Randy Host preparing to sample discharge and collect water quality samples on an icy Alsek River in winter.
USGS Transboundary River Monitoring in Southeast Alaska Active
By Alaska Science Center
March 29, 2023
The USGS Alaska Science Center operates super gages on the Alsek, Taku, Stikine, Unuk and Salmon Rivers. Discrete water quality, sediment, and biological sampling are also collected at each gage location. Discrete water quality samples are also collected annually at the Canada-Alaska border crossings of the Taku, Stikine, and Unuk Rivers. Water quality data collection began in 2018 on the Unuk River.
Return to Water
Click on each river’s name to access data and more information about each site.
A geologic study is concurrently being conducted by the USGS Alaska Science Center to improve understanding of mineral and geologic potential of study area watersheds. This information will be used to assess watershed potential to contain precious- and base-metal mineralization that may affect water quality.
Background
The Salmon, Unuk, Stikine, Taku, and Alsek Rivers originate in Canada and flow into Southeast Alaska. All five of these rivers support customary and traditional, recreational, and commercial salmon fisheries. Portions of the Stikine watershed and the entirety of the Unuk and Salmon watersheds are located in what is known at the Golden Triangle as it contains some of the richest gold ore bodies in the world. Salmon fisheries contribute an estimated $1 billion into the regional economy annually. These transboundary watersheds are within the traditional lands of several Alaska Native tribes and First Nations people. Salmon have been integral to the cultures and the livelihoods of communities throughout this region for thousands of years.
The quantity and quality of streamflow in transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska are important to local Tribes and other stakeholders. The recently completed Northwest Transmission Line in British Columbia has brought power to the southern transboundary region and accelerated mineral exploration and mine developments, which has further increased local and national interest in current and future conditions in these watersheds. There are also some historic mines that are of concern due to acid mine drainage continuing to seep into local surface and groundwaters.
Congress directed the USGS in 2018 to partner with local Tribes and other Federal agencies as necessary in the area to develop a water quality strategy for transboundary rivers impacted by mining activities. Beginning in 2019, the USGS began a study of baseline water-quality conditions in transboundary rivers across the Pacific Northwest, including ongoing studies being conducted by USGS Science Centers in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
Purpose and Scope
This baseline assessment and continuous monitoring project will collect data to characterize water quality conditions to facilitate future assessments of potential impacts from upstream mining activities. The term “baseline” refers to current conditions of the Salmon, Alsek, Stikine, Taku, and Unuk Rivers in Alaska, which may have already been affected by upstream mining activities that date back to at least the 1860s. Characterization of baseline conditions in transboundary rivers will be accomplished through (1) assessment of the geology and mineralization potential of study area watersheds, (2) retrospective analysis and new data collection to characterize the water, sediment, and biological quality of the Salmon, Alsek, Stikine, Taku, and Unuk Rivers, and (3) the establishment of partnerships with tribes and government agencies to ensure that assessments meet the needs of Tribes and local stakeholders.
Study Area
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Other USGS Transboundary Rivers Projects
Pacific Northwest Transboundary Projects
USGS Montana Transboundary Project
USGS Idaho Transboundary Project
Collaborators and other transboundary river investigators
Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA)
In response to the opening of Red Chris and increased mining pressure in the Stikine, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida (CCTHITA) started a five-year discrete water quality project in November 2015 with monthly sampling in ice-free periods on the Stikine and Taku Rivers. CCTHITA started sampling the Alsek River in June 2018. They sample two sites per river on the Stikine and Taku rivers. Water samples are collected at the surface and at five and ten feet below the surface. Parameters such as water temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and specific conductance are collected at the time of sampling. Samples are sent for laboratory analyses for a suite of constituents which include dissolved and total metals, nutrients, and organic pollutants. Fine sediments are sampled annually.
Yakutat Tlingit Tribe (YTT) and the Yakutat Forelands Project. Their sampling program is similar to that of CCTHITA for the Alsek. YTT began sampling the Alsek in September 2018.
Wrangell Cooperative Association
Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN)
TRTFN is planning remediation efforts of mine sites on the Tulsequah River. TRTFN began sampling water, sediment, and fish tissue annually in October 2019.
Flathead Lake Biological Station at the University of Montana (FLBS)
FLBS scientists actively study the impacts of mining on rivers shared between British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Activities include the development of long-term ecological monitoring plans and creating collaborations that increase the capacity for conducting science and applying to environmental decision-making in transboundary watersheds.
Monitoring Mining Effects in the Kootenai River Watershed
The Kootenai River (Kootenay in Canada) rises from the Canadian Rockies and flows south in an arc through Montana and Idaho before swinging back into British Columbia and the Columbia River. The uplifted sedimentary rocks forming the southern Canadian Rockies have rich coal deposits that have been mined for many decades. The coal beds and associated rock layers are enriched with other minerals as...
Suspended-Sediment and Solids Sampling
Suspended-sediment samples are collected on each visit at both gage and border site locations.
Transboundary Assessments of Water Quality in the Pacific Northwest
In 2019, the USGS began studying the baseline water-quality of selected transboundary rivers in the Pacific Northwest. These studies are designed to characterize current water-quality conditions so as to facilitate future assessments of potential impacts related to upstream mining activities.
Unuk River
The Unuk River is the second smallest watershed in the transboundary study of Southeast Alaska, but has three large mining projects in development (Kerr-Sulplherets-Mitchell (KSM), Brucejack, and Eskay Creek).
Stikine River
The Stikine River near Wrangell and Petersburg is the largest watershed in the transboundary study of Southeast Alaska.
Taku River
Adverse water quality from a trio of historic mines in the Tulsequah River watershed, a tributary of the Taku River, have caused concern in local communities including Juneau, Alaska, and Atlin, British Columbia
Alsek River
The Alsek River is the furthest north watershed in the transboundary study of Southeast Alaska, reaching 300 miles north of Haines Junction, Yukon Territory.
Super Gages and Water Quality Sampling
Super gages provide real-time data specifically designed to improve understanding of watershed processes and to address specific water-resource issues such as climate and land-use effects or hazardous substance spills.
Salmon River
The Salmon River, located near Hyder, Alaska, and Stewart, British Columbia, is the smallest watershed in the transboundary study of Southeast Alaska.
Assessing the impacts of mining in the Transboundary Flathead and Kootenai River systems
The Transboundary Flathead and Kootenai Basins in Montana and British Columbia host some of the most diverse and unique native aquatic ecosystems throughout North America. Headwaters of these basin feed into Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (U.S. and Canada) and Flathead Lake, and Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River in the U.S. Despite the tremendous historical and ecological value of...
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Icy Alsek River in winter
Randy Host preparing to sample discharge and collect water quality samples on an icy Alsek River in winter.
Blue River confluence with Unuk River, Alaska
Blue River confluence with Unuk River in the volcanic Iskut-Unuk River Cones region. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Blue River confluence with Unuk River in the volcanic Iskut-Unuk River Cones region. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Unuk River waterfalls from old lava pipes
Unuk River waterfalls from old lava pipes. Volcanic lava pipes form as the result of violent eruptions of deep-origin volcanoes. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Unuk River waterfalls from old lava pipes. Volcanic lava pipes form as the result of violent eruptions of deep-origin volcanoes. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Fairweather Range, Alaska
Fairweather Range, Alaska. The mountain range spans across Alaska and the Canadian province of British Columbia. Photo taken while flying over range.
Fairweather Range, Alaska. The mountain range spans across Alaska and the Canadian province of British Columbia. Photo taken while flying over range.
Early Morning on the Stikine River, Alaska
The USGS crew heads upriver early one winter day and sees an increible sunrise on the Stikine River.
The USGS crew heads upriver early one winter day and sees an increible sunrise on the Stikine River.
USGS boat at the Stikine River gage site, Alaska
The USGS boat at the Stikine River gage site, Alaska. The Stikine River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska. Visit USGS Transboundary River Monitoring in Southeast Alaska for more information about our research.
The USGS boat at the Stikine River gage site, Alaska. The Stikine River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska. Visit USGS Transboundary River Monitoring in Southeast Alaska for more information about our research.
Sampling the Unuk River, Alaska
USGS Hydrologist Randy Host performs compass calibrations for discharge measurements at the Unuk River. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska. This site has a Super Gage which is a conventional streamflow gage equipped with continuous water-quality monitors.
USGS Hydrologist Randy Host performs compass calibrations for discharge measurements at the Unuk River. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska. This site has a Super Gage which is a conventional streamflow gage equipped with continuous water-quality monitors.
Gearing up boat at the Alsek River, Alaska
Preparing the boat for isokinetic water sampling using the equal discharge increment method on the Alsek River.
Preparing the boat for isokinetic water sampling using the equal discharge increment method on the Alsek River.
Approaching the Taku River via helicopter to perform fieldwork
Approaching the Taku River via helicopter to perform fieldwork.
Approaching the Taku River via helicopter to perform fieldwork.
Water Quality Monitoring and Sampling on the Unuk River, Alaska
USGS hydrologist monitoring water quality and collecting samples at USGS Station15015595 on the Unuk River, Alaska. In 2019, the USGS began studying the baseline water-quality of selected transboundary rivers in Alaska.
USGS hydrologist monitoring water quality and collecting samples at USGS Station15015595 on the Unuk River, Alaska. In 2019, the USGS began studying the baseline water-quality of selected transboundary rivers in Alaska.
Salmon River in Southeast Alaska
Salmon River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Salmon River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Chilkat River in Southeast Alaska
Chilkat River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Chilkat River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Alsek River in Southeast Alaska
Alsek River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Alsek River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Unuk River in Southeast Alaska
Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Taku River in Southeast Alaska
Taku River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Taku River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
- Overview
The USGS Alaska Science Center operates super gages on the Alsek, Taku, Stikine, Unuk and Salmon Rivers. Discrete water quality, sediment, and biological sampling are also collected at each gage location. Discrete water quality samples are also collected annually at the Canada-Alaska border crossings of the Taku, Stikine, and Unuk Rivers. Water quality data collection began in 2018 on the Unuk River.
Return to Water
Click on each river’s name to access data and more information about each site.
A geologic study is concurrently being conducted by the USGS Alaska Science Center to improve understanding of mineral and geologic potential of study area watersheds. This information will be used to assess watershed potential to contain precious- and base-metal mineralization that may affect water quality.
Background
The Salmon, Unuk, Stikine, Taku, and Alsek Rivers originate in Canada and flow into Southeast Alaska. All five of these rivers support customary and traditional, recreational, and commercial salmon fisheries. Portions of the Stikine watershed and the entirety of the Unuk and Salmon watersheds are located in what is known at the Golden Triangle as it contains some of the richest gold ore bodies in the world. Salmon fisheries contribute an estimated $1 billion into the regional economy annually. These transboundary watersheds are within the traditional lands of several Alaska Native tribes and First Nations people. Salmon have been integral to the cultures and the livelihoods of communities throughout this region for thousands of years.
The quantity and quality of streamflow in transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska are important to local Tribes and other stakeholders. The recently completed Northwest Transmission Line in British Columbia has brought power to the southern transboundary region and accelerated mineral exploration and mine developments, which has further increased local and national interest in current and future conditions in these watersheds. There are also some historic mines that are of concern due to acid mine drainage continuing to seep into local surface and groundwaters.
Congress directed the USGS in 2018 to partner with local Tribes and other Federal agencies as necessary in the area to develop a water quality strategy for transboundary rivers impacted by mining activities. Beginning in 2019, the USGS began a study of baseline water-quality conditions in transboundary rivers across the Pacific Northwest, including ongoing studies being conducted by USGS Science Centers in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
Purpose and Scope
This baseline assessment and continuous monitoring project will collect data to characterize water quality conditions to facilitate future assessments of potential impacts from upstream mining activities. The term “baseline” refers to current conditions of the Salmon, Alsek, Stikine, Taku, and Unuk Rivers in Alaska, which may have already been affected by upstream mining activities that date back to at least the 1860s. Characterization of baseline conditions in transboundary rivers will be accomplished through (1) assessment of the geology and mineralization potential of study area watersheds, (2) retrospective analysis and new data collection to characterize the water, sediment, and biological quality of the Salmon, Alsek, Stikine, Taku, and Unuk Rivers, and (3) the establishment of partnerships with tribes and government agencies to ensure that assessments meet the needs of Tribes and local stakeholders.
Study Area
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsDEM of the five watersheds in the USGS Alaska Transboundary Project. The topography is mountainous, and elevations range from sea level at the river outlets to 13,450 feet in the Alsek watershed. Hydrography reflects the mainstem of each river and major tributaries.(Public domain.) Other USGS Transboundary Rivers Projects
Pacific Northwest Transboundary Projects
USGS Montana Transboundary Project
USGS Idaho Transboundary ProjectCollaborators and other transboundary river investigators
Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA)
In response to the opening of Red Chris and increased mining pressure in the Stikine, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida (CCTHITA) started a five-year discrete water quality project in November 2015 with monthly sampling in ice-free periods on the Stikine and Taku Rivers. CCTHITA started sampling the Alsek River in June 2018. They sample two sites per river on the Stikine and Taku rivers. Water samples are collected at the surface and at five and ten feet below the surface. Parameters such as water temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and specific conductance are collected at the time of sampling. Samples are sent for laboratory analyses for a suite of constituents which include dissolved and total metals, nutrients, and organic pollutants. Fine sediments are sampled annually.Yakutat Tlingit Tribe (YTT) and the Yakutat Forelands Project. Their sampling program is similar to that of CCTHITA for the Alsek. YTT began sampling the Alsek in September 2018.
Wrangell Cooperative Association
Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN)
TRTFN is planning remediation efforts of mine sites on the Tulsequah River. TRTFN began sampling water, sediment, and fish tissue annually in October 2019.Flathead Lake Biological Station at the University of Montana (FLBS)
FLBS scientists actively study the impacts of mining on rivers shared between British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Activities include the development of long-term ecological monitoring plans and creating collaborations that increase the capacity for conducting science and applying to environmental decision-making in transboundary watersheds. - Science
Monitoring Mining Effects in the Kootenai River Watershed
The Kootenai River (Kootenay in Canada) rises from the Canadian Rockies and flows south in an arc through Montana and Idaho before swinging back into British Columbia and the Columbia River. The uplifted sedimentary rocks forming the southern Canadian Rockies have rich coal deposits that have been mined for many decades. The coal beds and associated rock layers are enriched with other minerals as...Suspended-Sediment and Solids Sampling
Suspended-sediment samples are collected on each visit at both gage and border site locations.Transboundary Assessments of Water Quality in the Pacific Northwest
In 2019, the USGS began studying the baseline water-quality of selected transboundary rivers in the Pacific Northwest. These studies are designed to characterize current water-quality conditions so as to facilitate future assessments of potential impacts related to upstream mining activities.Unuk River
The Unuk River is the second smallest watershed in the transboundary study of Southeast Alaska, but has three large mining projects in development (Kerr-Sulplherets-Mitchell (KSM), Brucejack, and Eskay Creek).Stikine River
The Stikine River near Wrangell and Petersburg is the largest watershed in the transboundary study of Southeast Alaska.Taku River
Adverse water quality from a trio of historic mines in the Tulsequah River watershed, a tributary of the Taku River, have caused concern in local communities including Juneau, Alaska, and Atlin, British ColumbiaAlsek River
The Alsek River is the furthest north watershed in the transboundary study of Southeast Alaska, reaching 300 miles north of Haines Junction, Yukon Territory.Super Gages and Water Quality Sampling
Super gages provide real-time data specifically designed to improve understanding of watershed processes and to address specific water-resource issues such as climate and land-use effects or hazardous substance spills.Salmon River
The Salmon River, located near Hyder, Alaska, and Stewart, British Columbia, is the smallest watershed in the transboundary study of Southeast Alaska.Assessing the impacts of mining in the Transboundary Flathead and Kootenai River systems
The Transboundary Flathead and Kootenai Basins in Montana and British Columbia host some of the most diverse and unique native aquatic ecosystems throughout North America. Headwaters of these basin feed into Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (U.S. and Canada) and Flathead Lake, and Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River in the U.S. Despite the tremendous historical and ecological value of... - Multimedia
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Icy Alsek River in winterRandy Host preparing to sample discharge and collect water quality samples on an icy Alsek River in winter.
Randy Host preparing to sample discharge and collect water quality samples on an icy Alsek River in winter.
Blue River confluence with Unuk River, AlaskaBlue River confluence with Unuk River in the volcanic Iskut-Unuk River Cones region. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Blue River confluence with Unuk River in the volcanic Iskut-Unuk River Cones region. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Unuk River waterfalls from old lava pipesUnuk River waterfalls from old lava pipes. Volcanic lava pipes form as the result of violent eruptions of deep-origin volcanoes. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Unuk River waterfalls from old lava pipes. Volcanic lava pipes form as the result of violent eruptions of deep-origin volcanoes. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Fairweather Range, AlaskaFairweather Range, Alaska. The mountain range spans across Alaska and the Canadian province of British Columbia. Photo taken while flying over range.
Fairweather Range, Alaska. The mountain range spans across Alaska and the Canadian province of British Columbia. Photo taken while flying over range.
Early Morning on the Stikine River, AlaskaThe USGS crew heads upriver early one winter day and sees an increible sunrise on the Stikine River.
The USGS crew heads upriver early one winter day and sees an increible sunrise on the Stikine River.
USGS boat at the Stikine River gage site, AlaskaThe USGS boat at the Stikine River gage site, Alaska. The Stikine River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska. Visit USGS Transboundary River Monitoring in Southeast Alaska for more information about our research.
The USGS boat at the Stikine River gage site, Alaska. The Stikine River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska. Visit USGS Transboundary River Monitoring in Southeast Alaska for more information about our research.
Sampling the Unuk River, AlaskaUSGS Hydrologist Randy Host performs compass calibrations for discharge measurements at the Unuk River. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska. This site has a Super Gage which is a conventional streamflow gage equipped with continuous water-quality monitors.
USGS Hydrologist Randy Host performs compass calibrations for discharge measurements at the Unuk River. The Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska. This site has a Super Gage which is a conventional streamflow gage equipped with continuous water-quality monitors.
Gearing up boat at the Alsek River, AlaskaPreparing the boat for isokinetic water sampling using the equal discharge increment method on the Alsek River.
Preparing the boat for isokinetic water sampling using the equal discharge increment method on the Alsek River.
Approaching the Taku River via helicopter to perform fieldworkApproaching the Taku River via helicopter to perform fieldwork.
Approaching the Taku River via helicopter to perform fieldwork.
Water Quality Monitoring and Sampling on the Unuk River, AlaskaUSGS hydrologist monitoring water quality and collecting samples at USGS Station15015595 on the Unuk River, Alaska. In 2019, the USGS began studying the baseline water-quality of selected transboundary rivers in Alaska.
USGS hydrologist monitoring water quality and collecting samples at USGS Station15015595 on the Unuk River, Alaska. In 2019, the USGS began studying the baseline water-quality of selected transboundary rivers in Alaska.
Salmon River in Southeast AlaskaSalmon River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Salmon River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Chilkat River in Southeast AlaskaChilkat River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Chilkat River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Alsek River in Southeast AlaskaAlsek River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Alsek River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Unuk River in Southeast AlaskaUnuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Unuk River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Taku River in Southeast AlaskaTaku River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
Taku River is one of the transboundary watersheds of Southeast Alaska.
- Web Tools
- Partners