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`~ the creek depends mainly on precipitation runoff and on springs <br />which emerge near or in the creek bed, and they in turn depend <br />on ground water which varies with the amount of yearly precipi- <br />tation. During the summer, when there is a large diversion from <br />the lower end of the creek for irrigation, part of the Parachute <br />Creek water enters the Colorado by seeping through the ground <br />rather than flowing through the creek channel. The relationship <br />between the surface and alluvial water of Parachute Creek is <br />illustrated during some dry periods when the creek flows under- <br />ground for some distance, only to resurface farther downstream. <br />The watersheds in the area of affected land are primarily Davis <br />Gulch and Upper Middle Fork creeks. Studies conducted by Metcalf <br />and Eddy (1973-1975) relate to the surface and subsurface water <br />regimes of these two watersheds. As part of the study, the <br />surface features of the watersheds were defined. Hydrologic <br />complexes are specific combinations of geology, soils, aspect, <br />slopes, and vegetation present in a watershed. Identification <br />and analysis of the hydrologic complexes provide a means of <br />defining and quantifying the surface features of a watershed <br />in an organized manner. Ten distinct hydrologic complexes were <br />identified within the Davis and Middle Fork Creek watersheds. <br />These complexes are listed in Table G-1, together with the <br />runoff curve number, infiltration rate, sediment yield value; <br />and watershed coverage applicable to each. <br />For the combined Davis and Middle Fork Creek watersheds above <br />the confluence of East Middle Fork Creek the following hydrologic <br />averages were determined: runoff curve number, 49.1; infiltration <br />rate, 0.45 inches per hour; and sediment yield, 2.0 tons per acre <br />per year (Metcalf 6 Eddy, 1975). <br />G-2 <br />