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Show Final Report Hydrologic Model Analysis of the Provo River Basin Because of the complex nature of the Provo River system and the increasing need to make decisions regarding the use of the valuable water resources of the system, it is important to understand the hydrology of the system and to be able to predict the impacts of possible future changes to the system. Changes in the operation or management of one part of the system can have significant impacts upon other areas. Without an overall systematic analysis procedure, it is impossible to predict the flows, water supplies, and storages on the system, or the impacts of potential changes. The purpose of this study is to develop a more complete understanding of the present and future water resources of the Provo River. This purpose requires the creation of a comprehensive analytical tool. This tool, called an operational simulation model, will allow more effective planning and decision- making concerning proposed new facilities, operational procedures, and policies. 1.3 Scope of Study, Description of Study Area, and Model Capabilities Within the authorizing legislation, the scope of this study was defined to include " all tributaries, water imports and exports, and diversions'' in the Provo River Basin. Because the conditions within and outside of the Provo River Basin affect incoming transbasin diversions, it is necessary to include areas outside of the Provo River within the study area. Thus, the Duchesne River above the Duchesne Tunnel and the Weber River above Gateway were included in the modeled system. Also, because the storage in Utah Lake affects the ability to divert and store water on the Provo River, it is necessary to include Utah Lake in the study area. Transbasin diversions from Strawberry Reservoir to Utah Lake are an important component of the CUP water supply. However, conditions on the Strawberry River do not necessarily directly impact the magnitude of these diversions. Thus the Strawberry - Utah Lake transbasin diversions are part of the Provo River system, but the Strawberry River Basin itself is not included in the study area. The study area for the Hydrologic Model Analysis of the Provo River is described below and shown in Figure 1- 1. 1.3.1 Description of the Study Area The study area for the Hydrologic Model Analysis of the Provo River Basin includes the Provo River Basin, the Weber River Basin above Gateway, and diversions into the Provo from the Duchesne and Strawberry River basins. Most of the study area lies within or between the Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges. The topography is generally characterized by mountainous terrain, with narrow river valleys. The three significant exceptions to this are flat irrigated agricultural areas of the Heber and Kamas valleys, and the gently sloping areas around Utah Lake. These areas January 1998 Page 3 |