Understanding freshwater flow is frequently highlighted as a priority in land management planning and assessments. Changes in climate can impact streamflow through reduced snowpack and snowfall, earlier spring runoff, increased winter flow and flooding, and decreased summer flow. In Southeast Alaska, streamflow is expected to shift dramatically in response to changes in factors such as precipitation and air temperature. Understanding how streamflow might change is instrumental not only for predicting changes in plant distribution and soil moisture, but also for infrastructure planning. Culvert replacement, bridge design, hydropower development, water reservoir placement, and floodplain restoration planning all require information on future trends in streamflow. Projections of peak flow, or the maximum flow of a stream, are particularly important for culvert and bridge engineering. Projections of low flow are more important for hydropower and fish habitat restoration planning.
The goal of this project is to improve projections of peak and low streamflow for small, ungaged watersheds in Southeast Alaska. Currently, most long-term stream gages are placed on larger rivers, meaning predictions for smaller streams are less accurate. Researchers are working closely with partners, including the Alaska Department of Transportation and Facilities and the National Weather Service, to identify specific needs and test methods for accurately modeling streamflow across Southeast Alaska’s watersheds. This information will be delivered via a searchable online map documenting past and current streamflow information, as well as predictions of future flow.
