Justin McKoon, hydrologic technicians with the USGS Idaho Water Science Center, measures treamflow at USGS streamgage station 13124265, Warm Springs Creek below diversion near Mackay, Idaho.
Characterizing the Water Resources of the Big Lost River Valley
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By Idaho Water Science Center
March 6, 2020
In cooperation with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, we are working to improve the scientific understanding of the Big Lost River basin's water resources. This improved understanding will support effective resource management.
In September 2016, the Director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) was petitioned to designate a Critical Ground Water Area in the Big Lost River Valley. In the petition, a group of water users expressed concerns about declining groundwater levels, declining streamflow in the Big Lost River, and drought. The last comprehensive study of the water resources for the Big Lost River drainage basin was conducted by the USGS almost 50 years ago. An updated characterization of water resources will improve hydrologic understanding of the valley and aid IDWR in making management decisions regarding the valley.
The study objectives are to:
- Support groundwater well installation and monitoring to refine Big Lost River Valley underflow estimates which feed into Eastern Snake River Plain water models;
- Develop a hydrogeologic framework and water budget for the Big Lost River basin; and
- Provide streamgage data to facilitate the development of an improved water-right accounting model for the Big Lost River basin.
To achieve these objectives, we have installed new streamgage stations in the basin to provide real-time streamflow data. We are conducting periodic seepage studies to better understand the interaction of surface water and groundwater. And we are collecting geophysical data from selected wells in the valley to better describe the valley's aquifer system.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The folloiwng multimedia items are associated with this project.
USGS hydrographer measuring streamflow on Warm Springs Creek, Idaho
Justin McKoon, hydrologic technicians with the USGS Idaho Water Science Center, measures treamflow at USGS streamgage station 13124265, Warm Springs Creek below diversion near Mackay, Idaho.
In cooperation with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, we are working to improve the scientific understanding of the Big Lost River basin's water resources. This improved understanding will support effective resource management.
In September 2016, the Director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) was petitioned to designate a Critical Ground Water Area in the Big Lost River Valley. In the petition, a group of water users expressed concerns about declining groundwater levels, declining streamflow in the Big Lost River, and drought. The last comprehensive study of the water resources for the Big Lost River drainage basin was conducted by the USGS almost 50 years ago. An updated characterization of water resources will improve hydrologic understanding of the valley and aid IDWR in making management decisions regarding the valley.
The study objectives are to:
- Support groundwater well installation and monitoring to refine Big Lost River Valley underflow estimates which feed into Eastern Snake River Plain water models;
- Develop a hydrogeologic framework and water budget for the Big Lost River basin; and
- Provide streamgage data to facilitate the development of an improved water-right accounting model for the Big Lost River basin.
To achieve these objectives, we have installed new streamgage stations in the basin to provide real-time streamflow data. We are conducting periodic seepage studies to better understand the interaction of surface water and groundwater. And we are collecting geophysical data from selected wells in the valley to better describe the valley's aquifer system.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The folloiwng multimedia items are associated with this project.
USGS hydrographer measuring streamflow on Warm Springs Creek, Idaho
Justin McKoon, hydrologic technicians with the USGS Idaho Water Science Center, measures treamflow at USGS streamgage station 13124265, Warm Springs Creek below diversion near Mackay, Idaho.
Justin McKoon, hydrologic technicians with the USGS Idaho Water Science Center, measures treamflow at USGS streamgage station 13124265, Warm Springs Creek below diversion near Mackay, Idaho.