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Jed Boal ReportingUtah's rivers and streams are rising with spring run-off. Fortunately, we can all get accurate data on stream flow, very quickly. That network of streamgages is critical for our communities. The United States Geological Survey maintains more than 130 streamgages across the state.
The information they provide helps ensure our water supply, but it also can save lives when streams start to swell.
The stream gage on the Weber River is the longest running in the state. The flow today is twice the historical average for this date.
Terry Kenney, U.S.G.S. Hydrologist: "It's a function of the amount of water released from the reservoirs, the warmer temperatures and the higher snowpack this year."
The USGS hydrologists regularly check automated stream gages. They take a manual reading with a velocity gage.
Terry Kenney: "It's important that we come out to these gages on a regular basis, to make sure they are providing up to date and valid data."
The gages provide information to people who float and fish the rivers, to water managers and to The National Weather Service, which puts out flood warnings.
The USGS has used this old-fashioned, or standard method for measuring stream flow for about 100 years. They incorporated satellite technology 15 years ago. The speed at which they can disseminate that information improves all the time.
Terry Kenney: "That data is transmitted on a frequency between one and four hours. It comes in to our office. It gets processed so we're about to report a discharge, or stream flow in the river. That data is available to the public within minutes of receiving it."
Now, the USGS can tell us what's going on in the river right now, all year long. The stream gage network is operated as a cooperative effort with water districts and other local agencies.
