Potential Recharge Estimates of Arctic Lakes to Aid Water Management on the North Slope of Alaska

Chad Cormack
Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska, Fairbanks

Water is a valuable resource on the North Slope of Alaska. Oil companies require a great amount of water for various applications such as ice road construction, drilling operations, and facility use. Regional lakes supply this large demand. Currently, water usage is limited to 15 to 30 percent of under ice volume, dependent on fish habitation. This study evaluates current water use practices, and is developing hydrologic engineering tools to better access water availability in the area. Many parameters influence the availability of water at each unique lake on the North Slope. Weather data such as precipitation, snow depth, temperature, and net radiation each directly impact the amount of annual recharge to lakes. Since weather data on the North Slope is relatively scarce, a network of weather stations was installed specifically for this project. Appropriately applying data from these stations improves potential recharge estimates. Delineating watershed and lake areas is equally as important. Applying these hydrologic principles and others will help improve water management on the North Slope of Alaska.

For more information contact: Jeff Derry (907) 322- 3026