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Hansen' s Bluff Salvage Ares. General Southeast of Alamosa, alluvial fans" extend from Mt. Blanca southwesterly to the flood plain of the Rio Grande. The escarpment formed by the termination of the fans is known locally as Hansen' s Bluff. The area is shown in Figure 6. Along the toe of the escarpment there is evidence 01' artesian leakage which is believed to result from the termination of shallow artesian aquifers at the toe of the fans. This leakage probably con- tributes to the generally high water table which prevails in the Rio Grande flood plain. The high water table is probably also supplied, in part, by seepage from the Rio Grande especially when flows are present throughout the reach bordering this area, by irrigation wastes in the area of the fiood plain adjacent to the river and by drainage flows from irrigated lands northwest of the fiood plain. Although the Main Conveyance Channel of the Closed Basin water salvage facllities will parallel the toe of Hansen's Bluff across the flood plain, from the railroad to the river, no gain or loss to the fiow of the channel is anticipated as there is little difference cohtelllplated between tpe design water surface 01' the channel and the average elevation 01' the grOtUld water table. Preliminary measurements have indicated ground water movement from the river toward the escarpment. This condition I118Y change during the period of a year and additional. measurements are required before posi ti ve statements can be made regarding the grOtUld water table. The area is presently used for grazing purposes and is near the eastern botUldary of the potential Alamosa Wlldlife Refuge. The Jlalvage of water in the area WOUld not conflict with refuge operations but should prove complementary to those operations. Water Available for Salvage Because of what appears to be artesian leakage along the toe 01' the escarpment, the Directors of the local conservancy districts have, suggested that artesian wells be drilled along the toe of the escarpment. Such a program would likely tap aquifers situated at greater depths than those whose possible leakage is indicated by the presence 01' free-water pools along the toe of the escarpment. One smaJ.l diameter artesian well in the illlll1ediate area has a depth in excess 01' 500 feet. Nothing about the construction of the well is known. The yield of the well appears to vary but was measured as 50 gallons per minute in 1911-9. The well is not valved and rtUls continuously. The exposed portion 01' the casing has deteriorated badly. The water has a good taste arid most likely is excellent in qus.1.ity. r ,~ '._f '. t' ,'.. ~ ~ 'Wd 0;>),