Hydrogeology of the McKinney Butte Area: Sisters, Oregon

Abstract

McKinney Butte, a late Tertiary andesite vent and flow complex, is located near the town of Sisters, Oregon, in the upper Deschutes Basin, and is situated along the structural trend that forms the eastern margin of the High Cascades graben (Sisters fault zone and Green Ridge). Rapid development and over appropriated surface water resources in this area have led to an increased dependence upon groundwater

Simulation of groundwater and surface-water flow in the upper Deschutes Basin, Oregon

“…The locations of simulated gains along the upper reaches of Whychus Creek and Indian Ford Creek, are also consistent with earlier measurements and estimates. The gain to Whychus Creek east of McKinney Butte downstream of the confluence with Indian Ford Creek reflects known discharge from springs at that location (Hackett, 2011).…”