Characterization of Water Resources in the Big Lost River Basin, South-Central Idaho
Links
- Chapters:
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Water resources in the Big Lost River Basin, Idaho are vital to irrigated agriculture, domestic, municipal and other uses but declining groundwater levels, diminished streamflows, and concern about drought motivated an evaluation of water resources in the basin. This multichapter volume documents the findings of a hydrogeologic investigation of the Big Lost River Basin that was jointly conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, Idaho Department of Water Resources, and Idaho Geological Survey from 2018 through 2021. Chapter A (Zinsser, 2021) describes the hydrogeologic framework of the Big Lost River Basin. The framework presents a conceptual definition of four hydrogeologic units, a three-dimensional hydrogeologic framework model representing the spatial occurrence of the hydrogeologic units, and a description of groundwater occurrence and movement. Chapter B (Dudunake and Zinsser, 2021) describes streamflow gains from and losses to groundwater in the Big Lost River between Mackay Reservoir and south of Arco. Streamflow losses and gains were estimated from a series of four measurement events completed during spring and fall conditions from 2019 to 2021. Chapter C (Clark, 2022) describes budgets for the Big Lost River Basin from 2000 to 2019. The groundwater budgets provide annual estimates for aquifer inflows and outflows and include representations of average, wet, and dry conditions. Collectively, these reports present a characterization of water resources in the Big Lost River Basin that will help address current challenges in water-resources management.
Suggested Citation
Zinsser, L.M., ed., Characterization of water resources in the Big Lost River Basin, south-central Idaho: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2021–5078, https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20215078.
ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Characterization of water resources in the Big Lost River Basin, south-central Idaho |
| Series title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series number | 2021-5078 |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20215078 |
| Year Published | 2021 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Idaho Water Science Center |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| Other Geospatial | Big Lost River |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |