Hydrologic Evaluation of the Upper Duchesne River Valley, Northern Uinta Basin Area, Utah (TP-57)

By: J. W. Hood

The upper Duchesne River valley was studied during 1971-74 as part of an investigation of the northern Uinta Basin area, Utah and Colorado. The purpose of the study was to determine the relation of ground water to surface water, to estimate the quantity of ground water that moves to the Duchesne River, and to assess the probable effect of increased ground-water withdrawal on streamflow. The primary source of water for the study area is precipitation on the highlands adjacent to and north of the area and on the valley itself. Discharge from the area is mainly by flow in the Duchesne River. Adjacent to and within the valley, ground water and surface water are intimately related, and they can interchange in several ways due to both natural and manmade conditions.

This report is intended to describe the relation of ground water to surface water in the upper Duchesne River valley, to estimate the quantity of ground water that moves to the Duchesne River, and to assess the probable effect of increased ground-water withdrawals on the stream regimen. The report was prepared as a part of a general appraisal of the water resources of the northern Uinta Basin area, Utah and Colorado, which was made by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights. Fieldwork for the general appraisal was carried out during the period July 1971-June 1974.

Other Information:
Published: 1977
Pages: 34 p.
Location: Duchesne County, Uintah County, and Wasatch County
Media Type: Paper Publication