Stage (hydrology)

"River stage" redirects here. Not to be confused with Riverstage.

In hydrology, stage is the water level in a river or stream with respect to a chosen reference height. Stage is important because direct measurements of river discharge are very difficult while water surface elevation measurements are comparatively easy. In order to convert stage into discharge, a rating curve is needed. Hydrologists can use a combination of tracer studies, observations of high water marks, numerical modeling, and/or satellite or aerial photography.

See also

• Hydraulic head
• Stream gauge