Stream Gage Oversight Group

Why “gage’ instead of “gauge”?

When water measurement methods were first developed by the U.S.Geological Survey in the late-1800’s, the Chief Hydrologist, Frederick H. Newell adopted that spelling which was also being used in the Standard Dictionary of the time.
Source: USGS

About

The Stream Gage Oversight Work Group was created in 2019 by the 66th Montana Legislature in response to stakeholders’ concerns over the shutdown of 10 U.S. Geological Services (USGS) stream gages due to a lack of funding to support operation and maintenance. The loss of these gages came with little warning to the water user communities who depended on them for monitoring and cooperatively managing local water resource plans. The event revealed that as demand for water continues to grow, the continuity of Montana’s stream gaging network is threatened by declining state and federal funding for ongoing operations and maintenance.

Purpose

The Work Group is to:

1. Review the locations, uses, and funding arrangements for the stream gage network of the USGS;
2. Review priorities, needs, and expectations of those funding the maintenance and operations of these stream gages and those using data measured by these stream gages; and
3. Create annually a stream gage infrastructure work plan.

Members