This article describes the development of a calibrated hydrologic model for the Blue River watershed (867 km2) in Summit County, Colorado. This watershed provides drinking water to over a third of Colorado?s population. However, more research on model calibration and development for small mountain watersheds is needed. This work required integration of subsurface and surface hydrology using GIS data, and included aspects unique to mountain watersheds such as snow hydrology, high ground-water gradients, and large differences in climate between the headwaters and outlet. Given the importance of this particular watershed as a major urban drinking-water source, the rapid development occurring in small mountain watersheds, and the importance [...]
