GRMW Subbasin Gauging Station Operation 2017

The project objective is to continue stream flow gauging at twelve locations in the Grande Ronde Basin. The project will maintain annual flow records at these stations. The data from these stations, as well as the other stations, will provide flow information essential to water management, water quality control, and evaluation of restoration projects in the Grande Ronde Basin. The Grande Ronde Model Watershed Program Operations - Action Plan identifies both water quantity and quality as major issues/concerns in the Grande Ronde Basin. Stream flow gauging stations provide essential data for water management decisions and evaluating success of water conservation restoration projects. Long-term continuous stream flow monitoring is necessary. Currently there are seven gauging stations in the Upper and Middle Grande Ronde (Union County) and five in the Lower Grande Ronde (Wallowa County) funded in this SOW. All the stations have flow records dating back at least 20 years. The Grande Ronde River near Perry river reach has continuously recorded flows since 1904 and provides hourly flow information via satellite telemetry and internet support provided by the National Weather Service. The Upper Catherine Creek station has continuously recorded flows since 1912. Five stations are cooperatively supported by the Forest Service (USFS funds) and operated out of the local Water Master office. Two sites; Catherine Creek at Union, and Grande Ronde River near Perry are cooperative stations operated out of the local Watermaster Office. Five gauges exist in Wallowa County including two each on the Lostine and Wallowa Rivers and one on Bear Creek. The upper Lostine and Bear Creek sites have been in operation since the early 1900's with both Wallowa sites and the Lower Lostine having been established in 1995.