Provisional Data Disclaimer
Data from real-time streamflow gages are relayed to USGS Water Resources
District offices through the Geostationary Operational Environmental
Satellite (GOES) data-collection system or by telephone or other telemetry.
Data are transmitted from each station at intervals of 4 hours and
are loaded onto the District computer systems.
Real-time streamflow data available on USGS pages are PROVISIONAL
data that have not been reviewed or edited. These data may be subject
to significant change and are not citable until reviewed and approved
by the U.S. Geological Survey. Real-time streamflow data may be
changed after review because the stage-discharge relationship may
have been affected by:
- backwater from ice or debris such as log jams
- algal and aquatic growth in the stream
- sediment movement
- malfunction of recording equipment
Data are reviewed periodically to ensure accuracy. Each station record
is considered PROVISIONAL until the data are published.
The data are usually published within 6 months of the end of the water
year.
Data users are cautioned to consider carefully the provisional
nature of the information before using it for decisions that concern
personal or public safety or the conduct of business that involves
substantial monetary or operational consequences.