Baker Hot Springs are a system of geothermal springs located on Fumarole Butte, northwest of the town of Delta, Utah. The springs were formerly known as Crater Springs and Abraham Hot Springs.[2]
| Baker Hot Springs | |
|---|---|
| Crater Springs Abraham Hot Springs | |
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 | |
| Coordinates | 39°37′N 112°44′W / 39.61°N 112.73°W |
| Elevation | 1460[1] |
| Type | volcanic |
| Discharge | 17 gallons per second |
| Temperature | 180°F |
Water profile
editThe hot mineral water emerges from the spring at 180 °F/82 °C.[2] The primary mineral content is manganese,[3] and water has a high sulphur content giving it the characteristic "rotten egg" smell.[4]
A 1976 inventory mapped 40 spring openings with an estimated flow of 90 liters per second.[1] In 2011, the spring water discharged at 17 gallons per second, and flows into three concrete soaking pools,[5] approximately 5' x 8'; these concrete structures are all that is left of an old resort.[4] Next to the soaking pools is a channel with cold spring water that can be diverted into the soaking pools to cool the water.[4] Nearby are hot water seeps that can be dug out to create primitive soaking pools.[6]
Geology
editThe hot springs and seeps are located in the Sevier Desert on Fumarole Butte which is a basaltic andesite type of shield volcano from the Quaternary period, overlaying basalt and rhyolite.[7] The hot water emerges from a travertine and alluvial mound (sometimes described as a tufa mound) that flank the eastern side of the basalt lava formation. The area is fenced, but accessible, and used primarily by locals. There are a series of concrete soaking tubs constructed west of the spring heads.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Rush, Eugene (1983). Reconnaissance of the Hydrothermal Resources of Utah. U.S. Geological Survey. pp. H28–H29. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
- ^ a b Berry, George W.; Grim, Paul J.; Ikelman, Joy A. (1980). Thermal Springs List for the United States. Boulder, Colorado: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
- ^ "Baker Hot Springs". Western Mining History. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
- ^ a b c Gersh-Young, Marjorie (2011). Hot Springs and Hot Pools of the Southwest. Santa Cruz, CA: Aqua Therma Press. p. 52. ISBN 978-1-890880-09-5.
- ^ "Baker Hot Springs". The Ultimate Hot Springs Guide. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
- ^ "Baker Hot Springs". Outdoor Project. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
- ^ "Black Rock Desert Volcanic Field, Geology and History". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
- ^ Unlimited Outdoor Adventure, Utah: Recreation 2000, a Revitalized Approach. U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1990. p. 34. Retrieved April 9, 2023.