River Stage Measurement Methods

River Stage Measurements

• The simplest way to measure river stage is using a staff gage, which provides a visual reference of the water level.

Manual Gages

• A wire-weight gage involves lowering a weight from a bridge or overhead structure to measure water level.

Pressure Measurement

• A manometer records the pressure requirement needed to maintain a small flow of gas, indicating pressure changes related to flow.

Crest-Stage Gages Usage

• Crest-stage gages are used in flood-prone areas to record maximum water levels reached during high-flow events.

Current Meters

• The OTT current meter features six conical cups that rotate around a vertical axis, measuring water velocity.

Bubble Gages

• Bubble gages serve the purpose of providing a continuous measurement of water level through the displacement of air or gas bubbles.

Sectional Staff Gage

• Sectional staff gages are typically placed in reservoirs to measure water levels at various depths and locations.

Wire-Weight Gage Function

• The function of a wire-weight gage is to provide a direct, manual measurement of water depth by measuring the length of wire that is submerged.

Crest-Stage Gages Purpose

• The purpose of crest-stage gages is to offer a historical record of the highest water levels that can be compared to future flood conditions.

Manometers and Water Levels

• Water or mercury-filled manometers measure discrepancies in pressure, effectively indicating the level of water in a reservoir through changes in pressure.

Learn about different methods of measuring river stage, including manual gages like staff gages and wire-weight gages, and recording gages like continuous-chart recorders and bubble gages.