Approach

This work will be integrated into completed or ongoing programs that are part of the Walker River Mediation Process, although it expressly is not a part of the Mediation. The USGS understands the delicate nature of the Mediation, and will make all efforts to keep all interested parties informed of ongoing and planned activities.

It is expected that portions of the work will be conducted in collaboration with the Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Walker River Paiute Tribe, the Walker River Irrigation District, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Board of Water Commissioners, the U.S. Forest Service, and the States of California and Nevada.

The work will consist of new and improved streamflow and lake elevation stations, measurement of evapotranspiration (ET) and calculation of ET losses from riparian areas and Walker Lake, determination of a water budget for Walker Lake, study of the interactions between surface and ground water, and reporting and dissemination of findings.