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Streamflow Gains and Losses in New Fork and Green Rivers, Upstream from Fontenelle Reservoir, Wyoming, October 2015

Scientific Investigations Report 2019-5081
Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20195081

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Abstract

The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative is a program created to implement a long-term, science-based program of assessing natural resources while facilitating responsible energy and other development and does studies in much of southwestern Wyoming, including all or parts of Lincoln, Sublette, Fremont, Sweetwater, and Carbon Counties. A synoptic study was completed by the U.S. Geological Survey as part of ongoing contributions to the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative to better understand the streamflow dynamics in the New Fork and Green Rivers in an area with historical, current, and future energy development.

Streamflow measurements were collected October 19–22, 2015, at 19 sites on the New Fork and Green Rivers in Wyoming to determine changes in streamflow and, where applicable, describe the inflow and outflow of groundwater. Streamflow in the New Fork River generally increased from 50 cubic feet per second (ft3/s) at the most upstream site near Pinedale, Wyoming, to 350 ft3/s at the mouth of the river. Streamflow in the Green River generally increased downstream from 250 ft3/s at the most upstream site at Warren Bridge to around 800 ft3/s at the most downstream site near La Barge, Wyo., upstream from Fontenelle Reservoir.

Estimated streamflow gains and losses were calculated for five reaches on the New Fork River. Four of the five reaches on the New Fork River had a change greater than the associated measurement error and were gaining reaches; the reach with the largest gain was the most upstream reach. One reach, the most downstream reach, had a calculated change in streamflow less than the associated measurement error.

Estimated streamflow gains and losses were calculated for four reaches on the Green River. One reach was determined to be a gaining reach, one was a losing reach, and two reaches had changes less than the associated measurement error.

Comparing the annual streamflow hydrographs for three long-term streamgages likely showed the effects of applying irrigation water to the upstream areas of land draining to the Green and New Fork Rivers. Streamflows in the New Fork River near Big Piney and the Green River near La Barge, Wyo., are sustained later in the season compared to the upstream site of Green River at Warren Bridge, which has few diversions and minimal irrigation.

Suggested Citation

Eddy-Miller, C.A., Davidson, S.L., Wheeler, J.D., Davis, S.J., Stephens, J.B., and Campbell, J.C., 2019, Streamflow gains and losses in New Fork and Green Rivers, upstream from Fontenelle Reservoir, Wyoming, October 2015: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2019–5081, 15 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20195081.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Streamflow Measurements in the New Fork and Green Rivers, Wyoming, October 2015
  • Estimated Streamflow Gains and Losses in Selected River Reaches of the New Fork and Green Rivers
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Streamflow gains and losses in New Fork and Green Rivers, upstream from Fontenelle Reservoir, Wyoming, October 2015
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2019-5081
DOI 10.3133/sir20195081
Year Published 2019
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) Colorado Water Science Center, WY-MT Water Science Center, Dakota Water Science Center
Description vi, 15 p.
Country United States
State Wyoming
Other Geospatial Fontenelle Reservoir, Green River, New Fork River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details