Snapshots from a tour of the Steamboat Springs geothermal area and power plant south of Reno, Nevada: sinter, silica and sulfur

Fissure of main sinter terrace at Steamboat Springs

On Saturday October 12, 2019, I joined a guided trip around the Steamboat Spring geothermal area.  The tour was organized by the NV Bureau of Mines Mines and Geology. Out tour guide, a geologist of Ormat Technologies, Inc., which operates the plant, did an excellent job in explaining everything from geothermal energy production, local geology, mineralogy and on-site plant life.

Traveling around between Reno and Carson City or over to Incline Village, you may have seen the hilly area with its facilities and occasional puffs of steam—just  south of Mt. Rose Highway near the Summit Mall and west of old US 395. The new I-395 is traversing the geothermal grounds. You need to be part of a designated tour to enter the area.

What's in the fissure? What may come out?

Steamboat Springs is a small volcanic field that lies on several rhyolitic domes named the Steamboat Hills Rhyolite [1]. The geothermal activity of the area includes hot springs, steam vents and fumaroles. Geyser eruptions have been observed in the past [2]. The geology of this thermal area has been studied in depth (see, for example, the list of references given in [1] and the Geological Survey report [3]).

Chalcedonic quartz found at high terrace

Soft, white rock at silica pit resulting from acid attack on bedrock

The supply of hot water at Steamboat Springs originates as Carson Range snowmelt runoff seeping through porous rock and fractures down to the granite bedrock. It is thought to be heated above a magma chamber, from where it then rises rapidly in a plume-like form along other fractures. Production of electricity at Steamboat Springs began in 1984.

Our trip included a visit of the power plant and hands-on exploration of the main sinter terrace, the high terrace (silica hill) and the silica pit.

Dwarf Jeffrey pines holding on to a steep, white slope of silica pit

While browsing the main sinter terrace, two elderly lady participants mentioned how they were playing in the warm water on the terrace, before the area was managed by Ormat. Today, there is no visible outflow of hot water, but we saw some steam coming out from what we were told had been an active fumarole along one of the fissures. Two open, parallel, north-south directed fissures are the most striking features that you will immediately notice when arriving at the main sinter terrace. You may not notice the rare steamboat buckwheat plants growing on the main terrace and nearby; but your tour guide will point them out to you and make sure you are not going to step on any individual of this interesting species that found its niche in a challenging sinter-and-soil environment.    

Sulfur crystals dusted with white-rock crumble found at silica pit

Yellow hard hats were required while touring the power plant

 

How to plan a visit to the Steamboat Springs geothermal area

Watch out for announcements at the Geo-tripping in Nevada site. A Draft Field Trip Guide is available online.

References

[1]  Site descriptions by the University of Nevada, Reno, and the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology. Link: data.nbmg.unr.edu/Public/Geothermal/SiteDescriptions/Reno.pdf.

[2] Dave Coppedge: Steamboat Springs' lost geysir. Link: www.flickr.com/photos/psa104/8445144069.

[3] D. White, G. A. Thompson and C. H. Sandberg: Rocks, Structure, and Geologic History of Steamboat Springs Thermal Area, Washoe County, Nevada. Geological Survey Professional Paper 458-B, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, 1964. Link: pubs.usgs.gov/pp/0458b/report.pdf.

Street Vibes in Virginia City, Nevada

 
Street Vibrations (Sep. 25-29, 2019) are happening in Virginia City: music, metal and motorcycles. C Street parking lots are reserved for bikes and bikers, who cruised into town from near and far. The Street Vibrations® Fall Rally, as the event is officially known, is not limited to motorsports. Throughout Reno-Tahoe, you will find activities, shows and entertainment sparking motorcyclists and friends.

Virginia City's C Street, Friday, September 27, 2019

Vibes and sparkles in front of Virginia City's Silver Queen

Deadman's Creek alive

Straight cinnamon-white thorns around a red-brown stem of a Deadman's Creek woods' rose

Deadman's Creek is located between Washoe City and Carson City. In 1998, a fire damaged much of the riparian zone, but the willows and aspen trees have returned. There is a mysterious gravesite at the trailhead of Deadman's Creek Trail and the local history is mysterious as well: two dead pioneer ranchers found at what became knowns as Dead Man's Ranch.

Today, Deadman's Creek is alive, considering its animal and plant life and all the hikers, who come to climb uphill to the gazebo and enjoy the panoramic views of Washoe Lake and the Carson Range. The riparian section of Deadman's Creek Trail is an interpretive nature path introducing visitors to common desert plants of Nevada and some animals frequenting the Virginia Range foothills of Washoe Lake State Park. In the following, you will find the trailside text of some of the signs describing the local flora and fauna and giving hints what to watch. Early spring is typically the best time to see wild flowers such as phlox covering the ground around the gazebo. Detailed trail descriptions are available online [1-3]. 

Wild Rose (Rosa woodsia)

Wild Rose (Rosa woodsia) is a shrub that can grow up to six feet tall. It has small, fragrant flowers, but watch out for the thorns!

Local Native American tribes used this plant in many different ways. Its seeds were cooked and eaten for muscular pain, young shoots and rose hips were brewed into a tea rich in vitamins A and C, and the older branches were to make arrow shafts.

I didn't find other references to Rosa woodsia. I think the current scientific name is Rosa woodsii (a species of the family Rosaceae), also known by the common name Woods' rose. Between willow branches, I zoomed in on a wild-rose stem lined with thorns, shown in the top picture.

Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis)

Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis) is easily identified by its bright green, apparently leafless stems (it actually does have tiny, scale-like leaves). It can grow up to 4 feet high. Mormon Tea is found across Nevada and throughout arid areas of the Southwest.

This plant was widely used by Native American and pioneers alike for its variety of medicinal properties.

Mormon tea, also known as Indian tea and green ephedra, belongs to the genus Ephedra, the only genus in the plant family Ephedraceae.

Mormon tea: curtains of nearly aligned yellowish-green stems

Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)

Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is Nevada's state flower and a familiar sight for anyone in the Southwest. It is easily identified by its silvery three-lobed leaves.

Big Sagebrush blooms in late summer and fall with tiny yellow flowers.

Native Americans had many uses for this plant: rope and clothing were woven from the stringy bark and leaves were brewed into a medicinal tea.

The silvery-leaved state flower of the Silver State belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae).

Bitterbrush (Pursia tridentata)

Bitterbrush (Pursia tridentata) covers tens of millions of acres and remains one of the most ubiquitous shrubs, next to sagebrush. It can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from arid flats to alpine zones well above timberline.

During the spring, these shrubs are covered with spice, almost “cinnamon”-scentedyellow flowers (Great Basin Wildflowers).

Bitterbrush is an important browse species for Mule Deer.

Bitterbrush belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae).

Rubber Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosus)

Rubber Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosus) is common throughout the Great Basin. It is a gray-green shrub that blooms late summer and fall with golden yellow flowers. When a piece of the plant's leaves are crushed, it emits a strong odor. The plant's common name refers to its high latex content. It is one of the first plants to grow back after a fire.

Rubber rabbitbrush, also known as gray rabbitbrush, belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). This species is also known as gray rabbitbrush. And indeed, after brightening the desert landscape with its full yellow bloom in late summer and fall, rabbitbrush transforms into a bunch of thin, gray stems and branches.

One shade of gray: rabbitbrush stems and branches in winter pressed down by the weight of a recent snow blanket

 

Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) have long, toothed leaves and are found near water. When touched with bare skin, these plants produce a painful rash. Keep an eye out for these plants along the creek side of the trail. The young leaves of this plant are edible when boiled, however, wild plants should not be eaten unless the consumer is positive it is non-poisonous.

The stinging nettle is a member of the nettle family (Urticaceae).

Reptiles

Snakes and other reptiles are frequently seen on this trail. Some common reptiles in the area include: western fence lizards, desert horned lizards, striped racers, Great Basin rattlesnakes, and Great Basin gopher snakes. The Great Basin rattlesnake is venomous and should be observed from a safe distance. Please view all wildlife from a distance and leave them undisturbed.

Bird Life

Many different species of birds, such as Black-billed Magpies and Great Horned Owls, have been known to nest in the willows and cottonwoods surrounding the lake. Some common birds that can be seen in this area are Red-tailed Hawks, California Quail, and Turkey Vultures.

Lichen on the rocks near the rock shelter alongside upper Deadman's Creek Trail

References and more to explore

[1] Rich Moreno: Washoe Valley's Deadman's Creek Trail. Backyard Traveler, January 5, 2007. Link: backyardtraveler.blogspot.com/2007/01/washoe-valleys-deadmans-creek-trail.html.
[2] Hiking Deadman's Creek Trail. NewToReno.com. Link: newtoreno.com/hiking-deadmans-creek-trail-nevada.htm.
[3] Sam Bauman: On the Trail with Sam Bauman: Dead Man's Creek trail offers easy hike, views of Washoe Valley. Lahontan Valley News, May 13, 2010. Link: www.nevadaappeal.com/news/on-the-trail-with-sam-bauman-dead-mans-creek-trail-offers-easy-hike-views-of-washoe-valley/.

Art attack in Carson City: swinging and swirling around a blowball

Commissioned mural created by Bryce Chisholm, seen from S Minnesota St./W Second St. intersection in Carson City (January 2019)

The blowball

The Brewery Arts Center in Carson City celebrates art, music, dance, theater and all the arts [1]. Nothing expresses this celebration of cultural confluence better than the merry wall painting on South Minnesota Street: a young girl blows the seeds from a dandelion seed head and the swirling seeds are turning into notes. Watch and you will hear the music!

The Arts Center website features the mural under the title “Strings of Imagination” [2]. The artist is Reno-based Bryce Chisholm, whose portfolio includes mural arts. Bryce Chisholm describes his style of art as “a clash of fine art and street” [3]. The street in front of the commissioned mural has been remodeled into a gathering area with picnic tables—or are they drafting tables? Anyway, a great community place to relax, enjoy outdoor art and get inspired by art and artists.

Can you hear the music?

Keywords: street art, experimental art, mural arts, stencil graffiti, sight-seeing Carson City, northwest Nevada.

References and more

[1] Art attack: Brewery Arts Center, Carson City, NV: http://www.abcartattack.com/murals?lightbox=image_4dw.
[2] Strings of Imagination: see slide-show banner at http://breweryarts.org/blog/
[3] Bryce Chisholm - A Stencil Artist Profile: https://www.stencilartprize.com/stencil-artist-profile-bryce-chisholm/.
[4] Map of historic Carson City to locate the “mural  intersection” of  S Minnesota St. and W Second St. in the lower section of the blue framed area:  https://carson.org/home/showdocument?id=39379.