HomeMy WebLinkAboutBradley River Hydrologic and Water Quality Data 1995Hydrologic and Water-Quality Data
For the Lower Bradley River, Alaska
March 1993 to April 1994
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Open-File Report 95-338
Prepared in cooperation with the
ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY
Hydrologic and Water-Quality Data
For the Lower Bradley River, Alaska
March 1993 to April1994
By Ronald. L. Rickman
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Open-File Report 95-338
Prepared in cooperation with the
ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY
Anchorage, Alaska
1995
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Gordon P. Eaton, Director
For additional information write to:
District Chief
U.S. Geological Survey
4230 University Drive, Suite 201
Anchorage, AK 99508-4664
Copies of this report may be purchased from:
U.S. Geological Survey
Earth Science Information Center
Open-File Reports Section
Box 25286, MS 517
Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225-0425
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CONTENTS
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l
Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Survey and cross-sectional data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Hydraulic data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Field water-quality data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Temperature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dissolved oxygen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Specific conductance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
References cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
FIGURES
1. Map showing location of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area. . . . . . . . . 2
2. Hydro graphs showing daily mean discharges of Bradley River below Dam
and Bradley River near Tidewater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3. Map showing lower Bradley River cross-section locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4-9. Graphs showing cross-section and velocity distribution of the lower Bradley
River:
4. At Bear Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5. Near Tidewater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6. At Tree Bar Reach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7. Below Fish Cantp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8. At Upper Riffle Reach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9. At Lower Riffle Reach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
10. Graph showing daily mean surface and intragravel water temperature of
Bradley River near Tidewater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
TABLES
1. Selected hydraulic properties for the lower Bradley River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Selected water-quality data and site characteristics for the lower Bradley River . . . . 9
Contents Ill
CONVERSION FACTORS, VERTICAL DATUM, AND ABBREVIATIONS
Multiply By To obtain
inch (in.) 25.4 millimeter
foot (ft) 0.3048 meter
mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer
square foot (f~) 0.0929 square meter
foot per second (ft/s) 0.3048 meter per second
cubic foot per second (ft3/s) 0.028317 cubic meter per second
Water temperature:
Water temperature is expressed in degrees Celsius. The following equation can be used to convert to degrees
Fahrenheit:
Sea !eye!:
In this report .. sea level" refers to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929--a geodetic datum derived from a
general adjustment of the fll'St-order level nets of both the United States and Canada, formerly called Sea Level Datum
of 1929.
Abbreviated water-gualjtv units used jn report:
mm, millimeter
ml, milliliter
mg!L, milligram per liter
J.LS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius
IV Content.
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Hydrologic and Water-Quality Data for the Lower
Bradley River, Alaska, March 1993 to April 1994
By Ronald. L. Rickman
Abstract
A dam constructed at the outlet of Bradley Lake near Homer, Alaska has blocked natural
flows to the lower Bradley River. To protect salmon egg incubation habitat during the period
November 2 to April 30, a fish-water bypass was incorporated into the design of the dam to ensure
a minimum discharge of 40 cubic feet per second in the lower river. This minimum flow determi-
nation was based on an open-water instream flow study that did not take into account effects of ice
formation. A study was begun in March 1993 to determine winter flow conditions in the lower Bra-
dley River. As a part of this study, data were collected at sites in the lower Bradley River to measure
discharge, wetted perimeter, cross-sectional area, water depth, flow velocity, and specific conduc-
tance, as well as temperature and dissolved oxygen from both surface water and intra gravel water.
Discharge and specific conductance in the Middle Fork Bradley River below North Fork Bradley
River were also measured. This report presents data collected between March 1993 and April1994.
INTRODUCTION
The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) began operation of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric
Project near Homer, Alaska in 1991 (fig. 1).The dam, which was constructed at the Bradley Lake
outlet, incorporated a fish-water bypass system to maintain flows required for fish habitat enhance-
ment in the lower Bradley River. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing
requirements for the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project require maintenance of a minimum flow
of 40 ft3/s from November 2 to April30, measured at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream-
gaging station Bradley River near Tidewater (station no. 15239070). This discharge of 40 ff/s is
based on an open-water instream flow study (Woodward-Clyde Consultantc;, 1983). The study did
not account for the effects of river ice formation, which is common in the lower Bradley River dur-
ing the winter months. Many studies have developed suitability criteria for salmon spawning hab-
itats, but few have addressed salmon egg incubation habitats in ice-covered streams (Morsell,
1994).
It is not practical to obtain a record of continuous river discharge directly. Instead, instru-
ments are installed to continuously measure river stage. Numerous discharge measurements are
made at various stages to define the correlation between stage and discharge. Once the stage-dis-
charge relation has been defined, periodic discharge measurements are made to ensure that the rela-
tion remains valid. The stability of the stage-discharge relation is dependent on the stability of the
river channel. If channel geometry changes because of either scour or fill, so does the stage-dis-
charge relation. In a regulated channel, such as the lower Bradley River, changes caused by scour
or fill are usually gradual, and adjustments can be applied to the stage-discharge rating as needed.
Channel geometry is also changed during periods of ice formation in the river. These changes are
usually rapid and highly variable, rendering the stage-discharge relation useless.
INTRODUCTION 1
,.o-
BAY
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I"' I ' v ,>
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5 KILOMETERS
Figure 1. Location of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area.
2 Hydrologic and Water.Quallty Dlta for the Lower Bradley River, Alaska, March 1993 to Apr111994
.. , . , I ' \ ' . ~.;;; ~ tf •
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. :?-~ 0 SMILES +<$ I I J I 0 S Kll..OMETERS
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EXPlANATION
.& USGS Stream-gaging station IJ
• AEA Stream-gaging station I
'
-Dam
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!
Operators of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project have released flows of 40 ft 3/s at the
fish-water bypass (measured at the USGS gaging station Bradley River below Dam, which gener-
ally remains ice free) to ensure maintenance of a flow of 40 ft3/s in the lower Bradley River. How-
ever, actual flows in the lower Bradley River have been above the required minimum because the
Middle and North Fork Bradley Rivers contribute inflow that has not been adequately quantified.
This additional flow could be used for power generation if the flow contributions of Middle and
North Fork Bradley River were better understood.
In March 1993, under a cooperative agreement with the Alaska Energy Authority, the USGS
began a study of winter flow conditions in the lower Bradley River. The objectives of this study are
to: (1) determine the discharges that must be released at the fish-water bypass to maintain a flow
of 40 fr3/s in the lower Bradley River, (2) determine whether a flow of less than 40 ft3/s might also
provide adequate protection, and (3) gain insight into the minimum limits of flow that would pro-
vide some assurance of egg protection in the event of unexpected decreases in flow. This report
summarizes data collected between March 1993 to Apri11994 at selected sites in the lower Bradley
River. A previous report (Rickman, 1993) summarizes flow losses and gains between the fish-water
bypass and the USGS gaging station, Bradley River near Tidewater.
DISCHARGE
The USGS has operated daily streamflow stations on the Bradley River below the dam since
1989 and near tidewater since 1983. Daily mean discharge data at both stations from March 1 to
April 30, 1993, and November 1 to April 30, 1994 are shown in figure 2. Discharge data are pre-
sented through April 1994 to show complete period of icing, even though field sampling ended in
late February. Streamflow that was estimated because of ice effect is shown using dashed lines.
Very few days were ice affected at the Bradley River below Dam gaging station, whereas several
days were ice affected at the Bradley River near Tidewater gaging station. Three distinct icing peri-
ods occurred between November 1, 1993 and April30, 1994. Daily mean discharge for the study
period ranged from 0.35 to 69 ft3/s at the Bradley River below Dam stream-gaging station, and
from 46 to 356 fr3/s at the Bradley River near Tidewater stream-gaging station. Streamflow greater
than 80 ft}/s at the tidewater stream-gaging station was caused by snowmelt and (or) rainfall in the
lower Bradley River basin.
Discharge measurements were made at the Middle Fork Bradley River below North Fork
Bradley River on March 10 and December 2, 1993 and March 31, 1994. Measured discharges were
10.2, 25.2, and 7.86 fr3/s, respectively. Discharge measurements were also made at six locations in
the lower Bradley River from Bear Island to Lower Riffle Reach (fig. 3) where most spawning
activity occurs (Morsell, 1993, p. 12). Measured discharge ranged from 54 ff Is on March 12, 1993
to 73 ft3/s on December 2, 1993 (table 1). Both extremes occurred at the Bradley River at Bear
Island gaging station and are considered accurate to 5 percent These measured discharges ranged
between 35 and 82 percent higher than the target flow of 40 fr3/s.
DISCHARGE 3
0 z
0 u
Ill
(I) 150
a:
Ill
0..
Iii
Ill ...
~ 100
::> u
~
u.i
Dashed ine lndicales estimated cischarge
due to Ice tonnalion
CJ ----·--...----___ ~ 50 ----.-. X u
(I)
i5
1993
MARCH 1 TOAPAU..30, 1993
EXPLANATION
Bradley River below dam
Bradley River near tklewaler
•oor------------.-------------.-------------r-----------.-------------.------------,
0 z
0 u
Ill
(I) 300
a:
Ill
0..
Iii
~
~200
::> u
~
u.i
CJ
~ 100
u
(I)
i5
1993
January February
Dashed lne lndicales estimated diseharge
due lo Ice tonnallon
1994
NOVEMBER 1, 1993 TO APRIL 30, t994
Figure 2. Daily mean discharges of Bradley River below dam and Bradley River near tidewater.
4 Hydrologic and Water-Quality Data for the Lower Bradley River, Alaska, March 1993 to April1994
~
~
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UPPER RIFFLE
0 500 FEET
' I I I I I I I
0 100 METERS
TIDEWATER
llslo TREE BAR
IV Pis.
'If C';tj Atp
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en Figure 3. Lower Bradley River study cross section locations (modified from Morsel!, 1994, fig. 1)
N
BEAR ISLAND
Table 1. Selected hydraulic properties for the lower Bradley River
[ft. foot; f~. square foot; ft/s; foot per second; fills. cubic foot per second; <,less than; >.more than]
Streamflow Cross section
Cross-Ice cover Mean section site Date (percent) Discharge Discharge velocity Top width Area Wetted Hydraulic
(fig. 3) (tt3/s) accuracy (ft/s) (ft) (fi2) perimeter radius
(percent) (ft) (ft)
Bear Island 3-12-93 <20 54 8 0.81 101.6 67.1 101.9 0.66
12..()2-93 <10 73 5 1.01 92.0 12.2 92.4 .78
2-24-94 100 65 >8 .64 109.0 102 109.4 .93
Near Tide-3-11-93 <10 56 5 1.46 35.0 38.6 35.6 1.09
water
12-03-93 <10 65 8 1.48 43.3 44.1 43.8 1.01
2-24-94 100 66 >8 1.30 43.0 50.4 43.7 1.15
Tree Bar 3-11-93 <20 56 5 1.13 64.4 49.5 64.6 .17
Reach
12-02-93 <25 71 5 1.43 69.0 49.6 69.2 .72
2-23-94 100 70 >8 .65 101.0 108 101.4 1.07
Below Fish 3-11-93 <10 57 5 .95 49.4 59.6 49.7 1.20
Camp
12-02-93 <20 12 5 .93 57.6 77.5 58.4 1.33
2-23-94 100 65 >8 1.00 50.9 64.8 51.2 1.27
Upper Riffle 3-11-93 <10 60 5 .76 81.4 78.6 82.2 .95
Reach
12-03-93 <15 60 8 .68 83.7 88.6 84.9 1.04
2-24-94 100 65 >8 .90 78.0 72.3 79.1 .91
Lower Riffle 3-11-93 <10 59 5 1.21 71.0 48.9 71.4 .68
Reach
12-03-93 0 55 >8 1.02 82.9 53.8 83.3 .65
2-24-94 100 62 >8 1.12 15.0 55.6 75.4 .74
6 Hydrologic and Water-Quality Data for lhe Lower Bradley River, Alnka, March 1993 to Aprtl1994
SURVEY AND CROSS-SECTIONAL DATA
Cross-sectional profiles of the lower Bradley River were surveyed in March, June, and
December 1993 and in February 1994 at six locations (fig. 3). At each location, steel markers were
established to define cross-section end points. Standard survey techniques were used to tie all the
cross sections to the same datum. An arbitrary datum was used and was not tied to the National
Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929. The June 1993 survey was made to establish baseline
channel geometry at each cross section for comparison against ice-affected cross sections. Dis-
charge during the June 1993 survey was 130 ftJ/s, which is two to three times larger than observed
winter discharges, and is not useful for comparison purposes.
Differences between the baseline cross sections measured in June 1993 and the cross sections
measured three times during the winter (figs. 4-9)1 are attributed to channel fill or scour, anchor ice
formation, and survey limitations relating to streambed roughness. The most significant change in
cross sections occurred at Bradley River below Fish Camp (fig. 7), where the channel scoured, and
at Bradley River near Tidewater on February 24 (fig. 5), when anchor ice covered much of the stre-
ambed.
HYDRAULIC DATA
Water-depth and flow·velocity data were also collected at each of the six cross sections three
times between March 1993 and February 1994. These properties were measured at several point~
across each section using the procedures described by Buchanan and Sommers ( 1969). Wetted
perimeter, cross-sectional area, and hydraulic radius were computed for each section (table 1).
Complete ice cover resulted in a significant increase in cross-sectional area and decrease in
water velocity at the Bear Island, Tidewater, and Tree Bar reach cross sections. These changes are
evident even though the data were obtained at varying stream discharges. The most significant
increase in area, wetted perimeter, and hydraulic radius, and decrease in velocity, occurred at Tree
Bar Reach on February 23, 1994 during a period of complete ice cover. Comparing these data to
those of the same site at a similar discharge during nearly ice-free conditions shows a 117 percent
increase in area, 46 percent increase in wetted perimeter, 49 percent increase in hydraulic radius,
and 55 percent decrease in velocity. These changes were caused by an ice jam downstream from
the cross section. The effect of complete ice cover on hydraulic properties at the lower three cross
sections (Bradley River below Fish Camp, Upper Riffle Reach, and Lower Riffle Reach) were not
readily apparent, given the small size of the data set.
Water velocity distribution within each section varied significantly with ice formation at the
upper three cross sections (figs. 4-6). The most striking examples are at Bradley River at Bear
Island (fig. 4) and Bradley River at Tree Bar Reach (fig. 6). Complete ice cover has forced most of
the flow into narrow parts of the channels. Water velocity distribution did not vary significantly
with ice formation at the Fish Camp (fig. 7), Upper Riffle (fig. 8), and Lower Riffle (fig. 9) cross
sections.
1 Note: Figures 4-10 are at the end of the report, starting on p. 11.
SURVEY AND CROSS·SECOONAL DATA 7
FIELD WATER-QUALITY DATA
Temperature
The USGS has operated daily surface-water and intragravel-water temperature stations on
the lower Bradley River since 1986. The surface-water temperature station is located at the Bradley
River near Tidewater gaging station, and the intra gravel water-temperature station is located down-
stream from the gaging station near the Tree Bar Reach cross section (published as Bradley River
near Tidewater, U.S. Geological Survey, 1987-95). The intragravel water-temperature probe is bur-
ied in the gravels to a depth of approximately 1 ft, and is in an area of known ground-water dis-
charge. Both surface-water and intragravel-water temperatures are recorded at 1-hour intervals.
Recorded data were verified using calibrated field thermometers (Stevens and others, 1975, p. 30)
and are rounded to the nearest 0.5 °C.
Surface-water temperature fluctuates more than intragravel water temperature (fig. 10), is
generally colder than intragravel water during cold weather periods, and is warmer than intragravel
water during warm weather periods. Extended periods of 0 °C surface-water temperature are com-
mon. Intragravel-water temperature occasionally drops to 0 °C, but for a shorter time. Surface-
water temperature measurements were made at each cross section concurrently with discharge
measurements. Temperatures were relatively constant between cross sections for each sample
period (table 2). Temperature measurements were made at several points across each cross section
in March 1993. Water temperature did not vary within the cross sections.
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved-oxygen samples of surface water and intragravel water were collected at each
cross section concurrently with discharge measurements. Surface-water dip samples were col-
lected by gently filling 300 mL glass biological oxygen demand (BOD) bottles which were then
immediately fixed and analyzed using the Azide modification of the Winkler method (American
Public Health Association and others, 1989, p. 4-152). Water temperature and barometric pressure
were also measured to calculate the percent oxygen saturation (table 2).
Dissolved-oxygen samples of intragravel-water were collected at each cross section by
inserting a stainless-steel tube with an inside diameter of 3/16 in. into the streambed to a depth of
1ft. The lower 0.4 ft of the sample tube was perforated with 1/16-inch-diameter holes. Water was
pumped at a rate of 10 to 15 mL per minute into a 60-mL BOD bottle. The slow pump rate was
necessary to prevent surface-water intrusion (Hoffman, 1986, p. 446). A total of three sample vol-
umes were pumped through the bottles, and the samples were fixed and analyzed using the azide
modification of the Winkler method. Intragravel water temperature was not measured during sam-
ple collection, so percent saturation is not calculated except at Tree Bar Reach (table 2), where the
intragravel-water temperature station is located. Intragravel dissolved-oxygen data collected in
March 1993 were discarded because of errors associated with the sample-collection method.
Dissolved-oxygen concentrations of surface water ranged from 98 to 104 percent of satura-
tion (table 2). Intragravel-wa~r dissolved-oxygen concentrations were 0.8 to 2.9 mg/L lower than
those of the surface water. \\
/ 8 Hydrologic and Water-Quality Data for the Lower Bradley River, Alaska, March 1993to Aprll1994
Table 2. Selected water-quality data and site characteristics for the lower Bradley River
[mm Hg, millimeter of mercury; °C, degree Celsius; mg/L, milligram per liter; ~ts/cm, microsiemens per centimeter; ft, foot;
ft/s, foot per second; N/A, not applicable;--, no data]
Surface water lntragravel water lntragravel sample
location
Cross-Baro-
section site Date metric Dis-Dis-Specific Dis-Depth of Surface-
(fig. 3) pressure Temper-solved solved conduct-Temper-solved water water
(mm Hg) ature oxygen ature above velocity
(oC) oxygen percent ance (OC) oxygen streambed (ftls) (mg/L) saturation (~tslcm) (mg/L) (ft)
Bear Island 3-12-93 750 1.0 14.3 102 68
12-02-93 745 1.5 14.0 102 66 12.5 0.88 0.56
2-24-94 771 .5 14.6 100 63 12.2 1.4 .75
Near Tide-3-11-93 750 1.0 14.4 103 71
water
12-03-93 752 .5 14.5 102 67 13.1 1.2 2.05
2-24-94 771 .0 14.5 98 60 13.0 .0 N/A
Tree Bar 3-11-93 750 .5 14.7 104 62 1.0
Reach
12-02-93 745 1.5 13.9 101 65 2.0
2-23-94 775 .0 14.8 100 65 .5 14.0 2.2 .53
Below Fish 3-11-93 750 1.0 14.3 102 69
Camp
12-02-93 746 1.5 14.1 103 65 13.3 1.28 0.97
2-23-94 775 .0 14.8 100 63 13.6 .8 .61
Upper Riffle 3-11-93 750 1.0 14.4 103 72
Reach
12-03-93 752 .0 14.2 98 67 11.3 1.22 .90
2-24-94 773 .0 14.6 99 65 13.6 0.75 .77
Lower Riffle 3-11-93 750 1.0 14.6 104 73
Reach
12-03-93 752 .0 14.6 101 66 13.8 1.18 .75
2-24-94 773 .5 14.4 98 65 13.6 .7 1.64
RELD WATER-OUAUTY DATA 9
Specific Conductance
Surface-water dip samples were collected concurrently with discharge measurements and
analyzed for specific conductance (Hem, 1985). Specific conductance was measured to gain insight
into ground-water contributions (Riggs, 1972, p. 12; Miller and others, 1988) and possible salt-
water intrusion from high tides.
Specific conductance values ranged from 60 to73 J.LS/cm and did not vary significantly
between cross sections or between field visits (table 2). Specific conductance does not appear to be
related to flow, nor is there evidence that salt-water intrusion occurred at any of the six cross sec-
tions during the field visits.
REFERENCES CITED
American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, and Water Pollution Control Federation.
1989, Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater (17th ed.): Washington D.C .• 1451 p.
Buchanan, T.J., and Sommers, W.P., 1969, Discharge measurements at gaging stations: U.S. Geological Survey Tech-
niques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 3, chap. A8, 65 p.
Hem, J.D .• 1985, Study and interpretation of chemical characteristics of natural water (3rd ed.): U.S. Geological Sur-
vey Water-Supply Paper 2254, 263 p.
Hoffman, R.J., 1986, A horizontal intragrave1 pipe for sampling water quality in salmonid spawning gravel: North
American Journal of Fisheries Management, v. 6, p. 445-448.
Miller, R.L., Bradford, WL., and Peters, N.E., 1988, Specific conductance-Theoretical considerations. and applica-
tions to analytical quality control: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 2311, 16 p.
Morsell, J., 1993, Bradley River salmon escapement monitoring and tailrace attraction studies 1993-Final report:
Prepared for the Alaska Energy Authority, 71 p.
__ 1994, Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project investigation of winter flow conditions required to support salmon
egg incubation: Anchorage, Alaska, Northern Ecological Services, 10 p.
Rickman, R.L., 1993, Hydrologic conditions and low-flow investigations of the Lower Bradley River near Homer.
Alaska, October 1991 to February 1992: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 93-95, 17 p.
Riggs, H. C., 1972, Low-flow investigations: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations.
book 4. chap. B1, 18 p.
Stevens, H.H., Jr., Ficke, J.F., and Smoot, G.F., 1975, Water temperature-Influential factors. field measurements, and
data presentation: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations. book 1. chap. D I, 65 p.
U.S. Geological Survey, 1987-95, Water resources data for Alaska, water years 1986-94: U.S. Geological Survey
Water-Data Reports AK-86-1 to AK 94-1 (published annually).
Woodward-Clyde Consultants, 1983, Bradley River instream flow studies: Anchorage, Alaska, Woodward-Clyde
Consultants, 75 p.
10 Hydrologic and Water.Quallty Data for the Lower Bn~dley River, Alaeka, March 1993 to Aprll1994
FIGURES 4-10
F1GURES 11
20
Iii== !:!~ 18
;:";o
z~ ~~ 16 >CD ~~
14
~ 3
~
0
ffi 2
IL .._
~
;:; 1
~
0 20 40 60
BRADLEY RIVER AT BEAR ISLAND
CROSS SECTION
Water surface 16.42 ft.
80 100 120 140 160 180 200 240
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
VELOCITY PROFILE
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993, open-water baseline
March 12, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 54.4 cubic feet per second
~ o~~._~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 240
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions. and discharge
March 12, 1993, minor shore ice,
Discharge, 54.4 cubic feet per second
Figure 4. Cross section and velocity distribution of the lower Bradley River at Bear Island
(see figure 3 for cross section location).
12 Hydrologic and W•ter-Ouallty Data for the Lower Bl"'lddey River, Alaska, March 1993 to April1994
20
~--~ W:;, w .... 18 IL<(
~0
·>-ZIC ~~ ::;t: 16 wm iii~
14
0 20 40 60
Figure 4. Continued.
BRADLEY RIVER AT BEAR ISLAND
CROSS SECTION
water IUI'Iaee16.50 n.
80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK. IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993, open-water baseline
VELOCITY PROFILE
December 2, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 72.9 cubic feet per second
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK. IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
December 2, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 72.9 cubic feet per second
RGURES 13
20
Iii:! te~ 18
~Q
·>-Za; ~~ 16 >t: wm id~
14
0 20 40 60 80
BRADlEY RIVER AT BEAR ISLAND
CROSS SECTION
100 120 140 160 180 200 240
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
VELOCITY PROFILE
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993, open-water baseline
February 24, 1994, 100 percent ice cover
Discharge, 65.4 cubic feet per second
0 3r-~----~~----~----r-~----~~----~----r-~----r--T----~~----,-----r--r----~~----~~----~-, ~
0 m
ffi 2 a.
Iii w
1.1.
~ 1
~
~ OL-~----~~----~----~-L----~~----~~~~----L-_.----~~----~~~~----~~----~~----~_j
0 20 40 60 80
Figure 4. Continued.
100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
February 24, 1994, 100 percent ice cover
Discharge, 65.4 cubic feet per second
14 Hydrologic and Water.Quallty Data for the Lower Bradley River, Alaska, March 1993 to Aprll1994
20
BRADLEY RIVER NEAR TIDEWATER
CROSS SECTION
Water surface 14.70 II. ..,
'·.:;--·---··-············--·--····-··-·! .. . ··
12L.~~~~~-L~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
VELOCITY PROFILE
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993, open-water baseline
March 11 , 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 56.3 cubic feet per second
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
March 11, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 56.3 cubic feet per second
Figure 5. Cross section and velocity distribution of the lower Bradley River near Tidewater.
(see figure 3 for cross section location).
RGURES15
Figure 5. Continued.
BRADLEY RIVER NEAR TIDEWATER
CROSS SECTION
Water surlace 14.80 ft .
. ·-·--····---·-·····-·-···-······ .. ···........ / ... ......
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993, open-water baseline
VELOCITY PROFILE
December 3, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 65.2 cubic feet per second
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
December 3, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 65.2 cubic feet per second
16 Hydrologic and Water.Quallty Data for the Lower Bradley Rlv.-, Alaltka, March 1993 to Aprtl1994
ti ~>
~~ zt: QID ~!oi
~ w
BRADLEY RIVER NEAR TIDEWATER
CROSS SECTION
20
18
16
Water surface 15.1 ft.
14
12~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
0 10 20 30
Figure 5. Continued.
40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993, open-water baseline
VELOCITY PROFILE
February 24, 1994, 100 percent ice cover
Discharge, 65.7 cubic feet per second
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
February 24, 1994, 100 percent ice cover
Discharge, 65.7 cubic feet per second
RGURES17
24
22
Iii:!! 20
~~ i;~ 18
·>-~~ 16 ~I:: ~CD IU~ 14
12
10
0 20 40 60
BRADlEY RIVER AT TREE BAR REACH
CROSS SECTION
Water surface 13.26 fl.
80 100 120 140 160 180
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK.IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993, open-water baseline
March 11 , 1993, monir shore ice
Discharge, 56.1 cubic feet per second
VELOCITY PROFILE
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK. IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
March 11, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 56.1 cubic feet per second
Figure 6. Cross section and velocity distribution of the lower Bradley River at Tree Bar Reach
(see figure 3 for cross section location).
18 Hydrologic and Water-Quality Data for the Lower Bradley River, Alaska, March 1993 to Aprtl1994
Iii :::IE ~~ ;;r;o
~~ 1-• ~t:: ~m w~
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
0 20 40 60
BRADLEY RIVER AT TREE BAR REACH
CROSS SECTION
Water aurface 13.35 II.
80 100 120 140 160 180
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993, open-water baseline
VELOCITY PROFILE
December 2, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 70.9 cubic feet per second
OL---~--~--~---L------~--~--~~--~--~--~--~--~---L---A--~--~--~
0 20 40 60
Figure 6. Continued.
80 100 120 140 160
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
December 2, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 70.9 cubic feet per second
180
RGURES19
•
24
22
tii~ 20
~~
18 ~0
"> ~~ 16 ~t:: ~ID ~~~~ 14
12
10
0 20 40 60
0 3 z
0
:rl
CJ)
ffi 2
II. ...
Ill
Ill u..
~ 1
~
8
..J
Ill 0 >
0 20 40 60
Figure 6. Continued.
BRADLEY RIVER AT TREE BAR REACH
CROSS SECTION
Water surface 14.1 ft. -.,
80 100 120 140 160 180
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993, open-water baseline
February 23, 1994, 100 percent ice cover
Discharge, 69.9 cubic feet per second
VELOCrrY PROFILE
80 100 120 140 160 180
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
February 23, 1994, 100 percent ice cover
Discharge, 69.9 cubic feet per second
20 Hydrologic and Water-Quality Data for the Lower Bntdley River, Al•k.a, March 1993 to April1994
20
18
t;::e
w~ u..< 16 :!!;o
~~ i=~ 14 <t: >m ~a: w<
12
10
0 20
BRADLEY RIVER BELOW FISH CAMP
CROSS SECTION
Water surface 12.16 n.
40 60 80 100 120 140 160
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
VELOCITY PROFILE
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993, open-water baseline
March 11, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 56.9 cubic feet per second
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
March 11,1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 56.9 cubic feet per second
Figure 7. Cross section and velocity distribution of the lower Bradley River below Fish Camp
(see figure 3 for cross section location).
RGURES21
20
18
I-::I! ~~~~ 1.1..< 16 a!;c
~~ I=~ 14 ~t ~~ w<
12
10
0 20 40
Figure 7. Continued.
BRADLEY RIVER BELOW FISH CAMP
CROSS SECTION
60 80 100 120 140 160
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
VELOCITY PROFILE
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993
December 2, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 71.9 cubic feet per second
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK. IN FEET
Date of survey. ice conditions, and discharge
December 2, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 71.9 cubic feet per second
22 Hydrologic and Water.Quallty Data for the Lower Bradley River, Alaska, March 1993 to April 19M
20
18
l;j2 w~ u.c( 16 ;!!';0
~it j.':~ 14 ~t:: ~12 w<
12
10
0 20
Figure 7. Continued.
BRADLEY RIVER BELOW FISH CAMP
CROSS SECTION
Water aurtace 12.18 n.
.....................
40 60 80 100 120 140 160
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 29, 1993, open-water baseline
VELOCITY PROFILE
February 23, 1994, 100 percent ice oover
Discharge, 64.5 cubic feet per second
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK IN FEET
Date of survey, ice oonditions, and discharge
February 23, 1994, 100% ice oover
Discharge, 64.5 cubic feet per second
F1GURES23
BRADLEY RIVER AT UPPER RIFFLE REACH
CROSS SECTION
Water surface 11.n 11. -··· .. ~-·· ·~~~-----...... ~ -
5L---~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~---L--~---L---L--_J
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK. IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 30, 1993, open-water baseline
VELOCITY PROFILE
March 11, 1993, minor shore ice,
Discharge, 60.1 cubic feet per second
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
March 11, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 60.1 cubic feet per second
Figure 8. Cross section and velocity distribution of the lower Bradley River at Upper Riffle Reach
(see figure 3 for cross section location).
24 Hydrologic and Water-Quality Data for the Lower Bradley River, Alaska, March 1993to Aprtl1994
20
Iii~ If~ 15
;;?;c
·> ~a: i=~ ~t: 10
~~ w<
5
0
Figure 8. Continued.
BRADLEY RIVER AT UPPER RIFFlE REACH
CROSS SECTION
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 30, 1993, open-water baseline
December 3, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 60.0 cubic feet per second
VELOCITY PROFILE
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK. IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
December 3, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 60.0 cubic feet per second
AGURES25
20
li:i~ Wj:? u..< 15 i;o
·> ~a; i=~ ~t: 10
~12
we(
5
0 20 40
Figure 8. Continued.
BRADLEY RIVER AT UPPER RIFFLE REACH
60
CROSS SECTION
80 100 120 140 160 180
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK. IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 30, 1993, open-water baseline
VELOCITY PROFILE
February 24, 1994, percent ice cover
Discharge 65 2 cubic feet per second
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK. IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
February 24, 1994, 100 percent ice cover
Discharge, 65.2 cubic feet per second
26 Hydrologic and Water-Quality Data for the Lower Bradley River, Alaka, March 1993 to Aprll1994
ti::l! ~~
;roe§
·> Za: ~~ ~t:.: w!l:! m<
BRADLEY RIVER AT LOWER RIFFLE REACH
CROSS SECTION
14
12
Water surface 1 1 .20 ft. .,
10
&L---~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~--~~
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK. IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 30, 1993, open-water baseline
March 11, 1993, minor shore ice,
Discharge, 59.2 cubic feet per second
VELOCITY PROFILE
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK. IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
March 11, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 59.2 cubic feet per second
180
Figure 9. Cross section and velocity distribution of the lower Bradley River at Lower Riffle Reach
(see figure 3 for cross section location).
RGURES'l7
14
t:;:=: w~ IL.<
i1!;o
")-12 Za:: s~ ~5i iii~
10
Figure 9. Continued.
BRADLEY RIVER AT LOWER RIFFLE REACH
CROSS SECTION
Water surface 11.22 n. T
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK.IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 30, 1993, open-water baseline
VELOCITY PROFILE
December 3, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 54.8 cubic feet per inch
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK. IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
December 3, 1993, minor shore ice
Discharge, 54.8 cubic feet per second
28 Hydrologic llt'ld Water..Quallty Data for the Lower Bradley River, AIMka, Mardl1993 to Aprll1994
14
ti::E If~
~0 ·> Za:: 12 ~~ >t: ~~ Ul-<
10
Figure 9. Continued.
BRADLEY RIVER AT LOWER RIFFLE REACH
CROSS SECTION
Wateraurtace 11.211. T
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
June 30, 1993, open-water baseline
VELOCITY PROFILE
February 24, 1994, 100 percent ice cover
Discharge, 62.2 cubic feet per second
DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET
Date of survey, ice conditions, and discharge
February 24, 1994, 100 percent ice cover
Discharge, 62.2 cubic feet per second
RGURES29
....
,
2
~
Ul
0 ,
Ul
Ul a: s
0
;;!;
ui' a:
:::1
~
Ul
IL :::;:
Ul ....
n:
Ul
~
,
:::1
Vi
..J
Ul
0 ,
Ul
Ul a:
0 Ul
0
;;!;
ui' a:
:::1 ....
~
Ul
IL :l1
Ul ....
a:
Ul
~
~
0
J,
I \
\ ...... ,
\ I
\ I .. _,
EXf't.ANATION
lnuagravel water
1993
MARCH 1 TO APAn.. 30. 1993
4r----------,-----------,-----------.--------~.---------~----------~
EXPLANATION ....
3 SU!Iaee water
lntragnwel water
2
,-.. ,_
I l I l
t t I '-
t • ' l \ :\~ r-1:-~ ~-,, r \n
1 J .,! 1 I \f t I I t If t ~· f ___ __, • t! \ ,-J ' ~
\ I 1 . ' ' !_ ______ .! '----. ., ,..----------
' I ' I L __ i U
0
·1~--------~~--------~~--------~----------L---------~L---------~ lik:Netnber .January .Aj'lfl
1993
NOVEMBER 1.1993 TO.APR!L30,1994
Figure 1 0. Daily mean surface and intragravel water temperature of Bradley River near
tidewater.
30 Hydrologic and Water-Quality Data for the Lower Bradley River, AIMica, March 1993 to Aprll1994