Estimation of baseflow and flooding characteristics for East Canyon Creek, Summit and Morgan Counties, Utah

An improved understanding of hydrologic responses to changing climatic conditions is needed to better inform water management practices.East Canyon Creek, a perennial, snowmelt-dominated stream in the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah, is subjected to increasing development and demands on water in the Snyderville Basin and adjacent areas.In this study, streamflow and specific conductance measured at three U.S. Geological Survey streamgages on East Canyon Creek were used to estimate daily baseflow for water years 2011-22.Trends in these estimates and correlations with climate data from two Natural Resource Conservation Service snow telemetry (SNOTEL) stations within the Snyderville Basin above East Canyon Reservoir, were quantified and reported.Peak annual streamflow also was assessed for flood potential on the study reach of East Canyon Creek.The hydrograph separations showed consistent baseflow indices among all sites, with a larger baseflow component during the fall-spring period (September-April; baseflow indices approximately equal to [] 0.751-0.835)and smaller component during the summer period (May-August; baseflow indices 0.428-0.532).In-stream specific conductance during spring (February-April) was influenced by road salt application, limiting the utility of the hydrograph separation approach.Annual streamflow and climate data were evaluated for trends