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U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5014

Hydrogeologic Framework and Occurrence and Movement of Ground Water in the Upper Humboldt River Basin, Northeastern Nevada

Prepared in cooperation with Elko County, Nevada

By Russell W. Plume

Download PDF (2.25 MB)

Plate

Plate 1. Map showing hydrogeologic framework and ground-water levels in basin-fill deposits of the Upper Humboldt River basin, northeastern Nevada (PDF 15.1 MB)

Figures

Figure 1. Map showing selected features of the upper Humboldt River basin and location of streamflow-gaging stations, northeastern Nevada

Figure 2. Graph showing flow-duration curves for water years 1992–2007 at the Humboldt River near Elko and Carlin, Marys River below Twin Buttes, Lamoille Creek near Lamoille, and South Fork Humboldt River above Tenmile Creek gaging stations, northeastern Nevada

Figure 3. Map showing combined thickness of younger and older basin-fill deposits and volcanic rocks, and location of oil exploration wells, upper Humboldt River basin, northeastern Nevada

Figure 4. Map showing selected wells where water levels have fluctuated, upper Humboldt River basin, northeastern Nevada

Figure 5. Graphs showing water-level fluctuations at wells near Deeth and Lamoille

Figure 6. Graphs showing water-level fluctuation at well 3, 1965–2005, and annual precipitation as percent departure from average at Elko, Nevada, 1965–2005

Figure 7.Graphs showing water-level fluctuations at wells 4, 5, and 6 near South Fork Reservoir, Elko, Nevada

Figure 8. Graphs showing water-level fluctuations at wells 7, 8, and 9 near Elko, Nevada.

Tables

Table 1. Hydrographic areas of the upper Humboldt River basin, northeastern Nevada

Table 2. Streamflow-gaging stations in the upper Humboldt River basin, northeastern Nevada

Table 3. Lithology, thickness, extent, and water-bearing characteristics of hydrogeologic units in the upper Humboldt River basin, northeastern Nevada

Table 4. Hydrogeologic units penetrated by oil exploration wells in the upper Humboldt River basin, northeastern Nevada

Table 5. Lithologies penetrated by wells 1–9, upper Humboldt River basin, northeastern Nevada

This report is available online in Portable Document Format (PDF). If you do not have the Adobe Reader, it is available for free download from Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Download the report (PDF, 2.25 MB)

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Send questions or comments about this report to the author, R.W. Plume, (775) 887-7612.

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