Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1910-05-13
ROGUE RIVER AND
ITS TRIBUTARIES
Continued from Page -

the headwaters Of Illinois river ~
and at Crater lake 100 inches. Al
the headwaters Of the stream the
greater part of the precipitation Is
rainfall during the winted months.
As is usual in regions where the pre-
cipitation Is sufficient for the pro-
duction OF crops without irrigation
development along this line is incon-
siderable. Fish Lake ditch, which
diyerts water from Little Butte
creek, Is the largest in operation A
number of little bitches are used TO
irrigate the narrow valley lands con-
tiguous to the smaller streams. In
this manner Ashland, Wagner and
Applegate creeks are largely appro-
nriated for irrigation. 1t Is realized,
however, that the agricultural re-
sources OF this section Of the country
will not be utilized in the most econ
omic manner until irrigation is prac-
ticed extensively The valley lands
in the vicinity of Medford along
Bear creek are particularly adapted
to fruit culture, and the Rogue River
valley has become Justly famous for
the excellent quality of its apples,
pears and other fruits raised there.
The streams of this area, like
others draining the Cascade noun
tains afford wonderful possibilities
for water power development. At
present the only important plants are
those of the Rogue River Electric
company at Gold Ray and at Pros
pect
Stream measurements in this basin
we're begun in August, 1905, For
the three and one-half years the
highest run-off values are shown by
the records for 1907 1t is probable
that the lowest values would have
been found in 1906 If records for
that year had been complete.
The following gauging stations
nave been maintained in this river
basin:
Rogue river near Tolo (19O5 to
19OS).
The data obtained at this station
are not favorable for very good re-
suits. The height of the water is
affected in an irregular manner by
a dam a short distance below, and as
this dam Is temporary affair, made
of brush, 1t Is washed away, either
wholly or in part, with every rise In
the creek, even during irrigating
seasons. For this reason 1t was ne
cessary during 1907 and 1908 to de-
velop four rating curves, and to in
terpolate a part Of the records.
North fork Of Rogue river at
Prospect 19O7 to 190SO
Little Butte creek near Eagle
Point (1907 to 19OS).
Bear creek at Talent (19O7 and
19OS).
Applegate creek at Murphy (19O7
and 19OS).
Rogue river near Galice (1900.
North Fork Of Rogue River at Pros
pcct, Oregon.
This station was established July
II, 1907, just above the Rogue
River Electric company's dam, one
half mile above Prospect, five miles
above the junction with the South |
Fork and at the head OF Rogue River
gorge.
The fall Of the river through this
gorge Is to be utilized by the COM
pany for development of water pow
pr The data are valuable chiefly in .
with water power devel-
but they furnish also some
very useful information concerning
he run-oft from forested areas un-
Ter the climatic conditions which
'vist IN tho Southern portion Of the
Cascade range.
No equipment has yet been Install |.
"a for making measurements during
oieh water, and at low water the .
,nly point available is in a very mar /.
'ow canyon, where the water Is eX-
romely turbulent and the velocities
ire most irregular The gauge 10.
'ated above the dam was read daily
rom July II to October 10. 1907.
md once or twice a week during the
'jrst half Of zoos, but the daily rat
ngs during 1905 were MADE on an
auxiliary gauge at the Observers
lousc No estimate Of flow are pos
'lhlc with data at hand, hut Il Is
,oned that a permanent rating curve
'au later he developed to which these
'ocords OF gauge heights can be ap. /
,llod
Rogue River Near Tolo. Ore
This station was established Aug.
development and It's proposed use for