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Scientific Investigations Report 2004—5275

Selected Hydrologic Data for the Upper Rio Hondo Basin, Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1945-2003

U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2004—5275, 28 pages (Published 2004)

By Lisa C. Donohoe

Prepared in cooperation with Lincoln County

This report is available online in pdf format: USGS sir2004-5275 (1 MB)

ABSTRACT

Cover of SIR 2004—5275.

Demands for ground and surface water have increased in the upper Rio Hondo Basin due to increases in development and population. Local governments are responsible for land-use and development decisions and, therefore, the governments need information about water resources in their areas. Hydrologic data were compiled for the upper Rio Hondo Basin and water-level data were collected during two synoptic measurements in March and July 2003.

Water-level data from March 2003 were contoured and compared with contours constructed in 1963. The 5,600-, 5,700-, and 5,800-foot March 2003 contours indicate that water levels rose. The 5,500-foot contour for March 2003 indicates a decline in water level. The 5,400-foot contour of March 2003 and the 1963 contour mostly coincide, indicating a static water level. The 5,300- and 5,200-foot contours for March 2003 cross the 1963 contours, indicating a decline in water levels near the Rio Ruidoso but a rise in water levels near the Rio Bonito. In eight hydrographs, 2003 water levels are shown to be higher than water levels from the mid- to late 1950’s in five of the eight wells. For the same period of record, water levels in the three remaining wells were lower. Rising and declining water levels were highest in the northern part of the study area; the median rise was 4.01 feet and the median decline was 3.51 feet. In the southern part of the study area, the median water-level rise was 2.21 feet and the median decline was 1.56 feet.

CONTENTS

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose and Scope

Description of Study Area

Methods

Acknowledgments

Hydrologic Data

Water-Level Changes

Streamflow

Precipitation

Summary of Aquifer-Test Results

Data Gaps and Needs

Summary

References Cited


REPORT AVAILABILITY

This report is available online in pdf format: USGS SIR 2004-5275 (1 MB)
To view the PDF document, you need the Adobe Acrobat® Reader installed on your computer. (A free copy of the Acrobat® Reader may be downloaded from Adobe Systems Incorporated.)

Suggested citation:

Donohoe, L. C., 2004, Selected Hydrologic Data for the Upper Rio Hondo Basin, Lincoln County, New Mexico, 1945-2003: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2004–5275, 28 p.

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