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vi I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SUMMARY The plan of study provides a framework for conducting the Missouri River Basin Hydrology Study. The sheer size of the basin (figure l)--one-sixth of the contiguous area of the United States-- gives rise to a wide diversity of resource problems. A fundamental concern of resource planners and managers are the different basic hydrologic estimates describing the historical and existing situation which must be reconciled and accepted:by the various State, Federal, regional, and local interests before the major water and related land resources problems and issues within the Missouri River Basin can be effectively addressed. This hydrology study will provide an analytical tool to address water related issues. A number of studies have been conducted in the Missouri River Basin in recent years to estimate current and projected water use and availability. Results from these studies differ substantially. This is illustrated by comparing results of the Missouri River Basin Comprehensive Framework Study (1971) and those of the Second National Water Assessment (1979). The framework study estimate for 1970 level net ground and surface water depletions above Sioux City is 6.4 million acre-feet per year, as contrasted with 9.7 million acre-feet per year estimated in the national assessment's state-regional future. The corresponding national future estimate in the national assessment was 5.7 million acre-feet. Differences between corresponding estimates of water use and availability in subareas are even more pronounced. Lack of an agreed upon basinwide hydrologic data base and lack of analytical tools for evaluating the effects of water management alternatives on a consistent basis preclude the resolution of several critical problems. They are: