Upper Klickitat R. Enhancement, Phase IV

The Klickitat River Phase 4 Enhancement Project improved aquatic habitat to reverse incision downstream of the Klickitat River Road Bridge. Approximately 100 feet downstream of the bridge, the channel was split from a single thread into two channels. Baseflows were transported through the right (west) channel while a portion of flows larger than 400 cfs were routed into a side channel in the left (east) floodplain. The right channel bottom width was reduced from 60ft (current) to 20 ft. Along the margins of the channels log jams were installed. In the right/main channel 9 log jams were placed along the margin and at the apex of the flow split 2 log jams were installed. The jams will provide aquatic habitat, bank stability, and create additional backwater. Jam construction involved excavation of the bed, placement of logs, structural components (vertical snags/piling, boulders, and cabling) and backfilling with native alluvium.

Goal: Enhance river function and increase habitat quantity and quality for steelhead and spring Chinook along approximately 4200 the upper Klickitat River.



Objectives: Address the following limiting habitat features: 1) increase pool quantity and quality, 2) increase large woody debris levels, 3) increase native riparian vegetation frequency and canopy.