FINVECTOR · WORKED CASE 09

A nearby gauge is a proxy, not the fishing reach

A hydrology interpretation case that prevents geographic proximity from becoming false measurement certainty.

INPUT LEDGER

What is known, entered, or assumed.

InputValueOrigin
Fishing reachNo on-site public gaugeMissing direct observation
Candidate gauge18 km downstreamIllustrative spatial match
Network relationSame named river, tributaries in betweenIllustrative network context
Observed valueAvailable at the gauge onlyUSGS observation

REPRODUCIBLE CALCULATION

Follow the intermediate result.

01

Distance screen

Formula or rule: Gauge is geographically near

Result: Potential proxy

02

Network screen

Formula or rule: Check same flow path and intervening tributaries

Result: Not equivalent conditions

03

Display rule

Formula or rule: Attach gauge name, time, and distance

Result: Label as nearby observation

04

Decision rule

Formula or rule: Use trend cautiously; verify local alerts

Result: No exact reach claim

DECISION READING

What the result means.

The observation may provide directional context, especially for trend, but it must remain attached to its actual gauge. FINVECTOR should never relabel the measurement as if it came from the fishing reach.

SENSITIVITY

What could change the answer.

  • Tributaries, dams, withdrawals, and rain cells can weaken the proxy.
  • Older timestamps reduce usefulness even when the gauge is close.
  • A matched hydrologic network is stronger evidence than straight-line distance alone.

BOUNDARIES

What this case does not prove.

  • The 18 km scenario is illustrative and not a live water report.
  • Gauge observations do not establish safe wading, boating, or access.
  • Users should review current agency alerts and local conditions.

OFFICIAL SOURCES

Where factual context is verified.

RELATED FINVECTOR CASES

Change one assumption and compare again.

Each case keeps inputs, arithmetic, evidence, and uncertainty in separate layers.

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