BLM OR-WA Coos Basin Stream Gaging, Coos Bay District

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This project will continue operation of the Tioga Creek gaging station according to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) protocols. The station will be visited monthly. During these visits a stream flow measurement will be made to update the rating curve (i.e. the correlation of water surface elevation measured by the gaging equipment with stream discharges). Also during station visits, the accumulated 15-minute water surface elevation data will be downloaded, a cross-check will be made between the current water surface elevation reading and the elevation on a staff plate in the stream, and any debris will be cleared from the hydrologic control. If needed, the batteries powering the equipment will be exchanged, and leaves cleaned from the solar cells. At least twice a year high flow measurements will be made from a bridge located downstream from the gage. These measurements are intended to extend the rating curve to improve the accuracy of the correlation between water surface elevations and discharge during high flows. Annually, the cross-section of the stream will be surveyed with a laser level to check for any changes to the cross-sectional area and hydrological control. The downloaded data will be archived and processed using the appropriate software. The monthly and high flow measurements, as well as any alterations to the hydrologic control and/or cross-sectional area, will be used to shift the relationship between water surface elevations and stream discharges. Any missing daily values due to equipment failures will be estimated. In addition to the daily record submitted to Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD), a database archive will be maintained of the original data files, 15-minute and hourly discharges converted into stream discharge, and the daily mean discharges. Data will be worked up on a quarterly basis, with the provisional record compiled and submitted annually.

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