The Lake Fork emerges from the outlet of Turquoise Lake at the Sugarloaf dam and flows approximately 5 miles before joining the upper Arkansas River. The first reach of the Lake Fork downstream from the dam is affected by drainage from abandoned mines in the Sugarloaf mining district. Whereas remediation of some of the mine sites has been initiated, Federal Land holders are interested in assessing the sources of metal-rich loads along the entire reach of the Lake Fork between Sugarloaf dam and the confluence with the upper Arkansas River. The U.S. Geological Survey is assisting in this effort by conducting a low-flow tracer-injection synoptic sampling study along the Lake Fork.
OBJECTIVES:
- Conduct a low-flow synoptic sampling study along the Lake Fork between Sugarloaf dam and the confluence with the Arkansas River.
- Conduct mass-loading analysis of the data generated from the synoptic sampling to assess the location and magnitude of metal-rich and acidic loading to the Lake Fork.
- Prepare a formal report of the results of the mass loading analysis.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Hydrogeochemical effects of a bulkhead in the Dinero mine tunnel, Sugar Loaf mining district, near Leadville, Colorado
Mass loading of selected major and trace elements in Lake Fork Creek near Leadville, Colorado, September-October 2001
Below are partners associated with this project.
- Overview
The Lake Fork emerges from the outlet of Turquoise Lake at the Sugarloaf dam and flows approximately 5 miles before joining the upper Arkansas River. The first reach of the Lake Fork downstream from the dam is affected by drainage from abandoned mines in the Sugarloaf mining district. Whereas remediation of some of the mine sites has been initiated, Federal Land holders are interested in assessing the sources of metal-rich loads along the entire reach of the Lake Fork between Sugarloaf dam and the confluence with the upper Arkansas River. The U.S. Geological Survey is assisting in this effort by conducting a low-flow tracer-injection synoptic sampling study along the Lake Fork.
OBJECTIVES:
- Conduct a low-flow synoptic sampling study along the Lake Fork between Sugarloaf dam and the confluence with the Arkansas River.
- Conduct mass-loading analysis of the data generated from the synoptic sampling to assess the location and magnitude of metal-rich and acidic loading to the Lake Fork.
- Prepare a formal report of the results of the mass loading analysis.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Hydrogeochemical effects of a bulkhead in the Dinero mine tunnel, Sugar Loaf mining district, near Leadville, Colorado
The Dinero mine drainage tunnel is an abandoned, draining mine adit near Leadville, Colorado, that has an adverse effect on downstream water quality and aquatic life. In 2009, a bulkhead was constructed (creating a mine pool and increasing water-table elevations behind the tunnel) to limit drainage from the tunnel and improve downstream water quality. The goal of this study was to document changesAuthorsKatherine Walton-Day, Taylor J. MillsMass loading of selected major and trace elements in Lake Fork Creek near Leadville, Colorado, September-October 2001
A mass-loading study of Lake Fork Creek of the Arkansas River between Sugarloaf Dam and the mouth was completed in September-October 2001 to help ascertain the following: (1) variation of pH and aqueous constituent concentrations (calcium, sulfate, alkalinity, aluminum, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, lead, and zinc) and their relation to toxicity standards along the study reach; (2) location anAuthorsKatherine Walton-Day, Jennifer L. Flynn, Briant A. Kimball, Robert L. Runkel - Partners
Below are partners associated with this project.