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This MS Thesis constructed a three dimensional MODFLOW groundwater model of four valleys (2700 square miles) in the White River Flow System, at the heart of the SNWA pipeline alignment in east central Nevada. Thanks to Kay Brothers (SNWA) and Dr. Steve Mizell (DRI), Dr. David Kreamer (UNLV) and the late Dr. David Weide for their support.
ABSTRACT
Groundwater in the vicinity of Penoyer Valley in central Nevada is part of the White River Flow system that drains from Jakes Valley in the north to Muddy River Springs in the south, a distance of 320 km (200 mi). A four-basin subregion was modeled that indicates Penoyer, Garden, Coal, and Tikaboo Valleys are hydraulically connected. This connection is facilitated bicarbonate rock formations found in the Worthington Mountains and the Timpahute Range, located on the eastern and southern perimeter of the Penoyer Valley. Although Penoyer Valley and Garden Valley are hydraulically connected, it is likely that groundwater flows across the Worthington Mountains, which serve as a hydrologic divide between Penoyer and Garden Valleys. However, it is likely that groundwater is transmitted south from Penoyer Valley through the Timpahute Range to Tikaboo Valley. Range bounding faults associated with Tertiary extension serve as structural controls located along the western and eastern flanks of the Worthington Mountains, and along the western, eastern, southern, and northern flanks of the Timpahute Range. Range bounding faults may channel groundwater along the strike of the fault, or may act as conduits or barriers to groundwater movement. Detailed models were performed for both the Worthington Mountains and Timpahute Range in order to simulate range-bounding, extensional faulting of variable hydraulic conductivities. Model simulations for the Worthington Mountains and Timpahute Range show that faults function as conduits when hydraulic conductivities are high. Similarly, range bounding faults function as barriers when hydraulic conductivities are low.
Groundwater related projects:
Santee Aquifer Recharge Study, Reclamation, October 2011
San Diego River System Conceptual Groundwater Model Update
Qualcomm Stadium Conceptual Groundwater Model
Douglas B. Blatchford, PE, PH, CEM, CFM 