As described by the National Geodetic Survey in 1986:
"1.0 KM (0.6 MI) NORTH FROM KATY.
1.0 KM (0.65 MI) NORTH ALONG KATY-HOCKLEY ROAD (AVENUE D) FROM THE JUNCTION OF US HIGHWAY 90 IN KATY, 9.4 METERS (31.0 FT) EAST OF THE CENTERLINE OF AVENUE D, 9.8 METERS (32.0 FT) SOUTH OF THE EXTENDED CENTERLINE OF Y STREET LEADING WEST, 3.0 METERS (9.7 FT) EAST OF THE EAST CURB OF THE AVENUE, 0.73 METER (2.4 FT) SOUTH OF A POWER POLE. NOTE--ACCESS TO DATUM POINT IS HAD THROUGH A 5-INCH LOGO CAP. THE MARK IS 0.3 METERS N FROM A WITNESS POST THE MARK IS 0.6 M ABOVE THE ROAD."
The NGS description is pretty 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. A couple of additional comments:
* The nearby power pole is still in place (and is a good reference point when nearing the BM).
* The witness post is no longer there (as was already reported in 2003).
* There was no typical 5-inch access cap/cover (but markings on the collar still clearly identify this as "N 1504 - 1986").
* The collar's markings include the words "vertical control mark" on one side, although the metal rod is obviously not this type of monumentation.
Last but not least, the NGS recorded coordinates are a little off, at least at the time of this waymark's posting. Its associated NGS Data Sheet reports it as "N 29° 47 45 W 095° 49 30" (i.e. "N 29° 47.750 W 095° 49.500"), which points to a location ~90ft NNW of the actual BM, on one of Avenue D's lanes and on the opposite side of the roadway. The actual coordinates -- as measured within 15' accuracy and 10+ reading averages -- are "N 29° 47.736 W 95° 49.494".
Below are some additional facts, per the NGS database (with some editing for length): (
visit link)
AW5415 ***********************************************************************
AW5415 DESIGNATION - N 1504
AW5415 PID - AW5415
AW5415 STATE/COUNTY- TX/HARRIS
AW5415 COUNTRY - US
AW5415 USGS QUAD - KATY (1980)
AW5415
AW5415 *CURRENT SURVEY CONTROL
AW5415 ______________________________________________________________________
AW5415* NAD 83(1986) POSITION- 29 47 45. (N) 095 49 30. (W) SCALED
AW5415* NAVD 88 ORTHO HEIGHT - 43.429 (meters) 142.48 (feet) ADJUSTED
AW5415
AW5415_MARKER: I = METAL ROD
AW5415_SETTING: 49 = STAINLESS STEEL ROD W/O SLEEVE (10 FT.+)
AW5415_SP_SET: STAINLESS STEEL ROD
AW5415_STAMPING: N 1504 1986
AW5415_MARK LOGO: NGS
AW5415_PROJECTION: FLUSH
AW5415_STABILITY: B = PROBABLY HOLD POSITION/ELEVATION WELL
AW5415_SATELLITE: THE SITE LOCATION WAS REPORTED AS SUITABLE FOR
AW5415+SATELLITE: SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS - October 13, 2004
AW5415_ROD/PIPE-DEPTH: 12.2 meters
AW5415
AW5415 HISTORY - Date Condition Report By
AW5415 HISTORY - 1986 MONUMENTED NGS
AW5415 HISTORY - 19940625 GOOD USPSQD
AW5415 HISTORY - 20030928 GOOD GEOCAC
AW5415 HISTORY - 20041013 GOOD USPSQD