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Section 779.16 (a) Continued. • Revised 11/20/80 Environmental Assessment.) Although monthly averages indicate there is an increase in the amount of precipitation during the summer months most of the precipitation available for soil moisture recharge occurs as snowfall since the combined effects of evapo- transpiration are less during the winter months. The total amount of precipitation is equalled or exceeded by the combined effects of evapotranspiration, infiltration, and sublimation, causing the build-up of alkali deposits along the banks of ephemeral and inter- mittent streams in Lhe general area. Consequently, surface runoff occurs predominantly in response to snowmelt and very heavy rain- storms. The quantity and quality of surface water reflect limited water supply and availability in the general area. The general area is drained into the Canadian River, a perennial stream which flows north into the North Platte River at Northgate, Colorado. Surface water drainage patterns are shown on Map Sa, North Park Hydrology. Mine Plan and Adjacent Areas The mine plan area is drained by ephemeral drainages which are tributary to the intermittent streams of Sudduth, Williams, Bush, and Bolton Draws. As shown on Map 16a, Kerr Mine Area Surface Water Hydrology, intermittent drainage is to the northeast toward the Canadian River. The smaller tributaries shown on the topo- graphic base map are ephemeral, and the four major stream channels running through the mine plan area are classified as intermittent. Also shown on the map are all known stock ponds, springs, and drainage patterns. Two springs have been found in the proposed mine plan area. One is located in Section 22, T9N, R78W, and has been estimated by the USGS as capable of yielding 2 gallons per minute (BLM, 1980). The other spring is located in Section 15, T9N, R78W, and is estimated to yield less than 1 gpm. Both of these springs are tributary to intermittent streams. The inter- mittent 779-39 bb