Synthesizing the State of Science of Coldwater Refuges in the Willamette River Basin Active
Many regulatory, management, and conservation organizations are interested in protecting and increasing coldwater refuges and thermal diversity for Chinook salmon, steelhead, and other natives fishes in the Willamette River basin. This study synthesizes current and emerging science related to coldwater refuges and thermal diversity. It is also develops conceptual frameworks for understanding the variation in coldwater refuges and thermal conditions and how that variation relates to the abundance and composition of the native fish community.
Overview
USGS is collaborating with fisheries biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and scientists from Oregon State University, University of Oregon, and U.S. Corps of Engineers to synthesize the state of the science for thermal diversity and coldwater refuges in the Willamette River Basin. This study builds on prior and ongoing water quality, groundwater, geomorphic studies conducted by the USGS. Main components of this study include:
- Collecting and summarizing measurements of water temperature in select tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Newberg;
- Developing a synthesis report that summarizes: A) how geomorphic, hydrologic, and riparian vegetation processes create coldwater refuge; and B) when, where, and how the thermal mosaics and coldwater refuge influence salmon, steelhead, and other native fishes in the Willamette River; and
- Sharing findings with diverse stakeholders working to protect and restore coldwater refuge in the Willamette River Basin.
Ultimately, insights from this effort will support strategic coldwater refuge protection and restoration efforts along the Willamette River and its tributaries.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Water Temperature Modeling in the Middle Fork Willamette and South Santiam River Basins
A Thermal Mosaic for the Willamette River
Environmental Flow Studies for Middle Fork Willamette, McKenzie, and Santiam River Basins
Willamette Basin Groundwater Study
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Point measurements of temperature and water quality in the main channel and off-channel features of the lower reaches of the Willamette River, Clackamas River, Molalla River, and Johnson Creek, 2017
Below are publications associated with this project.
Water temperature in tributaries, off-channel features, and main channel of the lower Willamette River, northwestern Oregon, summers 2016 and 2017
Geomorphic and vegetation processes of the Willamette River floodplain, Oregon: current understanding and unanswered science questions
- Overview
Many regulatory, management, and conservation organizations are interested in protecting and increasing coldwater refuges and thermal diversity for Chinook salmon, steelhead, and other natives fishes in the Willamette River basin. This study synthesizes current and emerging science related to coldwater refuges and thermal diversity. It is also develops conceptual frameworks for understanding the variation in coldwater refuges and thermal conditions and how that variation relates to the abundance and composition of the native fish community.
Overview
USGS is collaborating with fisheries biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and scientists from Oregon State University, University of Oregon, and U.S. Corps of Engineers to synthesize the state of the science for thermal diversity and coldwater refuges in the Willamette River Basin. This study builds on prior and ongoing water quality, groundwater, geomorphic studies conducted by the USGS. Main components of this study include:- Collecting and summarizing measurements of water temperature in select tributaries and the Willamette River downstream of Newberg;
- Developing a synthesis report that summarizes: A) how geomorphic, hydrologic, and riparian vegetation processes create coldwater refuge; and B) when, where, and how the thermal mosaics and coldwater refuge influence salmon, steelhead, and other native fishes in the Willamette River; and
- Sharing findings with diverse stakeholders working to protect and restore coldwater refuge in the Willamette River Basin.
Ultimately, insights from this effort will support strategic coldwater refuge protection and restoration efforts along the Willamette River and its tributaries.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Water Temperature Modeling in the Middle Fork Willamette and South Santiam River Basins
Hills Creek, Lookout Point, and Dexter Dams are located on the Middle Fork Willamette River upstream of Eugene in western Oregon, and are important resources managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for flood control, hydroelectric power, recreation, navigation, and irrigation. On the South Santiam River east of Albany in western Oregon, Green Peter and Foster Dams provide functions and...A Thermal Mosaic for the Willamette River
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates 12 dams in the Willamette River Basin. The dams alter natural temperature and hydrologic regimes. Unnatural water temperatures can negatively impact all life stages of salmonid fish species. Water temperature in the mainstem Willamette River regularly exceeds the standard of 18.0 °C (64.4 °F) designated for salmon and trout rearing and migration for mid...Environmental Flow Studies for Middle Fork Willamette, McKenzie, and Santiam River Basins
Environmental flows are defined as "streamflow needed to sustain ecosystems while continuing to meet human needs."Willamette Basin Groundwater Study
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) studies the water resources of the Willamette River Basin. Here you will find a description of the study, as well as information and data resulting from this work. - Data
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Point measurements of temperature and water quality in the main channel and off-channel features of the lower reaches of the Willamette River, Clackamas River, Molalla River, and Johnson Creek, 2017
Water quality point measurements were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey along the lower Willamette River near the cities of Lake Oswego and Wilsonville, Oregon, as well as the lowest two kilometers of the Clackamas River, Molalla River, and Johnson Creek. These measurements were collected in the main channel and off-channel features on discreet dates from April through October of 2017. All m - Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Water temperature in tributaries, off-channel features, and main channel of the lower Willamette River, northwestern Oregon, summers 2016 and 2017
The U.S. Geological Survey collected continuous water-temperature data in select tributaries of the lowermost 80 kilometers (50 miles) of the Willamette River in northwestern Oregon, during summers 2016 and 2017. Point measurements of water temperature and water quality (dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and pH) also were collected at multiple locations and depths within the river and in theAuthorsJoseph F. Mangano, David R. Piatt, Krista L. Jones, Stewart A. RoundsGeomorphic and vegetation processes of the Willamette River floodplain, Oregon: current understanding and unanswered science questions
This report summarizes the current understanding of floodplain processes and landforms for the Willamette River and its major tributaries. The area of focus encompasses the main stem Willamette River above Newberg and the portions of the Coast Fork Willamette, Middle Fork Willamette, McKenzie, and North, South and main stem Santiam Rivers downstream of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dams. These reacAuthorsJ. Rose Wallick, Krista L. Jones, Jim E. O'Connor, Mackenzie K. Keith, David Hulse, Stanley V. Gregory - Partners