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Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5237

Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Synoptic Discharge, Water-Property, and pH Measurements for Muddy River Springs Area and Muddy River, Nevada, February 7, 2001

By David A. Beck and Jon W. Wilson

Download the report as a PDF (4 Mb): SIR2006-5237

ABSTRACT

On February 7, 2001, synoptic discharge measurements at selected sites along the Muddy River in Nevada, indicated three trends in discharge resulting from contributions of spring discharge, influences of diversionary flow, and contributions from shallow ground water. Effects from diversionary and tributary flow were local in nature and resulted in a net gain of 2.6 cubic feet per second throughout the measured reach. The minor increase in discharge may be the result of contributions from ground-water flow and measurement error. Comparison of 1963 and 2001 discharge measurements within the Muddy River Springs area indicated that discharge rates and trends from these source waters were similar. Along the mainstem of the Muddy River, water-temperature measurements indicated a net decrease of 8.8 degrees Celsius. Water samples collected and analyzed for specific conductance indicated a net increase of 390 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius, whereas pH measurements remained relatively constant.

Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Acknowledgments

Purpose and Scope

Description of Study Area

Discharge Measurements

Evaluation of Discharge Measurements

Muddy River Springs Area

Muddy River

Water-Property and pH Measurements

Summary

Reference Cited

Figures

1. Map showing location of study area

2. Map showing location of discharge-measurement sites and tributary springs to the Muddy River

3. Map showing location of discharge-measurement sites along the mainstem of the Muddy River

4. Graph showing comparison of discharge measurements in the Muddy River Springs area and mainstem of the Muddy River and Moapa, Nevada, September 1963 and February 2001

5. Graph showing mean discharge at selected sites in the Muddy River Springs area and mainstem of the Muddy River, Nevada, September 10–12, 1963—February 7, 2001

6. Graph showing water-temperature and specific-conductance measurements at selected sites in the Muddy River Springs area and mainstem of the Muddy River, Nevada, February 7, 2001

Tables

1. Discharge and water-property measurements in the Muddy River Springs area near Moapa, Nevada, September 1969 and February 2001

2. Synoptic discharge, water-property, and pH measurements in the mainstem of the Muddy River, February 7, 2001

3. Maximum, minimum, and percent difference of discharge and stage measurements collected in the mainstem of the Muddy River, February 7, 2001

Send questions or comments about this report to the author, Jon W. Wilson

For more information about USGS activities in Nevada, visit the USGS Nevada Water Science Center home page.




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