If a stream gauge using a current meter consistently reads lower velocities than expected during a flood event, what specific error source related to the instrument's deployment is most likely causing this discrepancy?

The most likely specific error source related to the instrument's deployment causing a current meter to consistently read lower velocities than expected during a flood event is the accumulation of debris on the current meter's propeller. A current meter, also known as a velocity meter, measures the speed of water flow, often by counting the rotations of a propeller exposed to the current. During a flood event, the increased wa....