Year End Summary for 2023

YEAR END SUMMARY 
STATION NAME: Mustinka River nr Wheaton, CSAH9 
STATION NUMBER: H55060002 
YEAR: 2023 
PREPARED BY: Mike Sharp 
CONTINUOUS WATER QUALITY SUMMARY:  
An EXO3 sonde was deployed approximately 20 yards upstream of the CSAH 9 bridge crossing from July 18, 2023, to July 24, 2023. The sonde was fastened to a concrete block and set in the thalweg of a run. At the time of deployment, there was approximately 2-3 feet of water over the sonde. Flow was estimated to be 20 cfs. The water column was turbid. There was no evidence of primary production. Several mussel shells were noted along the stream bottom. At the time of retrieval, flow has decreased to an estimated 15 cfs. An organic sheen was noted on the water surface. All other conditions were like the deployment date. During the monitoring period, 0.02 inches of rainfall was recorded at the nearby Wheaton weather station. 


    
Year End Summary for 55060002

Year End Summary for 2022

YEAR END SUMMARY
STATION NAME: Mustinka River nr Wheaton, CSAH 9
STATION NUMBER: H55060002
YEAR: 2022
PREPARED BY: Betsy Nebgen
CONTINUOUS WATER QUALITY SUMMARY: 
An EXO 3 sonde was deployed at the station, approximately 20 ft upstream of the crossing.  It was fastened to a concrete block and set in the thalweg in approximately 4 ft of water. The sonde was deployed from 7/21/2022 to 7/28/2022. Discharge was monitored at the HWY 75 crossing just upstream of the station At the time of deployment, stream flow was 107 cfs and dropped to 93 cfs on the sonde retrieval date.  No rainfall events occurred during the deployment period. All parameters were tracking within range when compared to a check sonde and there is no indication of sensor fouling. 


    
Year End Summary for 55060002

Year End Summary for 2016

********************************************************************************
MPCA/DNR Cooperative Stream Gaging Year End Summary Report
Station: H55060002 - Mustinka River nr Wheaton, CSAH9
Year: 2016
Station Manager: BEKIEFER
Data Manager: COPETERS

Prepared By:
Cory Peterson (copeters)
651-539-2124 (CORY.PETERSON@STATE.MN.US)

Approved By:
Brenda Stauffer (brstauff)
651-539-2118 (BRENDA.STAUFFER@STATE.MN.US)
********************************************************************************

Climate Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data is collected year round at this site.  
The ice out date was 03/12/2016.  
Snowmelt conditions:  Snowmelt in the west central part of the state happened
well before ice out in 2016. Snow pack peaked around 5 inches in mid-February and
had completely melted by the end of the month.
The stream was in its banks during the entire year.  
Periods of low or no flow:  Before Ice out in 2016, This stream was at relatively
low flows until approx. mid-february. At this time a lot of snowmelt occurred,
raising the river's stage by about 0.5'. After Ice out, this river went back to
fairly low flows until the one major event for 2016, which happened in the
beginning of July. After this event the river stayed low until November, when
another event came through around ice in. 
Significant climatic events:  2016 Climate Summary - West
Central

January		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201601&div=MN04
February		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201602&div=MN04
March		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201603&div=MN04
April		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201604&div=MN04
May		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201605&div=MN04
June		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201606&div=MN04
July		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201607&div=MN04
August		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201608&div=MN04
September	http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201609&div=MN04
October		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201610&div=MN04
November	http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201611&div=MN04
December	http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201612&div=MN04

Gridded
Monthly Precipitation Totals: The synthetic data are made up of regularly-spaced
grid nodes whose values were calculated using data interpolated from Minnesota's
spatially and temporally irregular precipitation data base. Grids were prepared
using the National Weather Service data from 1891 to 1972. For the period 1973 to
the present, the High Spatial Density Precipitation Network (HIDEN) data (which
includes NWS data) are
used.
http://climate.umn.edu/gridded_data/precip/monthly/csg_lookup.htm?site_id=55060002

HydroClim
Minnesota is monthly electronic newsletter summarizing Minnesota's climate
conditions and the resulting impact on water
resources.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hydroclim/index.html

The Hydrologic
Conditions Report is prepared monthly by the DNR Division of Ecological and Water
Resources and provides general information concerning the various water resources
across Minnesota. The report places current values of precipitation, stream
flows, lake levels and ground water levels in historical
context.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/current_conditions/hydro_conditions.html


Flow Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Site visits to determine if the logger was tracking stage correctly were done at
a frequency of 8 weeks or less.  
The stage record tracked correctly and was complete for the entire monitoring
season.  The stage tracked well with hand measurements but was downgraded to
account for the seiche activity. 
Other stage data collection factors:  No equipment issues were noted. 
25 flow measurements were taken during the monitoring season.  3 during ice
conditions and 21 during open water season.  During seiche activity, multiple
measurements were taken to try and capture the change in flow and stage.  
All recorded stage values were within the rating or less than 1 foot above the
rating with no change in channel control.  
Flow measurements were taken this year with a maximum frequency of 4-5 weeks or
with a frequency that accurately reflects seasonal conditions.  
Flow measurements cover less than 70% of the highest recorded seasonal/annual
discharge.  
Flow measurements cover less than 40% of the highest recorded seasonal/annual
discharge.  
Flow measurements cover up to or above 15% of the highest recorded season/annual
discharge.  The max seasonal flow is 608cfs. The max measured flow in 2016 was
147cfs (24%).  
This is not a stable site.  The upper portion of the rating seems to be fairly
stable but the low end is very unstable due to the seiche activity from Lake
Traverse. 

The rating is not well developed over this year's range of flows when considering
quality and quantity of measurements.  The low end of the rating below a stage of
977.95ft there are very few measurements with a clear control and no backwater
effects. 

The rating has at least five measurements over the full range of this year's
flows.  
Site visits to determine if the physical characteristics of the control changed
during the monitoring season were done at a frequency of 5 weeks or less.  
A change in the physical characteristics of the control occurred at some time
during the monitoring season.  
Change in control:  The lower Mustinka River experiences periodic backwater from
Lake Traverse and also a seiche signal from the lake. The dominant period of the
seiche signal is around 2 1/2 hours and can persist for weeks throughout the
low-flow season. Periods of seiche activity: 3/12-7/11 and 7/21-11/16. Ice shifts
were needed for 1/27, 3/2  and 12/08. 
Adequate flow measurements were not taken to confidently adjust stage during
period(s) of altered control.  Under seiche conditions, there is no stable stage
vs. discharge rating curve, and  the slope of the water surface needs to be
brought into the computation of streamflow.Unit discharges are computed using the
water surface slope between the DNR gage at the CSAH-9 bridge and the USGS gage
at the US-75 bridge over the Mustinka River.  The relationship between the stage,
water surface slope, and discharge is then determined and used to correct the
rating curve discharges downwards to the discharges seen under backwater/seiche
conditions.  Only a mean daily discharge is computed, and unit values are not
published. There were also no flow measurements taken during normal conditions so
it is uncertain if any shifts were needed during that time. 

The potential error in cumulative flow volume introduced by changing channel
control is 15% or greater.  Flow was computed using an alternative method during
periods of seiche/backwater. This accounts for 58% of the total seasonal flow
volume


Precipitation Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The precipitation record either did not track correctly or was not complete for
some parts of the monitoring season.  Rain bucket was plugged for a month from
June to July.  
The overall precip total for the year compares well to an adjacent station.  The
rest of the data tracked well with climatology with the rest of the months coded
good and fair. 
At least three field visits were made to check the rain gage for obstructions
during the monitoring season.  
There is either visual evidence or an indication from analysis of the
precipitation data that the rain gage was plugged at some point during the
monitoring season.  
The period of record when the rain gage was plugged was accurately determined and
removed from the corrected data.  Rain bucket data was removed from 7/27
inspection back to 6/21 inspection when the bucket was last noted as clear. 
There were vertical obstructions near the rain gage that may have compromised
recorded rainfall values.  There are some trees ~40' tall,  ~60' east of this
gage.
The rain gage was calibrated within the last three years.  


Water Quality Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please see the MPCA Environmental Data Access system for Water Quality results. 
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/customPHP/eda/stationInfo.php?ORG=MNPCA&wdip=2&ID=S000-681
 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Quality for Calendar Year 2016
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flow   = Poor Archived Daily Value (QQC=32)
Precip = Poor Archived Daily Value (PQC=32)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - EnteredBy - YESAPP

    
Year End Summary for 55060002

Year End Summary for 2015

********************************************************************************
MPCA/DNR Cooperative Stream Gaging Year End Summary Report
Station: H55060002 - Mustinka River nr Wheaton, CSAH9
Year: 2015
Station Manager: CAROBERT
Data Manager: COPETERS

Prepared By:
Cory Peterson (copeters)
651-539-2124 (CORY.PETERSON@STATE.MN.US)

Approved By:
Dan Plovnick (daplovni)
651-539-2114 (DANIEL.PLOVNICK@STATE.MN.US)
********************************************************************************

Climate Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data is collected year round at this site.  
The ice out date was 04/03/2015.  
Snowmelt conditions:  Max daily air temperatures start to rise above freezing
around 3/6/15. Min daily air temperatures start to remain consistantly above
freezing around 4/6/15. On 3/5/15, snowpack near this site was approx. 6 inches,
This was all melted by 3/11/15. The remainder of this month had only 2 more
inches of snowfall, all of which came down in a couple of days starting on
3/23/15, this snow was melted by 3/26/15.
The stream was in its banks during the entire year.  Stream was at approx bankful
once during this year, from approx. 5/18/15 to 5/20/15.
Periods of low or no flow:  Lowest flows during this year are after June, and
extend thru ICE in, during this time a few rain events occur to bring the stream
up to moderate flows. Before ICE out and after ICE in, this stream is at low
flows as well. Lowest flows are seen in the beginning of October, and extend thru
ICE in until approx. December.
Significant climatic events:  2015 Climate Summary - West
Central

January		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201501&div=MN04
February	http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201502&div=MN04
March		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201503&div=MN04
April		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201504&div=MN04
May		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201505&div=MN04
June		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201506&div=MN04
July		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201507&div=MN04
August		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201508&div=MN04
September	http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201509&div=MN04
October		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201510&div=MN04
November	http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201511&div=MN04
December	http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201512&div=MN04

Gridded
Monthly Precipitation Totals: The synthetic data are made up of regularly-spaced
grid nodes whose values were calculated using data interpolated from Minnesota's
spatially and temporally irregular precipitation data base. Grids were prepared
using the National Weather Service data from 1891 to 1972. For the period 1973 to
the present, the High Spatial Density Precipitation Network (HIDEN) data (which
includes NWS data) are
used.
http://climate.umn.edu/gridded_data/precip/monthly/csg_lookup.htm?site_id=55060002

HydroClim
Minnesota is monthly electronic newsletter summarizing Minnesota's climate
conditions and the resulting impact on water
resources.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hydroclim/index.html

The Hydrologic
Conditions Report is prepared monthly by the DNR Division of Ecological and Water
Resources and provides general information concerning the various water resources
across Minnesota. The report places current values of precipitation, stream
flows, lake levels and ground water levels in historical
context.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/current_conditions/hydro_conditions.html


Flow Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Site visits to determine if the logger was tracking stage correctly were done at
a frequency of 8 weeks or less.  
The stage record tracked correctly and was complete for the entire monitoring
season.  
Other stage data collection factors:  No apparent problems during this year
besides the Orifice line possibly moving during a moderate sized event.
25 flow measurements were taken during the monitoring season.  
All recorded stage values were within the rating or less than 1 foot above the
rating with no change in channel control.  
Flow measurements were taken this year with a maximum frequency of 4-5 weeks or
with a frequency that accurately reflects seasonal conditions.  
Flow measurements cover less than 70% of the highest recorded seasonal/annual
discharge.  
Flow measurements cover less than 40% of the highest recorded seasonal/annual
discharge.  
Flow measurements cover up to or above 15% of the highest recorded season/annual
discharge.  Highest measured flow = 278cfs (29%), peak annual flow = 926 cfs.
This is not a stable site.  The upper portion of the rating seems to be fairly
stable but the low end is very unstable due to the seiche actiivity from Lake
Traverse. 
The rating is not well developed over this year's range of flows when considering
quality and quantity of measurements.  The low end of the rating below a stage of
977.95ft there are very few measurements that clear with no backwater effects. 
The rating has at least five measurements over the full range of this year's
flows.  
Site visits to determine if the physical characteristics of the control changed
during the monitoring season were done at a frequency of 5 weeks or less.  
A change in the physical characteristics of the control occurred at some time
during the monitoring season.  
Change in control:  The lower Mustinka River experiences periodic backwater from
Lake Traverse and also a seiche signal from the lake. The dominant period of the
seiche signal is around 2 1/2 hours and can persist for weeks throughout the
low-flow season. Periods of seiche activity: 4/3-4/11 and 7/5-11/18. Ice shifts
were needed for 1/28, 3/5, 3/24 and 12/21.  A large rain event on 5/20 brought in
deposition that impacted flows below 270cfs and continued to affect flow until
7/5 when seiche activity started occurring again. 
Adequate flow measurements were not taken to confidently adjust stage during
period(s) of altered control.  Under seiche conditions, there is no stable stage
vs. discharge rating curve, and  the slope of the water surface needs to be
brought into the computation of streamflow.Unit discharges are computed using the
water surface slope between the DNR gage at the CSAH-9 bridge and the USGS gage
at the US-75 bridge over the Mustinka River.  The relationship between the stage,
water surface slope, and discharge is then determined and used to correct the
rating curve discharges downwards to the discharges seen under backwater/seiche
conditions.  Only a mean daily discharge is computed, and unit values are not
published.
The potential error in cumulative flow volume introduced by changing channel
control is 15% or greater.  Cumulative flow error is ~17%.  Seiche affected flows
= 4147cfs, total seasonal flow = 23110 cfs. 


Precipitation Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The precipitation record tracked correctly and was complete for the monitoring
season.  
At least three field visits were made to check the rain gage for obstructions
during the monitoring season.  
There was no visual evidence or an indication from analysis of the precipitation
data that the rain gage was plugged at any time during the monitoring season.  
There were no vertical obstructions near the rain gage that may have compromised
recorded rainfall values.  
The rain gage was calibrated within the last three years.  New Rain bucket was
installed on 7/1/2015. The old bucket was tracking well too, just needed to be re
calibrated since it was past the three year mark. 


Water Quality Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please see the MPCA Environmental Data Access system for Water Quality results. 
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/customPHP/eda/stationInfo.php?ORG=MNPCA&wdip=2&ID=S000-681
 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Quality for Calendar Year 2015
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flow   = Poor Archived Daily Value (QQC=32)
Precip = Good Archived Daily Value (PQC=30)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - EnteredBy - YESAPP

    
Year End Summary for 55060002

Year End Summary for 2014

********************************************************************************
MPCA/DNR Cooperative Stream Gaging Year End Summary Report
Station: H55060002 - Mustinka River nr Wheaton, CSAH9
Year: 2014
Station Manager: CAROBERT
Data Manager: COPETERS

Prepared By:
Cory Peterson (copeters)
651-539-2124 (CORY.PETERSON@STATE.MN.US)

Approved By:
Daniel Henely (dahenely)
651-539-2107 (DANIEL.HENELY@STATE.MN.US)
********************************************************************************

Climate Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data is collected year round at this site.  
The ice out date was 04/08/2014.  
Snowmelt conditions:  Snowmelt was pretty gradual for this site.Daytime high
temps would melt some, and then evening lows would hinder melting. This repeats
until daytime lows reach above freezing temps.
Periods the stream was out of its banks:  From approx. 6/16/14 to 6/23/14 the
stream is out of its banks accordng to observer comments.
Periods of low or no flow:  Periods of low flow were seen from 2/24-3/15 after
Lake Traverse was drawn down and 10/21-10/31 when backwater from Lake Traverse
caused the discharges to range from -18cfs to 6 cfs. 
Significant climatic events:  2014 Climate Summary - West
Central

January		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201401&div=MN04
February	http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201402&div=MN04
March		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201403&div=MN04
April		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201404&div=MN04
May		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201405&div=MN04
June		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201406&div=MN04
July		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201407&div=MN04
August		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201408&div=MN04
September	http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201409&div=MN04
October		http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201410&div=MN04
November	http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201411&div=MN04
December	http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201412&div=MN04

Gridded
Monthly Precipitation Totals: The synthetic data are made up of regularly-spaced
grid nodes whose values were calculated using data interpolated from Minnesota's
spatially and temporally irregular precipitation data base. Grids were prepared
using the National Weather Service data from 1891 to 1972. For the period 1973 to
the present, the High Spatial Density Precipitation Network (HIDEN) data (which
includes NWS data) are
used.
http://climate.umn.edu/gridded_data/precip/monthly/csg_lookup.htm?site_id=55060002

HydroClim
Minnesota is monthly electronic newsletter summarizing Minnesota's climate
conditions and the resulting impact on water
resources.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hydroclim/index.html

The Hydrologic
Conditions Report is prepared monthly by the DNR Division of Ecological and Water
Resources and provides general information concerning the various water resources
across Minnesota. The report places current values of precipitation, stream
flows, lake levels and ground water levels in historical
context.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/current_conditions/hydro_conditions.html


Flow Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Site vists to determine if the logger was tracking stage correctly were done at a
frequency of 8 weeks or less.  
The stage record tracked correctly and was complete for the entire monitoring
season.  
Other stage data collection factors:  No major problems exist with this
equipment, stage data is excellent in my opinion. The only element that comes to
mind is the possible seiche affect happening at this site. Data could be filtered
if this weren't the case.
11 flow measurements were taken during the monitoring season.  7 open water
measurements and 4 ice affected measurements. 
All recorded stage values were within the rating or less than 1 foot above the
rating with no change in channel control.  
Flow measurements were taken this year with a maximum frequency of 4-5 weeks or
with a frequency that accurately reflects seasonal conditions.  
Flow measurements cover less than 70% of the highest recorded seasonal/annual
discharge.  
Flow measurements cover up to or above 40% of the highest recorded season/annual
discharge.  Highest measured flow = 955 cfs (43%) on 4/30.  Max annual discharge
= 2190 cfs on 6/19. 
This is not a stable site.  The upper portion of the rating seems to be fairly
stable but the low end is very unstable due to the seiche actiivity from Lake
Traverse. 
The rating is well developed over this year's range of flows when considering
both quality and quantity of measurements.  
Site vists to determine if the physical characteristics of the control changed
during the monitoring season were done at a frequency of 5 weeks or less.  
A change in the physical characteristics of the control occurred at some time
during the monitoring season.  
Change in control:  The lower Mustinka River experiences periodic backwater from
Lake Traverse and also a seiche signal from the lake. The dominant period of the
seiche signal is around 2 1/2 hours and can persist for weeks throughout the
low-flow season. Periods of seiche activity: 4/14-4/27, 7/29-8/21, and
9/15-10/29. Ice shifts were needed for 1/8, 2/19, 11/08 and 12/23.  A 2.5in rain
event on 5/31 caused scouring of the channel that stayed into affect until a
3.2in event filled in the scour on 6/19. 
Adequate flow measurements were not taken to confidently adjust stage during
period(s) of altered control.  Under seiche conditions, there is no stable stage
vs. discharge rating curve, and  the slope of the water surface needs to be
brought into the computation of streamflow.Unit discharges are computed using the
water surface slope between the DNR gage at the CSAH-9 bridge and the USGS gage
at the US-75 bridge over the Mustinka River.  The relationship between the stage,
water surface slope, and discharge is then determined and used to correct the
rating curve discharges downwards to the discharges seen under backwater/seiche
conditions.  Only a mean daily discharge is computed, and unit values are not
published.
The potential error in cumulative flow volume introduced by changing channel
control is less than 15%.  
The potential error in cumulative flow volume introduced by changing channel
control is between 5-15%.  Potential error from seiche affected discharges is 10%
(7100 cfs).  Total annual discharge = 66900 cfs.


Precipitation Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The precipitation record tracked correctly and was complete for the monitoring
season.  
At least three field visits were made to check the rain gage for obstructions
during the monitoring season.  
There was no visual evidence or an indication from analysis of the precipitation
data that the rain gage was plugged at any time during the monitoring season.  
There were no vertical obstructions near the rain gage that may have compromised
recorded rainfall values.  
The rain gage was not calibrated within the last three years.  This Rain bucket
was installed in 2010, nothing suggests it was calibrated since.


Water Quality Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please see the MPCA Environmental Data Access system for Water Quality results. 
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/customPHP/eda/stationInfo.php?ORG=MNPCA&wdip=2&ID=S000-681
 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Quality for Calendar Year 2014
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flow   = Poor Archived Daily Value (QQC=32)
Precip = Fair Archived Daily Value (PQC=31)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - EnteredBy - YESAPP

    
Year End Summary for 55060002

Year End Summary for 2013

********************************************************************************
MPCA/DNR Cooperative Stream Gaging Year End Summary Report
Station: H55060002 - Mustinka River nr Wheaton, CSAH9
Year: 2013
Station Manager: CAROBERT
Data Manager: COPETERS

Prepared By:
Carrie Robertson (carobert)
651-539-2116 (CARRIE.ROBERTSON@STATE.MN.US)

Approved By:
Daniel Henely (dahenely)
651-539-2107 (DANIEL.HENELY@STATE.MN.US)
********************************************************************************

Climate Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data is collected year round at this site.  
The ice out date was 04/19/2013.  
Snowmelt conditions:  Snowmelt occurred very slowly with temperatures rising
above freezing during the day but stayed below freezing at night. The snowpack
started melting in early April but runoff didn't start to occur until mid-April. 

Periods the stream was out of its banks:  Based on inspection comments the stream
was out of banks approximately from 4/10-4/25 and again from 6/21-6/25.
Periods of low or no flow:  Periods of low flow were seen from 3/4-4/1 when Lake
Traverse was drawn down and from late July until the end of the monitoring season
from seiche activity then transitioned to ice affected low flows. 
Significant climatic events:  2013 Climate Summary - West
Central

			Dept.		Dept.
		Avg.	from	Avg.	from
		Temp.	Norm.	Prec.	Norm.
January		12.1	1.2	0.56	-0.24
February		12.2	-4	1.67	0.93
March		18.2	-10.1	1.55	0.04
April		32.8	-11.2	2.22	-0.11
May		54.9	-2.2	3.63	0.79
June		65.9	-0.6	5.58	1.59
July		71.1	-0.2	2.78	-0.75
August		70	0.9	1.27	-1.85
September	63.5	4.1	3.15	0.15
October		45.5	-0.3	3.92	1.56
November	29	-1	0.12	-1.11
December	7.2	-8.2	0.97	0.22	

A
significant winter storm dropped over 18 inches of snow on portions of west
central Minnesota on February 9-11.  February precipitation totals topped the
historical average by over one inch in west central and north central Minnesota
counties.  February precipitation totals set new all-time high records in
communities such as Breckenridge, Benson, and Rothsay.  April precipitation
totals were well above historical averages in the eastern one-half of Minnesota. 
June rainfall totals were well above historical averages in most Minnesota
counties.  Of particular note was an eight inch-plus rainfall reported in
northwest Wilkin County on June 25-26.  Above-average rainfall totals for
September were reported in a handful of northwest and west central Minnesota
counties.

[source: State Climatology Office - DNR Division of Ecological and
Water Resources]


Flow Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Site vists to determine if the logger was tracking stage correctly were done at a
frequency of 8 weeks or less.  
The stage record tracked correctly and was complete for the entire monitoring
season.  
Other stage data collection factors:  No equipment problems were noted. 
13 flow measurements were taken during the monitoring season.  13 flow
measurements were taken during the monitoring season.  10 were taken by DNR staff
of which 8 were open water measurements and 2 were ice measurements. The other 3
were made by Widneth Smith Nolting consulting firm
All recorded stage values were within the rating or less than 1 foot above the
rating with no change in channel control.  
Flow measurements were taken this year with a frequency greater than 4-5 weeks
and do not accurately reflect seasonal conditions.  6 week gap between April and
June  measurements. 
This site does not have a permanent fixed type control structure.  
Flow measurements were taken with a maximum frequency of 7 weeks, up to or above
moderate flow levels (50% of maximum seasonal discharge).  Highest flow
measurement used for rating curve development was taken by WSN Consulting, 2060
cfs (63%).  DNR highest flow measurement 1550 cfs (48%).  Peak annual discharges
= 3230 cfs. 
This is not a stable site.  
The rating is not well developed over this year's range of flows when considering
quality and quantity of measurements.  The upper portion of the rating seems to
be fairly stable but the low end is very unstable due to the seiche actiivity
from Lake Traverse. 
The rating has less than five measurements over the full range of this year's
flows.  Rating is not well developed for medium to high flows. Large gap in
rating from 2061cfs -6960 cfs where a change in control occurs from channel to
out of banks. Low flows are also lacking since most of them have been taken when
there is backwater present from Lake Traverse. 
Site vists to determine if the physical characteristics of the control changed
during the monitoring season were done at a frequency of greater than 5 weeks.  6
week gap from April to June measurements. 
A change in the physical characteristics of the control occurred at some time
during the monitoring season.  
Change in control:  The lower Mustinka River experiences periodic backwater from
Lake Traverse and also a seiche signal from the lake. The dominant period of the
seiche signal is around 2 1/2 hours and can persist for weeks throughout the
low-flow season. Low flows were seen from late July until ice-in at the end of
November.  Ice shifts were needed from January thru Mid-March.  No shifts were
needed for open water periods with no seiche activity. 
Adequate flow measurements were not taken to confidently adjust stage during
period(s) of altered control.  Under seiche conditions, there is no stable stage
vs. discharge rating curve, and  the slope of the water surface needs to be
brought into the computation of streamflow.Unit discharges are computed using the
water surface slope between the DNR gage at the CSAH-9 bridge and the USGS gage
at the US-75 bridge over the Mustinka River.  The relationship between the stage,
water surface slope, and discharge is then determined and used to correct the
rating curve discharges downwards to the discharges seen under backwater/seiche
conditions.  Only a mean daily discharge is computed, and unit values are not
published. All measurements in 2013 that needed shifts were during seiche
activity. 
The potential error in cumulative flow volume introduced by changing channel
control is less than 15%.  
The potential error in cumulative flow volume introduced by changing channel
control is less than 5%.  The potential error introduced by seiche activity is 4%
(3570 cfs). Total annual discharge for 2013 = 79500 cfs


Precipitation Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The precipitation record either did not track correctly or was not complete for
some parts of the monitoring season.  RB data prior to 6/6  was removed.  Funnal
part of RB was noted as missing and wasn't replaced until 6/6.
The overall precip total for the year compares well to an adjacent station.  The
rain bucket tracked fairly well with climatology for the portion of the data that
was not deleted.  RB total = 12.53in (81%), climatology = 15.43in
At least three field visits were made to check the rain gage for obstructions
during the monitoring season.  
There is either visual evidence or an indication from analysis of the
precipitation data that the rain gage was plugged at some point during the
monitoring season.  RB was noted as plugged on 8/21.
The period of record when the rain gage was plugged was accurately determined and
removed from the corrected data.  RB data from 7/29-8/21 was removed, RB tracks
with well climatology until 7/29, then starts missing 0.2-1in rainevents. 
There were no vertical obstructions near the rain gage that may have compromised
recorded rainfall values.  
The rain gage was calibrated within the last three years.  


Water Quality Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please see the MPCA Environmental Data Access system for Water Quality results. 
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/customPHP/eda/stationInfo.php?ORG=MNPCA&wdip=2&ID=S000-681
 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Quality for Calendar Year 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flow   = Poor Archived Daily Value (QQC=32)
Precip = Fair Archived Daily Value (PQC=31)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - EnteredBy - YESAPP

    
Year End Summary for 55060002

Year End Summary for 2012

********************************************************************************
MPCA/DNR Cooperative Stream Gaging Year End Summary Report
Station: H55060002 - Mustinka River nr Wheaton, CSAH9
Year: 2012
Station Manager: CAROBERT
Data Manager: CAROBERT

Prepared By:
Carrie Robertson (carobert)
651-539-2116 (CARRIE.ROBERTSON@STATE.MN.US)

Approved By:
Daniel Henely (dahenely)
651-539-2107 (DANIEL.HENELY@STATE.MN.US)
********************************************************************************

Climate Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data is collected year round at this site.  
The ice out date was 03/14/2012.  
Snowmelt conditions:  Temperatures were well above normal causing a rapid
snowmelt with most of the snow gone by early March. 
The stream was in its banks during the entire year.  Largest event in June with a
comment near the peak noting channel was within banks. 
Periods of low or no flow:  Most of the year is under variable backwater
conditions from Lake Traverse causing low flows seen for most of 2012.
Significant climatic events:  2012 Climate Summary - West
Central

			Dept.		Dept.
		Avg.	from	Avg.	from
		Temp.	Norm.	Prec.	Norm.
January		20.4	8.9	0.4	-0.41
February	22.9	6.1	1.04	0.29
March		41.8	13.2	0.97	-0.57
April		47.4	3.3	3.52	1.45
May		60.1	3	4.23	1.39
June		68.7	2.3	3.03	-0.95
July		76.3	5	2.09	-1.44
August		67.8	-1.3	2.21	-0.91
September	59.2	-0.3	0.22	-2.78
October		44.1	-1.8	1.62	-0.7
November	32.1	2.1	0.36	-0.87
December	16.4	1	1.11	0.4			

The
first half of 2012 saw temperatures that were up to thirteen degrees warmer than
normal in West Central Minnesota.  The second half of the monitoring season saw
temperatures that were mostly in line with historical averages with the exception
of July being, on average, five degrees warmer than normal.  Precipitation was
close to historical averages for most of the year with the exception of April and
September falling 1.45 inches above and 2.78 inches below the historical
averages, respectively.  On February 26, much of the northern one-half of
Minnesota received four to eight inches of snow.  Days later, a large,
moisture-laden storm swept through the area from February 28 through March 1. The
rain changed to snow during the early-morning hours of February 29. An unusually
strong mid-April low pressure system brought a combination of severe weather,
heavy rain, and heavy snow to Minnesota on April 15-16. The storm dropped between
one and two inches of welcome precipitation over a large portion of Minnesota.
Reports of eight or more inches of moisture-laden snow were common in the area. 
The state experienced widespread rain on October 23-25.

[source: State
Climatology Office - DNR Division of Ecological and Water Resources]




Flow Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Site vists to determine if the logger was tracking stage correctly were done at a
frequency of 8 weeks or less.  
The stage record tracked correctly and was complete for the entire monitoring
season.  
Other stage data collection factors:   With flows lower than most years in 2012,
most of the year is affected by the Lake Traverse seiche effect so a
stage-fall-discharge method was used for discharge computation for most of
the
year. All of the flow measurements taken in 2012 were during periods of
seiche backwater effect and do no acccurately represent daily discharges.  There
are 5 short periods where the flows were not affected by backwater.  These
periods of no backwater were deteremined by looking at the fall when compared 
with the USGS gage E55060001 and are coded as questionable and the periods during
seiche effect are coded estimated.
9 flow measurements were taken during the monitoring season.  6 open water and 3
during ice conditions.
All recorded stage values were within the rating or less than 1 foot above the
rating with no change in channel control.  
Flow measurements were taken this year with a maximum frequency of 4-5 weeks or
with a frequency that accurately reflects seasonal conditions.  
Flow measurements cover less than 70% of the highest recorded seasonal/annual
discharge.  
Flow measurements cover less than 40% of the highest recorded seasonal/annual
discharge.  
Flow measurements cover up to or above 15% of the highest recorded season/annual
discharge.  Max seasonal discharge = 417 cfs, max measured discharge = 117 (28%)
This is not a stable site.  
The rating is not well developed over this year's range of flows when considering
quality and quantity of measurements.  Rating is not well developed for medium to
high flows. Large gap in rating from 837cfs -6960 cfs where a change in control
occurs from channel to out of banks.
The rating has less than five measurements over the full range of this year's
flows.  All of the flow measurements taken in 2012 were during periods of seiche
backwater effect and do no acccurately represent daily discharges. Missed the
large June rain event.
Site vists to determine if the physical characteristics of the control changed
during the monitoring season were done at a frequency of 5 weeks or less.  
A change in the physical characteristics of the control occurred at some time
during the monitoring season.  
Change in control:  Most of the year the site the site is affected by backwater
from Lake Traverse. There are 5 short periods where the flows were not affected
by backwater:  3/15-3/20, 3-26-3/28, 4/15-4/20, 6/18-6/25, and 7/24-7/28.  The
lower Mustinka River experiences periodic backwater from Lake Traverse and also a
seiche signal from the lake, especially at flows below 100 cfs.  The dominant
period of the seiche signal is around 2 1/2 hours and can persist for weeks
throughout the low-flow season.  
Adequate flow measurements were not taken to confidently adjust stage during
period(s) of altered control.  Under backwatered conditions, there is no stable
stage vs. discharge rating curve, and the slope of the water surface needs to be
brought into the computation of streamflow.  Unit discharges are computed using
the water surface slope between the DNR gage at the CSAH-9 bridge and the USGS
gage at the US-75 bridge over the Mustinka River.  The relationship between the
stage, water surface slope, and discharge is then determined and used to correct
the rating curve discharges downwards to the discharges seen under
backwater/seiche conditions.  Only a mean daily discharge is computed, and unit
values are not published. All measurements taken in 2012 were during periods of
backwater.
The potential error in cumulative flow volume introduced by changing channel
control is 15% or greater.  


Precipitation Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The precipitation record either did not track correctly or was not complete for
some parts of the monitoring season.  RB data after 8/14 was removed.  Funnal
part of RB was noted as missing in October and the RB starts missing events after
this data showing little/no precipitation. 
The overall precip total for the year compares well to an adjacent station.  The
rain bucket tracked well with climatology for the portion of the data that was
not deleted.  RB total = 13.99in (87%), climatology = 16.14in
At least three field visits were made to check the rain gage for obstructions
during the monitoring season.  
There was no visual evidence or an indication from analysis of the precipitation
data that the rain gage was plugged at any time during the monitoring season.  
There were no vertical obstructions near the rain gage that may have compromised
recorded rainfall values.  
The rain gage was calibrated within the last three years.  


Water Quality Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please see the MPCA Environmental Data Access system for Water Quality results. 
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/customPHP/eda/stationInfo.php?ORG=MNPCA&wdip=2&ID=S000-681
 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Quality for Calendar Year 2012
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flow   = Poor Archived Daily Value (QQC=32)
Precip = Fair Archived Daily Value (PQC=31)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - EnteredBy - YESAPP

    
Year End Summary for 55060002

Year End Summary for 2011

********************************************************************************
MPCA/DNR Cooperative Stream Gaging Year End Summary Report
Station: H55060002 - Mustinka River nr Wheaton, CSAH9
Year: 2011
Station Manager: CAROBERT
Data Manager: CAROBERT

Prepared By:
Carrie Robertson (carobert)
651-539-2116 (CARRIE.ROBERTSON@STATE.MN.US)

Approved By:
Daniel Henely (dahenely)
651-539-2107 (DANIEL.HENELY@STATE.MN.US)
********************************************************************************

Climate Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data is collected year round at this site.  
The ice out date was 03/27/2011.  
Snowmelt conditions:  Snow melt occurred very rapidly.  Significant flooding was
reported across Minnesota during much of the month of April. River levels reached
major flood stage along the Red River as well as many parts of the Minnesota
River. In some locations, peak river crests were among the highest ever recorded.
 
Periods the stream was out of its banks:  It was approximately out of banks form
4/3-4/13 from snowmelt.
Periods of low or no flow:  Flows less than 20cfs were seen from October 9th
until the end of the year. 
Significant climatic events:  West Central Minnesota
                  
-----------------
			Dept.		Dept.
		Avg.	from	Avg.	from
		Temp.	Norm.	Prec.	Norm.
January		5.2	-4.7	1.29	0.41	
February	12.5	-4.2	1.39	0.68	
March		21.3	-7.4	1.36	-0.23	
April		42.4	-1.7	1.61	-0.46	
May		54.2	-3.6	4.43	1.62	
June		65.3	-1.7	3.80	-0.16	
July		75.3	3.5	6.98	3.55	
August		69.8	0.2	2.32	-0.70	
September	59.2	-0.3	0.57	-1.67	
October		51.2	4.4	1.00	-1.03	
November	33.6	4.0	0.16	-1.17				
December	24.7	9.4	0.15	-0.46				

The
first half of 2011 saw temperatures that were two to seven and a half degrees
cooler than normal in West Central Minnesota.  July and October were the only
months notably above average with 3.5 to 4.4 degrees above average temperatures. 
Precipitation was variable throughout the year with July being notable for over
3.5 inches of precipitation above average and three months of below average
precipitation starting in August.  Starting off the year, snow depths in the
region were above 20 inches and snow water equivalencies were between 4 and 6
inches of water with the wettest snow pack in a swath through the center of the
region.  The bulk of February precipitation in the southern two-thirds of
Minnesota was dropped by a major winter storm that roared through the Midwest on
February 20-21 with over ten inches of snow. In many locations, storm snowfall
totals broke daily records for the month. Some of the heaviest amounts included
20 inches in Madison (Lac Qui Parle County), and 16 inches in Montevideo.  The
storm's snowfall contained a high amount of water content, worsening the
potential for spring flooding. Liquid precipitation totals of one to two inches
were reported in many communities.  A large and intense early-spring storm on
March 22-23 brought up to 10 inches of snow to parts of the region.  During the
month of April the west central region was the only area below average in
precipitation which helped avert even more severe flooding than occurred with
considerable high snow water equivalency levels running off the landscape.  By
April 4th 2 inches or less of water was left in the remaining snow pack. 
Significant flooding was reported across Minnesota during much of the month of
April. River levels reached major flood stage along the Red River as well as many
parts of the Minnesota River. In some locations, peak river crests were among the
highest ever recorded.  July 2011 ranked among the ten warmest Julys in
Minnesota's modern record. The month of July was also notable for the intensity,
geographic extent, and duration of high dew point temperatures. Multiple days of
very high dew point temperatures were reported at many locations with dew point
temperatures in excess of 75 degrees.  The remainder of the year was warm and dry
as the U. S. Drought Monitor, released on October 27, depicted nearly every
Minnesota county as experiencing some level of drought.  

 [source: State
Climatology Office ?DNR Waters]




Flow Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Site vists to determine if the logger was tracking stage correctly were done at a
frequency of 8 weeks or less.  
The stage record tracked correctly and was complete for the entire monitoring
season.  
Other stage data collection factors:  Stages (from 9/18 to ice in) are affected
by backwater from Lake Traverse are coded as estimated so no unit discharges are
computed and the stage-fall-discharge method was used to compute daily
discharges.
11 flow measurements were taken during the monitoring season.  9 are open water
measurements and 2 are ice measurements.
All recorded stage values were within the rating or less than 1 foot above the
rating with no change in channel control.  
Flow measurements were taken this year with a maximum frequency of 4-5 weeks or
with a frequency that accurately reflects seasonal conditions.  
Flow measurements cover a wide range of flows, up to at least 70% of the highest
recorded seasonal/annual discharge.  Highest measured discharge = 6961 cfs (99%).
 Highest annual discharge = 7040 cfs.
The rating is not well developed over this year's range of flows when considering
quality and quantity of measurements.  Rating is not well developed for medium to
high flows. Large gap in rating from 837cfs -6960 cfs where a change in control
occurs from channel to out of banks.
The rating has at least five measurements over the full range of this year's
flows.  
Site vists to determine if the physical characteristics of the control changed
during the monitoring season were done at a frequency of 5 weeks or less.  
A change in the physical characteristics of the control occurred at some time
during the monitoring season.  
Change in control:  6/9 and 6/22 needed a scour shift and 7/27 a veg shift was
needed. 8/30 needed a low flow depositional shift.  Beginning 9/18/11, the site
is affected by backwater from Lake Traverse and continues to be affected until
ice in.The lower Mustinka River experiences periodic backwater from Lake Traverse
and also a seiche signal from the lake, especially at flows below 100 cfs.  The
dominant period of the seiche signal is around 2 1/2 hours and can persist for
weeks throughout the low-flow season.  
Adequate flow measurements were not taken to confidently adjust stage during
period(s) of altered control.  Under backwatered conditions, there is no stable
stage vs. discharge rating curve, and the slope of the water surface needs to be
brought into the computation of streamflow.  Unit discharges are computed using
the water surface slope between the DNR gage at the CSAH-9 bridge and the USGS
gage at the US-75 bridge over the Mustinka River.  The relationship between the
stage, water surface slope, and discharge is then determined and used to correct
the rating curve discharges downwards to the discharges seen under
backwater/seiche conditions.  Only a mean daily discharge is computed, and unit
values are not published. 
The potential error in cumulative flow volume introduced by changing channel
control is less than 15%.  
The potential error in cumulative flow volume introduced by changing channel
control is less than 5%.  


Precipitation Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The precipitation record tracked correctly and was complete for the monitoring
season.  
At least three field visits were made to check the rain gage for obstructions
during the monitoring season.  
There was no visual evidence or an indication from analysis of the precipitation
data that the rain gage was plugged at any time during the monitoring season.  
There were no vertical obstructions near the rain gage that may have compromised
recorded rainfall values.  
The rain gage was calibrated within the last three years.  


Water Quality Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please see the MPCA Environmental Data Access system for Water Quality results. 
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/data/eda/STresults.cfm?stOR=MNPCA1&stID=S000-681 
Equis ID S000-681


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Quality for Calendar Year 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flow   = Poor Archived Daily Value (QQC=32)
Precip = Good Archived Daily Value (PQC=30)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - EnteredBy - YESAPP

    
Year End Summary for 55060002

Year End Summary for 2010

********************************************************************************
MPCA/DNR Cooperative Stream Gaging Year End Summary Report
Station: H55060002 - Mustinka River nr Wheaton, CSAH9
Year: 2010
Station Manager: CAROBERT
Data Manager: CAROBERT

Prepared By:
Carrie Robertson (carobert)
651-539-2116 (CARRIE.ROBERTSON@STATE.MN.US)

Approved By:
Daniel Henely (dahenely)
651-539-2107 (DANIEL.HENELY@STATE.MN.US)
********************************************************************************

Climate Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data is only collected for a partial year at this site.  equipment was not
installed until 10-13-2010 
Data collection began on 10/13/2010.  
Data collection ended on 12/31/2010.  
The ice out date cannot be determined.  
Snowmelt conditions:  NA
The stream was in its banks during the entire year.  
Periods of low or no flow:  last two weeks of october were the lowest while
equipment was installed
Significant climatic events:  West Central Minnesota
                  
-----------------
			Dept.		Dept.
		Avg.	from	Avg.	from
		Temp.	Norm.	Prec.	Norm.
January		8.7	-.5	1.06	
.15
February	11.1	-5.2	1.06	
.37
March		34.1	5.6	1.32	-.26
April		51.3	7.2	1.41	-.59
May		56.8	-1.0	2.19	-.60
June		66.3	-.6	4.04	
.12
July		71.9	 .4	3.49	
.07
August		72.1	2.7	5.86	2.83
September	57.0	-2.5	6.25	4.02
October		50.2	3.4	1.95	-.08
November	31.1	1.4	
.57	-.75
December		 

2010 started out cold with the first two months of the
year being below average.  February was five degrees below average.  A potent
Alberta Clipper dumped several inches in the area on January 6th and 7th and
while precipitation was slightly above average for those first two months, the
next three months would be below normal levels. Still with some counties in west
central Minnesota reporting 18 or more inches of snow on the ground by February,
in comparison with historical snow depths for the date, current snow depths rank
above the 95th percentile. The water content of the snow pack was modeled to be
between four and five inches. Soil frost depths under sod range measured from
three to twelve inches due to the heavy blanket of snow cover impeding frost
penetration in spite of cold December, January, and February temperatures.  March
and April showed a complete reversal with much higher than average temperatures
and below average precipitation leaving all ground in Minnesota void of snow
cover by April 1st and most of Minnesota without soil frost. June through
September were above average months for precipitation and September was the
wettest month having averages more than four inches above normal.  September's
heavy rainfall totals were primarily the result of an extraordinary rainfall
event that occurred on September 22 and 23. The heavy rain, falling on soils
already sodden from an above average summer, led to numerous reports of major
rural and urban flooding.  August and October were both warm months being around
three degrees above average and November was several degrees higher than average
as well with very little precipitation.  Ice-in around the state occurred in
early December.
[source: State Climatology Office ?DNR Waters]




Flow Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
starting october 13, 2010
Site vists to determine if the logger was tracking stage correctly were done at a
frequency of 8 weeks or less.  
The stage record tracked correctly and was complete for the entire monitoring
season.  
Other stage data collection factors:  none
2 flow measurements were taken during the monitoring season.  
Some recorded stage values were above the rating by a value greater than 1 foot,
or less than 1 foot with a change in channel control.  new rating with only 3
measurements and two are ice
The present rating cannot be accurately extrapolated or modeled to the highest
recorded stage values.  
Less than 10% of the seasonal flow occurred during the period when the rating
curve was exceeded.  
Flow measurements were taken this year with a maximum frequency of 4-5 weeks or
with a frequency that accurately reflects seasonal conditions.  
Flow measurements cover less than 70% of the highest recorded seasonal/annual
discharge.  
Flow measurements cover less than 40% of the highest recorded seasonal/annual
discharge.  don't know
Flow measurements cover less than 15% of the highest recorded seasonal/annual
discharge.  
Site vists to determine if the physical characteristics of the control changed
during the monitoring season were done at a frequency of 5 weeks or less.  
A change in the physical characteristics of the control occurred at some time
during the monitoring season.  
Change in control:  The lower Mustinka River experiences periodic backwater from
Lake Traverse and also a seiche signal from the lake, especially at flows below
100 cfs.  The dominant period of the seiche signal is around 2 1/2 hours and can
persist for weeks throughout the low-flow season.  Under these conditions, there
is no stable stage vs. discharge rating curve, and the slope of the water surface
needs to be brought into the computation of streamflow.  Unit discharges are
computed using the water surface slope between the DNR gage at the CSAH-9 bridge
and the USGS gage at the US-75 bridge over the Mustinka River.  The relationship
between the stage, water surface slope, and discharge is then determined and used
to correct the rating curve discharges downwards to the discharges seen under
backwater/seiche conditions.  Only a mean daily discharge is computed, and unit
values are not published. Period of backwatered affected discharges is from the
start of data collection to October 27th. 
Adequate flow measurements were not taken to confidently adjust stage during
period(s) of altered control.  
The potential error in cumulative flow volume introduced by changing channel
control is less than 20%.  
The potential error in cumulative flow volume introduced by changing channel
control is less than 10%.  


Precipitation Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least three field visits were made to check the rain gage for obstructions
during the monitoring season.  
There was no visual evidence or an indication from analysis of the precipitation
data that the rain gage was plugged at any time during the monitoring season.  
There were no vertical obstructions near the rain gage that may have compromised
recorded rainfall values.  
The rain gage was calibrated within the last three years.  


Water Quality Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No water quality samples were collected at this site during the monitoring
season.  


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Quality for Calendar Year 2010
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flow   = Poor Archived Daily Value (QQC=32)
Precip = Good Archived Daily Value (PQC=30)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - EnteredBy - YESAPP