Description
Study of geothermal resource assessment of Idaho Springs, Gilpin County. Includes geology, hydrology, geophysics, and geochemical resources. 50 pages. 17 figures. 10 tables. 6 appendices. Digital PDF download. RS-16D
Located in the Front Ranges of the Rocky Mountains approximately 30 miles west of Denver, on the south side of the community of Idaho Springs at the confluence of Soda Creek and Clear Creek, are a series of thermal springs and wells. They are on the property of the Indian Springs Resort and are at the intersection of a northeast trending, highly mineralized fault zone. The thermal springs and wells range in temperature from a low of 68°F (20°C) to a high of l27°F (53°C). The spring discharge rates range from <1 to 21 gpm, and the wells yield about 3 to 36 gpm. Total dissolved solids in the springs range from 1,070 to 2,110 mg/l, with the waters being a sodium-bicarbonate type. The investigation showed that the thermal waters most likely are fault controlled and the thermal area does not have a large areal extent. Water quality data from these springs is included in the report appendix, along with an evaluation of soil mercury concentrations used to delineate faults or permeable zones.
