2010-04-16_PERMIT FILE - C1996083A (11)

Home Browse Search

2.04.7 Hydrology Description The North Fork of the Gunnison River, into which streams draining the Somerset Coal Field flow, is severely affected by human activities, primarily agriculture. Coal mines in the area currently discharge fairly significant flows into the river. The Sanborn Creek Mine, West Elk Mine and Bear No. 3 Mine all discharge mine water to the river. Near Somerset, the water is acalcium-bicarbonate type, typical of runoff from mountain areas, and contains total dissolved-solids concentrations of 100 to 400 mg/I (ref. SOM 1994 AHR). Streams Draining Permit and Adjacent Areas Two tributary watersheds have been identified within or adjacent to the Permit Area: Terror Creek and Hubbard Creek. Large discharges typically occur in March through July, with peak flows occurring in late April or early May. The Hubbard Creek and Terror Creek drainages are characterized by steep to nearly vertical canyon walls. As both creeks are perennial and tributary to the North Fork, the aquatic life in the creeks is similar to that of the North Fork. Riparian vegetation occurs along the immediate streambanks, confined by the steep topography and narrow colluvial/alluvial deposits within the streambed. Livestock and wildlife get to the creek for water where the streambanks are less steep. Hubbard Creek is a perennial stream which drains approximately 35 square miles. The following table presents Hubbard Creek flow measurements obtained by Blue Ribbon Coal Company personnel for the period 1982 through 1987. This data was obtained from Blue Ribbon Coal Company's Annual Hydrologic Reports. The flow measurements are taken immediately above the Blue Ribbon Mine. PR-10 Hubbard Creek Flow (cfs) 82 83 84 85 86 87 MIN MAX AVG Jan -- -- -- -- 18 12 12 18 15 Feb -- 10 -- 25 40 -- 10 40 25 Mar -- 15 -- 40 65 12 12 65 33 Apr -- 180 -- 118 180 300 118 300 194 May 120 350 600 110 110 45 45 600 222 Jun -- 180 400 25 40 -- 40 400 161 Jul 5 16 40 7 4 8 4 40 13 Aug -- 4 12 8 7 -- 4 12 8 Sep -- 10 5 8 18 4 4 18 9 Oct 36 8 15 12 22 -- 8 36 19 Nov -- -- 8 24 14 -- 14 24 18 Dec 20 -- 20 15 8 6 6 20 14 2.04 - 32 - 09/26/08 ~ PPkavE~