A reconnaissance of hydrologic nitrate transport in an undisturbed watershed near Lake Tahoe

Abstract

Remedial measures to reduce nutrient delivery from forested watersheds to Lake Tahoe must have a sound scientific basis to be effective. Nitrate transport from Tahoe watersheds is poorly understood and local data base is scant. This investigation was initiated to gather baseline data with a focus on identifying the hydrologic pathways of nitrate to a stream in an undisturbed headwater watershed. Precipiation, vadose water, groundwater, and stream water were hydrologically monitored and sampled for chemical analyses on a temporal and areal basis. Data was collected during the heaviest snowpack accumulation in over 100 years.