USGS Scientist Inspects Streamgage During Flooding Event

USGS scientist Matt Jennings inspects streamgage number  02136361 at Turkey Creek near Maryville, South Carolina, the morning of October 4, 2015. The discharge they measured was 6,000 cfs.

These instruments form the backbone of our National Streamgage Network, which in turn feeds valuable information on water level, streamflow and sometimes water quality to various agencies like the National Weather Service or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

However, sometimes they themselves come under direct threat from the very floodwaters they’re measuring. During storms like these, while we’re out taking measurements by hand, we also make sure to check on our streamgages.