Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Synoptic Discharge, Water-Property, and pH Measurements for Muddy River Springs Area and Muddy River, Nevada, February 7, 2001
Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5237
U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey
Synoptic Discharge, Water-Property, and pH Measurements for Muddy River Springs Area and Muddy River, Nevada, February 7, 2001
By David A. Beck and Jon W. Wilson
Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5237
U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Mark D. Myers, Director
U.S. Geological Survey, Carson City, Nevada: 2006
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Suggested citation: Beck, D.A., and Wilson, J.W., 2006, Synoptic discharge, water-property, and pH measurements for Muddy River Springs area and Muddy River, Nevada, February 7, 2001: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5237, 12 p. Available at
Contents
Abstract...... 1 Introduction...... 1 Acknowledgments...... 1 Purpose and Scope...... 1 Description of Study Area...... 2 Discharge Measurements...... 3 Evaluation of Discharge Measurements...... 4 Muddy River Springs Area...... 4 Muddy River...... 5 Water-Property and pH Measurements...... 10 Summary...... 11 References Cited...... 12
Figures
1. Map showing location of study area...... 2 2. Map showing location of discharge-measurement sites and tributary springs to the Muddy River...... 3 3. Map showing location of discharge-measurement sites along the mainstem of the Muddy River...... 4 4. Graph showing comparison of discharge measurements in the Muddy River Springs area and mainstem of the Muddy River and Moapa, Nevada, September 1963 and February 2001...... 9 5. Graph showing mean discharge at selected sites in the Muddy River Springs area and mainstem of the Muddy River, Nevada, September 10–12, 1963—February 7, 2001... 10 6. Graph showing water-temperature and specific-conductance measurements at selected sites in the Muddy River Springs area and mainstem of the Muddy River, Nevada, February 7, 2001...... 11
Tables
1. Discharge and water-property measurements in the Muddy River Springs area near Moapa, Nevada, September 1969 and February 2001...... 6 2. Synoptic discharge, water-property, and pH measurements in the mainstem of the Muddy River, February 7, 2001...... 8 3. Maximum, minimum, and percent difference of discharge and stage measurements collected in the mainstem of the Muddy River, February 7, 2001...... 9 iv
Conversion Factors and Datums
Multiply By To obtain cubic foot per second (ft³/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second (m³/s) foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m) inch (in.) 25.4 millimeter (mm) mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km) mile per hour (mi/h) 1.609 kilometer per hour (km/h) square mile (mi²) 2.590 square kilometer (km²)
Temperature: Degrees Celsius (°C) can be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) by using the formula °F = (1.8 x °C) + 32. Discharge or flow: The rate that matter passes through a cross section of a stream channel or other water body per unit of time. The term commonly refers to the volume of water (including, unless otherwise stated, any sediment or other constituents suspended or dissolved in the water) that passes a cross section in a stream channel, flume, weir, canal, pipeline, etc., within a given period of time (cubic feet per second). Specific conductance is given in microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius (μS/cm at 25°C). Sea level: In this report, “sea level” refers to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1988 (NGVD of 1988, formerly called “Sea-level Datum of 1988”), which is derived from a general adjustment of the first-order leveling networks of the United States and Canada. Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) unless otherwise stated. Synoptic Discharge, Water-Property, and pH Measurements for Muddy River Springs Area and Muddy River, Nevada, February 7, 2001
By David A. Beck and Jon W. Wilson Abstract about the potential effects of these proposed withdrawals on the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge and other riparian On February 7, 2001, synoptic discharge measurements ecosystems and spring-discharge areas adjacent to the river. at selected sites along the Muddy River in Nevada, indicated This study is limited to the Muddy River Springs area three trends in discharge resulting from contributions of spring (fig. 2) and to the upper 18-mile reach of the Muddy River discharge, influences of diversionary flow, and contributions ending just south of Overton, Nev. (fig. 3). For the purposes from shallow ground water. Effects from diversionary and of this report, site names in the text have been abbreviated, but tributary flow were local in nature and resulted in a net gain of are listed in tables 1 and 2. All references to the Muddy River 2.6 cubic feet per second throughout the measured reach. The Springs area are defined as that part of the valley upstream minor increase in discharge may be the result of contributions of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) surface-water gaging from ground-water flow and measurement error. Comparison station, MR Moapa (site 09416000). References to the Muddy of 1963 and 2001 discharge measurements within the Muddy River indicate the river between MR Moapa (site 09416000) River Springs area indicated that discharge rates and trends and the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) surface- from these source waters were similar. Along the mainstem of water gaging station, MR at Lewis Ave. (site 09419507). the Muddy River, water-temperature measurements indicated This investigation was developed, in cooperation with the a net decrease of 8.8 degrees Celsius. Water samples collected National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and analyzed for specific conductance indicated a net increase to provide measured discharge, water temperature, specific of 390 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius, conductance, and pH at multiple sites within the Muddy River whereas pH measurements remained relatively constant. Springs area and the Muddy River.
Acknowledgments Introduction The authors acknowledge the Bureau of Indian Affairs, This report contains an examination of discharge, water the Nature Conservancy, Southern Nevada Water Authority, property, and pH data collected in the Muddy River Springs Nevada Division of Water Resources, Moapa Valley Water area and Muddy River on February 7, 2001. Muddy River District, Nevada Power Company, and the Moapa Band of originates from numerous seeps and springs at the northwest Paiutes-Tribal for their participation in this effort. corner of Moapa Valley, and flows in a southeast direction discharging into Lake Mead (fig. 1). The Muddy River Springs Purpose and Scope area is defined as the terminal discharge point of the White River ground-water flow system (Eakin, 1966), which is part The purpose of this report is to present synoptic measure- of the Regional Carbonate-Rock Province that encompasses ments collected within the Muddy Springs area and along the about 100,000 mi² of eastern Nevada, western Utah, and parts Muddy River, and to characterize changes in discharge within of southeastern Idaho and California (Harrill and others, 1983; these areas. Data collected on February 7, 2001, include fig. 1). The riparian habitat within the Muddy River area con- measurements of discharge, water temperature, and specific tains diverse wildlife, including the endangered Moapa dace conductance from 15 sites within the Muddy River Springs (Moapa coriacea). area; measurements of discharge, water temperature, specific The Nevada State Engineer’s Office is considering appli- conductance, and pH from 14 sites along the Muddy River; cations to develop ground-water resources near the Muddy and discharge measurements from 1 municipal and 4 agricul- River and its source waters. Resource managers are concerned tural diversions. 2 Synoptic discharge, water-property, and pH measurements Muddy River Springs area and Muddy River, Nev., 2001
115°0' 114°45' 114°30' 114°15'
S IN A T N U O 37°0 M Y E MORMAN MOUNTAIN S L L A V
W O D A LINCOLN COUNTY E M CLARK COUNTY Muddy River
Springs area E
36°45' G
A
R uddy N M R ive O r
Y
N
A
C
S
W
O R R A 36°30'
0 5 10Miles
0 10 20 Kilometers MUDDY MOUNTAIN Lake Mead
Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data 1:100,000, 1978-1989; Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 11. Shaded relief base from 1:250,000-scale Digital Elevation Model; sun illumination from northwest at 30 degrees avove horizon 100,000-foot grid based on Nevada State Plane coordinate system, central zone.
ID EXPLANATION NV White River Ground-Water Flow System
Regional Carbonate-Rock Province UT CA Location of springs (Note: Tail indicates AZ general direction of flow)
AREA OF STUDY Figure 1. Location of study area.
Discharge, water-property, and pH data were collected Province (fig. 1). The Muddy River Springs area and the during a period of minimal evapotranspiration, and municipal Muddy River are bounded by the Meadow Valley Mountains and agricultural diversions. An evaluation of changes in these to the north, the Morman Mountains to the northeast, the data helps to: (1) assess surface-water and ground-water inter- Muddy Mountains to the south, and Arrow Canyon Range to action and (2) account for losses or gains of river discharge the west (fig. 1). within the spring and river areas. The Muddy River originates from a system of spring tributaries described by Eakin (1964), which are clustered along the northeast slope of Arrow Canyon Range (fig. 2). These tributaries generally consist of warm-water springs and Description of Study Area seeps that emanate from alluvial deposits, occuring near sur- face exposures of carbonate rocks. These springs and The location of the study area is considered the terminal seeps discharge into the mainstem of the Muddy River drainage area of the White River ground-water flow system through three spring tributaries that include South Fork (Eakin, 1966), located within the Regional Carbonate-Rock Muddy River, Muddy Springs Tributary, and Refuge Stream Discharge Measurements
114°44'24" 114°43'48" 114°43'12" 114°42'36" 114°42'0"
EXPLANATION NEVADA Discharge-measurement sites M (numbers refer to table 1). ud d Muddy River (mainstem) y R Study area iv Tributary springs e 36° r 43' Irrigation diversion 48"
Cardy Lamb Springs Unnamed Springs near LDS East Well 09415880
09415875 09415900 09415885 36° Muddy Springs 43' Baldwin Springs 12" South Fork Muddy River Muddy Springs Tributary 09415906 09415905 Muddy River 09415955 364240114414001 Apcar (Pipeline Jones) Springs 09415940 MOAPA VALLEY 09415945 NATIONAL 09415930 WILDLIFE 09415920 REFUGE Refuge Stream 09415927 364241114424801 36° 364236114424301 09416000 42' 36" 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Pederson Springs 0 0.5 1 Kilometers Plummer (Iverson) Springs
Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data 1:100,000, 1978-1989; Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 11. Shaded relief base from 1:250,000-scale Digital Elevation Model; sun illumination from northwest at 30 degrees avove horizon 100,000-foot grid based on Nevada State Plane coordinate system, central zone. Figure 2. Location of discharge-measurement sites and tributary springs to the Muddy River.
(fig. 2). Streams in the Muddy River Springs area typically are California Wash and Meadow Valley Wash systems meandering, shallow channels consisting mainly of mud and contribute surface water to the Muddy River during periods of organic debris. Most banks are thickly overgrown by Saltcedar heavy rainfall. These two systems enter the Muddy River near (Tamarix ramosissima), cattails (Typha latifolia), and reeds the towns of Moapa and Glendale, respectively (fig. 3). (Phragmites communis). Many irrigation diversions and ditches previously existed in the Muddy River Springs area. Most of the ditches Discharge Measurements have been abandoned with the exception of channels near Cardy Lamb Springs and Unnamed Springs near LDS East Data-collection sites were selected to match locations Well (fig. 2). of previous measurements (as indicated in earlier reports), The Muddy River flows through four farming communi- and to document changes in discharge at points of inflow and ties (Moapa, Glendale, Logandale, and Overton) and through diversion. Furthermore, measurements were collected during a the northeast corner of the Moapa River Indian Reservation period of expected minimal evapotranspiration and steady base draining about 6,940 mi² (fig. 3). Diversions from the Muddy flow to constrain human and natural influences on streamflow. River primarily are used to irrigate nearby farm land and to With the exception of several flume sites, all discharge supply water for the Reid Gardner Power Generating Station measurements were made with a current meter using standard and Moapa Valley Dairy (fig. 3). The Muddy River is incised methods of the USGS (Buchanan and Somers, 1969). An moderately (about 20 ft deep), with the channel consisting of average discharge for each site was computed from synoptic mud, sand, gravel, and organic debris. Most banks of the river measurements made at each site in the Muddy River Springs are overgrown thickly with Saltcedar and other vegetation. area and the mainstem of the Muddy River and are listed in Synoptic discharge, water-property, and pH measurements Muddy River Springs area and Muddy River, Nev., 2001
114°42' 114°36' 114°30' 114°24'
Meadow Valley Wash Mu MOAP MORMAN dd ARROW CANYON y R MOUNTAINS iv er A RANGE 09416000 VALLE
36° I5 42' Y
! 364102114405901 Moapa Power Plant Glendale 09416500 09417380 ! 09418890 09417000 ! P D 09417390 ! 09418900 Bowman MORMAN 09417380 ! 363922114382001 Dairy 09419000 Reservoir MESA
! MOAPA INDIAN 09419490 363715114295501 RESERVATION California Wash BOUNDARY MOAP 36° (approximately located) Logandale 36' M A MUDDY u d d VALLE y MOUNTAINS R i v e r Y EXPLANATION NEVADA Overton Diversion discharge measurement sites (numbers refer to table 2). 09419507 Study area River discharge measurement sites Lake Mead (numbers refer to table 2). 0 1 2 3 4 MILES
36° 0 2 4 6 8 KILOMETERS 30' Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data 1:100,000, 1978-1989; Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 11. Shaded relief base from 1:250,000-scale Digital Elevation Model; sun illumination from northwest at 30 degrees above horizon 100,000-foot grid based on Nevada State Plane coordinate system, central zone. Figure 3. Location of discharge-measurement sites along the mainstem of the Muddy River. tables 1 and 2, respectively. Discharge measurements made the Muddy River Springs area range from a minimum average within the Muddy River Springs area were rated fair or good discharge of 2.39 ft³/s at WS East (site 364236114424301) to a (within 5 percent or 8 percent of actual flow, respectively), and maximum average discharge of 41.8 ft³/s at MR below Refuge discharge measurements made in the Muddy River were all (site 09415955; table 1). Measurements from sites along the rated good (within 5 percent of actual flow). Discharge ratings mainstem of the Muddy River range from a minimum aver- are based on estimates of the standard error for each current- age discharge of 32.2 ft³/s at MR at Narrows (site 09416500) meter discharge measurement (Sauer and Meyer, 1992). to a maximum average discharge of 41.3 ft³/s at MR below Staff gages were installed at selected sites and used to Anderson Wash (site 09419490; table 2). A comparison of dis- monitor changes in water stage during periods of data col- charges shows a net increase of 2.6 ft³/s between the terminous lection. Stage at most sites remained steady (within a few of the spring tributaries within Muddy River Springs area (MR hundredths of a foot) during the measurement period as docu- below Refuge, site 09415955) and the site upstream of the mented by field observations. Stage was unsteady at several flow diversion into Bowman Reservoir (MR below Anderson sites, and is discussed later in this report. Wash, site 09419490; fig. 3).
Evaluation of Discharge Measurements Muddy River Springs Area Measurements of discharge on the Muddy River Springs Discharge measurements were made at 15 sites within area and the mainstem of the Muddy River are discussed in the Muddy River Springs area. Included are three major tribu- the following sections. Measurements on February 7, 2001, in taries—South Fork Muddy River, Muddy Springs Tributary, Discharge Measurements and Refuge Stream—and five sites along the mainstem of the MR Power Diversion (site 09415950) was determined from Muddy River (fig. 2, table 1). hourly observations of the flowmeter on the transmission pipe An average of two discharge measurements per site (table 2). were made between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on February 7, 2001. An irrigation-diversion gate was opened upstream of MR Measurements were made using standard methods described at Narrows (site 09416500) during the time of data collec- above with the exception of discharge values obtained from tion. Approximately 12 percent of the total flow was diverted three flume sites: Baldwin Springs (site 09415875), MS at from the river based on measurements made at Moapa Indian LDS (site 09415900), and WS West (site 09415920). At these Diversion (site 364102114405901) and MR at Narrows (site sites, discharge was computed using measured depths of water 09416500). This diversion of flow is believed to have tem- within flume structures and standard flume ratings (Rantz and porarily affected discharge measurements at MR at Railroad others, 1982). (site 09417000), MR above California Wash (site 09417270), A net increase of 26.2 ft³/s occurred between MR below MR below California Wash (site 09417380), and MR above Upper Confluence (site 09415880) and MR below Refuge (site Meadow Valley Wash (site 09417390). Differences between 09415955; fig. 2). Flows from Muddy Springs Tributary and maximum and minimum discharge measurements at these Refuge Stream accounted for approximately 16 ft³/s (about 60 sites ranged from 11 to 14 percent (table 3). Although the percent) of this increase in discharge. individual discharge measurements at these sites are rated Eleven sites from table 1, including MR Moapa good, the computed average discharges are not considered to (site 09416000), were available to compare discharge accurately represent base flow conditions as well as average measurements from February 2001 to measurements from measurements for the other sites. These average discharges September 10–12, 1963 (Eakin, 1964). Graphical comparison are included in this report to help approximate changes in of 1963 and 2001 discharge measurements are shown in figure discharge and trends within the affected reach of the river. 4. Maximum differences between 1963 and 2001 measure- The diversion of water upstream of MR at White Narrows ments are within the mainstem of the Muddy River and range (site 09416500) is not considered to have affected sites at and between 1.9 ft³/s and 4.2 ft³/s. Differences within the spring- below MR at I‑15 (site 09418890) during the period of data tributary sites were less than 1 ft³/s with the exception of collection. Refuge Stream above Confluence (site 09415930) which had Discharge measurements in February 2001 along a difference of ‑1.3 ft³/s (table 1). Minimum differences in the Muddy River show three trends (fig. 5). Between MR discharge measurements made between 1963 and 2001 were Moapa (site 09416000) and MR above California Wash (site ‑0.08 ft³/s and 0.04 ft³/s at MS at LDS (site 09415900) and 09417270), measured discharge indicated an approximate WS West (site 09415920) in the Refuge Stream, respectively. net decrease of 3 ft³/s. Diverted water between this section of Discharge measurements made in 1963 remained about the the Muddy River totaled 6.0 ft³/s; however, on the day of the same between MR below Refuge (site 09415955) and MR measurements, most of the flow diverted by the Dairy Diver- Moapa (site 09416000) with discharge values of 43.7 ft³/s and sion (site 363922114382001, 1.5 ft³/s), discharged directly 42.8 ft³/s, respectively; however, in 2001, discharge between back to the river just upstream of MR above California Wash the same sites decreased by 3.2 ft³/s, after accounting for MR (site 09417270). Power Diversion (fig. 4). This value is based on the differ- Between MR above California Wash (site 09417270) and ence between 41.8 ft³/s measured at MR below Refuge (site MR at I‑15 (site 09418890), measured discharge indicated an 09415955) and a discharge of 35.5 ft³/s measured at MR approximate net increase of 6.2 ft³/s, which is 0.2 ft³/s more Moapa (site 09416000) combined with 3.10 ft³/s at MR Power than the sum of all upstream diverted flows, excluding water Diversion (site 09415950). used by Nevada Power Company, which was not returned to the river. Finally, discharge measurements made between MR Muddy River at I‑15 (site 09418890) and MR below Anderson Wash (site 09419490) had an increase of 2.6 ft³/s. On February 7, 2001, discharge measurements were Discharge measured at MR below Anderson Wash (site made at 11 sites downstream of and including MR Moapa (site 09419490) is equivalent nearly to the discharge obtained at 09416000), and at three diversions (fig. 3; table 2). the outflow of springs in the Muddy River Springs area (at Twelve of the measurement sites (upstream of Logan- MR below Refuge, site 09415955) with values of 41.3 ft³/s dale Diversion, site 363715114295501) are upstream of and 41.8 ft³/s, respectively. Because 3.10 ft³/s was diverted at Bowman Reservoir, where a majority of flow was diverted Muddy River Power Diversion (site 09415950) and was not during the study period (fig. 3). Six discharge measurements returned to the river, flow downstream of this diversion from were made at most sites on the Muddy River between 9 a.m. the Muddy River Springs area was 38.7 ft³/s (41.8 ft³/s minus and 3 p.m. on February 7, 2001. Discharge measurements 3.10 ft³/s). By taking the diversion into account, the net change also were collected at three irrigation diversions (Moapa in discharge between the Muddy River Springs area and Indian Diversion, site 364102114405901; Dairy Diver- MR below Anderson Wash (site 09419490) is an increase sion, site 363922114382001; and Logandale Diversion, of 2.6 ft³/s. The maximum computed error for the discharge site 363715114295501). Water pumped from the river at measurements made at the two sites is about 4.2 ft³/s, which is 6 Synoptic discharge, water-property, and pH measurements Muddy River Springs area and Muddy River, Nev., 2001 Table 1. Discharge and water-property measurements in the Muddy River Springs area near Moapa, Nevada, September 1963 and February 2001.
[Site altitude in feet above mean sea level. Abbreviations: ft, feet; ft³/s, cubic feet per second; µS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; °C, degrees Celsius]
Specific Discharge conductance Water Site Site Abbreviated Average field temperature, Site name Latitude Longitude altitude, laboratory number name Difference,3 9/10– 2/7/2001 in ft 9/10– 2 5 2/7/2001, 4 2/7/2001, 12/1963,1 in ft³/s 12/1963, in °C in ft³/s in µS/cm in ft³/s in µS/cm South Fork Muddy River 09415875 Baldwin Springs Flume near Baldwin Springs 36°43'16" 114°43'14" 1,770 NA 4.11 NA NA 977 27 Moapa Muddy Springs Tributary 09415900 Muddy Spring at LDS Farm MS at LDS 36°43'18" 114°42'53" 1,745 7.25 7.17 [-0.08] NA 974 27 near Moapa 09415905 Muddy Springs Tributary MS Tributary 36°43'00" 114°42'45" 1,760 8.32 9.16 0.84 NA 999 NA above Confluence with Muddy River near Moapa Refuge Stream 09415940 Apcar Stream at Pipeline Jones Apcar at PJF 36°42'51" 114°42'50" 1,735 NA 2.54 NA NA 1,010 NA Flume near Moapa 09415945 Apcar Stream above Conflu- Apcar above 36°42'46" 114°42'32" 1,770 2.94 3.86 0.92 1,160 1,060 NA ence with Refuge Stream Confluence near Moapa 09415920 Warm Springs West near WS West 36°42'41" 114°42'48" 1,770 3.78 3.82 0.04 NA 969 27 Moapa 364236114424301 Warm Springs East (Plummer WS East 36°42'36" 114°42'43" 1,750 2.26 2.39 0.13 1,040 1,000 27 Main) near Moapa 09415927 Warm Springs Confluence at WS Confluence 36°42'41" 114°42'32" 1,745 NA 8.00 NA NA 1,000 NA Iverson Flume near Moapa 09415930 Refuge Stream above Conflu- Refuge Stream 36°42'42" 114°42'30" 1,770 8.37 7.04 [-1.33] 1,050 1,000 NA ence with Apcar Stream above near Moapa Confluence 364241114424801 Warm Springs Irrigation Diver- WS Diversion 36°42'41" 114°42'48" 1,770 (0.74) (1.13) 0.39 1,050 NA NA sion below Warm Springs Road near Moapa Table 1. Discharge and water-property measurements in the Muddy River Springs area near Moapa, Nevada, September 1963 and February 2001—Continued.
[Site altitude in feet above mean sea level. Abbreviations: ft, feet; ft³/s, cubic feet per second; µS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; °C, degrees Celsius]
Specific Discharge conductance Water Site Site Abbreviated Average field temperature, Site name Latitude Longitude altitude, laboratory number name Difference,3 9/10– 2/7/2001 in ft 9/10– 2 5 2/7/2001, 4 2/7/2001, 12/1963,1 in ft³/s 12/1963, in °C in ft³/s in µS/cm in ft³/s in µS/cm Mainstem—Muddy River 09415880 Muddy River below North and MR below Upper 36°43'23" 114°42'54" 1,755 NA 15.6 NA NA 989 26 South Fork Confluence near Confluence Moapa 09415885 Muddy River near LDS MR near LDS 36°43'14" 114°42'52" 1,750 19.5 16.0 [-3.5] 1,290 988 26 Farm near Moapa 09415906 Muddy River below Conflu- MR below Spring 36°42'59" 114°42'42" 1,745 31.8 28.0 [-3.8] 1,190 990 NA ence with Muddy Springs Confluence Tributary near Moapa 09415955 Muddy River below MR below Refuge 36°42'51" 114°42'13" 1,730 43.7 41.8 [-1.9] 1,120 1,000 NA Confluence with Refuge Stream near Moapa 09415950 Muddy River Power MR Power 36°42'40" 114°41'40" 1,710 NA (3.10) NA NA NA NA Diversion near Moapa Diversion 09416000 Muddy River near Moapa6 MR Moapa 36°42'40" 114°41'40" 1,710 42.8 35.5 [-4.20]7 NA 1,010 26 1 Discharge measurements made by the U.S. Geological Survey during September 10–12, 1963. A value in parentheses denotes diverted discharge. 2 Discharge is mean of multiple instantaneous discharge measurements made at each site. A value in parentheses denotes diverted discharge. 3 Difference is expressed as the result of the 1963 discharge value minus the 2001 discharge value. Value in brackets denotes a loss in discharge. 4 Specific-conductance measurements made in the field, September 10–12, 1963. 5 Specific-conductance measurements made in the U.S. Geological Survey laboratory in Henderson, Nev., February 8, 2001. 6 River site is not part of Muddy River Springs area, but is included in table for comparison with 1963 measurements. Discharge Measurements 7 Difference is 2001 discharge values for MR Moapa and MR power diversion minus 1963 discharge value for MR Moapa. 7
Table 2. Synoptic discharge, water-property, and pH measurements in the mainstem of the Muddy River, February 7, 2001.
[Site altitude in feet above mean sea level. Abbreviations: ft, feet; ft³/s, cubic feet per second; µS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; °C, degrees Celsius] Synoptic discharge, water-property, and pH measurements Muddy River Springs area and Muddy River, Nev., 2001
Specific pH,3 Site Average Water conductance,2 field, in Site number Site name Abbreviated site name Latitude Longitude altitude, discharge,1 temperature, laboratory, standard in ft in ft3/s in °C in µS/cm units 09416000 Muddy River near Moapa MR Moapa 36°42'40" 114°41'40" 1,710 35.5 1,010 26.0 8.2 364102114405901 Moapa Indian Reservation Irrigation Moapa Indian 36°41'02" 114°40'59" 1,675 (4.50) NA NA NA Diversion (north gage) at White Diversion Narrows near Moapa 09416500 Muddy River at White Narrows MR at Narrows 36°41'02" 114°40'59" 1,670 32.2 1,020 23.4 8.4 near Moapa 09417000 Muddy River at Railroad Pump MR at Railroad 36°39'22" 114°38'32" 1,585 34.1 1,020 21.4 8.5 Plant near Moapa 363922114382001 Dairy Irrigation Diversion below Dairy Diversion 36°39'22" 114°38'20" 1,575 (1.50)4 NA NA NA Railroad Pump Plant near Moapa 09417270 Muddy River above California Wash MR above California 36°39'12" 114°36'52" 1,555 32.5 1,090 20.6 8.5 near Moapa Wash 09417380 Muddy River below California Wash MR below California 36°39'21" 114°35'50" 1,530 35.0 1,150 19.6 8.4 near Moapa Wash 09417390 Muddy River above Meadow Valley MR above Meadow 36°39'33" 114°34'54" 1,510 35.6 1,260 19.4 8.4 Wash near Glendale Valley Wash 09418890 Muddy River at I-15 near Glendale MR at I-15 36°39'48" 114°34'11" 1,500 38.7 1,360 18.8 8.4 09418900 Muddy River near Lewis Ranch near MR near Lewis Ranch 36°39'10" 114°33'20" 1,490 39.3 1,380 18.2 8.4 Glendale 09419000 Muddy River near Glendale MR near Glendale 36°38'35" 114°32'20" 1,460 37.4 1,380 17.8 8.3 09419490 Muddy River below Anderson Wash MR below Anderson 36°37'26" 114°30'29" 1,430 41.3 1,400 17.2 8.4 near Logandale Wash 363715114295501 Irrigation Diversion near Logandale Logandale Diversion 36°37'15" 114°29'55" 1,380 (5.00) NA NA NA 09419507 Muddy River at Lewis Avenue at MR at Lewis Ave. 36°32'07" 114°25'42" 1,250 4.17 3,390 10.7 8.0 Overton 1 Discharge is mean of multiple instantaneous measurements made at site on February 7, 2001. A value in parentheses denotes diverted discharge. 2 Specific-conductance measurements made in the U.S. Geological Survey laboratory in Henderson, Nev., February 8, 2001. 3 Field pH measurements made by National Park Service. 4 Discharge measurement made on February 6, 2001. Discharge Measurements 9
50 m a s e w g r t o n l i S r September 10–12, 1963 e p b e S
45 g r u e y February 7, 2001 f v i d e d R R a u y p h t M d a i d o h w m 40 t u i r M e D a M w r c F a n Stream 6 e N r e e c 0 S a n y O u n 9 l r c D f r e 5 C a p L n e t u 1 l A E r v o u 35 f 4 i n a b n 9 C h S i R o t e i r o i 0 Stream s n y w T r C w R e r d o e l g E e e d v i e u v c u f i P b D n e M R r r 30 e T R e e u y 0 y l v E w f r i h d 0 t o n i a d 0 E R t o P m u 6 w F u y r r 1 C b M d a e i e 4 r C c d v e F i 5 9 I T v n u 8 25 0 t R S o e B s 8 s M y b u D g l 5 a d f U a 5 L t n 1 E i d n s 5 t r C 4 u o m e 9 s a p 9 a M 5 g C 0 S g W N e 1 n s i r I n e m y i 4 r t s
20 g v r o , d 9 p g S r n o p f i d 0 n E S r i b e S u r d p a g G p n y m M S u r o d f S R m a c 5 d e a m e 0 A u r m W R e s 9 r r 15 a r t M H 5 a 1 0 e S 1 W 0 3 0 C p W 4 r 3 9 0 t 1 S 9 a 4 5 0 9 e 0 I c 0 2 1 2 5 e 8 f p 4 4 9 D 1 4 c A 4 9 5 4 i 2 1 0 1 9 b
10 4 5 1 4 u 0 4 4 c 6 9 1 9 3 0 1 5 0 2 1 1 1 4 . 4 4 6 3 2 9 3 4 s 0
5 e 6 d 3 u l c n I 0 Muddy River Springs area Mainstem Muddy River Figure 4. Comparison of discharge measurements in the Muddy River Springs area and mainstem of the Muddy River and Moapa, Nevada, September 1963 and February 2001.
Table 3. Maximum, minimum, and percent difference of discharge and stage measurements collected in the mainstem of the Muddy River, February 7, 2001.
Discharge measurements Stage measurements Site maximum minimum maximum minimum Site name number Percent Percent in cubic feet range1 in cubic feet range1 per second per second 09416000 Muddy River near Moapa 37.1 33.8 9 0.78 0.77 1 09416500 Muddy River at White Narrows near Moapa 33.3 30.4 9 9.30 9.30 1 09417000 Muddy River at Railroad Pump Plant near Moapa 37.6 32.3 14 8.32 8.24 1 09417270 Muddy River above California Wash near Moapa 34.8 31.0 11 9.28 9.16 1 09417380 Muddy River below California Wash near Moapa 37.2 32.9 12 9.56 9.35 2 09417390 Muddy River above Meadow Valley Wash near Glendale 37.3 32.7 12 7.84 7.68 2 09418890 Muddy River at I-15 near Glendale 39.2 36.9 6 8.89 8.83 1 09418900 Muddy River near Lewis Ranch near Glendale 39.6 38.8 2 9.13 9.11 0 09419000 Muddy River near Glendale 38.8 36.5 5 5.22 5.20 0 09419490 Muddy River below Anderson Wash near Logandale 43.3 40.2 7 8.31 8.28 0 1 Denotes percent difference from "maximum" to "minimum" measured value. 10 Synoptic discharge, water-property, and pH measurements Muddy River Springs area and Muddy River, Nev., 2001
50 /s) 3 ft 3 1 .
45 1 ( 09415955
n 09419490 o i s r 09418900 e D
v 09418890 i N D
O 40 s C g h n E i s r S a
p 09417380 S W R 09416000 09417000 ) h E n s m s / o r P 3 a t s a
35 f 09419000 r T W e W 0 E d y 1 . E 09417390 n e l 3 F l A ) h ( a s s ) / C n s 3 V 09416500 a I / t o f 3 i t W w B f 09415906 s 3 r 30 09417270 o a U 5 0 i e d . v 5 n C a i 1 . r ( e 4 o D ( f N n i M l I r o n a i , e
o EXPLANATION s i C E r w s e r o G v
25 e P i R v 1963 Discharge measurements (value at site 09419000 is i D a A D d
y average of daily mean, September 10–12, 1963) r a H i n v a C o i e t D S N a I Mean discharge, error bars indicate a 5 percent v r D 20 e variation (February 7, 2001) s e R a p
09415885 a o
15 M 0941588 Muddy River Mainstem Muddy River Springs area 10 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 DISTANCE, IN MILES Figure 5. Mean discharge at selected sites in the Muddy River Springs area and mainstem of the Muddy River, Nevada, September 10–12, 1963—February 7, 2001. larger than the increase in flow between the two sites. There- Water-temperature, specific-conductance, and pH data for the fore, no measurable change in discharge as a result of ground- Muddy River Springs area and the Muddy River are listed in water inflow or evapotranspiration was observed between the tables 1 and 2. Figure 6 shows water-temperature and specific- Muddy River Springs area and MR below Anderson Wash conductance measurements made between MR below Upper (site 09419490). Confluence (site 09415880) and MR below Anderson Wash River discharge below MR below Anderson Wash (site (site 09419490). 09419490) is affected by diversion into Bowman Reservoir In the Muddy River Springs area, water-temperature and (fig. 3) and the Irrigation Diversion near Logandale (site specific-conductance measurements ranged from 26 to 27ºC 363715114295501). Between MR below Anderson Wash and 969 to 1,060 µS/cm, respectively (table 1). These mea- (site 09419490) and Muddy River at Lewis Avenue at Overton surements indicate that waters within the Muddy River Springs (site 09419507), the total decrease in discharge is 37.1 ft³/s area have similar temperatures and specific conductance. (table 2). Water temperature in the Muddy River remained stable and specific conductance increased slightly by the time discharge Water-Property and pH Measurements reached MR Moapa (site 09416000; fig. 6). Specific-conductance, water-temperature, and pH data Water samples were collected concurrently with synoptic collected at Muddy River sites between MR Moapa (site discharge measurements for the Muddy River Springs area 09416000) and MR below Anderson Wash (site 09419490) and Muddy River and analyzed for specific conductance at the ranged from 1,010 to 1,400 µS/cm, from 10.7 to 26.0ºC, and USGS laboratory in Henderson, Nevada. Water temperature from 8.2 to 8.5, respectively (table 2). A specific conduc- was measured at many of the sites; whereas, field pH read- tance of 3,390 µS/cm was measured at MR at Lewis Ave. ings were obtained only at selected Muddy River sites. Mean (site 09419507), which is downstream of Bowman Reservoir. values were computed for specific conductance and water Specific-conductance measurements made at sites between the temperature where multiple measurements were collected. MR Moapa (site 09416000) and MR below Anderson Wash Summary 11
28 1,500
09415880 09416000 26 1,400 R E
09415885 P n S o i s N r S E e U S v i I h M U s D S I E a r I L S e S E W L
24 w 1,300 C O a E o i n R C n P S r o C i 09416500 E o a S I f s i d r E l h E a e a s M R E v v a i C e G R N h D W N I E s G n , y a D E o e E i l W t l D 5 C a a 2 22 n 1,200 v V N N o r I T s e A r w ,
s 09417000 A e o T E e n d d n C R o R R i n a o i E s 09417270 e U A a U r s T r p e D M T e a E v i v A N o i D M R O D M I y E C r s T 20 i 1,100 P g 09417380 a N C n i I D M r E F
p 09417390 E I C S T C E
m 09418890 r P a S
W 09418900 18 09419000 1,000 09415955 09419490 09415906
Muddy River Mainstem Muddy River Springs Area 16 900 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 DISTANCE, IN MILES
Figure 6. Water-temperature and specific-conductance measurements at selected sites in the Muddy River Springs area and mainstem of the Muddy River, Nevada, February 7, 2001.
(site 09419490) indicated three trends: (1) specific conduc- area and mainstem of the Muddy River. These data were tance was stable or increased slightly between MR Moapa collected at 29 sites to help assess the spatial variability of (site 09416000) and MR at Railroad (site 09417000), (2) discharge in the tributary springs and river during a period specific conductance increased by 340 µS/cm between MR of low evapotranspiration, and municipal and agricultural at Railroad (site 09417000) and MR at I‑15 (site 09418890), diversion. Two discharge measurements were made at most and (3) specific conductance increased by 40 µS/cm between sites within the Muddy River Springs area and six discharge MR at I‑15 (site 09418890) and MR below Anderson Wash measurements were made at most sites on the Muddy River. (site 09419490). The increase in specific conductance between An average discharge was computed and used to represent the sites MR at Railroad (site 09417000) and MR at I‑15 (site discharge rate at each measurement site. For the Muddy River 09418890) is indicative of water entering the river through a Springs area, the lowest discharge, 2.39 ft³/s, occurred at WS shallow ground-water system. A net decrease in water temper- East (site 364236114424301) and the highest discharge, 41.8 ature of 8.8°C was noted between MR Moapa (site 09416000) ft³/s, occurred at MR below Refuge (site 09415955). Along and MR below Anderson Wash (site 09419490). Between the mainstem of the Muddy River, downstream of MR Moapa these sites, measurements of pH remained relatively stable and (site 09416000), the lowest discharge, 32.2 ft³/s, occurred at ranged from 8.2 to 8.5 (table 2). MR at Narrows (site 09416500) and the highest discharge, 41.3 ft³/s, occurred at MR below Anderson Wash (site 09419490). Within the Muddy River Springs area, discharge Summary measurements made on February 7, 2001, were compared with measurements made during September 10–12, 1963. Synoptic discharge, specific-conductance, water-tem- Discharge data indicated a net increase of 26.2 ft³/s perature, and pH measurements were made between 9 a.m. between MR below Upper Confluence (site 09415880) and and 3 p.m. on February 7, 2001, in the Muddy River Springs MR below Refuge (site 09415955). This increase in discharge 12 Synoptic discharge, water-property, and pH measurements Muddy River Springs area and Muddy River, Nev., 2001 primarily is the result of tributary inflow from Muddy Springs References Cited Tributary and Refuge Stream. An approximate net decrease in discharge of 10.4 ft³/s, occurred between MR below Refuge (site 09415955) and MR above California Wash (site Buchanan, T.J., and Somers, W.P., 1969, Discharge measure- 09417270) primarily because of water diversions. An approxi- ments at gaging stations: U.S. Geological Survey Tech- mate net increase in discharge of 9.9 ft³/s occurred between niques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, chap. A8, MR above California Wash (site 09417270) and MR below 65 p. Anderson Wash (site 09419490) primarily because of return Eakin, T.E., 1964, Ground-water appraisal of Coyote Spring flows. Measurements of discharge within the mainstem of the and Kane Spring Valleys and Muddy River Springs area, Muddy River indicate a net loss of 0.5 ft³/s between MR below Lincoln and Clark Counties, Nevada: Nevada Department Refuge (site 09415955) and MR below Anderson Wash (site of Conservation and Natural Resources, Ground-Water 09419490). However, when the diverted flow into the Nevada Resources Reconnaissance Series, Report 25, 40 p. Power Pump Station near Moapa (site 364240144414001) is subtracted from the discharge measured at the Refuge Stream Eakin, T.E., 1966, A Regional Interbasin Groundwater System site, change in discharge for the same reach indicates a net in the White River area, Southeastern Nevada: Nevada gain of 2.6 ft³/s. This increase in discharge falls within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Water maximum computed-measurement error. Resource Bulletin no. 33, 271 p. Specific-conductance, water-temperature, and pH data also were collected and analyzed for trends between mea- Harrill, J.R., Welch, A.H., Prudic, D.E., Thomas, J.M., surement sites. Specific-conductance measurements were Carman, R.L., Plume, R.W., Gates, J.S., and Mason, J.L., similar within the Muddy River Springs area. An increase of 1983, Aquifer systems in the Great Basin region of Nevada, 390 µS/cm was evident between MR Moapa (site 09416000) Utah, and adjacent states—A study plan: U.S. Geological and MR below Anderson Wash (site 09419490), with most Survey Open-File Report 82-445, 49 p. of that increase occurring between the MR at Railroad (site Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982, Measurement and computation 09417000) and MR at I‑15 (site 09418890). Water-tempera- of streamflow, volume 2, computation of discharge: U.S. ture measurements also were similar within the Muddy River Geological Survey Water Supply Paper 2175, v. 2, 346 p. Springs area, but decreased downstream along the Muddy River. Measurements of pH within the river remained rela- Sauer, V.B., and Meyer, R.W., 1992, Determination of error in tively constant. individual discharge measurements: U.S. Geological Survey The net increases in discharge and specific conductance Open-File Report 92-144, 21 p. for the selected reach of the Muddy River between MR below Refuge (site 09415955) and MR below Anderson Wash (site 09419490), indicate contribution from a shallow ground-water system. Measurements of discharge from the Muddy River Springs area to the diversion into Bowman Reservoir indicate the local influences from diversions and tributaries. However, no measurable net gain or loss in streamflow was observed along the entire reach. Beck and Wilson—Synoptic discharge, water-property, and pH measurments, Muddy River Springs area and Muddy River, Nev., February 7, 2001—USGS SIR 2006-5237