Hydrogeology and Potential for Groundwater Recharge and Storage on Alluvial Fans in the Yakima Basin. Part 1: Hydrogeochemical Characterization of the Ahtanum Alluvial Fan for Managed Aquifer Recharge
Date published: March, 2026
Authors:
Lisa L. Ely, Brook M. Bauer, and Carey A. Gazis
Reference:
Ely, Lisa L., Brook M. Bauer, and Carey A. Gazis. 2026. Hydrogeology and Potential for Groundwater Recharge and Storage on Alluvial Fans in the Yakima Basin — Part 1: Hydrogeochemical Characterization of the Ahtanum Alluvial Fan for Managed Aquifer Recharge (Part 1 of the Final Report for Washington State Department of Ecology Project #IAA C2400168 and the Groundwater Subcommittee of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan). Department of Geological Sciences, Central Washington University.
Abstract:
Securing the future water supply for agriculture, domestic use, instream flow and habitat in the Yakima Basin is the focus of coordinated efforts under the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan (YBIP). Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is a sustainable and cost-effective approach to store water underground for recovery or supplementation of instream flows during seasonal dry periods or drought. This project characterized the hydrogeology, aquifer stratigraphy, and geochemistry of two large alluvial fan aquifers in the Yakima Basin to assess their potential for groundwater recharge and storage.
We analyzed the physical characteristics and hydrology of the Ahtanum Creek alluvial fan in the Yakima Valley and Manastash Creek alluvial fan in the Kittitas Valley to provide the foundation for an informed decision about the implementation of MAR projects. We combined existing data from wells logs, maps and reports with new data on sediment characteristics, water levels and geochemistry to identify areas with suitable permeability rates, head space and surface water penetration into the unconfined aquifer.
Contact person/agency: Central Washington University Geological Sciences Department
File Format: pdf
Associated Data:
none
