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Alluvial waters of Hubberson Gulch were also tested and found to be of a calcium bicarbonate type suitable for livestock watering and wildlife. The water in certain areas can also be used for irrigation. The Seneca II-W Mine area has numerous springs and seeps. Many appear to be issuing from stream sediments (alluvium) as a result of perched aquifers dewatering. There is a domestic water right fora spring issuing from Dry Creek alluvium downstream of mining. C. Surface Water The surface water general area included in the CHIS consists of all surface drainage in the Upper Yampa River Subbasin above Hayden (Figure No. 2). The long-term estimated average annual flow from the subbasin is about 1.1 million acre-feet (Steele, et al, 1979). Approximately 65 percent of this annual flow occurs during snowmelt runoff in May and June (Steele, et al, 1979). Water resources development within the Upper Yampa River Subbasin relies primarily on surface water supplies. The majority of municipal, industrial, domestic, stock and irrigation water supplies in the area are from surface water. Water quality (in terms of TDS concentration) in the Upper Yampa River Subbasin is variable and is related to both the geology of the source areas and climatic conditions. Surface waters draining high-altitude snowpack areas are generally lower in dissolved solids due to the low soluble salt content of the igneous and metamorphic rock types in these areas. Surface waters draining from the sedimentary rock basins associated with the coal deposits may yield higher TDS concentration due to the greater amounts of soluble salts in these rock types. Also, surface water quality in streams draining the area varies on a seasonal basis. TDS concentration is lowest during snowmelt runoff periods and highest during lower flow periods in late summer through winter. The primary drainages in the Upper Yampa River Subbasin related to coal mining activities include both small tributaries and major tributaries. The major tributaries of interest are Trout Creek, Fish Creek, Oak Creek, and Sage Creek. These streams generally exhibit perennial flow except Sage Creek. The small tributaries are Foidel Creek, Middle Creek, Grassy Creek, and Dry Creek. These streams flow intermittently in response to snowmelt and rainfall events and exhibit limited base flow (ground water component of flow). The Seneca II-W Mine permit boundary lies within both the Sage Creek and Dry Creek watersheds, however, all disturbed area drainage will be to Dry Creek. Dry Creek flows north-northeast to the Yampa River near Hayden, Colorado. Hubberson Gulch and an unnamed tributary to Hubberson Gulch will receive all disturbed area drainage from the south mine area, this will be the area evaluated for the following CHIS and PHC portions of this document. -32-