elevation 

is 15.91 feet above the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Owl Creek near Belle Fourche, S. Dak., 'in 1904-

Date.

May 6 ........

May 25«......

May 26«......

June 1 .......

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden.......

F. C. Magruder ......

.....do ..............

F. M. Madden.......

Width.

Feet. 

5

53

38

8

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

1.8

352

207

3.6

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.94

3.16

2.71

2.36

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.50

8.80

5.70

.95

Discharge.

Sec.-feet.

1,7

1,114

561

8.5

a Float measurement. 

RED WATER CANAL AT MINNESELA, S. DAK.

This station was established May 7, 1904, by F. M. Madden for 

determining the duty of water under this canal. It is located on the 

bridge across the canal in the town of Minnesela, about 4 miles southeast of Belle Fourche. A vertical staff gage, graduated to feet and 

tenths, is fastened to the bridge. It is read twice each day by 

Robert Mitchell. Discharge measurements are made from the bridge 

to which the gage is attached. The initial point for soundings is a 

spike in the bridge over the edge of the canal at the right bank, downstream side. The channel is straight for about 200 feet above and
BABB AND"~|

HOYT. J MISSOUEI EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. I7y

below the station. The current is medium. The bed of the stream 

is composed of soft mud, covered with water grass, which in the late 

summer lessens the flow of the canal considerably. There is but one 

channel at all stages. The bench mark is a spike in the base of a tree 

on the left bank of the canal, about 50 feet from the gage. Its elevation is 4.06 feet below the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measttrements of Red Water cctnal at Minnesela, S. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

May 7 .........

May 28 ........

July 5.. .......

September 12 «.

Hydrographer.

F M Madden

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet.

' 17

17

17

16

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

28

37

33

31

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.46

1.92

1.82

1.48

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.70

3.15

3.00

3.00

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

41

71

60

46

"Grass grown in canal. 

Mean, daily gage height, in feet, of Red Water canal at Minnesela, S. Dak., for 1904.

Day.

1....................................................

3.............. .....................................

4....................................................

5....................................................

6............................................... ....

7....................................................

8....................................................

9....................................................

10....................................................

11...................................................

12...................................................

13....................................................

44.. ..................................................

15................................................. ..

16... ................................................

17............................. ......................

18....................................................

19....................................................

20................................................

21....................................................

23....................................................

24........................."............ .

25................ ................. ............ .

26................................................. ..

27......................................... .... .....

28....................................................

30....................................................

31. ..................................................

May.

"2.75

2.7

2.7

2.78

2.78

2 65

2.62

2.68

9 65

9 58

2.7

2.68

2.72

2.58

9 90

3 1

3.1

3.2

3

0

3.-1

3.1

3

1

3.1

June.

3.08

2.58

2.0

2.0

~ 2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.8

1.65

(b)

(&)

(&)

(&)

(b)

(b)

1.5

1.65

2.65

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.8

2.5

2.5

2.5

July.

2.5

2.6

2.45

2.75

3.02

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.05

3.02

2.95

2.85

2.98

3.18

3.2

3.12

3.15

3 1

2.55

2.62

3.4

3 d

3.3

Aug.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.3

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.35

3.2

3 9

3.35

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.4

3.4

Sept.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2 7

2.7

2.7

3.0

3.3

3.5

3.0

2.85

2.75

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.9

2.8

1.75

1.8

L7

2.1

2.1

2.2

 > o

2.25

2.32

Oct.

2.7

2.75

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.58

2.45

r) 4

2.0

(c)

a Water turned into canal for irrigation.

b Water turned out of canal on account of break.

c Water turned out of canal for season.

No appreciable discharge below 1.50 gage.
180 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. \30.

CROW CREEK NEAR BELLE FOURCHE, S. DAK.

This station was established May 5, 19(M, by F. M. Madden as a 

flood station. It is located at the highway bridge on the Camp Crook 

road, about 2£ miles north of Belle Fourche, S. Dak. A plain vertical 

staff gage is driven into the bed of the stream and the upper end is 

attached to a tree, a short distance below the bridge on the left bank. 

It is read only at the time of making discharge measurements. Discharge measurements are made from the bridge or by wading when 

the water is low. The initial point for soundings is a large spike 

driven into the downstream hand rail directly over the right pile bent. 

It is numbered 20 to avoid the minus sign in high water ratings. The 

channel is straight for about 50 feet above and 100 feet below the 

station, and the current is quite swift when the water is running. The 

right bank is high, and does not overflow. The left bank is of medium 

height, and overflows during high water. The slopes of both banks 

have some brush growing upon them. The bed of the stream is composed of soft, thick clay formed by decomposed shale, and is permanent. Bench mark No. 1 is a railroad spike driven near the base of a 

tree on the left bank, about TO feet downstream from the bridge and 

20 feet from the center of the channel. Its elevation is 11.83 feet 

above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is a railroad spike near 

the base of a tree on the right bank, about 25 feet downstream from 

the bridge and 20 feet from the center of the channel. Its elevation 

is 14.95 feet above the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrogapher.

Discharge measurements of Crow Creel' iiear Belle Fourche, S. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

June 3 ........

June 5 ........

Hydrographer.

F. C. Magruder ......

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet.

27

38

Area of 

section.

tlq.feet.

118

249

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per see.

2.86

3.51

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.75

10.85

Discharge.

See.-feet'.-

338

874

' INDIAN CREEK NEAR BELLE FOURCHE, 8. DAK.

This station was established May 6, 1904, by F. M. Madden as ~n 

flood station. It is located at the highway bridge near Ross's ranch, 

on the road through Owl Creek reservoir site, Belle Fourche project, 

and across Owl Creek, about 20 miles northeast of Belle Fourche, 

S. Dak. The gage is a plain vertical staff, graduated to feet and 

tenths, in two sections. The lower section is driven into the bed of 

the stream, projecting about 2 feet, and the upper section is spiked 

to a pile of the bridge. The gage is read during flood stages, when it 

is possible to get an observer. Discharge measurements are made by
feABB ANDl 

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGES BASIN. 181

wading, or from the bridge to which the- gage is attached. The initial 

point for soundings is a spike driven into the right end of the downstream hand rail. The channel is straight for about 40 feet above and 

150 feet below the station. The current is sluggish. Both banks are 

low, covered with a dense growth of brush and occasional trees, and 

subject to overflow. The bed of the stream is composed of mud, free 

from vegetation in the bottom of the channel, and is permanent. 

There is but little water flowing except at flood stages. Bench mark 

No. 1 is a railroad spike driven into the side of a stump toward the 

bridge, about 2 feet above the ground, on the right bank, 200 feet 

above the bridge, near the fence along the road. Its elevation is 11.65 

feet above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is a railroad spike 

driven near the base of a tree on the left bank, about 100 feet below 

the bridge. Its elevation is 13.94 feet above the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Indian Creel: near Belle Fourche, S. Dak., in 1904.

Date.

May 5 .........

May 26«. ......

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden .......

Width.

Feet. 

9

46

Area of 

section.

Kq. feet. 

2. 7

20.1

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

0.74

1.18

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.0

9.5

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

2.0

23.7

« Float measurement. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, qf Indian Creek near Belle Fourche, S. Dak., for 1904.

Day.

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

May. June.

^10.75

13.75

14.75

10.75

13. 88

8.62

Day.

12...............

13...............

14...............

15...............

17...............

18............... 

19

21...............

22...............

May.

........

'

June.

5.50

3.88

3.12

3.00

Day.

23...............

24...............

25. ..............

26...............

27...............

28...............

29...............

31...............

May.

8.75

5.25

3.50

3.50

3.00

June.

3.12

NOTE. No water running except on dates when gage height is given.

WHITE RIVER NEAR INTERIOR, S. DAK.

This station was established June 24, 1904, by F. M. Madden. It 

is located at the ford, about one-fourth mile northeast of Interior, 

S. Dak. An inclined gage, in two sections, is attached to posts set 

into the bed of the stream, at edge of bank, and into left bank of the 

stream. The inclined gage is graduated to read direct to feet and
182 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PAET VII. t»o. 130.

tenths, and i,s read once each day by George L. Johnson. Discharge 

measurements are made by wading at the gage. The initial point for 

soundings is a spike holding the upper end of the gage to a cottonwood stump. The channel is curved for about 1,000 feet above and 

500 feet below the station, and the current is sluggish. Both banks 

are high, clean, and do not overflow. The bed of the stream is composed of sand and gravel, and is shifting in character. There is but 

one channel at all stages, except very low water, when there may be 

several. The slope at the station is about 3 feet per mile. Bench 

mark No. 1 is a large spike driven into a blaze on a cottonwood tree 

30 feet upstream from the gage, on the left bank. Its elevation is 

10.41 feet above the zero of the gage. Bench mark No. 2 is a large 

spike driven into a blaze on a cottonwood tree on the left bank, 50 feet 

upstream from the gage. Its elevation is 10.26 feet above the zero of 

the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of R. F. Walter, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Wliite River near Interior, 8. Dak., in 1904-

Date.

June 24........

September 21 «.

Hydrographer.

F. M. Madden.......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

112

16

15

Area of 

seotion."

S(j. feet. 

56

7.9

5.8

Meau 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.41

1.20

.81

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.90

1.55

1.55

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

79

9.5

4.7

a At different sections. 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of White River near Interior, 8. Dak., for 1904.

Day.

1......... ...........................................

o

3....................................................

4....................................................

5....................................................

6............................................ .*.......

7................................................."...

8....................................................

9....................................................

10....................................................

11....................................................

1°

33....................................................

14.................................................

15.................................................. .

16....................................................

17....................................................

18......................................... .....

19....................................................

June. July.

1.75

1.7

2.5

3.0

2.3

4.3

3.7

2.45

2.4

2.3

2.4

3.1

3.1

3.2

2.7

2.1

2.0

Aug.

1.6

1.6

1 Q

1.7

1.9

1.86

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

2.15

2.5

1.96

Sept.

6.5

4.1

2.8

2.1

2.0

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.0

1.9

1.8

1 H

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1

/»

1.6

Oct.

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.9

1.7

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

-> q

1.9

1 9

1 9

1 ftPi

1.8

Nov.

1.65

1.65

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.85

1 9

1 9

1.9
BAS8 

HOl'T, L,£ND ] Missotrai RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 183

Mean daily gage height, in/eet, of White River near Interior, 8. Dak., for 1904 Continued.

Day.

20....................................................

21....................................................

23....................................................

24. ...................................................

26...... ...........................................

2S..

29.............................. .x..... ...............

30....................................................

31....................................................

June.

1.9

1.9

1.9

l'. 85

1.8

1.7

1.7

July.

2.0

2.4

o o

2.0

1.8

2.2

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.7

Aug.

1.8

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.2

2.3

Sept.

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Oct.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

Nov.

1.85

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.95

. 1-95

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.8

NIOBRARA RIVER NEAR VALENTINE, NEBR.

This station was established July 22, 1897, by O. V. P. Stout, 

and was known as the Fort Niobrara station. On June 26, 1901, it 

was moved to the Borman Bridge, which is about 3 miles farther 

upstream. The gage is of the wire and weight type, located about 

lfOOO feet upstream from the bridge on the left bank. The wire runs 

over a pulley supported by a frame, on the arm of which the gage 

heights are read from a scale graduated to half tenths. The distance 

from the end of the weight to the index or marker on the wire is 9.90 

feet. Measurements are made from a one span steel bridge resting 

on tubular concrete piers, none of which obstruct the channel. The 

upstream hand rail is marked at 10-foot intervals, and the initial point 

for soundings is the zero mark on the upstream hand rail in line with 

the west face of the east pier. The channel is straight for about 100 

feet both above and below the gaging section. The banks are high and 

not liable to overflow, while the bed is rock, covered at times with a 

thin layer of shifting sand. The velocity of the water is always very 

high. The range of gage heights seldom exceeds 1 foot, and the stream 

has a marked constancy of flow. In spite of the fact that conditions 

at this station are above the average in their approach to the ideal, 

it has been difficult to find a stable relation between gage height 

and discharge. Individual measurements, as determined by a series 

of duplicate gagings, can be made with a high degree of accuracy, 

yet it has been necessary to resort to the method of applying corrections to gage heights as outlined in the Nineteenth Annual Report of 

the United States Geological Survey, Part IV, page 323, et seq., in 

the preparation of tables of daily discharge. Bench mark No. 1 is the 

head of a nail driven in the stump of a box-elder tree one of a clump 

of four just east of Mr. Borman's house. Its elevation above gage 

datum is 17.26 feet. Bench mark No. 2 is a 6 by 6 inch pine head 

block, on which the gate rests when closed. Its elevation is 16.19 feet 

above gage datum.
184 BTBEAM MEASUREMENTS f OR 1904, PAR? VII. txo. 13d.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of J. C. Stevens, resident hydrographer.

Discharge measurements of Niobrara. Hirer near Valentine, Nebr., in 1904.

Date.

April 17.......

April 17.......

July 11........

July 11........

July 11........

July 11.-....'..

July 11........

August 24 ......

Hydrographer.

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

120

117

115

115

115

115

114

110

110

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

179

178

197

197

189

184

194

159

169

Mean velocity.

ft. per sec. 

3.82

3.60

3.86

4.07

4.02

4.09

3.90

3.67

3.77

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.57

1.57

1.44

1.53

1.47

1.51

1.48

1.26

1.30

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

683

640

761

801

760

752

756

584

638

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Niohrara River near Valentine, Nebr.,for 1904.

Day.

1. .............

 1. ....... ...... 

3.............. 

4..............

7.... ..........

8..............

9..............

10..............

! >

13.............. 

14.............. 

15.............. 

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20.............. 

21..............

22..............

24..............

25..............

26..............

27..............

28.............. 

29..............

30.............. 

31..............

Jan.

1.65

1.74 

1.63 

1.67 

1.68

1.75

l.SO 

1.80

1.76

1.73

1.70

1.74

1.73 

1.74 

1.75 

1.71

1.75

1.66

1.61 

1.56

l.tiO

1.61

1.40 

.95

1.45

1.72

2.15 

2. 25

2.20 

2.55

Feb.

2.30

2.25 

2.35 

2.15 

2.25

2.40

1.95 

1.82

1.80

1.95

1.83

1.96

2.36 

2.32 

1.9C 

2.00

2.20

2.25

2.32 

2.31

2.40

2.42

2.20 

2.15

2.20

2.23

2.32 

2.1>

Mar.

2.05

1.90 

1.55 

1.80 

1.75

2.02

1.87 

1.80

1.70

1.78

1.67

1.65

1.60 

1.62 

1.58 

1.60

1.57

1.55

1.55 

1.58

1.50

1.41

1.52 

1.53

1.52

1.58 

1.60

1.55 

1.62

Apr.

1.56

1.53 

1.55 

1.57 

1.60

1.56

I.f8 

l.CO

1.56

1.60

1.60

1.65

1.56 

1.60 

1.58 

1.58

1.58

1.55

1.50

1.49 

1.53

1.62

1.55

1.63 

1 60

1.58

1.50 

1.57

1.55

May.

1.55

1.60 

1.55 

1.75 

1.70

1.65

1.57 

1.72

1.60

1.5C

1.52

1.72

1.60 

1.55 

1.51 

1.52

1.49

1.51

1.48

1.50 

1.52

1.50

1.52

1.50 

1.51

1.45 

1.45

1.46

1.48

June.

1.86

1.78 

2.05 

1.85 

1.58

1.55

1.55 

1.85

2.30

1.60

1.61

1.57

1.55 

1.45 

1.54 

1.50

1.42

1.40

1.47

1.70 

1.46

1.42

1.45

1.35

1.41

1.36 

1.38

1.3C

July.

1.35

1.35 

1.37 

1.40 

1.92

1.50

1.80 

1.53

1.42

1.40

1.55

1.47

1.45 

1.42 

1.42 

1.31

1.26 

1.37

1.32

1.30

1.23 

1 ^*>

1.27

1 ^d

1.37 

1.30

1.35 

1. C2

Aug.

1.30

1.60 

1.33 

1.40 

1.38

1.40

1.32 

1.30

1.31

1.30

1.25

1.29

1.30 

1.35 

1.24 

1.30

1.35

1.33

1.44

1.40 

1.36

1.34

1.30

1.31

1.35 

1.3')

1.32 

1.31

Sept.

1.54

1.36 

1.37 

1.49 

1.50

1.38

1.40 

1.39

1.37

1.34

.1.36

1.35

1.35 

1.25 

1.30 

1.26

1.28

1.30

1.36

1.35 

1.26

1.30

1.32

1.33 

1.36

1 q-i

1 07

1.42 

1.40

1. 4r, 

.......

Oct.

1.51

1.50 

1.55 

1.53 

1.52

1.45

1.30 

1.L8

1.42

1.47

1.48

1.45

1.46 

1.43 

1.41 

1.48

1.43

1.62

1.55 

1.54

1.56

1.54

1.54

1.50

1.55 

1.57

1.58 

1.51

Nov.

1.55

1.52 

1.53 

1.55 

1.54

1.57

1.55 

1.52

1.56

1.60

1.58

1.55

1.54 

1.52 

1.55 

1.53

1.52

1.56

1.57

1.52 

1.58

1.51

1.54

1.53 

1.48

1.53

1.60

1.56

Dec.

1.54

1.51 

1.60 

1.58 

1.51

1.56

1.65 

1.64

1.60

1.66

1.61

1.55

1.56 

1.67 

1.60 

1.71

1.65

1.72

1.57

1.64

1.72

1.78

1.74

1.77 

1.72

1.10

1.40

1.S5 

1.75

1.30 

2.20
] MISSOURI RIVER t)RAlNAGE BASltf. 185

Mean daily discharge, 0 in second-feet, of Niobrara River near Valentine, Nebr., for 1904.

Day.

\. .............

2

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7.. ............

8. .............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..... ........

18..............

19..............

20..............

22..............

23..............

'24..............

25..............

26..............

''8

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

615

700

615

615

655

700

750

750

700

700

655

700

700

700

700

655

655

700

015

580

550

580

580

490

450

505

655

600

600

600

600

Feb.

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

750

750

930

805

930

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

600

Mar.

600

865

550

750

700

1,000

865

805

615

865

700

700

655

655

700

700

655

655

655

700

550

615

655

550

615

700

700

655

700

Apr.

655

655

655

655

700

655

700

700

655

700

700

655

655

700

700

700

700

655

615

615

655

700

655

750

700

700

615

656

655

May.

700

750

700

' 930

865

805

750

750

655

655

655

655

655

655

616

700

June.

1,15*5

1,075

1,525

1,155

805

750

750

2, 115

805

750

655

930

615

fil Fi

655

615

July.

615

615

655

1,330

750

1,155

805

700

700

655

580

580

550

580

580

550

580

580

615

655

615

Aug.

615

930

655

700

700

700

615

615

615

580

655

580

700

700

750

700

580

580

580

580

Sept.

805

615

615

750

750

655

655

655

615

580

615

615

580

700

Oct.

750

750

805

805

750

700

615

655

655

700

750

700

700

700

655

750

700

865

930

805

805

805

805

805

805

750

750

805

805

Nov.

805

750

805

805

805

805

805

750

805

865

865

805

805

750

805

750

805

805

750

865

750

805

805

750

805

805

865

805

805

Dec.

805

750

750

865

865

805

865

930

865

930

865

805

805

930

865

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

800

"The daily discharges were obtained by the indirect method outlined in the Nineteenth Annual 

Report United States Geological Survey. Pt. iv, p. 323, et seq.
186 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1004, PART VII. [NO. 130.

Estimated monthly discharge of Niobrara River near Valentine, Nebr., for 1904. 

[Drainage area, 6,070 square miles.]

Month.

January ............

February ...........

March ..............

April. ..............

May ...............

June ...............

July ...............

August .............

September ..........

October ............

November ..........

December ..........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

7-50 

930 

1,000 

750 

930 

2,115 

1,330 

930 

805 

930 

865 

930

2,115

Minimum.

450 

600 

550 

615 

655 

615 

550 

580 

550 

615 

750 

750

450

Mean.

634 

640 

692 

674 

705 

832 

675 

644 

627 

760 

800 

823

709

Total in 

acre-feet.

38, 980 

36, 810 

42, 550 

40, 110 

43, 350 

49, 510 

41, 500 

39, 600 

37, 310 

46, 730 

47, 600 

50', 600

514, 600

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0. 104 

.105 

.114 

.111 

.116 

. 137 

.111 

.106 

.103 

. 125 

.132 

.136

.117

Depth in 

inches.

0.120 

.113 

.131 

.124 

.134 

. 153 

.128 

.122 

.115 

.144 

.147 

.157

1.59

RED DEER LAKE NEAR WOODLAKE, NEBR.

This station was established August 12, 1904, by J. C. Stevens. 

The lake is located in sections 16, 17, 20, and 21. T. 30 N., R. 27 W., 

about 16 miles southwest of Woodlake post-office, and about 30 miles 

south of Valentine, Nebr., and is representative of the numerous lakes 

abounding- in this region. It was established in order to determine 

the amount of periodic rises of these lakes and their probable cause, 

which, according to local authorities, is often several feet, beginning 

in April or May. A plain staff gage, graduated to feet and tenths, 

is fastened to a post at the end of the boat landing, 200 yards south of 

Cochran's ranch house near the east end of the lake. The gage is read 

once each week by J. S. Brosius. The lake covers about 1 square 

mile of surface and has a varying depth of from 1 to 15 feet probably an average depth of 8 feet and is only a valle^y or flat in the sand 

hills filled with water. Its bed is entirely of sand and the margin is 

thickly grown up with rushes, etc. The bench mark is a group of 3 

spikes driven horizontally near the base of a cottonwood tree 12 inches 

in diameter, located 40 feet south and 20 feet east of the southwest 

corner post of the large windmill tower just west of Cochran1 s house. 

Its elevation is.9.61 feet above the zero of the gage.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of J. C. Stevens, resident hydrographer.
] MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 187 

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Red Deer Lake near Woodlake, Nebr., for 1904.

Day.

1... ..............

o

3.................

4.................

5.................

6.................

7.................

8.................

9.................

10.................

11.................

12.................

13.................

14.................

15 .................

16.................

Aug. Sept.

4.6

4.42

Oct.

4 33

4.31

Nov.

4.32

Det.

4.32

4.34

Day.

17.................

is.........:.......

19.................

20.................

21.................

22.................

24.................

°8

29.................

30.................

Aug.

4.5

V

4.32

Sept.

3.50

4.31

4.36

Oct.

4.35

4.32

Nov.

4.33

4.32

Dec.

4.34

4.32

4.38

OSAGE* RIVER AT OTTAWA, KANS.

This station was established August 26, 1902, by W. G. Russell. It 

is located at the highway bridge near the center of the town of Ottawa, 

Kans. The gage is of the old wire type, with its scale spiked to the 

bridge floor. This gage was destroyed by the flood of May 30, 1904. 

A temporary gage was put in June 3, 1904, but which could not be 

referred to the bench mark as it was under water at that time. This 

gage was corrected b}^ reference to the bench mark July 18, 1904, and 

all intermediate gage readings corrected. A new gage was put in 

September 9, 1904, as the water had left the temporary gage. This 

is a standard chain gage locked in a box on the outside qf the hand rail 

on the downstream side of the bridge. This gage rod ijs 1 by 4 inches 

by 32 feet, painted white, bolted to the hand rail, and is graduated in 

feet and tenths from zero to 32 feet. It is read oncje each day by 

W. H. Blacksten. Discharge measurements are made [from the highway bridge, to which the gage is attached. The bridge is somewhat 

oblique to the thread of the stream and has a total span] between abutments of 135 feet. At low stages the discharge can bo measured by 

wading at a short distance below the bridge. The channel is slightly 

curved and the current is swift. Both banks are high and the bed of 

the stream is rocky.

The observations at this station during 1904 have been made under 

the direction of W. G. Russell, resident hydrographer.

a Known also as Marais des Cygnes.
188 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOE 1904, PART VII. (no. 

Discharge measurements of Osage Hirer at Ottawa, Katis., in 1904-

 Date.

March 17 ......

April 29 .......

June 3 ........

July 18........

September 10 ..

Hydrographer.

W. G. Russell .......

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

Width.

Feet. 

125

130

140

140

86

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

134

225

3, 165

3,290

217

88

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

5.52

5.48

3.55

3.76

2.04

1.26

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.30

3.00

23.70

24.62

2. 18

1.60

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

740

1,230

11,230

12,310

443

111

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Osage River at Ottawa, Kans.,for 1904.

DH.V.

1.. ...... .....

3..............

4..............

5.... ..........

7. ............. 

S. .............

9..............

10..............

11 .............. 

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17...............

19

20..............

21..............

22..............

 2i. .............

25. .............

26..............

27..............

28. .............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9 

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8 

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

2.0

2.2

2.1

2 1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

Fefc.

2.0

2.0

1.7

1.7 

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8 

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.8

1,7

1.7

Mar.

1.8

1.8

1 9

1.9

1.9

1.9

l.S 

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1 9

1.9

2.0

3.0

2.4

4.0

3 n

2.5

2.7

2.6

2.5

Apr.

2.4

2.3

 > »

 ) 0

2.1

'2.2

2.8

3.0

3.3 

o 9

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.1

2.1

2.0

3.7

4.5

19 0

20 9

9 Q

3.1

May.

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.4

5.8

13.5

13.75

7.8

9.55

5.6

3.2

O ft

4.9

<? 1

20.35

24.25

oq R

9.15

<? d.

3.1

9 9

2.7

*> ^

2.4

7.0

9 4

A Q

(»)

O-l Q

June.

24.6

24. 75

24. 45

17.0

5.97 

3. 25

2. 85

2.7

4.6

7.85

3.2

2.6

2.7

7.5

4.0

2.8

15.05

6.3

4.15

90 9

°6 °5

25.0

10.4

8

0

July.

8.3

5.85

6.1

7.35

4.95

19.6

25.55 

30. 15

 29.5

 27. '25

17.45 

4.65

3.25

2.85

2.6

2.3

2.3

2.0

2.0

2.0

3.5

1 9

1.8

2.5

0 <>

2.1

2.6

1 9

1.8

Aug.

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5 

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5

1.5

2.1

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

3.1

o 5

2.1

2.0

5.0

1 9

1 9

1.7

1.5

1.5

1.4

Sept.

1.4

12.55

13.3

2.7

1.9

1.7

., 1 - 6 

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6 

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

Oct.

1.5

. 1.5

1.6 1

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4 

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3 

l.,3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Nov.

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2 

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

Dec.

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3 

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3 

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

.1.2

1.3

GASCONADE RIVER NEAR ARLINGTON, MO.

This station was established April 11, 1903, by I. W. McConnell. 

It is located about 2 miles below Arlington, at the foot of the first 

bluff near the river on the right bank below the city. The gage is a
B HOYT.ND ] MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 189

vertical 2 by ± inch rod 16 feet long, fastened to a leaning willow tree. 

It was read once each day during 1904 by C. W. Harrison. Discharge 

measurements are made from a cable and boat, with distances marked 

on a tag wire. On account of the cable being washed away by floods 

an apparatus for raising and lowering the cable was established 

November 28, 1903. The elevation of the gage was verified at this 

time. The initial point for soundings is a blazed white-oak tree 50 

feet up the bank from the gage in the line of the cross section. The 

bench mark to which the gage is referred is a cross on a rock near the 

same tree, and is at an elevation of 27.2 feet above the zero of the gage. 

The channel is straight for 500 feet above and 2,000 feet below the 

station. The current is swift. The right bank is high and wooded to 

the edge of the cliff, which rises for a vertical distance of 200 to 250 

feet. The left bank is low, but not likely to be overflowed except at 

extreme flood stages. The bed of the stream is of gravel and bed 

rock, with occasional bowlders, and is not likely to shift. There is 

but one channel at all stages. At ordinary stages the water is about 

10 feet deep.

Owing to the impossibility of maintaining a cable across the river 

during high water, this station was moved, August 11, 1904:, to the 

St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad bridge, 1| miles upstream from 

the cable and one-fourth mile west of Arlington. This bridge is a 

three-span Pratt truss, having a total length of 431 feet between 

abutments. The channel is straight for about 1,000 feet above and 

below the bridge. There is a swift direct current. Both banks are 

fairly high and partially wooded, and are subject to overflow only 

during very high water. At all stages the water passes between the 

abutments of the bridge. The bed of the stream is composed of 

clean gravel and rock and is practically permanent. A regulation 

chain gage is used, having a length of weight and chain to the outside of the ring (which is used for marker) of 33.50 feet. The pulley 

center is 0.53 foot to the left of the zero of the gage. The zero of the 

gage is at 117.01 feet from the initial point vfor soundings, which is 

situated on the inner face of the right abutment. The bench mark is 

located on the top surface of a cap situated on the upstream lower 

chard just to the right of the fifth panel point from the right abutment. 

This is designated by a dent in the upper surface of the abovementioned cap. Its elevation is 28.85 feet above the gage datum. 

The elevation above the zero of the gage of the pulley center is 32.75 

feet.

The observations at this station during 1904 were under the direction 

of E.' Johnson, jr., district hydrographer.
190 STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

Discharge meits-urements of Gasconade Hirer near Arlington, Mo., in 1904-

Date.

January 26 ....

March 7 .......

April 11 a......

April 27 .......

June 14 « &.....

July 26 c.......

August lie ....

September 27 c . 

November 25 c .

Hydrographer.

F. W. Hanna. ....... .

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

.....do ..............

F.W. Hanna.........

.....do ..............

Hanna and Johnson . . 

F. W. Hanna.........

Width.

Feet. 

295

264

410

410

410

294

269

269 

236

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

2,277

1,496

9 415

4,029

1,138

1,006

847

835 

709

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.08

1.14

3.32

4.20

1.78

1.-39

1.02

.95 

.85

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.49

3.75

8.00

11.70

64.30

3.55

3.10

3.08 

2.83

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

4,734

1,713

8,025

16, 910

2,032

1,403

864

794 

600

a Frisco Railroad bridge.

& Gage doubtful, as it was loosened by the flood.

< New gage with new gage-datum plane.

Mean daily gage height, in feet, of Gasconade River near Arlington, Mo., for 1904.

Day.

2..............

3.............. 

4..............

5..............

6..............

7 ..............

9..............

11..............

12 .............. 

13 .............. 

14..............

15 ..............

16 ..............

17..............

18 ..............

19..............

20..............

<> >

23 ..............

24..............

26 ..............

27 ..............

29 ..............

30..............

31 ..............

Jan.

2.9

2.9

2.9 

2.9

2.7

2.G

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5 

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

10.7

11.5

7.7

6.3

5

0

5 A

4.7

4.5

Feb.

4.1

3.8

3.8

3 7

3.6

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4 

3.3 

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.05

3.0

9 Q

2 9

3.3

3.8

3.9

3.9

4.1

4.5

4.9

4.8

4.7

.......

Mar.

4.1

4.1

3.9

3.6

3.6

4.6

4.6 

4.6 

4.5

3.9

3.8

3.9

4.0

4.1

4.1

4.2

4.5

5.5

16.5

(a)

(a)

(a)

9.0

9.0

Apr.

9 0

9 0

8.0

8

f\

8

f\

9 05

9

f\£.

7.5 

6.8 

6.4

5.9

6.5

5.9

5.2

5.1

5 Q

(«)

(a)

14.2

10.5

8

0

7.5

May.

6.9

6.4

6.0

5

0

5.7

5.7

C Q

5.8

5.6

5.5 

5.3 

5.0

4.8

4.8

4.8

5.5

5.0

4 05

4.3

4.4

4.0

6.0

5.5

5.4

June.

4.3

4.2 

9 3

7.0

5.5

5.5

4.8 

4.5

4 3

4.1

4.5

4.3

4.2

4.5

6.3

5.3

5.0

5.3

5.2

14.5

14.0

14 3

10.0

8.0

July.

6.0

6.7

6.4

5.7

5.4

5.5

4 9

4.7

4.4 

4.2 

4.0

3.9

3.7

3.5

3.5

3

K

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.5

3.4

3.4

3

 >

3.3

3.2

Aug.

3.3

3.2

3.2

3 1

3 1

3.0

2.9

2.8

<? 1

2.9

t> 9

&2.S5 

2.9 

<? n

3 1

3.15

^ 1

q A

3 1

3

0

0 0

3.8

4.65

4.95

5.0

4.1

3

K

3.4

3.3

Sept.

3.2

3.3

3.3

Q 9

°. 1

3

(\

3. 1

3

f\

3

f\

3 A

2.95 

3.0

3

0

3.55

Q 9

3.1

3 A

3.4

3

oj;

3

1 

°. 1

3 1

3 1

3 1

3.0

3 Ql>

^ n

3.2

Oct.

3.3

3.35

3.3 

3.15

3.1

3.05

3.0

Q n

2. 95

3.0

2 9

 2.95 

2.95

2 Q

2 9

2.9

2.9

2.9

9 Q

9 Q

2 95

2 Q

2.8

2.8

2.~8

2.8

2 OK

2

Q

2.7

2.7

Nov.

2.7

2.75

2.7 

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.65

2.7

2.75

2

0

2.75

2.7 

2.6 

2.6

2.65

2.65

2.6

2 7

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.6

2 9

2

Q

2

*

2.8

Dec.

2.8

2.-S5

2.8 

2.7

2.7

2

e

2.65

2.6

2.65

2 85

2

QK

2.9 

2.85

9 Sfi

2.8

2.8

2.85

2.85

2 Q

2 95

2 RE

2 85

2 OK

9 fif^

*> Q^

2 95

*> §Q

 > on

2

QE

2.8

2.85

"Over gage,

''Beginning August 12 the gage heights refer to the new datum of the chain gage established at 

the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad bridge.
BABB AND"!

HOYT. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 191

Rating table for Gasconade River near Arlington, Mo., from January 1, 1903, to August

11, 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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

815

849

885

923

963

1,006

1,052

1,100

1, 152

1,210

1,276

1,349

1,430

1,519

1,615

1,716

1,821

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

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,930

2,041

2, 155

2,271

2,390

2,510

2,632

2, 755

2,879

3, 004

3,130

3, 258

3

OQQ 

, ooo

3,519

3,651

3, 785

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.60

5.70

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3, 920

4, 055

4,191

4, 328

4,467

4, 751

5,051

5, 367-

5,699

6,047

6,411

6,790

7,184

7, 594

8,018

8, 454

Gage 

height.

Feet.

8.40

8.60

8.80

9.00

 9. 50

10.00

10.50

11.00

11. 50

12.00

13.00

14.00

15.00

16.00

17.00

18.00

Discharge.

Serond-feet.

8,890

9, 326

9,762

10, 200

11,^350

12, 550

13,800

15, 090

16, 390

17, 740

20, 440

23, 140

25, 840

28, 540

31, 240

33, 940

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 

14 discharge measurements made during 1903 and 1904. It is well defined between 

gage heights 2.4 feet and 6.1 feet. The table has been extended beyond these limits. 

Above gage height 11.5 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 270 

per tenth. On August 11, 1904, the station was changed to the St. Louis and 

San Francisco Railway bridge, and a gage with a-new datum installed. Gagings 

on that and succeeding dates are not applicable to this curve. -

Estimated monthly discharge of Qasco,nade River near Arlington, Mo., for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 2,725 square miles.]

Month.

January .............. .....^

February ...................

March, 28 days .............

April, 28 days « ..............

May .......................

June .......................

July .......................

August, 11 days &. . ..........

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

16, 390 

3,004

5,871 

24, 490 

9,108 

1,276

Minimum.

849 

1,052 

1,519 

3,258 

1,930 

2,041 

1,100 

1,006

Mean.

3,435 

1,653 

3,757 

8,390 

3,519 

6,959 

2,620 

1,129

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.26 

.607 

1.38 

3.08 

1.29 

2.55 

.961 

.414

Depth in 

inches.

1.45 

.655 

1.44 

3.21 

1.49 

2.84 

1.11 

.169

a For three days in March and two in April the water was over the gage. 

b August 12 the gage was changed to a new location with a new datum.
192 - STREAM MEASUREMENTS FOR 1904, PART VII. [NO. 130. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASUREMENTS IN MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

The following miscellaneous measurements were made in Missouri 

River drainage basin in 1904:

Miscellaneous measurements in the Missouri River drainage basin in Smith Dakota and

Montana.

Date.

Apr. 15

Apr. 18

Mav 14

May 18

July 5

July 14

Aug. 3

Anpp Q

Aiifr Q

Aug. 13

Aug. 13

Sept. 11

Stream.

Fall River..............

Bad River ..............

White River............

canal.

Rabbit Creek ...........

Creek.

canal.

Wal ton & Co. ditch .....

Bill Cook ditch. . .......

Locality.

.....do......................

Near Midland, S. Dak ......

.....do......................

Creek, S. Dak.

Rapid, S. Dak..............

Bixby, S. Dak..............

Qr»oo rfioVl Q T\o IT

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do................... ..

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

24

27

.6

7.5

2.9

40

00

°8

8 1

o «>

1 x>

31

32

89

154

14

1 9

2.4

*> ^

2.4

2

O

4

12

4.4

3 Q

6.1

7 ^

2.6

2.6

14

30

8

1,174

57

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per see. 

2.67

1.15

.67

1.21

1.87

2.33

2.03

.55

3.82

1.70

2.79

.13

.32

3.10

.37

1.54

2.28

1.88

1.21

1.00

1.04

3.75

1.31

2.25

.52

1.51

3.00

3.08

1.16

.94

3.29

1.49

1.12

2.08

1.73

1.57

1.60

1.25

1.50

1.75

2.39

3.54

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Kec.-Jeet. 

64

31

.40

70

28

42

17

1.6

153

56

78

20

.4

.7

30

94

12

137

91

290

17

3

21

7.1

3.1

5.7

1.2

3.3

12

37

5.1

3.7

20

11.2

29

5.4

4.5

22

48

15

21

14

2,811

202
BABB AND"! 

HOST. J MISSOURI RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 193

Miscellaneous measurements in the Missouri River drainage basin in Couth Dakota and

Montana Continued. 

SUBDRAINAGE AREA OF MILK RIVER.

Date.

July 15

Aug. 9

Aug. 9

Aug. 8

Aug. 8

Aug. 6

Aug. 9

Apr. 8

Apr. 13

Apr. 18

Aug. 8

Stream.

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do..................

West Fork Milk River..

.....do..................

Alkali Creek ...........

New Fort Belknaocanal

Locality.

.....do......................

Indian Agency .............

Area of 

section .

Sq.Jeet.

3.8

4.3

3.5

9.3

(0)

18

( b )

153

3.1

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2 79

.76

.70

.66

.50

2.96

( fi)

1.11

( &)

1.80

.64

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.15

Discharge.

Sec.-feet.

2.9

2.3

27.5

2

20

1

e275

rf2

SUBDRAINAGE AREA OF YELLOWSTONE RIVER.

July 26 

July 26 

Sept. 17 

Sept. 28

Crew Agency ditch .....

.....do..................

.....do..................

.....do......................

.....do......................

.....do......................

95 

70

0.80 

1.87

.93

<-27 

<-179 

250

a Near head of Milk River canal of the Canadian

Northwest Irrigation Company. 

6 Estimated.

e 1 mile above junction with Milk River. 

'l 150 feet below the canal head gates. 

e Near head gates of Crow Agency ditch.

Streams tributary to Niobrara Ricer in Nebraska.

Date.

Aug. 19 . 

Aug. 16 .

Aug. 23 .

Aug. 13 . 

July 13..

Oct. 23 . .

July 13..

July 13..

Aug. 13 .

Aug. 14 .

Aug. 18 .

Aug. 20 . 

Aug. 20 .

Aug. 21 .

Aug. 22 .

Aug. 23 . 

Aug. 13 .

Aug. 23 .

Aug. 22 .

Aug. 16 .

Aug. 16 .

Aug. 17 . 

Oct. 27..

June 19.

Hydrographer.

J. C. Stevens.... 

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

AdnaDobson...

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do..........

.....do.......... 

.....do..........

G. W. Bates.....

Stream.

Bear Creek ...........

Deer Creek ...........

Fairfield Creek .......

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................ 

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................

.....do................ 

.....do................

White Clay Creek....

Locality. t

Sec. 31, T. 34, R. 34... 

Sec. 1, T. 30, R. 31....

Sec. 5, T. 30, R. 43....

Sec. 31, T. 33, R. 23...

Sec. 24, R. 34, T. 16...

Butte.

Sec. 31, T. 33, R. 23...

See. 26, T. 34, R. 26...

Sec. 10, T. 33, R. 34...

Sec. 11, T. 33, R. 36... 

Sec. 27, T. 33, R. 37...

Sec. 34, T. 33, R. 38...

Sec. 24, T. 31, R. 42...

Sec. 18, T. 30, R. 43... 

Sec. 7, T. 31, R. 23....

Sec. 22, T. 30, R. 44...

Sec. 32, T. 31, R. 42...

Sec. 15, T. 32, R. 30...

Sec. 10, T, 30, R. 31...

Sec. 2, T. 30, R. 32.... 

Sec. 16, T. 31, R. 30...

Sec. 36, T. 35, R. 45...

Area.

8*1 Jcel1

6.8

3.8

16 

92

14

38

430

285

203

84

101

51

35

21 

34

13.6

.3

106

77

65 

104

Mean 

velocity.

ft.pei'sfc.

2.00 

1.07

1.92

1.34 

2 22

1.50

1.40

6.53

2.64

3.34

2.63

1.98 

4.33

2.29

1.54

1.30 

2.35

.94

2.00

2.63

2.65

2.97 

2.40

Discharge.

Hec.-feet.

o 

7.3

7.3

21.5 

204

78 

21

53

2,808

752

679

221

200 

180

117

54

80

12.8

.6

279

204

194 

245

11

IRK 130 05 13
INDEX.

Alkali Greek at Page.

Malta, Moat.:

discharge........................... 193

Alzada, Mont.

Little Missouri River near:

description....................... 140-141

discharge........................... 141

discharge, monthly ................ 143

gage heights........................ 142

rating table......................... 142

Arlington, Mo.

Gasconade River near;

description ....................... 188-189

discharge........................... 190

discharge, monthly,................ 191

gage heights........................ 190

rating table ........................ 191

Ashfleld, Mont,

Peaver Creek pear:

description....................... 108-109

discharge........................... 109

discharge, monthly................. Ill

gage heights........................ 110

rating table ........................ 110

Augusta, Montgqn River (North Fork) near;

description......................... 88-89

discharge,.......................... 89

gage heights........................ 89

Sun River (South Fork) near;

description ......................... 90

discharge........................... 90

gage heights........................ 90

Bad River near 

Midland, S. Dak.:

discharge...................... .... 192

Bear Creek in 

Nebraska, sec. 31, T. 34, R. 34:

discharge........................... 193

Beaver Creek near 

Ashfleld, Mont:

description....................... 108-109

discharge........................... 109

discharge, monthly ................ Ill

gage heights ....................... 110

ratingtable ........................ 110

Beaver Creek overflow channel near 

Bowdoin, Mont.:

description......................... Ill

discharge........................... 112

discharge, mean daily ............. 112

discharge, monthly................. 113

gage heights........................ 112

Belle Fo»rehe, S. D*k. Page.

Belle Foosebe power canftl at.-

discharge........................... 192

Belle Fourche River at:

description ....................... 169-170

discharge........................... 170

discharge, monthly ................ 172

gage heights ....................... 171

rating table ........................ 171

Crow Creek near:

description ......................... 180

discharge........................... 180

Indian Creek near;

description ....................... 180-181

discharge...... ...,..,.....,....,.. 181

gage heights ... ....,,....,..,..... 181

Owl Creek near;

description......................... 178

discharge........................... 178

Red Water River at:

description....................... 172-173

discharge........................... 173

discharge, monthly ................ 175

gage heights ..................... 173-174

rating table ........................ 174

Belle Fourche power canal at-=

Belle Fourche, S. Dak,;

discharge........................... 192

Belle Fonrche River at 

Belle Fourche, S. Dak.:

description....................... 169-170

discharge........................... 170

discharge, monthly................ 172

gageheights ....................... 171

ratingtable........................ 171

Belleview, Mont.

Teton River near:

description ......................... 93-94

discharge........................... 94

gage heights ....................... 94

Bighorn River at and near 

Fort Ouster, Mont.:

description......................... 131

discharge........................... 131

gage heights........................ 132

Thermopolis, Wyo,:

description.....,..,..,..,,...,... 127-128

discharge,.......................... 128

discharge, monthly................. 130

gage heights........................ 129

ratingtable......................... 130

Bill Cook ditch at 

Spearflsh, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

195
196 INDEX.

Billings, Mont. Page.

Yellowstone River near:

description......................... 120

discharge........................... 120

discharge, monthly................. 122

gage heights........................ 121

rating table......................... 122

Bismarck, N. Dak.

Missouri River near:

description......................... 76

discharge........................... 76

gage heights........................ 76

Bixby, S. Dak.

Horse Creek at:

discharge........................... 192

Moreau River near:

description ....................... 166-157

discharge......................... 157,192

discharge, monthly................. 159

gage heights........................ 158

rating table......................... 158

Blackhawk, S. Dak.

Box Elder Creek at:

description....................... 166-167

discharge........................... 167

discharge, monthly................. 169

gage heights...................... 167-168

rati ng table......................... 168

Boardmans Creek in 

Nebraska, sec. 1, T. 30, R. 31:

discharge.............. ............ 193

Bowdoin, Mont.

Beaver Creek overflow channel near:

description......................... ill

discharge........................... 112

discharge, mean daily.............. 112

discharge, monthly................. 113

gage heights........................ JJ2

Box Elder Creek at 

Blackhawk, S. Dak.:

description ....................... 166-167

discharge........................... 167

discharge, monthly ................ 169

gage heights...................... 167-168

rating table ........................ 168

Broncho, N. Dak.

Knife River at:

description ....................... 149-150

discharge........................... 150

gage heights........................ 150

Buffalo, Wyo.

Clear Creek at:

description......................... 136

discharge........................... 136

discharge, monthly................. 138

gage heights........................ 137

rating table......................... 137

Butte, Nebr.

Electric power plant millrace at:

discharge........................... 193

Keya Paha River at:

discharge........................... 193

Niobrara River at:

discharge........................... 193

Camp Crook, S. Dak. Page. 

Little Missouri River near:

description.............."......'... 143-144

discharge........................... 144

discharge, monthly................. 146

gage heights........................ 145

rating table......................... 145

Cannon Ball River near 

Stevenson, N. Dak.:

description ....................... 153-154

discharge........................... 154

gage heights...................... 154-155

Cardston, Alberta.

St. Mary River near:

description ......................... 24-26

discharge........................... 25

discharge, monthly................. 27

gage heights ....................... 25-26

rating table ........................ 26

Cascade, Mont.

Missouri River at:

description..................."...... 72

discharge........................... 73

discharge, monthly................. 74

gage heights........................ 73

rating table ........................ 74

Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

Cedar River at:

description ......................... 62

discharge........................... 63

discharge, monthly................. 64

gage heights..............'.......... 63

rating table ........................ 64

Cedar River at 

1 Cedar Rapids, Iowa:

description......................... 62

disc barge..............,...'......... 63

discharge, monthly................. 64

gage heights........................ 63

rating table ........................ 64

Cherry Creek. See Madison River.

Cheyeune River at 

Creston, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Edgemont, S. Dak.:

description......................... 159

discharge........................... 160

gage heights........................ 160

Fall River, mouth of:

discharge........................... 192

Chinook, Mont.

Fort Belkuap canal near:

description......................... 103

discharge......-...-.-.............. 104

discharge, monthly ................ 105

gage heights........................ 104

rating table......................... 104

Milk River at:

discharge........................... 193

Milk River (West Fork) at:

discharge........................... 193

Paradise Valley canal near:

description......................... 105

discharge........................... 105

discharge, mean daily ............. 106

discharge, monthly ................ 106
197

Choutean, Mont.

Teton River near-:

description ......................... 94-95

discharge........................... 95

Clear Creek at 

Buffalo, Wyo.;

description .......ft........,....... 136

discharge........................... 136

discharge, monthly ................ 138

gage heights........................ 137

rating table ........................ 137

Cody, Wyo.

Shoshone River near:

description......................... 132

discharge........................... 133

discharge, monthly .............. 135-136

gage heights........................ 134

rating table ........................ 134

Cooks ditch at 

Spearfish, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Cotton wood Creek at 

Edgemont, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Coutts, Mont. 

Milk River at:

discharge........................... 193

Creston, S. Dak.

Cheyenne River at:

discharge........................... 192

Rapid Creek at:

discharge........................... 192

Crookston, Minn.

Red Lake River at:

description......................... 48

discharge........................... 49

discharge, monthly ................ 50

gage heights........................ 49

rating table......................... 50

Crow Agency, Mont.

Crow Agency ditch at:

discharge........................... 193

Little Bighorn River at:

discharge........................... 193

Crow Agency ditch at 

Crow Agency, Mont.: <

discharge........................... 193

Crow Creek near 

Belle Fourche, S. Dak.:

description......................... 180

discharge........................... 180

Deer Creek in 

Nebraska, sec. 5, T. 30, R. 43:

discharge........................... 193

Des Lacs River at 

Foxholm, N. Dak.:

description ......................... 35-36

discharge........................... 36

discharge, monthly................. 37

gage heights........................ 36

rating table......................... 37

Des Moines River at 

Keosauqua, Iowa:

description ......................... 65-66

discharge........................... 66

Des Moines River at Page. 

Keosauqua, Iowa Continued.

discharge, monthly................. 68

gage heights........................ 66-67

rating table......................... 67

Des Moines River drainage basindescription ............................. 65

Eckles ditch at 

Spearflsh, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Edgemont, S. Dak. 

Cheyenne River at:

description ......................... 159

discharge........................... 160

gage heights........................ 160

Cotton wood Creek at:

discharge........................... 192

Evans ditch at 

Spearflsh, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Evans power flume at 

Hot Springs, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Exeter, Mont.

Exeter Creek at:

discharge........................... 193

Exeter Creek at 

Exeter, Mont.:

discharge........................... 193

Fairfield Creek in 

Nebraska, sec. 31, T. 33, R. 23:

discharge........................... 193

Fall River, mouth of 

Cheyenne River at:

discharge........................... 192

Fargo, N. Dak. 

Red River at:

description ......................... 37-38

discharge........................... 38

discharge, monthly................. 40

gage heights........................ 38-39

rating table......................... 39

Farmingdale ditch at 

Rapid, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Fergus Falls, Minn.

Otter Tail River near:

description ......................... 43

discharge........................... 44

discharge, monthly................. 45

gage heights..... .................. 44

rating table ........................ 45

Figel ditch at 

Rapid, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Fort Belknap Agency, Mont. 

Milk River at.

discharge............ .............. 193

Fort Belknap, canal near 

Chinook, Mont.:

description ......................... 103

discharge........................... 104

discharge, monthly ................ 105

gage heights........................ 104

rating table......................... 104
198

Fort duster, Mont. Page.

Bighorn River at:

description......................... 131

discharge........................... 131

gage heights......................... 132

Foxholm, N. Dak.

Des Lacs River at:

description......................... 35-36

discharge........................... 36

discharge, monthly................. 37

gage heights........................ 36

rating table ........................ 37

Mouse River near:

description......................... 32-33

discharge........................... 33

gage heights........................ 33

Gallatin River at 

Logan, Mont.:

description......................... 82-83

discharge........... ............... 84

discharge, monthly ................ 85

gage heights........................ 84

rating table ........................ 85

Gasconade River near 

Arlington, Mo.:

description....................... 188-189

discharge........................... 190

discharge, monthly ................ 191

gage heights........................ 190

rating table ........................ 191

Giant Springs at 

Great Palls, Mont.:

discharge............................ 192

Glasgow, Mont.

Milk River at:

discharge............................ 193

seepage measurements along Milk

River between Havre and.... 102-103 

Glendive, Mont.

Yellowstone River at:

description....................... 123-124

discharge........................... 124

discharge, monthly ................ 126

gage heights...................... 124-125

rating table......................... 125

Grand Porks, N. Dak.

Red River at: * 

description......................... 40-41

discharge........................... 41

discharge, monthly ................ 43

gage heights........................ 41

rating table ........................ 42

Grand River near 

Seim, S. Dak.:

description......................... 156

discharge........................... 156

gage heights........................ 156

Grand River (North Fork) at 

Seim, S. Dak.:

discharge............................ 192

Great Palls, Mont.

Giant Springs at:

discharge........................... 192

Missouri River at:

discharge........................... 192

Gregg & Matthews ditch at Page. 

Spearfish, S. Dak.:

discharge....:...................... 192

Haggart, N. Dak.

Sheyenne River near:

description......................... 45-46

discharge........................... 46

discharge, monthly ................ 47

gage heights........................ 46

rating table ........................ 47

Harlem Canal near 

Zurich, Mont.:

description....................... 106-107

discharge........................... 107

discharge, monthly ................ 108

gage heights........................ 107

rating table......................... 108

Havre, Mont. 

Milk River at:

description ......................... 95-96

discharge........................... 96

discharge, monthly................. 98

gage heights........................ 96-97

rating table......................... 97

seepage measurements along Milk River

between Glasgow and ........ 102-103

Heart River near 

Richardton, N. Dak.:

description......................... 151

discharge........................... 151

discharge, monthly................. 153

gage heights........................ 152

rating table......................... 152

Horse Creek at 

Bixby Road, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Hot Springs, S. Dak.

Evans power flume at:

discharge........................... 192

Irrigation ditch near:

discharge........................... 192

Hudson Bay drainage basin 

description ............................. 19-20

Huntley, Mont. 

Pryor Creek at:

description ....................... 126-127

discharge........................... 127

gage heights........................ 127

Indian Agency, Mont.

New Fort Belknap canal at:

discharge........................... 193

Indian Creek near 

Belle Fourche, S. Dak.:

description....................... 180-181

discharge........................... 181

gage heights........................ 181

Interior, S. Dak.

White River near:

description ....................... 181-182

discharge.......... ................ 182

gage heights...................... 182-183

Iowa City, Iowa. 

Iowa River at:

description ......................... 59

discharge........................... 60

discharge, monthly ................ 61
INDEX. 199

Iowa City, Iowa. Page. 

Iowa River at Continued.

gage heights........................ 60

rating table......................... 61

Iowa River at 

Iowa City, Iowa:

description.......................... 59

discharge........................... 60

discharge, monthly ................ 61

gage heights........................ 60

rating table......................... 61

Iowa River drainage basindescription ............................. 58-69

Irrigation ditch near 

Hot Springs, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Jefferson River near 

Sappington, Mont.:

description ......................... 85-86

discharge........................... 86

discharge, monthly................. 88

gage heights........................ 87

ratingtable ........................ 87

Kearney, Wyo. 

Piney Creek at:

description......................... 138

discharge........................... 139

discharge, monthly................. ±40

gage heights........................ 139

rating table ........................ 140

Kemper & Dersey ditch at 

Spearflsh, 8. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Kennedy Creek near 

Wetzel, Mont.:

description......................... 31-32

discharge........................... 32

Keosauqua, Iowa

Des Moines River at:

description......................... 65-66

discharge........................... 66

discharge, monthly................. 68

gage heights ....................... 66-67

rating table ........................ 67

Keya Paha River at 

Butte, Nebr.:

discharge........................... 193

Kimballward, Alberta. 

St. Mary canal at:

discharge........................... 53

Knife River at 

Broncho, N. Dak.:

description ....................... 149-150

discharge........................... 150

gage heights........................ 150

Little Bighorn River at 

Crow Agency, Mont.:

discharge........................... 193

Little Grant Creek at 

Rapid, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Little Missouri River near 

Alzada, Mont.:

description ....................... 140-141

discharge........................... 141

discharge, monthly................. 143

Little Missouri River near Page.

Alzada, Mont. Continued.

gage heights........................ 142

ratingtable......................... 142

Camp Crook, S. Dak.:

description ....................... 143-144

discharge........................... 144

discharge, monthly................. 146

gage heights........................ 145

rating table......................... 145

Medora, N. Dak.:

description....................... 146-147

discharge........................... 147

discharge, monthly ................ 149

gage heights...................... 147-148

ratingtable....................'..... 148

Little Muddy River near 

Williston, N. Dak.:

description....................... 114-115

discharge........................... 115

discharge, monthly ................ 117

gage heights...................... 115-116

ratingtable......................... 116

Livingston, Mont. 

Yellowstone River near:

description......................... 117

discharge........................... 118

discharge, monthly................. 119

gage heights........................ 118

rating table......................... 119

Logan, Mont. 

Gallatin River at:

description ......................... 82-83

discharge........................... 84

discharge, monthly ................ 86

gage heights........................ 84

rating table ........................ 85

Lone Tree ditch at 

Rapid, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

McGregors ditch at 

Spearflsh, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Madison River (including Cherry Creek) 

near 

Norris, Mont.:

description......................... 77

discharge........................... 77

discharge, monthly ................ 79

gage heights........................ 78

rating-table......................... 78

Malta, Mont.

Alkali Creek at:

discharge........................... 193

Milk River at:

description......................... 98-99

discharge........................... 99

discharge, monthly ............'.... 102

gage heights........................ 100

ratingtable........................ 101

Mankato, Minn.

Minnesota River above:

description ......................... 53-54

discharge........................... 54

. gage heights........................ 54-55
200 INDEX.

Mann ditch at Page.

Spearfish, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Mannhaven, N. Dak.

Missouri River'at:

description ......................... 75

discharge........................... 75

gage heights........................ 75

Marias River near 

Shelby, Mont.:

description ......................... 91

discharge........................... 91

discharge, monthly ................ 93

gage heights........................ 92

rating table......................... 92

Matthews'& Son ditch at 

Spearfish, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Medora, N. Dak.

Little Missouri River near:

description ....................... 146-147

discharge........................... 147

discharge, monthly................. 149

gage heights...................... 147-148

rating table ........................ 148

Midland, S. Dak.

Bad River near:

discharge........................... 192

Milk River at 

Chinook, Mont.:

discharge........................... 193

Coutts, Mont.:

discharge........................... 193

Fort Belknap Agency, Mont.:

discharge........................... 193

Glasgow, Mont.:

discharge........................... 193

Havre, Mont.:

description ......................... 95-96

disc harge........................... 96

discharge, monthly................. 98

gage heights........................ 96-97

rating table ........................ 97

Malta, Mont.:

description ......................... 98-99

discharge........................... 99

discharge, monthly................. 102

gage heights........................ 100

rating table ........................ 101

Yantic, Mont:

discharge........................... 193

Zurich, Mont.:

discharge........................... 193

Milk River between Havre and Glasgow, 

Mont., seepage measurements 

along......................... 102-103

Milk River (West Fork) a"t 

Chinook, Mont.:

discharge........................... 193

Minnechaduza Creek at 

Valentine, Nebr.:

discharge........................... 193

Minnesela, S. Dak.

Red Water canal at:

description ....................... 178-179

discharge........................... 179

gage heights........................ 179

Minnesota River above Page.

Mankato, Minn.:

description......................... 53-54

discharge........................... 54

gage heights........................ 54-55

Minnesota River drainage basindescription ............................. 53

Minot, N. Dak.

Mouse River at:

description ......................... 34

discharge........................... 34

gage heights........................ 35

Missouri River at and near 

Bismarck, N. Dak.:

description ......................... 76

discharge........................... 76

gage heights........................ 76

Cascade, Mont.:

description ......................... 72

discharge........................... 73

discharge, monthly................. 74

gage heights........................ 73

rating table ........................ 74

Great Falls, Mont.:

discharge........................... 192

Mannhaven, N. Dak.:

description ......................... 75

discharge........................... 75

gage heights........................ 75

Townsend, Mont.:

description ......................... G9-70

discharge........................... 70

discharge, monthly ................ 72

gage heights........................ 71

rating table ........................ 71

Missouri River drainage basin 

description ............................. (J8-69

Moreau River at and near 

Bixby, S. Dak.:

description ....................... 156-157

discharge......................... 167,192

discharge, monthly................. 159

gage heights........................ 158

rating table......................... 158

Mouse River at and near 

Foxholm, N. Dak.:

description ......................... 32-33

discharge........................... 33

gago heights........................ 33

Minot, N. Dak.:

description ......................... 34

discharge........................... 34

gage heights........................ 35

Murphy ditch at 

Hewitt ranch 011 Rapid Creek:

discharge........................... 192

Musselshell River near 

Shawmut, Mont.:

description ......................... 113

discharge........................... 114

gage heights........................ 114

Neche, N. Dak.

Pembiua River near:

description ......................... 51

discharge........................... 52

gage heights........................ 62
201

New Fort Belknap canal at Page. 

Indian Agency, Mont.:

discharge........................... 193

Niobrara River at and near 

Butte, Nebr.:

discharge........................... 193

Valentine, Nebr.:

description ....................... 183-184

discharge........................... 184

discharge, mean daily.............. 185

discharge, monthly................. 186

gage heights........................ 184

Niobrara River and tributaries in 

Nebraska; various localities:

discharge........................... 193

Norris, Mont.

Madison Ri ver( including£herry Creek)

near: 

description......................... 77

discharge........................... 77

discharge, monthly................. 79

gage heights........................ 78

rating table......................... 78

Osage River at 

Ottawa, Kans.:

description......................... 187

discharge........................... 188

gage heights........................ 188

Ottawa, Kan.

Osage River at:

description......................... 187

discharge........................... 188

gage heights........................ 188

Otter Tail River nearFergus Falls, Minn.:

description......................... 43

discharge........................... 44

discharge, monthly................. 45

gage heights........................ 44

rating table ........................ 45

Owl Creek near 

Belle Fourche, S. Dak.:

description......................... 178

discharge........................... 178

Paradise Valley canal nearChinook, Mont.:

description ......................... 105

discharge .......................*.... 105

discharge, mean daily ............. 106

discharge, monthly ................ 106

Pembina River near 

Neche, N. Dak.:

description......................... 51

discharge........................... 52

gage heights........................ 52

Pine Creek in 

Nebraska, sec. 22, T. 30, R. 44:

discharge........................... 193

Piney Creek at 

Kearney, Wyo.:

description ......................... 138

discharge........................... 139

discharge, monthly ................ 140

gage heights........................ 139

ratingtable ........................ 140

Plum Creek in 

Nebraska, sec. 7,T. 31, R. 23:

discharge........................... 193

Pryor Creek at 

Huntley, Mont.:

description ....................... 126-127

discharge........................... 127

gage heights........................ 127

Rabbit Creek at 

Seimroad, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Rapid, S. Dak.:

Farmingdale ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

Figel ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

Little Grant Creek at:

discharge........................... 192

Lone Tree ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

Rapid Creek at:

description ....................... 163-164

discharge....... ................... 164

discharge, monthly................. 166

gage heights........................ 165

rating table....................... 165-166

St. German ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

South ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

Spring Creek near:

description....................... 160-161

discharge........................... 161

discharge, monthly................. 163

gage heights. *»................... 161-162

rating table......................... 162

Rapid Creek at 

Creston, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Rapid, S. Dak.:

description .....'.................. 163-164

discharge........................... 164

discharge, monthly................. 166

gage heights........................ 166

ratingtable....................... 165-166

Red Deer Lake near 

Woodlake, Nebr.:

description......................... 186

gage heights........................ 187

Red Lake River at 

Crookston, Minn.:

description......................... 48

discharge. ......................... 49

discharge, monthly................ 50

gage heights........................ 49

 rating table ........................ 50

Red River at 

Fargo, N. Dak.:

description......................... 37-38

discharge........................... 38

discharge, monthly ................ 40

gage heights........................ 38-39

ratingtable ........................ 39

Grand Forks, N. Dak.:

description ......................... 40-41

discharge........................... 41
INDEX.

Red River at 

Grand Forks, N. Dak. Continued.

discharge, mouthly ................ 43

gage height^........................ 41

rating table ........................ 42

Red Water canal at 

Minnesela, S. Dak.: 

. description....................... 178-179

discharge........................... 179

gage heights........................ 179

Red Water River at 

Belle Fonrche, S. Dak.:

description....................... 172-173

discharge........................... 173

discharge, monthly ................ 175

gage heights...................... 173-174

rating table ........................ 174

Richardton, N. Dak. 

Heart River near:

description......................... 151

discharge........................... 151

discharge, monthly ................ 153

gage heights........................ 152

rating table ........................ 152

Rush Creek in 

Nebraska, sec. S2, T. 31, R. 42:

discharge........................... 193

St. German ditch at 

Rapid, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

St. Mary, Mont.

St. Mary River near:

description......................... 20-21

discharge........................... 21

discharge, monthly ................ 23-24

gage heights........................ 21-22

rating table ........................ 22

Swiftcurrent Creek near:

description......................... 28

discharge........................... 29

discharge, monthly ................ 30-31

gage heights ....................... 29

rating table ........................ 30

St. Mary canal at 

Kimballward, Alberta:

discharge........................... 53

St. Mary River near 

Cardston, Alberta:

description......................... 24-25

discharge........................... 25

discharge, monthly ................ 27

gage heights ....................... 25-26

rating table........................ 26

St. Mary, Mont.

description......................... 20-21

discharge........................... 21

discharge, monthly................ 23-24

gage heights ....................... 21-22

rating table ........................ 22

Salesville, Mont.:

West Gallatin River near:

description......................... 79-80

discharge........................... 80

discharge, monthly................ 82

gage heights ....................... 81

rating table ........................ 81

Sappington, Mont. Page,

Jefferson River near:

description......................... 85-86

discharge........................... 86

discharge, monthly................. 88

gage heights ....................... 87

. rating table ........................ 87

Seepage measurements along Milk River 

between 

Havre and Glasgow, Mout........... 102-103

Seim, S. Dak.

Grand River near:

description......................... 155

discharge........................... 156

gage heights........................ 156

Grand River (North Fork) at:

discharge........................... 192

Rabbit Creek at:

discharge........................... 192

Shawmut, Mont.

Musselshell River near:

description......................... 113

discharge........................... 114

gage heights ....................... 114

Shelby, Mont.

Marias River near:

description......................... 91

discharge........................... 91

discharge, monthly ................ 93

Marias River near 

gage heights ....................... 92

rating table ........................ 92

Sheyenne River near 

Haggart, N. Dak.:

description ......................... 45-46

discharge........................... 46

discharge, monthly................. 47

gage heights........................ 46

rating table......................... 47

Shoshone River near 

Cody, Wyo.:

description......................... 132

discharge........................... 133

discharge, monthly............... 135-136

gage heights........................ 134

rating table......................... 134

Snake River in 

Nebraska, various localities:

discharge........................... 193

South ditch at 

Rapid, S.Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Spearflsh, S. Dak.

Bill Cook ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

Cooks ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

Eckles ditch at:

discharge............................ 192

Evans ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

Gregg & Matthews ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

Kemper & Dersey ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

McGregors ditch at:

discharge........................... 192
INDEX.

Spearfish, S. Dak. Continued.

Mann ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

Matthews & Son diteh at:

discharge........................... 192

Spearfish Creek near:

description....................... 175-176

' discharge......................... 176,192

discharge, monthly ................ 177

gage heights ....................... 176

rating table ........................ 177

Spearfish power flume at:

discharge........................... 192

Toomeys ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

Walton & Co. ditch at:

discharge........................... 192

Spearfish Creek, near 

Spearfish, S. Dak.:

description ....................... 175-176

discharge......................... 176,192

discharge, monthly ................ 177

gage heights........................ 176

rating table ........................ 177

Spearfish power flume at 

Spearfish, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Spring Creek near 

Rapid, S. Dak.:

description ....................... 160-161

discharge........................... 161

discharge, monthly ................ 163

gage heights...................... 161-162

rating table ........................ 162

Stearns, S. Dak.

White River at:

disc harge........................... 192

Stevenson, N. Dak.

Cannon Ball River near:

description ....................... 153-154

discharge........................... 154

gage heights ..................... 154-155

Stone City, Iowa.

Wapsipinicon River at:

description ......................... 55-56

discharge........................... 56

discharge, monthly................. 58

gage heights........................ 57

rating table ........................ 58

Sulphur Creek (Main Fork) at 

Bixby road, S. Dak,:

discharge........................... 192

Sun River (North Fork) nearAugusta, Mont.:

description ......................... 88-89

discharge........................... 89

gage heights........................ 89

Sun River (South Fork) nearAugusta, Mont.:

description......................... 90

discharge........................... 90

gage heights........................ 90

Swiftcurrent Creek near 

St. Mary, Mont.:

description......................... 28

discharge........................... 29

203

Swiftcurrent Creek near Page.

St. Mary, Mont. Continued.

discharge, monthly................. 30-31

gage heights........................ 29

rating table ..........

Teton River near 

Belleview, Mont.:

description......................... 93-94

discharge........................... 94

gage heights........................ 94

Chouteau, Mont.:

description ......................... 94-95

discharge................._......... 95

Thermopolis, Wyo.

Bighorn River, near:

description ....................... 127-128

discharge........................... 128

discharge, monthly................. 130

gage heights........................ 129

rating table......................... 130

Toomeys ditch at 

Spearfish, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Townsend, Mont.

Missouri River near:

description" ......................... 69-70

discharge........................... 70

Missouri River near 

discharge, monthly ................ 72

gage heights........................ 71

rating table ........................ 71

Valentine, Nebr.

Minnechaduza Creek at:

discharge........................... 193

Niobrara River near:

description....................... 183-184

discharge........................... 184

discharge,.mean daily.............. 185

discharge, monthly ................ 186

gage heights........................ 184

Walton & Co. ditch at 

Spearfish, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Wapsipinicon River at 

Stone City, Iowa:

description......................... 55-56

discharge............................ 56

discharge, monthly '................ 58

gage heights ....................... 57

rating table ........................ 58

Wapsipinicon River drainage basin:

description.............................. 55

West Gallatin River near 

Salesville, Mont.:

description...................... .. 79-80

discharge........................ .. 80

discharge/monthly ............. .. 82

gage heights .................... .. 81

rating table ..................... .. 81

Wetzel, Mont.

Kennedy Creek near:

description...................... .. 31-32

discharge........................... 32

White Clay Creek, in 

Nebraska, sec. 36, T. 35, R. 45:

discharge........................... 193
204 INDEX.

White River at and near Page. 

Interior, S. Dak.:

description ....................... 181-182

discharge........................... 182

gage heights...................... 182-183

Stearns, S. Dak.:

discharge........................... 192

Williston, N. Dak.

Little Muddy River near:

description....................... 114-115

discharge........................... 115

discharge, monthly ................ 117

gage heights ..................... 115-116

rating table ........................ 116

Woodlake, Nebr.

Red Deer Lake near:

description......................... 186

gage heights........................ 187

Yantic, Mont. 

Milk River at:

discharge........................... 193

Yellowstone River at and near 

Billings, Mont.:

description......................... 120

discharge........................... 120

discharge, monthly ................ 122

Yellowstone River at and near Page.

Billings, Mont. Continued.

gage heights........................ 121

ratingtable ........................ 122

Glendive, Mont.:

description ....................... 123-124

discharge........................... 124

discharge, monthly ................ 126

gage heights...................... 124-125

rating table......................... 125

Livingston, Mont.:

description......................... 117

discharge........................... 118

discharge, monthly ................ 119

gage heights........................ 118

rating table ........................ 119

Zurich, Mont.

Harlem canal near:

description ........................ 106-107

discharge........................... 107

discharge, monthly ................ 108

gage heights........................ 107

ratingtable ........................ 108

Milk River at:

discharge........................... 193

o
PUBLICATIONS OF UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

[Water-Supply Paper No. 130.]

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 

Unite^UStates, folios and separate sheets thereof; (8) Geologic Atlas of United * 

Statesf*ii>lios thereof. The classes numbered 2, 7, and 8 are sold at cost of publication; 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 prices slightly above 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; I, 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.

Series P. The hydrographic progress reports contain the results of stream 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. Twelth 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.

18%. 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.
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 Papers Nos. 130, 131,132, 133, 134, and 135.

The Geological Survey and the Reclamation Service have subofflces in different parts of the United 

States, from which hydrographic 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 Pourche, 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, Mont.; Great Falls, Mont.; Hazen, Nev.; Boise, Idaho; Spokane, Wash., 424 

Peyton Block; Pendleton, Oreg.

Correspondence should be addressed to

THE DIRECTOB,

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY,

WASHINGTON, D. C. 

JULY, 1905.
LIBRARY 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 

the calendar year 1904. Prepared under the direction 

of F. H. Newell by Cyrus C. Babb and John C. Hoyt. 

c pt. vn. Hudson Bay, Minnesota, Wapsipinicon, Iowa, 

f Des Moines, and Missouri River drainages. Washington, Gov't print, off., 1905.

204, iii p. illus. -II pi. (incl. map) 23cm. (U. 8. Geological survey. 

Water-supply and irrigation paper no. 130)

Subject series: P, Hydrographic progress reports, 35.

1. Stream measurements. 2. Rivers U.S. I. Babb, Cyrus Gates, 1867- 

II. Hoyt, John Clayton, 1874-

U, S. Geological survey.

, . . Report of progress of stream measurements for

the calendar year 1904. Prepared under the direction

of F, H, Newell by Cyrus C. Babb and John C. Hoyt,

. pt, vii. Hudson Bay, Minnesota, Wapsipinicon, Iowa,

j? Des Moines, and Missouri River drainages. Washing50 ton, Gov't print, off., 1905.

204, iii p. illus. II pi, (incl. map) 23om. (U. S. Geological survey, 

Water-supply and irrigation paper no. 130) 

Subject series: P, Hydrographic progress reports, 35.'

1. Stream measurements. 2. Rivers U.S. I. Babb, Cyrus Gates, 1867- 

II. Hoyt, John Clayton, 1874-

U. S. Geological survey.

Water-supply and irrigation papers.

oo

| no. 130. Report of progress of stream measurements 

for ... 1904 . . . by C. C. Babb and J. C. 

Hoyt. ^pt. vii. 1905.

i U.S. Dept. of the Interior.

I see also

1 U. S, Geological survey.

in