A real time gage makes a measurement every 15 minutes and transfers the data via a satellite link to a central computer where the public can access the measurement! The number of CFS (Cubic Feet per Second), commonly referred to as the stream discharge, is a measure of the volume of water passing a point each second of time. The value is determined by multiplying the cross sectional area of the stream, in square feet, times the speed or velocity of the water, in feet per second.