J. M. Boyle | Geology Reports

USGS1985

Traveltime, longitudinal-dispersion, reaeration, and basin characteristics of the White River, Colorado and Utah

Traveltime and longitudinal-dispersion characteristics were measured for the White River using dye tracers. Discharges ranged from 281 to 1,840 cubic feet per second and velocities ranged from 1.26 to 3.17 miles per hour. Traveltimes were determined for discharges other than measured discharges by a graphical method and a linear-regression method. Longitudinal-dispersion coefficients ranged from 284 square feet per second at a discharge of 539 cubic feet per second to 5,430 square feet per second at a discharge of 1,580 cubic feet per second. Reaeration was measured in four reaches of the White River during a medium-flow period in August 1982. Reaeration coefficients at 20 degrees Celsius ranged from 5.3 to 25.3 per day. The results of a comparison with measured reaeration coefficients and reaeration coefficients predicted using empirical equations showed that the most accurate equations were by Bennett and Rathbun (1972) and Isaacs and Gaudy (1968). Basin characteristics were computed using U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps, precipitation data from the National Weather Service, and aerial photographs taken on September 11, 1981. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1984

Quantity and quality of streamflow in the White River basin, Colorado and Utah

The water quality and flow of existing streams in the White River basin, located in northwestern Colorado and northeastern Utah, are adequate for present uses, but future development (such as energy) may affect stream quality and quantity. Present conditions are described as a baseline to enable planners to allocate available water and to measure changes in quantity and quality of water in the future. The White River basin contains extensive energy resources consisting of oil, natural gas, coal, and oil shale. Large quantities of water will be required for energy-resource development and associated municipal and industrial uses. An average of 70% of the annual flow in the White River occurs during May, June, and July as a result of snowmelt runoff. The 7-day, 10-year low-flow discharges/sq mi and the 1-day, 25-year high-flow discharges/sq mi are larger in the eastern part of the basin than in the western part. Flow-duration curves indicate that high flows in the White River and the North and South Fork White Rivers result mainly from snowmelt runoff and that base flow is sustained throughout the year by groundwater discharge from the alluvial and bedrock aquifers. Water type varies in the basin; however, calcium and sodium are the dominantly occurring cations and sulfate and bicarbonate are the dominantly occurring anions. Computed total annual dissolved-solids loads in the White River range from 31 ,800 tons/yr in the North Fork White River to 284,000 tons/yr at the mouth. A 10% increase to a 14% decrease of the dissolved-solids load could result at the mouth of the White River near Ouray, Utah. This corresponds to a 5% increase to a 10% decrease in dissolved-solids concentration. The seasonal pattern of stream temperatures was found to fit a harmonic curve.

Colorado, Utah↗