The Great Basin
The Great Basin is a vast, arid region in the western part of the United States. It covers much of Nevada, Utah, and parts of California, Oregon, and Idaho. The basin is bounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west, the Rocky Mountains to the east, and several other mountain ranges to the north and south. The region is characterized by its low-lying valleys, deserts, and salt flats. Despite its aridity, the Great Basin is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including sagebrush, juniper, jackrabbits, and pronghorns.
The Northern Region of the Great Basin
The northern region of the Great Basin is located in the states of Nevada, Utah, and Idaho. It is bounded by the Snake River Plain to the north, the Humboldt River Basin to the west, and the Great Salt Lake Desert to the east. This region is characterized by its high-elevation mountain ranges, including the Ruby Mountains, the Jarbidge Mountains, and the Owyhee Mountains. It is also home to several large lakes and wetlands, including the Great Salt Lake and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
Rivers of the Great Basin
Despite its aridity, the Great Basin is home to several rivers and streams that support a variety of plant and animal life. These rivers and streams flow into closed basins, meaning that they do not connect to the ocean. Instead, the water either evaporates or seeps into the ground, forming aquifers. The two major rivers that flow out of the Great Basin are the Humboldt River and the Snake River.
Two Rivers Flow Out from the North
The northern region of the Great Basin is the source of two major rivers: the Humboldt River and the Snake River. These rivers are important for providing water to nearby communities and supporting a variety of plant and animal life. The Humboldt River flows westward from the Jarbidge Mountains and eventually empties into the Humboldt Sink, a large, flat area in western Nevada. The Snake River, on the other hand, flows northward from the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming and eventually empties into the Columbia River in Washington.
The First River: The Humboldt River
The Humboldt River is one of the longest rivers in the Great Basin. It originates in the Jarbidge Mountains of northeastern Nevada and flows westward for over 300 miles. It is the only river in the Great Basin that flows to the Pacific Ocean. The Humboldt River is an important source of water for irrigation, mining, and wildlife habitat. It is also an important recreational resource, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking along its banks.
The Humboldt River’s Characteristics
The Humboldt River is known for its highly variable flow, with periods of both flooding and drought. Its headwaters are located in a high-elevation, snow-dominated watershed, which results in high flows during the spring and early summer. However, during the summer and fall, the river often runs dry or has very low flow. The Humboldt River is also subject to water quality issues, primarily due to the presence of heavy metals and pollutants from mining and agriculture.
The Second River: The Snake River
The Snake River is one of the largest rivers in the western United States, with a length of over 1,000 miles. It originates in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming and flows northward through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington before emptying into the Columbia River. The Snake River is an important source of water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and wildlife habitat. It is also an important recreational resource, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and whitewater rafting.
The Snake River’s Characteristics
The Snake River is known for its rugged, steep-walled canyons and its numerous waterfalls. It is also known for its highly variable flow, with periods of both flooding and drought. The river is heavily regulated for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, which has resulted in the construction of several large dams along its length. These dams have had both positive and negative impacts on the river’s ecology, including changes in water temperature, flow, and sediment transport.
The Importance of the Two Rivers
The Humboldt River and the Snake River are both important resources for the communities and ecosystems of the Great Basin. They provide water for irrigation, mining, and wildlife habitat, as well as recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. They also have important cultural and historical significance, playing a key role in the development of the region’s economy and settlement patterns.
The Shared Watershed of the Two Rivers
Although the Humboldt River and the Snake River flow in opposite directions and do not connect to each other, they are part of the same shared watershed. This means that the water that falls within this region eventually flows into one of these two rivers. This shared watershed is an important resource for the communities and ecosystems of the Great Basin, and it is subject to a variety of environmental threats, including water pollution, habitat loss, and climate change.
Conclusion: The Significance of the Two Rivers
The Humboldt River and the Snake River are two of the most important rivers in the Great Basin. They provide water, energy, and recreation for the communities and ecosystems of this region. They also have important cultural and historical significance, reflecting the rich human and natural history of the West. As such, it is critical that we continue to study and manage these rivers in a sustainable and equitable manner, ensuring that they remain healthy and productive for generations to come.
References and Further Reading
- "Great Basin." National Park Service.
- "Humboldt River." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Humboldt-River
- "Snake River." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Snake-River
- "The Humboldt River Basin." Nevada Division of Water Resources.
- "The Snake River Basin." Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
