Shallow (2m) Temperature Survey and Identification of Thermal Anomalies in the Lost River Valley
Faculty Mentor Information
Madison Albaugh, Idaho State University; and Dr. Ryan Anderson, Idaho State University
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable, and underutilized power source that has the potential to contribute to a positive energy-water future in Idaho. Most known geothermal systems in the western United States with power generation potential have already been harnessed or are ecologically and culturally sensitive. Many unknown systems likely exist in the subsurface but remain undiscovered. The Lost River Valley shows potential to host a blind or hidden geothermal system due to key geologic parameters associated with known geothermal systems in the western United States; however, there is a lack of subsurface surveys of temperature anomalies in the Lost River Valley. A preliminary fairway and geothermal favorability map highlighted prospective areas in the northern part of the valley that should be further investigated. From these points, a shallow, 2-meter temperature gradient survey was used to locate potential anomalies. A demolition hammer was used to drill 104 probes into the ground, spaced roughly less than 1 kilometer apart along multiple transects on public land. Temperature readings at 1, 1.5, and 2 meters were taken using a computer and switch box 2 hours after inserting Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) into each probe. Temperatures from the RTDs were plotted on a ranked plot to determine the average background ground temperature. Comparing the 2-meter data to the calculated background temperature, 12.2 °C, 70 points recorded temperatures above the background. The highest observed temperature at 2 meters was 22.5 °C, but clusters of elevated temperatures were observed only in pairs when perpendicular transects were taken from the highs. The temperature data were then interpolated into a heat map showcasing an area of interest within the valley. The data display plots that can be comprehensively assessed for geothermal prospects. Overall, the elevated temperatures are associated with Quaternary faults and complex fault settings. Based on this conclusion, there may be a hidden geothermal system north of Willow Creek Summit, but deeper and additional surveying should be conducted to verify the claim.
Shallow (2m) Temperature Survey and Identification of Thermal Anomalies in the Lost River Valley
Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable, and underutilized power source that has the potential to contribute to a positive energy-water future in Idaho. Most known geothermal systems in the western United States with power generation potential have already been harnessed or are ecologically and culturally sensitive. Many unknown systems likely exist in the subsurface but remain undiscovered. The Lost River Valley shows potential to host a blind or hidden geothermal system due to key geologic parameters associated with known geothermal systems in the western United States; however, there is a lack of subsurface surveys of temperature anomalies in the Lost River Valley. A preliminary fairway and geothermal favorability map highlighted prospective areas in the northern part of the valley that should be further investigated. From these points, a shallow, 2-meter temperature gradient survey was used to locate potential anomalies. A demolition hammer was used to drill 104 probes into the ground, spaced roughly less than 1 kilometer apart along multiple transects on public land. Temperature readings at 1, 1.5, and 2 meters were taken using a computer and switch box 2 hours after inserting Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) into each probe. Temperatures from the RTDs were plotted on a ranked plot to determine the average background ground temperature. Comparing the 2-meter data to the calculated background temperature, 12.2 °C, 70 points recorded temperatures above the background. The highest observed temperature at 2 meters was 22.5 °C, but clusters of elevated temperatures were observed only in pairs when perpendicular transects were taken from the highs. The temperature data were then interpolated into a heat map showcasing an area of interest within the valley. The data display plots that can be comprehensively assessed for geothermal prospects. Overall, the elevated temperatures are associated with Quaternary faults and complex fault settings. Based on this conclusion, there may be a hidden geothermal system north of Willow Creek Summit, but deeper and additional surveying should be conducted to verify the claim.