Stream Temperature Data
The initial stream temperature data were supplied by Brad Shepard and Matt Sloat.
These data consist of 96 station-years and supply the daily minimum, maximum and
mean water temperature for the summer season.
The data come from years 1997 through 2000.
All of the streams are mountain trout streams, but with rather variable temperature schedules.
Many of the stations are closely spaced as seen in the map below.
There is a more detailed map for the Madison River
The mean length of the time series is 88.1 days (range 73 to 131).
Thirteen of the original series where shorten by 2 to several days as the final temperature readings
seemed unreliable.
This may be due to the meter reading the air temperature as the water level fell below the sensor.
This is strongly suggested in the following graph.
Due to the lack of complete annual coverage, the initial water temperature model is aimed at
the period from July 1 through September 15 only.
Within this period 70% of the observed time series are fully complete and all series are at least 79% complete.
Stream temperature predictions outside this period are essentially uncalibrated, at this time.
01 NOV 2001, updated on 01 NOV 2001
dlg@rapid.msu.montana.edu