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USGS1982

Water resources data for Washington, water year 1980: Vol. 2 - Eastern Washington

Water Resources data for the 1980 water year for Washington consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-water wells. This report in two volumes contains records for water discharge at 233 gaging stations stage only at 5 gaging stations; stage and contents at 41 lakes and reservoirs; and water quality at 39 gaging stations (including 6 lakes and reservoirs) and 100 wells; and water levels at 164 observation wells. Also included are data for 14 crest-stage, and 89 water-quality partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program and are published as miscellaneous measurements analyses. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State, local and Federal agencies in Washington.

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USGS1982

Impact of Mount St. Helens eruption on hydrology and water quality

The 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens in southeast Washington resulted in a pronounced effect on the surface and ground water resources of the state. In response to the volcanic activity, the U.S. Geological Survey intensified statewide surface and ground water sampling programs to determine the nature and magnitude of the volcanic-induced variations. Streams to the east of Mount St. Helens received the major ash fallout. Chemical effects were best noted in smaller streams sampled 60 to 70 miles northeast of Mount St. Helens. The chemical variations observed were pronounced but short lived. Sulfate and chloride increases in anionic composition were prevalent immediately following the eruption however, the original bicarbonate predominance was again attained within several days. Suspended iron and aluminum concentrations were similarly elevated during the period of greatest ash deposition (highest turbidity) however, the dissolved concentrations remained relatively constant. Depressions of pH were minor and short lived. Streams draining to the south, tributaries to the Columbia river, showed little observable changes in water chemistry. Streams draining to the west (Toutle river and its tributaries) were compositionally affected by the various volcanic activities. Chloride and sulfate anion percentage exceeded the bicarbonate percentage up to one month following the eruption period. Streams and lakes sampled in the immediate vicinity of Mount St. Helens, in addition to trace metals, contained organic compounds derived from decomposing wood buried in the debris deposits. This organic material may constitute a significant source of organic compounds to surface and ground water for some time to come.

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USGS1981

U-Pb isotope systematics and age of uranium mineralization, Midnite mine, Washington.

Uranium ores at the Midnite mine, near Spokane, Washington, occur in phyllites and calcsilicates of the Proterozoic Togo Formation, near the margins of an anomalously uraniferous, porphyritic quartz monzonite of Late Cretaceous age. The present geometry of the ore zones is tabular, with the thickest zones above depressions in the pluton-country rock contact. Analyses of high-grade ores from the mine define a 207 Pb/ 204 Pb- 235 U/ 204 Pb isochron indicating an age of mineralization of 51.0 + or - 0.5 m.y. This age coincides with a time of regional volcanic activity (Sanpoil Volcanics), shallow intrusive activity, erosion, and faulting. U-Th-Pb isotopic ages of zircons from the porphyritic quartz monzonite in the mine indicate an age of about 75 m.y., hence the present orebodies were formed about 24 m.y. after its intrusion. The 51-m.y. time of mineralization probably represents a period of mobilization and redeposition of uranium by supergene ground waters, perhaps aided by mild heating and ground preparation and preserved by a capping of newly accumulated, impermeable volcanic rocks. It seems most likely that the initial concentration of uranium occurred about 75 m.y. ago, probably from relatively mild hydrothermal fluids in the contact-metamorphic aureole of the U-rich porphyritic quartz monzonite.Pitchblende, coffinitc, pyrite, marcasite, and hisingerite are the most common minerals in the uranium-bearing veinlets, with minor sphalerite and chalcopyrite. Coffinitc with associated marcasite is paragenetically later than pitchblende, though textural and isotopic evidence suggests no large difference in the times of pitchblende and colfinite formation.The U-Pb isotope systematics of total ores and of pitchblende-coffinite and pyrite-marcasite separates show that whereas open system behavior for U and Pb is essentially negligible for large (200-500 g) ore samples, Pb migration has occurred on a scale of 1 to 10 mm (out of pitchblende and coffinite and into pyrite and marcasite). Also, long-term continuous leakage of radioactive daughters of 238 U (probably 222 Rn) has occurred on scales of from approximately 100 mu m approximately 10 cm. The isotopic composition of unsupported radiogenic Pb in pyrite-marcasite seems to depend on the mineralogical microenvironment of the grains, so that the radiogenic Pb in pyrite-marcasite intimately intermixed with pitchblende-coffinite tends to be deficient in 206 Pb, and the radiogenic Pb in pyrite-marcasite in gangue tends to have excess 206 Pb. These systematics probably reflect differences between the average distances of Pb and 222 Rn diffusion since the formation of the ores.

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USGS1981

Overview of Mount St. Helens volcanic eruption

Dormant since 1857, Mount St. Helens Volcano in southwestern Washington stirred from its repose to erupt on March 27, 1980, following a week of premonitory earthquake activity. The eruption was the first in the conterminous United States since the 1914-1921 activity of Lassen Peak, California. The eruptive activity through May 17 was intermittent and relatively mild, but the accompanying seismic activity remained intense. On May 18, a catastrophic eruption, triggered by a magnitude 5.0 earthquake, produced a massive landslide/debris avalanche, a devastating lateral "blast," pyroclastic flows, mudflows, and an ash column that rose more than 20 km into the stratosphere. Winds carried the ash easterly, and more than 7 cm of ash was deposited locally in parts of eastern Washington. The landslide/debris avalanche and associated mudflows caused flooding of the Toutle and Cowlitz River valleys, which carried sediment as far as the confluence with the Columbia, where it choked off the channel to navigation. Smaller but significant explosive eruptions followed in May, June, July, August, and October, 1980, with lava domes being extruded in the crater following the June, August, and October eruptions. Subsequently in December 1980 and February 1981, lava domes were extruded without significant preceding explosive activity. Except for the latter two, each dome was partly or wholly destroyed by succeeding explosive events. Scientists expect similar activity to continue for months or years--possibly even decades. The Mount St. Helens eruptions severely tested the ability of scientists to respond swiftly and effectively in assisting public officials during a geologic disaster. At the same time, they shall continue to provide an unprecedented opportunity for the systematic investigation of volcanic phenomena, and hopefully, the insight to meet possible future eruptions there and elsewhere in the Cascade Range with equal success.

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USGS1981

Effects of volcanism on the glaciers of Mount St. Helens

The cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens May 18, 1980, removed 2.9 km 2 (about 0.13 km 3 ) of glacier snow and ice including a large part of Shoestring, Forsyth, Wishbone, Ape, Nelson, and all of Loowit and Leschi Glaciers. Minor eruptions and bulging of the volcano from March 27 to May 17 shattered glaciers which were on the deforming rock and deposited ash on other glaciers. Thick ash layers persisted after the May 18 eruption through the summer on most of the remaining snow and ice, and protected winter snow from melting on Swift and Dryer Glaciers. Melting and recrystalization of snow and ice surviving on Mount St. Helens could cause and lubricate mudflows and generate outburst floods. Study of glaciers that remain on this active volcano may assist in recognizing potential hazards on other volcanoes and lead to new contributions to knowledge of the transient response of glaciers to changes in mass balance or geometry.

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USGS1981

An analysis of reservoir storage contents for the proposed enlargement of Bumping Lake in Washington

Monthend contents of the proposed Bumping Lake enlargement in Washington were determined for the period 1917-73 by using the historic streamflow record as a basis for inflow to the reservoir and imposing certain operational requirements on reservoir releases. The operational requirements used were those set forth in the Environmental Statement that was prepared for the project by the U.S. Water and Power Resources Service (formerly the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation). The computations show that after starting with an empty reservoir on October 1, 1917, the 458,000 acre-feet capacity of the enlarged lake could be nearly full (384,000 acre-feet) on November 30, 1925, which is the starting scenario given in the Environmental Statement. From 1925 to 1973 the computations compare favorably with those shown in the Environmental Statement, with minor differences due to releases of fish enhancement water. In all cases studied, all fishwater requirements and all existing irrigation requirements were met, and generally from 30,000 to 90,000 acre-feet of extra irrigation water could be available in most years.

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USGS1981

Composition of tidal flat sediments, Willapa Bay, Washington

The purpose of this study was to characterize the modern sediments of sandy tidal flats in Willapa Bay, Washington based on their composition. Generally, clay comprises less than five percent of the sediment. Clay content increases upslope and up-estuary. Principal clay minerals are montmorillanite, illite, and chlorite; two clay mineral suites are present: (1) muddy flat suite with clay containing 44% montmorillonite, and (2) sandy flat suite with clay composition of 88% montmorillonite. Heavy minerals make up approximately four percent of the tidal flat sediment. Distribution of heavy minerals reflect their source with (1) heavy minerals most abundant near the beach on flats to the north where they were eroded out of terrace deposits, and (2) relatively greater heavy mineral concentrations (supplied by the Naselle River) across the entire flat to the south. The composition of the heavy mineral suite is mainly clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, hornblende, epidote, and opaque minerals. This mineral suite represents several sources including rivers, ocean and ocean beaches, and reworked local Tertiary and Quaternary deposits. Tidal flat sediments are approximately 90% light minerals, mostly quartz. The light fraction also contains small quantities of lithic fragments, pumice, vegetation, and biogenic shell fragments. Tertiary and Quaternary terrace deposits are the major source of most of the light material. Fossils make up less than one percent of the bottom sediment. Two foram assemblages are present: (1) a modern shallow-water assemblage characterized by Trochammina inflata, found mainly in muddy flats near rivers, and (2) a relic deep-water assemblage (Eocene to Cretaceous) characterized by such species as Bathysiphon and Cyclammina found predominantly on the sandy flats. Macrofossils consists of shells of the modern tidal flat mollusc assemblage. Organic sediments were mostly carbon (1%). The highest concentrations of organic carbon are associated with muddy sediments near the Palix River and Pickernell Creek; overall, organic carbon concentration increased up-estuary. C/N ratios are transitional between open marine environments and marsh deposits of estuaries.

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USGS1981

Digital-model simulation of the Toppenish alluvial aquifer, Yakima Indian Reservation, Washington

Increasing demands for irrigating additional lands and proposals to divert water from the Yakima River by water users downstream from the Yakima Indian Reservation have made an accounting of water availability important for present-day water management in the Toppenish Creek basin. A digital model was constructed and calibrated for the Toppenish alluvial aquifer to help fulfill this need. The average difference between observed and model-calculated aquifer heads was about 4 feet. Results of model analysis show that the net gain from the Yakima River to the aquifer is 90 cubic feet per second, and the net loss from the aquifer to Toppenish Creek is 137 cubic feet per second. Water-level declines of about 5 feet were calculated for an area near Toppenish in response to a hypothetical tenfold increase in 1974 pumping rates.

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USGS1981

Low-flow characteristics of streams in the Deschutes River basin, Washington

The purpose of the study was to determine the magnitude and frequency of low flows of streams in the Deschutes River basin. The streams in the basin usually have their low flows in August and September. Seven-day low flows were smallest in 1952 when annual rainfall at the Olympia airport was also the least during the 1945-75 period of continuous gaging-station records in the basin. The magnitude and frequency of seven-day low flows were estimated for 23 streamflow sites, either from frequency analysis of data at long-term stations or from correlation of measured or computed discharges at a stream flow site with data at a long-term station. Seven-day low flows ranged from no-flow at one tributary of Deschutes River having a drainage area of 1.85 square miles to 98 cubic feet per second for Deschutes River near its mouth, where the drainage was 162 square miles. Mean monthly flows were determined for two long-term stations and estimated for the months of July to September for the other streamflow sites. Miscellaneous streamflow measurements made over the years by the U.S. Geological Survey are listed in the Appendix.

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USGS1981

Modification of the Tangborn short-term hydrometeorological model, with trial results from the Baker River basin, Washington

This report presents a modification of the short-term hydrometeorological model (Tangborn, 1978) for estimating river-basin snowmelt runoff. A multiple linear regression replaces a nonlinear regression scheme to correct for temperature effects of snowmelt runoff. Results based on data from the Baker River basin, Washington, indicate that model performance is improved by the modification in a majority of applications, and, additionally, use of the model is simplified and computer time is reduced.

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USGS1981

Tidal flat sediments - texture, Willapa Bay, Washington

The purpose of this study was to texturally characterize the sediments of the mid-estuary tidal flats between Goose Point and Pickernell Creek in Willapa Bay, Washington and to compare these flats with other flats in the estuary. The mean grain size of sediments on tidal flats in the mid-estuary are fine sand (2-3 V). Sand shoals at the Bay entrance and erosion of cliffs between Goose Point and Pickernell Creek are the source of the sand. The subordinate mud fraction is supplied by rivers and creeks; little mud is deposited on the tidal flats except for those flats immediately adjacent to the rivers. Gravel is a minor component and is concentrated in sediments near the base of the cliffs high on the tidal flats. Variability in texture within the study area is most pronounced near the Palix River and Pickernell Creek. The average characteristics of mid-estuary tidal flat sediments are best described as poorly sorted, fine-grained sand with strongly-fine skewed leptokurtic distributions. Distribution patterns of textural parameters show consistent trends of hydraulic energy. Locally, textural patterns reflect (1) the coarsing effects of a flood current gyre between Goose Point and Sandy Point, and (2) relatively narrow flats (i.e., greater slopes) have coarser sediments proportionately higher upslope than wider flats. The following comparisons can be made between tide flats in Willapa Bay. Mean grain size varies systematically up-estuary permitting the estuary to be artificially divided into 3 parts: outer estuary = 2-3 Ø ; mid-estuary = 3-4 Ø ; and inner estuary = greater than 4 Ø . Outer estuarine tide flats extend deep into the estuary, particularly to the south. The transition from outer to inner estuarine tide flats based on textural differences is a rapid change (i.e., occurs over a short distance).

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USGS1981

Water resources data for Washington, water year 1980: Vol. 1 - Western Washington

Water-resources data for the 1980 water year for Washington consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-wells. This report, in two volumes, contains records for water discharge at 233 gaging stations; stage only at 5 gaging stations; stage and contents at 41 lakes and reservoirs; water quality at 39 gaging stations (including 6 lakes and reservoirs) and 100 wells; and water levels at 164 observation wells. Also included are data for 14 crest-stage and 89 water-quality partial-record stations. Locations of sites in this volume are on figures 4, 5, 6, and 22. Additional water data were collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. These data represent that part of the national Water Data system operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State, local, and Federal agencies in Washington.

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USGS1981

Water resources data, Washington, water year 1981: Vol. 1 - Western Washington

Water-resources data for the 1981 water year for Washington consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-water. This report, in two volumes, contains records for water discharge at 229 gaging stations; stage only at 5 gaging stations; stage and contents at 39 lakes and reservoirs; water quality at 39 gaging stations (including 6 lakes and reservoirs) and 100 wells; and water levels at 164 observation wells. Also included are data for 14 crest-stage and 28 water-quality partial-record stations. Locations of sites in this volume are on figures 4, 5, 6, and 22. Additional water data were collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. These data represent that part of the national Water Data system operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State, local, and Federal agencies in Washington.

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USGS1981

Water resources data, Washington, water year 1981: Vol. 2 - Eastern Washington

Water-resources data for the 1981 water year for Washington consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-water. This report, in two volumes, contains records for water discharge at 229 gaging stations; stage only at 5 gaging stations; stage and contents at 39 lakes and reservoirs; water quality at 39 gaging stations (including 6 lakes and reservoirs) and 100 wells; and water levels at 164 observation wells. Also included are data for 14 crest-stage and 28 water-quality partial-record stations. Locations of sites in this volume are on figures 4, 5, 6, and 22. Additional water data were collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. These data represent that part of the national Water Data system operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State, local, and Federal agencies in Washington.

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