Is there anyway to measure flow rate of an open channel insitu without the assistance of weirs or ultrasound?

Question

I have a trap channel and would like to have an idea of how much nuisance water is being conveyed on any given day. I don't have to be exact but just an average idea. I was thinking of measuring high water mark and using Bernouli (sp?) after determining the slope of the channel. Any other ideas?

Answer 1

This will not be accurate but will give you a rough idea try putting a float in the water measure the time it takes for the float to move a measured distance. That is your velocity multiply that with the cross section of the channel and you have an idea of the volume flowing. You might have to measure several times a day to get the changing rates.