Flow Rate Data
Cut River Flow Rate Monitoring Project
HLPOA Volunteer Flow Monitoring Team
Higgins Lake Property Owners Association (HLPOA)
The flow rate of water leaving Higgins Lake through the Cut River is a key factor in lake level stability, water quality, fish habitat, and the ecological health of downstream systems. To better understand these dynamics, HLPOA volunteers are conducting ongoing measurements of the Cut River’s flow rate using standardized methods and calibrated scientific equipment.
Measurements are taken approximately 100 feet below the Roscommon County Road 100 crossing, where volunteers record water velocity with a Global Water FP111 flow meter. These readings are converted into cubic feet per second (CFS) to calculate discharge. Monthly and yearly values will be posted graphically to track trends, seasonal changes, and long-term outflow patterns.
Key Takeaways
- Flow rate directly influences lake level stability and shoreline protection
- Consistent outflow supports water clarity, nutrient movement, and oxygen balance in the lake
- Flow conditions affect fish habitat, including cold-water species in both the Cut River and Higgins Lake
- Monitoring helps understand impacts on downstream wetlands and the Muskegon River watershed
- Long-term data reveal how changing climate and rainfall patterns influence lake hydrology
View Flow Rate Data & Graphs
Flow Rate Measurement in The Cut River
June 2023 – January 2025
Cut River Water Analysis
4/15 – 11/25