Date:
30 May 2001
To:
Interested Parties
From:
Jerry Grondin, OWRD Hydrogeologist
Subject:
Bonanza Area Ground Water Investigation Progress
Progress Memo 16: October 2000 through May 2001 Period
General Information
This is the sixteenth quarterly summary memo about the Bonanza area groundwater investigation being
conducted by Oregon Water Resources Department staff. The purpose is to keep you informed about the
investigation’s progress. Your questions and comments are welcomed.
Protect Your Permit Standing
The 36 Bonanza area ground water permits issued in 1996 under the alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
process require a finding of whether permit holders have submitted water level data, water use data, and (for
some permit holders) alternative water supply plans. These permit holders need to protect their permit
standing by checking their permit conditions and making sure the information required is submitted.
OWRD-USGS Upper Klamath Basin Ground Water Investigation
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting a regional-scale ground-water study in the upper Klamath Basin
(Tulelake, California to Deschutes County, Oregon) in cooperation with the Oregon Water Resources
Department. To avoid overlap with the ongoing OWRD Bonanza ground-water study, USGS activity in the
Swan Lake, Poe, Yonna, and Langell Valleys will be minimal, and will probably be coordinated through
OWRD. You can learn more about the cooperative USGS investigation via the internet at:
http://or.water.usgs.gov/projs_dir/or180/index.html
or you can direct questions to Marshall Gannett, project chief, at 503-251-3233.
Please do not confuse USGS staff and their activity with other federal agencies. The USGS has no
regulatory function and their activity is strictly scientific. The USGS is probably the most neutral
government entity working in the basin.
Klamath Basin Drought in 2001
On 27 March 2001, Governor John Kitzhaber signed executive order number EO 01-01 declaring a drought
emergency in Klamath County. The cumulative rainfall at Bonanza Big Springs from 1 October 2000 to 10
May 2001 (the current water year) was 5.75 inches. The cumulative rainfall was 11.42 inches at the same
time in 2000 and 16.68 inches at the same time in 1999.
Water Right Activity
Limited Licenses: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is making contracts with well owners to pump ground
water and discharge the water into surface water to augment river flow. In Oregon, this ground water
pumping is being allowed under the limited license statute (ORS 537.143 through 537.144). The limited
licenses issued expire at the end of October 2001. To date, the limited licenses issued are:
Area
Total Number of
Licenses Issued
All Klamath County
All Bonanza Project Area
Bonanza Project Sub-Areas
South Langell Valley
“Lorella”
South Poe Valley
North Poe/South Swan Lake
Total Water Volume
(acre-feet)
12
6
29,800
11,608
2
1
1
1
6,935
650
560
3,463
No limited licenses are being issued for the “Bonanza vicinity” due to the potential to lower the ground
water elevation below the surface water elevation at Bonanza and cause reverse flow at Bonanza Big
Springs.
Kilgore Spring did respond to limited license pumping in south Langell Valley.
Emergency Use Permits: The Oregon Water Resources Department has received numerous emergency
use (drought) permit applications from Klamath County to use ground water due to the uncertainty of
surface water availability. These permits are allowed under the “emergency water shortage powers” statute
(ORS 536.700 through 536.780). Generally, the permits being issued expire within one-year of their
issuance or the end of the drought, whichever comes first. To date, the permits issued are:
Area
Permits
Issued
Total Water Volume
(acre-feet)
All Klamath County
All Bonanza Project Area
Bonanza Project Sub-Areas
South Langell Valley
“Lorella”
Poe Valley
North Poe/South Swan Lake
58
7
28,744
9,085.90
1
2
3
1
1,620
1,585
5,198.40
682.50
Current Ground Water Permits: The 36 Bonanza area ground water permits issued in July 1996 under
the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process were scheduled to reach a decision point by July 2001.
The permit language says, “The use of water under this permit may expire or be extended five years from
issuance of the permit. A water right certificate shall be issued at the end of the five year period if the
Director finds:
2
A.
River stage or Bonanza Big Springs flows are not significantly diminished by use of water
under this permit as determined by the Oregon Water Resources Department, in
consultation with the Bureau of Reclamation and Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife, using quantifiable groundwater and hydrologic science that stands up to peer
review;
B.
Within two years of permit issuance for primary use, the permittee/appropriator has
submitted a plan to the Department indicating potential economic sources for an
alternative long-term water supply;
C.
Periodic water level reports have been submitted; and
D.
Excessively declining ground water levels have not occurred due to well use and
determined by the Oregon Water Resources Department, in consultation with the Bureau
of Reclamation and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, using quantifiable
groundwater and hydrologic science that stands up to peer review.
The current Bonanza area groundwater investigation being conducted by Oregon Water Resources
Department staff is intended to answer items A and D. It was Department intent to answer items A and D
by the summer of 2000 giving all stakeholders a year to respond or make adjustments. Delays related to
other work, personal business, and the current drought make answering items A and D by July 2001
doubtful.
The Oregon Water Resources Department has decided to extend the permits to 31 December 2002 without
requiring the permit holders to submit a extension request since the Department investigation delay is
responsible for the needed extension. This extension is intended to allow time to complete the ground water
investigation and to give stakeholders time to respond or make adjustments after the investigation is
completed.
One or more environmental groups and some permit holders may challenge the extension decision. The
environmental groups may seek to have the permit holders file for an extension or require the Department to
submit the extension decision to a public process. The permit holders may seek to reject the extension and
have certificates issued before the investigation is completed.
New Ground Water Permits: The Oregon Water Resources Department has received two ground water
permit applications in 2001 to use ground water in the Bonanza ground water investigation area due to the
uncertainty of future surface water availability. If the permits are issued, they will include the same permit
conditions as the 36 Bonanza area ground water permits issued in July 1996 under the alternative dispute
resolution (ADR) process except the decision date for extending or expiring the permit. The decision date
will be 31 December 2002 rather than 5 years from the date of permit issuance. The permits will also
include construction requirements for any new well.
The applications received are:
Area
Applications
Received
All Bonanza Project Area
Bonanza Project Sub-Areas
South Langell Valley
“Lorella”
3
Total Water Volume
(acre-feet)
2
3,017.10
1
1
1,832.10
1,185.00
Project Activities: October 2000-May 2001
and
Projected Future Activity
October 2000-May 2001 Activity Summary
Activity during the October 2000-May 2001 period included:

Conducted bi-monthly water level measurements in November, January, March, and May;

Entered bi-monthly water level data into the database. Conducted quality assurance/control review of
all the water level data. Updated recorder water level data and hydrographs. Transferred the updates
to the project web site at:
ftp://ftp.wrd.state.or.us/pub/studies/bonanza/

Retrieved Klamath Falls rainfall data from 1900 to 2000, conducted basic statistics, and graphed data
and statistics. Copied graphs to the project web site at:
ftp://ftp.wrd.state.or.us/pub/studies/bonanza/

Completed first draft of the spring 1999 ground water potentiometric (water table) map. Revisions are
needed;

Received drafts of the Dairy, Bonanza, Bryant Mountain, and Langell Valley geologic maps from the
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI);

Analyzed aquifer tests conducted by Oregon Water Resources Department staff in south Langell
Valley, “Lorella”, and north Poe Valley;

Reviewed and analyzed aquifer tests conducted by private consultants in the “Lorella” and Bonanza
vicinities;

Reviewed and analyzed pump test data submitted by permit holders;

Organized data needed to analyze the potential impact of the 36 Bonanza area ground water permits
issued in July 1996 under the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process upon Lost River flow and
Bonanza Big Springs;

Reviewed Bonanza area limited license applications, emergency water use applications, and new
ground water permit applications for potential impact upon ground water, existing water rights, surface
water, and Bonanza Big Springs;

Wrote summary memo for “Bonanza Summit” meeting. Memo is attached;

Responded to a question challenging qualification to conduct the ground water investigation;

Responded to inquires from current water right permit holders and their legal representative, Town of
Bonanza, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey, Oregon Department of Mineral
Industries, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality,
Oregon Health Division, limited license applicants, limited license neighbors, and emergency water use
applicants,
4

Meetings with Department staff, Department management, Oregon Water Resources Commission
(project progress), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Oregon Department of Mineral Industries related to
Langell Valley geology, “Bonanza Summit”, current water right permit holders and their legal
representative, and Water Watch.
Projected June-December 2001 Activity Summary

Assess locations for continued ground water level measurements;

Conduct bi-monthly or quarterly ground water level measurements;

Assess any impact of USBR sponsored ground water use;

Monitor ground water and surface water elevations at Bonanza Big Springs;

Review the 36 ADR ground water permits and assess their potential impacts;

Respond to drought related inquiries.
Conclusion
I hope you find this progress memo useful. Please contact me at 503-378-8455 (ext. 214) or 800-624-3199
(ext. 214) or via e-mail at Gerald.H.GRONDIN@wrd.state.or.us if you have any questions or comments.
5
Oregon Water Resources Department
Memorandum
Date:
28 March 2001
To:
Bonanza Summit Meeting
From:
Jerry Grondin, OWRD Hydrogeologist
Subject: “Bonanza Vicinity” Ground Water and Surface Water
Introduction
This memo provides summary technical information about “Bonanza vicinity” ground water in the area’s
primary basalt aquifer and how it relates to surface water.
Ground Water Connection to Surface Water in the "Bonanza Vicinity"
The primary basalt aquifer in the “Bonanza vicinity” is hydraulically connected to Bonanza Big Springs.
Ground water discharge at the Town of Bonanza is a major contributor to Lost River flow. In December
1997, the Lost River gained about 60 cfs (34 cfs to 94 cfs) as it flowed through the Town of Bonanza.
About 25 cfs was directly attributed to spring discharge. An additional 35 cfs was attributed to discharge
within the Lost River channel.
"Bonanza Vicinity" Extent
The aquifer hydraulically connected to Bonanza Big Springs extends approximately from Keller Bridge
(east of Bonanza) to Harpold Gap (west of Bonanza) and through the full extent of Yonna Valley (north and
west of Bonanza). Table 1 shows the approximate extent by township, range, and section.
Table 1. Approximate extent of the “Bonanza vicinity”
Township
37S
38S
39S
Range
11.5E
11E
12E
11.5E
11E
12E
11.5E
11 E
12E
Sections
all
19 to 36
25 to 36
1 to 6, 8 to 17, 20 to 27, 34 to 36
all
all
1 to 4, 9 to 15, 23, 24
1 to 24, 27 to 29
3 to 10, 15 to 22
Factors Influencing the Ground Water-Surface Water Relationship
The ground water discharge rate at Bonanza Big Springs depends upon area ground water flow (gradient)
toward the springs and the height of ground water above surface water at the springs. Little spring
discharge is observed when the ground water elevation is close to the surface water elevation. The potential
for reverse flow (surface water into ground water) exists whenever the surface water elevation exceeds the
ground water elevation.
6
Ground water flow (gradient) toward Bonanza Big Springs and the interplay between the ground water
elevation versus surface water elevation at Bonanza Big Springs depends upon the following factors:



Ground Water Use
River Flow and Impoundment
Climate
Ground Water Use
Ground water use directly lowers ground water elevations and can affect surface water by decreasing the
ground water flow (gradient) to Bonanza Big Springs.
Current data indicate ground water elevations in the primary basalt aquifer throughout the “Bonanza
vicinity” seasonally rise and fall nearly uniformly. Ground water elevations decline from late spring to midfall and rise from mid-fall to late spring. The decline corresponds to ground water use and a drier season.
The rise corresponds to ground water use ending and a season of increased recharge. The seasonal decline
measured from 1993 to present ranges from 2.2 to 4.3 feet (see Table 2 and attached Figure 1).
Table 2.
Approximate ground water elevation peaks and lows (feet below land surface), change in
elevation peaks, and seasonal elevation decline at well KLAM 51922 located near (east)
Bonanza Big Springs.
Year
Peak
(feet blsd)
Change in Peak
(feet)
Low
(feet blsd)
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
4.2
4.1
3.8
2.5
2.2
1.3
0.7
1.7
--+ 0.1
+ 0.3
+ 1.3
+ 0.3
+ 0.9
+ 0.6
- 1.0
6.4
8.4
6.4
5.7
5.5
4.6
4.4
5.6
Seasonal Decline
Peak vs. Low
(feet)
2.2
4.3
2.6
3.2
3.3
3.3
3.7
3.9
Increased ground water use generally lowers ground water elevations especially in the area of ground water
pumping. Lower ground water elevations decrease ground water flow (gradient) to Bonanza Big Springs
and decrease the elevation buffer between ground water and surface water at the springs. A smaller
elevation buffer increases the risk of reverse flow at the springs especially if:


River elevations rise for a variety of reasons;
Ground water elevations continue to decline due to prolonged dry conditions and/or greater
ground water use (especially if greater pumping occurs in close proximity to the springs).
River Flow and Impoundment
Lost River flow and impoundment directly affect the surface water elevation and ground water elevations
closest to Bonanza Big Springs.
The river elevation rises and falls with river flow. The elevation rises with increased river flow. The
elevation drops with decreased river flow.
7
River impoundment via dams, diversion structures, or other structures generally impedes river flow. That
causes downstream surface water elevations to decline and upstream surface water elevations to rise. The
amount of upstream rise depends upon:



The impoundment height (i.e. height of boards at a diversion structure);
The control of flow allowed through or around the impoundment;
The amount of water flowing into the upstream impoundment pool versus the amount of water
being removed (diverted).
The upstream river elevation will drop when:



The impoundment height is lowered (or removed);
Flow through or around the impoundment is less restricted;
The amount of water diverted from the upstream impoundment pool exceeds the amount of
water flowing into the pool.
Lost River elevations recorded at Bonanza Big Springs from 1997 to present (see attached Figure 2) range
from lows of 4104.2 feet to peaks of 4108.8 feet above sea level (1929 national geodetic vertical datum).
The free flowing river elevations (with no run off, no reservoir releases, and no Harpold Dam
impoundment) range from 4104.2 to 4104.6 feet during late October to early March. Installing boards at
Harpold Dam generally raises the river elevation to between 4106.5 and 4107.0 feet (March to October).
Elevations did exceed 4107 feet each year recorded and occasionally exceeded 4108 feet.
Current data indicate ground water closest to Bonanza Big Springs responds to the surface water elevation:
 Increasing the river elevation in the “Bonanza vicinity” appears to act as a local hydraulic dam
causing ground water elevations closest to Bonanza Big Springs to rise. That creates a benefit of
keeping ground water in storage. However, a higher river elevation decreases the elevation
buffer between ground water and surface water and increases the risk of reverse flow especially
during drier and higher ground water use years.
 Lowering the river elevation in the “Bonanza vicinity” appears to release backpressure on ground
water causing ground water elevations closest to Bonanza Big Springs to decline. That creates a
benefit of maintaining ground water flow to the springs, increasing the elevation buffer between
ground water and surface water, and decreasing the risk of reverse flow especially during initial
dry and higher ground water use years. Conversely, increased flow to the spring releases stored
ground water which can cause ground water elevations to fall, reduces the elevation buffer
between ground water and surface water, and increases the risk of reverse flow during prolonged
dry and higher ground water use years.
Climate
Climate directly affects both ground water and surface water elevations.
Ground water elevation data for the “Bonanza vicinity” primary basalt aquifer correlate to climate. The
annual peak elevations rose about 3.4 feet total from spring 1994 to spring 1999 (see Table 2). That rise
corresponds to an overall greater than average precipitation period. The annual peak elevations declined
about 1.0 feet total from spring 1999 to spring 2000. That corresponds to an overall drier than average
precipitation year. Data collected through March 8, 2001 indicate the spring 2001 peak elevation may be
more than 1.0 feet lower than the spring 2000 peak elevation.
Current data indicate surface water elevations can rise rapidly due to runoff from short and heavy rainfall
events or prolonged wet rainfall events. The elevations can drop during drier periods when no other
releases augment river flow.
8
Current Water Management and Reverse Flow Risks
Current Water Management in the “Bonanza Vicinity”
Current water management in the “Bonanza vicinity” includes ground water use and impounding river water
behind Harpold Dam from March to October for surface water use. Recently, river flow through Bonanza
from March to October has increased to meet downstream demand. That combination increases the risk of
reverse flow at Bonanza Big Springs especially during dry and higher ground water use years.
Observed Reverse Flow Risk at Bonanza Big Springs
During recently drier years, the peak ground water elevation dropped increasing the risk of reverse flow at
Bonanza Big Springs. In September 2000, the ground water and surface water elevations nearly intersected
(see attached Figure 2) after:



The ground water level peaked at an elevation about 1.0-foot lower than the previous year;
A summer of ground water use lowered ground water elevations about 3.9 feet during the
summer season; and
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation activity increased Lost River flow causing the river elevation to
rise at Bonanza Big Springs.
The potential for reverse flow at Bonanza Big Springs was averted when area ground water use diminished
after a rainfall event provided the crop irrigation needed. With less use, the ground water elevation rose
higher than the river elevation
Minimizing Reverse Flow Risks at Bonanza Big Springs
Minimizing the reverse flow risk at Bonanza Big Springs requires managing surface water and ground water
to maximize:


Ground water flow (gradient) toward the springs; and
The elevation buffer between ground water and surface water.
This water management strategy becomes more imperative during prolonged dry and higher ground water
use years.
Maximizing the elevation buffer between ground water and surface water could occur by:

Maintaining a lower river elevation rise by:
+
+
+

Better matching the river flow volume into the impoundment pool to the volume of water
diverted from the impoundment pool;
Limiting the volume of river flow through Bonanza and Harpold Dam for downstream
use;
Modifying river impoundments to allow incrementally lowering “pool” elevations during
an irrigation season, or to unilaterally lower the “pool” elevation by permanently lowering
the impoundment structure height, or by removing the impoundment (all these may
require re-engineering the impoundments and pumping sites).
Controlling ground water use by:
+
Minimizing concurrent pumping by well owners agreeing among themselves to stagger
ground water use whenever possible;
9
+
+
Minimize ground water use close to Bonanza Big Springs (for example, eliminate or
delay the need to exercise supplemental ground water rights by providing sufficient
surface water); and
Limiting new ground water use in the “Bonanza vicinity”.
Maximizing the flow (gradient) to Bonanza Big Springs and the elevation buffer of ground water above
surface water reduces (not eliminate) the risk of flow reversal at the springs. The risk increases with:



Each successive dry year lowering ground water elevations;
Increased ground water use;
Conditions allowing surface water elevations to rise.
Conclusion
The primary basalt aquifer in the “Bonanza vicinity” is hydraulically connected to Bonanza Big Springs.
The ground water discharge rate at Bonanza Big Springs depends upon area ground water flow (gradient)
toward the springs and the height of ground water above surface water at the springs.
Ground water flow (gradient) toward Bonanza Big Springs and the interplay between ground water
elevation versus surface water elevation at Bonanza Big Springs depends upon:



Ground Water Use
River Flow and Impoundment
Climate
Bonanza Big Springs can safely tolerate area ground water use (interference) as long as an elevation buffer
of ground water above surface water is maintained. During drier periods, increasing ground water use
temporarily or prolonging existing ground water use over multiple seasons can safely occur as long as the
elevation buffer at the springs exists.
Minimizing the reverse flow risk at Bonanza Big Springs requires managing surface water and ground water
to maximize ground water flow (gradient) toward the springs and the elevation buffer between ground water
and surface water. This can occur by maintaining a lower river elevation and/or by controlling ground
water use.
10
Figure 1. Ground water elevation over time near Bonanza Big Springs.
11
Figure 2. Ground water and Lost River elevations at Bonanza Big Springs
12