Gauge Height
Reviewed • Standard Hydrology Definition • WaterLakeLevel
# Gauge Height
Gauge height (often referred to simply as stage) is the height of the water surface above an arbitrary local reference zero established by the monitoring agency.
- Gauge Height (USGS Code 00065): Measures water depth above an arbitrarily chosen local station datum (e.g. 8.42 feet).
- Surface Elevation (USGS Code 62614): Measures absolute elevation above a nationally standardized geodetic vertical datum (e.g. 681.25 feet above mean sea level).
Never confuse gauge height with overall lake depth; a gauge reading 12.0 feet simply means water is 12 feet above the sensor zero, not that the lake has a maximum depth of 12 feet.
The height of the water surface measured relative to an arbitrary, local gauge benchmark rather than mean sea level.
Understanding Gauge Height (Stage)
Gauge height (often referred to simply as stage) is the height of the water surface above an arbitrary local reference zero established by the monitoring agency.
Gauge Height vs. Surface Elevation
- Gauge Height (USGS Code 00065): Measures water depth above an arbitrarily chosen local station datum (e.g. 8.42 feet).
- Surface Elevation (USGS Code 62614): Measures absolute elevation above a nationally standardized geodetic vertical datum (e.g. 681.25 feet above mean sea level).
Never confuse gauge height with overall lake depth; a gauge reading 12.0 feet simply means water is 12 feet above the sensor zero, not that the lake has a maximum depth of 12 feet.
Explore Other Hydrology & Boating Terms
Acre-Foot
A volumetric water unit representing the amount of water required to cover one acre of land to a depth of one foot.
Conservation Pool
The volume of water stored in a reservoir dedicated to beneficial uses such as drinking water, power, and recreation.
Datum
A reference surface or mathematical baseline from which vertical elevations or geographic coordinates are reckoned.
Dead Pool
The critical low-water elevation below which water cannot flow downstream through gravity outlets.
Drawdown
The deliberate or natural reduction of a lake or reservoir water surface elevation.
Evaporation Loss
The invisible volumetric loss of water from a lake surface into the atmosphere caused by heat, sun, and dry winds.