GWIP - Big Sky

Boulder River Valley

Boulder River Valley area map

It is believed that the alluvial aquifer of the Boulder River provides baseflow to the Boulder River. In its current state, the Boulder River often runs dry in the late summer, eliminating the ability to irrigate for all but the most senior water rights holders. As such, there are concerns that continued groundwater development in the watershed will further diminish water supplies. There has also been interest in assessing the feasibility of using managed aquifer recharge to supplement late summer flows. This project evaluates these issues within the Lower Boulder River Watershed (USGS Watershed 1002000605). This watershed has an area of approximately 377 square miles, and extends from the town of Boulder to Cardwell. The Boulder River flows into the Jefferson Slough just above the confluence of Jefferson Slough and the Jefferson River. The focus of the study is the alluvial aquifer along the Boulder River; however, information from the uplands is also needed to understand the sources of water contributed to the alluvial aquifer.

Project Scope

This GWIP study examines the interaction between the river and the aquifers in the valley through the following tasks:

Boulder River, Montana Boulder River

Collect geologic and hydrologic data to quantify the water systems
Document the quality of the groundwater and surface waters in the study area
Calculate the flux of water moving between the alluvium and the river
Model the magnitude of impacts that would be expected from existing and potential housing developments in the watershed
Evaluate the potential for increasing water availability through the use of managed recharge

Project Duration: July 2011-December 2015

GWIP Personnel Assigned:

Andrew Bobst – Team Leader/Hydrogeologist
406-496-4409 (office)
406-490-8891 (cell)
abobst@mtech.edu