Water-Supply and Irrigation Paper No. 165 Series P, Hydrographic Progress Reports, 41 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SUKVEY

CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIRECTOR

REPORT

OF

PROGRESS OF STREAM MEASUREMENTS

FOR

THE CALENDAR YEAR 1905

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF F. H. NEWELL

PART I. Atlantic Coast of New England Drainage

BY 

H. K. BARROWS and JOHN C. HOYT

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1906
Water-Supply and Irrigation Paper No. 165 Series P, Hydrographic Progress Reports, 41 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIRECTOR

REPORT

PROGRESS OF STREAM MEASUREMENTS

THE CALENDAR YEAR 1905

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF F. H. NEWELL

PART I. Atlantic Coast of New England Drainage

BYH. K. BAKKOWS and JOHN C. HOYT

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT FEINTING OFFICE 

1906
CONTENTS.

Page.

Introduction........................-...-..._..................--......-- 7

Organization and scope of work........................................ 7

Definitions........................................................... , 9

Explanation of tables................................................. 10

Convenient equivalents ............................................... 11

Field methods of measuring stream flow ............................... 12

Office methods of computing run-off ................................... 16

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

St. John River drainage basin............................................. 19

Description of basin .................................................. 19

St. John River at Fort Kent, Me ...................................... 21

Fish River at Wallagrass, Me ......................................... 21

Aroostook River at Fort Fairfield, Me ................................. 24

St. Croix River drainage basin ............................................ 27

Description of basin .................................................. 27

St. Croix River at Spragues Falls, near Baring, Me ..................... 28

Machias River drainage basin ............................................. 30

Description of basin .................................................. 30

Machias River near Whitiieyville, Me ................................. 30

Penobscot River drainage basin ........................................... 32

Description of basin .................................................. 32

Penobscot River at Millinocket, Me ................................... 33

Penobscot River at West Enfield, Me .................................. 35

East Branch Penobscot River at Grindstone, Me........................ 38

Mattawamkeag River at Mattawamkeag, Me ........................... 41

Piscataquis River near Foxcroft, Me................................... 44

Cold Stream at Enfield, Me ........................................... 46

Phillips Lake and outlets in Holden and Dedham, Me .................. 48

Kennebec River drainage basin............................................ 51

Description of basin .................................................. 51

Kennebec River at The Forks, Me..................................... 53

Kennebec River near North Anson, Me................................ 56

Kennebec River at Waterville, Me .................................... 58

Moose River near Rockwood, Me...................................... 60

Miscellaneous discharge measurements in Moose River basin ............ 63

Roach River at Roach River, Me ...................................... 63

Dead River near The Forks, Me........................................ 66

Carrabassett River at North Anson, Me................................ 68

Sandy River near Madison, Me........................................ 71

Messalonskee River at Waterville, Me .......... v ..................... 72

Cobbosseecontee River at Gardiner, Me................................ 73
CONTENTS.

Androscoggin River drainage basin..... .................................... 75

Description of basin .................................................. 75

Androscoggin River at Errol dam, N. H ........"....................... 76

Androscoggin River at Gorham, N. H ................................. 76

Androscoggin River at Shelburne, N. H ..____...-.._-.-_-.-.--._.---.. 76

Androscoggiu River at Rumford Falls, Me ............................. 80

Androscoggin River at Dixfield, Me........-...-...-....-....--......-. 82

Presumpscot River drainage basin -._..._.---.---_.-.___..-.--...--....---. 85

Description of basin .................................................. 85

Presumpscot River at outlet of Sebago Lake, Me........................ 85

Saco River drainage basin................................................. 87

Description of basin .................................................. 87

Saco River near Center Conway, N. H................................. 87

Merrimac River drainage basin............................................ 90

Description of basin ................................................... 90

Merrimac River at Franklin Junction, N. H............................ 91

Merrimac River at Garvins Falls, N. H................................ 93

Merrimac River at Lawrence, Mass....:.............--................ 95

Pemigewasset River at Plymouth, N. H................................ 98

Contoocook River at West Hopkinton, N. H........................... 101

Suncook River at East Pembroke, N. H................................ 103

Sudbury River at Framingham and Lake Cochituate at Cochituate, Mass. 104

South Branch Nashua River at Clinton, Mass.............. ........... 108

Blackstone River drainage basin........................................... 109

Description of basin ........................................... ....... 109

Blackstone River near Woonsocket, R. I............................... 109

Thames River drainage basin.............................................. 110

Description of basin .................................................. 110

Shetucket River near Willimantic, Conn................................ Ill

Connecticut River drainage basin.......................................... 113

Description of basin ................................................. 113

Connecticut River near Orford, N. H.................................. 115

Connecticut River at Sunderland, Mass ................................ 118

Connecticut River at Hartford, Conn .................................. 121

Israel River (above South Branch) near Jefferson Highlands, N. H...... 123

Israel River (below South Branch) near Jefferson Highlands, N. H...... 125

Ammoiioosuc River at Bretton Woods, N. H........................... 128

Zealand River near Twin Mountain, N. H.............................. 130

Little River near Twin Mountain, N. H.......................... ...... 132

White River at Sharon, Vt............................................ 133

Ashuelot River at Winchester, N. H................................... 133

Deerfield River at Deerfield, Mass ..................................... 134

Ware River near Ware, Mass.......................................... 136

Ware River at Gilbertville, Mass .......................... ........... 139

Quaboag River at West Warren, Mass.................................. 139

Swift River at West Ware, Mass....................................... 140

Westfield River at Russell, Mass....................................... 140

Westfield Little River near Blandford, Mass........-........---..--.... 142

Salmon River at Leesville, Conn........................................ 144

Housatonic River drainage basin .................,......--...-----..-.--.. 145

Description of basin ....'.........--........-.-..--..-. .-....-...-... 145

Housatonic River at Gaylordsville, Conn............................... 145

Index.,.................."............................................... 149
ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page.

PLATE I. Map of the United States, showing location of principal gaging stations maintained during 1905 .................................. 8

Fia. 1. Cable station, showing section of river, car, gage, etc................ 14

2. Discharge, area, and mean-velocity curves for South Fork Skykomish

River near Index, Wash......................................... 17

5
PROGRESS REPORT OF STREAM MEASUREMENTS 

FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 1905.

PART I.

By H. K. BARROWS and JOHN C. HOYT.

INTRODUCTION. 

ORGANIZATION AND SCOPE OF WORK.

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. The first specific appropriation for gaging streams was made by the act of 

August 18, 1894, which contained an item of $12,500 "for gauging 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." (Stat. L., 

vol. 28, p. 398.)

Since that time the appropriations have been gradually increased, as shown by the 

following table:

Annual appropriations for hydrographic surveys for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1895

to 1906.

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

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

1897 ......................... 50,000

1898......................... 50,000

1899 ......................... 50, 000

1900 ......................... 50,000

1901 ......................... $100,000

1902 ......................... 100, 000

1903 ......................... 200, 000

1904 _........_..._..._...._., 200,000

1905 ......................... 200, 000

1906......................... 200,000

As a result of the increased appropriations the work has been greatly extended, 

and at the same time it has been more thoroughly systemized by the adoption of 

standard methods and by grouping the States into districts, in each of which a district hydrographer and a corps of assistants carry on a comprehensive study of the 

hydrographic resources.

The chief features of the hydrographic work are the collection of data relating to the 

flow of the surface waters and the study of the conditions affecting this flow. There 

is also collected information concerning river profiles, duration and magnitude of 

floods, water power, etc., which may be of use in hydrographic studies. This work 

includes the study of the hydrography of every important river basin in the United 

States, and is of direct value in the commercial and agricultural development of the 

country.

7
8 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

In order to collect the material from which estimates of daily flow are made, gaging stations are established. The selection of a site for a gaging station and the 

length of time it is maintained depend largely upon the physical features and the 

needs of each locality. If the water is to be used for power, special effort is made to 

obtain information concerning the minimum flow; if water is to be stored, the maximum flow receives special attention. In all sections of the country permanent gaging 

stations are maintained for general statistical purposes to show the conditions existing 

through long periods. They are also used as primary stations, and their records in 

connection with short series of measurements, serve" as bases for estimating the flow 

at other points in the drainage basin.

During the calendar year 1905 the division of hydrography has continued measuring the flow of streams on the same general lines as in previous years. Many new 

and improved methods have been introduced, by which the accuracy and value of 

the results have been increased. Approximately 800 regular gaging stations were 

maintained during the year, and an exceptionally large number of miscellaneous measurements and special investigations were made. The Eeport of Progress of Stream 

Measurements, which contains the results of this work, is published in a series of 

fourteen Water-Supply and Irrigation Papers; Nos. 165 to 178, as follows:

No. 165. Atlantic coast of New England drainage.

No. 166. Hudson, Passaic, Raritan, and Delaware River drainages.

No. 167. Susquehanna, Gunpowder, Patapsco, Potomac, James, Roanoke, and Yadkin River 

drainages.

No. 168. Santee, Savannah, Ogeechee, and Altamaha rivers and eastern Gulf of Mexico drainages.

No. 169. Ohio and lower eastern Mississippi river drainages.

No. 170. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River drainages.

No. 171. Hudson Bay and upper eastern and western Mississippi River drainages.

No. 172. Missouri River drainage.

No. 173. Meramec, Arkansas, Red, and lower western Mississippi river drainages.

No. 174. Western Gulf of Mexico and Rio Grande drainages.

No. 175. Colorado River drainage.

No. 176. The Great Basin drainage.

No. 177. The Great Basin and Pacific Ocean drainages in California.

No. 178. Columbia River and Puget Sound drainages.

These papers embody the data collected at the regular gaging stations, the results 

of the computations based upon the observations, and such other information as may 

have a direct bearing on the study of the subject, and include, as far as practicable, 

descriptions of the basins and the streams draining them.

For the purpose of introducing uniformity into the reports for the various years 

the drainages of the United States have been divided into eleven grand divisions, 

which have been again divided into secondary divisions, as shown in the following 

list. The Progress Eeport has been made to conform to this arrangement, each part 

containing the data for one or more of the secondary divisions. The secondary 

divisions have in most cases been redivided and the facts have been arranged as far 

as practicable geographically.

TAst of drainage basins in the United States.

NORTHERN ATLANTIC DRAINAGE BASINS.

St. John. Thames.

St. Croix. Housatonic.

Penobscot. Hudson.

Kennebec. Passaic.

Androscoggin. Raritan.

Presumpscot. Delaware.

Saco. Susquehanna.

Merrimac. Potomac.

Connecticut. Minor Chesapeake Bay.

Blackstone. Minor Northern Atlantic.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER NO. 165 PL. I

121 119" 117" 115° 113 111° 109° 107° 105° 103 101° 99° 97° 96° 91 89 87° S5 83 81 79 77 75 7-3° 71 09° 67

119" 117° 116 113° 111" 109° 107° 105° 103° 101 97" 95° 93" 91

MAP OF THE UNITED STATES, SHOWING LOCATION OF PRINCIPAL RIVER STATIONS MAINTAINED DURING 1905.
DEFINITIONS.

James.

Chowan.

Roanoke.

Tar.

Neuse.

Cape Fear.

Suwanee.

Apalachicola.

Mobile.

Lower eastern Mississippi. 

Ohio.

Lake Superior. 

Lake Michigan. 

Lake Huron. 

Lake St. Clalr. 

Lake Erie.

SOUTHERN ATLANTIC DRAINAGE BASINS.

Great'Pedee (Yadkin).

Santee.

Savannah.

Ogeechee.

Altamaha.

Minor Southern Atlantic.

EASTERN GULF OF MEXICO DKAINAGE BASINS.

Pearl.

Minor Eastern Gulf of Mexico.

EASTEKN MISSISSIPPI RIVEK DRAINAGE BASINS.

Upper eastern Mississippi.

ST. LAWKENCE RIVER DRAINAGE BASINS.

Niagara River.

Lake Ontario.

Lake Champlain (Richelieu River).

Minor St. Lawrence.

Upper western Mississippi.

Missouri.

Meramec.

Sabine. 

Neches. 

Trinity. 

Brazos. 

Colorado (of Texas).

Wasatch Mountains. 

Humboldt.

Southern Pacific. 

San Francisco Bay. 

Northern Pacific.

WESTERN MISSISSIPPI RIVER DRAINAGE BASINS.

Lower western Mississippi.

Arkansas.

Red.

WESTERN GULF OF MEXICO DRAINAGE BASINS.

Guadelupe.

San Antonio.

Nueces.

Rio Grande.

Minor Western Gulf of Mexico.

COLORADO RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

THE GREAT BASIN.

Sierra Nevada.

.Minor streams in Great Basin.

PACIFIC COAST DRAINAGE BASINS.

Columbia. 

Puget Sound.

HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE BASINS.

DEFINITIONS.

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

work. These terms may be divided into two groups: (1) Those which represent a 

rate of flow, as second-feet, gallons per minute, miner's inch, and run-off in secondfeet per square mile; and (2) those which represent the actual quantity of water, as 

run-off in depth in inches and acre-foot. They may be denned as follows:

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

water flowing in a stream 1 foot wide, 1 foot deep, at a rate of 1 foot per second. 

It is generally used as a fundamental unit from which others are computed.

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

water supply.
10 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

The "miner's inch" is the quantity of water that passes through an orifice 1 

inch square under a head which varies locally. It has been commonly used by 

miners and irrigators throughout the West, and is defined by statute in each State 

in which it is used. In most States the California miner's inch is used, which is the 

fiftieth part of a second-foot.

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

per second from each square mile of area drained, on the assumption that the run-off 

is distributed uniformly, both as regards time and area.

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

all the water flowing from it in a given period were conserved and uniformly distributed on the surface. It is used for comparing run-off with rainfall, which is 

usually expressed in depth in inches.

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

cover an acre to the depth of 1 foot. It is commonly used in connection with 

storage for irrigation work. There is a convenient relation between the second-foot 

and the acre-foot. One second-foot flowing for twenty-four hours will deliver 86,400 

cubic feet or approximately 2 acre-feet.

EXPLANATION Or TABLES.

For each regular gaging 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, based upon all 

the facts obtained to date.

The descriptions of stations give such general information about the locality and 

equipment as would enable the reader to find and use the station, and 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, including the date, the name of the hydrographer, the gage 

height, the area of cross section, the mean velocity, and the discharge in second-feet.

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

river as found from the mean of the gage readings taken each day. The gage height 

given in the table represents the elevation of the surface of the water above the zero 

of the gage. At most stations the gage is read in the morning and in the evening.

The rating table gives discharges in second-feet corresponding to each stage of the 

river as given by the gage heights.

In the table of estimated monthly discharge, the column headed "Maximum" gives 

the mean flow for the day when the mean gage height was 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 short periods when the water was higher and the 

corresponding discharge larger than given in this column. Likewise in the column 

of '' Minimum'' the quantity given is the mean flow for the day when the mean gage 

height was lowest. The column headed '' Mean'' is the average flow for each second 

during the month. Upon this the computations for the two remaining columns, 

which are defined above, are based".

In the computations for the tables of this report the following general and special 

rules have been used:

Fundamental rules for computation.

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

2. All items of computation should be expressed by at least two and not more than four significant figures.
CONVENIENT EQUIVALENTS. 11

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

error is five times the ave'fagfe per cent of 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 it and increase the preceding 

figure by 1. Example: 1,827.6 becomes 1,828.

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

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

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

and increase the preceding figure by 1. Example: 1,827.5 becomes 1,828.

Special rules for computation.

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

No decimals are to be used when the discharge is over 50 second-feet.

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

3. Monthly means are to be carried out to one decimal place when the quantities are below 100 

second-feet. Between 100 and 10,000 second-feet, the last figure in the monthly mean shall be a 

significant figure. This also applies to the yearly mean.

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

to at least three significant figures, except in the case of decimals where the first significant figure is 

preceded by one or more naughts (0), when the quantity shall be carried out to two significant figures. 

Example: 1.25, .125, .012, .0012. The yearly means for these quantities are always to be expressed in 

three significant figures and at least two decimal places.

CONVENIENT EQUIVALENTS.

1 second-foot equals 50 California miner's inches. 

1 second-foot equals 38.4 Colorado miner's inches. 

1 second-foot equals 40 Arizona miner's inches.

1 second-foot equals 7.48 United States gallons per second, equals 448.8 gallons per minute, equals 

646,272 gallons for one day.

1 second-foot equals 6.23 British imperial gallons per second. 

1 second-foot for one year covers 1 square mile 1.131 feet deep, 13.572 inches deep. 

1 second-foot for one year equals 0.000214 cubic mile, equals 31,536,000 cubic feet. 

1 second-foot equals about 1 acre-inch per hour. 

1 second-foot falling 10 feet equals 1.136 horsepower. 

100 California miner's inches equals 15 United States gallons per second. 

100 California miner's inches equals 77 Colorado miner's inches. 

100 California miner's inches for one day equals 4 acre-feet. 

100 Colorado miner's inches equals 2.60 second feet.

100 Colorado miner's inches equals 19.5 United States gallons per second. 

100 Colorado miner's inches equals 130 California miner's inches. 

100 Colorado miner's inches for one day equals 5.2 acre-feet. 

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

100 United States gallons per minute for one day equals 0.44 acre-feet. 

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

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

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

1 acre-foot equals 325,850 gallons.

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

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

1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters. 

1 foot equals 0.3048 meter. 

1 yard equals 0.9144 meter. 

1 mile equals 1.60935 kilometers.

1 mile equals 1,760 yards, equals 5,280 feet, equals 63,360 inches. 

1 square yard equals 0.836 square meter. 

1 acre equals 0.4047 hectare.

1 acre equals 43,560 square feet, equals 4,840 square yards. 

1 acre equals 209 feet square, nearly. 

1 square mile equals 259 hectares. 

1 square mile equals 2.59 square kilometers. 

1 cubic foot equals 0.0283 cubic meter. 

1 cubic foot equals 7.48 gallons; equals 0.804 bushel. 

1 cubic foot of water weighs 62.5 pounds.
12 STEEAM MEASUBEMENTS IS 1905, PART I.

1 cubic yard equals 0.7646 cubic meter. 

1 cubic mile equals 147,198,000,000 cubic feet. 

1 cubic mile equals 4,667 second-feet for one year. 

1 gallon equals 3.7854 liters. 

1 gallon equals 8.36 pounds of water. 

1 gallon equals 231 cubic inches (liquid measure). 

1 pound equals 0.4536 kilogram. 

1 avoirdupois pound equals 7,000 grains. 

1 troy pound equals 5,760 grams. 

1 meter equals 39.37 inches. Log. 1.5951654. 

1 meter equals 3.280833 feet. Log. 0.5159842. 

1 meter equals 1.093611 yards. Log. 0.0388629. 

1 kilometer equals 3,281 feet; equals five-eighths mile, nearly. 

1 square meter equals 10,764 square feet; equals 1,196 square yards. 

1 hectare equals 2.471 acres.

1 cubic meter equals 35.314 cubic feet; equals 1.308 cubic yards. 

1 liter equals 1.0567 quarts. 

1 gram equals 15.43 grains. 

1 kilogram equals 2.2046 pounds. 

1 tonneau equals 2,204.6 pounds. 

1 foot per second equals 1.097 kilometers per hour. 

1 foot per second equals 0.68 mile per hour. 

1 cubic meter per minute equals 0.5886 second-foot.

1 atmosphere equals 15 pounds per square inch, equals 1 ton per square foot, equals 1 kilogram per 

square centimeter.

Acceleration of gravity equals 32.16 feet per second every second. 

1 horsepower equals 550 foot-pounds per second. 

1 horsepower equals 76 kilogram-meters per second. 

1 horsepower equals 746 watts. 

1 horsepower equals 1 second-foot falling 8.8 feet. 

1} horsepowers equal about 1 kilowatt.

, , . i, Sec.-ft. x fall in feet . , , , ,. . To calculate water power quickly: -jj = net horsepower on water wheel, realizing

80 per cent of the theoretical power,

Quick formula for computing discharge over weirs: Cubic feet per minute equals 0.4025 I yh3 ; I = 

length of weir in inches; h= head in inches flowing over weir, measured from surface of still water. 

To change miles to inches on map:

Scale 1: 125000, 1 mile=0.50688 inch. 

Scale 1: 90000,1 mile=0.70400 inch. 

Scale 1: 62500, 1 mile=1.01376 inches. 

Scale 1: 45000,1 mile=1.40800 inches.

FIELD METHODS OF MEASURING STREAM FLOW.

The methods used in collecting these data and in preparing them for publication 

are given in detail in Water-Supply Papers No. 94 (Hydrographic Manual, U. S. 

Geological Survey) and No. 95 (Accuracy of Stream Measurements). In order that 

persons using this report may readily become acquainted with the general methods 

employed, the following brief description is given:

Streams may be divided, with respect to their physical conditions, into three classes: 

(1) Those with permanent beds; (2) those with beds which change only during 

extreme low or high water; (3) those with constantly shifting beds. In estimating 

the daily flow special methods are necessary for each class. The data upon which 

these estimates are based and the methods of collecting them are, however, in general the same.

There are three distinct methods of determining the flow of open-channel streams: 

(1) By measurements of slope and cross section and the use of Chezy's and Kutter's 

formulas; (2) by means of a weir; (3) by measurements of the velocity of the current and of the area of the cross.section. The method chosen for any case depends 

upon the local physical conditions, the degree of accuracy desired, the funds available, and the length of time that the record is to be continued.
FIELD METHODS OF MEASURING FLOW. 13

Slope method. Much information has been collected relative to the coefficients to 

be used in the Chezy formula, y=cv/r s. This has been utilized by Kutter, both in 

developing his formula for c and in determining the values of the coefficient n, which 

appears therein. The results obtained by the slope method are in general only 

roughly approximate, owing to the difficulty in obtaining accurate data and the 

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

use of this method is in estimating the flood discharge of a stream when the only 

data available are the cross section, the slope as shown by marks along the bank, and 

a knowledge of the general conditions.

Weir method. When funds are available and the conditions are such that sharpcrested weirs can be erected, these offer the best facilities for determining flow. If 

dams are suitably situated and constructed they may be utilized for obtaining reliable estimates of flow. The conditions necessary to insure good results may be 

divided into two classes: (1) Those relating to the physical characteristics of the dam 

itself and (2) those relating to the diversion and use of water around and through 

the dam.

The physical requirements are as follows: (a) Sufficient height of dam, so that 

backwater will not interfere with free fall over it; (b) absence of leaks of appreciable magnitude; (c) topography or abutments which confine the flow over the dam 

at high stages; (d) level crests, which are kept free from obstructions caused by 

floating logs or ice; (e) crests of a type for which the coefficients to be used in 

Q=c b ]$, or some similar standard weir formula, are known (see Water-Supply 

Paper No. 150); (f) either no flash boards or exceptional care in reducing leakage 

through them and in recording their condition.

Preferably there should be no diversion of- water through or around the dam. 

Generally, however, a dam is built for purposes of power or navigation, and part or 

all of the water flowing past it is diverted for such uses. This water is measured and 

added to that passing over the dam. To insure accuracy in such estimates the amount 

of water diverted should be reasonably constant. Furthermore, it should be so 

diverted that it can be measured, either by a weir, a current meter, or a simple 

system of water wheels which are of standard make, or which have been rated as 

meters under working conditions and so installed that the gate openings, the heads 

under which they work, and their angular velocities may be accurately observed.

The combination of physical conditions and uses of the water should be such that 

the estimates of flow will not involve, for a critical stage of considerable duration 

the use of a head, on a broad-crested dam, of less than 6 inches. Moreover, when 

all other conditions are good, the cooperation of the owners or operators of the 

plant is still essential if reliable results are to be obtained.

A gaging station at a weir or dam has the general advantage of continuity of 

record through the periods of ice and floods and the disadvantages of uncertainty of 

coefficient to be used in the weir formula and of complications in the diversion and 

use of the water.

Velocity method. The determination of the quantity of water flowing past a certain 

section of a stream at a given time is termed a discharge measurement. This quantity 

is the product of two factors the mean velocity and the area of the cross section. 

The mean velocity is a function of surface slope, wetted perimeter, roughness of bed, 

and the channel conditions at, above, and below the gaging section. The area depends 

upon the contour of the bed and the fluctuations of the surface. The two principal 

ways of measuring the velocity of a stream are by floats and current meters.

Great care is taken in the selection and equipment of gaging stations for determining discharge by velocity measurements in order that the data may have the required 

degree of accuracy. Their essential requirements are practically the same whether 

the velocity is determined by meters or floats. They are located as far as possible
14 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

where the channel is straight both above and below the gaging section; where there 

are no cross currents, backwater, or boils; where the bed of the stream is reasonably 

free from large projections of a permanent character, and where the banks are high and 

subject to overflow only at flood stages. The station must be so far removed from 

the effects of tributary streams, dams, or other artificial obstructions that the gage 

height shall be an index of the discharge.

There are generally pertinent to a gaging station certain permanent or semipermanent structures which are usually referred to as "equipment." These are: A gage for 

determining the fluctuations of the water surface, bench marks to which the datum 

of the gage is referred, permanent marks on a bridge, or a tagged line indicating the 

points of measurement, and where the current is swift, some appliance (generally a 

secondary cable) to hold the meter in position in the water. As a rule, the stations 

are located at bridges if the channel conditions are satisfactory, as from them the 

observations can more readily be made and the cost of the equipment is small.

The floats in common use are the surface, subsurface, and tube or rod floats. A 

corked bottle with a flag in the top and weighted at the bottom makes one of the

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

most satisfactory surface floats, and it is affected but little by wind. In case of flood 

measurements good results can be obtained by observing the velocity of floating 

cakes of ice or debris. In case of all surface-float measurements coefficients must be 

used to reduce the observed velocity to the mean velocity. The subsurface and tube 

or rod floats are intended to give directly the mean velocity in the vertical. Tubes 

give excellent results when the channel conditions are good, as in canals.

In measuring velocity by a float, observation is made of the time taken by the 

float to pass over the "run," a selected stretch of river from 50 to 200 feet long. In 

each discharge measurement a large .number of velocity determinations are made at 

different points across the stream, and from these observations the mean velocity 

for the whole section is determined. This may be done by plotting the mean positions of the floats as indicated by the distances from the bank as ordinates and the 

corresponding times as abscissas. A curve through these points shows the mean 

time of run at any point across the stream, and the mean time for the whole stream 

is obtained by dividing the area bounded by this curve and its axis by the width. 

The length of the run divided by the mean time gives the mean velocity.

The area used in float measurements is the mean of the areas at the two ends of 

the run and at several intermediate sections.

The essential parts of the current meters in use are a wheel of some type, so constructed that the impact of flowing water causes it to revolve, and a device for recording or indicating the number of revolutions. The relation between the velocity of 

the moving water and the revolutions of the wheel is determined for each meter. 

This rating is done, by drawing the meter through still water for a given distance at
FIELD METHODS OF MEASURING FLOW. 15

different speeds, and noting the number of revolutions for each run. From these 

data a rating table is prepared which gives the velocity per second for any mimber 

of revolutions.

Many kinds of current meters have been constructed. They may, however, be 

classed in two general types those in which the wheel is made up of a series of cups, 

as the Price, and those having a screw-propeller wheel, as the Haskell. P^ach meter 

has been developed for use under some special condition. In the case of the small 

Price meter, which has been largely developed and has been extensively used by 

the United States Geological Survey, an attempt has been made to get an instrument 

which could be used under practically all conditions.

Current-meter measurements may be made from a bridge, cable, boat, or by 

wading; and gaging stations may be classified in accordance A^ith such use. (Fig. 1 

shows a typical cable station.)

In making the measurement an arbitrary number of points are laid off on a line 

perpendicular to the thread of the stream. The points at which the velocity and 

depth are observed are known as measuring points, and. are usually fixed at regular 

intervals, varying grom 2 to 20 feet, depending upon the size and condition of the 

stream. Perpendiculars dropped from the measuring points divide the gaging section into strips. For each strip or pair of strips the mean velocity, area, and 

discharge are determined independently, so that conditions existing in one part of 

the stream may not be extended to parts where they do iiot apply.

There are in general use three classes of methods of measuring velocity with 

current meters multiple-point, single-point, and integration.

The three principal multiple-point methods in general use are the vertical velocitycurve; 0.2 and 0.8 depth; and top, bottom, and mid depth.

In the vertical velocity-curve method a series of velocity determinations are made in 

each 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 

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

shows graphically the magnitude and changes in velocity from the surface to the 

bottom of the stream. The mean velocity in the vertical is then obtained by dividing the area bounded by this velocity curve and its axis by the depth. On account 

of the length of time required to make a complete measurement by this method, its 

use is limited to the determination of coefficients for purposes of comparison and to 

measurements under ice.

In the second multiple-point method the meter is held successively at 0.2 and 0.8 

of the depth and the mean of the velocities at these two points is taken as the mean 

velocity for that vertical. Assuming that the vertical velocity-curve is a common 

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

depth will give (closely) the mean velocity in the vertical. Actual observations 

under a wide range of conditions show that this second multiple-point method gives 

the mean velocity very closely for open-water conditions where the depth is over 5 

feet and the bed comparatively smooth, and moreover the indications are that it will 

hold nearly as well for ice-covered rivers.

In the third multiple-point method the meter is held at mid depth, at 0.5 foot below 

the surface, and at 0.5 foot above the bottom, and the mean velocity is determined by 

dividing by 6 the sum of the top velocity, 4 times the mid depth velocity, and the 

bottom velocity. This method may be modified by observing at 0.2, 0.6, and 0.8 

depth.

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 generally occurs at from 0.5 to 0.7 of the total depth. In general practice
16 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PAET I.

the thread of mean velocity is considered to be at 0.6 depth, at which point the meter 

is held in a majority of the measurements. A large number of vertical velocity-curve 

measurements, taken on many streams and under varying conditions, show that the 

average coefficient for reducing the velocity obtained at 0.6 depth to mean velocity 

is practically unity.

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

usually 1 foot below, or low enough to be out of the effect of the wind or other disturbing influences. This is known as the subsurface method. The coefficient for 

reducing the velocity taken at the subsurface to the mean has been found to be from 

0.85 to 0.95, depending upon the stage, velocity, and channel conditions. The higher 

the stage the larger the coefficient. 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 vertical-integration method consists in moving the meter at a slow, uniform 

speed from the surface to the bottom and back again to the surface, and noting the 

number of revolutions and the time taken in the operation. This method has the 

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

well adapted for measurements under ice and as a check on the point methods.

The area, which is the other factor in the velocity method of determining the discharge of a stream, depends on the stage of the river, which is observed on the gage, 

and on the general contour of the bed of the stream, which is determined by soundings. 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 streams 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 of value in 

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 various points of measurement, 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 the 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 determination of the flow of an ice-covered stream is difficult, owing to diversity and instability of conditions during the winter period, and also to the lack of 

definite information in regard to the laws of flow of water under ice. The method 

now employed is to make frequent discharge measurements during the frozen periods 

by the vertical velocity-curve method, and to keep an accurate record of the conditions, such as the gage height to the surface of the water as it rises in a hole cut in 

the ice, the thickness and character of the ice, etc.

From these data an approximate estimate of the daily flow can be made by constructing a rating curve (really a series of curves) similar to that used for open channels, but considering in addition to gage heights and discharge, varying thickness of 

ice. Such data as are available in regard to this subject are published in WaterSupply Paper No. 146, pp. 141-148.

OFFICE METHODS OF COMPUTING RUN-OFF.

There are two principal methods of estimating run-off, depending upon whether or 

not the bed of the stream is permanent.

For stations on streams with permanent beds, the first step in computing the runoff is the construction of the rating table, which shows the discharge corresponding to
OFFICE METHODS OF COMPUTING RUN-OFF. 17

any stage of the stream. This rating table is applied to the record of stage to determine the amount of water flowing. The construction of the rating table depends upon 

the method xised in measuring flow.

For a station at a weir or dam, the basis for the rating table is some standard weir 

formula. The coefficients to be used in its application depend upon the type of dam 

and other conditions near its crest. After inserting in the weir formula the measured 

length of crest and assumed coefficient, the discharge is computed for various heads 

and the rating table constructed.

The data necessary for the construction of a rating table for a velocity-area station 

are the results of the discharge measurements, which include the record of stage of 

the river at the time of measurement, the area of the cross section, the mean velocity 

of the current, and the quantity of water flowing. A thorough knowledge of the 

conditions at and in the vicinity of the station is also necessary.

O BOO 1000 3000 4OOO 9000 

OISCHABGE IN SECOND-FEET

FIG 2. Discharge, area, and mean velocity curves for South Fork of Skykomish River near

Index, Wash.

The construction of the rating table depends upon the following laws of flow for 

open, permanent channels: (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. (3) The discharge is a function of and increases gradually with the stage.

The plotting of results of the various discharge measurements using gage heights 

as ordinates and discharge, mean velocity, and area as abscissas, will define curves 

which show the discharge, mean velocity, and area corresponding to any gage height. 

For the development of these curves there should be therefore a sufficient number 

of discharge measurements to cover the range of the stage of the stream. Fig. 2 

shows a typical rating curve with its corresponding mean velocity and area curves.

As the discharge is the product of two factors, the area and the mean velocity, any 

change in either factor will produce a corresponding .change in the discharge. Their 

curves are, therefore, constructed in order to study each independently of the other.

The area curve can be definitely determined from accurate soundings extending to 

the limits of high water. It is always concave toward the horizontal axis or on a 

straight line, unless the banks of the stream are overhanging. 

IRK 165 06 2,
18 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

- The form of the mean-velocity curve depends chiefly upon the surface slope, the 

roughness of the bed, and the cross section of the stream. Of these, the slope is the 

principal factor. In accordance with the relative change of these factors the curve 

may be either a straight line, convex or concave toward either axis, or a combination of the three. From a careful study of the conditions at any gaging station, the 

form which the vertical velocity-curve will take can be predicted, and it may be 

extended with reasonable certainty to stages beyond the limits of actual measurements. Its principal use is in connection with the area curve in locating errors in 

discharge measurements and in constructing the rating table.

The discharge curve is defined primarily by the measurements of discharge, which 

are studied and weighted in accordance with the local conditions existing at the 

time of each measurement. The curve may, however, best be located between and 

beyond the measurements by means of curves of area and mean velocity. This curve 

under normal conditions is concave toward the horizontal axis and is generally parabolic in form.

In the preparation of the rating table the ^ischarge for each tenth or half tenth 

on the gage is taken from the curve. The differences between successive discharges 

are then taken and adjusted according to the law that they shall either be constant 

or increasing.

The determination of daily discharge of streams with changeable beds is a difficult problem. In case there is a weir or dam available, a condition which seldom 

exists on streams of this class, estimates can be obtained by its use. In case _of 

velocity-area stations frequent discharge measurements must be made if the estimates 

are to be other than rough approximations. For stations with beds which shift slowly 

or are materially changed only during floods, rating tables can be prepared for 

periods between such changes, and satisfactory results obtained with a limited number of measurements, provided that some of them are taken soon after the change 

occurs. For streams with continually shifting beds, such as the Colorado and Rio 

Grande, discharge measurements should be made every two or three days, and the 

discharges for intervening days obtained either by interpolation modified by gage 

height or by Professor Stout's method, which has been described in full in the 

Nineteenth Annual Report, Part IV, page 323, and in the Engineering News of April 

21, 1904. This method, or a graphical application of it, is also much used in estimating flow at stations where the bed shifts but slowly.

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 cooperated in any way, either by 

furnishing records of the height of water or by assisting in transportation.

The following list, arranged alphabetically by States, gives the names of the district hydrographer and others who have assisted in furnishing and preparing the 

data contained in this report:

Connecticut. District hydrographer, H. K. Barrows, assisted by T. W. Norcross. Acknowledgment 

should be made to Edwin D. Graves, chief engineer of the Connecticut River bridge and highway 

district, for gage heights of Connecticut River near Hartford; to Ransome & Hoadley, of Providence, 

R. I., and to E. W Crocker, of Leesville, Conn., for assistance in procuring data of flow of Salmon 

River at Leesville, Conn.

Maine. District hydrographer, H. K. Barrows, assisted by F. E. Pressey and C. R. Adams. 

Acknowledgments should be made to the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad for annual passes issued 

to H. K. Barrows and F. E. Pressey, and for occasional trip passes for other men; to the Somerset 

Railroad for annual passes issued to H. K. Barrows and F. E. Pressey; to the Maine Central Railroad 

ior annual pass good between Portland and Vanceboro, issued to F. E. Pressey; to the Washington 

County Railroad for annual pass issued to F. E. Pressey; to the Portland and Rumford Falls Railroad 

for trip passes issued when desired. Thanks are due to the following individuals and corporations
ST. JOHN RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 19

for data furnished and assistance rendered: H. S. Ferguson, engineer of the Great Northern Paper 

Company, for furnishing data on the flow of Penobscot River at Millinocket; H. C. Lord, of East 

Holden, for gage readings of Phillips .Lake; Hollingsworth & Whitney Company, of Winslow, 

through James L. Dean, their engineer, for records of flow of the Kennebec at Waterville; the Chase 

Manufacturing Company at Waterville for the use of their dam on Messalonskee River for measurement purposes; S. D. Warren & Co., through Jos. A. Warren, of Cumberland Mills, for records of flow 

of the Cobbosseecontee and Presumpscot; C. A. Mixer, engineer of the Rumford Falls Power Company, for records of flow of Androscoggin River at Rumford Falls.

Massachusetts. District hydrographer, H. K. Barrows, assisted by T. W. Norcross. Acknowledgments should be made to the Boston and Albany Railroad for trip passes issued to H. K. Barrows and 

T. W. Norcross; to the Boston and Maine Railroad for trip passes issued to H. K. Barrows and T. W. 

Norcross; R. A. Hale, principal assistant engineer of the Essex Company, Lawrence, for records of 

flow of Merrimac River at that point; Frederic P. Stearns, chief engineer of the Metropolitan Water 

and Sewerage Board, for records of flow of Sudbury and Nashua rivers and Lake Cochituate; the 

George H. Gilbert Manufacturing Company, of Ware, for assistance in procuring records of flow of 

Ware River at Gilbertville; the George H. Gilbert Manufacturing Company and the Otis Company, of 

Ware, for assistance in maintaining a gaging station at Ware; John T. F. MacDonnell, of Holyoke, 

for the use of the dam at West Warren for measurement purposes; the State board of health, through 

X. H. Goodnough, chief engineer, and W. S. Johnson, assistant engineer, for records of flow of Quaboag River during 1903; the West Ware Paper Company, through Dwight Holland, manager, for 

assistance in procuring data on Swift River at West Ware; the water department of the city of 

Springfield, through E. E. Lochridge, engineer, for assistance and cooperation in making measurements of flow of Westfleld Little River.

New Hampshire. District hydrographer, H. K. Barrows, assisted by F. E. Pressey and T. W. Norcross. 

Acknowledgments should be made to the Maine Central Railroad for annual passes in New Hampshire issued to H. K. Barrows and T. W. Norcross; to the Boston and Maine Railroad for trip passes 

issued to H. K. Barrows and T. W. Norcross; Walter H. Sawyer, agent of the Union Water Power 

Company, Lewiston, Me., for assistance in procuring records of flow of Androseoggin River at Errol 

dam and for other data concerning Androscoggin River; the Manchester Traction Light and Power 

Company, J. Brodie Smith, manager, through Hollis French, of French & Hubbard, Boston, for data 

regarding flow of the Merrimac at Garvins Falls; also to G. G. Shedd, resident engineer for French & 

Hubbard, for assistance rendered.

Rhode Island. District hydrographer, H. K. Barrows, assisted by T. W. Norcross.

Vermont District hydrographer, H. K. Barrows, assisted by T. W. Norcross. Acknowledgments 

should be made to Profs. A. D. Butterfleld and G. M. Brett, of the University of Vermont, for assistance 

rendered; to the Boston and Maine Railroad for trip passes issued to H. K. Barrows and T. W. Norcross; 

to the Montpelier and Wells River Railroad, the Rutland Railroad, and the St. Johnsbury and Lake 

Champlain Railroad for annual passes issued to H. K. Barrows.

ST. JOHN RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION OF BASIN.

St. John River drains the largest basin between St. Lawrence River on the north 

and SusquehannaRiver on the south. Its total drainage area is stated by Wells « to be 

26,000 square miles, of which approximately 7,500 square miles lie in Maine, its 

basin occupying the whole northern portion of the State. The extreme headwaters 

lie in the mountainous region between Maine and Canada, at elevations of 1,500 and 

2,000 feet; thence its waters flow at first generally northeastward through Maine. 

From the point of junction of the northwest and southwest branches, where the 

river first takes its name, to its junction with St. Francis River, a distance of 90 

miles, its course lies wholly in Maine, thougli a portion1 of the tributary area lies in 

Canada. In this distance Alleguash River is the only tributary of importance. 

Wells estimates the average slope in the 90 miles to be 1.6 feet per mile. From its 

junction with St. Francis River the St. John forms the northern boundary of Maine 

for 70 miles. Within this distance the slope is slightly greater than above, having 

been estimated at 2.7 feet per mile, while the volume is considerably augmented by 

two important tributaries Fish River from the south and Madawaska River from 

the north. At the point where it leaves the State line the river has an elevation of 

about 420 feet above sea level and drains an area of 8,765 square miles, of which

a Wells, Walter, The water power of Maine, 1869.
20 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

4,670 square miles are in Maine and 4,095 square miles in Canada. Beyond this 

point it receives the waters of Aroostook and Meduxnekeag rivers, the basins of 

which are almost entirely in Maine, besides several smaller tributaries having their 

sources, and in some cases a large portion of their drainage basins in the same State.

The underlying rock is generally deep and either calcareous or clay slate. The 

basin is well forested ; large areas have never been touched by the ax, while other 

portions have been lumbered for pine only. Probably 85 to 90 per cent of the 

whole basin tributary to the river at the eastern boundary of Maine is in forest.

According to Wells, the ponds and lakes in this basin in Maine aggregate a total 

surface area of 314 square miles. Of this water surface 120 square miles, or 38 per 

cent, are tributary to Alleguash River (36 square miles of which have been diverted 

to Penobscot River); 60 square miles, or 19 per cent, are tributary to Aroostook 

River ; and 80 square miles, or 25 per cent, are tributary to Fish River. At the outlets of several of these lakes dams have been built which store water to be used in 

transporting logs.

Prior to 1845 a canal was cut from Telos Lake, in the Alleguash basin, to Webster 

Lake, in the Penobscot basin, and a dam was constructed between Chamberlain and 

Eagle lakes. Thus, by means of these artificial structures, Chamberlain Lake, with 

its drainage basin of 270 square miles, was made tributary to the Penobscot. This 

diversion of St. John water is still continued. During the log-driving season, which 

varies considerably in its duration, nearly all of the run-off from this area is thrown 

to the Penobscot, while during the remainder of the year the gates in the dam at 

Chamberlain Lake are opened and water is allowed to flow both ways. On account 

of the fact that the gates in the dam at the outlet of Chamberlain Lake are about 2 

feet lower than those in the dam at Telos Lake, the flow from this basin to the St. 

John is greater than that to the Penobscot when the gates in both are open. As the 

surface of the lake is lowered the proportion flowing to the St. John increases until 

at extreme low water none flows to the Penobscot.

Both the upper St. John and Alleguash rivers are generally inaccessible. The 

middle portion, forming the northern boundary of the State, may be reached on the 

Canadian side at any point by the Temiscouata Railway, or in Maine at Fort Kent 

and Van Buren by the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad, while the basins of Fish and 

Aroostook rivers are rendered easily accessible by means of the latter road. The 

drainage areas of the stream and its principal tributaries are as follows :

Drainage areas of St. John River and principal tributaries.

River.

Do................. 

Do....... .........

Fish...................

Do.................

Do.................

Locality.

Fort Kent gaging station .........................................

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

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

.....do............!................................................

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

Area.

Sq. miles. 

4,320

5,280 

8,765

580

1,085

1,705

1,500

910

890

2,350

2,230

520
ST. JOHN RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 21

ST. JOHN RIVER AT PORT KENT, ME.

This station was established October 13, 1905, by F. E. Pressey. It is located at 

the footbridge which crosses the St. John near Fort Kent post-office, a short distance 

above the point where Fish Eiver enters the St. John. The drainage area at this 

point is 5,280 square miles.

The channel is straight for about 1,000 feet, both up and down stream. The bed 

is of gravel, rocky and permanent. Both banks are high, rocky, cleared, and not 

subject to overflow, except in extreme freshets. There are from one to four channels, depending on the stage of the river, and the river at ordinary stage is about 

500 feet wide. The flow of the river at this point is entirely free, and there are no 

dams in this region. About 50 miles downstream are the Grand Falls, an important 

undeveloped water power.

Measurements of flow will probably be made from the upstream side of the footbridge, to which the gage is attached. The initial point for soundings will probably be the river edge of the left abutment.

The gage is an inclined staff 22 feet long, in two sections, attached to the concrete 

pier nearest the New Brunswick shore of the river. The lower part of the gage is 

placed in :i groove in the side of the pier. The up"per part is fastened to the downstream end of the same pier. The gage is read by A. J. Long. It is referred to 

bench marks as follows: (1) Copper bolt in bowlder on right bank, about 250 feet 

below the bridge; elevation, 12.99 feet. (2) Top of igneous rock on right tank 

about 200 feet below the bridge, marked " B. M. -2 "; elevation, 12.64 feet. Elevations refer to datum of the gage.

Discharge measurement of St. John River at Fort Kent, Me., in 1905.

Date. Hydrographer. Width.

Feet.

Area of 

section.

Square 

feet.

385

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per 

second.

1.71

Gage 

height.

feet. 

2.55

Discharge.

Secondfeet.

660

a Measured partly from a boat and partly by wading. 

FISH RIVER AT WALLAGRASS, ME.

Fish River enters the St. John from the south at Fort Kent. It has a total drainage area of 910 square miles, all of which lies in Maine and 80 square miles of which 

are water surface. The basin is very generally wooded, probably 75 or 80 per cent 

of its area being still in forest. Of the several available power sites one only is partially developed and used for the manufacture of lumber. The underlying rock is 

shale or slate, and in general is well covered by soil.

The gaging station at Wallagrass was established July 29, 1903, by N. C. Grover. 

It is located just below the outlet of Wallagrass Brook.

The channel is straight for 500 feet above and 300 feet below the cable, and is about 

100 feet wide. The bed is permanent and of gravel. The depth increases gradually 

from either bank to a maxinmra at low water of 3.5 feet near the center. The current 

at the measuring section is generally strong. The banks are high and are not liable 

to overflow.

Discharge measurements are made from a cable or by wading at low stages of the 

river.

A standard chain gage, which is read once each day by Vital E. Michaud, is 

attached to trees on the bank about 1,500 feet upstream from the cable. The length
22 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IK 1905, PART I.

of the chain is 39.75 feet. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Copper bolt in ledge 600 feet downstream from gage; elevation, 11.73 feet. (2) Nail 

driven into blazed birch tree 5 feet upstream from gage; elevation, 11.91 feet. Elevations refer to datum of gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, pp 16-17; 124, pp 21-22. 

Discharge: 97, p 17; 124, p 22. 

Gage heights: 97, p 17; 124, p 23.

Discharge measurements of Fish River at Wallagrass, Me., in 1905.

Date:

May 18 ........

June 29 ........

October 10 .....

Hydrographer.

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

155

146

92

90

Area of 

section.

Square 

feet.

940

540

168

152

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per 

second.

2.92

1 80

.50

.32

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.84

4.83

2.00

1.74

Discharge.

Secondfeet.

2,740

970

84

48

Dally gage Jieight, in feet, of Fish River at Wallagrass, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

o

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 °

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. ---..........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

3.5

.......

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.9

Feb.

3.8

3.9

3.9

Mar.

3.8

3.9

3.7

3.7

3.0

Apr.

2.8

4.1

5.8

6 9

7.0

7.1 

7.1

7.1

7.0

6.8

6.8

6.9

7.0

May.

7.4

7.5

7.5

7.6

7.8

8.3

8.2

8.1

8.0 

7.9

8.0 

8.0

7.9

7.8

7.8

8.0 

7.9

7.8

7.4

7.4 

7.5

7.6

8.3 

8.0

7.8

7.4

7.4

7.3

7.3

7.1

June.

7.0

6.8

6.7

6.5

6.3

6.3

5.8 

5.9

6.0 

6.2

6.2

6.2

5.4 

5.4

' 5.6

5.6

5.7 

5.6

5.6

5.5

5.3

5.2

5.1

5.0

4.8

4.8

July.

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.3

4.2 

4.0

3.8

3.7

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.3 

3.1

3.1

3.0

2.8

Aug.

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

Sept.

1.9

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

Oct.

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1:8

1.8

1.8

Nov.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0 

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.2

Dec.

2.7

2.8

2.6
ST. JOHN RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 23

Daily gage height, In feet, of Fish Elver at Wallagrass, Me., for 1905 Continued.

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 23 and November U to December 31. For this period the 

readings were to the surface of the water in a hole cut in the ice. The following comparative readings were taken:

Date. Water 

surface.

Feet. 

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.9

3.8

3.9

3.9

3.8

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

3.8

3.7

3 7

3.9

4.1

4.0

3.9

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.0

(«)

(a)

.1

Date.

December 23

Water 

surface.

Feet. 

3.9

3.7

2.0

2.2

2.5

o 7

2.8

2.6

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

3.9

3.8

2.2

2.5

2.7

2.8

2.6

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

0.2

.4

.2

.1

.1

.1

.1

.4

a Ice thin.

Station rating table for Fish River at Wallagrass, Me., from July 29, 1903, to December

31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

47

59

72

86

102

120

139

159

180

203

227

252

279

307

336

366

397

Gage 

height.

Fed.

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

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

429

462

496

531

567

604

642

681

721

762

803

845

888

932

977

1,023

1,070

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

8.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,167

1,268

1,372

1,479

1,590

1,705

1,824

1,946

2,071

2,200

2,331

2,464

2,599

2, 738

2,880

3,025

Gage 

height.

Feet.

8.40

8.60

8.80

9.00

9.20

9.40

9.60

9.80

10.00

10.50

11.00

11.50

12.00

12.50

13.00

13.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,174

3,328

3,487

3,650

3,817

3,988

4,162

4,339

4,520

4,990

5,490

6,000

6,550

7,100

7,650

8,250

N<JTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 17 discharge 

measurements made during 1903-1905. It is well defined throughout.
24 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Estimated monthly discharge of Fish River at Wallagrass, Me., for 1903-1905. 

[Drainage area, 890 square miles.]

Month.

1903.

1904.

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

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

1905.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

681 

366 

139 

279

8,370 

3,902 

1,070 

496 

1,268 

1,824 

1,070

2, 265 

3,099 

2,200 

932 

252 

86 

86 

86

Minimum.

366 

139 

86 

102

3,817 

1,023 

531 

366 

366 

1,070 

496

2,071 

2,265 

977 

252 

. 79 

59 

47 

72

Mean.

484 

242 

93.6 

204

6,300 

2,045 

742 

392 

898 

1,513 

727

2,151 

2,761 

1,514 

597 

158 

74.3 

62.8 

84.9

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.544 

.272 

.105 

.229

7.15 

2.30 

.834 

.440 

1.01 

1.70 

.817

2.42 

3.10 

1..70 

.671 

.178 

.083 

.071 

.095

Depth in 

inches.

0.627 

.304 

.121

.247

8.24 

2.57 

.962 

.507 

1.13 

1.96 

.912

1.35 

3.58 

1.90 

.774 

.205 

.093 

.082 

.046

NOTE. Pee conditions November 30 to December 31, 1903, and during December, 1904. No estimate 

made from February 14 to April 30, 1904, on account of probable ice conditions. Discharge for 1905 

interpolated on days when gage was not read. See table of gage heights.

AROOSTOOK RIVER AT TORT FAIRTTELD, ME.

Aroostook River enters the St. John from the west near Aroostook Junction, in 

the Province of New Brunswick. It has a total drainage area of 2,350 square miles, 

of which 2,320 square miles lie in Maine. Probably 80 per cent of the whole basin 

is in forest. The underlying rock is usually slate. Lake storage is used for driving 

logs only. Water power is used in Presque Isle. The principal falls on the river, 

known as Aroostook Falls, lie in Canada.

The gaging station was established July 31, 1903, by N. C. Grover. It is located 

at the steel highway bridge in the village of Fort Fairfield.

The channel is straight for at least 1,000 feet above and below the station, and is 

about 350 feet wide, broken by three piers. The bed is of gravel and permanent. 

The banks are high and not liable to overflow. The current is medium at low water 

and swift at high water.

Discharge measurements at all ordinary stages are made from the bridge to which 

the gage is attached. The initial point for soundings is on the right bank at the 

lower end of the inclined end post of the downstream truss. At low water discharge 

measurements are made by wading at a section a short distance below the bridge.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by F. E. Petersen, is attached 

to the steel webbing of the upstream truss of the bridge. The length of the chain is 

27.61 feet. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Northwest corner 

of south abutment; elevation, 22.43 feet. (2) Marked point on connection plate 

near gage; elevation, 23.60 feet. Elevations refer to the datum of the gage.
ST. JOHN EIVER DKAINAGE BASIN. 25

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, pp 17-18; 124, pp 23-24. 

Discharge: 97, p 18; 124, p 24. 

Discharge, monthly: 124, pp 26. 

Gage heights: 97, p 18; 124, pp 24-25. 

Rating table: 124, pp 25.

Discharge measurements of Aroostock River at Fort Fairfield, Me., in 1905.

Date.

May 15.........

October 16 "....

Hydrographer.

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

397

301

241

187

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

1,660

750

355

224

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.67

2.07

.49

.52

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.67

4.30

3.10

2.96

Discharge.

Se \-feet. 

6,090

1,550

175

117

« By wading about 900 feet below gage. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Aroostook River at Fort Fairfield, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

4.1

4.3

4.4

4.4

Feb.

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.4

.......

Mar.

4.6

4.5

4.7

4.7

....:..

4.8

5.1 

5.9

Apr.

.......

May.

.......

.......

June.

5.85

5.65

5.6

5.65 

5.5 

5.3

5.15

4 95

4.65

4.6

4.6

4.8

5.05 

5.2 

5.15

4.95 

4.75

4.8

4.9

5.05

4.95

4.75

4.55

4.4

4.4

4.2

July.

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.35

4.3 

4.25 

4.2

4.05

3.7

3.85

3.8

3.75

3.65

3.65 

3.6 

3.55

3.6 

3.6

3.55

3.55

3.6

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5 

3.5

3.5

3.5 

3.5

3.45

3.5

Aug.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.35 

3.3 

3.25

3.3

3.2

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.4 

3.35 

3.3

3.3 

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.25

3.2

3.15

3.0 

3.1

3.0

3.05 

3.1

3.1

3.05

Sept.

3.05

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.15 

3.2 

3.15

3.05

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.05 

3.0 

3.0

3.0 

3.1

3.1

3.15

3.15

3.2

3.1

3.1 

3.15

3.1

3.2 

3.2

3.15

Oct.

3.1

3.1

3.15

3.1

"3.1 

3.1 

3.05

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.05

3.0

3.0 

3.0 

3.0

3.0 

3.1

3.0

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.1 

3.1

3.0

3.1 

3.1

3.1

3.1

Nov.

3.1

3.15

3.3

3.55

3.85 

3.6 

3.45

3.3

3.3

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4 

3.35 

3.4

3.4 

3.4

3.4

3.35

3.45

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4 

3.4

3.4

3.1 

3.4

3.4

Dec.

3.6

3.5

3.7

------

------

3.6

NOTE. River was frozen January 1 

and below bridge November 21-30. 

water in a hole cut in the ice.

to about April 1 and December 1-31 

During frozen period the readings

. River 

were to

frozen over 

the surface

above 

of the
26 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I. 

The following comparative readings were taken:

Date.

January 21. ..............................................................

February 11 .............................................................

Pebruarv 18 ...................... ..... ..........................

February 25 .............................................................

March 17 ..... ......................... ... ........... .............

March 20 ................................................................

March 27 ................................................................

March 28............................................ ...................

March 29 ....................................................... , ........

Water 

surface.

Feet. 

4.1

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.4

4.6

4.5

4.7

4.7

4.8

5.1

5.9

3.6

3.5

3.7

3.6

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.7

4.9

4.8

4.8

5.4

6.3

3.8

3.7

3.7

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

1.3

1.5

1.6

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.4

2.2

2.1

(a)

(«)

(«)

(«)

(«)

.6

.85

1.0

1.1

alee unsafe.

Station rating table for Aroostook River at Fort Fairfield, Me., from January 1 to

December SI, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

95

130

180

240

310

390

480

580

690

810

940

1,075

1,215

1,360

1,510

1,064

' 1,822

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

Discharge.

Seconds-feet.

1,984

2,150

2,320

2,494

2,672

2,854

3,040

3,230

3,423

3,619

3,818

4,019

4,222

4,427

4,635

6.10 4,845

6. 20 5, 060

i Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.30

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

8.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,275

5,495

5, 715

5,940

6, 165

6,395

6,630

6,865

7,345

7,840

8,360

8,910

9,500

10, 100 '

10, 710

11,330

11,960

Gage 

height.

Feet.

9.00

9.20

9.40

9.60

9.80

10.00

10.20

. 10. 40

10. 60.

10.80

11.00

11.50

12.00

12.50

13.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

12, 600

13, 240

13,900

14,56C

15, 230

15, 910

16,600

17, 300

18,' 000

18, 700

19,400

21, 200

23,000

24, 850

26,700

13.50 28,600

i

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on fifteen discharge measurements made during 1903-1905. It is well defined throughout, and is the same as the 

1904 curve above 6 feet. The 1903-4 rating table as published was very much in error below 3.4 i'ee,t. 

The above table is considered to give reasonably close results for low-water stages.
ST. CROIX RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 27

Estimated monthly discharge of Aroostook River at Fort Fairfteld, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 2,230 square miles.]

Month.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,324 

1,587 

480 

240 

210 

875

Minimum.

1,360 

43B 

130 

130 

130 

180

Mean.

2,644 

785 

291 

184 

162 

390

Run-off

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.18 

.352 

.130 

.083 

.073 

.175

Depth in 

inches.

1.32 

.406 

.150 

.093 

.084 

.195

a Estimates November 21-30 only approximate owing to ice above and below the gage.

ST. CROIX RIVER DRAINAGE-BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION OF BASIN.

St. Croix Eiver is formed by two branches; one, known as the upper St. Croix or 

Chiputneticook River, is the outlet of Schoodic Lakes, the other, Kennebasis River, 

is the outlet of the western lakes of the area, known as Kennebasis Lakes. The 

upper St. Croix, with its tributary lakes, forms nearly half of the eastern boundary 

of Maine, separating that State from New Brunswick. The total drainage area of the 

main stream is about 1,630 square miles, of which 920 square miles are tributary to 

the great reservoir systems controlled by dams at Vanceboro and Princeton. The 

length of the stream from the headwaters to the mouth is 100 miles. The basin is, 

in general, lower than that of any of the larger streams of the State flowing into the 

Atlantic, its headwaters having an elevation of about 540 feet. The fall from Chiputneticook (the lower of the Schoodic Lakes) to tide water, a distance of 54 miles^, is, 

however, 382 feet, or 7 feet to the mile. At a number of places, where falls and 

rapids occur, water power has been or can easily be developed.

The lake surface of the upper St. Croix is approximately 50 square miles and that 

of West Branch 70 square miles in area, taking into account only the principal lakes 

and ponds. Indeed, above Vanceboro and Princeton, each branch of the river is 

simply a succession of lakes to almost the extreme headwaters. Wells estimated the 

total lake surface of the St. Croix as not less than 150 square miles, or nearly onetenth of the total basin. The drainage area at various points on the river is given in 

the following table:

Drainage area of St. Croix River. 

Main river: ' Sqnare miles.

Vanceboro dam, foot of the Schoodic Lakes............................ 420

Little Falls ; ......................................................... 500

Immediately above mouth of West Branch ............................ 690

Immediately below mouth of West Branch ............................ 1, 360

Spragues Falls ....................................................... 1,390

At gaging station below Spragues Falls................................. 1,420

Calais, lower dam .................................................... 1, 530

Mouth of river, eastern border of town of Calais........................ 1, 630

West Branch:

Princeton dam ...............!....................................... 500

Confluence with main river ........................................... 670

A large proportion of the drainage basin is still covered with timber, and above 

Vanceboro and Princeton the region is for the most part wild and inaccessible. The 

greater part of the timber land in this region is controlled by sawmill owners at 

Calais and St. Stephen. In 1898 the amount of lumber sawed annually had decreased 

from about 100 million feet to 25 million feet, and since then the number of saw-
28 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

mills has been greatly reduced. In 1901 the lumber sawed amounted to 28 million 

feet, showing that the rate of cutting has remained nearly constant during the last 

few years. There are on this stream favorable locations for paper and pulp mills, 

and during the present season the St. Croix Paper Company is developing the 

Spragues Falls privilege, where a 6,000-horsepower installation of wheels is being 

made to utilize a head of from 40 to 44 feet.

ST. CROIX RIVER AT SPRAGTJES FALLS, NEAR BARTSTG, ME.

This station was established December 4, 1902, by F. E. Pressey, and has been 

located until the present season a short distance above Spragues Falls, near Baring. 

A chain gage was attached to the lower guard timber of the Washington County 

Railway bridge. Measurements of flow were made from a car suspended from a 

cable about one-half mile above the bridge.

June 8,1905, this gaging station was moved about 1^ miles downstream on account 

of the building of a paper mill and dam at Spragues Falls, which will cause backwater effect for several miles. The drainage area at the new location is 1,420 square 

miles.

The channel is straight for 1,000 feet above and 500 feet below the cable, and has 

an unbroken width of about 290 feet at ordinary stages. The bed of the stream is of 

gravel and rocks. The right bank is high and steep; the left bank is of medium 

height and may overflow at very high water. The current is strong at high stages 

and well sustained at low water. The nearest dam downstream is at Baring, a distance of about 4 miles.

Discharge measurements are made by means of a cable and car.

A vertical staff gage 5£ feet long is attached to a large bowlder on the left bank 

about 1 mile below the new dam at Spragues Falls and about 400 feet upstream from 

the cable. A standard chain gage has also been attached to an oak tree on the left 

bank about 300 feet above the staff gage for use during high water. The length of 

the chain is 11.20 feet. Gage heights are observed once each day by Simeon Phinney, of Baring. These gages are referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Copper 

bolt in bowlder to which staff gage is attached; elevation, 14.32 feet. (2) Nail driven 

horizontally into the north side of oak tree to which the chain gage is attached, 

about 1 foot above the ground; elevation, 17.30 feet. (3) Nail in branch of abovementioned oak tree; elevation, 23.82 feet. All elevations refer to gage datum.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 82, p 14; 97, p 20; 124, pp 27-28. 

Discharge: 97, p 20; 124, p 28. 

Discharge, daily: 97, p 22. 

Discharge, monthly: 97, p 23; 124, p 30. 

Gage heights: 82, p 14; 97, p 21; 124, p 29. 

Rating table: 97, p 21; 124, p 30.

Discharge measurements of St. Croix River at Spragues Falls, near Baring, Me., in 1905.

Date.

April 11. .......

Hydrographer.

.....do....i.. ........................

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

218

295

292

292

283

288

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

1,140

1,090

790

790

660

785

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per.sec. 

 5.64

2.17

1.48

1.44

.97

1.27

Gage 

height."

Feet. 

9.64

7.73

6.74

6.75

6.23

6.69

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

6,430

2,370

1,170

1,140

640

995

a Old gage used for measurement of April 11 and new gage used thereafter. 

i> Anchor ice probably affects results.
ST. CROlX RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 29 

Daily gage height, in feet, of St. Croix River at Spragues Falls, near Baring, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14............'..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31.............. i

Jan.

6.8

6.8

6.9

6.9

6.9

6.8

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

7.6

7.6.

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

.......

7.9

7.9

Feb.

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

.......

7 Q

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

7 t . Qa

7.9

7.9

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.8

7.9

.......

Mar.

7.9

7.9

8.0

8.0

8.0

7.9

7.9

7.9

7 Q

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

7.9

7 / . ft O

7 / Oft 

7.8

7.8

7.7

7.7

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.2

8 Q

Apr.

9.2

9.3

9.2

8.9

8.9

9.1

9.3

.......

9.7

9.7

9.7

9.6

9.7

9.7

9.7

9.6

9.3

8.7

ft o. 7 »

8.8

8.9

9.4

9.1

8.6

8.3

8.1

8.1

May.

8.3

8.3

8.2

8.2

8.2

8.2

7.8

7.8

8.4

8.5

8.6

9.0

9.0

7.8

9.0

8.0

8.0

7 /. oft 

7.8

7.7

7.6

7.4

7.4

7.4

.......

7.2

7.2

7 9

June.

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.1

7.5

7.7

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

8.4

8.5

8.6

' 8.6

8.6

8.6

.......

8.6

8.6

8.6

8.6

8.6

July.

8.4

8.8

9.0

9.0

8.9

8.8

8.7

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.4

8.3

8.1

8.0

8.0

8.0

8

-1 

. .L

Q "I 

O. J8.1

8.1

8.1

8.2

8.1

8.1

8.1

8

f|

Aug.

7.8

7.5

7.4

7.4

7.3

7.2

7.2

7.1

7.1

7.1

7.0

7.0

7.0

7,0

7.0

7.0

6. 9

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.8

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

Sept.

6.7

6.6

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.8

6.8

6.7

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.5

6.4

6.4

6.3

6.3

6.3

Oct.

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.2

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

Nov.

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.2

6.2

6.2

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.3

6.2

6.2

6.6

6.7

6.9

6.9

6.9

6.5

6.5

6.5

.......

6.4

6.3

6.2

6.2

Dec.

6.2

6.2

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.4

8.0

8.0

......

9.2

9.2

9.2

6.7

6.7

7.3

......

......

......

......

7.3

7.3

7.3

NOTE. Gage heights from January 1 to June 30 are for old gage at railroad bridge and are used 

with rating table for that point. After July 1 gage heights are for gage in new position, for which a 

rating table is not yet prepared.

River frozen January 1 to March 31 and December 14-31. During frozen season gage heights are 

to the surface of the water in a hole cut in the ice. The following measurements of thickness of ice 

were made: December 14-16, 0.3 foot; December 20-22, 0.6 foot;, December 28-30, 1.3 feet.

Station rating table for St. Croix River at Spragues Falls, near Baring, Me., fromDecember 4, 1902, to June 30, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

555

585

620

660

710

770

840

925

6.80' 1,020

6.90 1,120

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.00

7.10

7.20

7.30

7.40

7.50

7.60

7.70

7.80

7.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,225

1,330

1,440

1,550

1,660

1,775

1,890

2,010

2,130

2,255

Gage 

height.

Feet.

8.00

8.10

8.20

8.30

8.40

8.50

8.60

8.70

8.80

8.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,380

2,510

2,640

2,775

2,920

3,075

3,245

3,430

3,635

3,855

Gage 

height..

Feet.

9.00

9.10

9.20

9.30

9.40

9.50

9.60

9.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4,090

4,340

4,605

4,880

5,160

5,450

5,750

6,055

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open channel conditions. It is based on .1903 and 

1904 discharge measurements. It is fairly well defined between gage heights 6 feet and 7.5 feet. 

Above gage height 7.5 feet it is unreliable.
30 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Estimated monthly discharge of St. Croix River at Spragues Falls, near Baring, Me., for

1905. «

[Drainage area, 1,390 square miles.]

Month.

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

6,055 

4,090 

3,245

Minimum.

2,510 

1,440 

1,330

Mean.

4, 

2, 

2,

531 

494 

267

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

3.26 

1.79 

1.63

Depth in 

inches.

3. 04 

2.06 

1.82

a Discharge interpolated on days when the gage was not read.

MACHIAS RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

DESCRIPTION OF BASIX.

The Machias may be taken as fairly representative of several of the smaller streams 

of Maine which empty their waters directly into the ocean and which are commonly 

referred to as "coastal rivers." Its total drainage basin is 495 square miles, nearly 

all of which lies in Washington County, Me. Its extreme headwaters lie at an elevation of nearly 500 feet, and are not more than 50 miles from tide water. Wells listed 

20 lakes in this basin, aggregating 29.5 square miles in area of water surface. Without important exception these lie, however, in the extreme headwaters. Dams are 

maintained at several of the outlets of the lakes, and the stored water is used for 

log driving.

The underlying rock is usually granite. Probably 70 to 80 per cent of the basin 

is still in forest.

MACHIAS RIVER NEAR WHITNEYVILLE, ME.

This gaging station was established October 17, 1903, by F. E. Pressey, at the 

bridge of the Washington County Kailway, near Whitneyville. The drainage area 

at this point is 465 square miles.

A short distance above the station is a dam which stores water for use by the mills 

in Machias. The gates in this dam are opened and closed each day during low 

stages of the river. As a result the river fluctuates as much as 0.5 foot on the gage. 

Backwater effect occurs during a considerable portion of the time, owing to the 

influence of the dam at Machias, about 4 miles below, or to the accumulation of logs, 

and the gage heights are consequently unreliable. The water is confined to one channel at all stages; the width is about 130 feet. The bed is sandy, but permanent.

Discharge measurements are made from the downstream side of the bridge. The 

initial point for soundings is on the left bank at the lower end of the inclined end 

post of the downstream truss. Low-water measurements may be made by wading 

at a point 200 feet above the bridge at low stages of the river.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by George McKenzie, is 

attached to the guard timber on the downstream side of the bridge. The length of 

the chain is 25.34 feet. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Copper 

bolt in outcropping ledge on upstream side of railroad track, 170 feet from the face 

of the left abutment; elevation, 20.12 feet. (2) Downstream outer corner of bridge 

seat of right abutment; elevation, 18.05 feet. (3) Marked point on floor beam of 

bridge at zero end of gage; elevation, 23.89 feet. Elevations refer to datum of the 

gage.
MACHIAS RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 31

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, p 24; 124, p 31. 

Discharge: 97, p 24; 124, p 32. 

Discharge, monthly: 124, p 33. 

Gage heights: 97, p 24; 124, p 32. 

Rating table: 124, p 33.

Discharge measurements of Machias River near Whitneyville, Me., in 1905.

Date.

May 13. ........

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

124

125

125

124

124

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

715

1,000

770

560

585

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.39

1.34

1.30

.38

.74

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.49

9.57

7.88

6.48

6.47

Discharge.

Secondfeet.

992

1,340

1,000

210

430

a River filled with logs below station. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Machias River, near Whitneyville, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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.

6.2

6.5

6.8

8.2

8.7

8.5

8.2

8.1

8.0

8.0

7.9

7.8

7.6

7.2

7.2

Feb.

7.2

7.0

7.3

7.1

.......

.......

.......

Mar.

7.1

7.1

6.8

7.2

7.4

7.6

7.5

7.4

7.5

7.6

8.3

9.2

9.9

10.4

11.0

12.5

Apr.

13.2

12.6

1-1.4

10.6

9.9

10.2

11.8

12.5

11.8

11.2

10.9

11.0

11.1

11.1

11.2

11.3

10.8

9.4

9.0

8.6

8.5

9.0

9.6

9.5

9.3

9.2

9.2

9.0

8.4

8.7

.......

May.

8.8

8.6

8.2

8.1

8.1

7.7

7.6

7.7

7.7

8.0

8.0

7.6

7.5

7.8

7.6

7.8

8.7

9.4

9.2

8.9

8.4

7.8

7.4

7.1

6.8

6.6

6.6

6.4

6.4

6.4

7.2

June.

8.4

8.6

9

0

9.2

9.2

9.8

9 8

9

Q

9 8

9.5

9 6

10. 0

9.9

9.6

9.3

9.0

8.8

8.5

8.4

8.6

8.3

8.1

7.9

7.6

7.5

7.7

8.1

8.0

7.8

July.

7.5

7.5

8.2

9.2

8.8

8.1

7.7

7.6

7.4

7.2

7.2

7.3

7.2

7.0

6.8

7.0

7.8

7.8

6.8

6.8

6.7

6.6

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.5

6.4

6.5

6.4

6.6

6.7

Aug.

7.0

7.2

6.9

6.7

6.4

6.5

6. i

6.1

6.2

5.8

6.1

6.0

6.3

6.2

6.1

5.9

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.9

6.4

6.3

6.2

6.1

5.9

5.8

5.4

5.7

5.7

5.9

5.8

Sept.

5.2

5.4

5.9

6.6

6.8

7.3

8.3

7.8

7.4

7.0

6.8

6.4

6.6

7.2

7.4

7.0

7.0

6.7

6.6

6.8

6.8

6.6

6.5

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.4

6.0

6.1

Oct.

6.3

5.8

5.9

5.9

5.7

5.5

5.4

5.6

5.6

5.5

5.5

5.7

5.6

5.6

6.1

5.9

6.0

5.8

5.6

5.9

5.6

6.3

6.1

5.8

5.8

5.7

5.8

5.8

5.5

5.4

5.4

Nov.

6.0

6.5

7.0

6.9

7.0

7.0

7.3

7.7

7.6

7.4

7.2

6.6

6.6

6.7

6.8

6.6

7.6

7.6

7.3

6.9

6.7

6.4

6.6

6.8

6.7

6.7

6.6

 6.4

5.2

6.2

Dec.

6.3

6.1

7.4

9.6

10.1

7.8

7.1

6.3

5.6

6.1

6.3

6.1

6.1
32 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Machias River, near Whitneyville, Me., for 1905 Cont'd.

:. River frozen January 1 to March 31 and December 14-31. During frozen period gage heights 

ead to the surface of the water in a hole cut in the ice. The following comparative readings

NOTE. 

were re; 

were taken:

Date.

February 8 ..............................................................

Februarv 25 .............................................................

March 2 ............................. ...................................

March 16 ................................................................

March 23 ................................................................

March 31 ................................................................

Water 

surface.

Fed. 

6.2

7.8

7.6

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.0

7.3

7.1

7.1

7.1

6.8

7.4

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

6.3

8.2

8.0

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.15

7.5

7.3

7.3

7.2

7.0

7.4

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

1.2

1.2 '1.4

1.4

2.05

2.05

2.15

1.9

1.8

1.6

.7

1.15

1.25

April 1-17, jam of logs in river. April 18, log jam broken; gage height fell 1.3 feet in three hours.

PENOBSCOT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION OF BASIJV.

The Penobscot basin, which has a total area of about 8,500 square miles, lies wholly 

in Maine. It extends from the Atlantic Ocean on the south to the basin of the St. 

John on the north, a distance of 160 miles, and from the New Brunswick boundary 

on the east to the Quebec boundary on the west, a distance of 115 miles. The general elevation of the basin is lower than that of the drainage basins to the west. The 

headwaters of the main river lie in the mountainous region on the boundary of 

Quebec, at an elevation of nearly 2,000 feet. The slopes of the upper tributaries are 

generally steep. Chesuncook Lake lies near the center of the basin at an elevation 

of 930 feet. From this point to tide water the distance along the river is about 121 

miles, indicating an average slope of 7.7 feet to the mile. This is concentrated at 

intervals by ledges where water power has been or may be developed. The water 

from about 800 square miles of the basin is discharged into the main river below its 

lowest available water power at Bangor.

Taken as a whole, the basin is rather uniform in its topographic features. Hills 

and low mountains stretch from near the sea to above Bangor; farther north is an 

undulating plain, while to the west the surface becomes more broken and is greatly 

diversified by hills, detached peaks, lakes, ponds, and swamps. At the south the 

basin merges into that of the Kennebec, and at the north into that of the Alleguash, 

terminating on the northwest, at the boundaries of the State, in a region of highland 

intermingled with swarnps and lagoons. The whole northern basin of the main river 

and its tributaries is in forest. Original growth covers a large portion of this area, 

and in general, wherever cuttings have been made, a dense second growth has sprung 

up. Extensive areas in the southern basin have been cleared and converted into 

farms. Probably 70 to 80 per cent of the whole basin above Bangor is in forest. 

Throughout the upper portion of the basin slate is the principal outcropping rock, 

being succeeded to the east and south by schists, gneiss, and granite. The soil is 

mainly clay, gravel, and loam.

Surveys have been made in the Penobscot River drainage basin by the United 

States Geological Survey as follows: In 1904, plan and profile of Penobscot River
PENOBSCOT EIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 33

between tide water and Twin Lake at Norcross; in 1905, plan and profile of West 

Branch of Penobscot Eiver from Chesuncook Lake to Seboomook.

The drainage area of the river and its chief tributaries are given in the following 

table: -

Drainage areas of Penobscot River and principal tributaries.

River.

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Do.......................

Cold Stream .................

Do.......................

Phillips Lake outlets:

Do.................'..

Locality.

ship of Seboomook, immediately below mouth of Nulhedus Creek.

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

Area.

Sq miles. 

510

850

1,450

4 940

6,630

7,260

8,550

230

1,130

1,160

190

280

330

1,500

400

Off

26

11.5

12.3

61.4

a Includes Chamberlain Lake basin (270 square miles). See description of St. John River drainage 

basiii. 

6 Area of water surface.

PENOBSCOT RIVER AT MILLJNOCKET, ME.

The discharge of Penobscot Eiver at Millinocket has been computed and the data 

furnished by H. S. Ferguson, engineer for the Great Northern Paper Company. 

These results were obtained by considering the flow through the wheels, the flow 

over the dam, and such quantities of water as are used from time to time by the log 

sluice, filters, etc. The wheels were rated at Holyoke, Mass., before being placed in 

position. As the head under which they work, averaging about 110 feet, is much 

greater than the head under which they were tested, numerous tube-float measurements of flow in the canal leading to the mill have been made by Mr. Ferguson, in 

order to determine just how much water the mill used under different conditions of 

gate openings. In addition to this, during 1904 a series of current-meter measurements were made by the United States Geological Survey, to check results as obtained 

by the floats and to obtain a suitable coefficient for use with the float measurements. It is believed that by means of these various checks on the measurements 

IRE 165 06 3
34 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

a very good estimate has been made for the flow through the wheels. The dam, 

known as Quakish Lake dam, is of concrete, resting on rock, and does not leak. 

The flow over it was computed by use of the formula Q=c6 h?, in which c is a 

variable coefficient obtained (1) from the results of weir measurements made by Mr. 

Ferguson on a 10-foot portion of the dam, and (2) from a study of the results of 

experiments made by George W. Rafter at the Cornell testing flume.

When the flow of the river is less than 2,500 second-feet all of the water is generally used through the mill; at higher stages the excess is wasted over the dam. 

The flow over the flashboards, which are used whenever possible, is computed by 

use of the formula Q=3.33 b h%. Several dams which have been constructed at 

points in the basin above this mill store water on a surface of practically 80 square 

miles. This water is used for log driving and for manufacturing purposes. Quakish 

Lake dam is at an elevation of 456.3 feet above mean sea level, as determined by the 

Penobscot River survey of 1904.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 82, p 19; 97, pp 26-27; 124, p 36. 

Discharge, daily: 82, pp 19-20; 97, p 27; 124, p 37. 

Discharge, monthly: 82, p 21.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Penobscot River at Millinocket, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

6*... ..........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

2,235

2,396

2,143

2,145

2,186

2,165

2,174

2, 595

2,155

2,145

2,254

2,318

2,113

2,165

2,165

2,191

2,169

2,463

2,475

2,169

2,141

2,137

2,545

2,066

2,425

2,133

Feb.

2,122

2,132

2,137

1 970

2,355

2,142

2,151

2,151

2,063

2, 524

<> 4(55

2,158

<> igo

2,157

2,232

2,163

2,169

2,164

2,192

2,163

2,273

2,191

2,164

Mar.

2,577

2,108

2,119

2,266

2,020

1,965

1,972

1,987

1,883

1,968

2,039

1,728

1, 125

1,266

1,264

1,290

1,787

1,038

1,305

1,296

1,308

1,299

Apr.

1,018

1,278

1,287

1,282

"1,685

2,119

2,152

2,138

2,426

2,544

2,545

9 Fwlft

2 542

2,575

2,528

2,535

2, 516

2,526

2,482

2,376

2,460

2,530

2,521

2,516

2,509

May.

2,548

2, 521

O f^1Q

2,532

2,523

2,529

2,524

2,527

6*, 658

7,187

7,107

7,660

8,492

8,378

8,844

8,181

7,619

7,800

8,006

9,078

8,862

9,435

9,330

9 171

9,059

June.

8,906

7,372

2,553

2 448

2,088

2,110'

2, 105

2,093

2,463

2,416

2,094

2,524

2,111

2,085

2,367

2,092

2,088

2,058

2,066

2,078

2,477

2,477

2,070

3,570

1,973

2,476

2,491

July.

2,063

3,922

2,627

9 ^nn

2,738

2,677

2,044

2,054

2,058

3,599

2,063

2,066

2,061

2,855

2,322

2,045

2,035

2,015

2,058

2,048

2,343

2,348

2,084

2,068

2,053

2,058

2,057

3,283

4,184

Aug.

4,712

4,817

4,971

4,607

4,077

4,294

4,766

5,297

4,393

2,232

2,028

2,111

2,234

2,074

2,358

3,285

3,159

3,170

2,595

2,253

2,051

2,064

2,048

2,037

2,050

2,042

2,180

2,034

2,036

2,227

Sept.

2,395

2, 392

2,300

2,200

2,352

2,356

2,381

2,086

"2,063

2,068

2,075

2,072

2,068

2,070

2,072

1,944

2,415

2,420

2,090

2,500

2,488

2,495

2,505

2,510

2,508

2,522

2,520

2,522

2,510

Oct.

2,235

2,510

2,505

1,993

2,080

0 Qgg

1,965

2,081

2,091

2,095

2,090

2,098

2,090

1,970

2,070

1,661

1,656

1,663

1,411

716

358

430

421

422

429

430

441

355

435

438

Nov.

428

453

437

437

348

439

437

438

444

440

456

359

470

465

455

462

424

450

343

470

453

464

456

443

445

364

424

356

448

441

Dec.

452

451

332

452

453

448

457

456

445

315

435

408

440

444

436

427

303

425

431

432

432

428

425

173

140

428

438

444

444

449

444
PENOBSCOT EIVEK DBAINAGE BASIN. 35

Estimated monthly discharge of Penobscot River at Millinocket, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 1,880 square miles.]

Month.

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,595 

2,524 

2,577 

2,625 

9,435 

8,906 

4,184 

5,297 

2,522 

2,510 

470 

457

9,435

Minimum.

2,066 

1,970 

1,038 

1,018 

2, 329 

1,973 

2,015 

2,028 

1,944 

355 

343 

140

140

Mean.

2,226 

2,181 

1,722 

2,221 

6,047 

2,665 

2,395 

3,070 

2,303 

1,473 

432 

409

2,262

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.18 

1.16 

.916 

1.18 

3.22 

1.42 

1.27 

1.63 

1.22 

.784 

.230 

.218

1.20

Depth in 

inches.

1.36 

1.21 

1.06 

1.32 

3.71 

1.58 

].46 

1.88 

1.36 

.904 

.257 

.251

16.36

PE1STOBSCOT RIVER AT WEST ENFIELD, ME.

This station was established by N. C. Grover, November 5, 1901, and prior to 1904 

was designated as being at Montague, Me. In 1904 the name of this village was 

changed to West Enfield. The gaging station is located at the steel highway bridge, 

about 1,000 feet below the mouth of Piscataquis Eiver.

The channel is straight for 1,000 feet above and 3,000 feet below the station, about 

870 feet wide, and broken by four piers. The banks are high and rocky, and the 

bed permanent and rocky, with some gravel. The velocity is good at all stages. 

Water power is used on both Penobscot and Piscataquis rivers within a mile above 

the station. Fluctuations at the gage of 0.2 or 0.3 foot during low water are caused 

by changes in gate openings at the mills above.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge. The initial point for soundings is on the easterly abutment, at the extreme end of the inclined post on the downstream side of the bridge.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by A. H. Hanson, is fastened 

to the steel webbing on the upstream side of the bridge. The length of the chain 

was 34.49 feet when the gage was established, but changed to 34.44 feet .Tune 24, 

1905, owing to settling.

The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Top of northwest corner of 

first course below bridge seat, easterly abutment; elevation, 25.78 feet. (2) Copper bolt in outcropping ledge under bridge, near east abutment; elevation, 6.71 feet. 

(3) Marked point on bottom chord of bridge, under the gage; elevation, 29.52 feet. 

All elevations are above gage datum, which is at au elevation of 125.38 feet above 

mean sea level, as determined by the Penobscot River survey of 1904.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 65. p 15-. 82, p 16; 97, p 28; 124, pp 37-38. 

Discharge: 65. p 15; 82, p 17; 97, p 28; 124, p 38. 

Discharge, monthly: 82, p 18; 97, pp ai-32; 124, p 40. 

Gage heights: 65, p 15; 82, p 17; 97, pp 29-30; 124, p 39. 

Bating tables: 82, p 18; 97, p 31; 124, p 40.
36 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Discharge measurements of Penobscot River at West Enfield, Me., in 1905.

Date.

April 17 .......

Octobers......

October 18.....

October 19.....

October 24.....

October 26 .....

Hydrographer.

University of Maine students, under 

direction of Prof. H. S. Boardman.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

886

869

690

675

643

620

620

579

577

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

8,200

5,900

2,730

2,410

2,350

2,173

2,047

1,728

1,670

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.persec. 

3.32

2.69

1.48

1.48

1.64

1.44

1.27

1.39

1.10

1.12

Ga^e 

height.

Feet. 

9.00

6.40

2.70

2.40

2.12

1.90

1.90

1.30

1.25

Discharge.

Sec.-Jt. 

27, 200

15, 900

4,050

4,060

3,960

3,390

2,770

2,840

1,900

1,870

Daily gage height, in feet, of Penobscot River at West Enfold, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

01

Jan.

5.35

5.75

5.65

.......

5.65

5.65 

5.55

5.65

5.55

5.45

Feb.

4 95

4.85

4.75

5.15

Mar.

4.85

4 55

4.28 

4.35

4.5

4.6 

4.75

5.35

5.75 

6.35

7.5

8.8

Apr.

12.1

12.45 

11.85 

10.55

10.05

10.7

10.15

9.75

9.8

9.75

9.46

9.25

9.1

8 Q

8.55

8.0

7.65 

7.6

7.95

8.1

8.1

7.85

7.65

7.35 

7.4

7.1

6.85

May.

6.65

6.7 

6.6 

6.65

6.6

6.4

6.2

6.1

6.3

6.2

6.1

6.2

6.05

6.35

6.4

6.8

7.4

8.05 

7.85

7.55

7.35

7.05 

7.1

7.1

7.05 

6.9

6.7

6.45 

6.1

June.

6.15

6.85 

5. 45 

5.1

4.9

4.9

4.7

4.1

4.0

4.5

4.65

4.65

4.6

4.6

4.25

3.95

4.0 

3.85

3.75

3.65

3.4 

3.25

3.15

3.35 

3.35

3.05

2.95

July.

2.85 

3.55 

3.75

4.0

3.6

3.25

2.95

2.75

2.95

3.2

3.7

3.2

3.1

2.95

2.65

3.35

3.45

3.2

3.1 

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.2 

3.15

3.35

3.2 

3.15

3.25

3.3 

3.45

Aug.

3.8

3.65 

3.5 

3.45

3.65

3.7

3.1

3.15

3.3

3.7

3.45

2.75

2.55

2.8

2.65

2.55

2.95

3.2

3.2

3.05 

3.1

2.65

2.45

2.25 

2.05

2.05

2.45 

2.65

2.7

2.55 

2.8

Sept.

3.05

2.95 

3.C5 

3.0

3.05

3.05

2.8

2.55

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.2

2.45

2.1

2.25

2.15

2.35

2.5

2.6 

2.6

2.6

2.45

2.35 

2.65

2.5

2.5 

2.6

2.65

2.55

Oct.

2.3

2.4 

2.4 

2.35

2.15

2.15

1.95

2.0

1.9

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.15

1.9

1.9

1.9 

1.65

1.3

1.6

1.3 

1.25

1.2

1.3 

1.3

1.0

1.2 

1.3

Nov.

1.3

1.45 

1.85 

2.0

1.8

1 9

1.95

1.3

1.95

1.8

1.7

1.36

1.65

1.7

1.35

1.3

2.0

2.1

2.25 

2.05

1.9

1.8

1.8 

1.5

1.15

1.7 

2.15

1.8

2.0

Dec.

3.1

2.25 

1.9 

2.4

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.95

2.4

......

NOTE. River was frozen January 1-21, open January 22-25, frozen January 26 to March 19, and open 

at the gage March 20 to April 10. The ice broke up at the bridge March 31. Jam of ice below the gage 

April 1-10. River clear of ice April 11. River frozen December l-Sl, but open at the gage until 

December 11. During frozen periods gage heights are to the surface of the water in a hole cut in 

the ice.
PENOBSCOT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 37

The following thicknesses of ice were measured:

Foot.

January 2................................... 0.8

January 9................................... .75

January 16.................................. .6

January 27.................................. .3

January 30.................................. .5

February 6.................................. .7

February 18................................. .75

Foot. 

February 20................................. 0.8

February 27................................. .7

March 6 .................................... .4

March 13 ................................... .3

December 26 (gage height to top of ice 2.6 

feet)...................................... .8

Station rating table for Penobscot River at West Enfield, Me., from January 1 to December

31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,630

1,735

1,845

1,960

2,080

2,205

2,330

2,465

2,600

2,740

2,885

3,040

3,200

3,370

3,550

3,735

3,930

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4,130

4,340

4, 500

4,785

5,020

5,260

5,510

5,770

6,035

6,300

6,570

6,845

7,125

7,405

7,695

7,990

8,285

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

8,580

8,880

9,180

9,485

9,790

10, 100

10, 410

11,040

11, 680

12,335

13,000

13,685

14, 395

15,135

15,915

16,730

17, 570

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

11.00

11.50

12.00

12.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

18, 440

19, 350

20,290

21, 260

22, 270

23, 320

24, 410

25, 540

26, 710

. 27,900

31,030

34, 330

37, 780

41, 370

45,070

48,840

52,680

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 18 discharge 

measurements made during 1904-5. It is well defined between gage heights 1.2 feet and 12 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Penobscot River at West Enfield, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 6,630 square miles.a]

Month.

April (11-30)... ..............................

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

32,990 

22, 530 

14,215 

7,405 

6,845 

4,902 

3i,550 

3,285

Minimum.

16, 940 

13, 860 

4,672 

3,930 

2,962 

3,040 

1,630 

1,790

Mean.

24,280 

16,430 

8,226 

5,281 

4,794 

3,883 

2,667 

2,569

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

3.66 

2.48 

1.24 

.797 

.723 

.586 

.402 

.387

Depth in 

inches.

2.72 

2.86 

1.38 

.919 

.834 

.654 

.464 

.432

"Includes Chamberlain Lake drainage. See description of St. John River drainage basin, p. 20.
38 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

EAST BRANCH PEXOBSCOT RIVER AT GRINDSTOXE, ME.

This station was established October 23, 1902, by F. E. Pressey. It is located at 

the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad bridge, one-half mile south of the railroad station.

The channel is straight both above and below the station. The flow is moderately 

rapid at medium and high stages of the river, but sluggish at low water. Fluctuations in stage are usually slow, as no water power is used on the river above the station. Dams are maintained at the outlets of several of the lakes and ponds near the 

source of the river, and the impounded water is used for log driving. The bed is 

rocky and permanent; the stream is confined to the channel by the abutments of the 

bridge and has a width of about 275 feet, broken by one pier. Practically all land 

areas in this basin are in forest.

Discharge measurements are made from the railway bridge. The initial point for 

soundings is on the left bank at the lower end of the inclined end post.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by Harry Stinson, is fastened 

to the guard timber on the upstream side of the bridge. The length of the chain 

was 31.99 feet when the gage was established, but changed to 31.95 feet July 5, 1905, 

owing to settling. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Southwest 

corner of bridge seat on east abutment; elevation, 26.32 feet. (2) Copper bolt in 

ledge under north end of bridge; elevation, 8.78 feet. (3) Marked point on center 

stringer near gage; elevation, 29.78 feet. All elevations are above gage datum.

Information in regard to this wtation is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 82, p 22; 97, pp 32-33; 124, pp 40-41. 

Discharge: 82, p 22; 97, p 33; 124, p 41. 

Discharge, monthly: 97, p 34; 124, p 43. 

Gage heights: 82, p 22; 97, p 33; 124, p 42. 

Rating table: 97, p 34; 124, p 43.

Discharge measurements of East Branch Penobscot River at Grindstone, Me., in 1905.

Date.

April 14 .......

Hydrographer.

F. E. Pressev. ................. .....

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

Width.

Feet. 

259

993

Area of 

section.

Square 

feet.

2,070

1,170

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per 

second.

1.97

.10

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

7.45

3.96

Discharge.

Secondfeet.

4,080

122
PENOBSCOT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 39

Daily gage height, in feet, of East Branch Penobscot River at Grindstone, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15..........."...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

.......

5.65

5.66

5.55

5.6

Feb.

5

EPL

5.55

5.55

5.55

Mar.

5.55

5.55

5.55

Apr.

7.15

8.95

8.55

8.4

7.85

7.45

7 45

7.45

7.2

6.95

6.95

6.7

6 OK

6.15 

6.15 

6.85 

7.25

7.75

7.85 

7.9

7.35

7.0 

7.05

7.15

May.

7.35

7.1

6.95 

6.4

5.85

5.95

5.9

5.85

5

QPL

^ CP;

PL OK

5.85

6.1

6.2

6.35

6.5 

7.0

7.4 

7. 55 

7.5 

7.25

7.25 

7.45

7.55

7.55 

7.25

7.15

6.6

June.

6.25

5.95

6.05

6.45 

7.15

1 QP\

7.05

7.05

7.05

7.15

7.1

7.05

7.05

7.05

7.05

6.8 

6.25

5. 35 

5.4 

5.15 

5.05

5.05

5. 05 

5.1

t 5.25

5.25 

5.3

5.35

!

July.

5.35

5 A

5.55

5.55 

5.55

5.6

5.35

5.3

5.35

5.4

6.35

6.15

6. 05

6.0

5.9

5.9

5.9 

6.15

6.7 

6.9 

6.9 

6.9

6.85

6.8 

7.0

7.35

7.4 

7.4

7.4

7.4

7.4

Aug.

5.4

5.05

4.9

4.75 

4.7

4.8

4.9

4.9

4.9

4 65

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5 

4.5

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5

4.4

4.4 

4.4

5.85

6.2 

6.35

6.8

6.9

7.1

Sept.

7.3

7.3

7.3

7.05 

6.25

6.1

5.85

5.3

5.15

4.8

4.6

4.4

4.2

4.2

4.4

4.4

4.5 

4.5

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5

4.3

4.2 

4.2

4.2

4.2 

4.2

4.2

4 2

Oct.

4.2

4.15

4.1

4.1 

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.4

4.3

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.2 

4.3

4.3 

4.3 

4.3 

4.3

4.3

4.3 

4.05

3.9

3.9 

3.9

3.8

3.8

3.8

Nov.

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5 

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7 

4.7

4.9

Dec.

5.2

......

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.4

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to April 7 and November 19 to December 31. During frozen period 

gage heights were read to the surface of the ice. 

The following measurements of the thickness of the ice were made:

Feet. 

January 7..................................... 1.8

January 16.................................... 2.0

January 21.................................... 2.0

January30.................................... 2.0

February 6 ................................... 2.3

February 12 .................................. 2.3

February 18 .................................. 2.3

February 26 .................................. 2.4

March 4 ...................................... 2.4

March 11 ..................................... 2.4

Feet.

March 13 ..................................... 2.3

March 26 ..................................... 1.8

April 2. ....................................... 1.0

November 23 ................................. .2

December1........^.......................... .5

December 9........"........................... .5

December 16.................................. .7

December 26.................................. .7

December 30.................................. .7
40 STBEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PAET 1.

/Station rating table for East Branch Penobscot Rirer at Grindstone, Me., from January 1

to December 31, 1905.

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.

140

160

185

210

240

275

315

360

405

455

510

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.93

5.00

5.10

5.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

570

630

700

775

5. 30 ' 855

5.40

5. 50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

940

1,030

1,130

1,235

1, 345

1,460

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,580

1,705

1,840

1,980

2,130

2,285

2,445

2,610

2,780

2,955

3,130

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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.

3,495

3,880

4,285

4,710

5,155

5,620

6,110

6,630

7,190

7,780

8,380

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 13 discharge 

measurements made during 1902-1905, and is well defined.

Estimated monthly discharge, of East Branch Penobscot Rirer at Grindstone, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 1,130 square miles, a]

Discharge in second-feet. Run-off.

Month.

Maximum.

7,630

4,182

3,782

3,880

3,310

3,685

315

455

Minimum.

1,772

1,402

665

855

315

240

140

315

Mean.

3,842

2,742

2,039

2,143

820

911

221

374

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

3.40

2.43

1.80

1.90

.726

.806

.196

.331

Depth in 

inches.

3.03

2.80

2.01

2.19

.837

.899

.226

.222

April 7-30......

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

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

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

August.........

September......

October........

November 1-18 .

a Includes Chamberlain Lake drainage. See description of St. John River drainage basin, p. 20.
PENOBSCOT KIVEK DBAINGAE BASIN. 41

MATTAWAMKEAG RIVER AT MATTAWAMKEAG, ME.

This station was established August 26,1902, by FrE. Presaey. It is located at the 

Maine Central Railroad bridge in the village of Mattawamkeag.

The channel is straight both above and below the station and has a width of about 

400 feet at ordinary stages, broken by two piers. The bed of the stream is rocky and 

permanent. The water is confined to the channel by the abutments of the bridge. 

The current is strong at high and medium at low stages. Dams are maintained at 

the outlets of several of the lakes and ponds in this basin, and the stored water is 

used for driving logs. Probably 90 per cent of the land surface is in forest.

Discharge measurements at ordinary and high stages are made from the bridge, 

which is slightly oblique to the thread of the stream. The initial point for soundings 

is on the south abutment at the lower end of the inclined end post of the downstream 

truss. Low-water measurements are made by wading at a point about 1 mile above 

the station, where the velocities are greater than at the bridge and the bed is gravelly.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by "W. T. Mincher, is attached 

to the guard timber of the lower side of the bridge. The length of the chain is 33.40 

feet. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Southwest corner of bridge 

seat of north abutment; elevation, 26.87 feet. (2) Copper bolt in bowlder north 

of bridge and west of railroad; elevation, 19.01 feet. (3) Marked point on stringer 

near gage; elevation, 31.42 feet. All elevations are above gage datum, which is at 

elevation 185.93 feet above mean sea level, as determined by the Penobscot River 

survey of 1904.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 82, pp 22-23; 97, p 35; 124, p 44. 

Discharge: 82, p 23; 97, p 35; 124, p 45. 

Discharge, daily: 97, p 37. 

Discharge, monthly: 97, p 38; 124, p 47. 

Gage heights: 82, p 23; 97, p 36; 124, pp 45-46. 

Eating table: 97, p 36; 124, p 46.

Discharge measurements of Mattawamkeag River at Mattmvamkeag, Me., in 1905.

Date.

April 13 .......

October 24 .....

Hydrographer.

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

F. E. Pressey . ....................... 

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

404

396

338

153 

100

145

Area of 

section.

flq.feet. 

2,460

1,350

660

120

88

176

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

4.37

3.07

2.21

.98 

1.18

2.19

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.69

4 91

2.65 

2.62

3.61

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

10, 740

4,150

1,460

117 

104

385

a Measurement made by wading about 1 mile above gage.
42 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Mattawamkeag River, at Mattawamkeag, Me., for 1905.

Day.

\. .............

'2..............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31v .............

Jan.

4.0

4.2

4.7

4.7

4.7

Feb.

4.7

4.4

4.7

.......

Mar.

4 9

4.7

4.7

4 9

.......

Apr.

11.4

8.6

8.65

9 °

9 8

9 9

9 6

9 45

9 3

9

0

9

0

9

1 £

8.8

8.4

8.15

7.9

7 9

8.0

8.0 

7 9

7.35

7.1

7.0

May.

6.9

6.8

6.7

ft Q

6.1

5.65

5 9

6.1

6,5

6.75

7.35.

7.2

7.3

7.15 

6.8

6.45

6.0

5.G

5.45 

5.3

June.

5.3

5.3

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.2

5.1

4 95

4.85

4.7

4 95

5

0

B

CLfC

5.25

5.35

5.7

5.6

5.1

4.75

4.55 

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.3

July.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.0

3 9

O Q

3.8

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

q 7

3.7

3.55

3.4 

3.6

3.7

3.6

3.5 

3.5

Aug.

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.25

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.25

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.15

3.0

2.9

2.85

3.0 

3.1

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.7 

2.8

Sept.

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.2

3.35

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.1

2.0

2.95

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

Oct.

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

' 2.5

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7 

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6 

2.6

Nov.

2.6

2.7

2.7

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.95

4.25

4.6

4.3

4.05

3.9

3.9

4.0 

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.4

Dec.

4.9

4.9

4.7

4.8

4.9

5.05

5.0

4.9

4.8

4.65

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.55

4.8

4.9

4.9

4.85

4.75

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6 

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.5 

4.5

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to April 1, and December 17-31. For these periods the gage-height' 

readings were taken to the surface of the water in a hole cut in the ice. The following comparative 

readings were taken:

. Date.

February 5 ..................... . . . ........... ..................

February 12 .............................................................

February 20 .................... . ..... ...... . . ...................

February 26 .................... ..... ................................

March 5 ..................................................................

March 12. ...............................................................

March 19....................... . ... .... ........ ...................

March 26 ................................................................

Water 

surface.

Feet. 

4.0

4.2

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.4

4.7

4.9

4.7

4.7

4.9

Top of 

ice.

Feet.

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.6

4.9

6.0

4.9

4.9

5.1

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

0.7

1.0

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

April 6, river clear of ice. May 8-9 and November 3, no record; gage heights estimated. December 17-31, river frozen over, but not safe to go upon; ice 0.6 foot thick December 31.
PENOBSCOT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 43

Station rating table for Mattawamkeag River at Mattawamkeag, Me., from January 1 to

December 31, 1905.

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

86

100

114

134

160

190

223

258

295

334

375

420

470

525

590

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

660

736

818

906

1,000

1,100

1,206

1,318

1,436

1,559

1,687

1,817

1,949

2,083

2,219

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.50

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,359

2,505

2,658

2,818

2,985

3,160

3, 525

3,900

4,285

4,675

5, 075

5, 495

5,920

6,360

6,810

Gage 

height.

Feet.

8.00

8.20

8.40

8.60

8.80

0.00

9.20

9.40

9.60

9.80

10.00

10.50

11.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

7,275

7,750

8,235

8,730

9,235

9,750

10, 275

10, 820

10,380

11, 945

12, 520

14,000

15, 590

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 22 discharge 

measurements made during 1902-1905. It is well denned between gage heights 2.6 feet and 9.5 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Mattawamkeag River at Mattawamkeag, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 1,510 square miles.]

Month.

April 2-30........ ............................

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

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

16,910 

5, 812 

2, 658 

818 

375 

334 

114 

1,206 

1,752

Minimum.

5, 075 

2,083 

906 

334 

114 

114 

86 

100 

1,000

Mean.

9,194 

3,898 

1,695 

601 

250 

209 

98.7 

541 

1,461

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

6.09 

2.58 

1.12 

.398 

.166 

.138 

.065 

.358 

.967

Depth in 

inches.

6.57 

2.97 

1.25 

.459 

.191 

.154 

.075 

.399 

.595
44 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

PISCATAQTJIS RIVER NEAR FOXCROFT, ME.

This station was established August 17, 1902, by F. E. Pressey. It is located at 

Low's bridge, about half way between Guilford and Foxcroft.

The channel is straight above and below the station, and has a width at ordinary 

stages of about 90 feet. The banks are high and rocky; the bed is rough and rocky, 

but permanent. The current is strong at high and medium at low stages. Water 

power is used at several manufacturing plants within a few miles above the station. 

As a result of the interruptions due to the irregular use of water at the mills, the river 

fluctuates, at low stages, through nearly a foot on the gage within the day. The 

small amount of stored water in this basin is generally used for log driving. 

Slopes are steep. The river rises and falls rapidly. Probably 50 per cent of the 

basin is in forest'.

Discharge measurements are made at ordinary and high stages from the bridge. 

The initial point for soundings is on the left bank at the top of the face of the left 

abutment. Low-water measurements are made by wading, either above or below the 

bridge, at points where the bed is fine gravel, and the velocity is greater than at the 

bridge.

A staff gage is spiked vertically to the left abutment. It is read twice each day by 

A. F. D. Harlow. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Top of second 

course from top of left abutment; elevation, 17.80 feet. (2) Copper bolt in ledge 150 

feet north of highway and 75 feet west of river; elevation, 20.97 feet. (3) Marked 

point on bottom chord of upstream truss of bridge, 30 feet from the initial point; 

elevation, 21.80 feet. All elevations are above gage datum.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 82, p 23; 97, pp 38-39; 124, pp 47-48. 

Discharge: 82, p 23; 97, p 39; 124, p 48. 

Discharge, monthly: 82, p 24; 97, p 41; 124, p 50, 

Gage heights: 82, p 24; 97, p 40; 124, pp 48-49. 

Rating tables: 82, p 24; 97, p 40; 124, p 49.

Discharge measurements of Piscataquis River near Foxcroft, Me., in 1905.

Date.

April 15........

June 20...... .

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

128

104

Area of 

section.

flq.fl. 

550

230

. Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per sec. 

5.24

1.85

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.35

3.04

Discharge.

Sec. -ft. 

2,880

425
PENOBSCOT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 45

Daily gage height, in feet, of Piscataquis River near Foxcroft, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

2.0

3.5

3.5

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

3.4

4.0

4.0

4.0 

4.0

3.6

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.7 

3.4

3.4

3.6

3.6

3.6

3.4

3.6

3.4

2.8 

3.2

3.2

Feb.

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.7

 2.8

3.2

3.7

3.7

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2 

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.3

3.2

2.8

3.0 

3.0

3.1

3.3

3.4

4.2

4.2

4.0

Mar.

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.8

3.6

3.5

3.0

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.4 

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.4

2.8 

3.0

3.0

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

4.8

5.4

6.5 

6.6

8.0

Apr.

8.3

6.5

6.5

4.8

4.3

5.2

8.2

5.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.9 

5.0

4.8

5.2

5.0

4.6

4.3

4.4

3.6 

3.9

4.6

4.7

4.3

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.4

3.8 

3.5

May.

3.5

3.8

4.0

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.2

4.0

3.9

3.9

3.1

3.1 

3.3

4.1

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.8 

3.8

3.4

3

O

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.3

3.3

2.9 

2.9

2.9

June.

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.6

3.0

3.0

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.4

2.6 

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.8

2.9

3.3

3.5 

3.4

3.2

3.1

2.9

3.0

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.8 

2.5

July.

2.4

2.8

3.7

3.3

3.0

2.8

2

0

2.8

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6 

2.5

2.5

2.0

2.0

2.2

2.0

2.0

2.1 

2.1

2.0

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2 

2.2

2.5

Aug.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

.8

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.2 

1.5

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2 

2.2

2.2

9 9

2.2

2.2

2.2

1.8

2.0

2.0

2.1

2. 1

Sept.

2.1

2.3

1.8

2.2

2.3

2.6

2.6

2.2

2.0

2.3

2.4 

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.0

2.0

1.7

1.7

1 9.

2.2

2.2

1 Q

2.0

2.0

2.2

2.2

1.9 

1.9

Oct.

2.0

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.0

1.8

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3 

2.3

2.3

1.7

2.2

2.2

2.0

1.9 

1.9

1.6

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.5 

1.5

1.5

Nov.

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.7

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.3

2.2

2.0

1.7 

2.0

2.2

2.0

1.9

2.2

2.6

2.2 

2.2

2.2

2.1

2.0

1.9

1.8

2.3

2.2

2.2 

2.0

Dec.

2.1

2.2

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.2

2.0

2.2

2.5 

2.6

2.6

2.6

9 9

2.1

2.2

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9 

1.9

1.9

NOTE. Ice in river broke up March 30; river clear of ice April 7. River did not freeze at section 

near gage during 1905.

Station rating table for Piscataquis River near Foxcroft, Me., from January 1, 1904, to

December 31, 1905.

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.

19

24

31

40

51

64

81

100

123

148

180

220

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

267

318

374

437

502

569

638

709

782

858

938

1,023

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

5.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,113

1,208

1,303

1,403

1,508

1,615

1,725

1,840

1,960

2,085

2,215

2,350

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.

2, 635

2,940

3,265

3,610

3,970

4,335

4,705

5.C8J

5,460

5,840

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 22 discharge 

measurements made during 1902-1905. It is well defined between gage heights 1.5 feet and 6 feet.
46 STEEAM MEASUEEMENTS IN 1905, PAET I.

Estimated monthly discharge of Piscataquis River near Foxcroft, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 280 square miles.]

Month.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,208 

1,403 

7,810 

8,425 

1,725 

782 

938 

148 

267 

123 

220 

220

8,425

Minimum.

64 

318 

148 

782 

374 

148 

64 

5 

31 

19 

31 

51

5

Mean.

788 . 

674 

1,119 

2,460 

858 

395 

200 

96.4 

103 

76.1 

82.2 

108

580

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

2.81 

2.41 

4.00 

8.79 

3.06 

1.41 

.714 

.344 

.368 

.272 

.294 

.385

2.07

Depth in 

inches.

3.24 

2.51 

4.61 

9.81 

3.53 

1.57 

.823 

.397 

.411 

.314 

.328 

.444

27.99

a Estimates January 1 to April 7 may have been affected by ice conditions on the river. The river 

was open at the gage.

6 August 6, discharge estimated at 5 second-feet. The water was held back on account of construction work on the river.

COLD STREAM AT ENFIELD, ME.

Cold Stream is the outlet from Cold Stream Pond really a series of ponds comprising a total area of water surface of about 10 square miles, the largest, which is 

mostly in the town of Enfield, having an area of about 8 square miles.

Cold Stream flows into Passadumkeag Stream, a tributary of the Penobscot, at a 

distance of some 4J miles from Cold Stream Pond, and has a total drainage area 

of about 37 square miles. The basin is mostly wooded and but sparsely settled. 

During the first half mile the fall is rapid, but through the rest of its course the 

stream runs through a great swamp and is tortuous, with a sluggish current. Near the 

village of Enfield a fall of perhaps 10 to 12 feet has in the past been developed for 

power for a saw and shingle mill, but is not now in use. This drainage basin has 

been considered as a source of water supply for the district, which includes Bangor 

and some other adjacent towns.

This station was established June 14, 1904, by N. C. Grover, and was located at 

the highway bridge about three-fourths of a mile south of Enfield, on the road to 

Passadumkeag. During the summer it was found that the gage was within the 

influence of backwater from Passadumkeag Stream, and consequently, on September 

12, 1904, the gage was taken from the highway bridge mentioned above and placed 

about 200 feet below the old mill, near the Enfield post-office. The drainage area at 

this point is about 26 square miles.

The stream is fairly straight in the vicinity of the measuring section and is about 

30 feet wide at ordinary stages. The depth is usually about 0.9 foot and the velocity 

is high at all stages. The bed of the stream is rocky and permanent; the banks are 

not high and probably overflow at high stages.

Discharge measurements are made at low and medium stages by wading in the 

vicinity of the gage. High-water measurements are made from the bridge about 600 

feet above the gage.

A standard chain gage which is read once each day by A. J. Twombley, is fastened 

to a clump of maple trees on the right bank of the river. The length of the chain 

is 10.24 feet. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Spike in maple
PENOBSCOT EIVEE DKAINAGE BASIN. 47

tree near the gage; elevation, 6.89 feet. (2) Point on a rock marked "B. M.-2," 

about 8 feet downstream from the gage, on the right bank; elevation, 4.55 feet. (3) 

Center of the gage-box pulley; elevation, 9.03 feet. Elevations are above gage 

datum.

A description of this station and gage height and discharge data are contained in 

Water-Supply Paper of the United States Geological Survey No. 124, pages 50-51.

Discharge measurements of Cold Stream at Enfield, Me., in 1905.

Date.

April28........

Mav 3... .......

May26.........

May26. ........

June 24 ........

Hydrographer.

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

.....do....... ...............'.........

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

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

33

41

33

32

28

16.5

32

30

34

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

19.7

44

19.3

23

18.2

99

23

14.1

12.4

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.persec. 

1.15

3.81

1.52

2.23

1.87

2.30

1 K1

1.28

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.68

3.33

2.63

2.78

2.78

2.78

2.80

2.68

2.64

Discharge.

Sec.-fl. 

22.6

168

29.3

52

55

42

52

15.9

Daily gage height, in feet, of Cold Stream at Enfield, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

q

i:::::::*::::

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6 

2.6

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

Feb.

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7 

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

Mar.

2.8

2.7

2.8

2.6

O Q.

2

Q

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7 

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.8

2

Q

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.8

Apr.

<> g

2 9

9 9

q A

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2 7

2 7

2.6 

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2

Q

3.6

<* 7

May.

3 ft

3.6

3.4

3.4

3

1

9 9

9 7

2.6

2.6

3 A

q 9

q 9

3.1

3.1

q A

3 A

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2

0

2

0

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

June.

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.8

2.7 

2.8

2.8

2 7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2

ft

2 9

9 Q

2.8

2.8

2.8

2

Q

2.8

2.8

July.

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.9 

2 9

2.8

2.7

2.8

2.8

9 &

2.8

2 9

2.8

2

Q

2

Q

2.8

9 9

2.8

2.7

Aug.

2.6

2.6

2

K

2

K

9 t\

9 Pi

2.5

9 Pi

9 Pi

2

K

2.4

2.4

2.4 

2.4

2

e

2

K

9 Pi

2.5

2.5

9 Pi

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.5

2.5

2

PL

Sept.

9 Pi

9 Pi

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2

3

2

0

2.8 

2.7

2.7

2.7

9 7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

Oct.

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2 7

2.7

2.7 

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.6

2.6

9 g

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

Nov.

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6 

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2". 6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.7

Dec.

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

'2.7

2.6

2 9

2.8

2.6

2.6 

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.6 '2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

NOTE. River was frozen December 11-13; ice reached a thickness of 0.3 foot.
48 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

PHILLIPS LAKE AND OUTLETS IK HOLDEN AND DEDHAM, ME.

Phillips Lake drains an area of about 11.5 square miles and has a water surface of 

about 1.4 square miles. It is situated about 10 miles southeast of the city of Bangor. 

The shores are generally rocky, and the adjacent country mostly wooded and but 

sparsely settled. The water is apparently of excellent quality and of considerable 

depth. This lake is under consideration as a new source of water supply for the city 

of Bangor. Et has two drainage outlets. The greater amount of water flows from 

the north end of the lake northward through the village of East Holden, thence 

southward through Long Pond and into Penobscot River below Bucksport. The 

total length of this outlet is 18 miles.- The other outlet, situated at the southeast end 

of the lake, in the town of Dedham, flows into Green Lake and thence into Union 

River. Through this outlet there is flow only during medium and high stages.

The United States Geological Survey maintains gages at the two outlets of the lake, 

also a gage for obtaining a record of lake level.

The station at the northern outlet was established July 7, 1904, by F. E. Pressey. 

It is located about 1J miles from the lake, one-fourth mile south of the village of 

East Holden, and 175 feet south of an old mill. The drainage area at this point is 

12.3 square miles. A plain staff gage was first used, attached vertically to a maple 

tree on the right bank, but this was replaced on December 6, 1904, by a standard 

chain gage attached to the same maple tree; length of chain, 9.48 feet. The gage is 

referred to bench marks as follows: (1) A spike, approximately vertical, in the foot 

of the tree to which the gage is attached, inclosed in a circle and marked "B. M.-l;" 

elevation, 5.24 feet above gage datum. (2) The highest point on a large stone about 

25 feet upstream from the gage in the bed of the stream. It is inclosed in a circle 

and marked "B. M.-2;" elevation, 5.51 feet above gage datum. (3) Spike driven 

into maple tree to which gage is attached, approximately horizontal, for use in 

measuring to the water surface; elevation, 6.17 feet above gage datum. (4) Center 

of gage-box pulley; elevation, 8.30 feet above gage datum.

Discharge measurements are made at ordinary stages by wading near the gage. At 

high water they can be made from a railroad bridge about 1 mile upstream. The 

channel is straight for about 10 to 12 feet above the gage and curved just below the 

gage. The bed is rocky and rough, but permanent. The banks are high and not 

subject to overflow. There is but one channel at all stages. The ordinary width is 

about 10 feet; depth, 0.8 foot; velocity, high at all stages. The gage is read once 

each day by Lewis Pinkham, of East Holden.

The station at the southeastern outlet was established July 19, 1904, by H. K. 

Barrows. It is located at the highway bridge about 1J miles southeast of Lake 

House railroad station, and is about 700 feet southeast of the Maine Central Railroad 

crossing. A plain staff gage is fastened vertically to the logs of the floor and the 

right abutment of the single-span highway bridge. It is referred to bench marks as 

follows: (1) A point and circle on stone of the southeast abutment of the bridge 

marked " B. M. 1;" elevation, 6.31 feet above gage datum. (2) Highest point of 

stone about 50 feet north of the gage on the west side of the road, inclosed by a 

circle and marked " B. M. 2;" elevation, 10.04 feet above gage datum.

Discharge measurements are made at low and medium stages by wading just below 

the bridge, and at high stages from the downstream side of the bridge to which the 

gage is attached. The channel is curved for about 25 feet above the station and 

straight for some 30 feet below. The bed of the stream is of gravel, rough but permanent. The banks are rocky, wooded, and liable to overflow. There is but one 

channel at all stages. The gage is read only when meter measurements are made, 

as the flow through this outlet is closely proportional to the lake height.

The station on Phillips Lake was established July 19, 1904, by H. K. Barrows. It 

is located about one-fourth mile west of Lake House railroad station. The gage is a
PENOBSCOT EIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 49

plain vertical staff, fastened to a bowlder on the east shore of the lake about 300 feet 

northwest of Dr. L. S. Chilcott's cottage. It is referred to bench marks as follows: 

(1) A point on ledge of rock east of the gage, inclosed by a circle and marked "B. 

M. 1;" elevation, 10.28 feet above gage datum. (2) A point on a ledge of rock 

about 10 feet west of the gage, inclosed by a circle and marked " B. M. 2;" elevation, 11.86 feet above gage datum. This gage is not now in use, as an additional vertical staff gage, referred to the same datum, was established on December 6,1904. It 

is fastened to the east abutment of the Maine Central Railroad bridge over the 

north end of Phillips Lake. It is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) The 

northwest corner of wing wall at west end of bridge; elevation, 16.79 feet above gage 

datum. This gage is read once a week by H. C. Lord.

A description of this station and gage height and discharge data are contained in 

Water-Supply Paper of the United States Geological Survey No. 124, pp. 52-54.

Discharge measurements of Phillips Lake, northern outlet, at East Holden, Me., in 1905.

Bate.

Aprill?.. ......

October 21 .....

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

15.5

17.0

17.0

12.5

12.5

9.3

9.5

5.7

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

9.9

11.1

12.2

11.5

9.2

8.6

9.3

3.0

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.persec. 

2.44

2.45

2.52

1.63

1.28

1.35

.60

Gage, 

height.

Feet. 

1.84

1.90

1.90

1.77

1.67

1.74

1.41

Discharge.

Sec. -ft. 

24.2

27.2

30.7

15.0

11.0

12.6

1.8

aFrom log across stream 100 feet below gage.

Discharge measurements of Phillips Lake, southeastern outlet, near Lake House railroad

station, Me., in 1905.

Date.

April 17........

April 29.. ......

May25.........

August 15...... 

September 2... 

October 21 .....

Kydrographer.

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

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

Barrows and Pressey ..... 

F. E. Pressey. .............

Width.

Feet. 

8.0

8.0

8.0

4.0

2.5

2.5 

.5 

.35

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

19.3

15.4

14.3

1.8

1.19

1.06 

.08 

.05

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per sec. 

2.26

.79

.83

1.83

1.05

.98

'. .67 

.58

Gage 

height.

Feet 

2.80

2.28

2.20

1.62

1.38

1.35 

1.06 

1.10

Gage 

height, 

Phillips 

Lake.

Feet. 

9.40

8.94

8.97

8.48

7.37

7.20 

6.40 

6.00

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

42.7

12.2

11.9

3.3

1.25

1.04 

.05 

.03

IER 165 06 1
50 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Daily gfige height, in feet, of Phillips Lake, northern outlet, at East Holden, Me., for 190fi.

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..............

9Q M........ ......

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

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

Jan.

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.7

2.7

2.55 

2.15

2.05

1 QPi

1.95

1 9

1 9

1 9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

Feb.

1.75

1.75 

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7 

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.65

1 65

1.65 

1.65 

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

Mar.

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.55

1. 55 

1.55

1.5

1 ^

1.5

1 ^

1 K

1 ^

1.6 

1.55

1.7

1.9

1.95

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.3

Apr.

2.05 

1.8

1.8 

1.85

1 9

2.2

9 9

2.1

2.0

1 9

1.8

1

Q

1

Q

1 OX

1 ftPi

1.8

1 9

1.9 

1.85

I 9

1 9

1 9

May.

1.9 

1 9

1.85

1.95

1 9

1 9

1.9

1 QK

1.95

1

QK

1

QK

2 0

9 05

2 0

2.0

2.0 

2.0

1.95

1.9

1 9

1.9

1 9

1.9

June.

1.9 

1 9

1.9 

1 9

1 9

2.0

1 9

1.9

1.9 

1 9

1 9

1 pE

1 9

i PA

1.85

1 9

1.95 

1.95

1 9

1 9

1 9

1.85

1 9

1.85

1.85

1.85

July.

1.85 

1.9

1.9 

1.9

1.7

1.7

1.5

1.5

1.5 

1.5

1.5

1 ^

1.55

1 F\t\

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

1.6

Aug.

1.55

1.55 

1.55

1 55

1.55

1.8

1.85

1.8 

1.8

1.8

1 0

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.85

1.85

1.85

1.8

1.8

Sept.

1.8 

1.8

1.8 

1.8

1.8

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

1.4-

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Oct.

1.4 

1.4

1.4 

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4 

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.8

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4 

1.4

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Nov.

1.7 

1.5

1.5 

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.6 

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.55

1.5

1.5 

1.5 

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.45

1.5

Dec.

1.5 

1.5

1.7 

1.7

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.6 

1.75

1.9

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.9 

1.9 

2.3

1.9

2.0

2.4

2.0

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

NOTE. River did not freeze near gage during 1905.
KENNEBEC EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 51

Daily gage height, in feet, of Phillips Lake near East ffolden, Me., for 1905.

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.... .....

Feb.

8.8

8.8

8.3

8.4

Mar.

8.3

8.3

8.5

Apr.

9.5

Q 7

Q ft

9.4

9.3

9.0

May.

8.9

8.8

9.1

9 0

8.9

June.

8.7

8.6

8.5

8.2

July.

8.1

8.0

7 9

7.7

7.6

Aug.

7.6

7.4

7.2

7.1

6.7

Sept.

6.4

6.4

6.4

6.4

6.3

Oct.

6.3

6.2

6.1

6.0

Nov.

6.0

6.2

6.3

6.3

Dec.

6.5

7.4

7.6

7.6

7.6

NOTE. February 4, 11, gage height to top of ice; ice 4 inches thick. February 18, 25, and March 4, 

no ice at gage. April 22, ice left lake. December 16, 2 inches ice at Rage. December 23, 30, no ice at 

gage.

KENNEBEC RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION OF BASIN.

Kennebec Kiver is one of the best streams in the United States for the development of water power. Its basin, which lies wholly within the State of* Maine, 

between those of Androscoggin and the Penobscot, is 150 miles in length and from 

50 to 80 miles in width in the main portion, embracing a total area of 6,110 square 

miles. Of this area, 1,330 square miles are tributary to Moosehead Lake, in which, 

the river has its source. The upper tributaries, however, rise in the hilly, forested 

areas lying to the east and west of that lake. Of these, Moose Kiver is the most 

important. The northern part of the drainage basin is broken by offsets from the 

White Mountains. Nearly the whole of the upper portion is forest covered and in 

its original wild state.

Below the outlet of Moosehead Lake the hills close in on the river, forming a 

narrow, rocky chasm, with steep and precipitous sides. From Moosehead Lake to 

The Forks the river is a torrent, the total fall in the 23 miles being 500 feet. Dead 

Kiver is tributary to the Kennebec at The Forks. Below this junction the river 

flows with a lesser slope in a narrow, winding bed, about 20 miles to Bingham;
52 STREAM MEASUEEMENTS IN 1905, PAET I.

thence through a broader valley in which are located many farms. Between 

Bingham and tide water there are a number of large falls, at which water power has 

been developed.

The prevailing rock in the northern part of the basin is slate, with a belt of sandstone to the west an,d a district of granite to the east of Moosehead. South of Bingham mica-schists run into the clay slate in spots and elsewhere into gneiss, but 

(except where broken by intrusions of granite, as at Hallowell and Augusta) slate 

prevails as far as Gardiner. Below the latter city gneiss predominates, with stretches 

of mica-schists on the east bank. The surface materials are finely pulverized. 

Water retaining sands and gravels are more abundant in the northern part, succeeded 

by a greater proportion of loam and clay to the south.

Surveys have been made in the Kennebec Eiver drainage basin by the United 

States Geological Survey as follows: 1903 and 1904, plan and profile of Kennebec 

Eiver between tide water and Moosehead Lake; 1905, plan and profile of Moose 

Eiver between Moosehead and Brassua. lakes, and above Brassua to near Little 

Brassua Lake; survey for plan of Brassua Lake and AVood Pond, showing shore 

lines, contours on banks, soundings, etc.

The areas of the drainage basins of the river and its principal tributaries are given 

in the following table:

Drainage areas of Kennebec River and principal tributaries.

River.

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do............ ....

Do.................

Locality.

station.

worth & Whitney dam.

.....do.........!.......................................-...........

Mouth ............................................................

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

1,330

1,670

2,540

2,790

2, §80

3,310

4,020

4,370

4

0Qrt

5,310

5,710

6,110

680

85

120

870

340

395

350

650

670

930

205

208

240
KENNEBEC RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 53

KENNEBEC RIVER AT THE FORKS, ME.

This station was established September 28, 1901, by N. C. Grover, at the wooden 

highway bridge across Kennebec River at The Forks, above the mouth of Dead 

Eiver. Of the drainage area at this station, 1,330 square miles are tributary to Moosehead Lake and the remainmg 340 square miles drain into the Kennebec by small 

streams with steep slopes and no storage. Practically all land surfaces above this 

point are in forest.

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

unbroken by piers, and is about 125 feet wide at ordinary stages of the river. The 

current is swift at high and medium at low stages. The banks are high and rocky 

and the bed is rocky and permament.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge. The initial point for soundings is on the left bank, marked by a rod across the bridge, just above the abutment 

and below the bridge floor.

There are two gages one, a vertical rod, is attached to the timber retaining wall 

on the left bank, about 75 feet above the bridge ; the other is a standard chain gage 

attached to the bridge floor. The length of the chain is 17.18 feet. Gage-height 

observations are made twice each day by William W. Young. The datum of the" 

two gages is the same and is referred to two bench marks : (1) The top of a bolt 

on the east abutment, north side of bridge, elevation. 12.85 feet; (2) marked point 

on the floor of the bridge, near the east end of the gage box, elevation, 15.42 feet. 

Elevations are above gage datum, which is 562.85 feet above mean sea level, as 

determined by the Kennebec River survey of 1904.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey :

Description: 65, p 16; 82, pp 26-27; 97, p 43; 124; pp 66-57. 

Discharge: 65, p 16; 82, p 27; 97, p 43; 124, p 57. 

Discharge, monthly: 82, p 28; 97, p 45; 124, p 59. 

Gage heights: 65, p 16; 82, p 27; 97, p 44; 124, p 58. 

Rating tables: 82, p 28; 97, p 45; 124, p 58.

Discharge measurements of Kennebec River at The Forks, Me., in 1905.

Date.

April 21.......

July 18 ........

Hydrographer.

.....do......................:........

Width.

Feet. 

121

119

123

Area of 

section.

Sa. feet. 

660

620

730

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.persec.

1.82

1.53

2.19

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.90

1.53

2.30

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

1,200

950

1,600
54 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Kennebec River at The Forks, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

2 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

4.8 

4.7 

4.8

4.8 

4.9 

4.7

4.5

4.2

4.5

4.2 

4.2

4.3

4.4 

4.4

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.9

4.9 

4 9

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

Feb.

5.1 

5.1 

5.2

5.2 

5.2 

5.1

5

-t

5.1

5.1

4.9 

4.7

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.8

4.8

4 9

4.7

Mar.

4.5

4.0

3.8

3.6

3.5

3

K

3.5

3.5

3.4 

2 55

2.3

2.35

2.0

2.3

Apr.

2.95 

2.85 

2.6

2.05 

1.75 

1.6

1 9

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.5

2.75 

2.8

2.8

2

f-K

2.55

2.3

2.15

1.9

2

O

2.4

2.0 

21 ^

2.55

2.65

May.

4.25 

2.55 

2.35

3.25 

3.3 

2.55

June.

.......

.......

-

July.

-------

::::

Aug.

1.4 

 3.3 

2.9

2.65 

2.55 

2.5

2.55

2.75

2.9

2.8 

2.8

2.8

2.8 

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.65

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.85 

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.75

2.7

2.7

Sept.

2.7 

2.7 

2.4

2.3 

2.3 

2.0

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.9 

1.9

2.0

2.0 

2,0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7 

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.5

1.6

Oct.

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

1.6 

1.6 

1.55

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.5 

1.4

1.4

1.4 

1.4

1.35

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.45 

1.55

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

Nov.

1.6 

1.6 

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

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.15

1.1

1.2 

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

Dec.

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

1.3 

1.3 

1.3

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.1 

1.1

1.2

1.2 

1.3

1.3

3.7

3.4

NOTE. Ice conditions January 1 to March 26 and December 16-31: January 24, gage reader estimates backwater effect of 0.2 foot due to ice; channel open 80 feet wide at the gage. January 29, 

channel open about 10 feet wide at the gage. February 1, river frozen over at the gage. Most of the 

ice went out during the week of March 20-26. December 18, rise in river due to anchor ice; estimated 

gage height, 2.1 feet. During frozen period gage heights are to the surface of the water in a hole cut 

in the ice. The following comparative readings were taken:

Date.

March 18 ................................................................

Water 

surface.

Feet. 

4.9

4.7

4.5

4.0

3.8

3.7

3.4

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

4.9

4.7

4.1

4.2

. 3.8

3.7

3.4

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

0.2

.8

.9

1.0

1.0

.25

.3

From about May 1 to July 31 considerable fluctuations in gage heights, amounting to from 2 to over 

5 feet, occur daily, due to the regulating of the flow at Indian Pond dam for the purpose of log driving. The morning and evening records obtained by the observer represented the maximum and 

minimum heights of each day during this period as well as could be determined. The range of the 

morning readings, May 7 to July 31, was 4.0 to 7.6 feet, and of the evening readings 1.5 to 2.5 feet.
KENNEBEC RIVEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 55

Station rating table for Kennebec River at The Forks, Me., from January 1 to December

31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

630

695

765

835

910

985

1,060

1,140

1,220

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,305

1,395

1,490

1, 590

1,700

1,815

1,935

2,060

2,190

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,325

2,470

2,620

2,775

2,935

3,100

3,270

3,450

3,635

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.80

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.60

4.80

5.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,825

4,220

4,635

5,070

5,535

6,020

6,525

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 13 discharge 

measurements made during 1901-1905. -It is well defined between gage heights, 1.1 feet and 5 feet. 

The extension above 5 feet is based on the extension of the area and velocity curves, the latter being 

determined by means of tables based on Kutter's formula.

Estimated monthly discharge of Kennebec River at The Forks, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 1,670 square miles.]

Month.

March 26-31 ...........

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

May a........................................

Julya. .......................................

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

1,875 

2,400 

6,700 

8,330 

5,310 

2,935 

2,060 

1,060 

985 

765

Minimum.

1,305 

985 

1,645 

4,780 

2 980 

835 

835 

695 

630 

630

Mean.

1,591 

1,666 

4,330 

5,408 

4,065 

2,067 

1,248 

864 

838 

717

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile

0.953 

.998 

2.59 

3.24 

2.43 

1.24 

.747 

.517 

.502 

.429

Depth in 

inches.

0.213 

1.11 

2.99 

3.62 

2.80 

1.43 

.833 

.596 

.560 

.239

"The mean daily discharge, May 7 to July 31, was computed by averaging the discharges as applied 

to the morning and evening gage heights, taking account also of the relative length of the high and 

low water periods.
56 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PAET I.

KENNEBEC RIVER NEAR NORTH ANSON, ME.

This station was established October 18, 1901, by N. C. Grover. It is located 1J 

miles east of North Anson, above the mouth of Carrabassett River.

The channel is straight for 500 feet above and 1,000 feet below the station, and has 

a width of about 350 feet, broken by one pier. The current is swift at high stages 

and moderately rapid at low stages, except near the left bank. The right bank is 

high and rocky. The left bank is comparatively low and subject to overflow at the 

time of highest water. The bed of the stream is rocky, with sand over a portion of 

the section, and is permanent.

Discharge measurements are made from the wooden highway bridge across the 

Kenrjebee, known locally as Patterson Bridge. The initial point for soundings is on 

the left bank, at the outside of the end post of the center truss of the bridge. Lowwater measurements are made from a boat about 1,000 feet below the station, at a 

section where there is a better distribution of current.

Gage readings are made twice each day by Mrs. C. S. Benjamin, the toll collector 

at the bridge. Th»re are three gages one, for ordinary stages, is a vertical rod 

fastened to the bridge pier; another, for high-water observations, ia a vertical rod 

attached to the right abutment; the third, for low-water stages, is a standard chain 

gage attached to the wooden truss on the upstream side of the bridge. The length 

of the chain was 30.40 feet when the gage was established, but changed to 30.36 feet 

July 26, 1904, and to 30.23 feet July 19, 1905, owing to settling of the bridge. The 

gage datum is 241.24 feet above mean sea level, as determined by the Kennebec River 

survey of 1904. The datum of the three gages is the same and is referred to four 

bench marks, as follows: (1) Top of pier back of the gage; elevation, 22.50 feet. 

(2) Top of the southeast corner of the twelfth stone from the top of west abutment; 

elevation, 9.55 feet. (3) Copper bolt in bowlder on right bank about 100 feet above 

the bridge; elevation, 10.66 feet. (4) Marked point on the bottom chord of- the 

bridge near the chain gage; elevation, 25.15 feet originally; changed to 25.03 feet 

July 26,1904, and to 24.91 feet J ::y 19, 1905. Elevations refer to datum of the gage.

Information in regard to thij station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 65, pp 16-17; 82, pp 28-29; 97, pp 45-46; 124, pp 59-60,

Discharge: 65, p 17; 82, p 29; 97, p 46; 124, p 60.

Discharge, monthly: 97, p 48; 124, p 62.

Gage heights: 65, p. 17; 82, p 29; 97, p 47; 124, p 61.

Rating table: 97, p 47; 124, p 62.

Discharge measurements of Kennebec River near North Anson, Me., in 1905.

Date.

February 9 «...

April 19. .......

July20.........

October 27 .....

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

458

458

304

295

277

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

1,390

1,390

2,150

1,930

1,460

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.persec. 

1.50

1.54

2.33

1.95

.90

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.27

5.32

4.26

3.72

2.30

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

2,080

2,140

5,000

3,770

1,320

a Gage height to top of ice, 5.42 feet. Thickness of ice at gage, 2.65 feet. Average thickness of ice 

at measuring section, 2 feet.
KElSnSTEBEC RIVER DRAINAGE BASIIST. 57

Daily gage height, in feet, of Kennebec River near North Anson, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

g

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.

6.55

5.65

5.55

Feb.

5.35

5.25

4.9

5,15

5.45

Mar.

5 OK

4.95

K -I K

6.8 

6.9 

7.9 

8.45

8

QK

Apr.

9 45

8.55

8.95

9 4

8.4

8.1

8 9

9.25 

8.5

7.0

5.35 

5.5

5.5 

4.9

5

AK

4.9

4.65

4.5

4

0

4.3

4.35

4.95

4.65

4.7

4

7K

4.4

4.95 

4.7 

4.9 

4.95

May. June. July. Aug.

2.95

3.45

4.15

3.45

3.3

3.2

3.3

3.35 

3.4

3.35

3.3 

3.4

3.45

3.45

3.35

3.55

3.4

3.2

3.05

3.05

2.95

3.15

2.7 

2.4 

2.7 

3.35

Sept.

3.25

3.2

2.95

2.95

3.1

3.05

2.9 

2.75

2.75

2.65 

2.55

2.6 

2.5

2.55

2.65

2.4

2.7

2.75

2.75

2.85

2.8

2.7

2.6

9 f\

2.35

2.35 

2.3 

2.3 

2.3

Oct.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2 q

2.3

'2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

'2.05 

2.0

2.1

2.05

2.1

1.95

1.9

1.9

1.9

2.0

1.95

2.0

2.05

2.25 

2.2 

2.25 

2.3 

2.2

Nov.

2.2

2.25

2.15

2.3

2.2

2.3

9 ^

2.3 

2.3

2.35

2.25 

2.2

2.2 

2.25

2.2

2.15

2.4

2.8

2.1

1.95

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

2.15

2.3 

2.45 

2.7 

2.95

Dec.

3.65

3.45

3.35

3.35

3.45

5.65

5.75

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to about March 27, when river was probably clear of ice. Also ice 

conditions December 1-31; the river being closed with the exception of channels in each span, which 

were probably open during the whole month. Gage heights December 18, 22, and 28 probably 

affected by backwater from anchor ice. During frozen period gage heights are to the surface of the 

water in a hole cut in the ice. The ice thickness was measured as follows:

Feet.

January 7..................................... 1.9

January 14.................................... 2.2

January 21, 28, February 4 ................... 2.3

Februarys, 11,18............................. 2.2

February 25, March 4......................... 2.4

March 11 ..................................... 2.3

Feet.

March 18 ..................................... 2.7

March 25 ..................................... 2.5

December 9................................... .4

December 16, 17 .............................. .6

December 18, 22 .............................. .7

December 28.................................. 1.0

Fluctuations in the gage heights occur from about May 1 to July 31, as at The Forks, but in less 

marked degree. (See note to gage-height table, Kennebec at The Forks, p. 54.)
58 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Station rating table for Kennebec River near North Anson, Me., from January 1 to December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

*2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

990

1,080

1,182

1,294

1,415

1,544

1,680

1,822

1,970

2,024

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,184

2,450

2,621

2,797

2,978

3,164

3, 355

3,551

3,752

3,958

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4,169

4,385

4,606

4,832

5, 062

5,297

5,536

5,779

6,026

6, 277

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.90

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

6,532

6,790

7,316

7,858

8,415

8,984

9, 565

NOTE. The above table .is applicable only for open channel conditions. It is based on five discharge measurements made during 1904-5 and the form of the 1904 curve. It is well defined between 

gage heights 2.3 feet and 5 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Kennebec River near North Anson, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 2,880 square miles.]

Month.

March 27-31 ...........

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

May a.................... . . .....

June a .................................

July a. .......................................

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

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

18,840 

20, 480 

12,000 

9,390 

9,110 

4,720 

2,885 

1,415 

2,265

Minimum.

11, 970 

5,060 

6,940 

5,230 

2,380 

1,544 

1,415 

990 

1,035

Mean.

15,140 

10,180 

8,704 

7,050 

5,481 

2,896 

1,970 

1,205 

1,385

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

5.26 

3.53 

3.02 

2.45 

1.90 

1.01 

:684 

.418 

. .481

Depth in 

inches.

0.978 

3.94 

3.48 

2.73 

2.19 

1.16 

.763 

.482 

.537

a From May 1 to July 31, during the log-driving season, the discharge is a mean of the discharges 

corresponding to gage heights of the high and low daily periods, considering each period as lasting 

twelve hours.

KENISTEBEC RIVER AT WATERVILLE, ME.

The only long-continued observations of the flow of the Kennebec are those which 

have been made at Waterville by the Hollingsworth & Whitney Company, which 

kindly furnishes the results for publication. The works of that company are above 

the mouth of Sebasticook River. Observations are made at 12 o'clock noon of each 

day, that hour having been chosen, after investigation, as a time when the flow is 

least affected by storage at dams upstream and as giving most nearly the average for 

the day.

When the flow of the river is less than 3,500 second-feet the whole amount is 

diverted through the water wheels of the mill, of which there are 48. Water in 

excess of the above amount is wasted over the dam. All the wheels have been 

tested at Holyoke under practically the same head as used at Waterville. Discharge 

curves for the wheels and for overflow of the dam, both with and without flashboards, were constructed several years ago by Sumner Hollingsworth. Estimates of
KENNEBEC EIVEE DBAINAGE BASIN. 59

daily flow are made by means of these diagrams. The leakage through the crib 

dam has never been measured, but 100 second-feet are added arbitrarily to cover 

this item.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following publications of 

the United States Geological Survey (Ann=Annual Report; WS=Water-Supply 

Paper):

Description: Ann 20, iv, pp 64-65; WS 27, p 9; 35, p 25; 47, p 29; 82, p 30; 97, pp 48-49; 124, pp 62-63.

Discharge: Ann 19, iv, p 72.

Discharge, daily: WS 27, pp 11-14; 35, p 26; 47, p 30; 82, pp 30-31; 97, p 49; 124, p 63.

Discharge, monthly: Ann 19, iv, pp 75-78; 20, iv, p 65; 21, iv, p 52; 22, iv, p 57; WS 82, pp 31-32.

Discharge, yearly: Ann 20, iv, p 46.

Hydrographs: Ann 19, iv, pp 72, 73, 74; 20, iv, p 65; 21, iv, p 53; 22, iv, p 58.

Rainfall and run-off relation: Ann 19, iv, p 74.

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Kennebec River at Water viMe, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

2,116

2,256

3,421

2,847

2,737

2,545

2,872

2,094

3,699

3,912

3,659

4,182

3,915

3,623

2,317

3, 642

3,108

3,425

3,103

3,324

2,296

3,654

2,825

2,849

3,145

1,831 

3,700

3,150

Feb.

3,366

3, 125

3, 422

2,868

2,123

3,225

2,569

2,556

2 484

2,553

1,859

2,475

2 548

9 Pidfi

1,842

3,033

9 Pill

9 f^9Q

1 9ftft

2

PLOA

Mar.

2,645

2,532

2,366

2,521

714

2,815

2,202

2,431

2, 257

2,555

2,541

2,278

2,855

2,530

2,273

2,208

2, 245

2,247

1,553

3,447

3,701

1 K O/IF;

20, 950 

21, 365

nc OOfi

Apr.

32, 125

22, 278

16, 278

14, 471

10,854

25, 578

19 498

15, 715

jo 342

27,954

11 928

14 340

11, 456

12 690

7 f\PF\

6,291

7,486

10, 164

19 Q^4

11, 205

7,878

8,881

8,901

May.

13, 593

7,113

12,907

18, 324

10,545

8,440

9,109

8,699

14, 315

-[A O7Q

9 711

8,788

10, 174

8,403

10, 120

8,241 

8, 153

8 ' 202

June.

7, 755

6,597

8,371

7,113

7,480

5,123

6,780

8

4QO

6,071

5,881

6,678

7,433

6,678

G OOF;

5,109

6,017

6,739

6,672 

5,845

July.

5,275

5,040

5,450

8,591

7,554

5,962

5,422

K m K

4 948

4 298

5

AAO

p: q/vi

S QfiQ

3

OQ7

3,648

3,473 

1,491

3,986

Aug.

5,114

4,108

4,401

4,018

3,048

100

3,345

2,819

2,642

2,998

2,955

1,528

S

fiOK

3,087 

3,054

Sept.

3,077

inn

4,603

4 350

u Qn4

2,348

9 QQft

2,998

1,828

4

0QA

9 CWfi

3,937

1,370

2,802

9 ftf^

2,206 

142

Oct.

2,390

2,205

2,433

2,086

1,852

1,598

2,143

100

1,813

2,089

2,229

1,879

1,875

1,681

141

2,478

2,428

2,432

2,351

1,817

1,836

1,118

1,555

2,397

1,903

1,687

100 

1,645

2,484

Nov.

2,113

2,252

1,965

1,952

100

1,960

2,867

2,830

3,067

3,113

2,843

1,825

3,059

2, 514

2,810

1,957

2,011

2,840

1,838

2,840

2,243

2,390

1,913

1,983

1,450

1,216

3,452

2,843

2,547 

2,378

Dec.

2,809

2,524

1,485

2,814

3,932

3,085

3,133

2,784

2,835

1,202

2,499

2,197

1,639

1,735

1,786

1,520

1,166

1,308

1,327

1,690

1,713

2, 221

1,748

914

2,050

1,930

1,996

2,025

2,620 

2,062

1,212
60 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Estimated monthly discharge of Kennebec River at Waterville, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 4,380 square miles.]

Month.

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,182 

3,422 

26,230 

32,120 

18, 320 

9,251 

8,591 

5,114 

4,603 

2,484 

3,452 

3,932

32, 120

Minimum.

1,831 

1,200 

714 

6,291 

7,113 

5,109 

1,491 

100 

100 

100 

100 

914

100

Mean.

3,082 

2,630 

5,249 

13,500 

10,520 

6,699 

4,668 

3,198 

2,974 

1,767 

2,306 

2,063

4,888

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.704 

.600 

1.20 

3.08 

2.40 

1.53 

1.07 

.730 

.679 

.403 

.526 

.471

1.12

Depth in 

inches.

0.812 

.625 

1.38 

3.44 

2.77 

1.71 

1.23 

.842 

.758 

.465 

.587 

.543

15.16

MOOSE RIVER, NEAR ROCKWOOD, ME.

This station was established September 7, 1902, by N. C. Grover. It is located 4 

miles west of Kineo, Me., near the village of Rockwood, and 2 miles from the mouth 

of the river. Water is stored by dams at the outlets of several of the lakes and ponds 

in the basin above, but all of such stored water is used for log driving. The stage of 

the river changes very slowly after the end of the log-driving season. Practically all 

of the land areas in this basin are in forest.

The channel is straight above and below the station, and is about 220 feet wide at 

ordinary stages. The banks are high and rocky; the bed of the stream is rocky and 

permanent; the current is swift at high and medium at low stages.

Discharge measurements are made from a car suspended from a steel cable or by 

wading at low stages a short distance downstream. The initial point for soundings 

is on the right bank, 1 foot from a birch tree to which the cable and tag line are 

fastened.

Gage readings are made twice each day by Peter Callaghan. A standard chain 

gage is attached to trees on the bank, and is referred to bench marks as follows: 

(1) Copper bolt in bowlder 8 feet from corner of house of Peter Callaghan; elevation, 

14.58 feet. (2) Highest point of large bowlder on right bank 150 feet below the 

cable; elevation, 5.75 feet. Elevations refer to datum of the gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of United States Geological Survey: 

Description: 82, p 36; 97, pp 49-50; 124, p 64. 

Discharge: 82, p 36; 97, p 50. 

Gage heights: 82, p 36; 97, p 50; 124, p 64.

Discharge measurements of Moose River near Rockwood, Me., in 1905.

Date.

May 21 ........

July 10 ........

Nov. 2&.. ......

Nov. 10&.......

Hydrographer.

F. E. Pressey....... ..................

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

Width.

Feet. 

253

232

110

107

121

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

1,400

700

170

88

114

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per sec. 

2.47

1.36

1.65

1.26

1.41

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.41

3.58

2.02

1.56

1.72

Discharge.

3,460

950

280

111

161

a By wading 200 feet helow cahle. &By wading 150 feet helow cable.
KENNEBEO RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 61

Daily gage height, infect, of Moose River near Rockwood, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OQ

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

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

Apr.

4.2

4.45

4.7

4.95

5.0

5.15

^ OK

5

0

5.4

5.5

5.65

5.8

5.85

5.8

5.45

5.2

5.15

5.15

5.25

5.3

5 OK

5.35

5.35

5.45

5.6

5.8

5.9

May.

5.95

5.95

6.05

6.2

6.3

6.45

6.6

6.7

6.85

6.85

6 9

6.85

6.7

6.6

6.35

6.1

5.8

5.7

6.0

6.5

6.5

6.35

6.15

K Q

5.75

5.45

5.55

5.45

5

0

5.4

5.05

June.

4.6

4.55

4.55

4.75

4/6

4.5

4.65

4 Q

5.15

5.0

5.2

5.1

5.1

4.7

4.65

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.55

4.4

4.3

4.3

4.25

4.2

July.

4.05

4.05

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.0

3.85

3 7

3.6

3

K

3.4

3.35

3.2

3.1

3.05

3.0

3.0

9 Qf^

2.8

2.8

2 7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

Aug.

2.55

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.05

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.1

2.1

'2.0

2.0

2.0

Sept.

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.05

2.1

2.1

2.1

2

AK

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1 9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.9

1.9

1 9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

Oct.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.7

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.6

1 6

1.6

1.5

1.5

Nov.

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.55

1.6

1.6

1.65

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

Dec.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 9

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

1 9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1 9

1.9

1.9

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to April 2. November 14-16, gage heights omitted, owing to backwater, due to ice.

Station rating table for Moose River near Rockwood, Me., from September 4, 1903, to

December 31, 1905.

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

70

88

108

130

154

180

208

238

270

303

338

375

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

414

454

496

539

584

631

681

733

788

846

906

968

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,032

1,098

1,166

1,236

1,308

1, 382

1,459

1,538

1,620

1,703

1,788

1,875

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.90

5.00

5.20

5.40

5.60

5.80

6.00

6.20

6.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,964

2,055

2,240

2,432

2,629

2,830

3,035

3,245

3,455

3,670

3,890

4,110

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 10 discharge 

measurements made during 1902-1905. It is well denned between gage heights 1.5 feet and 6.5 feet.
62 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Estimated monthly discharge of Moose River near Rockwood, Me., for 1902-1905. 

[Drainage area, 680 square miles.]

Month.

1902.

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum. Minimum. Mean

September 4-30.............................. 1,098

October...................................... 1,703

November................................... 1,703

December ................................... 906

1903.

January 1-10.........................:....... 639

March 21-31 .................. .............. 4,628

April ........................................ 4,055

July 7-31..................................... 496

August ...................................... 631

September................................... 303

October...................................... 130

November................................... 180

December 1-16............................... 154

1904.

April 10-30................................... 3,140

May......................................... 6,500

June (27 days)............................... 2,194

July......................................... 1,308

August......................................! 454

September................................... 1,538

October...................................... 2,055

November................................... 1,000

December 1-10............................... 454

1905.

April 3-30.................................... 2,932

May.....................................:... 4,000

June......................................... 2,24u

July......................................... 1,308

August...................................... 434

September................................... 270

October...................................... 180

November 1-13, 17-30........................ 180

December................................... 238

375

733

968

539

454

2,679

2,432

375

270

154

1,920

1,236

338

254

303

1,032

454

303

1,382

2,102

1,382

454

238

180

108

108

180

682

919

1,237

652

513

3,874

3,061

454

462

184

101

131

124

1,492

4,026

1,646

704

358

801

1,420

649

370

2,353

3,189

1,742

795

287

" 220

147

158

214

Run-off.

Second-feet

per square

mile.

1.00

1.35

1.82

.959

.754

5.70

4.50

.668

.679

.271

.149

.193

.182

2.19

5.92

2.42

1.04

.526

1.18

2.09

.954

.544

3.46

4.69

2.56

1.17

.422

.324

.216

.232

.315

Depth in 

inches.

1.00

1.56

2.03

1.11

.280

2.33

5.02

.621

.783

.302

.172

.215

.107

1.71

6.82

2.43

1.20

.606

1.32

2.41

1.06

.202

3.60

5.41

2.86

1.35

.486

.362

.249

.233

.363

NOTE. River frozen January 11 to March 20 and December 17-31, 1903; January 1 to April 9 and 

December 11-31, 1904; January 1 to April 2, 1905. Above estimates for 1903 and 1904 do not apply to 

the gage heights published in the 1903 and 1904 reports, as there was an uncorrected gage in those 

years; 1905, discharge interpolated on days when gage heights were not read, except November 14-16.
KENNEBEC RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 63

MISCELLANEOUS DISCHARGE MEASUREMENTS IN MOOSE RIVER BASIN.

The following.miscellaneous discharge measurements were made in the Moose 

River basin in 1905:

Miscellaneous discharge measurements made in Moose River drainage basin in 1905.

Date.

Aug. 11

Aug. 12 

Aug. 12

Oct. 31 

Oct. 31

Hydrographer.

Barrows 

and 

Pressey.

.....do.... 

.....do....

.....do....

....'.do.... 

.....do....

.....do....

Stream.

Misery Stream . .

Brassua Stream .

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

Gander Brook .. 

Little Wood

Pond Stream.

Locality.

i mile above 

Brassua Lake.

1J miles above 

Brassua Lake.

Brassua Lake 

and about 4 

miles above 

Brassua Lake.

Pond.

Near entrance to 

Wood Pond.

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

Pond, c

Width.

Feet.

15

6 

90

2

CPL

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet.

4.64

4.06 

126

57

.26 

3.1

Mean velocity.

Ft. p. sec.

0.92

1.23 

1.91

1.12

.35 

1.23

1.51

Gage 

height.

Feet.

a 2. 12

a 2. 12 

a 2. 12

61, 154. 65

61, 154. 65 

61, 154. 65

<a, 154. 69

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

4.25

5.02 

241

64

.09 

3.8

74

a Probable gage height at Rockwood gage. 

6 Height of Wood Pond.

< Measurement made in rapids; bed very rough and measurement considered not good. 0.42 inch 

rain fell at Jackman during night of October 31. 

d Height of Wood Pond November 2 at noon.

ROACH RIVER AT ROACH RIVER, ME.

Eoach Eiver, which has a total drainage area of 120 square miles, enters Moosehead 

Lake from the east. Its basin is completely forested. Dams at the outlets of several 

ponds control the flow of the river. The gage is located about 100 feet downstream 

from the lowest of these dams, at which point the river is so completely under control 

that the stage does not vary perceptibly for weeks at a time. Impounded water is 

used for log driving.

This station was established November 10, 1901, by N. C. Grover. It is located 

near the village of Eoach Eiver.

The channel is straight and about 60 feet wide. The bed of the stream is rocky 

and permanent. The current is moderate.

Discharge measurements are made by wading or from a canoe at a section 140 feet 

downstream from the gage.

The gage, which is read twice each day by C. H. Sawyer, is a vertical rod spiked 

to the timber retaining wall on the right bank of the stream. It is referred to bench 

marks as follows: (1) A cross cut in the highest timber of the crib to which the gage 

is spiked; elevation, 8.84 feet. (2) Circular chisel draft marked "B. M." on highest 

point of bowlder near cottage on left bank, about opposite the dam; elevation, 12.57 

feet. Elevations refer to datum of the gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers, United States Geological Survey:

Description: 65, p 17; 82, pp 36-37; 97, p 51; 124, p 65.

Disch'arge: 82, p 37.

Discharge, monthly: 82, p 38; 97, p 52.

Gage heights: 65, p 18; 82, p 37; 97, p 51; 124, p 65.

Rating tables: 82, p 38; 97, p 52.
64 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Discharge measurements of Roach River at Roach River, Me., in 1905.

Date.

May 22o.......

Hydrographer.

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

120

122

112

19

16

Area of 

section.

Sq. ft. 

258

312

188

9.3

8.0

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per sec. 

2.78

3.21

2.79

.58

.42

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.07

4.45

3.59

1.95

1.90

Discharge.

Sec.-fl. 

718

1,000

524

5.4

3.4

a From canoe about 100 feet below gage. &By wading about 200 feet below gage. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Roach, River at Roach River, Me., for 1905.

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

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2 2

2.2

Apr.

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

9 9

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

3.0

3 ft

3.0

3 ft

3 0

3 ft

May.

3.0

4.2

2.2

4.8

2.2

2.2

5.6

3.9

3.9

5.6

3.9

2.2

5.6

3.9

5.6

5.6

2.2

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.05

3.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

June.

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

3.8

3.5

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

q H

3.4

q H

2.6

2.5

2.5

2

K

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2 A

July.

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3

0

3.3

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

3.0

Aug.

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.65

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

9 9

2.2

9 9

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

Sept.

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2 1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

Oct.

2.2

2.2

 2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

9 0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

2 0

Nov.

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.8

NOTE. River frozen January Ito March 20 and November 19 to December 31. November 21, gsige 

height to top of ice, 1.8 feet; thickness of ice, 0.1 foot.
KENNEBEC EIVEE DEAINAGE BASIN. 65

Station rating table for Roach River at Roach River, Me., from January 1, 1904, to December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet. .

1.80

1.85

1.90

1.95

2.00

2.10

2.20"

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

0.8

1.5

3.4

6.5

12

27

46

68

94

122

153

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

186

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.80

221 3. 90

258

298

338

379

3. 30 421

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

463

506

. 550

595

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4. .50

4.60

4.70

4.80

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

640

685

730

775

820

865

4. 40 915

4. .50

4.60

4.70

4.80

965

1, 015

1,065

1,115

Gage 

height.

- Feet.

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,170

1,225

1,280

1,335

1,390

1,445

1,500

1,555

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on ten discharge measurements made during 1902-1905. It is not well defined.

Estimated .monthly discharge of Roach River at Roach River, Me., for 1904-5. 

[Drainage area, 85 square miles.]

Month.

1904. 

March 26-31 ..................................

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

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

1905. 

March 21-31 .................................

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

68 

820 

1,528 

1,500 

298 

730 

221 

463 

68

94 

298 

1,555 

640 

506 

258 

' 46 

46 

.8

Minimum.

68 

46 

68 

68 

46 

46 

46 

68 

27

46 

46 

46 

94 

94 

27 

27 

12 

.8

Mean.

68.0 

96.0 

912 

456 

83.4 

182 

80.8 

149 

29.0

80.9 

96.4 

668 

182 

376 

71.5 

31.4 

27.4 

.8

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

6.800 

1.13 

10.73 

5.36 

.981 

2.14 

.952 

1.75 

.341

.952 

1.13 

7.86 

2.14 

4.42 

.841 

.369 

.322 

.0094

Depth in 

inches.

0.178 

1.26 

12.37 

5.98 

1.13 

2.47 

1.06 

2.02 

.380

.389 

1.26 

9.06 

2.39 

5.10 

.970 

.412 

.371 

.0069

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 25 and December 4-31,1904; January 1 to March 20 and 

November 19 to December 31, 1905.

IBR 165 06 5
66 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

DEAD RIVER WEAR THE PORKS, ME.

Dead River has its headwaters in the mountains between Maine and Canada and 

flows "in a general easterly direction, entering the Kennebec at The Forks. Its basin 

is 40 miles in extreme length by 30 miles in width and is almost entirely covered 

wi'h forests. Through a large portion of its length the river flows through swamps; 

in its lower course it has considerable fall. The only dams on the stream are owned 

by the log-driving companies, and the gates are kept open after the drives are out of 

the river.

This gaging station was established September 29, 1901, by N. C. Grover. It is 

located 1J miles west of The Forks.

The channel is straight for 500 feet above and below the station and is about 225 

feet wide at ordinary stages. The banks are rocky and are subject to overflow in 

extreme freshets. The bed is rocky and permanent. The current is rapid.

Discharge measurements are made from a car suspended from a steel cable.

The gage, which is read twice each day by Jeremiah Durgin, jr., is a vertical rod 

attached to a large bowlder on the left bank about 700 feet below the cable. It is 

referred to a bench mark, a copper bolt set in a bowlder 9.5 feet from the gage; elevation, 7.97 feet above the zero of the gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological,Survey:

Description: 65, p 18; 82, pp 34-35; 97, p 53; 124, p 66. 

Discharge: 65, p 18; 82, p 35; 97, p 53; 124, p 66. 

Gage heights: 65, p 18; 82, p 35; 97, p 54; 124, p 67.

Discharge measurements of Dead River near The Forks, Me., in 1905.

Date.

April 21.......

Hydrographer.

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

235

233

233

220

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

685

660

660

470

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.64

2.30

2.29

1.47

Gage 

height.

Feet.

'1.82

1.75

1.75

1.09

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

1,810

1,520

1,510

690
KENNEBEC EIVEB DKAINAGE BASIN. 67

Daily gage height, in feet, of Dead River near The Forks, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

g

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

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

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

19

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

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

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

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

25.....'.............

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar.

4.85

3.35

2.8

3.5

Apr.

3.6

3.35

3.4

2.9

2.6

2.45

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.45

2.45

2.65

2.5

2.35

2.35

2 95

2.2

1.9

2.4

3.25

4.95

2.35

2.3

2.15

2.3

3.2

<? d

May.

89

4.15

3.55

5.85

4.25

4.05

4.2

4.15

4.3

4.55

4.15

4.0

3.8

3.5

5.7

5 05

4 05

3.8

5.2

5

-1

4.85

4 65

4.75

4.6

4

JK

A KK,

4 1 *\

2.85

June.

2.6

2.55

1.9

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.75

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.8

2.3

1.85

1.75

2.0

2.3

0 fiF*

2.65

2.4

2.2

2.05

2 05

1.95

1.85

i 7P*

July.

1.75

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.2

2.0

1.8

1.6

1.5

1.45

1.35

1.45

1.3

1.0

1.05

1 9^

1.65

1 Q^

1.35

1.1

1.1

1.15

95

95

1.5

Aug.

1.85

1.85

1.55

1.4

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.05

1.05

.95

.95

1.3

1 o

1.15

1 1 ^

1.05

1.05

1.05

.95

.95

.85

.85

.75

.75

Sept.

0.75

.75

.75

.85

.95

1.C5

1.2

1.25

1.1

.95

.95

.85

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.9

1.15

1.05

.95

.95

.95

.9

.8

- .75

.75

.75

7p;

Oct.

0.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.65

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.75

.65

.65

.65

Nov.

0.75

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.85

.95

.95

.95

.85

.75

" .75'

.85

.85

.85

.85

.95

.95

.95

.95

.85

.85

.85

.85

.95

.95

1.05

1.15

1.15

Dec.

1.15

1.1

1.05

1.05

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 27; ice went out March 28 and river clear. 

December 16-31.

River frozen

Station rating table for Dead River near The Forks, Me., from June 25,1902, to December

31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.40

.50

.60

.70

.80

.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

45

110

 185

270

365

470

580

700

825

955

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

Discharge.

Second-ftet.

1,090

1,225

1,365

1,505

1,650

1,795

' 1,945

2,100

2,260

2,430

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90-

3.00

3.20

3.40

3.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,600

2,780

2,970

3,160

3,360

3,570

3,790

4,240

4,730

5,260

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.80

4.00

4.20

4.40

4.60

4.80

5.00

5.50

6.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,830

6,430

7,060 -

7,730

8,420

9,140

9,890

11,920

14,080

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 16 discharge 

measurements made during 1903-1905. It is well defined between gage heights 0.7 foot and 2 feet; 

above 2 feet the table is subject to error of a few per cent.
68 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Estimated monthly discharge of Dead River near The Forks, Me., for 1902-1905. 

[Drainage area, 870 square miles.]

Month.

1902. 

June 25-30 ...................................

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

1903.

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

1904.

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

December 1 10

1905.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

8, 245 

'2, 913 

2,600 

1,795 

3,360 

3,360

9,140 

1,225 

1,090 

470 

270 

580

14,300 

18, 040 

8,960 

1,505 

1,505 

1,722 

' 3, 900 

1,022 

1,090

9,700 

13, 420 

3,065 

2,600 

1,722 

890 

318 

762 

762

Minimum.

1,365 

185 

270 

365 

365 

318

470 

470 

470 

110 

110 

270

1,650 

1,870 

640 

228 

228 

318 

762 

525 

525

1,795 

3,465 

1,296 

525 

318 

318 

228 

318 

640

Mean.

4,855 

954 

991 

1,022 

942 

1,226

1,748 

646 

648 

222 

172 

357

3, 722 

8,892 

2,969 

705 

495 

967 

1,770 

741 

712

. 3, 352 

7,821 

1,955 

1,180 

739 

475 

289 

470 

705

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

5.58 

1.09 

1.14 

1.17 

1.08 

1.41

2.01 

.743 

.745 

.255 

.198 

.410

4.28 

10.22 

3.41 

.810 

.569 

1.11 

2.03 

.852 

.818

3.85 

8.99 

2.25 

1.36 

.849 

.546 

.332 

.540 

.810

Depth in 

inches.

1.22 

1.26 

1.31 

1.30 

1.24 

1.57

2.02 

.857 

.859 

.284 

.228 

.457

3.34 

11.78 

3.80 

.934 

.656 

1.24 

* 2.34 

.951 

.304

4.30 

10.36 

2.51 

1.57 

.979 

.609 

.383 

.602 

.482

NOTE. Estimates for December, 1902, and December, 1903, omitted on account of ice conditions. 

River frozen January 1 to April 9 and December 11-31, 1904; January 1 to March 27 and December 

17-31, 1905.

CARRABASSETT RIVER AT JfORTH ANSOK, ME.

Carrabassett River enters the Kennebec from the west at North Anson. Its basin has 

steep slopes, partly in farm lands, with no large natural reservoirs. Dams have been 

constructed and power used at New Portland, East New Portland, and North Anson.

The gaging station was established October 19, 1901, by N. C. Grover. It is 

located above Embden Brook and below Anson Brook.

The channel is straight for 500 feet above and 300 feet below the station and is 

about 150 feet wide, divided into two parts at low stages of the river by a gravelly 

bar. The bed is of coarse gravel and permanent, and the current is moderately rapid.

Discharge measurements are made by wading at low stages and from a boat at high 

stages.

Gage readings are taken once each day by N. Q. Hilton. There are two gages. 

One is a vertical rod attached to a tree; the other is a standard chain gage attached 

to trees on the bank. The length of the chain is 36.73 feet. The datum of the two
KENJSTEBEC RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 69

gages is the same, and is referred to two bench marks: (1) Point on root of a blazed 

spruce tree 40 feet from the vertical gage; elevation, 10.78 feet. (2) Copper bolt set 

in a large bowlder at the outlet of Anson Brook; elevation, 11.40 feet. Elevations 

refer to datum of the gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey :

Description: 65, p 19; 82, p 32; 97, pp 54-55; 124, pp 67-68. 

Discharge: 82, p 33; 97, p 55; 124, p 68. 

Discharge, monthly: 82, p 34; 97, p 56; 124, p 70. 

Gage heights: 65, p 19; 82, p 33; 97, p 55; 124, p 69. 

Rating table: 82, p 34; 124, p 70.

Discharge measurements of Carrabassett River at North Anson, Me., in 1905.

Date. Hydrographer.

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

Width.

Feet. 

133

102

Area of 

section.

Square 

feet.

187

90

Mean 

velocity.

Feet per 

second.

2.33

1.62

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.18

.40

Discharge.

Secondfeet.

435

146

a Log jam in left channel 500 feet below gage., & Wading near gage. 

Daily gage height, in feet, of Carrabassett River at North Anson, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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.

4.0

Apr.

3.0

2.8

2.3

2.1

1.9

4.0

3.6

2.7

2.2

2.2

2.9

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.8

2.4

2.0

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.3

3.4

2.6

2.1

2.0

1 9

2.2

1.9

2.1

2.0

May.

2.3

2.0

1.4

3.6

3.1

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.0

2.1

1.7

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.6

2.0

2.2

3.0

2.5

1.9

1.7

1.5

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.3

1.5

1.3

1.2

1.1

June.

1.0

.9

.9

1.0

.8

.8

1.0

.8

.7

.7

.6

.7

3.8

2.4

1.8

1.5

1.3

1.1

1.4

1.7

1.8

1.5

1.4

1.2

1.0

.9

1.8

1.5

1.2

1.0

July.

0.9

.9

2.7

1.9

1.5

1.2

1.0

.9

.8

.8

.8

.7

.6

.5

.5

.5

.5

.6

1.2

1.2

.9

.7

.6

.5

,7

.5

.4

.7-

.4

.3

1.3

Aug.

2.9

1.5

1.2

.9

.7

.7

.6

.9

.8

.7

.6

.5

.7

.5

.6

.9

.7

.6

.5

.5

.4

.4

.3

.2

.3

.3

.5

.4

.3

.3

Sept.

0.3

.3

.3

2.2

1.4

1.9

1.4

1.2

1.0

.8

.7

.6

.7

.8

.7

.6

.6

.8

1.7

1.3

1.3

1.1

1.0

1.0

.7

.6

.7

.5

.5

.5

Oct.

0.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.4

.3

.4

.4

.3

.3

1.0

.9

.7

.6

.5

.4

.4

.4

.5

.6

.6

.6

.5

.6

.6

.4

.4

.4

.4

Nov.

0.4

.6

.6

.6

.7

.7

.8

1.0

.8

.8

.6

.7

.8

.8

.8

.7

.8

1.0

.7

.7

.8

.7

.5

.6

.6

1.1

1.0

1.0

.7

1.0

Dec.

' 1.0

1.1

.7

1.1

1.4

1.2

.9

1.0

.8

.8

.8

.6

.6

.7

.8

.8

.8

1.0

.7

.6

.6

.8

.7

.7

1.0

.8

.8

.7

.7

.7

.8

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 28. Ice broke up March 26 and went out March 28.
70 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Station rating table for Carrabassett River at North Anson, Me., from January 1 to December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.20

.30

.40

.50

.60

.70

.80

.90

1.00

1.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

85

120

160

205

256

313

376

445

520

595

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

675 755~

840

925

1,015

1,105

1,295

1,290

1,385

1,485

Gage 

height.

 Feet.

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,585

1,690

1,795

1,900

2,010

2,120

2,235

2,350

2,470

2,590

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,710

2,830

2,955

3,080

3,210

3,345

3,480

3,615

3,750

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 14 discharge 

measurements made during 1902-1905. It is well defined throughout.

Estimated monthly discharge of Carrabassett River at North Anson, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 340 square miles.]

Month.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

3,750 

3,210 

3,480 

2,120 

2,350 

1,585 

520 

595 

840

Minimum.

755 

595 

256 

120 

120 

120 

120 

160 

256

Mean.

1,814 

1,316 

789 

459 

343 

490 

205 

354 

404

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

5.34 

3.87 

2.32 

1.35 

1.01 

1.44 

.602 

1.04 

1.19

Depth in 

inches.

5.96 

4.46 

2.59 

1.56 

1.16 

1.61 

.694 

1.16 

1.37
KENNEBEC EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 71

SANDY RIVER NEAR MADISON, ME.

Sandy Eiver rises near Eangeley Lake, flowing at first southeastward, then in the 

last third of its course northeastward into Kennebec Eiver, which it joins about 2 

miles below the village of Madison. It has a total length of about 50 miles, and 

while there are a few small ponds in its basin its storage capacity is small and the 

flow is quite variable. It resembles very much in this way Carrabassett Eiver, the 

slopes being usually steep and the fall very rapid throughout the greater part of its 

course. Comparatively few water-power developments have been made namely, at 

New Sharon, Farmington, and at the point described below near Madison.

This station was established March 23, 1904, by F. E. Pressey. It is located at the 

dam of the Madison Electric Works, just over the town line in Stark, but is nearer 

the Madison poskofB.ce. The drainage area at this point is about 650 square miles. 

The dam rests on ledge rock and has a fairly level crest, 341.4 feet in length between 

vertical abutments. The crest is 1 foot wide on top, sloping from the upstream edge, 

4.75 horizontal to 1.25 vertical, while the downstream face of the dam is vertical/ 

The level top is of dressed stone (6-cut), while the remainder is quarry faced, but 

care has been taken to leave no considerable projection on the approach to the crest. 

Provision has been made for the installation of flashboards when necessary. The 

head developed by the dam is about 15 feet, which is used in a power development' 

on the right bank, consisting of a fore bay nearly 100 feet long, decreasing in width 

from 40 to 20 feet at the racks, and one pair of 36-inch McCormick turbines (rated at 

Holyoke), with complete arrangements for a second pair if found necessary. This 

plant is owned by the Madison village, corporation and is used for furnishing light and. 

power. The pondage extends back about 2 miles, but there is no side flowage. When 

water is more than 3 feet deep on the dam the crest is increased in length about 87.5 

feet by flowing over the wall of the fore bay. The wheels and generators are in operation only during the night, so that the discharge has been based upon a gage height 

read late in the afternoon just before starting up; and it is believed that the pondage 

effect has been wholly eliminated in this way.

A plain vertical staff gage was first fastened to the retaining wall of the dam, the 

elevation of the 100-foot mark at the gage being equal to the elevation of the crest 

of the dam. This has been superseded, however, by a float gage referred to the 

same datum and installed through the courtesy and assistance of C. S. Humphreys, 

C. E., of Madison, engineer in charge. At the same time another float gage was 

placed to record the height of water in the tailrace, so that in case it becomes necessary to use the turbines in estimating flow, records of the head on the wheels may be' 

obtained. The gages are referred to the following bench mark: A point inclosed by 

a circle on the north side of the wing wall, about 22.8 feet from its end at the dam, 

marked "IS. M." Its elevation is 102.98 feet above gage datum. The gages are 

read twice daily by Marcus W. Moore, electrician at the station.
72 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Estimated monthly discharge of Sandy River near Madison, Me. 

[Drainage area, 650 square miles.]

Month.

1904. 

March 23-31 .................................

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

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

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

December

1905.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

5,335 

11,265 

10, 325 

1,064 

516 

1,871 

1,101 

4,309 

675 

440

874 

645 

7,908 

7,026 

2,892 

3,330 

2,653 

2,078 

1,601 

339 

388 

898

7,908

Minimum.

890 

1,757 

516 

66 

66 

135 

42 

224 

224 

170

224 

112 

112 

1,046 

477 

224 

60 

0 

42 

37 

49 

165

0

Mean.

2,682 

4,858 

3,580 

355 

234 

322 

273 

654 

410 

299

492 

313 

1,436 

2,558 

1,336 

658 

292 

224 

350 

89 

215 

327

691

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

4.12 

7.47 

5. 51 

. 546 

.360 

.495 

.420 

1.01 

.631 

.460

.757 

.482 

2.21 

3.94 

2.06 

1.01 

.449 

.345 

.538 

.137 

.331 

.503

1.06

Depth in 

inches.

1.38 

8.33 

6.35 

.609 

.415 

.571 

.469 

1.16 

.704 

.530

.873 

.502 

2.55 

4.40 

2.37 

1.13. 

.518 

.398 

.600 

.158 

.369 

.580

14.45

NOTE. After August 31, 1905, wheels were run during both day and night, and estimates are based 

on both the flow over dam and through the wheels. Gage readings and gate openings read five 

times daily.

MESSALONSKEE RIVER AT WATERVIL.LE, ME.

Messalonskee River enters the Kennebec from the west at Waterville. It has a 

total drainage area of 208 square miles, of .which 30 square miles are lake surface. 

Of this lake system Messalonskee Lake is nearest to the mouth of the river. In 

this lower portion of the river about 10 miles in length there is a fall of about 210 

feet, which is practically all utilized.

The United States Geological Survey has maintained a gage at the dam of the 

Chase Manufacturing Company, in Waterville, since June 18, 1903. The drainage 

area at this point is about 205 square miles. A vertical staff gage is fastened to the 

wheel pit just above the darn. The zero of the gage corresponds to the level of the 

crest of the dam and is referred to a bench mark, as follows: Copper bolt in ledge 

on opposite side of the river from the end of the dam; elevation, 14.51 feet above 

the crest of the dam. The dam is a new crib without leakage and with a good crest. 

Generally the water is not used for power purposes at night, and the gage is read 

while the wheels are not running. At other times the amount of water used through 

the wheels is added to that which flows over the dam. Flashboards are maintained 

during low stages of the river. The gage is read once a day by Ernest E. Bowie, 

watchman at the mill.
KENNEBEC RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, pp 56-57; 124, p 72. 

Discharge, daily: 97, p 57; 124, p 73.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Messalonskee River at Waterville, Me., for 1905.

Day.

1. .........

2..........

3..........

4..........

5..........

6..........

7. .........

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

16..........

17..........

18..........

19

23..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Jan.

408

432

434

432

383

395

642

482

432

432

408

383

408

408

383

408

432

434

487

434

395

Feb.

one

360

351

314

360

292

292

273

301

348

432

360

«V14

qofi

qo£

400

360

336

348

360

383

00ft

383

OftA

336

Mar.

383

360

336

337

472

457

533

507

577

587

559

615

482

432

383

432

383

587

587

533

482

507

472

482

995

870

753

811

753

697

Apr.

697

668

587

507

533

587

533

543

577

432

472

482

457

408

383

383

JOO

PLA7

408

383

395

336

360

May.

oqfi

314

292

336

251

314

212

230

251

301

260

336

336

383

/M9

408

432

fW}

O-M

O7Q

251

212

212

251

212

AV>

383

251

314

June.

251

273

212

193

230

177

212

177

111

144

144

149

111

177

177

183

177

10°.

177

177

26

July.

64

90

77

on

90

90

on

1 AK

90

118

118

90

90

118

118

149

Aug.

90

90

118

118

118

118

118

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

118

118

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

64

90

Sept.

90

90

118

90

93

118

64

64

90

90

118

118

118

90

90

69

90

90

90

118

118

105

118

118

Oct.

118

118

118

149

149

118

118

118

149

118

149

149

118

134

149

118

149

149

149

149

Nov.

118

149

134

149

NOTE. Twelve-inch flashboards on from June 27 to November 4, inclusive. Figures for discharge 

are probably unreliable after about June 1, owing to insufficient data.

COBBOSSEECONTEE RIVER AT GARDIXER, ME.

Cobbosseecontee River drains a group of lakes lying from 5 to 15 miles west of 

Augusta, having areas aggregating 19 square miles, and empties into the Kennebec 

6 miles below that city at Gardiner. Its total drainage area is about 240 square 

miles. From the ordinary surface of Lake Maranacook, one of the upper lakes, to 

mean tide at the mouth of the river the fall is 206 feet, and in the lower three-fourths 

of a mile it is said to be 136 feet. From above the uppermost of the eight dams 

controlled by the Gardiner Water Power-Company, which are in the lower threefourths of a mile, the municipal water supply for Gardiner is drawn and pumped by 

water power. Eecord is kept of the water pumped and of the water that passes the 

dam through a waste gate." The sum of these quantities represents the yield ofthe drainage area at the upper dam, records of which have been kept by the Gardiner Water Power Company for a series of years and have been furnished to the
STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Survey by S. D. Warren & Co., through Joseph A. Warren. The record for 1905 is 

presented in the accompanying table. On Sundays and legal holidays the gates are 

closed and no water is permitted to run, unless the lakes are full. This is a most 

remarkable example of the regularity of flow that can be obtained with proper 

storage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following publications of 

the United States Geological Survey (Aiin=Annual Report; WS=Water-Supply 

Paper):

Description: WS 82, pp 38-39; 97, pp 57-58; 124, pp 73-74.

Discharge, daily: WS 82, p 39; 97, p 58; 124, p 74.

Discharge, monthly: Ann 19, iv, pp 81-84.

Discharge, yearly: Ann 20, iv, p 46.

Hydrograph: Ann 19, iv, p 80.

Rainfall and run-off relation: Ann 19, iv, p 80.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Cobbosseecontee River at Gardiner, Me., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

10

115

115

115

115

115

115

10

160

160

160

160

160

160

10

160

160

160

160

160

160

10

160

160

160

160

20

160

160

Feb.

160

160

160

30

160

160

160

160

160

160

20

160

160

160

160

160

25

160

160

160

160

160

20

Mar.

160

150

140

140

60

130

130

125

115

120

125

35

125

115

110

105

100

20

170

200

210

210

10

484

591

Apr.

C£C

605

453

568

882

7f»q

530

400

290

290

9on

113

290

10

9QH

9QH

280

10

May.

280

280

280

285

10

285

285

285

285

285

285

10

OCF;

285

285

285

285

10

285

285

285

285

285

285

10

285

10

285

June.

285

285

285

10

285

280

280

280

10

280

280

280

280

280

10

280

280

280

280

280

280

10

280

280

280

July.

10

280

145

135

260

10

260

260

260

260

260

260

10

260

260

260

260

260

260

10

260

260

260

260

260

10

260

Aug.

260

260

260

260

10

260

260

260

260

260

260

10

260

260

260

260

260

10

260

260

' 260

260

260

10

220

220

220

Sept.

220

10

220

220

220

220

220

10

220

220

220

220

220

10

220

220

220

220

220

220

10

220

220

220

220

220

Oct.

10

220

220

220

220

220

10

220

220

220

220

220

220

10

220

220

220

220

220

220

10

220

190

170

10

115

115

Nov.

115

115

115

115

10

180

180

180

10

180

180

180

180

180

10

180

180

180

180

180

180

10

180

180

10

Dec.

180

180

10

180

180

195

195

195

195

10

195

195

195

195

IQS;

195

10

195

195

195

195

10

25

195

195

10

NOTE. Leakage of dam taken at 10 second-feet,xas determined by measurements during 1905.
ANDROSCOGG1N RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 75

Estimated monthly discharge of Cobbosseecontee River at Gardiner, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 240 square miles.]

Month.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

160 

160 

591 

882 

285 

 285 

280 

260 

220 

220 

180 

195

882

Minimum.

10 

20 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10

10

Mean.

127 

141 

166 

347 

240 

245 

213 

223 

192 

175 

143 

158

198

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

miie.

0.529 

.588 

.692 

1.45 

1.00 

1.02 

.888 

.929 

.800 

.728 

.596 

.658

.823

Depth in 

inches.

0.610 

.612 

.798 

1.62 

1.15 

1.14 

1.02 

1.07 

.893 

.840 

.665 

.759

11.18

ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION OF BASIN.

Androscoggin River is formed by the junction of Magalloway River and the outlet 

of the Umbagog-Rangeley lakes near the Maine-New Hampshire boundary line. For 

about 35 miles it flows southward into the State of New Hampshire, then turns 

abruptly to the east and flows into the State of Maine, then turns to the south and 

joins the Kennebec in Merrymeeting Bay. The last fall on the Androscoggin is at 

Brunswick, Me., above which place the drainage area is 3,470 square miles, about 80 

per cent of this being in Maine. The greatest length of the basin is 110 miles, the 

greatest width 70 miles, while the river itself measures about 200 miles in lengtk 

from the sources of Magalloway River to the coast. The following table gives the 

drainage areas of the river and of some of its chief tributaries:

Drainage areas of Androscoggin River and principal tributaries.

River.

Do.................

Do....'............

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

DO................. 

Do.................

Do.................

Locality.

loway River, at Errol dam.

Livermore Falls ..................................................

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

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

1,090

1,350

1,375

1,500

2,090

2,230

2,550 

2,950

3,470

590

500

380
76 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1906, PART i.

The lower part of the basin is hilly and moderately wooded, while the upper twothirds is broken and mountainous, heavily timbered, and with a gravelly, sandy soil. 

Granite, gneiss, and mica:schists abound along the main course of the river, with 

clay slate in the upper part of the basin. The river, like others on the southern 

slopes of Maine, generally has a rocky bed, particularly where falls occur, has high 

banks and is seldom subject to overflow all of which are features of advantage in 

the development of water powers. Below Berlin the facilities for rail transportation 

are excellent. Tide-water navigation extends to the falls at Brunswick.

ANDROSCOGGm RIVER AT ERROL DAM, N. H.

Four large storage dams are maintained in the Umbagog-Rangeley Lake system. 

They are located at the outlets of Eangeley, Mooselucmaguntic, Eichardson, and 

Umbagog lakes. Errol dam, at the outlet of Umbagog Lake, is the lowest of the 

series and is below the mouth of Magalloway Eiver. The other three dams control 

completely the flow from the basin above Eichardson Lake, aggregating 520 square 

miles in area. Errol dam controls in part the run-off from a total area of 1,090 square 

miles, which includes the area tributary to Eichardson Lake mentioned above, but 

its height is not sufficient to store the total freshet flow.

The United States Geological Survey, cooperating with Walter H. Sawyer, agent 

of the Union Water Power Company, Lewiston, Me., is making a series of measurements of flow through the gates at Errol dam. A continuous record of gate openings 

is kept and when a sufficient number of measurements have been made to warrant 

the construction of a rating curve for the gates a continuous record of flow at this 

point will be available. The results of these measurements are not yet ready for 

publication.

ANDROSCOGGm RIVER AT GOEHAM, K. H.

In 1903 the Berlin Mills Company constructed a tight crib dam in Androscoggin 

Eiver at Gorham. From November 27, 1903, until the end of the year estimates of 

discharge were obtained by means of a rectangular notch constructed in the dam, 

and the records furnished by H. S. Ferguson, engineer for the company. No records 

of flow are available for 1905 at this point. The drainage area here is 1,375 square 

miles.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, p 60; 124, p 76. 

Discharge, daily: 97, p 60.

ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER AT SHELBTIRNE, N. H.

This station was established May 30, 1903, by N. C. Grover. It is located at the 

steel highway bridge about one-half mile north of the railway station at Shelburne, N. H.

The channel of the river is straight for 500 feet above and 1,000 feet below the station, is about 400 feet wide at ordinary stages, and is broken by two piers. The bed 

of the stream is sandy and usually permanent, but in case of serious obstructions to 

the channel by ice or logs noticeable changes take place. The velocity is swift at 

high stages, but becomes low and poorly distributed, with considerable obliquity 

during medium and low water conditions. The banks on both sides are subject to 

overflow in extreme freshets.

Discharge measurements are made at high and ordinary stages from the bridge. 

The initial point for soundinga is on the left bank of the river at the end of the 

inclined end post of the downstream truss. Low-water measurements are made from
ANDROSCOGGIN EIVEE DEAINAGE BASIN. 77

a boat at a point about 1,000 feet below the bridge, where an excellent site exists for 

gaging.

The gage, which is read twice each day by James Simpson, is a standard chain 

gage attached to the guard timber 011 the downstream side of the bridge. The length 

of the chain was 20.66 feet when the gage was established. This was changed to 

20.72 feet on August 4, 1904, owing to a change in the flooring of the bridge and consequently in the position of the gage. It is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) 

Marked point on south edge of westernmost cylindrical pier; elevation, 17.82 feet. 

(2) Marked point on lower chord near gage; elevation, 18.77 feet. (3) Highest point 

of bowlder near easternmost pier; elevation, 7.14 feet. All elevations refer to the 

datum of the gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description; 97, p 61; 124, p 76. 

Discharge: 97, p 61; 124, p 77. 

Gage heights: 97, p 62; 124, p 77.

Discharge measurements of Androscoggin River at Shelburne, N. H., in 1905.

Date.

April 26 .......

July 14 ........

October 18«....

Hydrographer.

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

394

392

394

394

394

394

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

1,335

1,150

1,760

1,850

1,470

1,290

1,050

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.68

1.91

3.11

3.38

2.63

2.18

1.58

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.34

4.62

6.11

5.37

4 93

4 34

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

3,580

2,200

5 480

6,240

3,860

2,810

« Measurement in third span made from upstream side of bridge.
78 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Daily gage height, .in feet, of Androscoggin River at Shelburne, N. H., for 1905.

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.

6.7

.......

6.05

.......

6.7

.......

.......

6.4

.......

5.7

Feb.

6.6

6 5

6.4

6.7

Mar.

6.3

5

0 . z

.......

6.6

.......

7.8

.......

7.2

6.1

6.1

Apr.

5.1

4 g

4.75

4.85

4.8

4.95

5. 05

5.1

K QK

5.3

5.7

c C

5.7

5.55

4.95

4.7

4.65

4.8

4.7

4.8

5.0

5.15

5.0

5.1

5.45

5.7

5.6

5.85

5.95

6.15

May.

6.1

6.25

6.7

7.45

7.3

7.25

7.2

7.2

7.2

7.15

7.0

6.9

6.9

6.7

6.6

6.4

6.2

6.1

5.9

5.9

5.7

5.7

5.4

5. 15

5.15

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.95

4 9

June.

4.8

4.8

4.75

4.75

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.55

5.6

5.45

5. 35

5.05

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.6

4.8

4.85

4.9

4.9

5.05

5.3

5.15

5.05

4.9

July.

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.85

4.7

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.9

4.8

4.75

4.75

4.6

4.5

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.4

3.65

4.4

4.4

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.25

4.0

7.95

Aug.

6.55

5.25

4.9

4.8

4,8

4.55

4.65

4.55

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

3.8

4.5

4.6

4.95

4.95

4.8

4.55

4.35

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.35

4.4

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.4

4.55

4.8

Sept.

4.7

4.6

4.8

4.8

4.6

4.55

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.5

4.5

4.9

4.8

4.5

4.5

4.45

4.4

4.35

4.5

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.45

4.4

Oct.

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.25

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.4

4.8

4.65

4.5

5.0

4.5

4.15

4.1

4.25

4.1

4.1

4.15

4.35

4.2

4.25

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.25

4.4

4.35

Nov.

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.1

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.15

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.25

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.2

4.3

4.2

4.25

4.25

Dec.

4^6

4.45

4.75

4.6

4.55

4.65

4.6

4.45

4.3

4.2

5.7

7.35

......

......

......

7.1

......

......

......

......

7.2

......

......

......

......

......

6.3

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 30 and December 13-31, also ice conditions December 1-12. 

During the frozen period gage heights were read to the surface of the water in a hole cut in the ice. 

The following comparative readings were made:

Date.

January 22 ..............................................................

February 12 .............................................................

March 12 ................................................................

March 19 ................................................................

March 26 ................................................................

Water 

surface.

Feet. 

6.7

6.05

6.7

6.4

5.7

6.6

6.5

6.4

6.7

6.3

5.2

6.6

7.8

7.1

7.2

6.3

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

7.1

6.45

6.9

6.8

6.5

6.9

6.7

6.7

6.9

6.6

6.3

. 6.8

7.8

7.25

7.35

6.4

Thickness of 

ice. *

Feet. 

1.9

1.7

2.1

2.1

2.5

3.1

3.2

3.0

3.1

3.2

2.9

2.7

2.5

.7

.6

.5

March 29, water flowing on top of ice; ice jam below gage. March 30, river clear. December 11-12, 

anchor ice caused rise.
ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 79

Station rating table for Androscoggin River at Shelburne, N. H., from May SO, 1903, to

' December 31, 1905. ,

height.

Feet. 

3.90 

4.00 

4.10 

4.20 

4.30 

4.40 

4.60 

4.60 

4.70 

4.80

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

1,100 

1,212 

1,336 

1,472 

1,618 

1,774 

1,938 

2,110 

2,290 

2,480

Gage 

height. Discharge.

Feet. 

4.90 

5.00 

5.10 

5.20 

5.30 

5.40 

5.50 

5.60 

5.70 

5.80

Second-feet. 

2,680 

2,890 

3,105 

3,325 

3,545 

3,775 

4,005 . 

4", 240 

4,480 

4,725

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.90 

6.00 

6.10 

6.20 

0.30 

6.40 

6.50 

' 6.60 

6.70 

6.80

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

4,970 

5,225 

5,480 

5,740 

6,000 

6,265 

6,535 

6,810 

7,090 

7,375

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.90 

7.00 

7.20 

7.40 

7.60 

7.80 

8.00 

8.20 

8.40 

8.60

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

7,660 

7,950 

- 8,530 

9,130 

9,730 

10,330 

10, 930 

11,550 

12,170 

12,790

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions 

measurements made during 1903-1905. It is well defined between gage h 

and somewhat uncertain below 4.3 feet.

It is based on 13 discharge 

eights 4.3 feet and 7.7 feet,

Estimated monthly discharge of Androscoggin River at Shelburne, N. H., for 1903-1905. 

[Drainage area, 1,500 square miles.]

Month.

1903.

June......................................... 12,020

July ......................................... 2,480

August ...................................... 1,774

September................................... 1,618

October...................................... 1,938

November................................... 1,774

1904:

April 9-30.................................... 8,095

May......................................... 12,790

June......................................... 3,105

July......................................... 3,325

August ...................................... 1,774

September................................... 1, 938

October...................................... 3,105

November................................... 2,480

1905.

April ........................................ 5,610

May ......................................... 9,280

June......................................... 4,240

July......................................... 10,780

August ...................................... 6,672

September................................... 2,680

October...................................... 2,890

November................................... 1,618

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum. Minimum. Mean

1,049

1,156

1,404

1,472

1,472

1,618

1,774

3,105

1,938

1,156

1,212

1,618

1,696

1,386

2,200

2,680

1,938

862

998

1,618

1,336

1,336

2,800

1,775

1,610

1,547

1,669

1,626

3,563

8,334

2,426

2,026

1,426

1,813

2,112

1,651

3,359

5,991

2,641

2,296

2,235

1,970

1,677

1,527

Run-Off.

Second-feet 

per^quare -££££

1.87

1.18

1.07

1.03

1.11

1.08

2.37

5.56

1.62

1.35

.951

1.21

1.41

1.10

2.24

3.99

1.76

1.53

1.49

. 1.31

1.12

1.02

2.09

1.36

1.23

1.15

1.28

1.20

1.94

6.41

1.81

1.56

1.10

1.35

1.63

1.23

2.50

4.60

1.96

1.76

1.72

1.46

1.29

1.14

NOTE. River frozen November 28 to December 31,1903; January 1 to April 9 and December 3-31, 

1904; January 1 to March 30 and December 1-31,1905. Estimates November 28-30, 1903, corrected to 

allow for influence of ice.
80 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

A1STDROSCOGGIK RIVER AT RTJMEORD FALLS, ME.

One of the finest water powers on the Atlantic coast drainage is at Rumford Falls. 

Here the Androscoggin descends 177 feet in 1 mile in several pitches over granite 

ledges. A comprehensive plan of development has been laid out and partly executed. 

It contemplates the use of power from three levels a high-level canal, with a 

fall of 97 feet to the middle level, which receives also a direct and independent supply of water from the river. The water in the middle-level canal is then used and 

discharged after a fall of 50 feet into the low level, from which, in turn, there is a 

final drop of 30 feet to the river. Dams have been built at the entrance of the high 

and middle level canals. At present about 19,000 horsepower are utilized, largely 

.in the manufacture of pulp and paper. An economical development of the entire 

fall of 177 feet would furnish 50,000 horsepower. This power is 85 miles by rail 

from Portland, and for pulp and paper manufacture has the advantage of excellent 

transportation facilities. Androscoggin River is used for floating pulp wood and 

timber from the headwaters down to the mills, and the Rumford Falls and Eangeley 

Lakes Railroad makes available the remoter resources of spruce, poplar, and birch.

The discharge of Androscoggin River at Rumford Falls since 1892 has been computed by Charles A. Mixer, resident engineer of the Rumford Falls Power Company. 

These statistics are obtained by adding the actual measured quantities passing 

through the wheels to the computed flow over the dam, using the customary Francis 

weir formula with modified coefficient.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following publications of 

the United States Geological Survey (Ann = Annual Report; WS = Water-Supply 

Paper):

Description: Ann 20, iv,p 66; WS 27, p 9; 86, p 27; 47, pp 31-32; 65, p 20; 82,'p 42; 97, pp 62-63; 124, p 78.

Discharge, daily: Ann 20, iv, pp 67-69; WS 27, pp 14-16; 35, p 28; 47, p 32; 65, p 21; 82, p 43; 97, p 63.

Discharge, monthly: Ann 19, iv, pp 93-94; 20, iv, p 70; 21, iv, p 57; 22, iv, p 60; WS 75, p 22; 82, p 43.

Discharge, yearly: Ann 20, iv, pp 46, 71.

Hydrographs: Ann 19, iv, pp 94, 95; 20, iv, p 67; 21, iv, p 57; 22, iv, p 61.

Rainfall and run-off relation: Ann 19, iv, pp 96-97.

Rainfall data: Ann 21, iv, p 57.

Water powers: Ann 19, iv, pp 90-91.
ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 81

Daily discharge, in second-feet, of Androscoggin River at Rumford Falls, Me., for 1905.

Day.

1.... ......

2..........

3..........

4.. .. ...--.

5..........

6..........

7... .......

8..........

9..........

10..........

11..........

12..........

13..........

14..........

15..........

16..........

17..........

18..........

19..........

20..........

21..........

22..........

23..........

24..........

25..........

26..........

27..........

28..........

29..........

30..........

31..........

Jan.

2,027

2,G32

2,134

1,932

1,709

1,752

1,793

1,982

9 100

2

AQ7

2,009

2,002

1 Q1 Q

1,849

2,016

1,917

1,931

1,905

1,861

1,865

1 909

1,844

1,761

1 791

1,674

1 7 803

Feb.

1, 720

1,715

1,697

1,702

1, 659

1,527

1 709

1,616

1,546

1,532

1,570

1,420

1,490

1,663

1,546

1, 512

1,494

1,516

1,481

1 629

1,578

1, 575

1,585

1,527

1,596

Mar.

1,500

1,442

1,398

. 1,404

1,366

1,257

1,318

1,210

1,220

i 01 q

1,037

1,265

1,124

1 Ofi9

1,045

1,067

1,330

2, 375

2,020

1 754

1,665

3,146

7,139

7, 135

7,445

8,171

12, 393

Apr.

10,288

6,230

4,988

4,910

4,182

5,194

4 °91

5 994

5,807

5,799

5,938

5

Q4K

K 191

4,504

3,857

3,582

4,853

9 087

5 649

4,615

4,605

4 683

5,470

May.

6,486

5,843

5,867

8,245

8,435

7,639

8,651

8,127

8,110

7 924

7 729

6,817

5,928

5,528

5,426

5, 139

4,966

5,313

4,955

4,415

3,838

3,647

3,606

3,736

3,815

3,519

3,325

3,099

June.

2, 889

2,875

2,791

2,369

2,631

2,813

2,939

2,727

2,531

2,257

2,093

2,801

4, 412

5,412

4,180

3,589

3,448

3,277

3,389

3,010

2,535

6,541

4,652

2,915

July.

, 2,904

3,164

5,049

3,963

3,254

3,107

2, 759

2,512

2 710

2,716

2,800

3,034

2,807

2,195

2 036

2, 135

2,185

1,927

1,889

1,747

1,544

1,167

1,689

1,540

1,492

1 480

1,747

17, 523

Aug.

14, 784

6,203

3,882

3,207

2,804

2,550

2, 385

2,832

2 454

2 O(Y7

2,059

2,172

2

0Q1

3

noo

4,036

2,989

2,534

2 091

1,986

1 941

1,772

1,799

1,799

1,743

1,975

2,703

2,285

1,988

2,156

Sept.

2,492

2,078

2,523

6,254

4,735

3, 445

2,976

2,629

2,389

2,164

1 979

2,595

2,415

2,104

1,865

3,321

4,767

3,508

3,311

3,062

2,865

2,413

2,421

2,392

2,239

2,339

2,097

1,979

Oct.

1,755

1,699

1,863

1,838

1,696

1,631

1,614

1,470

1,599

1,634

1,709

2 447

3,081

2,586

2

q-in

2,152

2,127

2,177

2,328

2,334

2,089

2,083

2,087

2,034

1,990

1,978

1,964

1,950

1,861

1,921

Nov.

1,855

1,910

1,855

1,958

1,897

2,167

2,165

2,194

2,095

2,151

2,064

2,098

2,103

1,6?6

2, 245

1,838

1,710

1,776

1,794

1,992

1,974

2,012

2,270

2,502

2,548

1,775

2,340

2,664

Dee.

1,665

2,033

2, 511

3,909

2,648

2,535

2,636

2,435

2,344

2,004

1,534

1,762

1,816

2,007

1,785

1,711

1,734

1,721

1,890

1,899

1,870

1,795

1,925

1,989

1,790

1,744

1,870

1,7%

1,798

1,934

1,998

Estimated monthly discharge of Androscoggin River at Rumford Falls, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 2,090 square miles.]

Month.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,134 

1,720 

12, 390 

10,290 

8,651 

6,541 

17, 520 

14, 780 

6,254 

3,081 

2,664 

3,909

17, 520

Minimum.

1,674 

1,389 

1,037 

3,468 

3,099 

2,093 

1,167 

1,743 

1,865 

1,470 

1,686 

1,534

1,037

Mean.

1,907 

1,572 

2,836 

5,350 

5,685 

3,286 

2,937 

2,990 

2,777 

2,008 

2,058 

2,035

2,953

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.912 

.752 

1.36 

2.56 

2.72 

1.57 

1.41 

1.43 

1.33 

.961 

.985 

.974

1.41

Depth in 

inches.

1.05 

.783 

1.57 

2.86 

3.14 

1.75 

1.63 

1.65 

1.48 

1.11 

1.10 

1.12

19.24

IRR 165 06-
82 STKEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PAET I.

ANDROSCOGGIlSr RIVER AT DIXTTELD, ME.

This station was established August 22, 1902, by F. E. Pressey. It is located about 

one-half mile west of Dixfield, at the highway bridge on the road to West Peru.

The channel is straight for 1,000 feet above and one-half mile below the station and 

is about 600 feet wide, broken by three piers. The banks are high and not liable to 

overflow. The bed of the stream is rocky in the left half and sandy in the right half. 

The velocity is medium at high stages, but is poorly distributed at low water when 

the current is sluggish in the right half.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge at high and ordinary stages. 

The initial point for soundings is the lower end of the inclined end post of the downstream truss on the left bank. Low-water measurements are made from the bridge 

for only the two left-hand portions of the channel, while the remaining part is gaged 

by wading at a point about 250 feet downstream, this being made possible by a sandy 

bar separating these two parts.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by S. F. Robinson, is fastened 

to the guard timber on the lower side of the bridge. The length of the chain is 31.76 

feet. It is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Southeast corner of bridge seat on 

north abutment; elevation, 24.77 feet. (2) Copper bolt in ledge under east end of 

bridge; elevation, 11.53 feet. (3) Top of short post at west hanger in east span; 

elevation, 33.15 feet when gage was established; found to be 33.08 feet August 3,1904, 

probably due to settling of the post. All elevations refer to the datum of the gage.

Information, in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 82, p 41; 97, p 64; 124, pp 78-79. 

Discharge: 82, p 41; 97, p 64; 124, p 79. 

Discharge, monthly: 97, p 66. 

Gage heights: 82, p 41; 97, p65; 124, p 79. 

Rating table: 97, p 65.

Discharge measurements of Androscoggin River at Dixfield, Me., in 1905.

Date.

April 25 .......

October 27 a....

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet.

485

478

479

471

466

457

384

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

2,860

2,770

2,490

2,250

2,290

2,160

1,290

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2.39

1.94

1.49

1.14

1.16

1.07

1.60

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

9.42

9.24

8.72

8.25

8.31

8.14

7.94

Discharge.

free. -feet. 

6, 840

5,390

3,7CO

2, 560

2,660

2,310

2,060

a Wading in two channels.
ANDROSCOGGLN RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 83

Daily gage height, in feet, of Androscoggin River at Dixfield, Me., for 1905.

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.

9 7

9 9

9.6

9.8

10.1

10.1

10.0

Feb.

9.9

9.9

9.8

9.8

9.8

9.8

Mar.

9.4

9.0

9.0

8. 85 

9.05

8.85

8.7

7.8 

7.6

7.55

7.55 

8.55 

8.6

8.1

8.15

8.1

8.6

10.85

11 95

10.85

10.75

10.9 

11.45

Apr.

11.6

10.2

9.65

9.55 

9.3

9 4

10.1

9.25

9.8 

9.85

9.85

9.85

9.6 

9.4

8.85 

8.85

10.6

9

C.&

9 4

9.35

9.5

9.5

9.5

9.6

May.

9.9

9 7

10. 25 

10.5")

1J.25

10. 45

10.25

10. 15 

10.0

9.7

9.55

9.55 

9.55

9.5

9.75 

9.35 

9.55

9.25

9.1

8 9

8 9

8.9

9 1

8.85

8.9

8.7

June.

8.55

8.55

8.4 

8.4

8.5

8.75

8.35

8.35

8.5 

9.25

9 9

8.9

8.7

8.65 

8.7 

8.65

8.55

8.4

8.45

9 95

9.05

8.75

July.

8.6

9.3 

8.95

8.8

8.7

8.35

8.3

8.4 

8. 55

8.55

8.25

7.95 

8.05

8.2

8.05 

8.0

7.75

7.75

7.9

7.7

7.7

^7.75 

"io.45

Aug.

I9 95

9 *>

8.75 

8.55

8.3

8.45

8.6

Q KK

8.3

8.2 

8.1

8.15

8.2

8.3

8.35 

8.05 

7 95

7 95

7 85

7 9

7.85

7.8

7.8

Q OK

8.3

8.05 

8.0

Sept.

8.25

9.9 

9.25

8.65

8.3

8.1

7 Q^

8.05 

8.25

8.3

8.1

8.0

9.65 

9.0 

8.9

8.75

8.45

8.1

8.2

8.15

8.0

Oct.

7.9

7.75

8/0

7.9 

7.9

7.8

7.7 

7.75

7 85

7.85

7.85

3 05 

8.85

8.45

8.15

8.1 

8.15

8.0

8.0 

8.15 

8.15

8.2

8.1

8.05

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.0

7.95

7.9 

8.0

Nov.

8.0

7.95

7. 95

7.95 

8.1

7.95

8.15 

8.1

8.1

8.0 

8.1

8.15

7.8

7.95 

8.25

7.9 

8.0 

8.1

8.0

8.0

8.0

8.15

8.45

8.35

8.3

7.9

8.3

Dec.

8.15

8.4

8.35

9.0 

9.05

8.5

8.5 

8.45

8.3

8.15

8.1

8.1 

8.15

8.1

8.1

9.0

......

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.1

8.7

8.15

8.2

8.2 

8.2

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 10, when it was open at the gage, and clear of ice March 

30. Anchor ice during the first part of December. River frozen December 15-22, and open at gage 

December 22-31. During frozen season gage heights were read to the surface of the water in a hole 

cut in the ice. The following comparative readings were taken:

Date. Water 

surface.

Feet.

10.1

10.0

10.0

9.9

9.9

9.3

9.8

9.8

9.4

Top of 

,ice.

Feet.

10.2

10.2

10.2

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.1

10.0

9.5

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.8

1.8

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8
84 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Station rating table for Androscoggin River at Dixfield, Me., from January 1, 1904, to

'December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Fed. 

7.30 

7.40 

7.50 

7.60 

7.70 

7. SO 

7.90 

8.00 

8.10 

8.20 

8.30 

8.40

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

1,080 

1,200 

1,330 

1,470 

1,620 

1,770 

1,930 

2,100 

2,280 

2,480 

2,690 

2,910

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

8.50 

8.60 

8.70 

8.80 

8.90 

9.00 

9.10 

9.20 

9.30 

9.40 

9.50 

9.60

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

3,150 

3,410 

3,680 

, 3,970 

4,270 

4,580 

4,900 

5,230 

5,580 

5,940 

6,310 

6,690

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

9.70 

9.80 

9.90 

10.00 

10.10 

10.20 

10.30 

10.40 

10.50 

10.60 

10.70 

10.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

7,080

7,470

7,870

8,280

8,700

9,130

9,560

10,000

10,450

10,900

11,£60

11,830

Gage 

height.

Feet.

10.90

11.00

11.20

11.40

11.60

11.80

12.00

12.20

12.40

12.60

12.80

13.00

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

12,310 

12,800 

13,810 

14,840 

15,880 

16,940 

18,000 

19,060 

20,130 

21,210 

22,300 

23,400

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open channel conditions, 

charge measurements made during 1903-1905. It is fairly well defined.

It is based on nine disEstimated monthly discharge of Androscoggin River near Dixfield, Me., for 1904-5. 

[Drainage area, 2,230 square miles.]

Month.

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum. Minimum. Mean

Run-off.

Second-feet

per square

mile.

Depth in 

inches.

1904.

March26-31 ................................. 19,320

April ........................................ 27,000

May ......................................... i 23,120

June......................................... 4,425

July......................................... 4,425

August ...................................... 4,740

September................................... 5,065

October...................................... 13,050

November................................... 2,585

December 1-10............................... 8,280

1905.

March (10-31) ............................... 15,100

April ........................................ 15,880

May..... ................................... 10,680

June............................... ......... 8,075

July ......................................... 10,220

August ...................................... 23,120

September................................... 7,870

October...................................... 4,120

November................................... 3,030

December 1-15, 22-31........................ 4,740

3,970

3,150

4,120

3,030

1,265

1,330

1,080

1,545

1,695

1,545

1,400

4,120

3,680

2,480

1,400

1,770

2,015

1,620

1,770

2,280

10,160

. 8,210

13,520

3,584

2,461

1,792

1,911

2,962

2,014

2,986

5,732

6,971

6,965

3,838

2,979

3,646

3,138

2,160

2,253

2,728

4.56

3.68

6.06

1.61

1.10

.804

.857

1.33

.903

1.34

2.57

3.13

3.12

1.72

1.34

1.63

1.41

.969

1.01

1.22

1.02

4.11

6.99 ,

1.80

1.27

.927

.956

1.53

1.01

.498

2.10

3.49

3.60

1.92

1.54

1.88

1.57

1.12

1.13

1.13

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 26 and December 11-31,1904. Estimates for March and 

December, 1905, liable to some "error, owing to ice conditions on the river. (See note to gage-height 

table, p. 83.)
PRE8UMP8COT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 85

PRESUMPSCOT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION OF BASIN.

Presumpscot Eiver is one of the most interesting as well one of the best waterpower streams of its size in the United States. It is the outlet of Sebago Lake, which 

lies about 17 miles northwest of Portland. The lake is fed by Crooked Eiver, a 

stream heading 35 miles farther north and within 3 miles of the Androscoggin. The 

area of the lake is 46 s'quare miles; the total water surface on the drainage basin is 

97 square miles; the area of the drainage basin at the outlet ef the lake is,420 square 

miles, and at the mouth of the river 600 square miles. The northern part of the 

basin is mountainous and wooded; the southern part is moderately hilly and cleared 

of trees. Granite, gneiss, and mica schists appear at many points, and the soil is 

gravelly and sandy.

According to the survey made by Joseph A. Warren, of Cumberland Mills, the fall 

from the crest of the stone dam at the foot of Sebago Lake to mean low .tide at the 

foot of the lower falls is 265.16 feet in a distance of 21.65 miles, or an average of 12.25 

feet per mile.

During the past few years several new developments have been made along the 

river, so that the only portion now unimproved is the fall of 56 feet between Great 

Falls and Gambo Falls.

The tributaries of Presumpscot River-are not of much importance, but some of 

them are outlets of ponds and have considerable fall, thus affording constant though 

small power. Crooked Eiver, the chief feeder of Sebago Lake, has a number of falls, 

some of which are utilized.

The chief interest attaching to the river is its regularity of flow, which is due to 

dams at the outlet of the lake. Nowhere in the United States is there a better 

example of the success of storage of water and regulation of the flow of a stream than 

on the Presumpscot.

PRESUMPSCOT RIVER AT OUTLET OF SEBAGO LAKE, MAINE.

Since January, 1887, the flow from Sebago Lake has been regularly recorded, the 

quantity being deduced during most of this time from the openings in the gates at the 

dam, the discharging capacity of which under different conditions of head has been 

determined and tabulated by Hiram F. Mills, of Lowell. In March, 1904, Messrs. 

S. D. Warren & Co. completed a hydro-electric plant at Eel Weir Falls, near Sebago 

Lake, bringing water directly from the dam at the lake by means of a canal. A head 

of 40 feet is thus obtained at average lake level.

The development at Eel Weir has necessitated a different method of recording the 

flow from the lake. The water is used through three pairs of 33-inch Hercules 

wheels. The water used by these wheels is recorded by three Alien meters, one on 

each pair. These meters were rated by the result of a test at Holyoke of one pair of 

these wheels.

Since the station was finished the performance of the wheels and of the recording 

meters has been checked by careful current-meter readings in the canal and brake 

tests of the wheels, combined with electrical readings of the generator output. The 

records of the generator output of the station are kept and the constant ratio 

between these readings and the Alien meter records gives a good check on the latter.

It is usually desired to keep a constant flow through the canal, and when the 

demands for power are not sufficient to utilize the entire flow through the wheels 

the excess of water is run off through a pair of regulating gates at the power station, 

a record of the openings of these gates being kept and the flow computed from a 

coefficient determined by current-meter tests.
86

*

STKEAM MEASUKEMENTS IN 1905, PAET I.

The flow at times from the lake may be greater than it is safe to carry through the 

canal, though this has not as yet happened. At such times it will be necessary to 

draw part of the water through the old regulating gates in the main dam.

A continuous record of the Sebago Lake level has been kept since January, 1872. 

The lake fills rapidly after March 1, attaining its maximum height between the middle of April and June 1, and then gradually subsides as water is withdrawn for mill 

purposes, until a minimum stage is reached sometimes in the autumn, but usually 

in the winter.

The records of lake level and discharge make an unusually complete and valuable 

series of data. These have been furnished from time to time by S. D. Warren & Co., 

and the data regarding the new methods of measurement, etc., is from a description 

furnished by Joseph A. Warren.

The records of flow from 1887 to 1901, inclusive, are assembled in Water-Supply 

Paper No. 69, and those for succeeding years may be found in Water-Supply Papers 

Nos. 82, 97, and 124.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Presumpscot River at outlet of Sebago Lake, Me.,

for 1905.

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..............

Jan.

47'3

511

497

490

503

4Q7

504

448

496

500

497

505

500

450

559

608

505

495

498

483

438

517

487

482

482

431

494

Feb.

470

467

397

427

420

420

400

427

407

403

377

388

07 F:

0*7 A

357

357

Mar.

OPL7

340

338

342

332

335

330

338

330

QQQ

322

OQ7

qqo

qyc:

QOA

QOA

OQA

247

qcq

421

451

Apr.

430

9g7

498

557

448

430

475

010

fV1*7

605

457

510

485

360

500

500

485

490

CAQ

368

485

467

FL1 7

<U7

May.

518

FLOO

518

517

517

522

450

457

508

51''

.1QO

CAO

498

M9

497

215

573

480

508

June.

KAA

PLAO

513

505

385

505

517

P:I FL

517

FL1A

382

493

512

P.AA

CA7

488

510

503

July.

468

4AA

528

602

508

487

470

467

47^

478

365

469

470

474

471

473

472

qAj.

47F:

462

457

468

463

375

JQA

Aug.

467

482

477

358

470

465

467

473

475

470

475

472

472

447

473

477

468

475

387

465

469

462

477

Sept.

465

368

468

477

460

475

472

460

454

483

473

480

475

442

405

477

478

480

480

476

464

471

470

472

472

470

463

Oct.

QCq

470

477

463

468

460

425

468

478

467

477

477

473

453

477

497

455

458

472

372

463

460

455

457

453

428

443

422

Nov.

448

428

450

430

427

432

422

320

418

427'

418

433

430

425

417

413

410

400

403

395

397

280

410

412

412

408

Dec.

OQC

007

410

405

427

237

382

397

397

392

382

367

385

382

407

400

403

405

333

-397

396

396

396

395

400

278
SAGO RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 87

Estimated monthly discharge of Presumpscot River at Outlet of Sebago Lake, Me., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 420 square miles.]

Month.

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

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

559 

536 

451 

557 

573 

520 

528 

482 

483 

497 

450 

420

559

Minimum.

345 

357 

247 

267 

215 

360 

304 

358 

368 

363 

280 

237

Mean.

485 

411 

343 

46 i 

490 

488 

458 

461 

463 

456 

407 

385

215 443

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.15 

.979 

.817 

1.10 

1.17 

1.16 

].09 

1.10 

1.10 

1.09 

.969 

.917

Depth in 

inches.

1.33 

1.02 

.942 

1.23 

1.35 

1.29 

1.26 

1.27 

1.23 

1.26 

1.08 

1.06

1. 05 I 14. 32

SACO RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION OF BASIN.

Saco River receives its headwaters from the valleys and slopes of the White Mountains, at elevations of 4,000 to 5,000 feet. It drains an area of 1,720 square miles, of 

which 900 square miles lie in New Hampshire and the remainder in Maine. The 

slopes at the headwaters are very steep, with no lake storage. In the lower river are 

many good water powers, part of which £. ~ in use. The upper portions of the basin 

are generally in forest, but much of the large growth has been cut, and over large 

areas the evergreen trees have been entirely removed. In the lower basin are many 

farms and villages The underlying rock is generally granite, appearing at the surface in many mountain summits.

SACO RIVER NEAR CENTER CONWAY, N. H.

This station was established August 26, 1903, by N. C. Grover. It is located at 

the wooden highway bridge between Center Con way and Eedstone, N. H., about 2 

miles from each place.

The channel is straight for 2,000 feet above and 300 feet below the station, and is 

about 200 feet wide at ordinary stages, broken by one pier. The banks are high and 

are not liable to overflow, except in very extreme freshets. The bed is of sand and 

gravel, and is permanent. The current is medium at high and sluggish at low

Discharge measurements are usually made by wading about 400 feet above the 

bridge.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by Albert P. Davidson, is 

fastened to the floor of the bridge. The length of the chain was 30.44 feet when 

established, but changed to 30.47 feet August 26, 1905, on account of movement of 

the bridge. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Marked point on 

lower chord of bridge near gage; elevation, 27.72 feet when established-, but changed 

to 27.76 feet August 26, 1905. (2) South end of top of west abutment; elevation, 

25.14 feet. Elevations refer to datum of gage.
STKEAM MEASDKEMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Information in regard to this station ia contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, p 69; 124, p 82. 

Discharge: 97, p 69; 124, p 82. 

Discharge, monthly: 124, p 84. 

Gage heights: 97, p 69; 124, p 83. 

Rating table; 124, p 84.

Discharge measurements of Snco River near Center Conway, N. H. , in 1905.

Date.

May6. .........

August 26 & ....

Hydrographer. Width.

Feet. 

228

160

136

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

786

517

177

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per sec. 

1.91

1.44

1.49

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.71

4.53

3.69

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

1,500

742

263

n Right channel, by wading a short distance below bridge. 

& By wading 250 feet below gage; meter on rod.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Saco River near Center Conway, N. H., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

Q

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18....---....... 

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

20.......-...--. 

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

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

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

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

25.---.......... 

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

27.-........--.. 

28.---.......... 

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

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

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

Jan.

4.5

5.05

4.5

.......

5.05

4.9

Feb.

4.9

4.95

5.05

5.05

Mar.

4.8

4.85

.......

5.0

7.45 

6.65

6.1

11.15 

8.1 

7.75 

7.45 

8.0 

8.05

Apr.

7.65

6.5

6.0

5.75

6.55

7.05

6.35

6.0

6.75

6.65

6.4

6.45 

6.25- 

5.75

5.55

5.35 

6.0

6.8 

6.05 

6.25 

5.9 

6.3 

6.3. 

6.4 

6.3

May.

6.3

5.75

5.55

6.15

5.9

6.4

6.0

5.7

5.7

5.35

5.2

5.4

4.9

4.95 

5.6 

5.35

5.55 

5.6

5.4 

5.0

4 95

4.85 

4.7 

4.6 

4.5 

4.5 

4.45 

4.3 

4.3 

4.3

June.

4.45

4.45

4.45

4.2

4.25

4.85

4.95

4.6

4.4

4.4

4.15

4.25

6.85

5.85

5.35 

4.55 

4.45

4.35 

4.25

4.3 

4.25

4.4 

4.2 

4.0 

 4.1 

6.5 

5.8 

4.55 

4.55

July.

4.35

4.35

5.85

4.75

4.5

4.35

4.25

4.05

4.0

3.95

4.0

3 Q

3.95

 3.8

3.85 

3.75

q 7

3.8 

3.7

3.85 

3.85

3.7

8.6 

3.55 

3.55 

3.55 

3.55 

3.55 

3.55 

3.6 

12.55

Aug.

8.5

6.4

5.8

5.35

4.7

4.65

4.55

4.45

4.55

4.35

4.15

4.1

4.05

4.05

4.0 

4.55 

5.3

4.5 

4.25

4.1 

3.95

3.8 

3.75 

3.8 

3.7 

3.95 

3.85 

3.9 

3.95 

4.8

Sept.

4.85

4.45

7.7

9 4

7.5

5.8

5.8

5.5

5.2

4.95

4.8

6.25

5.6

5.05 

4.85 

4.75

6.15 

7.2

6.05 

5.65

5.4

5.25 

4.9 

4.75 

5.2 

5.0 

4.45 

4.25 

4.25

Oct.

4.25

4.2

4.15

4.15

4.1

4.1

3.95

3.95

3.85

3.85

3.9

6.1

5.0

4.65 

4.5 

4.5

4.6 

4 9

4.9 

4.7

4.45 4.45" 

4.35 

4.3 

4.2 

4.2 

4.2 

4.2 

4.2 

4.2

Nov.

4 9

< >

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.3

4.3

4.4

4.45

4.4

4.4

4.15

4.5

4.35 

4.4 

4.3

4.3

4.2 

4.2

4.1 

4.15 

4.25 

4.5 

4.25 

4.3 

4.45 

5.9

Dec.

6.0

7.05

7.15

6 9

6.15

5.7

5.15

4.85

4 9

c q

K 1

5.06

------

4.95
SACO EIVEB DEAIFAGE BASIN. 89

Daily gage height, in feet, of Saco River near Center Conway, N. H., for 1905 Cont'd.

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 26 and December 15-31. During frozen season gage heights 

were read to the surface of the water in a hole cut in the ice. The following comparative readings 

were taken:

Date.

February 12. .............................................................

February 26. ..................................... .......................

March 12.................................................................

Water 

surface.

Feet. 

4.5

5.05

4.5

5.05

4.9

4.9

4.95

5.05

5.05

4.8

' 4.85

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

4.55

(«)

5.15

5.2

5.05

4.95

4.9

5.35

5.3

4.85

5.0

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

1.2

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.2

2.2

2.35

2.4

2.45

2.5

« Below water surface.

March 19, unsafe; gage height read to top of ice; March 20-22, water flowing over surface of ice; 

March 26, ice breaking up; March 27, river clear of ice; December 2, ice under gage 2 inches thick, 

but river not frozen across; December 24, Rage height to top of ice, 5.1 feet; December 31, gage height 

to top of ice, 5.05 feet; thickness of ice, 0.95 foot at gage, but river not frozen across in left span.

Station rating table for Saco River near Center Comvay, N. If., from January 1 to December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

197

234

273

314

358

404

453

504

557

612

669

728

789

852

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

6.10

6.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

917

984

1,053

1, 124

1,197

1,272

1,349

1,428

1,509

1,592

1,677

1,764

1.855

1,950

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2, 050

2,150

2,250

2,355

2,460

2,570

2,680

2, 795

2,910

3,030

3,155

3,285

3,420

3,555

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.70

7.80

7.90

8.00

8.10

8.20

8.30

8.40

8.50

8.60

8.70

8.80

8.90

9.00

Discharge.

Second-fee '.

3,695

3,835

3,975

4,120

4,270

4,425

4,580

4,740

4,900

5,060

5,225

5,395

5,565

5,735

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on fourteen 

discharge measurements made during 1903-1905. It is well defined between gage heights 3.4 feet and 

9 feet.
90 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Estimated monthly discharge of Saco River near Center Conway, N. H. , far 1905. 

[Drainage area, 385 square miles.]

Month.

March 26-31 .................................

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

10, 200 

3, 765 

2,150 

2, 625 

13,600 

4,900 

6, 450 

1,855 

1,677

Minimum.

3,352 

1,234 

557 

404 

216 

273 

630 

336 

381

Mean.

4,984 

2,088 

1,7214 

821 

835 

774 

1,531 

646 

583

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

12.95 

5.42 

3.15 

2.13 

2.17 

2.01 

3.98 

1.68 

1.51

Depth in 

inches.

2.89 

6.05 

3.63 

2.38 

2.50, 

2.32 

4.44 

1.94 

1.68

MERRIMAC RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION OF BASIST.

The Merrimac basin, which has a total drainage area of 5,015 square miles, lies 

in the States of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, 3,815 square miles being in the 

former State and 1,200 square miles in the latter. Merrimac River is formed at 

Franklin, N. H., by the junction of Pemigewasset and Winnepesaukee rivers. The 

headwaters of the Pemigewasset lie in the White Mountain region at elevations of, 

approximately, 2,000 feet; thence they flow southward through New Hampshire 

with very steep slopes. On this branch of the Merrimac there is very little lake 

storage. Squam and New Found lakes, aggregating about 20 square miles of surface 

area, are the only bodies of water of any importance. Above Plymouth probably 85 

per cent of the basin is in heavy forest. A very insignificant amount of water power 

is utilized. Winnepesaukee River has its headwaters in the eastern part of the State. 

A prominent characteristic of its basin is the extent of the lake surface, aggregating 

100 square miles. The fall from Winnepesaukee Lake to the junction with Pemigewasset River is 225 feet in a distance of 14 miles.«

From Franklin Merrimac River flows southward through the State of New Hampshire for 56 miles, receiving Contoocook River from the west and Suncook River 

from the east. After entering Massachusetts the river deflects to the east and flows 

in an easterly and northeasterly direction for a distance of 40 miles, to Newburyport, 

where it enters an arm of the sea. Tide flows to Lawrence.

"Tenth Census, vol. 16, p. 50.
MEEEIMAC EIVEE DEAINAGE BASIN. 91

The drainage areas of Merriinac River and some of its principal tributaries are 

given in the following table:

Drainage areas of Merrimac River and tributaries.

River.

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Locality. Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

5,015

4,664

4,127

2,340

1,460

615

1,085

435

410

750

250

270

MERRIMAC RIVER AT FRANKLIN JUNCTION, N. H.

This station was established July 8, 1903, by H. K. Barrows. It is located at the 

wooden railway bridge near Franklin Junction, about a mile below the union of 

Pemigewasset and Winnepesaukee rivers.

The channel is straight above and below the bridge and is about 200 feet wide at 

ordinary stages, broken by one pier. The banks are high and rocky and not subject 

to overflow. The bed is rocky and permanent. The current is swift at high and 

medium at low stages.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge. The initial point for soundings is at the top of the face of the right abutment at the upstream side of the bridge.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by F. R. Roers, is fastened 

to the guard timber of the bridge. The length of the chain when established was 

47.08 feet, but changed to 47.16 feet August 22, 1905, owing to movement of the 

gage. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Marked point on lower 

chord near gage; elevation, 46.54 feet. (2) Top of north rail at west portal of 

bridge; elevation, 47.08 feet. (3) Spike in telegraph pole nearest west end of bridge; 

elevation, 46.38 feet. (4) Top of northwest nut on guard timber; elevation, 47.28 

feet. (5) Chiseled circle on outcropping ledge 50 feet north and 23 feet east of 

northeast corner of west abutment of the bridge, marked " B. M. 5;" elevation, 

12.68 feet. Elevations refer to the datum of the gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, pp 70-71; 124, p 86. 

Discharge: 97, p 71: 124, p 87. 

Discharge, monthly: 124, p 88. 

Gage heights: 97, p 71; 124, p 87. 

Rating table: 124, p 88
92 STKEAM MEASUREMENTS 1JST 1905, PART I.

Discharge measurements of Merrimac River at Franklin Junction, N. H., in 1905.

Date.

July 3 .........

Hydrographer.

T W Norcross

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

231

231

226

220

234

216

Area of 

section.

tfq.Jeet. 

1,350

1,370

1,100

941

1,440

713

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per sec. 

4.00

4.61

2.77

2.24

4.36

1.61

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.69

7.19

5.76

4.98

7.38

4.23

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

5,400

6,320

3,040

2, 110

6,280

1,150

Daily gage height, in feet, of Merrimac River at Franklin Junction, N. H., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

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

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

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

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

25

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

4.0

4.1

4.2

4.2

4.35

5.1

5.2

5.5

5.7

5.6

5.55

5.5

5.4

4.7

5.7

5.95

£.65

5 35

4.9

4.75

4.8

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.4

5.5

Feb.

.......

.......

.......

.......

Mar.

4.25

4.2

4.0

4.5

4.6

4.2

4.0

4.05

4.0

3.8

4.2

5.0

5.05

4.9

4.85

5.2

7.5

9 8

11.1

11.7

13.0

12.95

Apr.

12.1

8.6

7.4

6.7

7.4

9.1

7.55

6.7

7.2

8.0

7.8

7 Q

6.9

6.45

6.3

5.8

5 75

K £K

6.05

7.95

6.6

6.2

6.0

6.0

6.1

6.05

May.

6.2

5.9

5.7

5.7

6.0

5.8

6.3

G.8

5.9

5.7

5.4

5.4

4.7

5.3

5.6

5.8

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.85

4 55

A £

4.6

4.6

June.

4.6

4.5

4.6

4.25

4.6

4.65

5.65

5.25

5.0

4.75

4.15

4.65

5.65

5.3

5.0

4.95

4.75

4.65

5.3

5.45

5.1

4.25

4.65

6.9

6.4

5.2

July.

5.0

7.15

6.15

5.55

5.1

4.9

4.8

4.25

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.7

4.5

4.1

4.4

4.5

4.4

4.3

4.6

4.45

3.9

4.1

4.15

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

5.6

Aug.

6.6

5.6

5. 05

4.75

4.6

4.0

4.35

4.2

4.2

4.3

4.3

3.85

4.1

4.2

4.4

5.3

4.9

4.2

4.25

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.8

4.7

4.55

4.5

Sept.

6.0

6.0

5.45

11.05

8.8

7.4

6.3

5.85

5.5

4.45

4.9

5.3

6.4

5 9

5.3

5.1

4.9

6.6

8.25

7.6

7.0

6.4

C *?

5.5

5.3

5.1

5.0

4.9

Oct.

4.85

4.9

4.7

4.7

4.5

4.1

4.7

4.5

4.4

5.1

5.9

5.3

4.55

4.8

4.7

4.6

4.85

4.35

4.65

4.7

4.7

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.4

Nov.

4.5

4.4

4.4

4.65

4.7

4.8

5.1

5.15

5.1

4.9

4.8

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.8

4.7

4.4

4.4

4.46

4.4

4.5

4.5

4.05

4.75

4.95

Dec.

5.3

4.9

7.9

8.55

5.6

5.7

5.25

5.3

4.2

4.8

4.85

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.35

4.7

4.6

4.75

4.7

4.7

4.8

4.6

4.65

4.6

4.7

5.2

4.3

NOTE. River open at gage January 1-29. River frozen January 30 to March 9.
MERRIMAC RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 93

Station rating table for Merrimac Hirer at Franklin Junction, N. H., from July 8, 1903,

to December 31, 1905.

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.

795

910

1,030

. 1, 150

1,270

1,395

1, 520

1,645

1,775

1,915

2,065

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2, 220

2,380

2,540

2,705

2,875

3,045

3,220

3,395

3, 575

3,755

3,940

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

7.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

4, 125

4,310

4, 500

4,690

4,880

5,070

5,265

5, 460

5,655

5, 850

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.20

8.40

8.60

8.80

9.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

6,250

6,660

7, 075

7,500

7,930

8,370

8,815

9,265

9,715

10,170

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 20 discharge 

measurements made during 1903-1905. It is well defined between gage heights 4.15 feet and 8.9 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Merrimac River at Franklin Junction, N. H., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 1,460 square miles.]

Month.

March 10-31 .................................

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

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

19, 830 

17,580 

5,460 

5,655 

6,150 

5,070 

16, 960 

3,755 

2,460 

9,152

Minimum.

680 

3,308 

1,520 

1,090 

795 

738 

1,458' 

1,030 

970 

1,150

Mean.

5,150 

6,006 

2,976 

2,397 

1,824 

1,586 

4,701 

1,785 

1;763 

2,484

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

3.53 

4.11 

2.04 

1.64 

1.25 

1.09 

3.22 

1.22 

1.21 

1.70

Depth in 

inches.

2.89 

4.59 

2.35 

1.83 

1.44 

1.26 

3.59 

1.41 

1.35 

1.96

NOTE. Omitted gage heights were estimated and discharges applied as usual.

MERRIMAC RIVER AT GARVINS FALLS, N. H.

The power at Garvins Falls 4 miles below Concord is one of the best on Merrimac River. There has been a dam at this point since 1815, first in connection with 

the Old Bow Canal and later to furnish power for a pulp mill. This privilege has 

since become the property of the Manchester Traction, Light, and Power Company, 

and has been more completely developed. During 1903-4 an overfall dam of the 

ogee type, somewhat similar in cross section to the dam at Hoi yoke, was completed. 

This is 550 feet long between abutments and about 800 feet over all, including headgates, and is substantially built of stone masonry. A canal has been completed 

which is about 500 feet long and 74 feet wide at the water line, and wasteways are 

provided from the sides of this one 90 feet long at elevation 102 (the main crest of 

the dam being taken as elevation 100) and another 45 feet long at elevation 103. A 

waste gate 10 feet wide and capable of being lowered to elevation 93 is also provided 

for use especially in floating out any obstructions which lodge against the racks. 

The new dam and headgates to the canal are situated about 800 feet downstream
94 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IK 1905, PART I.

from the old dam, which was destroyed on the completion of the new structure. At 

present there are four triplex turbines of something over 1,000 horsepower each, and 

one small duplex turbine of 75 horsepower used in running exciters. Provision has 

been made for two more large units, which will be installed later. Tne turbines are 

of the McCormick design, furnished by the Rodney Hunt Machine Company. Each 

large unit has three 39-inch runners, mounted on a horizontal shaft, which revolves 

at 180 revolutions a minute. Two of the wheels in each set discharge through a 

common T center and draft tube near the fore bay wall. The third wheel is set 

opposite a quarter turn at the downstream end of the casing and discharges through 

this quarter turn into a smaller draft tube. The top of the penstock opening is at 

elevation 95.5, while the lower ends of the draft tubes are horizontal and are about 

2 feet below the level of usual tail water. The gates for the runners are of the plain 

cylindrical pattern without fingers and are controlled by governors. The average 

head on the wheels is about 29 feet. At present there are four 650-kilowatt threephase generators direct connected with the turbines.

The power developed is transmitted at 12,000 volts tension to Manchester, about 

14 miles away, where it enters a substation and is transformed to a lower voltage and 

through a distributing switch board utilized for light and power purposes. The Garvins Falls station is one of a system of three water-power plants and one steam-power 

plant operated by this company.

Careful records of the pond and tail-race levels, wheel openings, etc., have been 

kept by the company since the completion of the new dam in 1904, and have been 

furnished for computations of flow by J. Brodie Smith, manager. A number of 

current-meter measurements have been made from time to time by the hydrographers 

of the Survey for the purpose of rating turbines and to assist in computing flow over 

the dam. Estimates of monthly flow at this point from September 1, 1904, to 

December 31, 1905, are given in the following table:

Estimated monthly discharge of Merrimac River at Garvins Falls, N. II., for 1904-5. 

[Drainage area, 2,340 square miles.]

Month.

1904.

1905.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

7,110 

7,880 

2,440 

2,200

3,440 

2,110 

32, 760 

30, 940 

5,660 

5,410 

4,980 

5,470 

18, 030 

3,860 

4,030 

9,990

Minimum.

1,160 

1,460 

1,610 

1,300

1,490 

1,340 

1,370 

4,940 

 2, 070 

1, 840 

1,090 

1,240 

2,720 

1,780 

1,810 

2,250

32, 760 1, 090

1

Mean.

2,220 

2,860 

2,000 

1,660

2,190 

1,610 

6,400 

10, 400 

3,910 

2,730 

1,930 

1,920 

6,260 

2,290 

2,560 

3,880

3,840

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

0.947 

1.22 

.856 

.710

.936 

.690 

2.74 

4.45 

1.67 

1.17 

.824 

.823 

2.67 

.978 

1.10 

1.66

1.64

Depth in 

inches.

1.06 

1.41 

.955

.818

1.08 

.718 

3.16 

4.96 

1.92 

1.30 

.950 

.949 

2.98 

1.13 

1.23 

1.91

22.29
MEEEIMAC E1VER DEAINAGE BASIN. 95

MERRIMAC RIVER AT LAWRENCE, MASS.

Eecords of flow of the Merrimac at Lawrence have been kept for more than fifty 

years, but have never been published in full. Data in regard to the flow are furnished by R. A. Hale, principal assistant engineer of the Essex Water Power 

Company.

Pbr a portion of the year water from the drainage basins of Sudbury and Nashua 

rivers is wasted into the Merrimac, and therefore the drainage area is a somewhat 

variable -quantity. During the dry months a very small amount is received. The 

accompanying tables give the flow of the Merrimac at Lawrence, also the quantity 

wasted from the Sudbury and Nashua drainage basins that reaches the Merrimac. 

The latter table is based on data furnished by the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage 

Board of Boston. The drainage areas are as follows:

Drainage areas in Merrimac River basin,

Square miles.

Total of Merrimac River drainage basin above Lawrence.................... 4, 664

Nashua River drainage basin above gaging station .......................... 119

Sudbury River drainage basin, Framingham, Dam No. 1.................... 75

Uochituate River drainage basin........................................... 19

Total of Nashua, Sudbury, and Cochituate river drainage basins ..........:.. 213

Net drainage basin of Merrimac River, excluding Nashua, Sudbury, and 

Cochituate river basins ................................................. 4,451

The quantity as measured at Lawrence includes the water from Sudbury, Nashua, 

and Cochituate rivers, and in getting the absolute yield of the river this should be 

considered in reference to the drainage areas, either by deducting it from the Merrimac flow and using the net area and the net flow of the Merrimac, or by getting the 

total yield of both the Sudbury and Nashua rivers with the Merrimac and using the 

total area.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following publications of 

the United States Geological Survey (Ann = Annual Report; WS = Water-Supply 

Paper; Bull = Bulletin):

Description: Ann, 19, Iv, pp 111-112; Bull 140, p 33; WS 35, p 34; 47, p 32; 65, p 22; 82, pp 49-50; 97, p 72; 

124, pp 89-90.

Discharge, daily: WS 35, pp 35-36; 47, p 33; 82, pp 51-52; 97, p 73; 124, pp 90-93. 

Discharge, monthly: Ann 19, iv pp 113-115; 20, iv, p 73; 21, iv, p 60; Bull 140, p 34. 

Discharge, yearly: Ann 20, iv, p 46. 

Hydrographs: Ann 19, iv, p 112; 20, iv, p 74; 21, iv, p 60.
96 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PAKT I.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Merrimac River at dam at Lawrence, Mass., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

g

10...:.........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total.... 

Average ......

Jan.

453 

3,147 

3,084 

2,981 

2,812 

2, 735 

2,662 

4, 358 

7,710 

6,930 

6,844 

6,470 

6,301 

4,862 

4,377 

6,111 

4,352 

3, 893 

3,920 

4,086 

2,494 

2,387 

4,744 

3,545 

3,043 

2, 955 

2,931 

1,827 

895 

3,996 

3,087

119, 992 

3,871

Feb.

2,838 

2,784 

2,760 

1,980 

457 

3,505 

2,865 

2,518 

2,440 

2,695 

1,902 

489 

3,094 

2,613 

2, 573 

2,510 

2,678 

1,825 

456 

2,940 

2,691 

2, 521 

2,464 

2,574 

1,666 

410 

2,850 

2,514

63, 612 

2,272

Mar.

2,526 

2, 695 

2, 527 

1,514 

430 

2,768 

2,567 

2,596 

.2, 774 

2,811 

2,418 

2,305 

4,898 

3,879 

3,842 

4,020 

4,034 

2,977 

4,050 

11, 100 

11,210 

10, 0.50 

9,150 

8,800 

8,740 

11, 570 

32, 003 

36, 429 

41, 219 

45, 940 

45,617

327, 459 

10,563

Apr.

44, 887 

37, 260 

28,553 

22, 206 

18,850 

19, 442 

25, 546 

25, 097 

20, 156 

16, 880 

15, 309 

17,546 

19, 451 

18,602 

16, 148 

14, 215 

12, 661 

11,273 

9,761 

8,546 

7,961 

8,018 

10, 857 

10, 793 

9,115 

8,094 

7,698 

7,225 

6,856 

6,639

485,545 

16, 185

May.

7,434 

6,537 

6,379 

6,002 

5,868 

6,094 

5,732 

6,548 

6,806 

6,174 

5,619 

5,303 

4,159 

3,905 

5,467 

3,758 

6,010 

6,938 

6,716 

8,211 

5,208 

5,653 

4,' 564 

4,520 

4,178 

3,947 

2,866 

2,812 

4,343 

2,769 

3,171

161, 691 

5,216

June. July.

3,414 

3,015 

1,958 

1,470 

3,708 

3,116 

2,987 

3,070 

3,710 

2,993 

2,482 

4,330 

3,427 

3,033 

8,930 

4,2% 

2, 599 

2,348 

4,410 

3,617 

4,253 

5,768 

8,238 

7,433 

5,593 

5,918 

4,987 

5,912 

7,300 

5,615

124, 930 

4,164

3,585 

2,941 

2, 938 

4,897 

6,028 

4,503 

3,881 

2,321 

1,907 

3,947 

3,148 

2,836 

2,807 

2,826 

1,764 

581 

3,637 

2,759 

2,723 

2,404 

2,538 

1,677 

383 

1, 603 

2,559 

2, 382 

2,376 

2,343 

1,403 

128 

2,079

82, 904 

2,674

Aug.

2,477 

4,775 

4,676 

3,939 

2,591 

1,632 

3,631 

2,955 

2,443 

2,390 

2,441 

1,454 

474 

5,031 

2,953 

2,697 

2,980 

3,257 

2,987 

2,141 

3,690 

2,739 

2,729 

2,505 

2,766 

1,481 

316 

2,344 

2,458 

2,374 

2,445

83, 771 

2,702

Sept.

2,713 

2,109 

3,109 

6,430 

20,900 

17,434 

12, 972 

9,854 

7,257 

5, 541 

5,953 

4,960 

5,035 

7,285 

7,330 

5, 525 

4,309 

5,171 

8,525 

17, 529 

13, 968 

11, 540 

9,007 

6,588 

6,467 

5,262 

4,721 

4,488 

4,133 

2,830

228, 945 

7,631

Oct.

2,73G 

4,371 

3,276 

3,190 

3,214 

3,336 

2,390 

2,103 

4,179 

3,238 

3,065 

2,544 

2,812 

3,116 

3,589 

4, 620 

3,684 

3,311 

3,381 

3,396 

2,297 

2,886 

4,760 

3,764 

3,526 

3,447 

3,376 

2,090 

1,851 

4,119 

3,418

101, 082 

3,261

Nov.

3,240 

2,796 

2, 818 

1,813 

1,439 

4,850 

4,409 

5,345 

5,559 

5,251 

3,907 

3,513 

5,062 

3,679 

3,552 

3,732 

3,654 

2,289 

2,461 

4,397 

3,537 

3,256 

3,129 

2,892 

1,827 

1,193 

4,118 

3,307 

3,212 

1,413

101, 650 

3,388

Dec.

5,043 

3,984 

-3,714 

8,930 

15, 540 

12,350 

9,354 

7,933 

6,009 

5,483 

6,016 

4,087 

4,099 

4,338 

4,429 

2,838 

2,286 

4,622 

3,460 

3,371 

3,997 

4,664 

5,211 

5,837 

5,638 

6,460 

5,505 

4,900 

4,890 

4,881 

6,432

176, 301 

5,687
MERRIMAC EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 97

Average weekly flow, arranged in order of dri/ness, of Merrimac River at Lawrence, Mass.,

for 1905.

Week ending 

Sunday 

July 30 ..........

February 26 ..... 

February 19 .....

July 23 ..........

August ^7

February 12 ..... 

September 3 .....

July 16 ..........

March 12 ........

November 5 .....

November 26 ....

November 19 .... 

December 3 ..... 

July 9 ...........

December 17 ....

May 28 ..........

December 24 .... 

November 12 .... 

Julv2 ...........

December 31 ....

September 17 .... 

January 15 ......

April 30 .........

Merrimac 

River at 

Lawrence 

(total 

drainage 

area=4,664 

square 

miles).

Wasting into Merrimac River from 

Nashua 

River at 

Clinton 

(drainage 

area=118 

square 

miles).

Sudbury 

River at 

Daml 

(drainage 

area =75 

square 

miles).

Lake Cochituate, 

Bannister 

Brook 

(drainage 

area=19 

square 

miles).

Total waste 

of these 

watersheds 

(total 

drainage 

area =212 

square 

miles) .

Second-feet for seven days.

1,971 

2, 151 

2,181 

2,250 

2,255 

2,303 

2,318 

2,345 

2,507 

2,557 

2,558 

2,606 

2,806 

2,845 

2,877 

2,890 

3,111 

3,126 

3,149 

3, 152 

3,167 

3,220 

3,259 

3, 368 

3,423 

3,490 

3,542 

3,782 

3,892 

3,957 

4,013 

4,077 

4,376 

4,452 

4,691 

5,180 

5,502 

5,529 

5, 616 

5, 758 

5,771 

6,213 

6,292 

8.060

4 

3 

2 

3 

3 

4 

4 

3 

4 

4 

4 

4

"6 

3 

3 

5 

4 

4 

4 

4 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

4 

3 

3 

4 

4 

4 

4 

3 

3 

3 

4 

5 

3 

4 

4 

3 

4 

4

2 

2 

4 

40 

2

2

2

42 

32 

36 

2 

11 

2 

tl 

3 

2 

47 

68 

2 

2 

2 

6 

2

4 

9 

2 

2 

2 

66 

80 

2 

8 

50 

2

2 

7 

6 

44 

23 

24 

2 

109 

2 

23

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

0 .

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

11 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

15 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

6 

5 

6 

45 

5 

6 

6 

45 

36 

40 

6 

15 

5 

44 

6 

5 

52 

72 

6 

9 

6 

^9 

5

23 

5 

6 

5 

69 

84 

6 

12 

54 

5 

5 

10 

10 

49 

41 

28 

6 

112 

6 

27

Net yield of Merrimac River from 4,452 

square miles.

Second-feet.

Seven 

days.

1,965 

2,146 

2,175 

2,205 

2,250 

2,297 

2,312 

2,300 

2,471 

2,517 

2, 552 

2,591 

2,801 

2,801 

2,871 

2,885 

3,059 

3,054 

3,143 

3, 143 

3,161 

3,211 

3,254 

3,361 

3,400 

3,485 

3,536 

3,777 

3,823 

3,873 

4,007 

4,065 

4, 322 

4,447 

4,686 

5,170 

5,492 

5,480 

5, 575 

5,730 

5, 765 

6,101 

6,286 

8,033

Per square 

mile.

0.441 

.482 

.489 

.495 

.505 

.516 

.519 

.517 

.565 

.565 

.573 

.582 

.629 

.629 

.645 

.648 

.687 ,686" 

.706 

.706 

.710 

.721 

.731 

. 755 

.764 

.783 

.794 

.848 

.859 

.870 

.900 

.913 

.971 

.999 

1.053 

1.161 

1. 234 

1.231 

1.252 

1.287 

1.295 

1.370 

1.412 

1.804

IRR 16£
98 STREAM MEASUREMENTS 1905, PART I.

Average weekly flow, arranged in order of dryness, of Merrimac River at Lawrence, Mass.,

for 1905 Continued.

Week ending 

Sunday 

December 10 ....

September 24 ....

September 10 ....

April 16 .........

April 2 ..........

Total, 52 weeks.

Weekly average .

Merrimac

Lawrence 

(total 

drainage 

area =4, 664 

square 

miles).

Wasting into Merrimac River from 

Nashua 

River at 

Clinton 

(drainage 

area=118

miles).

Sudbury 

River at 

Daml 

(drainage 

area =75

miles).

Lake Cochituate, 

Bannister 

Brook 

(drainage 

area =19

square 

miles. )

Total waste 

of these 

watersheds 

(total 

drainage 

area =212

square 

miles).

Second-feet for seven days.

9,371

10 089

10, 333

1-1, 484

293, 912

5,652

4 2

4 55

4

3

4

5

190

4

5

61

99

-ioq

173

1,512

29

o

1

0

0

40

6

Net yield of Merrimac River from 4,452

square miles.

Second-feet.

Seven 

days.

9,365

9.809

178 9, 911

9 10, 324

64 11, 420

115 16, 749

151 22, 685

218 ' 40,261

108 1, 810

2 35

292, 102

5,617

Per square 

mile.

2. 104

2.203

2. 226

2.319

2.565

3.762

5. 095

9.043

65. 609

1,262

PEMIGEWASSET EIVEK AT PLYMOUTH X. H.

This station was established September 5, 1903, by N. C. Grover. It is located at 

the wooden highway bridge below the mouth of Bakers River, in the town of Plymouth. The drainage area at this point is about 615 square miles. The headwaters 

of the river lie in the mountainous country to the west of Mount Washington, at 

elevations of more than 2,000 feet. At North Woodstock Pemigewasset River is 

formed by the junction of East Branch, Middle Branch, and Moosilauke Brook, at 

an elevation of about 700 feet. Thence the waters flow south, receiving Mad River 

from the east and Bakers River from the west, until at Plymouth, about 20 miles 

below North Woodstock, the elevation is between 400 and 500 feet. The underlying 

rock in this basin is usually granite, exposed in the mountain summits. The basin 

contains some of the best spruce standing in New England. Large areas in the 

basin of East Branch are still in virgin forest; other areas have been practically 

stripped, especially on Hancock Brook, a tributary of East Branch, and in the basin 

of Middle Branch.

The height of water at Plymouth has been recorded daily since January 1, 1886, 

during which time extensive deforestation in the basin above has taken place. This 

record of gage height has been given to the United States Geological Survey by the 

Locks and Canals Company, of Lowell, Mass. From these figures the monthly discharge of the river since that date was estimated from measurements of flow at the 

station during 1903 and 1904. These estimates were published in Water-Supply 

Paper No. 124, pp. 97-101.

The channel is straight for 1,000 feet above and below the bridge, and is about 180 

feet wide at ordinary stages, broken by one pier. The banks are high and rocky. 

The bed is fairly permanent near the gage, but evidences of change in conditions 

below and consequent change in control as regards velocity have been observed during 1905. The bed is rocky in the right half and gravelly in the left. The velocity 

is rapid in the right and sluggish in the left half.
MERRIMAC RIVER DRAINAGE BASIIST.

Discharge measurements at ordinary and high stages are made from the bridge. 

The initial point for soundings is at the top of the face of the right abutment on the 

upstream side. At low water the discharge of the left channel is measured by wading.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by Frank Morton, is attached 

to the guard rail of the sidewalk of the bridge on the upstream side. The length of 

the chain is 34.69 feet. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Marked 

point on rail of bridge near gage; elevation, 34.00 feet when established, but changed 

to 33.96 feet August 23, 1905. (2) North corner of intermediate cast-iron gage set by 

the Locks and Canals Company, of Lowell, Mass.; elevation, 13.27 feet. (3) North 

corner of lowest cast-iron gage set by same company; elevation, 7.11" feet. All elevations refer to the datum of the gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, pp 73-74; 124, pp 93-94. 

Discharge: 97, p 74; 124, p 94. . 

Discharge, monthly: 124, pp 97-101. 

Gage heights: 97, p 75; 124, p 95. 

Eating table: 124, p 96.

Discharge measurements of Pemigewasset River at Plymouth, N. If., in 1905.

Date.

July 4.... ......

October 28 a....

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

202

178

*>24

 142

113

113

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet.

777

387

257

1,400

282

208

208

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

2 65

2.14

1 44

4.17

1.65

i if;

.1.31

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3 94

2.75

1.80

6.88

2.01

1.51

1.57

Discharge.

Scc.-feet. 

2 060

826

370

5,840

466

272

<* In left channel by wading. & In left channel by wading; meter fastened to rod.
100 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Pemigewasset River at Plymouth, N. H.,for 1905.

Day.

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

...............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

2.2

2.22 

2.32

2.42

2.5

3.4

4.1

4.25

4.02

3.7

3.2

3.2

3.25

Feb.

3.1

2 OK

3.25

2.95

Mar.

3.1

2 OK

4.85

4.15

3 9

9.15

-iq t

11.85

9.25

Apr.

7.55

5.6 

4.6

4.4

4.2

5.7

4.6

5.8

5.1

4.0

3

£R

q OK

4 05

6 9

5.2

4.3

4.7

4.5

.......

May.

4.4

3.9 

3.6

4.2

4.3

5.15

4.75

4.0

3.6

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.55

3.1

2.9

2 65

9 85

9 7R.

2.7

June.

2.6

2.4 

2.35

2.4

2.35

3.3

3.6

3.06

2 9

2.4

2.7

4.55

3.1

2.8

9 P»

9 3

3.35

9 95

3 1

July.

2.8

2.8 

6.0

4.05

3.3

2.95

2.8

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.2

2.15

2.5

2.25

2.25

2.1

2.2

2.05

1.85

1.85

1.9

1.75

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.7

5.3

Aug.

4.35

3.3

2.8

2.5

2.3

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.0

2.1

1.9

1.9

1 1.8fl

1.9

1.8

2.25

3 q

2 9

1 9

1 9

1.75

1.8

2

0

2 OR

2.0

4.0

Sept.

3.6

3.3

4.8

8.8

7.15

5.2

4.25

3.6

2.9

2.6

3.0

4.3

3.4

2.9

2.7

6.2

8.15

5.1

5.65

4.35

3.6

3.3

3.05

3.0

2.85

2 7

2.5

Oct.

2.35

2.2

2.25

2.2

2.15

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.9

3.1

3.65

3.9

3.4

9 7

2.15

2.65

2.9

2.65

2.4

2.35

2.15

2 15

2.2

1.85

1 95

1 9

2.05

Nov.

2.0

2.2 

2.0

2.15

2.4

2.45

2.5

2.6

2.55

2.4

2.3

2.25

2.25

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.1

1.95

1.85

1.8

2.05

2.2

1.95

1.95

2.0

2.4

2.45

5 n

Dee.

2.65

2.8 

3.6

6.3

4.15

3.75

3.3

3.1

2.9

2.65

1.8

3.45

3.45

3.0

3.1

3.4

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.0

2.8

2.9

2.75

2.7

2.7

4.0

3.75

NOTE. River frozen January 5 to March 28. Ice jam in latter part of March affected gage heights. 

Ice went out March 28. During frozen season gage heights were read to the surface of the water in 

a hole cut in the ice, except January 15 and March 21, when readings were taken to the top of the 

ice. The following comparative readings were taken:

Date.

January 26 .........

February 2.........

Water 

surface.

Feet.

3 9

3 2

3.25

3.1

Top of 

ice.

Feet.

3

0

3

0

3.3

3

f\

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet.

.7

1.0

1.1

1.2

Date. Water 

surface.

Feet. 

3.25

2 95

2.85

Top of 

ice.

Feet.

3

C

3 1 ^

3.0

2.85

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet.

 t q

1 q

1.4

1.0

January 8, water on top of ice.
MERKIMAC KIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 101

CONTOOCOOK RIVER AT WEST HOPKIKTON, K. H.

This station was established July 9, 1903, by H. K. Barrows. It is located at the 

wooden highway bridge near the railway station at West Hopkinton.

The channel is straight for 300 feet above and 500 feet below the station and is 

about 125 feet wide at ordinary stages. The banks are high and rocky and not subject to overflow. The bed is rough and rocky, but permanent, and the current is 

rapid.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge. The initial point for soundings is at the downstream side of the left abutment at the top.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by Frank H. Carr, is attached 

to the downstream side of the board covering of the bridge. The length of the chain 

was 26.11 feet when established, but changed to 26.04 feet August 29, 1905, owing to 

settling of the bridge. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Point on 

the railing of bridge near the gage; elevation, 25.35 feet above gage datum. (2) The 

highest point of the large rock on the south side of the road, 15 feet northwest of the 

left abutment; elevation, 21.55 feet above gage datum.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, p 75; 124, pp 101-102. 

Discharge: 97, p 75; 124, p 102. 

Discharge, monthly: 124, p 104. 

Gage heights: 97, p 75; 124, p 103. 

Rating table: 124, p 104.

Discharge measurements of Contoocook Hirer at West Hopkinton, N. H.,for 1905.

Date.

April 1... ......

Aprils.........

April 10........

April 12........

April 12. .......

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

152

142

142

139

139

133

139

139

109

110

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

109

657

643

602

584

472

574

574

138

163

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.persec. 

8.05

6.64

6.51

6.36

6.15

5.09

5.85

5.84

1.36

1.56

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

9.08

6.42

6.31

6.08

5.93

5.08

5.80

5.80

2.40

2.64

Discharge.

flec.-feet. 

8,770

4,360

4,190

3,830

3,590

2,400

3,360

3,350

187

254

« Partly by wading same section.
102 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Contoocook River at West Hopkinton, N. H., for 1905.

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.

-

8.3

in 9

11.0

11.5

10 9

Apr.

9.3

7.7

6.7

6.15

5.8

6.3

6.7

6.3

5.65-

5.3

5.5

f» Q

5.9

5.5

5.25

5.0

4.7

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.05

3.9

3.9

3.8

3 7

3.6

3.6

May.

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.6

3.8

3.7

3.6

3.5

3.4

3.3

3.25

3.25

3.2

3.15

3.1

3.35

3.8

3.8

3.7

3.5

3.3

3.25

3.2

3.15

3.1

3 ft

3.0

2 9

2

0

June.

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.65

2.8

2.95

2.95

3.0

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.85

2.8

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8

3.0

3.6

4.15

3.8

3.3

<* in

Q OK

3.45

3.25

3.15

July.

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.7

2.65

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.5

2,55

2.45

2.55

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.35

2.4

2.45

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.45

2.85

Aug.

3.4

3.15

3.0

2 85

2.7

2.6

2.75

2.85

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.75

3.05

3.15

3.1

3.15

3.25

3.45

3.2

3.0

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.6

2.55

2.6

 7 65

2.6

2.6

Sept.

2.6

2.7

3.0

5.05

5.3

5.0

4.25

3.65

3.35

3.15

2.9

3.2

3.95

4.1

3.75

3.4

3.3

3.45

5.5

5.1

4.6

4.3

3.95

3.65

3.45

3.3

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

Oct.

2.9

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.45

2.6

2.8

3.05

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.75

2.7

2.85

2.95

3.1

3.0

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.65

2.6

Nov.

o i2.6

2.7

2.85

2.9

3.0

3.25

3.7

3.55

3.3

3.2

3.05

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.7"

2.7

2.6

2.7

2.65

2.65

2.6

2.65

2.8

3.3

Dec.

3.3

3.4

4.0

5.55

5.4

4.4

3.8

3.75

3.7

3.6

3.75

3.9

3.75

3.85

4.2

4.5

4.4

4.15

3.95

3.65

3.7

3.7

 3.75

3.8

3.85

3.6

3.4

3.4

3.25

3.65

3.7

NOTE. Ice January 1 to April 1 and December 11-31.

March 27, back water from ice jam below bridge. April 1, river clear of ice. Anchor ice in river 

December 11-17 and probably more or less after that time.

Station rating table for Contoocook River at West Hopkinton, N. H., from January 1 to

December 3t, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

165

185

209

237

270

308

352

402

457

517

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

582

651

724

801.

882

967

1,056

1,150

1,250

1,355

Gage 

height.

 Feet.

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,465

1,575

1,690

1,805

1,925

2,045

2,165

2,290

2,420

2,550

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,685

2,820

2,960

3,100

3,245

3,395

3,550

3,710

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 10 discharge 

measurements made during 1905. It is well defined between gage heights 2.4 feet and 9 feet. Above 

gage height 6 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 164 per tenth.
MEEEIMAC EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 108

Estimated monthly discharge of Contoocook River at West Hopkinton, N. H., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 410 square miles.]

Month.

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

9, 122 

967 

1,302 

352 

688 

2,960 

457 

882

Minimum.

801 

308 

254 

175 

223 

237 

197 

237

Mean.

2,711 

624 

442 

240 

357 

1,043 

303 

361

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

6.61 

1.52 

1.08 

.585 

.871 

2.54 

.739 

.880.

Depth in 

inches.

7.38 

1.75 

1.20 

.674 

1.00 

2.83 

 .852 

.982

SUNCOOK RIVER AT EAST PEMBROKE, N. H.

Suncook River enters the Merrimac about 6 miles below Concord and is about 27 

. miles long. It has a total drainage area of about 270 square miles. The drainage 

basin is hilly and broken. Bed and banks are apt to be rocky. This river has a 

large fall, a considerable part of which has been developed.

A temporary gaging station was established at East Pembroke November 3, 1904, 

by H. K. Barrows. This was discontinued June 30, 1905. The drainage area at 

this point is about 250 square miles. A wooden staff gage, which was read twice 

each day by George P. Cass, was fastened to the abutment of the highway bridge 

over the canal channel to a mill near this point, which was recently destroyed by 

fire. It is near the Allenstown station, on the Boston and Maine Railroad. When 

the gaging station was first established and for some little time afterwards all of the 

water, except a slight amount which leaked through the dam, was flowing through 

this canal channel. During the high water which occurred about March 26, 1905, a 

portion of the dam was carried away, so that after this date a considerable part of the 

flow passed through the channel in which the dam was located. Current-meter 

measurements made before March 26 will not apply in considering data subsequent 

to that time.

Discharge measurements of Suncook River at East Pembroke, N. H., in 1904 and 1905.

Date.

1904. 

November 3 a.. 

December 21 &..

1905. 

March 20 ......

April4d. ......

Hydrographer.

H. K. Barrows ......................

F E Pressey

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

40 

25

60

121

* 121

113

Area of 

section.

 ftq.feet. 

61 

34

102

480

525

193

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.77 

1.41

2.74

3.73

3.87

1.56

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.68 

1.26

2.54

4.63

4.95

1.97

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

108 

48

280

1,790

2,030

302

a Includes 3 second-feet in right channel.

b No flow in right channel.

cIncludes 30 second-feet (estimated) in right channel.

d Includes 700 second-feet (estimated) in right channel.

e Includes 851 second-feet in right channel.

/Includes 74 second-feet in right channel.
104 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Daily gage height, in feet, ofSuncook River at East Pembroke, N. H.,for 1904 and 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12

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

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

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

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

VJ.... ....... ........................

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

19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19C

Nov.

1.7

1.8

1.8

1.7

.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.3

1.2

1.95

1.9

1.85

1.75

1.25

1.3

1.8

1.65

1.9

1.65

1.7

1.55

1 *J\

1.8

1.85

4.

Dec.

1.8

1.8

1.85

1.65

1.6

1.85

1.8

1.8

1.5

1.45

1.15

1.35

1 s

1.4

1.4

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.7

1.75

1.6

Jan.

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.75

2.7

3.0

2.85

2.75

2.55

2.55

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.15

1.9

1 45

1.45

1.4

1.65

1.95

1 95

1.3

1.3

Feb.

1.5

1.8

1.5

1.5

1.35

1.45

1.45

1.55

1.55

1.45

1.4

1.45

1.45

1.35

1.35

1.4

1.25

1.25

1.15

1.15

1.05

1.05

1.0

1.15

19i

Mar.

1.15

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.15

1.15

1.25

1.25

1.15

1.15

1.25

1.25

1.35

1.4

2.6

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.6

2.9

6.15

6.75

7.1

7.2

7.05

35.

Apr.

6.65

5.3

4.75

4.65

5.4

5.15

4.7

3.8

4.0

4.25

4.05

3.7

3.46

3.0

2.75

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.65

2.6

2.4

2.35

2.15

2.1

May.

2.3

2.0

1.95

1.95

2.05

2.0

2.05

1.9

1.8

1.8

1.8

1,75

1.3

2.95

3.0

2.6

2.55

2.05

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.1

1.95

1.95

1.15

1.5

1.55

June.

1.75

1.65

1.9

1.2

1.75

1.95

2.05

1.8

1.75

1.05

1.8

1.85

1.7

1.65

1.55

1.8

2.45

2.05

3.15

2.85

2.4

2.0

3.15

2.7

2.25

1.95

NOTE. Water below gage December 22-27, 1904; reading December 27 taken in the afternoon. 

After March 26, 1905, conditions changed, owing to a portion of the dam in the right channel being 

carried away. Station discontinued June 30, 1905.

SUDBTJBY RIVER AT FRAMINGHAM AND LAKE COCIIITUATE AT 

COCH1TUATE, MASS.

Sudbury River, a small stream, of eastern Massachusetts, receives water from an 

area west of Framingham. It flows thence in a northerly course through meadows 

and swarnps and joins Assabet River to form Concord River, which in turn continues 

northward, entering Merrimac River immediately below the city of Lowell. Storage 

reservoirs have been constructed by the city' of Boston and the Metropolitan Water 

and Sewerage Board, controlling the greater part of the flow from this basin.

Lake Cochituate drains into Sudbury*River a short distance below Framingham. 

It is controlled as a storage reservoir by the metropolitan waterworks.

Sudbury River and Lake Cochituate have been studied by the engineers of the city 

of Boston, the State board of health of Massachusetts, and the Metropolitan Water 

and Sewerage Board, and records of rainfall in the Sudbury basin have been kept 

since 1875 and in the Cochituate basin since 1852, but the latter are considered of 

doubtful accuracy previous to 1872.
MERKIMAC EIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 105

The accompanying tables, furnished by Frederic P. Stearns, give the results for 

1905, also the averages for thirty-one years for Sudbury River and for forty-three 

years for Lake Cochituate:

Information in regard to this basin is contained in the following publications of the 

United States Geological Survey. (Ann=Annual Report; WS=Water-Supply Paper; 

Bull=Bulletin.)

STJDBURY EIVER.

Description: Ann 20, iv, pp 74-75; WS 47, p 33. 

Discharge, weekly: Bull 140, pp 36-37. 

Discharge, monthly: WS 35, p 37. 

Discharge, yearly: Ann 20, iv, p 46.

SUDBTJRY RIVER NEAR FRAMINGHAM.

Description: WS 82, p 52; 97, p 76; 124, p 105. 

Discharge, monthly: WS 82, p 53; 97, p 77; 124, p 106. 

Rainfall data: WS 82, p 52; 97, p 77.

SUDBURY RIVEE BASIN.

Description: Ann 21, iv, p 61; Bull 140, pp 35-36; WS 65, p 26.

Discharge: WS 47, p 34.

Discharge, monthly: Ann 20, iv, p 75; WS 35, p 37; WS 65, p 26; 82, pp 50-51.

Discharge, monthly and yearly: Ann 20, iv, p 75.

Map: Anil 21, iv, p 61.

Rainfall data: WS 65, p 26.

LAKE COCHITUATE.

Description: WS 35, pp 37-38; 47 p 33. 

Discharge, monthly: WS 35, pp 37,38.

LAKE COCHITUATE NEAR COCHITUATE.

Description: WS 82, p 52; 97, p 76; 124, p 105. 

Discharge: WS 82, p 54.

Discharge, monthly: WS 82, p 54; 97, p 78; 124, p 107. 

Rainfall data: WS 82, p 54; 97, p 7K; 124, p 107.

LAKE COCHITUATE WATERSHED.

Description: WS 65, p 26.

Discharge: WS 47, p 34.

Discharge, monthly: WS 65, p 26; 82, pp 50-51.

Rainfall data: WS 65, p 26.
106 STBEAM MEASUBEMENTS IN 1905, PABT I.

Yield and rainfall in Sudbury River watershed at Framingham, Mass. 

[Drainage area, 75.2 square miles.]

Month.

1905.

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

ATmr

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

October

1875-1905.

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

July--.- ........................

Total yield, 

in million 

gallons.

3, 288. 0 

694.2 

5, 822. 1 

3, 707. 4 

693.4 

1,054.0 

413.6 

266.6 

2, 811. 6 

369.0 

. 629.0 

2, 068. 8

21, 817. 7

88, 385. 2 

119,212.5 

214, 677. 9 

146, 900. 8 

80, 518. 0 

36, 381. 4 

13, 926. 9 

20, 605. 6 

18, 927. 8 

35, 762. 9 

59, 406. 4 

77, 764. 9

912, 470. 3

Average yield of 1 

square mile.

Million gallons per 

day.

1.410 

.330 

2.497 

1.643 

.297 

.467 

.177 

.114 

1.246 

.158 

. 279 

.887

.795

1.223 

1.812 

2.971 

2.100 

1.114 

.520 

.193 

.285 

.271 

.495 

.849 

1.076

1.072

Secondfeet.

2.182 

.510 

3.864 

2.543 

.460 

.723 

.275 

.177 

1.928 

.245 

.431 

1.373

1.230

1.892 

2.803 

4. 596 

3.249 

1.724 

.805 

.298 

.441 

.419 

.766 

1.314 

1.665

1. 658

Rainfall in 

inches."

5.26 

2.20 

3.15 

2.72 

1.31 

5.00 

5.47 

2.70 

6.88 

1.54 

2.07 

4.01

42.31

4.24 

4.27 

4.55 

3.58 

3.28 

3.15 

3.73 

4.01 

3.43 

4.14 

3.89 

3.82

46.09

Rainfall 

collected, 

in inches.a

2.516 

.531 

4.456 

2.837 

.530 

.806 

.316 

.204 

2.152 

.282 

.481 

1.583

16. 694

2.182 

2.942 

5.299 

3.626 

1.987 

.898 

.344 

.509 

.467 

.883 

1.466 

1.920

22. 523

Per cent 

collected.

47.8 

24.2 

141.5 

104.2 

40.4 

16.1 

5.8 

7.6 

31.3 

18.3 

23.3 

39.5

39.5

51.5 

68.9 

116.6 

101.3 

60.6 

28.5 

9.2 

12.7 

13.6 

21.3 

37.6 

50.2

48.9

a Total for month for 1905; average of totals per calendar month, 1875 to 1905.
MERRIMAO RIVER DRAINAGE BA8IN. 107

Yield and rainfall in Cochituate Lake watershed at Cochituate, Mass. 

[Drainage area, 18.87 square miles.]

Month.

1905.

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

1863-1905.

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

Total yield, 

in million 

gallons.

689.6 

144.1 

1,182.1 

755.2 

200.6 

235.4 

68.0 

216.0 

602.7 

258.9 

321.2 

528.4

5, 202. 2

28,311.6 

36,072.0 

56,066.2 

42, 068. 0 

24, 696. 5 

11,360.2 

7, 397. 6 

10,685.7 

10,634.6 

14,557.2 

19,806.4 

24,180.2

285,830.2

Average yield of 1 

square mile.

Million gallons per 

day.

1.179 

.273 

2.021 

1.334 

.343 

.416 

.116 

.369 

1.065 

.443 

.567 

.903

.755

1.126 

1.575 

2.228 

1.728 

.982 

.467 

.294 

.425 

.437 

.579 

.814 

.961

.965

Secondfeet.

1.824 

.422 

3.127 

2.064 

.531 

.643 

.180 

.571 

1.647 

.685 

.878 

1.398

1.169

1.741 

2.436 

3.448 

2.674 

1.519 

.722 

.455 

.657 

.676 

.895 

1.259 

1.487

1.492

Rainfall in 

inehes.t

5.40 

2.00 

3.28 

2.87 

1.57 

5.46 

3.24 

2.89 

7.00 

1.35 

2.07 

4.07

41.20

3.97 

3.98 

4.42 

3.68 

3.68 

3.07 

4.11 

4.37 

3.59 

4.33 

4.12 

3.56

46.87

Rainfall 

collected in 

inches.a

2.10 

.44 

3.60 

2.30 

.61 

.72 

.21 

.66 

1.84 

.79 

.98 

1.61

15.86

2.01 

2.56 

3.98 

2.98 

1.75 

.81 

.53 

.76 

.75 

1.03 

1.40 

1.71

20.27

Per cent 

collected.

38.9 

22.. 0 

109.9 

80.2 

39.0 

13.2 

6.4 

22.8 

26.3 

58.5 

47. S 

39.6

38.5

50.5 

64.2 

89.9 

 81.1 

47.6 

26.3 

12.8 

17.3 

21.0 

23.8 

34.1 

48.2

43.2

a Total per month for 1905; average of totals per calendar month 1863 to 1905.
108 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

SOUTH BRANCH NASHUA RIVER AT CLINTON, MASS.

Since July, 1896, the flow of South Branch of Nashua River has been measured at 

Clinton by the engineers of the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board. The results 

of these measurements have been furnished by Frederic P. Stearns, chief engineer. 

A large storage reservoir has been constructed at Clinton, Mass. Water was stored 

to an appreciable extent in this reservoir during 1903. Beginning with 1897 the flow 

has been corrected for loss and gain of storage in ponds and mill reservoirs on the 

watershed, so that the results show the natural flow of the stream. The accompanying tables give the results for 1905, also the average for the years 1897-1905. 

inclusive.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 65, pp 22-24; 82, pp 54-55; 97, pp 78-79; 124, p 108. 

Discharge, monthly: 65, pp 24-25; 82, p 55; 97, p 79; 124, pp 108-109. 

Rainfall data: 65, pp 24-25; 82, p 55; 97, p 79; 124, p 108.

Yield and rainfall in South Branch, Nashau River watershed, at Clinton, Mass. 

[Drainage area, 119 square miles.]

Month.

1905.

Julv. ...........................

1897-1905.

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

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

Total yield 

in million 

gallons.

4, 669. 6 

1, 507. 2

11, 081. 1 

5, 774. 1 

1, 641. 3 

1, 933. 8 

1, 347. 2 

1,184.5 

4, 383. 5 

1, 352. 6 

1, 579. 0 

3, 754. 5

40,208.4

39, 223. 7 

43, 361. 1 

105, 107. 7 

80, 680. 5 

40, 833. 1 

28,481.3 

16, 972. 4 

17, 013. 4 

14, 601. 5 

19,477.2 

26, 160. 8 

50, 752. 5

482, 665. 2

Average yield of 1 

square mile.

Million gallons per 

day.

1.266 

.452 

3.004 

1.617 

.445 

.542 

.365 

 .321 

1.228 

.367 

.442 

1.018

.926

1.181 

1.440 

3.165 

2.511 

1.230 

.887 

.511 

.612 

.454 

.587 

.814 

1.529

1.234

Secondfeet.

1.959 

.700 

4.648 

2.502 

.688 

.838 

.565 

.497 

1.900 

.567 

.684 

1.575

1.432

1.827 

2.228 

4.897 

3.885 

1.902 

1.372 

.791 

.793 

.703 

.907 

1.260 

2.365

1.910

Rainfall in 

inches, a

6.10 

1.72 

3.95 

2.60 

.83 

4.88 

5.39 

3.09 

6.-90 

1.81 

2.52 

3.79

43.58

3.89 

3.87 

4.92 

4.29 

3.16 

4.45 

4.54 

4.40 

3.90 

3.54 

3.63 

4.76

49.35

Rainfall 

collected in 

inches. «

2.258 

.729 

5.358 

2.792 

.794 

.935 

.051 

.573 

2.119 

.654 

.763 

1.816

19. 442

2.107 

2.330 

5.647 

4.335 

2.194 

1.530 

.912 

'.914 

.785 

1.046 

1.406 

2.727

25. 933

Per cent 

collected.

37.0 

42.3 

135.7 

107.6 

99.2 

19.2 

12.1 

18.5 

30.7 

36.0 

30.4 

47.9

44.6

54.1 

60.2 

114.9 

101.1 

69.6 

34.4 

20.1 

20.8 

20.1 

29.6 

38.7 

57.4

52.6

a Total per month for 1905; average of totals per calendar month 1897 to 1905.
STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I. 109

BLACKSTONE RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION OF BASIN.

Blackstone River rises in Worcester County, near the city of Worcester, Mass., 

flowing in a southeasterly course and emptying into Providence River at Providence, 

below Pawtucket, R. I., where it is generally known as Seekonk River. It has 

always been important as a water-power stream, and has been very fully developed 

in this way. There are no large lakes in the basin, but numerous small ponds and 

reservoirs are used for storage and the flow of the river is fairly constant. It has 

numerous tributaries, all of which, though small, are utilized for power purposes.

BLACKSTONE RIVER NEAR WOONSOCKET, R. I.

This station was established April 5, 1904, by N. C. Grover. It is located at River 

Street Bridge, about midway between the railway station at Woonsocket, R. I., and 

that at Blackstone, Mass., being 1J miles from either of these two points. It is 

about 1 mile below the dam at Blackstone and three-fourths of a mile above the 

dam at Woonsocket. The drainage area at this point is 360 square miles.

The channel is straight for about 500 feet above and 800 feet below the station. 

The banks are high, rocky, and clean, and are not subject to overflow. The bed of 

the stream is of rock, gravel, and sand, and free from vegetation. The velocity is 

medium but well sustained during low water. During 1905 it has been found that 

this station is considerably influenced by backwater effect from the dam at Woonsocket, and consequently that gage readings probably do not give a true index of the 

flow during medium and low stages.

Discharge measurements are made from the two-span bridge. The initial point 

for soundings is the face of the right abutment on the downstream side.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by Gerald Fitzgerald, is 

attached to the upstream side of the steel highway bridge. The length of the chain 

is 22.57 feet. The gage is referred to bench marks, as follows: (1) On the corner of 

the upstream face of the right abutment; elevation, 18.23 feet. (2) A marked point 

on the bridge near the gage; elevation, 20.26 feet. (3) On the upstream face of left 

abutment; elevation, 18.46 feet. Elevations refer to gage datum.

A description of this station and gage-height and discharge data are contained in 

Water-Supply Paper of the United States Geological Survey No. 124, pp. 109-110.

Discharge measurements of Blackstone River near Woonsocket, R. I., in 1905.

Date.

Mav27 ........

July26 ........

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

127

127

127

126

126

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

884

774

763

478

553

Mean 

velocity.

M.per.sec. 

2.32

3.95

1.94

.36

.66

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.91

4.13

4.08

1.86

2.49

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

2,050

1,510

1,480

174

366
110 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Dally gage height, in feet, of Blackstone River near Woonsocket, R. I., for 1905.

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..................

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

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

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

Mar.

3.7

4.8

5.8

5.7

5.0

4.2

3.9

Apr.

3.6

3.5

3.6

3.2

3.2

5.0

5.5

4.6

4.0

3.8

3.6

4.1

4.2

3.7

3.6

3.3

3.2

3.0

2.9

3.2

3.3

3.4

q 9

3.2

q n

3.1

2 9

2.8

2.7

2.8

May.

2.6

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.8

2.7

2.9

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6

2

K

2.6

June.

2.2

2.0

2.4

2.6

2.4

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.8

2

C

2.4

2.9

2.6

2.5

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.8

2 9

3

-1

2 9

2.8

2.6

2.8

2.6

2.4

July.

2.1

al.8

al.9

 2.2

2.3

2.2

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.1

2.0

2.0

2.4

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.2

2.2

2 4

2 2

n 1 Q

2.1

2.0

2.2

1.6

2.4

Aug.

2.2

al.8

2.2

2.2

2.2

al.8

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.0

2.1

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.2

al.8

2.2

9 ^

2.2

2.2

Sept.

2.2

2.4

2.4

3.6

4.0

3.6

3.2

2.8

3.0

2.7

2.8

2.4

2.8

2.6

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.8'

2.6

2.4

2.6

2.4

2.6

2.4

2 4

Oct.

2.4

2.4

2.6

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.2

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

Nov.

2.3

2.3

2.2

1.9

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.0

2.0

2.6

0 l

2.0

2.0

2.0

2.3

2.2

2.4

2.2

1.8

2.1

2.1

2.3

2.2

2.4

Dec.

2.5

2.2

2.6

2.8

2.8

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.3

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.4

2.2

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2 4

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.6

3.0

3.5

3.1

a Gage heights not true indications of flow, as water was drawn down at dam, one-half mile below.

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 22. Gage heights are affected by backwater from Woonsocket dam and are unreliable".

THAMES RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN.

DESCRIPTION OF BASIX.

Thames River drains the eastern part of Connecticut and small portions of Rhode 

Island and Massachusetts. The country thus included is hilly and contains many 

natural lakes and ponds, which have been improved for reservoir purposes. This ia 

a great manufacturing section, being especially noted for its cotton and woolen 

industries, and there are many important water-power privileges, both developed 

and undeveloped.

The Thames is formed at Norwich, Conn., by the union of Shetucket and Yantic 

rivers, and at a distance of about 4J miles from New London enters Long Island 

Sound. It is a tidal stream below Norwich. A few miles above Norwich Quinnebaug River enters the Shetucket from the east. This stream is the most important 

tributary of the Shetucket as regards size, storage facilities, etc. It rises in the town 

of Erimfield, in the southern part of Massachusetts, and has a total length of about 

60 miles. At Willimantic the Shetucket divides into Willimantic and Nachaug 

rivers, which are, especially the former, important water-power streams.
THAMES RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. Ill

The drainage areas of the Thames and its principal tributaries are given in the 

following table:

Drainage areas of Thames River and principal tributaries.

River.

Db .................

Do.................

Locality.

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

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

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

Area.

Sq. miles. 

1,300

1,400

223

169

688

1,200

396

98

SIIETTTCKET RIVER NEAR WILL1MANTIC, COISHST.

This station was established April 4, 1904, by N. C. Grover. It is located at the 

highway bridge (locally known as Bingham Bridge) about 1 mile below Willimantic 

and 1 mile below the junction of Willimantic and Nachaug rivers.

The channel is straight for about 800 feet above and below the station, and there 

are two channels at all stages. The banks are high, rocky, and clean, and not subject to overflow. The bed of the stream is of rock and permanent. The current is 

swift at high stages, but medium and rather poorly distributed at low water. Owing 

to pondage at the Willimantic dam it is difficult to obtain gage readings which correctly represent the daily flow at this point.

Discharge measurements are made from the two-span steel bridge, total length 200 

feet. The initial point for soundings is the extreme outer edge of the end column of 

the downstream truss at the left bank.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by David Martin, is attached 

to the downstream side of the bridge near the center of the left span. The length of 

the chain is 22.49 feet. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Marked 

point on bridge near the gage scale; elevation, 21.46 feet when established, but 

changed to 21.39 feet September 6, 1905. (2) Top of left abutment on the downstream corner; elevation, 21.76 feet. (3) Top of face of right abutment on the downstream corner; elevation, 21.19 feet. (4) Top of downstream point of the pier; 

elevation, 19.77 feet. All elevations refer to gage datum.

A description of this station and gage height and discharge data are contained in 

Water-Supply Paper of the United States Geological Survey No. 124, pages 112-113.

Discharge measurements of Shetucket River near Willimantic, Conn., in 1905.

Date.

March 29 ......

March 31 ......

April 7. ........

May 16.........

Jnly2H.........

July 28.........

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

154

154

154

143

135

131

124

135

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

896

746

917

519

405

364

296

563

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per.sec. 

3.19

2.60

3.32

1.58

1.08

.87

.45

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.10

5.16

6.33

3.62

2.85

2.51

2.01

4.15

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

2,860

1,940

3,050

822

316

1,100
112 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Slietucket River near Willimantic, Conn., for 1905.

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.

.......

Feb. Mar.

Q 0

2.8

2.4

2.7

q o

3 A

3.6

5.4

5.6

5.0

4.4

4.0

3.8 

4.2 

4.0 

4.3

K Q

6.8

5.1 

6 9

7.1 

7.0 

6.8 

7.0 

6.5 

5.4

Apr.

4.2

4.1

7.4

5.0

5.2

4.2

3.8 

3.0 

3.5

3.4

3.4

4.0

3.8

3.6 

3.4

3.0 

3.2 

3.4 

3.1 

3.2

May.

3.2

3.0

2.8

3.0

0 Q

2.8

2.9

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

3.0

2.6

3.4 

3.0 

3.0 

2.9

3 0

2.8

2 9

3.0

2.9 

2.5

2.4 

2.8 

2.4

2

0

June.

2.4

1.8

1.6

2.9

3.1

3.2

2.6

3.1

3.0

3.2

3.9 

3.5 

3.1 

3.2

3

1

4.7 

4.4

3.3 

3.2

3.1 

2.8 

3.0 

2.9 

2.6

July.

-------

Aug.

-------

Sept. Oct. Nov.

2.5

2.3

2.5

2.4

2.2

3.1

2.5

2.5

3.0

2.7

2.5

2.7

3.0

2.8

2.6 

2.6 

2.7 

3.1

2.7

2.6 

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.8 

3.0

2.5 

2.5 

2.5 

2.6 

2.7

Dec.

3.1

3.1

3.4

6.2

5.1

4.3

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.1

3.3

3.3

3.2 

3.3 

3.2 

3.3

3.3

3.2 

3.4

3.8

4.0

4.3 

3.8

3.4 

3.4 

3.5 

3.7

5.1 

4.2

NOTE. No gage heights during frozen season. Gage heights omitted from July 1 to October 31, 

inclusive, not being well determined.

Station rating table for Shetucket River near Willimantic, Conn., from April 4, 1904, to

December 31, 1905.

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

310

345

385

425

465

510

555

603

654

706

758

814

Gage 

height.

feet.

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

Discharge.

Second-feet.

870

930

990

1,055

1,120

1,190

1,260

1,330

1,405

1,480

1,560

1,640

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, 720

1,805

1,890

1,980

2, 070

2,160

2,255

2,350

2,445

2,540

2, 635

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

Discharge.

Second-feet. 

2,730 

2,830 

2,930 

3,030 

3,130 

3,230 

3,335 

3,440 

3,545 

3,650 

3,755

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 18 discharge 

measurements made during 1904-5. It is well denned between gage heights 2.5 feet and 6.5 feet. 

Estimates below gage height 2.5 feet are somewhat uncertain.
THAMES KIVEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 113

Estimated monthly discharge of Shetucket River near Willimantic, Conn., for 1904-5. 

[Drainage area, 396 square miles. 1

Month.

1904. 

April 4-30. ...................................

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

August ................... ^..................

1905.

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

4,420 

2,350 

555 

345 

930 

2,930 

930 

990 

3,755

3,865 

4,195 

706 

1,560 

555 

2,930

Minimum.

758 

385 

84 

84 

126 

66 

207 

150 

126

275 

510 

276 

66 

207 

655

Mean.

1,784 

920 

326 

221 

373 

428 

396 

381 

831

1,937 

1,254 

455 

565 

364 

902

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

4.60 

2.32 

.823 

.558 

.942 

1.08 

1.00 

.962 

2.10

4.89 

8.17 

1.15 

1.43 

.919 

2.28

Depth in 

inches.

4.51 

2.68 

.918 

.643 

1.09 

].20 

1.15 

1.07 

1.64

5.64 

3.54 

1.33 

1.60 

1.03 

2.63

NOTE. River frozen December 18-27, 1904.

CONNECTICUT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION OF BASIN.

Connecticut Eiver has its source in Connecticut Lake in northern New Hampshire. 

Its extreme headwaters, however, lie in the Province of Quebec and in the mountains on the northern boundary of New Hampshire; thence the river flows in a 

southerly direction between New Hampshire and Vermont and through Massachusetts and Connecticut into Long Island Sound; The total drainage area is 11,085 

square miles, of which 155 square miles lie in the Province of Quebec. Its total 

length from Connecticut Lake to Long Island Sound is 345 miles. On its banks are 

many cities and towns of importance. It is in general closely followed by one or 

more railroad lines. Water power is used at several points, notably at Windsor 

Locks, Conn.; Holyoke and Turners Falls, Mass.; and Bellows Falls and Wilder, 

Vt. The valley of Connecticut Eiver proper is very generally in farm lands. Many 

of its tributary basins, however, especially in the northern portions, are heavily 

wooded,

IRB 165 06 8
114 STEEAM MEASTJBEMENTS IN 1905, PAET I.

The drainage areas of the river and of several of its tributaries are given in the 

following table:

Drainage areas of Connecticut River and tributaries.

-' 

River.

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Do.................

Little..................

Do.................

White .................

Deerfield ..............

Do.................

Ware..................

Do .................

Do.................

Do......... .......

Swift..................

Do........... .....

Westfleld. .............

Do.................

Westfleld Little........

Do.................

Do.................

Locality.

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

Area.

Sq. miles. 

155

3,305

7,700

10,235

11,085

8.7

21.2

34

14

11

12

680

385

667

550

730

223

160

162

213

144

218

188

518

331

83.6

43.2

152

115
CONNECTICUT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 115

CONNECTICUT RIVER NEAR ORFORD, N. H.

This station was established August 6, 1900, by E. G.. Paul. It is located at the 

wooden highway bridge between Orford, N. H., and Fairlee, Vt., and is about 75 

miles from the source of the stream.

The channel is straight for at least 1,000 feet above and below the station, is about 

275 feet wide at ordinary stages of the river, and is broken by one pier. The bed is 

of gravel and permanent, while the current is strong.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge.

A standard chain gage, which is read once each day by Frank H. Gardner, is 

attached to the inside timbers of the upper side of the bridge, 125 feet from the left 

abutment. The length of the chain is 42.95 feet. The gage is referred to bench 

marks as follows: (1) Top of downstream corner of right abutment at face; elevation, 

30.34 feet. (2) Chisel draft marked "B. M." in base of downstream corner of left 

abutment at face; elevation, 30.04 feet. (3) Nail in root of elm tree on Orford side, 

28.4 feet from southwest corner of bridge and 11.6 feet from produced line of downstream side of bridge; elevation, 39.06 feet. Elevations are above datum of the gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 47, p 34; 65, p 29; 82, p 46; 97, p 81; 124, p 115. 

Discharge: 65, p 29; 82, p 47; 97, p 81;.124, p 116. 

Discharge, monthly: 75, p 23; 82, p 48; 97, p 84; 124, p 119. 

Gage heights: 47, p 34; 65, p 30; 82, p 47; 97, p 82; 124, p 117. 

Rating tables: 65, p 318; 97, pp 82-84; 124, pp 118-119.

Discharge measurements of Connecticut River, near Orford, N. H., in 1905.

Date.

February 28 a. .

April 6. ........

August 30. .....

Hydrographer.

T. W. Norcross ...................... 

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

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

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

T. W. Norcross ......................

Width.

Feet. 

235 

235

235

313

313

282

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

775 

794

7Q4

3,650

3,590

1,770

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.persec. 

0.88 

.96

.93

3.04

1.68

Gagre 

height.

Feet. 

4.07 

4.26

4.25

11.90

11.70

5.62

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

686 

766

739

11,500

10,900

2,980

«Gage height to top of ice, 4.22 feet. Ice, 2.05 feet thick at gage. Average distance from bottom of 

ice to water surface, 1.77 feet. Average thickness of ice, 2.01 feet.

6 Gage height to top of ice, 4.40 feet. Ice, 2.1 feet thick at gage. Average distance from bottom of 

ice to water surface, 1.86 feet. Average thickness of ice, 2.09 feet.

c Gage height to top of ice, 4.40 feet. Ice, 2.1 feet thick at gage.
116 STKEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PAET I.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Connecticut River near Orford, N. H., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

4.1

3.9

4.7

.......

4.4

4.3

Feb.

4.2

4.5

4.4

Mar.

4.2

4.3

6.4

7.6 

8.1

9.9

19.0

22.4

24.8

24.8

24.0

Apr.

22.0

18.4

14.2

11.8

13.2

13.0

12.4

11.0

11.3

12 7

12.6 

11.6

10.6 

9.6

9.1

11.8

14.2

13.4

12.0

10.9

11.5

12.2

12.8

May.

12.5

10 9

11.2

12.4

12.8

13.0

12.8

12.3

11.2

n

o

9 7

9.5

9.2 

9 0

9.2 

9.1

9.0

9.0 

8.9

8.0

7.4 

7.1

8.7

9.1

8.4

7.1

June.

6.9

6.7

6.3

6.5

6.6

7.6

7.0

6.8

6.2

5.8

5.4

8.1

7.4 

7.0

5.7 

5.8

6.1

5.9

5.9

5.5 

5.1

5.9

9.2

9.4

8.2

July.

8.7

9.1

11.4

15.5

14.2

11.1

7.2

6.4

6.0

5.8

5.5

5.2

5.3

5.2

5.0

5.1 

5.2

5.1 

5.1

6.4

6.5 

6.1

5.0

4.6

4.3

3 9

3.8

3.7

6.0

Aug.

6.2

7.4

9.3

7.7

6.8

5.6

5.1

5.1

5.6

5.9

5.1

5

0

4.9

5.0

5.1

5.9

8.4 

7.5

6.4

5.6 

5.1

4.8

4.4

3.9 

3.6

3.6

4.6

6.2

5.9

6.9

Sept.

8.8

7.8

6.6

8.7

9.6

9.2

8.4

7.8

7.1

6.5

5.8

5

C

5.7

5.6

<\ <l

5.1 

5.0

6.6

11.4

11.4 

11.0

9.8

8.4

8.0

6.9

6.5

6.2

6.0

Oct.

5.8

5.7

5.4

5.4

5.2

5.1

5.0

4.8

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.5

5.4

5.7

5.7

5.5 

5.2

4.9 

4.9

5.0

5.3 

5.6

5.5

5.6

5.4 

5.0

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.2

Nov.

4.4

4.5

4.4

4.5

4.7

5.6

6.1

6.5

6.3

6.2

6.0

5 Q

5.6

5.6

5.5

5.3 

5.5

5.6 

5.4

5.5

5.6 

5.7

5.9

5.3

4.9 

5.1

5.4

5.5

6.2

8.1

Dec.

9.0

10.1

10.9

11.4

12.0

11.2

11.0

10.8

10.2

8.4

7.8

6.6

6.5

6.4

6.4

6.4 

6.6

6.1 

5.6

5.8

6.1 

6.6

7.0

7.1

7.0 

7.0

6.9

6.8

7.0

7.1

8.4

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 25 and November 30 to December 5. During frozen season gage heights were read to the surface of the water in a hole cut in the ice, except March 19-25, 

 when readings were taken to top of ice. The following comparative readings were taken:

Date. Water 

surface.

Feet. 

4.1

3.9

4.7

4.4

4.3

4.2

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

4.2

4.0

4.8

4.6

4.5

4.4

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

1.3

1.5

1 X:

1.6

1.7

2.1

Date.

March 19-25.......

Water 

surface.

Feet. 

4.5

4.4

4.3

4.2

4.3

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

4.5

4.5

4.6

4.4

4.4

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

2.1

1.9

2.2

2.2

2.1

1.6

March 26, river clear of ice. November 30, river frozen over; ice 0.1 foot thick. December 5, river 

clear of ice.
CONNECTICUT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 117

Station rating tnl>l? for Connecticut River near Orford, N. H.,from March 29 to 

November 16', 1904, and from March 26 to November 30, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.00

2.10

2. 20

2.30

2.40

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

640

680

725

770

815

860

905

950

1,000

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

1, 050 , 4. 70

1, 100 4. 80

1, 160 4. 90

1,220

1,280

1,340

1,400

1,460

1,530

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,600

1,670

1,740

1,810

1,880

1,950

2,030

2,110

2,190

2,270

2,350

2,430

2, 520

2,610

2,700

2,790

5.40 2,880

5.50 2,970

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

8.40

8.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,070

3,170

3,270

3,370

3,470

3,680

3,900

4,120

4,340

4,560

4,780

5,000

5,220

5,440

5,660

5,900

6,140

6,380

Gage 

height.

Feet.

8.80

9.00

9.20

9.40

9.60

9.80

10.00

10.20

10.40

10.60

10.80

11.00

11.20

11.40

11.60

11.80

12.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

6,640

6,900

7,160

7,420

7,690

7,970

8,250

8,530

8,810

9,100

9,400

9,700

10,000

10,300

10,600

10,900

11,200

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on discharge 

measurements made during 1900-1905. It is well defined between gage heights 2 feet and 12 feet. 

Above gage height 12 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 157 per tenth. Two 

estimated and one measured discharges are used as the basis for extending the curve above gage 

height 12 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Connecticut River near Orford, N. H.,for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 3,305 square miles.]

Month.

July.......,..........."......................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

28, 470 

12, 770 

7,420 

16, 700 

7,290 

10,300 

3,270 

5,780

Minimum.

7,030 

4,120 

2,610 

1,530 

1,460 

2,520 

1,880 

2,030

Mean.

12,880 

8,340 

'4,179 

4,334 

3,426 

5,392 

2,622 

3,068

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

3.90 

2.62 

1.26 

1.81 

1.04 

1.63 

.793 

.928

Depth in 

inches.

4.35 

2.90 

1.41 

1.61 

1.20 

1.82 

.914 

1.04

a No correction made in discharge November 30 for ice conditions.
118 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

CONNECTICUT RIVER AT SUNDERLAND, MASS.

This station was established March 31, 1904, by N. C. Grover. It is located at a 

five-span steel highway bridge, with a total length of about 830 feet, at Sunderland. 

The nearest railway station is at South Deerfield. The gaging station is about 18 

miles above the dam at Holyoke and about 5 miles below that at Turners Falls.

The channel is straight for 1,000 feet above and below the station. Both banks 

are high, rocky, and wooded, and not subject to overflow. The bed of the stream is 

of gravel, clean and permanent. There are five channels at all stages. The current 

is swift at high and medium at low stages.

Discharge measurements are made from the downstream side of the bridge. The 

initial point for soundings is the face of the left abutment at the top on the downstream side.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by V. Lawer, is attached to 

the downstream side of the bridge near the left bank. The length of the chain was 

42.79 feet when established, but changed to 42.93 feet September 1, 1905, owing to 

movement of bridge. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) On the 

bottom chord of the bridge directly under the downspout of gage; elevation, 37.81 

feet; (2) corner of left bridge seat at the top of the downstream face; elevation, 

37.06 feet; (3) northwest corner of the coping of the downstream end of the pipe 

culvert, 250 feet east from the left end of the bridge; elevation, 32.91 feet. All elevations are above the datum of the gage.

A description of this station and gage-height and discharge data are contained in 

Water-Supply Paper of the United States Geological Survey No. 124, pp. 120-121.

Discharge measurements of Connecticut River at Sunderland, Mass., in 1905.

Date.

Aprils......... 

April6.. .......

Aprill4. .......

April 27. .......

May 18.. .......

Hydrographer.

T. W. Norcross ...................... 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet.

787

777

775

744

736

731

697

738

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

15, 400 

11, 600

11,100

6,970

5,510

5,410

3,390

5,620

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.persec. 

3.94 

3.84

3.75

3.27

2.92

2.72

2.14

2.77

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

20.11 

15.26

14.57

9.28

7.67

7.46

4.75

8.01

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

60, 600 

44,600

41, 600

22,800

16, 100

14,700

7,240

15,600
CONNECTICUT EIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 119

Daily gage height, in feet, of Connecticut River at Sunderland, Mass., for 1905.

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.

6.75

5.4

5.1

.......

Feb.

4.35

4.85

4.9

4.7

Mar.

4.75

19.45

22.5

22.45

25.05

26.95

Apr.

27.25

23.75

19.95

17.35

15.45

15.45

16.45 

15.05

13.35

12. 45

13.65

16.3

15.95

14.55

13.55

12.55

11.65

10.7

9.8

9.05

8.7

9.4

10.55

11.0

10.7

10.0

9.35

9.0

8.85

9.0

May.

9.3

9.35

9.1

8.85

8.6

8.75

9.0 

9.05

8.9

8.6

8.4

8.05

7.8

7.55

7.2

7.3

7.8

7.8

7.65

7.25

6.9

6.6

6.55

6.3

6.0

5.4

5.15

4.9

5.3

5.95

5.7

June.

5.3

4.9

4.55

4.35

4.3

4.6

4.7 

5.4

5.7

5.4

4.95

4.5

4.5

4.8

5.15

5.4

5.35

4.9

4.5

4.6

4.95

7.3

7.75

6.75

5.7

5.25

5.65

5.65

6.2

6.7

July.

6.35

5.6

4.8

6.9

9.3

9.2

7.9 

6.55

5.55

4.9

4.7

4.3

4.1

4.0

3.8

3.65

3.5

3.7

3.7

3.9

4.1

4.1

4.0

3.6

3.6

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.2

3.2

6.0

Aug.

10.55

9.1

7.95

7.5

6.55

5.45

4.95 

4.9

4.55

4.3

4.5

5.25

5.25

5.0

4.75

4.9

6.55

7.55

7.0

6.15

5.45

4.95

4.45

4.05

3.9

3.65

3.55

3.4

3.3

3.65

4.55

Sept.

4.7

5.85

7.7

12.4

14.55

12.7

10.8 

9.35

8.2

7.15

6.4

6.6

8.0

7.8

6.85

6.1

5.65

5.7

13.75

13.8

12.5

12.2

10.55

9.2

8.0

7.25

6.65

6.3

6.0

5.75

Oct.

5.4

5.1

5.2

5.0

4.9

4.7

4.5 

4.3

4.05

4.2

4.15

4.3

5.2

5.45

5.3

4.95

4.95

4.7

4.6

4.8

5.45

5.65

5.3

5.35

5.15

4.9

4.8

4.55

4.3

4.1

4.1

Nov.

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.4

4.7

4.9

5.55 

6.5

6.3

5.9

5.6

5.4

5.1

5.2

5.15

5.1

5.0

4.9

4.85

4.7

4.5

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.35

4.6

7.45

Dec.

7.45

6.35

6.8

13.3

11.6

9.9

8.75 

7.9

7.35

6.85

6.6

5.95

6.0

5.65

6.2

7.05

6.85

6.7

6.55

6.7

6.7

7.3

7.6

7.5

6.95

6.55

6.5

6.3

6.35

7.5

8.05

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 26. During this period gage heights were read to the surface of the water in a hole cut in the ice. The following comparative readings were taken: |

Date. Water 

surface.

Feet.

6.75

5.4

5.1

4.35

4.85

4 9

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

6.6

6.6

5.5

5.2

4.75

5.0

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

(«)

1.15

1.05-

1.4

1.55

1.65

Date.

March 11. ...............

Water 

surface.

Feet. 

4.7

4.75

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

4.8

4.85

5.45

5.5

9 75

14.75

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

1.5

1.7

( b\

(«)

« Ice broken up along banks. & Ice thimiear banks. o Ice beginning to break up. 

March 27, river clear of ice. Highest point April 1 in morning was 27.7 feet
120 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Station rating table for Connecticut River at Sunderland, Mass., from April 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

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

2,250

2,370

2,500

2,630

2,770

2,910

3,060

3,210

3,370

3,540

3, 720

3,900

4,080

4,280

4,490

4,710

4,930

5,150

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

S.90

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,380

5,610

5,840

6,070

6,300

6,530

6,760

6,990

7,220

7,460

7,700

7,940

8,180

8,420

8,660

8,910

9,160

9,410

Gage 

height.

Feet.

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

6.60

6.70

6.80

6.90

7.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

9,670

9,930

10,200

10,470

10, 750

11, 030

11,310

11,600

11, 890

12,190

12,490

12, 790

13, 100

13, 410

13, 730

14, 050

14, 370

14, 700

Gage 

height.

Feet.

7.10

7.20

7.30

7.40

7.50

7.60

7.70

7.80

7.90

8.00

8.10

S.20

8.30

8.40

8.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

15,030

15,370

15, 710

16,060

16, 410

16, 760

17, 110

17, 470

17, 830

18, 190

18, 550

18,920

19,290

19,660

20, 030

The above 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 2.3 feet and 18 feet. 

Above gage height 8.5 feet the rating curve is a tangent, the difference being 380 per tenth.

Station rating table for Connecticut River at Sunderland, Mass., from January 1 to

December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70

3.80

3.90

4.00

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

3,110

3,270

3,430

3,600

3,770

3,950

4,130

4,320

4, 520

4,720

4,920

5,130

5,340

5,550

5,770

5,990

6,210

6,440

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

6,670

6,900

7,140

7,380

7,630

7,880

8,140

8,400

8,660

8,930

9,200

9,470

9,750

10, 030

10, 310

10, 600

10, 890

11,180

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

11, 480

11,780

12, 080

12, 380

12, 690

13, 000

13, 310

13, 620

13,940

14, 260

14, 580

14, 910

15, 240

15, 570

15, 910

16, 250

16, 590

16, 930

Gage 

height.

Feet.

8.10

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

17,280

17, 630

17, 980

18, 330

18,680

19,030

19, 390

19, 750

20, 110

20, 470

20,830

21, 190

21,550

21,910

22,270

22, 630

22,990

23, 360

The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based upon 8 discharge 

measurements made during 1905. It is fairly well denned. Above gage height 9.8 feet the rating 

curve is a tangent, the difference being 370 per tenth.
CONNECTICUT ETVEE DKAINAGE BASIN. 121

Estimated monthly discharge of Connecticut River at Sunderland, Mass. , for 1904- 

[Drainage area, 7,700 square miles.]

Month.

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

69, 050 

62, 210 

18, 190 

7,820 

9,285 

20, 790 

26,490 

10, 610 

10, 200

Minimum.

22, 880 

14, 210 

4,080 

2,500 

2,310 

3,135 

8,180 

5,725 

7,700

Mean.

38,730 

31, 600 

8,102 

4,528 

5,124 

8,546 

13,400 

7,506 

8,468

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

5.03 

4.10 

1.05 

.588 

.665 

1.11 

1.74 

.975 

1.10

Depth in 

inches.

5.61 

4.73 

1.17 

.678 

.767 

1.24 

2.01 

1.09 

.409

a River frozen December 11 to 31.

Estimated monthly discharge of Connecticut River near Sunderland, Mass. , for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 7,700 square miles.]

Month.

March 27-31 .................................

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

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

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

86, 820 

87,920 

21,730 

16, 080 

21,550 

26, 140 

40,940 

9,610 

15, 080 

36, 310

Minimum.

59, 060 

19,390 

7,630 

6,210 

3,950 

4,130 

7,140 

5,660 

5,770 

9,610

Mean.

73, 240 

36,540 

15, 330 

8,852 

7,814 

9,397 

' 19,580 

7,475 

7,797 

14,960

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

9.51 

4.75 

1.99 

1.15 

1.01 

1.22 

2.54 

.971 

1.01 

1.94

Depth in 

inches.

1.77 

5.30 

2.29 

1.28 

1.16 

1.41 

2.83 

1.12 

1.13 

2.24

CONNECTICUT RIVER AT HARTFORD, CONN.

Daily readings of the height of water at Hartford have been recorded since February 8,1896, by Edwin Dwight Graves, chief engineer of the Connecticut River bridge 

and highway district, and through his courtesy have been furnished to the United 

States Geological Survey.

These heights are read on what is known as the toll-house gage, the zero of which 

is set at the low-water mark of 1801.« The highest water ever known in the river 

(29 feet 10 inches) was in May, 1854; the lowest (1J inches below zero) in 1858.

This datum was used in the various surveys of the river below Hartford in 1866-67;« 

also in the survey above Hartford in 1871-1878, & and in the survey of 1897. o It has

a See report of Theodore G. Ellis, 1867 (H. R. Ex. Doc. No. 153,40th Cong., 2d sess.). 

6 Engineers Report, 1878, pp. 348-391. 

e Engineers' Report, 1898, pp. 976-988.
122 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

again been used, 1902-1905, in a further survey by the Secretary of War to study the 

problem of river improvements above Hartford.

During low-water periods the tidal wave comes up the river to Hartford. The 

visible effect of this wave is dependent on the height of the water and the direction 

and course of the wind.

From figures given in the Eeport of the Chief of Engineers for 1878, pages 348-391, 

and from other data, computations of the discharge of Connecticut Eiver at Hartford 

from 1871 to 1886, inclusive, were prepared and published as per references below.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following publications of 

the United States Geological Survey (Ann = Annual Report; WS = Water-Supply 

Paper):

Description: Ann 20, iv, pp 77-78; WS 35, p 42; 47, p 35; 65, p 30; 82, pp 48-49; 97, pp 84-85; 124, pp 

121-122.

Discharge, monthly: Ann 14, ii, pp 141-144. 

Discharge, yearly: Ann 20, iv, p 47. 

Gage heights: WS 35, pp 43-44; 47, p 35; 65, p 31; 82, p 49; 97, p 85; 124, p 122.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Connecticut River at Hartford, Conn., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19

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

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

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

oq23..............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

4.1

4.0

4.9

4.7

4.0

3.4

5.0

10.6

11.7

10.0

7.0

7.0

6.8

5.7

5.0

4.8

4.4

4.6

4.6

4.4

3.9

3.8

4.3

4.3

3 9

3 A

3.6

3.3

3.3 

3.9

Feb.

3.7

3.4

3.1

3.2

2.4

2.2

3.6

3.0

3.2

3.6

3.0

2.6

3.5

3.2

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.3

1 f\

3.2

3.4

3.8

3.6

3.2

Mar.

3.3

3.2

3.0

3.1

2.5

1.8

3.3

q A.

4.1

5.3

5.0

4 9

5.2

5.0

4.1

4.3

5.1

8

0

9.6

7.6 *7.5

7.4

1q o

16.7

19.5

20.9 

22.6

Apr.

24.0

24.1

22.2

19.5

17.1

15 9

16.2

15.8

14.3

11.7

13.5

14.8

13.1

12.0

11.0

10.0

9 1

8.4

7.6

8.0

8.7

8.8

8 9

7.6

7.2

7.0

May.

7.1

7.2

7.2

7.0

6.7

65

6.6

6.6

7.0

6.5

6.1

6.0

5.8

5.6

5.6

5.6

5.9

6.0

5.8

5.3

4.9

5.0

4.5

4.1

3 7

3.4

3.3

3.4 

4.0

June.

3.8

3.4

3.0

2.5

2.6

3.0

2.9

3.0

3.8

3.9

3.5

3.6

3.8

3.4

3.1

3.3

3.3

3.1

2.9

3.3

3.0

3.6

5.7

5.7

4.6

4.0

3.V

3.6

3.5

4.0

July.

4.2

4.0

3.3

2.8

4.6

6.2

6.0

5.2

4.0

3.6

3.2

3.1

3.0

2.6

2.7

1.6

1.7

2.1

2.2

2.0

2.3

2.0

2.4

2.5

2.3

2.3

1.4

2.5 

3.4

Aug.

4.6

7.1

6.0

5.2

4.8

4.0

3.4

3.1

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.8

2.6

2.8

3.0

3.0

3.2

4.2

4.8

A o

3.7

3.3

3.0

2.7

2.9

3.0

2.5

2.7

2.5 

2.3

Sept.

2.5

2.9

4.0

8.6

13.7

13.4

11.4

9.2

7.5

6.0

5.2

5.1

5.5

6.3

5.7

5.0

4.1

4.0

4.5

10.6

10.6

9.9

9.2

7.8

6.5

5.6

5.0

4.5

4.2

4.0

Oct.

3.8

3.5

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.6

3.3

3.1

3.3

2.9

3.1

3.2

3.1

3.0

2.9

3.0

S.I

3.2

3.4

4.0

4.0

3.8

3.6

3.7

3.1

2.3

2.4

2.8

Nov.

2.9

2.3

2.6

3.0

2.5

3.3

3.4

4.6

4.4

4.0

3.6

3.5

3.1

3.0

3.1

3.3

3.2

3.0

2.5

2.8

2.9

2.9

2.7

3.2

3.2

2.1

2.2

2.3

3.0

3.0

Dec.

5.5

5.3

4.3

9.0

11.1

9.4

7.9

6.8

6.0

5.6

4.5

4.6

4.4

4.1

3.0

3.8

4.2

4.4

4.7

4.5

5.0

5.5

5.6

5.2

4.5

4.2

3.8

4.4

4.8 

4.5
CONNECTICUT EIVEE DKAINAGE BASIN. 123.

ISRAEL RIVER (ABOVE SOUTH BRANCH) NEAR JETTERSON HIGHLANDS, N. H.

This station was established September 2, 1903, by N. C. Grover. It is located at 

a small wooden highway bridge in the town of Randolph, about halfway between 

the railway stations of Jefferson Highlands and Bowman, 2 J miles from either place. 

The headwaters of the river lie on the slopes of Mount Adams and Mount Jefferson, 

at elevations approximating 5,000 feet. The length of the river from its source to 

the gaging station is about 5 miles. The elevation at the gaging station is about 

1,400 feet. All slopes are steep; many are precipitous. There is no pondage or artificial storage of water. The underlying rock is granite, exposed in the mountain 

tops. The basin is generally in heavy virgin forest.

The channel is straight for 100 feet above and 50 feet below the station, and is 

about 20 feet wide. The banks are subject to overflow in extreme freshets. The 

current is strong at high and medium at low stages. The bed is gravelly and permanent.

Discharge measurements at high and ordinary stages are made from the bridge. 

Low-water measurements are made by wading about 20 feet above the bridge.

A standard chain gage, which is read once each day by E. A. Crawford, is attached 

to the upstream truss of the bridge. The length of the chain is 15.43 feet. The gage 

is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Marked point on east end of cross timber 

of bridge; elevation, 8.58 feet. (2) Top of bowlder 150 feet east of bridge, 30 feet 

south of river; elevation, 12.10 feet. Elevations are above datum of gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, p 86; 124, p 123.

Discharge: 97, p 86; 124, p. 123.

Discharge, monthly: 124, p 125.

Gage heights: 97, p 87; 124, p 124.

Rating table: 124, p 124.

Discharge measurements of Israel River (above South Branch) near Jefferson Highlands,

N. H., in 1905.

Date.

August 24 a....

October 26 & ...

Hydrograper.

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

.... .do....... ................... -----

.....do.......---..-...... ...........

Width.

Feet. 

22

23

21.5

21

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

35

29

12

11.6

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.69

1.34

.87

1.09

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.92

1.73

1.27

1.29

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

60

39

10.5

12.7

a By wading; meter on a rod. 6 By wading.
124 STEEAM MEASUEEMENTS IN 1905, PAET I.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Israel River (above South Branch) near Jefferson Highlands,

N. H., for 1905.

Day.

\............ .......................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May.

1.35

1.35

1.3

2.7

1 9

1.85

1 9

1.6

1.55

1.85

1.7

1.6

1.7

1.65

1.65

1.9

1.6

1 85

1.8

1 7^

1.7

1.75

1.65

1.5

1.5

1.95

2.3

2.45

1.8

June.

1.9

1.85

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.7

1.65

1.55

1.7

1.95

1.75

1.65

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.9

1.75

1.65

1.5

1.45

July.

1.4

2.25

1.85

1.65

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.35

Aug.

1.4

1.45

3.3

2.7

2.4

2.0

1.8

1.8

2.3

1.7

1.5

1.5

1.7

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.35

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.3

Sept.

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.6

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.75

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.55

2.5

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.8

1.75

1.7

1.6

1.55

1.55

Oct.

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.6

1.5

1.4

l.£5

1.35

Nov.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.5

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.3

1.3

1.25

Dec.

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

2.15

2.1

1.85

1.8

1.75

1.65

1.55

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.4

1.35

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to April 30 and December 17-31. Gage heights are somewhat unreliable owing to carelessness of gage reader.

Station rating table for Israel River (above South Branch) near Jefferson Highlands, N. H., 

from September 2, 1903, to December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.80

0.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1.0

1.6

3.0

5.3

8.6

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

Discharge.

Second-feet.

13

18

24

30

38

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

Discharge.

Second-feet.

46

55

67

79

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.20

2.30

2.40

2.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

93

108

124

140

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on discharge 

measurements made during 1903-5. It is fairly well defined between gage heights 1.04 feet and 2.4 

feet. Above 2.5 feet the curve is a tangent, the difference being 18 per tenth.
CONNECTICUT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 125

Estimated monthly discharge of Israel River (above South Branch) near Jefferson Highlands, N. H., for 1905.

[Drainage area, 8.7 square miles.]

Month.

Julv..... ....................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

176 

61 

100 

284 

140 

34

86

Minimum.

13 

13 

8.6 

10.5 

27 

8.6 

8.6 

10.5

Mean.

48.4 

31.1 

19.6 

42,5 

41.5 

18.7 

13.1 

32.?

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

5.56 

3.57 

2.25 

4.89 

4.77 

2.15 

1.51 

3.74

Depth im 

inches.

6.41 

3.98 

2.59 

5.64 

5.32 

2.48 

1.68 

2.22

a Discharge interpolated October 27-31.

ISRAEL RIVER (BELOW SOUTH BRANCH) NEAR JEFFERSON HIGHLANDS, N. H.

This station was established September 2, 1903, by N. C. Grover. It is located at 

a small wooden highway bridge about 2 miles from the railway station at Jefferson 

Highlands, in the town of Jefferson. South Branch of Israel Kiver has its mouth 

above this station and below the station previously described (p. 123). South Branch 

drains an area of 10.5 square miles; its headwaters are on the slopes of Mount Jefferson and Mount Dartmouth, at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 feet. The extreme length 

from its source to its mouth is about 5 miles. The elevation at its mouth is about 

1,350 feet. As all the slopes are steep there is little or no storage of water. The 

underlying rock is granite, exposed in the mountain peaks. The basin has been generally "hard cut," as the lumbermen say, but has not been burned.

The channel is straight for 100 feet above and below the station, and is about 20 

feet wide. The bed is rough and rocky, but permanent. The banks are subject to 

overflow in extreme freshets. The current is strong at high and well sustained at 

low stages.

Discharge measurements are made from the upstream side of the bridge. The 

initial point for soundings is the right abutment of the bridge.

A standard chain gage, which is read once each day by E. A. Crawford, is attached 

to the downstream truss of the bridge; length of chain, 12.99 feet. The gage is 

referred to bench marks, as follows: (1) Marked point on center cross timber of 

bridge; elevation, 8.14 feet. (2) Top of bowlder 50 feet north of bridge, 15 feet west 

of highway; elevation, 5.20 feet. Elevations are above datum of the gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, p 87; 124, pp 125-126. 

Discharge: 97, p 88; 124, p 126. 

Discharge, monthly: 124, p 128. 

Gage heights: 97, p 88; 124, p 127. 

Rating table: 124, p 127.
126 STEEAM MEASUREMENTS I1ST 1905, PART I.

Discharge measurements of Israel Hirer (below South Branch) near Jefferson Highlands,

N. H., in 1905.

Date.

August 24 ?>....

Hydrographer.

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

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

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

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

Width.

Feet. 

41

19

15

20

16

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

43.9

23.1

15.8

18.0

16.4

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

3.01

2.81

1.30

1.18

1.36

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.94

1.60

1.20

1.20

1.23

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

132

65

20.6

21.3

22.3

a Measurement made from downstream side of bridge. 

t> By wading about 40 feet above bridge; meter on a rod.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Israel River (below South Branch) near Jefferson Highlands,

N. H., for 1905.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

oc

29

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

<?l

May.

1.35

1.35

1.3

2.7

1.95

1.85

1 95

1.6

1.5

1.85 

1.75

1.75

1.7

1.7

1 95

1.75

1.85

1.8

1.75.

1.75

1.65

1 F:

1.5

1 Q

2 2

2.45

June.

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.6

1.5 

1.7

1.75

1.65

1.55

1.45

1.45

1.5

1.6

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.8

1.45

July.

1.4

2.15

1.8

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.35 

1.3

1.25

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.35

1.35

1.3

Aug.

1.45

1.45

2.9

2.4

2.4

2.2

2.0

2.5

2.0 

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.35

1.45

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.35

1.4

1.35

1.3

1.25

Sept.

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.8

1.8

1.7

1.65

1.7

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.5

2.3

2.0

1.65

1.6

1 55

1.7

1.7

1.6

1.55

1.5

1.5

Oct.

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.3 

1.3

1.5

1.45

1.45

1.4

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.25

Nov.

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2 

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.15

1.15

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.2

1.25

1.25

1.2

Dec.

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

2.0

2.1

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.5

1.6

1.5

1.45

1.4

1.35

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to April 30 and December 17-31. Gage heights are somewhat unreliable, owing to carelessness of gage reader.
CONNECTICUT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 127

Station rating table for Israel River (below South Branch] near Jefferson Highlands, N. H., 

from January 1 to December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

10

15

21

29

39

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.50

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

51

66

84

105

128

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

Discharge.

Second-feet.

154

182

211

240

269

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.50

2.60

2.70

2.80

2.90

Discharge.

Second-feet.

298

327

356

385

 414

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 21 discharge 

measurements made during 1903-1905. It is well defined between gage heights 0.9 foot and 2.6 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Israel River (below South Branch) near Jefferson Highlands, N. H., for 1905.

[Drainage area, 21.2 square miles.]

Discharge in second-feet. Run-off.

Month.

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

Maximum.

356

141

240

58

34

182

Minimum.

29

34

21

25

51

18

18

21

Mean.

109

69.0

43.9

102

78 0

35.3

33.7

63.2

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

5.14

3.25

2.07

4.81

3.68

1.67

1.59

2.98

Depth in 

inches.

5.93

3.63

2.39

5.54

4.11

1.92

1.J7

1.77

o Discharge interpolated October 27-31.
128 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

AMMO1STOOSUC KIVEK AT BRETTOIST WOODS, 1ST. H.

This station was established August 28, 1903, by N. 0. Grover. It is located at 

the steel highway bridge near Mount Pleasant House, at Bretton Woods. The drainage area at this point is 34 square miles. The headwaters of the river come from the 

westerly slopes of Mount Jefferson and Mount Washington and the lesser peaks of 

the White Mountains lying to the south. The underlying rock is granite, which is 

exposed at points in the river bed and on the various mountain summits. The slopes 

and valleys are usually well forested, with a preponderance of evergreen growth. 

The area was cut in large part for spruce several years ago, but now has a thick forest cover. There is no pondage or artificial storage. The slope of the river is steep.

The channel is straight for 300 feet above and 200 feet below the. measuring section, 

and is about 35 feet wide. The banks are high and not subject to overflow except 

in extreme freshet. The bed is somewhat rocky, but permanent. The current is 

medium at ordinary and sluggish at low stages.'

Discharge measurements- at high and ordinary stages are made from a footbridge 

located about 300 feet downstream from the highway bridge. Low-water measurements are made by wading at various sections in the vicinity where better velocities 

are found.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by John Paige, is attached 

to the floor on the downstream side of the highway bridge; length of chain, 18.86 

feet. The gage is referred to the following bench marks : (1) Marked point on 

bridge near gage; elevation, 17.36 feet when established, but changed to 17.33 feet 

August 24, 1905. (2) Northwest corner of east abutment; elevation, 14.46 feet. 

(3) Top of bowlder 100 feet below bridge, between the river and tracks of Boston 

and Maine Railroad; elevation, 17.11 feet when established, but found to be 17.04 

feet August 24, 1905. Elevations are above the datum of the gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey :

Description : 97, pp 89-90; 124, pp 129. 

Discharge : 97, p 90; 124, p 129. 

Discharge, monthly: 124, p 131. 

Gage heights: 97, p90; 124, p 130. 

Rating table : 124, p 130.

Discharge measurements of Ammonoosuc River at Bretton Woods, N. H., in 1905.

Date.

July 5. .........

August 1 a .....

Hydrographer.

T y? Norcross

T. W. Norcross. ................. ... 

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

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

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

Width.

Feet: 

40 

38 

40 

39 

30 

24

Area of 

section.

So. feet. 

157 

83 

106 

89 

27.6 

28.5

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per sec. 

3/40 

.65 

1.22 

.70 

1.14 

1.07

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.61 

1.80. 

2.40 

1.93 

1.58 

1.57

Discharge.

Sec. -feet. 

534 

54 

129 

62 

31.6 

30.4

a Meter in poor condition.

b By wading 150 feet above gage, meter on a rod.

eFrom upstream side of highway bridge.
CONNECTICUT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 129

Daily gage height, in feet, of Ammonoosuc River at Bretton Woods, N. H., for 1905.

Day.

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

3..............

4..............

5..............

6..............

7..'............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

21..............

22..............

23..............

24.... .........

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

3.1

1.85

1.5

1.4

Feb.

1.5

1.6

.9

.8

Mar.

.5

.6

2.2

2.3

1.5

2.3

3.4

3.0

2.88

2.98

3.58

3.58

Apr.

2.72

2.28

2.15

2.02

2.0

2.92

2.68

2.22

2.12

2.28

2.45

2.62

2.62

2.55

2.42

2.28

2.12

2.0

1.88

1.58

2.6

2.9

2.42

2.2

2.28

2.45

2.55

2.68

2.65

2.8

May.

2.52

2.38

2.35

3.55

2.88

3.2

3.45

3.02

2.8

2.75

2.55

2.52

2.4

2.42

2.75

2.7

2.7

2.7

2.72

2.55

2.42

2.35

2.18

2.08

2.0

2.0

2.5

2.28

2.22

2.15

2.02

June.

1.92

1.85

2.28

2.02

1.95

2.55

2.2

2.0

1 98

1.85

1.98

2.35

2.6

2.75

2.25

2.05

1.98

2. 0

1.98

1.88

1.88

1.9

1.82

1.62

2.12

2.3

2.0

1.85

1.75

July.

1.75

2.18

2.2

1.88

1.75

1.68

1.62

1.6

1.6

1.55

1.55

1.52

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.78

1.7

1.65

1.88

1.65

1.52

1.48

1.45

1.5

1.5

1.48

1.42

1.4

1.65

3.05

Aug.

2.48

2.0

2.1

1.98

1.9

1.88

1.82

1.85

2.02

1.85

1.72

1.7

1.68

'l.75

2.75

2.15

1.8

1.68

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.65

1.6

2.55

2.05

1.75

1.98

2.15

Sept.

2.1

2.0

2.5

2.7

2.65

2.5

2.25

2.12

1.98

1.88

1.85

2.12

1.98

1.92

1.82

1.8

1.8

2.4

2.3

2.08

2.02

1.9

1.85

1.8

1.88

1.9

1.82

1.82

1.8

1.75

Oct.

1.72

1.7

1.68

1.65

1.65

1.62

1.6

1.6

1.58

1.55

1.55

2.25

1.98

1.92

1.78

1.72

1.7

1.7

1.8

1.72

1.7

1.68

1.62

1.6

1.58

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

Nov.

1.62

1.6

1.5

1.52

1.58

1.5

1.52

1.55

1.55

1.52

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.4

1.42

1.48

1.5

1.42

1.4

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.4

1.5

1.65

1.65

1.6

1.6

1.7

2.1

Dec.

1.95

1.9

2.4

2.65

2.15

1.75

1.58

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.48

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.45

1.62

2.0

1.7

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 20 and December 16-18. During frozen season gage heights 

are to the surface of the water in a hole cut in the ice. The following comparative readings were 

taken:

Date. Water 

surface.

Feet.

1.4

Top of 

ice.

Feet.

2.1

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet.

1.8

1.9

1.9

1.9

Date. Water 

surface.

Feet. 

.9

.8

.7

.5

Top of 

ice.

Feet. 

1.5

1.4

1.2

1.15

1.5

Thickness of 

ice.

Feet. 

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

1.9

"Water flowing over the ice.

IKR 16E
130 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

ZEALAND BIVER NEAR TWIN MOUNTAIN, N. H.

This station was established August 29, 1903, by N. C. Grover. It is located about 

800 feet above the mouth of the river, which empties into the Ammonoosuc at a point 

midway between Fabyans and Twin Mountain, about 2J miles from either place. 

The headwaters lie on the slopes of a spur of the White Mountains, at elevations of 

2,500 to 3,000 feet. The length of the river from its headwaters to its mouth is about 

7 miles. The elevation at the mouth is approximately 1,500 feet. All slopes within 

the basin are steep. There is no pondage or artificial storage of water. The underlying rock is granite, which is exposed in the mountain peaks. About ten or twelve 

years ago this basin was entirely deforested and burned over. At the present time 

there is a thick stand of deciduous growth, consisting of poplar and bird cherry, 

averaging 12 to 15 feet in height, which affords a thick covering during the summer 

months, but practically no cover during the winter and spring. Within the basin 

we find the usual conditions of this stage of reforestation after a thorough burning.

The bed is rough and rocky, but permanent. The current is swift at high and 

medium at low stages. The banks are high and subject to overflow only in extreme 

freshets.

Discharge measurements at high stages are made from a highway bridge near the 

gage. At medium and low water measurements are made by wading close by.

A standard chain gage, which is read once each day by Charles Cote, is attached 

to trees on the bank just above the highway bridge; length of chain 13.40 feet when 

established, but changed to 13.24 feet May 3, 1905, and to 13.12 feet August 25, 1905, 

on account of settling of one of the trees to which the gage is fastened. The gage is 

referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Top of large bowlder under the gage; elevation, 3.56 feet. (2) Drift bolt driven into the maple tree to which the gage is 

attached; elevation, 11.32 feet when established, but found to be 11.30 feet August 

25, 1905. Elevations are above datum of gage.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

I^apers of the United States Geological Survey reports as follows:

Description: 97, pp 90-91; 124, pp 131-132. 

Discharge: 97, p 91; 124, p 132. 

Discharge, monthly: 124, p 134. 

Gage heights: 97, p 91; 124, p 133. 

Rating table: 124, p 133.

Discharge measurements of Zealand River near Twin Mountain, N. H., in 1905.

Date. Hydrographer.

.....do...............................

.....do...............................

Width.

Feet. 

44

17

13

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

35

13

9.8

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per sec. 

1.99

1.13

.95

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.67

2.08

1.99

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

70

14.7

9.3

a By wading. b By wading; meter on a rod.
CONNECTICUT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 131

Daily gage height, in feet, of Zealand River near Twin Mountain, N. H., for 1905.

Day.

5...........................

7...........................

8....... ....................

15...........................

16...........................

17...........................

18...........................

19...........................

22...........................

23........... ................

25...........................

27...........................

28...........................

29

30...........................

31...........................

Apr.

3.15

3.05

2.85

May.

2.85

3.25

3.1

3.0

3.2

3.4

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.1

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.75

2.7

9 fiP»

2.7

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.4

2 f\

2.5

2.4

2.35

June.

2.35

2.4

2.7

2.5

2.4

3.0

2.7

2.6

2.5

2.45

2.3

2.8

2.7

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.55

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.5

2.6

2.4

2.35

2.3

July.

2.3

2.9

2.6

2.4

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.3

2.2

2 1

2.1

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.9

Aug.

2.6

2.35

2.3

2 ^

o 2

2.2

2.2

2.3

2.25

2.2

2.2

2.4

2.25

2.3

2.6

2.55

2.35

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.0

2.0

2.75

2.4

2.4

2.9

3.2

Sept.

2.9

2.7

3.0

S o

2.85

3.0

2.65

2.5

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.5

2.45

2.35

2.3

2.3

3.2

2.65

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.35

2.45

2.4

2.4

2 OK

2

0

2.3

Oct.

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.25

2.25

2.25

2.2

2.7

2.8

2.7

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.7

2.5

2.5

4.5

4.5

4.0

4.0

4 0

3.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

Nov.

3.0

3.5

2

C

2.35

2.3

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.15

2.1

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.6

Dec.

2.6

2.5

3.0

S

O

3.0

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to April 26 and December 6-31.

Station rating table for Zealand River, near Twin Mountain, N. H., from January 1 to

December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.00

2.10

2.20

2 30

2.40

2.50

2.60

Discharge.

Second-feet.

10

14

20

27

35

46

60

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.70

2.80

2.90

3.00

3.10

3.20

3.30

Discharge.

Second-feet.

78

100

127

156

188

222

257

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.40

3.50

3.60

3.70.

3.80

3.90

4.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

293

330

368

406

445

485

526

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

567

609

652

696

740

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 18 discharge 

measurements made during 1903-1905. It is well defined between gage heights 1.9 feet and 2.6 feet.
132 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PAKT I.

Estimated monthly discharge of Zealand River near Twin Mountain, N. H., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 14 square miles.]

Month.

July.........................................

September. ......... ...............

October. .....................................

November ....................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

293 

156 

127 

222 

222 

740 

330 

222

Minimum.

31 

20 

10 

10 

27 

20 

14 

46

Mean.

120 

48.2 

29.7 

38.3 

65.1 

143 

41.3 

128

Run-Off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

8.57 

3.44 

2. 12 

2.74 

4.65 

10.21 

2.95 

9.14

Depth in 

inches.

9.88 

3.84 

2.44 

3.16 

5.19 

- 11. 77 

3.29 

1.70

LITTLE RIVER NEAR TWIN MOUNTAIN, N. H.

This station was established January 21, 1904, by F. E. Pressey, and discontinued 

September 15,1905. It is located at the rough wooden highway bridge about 2 miles 

southwest of Twin Mountain, and about 2 miles above the entrance of Little River into 

the Ammonoosuc. The area of the drainage basin at this point is about 11 square miles. 

This drainage basin is adjacent to that of Zealand River, previously described, and 

practically all forest cover has been removed from it. The slopes are steep, and there 

is no pondage or artificial storage. This station was established in order to obtain 

comparative data as to the time and duration of freshets. A few discharge measurements have been made during 1904 and 1905, but it is not intended to make any 

estimates of discharge for this point.

The channel is straight for about 50 feet above and 800 feet below the station. The 

banks are rocky, low, and clean, and liable to overflow. The bed of the stream is of 

large bowlders and extremely rough. The current is swift at all stages.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by Edward Lynch, is attached 

to the floor on the downstream side of the bridge; length of chain, 12.92 feet when 

established, but changed to 12.32 feet August 25, 1905, owing to settling of the gage.' 

The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) A marked point on the floor of 

the bridge near the zero of the gage scale; elevation, 11.42 feet when established, 

but found to be 10.73 feet~ August 25, 1905. (2) A cross on a bowlder on right bank, 

about 32 feet from end of gage box; elevation, 9.05 feet. Elevations refer to gage 

. datum.

A description of this station and gage-height and discharge data are contained in 

Water-Supply Paper of the United States Geological Survey No. 124, pp. 134-135.

Discharge measurements of Little River near Twin Mountain, N. H., in 1905.

Date. Hydrographer.

.....do...............................

Width.

Feet.

28

24

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

32.7

18.3

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.p'ersec. 

2.20

.72

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

5.80

4.86

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

72.

13.2

a From bridge. 6 By wading; meter fastened to a rod.
CONNECTICUT RIVEB DBAINAGE BASIN. 138

Daily gage height, in feet, of Little River near Twin Mountain, N. H., for 1905.

Day.

1.. .........

2.. .........

3...........

4.. .........

5...........

6...........

8...........

9...........

10...........

11...........

12...........

13...........

14...........

15...........

16...........

Apr.

......

May.

5.75

5.65

5.75

6.35

6.3

6.85

6.45

6.5

6.3

6. 25

6.1

6.05

6.1

6.15

June.

5.25

5.2

5.45

5.4

5.25

5.85

5.45

5.45

5.3

5.25

5.2

5.6

5.55

5.65

5.4

5.3

July.

5.0

5.45

5.5

5.15

5.05

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4 9

4.9

4.9

5.0

4.95

4.9

Aug.

5.0

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.95

4.95

4.75

4 7

4.7

4.75

4.7

4.75

5.5

Sept.

5.55

5. 5

6.1

5.8

5.5

5.4

......

Day.

17 ..........

IS ..........

19

22 ..........

23 ..........

24........'..

25

26 ..........

27..........

28 ..........

29 ..........

30 ..........

31 ..........

Apr.

6.05

6.05

6.0

6.0

6.15

6.25

May.

6.25

6.45

6.0

5.85

5.6

5.55

5.5

5.6

6.15

5 9

5.75

5.75

5.55

June.

5.3

5.3

5.4

C. O

5.2

K -1 C.

5.05

5.0

5.0

5.3

5

KK

5.4

5.25

5.15

July.

5.1 '5.0

4.95

4 9

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.7

4.7

4.9

5.35

Aug.

5.05

4.9

4.85

4.8

4.75

4.7

4.8

4.7

4.55

4.4

5.4

4.95

4.9

5.7

5.85

Sept.

......

......

......

......

......

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to April 24.

WHITE RIVER AT SHARON, VT.

This station was established July 30, 1903, by H. K. Barrows. It was discontinued 

April 7, 1905, and no data are available after the year 1904.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, p 92; 124, p 136. 

Discharge: 97, p 92; 124, p 136. 

Discharge, monthly: 124, p 138. 

Gage heights: 97, p 92; 124, p 137. 

Rating table: 124, p 137.

ASHTTELOT RIVER AT WINCHESTER, N. H.

This station was established July 10, 1903, by H. K. Barrows. Owing to probable 

backwater effect from the dam at Ashuelot, about 2J miles below, and unsatisfactory 

results, it was discontinued April 7, 1905.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 97, p 93; 124, p 138. 

Discharge: 97, p 93; 124, p 139. 

Gage heights: 97, p 93; 124, p 139.
134 STKEAM MEASUKEMENTS IN 1905, PAET I.

DEERTTELD RIVER AT DEERFIELD, MASS.

Deerfield River is one of the largest tributaries of Connecticut River, having a total 

drainage area of 667 square miles. It rises in southern Vermont and joins Connecticut River about 1 mile southeast of Greenfield. It is important as a waterpower stream, but is not well supplied with storage reservoirs and is consequentlysubject to considerable fluctuations of flow.

A gaging station was established March 29, 1904, by N. C. Grover, at the suspension highway bridge, about one-fourth mile from the West Deerfield railway station 

and about 6 or 7 miles above the mouth of the river. The drainage area at this 

point is 550 square miles. About 2 miles below the station is an old dam, partially 

destroyed, which is reached by back water from Connecticut River.

The channel is straight for about 600 feet above and 1,000 feet below the station. 

The banks are high, rocky, and clean, and not liable to overflow. The bed is clean 

and permanent, the left half being of gravel and the right half of sand. There is 

but one channel at all stages. The current is medium, becoming sluggish at low 

water.

. Discharge measurements are made from the downstream side of the bridge, the 

initial point for soundings being the left end of the top chord of the stiffening truss 

at the downstream side. Low-water measurements are made by wading at a point 

about one-half mile downstream.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by Mrs. Carrie I. Wellman, 

is attached to the downstream side of the bridge; length of chain, 32.21 feet. The 

gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Point on bottom chord of bridge, 

near the zero of gage scale; elevation, 31.35 feet. (2) On top of downstream foundation of bridge pier on the right bank; elevation, 28.92 feet. (3) Copper bolt set in 

ledge on left bank, 20 feet upstream from abutment; elevation, 21.04 feet. All 

elevations refer to the datum of the gage.

A description of this station and gage height and discharge data are contained in 

Water-Supply Paper of the United States Geological Survey No. 124, pp. 140-141.

Discharge measurements of Deerfield River at Deerfield, Mass., in 1905.

Date.

April 4. ........

Hydrographer.

T. W. Norcross ...................... 

.....do...............................

.....do...............................

.....do...............................

.....do................... ...........

.....do...............................

.....do..........................".....

.....do...............................

Width.

Feet. 

319 

315

318

318

318

318

318

314

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

2,270 

2,040

2,120

2,140

2.130

2,110

2,100

2,020

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.63 

.82

1.08

1.18

1.11

.95

.88

.65

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.97 

3.29

3.66

3.69

3.68

3.51

3.42

3.12

Discharge.

Sec -feet. 

3,710 

1,680

2, 290

2,620

2,380

2,000

1,840

1,310
CONNECTICUT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 135

Daily gage height, infect, of Deerfield River at Deerfield, Mass., for 1905.

Day.

I..............

2..............

3. .............

5..............

7. .............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19

20..............

21..............

22..............

23..............

24.............. 

25..............

26..............

27..............

28..............

29..............

30..............

31..............

Jan.

....

7.2

4.5

3.75

3.35

3.35

4.05

3.95

.......

Feb.

.......

Mar.

.......

6.6

5.45

5.5

5.9

6.35

Apr.

5.65

4.35

4.05

3.95

4.2

5.4

4.4

3.8

3.55

3.8

5.3

5.3

4.5

4.15

3.95

3.65

3.4

3.3

3.15

3.1

3.5

4.2

3.95

3.35 

3.2

3.25

3.4

3.3

3.3

3.2

May.

3 1

3.0

2.8

2.8

2.95

2.9

2.85

2.8

2.75

2.75

2.5

2.7

2.7

2.7

3.05

* 3.2

3.1

3.0

2.65

2.7

2.7

2.6

2.6 

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

June.

2.45

2.5

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.3

2.55

2.9

4.3

3.5

3,0

2.8

2.75

3.1

2.85

2.7

2.7

July.

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.65

2.65

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.45

2.45

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.3

2.2

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.35

2.3

2.2 

2.3

2.35

2.35

2.35

2.4

3.4

3.5

Aug.

3.05

2.75

2.55

2.5

2.4

2.35

2.5

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

3.05

2.9

2.75

2.5

3.5

3.6

2.9

2.65

2.3

2.2

2.45

2.5

2.4 

2.4

2.45

2.45

2.4

2.35

2.5

3.15

Sept.

2

QC:

2.8

5.5

5.05

4.5

3.65

3.35

3.2

3.1

3.0

2.7

4.1

3.5

3.2

3.0

2.9

3.0

3.9

4.75

3.9

3.7

3.4

3.15

2.95 

2.8

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.65

2.6

Oct.

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.6

2.5

2.5

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.5

3.25

3.05

2.9

2.85

2.65

2.5

2.55

2.65

3.05

3.4

2.9

2.85

2.8 

2.75

2.7

2.6

2.55

2.5

2.45

2.45

Nov.

2.45

2.5

2.5

2.6

2.5

2.85

3.15

3.0

2.9

2.7

2.6

2.55

2.55

2.5

2.5

2.65

2.7

2.65

2.5

2.45

2.6

2.5

2.6

2.4 

2.45

2.5

2.45

2.4

3.05

4.7

Dec.

3

AK

3.25

6.2

4.6

3.65

3.2

3.1

3.0

2.9

3.0

3.05

3.0

2.9

2.85

2.8

......

NOTE. River clear of ice January 7-13, frozen January 1-6 and January 14 to March 26. Ice went 

out of river on night of March 26. River frozen December 16-31.
136 STKEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

WARE RIVER ISTEAR WARE, MASS.

WareKiveris formed in the town of Barre by the junction of several small streams. 

The surrounding country is hilly and largely cleared. The total drainage area is 

about 162 square miles and is tributary to Chicopee River, which drains a large section of central Massachusetts and is the largest tributary of the Connecticut in 

respect of drainage area, its basin containing 730 square miles. Chicopee Eiver is 

formed at Three Eivers by the union in that vicinity of Ware, Swift, and Quaboag 

rivers; thence runs westward about 15 miles, joining the Connecticut at Chicopee. 

Chicopee River and its tributaries are quite important water-power streams, and 

expensive developments have been made on them.

A gaging station was established September 15, 1904, by H. K. Barrows, at the 

steel highway bridge about 2 miles above the village of Ware, Mass. The bridge has 

a span of about 85 feet.

The channel is curved for some distance above and straight below the bridge. 

The bed of the stream is rocky, with seme gravel. The banks are medium in height 

and overflow at very high water, when there will be two or more channels. The 

current is swift at high stages and well sustained at low stages.

Discharge measurements are made from the upstream side of the bridge. The 

initial point for soundings is the left abutment at the top.

A standard chain gage is fastened to the floor timbers of the bridge on the 

upstream side, toward the right bank; length of chain, 14.10 feet. The gage is read 

wice each day by M. N. Richards, the expense of such readings being borne equally 

by the Otis Company and the George H. Gilbert Manufacturing Company, both of 

Ware. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) On post of bridge railing at east end of gage; elevation, 17.01 feet. (2) On west abutment on downstream 

side about 18 inches from the corner near the truss; elevation, 11.48 feet. (3) 

Southeast corner of abutment of railroad culvert, about 250 feet north of the Boston 

and Maine Railroad crossing, west of gage; elevation, 18.63 feet. All elevations 

refer to the datum of the gage.

A description of this station and gage-height and discharge data are contained in 

Water-Supply Paper of the United States Geological Survey No. 124, pp. 142-143.

Discharge measurements of Ware River near Ware, Mass., in 1905.

Date.

March 28 ......

March 28......

April 1.........

April?.........

April 13. .......

April 29........

May 17. ........

July29.........

Hydrographer.

.....do...............................

.....do...............................

.....do...............................

.....do...................'...... .....

.....do...............................

.....do...............................

.....do...............................

.....do............................ ; ..

.....do...............................

.....do...............................

.....do...............................

Width.

Feet. 

83

83

83

83

83

79

80

68

66

58

83

80

Area of 

section.

Sq. feet. 

459

465

370

303

212

108

120

87

78

'52

315

108

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

5.56

5.59

4.59

4.09

3.58

1.98

2.27

1.56

1.56

.83

3.48

2.08

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

6.92

6.96

5.75

5.06

4.00

2.74

2.89

2.46

2.37

1.94

5.20

2.77

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

2,550

2,600

1,690

1,240

758

214

272

136

122

43

1,100

225
CONNECTICUT RIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 137

Daily gage height, in feet, of Ware River near Ware, Mass., for 1905.

Day.

2..............

5..............

7..............

8..............

9..............

10..............

11..............

12..............

13..............

14..............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

21..............

22..............

23..............

24..............

25..............

2G...... ........

27..............

28..... ........

29.............. 

30..............

31..............

Jan.

6.3

5.4

4.85

4.4

Feb.

4.3

3.3

4.2

Mar.

3.8

3.7

4.1

3.55

3.35

3.0

3.05

5.25

5.35

4.5

3.95

3.8

3.75

5.65

7.1

7.05

6.6 

6.4

6.1

Apr.

5.9

5.1

4.7

A q

4.0

4.8

5.0

4.6

4.0

4.0

4.05

4.15

3.9

3.8

3.65

3.4

3.35

3.25

3.45

3.35

3.35

3.6

3.1

3.05

3.0 

2.8

May.

2.9

2.8

2.85

2.9

2.8

2.4

2.25

2.6

2.45

2.5

2.4

2.6

2.3

2.3

2.6

2.95

2.7

3.0

2.7

2.6

2.3

2.45

2.6

2.5

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.4

2.35 

2.25

2.3

June.

2.4

2.4

2.0

1.65

2.1

2.55

3.15

2.5

2.75

2.5

2.1

2.6

2.9

2.5

2.7

2.6

2.2

2.2

2.15

2.5

2.8

3.45

2.7

2.5

2.5

2.5 

2.5

July.

2.3

2.7

1.95

2.1

2.0

2.4

1.7

1.75

2.25

2.4

2.6

2.3

2.05

2.55

2.5

2.7

2.2

2.5

2.4

2.5

2.65

1.9

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6

1.7 

2.3

Aug.

2.5

2.75

2.55

2.8

2.7

2.65

2.45

2.6

2.75

2.5

2.2

2.5

2.8

2.7

2.65

3.3

3.5

3.4

3.15

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.6

2.7

2.5'

2.9

2.6 

2.95

2.5

Sept.

2.5

2.3

3.3

6.3

6.65

6.1

4.6

3.8

4.0

3.25

3.2

3.3

3.55

3.1

3.1

3.15

2.7

3.1

2.8

3.0

3.05

3.15

2.85

2.55

3.0

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.8 

2.55

Oct.

2.05

2.75

2.9

2.8

2.9

2.65

2.3

2.1

2.55

2.8

2.5

2.85

2.8

2.8

2.95

2.8

2.75

2.7

2.8

2.85

3.1

2.6

2.9

2.75

2.8

2.7

2.7

2.4

2.35 

2.6

2.8

Nov.

2.7

2.6

2.6

2.4

2.4

2.8

2.85

2.65

2.6

2.7

2.2

2.25

2.7

2.5

2.8

2.65

2.65

2.3

2.15

2.65

2.6

2.75

2.65

2.8

2.35

2.8

2.6

2.7

2.8 

3.25

Dec.

3.1

2.75

3.4

4.7

3.9

4.0

3.5

3.4

3.0

2.8

2.9

3.15

3.1

2.9

3.2

3.35

2.6

4.05

3.3

2.8

2.8

3.15

3.4

3.1

3.05

3.1

3.05

3.1

3.0 

3.3

2.8

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 15, when ice went out. During this period the readings 

were taken to the top of the ice. The thickneas of the ice was measured, as follows:

Feet. 

January 11 ................................. 1.2

January 16, 22.............................. 1.7

JanuarySO ................................. 1.8

February 5,14.............................. 2.1

Feet. 

February 24 ................................ 1.9

March 4 .................................... 2.5

March 9 .................................... 1.6
138 STREAM MEASUKEMENTS IN 1905, PABT I.

Station rating table for Ware River near Ware, Mass., from September 15, 1904, to

December 31, 1905.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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.

42

55

71

89

109

131

155

180

207

235

264

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

Discharge.

Second-feet.

294

325

357

390

424

460

498

538

580

624

,670

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

Discharge.

Second-feet.

718

768

820

873

927

982

1,038

1, 095

1,153

1,212

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.

1,332

1,460

1,590

1,725

1,865

2,005

2, 155

2,305

2,460

2, 620

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on 18 discharge 

measurements made during 3904-5. It is well defined between gage heights 1.9 feet and 7 feet.

Estimated monthly discharge of Ware River near Ware, Mass., for 1904-5. 

[Drainage area, 162 square miles.]

Month.

1904. 

September 15-30 .............................

October. ................ .... . ....

November .............................

December 1-9. .........................

1905. 

March 15-31 .................................

April ........................... ......

June........................ ..........

July......................'...................

December ............................. .....

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

846 

294 

357 

221

2,860 

1,795 

294 

442 

207 

460 

2,342 

325 

374 

1,038

Minimum.

109 

80 

55 

71

294 

235 

99 

16 

20 

89 

109 

63 

80 

180

Mean.

293 

192 

182 

172

1,367 

650 

177 

180 

121 

214 

513 

207 

188 

377

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.81 

1.19 

1.12 

1.06

8.44 

4.01 

1.09 

1.11 

'.747 

1.32 

3.17 

1.28 

1.16 

2.33

Depth in 

inches.

1.08 

1.37 

1.25 

.355

5.34 

4.47 

1.26 

1.24 

.861 

1.52 

3.54 

1.48 

1.29 

2.69

NOTE. River frozen December 10-31, 1904; January 1 to March 15, 1905. Discharge interpolated 

August 26,1905.
CONNECTICUT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 139

WARE RIVER AT GILBERTVILLE, MASS.

Records of flow of Ware River have been kept at the lower mill through the 

courtesy and assistance of the George H. Gilbert Manufacturing Company, at Gilbertville, since September 22, 1904. The drainage area at this point is 160 square miles. 

The lower dam is 101.5 feet long, with a fairly even crest. The greater part of the 

time, however, all of the water at this point is used through the wheels, and the 

record is kept largely by means of the record of wheel openings. These wheels have 

been rated at Holyoke, and, in addition to this, current-mete.r gagings are made from 

time to time as a check on the flow. The average head on wheels is about 19.5 feet. 

Records of flow at this point during 1904-5 are withheld, awaiting confirmation of data.

QTJABOAG KTVER AT WEST WARREN, MASS.

Quaboag River is about 25 miles in length, and has a drainage area of 213 square 

miles. It is an especially valuable stream as regards water power, on account of its 

well-sustained flow and absence of effect from freshets. There is still a large amount 

of power below West Warren which is not developed.

A station for securing a record of flow of Quaboag River has been maintained 

by the United States Geological Survey at West Warren at the dam of J. T. F. 

MacDonnell, of Holyoke, since October 22, 1904. The drainage area at this point is 

144 square miles. The dam is a timber crib, 102.7 feet long, between vertical abutments, and affords a fall of about 13 feet. This dam is leased by the Composite 

Leather Company, but no power is used at the present time, so that the whole flow 

is over the dam.

A plain staff gage is placed near the canal head-gates at the dam, on the left side. 

Elevation 50 of this gage corresponds to the level of the crest of the dam. This gage 

is read once a day by Amory Crossman.

Mean daily discharge, in second-feet, of Quaboag River at West Warren, Mass., from

July to October, 1903.a

Day.

1..... ...........

2................

3................

4................

5................

6................

7................

8................

9

10................

11................

12................

13................

14................

15................

16................

July.

6213

233

207

192

ft Q^

170

270

217

211

6197

Aug.

127

129

130

115

239

241

196

191

Sept.

116

124

6131

673

112

121

118

116

114

117

123

116

106

112

127

151

Oct.

81

78

105

90

82

QK

99

144

140

158

148

118

108

102

Day.

17...............

18...............

19...............

20...............

21...............

22...............

23...............

24...............

25.... ..........

26...............

27 ...............

28...............

29...............

30...............

31...............

July.

6158

219

225

228

209

172

160

150

145

136

150

Aug.

6109

111

106

101

113

116

119

146

136

Sept.

233

208

178

164

151

125

133

123

110

129

6158

Oct.

151

202

a From automatic gage records kept by Massachusetts State Board of Health. 

& Average of less than 24 hourly readings.
140 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Estimated monthly discharge of Quaboag River at West Warren, Mass., for 1904 and 1905. 

[Drainage area, 144 square miles.]

Month.

1904. 

October 25-31 ................................

1905.

July.........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

182 

182 

229

605 

161 

1,206 

931 

229 

106 

106 

72 

476 

106 

89 

306

1,206

Minimum.

106 

30 

10

123 

89 

106 

226 

106 

55 

20 

30 

72 

72 

55 

89

20

Mean.

153 

82 

76

267 

120 

525 

556 

148 

88 

59 

50 

104 

90 

83 

187

198

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.06 

..569 

.528

1.85 

.833 

3.65 

3.86 

1.03 

.611 

.410 

.347 

1.42 

.625 

.576 

1.30

1.38

Depth in 

inches.

0.276 

.635 

.609

2.13 

.867 

4.21 

4.31 

1.19 

.682 

..473 

.400 

1.58 

.721 

.643 

1.50

18.71

NOTE. Estimates are based on one gage reading per day, taken at about 6.15 a. m. (before mill 

upstream starts up) on week days, and on Sundays at about 4 p. m.

SWIFT RIVER AT WEST WAKE, MASS.

Swift River is about 30 miles long and has a total drainage area of 218 square miles. 

It drains a hilly country very similar to that of Ware River, but perhaps more thickly 

wooded. There is enough storage on this river to make the flow well sustained during the dry period.

Records of flow of Swift River have been kept at the mill of the West Ware Paper 

Company, through the courtesy of Dwight Holland, manager, since October 21,1904. 

The drainage area at this point is 188 square miles. The dam at West Ware is a timber crib, and has a total length of 150 feet between vertical abutments, with a fairly 

good crest. A considerable portion of the time all of the water is used at this point 

through the wheels, and the record is kept largely by means of them. One of the 

wheels has been rated at Holyoke, and additional current-meter measurements are 

made-to serve as a check on the computations. The average head on the wheels is 

about 11 feet.

April 14, 1905, this mill was totally destroyed by fire, so that records here have 

been interrupted.

WESTFIELD RIVER AT RUSSELL, MASS.

The main branch of Westfleld River rises in the northeastern part of Berkshire 

County, entering Connecticut River at Springfield, with a total length of about 55 

miles. Its principal tributaries are West Branch and Middle Branch, respectively; 

the length of West Branch from the mouth is 22 miles and that of Middle Branch 

24 miles. The country in this drainage basin is very hilly and even mountainous at 

its headwaters. Slopes are steep and rocky. There is little storage, and consequently rapid fluctuations in the flow.
CONNECTICUT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 141

A gaging station was established April 1, 1904, by N. C. Grover. It is located at 

the steel highway bridge near the railway station at Russell, Mass. This bridge has 

two spans, which are about 250 feet long. The drainage area at this point is 331 

square miles.

The channel is straight for 1,000 feet above and below the station. The bed of 

the stream is of gravel and small bowlders, very rough but permanent. Both banks 

are high, rocky, and clean, and not subject to overflow. There are two channels at 

all stages; the current is swift at all times.

Discharge measurements are made from the bridge. The initial point for soundings is the face of the left abutment, on the downstream side, at the top.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by B. A. Silliman, is attached 

to the upstream side of the bridge near the center of the left span; length of chain, 

23.98 feet. The gage is referred to bench marks as follows: (1) Top of plank floor near 

the zero of gage scale; elevation, 22.89 feet. (2) Upstream inner corner of left abutment near post; elevation, 22.31 feet. (3) Upstream inner corner of right abutment 

near post; elevation, 24.76 feet. All elevations refer to the datum of the gage.

A description of this station and gage-height and discharge data are contained in 

Water-Supply Paper of the United States Geological Survey No. 124, pages 145-146.

Discharge measurements of Westfield River at Russell, Mass., in 1905.

Date.

Aprils.........

April 15. .......

April25........

Mayl9... ......

Hydrographer.

.....do...............................

.....do...............................

.....do............. ................

Width.

Feet. 

214

196

186

187

129

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

524

233

230

151

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

5.11

i 91

3.15

2.09

1.10

Gage 

height

Feet. 

2.81

2.12

1.32

1.20

.75

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

2,680

1,590

735

480

167

«By wading one-half mile above gage.
142 STREAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Westfield River, at Russell, Mass., for 1905.

Day.

2.. ................

3..................

4..................

5..................

6..................

8..................

g

10..................

12..................

13..................

14..................

15..................

16...................

17..................

18..................

19..................

20..................

21..................

22..................

23..................

24. .................

25..................

26...................

27..................

28..................

29..................

30..................

31..................

Mar.

........

4.0

3.25

2.25

2.1

2.0

1.8

3.1

3.5

4.4

4.1

4.45

4.5

Apr.

3.9

2.9

2.3

2.25

2.85

2 9

3.05

2.3

2.15

 2.1

1.9

1.8

1.65

1.55

1.8

1.75

1.4

1.35

1 3

1 3

May.

1.25

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.1

1 AP,

1.1

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.15

1.25

1.45

1.4

1.3

1.1

1.0

g

g

g

.85

.8

June.

.85

.8

.85

g

.8

.8

.9

.9

.9

.9

.8

.75

.7

.95

.95

1.85

.95

g

g

.8

.8

July.

0.8

.7

.7

.7

.7

.95

.8

.8

.6

.7

.55

.7

.65

.6

.6

1.85

Aug.

1.3

1.0

.9

.8

.8

.8

1.1

1.05

.9

.9

1.4

1.5

1.1

.9

.8

.8

.85

.8

.85

.8 i.o'

.85

.85

g

g

1.3

Sept.

1.2

1.0

4.4

1.4

2.3

2.35

1.55

1.35

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.75

1.4

1.6

1.4

1.2

g

.95

.9

Oct.

0.85

.9

.9

1.0

' .95

.9

.85

1.9

1.5

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

.95

1.1

1.8

1.7

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.0

1.0

.95

1.0

.95

Nov.

0.95

1.0

.95

1.05

1.1

1.1

1.65

1.4

1.25

1.1

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.05

1.0

1.0

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

1.3

2.95

Dec.

1.5

1.3

1.5

1.55

1.4

1.4

1.6

1.9

1.3

1.1

1.05

1.25

NOTE. River frozen January 1 to March 18 and December 17-31. River clear of ice March 20. 

WESTFIELD LITTLE RIVER NEAR BLANDLORD, MASS.

Westfield Little River is formed by the union of Peebles and Borden brooks in the 

southern part of the town of Blandford. The headwaters of Peebles Brook are in 

North Blandford, at an elevation of about 1,400 feet, while at its junction with Borden Brook it has an elevation of about 850 feet, a fall of 550 feet in a distance of 

about 8,miles. Below Borden Brook the fall is also very rapid, reaching an elevation 

of 200 feet in the vicinity of West Parish, a distance of 6 miles from Borden Brook. 

The drainage area at the junction of Peebles and Borden brooks is about 43 square 

miles; at the mouth -of the river, 83.6 miles. The slopes are very steep, and in 

places precipitous. The greater part of the basin above West Parish is in forest. 

It is expected that Westfield Little River will be used as the municipal water supply 

for the city of Springfield, for which a dam and reservoir are being planned in the 

vicinity of Cobble Mountain.

A gaging station was established July 13, 1905, by H. K. Barrows, at Cobble 

Mountain, near Blandford, Mass. It is located a short distance below Borden Brook, 

and is maintained in cooperation with the water board of the city of Springfield, 

through their engineer, E. E. Lochridge.

The channel is straight for 100 feet above and 200 feet below the station. The bed 

is very rough and rocky, though it has been improved somewnat by the aid of dynamite. The left bank is high and steep, but the right bank is liable to overflow in
CONNECTICUT RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 143

extreme high water. The channel is fairly permanent, but in extreme freshets is 

liable to change, this having occurred during the present season, as noted in connection with the list of discharge measurements. The current is swift at high and 

medium at low stages. The flow is free and very little affected by artificial conditions.

Discharge measurements at medium and high stages are made from a car suspended 

from a cable of 140-foot span. The initial point for soundings is a 6-inch maple tree 

on the left bank in the line of the cable. All low-water measurements are made by 

wading at various sections.

A staff gage is bolted to a large rock on the left bank of the river. A standard 

chain gage is also attached to a tree on the left bank a short distance above the staff 

gage. The length of the chain is 11.43 feet. Gage readings are made twice each day 

by S. H. Bodurtha. Both gages have the same datum, and are referred to bench 

marks as follows: (1) Circular chisel draft in highest point of stone to which the 

staff gage is attached; elevation, 5.00 feet. (2) Chiseled T near the gage on the same 

stone, for measurement to water surface; elevation, 3.51 feet. (3) Center of head 

of nail in largest tree on right bank opposite the gage; elevation, 8.55 feet. All 

elevations refer to datum of the gage.

Discharge measurements of Westfield Little River near Blandford, Mass., in 1905.

Date.

July 14 a.......

October 13&....

Hydrographer.

Barrows and Norcross ..............

.....do ..............................

.....do ..............................

.....do ..............................

.....do ................... ...":.......

Width.

Feet. 

34 

32

46

39

39

44

on

Area of 

section.

Sg. feet. 

44 

51

73

54

53

77

71

Mean 

velocity.

Ft.per.sec. 

0.73 

.47

1.12

.49

.48

1.10

.83

.68

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.32 

2.30

2.98

2.40

2.39

2.94

2.76

2.57

Discharge.

Sec-feet. 

32.4 

23.8

82.

26.5

25.7

85.

59

40.1

a By wading; meter on a rod. &From cable car.

NOTE, The measurement of July 14 is not comparable with the measurements which follow, on 

account of changed conditions of bed of river, caused by freshet of July 30.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Westfield Little River near Blandford, Mass., for 1905.

Day.

1.. .........

2...........

3...........

4...........

5...........

6...........

7...........

8........... 

9

10...........

11...........

12...........

13...........

14...........

15...........

16...........

July.

......

2.58

2.37

2.25

Aug.

3.5

3.05

2.84

2.68

2.46

2.32

2.46

2.41 

2.4

2

Q

2.38

2.36

2.24

2.14

2.95

Sept.

2.47

2.5

4.08

5.25

4.35

3.6

3.25

3.0 

2.84

2.68

2.6

3.65

3.3

2.82

Oct.

2.32

2.32

2.58

2.46

2.39

2.34

'2.3

2.28 

2 28

2.25

2.98

2.76

2.6

2.51

Nov.

2.38

2.38

2.35

2.75

2.58

2.68

2.78

2.68 

2.59

2.55

2.48

2.44

2.44

a2.52

Dec.

3.28

a3. 3

4.18

3.88

a3. 4

3.3

3.15

3.0 

2.95

3.0

a3.1

a3.1

a3.1

aS.O

2.9

Day.

17..........

18 ..........

19..........

20 ..........

23..........

24.......... 

25 ..........

28..........

29 ..........

30 ..........

Q1

July.

1.98

1.92

2 25

2.26

2.13

2.0

1.94

1.9 

1.93

1.88

1.84

1.9

7.75

4.3

Aug.

2.8

2.53

2.34

2.26

2.19

2.16

2.1

2.08 

2.8

2.58

2.42

2.37

2.49

2.68

2.57

Sept.

2.8

3.0

3.01

2.9

2.98

2.84

2.68

2.58 

2.52

2.44

2.44,

2.42

2.36

2.36

Oct.

2.5

 2.48

2.46

3.2

2.95

2.73

2.59

2.6 

2.6

2.53

2.46

2.43

2.4

2.4

2.37

Nov.

2.47

2.45

2.4

a2.5

a2.6

a2.6

a2.6

2.5 

2.5

2.48

2.48

3.32

3.52

3.38

Dec.

a 2. 9

«3.0

a 3.0

a 3.0

64.0

3.45

3.3

3.18 

3.0

3.0

2.9

2.9

3.85

3.48

3.05

"Anchor ice in river. b River clear of ice.

NOTE. Gage heights during freshet of July 30 estimated. Crest of flood was at gage height, 8 feet 

at 8.30 a. m.-, as determined afterwards with a level, using marks on trees. Relation of gage heights 

to discharge changed by this flood.
144 8TEEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

SALMON RIVER AT LEESVILLE, CONN.

This station was established March 28, 1905, by H. K. Barrows. It is located at 

the plant of the East Haddam Electric Light Company at Leesville, a short distance 

above the bridge on the highway leading from Leesville to Easthampton. The 

drainage area at this point is 115 square miles. The station is maintained through 

the cooperation of Messrs. Ransom. & Hoadley, of Providence, R. I., who are expecting to build at this point a dam about 72 feet in height for developing light and 

power, which will probably be used in Hartford.

The channel is curved more or less above and below the station. The bed is rather 

rough and rocky; banks in the vicinity of the gage are high and steep, but a short 

distance below the bridge they become of medium height. The current is good at 

the places used for measurement by wading, but is apt to be small and poorly distributed in the vicinity of the bridge during ordinary stages. This station may be 

influenced for a time during the spring by backwater effect from Connecticut River, 

into which it flows about 5 miles below this point. The effect of the tide is experienced nearly up to the highway bridge, but it is believed that gage readings are not 

affected by it. During the low-water season no water is allowed to flow by the dam 

during the daytime, consequently it has been necessary to get a number of gage 

readings, most of which were in the night, to determine the mean flow for the day.

Discharge measurements at ordinary and low stages are made by wading at various 

sections in the vicinity. At high water they are made from the bridge, where there 

is a clear span of about 100 feet.

A vertical staff gage is fastened to the side wall of the tailrace near its entrance into 

the river. An additional staff gage is fastened to the foundation wall of the electriclight station for high-water observations. Gage readings are taken by E. W. Crocker, 

superintendent of the electric-light plant. The two gages are referred to bench 

marks, as follows: (1) Circular chisel draft on stone near staff gage in tailrace; elevation, 2. 98 feet. (2) Circular chisel draft on bowlder, 36 feet south and 8 feet west 

of southeast corner of electric-light station; elevation, 4.51 feet. (3) Chiseled cross 

on ledge 20 feet east and 5 feet north of southeast corner of old power-house foundation; elevation, 9.27 feet. All elevations are above datum of the gage.

Discharge measurements of Salmon River at Leesville, Conn., in 1905.

Date.

April 28«......

Mav 16 «. ......

May 26 a.......

Hydrographer.

.....do...............................

.....do...............................

Width.

Feet. 

120

122

98

102

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

112

121

82

400

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.48

1.46

.89

.82

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.34

1.38

.70

1.97

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

166

177

73

330

« By wading; meter on a rod.

6 From downstream side of highway bridge; about one-eighth of discharge is estimated.
HOUSATONTC RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 145

HOUSATONIC RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION OF BASIN.

Housatonic River has its source in Berkshire County, Mass. It flows southward 

across Massachusetts and the*west end of Connecticut, entering Long Island Sound. 

Its course is nearly parallel to the eastern boundary of New York State, and it 

receives the drainage from Tenmile River in New York.

Tenmile River drains an area of diversified topography, including broad flats and 

marshes in the basin of Swamp River and extensive areas under cultivation and 

sparsely timbered hills in the region of the Chestnut Range. The drainage area lies 

chiefly in New York State, the stream crossing the line into Connecticut one-half 

mile above the junction with the Housatonic.

HOUSATONIC RIVER AT GAYLORDSVLLLE, CONN.

This station was established October 24, 1900, by E. G. Paul. It is located at the 

covered wooden highway bridge at Gaylordsville, 2 miles below the mouth of Tenmile River.

The channel is straight for about 500 feet above and below the measuring section, 

and there is sufficient velocity at all stages to permit of accurate measurement. At 

high water the current is swift and rough. Both banks are subject to overflow only 

during extreme freshets; both have a sparse growth of trees and brush. The bed of 

the stream is composed of gravel and cobblestones, free from vegetation, and not 

subject to change.

On account of the poor cross section of the bridge discharge measurements are 

made by means of a cable and car 1J miles below. The cable has a span of 200 feet. 

The initial point for soundings is the zero of the tagged wire at the sycamore tree 

which supports the cable on the left bank.

A standard chain gage, which is read twice each day by G. H. Monroe, is fastened 

to the woodwork of the inside of the bridge; length of chain, 30.45 feet. No bench 

marks have been established. The center of the gage pulley is 29.35 feet above gage 

datum.

Information in regard to this station is contained in the following Water-Supply 

Papers of the United States Geological Survey:

Description: 47, pp 36-36; 65, pp 87-88; 82, p 121; 97, p 94; 124, p 147.

Discharge: 47, p 36; 65, p 88; 82, p 122; 97, p 95; 124, p 148.

Discharge, daily: 97, pp 98-101; 124, p 151.

Discharge, low-water: 65, pp 89-90.

Discharge, monthly: 75, p 24; 97, pp 102-103; 124, p 152.

Gage heights: 47, p 36; 65, p 89; 82, p 122; 97, p 96; 124, p 149.

Hydrographs: 75, p 24.

Rating tables: 65, p 318; 97, i> 97: 124, p 150.

IRR 16E
146 STBEAM MEASUREMENTS IN 1905, PART I.

Daily gage height, in feet, of Housatonic River at Gaylordsville, Conn., for 1905.

Day.

1 .............

2. .............

4..............

ft.. ............

8. .............

9

10..............

11..............

12..............

13.... ..........

14. .............

15..............

16..............

17..............

18..............

19..............

20..............

21..............

22..............

25..............

28..............

29..............

30.............. 

31..............

Jan.

4.2

4

0

4.5

4.4

4.4

8.4

8.0

6.65

6.5

6.1

5.65

5.45

5.4

5.2

K 1

5.05

5.1

5.1

5.1

5.0

4.65

4.6

4.6

4.5

4.7

4.6 

4.5

Feb.

4.4

4.45

4.5

4.4

4.45

4.4

4.5

4.3

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.25

4.2

4.35

4.4

4.3

4.2

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.15

4.0

4.0

4.1

4.2

4.2

.......

Mar.

4.2

4.3

4.2

4.1

4.15

4.15

4.3

4.7

K fiPL

K 0

5

1

5

n

4\95

4.7

4.8

4.75

7 3

6.65

6.6

6.55

6.65

8.15

8

1

9 1

9.05

8.8

8.8 

8.65

Apr.

8.4

7 Q^

7.7

7.0

6.8

7 ^

7.15

6.8

6.6

6.55

6.65

6.55

6 9

5.8

5.8

5 45

5.45

5.35

5.5

5

CFL

5.3

5.1

5.1

5.05

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.8

May.

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.75

4.5

4.45

4.3

4.3

4.45

4.4

4.55

4.15

4.45

4.45

4.5

4.55

4 xf\

4.5

4.3

3 OK

4.25

4.25

4.0

4.0

4.1

3.8 

4.0

June.

4.0

3.65

3 9

3.9

3.7

3.75

4.35

4.2

4.1

4.2

4 05

4.0

4

ftK

4.2

4 05

°. Q1

4.0

3

KFL

3

4

3.45

3.8

3

QP\

4.15

4.3

3 PL

4.0

4.0

rf 7

3.5

3.6

July.

3.4

3.4

3.55

3.4

3.35

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.25

3.25

3.35

3.35

o q

3.45

3.7

3.6

3.45

3 OF;

3.3

3 OK

3 1 F»

3.4

0 OF.

3

C

3 OK

3.15

3.35 

4.05

Aug.

4.65

4.4

4.2

3.95

3.8

3.45

3.5

3.5

3.45

3.65

3.7

3.8

3.75

3.5

3.6

3 9

4.1

3.9

3 9

3

0

3.75

3

F.

3 OK

3

F.F.

4 1

40

3 7

3

0

3.6

3.65 

13

Sept.

4.0

3.8

4.8

6.35

6.85

6.35

5.7

5.45

5.05

4.7

4.6

5.0

5.1

5.2

5.1

5.15

4.7

4 P»P»

4.8

4 95

4 QP»

5.0

4.8

4.55

4.4

4

0

4.2

4.25

4 1 P»

4.0

Oct.

4.05

4.0

4.1

4.3

4.15

4.15

4.2

4.1

4.0

3.95

3.9

4.4

4.6

4.4

4.3

4.15

4.15

4.3

4.5

4 65

4.1

4 3

4 3

4

f)C

4 2

4.35 

4.4

Nov.

4.05

4.0

3.95

4.0

4.0

4.2

4.2

4.4

4.3

4.35

4.3

4.2

4.1

4 05

4.0

^ fi

4.0

4.0

3.8

3.8

3

>7C

3 7

3

Q

4.0

3 7

3

7F.

3.85

4.3

5.0

Dec.

5.05

5.0

5.55

6.5

6.3

5.65

5.45

5.1

5.15

5.2

5.2

4.8

4.95

4.75

4.6

4.6

4.2

4.35

4.4

A F.

4.85

5

FL

5

K

P\ 1 P»

4.95

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.9

4.8 

4.85

NOTE. January 1, ice 1 foot thick along edges. January 7, ice went out. January 7-25, river open. 

January 26, observer notes river open at gage, but frozen across 5 inches thick about 35 rods below the 

gage. Ice along banks above gage; no anchor ice. This condition held nearly constant with slight 

increase of ice along banks until March 11, when ice began to melt. River clear March 18.
HOUSATONIC BIVEE DRAINAGE BASIN. 147

Station rating table for Housatonic River at Gaylordsville, Conn., from October 23, 1900,

to December 31, 1905.

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

4.10

4.20

4.30

4.40

4.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

120

157

193

230

266

303

352

402

451

501

550

618

686

754

822

890

986

1,082

1,178

1,274

1,370

Gage 

height.

Feet.

4.60

4.70

4.80

4.90

5.00

5.10

5.20

5.30

5.40

5.50

5.60

5.70

5.80

5.90

6.00

6.10

6.20

6.30

6.40

6.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

1,506

1,642

1,778

1,914

2,050

2,216

2, 382

2,548

2,714

2,880

3,076

3,272

3,468

3,664

3,860

4,080

4,300

4,520

4,740

4,960

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

8.20

8.30

8.40

8.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

5,204

5,448

5,692

5,936

6,180

6,440

6,700

6,960

7,220

7,480

7,744

8,008

8,272

8,536

8,800

9,070

9,340

9,610

9,880

10,150

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

10.10

10.20

10.30

10.40

10.50

Discharge.

Second-feet.

10,430

10,700

10,980

11,250

fl,530

11,800

12,080

12,350

12, 630

12,900

13, 180

13,460

13, 740

14,020

14,300

' 14, 600

14,900

15,200

15,500

15,800

NOTE. The above table is applicable only for open-channel conditions. It is based on discharge 

measurements made during 1900-1904. It is well defined between gage heights 3 feet and 5 feet. 

Above 5 feet the measurements are scattered.

Estimated monthly discharge of Housatonic River at Gaylordsville, Conn., for 1905. 

[Drainage area, 1,020 square miles.]

Month.

April ........................................

July .........................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

9,880 

11,800 

9,880 

1,778 

1,226 

938 

1, 574 

5,814 

1,642 

2,050 

4,960

Minimum.

1,506 

1,710 

1,778 

754 

501 

377 

476 

754 

822 

618 

1,082

Mean.

3,652 

7,791 

4,321 

1,246 

837 

494 

773 

2,056 

1,131 

956 

2,183

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

3.58 

7.64 

4.24 

1.22 

.821 

.484 

.758 

2.02 

1.11 

.937 

2.14

Depth in 

inches.

2.53 

3.98 

4.73 

1.41 

.916 

.558 

.874 

2.25 

1.28 

1.05 

2.47

INDEX.

A. Page.

Acknowledgments and cooperation........ 18-19

Acre-foot, definition of..................... 10

Ammonoosuc River at 

Bretton Woods, N. H.:

description......................... 128

discharge........................... 128

gage heights........................ 129

Androscoggin River at 

Dixfield, Me.:

description......................... 82

discharge........................... 82

discharge, monthly................. 84

gage heights........................ 83

rating table........................ 84

Errol Dam, N. H.:

description......................... 76

Gorham, N. H.:

description......................... 76

Rumford Falls, Me.:

description......................... 80

discharge, daily.................... 81

discharge, monthly.*................ 81

Shelburne, N. H.:

description......................... 70-77

discharge........................... 77

discharge, monthly................. 79

gage heights........................ 78

rating table........................ 79

Androscoggin River basin:

description of........................... 75-76

Aroostook River at 

Fort Fairfield, Me.:

description......................... 24-25

discharge........................... 25

discharge, monthly................. 27

gage heights........................ 25-26

rating table........................ 26

Ashuelot River at 

Winchester, N. H.:

description......................... 133

Attean Pond, Me.:

Moose River near:

discharge........................... 03

B. 

Baring, Me.

St. Croix River near:

description......................

discharge........................

discharge, monthly..............

rating table.

Blackstone River near 

Woonsocket, R. I.:

description......................... 109

discharge........................... 109

gage heights........................ 110

Blackstone River basin:

description of........................... 109

Blandford, Mass.

Westfield Little River near:

description....................... 142-143

discharge'........................... 143

gage heights........................ 143

Brassua Lake, Me.

Brassua Stream near:

discharge........................... 63

Misery Stream near:

discharge........................... 63

Moose River near:

discharge........................... 63

Brassua Stream near 

Brassua Lake, Me.:

discharge........................... 63

Bretton Woods, N. H.

Ammonoosuc River at:

description......................... 128

discharge........................... 128

gage heights........................ 129

C.

Cable station, figure showing............. 14

Carrabassett River at 

North Anson, Me.:

description......................... 68-69

discharge........................... 69

discharge, monthly................. 70

gage heights........................ 69

rating table........................ 70

Center Conway, N. H. 

Saco River near:

description......................... 87-88

discharge........................... 88

discharge, monthly................. 90

gage heights........................ 88-89

rating table........................ 89

Clinton, Mass.

Nashua River (South Branch) at:

description......................... 108

rainfall............................. 108

yield................................ 108

Cobbosseecontee River at 

Gardiner, Me.:

description......................... 73-74

discharge, daily.................... 74

discharge, monthly................. 75

149
150 INDEX.

Cochituate, Mass. Page. 

Lake Cochituate at:

description....................... 104-105

rainfall............................. 107

yield................................ 107

Cold Stream at 

Enfield, Me.:

description......................... 46-47

discharge........................... 47

gage heights........................ 47

Computation, methods of.................. 16-18

rules for................................ 10-11

Connecticut River at end nearHartford, Conn.:

description....................... 121-122

gage heights........................ 122

Oxford, N. H.:

description......................... 115

discharge........................... 115

discharge, monthly................. 117

gage heights........................ 116

rating table........................ 117

Sunderland, Mass.:

description......................... 118

discharge........................... 118

discharge, monthly................. 121

gage heights........................ 119

rating table........................ 120

Connecticut River basin:

description of......................... 113-114

Contoocook River at 

West Hopkinton, N. H.:

description......................... 101

discharge........................... 101

discharge, monthly................. 103

gage heights........................ 102

rating table........................ 102

Cooperation and acknowledgments........ 18-19

Current meters, classes of.................. 14

methods of using....................... 15-17

D.

Dead River near 

The Forks, Me.:

description ...................

discharge.....................

discharge, monthly...........

gage heights..................

rating table..................

Dedham, Me.

Phillips Lake in:

description...................

discharge.....................

gage heights..................

Deerfleld, Mass.

Deerfleld River at:

description.... ..............

discharge.....................

48-49

49

50-51

134

134

135

Deerfleld River at 

Deerfleld, Mass.: 

description., 

discharge....

Discharge, methods of measuring and computing. ...........................

134

134

135

12-18

48-49 

51

Dixfleld, Me.

Androscoggin River at:

description......................... 82

discharge........................... 82

discharge, monthly................. 84

gage heights........................ 83

rating table........................ 84

Drainage basins, list of.................... 8-9

E.

East Branch Penobscot River. See Penobscot River (East Branch). 

East Holden, Me.

Phillips Lake near:

description.........................

gage heights........................

Phillips Lake (northern outlet) at: 

description.........................

discharge...........................

gage heights........................

East Pembroke, N. H. 

Suncook River at:

description.........................

discharge...........................

gage heights........................

Enfleld, Me.

Cold Stream at:.

description.........................

discharge...........................

gage heights........................

Equivalents, table of.......................

Errol Dam, N. H.

Androscoggin River at:

description.........................

60

103

103

104

46-47 

47 

47

11-12

76

F.

Fish River at 

Wallagrass, Me.:

description........................ 21-22

22 

24

22-23 

23 

14

discharge...........

discharge, monthly.

rating table.......................

Floats, use of, in measuring discharge ....

Fort Fairfleld, Me.

Aroostook River at:

description......................... 24-25

discharge........................... 25

discharge, monthly................. 27

gage heights........................ 25-26

rating table........................ 26

Fort Kent, Me.

St. John River at:

description......................... 21

discharge........................... 21

Foxcroft, Me.

Piscataquis River near:

description......................... 44

discharge........................... 44

discharge, monthly................. 46

gage heights........................ 45

rating table........................ 45

Framingham, Mass. 

Sudbury River at:

description....................... 104-105

rainfall............................. 106

yield................................ 106
INDEX. 151

Franklin Junction, N. H. 

Merrimac River at: 

description.........

discharge...........

discharge, monthly. 

. gage heights........

rating table........

Page.

91

92

93

92

93

G.

Gaging stations, equipment of............. 13-14

Gallons per minute, definition of........... 9

Gander Brook near 

Wood Pond, Me.:

discharge........................... 63

Gardiner, Me.

Cobbosseecontee River at:

description......................... 73-74

discharge, daily.................... 74

discharge, monthly................. 75

Garvins Falls, N. H. 

Merrimac River at: 

1 description......................... 93-94

discharge, monthly................. 94

Gaylordsville, Conn. 

Housatonic River at:

description......................... 145

discharge, monthly................. 147

gage heights........................ 146

rating table........................ 147

Gilbertville, M^,ss. 

Ware River at:

description......................... 139

Gorham, N. H.

Androscoggin River at:

description......................... 76

Grindstone, Me. 

( Penobscot River (East Branch) at:

description......................... 38

discharge........................... 38

discharge, monthly................. 40

gage heights........................ 39

rating table,....................... 40

H. 

Hartford, Conn.

Connecticut River at:

description....................... 121-122

gage heights........................ 122

Holden, Me.

Phillips Lake in:

description......................... 48-49

discharge........................... 49

gage heights........................ 50-51

Housatonic River at 

Gaylordsville, Conn.:

description......................... 145

discharge, monthly................. 147

gage heights........................ 146

rating table........................ 147

Housatonic River basin:

description of........................... 145

Hydrographers, list of..................... 18-19

Hydrographic surveys, annual appropriations for........................ 7

organization and scope of............... 7-9

I.

Ice-covered streams, method of measuring

flow of.......................... 16

Israel River (above South Branch) near 

Jefferson Highlands, N. H.: «

description......................... 123

discharge........................... 123

discharge, monthly................. 125

gage heights........................ 124

rating table........................ 124

Israel River (below South Branch) near 

Jefferson Highlands, N. H.:

description......................... 125

discharge........................... 126

discharge, monthly................. 127

gage heights........................ 126

rating table........................ 127

J.

Jefferson Highlands, N. H.

Israel River (above South Branch") near: 

description......................... 123

discharge........................... 123

discharge, monthly................. 125

gage heights..... i.................. 124

rating table........................ 124

Israel River (below South Branch) near:

description......................... 125

discharge........................... 126

discharge, monthly................. 127

gage heights........................ 126

rating table........................ 127

Kennebec River at and near 

North Anson, Me.:

description......................... 56

discharge........................... 56

discharge, monthly................. 58

gage heights........................ 57

rating table........................ 58

The Forks, Me.: 58 

description......................... 53

discharge........................... 53

discharge, monthly................. 55

gage heights........................ 54

rating table........................ 55

Waterville, Me.:

description......................... 58-59

discharge, daily.................... 59

discharge, monthly................. 60

Kennebec River basin:

description of.......................... 51-52

L.

Lake Cochituate at 

Cochituate, Mass.:

description....................... 104-105

rainfall............................. 107

yield.........................."...... 107

Lake House railroad station, Me.

Phillips Lake (southeastern outlet)

near: 

description......................... 48-49

discharge........................... 49
152 HSTDEX.

I awrence, Mass.

Merrimac River at:

description......................... 95

discharge, daily.................... 96

weekly flow........................ 97-98

Leesville, .Conn.

Salmon River at:

description......................... 144

discharge.......................... 144

Little Brassau Lake, Me. 

Moose River near:

discharge........................... 63

Little River nearTwin Mountain, N. H.:

description......................... 132

discharge........................... 132

gage heights........................ 133

Littlewood Pond stream near 

Wood Pond, Me.:

discharge........................... 63

M.

Machias River near 

Whitneyville, Me.:

description......................... 30-31

discharge........................... 31

gage heights........................ 31-32

Maehias River basin:

description of.......................... 30

Madison, Me.

Sandy River near:

description......................... 71

discharge, monthly................. 72

Mattawamkeag, Me.

Mattawamkeag River at:

description......................... 41

discharge.... r ...................... 41

discharge, monthly................. 43

gage heights........................ 42

rating table........................ 43

Mattawamkeag River at 

Mattawamkeag, Me.:

description......................... 41

discharge........................... 41

discharge, monthly................. 43

gage heights........................ 42

rating table........................ 43

Merrimac River at 

Franklin Junction, N. H.:

description......................... 91

discharge........................... 92

discharge, monthly.,............... 93

gage heights...........:............ 92

rating table........................ 93

Garvins Falls, N. H.:

description......................... 93-94

discharge, monthly................. 94

Lawrence, Mass.:

description......................... 95

discharge, daily.................... 96

weekly flow......................... 97-98

Merrimac River basin:

description of........................... 90-91

Messalonskee River at 

Waterville, Me.:

description......................... 72-73

discharge, daily.................... 73

Page. 

Methods of computing run-off.............. 16-18

of measuring stream flow.............. 12-16

Millinocket, Me.

Penobscot River at:

description......................... 33-34

discharge, daily.................... ' 34

discharge, monthly................. :i5

Miner's inch, definition of.................. lii

Misery Stream near 

Brassau Lake, Me.:

discharge........................... fi3

Montague, Me.

Penobscot River at. See West Enfleld,

Me.

Moose River at and near 

Attean Pond, Me.:

discharge........................... 63

Little Brassau Lake, Me.:

discharge........................... 63

Rockwood, Me.:

description......................... 60

discharge........................... 60

discharge, monthly................. 62

gage heights........................ 61

rating table........................ 61

Wood Pond outlet, Me.:

discharge........................... 63

Moose River basin:

miscellaneous measurements in........ 63

Multiple-point method of measuring discharge, description of........... 15

N.

Nashua River (South Branch) at 

Clinton, Mass.:

description......................... 108

rainfall............................. 108

yield................................ 108

North Anson, Me.

Carrabassett River at:

description......................... 68-69

discharge........................... 69

discharge, monthly................. 70

gage heights........................ 69

rating table........................ 70

Kennebec River near:

description......................... 56

discharge........................... 56

discharge, monthly................. 58

gage heights........................ 57

rating table........................ 58

O. 

Orford, N. II.

Connecticut River near:

description......................... 115

discharge........................... 115

discharge, monthly................. 117

gage heights........................ 116

rating table........................ 117

P.

Pemigewasset River at 

Plymouth, N. H.:

description......................... 98-99

discharge........................... 99

gage heights......................... 100
INDEX. 153

Penobscot River at Page.

Millinocket, Me.:

description......................... 33-34

discharge, daily.................... 34

discharge, monthly................. 35

West Enfleld, Me.:

description......................... 35

discharge........................... 36

discharge, monthly................. 37

gage heights........................ 36-37

rating table........................ 37

Penobscot River (East Branch) at 

Grindstone, Me.:

description......................... 38

discharge........................... 38

discharge, monthly................. 40

gage heights........................ 39

rating table........................ 40

Penobscot River basin:

description of........................... 32-33

Phillips Lake in 

Holden and Dedham, Me.:

description......................... 48-49

discharge........................... 49

gage heights........................ 50-51

Phillips Lake (northern outlet) at 

East Holden, Me.:

description......................... 48-49

discharge........................... 49

gage heights........................ 50,51

Phillips Lake (southeastern outlet) near 

Lake House railroad station, Me.:

description......................... 48-49

discharge........................... 49

Piscataquis River near 

Foxcroft, Me.: "

description......................... 44

discharge........................... 44

discharge, monthly................. 46

gage heights........................ 45

rating table........................ 45

Plymouth, N. H.

Pemigewasset River at:

description......................... 98-99

discharge........................... 99

gage heights........................ 100

Presumpscot. River at 

Sebago Lake, Me.:

description......................... 85-86

discharge, daily.................... 86

discharge, monthly................. 87

Presumpscot River basin:

description............................. 85

Q.

Quaboag River at 

West Warren, Mass.:

description.......:................. 139

discharge, daily.................... 139

discharge, monthly................. 140

R.

Rating curves, methods of construction of. 16-18 

Rating tables, methods of construction of . 16,17 

Roach River, Me. 

Roach River at:

description......................... 63

discharge........................... 64

Roach River, Me. Continued. Page. 

Roach River at Continued.

discharge, monthly................. 65

gage heights........................ 64

rating table........................ 65

Roach River at 

Roach River, Me.:

description......................... 63

discharge........................... 64

discharge, monthly................. 65

gage heights........................ 64

rating table........................ 65

Rockwood, Me.

Moose River near:

description......................... 60

discharge........................... 60

discharge, monthly................. 62

gage heights........................ 61

rating table..............-..--.---. 61

Rules for computation, fundamental and

special..._...........-...--...-. 10-11

Rumford Falls, Me.

Androscoggin River at:

description......................... 80

discharge, daily.................... 81

discharge, monthly................. 81

Run-off, office methods of computing...... 16-18

Run-off in inches, definition of............. 10

Russell, Mass.

Westfield River at:

description....................... 140-141

discharge........................... 141

gage heights........................ 142

8. 

Saco River near 

Center Conway, N. H.:

description......................... 87-88

discharge........................... 88

discharge, monthly................. 90

gage heights........................ 88-89

rating table........................ 89

Saco River basin:

description of.......................... 87

St. Croix River near 

Baring, Me.:

description......................... 28

discharge........................... 28

discharge, monthly................. 30

gage heights........................ 29

rating table........................ 29

St. Croix River basin:

description of.......................... 27-28

St. John River at 

Fort Kent, Me.:

description......................... 21

discharge........................... 21

St. John River basin:

description of.......................... 19-20

Salmon River at 

Leesville, Conn.:

description......................... 144

discharge........................... 144

Sandy River near 

Madison, Me.:

description......................... 71

discharge, monthly................. 72
154 INDEX.

Sebago Lake, Me. Page. 

Presumpscot River at:

description......................... 85-86

discharge, daily.................... 86

discharge, monthly................. 87

Second-feet per square mile, definition of... 10 

Second-foot, definition of.................. 9

Sharon, Vt.

White River at:

description......................... 133

Shelburne, N. H.

Androscoggin River at:

description......................... 76-77

discharge........................... 77

discharge, monthly................. 79

gage heights........................ 78

rating table........................ 79

Shetucket River near 

Willimantic, Conn.:

description......................... Ill

discharge........................... Ill

discharge, monthly................. 113

gage heights........................ 112

rating table........................ 112

Single-point method of measuring discharge, description of.......... 15-16

Slope method of measuring discharge, use

and value of.................... 13

South Branch Nashua River. See Nashua

River (South Branch). 

Stream flow, field methods of measuring.... 12-16

Sudbury River at 

Framingham, Mass.:

description....................... 104-105

rainfall............................. 106

yield................................ 106

Suncook River at 

East Pembroke, N. H.:

description......................... 103

discharge........................... 103

gage heights........................ 104

Sunderland, Mass.

Connecticut River at:

description......................... 118

discharge........................... 118

discharge, monthly................. 121

gage heights........................ 119

rating table . , t ..................... 120

Swift River at 

West Ware, Mass.:

description......................... 140

T.

Tables, explanation of................... 10

Thames River basin:

description of........................ 110-111

The Forks, Me.

Dead River near:

description.........

discharge...........

discharge, monthly.

rating table........

Kennebec River at: 

description.........

discharge...........

discharge, monthly.

The Forks, Me. Continued. Page.

Kennebec River at Continued.

gage heights........................ 54

rating table........................ 55

Twin Mountain, N. H.

Little River near:

description......................... 132

discharge........................... 132

gage heights........................ 133

Zealand River near:

description......................... 130

discharge........................... 130

discharge, monthly................. 132

gage heights........................ 131

rating table........................ 131

V.

Velocity method of measuring discharge,

description of.................. 13-16

Vertical-integration method of measuring

discharge, description of........ 16

Vertical velocity-curve method of measuring

discharge, description of ....... 15

W.

Wallagrass, Me. 

Fish River at:

description......................... 21-22

discharge........................... 22

discharge, monthly................. 24

gage heights........................ 22-23

rating table........................ 23

Ware, Mass.

Ware River, near:

description......................... 136

discharge........................... 136

discharge, monthly................. 138

gage heights........................ 137

rating table........................ 138

Ware River at and near 

Gilbertville, Mass.:

description......................... 139

Ware, Mass.:

description......................... 136

discharge........................... 136

discharge, monthly...........'...... 138

gage heights........................ 137

rating table........................ 138

Waterville, Me.

Kennebec River at:

description...................:..... 58-59

discharge, daily.................... 59

discharge, monthly................. 60

Messalonskee River at:

description......................... 72-73

discharge, daily.................... 73

Weir method of measuring discharge, requirements of.................. 13

West Enfield, Me.

Penobscot River at:

description......................... 35

discharge........................... 36

discharge, monthly................. 37

gage heights......................... 36-37

rating table........................ 37
INDEX. 155

West HopMnton, N. H. 

Contoocook River at:

description......................... 101

discharge........................... 101

discharge, monthly................. 103

gage heights........................ 102

rating table........................ 102

West Ware, Mass. 

Swift River at:

description......................... 140

West Warren, Mass. 

Quaboag River at:

description......................... 139

discharge, daily.................... 139

discharge, monthly................. 140

Westfleld Little River near 

Blandford, Mass.:

description....................... 142-143

discharge........................... 143

gage heights........................ 143

Westfleld River at 

Russell, Mass.:

description....................... 140-141

discharge........................... 141

gage heights........................ 142

White River at 

Sharon, Vt.:

description......................... 133

Whitneyville, Me.

Machias River near:

description......................... 30-31

discharge........................... 31

gage heights........................ 31-32

Willimantic, Conn.

Shetucket River near:

description......................... Ill

discharge........................... Ill

discharge, monthly................. 113

gage heights........................ 112

rating table........................ 112

Winchester, N. H. 

Ashuelot River at:

description......................... 133

Wood Pond outlet, Me. 

Gander Brook near:

discharge........................... 63

Little Wood Pond Stream near:

discharge........................... 63

Moose River at:

discharge........................... 63

Woonsocket, R. I.

Blackstone River near:

description......................... 109

discharge........................... 109

leights........................ 110

Z. 

Zealand River near 

Twin Mountain, N. H.:

description......................... 130

discharge........................... 130

discharge, monthly................. 132

gage heights........................ 131

rating table........................ 131
CLASSIFICATION OF THE PUBLICATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL

SURVEY.

[Water-Supply Paper No. 165.]

The publications of the United States Geological Survey consist of (1) Annual 

Reports; (2) Monographs; (3) Professional Papers; (4) Bulletins; (5) Mineral 

Resources; (6) Water-Supply and Irrigation Papers; (7) Topographic Atlas of 

United States, folios and separate sheets thereof; (8) Geologic Atlas of United 

States, folios thereof. The classes numbered 2, 7, and 8 are sold at cost of 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. A certain number are delivered to Senators and Representatives in Congress, 

for distribution.

3. Other copies are deposited with the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, 

D. C., from whom they may be had at practically cost.

4. Copies of all Government publications are furnished to the principal public 

libraries in the large cities throughout the United States, where they may be 

consulted by those interested.

The Professional Papers, Bulletins, and Water-Supply Papers treat of a variety of 

subjects, and the total number issued is large. They have therefore been classified 

into the following series: A, Economic geology; B, Descriptive geology; C, Systematic geology and paleontology; D, Petrography and mineralogy; E, Chemistry and' 

physics; F, Geography; G, Miscellaneous; H, Forestry; I, Irrigation; J, Water 

storage; K, Pumping water; L, Quality of water; M, General hydrographic investigations; N, Water power; 0, 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. A detailed index of these reports 

(1888-1903) is published as Water-Supply Paper No. 119.

1888. Tenth Annual Eeport, Part II.

1889. Eleventh Annual Eeport, Part II.

1890. Twelfth Annual Eeport, Part II.

1891. Thirteenth Annual Eeport, Part III.

1892. Fourteenth Annual Eeport, Part II.

1893. Bulletin No. 131.

1894. Bulletin No, 131; Sixteenth Annual Eeport, Part II.

1895. Bulletin No. 140.

1896. Water-Supply Paper No. 11; Eighteenth Annual Eeport, Part IV.

1897. Water-Supply Papers Nos. 15 and 16; Nineteenth Annual Eeport, Part IV.

1898. Water-Supply Papers Nos. 27 and 28; Twentieth Annual Eeport, 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 Eeport, Part IV.

1901. East of Mississippi Eiver, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 65 and 75. 

West of Mississippi Eiver, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 66 and 75.

1902. East of Mississippi Eiver, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 82 and 83. 

West of Mississippi Kiver, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 84 and 85.

I
II SERIES LIST.

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.

1905. East of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, and 171.

West of Mississippi River, Water-Supply Papers Nos. 171,172,173,174,175,176,177, and 178.

The Geological Survey and the Reclamation Service have suboffices 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., 876 Federal Building; Belle Fourehe, S. Dak.; Cody, Wyo.; 

Denver, Colo., Chamber of Commerce Building; Salt Lake, Utah; Los Angeles, Cal., 1108 Union Trust 

Building; Phoenix, Ariz.; Carlsbad, N. Mex.; El Paso, Tex.; Billings, Mont.; Huntley, Mont.; Hazen, 

Nev.; Boise, Idaho; North Yakima, Wash.; Portland, Oreg., 351 Washington street.

Correspondence should be addressed to

THE DIRECTOR,

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY,

WASHINGTON, D. 0. 

MAY, 1906.

o