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Appraisal of the water resources of Death Valley, California-Nevada

Open-File Report 77-728
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr77728

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Abstract

The hydrologic system in Death Valley is probably in a steady-state condition--that is, recharge and discharge are equal, and net changes in the quantity of ground water in storage are not occurring. Recharge to ground water in the valley is derived from interbasin underflow and from local precipitation. The two sources may be of the same magnitude. Ground water beneath the valley moves toward the lowest area, a 200-square-mile saltpan, much of which is underlain by rock salt and other saline minerals, probably to depths of hundreds of feet or even more than 1,000 feet. Some water discharges from the saltpan by evaportranspiration. Water beneath the valley floor, excluding the saltpan, typically contains between 3,000 and 5,000 milligrams per liter of dissolved solids. Water from most springs and seeps in the mountains contains a few hundred to several hundred milligrams per liter of dissolved solids. Water from large springs that probably discharge from interbasin flow systems typically contains between 500 and 1,000 milligrams per liter dissolved solids. Present sites of intensive use by man are supplied by springs, with the exception of the Stovepipe Wells Hotel area. Potential sources of supply for this area include (1) Emigrant Spring area, (2) Cottonwood Spring, and (3) northern Mesquite Flat. (Woodard-USGS)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Appraisal of the water resources of Death Valley, California-Nevada
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 77-728
DOI 10.3133/ofr77728
Year Published 1977
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description Report: v, 68 p.; 1 Plate: 22.66 x 37.56 inches
Country United States
State California, Nevada
Other Geospatial Death Valley
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