WWRC 89-29
Stream Channel and Habitat Changes Due to Flow Augmentation
Abstract
A previously ephemeral stream is being used to convey water and create fish habitat as part of
mitigation for impacts of a transbasin water diversion project. This stream, the South Fork of
Middle Crow Creek, is located in the Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming. After two years of
increased flow to the 8.8 km study reach, the amount of stream channel had increased 32 per cent
and the total area of beaver ponds had more than doubled. Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
stocked into the beaver ponds are surviving and growing. Factors limiting fishery development in the
augmented stream include interrupted flow, discontinuous channels, and summer water temperatures
exceeding 25°C. Analysis using the Physical Habitat Simulation System indicated that a flow
of 0.07 m3 s-1 would maximize the amount of weighted usable area for brook
trout under the channel conditions present in 1987.
Water Resources Publications List
Water Resources Data System Library |
Water Resources Data System Homepage
