The National Hydrologic 

Bench-Mark Network

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

CIRCULAR 460-D

No" ^
Part D

The National Hydrologic 

Bench-Mark Network

By Ernest D. Cobb and J. E. Biesecker 

CONSERVATION NETWORKS 

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 460-D

Washington T971
United States Department of the Interior

Geological Survey

William T. Pecora, Director

Free on application to the U.S. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. 20242
CONTENTS

Page

Abstract ________________________________________ _ 1

Introduction _______________________________________ 1

Objectives of the network _________________________________ 2

The present network ____________________________________ 3

Description of the network basins _________________________ 4

Blackwater River near Bradley, Ala _________________ _ 5

Sipsey Fork near Grayson, Ala ____________________ _ 6

Wet Bottom Creek near Childs, Ariz _____________________ - 7

Cossatot River near Vandervoort, Ark _________________ 7

North Sylamore Creek near Fifty Six, Ark ________________ - 8

Elder Creek near Branscomb, Calif __________________________ 8

Merced River at Happy Isles Bridge near Yosemite, Calif ____ 9

Wildrose Creek near Wildrose Station, Calif __________-. _ 9

Halfmoon Creek near Malta, Colo _______________________-_ 10

Vallecito Creek near Bayfield, Colo ______________________ - 10

Sopchoppy River near Sopchoppy, Fla _______________ 11

Falling Creek near Juliette, Ga _______________________ __ 12

Tallulah River near Clayton, Ga ___________________________ 12

Honolii Stream near Papaikou, Hawaii _______________ _____ 13

Hayden Creek below North Fork, near Hayden Lake, Idaho _____ _ 13

Wickahoney Creek near Bruneau, Idaho _______________-__ _- 13

South Hogan Creek near Dillsboro, Ind ___________________ _ 14

Elk Creek near Decatur City, Iowa ________________ _ 15

Big Creek at Pollock, La ___________________________________ 15

Wild River at Gilead, Maine ________________________________- 16

Washington Creek at Windigo, Isle Royale, Mich ___________________ 16

Kawishiwi River near Ely, Minn _____________________________- 17

North Fork Whitewater River near Elba, Minn ___________________ 18

Cypress Creek near Janice, Miss ____._______________________ 18

Beauvais Creek near St. Xavier, Mont __________________________ 19

Swiftcurrent Creek at Many Glacier, Mont _______________________- 19

Dismal River near Thedford, Nebr ____________________________ 20

South Twin River near Round Mountain, Nev _____________________ 21

Steptoe Creek near Ely, Nev _.._______________________________ 21

McDonalds Branch in Lebanon State Forest, N.J ___________________ 22

Mogollon Creek near Cliif, N. Mex _____________________________ 22

Rio Mora near Tererro, N. Mex ______________________________ 23

Esopus Creek at Shandaken, N.Y _____________________________ 24

Cataloochee Creek near Cataloochee, N.C _______________________ 24

Bear Den Creek near Mandaree, N. Dak ________________________ 25

Beaver Creek near Finley, N. Dak ____________________________ 25

Upper Twin Creek at McGaw, Ohio ___________________________ 26

Blue Beaver Creek near Cache, Okla ___________________________ 27

Kiamichi River near Big Cedar, Okla ___________________________ 27

Crater Lake near Crater Lake, Oreg ___________________________ 28

Minam River at Minam, Oreg ________________________________ 28

Young Womans Creek near Renovo, Pa ________________________ 29

Scape Ore Swamp near Bishopville, S.C _________________________ 30

Upper Three Runs near New Ellenton, S.C _______________________ 30

Castle Creek above Deerfield Reservoir, near Hill City, S. Dak __________ 30

III
iv CONTENTS

Description of the network basins Continued Page

Little Vermillion River near Salem, S. Dak _________ _ 31

Buffalo River near Flat Woods, Tenn ___________________,____ _ 31

Little River above Townsend, Tenn _____ __ 32

Limpia Creek above Fort Davis, Tex ______________ _ _ _ 33

South Fork Rocky Creek near Briggs, Tex ____________ _ _ 33

Red Butte Creek at Fort Douglas, near Salt Lake City, Utah _ _ 34

Holiday Creek near Andersonville, Va __________________ ___ 35

Andrews Creek near Mazama, Wash ________________________ _ 35

North Fork Quinault River near Amanda Park, Wash ______________ 35

Popple River near Fence, Wis ______________________________ 36

Cache Creek near Jackson, Wyo ____________________________ 37

Encampment River above Hog Park Creek, near Encampment, Wyo _____ 37

References _______________________________________________ 38

ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

FIGURE 1. Map showing the location of hydrologic bench-mark basins __ 2 

2. Photographs showing the variety of conditions existing in the

hydrologic bench-mark network __________________ 4
CONSERVATION NETWORKS

PART D 

THE NATIONAL HYDROLOGIC BENCH-MARK NETWORK

BY ERNEST D. COBB and J. E. BIESECKER

ABSTRACT

The United States is undergoing a dramatic growth 

of population and demands on its natural resources. The 

effects are widespread and often produce significant alterations of the environment. The hydrologic bench-mark 

network was established to provide data on stream 

basins which are little affected by these changes. The 

network is made up of selected stream basins which are 

not expected to be significantly altered by man. Data 

obtained from these basins can be used to document 

natural changes in hydrologic characteristics with time, 

to provide a better understanding of the hydrologic 

structure of natural basins, and to provide a comparative base for studying the effects of man on the hydrologic environment.

There are 57 bench-mark basins in 37 States. These 

basins are in areas having a wide variety of climate and 

topography. The bench-mark basins and the types of 

data collected in the basins are described.

INTRODUCTION

The United States is presently struggling to 

maintain the quality of its environment. Dramatic growth of population and industry has 

drastically altered the environment of this 

Nation. The effects of this alteration are widespread and include modification of the characteristics of the country's water resources. Efficient utilization of these water resources 

requires redefining the flow and quality characteristics of the affected streams. This redefinition will be simplified by use of natural-stream 

records being collected on hydrologic bench 

marks.

The hydrologic bench-mark network is made 

up of selected stream basins which are expected 

to remain in their present or natural condition.

Data will be collected indefinitely on these 

basins. Certain data, such as streamflow, will 

be collected continuously. Water quality and 

other types of data will be obtained at intervals 

as required to define the characteristics.

Hydrologic data are collected on about 7,000 

streams throughout the United States by the 

Geological Survey. These data are collected, in 

part, for current use, such as the operation of 

dams and water-supply facilities, for planning 

purposes, such as the definition of streamflow, 

water-quality, and ground-water characteristics, and for documentation of natural changes 

in hydrologic characteristics in time. The hydrologic bench-mark network supplements the 

larger network by documenting natural hydrologic changes and by describing the relation of 

flow characteristics to basin characteristics under natural hydrologic environments.

The hydrologic bench-mark program was initiated in 1958. Selection of basins was guided 

by the following criteria:

1. No manmade storage, regulation, or diversion currently exists or is probable for 

many years.

2. Ground water within the basin will not be 

affected by pumping from wells.

3. Conditions are favorable for accurate measurement of streamflow, chemical and 

physical quality of water, ground-water 

conditions, and the various characteristics of weather, principally precipitation.

4. The probability is small of special natural 

changes due to such things as major ac-
tivities of beavers, overgrazing or overbrowsing by game animals, or extensive 

fires.

Langbein and Hoyt (1959, p. 18) and Leopold 

(1962) proposed that a bench-mark network 

for the United States should consist of about 

100 basins. However, because of the limited 

number of basins in some areas which meet the 

preceding criteria, it seems that the ultimate 

network will reach a maximum of about 70 

basins. At present (1970), data are being collected on 57 hydrologic bench marks in 37 

States (fig. 1).

OBJECTIVES OF THE NETWORK

Langbein (1968) stated:

The motivating principle behind the recommendation 

for the establishment of hydrological bench marks 

probably reflects anxiety that because the past century 

has been a period of settlement and of vast agricultural 

and industrial development in many areas of the world, 

there are today few gauging-station records that may 

be considered homogeneous. Among all the geophysical 

subjects geodesy, seismology, volcanology, oceanography, and even meteorology hydrology is the most directly and significantly affected by the hand of man. An

anxious attitude in these circumstances appears justified, even though at present one may not be able to 

specify the uses to which posterity might put such records. One can readily argue that we should profit by 

the opportunity to begin such observations simply because the chances appear favorable that the records 

will become significant, and because of the high regard 

we now hold for data series that are stationary in a 

statistical if not a hydrological sense.

At this early juncture in the programme, one might 

anticipate that hydrological bench marks might at least 

assure a stationary hydrological time series. These data 

could serve several purposes: (1) analyses of the hydrological structure of a natural catchment; (2) analyses 

of the statistical structure of hydrological time series; 

and (3) as a reference or comparative base for noting 

changes in the regime of streams whose catchment or 

flow are developed for use.

Interpretation of data collected in the benchmark basins will provide valuable information 

concerning time trends. For instance, Landsberg (1960) noted significant temperature increases in the first half of the 20th century over 

much of the United States. Temperature trends 

could affect streamflow by altering evapotranspiration rates. Data collected over long time 

periods in hydrologic bench-mark basins could

HAWAII 

 14

EXPLANATION

 '

Number shown refers

to station number 

listed in text

FIGURE 1. Location of hydrologic bench-mark basins. 

2
be used to detect and document changes of hydrologic characteristics with time.

Data from hydrologic bench marks could be 

used to study cause-and-effect relationships between various physiographic, meteorologic, and 

hydrologic variables in basins free from man's 

influence. For example, long continuous records 

of precipitation and streamflow of basins which 

are nearly in their natural condition have great 

value in the study of runoff-rainfall relations 

and in the evaluation of the utility of runoffrainfall models.

In the report "Restoring the Quality of Our 

Environment" by the President's Science Advisory Committee, Environmental Pollution 

Panel (1965), it is stated:

Pollution touches us all. We are at the same time polluters and sufferers from pollution. Today we are certain that pollution adversely affects the quality of our 

lives. In the future, it may affect their duration.

Among several recommendations made in that 

report was the suggestion that steps be taken 

to obtain year-by-year information on the condition of our environment a program of baseline measurements. The hydrologic bench-mark 

program will provide this baseline information 

for the quality of the Nation's water resources.

Information on both streamflow and water 

quality from the bench-mark basins can be compared with concurrent data from basins which 

have been modified by man. This comparison 

should then provide a measure of the effect of 

the modification on the hydrology of a basin.

Hydrology and particularly water quality 

is directly and significantly affected by manmade environmental changes. In planning for 

the optimum utilization of the Nation's water 

resources, it is very important to identify the 

extent and rate by which man is altering water 

quality. Data collected at the hydrologic bench 

marks offers a basis for evaluating these 

changes. For example, radioactive fallout has 

occurred over most of the earth, and pesticides 

discharged into the atmosphere often travel 

great distances. Water-quality data from benchmark basins will aid in determining the distribution and magnitude of these contaminants. 

With respect to these contaminants the bench 

marks would no longer provide baseline data; 

thus, data should be obtained as soon as possible

even on the remote streams in order to document 

natural conditions.

THE PRESENT NETWORK

The locations of the established bench marks 

are shown in figure 1. The network encompasses 

a wide variety of natural environments (fig. 2). 

These include high mountain areas, the very 

humid Northwest, the arid and semiarid Southwest, the plains of the Midwest, the warm 

humid Southeast, the cold humid Northeast, and 

the temperate area of Hawaii. Elevations within 

the hydrologic bench-mark basins range from 

about 100 to over 14,000 feet above mean sea 

level. Vegetation ranges from sparse desert 

growths to dense coniferous forests.

To insure a minimum of interference by man, 

many of the hydrologic bench marks are in national parks, wilderness areas, State parks, national forests, and in areas set aside for scientific study. Completely natural basins of suitable 

size no longer exist in some parts of the United 

States. Therefore, to attain an adequate geographical distribution of bench marks, it was 

necessary to modify the criterion that the selected basin be completely natural. This modification resulted in the selection, for example, 

of Blackwater Creek basin in the Conecuh National Forest of Alabama, where selective logging is practiced, and in the Elk Creek basin 

in southern Iowa, in which nearly all the land 

is farmed but little agricultural change is expected. Neither the selective logging nor the 

agricultural practices should invalidate the 

streamflow record as a bench-mark basin, so 

long as the present practices are continued.

Large drainage basins usually have some part 

affected by man. Very small drainage basins 

respond to extremely localized climatic variations. Therefore, basins in an intermediate size 

range were sought for the bench-mark network. 

The median basin size of the present network 

is 55 square miles. Half of the basins drain 

areas of from 25 to 89 square miles, and the 

range of basin sizes is from 2.31 to 960 square 

miles.

Hydrologic variables measured in the benchmark basins include continuous streamflow records at 56 sites, observations of ground-water 

levels at six sites, precipitation data at 33 sites, 

and continuous stream temperatures at 26 sites.
B D

FIGURE 2. Photographs showing the variety of conditions existing in the hydrologic bench-mark network: 

(A) Merced River basin, Calif.; (B) Bear Den Creek basin, N. Dak. (photograph by Harlan M. 

Erskine) ; (C) Wildrose Creek basin, Calif, (photograph by John R. Crippen) ; (D) Wild River basin, 

Maine (photograph by Gordon S. Hayes).

Water-quality characteristics are measured 

periodically at 51 sites. Radioactivity levels and 

pesticide concentrations are measured in 39 

basins. Data are also obtained on nutrients, 

biota, and on various other water-quality characteristics in many of the basins. Records of air 

movement, air temperature, pan evaporation,

and snow-survey data are also collected at a few 

of the basins.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NETWORK BASINS

Descriptions of the individual hydrologic 

bench-mark basins are preceded by the following explanatory remarks:
Stations are listed first alphabetically by 

State, then by station name within the State. 

The number preceding the station name corresponds to its number on the map of figure 1. 

The number following the station name is the 

downstream-order number given to all Surveyoperated stream-gaging stations.

Location. The general part of the State in 

which the basin is located and the proximity of 

the basin to important geographical features.

Drainage area. The horizontal projection of 

the land area within the basin limits as defined 

on topographical maps.

Physiographic area. Areas defined by Fenneman (1931, 1938). Where applicable, section, 

province, and major division are given.

Climate. The average annual precipitation 

given is the approximate average over the basin 

unless otherwise noted. In areas of major topograpical change, the precipitation and temperature may vary considerably in short distances. 

In such areas the mean precipitation and temperature are sometimes rough approximations. 

Most of the precipitation, temperature, and 

snow were taken from regionalized maps of the 

variables.

Topography. The major characteristics of 

the terrain. In addition, basin elevations and 

slopes are given.

Rock type. The characteristics of the underlying rocks that affect the hydrology of the 

basin. The nature of rocks in a basin influences 

the quality of the ground water, and their 

physical properties affect the ground-water discharge characteristics of a basin.

Vegetation. The primary types of vegetation. For some basins the density of vegetation 

is also given.

Man-made influences. The value of a benchmark bat>in is dependent on the stability of the 

basin's characteristics relative to man's activities. Few basins are completely free of man's 

influence; hence, a description of unnatural 

modifications of the basins is given so that present and future basin conditions can be compared.

Gage location. The position of the streamflow gage at the downstream point in the basin.

Flow characteristics. None of the hydrologic 

bench marks has been operated long enough to 

adequately determine all flow characteristics.

Hence, only the general characteristics of the 

streamflow and an estimate of the average annual runoff are given. In arid areas, the estimates of the average annual runoff may be subject to large error.

Water quality. The principal chemical constituents of the streamflow listed by cations, 

anions, and nonionic materials. Where data are 

available, estimates of the average low-flow 

dissolved-solids concentration and the annual 

sediment load are also given.

Data collected. A brief summary of data 

collected and periods of collection in the hydrologic bench-mark basins. These data include 

those collected by other agencies such as the 

U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Weather Bureau, 

TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority), and the 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Most of the 

data items shown are self-explanatory; however, a few items are clarified below. The frequency given for discrete data observations is 

an average. The actual time between observations may vary somewhat. Furthermore, the 

measurements of water-quality characteristics 

will not necessarily be continued at the present 

intensity. Standard complete water-quality 

analysis includes determination of hardness and 

pH and the concentrations of silica, iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, carbonate, sulfate, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, phosphate, and dissolved solids.

The analysis for pesticides includes the determination of concentrations of substances 

which are often referred to as insecticides and 

herbicides.

Special characteristics. Characteristics of 

a watershed which are of importance but which 

are not covered under the other headings.

1. BLACKWATER RIVER NEAR BRADLEY, ALA. (02369800)

Location. About 50 miles inland from the 

Gulf of Mexico, south-central Alabama.

Drainage area. 86.8 sq mi.

Physiographic area. East Gulf Coastal Plain 

section of the Coastal Plain province of the 

Atlantic Plain.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 61 in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 52°and81°F.

Topography. The uplands are gently rolling 

ridges which are somewhat broken in the central part of the basin. A few sinks and depres-
sions are scattered in the eastern basin area. 

Basin elevations range from 125 to 300 ft.

Rock type. Clay, sandy clay, sand, gravel, 

and sandstone.

Vegetation. About 90 percent of the basin 

is covered by pine and hardwood forest. The 

remainder is in pasture and row crops. The upland forest is predominantly longleaf pine, and 

there is a dense wiregrass ground cover. The 

lowland forest is about 90 percent pine and 10 

percent bay hardwood; the undergrowth is 

dense.

Manmade influences. About 60 percent of 

the basin is publicly owned. Sections of this land 

are subject to being logged every 10 years. Extensive erosion control is practiced. The remaining 40 percent is 70 percent forest and 30 

percent pasture and cultivation. Not more than 

10 percent of the privately owned forests are 

normally cut in any one year. The land in row 

crops may produce unproportionately high sediment yields. Three small communities are within 

the basin.

Gage location. Lat 31°01'45", long 86°42' 

35", in SWi/4 sec. 24, T. 1 N., R. 25 W., 1.2 miles 

southeast of Bradley.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 23 in.

Water quality. No information.

Ground water. Water-table conditions prevail. Small to moderate quantities of water are 

yielded to domestic wells. Springs and seeps occur in the lower basin.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Low-flow streamflow measurements at 36 sites in the 

basin _ Various times.

Continuous streamflow _____December 1967-present.

Ground-water levels (intermittent observations in 

three wells) __________December 1968-present.

Continuous precipitation ___December 1967-present.

Special characteristics. Blackwater Swamp 

in the headwaters covers about 10 percent of 

the basin area. The ground-water divide may 

not coincide with the surface divide.

2. SIPSEY FORK NEAR GRAYSON, ALA. (02450250)

Location. Northwestern Alabama.

Drainage area. 91.3 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Cumberland Plateau

section of the Appalachian Plateaus province 

of the Appalachian Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 52 

in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 44° 

and 80°F.

Topography. Gently rolling plateaus having 

deeply entrenched valleys. Basin elevations 

range from 550 to 1,050 ft. The slope of the 

main stream is 11 ft per mile.

Rock type. Sandstone, shale, limestone, and 

chert.

Vegetation. About 98 percent of the basin 

is covered with mixed pine and hardwood forest. A few ridge tops and upper slopes have 

been converted to all pine forest as a result of 

timbering practices.

Manmade influences. Several domestic wells 

pump water along the northern drainage divide. 

The basin is in the Bankhead National Forest, 

and logging is practiced in such a way that not 

more than 10 percent of the basin will be logged in any one year. Logging is performed only 

on the upper parts of the basin, and erosion 

control is practiced. The logged areas are replanted, and logging trails are seeded with 

grass. Several roads traverse the basin.

Gage location. Lat 34°17'07", long 87°23' 

56", in N.i/2 sec. 8, T. 9 S., R. 8 W., 4.5 miles 

west of Grayson.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 26 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved-solids 

concentration: about 50 mg/1.

Ground water. The major aquifers are the 

Pottsville Sandstone and the Pennington and 

Bangor Limestones. The Bangor Limestone is 

capable of yielding more than 50 gpm (gallons 

per minute) to wells and springs while the remaining aquifers generally yield less than 10 

gpm to wells and springs. The ground-water 

divide may not coincide with the surface divide.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____October 1966-present.

Continuous ground-water 

level _______________March 1969-present.

Ground-water levels (intermittent observations at five 

wells) _____________May 1968.

Continuous precipitation ___March 1969-present.
Type Period of record

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) :

Specific conductance

Temperature

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab). 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during 

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual)

Pesticides (semiannual)

Radioactivity (semiannual)

3. WET BOTTOM CREEK NEAR CHILDS, ARIZ. (09508300)

Location. Central Arizona.

Drainage area. 36.4 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Mexican Highland of 

Basin and Range province of the Intermontane 

Plateaus.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 20- 

30 in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 45° 

and 85° F.

Topography. Rugged and having many 

mesas and ridges separated by steep canyons. 

Basin elevations range from 2,200 to 7,450 ft. 

The slope of the main stream is about 200 ft 

per mile.

Rock type. Mostly granite and also large 

outcrops of basaltic andesite.

Vegetation. Chaparral except for pinonjuniper and pine at high elevations.

Manmade influences. Most of the basin is in 

the Mazatzal Widerness Area and is completely 

within the Tonto National Forest. The basin is 

protected from manmade changes.

Gage location. Lat 34°09'39", long 111°41' 

32", in sec. 36, T. 9i/2 N., R. 6 E. (unsurveyed), 

13 miles south of Childs.

Flow characteristics. Stream is intermittent. Average annual runoff: about 2 in. and 

annual flows are highly variable.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 250 mg/1.

Ground water. Small storage and movement 

through weathered surface and through fractures in granite.

Data collected. 

Type

Continuous streamflow

Period of record

-June 1967-present.

Type Period of record

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly):

Specific conductance

Temperature

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab). 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during 

storm runoff)

Minor elements (seminnual)

Pesticides (semiannual)

Radioactivity (semiannual)

4. COSSATOT RIVER NEAR VANDERVOORT, ARK. (07340300)

Location. Ouachita Mountains, west-central 

Arkansas.

Drainage area. 89.4 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Ouachita Mountains 

section of the Ouachita province of the Interior 

Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 52 in., of which about 5 percent occurs 

as snow. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 

42° and 81°F.

Topography. Hilly and having narrow valleys in the lower basin and east-west trending 

ridges in the upper basin. Basin elevations 

range from 780 to 2,240 ft. The slope of the 

main stream is about 22 ft per mile.

Rock type. Shale and highly compacted 

sandstone in the lower basin and novaculite and 

slate ridges in the upper basin.

Vegetation. Mixed coniferous and deciduous 

forest. Moderately thick undergrowth.

Manmade influences. About 95 percent of 

the basin is in the Ouachita National Forest. 

Selective timber harvesting is controlled by the 

U.S. Forest Service. Many recreational areas 

are being developed in the basin.

Gage location. Lat 34°22'46", long 94°15' 

08", in SE1,4NE14 sec. 30, T. 4 S., R. 30 W., 7.5 

miles east of Vandervoort.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 23 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved-solids 

concentration: about 60 mg/1.

Ground water. Small volumes of ground 

water under water-table conditions. Water 

levels are generally less than 20 ft below the 

land surface. There are numerous small springs 

in the basin.
Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflov _____June 1967-present. 

Water quality: 

Standard complete

(monthly) __________September 1967-present.

5. NORTH SYLAMORE CREEK NEAR FIFTY SIX, ARK.

(07060710)

Location. North-central Arkansas.

Drainage area. 58.4 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Springfield Plateau section of the Ozarks Plateaus province of the Interior Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 45 in. Monthly mean temperature extremes : 38° and 80°F.

Topography. Rugged rolling hills. Basin 

elevations range from 450 to 1,400 ft; a mean 

basin divide elevation is about 1,200 ft. The 

main stream slope is about 35 ft per mile.

Rock type. Mostly limestone and some sandstone.

Vegetation. Deciduous forest having moderately thick undergrowth.

Manmade influences. Most of the basin is 

the Ozark National Forest. Selective timber 

harvesting is controlled by the U.S. Forest Service. Many recreational areas are being developed there.

Gage location. Lat 35°59'30", long 92°12' 

50", in SW1/4NW14 sec. 25, T. 16 N., R. 12 W.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 19 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved-solids 

concentration: about 170 mg/1.

Ground water. Principal aquifers are the 

St. Peter Sandstone and the Boone Chert. Water 

levels are generally higher than adjacent 

streams.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____ December 1965-present. 

Continuous precipitation ___ January 1968-present. 

Water quality ___________ September 1967-present.

Field analysis (monthly) :

Specific conductance

Temperature

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab). 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Water quality Continued 

Samples collected for:

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

6. ELDER CREEK NEAR BRANSCOMB, CALIF. (11475560)

Location. About 150 miles north of San 

Francisco and 10 miles inland from the Pacific 

Ocean.

Drainage area. 6.50 sq mi.

Physiographic area. California Coast Ranges 

section of the Pacific Border province of the 

Pacific Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 80 in., varying with elevation. Most of 

the precipitation falls during the cool months 

from November to March. Annual precipitation 

is highly variable. Monthly mean temperature 

extremes: 45° and 75°F.

Topography. Narrow valleys and steep land 

slopes. Basin elevations range from 1,450 to 

4,200 ft.

Rock type. The underlying rocks are of sedimentary marine origin. Valleys contain thin 

layers of alluvium of Holocene age.

Vegetation. The basin is covered with a 

virgin forest mostly of Douglas-fir but with 

some pines. The cover is dense.

Man-made influence. The basin is under the 

control of Nature Conservancy and is protected 

from unnatural influences.

Gage location. Lat 39°43'45", long 123°38' 

40", 5 miles north of Branscomb, Mendocino 

County.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 50 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; bicarbonate; and silica. Lowflow dissolved-solids concentration: about 90 

mg/1. Average annual sediment load: estimated 

to be about 3,000 tons per sq mi.

Ground water. Numerous small springs 

drain the thin alluvial mantle. The dry season 

streamflow is maintained at about 0.5 to 1 cfs 

(cubic feet per second).

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____October 1967-present. 

Continuous precipitation (two

gages) _____________April 1969-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________October 1967 present.
Type Period of record

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) :

Specific conductance

Temperature

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab). 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during 

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual)

Pesticides (semiannual)

Radioactivity (semiannual)

7. MERGED RIVER AT HAPPY ISLES BRIDGE NEAR 

YOSEMITE, CALIF. (11264500)

Location. Western slope of the Sierra Nevada, east-central California.

Drainage area. 181 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Sierra Nevada section 

of the Cascade-Sierra Mountains province of 

the Pacific Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation over 

the basin ranges from about 40 to 70 in. About 

85 percent of the precipitation occurs from November to April. Most of the precipitation at 

the higher elevations occurs as snow. Monthly 

mean temperature extremes: 53° and 72°F at 

the lower end of the basin. Temperature decreases considerably with increasing elevation.

Topography. Alpine in character. The area 

has strongly glaciated valleys heading in eroded 

cirques. Much of the central basin has broad 

valleys and meadows separated by steep-sided 

ridges. Basin elevations range from about 4,000 

to 13,090 ft; 10-12 miles of the eastern divide 

exceeds 11,000 ft. About 99 percent of the basin 

lies above 6,000 ft.

Rock type. Almost entirely granite and also 

small areas of alluvium in valley bottoms.

Vegetation. About 45 percent of the basin 

is bush covered or forested with fir, pine, and 

some sequoias. Many peaks and ridges rise 

above the timberline.

Manmade influences. The basin lies completely within Yosemite National Park. Approximately 1 cfs is diverted above the streamgage for use in Yosemite Valley.

Gage location. Lat 37°43'54", long 119°33' 

28", 2.0 miles southeast of Yosemite National 

Park headquarters.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: 25 in. Most high flows 

result from snowmelt in May and June.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; bicarbonate; and silica. Lowflow dissolved-solids concentration: About 20 

mg/1. Average annual sediment load: estimated 

to be about 200 tons per sq mi.

Ground water. Some ground water is in the 

alluvium along the streams.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow __ August 1915-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature _________September 1965-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen 

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab).

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

Special characteristics. Many small glacially 

formed lakes are in the upper part of the basin.

8. WILDROSE CREEK NEAR WILDROSE STATION, CALIF.

(10250600)

Location. Western slope of Panamint Mountains, Death Valley National Monument, southeastern California.

Drainage area. 23.7 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Great Basin section of 

the Basin and Range province of the Intermontane Plateaus.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 9 in. of which about 3 in. falls as snow. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 45° and 

89°F. There is considerable variation in precipitation and temperature over the basin.

Topography. Steep valleys in the uplands 

and a sloping bottom land filled to its present 

level with detritus in the lower part of the 

basin. Basin elevations range from 4,300 to 

9,994 ft. The stream slope varies from 300 ft 

per mile in the lower basin to about 1,500 ft 

per mile near the eastern divide.

Rock type. Primarily dense metamorphosed 

sedimentary rock and also some granite. The 

lower one-third of the basin contains deep alluvial fill.
Vegetation. Desert scrub and chaparral in 

the lower basin and rather sparse stands of 

pinon pine with some live oak between elevations of 7,000-8,500 ft.

Manmade influences. The basin lies entirely 

within Death Valley National Monument. Some 

mining took place during the period 1870-90. 

There are a few access roads into the basin.

Gage location. Lat 36°15'55", long 117° 10' 

40", 0.4 miles east of Wildrose Ranger headquarters.

Flow characteristics. Stream is ephemeral, 

flowing for only a few hours after heavy rainstorms. Average annual surface runoff: about 

0.02 in. Flows are quite flashy, and annual runoff is highly variable.

Water quality. No information available.

Ground water. There are a few small 

springs on the lower margins of the steep 

slopes, but their outflow vanishes nearby. Park 

headquarters pumps a small amount of ground 

water just above the stream gage.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____October 1960-present. 

Pumpage by Park

Headquarters ________April 1969-present. 

Continuous precipitation:

At six gages _______June 1964-present. 

At one gage ________January 1968-present. 

Continuous wind movement

(two sites) __________June 1964-present. 

Continuous air temperature

(two sites) __________ Do. 

Continuous pan evaporation _ Do.

9. HALFMOON CREEK NEAR MALTA, COLO. (07083000)

Location. Eastern slope of the Continental 

Divide, central Colorado.

Drainage area. 23 sqmi.

Physiographic area. Southern Rocky Mountains province of the Rocky Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 20 in. at the lower elevation, of which 40 

percent occurs as snow, and about 40 in. at the 

higher elevations, of which 60 percent occurs 

as snow. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 

18° and 57°F. There is considerable variation 

in precipitation and temperature over the basin.

Topography. Mountainous and having steep 

slopes. Basin elevations ran^e from 9,740 to 

14,431 ft. Stream slopes range from 2,000 ft 

per mile in the upper reaches to 100 ft per mile 

at the gage.

Rock type. The upper basin is underlain by 

schist and the lower basin is composed of morainal material.

Vegetation. The lower part of the basin is 

forested with lodgepole pine, Engelmann 

spruce, and fir. Much of the upper basin is above 

tree line.

Manmade influences. Parts of the basin 

have been burned over in the past. There are a 

few residents in the basin, which is entirely 

within the San Isabel National Forest.

Gage location. "Lat 39°11'10", long 106°22' 

55", in NWi/4 sec. 18, T. 10 S., R. 80 W., 3i/2 

miles southwest of Malta.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 18 in. per year.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate. Low-flow 

dissolved-solids concentration: about 60 mg/1.

Ground water. No major aquifers are in the 

basin. The lower basin morainal material may 

contain significant quantities of water.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____ July 1946-present. 

Continuous precipitation (except winters) _________October 1966-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________May 1967-present. 

Water quality __________November 1966-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab). 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff) __December 1967-present. 

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

Special characteristics. The basin drains 

parts of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, 

which are, respectively, the second and third 

highest peaks in the conterminous United 

States. There are several small natural lakes 

and ponds in the basin.

10. VALLECITO CREEK NEAR BAYFIELD, COLO. (09352900)

Location. Western slope of the Continental 

Divide, southwestern Colorado. 

Drainage area. 72.1 sq mi. 

Physiographic area. Southern Rocky Moun10
tains province of the Rocky Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation varies over the basin from 30 in. of which 70 percent falls as snow, in the lower basin, to 50 in., 

of which about 80 percent falls as snow, in the 

upper basin. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 17° and 55°F varying considerably 

over the basin.

Topography. Very mountainous and having 

steep slopes. Basin elevations range from 7,900 

to 14,084 ft. The slope of the main stream is 

about 175 ft per mile.

Rock type. The basin is underlain by metamorphic rocks.

Vegetation. The basin is predominantly forested with Engelmann spruce and also contains 

scattered aspen groves. Parts of the basin are 

above the timberline.

Manmade influences. The basin lies entirely 

within a wilderness area and is preserved in its 

natural state as nearly as possible.

Gage location. Lat 37°28'45", long 107°32' 

35", in NWi/4 sec. 16, T. 37 N., R. 6 W. (projected) , 18 miles north of Bay field.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 20 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate. Low-flow 

dissolved-solids concentration: about 60 mg/1.

Ground water. Some springs occur in the 

basin.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____October 1962-present.

Continuous precipitation (except winter) _________ Do.

Continuous air temperature _1963-68.

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________November 1962-present.

Intermittent water samples for:

Suspended sediment ______November 1962-May

1967.

Standard chemical analysis _October 1963-present.

Special characteristics. There are several 

small lakes in the basin.

11. SOPCHOPPY RIVER NEAR SOPCHOPPY, FLA. (02327100)

Location. About 5 miles inland from the 

Gulf of Mexico, northwestern Florida.

Drainage area. 97.9 sq mi.

Physiographic area. East Gulf Coastal Plain 

section of the Coastal Plain province of the 

Atlantic Plain.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 56 in. Monthly mean temperature extremes : 54° and 82°F.

Typography. The basin contains numerous 

swamps, sloughs, and some small ponds. The 

drainage slopes rather uniformly downward 

from north to south. Basin elevations range 

from 50 to 110 ft.

Rock type. Sandy limestone.

Vegetation. Dense cypress swamps separated by sandy soil heavily covered by slash 

pines, scrub oaks, and undergrowth such as 

palmetto.

Manmade influences. The basin is located 

in the-Apalachicola National Forest. Several 

service roads and fire breaks traverse the basin. 

Controlled cutting of pine trees for pulp is practiced.

Gage location. Lat 30°07'45", long 84°29' 

40", on line between sees. 13 and 24, T. 4 S., R. 

3 W., 4.7 miles north of Sopchoppy.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 25 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; bicarbonate and sulfate; and 

silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: 

about 100 mg/1.

Ground water. The major aquifer underlying the basin is the Floridan, which is artesian. 

Sands and sand clays overlaying the Floridan 

aquifer contain nonartesian water.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Partial record, peak streamflow ______________January 1961-June 1964. 

Continuous streamflow __ _ June 1964 present. 

Continuous ground-water

level _______________January 1967-present. 

Continuous precipitation (two

gages) _____________February 1966-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________ June 1964-present. 

Water quality _______ September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab). 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

11
12. FALLING CREEK NEAR JULIETTE, GA. (02212600)

Location. Central Georgia.

Drainage area. 72.2 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Piedmont Upland section of the Piedmont province of the Appalachian Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 44 

in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 49° 

and 82°F.

Topography. Rolling hills. The general elevation of the divide is about 630 ft. Basin elevations range from 370 to 700 ft. The slope of 

the main stream is about 33 ft per mile.

Rock type. Gneiss and schist.

Vegetation. The basin is covered with second-growth pine mixed with a few hardwoods 

except for a few small cleared areas in the vicinity of houses.

Manmade influences. A few secondary roads 

are in the basin. There are several ponds in the 

basin, but storage is not sufficient to significantly affect runoff. Also in the basin are a few 

quarries, a gravel pit, and a few houses, none 

of which should significantly affect streamflow. 

The major part of the basin lies within the 

Oconee National Forest where controlled logging is practiced. The remainder of the basin 

lies within the Piedmont National Wildlife 

Refuge.

Gage location. Lat 33°06', long 83°43', 5.1 

miles east of Juliette.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 14 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate; and silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 90 mg/1.

Ground water. Ground water occurs mainly 

under water-table conditions. Wells yield sufficient water for domestic use, and a few yield 

enough for small towns and industries. Groundwater conditions are extremely variable in the 

basin. There are many wet-weather springs and 

some small permanent springs in the basin.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____ July 1964-present. 

Continuous precipitation __August 1964-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature _______ Do.

Type Period of record

Water quality _________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) :

Specific conductance

Temperature

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab). 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during 

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual)

Pesticides (semiannual)

Radioactivity (semiannual)

13. TALLULAH RIVER NEAR CLAYTON, GA. (02178400)

Location. Northeastern Georgia.

Drainage area. 56.5 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Southern section of the 

Blue Ridge province of the Appalachian Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 68 

in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 42° 

and 74°F.

Topography. Rugged terrain. The general 

elevation of the divide is about 3,500 ft. Basin 

elevations range from 1,880 to 5,500 ft. The 

slope of the main stream is about 375 ft per 

mile.

Rock type. Gneiss and schist.

Vegetation. The basin is covered by a mixture of second-growth v nite pine, hardwood, 

and laurel.

Manmade influences. The basin lies wholly 

within the Chattahoochee and Nantahala National Forests where special logging procedi* ~*es 

are practiced. A few secondary roads traverse 

the basin.

Gage location. Lat 34°53'25", long 83°31' 

50", 10.3 miles west of Clayton.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 40 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate; and silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 20 mg/1.

Ground water. Ground water occurs mainly 

under water-table conditions. Wells yield sufficient water for domestic use and sometimes 

enough for small towns and industries. Groundwater conditions are very variable in the basin. 

There are many wet-weather springs and some 

small permanent springs in the basin.

12
Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ___July 1964 present. 

Continuous precipitation ___September 1964-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature ________ Do. 

Water quality __________May 1967-June 1968.

Standard complete (monthly)

14. HONOLII STREAM NEAR PAPAIKOU, HAWAII (16717000)

Location. Eastern slope of Mauna Kea on 

the island of Hawaii.

Drainage area. 11.6 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Pacific Islands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 240 in. and varies considerably over the 

basin. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 

70° and 75° F.

Topography. The basin is composed of 

ridges and gulleys on the lower slope of Mauna 

Kea. Basin elevations range from 1,540 to 6,250 

ft.

Rock type. Basalt.

Vegetation. Sparsely vegetated lava beds in 

the upper reaches, grass lands in the middle 

reaches, and dense tropical vegetation in the 

lower reaches.

Manmade influences. No significant influences at present. About 94 percent of the basin 

is in a State Forest Reserve.

Gage location. Lat 19°46'00", long 155°09' 

16", 4.1 miles west of Papaikou.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: not determined.

Water quality. No information.

Ground water. Small scattered bodies of 

perched water contribute to many springs, most 

of which are intermittent.

Data collected. 

Continuous streamflow

Period of record

.June 1911-March 1913. 

February 1967-present.

15. HAYDEN CREEK BELOW NORTH FORK, NEAR 

HAYDEN LAKE, IDAHO (12416000)

Location. Northern Idaho.

Drainage area. 22.0 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Northern Rocky Mountain province of the Rocky Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 40 

in. Mean annual snowfall: 1.5-2.0 ft. Monthly 

mean temperature extremes: about 26 and 

67°F.

Topography. Steep hills. The general elevation of the divide is about 4,000 ft. Basin elevations range from 2,200 to about 5,600 ft. The 

slope of the main stream is about 17 ft per mile.

Rock type. The basin is underlain principally by quartzite and argillite. There are thin 

alluvial deposits along stream channels. Colluvium covers most of the bedrock.

Vegetation. The basin is covered by secondgrowth pine and fir.

Manmade influences. A few miles of secondary roads are located in the basin. Timber in 

the area has received some pesticide treatment.

Gage location. Lat 47°49'22", long 116°39' 

10", in NW1/4SW14 sec. 25, T. 52 N., R. 3 W., 

7.5 miles northeast of Hayden Lake Post Office.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 21 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate; and silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 50 mg/1.

Ground water. The quartzite and argillite 

yield very small supplies to wells. The alluvial 

deposits yield small supplies to wells in some 

locations.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Annual maximum

streamflows ________September 1961-

September 1965. 

Continuous streamflow ____-April 1948-December

1953. 

October 1958-

September 1959. 

October 1965-present.

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab). 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

16. WICKAHONEY CREEK NEAR BRUNEAU, IDAHO (13169500)

Location. Southwestern Idaho.

Drainage area. 253 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Payette section of the 

Columbia Plateaus province of the Intermontane Plateaus.
Climate. Mean annual precipitation: 10 in. 

Annual snowfall varies from zero to 1.5 ft. Most 

of the precipitation falls during the winter. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 30° and 

73°F.

Topography. Rolling hills. The general elevation of the divide is about 5,800 ft. Basin elevations range from 3,000 to 6,000 ft. The slope 

of the main stream is about 10 ft per mile.

Rock type. The basin is underlain principally by silicic volcanic rocks consisting of rhyolite welded tuff. Basalt flows cap some of the 

higher tablelands. Stream channels contain a 

minor amount of alluvium.

Vegetation. The basin is covered by sagebrush and grass.

Manmade influences. The basin contains 

many stockponds. In 1965 approximately nine 

sections of land were treated with herbicides, 

brush removed, and the land seeded with crested 

wheatgrass.

Gage location. Lat 42°47'06", long 115°59' 

00", in NW^SEi/i sec. 28, T. 7 S., R. 4 E., 11H 

miles southwest of Bruneau.

Flow characteristics. Stream is intermittent. Average annual runoff: about 0.1 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: 120 mg/1.

Ground water. Small springs are found in 

the middle part of the basin. Small amounts of 

water are contained in the alluvium. The basalt 

is above the water table but may contain small 

amounts of perched water.

Data collected. 

Tape Period of record

Continuous streamflow _______December 1938-

October 1949. 

July 1965-present. 

Water quality ______________September 1967-present.

Standard complete (monthly)

17. SOUTH HOGAN CREEK NEAR DILLSBORO. IND. (03276700)

Location. Southeastern Indiana.

Drainage area. 38.2 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Till Plains Section of 

the Central Lowland province of the Interior 

Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 40 

in. Average annual snowfall: 15 in. Monthly 

mean temperature extremes: 34° and 77°F.

Topography. Rolling hills having steepsided valleys. The general elevation of the divide 

is about 950 ft. Basin elevations range from 580 

to 995 ft. The main stream slope is about 17 ft 

per mile.

Rock type. Thin till overlying limestone and 

shale.

Vegetation. Except for small areas of forests near the streams, most of the land is 

pasture.

Manmade influences. Three small communities having a combined population of about 

2,000 lie almost entirely within the basin. The 

community of Milan obtains water from a reservoir on South Hogan Creek and disposes of 

its wastes in the basin. The community of Dillsboro uses ground water from the basin and 

disposes of its wastes outside the basin. About 

2.5 percent of the basin is small ponds and 

lakes.

Gage location. Lat 39°01'47", long 85°02' 

17", in NWi/i sec. 7, T. 4 N., R. 2 W., 1*4 miles 

northeast of Dillsboro.

Flow characteristics. Stream is seasonal. 

Average annual runoff: about 12 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved-solids 

concentration: about 350 nig/1.

Ground water. Generally both the till and 

the underlying limestones yield less than 10 

gpm to wells. However, a few wells yield up 

to 40 gpm. Ground water generally contains 

from about 300 to 1,000 mg/1 dissolved solids.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Low-flow streamflow

measurements ________-I960

Continuous streamflow ______July 1961-present.

Ground-water level (intermittent observations at one 

well) _________________May 1958-present.

Continuous precipitation ___November 1967-present. 

Water quality ______________July 1968-present.

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab). 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

14
18. ELK CREEK NEAR DECATUR CITY, IOWA (06897950)

Location. South-central Iowa.

Drainage area. 52.5 sqmi.

Physiographic area. Dissected Till Plains 

section of the Central Lowland province of the 

Interior Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 32 in. Monthly mean temperature extremes : 25° and 78°F.

Topography. Dissected drift plain. The land 

surface is fairly rugged and has moderate to 

steep slopes. Basin elevations range from 250 

to 300 ft.

Rock type. The basin is underlain by loesscovered glacial drift. Bedrock is predominantly 

shale intercalated with thin limestone beds.

Vegetation. The upland flats and gentle 

slopes, which comprise about half the basin, are 

used for cultivated crops. The steeper areas near 

the streams are in pasture and timber.

Manmade influences. One small community 

(1960 population, 71) is in the basin. Most domestic water is obtained from private wells. 

There are numerous stockponcls in the basin. 

Several roads traverse the basin.

Gage location. Lat 40°43'20", long 93°56' 

20", in SEi/4 sec. 34, T. 69 N., R. 27 W., 5.5 

miles southwest of Decatur City.

Flow characteristics. Stream is intermittent. Average annual runoff: about 6 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate. Low-flow 

dissolved-solids concentration: about 300 mg/1. 

Average annual sediment load: estimated to be 

400 tons per sq mi.

Ground ivater. Aquifers in the basin are alluvium and limestone. The alluvium is capable 

of yielding up to 10 gpm to wells. The thin intercalated limestone beds yield up to 5 gpm of 

highly mineralized water.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____May 1967-present 

Daily precipitation (from

U.S. Weather Bureau) __1956-present. 

Daily air temperature (from

U.S. Weather Bureau __ Do. 

Water quality __ July 1968-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen 

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.)

Type

Water quality Continued 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

Special characteristics. Steep slopes are subject to high erosion rates.

19. BIG CREEK AT POLLOCK, LA. (07373000)

Location. Central Louisiana.

Drainage area. 51 sqmi.

Physiographic area. West Gulf Coastal 

Plain section of the Coastal Plain province of 

the Atlantic Plain.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 56 in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 41° and 82°F.

Topography. Rolling hills. Basin elevations 

range from 78 to 289 ft. The slope of the main 

stream is about 11 ft per mile.

Rock type. Surficial deposits of unconsoliclatecl sand and gravel, 75 to 100 ft thick, overlay sand and clay.

Vegetation. Except for a few square miles 

of open land, the basin is covered with secondgrowth pine.

Manmade influences. A community (population, 360) that has neither public water supply 

nor disposal system is in the upper part of the 

basin. There are several roads traversing the 

basin, and a few gravel pits and stockponds. 

Most of the basin is in the Kisatchie National 

Forest where controlled logging is practiced.

Gage location. Lat 31°32'10", long 92°24' 

30", in SW14SE14 sec. 31, T. 7 N., R. 1 E., 0.8 

mile north of Pollock.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 16 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; chloride and bicarbonate. 

Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 

50 mg/1.

Ground ivater. Permeable deposits yield a 

high base streamflow. Springs occur locally on 

valley slopes.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____ January 1942-present. 

Continuous precipitation (two

gages) ___________July 1964-present.

15
Type Period of record

Continuous surface-water

temperature _______July 1964-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present.

Field analysis (monthly) :

Specific conductance

Temperature

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during 

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual)

Pesticides (semiannual)

Radioactivity (semiannual)

20. WILD RIVER AT GILEAD, MAINE (01054200)

Location. Eastern slope of the White Mountains, west-central Maine.

Drainage area. 69.5 sq mi.

Physiographic area. White Mountain section of the New England province of the Appalachian Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 44 in., of which about 30 percent occurs 

as snow. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 

18° and 67°F.

Topography. The basin is deeply dissected. 

Landslopes are steep. Basin elevations range 

from 700 to 4,800 ft.

Rock type. The basin is underlain by gneiss 

and schist. Glacial till occurs on slopes and at 

higher elevations.

Vegetation. Hardwood forests cover the 

basin except for some small groves of coniferous trees.

Manmade influences. About 98 percent of 

the basin is in the White Mountain National 

Forest where selective logging is practiced.

Gage location. Lat 44°23'25", long 70°58' 

55", 0.4 mile west of Gilead.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 34 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; sulfate; and silica. Low-flow 

dissolved-solids concentration: about 25 mg/1.

Ground water. Some springs yield small 

amounts of water from till deposits and from 

underlying bedrock.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____ July 1964-present. 

Continuous precipitation

(April-October) __ Do. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature ___ Do. 

Data collected by U.S. Forest Service:

Four recording precipitation records _____ About 1967-present.

Snow depths at three

snow courses __ Do.

Windspeed _________ Do.

Relative humidity ____ Do.

Air temperature at two

levels _________ Do.

Solar radiation ______ Do.

Resource surveys _______

Water quality _______ 

Water quality __________September 1967-present.

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen 

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.)

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

21. WASHINGTON CREEK AT WINDIGO, ISLE ROYALE, MICH.

(04001000)

Location. On the western end of Isle Royale, 

Lake Superior.

Drainage area. 13.6 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Superior Upland province of the Laurentian Uplands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 28 in. Average annual snowfall: about 

90 in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 

15° and 66°F.

Topography. Pronounced northeast-southwest-trending valleys and ridges. The highlands 

are rugged, and the lowland areas are swampy. 

Basin elevations range from about 600 to 1,394 

ft. The slope of the main stream is about 43 ft 

per mile.

Rock type. Old lava flows interbedded with 

river-deposited sandstone and conglomerate underlie the basin.

Vegetation. The interior upland part of the 

basin is forested primarily with sugar maple 

and yellow birch. The lowland areas are for16
ested primarily with white spruce and balsam 

fir. Small natural clearings exist on the basaltic 

outcrops on the ridges.

Manmade influences. The basin is entirely 

within Isle Royale National Park. Limited copper mining took place prior to the 1900's, and 

forest fires have swept parts of the island during the first half of this century.

Gage location. Lat 47°55'15", long 89°08' 

50", in NW^4 sec. 28, T. 64 N., R. 38 W., 0.8 

mile northeast of Windigo, Isle Royale National 

Park.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 13 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate; and silica. 

Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 

150 mg/1.

Ground water. The stream valley is composed of shallow sandy lakebed deposits which 

yield water to the stream except perhaps during extended dry periods. The bedrock formations contain small quantities of water.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____October 1964-present. 

Daily precipitation (MayOctober) at U.S. Forest

Service storage gage __ About 1965-present. 

Continuous air temperature _October 1964-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature ________ Do.

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Temperature 

Specific conductance 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

Special characteristics. There is extensive 

beaver activity in the basin.

22. KAWISHIWI RIVER NEAR ELY, MINK. (05124480)

Location. In the Boundary Waters Canoe 

area of northeastern Minnesota.

Drainage area. 253 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Superior Upland province of the Laurentian Upland.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 28 

in. Average annual snowfall: 60 in. Monthly 

mean temperature extremes: 8° and 68°F.

Topography. The general surface of the 

land is rolling. The Kawishiwi River passes 

through many lakes and swamps. The average, 

divide elevation is about 1,800 ft. Basin elevations range from 1,450 to 2,110 ft. The main 

stream drops from an elevation of 1,640 to 1,450 

ft in a distance of about 40 miles.

Rock type. The basin is part of the Canadian Shield. The rocks are crystalline and consist mostly of gabbro, granite, and greenstone.

Vegetation. The basin is covered by Great 

Lakes pine forest.

Manmade influences. The basin is almost 

entirely in the Superior National Forest. There 

are just a few roads in the basin. Camping, 

fishing, and boating are man's primary influence 

on the area, which has been logged in past years 

near the edge of the basin; however, present 

logging operations consist of selective cutting 

of mature trees only.

Gage location. Lat 47°55'22", long 91°32' 

06", in SEi/i sec. 24, T. 63 N., R. 10 W., 14 miles 

east of Ely.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 10 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium, magnesium, and sodium; sulfate; and 

silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: 

about 50 mg/1. Average annual sediment load: 

less than 10 tons per sq mi.

Ground water. Ground water occurs in fractures in the crystalline rocks and in the sand 

and gravel that occupies the lower areas between bedrock hills.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____ June 1966-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature ________ July 1967-present.

Data collected by U.S. Forest Service:

Five recording precipitation records _______ 1966-present.

Eight nonrecording precipitation records ___ Do.

Water content of snow at

three snow pillows __ About 1967-present.

Snow depths at three

snow courses ______ Do.

Wind speed ________1967-present.

Relative humidity _____ Do.

17
Type Period of record

Data collected by U.S. Forest 

Service: 

Air temperature at two

levels ________-__1967-present. 

Solar radiation ______ Do. 

Air pressure _______About 1967-present. 

Intermittent levels at

eight lakes ______ 1967-present. 

Resource surveys ____- 

Water quality at seven 

surveillance sites _____

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Standard complete (monthly)

Special characteristics. The many lakes and 

swamps in the basin provide considerable natural storage.

23. NORTH FORK WHITEWATER RIVER NEAR ELBA, MINN.

(05376000)

Location. Southeastern Minnesota.

Drainage area. 101 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Dissected Till Plains 

section of the Central Lowland province of the 

Interior Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 30 

in. Average annual snowfall: 40 in. Monthly 

mean temperature extremes: 18° and 75°F.

Topography. The land surface in the upper 

80 percent of the basin is gently rolling farmland. The lower 20 percent of the basin is characterized by high steep bluffs. The average elevation of the divide is about 1,100 ft. Basin elevations range from 730 to 1,300 ft. The slope 

of the main stream is about 15 ft per mile.

Rock type. Sedimentary formations consisting largely of sandstone and dolomite.

Vegetation. The upper 80 percent is agricultural, and the lower 20 percent is generally 

maple-basswood forests.

Manmade influences. Three small communities are located wholly or partly within the upper part of the basin. Total population in the 

basin is less than 2,500. There are several roads 

crossing the basin. Man's major influence is 

due to agricultural use of the land. Part of the 

basin is in the Minnesota Memorial Hardwood 

State Forest.

Gage location. Lat 44°05'30", long 92°03' 

57", in sec. 7, T. 107 N., R. 10 W., 2.4 miles west 

of Elba.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 4 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate. Low-flow 

dissolved-solids concentration: about 260 mg/1. 

Average annual sediment load: less than 40 tons 

per sq mi.

Ground water. Ground water of good quality 

is abundant in the sedimentary rocks. Many 

seeps and springs occur along valley walls where 

different rock types are in contact.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____-May 1939-

September 1941. 

July 1967-present. 

Daily precipitation (from

U.S. Weather Bureau) __February 1941-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

24. CYPRESS CREEK NEAR JANICE, MISS. (02479155)

Location. Southeastern Mississippi.

Drainage area. 52.2 sq mi.

Physiographic area. East Gulf Coastal Plain 

section of Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic 

Plain.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 60 

in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 54° 

and 82°F.

Topography. The land surface is generally 

rolling and has half-mile wide flood plains along 

the main stream. Swamps cover about 2 sq mi 

in the upper part of the basin. Basin elevations 

range from 110 to 330 ft.

Rock type. Sand and gravel deposits form 

the ridges, and sand and clay underlie the remainder of the basin.

Vegetation. Most of the basin is covered 

with second-growth pine. A few acres along 

the divide are cultivated, and there are some 

deciduous trees along the streams.

Manmade influences. About 60 percent of 

the basin is in Camp Shelby Military Reservation, and the remaining 40 percent is in De Soto 

National Forest. Logging is practiced on a sus18
tained-yield basis. A few families occupy land 

along the drainage divide.

Gage location. Lat 31°01'30", long 89°01' 

00" in NE^4 sec. 29, T. 1 N., R. 10 W., 1.3 miles 

east of Janice.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff about 20 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; bicarbonate and chloride; and 

silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: 

about 30 mg/1. Average annual sediment load: 

60 tons per sq mi.

Ground water. The Citronella Formation is 

a shallow aquifer which supplies most of the 

base flow to Cypress Creek. The Pascagoula 

Formation contributes little water to streams 

but is an important artesian aquifer to the 

south and to some extent within the basin. 

Deeper artesian aquifers contain fresh water to 

a depth of about 1,200 ft.

Data collected. 

Period of record

.October 1966-present.

Type

Continuous streamflow _.

Data collected by U.S. Forest Service:

Daily precipitation ____ About 1965-present.

Relative humidity _____ Do.

Daily air temperature __ Do.

Wind velocity _______ Do.

Wind direction ______ Do.

Percent cloud cover ___ Do. 

Water quality ___ ____September 1967-present.

Field analysis (monthly): 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen 

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.)

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

25. BEAUVAIS CREEK NEAR ST. XAVIER, MONT. (06288200)

Location. Near the northern end of the Big 

Horn Mountains, south-central Montana.

Drainage area. 100 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Missouri Plateau, unglaciated, section of the Great Plains province 

of the Interior Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 14 in. Average annual snowfall: 30-40 in.

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 20° and 

70°F.

Topography. Primarily rolling hills. Basin 

elevations range from 3,350 to about 6,000 ft.

Rock type. Sandstone and shale are the 

principal rocks, the shale being predominant. 

Undissected upland surfaces have a thin veneer 

of pediment gravels.

Vegetation. Rather sparse native grasses 

cover the basin. A few trees and bushes grow 

in ravines and dense brush occurs along perennial streams.

Manmade influences. The entire basin lies 

within the Crow Indian Reservation. There are 

approximately 300 acres of land used for dryland wheat farming and about 200 irrigated 

acres used for hay land. One stock pond is in 

the basin. The area is lightly used for grazing.

Gage location. Lat 45°29', long 108°00', on 

west line of sec. 15, T. 4 S., R. 30 E., 14 miles 

west of St. Xavier.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: 2-3 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium ; sulfate. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 1,300 mg/1.

Ground water. The Amsden and Sundance 

Formations and the Tensleep Sandstone are the 

major subsurface aquifers. The Cloverly Formation aquifer crops out in the valley walls. 

Some ground water occurs in the alluvium near 

the streams. Several springs occur in the basin.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow __ July 1967-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present.

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen 

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.)

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

26. SWIFTCURRENT CREEK AT MANY GLACIER, MONT.

(05014500)

Location. Eastern side of the Continental 

Divide, northwestern Montana. 

Drainage area. 31.4 sq mi.

19
Physiographic area. Northern Rocky Mountains province of the Rocky Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 80 

in., of which about 60 percent occurs as snow. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 20° and 

60°F. There is considerable variation in precipitation and temperature over the basin.

Topography. Steep mountains having many 

nearly vertical rock exposures. The valleys have 

been modified by glaciers. Lakes make up about 

5 percent of the basin area. Basin elevations 

range from 5,000 to about 10,000 ft. Steep 

stream gradients are interrupted by four small 

natural lakes in the basin.

Rock type. Rocks in the basin consist of 

varicolored argillite, quartzite, and limestone; 

there are minor amounts of basalt in the headwaters near the Continental Divide.

Vegetation. Coniferous trees, aspen, and 

various shrubs inhabit the basin. There is very 

little grass cover. Much of the basin is sparsely 

covered for lack of a soil mantle.

Man-made influences. The basin is entirely 

within Glacier National Park. Park administrative and tourist facilities are about 1 mile upstream from the gage. Water supply for these 

facilities, amounting to about 20 million gallons 

per year, is taken from the basin upstream 

from the gage. Sewage-disposal facilities are 

downstream from the gage.

Gaffe location. Lat 48°48'10", long 113°39' 

20", in SEi/i sec. 11, T. 35 N., R. 16 W. (unsurveyed), in Glacier National Park, 11 miles 

southwest of Babb.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: 64 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate. Low-flow 

dissolved-solids concentration: about 60 mg/1.

Ground water. Alluvium and glacial till 

probably constitute the only productive aquifers. Springs are small but probably fairly 

numerous.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Intermittent streamflow

monthly only for same

periods) ____________June 1912-1958. 

Continuous streamflow ____1959-present. 

Continuous streamflow on

Grinnel Creek (upstream

tributary) ___ _______August 1949-present.

Type Period of record

Daily precipitation at U.S.

Weather Bureau gage ___ August 1967-present. 

Continuous precipitation at 

Grinnel Creek gage (MayOctober only) ________May 1956-present. 

Precipitation at:

Storage gage 1 ______ August 1949-present. 

Storage gage 2 ______ August 1955-present.

Continuous air temperature at:

Grinnel Creek gage ___July 1955-July 1965.

U.S. Weather Bureau

gage __________August 1967-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature ________October 1966-present. 

Snow surveys __________May 1960-present. 

Water quality __________July 1967-June 1968.

Standard complete (monthly)

Special characteristics. Several small glaciers near the Continental Divide form the 

headwaters of Swif tcurrent Creek. Rocks of the 

basin are very resistant to erosion and produce 

very little sediment.

27. DISMAL RIVER NEAR THEDFORD, NEBR. (06775900)

Location. Central Nebraska.

Drainage area. 960 sqmi, approximately, of 

which about 30 sq mi, contributes directly to 

surface runoff.

Physiographic area. High Plains section of 

the Great Plains province of the Interior Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 20 

in. Average annual snowfall: 39 in. Monthly 

mean temperature extremes: 23° and 76°F.

Topography. Rolling to hilly sand hills. The 

upper end of the basin contains many small 

lakes. The general elevation of the divide is 

about 3,600 ft. Basin elevations range from 

2,800 to 4,000 ft. The slope of the main stream 

is about 6 ft per mile.

Rock type. Sand and siltstone.

Vegetation. The basin is almost entirely 

rangeland. A few native trees grow along the 

river, and some windbreak tree plantings have 

been established.

Manmade influences. A few roads and trails 

traverse the basin. Some sand and gravel is 

pumped from areas along the river.

Gage location. Lat 41°46'45", long 100°31' 

30", in SE1/4NW14 sec. 23, T. 21 N., R. 28 W., 

14 miles south of Thedford.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Variations in streamflow are extremely small. 

Average annual runoff: about 3 in.

20
Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate; and silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 150 mg/1.

Ground water. The river is primarily spring 

fed from an abundant supply of ground water. 

Deep wells, run by windmills, furnish stock 

water and water for domestic use in the lower 

part of the basin. The many lakes in the upper 

part of the basin indicate the shallow groundwater table in that area.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____October 1966-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

Special characteristics. Only 30 sq mi of the 

960-sq-mi drainage area contributes directly to 

surface runoff. The remainder of the basin contributes by way of the groundwater system.

28. SOUTH TWIN RIVER NEAR ROUND MOUNTAIN, NEV.

(10249300)

Location. Central Nevada.

Drainage area. 20 sq mi, approximately.

Physiographic area. Great Basin section of 

the Basin and Range province of the Intermontane Plateaus.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: unknown, but about 75 percent occurs as snow. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 29° and 

72°F.

Topography. Very rough mountainous terrain that has protruding cliffs and steep slopes. 

Basin elevations range from 6,400 to 11,788 ft. 

Stream slope is about 500 ft per mile.

Rock type. Consolidated limestone, shales, 

and undifferentiated intrusives.

Vegetation. Thin cover of pinon pine and 

grass. Dense willow thickets grow along the 

streams.

Manmade influences. Only very limited cattle grazing is in the lower part of the basin.

Gage location. -Lat 38°53'00", long 117°14' 

35", in SEi/4 sec. 22, T. 12 N. R. 42 E., 15 miles 

northwest of Round Mountain.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: estimated to be about 

3 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; bicarbonate; and silica. Lowflow dissolved-solids concentration: about 100 

mg/1.

Ground water. The primary aquifer is the 

narrow shallow alluvial fill adjacent to the 

stream channel. A few small springs are associated with the underlying bedrock.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Intermittent streamflow

measurements _______1964-65. 

Continuous streamflow ____August 1965-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature ________ April 1966-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present.

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen 

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.)

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Eadioactivity (semiannual)

29. STEPTOE CREEK NEAR ELY, NEV. (10244950)

Location. East-central Nevada.

Drainage area. 11.1 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Great Basin section of 

the Basin and Range province of the Intermontane Plateaus.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: unknown, but about 70-80 percent occurs as snow. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 23° and 

67°F.

Topography. Steep mountainous terrain. 

Basin elevations range from 7,300 to 10,900 ft. 

Stream slope is about 260 ft per mile.

Rock type. Formations are primarily limestone and also some dolomite.

Vegetation. Pinon pines and grass.

Manmade influences. Sheep graze on parts 

of the upper basin. One gravel road is in the 

basin.

21
Gage location. Lat 39°12'05", long 114°41' 

15", in NW^SW*4 sec. 32, T. 16 N., R. 65 E., 

11 miles east-southeast of Ely.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 5 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate. Low-flow 

dissolved-solids concentration: about 175 mg/1.

Ground water. The major aquifer is the 

narrow shallow alluvial fill adjacent to the 

stream channel. Several springs are associated 

with the underlying bedrock.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____June 1966-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________October 1966-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Standard complete (monthly)

30. McDONALDS BRANCH IN LEBANON STATE FOREST, N.J.

(01466500)

Location. Southern New Jersey.

Drainage area. 2.31 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Embayed section of the 

Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic Plain.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 44 

in. Average annual snowfall: about 15-20 in. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 33° and 

75°F.

Topography. Rather flat. Basin divides are 

low, narrow, and interrupted. Basin elevations 

range from 113 to 210 ft. The mean elevation 

is 152 ft. The main stream slope is about 12 ft 

per mile.

Rock type. Underlying material consists of 

about 90 percent sand and gravel and about 10 

percent clay and silt.

Vegetation. The upper 94 percent of the 

basin is covered with oak and pine. The lower 

6 percent of the basin is covered with southern 

white-cedar and swamp hardwoods.

Manmade influences. Occasional logging is 

practiced in the basin. A railroad track and a 

few roads traverse the basin. One gravel pit is 

operated in the basin. Herbicide treatments are 

used to reduce roadside growth.

Gage location. Lat 39°53'05", long 74°30' 

20", 7 miles southeast of Browns Mills.

Floiv characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 13 in. Flow is 

fairly uniform.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium, and sodium; silica. Low-flow dissolvedsolids concentration: about 30 mg/1. Average 

annual sediment load: about 25 tons per sq mi.

Ground water. The aquifer underlying the 

basin is undisturbed by man. Ground water 

occurs at shallow depths. The most important 

chemical constituent of the ground water is 

iron.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ___-October 1953-present. 

Continuous ground-water 

levels at:

One site __________August 1955-present. 

Two sites __________ August 1955-

December 1967. 

Ground-water information at

53 sites _____________October 1955-

December 1967. 

Weekly precipitation ___ August 1955-

December 1966. 

Continuous precipitation at:

Gage 1 ___________August 1955-present. 

Gage 2 ___________August 1955-

December 1966.

Continuous air temperature _May 1963-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________October 1960-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

Special characteristics. About 40 percent of 

the basin was burned in April 1963. The groundwater divide does not coincide with the topographic divide.

31. MOGOLLON CREEK NEAR CLIFF, N. MEX. (09430600)

Location. In the Mogollon Mountains, southwestern New Mexico.

Drainage area. 69 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Mexican Highland section of the Basin and Range province of the 

Intermontane Plateaus.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 13 

in., of which about 10 percent occurs as snow. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 30° and 

65°F.

22
Topography. Steep and mountainous. Basin 

elevations range from 5,500 to 10,778 ft. The 

stream slope varies from 30 ft per mile at the 

gage to about 1,000 ft per mile upstream from 

the gage.

Rock type. Volcanic and quartz latites.

Vegetation. Pine and spruce occur at the 

higher elevations, while juniper, cottonwood 

and willow occur at lower elevations. The cover 

is moderately dense in the upper elevations and 

very sparse in the lower elevations.

Manmade influences. There are no significant effects by man on the basin. Most of the 

basin is in the Gila Wilderness Area.

Gage location. Lat 33°09'50", long 108°38' 

55", in NEi/4 sec. 24, T. 13 S., R. 18 W., 14.2 

miles north of Cliff.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial 

except during prolonged dry periods when the 

stream will dry up. Average annual runoff: 

about 3.5 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium, magnesium, and sodium; bicarbonate and 

sulfate; and silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids 

concentration: about 90 mg/1.

Ground water. No significant ground-water 

producing formation is in the basin.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____March 1967-present. 

Water quality __________July 1968-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly) _ _________July-present. 

Suspended sediment (monthly and during storm

runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity semiannual)

32. RIO MORA NEAR TERERRO, N. MEX. (08377900)

Location. The Sangre De Cristo Mountains, 

north-central New Mexico.

Drainage area. 53.2 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Southern Rocky Mountains province of the Rocky Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 24 

in., of which about 30 percent occurs as snow.

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 27° and 

60°F.

Topography. Mountainous. Basin elevations 

range from 8,000 to 12,944 ft. Stream slope 

varies from 100 ft per mile in open areas to 

about 300 ft per mile in canyon sections.

Rock type. Beds of siltstone, sandstone, 

shale, and limestone crop out on the slopes of 

the basin. Coarse alluvium consisting mainly of 

pebbles and boulders of igneous and metamorphic rocks has accumulated near the mouth of 

the basin.

Vegetation. About 80 percent of the basin 

is covered by pine, spruce, and fir. Some large 

aspen groves occur in the basin. The south 

slopes of the lower reaches are covered with 

scrub oak. There are a few high mountain 

meadows in the upper parts of the basin.

Manmade influences. Several pack trails 

traverse the basin. Spruce groves were given 

areal treatment with pesticides around 1965 to 

control budworm infestation of spruce. There 

is limited cattle grazing by permit. About 90 

percent of the basin is in the Pecos Wilderness 

Area.

Gage location. -Lat 35°46'38", long 105°39' 

26", in EVoNEii sec. 22, T. 18 N., R. 12 E., 

3.1 miles north of Terrero.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 7 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved solids 

concentration: about 70 mg/1.

Ground water. Many springs occur in the 

upper parts of the basin. The coarse alluvium 

can transmit large amounts of water.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____-October 1963-present. 

Water quality _________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)
Special characteristics. Some beaver dams 

are in the upper parts of the basin.

33. ESOPUS CREEK AT SHANDAKEN, N.Y. (01362198)

Location. Catskill Mountains, southeastern 

New York.

Drainage area. 59.5 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Catskill section of the 

Appalachian Plateaus province of the Appalachian Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 40-45 inches of which about 25 percent 

occurs as snow. Monthly mean temperature extremes : 20° and 70°F.

Topography. Mountainous. Basin elevations 

range from 1,017 to 3,760 ft. Stream slopes 

vary from 73 to 350 ft per mile.

Rock type. The basin is underlain by a reddish, nonmarine sandstone. Except in the narrow stream valleys, glacial till, 10 to several 

tens of feet in thickness, covers the sandstone. 

The valleys contain a variety of glacial and 

alluvial deposits of Holocene age as much as 

200 ft or more in thickness.

Vegetation. Except for a quarter-mile 

cleared strip in the valley of the main stream 

and the two principal tributaries, the basin is 

densely forested with conifers and hardwoods.

Manmade influences. Some small communities and several scattered homes are along the 

streams in the basin. One community maintains 

a sewage-treatment plant. There is considerable 

recreational use of water in the basin including 

the development of offstream pools and ponds 

for recreation. One small reservoir exists on 

Birch Creek.

Gage location. Lat 42°06'59", long 74°23' 

20" at Shandaken.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 25 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate and sulfate. 

Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 

35 mg/1.

Ground water. Numerous springs supply 

water for domestic use and small resort communities. The Esopus Creek flood plain is underlain by water-bearing coarse sand and 

gravel. Glacial clays fill the remainder of the 

bedrock valleys. Wells tapping the underlying 

bedrock are usually artesian.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____.October 1963-present. 

Daily precipitation (two gages

by U.S. Weather Bureau) ..February 1943-present.

July 1940-present. 

Continuous precipitation (from

U.S. Weather Bureau) __January 1953-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________.October 1963-present. 

Water quality _________.September 1967-present.

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen 

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.)

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

34. CATALOOCHEE CREEK NEAR CATALOOCHEE, N.C.

(03460000)

Location. Eastern side of the Great Smoky 

Mountains, eastern North Carolina.

Drainage area. 49.2 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Southern section of the 

Blue Ridge province of the Appalachian Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 49 in., of which about 3 percent occurs as 

snow. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 

39° and 74°F. *

Topography. Mountainous. Basin elevations 

range from 2,457 to 6,122 ft. Stream slope is 

about 270 ft per mile.

Rock type. Underlying rocks are mainly 

metamorphosed sandstone and shale. The 

stream heads in coarse-grained sandstone and 

crosses alternating beds of feldspathic quartzite, sandstone, and phyllite.

Vegetation. The entire basin is covered with 

forest. Second-growth oaks, hickory, tulip, hemlock, spruce, and balsam are the dominant trees 

in the basin. The undergrowth is mainly rhododendron and mountain-laurel. The cover over 

the entire basin is very dense.

Manmade influences. The entire basin lies 

within the Great Smoky Mountains National 

Park. The basin was logged and some mining 

was done during the 1920's.

24
Gage location. Lat 35°40'02", long 83°04' 

23", 2 miles north of Cataloochee.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 30 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; bicarbonate; and silica. Lowflow dissolved-solids concentration: about 20 

mg/1.

Ground water. Many small springs occur in 

the basin. Much water from upland fractured 

rocks moves almost everywhere as diffuse seepage to the streams. Fractures are abundant 

down to depths no greater than about 100 ft. 

Wells in the fractured rock yield from 1 to 75 

gpm.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow 

(monthly discharge only 

for some periods) ______October 1933 

September 1952. 

October 1962-present.

Daily precipitation _______ October 1964-present. 

Continuous wind movement

(except during winter) __ Do. 

Daily air temperature ____ Do. 

Daily pan evaporation (except during winter) _____ Do. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________October 1962-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

35. BEAR DEN CREEK NEAR MANDAREE, N. DAK. (06332515)

Location. Western North Dakota.

Drainage area. 74 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Missouri Plateau, glaciated, section of the Great Plains province of 

the Interior Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 15 in., of which about 20 percent occurs 

as snow. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 

8° and 70°F.

Topography. Most of the basin has rather

steep land slopes. The upper part of the basin 

has gently rolling land surfaces. Basin elevations range from 1,950 to 2,850 ft. The divide 

elevation is generally between 2,400 and 2,700 

ft.

Rock type. Generally thin interbedded layers of sandy silt, sandstone, silt and clay, and 

lignite.

Vegetation. About 90 percent of the basin 

is covered with fairly dense sod formed by native grasses. Small trees occur in rather small 

areas in the basin. A small part of the basin is 

used for the cultivation of grains.

Manniade influences. The eastern two-thirds 

of the basin is used for cattle grazing. Cultivation in the western part of the basin is on less 

than 10 percent of the drainage area. There are 

a few impoundments for stock water in the 

basin. A few roads are in the area. About 10 oil 

wells are located in the northwest corner of the 

basin. About half the basin is in the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.

Gage location. Lat 47°47', long 102°46', in 

NWi/t sec. 30, T. 150 N., R. 94 W., 5.5 miles 

northwest of Mandaree.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Base flow is rather constant. Average annual 

runoff: about 1 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: sodium; bicarbonate, and sulfate. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 2,500 mg/1.

Ground water. Ground water occurs in 

lenses of sand and sometimes in fractured lignite beds. Yields are small, and the water 

quality is generally poor.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ___- -June 1966-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Standard complete (monthly)

36. BEAVER CREEK NEAR FINLEY, N. DAK. (05064900)

Location. Eastern North Dakota.

Drainage area. 160 sq mi, approximately.

Physiographic area. Western lake section of 

the Central Lowland province of the Interior 

Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 19 

in. Average annual snowfall: about 35 in. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 5° and 

70°F.

Topography. Flat to gently rolling terrain. 

Basin elevations range from 1,170 to 1,525 ft.

25
The slope of the main stream is about 15 ft per 

mile.

Rock type. Clay-rich glacial till covers the 

shale bedrock to a depth of from 50 to 150 ft 

in nearly all parts of the basin. Soils are generally very limy loam or clay loam.

Vegetation. Most of the land is under cultivation, and small grain crops predominate. 

Other crops such as corn and potatoes are also 

raised in the basin. Trees are generally limited 

to groves around farmsteads and windbreaks 

along some of the fields. The natural cover is a 

moderately dense growth of prairiegrass.

Manmade influences. Most of the basin is 

under cultivation. There are several roads in 

the basin. Only a few stock-water impoundments and a few gravel or borrow pits are in 

the basin.

Gage location. Lat 47°36', long 97°43', in 

NEJ4 sec. 31, T. 148 N., R. 55 W., 7 miles northeast of Finley.

Flow characteristics. Stream is intermittent. Average annual runoff: less than 1 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate and sulfate. 

Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 

800 mg/1.

Ground water. Ground-water discharge is 

very small. No major aquifers or springs are 

known.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____October 1964-present. 

Continuous precipitation ___ August 1965-present. 

Water quality ________ September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) :

Specific conductance

Temperature

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during 

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual)

Pesticides (semiannual)

Radioactivity (semiannual)

37. UPPER TWIN CREEK AT McGAW, OHIO (03237280)

Location. Southern Ohio.

Drainage area. 12.8 sqmi.

Physiographic area. Kanawha section of the 

Appalachian Plateaus province of the Appalachian Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 43 

in., of which about 10 percent occurs as snow. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 32° and 

77°F.

Topography. Except for a narrow flood 

plain, the general land surface is extremely 

hilly. Basin elevations range from 520 to 1,290 

ft. The slope of the main stream is about 58 ft 

per mile.

Rock type. Shales and sandstones outcrop 

in the basin. Soils are very thin. Valley fill consists of rock and gravel deposits.

Vegetation. The basin generally is covered 

with a dense second-growth hardwood forest. 

There are some cultivated lands on the narrow 

flood plain and on a few scattered farms.

Manmade influences. About 90 percent of 

the basin is on State Forest land. Parts of the 

basin are sometimes logged in accordance with 

regulations established by the Ohio Division of 

Forestry and Reclamation; some logging is also 

practiced on private land. Logged areas in 

State-owned lands are sprayed with 2-4-5-T 

in fuel oil. Roadsides are sprayed with 2-4-5-T 

in water during summer and early fall. A few 

scattered farms are in the basin. One road follows the stream valley.

Gage location. Lat 38°38'15", long 83°13' 

30", 2 miles northeast of Buena Vista.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial 

except during drought periods. Average annual 

runoff: 15 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium, magnesium, and sodium; bicarbonate and 

sulfate. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 80 mg/1. Average annual sediment 

load: about 300 tons per sq mi.

Ground water. Dry-weather streamflow is 

from a shallow water table.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____ June 1963-present. 

Continuous precipitation (two

gages) ___________,_ Do. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature _________-October 1963-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen 

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.)

26
Type

Water quality Continued 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

38. BLUE BEAVER CREEK NEAR CACHE, OKLA. (07311200)

Location, In the Wichita Mountains, southwestern Oklahoma.

Drainage area. 24.6 sqmi.

Physiographic area. Osage Plains section of 

the Central Lowland province of the Interior 

Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 29 

in. Average annual snowfall: about 6 in. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 40° and 

84°F.

Topography. Most of the basin is composed 

of numerous low granite mountains and narrow valleys. Undulating plains form the lower 

part of the watershed. Basin elevations range 

from 1,210 to 2,400 ft; the elevation of a mean 

basin divide is about 1,900 ft. The slope of the 

main stream is about 60 ft per mile in the mountains and about 25 ft per mile on the plains.

Rock type. Crystalline rocks, principally 

granite, underlie the basin. Gabbro and rhyolite 

are also found in the basin. These rocks are 

fractured and show exfoliation effects. Large 

boulder fields cover parts of the basin. Areas of 

bare rock and boulder fields having no vegetation cover small parts of the drainage.

Vegetation. Most of the watershed is covered with native grass. The basin also contains 

scattered areas of mostly blackjack and post 

oak.

Manmade influences. Most of the basin is in 

the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge and Fort 

Sill Military Reservation. Some roads traverse 

the basin. The main stream contains three small 

reservoirs having a combined surface area of 

130 acres. Evaporation losses are expected to 

affect the average natural runoff by 10-15 percent. Low flows will be most seriously affected 

by the reservoirs. The military area is used for 

artillery practice.

Gage location. Lat 34°37'24", long 98°33' 

48", in NE14NE1/4 sec. 28, T. 2 N., R. 13 W., 

4 miles east of Cache.

Flow characteristics. Stream is intermittent. Average annual runoff: estimated at about 

3-4 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; bicarbonate and sulfate. Lowflow dissolved-solids concentration: about 125 

mg/1.

Ground water. There are no known springs 

in the area. The amount of ground water in the 

basin is probably insignificant.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow __ July 1964-present. 

Water quality _________September 1967-present. 

Standard complete (monthly)

39. KIAMICHI RIVER NEAR BIG CEDAR, OKLA. (07335700)

Location. Western Ouachita Mountains, 

southeastern Oklahoma.

Drainage area. 40.1 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Ouachita Mountains 

section of the Ouachita province of the Interior 

Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 56 

in. Mean annual snowfall: about 4 in. Monthly 

mean temperature extremes: 42° and 81°F.

Topography. The general surface of the 

land consists of a half-mile wide valley between 

parallel mountain ridges. Basin elevations range 

from 890 to 2,660 ft. The main stream slope is 

about 60 ft per mile.

Rock type. The underlying formations consist of dark slaty shale, siliceous beds, and wellcemented dark sandstones. The rocks are 

strongly folded and faulted.

Vegetation. Except for a few square miles 

of grassland in the valley, the area is covered 

with pine and hardwood forest of moderate 

density.

Manmade influences. The entire basin lies 

within the Ouachita National Forest. There is 

a small amount of logging in the basin. A few 

rural residences are scattered along the valley. 

Farming in the basin consists of raising cattle 

and pigs, and corn is grown in a few small 

areas. Some roads traverse the basin.

Gage location. Lat 34°38'20", long 94°36' 

40", in SW1/4SE1/4 sec. 18, T. 2 N., R. 26 E., 2.1 

miles east of Big Cedar.

Flow characteristics. Stream is intermittent. Average annual runoff: estimated to be 

about 20-25 in.

27
Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; bicarbonate; and silica. Lowflow dissolved-solids concentration: about 25 

mg/1.

Ground water. Dug wells and a few wetweather springs yield very small amounts of 

ground water. Alluvial deposits in the valley 

could provide a minimal supply of domestic 

water.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____October 1965-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

40. CRATER LAKE NEAR CRATER LAKE, OREG. (11492200)

Location. Cascade Range, southwestern Oregon.

Drainage area. 26.2 sq mi, of which 20.5 sq 

mi is lake area at an elevation of 6,176 ft.

Physiographic area. Middle Cascades Mountains section of the Cascade-Sierra Mountains 

province of the Pacific Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 67.4 

in. Annual snowfall ranges from 200 to 500 in. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 26° and 

56°F.

Topography. Crater Lake occupies the caldera of prehistoric Mount Mazama. The elevation of the crater rim ranges from 6,650 to 

8,156 ft, and the lake elevation is about 6,170 

ft. The walls of the crater are generally very 

steep.

Rock type. The entire area is underlain by 

volcanic rocks. The principal types are andesitic 

lava, basaltic lava, and pumiceous volcanic-flow 

breccias and tuffs, largely of andesitic composition.

Vegetation. The land area is sparsely covered with various types of pine.

Manm.ade influences. The basin is entirely 

within Crater Lake National Park. A highway 

circles the lake.

Gage location. Lat 42°58'45", long 122°04' 

45", 6 miles north of Crater Lake Post Office.

Lake characteristics. The lake elevation has 

been observed to vary from 6,163.2 ft to 6,179.1 

ft above mean sea level during the period 

1878-1967.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium, magnesium, and sodium; fluoride, nitrate, 

potassium, silica, sodium, and sulfate. Dissolved-solids concentration: about 80 mg/1.

Ground water. Ground water occurs under 

perched and water-table conditions. Numerous 

springs drain from the perched ground water. 

Ground-water conditions are very complex because of subsurface geologic structures.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Lake elevations

(fragmentary) ________1878-September 1961. 

Continuous lake elevation __October 1961-present. 

Daily precipitation (from U.S.

Weather Bureau) ____-October 1919-

October 1941. 

Continuous precipitation

(from U.S. Weather

Bureau) ____________September 1949-present. 

Precipitation-storage gage __November 1964-present. 

Daily air temperature _____October 1919-present. 

Continuous lake temperature -October 1963-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Standard complete (monthly)

Special characteristics. Seepage from the 

lake was computed as 92 cfs in a study made 

during 1961-62.

41. MINAM RIVER AT MINAM, OREG. (13331500)

Location. Northeastern Oregon.

Drainage area. 240 sq mi, approximately.

Physiographic area. Blue Mountain section 

of the Columbia Plateaus province of the Intermontane Plateaus.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

varies from 21 in. in the lower basin to 60 in. 

at the higher elevations. Annual snowfall occasionally exceeds 100 in. at the higher elevations. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 

24° and 64°F.

Topography. Complex mountains and dissected volcanic plateaus. Several small lakes occur in the headwaters of the basin. The total 

surface area of these lakes is about 200 acres. 

Basin elevations range from 2,540 to about

28
8,900 ft. The slope of the main stream is about 

65 ft per mile.

Rock type. Predominately basalt.

Vegetation. Ponderosa pine is the predominant species in the area to an elevation of 5,500 

ft. Above 5,500 ft the forest changes to a mixture of ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, white 

fir, and western larch.

Manmade influences. Minam Lake at the 

upper end of the basin has been developed for 

irrigation use in the Lostine River valley to the 

east of Minam River. The lake surface area is 

about 60 acres, and the storage capacity is 440 

acre-ft. The drainage area into Minam Lake is 

less than 1 sq mi. There is a private hunting 

lodge and a landing strip in midbasin. Access 

by road is limited to the lower 10 miles of the 

basin. The major portion of the basin is wilderness area.

Gage location. Lat 45°37'12", long 117°43' 

32", in SW1/4SW1/4 sec. 29, T. 2 N., R. 41 E., 

0.3 mile west of Minam.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 25 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate; and silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 50 mg/1. 

Average annual sediment load: less than 1 ton 

per sq mi.

Ground water. The average contribution to 

streamflow from ground water is estimated to 

be about 40 cfs.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow 

(monthly discharge only 

for some periods) ______June 1912-March 1914.

September 1965-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature _ __October 1965-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

42. YOUNG WOMANS CREEK NEAR RENOVO, PA. (01545600)

Location. North-central Pennsylvania.

Drainage area. 46.2 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Allegheny Mountain 

section of the Appalachian Plateaus province 

of the Appalachian Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 38 

in. Average annual snowfall: 40 in. Monthly 

mean temperature extremes: 27° and 71 °F.

Topography. Broad, flat mountains and 

narrow, steep-sided valleys. The general elevation of the divide is about 1,800 ft. Basin elevations range from 780 to 2,160 ft. The slope of 

the main stream is about 60 ft per mile.

Rock type. Predominantly sandstone and 

shale. Some unconsolidated glacial outwash lines 

the creek bottom.

Vegetation. The area is covered with northern hardwoods, namely ash, beech, birch, 

cherry, and maple.

Manmade influences. Two secondary roads 

and some fire trails traverse the basin. The area 

is very sparsely populated except during hunting season when lodges are occupied by hunters. 

Some logging is done privately but under State 

supervision. About 95 percent of the basin is 

publicly owned.

Gage location. Lat 41°23'22", long 77°41' 

28", 5 miles northeast of Renovo.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 17 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium ; bicarbonate and sulfate; and silica. Lowflow dissolved-solids concentration: about 35 

mg/1. Average annual sediment load: 50 tons 

per sq mi.

Ground water. The shallow deposit of unconsolidated sand and gravel in the stream 

valley yields suitable water for domestic supplies. The bedrock is capable of supplying large 

yields of water of good quality to wells at moderate depth. Locally, some deep wells may yield 

salty water.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____December 1964-present. 

Continuous precipitation __. Do. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) :

Specific conductance

Temperature

29
Type

Water quality Continued

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

43. SCAPE ORE SWAMP NEAR BISHOPVILLE, S.C. (02135300)

Location. Central South Carolina.

Drainage area. 70 sq mi, approximately.

Physiographic area. Sea Island section of 

the Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic Plain.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 45 in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 48° and 81°F.

Topography. The general surface of the 

land is composed of sand hills. The general elevation of the divide is about 300 ft. Basin elevations range from 220 to 400 ft. The slope of 

the main stream is about 6 ft per mile.

Rock type. The basin is almost completely 

in sand hills.

Vegetation. About 50 percent of the basin is 

covered with pine and hardwood forest, and 

about 50 percent is pasture, orchards, or cultivated land.

Manmade influences. About 50 percent of 

the basin is used for agriculture. There are 

several small ponds in the basin. A few surfaced roads traverse the basin.

Gage location. Lat 34°09'02", long 80° 18' 

18", 5.8 miles southwest of Bishopville.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: estimated to be between 15 and 20 in.

Water quality. No information.

Ground water. Springs of good sustained 

flow occur throughout the basin.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____ July 1968-present.

44. UPPER THREE RUNS NEAR NEW ELLENTON, S.C. 

(02197300)

Location. Southwestern South Carolina.

Drainage area. 87 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Sea Island section of 

the Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic Plain.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 44 

in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 50° 

and 81°F.

Topography. The general surface of the 

land is composed of sand hills. The general elevation of the divide is about 400 ft. Basin elevations range from 230 to 500 ft. The slope of 

the main stream is about 15 ft per mile.

Rock type. A sand formation containing 

layers of clay underlies the entire basin.

Vegetation. About 50 percent of the basin 

is covered with pine and hardwood forests, and 

about 50 percent is pasture, orchards, or cultivated land.

Manmade influences. About 50 percent of 

the basin is used for agriculture. There are several small ponds in the basin. A few surfaced 

roads traverse the basin.

Gage location. Lat 33°23'05", long 81°37' 

00", 4.6 miles southeast of New Ellenton.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: estimated about 14 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and sodium; bicarbonate and chloride; and 

silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: 

about 15 mg/1. Average annual sediment load: 

about 14 tons per sq mi.

Ground water. Springs of good sustained 

flow occur throughout the basin.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ___ June 1966-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present.

Field analysis (monthly) :

Specific conductance

Temperature

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during 

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual)

Pesticides (semiannual)

Radioactivity (semiannual)

45. CASTLE CREEK ABOVE DEERFIELD RESERVOIR, 

NEAR HILL CITY, S. DAK. (06409000)

Location. The Black Hills, southwestern 

South Dakota.

Drainage area. 83 sq mi, approximately.

Physiographic area. Black Hills section of 

the Great Plains province of the Interior Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 20 in., of which about 20 percent occurs 

as snow. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 

20° and 65°F.

30
Topography. Maturely dissected domed 

mountains. Basin elevations range from 5,910 

to about 7,130 ft. The main stream slope is' 

about 65 ft per mile.

Rock type. Slate and mica schist high in 

iron.

Vegetation. About 90 percent of the basin 

is covered by a moderately dense forest of predominantly ponderosa pine. There are also some 

spruce, aspen, and willows, as well as other 

small types of trees and brush, particularly in 

the valley areas.

Manmade influences. Mature timber has 

been harvested one or more times throughout 

the basin. Hay and sometimes oats are grown 

in some of the narrow valley meadows. Grazing 

is practiced throughout the basin. A few stockwater ponds are in the drainage area. Several 

roads or trails are in the basin. The basin is in 

the Black Hills National Forest.

Gage location. Lat 44°00'50", long 103°49' 

25", in SWi/4 sec. 25, T. 1 N., R. 2 E., 14 miles 

northwest of Hill City.

Floiv characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: 1.5 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate. Low-flow 

dissolved-solids concentration: about 240 mg/1.

Ground water. There are no significant 

aquifers and very little valley alluvium.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____ June 1948-present. 

Precipitation (two storage

gages) _ _________May 1964-present. 

Continuous precipitation at

three gages (no record in

winter) _____________ Do. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________ Do. 

Water quality ________September 1967-present.

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen 

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.)

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual)

Pesticides (semiannual)

Radioactivity (semiannual)

46. LITTLE VERMILLION RIVER NEAR SALEM, S. DAK.

(06478540)

Location. Southeastern South Dakota.

Drainage area. 51 sq mi, approximately.

Physiographic area. Western lake section 

of the Central Lowland province of the Interior 

Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 21 in., of which about 15 percent occurs 

as snow. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 

14° and 71°F.

Topography. Rather flat, young glaciated 

plain. Basin elevations range from 1,530 to 

1,630 ft. The slope of the main stream is about 

6 ft per mile.

Rock type. Thin alluvium in valley over 

glacial till. The bedrock is quartzite beneath 

about 200 ft of drift.

Vegetation. About 10 percent of the basin 

is covered with a moderately dense growth of 

prairiegrass. About 90 percent of the basin is 

under cultivation, grains being the main crops. 

The only trees of significance are shelterbelts 

associated with farmsteads.

Manmade influences. The entire basin is devoted to agriculture. Grain crops are grown on 

about 90 percent of the basin, and the remainder is used for grazing. A few stock ponds, 

generally having a capacity of less than onehalf acre-foot each, are in the basin. Many 

graded roads traverse the basin.

Gage location. L&t 43°47'40", long 97°22' 

00", in SW*4 sec. 19, T. 104 N., R. 54 W., 5.2 

miles northeast of Salem.

Flow characteristics. Stream is intermittent. Average annual runoff: estimated about 1 

in.

Water quality. No information.

Ground water. Shallow aquifers in the glacial drift supply water for farm and domestic 

uses.

Data collected. 

Type

Continuous streamflow

Period of record

-September 1966-present.

47. BUFFALO RIVEB NEAR FLAT WOODS, TENN. (03604000)

Location. Western Tennessee.

Drainage area. 447 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Highland Rim section 

of the Interior Low Plateaus province of the 

Interior Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 52

31
in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 40° 

and 77°F.

Topography. Buffalo River meanders in an 

alluvial valley, one-quarter mile to 1 mile in 

width. Valley slopes are moderately steep. Basin 

elevations range from 514 to about 1,000 ft.

Rock type. The principal surface rock is 

chert. In the stream valleys downstream from 

Grinder's Creek, there are small outcrops of 

limestone, shale, and sandstone.

Vegetation. About 30 percent of the basin 

is forested principally with scrub hardwoods 

and a scattering of pine and cedar. The forest 

is very dense in ravines and valleys and moderately dense to sparse along the ridges. About 20 

percent of the area is cleared land, mostly in 

the wider valleys. The cleared land is equally 

split between row crops and pasturage.

Manmade influences. The town of Waynesboro (population, 1,521) is near the headwaters 

of the Green River (tributary to Buffalo River). 

Hohenwald (population, 3,151) is on the northern divide. Several smaller communities are 

also in the basin. Waynesboro gets its water 

supply from one well and returns it, after secondary treatment, to the Green River. The Hohenwald water supply is from a spring, and 

sewage is discharged into a Buffalo River tributary after treatment. Two small impoundments, Laurel Hill Lake near the south divide 

and Napier Lake in the middle of the basin, are 

in the basin. Several roads traverse the basin.

Gage location. Lat 35°29'45", long 87°49' 

58", 1.3 miles north of Flat Woods.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: 22 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved-solids 

concentration: about 60 mg/1.

Ground water. The Fort Payne Chert is the 

principal aquifer in the basin. There are many 

small springs and three larger springs in the 

basin.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____ May 1920-present. 

Precipitation (several daily

records from gages in or on

the edge of the basin by

Tennessee Valley

Authority) ___________ 1940-present.

Period of record

Continuous precipitation: 

Tennessee Valley

Authority _______ 1940-present. 

U.S. Weather Bureau __ About 1885-present. 

Daily air temperature (U.S.

Weather Bureau) _ _ Do. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature (TVA) ____ 1964-present. 

Water quality __________July 1967-June 1968.

July 1968-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

48. LITTLE RIVER ABOVE TOWNSEND, TENN. (03497300)

Location. The western side of Great Smoky 

Mountains National Park, eastern Tennessee.

Drainage area. 106 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Southern section of the 

Blue Ridge province of the Appalachian Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 58 

in., of which about 18 percent occurs as snow. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 39° and 

74°F.

Topography. Mountainous. Divides are 

high, and valleys are generally narrow. Basin 

elevations range from 1,110 to 6,642 ft.

Rock type. Partly metamorphosed shale, 

siltstone, sandstone, and conglomerate.

Vegetation. The basin is completely forested in mixed hardwoods up to about 5,000 ft. 

Above this elevation, a forest of spruce and fir 

dominates.

Manmade influences. Several permanent 

residences, a 180-man Job Corps camp, a 370- 

site campground, and two small picnic areas are 

in the basin. One highway and a few access 

roads traverse the basin, which is entirely 

within the Great Smoky Mountains National 

Park.

Gage location. Lat 35°39'52", long 83°42' 

41", 2.2 miles southeast of Townsend.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 36 in.

32
Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate; and silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 20 mg/1.

Ground water. Ground water occurs in the 

overburden and in openings along joints, faults, 

and bedding planes. Springs are common, but 

flows are generally less than 50 gpm.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ___October 1963-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________ Do. 

Water quality __________ July 1967-June 1968. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

49. LIMPIA CREEK ABOVE FORT DA VIS, TEX. (08431700)

Location. Southwestern Texas.

Drainage area. 52.4 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Mexican Highland section of the Basin and Range province of the 

Intermontane Plateaus.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: varies from about 19 in. at the lower elevations to 

about 24 in. at the higher elevations. Monthly 

mean temperature extremes: 37° and 73°F.

Topography. Mountainous. The general elevation of the divide is about 7,500 ft. Basin elevations range from 5,200 to 8,300 ft. The slope 

of the main stream is about 118 ft per mile.

Rock type. The area is underlain by volcanic rocks, most of which are andesites and 

basalts. Thin alluvial deposits of boulders, 

gravel, and sand occur in the stream channel.

Vegetation. Phreatophytes such as cottonwood, willow, and saltcedar occur along 

the stream channels. Oak, hackberry, and othertrees sparsely cover the higher parts of the 

basin. Cactus, weeds, and native grasses cover 

most of the basin.

Manmade influences. A few roads traverse 

the basin.

Gage location. Lat 30°36'55", long 104°00' 

10", 6.8 miles west of Fort Davis.

Flow characteristics. Stream is intermittent. Average annual runoff: about 0.15 in.

Water quality. Prinncipal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved-solids 

concentration: about 150 mg/1.

Ground water. Ground water occurs in 

small quantities in both the volcanic rocks and 

in the alluvium. Water-table conditions generally prevail; however, artesian conditions 

may occur locally. A few small springs occur 

along the main channels of the streams.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____October 1965-present. 

Continuous precipitation _ Do. 

Water quality __________June 1967-present. 

Standard complete (monthly)

50. SOUTH FORK ROCKY CREEK NEAR BRIGGS, TEX.

(08103900)

Location. Central Texas.

Drainage area. 34.2 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Central Texas section 

of the Great Plains province of the Interior 

Plains.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 30 in. Monthly mean temperature extremes : 48° and 84°F.

Topography. Rough topography. There are 

flat ridges and sloping canyon walls that in 

places rise on a 1:10 ft slope for more than 

100 ft above the streambeds. Basin elevations 

range from 956 to about 1,150 ft. The stream 

slope is about 35 ft per mile.

Rock type. The area is underlain by alternating beds of limestone and marl. The bedrock is covered in places by a thin mantle of 

black clay soil. There are alluvial deposits, less 

than 15 ft thick, in the stream valley.

Vegetation. Approximately 80 percent of 

the basin has a grass cover and 2 percent contains crops. The remainder is wooded with oak, 

elm, hackberry, willow, and sycamore trees 

principally along the streams and valley floors. 

Dense brush occurs along the smaller tributaries.

Manmade influences. About 2 percent of the 

basin is cultivated. There are 30 farm and ranch 

houses and five county roads in the basin. Some 

water for domestic and stock supplies is obtained from wells.

Gage location. Lat 30°54'40", long 98°02' 

10", 7 miles west of Briggs.

33
Flow characteristics. Stream is intermittent. Average annual runoff: estimated to be 

about 3 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved-solids 

concentration: about 290 mg/1.

Ground water. The Trinity Sand, which underlies limestone and marl, is pumped for domestic and stock-water supplies. Depth to water 

ranges from 15 to 165 ft. Small springs or seeps 

issue from the limestone beds; however, these 

cease to flow during the summer months. A few 

wells tap the alluvial deposits in the stream 

valley.

Data collected. 

Tin"' Period of record

Continuous streamflow _____ April 1963-present. 

Continuous precipitation

(three gages) ________ Do. 

Water quality _________-September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

51. RED BUTTE CREEK AT FORT DOUGLAS, NEAR 

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (10172200)

Location. Western slopes of the Wasatch 

Mountians, north-central Utah.

Drainage area. 7.25 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Middle Rocky Mountains province of the Rocky Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 25 in. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 25° and 70°F. There is considerable 

variation in temperature and precipitation over 

the basin.

Topography. Mountainous. Slopes are steep 

and have few rock outcrops. Basin elevations 

range from 5,400 to 8,240 ft. The slope of the 

main stream is about 250-300 ft per mile.

Rock type. The basin is underlain by southeastward-dipping beds of limestone, shale, and 

sandstone. Alluvium occurs along the streams 

but is only a few feet thick in most places.

Vegetation. The basin is thickly covered

with oak brush, a few scattered clumps of evergreens, and a few small clumps of aspen. A 

thick growth of weeds, willows, and small maples inhabit the stream banks.

Manmade influences. The watershed is preserved to furnish water for Fort Douglas. A 

fire-control road, one cabin, and a rock quarry, 

which is no longer used, are in the basin. Timber cutting was stopped prior to 1900. Grazing 

was stopped before 1900 except on a small part 

of the upper basin which is privately owned.

Gage location. Lat 40°46'50", long 111°48' 

20", in NW14 sec. 35, T. 1 N., R. 1 E., 1.5 miles 

northeast of Fort Douglas and 5 miles east of 

Salt Lake City Post Office.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 9-10 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved-solids 

concentration: about 400 mg/1.

Ground water. Some ground water occurs 

under water-table conditions in the unconsolidated alluvial deposits along the streams in the 

basin. Little is known about the ground-water 

conditions in the bedrock. Several springs do 

occur in the upper canyon.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Monthly streamflow ______ January 1942-

September 1963.

Continuous streamflow ____October 1963-present. 

Precipitation at:

Three storage gages by 

U.S. Corps of 

Engineers ______ November 1941-

May 1965. 

One storage gage by U.S.

Corps of Engineers __October 1945-May 1965. 

Continuous precipitation

(three gages) ________June 1965-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________ April 1964-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

34
52. HOLIDAY CREEK NEAR ANDERSONVILLE, VA. (02038850)

Location. Central Virginia.

Drainage area. 8.53 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Piedmont Upland section of the Piedmont province of the Appalachian Highlands.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 43 

in. Average annual snowfall: 15 in. Monthly 

mean temperature extremes : 40° and 78°F.

Topography. Rolling hills. The general elevation of the divide is about 700 ft. Basin elevations range from 475 to 920 ft. The slope of 

the main stream is about 60 ft per mile.

Rock type. The basin is underlain by metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, primarily kyanite schist and kyanite quartzite.

Vegetation. A managed hardwood forest 

covers most of the basin. A few stands of pine 

have been recently planted.

Manmade influences. The basin is part of 

the Appomatox-Buckingham State Forest. 

There have been selective cutting and planting 

operations throughout the basin. Several roads 

and fire trails traverse the basin.

Gage location. Lat 37°24'55", long 78°38' 

10", 5.2 miles southwest of Andersonville.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: estimated to be about 

13-14 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate; and silica. 

Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 

45 mg/1.

Ground water. The main aquifer is the fractured rock underlying the basin. Yields from 

the aquifer are generally low. A few small 

springs occur in the basin.

Data collected. 

'-i Sfi- Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____April 1966-present. 

Water quality ______September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Eadioactivity (semiannual)

53. ANDREWS CREEK NEAR MAZAMA, WASH. (12447390)

Location. Cascade Mountains, north-central 

Washington.

Drainage area. 22.1 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Northern Cascade 

Mountains section of the Sierra-Cascade Mountains province of the Pacific Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

estimated between 30 and 40 in., much of which 

occurs as snow. Monthly mean temperature extremes : about 15° and 60°F.

Topography. Rugged mountains. Basin elevations range from 4,300 to 8,700 ft. The slope 

of the main stream is steep and consists of a 

continuous series of rapids and small waterfalls.

Rock type. Largely granitic rocks overlain 

by fluvioglacial sediments.

Vegetation. The basin is covered with a 

moderately dense forest of fir, cedar, hemlock, 

and undergrowth.

Manmade influences. The entire drainage is 

within the boundaries of the North Cascades 

Primitive Area. Two forest trails traverse the 

basin.

Gage location. Lat 48°49'30", long 120°08' 

40", in NEi/4 sec. 1, T. 38 N., R. 21 E., 20 miles 

northeast of Mazama.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: not yet determined. A 

large part of the runoff is from the spring 

snowmelt.

Water quality. No information.

Ground water. Several springs occur in the 

basin.

Data collected. 

Type

Continuous streamflow

Period of record

.June 1968-present.

54. NORTH FORK QUINAULT RIVER NEAR AMANDA PARK, 

WASH. (12039300)

Location. The Olympic Mountains, western 

Washington.

Drainage area. 74.1 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Olympic Mountains 

section of the Pacific Border province of the 

Pacific Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: as 

much as 200 in. in parts of the basin, much of 

which occurs as snow. Monthly mean temperature extremes: 20° and 60°F.

35
Topography. Rugged mountains. Basin elevations range from 620 to 6,246 ft. The slope 

of the main stream is about 200 ft per mile.

Rock type. Dark-gray massive or poorly 

bedded slate is overlain on the north side of the 

channel by glacial deposits and a thick mantle 

of soil.

Vegetation. Heavy to moderate stands of 

virgin hemlock, fir, spruce, and cedar grow to 

an elevation of about 3,500 ft. Alpine-type 

growth occurs between 3,500 and 5,000 ft. Bare 

rock is predominant above 5,000 ft.

Manmade influences. The basin lies entirely within Olympic National Park. Two trails 

traverse the basin.

Gage location. Lat 47°35'45", long 123°37' 

25", in SWi/4 sec. 6, T. 24 N., R. 7 W., 18 miles 

northeast of Amanda Park.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 145 in. Runoff 

from snowfields is a factor, especially in the 

early warm summer months.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate. Low-flow dissolved-solids 

concentration: about 60 mg/1.

Ground water. Characteristics unknown.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow ____November 1964-present. 

Precipitation (two storage

gages) ______________March 1965-present.

September 1965-present. 

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________March 1965-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) : 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual)

55. POPPLE RIVER NEAR PENCE, WIS. (04063700)

Location. Northeastern Wisconsin.

Drainage area. 131 sqmi.

Physiographic area. Superior Upland province of the Laurentian Upland.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 29 

in. Annual snowfall ranges from 33 to 86 in.

Monthly mean temperature extremes: 14° and 

66°F.

Topography. Gently rolling terrain that has 

some flat terraces. Basin elevations range from 

1,406 to 1,600 ft. The slope of the main stream 

is fairly flat, and there are occasional riffles at 

rock outcrops.

Rock type. Glacial deposits are underlain by 

igneous and metamorphic crystalline rocks, generally granite, schist, and greenstone. The glacial drift ranges in thickness from 0 to 80 ft 

and is primarily composed of outwash sand and 

sandy gravel.

Vegetation. Rather dense coniferous and 

deciduous forest covers about 95 percent of the 

basin. The forest is primarily made up of aspen, 

northern hardwoods, pine, and swamp trees. 

The remainder of the basin consists of scattered active or abandoned farms and the area 

in and around the community of Newald.

Manmade influences. The community of Newald (population, about 175) is near the southcentral part of the basin. Newald has neither 

public water-supply nor public waste-disposal 

systems. A small amount of farming is practiced in the basin. Several roads traverse the 

basin. The Popple River basin is part of a State 

wild-river area.

Gage location. Lat 45°45'50", long 88°27' 

50", in NWi/4 sec. 23, T. 38 N., R. 16 E., 2.6 

miles northwest of Fence.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 12 in.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate. Low-flow 

dissolved-solids concentration: about 145 mg/1. 

Average annual sediment load: about 6 tons per 

sq mi.

Ground water. Water-table conditions prevail throughout the basin. The glacial drift is 

recharged directly from local precipitation. Expected depth to water table ranges from 0 to 

30 ft. Springs and seeps abound in the upper 

part of the basin.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow __--October 1963-present.

Ground-water levels (intermittent observation on two 

wells) _____________December 1966-

May 1968.

Continuous precipitation __ 1965-present

36
Type Period of record

Continuous surface-water

temperature __________June 1964-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present.

Field analysis (monthly): 

Specific conductance 

Temperature 

Dissolved oxygen 

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.)

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual) 

Pesticides (semiannual) 

Radioactivity (semiannual) 

Lake levels at

Morgan and Mud

Lakes _____November 1966- 

May 1968.

Special characteristics. There are about 10 

very small lakes scattered over the basin, most 

of which seem to have no surface outlet and are 

connected to the ground-water system. Approximately 25 percent of the basin is in 

marshes, swamps, and other surface waters.

56. CACHE CREEK NEAR JACKSON, WYO. (13018300)

Location. West-central Wyoming.

Drainage area. 10 sq mi, approximately.

Physiographic area. Middle Rocky Mountains province of the Rocky Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 30 in., most of which falls as snow. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: about 12° 

and 58°F.

Topography. Mountains and canyons. The 

general divide elevation is about 9,000 ft. Basin 

elevations range from 6,800 to 10,304 ft. The 

slope of the main stream is about 300 ft per 

mile.

Rock type. Sandstone and shale are covered 

with alluvium in the lower valleys.

Vegetation. Forests of pine, fir, and spruce 

cover about 80 percent of the north slopes and 

about 50 percent of the south slopes. Grass and 

brush covers the remaining area up to timberline.

Manmade influences. The area is used seasonally for recreation. One road enters the 

basin, and one pack trail traverses the basin.

Gage location. Lat 43°26'50", long 110°41' 

50", in Si/2 sec. 1, T. 40 N., R. 116 W., 4i/2 miles 

southeast of Jackson.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 19 in. Much of 

the runoff occurs during the early summer from 

snowmelt.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium and magnesium; bicarbonate. Low-flow 

dissolved-solids concentration: about 200 mg/1. 

Average annual sediment load: estimated to be 

about 150 tons per sq mi.

Ground water. Numerous seep springs occur in the basin. Aquifers are generally of low 

yield except in the valley alluvium where greater 

yields can be expected.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamflow __ June 1962-present. 

Intermittent snow surveys October 1967-present. 

Water quality __________September 1967-present. 

Field analysis (monthly) :

Specific conductance

Temperature

Dissolved oxygen

Coliform and BOD (for completion in lab.) 

Samples collected for:

Standard complete (monthly)

Suspended sediment (monthly and during 

storm runoff)

Minor elements (semiannual)

Pesticides (semiannual)

Radioactivity (semiannual)

57. ENCAMPMENT RIVER ABOVE HOG PARK CREEK, NEAR 

ENCAMPMENT, WYO. (06623800)

Location. South-central Wyoming.

Drainage area. 72.7 sq mi.

Physiographic area. Southern Rocky Mountains province of the Rocky Mountain System.

Climate. Average annual precipitation: 

about 30 in., most of which falls as snow. 

Monthly mean temperature extremes: about 15° 

and 55°F.

Topography. Mountainous. The general divide elevation is about 10,000 ft. Basin elevations range from 8,270 to over 11,400 ft. The 

slope of the main stream is about 100 ft per 

mile.

Rock type. Crystalline rock, chiefly granite, and lesser amounts of metasedimentary 

rocks are in the basin.

Vegetation. Most of the basin is covered 

with forest consisting primarily of lodgepole 

pine, fir, and spruce. Part of the basin is bare 

ground above timberline. The remainder of the 

basin consists of grass-covered openings and 

meadows in the valleys.

37
Manmade Influences. The basin is used for 

seasonal recreation. Jeep and pack trails traverse the basin.

Gage location. Lat 41°01'25", long 106°49' 

27", in NEVtSWi/i sec. 10, T. 12 N., R. 84 W., 

13 miles south of Encampment.

Flow characteristics. Stream is perennial. 

Average annual runoff: about 16-18 in. Much 

of the runoff occurs during the early summer 

months from snowmelt.

Water quality. Principal constituents: calcium; bicarbonate; and silica. Low-flow dissolved-solids concentration: about 50 mg/1. 

Average annual sediment load: estimated to be 

about 50 tons per sq mi.

Ground water. Aquifers are generally composed of crystalline rocks and alluvium. The 

aquifers are shallow except in glaciated valleys 

where deeper aquifers exist. Numerous small 

springs occur in the basin.

Data collected. 

Type Period of record

Continuous streamfiow ____October 1964-present. 

Intermittent snow surveys __December 1964-present. 

Data collected by U.S. Forest

Service _____________About 1966-present.

Titpe Period of record

Windspeed 

Relative humidity 

Air temperature at two levels 

Solar radiation

Water quality __________October 1967-present. 

Standard complete (monthly)

REFERENCES

Fenneman, Nevin M., 1931, Physiography of western

United States: New York, McGraw-Hill Book Co.,

Inc., 534 p. 

 1938, Physiography of eastern United States:

New York, McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 714 p. 

Landsberg, Helmut E., 1960, Note on the recent climatic

fluctuation in the United States: Jour. Geophys.

Research, v. 65, no. 5, p. 1519-1525. 

Langbein, Walter B., 1968, Hydrological bench marks:

World Meteorol. Organization, Internal. Hydrol.

Decade, Rept. 8, 8 p. 

Langbein, Walter B., and Hoyt, William G., 1959, Water

facts for the nation's future: New York, Ronald

Press Co., 288 p.

Leopold, Luna B., 1962, A national network of hydrologic bench marks: U.S. Geol. Survey Circ. 460-B,

4 p. 

President's Science Advisory Committee, Environmental

Pollution Panel, 1965, Restoring the quality of our

environment: The White House, 317 p.

* U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1971 O - 414-112