October 14, 2009

Google Earth Map

Snake Valley Project

A new interactive map of Snake Valley with all of the well data, has recently been added to the Utah Geological Survey (UGS) Web site.  The West Desert Ground-Water Monitoring Network is almost complete and updates are available on a newly developed Google Earth™ interactive map.  The network will monitor ground water for more than 50 years in Snake Valley, western Millard County and adjacent areas.  The $3.5 million network is a response to planned ground-water development in east-central Nevada.  The Utah Geological Survey will upload data onto its Web site.

Objectives included: assessing the potential impacts of pumping on ground water and spring flow in Utah; evaluating flow patterns in the aquifer from Snake Valley to Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge; determining baseline water-level and chemical trends in local and regional ground-water flow systems; and, measuring the capacity of the aquifers to transmit and store ground water.

The monitoring network includes both wells and flow gages at springs at depths of 12 to 1633 feet.  Most of the wells were sampled for water chemistry, and are equipped with pressure transducers to measure water levels daily.

Installation of flow gages at relatively large-discharge springs is nearly complete.  These springs provide habitat for sensitive aquatic species.  In all, 11 gages will be installed at six sites and the real-time data will be streamed to DNR via radio telemetry.

The UGS conducted two aquifer tests during March 2009.  At one site, a well was pumped at 1200 gpm for 17 days while changes in water levels in four nearby and five distant wells were monitored.  At a second site, the carbonate aquifer was pumped at 180 gpm for 12 days while three nearby wells in the carbonate aquifer were monitored.  Analysis of both tests is in progress.

In December 2009, the UGS will begin a study to characterize the types, extent, and condition of wetlands in Snake Valley prior to the planned ground-water development in east-central Nevada.  In addition, a study will establish baseline physical habitat conditions of wetlands in Snake Valley, including their relationship to seasonal and long-term hydrologic cycles.  And, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is also studying sensitive species in Snake Valley.

Data and detailed project descriptions are at: http://geology.utah.gov/esp/snake_valley_project/index.htm.