As described by the NGS in 1987 and 1991 (although already monumented in 1986):
"GO SOUTHWEST ON COUNTY ROAD 3005 [...] TO THE FORKED JUNCTION OF THE SERVICE ROAD LEADING UNDER THE SAN LUIS PASS TOLL BRIDGE. BEAR RIGHT SOUTHWEST ON THE SERVICE ROAD FOR O.08 KM TO THE STATION ON THE LEFT.
THE STATION IS A PUNCH MARK IN THE TOP OF A STAINLESS STEEL ROD DRIVEN INTO THE GROUND AND INSIDE A 1-INCH PCV PIPE THAT IS 20 FEET LONG FILLED WITH GREASE THAT IS ENCASED IN A 5-INCH PCV PIPE WITH A LOGO CAP STAMPED---HGCSD 61 1986---, THE ROD IS RECESSED 8 CM BELOW THE GROUND SURFACE. LOCATED 12.5 METERS (41.0 FT) NORTHWEST OF THE CENTER OF FM ROAD 3005, 7.6 METERS (25.0 FT) SOUTHEAST OF CENTER OF A PAVED ROAD, 6.4 METERS (21.0 FT) NORTHEAST OF THE NORTHEAST END OF A ROCK REINFORCED BANK, 0.5 METERS (1.7 FT) NORTH-NORTHEAST OF A CARSONITE WITNESS POST AND ABOUT 1.0 METER (3.2 FT) LOWER THAN FM ROAD 3005."
The NGS description is still quite accurate and should definitely assist future seekers in finding this benchmark -- alternatively, one can use the gallery images for any future attempt at actual recovery. Likewise, the NGS' currently posted coordinates (N 29° 05.593 W 95° 06.637) were reasonably in line with my observations, as measured within 10' accuracy and 10+ reading averages.
The station was recovered in good condition, but the hinged logo cap ("cover") is missing. Also, the carsonite witness post has been complemented with a temporary wooden witness post, at least at the time of my recovery. The tip itself was in good condition and exactly as described by the NGS back in 1987.
The "HGSCD" designation stands for the "
Harris-Galveston Subsidence District", a local department which regulates groundwater withdrawal throughout both Harris and Galveston counties for the purpose of preventing land subsidence (which leads to increased flooding). As such, the station's rim around the PVC pipe is stamped "Vertical Control Mark". The NGS database record also states that this is a "Height Modernization Survey Station".
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Below are some additional facts, per the NGS database (with some editing for length): (
visit link)
AW5710 ***********************************************************************
AW5710 HT_MOD - This is a Height Modernization Survey Station.
AW5710 DESIGNATION - HGCSD 61
AW5710 PID - AW5710
AW5710 STATE/COUNTY- TX/GALVESTON
AW5710 COUNTRY - US
AW5710 USGS QUAD - SAN LUIS PASS (1974)
AW5710
AW5710 *CURRENT SURVEY CONTROL
AW5710 ______________________________________________________________________
AW5710* NAD 83(2011) POSITION- 29 05 35.60965(N) 095 06 38.19207(W) ADJUSTED
AW5710* NAD 83(2011) ELLIP HT- -24.792 (meters) (06/27/12) ADJUSTED
AW5710* NAD 83(2011) EPOCH - 2010.00
AW5710* NAVD 88 ORTHO HEIGHT - 1.71 (meters) 5.6 (feet) GPS OBS
AW5710 ______________________________________________________________________
AW5710
AW5710_MARKER: I = METAL ROD
AW5710_SETTING: 59 = STAINLESS STEEL ROD IN SLEEVE (10 FT.+)
AW5710_STAMPING: HGCSD 61 1986
AW5710_MARK LOGO: NGS
AW5710_PROJECTION: FLUSH
AW5710_MAGNETIC: I = MARKER IS A STEEL ROD
AW5710_STABILITY: A = MOST RELIABLE AND EXPECTED TO HOLD
AW5710+STABILITY: POSITION/ELEVATION WELL
AW5710_SATELLITE: THE SITE LOCATION WAS REPORTED AS SUITABLE FOR
AW5710+SATELLITE: SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS - May 15, 2014
AW5710_ROD/PIPE-DEPTH: 15.8 meters
AW5710_SLEEVE-DEPTH : 6.1 meters
AW5710
AW5710 HISTORY - Date Condition Report By
AW5710 HISTORY - 1986 MONUMENTED NGS
AW5710 HISTORY - 1987 GOOD NGS
AW5710 HISTORY - 1987 GOOD USPSQD
AW5710 HISTORY - 19910218 GOOD NGS
AW5710 HISTORY - 19930317 GOOD NOS
AW5710 HISTORY - 19941208 GOOD HGCSD
AW5710 HISTORY - 20031209 GOOD USPSQD
AW5710 HISTORY - 20041213 GOOD USPSQD
AW5710 HISTORY - 20051218 GOOD USPSQD
AW5710 HISTORY - 20140515 GOOD ATKNA