Publication Summary

From November 1999 through October 2000, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) monitored stream flows on selected sites within the Dungeness River basin. This monitoring project provided flow information in support of Ecology′s Dungeness River/Matriotti Creek Fecal Coliform Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load Study.

From November 1999 through October 2000, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) monitored stream flows on selected sites within the Dungeness River basin. This monitoring project provided flow information in support of Ecology′s Dungeness River/Matriotti Creek Fecal Coliform Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load Study.

Continuous recording stage-height instruments were installed at selected sites, and a series of flow measurements were conducted at varying stage-heights on Matriotti Creek, Meadowbrook Creek, and the Dungeness River. Ten flow measurements were made on the Dungeness River at the Schoolhouse Bridge, ranging from a low of 112 cubic feet per second (cfs) to a high of 1,077 cfs. Fourteen flow measurements were made at two locations on Matriotti Creek at the Olympic Game Farm property, ranging between 9 and 25 cfs.

Regression analysis was used to develop rating curves and calculate daily discharge averages based on the continuous stage records. These regressions produced a regression coefficient (R2 ) of 0.99 for the Dungeness River and an R2 of 0.97 for Matriotti Creek.

An attempt was also made to provide a complete and accurate continuous stage-height record and corresponding flow curve on Meadowbrook Creek. However, the stream morphology and heavy in-stream vegetation presented problems. Given these limitations, the best available estimates of flow in Meadowbrook Creek may be based on in-stream work by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and confirmed by Ecology's own instantaneous flow measurements.