Average daily water temperatures have been measured exceeding 70 degrees F in the lower 5 miles of Omak Creek. High water temperatures are caused by the lack of canopy due to logging and livestock use. During the 1920s a railroad was routed along Omak Creek and likely most older growth timber located along the creek was removed. Within the past 30 years, an area from RM 2.9 to 5.1 has been utilized for over-wintering livestock. Recently, as a result of the Tribes effort to reestablish spring Chinook salmon in the lower reach of Omak Creek, policy has been instated to exclude livestock use from this area. Furthermore, funding has been approved to restore the lower 5.1 miles of Omak Creek. Restoration practices include installation of instream structures, re-sloping vertical, actively eroding banks, and planting riparian vegetation. In the interim of reestablishing riparian vegetation, nearby irrigation wells (~RM 4.5) could be utilized to deliver cold water (1,000 gpm @ ~ 58 degrees F) to Omak Creek and reduce peak water temperatures. This ground water input would reduce peak temperatures until riparian vegetation becomes established. This groundwater input would improve egg incubation, juvenile survival and increase pool depth for adult holding. In addition, this area is the future location for a small acclimation pond for spring Chinook. This groundwater would be used as a warm water source to reduce frazil ice at the pond.
