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J. R. Knapton

Publications and source records attributed to J. R. Knapton.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
USGS1982

Quality of streams in the Bull Mountains region, south-central Montana

In October 1977, water-quality monitoring stations were established on five small streams that drain the Bull Mountains and also on the Musselshell River to document present water-quality conditions in a coal area of south-central Montana. Relatively static water-quality conditions exist throughout the annual flow cycle on the small streams but water quality varies with time on the Musselshell River. The near absence of surface runoff in the Bull Mountains during the study and the dominance by the base-flow component account for stability of water quality in the small streams. High-mountain runoff coupled with storms and prairie runoff impact the base flow of the Musselshell River. Bicarbonate and sulfate were the principal anions and are present in nearly equal proportions in all small streams. Except for West Parrot Creek, magnesium was the most dominant cation. West Parrot Creek, which consistently contained the smallest levels of dissolved solids, had sodium rather than magnesium as the principal cation. Fattig Creek was highest in dissolved solids with an approximate concentration range of 900 to 2,100 milligrams per liter. Suspended-sediment discharge in the streams was relatively small; no stream exceeded 0.32 ton per day. The Musselshell River had dissolved solids concentrations that ranged from about 450 milligrams per liter during spring runoff to 1,800 milligrams per liter during periods of base flow. The sodium sulfate-type water, which is common during base flow, is diluted during runoff with water having principal ions of calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. Suspended-sediment loads ranged from 0.56 to 37,300 tons per day and correlated directly to stream discharge. (USGS)

Montana↗
USGS1980

Statistical analyses of surface-water-quality variables in the coal area of southeastern Montana

Since 1974 a network of water-quality stations has been operated in the coal area of southeastern Montana. This report updates a previous report with 2 years of additional data collection and presents statistics and regression equations for water-quality variables. The most apparent feature of the study is the variability of water quality. Time-trend differences are most noticeable, with areal differences being present but more subtle. In comparing stations at the mouths of the five major drainages entering the Yellowstone River from the study area, water from the Powder River ranks near the middle of the group in dissolved-solids concentration (mean of 1,390 mg/L), but far exceeds the other drainages in suspended-sediment concentration, often exceeding 10,000 mg/L. The Tongue River generally has the best overall quality with respect to dissolved constituents; extremes are moderated by mixing in the Tongue River Reservoir. Suspended sediment ranged from 5 to 4,360 mg/L. Rosebud Creek shows about a 50-percent average increase in dissolved-solids concentration from the most upstream station to the mouth. Armells and Sarpy Creeks, smallest of the five drainages, have a pool-riffle configuration that influences both dissolved and suspended constituents. Pools permit greater evaporation, thus increasing dissolved-constituent concentrations. They also act as sediment traps. (USGS)

Montana↗
USGS1980

Simulation of water-quality data at selected stream sites in the Missouri River Basin, Montana

Modification of sampling programs at some water-quality stations in the Missouri River basin in Montana has eliminated the means by which solute loads have been directly obtained in past years. To compensate for this loss, water-quality and streamflow data were statistically analyzed and solute loads were simulated using computer techniques. Functional relationships existing between specific conductance and solute concentration for monthly samples were used to develop linear regression models. The models were then used to simulate daily solute concentrations using daily specific conductance as the independent variable. Once simulated, the solute concentrations, in milligrams per liter, were transformed into daily solute loads, in tons, using mean daily streamflow records. Computer output was formatted into tables listing simulated mean monthly solute concentrations, in milligrams per liter, and the monthly and annual solute loads, in tons, for water years 1975-78.

Montana↗
USGS1978

Evaluation and correlation of water-quality data for the North Fork Flathead River, northwestern Montana

This report is a compilation and evaluation of water-quality measurements that have been made by the U.S. Geological Survey at two stations on the North Fork Flathead River in Montana. Historical streamflow records show an annual mean daily discharge of 3,010 cubic feet per second near the mouth--a threefold increase compared to discharge at the international boundary. The chemical character of the water is dominated by calcium and magnesium cations and the bicarbonate anion. Base flow, in contrast to high flows from runoff, is characterized by higher dissolved constituents and lower concentrations of suspended sediment. The several lakes that contribute water throughout the middle and lower drainage have a dampening effect on both streamflow and constituent concentrations. Using the available data and computer techniques, regression equations were developed between certain water-quality variables. (Woodard-USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1977

Water quality of selected streams in the coal area of southeastern Montana

This report summarizes and evaluates water-quality data collected at 35 stream sites the the coal region of southeastern Montana. Sarpy Creek, Armells Creek, and Rosebud Creek sometimes have dissolved-solids concentrations that cause water to be marginal for agricultural purposes. At times of rainfall and snowmelt, the runoff water mixes with the base-flow component to improve the overall quality. Water in the Tongue River generally showed a downstream degradation in which some changes were related to lithology of the aquifers contributing water to streamflow. Water from Pumpkin Creek and Mizpah Creek is used mostly for cattle watering. To some extent water is used for irrigation although the salinity hazard was often high. The chemical quality of the Powder River changed little during flow downstream. High sediment loads of the river acted as transporting agents for many of the plant nutrients and trace-element constituents. (Woodard-USGS)

Montana↗
USGS1976

Results of phytoplankton sampling at National Stream Quality Accounting Network stations in Montana, 1975 water year

Twelve National Stream Quality Accounting Network stations were operated in Montana during the 1975 water year. The network was established for the purpose of acquiring a base of hydrologic data for use by agencies engaged in water-resources planning on a national or regional scale. Among the characteristics analyzed were phytoplankton identification and cell counts. Samples consisted of composites of equal aliquots, collected at the center of each quartile of flow, using modified suspended-sediment samplers and sediment collection techniques. Identification and counting were done using the Sedgwick-Rafter cell method. Cell counts ranged from 21 cells per millilitre at Flathead River at Flathead, British Columbia to 27,000 cells per millilitre at Yellowstone River near Sidney. The class Bacillariophyceae was most abundant in both number and variety at all sampling sites. Anabaena and Aphanizomenon of the phyllum Cyanophyta were found at six stations and two stations respectively. These two genera of blue-green algae often become abundant in enriched waters resulting in nuisance conditions.

Montana↗