A phased approach has been used for addressing the various concerns expressed by agencies of Federal, State, and local government, concerned citizens, and other groups.

During this phase, the focus was on (1) defining the extent of aquifers, (2) defining ground-water conditions, (3) refining basin water budgets, and (4) quantifying ground-water use. Phase one publications included the following:

Plume, R.W., and Ponce, D.A., 1999, Hydrogeologic framework and ground-water levels, 1982 and 1996, Middle Humboldt River Basin, north-central Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 98-4209, 2 map sheets.

Berger, D.L., 2000, Water budgets for Pine Valley, Carico Lake Valley, and Upper Reese River Valley Hydrographic Areas, Middle Humboldt River Basin, North-Central Nevada--Methods for Estimation and Results: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 99-4272, 40 p.

The focus of this phase is on developing a computer model that links ground-water flow with surface-water flow in the middle Humboldt River Basin. The utility of such a model will be that the effects of man can be evaluated separately from the effects of climate variability. At present (2002), several studies necessary for constructing the model are underway. These studies are (1) Statistical analysis of historic streamflow records for the Humboldt River, (2) Construction of a surface-water routing model for the middle Humboldt River, (3) Construction of a ground-water flow model, and (4) Construction of rainfall-runoff models for selected basins. Each of these individual studies is necessary for construction of the linked model. The following publications are currently in progress:

Trends in streamflow on the Humboldt River between Elko and Imlay, Nevada,
1949-99.

Simulation of Streamflow, Middle Humboldt River, North-Central Nevada.

Ground-Water Use, Locations of Actively Used Production Wells, and Areas Irrigated with Ground Water, 1998, Middle Humboldt River Basin, Nevada