Year End Summary for 61006002

Year End Summary for 2023

YEAR END SUMMARY
STATION NAME:Sandhill River near Fertile, 450th St SW
STATION NUMBER:H61006002
YEAR: 2023
PREPARED BY: Karsten Klimek

CLIMATE SUMMARY:2023 - Division 1: The first four months of the year were cold, with near-normal precipitation. Temperatures averaged 3.4^ F lower than the 1991-2020 normals, with precipitation averaging about 4% (less than 0.15 inches) below normal. Conditions turned very dry and warm during May, remaining that way with only minor variations, through the growing season and beyond. The 6-month May-through-October period was 3rd warmest and 9th driest on record back to 1895, with the US Drought Monitor indicating moderate to severe drought conditions developing during July, covering the entire area by early September, and lasting through November in the northern part of the division. Severe convective weather was rare during the year, and no major rainfall events affected the region. Episodes of intense wildfire smoke marked the generally warm and dry growing season. Accumulating snow that fell in late October melted within a week or so, and as of December 1, the seasonal snowpack had not been established anywhere in the area.

CONTINUOUS WATER QUALITY SUMMARY:A HOBO temperature logger with serial number 21057229 was deployed at the station. It was secured to Rebar. The logger was placed in a Run near DS by the left bank (looking downstream). Logger appears to have collected good quality data. Larger changes in temperature can be linked to climate and precip data. No data were deleted due to the logger being exposed to air temperature or due to being buried.

Year End Summary for 2022

YEAR END SUMMARY
STATION NAME: Sandhill River nr Fertile, 450th St SW
STATION NUMBER: H61006002
YEAR: 2022
PREPARED BY: Karsten Klimek, Karsten.Klimek@state.mn.us |

CLIMATE SUMMARY: 2022 - Division 1: The first four months of the year were very cold and very wet, with temperatures averaging more than 6.5^ F lower than the 1991-2020 normals, and an onslaught of winter and spring storms leading to the fourth wettest January through April on record, back to 1895. May remained quite wet, but dry conditions ensuing in June left the May-September precipitation season drier and slightly warmer than normal. Several outbreaks of severe convective storms affected the area in May and June, but there were no major rainfall or flash-flooding episodes. Accumulating snows around the 10th of November appears to have established the seasonal snowpack, with 0.5 to 1 inch of water-equivalent in 3-8 inches of snow cover as of December 7.

STATION OPERATION SUMMARY:
This station operates year-round, but precipitation is only monitored during the liquid precipitation season.
Is this site monitored year round? YES NO
Open water dates - estimated Ice out and Ice in:
Open water sites ONLY. Period of data record (if different from ice out/ice in dates):
Summary of equipment - related factors that impacted data collection:

DISCHARGE SUMMARY:
Number of flow measurements for monitoring season:
Was the full range of flows measured for the season? YES NO
Was a new rating developed? YES NO
General summary of control changes/shifts needed:
Quality of computed daily discharges:

PRECIPITATION DATA OVERVIEW:
Was precipitation data collected at this site? YES NO
Climatological liquid precipitation period:
Was there a complete and acceptable precipitation record for this period? YES NO (WHY?)

CONTINUOUS WATER QUALITY SUMMARY: A HOBO temperature logger with serial number 20788971 was deployed at the station. It was secured to Rebar. The logger was placed in a Pool near the start of the biological monitoring reach (downstream end) by the left bank (looking downstream). Logger appears to have collected good quality data. Larger changes in temperature can be linked to climate and precip data. No data were deleted due to the logger being exposed to air temperature or due to being buried.

Year End Summary for 61006002

Year End Summary for 2021

YEAR END SUMMARY
STATION NAME: Sandhill River nr Fertile, 450th St SW
STATION NUMBER: H61006002
YEAR: 2021
PREPARED BY: Zach Moore (Zachary.Moore@state.mn.us)

CLIMATE SUMMARY: Climate Division 1: After a generally mild winter with below-normal snowfall, warm and dry conditions dominated the May-through-October liquid precipitation season, leading to the worst drought since 1980 in much of the area. Precipitation from May through October averaged about 70% of normal. May through July was extremely dry, with an average of under 4.0 inches of rain falling over the 3-month period (normal would have been 11 inches). June had bouts of extreme heat, which worsened the drought conditions, and May through October averaged over 3.5 degrees F above normal and was the warmest on record. Normal and above-normal precipitation during late summer and autumn helped drought conditions improve, although deficits remained. No significant precipitation events occurred. Mean temperatures fell below freezing in early November, and the seasonal snow pack formed during early December.

STATION OPERATION SUMMARY:
Is this site monitored year round? NO
Open water dates - estimated Ice out and Ice in: 3/18/2021-11/12/2021
Open water sites ONLY. Period of data record (if different from ice out/ice in dates): 3/18/2021-11/1/2021
Summary of equipment - related factors that impacted data collection: The orifice line was frozen at the start of the year so data between 3/18/21 and 3/21/21 was estimated.

DISCHARGE SUMMARY:
Number of flow measurements for monitoring season: 6
Was the full range of flows measured for the season? NO - the highest flow measurement for the season was 55 cfs while the highest calculated unit value flow was about 108 cfs.
Was a new rating developed? NO
General summary of control changes/shifts needed: Station was affected by beaver activity after the 7/28/2021 flow measurement visit. Because of this, discharges were estimated from 8/20/2021-11/2/2021.
Quality of computed daily discharges: Fair and estimated.

PRECIPITATION DATA OVERVIEW:
Was precipitation data collected at this site? YES
Climatological liquid precipitation period: 5/1/2021-10/31/2021
Was there a complete and acceptable precipitation record for this period? YES

Year End Summary for 61006002

Year End Summary for 2020

YEAR END SUMMARY
STATION NAME: Sandhill River nr Fertile, 450th St SW
STATION NUMBER: H61006002
YEAR: 2020
PREPARED BY: Zach Moore (Zachary.Moore@state.mn.us)

CLIMATE SUMMARY: Mild and generally dry conditions from January through into April topped off a moderately snowy early winter, leading to near-normal seasonal snowfall totals of 45 to 55 inches. The May-September growing season was warmer than normal with near-normal precipitation, punctuated by significant June through August warmth, 60-80% precipitation deficits in May and September, and 100% precipitation surpluses in July. Heavy and excessive rain fell June 7-8, with 2-4 inches in most areas and isolated totals of five inches. Temperatures fell deeply below freezing in early October, but with little precipitation falling, the liquid precipitation season extended to October 15. Snow fell several times beginning mid-October, but extreme warmth melted all of it during early-mid November and the seasonal snowpack had not been established as of December 1.

STATION OPERATION SUMMARY:
Is this site monitored year round? NO
Open water dates - estimated Ice out and Ice in: 3/30/2020-10/26/2020
Open water sites ONLY. Period of data record (if different from ice out/ice in dates): 3/25/2020-11/1/2020
Summary of equipment - related factors that impacted data collection: Aside from some freeze/thaw activity during the beginning and end of the season there were no impacts.

DISCHARGE SUMMARY:
Number of flow measurements for monitoring season: 5
Was the full range of flows measured for the season? NO - High and low flows were measured but normal-mid flows were not measured this year.
Was a new rating developed? No - Rating changed in 2019.
General summary of control changes/shifts needed: Debris gets caught on the upstream side of the culvert and affects the monitoring pool. Measurements in August, September, and October showed that shifts were needed for that time period.
Quality of computed daily discharges: Some ice affected values during the start and end of the season. Due to lack of flow measurements during work restrictions, early part of the year is coded estimated. All else is coded Fair to Poor depending on the section of the rating it falls in.

PRECIPITATION DATA OVERVIEW:
Was precipitation data collected at this site? YES
Climatological liquid precipitation period: 4/16/20-10/16/20
Was there a complete and acceptable precipitation record for this period? YES

DISCLAIMER: In the spring and summer of 2020, field work was limited due to the COVID 19 related travel and work restrictions. Because of this, there are less frequent discharge measurements, which can lead to more uncertainty and data estimation. This is reflected in the quality codes of the discharge data.

Year End Summary for 61006002

Year End Summary for 2019

YEAR END SUMMARY
STATION NAME: Sandhill River nr Fertile, 450th St SW
STATION NUMBER: H61006002
YEAR: 2019
PREPARED BY: Zach Moore (Zachary.Moore@state.mn.us)

CLIMATE SUMMARY: Cold and stormy conditions from the end of January through April contributed to seasonal snowfall totals of 55 to 85 inches, 60-100% above 1981-2010 averages. The first four months of the year were 6 degrees F below average, with a deficit of 11.7 degrees in February. The May - September growing season was slightly cooler than average, and began dry but ended wet, with 30% deficits in May and June giving way to 45% surpluses from July through September. Heavy and excessive rain fell on September 20-21 with 2-4 inches in most areas and isolated totals approaching six inches. Cool and wet conditions continued into October, with a heavy precipitation event and early blizzard on the 10th-12th, although the seasonal snowpack was not established until the middle to end of November.

STATION OPERATION SUMMARY:
Is this site monitored year round? NO
Open water dates - estimated Ice out and Ice in: 4/5/19-11/5/2019
Open water sites ONLY. Period of data record (if different from ice out/ice in dates): 4/4/2019-11/1/2019
Summary of equipment - related factors that impacted data collection: Aside from some freeze/thaw activity around 4/4/19-4/5/19, no impacts.

DISCHARGE SUMMARY:
Number of flow measurements for monitoring season: 6
Was the full range of flows measured for the season? NO - The spring snowmelt peak was estimated to be around 5000 cfs. Measurements covered the rest of the monitoring season well ranging from ~28 cfs to ~750 cfs.
Was a new rating developed? YES. Rating extended for high flows. Minor tweaks made throughout to bring it onto 2019 and 2020 measurements that were available during development.
General summary of control changes/shifts needed: Measurements in June and July showed that vegetation/debris shifts were needed during that time period.
Quality of computed daily discharges: Fair to Poor except when during ice affected periods of time which are considered Estimated.

PRECIPITATION DATA OVERVIEW:
Was precipitation data collected at this site? YES
Climatological liquid precipitation period: 6/1/19-10/12/19
Was there a complete and acceptable precipitation record for this period? YES

Year End Summary for 61006002

Year End Summary for 2018

YEAR END SUMMARY
STATION NAME: Sandhill River nr Fertile, 450th St SW
STATION NUMBER: H61006002
YEAR: 2017
PREPARED BY: Jeremy Rivord jeremy.rivord@state.mn.us
CLIMATE SUMMARY: Division 1, 2018: A long and late winter produced frozen precipitation and cold conditions well into April, with area snow cover persisting until the final week of the month. The May - September growing season was warm and very dry, averaging two degrees warmer and 4 inches (or about 25%) drier than 1981-2010 averages. Heavy rain events produced 2-3-inch totals in northwestern Minnesota on June 9 & 17 and September 15. Cool weather resumed in early October, with snows on the 9th, and the seasonal snow cover beginning during early November.
GAGE OPERATION SUMMARY:
Is this site monitored year round? NO
Open water dates:4/11/2018-unknown, because there was no ice present during the last inspection of the season.
Period of data record (if different from ice out/ice in dates): 4/11/2018-10/31/2018

Summary of equipment-related factors that impacted data collection: The equipment at this site functioned properly over the season.
Number of flow measurements for monitoring season 7
Was the full range of flows measured for the season? NO, our highest gauging measured was 84 cfs, but three large events occurred in 2018 that exceeded 120 cfs. The spring runoff is estimated to have exceeded 350 cfs. We were able to measure flow at intermediate and low flow times of the year.
DISCHARGE SUMMARY:
Was a new rating developed? YES
General summary of control changes/shifts needed: Large woody debris has been observed at this site for several years and stages have historically been shifted to account for this impact. In assessing 2017 and 2018 gaugings together, it was determined that a new rating was necessary to account for this accumulation of debris. This large debris was ultimately removed in late summer of 2018. These changes to the control will need to be considered in the 2019 data work up. After a new rating, the only needed shift was in early March to address ice-impacted stages.
Quality of computed daily discharges: Computed discharges are mostly Fair to Good over the 2018 monitoring season. The three major events in 2018 in April, May and July are coded as poor due to the lack of gaugings at flows above 100 cfs.
PRECIPITATION DATA OVERVIEW:
Was precipitation data collected at this site? YES
Climatological liquid precipitation period: 5/1/2018-10/31/2018
Was there a complete and acceptable record for this period? YES

Year End Summary for 61006002

Year End Summary for 2017

YEAR END SUMMARY
STATION NAME: Sandhill River nr Fertile, 450th St SW
STATION NUMBER: H61006002
YEAR: 2017
PREPARED BY: Jeremy Rivord jeremy.rivord@state.mn.us
CLIMATE SUMMARY: 2017 Climate Summary - Northwest
January http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201701&div=MN01
February http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201702&div=MN01
March http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201703&div=MN01
April http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201704&div=MN01
May http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201705&div=MN01
June http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201706&div=MN01
July http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201707&div=MN01
August http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201708&div=MN01
September http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201709&div=MN01
October http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201710&div=MN01
November http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201711&div=MN01
December http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201712&div=MN01

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=61006002

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

GAGE OPERATION SUMMARY:
Is this site monitored year round? NO
Open water dates:4/3/2017-unknown. The first ice-out occurs in early February for several days, where DNR measures flow, but the weather pattern cools off and ice-in occurs from 2/24/2017-4/3/2017.
Period of data record (if different from ice out/ice in dates): 4/3/2017-10/31/2017

Summary of equipment-related factors that impacted data collection: The equipment at this site functioned properly over the season with the exception of 11 days in the middle of March when the orifice line was frozen and thus the stage data were deleted.
Number of flow measurements for monitoring season:8
Was the full range of flows measured for the season? YES, open water flow ranged from the lowest of 8.8 cfs to the maximum of 208 cfs (ice affected) and 94 cfs (no ice).

DISCHARGE SUMMARY:
Was a new rating developed? YES
General summary of control changes/shifts needed: Large woody debris has been observed at this site for several year. This large debris was ultimately removed in late summer of 2018. These changes to the control will need to be considered in the 2019 data work up.

Quality of computed daily discharges: Computed discharges are mostly Fair to Good over the 2017 monitoring season. There is a brief period after ice out at high stages where discharge is coded poor, and there is a period later in the summer where stages drop below our lowest gauged stage and are thus coded Extrapolated.

PRECIPITATION DATA OVERVIEW:
Was precipitation data collected at this site? YES
Climatological liquid precipitation period: 4/28/2017-10/31/2017
Was there a complete and acceptable record for this period? NO. The months of May and August were rejected due to falling below the minimum threshold.

Year End Summary for 61006002

Year End Summary for 2016

********************************************************************************
MPCA/DNR Cooperative Stream Gaging Year End Summary Report
Station: H61006002 - Sandhill River nr Fertile, 450th St SW
Year: 2016
Station Manager: JOPROSOS
Data Manager: JERIVORD

Prepared By:
Jeremy Rivord (jerivord)
651-539-2115 (JEREMY.RIVORD@STATE.MN.US)

Approved By:
Andrew Lindlof (anlindlo)
651-539-2131 (ANDREW.LINDLOF@STATE.MN.US)
********************************************************************************

Climate Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data is only collected for a partial year at this site.
Data collection began on 03/10/2016. The first water sample was collected on
3/10/2016. The first stream gauging was measured on 3/16/2016
Data collection ended on 10/31/2016. Stage was collected until 11/30/2016, but
per policy, the last gauging was on 10/19/2016 and flows were calculated through
10/31/2016
The ice out date was 03/11/2016. Based on inspections, stage patterns, and
temperature data at this site ice out was estimated to occur at 3/11/2016.
Snowmelt conditions: Photos of this site from the 3/15 gauging show that there
is no snow on the landscape. Snow is assumed to have melted prior to the 3/10
measurement as well. Inspection comments from partners note that on 3/10/2016
shore ice was present and estiamted at approximately 15% of the cross-section.
Their notes also mention that on 3/7 they visited and found too much ice to
sample.
The stream was in its banks during the entire year. DNR measurement on 9/1/2016
(1002.17 ft) notes that the river is not out of bank anywhere. 8/30/2016 partner
inspection notes that flow was out of banks (1001.99 ft.), while 8/29 does not
mention out of bank conditions (1001.74 ft). It appears partners have a different
opinion of out of bank conditions.
There were no periods of low or no flow during the entire year. The period of
lowest flows for 2016 occurred in early summer 2016, but these low flows exceed
low flows that have been observed at this site from 2013-2015.
Significant climatic events: 2016 Climate Summary -
Northwest

January http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201601&div=MN01
February

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201602&div=MN01
March http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201603&div=MN01
April http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201604&div=MN01
May http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201605&div=MN01
June http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201606&div=MN01
July http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201607&div=MN01
August http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201608&div=MN01
September http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201609&div=MN01
October http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201610&div=MN01
November http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201611&div=MN01
December http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201612&div=MN01

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=61006002

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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/10/2016-11/30/2016, although stage after 10/31/2016 was deleted due to no
gaugings.
Site visits to determine if the logger was tracking stage correctly were done at
a frequency of 8 weeks or less. Between partners and DNR, there were 27 site
visits over the eight months of stage record.
The stage record tracked correctly and was complete for the entire monitoring
season. There were only about 1.5 days of ice affected flows, otherwise the
stage record for this site is accurate and complete.
Other stage data collection factors: The tree that has been lodged on the right
bank upstream of the culverts has become a permanent part of the control. During
high flow events this tree also appears to catch debris, which affects stage
during lower flows. Channel and streambank vegetation is also assumed to affect
flows at this control.
9 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. The highest stage was 1002.41 ft. The
highest stage for the rating is 1004.32 ft.
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. An inspection collected on 9/1/2016 measured
239 cfs, which is 83% of maximum annual computed flow of 288 cfs.
The rating is not well developed over this year's range of flows when considering
quality and quantity of measurements. The rating above 75 cfs is supported by
only 2 measurements from 2016. The quality of the rating in the period of 2016
flows is also coded fair to poor with no good sections.
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. As larger events occurred, debris continued to
accumulate at the tree that was observed on the right bank upstream of the
culvert.
Change in control: Debris accumulated at this site when flows were large enough
for the tree in the culvert to catch this debris.
Adequate flow measurements were taken to confidently adjust stage during
period(s) of altered control.

Precipitation Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Precipitation data were collected through November, but with a significant gap
between 10/19/16 as the last visit and 11/30/16. The last two weeks of the
precipitation data were deleted as the rain bucket appeared to be impacted by
ice.
The precipitation record tracked correctly and was complete for the monitoring
season. Out of the 7 complete months of record in 2016 there are 3 good months
and 2 fair months. The rain bucket was noted as blocked once on 7/5/16, but it
doesn't appear to have impacted the month of June as the comparison with climate
data matched fairly well.
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 vertical obstructions near the rain gage that may have compromised
recorded rainfall values. Inspections note heavy nearby tree cover.
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=S003-136

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Quality for Calendar Year 2016
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flow = Fair Archived Daily Value (QQC=31)
Precip = Poor Archived Daily Value (PQC=32)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - EnteredBy - YESAPP

Year End Summary for 61006002

Year End Summary for 2015

Prepared By:
Andrew Lindlof (anlindlo)
651-539-2131 (ANDREW.LINDLOF@STATE.MN.US)

Approved By:
Joshua Prososki (joprosos)
218-846-8481 (JOSHUA.PROSOSKI@STATE.MN.US)
********************************************************************************

Climate Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data is collected year round at this site.
The ice out date was 03/31/2015.
Snowmelt conditions: Max daily temperatures start to rise well above freezing on
3/5/15. The snowpack melts uniformly on 3/5/15-3/9/15 from 4 inches to 0 inches.
Snowpack increases to 2 inches on 3/21/15 and completely melts by 3/26/15.
The stream was in its banks during the entire year.
Periods of low or no flow: Low flows were seen consistantly from early August to
the ice-in date in late November. Flows did not exceed 20cfs within this period.
Significant climatic events: 2015 Climate Summary -
Northwest

January http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201501&div=MN01
February http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201502&div=MN01
March http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201503&div=MN01
April http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201504&div=MN01
May http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201505&div=MN01
June http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201506&div=MN01
July http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201507&div=MN01
August http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201508&div=MN01
September http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201509&div=MN01
October http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201510&div=MN01
November http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201511&div=MN01
December http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201512&div=MN01

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=61006002

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: There were no significant equipment
problems noted that would affect stage data collection in 2015.
7 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. The highest recorded stage value was
1000.986ft on 5/21/15 and the highest rating point is 1004.4ft.
Flow measurements were taken this year with a maximum frequency of 4-5 weeks or
with a frequency that accurately reflects seasonal conditions. The 5/13/15
measurement was taken at a greater interval than 5 weeks and the spring and
summer peak flows were missed. However, flows in 2015 were low reletive to
previous years, the rating is reasonably well developed in range of 2015 flows,
and shifts were either not needed or minimal throughout the year.
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. The highest measured flow was 44.3cfs on 5/13/15 which is 50.4% of
the highest computed flow of 87.9cfs on 5/21/15.
This is a stable site.
The rating is well developed over this year's range of flows when considering
both quality and quantity of measurements. The flows in 2015 existed mostly
within the good and fair portions of the rating. Minor fall low flows and part of
the 5/21/15 spring peak fell in the poorly developed portion of the rating.
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 control was clear following the ice-out date, and
remained clear until minor debris washed in following June higher flows. The June
debris was removed by late June higher flows. Fall debris gradually accumulated
on the cotrol from late August to late September and gradually washed out from
late September to early November. The control was clear going into ice-in.
Adequate flow measurements were taken to confidently adjust stage during
period(s) of altered control.

Precipitation Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The precipitation record either did not track correctly or was not complete for
some parts of the monitoring season. There is a complete record of data, but the
months of April, June, September, and October are coded questionable.
The overall precip total for the year does not compare well to an adjacent
station. Over half the year is coded poor and questionable when compared to a
nearby station.
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 vertical obstructions near the rain gage that may have compromised
recorded rainfall values. The gage is located on a scientific and natural area,
with trees along the banks. There are also trees along the tall beach ridge
located north of the gage.
The rain gage was calibrated within the last three years. The rain bucket was
installed on 6/3/2013.

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

Year End Summary for 61006002

Year End Summary for 2014

Prepared By:
Allison Bogusz (albogusz)
ALLISON.BOGUSZ@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.
Data collection began on 04/07/2014. at 13:15.
Data collection ended on 12/31/2014.
The ice out date cannot be determined. Stage data collection started after ice
out date according to climatology data.
Snowmelt conditions: By the start of stage data collection on 4/7/2014 min and
max temp was above freezing and it appears ice starts melting before this date
seen by the rising limb of the hydrograph. The inspection on 4/7/2014 states the
water is nearly ice free. Between 4/11/2014 and 4/17/2014 min temp drops below
freezing, however, ice doesn't seem to form due to the consistent falling limb of
the hydrograph after the majority of snowmelt had already occurred. Once the
hydrograph ultimately peaked on 4/11/2014 it consistently fell until rainfall
events starting occurring on 4/26/2014.
The stream was in its banks during the entire year. No indication in site
inspections of stream out of its banks. On 4/7/2014 inpsection by DNR states
elevated water level, but not in the flood plain.
Periods of low or no flow: Starting Septermb 22nd until the end of open water
season flow decreased greatly to stages below 1000.3 ft. Inspection on 9/30/2014
by IWI Andrew Ulven states river near baseflow.
Significant climatic events: 2014 Climate Summary -
Northwest

January http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201401&div=MN01
February http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201402&div=MN01
March http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201403&div=MN01
April http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201404&div=MN01
May http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201405&div=MN01
June http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201406&div=MN01
July http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201407&div=MN01
August http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201408&div=MN01
September http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201409&div=MN01
October http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201410&div=MN01
November http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201411&div=MN01
December http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/historical/summary_csg.html?yyyymm=201412&div=MN01

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=61006002

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 either did not track correctly or was not complete for some
parts of the monitoring season. Data was estimated using site H60099001 as a
reference trace from 7/22/2014 at 12:00 to 7/28/2014 at 12:00. Data was also
estimated from 10/31/2014 at 12:00 to 11/4/2014 at 9:00 due to blown fuses for
both occasions. Logger began reading well after reconnection.
Stage either did not track correctly or was not complete during some or all
moderate to high flow periods this season. The data gap in late July occurred
during a moderate flow period seen by the falling limb of the hydrograph after
the 7/21/2014 rainfall event and stated as being a moderate flow shortly after
gap on 7/29/2014 inpsection by IWI Andrew Ulven. The data gap in early November
occurred during relatively low/base flow.
Incorrect or missing stage values were accurately adjusted or estimated using a
technique that introduced less than 15% error in total seasonal flow volume.
Estimated data were filled using reference traces to nearby sites. Total
estimated data accounts for 2% of total annual discharge.
Other stage data collection factors: The staff gage was surveyed and reset on
the first site visit of the year (4/7/14).
6 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. The measurement on 5/15/14 fell below
the rating.
Flow measurements were taken this year with a frequency greater than 4-5 weeks
and do not accurately reflect seasonal conditions. Measurements on 5/15/14 and
9/3/14 were taken more than 5 weeks after the previous measurement.
This site does not have a permanent fixed type control structure.
Flow measurements were taken with a frequency greater than 7 weeks and do not
capture moderate flows (50% of maximum seasonal discharge).
Flow measurements were taken with a maximum frequency of 7 weeks, up to or above
moderate to low flow levels (25% of maximum seasonal discharge). Flow
measurements were taken at least every 7 weeks. The max measured discharge is
186cfs, which is 27.5% of the max computed discarge of 674 cfs.
This is a stable site.
The rating is not well developed over this year's range of flows when considering
quality and quantity of measurements. The top end of the rating has few flow
measurements, with no mesaurements added to the top end in 2014,
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. MN DNR
and IWI site inspections were made at least every 5 weeks.
A change in the physical characteristics of the control occurred at some time
during the monitoring season.
Change in control: A scour shift was place at the begining of the year in early
April following high flows, and ends in late May as vegetation forms in the left
side of the US channel. A second scour shift is placed in mid June following high
flows, and runs through mid October, assuming that the scour gradually fills in.
Adequate flow measurements were taken to confidently adjust stage during
period(s) of altered control.

Precipitation Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The precipitation record either did not track correctly or was not complete for
some parts of the monitoring season. There were data gaps from 4/7/2014 at 12:45
to 4/7/2014 at 13:15, 7/22/2014 at 12:00 to 7/28/2014 at 11:15, and 10/31/2014 at
12:00 to 11/4/2014 at 9:15 due to blown fuses and logger disconnections. Logger
began reading well after reconnection. During these periods of time, gaps were
filled or not filled based by referencing data to climatology data when no
precipitation occurred and precipitation occurred accordingly. The following is a
summary from the precipitation data corrections: Deleted data back to beginning
of year due to freezing temperatures and snow/ice possibly affecting record.
April, May, and June coded fair due to data being 82% and 87% of the recorded
precip for the climatology site (-18% and -13%). Did not fill gap in record from
4/7/14 12:45 to 4/7/14 13:15 due to rain event reported by Climatology on day of
gap and/or rain bucket tips on day of gap. July coded questionable due to data
being 54% of the recorded precip for the climatology site (+46%). Large gap from
7/22/14 12:15 to 7/28/14 11:15. Used climatology data as a reference, on days
with no recorded precipitation gaps were filled and on days with recorded
precipitation, gaps were left in data. Did not fill gap in record from 7/22/14
00:00 to 7/23/14 00:00 due to rain event reported by Climatology on day of gap
and/or rain bucket tips on day of gap. Filled in gap in record from 7/23/14 00:00
to 7/25/14 23:45, no precip reported by Climatology or rain bucket tips on day of
gap. Did not fill gap in record from 7/25/14 23:45 to 7/27/14 00:00 due to rain
event reported by Climatology on day of gap and/or rain bucket tips on day of
gap. Filled in gap in record from 7/27/14 00:00 to 7/29/14 00:00, no precip
reported by Climatology or rain bucket tips on day of gap. August coded poor due
to data being 73% of the recorded precip for the climatology site (+27%).
September and October coded questionable due to data being 64% and 66% of the
recorded precip for the climatology site (-36% and -34%). Deleted data through
end of the year. Temperatures drop below freezing and data may be affected by
ice/snow.
The overall precip total for the year compares well to an adjacent station. Data
tracks well with rainfall events but is consistently under.
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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 61006002

Year End Summary for 2013

Prepared By:
Joshua Prososki (joprosos)
218-637-2156 (JOSHUA.PROSOSKI@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. Temporary equipment
installed on 5/1/13. Permanent equipment installed 6/13/13 and will be left in
year-round.
Data collection began on 05/01/2013. Equipment installed on 5/1/13 but was very
poor and many large gaps which required significant estimations beginning on
5/1/13. Data is much better after permanent installation on 6/13/13.
Data collection ended on 12/31/2013. It should be noted that data considered
unreliable after 12/5/13 due to ice impacts on orifice line but data was
collected throughout winter.
The ice out date cannot be determined.
Snowmelt conditions: Snow depth peaked at 18" on 3/24/13, but was reduced to 5"
on 3/31/13. Snow depth did not reach zero until 4/20/13, and 8.2" of additional
snow fell between 3/31/13 and 4/20/13.
The stream was in its banks during the entire year.
Periods of low or no flow: Lowest flow period ocurred in Late August-Early Sept
with flows dropping down to near 10 cfs.
Significant climatic events: 2013 Climate Summary -
Northwest

Dept. Dept.
Avg. from Avg. from
Temp. Norm. Prec. Norm.
January 6.8 0.9 0.84 0.23
February 8.4 -2.8 1.19 0.67
March 15.3 -9.2 1.2 0.21
April 30.1 -10.8 1.47 0.14
May 53.1 -0.9 4.52 1.59
June 63.8 0.3 3.26 -0.93
July 68.5 0.3 2.56 -0.74
August 67.2 0.4 1.31 -1.6
September 60.5 4.3 2.8 0.15
October 42.8 -0.1 2.55 0.33
November 26 -0.4 0.47 -0.59
December -0.2 -11.5 1.06 0.32

A
winter storm dropped heavy snow from west central Minnesota into north central
Minnesota on January 28 and 29. Snowfall totals from six to twelve inches fell on
communities such as Breckenridge, Detroit Lakes, Bemidji, Little Fork, and
International Falls. In some locales, daily snowfall records were set. The large
amount of water still on the landscape in March, lying upon an impervious frozen
surface, has led to a high risk for major flooding in the Red River basin. 2013
was one of the latest spring thaws on record. Fargo and Grand Forks both
set/tied records for the latest 50 degree day of the year. April precipitation
totals were well above historical averages in the eastern one-half of Minnesota.
A number of high temperature records were set in northern Minnesota on the 10th
as temperatures rose into the mid-40s. June shows that a pocket of relative
dryness remains entrenched in northwest Minnesota. July rainfall totals were
generally below historical averages in most Minnesota counties, except in far
northern Minnesota and portions of east central Minnesota where monthly
precipitation totals were above average. August rainfall totals in far northwest
and north central Minnesota were somewhat above average. Above-average September
rainfall totals were reported in a handful of northwest and west central
Minnesota counties. By the end of November, much of the northern one-third of
Minnesota reports at least one foot of snow cover.

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

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 vertical obstructions near the rain gage that may have compromised
recorded rainfall values. Large trees stand less than 30 feet north of gage.
The rain gage was calibrated within the last three years. Gage was installed on
6/13/13

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

Year End Summary for 61006002

Year End Summary for 2012

Prepared By:
David Beck (dabeck)
218-637-2156 (DAVID.BECK@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.
Data collection began on 03/29/2012.
Data collection ended on 10/02/2012. Data estimated through to inspection on
10/22/12. DDH
The ice out date cannot be determined.
Snowmelt conditions: Gage seems to have been installed during or shortly after
the spring snowmelt. Inspection on 4/4/12 describes a "fast current" and "newly
exposed gravel bar."
The stream was in its banks during the entire year. None of the inspections
mention out-of-bank flow.
There were no periods of low or no flow during the entire year.
Significant climatic events: 2012 Climate Summary -
NorthWest

Dept. Dept.
Avg. from Avg. from
Temp. Norm. Prec. Norm.
January 15.4 9.5 0.37 -0.24
February 17.5 6.1 0.68 0.13
March 37 12.5 1.66 0.66
April 44.1 4.1 1.58 0.26
May 56.7 2.7 2.27 -0.65
June 65.9 2.4 2.95 -1.24
July 73 4.8 4.05 0.75
August 66.4 0 2.1 -0.89
September 55.6 -1.1 0.22 -2.26
October 41 -1.8 3.07 0.86
November 26.8 0.4 0.71 -0.35
December 13 1.6 0.48 -0.27

The
first half of 2012 saw temperatures that were up to twelve and one half degrees
warmer than normal in North Western Minnesota. The second half of the monitoring
season saw temperatures that were warmer than normal early on and then slightly
colder than normal in October and November. Precipitation was not far off of
past averages during the first part of the year but was slightly lower than
normal with September being the driest month of the year. Snow depths across the
northern one-quarter of Minnesota were between four and eight inches to start the
year. On February 26, much of the northern one-half of Minnesota received four
to eight inches of snow. On March 23, a sequence of thunderstorms dropped early
spring rain along a swath that extended from Grand Forks to International Falls.
Portions of Marshall, Beltrami, Lake of the Woods, and Koochiching counties
reported one to two inches of welcome rain. Winter made a brief return on March
28 and 29 when a storm system deposited one to five inches of snow in the area.
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. An early-season snow event occurred on October 4 followed by a
widespread rain event on October 23-25. In November Red Lake Falls ended up with
14.0 inches of snow.

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

Precipitation Data Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No precipitation data was not collected at this site for the season.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data Quality for Calendar Year 2012
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flow = Poor Archived Daily Value (QQC=32)
Precip = NA (PQC=0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - EnteredBy - YESAPP