Measuring a spring magnitude

[Neptuno]

Ok, any tips and tricks in how to measure easy and accurate the water flow?

we have what are apparently, 2 first magnitude springs, and would like to measure but is not that easy...

the second one at one point the flow splits in 2, apparently, going to a second hole (not explored yet, need a bit more mental preparation -read balls- to go in that kind of strong downstream) the question here, should we measure at this point where it splits? or do it at the sinkhole? well maybe at both?...

ok, any advise?

[RN]

I've seen flow measured here in Florida and worked with people who get that data. They always use expensive equipment to do it. I don't know if there's any other way to do it. There's not much to the equipment from what I've seen, but I do know it's not cheap. If you can get your hands on the equipment, I would measure at both locations.

[Neptuno]

I guess there should be a more or less easy way, we don't need anything that accurate, just to have an idea, like measuring the surface of the hole and water speed for example, but I know it is not that simple, but maybe there is some advice to help

[SuPrBuGmAn]

If it doesn't need to be accurate, whats the point?

[Neptuno]

how about this?

Calculate Your Spring Flow

Flow (discharge) is the volume of water moving from the spring per unit of time. You need this measurement to estimate water storage and supply, changes in water availability, and water-use rates. You can get estimates of flow by measuring all of the water diverted through an opening in a dam or multiplying the stream's cross-sectional area by the current speed. On small springs, you can dam or divert the flow through a small opening and measure the time required to fill a container of known volume.

For large springs, use a tape measure to determine the average stream width and depth, and multiply this cross-sectional area by the current speed. To estimate the current speed, toss a floating object - an orange is recommended - into the spring and clock the time it takes to travel a known distance. If your spring averages 2 feet wide x 1 foot deep (an area of 2 square feet) and the current speed is 3 feet per second (the orange travels 30 feet downstream in 10 seconds), then a rough estimate of your spring flow is 6 cubic feet per second (area in square feet times speed in feet per second equals cubic feet per second) or 2,700 gallons per minute (1 cubic foot per second [cfs] = 450 gpm).

source http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/420/420-537/420-537.html

thoughts? tips?

[Neptuno]

a good estimate is better than nothing, unless you can find us those very expensive instruments for free

[JerseyJersey]

oranges dont float...... have a funny story about trying to using oranges instead of styrofoam cups when wreck diving..... but bottom line is use something other than an orange.

[phillip1]

Ok, any tips and tricks in how to measure easy and accurate the water flow?

we have what are apparently, 2 first magnitude springs, and would like to measure but is not that easy...

the second one at one point the flow splits in 2, apparently, going to a second hole (not explored yet, need a bit more mental preparation -read balls- to go in that kind of strong downstream) the question here, should we measure at this point where it splits? or do it at the sinkhole? well maybe at both?...

ok, any advise?

I was laying the line and I came across this big black tunnel and as I was about to make a tie off before swimming into it and I saw a big tree leaf get sucked into this major siphon, we are talking about flow you have to pull yourself against. Need to digest that one a bit before mounting next week end's exploration ..lol
I am not used to this kind of flow so the siphon kind of scarred me, the thought of fighting your way out of the cave is something I need to get used to I guess, cause we are going back for sure.

[Tegg]

I was laying the line and I came across this big black tunnel and as I was about to make a tie off before swimming into it and I saw a big tree leaf get sucked into this major siphon, we are talking about flow you have to pull yourself against. Need to digest that one a bit before mounting next week end's exploration ..lol
I am not used to this kind of flow so the siphon kind of scarred me, the thought of fighting your way out of the cave is something I need to get used to I guess, cause we are going back for sure.

Install 100ft of good knotted rope. You may need it to exit.

[RN]

Go in with rope and I would even recommend tying loops you can fit your hands into about every meter as well as wearing gloves. Maybe the flow isn't that bad per Florida standards, but the way you're making it sound I would be very concerned about diving into that siphon. And I'm used to flow.