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Evaluation of hydrologic processes affecting soil movement in the Hagerman fauna area, Hagerman, Idaho

Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4137
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844137

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Abstract

The Hagerman fauna area on the western slope of the Snake River canyon in south-central Idaho is one of the most important locations of upper Pliocene fossils in the world. The fossil beds are distributed vertically through a 500-foot stratigraphic section of the Glenns Ferry Formation. Accelerated soil movement caused by surface-water runoff from irrigated farmlands on the plateau above the canyon and discharge from springs and seeps along the slope of the canyon is eroding the fossil beds. Source of the springs and seeps is a perched aquifer, which is probably recharged by seepage losses from two irrigation canals that head near the canyon rim. Annual canal losses are about 1,900 acre-feet. Annual discharge from springs and seeps is about 420 acre-feet. Corrective measures that could be taken to stabilize the soil movement and preserve the fauna area include: (1) Lining or treating the canals, (2) eliminating the practice of flushing irrigation systems, (3) constructing road berms and cross dips, and (4) establishing an uncultivated strip of land between irrigated farmlands and the canyon rim. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Young, H., 1984, Evaluation of hydrologic processes affecting soil movement in the Hagerman fauna area, Hagerman, Idaho: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4137, iv, 17 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844137.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Evaluation of hydrologic processes affecting soil movement in the Hagerman fauna area, Hagerman, Idaho
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 84-4137
DOI 10.3133/wri844137
Year Published 1984
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Idaho Water Science Center
Description iv, 17 p.
Country United States
State Idaho
City Hagerman
Additional publication details