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Assessment of the water resources of the Grand Ronde area, Oregon

Water-Resources Investigations Report 97-4040
Prepared in cooperation with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri974040

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Abstract

Stream hydrographs show that throughout the Grand Ronde area most precipitation follows surface or shallow subsurface pathways to streams, resulting in rapid runoff and little natural water storage within the basin. Limited storage and low aquifer permeability restrict base flow to streams, and streamflows therefore decline rapidly once precipitation ceases. Shallow ground water and springs occur throughout the area, but because of the low permeability of aquifer materials, nearly all wells and springs have low yields. Water quality in streams, wells, and springs is generally good, but saline ground water has been reported on a number of drillers' logs for the study area and in several previous investigations of nearby areas. Further development of water resources in the Grand Ronde area is likely to be constrained by existing downstream water rights, the low permeability of geologic materials throughout the area, and possibly the intrusion of saline water. However, construction of facilities to store available water and thus compensate for low yields could provide a reliable, sustainable water supply for the Grand Ronde area.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Assessment of the water resources of the Grand Ronde area, Oregon
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 97-4040
DOI 10.3133/wri974040
Year Published 1997
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Oregon Water Science Center
Description Report: v, 27 p.; 1 Plate: 33.33 x 37.16 inches
Country United States
State Oregon
Other Geospatial Grand Ronde area
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