Water Resources of Michigan

Hydrology of C-3 Watershed, Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan

US Geological Survey  Water-Resources Investigation 01-4053Lansing, Michigan 2001

By: Michael J. Sweat 

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Table of Contents including Figures, Maps, Graphs, Tables, Appendix, Conversion Factors and Vertical Datum, and Additional Information.http://mi.water.usgs.gov/pubs/WRIR/WRIR01-4053/WRIR01-4053TOC.php

Abstract

Proposed changes to watershed management practices near C-3 Pool at Seney National   Wildlife Refuge will affect surface-water flow patterns, ground-water levels,   and possibly local plant communities. Data were collected between fall 1998   and spring 2000 to document existing conditions and to assess potential changes   in hydrology that might occur as a consequence of modifications to water management   practices in C-3 watershed.  

  Minimum and maximum measured inflows and outflows for the study period are presented   in light of proposed management changes to C-3 watershed. Streamflows ranged   from 0 to 8.61 cubic meters per second. Low or zero flow was generally measured   in late summer and early fall, and highest flows were measured during spring   runoff and winter rain events. Ground-water levels varied by about a half meter,   with levels closest to or above the land surface during spring runoff into the   early summer, and with levels generally below land surface during late fall   into early winter.

  A series of optional management practices that could conserve and restore habitat   of the C-3 watershed is described. Modifications to the existing system of a drainage   ditch and control structures are examined, as are the possibilities of reconnecting   streams to their historical channels and the construction of additional or larger   control structures to further manage the distribution of water in the watershed.   The options considered could reduce erosion, restore presettlement streamflow   conditions, and modify the ground-water gradient.

Introduction

 In the early 1900's, attempts were made to establish agriculture throughout   the Seney area. Land was cleared by timber harvesting and then burning. Land   speculators dug ditches to drain the area for agricultural uses. These efforts   failed to produce a viable agricultural economy, and early settlers abandoned   the lands. In 1935, Congress established Seney National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)   for the protection and production of migratory birds and wildlife (fig.   1). Between 1935 and 1942, a series of dikes were constructed to impound   water for use by migratory waterfowl. Long-term damage to the Refuge has resulted   from the discharge of spring runoff via Walsh Ditch, including erosion of peat   and sand in the area south of C-3 Pool. One area of particularly severe erosion,   known as the "spreads," is an area where water flow has abandoned   Walsh Ditch. There has been a regional increase of the water table altitude   and potentiometric surface altitude near C-3 Dike and Pool, and a general decrease   of the water table altitude and potentiometric surface altitude downgradient   of C-3 Dike and Pool. These water level changes have caused changes in native   plant communities (Kowalski, 2000; Michael Tansy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,   Seney National Wildlife Refuge, oral commun., 2000).

  Human activity has affected flow in Marsh Creek since about 1900. Walsh Ditch   first intercepted flow from Marsh Creek in the early 1900's. Local ground-water   discharge likely maintained some flow in the channel downstream of Walsh Ditch   until the 1940's. Construction of C-3 Dike began in 1935 to form an impoundment   for use by migratory waterfowl. With the construction of the dike, flow in the   Marsh Creek channel below C-3 Dike and Pool likely diminished to only seasonal  flows from ground-water discharge, precipitation, and snowmelt. In order to   adequately design modifications to C-3 Dike to manage the flow of water through   wetlands downstream from C-3 Dike, information is needed about the amount of   water flowing through C-3 watershed, both upstream and downstream from C-3 Dike.   The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife   Service, investigated the relation between surface water and ground water, and   the management of surface-water inflows and outflows, to obtain information   needed to determine the optimum management of water flows into and out of C-3   watershed. This information is necessary to help guide management and restoration   activities. Specifically, the data will aid in evaluating the effects of restoring   flow to historical Marsh Creek and Walsh Creek channels and in evaluating the   effects of diminished flows in Walsh Ditch. They also will aid in determining   optimal flows in Marsh Creek, Walsh Creek, and Walsh Ditch, in determining optimal   diversions from Walsh Creek to both the Driggs River and to C-3 Pool, and in   determining how these flow regimes might best be managed.

 In 1997, a water-control structure was installed in C-3 Dike where it intersects   the historical Marsh Creek channel, making possible the diversion of water from   C-3 Pool into this channel. In 1998 and 1999, USGS investigators established   stream-gaging sites, water-table wells, and piezometers throughout C-3 watershed   to determine a water budget and to provide local hydrologic, biologic, and physical   data. Samples of surface and ground water were collected and tested for physical   properties and quality, including temperature, pH, alkalinity, specific conductance,   and dissolved oxygen (Everett Collier, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, written   commun., 1999, 2000; Kurt Kowalski, U.S. Geological Survey, written commun.,   2000). 

Figure 1. Map showing location of   C-3 watershed and data collection points 

 Recent management actions

In 1999 and 2000, discharge measurements were made in streams and ditches upstream   and downstream from C-3 Pool, and water levels were measured in piezometers   and wells throughout C-3 watershed to determine a preliminary water budget for   the area. Spring runoff was measured at frequent intervals to determine peak   volumes of water that could be expected during this season; however, due to   minimal snow pack and low water content of the snow pack, the data likely do   not represent maximum conditions experienced in the past.  In July 1999, water was discharged to the historical Marsh Creek channel for   2 days to determine the impact such discharges might have. Water was allowed   to flow into the channel for 48 hours, with ever-increasing volume. For about   the last 30 hours of this test, discharge was at the maximum capacity of the   control structure, approximately 0.878 cubic meters per second (cms). Evaluation   of the stream channel after the test indicated no adverse effects from these   flows (Michael Tansy, oral commun., 1999; James Ellis, U.S. Geological Survey,   and Kurt Kowalski, written and oral commun., 1999). This was the first known   flow of surface water in this channel since the construction of C-3 Dike in   the 1940's.

  Beginning in August 1999, refuge managers began to use Marsh Creek as the primary   discharge structure for C-3 Dike. In 2000, spring runoff (up to 0.878 cms) was   routed into the historical Marsh Creek channel through the Marsh Creek control   structure for the first time since its construction. The remainder of the discharge   from C-3 Pool was routed first through the Sweeney Creek control structure (about   5.66 cms) and then through the Walsh Ditch control structure (about 1.42 cms),   reducing the amount of discharge through Walsh Ditch by more than 7.08 cms from   the previous year. Measurements of discharge through this channel were made   beginning in August 1999 and continuing through spring 2000 runoff. These discharge   data will allow for an assessment of the impact of discharge through the historical   Marsh Creek channel, the impact on channel morphology and adjacent ground-water   levels, and will provide the basis for sound scientific judgments about further   modifications to the C-3 Dike and discharge structures.

Geographic setting

Seney NWR is located in the east-central Upper Peninsula and southeastern Upper   Peninsula hydrologic provinces (Rheaume, 1991), about mid-way between Lakes   Superior and Michigan. Terrain slopes S75ºE at 1.1 to 1.3 meters per kilometer   (Heinselman, 1965), and most of the area is covered by fens and perhaps some   bogs. Surface deposits are primarily glacial deposits overlying Ordovician sandstone,   limestone, and dolomite. Two thirds of the refuge is mantled by peat deposits,   which range in thickness from a few centimeters to more than 2 meters. Vegetation   is primarily forest and a mixture of sedges and shrubs. C-3 watershed is in   the northwest corner of the Refuge and comprises approximately 1,800 hectares.

Hydrologic perspective 

During winter, snow and ice accumulate across the contributing area for C-3   watershed, creating a potential store of surface water to be released in the   spring with warmer temperatures and additional precipitation. Maximum flows   into C-3 Pool occur in the spring as the snow and ice melt, typically during   spring rainstorms. As flows into C-3 Pool increase, the level of the Pool rises,   and eventually its maximum capacity is reached. In order to minimize erosion   and the potential for failure of the C-3 Dike, excess water must be released   from the Pool.

  A control structure on Walsh Ditch regulates the level of C-3 Pool and regulates   discharge to Walsh Ditch. A smaller control structure on Sweeney Creek controls   discharge to Sweeney Creek, and augments discharge into a series of pools along   the west side of the Driggs River. In 1997, a control structure was installed   in C-3 Dike to allow discharge into the historical Marsh Creek channel.

  Historically, excess water has been discharged to Walsh Ditch, with some water   being discharged to Sweeney Creek. However, both channels are either at or over   their capacity during this discharge, which has resulted in erosion and damage   to the peat and underlying surfaces downstream from C-3 Pool. Before 2000, all   discharge from C-3 Pool was either to Walsh Ditch and (or) to Sweeney Creek.   Spring discharge was routed into Walsh Ditch and contributed to severe erosion   in an area known as the "spreads", lowering the land surface, scouring,   eroding, and removing the overlying peat, and eroding underlying sands. As a   consequence of these processes, the water table declined by as much as 4 to   6 m. Eroded materials were transported to the Manistique River, where they were   deposited on spawning areas used by various fish species (Michael Tansy, oral   commun., 1997). Most discharge from C-3 Pool was routed through Walsh Ditch   before 1999. After documenting erosion caused by this discharge, flows to Walsh   Ditch have been limited and it is used only after the capacity of other discharge   structures has been reached. Discharge to Sweeney Creek is limited to about   5.7 cms to control erosion.

  The historical Marsh Creek channel downstream from C-3 Dike was blocked by the   construction of C-3 Dike. Parts of the historical Marsh Creek channel immediately   downstream from C-3 Dike have been maintained by seepage through the dike, ground-water   discharge, and construction of beaver dams, while the middle reach has all but   disappeared. The lower reach appears to have been maintained by ground-water   discharge and beaver dams.

Climate

During the study period, precipitation in the study area averaged between 6.5   cm (1997) and 19.9 cm (1998) below the long-term average of 80.4 centimeters   per year (National Climatic Data Center, 2000), and temperatures ranged from   0.2 degrees Celsius (ºC) (1997) below the long-term average of 5.1 ºC   to more than 4.2 ºC (1998) above the long-term average. This combination   of below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures contributed to above-normal   evapotranspiration, lower than normal snow pack, lower than normal snow-moisture   content, and lower than normal stream flow during the study period.

Study methods

Measurements of surface-water stage and discharge were made throughout the study   area to determine the amount of water flowing into and out of C-3 Pool. Water-table   wells and piezometers were installed in or near each site where surface-water   data were collected, and ground-water levels were measured periodically. Seasonal   ground-water gradients were determined for the study area. The altitudes of   ground-water and surface-water levels were compared to determine the potential   for flow between the two environments.

Measurement of stream stage and  discharge

In September 1998, staff gages were established at three sites upstream from   C-3 Pool, at the C-3 Pool control structure on Walsh Ditch, and at three sites   downstream from C-3 Pool (fig. 1).   Measurements of discharge in streams flowing into, through, and out of C-3 Pool   were made at both high and low flow in an attempt to quantify the amount of   water available within the C-3 watershed. In 1999, seasonal discharge measurements   were made at successive downstream sites on the Driggs River and at sites on   Walsh Ditch and the creeks feeding into Walsh Ditch in order to quantify ground-water   discharge.

 Marsh, Ducey, and Walsh Creeks (fig.   1) are the principal contributors of surface water to C-3 Pool, and all   are intercepted by Walsh Ditch. To quantify the amount of water entering C-3   Pool, discharge measurements were made at each of the creeks where they cross   state highway M28. Between Marsh, Ducey, and Walsh Creeks are a number of small   culverts that drain a roadside ditch and flow under a rail bed into the C-3   Pool contributing area. Flow through these culverts is sporadic and was quantified   when possible. Flow was measured in Walsh Ditch at the most downstream point   possible before it enters backwater from C-3 Pool.

 Walsh Ditch, Marsh Creek, and Sweeney Creek (fig.   1) are the principal surface water outflows from C-3 Pool. Flow into each   is regulated by stop logs within a control structure, either a dam or a drop   pipe. Because the level of C-3 Pool is regulated, and thus the flow from C-3   Pool, there is commonly little, if any, relation between inflows and outflows   on a daily, or even seasonal, basis.

Measurement of ground-water levels

Water-table wells and/or piezometers were installed at all surface-water sites,   with the exception of the Driggs River, to aid in the interpretation of the   relation between surface and ground water. The wells were constructed by hand   augering a 6.4-cm diameter hole through the peat and continuing about 1 meter   (m) into underlying sand. This was done to avoid frost heave during winter.   A 5.08-cm outside-diameter plastic pipe was then assembled with a drive point   at the bottom and a 20-cm screened section designed to straddle the water table   as measured when the hole was augered. The hole was then back-filled with bentonite-clay   grout from the bottom of the hole to just below the screen. Coarse, angular   sand was then placed in the annulus to the top of the screen and bentonite clay   grout was placed above the sand to land surface. Piezometers were constructed   in a similar manner, except that the screened interval was only 10 cm long.   Two piezometers were installed, one with its screen in peat about 10 cm above   the peat-sand interface, and one with its screen in sand about 10 cm below the   peat-sand interface.

  Piezometers were installed at surface-water sites immediately below C-3 Pool   and immediately behind the C-3 Pool control structure. Water-table wells were   installed between Marsh Creek and Sweeney Creek and at three sites east of Sweeney   Creek. Both a piezometer and a water-table well were installed at stream-gaging   sites upstream from C-3 Pool, and at Lower Walsh Ditch downstream from C-3 Pool.   In addition, nested piezometers and water-table wells were installed at the   Lower Walsh Ditch site to determine any local gradients associated with Walsh   Ditch.

 Ground-water levels were measured approximately monthly (tables   2 and 3, appendix A), except   during winter months, and whenever a surface-water discharge measurement was   made. Measurements were made using an electric tape lowered from the top of   the well casing to the water surface. Depth to water from the top of the casing   was then converted into a water-level altitude by subtracting the depth to water   from the surveyed altitude of the measuring point. In this way, ground-water   altitudes could be directly compared to surface-water altitudes.

Measurements of surface-water discharge and ground-water  levels

Surface-water levels, stream discharge, and ground-water levels were measured   between March and December of 1999, and during spring runoff in 2000. Stream   discharges ranged from zero (no flow) throughout much of the summer and early   fall to more than 8.5 cms during spring runoff. Ground-water levels fluctuated   throughout the period of study by a few centimeters to almost a meter.

Surface water

Between 3 and 24 discharge measurements were made at 16 sites in the C-3 Pool   watershed (table 1, appendix A).   Flows downgradient of C-3 Pool are regulated and account for the majority of   zero-discharge measurements. The highest flows were measured in the Driggs River   and Walsh Creek upgradient of C-3 Pool.

Marsh Creek at M28 near Shingleton, Michigan

Thirteen discharge measurements were made at this site between September 16,   1998 and May 18, 2000 (table 1, appendix A). Discharge was measured as or observed   to be zero on 3 occasions. The greatest measured discharge at this site was   0.521 cms on April 5, 1999.

Ducey Creek at M28 near Seney,  Michigan

Twelve discharge measurements were made at this site between September 16,   1998 and May 18, 2000 (table 1, appendix   A). Discharge was measured as or observed to be zero on 3 occasions. The greatest   measured discharge at this site was 2.61 cms on April 5, 1999.

Walsh Creek at M28 near Seney, Michigan

Twelve discharge measurements were made at this site between September 17,   1998 and May 18, 2000 (table 1, appendix   A). The least measured discharge was 0.046 cms on September 20, 1999. The greatest   measured discharge at this site was 5.58 cms on April 5, 1999.

Miscellaneous measurements of discharge along M28

During March through May 1999, 6 culverts were monitored for flow. Measured   discharge in a culvert 1.6 kilometers (km) east of Walsh Creek on April 5 was   0.680 cms. Discharge was not observed in the other culverts on April 5, although   it was noted that at two of the culverts site conditions indicated that there   may have been flow at an earlier time. On April 13 discharge of 0.226 cms was   measured in a culvert 1.2 km east of Walsh Creek, and in the culvert 1.6 km   east of Walsh Creek discharge was estimated to be between 0.028 and 0.057 cms. 

Walsh Ditch upstream from C-3 Pool at Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Thirteen discharge measurements were made at this site between September 16,   1998 and May 17, 2000 (table 1, appendix   A). Discharge was measured as or observed to be zero on one occasion, probably   because of high water in C-3 Pool causing backwater. The greatest measured discharge   at this site was 8.64 cms on April 5, 1999.

Walsh Ditch at Outlet of C-3 Pool

Fifteen discharge measurements were made at this site between September 23,   1998 and June 29, 2000 (table 1,   appendix A). The lowest measured discharge was 1.13x10-4 cms on May 17, 2000.   The greatest measured discharge at this site was 8.5 cms on April 6, 1999.

  Through 1999, Walsh Ditch at the outlet of C-3 Pool was the primary outlet for C-3 Pool. Beginning in 2000, this was no   longer the case, and the majority of discharge from C-3 Pool was sent first   down Marsh, then Sweeney Creeks. Discharge from C-3 Pool in 2000 was less than   in 1999, although this is most likely a function of meteorological and hydrologic   conditions, not the configuration of the control structures.

  In recent years, beaver have colonized Walsh Ditch, disrupting flow in the ditch   and raising the water level behind their dams. This has had the unintended but   desired consequence of regulating flow, slowing water velocity, developing natural   sediment traps, and enhancing vegetation near the dams.

Marsh Creek at Outlet of C-3 Pool

Twenty-four discharge measurements were made at this site between September   16, 1998 and May 17, 2000 (table 1, appendix   A). Discharge was measured as or observed to be zero on 16 occasions. However,   prior to July 1999, water was not routinely discharged at this site other than   to test the operation of the control structure when it was built (Michael Tansy,   oral communication, 1998, 2000).

  On July 6 and 7, 1999, a 2-day test discharge was made at this site. The maximum   measured discharge was 0.878 cms, which is near the design maximum for the site   (Michael Tansy, oral commun., 1999). A discharge of 0.878 cms was again measured   on March 28, 2000.

Sweeney Creek at Outlet of C-3 Pool
  Sixteen discharge measurements were made at this site between September 16, 1998 and May 18, 2000 (table 1, appendix A). Discharge was measured as or observed to be zero on 4 occasions between October 15 and November 5, 1999. However, this is not unexpected as flow in the creek is regulated. When Refuge staff raise the level of C-3 Pool they shut off all flow to the creek. The greatest measured discharge at this site was 5.52 cms on April 6, 1999.
Driggs River Measurements

The Driggs River flows along the eastern edge of the study area (fig.   1). Discharge measurements were made on 3 occasions at three sites on the   Driggs River to document ground-water gains or losses. Measurements were made   where state highway M28 crosses the Driggs River, approximately where Walsh   Creek flowed into the Driggs River prior to the construction of Walsh Ditch   and later C-3 Pool (diversion ditch), and approximately 11 km downstream of   the study area (Chicago Farm). The diversion ditch, although maintained, is   a relic from construction of the dike and pool system and is not currently used.   A control structure on the ditch keeps water from entering it.

  From highway M28 to approximately C-3 Pool, there are only 2 minor inflows into   the Driggs River, both associated with remnant channels of Walsh Creek, and   draining only a few hectares. A dike runs along the west side of the river,   from approximately C-3 Pool to the most downstream measurement site, preventing   any inflow of surface water into the river from the west side along this reach.   There are only a few minor inflows from the east side along this reach. Discharge   measurements made on March 9, 2000 indicate that discharge in the Driggs River   increased between M28 and C-3, and then decreased slightly between C-3 and the   Chicago Farm site. Discharge measurements made on March 27-28, 2000 and May   17, 2000 indicate that discharge in the Driggs River generally increases between   successive downstream sites.

Ground water

Ground-water levels throughout the study area varied between a few centimeters   to more than a meter from lowest to highest values (table   2, appendix A). Water levels are generally highest in the spring, and lowest   in late summer and early winter. The smallest variation in water levels occurred   at Lower Walsh Ditch, downstream from C-3, where the range was generally less   than 15 cm. Measurements at this site in August 1999, in the deep piezometer   2 m west of Walsh Ditch and the shallow piezometer 2 m east of Walsh Ditch,   were more than 57 cm and 65 cm, respectively, lower than all others in these   piezometers. Review of field notes recorded at the time indicates that these   measurements are likely incorrect because of transcription errors, and they   are not included in this interpretation.

Relation between ground water and surface water

Water levels measured throughout the study area indicate a close relation between   ground water and surface water. Throughout the year, the Driggs River gains   flow in downstream order, yet there are few surface inputs to account for the   increased flow. Ground water is the most likely source of the increased flow.   Likewise, the regional ground-water table and potentiometric surfaces are generally   near or above the land surface, indicating ground-water discharge to the surface-water   system. Only during periods of elevated surface-water levels, such as the spring   runoff, is the surface-water altitude greater than the ground-water altitude.

  In general, flow is downward in the ground water adjacent to Marsh and Ducey   Creek, and ground-water heads are higher than surface water during periods of   base flow. When surface-water levels are rising, such as during runoff events,   surface-water levels exceed ground-water levels by a few centimeters. At Walsh   Creek at M28, the potential for vertical flow of ground water is nearly zero,   and surface-water stage is slightly higher than ground-water heads. At all three   sites, ground-water levels closely mimic surface-water levels. In general, the   data indicate ground-water discharge to the creeks along M28, which comprises   base flow in these creeks.

  In Walsh Ditch just upstream from C-3 Pool, surface-water is consistently about   30 cm higher than ground water. There is a beaver dam about 200 m downstream   of this site, and the data indicate that the site was influenced by this beaver   dam. This site is likely under backwater from both C-3 Pool and the beaver dam.

  Along the face of C-3 Pool, immediately below the Dike, the potentiometric surface   is higher than surface-water elevation. The potentiometric surface is likely   influenced by C-3 Pool, which causes an elevated potentiometric surface and   water table along the face of the Dike due to seepage. The potentiometric surface   at both Marsh Creek and Sweeney Creek below C-3 Pool mimics changes in the elevation   of C-3 Pool. At Sweeney Creek, where surface-water discharge has been occurring   for some time, the potentiometric surface closely mimics the stream stage. At   Marsh Creek, however, the potentiometric surface more closely mimics the level   in C-3 Pool than the stream stage. Data from the latter part of the study indicate   that this relation is beginning to change, and that the potentiometric surface   is beginning to reflect the stage in Marsh Creek. As Marsh Creek continues to   be used as the primary discharge point for C-3 Pool, there should be a gradual   change in the potentiometric surface in front of C-3 Dike as the surface-water   gradient shifts to reflect this discharge.

  Surface-water and land-surface gradients trend S75ºE at about 2 m/km between   M28 and Chicago Farm, a distance of about 15 km. The ground-water gradient trends   between S40ºE and S60ºE and ranges from 3 to 4 m/km between M28 and   Chicago Farm. The ground-water gradient near C-3 Pool trends S45ºE and   ranges from 0.3 to 0.5 m/km over a distance of about 2 km. Between M28 and Chicago   Farm the ground water gradient is about twice that of the surface-water gradient;   however, near C-3 Pool the ground-water gradient is about one sixth to one quarter   the surface-water gradient. Ground water likely intersects the land surface   and contributes to surface-water discharge near C-3 Pool.

 The relation between ground and surface water can be seen by comparing the   altitude of ground water and surface water at project sites. Figure 2 shows   this relationship at Marsh Creek at M28. During periods of baseflow, ground-water   altitudes are generally higher than those of surface water by 5 to 10 cm. Likewise,   figure 3 illustrates this relationship   at Marsh Creek at the outlet of C-3 Pool, where ground-water altitudes are consistently   higher than those of surface water by 10 to 20 cm. Data in tables 2 and 3 for   all project sites indicate that this relation is generally true for sites along   M28, although at Walsh Creek at M28 the relation is not as clear as at sites   downstream from C-3 Pool. At Walsh Creek upstream from C-3 Pool and downstream   of M28, surface-water altitudes are greater than ground-water altitudes; however,   this site is under backwater from a beaver dam. Ground-water altitudes tend   to mimic surface-water altitudes at this site, again indicating a close connection   between the ground-water and surface-water systems. At Sweeney Creek below C-3   Pool, ground-water altitudes are again higher than surface-water altitudes,   although not by as much as at Marsh Creek. This is likely because Sweeney Creek   has been used as a discharge point for C-3 for many years, causing surface-water   altitudes to be higher. Ground-water altitudes would also be lower because of   a lower hydraulic head behind C-3 Pool near the Sweeney Creek control structure,   causing a lowering of local ground-water altitudes.

Figure 2. Graph showing the relation   of ground water and surface-water altitudes at   Marsh Creek at M28

Figure 3. Graph showing the relation   of ground-water and surface-water altitudes at   Marsh Creek at outlet of C-3 Pool

Discussion of C-3 Watershed Hydrology

 In the natural channel of Marsh Creek and Ducey Creek upstream from C-3 Pool,   the combined maximum measured discharge on April 5 1999 was more than 3.12 cms,   about 3.5 times the design capacity of the control structure on C-3 Pool at   Marsh Creek. This indicates that the test discharge of 0.878 cms to Marsh Creek   in July 1999 was probably well below the potential flow of the historical channel   and flood plain. Marsh Creek below C-3 Pool likely has a potential flow equal   to at least the combined maximum measured discharge of Marsh and Ducey Creeks   at M28. Using the increase in flow measured in the Driggs River as a guide (table   1), an increase in flow in Marsh Creek between M28 and C-3 Dike of 22 percent   might be expected, yielding a projected flow in Marsh Creek below C-3 Dike of   3.81 cms.

  Likewise, if the maximum measured flow of 5.58 cms in Walsh Creek at M28 is   increased by 22 percent, then Walsh Creek would have a potential into the Driggs   River. Predicted peak flows in Walsh Creek could be as much as 75 percent of   maximum measured flows in the Driggs River.

  The combined potential flow of Marsh Creek and Walsh Creek, as calculated above,   is greater than the maximum discharge measured in Walsh Ditch. Sweeney Creek   has a maximum measured flow of 5.52 cms, which in itself is two-thirds the maximum   measured discharge in Walsh Ditch. These measured and calculated discharge values   indicate that natural drainage channels and flood plains are sufficient to carry   the flow of water in C-3 watershed, and reconnecting them to their historical source of water likely   would not cause impacts outside the realm of historical natural hydrologic events.

  The impact of reduced flows in Walsh Ditch is more difficult to assess. Reduced   flows should result in reduced erosion, revegetation, and with time, the redevelopment   of a juvenile peat surface if the water table is at or near land surface. Reduced   but reliable, constant flows might further encourage beaver activity, particularly   if a food source redevelops. A healthy beaver population would serve to further   regulate flow in the "spreads" by slowing water velocities, raising   the local water table near their dams, and developing natural sediment traps   behind their dams.

  Although ground-water discharge was identified throughout the watershed, ground   water is a minor component in the overall water budget of C-3 Pool, based on small gradients between ground water and surface water. Along   the northern edge of the study area, ground-water discharge may contribute to   base flow, but it likely is a minor component of total runoff. C-3 Pool creates   an artificially high water table that causes seepage under and through the dike,   creating water table and potentiometric surfaces along the face of the dike   that are elevated with respect to surface water. A series of beaver dams on   Walsh Ditch below C-3 Dike creates ponded surface water, which in turn tends   to raise the water table and potentiometric surfaces in the immediate area of   each beaver dam. Throughout the study area, the water table and potentiometric   surfaces range from just below to just above land surface.

Potential effects of future management options

Effective implementation of the options for future management described below   requires continued monitoring of ground water and surface water in the C-3 watershed.   Data collected for this analysis were discontinuous, and there are gaps where   additional data could enhance the interpretations contained in this report.   Continuous, long-term data collection could enable managers to monitor changes   that take place as modifications are made to the way water is routed through   C-3 Pool, to identify trends in water levels and distribution, and to identify   and take corrective actions that might be needed. Before beginning any modifications   to the current system of creeks, ditches, dikes, pools, and control structures,   long-term monitoring instruments would best be installed at key points throughout   the area. Ideal locations for gages would be as follows:

  Marsh Creek at M28  Ducey Creek at M28  Walsh Creek at M28  Driggs River at M28  In C-3 Pool  Walsh ditch below C-3 Dike control structure  Marsh Creek below C-3 Dike control structure  Sweeney Creek below C-3 Dike control   structure  Driggs River at the diversion ditch bridge
Permanent stream gages on Walsh and Marsh creeks upstream from C-3 Pool would   be useful for determining the contribution of ground water to the hydrology   of C-3 watershed. Data collected at these gages would provide immediate feedback   to managers about the amount of water entering C-3 watershed at any given time   and would show the natural distribution of water among incoming channels. This   information would allow individual outlets of C-3 Dike to be opened the amount   necessary to mimic the natural flow in each channel, thereby restoring natural   variations in water flow. Consideration might also be given to establishing   permanent ground-water monitoring sites throughout C-3 watershed to monitor   changes in the ground-water system that are related to proposed changes in the   surface-water system.

  Although data presented in previous sections are useful for planning further   modifications to structures in C-3 watershed, they do not indicate any one preferred   solution to managing the inflow and outflow of water in the area. A number of   data-based options are available for modifying the hydraulics, mechanics, and   hydrology of C-3 watershed. Some will require verification by hydrologists,   biologists, wildlife specialists, foresters, engineers, or other professionals,   but all are based on data presented in this report.

Reconnection of historical channels

To restore surface-water flow to its presettlement condition, Marsh and Walsh   Creeks would have to be reconnected to their former, natural channels. This   could best be accomplished by blocking Walsh Ditch below its confluence with   each of these creeks. Initially, flow into these creeks may overwhelm historical   channels and floodplains, as they have not conveyed flowing water on a regular   basis for as much as 80 years. There could possibly be considerable overland   flow, erosion, and loss of vegetation. However, as was seen in Marsh Creek below   C-3 Dike when flow was restored to that channel, these changes will likely be   both minimal and gradual. Although there will have been some channel filling   over time, vegetation within the filled channels will initially serve to reduce   velocities, thereby minimizing erosion. As water fills the channels and infiltrates   into surrounding soils and substrate, vegetation bordering the channels is likely   to change, with dry species dying out and wet species taking over; however,   this change is consistent with restoration goals because wet species were predominant   before hydrologic alterations (Kowalski, 2000).

  Blocking Walsh Ditch and reconnecting creeks to their historical channels will   change how water arrives at C-3 Pool. Instead of entering the pool from the   southwest at Walsh Ditch, only about a third of the flow would enter in this   area, through Marsh Creek. The remainder would enter through Walsh Creek, which   flows across the northern edge of C-3 Pool and would empty into C-3 Pool from   the northeast. This could require some modification to the operation of C-3   Dike, and changes to both plant and wildlife habitat should be anticipated.   Ground-water levels north of C-3 Pool would likely rise, and there may be some   lowering of ground-water levels along the southwestern boundary of the C-3 watershed.   Overall, however, these changes would serve to better distribute water across   the area and to create a more uniform ground-water surface.

  Blocking the reach of Walsh Ditch intermittently between Walsh Creek and Marsh   Creek would raise ground-water levels in this reach, would reduce surface-water   velocities, and would create the potential for sedimentation, which would help   fill in Walsh Ditch. Rerouting of water will cause lower surface-water velocities   near the current Walsh Ditch control structure, which might result in increased   sedimentation behind the dam. This should be taken into account in designing   a replacement structure.

Control structure on Walsh Creek to route flow into Driggs River

Historically, Walsh Creek flowed into the Driggs River near the northeast terminus   of C-3 Pool. The Walsh Creek channel is still visible east of C-3 Dike between   the dike and the Driggs River. If Walsh Creek is reconnected to its historical   channel on the western side of the study area, a control structure in the eastern   end of C-3 Dike at Walsh Creek should be considered to allow the diversion of   Walsh Creek into either C-3 Pool or the Driggs River.

  A comparison of discharges in Walsh Creek at M28 and the Driggs River at both   M28 and the Diversion Ditch bridge during the period March through May 2000   shows that on average, Walsh Creek carries between 45 and 57 percent as much   water as does the Driggs River. At low flow, flow in Walsh Creek may be as little   as 9 percent of flow in the Driggs, but at high flows, such as during spring   runoff, flow in Walsh Creek approaches 75 percent of flow in the Driggs River.   Any control structure would need the capacity to handle this wide range of flows.

Increase capacity of Marsh Creek control structure

As shown previously, Marsh Creek and Ducey Creek at M28 combined can carry almost   4 times more water than the current control structure on Marsh Creek at C-3   Dike is capable of discharging. Before construction of Walsh Ditch, and subsequently   C-3 Dike, the historical Marsh Creek channel below C-3 Dike carried the combined   flows of Marsh Creek and Ducey Creek. Although it has been about 80 years since   the historical channel carried this volume of flow, it is reasonable to suggest   that it could carry it again. As with the historical Walsh Creek channel, there   has been encroachment of vegetation and sedimentation in this channel, and in   places, it no longer carries water. However, the reach below C-3 is maintained   by ground-water discharge and beaver activity, and it is identifiable throughout   its length to the Driggs River. This channel would need to be rerouted around   Walsh Ditch south of the study area to avoid discharging into the lower reaches   of Walsh Ditch.

Passive/active discharge along face of C-3

Additional methods of discharging water from C-3 Pool also might be considered.   If a distribution of water across the study area that resembles sheet flow is   desired, discharging along the face of C-3 Dike should be considered. This could   be accomplished by building overflow pipes into the dike at both the maximum   and minimum pool elevations. The lower (minimum elevation) pipes would need   to have a control mechanism in them to allow them to be closed when the pool   level needed to be raised. The upper (maximum elevation) pipes could be free   flowing. This type of discharge mechanism offers some economy in that it has   few moving parts, is mechanically and hydraulically simple, and should be relatively   simple and inexpensive to design and install. Some sort of screen or cover mechanism   would probably be needed on both ends of the pipes, however, as the flow of   water through them will most likely attract beaver and other rodents, and could   cause debris to accumulate, eventually blocking the flow of water through the   pipe. Ice accumulation on or in the pipes could also be problematic.

  Installing free-flowing pipes only at the maximum pool elevation, and regulating   the minimum pool elevation with existing and/or proposed control structures   would accomplish discharge control. A similar effect might be accomplished by   designing a porous layer into the dike at the maximum pool level. This could   be something as simple as a layer of porous rock or gravel designed into the   structure of the dike at locations where discharge is desired.

Summary and conclusions

Nearly one hundred years of modifications to the hydrology of Seney National   Wildlife Refuge have changed the way water flows through C-3 watershed. The   area known as the spreads on Walsh Ditch below C-3 Dike has experienced erosion   and peat subsidence. The water table near C-3 Pool has been altered, and creeks   have been diverted from their natural courses. Beaver populations have become   dependent upon the flow of water in man-made channels, but have also remained   active in abandoned natural channels that carry ground-water discharge. Wildlife   populations have come to depend on artificial pools. Proposed changes to the   hydrology in C-3 watershed include restoring creeks to their natural channels,   restoring the flow of water in channels where blocked by artificial methods,   and reducing or eliminating the flow of water in man-made channels.

  A study of surface-water flows and ground-water levels in the C-3 watershed   has shown these proposed changes to be feasible. To accomplish these modifications   without negatively impacting wildlife and plant communities that are dependent   on current conditions will require additional data collection and monitoring   as modifications are made. A temporary discharge of water through a historical   channel has shown that with proper monitoring, flow can be restored to these   channels without damaging them. The data and field observations also indicate   that artificial channels can be abandoned without significant, negative impact   on local plant communities and with potential positive impact on local and possibly   regional hydrology.
REFERENCES CITEDHeinselman, M.L., 1965, String bogs and other patterned   organic terrain near Seney, Upper Michigan: Ecology, v. 46, nos. 1-2, pp 185-188. Kowalski, K.P., 2000, Analysis of wetland plant   communities and environmental conditions: A wetland restoration project in Seney   National Wildlife Refuge: Unpublished Master of Science thesis, Eastern Michigan   University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, June 2000, 84 p. National Climatic Data Center, 2000, Daily surface   data: data request for Seney National Wildlife Refuge, digital climatic data   for calendar years 1998 and 1999, 1 computer file. Rheaume, S.J., 1991, Hydrologic provinces of Michigan:   U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 91-4120, 73 p.
Appendix ATable 1. Measured discharge and estimated daily discharge       of selected streams near Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan, 1998-2000Gaging station number and nameDate measuredInstantaneous      discharge       (m3/s)Estimated daily discharge      (m3/d)Gaging station number      and nameDate measuredInstantaneous      discharge      (m3/s)Estimated      daily Discharge      (m3/d)04053500 Marsh Creek09/16/19980.000980.7504052500 Walsh Creek09/17/19980.08757,561near Shingleton10/28/199800near Seney10/28/19980.170214,700 12/09/19980.07226,240 12/09/19980.376732,570 03/17/199900 04/05/19995.579481,400 04/05/19990.521145,020 04/13/19991.869161,400 04/13/19990.311526,900 04/28/19990.379532,850 04/28/19990.0776,655 06/02/19990.543747,180 06/02/19990.02412,082 06/30/19990.08247,108 06/30/199900 09/20/19990.0459140,000 09/09/199900 03/10/20003.285283,200 03/08/20000.317227,400 03/27/20003.483300,200 03/27/20000.33729,120 05/18/20000.190916,480 05/18/20000.04253,670        04054420 Walsh Ditch09/16/19980.219818,99004053500 Ducey Creek09/16/199800upstream from C-3 Pool at10/27/19980.3227,650near Seney10/28/199800Seney NWR12/09/19980.798669,000 12/09/19980.228819,770 04/06/19998.609743,800 04/05/19992.608225,400 04/13/19994.163359,700 04/13/19991.172101,300 04/29/19990.917679,280 04/28/19990.152413,160 06/04/19990.920479,520 06/02/19990.291725,202 06/28/19990.2319,870 06/30/199900 08/24/19990.214118,500 09/20/199900 09/20/199900 03/08/20001.691146,100 03/08/20005.777499,200 03/27/20002.147185,500 03/27/20005.891508,900 05/18/200000 05/17/20000.577749,92004052700 Sweeney Creek 9/16/19980.222619,23004053600 Marsh Creek04/14/199900at outlet of C-3 Pool10/27/19980.009778.1at outlet of C-3 Pool07/06/19990.54094,673 12/09/19980.756165,330(continued)07/06/19990.78056,484 04/06/19995.522477,100 07/06/19990.80716,974 04/14/19991.541133,100 07/06/19990.87797,585 04/28/19990.778867,290 08/24/19990.077665.5 06/04/19990.42236,460 09/09/199900 08/24/19990.03513,034 09/16/199900 09/20/19990.02181,889 09/20/19990010/15/199900 09/29/199900 10/21/199900 03/08/20000.86387,463 10/28/199900 03/28/20000.87797,585 11/05/199900 05/17/20000.15411,331 03/08/20005.268455,100     03/28/20005.154445,30004053600 Walsh Ditch09/23/19980.001195.42 05/18/20001.776153,500at outlet of C-3 Pool12/10/19980.0019166.4     04/06/19998.49674,10004053600 Marsh Creek09/16/199800 04/14/19992.775239,800at outlet of C-3 Pool09/17/199800 04/20/19991.416122,342 09/23/199800 04/29/19990.35430,590 10/27/199800 06/02/19990.283224,468 10/28/199800 06/03/19990.288924,960 12/09/199800 06/30/19990.000648.94 12/10/199800 08/24/19990.00185.64 03/17/199900 09/20/19990.000868.51 04/05/199900 03/08/20001.453125,500 04/06/199900 03/28/20001.229106,200 04/13/199900 05/17/20000.00019.799     06/29/200004.89904052000 Driggs River at03/09/20003.653315,60004052040 Driggs River 803/09/20004.333374,400M28 near Seney03/27/20004.899423,300miles downstream from 03/28/20006.089526,072 05/17/20001.858160,500diversion ditch bridge at05/17/20002.43209,900    Seney NWR   04052010 Driggs River03/09/20004.928425,800    downstream of diversion03/28/20005.919511,400    ditch at Seney NWR05/17/20002.062178,100    
 
Table 2. Altitude of water in wells and piezometers near Seney       National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan,1998-2000Well locationDateAltitude of water (meters)
Well        location
DateAltitude of water (meters)Marsh Creek at M28 near09/17/1998240.9Marsh Creek at M28 near04/28/1999241.17Shingleton09/22/1998240.88Shingleton06/02/1999241.16Instream piezometer10/28/1998240.98Water table well06/04/1999241.12 11/02/1998240.88(continued)06/10/1999241.09 12/09/1998240.98 06/16/1999241.09 04/05/1999241.17 06/23/1999241.05 04/08/1999241.3 06/28/1999241.05 04/13/1999241.24 07/26/1999240.98 04/20/1999241.17 08/07/1999240.93 04/28/1999241.17 08/15/1999241.02 06/02/1999241.14 08/20/1999241 06/04/1999241.12 08/24/1999241.03 06/10/1999241.09 09/03/1999240.89 06/16/1999241.1 09/09/1999240.87 06/23/1999241.04 09/16/1999240.88 06/28/1999241.02 09/20/1999240.92 07/26/1999240.97 09/29/1999240.85 08/07/1999240.94 10/07/1999240.89 08/15/1999241.01 10/15/1999240.97 08/20/1999240.99 10/21/1999241.01 08/24/1999240.99 10/28/1999241.06 09/03/1999240.88 11/05/1999241.11 09/09/1999240.87 09/17/1998241.1 09/16/1999240.86    09/20/1999240.9Ducey Creek at M28 near09/17/1998240.41 09/29/1999240.9Seney10/28/1998240.5 10/07/1999240.9Instream piezometer11/02/1998240.39 10/15/1999240.96 12/09/1998240.57 10/21/1999241 03/17/1999240.58 10/28/1999241.05 04/05/1999240.79 11/05/1999241.1 04/08/1999240.81 05/18/2000241.08 04/13/1999240.71    04/20/1999240.63Marsh Creek at M28 near09/17/1998240.91 04/28/1999240.57Shingleton09/22/1998240.93 06/02/1999240.6Water table well10/28/1998241.02 06/04/1999240.58 11/02/1998240.93 06/10/1999240.55 12/09/1998241.37 06/16/1999240.52 04/05/1999241.33 06/23/1999240.45 04/08/1999241.32 06/28/1999240.44 04/13/1999241.26 07/26/1999240.36 04/20/1999241.19 08/07/1999240.36Ducey Creek at M28 near08/15/1999240.41Ducey Creek at M28 near10/21/1999240.38Seney08/20/1999240.4Seney10/28/1999240.51Instream piezometer08/24/1999240.38Water table well11/05/1999240.49(continued)09/03/1999240.3(continued)03/27/2000240.96 09/09/1999240.3 05/18/2000240.54 09/16/1999240.32    09/20/1999240.35Walsh Creek at M2809/17/1998234.68 09/29/1999240.34Instream piezometer10/28/1998234.74 10/07/1999240.34 11/03/1998234.68 10/15/1999240.41 12/09/1998234.87 10/21/1999240.44 03/17/1999234.84 10/28/1999240.48 04/05/1999235.73 11/05/1999240.53 04/08/1999235.67 05/18/2000240.47 04/13/1999235.2    04/20/1999234.97Ducey Creek at M28 near09/17/1998240.41 04/28/1999234.86Seney10/28/1998240.45 06/02/1999234.91Water table well11/02/1998240.42 06/04/1999234.86 12/09/1998240.58 06/10/1999234.8 04/05/1999240.55 06/16/1999234.73 04/08/1999240.83 06/23/1999234.85 04/13/1999240.73 06/28/1999234.69 04/20/1999240.65 06/30/1999234.65 04/28/1999240.6 07/26/1999234.67 06/02/1999240.61 08/07/1999234.66 06/04/1999240.59 08/15/1999234.71 06/10/1999240.56 08/20/1999234.67 06/16/1999240.53 09/03/1999234.59 06/23/1999240.46 09/09/1999234.6 06/28/1999240.48 09/16/1999234.61 07/26/1999240.37 09/20/1999234.64 08/07/1999240.34 09/29/1999234.64 08/15/1999240.4 10/07/1999234.62 08/20/1999240.41 10/15/1999234.63 08/24/1999240.44 10/21/1999234.71 09/03/1999240.32 10/28/1999234.82 09/09/1999240.3 11/05/1999234.76 09/16/1999240.32 05/18/2000234.77 09/20/1999240.36    09/29/1999240.35Walsh Creek at M28 near09/17/1998234.67 10/07/1999240.37Seney10/28/1998234.73 10/15/1999240.4Water table well11/03/1998234.64Walsh Creek at M2812/09/1998234.93Walsh Ditch upstream of06/28/1999226.61Seney04/05/1999235.76C-3 Pool at Seney NWR07/26/1999226.6Water table well04/08/1999235.76Instream piezometer08/07/1999226.6(continued)04/13/1999235.28(continued)08/15/1999226.65 04/20/1999235.03 08/20/1999226.59 04/28/1999234.9 08/24/1999226.59 06/02/1999234.32 09/03/1999226.58 06/04/1999234.85 09/09/1999226.59 06/10/1999234.78 09/16/1999226.59 06/16/1999234.73 09/20/1999226.6 06/23/1999234.51 09/29/1999226.69 06/28/1999234.71 10/07/1999226.61 06/30/1999234.68 10/15/1999226.61 07/26/1999234.66 10/21/1999226.61 08/07/1999234.59 10/28/1999226.62 08/15/1999234.7 11/05/1999226.6 08/20/1999234.64 03/08/2000226.64 09/03/1999234.6 03/27/2000226.75 09/09/1999234.6 05/17/2000226.59 09/16/1999234.62 06/29/2000226.61 09/20/1999234.69    09/29/1999234.65Walsh Ditch upstream of09/16/1998226.64 10/07/1999234.64C-3 Pool at Seney NWR10/27/1998226.65 10/15/1999234.67Water table well11/03/1998226.64 10/21/1999234.7 12/09/1998226.67 10/28/1999234.87 04/06/1999226.88 11/05/1999234.77 04/13/1999226.76 05/18/2000234.79 04/20/1999226.68    04/29/1999226.65Walsh Ditch upstream of09/16/1998226.67 06/04/1999226.68C-3 Pool at Seney NWR10/27/1998226.68 06/10/1999226.73Instream piezometer11/03/1998226.67 06/16/1999226.66 12/09/1998226.67 06/23/1999226.66 04/06/1999226.87 06/28/1999226.66 04/13/1999226.7 07/26/1999226.67 04/20/1999226.61 08/07/1999226.66 04/29/1999226.59 08/15/1999226.68 06/04/1999226.6 08/20/1999226.66 06/10/1999226.62 08/24/1999226.66 06/16/1999226.59 09/03/1999226.63 06/23/1999226.59 09/09/1999226.64      Walsh Ditch upstream of09/16/1999226.67Marsh Creek at outlet of04/20/1999224C-3 Pool at Seney NWR09/20/1999226.67C-3 Pool04/29/1999224.98Water table well09/29/1999226.66Instream piezometer06/04/1999225.04(continued)10/07/1999226.67 06/10/1999225.05 10/15/1999226.67 06/16/1999225.04 10/21/1999226.67 06/23/1999224.97 10/28/1999226.68 06/28/1999225.03 11/05/1999226.66 07/26/1999224.99 03/08/2000226.73 08/07/1999224.89 05/17/2000226.67 08/15/1999224.9 06/29/2000226.69 08/20/1999224.83    08/24/1999224.88Sweeney Creek at outlet09/16/1998223.15 09/03/1999224.82of C-3 Pool09/23/1998223.19 09/09/1999224.85Instream piezometer10/27/1998222.95 09/16/1999224.85 12/09/1998223.33 09/21/1999224.85 04/06/1999224.02 09/29/1999224.87 04/14/1999223.49 10/07/1999224.78 04/20/1999223.21 10/15/1999224.87 04/28/1999223.2 10/21/1999224.86 06/04/1999223.17 10/28/1999224.97 06/10/1999223.07 11/05/1999224.95 06/16/1999223.05 03/08/2000225.05 06/23/1999223.16 05/17/2000224 07/26/1999223.34 05/18/2000224.99 08/07/1999223.35 06/30/2000224.98 08/15/1999223.28    08/20/1999223.21C-3 Pool control structure09/23/1998225.12 08/24/1999223.19Instream piezometer10/27/1998225.22 09/03/1999223.17 04/14/1999225.53 09/09/1999223.32 04/20/1999225.58 09/16/1999223.34 04/29/1999225.58 09/20/1999223.37 06/02/1999225.61 09/29/1999223.34 06/04/1999225.59 10/07/1999223.35 06/10/1999225.6 10/15/1999222.9 06/16/1999225.63 10/21/1999222.9 06/23/1999225.62 10/28/1999222.93 06/28/1999225.59 11/05/1999222.93 07/26/1999225.35 03/08/2000223.98 08/07/1999225.07 06/29/2000223.15 08/15/1999225.11    08/20/1999225.08C-3 Pool control structure08/24/1999225.08Meadow, 1 kilometer east04/29/1999224.32Instream piezometer09/03/1999225.04of Sweeney Creek, 10 06/02/1999224.38(continued)09/09/1999225.04meters south of C-3 Dike06/30/1999224.36 09/16/1999225.05Water table well08/24/1999224.23 09/20/1999225.06(continued)09/03/1999224.2 09/29/1999225.02 09/09/1999224.22 10/07/1999225.01 09/16/1999224.17 10/15/1999225.05 09/20/1999224.21 10/21/1999225.1 09/29/1999224.19 11/05/1999225.36 10/07/1999224.22    10/15/1999224.21Meadow east of Marsh 09/16/1998223.28 10/21/1999224.24Creek, 70 meters south of09/23/1998223.93 10/28/1999224.27C-3 Dike10/27/1998224.76 11/05/1999224.3Water table well12/09/1998224.96 06/29/2000224.37 04/06/1999224.98    04/14/1999224.96Pine forest, 2 kilometers09/16/1998224.5 04/20/1999224.95east of Sweeney Creek, 3009/24/1998224.5 04/29/1999224.95meters south of C-3 Dike10/27/1998224.7 06/02/1999224.97Water table well12/09/1998224.84 06/30/1999224.98 04/06/1999224.72 08/23/1999224.87 04/14/1999224.75 08/24/1999224.89 04/20/1999224.75 09/03/1999224.81 04/29/1999224.73 09/09/1999224.86 06/02/1999224.8 09/16/1999224.85 06/29/1999224.76 09/21/1999224.91 08/24/1999224.56 09/29/1999224.86 09/03/1999224.47 10/07/1999224.89 09/09/1999224.54 10/15/1999224.86 09/16/1999224.52 10/21/1999224.88 09/20/1999224.56 10/28/1999224.94 09/29/1999224.51 11/05/1999224.91 10/07/1999224.53 06/30/2000224.94 10/15/1999224.53    10/21/1999224.54Meadow, 1 kilometer east09/16/1998224.19 10/28/1999224.66of Sweeney Creek, 10 09/24/1998224.18 11/05/1999224.7meters south of C-3 Dike10/27/1998224.31 06/29/2000224.73Water table well12/09/1998224.36    04/06/1999224.32Walsh Creek at Walsh09/16/1998225.17 04/14/1999224.29Creek Pool, east side09/23/1998225.14 04/20/1999224.3Water table well10/28/1998225.24Walsh Creek at Walsh12/09/1998225.38Walsh Creek at Walsh09/16/1999225.14Creek Pool, east side04/05/1999226.37Creek Pool, east side09/20/1999225.15Water table well04/14/1999226.34Water table well09/29/1999225.1(continued)04/20/1999226.3(continued)10/07/1999225.14 04/29/1999226.2 10/15/1999225.16 06/02/1999225.93 10/21/1999225.18 06/29/1999225.54 10/28/1999225.27 08/24/1999225.45 11/05/1999225.27 09/03/1999225.03 06/30/2000225.81 09/09/1999225.13   
 
Table 3. Altitude of water in miscellaneous wells and piezometers       above an arbitrary datum near Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan,       1998-2000 [ --, data missing or questionable]Well      locationDateAltitude of water above an arbitrary datum (centimeters)Well      locationDateAltitude of water above an arbitrary datum (centimeters)Lower Walsh Ditch, 100 m09/16/1998157.8Lower Walsh Ditch, 2 m09/16/1998158.4west of bank04/29/1999164.2west of bank06/03/1999165.6Water table well06/03/1999161.8Water table well06/29/1999158.1 06/29/1999158.8 07/07/1999157.2 07/07/1999158.4 08/23/1999164.3 08/23/1999163.7 09/20/1999164.9 09/20/1999163.9 05/17/2000162 05/17/2000163.9 06/29/2000162.3 06/29/2000163.7      Lower Walsh Ditch, 2 m09/16/1998--Lower Walsh Ditch, 100 m09/16/199883.8west of bank04/29/1999164west of bank04/29/199992.3Piezometer P106/03/1999168.5piezometer P106/03/199994 06/29/1999161.4 06/29/199986.2 07/07/1999159.5 07/07/199986.2 08/23/1999167.2 08/23/199991.2 09/20/1999167.5 09/20/199991.4 05/17/2000165.4 05/17/200090.8 06/29/2000164.3 06/29/200090.6      Lower Walsh Ditch, 2 m09/16/1998157.2Lower Walsh Ditch, 100 m09/16/1998115.6west of bank04/29/1999164.7west of bank04/29/1999155Piezometer P206/03/1999166.8Piezometer P206/03/1999156.1 06/29/1999158.9 06/29/1999148.2 07/07/1999157.4 07/07/1999148.7 08/23/1999-- 08/23/1999151.9 09/20/1999165.1 09/20/1999153.6 05/17/2000162.7 05/17/2000153.2 06/29/2000162 06/29/2000153      Lower Walsh Ditch09/16/1998203.2Lower Walsh Ditch, 20 m09/16/199865.3Instream piezometer P104/29/1999202.8west of bank04/29/199970.9 06/03/1999205.2Water table well06/03/199973 06/29/1999197.9 06/29/199965.1 07/07/1999196.2 07/07/199964.6 08/23/1999203.7 08/23/199960.1 09/20/1999203.2 09/20/199969.8    05/17/200070.6    06/29/200070    Lower Walsh Ditch, 109/16/199855.2Lower Walsh Ditch, 07/07/1999173.5100 m east of bank04/29/199958.120 m east of bank08/23/1999176.8Water table well06/03/199961.2Water table well09/20/1999178 06/29/199954.7(continued)05/17/2000177.3 07/07/199957.2 06/29/2000177.6 08/23/199957.1    09/20/199959.9Lower Walsh Ditch, 09/16/1998176.5 05/17/200059.82 m east of bank04/29/1999196.2 06/29/200059.3Water table well06/03/1999183.9    07/07/1999174.2Lower Walsh Ditch, 09/16/1998156.8 08/23/1999178.8east of bank04/29/1999160.8 09/20/1999180.1Piezometer P106/03/1999163.9 05/17/2000181 06/29/1999157.3 06/29/2000179.4 07/07/1999159.5    08/23/1999159.1Lower Walsh Ditch, 09/16/1998174 09/20/1999162.12 m east of bank04/29/1999181.7 05/17/2000162.2Piezometer 106/03/1999183.9 06/29/2000161.5 07/07/1999175    08/23/1999114.6Lower Walsh Ditch, 09/16/1998154.4 09/20/1999179.8100 m east of bank04/29/1999152.5 05/17/2000180.6Piezometer P206/03/1999165.2 06/29/2000179.9 06/29/1999158.7    07/07/1999160.3Lower Walsh Ditch, 09/16/1998170.5 08/23/19991622 m east of bank04/29/1999178.9 09/20/1999162.2Piezometer 206/03/1999180.8 05/17/2000163.7 07/07/1999171.7 06/29/2000162.9 08/23/1999178    09/20/1999178.7Lower Walsh Ditch, 09/16/1998173.3 05/17/2000176.420 m east of bank04/29/1999178.1 06/29/2000175.6Water table well06/03/1999179.4    06/29/1999175   

Citation:
Sweat, Michael J., 2001, Hydrology of C-3 Watershed, Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan, 2001, U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 01-4053

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