Images

Provisional map showing the various aquifers within the area of the Upper Black Squirrel Creek Designated Ground Water Basin and the towns within the area.

Photograph of the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado, taken by USGS personnel.

USGS hydrologists use thermal infrared (IR) imagery to evaluate the distribution of warm and hot springs near the Yampa River. Numerous diffuse springs discharge near the river, and IR imagery is useful as a screening tool to pinpoint points of discharge to be sampled for water quality.

Geothermal groundwater discharge is a substantial source of salinity to the Colorado River. USGS scientists sample geothermal springs to learn more about the age of groundwater and the rock units that interact with groundwater.

This image shows the Blue Ridge Meteorological Station after installation before snow accumulation.  The image is useful to see the station structure and layout of installed sensors as well as the limited snow cover common in the early and late seasons.

USGS scientists injected a non-toxic fluorescent dye into the Slate River to identify zones of groundwater discharge. 

View upstream from U.S. Geological Survey site 09119000 Tomichi Creek at Gunnison, Colorado, showing topography and standing water in a flood irrigated pasture.

Image of well from Upper Black Squirrel Creek Designated Ground Water Basin monitoring network.

Image of well from Upper Black Squirrel Creek Designated Ground Water Basin monitoring network with Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) survey being conducted as it was added to network.

Rain Gauge installed after the 2020 Grizzly Creek fire in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. Scientists installed a network of rain gauges and soil moisture sensors throughout the rugged burn area. These instruments provide real-time data on rainfall intensity and duration, which are critical factors in determining the likelihood of a debris flow. 

Scientific Investigations Map publication cover for Fountain Creek Elevation-change map project

Image of well from Upper Black Squirrel Creek Designated Ground Water Basin monitoring network with electric water level tape indicator before measurement.

Looking across the stream (southwest) at USGS streamgage 08223400 Rio Grande at Alamosa NWR near Alamosa, CO; non-contact radar suspended above the stream with the streamgage located on the bank on the left just out of view.

Looking downstream (south) at USGS streamgage 08223400 Rio Grande at Alamosa NWR near Alamosa, CO; non-contact radar suspended on the bank during gage installation next to the streamgage located on the bank on the left.

Looking downstream (west) at USGS streamgage 08227510 North Crestone Creek at Baca NWR near Crestone, CO; non-contact radar suspended above the creek with data logger and antennas on the bank on the right.

Looking upstream (east) at USGS streamgage 08227510 North Crestone Creek at Baca NWR near Crestone, CO; non-contact radar suspended above the creek with USGS hydrologist servicing the streamgage on the bank on the left.

Looking upstream (east) at USGS streamgage 08227510 North Crestone Creek at Baca NWR near Crestone, CO; USGS hydrologist is servicing the streamgage.

Sampling of a production well from an outdoor spigot in the Upper Black Squirrel Creek Designated Ground Water Basin in Colorado.

Image of observation well with Grundfos Redi-Flo 2 pump at Upper Black Squirrel Creek Designated Ground Water Basin location.

Image of sample processing equipment in truck at Upper Black Squirrel Creek Designated Ground Water Basin study location.

Springs discharging from the artesian aquifer are commonly supersaturated with minerals. In this photo at Iron Spring a small mound of iron hydroxides is forming below where the spring outflows to Fountain Creek.