Hydrology of melt-water channels in southwestern Minnesota

Melt-water channel deposits are among the most important aquifers in southwestern Minnesota, but permeable zones within the deposits are difficult to locate. Interpretation of the depositional history of proglacial channel deposits from aerial photographs and test-hole samples indicates the position of the permeable zones. Generally, the coarse-grained deposits are in headwater areas, near the confluence of two channels, in bends, or at the junction of sluiceways. Locally, these deposits yield as much as 1,000 gallons per minute to wells.