Lemhi Basin High Flows

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

Monitoring
Project ID052 04 SA
Recovery DomainsSnake River
Start Date03/31/2008
End Date09/30/2008
Year2004
StatusCompleted
Last Edited01/14/2025
 
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Description    


Seven stream gages were installed in the Upper Lemhi River through this project; Idaho Power installed the stations and IDWR staff maintained them. Station locations include the following: Lemhi Little Springs Creek, Big Eightmile Creek, Lemhi Big Springs Creek, Canyon Creek, Lemhi River above L63, Hawley Creek, and Texas Creek. Five of these gages were purchased through this contract. Five to six measurements were taken at each gaging station between May 7, 2008 and June 27, 2008. More than 300 hundred instantaneous flow measurements were taken on streams and diversions between May 30, 2008 and June 27, 2008 using FlowTracker or Swooffer current meters or StreamPro ADCP. Two of the gaging locations were changed from the original proposal because of excessive snow in Mill Creek and findings from early field reconnaissance.

IDWR flow records were developed using Aquaris software and Idaho Power flow records were developed using WISKI software. The gaging stations used OTT Nimbus surface water level sensors.

The measurement locations were based on importance to potential contributions to high flows in the main Lemhi River or their importance to return flows to the main Lemhi River. The diversion flow measurements were compared to measuring device readings across a range of flows. In most cases, the measuring devices read within plus or minus 10 percent of the current meter measurements. These data will be used to better calibrate the existing Upper Lemhi MIKE Basin model.

Improved understanding of the high flow seasonal flows will help in the management of the available water supplies to meet competing demands between existing users and future water needs.


Project Benefit    


The Upper Salmon Basin is a large area with a wide range of potential projects which could benefit ESA-listed species. Data collection and analysis will enhance development of flow targets and understand seasonal variation and diversion rates for selected reaches, which is needed by all partners in the basin. By collecting field data and monitoring actual field conditions, projects can be assessed for their effectiveness and success in meeting PCSRF goals and needs.

Accomplishments

Metric Completed Originally
Proposed
Research and Monitoring
  Stream Miles Monitored 149.40 149.40

Funding Details

SourceFunds
PCSRF$47,561
State$16,982
Report Total:$64,543


Project Map



Worksites

Upper Salmon River Basin    


  • Worksite Identifier: Upper Salmon River Basin
  • Start Date: 03/31/2008
  • End Date: 09/30/2008
Area Description

No Area Description data was found for this worksite.

Location Information

  • Basin: Salmon (170602)
  • Subbasin: Lemhi (17060204)
  • Watershed:
  • Subwatershed: 170602040501
  • State: Idaho
  • Recovery Domain: Snake River
  • Latitude: 44.69096816
  • Longitude: -113.342102643

ESU

  • Snake River Basin Steelhead DPS
  • Snake River Spring/Summer-run Chinook Salmon ESU

Map

Photos

Metrics

Metrics
  • E.0 Salmonid Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RM&E)Y (Y/N)
    •      . . E.0.a RM&E Funding 64,543.00
    •      . . E.0.b
      Complement habitat restoration project
      None. This project will complement projects in the future.
    •      . . E.0.c
      Project identified in a plan or watershed assessment.
      NWPCC, 2004. Salmon Subbasin Management Plan, In, Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Management Program, Portland Oregon
    •      . . E.0.d.1 Number of Cooperating Organizations 3
    •      . . E.0.d.2
      Name Of Cooperating Organizations.
      Idaho Dept of Water Resources, Idaho Office Species Conservation, Bonneville Power Administration, Idaho Power Company
    •      . . E.0.e.1 Number of reports prepared 2
    •      . . E.0.e.2
      Name Of Report
      2008 Lemhi Flows Study, Nicholas Scheidt, IDWR, Boise, Idaho 2008, OSC Final Report, Nicholas Scheidt, IDWR, Boise, Idaho
    •      . . E.1 MonitoringY (Y/N)
      •      . . . . E.1.a Monitoring funding 64,543.00
      •      . . . . E.1.b.1 Stream Miles Monitored 149.40
      •      . . . . E.1.b.2 Acres of Watershed Area Monitored 532,654.0
      •      . . . . E.1.c.9 Water quantity (flow) monitoringY (Y/N)
        •      . . . . . . E.1.c.9.a # miles (to nearest 0.01 mile) monitored for water quantity (flow) monitoring 149.40
        •      . . . . E.1.d
          Name Of Comprehensive Monitoring Strategy/Program
          None
        •      . . . . E.1.e
          Description of monitoring
          Data will be used to assist flow enhancement and habitat restoration decisions made by the Upper Salmon Basin Technical Team or other parties that may propose projects.