USGS Stream Gaging Program

The USGS has been collecting data for more than a century at some of its monitoring stations. Long-term data collection creates a set of baseline data that can be used to assess the significance of observed changes. For example, collecting data on our water resources over the long term helps answer questions like:

• How high will streams rise if my area experiences a 100-year flood?
• Did implementation of stream buffers and other restoration practices work?
• Are streamflows in this watershed at historically low or high levels?

Currently, USGS regularly collects streamflow data at more than 7,000 sites ("gaging stations"). Most of the stations are funded and operated in cooperation with other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and with state, Tribal, county, and municipal agencies. (USGS, 2002)

The USGS operates the most extensive network of stream gaging stations in the state. In the WRIA 55 and WRIA 57 area, the USGS has been collecting stream flow data since 1891 with the Spokane River at Spokane streamflow gage. The USGS currently operates six satellite stream gaging stations within WRIAs 55 and 57 that provide readily available data that can be downloaded from the Internet.

Currently Active USGS Gaging Stations: