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Show CHAPTER 2 Watershed Characteristics and Uses WATERSHED CHARACTERISTICS AND USES The seven major canyons in the ' 99 Watershed Plan area contain unique physical, hydrologic and environmental characteristics. Along with differing physical and environmental characteristics, the canyons differ in the types and amounts of use they receive. This chapter will address overall physical, hydrological, and environmental characteristics of each canyon and their associated uses. CANYON- BY- CANYON CHARACTERISTICS AND USES The drainage area encompassed by the seven major Wasatch Canyons is almost 200 square miles. Approximately 152,000 acre- feet of water drains from the area annually. The canyons along the Wasatch Front Mountain Range are broad, gently sloping drainages on the north, and steep, narrow drainages on the south. These canyons range from a regulated access watershed to intensive year- round recreational and residential areas. Impacts on the watershed from development and increased use have been a mounting concern in recent years. Recreation, especially the ski industry and tourism, has become a substantial base for the local and state economy. Federal and local governments, recognizing their responsibility to protect the canyons as a water resource, strive to attain a balance of uses. Establishing such a balance means trying to match the social and ecologically acceptable levels of development with public needs and desires. The scope of this document calls for viewing the canyons from the perspective of protecting Salt Lake City's water resources for the foreseeable future. A. City Creek Canyon Physical and Hydrologic Conditions: City Creek Canyon is the northernmost canyon in the plan area. The topography consists of low- lying mountain slopes with a 9,400 feet maximum elevation. The canyon is 12 miles long, comprising 19.2 square miles of drainage area. City Creek's flows have subtle reactions to climatic conditions due to the canyon's width and relatively low elevation. Characteristically, there is a gradual rise in flows throughout April with a marked increase early in May as temperatures increase. Flows decrease through June and July, stabilizing during August. The average peak day Page 5 |