Over time a primary device’s (flume or weir) staff gauge may need to be replaced. Wear, vandalism, nature of the flow stream, and device construction can all play parts in a gauge needing to be replaced. When replacing a gauge there are two styles available: adhesive gauges…

We have worked with Water Rights Consultants, Ditch Riders, and Water Commissioners over the years and below are the most common problems that they encounter out in the field. The examples below use Parshall and Cutthroat flumes, but these problems are common to all flume types…

The traditional use for a staff gauge is to provide a visual way of determining the water level in some body of water (lake, river, flume, weir, etc.). Depending on the type of gauge, the level gradations can be anything desired - feet, meters, inches, yards, etc. An additional…

There are several components to measurement errors when using staff (level) gauges to determine flow depth in a flume or weir.  In general, staff gauge reading errors can be attributed to: Distance between the staff gauge and the observer The angle at which the gauge must be…

For years Openchannelflow has offered staff gauges integrated into our flume, weir, and manhole products.  Over time, though, we have been asked to expand our offerings to include free-standing staff (level) gauges. Openchannelflow staff gauges are availalbe in a range of:…

On the face of it, mounting a staff gauge on a weir plate to get the head / flow rate seems like a good idea.  It works for on a flume, why wouldn’t it work on a weir? The problem is, as we have seen earlier, the water level in a weir pool draws down as the flow…

A staff gauge is a measuring tool, similar to a tape measure, used to provide a visual indication of the depth of water (typically in a river, flume, or weir).   Staff gauges are inexpensive, static, permament, and don't require power and can be an excellent way to…

There are three general types of staff gauges used to measure flow in primary devices:  molded-in, adhesive, and rigid.  Of the three, the adhesive gauge is the least durable.  This is not to say, however, that adhesive gauges do not serve a purpose, only that…

Freestanding staff gauges are a good solution to the need to measure level in a flume, weir, or channel.  They are also useful in stream gauging or as replacements for other gauges that are damaged or no longer readable. Openchannelflow fiberglass freestanding staff gauges…

Staff ("head" or "level") gauges provide a quick, visual indication of the level of water in a channel, flume, or weir. Although they should not be solely relied on when more precise level measurement devices are available, staff gauges allow operators to quickly gauge the…