Columbia Basin Discussion from the 1983 Geologic Assessment
Once again, the seminal 1983 Assessment, the Columbia Basin is discussed. It is clear that the data is limited and wells shallow. Geothermal reserves seems more like references to distinct pockets.
Columbia Basin, Yakima Valley, and Walla Walla Valley: From numerous temperature-gradient measurements for wells throughout the Columbia Basin province,several areas have been identified where above average gradients occur, resulting in warm aquifers at relatively shallow depth. The best areas are discussed in chapter 7 of Korosec and others, (1983). They incl ude the Yakima-Ahtanum-Simcoe areas, Moses Lake-Ritzzvi11e-Connell region, portions of Lincoln and Douglas Counties, Horse Heaven Hills , lower Yakima Valley, the Walla Walla Valley, and several other smaller anomalous areas.
The best areas around Yakima include the city proper, Moxee Valley to the east, and the Yakima River Valley to the north and to the south of the city. Many irrigation and and domestic wells produce 69F (21C) to 95F (35C) water from depths generally less than 400 to 500 meters.
However, the quality of these holes is generally poor and the depths shallow. The summary is below.
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment