C150094 Red Mesa Aquifer Groundwater Study 2002

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Red Mesa Aquifer Groundwater Study — Interim Report 2002 approximately 1 mile north of Highway 141, east of the Colorado State University Agricultural Experimental Station. Red Mesa and its adjacent drainages trend from the northeast to the southwest, descending approximately 1,300 feet in about 12 miles. Geologically, the study area is located in the eastern portion of the Colorado Plateau. Cretaceous sandstones and shales form the bedrock in the region. In the vicinity of Red Mesa, the Cliff House Sandstone and Lewis Shale dip to the south. The groundwater study focused on the glacial outwash gravel deposits from the La Plata Mountains that overlay most of the surface within the study area. These deposits mantle the bedrock and form a gently sloping mesa. This terrace gravel is generally thinnest to the south near the confluence of the La Plata River and Long Hollow where it is approximately 30 feet thick. The gravel wedge thickens to the north and northeast, with thicknesses typically measured from 50-100 feet between the towns of Marvel and Kline. The relatively permeable glacial material on top of an impervious bedrock layer makes up the Red Mesa Aquifer. 1.2 Summary of Maps and Graphs Detailed maps and graphs produced during the study include: • Figure 2A, 2B and 2C. Streamflow and Diversion Diagrams, showing main diversions and inflows to the La Plata River in the vicinity of Red Mesa. • Figure 3. Red Mesa Ditch Location Map, showing the ditches, rivers and creeks, wells and groundwater divide. These data are overlain on an Aerial Photograph of the study area. • Figure 4A and 4B. La Plata River Average Daily Flows, showing the average daily flows for 2001 and the average for the period 1917 to 2001. • Figure 5. High Water Table Map, showing groundwater elevations and flow paths during May 2001. 991-077/031 Wright Water Engineers, Inc. Page 2 Interim Report