DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

GEORGE OTIS SMITH, DIRECTOR

WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 228

WATER-SUPPLY INVESTIGATIONS

IN THE

YUKON-TANANA REGION, ALASKA

1907 AND 1908

FAIRBANKS, CIRCLE, AND RAMPART DISTRICTS

BY

C. C. COVERT AND C. E. ELLSWORTH

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1909
CONTENTS.

Page.

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

Scope of work........................................................ 7

Cooperation. ......................................................... 9

Explanation of data and methods....................................... 9

General description of area............................................ 12

Conditions affecting water supply....................................... 15

General conditions.................................................... 15

Melting of frozen ground............................................... 15

Precipitation......................................................... 17

The Fairbanks district.................................................... 19

Description of area..................................................... 19

Gaging stations........................................................ 20

Little Chena River drainage basin...................................... 22

General description............................................... 22

Little Chena River above Elliott Creek............................. 23

Little Chena River below Fish Creek............................... 24

Elliott Creek above Sorrels Creek................................... 25

Sorrels Creek..................................................... 26

Fish Creek above Fairbanks Creek................................. 27

Fish Creek at mouth.............................................. 29

Bear Creek........................................................ 30

Fairbanks Creek................................................... 30

Miller Creek....................................................... 30

Chatanika River drainage basin......................................... 32

General description............................................... 32

Chatanika River near Faith Creek.................................. 33

Chatanika River below Poker Creek................................ 34

McManus Creek.................................................. 36

Faith Creek....................................................... 38

Kokomo Creek. .................................................. 39

Poker Creek...................................................... 39

Cleary Creek. ...............................:.................... 40

Eldorado Creek................................................... 40

Dome Creek...................................................... 41

Miscellaneous measurements........................................ 41

Goldstream Creek drainage basin.....................'.................. 42

General description............................................... 42

Goldstream Creek at claim 6 below.................................. 43

Pedro Creek...................................................... 44

Fox Creek........................................................ 44

Washington Creek drainage basin. ..................................... 45

General description............................................... 45

Washington Creek above Aggie Creek............................... 45

Washington Creek below Aggie Creek............................... 46

Aggie Creek at mouth.............................................. 48

3
4 CONTENTS.

The Fairbanks district Continued. Page.

Beaver Creek drainage basin........................................... 49

General description............................................... 49

Measurements..................................................... 50

The Circle district......................................................... 51

Description of area..................................................... 51

Gaging stations........................................................ 52

Birch Creek drainage basin............................................. 53

General description............................................... 53

Birch Creek at Fourteenmile House................................. 53

North Fork of Birch Creek.......................................... 54

Harrison Creek................................................... 55

Crooked Creek..................................................... 56

Mammoth Creek................................................... 56

Porcupine Creek................................................... 57

Boulder Creek.................................................... 58

Deadwood Creek.................................................. 59

The Rampart district....................................................... 59

Description of area..................................................... 59

Gaging stations........................................................ 61

Minook Creek drainage basin............................................ 62

General description............................................... 62

Minook Creek above Little Minook Creek............................ 63

Granite Creek...................................................... 64

Chapman Creek.................................................... 64

Slate Creek....................................................... 65

Ruby Creek....................................................... 65

Hoosier Creek...................................................... 65

Little Minook Junior Creek........................................ 66

Little Minook Creek............................................... 66

Hunter Creek...................................................... 68

Miscellaneous measurements........................................ 69

Troublesome Creek drainage basin....................................... 69

General description............................................... 69

Troublesome Creek below Quail Creek............................... 70

Miscellaneous measurements........................................ 71

Minor Yukon River drainage-........................................... 71

Russian Creek..................................................... 71

Squaw Creek..................................................... 71

West Fork of Tolovana River drainage basin............................. 71

/ Description........................................................ 71

Measurements..................................................... 72

Baker Creek drainage basin............................................ 72

General description............................................... 72

Baker Creek at road crossing........................................ 73

Alien Creek....................................................... 73

New York Creek at Thanksgiving ditch intake...................... 74

California Creek at Thanksgiving ditch intake....................... 75

Thanksgiving ditch near outlet...................................... 76

California Creek branch of Thanksgiving ditch near intake.......... 77

Eureka Creek...................................................... 78

Pioneer Creek..................................................... 79

Hutlinana Creek................................................... 80

Miscellaneous measurements........................................ 82
CONTENTS. 5

The Rampart district Continued. Page.

Patterson Creek drainage basin......................................... 83

Piftymile River at White Horse........................................ 84

Comparative discharge of different areas..................................... 84

Hydraulic development.................................................... 90

Ditch and pipe lines in Alaska......................................... 90

Fairbanks district..................................................... 92

General conditions................................................ 92

Proposed ditch lines................................................ 93

Water power....................................................... 94

Circle district.......................................................... 95

General conditions................................................ 95

Eagle Creek...................................................... 95

Porcupine Creek................................................... 95

Rampart district....................................................... 96

General conditions................................................ 96

Minook Creek group.............................................. 96

General conditions............................................ 96

Hunter Creek................................................ 97

Little Minook Creek........................................... 97

Hoosier Creek................................................ 97

Baker Creek group................................................ 97

General conditions............................................ 97

What Cheer Bar ditch. ....................................... 98

Eureka Creek..................."............................. 98

Thanksgiving ditch........................................... 98

Sullivan Creek ditch.......................................... 98

Water power for electric transmission.................................. 99

Storage and conservation.............................................. 101

Index.................................................................... 105

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page. 

PLATE I. A, Price current meters; B, Measuring Grand Central River........ 10

II. Map showing location of gaging stations in Fairbanks district........ 20

III. Mining operations on Cleary Creek................................ 40

IV. Map showing location of gaging stations in Circle district-.......... 52

V. Map showing location of gaging stations in Rampart district........ 60

VI. A, Hydraulicking on Eagle Creek; B, Hydraulic elevator on Hoosier

Creek....................................................... 94

VII. A} Shoveling in on Thanksgiving Creek; B, Splash dam in operation

on Little Minook Creek...................................... 96

FIGURE 1. Index map showing location of quadrangles in Yukon-Tanana region. 13

2. Diagram showing flows of Chatanika and Little Chena rivers....... 17

3. Diagram showing mean weekly discharge in second-feet of streams

in Yukon-Tanana region, 1908................................. 85
WATER-SUPPLY INVESTIGATIONS IN THE YUKONTANANA REGION, ALASKA, 1907 AND 1908.

By C. C. COVERT and C. E. ELLSWORTH.

INTRODUCTION.

SCOPE OF WORK.

For a number of years the United States Geological Survey has 

made systematic measurements and studies of water supply as one 

of the great resources of the country. The data thus obtained are 

now available for many of the more important streams in the United 

States and are extensively used by engineers and others in problems 

involving water power, city water supply, irrigation, and manufacturing.

The development of the important placer-mining fields of Alaska, 

notably those of Seward Peninsula and the Yukon-Tanana region, 

is ultimately associated with the successful utilization of their water 

supplies. A knowledge of the amount of water available in the 

streams would have prevented most of the failures that have been 

made in the past, and will be invaluable in connection with future 

development.

A strong tendency exists in Alaskan development work to push 

forward the construction of ditches before making sure of that 

primary requisite of their successful operation an adequate water 

supply. The results of such a policy were shown during the summers of 1907 and 1908 in portions of the Yukon-Tanana region and in 

Seward Peninsula, where severe local droughts caused much loss and 

inconvenience to mining operators. As these conditions may not 

prove to be exceptional in any portion of the larger placer districts 

of Alaska, too much stress can not be laid on the importance of 

stream-flow data. Except during the low-water period, which ordinarily lasts only a part of the season, the water supply is sufficient; 

but in combination with other unfavorable conditions the shortness of the season, the frozen ground, the distance from base of supplies, and the consequent high cost of transportation a reduction of 

even two or three weeks in the working season may mean the difference between profit and loss.

7
8 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1007-1908.

Hydraulic developments are most advanced in the Nome region of 

Seward Peninsula, which has been an important producer of placer 

gold since 1899, and in which hundreds of miles of mining ditches 

have been built at great expense. Similar developments proposed 

for the Yukon-Tanana region should now be given careful consideration.

For this reason stream-measurement work, like that begun in the 

Nome region in 1906, was undertaken in the Yukon-Tanana region in 

1907 by C. C. Covert, who was in the field from June 18 to September 23 of that year. During the season of 1908 the work was 

continued by Mr. Covert and C. E. Ellsworth. In March, 1908, 

Mr. Covert went to the Fairbanks district to gather data on the 

spring run-off from the melting snow, and later in the season he 

extended the work to the Circle and Kampart districts. In June 

Mr. Ellsworth and Mr. Covert met at Circle and made a reconnaissance trip across country to Fairbanks. On August 1 Mr. Ellsworth 

went to the Rampart district, where he continued the work until 

the middle of September. Mr. Covert and the rest of the party 

remained in the Fairbanks district until the end of August, when 

they made the return trip to Circle, arriving there September 15. 

Much credit for the amount of data obtained and the extended territory which the party was able to cover is due to George Neuner, jr., 

field assistant, who made many of the measurements, and Charles E. 

Anderson, who acted as cook and packer.

The work in the Yukon-Tanana region in 1907 was largely of a 

reconnaissance character, but a few regular gaging stations were 

established. In 1908 the work was continued along lines similar to 

those followed in the previous year, but the records cover a longer 

period (May 1 to October 15), and the area under investigation 

included about 4,200 square miles. Daily records were kept at a 

few regular stations established at convenient points in the different 

drainage basins, and miscellaneous measurements were made in the 

surrounding country. This plan afforded the best opportunities 

for procuring comparative data. In this region, where water storage 

is lacking, daily records are highly important, but are very difficult 

to obtain. Outside of the placer mining creeks the country is practically a wilderness, where it is almost impossible to get observations 

other than those made during the occasional visits of the engineer. 

In some localities daily or even weekly records could not have been 

assured, and the results obtained from occasional measurements 

would have furnished no comprehensive idea of the daily run-off of 

the streams throughout the open season.

The work of collecting the data and preparing this report was done 

under the direction of the water resources branch by the engineers 

detailed for the purpose. The expenses were paid out of the appro-
EXPLANATION OF DATA AND METHODS. 9

priation for investigating the mineral resources of Alaska, and the 

field work has been under the general supervision of Alfred H. 

Brooks, geologist in charge of Alaskan work.

COOPERATION.

The funds available for the work were inadequate for the thorough 

investigation of the region concerning which it was desirable to 

procure records. It was possible to obtain daily gage readings only 

through the cooperation of mining operators, ditch companies, and 

others. Special acknowledgment for such cooperation is due to 

Mr. John Zug, superintendent of the Good Roads Commission; 

Mr. C. W. McConaughy, chief engineer of the Chatanika Ditch 

Company; Mr. Falcon Joslin, president of the Tanana Valley Railroad Company; Mr. Herman Wobber, Fairbanks Creek; Mr. Martin 

Harrais, Chena Lumber and Light Company, Chena; Mr. W. H. 

Parsons, general manager Washington-Alaska Bank; Mr. Frank G. 

Manley, Baker Hot Springs; Mr. A. V. Thorns, general manager 

Manley Mines; Mr. M. E. Koonce, Rampart; and to the many individual miners who are personally interested in the work.

EXPLANATION OF DATA AND METHODS.

The methods of carrying on the work and collecting the data were 

essentially the same as those previously used for similar work,0 but 

were adapted to the special conditions found in Alaska.

In the consideration of industrial or mining enterprises which use 

the water of streams it is necessary to know the total amount of 

water flowing in the stream, the daily distribution of the flow, and 

facts in regard to the conditions affecting the flow. Several terms 

are used such as second-foot, miner's inch, gallons per minute, etc. 

to describe the quantity of water flowing in a stream, the one selected 

depending on the use to be made of the data.

"Second-foot" is in most general use for all classes of work, and 

from it the quantity expressed in other terms may be obtained. It 

is an abbreviation of cubic foot per second, and may be defined as the 

quantity of water flowing per second in a stream 1 foot wide and 1 foot 

deep at the rate of 1 foot per second. It should be noted that it is a 

rate of flow, and to obtain the actual quantity of water it is necessary 

to multiply it by the time.

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

of water flowing per second from each square mile of area drained, 

on the assumption that the run-off is distributed uniformly, as regards 

both time and area.

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

be covered if all the water flowing from it in a given period were conoSee Water-Supply Papers U. S. Geol. Survey, Nos. 94, 95, and 201.
10 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

served and uniformly distributed on the surface. It is used for comparing run-off with rainfall, which is expressed in depth in inches.

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

required to coyer an acre to the depth of 1 foot. It is commonly used 

in connection with storage problems.

The "miner's inch/' the unit used in connection with placer mining, also expresses a rate of flow, and is the quantity of water flowing 

through an orifice of a given size with a given head. The head a$d 

size of the orifice used in different localities vary, thus making it a 

most indefinite and unsatisfactory unit. Owing to the confusion 

arising from its use it has been defined by law in several States. The 

California miner's inch is in most common use in the United States, 

and was defined by an act approved March 23,1901, as follows: "The 

standard miner's inch of water shall be equivalent or equal to 1^ cubic 

feet of water per minute, measured through any aperture or orifice.*' 

This miner's inch corresponds to the so-called "6-inch pressure," and 

is one-fortieth of a second-foot.

A list of convenient equivalents for use in hydraulic computations 

is given below:

1 second-foot equals 40 California miner's inches (law of March 23, 1901).

1 second-foot equals 50 "old California" miner's inches (used prior to law of March 

23, 1901).

1 second-foot equals 7.48 United States gallons per second; equals 448.8 gallons per 

minute; equals 646,272 gallons for one day.

"l second-foot for one year covers 1 square mile 1.131 feet, or 13,572 inches deep.

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

1 second-foot for one day covers 1-square mile 0.03719 inch deep.

1 second-foot for one day equals 1.983 acre-feet.

100 California miner's inches equal 15.7 United States gallons per second.

100 California miner's inches for one day equal 4.96 acre-feet.

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

100 United States gallons per minute for one day equal 0.442 acre-foot.

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

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

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

1 acre-foot equals 325,850 gallons.

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

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

1 mile equals 5,280 feet.

1 acre equals 43,560 square feet.

1 acre equals 209 feet square, nearly.

1 cubic foot equals 7.48 gallons. 

1 cubic foot of water weighs 62.5 pounds.

1 horsepower equals 550 foot-pounds per second.

1 horsepower equals 746 watts.

1 horsepower equals 1 second-foot falling 8.80 feet.

1J horsepower equals about 1 kilowatt.

rr, i , . . . ,, Sec. ft.Xfall in feet . , To calculate water power quickly: ^ =net horsepower on waterwheel realizing 80 per cent of theoretical power.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

A. PRICE CURRENT METERS.

WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 22S PLATE I

MEASURING GRAND CENTRAL RIVER.
EXPLANATION OF DATA AND METHODS. 11

The determination of the quantity of water flowing past a certain 

section of a stream, at a given time is termed a " discharge measurement." The quantity is the product of two factors the mean velocity and the area of the cross section. The mean velocity is a function 

of surface slope, wetted perimeter, roughness of bed, and the channel 

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

on the contour of the bed and the fluctuations of the surface. The 

two principal ways of measuring the velocity of a stream are by floats 

and current meters.

All measurements by the engineers of the Survey were made with 

the current meter; but as float measurements can readily be made by 

the prospector the method is described below.

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

rod floats. A corked bottle with a flag in the top and weighted at the 

bottom makes one of the most satisfactory surface floats, as it is 

affected but little by wind. In flood measurements good results can 

be obtained by.observing the velocity of floating cakes of ice or debris. 

In all surface-float measurements the observed velocity must be multiplied by 0.85 to 0.90 to reduce it to the mean velocity. The subsurface and tube or rod floats are intended to give directly the mean 

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

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

taken by the float to pass over the "run" a selected stretch of river 

from 50 to 200 feet long. In each discharge measurement a large 

number of velocity determinations are made at different points 

across the stream, and from these observations the mean velocity 

for the whole section is determined.

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

the two ends of the run and at several intermediate sections.

The essential parts of the current meters in use are (1) a wheel 

of some type so constructed that the impact of flowing water causes 

it to revolve and (2) a device for recording or indicating the number 

of revolutions. The relation between the velocity of the moving 

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

This rating is done by drawing the meter through still water for a 

given distance at different speeds and noting the number of revolutions for each run. From these data a rating table is prepared, 

which gives the velocity per second for any number of revolutions. 

Many kinds of current meters have been constructed.

The small Price acoustic meter (PL I, A) was used exclusively in 

the work in Alaska. Measurements were made by wading, except 

on Chatanika River near Faith Creek and Little Chena River below 

mouth of Fish Creek, where a cable and car were installed for use 

during high stages, and on Birch Creek at Fourteenmile House, 

where the government ferry was utilized.
12 WATER IN YTJKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

In making a measurement a tape line is stretched across the stream 

(PL I, B) and depth and velocity are measured at regular intervals 

(1 foot to 5 feet, depending on the size of the stream). The depths 

from which the area of the cross section is computed are taken by 

soundings with a graduated rod. The velocities are measured by a 

current meter.

Two methods of measuring the velocity were used. In the first 

the meter is held at the depth of the thread of mean velocity, which 

has been shown by extensive experiments to occur at about 0.6 

of the total depth. In the second method the mean of the velocities 

taken at 0.2 and 0.8 depth is used. This method is not adapted 

to very shallow streams or to those with extremely rough beds.

One of the general laws of the flow of streams with permanent 

cross sections is that the discharge varies directly with the stage 

of the water, or the gage height, and that it will be the same whenever the stage or gage height is the same. Therefore, in order to 

determine the daily discharge of a stream, a gage on which the 

fluctuations of the surface of the stream may be noted is installed 

and read daily. As the discharge regularly increases with the 

stage, it is possible with a few discharge measurements taken at 

various stages to construct a rating curve which will give the discharge at all stages. The beds of most of the streams measured 

changed but little during the season and it was therefore possible to 

obtain the daily flow, as just stated.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF AREA.

The section of Alaska lying between the Yukon and Tanana rivers 

and reaching from their confluence to the international boundary, 

aboiit 300 miles to the east, is known as the Yukon-Tanana region. 

It Embraces about 40,000 square miles, of which about 4,20,0 are 

considered in this report. The gold placers of the Fortymile, Birch 

Creek, Rampart, and Fairbanks districts are situated in this region, 

and their economic importance has led the Geological Survey to devote 

several years to the work of making topographic and geologic maps 

of the area, and, in 1907 and 1908, to make a study of the water supply of a portion of the territory covered by the Circle, Fairbanks, 

and Rampart quadrangles. The location of the quadrangles surveyed 

in the Yukon-Tanana region and of the quadrangles in which lie the 

drainage areas of the streams studied is shown in the index map, 

figure 1.

Gold was discovered in the Fortymile district in 1886 and in the 

Birch Creek and Rampart districts in 1893, but not until the discoveries in the Klondike in 1896 did the rapid development of the 

interior of Alaska begin and Circle and Rampart become supply 

points for the mining camps along the Yukon. The Fairbanks dis-
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF AEEA. 13

trict was brought into prominence by the discoveries in 1902, and it 

has since become the largest placer mining district in Alaska. The 

chief topographic features of the country, the absence of any welldefined divide separating the Yukon-Tanana drainages, and the 

irregular arrangement of the streams that make up the drainage systems of this region are clearly shown on the published maps (see 

fig. 1) which, except the Fortymile, are issued with bulletins 01 only.

100 miles

Rampart quadrangle Fairbanks quadrangle Circle quadranglel Fortymile quadrangle 

FIGURE 1. Index map showing location of quadrangles in Yukon-Tanana region.

These drainage systems hold remarkably close relations. The 

headwaters of the larger streams interlock with one another, their 

numerous ramifying .branches taking so many different directions 

that the traveler, unless provided with maps and compass, is often 

led astray by the similar even-topped ridges that separate the draina Prindle, L. M., The gold placers of the Fortymile, Birch Creek, and Fairbanks regions: Bull. U. S. 

Geol. Survey No. 251,1905.

Topographic map, Fortymile quadrangle; scale, 1:250000; by E. C. Barnard, U. S. Geol. Survey, 1905, 

For sale at 5 cents a copy or $3 a hundred.

Prindle, L. M., The Yukon-Tanana region, Alaska; description of the Circle quadrangle: Bull. U. S. 

Geol. Survey No. 295,1906.

Prindle, L. M., Hess, F. L., and Covert, C. C., The Yukon-Tanana region, Alaska; description of the 

Fairbanks and Rampart quadrangles: Bull. U. S. Geol. Survey No. 337,1908.
14 WATER IN YUKON-TAlSrANA REGION, 1907-1908.

ages of the headwaters of perhaps three or four different streams, 

which radiate from some one point, but belong to different drainage 

areas.

The most important streams tributary to the Yukon are Fortymile 

and Seventymile creeks, Charley River, and Birch and Beaver creeks; 

those tributary to the Tanana are the Volkmar, Goodpaster, Salcha, 

Chena, and Tolovna rivers. Besides these major streams many 

small tributaries, such as Minook and Baker creeks, are important, 

because they are the sites of large mining operations.

The entire area except the higher ridges was once well timbered, 

but the forests are fast disappearing before the woodman's ax and 

forest fires a fact most deplorable for the future of the country.

The climate and vegetation of the Yukon-Tan ana region have 

been described by Prindle a as follows:

The temperature has a wide range of variation. Temperatures below 80° F. below 

zero have been reported, and those 90° or more above zero are not uncommon. The 

extreme continued cold of winter leaves so deep an impress that the streams become 

covered with a layer of ice 6 feet thick, which in places lingers till late in summer, 

and the ground remains for the most part permanently frozen. The long days of 

summer, often very warm, soon mantle with green luxuriance much of the deeply 

frozen surface, and the shadows of the ice-scarred spruces along the river banks 

become enlivened with patches of grass or glow with brilliant fire weed and clumps 

of roses. This extreme differentiation of the seasons entails much change in mode 

of living and methods of transportation, and the times at which the gradual change 

takes place from summer to winter and winter to summer are therefore the most 

important climatic periods of the year. The Yukon at Circle closes about the middle of October, soon after the mush ice begins to run, and opens again about the 

middle of May, when the breaking of the ice emphasizes most dramatically the 

advent of the open season.

While the winters are in general similar in their essential characteristics, the summers vary greatly in temperature and rainfall. Some of them are characterized by 

long periods of beautiful weather with many days of great heat during June and 

July and the early part of August. The occasional thunderstorms or rainy days 

furnish insufficient water to meet the demands of mining, and work is thus frequently brought almost to a standstill. In other seasons thunderstorms may be of 

almost daily occurrence for several weeks. A third season may be unusually wet 

with frequent cold rains accompanied by snow in the higher hills.

The snowfall is generally light, and the total precipitation is much less than that 

of the southeast coast. The lowlands are comparatively free from frost during the 

latter part of June and the months of July and August, and ordinarily mining can be 

carried on from the middle of June to the middle of September, and in a favorable 

season may be continued much longer.

It should be added that the region is characterized by wide local 

variations in rainfall during the summer months.

Transportation facilities are of vital importance to the future 

development of this region. During the open season, from June to 

October, steamers ply up ajid down the Yukon; during the winter

a Prindle, L. M., The Yukon-Tanana region Alaska; description of the Circle quadrangle: Bull. U. S. 

Geol. Survey No. 295, 1906.
CONDITIONS AFFECTING WATER SUPPLY. 15

travelers must follow the trails from Valdez or White Horse. While 

travel, either in winter or summer, is so slow, tedious, and expensive, 

development on a large scale will require enormous expenditures of 

both time and money; and the region can not be economically and 

completely developed until it can be reached by rail from the seacoast 

towns. Most of the mining camps using Fairbanks for their base of 

supplies are readily reached by either steam or wagon road, or both. 

From Circle, Rampart, and the other supply points the camps are 

reached by wagon or pack train over trails that are difficult, especially 

in wet weather.

The Alaska Road Commission is doing much to facilitate development by constructing wagon roads which make it feasible to deliver 

the heavy machinery that is absolutely essential to the economic 

working of the mines and that can not be handled by pack trains.

CONDITIONS AFFECTING WATER SUPPLY. 

GENERAL CONDITIONS.

Water for mining purposes in the Yukon-Tanana region ig drawn 

entirely from the normal flow of the streams at the point of supply. 

During the sluicing period, which usually extends from about May 

20 to vSeptember 10, the daily flow is derived from three sources 

the slow melting of snow and ice accumulated chiefly in the form, of 

"winter glaciers" at the heads of the streams, the melting of ground 

ice and frozen earth, and the summer rains. Very little of the snow 

melts and runs off before the spring break-up, which in this district 

begins about the middle of April. The winter run-off, especially in 

the upper basins, accumulates with the ice and snow in" the stream 

beds. The rise in the streams begins about the middle of May and 

continues intermittently until about May 30, when the maximum 

discharge occurs, but ice and snow do not entirely disappear before 

the middle or last of July. Mr. A. D. Gassaway, of the Chatanika 

Ditch Company, estimated the maximum flow of Chatanika River 

near the mouth of Faith Creek at about 1,250 second-feet in 3907, 

and stated that this discharge occurred about May 30. After that 

date the flow gradually decreased until the minimum stage was 

reached, about July 10. In 1908 the maximum discharge occurred 

from May 20 to 25, and was about 1,340 second-feet, while the minimum discharge of 82 second-feet was recorded July 20 and 21.

MELTING OF FROZEN GROUND.

The melting of frozen ground affords a slight additional supply of 

water to the streams. On the northern slopes and in the deep canyons which are protected from the rays of the sun, the ground never 

thaws more than a few inches, even during July and August, when the
16 WATEE IN YUKON-TANANA EEGION, 1907-1908.

sun shines nearly twenty-four hours a day; but on the southern 

slopes and in the lowlands the imprisoned moisture is liberated 

through the combined influence of abundant sunshine and occasional 

warm rains. This gradual thawing of the frozen ground serves to 

increase the minimum flow during a low-water period, as in the season 

of 1908. (See fig. 3, p. 85.) The only natural storage for rainfall in 

this country is that afforded by the ubiquitous moss, which absorbs 

much of the moisture that otherwise would quickly pass beyond use, 

and distributes the melting of the ground ice over a longer period; 

but, on the other hand, to a certain extent, it prevents the ground 

from thawing during the summer and thus does away with any natural underground storage. This covering is saturated from ground 

thaw, and consequently any rainfall flows off the steep slopes very 

quickly and finds its way to the streams, causing them to rise and fall 

rapidly. (See fig. 2.) Because of this lack of ground storage the 

streams depend largely on rainfall for their supply after the snow and 

ice have disappeared in the spring break-up.

PEECIPITATION.

Precipitation records kept at Fairbanks since 1905 show that snowfall in this section amounts to about 40 inches. In connection with 

its investigations of stream flow the Geological Survey established 

four precipitation stations in the Yukon-Tanana region in 1907 and 

three in 1908. All records are kept by voluntary observers. The 

names and locations of these stations, the names of observers, and the 

dates of establishment are given in the following table:

Rainfall stations in Yukon-Tanana region.

Station.

Baker Hot Springs. . 

Charity Creek. .....

Summit Roadhouse

Letter

II, IV, 

and V.

T

N

K

R 

M

LH*

Latitude.

64° 58' 

65° 24'

65° 26'

65° 02'

tude.

150° 40' 

146° 16'

147° 26'

145° 27' 

146° 23'

147° 26'

Elevation in

Above

level.

370 

2,800

2,590 1 don

7Cfl

2,310

Above

ground.

3 

3

4

3

5

3

Observer.

V. L. Bevington . . 

H. R. Burke......

A. R. Garner...... 

M. T. Kerrick.....

Mrs. Annie M.

Walsh.

lished.

Aug. 5, 1908

July 7, 1908 

July 1, 1907

A IIP- ^ 1QO7

July 3, 1907

The table following gives the monthly precipitation at points in 

the Yukon-Tanana region for 1907 and 1908. Records for earlier years 

have been given by Abbe ffi and by the writer in a previous report. 6

"Abbe, Cleveland, jr., Geography and geology of Alaska: Prof. Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 45,1906, 

pp. 189-200.

& Henshaw, F. F., and Covert, C. C., Water-supply investigations in Alaska, 1906-1907: Water-Supply 

Paper U. S. Geol. Survey No. 218, 1908, pp. 139-149.
CONDITIONS AFFECTING WATER SUPPLY. 17

Second-feetRainfall finches and hundre<ith3)

81007 IRR 228 09 2
18 WATEK IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Monthly precipitation, in inches, at stations in Yukon- Tanana region, 1907-1908. 

[Rainfall or melted snow is given in the first line; snowfall in the second line.]

1Q1Q

Circle, 1907..........

Circle, 1908..........

Eagle Creek, 1908....

Fairbanks, 1907......

Faith Creek, 1907....

Fort Egbert, 1908....

Fort Gibbon, 1907...

North Fork, 1908 . . .

Poker Creek, 1908....

Rampart, 1907. ......

Summit Roadhouse, 

1907...............

Jan.

|.....

/ 1.02

}

o c

1.23 

°-

).....

\ 3.30

1QO ft

I .42

14.2

/ 1.45

1 2.0

I .12 

1 3.0

/ 1.26

112.6

1 9Q

I 4.0

f .12

1 2.0

r/ C9

115.5

.50

5.0

/ 1.17

112.0

/ 1.08

\11.5

Feb.

0.57

7

O

.25

.86 

8.6

.21

2.1

.21

2.0

.25 

2.5

.26

6.0

on

3.0

0

00

0 ft

Tr.

1.32

.44

4.5

.52

fi Q

Mar.

0.28

0 OK

.76

6.75

2.42 

24.2

1.1

11.0

.75

7.5

.75 

7.5

CO

5.0

.90

17.0

.27

4.0

.41

5.0

.27

0 ft

1.17

.81

8.1

Apr.

0.15

1.45

.11

.03

,0

.11

.8

.25

.15

.10 

1.0

0

6

0

Tr.

.40

4.0

Tr.

.42

5 ft

.02

2.5

.58

May.

0.29

.29

.27

.35

.52

.55

.30

1.16

1.30

12.0

1.78

1 34

4 0

.58

\\

.82

June.

------

0.20

1 00

.84

1.47

.96

1.89

2.16

2

0ft

1.77

1 92

1.80

1 ' 64

1.38

July.

1.36

.87

2.80

2.55

1.51

.73

i.87

1.48

2.47

2.58

.96

i.eo

1.57

2.02

2 29

1.13

2.71

Aug.

2.79

1.08

2.33

2.88

2.99

1.81

.71

3.00

1.98

1.02

2.31

1.13

2.14

2.22

0 1 Q

1.40

.99

a

oc

.46

3.27

Sept.

1.73

2.21

2.28

3.82

3.58

.15

1.53

2.97

1.45

1.48

2.32

4.00

1.60

2.25

49

1.35

5.0

3.70

2.45 

4.5

1.56

03.33

Oct.

0.41

4.1

.40

.20

3.0

2.44

.47

1.12

13.0

.18 

6.0

1.22

12.0

.45

6.0

.72

9.0

12.0

1.70

24.0

.75 

6.9

.65

.39

5.1

Nov.

0.20

2.0

. 75 

8.5

.35 

3.5

.51

4.0

.40

4.0

.82 

7.0

.03

1.5

.40

4.0

.20

9 n

.25

3.3

.55

6.3

Dec.

0.63

0 0

.59 

5 9

1.07

6.8

Annual.

18.71

QQ Q

......

a September 1-22.

Precipitation records for May to August, inclusive, at various 

points in the Yukon-Tanana region, may be summarized as follows:

Summary of precipitation in Yukon-Tanana region.

Station.

Fort Egbert. .................................

Fort Gibbon. .................................

TTftnhnTnptiit

Maximum.

Inches.

5.73 

4.15 

7.75 

6.31 

10.26 

9.06

Year.

1906 

1907 

1907 

1908 

1905 

1906

Minimum.

Inches.

2.92 

2.44 

3.79 

4.87 

3.30 

3.66

Year.

1908 

1908 

1908 

1906 

1904 

1905

Mean.

Inches.

4.60 

3.30 

5.58 

5.75 

5.76 

6.73

Duration of 

records.

1906-1908 

1907-1908 

1905-1908 

1903, 1905-1908 

1903-1908 

1904-1908

The table above shows that a total precipitation as high as 10.26 

inches and as low as 2.44 inches has occurred during the mining 

season.

A comparison of the records of rainfall in 1907 throughout Alaska 

with records previously obtained shows that the season was nearly
THE FAIRBANKS .DISTRICT. 19

normal, especially in the interior; but the records of 1908 indicate 

that in the Fairbanks, Circle, and Rampart precincts, except in a 

small area at the head of Chatanika, Twelvemile, and Preachef 

creeks the precipitation was below the normal, while in Kechumstuk 

and Fort Egbert it was somewhat above the usual amount.

May, June, and July are invariably months of slight rainfall in the 

interior, and the streams soon reach a very low stage. Yet this is 

the most important period for the miner. The long hours of daylight 

and the warm weather afford favorable opportunities for mining and 

sluicing, but the abundant supply of water needed for this purpose 

is often lacking.

THE FAIRBANKS DISTRICT.

DESCRIPTION OF AREA1.

The area known as the Fairbanks district extends about 60 miles 

to the north of' Fairbanks and is from 40 to 50 miles wide. The 

greater part of the region lies in the lower Tanana basin, but a portion 

to the northwest drains directly to the Yukon. Generally speaking, 

the district embraces three divisions a low, broad, alluvial plain, a 

moderately high plateau, and a mountain mass.

The low, broad plain forms the bottom lands of the lower Tanana 

Valley, which in this section is divided into several parts by the 

Tanana and its sloughlike channels. The main slough starts near 

the mouth of Salcha River, about 30 miles above Fairbanks, where 

it diverts a portion of the Tanana waters. Its course is along the 

foothills of the pleateau to the north, and it receives Chena River 

about 7 miles above Fairbanks. The plain is swampy and is well 

covered with timber along the banks of the streams. In the vicinity 

of Fairbanks it has a general elevation of about 500 feet above sea 

level.

The plateau is drained by streams tributary to Tanana River, 

which flow through rather broad, unsymmetrical valleys, most of 

which extend in a northeast-southwest direction. Their bottom 

lands range in elevation from 500 to over 2,000 feet above sea level, 

and the dividing ridges are in general 2,000 to 3,000 feet above the 

stream beds. That portion of the plateau which comes under discussion in this report is drained principally by Little Chena and 

Chatanika rivers. The upper region of these drainage basins is 

crosscut by a zigzag range, which separates the Yukon from the 

Tanana drainage.

The mountain mass north of this plateau forms what might be 

termed the apex of the divide between the Tanana and the Yukon 

drainage basins. Its highest points reach altitudes 4,000 t.o 5,000 

feet above sea level, and its corrugated slopes are drained principally 

by tributaries to Yukon River.
20 WATER IN YTJKON-TANANA KEGION, 1907-1908.

All drainage areas tributary to the Tanana are similar in character. 

The streams have little slope except near their source and flow over 

wide gravelly beds in shifting and tortuous courses, keeping to one 

side of the valley. Most of the channels have rather steep banks that 

form approaches to broad, level bottom lands which extend 1,000 to 

4,000 feet or more before they meet the abrupt slopes of the dividing 

ridges. The drainage basins are 4 to 15 miles wide and are cut up by 

small tributary streams that flow through deep and narrow ravines.

A large portion of the area is covered with a thick turf, known as 

tundra, which is wet, spongy, and mossy, and ranges in thickness from 

6 inches to 2 feet. In some localities this is meadow-like, producing 

a rank growth of grass and a variety of beautiful wild flowers. Ground 

ice is found beneath this tundra in many places, particularly on the 

northern slopes, where'the scanty soil supports little timber or other 

vegetation. The soil of the southern slopes is, for the most part, 

gravelly clay, underlain by a mica schist which affords suitable ground 

for ditch construction. When stripped of its mossy covering and exposed to the sun it thaws rapidly, so that the plow and scraper can 

be used to advantage.

Above altitudes of 2,000 to 2,200 feet practically the only vegetation is a scrubby, bushy growth which attains a height of 2 to 4 

feet. In general the country below this altitude is timbered by spruce 

and birch, with scattered patches of tamarack and willow along the 

banks of the smaller streams. The timber increases in density and 

size toward the river bottoms, where the prevailing growth is spruce, 

much of which attains a diameter of 18 to 24 inches.

The Fairbanks mining district lies between Little Chena and Chatanika rivers. It embraces an area of about 500 square miles and extends 30 miles north of Fairbanks, which is situated on Chena Slough 

nearly 12 miles above its confluence with the Tanana. Most of the 

producing creeks rise in a high rocky ridge, of which Pedro Dome, 

with an elevation of about 2,500 feet, is the center. At least half of 

the mines are located at an elevation of over 800 feet, and 25 per cent 

are over 1,000 feet above sea level.

GAGING STATIONS.

The following list gives the points in the Fairbanks district at 

which gages were established or discharge measurements made in 

1907 or 1908. The numbers refer to Plate II:

Gaging stations in Fairbanks district, 1907-1908.

1. Little Chena River above Elliott Creek.

2. Little Chena River below Fish Creek.

3. Elliott Creek above Sorrels Creek.

4. Sorrels Creek near mouth.

5. Fish Creek above Fairbanks Creek.

6. Fish Creek at mouth.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 228 PLATE II

v--1 /

' "' \ A

MAP SHOWING LOCATION OF GAGING STATIONS IN FAIRBANKS DISTRICT.
THE FAIRBANKS DISTRICT. 21

7. Bear Creek below Tecumseh Creek.

8. Fairbanks Creek.

9. Miller Creek above Heim Creek.

10. Miller Creek below Heim Creek.

11. Miller Creek near mouth.

12. Chatanika River near Faith Creek.

13. Chatanika River below Poker Creek.

14. Chatanika River below Murphy Creek.

15. McManus Creek above Montana Creek.

16. McManus Creek below Montana Creek.

17. McManus Creek below Idaho Creek.

18. McManus Creek above Smith Creek.

19. McManus Creek near mouth.

20. Smith Creek above Pool Creek.

21. Smith Creek near mouth.

22. Pool Creek near mouth.

23. Faith Creek near mouth.

24. Hope Creek near Zephyr Creek.

25. Charity Creek near mouth.

26. Sourdough Creek near mouth.

27. Flat Creek below 3d Pup.

28. Boston Creek at elevation 800 feet.

29. McKay Creek at elevation 800 feet.

30. Belle Creek at elevation 1,200 feet.

31. Belle Creek at elevation 800 feet.

32. Crooked Creek near mouth.

33. Kokomo Creek near mouth.

34. Poker Creek at elevation 800 feet.

35. Poker Creek near mouth.

36. Caribou Creek above Little Poker Creek.

37. Little Poker Creek near mouth.

38. Cleary Creek above Wolf Creek.

39. Cleary Creek near Cleary.

40. Chatham Creek at mouth.

41. Wolf Creek at mouth.

42. Eldorado Creek above trail.

43. Dome Creek near Dome.

44. Murphy Creek above McCloud Creek.

45. Goldstream Creek near claim 6 below.

46. Pedro Creek at claim 1 above.

47. Fox Creek at elevation 900 feet.

48. Washington Creek above' Aggie Creek.

49. Washington Creek below Aggie Creek.

50. Aggie Creek at mouth.

51. Beaver Creek above East Branch.

52. Beaver Creek above Nome Creek.

53. East'Branch of Beaver Creek near mouth.

54. Nome Creek above Ophir Creek.

55. Nome Creek near mouth.

56. Ophir Creek at mouth.

57. Bryan Creek at elevation 1,800 feet.

58. Trail Creek 4 miles above mouth.

59. Brigham Creek near mouth.

60. Fossil Creek near mouth.
22 WATEE IN YUKON-TANANA BEGION, 1907-1908. 

LITTLE CHENA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

GENEEAL DESCRIPTION.

The southern slope of the divide between the Chatanika and Chena 

drainage basins, from the headwaters of Smith and Flat creeks to 

Pedro Dome, a distance of about 25 miles, is drained by Little Chena 

River and its tributaries, Elliott and Fish creeks. The drainage basin 

is irregular in shape and crossed by a network of small, ramifying 

streams with precipitous slopes in their upper courses. The upper 

portion of the main stream is also steep, having a fall of 100 to 150 

feet to the mile, but this slope decreases rather abruptly to about 18 

feet to the mile in the vicinity of Elliott and Fish creeks.

Above Fish Creek the Little Chena flows through a rather broad, 

unsymmetrical valley, but below that stream it takes the center of a 

deep, rather narrow channel for about 8 miles, to Anaconda Creek, an 

important tributary which enters from the left. Below this point the 

valley gradually widens again until the stream reaches the lowlands 

tributary to Chena River, with which it unites 6 or 8 miles above the 

confluence of Chena Slough. Through this slough the Chena discharges its waters into the Tanana near the town of Chena. The 

slough affords a passageway for the Tanana steamers from its mouth 

to Fairbanks, 12 miles above, except in times of low water, when the 

cargoes are transferred at Chena to the Tanana Valley Railroad.

In the low-water period the stream occupies a channel 30 to 75 feet 

wide, crossing from side to side of a broad, gravelly bed ranging in 

width from 100 to 300 feet. The channel is defined by steep, alluvial 

banks that form the -approach to the heavily timbered bottom lands 

which prevail in the river valley above the confluence of Fish Creek. 

In the high-water stages the river completely fills its broad bed, overflowing the banks and seeking numerous smaller channels that surround heavily wooded islands.

The greater part of the drainage basin is well covered with timber, 

that in the uplands, on the slopes and smaller divides, consisting of 

spruce, birch, and poplar, suitable only for fuel and cabin purposes. 

In the lower valleys and creek bottom lands the prevailing growth is 

spruce, much of which is suitable for milling purposes.

The area is everywhere covered with the common moss, but here 

and there limestones, mica schist, and gravel outcrop on the slopes. 

In the creek valleys the mossy covering is usually underlain with 

frozen muck and glacial ice. The numerous swamp areas near the 

river banks and the heavy growth of timber make travel very difficult.

In 1907 gaging stations were established on Elliott Creek above 

Sorrels Creek, on Sorrels Creek above its mouth, on Fish Creek above 

Fairbanks Creek, and on the Little Chena about 2 miles above Elliott
THE FAIRBANKS DISTRICT. 23

Creek, and in 1908 additional stations were established on Little 

Chena below Fish Creek, on Fish Creek at its mouth, and on Miller 

Creek at mouth. Much credit is due Sherman White, the observer, 

for his faithful work in making approximately daily observations at 

each of these stations.

Drainage areas of Little Chena River basin. a

Stream and location. Area.

Sq.miks. 

79.0

3.6

13.8

21.0

3.8

38.6

6.0

23.6

12.0

3.6

39.2

20.5

13.0

16.7

.8

90.2

30.7

43.3

113.2

Total 

area.

Sq. miles. 

79.0

82.6

121.2

127.2

217.4

248.1

291.4

404.6

a From reconnaissance map Yukon-Tanana region, Fairbanks quadrangle. 

LITTLE CHENA EIVER ABOVE ELLIOTT CREEK.

A gaging station was established on Little Chena River about 2 

miles above Elliott Creek, July 22, 1907. At this point the channel 

is from 30 to 50 feet wide during low and medium stages. It has a 

gravelly bed and is fairly straight for about 100 feet. A stake graduated to feet and tenths was driven near the left side and daily readings 

were taken.

Discharge measurements of Little Chena River above Elliott Creek, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907. 

July 22. ...... ..............

July 24......................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.60

.56

1.10

1.05

.73

l 

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

44.2

39.7

113

103

56.7

Date.

1908. 

May 29. ...................

July 21. ...................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.65

.46

.46

»

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

249

32.3

33.6
WATER UST YTJKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Little Chena River above Elliott Creek,

1907-1908.

[Elevation, 800 feet; drainage area, 79 square miles.]

Day.

1......

2

5......

7......

8......

g

10

11......

1 0

13..---.

14......

15-.--..

16..-.-.

17......

1 Q

19......

20......

21......

9**

24...... 

25. .....

26. ... 

27. .. 

28. .. 

29. .. 

30. .. 

31. ..

M 

Mean p

1907.

July.

«

 a 

10)

SP

o

Feet.

0.60

.60 

.60

.90 

.80 

.70 

.60 

.60 

.CO

er sq.

Run-off, depth 

in inches.. .

I 1

o

Sec.-ft.

42 

42 

42 

42

80 

66 

53 

42 

42 

43

43.3

.625

.23

August.

I 5

A 

OJ 6003 

O

Feet. 

0.7 

1.3 

1.1 

1.1 

1.1

1.0 

1.05 

1.1 

1.2 

1.1

1.0 

.9 

1.0

.8 

.9

.8

.7

.7 

.7 

.7

.7

1.0 

.9 

.9 To"

1.0

......

i !

O

Sec.-ft. 

53 

157 

113 

113 

113

95 

104 

113 

134 

113

95 

80 

95 

66 

80

66 

66 

60 

60 

53

53 

53 

53 

53 

73

95 

80 

80 

88 

95 

95

85.4

1.08

1.24

September.

-iJ

§ 5

A 

oj SP

o

Feet. 

1.0 

.9 

.9

.8 

.9

.95 

.95 

1.0

1.0

o5 

,g

Sec.-ft. 

95 

80 

80 

66 

80

88 

88 

95 

95 

95

. .... T 1 ......

......

.......

i

i

......

1908.

May.

i 

10)Sf

o

Feet.

o3

I

O

Sec.-ft.

\

1.60

86.2 -

.40 ......

374 

374 

346 

318 

290

263 

236 

210 

236 

250 

250

296

3.75

1.67

June.

-iJ a 

1

o

Feet.

1.40

1.55

1. 25

1.45

1.20

1.10

o5

ff

A

s

5

Sec.-ft. 

210 

197 

185 

160 

185

223 

185 

172 

160 

148

160 

172 

172 

197 

197

1GO 

136 

148 

113 

113

125 

94 

94 - 

86

86

79 

79

72 

72

C5

142 

1.80

2.01

July.

1

1 

<o

% 

O

Feet.

0.46

~~.~4G

1

.3

O

Sec.-ft. 

65 

58 

58 

58 

58

58 

58 

58 

46 

46

46 

46 

46 

46 

42

42 

38 

38 

35 

35

33 

33 

33 

33 

33

33 

33 

33 

33 

33 

33

43.2 

.547

.63

August.

^

 a 

1 

1o

Feet.

0.41 

.50

.40

.45

70

90 

80

.65

rf

M 

O

.a

Q

Sec.-ft. 

32 

32 

32 

29 

29

29 

29 

35 

35 

32

28 

30 

30 

32 

35

38 

42 

46 

52 

58

65 

79 

65 

58 

52

46

 - -|------

......

41.1 

.520 

.49

LITTLE CHENA EIVEE BELOW FISH CREEK.

A gaging station was established on Little Chena River below the 

mouth of Fish Creek May 1, 1908. Measurements were made from 

a car and cable during high water and by wading in low water.

Discharge measurements of Little Chena River below Fish Creel, 1908.

Date.

April 28.. .....................

May 2.........................

May 5. ........................

Gage 

height.

Feet, 

(a)

3.75

4.08

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

126

916

SS7

960

1.030

Date.

July 20................ .......

July 21.......................

August 23 ....................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.60

1.50

1 ^rt

1.58

1.80

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

83

74.2

74. 7

87.7

110

Measurement made before gage was installed, river partly filled with ice.
THE FAIRBANKS DISTRICT. 25

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Little Chena River below Fish Creek,

1908.

[Elevation, 700 feet; drainage area, 228 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18...... ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.65 

3.70 

4.00 

4.00 

4.05

4.15 

3.90 

3.71 

3.68 

3.70

3.65 

3.68 

3.70 

3.98

4.85 

4.68 

4.38 

4.38 

4.44

4.38 

3.88 

3.50 

3.52 

3.20

2.82 

2.62 

3.25 

3.15 

3.15 

3.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

714 

746 

960 

960 

998

1,075 

885 

753 

732 

746

732 

714 

732 

746 

940

1,668 

1,510 

1,265 

1,265 

1,320

1,265 

870 

620 

632 

465

324 

255 

489 

443 

443 

512

832 

3.65

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.35 

2.95 

2.65 

- 2.48 

3.48

3.55 

3.00 

2.80 

2.48 

2.31

2.40 

2.60 

2.55 

2.68 

2.98

2.58 

2.50 

2.70 

2.45 

2.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

537 

367 

274 

231 

608

651 

384 

318 

230 

192

212 

260 

248 

282 

378

256 

235 

288 

224 

212

235 

303 

260 

212 

212

201 

190 

180 

170 

161

284 

1.25

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.60 

1.50

1.50 

1.50 

1.45

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

161 

153 

145 

145 

137

129 

122 

115 

108 

108

108 

101 

95 

88 

82

76 

70 

70 

82

82

70 

70 

70 

70 

70

70 

70 

70 

70 

70 

64

94.9 

.416

.48

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.48 

1.56 

1.58 

1.54 

1.49

1.44 

1.45 

1.50 

1.50 

1.49

1.45 

1.40 

1.40 

1.46 

1.49

1.52 

1.62 

1.60 

1.65 

1.70

1.82 

1.90 

1.75 

1.72 

1.70

1.64 

1.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

68 

78 

80 

74 

68

62 

64 

70 

70 

f8

64 

59 

59 

65 

68

72 

84 

82 

88 

95

111 

122 

101 

98 

95

83 

88

79.2 

.347 

.35

ELLIOTT CREEK ABOVE SORRELS CREEK.

Elliott Creek takes the drainage from the southern slope of Twin 

Butte Hills, in the Chatanika divide, and flows southward, discharging its waters and those of Sorrels Creek, its tributary, into the Little 

Chena about 4 miles above Fish Creek.

The drainage area is stqep in its upper reaches and well timbered 

in the creek bottom. The stream flows in a narrow channel, rather 

deeply cut, and the banks are lined with willow and small spruce.

A gaging station was established about half a mile above the mouth 

of Sorrels Creek July 22, 1907, and regular readings were taken.

Discharge measurements of Elliott Creek above Sorrels Creek, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907. 

July 23.......................

, Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.6

1.85

1.615

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5.1

13.8

7.1

Date.

1908. 

May 29... ....................

July 21.. ....... ..............

July 31.......................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.15

1.35

1.35

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

32.5

4.4

4.5
WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Elliott Creel:, above Sorrels Creek, 1907-1908. 

[Elevation, 800 feet; drainage area, 13.8 square miles.]

Day.

1

1907.

July.

I

A 

o%O

Feet.

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

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

5......

6......

7......

9...... 

10......

11......

12......

13......

14......

15......

16......

17......

18......

19......

20......

21......

22......

23......

24......

95

26...... 

27...... 

2S...... 

29......

30......

31......

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

1.7 

1.7 

1.6 

1.6

1.5

Mean. . . 

Mean per 

square mile. 

Run-off, depth 

in inches....

.£ ta

0 *

Sec.-ft.

5.8 

5.8 

5.8

5.8

9.0 

9.0

5.8 

5.8

4.1

2.5

5.94 

.430 

.16

August.

1

Ol

A

<s 

% 

O

Feet. 

1.7 

2.1 

2.1

1.8 

1.8

1.8 

1.9 

1.8

1.8 

1.7 

1.8 

1.8 

1.7

1.7

1.65 

1.6

1.6 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

1.7 

1.7 

1.8

a'3

^

.a fi

Sec.-ft. 

9.0 

23 

23

17.2

12.3

12.3 

12.3

12.3 

15.6 

12.3

12.3 

9.0 

12.3 

12.3 

9.0

9.0 

9 0

7.4

-7.4 

5.8

5.8 

5.8 

5.8 

5.8 

7.4

9.0 

9.0 

12.3 

12 3

......! 12.3

1.8 ! 12.3

11.0 

.797 

.92

September.

1 S A 

o 

% 

O

Feet. 

1.8 

1.8 

1.7

1.7

1.7

1.7

i

"S 

5 .

Sec.-ft. 

12.3 

12.3 

9 0

9 0

9.0 

9 0

9.0

9.0 

10.0

10.0

.724 

.27

19Q8.

May.

£.M°3

A

o>

SP

O

Feet..

3.30

2.15

OJ 

Ml

.a ft

Sec.-ft.

216

184 

120 

56 

40 

22

11 

15 

22 

32 

48 

48

67.8 

4.91 

2.19

June.

£

"AM

0)

SP

O

Feet.

i.85

1.80

"i'is"

2.00

1.75

1.73

®

1?

a

%

ft

Sec.-ft. 

26.0

17 

13 

13 

11

11 

15 

17 

22 

32

32

26 

26 

22 

20

15 

9.5 

9.3

9.1 

8.9

9.5

9.5

9.5

9.5

9.5

8.6

8.6

8.6

8.6

8.6

14.8 

1.07 

1.19.

July.

I

 3

A

o

s

O

Feet.

I

O

Sec.-ft. 

7.5

7.5

7.5

6.6

fi.6

fi.O

6.0 

6.0 

5.4

5.4

5.0 

5.0

5.0

5.0 

5.0

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6 

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5 

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

5.22 

.378 

.44

August.

1

A 

o

SP

O

Feet.

1.30 

1.33

1.29

1.34

1.35

1.40

1.34

::

1

5

Sec.-ft. 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

4.4 

4.4

4.4 

4.4 

4.5 

4.4 

4.4

4.4 

4.4 

4.4 

4.5 

4.5

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5

4.6 

4.6 

4.6 

4.6 

4.5

4.5

4.48 

.324 

.31

SORRELS CREEK.

Sorrels Creek rises in the Chatanika divide west of Flat Creek, and 

flows westward along this divide for about 5 miles, then, by an abrupt 

bend to the left, it takes a southerly course for about 6 miles to 

Elliott Creek, uniting with the latter about 3 miles above its mouth. 

The stream flows in a narrow irregular channel, rather deeply cut in 

the mucklike bottom lands, and is well hidden from view by the 

masses of spruce and willow along its banks.

A gaging station was established on this stream about one-half mile 

above its mouth July 23, 1907, and regular readings were taken.
THE FAIRBANKS DISTRICT. 27

Discharge measurements of Sorrels Creek near mouth, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907. 

July 23.. .....................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.00

1.40

1.02

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

10.3

28.2

12.0

Date.

1908. 

May 29... ....................

July 21.... ...................

July 31.......................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.75

1.09

1.03

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

54.3

11.3

10.5

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Sorrels Creek near mouth, 1907-1908. 

[Elevation, 800 feet; drainage area, 21 square miles.]

Day.

1......

2. .....

3......

5. .....

6......

7......

8......

9......

10......

11......

12. .....

13......

14......

15. .....

16......

17......

18......

19......

20--....

21......

22...... 

23...... 

24...... 

25......

26. ..... 

27...... 

28. ..... 

29......

30. .....

31......

M 

Mean 

square 

Run-off, 

in ina

1907.

July.

iHJ

a

0)

8f

o

Feet.

i.6

1.0 

1.0 

1.0

1.1 

1.1 

1.0 

1.0

.9

san 

per 

mile, 

depth 

IBS . . .

<p 

I

3

Sec.-ft.

10.3 

10.3 

10.3 

in ^

14.7 

14.7 

10.3

8.2

6.0

10.5 

.500 

.19

August.

io> A

<u

Sf

o

Feet. 

1.1 

1.4 

1.4 

1.5

1.35 

1.3

1.3 

1.4 

1.3

1.3 

1.2 

1.2 

1.2 

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0

1.1 

1.1 1.2'

1.2

......

<B 

I

3

Sec.-ft. 

14.7

27.8 

27.8

25.6

23.4 

23.4

23.4 

27.8 

23.4

23.4 

19.0 

19.0 

19.0 

14.7

14.7 

14.7

12.5

10.3

10.3

10.3 

10.3 

10.3 

10.3

1 O C

14.7 

14.7 

19.0 

19 0

19.0

19.0

18.2 

.867

1.00

September.

i iOJ

8?

o

Feet. 

1.2 

1.2 

1.1 

1.1

1.1

1.1

......

<B

A 

.1 

fl

Sec.-ft. 

19.0 

19.0 

14.7 

14.7

14.7 

14.7

14.7

14.7 

14.7

19 0

16.0

.762

.28

1908.

May.

1 3 

A 

<a M

<§

Feet.

2.30

1.75

......

1

3

Sec.-ft.

131

113 

98 

84 

72 

60

50 

36 

45 

55 

66 

66

73.0

3.48

1.55

June.

1

1

o>

Sf

o

Feet.

1.55

1.45

1.40

1.60

1.65

1.65

<EM 

3

Sec.-ft. 

66 

50 

36 

34 

28

30 

30 

29

28 

27

29 

31 

39 

37 

40

42 

45 

50 

45 

45

60 

72 

60 

57 

54

50 

48 

45 

42 

40

42.8 

2.04

2.28

July.

A&o>

A

<u

Sf

o

Feet.

1.08

"LOS"

<£

I 

fl

Sec.-ft. 

38 

36 

35 

34 

32

30 

29 

28 

27 

25

23

22 

21 

20 

19

17 

16 

15 

14 

13

12 

12 

11 

11 

11

11 

11 

11 

11 

11 

11

19.9

.948

1.09

August.

i3 A

OJ

Sf

o

Feet.

i.66

1.02

.99

1.01

"i.'is"

'i."22 

1.10

<E 

g1

3

Sec.-ft. 

11 

11 

10 

10 

10

10 

10 

10 

10 

10

10 

10 

10 

10 

11

13 

15 

15 

15 

16

17 

18 

17 

17 

15

13

12.5 

.595 

.58

FISH CREEK ABOVE FAIRBANKS CREEK.

Fish Creek rises in the high ridge at the head of Goldstream Creek 

and flows northwestward through an irregularly formed valley. 

About 14 miles below its source it makes an abrupt bend to the right, 

rounding the point of a rather steep divide that separates its drainage from that of the Little Chena, into which it discharges about 2 

miles below this bend. Its course is tortuous and closely follows the 

right side of the valley, the left side of which is a broad, marshy bot-
28 WATER IN YUKON-TAN AN A REGION, 1907-1908.

torn land. Its principal tributaries are Solo, Bear, Fairbanks, and 

Miller creeks, all from the left. The upper slopes of these streams 

are rather steep, but they become rapidly less as Fish Creek Valley 

is approached.

A gaging station was established a short distance above Fairbanks 

Creek July 22, 1907, and regular readings were taken.

Discharge measurements of Fish Creek above Fairbanks Creek, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907. 

July 21. ......................

July 25.......................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.00

1.00

1.55

1.35

1.00

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

23.7

24.3

47.8

37.6

20.8

Date.

1908. 

May 31. ......................

July 22. ......... .............

July 29. ......................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.40

.85

.85

.75

.75

.75

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

107.0

16.0

16.8

12.8

15.4

15.0

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Fish Creek above Fairbanks Creek, 1907-1908. 

[ Elevation, 925 feet; drainage area, 39 square miles.]

Day.

1......

2......

3......

4......

5. .....

6......

7......

8......

9......

10. .....

11......

12......

13......

14......

15.......

16......

17......

18......

19......

20. .....

21......

22...... 

23......

24......

25......

26.. 

27.. 

28.. 

29.. 

30.. 

31..

M 

Mean 

square 

Run-off 

in incl

1907.

July.

+i a

1 

03 &O

Feet.

1.0

1.0

1.1 

1.0

.9 

.9 

.8 

.8

jan. .. 

per 

mile, 

depth 

ies....

o>

I

5

Sec.-ft.

24 

24 

24 

24

27 

24 

21 

21 

18 

18

22.5 

.577 

.21

August.

I

1<u

6C 

03

o

Feet. 

3.2 

2.4 

1.4 

1.3

1.4 

1.55 

1.3 

1.6 

1.6

1.2 

1.1 

1.1 

1.1

1.0 

1.0

1.0

1.0 

1.0 "i.'o"

1.1

1.1 

1.0 

1.0 "1.2" 

1.1

......

o5

I

J 

ft

Sec.-ft. 

155 

100 

39 

35 

37

39 

47 

35 

50 

50

39 

31

27 

27 

27

24 

24 

24 

24 

24

24 

24 

24 

2427 '

27 

24 

24 

27 

31 

27

36.8 

.944

1.09

September.

i

i0>

of

o

Feet. 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

1.1

"i.'i" 

1.1

1.3

2.6-

......

o3 

I

5

Sec.-ft. 

24 

24 

24 

24 

27

27 

27 

27 

27 

35

oll5

26.6 

.682

.25

1908.

May.

-+-i a°55 

ft

G

Feet.

3.60

2.40

......

o5 

1

5

Sec.-ft.

227 

197 

167 

127

90 

94 

98 

102 

107 

107

132 

3.38

1.26

June.

i£ 

a

o

Feet. 

2.35

1.95 

2.70

1.40

1.80

1.50 

1.50

1.40

-----

o5 

ft

Sec.-ft. 

102 

86 

79 

71 

71

137 

98 

68 

38 

43

55 

61 

55

52

43

43 

41 

41 

38 

38

43 

55 

52 

49 

46

43 

41 

38 

38 

36

56.7 

1.45

1.61

July.

i

s a

s> 

of

o

Feet.

"o.'ss"

.85

"."75"

.75

<E 

|

ft

Sec.-ft. 

33 

31 

31 

29 

29

29 

26 

26 

24 

24

22 

22 

22 

20 

18

18 

16.5 

16.5 

16.5 

15.0

12.0 

13.5 

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5

13.5 

13.5

13.5 

13.5

13.5

19.9

.510

.59

August.

I

!;- ;

4)

5fl,!t

03

O

Feet. 

"6." 75"

"."75" 

"."76"

"."82"

.89

.82

......

i 1

p

Sec.-ft. 

13.5 

13.5 

13.5 

13.5 

13.5

13.5 

13.5 

13.5 

13.5 

13.5

13.5 

12.0 

12.0 

13.5 

15.0

15.0 

15.6 

16.2 

16.5 

16.8

17.7 

17.4 

17.1 

16.8 

16.5

16.1 

15.6

14.8 

.380 

.38

« Not included in mean.
THE FAIRBANKS DISTRICT. 29

FISH CREEK AT MOUTH.

A gaging station was established at the mouth of Fish Creek May 

I, 1908. Measurements were made from a car and cable during 

high water and by wading in low water.

Discharge measurements of Fish Creek at mouth, 1908.

Date.

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

May7. .......................

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

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.22

3 Qfi

4.20

3.90

4.02

3

GA

3 70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

618

530

646

558

571

385

525

Date.

May 28.......................

May 30.......................

July 20............... ........

July 21. ......................

July 30........... ............

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.30

2.75

.90

.88

.82

1.00

1.10

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

148

208

26.0

26.1

24.6

29.2

32.4

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Fish Creek at mouth, 1908. 

[Elevation, 700 feet; drainage area, 90.2 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

4.... ................................ 5................:...................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16.................................... 17... ....:... t............. ...........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.98 

4.00 

4.25 

4.35 

4.28

4.05 

3.95 

3.65 

3.65 

3.65

3.50 

3.45 

3.50 

3.48

4.40 

4.35 

3.90 

3.78 

3.75

3.52 

3.15 

2.78 

2.55 

2.50

2.25 

1.98 

2.25 

2.40 

2.80 

2.80

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

564 

570 

650 

682 

660

586 

554 

464 

464 

464

445 

422 

400 

422 

417

396 

383 

538 

500 

493

429 

334 

246 

196 

186

142 

105 

142 

166 

250 

250

404 

4.48

5.16

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.60 

2.28 

1.98 

1.80 

2.25

3.12 

2.42 

2.22 

1.90 

1.65

1.75 

2.28 

2.15 

2.18 

2.58

2.10 

2.10 

2.62 

2.05 

1.90

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

206 

147 

105 

83 

142

327 

170 

138 

95 

69

78 

146 

128 

132 

202

121 

121 

210 

114 

95

114 

142 

114 

95 

89

83 

78 

73 

73 

69

125 

1.39

1.55

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.85 

.82 

.79

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

65 

61 

57 

53 

49

45 

42 

38 

35 

33

31 

30

28 

27 

25

24 

22 

22 

24 

25

25 

25 

25 

24 

24

24 

24

24 

24 

23 

22

32.2

.356

.41

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.82 

.99 

.98 

.92 

.87

.82 

.85 

.89 

.90 

.88

.84 

.80 

.80 

.87 

.88

.90 

.99 

.95 

.94 

.94

1.08 

1.10 

1.00 

.98 

.96

.95 

1.00

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

23

28 

28 

" 25 

24

22 

" 24 

25 

- 25 

25

24 

22 

22 

24 

25

25 

28 

27 

27 

27

31 

31

28 

28

27

27 

28

25.9 

.287 

.28
30 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION", 1907-1908.

BEAR CREEK.

Bear Creek rises in the high divide at the head of Goldstream 

Creek, flows eastward through a deep, narrow valley, and unites 

with Fish Creek about one-half mile above the gaging station. The 

following measurements were made below Tecumseh Creek: July 20,

1907. 8.4 second-feet; August 22, 1907, 7 second-feet; July 19,

1908. 5.4 second-feet; drainage area, 12 square miles; discharge per 

square mile, 0.70, 0.584, and 0.450 second-feet, respectively.

FAIRBANKS CREEK.

Fairbanks Creek rises on the eastern side of Pedro Dome, opposite 

the headwaters of Cleary Creek, and flows eastward about 10 miles 

to Fish Creek. It is separated from Bear Creek on the right by a 

steep, high ridge, rising 800 to 1,000 feet above the stream bed. 

The valley to the left is more gradual in slope, and is drained by 

several small tributaries Moose, Crane, Alder, Walnut, and Deep 

creeks. The stream flows close to the dividing ridge on the east 

until it approaches the broad lowland near Fish Creek. Its lower 

course lies through a narrow, deep-cut channel, thickly lined with 

willow and spruce. The stream has rather steep slopes in its upper 

course. Below Moose Creek the average fall is about 75 feet to the 

mile.

Discovery claim is located near Alder Creek, and mining operations 

are carried on from claim 9 above to claim 13 below. The pay streak 

follows the stream channel closely down to claim 9 below, where it 

swings to the left limit. Above claim 2 below, most of the work is 

by the open-cut method. Below this point it is underground by 

drifting. The following measurements were made in 1907, but 

owing to the unfavorable conditions they are approximate only.

Discharge measurements of Fairbanks Creek, 1907.

Date.

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

Elevation.

Feet. 

1,300

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1.4

2.2

Date.

Julys....................

Elevation.

Feet. 

1,375

1,400

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

.72

1.3

MILLER CREEK.

Miller Creek rises in the southeastern slope of Coffee Dome and 

flows southward, joining Fish Creek about 1 mile above its confluence 

with Little Chena River. It is about 6 miles long and flows through 

a narrow valley, draining an area of 16.7 square miles. A regular 

station was established at the mouth of the creek May 13, 1908, and 

several miscellaneous measurements were made in 1907 and 1908.
THE PAIEBANKS DISTEICT.

measurements of Miller Creek at mouth, 1908.

31

Date.

May 28. ......................

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

May 30. ......................

July 20.......................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.20

1.20

1.32

- .f,0

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

27.9

23.2

29.4

4.2

Date.

July 21. ....... ...............

July 30.......................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

.60

.58

.62

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.9

4.86

5.78

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Miller Creek at mouth, 1908. 

[Elevation, 750 feet; drainage area, 16. 7 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25. ................................ 1 ..

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

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

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

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

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

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

May.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.05 

2.08 

2.18

2.45 

2.42 

2.20 

2.18 

2.15

1.90 i.eo

1.22 

1.22

1.15

.95 

.98 

1.18 

1.28 

, 1.35 

1.35

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

91.2 

94.2 

101

122 

120 

103 

101 

99.2

79.2 

55.2

23

22

13.8 

14.8 

23.6 

29.8 

35.2 

35.2

02.7

3.77

2.65

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.40 

1.10 

.98 

.90 

1.14

l.eo

1.10 

1.02

.88 

.85

.90 

1.18

1.28 

1.32 

1.24

1.02 

.95 

1.10 

.89 

.88

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

39.2 

19.6 

14.8 

12 

22

55.2 

19.6 

16.1 

11.4 

10.6

12.0 

23.6

29.8 

32.8 

26.2

16.1 

13.8 

19.6 

11.7 

11.4

13.8 

15.4

13.8

-10 A

13

12:6 

12.3

12.0

11.7 

11.4

18.2 

1.08

1.20

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.60 

.58

.53

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

11.1 

10.8 

10.6 

10.3 

10.0

9.7 

9.4 

9.2 

8.9 

8.6

8.4 

8.2 

8.0 

7.8 

7.6

7.4 

7.2 

7.0 

6.8 

6.6

6.4 

6.2 

5.9 

5.7 

5.5

5.3 

5.1 

4.9

4.9

4.0

4.3

.449

.52

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.58 

.62 

.62 

.60 

.58

.58 

.58

.eo

.60 

.58

.56 

.54 

.54 

.CO 

.60

.62 

.60 

.60 

.60 

.61

.67 

.67 

.65 

.62 

.61

.CO

.Cl

 

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.6 

 5.3 

5.3 

4.9 

4.6

4.6 

4.6 

4.9 

4.9 

4.6

4.3 

4 

4 

4.9 

4.9

5.3 

4.9 

4.9 

4.9 

5.1

6.4 

6.4 

5.9 

5.3 

5.1

4.9 

5.1

198 

.298 

.30
32 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908. 

Miscellaneous measurements of Miller Creek, 1907-1908.

. Date.

1907. 

July6. ........

July 24........

August 20. .....

Do........

1908. 

July 21........

July 21........

Point of measurement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elevation.

Feet.. 

750

750

750

790

790

800

800

800

790

790

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

15

15

15

10

10

6

6

6

10

10

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

7.0

7.6

8.0

8.0

8.0

4.9

2.5

2.2

3.1

2.4

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-ft. 

0.466

.506

.533

.800

.800

.816

.416

.366

.310

9dC\

CHATANIKA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

Chatanika River is formed by the junction of Faith and McManus 

creeks, which drain the high ridge constituting the divide between 

the lower Tanana and Yukon basins. The river flows southwestward, in a winding course, through a long and rather narrow valley, 

and unites with the Tolovana from the east about 30 miles above the 

confluence of that stream with the Tanana. Its course lies mostly 

to the western side of the valley, which is from one-half mile to 7 

miles wide and about 80 miles long. The drainage area of the river 

above its mouth is approximately 1,300 square miles.

From the junction of Faith and McManus creeks the stream has a 

shifting, gravelly bottom. In low and medium stages it flows in a 

series of pools and rapids in a channel 75 to 200 feet wide; during the 

high-water period it may spread through several channels covering a 

width of 100 to 400 feet. This high-water ^channel is usually well 

defined by steep, alluvial banks ranging from 8 to 10 feet in height.

Below Poker Creek, a tributary from the right about 40 miles 

downstream from the junction, the valley widens and the bottom 

lands become marshy and swampy. From the left, the Chatanika 

receives drainage from Cleary, Eldorado, Dome, and Vault creeks, and 

other less important streams from the mining district proper. Below 

these tributaries the valley narrows to a gorgelike channel, which it 

follows for about 10 miles, after which the dividing ridges disappear 

and the stream meanders through the low swampy grounds to the 

north of Tanana River. About 10 miles from its mouth Goldstream 

Creek, its largest tributary, joins it from the left.

The average elevation of the divides in the upper drainage area of 

the Chatanika is between 3,000 and 4,000 feet above sea level, and 

the altitude of the ridges bounding the valley on the east and west is
THE FAIRBANKS DISTRICT. 33

about 2,000 feet. Below an altitude of 1,800 to 2,000 feet the slopes 

are heavily timbered.

The tributary streams from the right are short and precipitous, 

flowing through V-shaped valleys; those from the left have less precipitous courses and broader valleys and gradually lose themselves 

in the rather broad expanse of swamplike bottom lands.

The altitude and drainage area of the upper Chatanika has attracted 

the attention of "outside" capital for some time. The general 

topography has seemed suitable for a possible water supply by ditch 

line to the mining district proper, and the favorable slope of portions 

of Faith and McManus creeks has made them attractive to the promotor for hydraulicking.

Several gaging stations were established in this drainage basin 

during 1907. In June A. D. Gassaway, general manager of the Chatanika Ditch Company, began the first records of actual stream flow 

in this section by establishing gaging weirs at the mouth of Faith 

and McManus creeks.

Through the courtesy of this company the records are published 

in this report.

CHATANIKA RIVER NEAR FAITH CREEK.

A gaging station was established July 10, 1907, on the Chatanika, 

about 2,000 feet below the confluence of Faith and McManus creeks, 

and readings were taken twice each day by M. T. Kerrick, an employee 

of the Chatanika Ditch Company. The 1908 readings were made by 

Herman Salchow, proprietor of Faith Creek Road House.

Discharge measurements of Chatanika River near Faith Creek, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907. 

July 16.....

July 26.....

1908. 

May 11..... 

May 13.....

Do......

Hydrographer.

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

E. B. Brigham......

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

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

C. W. McConaughy.

.....ilO.. ............

.....do.......---....

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.58

1.80

1 SQ

03.90 

03.40

«3.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

51.9

80.5

Qfi *\

188

311 

297

334

Date.

1908. 

May 13.....

May 14.....

Do......

July 12..... 

July 13..... 

Do......

Hydrographer.

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

.....do.......-.---.-

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

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

C. E.Ellsworth..... 

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

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

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

03.48

03.37

4.15

1.95

2.05 

2.15 

2.03

2.05

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

396

300

367

1,340

130

144 

178 

119

142

81007 IRE 228 09

Backwater from ice jam below station. 

3
34 WATER IN YTJKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Chatanika River near Faith Creek, 1907-1908. 

[Elevation, 1,350 feet; drainage area, 132 square miles.]

Day.

2......

3......

4......

7......

8......

9......

10......

11......

12......

13......

14......

15......

16......

17......

18......

19......

20. .....

21......

22. .....

23......

24......

25. .....

26...... 

27...... 

28...... 

29...... 

30. ..... 

31......

M 

Mean 

square 

Run-off 

in incl

1907.n

July.

1 

3 

a 

0}Sf o

Feet.

8, 

1O

5

Sec.-ft.

1.65 

1.86 

1.80 

1.75

1.70 

1.62 

1.60 

1.64 

1.75

1.85 

1.75 

1.67 

1.65 

1.60 

1.60

Ban... 

per 

mile, 

depth

60 

96 

82 

72

66 

57 

55 

59

72

95 

72 

62 

60 

55 

55

67.8 

.514

.28

August.

°3M

a

1O

Feet. 

1.80 

2.02 

1.86 

1.93 

1.95

1.95 

2.25 

2.12 

2.05 

2.02

1.92 

1.85 

1.85 

1.80 

1.80

1.80 

1.80 

1.78 

1.75 

1.75

1.75 

1.98 

1.92 

2.04 

2.22

2.25 

2.15 

2.13 

2.25 

2.25

6

! !

5

Sec.-ft. 

82 

131 

96 

109 

114

114 

205 

157 

138 13-1

107 

95 

95

82 

82

82 

82 

78 

72 

72

72 

121 

107 

136 

193

205 

168 

161 

205 

205 

171

...... 125 

..... .947

......' 1. 09

September.

1 

s> ,J3 

<£

Sf

o

Feet. 

2.08 

2.03 

2.00 

2.01 

2.06

2.01 

1.98 

2.02 

1.99 

1.97

2.34 

5.00 

3.20 

2.86

2.77

3.24 

3.05 

2.78 

2.63 

2.56

2.50 

2.43 

2.35 

2.31 

2.29

2.29 

2.30 

2.34 

2.42 

2.36

&

S3

1

5

Sec.-ft. 

145 133" 

126 

128 

140

' 128 

121 

131 

124 

119

243 

1,990 

710 

503

453

734 

620 

463 

385 

350

320

285 

248 

230 

221

221 

225 

243 

280 

252

342 

2.59

0 QQ

1908.

May.

1 

« 

a

0

Feet.

4.17 

3.76 

3.45 

3.45 

3.47

3.54 

3.51 

3.42 

3. 50 

4.11

4.15

&

a

1 5

Sec.-ft.

430 

470 

340 

S40 

350

380 

370 

320 

9<0 

1,300

1,340

598 

4.53

1.85

July.

60 °3

OJ

SP o

Feet.

2.1 

2.1 

1.9

2.1 

1.9 

2.0 

1.9 

1.9

1.8 

1.8 

1.9 

2.0 

2.0

2.0

|

5

Sec.-ft.

150 

150 

102

150 

102 

126 

102 

102

82 

82 

102 

126 

126

126 

150 

175 

200 

180 

150

131 

.992

.70

August.

I

1 

O

Feet.

2.0 

2.1 

2.1 

2.2

2.4 

2.4 

2.3 

2.2 

2.0

2.0 

2.0 

2.1 

2.1 

2.1 

2.0

&

a

1 5

Sec.-ft. 

UO 

140 

125 

125 

102

102 

100 

100 

102 

102

100 

95 

95 

102 

102

114 

126 

150 

150 

185

270 

270 

225 

185 

126

126 

126 

150 

150 

150 

126

137 

1.04

1.20

September.

+j

§ 

s> ,J3

OJ 

SO 

03 

O

Feel. 

2.4 

2.5 

2.9

2.7

2.5 

2.4 

2.3 

2.3 

2.3

2.2 

2.1 

2.1 

2.1 

2.1

2.2 

2.2 

2.1 

2.1 

2.1

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.1 

2.3

2.2 

2.1 

2.1 

2.0

( 6 )

------

a,' 

bo

X

 s

.23 

ft

Sec.-ft. 

270 

320 

530 

^20 

370

320 

270 

225 

225 

225

185 

150 

150 

150 

150

185 

185 

150 

150 

150

126 

126 

126 

150 

225

185 

150 

150 

126 

102

208 

1.58 

1.76

Revised from 1908 curve. 6 The river was frozen after September 30, 1908.

CHATANIKA RIVER BELOW POKER CREEK.

A gaging station was established on Chatanika River below Poker 

Creek June 20, 1907. A post gage driven firmly in the ground near 

the log chute of the Cleary Creek Lumber Company's mill was read 

twice each day by J. Fitzsimmons.
THE FAIKBANKS DISTKICT. 35

Discharge measurements of Chatanika River below Poker Creek, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907.

July4. ...... .................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.08

.83

1.98

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

246

178

669

Date.

1908.

August 22. ....................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.95

.90

1.85

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

207

192

420

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Chatanika River below Poker Creek, 1907. 

[Elevation 700 feet; drainage area, 456 square miles. Discharges over 1,000 second-feet are approximate.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26........;....................

27....'....... ....

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

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

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

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

Mean.......

Mean per square mile ..... .

June.

height. Gage 

Feet.

1.1

1.1 

1.1 

1.1 

1.05 

1.0

.9 

.9 

1.0 

1.1 

1.0

a! 

5

Sec.-ft.

250

250 

250 

250 

232 

216

192 

192 

216 

250 

216

.500

.20

July.

height. Gage 

Feet. 

0.9 

.9 

.9

.8 

.8

.8 

.8 

.95 

.85 

.8

.9 

.9 

.95 

.9 

1.0

1.05 

1.1 

1.1 

1.2 

1.15

1.1 

1.1 

.95 

.9 

.9

1.05 

1.1 

1.1 

1.1 

1.0 

.9

......

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

192 

192 

192 

167 

167

167 

167 

204 

180 

167

192 

192 

- 204 

192 

216

232 

250 

250 

283 

266

250 

250 

204 

192 

192

232 

250 

250 

250 

216 

192

211 

.463

KO

August.

height. Gage 

Feet. 

2.1 

2.6 

2.0 

1.75 

1.75

1.65 

1.5 

1.75 

1.9 

1.85

1.6 

1.5 

1.35 

1.4 

1.25

1.2 

1.1 

1.1 

1.0 

1.1

1.1 

1.0 

1.15 

1.2 

1.35

1.55 

1.3 

1.4 

1.55 

1.7 

1.6

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

752 

1,160 

G80 

530 

530

480 

405 

530 

620 

590

455 

405 

342 

363 

300

283 

250 

250 

216 

250

250 

216 

266 

283 

342

430 

321 

363 

430 

505 

455

428

.939

September.

height. Gage 

Feet. 

1.45 

1.4 

1.3 

1.3 

1.25

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.45 

1.3

1.35 

3.6 

4.45 

3.25 

2.85

4.0 

4.3 

2.35 

2.5 

2.3

2.35 

2.3 

2.25 

2.15 

2.0

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.15 

2.35

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

384 

363 

321 

321 

300

321 

521 

321 

384 

321

342 

2,160 

3,160 

1,780 

1,390

2,620 

2,980 

942 

1,060 

901

942 

901 

860 

788 

680

680 

680 

680 

788 

942

954 

2.09

October.

height. Gage 

Feet. 

2.25 

2.0 

1.85 

1.75 

1.70

1.65 

1.6 

1.45 

1.25 

1.05

1.45 

1.85 

1.8 

1.75

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

860 

680 

590 

530 

505

^80 

455 

384 

300 

232

384 

590 

SCO 

530

506 

1.11 

.68

The river was frozen over after October 14.
36 WATEE IN YUKON-TANANA BEGION, 1907-1908.

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Chatanika River below Poker Creek, 1908. 

[Elevation, 700 feet; drainage area, 456 square miles. Discharges over 1,000 second-feet are approximate.]

Day.

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

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

a..............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OO

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

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

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

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

on

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

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

Mean per 

square mile . . 

Run-off, depth 

in inches.....

May.

1 

3

ffl 

IP

o

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

4.35 

4.55 

4.5 

4.6 

4.6

5.25 

4.75 

3.55 

4.2 

4.3

3.65 

3.45 

3.2 

3.45 

3.55 

3.35

3,040 

3,280 

3,220 

3,340 

3,340

4,120 

3,520 

2,110 

2,860 

2,980

2,220 

2,000 

1,730 

2,000 

2,110 

1,890

2,730 

5.99 

3.56

June.

+s

»

ffl 

A

«

o

Feet. 

3.7 

3.3 

3.05 

2.6 

2.9

3.65 

2.6 

2.6 

2.2 

1.95

2.15 

2.35 

2.95 

2.9 

3.25

2.5 

2.65 

2.45 

2.2 

2.05

1.95 

1.8 

1.6 

1.5 

1.35

.1.3 

1.2 

1.3 

1.4 

1.2

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,280 

1,830 

1,580 

1,160 

1,430

2,220 

1,160 

1.160 

824 

650

788 

942 

1,480 

1,430 

1,780

1,060 

1,200 

1,020 

824 

716

650 

560 

455 

405 

342

321 

283 

321 

363 

283

984 

2.16 

2.41

July.

height. Gage 

Feet. 

1.4 

1.35 

1.15 

1.85 

1.55

1.45 

1.45 

1.5 

2.35 

1.8

1.45 

1.35 

1.35 

1.25 

1.2

1.2 

1.35 

1.25 

1.2 

1.1

.95 

.95 

.95 

1.0 

.95

.95 

.95 

1.0 

1.2 

1.25 

1.2

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

363 

342 

266 

590 

430

384 

384 

405 

942 

560

384 

342 

342 

300 

283

283 

342 

300 

283 

250

204 

204 

204 

216 

204

204 

204 

216 

283 

300 

283

332

.728 

.84

August.

Gage height.

Feet. 

1.15 

1.15 

1.15 

1.05 

1.05

.95 

.95 

.95 

1.0 

1.0

.95 

.95 

.9 

.9 

.95

1.05 

1.2 

1.35 

1.4 

1.5

1.6 

1.6 

1.55 

1.4 

1.35

1.3 

1.25 

1.25 

1.25 

1.25 

1.25

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

266 

266 

266 

232 

232

204 

204 

204 

216 

216

204 

204 

192 

192 

204

232 

283 

342 

363 

405

455 

455 

430 

363 

342

321 

300 

300 

300 

300 

300

284 

.623 

.72

September.

Gage height.

Feet. 

1.3 

1.45 

2.1 

2.6 

2.35

2.1 

1.95 

1.8 

1.75 

1.6

1.55 

1.5 

1.45 

1.35 

1.25

1.35 

1.4 

1.5 

1.8 

1.7

1.5 

1.45 

1.45 

1.3 

1.25

1.25 

1.3 

1.25 

1.15 

1.25

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

321 

384 

752 

1,160 

942

752 

650 

560 

530 

455

430 

405 

384 

342 

300

342 

363 

405 

560 

505

405 

384 

384 

321 

300

300 

321 

300 

266 

300

461 

1.01 

1.12

October.

Gage height.

Feet. 

1.15 

1.25 

1.35 

1.2 

1.15

1.05 

1.05 

1.15 

1.0 

.95

1.05 

1.05 

1.0 

.95 

.85

.85 

1.0 

1.05 

1.05 

1.0

.85 

(a)

P

Sec.-ft. 

266 

300 

342 

283 

266

232 

232 

 266 

216 

204

232 

232 

216 

204 

179

179 

216 

232 

232 

216

179

234 

.513 

.40

a The river was frozen over after October 21.

M'MANUS CEEEK.

McManus Creek, the left fork of Chatanika River, rises between 

the headwaters of Birch Creek, a tributary of the Yukon, and the 

west fork of the Chena, a tributary of the Tanana. The ridges that 

surround it have a general elevation of about 3,000 feet. Its principal tributaries are Montana and Idaho creeks from the north, and 

Smith Creek which enters from the south near its mouth. Pool Creek 

is tributary to Smith Creek. One or two possible reservoir sites are 

found in this basin, but they are not as favorable as those on Faith 

Creek.
THE FAIRBANKS DISTRICT, 37

A gaging weir was established on McMamis Creek near its mouth 

June 20, 1907, by the Chatanika Ditch Company, and records were 

kept until the weir was washed out on September 5. A number of 

miscellaneous measurements were also made.

Daily estimated discharge, in second-feet, of McManus Creek, near mouth, 1907. 

[Elevation, 1,375 feet; drainage area, 80 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13

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

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

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

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

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

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

June. July.

21.6

20.1

19.0

18.5

17.8

16.1

17.5

17.8

15.8

16.1

15.0

1 K 4

17.8

18.5

19.0

21.6

34.7

40.0

Aug.

81.2

80.8

56.1

51.2

63.4

60.6

98.6

84.3

75.6

77.8

62.2

49.8

AK e

37.2

42.4

37.4

34.7

Sept.

71.5

62.8

57.8

57.2

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June,

34.8

34.8

31.2

34.8

25.0

91 7

25.0

24.3

31.1

26.0

23.2

28.5

.356

.15

July.

31.6

26.0

21.2

17.8

21.4

19 1

38.6

29.1

23.9

21.8

18.8

16.7

21.4

.268

.31

Aug.

33.6

32.2

68.7

50.3

67.1

81.2

102.0

92.6

91.2

114.0

112.0

94.1

66.4

.830

.96

Sept.

NOTE. These discharges were measured by w<ur, and were furnished by the Chatanika Ditch Company. 

Miscellaneous measurements in McManus Creek drainage basin, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907. 

July 10. ......

Do.......

July 12.......

Do.......

Do.......

July 13. ......

Do.......

Do.......

Do.......

July 14. ......

Do.......

Do.......

Do.......

Do.......

1908. 

July 14.......

Do.......

July 12. ......

July 13. ......

July 14.......

July 13. ......

July 14.......

July 12.......

July 13.......

July 14.......

Point of measurement.

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

Creek.

Creek.

Creek.

Creek.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elevation, a

Feet. 

1,375

1,375

1,400

1,400

1,375

2,000

1,800

1,390

1,400

1,400

1,450

1,450

1,380

1,375

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,400

1,450

1,450

1,450

1,450

1,450

1,450

1,450

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

80

80

42.8

34

80

8

10

26

42

34

17

14

80

42

34

34

34

17

17

17

17

14

14

14

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

15.6

16.4

10.2

7.8

15.6

1.8

3.8

6.5

621.4

12.4

8.7

5.4

2.4

619.4

59.0

36.0

33.8

27.4

22.7

11.0

9.3

14.2

20.5

15.4

11.0

12.3

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-ft. 

0.195

.205

.243

.229

.192

.162

380

.250

.296

.256

.323

.172

.738

.858

.994

.806

.668

.647

.547

.835

1.21

 1.10

.786

.878

"Taken from topographic map of Fairbanks quadrangle; approximate only. 

6 Measurement approximate.
38 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA KEGION, 190*7-1908.

FAITH CREEK.

Faith Creek, the right fork of Chatanika River, has its source in the 

southeasterly slope of the high ridges separating the Beaver and Birch 

Creek drainage basin from that of the Chatanika. It occupies a 

rather narrow, irregular valley, very steep in its upper course, and 

drains an area of 51 square miles.

In the upper portion of the valley considerable ice remains as late 

as the middle of July, especially in Charity Creek. Below the mouth 

of Deep Creek, a tributary from the right in the lower valley, there is 

a favorable reservoir site and with a dam of moderate size a considerable amount of the flood waters could be stored.

The Chatanika Ditch Company established a gaging weir at the 

mouth of Faith Creek in 1907, and daily records were kept subsequent 

to June 21.

Daily estimated discharge, in second-feet, of Faith Creek near mouth, 1907. 

[Klevation, 1,375 feet; drainage, area, 51 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June. July.

OO R

24.8

22.1

21.6

20.8'

20.1

20 1

91 V

QC A

Aug.

36.4

41.1

34 7

52.4

44.2

QQ A

33.6

Qd A

30.8

30.6.

Sept.

59.0

CO K

Day.

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

23

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

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

27. ............. -

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

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

on

01

June.

44.7

44.7

42.8

qo q

38.8

35.3

36.5

34.4

45.9

36.8

.795

.32

July.

43 9

38.6

31.4

28.8

26.4

61.0

42.0

28.4

26.7

25.0

29.2

.572

.66

Aug.

27.8

26.9

44.2'

49.8

62.8

82.6

69.3

62.6

70.5

72.5

67.8

47.5

 .932

1.07

Sept.

%

NOTE. These discharges were measured by weir, and were furnished by the Chatanika Ditch Company. 

Miscellaneous measurements in Faith Creek drainage basin, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907. 

July 11.......

Do.......

1908. 

July 12.......

July 13. ......

July 14. ......

Point of measurement.

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

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

Elevation.

Feet.

1,375

1,375

1,375

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles.

51

51

51

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

7.7

66.9

77.7

67.7

Discharge 

per 

square 

mile.

Sec.-ft. 

0.42

.76

1.31

1.52

1.33
THE FAIRBANKS DISTEICT.

KOEOMO CREEK.

39

Kokomo Creek, a tributary to Chatanika River from the left, about 

28 miles below Faith Creek, rises in the high ridge at the head of Miller 

and Elliot creeks and flows northward, draining an area of 33 square 

miles. Daily readings were taken from a reference point in a large 

stump on the river bank above Alder Creek and about 1 mile above 

the mouth of the stream.

Discharge measurements of Kokomo Creek near mouth, 1907.

Date.

July 0. ..........................................................................

August 14. ........................... ........ ..... . . . ...... ..............

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

-3.00

-2.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

13.9

22.7

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Kokomo Creek near mouth, 1907. 

[Elevation, 7oO feat; drainage, area 28 square miles.]

i3ay.

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

o

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

0. ...............

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

g

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

n. ............... 11................

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

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

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

July.

4-5

£

0)

a 

o

Feet.

c5

1 

1

5

Scc.-ft.

-3.0 

-3.1 

-2.6 

-2.8 

-2.8 

-2.9 

-2.9 

-2.9 

-3.0 

-2.8

13.9 

10.9 

25.8 

19.8 

19.8 

16.8 

16.8 

16.8 

13.9 

19.8

August.

4J a 

1

i

Feet.

-1.2 

-2.0 

_<> o

-2.4 

-2.4 

-2.3 

 2 4 

-2."o 

-2.2 

-2.4 

-2.5 

-2.6 

-2.Z

1 

o

5

Sec.-ft. 

112 

68 

43.8

07 Q

31.8 

31.8 

34.8 

31.8 

43.8 

37.9 

31.8 

28.9 

25.8 

22.7

Day.

19

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

01

24............:..

OK

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

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

30

81...............

July.

4-5

§

0)

a

OJ

Sf

o

Feet. 

-3.0 

-3.0 

-3.0 

-3.1 

-3.2

-3.0 

3 l

-3.0

-3.0 

-3.0 -3.1

-3.2

-3.2

Mean per square mile .... 

Run-off, depth in inches. .

S>

1 

8

5

Sec.-ft. 

13.9 

13.9

13.9 

10.9 

7.9

13.9 

1.09

13.9 

13.9 

13.9 

10.9 

7 9

7.9

14.2

.546 

.47

August.

4J

§ 

0)

1O

Feet.

1

1

5

Sec.-ft.

41.6 i.eo

.83

POKER CREEK.

Poker Creek, with its tributary, Caribou Creek, rises in the high, 

barren ridges about Poker Dome and opposite the headwaters of 

Ophir, Trail, and Washington creeks. It drains an oval-shaped area 

of 40.5 square miles, well covered with timber, and has steep precipitous slopes in its upper course.

The Tanana Electric Company has constructed a ditch line along 

the left bank of Poker Creek, following approximately the 800-foot 

contour. This ditch diverts water from Poker, Little Poker, and 

Caribou creeks to a point on the Chatanika, where about 80 feet head 

is obtained. A power plant was installed at this point, in 1908, and is 

run by water when available, and by steam at other times.
40 WATER IN YUKON-TARAWA REGION, 1907-1908.

Discharge measurements in Poker Creek drainage basin, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907. 

July 27. ......

Do.......

Do.......

Do.......

1908.

Do.......

Point of measurement.

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

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

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

40

40

40

40

18.1

18.1

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.09

1.10

1.32

1.33

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

22.3

22.6

36.6

37.8'

10.4

3.9

21.1

9.3

6.2

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-ft. 

0.5-58

.565

.915

.944

1.17

.514

CLEARY CREEK.

Cleary Creek heads to the north of Pedro Dome in a rather low 

saddle which separates its waters from those of Eldorado Creek and 

which has an elevation of about 1,800 feet. The creek flows in a 

northerly direction for about 3 miles, then, by a gradual curve to the 

left, takes a northwesterly course to Chatanika River, to which it is 

tributary from the left about 2 miles below Poker Creek.

The creek has an average slope of about 90 feet to the mile through 

the mining section. It is considered the best producer in the camp. 

(See PL III.) The pay streak follows the creek channel closely about 

to claim 15 below. At that point it swings to the left bank, which it 

follows to the Chatanika flats.

Cleary Creek has a drainage area of 10.5 square miles above its 

mouth.

Discharge measurements in Cleary Creek drainage basin, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907. 

July 4. .......

1908. 

July 23.......

Do.......

Do.......

Point of measurement.

Wolf Creek at mouth. ...............................

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles.

3.4

3.0

3.8

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.9

1.6

1.3

.91

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-ft.

0.471

.433

.240

ELDORADO CREEK.

Eldorado Creek rises on the western slope of Pedro Dome and drains 

a rather narrow valley between Cleary and Dome creeks. It has a 

steep slope in its upper portion. The average fall of the creek 

through the mining section is 115 feet per mile. It is about 5 miles 

long and drains an area of 13.7 square miles. The creek flows in a 

narrow, rather deep-cut channel, well lined with willows.

The pay streak is on the right bank and is located from claim 7 

above to claim 4 below. Bed rock ranges from 90 to 122 feet below
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 223 PLATE 111

MINING OPERATIONS ON CLEARY CREEK.
THE FAIRBANKS DISTRICT. 41

the surface, with 10 to 80 feet of gravel. The following measurement 

was made June 26, 1907: Discharge, 0.45 second-foot; elevation, 930 

feet; drainage area, 4 square miles; discharge, 0.112 second-foot per 

square mile.

DOME CREEK.

Dome Creek rises in the Chatanika divide, opposite Steamboat and 

Flume creeks, and flows northward into Chatanika River. It is 

about 5 miles long and drains an area of 13.9 square miles. The 

creek has an average grade through the mining section of about 70 

feet to the mile and good values are found in its upper and lower 

courses. Discovery claim is located on the right bank near the town 

of Dome. The creek is being worked on several claims from 7 above 

to 20 below. The pay streak is on the right bank for practically its 

entire length. Bed rock ranges from 40 feet below the surface in the 

upper portion of the drainage area to more than 200 feet below in the 

Chatanika flats, near the mouth of the stream. Very little water 

flows in the main channel during the low-water period, a large part 

of the flow being diverted by numerous small ditches. A measurement, made June 27, 1907, in a ditch near claim 2 below, gave an 

approximate discharge of 0.84 second-foot.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASUREMENTS.

Measurements were made of a number of small streams tributary 

to Chatanika River. Sourdough enters the river from the north 

about 3 miles below Faith Creek. Flat Creek is a small tributary 

from the south. Boston, Mackay, Belle, and Crooked creeks^rise in 

the high ridge that separates their basins from the basin of Ophir 

Creek, a tributary of Beaver Creek, and enter the Chatanika from 

the north, about 25 miles below Faith Creek. They are 4 to 6 miles 

long and very steep, with deep, narrow valleys. Murphy Creek enters 

the river from the south near the lower end of the Chatanika flats.

Miscellaneous measurements in Chatanika River drainage basin, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907.

Do... ......

Do.........

Do... ......

1908.

July 13.. .......

July 15.. .......

July 26.........

August 20. .....

August 26. .....

Point of measurement.

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

Flat Creek below 3d Pup. . ...................

Elevation.

Feet. 

800

800

800

Drainage 

area.

Sg. miles. 

6.5

6.2

7 9

3.0

15.9

7.0

7.0

17.0

17.0

814

Discharge.

Sec-ft. 

3.9

3.7

6.3

1.4

22.5

2.8

' 3.7

1.7

1.3

263

Discharge 

per 

square 

mile.

Sec.-ft. 

0.600

.596

.875

.909

.467

1.42

.400

.529

.100

.076

.323
42 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908. 

GOLDSTREAM CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

Goldstream Creek flows southwestward, in a narrow, winding 

course, between the drainage basin of Chatanika River on the right 

and the Little Chena and Tanana basins on the left, paralleling 

Chatanika River, which it enters from the east, and draining the 

central portion of the Fairbanks mining district. It is about 70 

miles long and it drains an area of about 500 square miles. About 

40 miles below its source it leaves the dividing ridges and for the 

remainder of its course to the Chatanika flows in a zigzag channel 

across the soft, mucky flats northwest of Tanana River. The stream 

bed is sandy and shifting, and the channel is deeply cut in the alluvial soil that forms the bottom lands.

The dividing ridges rise about 1,000 feet above the stream bed and 

are well timbered with spruce and birch. On each side of the stream 

is a narrow lowland, with a gradual slope upward toward the ridges. 

This lowland is everywhere covered with the common moss, and 

where the valley widens, in its lower portion, lakes and swamps are 

numerous. The bottom land was once well covered with timber, 

but this has been removed to make way for the railroad and mining 

enterprises. About 12 miles below the source of the river the southern ridge is broken by a low saddle, over which the Tanana Valley 

Railroad from Fairbanks enters the mining district.

The upper portion of the valley is drained by Pedro and Gilmore 

creeks, which unite to form Goldstream Creek near Gilmore, about 

12 miles north of Fairbanks.

Along Pedro Creek the pay streak follows the stream channel 

closely and bed rock is from 10 to 30 feet below the surface. On 

Goldstream Creek the pay streak is along the right bank to about claim 

10 below and then swings to the left bank, which it follows to about 

claim 22 below. Farther than this it has not been definitely located. 

The depth to bed rock ranges from 20 to 60 feet.

Gilmore Creek, the left fork of Goldstream Creek, has shown small 

values and very little work is in progress. The creek has a fairly 

good grade and drains an area of 11.8 square miles.

Goldstream Creek receives numerous small tributaries from both 

sides. From the right come Fox, Gold Run, Big Eldorado, O'Connor, 

and Cache creeks; from the left, Engineer, Butter, Spear, Nugget, 

Straight, and Alien creeks. Prospecting and more or less mining is 

done on nearly all these creeks. They are from 4 to 12 miles long 

and drain small areas.

On the upper portion of Goldstream Creek and along Pedro Creek 

several small ditches have been built to divert water for sluicing. 

The largest ditch is owned by the Goldstream Ditch Company and
THE FAIBBAISTKS DISTRICT. 43

its construction cost about $6,500. It is about 2 miles long and has 

a fall of about 7 feet to the mile. It diverts water from claim 6 

below, along the left bank of Goldstream Creek, and supplies several 

mines at the rate of $2 per hour per sluice head, which ranges from 

60 to 80 miner's inches of water. A measurement made June 28, 

1907, in the lower end of a flume near the intake to this ditch gave a 

discharge of 10.8 second-feet. A short extension was made to this 

ditch in 1908 and it now supplies water to mines as far as claim 16 

below.

GOLDSTREAM CREEK AT CLAIM 6 BELOW.

A good location for a gaging station could not be found on Goldstream Creek because of the unfavorable condition of the- channel 

and the numerous small ditches that divert the flow. A gage was 

established, however, near the lower line of claim 6 below, a short 

distance above the intake to the Goldstream ditch, June 20, 1907, 

and war read twice each day by John L. Meder. The water diverted 

by a small ditch a short distance above the gaging station is not 

considered in the table of estimates. Several measurements made 

in this ditch gave an average discharge of 1.5 second-feet.

Discharge measurements of Goldstream Creek at claim 6 below, 1907.

Date.

June 21 ......................................................

Width.

Feet. 

11.3

12.4

Area of 

section.

Sq.ft. 

8.1

10.3

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.00

1.31

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

10.8

21.1

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Goldstream Creek at claim 6 below,

1907.

[Elevation, 870 feet; drainage area, 28.6 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June.

height. Gage 

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

July.

Gage height.

Feet. 

1.3 

1.05 

1.0 

.95 

.8

.75 

1.15 

1.05 

1.0 

.85

1.6 

1.55 

1.2 

1.1 

1.65

OJ 

60

1

5

Sec.-ft. 

20.7 

12.3 

10.8 

9.3 

4.9

3.6 

15.4 

12.3 

10.8 

6.4

32.2 

30.2 

17.1 

13.8 

34.4

August.

1

0> fi

0>

SP

Cs

Feet. 

1.55 

1.6 

1.3 

1.15 

1.1

1.15 

1.4 

1.45 

1.35 

1.6

1.45 

1.15 

1.1 

1.05 

1.05

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

30.2 

32.2 

20.7 

15.4 

13.8

15.4 

24.4 

26.3 

22.5 

32.2

26.3 

15.4 

13.8 

12.3 

12.3

September.

height. Gage 

Feet. 

1.25 

1.20 

1.20 

1.25 

1.30

1.2 

1.2 

1.15 

1.2 

1.15

1.35 

1.7 

1.7 

1.5 

1.5

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

18.9 

17.1 

17.1 

18.9 

20.7

17.1 

17.1 

15.4 

17.1 

15.4

22.5 

36.6 

36.6

28. -2 

28.2

October.

Gage height.

Feet. 

1.3 

1.3 

1.4 

1.3 

1.3

1.3 

1.2

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

20.7 

20.7 

24.4 

20.7 

20.7

20.7 

17.1
44 WATER IN YUKON-TARAWA REGION, 1907-1908.

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Goldstream Creek at claim 6 below,

1907 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9".

2G.............................

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

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

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

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

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

Mean square mile ............. 

Run-off, depth in inches. .....

June.

4 l &CS

O

Feet.

1.0

1.0 

.95 

.8 

.9 

.9

1.05 

.85 

1.3 

1.55 

1.45

......

<c w>

5

Sec.-ft.

10.8

10.8 

9.3 

4.9

7.8 

7.8

12.3 

6.4 

20.7 

30.2 

26.3

13.4

.469 

.192

July.

t 

c 

a

to

SP

o

Feet. 

1.5 

1.25 

1.15 

1.05 

1.05

1.0 

.95 

.9 

1.05 

.95

.95

.85 

.85 

.8 

.8

.7

......

<Ba>

!

5

Sec.-ft. 

28.2 

. 18.9 

15.4 

12.3 

12.3

10.8 

9.3 

7.8 

12.3 

9.3

9.3 

6.4 

6.4 

4.9 

4.9 

2.2

101

.458 

.53

August.

4 8

a

(S

o

Feet. 

1.1 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

1.1

1.25 

1.3 

1.3 

1.3 

1.25

1.35 

1.3 

1.35 

1.45 

1.5 

1.5

......

<D 

%

i

5

Sec.-ft. 

13.8 

10.8 

10.8 

10.8 

13.8

18.9 

20.7 

20.7 

20.7 

18.9

22.5 

20.7 

22.5 

26.3 

28.2 

28.2

20.0

.699 

.81

September.

4 i i

o

Feet. 

1.8 

1.55 

1.45 

1.3 

1.6

1.45 

1.4 

1.55 

1.45 

1.4

1.4 

1.3 

1.25 

1.35 

1.4

------

a

1 5

Sec.-ft. 

41 

30.2 

26.3 

20.7 

32.2

26.3 

24.4 

30.2 

26.3 

24.4

24.4 

20.7 

18.9 

22.5 

24.4

24.0 

.839 

.94

October.

. i

1<D W>

CS

0

Feet.

a §a 

.1 

ft

Sec.-ft.

20.7 

.724 

.19

NOTE. These discharges do not include the amount diverted at claim 3 below by a small ditch, carrying from 1 to 1.5 second-feet. The creek was frozen after October 7.

PEDRO CREEK.

Pedro Creek, the right fork of Goldstream Creek, is about 6 miles 

long and has a fall of 100 to 200 feet to the mile in its upper course. 

About 3 miles from its source Twin Creek, a tributary from the 

right, enters. Here in 1902 gold was first found in the Fairbanks 

district by Felix Pedro. Below this point the creek has a grade of 

about 80 feet to the mile, which gradually lessens as it approaches 

Goldstream Creek. The following measurement was made at claim 1 

above July 22, 1908: Discharge, 3.2 second-feet; drainage area, 6.3 

square miles; discharge per square mile, 0.508 second-foot.

FOX CREEK.

Fox Creek rises in the Chatanika divide opposite Vault Creek. It 

is about 3 J miles long and flows southward through a V-shaped valley 

into Goldstream Creek. Considerable mining activity was under way 

in 1908. The following measurements were made at elevation 900 

feet: July 6, 1907, 2.0 second-feet; August 24, 1908, 0.43 second-foot.
THE FAIRBANKS DISTRICT. 45 

WASHINGTON CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

Washington Creek rises in the southern slope of the dividing ridge 

south of Beaver Creek drainage, and flows southwestwarcT into 

Tatalina River about 12 miles above the confluence of that stream 

with the Tolovana. It parallels the Chatanika, from which it is 

separated at a distance of about 6 miles, by a high dividing ridge. 

The creek is about 35 miles long and drains an area of 198 square 

miles. It is shown on the reconnaissance map of the Fairbanks 

quadrangle.

The valley is long and narrow, is well timbered, and is bordered 

on each side by high ridges, portions of which are from 1,200 to 1,800 

feet above the stream bed.

Late in the fall of 1907 rumors of a strike on Washington Creek 

attracted some attention and during the winter of 1907-8 considerable work was done on this creek, not only in prospecting, but in 

staking new ground. The summer of 1908 found the creek staked 

from its headwaters to within a few miles of its mouth.

Aggie Creek, which enters Washington Creek about 12 miles above 

its mouth, is its only important tributary. This stream is about 12 

miles long and drains an area of 35.8 square miles.

A fall of about 200 feet in 8 miles on Washington Creek below 

Aggie Creek affords opportunity for power development. In 1908 

the break-up on Washington Creek occurred about May 5, but there 

was considerable ice in the stream until after May 9, and the water 

could not have been used in a diverting ditch until about May 20.

WASHINGTON CREEK ABOVE AGGIE CREEK.

This station was established May 23, 1908, about 500 feet above 

the mouth of Aggie Creek, on the left-hand side of the stream. The 

gage, known as gage No. 2, was fastened to a wooden trestle under 

the footbridge constructed for high-water measurements. The 

bench mark is the top of a stake about 6 inches above ground, 10 feet 

from low-water mark on the left-hand side of the stream, and 4 feet 

above gage datum.

Discharge measurements of Washington Creek above Aggie Creek, 1908.

Date.

May 23. ....................

May 24........ ...... .......

July 27. ........:...........

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.65

3.60

9 ns

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

311.0

304.0

18.2

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.10

2.10

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

19.3

17.3
46 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Washington Creek above Aggie Creek,

1908.

[Elevation, 600 feet; drainage area, 117 square miles.]

Day.

«

\

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

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

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

5.-.--....-.-.-.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17........"...........

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

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

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

21........'...........

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

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

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

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

2C.. ........ .........

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

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

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

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

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

Mean per square

Eun-off, depth in 

inches ............

May.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.65 

3.65 

3.45

3.20 

3.15 

3.35 

3.50 

4.00 

3.75

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

316 

316

266

196 

183 

236

278 

408 

342

282 

2.41

.81

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.45 

3.22 

3.00 

2.95 

2.82

3.38

3.08 

2.90

2.C8

2.55 

2.48 

2.62 

2.62 

4.50

3.75 

3.32 

3.00 

3.20 

3.22

3.10

3.78 

3.12 

2.82 

2.60

2.40 

2.42

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

266 

203 

146 

135 

109

245 

245 

163

124 

82

63

54 

74 

74 

557

342 

231 

146 

196 

203

170 

359 

176 

109 

70

45 

48 

48 

48 

48

159

1 Oft

1.52

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2.40 

2.40

2.35 

2.40 

2.50 

2.55 

2.45

2.38 

2.32 

2.20 

2.20 

2.25

2.20 

2.20 

2.22 

2.22 

2.20

2.20 

2.18 

2.10 

2.15 

' 2.15

2.15 

2.15 

2.20 

2.22 

2.15 

2.15

........

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

45 

45 

45 

45 

45

40 

45 

57 

63 

51

43 

37 

26 

26 

30

26 

26 

28 

28 

26

26 

24 

18 

22 

22

22 

22 

26 

28 

22 

22

33.2

.284

.33

-August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.15 

2.18 

2.25 

2.20 

2.20

2.18 

2.15 

2.15 

2.15 

2.15

2.15 

2.15 

2.15 

2.15 

2.15

2.15 

2.15 

2.20 

2.15 

2.22

2.20 

2.22 

2.22 

2.20 

2.15

2.20 

2.20 

2.20 

2.25 

2.25 

2.20

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

22 

24 

30 

26 

26

24 

22 

22 

22 

22

22 

22 

22 

22 

22

22 

22 

26 

22

28

26 

28 

28 

26 

22

26 

26 

26 

30 

30 

26

24.6

.210

.24

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.2o 

2.32 

2.58 

2.80

Discharge.

Sec -ft. 

30 

38 

67 

104

59.8 

.512 

.08

WASHINGTON CREEK BELOW AGGIE CREEK.

This station was established May 5, 1908, by E. J. Burger for Martin 

Harrais, manager of the Chena Lumber and Light Company, of 

Chena, to determine the possibility of using the stream for the development of power. Gage No. 1, first installed, was replaced May 24 

by gage No. 4, which is located about 500 feet below the mouth of 

Aggie Creek, on the left bank, and is referred to a spike driven in a 

notch cut at the base of the stream side of a cottonwood tree about 10 

inches in diameter and 10 feet back from the edge of the bank; the top 

of the spike is 9.9 feet above the gage datum.

Theoretically the discharge at gage No. 4 should represent the totals 

at Nos. 2 and 3, but this is not always the case, for during high water a 

small stream from the left bank discharges between the gages, and in
THE FAIEBANKS DISTRICT.

the low-water period there is more or less seepage through the gravel. 

The records check very closely, however, and probably give very nearly 

the actual discharge of the creek during the season.

Discharge measurements of Washington Creek below Aggie Creek, 1908.

Date.

July 27.....................

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.35

1.80

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

419

440

25.8

Date.

July 28. ....................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

l."85

1.80

1.80

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

27.0

25.9

25.6

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Washington Creek below Aggie Creek,

1908.

[Elevation, 600 feet; drainage area, 147 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21.. ~. ..............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mean per square

Run-off, depth in

May.o

Gage 

height.

Feet.

3.10 

3.35 

3.18

2.92 

2.88 

3.06 

3.20 

3.52 

3.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

840

720 

760 

880 

920 

1,200

760 

688 

1,120 

1,160 

1,400

1,280 

1,240 

1,160 

1,040 

1,120

840 

490 

328 

440 

352

250 

234 

310 

370 

525 

465

774 

5.26

5.28

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.12 

3-00 

2.75 

2.70 

2.62

2.98 

2.96 

2.78 

2.64 

2.45

2.32 

2.25 

2.38 

2.42 

3.66

3.18 

2.91 

2.68 

2.82 

2.84

2.75 

3.22 

2.76 

2.52 

2.30

2.10 

2.15

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

332 

284 

185 

166 

141

279 

274 

194 

149 

104

80 

70 

89 

98 

600

360 

246 

160 

210

218

185 

375

188 

118

77

52 

58 

56 

56 

56

182 

1.23

1 37

July.

Gage 

 height.

Feet.

2.10 

2.10

2.05 

2.11 

2.24 

2.30 

2.18

2.18 

2.05 

1.86 

1.85 

1.92

1.87 

1.87 

1.91 

1.91

1.88

1.85 

1.83 

1.75 

1.82 

1.81

1.80 

1.80 

1.90 

1.90 

1.79 

1.78

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

53 

53 

53 

52 

52

48 

53 

69 

88 

61

61 

48 

33 

32 

37

34 

34 

36 

36 

34

32 

30 

24 

30 

29

28 

28 

35 

35 

27 

26

.281

.324

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.80 

1.84 

1.92 

1.86 

1.85

1.80 

1.80 

1.80 

1.80 

1.80

1.80 

1.80 

1.80 

1.80 

1.80

 1.80 

1.80 

1.85 

1.80 

1.88

1.85 

1.88 

1.88 

1.85 

1.80

1.86 

1.86 

1.86 

1.92 

1.92 

1.86

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

28 

31 

37 

33 

32

28 

28 

28 

28 

28

28 "28 

28 

28 

28

28 

28 

32 

28 

34

32 

34 

34 

32

28

33 

33 

33 

37 

37 

33

30.8

.210

.24

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.95 

2.06 

2.32 

2.55

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

38 

49 

82 

124

73.1 

.498 

.07

«Discharges from May 5 to 22, inclusive, are based on readings from gage No, 1, and on account of 

unfavorable channel conditions are approximate.
48 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

AGGIE CREEK AT MOUTH.

This station was established May 23, 1908. The gage, known as 

"gage No. 3," is located on the right bank about 1,000 feet above the 

mouth of the stream. It is referred to a spike driven in the top of a 

stump about 5 feet farther downstream on the same side; the top of 

the spike is 6.10 feet above the datum of the gage.

Discharge measurements of Aggie Creek at mouth, 1908.

Date.

May 23. ....................

May24. ....................

July27. ....................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.92

3 9Q

QC .95

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

108.0

136.0

6.3

Date.

July 28.. ...................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.09

.90

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

8.8

7.0

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Aggie Creek at mouth, 1908. 

[Elevation, 600 feet; drainage area, 35.8 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2(h ............................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31

May.

Gage height.

Feet.

-

2.90 

3.15 

2.60

2.06 

2.05 

2.40 

2.67 

3 02

o 19

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

107 

125

86

50 

50 

72 

91 

116 

123

(DC

June.

Gage height.

Feet. 

2.30 

2.50 

1.80 

1.72 

1.80

1.78 

1.65 

1.75 

1.58 

1.47

1.40 

1.38 

1.32 

1.55 

1.90

1.50 

1.35 

1.30 

1.30 

1.30

1-.30 

1.35 

1.17 

1.15 

1.05

1.07 

1.02

&

%

3

Sec.-ft. 

65 

79 

36 

31 

36

34 

28 

34 

24 

20

17 

16 

14 

23 

41

21 

16 

14 

14 

14

14 

16 

11 

10 

8.0

8.5 

7.8 

7.8 

7.8

7.8

22.5

.629

.70

July.

1,

1

1 

O

Feet.

Too'

1.00

1.02 

1.05 

1.17 

1.30 

1.07

1.10 

1.02 

.98 

.98 

.98

1.02 

1.02 

1.00 

1.00 

1.00

1.00 

.95 

.95 

1.00 

.98

.95 

.95 

1.05 

.98

.88 

.85

aj bo

3

Sec.-ft. 

7.5 

7.5 

7.5 

7.5 

7.5

7.8 

8.0 

11.0 

14.0 

9.5

9.0 

7.8 

7.0 

7.0 

7.0

7.8 

7.8 

7.5 

7.5 

7.5

7.5 

6.5 

6.5 

7.5 

7.0

6.5 

6.5 

8.0 

7.0 

5.0 

4.5

7.58

.211

.24

August.

1

to

a 

« 

8f 

o

Feet. 

.92 

1.00 

-1.00 

.98 

.95

.92 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90 

.90

.95 

.95 

.95 

.95 

.95 

.95

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

6 2 

7.5 

7.5 

7.0 

6.5

6.2 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0

6.0 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0

6.0 

6.0 

6.D 

6.0 

6.0

6.0 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0

6.5 

6.5 

6.5 

6.5 

6.5 

6.5

6.26

.174

.20

September.

1a

tuSf

o

Feet. 

1.08 

1 18 iteo

1&5

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

8.5 

10.6 

14.0 

16.0

12.2 

.341 

.05
THE FAIRBANKS DISTRICT. 49 

BEAVER CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

A high limestone ridge the White Mountains 50 miles north 

of Fairbanks, is perhaps the highest portion of the divide between 

the Yukon and Tanana drainage basins. Beaver Creek, which drains 

the largest part of this particular portion of the divide, has its source 

far back in the deep canyons of the southern slope. There are two 

branches of Beaver Creek in its upper drainage basin that join at 

about latitude 65° 25' north, and longitude 147° west. These two 

branches drain the highest portion of the mountains. The southern 

branch rises in a high ridge opposite the tributaries of Preacher 

Creek. It has a steep and tortuous course, flowing over a rocky 

bed and through a deep valley. The northern or main branch of 

Beaver Creek drains to the south the central portion of the mountain ridge. The gorgelike valley of the upper portion of this branch 

runs in an east-west direction and forms with the main valley a letter 

T. The course of the northern branch is tortuous and the bed is 

rough and gravelly. In the valley at the junction of these two 

branches some timber is found, and there are also small patches of 

meadow land. From the junction the main stream flows westward 

for about 25 miles, then makes an abrupt bend to the right and 

flows in a northeasterly direction, draining the northern slope of the 

White Mountains. Its course above the "big bend" is through a 

rather broad, parklike valley, over a wide gravelly bed, in a series of 

riffles and pools. This portion of the stream, with its tributaries, 

drains the southern slope of the White Mountains. In many places 

the stream has several channels, forming numerous islands which are 

usually covered with a heavy growth of timber.

Bear and Bryan creeks are the important tributaries from the right. 

High, barren limestone ridges separate these creeks and form deep, 

narrow, gorgelike valleys, through which the streams flow over precipitous, narrow beds.

There is but little timber on the slopes of the mountains except in 

the lower course of the stream, and here the average size is smaller 

than that of the timber in the Chatanika and Little Chena basins.

The southern tributaries of Beaver Creek above the big bend are 

Nome, Ophir, Trail, and Wickersham creeks, whose upper portions 

drain the dividing ridge to the north of Chatanika River. These 

streams have more gradual slopes than the northern tributaries, and 

flow through rather narrow channels cut deep into the soft, alluvial 

soil of which their bottom lands consist. The ridges separating these 

creeks are at a much lower elevation than those on the northern slope.

81007 IRE 228 09 4
50 WATER IN YUKON-TAN AN A REGION, 1907-1908.

They are covered with timber and the many "small streams which 

drain their slopes are fed by numerous springs. The general direction of these streams, with the exception of Nome Creek, is to the 

northwest a course almost opposite that of the main creek which 

receives their black, tranquil waters.

The upper portion of the Beaver Creek drainage basin is oval in 

shape and rises to an elevation of 1,800 to 4,000 feet. A portion of 

the easterly divide has an altitude of 5,000 feet. About 8 miles below 

the "big bend" Fossil Creek enters Beaver Creek from the right 

through a deep, narrow canyon. It drains a long, narrow, rather high 

valley and rises on the northern slope of Cache Mountain, which has 

.an elevation of over 4,000 feet and separates the Fossil Creek drainage 

basin from that of Bryan Creek. Fossil Creek flows northward for 5 

or 6 miles, makes a long, easy curve to the left, flows around the 

northern foothills, and finally takes a southwesterly course close to 

the high limestone ridge that separates it from Beaver Creek.

In the upper portion of the Fossil Creek basin, on the right-hand 

side, there is a marked case of stream piracy. A small stream reaches 

into the right-hand part of the basin and takes a portion of the drainage through a gorge of high elevation into Beaver Creek, about 12 

miles below the mouth of Fossil Creek.

Victoria Creek, a tributary from the left about 20 miles below 

Fossil Creek, has its source nearly opposite Cache Mountain and is 

separated from Beaver Creek, which it parallels for about 50 miles, 

by a limestone ridge ranging from 1,000 to nearly 3,000 feet above 

the bed of the stream.

Some distance below the mouth of Victoria Creek, Beaver Creek 

changes its course to the left and flows in a northwesterly direction 

through a less mountainous country to the Yukon.

Beaver Creek has every indication of furnishing a good water supply. Its high drainage basin makes its waters desirable for either 

hydraulicking or power development. Although the present location 

of the mining camps is at a prohibitive distance for ditch lines, future 

developments may make valuable any information concerning the 

daily flow and run-off in this drainage basin.

MEASUREMENTS.

The following miscellaneous measurements were made in Beaver 

Creek drainage basin:
THE CIECLE DISTRICT. 51

Miscellaneous measurements in Beaver Creek drainage basin, 1907-1908.

Date.

1907.

Do.......

August 28....

August 29....

Do.......

Do.......

1908.

August 11....

Do.......

Stream and locality.

Trail Creek. . ...........................

East Branch of Beaver Creek at mouth. .

Approximate 

elevation.

Feet. 

1,700

1 f^firt

1,300

1,800

1,800

1,800

1,700

1,675

1,800 

1,700

1,725

1,725

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

27

15

48

122

67

120

122

226

67 

120

87

33

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

39.9

16.0

19.2

75.3

267

124

135

80.3

108

44.3 

33.6

26.0

2.0

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-ft.

1 48

1.06

1.57

2.19

1.85

1.12

.658

.478

.661

9811

.299

.066

THE CIRCLE DISTRICT.

DESCRIPTION OF AREA.

The area to the north of the Yukon-Tanana divide, between latitude 143° 40' and 146° 50', is known as the Birch Creek region of the 

Circle district. Generally speaking, it occupies two geographic divisions a low, broad, alluvial plain and a high plateau.

The northwest portion of the low broad plain forms the bottom 

lands of the Yukon Flats north of Crazy Mountains; the southeast 

portion occupies an irregular area surrounded by a low ridge along 

the Yukon, the Crazy Mountains, and the range of hills 20 to 40 miles 

farther south. This portion is cut by Birch and Crooked creeks; it 

is well timbered along these streams and contains large areas of 

meadow-like swamp land that furnish forage for both summer and 

winter use.

The plateau division, whose longest diameter is east and west, 

occupies a position between two distinct ridges; the eastern extensions of the White Mountains. The ridge to the south is high and 

barren and forms the main Yukon-Tanana divide; that to the north 

is lower, irregular, and barren, and separates the upper tributaries of 

Birch Creek drainage from the lower, and it is itself divided by the 

deep canyon-like gorge through which Birch Creek flows on its way 

to the Yukon.

At elevations of 2,000 feet or more above sea level the country is 

as a rule barren and rocky, while below this altitude, especially in the 

flats where Birch and Crooked creeks join, considerable timber is 

found. These flats afford conditions particularly favorable to agriculture as well as to mining. At Central House, on the lower end of 

Deadwood Creek, and at the Hot Sulphur Springs all kinds of vege-
52 WATEE IN YTJKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

tables grow in abundance; and prospecting at the lower end of Deadwood Creek shows an extensive area of ground which seems suitable 

for dredging.

Circle, about 140 miles below Eagle, on the left bank of the Yukon, 

is the supply point for mines in this region, which are reached by 

sleds in winter and by pack train in summer. It is at Circle that 

the overland trail to the Fairbanks district, south of the divide, starts. 

In 1908 the Alaska Road Commission constructed about 20 miles of 

good wagon road along this trail, and expects to continue it to Miller 

House during the coming season.

GAGING STATIONS.

The following is a list of the points in the Circle district at which 

gages were established or measurements made in 1908. The numbers 

refer to Plate IV.

Gaging stations in Circle district, 1908.

1. Birch Creek at Fourteenmile House.

2. North Fork of Birch Creek above Twelvemile Creek and Twelvemile Creek at 

mouth.

3. North F*ork of Birch Creek below Twelvemile Creek.

4. Eagle Creek below Mastodon Fork.

5. Eagle Creek below Cripple Creek.

6. Eagle Creek at mouth.

7. Miller Fork above ditch intake and Miller Fork ditch at intake.

8..Mastodon Fork above storage dam and Miller Fork ditch at outlet.

9. Ptarmigan Creek at mouth.

10. Tributary of North Fork of Birch Creek.

11. Twelvemile Creek at elevation of 2,500 feet.

12. Twelvemile Creek above East Fork.

13. East Fork of Twelvemile Creek near mouth.

14. Harrison Creek at elevation 2,200 feet.

15. North Fork of Harrison Creek at elevation 2,200 feet.

16. Crooked Creek at Central House.

17. Mammoth Creek at Miller House.

18. Mastodon Creek at claim 21 above.

19. Mastodon Creek at claim 1 above.

20. Independence Creek near mouth.

21. Miller Creek near mouth.

22. Porcupine Creek near proposed ditch intake.

23. Porcupine Creek below Bonanza Creek.

24. Bonanza Creek at ditch intake.

25. Boulder Creek near mouth.

26. Dead wood Creek above Switch Creek.

27. Switch Creek at mouth.

28. Albert Creek at trail crossing.

29. Quartz Creek at trail crossing.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 228 PLATE IV

 Points of measurement; numbers refer to list in text 

X Rain gages; letters refer to list in text

 Ditches

Proposed ditches

is zoMiles

MAP SHOWING LOCATION OF GAGING STATIONS IN CIRCLE DISTRICT.
THE CIECLE DISTEICT. 53

BIRCH CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

Birch Creek, with its tributaries, North and South forks, and 

their many ramifying branches, drains the southern part of the 

plateau country of the Circle district.

Crooked and Preacher creeks, which join Birch Creek in its lower 

course, drain the north slope of the ridge which separates the upper 

from the lower Birch Creek drainage, the Crazy Mountains, and a 

large portion of the broad alluvial plain. The main stream rises east 

of the headwaters of Chatanika River, and flows eastward to within 

less than 20 miles of the Yukon; it then turns to the north and flows 

roughly parallel to the main river to its mouth below Fort Yukon.

BIECH CREEK AT FOTJRTEENMILE HOUSE.

A gaging station was established on Birch Creek at Fourteenmile 

House June 27, 1908. A post gage, graduated to feet and tenths 

and driven firmly in the ground on the left bank, was read twice each 

day during the remainder of the season by William Reger, road-house 

keeper and ferryman. Measurements are made from a ferry established by the Alaska Road Commission. Birch Creek at this point 

has a straight course for nearly 1,000 feet above and below the gage. 

The bed is gravelly and permanent. The left bank is steep and is 

seldom flooded except in extreme high water. The right bank is 

lower, somewhat timbered, and is more frequently overflowed.

Discharge measurements oj Birch Creek at Fourteenmile House, 1908.

Date.

June 27.. .......................................................

Area of 

section.

Sq.feet. 

655

960

870

Mean 

velocity.

Ft. per sec. 

1.62

1 60

2.15

1.97

Gage 

heighth.

Feet. 

3.17

3.82

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

1,060

1,710

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Birch Creek at Fourteenmile House, 1908. 

[Elevation, 700 feet; drainage area, 2,150 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.38 

3.10 

3.00 

3.32 

3.05

2.98 

3.15 

3.92 

4.30

4.22

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,210 

1,040 

- 990 

1,170 

1,010

984 

1,060 

1,900 

2,630 

2,470

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

2.62 

2.55 

2.50 

2.50 

2.50

2.48 

2.45 

2.40 

2.42 

3.52

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

875 

859 

847 

847 

. 847

842 

835 

825 

829 

1,320

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.58 

3.70 

4.08 

5.55 

6.02

5.75 

5.25 

5.02 

4.85 

4.32

Discharga

Sec.-ft. 

1,400 

1,550 

2,210 

5,130 

6,070

5,530 

4,530 

4,070 

3,730 

2,670
54 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Birch Creek at Fourteenmile House,

1908 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

3.35 

3.20 

3.10 

3.08 

3.20

1,190 

1,090 

1,040 

1,020 

1,090

1.090

Kfl7

09

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.75 

3.45 

3.28 

3.12 

3.02

3.02 

3.10 

3.05 

3.00 

2.92

2.82 

2.72 

2.62 

2.58 

2.52

2.50 

2.62 

2.65 

2.62 

2. CO 

2.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,620 

1,270 

1,140 

1,040 

1,000

1,000 

1,040 

1,010 

990 

966

936 

906

875 

867 

852

847 

875- 

885 

875 

872 

885

1,140

.530

.61

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

3.45 

3.25 

3.12 

3.00 

2.92

2.90 

2.85 

2.88

2.90 

2.95

3.00 

3.18 

3.70 

3.55 

3.45

3.45 

3.42 

3.35 

3.52 

3.82 

3.68

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1,270 

1,120 

1,040 

990 

966

960 

945 

954 

930 

975

990 

1,080 

1,550 

1,360 

1,270

1,270 

1,250 

1,190 

1,330 

1,620 

1,520

1,080

.502

.58

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

4.00 

3.88 

3.72 

3.68 

3.65

3. CO 

3.55 

3.55 

3.62 

3.72

3.62 

3.52 

3.35 

3.18 

3.08

3.00

2.88 

2.78 

2.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2,0 0 

1,830 

1,580 

1,520 

1,480

1,420 

1,3CO 

1,360 

1,440 

1,580

1,440 

1,320 

1,190 

1,080 

1,030

990 

954 

924 

900

2,150 

1.00 

1.08

NOTE. The creek was frozen after September 29.

NORTH FORK OF BIRCH CREEK.

North Fork of Birch Creek is formed by the confluence of Eagle 

and Ptarmigan creeks and flows southwestward through an unsymmetrical valley, flanked on both sides by high precipitous ridges, those 

to the north rising to an elevation of 2,000 feet to 2,500 feet above 

the stream bed in a distance of 5 to 6 miles.

Considerable timber, a large portion of which has reached a size 

suitable for milling, grows along the creek bottom. About 8 miles 

below Eagle Creek, North Fork turns abruptly to the left, and 

Twelvemile Creek, a tributary from the right, enters. The grade of 

these two streams above this point ranges from 75 feet to over 100 

feet to the mile.

Much prospecting has been done, especially on Twelvemile Creek, 

where bed rock lies from 12 to 20 feet below surface, but on account 

of underground water very little is known of the bed rock conditions. 

North Fork enters Birch Creek about 8 miles below Twelvemile.

Eagle Creek is formed by the confluence of Miller and Mastodon 

forks, which drain the western slope of the high ridge connecting 

Mastodon and Porcupine domes, whose eastern drainage is carried
THE CIRCLE DISTRICT. 55

into Miller and Mastodon creeks. The creek is about 4 miles long 

and, with Ptarmigan, forms the North Fork of Birch Creek. Gold 

was discovered on Eagle Creek in 1895, and much work has been done 

at its upper end and on Mastodon Fork. In 1908 Berry and Lamb 

completed the installation of a hydraulic plant. (See PL V, A.)

The following measurements were made of North Fork and its 

tributaries:

Miscellaneous measurements of North Fork of Birch Creek and tributaries, 1908.

Date.

July 10.........

July9.,......-.

July 10. ........

July?..........

July 9.. ........

Do. ........ 

Do.........

July?..........

July9.. ........

Julv9..........

July 10. ........

July 11.........

Do.........

Do.........

July 10. ........

Stream and locality.

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

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

Miller Fork ditch at intake. ............................

mouth. 

T welvemile Creek at elevation 2,500 feet ................

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

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

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

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles.

87

87

132

132

8.4

12.4

15.5

15.5

2.6

4.1

4.1

19

19

11.6

1.6

1.6

18.9

44.5

44.5

22.9

22.9

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

87

191

125

129

«4 2

10.5

15.4

24.7

2.1

2.8 

1.4

1.1

1.3

26.2

24.7

20.3

6.3

6.0

15.6

38

73.3

24.4

23.9

Discharge 

per 

square 

mile.

Sec. -ft. 

1.00

2.20

.947

.977

.847

.994

1.59

.808

.268

.317

1.38

1.30

1.75

3.94

3.75

.825

.855

1.64

1.07

1.04

« Some water was diverted past section in the ditch from Miller and Mastodon forks; this measurement 

shows the seepage from the diversion dams and ditch.

HARRISON CREEK.

Harrison Creek, tributary to Birch Creek from the north near the 

junction of the South Fork, drains a narrow, irregular, V-shaped 

valley south of the divide at the head of Independence, Boulder, and 

Deadwood creeks. The North Fork of this stream, which heads 

against Mastodon Dome, was the scene of the first hydraulicking in 

the Birch Creek region, though on account of miscalculations the 

venture proved a failure.

The following measurements were made on this stream in 1908: 

July 8, Harrison Creek, elevation, 2,200 feet; discharge, 4.9 secondfeet; drainage area, 17.9 square miles; discharge, -0.274 second-foot 

per square mile. July 8, North Fork, elevation, 2,600 feet; discharge, 7.1 second-feet; drainage area, 6.2 square miles; discharge, 

1.15 second-feet per square mile.
56 WATER IN YUKOF-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

CROOKED CREEK.

Over the divide to the north, Crooked Creek, with its fan-shaped 

drainage basin, gathers the waters of Porcupine and Mastodon domes. 

Porcupine and Mammoth -creeks form this stream which, after leaving the hills, meanders through a rather broad valley for about 30 

miles, discharging its waters into Birch Creek about 10 miles above 

Fourteenmile House. Boulder and Deadwood creeks are tributaries 

from the south.

- The following miscellaneous measurements were made in Crooked 

Creek drainage basin in 1908:

Measurements in Crooked Creek drainage basin, 1908.

Date.

July 1. .........

July 1. .........

Do.........

Stream and locality.

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

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

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

161

161

161

8.4

Discharge.

Sec.-feet.

57.7

52.0

86 4

9 1

2.7

Discharge 

per 

square 

mile.

Sec.-fzet. 

0.358

.323

.536

.322

MAMMOTH CREEK.

Mammoth Creek, which with Porcupine Creek forms Crooked 

Creek, is itself formed by the confluence of Mastodon and Independence creeks. These creeks, with Miller Creek, drain the area 

between Bonanza and Boulder creeks. Mastodon and Independence 

creeks head on the northern slope of Mastodon Dome, flow northwestward about 6 miles, and unite to form Mammoth Creek. Mastodon Creek Valley is V-shaped and is flanked on either side by 

even-topped ridges having a gentle slope parallel to that of the 

stream and about 1,300 feet above its bed. Independence Creek 

has an unsymmetrical valley with the steep slope on the left, the 

right side being cut by numerous small tributaries. Both streams 

flow in rather loose gravelly beds, and their valleys are sparsely 

timbered and very steep in their upper courses. Considerable mining has been done on these creeks, especially on Independence, 

where operations were active in 1908. Miller Creek rises in the ridge 

between Porcupine and Mastodon domes and flows northeastward 

to Mammoth Creek. Some mining has been done on this creek.

A gaging station was established on Mammoth Creek at Miller 

House, July 2, 1908. The gage is nailed to a log retaining wall on 

the left bank of the stream just below the bridge, and is referred to a 

spike driven in a log at the upstream end of the road house, marked 

B. M.; the spike is 10.17 feet above zero of gage. Readings were 

taken by J. F. Kelly, merchant, at Miller House.
THE CIRCLE DISTRICT. 57 

Discharge measurements of Mammoth Creek at Miller House, 1908.

Date.

July2. .....................

July6. .....................

July7. .....................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.85

.70.

1.00

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

33.7

20.7

48.0

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.90

.85

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

349

31.0

Daily mean gage height and estimated discharge of Mammoth Creek at Miller House, 1908. 

[Elevation, 1,700 feet; drainage area, 37.1 square miles.]

Day.

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

rt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.90 

.80 

.90 

.85 

.70 

.75 

.70 

.75 

- .70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

36.0 

26.8 

36.0 

31.0 

20.7 

23.4 

20.7 

23.4 

20.7 

23.4

October.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.50 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.40 

.40 

.40 

.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

'144 

14.4 

14.4 

144 

144 

144 

14.4 

144 

14.4 

13.0 

13.0 iao

13.0

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mean per sq.mile 

Run-off, depth in

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

.70 

.90 

.85 

.80 

.70 

.60 

.60 

.55 

.50 

.50

.55 

.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

20.7 

36.0 

31.0 

26.8 

20.7 

16.7 

16.7 

15.4 

14.4 

14.4 

149 

15.4 

14.4

22.6

.609

.52

October.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

14.0 

.376

.18

NOTE. Creek frozen over after October 13.

Miscellaneous measurements in Mammoth Creek drainage basin, 1908.

Date.

July 5. .........

September?....

July 5. .........

July 6. .........

Stream and locality.

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

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

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

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

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

6.9

6.9

10.4

10.4

13.2

13.2

10.5

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3.9

9.1

7.7

11.5

46

11.9

5.9

11.2

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-ft. 

0.565

1.32

.742

1.11

.348

.902

.562

1.07

PORCUPINE CREEK.

Porcupine Creek, the left branch of Crooked Creek, rises in the high 

ridges around Porcupine Dome and flows southeastward through a 

deep, unsymmetrical valley for about 14 miles to Crooked Creek. 

Bonanza Creek, a tributary from the right, enters about 4 miles above 

the mouth.

The following miscellaneous measurements were made in its upper 

drainage basin in 1908: Porcupine Creek near proposed ditch intake, 

elevation, about 2,200 feet; discharge, 12.6 second-feet; drainage area,
58 WATEE IN YTJKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

17.8 square miles; discharge, 0.708 second-foot per square mile. 

Bonanza Creek at ditch intake, elevation, 2,200 feet; July 4, discharge, 12.4 second-feet; July 6, discharge, 13 second-feet; September 7, discharge, 12.3 second-feet; drainage area, 7.9 square miles; 

discharge, 1.56, 1.64, and 1.56 second-feet per square mile, respectively.

In 1908 Berry & Lamb constructed along the right side of these 

creeks a ditch for hydraulicking on Mammoth Creek. This ditch is 

described in detail on pages 95-96 of this report. .

A gaging station was established on Porcupine Creek below Bonanza 

Creek July 4, 1908. Readings were taken by Mr. Miller, in the employ 

of Berry & Lamb.

Discharge measurements of Porcupine Creek below Bonanza Creek, 1908.

Date.

July 4. ............................................................................

July 6. ...................................... .... .. .. ...... ..................

Gage

Feet. 

1.55

1.58

1.70

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

25.0

38.8

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Porcupine Creek behw Bonanza Creek, 1908.

[Drainage area, 39.9 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

q

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

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

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

13

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

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

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

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

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

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

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.55 

1.53 

1.79 

2.26 

2.10

1.85

1.72 

1.64 

1.72

1.76 

1.72 

1.68 

1.61

1.52

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

24.5 

23.4 

53.5 

147 

115 

85.5 

65.5 

7o.5

41.8 11 ^

41.8

48.1 

41.8 

36.3 

29.0

22.8

August. i

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.37 

1.37

1 Q9

1.30 

1.29 

1.30 

1.28 

1.32 

1.48 

1.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

16.8 

16.8 

16.1

15.7 

15.6 

15.7 

15.5 

16.1 

20.8 

21.7

Day.

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

oo

25

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

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

3ft

31

Mean...... 

Mean per square

Run-ofl, depth in

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.49 

1.44

1 4A

1.42 

1.50 

1.51

1.48

1.46 

1.44 

1.44 

1.42 

1.40

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

21.3 

19.2 

17.8

18.5 

21.7 °2 3

20.8

19.9 

19.2 

19.2 

18.5 

17.8

40.0 

1.00

1.04

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

17.1 

.429 

.16

BOULDER CREEK.

Boulder Creek rises in the dividing ridge north of the North Fork 

of Harrison Creek and drains a rather narrow valley between Mammoth and Deadwood creeks. It is about 12 miles long, flows in a 

northeasterly direction, and empties into Crooked Creek about 4 

miles above Central House.
THE RAMPART DISTEICT. 59

The following discharge measurements were made at the mouth 

of this stream in 1908: July 1, discharge, 8 second-feet; July 2, 5.8 

second-feet; drainage area, 38.8 square miles; discharge per square 

mile, 0.206 and 0.150 second-foot, respectively.

DEADWOOD CREEK.

Deadwood Creek rises in the ridge to the north of Harrison Creek, 

drains a precipitous V-shaped area between that stream and Boulder 

Creek, and unites with Crooked Creek about 4 miles below Central 

House. It is about 20 miles long. For about 8 miles the stream 

flows through the narrow part of the area and is very steep. Below 

Switch Creek, a tributary from th& right, the grade lessens and the 

valley gradually widens until it merges into that of Crooked Creek.

About 35 claims are being worked on this creek, all by the "opencut" method. The stretch including the lower 3 or 4 miles is being 

prospected for dredging purposes. A churn drill will probably be 

put on this part of the ground during the coming season.

The following discharge measurements were made July 1, 1909: 

Deadwood Creek above Switch Creek, 9.1 second-feet; drainage area, 

21.3 square miles; discharge per square mile, 0.427 second-foot. 

Switch Creek at mouth, 0.72 second-foot; drainage area, 5.8 square 

miles; discharge per square mile, 0.124 second-foot.

THE RAMPART DISTRICT.

DESCRIPTION OF AREA.

The area originally known as the Rampart district embraces three 

main drainage areas, as follows: Minook and Troublesome creeks, 

tributary to Yukon River, and Baker Creek, tributary to the Tanana.

Mining was actively begun in this region in 1896 on Little Minook 

Creek, which is tributary to Minook Creek from the right about 5 

miles from its mouth, and its total gold output since that time 

exceeds $2,000,000.

The town of Rampart, situated on the left bank of the Yukon River 

just below the mouth of Minook Creek, was long the main supply 

point for the entire region, and from it all the mining outfits and 

provisions were hauled on sleds in winter and packed on horses in 

summer. Now, however, the Baker Creek area is by far the largest 

producer, and since several stores have been opened at Hot Springs, 

about 6 miles from the Tanana River on the Baker Slough, Rampart has ceased to be the main trading point, and the term ' ' Rampart 

district" is now understood by some to include only Minook and 

Troublesome creeks. In this report, however, the original meaning 

is retained.
60 WATER IN YUKON-TAlSTAlSrA REGION, 1907-1908.

The divide between Minook Creek and Baker Creek drainage 

basins has a general but very irregular east and west direction, with 

a notable break to the north at the head of Hutlinana Creek. It 

varies in elevation from 1,000 to 4,000 feet, Wolverine Mountain 

being the highest point. The northern area is rugged and mountainous, with narrow valleys and precipitous slopes, even down to 

the mouth of the streams, while the southern area, although rough 

at the headwaters, broadens out below into alluvial flats in which 

the streams are sluggish.

Timber sufficient for fuel is found in most of the valleys and lower 

slopes of the Rampart region. Spruce, birch, and poplar are abundant on the hillsides near Hot Spriags and along the Tanana. Minook 

Creek Valley originally contained timber suitable for mine supports, 

but of such timber little is left. Timber near the mines, scanty at 

best, is being destroyed by forest fires which are" depleting the supply much more rapidly than the many legitimate uses to which it is 

being put.

Hot Springs, situated in a country which, except in the immediate vicinity of the mining claims, is practically a wilderness, affords 

all the luxuries and conveniences which are associated with a modern summer hotel in the States, including shower baths, swimming 

pools, comfortable rooms with hot and cold water, fresh milk, eggs, 

and vegetables. The farm of several acres is cultivated by modern 

methods. An extensive system of hothouses furnishes means of 

maturing many varieties of fruit and vegetables that could not 

otherwise be raised, even in the warm ground in the vicinity of the 

springs.

Transportation facilities in this region are reasonably good. Minook 

and Troublesome creeks receive their supplies via the Yukon River 

from Rampart as the distributing point. The Alaska Road Commission has built, up Minook Valley, about 6 miles of road which is 

very good during the dry season and which, as comparatively little 

mining is carried on above that point, meets as well as could be 

expected the needs of this country, where road construction and particularly road maintenance are so expensive. The Baker Creek 

workings are reached via the Tanana River, with Hot Springs as 

distributing point. Mr. Frank Manley, who has done so much 

toward developing that country, constructed during 1906 and 1907 

about 30 miles of road between Hot Springs and Thanksgiving and 

Pioneer creeks. This road was improved during 1908 by the road 

commission and now affords direct and comfortable access to practically all the Baker Creek mines. A road between Hot Springs and 

the Patterson Creek mines was also under construction by the road 

commission during the latter part of the season of 1908. This road 

will follow the right bank of the Baker Slough to within about one-
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 228 PLATE V

 Points of measurement} 

numbers refer to Kst in text

MAP SHOWING LOCATION OF GAGING STATIONS IN RAMPART DISTRICT.
THE EAMPAET DISTRICT. . 61

half mile of its mouth, where the course turns abruptly to the right 

and passes over the divide into the Patterson Creek basin. When 

completed it will afford wagon communication with the Tanana 

River boats, will make possible the transportation of heavy mining 

machinery, and will also do away with the present necessity of packing all the supplies to Patterson Creek a very expensive and tedious 

method, even under the most favorable conditions.

As in the Fairbanks and Circle districts, much valuable ground is 

lying idle or being worked at excessive cost because of the lack of 

water, and some practical means of securing an adequate supply 

becomes more vitally important each year and presents a problem 

which should receive the careful consideration of every mine owner.

GAGING STATIONS.

The following list gives the points in the Rampart district at which 

gages were established or measurements made in 1908. The numbers refer to Plate V.

Gaging stations in Rampart district, 1908.

1. Minook Creek 4| miles above Chapman Creek.

2. Minook Creek below Chapman Creek.

3. Minook Creek above Little Minook Creek.

4. Granite Creek at road crossing.

5. Chapman Creek at mouth.

6. Slate Creek at mouth.

7. Ruby Creek at mouth.

8. Hoosier Creek above and below pipe intake.

9. Hoosier Creek at claim 11 above.

10. Little Minook Junior Creek at mouth.

11. Little Minook Creek at claim 9 above.

12. Hunter Creek at claim 17 above.

13. Hunter Creek at claim 14 above.

14. Troublesome Creek above Quail Creek.

15. Troublesome Creek below Quail Creek.

16. Quail Creek above South Fork and South Fork at mouth.

17. Quail Creek above Nugget Gulch.

18. Russian Creek 3 miles above mouth.

19. Squaw Creek at mouth.

20. West Fork of Tolovana River near Moose Creek.

21. Starvation Creek at mouth.

22. Moose Creek at mouth.

23. Goose Creek below Buckeye Creek.

24. Goose Creek 4 miles above mouth.

25. Buckeye Creek at mouth.

26. Baker Creek at road crossing.

27. North Fork of Baker Creek below Wolverine Creek.

28. Wolyerine Creek 2 miles above mouth.

29. Wolverine Creek at mouth.

30. Alien Creek 5 miles above mouth.

31. Alien Creek at trail crossing.
62 WATEE IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

32. New York Creek at Thanksgiving ditch intake.

33. New York Creek at trail crossing.

34. California Creek at Thanksgiving ditch intake and California Creek branch of 

Thanksgiving ditch near intake.

35. Thanksgiving ditch near outlet.

36. Eureka Creek at claim 14 above.

37. Eureka Creek at claim-5 above.

38. Eureka Creek at mouth.

39. Pioneer Creek at What Cheer Bar ditch intake.

40. What Cheer Bar ditch near Seattle Creek.

41. Hutlinana Creek below Caribou Creek.

42. Hutlinana Creek below Cairo Creek.

43. Ohio Creek at trail crossing.

44. Elephant Gulch at mouth.

45. Goff Creek near mouth.

46. Applegate Creek 1 mile above mouth.

47. Cache Creek at trail crossing.

48. Sullivan Creek 3 miles above mouth.

49. Quartz Creek near mouth.

50. Woodchopper Creek at trail crossing.

MINOOK CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

Minook Creek heads on the northern slope of Eureka Dome, flows 

northeastward for about 4 miles, and then takes a northerly course 

through a remarkably straight valley to the Yukon River, which it 

joins just above Rampart. It is about 25 miles long and drains an 

area of 198 square miles, the major portion being on the east of the 

stream. The basin is covered with a light growth of timber which 

furnishes an ample supply for fuel but very little suitable for milling.

The chief tributaries are Chapman, Hoosier, Little Minook, and 

Hunter creeks from the east and Granite, Ruby, and Slate creeks from 

the west. Above Granite Creek the valley is narrow and V-shaped; 

below that point it broadens out and has perhaps a maximum width 

of one-half mile. The western slope is precipitous throughout the 

entire length, while the eastern slope below Chapman Creek is more 

gradual, with prominent benches. In the upper course the stream 

is crooked, meandering from one side of the valley to the other; the 

lower part is comparatively straight.

The summer and winter trails from Rampart to Eureka coincide 

through the greater part of the distance to a point about 2 miles 

above Granite Creek, where the summer trail crosses the creek and 

passes on to the divide between Eureka and Pioneer creeks. The 

winter trail keeps to the left of Minook Creek, crosses the divide to the 

west of Eureka Dome, and passes down the right limit of Boston 

Creek. The .trail is very difficult to travel, owing to the large quantity of ground ice along its left bank, which keeps it saturated even 

during the driest part of the summer season.
THE RAMPART DISTRICT. 63

"Just below the mouth of Slate Creek the Minook spreads into a 

number of branches in a wide gravel flat. This flat, which is typical 

of many Alaskan streams, is probably due to a change in the grade 

of the creek. The stream here is unable to carry the gravels of the 

swifter water above, and so spreads them upon the flat. Here are 

found the so-called ' winter glaciers,' some of which last through the 

short summers. In 1904 a quarter or half acre of 'winter glacier' still 

remained when the September frosts occurred. This ice owes its 

origin to the fact that, as the water freezes in the fall, the channel is 

greatly narrowed. The resulting hydrostatic pressure cracks the ice 

and the water overflows and freezes. This process is repeated until 

considerable thickness of ice is accumulated." 0

MINOOK CREEK ABOVE LITTLE MINOOK CREEK.

A board gage was erected May 25, 1908, by M. E. Koonce on Minook 

Creek just above Little Minook Creek. This gage was read by the 

miners of Hoosier and Little Minook creeks on their way to and from 

Rampart.

Discharge measurements of Minook Creek above Little Minook Creek, 1908.

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.58

1.50

2.50

2.25

2.15

Discharge.

Sec.-feet.

30.4

110.0

82.5

70.9

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1 91

1.86

1.85

2.25

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

5C.9

49.9

50.1

81.9

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Minook Creek above Little Minook Creek, 1908. 

[Elevation, 425 feet; drainage area, 130 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May.

+-s

1 

,a

1 

O

Feet.

June.

I o

a

0> 

bX)

Feet. 

3.6

3.6

2.9

2.8 

2.5

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

160 

159 

147 

110

119 

128 

137 

Kfi

.............. 155

July.

a

'oM

rf

0>%O

Fen. 

2.2

1.9

"2." 4" 

2.5 

2.2

Discharge. .

Sec.-ft. 

77 

73 

69 

65 

58

51

77 

98 

110

77

74 

70 

67 

63 

60

August.

i01

,a

<£

2

o

Feet. 

1.60

~i."7o"

1.70

"i.'eo"

1.57 

1.55

~i'.55 

1.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

33 

34 

36 

38 

38

37 

35 

34 

33 

32

31 

31 

31 

31 

30

September.

4J

3>

0>

a

1 

o

Feet. 

1.70

~2." 65" 

2.50

2.35 

2.25 

2.29 

2.20 

2.15

'i.'90

"i.'85" 

1.85

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

38 

68 

98 

128 

110

92

82 

86 

77 

72

61 

51 

50 

48 

48

« Hess, F. L., The Rampart placers: Bull. U. S. Geol. Survey No. 337, 1908, pp. 67-68.
64 WATER IN YUKON-TAN ANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Minook Creek above Little Minook Creek,

1908 Continued.

Date.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

oc

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

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

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

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

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

31

May.

Gage height.

Feet.

4.70

4.10 

491

415 

4.25

June.

Gage height.

Feet.

3.20 

2.92

2.55

2.20

2.20

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

164 

173 

182 

191 

200

163 

147 

131 

116 

103

90

77 

77 

77 

77

134 

1.03 ......

July.

Gage height.

feet. 

70

1 65

Q9 .92j......

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

56 

53 

49 

46 

42

38 

38 

37 

36 

36

35 

35 

35 

35 

34 

34

56.0 

.431

.50

August.

Gage height.

Feet. 

1.50

1.65

1.60 

1.65

1.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35

35 

35 

34 

33 

35

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38

340

.262

.30

September.

Gage height.

feet.

2.25

1.80

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

59 

70 

82 

72 

62

51 

44

70.4 

.542 

.44

GRANITE CREEK.

Granite Creek rises opposite Alien Creek in the Baker-Minook 

divide and flows in a northeast direction, entering Minook Creek 

about 16 miles from the Yukon. It is about 8 miles long and is the 

third largest tributary of Minook Creek. The lower valley is 

V-shaped, with steep rocky slopes, and the bed is of heavy bowlders 

intermixed with gravel. The upper valley was not visited.

The following measurement was made near the mouth August 8, 

1908: Discharge, 5.7 second-feet; drainage area, 26.9 square miles; 

discharge, 0.212 second-foot per square mile.

CHAPMAN CREEK.

Chapman Creek enters Minook Creek from the east about 1 mile 

below Granite Creek. It heads on the north slope of Elephant 

Mountain and is about 5 miles long. Considerable work has been 

done on the creek and favorable prospects have been found, but no 

actual mining has been carried on.

The following measurement was made August 8, 1908, near the 

mouth: Discharge, 2.9 second-feet; drainage area, 14.8 square miles; 

discharge, 0.196 second-foot per square mile.
THE RAMPART DISTRICT. 65

SLATE CREEK.

Slate Creek is tributary to Minook Creek about 12 miles from the 

Yukon. It heads on the north slope of Baldy Mountain and has a 

length of 5 miles, with an average grade of nearly 350 feet per mile. 

The valley is V-shaped near the mouth and unsymmetrical toward 

the headwaters of the stream, with rugged slopes well covered with 

timber. This creek has been worked since 1902, and good values are 

said to have been found.

The following measurement was made near the mouth August 8, 

1908: Discharge, 2.2 second-feet; drainage area, 7.9 square miles; 

discharge, 0.278 second-foot per square mile.

RUBY CREEK.

Ruby Creek, the first western tributa'ry of importance, enters 

Minook Creek about 8 miles from the Yukon and 3 miles above the 

mouth of Hoosier Creek. Its course is northeastward, parallel to 

that of Slate Creek. It is about 8 miles long.

The valley is sharp cut and unsymmetrical. The right side has 

several small tributaries, while the left is broken only by mere rills.

The producing claims are all within 1| miles of the mouth. Prospecting above that point has been hampered by live water in the 

gravels.

On August 8, 1908, a measurement was made as follows: Discharge, 1.7 second-feet; drainage area, 10.6 square miles: discharge, 

0.160 second-foot per square mile.

HOOSIER CREEK.

Hoosier Creek rises in the high divide at the head of Chapman 

Creek and flows northwestward, emptying into Minook Creek from the 

right about 5 miles above its mouth. Practically the only mining on 

this creek in 1908 was at claim 14 above where a hydraulic elevator 

was in operation during a portion of the season. A gaging station was 

established on claim 11 above, August 16, and readings taken by M. E. 

Koonce.

Discharge measurements of Hoosier Creek at claim 11 above, 1908.

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.35

.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.7

20.6

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.57

.43

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

14.5

7.2

81007 IRR 228 09-
66 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Hoosier. Creek at claim 11 above, 1908.

[Elevation, 600 feet; drainage area, 25.7 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13

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

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

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

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

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

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

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.35 

.35 

.35

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

4.7 

4.7 

4.7 

4.7

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.40

.85 

.70 

.70 

.55 

.65 

.55

.50

.45 

.45 

.45 

.43 

.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

8.0 

25.0

42.0 

25.4 

25.4 

13.0 

20.6 

13.0 

11.6

10.2 

9.5

o n

8.5 

8.0 

8.0 

8.0 

7.7 

10.2 

9.1

Day.

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

21

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.35

22............... ....... 90

21

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

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

28

2J. .... ....

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

01

Mean...... 

Mean per square

Run-off, depthin 

inches ...

.35

I

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.7 

4.7 

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.7 '

4.7

4.7

4.70 

.183

.10

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.45 

.35

........

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

8.0 

4.7

13.6 

.529 

.41

LITTLE MINOOK JUNIOR CREEK.

Little Minook Junior Creek is a small tributary of Minook Creek and 

drains a small area between the mouths of Little Minook and Hoosier 

creeks.

It is about 2^ miles long. The lower valley has a heavy grade and 

is sharply V-shaped. The upper valley has more gentle slopes and 

a lower stream gradient.

But little mining work was accomplished during the summer of 

1908, owing to the lack of water, although some very rich ground was 

said to have been found. The stream probably seldom furnishes a 

sluice head of water except during the spring run-off.

A measurement was made near the mouth on September 5, 1908: 

Discharge, 0.32 second-foot; drainage area, 1.3 square miles; discharge, 0.246 second-foot per square mile.

LITTLE MINOOK CREEK.

Little Minook Creek is tributary to Minook Creek about 5 miles 

from the Yukon. Its drainage basin lies between Hunter and Hoosier 

creeks and is entirely surrounded by them. The course of the stream 

is parallel to that of Hunter Creek, with the same pronounced bend 

to the left about 3 miles from its mouth. The valley is sharply 

V-shaped with precipitous slopes, sparsely covered with small timber. 

This stream has been the largest producer of the Minook basin, but it 

has been worked in a rather unsystematic manner on account of the 

many different owners. Underground water also has caused considerable trouble, making it necessary to abandon some ground shown
THE EAMPAET DISTRICT. 67

to be rich.. No pay has been found above claim 9 above. A favorite 

method of removing the overburden of muck and gravel during the 

open season is by means of automatic dams (PL VII, B}. A 

gaging station was established on this stream at claim 9 above on 

June 21, 1908, and readings were taken by Messers. Nelson, Cummings, 

and Larson.

Discharge measurements of Little Minook Creek at claim 9 above, 1908.

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet.

.79

1.17

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

0.75

.67

6.8

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.98

.91

Discharge.

Sec.-feet. 

2.5

1.3

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Little Minook Creek at claim 9 above, 1908. 

[Elevation, 900 feet; drainage area, 5.9 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9<;

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

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

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

29

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

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

1.17 

1.08 

1.00 

.92

.92

.92 

.92 

.92 

.92 

.92

6.8 

4.2 

2.6 

1.6

1.6

1.6 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

2.48

49fi

.16

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.92 

.92 

.92 

.83 

.83

.92 

1.08 

1.50 

1.42 

1.33

1.33

.92 

.83

.83 

.75 

.75

.75

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1.60 

1.60 

1.60

.87 

.87

1.60 

4.20 

26.40 

20.50 

14.60

1460

6.00

1.60

.87

.87 

.62 

.62 

.62

.62

.62

.62

.62

.62

.62

.62

RO

.62

.62

3.78

.79

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.75 

.83

.79

.79

.83

.83

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

0.62 

.87 

.84 

.82 

.80

.78

.76 

.74

.72

.70 

.70

.70

.70

.70

.70 

.76

.82

.87 

.87

.87

.87

.87

.87

.87

.87

.87

.87

.87

.87

.87

.87

.800

.136

.16

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.08 

1.17 

1.21 

1.17

.98

.91

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.2 

6.8 

10.1 

6.8 

5.3

3.8 

2.3 

' 2.2 

2.1 

2.0

1.9 

1.8 

1.7 

1.6 

1.4

3.60 

.610 

.34
68 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

HUNTER CREEK.

Hunter Creek, the largest tributary of Minook Creek, enters it from 

the right about 3 miles from its mouth. It flows northward to its 

junction with 47 Pup, where it makes a right-angle turn to the west, 

entering Minook Creek about 6 miles farther on. It is a crooked 

stream about 12 miles long, and has a narrow V-shaped valley and 

rough precipitous slopes. The lower part of the valley on the right 

side is marked by a very pronounced bench which so far has furnished 

the chief gold-bearing gravels. Hunter Creek has a particularly 

heavy growth of timber, much of which would be suitable for saw logs.

Two hydraulic plants were in operation on this creek during 1908 

one on Discovery claim and one on claim 17 above. A gaging station 

was established on this stream at claim 17 above, August 11,-1908, 

and regular readings were taken by S. M. Wheeler.

Discharge measurements of Hunter Creek at claim 17 above, 1908.

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet.

.90

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.5

17.9

Date. Gage 

height:

Feet. 

0.79

.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

12.7

8.4

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Hunter Creek at claim 17 above, 1908. 

[Elevation 600 feet; drainage area, 33.4 square miles.]

Day.

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

0.50 

.55 

.50 

.50 

.50

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50

4.5 

5.5 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.60 

.75 

1.05 

1.10 

1.00

.90 

.85 

.85

.79

.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

6.6 

11.4 

25.1 

27.7 

22.6

17.9 

15.6 

15.6 

14.1

12.6

11.1 

9.6

,

........j. .......

Date.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mean per square

Run-off, depth iu

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.55 

.50 

.45 

.50 

.50

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.55

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5.5 

4.5 

3.7 

4.5 

4.5

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

5.5

4 60

.138 

.11

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

15.8 

.473 

.14
THE KAMPART DISTRICT. 69

MISCELLANEOUS MEASUREMENTS.

The following measurements, not previously listed, were made in 

the Minook Creek drainage basin in 1908.

Miscellaneous measurements in Minook Creek drainage basin, 1908.

Date.

Do.........

Do.........

Stream and locality, Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

9.2

58.3

21.2

21.2

33.4

1.3

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.9

7.1

4.8

11.1

1.2

2.3

.32

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-ft. 

0.315

.122

.226

.523

.069

.246

TROUBLESOME CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION,

Troublesome Creek rises southeast of Wolverine Mountain, between 

the headwaters of Hutlinana Creek and the West Fork of the Tolovana River, and flows northeastward for about 40 miles, entering 

Hess Creek 10 miles from the Yukon River.

No study of this creek was made below the mouth of Quail Creek, 

but it is said to follow a winding course, meandering from one side 

of the valley to the other through soft mucky soil, abounding with 

" niggerheads " and a thick growth of small trees which make travel 

slow and tedious. It also has steep, high slopes which make it very 

difficult of approach.

The main and tributary valleys at the head are almost canyon-like 

in appearance, being shut in by rocky, barren ridges which are high 

and precipitous.

Troublesome Creek seems to be the only one near enough .to the 

Rampart mines with sufficient run-off and gradient to be worthy of 

consideration as a possible water supply for the development of 

hydro-electric power to be transmitted to that region. The approximate average grade of the stream below the mouth of Quail Creek is 

45 feet per mile, ranging from 150 feet per mile at the upper limit to 

18 feet per mile at the mouth.

About 7 miles from the head Troublesome Creek receives Quail 

Creek, its first important tributary. Quail Creek heads opposite 

Hoosier Creek and flows eastward, draining the north slope of Wolverine Mountain. It is about 5 miles long and. drains an area of 20.6 

square miles. The south slope of its basin is rocky and barren, 

rising precipitously to the summit of Wolverine Mountain. On the 

north the valley has a very gentle approach and is covered with a
WATER IN YtJKOtf-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

heavy growth of wild grass which furnishes excellent forage for pack 

animals. The stream is lined with a dense growth of willows in the 

upper portion, and near the mouth is a growth of spruce suitable for 

cabin and fuel purposes. A trail from Rampart to the mouth of 

Quail Creek, a distance of about 20 miles, follows up the right side 

of Little Minook Creek, crosses the divide, and passes diagonally 

down the long, gentle slope on the left side of Quail Creek.

Considerable work was being done on the creek during the summer 

of 1908, and gold values were said to have been found in the gravels. 

The work thus far carried on has been prospecting rather than actual 

mining.

The South Fork joins Quail Creek about a mile above Troublesome 

Creek and is its largest tributary.

TROUBLESOME CREEK BELOW QUAIL-CREEK.

A gaging station was established on Troublesome Creek below the 

mouth of Quail Creek, August 12, 1908, and regular readings were 

taken by C. F. W. Cassidy.

Discharge measurements of Troublesome Creek below Quail Creek, 1908.

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.75

73

1.07

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

7 9

6.2 9>; 4.

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.20

1.30

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

35.7

50.4

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Troublesome Creek below Quail Creek, 1908. 

[Elevation 1,750 feet; drainage area 43.2 square miles.]

Day.

1

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9

10............... ........'........

11 .

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

10

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

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

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

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

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

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

0.75

.73

.72 

.75 

.78 

.79

7.0 

6.7 

6.4 

6.3

6.2 

7.0 

8.0 

8.3

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.86 

1.04 

1.2 

1.3

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

11.2 

23.2 

38.0 

48.0 

46.0

43.0 

41.0

37.5

34.6

........ 32. 0

1.11 29.2

1.1 

1.03 

.90

28.3 

22.4 

13.4 

13.0 

12.6 

12.2 

10.9 

10.6

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mean per square

Run-off, depth in

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.79 

.78 

.78 

.75 

.73 

.75 

.78 

.75

.82 

.80 

.78

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

8.3 

8.0 

8.0 

7.0 

6.4 

7.0 

8.0 

7.0 

8.0 

9.4 

8.6 

8.0

7.48

.173

.13

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.82 

.68 

.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

10.3 

10.0 

9.8 

9.6 

5.2 

4.0

22.2 

.518 

.48
THE EAMPART DISTRICT. 71

MISCELLANEOUS MEASUREMENTS.

The following measurements were made to determine the proportional discharge of Troublesome Creek and its tributaries:

Miscellaneous measurements in Troublesome Creek drainage basin, 1908.

Date.

Do.........

Do.........

Do.........

Stream and locality. Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

21,4

13.3

17.6

3.7

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.5

2.8

4.3

1.4

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-ft. 

0.117

.210

.244

.378

MINOR YUKON RIVER DRAINAGE. 

v RUSSIAN CREEK.

Russian Creek enters Yukon River from the south about 4 miles 

below Rampart. It has an unsymmetrical valley with steep slopes 

and a rather broad bottom land, thickly covered with small trees. 

It is about 8 miles long and flows in a general northerly direction.

A measurement was made about 3 miles above the mouth on September 19,1908, as follows: Discharge, 1.9 second-feet; drainage area, 

9.9 square miles; discharge, 0.192 second-foot per square mile.

SQUAW CREEK.

Squaw Creek enters Yukon River just above Rampart, directly 

opposite Minook Creek. The creek was not seen above the mouth, 

but the upper valley is said to have a valuable growth of timber, 

and plans were being made to install a portable sawmill on the creek 

during the winter of 1908-9. Considerable winter prospecting has 

been done, but no values are reported. A measurement was made 

September 11, 1908, at the mouth, which gave a discharge of 27.7 

second-feet.

WEST FORK OF TOLOVANA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN. 

DESCRIPTION.

The West Fork of Tolovana River is formed by three main 

arteries Goose, Starvation, and Moose creeks which flow northeastward in generally parallel courses the greater portion of their 

length. They are separated by bench-like divides which rise 600 to 

800 feet above the valley bottoms.

Goose Creek is- the largest of the three and drains the highest 

ground. Sawtooth Mountain, rising high above it on the north, contributes the greater part of the run-off. The valley has an average 

width of perhaps one-fourth mile and is rather difficult to travel,
72 WATER IN YUKON-TAN AN A REGION, 1907-1903.

having an extra thickness of the prevalent moss and containing 

many "niggerheads" in a bed of muck and water. The bottom land 

is dotted with clumps of spruce and birch, but the timber generally 

is small. The creek crosses from side to side of the valley, and its 

gravelly bed contains large bowlders. The right slope is steep and 

makes a sharp angle with the bottom land and is unbroken by any 

noticeable water courses below Buckeye Creek. The left bank is 

marked by numerous feeders with deep-cut valleys extending back 

for several miles.

Buckeye Creek is tributary to Goose Creek from the left about 10 

miles from the mouth. It has shown sufficient gold to warrant careful prospecting. The creek, however, probably never furnishes sufficient water for anything more than the washing of spring dumps.

Starvation and Moose creeks were visited only at the mouth, but 

as seen from a distance the lower valleys appeared to have the same 

general characteristics as those of Goose Creek.

MEASUREMENTS.

Miscellaneous measurements in West Fork of Tolovana River drainage basin, 1908.

Date.

August 13...... 

Do. ........

Do.........

Do.........

Do.........

Stream and locality.

West Fork of Tolovana River near Moose Creek. . .

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

43.8 

23.8

19.8

41.0

20.8

10.6

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.0 

2.2

1.9

3.2

1.6

.20

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-ft. 

0.091 

.092

.096

.078

.077

.019

BAKER CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

Baker Creek and its tributaries drain a roughly fan-shaped area 542 

square miles in extent. The greatest width of this basin from east to 

west is 37 miles, and its greatest width from north to south, 21 miles.

The name Baker Creek is applied to the extreme western fork. It 

heads near Sullivan Creek on the south slope of Roughtop Mountain 

and flows eastward for about 17 miles; it then makes a right-angle 

turn to the south around the north end of Bean Ridge which it follows closely for about 4 miles below the turn, where it crosses the flat 

and receives its two largest tributaries, Hutlinana and Hutlitakwa 

creeks, which drain over half the entire area. It is about 28 miles 

long and enters the Tanana 70 miles from the Yukon.

The system of main and tributary streams is very unsymmetrical, 

about 88 per cent of the area lying on the left side. South of the 

creek the country rises abruptly to the summit of Bean Ridge and
THE RAMPART DISTRICT. 73

furnishes no tributaries of importance. On the north the valley 

spreads out into a broad, alluvial flat with a very gradual slope until 

near the head of the tributaries, where it rises abruptly to the summit 

of the divide.

No values have yet been found on the main creek, the chief producing creeks being Thanksgiving, Glenn, Eureka, and Pioneer.

The basin as a whole is favored with an abundant and diversified 

growth of timber. In the upper drainage this growth is small, but 

has furnished sufficient supply for fuel and cabins; on the flats, particularly in the lower valley of the Hutlinana, there is considerable 

spruce suitable for milling. Several sawmills have been in operation 

during the past two or three winters, but their output has been mainly 

flume lumber. On the slope near Hot Springs there is a heavy growth 

of birch and poplar.

Baker Creek has such a low gradient that its water can never be 

conveyed to any of the present mines by a gravity system, but as a 

supply for pumping it is ample, and it is so situated that it is worth 

consideration for that purpose.

BAKER CREEK AT ROAD CROSSING.

A gaging station was established on Baker Creek just above the 

road crossing, and below Eureka Creek. The gage is referred to a 

stake driven in the left bank about 15 feet from the gage, the top of 

which is 6.33 feet above the gage datum. Readings were taken twice 

a day by Charles H. Dickson, but as no measurements were made 

during the higher stages in September, no daily discharges can be 

computed.

Discharge measurements of Baker Creek at road crossing, 1908.

Date. Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.00

1.03

.98

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

41.2

44.5

42.8

ALLEN CREEK.

Alien Creek, which enters the North Fork of Baker Creek about 1\ 

miles above the mouth of New York Creek, is about 8 miles long. It 

flows southwestward in a winding course between deep-cut, mucky 

banks, splitting at many places into several channels, causing numerous island-like formations. The banks are lined with an almost 

impenetrable growth of willows. The left slope is rocky and barren 

and in some places rises almost vertically from 600 to 800 feet above 

the stream. The right side of the valley, which furnishes the greater
74 WATEB IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

part of the run-off, slopes gradually to the summit, which is capped 

by rocky cliffs. Alien Creek has been considered as a possible auxiliary water supply for the Thanksgiving Creek mines.

The following measurements were made August 22, 1908, at trail 

crossing: One mile above mouth, discharge, 4.9 second-feet; drainage 

area, 15.3 square miles; discharge, 0.320 second-foot per square mile. 

Five miles above mouth, discharge, 2.7 second-feet; drainage area, 

5.9 square miles; discharge, 0.457 second-foot per square mile.

NEW YORK CREEK AT THANKSGIVING DITCH INTAKE.

New York Creek rises in a rather low saddle opposite the headwaters of Minook Creek and flows southwest ward about 10 miles to 

North Fork of Baker Creek. The upper valley of this creek is narrow, 

V-shaped, and precipitous.

June 6, 1908, a gage was installed on New York Creek above the 

intake to Thanksgiving ditch, and daily readings were taken by 

employees of Frank G. Manley.

Discharge measurements of New York Creek at Thanksgiving ditch intake, 1908.

Date.

July 7. .........

Hydrographer.

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

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

C. E. Ellsworth. ...............................................

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

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.40

.34

.05

.09

.12

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5.3

4.5

.71

1.1

1.4

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of New York Creek at Thanksgiving ditch

intake, 1908. 

[Elevation, 800 feet; drainage area, 4.7 square miles.]

Day.

1

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

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

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

5................................... ..-..-..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1C....................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

0.40 

.35 

.55 

.30 

.25.

.25 

.25 

.20 

.30 

.40

.30 

.25 

.25 

.25 

.40

.30 

.25 

.20 

.20

.15

Discharge.

Sec.-ft,

5.4 

4.5 

8.2 

3.7 

3.0

3.0 

3.0 

2.3 

3.7 

5.4

3.7 

3.0 

3.0 

3.0 

5.4

3.7 

3.0 

2.3 

2.3

1.7

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.05

.05

.10

.05

.05

.05 

.05 

.05 

.05 

.15

.10 

.05 

.05 

.05

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

0.7

.7

1.2

.7

.7

.7 

.7 

.7 

.7 

1.7

1.2

.7 

.7 

.7

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.10 

.05 

.05

.05

.05 

.05

.05 

.05

.25 

.20

.15 

.15 

.10 

.10

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

1.2

.7 

.7

.7 

.7 

.7

.7 

.7

.7

L4 

3.0 

2.3

1.7 

1.7 

1.2 

1.2 

1.4

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.40 

.35 

.50 

.35 

.30

.25 

.35 

.30 

.25

.20 

.20 

.20 

.20 

.25

.20

.25 

.55 

.50 

.45

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5.4 

4.5 

7.2 

4.5 

3.7

3.4 

3.0 

4.5 

3.7 

3.0

2.3 

2.3 

2.3 

2.3 

3.0

2.3 

3.0 

8.2

7.2 

6.3
THE RAMPART DISTRICT. 75

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of New York Creek at Thanksgiving ditch 

intake, 1908 Continued.

Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

June.

Gage, 

height.

Feet. 

.10 

.10 

.10 

.10 

.05

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1.2 

1.2 

1.2 

1.2 

.7

3.15

R9

July.

Gage, 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

179

.09

August.

Gage, 

height.

Feet. 

.15 

.10 

.10 

.10

.10

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1.7 

1.2 

1.2 

1.2

1.2 

3.0

1.29

.275

.25

September.

Gage, 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

4.10 

.873 

.C5

CALIFORNIA CREEK AT THANKSGIVING DITCH INTAKE.

California Creek enters New York Creek from the right about 5 

miles from its source.

August 7, 1908, a gage was installed on California Creek above the 

intake to Thanksgiving ditch and daily readings were taken by 

employees of Frank G. Manley.

Discharge measurements of California Creek at Thanksgiving ditch intake, 1908.

Date.

August 18. ........................................................................

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.00

1.03

Discharga

Sec.-ft. 

2.4

2.9

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of California Creek at Thanksgiving ditch

intake, 1908. 

[Elevation, 825feei; drainage area, 6.7 square miles.]

Day.

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

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

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

g

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

1.00 

1.00 

1.00

i.66

1.00 

1.00

1.00 

1.00 

1.03 

1.05 

1.00

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

2.4 

2,4 

2.4

2.4 

2.4 

2.4 

2.4 

2.4

2.4 

2.4 

2.9 

3.2 

2.4

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.10 

1.15 

1.25 

1.20 

1.15

1.10 

1.15 

1.10 

1.05

1.10 

1.05 

1.05 

1.10 

1.10

1.05 

1.11 

1.30 

1.30 

1.25

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.2 

5.2 

7.5 

6.3 

5.2

4.7

4.2 

5.2 

4.2 

3.2

4.2

3.2 

3.2 

4.2 

4.2

3.2 

4.4 

8.7 

8.7 

7.5

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

26..;............

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

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

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

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

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

Mean per square

Run-off, depth in

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.00 

1.00 

1.00 

1.00

1.00 

1.00 

1.00 

1.00 

1.00

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.4 

2.4 

2.4 

2.4 

2.4

2.4 

2.4 

2.4 

2.4 

2.4

2.45

.366

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

5.07 

.757 

.56
76 WATEE IN YUKON-TAN ANA REGION, 1907-1908.

THANKSGIVING DITCH NEAR OUTLET.

Thanksgiving ditch taps New York and California creeks a short 

distance above their confluence. It is about 4 miles long and supplies water for use on Thanksgiving Creek, a small tributary of Baker 

Creek and one of the richest in the Rampart region. The chief 

workings so far have been near the head of the creek. Prospecting 

with a churn drill has been carried on below the present workings 

and also between Thanksgiving and Omega creeks.

During the early part of the season of 1908 much money was spent 

in constructing bed-rock flumes,, installing machinery, and breaking 

the ground preparatory to stripping, but owing to the exceptionally 

low water the work was much curtailed.

A steam scraper for use in removing tailings from the sluice boxes 

was in operation on this creek during part of the season. It was of 

the bottomless type, with a capacity of 2 cubic yards. A 35-horsepower boiler and a 3-drum hoist, operated by one man, moved 150 

cubic yards of dirt an average distance of 150 feet on 1 cord of wood.

A gage was established on this ditch June 6, 1908, about onefourth mile above the outlet.

Discharge measurements of Thanksgiving ditch near outlet, 1908.

Date.

July 7... .......

August 29. .....

Hydrographer.

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

A. V. Thorns. .................................................

C. E. Ellsworth ...............................................

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

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

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.20

1.20

.60

.60

.68

.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

11.2

10.7

2.9

2.1

2.7

1.8

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Thanksgiving ditch near outlet, 1908.

Day.

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

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

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

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

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

7-.--.-.--...--.-...-...-............

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.20 

1.05 

1.20 

1.10 

1.05

.95 

.95 

.90 

1.10 

1.25

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

10.9 

7.9 

10.9 

8.9 

7.9

6.1 

6.1 

5.3 

8.9 

12.0

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.65 

.60 

.75 

.70

.60

.60 

.60 

.65 

.60 

.70

.65 

.65 

.60 

.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.4 

2.1 

3.3 

2.8

2.1

2.1 

2.1 

2.4 

2.1 

2.8

2.4 

2.4 

2.1 

2.1

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.60 

.55 

.55

.50

.50 

.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

2.1 

1.8 

1.8

1.7 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.90 

.95 

1.20 

1.10 

1.00

.90 

1.05 

.95 

.90

.80 

.75 

.75 

.80 

.85

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5.3 

6.1 

10.9 

8.9 

7.0

6.2 

5.3 

7.9 

6.1 

5.3

3.9 

3.3 

3.3 

3.9 

4.5
THE RAMPART DISTRICT. 77 

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Thanksgiving ditch near outlet, 1908 Cont'd.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1.10 

1.05

1.10 

1.00 

1.10

1.25 

1.00 

.90 

.80 

.70

.70 

.70 

.70 

.70 

.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

8.9 

7.9

8.9 

7.0 

8.9

12.0 

7.0 

5.3 

3.9 

2.8

2.8 

2.8 

2.8 

2.8 

2.4

........ 6. 84

l

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

........

'

.......

'

1

........ 2. 37

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.50 

.55

.80 

.70

.70 

.70

.65

.65

.65 

.60 

.60 

.60 

.60

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

1.6 

1.8 

2.8 

3.9 

2.8

2

0 

 o

2

0

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4 

2.1 

2.1 

2.1

2.1 

3.7

2.25

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.80 

.85 

1.25 

1.20 

1.15

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3.9 

4.5 

12.0 

10.9 

9.9

,

6.46

CALIFORNIA CREEK BRANCH OF THANKSGIVING DITCH NEAR INTAKE.

June 6, 1908, a gage was placed in the California Creek branch a 

short distance below the intake, and was read by employees of 

Frank G. Manley.

Discharge measurements of California branch of Thanksgiving ditch near intake, 1908.

Date.

June 6.........

July?.........

Aueust 18. .....

Hydrographer.

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

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

C. E. Ellsworth. ..................................................

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

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.85 

1.02

.65

.64

.72

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

6.0 

7.9 

2.1 

2.0 

2.5

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of California branch of Thanksgiving ditch

near intake, 1908.

Day.

l

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

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

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

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

6

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

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

10.,.,.,.,.,...,.,,,..,,,,..,....,,...

0.85 

.80 

1.00 

.75 

,90

4.4 

3.6 

7.9 

3.0 

5.3

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.65 

.60 

.70 

.65 

.65

.05 

.65 

.60 

.65 

.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.1 

1.8 

2.5 

2.1 

2.1

2.1 

2.1 

1.8 

2.1 

2.5

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

0.65 

.65 

,65

2.1 

2.1 

2.1

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.80 

.'90 

.85 

1.00 

.90

.85

.85 

.85 

.80

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3.6 

5.3 

4.4 

7.9 

5.3

4.4 

4.4 

4.4 

4.4 

3-6
78 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Daily gage height and estimated discharge cf California branch of Thanksgiving ditch 

near intake, 1908 Continued.

Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.80 

.85 

.80 

.90 

.95

.85 

.85 

.85 

.80 

1.30

1.00 

.90 

.80 

.80 

.75

.70 

.70

.70 

.70 fi>;

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3.6 

4.4 

3.6 

5.3 

6.5

4.4 

4.4 

4.4 

3.6 

17.0

7.9 

5.3 

3.6 

3.6 

3.0

2.5 

2.5

2.5 

2.5 

2.1

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.65 

.65 

.65 

.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.1 

2.1 

2.1 

2.1

........

2.08

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.65

.65 

.65

.65 

.65 

.72 

.75 

.70

.70 

.70 

.65 

.65

.65 

.65 

.65

.65 

.65

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.1 

2.1 

2.1 

2.1 

2.1

2.1 

2.1 

2.7 

3.0 

2.5

2.5 

2.5 

2.1 

2.1 

2.1

2.1 

2.1 

2.1

2.1 

2.1

2.1

2.20

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.80 

.75 

.80 

.80 

.75

.80 

1.00 

1.00 

.75 

.95

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3.6 

3.0 

3.6 

3.6 

3.0

3.6 

7.9 

7.9 

3.0 

6.5

4.67

EUREKA CREEK.

Eureka Creek rises in the Minook-Baker divide just east of Eureka 

Dome, flows southwestward for about 5 miles, then takes a more 

southerly course and unites with Baker Creek at the point where that 

creek makes its decided turn to the south. The total length of 

Eureka Creek is about 12 miles. It receives Boston Creek about 5 

miles below its head.

Above Boston Creek the valley resembles that of Pioneer Creek. 

The south side rises abruptly about 600 feet above the stream and 

furnishes no tributaries, while the north slope is gentle and is cut 

by several small streams. Below Boston Creek the valley rapidly 

broadens into Baker Flats, which are covered with a dense growth of 

willows intermixed with some good-sized spruce and which the 

stream crosses in a meandering and sluggish manner through a deepcut, mucky channel.

The main diggings are near the junction of Boston Creek, although 

placer-gold values have been found at several points above.

Miscellaneous measurements of Eureka Creek, 1908.

Date.

Do.........

Locality. Drainage 

area.

Sa . miles. 

2.8

5.8

37.7

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

0.77

1.3

4.8

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-ft. 

0.275

.224

.127
THE RAMPART DISTRICT. 79

PIONEER CREEK.

Pioneer Creek heads in the south slope of Elephant Mountain 

and flows southwestward. It is about 11 miles long and, for about 

5 miles of its course, parallels Eureka Creek, to which it is a tributary, 

some 7 miles from the head.

On the south side, which the creek closely follows, the valley rises 

almost precipitously about 800 feet above the bed of the stream 

and is broken only by small gulches. The north side, in contrast, 

exhibits a very gentle slope marked by a prominent bench which is 

cut at right angles to Pioneer Creek by several small tributaries of 

similar appearance. There is very little timber in the valley, the 

supply being barely sufficient for fuel. Most of the diggings are 

on the north slope. What Cheer Bar, Seattle Bar, Doric Creek, 

Boothby Creek, and Joe Bush Creek cover the principal claims.

A ditch 4 miles long diverts water from Pioneer Creek just above 

Joe Bush Creek and carries it to the What Cheer Bar workings. A 

measurement was made on this ditch near Seattle Creek June 7, 

1908, as follows: Gage height, 1.95 feet; discharge, 10.6 second-feet.

A gaging station was established on this stream at the intake of 

What Cheer Bar ditch June 7, 1908. Daily readings were taken by 

employees of Frank G. Manley.

Discharge measurements of Pioneer Creek at What Cheer Bar ditch intake, 1908.

Date. Hydrographer.

C. 0. Covert ...................................................

.....do............................................ -------------

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

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.95

.65

.50

.52

.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

10.8

4.0

2.6

2.6

7.2

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Pioneer Creek at What Cheer Bar ditch

intake, 1908.

[Elevation, 900 feet; drainage area, 8.1 square miles.]

Day.

1

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

2............................................."........ ........

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

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

5.--.-----.-.. .

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

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

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

0.95 

.85 

.80 

,80

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

10.8 

7.9 

6.6 

6.6

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.55

.55

.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.9 

2.9 

2.9 

2.9 

2.9

2.8

2.7 

2.6 

2.6

2,6

September.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.70 

.67 

.78 

.72

.63

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

4.7 

3.7 

6.2 

4.8 

4.4

4.0 

3.7 

. 3.6 

3.4 

3-2
80 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Pioneer Creek at What Cheer Bar ditch

intake, 1908 Continued.

Day.

10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

29

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

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

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

.70 

.85 

.95

.85 

.80 

.75

.75

.70

.65 

.65 

.60 

.60 

.60

.55

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5.6

5.6

4.7 

7.9 

10.8

7.9 

6.6 

5.6

5.6

4.7

4.0 

4.0 

3.4 

3.4 

3.4

3.4

3 4

2.9 

2.9

2.9

5

AA

.672

.60

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

0.50

.55

.50

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

2.6

2.6

2.6 

2.7

2.8 

2.9

2.9 

2.9

2.9 

2.9

2.9

2.9

2.8

. 2.7

2.6

2.6

2.6

2.6 

3.1 

3.6

4.1

2.52

.311

.3fi

September.

Gage 

height .

Feet.

0.51

.60

.80 

.75

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

3.0 

2.8 

2.6 

3.0 

3.4

4.2 

5.0 

5.8 

6.6 

5.6

4.18 

.516 

.39

NOTE. As there was practically no rain in this section during July it is presumable that the discharge 

for the month averaged not to exceed 2.9 second-feet.

HUTLINANA CREEK.

Hutlinana Creek is tributary to Baker Creek about 7 miles 

above its mouth, near the southern border of the Baker Flats. Its 

course is in general parallel to that of Eureka Creek. For the first 

mile or two the stream flows nearly due north; it then turns gradually 

toward the west, passing the south slope of Wolverine Mountain, 

and finally takes a general southwesterly course to the mouth. It 

has a broad, gravelly bed with sharp banks and follows a winding 

course, making many abrupt turns in passing from one side of the 

valley to the other. In general, however, it keeps near the left side. 

The topography of Hutlinana Valley presents strong contrasts 

from Wolverine Mountain, with an elevation of 4,600 feet, to the 

marshy, alluvial Baker Flats.

Above Elephant Creek the east side of Hutlinana Valley rises 

precipitously and is broken by fewer tributaries than the west side, 

which is cut by many small streams, and exhibits a gradual, benchlike slope for a considerable distance back from the stream, beyond 

which it rises rapidly to the summit of Elephant and Wolverine 

mountains. The gravelly valley bottom forms a water course of
THE RAMPART DISTRICT. 81

such nature that during a period of protracted drought 50 per cent 

or even more of the run-off may pass beneath the surface. Many 

other streams in the Rampart region have the same characteristic 

feature.

The valley contains a heavy growth of timber, much of which is 

suitable for milling. A sawmill has teen in operation on the creek, 

and, considering the value of sawed lumber, it is surprising that 

such work is not carried on more extensively.

About 1 mile below Elephant Gulch a hot spring rises in the bed 

of the creek of a temperature and size sufficient to prevent the creek 

from freezing for a considerable distance below, even during the 

intense cold of the winter months. In the vicinity of the spring there 

are Several acres of warm ground, now covered with a luxuriant growth 

of large spruce, poplar, and birch, which on clearing would be suitable 

for agriculture. Mr. F. E. Diver has taken up a homestead about the 

spring, and during the summer of 1908 he constructed a large cabin 

that could be used as a road house, put under cultivation some small 

patches of ground, and successfully raised several varieties of vegetables. If paying mines should be developed along the creek, Mr. 

Diver would find a ready and profitable market for his produce.

Considerable exploring has been done near the headwaters of the 

creek, but the presence of ground water and the lack of suitable 

machinery have prevented systematic prospecting and the working 

of ground that, under more favorable conditions, might yield gold in 

paying quantities.

Prospecting with a churn drill was probably done on Hutlinana 

Creek during the winter of 1908-9.

A gage was installed June 9, 1908, on the left bank a short distance 

below Cairo Creek, from which readings were taken during the summer by F. E. Diver. On September 1, 1908, a gage was installed 

above Cairo Creek on the left bank, about 500 feet below the hot 

springs, from which all subsequent readings will be made.

Discharge measurements of Hutlinana Creek below Cairo Creek, 1908.

Date.

June 9 ......... 

June 25........

August 19......

September 1....

Hydrographer.

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

C . E . Ellsworth ...................................................

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

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

1,32 

1.00

.50

165

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

76.3 

41.2

10.5

14.9

31007 IRE 228 09 6
82 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Daily gage height and estimated discharge of Hutlinana Creek below Cairo Creek, 1908. 

[Elevation, 1,050 feet; drainage area, 44.2 square miles.]

Day.

1

June.

Gage 

height.

Feet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16: ....................................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26

1.30 

1.30

1.50 

1.60 

1.70 

1.70

1.50 

1.40 

1.30

1.10 

1.10 

1.10 

1.00

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

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

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

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

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

Mean . .

.90 

.90 

.80

Discharge.

Sec.-fl.

74.0 

74.0

85.6 

97.0 

109 

122 122*

109 

97 

85.6 

74.0 

66.0

59.4 

51.8 

51.8 

51.8 

41.4

37.6 

34.7

32 0 

32.0 

24.0

..

Run-off, depth in inches ....... ........

69 6 

1 57 

1.28

July.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.90 

.90

.80

.80 

.80

.80 

.80

.80

.70

.70

.70

.60

Discharge.

Sec.-fl. 

32.0 

32.0 

31.0

30.0

29.0

28.0

27.0

26 0 

25.0 

24.0

24.0 

24.0 

24.0

24.0 

24.0

24 0 

22 6 

21.3

20 0 

18.7

17.4 

17.4

17.4 

17.4

17.4

17 4 

15 8 

14.3 

12 8 

12 8 

12.8

22 0

498

.58

August.

Gage 

height.

Feet. 

0.60

........

.50 

.50

.50

Discharge.

Sec.-fl . 

12.8 

12.7 

12.6 

12.5 

12.4

12.3 

12.2 

12.1 

12.0 

12.0

11.8 

11.7 

11.6 

11.4 

11.3

11.2 

11.0 

10.8 

10.5 

10.5

10 5

11.7 

. 2i 55 

.20

MISCELLANEOUS MEASUEEMENTS.

Most of the miscellaneous measurements made in the Baker Cree^ 

drainage basin are given in the following table.

Ohio Creek and Elephant Gulch are small tributaries of Hutlinana 

Creek from the right near the headwaters. Goff and Applegate 

creeks, the two largest tributaries of Hutlinana Creek, enter it from 

the east about 12 miles from the head. Applegate Creek is said to 

have several good-sized thermal springs in its upper drainage which 

furnish the greater portion of the run-off during the low-water seasor.

The measurements on Hutlinana Creek below the mouth of Caribon 

Oreek were made about 500 feet below the proposed ditch intake, as 

determined by surveys made during the summer of 1908 in connection 

with the project to convey water from Hutlinana Creek to the Bake** 

Creek mines.
THE RAMPART DISTRICT. 83

Miscellaneous measurements in Baker Creek drainage basin, 1908.

Date.

Do.........

Do.........

August 29. .....

August 20. .....

September 2.. .

Do.........

Do.........

Do.........

Stream and locality.

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

What Cheer Bar ditch near Seattle Creek. .........

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

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles. 

19.7

6.2

8.2

17.3

16.1

16.1

3.2

3.3

11.4

18.9

Discharge.

Sec.-ft. 

5.2

2.1

9 fi

ol.4

11.1

1.7

4.0

1.9

3.1

.93

1.1

2.4

2.8

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-ft. 

0.264

.339

.317

.118

.192

.290

.333

.211

.148

o 1.7 second-feet diverted above point of measurement. 

PATTERSON CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN.

Patterson Creek is formed by the junction of Sullivan and Cache 

oreeks and is tributary to Tanana River about 40 miles below the 

mouth of Baker Creek. It drains an area of low relief, the most 

prominent feature of which is Bean Ridge on the south, which furlishes several small tributaries. Woodchopper Creek is tributary 

to Patterson Creek about 6 miles from the Tanana.

Sullivan Creek, the right fork of Patterson Creek, rises on the 

louth slope of Roughtop Meunt, and for about 10 miles flows a little 

west of south through a wide valley with gentle slopes and high, 

'^road benches. Birch and spruce timber suitable for cabins and 

fuel is abundant in the lower valley.

Values were located on Sullivan Creek by Messrs. Snyder and 

Kemper January 1, 1907, just befow the mouth of Tufty Gulch, 

^ince which time work on Discovery and one or two other claims has 

been successfully carried on. The bench on the left side was prospected quite extensively during the summer of 1908, and values are 

^?aid to have been found at several places. Lack of water is apt to 

seriously interfere with extensive operations along the present line 

of exploration. Some prospecting has been done on Cache Creek, 

'mt no values have been found.

A gage was established on Sullivan Creek August 4, 1908, 3 miles 

above the mouth, and readings taken by employees on the ditch, but 

as measurements were made only at low water no daily discharges 

can be computed.
84 WATEE IN YUKON-TANANA KEGION, 1907-1908.

Miscellaneous measurements in Patter son Creek drainage basin, 1908.

Date.

Do.........

August 26. .....

Stream and locality.

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

Drainage 

area.

So. miles. 

22.7

20.7

20.7

8.0

19.7

Gage 

height.

Feet.

6.80

.70

Discharge.

Sec.-ft.

1 9

5.7

4.5

2.8

4.4

Discharge 

per square 

mile.

Seo.-ft. 

0.14)

.275

.217

.350

.223

FIFTYMILE RIVER AT WHITE HORSE.

Since 1902 the White Pass and Yukon Railroad Company has kept 

daily records of the stage of Fiftymile River at White Horse, together 

with the dates of opening and closing of navigation. In 1908 members of the United States Geological Survey, on their way to the 

interior of Alaska, made the following measurements of the river at 

this point.

June 10, gage height, 9| inches; discharge, 4,490 second-feet.

June 16, gage height, 16f inches; discharge, 5,100. second-feet.

Drainage area, 7,630 square miles; discharge, 0.588 and 0.66S 

second-foot per square mile, respectively.

COMPARATIVE DISCHARGE OF DIFFERENT AREAS.

In order to afford a comparison of the discharge of different drainage areas in the Yukon-Tanana region during 1907-1908 the following 

tables have been prepared, showing the minimum daily flow and the 

mean weekly supply in second-feet and, for some streams, in secondfeet per square mile. These tables can be used in estimating the 

discharge of streams in this region having similar drainage areas, 

but such estimates will only roughly approximate the true discharge 

because of the variation of the controlling conditions in the individual drainage basin. "The diagram (fig. 3) is plotted from the 

table of discharge in second-feet per square mile on page 89. It 

illustrates graphically in weekly periods the discharge of various1 

streams in second-feet per square mile, and it has been prepared for 

use in connection with the tables of comparative discharge.

A table of drainage areas of a few of the important streams ir 

this region other than those studied is given on page 89. .If thi? 

table is used in connection with the precipitation records and the 

tables of comparative discharge, it may prove useful in making rougt 

estimates of minimum stream flow in areas for which no data havebeen obtained.
COMPARATIVE DISCHARGE OF DIFFERENT AREAS. 85

Discharge in second-feet per square mile.
86 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1007-1903.

Estimated minimum daily flow of streams in Yukon-Tanana region, 1907-1908. 

FAIRBANKS DISTRICT.

Stream and locality.

Little Chena River above Elliott Creek.

Fish Creek above Fairbanks 

Creek.

McManus Creek at mouth. ......

Creek.

Chatanika River below Poker 

Creek.

Creek. 

Little Chena River below Fish 

Creek. 

Elliott Creek above Sorrels 

Creek.

Fish Creek above Fairbanks 

Creek.

Chatanika River near Faith 

Creek. 

Chatanika River below Poker 

Creek.

Creek.

Creek.

Elevation.

Feet. 

800

800

925

1,400 

1,350

750

700 

800

700 

800 

800

925

750

1,350 

700 

600

600

600

Date.

1907. 

July 22-25, 29- 

31. 

July 31........

July 30-31..... 

July 10. .......

July 10-12.....

July 23, 30-31..

July 4-7, 10....

1908. 

Aug. 11.......

Aug. 12-13.... 

Aug. 4-7,9-13. 

Aug. 3-14.....

Aug. 21-Sept. 

12-13. 

July 17-18, 31-

Aug.6,12-13

July 21-22..... 

Oct. 15-16, 21 . . 

July 23.. ......

July 31........

Minimum 

flow.

Sec-feet. 

42

2.5

6

18 

19.2

15 

54

7.9

167 

28

59 

4.4 

10

12 

22

4.0

82 

179 

18

24

4.5

Drainage 

area.

Sq. miles.

79

13.8

21

39 

51

80 

132

26

456 

79

228 

13.8 

21

39 

90.2

15

132 

456 

117

153

35.8

Minimum 

discharge 

per square 

mile.

Sec.-foot. 

0.532

.181

.286

.462 

,.376

.188 

.409

.304

.366 

.354

.259 

.319 

.476

.308 

.244

.267

.621 

.386 

.154

.157

.126

Duratior 

of record.

July 22- 

Sept.10. 

Do.

Do.

Do. 

June 20.

Do. 

July 17-

Sept.30. 

July 9-

Aug. 14. 

June 20- 

Oct. 14.

May 20-

Aug.26. 

May 1- 

Aug. 27. May 20- 

Aug. 26. 

Do. May 22- 

Aug. 27. 

May 1-

Aug. 27. 

May 13-

Aug. 27. 

July 13- 

Sept.30. May 16- 

Oct. 21. 

May 23-

Sept. 4.

Sept. 4. 

May 23-

Sept. 4.

CIRCLE DISTRICT.

Birch Creek at Four'teenmile 

House. 

Mammoth Creek at Miller House

Porcupine Creek below Bonanza 

Creek.

700 

1,700 

1,900

Aug. 8........

Oct. 10-13.....

825 

13.0 

15.5

2,150 

37.1 

39.9

0.384 

.350 

.388

June £CSept.it'. 

Sept. 8- 

Oct. 13. 

July 4- 

Aug. 10.

RAMPART DISTRICT.

Minook Creek above Little Minook Creek. 

Hoosier Creek at claim 11 above.

Little Minook Creek at claim 9 

above. 

Hunter Creek at claim 17 above .

Troublesome Creek below Quail 

Creek. 

New York Creek at Thanksgiving ditch intake.

Thanksgiving ditch near outlet. . 

California Creek branch of 

Thanksg-iving ditch near intake. 

PioneerCreek at What Cheer Bar 

ditch intake. 

Hutlinana Creek below Cairo 

Creek.

425 

600 

1,000 

600 

1,750 

800

800 

800

900 

1,050

1908. 

Aug. 15.......

Aug. 16-31- 

Sept. 21. 

July 17-Aug.l.

Sept. 25.......

June 30-July 

14, Aug. 9- 

17.o 

Aug. 12-16.... 

July 2, 8......

Aug. 8-13, 25- 

28; Sept. 13. 

Aug. 19-21 ....

30 

4.7 

.62 

3.7 

4.0 

.7

1.6

1.8

2.6 

10.5

130 

25.7 

5.9 

33.4 

43.2 

4.7

8.1 

44.2

0.231 

.183 

.105 

.111 

.093 

.149

.321 

.238

June 7- 

Sept.22. 

Aug. 16- 

Sept.21. 

June 21- 

Sept. 15. 

Aug. 11- 

Sept.12. 

Aug. 12- 

Sept.25. 

June 6- 

Sept.20.

Do. 

Do.

June 7- 

Sept.20. 

June 9- 

Aug.21.

a No records July 15 to August 7, inclusive; discharge may have been less than 0.7 second-foot.
COMPAEATIVE DISCHARGE OF DIFFERENT AREAS. 87

Mean estimated weekly water supply, in second-feet, from Little Chena and Chatanika 

River basins, Fairbanks district, 1907.

Date.

July 1-7................. .......

July 15-21 ......................

July 22-28. .....................

August 19-25...................

September 2-8. .................

October 7-13. ..................

Available 

for use 

by diversion at 

elevation 

1,350 feet.

Chatanika 

River 

near 

Faith 

Creek.

86 

64 

44 

36 

64 

67 

84 

138 

85 

110 

180 

130 

592 

451 

238

158 

592 

36

Available 

for use 

by 

pumping 

at elevation 700 

feet.

Chatanika 

River 

below 

Poker 

Creek.

Available for use by diversion at elevation 800 

to 925 feet.

Little 

Chena 

River 

above 

Elliott 

Creek.

216 

178 

190 

250 

224 

540 

516 

313 

26Q 

413 

324 

1,360 

1.480 

737 

655 

415

504 

1,480 

190

..........

52 

80 

110 

73 

56 

90 

82

Elliott 

Creek 

above 

Sorrels 

Creek.

7 

12 

12 

10 

6 

11 

9

78 

110 

52

10

12 

6

Sorrels 

, Creek 

near 

mouth.

12 

18 

24 

16 

10 

18 

15

16 

24 

10

Fish

Creejc 

above Fairbanks 

Creek.

24 

55 

42 

26 

24 

26 

26

32

55 

24

Total 

in Little 

Chena 

drainage 

basin.

95 

165

188 

125 

96 

145 

132

136 

188 

95

Mean estimated weekly water supply, in second-feet, from Little Chena, Chatanika River, 

and Washington Creek basins, Fairbanks district, 1908.

Date.

May 16-19. ...............

May 20-26. ...............

May27-June2...........

June 3-9.................

June 17-23...............

June 24-30...............

July 1-7.. ................

July 8-14.. ...............

July 15-21. ...............

July 22-28... .............

August 26-September 1 . .

Available 

for use 

by diversion at 

elevation 

1,350 feet.

Chatanika 

River 

near 

Faith 

Creek.

cl50 

110 

127 

151 

101 

112 

202 

157 

351 

176 

153 

/152

162 

351 

101

Available 

for use 

by. 

pumping 

at elevation 700 

feet.

Chatanika 

River 

below 

Poker 

Creek.

3,220

3,020 

1,980 

1,360 

1,160 

775 

331 

394 

468 

278 

207 

271 

211 

236 

402 

306 

743 

407 

423 

313 

284 

228 

205

749 

3,220 

205

Available for use by diversion at elevation 800 

to 925 feet.

Little 

Chena 

River 

above 

Elliott 

Creek.

339

227 

181 

172 

118 

77 

59 

48 

38 

33 

32 

31 

36 

<*59

Elliott 

Creek 

above 

Sorrels 

Creek.

93 

30 

15 

25 

9.3 

8.9 

6.8 

5.3- 

4.6 

4.5 

4.5 

4.4 

45 

(246

Sorrels 

Creek 

near 

mouth.

87 

55 

31 

34 

54 

48 

33 

24 

15 

11 

11 

10 

12 die

Fish 

Creek 

above Fairbanks 

Creek.

'

6162 

98 

79 

50 

44 

42 

30 

23 

16 

13.5 

13.5 

13.5 

14 

17

104 

339 

31

15. 7 31. 5 

93 87 

4. 4 10

44 

162 

13.5

Total 

in Little 

Chena 

drainage 

basin.

681 

410 

306 

281 

225 

176 

129 

100 

74 

62 

61 

59 

66 

97

195

681 

59

Available 

for use 

by diversion at 

elevation 

600 feet.

Washington Creek 

below 

Aggie 

Creek.

«1,200 

546 

360 

198 

200 

226 

68 

52 

56 

35 

29 

31 

29 

29 

32 

35 

e85

225 

1,200 

29

May 13-19. 6 May 22-26. c July 13-14. d August 19-26. e September 2-4. / September 23-30.
88 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION. 1907-1903.

Mean estimated weekly water supply, in second-feet, cf streams in the Circle district, 1908.

Date.

July 4-10... ........................................................

July 11-17... .......................................................

July 18-24. .........................................................

July 25-31... .......................................................

October 3-9. .......................................................

October 10-13.. . ....................................................

Birch 

Creek at 

ferry.

1,240

1 600

1,160

936

870

850

1,060

964

1,280

2,110

4,090

1,510

1,290

c942

1,420

4,090

850

Porcupine 

Creek 

below 

mouth of 

Bonanza 

Creek.

73.5

45.3

21.5

1Q 7

16.0

« 19. 5

32.6

73.5

16.0

Mammoth 

Creek at 

Miller 

House.

632.5

21.9

23.3

14.6

14.4

13.0

17.1

32.5

13.0

a August 8-10. * September 8-11. c September 26-29. 

Mean weekly water supply, in second-feet, of streams in the Rampart district, 1908.

Date.

June 13-19..........

June 20-26..........

June 27- July 3......

July 4-10. ...........

July 11-17.. .........

July 18-24. ..........

July 25-31. ..........

August 15-21........

August 22-28........

August 29-SeptemSeptember 5-11. . ....

September 12-18. ....

September 19-25.....

Maximum. .... 

Minimum.....

Minook Creekabove Littl

Minook Creek.

« 136

164

136

75

77

63

41

35

36

32

33

34

62

83

;33

68.6

164 

32

 3

^ Q

s|

o

.2

1

?4. 7

4.7

16.4

14.8

8.5

I. 7 Q

9.4

16.4 

4.7

Little Mnook Creek claimat 

9 above.

c3.1

1.6

9.9

5.0

.62

.62

7ft

.71

.82

.87

4. 4

2.8

<1.6

2.53

9.9 

.62

t~

a 

1

c3 QJ sl

B« 

o

!

S

e4. 8

4.6

4.4

12.2

h 14. 9

8.18

14.9 

4.4

Troublesome Creek below 

Quail Creek.

/6. 7

6.6

7.5

20.9

37.6

16.1

8.5

14.8

37.6 

6.6

Creek Thanks- NewYork at

ditch intake. giving 

4.4

3.4

2.8

1.0

.8

rf.8

.8

1.5

1.4

3.9

3.8

3.3

Z6.8

2.67

6.8 

.8

Creek branchCalifornia ofThanksgiving ditch near 

intake.

4.6

4 6

7.2

2.3

2.1

<*2. 1

2.1

2.4

2.2

3.9

4.3

4.7

14.8

3.64

7.2 

2.1

Thanksgiving ditch near 

outlet.

8.4

8.7

6.0

2.7

2.3

<*2.2

1.7

2.5

2.4

5.6

6.0

5.1

HO. 4

4.92

10.4 

1.7

What Pioneer Crek atBar ditchintake. Cheer 

« 7. 2

7.0

3.8

3,0

2.9

2.6

 ) Q

2.7

4.6

3.8

16. 1

4.18

7.2 

2.6

Cairo Creek belowHutlinana 

Creek.

682.

103

51.4

31.1

27. C

23 ?

18.5

- 14 f

12.5

11.8

10.8

35.2

103 

10.8

a June 7-12. 

* June 9-12. 

c June 21-26. 

d July 11-14.

f August 11-14. 

/ August 12-14. 

9 August 16-21. 

h September 5-12.

t September 12-15. 

i September 18-22. 

* September 18-21. 

l September 19-20.
OOMPAKATIVE DISCHABGE OF DIFFERENT AREAS. 89

Mean estimate*} weekly discharge, in second-feet, per square mile of streams in YukonTanana region, 1908.

Date.

May 1-5.................

May 6-12......... .......

May 13-19...... .........

May 20-26.. .............

May 27- June 2 ..........

June 10-16.. ............

June 17-23..............

June 24-30... ...........

July 1-7.. ........ .......

July 8-14. ...............

July 16-21. ..............

July 22-28. ..............

July 20- August 4. .......

September 30-October 6.

October 7-13............

October 14-21 ...........

Chatanika 

River 

below 

Poker 

Creek 

(drainage 

area 456 

square 

miles).

7.03

6.61

4.34

2.98

2.52

1.70

.72

.86

1.02

.61

.45

.59

.46

.52

.88

.67

1.63

89

.93

.C8

.62

.45

.45

Little 

Chena 

River 

below 

Fish 

Creek 

(drainage 

area 228 

square 

miles).

3.84

3.53

5.10

3.44

1.92

1.69

1.14

1.10

.83

.62

.45

.33

.31

.32

.59

.31

.43

Washington 

Creek 

below 

Aggie 

Creek 

(drainage 

area 147 

square 

miles).

5.51

7.84

3.57

2.35

1.29

1.31

1 4Q

.44

.34

.37

.23

.19

.20

.19

.19

21

23

.55

Hutlinana 

Creek 

below 

Caiiw 

Creek 

(drainage 

area 130 

square 

miles).

1.67

2.32

1.57

.82

.68

.48

.38

.28

.25

.24

Minook 

Creek 

above 

Little 

Minook 

Creek (drainage 

area 130 

square 

miles).

1.18

1.05

.68

.51

.61

.38

.28

.27

.26

.24

.26

.28

7Q

.44

.48

Birch.

Creek 

at Fourteenmile 

House (drainage 

area 

2,150 

square 

miles).

.50

.80

.46

.40

.40

.45

.46

.54

.64

1.93

99

.C6

.47

Mean.

452

6.66

454

2.87

1.76

1.67

1.43

.67

.58

.63

.42

.35

.36

.32

.33

.43

.46

1.21

.77

.69

.58

Chatanika 

River 

near 

Faith 

Creek 

(drainage 

area 132 

square 

miles).

.97

.83

.96

1.15

.76

.85

1.55

1.19

2 66

1.33

1.16

1.15

Little 

Chena 

River 

above 

Elliott 

Creek (drainage 

area 7f> 

square 

miles).

429

2.87

2.18

1.49

.98

.75

.61

.48

.42

.41

.39

.46

.75

Mean.

.79

.66

.69

.78

.58

.66

1.15

Drainage areas of streams in interior of Alaska.

Square miles.

Fiftymile River at White Horse, Yukon Territory.......................... 7, 630

Yukon River at Dawson, Yukon Territory................................ 115, 000

Yukon River at Fort Yukon............................................. 177,000

Yukon River at Rampart................................................ 206,000

Yukon River at mouth.........:........................................ 322, 000

Fortymile Creek 3 miles below Fortymile telegraph station"........... 1.... 1, 620

Fortymile Creek at mouth............................................... 6, 350

Charley River at elevation 2,200 feet b..................................... 449

Charley River at elevation 1,000 feet c. .................................... 1,470

Charley River at mouth.................................................. 1, 760

Birch Creek at mouth.................................................... 3, 090

Preacher Creek at mouth................................................. 1,100

Beaver Creek at mouth.................................................. 5, 360

Tanana River at mouth................................................... 42, 000

Salcha River at the Splits d.............................................. 1, 290

Salcha River at mouth.................................................... 2,150

a 100 feet fall in 4 miles. 

6 400 feet fall in 9 miles.

c200 feet fall in 5 miles. 

d200 feet fall in 8 miles.
90 WATER IN YUKON-TAN ANA REGION, 1907-1908.

HYDRAULIC DEVELOPMENT.

DITCH AND PIPE LINES IN ALASKA.

No ditch, project of any considerable magnitude has yet been undertaken in the Yukon-Tanana region. About half a dozen short ditches 

have been built on tributaries of Birch, Minook, Patterson, and Baker 

creeks, but none in the Fairbanks district have advanced beyond 

the stage of preliminary investigation. It is probable, however, that 

in the next few years large waterways will be constructed either for 

hydraulicking or, more likely, for generating hydro-electric power. 

Engineers contemplating such work in the interior of Alaska can 

consider with profit the experiences of ditch builders in Seward 

Peninsula where hundreds of miles of water conduits have been constructed under a wide range of conditions. Henshaw a has described 

construction methods and difficulties in the Nome and Kougarok 

region as follows:

Ditches are usually built so as to follow the contour approximately with grades 

limiting the velocity to about 2 feet per second, which is as high as the material in 

this section will stand without scour. The ditches are therefore for the most part on 

slopes, and are constructed by making a cut from 12 to 18 inches deep to grade at the 

lower bank. This bank is then built up by material from the excavation. The 

slopes of the banks are from 1:1 to 1J:1, depending on the material.

The work of constructing a ditch is usually divided into three classes team work, 

pick-and-shovel work, and rock work. Teams may be used in handling dry soil that 

contains only medium-sized rock. This is the fastest method, and the compacting 

of the lower banks by the horses and scrapers makes it much tighter than when the 

dirt is thrown in loose. Pick and shovel are used in loose rock, in wet soil, and in 

frozen ground from which the top is removed as it thaws from the surface. Rock 

must be blasted, unless it is fissured limestone, which may be loosened with the crowbar, or decomposed schist, which yields to the picks. In building through solid rock 

a shelf is blasted out about 1 foot below grade and wide enough to carry the ditch and 

the lower bank, which is built of rocks. The bottom and sides are lined with sod 

about 1 foot thick, and are puddled with clay. In rock slide the method is similar. 

A good example of this kind of construction was seen on the Grand Central branch 

of the Miocene system. The ditch was built through a pile of large bowlders, unmixed with any soil or gravel. A trench was made 1 foot deeper and 2 feet wider 

than the finished ditch. The sides of the trench were lined with a slope wall, laid 

1 to 1, to a height of 4 or 5 feet. The outer slope of the lower bank was also rock wall, 

laid somewhat natter. The ditch will be lined with sod and will be tight and 

permanent.

The use of sod is very common and economical and saves much piping and fluming 

that would otherwise be necessary. The sod in a short time settles and knits together, 

and thus becomes a very serviceable bank. It will not cut or wear out, and the older 

it gets the better it becomes. In this way a ditch can be made over perpetually 

frozen ground where otherwise it would be impossible. Much ditch has to be constructed over loose stones with little or no sediment between them. Such ditches 

must be lined with sod and all holes must be filled by tamping sod into them as far 

as possible. This being done, it will be found that the water traveling through the

«Water-supply investigations in Alaska, 1900-1907: Water-Supply Paper U. S. Geol. Survey Ko. 218, 

1908, p. 72.
HYDRAULIC DEVELOPMENT. 91

ditch will deposit sediment over the sod and that after a little while it will become 

tight.

Canvas is also used as a lining to make a ditch water-tight. Willows with the tops 

left out, so that they may grow, are utilized in embankments with success.

In construction over "glacier," which is the term used for frozen muck mixed with 

ground ice, the ditch is either built wholly on top of the sod covering or an excavation 

is made and lined with sod. Ditches over this material are expensive to maintain, 

owing to the thawing of the ice by the running water.

One of the most interesting pieces of construction over glacier is the flume on the 

Miocene ditch. This flume is 1,100 feet long and has a width of 8 feet and a depth of 

28 inches. It was constructed in 1901, and is now in practically perfect alignment, 

both horizontal and vertical, and no repairs have been necessary on it. In putting in 

the foundation, trenches were dug 3 or 4 feet deep in the frozen ground, which was 

practically all ice. The excavated material was covered to protect it from thawing. 

A sill was laid in the bottom of the trench and the uprights fastened to this sill. The 

excavated material was then replaced in the trenches and froze again into the original 

condition. Sod was carefully placed over the trench. The uprights were then sawed 

off to grade and the flume constructed on them.

Inverted siphons are built across deep ravines where their use will save expense 

and reduce loss by seepage. Most of these are riveted steel pipe. Joints are made by 

lapping the ends from 4 to 6 inches. Siphons must be weighted down and protected 

by rock to prevent injury by frost and snowslides. During 1906 two siphons were 

built on the Seward ditch across Clara and Hobson creeks, continuous wood-stave 

pipes with steel bands being used.

On account of the rapid surface run-off during hard rains, it is necessary to have 

waste gates at short intervals. The most common waste gates consist either of a flume 

as deep as the bottom of the ditch, in which the height of the water is regulated by 

flash-boards, or of a long weir, laid on the ground surface, which will spill the water 

when it reaches a certain level.

Ditch intakes consist of a dam or barrier across the stream, containing one or more 

waste gates, and head-gates for regulating the flow into the ditch. In order to divert 

the entire flow of a stream, a bed-rock dam must be built to stop the ground flow 

through the gravelly beds. Such a dam is made by cutting a trench across the stream 

bed, extending down to an impervious stratum, and filling it with sod, which is carefully laid and tamped. The dam should be protected from erosion with large flat 

rocks or riprap.

Frozen ground, inadequate facilities for transportation, and the high cost of help « 

and supplies make ditching very expensive. To the first cost of a ditch should be 

added the cost of maintenance for the first three years, during which time extensive 

repairs are necessary. On many ditches these repairs cost as much as the first construction. At the end of three years ditches are, as a rule, in fairly permanent condition and the cost of maintenance is greatly reduced. Such information as could be 

obtained shows that the cost of a ditch carrying from 1,000 to 2,000 inches, including 

the first three years' maintenance, is from $5,000 to $10,000 per mile. Owing to dangers 

from washouts and landslides it is necessary to have the ditch constantly patrolled.

Owing to the frozen condition of the ground it is not practicable to use ditches much 

before the 1st of July, as the surface does not become fully thawed until that time, 

and during the thawing period the ground becomes very soft and there is great danger 

of damage by washouts.

The above discussion was written before Mr. Henshaw had visited the 

Fairhaven and Candle ditches in the Fairhaven district. The condi-

« Laborers receive $5 per day and board; blacksmiths, etc., $6.
92 WATER IN YuKON-TANANA BEGION, 1907-1908.

tions encountered on these waterways were much more difficult than in 

the country a hundred miles or so farther south; in fact, there is more 

difference between some of the ground in the Fairhaven precinct and 

the slopes of the Nome River Valley than between that of Nome 

River and the unfrozen soil of temperate latitudes. The following 

are extracts from the descriptions of the Fairhaven and Candle 

ditches.*

The [Fairhaven] ditch has a grade of 4.2 feet to the mile and was built 11 feet wide 

on the bottom, 1 foot in cut at the lower side, and with a 4-foot lower bank. The 

removal of 1 or 2 feet of the upper moss and soil put the bottom of the ditch into 

ground ice and muck, much of the ice being fairly pure. This material thawed when 

the water was turned in and a large part of the bottom of the ditch has settled at least 

2 feet and has widened in many places to 15 or 20 feet, or more. As the upper bank 

thawed, the material was thrown against the lower bank to protect it and keep the 

water from getting under it. Practically the whole of the upper ditch, and at least 

three-fourths of the lower ditch, including all the upper 6 or 8 miles, is built in frozen 

ground of this character. Where the lower ditch is built around the steep gulches that 

carry the eastern tributaries of the Pinnell the northerly slopes of the gulches are covered 

with muck, but the southerly slopes are made \ip of a more solid clay and decomposed 

mica schist. Along the upper ditch lava bowlders are present in the muck from the 

surface to bed rock. At some places the material encountered was composed of angular fragments of lava with little soil between them. Above and below Snow Gulch, 

the lowest tributary of Pinnell River which the ditch crosses, there are short pieces 

of rock work. The rock is much shattered and could have been loosened with picks 

if it had not been frozen. Much difficulty was experienced in making the rock work 

water-tight on account of the lack of good sod, as the surface covering is commonly 

decayed moss or peat containing much fibrous matter with little earthy material to 

give solidity and will generally float even though saturated with water

The [Candle] ditch is 6 feet wide at the intake, increasing to 9 feet at the lower end. 

It has a grade of 3.7 feet to the mile, a capacity of 20 to 30 second-feet, and an elevation at the penstock of 249 feet above Kiwalik River. A cut of 9 inches was made on 

the lower side; this gave a low ditch bank in places where the ground was solid, but 

in the frozen muck the ditch bottom has settled 1 to 2 feet. The material encountered varied greatly. Near the upper end there were 2 miles of decomposed mica 

schist; below Burnside Creek there was some rocky ground with too little sediment 

to make the ditch tight without a great deal of work. Repair work in such places was 

difficult on account of the general lack of good sod. The portions of the ditch built 

over the muck gave the least trouble in building. A berm 1 foot wide was left on the 

lower bank between the cut and fill, and formed a protection for the inside of the bank 

when the bottom settled.

FAIRBANKS DISTRICT.

GENERAL CONDITIONS.

In the Fairbanks district mining has been carried on either by 

"open cuts" or by "drifting/' as best suits the local conditions. 

The upper portions of the creeks usually favor the "open-cut" 

method, as the bed rock ranges only from 8 to 20 feet befow the surface. In the lower reaches, where the pay streak is 50 to 250 feet 

underground, with 25 to 200 feet of overburden, "drifting" seems

aHenshaw, F. F., Mining in the Fairhaven precinct: Bull. U. S. Geol. Survey No. 379, 1909, pp. 

359j367*
HYDRAULIC DEVELOPMENT. 98

the only solution. The work being underground, where protection 

from severe weather is assured, this portion of the camp is active in 

winter as well as in summer. The pay gravel is hoisted to the surface and dumped in large piles, where it awaits the spring break-up 

for sluicing, when high water follows the melting of the accumulated 

snow. (See PL III.)

In the Fairbanks district little work has been done as yet toward 

constructing ditch lines from larger drainage areas for additional 

water supply. Present developments are confined to small ditches, 

which convey water to mines in their immediate vicinity on the 

creeks from which they draw their supply. The camp lies in three 

drainage basins, or valleys, separated by high dividing ridges, and 

in order to supply the producing creeks in one valley with water by 

ditch line from another the ditch must have a high elevation, which 

throws its intake so far into the headwaters that there is only a small 

drainage area from which to draw the supply.

PEOPOSED DITCH LINES.

On account of its elevation, the upper Chatanika drainage basin 

has been more carefully considered as a possible source of water for 

a ditch line to the mining camps than any other drainage area within 

a reasonable distance of the Fairbanks district. The supply from 

this stream, however, would require more than 100 miles of ditch, 

difficult to construct and maintain, and would, by reason of its low 

head, benefit only a small number of producing creeks.

Numerous surveys and reports have been made favoring the construction of ditch lines from this drainage basin. The first plan proposed a ditch along the left bank of the Chatanika that would deliver 

water to Pedro Dome at an elevation of about 1,800 feet, which 

would be necessary in order to supply water to Goldstream and Fairbanks creeks on the other side of the divide. The intake of such a 

ditch would have an elevation of about 2,000 feet, or 600 feet higher 

than the mouth of Faith and McManus creeks, where records of 

stream flow were kept during the seasons of 1907-8. The drainage 

area above this intake would be about 100 square miles, or about 25 

per cent less than at the point where measurements were made. The 

records kept during the season of 1907 prove conclusively that had 

the proposed ditch been built it would have had, instead of a daily 

supply of 125 second-feet, as was estimated, less than half that amount 

during the greater part of the open season.

During 1907 surveys were made for a proposed ditch with an intake 

at the junction of Faith and McManus creeks. This ditch would 

deliver water to the camps at an elevation of about 1,200 feet much 

too low to supply water outside of the Chatanika drainage basin. 

The tables on page 87 show the weekly supply that would have been
94 WATER IN YUKON-TAN ANA REGION, 1907-1908.

available for such a ditch during 1907-1908, and the tables on page 102 

show the number of days of deficient flow without storage and the 

amount of storage necessary to have maintained in the ditch a flow 

of 75, 100, or 125 second-feet, for the same period.

WATER POWER.

Power developments are possible in the Fairbanks district on sev-, 

eral streams, as shown by records kept in the Chatanika and Little 

Chena drainage basins for two seasons, and on Washington Creek in 

the spring of 1908.

If storage can be provided in the headwaters the Chatanika project 

is the most feasible. The table on page 100 shows the horsepower (80 

per cent efficiency) that could have been developed in 1907 from water 

supply of the Chatanika at the junction of Faith and McManus creeks 

and below Poker Creek. This table shows also the duration in days 

for different rates of flow. The tables on page 102 show the storage 

that would have been necessary for the maintenance of a daily flow 

of 100 second-feet near Faith Creek and of about 220 second-feet 

below Poker Creek, which would furnish 9.1 and 20 horsepower per 

foot of fall, respectively.

By constructing a ditch for 12 or 15 miles along the Chatanika, 

diverting water from a point near the junction of Faith and McManus 

creeks, a head of about 400 feet could be obtained. A daily flow of 

100 second-feet under a 400-foot head would develop 3,640 horsepower on the turbines. The plant at Poker Creek would require 

about 8 miles of ditch, which would give a head of approximately 100 

feet and would develop 2,000 horsepower. The power from the upper 

plant could be transmitted to the lower and the combined development of, say, 5,600 horsepower, could be used for pumping water to 

the producing creeks.

In the Little Chena drainage basin it is proposed to gather the 

water from the upper tributaries, at an elevation of about 900 feet, 

and convey it by ditch line to a point in the lower drainage area, on 

the right bank of the river, where a fall of nearly 200 feet can be 

obtained. A portion of the water so collected is to be used in developing electric power for transmission to the producing creeks, and 

the excess water will be carried by ditch line to Smallwood and 

Nugget creeks and there used for mining.

Washington Creek has also been considered as a source of power. 

During 1908 daily records were kept at the junction of Aggie Creek, 

below which there is a fall of approximately 200 feet in about 8 

miles, and topographic conditions are favorable for ditch-line construction. The records, however, indicate an insufficient supply 

of water for power development, but if storage could be provided it 

is possible that the minimum daily flow could be brought to a point 

which would warrant development.
U. 8. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 228 PLATE VI

A. HYDRAULICKING ON EAGLE CREEK.

B. HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR ON HOOSIER CREEK.
HYDBAULIC DEVELOPMENT. 95

CIRCLE DISTRICT. 

GENERAL CONDITIONS.

Most of the mining in the Birch Creek region, where bed rock lies 

only 10 to 20 feet below the surface, is carried on by the "open-cut" 

method. The situation for hydraulicking is more favorable than is 

that in the Fairbanks or Rampart regions. The camps on Mammoth 

and Eagle creeks lie on streams of relatively high gradients. Consequently the water supply, though small, can be delivered to the 

mining property by comparatively short ditch lines, which give high 

heads for operating.

Up to 1906 practically the only hydraulic development in this 

district was a small plant on North Fork of Harrison Creek, but 

this project proved a failure. However, considerable construction 

work was done in the Birch Creek region during 1908.

EAGLE GREEK.

The ditch started by Berry & Lamb in 1907 was finished in 1908. 

A short ditch taps Miller Fork of Eagle Creek about 1 mile above its 

mouth and carries the water around to a storage reservoir on Mastodon Fork. From this point another small ditch carries the water 

about 2 miles along the left side of Eagle Creek to a pressure box, 

where a 210-foot head is obtained for hydraulicking. The water is 

conveyed to the mines through 4,200 feet of pipe line. This ditch 

was not completed until early in July, and the water from the spring 

break-up was therefore not utilized. The storage reservoir was not 

finished until the end of the season.

The method employed at the Eagle Creek plant differs somewhat 

from the hydraulic methods usually practiced in Alaska. A channel 

was first ground sluiced along the bed of the creek, and in this the 

sluice boxes were set. On the side of the sluice box opposite the 

pipe line an iron back stop was erected. The plan is to elevate the 

auriferous gravels by use of water direct from the nozzles. This 

method requires at least two nozzles in operation at the same time 

one to wash the gravel against the back stop, from which it falls 

into the sluice boxes, and the other to furnish at the head of the 

boxes water sufficient for sluicing. (See PL VI, A.)

N POKCUPINE GREEK.

During the summer of 1908 Berry & Lamb constructed a portion 

of a ditch that, when completed, will be used for hydraulicking 

Mammoth Creek flats from the junction of Mastodon and Independence creeks to the junction of Mammoth and Porcupine. The present 

ditch has its intake on Bonanza Creek at an elevation about 250 feet 

above the mouth, and follows along the right bank of Bonanza and
96 WATER IF YUKOF-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

Porcupine creeks for about 6 miles to a point opposite Miller House, 

where, during the winter of 1908-9, a hydraulic plant will be installed 

for operations next season. The ditch was built by the use of horses 

and scrapers, is 7 feet wide on the bottom, and has a grade of 5 feet 

to the mile. The operating head will be about 500 feet. It is proposed during-the coming season to extend the intake around to 

Porcupine Cre,ek and the outlet to the mouth of Mastodon Creek.

RAMPART DISTRICT. 

GENERAL CONDITIONS.

Mining in this district, like that in the Birch Creek region, is 

mostly by the "open-cut" method. On the Minook Creek side it 

is carried on by hydraulicking,. by the use of hydraulic elevators 

(PI. VI, B), and by splash dams (PI. VII, £). In the Baker Creek 

group the water is used for ground stripping and washing the 

gravels that are shoveled to the sluice boxes. (See PL VII, A.)

The water-supply situation is quite similar to that in the Fairbanks 

section. Most of the mines are located on small streams, and many 

of them are near the headwaters. There is in the vicinity of nearly 

every mine in the district sufficient water for pumping, but, even if 

the supply at the point of working is sufficient, it is not in position 

to be used under pressure, and to get sufficient heac for hydraulicking or elevating, the water must either be pumped or diverted at 

such an elevation that the supply available is of necessity small 

because of the small drainage area above the diversion point. The 

larger streams have comparatively low gradients, and long conduits 

are therefore necessary to bring the water to a point where a working 

head can be obtained. Present data fail to show where any extensive 

system of ditch construction for carrying water to the mines is 

warranted.

MINOOK CREEK GROUP.

GENERAL CONDITIONS.

The mines on Minook Creek have a total supply of water larger 

than those on Baker Creek, but as many are being worked by 

hydraulic methods, they are perhaps no better off than their neighbors 

on the south side of the divide. Minook Creek has been considered 

as a possible source of supply for the mines on its lower tributaries, 

but from a careful study of the situation in connection with the 

results of stream measurements in this locality in 1908, it is evident 

that a ditch line which would carry water to a sufficient elevation 

must have its diversion point very near the head of the creek, where 

the drainage area would be utterly inadequate to furnish a supply 

that wouM warrant; the construction of 10 to 15 miles of ditch. In
U. S. GEOLOGICAL. SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 228 PLATE VII

A. SHOVELING IN ON THANKSGIVING CREEK.

B- SPLASH DAM IN OPERATION ON LITTLE MINOOK CREEK.
HYDRAULIC DEVELOPMENT. 97

this section, as elsewhere in the Yukon-Tanana region in 1908, the 

work was very much hampered by lack of water, and during July and 

August practically nothing was done.

HUNTER CREEK.

On Hunter Creek two hydraulic plants were in operation during 

1908. The plant on Discovery claim has 5,200 feet of riveted steel 

pipe, ranging in diameter from 20 to 14 inches, 2,300 feet of flume, and 

200 feet of ditch. The working head is 105 feet, and the delivery 

about 400 miner's inches. The plant on claim 17 above has 3,300 

feet of flume and 3,000 feet of ditch, an available head of 90 feet, 

and a delivery of 300 inches.

LITTLE MINOOK CREEK.

On Little Minook Creek the overburden is removed by the action 

of automatic splash dams (PL VII, B) operating intermittently, 

the time interval depending upon the stage of the stream. A log 

retaining dam is constructed, in the center of which is a spillway 

closed by an automatic gate which revolves about a horizontal axis. 

The gate has a vertical dimension of 13 above to 6 below this axis, 

and an outward slope of 2£ inches to 1 foot. On reaching a certain 

height the water above the gate causes it to swing forward, allowing 

a sudden rush of water which is directed by means of wing dams 

against the material to be moved. When the water pressure is 

removed the gate closes and the process of filling and "splashing" 

is repeated. It is by far the cheapest method of removing overburden, and the small initial expense and amount of water required 

make it available where a hydraulic plant would be impossible. 

Three such darns were in operation on this creek during the summer 

of 1908.

HOOSIER CREEK.

On Hoosier Creek an hydraulic elevator was in operation a portion 

of the summer. About 2 miles of 22-inch pipe brought the water 

'from the head of the creek to the elevator on claim 14 above. Here 

a 200-foot head operated a 12-inch elevator having a 16-foot lift 

(PI. V, B) and requiring about 17.5 second-feet of water for operating. 

Definite information is not at hand concerning the details of this 

plant, but it seemed to be in successful operation when the supply 

of water was adequate.

BAKER CREEK GROUP.

GENERAL CONDITIONS.

The mines on the south side of the divide in the Rampart district 

are all comparatively shallow, as in the Minook and Birch Creek 

regions. "Open-cut" methods are followed, and the auriferous 

81007 IRR 228 09 7
98 WATER IK YUKON-TAN ANA KEGION, 1907-1908.

gravels are shoveled into the sluice boxes after the ground has been 

stripped by water. The benches on Pioneer and Thanksgiving 

creeks are the principal producers, but considerable preparatory 

work has been done on Eureka, Omega, Glen, and Sullivan creeks. 

The Baker Creek mines are less favorably situated than those of the 

Minook Creek group, owing to their southern exposure which allows 

the long hot days of spring to rapidly destroy the winter accumulation of ice and snow. They are also located on smaller streams and 

nearer the headwaters than most of the mines in the Rampart district. 

In 1907 Frank G. Manley, of Baker Hot Springs, completed a number of small ditches to convey water for mining the bench gravels 

on Pioneer and Thanksgiving creeks. Several small ditches have 

been completed on Eureka, Glen, Gold Run, and Sullivan creeks. 

Owing to the scarcity of water, however, little work was accomplished 

during the past summer, except stripping ground to get mining 

property in shape for shoveling in.

WHAT CHEER BAR DITCH.

What Cheer Bar ditch taps Pioneer Creek near its headwaters, 

and carries water along the right bank for use on the benches along 

Pioneer Creek. The ditch is about 4 miles long, 5 feet wide, and has 

a grade of 5 feet to the mile. The water is used for ground stripping 

and for washing the gravels that are shoveled into the sluice boxes. 

For discharge measurements of this ditch, see page 79.

EUREKA CKEEK.

During 1908 Jerome Chute built a small ditch to operate on Eureka 

Creek above Pioneer Creek. Mr. Chute planned to make, during 

the winter of 1908-9, a thorough investigation of the possibilities of 

artesian wells on Eureka Creek.

THANKSGIVING DITCH.

Thanksgiving ditch taps New York and California creeks,aboutone-half mile above their confluence and carries water to mining 

ground on Thanksgiving Creek. The ditch is 4 miles long, 5 feet 

wide, and has a grade of 6| feet to the mile. The water is used for 

ground stripping and for washing gravels shoveled into the sluice 

boxes. (See PL VII, B.) For discharge measurements of this ditch, 

see page 76.

SULLIVAN CREEK DITCH.

During the early part of the season of 1908 about 1 mile of ditch, 

having a capacity of approximately 10 second-feet, was constructed. 

This ditch is used to convey water for "open-cut" work in Tufty 

Gulch near the mouth. Several other small ditches were under 

construction.
HYDKAULIC DEVELOPMENT. 99 

WATER POWER FOR ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION.

Throughout the entire Yukon-Tanana region mining in general 

has been carried on by means of the meager water supply from individual creeks and with very little consideration for methods of 

economy. Fortunately most of the ground that has been worked has 

been wonderfully rich, and the miner has been able to follow haphazard methods and still obtain a substantial profit. But the camps 

already demand a greater water supply than the local creeks can 

furnish, and in the near future the miner will have to work cheaper 

ground and will be forced to give the water-supply question most 

careful consideration.

The situation of the present mining camps does not favor procuring 

an outside water supply by gravity. The region is part of a semiarid 

belt having an annual precipitation of 10 to 18 inches, and the topography of the country is such that ditch lines from the larger drainage 

areas, to which it is necessary to look for a supply commensurate with 

any reasonable development, are not altogether practical. Most of 

the larger streams are too far away or at too low an elevation to be 

used on the auriferous gravels.

Pumping seems to offer the most feasible solution of the problem, 

and the question naturally arises as to the best methods of developing 

power for this purpose. Steam and water are the only ones worthy 

of consideration; but the cost of wood for steam power is at present 

excessive and is constantly increasing, and unless a coal is discovered 

at a place convenient for transmitting electricity to the mines through 

a central steam plant the development of water power for electric 

transmission to pumping plants seems more practical. This method 

of utilizing the water supply would dispense with many miles of ditch 

construction and would not only furnish the camp with water, but 

also with power for running the hoist, elevating the tailings, draining 

the mines, lighting the underground work, pumping water to the 

sluice box, and in some localities for running the dredge.

The initial step in the location and development of a hydro-electric 

plant is the determination of daily flow and of the conditions affecting 

the flow of the stream or streams to be utilized. This is necessary 

in order to insure the maximum development of thej.ow-water flow 

and to provide for storage or its equivalent, an auxiliary steam plant, 

for use during extreme drought. The collection of such data is a 

part of the work undertaken by the Geological Survey, and in connection with projects for water-power development attention is called 

to the records of Chatanika and Little Chena rivers and Washington 

Creek. (See pp. 23-48.) From these records the following table 

has been prepared.

o The coal deposits in the northern foothills of the Alaska Range south of Fairbanks may prove to be a 

valuable asset of the region. They are described by L. M. Prindle in Report on progress of investigations 

of mineral resources of Alaska in 1906: Bull. U. S. Geol. Survey No. 314, 1906, pp. 221-226.
100 WATEK IN YUKON-TANANA KEGION, 1907-1908.

This table gives the horsepower (80 per cent efficiency) per foot 

of fall that may be developed at different rates of discharge and 

shows the number of days on which the discharge and the corresponding horsepower were respectively less than the amounts given 

in the columns for "discharge'' and "horsepower."

Estimated discharge and horsepower table for Chatanika and Little Chena rivers, 1907-1908;

Washington Creek, 1908.

Discharge 

(second-feet).

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

28..............1....

33...................

44...................

55...................

66...................

77...................

88...................

99...................

110...................

132...................

154...................

170...................

198...................

220...................

Horsepower, 80 

per cent 

efficiency 

per foot 

fall.

2 

2.5 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

12 

14 

16 

18 

20

Days of deficient discharge.

Chatanika River 

near Faith, Creek.

June 16- 

Sept. 30, 

1907.

0 

13 

19 

30 

40 

48 

56 

62 

69 

74 

78 

79 

83

July 13- 

Sept. 30, 

1908.

2 

4 

19 

37 

57 

58 

65 

66

Chatanika River 

below Poker Creek.

1907.

0 

5 

17 

27

1908.

Little Chena River 

and tributaries.

July 22- 

Sept. 10, 

1907.

6

5

27

0 

3 

7 

13 

15 

23 

35 

42 

45 

48

May 1- 

Aug. 27, 

1908.

6 

26 

31 

36 

44 

48 

55 

58 

60 

63 

67

Washington Creek 

below 

Aggie 

Creek.

May 5- 

Sept. 4, 

1908.

0 

3 

30 

51 

61 

66 

68 

72 

75 

76

It is evident from the above table that a certain amount of storage 

is necessary for economic development. (See tables on p. 102.) On 

Chatanika one storage would benefit two developments, the combined 

minimum power of which would be at least 5,000 horsepower. This 

could be used for pumping the ample supply at the mines (see p. 87) 

to an elevation sufficient for mining on the producing creeks tributary 

to the Chatanika and also for supplying other substations on Fairbanks and Goldstream creeks.

The situation of several other streams in the Yukon-Tanana regions 

(see table, p. 89) seems to offer opportunities for the development of 

electric power for transmission to the mining camps, but unfortunately no records have been kept of the flow of these streams, and 

their drainage areas are so undeveloped that it is very difficult to 

procure the desired information. The diagram in figure 3 shows considerable similarity in the run-off per square mile of drainage area 

of the streams for which records have been kept. This diagram and 

the accompanying table of drainage areas were specially prepared to 

guide the prospector or investor to the localities most favorable for 

power development.
HYDRAULIC DEVELOPMENT. 101

In the judgment of those who have observed the stream conditions 

in the Yukon-Tanana region for several years the run-off reached its 

lowest point in the season of 1908. The records obtained this year 

may therefore be considered especially conservative, and it seems 

probable that they would afford a safe basis for estimates of supplies 

available for ditch or other water-power development.

STORAGE AND CONSERVATION.

In the Yukon-Tanana region, where for six months in the year the 

streams are closed by ice and where, except for a surface thaw of 1 

to 3 feet during the summer months, the ground is frozen throughout 

the year from surface to bed rock 10, 20, 30, and in many places 

more than 200 feet below it is considered more practical to use the 

daily flow of a stream during the open season than to attempt to conserve any excessive run-off; but the two-years' records indicate that 

commercial development of the region will necessitate the adoption 

of some means of conservation.

During the low-water period, which invariably occurs in July and 

August, the inadequacy of the water supply of the local creeks forces 

many operators to discontinue work and the rest to resort to various 

schemes to provide water for sluicing. The method most commonly 

practiced that of returning water to the sluice boxes for a second 

and even a third use not only entails extra expense but furnishes 

an inferior quality of water for sluicing, as the large amount of silt 

which the water carries so increases its transporting powers that its 

efficiency in saving the lighter gold is greatly curtailed.

Obviously these difficulties can be overcome only by obtaining an 

outside supply of water either by pumping or by gravity. The problem of furnishing a supply adequate for the needs of the camps during the open season would seem less difficult if storage could be provided for the run-off incident to the spring break-up. The computed 

discharge of streams in the Fairbanks district during the months of 

May and June and the diagram on page 85 give evidence that at this 

time of year water is abundant. As April and May are months of 

exceptionally slight precipitation perhaps the smallest of all the 

year the water must come from the melting of the snow and ice 

accumulated throughout the winter months.

In the spring of 1908 water began to run in the mining creeks and 

the more open country from the 20th to the 25th of April, and by the 

1st of May the larger streams were breaking up. If the resulting 

run-off of 3 to 5 second-feet per square mile during May and part of 

June could have been distributed throughout July and August, a supply adequate for any reasonable development would have been at 

hand. If some practical plan for storing this excessive run-off could
102 WATER IN YUKON-TANANA REGION, 1907-1908.

be suggested a number of projected developments in this region might 

be considered as commercial possibilities.

The amounts of storage that would have been necessary to maintain discharges of 75, 100, and 125 second-feet in a ditch diverting 

water from Chatanika River near Faith Creek and to maintain discharges of 28, 33, and 55 second-feet in a ditch on Washington Creek 

near Aggie Creek are given in the following tables, together with the 

number of days of deficient flow for the different ditch capacities:

Storage table for Chatanika River near Faith Creek.

1907.

Capacity of 

ditch (second-feet.

75

100

125

Days of deficient flow.

39

54

63

Net storage required.

Second-feet 

for 1 day.

794

1,985

3,424

Acre-feet.

1,575

3,937

6,792

1908.

75

100

125

0

4

20

0

46

508

0

91

1,008

Storage table for Washington Creek below Aggie Creek. 

1908.

Capacity of 

ditch (second-feet).

28

33

55

Days of deficient flow.

3

30

61

Net storage required.

Second-feet 

for 1 day.

7

125

1,247

Acre-feet.

14

248

2,473

The table for Chatanika River is based on records covering the 

periods from June 16 to September 30, 1907, and July 13 to September 30, 1908. Storage provided at the head of the Chatanika 

might be used in connection with power development near Poker 

Creek, where the river has a fall of 100 feet in 8 miles. The minimum flow of 167 second-feet for five days in 1907 and of 192 secondfeet for two days in 1908 indicates a possible development of at 

least 1,500 horsepower. The table for Washington Creek covers a 

period from May 5 to September 4, and undoubtedly represents 

a minimum condition. During this time there were days when the 

discharge of the streams exceeded the capacity of the proposed 

ditches. Had storage reservoirs been provided this excess of flow
HYDEATJLIC DEVELOPMENT. 103

could have been conserved for use during a later low-water period. 

But the topographic maps of this section show no natural reservoirs which could be used for storage purposes and indicate that, 

except near the headwaters of the Chatanika, the country is not 

adapted to artificial reservoirs. Even if natural conditions were 

more favorable, the high price for labor,a the frozen ground, and 

the great depth to bed rock would make the construction of large 

dams nearly impossible. For these reasons it seems desirable to 

seek other means of storage.

Contrary to the general impression, more or less water flows in 

nearly all streams of the Yukon-Tanana region during the entire winter. While traveling over this section of country in April, 1908, the 

writer noticed that large "winter glaciers" had invariably been 

formed where the channels of small streams had become clogged 

and dammed, ice 12, 15, or even 20 feet thick being a not uncommon sight. Following the line of least resistance, the water flows 

around and over the obstructions, freezes, and remains until the summer heat melts it as late as the 1st of July in sheltered spots. It 

occurred to the writer that some artificial method might be devised 

to bring about the formation of "winter glaciers" at the heads of 

streams proposed for development and that such a system would 

be of great value. Such artificial "whiter glaciers," if protected 

from the sun by moss and brush, could be drawn upon for additional 

water supply during .the low-water period. The method seems 

particularly applicable to most of the creeks on which records were 

kept. At the headwaters the creek bottoms are usually covered 

with a thick coat of willows, which would aid not only in the formation of the "winter glacier," but also in its protection. The matter 

seems worth considering, and the experiment would certainly be 

comparatively inexpensive.

Present conditions not only indicate the need of artificial storage, 

but emphasize the necessity of protecting the natural storage agents 

the forests and the prevailing moss covering. Many years of growth 

have produced but a scanty supply of timber of inferior grade and 

size, and even casual observation makes it evident that, once 

destroyed, the forests can not be replaced in hundreds of years. 

Yet in many a camp the timber is being unnecessarily destroyed, 

apparently without any regard for the future.

It is admitted that the natural development of the country demands 

the use of the available timber supply, but there can be no excuse 

for such indiscriminate burning of extensive timbered areas as has 

occurred in the prospecting stages in most of the camps. Besides 

destroying more timber than would supply all legitimate demands, 

these fires ruin the heavy moss, which is the one great storage agent

a Five dollars per day and board for'ordinary labor; mechanics, 17 to |8 per day and board.
104 WATER IN YUKON-TAN ANA EEGION, 1907-1908.

of this region. In some localities this moss has been so badly burned 

that it no longer protects the frozen muck and ground ice from the 

summer sun, and the water is liberated so rapidly that the open 

season has hardly begun when the supply is practically exhausted. 

As a result a comparatively short period of no precipitation causes 

a water famine which might have been delayed .had the moss remained 

to distribute the run-off in a more uniform manner and over a longer 

period. It was noted last spring that the streams first to start and 

quickest to discharge the storage from the accumulated snow were 

those in areas where the timber had been removed from the watershed. The operators throughout the district generally concede that 

on the producing creeks the floods are greater, their duration shorter, 

and the low-water period lower and longer than when work was 

first started.

The necessity for use of the timber supply is conceded, but it is 

evident that the future welfare of this country, as of older and 

more developed countries, demands the preservation of its forests 

because of their own especial uses and their influence on the development and conservation of other natural resources.
INDEX.

A.

Acknowledgments to .those aiding........... 9

Acre-foot, definition of...................... 10

Aggie Creek at 

mouth:

description.......................... 48

discharge............................ 48

discharge, daily..................... 48,86

gage heights......................... 48

Albert Creek 

discharge................................ 56

Alien Creek 

description.............................. 73-74

discharge................................ 74

Applegate Creek 

discharge................................ 83

B.

Baker Creekdescription. ............................. 73

discharge................................ 73

Baker Creek, North Fork 

discharge................................ 83

Baker Creek basin, description of............ 72-73

stream-flow data in...................... 73-84

water power in.......................... 97-98

Bear Creekdescription. ............................. 30

discharge................................ 30

Beaver Creek 

discharge................................ 51

Beaver Creek basin, description of........... 49-50

stream-flow data in...................... 50-51

Belle Creekdischarge. ............................... 41

Birch Creek at 

Fourteenmile House:

description.......................... 53

discharge......................... 53,87,89

discharge, daily.................. 53-54,86

gage heights......................... 53-54

Birch Creek (North Fork) 

description.............................. 54-55

discharge................................ 55

Birch Creek basin, description of............ 53

stream-flow data in...................... 53-59

water power in.......................... 95-96

Boston Creek 

discharge................................ 41

Boulder Creekdescription. ............................. 58

discharge................................ 59

Brigham Creek 

discharge................................ 51

Bryan Creek 

discharge................................ 51

B uckeye Creekdischarge.. .............................. 72

C. 

Cache Creek 

discharge................................ 84

California Creek at 

Thanksgiving ditch:

description.......................... 75

discharge............................ 75

discharge, daily..................... 75

gage heights......................... 75

California Creek branch ditch near 

intake:

description.......................... 77

discharge............................ 77,88

discharge, daily.................. 77-78,86

gage heights......................... 77-78

Caribou Creek 

discharge................................ 40

Chapman Creek 

description.............................. 64

discharge................................ 64

Charity Creekdischarge. ..................... ;......... 38

Chatanika River near 

Faith Creek:

description.......................... 33

discharge.......................... 33,87,89

discharge, daily...................... 34,86

gage heights......................... 34

storage.............................. 102

Murphy Creek:

discharge............................ 41

Poker Creek:

description.......................... 34

discharge......................... 35,87,89

discharge, daily................... 35-36,86

gage heights......................... 35-36

Chatanika River basin, description of........ 32-33

discharge of.............................. 15,87

chart showing....................... 17

ditch building in........................ 93

water power in......................... 96,100

Circle district, description of................. 51-52

gaging stations in........ 1............... 52

location of, plate showing............ 52

hydraulic development in............... 95-96

stream-flow data in................ 53-59,86,88

figure showing....................... 85

Cleary Creek 

description.............................. 40

discharge................................ 40

mining on, view of....................... 40

Climate, description! of....................... 14

Conservation, methods of.................. 101-104

Cooperation, acknowledgments for.......... 9

Crooked Creek (of Birch) 

description.............................. 56

discharge................................ 56

Crooked Creek (of Chatanika) 

discharge................................ 41

105
106 INDEX.

Page. 

Covert, C. C., work of........................ 8

Current meters, use of....................... 11-12

D.

Data. See Stream-flow data.

Deadwood Creek 

description.............................. 59

discharge................................ 59

Definitions of terms used .................... 9-11

Ditch construction, difficulties in.......... 7,90-92

methods of........................... 90-91,92

progress in............................... 90

Dome Creekdescription. ............................. 41

Drainage, description of..................... 13-14

E.

Eagle Creekdischarge. ............................... 55

hydraulicking on, view of............... 94

water power............................. 95

Eldorado Creek 

description.............................. 40-41

Elephant Gulchdischarge. ............................... 83

Electric transmission, possibilities of........ 99,101

Elliott Creek near 

Sorrels Creek:

description.......................... 25

discharge............................ 25,87

discharge, daily...................... 26,86

gage heights......................... 26

Ellsworth, C. E., work of.................... 8

Equivalents, table of........................ 10

Eureka Creek 

description.............................. 78

discharge................................ 78

water power............................. 98

F.

Fairbanks Creekdescription. ............................. 30

discharge................................ 30

Fairbanks district, description of............ 19-20

gaging stations in........................ 20-21

location of, plate showing............ 20

hydraulic development in............... 93-94

mining in................................ 92-93

stream-flow- data in................ 22-51,86,88

figure showing...................... 85

water power in.......................... 94

Faith Creekdescription. ............................. 38

discharge................................ 38

discharge, daily......................... 38,86

ditch from............................ 93-94,95

Fiftymile River at 

White Horse:

description.......................... 84

discharge............................ 84

Fires, damage from........................ 103-104

Fish Creek at or near 

Fairbanks Creek:

description.......................... 27-28

discharge............................ 28,87

discharge, daily..................... 28,86

gage heights......................... 28

Page.

Fish Creek at or near Continued, 

mouth:

description.......................... 29

discharge............................ 29

discharge, daily..................... 29,86

gage heights......................... 29

Flat Creekdischarge. ............................... 41

Floats, use of. ...............t............... . 11

Fossil Creek 

discharge................................ 51

Fox Creekdescription. ............................. 14

Frozen ground, water from melting of........ 15-16

G.

Gage heights, readings of....................

Gassaway, A. D., on flow of Chatanika River. 

Goff Creekdischarge. ...............................

Gold, discovery and development of.........

Goldstream Creek at 

Claim 6:

description..........................

discharge............................

discharge, daily.....................

Goldstream Creek basin, description of..... 

stream-flow data in.....................

Goose Creekdischarge. ...............................

Grand Central River, gaging on, view of......

Granite Creekdescription ..............................

discharge................................

83 

12-13

43 

43

43-44 

43-44

42-43

43-44

72

10

64

04

H.

Harrison Creek-^-

description.............................. 55

Henshaw, F. F., on'ditch construction... 90-91,92

Hoosier Creek 

description............................... 65

discharge............................. 65,69,88

discharge, daily......................... 66,86

gage heights............................. 66

hydraulic elevator on, view of.........'.. 94

water power on.......................... 97

Hope Creekdischarge. ............................... 38

Hunter Creek 

description.............................. 68

discharge................................ 68,88

discharge, daily ......................... 68,86

gage heights............................. 68

water power on.......................... 97

Hutlinana Creekdescription. ............................. 80-81

discharge.......................... 81,83,88,89

discharge, daily ......................... 82,86

gage heights............................. 82

Hydraulic developments, details of......... 90-101

progress of............................... 8

I.

Independence creek 

discharge.......... 57
INDEX. 107

K.

Kokomo Creekdescription. ............................. 39

discharge................................ 39

discharge, daily......................... 39,86

gage heights............................. 39

L.

Little Chena River nearElliot Creek:

description.......................... 23

discharge......................... 23,87,89

discharge, daily...................... 24,86

gage heights......................... 24

Fish Creek:

description.......................... 24

discharge............................ 24,89

discharge, daily...................... 25,86

gage heights......................... 25

Little Chena River basin, description of..... 22-23

discharge of.............................. 87

chart showing....................... 17

stream flow data in...................... 23-32

water power in......................... 94,100

Little Minook Creekdescription. .......................... 66-67,69

discharge................................ 67,88

discharge, daily.......................... 67,86

gage heights............................. 67

splash dam on, view of.................. 96

water power............................. 97

Little Minook Junior Creek 

description.............................. 66

discharge................................ 66

Little Poker Creekdischarge. ............................... 40

Location of area............................. 12-15

map showing............................ 13

M.

Mackay Creekdischarge. ............................... 41

McManus Creek 

description.............................. 36-37

discharge................................ 37

discharge, daily.......................... 37,86

ditch from............................ 93-94,95

Mammoth Creek at 

Miller House:

description.......................... 56

discharge............................. 57,87

discharge, daily...................... 57,86

gage heights......................... 57

Mastodon Creek 

discharge................................ 57

Methods. See Stream measurement.

Miller Creek (of Little Chena River) 

description.............................. 30

discharge................................ 31,32

discharge, daily.......................... 31,86

. gage heights............................. 31

Miller Creek (of Mammoth Creek) 

discharge................................ 57

Miller Forkdischarge. ............................... 55

Miner's inch, definition of................... 10

Minook Creek nearChapman Creek:

discharge............................ 69

Minook Creek near Continued.

Little Minook Creek: Page, 

description.......................... 63

discharge......................... 63,88,89

discharge, daily................... 63-64,86

gage heights......................... 63-64

Minook Creek basin, description of........... 62-63

stream-flow data in...................... 63-69

water power in.......................... 96-97

Moose Creek 

discharge................................ 72

Moss, injury to, by fire...................... 104

water stored by........................ 16,103

Murphy Creek 

discharge................................ 41

N. 

New York Creek 

Thanksgiving ditch:

description.......................... 74

discharge......................... 74,83,87

discharge, daily................... 74-75,86

gage heights.--.--..---.-.-...--.--.. 74-75 

Nome Creek 

discharge................................ 51

Ohio Creekdischarge.

Ophir Creek 

discharge.

O.

83

Patterson Creek basin, description of........ 83

stream-flow data in...................... 84

Pedro Creekdescription .............................. 44

Pioneer Creekdescription .............................. 79

discharge................................ 79,88

discharge, daily...................... 79-80,86

gage heights............................. 79-80

Poker Creekdescription. ............................. 39

discharge................................ 39

water power from....................... 94

Pool Creekdischarge. ............................... 37

Porcupine Creek near 

Bonanza Creek:

description.......................... 57-58

discharge............................ 58,88

discharge, daily..................... 58,86

gage heights......................... 58

water power......................... 95-96

Power, electric transmission of.............. 99-101

Price meter, description of................... 11

view of.................................. 10

Prindle, L. M., on climate and vegetation... 14

Ptarmigan Forkdischarge. ............................... 55

Pumping, power for......................... 99-100

QQuail Creek \

discharge................. r % ............. 71

Quartz Creek (of Crooked Creek) 

discharge.............................

Quartz Creek (of Patterson Creek) 

discharge.............................

56

84
108 INDEX.

R. Page. 

Rainfall, records of ....................... 14, 16-19

Rampart district, description of ............. 59-61

gaging stations in. ....................... 61-62

location of, map showing ............ 60

stream-flow data in ............... 62-84, 86, 88

figures showing.. . ................... 85

water power in .......................... 96-98

Roads, construction of. ...................... 15

Ruby Creekdescription .............................. 65

discharge. ............................... 65

Run-off, definition of....................... 9

Russian Creek 

description .............................. 71

discharge. ............................... 71

S.

37

Second-foot, definition of ..................

Slate Creekdescription ............................

discharge. .............................

Smith Creekdischarge. .............................

Sorrels Creek 

description .............................. 26

discharge. ............................... 27, 87

discharge, daily. ........................ 27, 86

gage heights. . ........................... 27

Sourdough Creek 

discharge- ............................... 41

Squaw Creek 

description. ............................. 71

discharge. ............................... 71

Starvation Creek 

discharge. ............................... 72

Storage, possibilities of .................... 101-104

Stream-flow data, explanation of. ........... 9-11

value of ................................. 7

Stream measurement, methods of ........... 11-12

Sullivan Creekdischarge. ............................... 84

water power. ............................ 98

T.

Tanana River, description of ................ 19

Temperature, range of ....................... 14-15

Thanksgiving ditch nearoutlet:

description. ......................... 76

discharge......................... 76,83,88

discharge, daily ..................... 76-77

gage heights. . ....................... 76-77

shoveling in on, view of ............. 96

water power. : ...................... 98

Timber, destruction of.................... 103-10

Tolovana River, West Forkdischarge. ............................... 72

Tolovana River basin, description of........ 71-72

stream-flow data in...................... 72

Trail Creekdischarge. ............................... 51

Transportation, means of.............. 14-15,60-61

Troublesome Creek near 

Quail Creek:

description.......................... 70

discharge......................... 70,71,88

discharge, daily..................... 70,86

gage heights......................... 70

Troublesome Creek basin, description of..... 69-70

stream-flow data in...................... 70-71

Twelvemile Creek 

discharge................................ 55

V.

Vegetation, description of.......... 14,20,51-52, CO

Velocity, measurement of................... 11-12

W.

Washington Creek nearAggie Creek:

description....................... 45,46-47

discharge......................... 45,47,89

discharge, daily.................. 45,47,86

gage heights......................... 45,47

storage.............................. 102

Washington Creek basiji, description of...... 45

discharge of.........:................... 87

stream-flow data in...................... 45-48

water power in......................... 94,100

Water power, details of...................... 90-98

transmission of......................... 99-101

Water supply, conditions of................. 15

What Cheer Bar ditchdischarge. ............................... 83

water power............................. 98

Winter glaciers, water from, melting of..... 15,103

Wolverine Creek 

discharge................................ 83

Woodchopper Creek 

discharge................................ 84

Y.

Yukon basin, stream-flow data in........... 71

Yukon Tanana region, description of........ 12-15

location of, map showing................ 13

water of................................. 15-19

See also particular districts.

o