Simulated effects of proposed reservoir-development alternatives on streamflow quantity in the White River, Colorado and Utah
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Abstract
Numerous reservoirs have been proposed for the White River basin in Colorado and Utah, primarily to provide water for oil-shale development. A multireservoir-flow model was used to simulate the effects of streamflow withdrawal at four of the proposed reservoirs using historical streamflow data from the 1932-81 water years. The proposed reservoirs considered in the study were Avery, Powell Park, Taylor Draw, and White River Reservoirs; construction of Taylor Draw Dam was completed during the study. Annual streamflow depletions from the White River ranging from about 93,000 to 226,000 acre-feet were simulated for the 50 year period. Simulated streamflow throughout the year generally became smaller and more constant as streamflow throughout the year generally became smaller and more constant as streamflow depletion increased. Minimum streamflow requirements would not have been met for a maximum of 13 years and water-use requirements associated with the proposed reservoirs would not have been met for a maximum of 3 years. The current water-use pattern, which depletes about 40,000 acre-feet per year and is dominated by irrigation of hay meadows and pastureland, was maintained in the simulation. Relations between reservoir active capacity and yield applicable to the White River also were developed. These relations show that reservoir storage of about 400,000 acre-feet is the maximum practicable for the White River.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Simulated effects of proposed reservoir-development alternatives on streamflow quantity in the White River, Colorado and Utah |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 84-4297 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri844297 |
| Year Published | 1984 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Description | v, 59 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado, Utah |
| Other Geospatial | White River |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |