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Data Gap Analysis for Estimation of Agricultural Return Flows in the Upper Gunnison River Basin, Colorado

Open-File Report 2025-1009
Prepared in cooperation with the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251009

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Abstract

The Gunnison River and many tributaries in the Upper Gunnison River Basin provide water to irrigate agricultural crops. The application of irrigation water can recharge some aquifers locally by water percolating below the root zone and eventually flowing back to the stream or river through the subsurface. Diverting surface water for irrigation reduces streamflow during the irrigation season but can provide temporary storage of water and supplement streamflow after the snowmelt runoff season. Understanding the timing and quantity of agricultural return flows could help resource managers make informed decisions and adapt to potential changes in water management and availability that could affect irrigation practices. In 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, began a study to characterize agricultural return flows in the Upper Gunnison River Basin by using endmember mixing analysis and developing a groundwater model. Both approaches require data from multiple sources, but data gaps exist in the East River study reach and other reaches of interest (Ohio Creek, Tomichi Creek, and Cochetopa Creek). The East River Basin, which is the initial focus of the study, has fewer data gaps than the other basins. Data gaps could be addressed by installing additional surface water and groundwater monitoring sites, making regular streamflow measurements on tributaries, and completing tests to characterize local aquifer properties.

Suggested Citation

Gidley, R.G., Miller, Q.M., and Belcher, W.R., 2025, Data gap analysis for estimation of agricultural return flows in the Upper Gunnison River Basin, Colorado: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2025-1009, 12 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251009.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Previous Studies
  • Data Availability and Data Gaps
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Data gap analysis for estimation of agricultural return flows in the Upper Gunnison River Basin, Colorado
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2025-1009
DOI 10.3133/ofr20251009
Publication Date April 14, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) Colorado Water Science Center
Description Report: iv, 12 p.; Database
Country United States
State Colorado
Other Geospatial Upper Gunnison River basin
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details