HomeMy WebLinkAboutExcursion Inlet Fish Passage-Habitat Study Phase 1-2012Fish Passage/Fish Habitat Study
for the Excursion Inlet Hydro
Power Reconnaissance Study
Phase 1-Preliminary Fish Habitat
Study
'4 ENVIRON
Fish Passage/Fish Habitat Study
for the Excursion Inlet Hydro
Power Reconnaissance Study
Phase 1-Preliminary Fish Habitat
Study
Prepared for:
Haines Borough
Haines, Alaska
Prepared by :
ENVIRON International Corporation
Seattle, Washington
Date:
December 2012
Project Number:
3029876A
ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Contents
Page
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Purpose and Objectives 1
1.2 Location 1
1.3 Hydrology 1
1.4 Topography and Geology 3
1.5 Fish Species 4
2 Methods 5
2.1 Definition of Passage Barriers 5
2.2 Barrier evaluation 6
3 Results 10
3.1 Fish Distribution 10
3.1.1 North Creek 10
3.1.2 South Creek 10
3.2 Barrier evaluation 12
3.3 Habitat Characteristics 13
3.3.1 North Excursion Creek 13
3.3.2 South Excursion Creek 16
4 Conclusions and Recommendations 18
5 References 19
List of Figures
Figure 1: Excursion Inlet Vicinity Map
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
Figure 4:
Figure 5:
Figure 6:
Figure 7:
Contents
Mean monthly stream flow (cfs) for the period from June 1957 through
September 1981 Pavlof River gage site near Tenakee
Stream reaches in North Excursion Creek and South Excursion Creek (1 :50,000
scale) based on gradient, confinement and tributary junctions. The red symbols
indicate the break points between the reaches. The labels (1S, 2S, 1N, 2N, etc.)
are the reach numbers.
Electrofishing using Smith-Root LR 24 backpack unit in side channel habitat in
North Excursion Creek.
Coho juvenile and Dolly Varden captured at RM 0.56 in North Excursion Creek
by minnow trap, August 2012.
Known and potential distribution of coho salmon in North and South Excursion
Creeks. The barriers determined to be passage limits by ADF&G are located at
RM 2.62 in North Excursion Creek and RM 2.48 in South Excursion Creek.
Barrier to coho salmon in North Excursion Creek at RM 2.63, November 2012.
View upstream to barrier falls. Source: Kern 2012 (Photo 4).
ENVIRON
Figure 8:
Figure 9:
Figure 10:
List of Tables
Table 1:
Table 2:
List of Appendices
Appendix A:
Appendix B:
Appendix C:
Contents
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Diagram of the anadromous fish barrier complex in South Excursion Creek
identified by ADF&G at RM 2.48 in November 2012. Source: Kern 2012 (Figure
4)
Reach breaks defining changes in habitat conditions in North and South
Excursion Creeks
Stream profile of North and South Excursion Creeks compiled from topographic
map data. Canyon reaches and barriers in each stream are indicated based on
surveys by ADF&G, November, 2012.
Fish passage criteria used by ADF&G
Stream gradient(%} by river mile in North Excursion Creek and South Excursion
Creek
ADF&G Trip Reports, August 2012 and November 2012
Correspondence from Jackie Timothy, ADF&G
Photos of North and South Excursion Creeks and Fish Observed During
Electroshocking
ii ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Fish Passage/Fish Habitat Study for the Excursion
Inlet Hydro Power Reconnaissance Study
Phase 1-Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
1 Introduction
The Haines Borough is evaluating the potential to construct a hydroelectric project on Excursion
Inlet in North or South Excursion Creeks to provide power to Ocean Beauty's fish processing
facility and the residents of the local community. Construction of a hydroelectric project is an
important component of the Haines borough's efforts to address future energy needs on a
regional scale. This report summarizes the preliminary investigation into the potential need to
provide fish passage at a proposed facility.
1.1 Purpose and Objectives
The goal of this phase of the project is to provide the Haines Borough with a "reconnaissance-
level" analysis to determine if a hydroelectric project can be built without providing for fish
passage. This included a review of existing information, contacts with Alaska Department of
Fish and Game to determine if they had any unpublished data, and field visits to identify any
potential anadromous fish migration barriers and generally characterize the habitat. This
information was used to develop a preliminary understanding of potential project requirements
to protect fish habitat and fish.
1.2 Location
The potential hydroelectric power locations include two streams near Excursion Inlet, North and
South Excursion Creeks (Figure 1 ). The potential for power development in these creeks was
identified in the 1979 report "Regional Inventory and Reconnaissance Study of Small
Hydropower Sites in Southeast Alaska" (CH2M Hill 1979). Either one or both of these streams
could be used for hydroelectric energy generation.
1.3 Hydrology
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) does not have any record of stream gages in either North
or South Excursion Creeks (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt). CH2MHill's 1979 report
indicates that South Excursion Inlet Creek has drainage area of 14.3 square miles with a mean
annual discharge of 118 cubic-feet per second (cfs) and North Excursion Creek has a drainage
area of 13.6 square miles with a mean annual discharge of 117 cfs (CH2M Hill1979); however,
the source of this information was not identified in the report.
The USGS, National Water Inventory System database was used to identify stations near
Excursion Inlet that had basin sizes similar to those of North and South Excursion Inlet Creeks.
Three USGS stations were located on the Kahtaheena River, approximately 4 miles to the west
of Excursion Inlet. The period of record for all three stations is very limited and no rating curve
was developed for these stations. Therefore the data from these three stations may not be
representative of regional hydrologic patterns.
Introduction ENVIRON
ENVIRON
0.0: IJI1412012
Figure 1. Excursion Inlet Vicinity Map
Introduction
Phase 1 -Prel iminary Fish Habitat Study
Excursion Inlet
Vicinity Map
2
Figure
1
FRO.£CT: :IG-288711A
ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
The next nearest gage site is the historic station for the Pavlof River near Tenakee (station
151 08000), situated approximately 40 miles south of Excursion Inlet. This gage site had a
drainage area of 24.30 square miles, which is almost twice the drainage area present in North
and South Creeks. The period of record at this site extended from June of 1957 through
September of 1981. During this period, the mean monthly discharge ranged from 86 cfs in
March to 329 cfs in October (Figure 2). The maximum peak flow of 4,620 cfs was observed on
October 30, 1978. Periods of high flow occur in Late April through early June and again in
October in the Pavlof River. Periods of lower flow tend to occur in late July through August and
January through March.
Discharges in North and South Creeks is likely substantially smaller than the discharge
documented for the Pavlof River, however, the seasonal runoff patterns are likely very similar.
Pavlof River near Tenakee (USGS station 15108000)
Vi ~ 350 .-------------
~ 300 +--------------------------------~~------
~ 250 +-----------------~~~---------~----~---E
~ 200 +--~--------~~---~~----------·~------~--... ....
~ 150 +-----------~~----~~----~~-------~~-->
£ 100 -t------..... ;;;;;;;;;:JI'-c
0 50 -::i
~ 0 +--~----~--~--··--~-~--~-~--~-~---~--~-~
~ Jan Feb Mar Apr
Figure 2. Mean monthly stream flow (cfs) for the period from June 1957 through September 1981 Pavlof
River gage site near Tenakee.
1.4 Topography and Geology
North and South Creeks originate in a steep mountainous area. The creeks drop from the steep
headwater areas into a gentle U-shaped valley and then drop once again through steep canyon
reaches (Figure 1 ). Downstream of the canyon reaches, the creeks pass through a low gradient
area until which extends to the mouths of the creeks.
The Site is situated within the Allexader-Wrangellia physiographic terrain of Southeast Alaska,
at the southern extent of the Chilkat Range, and lies immediately east of a north-north-east
trending fault (McClelland and Mattinson 2000; Brew and Ford 1985). The Site is primarily
comprised of greywacke, mudstone, turbidities, and limestone, which typify Silurian deposits of
the Alexander Belt (McClelland and Mattinson 2000). Calcareous greywacke is the dominant
rock type. The greywackes are generally thin to medium-bedded, with carbonate clasts, fossil
fragments, subordinate feldspar, quartz, and volcano-clasts.
The bed-load sediments in both North and South Excursion Inlet Creeks were comprised of
mostly well-rounded, cobble and gravel-sized material that appeared to be partially
Introduction 3 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
metamorphosed marine sediments, with angular clasts observed in some. Changes in the
lithology in the up-gradient region of the gorges in both North and South Excursion Creeks may
have limited the historical advance of alpine glaciers that appear to have carved the U-shaped
valleys in the upper reaches of both creeks; however, there is no change in lithology noted by
previous investigators. There are no significant faulting, joints or off-set joints reported within
the site, with the exception of a fault line shown running northeast, possibly through the vicinity
of Neva Lake and immediately down-gradient of the gorge on the South Excursion Creek
(McClelland and Mattinson 2000).
1.5 Fish Species
Both North and South Excursion Inlet Creek support populations of anadromous fish. South
Excursion Creek supports sockeye (Onchorhynchus nerka), coho (0. kisutch) salmon and chum
salmon (0. keta)1
• North Excursion Creek supports populations of pink (0. gorbuscha) and
coho salmon, and may occasionally provide habitat for adult sockeye salmon bound for South
Excursion Creek. The primary resident fish species in the two creeks is Dolly Varden. Chum
and pink salmon are rarely found in high gradient stream reaches; therefore, they are unlikely to
be found only in the lower reaches of the creeks. Sockeye require lakes to rear and a
substantial population utilizes Neva Lake, which is tributary to South Excursion Creek. There
are no other accessible lakes in the project area, so sockeye are likely concentrated in lower
South Excursion Creek. Coho are strong swimmers and are not dependent upon lakes. They
could potential utilize all habitats in the project streams downstream of any fish passage
barriers.
1 Salmon species present in project streams as presented here is based on November 2012 electrofishing surveys
and habitat assessment by ADF&G along with information in the Anadromous Waters Catalog, available at:
http://gis.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/FiexMapslfishresourcemonitor.html?mode=awc
Introduction 4 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
2 Methods
Coho salmon are the focal species because they can ascend higher gradient streams than pink
salmon or chum salmon and, unlike sockeye salmon, they are not dependent on lakes. Thus,
the upstream extent of coho likely represents the upstream extent of anadromous fish in project
streams. ENVIRON and the Haines Borough anticipated that coho salmon distribution, both
actual and potential, could be determined by conducting physical and biological surveys of the
streams and characterizing potential barriers.
In preparation for the field surveys in August 2012 Environ researched stream survey
methodologies used in SE Alaska. In discussion with ADF&G about their methods an
opportunity to collaborate developed. ADF&G (Alaska Department of Fish and Game) is
conducting stream surveys to maintain and update a statutorily required atlas and catalog of
waters important to anadromous fishes (the Anadromous Waters Catalog (AWC)
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/SARRIAWC/index.cfm?ADFG=intro.purpose) and was interested
in surveying the project streams. ADF&G participation provided ADF&G Habitat Division an
opportunity to become familiar with the project area, which will be important in potential future
regulatory processes, and also provided an opportunity to try to reach mutual agreement on the
presence/absence of fish barriers. Two ADF&G biologists accompanied ENVIRON in the field
and conducted electrofishing and minnow trapping to sample the distribution of juvenile coho
salmon. ADF&G returned to the sites in November, 2012, to further evaluate potential fish
barriers identified during the August field visit.
2.1 Definition of Passage Barriers
ADF&G has no specific written methodology or criteria to be used to identify passage barriers.
In application, field biologists characterize the stream feature and compare their measurements
against species-specific criteria (Table 1). Fish passage criteria include a combination of the
maximum fall height, the depth of the pool below the falls, channel gradient (steepness) and the
known jumping and swimming capabilities of each species potentially ascending the barrier.
For coho, the maximum fall height is 11 feet and the pool depth must be 1.25 times the jump
height. The maximum jump height of coho is roughly 7 feet (Sandercock 1991) so the pool
depth at the jump must be at least 8.75 feet. It is important to note than fall heights less than 11
feet could limit passage if pool depth is not sufficient. A steep channel can also be a barrier.
Barriers at steep channels are a function of the length of the channel, the gradient of the
channel, and the flow velocity. Steep slopes ranging from 12 percent gradient and 225 feet
long to 24 percent and 25 feet long can be migration barriers for coho (Table 1 ).
Methods 5 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Table 1. Fish passage criteria used by ADF&G.
Criterion ·.· ..
••• Coho Steel head Sockeye·· Chinook Pink/Chum
·.· ..
a) 4 with
Maximum Fall Height (A blockage deep
may be presumed if fall height in 11 13 10 11 jump
feet exceeds the listed heights) pool
b) 3 without
pool
1.25 times jump height, except that no minimum pool depth
Pool Depth A blockage may be
presumed if the unobstructed water
exists for fall heights as follows:
column depth in feet within the pool a) less than 4 feet for coho and steelhead and
is less than indicated
b) less than 2 feet for other anadromous fish species
>225 at 1.2 percent gradient
Steep channel. A blockage may be >100 at 1.6 percent gradient presumed at the upper end of the
reach if channel steepness in feet is >100 at 9 percent gradient equal to or greater than the
following without resting places for >50 at 20 percent gradient fish
>25 at 24 percent gradient
Note: From Table A, Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Act Regulations 21
(httQ://forestr:y.alaska.gov/Qdfs/ForestResources&PracticesRegulations-GREEN BOOK AQrii2009.Qdf).
2.2 Barrier evaluation
Aerial surveys for barriers in the project streams were conducted by ENVIRON on August 16,
2012 from a two-person helicopter at altitudes of approximately 2 to 3 times the height of
dominant conifer trees in the riparian zone, which placed the observer approximately 180 feet
above stream level. The flight path was in the upstream direction along the stream course. The
focus of the search was to locate potential barriers upstream of the lower reaches that were
surveyed and sampled in foot surveys. Stream features that appeared to be falls or steep
chutes were inspected further by circling and observation from multiple perspectives.
ENVIRON staff mapped locations with a Garmin Etrex GPS unit and took photographs and
video for later examination and evaluation. ADF&G personnel conducted a separate aerial
reconnaissance of project streams the same day as ENVIRON and landed upstream of a
potential barrier in North Excursion Creek previously identified by ENVIRON at about RM 4.0 to
electrofish side channel habitats and to determine the species of fish that were present
upstream of the potential barriers. ENVIRON staff presented photographs and description of the
barriers preliminarily identified in project streams to ADF&G staff for their opinion and
observations. No official fish passage judgments could be made solely from photographic
information obtained by either ADF&G or ENVIRON, therefore the results of August surveys
served to identify the specific stream reaches that may contain passage barriers.
Methods 6 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
ADF&G returned to the project area in November 2012 and conducted general surveys of
stream habitats and electrofished rearing habitats to assess fish species presence. Fish
passage barriers were characterized by height, gradient and jump pool characteristics
presented in ADF&G's report (Kern 2012), which is included as Appendix A.
The stream survey protocol that was originally intended to be used would have included a rapid
upstream survey to locate barriers to coho salmon passage and a continuous physical survey
from the barrier downstream to document the quality and quantity of habitats for rearing and
spawning coho. Stream flows and flow velocities in August 2012 were greater than anticipated
and the streams could not be safely walked. Stream flow was estimated at 1 0 feet per second
(fps) or more in confined channels. These conditions prevented foot survey of project streams
in the middle and upper reaches.
Stream reaches were delineated from USGS topographic maps with 100 foot contour intervals
(Figure 3). These reaches were anticipated to reflect the potential for fish utilization by species
and life stage and provide a basic framework for reference. Stream profiles of project streams
were developed from current topographic maps.
The lower elevations of the project streams were surveyed on foot for barriers and fish presence
August 13 through 15. Where foot surveys were possible, qualitative electrofishing was
conducted by ADF&G in backwater and off-channel habitats to determine fish species present.
A Smith-Root LR-24 unit electrofishing unit was used (Figure 4}. Power and cycle settings
were from 375 to 450 volts at 30Hz and 15% duty cycle.
Stream surveys conducted by ADF&G over November 7-8, 2012 provided general observations
about fish habitats and fish presence at stream flows much lower than those during August
surveys. Continuous surveys were possible from about RM 1.49 to RM 2.48 in south Creek and
RM 0.68 to RM 2.92 in North Creek. Stream segments were also electrofished during the
November survey using the same methods described for the August electrofishing effort.
Methods 7 ENVIRON
ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Excursion Inlet
Reach Break Map
Figure
3
Figure 3. Stream reaches in North Excursion Creek and South Excursion Creek (1 :50,000 scale) based
on gradient, confinement and tributary junctions . The red symbols indicate the break points between the
reaches . The labels (1S, 2S, 1N, 2N, etc.) are the reach numbers.
Methods 8 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
) ~
Figure 4. Electrofishing us ing Sm l'r n-wn,..,r 24 backpack un it in side channel habitat in North Excursion
Creek, August 2012.
Methods 9 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
3 Results
3.1 Fish Distribution
3.1.1 North Creek
In August 2012, coho juveniles were found at eight sites in North Excursion Creek from about
RM 0.55 up to RM 2.07 . Coho juveniles measured 40 and 80 mm (Figure 5) at RM 1.09. This
size range includes young-of-the-year and yearling age classes. Dolly Varden (Figure 5) were
3 to 4 times more abundant than juvenile coho in any sample and ranged from 30 to 60 mm.
One larger Dolly Varden, approximately 200 mm in length, was captured at RM 1.73.
Electrofishing in side channels at RM 4.0, upstream of the canyon area, yielded at least 50 Dolly
Varden ranging in length from 30 to 140 mm (Albrecht 2012). No other species were observed
in this upper reach .
Surveys conducted by ADF&G in November 2012 found coho juveniles further upstream in
North Creek, extending upstream to RM 2.49. Resident Dolly Varden and rainbow trout were
found upstream of the North Creek fish barrier at RM 2.63 (Kern 2012). Dolly Varden are
abundant and distributed throughout the surveyed reaches and presumably upstream into the
headwaters of project streams.
Figure 5. Coho juvenile (left) and Dolly Varden (right) captured at RM 0 .56 in North Excursion
minnow trap, August 2012 .
The present limit of anadromous fish passage recorded in the AWC for North Excursion Creek
is at about RM 1. 7 (Albrecht 2012) based on an undocumented report or observation of pink
salmon distribution. During surveys in August 2012, coho were found to present up to RM 2.3.
From surveys conducted by ADF&G in November 2012, Kern (2012) recommends that the
official limit of anadromous fish passage be extended upstream to the point of last salmon
capture at RM 2 .49 in North Excursion Creek. This is just downstream of the identified passage
barrier at RM 2.63. Since no passage limits were found downstream of this point, it reasonable
to use the identified barrier as the physical limit of anadromous for planning purposes (Figure 6).
3.1.2 South Creek
One side channel in South Creek, located at RM 0.77, was electrofished in August 2012. Four
Dolly Varden juveniles ranging in length from 30 to 90 mm were captured. No anadromous
Results 10 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
species were captured or observed at this location . Electrofishing by ADF&G between RM 1.5
and 2.7 at lower flows in November 2012 also found no coho juveniles.
Stream flow velocities limited the stream surveys in August 2012. Subsequent surveys of these
reaches by ADF&G at much lower flows in November 2012 found limited side channel and
spawning habitats in the canyon reach . While no coho juveniles were found in August 2012
(RM 0.77) or by ADF&G in November 2012, coho salmon could utilize habitats up to the natural
passage limit at RM 2.48; however, the absence of coho in both surveys suggests utilization of
these habitats is uncommon .
Figure 6. Known and potential distribution of coho salmon in North and South Excursion Creeks. The
barriers determined to be passage limits by ADF&G are located at RM 2.62 in North Excursion Creek and
RM 2.48 in South Excursion Creek.
The upper limit of anadromous fish in South Excursion Creek is listed in the AWC at about RM
1.1. This limit could be changed to a point further upstream if anadromous fish are found to be
present, confirming utilization of habitats downstream of the passage barrier at RM 2.48 (Kern
2012). Albrecht (2012) noted that no passage barrier was present at the official limit and it was
the judgment of the survey party in August 2012 that nothing would preclude coho adults or
juveniles from utilizing habitats upstream of the AWC official limit.
Results 11 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
During the November 2012 survey, ADF&G identified the natural barrier to anadromous fish
passage in South Excursion Creek at RM 2.48. The upper extent of anadromy will not be
extended upstream of the current location of RM 1.1 (Figure 6) because no anadromous fish
were found upstream of this location .
Anadromous fish are present in lower South Creek (Albrecht 2012) and it is reasonable to
presume that coho salmon can and will utilize habitats upstream of the known limit of anadromy,
to the barrier at RM 2.48 in years of abundant spawners and accommodating stream flow
conditions. For these reasons, it reasonable to use the identified barrier at RM 2.48 as the
physical limit of anadromous fish passage for planning purposes.
3.2 Barrier evaluation
No barriers were identified during August 2012 surveys conducted on foot in the reaches
downstream of the canyon areas in project streams. Two potential barriers were identified by
ENVIRON in North Excursion Creek and three potential barriers were identified by ENVIRON in
South Excursion Creek during the aerial surveys. Foot surveys by ADF&G in November 2012
identified anadromous fish passage barriers at RM 2.48 in South Excursion Creek and RM 2.63
in North Excursion Creek (Figure 6). The barrier in North Creek is a 4.8 m (15.7 feet) high falls
with a jump pool 1.2 m (3.9 feet) deep (Figure 7). In South Creek, the barrier is a falls complex
(Figure 8). Photos of the complex are provided in ADF&G's November trip report (Kern 2012).
Figure 7. Barrier to coho salmon in North Excursion Creek at RM 2 .63, November 2012. View upstream
to barrier falls. Source : (Kern 2012 Photo 4).
Results 12 ENVIRON
South Cnck Barrier Profile
-~
13%Gradent
620fect
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
0 ~Pool
Figure 8. Diagram of the anadromous fish barrier complex in South Excursion Creek identified by
ADF&G at RM 2.48 in November 2012 . Source: Kern 2012 (Figure 4)
3.3 Habitat Characteristics
3.3.1 North Excursion Creek
Lower North Excursion Creek (Reach 1 N, Figure 9) provides both spawning and rearing habitat
for anadromous fish in a broad channel, 60 to more than 1 00 feet wide. This reach has well-
developed shallow edge habitats and off-channel features at an overall gradient of 1.4 percent
with local gradients of 2 to 3 percent (Figure 10; Table 2). Albrecht (2012) estimated that 20
percent of Reach 1 N ( Figure 9) contained side channels and observed adult pink salmon
spawning and holding in a side channel at RM 0.32 . As elevation increased through Reach 1 N
(RM 0.56 to RM 1. 7), the channel became increasing confined and narrowed to 40 to 60 feet
wide with gradients between 2 and 3 percent (Figure 1 0). Spawning habitats are likely present
but could not be quantified because of the water depth and velocity. Spawning habitat may be
present in a patchy distribution . The dominant substrate class throughout this reach is cobble
with local sorting and deposition creating mid-channel and lateral bars. Surveys by ADF&G in
November 2012 continued further upstream and generally confirmed the presence of these
habitat characteristics (Kern 2012)
Results 13 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Figure 9. Reach breaks defining changes in habitat conditions in North and South Excursion Creeks .
Results 14 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
The canyon reach of North Excursion Creek (Reach 2N) increases in gradient to 2 to 3 percent
from about RM 2.4 to RM 3.3. This reach is distinctly confined with a stepped profile and that
likely provides limited edge and off-channel habitats for juvenile coho and unknown potential for
coho spawning.
Dolly Varden are abundant in the alluviated valley (Reach 3N) above the canyon reach where
gradient lessens to 2 percent. Rainbow trout may also be present in Reach 3N based the
observation of a single trout at RM 2.63 by ADF&G (Kern 2012) Stream meander and side
channel habitats in Reach 3N are evident from aerial surveys in August 2012. Gradient in
reaches 4N and 5N increases from 3 percent to over 17 percent. Dolly Varden are likely
present in lower gradient habitats of these reaches but the headwaters are steep enough to
preclude utilization by any fish species.
Table 2. Stream gradient (%} by river mile in North Excursion Creek and South
Excursion Creek.
North Excursion Creek South Excursion Creek
River Mile Percent Gradient River Mile Percent Gradient
0.00 0.0% 0.00 0.0%
1.32 1.4% 1.24 1.5%
2.18 2.2% 2.25 1.9%
2.82 3.0% 2.58 5.6%
3.75 2.0% 2.90 6.1%
4.56 2.4% 3.17 6.9%
5.14 3.2% 3.91 2.5%
5.51 5.1% 4.24 5.8%
5.79 6.7% 4.62 5.0% r---
5.99 9.8% 4.91 6.5%
6.10 17.2% 5.14 8.2%
Note: *Developed from USGS topographic data, 100ft. contour intervals available at httJ2:/Iwww.maJ2card.com/
Results 15 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Stream Profile, North and South Creeks
1000
900
800
£
700
600 c
0 500 '.jj
nl > 400 Q.l
jjj
300
S. Creek Barrier
200
100
0
0 5000
Source : USGS topographic
maps with 100 foot contours
http://www.mapcard.com/
N. Creek barrier
North Creek Canyon
10000 15000 20000 25000 30000
Distance from Mouth (ft)
-North Creek -south Creek
35000
Figure 10. Stream profile of North and South Excursion Creeks compiled from topographic map data.
Canyon reaches and barriers in each stream are indicated based on surveys by ADF&G, November,
2012.
3.3.2 South Excursion Creek
Reach 1S (Figure 9) is a low gradient (1.5 percent or less; Figure 10) reach extending from
tidewater to approximately RM 1.1. This reach provides both spawning and rearing habitats for
anadromous fish and contained several thousand spawning pink salmon during our site visit in
August 2012 (Albrecht 2012).
Reach 2S is a transitional reach with increasing gradient and a stepped profile . Off-channel
habitats for rearing and a patchy distribution of substrate s suitable for spawning are present in
the reach. No adult salmon were observed in this reach by either ADF&G or ENVIRON during
foot or aerial surveys in August 2012 or ADF&G surveys in November 2012; however, Reach
2S should be considered accessible to coho salmon and possibly other species. Albrecht
(2012) noted the presence of rearing habitats and that the present limit of anadromous fish
shown in the ADF&G stream catalog was not based on a barrier. High water velocities limited
accessibility of this reach in August 2012 but diminished flows in November 2012 allowed
ADF&G biologists to survey this reach up to and including the barrier at RM 2.48, confirming
earlier observations of potential use of these habitats by anadromous fish (Kern 2012).
Reach 3S is a canyon reach extending from approximately RM 2 .0 through RM 3.3. It has a
confined channel pattern and gradient ranging from about 2 to 7 percent. The reach was found
Results 16 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
to contain a passage barrier to coho salmon at RM 2.48. Although not observed, Dolly Varden
char can be expected to utilize habitats in this reach.
Reach 4S, located upstream of the canyon reach, has a lower stream gradient of approximately
2.5 percent. This reach may support Dolly Varden. Presence or absence of fish upstream of
the barrier in Reach 3S will be confirmed by ADF&G in the spring of 2013 (Kern 20 12).
Reaches 5S through 7S are increasingly steep (greater than 5.8 percent). A headwater
population of Dolly Varden char may be present through the lower gradient portions of these
reaches.
Results 17 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
4 Conclusions and Recommendations
Stream reaches that likely contained limits to anadromous fish passage were identified using
the results of the foot and aerial surveys in August 2012. Further investigation by ADF&G
officially identified the exact location of anadromous fish passage barriers in November 2012.
Coho salmon are present up to RM 2.49 and potentially up to the barrier at RM 2.62 in North
Excursion Creek. In South Creek, coho salmon have been documented up to river mile 1.1
(Kern 2012), but could potentially occur, under suitable flow conditions, up to the barrier at RM
2.48. Only Dolly Varden char are were found to be present above RM 4.0 in North Excursion
Creek and Dolly Varden char are likely to be present above the anadromous fish barrier at RM
2.48 in South Excursion Creek.
Preliminary discussions with ADF&G indicate that upstream fish passage would be required if a
diversion were built within anadromous fish habitat. Siting a diversion above the limits of
anadromous fish passage would not require upstream passage 2 . Downstream passage for
juvenile Dolly Varden char will be required at all potential locations for a dam unless a special
allowance is made by ADF&G. This would provide connectivity of upstream populations of Dolly
Varden with populations located downstream of the passage barrier. Downstream passage for
juvenile fish at a diversion structure is common design feature in small hydroelectric structures
and can be incorporated at minimal cost.
Depending on siting of the powerhouse, it is possible that a bypass reach may extend into the
anadromous fish zone. Conceptually, reduced flows in a bypass reach could result in an
improvement of fish habitats by reducing velocities and increasing the area suitable for both
rearing and spawning fish. A study of instream flow and changes in fish habitat suitability would
be required to determine the effects of flow diversion in a bypass reach. Placement of the entire
project upstream of the anadromous habitats could potentially avoid the need for further studies
or reduce the magnitude of those studies. Further consultation with ADF&G, the National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the Corp of Engineers
will be necessary to determine what additional studies would be required under each design
scenario.
There are distinctions between North Excursion Creek and South Excursion Creek that inform
project siting considerations. The canyon reach of South Excursion Creek is considerably
steeper in profile than North Excursion Creek and could potentially provide more hydraulic head
in a shorter distance (see Figures 6 and 10). Additionally, no anadromous fish have been
observed between RM 1.1 and the barrier at RM 2.48. Conceptually, a diversion could be
constructed in South Excursion Creek upstream of the anadromous migration barrier and the
powerhouse could be located near the barrier in the zone where no fish have been documented.
This configuration would have little to no effect on the existing anadromous habitat in the creek.
Since lower South Excursion Creek supports a valuable sockeye population in Neva Creek that
is widely recognized by ADF&G and the USFS, avoidance of impacts to the lower river
populations (Reaches 1 S and 2S) will be an important consideration in the design of a project.
2 See email from J. Timothy, ADF&G, in Appendix B.
Conclusions and Recommendations 18 ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
5 References
Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Anadromous Waters Catalog. Available at:
http://gis.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/FiexMapslfishresourcemonitor.html?mode=awc. Last accessed
09 September 2012.
Albrecht, G. 2012. ADF&G Memorandum from Greg Albrecht to Jackie Timothy, 9/12/2012,
Excursion Inlet Hydro Trip Report 8/13/123 •
Brew, D.A. and Ford, A.B., 1985. Preliminary reconnaissance geologic map of the Juneau,
Taku River, Atlin, and part of the Skagway 1:250,000 quadrangles, southeastern Alaska:
U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 85-395, 23 p., 2 plates.
CH2M Hill. 1979. Regional inventory and reconnaissance study for small hydroelectric power
sites in Southeast Alaska. Report prepared for the Alaska District, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. Available at: http://akenergvinventorv.org/hyd/SSH-1979-0373.pdf
Kern, M. 2012. ADF&G Memorandum from Matthew Kern to Jackie Timothy, 11/26/2012,
Excursion Inlet Hydro Trip Report 11/8/123
McClelland, W.C. and Mattinson, J.M., 2000. Cretaceous-Tertiary evolution of the western
Coast Mountains, central southeastern Alaska; in Ridgway, K.D. and others eds., tectonic
growth of a collisional continental margin: Crustal evolution of southeastern Alaska:
Geological Society of America Special Paper No. 343, p.159-161.
Quinn, Tess. 2011. Cataloguing anadromous waters in Southeast Alaska: Juneau Road
System. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Technical Report No. 11-05, Douglas,
Alaska. [Last accessed 07/16/12:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/librarv/pdfs/habitat/11 05.pdfl
Sandercock, F. K. 1991. Life history of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). In: C. Croat and
L. Marcolis (eds.) Pacific salmon life histories. UBC Press. University of British Columbia,
Vancouver B.C., Canada, p. 395-445
3 Full text provided in Appendix A.
References 19 ENVIRON
Appendix A
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Appendix A
ADF&G Trip Reports
August 2012 and November 2012
ENVIRON
MEMORANDUM
TO: Jackie Timothy
Southeast Region Supervisor
TIIRU:
FHOM Greg Albrecht
Habitat Biologist
State of Alaska
Department of Fish and Game
Division of Habitat
DATF 9/12/2012
FILE NO:
SUBJECT Excursion Inlet Hydro
Trip Report
8/13/2012
PTIONE NO (907) 465-6384
On August 13 I traveled with Matt Kern (Habitat Biologist), Ken Ames (Environ Corp Geologist), and
Mike Parton (Environ Corp Aquatic Ecologist) to Excursion Inlet to survey North Creek (ADFG Stream
no. 111-80-10400; Pp) and South Creek (ADFG Stream no. 114-80-10450; CHp, COp, Pp, Sp) where a
run-of-the-river hydroelectric project may be proposed by the City and Borough of Haines. ADF&G's
primary objective was to document anadromous fish presence along the drainages and barriers to
upstream migration. In addition to this, we collected data on stream characteristics and resident fish
presence to aid in making permitting decisions if the hydro is pursued.
South Creek
Our South Creek foot survey spanned about 1.7 miles upstream from tidewater. In this reach, South
Creek is characterized by clear, fast moving water, flowing through a steep canyon over an average
gradient of 1 to 3%. A dike was used to reroute the last 1.4 mile of South Creek around the town site in
the 1940s. During our survey we estimated several thousand pink salmon to be present in this stretch of
river; however, none were sighted upstream of the bridge at stream mile 1.3 (Figs 1 &2), where gradient
and channelization increase. The confluence of Neva Creek, a productive sockeye, coho and trout
system, with South Creek is located at stream mile 1.1, just below the bridge (Figs 1 &2). High flows and
the steep canyon walls limited our foot survey to 1.4 of a mile above the bridge. We electroshocked (375
volts, 30Hz, 15% duty cycle; see Table 1 and Figs 1-3 for data on all fish captures) one side channel near
the top of the survey (Figs 1 &3; Table 1; waypoint 1 06) and caught 4 Dolly Varden. There did not
appear to be a barrier where the current upper extent of anadromy is recorded in ADF&G's Anadromous
Waters Catalog (Figs 1&3; Table 1; waypoint 100).
Due to the difficulty in making upstream progress on both drainages, Environ Corp chartered a
helicopter to fly over both creeks. Topographical maps and video taken during a helicopter fly-over show
that the 1.2 mile portion of South Creek above the end of our foot survey (Figs 1-3: Table 1; waypoint
1 07) greatly increases in gradient and channelization, which would make a foot survey only possible
during very low flows (about half of what was present during our visit). The sustained high gradient
Excursion Inlet hydro TR
September 12, 2012
Page 2
and/or the two falls I marked during the fly-over may be a barrier to anadromous fish migration (Figs
1&3; Table 1; waypoints 148, 149), and requires additional investigation.
North Creek
Our North Creek foot survey spanned about 2.3 miles upstream from tidewater (Figs 1&2; Table 1;
waypoint 130). In this reach, North Creek is characterized by clear, fast moving water, flowing through a
canyon over an average gradient of 1 to 3%. Flow was 1 to 2 feet below Ordinary High Water, but was
still too high to easily wade upstream and cross in most locations, making for slow progress. North
Creek is currently cataloged for pink salmon presence up to about stream mile 1. 7 (Figs 1 &2; Table 1;
waypoint 101); however, there is no barrier at this location and coho juveniles were captured upstream
of here (Figs 1-3; Table 1; waypoint 128).
Similar to South Creek, North Creek was rerouted around the town site with a dike by the US Army
Corps of Engineers in the 1940s. Additionally, a low head dam was built upstream to create a reservoir
used as part of a fire suppression system for the POW camp present where the canary now sits (Figs
1&2; Table 1; Waypoint 112). From this point down, the stream is relatively straight and side channel
habitat was recorded over about 20% of the segment, including one 0.1 mile long stretch where about 40
adult pink salmon were sighted (Figs 1&2; Table 1; waypoint 139). No other adult salmon were sighted
in North Creek, and locals confirm that few salmon are seen in North Creek. Upstream of this segment
to the top of our foot survey, side channels (typically containing -3 CFS of flow) were present over
about 10% of the area and from that point up, gradient and channelization increased as seen in fly-over
video and topographical maps.
During the fly-over I was able to land upstream of our survey (river mile 4) and electroshock two large
side channel systems (600' total length). Shocking at 450 Volts, 30Hz, and a 15% duty cycle, I captured
at least 50 Dolly Varden ranging from 30 to 140mm fork length, but no coho. During the fly-over I
marked four structures downstream of this site that require additional investigation as they may be
barriers to upstream fish passage (Figs 1 &3; Table 1; waypoints 142-145).
ADF&G Habitat Biologists will return to both creeks during low flows to confirm barriers to
anadromous fish migration on each system and will update the Anadromous Waters Catalog
accordingly. Please feel free to contact Greg Albrecht at (907) 465-6384 or by email at
greg.albrecht@alaska.gov with any questions or to view fly-over videos.
bl T bl h Ta e 1 a e s owing waypomts, notes fi d . s Ish captures, an pictures a om~ outh and N orth c k ree surveyreaches.
Waypoint Notes Fish caught Pictures located in
Appendix A
South Creek
100 ADF&G Anadromous Waters Catalog
top of anadromous fish presence
106 4 Dolly Varden (DV)
30-90mm
107 3-4' falls not a total barrier 1121
148 Potential Barrier South Creek Fly-over S Creek 1
Excursion Inlet hydro TR
September 12,2012
Page 3
video minute 0: 18
149 Potential Barrier South Creek Fly-over
video minute 0:54
North Creek
101 ADF&G Anadromous Waters Catalog
top of anadromous fish presence
110 Minnow trap Several
coho (CO) juveniles
111 1 C0,2DV
112 Large Log jam, site of previous low head
dam. 2-3% gradient up to here,
113 Side Channel (SC) 9 DV 30-60mm, 2 CO
40, 80mm
114 Some incised banks beginning
115 2% gradient here, 2C0,6DV
Lunch spot
116 2.5% gradient over 200' 2CO
118 SC with about 3 Cubic Feet per Second CO numerous
(CFS) of flow
119 Long SC with -30 CFS
120 Top of survey day 1 8" DV hook and line
121 Small tributary
122 Small SC
123 Good SC and rearing
124 Old dam site and penstock support
125 Old logging road start
126 Remnant building
127 High gradient trib. that was followed to
stream
128 SC Top of anadromous fish capture 2C0,4DV
129 Bottom of slide at left
130 Top of survey, no barrier present.
Typical substrate along survey reach
pictured
135 XIP winter water intake site
136 sc
137 Concrete footing, excellent rearing
habitat here
138 Start of 0.1 mile SC -40 adult pinks, some
digging redds
139 sc
140 Crossing cable and SC
141 Tidewater falls, below mean
S Creek2
1125
1127
1131
1132, 1133
1135
1136
1138
1141
1143
1145
1148
1150
1152, 1153
1173
1175
1176
1177
1178
Excursion Inlet hydro TR
September 12, 2012
Page4
142 Potential Barrier North Creek Fly-over
video minute 1:38
143 Potential Barrier North Creek Fly-over
video minute 2: 11
144 Potential Barrier North Creek Fly -over
video minute 2:21
145 Potential Barrier North Creek Fly-over
video minute 2:30
146 Landing site and SCs North Creek Fly-
over video minute 2:58
• waypoinla
=:~ W"nlaile4 roa0.
N Creek 1
N Creek2
N Creek3
N Creek4
N Creek5
Figure 1 Map showing surveyed reaches of North and South Creeks. Waypoint numbers correspond to those on Table 1
Excursion Inlet hydro TR
September 12, 2012
PageS
...... e Old Logging Roail
--Hlllcopterlideo lfllhl.pllll
Figure 2 Lower North and South Creeks. Waypoint numbers correspond to those on Table 1.
Excursion Inlet hydro TR
September 12, 2012
Page6
• v.eypolntl
Malnlllned roads s
Figure 3 Upper North and South Creeks. Waypoint numbers correspond to those on Table 1.
Excursion Inlet hydro TR
September 12, 2012
Page7
S creek 1
.1'
S Creek2
Appendix A
1125
Excursion Inlet hydro TR
September 12, 2012
Page 8
1133
1135
Excursion Inlet hydro TR
September 12, 2012
Page9
Excursion Inlet hydro TR
September 12, 2012
Page 10
Excursion Inlet hydro TR
September 12, 2012
Page 11
Excursion Inlet hydro TR
September 12, 2012
Page 12
N Creek3
,
I
N Creek4
cc:
Al Ott, ADF&G Habitat, Fairbanks
All, Douglas Habitat Staff
Brian Glynn, ADF&G/SF, Juneau
David Harris, ADF&G/CF, Juneau
Ryan Scott, ADF&G/WC, Juneau
Steve Brockmann, USFWS, Juneau
Victor Ross, USACE, Juneau
Ken Ames, Environ Corp, Seattle
Mike Parton, Environ Corp, Olympia
NCreek 5
MEMORANDUM
TO: ] ackie Timothy
Southeast Regional Supervisor
THRU: Greg Albrecht
Habitat Biologist
FRO:\!: Matthew Kern N\~ Habitat Biologist
State of Alaska
Department of Fish and Game
Division of Habitat
DATE: November 26,2012
SUBJECT: Excursion Inlet Hydro
Trip Report
PHONE NO: (907) 465-4182
On November 7-8, 2012, Habitat Biologist Greg Albrecht and I traveled to Excursion Inlet to survey
North and South Creeks (Figures 1-4) where the City and Borough of Haines is considering a run-of-the-
river hydroelectric project. Our purpose was to conduct foot surveys of each system during low water
levels to determine anadromous fish barriers, fish presence, and potential resident and anadromous fish
habitat. During an August 2012 trip (See Excursion Inlet Hydro Trip Report by Greg Albrecht) high
flows prevented us from mapping stream characteristics from the ground in upstream reaches. Two
weeks of cold and clear weather with limited precipitation preceded this trip providing lower water
levels.
South Creek:
Our survey of South Creek (ADFG Stream No. 114-80-10450; CHp, COp, Pp, Sp) started 2.4 river km
upstream from tidewater influence and ended at river km 4.4 where we encountered a series of cascades,
waterfalls, and bedrock chutes (Figures 1 & 3). The surveyed reach contained limited side channel
habitat and many step pools over an average gradient of 3-5%. Stream substrate was composed of
sections of bedrock, large boulders, and few sections of suitable gravels for spawning habitat (Photos 1
& 2). Using a flow meter and measuring tape we estimated flow at waypoint 215 to be 34.78 cfs. We
electrofished frequently in areas of potential rearing habitat and found Dolly Varden char (40-90 mm) in
relatively low abundance.
We determined the upper extent of potential anadromous fish habitat based on falls height and jump
pool depth (Figure 4 ). The series of falls and cascades was about 190 meters long, and had a gradient of
13% with some resting pools (Photo 3). We did not electrofish upstream of the barrier to confirm
resident fish presence, however we would expect Dolly Varden char habitat and presence upstream.
Since no anadromous fish were observed on South Creek, the cataloged upper extent of anadromy was
not extended. We will conduct upstream resident fish surveys next spring.
North Creek:
Our survey ofNorth Creek (ADFG Stream No. 111-80-10400; Pp) went from 1.1 to 4.7 kilometers
upstream of tide water (Figures 1 & 2). Our survey ended at a barrier falls with an estimated height of
Excursion Inlet Hydro 2 November 26, 2012
4.8 meters and a 1.2 meter jump pool (Photo 4). We determined the falls to be the top of potential
anadromous fish habitat. The surveyed reach contained more rearing habitat and side channels
containing large woody debris than South Creek (Photos 5 & 6). Stream gradient averaged 1-2% with a
higher proportion of gravel substrate than South Creek. We measured discharge to be 37.75 cfs near
waypoint 128, and 33.51 cfs downstream near waypoint 111. Flow at the downstream location may
have been lower due to water percolating through extensive gravel bars at the location.
We electrofished throughout the reach and captured many Dolly Varden char, one rainbow trout (Photos
7 & 8), and two juvenile coho salmon (Table 1). The two juvenile coho we captured were each about
35 mm (Photo 9), and were caught 1.5 km upstream of the existing cataloged upper extent.
Recommendations
ADF&G Habitat will continue to work with the City and Borough of Haines if a proposal to construct a
hydro project in North or South Creek is made. We will submit a nomination to update North Creek's
upper extent in the Anadromous Waters Catalog at our upstream coho salmon capture. We will also
correct South Creek's upper extent of anadromy, which lies several hundred feet off the active channel,
by matching it with the existing stream channel.
Photo 1. Looking downstream at South through
section of bedrock and large boulder substrate.
Photo 3. One step falls in the barrier complex on
South Creek near waypoint 195 (Figure 4).
Photo 2. Se<:tion of South Cree k wi tih many cascades,
bedrock, and large substrate.
Photo 4. Looking upstream at the barrier falls on North
Creek measured at 4.8 meters high (waypoint 185).
Excursion Inlet Hydro
in North Creek where we
electrofished two juvenile coho salmon (waypoint 187)
about 300 meters downstream from the barrier falls.
Photo 8. Detail of the rainbow trout adipose fin with no
pigment breaks along the outer edge.
3 November 26,2012
Photo 7 . Rainbow trout -150 mm-electrofished in a side
channel habitat of North Creek.
Photo 9. Juvenile coho salmon electrofi sh ed from sid e
channel habitat (Photo 5) in North Creek, 3 7 mm fork
length.
Excursion Inlet Hydro 4 November 26,2012
Table 1. Waypoint notes from November 7 & 8 surveys ofNorth and South Creek. Elevations taken
from GPS may have varying degrees of accuracy due to satellite reception.
North Creek
Waypoint Latitude Longitude Elev (m) Notes
180 58.4398 -135.4063 100.58 4 DV Electrofished -60 feet of good rearing habitat.
181 58.44 -135.4042 115.48 160 mm Rainbow Trout Electrofished
182 58.4405 -135.4009 119.57 Bedrock Channel
183 58.4405 -135.4002 High gradient Chute
117.89
184 58.4405 -135.4002 Chute continued
117.89
185 58.4411 -135.3973 Estimated 14 Ft falls with 4 Ft deep jump pool out
from base of falls. Large Woody Debris (LWD)
contributing to flow, but bedrock profile is likely at
least 14 feet. 22.5 feet channel bed width directly
116.20
below falls.
186 58.4408 -135.3985 2 DV Electrofished. 7% gradient, 70.5 feet.
107.55
187 58.4404 -135.4037 2 Coho-35 mm, 10 DV electrofished in calm side
channel. Good habitat between here and snow bridge.
96.98
New upper extent of anadromous fish capture
188 58.44 -135.4099 Side channel, good rearing habitat.
89.77
128 58.4347 -135.4127 Flow taken here. 37.73 cfs.
86.88
113 58.4241 -135.4264 From here to WPT 128, very little Side channel
habitat. Maybe 20% or 10%. Low flows would favor
rearing fish. Side channel complex starts here and goes
31.37 downstream through logjam.
Ill 58.4212 -135.43 Coho jaw-looked fresh but with cold temps difficult to
32.57 tell age. Flow 2 taken here-33.51 cfs.
South Creek
Waypoint Latitude Longitude Elev (m) Notes
100 58.4121 -135.407 Point lies 200 feet south of the stream channel
106 58.4132 -135.407 Electrofished 10 DV, poor coho rearing habitat. Large
56.60 substrate, 2-3% gradient
107 58.4134 -135.4068 From here to WPT 106, low DV abundance. 3%
59.73 gradient, large substrate, little pool and L WD habitat
189 58.4141 -135.4068 48.43 Salmon remains, likely coho-on log across river.
190 58.4147 -135.4065 52.28 Electrofished 4 DV in L WD jam
191 58.4158 -135.4053 63.81 6 DV Electrofished
192 58.4161 -135.4048 66.46 4 DV Electrofished-good woody debris pool
Excursion Inlet Hydro 5 November 26,2012
\Waypoint Latitude Longitude Elev (m) Notes
193 58.4199 -135.396 112.36 2 DV Electrofished.
194 58.4214 -135.3901 129.66 Start of steep area/barrier
195 58.4219 -135.3886 Top offalls complex-10 foot falls with 4 foot jump
pool (see video) cascade through another 10 foot falls
into 8 foot pool. Total length is 190 Meters at 13%
140.96 Gradient.
196 58.4208 -135.3908 114.52 2 foot high falls
197 58.4205 -135.3914 110.68 5 foot high cascade
198 58.4208 -135.3926 107.79 3 foot falls and cascade into large pool.
199 58.4209 -135.3938 104.19 3 foot cascades
200 58.4203 -135.3947 98.90 1 foot cascades, 3 foot falls, logjam.
201 58.42 -135.3954 96.26 5 foot high cascade
202 58.42 -135.3963 92.65 Several 3 foot cascades, a 4 foot falls
203 58.4201 -135.3972 92.65 4 foot cascade, some lower gradient here -150 feet
204 58.4198 -135.3984 86.64 Many cascades, 4 foot chute.
205 58.4194 -135.4003 Lower gradient, no falls, smaller cascades, potentially
first area for upstream resident fish migration, 2%
84.24 gradient.
206 58.4194 -135.4014 84.00 Cascades
207 58.4187 -135.4031 6 foot high falls on one side of River, 5 foot on the
78.95 other, close to a barrier with jump pool less than 4 feet.
208 58.4177 -135.4036 82.08 3-5 foot high cascades
209 58.4168 -135.4039 Several deep pools and complex L WD, 1.5% gradient
79.67 with step pools.
210 58.4161 -135.4046 76.55 2 foot high cascades.
211 58.4157 -135.4047 Side channel habitat, good rearing potential -2-5%
72.95 gradient here with 2-3 cascades.
212 58.4151 -135.4059 Series of cascades -Total of 10 feet high but with
70.54 some resting pools.
213 58.4149 -135.4061 Slower water, some still pools with L WD potential for
68.14 resident fish movement -Gradient 1.5%
214 58.4139 i -135.4068 Pool and 3 foot high cascades, Gradient 1.5%.
66.94
215 58.~*1 -135.407 62.85 Cascades and gradients > 1.5% from here upstream.
216 58.41 -135.4079 51.32 Gradient <1.5% from here to tide water.
217 58.4117 -135.4091 Small cascade about 3 feet high, wider channel. Still
47.95 limited rearing and spawning habitat.
/
M1p Crnte4 Nn-hr 15,2012
Figure 1. Overview map ofNorth and South Creeks with waypoints. Note that stream layer was not corrected to match GPS waypoints.
Excursion Inlet Hydro 8 November 26,2012
Map CreatM Nn-•er lO. 201%
Figure 3 . Detailed map ofSouth Creek Waypoints with photos of significant falls and rearing habitat.
Excursion Inlet Hydro
PJaote 1
9
Soutb Creek Barrier Profile
13% Gradient
620 feet
November 26,2012
0 JampPool
Figure 4. Diagram of falls and cascades in the South Creek barrier complex at waypoint 195 (Figure 1).
cc:
AI Ott, ADF&G Habitat, Fairbanks
All, Douglas Habitat Staff
Brian Glynn, ADF&G/SF, Juneau
David Harris, ADF&G/CF, Juneau
Ryan Scott, ADF&G/WC, Juneau
Steve Brockmann, USFWS, Juneau
Victor Ross, USACE, Juneau
Ken Ames, Environ Corp, Seattle
Mike Parton, Environ Corp, Olympia
Appendix B
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Appendix 8
Correspondence from Jackie Timothy, ADF&G
ENVIRON
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Timothy, Jackie L (DFG) <jackie.timothy@alaska.gov>
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 9:13AM
Mike Parton
Albrecht, Gregory T (DFG)
RE: Summary of our 9/07/2012 web meeting
That is my recollection.
Thanks. Jackie
From: Mike Parton [mailto:mparton@environcorp.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 7:06AM
To: Timothy, Jackie L (DFG); Albrecht, Gregory T (DFG)
Subject: Summary of our 9/07/2012 web meeting
Good Morning Jackie,
Thank you for your time last Friday. We enjoyed the discussion and better understand the
process of evaluation and stream nomination. And Greg sent along the names of other agency
folks you recommended we talk with. I also understand that he worked with Domini Glass to
get video and photos uploaded. We're looking forward to his written report.
I'm preparing a summary of our call and would appreciate your review and concurrence (or
edits) of the following points. We talked about many things, but I think these bullets capture the
main points we came away with.
Your feedback is much appreciated.
Best,
Mike
Summary of September 07, 2012 web meeting between ADF&G and Environ staff.
1. The limit of anadromous fish passage in North Excursion and South Excursion creeks
(project streams) can be established only through sampling for species presence and
characterizing the stream feature that limits fish passage.
2. ADF&G staff will return to these project streams to finish the work of establishing the limits
of fish passage in the project streams. The possible times for this work are the fall of
2012 or winter 2013.
3. Alaska statute requires downstream passage unless an exception is made by the
Commissioner of the ADF&G.
4. Given what we currently know about the project streams, there is no reason not to proceed
with the engineering feasibility work.
Appendix B ENVIRON
5. Greg Albrecht is working on a trip report for our August 2012 surveys and sampling of
project streams and will upload video, still photos, and GPS data to the web site Environ
has set up.
Mike Parton 1 Aquatic Ecologist 1 Sr. Manager
525 Columbia Street NW, Suite 204 -Olympia, WA 98501
360.515.5805 1 mobile 360.485.2228 1 fax 360.515.5801
mparton@environcorp.com 1 www.environcorp.com
Appendix 8 ENVIRON
Appendix C
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Appendix C
Photos of North and South Excursion Creeks and Fish Observed During
Electroshocking
ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Prelim inary Fish Habitat Study
Dolly Varden juvenile captured at RM 0.56 in North Excursion Creek by minnow trap.
Coho juvenile captured at RM 0.56 in North Excursion Creek
Appendix C ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Prelim inary Fish Habitat Study
Appendix C ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Steep riffle and run habitat with lateral pools in South Excursion Creek at RM 1.31.
Downstream view of turbulent flow pattern and habitats at 2 -3% gradient in South Excursion
Creek at RM 1.52.
Appendix C ENVIRON
Phase 1 -Preliminary Fish Habitat Study
Appendix C ENVIRON
Bringing clarity at the intersection
of science/ business and policy
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