Thermal Pattern in Upper Klamath Basin

Salmonid Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RM&E)

Project ID	2010-1
Recovery Domains	-
Start Date	03/03/2011
End Date	09/30/2012
Year	2010
Status	Completed
Last Edited	01/31/2024

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Description

This project did directly support collaborative planning and implementation of salmonid habitat restoration projects planned under the KBRA, KHSA, and related efforts. Specific tasks of this project included:

1. Continuing water temperature monitoring at sites in the Wood, Williamson, and Sprague Rivers
2. Characterizing the spatial and temporal variability of water temperature at monitoring sites
3. Determining the number, size, distribution, relative influence, and hydrogeomorphic setting of spring complexes acting as thermal refugia along the Sprague River
4. Exploring vertical stratification and 3-D patterns of water temperature in selected habitats of the Williamson and Sprague Rivers

Project Benefit

The purpose of this project is to compile, supplement, and analyze water-temperature data to support planning and implementation of habitat restoration and anadromous salmonid re-introduction projects under the KBRA, KHSA, and related efforts. Water temperature exerts a strong influence on spawning and rearing by anadromous salmonids, and therefore acts as a strong determinant of fish survival, production, life history strategies, community dynamics, and (in the case of active re-introduction efforts) stock selection. Whereas elevated summer water temperature can limit or exclude spawning and rearing by salmonids in portions of river systems, thereby confining production potential to thermal refugia, availability of relatively warm groundwater discharges during winter expands the ability of salmonids to express wider ranges in life history strategies. Thorough understanding of the thermal characteristics, distribution, and extent of reaches influenced by groundwater, integrated with a similar understanding of the reaches not influenced by groundwater, is important for planning anadromous fish reintroduction strategies.

Accomplishments

Metric

Completed

Originally
Proposed

Research and Monitoring

Stream Miles Monitored

150.00

Source

Funds

PCSRF

$220,000

Report Total:

$220,000

Worksites

UKL drainage

Worksite Identifier: UKL drainage
Start Date:
End Date:

Area Description
Sprague, Williamson, and Wood rivers

Location Information

Basin: Klamath (180102)
Subbasin: 18010202
Watershed:
Subwatershed:

State: Oregon
Recovery Domain:
Latitude: 42.490570277
Longitude: -121.790771484

ESU

No ESU data was found for this worksite.

Map

Photos

Metrics

E.0 Salmonid Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RM&E)Y (Y/N)

. . E.0.a RM&E Funding 219,990.00
. . E.0.b
Complement habitat restoration project

none

. . E.0.c

Project identified in a plan or watershed assessment.
Huntington, C. W. et al. 2006. Reintroduction of anadromous salmonids to the upper Klamath basin: an evaluation and conceptual plan. Report prepared for the Klamath Tribes, Chiloquin, Oregon, and the Yurok Tribe, Klamath, California.

. . E.0.d.1 Number of Cooperating Organizations 0
. . E.0.d.2
Name Of Cooperating Organizations.

none
. . E.0.e.1 Number of reports prepared 8
. . E.0.e.2
Name Of Report

none

. . E.1 MonitoringY (Y/N)

. . . . E.1.a Monitoring funding 101,877.00
. . . . E.1.b.1 Stream Miles Monitored 150.00
. . . . E.1.b.2 Acres of Watershed Area Monitored 1,565.0

. . . . E.1.c.8 Water quality monitoringY (Y/N)

. . . . . . E.1.c.8.a # miles (to nearest 0.01 mile) of stream monitored for water quality 150.00

. . . . E.1.d

Name Of Comprehensive Monitoring Strategy/Program
Barry, M., L. et al. 2008. Business plan for the Upper Klamath Basin keystone initiative, a 10-year initiative to secure Upper Klamath Basin native fish populations. Report prepared for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Washington, D. C.

. . E.2 ResearchY (Y/N)

. . . . E.2.a Research Funding 118,113.00

. . . . E.2.b.5 Habitat attribute studyY (Y/N)

. . . . . . E.2.b.5.a

Key issues addressed by habitat attribute research
Carefully describing and understanding the thermal refugia in the Sprague River sub-basin will enhance our ability to predict how anadromous fish will use them, and to what extent. Use of thermal refugia in the Sprague system will be important determinants of success for life history strategies relying on summer-time rearing in main stem habitats.