USGS "WaterAlert" and "StreaMail"

1. WaterAlert: which allows you to receive text or email when a given
   stream reaches or exceeds a Stage or Flow value you specify; and
2. StreaMail: which allows you to query a specific stream gage
   by text or email to request its most recent Stage & Flow values.

If you are interested in the Hocking River OH Watershed, details follow.

If you are outside the Hocking River OH Watershed, please locate your watershed at:
http://water.usgs.gov/wateralert/

WITHIN THE HOCKING RIVER (Ohio) WATERSHED:

The gages in the Hocking River Basin which support these services are:

• Hocking River At Athens OH
• Hocking River at Enterprise OH (near Logan)
• Sunday Creek Below Millfield OH
• Sunday Creek at Glouster OH
• Sunday Creek below Tom Jenkins Dam (near Burr Oak State Park)
• Monday Creek at Doanville, OH

(1) About WaterAlert:

Real-time data from USGS gages are transmitted via satellite or other telemetry to USGS offices at various intervals; in most cases, once every 1 or 4 hours. Emergency transmissions, such as during floods, may be more frequent. Notifications will be based on the data received at these site-dependent intervals.

** Using WaterAlert at the ATHENS OH HOCKING RIVER GAGE: **

You will want to specify the "Surface Water" parameter, and will most likely want to monitor "Stage" (as opposed to "Flow"). In deciding the Stage value for which you wish to be alerted, the following benchmark stages may be helpful:

12 Feet - Hocking Conservancy District activates the flood control
          pump stations protecting Athens and Ohio University
18 Feet - Designated as "Action Stage"
20 Feet - NWS defined "Flood Stage"

The direct link for subscribing to the Athens Gage Alerts is:
http://climate.athens.oh.us/hocking-alert.php

For other Hocking River Watershed Stream Gages, please visit:
http://water.usgs.gov/wateralert/
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(2) About USGS StreaMail:

The USGS StreaMail system provides a method for you to query a USGS gaging site via email, cell phone text message, or handheld device for gage height and streamflow. Send your request to StreaMail and in a few minutes you will get a reply showing the latest river stage and streamflow.

You can use StreaMail by using either email or cell-phone text messaging.

Important disclaimer: StreaMail is a "beta" product and is not meant to be used in emergency situations. Currently, there can be up to a 5-minute delay before you receive a return message from StreaMail.

For additional information, limitations, and subscription details, see:
http://water.usgs.gov/hif/streamail/
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Thank you for your interest in regional flood preparedness and planning.