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Streamflow characteristics of small tributaries of Rock Creek, Milk River basin, Montana, base period water years 1983-87

Water-Resources Investigations Report 89-4206
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri894206

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Abstract

Five streamflow-gaging stations were installed in the Rock Creek basin north of the Milk River near Hinsdale, Montana. Streamflow was monitored at these stations and at an existing gaging station upstream on Rock Creek from May 1983 through September 1987. The data collected were used to describe the flow characteristics of four small tributary streams. Annual mean streamflow ranges from 2.8 to 57 cu ft/sec in the mainstem and from 0 to 0.60 cu ft/sec in the tributaries. Monthly mean streamflow ranged from 0 to 528 cu ft/sec in Rock Creek and from zero to 5.3 cu ft/sec in the four tributaries. The six gaged sites show similar patterns of daily mean streamflow during periods of large runoff, but substantial individual variations during periods of lesser runoff. During periods of lesser runoff , the small tributaries may have small daily mean streamflows. At other times, daily mean streamflow at the two mainstem sites decreased downstream. Daily mean streamflow in the tributaries appears to be closely related to daily mean streamflow in the mainstem only during periods of substantial area-wide runoff. Thus, streamflow in the tributaries resulting from local storms or local snowmelt may not contribute to streamflow in the mainstem. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Parrett, C., Hull, J.A., 1990, Streamflow characteristics of small tributaries of Rock Creek, Milk River basin, Montana, base period water years 1983-87: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 89-4206, iii, 10 p. :ill. ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri894206.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Streamflow characteristics of small tributaries of Rock Creek, Milk River basin, Montana, base period water years 1983-87
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 89-4206
DOI 10.3133/wri894206
Year Published 1990
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey ; Books and Open-File Reports Section [distributor],
Description iii, 10 p. :ill. ;28 cm.
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