WSP08184

• File Number: 8200.765
• Description: White River General
• State: CO
• Basin: Yampa/White
• Water Division: 6
• Date: 11/1/1966
• Author: USFS
• Title: Water and Related Land Resources - White River Basin in Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

/

I'

throughout the Green, River Formation but are thickest in the Parachute
Creek Member. The Green River Formation attains a maximum thickness
of about 3,500 feet. These rocks are relatively resistant to erosion
and generally underlie broad plateaus or mesas that frequently termi-
nate in sheer cliffs.

I

I

Basaltic lava flows of late Tertiary age occur over most of the Flat
Tops area in the White River Plateau. These rocks have a total
thickness of several hundred feet and are composed of several indi-
vidual flows, which are often separated by thin beds of volcanic ash.

I

Glacial deposits of Pleistocene age are widespread in the White River
Plateau. Moraines representing several intervals of glaciation are
present along most of the major valleys in the higher portions of the
plateau. Several levels of Pleistocene stream terraces and pediment
surfaces underlain by sandy and gravelly deposits occur along the
White River and its larger tributaries. Recent alluvium occurs in
floodplains of most smaller tributaries and along the larger streams.

I

I

I

Mineral Resources

I

In 1963, Rio Blanco County ranked second in the State in value of
mineral production. The County's 522 wells produced l8,3 million
barrels of oil, highest in the State. The County ranked first in
natural gas, production, Sand, gravel, coal and uranium also are
produced.

I

The Rangely oil field was completely developed by May 1949. Natural
gas reinjection and waterf100d operations have extended the estimated
total production from about 300 million barrels to 700 million barrels
of oil. The secondary recovery of oil by waterflood operations began
in 1958 and is currently one of the largest operations of this type.
The Wilson Creek oil field was discovered in 1937. Located north-
west of Meeker at an elevation of about 8,500 feet above sea level,
this is the highest oil field in North America and one of the largest
producing fields in Colorado.

I

I

I

Since 1950, Rio Blanco County has been the largest producer of natural
gas in the State. The peak year was 1957 when more than 69 billion
cubic feet were produced. This production was more than four times
that of any other county in the State. Some of the gas produced has
been used for reinjection in the nearby oilfields for pressurization
to extend oil production. Location of the major gas-producing area is
in the Piceance Creek drainage and most of the wells yield gas from
the Green River and Wasatch Formations.

I

I

I

I

I

- 10 -

I