About ECI Water Monitoring
Real-time environmental data for understanding and protecting our watersheds.
What is this site?
This dashboard provides live water monitoring data collected by Ecosystems Connections Institute (ECI), an environmental consulting firm specializing in watershed science. Our network of monitoring stations measures stream flow, water temperature, and other key indicators around the clock. Data is updated hourly from sensors deployed in the field.
How to use the dashboard
Start with the map. Each dot represents a monitoring station. Tap or click any station to view its data.
Explore the charts. Use the buttons above the chart to switch between different measurements. Change the time range to see hours, days, or years of data.
Compare to history. Toggle the Min, Max, Mean, or Median buttons to see how current conditions compare to historical norms.
Understanding your data
Here's what the numbers on the dashboard mean and how to interpret them.
Discharge (Stream Flow)
Discharge measures the volume of water flowing past a point in the stream, reported in cubic feet per second (CFS). It is not a speed — it's a volume. One CFS is about 7.5 gallons per second, or roughly a bathtub filling every 10 seconds.
Higher numbers mean more water is moving through the stream. Discharge matters because it affects flood risk, water supply, habitat for fish and wildlife, and the amount of nutrients and sediment being carried downstream.
Water Level
Water level is the elevation of the water surface, measured in feet above mean sea level (MSL). Mean sea level is a standard reference point used across the country, like a universal ruler that lets us compare elevations anywhere.
Why it may not match your dock gauge: A gauge mounted on a dock or dam measures the water height relative to where it's mounted — a local reference point. Our sensor measures an absolute elevation. Both can be correct but show different numbers because they use different starting points.
Water Temperature
Water temperature is measured at the sensor location and reported in degrees Fahrenheit. It varies by season, time of day, and location within the water body.
Temperature matters for fish and wildlife habitat (trout and other cold-water species need temperatures below 68°F), recreational safety, and as an indicator of overall ecosystem health.
Use the historical stats (Min, Max, Median buttons on the chart) to see whether today's temperature is typical for this time of year.
Precipitation
The precipitation chart shows a cumulative (running) total of rainfall measured at this station since the last dry period. A flat line means no rain; a steep jump means a rain event occurred.
Why it may differ from weather reports: Our gauge measures rainfall at one specific point. The National Weather Service uses radar and regional models that estimate rainfall over a broader area. Rain can vary significantly over short distances — one side of the lake may get 2 inches while the other gets half an inch.
Precipitation vs. Normal
We compare this year's precipitation to the 30-year NWS normal (1991-2020). This is the same reference period used by TV weather and the National Weather Service — "normal" means the average amount of rainfall for this location over that period.
Two quick indicators on each station page:
- Year-to-date (YTD): total rainfall since January 1 this year vs. the average for the same date across 30 years.
- Month-to-date (MTD): total rainfall since the 1st of the current month vs. the average for the same month-to-date period.
"Above normal" (blue) means this year is wetter than average. "Below normal" (orange) means drier than average. "Near normal" (gray) means within ±10% of typical for this time of year.
If you'd like to see the full cumulative curve and compare year-over-year, open the "Precipitation vs. Normal — View Chart" section below the weather graphs on any station page.
Flow Duration Curve
The flow duration curve shows how often the stream reaches different flow levels based on its entire historical record. It puts today's conditions in long-term context.
If today's flow is at the 25th percentile, that means the stream is higher than this about 75% of the time. If it's at the 90th percentile, the stream is only higher about 10% of the time — an unusually high flow.
Historical Stats (Min / Max / Median)
The chart can overlay historical statistics for comparison. These are calculated from all the data we've collected for this calendar date across all years of monitoring.
Median is the middle value — half the time it's been higher, half lower. It represents a "typical" day. Min and Max show the extremes we've recorded on this date.
Condition Colors (Map Dots)
The colored dots on the map indicate how current stream flow compares to historical conditions at each station:
- Exceptional High (top 5%) — Flood risk level; very unusually high for this time of year
- Much Above Normal (90th–95th percentile) — Stream flow is unusually high for this time of year
- Above Normal (75th–90th percentile) — Higher than typical
- Normal (25th–75th percentile) — Within the expected range
- Below Normal (10th–25th percentile) — Lower than typical
- Much Below Normal (5th–10th percentile) — Unusually low flow
- Exceptional Low (bottom 5%) — Very unusually dry; drought conditions likely
These are based on the flow duration curve — the station's complete historical record, not just a few years.
Common questions
Why might these numbers differ from other sources?
Different monitoring systems use different sensors, locations, measurement methods, and update schedules. Our sensors measure at a specific point and report hourly. Other sources may use different reference points, averaging periods, or estimation methods. Small differences are normal and expected.
What do the colored dots on the map mean?
Each dot is color-coded based on how the current stream flow compares to historical conditions. Blue means normal, green means above normal, red/orange means below normal. See the Condition Colors section above for the full breakdown.
How often does the data update?
Data is collected from field sensors and uploaded hourly. The timestamp on each station page shows when the last reading was received.
Is this data official?
This is provisional field data provided for informational purposes. It has not undergone formal quality review. For official flood warnings and safety information, refer to the National Weather Service.
Map features
The map has several interactive layers you can toggle using the layers button (stacked squares icon) in the upper-right corner of the map.
Watershed Boundaries
The drainage area that feeds each monitoring station. All rain that falls inside a watershed boundary flows to that station.
Lake Depth (Bathymetry)
Contour lines showing lake depth. Useful for fishing, boating, and understanding lake structure.
Stream Network
Mapped streams and channels throughout the watershed.
Flow Path Tracer
Click anywhere on the map to see where rainwater would flow. Traces the path from any point through streams and lakes to the watershed outlet.
Weather Radar
Live NEXRAD radar showing current precipitation in the area.
Basemap Options
Switch between satellite imagery, topographic, and street map views.
About ECI
Ecosystems Connections Institute (ECI) is an environmental consulting company focused on watershed monitoring, water quality assessment, and ecological restoration. We deploy and maintain sensor networks that provide continuous, real-time data to support informed decision-making for communities, conservation organizations, and resource managers.
Visit ecosystemsconnections.comData is collected from field-deployed sensors and transmitted hourly. All measurements are provisional and subject to quality review. For official flood warnings and safety information, please refer to the National Weather Service.