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U.S. Department of Energy
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Surface hydrologic investigations of the Columbia Plateau Region, Washington

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5832675· OSTI ID:5832675
The Washington State portion of the Columbia Plateau is divided into six hydrologic sub-basins on the basis of the principal surface drainage systems present, structural and topographic relationships, and political and other considerations. Baseline descriptions of the surface water systems and resources are presented for the Columbia Plateau with emphasis on the Pasco Sub-basin. A preliminary evaluation of the hydrologic budget for each sub-basin is derived. For each sub-basin, recharge/discharge relationships arising from precipitation/evapotranspiration/runoff, stream losses and gains, and artificial mechanisms are determined on the basis of available data. The net exchange between surface and groundwater systems is evaluated and relative estimates of the net groundwater flow into or out of the sub-basin are obtained. An evaluation is made of hydrologic risk factors arising from: (1) tributary flooding in eastern Washington; and, (2) major flooding of the Columbia River within the Pasco Sub-basin. Scenarios are presented for credible natural and man-generated catastrophic events.
Research Organization:
Rockwell International Corp., Richland, WA (USA). Rockwell Hanford Operations
DOE Contract Number:
EY-77-C-06-1030
OSTI ID:
5832675
Report Number(s):
RHO-BWI-ST-6
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English