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Surface-Water and Groundwater Interactions in the Big Lost River, South-Central Idaho

Scientific Investigations Report 2021-5078-B
Prepared in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Water Resources
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20215078B

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Abstract

The Big Lost River of south-central Idaho interacts with the underlying aquifer by gaining and losing streamflow throughout various areas in the Big Lost River Valley. Surface-water and groundwater resources are used throughout the valley to sustain domestic, agricultural, and livestock needs. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, evaluated streamflow gains and losses by differential streamgaging in the lower Big Lost River, Idaho, during four measurement events: March 27–28, 2019; October 16–17, 2019; October 6–7, 2020; and March 30, 2021. This report presents and analyzes streamflow measurement and uncertainty data from each measurement event to describe surface-water/groundwater interactions. This report is the second chapter of a multi-chapter volume that characterizes water resources in the Big Lost River Basin.

During the four measurement events, 100 streamflow measurements were made at 46 unique sites on the Big Lost River, James Creek, and diversions or tributaries between Mackay Reservoir near Mackay and Arco, Idaho. Aquifer lithology and dimensions affected spatial patterns of streamflow gains and losses between the upper, middle, and lower reaches; changes in water supply, groundwater levels, and surface-water management affected seasonal differences within reaches. In the upper reach of the Big Lost River, streamflow losses and gains were greater during the wetter 2019 events and lesser during the drier 2020 and 2021 events. The middle reach includes the largest losses from the Big Lost River to groundwater; these losses occurred in the Darlington Sinks where 42 percent or more of streamflow was lost as the aquifer widens and groundwater deepens. These results suggest that changing surface-water supply, irrigation use, and recharge affect interannual groundwater levels and, in turn, affect patterns of streamflow gains and losses in the middle reach. Finally, surface-water management is the primary control on surface-water/groundwater interactions in the lower reach. Overall patterns of streamflow gains and losses in this study generally were consistent with previous reports. However, paired with the related hydrogeologic framework and water budget, this investigation provides new insights into how hydrogeologic conditions and interannual variability in water supply, groundwater levels, and surface-water management affect surface-water/groundwater interactions in the Big Lost River Valley.

Suggested Citation

Dudunake, T.J., and Zinsser, L.M., 2021, Surface-water and groundwater interactions in the Big Lost River, south-central Idaho, chap. B of 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–B, 33 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20215078B.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results for Streamflow Gains and Losses
  • Discussion
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Surface-water and groundwater interactions in the Big Lost River, south-central Idaho
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2021-5078
Chapter B
DOI 10.3133/sir20215078B
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Idaho Water Science Center
Description vii, 33 p.
Country United States
State Idaho
Other Geospatial Big Lost River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details