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September 22, 2014
DI14‐6‐000
Secretary Kimberly D. Bose
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20426
Subject: Supplemental Information Submittal to Declaration of Intention for
Knutson Creek Hydroelectric Project near Pedro Bay, Alaska.
Dear Secretary:
Polarconsult Alaska, Inc., on behalf of the Pedro Bay Village Council, submitted a
Declaration of Intention (DOI) for the proposed Knutson Creek Hydroelectric Project with
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on July 22, 2014 (FERC docket DI14‐6‐
000). This letter supplements the July 22, 2014 DOI with additional information on the
project’s potential impact to interstate commerce.
A fishery survey of Knutson Creek conducted for this project determined that the
proposed bypass reach includes sockeye salmon spawning habitat, and does not include
any salmon rearing habitat. Based on the survey findings and consultations with state
fisheries biologists and research biologists familiar with Knutson Creek, the bypass reach
is not commercially significant salmon habitat, and there is no interstate commerce basis
for FERC jurisdiction of this project.
Mr. Bruce Barrett of Alaska Biological Consulting was contracted to complete a fisheries
survey of the project reach in August 2012 (attached). As part of this effort, Mr. Barrett
consulted with Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) area research biologists for
the project area Mr. Slim Morstad and Mr. Travis Elison. Mr. Barrett also consulted with
scientists at the University of Washington’s Fisheries Research Institute (FRI).1
The consensus from these consultations is that the sockeye productivity of the Iliamna
Lake system (of which Knutson Creek is a part) is limited by available salmon rearing
habitat, which does not occur in the bypass reach. Any adverse impacts this project may
have to the spawning habitat in the bypass reach of Knutson Creek would therefore not
have a significant impact on the Iliamna Lake system’s productivity, or on the commercial
fisheries that harvest sockeye salmon from the Iliamna Lake system.
Further, there was also consensus that the project tailrace presents good opportunities
for habitat mitigation, and that other excellent mitigation opportunities exist in the
project vicinity if necessary.
1 FRI has maintained a field station for salmon research on Porcupine Island near Knutson Creek for
several decades. Lower Knutson Creek and Knutson Bay is one of the Porcupine Island station’s study
areas.
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR DI14‐6‐000
KNUTSON CREEK HYDRO PROJECT SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
POLARCONSULT ALASKA, INC. PAGE 2 OF 2
These issues will be addressed through the various permits that will be required for the
project, primarily the Fish Habitat Permit that will need to be issued by the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game.
Based on these studies and consultations, the project will not affect interstate
commerce, and does not fall under FERC jurisdiction.
If you have any questions regarding this letter or the project generally, please contact me
at 907‐258‐2420 x204 or joel@polarconsult.net.
Sincerely,
[signed]
Joel D. Groves, PE
Project Manager
Attachments
Technical Report No. 12‐011. A Fisheries Survey of Upper Knutson Creek Associated with
Potential Hydroelectric Development for Pedro Bay, Alaska. Alaska Biological Consulting,
September 2012.
Technical Report No. 12-011
__________________________________________________________
A Fisheries Survey of Upper Knutson Creek Associated with Potential
Hydroelectric Development for Pedro Bay, Alaska
by
Bruce M Barrett
September 2012
________________________________________________________________________________
Alaska Biological Consulting
PO Box 322
Lakeside, MT 59922-0322
Tel: 406-844-3453
E-mail: alaskabiol@yahoo.com
1
INTRODUCTION
Knutson Creek, an inlet stream of Iliamna Lake on the northeast end, is designated as an anadromous fish
stream under Alaska Statute 16.05.870 (Figure 1). The stream lies northwest of the community of Pedro
Bay, Alaska and is being considered as a potential hydroelectric energy source for the village by the
council. Polarconsult Alaska, Inc. is conducting the feasibility study.
The proposed project calls for diverting approximately 10-20 cfs of water from Knutson Creek at RM 2.6
and returning the diverted flow at RM 1.2.
The need for an alternative energy source for Pedro Bay Village is evident with diesel selling at
$6.90/gallon and electricity at 91 cents/kwh there (personal communication, Ben Foss).
Lower Knutson Creek is occupied by anadromous and resident fishes based on ADF&G’s Catalog of
Waters Important for Spawning, Rearing, and Migration of Anadromous Fishes (2012). The species listed
are: Dolly Varden and slimy sculpin (resident fishes) and sockeye salmon (anadromous fish). To properly
evaluate the potential impact to fisheries resources from construction and operation of a small-scale hydro
power facility on Knutson Creek, it is essential under Alaska Title 16 statutes to determine the extent of
resident and anadromous fish use within the proposed project reach (RM 1.2- RM 2.6) and also the level of
use by subsistence and recreational fishers. This report is intended to serve that purpose.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were:
1. Determine fish presence by species and their approximate distribution in upper Knutson Creek
from about RM 1.2 to 2.7 (approximately 1.5 miles);
2. Determine average fish size by species in the study reach, excluding sculpin and adult sockeye
salmon;
3. Classify the general stream characteristics within the study reach;
4. Determine whether upper Knutson Creek is used by local residents for subsistence and/or sport
fishing;
5. Identify potential fish mitigation alternatives.
METHODS
A standard salmon escapement survey was conducted on foot with the observer using polarized glasses and
a tally counter. Counts (live fish and carcasses) by species were recorded per ¼ mile stream reach
beginning at approximately RM 1.25 and extending upstream to RM 2.7 (Figure 2). The upper most point
of observed adult salmon presence was documented by GPS.
Ten standard minnow traps were deployed at multiple locations in upper Knutson Creek with one in a
tributary near its Knutson Creek confluence and seven traps within the proposed main-stem project reach
and two about 0.2 miles further upstream (above the proposed hydro-intake) in the area of a tributary
confluence (Figure 2). Average fishing time per trap was 6.4 h (range: 0.9-21.5 h). Trap bait consisted of
sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) roe provided by a Pedro Bay sport-fishing lodge. Each trap was
baited with two sections of roe (approx. 20 g/each) individually secured in a cheesecloth wrap. All baits
were disinfected by a 10-m soak time in 1/100 Betadyne, and each trap site was a low velocity location,
typically behind boulders along the stream bank. All traps deployed were weighted with one or two
medium size cobble and secured by a line attached to the shore. Trap locations were identified by GPS and
flagged for visual identification.
2
Fish captured were confirmed by species in accordance with Pacific Fisheries of Canada (1973). A total of
129 Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) from the traps were measured for FL (tip of snout to fork-of tail,
mm). Two larger caught Dolly Varden were examined for maturity.
Rearing fish presence was also evaluated by visually inspecting low velocity near-shore bank areas and
pools in secondary mainstem flow channels between the powerhouse area and the proposed hydro-intake
on the creek’s right side (looking upstream). The left (west) side of Knutson Creek was not assessable due
to stream flow conditions.
Fish sampling was conducted incompliance with an ADF&G issued collection permit (SF2012-266), and
field assistance was provided by Vern Jensen while logistical support at Pedro Bay was given by Ben Foss
and daughter.
RESULTS
Resident Fish
A total of 256 Dolly Varden (DV) were captured in 10 minnow traps deployed for 58 hours in the study
area, and all traps produced a catch (Tables 1-2; Figure 3). The DV captured were considered resident fish
given size and sexual maturity. The average FL measured was 11.9 mm (4.7”) and the range was 5.8- 19.3
mm (2.3- 7.6”; Tables 3-4). Of two DV sampled for maturity, both were found to be sexually mature
(Figure 4.) No other resident fish species were caught or observed in Knutson Creek with the exception of
approximately six young-of-year (YOY) fish which were likely sculpin (Cotus sp.) in an elevated flow
channel off the left side of Knutson Creek mainstem between trap sites #1 and #2 (RM 1.6-1.7). These
YOY fish, visually judged to be juvenile sculpin, were approximately 20 mm in length and displayed a
darting type swimming motion when disturbed.
At several trap locations, “small” size fish were readily visible and particularly at trap sites T-1 and #9 both
of which had a tributary influence. Likewise in many other low velocity areas of the main-stem, “small”
fish were readily visible including the reach sampled above the proposed hydro-intake. Based on trap
catches and visual assessment, all were considered to be DV. Further, where traps were set at these
locations, “small” sized fish were observed entering the traps within minutes of their placement and as
defined earlier, all trap-caught fish were DV.
Anadromous Fish
The upper limit for anadromous fish in Knutson Creek is approximately RM 2.04 as defined in ADF&G’s
Catalog of Waters Important for Spawning, Rearing, and Migration of Anadromous Fishes (2012).
On August 23, 2012 a total of 43 adult sockeye salmon were counted above RM 1.25 under ideal survey
conditions (Tables 2 and 5). Of these, 40 were alive and three were carcasses, one of which was bear-killed
(Figures 5-6). All but one of the 40 live fish were either paired or aggregated and all were in spawning
condition. Most of the adult sockeye counted were in the immediate area of trap site #2 and split into two
aggregates, both within 3 meters of the bank and holding over sandy-gravel substrate in relatively low
velocity areas. The furthest adult sockeye salmon observed in Knutson Creek was as at RM 2.1, at a site
about 4 meters below the lower gaging station. The sighting was limited to a single male in spawning
condition and represents a slightly higher stream location than previously known (ADF&G 2012).
No juvenile salmon were caught in any of the 10 minnow traps, indicating their absence in Knutson Creek
upstream of about RM 1.25 (Table 2).
3
Fisheries Use
Upper Knutson Creek (above RM 1.25) supports minimal bear use based on the low number of adult
sockeye observed. Only one bear-killed salmon carcass was found, and there was no evidence of any
regular bear-trails, and one scat was observed (Figure 6; 2.5-d of observation (8/23-25/12)).
Two (>50yrs/old) male Pedro Bay residents were queried on the communities’ dependence on upper
Knutson Creek for subsistence use. Both reported that the upper stream is not currently used nor has it
been used in the past. They indicated that the lower river near the lake below RM 0.5, and mainly the river
mouth provides recreational and subsistence fishing.
General Habitat Observations
The stream bed in the proposed project reach is comprised of moderate sized granite cobbles, boulders, and
course sands, in order of abundance. No silt deposits were observed and cobble embeddedness was
minimal at an estimated maximum of 5% in the near-shore (0-50cm depth). Mainstem water clarity was
excellent, fully transparent. While not specifically measured the OHW channel width was visually
estimated to average about 1.5x of the stream width in most areas.
Knutson Creek water temperature was 45F at trap site #5 (8/23/12; 1227 hrs), and 48F in the tributary at
trap site T-1, and 49.5F in a backwater channel of the same tributary where an estimated 40-50 DV in the
7-15 cm FL range were readily visible at the time of trap placement (8/23/12; 0952hrs; Figure 7).
Stream gradient was estimated to be about 2-3% in the project reach except for 5-6 % where the stream
passes through a canyon at RM 2.0. While no barrier falls were noted several areas from trap site 2
upstream supported a series of cascades with two to four ft. of vertical drop each (e.g. Figures 8-9) that
were commonly sparse of fish resting and/or holding areas. While the vertical drops would not likely
impede the assent of pre-spawning condition adult salmon, they appeared formidable enough to retard most
spawning condition adults such as observed in the area of trap sites #1 and #2.
DISCUSSION
Fisheries
Knutson Creek supports adult sockeye salmon and resident DV in the reach proposed for hydro-electric
development. As compared to lower Knutson Creek and the lake-shoals off its stream mouth, the upper
stream provides minimal sockeye spawning habitat and use. Peak escapement counts in the lower river and
Knutson Bay average about 600 (yrs. 2002-11) and 96,000 (yrs. 2007-11) sockeye salmon, respectively
(Morstad, 2012).
An estimate of the total 2012 sockeye escapement for the hydro-electric reach can be made by expanding
the peak count of 40 live fish by a factor of 2.47 as derived from peak aerial counts and weir and tower
escapement numbers from other sockeye systems (Eggers et. al. 2012). Total escapement within the
boundaries of the hydro-sockeye salmon project amounts to an estimated 99 sockeye salmon.
DV are present throughout the study reach and evidence is that the upper stream offers both rearing and
spawning habitats. The former is based on high trap catch numbers and sight observations while the later is
based on two sexually mature DV sampled from trap #6 measuring 15.2cm and 15.7 cm (6 and 6.2 inches).
The lateral tributaries flowing into Knutson Creek provide DV rearing habitat also as some of the highest
minnow trap catches were in and around the mouths of two sampled tributaries.
While DV are relatively abundant and well distributed in the project area, they are small in size based on an
average 12cm FL (4.7 inches) and are not known to support any fishery (subsistence or sport).
4
The absence of any juvenile salmon in the minnow traps set in upper Knutson Creek was not unexpected
particularly for juvenile sockeye fry which typically rear in lakes, sloughs, and ponds where a strong
zooplankton forage base exists such as Iliamna Lake (Hart 1973). Any fry produced from stream-
spawning sockeye salmon would expectedly descend into Iliamna Lake after emerging in the spring.
Because Coho salmon are not known to spawn in Knutson Creek (ADF&G 2012), and adult Coho salmon
are not common in either Knutson Bay or Pedro Bay of Iliamna Lake, per local knowledge, explaining why
juvenile Coho fry were not caught in Knutson Creek above RM 1.2.
Mitigation
The first question for mitigation consideration is what level of impact might the proposed project have on
fish migration, and spawning and rearing habitats from RM 1.2 to RM 2.6, and further what if any
opportunities might be available to mitigate potential impacts?
Resident Fish
It is unlikely that summer rearing habitat for DV would be adversely impacted. From site observations and
trapping most if not all of the rearing occurs within the near-shore (<5 m) where water velocity is
manageable. With early May through early October flows in Knutson Creek are expected to be in the 80-
300cfs range (pers. com. Joel Groves), a withdrawal of 15-20 cfs at the intake should have no measurable
impact on DV movement and/or rearing during that time irrespective of tributary inputs in the RM 2.6 - 2.1
reach. In winter months, the water withdrawal would reduce mainstem flow likely enough to assume that
any eggs or spawn incubating in the mainstem would be lost due to dewatering and freezing. Also some
pool areas where DV typically overwinter would likely be reduced or lost particularly in the ½ mile reach
between RM 2.6 and 2.1 or the area between the intake and tributary “L1” (Figure 1). Because resident DV
are not migrating in the winter, fish passage would not be an issue nor would it be in the spring through fall
months when there would be more mainstem flow at RM 2.6 then needed for power generation. While DV
would be impacted by the proposed project, the impact level should be negligible considering the amount
of habitat upstream and downstream of the project reach. However , compensation in the form of
replacement habitat could easily be achieved as a byproduct of anadromous fish, specifically sockeye
salmon, mitigation opportunities as addressed below.
Anadromous Fish
Since sockeye salmon currently spawn above the proposed powerhouse site, albeit in relatively low
numbers, some fisheries losses would likely occur if nearly all of the Knutson Creek main-stem flow were
divereted for power use during the late fall and winter months. This is under the assumption that the upper
stream currently provides suitable spawning conditions for successful egg incubation. The impact would
be from reduction of the wetted channel width resulting in redds freezing and causing egg mortality.
Naturally, this may already be occurring as the sockeye spawning observed was near the edges of the
stream in relatively low velocity and in shallow areas which would make the fertilized eggs susceptible to
mortality as mainstem flow naturally decreases with freeze-up. Further, it is not unlikely that most of the
sockeye counted in the survey were stray fish produced from lower spawning areas. With thousands of fish
spawning in Knutson Bay, a minor level of straying could well explain the presence of 43 adult sockeye
salmon in the project reach. University of Washington studies indicate that localized straying does occur
and between major Pedro Bay pond groups, sockeye salmon straying averages about 4% (Quinn et. al.
2012).
Replacement salmon spawning habitat could be developed offsite at Pedro Bay. Several natural
groundwater fed ponds are in and around the village that provide sockeye salmon spawning and some DV
rearing. The ponds are relatively shallow (about 26 cm (10.2 inch) average depth) and extensively used by
brown and black bears for feeding. Pond P1 as partially shown in Figure 10 and described in Quinn et. al.
(2012) extends to within 20 feet of a primary Pedro Bay service road (Figure 1). Land setback from the
pond by about 10+ yards could be excavated to a depth of about 5-6 feet to create a small (800ft2) auxiliary
pond that when connected by a culvert (30-36 inch dia.) to Pond P1 would provide spawning area for about
5
200 sockeye salmon based on a reported average spawner density in Pond P1 of 0.4 m2 (Quinn et. al. 2012).
An excavator and other resources are available at Pedro Bay Village to perform the work, and access would
be a non-issue including water quality and sedimentation if standard safeguards are followed. This would
include excavating the pond without a connection to Pond P1 until all fill material including the banks of
the new pond are well vegetated. The conduit connection would follow and be performed using silt barriers
and other standard water-quality control methods.
An alternate mitigation proposal is to construct a spawning channel at the tailrace discharge. The design
would be dependent upon where the power house is sited, but overall there should be ample ground to
provide about 1,000ft 2 of spawning area as replacement habitat for about 100 sockeye salmon in upper
Knutson Creek (assumes average spawning density of 1 female/2 m2 in Bristol Bay streams (Groot and
Marcolis 1991)). The advantage of a spawning channel is flow stability and less erosion than the creek’s
mainstem. Further, a spawning channel would provide direct onsite mitigation therein lessening the impact
to upper Knutson Creek sockeye salmon, assuming that sockeye production is occurring in the stream’s
upper reaches which may not be the case, for reasons addressed earlier.
LITERATURE CITED
Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 2008, updated 2012. Catalog of waters important for spawning,
rearing, and migration of anadromous fishes. ADF&G, Sport Fish Div., Juneau, AK.
Eggers, D., Munro, A., and Volk, E., 2012. Estimating escapement of western Alaska sockeye salmon for
wassip reporting groups, 2006 to 2008. Tech. Doc. 18, Western Alaska Salmon Stock Identification
Program, ADF&G, Juneau, AK.
Groot, C. and Margolis L. 1991. Pacific salmon life histories. UBC Press, Vancouver, BC.
Hart, J.L. 1973. Pacific fishes of Canada. Bull. 180; Fish. Res. Bd. Canada.
Morstad, Steve. 2012. ADF&G salmon escapement survey database ,download June 23, 2012. ADF&G,
Div. Comm. Fish., King Salmon, AK.
Ouinn, Thomas P. Jr., Gosse, D., and Schtickzelle N., 2012. Population dynamics and synchrony at fine
spatial scales: a case history of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) population structure in Alaska,
USA. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 69: 297–306. `
6
Table 1. Summary of minnow trap catch results in total number of fish, and average
hourly catch by location, date, and species, Knutson Creek, near Pedro Bay, 2012.
TRAP Dates Total TOTAL CATCH Avg. Hourly
#LOCATION Fished Hours DOLLY other Catch
VARDEN Dolly Varden
T-1*N 59 48.786 8/23/2012 7.77 39 0 5.0
W 154 07. 361
1 N 59 48.846 8/23/2012 6.75 71 0 10.5
W 154 07. 341
2 N 59 49.069 8/23/2012 5.72 34 0 5.9
W 154 07. 039
3 N 59 49.146 8/23/2012 4.90 6 0 1.2
W 154 06. 889
4 N 59 49.172 8/23/2012 4.00 34 0 8.5
W 154 06. 850
5 N 59 49.195 8/23/2012 3.47 19 0 5.5
W 154 06. 870
6 N 59 49.204 8/23/2012 2.65 14 0 5.3
W 154 06. 789
7 N 59 49.507 8/24/2012 0.87 17 0 19.5
W 154 06. 502
8**N 59 49.598 8/23/2012 0.38 1 0 2.6
W 154 06. 403 8/24/2012 **1 0 **
9 N 59 49.598 8/23/2012 0.22 6 0 27.3
W 154 06. 403 8/23-24/2012 21.25 14 0 0.7
TOTALS 57.98 256 0 Average 8.4
* Site in lateral tributary 50yds upstream of Knutson Cr. confluence
** Trap dislodged from site found x-wise in stream
7
Table 2. Fish catch numbers by species using a standard minnow trap by location, Knutson Creek, an Iliamna Lake inlet
stream near Pedro Bay Village, August 23-24, 2012.
TRAP CATCH
#LOCATION DATE TIME DOLLY other Notes
VARDEN
**T-1 N 59 48.786 8/23/2012 0952 hrs Elv. 210 ft.
W 154 07. 361 **Side channel of right-bank tributary (R1)
50 yds above Knutson Cr. confluence;
trib. water temp.: 48F; side channel: 49.5F
Bank veg.: alder and willow, dense
Stream bed: cobble 90%, 10% boulder
8/23/2012 1738 hrs.39 0 surface vel: 2.4 ft/sec approx.
Trib.input to main stem about 2% volume
1 N 59 48.846 8/23/2012 1022 hrs ELV: 243ft.
W 154 07. 341 Right-bank trap set behind large boulder
Sockeye adults: 17 live & 1 carcass (bear kill)
in immediate area; spawning
Excellent survey conditions; water clear
8/23/2012 1723 hrs.71 0 All spawning w/i < 10ft. of stream bank
2 N 59 49.069 8/23/2012 1106 hrs Elv. 277 ft.
W 154 07. 039 Right-bank set
Alder/willow & cottonwood bank veg.
Trap in 18" depth
Sockeye adults: 22 live, 2 carcasses
counted between trap site 1& 2; spawning
8/23/2012 1649 hrs.34 0
3 N 59 49.146 8/23/2012 1138 hrs Elv. 294 ft. (est.)
W 154 06. 889 Loc. at lower stream gage station
Set behind bank boulder; 20inch depth
Right-bank set
Boulder (5ft dia.) and cobble bed
8/23/2012 1630 hrs.6 0 Sockeye adult: 1 live 4m downstream
4 N 59 49.172 8/23/2012 1205 hrs Elv. 304 ft.
W 154 06. 850 Loc. at upper (2nd) gage station
Boulder/ cobble bed
Trap depth: 18 in.
8/23/2012 1605 hrs 34 0 Site across from left-side trib. (L1), approx 5%
of mainstem flow
5 N 59 49.195 8/23/2012 1227 hrs Elv. 309 ft.
W 154 06. 870 Water temp: 50F
Trap depth: 18 in.
Bank veg: alder(50%) and willow (50%)
Bed: Boulder cobble w/ course sand in eddies
Right-bank set
8/23/2012 1555 hrs 19 0
6 N 59 49.204 8/23/2012 1247 hrs Elv. 356 ft.
W 154 06. 789 Right-bank set behind table boulder (6X2X12ft.)
Bank veg: alder(50%) and willow (50%)
8/23/2012 1526 hrs 14 0 DV 6.0 and 6.2in. (fl) mature male & female
8
Table 2. Page 2 of 2.
TRAP CATCH
#LOCATION DATE TIME DOLLY other Notes
VARDEN
7 N 59 49.507 8/23/2012 1334 hrs Elv. 384 ft.
W 154 06. 502 Bank veg: alder(50%) and willow (50%)
Right-bank set
Bed: cobble/boulder/ course sand
Trap depth: 15in.
8/24/2012 1128 hrs **Trap clasp sprung catch lost; trap baited/reset
1220 hrs 17 0
8 N 59 49.598 8/23/2012 1417 hrs ELV. 402 ft; immediately below right-side trib. (R2)
W 154 06. 403 1440 hrs 1 0 trap depth:16 in.
Right-bank set
8/24/2012 1142 hrs 1 0 8/24/12: Trap found 3yd. downstream cross-
wise in current making trap unfishable.
9 N 59 49.598 8/23/2012 1415 hrs Elv. 403 ft.
W 154 06. 403 8/23/2012 1428 hrs 6 0 Upstream of proposed hydro-intake
Immediately above rt.-side trib. (R2)
Trib: adds approx. 20-30% of mainstem flow
8/23/2012 1440 hrs **reset trap; bank veg.: 60% willow, 35% alder,
2-5% spruce
8/24/2012 1155 hrs 14 0 Right bank set; 20 inch depth
9
Table 3. Sampled fork lengths (cm) of Dolly Varden captured, by selected minnow
trap, in upper Knutson Creek, an Iliamna Lake inlet stream near Pedro
Bay Village, 8/23-24/2012.
Specimen Trap Trap Trap Trap Trap Trap Trap
Number # 2 # 3 # 4 # 5 # 6 # 8 # 9
1 6.4 11.9 8.6 14.2 10.4 15.9 15.2
2 10.2 10.9 10.7 15.2 14.2 11.4 14.2
3 9.9 14.0 10.2 11.9 13.7 13.2
4 10.9 12.7 11.4 10.7 11.9 12.2
5 10.4 13.7 12.7 14.7 12.7 11.2
6 9.7 12.4 12.2 15.0 9.9 11.2
7 10.9 11.9 13.5 9.7 13.0
8 11.7 13.2 11.7 10.2 11.4
9 6.9 12.7 13.5 10.9 12.7
10 13.2 11.7 11.9 7.4 17.0
11 7.4 16.3 8.9 12.4 13.5
12 9.9 11.7 15.0 11.4 16.8
13 9.4 13.2 11.2 15.2 11.4
14 12.2 19.3 10.9 15.7 15.0
15 11.2 13.7 11.7 12.4
16 15.5 13.0 11.4 12.2
17 14.5 11.7 12.2 12.4
18 11.7 11.4 10.2 13.7
19 5.8 13.7 5.8 12.7
20 12.2 14.7 14.7
21 11.7 15.5
22 12.4 13.2
23 13.0 11.9
24 11.4 9.4
25 10.2 8.6
26 10.9 9.1
27 9.4 12.2
28 10.7 11.7
29 8.6 11.9
30 10.9 12.2
31 8.9 12.7
32 10.2 7.4
33 15.5 9.1
34 8.9 12.7
10
Table 4. Selected length (FL) statistics on Dolly Varden sampled on upper
Knutson Creek, an Iliamna Lake inlet stream near Pedro Bay Village
August 23-24, 2012.
Sample Size Mean Median Range Standard
(n)cm inches cm inches cm inches deviation
(mm)
129 11.9 4.7 11.9 4.7 (5.8 - 19.3)(2.3 - 7.6)2.3
Table 5. Salmon escapement survey of upper Knutson Creek , by species, from RM 1.25 to
RM 2.7, August 23, 2012.
River Mile Reach Survey Sockeye Salmon other
Start End Conditions Live Dead Total Live Dead Total
1.25 1.50 Excellent 17 1 18 0 0 0
1.50 1.75 Excellent 4 1 5 0 0 0
1.75 2.00 Excellent 18 1 19 0 0 0
2.00 2.25 Excellent 1 0 1 0 0 0
2.25 2.50 *0 0 0 0 0 0
2.50 2.70 Excellent 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 40 3 43 0 0 0
* Survey conditions were excellent, however only about 30% of the reach was visible due to access.
11
Figure 1. Map of Knutson Creek with proposed hydro-project identified, and Pedro Bay Village, and Pedro
Pond P1 shown (Map Courtesy of Polarconsult Alaska).
12
Figure 2. Map of upper Knutson Creek from approximately RM 1.2 to RM 2.8 with fish trap sites
and proposed hydro-project location identified (Map Courtesy of Polarconsult Alaska).
13
Figure 3.Typical trap catch of “small” but abundant Dolly Varden in upper Knutson Cr., trap #6, 8/23/12.
Figure 4. Mature male and female Dolly Varden, upper Knutson Creek, 8/23/2012.
14
Figure 5. Sockeye salmon spawning in upper Knutson Creek at trap site 2, 8/23/12.
Figure 6. Sockeye salmon carcass (bear killed), upper Knutson Creek, 8/23/12.
15
Figure 7. Knutson Cr. tributary ‘R1’, Trap site T-1 (left of Vern Jensen, Pedro Bay resident), 50 yds. above
Knutson Cr. confluence and approx. 90 yds below proposed powerhouse site, 8/23/12.
Figure 8. Upper Knutson Creek, approx. 50yds below lower flow gage site, 8/25/12.
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Figure 9. Upper Knutson Creek, downstream view, trap site #8, 200m above proposed intake, 8/23/12.
Figure 10. Sockeye salmon spawning in the upper end of Pedro Bay Pond P1, 8/25/12.