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~ ~"'l ". 'J -. " The many technical studies conducted by Geological Survey can be grouped into five categories: 1. Historical changes in channel morphology 2. Changes in surface water hydrology 3. Ground/surface water relationship in the critical habitat reach in and near the Pl atte River between Overton and Grand Isl and, Nebraska 4. Sediment transport and bedform processes 5. Streamflow and precipitation models As a part of its efforts, the Geological Survey has developed a stochastic streamflow model to simulate flows during three periodS in the critical habitat reach. Certain infonnation gained from these studies by Geological Survey and Fish and Wildlife Service has been used in the technical study efforts of the Bureau of Reclamation. The Bureau of Reclamation's technical studies have focused upon existing water use and a determination of water availability in the entire Upper Pl atte River Bas in. Altern at i ves for future water use have been simulated; these potential futures endeavor to address a variety of consumptive water demands and nonconsumptive water requirements. The boundaries for the Bureau of Reclamation's study area extended from Columbus, Nebraska, upstream to the headwaters of the South Platte and North Platte Rivers in Colorado. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA Physical Setting The study area, as shown on the frontispiece map, includes the entire Upper Pl atte River Basin extending from the mouth of the Loup River near Columbus, Nebraska, to the headwaters of the South and North Platte Rivers. This drainage area includes about 64,900 square miles, or about 70 percent, of the Platte River Basin. Allor part of 20 counties in Colorado, 18 counties in Nebraska, and 11 counties in Wyoming are included in the Upper Platte River Basin. Both tributaries originate at about 14,000 feet (mean sea level) in the Rocky Mountains. The mainstem Platte River, from a point near North Platte, Nebraska, flows eastward through a rather broad, shallow valley. Where the Loup River joins the Platte, the elevation is approximately 1420 feet (mean sea level). The character of the natural environment is highly diverse. Mountainous, forested tracts give way to foothills and high plains in the far western portion. Some elevations along the Continental Divide reach above 14,000 feet; many peaks exceed 10,000 feet throughout Wyoming and Colorado. These areas support substantial populations of big game animals and high quality cold-water 5