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Kristin L Jaeger

As a research hydrologist and geomorphologist, my previous research has generally followed two trajectories: 1) geomorphic response to disturbance including dam removal, surface coal mining, and invasive species and 2) characterizing patterns and controls on flow permanence of intermittent and ephemeral rivers and streams. 

My current focus includes broadening flow permanence research to the Pacific Northwest region and evaluating changes in sediment and stream water temperature regimes and associated implications on river ecosystem health in Pacific Northwest mountain rivers

Professional Experience

  • Research Hydrologist, USGS Washington Water Science Center, Tacoma, WA (2015-Present)

  • Assistant Professor, Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), Wooster, OH (2012-2015)

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (2010-2012)

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. Fluvial Geomorphology, Colorado State University, 2009

  • M.A. Forest Hydrology, University of Washington, 2004

  • B.A. Biology, Colorado College, 1998

Science and Products

link
Unnamed stream in Mt. Rainier National Park

Drought preparedness in Mt. Rainier National Park

The Issue: Water supply for park operations and backcountry users is determined by the spatial extent of perennial streams in Mount Rainier National Park (MORA). In addition, the presence or absence of streamflow (flow permanence) is related to water temperature, which influences the occurrence and distribution of aquatic species including cold-water fishes and insects. Information about the...
By
Washington Water Science Center
link

Drought preparedness in Mt. Rainier National Park

The Issue: Water supply for park operations and backcountry users is determined by the spatial extent of perennial streams in Mount Rainier National Park (MORA). In addition, the presence or absence of streamflow (flow permanence) is related to water temperature, which influences the occurrence and distribution of aquatic species including cold-water fishes and insects. Information about the...
Learn More
link
A river of rapids with pebble-ridden banks rushes through a forest of tall, green pines.

Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
link

Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
Learn More
link
A river of rapids with pebble-ridden banks rushes through a forest of tall, green pines.

Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
link

Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
Learn More
link
A river of rapids with pebble-ridden banks rushes through a forest of tall, green pines.

Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
link

Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
Learn More
link
Bogachiel River

Quantifying suspended-sediment load and transport characteristics in the Calawah and Upper Bogachiel Rivers, Washington

The issue: Salmonid fisheries are an important cultural and economic activity and efforts to support a thriving fisheries industry remain a major priority for the Quileute Tribe on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington. Land use changes can have a profound influence on basin sediment production with direct effects on fisheries (Madej and Ozaki, 2009). Studies are needed to improve estimates of the...
By
Washington Water Science Center
link

Quantifying suspended-sediment load and transport characteristics in the Calawah and Upper Bogachiel Rivers, Washington

The issue: Salmonid fisheries are an important cultural and economic activity and efforts to support a thriving fisheries industry remain a major priority for the Quileute Tribe on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington. Land use changes can have a profound influence on basin sediment production with direct effects on fisheries (Madej and Ozaki, 2009). Studies are needed to improve estimates of the...
Learn More
link
White River at Mud Mountain Dam

Coarse sediment delivery and routing in the White River

The Issue: Ongoing channel aggradation has reduced flow conveyance along the lower White River, increasing the flood risk in urban-suburban areas. A refined understanding of the delivery, transport and deposition of sediment in the White River, and how those processes may be influenced by climate and existing dam operations, is necessary in order to plan for future flood hazard in the lower White...
By
Washington Water Science Center
link

Coarse sediment delivery and routing in the White River

The Issue: Ongoing channel aggradation has reduced flow conveyance along the lower White River, increasing the flood risk in urban-suburban areas. A refined understanding of the delivery, transport and deposition of sediment in the White River, and how those processes may be influenced by climate and existing dam operations, is necessary in order to plan for future flood hazard in the lower White...
Learn More
link
Sauk River

Fine sediment infiltration in Chinook spawning gravels in the Sauk River Basin, Washington

The Issue: There is concern that inherently high finer-grained (small gravel, sand, and silt) sediment loads in the Sauk River system may adversely affect egg-to-fry survival of ESA-listed Chinook salmon in the Sauk River and lower Skagit River Basin. However, there are no quantitative data for the Sauk River basin to assess if fine sediment deposition and infiltration into spawning gravels are at...
By
Washington Water Science Center
link

Fine sediment infiltration in Chinook spawning gravels in the Sauk River Basin, Washington

The Issue: There is concern that inherently high finer-grained (small gravel, sand, and silt) sediment loads in the Sauk River system may adversely affect egg-to-fry survival of ESA-listed Chinook salmon in the Sauk River and lower Skagit River Basin. However, there are no quantitative data for the Sauk River basin to assess if fine sediment deposition and infiltration into spawning gravels are at...
Learn More
link
Geomorphology & Sediment Transport

Geomorphology & Sediment Transport

Geomorphology is the study of the formation and evolution of landforms on Earth's surface. In the Pacific Northwest, volcanoes, tectonic movement, glaciers, rain, snow, wind, vegetation, animals, and people all shape the landscape at different scales of time and space. Of particular interest in the region is the form and processes of rivers, a branch of the science termed fluvial geomorphology...
By
Washington Water Science Center
link

Geomorphology & Sediment Transport

Geomorphology is the study of the formation and evolution of landforms on Earth's surface. In the Pacific Northwest, volcanoes, tectonic movement, glaciers, rain, snow, wind, vegetation, animals, and people all shape the landscape at different scales of time and space. Of particular interest in the region is the form and processes of rivers, a branch of the science termed fluvial geomorphology...
Learn More
link
Section of Prospect Creek where stream has no flow

Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER)

PRObability of Streamflow PERmanence (PROSPER) Rivers and streams are constantly changing. Streamflows can change throughout the year and between years due to snowmelt, precipitation, diversions, and return flows. For many streams, these fluctuations determine whether a stream has year-round flow or not. PROSPER is a project initiated to better understand what causes these fluctuations in...
By
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Idaho Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
link

Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER)

PRObability of Streamflow PERmanence (PROSPER) Rivers and streams are constantly changing. Streamflows can change throughout the year and between years due to snowmelt, precipitation, diversions, and return flows. For many streams, these fluctuations determine whether a stream has year-round flow or not. PROSPER is a project initiated to better understand what causes these fluctuations in...
Learn More
link
Sauk River basin with principal tributaries Suiattle River and White Chuck River

Sauk River Sediment

Fine-grained sediments in the lower reach of the Sauk River are adversely affecting the health and spawning of Chinook salmon. Climate change and forestry practices have been proposed as suspected causes of a reported increase in sediment loading to the river.To determine the amount and timing of suspended-sediment loading to the river and possible connections to adverse effects on Chinook salmon...
By
Washington Water Science Center
link

Sauk River Sediment

Fine-grained sediments in the lower reach of the Sauk River are adversely affecting the health and spawning of Chinook salmon. Climate change and forestry practices have been proposed as suspected causes of a reported increase in sediment loading to the river.To determine the amount and timing of suspended-sediment loading to the river and possible connections to adverse effects on Chinook salmon...
Learn More

Suspended Sediment and Water Temperature Data in the Suiattle River and the Downey Creek Tributary, Washington for select time periods over 2013 - 2017

This data release provides suspended-sediment (concentration and load) and water temperature data for two locations along the Suiattle River (USGS 1217900 and 12188380) and a tributary, Downey Creek (USGS 1217985) in Washington State for partial periods over 2013-2017. Suspended-sediment and water temperature data were collected over two summer seasons from May through September 2016 and 2017 at U
By
Washington Water Science Center

Supporting Data for Sediment Studies in the White River Watershed

The White River is a dynamic gravel-bedded system in western Washington, with headwaters on Mount Rainier. Chronic aggradation in the lower river has reduced flood conveyance to a point where modest discharges are increasingly causing substantial flood damage. In order to better understand the dynamics governing this aggradation, and how aggradation rates may be influenced by forecasted changes in
By
Washington Water Science Center

FLOwPER Database: StreamFLOw PERmanence field observations, August 2019 - October 2019

IMPORTANT NOTE: More recent versions of these data release are available at this link. This dataset includes spatial locations where streamflow permanence observations (continuous flow, discontinuous flow, and dry) were recorded using the FLOwPER (FLOw PERmanence) field survey available in the Survey 123 and S1 mobile application. Additional information to describe the field conditions are includ
By
Washington Water Science Center

Stream metabolism models for the Regional Stream Quality Assessments of the National Water Quality Program, 2013 to 2016

This dataset provides details from stream metabolism models for 20 stream sites in the United States that were sampled as part of the National Water Quality Program's Regional Stream Quality Assessments (RSQA). Metabolism was estimated at each site using the streamMetabolizer package in R. For each of the 20 sites, three files are provided; (1) the input data, which includes continuous dissolved o
By
Washington Water Science Center
Filter Total Items: 13

Most rivers and streams run dry every year

The flowing waters of surface rivers and streams efficiently transport sediment, organic material and nutrients, among other things, from hillsides and overland areas to downstream lakes, reservoirs and the ocean. Along the way, rivers and streams (hereafter referred to collectively as streams) provide important resources for our communities and support rich, complex ecosystems. Non-perennial stre
By
Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

Beyond streamflow: Call for a national data repository of streamflow presence for streams and rivers in the United States

Observations of the presence or absence of surface water in streams are useful for characterizing streamflow permanence, which includes the frequency, duration, and spatial extent of surface flow in streams and rivers. Such data are particularly valuable for headwater streams, which comprise the vast majority of channel length in stream networks, are often non-perennial, and are frequently the mos
By
Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

Identifying geomorphic process domains in the synthetic landscapes of West Virginia, USA

Human activities such as mining, agriculture, and urbanization have resulted in severe, large‐scale alteration to landform organization and associated geomorphic processes. The mountaintop mining (MTM) region of West Virginia, USA has experienced dramatic topographic alteration, by removing steep slopes and introducing plateau‐like areas at ridgelines and benches on valley fills. The resulting eng
By
Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

Coarse sediment dynamics in a large glaciated river system: Holocene history and storage dynamics dictate contemporary climate sensitivity

The gravel-bedded White River drains a 1279 km2 basin in Washington State, with lowlands sculpted by continental glaciation and headwaters on an actively glaciated stratovolcano. Chronic aggradation along an alluvial fan near the river’s mouth has progressively reduced flood conveyance. In order to better understand how forecasted climate change may influence coarse sediment delivery and aggradati
By
Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

FLOwPER user guide—For collection of FLOw PERmanence field observations

The accurate mapping of streams and their streamflow conditions in terms of presence or absence of surface water is important to both understanding physical, chemical, and biological processes in streams and to managing land, water, and ecological resources. This document describes a field form, FLOwPER (FLOw PERmanence), available within a mobile application (app), for standardized data collectio
By
Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

A guidebook to spatial datasets for conservation planning under climate change in the Pacific Northwest

This guidebook provides user-friendly overviews of a variety of spatial datasets relevant to conservation and management of natural resources in the face of climate change in the Pacific Northwest, United States. Each guidebook chapter was created using a standardized template to summarize a spatial dataset or a group of closely related datasets. Datasets were selected according to standardized cr
By
Ecosystems, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center

An integrated framework for ecological drought across riverscapes of North America

Climate change is increasing the severity and extent of extreme droughts events, posing a critical threat to freshwater ecosystems, particularly with increasing human demands for diminishing water supplies. Despite the importance of drought as a significant driver of ecological and evolutionary dynamics, current understanding of drought consequences for freshwater biodiversity is very limited. W
By
Ecosystems, Climate Research and Development Program, Land Change Science Program, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

The natural wood regime in rivers

The natural wood regime forms the third leg of a tripod of physical processes that supports river science and management, along with the natural flow and sediment regimes. The wood regime consists of wood recruitment, transport, and storage in river corridors. Each of these components can be characterized in terms of magnitude, frequency, rate, timing, duration, and mode. We distinguish the natura
By
Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

Probability of streamflow permanence model (PROSPER): A spatially continuous model of annual streamflow permanence throughout the Pacific Northwest

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed the PRObability of Streamflow PERmanence (PROSPER) model, a GIS raster-based empirical model that provides streamflow permanence probabilities (probabilistic predictions) of a stream channel having year-round flow for any unregulated and minimally-impaired stream channel in the Pacific Northwest region, U.S. The model provides annual predictions for
By
Water Resources, Ecosystems, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Idaho Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center

Water temperature in the Lower Quinault River, Olympic Peninsula, Washington, June 2016 - August 2017

The availability of cold-water refugia during summertime river-water temperature maximums is important for cold-water fish species including Endangered Species Act listed salmonids since water temperature influences metabolism, growth, and phenology. The U.S. Geological Survey monitored water temperature at 10 sites approximately evenly-spaced along the lower Quinault River on the Olympic Peninsul
By
Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

Suspended sediment, turbidity, and stream water temperature in the Sauk River Basin, western Washington, water years 2012-16

The Sauk River is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River that drains a relatively undisturbed landscape along the western slope of the North Cascade Mountain Range, Washington, which includes the glaciated volcano, Glacier Peak. Naturally high sediment loads characteristic of basins draining volcanoes like Glacier Peak make the Sauk River a dominant contributor of sediment to the downstream
By
Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

Geomorphology and sediment regimes of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams

The geomorphology and sediment regimes of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) are extremely diverse, owing in large part to the substantial spatiotemporal variability of the associated hydrological regimes. We describe the geomorphological character and sediment transport processes along IRES within the context of four geomorphological zones—upland, piedmont, lowland, and floodout—to
By
Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

Pre-USGS Publications

Costigan, K.H., K.L. Jaeger, C.W. Goss, K.M. Fritz, and P.C. Goebel, 2016, "Understanding controls on flow permanence in intermittent rivers to aid ecological research: Integrating meteorology, geology and land cover." Ecohydrology. DOI:10.1002/2015WR017601
Costigan, K.H., P.J. Soltesz, and K.L. Jaeger, 2015, “Large wood in Central Appalachian headwater streams: Controls on and potential changes to wood loads from infestation of hemlock woolly adelgid,” Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. DOI: 10.1002/esp.3751
Jaeger K.L., 2015, “Reach-scale geomorphic differences between headwater streams draining mountaintop mined and unmined catchments.” Geomorphology 236:25-33. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.02.007
Schriever T.A., M.T. Bogan, K.S. Boersma, M. Cañedo-Argüelles, K.L. Jaeger, J.D. Olden, and D.A. Lytle, 2015, “Hydrology shapes taxonomic and functional structure of desert stream invertebrate communities,” Freshwater Science doi: 10.1086/680518

Jaeger K.L., J.D. Olden, and N.D. Pelland, 2014, “Climate change poised to threaten hydrologic connectivity and endemic fishes in dryland streams,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA 111: 13894-13899. Doi:10.1073/pnas.1320890111

Jaeger K.L. and J.D. Olden, 2012, “Electrical resistance sensor arrays as a means to quantify longitudinal connectivity of rivers,” River Research and Applications 28:1843-1852. DOI: 10.1002/rra.1554

Jaeger K.L. and E.E. Wohl, 2011, “Channel response in a semiarid stream to removal of tamarisk and Russian olive,” Water Resources Research 47: W02536 doi: 10.1029/2009WR008741.

Jaeger K.L., E.E. Wohl, and A. Simon, 2010, “A comparison of average rates of alluvial erosion between the southwestern and southeastern United States,” Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 35: 447–459. DOI: 10.1002/esp.1960
Wohl E.E. and K.L. Jaeger, 2009, “Geomorphic implications of hydroclimatic differences among step-pool channels,” Journal of Hydrology 374: 148-161. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.06.008

Cadol D.C., E.E. Wohl, J.G. Goode, and K.L. Jaeger, 2009, “Wood distribution in forested headwater streams of La Selva, Costa Rica,” Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 34:1198-1215. DOI: 10.1002/esp.1800
link

FLOwPER User’s Guide—For Collection of FLOw PERmanence Field Observations

USGS and USFS develop a mobile application field form for rapid collection of flow/no flow observations.

Read Article
link

A Spatially Continuous Model of Annual Streamflow Permanence Throughout the Pacific Northwest

An interdisciplinary team comprised of USGS and university scientists has developed the Probability of Streamflow Permanence Model or PROSPER which...

Read Article

Science and Products

  • Science
    link
    Unnamed stream in Mt. Rainier National Park

    Drought preparedness in Mt. Rainier National Park

    The Issue: Water supply for park operations and backcountry users is determined by the spatial extent of perennial streams in Mount Rainier National Park (MORA). In addition, the presence or absence of streamflow (flow permanence) is related to water temperature, which influences the occurrence and distribution of aquatic species including cold-water fishes and insects. Information about the...
    By
    Washington Water Science Center
    link

    Drought preparedness in Mt. Rainier National Park

    The Issue: Water supply for park operations and backcountry users is determined by the spatial extent of perennial streams in Mount Rainier National Park (MORA). In addition, the presence or absence of streamflow (flow permanence) is related to water temperature, which influences the occurrence and distribution of aquatic species including cold-water fishes and insects. Information about the...
    Learn More
    link
    A river of rapids with pebble-ridden banks rushes through a forest of tall, green pines.

    Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

    As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
    link

    Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

    As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
    Learn More
    link
    A river of rapids with pebble-ridden banks rushes through a forest of tall, green pines.

    Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

    As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
    link

    Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

    As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
    Learn More
    link
    A river of rapids with pebble-ridden banks rushes through a forest of tall, green pines.

    Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

    As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
    link

    Development of a Streamflow Data Catalog and Evaluation of the Vulnerability of Sensitive Fish Species to Climate Change Across the Pacific Northwest

    As freshwater streams and native fish are threatened by changing environmental conditions, efforts to coalesce existing data and integrate modeling and projection tools are increasingly necessary for informing effective land, water, and species management. For example, identifying and integrating disparate datasets of streamflow, stream water temperature and species distribution is critical for de
    Learn More
    link
    Bogachiel River

    Quantifying suspended-sediment load and transport characteristics in the Calawah and Upper Bogachiel Rivers, Washington

    The issue: Salmonid fisheries are an important cultural and economic activity and efforts to support a thriving fisheries industry remain a major priority for the Quileute Tribe on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington. Land use changes can have a profound influence on basin sediment production with direct effects on fisheries (Madej and Ozaki, 2009). Studies are needed to improve estimates of the...
    By
    Washington Water Science Center
    link

    Quantifying suspended-sediment load and transport characteristics in the Calawah and Upper Bogachiel Rivers, Washington

    The issue: Salmonid fisheries are an important cultural and economic activity and efforts to support a thriving fisheries industry remain a major priority for the Quileute Tribe on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington. Land use changes can have a profound influence on basin sediment production with direct effects on fisheries (Madej and Ozaki, 2009). Studies are needed to improve estimates of the...
    Learn More
    link
    White River at Mud Mountain Dam

    Coarse sediment delivery and routing in the White River

    The Issue: Ongoing channel aggradation has reduced flow conveyance along the lower White River, increasing the flood risk in urban-suburban areas. A refined understanding of the delivery, transport and deposition of sediment in the White River, and how those processes may be influenced by climate and existing dam operations, is necessary in order to plan for future flood hazard in the lower White...
    By
    Washington Water Science Center
    link

    Coarse sediment delivery and routing in the White River

    The Issue: Ongoing channel aggradation has reduced flow conveyance along the lower White River, increasing the flood risk in urban-suburban areas. A refined understanding of the delivery, transport and deposition of sediment in the White River, and how those processes may be influenced by climate and existing dam operations, is necessary in order to plan for future flood hazard in the lower White...
    Learn More
    link
    Sauk River

    Fine sediment infiltration in Chinook spawning gravels in the Sauk River Basin, Washington

    The Issue: There is concern that inherently high finer-grained (small gravel, sand, and silt) sediment loads in the Sauk River system may adversely affect egg-to-fry survival of ESA-listed Chinook salmon in the Sauk River and lower Skagit River Basin. However, there are no quantitative data for the Sauk River basin to assess if fine sediment deposition and infiltration into spawning gravels are at...
    By
    Washington Water Science Center
    link

    Fine sediment infiltration in Chinook spawning gravels in the Sauk River Basin, Washington

    The Issue: There is concern that inherently high finer-grained (small gravel, sand, and silt) sediment loads in the Sauk River system may adversely affect egg-to-fry survival of ESA-listed Chinook salmon in the Sauk River and lower Skagit River Basin. However, there are no quantitative data for the Sauk River basin to assess if fine sediment deposition and infiltration into spawning gravels are at...
    Learn More
    link
    Geomorphology & Sediment Transport

    Geomorphology & Sediment Transport

    Geomorphology is the study of the formation and evolution of landforms on Earth's surface. In the Pacific Northwest, volcanoes, tectonic movement, glaciers, rain, snow, wind, vegetation, animals, and people all shape the landscape at different scales of time and space. Of particular interest in the region is the form and processes of rivers, a branch of the science termed fluvial geomorphology...
    By
    Washington Water Science Center
    link

    Geomorphology & Sediment Transport

    Geomorphology is the study of the formation and evolution of landforms on Earth's surface. In the Pacific Northwest, volcanoes, tectonic movement, glaciers, rain, snow, wind, vegetation, animals, and people all shape the landscape at different scales of time and space. Of particular interest in the region is the form and processes of rivers, a branch of the science termed fluvial geomorphology...
    Learn More
    link
    Section of Prospect Creek where stream has no flow

    Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER)

    PRObability of Streamflow PERmanence (PROSPER) Rivers and streams are constantly changing. Streamflows can change throughout the year and between years due to snowmelt, precipitation, diversions, and return flows. For many streams, these fluctuations determine whether a stream has year-round flow or not. PROSPER is a project initiated to better understand what causes these fluctuations in...
    By
    Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Idaho Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
    link

    Probability of Streamflow Permanence (PROSPER)

    PRObability of Streamflow PERmanence (PROSPER) Rivers and streams are constantly changing. Streamflows can change throughout the year and between years due to snowmelt, precipitation, diversions, and return flows. For many streams, these fluctuations determine whether a stream has year-round flow or not. PROSPER is a project initiated to better understand what causes these fluctuations in...
    Learn More
    link
    Sauk River basin with principal tributaries Suiattle River and White Chuck River

    Sauk River Sediment

    Fine-grained sediments in the lower reach of the Sauk River are adversely affecting the health and spawning of Chinook salmon. Climate change and forestry practices have been proposed as suspected causes of a reported increase in sediment loading to the river.To determine the amount and timing of suspended-sediment loading to the river and possible connections to adverse effects on Chinook salmon...
    By
    Washington Water Science Center
    link

    Sauk River Sediment

    Fine-grained sediments in the lower reach of the Sauk River are adversely affecting the health and spawning of Chinook salmon. Climate change and forestry practices have been proposed as suspected causes of a reported increase in sediment loading to the river.To determine the amount and timing of suspended-sediment loading to the river and possible connections to adverse effects on Chinook salmon...
    Learn More
  • Data

    Suspended Sediment and Water Temperature Data in the Suiattle River and the Downey Creek Tributary, Washington for select time periods over 2013 - 2017

    This data release provides suspended-sediment (concentration and load) and water temperature data for two locations along the Suiattle River (USGS 1217900 and 12188380) and a tributary, Downey Creek (USGS 1217985) in Washington State for partial periods over 2013-2017. Suspended-sediment and water temperature data were collected over two summer seasons from May through September 2016 and 2017 at U
    By
    Washington Water Science Center

    Supporting Data for Sediment Studies in the White River Watershed

    The White River is a dynamic gravel-bedded system in western Washington, with headwaters on Mount Rainier. Chronic aggradation in the lower river has reduced flood conveyance to a point where modest discharges are increasingly causing substantial flood damage. In order to better understand the dynamics governing this aggradation, and how aggradation rates may be influenced by forecasted changes in
    By
    Washington Water Science Center

    FLOwPER Database: StreamFLOw PERmanence field observations, August 2019 - October 2019

    IMPORTANT NOTE: More recent versions of these data release are available at this link. This dataset includes spatial locations where streamflow permanence observations (continuous flow, discontinuous flow, and dry) were recorded using the FLOwPER (FLOw PERmanence) field survey available in the Survey 123 and S1 mobile application. Additional information to describe the field conditions are includ
    By
    Washington Water Science Center

    Stream metabolism models for the Regional Stream Quality Assessments of the National Water Quality Program, 2013 to 2016

    This dataset provides details from stream metabolism models for 20 stream sites in the United States that were sampled as part of the National Water Quality Program's Regional Stream Quality Assessments (RSQA). Metabolism was estimated at each site using the streamMetabolizer package in R. For each of the 20 sites, three files are provided; (1) the input data, which includes continuous dissolved o
    By
    Washington Water Science Center
  • Publications
    Filter Total Items: 13

    Most rivers and streams run dry every year

    The flowing waters of surface rivers and streams efficiently transport sediment, organic material and nutrients, among other things, from hillsides and overland areas to downstream lakes, reservoirs and the ocean. Along the way, rivers and streams (hereafter referred to collectively as streams) provide important resources for our communities and support rich, complex ecosystems. Non-perennial stre
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    Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

    Beyond streamflow: Call for a national data repository of streamflow presence for streams and rivers in the United States

    Observations of the presence or absence of surface water in streams are useful for characterizing streamflow permanence, which includes the frequency, duration, and spatial extent of surface flow in streams and rivers. Such data are particularly valuable for headwater streams, which comprise the vast majority of channel length in stream networks, are often non-perennial, and are frequently the mos
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    Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

    Identifying geomorphic process domains in the synthetic landscapes of West Virginia, USA

    Human activities such as mining, agriculture, and urbanization have resulted in severe, large‐scale alteration to landform organization and associated geomorphic processes. The mountaintop mining (MTM) region of West Virginia, USA has experienced dramatic topographic alteration, by removing steep slopes and introducing plateau‐like areas at ridgelines and benches on valley fills. The resulting eng
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    Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

    Coarse sediment dynamics in a large glaciated river system: Holocene history and storage dynamics dictate contemporary climate sensitivity

    The gravel-bedded White River drains a 1279 km2 basin in Washington State, with lowlands sculpted by continental glaciation and headwaters on an actively glaciated stratovolcano. Chronic aggradation along an alluvial fan near the river’s mouth has progressively reduced flood conveyance. In order to better understand how forecasted climate change may influence coarse sediment delivery and aggradati
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    Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

    FLOwPER user guide—For collection of FLOw PERmanence field observations

    The accurate mapping of streams and their streamflow conditions in terms of presence or absence of surface water is important to both understanding physical, chemical, and biological processes in streams and to managing land, water, and ecological resources. This document describes a field form, FLOwPER (FLOw PERmanence), available within a mobile application (app), for standardized data collectio
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    Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

    A guidebook to spatial datasets for conservation planning under climate change in the Pacific Northwest

    This guidebook provides user-friendly overviews of a variety of spatial datasets relevant to conservation and management of natural resources in the face of climate change in the Pacific Northwest, United States. Each guidebook chapter was created using a standardized template to summarize a spatial dataset or a group of closely related datasets. Datasets were selected according to standardized cr
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    Ecosystems, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center

    An integrated framework for ecological drought across riverscapes of North America

    Climate change is increasing the severity and extent of extreme droughts events, posing a critical threat to freshwater ecosystems, particularly with increasing human demands for diminishing water supplies. Despite the importance of drought as a significant driver of ecological and evolutionary dynamics, current understanding of drought consequences for freshwater biodiversity is very limited. W
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    Ecosystems, Climate Research and Development Program, Land Change Science Program, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

    The natural wood regime in rivers

    The natural wood regime forms the third leg of a tripod of physical processes that supports river science and management, along with the natural flow and sediment regimes. The wood regime consists of wood recruitment, transport, and storage in river corridors. Each of these components can be characterized in terms of magnitude, frequency, rate, timing, duration, and mode. We distinguish the natura
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    Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

    Probability of streamflow permanence model (PROSPER): A spatially continuous model of annual streamflow permanence throughout the Pacific Northwest

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed the PRObability of Streamflow PERmanence (PROSPER) model, a GIS raster-based empirical model that provides streamflow permanence probabilities (probabilistic predictions) of a stream channel having year-round flow for any unregulated and minimally-impaired stream channel in the Pacific Northwest region, U.S. The model provides annual predictions for
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    Water Resources, Ecosystems, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Idaho Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center

    Water temperature in the Lower Quinault River, Olympic Peninsula, Washington, June 2016 - August 2017

    The availability of cold-water refugia during summertime river-water temperature maximums is important for cold-water fish species including Endangered Species Act listed salmonids since water temperature influences metabolism, growth, and phenology. The U.S. Geological Survey monitored water temperature at 10 sites approximately evenly-spaced along the lower Quinault River on the Olympic Peninsul
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    Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

    Suspended sediment, turbidity, and stream water temperature in the Sauk River Basin, western Washington, water years 2012-16

    The Sauk River is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River that drains a relatively undisturbed landscape along the western slope of the North Cascade Mountain Range, Washington, which includes the glaciated volcano, Glacier Peak. Naturally high sediment loads characteristic of basins draining volcanoes like Glacier Peak make the Sauk River a dominant contributor of sediment to the downstream
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    Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

    Geomorphology and sediment regimes of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams

    The geomorphology and sediment regimes of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) are extremely diverse, owing in large part to the substantial spatiotemporal variability of the associated hydrological regimes. We describe the geomorphological character and sediment transport processes along IRES within the context of four geomorphological zones—upland, piedmont, lowland, and floodout—to
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    Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center

    Pre-USGS Publications

    Costigan, K.H., K.L. Jaeger, C.W. Goss, K.M. Fritz, and P.C. Goebel, 2016, "Understanding controls on flow permanence in intermittent rivers to aid ecological research: Integrating meteorology, geology and land cover." Ecohydrology. DOI:10.1002/2015WR017601
    Costigan, K.H., P.J. Soltesz, and K.L. Jaeger, 2015, “Large wood in Central Appalachian headwater streams: Controls on and potential changes to wood loads from infestation of hemlock woolly adelgid,” Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. DOI: 10.1002/esp.3751
    Jaeger K.L., 2015, “Reach-scale geomorphic differences between headwater streams draining mountaintop mined and unmined catchments.” Geomorphology 236:25-33. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.02.007
    Schriever T.A., M.T. Bogan, K.S. Boersma, M. Cañedo-Argüelles, K.L. Jaeger, J.D. Olden, and D.A. Lytle, 2015, “Hydrology shapes taxonomic and functional structure of desert stream invertebrate communities,” Freshwater Science doi: 10.1086/680518

    Jaeger K.L., J.D. Olden, and N.D. Pelland, 2014, “Climate change poised to threaten hydrologic connectivity and endemic fishes in dryland streams,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA 111: 13894-13899. Doi:10.1073/pnas.1320890111

    Jaeger K.L. and J.D. Olden, 2012, “Electrical resistance sensor arrays as a means to quantify longitudinal connectivity of rivers,” River Research and Applications 28:1843-1852. DOI: 10.1002/rra.1554

    Jaeger K.L. and E.E. Wohl, 2011, “Channel response in a semiarid stream to removal of tamarisk and Russian olive,” Water Resources Research 47: W02536 doi: 10.1029/2009WR008741.

    Jaeger K.L., E.E. Wohl, and A. Simon, 2010, “A comparison of average rates of alluvial erosion between the southwestern and southeastern United States,” Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 35: 447–459. DOI: 10.1002/esp.1960
    Wohl E.E. and K.L. Jaeger, 2009, “Geomorphic implications of hydroclimatic differences among step-pool channels,” Journal of Hydrology 374: 148-161. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.06.008

    Cadol D.C., E.E. Wohl, J.G. Goode, and K.L. Jaeger, 2009, “Wood distribution in forested headwater streams of La Selva, Costa Rica,” Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 34:1198-1215. DOI: 10.1002/esp.1800
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    FLOwPER User’s Guide—For Collection of FLOw PERmanence Field Observations

    USGS and USFS develop a mobile application field form for rapid collection of flow/no flow observations.

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    A Spatially Continuous Model of Annual Streamflow Permanence Throughout the Pacific Northwest

    An interdisciplinary team comprised of USGS and university scientists has developed the Probability of Streamflow Permanence Model or PROSPER which...

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