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Daniel P. Bauer

Publications and source records attributed to Daniel P. Bauer.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Reservoir-development impacts on surface-water quantity and quality in the Yampa River basin, Colorado and Wyoming

Development of coal resources and associated economy is accelerating in the Yampa River basin in northwestern Colorado and south-central Wyoming. Increased use of the water resources of the area will have a direct impact on their quantity and quality. As part of 18 surface-water projects, 35 reservoirs have been proposed with a combined total storage of 2.18 million acre-feet, 41% greater than the mean annual outflow from the basin. Three computer models were used to demonstrate methods of evaluating future impacts of reservoir development in the Yampa River basin. Four different reservoir configurations were used to simulate the effects of different degrees of proposed reservoir development. A multireservoir-flow model included both within-basin and transmountain diversions. Simulations indicated that in many cases diversion amounts would not be available for either type of diversion. A corresponding frequency analysis of reservoir storage levels indicated that most reservoirs would be operating with small percentages of total capacities and generally with less than 20% of conservation-pool volumes. Simulations using a dissolved-solids model indicated that extensive reservoir development could increase average annual concentrations at most locations. Simulations using a single-reservoir model indicated no significant occurrence of water-temperature stratification in most reservoirs due to limited reservoir storage. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report

Traveltime, unit-concentration, longitudinal-dispersion, and reaeration characteristics of upstream reaches of the Yampa and Little Snake Rivers, Colorado and Wyoming

Measurements were made along a 58-mile reach of the Yampa River in Colorado and a 77-mile reach of the Little Snake River in Colorado and Wyoming to determine traveltime, unit-concentration , and longitudinal-dispersion characteristics. Two traveltime, unit-concentration, and dispersion analyses were made along the Yampa River when its average streamflow was approximately 100 and 3,400 cu ft/s; three traveltime, unit-concentration, and dispersion analyses were made along the Little Snake River when its average streamfow was approximately 200, 600, and 1,600 cu ft/s. Reaeration coefficients were determined only for the Yampa River, when its average streamflow was approximately 100 cu ft/s. Traveltime and unit-concentration simulations were made using a mathematical model. Data collected for the Little Snake River when the average streamflow was approximately 600 cu ft/s were used as a check of model-simulation accuracy. Traveltime simulations compared to within 5%, and unit-concentration simulations were within 30 to 40% of the measured flow data. Longitudinal-dispersion coefficients ranged from 400 to 6,050 sq ft/s for the two streams. Reaeration coefficients for the Yampa River, adjusted to 20 degrees celsius, ranged from 6.04 to 33.4 per day. Two semi-empirical equations gave reaeration coefficients in best agreement with measured reaeration coefficients. Absolute errors of estimate for these equations were 11.8 and 17.3%. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report

One-dimensional steady-state stream water-quality model

A computer program, based on a one-dimensional mathematical model which predicts the stream water-quality response characteristics from waste source inputs, is described and documented. Variables predicted include dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrogen forms, total and fecal-coliform bacteria, orthophosphate-phosphorus, and various conservative substances. The model is based primarily on the well known Streeter-Phelps oxygen-sag equation. Special options of the program include the capability of handling nonpoint source waste inputs and anoxic conditions. The model formulation is based on a steady-state assumption which requires constant flow rate of waste and stream discharges and associated parameters. To achieve a problem solution, each reach of a stream system is broken into a given number of subreaches, generally defined by locations of waste or tributary inflow points. All waste constituents are assumed to be completely mixed within any cross section.

Water-Resources Investigations Report

Analysis of waste-load assimilative capacity of the Yampa River, Steamboat Springs to Hayden, Routt County, Colorado

An analysis of the waste-load assimilative capacity of the Yampa River from Steamboat Springs to Hayden, Colo., a distance of 38 miles, was made during September 1975 to obtain information on the effects of projected waste loadings on this stream reach. Simulations of effects of waste loadings on streamflow quality were made using a steady-state water-quality model. The simulations were based on 7-day low-flow values with a 10-year recurrence interval and population projections for 2010. Model results for December and September streamflow conditions indicated that the recommended 1978 Colorado and 1976 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency water-quality standard of 0.02 milligram per liter for nonionized ammonia concentration would be exceeded. Model simulations also included the effect of a flow augmentation of 20 cubic feet per second from a proposed upstream reservoir. The permissible ammonia loading in the study reach could be increased approximately 25 percent with this amount of flow augmentation. Simulations of concentrations of dissolved oxygen, fecal-coliform bacteria, and nitrate nitrogen indicated that the State 's water-quality goals proposed for 1978, 1983, or 1985 would not be exceeded. (Woodard-USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report