Geology topics
Publications and source records attributed to Jesse Lane Colbert.
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The Weiser River basin is primarily agricultural and is supported by extensive irrigation. The Geological Survey has initiated withdrawals, or has made powersite classifications of lands having value for reservoir sites and for waterpower production. These withdrawals have been examined to see if they should continue in force or if it is in the public interest to restore them. The 1960 report, "Upper Snake River Basin," by the U.S. bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers included recommendations conooming potential water resource-development sites in Water River basin. That report furnished much of the information for this review.
The review of withdrawals for this basin has been given a high priority because of the current interest in both recreational and water values present. Federal and State agencies with interests in the area signified their desires to have the review made at an early date.
The heavy precipitation and runoff, suitable storage sites near tidewater, and steep stream gradients are favorable to the development of hydroelectric power on the streams considered in this report. A geologic examination of the sites indicates that their development would not be hindered by any unusual geologic conditions. On the basis of the 18 years of available stream-flow records for Cascade Creek, it is estimated that 20,800 kilowatts of power could have been generated continuously on Cascade Creek; 13,300 kilowatts on Scenery Creek, and 7,900 kilowatts on Delta Creek. Conditions for power development on Delta Creek are not as favorable as on Cascade Creek or Scenery Creek in view of the size of the structures required in relation to the potential power. The development of a substantial part of this power would depend upon the creation of new industries as the present power market is very limited. There is a heavy growth of timber near tidewater throughout this part of Alaska, and the utilization of this timber in the manufacture of wood pulp is the most likely industrial possibility. The Cascade Creek, Scenery Creek, and Delta Creek drainage basins are in rugged mountainous terrain. There is little land in the immediate vicinity suitable for the location of industrial developments and the supporting communities, and the power would have to be transmitted to a more favorable area. A considerable area is available near Point Agassiz on Frederick Sound about 10 air-line miles from the mouth of Scenery Creek and 5 airline miles from the mouth of Delta Creek.