Image of North Taylor Creek in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado prior to completion of a surface-water discharge measurement.
Hydrology of and potential for groundwater storage in the alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado
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By Colorado Water Science Center
January 14, 2021
Hydrologic analysis of the alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley has been undertaken using synoptic streamflow and groundwater-level elevation measurements, aquifer tests, water-quality sampling and data analysis, and numerical groundwater-flow modeling. These datasets together provide an encompassing view of the interconnected water resources in the area and allow for quantitative assessments of groundwater storage.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley in Custer and Fremont Counties, Colorado, is the subject of a study by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District to evaluate groundwater hydrology and groundwater-surface-water interactions.
The valley is situated between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east. Streams sourced in the mountains flow into the valley and recharge the alluvial aquifer. Humans interact with the aquifer by extraction of groundwater through wells and by enhanced evapotranspiration caused by agriculture.
The goals of this study are to:
- Quantify interactions between groundwater and surface water,
- Understand groundwater ages and flow paths in the alluvial aquifer,
- Characterize aquifer hydraulic properties,
- Create and calibrate a numerical groundwater-flow model to represent groundwater-surface-water interaction and hydraulic heads in the valley, and
- Apply the groundwater-flow model to predict the influence of increased groundwater storage on flow paths and streamflow.
Below are multimedia items associated with the Wet Mountain Valley aquifer project.
North Taylor Creek, Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado
Image of North Taylor Creek in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado prior to completion of a surface-water discharge measurement.
Aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado
Photo of equipment for slug test at aquifer testing site in Colorado. The Rocky Mountains are visible in the background.
Photo of equipment for slug test at aquifer testing site in Colorado. The Rocky Mountains are visible in the background.
Hydrologic analysis of the alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley has been undertaken using synoptic streamflow and groundwater-level elevation measurements, aquifer tests, water-quality sampling and data analysis, and numerical groundwater-flow modeling. These datasets together provide an encompassing view of the interconnected water resources in the area and allow for quantitative assessments of groundwater storage.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The alluvial aquifer in the Wet Mountain Valley in Custer and Fremont Counties, Colorado, is the subject of a study by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District to evaluate groundwater hydrology and groundwater-surface-water interactions.
The valley is situated between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west and the Wet Mountains to the east. Streams sourced in the mountains flow into the valley and recharge the alluvial aquifer. Humans interact with the aquifer by extraction of groundwater through wells and by enhanced evapotranspiration caused by agriculture.
The goals of this study are to:
- Quantify interactions between groundwater and surface water,
- Understand groundwater ages and flow paths in the alluvial aquifer,
- Characterize aquifer hydraulic properties,
- Create and calibrate a numerical groundwater-flow model to represent groundwater-surface-water interaction and hydraulic heads in the valley, and
- Apply the groundwater-flow model to predict the influence of increased groundwater storage on flow paths and streamflow.
Below are multimedia items associated with the Wet Mountain Valley aquifer project.
North Taylor Creek, Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado
Image of North Taylor Creek in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado prior to completion of a surface-water discharge measurement.
Image of North Taylor Creek in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado prior to completion of a surface-water discharge measurement.
Aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado
Photo of equipment for slug test at aquifer testing site in Colorado. The Rocky Mountains are visible in the background.
Photo of equipment for slug test at aquifer testing site in Colorado. The Rocky Mountains are visible in the background.