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John Friday

Publications and source records attributed to John Friday.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Statistical summaries of streamflow data in Oregon; Volume 1, eastern Oregon

Statistical summaries of streamflow data at 335 streamgaging sites are presented in this two volume report to aid in appraising the hydrology of river basins in Oregon. Records for 31 gaging stations were compiled into separate periods owing to changes in regulation during the period of data collection. The periods before and after regulation are presented for comparison. A brief station description is given describing the physical and operational features for each gaging station. Following the station description are tables of monthly and annual flow statistics, flood frequency data, low-flow and high-flow frequency data, and flow-duration information. (USGS)

Oregon

Debris flow hazard assessment for the Oregon Caves National Monument

After experiencing a devastating debris flow in the Oregon Caves National Monument, the National Park Service needs an evaluation of the hazard of additional flows. Soil properties at six random sites were compared with those at the source of the debris flow. Although all sites had soils that could become unstable with sufficient moisture, soil at one site had properties similar to those at the scar and the potential for another flow was confirmed. The report suggests that winter weather conditions be closely monitored and compared to the antecedent conditions prior to the known failure. When the threshold for additional mass wasting is believed imminent, appropriate action can be taken to insure the safety of work personnel and the public. The peak streamflow that preceded the 5,200 cu yds of debris is estimated to have a 0.5 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report

Crest-stage gaging stations in Oregon: a compilation of peak data collected from October 1952 to September 1974

A crest-stage gaging station provides an excellent means for determining peak water-surface elevations at a selected location on a stream channel. When related to streamflow, these data provide hydrologists with a knowledge of the flood experience of a drainage basin. If an adequate flood history is known, it is possible to estimate the probable magnitude and frequency of floods likely to occur in that basin, and this information is a valuable asset to anyone who must estimate design floods at proposed drainage structures. However, most design problems involve estimating peak flows on ungaged streams. This is difficult because the rate of storm runoff is not the same in all basins due to the influence of various basin characteristics which can either assist or retard the runoff. The crest-stage gaging program in Oregon is designed to provide a representative sampliing of peak flows at basins having a wide range in characteristics. Then, after sufficient data are collected, a statistical analysis can be made which will provide a means for estimating design floods at ungaged sites on the basis of known basin characteristics. This report is one of a series presenting a compilation of peak data collected at 232 crest-stage gaging stations in Oregon. The collection and publication of these data are made possible through mutual funding by State and Federal agencies. The Geological Survey, the Oregon State Highway Commission, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Bureau of Land Management are currently supporting 160 active crest-stage stations in Oregon.

Oregon

The operation and maintenance of a crest-stage gaging station

The purpose of this manual is to familiarize field personnel with the procedures involved in operating crest-stage gaging stations. Crest-stage gages are used to determine the elevation of a peak stage occurring at a specific location in a stream. A crest-stage gage consists of a length of 14-inch diameter pipe installed in a vertical position in the stream channel (figure 1). The pipe is vented and equipped with an intake system that allows water to enter and leave the pipe as the stream rises and recedes. An equal length of aluminum "T" channel (staff) is inserted in the pipe and made to rest on a positive stop called a datum pin. When granulated cork is placed in the gage, the cork will float on the rising stage, then adhere to the staff after the stage recedes. The peak stage is then determined by removing the staff and measuring the distance between the cork line and the lower end of the staff. The primary purpose of a crest-stage gaging station is to collect hydrologic data for flood-frequency analyses. Collection of data for such analyses involves operating a network of stations for a period of years until sufficient peak flow data are obtained to accurately define flood-frequency curves. Because carelessness in collecting data at the gage site might result in the loss of an entire year's flood event, the importance of proper operation and maintenance of these gages can not be overemphasized. Peak discharges are related to the basin characteristics and major changes in these characteristics must be evaluated. For€st fires, timber harvest, or a new road location that alters the natural drainage of the basin, may effect the intensity and timing of the runoff of the basin. Rigid datum controls must be maintained at the gage site throughout the period of record. Physical changes of the site resulting from flood flows or manmade alterations must be evaluated. If a drainage structure such as a culvert is part of the site features, free-flow conditions must be maintained or obstructions carefully documented.

Open-File Report