HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUS132PREFACE
TI<..
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no·5"~od
1Refer to
This report is part of a five volume presentation of the fisheries,
aquatic habitat,and instream flow data collected by the Alaska Depart-
ment of Fish and Game (ADF&G)Susitna Hydroelectric (Su Hydro)
Feasibility Aquatic Studies Program during the 1981-82 (October-May)
ice-covered and 1982 open water (May-October)seasons.It is one of a
series of reports prepared for the Alaska Power Authority (APA)and
its principal contractor,Acres American (Acres)by the ADF&G and
other contractors to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed Susitna
Hydroelectric Project.This preliminary draft is an internal working
document and intended for data transmittal to other Susitna Hydro-
electric Feasibility Study participants.A final report will be c1.is-
tributed April 15,1983.
The topics discussed in Volumes Two through Five are illustrated in
Figure A.Volume One (to be distributed with the final report)will
present a synopsis of the information contained in the other four
volumes.Volume Two also includes a comparison of 1981 and 1982 adult
anadromous fisheries data.
A second.ADF&G report will include an analysis of the pre-project
fishery and habitat relationships derived from this and related reports
prepared by other study partidpppts.A review draft will be circulated
to study participants on May 1,1983.The final report will be subr]itted
to the AP A on June 30,1983 for formal distribution to study partici-
pants,state and federal agencies,and the public.Scheduled for
completion on the same date is the first draft of the ADF&G 1982-83 ice
covered season basic data report.It will include a presentation of
1982-83 incubation and other fishery and habitat data.
ARLIS
Alaska Resources
Library &Information Services
Aulch0rage.AJaska
Volume One for References.
I
33755000352559rFactorsInfluencingAquaticHabitatFishLifePhasesInfIuencedbyHabitatt-\Rive,MorphologyVol.4.Vol.5IIcondlllon.~...•..__::t::'~"~(jlj~-Phy.icolVol.4,Vol.5ChemicalVol.4,Vol.5aFoodHabl"----Val.3~OUlmlgrallan~Vol.3SpawningVal.3,Vol.5RearingVol.3,Val.4,Val.5DlllribullanVal.3,Vol.4,Vol.5FiCJUrcJ~ProgramelementspresentedinVolumesTwothroughFive.
These and other ADF&G reports (1974-1976,1977, 1978, 1979,1981a,b,
c,d,e,f,1982 1 )and information reported by others will be
summarized and analyzed by the Arctic Environmental Information and
Data Center (AEIDC)to evaluate post-project conditions.Woodward
Clyde Consultants will,in turn,use this information to support their
preparation of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission License Appli-
cation for Acres.
The five year (Acres 1980 1 )ADF&G Su Hydro Aquatic Studies program
was initiated in November,1980.It is subGivided into three study
sections:Adult Anadromous Fish Studies (AA),Resident and Juvenile
Anadromous Fish Studies (RJ),and Aquatic Habitat and Instream Flow
Studies (AlI).
Specific objectives of the three sections are:
1.AA -determine the seasonal distribution and relative abun-
dance of adult anadromous fish populations produced within
the study area (Figure B);
2.RJ -determine the seasonal distribution and relative abun-
dance of selected resident and juvenile anadromous fish
populations within the study area;and
3.AH characterize the seasonal br,bitat requirements of
selected anadromous and resident fish species within the
study area and the relationship between the availability of
these habitat conditions and the mainstem discharge of the
Susitna River.
The 1982 ADF&G portion (Figures C and D)of the overall feasibility
project study area (Figure B)was limited to the mainstem Susitna River
and the mouths of major tributaries.Portions of tributaries which will
1Refer to Volume One for References.
III
ARLIS
Alaska Resources
Library &Information SerVices
I\nchvrage,lUdska
o25II•ADF6GFIELDCAMPS---DRAINAGEBOUNDARY,"'........................,"\\\,IIII,Ia/I.;.;~AnchorageCookInletIIIIIt\,,,,,,,(TRM40),,",milesa""..()IDD~.Qt?~Fi(jure!".SusitnaRiverdr~inagebasin.
~1982OPENWATERSEASONSTUDYAREA--DRAINAGEBOUNDARY"""..............................."'-,\\,,II,,,.I~,I"'....----,,/"--_.......//,,/,,"/"IIII,,',,"",/II//,,/...-"o25IImiles..,••••11(:1\~Figurec.1982ADF&Goppnwaterseason(MaythroughOctober)studyarea.
1981-82ICECOVEREDSEASONSTUDYAREADRAINAGEBOUNDARY~oo\",","'"o26,IImiles-.·0•.,....,'I/~,I-'"1II,1'......",'"............",............/............,\,\I,II/I//I",/,--~-~~,~I,,~J//",-..........'",......_---11Fiqurc::I1981--8?I\DF&GicecO'Jrreciseason(Octoberthroll(jh~lav)studyarea.
be inundated by the proposed impoundments were also evaluated.
Descriptions of study sites are presented in each of these volumes
including the ADF&G reports (ADF&G 1981a,b,c,d.e.f1).
The Susitna River is approximately 275 miles long from its sources in
the Alaska Mountain Range to its point of discharge into Cook Inlet.
Its drainage encompasses an area of 19.400 square miles.The mainstem
and major tributaries of the Susitna River.including the Chulitna,
Talkeetna and Yentna rivers.originate in glaciers and carry a heavy
load of glacial flour during the ice-free months (approximately May
through October).There are many smaller tributaries which are
perenially clear.
Questions concerning these reports should be directed to:
Thomas W.Trent
Aquatic Studies Coordinator
Alaska Department of Fish 8i Game
Su Hydro Aquatic Studies Program
2207 Spenard Road
Anchorage,Alaska 99503
Telephone (907)274-7583
VII
DRAFT
FIVE/TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE.. . . . •••••. . . . . . . . . . . .••. . . . . . . . . ••. •. . . . •. . . . •. •. . . . . . . . . . .I
L1ST OF FIGURES....................................................XI
LIST OF TABLES •••.••..•..••••...••.•••.•.••••...•..•.••..••..•.••••n
LIST OF PLATES ..•..•..•..••••••••..••.•••.•••..••..••.....•••.•••...~
LIST OF APPENDIX B FIGURES ..xsmr
LIST OF APPENDIX C TABLES .m-
LIST OF APPENDIX D FIGURES XXII
CO~'TR I BUTORS •.............•..••.....•.....•.••......•.........•.•..~!._.
ACKNO\~LEDGEMENTS...•••••....••.••••....••••....••.•••••...••••••....~
1.OBJECTIVES ...•••••.•....••••..••..••••••........•...••••.••.•.1
r~
1.1 Aquatic Habitat Investigations ••••...••••••..•••..••••..•C!/}-------
1.2 Resident Fisheries Investigations •••..•.....•••...•..••.•~-
2.METHODS.. . ••. •. •. •. . . ••. ••. . ••••••. ••. •••. . ••. •. •••. . . ••. . . •••g
2.1 General Study Design -g
2.2 Aquatic Habitat Investigations ....•...'•.•••...••.•.••.../1})----.'_'
2.3 Resident Fisheries Investigations •........•...•.........•'i~
3•RESULTS .•••..••.••..•.••.•.......•...•...••....•..•.........••;tc
3.1 Tributary Habitat and Fisheries tnvestigations ...••.•....;tc
3.1.1 ,ll,quatic Habitat Investigations .....•....•....••...Z c:'
3.1.1.1 General Stream Descriptions •....•...••...:z..o
3.1.1.2 Water Qua 1 ity i.ji./
3.1.1.2.1 Instantaneous ~!ater Quality .••L./Lj.
3.1.1.2.2 Continuous Surface
~later Temperature ::-/
3.1.1.3 Discharge
-~
3.1.2 Resident Fisheries Investigations .•..........•....59
3.1.2.1 Arct i c grayl i ng 5'1
3.1.2.2 Dolly Varden qo
3.2 Mainstem Habitat and Fisheries Investigations •......•.••.qo
DRAFT
FIVE/TABLE OF CONTENTS
3.2.1 Aquatic Habitat Investigations....................qD
3.2.1.1 General Description of Mainstem
Study Area...............................qA
3.2.1.2 Water Quality.............••...•.....•..•Cf1..
3•2•1•3 Dis cha rg e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . • •..Cf .:j
3.2.1.4 Slough Habitats .•......•.••...•.•........q~
3.2.2 Resident Fisheries Investigations .............•...Glee
3.2.2.1 Burbot ........•.•...•....................'10
3.2.2.2 Longnose Sucker ...............••......•..jO'1
3.2.2.3 Other Species ......•••...................108
3.3 Lake Habitat and Fisheries Investigations 108
3.3.1 Aquatic Habitat Investigations ....•....•..........108
3.3.1.1 General Description of Sally Lake 10~
3.3.1.2 Water Quality .......•....................//1;"
3.3.2 Resident Fisheries Investigations ......•........../11'
3.3.2.1 Lake Trout ..........................•....//-'
3.3.2.2 Arctic grayl ing .....................•....II~
4.DISCUSSION •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••~)
4.1 Tributary Habitat and Fisheries Investigations ....•......!1'7
4.1.1 Water Quality /"1
4.1.1.1 Instantaneous ~Iater Quality ...........••./11
4.1.1.2 Continuous Surface Water Temperature ...../IS
4. 1•2 Dis cha rg e.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . ...!\9
4.1.3 Stream Gradient Il.l
4.1.4 Barriers to Fish Migration 1~1
4.1.5 Salmon Spa"'/ni ng Habi tat .................•.........I~
4.1.6 Arctic Grayling Population Estimates 1J.f
4.1.7 Arctic Grayling Spawning and Juven"iles 143
4.1.8 Arctic Grayling Migration .•............•...•......1~4
~-_.~--::::;~
4.2 Mainstem Habitat and Fisheries Investigations {//'1[;;·'
\,
4.2.1 Water Qual ity '/~_f;,.
4.2.2 Slough Habitats /~>
4.2.3 Resident Fish Species /~~
4.3 Lake Habitat and Fisheries Investigations •.........•....o !~'1
4.3.1 Resident Fish Species /'-/9
5.LITERATURE CITED ..................•....................•.....•./)1
\
DRAFT
FIVE/TABLE OF CONTENTS
6.APPENDICES S"-/1·-1
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
5,·A~I
~--q .I
~-..c - ,
5-D -.f
VOLV/TABLES/PAGE 1
08028/Gene
TABL5/List of Figures
L1ST OF FIGURES
Figure 5-1-1 Proposed impoundment study area,1982............~
Figure 5-3-1 Gradient profile of the proposed
impoundment reach of the Susitna
River and major tributaries ~3
J:1(
,.~
Figure 5-3-3
Figure 5-3-2 ~!lean (e),range (I)and median (-)
instantaneous surface water teMpera-
tures recorded at selected habitat
evaluation sites within the proposed
impoundment areas during the 1982
open water field season (n =the
number of observations)~-~
t~ean (e),range (I)and median (-)
dissolved oxygen concentrations
recorded at selected habitat
evaluation sites within the proposed
impoundment areas during the 1982
open water field season (n =the number
of 0 bse rv at ion s).
Figure 5-3-4 Mean (e),ranqe (I)and median (-)
dissolved oxygen saturation values
recorded at selected habitat evaluation
sites within the proposed impoundment
areas during the 1982 open water field()41seasonn=the number of observations /
Figure 5-3-5
Figure 5-3-6
r1ean (e),range (I)and medi an (-)
pH values recorded at selected habitat
evaluation sites within the prooosed
impoundment areas durinq the 198~
open water field seasrn-(n =the number
of observations)1..t.4c/
~1ean (e),ranqe (I)and medi an (-)
specific conductance values recorded
at selected habitat evaluation sites
within the proposed impoundme~t
areas during the 198~aDen water field
season (n =the number o~observations)·41
Figure 5-3-7 ~1ean (e),range (I)and median (-)
turbidity values recorded at selected
habitat evaluation sites within the
proposed impoundment areas ~uring the
1982 open water field season (n =the
number of observati ons)';'(:':'
~~
VOLV/TABLES/PAGE 2
08028/Gene
TABL5/List of Figures
Figure 5-3-8 Monthly thermograph data summary,
mean (e),range (I)and 25th,50th
(median),and 75th percentiles (it),
for selected habitat evaluation
sites within the proposed impoundment
areas from June through October,
1982 (n =:he number of two hour
interval observations taken each
5 3lTlonthateachsite).
Figure 5-3-9 Daily thermograph data summary for
Tsusena Creek,RM 181.3,GC S32N04E36ADB,
June 20 through October 15,1982 •........•........5'-1
Figure 5-3-10 Daily therlTlograph data summary for
~~atana Creek,Rt1194.1,GC S32N06E25CCA,
June 21 throuah August 14,September 9
through September 18 and September 28
through October 15,1982 S-~-
Figure 5-3-11 Daily thermograph data summary for
Kosina Creek,RM 206.8,GC S31N08EI5BAB,
June 28 through Auoust 17 and September 20~-GthroughOctober15,1982 ~.
Figure 5-3-12 Daily thermograph data summary for
Goose Creek,RM 231.3,GC S30NIIE320BC,
June 28 through October 15,1982 S7
Figure 5-3-13 Daily thermograph data summary for the
Oshetna River RM 233.4,GC 30NIIE34CCD,
,June 28 through July 1 and <July 9 through c-Q
September 26,1982 -J ,-'
Figure 5-3-14 Arctic graYling hork and line CPUE
for the mouths of the eight tributarY
habitat evaluation locations,Proposed f 4
Impoundment Areas,1982 ~
Figure 5-3-15 Arctic grayling hook and line CPUE
for the eiaht tribut~rv habitat
locations in thpir entiretv,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982 tv!J-
Figure 5-3-16 Arctic grayling age frequency
composition,ProDosed Impoundment
Areas,1982 'C,l
VOLV/TABLES/PAGE 3
08028/Gene
TABL5/List of Figures
Figure 5-3-17 Arctic grayling length frequency
composition for all tributaries
combined,Proposed Impoundment
Areas 1982 ~.<=t
Figure 5-3-18 Arctic grayling length frequency
composition by tributary,Proposp.d
Impoundment Areas,1982 10
Figure 5 3 19 Arctic grayling age-length relation-
ship for all tributaries combined,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982 '1 J..
Figure 5-3-20 Arctic grayling age-length distribu-
tion,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982 73
Figure 5-3-21 Arctic grayling age-length relation-
ship,male vs.females,Proposed
Impourdment Areas,1982 '74
Figure 5-3-22
Figure 5-3-23
Figure 5-3-24
Fiqure 5-3-25
Figure 5-3-26
Figure 5-3-27
Arctic grayling sex composition by
month,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982 .
Arctic grayling length vs.sexual
maturity relationship by sex,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982 .
Arctic grayling instantaneous
survival rate curves,Proposed
Impoundment Areas,1982 .
Susitna River hvdrograph at Vee Canyon,
R~223.3 (USGS gaging station No.15291500),
from nay 1 through Sertember 30,1982
(USGS,1982).
Burbot age frequency composition,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.................'1&
Burbot lenqth frequency composition,
Proposed Imooundment Areas,1982 tt~
Fiqure 5-3-28 Burbot age-length relationship,
Proposed Impcundment Areas,1982.
( =mean,-ranqe)ro/
Figure 5-3-29 Burbot age-length relationship,
malps vs.females Proposed Impoundment
Areas,1982 't")i --,,,,,,-
VOLV/TABLES/PAGE 4
08028/Gene
TABL5/List of Figures
Paqe-'-
Figure 5-3-30 Longnose sucker length frequency
composition,Proposed Impoundment
Areas,1982......................................10/':'
Figure 5-3-31 Sally Lake,morphometric map,
GCS32N07E29.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ....t il
Figure 5-3-32 Hypsographic (depth-area)curve of Sally
Lake,GC S32N07E29,(August,1982)\\~
Figure 5-3-33 Depth-volume curve of Sally Lake,
GC S32N07E29 (August,1982)113
VOLV/TARLES/PAGE1
080208/Gene
TABL5/List of Tables
LIST OF TABLES
Table 5-3-1
Table 5-3-2
Table 5-3-3
Table 5-3-4
Topographic features of selected
tributaries of the proposed Devil
Canyon impoundment,1982 ...........•.............~I
Topographic features of selected
tributaries of the proposed
Watana impoundment,1982 .......•.................z,J..
Discharge data for selected
tributaries within the proposed
impoundment study area,1982 I~O
Arctic grayling hook and line
catch by location and month,Proposed
Imroundment Areas,1982 ;_1
Table 5-3-5 Arctic grayling hook and line
catch and effort by tributary and month
for the mouths of the eight tributary
habitat evaluation locations,Proposed
Impoundment Areas,1982 .
Table 5-3-6 Arctic grayling hook and line
catch and effort by tributnry and
month for the eight tributary habitat
evaluation locations in their entirety.
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982 '.:(~'::'~
Table 5-3-7 Arctic grayling aae-length composition,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982 l,~
Table 5-3-8 Arctic graylir.g length frequency
by tributary,Proposed Impound~ent
Areas,1982 ~;8
TAble 5-3-9 Arctic grayling tagged by location and
month,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982 •.........'7i
Table 5-3-10 Arctic grayling intrastream movement
by tributarv and mcnth as demonstrated
by recoveries of 1982 tagqpri fish,
Proposed Imprundment Areas,1982 ~I
Table 5-3-11 Arctic orayling interstream movement
by location as demonstrated by
recoveries of 1982 taqged fish,Proposed
Imp0unriment Areas,1982 i~
Table 5-3-12
VOLV/TABLES/PAGE2
080208/Gene
TABL5/List of Tables
Arctic grayling interstream movement
by location as demonstrated by
recoveries of 1981 tagged fish during
1982,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982 .
Table 5-3-17
Table 5-3-13 Arctic grayling population estimates
by tributary habitat evaluation
location,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982 ,?~
Table 5-3-14 Data used for Arctic grayling
i~~~~~~~~~t~Si~~:~:si9~~~posed 'Z~
Table 5-3-15 Arctic grayling population
estimates by age class,Proposed
Impoundment Areas,1982 ~1
Table 5-3-16 Burbot catch and catch per trot
line day by mainstem site and month,
°7,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.................-J
Burbot age,length and sex frequency,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982 i OC
Table 5-3-18
Table 5-3-19
Table 5-3-20
Trtble 5-4-1
Table 5-4-2
Burbot tagged by mainstem site and
month,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982..........\03
Longnose sucker catches by mainstem
site and month,Proposed Impoundment
A 1982 105'reas,_.
Sally Lake morphometric data,1982 110
Biases,corrections,ar.d assumptions
which effect the 1982 Arctic grayling
population estimates,Proposed
Impoundment Areas,1982 j~1
Arctic 9rcyling population estimates,
1981 versus 1982,Proposerl Impoundment
Areas,1982 1'-1:1..
LIST OF PLATES
Plate 5-2-1
Plate 5-2-2
Plate 5-3-1
Plate 5-3-2
Plate 5-3-3
Plate 5-3-4
Plate 5-3-5
------_.•_--'--,,,
VOLV/TABLES/PAGE4
080208/Gene
TABL5/List of Tables
Plane table techniques used for
mappi ng of Sally Lake............................/if
Arctic grayling implanted with Floy
anchor tag 17
Typical substrate found in Tsusena
and Kosina Creeks 31
A typical,large,deep pool located
below the Proposed Impoundment .'18
Elevation (PIE)in Kosina Creek ,~
Typical habitat of the Oshetna River,
lrnq riffle ar'eas with mooprate
stream flow ve1ocities 43
Male and female resident Dolly Varden
found in Devil Creek ~I
Aerial view of Sally Lake II~
VOLV/FIGURES/PAGE1
830209/Gene
TA8L5/Appendix 8 Figurf
APPENDIX 58
LIST OF FIGURES
Fi qure 5-B-1 Proposed Devil Canyon impoundment
area of Cheechako Creek,RM 152.4,
and adjacent Sus itna Ri ver.......................5··B -.L
Figure 5-B-2 Proposed Devil Canyon impoundment
area of Chinook Creek,RM 157.0,
and adjacent Susitna River S·B·~
Figure 5-B-3 Proposed Devil Canyon impoundment
area of Devil Creek,RM 161.4,
and adjacent Susitna River 5-i)-3
Figure 5-8-4 Proposed Devil Canyon impoundment
area of Fog Creek,RM 176.7,and
adjacent Susitna River S-._p,-+
Figure 5-8-5 Proposed Devil Canyon impoundment
area of Tsusena Creek,RM 181.3,
and adjacent Susitna River ........•..............5-8-5
Figure 5-B-6 Proposed Watana impoundment area
of Deadman Creek,RM 186.7,
and adjacent Susitna River 5-R-~
Figure 5-8-7 Proposed Watana impoundment area
of Watana Creek,RM 194.1,and
adjacent Susitna River 5 -(~"l
Figure 5-8-8 Proposed Watana impoundment area
of Kosina Creek,RM 206.8 and~. t S .t R.'.-)--!)f:-aC,l acen us I na 1 ver .
Figure 5-8-9 Proposed Watana impoundment
area nf Jay Creek,RM 208.5,and
adjacent Susitna River ),8'"
Fiqure 5-8-10 Proposed Watana impoundment area
of Goose Crpek,RM 231.:,and
~.S'R'1.;.-i~-Iea\.:Jacent us 1 tna ,1 ver-..".
Figure 5-8-11 Proposed Watana impoundment area
of the Oshetna River,RM 233.4,
and adjacent Susitna River ;B-I1
VOLV/FIGURES/PAGE3
830209/Gene
TABL5/Appendix B Figur'
APPENDIX 5C
LIST OF TABLES
Table 5-C-l
Table 5-C-2
Table 5-C-3
Table 5-C-4
Table 5-C-5
Table 5-C-6
Table 5-C-7
Table 5-C-8
Selected tributary water quality
data collected immediately above
the mouth of Cheechako Creek,
Rr·1 152.4,GC S32NOl E33CCB,1982.....................S-c.-f
Selected tributary water quality
data collected immediately above
the mouth of Devil Creek,RM
161.4,GC S32N02E34AAC,1982 $-t'·1
Selected tributary water quality
data collected immediately above
the mouth of Fog Creek,RM 176.7,
GC S31N04E16DBR,1982 S'C:~
Selected tributary water quality
data collected immediately above
the mouth of Tsusena Creek,Rr~•'1
-(.-A.181.3,GC S32N04EADR,1982 '~·
Selected tributary water quality
data collected immediately above
the mouth of Deadman Creek,RM 5·-(-3186.7,GC S32N05E26CDB,1982 .
Selected tributary water quality
data collected one mile above the
PIE of Deadman Creek,TRM 3.7,
GC S32N05E138BB,1982 5",C-3
Selected tributary water Quality
data collected immediately above
the mouth of Watana Creek,RM
194.1,GC S32N06E25CCA,1982 •............•..........S-C·q
Selected tributary water auality
data collected within the two
nile study section of Watana Creek,
F,'1 5.0,GC 532'1('7E17B,I:;D,1982 ~)<.<c
Table 5-C-9 Selected tributary water quality
data collected in the East Fork Watana
Creek,TRM 9.2 GC S33N07E34CCA,1982 5-L ~
Tab1e 5-C-10 Selected tributary water quality
data collected in the \·Ipst Fork vJatana
Creek,TRM 9.6 GC S33N07E34CCA,1982 ~~-1
TabsC/rapup
Table 5-C-11 Selected tributary water quality
data collected immediately above the
mouth of Kosina Creek,RM 206.8,
GC S31 N08E15BAB,1982 5-C -'1
Table 5-C-12 Selected tributary water quality
data collected one mile above the
PIE on Kosina Creek,TRM 5.5
GC S30N08E04CDB,1982 S-c.:-8
Table 5-C-13 Selected tributary water quality
data collected immediately above
the mouth of Jay Creek,RM 208.5,
GC S31N08E13BCC,1982 S-C-8
Table 5-C-14 Selected tributary water quality
data collected immediately above
the mouth of Goose Creek,RM 231.3,.
32 102 S-C9GCS30NllE_nBC,.J8 '- .
Table 5-C-15 Selected tributary water quality
data collected one mile above the
PIE on Goose Creek,TRM 2.2
GC S29Nll E07CCA,1982 ~--C-Cf
Table 5-C-16 Selected tributary water quality
data collected immediately above
the mouth of the Oshetna River,RM
233.4,GC S30Nl134CCD,1982 ·E-c:-IC
Table 5-C-17 Selected tributary water quality
data collected one mile above the
PIE on the Oshetna River TRM 3.2,
GC S29Nll E16~.CC,1982 ,,<-10
Table 5-C-18 Selected mainstem water ouality
data collected immediately above
the confluence of the Susitna
Ri ver and Fog Creek,Rt1 176.7,
GC S3'N04E16DBB,1982 S·c "
Table 5-C-19 Selected mainstem water quality
dat3 cnllecte r :~~·,[11ediatel':2rnlle
the confluence of the Susitna
River and Tsusena Creek,Rt·1 181.3,
GC S3~N04E36ADR,1982 5-(II
Table 5-C-20 Selected mainstem water Quality
data collected immediately above
the confluence of the Susitna
River and Deadman Creek,RM 186.7,
ICC S32N05E26CDB,1982 S'C ~'1..
TabsC/rapup
Table 5-C-21
Table 5-C-22
Selected mainstem water quality
data collected immediately above
the confluence of the Susitna
River and \>Iatana Creek,RM 194.1,
GC S32N06E25CCA,1982 .
Selected mainstem water quality
data collected immediately above
the confluence of the Susitna
River and Kosina Creek,RM 206.8,
GC S31 N08E15BAB,1982 .!:>--c -J J
Table 5-C-23 Selected water quality data
collected in Lower Jay Creek Slough,
RM 208.1,GC S3HlO8EllDCD,1982 S--C-I.:3
Table 5-C-24 Selected water quality data
collected in Un,per Jay Creek Slouq.h,S-c:-i~RM 208.7,GC S31N08E13BCD,1982 .
Table 5-C-25 Selected mainstem water quality
data collected immediately above
the confluence of the Susitna River
and Upper Jay Creek Slough,RM 208.7,_(_.~
GC S31N08E13BCD,1982 b-
Table 5-C-26 Selected mainstem water quali~y
data collected immediately above
the confluence of the Susitna River
and ~oose Cr~ek,RM 231.3,.__("-j-5"
GC S,)nN11E32 DBC,1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...~-
Table 5-C-27 Selected mainstem water quality
data collected immediately above
the confluence of the Susitra River
and Cshetna River.PM 233.4,
GC S30Nll E3'~CCD,1982 S-c:-I j-
Table 5-C-28 Selected water quality data
collected in Sally Lake,
GC S32~l 07E29,1982 . . ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...5 -c -k
..x:X\
VOLV/FIGURES/PAGE4
830209/Gene
TABL5/Appendix B Figure
APPENDIX 50
LI ST OF FIGURES
Figure 5-0-1.Planimetric map symbol legend
for selected mainstem Susitna River
habitat evaluation sites,Proposed
IJT1poundment Areas,1982..........................5-0 '-1
Figure 5-0-2.Mainstem Susitna River habitat
evaluation site No.1,RM 189.0,
GC S32N06E31ABC..................................~-O-~
Figure 5-0-3 Mainstem Susitna River habitat
evaluation site No.2,RM 191.5,
GC S32N06E28CAC..................................5 --0 -3
Fiqure 5-0-4 Mainstem Susitna River habitat
evaluation site at Watana Creek,
RM 194.1,GC S321'l06E25CCA 5-0 -I~
Figure 5-0-5 Mainstem Susitna River habitat
evaluation site No.3,RM 197.8,
GC S321'l07E330BC _:;-D -}:)-
Figure 5-0-6 Mainste~Susitna River habitat
evaluation site No.4,RM 201.2,
GC S31N07El2BCB ..............•...................5-0-f...,
Figure 5-0-7 Mainstem Susitna River habitat
evaluation site No.3A,RM 201.6,
GC S31N07El?-BOB .J..-_1'1 ..:7
-'L'I
Figure 5-0-8 Mainstem Susitna River habitat
evaluation site No.5,RM 208.1,
GC S31 NOEl E11 OCD.•• ••• •••••••• ••• •• ••• •••••. ••• •••_')--0-E,
5.CONTRIBUTORS
Aquatic Habitat and Instream Flow (AH)
Project Leader
Resident and Juvenile Anadromous (RJ)
Project Leader
Impoundment Study Sub-Project Leaders
AH Sub-project leader
RJ Sub-project leader
Data Processing Project Leader
Data Processing Staff
Graphics
Typing Staff
Editors
Aquatic Habitat Investigations
Resident Fisheries Investigations
x~\\\
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FIVE/CONTRIBUTORS
Christopher Estes
Dana Schmidt
Joe Sautner
Mike Stratton
Allen Bingham
Ka thy Rowe 11
Gail Hienemann
Donna Buchholz
Carol Kerkvl iet
Katrine Zozel
Sally Donovan
Ann Reilly
Peggy Skeers
Joyce Godin
Lynn Watson
Christopher Estes
Dana Schmidt
Steve Hale
Drew Crawford
Joe Sautner
Gene Sandone
r~i ke Stratton
Jim Quinn
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FIVE/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to express our gratitude to all the people and organi-
zations that provided information or assistance to the Impoundment Study
during the past year.
We sincerely appreciate the support services provided by Acres American,
Inc.,Air Logistics,Akland Helicopter,R&M Consultants,Inc.;and the
u.S.Geological Survey.
Appreciation is also extended to the Alaska Power Authority for funding
this project and to 1.Trent,L.Bartlett,R.Dieryck.K.Watson.R.
Logan.L.Heckart,M.Mi 11 s and other staff of the ADF&G for thei r
administrative services support.
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1.OBJECTIVES
Impoundment study area (Figure 5-1-1)investigations were initiated in
1981 by a joint Aquatic Habitat and Instream Flow (AH)and Resident and
Juvenile Anadromous Fish (RJ)study team to provide the basis for:
1)assessing the impacts of transforming the existing lotic
environment within the boundaries of the proposed Watana and
Devil Canyon reservoirs into one that is lentic;and
2)i dentifyi ng \','hether a lternati ve fi shery habitat is avail ab 1e
in the immediate area surrounding the proposed reservoir for
replacing fishery habitat lost within the impoundments to
sustain the existing level of fish populations.
To achieve the first goal,data were collected with the objectives of
determining:
1)which habitats within the impoundment study area are utilized
by various fish species on a seasonal basis;
2)the physical and chemical characteristics of these fishery
habitats;anc
3)the seasonal distribution and abundance of fish populations
within the proposed impoundment areas.
1
.,..__.._--.._-_._---
f'-.)PROPOSEDIMPOUNDMENTAREALIMITSOFIMPOUNDMENTSTUDYAREAFigure5-1-1Proposedimpoundmentstudyarea.1982.
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The second goal was not pursued duri ng the 1981 studies because of
limited manpower resources.
Investigations were therefore continued in 1982 to:
1)collect additional habitat and fishery data to more accurately
characterize the fish populations and their seasonal
utilization of habitats within the boundaries of the proposed
reservoirs to further meet goal number one;and
2)collect habitat and fishery data to determine whether the
reach of tributary immediately upstream of the impoundment
boundaries contains similar habitat to that presently found at
the mouths of these tributaries and if these upstream reaches
presently support fish populations.
1.1 Aquatic Habitat Investigations
To meet objectives one and two above the following six aquatic habitat
tasks were pursued:
1)Measure the range of physical and chemical conditions of
tributary and mainstem Susitnc River habitats within
the boundaries of the proposed reservoirs;
2)Quantify the surface area and stream length of selected
tributaries which ~"ould be inundated by the proposed Devil
Canyon and Watana reservoirs;
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3)Examine the physical and chemical conditions of selected
tributary habitats immediately upstream of the proposed
impoundment elevations (PIE);
4)Identify and evaluate the physical and chemical conditions
which appear to be influencing the utilization and suitability
of habitats associated with the various life stages of Arctic
grayl i ng;
5)Evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of Sally
Lake;and
6)Identify and evaluate aquatic habitats within the impoundment
study area that are presently util ized by adult anadromous
fish species.
1.2 Resident Fisheries Investiqationsy
The specific tasks for the 1982 season resident fisheries studies within
the impoundment study area were:
1)Determine the distribution,abundance and migratory habits of
A.rcti c grayl i ng;
2)Determine the distribution and relative abundance of selected
resident fish species in the Susitna River;
/ I
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3)Determi ne the abundance of 1ake trout and Arctic grayl i ng in
Sa lly Lake;
4)Record biological information on fishes to provide information
on survival and growth to eventually support an analysis of
fish production within the reservoir study area;and
5)Identify Arctic grayling spawning and rearing locations \'lithin
the impoundment and adjacent study areas.
These data and the previous habitat data will provide much of the neces-
sary information to ultimately evaluate the impacts of the reservoir on
those areas to be inundated.The analysis of these data to further
address the major goals of this study will be included in the Fisheries
and Habitat Relationships report (see Preface).
The 1982 impoundment study area includes the aquatic habitats within the
boundaries of the proposed Devil Canyon and Watana reservoirs and
a five mile study reach immediately upstream of the PIE of selected
tributaries (Figure 5-1-1).The upper Susitna River basin from Devil
Canyon to the Oshetna River is a remote wilderness area of high
aesthetic and recreational value.Mountainous terrain dominates the
area with elevations ranging from approximately 900 feet near the basin
floor of Devil Canyon to almost 8,000 feet in some areas of the
glaciated terrain in the Oshetna River basin.The landscape varies from
treeless alpine tundra at higher elevations to low lying areas dominated
by black spruce frequently ir,terspersed with muskeg bogs.Occasional
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stands of cottonwood,bi rch and aspen are often found throughout the
area,especially at lower elevations.
According to projections by Acres American (Acres 1982)the two proposed
impoundments would inundate approximately 84 miles of the mainstem
Susitna River.This would include most of the reach of the Susitna
River from the proposed Devil Canyon dam site (RM 152.0)upstream to a
point approximately five miles above the confluence of the Susitna and
Oshetna rivers (RM 239.0).A three mile reach of the Susitna River
immediately downstream of the proposed ~~atana Dam site wi 11 not be
inundated.The combined surface area of these two reservoirs would be
approximately 45,800 acres.The proposed Devil Canyon Dam would create
an impoundment 26 mi 1es long with a surface area of 7,800 acres.The
maximum probable flood elevation is projected at 1,466 feet mean sea
level (~lSL)with a normal operating pool level of 1,455 feet MSL.The
proposed Watana Dam (RM 184.0)would create an impoundment that would
extend 55 mi 1es upstream from the dam and cover 38,000 acres.The
maximum probable flood elevation of this impoundment is projected at
2,200.5 feet ~1SL with a normal operating pool level of 2,185 feet ~iSL
(Acres 1982).
Prior to initiation of the 1981 Susitna River Hydroelectric Aquatic
studies,fisheries and 2quatic habitat data fer this area cc~sisted of
various preliminary environmental assessments (U.S.Fish &Wildlife
Servi ce 1952, 1954, 1957,1959a,b,1960,1965;ADF&G,1978).These
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studies define species composition and highlight selected habitat
locations and issues of particular concern,but because of their limited
scope,were unable to quantitatively examine resident fish populations
and their relationships to the aquatic environments.
7
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2.METHODS
2.1 Study Design
The 1982 Aquatic Studies program in the proposed impoundment study area
was conducted during the open water field season (May-Oct.)on a monthly
basis "Jith field activities lasting from 14 to 18 days per month.
Additional field trips were conducted in late April and early ~Iay to
determine timing,location,and extent of Arctic grayling spawning
activities.These trips lasted from three to six days.
Boundaries of the proposed impoundments were defined to differentiate
betv.leen habitats above and below the proposed impoundment elevations
(PIE).The impoundment boundaries for the Devil Canyon and Watana
reservoirs were based on maximum probable flood elevations of 1,466 and
2,200.5 feet MSl respectively.
The selection of 1982 study areas was based on preliminary studies
conducted by the ADF&G during 1981 (ADF&G,1981)and included eleven
tributary,seven mainstem Susitna River,and one lake locations.The
tributary sites included eight major tributary streams that were
selected for detailed study:Fog,Tsusena,Deadman,Watana,Kosina,Jay
and Goose creeks,and the Oshetra River.In addition,eight other sites
(seven on the mainstem Susitna River,and Sally Lake)were selected for
detailed study in 1982.Three tributary streams in Devil Canyon:
Cheechako,Chinook and Devil creeks;and selected mainstem slough
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habitats were also examined to obtain baseline data on resident fish
species present and to conduct a general evaluation of the aquatic
habitat available in these areas.
The lakes,mainstem Susitna River,and the reach of the 11 major
tributaries within the proposed impoundment boundaries investigated
during 1982 were designated as habitat evaluation locations.Specific
study sites within these habitat locations were designated as habitat
evaluation sites.
Each tributary habitat evaluation location consists of the mouth,and
the tributary upstream to the PIE.The mouth encompasses that area of
the Susitna River which is influenced by the tributary stream flow (the
clear/turbid water mixing zone),and that area of the tributary which is
influenced by the rise and fall of the Susitna River.The Illainstem
habitat evaluation location consists of that portion of the mainstem
Susitna River affected directly by the proposed Devil Canyon and Watana
reservoir (R~1 152 to 239).Since it was not feasible to regularly
sample all of this area,specific habitat evaluation sites were selected
for study within this reach.All of Sally Lake is included in the Sally
Lake habitat evaluation location.No other lakes within the proposed
impoundment boundaries were studied during 1982.
All tributary habitat evaluation locations were divided into reaches of
stream according to habitat types or by using other physical charac-
teristics as reference points (e.g.,pools,cliffs,tributary streams).
LlI
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These points were then assigned a tributary river mile (TRM)to assist
in identifying various reaches of the streams.
The Oshetna River and Kosina Creek,the two largest tributaries in the
proposed impoundment areas,were di vi ded into three di st i nct habitat
types:(l)the mouth (confl uence habita t);(2)the maj or pools and (3)
the riffle areas.The delineation of the major pool/riffle areas was
based subjectively on streamflow velocities and depths determined by
visual observations.Clearly defined habitats,characterized by deeper
water and relatively moderate to low stream velocities were designated
as pool habitat evaluation sites.Reaches of stream between pools
cha racteri zed by shallower water and hi gher stream vel ociti es were
designated as riff1e habitat evaluation sites.Beginning at the PIE,
and moving downstream,each pool and riffle was assigned a letter and
corresponding TRM for identification.
Due to its length,the proposed impoundment reach of Watana Creek,11.9
miles,could not be effectively sampled in its entirety.Therefore,
representati ve reaches of each habitat type encountered were sampled.
These sections included both the East Fork and West Fork from their
confluence to the PIE,and a two-mile section between TRM 4.0 and TRM
6.0.
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2.2 Aquatic Habitat Investigations
Aquatic Habitat data referred to in this section was collected according
to procedures presented in Volume 4 unless indicated otherwise.
2.2.1 Topographical and General Physical Characteristics of
Po,quat ic Habitats
Elevations at the mouths of tributaries,and water surface areas were
determined from blue-line maps (scale 1"=400',with 10'contour in-
tervals)developed by R&M Consultants,Inc.,North Pacific Aerial Photos
and Ai r Photo Tech (1978 -1982).Stream gradi ents and the 1ength of
proposed inundated tributary reaches were determined from blue-line maps
(scale 1"=1000',1981)developed by Acres American and North Pacific
Aerial Photos,Inc.Drainage basin areas were determined from USGS
topographical maps (1:63360 series).The surface area measurements,
stream gradients and stream lengths,were derived from the appropriate
maps utillzing a Numonics 2400 electronic graphics calculator
(digitizer).
Stream widths and depths were visually estimated in the field and should
only be considered as a gross approximation of these characteristics as
observed during the 1982 sampling period.
Substrate compositions were visually assessed and categorized accordi~g
to the size classification scheme outlined in the 1982 ADF&G Procedures
Manual (ADF&G 1982a).
!i
.J L
2.2 ..2 Water Quality
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General water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen,pH,specific
conductance,water temperature,and turbidity)were measured at least
once per month during the open water field season at designated tribu-
tary,mainsteam and lake sampling sites.These sites were selected as
being representative for those habitat evaluation locations under study.
Tributary sites were located immediately above the mouth of Fog,
Tsusena,Deadman,Watana,Kosina,Jay and Goose creeks and the Oshetna
River.Mainstem Susitna River sites were located immediately above the
confluence of the above-mentioned tributaries and the Susitna River with
the exception of Jay Creek,where the sampling site was located
immediately above the confluence of upper Jay Creek Slough and the
Susitna River.Sally Lake was sampled once a month at a site at the
west end of the lake.Sites one mile above the PIE of selected tribu-
taries were sampled once during the field season.Additional sites,
including minor tributaries and tributary study sections were sampled at
irregular intervals.Samplirg incidence varied amorg all sites due to
sampling priority and/or proximity to base camp.
Dissolved oxygen saturation levels were determined from dissolved oxygen
concentration,water temperature,and site elevation using an oxygen
saturation nomograph (Wetzel 1975).
Ryan t"odel J-90 thermographs were placed r.ear the mouth of Tsuser.a,
~!atana,Kosina and Goose creeks and the Oshetna River to continuously
monitor surface water temperatures.These tributaries were selected as
!2.
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thermograph sites based on their importance in providing surface water
temperature data for reservoir modelling,and for grayling habitat
evaluations.
2.2.3 Discharge
Discharge data were collected to obtain baseline data for reservoir
modelling and to determine relative differences in discharge for com-
pari sons of fisheries habitat in tributaries under study.
Monthly tributary discharges were measured with a Price AA flow meter
when water velocities and depths permitted wading.Fog,Tsusena,
Watana,Jay and Goose creek discharges were measured in the tributary
reach upstream of the mouth.Discharge data in Deadman Creek were
collected approximately three miles above the mouth because of hazardous
sampling conditions in the lower reaches of the stream.Sampling sites
were selected on the basis of channel morphology,substrate size,stream
velocities and water depths.
2.2.4 Lake Mapping and Morphometric Data
A depth contour map of Sally Lake was developed by plane table methods
(Plate 5-2-1)using procedures similar to those presented in Lind
(1974).Depth profiles were obtained utilizing a depth sounder
(Lowrance,Model LRG-1510B)mounted on an outboard powered boat
travell i ng at constant speed between poi nts on specifi ed transects.
---------_._.,_..~------_._--._---
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These profiles were recorded on a printout and used to determine place-
ment of depth contours on the map.
The surface area of Sally lake was determined by polar planimetry
(Lind 1974).All other data associated with lake morphometry were
derived according to procedures described in Wetzel (1975).
-------._-_._-"~...
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2.3 Resident Fisheries Investigations
The majority of tributary habitat evaluation locations were sampled in
their entirety at least once a month.All sampling conducted above the
mouths of the eight tributaries was by and hook and 1 ine.Assorted
spi nners and fl i es,both wet and dry,were used.t~a i nstem habitat
locations were sampled for two consecutive 24 hour periods each month.
Sampling gear utilized at the mainstem sites and tributary mouths
included trotlines,gillnets and hook and line.Sally Lake was sampled
as time,work load,and transportation availability permitted.Hook and
line,variable mesh gi11nets and hoop nets were deployed at various
locations in Sally Lake.
A detailed discussion on methodology of quantitative data collection and
sampling techniques is provided in the Procedures ~anual (ADF&G,1982a).
Descriptive data (i.e.,observation of juveniles,non-quantified habitat
observations,fish behavior)were recorded daily in field notebooks for
future reference.
A standard tagging and recapture scheme was used to study seasonal
migrations and generate population estimates for selected resident fish
speci es .All res i dent fi sh speci es over 135 mill imeters (mm)fork
lergth (FL)and in good condition after capture were tagged using
international orange Flay anchor tags inserted just posterior of the
dorsal fin (Plate 5-2-2).
I·,c
-----------------_._.
-..J"Plate5-2-2yI\,I'y)~~"",........."~....~"'"'"I."i.at"Aa~......4..._ArcticqraylingimplantedwithFlayanchortag.
-
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Population estimates generated from the 1981 field data provided a
preliminary estimate of grayling populations in the proposed impoundment
areas.Many biases associated with these estimates have been iden-
tified.These include:lack of randomness of recapture effort,hetero-
geneity within the populations (catch rates are not the same and
tagged/recapture ratios vary within the segments of the population),the
population is not closed geographically (immigration and emigration do
occur),and time changes affect the estimate.
In order to address some of these biases in the estimates,several
changes in the study design and the analytical procedures have been
instigated.
The division of Kosina Creek and the Oshetna River into the pool and
riffle reaches described previously was based on the assumption that the
probability of capture within these reaches will differ substantially.
Therefore,the population estimates can address each of these sub-areas
separately.
Secondly,the data base has been stratified by length classification
based on the age-length relationship for the entire study area.Ex-
amination of the specific age classes for differences in the tagged/re-
capture ratios can provide an indication o~the afTlour.t of bias due to
heterogeneity.
Finally,the actual statistical methods employed for calculating the
population estimates and their confidence levels have been changed.The
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1981 estimates were generated using a Schnabel Multiple Census estimator
while the 1982 estimates employ an adjusted Petersen single census
estimator.A detailed description of the estimator is given in Appendix
5A.
Ultimately,the population estimate produced will address the individual
streams,their unique biases,and biases associated with our sampling
techniques.
Instantaneous survival rates for Arctic grayling are calculated using
catch,length,and age data from the effectively sampled portion of the
population.The resulting rate can be applied to the entire population,
since fishing mortality is insignificant and natural mortality is the
only factor influencing the survival rate.The actual statistical
method is provided in Appendix 5A.
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3.RESULTS
3.1 Tr'ibuta ry Fi sheri es and Habitat Investi gati ons
3.1.1 Aquatic Habitat Investigations
The general habitat characteristics of eleven major tributaries in the
proposed impoundment areas are presented below.Specific information on
the topographical features of each stream is presented in Tables 5-3-1
and 5-3-2.A stream gradient profile of the impoundment study area is
presented in Figure 5-3-1.Maps of the proposed inundated reach of the
eleven major tributaries and adjacent Susitna River are presented in
Appendix 58,Figures 5-8-1 to 5-8-11.
3.1.1.1 General Stream Description
Cheechako Creek
Cheechako Creek enters the Susitna River from the south at river mile
152.4 approximately one half mile upstream of the proposed Devil Canyon
dam site (Appendix Fi gure 5-8-1).It is the most downstream major
tri buta ry to the Sus itna Ri ver withi n the proposed impoundment study
area.P,pproximately the first 1.7 miles cf the tributc;ry would be
inundated by the proposed Devil Canyon impoundment.The steepness of
the terrain and time constraints limited ground surveys of this
tributary to the vicinity of the mouth.Aerial surveys were conducted
from the tributary mouth upstream for a distance of approximately three
mil es.
Table5-3-1.lIo15/TABLES/PAGE1830208/JOETABL5/TopoFeaturesaTopographicalfeaturesofselectedtributariesoftheproposedDevilCaryonimpoundment,1982.ApproximateCharacteristicsofTributaryGradientofTributaryElevationSizeofReachtobeInundatedImmediatelyAbovePIEGeographicCodeAtConfluenceDrainageSurfaceSusitnaAtConfluenceWithSusitnaBasinLengthAreaGradientl-Mi1e5-MileTributaryRivp.r11ileWithSusitna(ftMSL)(sqmi)(mil(acres)(ft/mi)(ft/mi)(ft/mi)CheechilkoCreek152.4S32N01E33CCB92036.41.7---321N/A N/AEastF0rkN/AN/A1620bN/AN/A~l/AN/A331338WestForkN/AN/A1620bN/AN/AN/A~l/A344267i'JChinookCreC'k157.0S31t!02t:Q6CAC106522.41.33.4308357203• I!-DevilCreek161.4532N02E34AAC120073.61.57.7176344203FogCreek176.7531N04E16DBB1375147.21.311.272158100TSlIsenaCreek'181.3532tl04E36ADS1435144.50.45.48245111abPropaspdImpoundmentElevation(PIF!-1466FeetMSLElevationatConfluenceofTributaryForksDataUnavailable
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE2830208/JOETABL5/TopoFeaturesTable5-3-2.TopographicalfeaturesofselectedtributariesuftheproposedWatanaimpoundmenta,1982.ApproximateCharacteristicsofTributaryGradientofTributaryElevationSizeofReachtobeInundatedImmediatelyAbovePIEGeographicCodeAtConfluenceDrainageSurface:',usitnaAtConfluenceWithSusitnaBasinLengthAreaGradientl-Mile5-MileTributaryRiverMileWithSusitna(ftMSL)(sqmi)(mi)(acres)(ft/mi)(ft/mi)(ft/mi)DeadmanCreek186.7S32NOSE26CDB1515175.12.724.52535362\'IatanaCreek194.1S32N06E25CCA1550174.88.570.560bN/A N/AEastForkN/AN/A2060cN/A1.26.111310398VlestForkN/AN/A2060cN/A:'.110.4676559I"-KosinaCreek206.8S31N08E15BAB1670400.24.579.711812590;:JayCreek208.5S31N08E13BCC169561.83.515.714315895GooseCreek231.3S30NllE320DC2060103.91.210.6114141125OshetnaRiver233.4S30NllE34CCD2110555.02.243.1416160abcProposedImpoundmentElevation(PIE)-2200.5FeetMSLWatanaCreekbelowforksElevationatConfluenceofTributaryForks
RELATIVETRIBUTARYMILES240230220•TRIBUTARYRIVERMILE[]PROPOSEDIMPOUNDMENT210\WATANADAN180190200SUSITNARIVERMILES170160CANYONDAM...V)Iu132003000~2800---l(j):::E2600Q)>~24000+-j\J::2200~.............Z02000-~q:>1800w---lW1600140012001000800~150Figure5-3-1GradientprofileoftheproposedimpoundmentreachoftheSusitnaRiverandmajortributaries.
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Cheechako Creek is a high gradient clearwater stream originating on the
north slope of the Talkeetna Mountains.It flows in a southerly
direction for approximately 10 miles from its source to its confluence
with the Susitna River and has a total drainage basin area of 36 square
mil es.The stream forks approximately 2.2 mil es upstream from the
mouth formi ng an east and a west fork.A small 1ake drains into the
system near the headwaters of the west fork.The upper reaches of the
east and west forks flow through open tundra areas with habitat consist-
ing predominantly of riffle areas with relatively high streamflow veloc-
iti es.The lower reach of the stream is confi ned to a deep,steep-
walled canyon with numerous rapids and a few small waterfalls.
The reach of stream which would be inundated by the proposed impoundment
has a gradient of 321 feet per mile.This relatively high stream
gradient results in high streamflow velocities with long stretches of
turbulent,cascading whitewater areas interspersed with a few relatively
large deep pools.The narrow stream channel,situated in a deep
V-shaped canyon,is between 20-30 feet wide with depths between 2-4
feet.The substrate is composed mainly of large boulder and cobble with
smaller rubble and gravel confined to pool areas.
During the open water field season the clearVla~er plume of Cheechako
Creek,approximately 60 feet long and 10 feet wide,extended downstream
into the Susitna River.This area provided excellent although 1imited
s2.lmon spawning habitat.Substrate consisted rr:ainly of gravel,and
streamflow velocities were moderate.Limited numbers of chinook sal~on
DRAFT
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were observed utilizing this habitat for spawning during late summer
(refer to Volume 2).Prior to this observation,an unconfirmed report
that this tributary was util ized by salmon was presented in:Progress
Report 1957 Field Investigations Devil Canyon Dam Site One Reservoir
Area,Susitna River Basin Area (USFWS 1959).
Chinook Creek
Chi nook Creek enters the Sus itna Ri ver from the south at ri ver mil e
157.0 approximately five miles upstream of the Devil Canyon dam site
(Appendix Figure 5-B-2).The first 1.2 miles of stream would be
inundated by the proposed Devil Canyon impoundment.
The steepness of the terrain and time constraints prevented ground
surveys;however,aerial surveys of the stream were conducted upstream
from the mouth to approximately TRM 4.0.
Chinook Creek is a clearwater stream which originates from several small
drainages on the north slope of the Talkeetna Mountains.It and flows
north for approximately 10 miles from its source to its confluence with
the Susitna River and has a total drainage basin area of 22 square
miles.The stream is mostly confined to a deep V-shaped canyon
characterized by steep gradients and high streamflow velocities through-
out most of its reach.Several waterfalls and rapids,which may con-
stitute velocity barriers to fish,exist both above and below the PIE.
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The reach of stream which would be inundated by the proposed impoundment
winds through a steep,narrow canyon with a stream gradient of 308 feet
per mile.This steep gradient results in high streamflow velocities
with large areas of whitewater and few pools.Stream widths are between
20-30 feet with average depths of 2-4 feet.Substrate consists mainly
of large boulder and small cobble.Although spawning salmon have been
observed approximately one half mile upstream from the mouth,areas of
suitable salmon spawning habitat are limited to a few pools where gravel
substrate and moderate streamflows are available.The USFWS (l959a)
also reported unconfirmed sitings of salmon spawning in this creek.
Devil Creek
Devil Creek enters the Susitna River from the north at river mile 161.4
approximately nine miles upstream of the proposed Devil Canyon dam site
(Appendix Figure 5-B-3).The first 1.5 miles of this stream would be
inundated by the proposed Devil Canyon impoundment.
Access to the area is limited because of the steepness of the terrain.
Therefore,ground surveys were only conducted once in the lower mile of
the stream.Aerial surveys were conducted from the mouth of the
tributary to approximately TRM 5.0.
Devil Creek is a clearwater stream originating from various drainages in
a mountainous region immediately south of the Alaska Range.The stream
flows generally south for approximately 15 miles from its source to its
confluence with the Susitna River and has a total drainage basin area of
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74 square miles.Several small lakes drain into the stream along its
course.A large waterfall approximately 100 feet in height is located
two miles upstream from the mouth.This waterfall effectively divides
the stream into two distinct reaches.The area above the falls flows
through open tundra areas with relatively low gradients.Below the
falls the stream is situated in a deep steep-walled canyon with higher
stream gradients.
The reach of stream which would be inundated by the proposed impoundment
is characterized by high streamflow velocities,turbulent whitewater
areas,and relatively large,deep pools.The stream gradient in this
reach is 176 feet per mile.Substrate is composed predominantly of
large boulder and cobble with smaller rubble and gravel being confined
mainly to pool areas.Stream widths range from 30-40 feet with average
depths between 2-4 feet.Some of the large pool areas were in excess of
five feet deep.These large,deep pools were found to be the preferred
habitat for the 1imited numbers of resident Dolly Varden which "'Jere
found in this reach of the stream.
Fog Creek
Fog Creek flows into the Susitna River from the southeast at river mile
176.7 (JI.ppendix Figure 5-8-11.).The mouth of the stream is locatEd
approximately 24 miles upstream of the proposed Devil Canyon dam site.
The first 1.2 miles of stream would be inundated by the proposed Devil
Canyon impoundment.
,7
.",I
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The stream was sampled from the mouth to TRM 0.5 on a regular basis
during the open water field season.The reach of stream upstream of
this lower reach was not sampled because it is located on native land
claims and permission for access was denied.Aerial surveys were
conducted from the mouth upstream for a di stance of approximately ten
mil es.
Fog Creek is a clearwater stream which originates on the north slope of
the Talkeetna Mountains.It flows in a general northwest direction for
approximately 20 miles from its source to its confluence with the
Susitna River and has a total drainage basin area of 147 square miles.
The headwaters of the stream flow over steeply sloping terra'in for
several miles before reaching the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains
where the terrain becomes less steep.From this point the stream
meanders over the tundra for several mi 1es before it enters a deep
V-shaped canyon.Within this reach a system of five large lakes drain
into the stream approximately six miles upstream from the mouth.Below
this reach much of the stream \!-linds through a deep,narrow,steep
gradient canyon to a point approximately are mile from its mouth where
the gradient begins to decrease.
The reach of stream which would be inundated has a relatively low
gradient of 66 feet per nlile.Stream habitat ccnsists predominantly of
shallow riffles with few pools.Stream widths range from 50-75 feet and
average depths are 2-3 feet.Substrate consists mainly of rubble and
cobble.IVlost of the stream 'tJithin the study area is confined to one
stable charnel although braided crannels occur in a few areas near the
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mouth.During periods of high discharge many backwater areas were
present in this reach.Studies in 1981 (ADF&G 1981a)indicated that
resident fish species utilized these backwater areas when they were
available.
Tsusena Creek
Tsusena Creek enters the Susitna River from the north at river mile
181.3 (Appendix Figure 5-B-5).It is the most upstream tributary to the
Susitna River within the proposed Devil Canyon impoundment that was
studied.It is located 29 miles upstream of the proposed Devil Canyon
dam site.The first 0.4 miles of stream would be inundated by the
proposed impoundment.
Ground surveys of the reach to be inundated were conducted on a regular
basis during the open water season.Additional sampling was conducted
twice in areas approximately 1-2 miles upstream of the mouth.Aerial
surveys were conducted from the tributary mouth to approximately TRM 10.
Tsusena Creek is a clearwater stream originating in steep,mountainous
terrain on the southern edge of the Alaska Range.The stream flows
south for approximately 30 miles from its source to its confluence with
the Susitnc:River ana has a total drainage basin area of approximately
144 square miles.One major tributary,Clark Creek,enters the stream
approximately six miles above the mouth.There are no major lakes
accessible to fish within the drainage basin.Below its headwaters the
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stream flows across an open tundra region of relatively moderate gradi-
ent.A large waterfall,located approximately three miles upstream from
the mouth,divides the stream into an upper and lower area.The stream
is situated in a deep V-shaped canyon for approximately two miles in the
area adjacent to the falls.Below this area the stream valley broadens
and gradient decreases to its confluence with the Susitna.
Due mainly to the extreme upstream location of Tsusena Creek in the
proposed Devil Canyon impoundment it will only be affected upstream from
the mouth for a distance of 0.4 miles depending on fluctuations in the
impoundment elevation.This reach of the stream is approximately 75-100
feet wide and the habitat consists primarily of shallow riffles with a
few small pools approximately 2-3 feet in depth.Substrate consists of
large cobble and boulder ernbedded in sand (Plate 5-3-1)with small
gravel confined mainly to pool areas.The stream channel spl its near
the Susitna River resulting in the formation of two separate channels at
the mouth approximately 150 feet apart with a large gravel bar in
between.
During periods of high discharges observed in Tsusena Creek in 1981
which followed heavy precipitation events,a clear water plume from
Tsusena Creek was observed to extend approximately one half mile
downstrhlll into the Susitr.a River.riany grayl ing were ceught in this
area during the 1981 open water field season.Discharges in 1982 were
reduced from those observed in 1981 as was the clearwater plume.
Relatively fewer grayling were also caught dovmstream of the rllOuth in
1982 as compared to 1981.
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DR-AFT
FIVE/3.0
Deadman Creek
Deadman Creek enters the Sus itna Ri ver from the north at ri ver mil e
186.7 approximately 2.7 miles upstream of the proposed Watana dam site
(Appendix Figure 5-B-6).It is the lowermost tributary habitat
evaluation location in the proposed Watana impoundment area.The stream
would be inundated upstream from the mouth for 2.7 miles.
The stream was divided into an upper and lower reach for sampling
purposes because of a deep canyon and large waterfall past the first
half mile.Only the lower one half mile of stream below the canyon was
sampled regularly during the open water field season.A one mile
section immediately above the falls was sampled on two occasions before
sampling was suspended because of limited success in catching fish in
this whitewater reach.The reach of stream within the canyon,approxi-
mately one half mile in length,was not sampled because it was inacces-
sible.
Deadman Creek is a clearwater stream originating in an open tundra
region just south of the Denali Highway.The stream flows generally
south for approximately 40 miles from its source to its confluence with
the Susitna River and has a total drainage basin area of 147 square
miles.{l,large lake,Deadman Lake,is locatEd within the system
approximately 16 miles upstream from the mouth.The reach of stream
above the lake consists of several smaller drainages which converge to
form the main chanrel of Deadman Creek.Belovi the lake the stream
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habitat consi sts of long riffl es,turbul ent whitewater and occasi ona 1
areas of deep,slow flowing,placid water with low stream gradients.
The reach of stream which would be inundated is confined mostly to a
deep,narrow canyon with a re 1ati ve ly steep gradi ent of 251 feet per
mile.This area is characterized by high streamflow velocities and
turbulent whitewater areas resulting in few pools with little cover for
fish.Channel widths are between 75-100 feet with depths of 3-5 feet.
Substrates consist mostly of large boulder and cobble.A 1a rge
waterfall,which is presently a barrier to upstream fish migration,is
located 0.6 miles upstream from the mouth.The proposed Watana impound-
ment would inundate the waterfall and allow fish migration between the
upper areas of Deadman Creek,Deadman Lake,and the Susitna River.
Watana Creek
Watana Creek drains into the Susitna River from the north at river mile
194.1 approximately 10 miles above the proposed Watana dam site (Appe-
ndi x Fi gure 5-B-7).Due rna in ly to the low gradi ent of the stream
channel the total length of stream that would be inundated by the
proposed reservoir is 11.9 miles.This includes 8.5 miles of the
mainstem of Watana Creek from the mouth to its confluence with the east
ana west forks,and 1.3 and 2.1 mile5 of each fork respectively.
Time and personnel limitations precluded sampling of this entire reach.
Therefore,three subsections of the stream were selected to be used as
index areas during the regular sampling season as described earlier in
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this report (see Methods Section 2.1).These sections were sampled as
stream turbidity levels allowed.Aerial surveys were conducted upstream
from the mouth to approximately five miles up each fork.
Watana Creek ori gi nates ina regi on of open tundra just south of the
Denali Highway.It has a drainage basin area of 175 square miles.It
is generally a c.learwater stream but is often turbid in summer due to
runoff from melting permafrost and other unstable soils in upstream
areas.The main fork of Watana Creek (east fork)flows generally south
for approximately 23 miles from its source to its confluerce with the
Susitna River.The west fork joins the east fork 8.5 miles upstream
from the mouth and is approximately 12 miles in length.
Several lakes are located in the drainage basin mostly in the upper
reaches.Many of these are small,shallow lakes situated on the tundra.
One large unnamed lake drains into the east fork and another relatively
large lake,named Big Lake,drains into the west fork.Sally Lake,63
acres in size,drains into Watana Creek approximately one mile upstream
from the mouth.
Stream habitat between the east and west fork varies considerably within
the habitat evaluation location.The east fork is confined to a well
defined stream channel \'Jith steep ccr.yon walls arc the gradierlt (112
feet/mile)is almost twice that of the west fork (67 feet/mile).Small
waterfalls on the east fork may hinder upstream movement of fish.
Several large,deep pools are interspersed between the predominant
riffle areas.Stream habitat in the west fork consists mainly of long,
----------_.._._...-._---------_._--------
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shallow riffle areas with few pools.Substrates differ within and
between forks primarily on the basis of local stream velocities.Gravel
and rubble,often embedded in sand,is prevalent in riffle areas with
moderate streamflow velocities and pools.Cobble and boulder is more
common in areas of higher streamflow velocities.Stream widths on each
fork vary between 30 and 50 feet with average depths of 2-3 feet.
Below the confluence of these two forks,changes in Watana Creek occur
gradually.Along this reach to the mouth,stream valley walls steepen
although the floor widens,stream channel ~Jidth generclly increases and
stream gradient decreases.Stream widths in this reach are between
40-60 feet with average depths of 2-4 feet.The shall ow pool-riffl e
type habitat present in the forks persists in this lower reach.Howev-
er,because of the increased volume of water and widening of the stream
channel,it becomes less defined.Substrate differs little from
substrate described earlier in the forks.Unstable soils due mainly to
melting permafrost resulted in higher stream turbidities within this
reach.This condition prevailed in the lower 3-4 miles of Watana Creek
throughout the 1982 field season.
Kosina Creek
Kosina Creek enters the Susitna River from the south at river mile 2C8.6
approximately 24 miles upstream from the proposed Watana cam site
(Appendix Figure 5-8-8).The proposed reservoir would inundate 4.3
miles of the stream.
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The habitat evaluation location was sampled monthly during the open
water field season.Sampling was conducted once during July on the
1.5 mile reach of stream immediately above the PIE.Aerial surveys were
conducted on the main fork of Kosina Creek upstream from the mouth for
approximately 10 miles.Aerial surveys were also conducted along
Gilbert Creek to Clarence Lake and on selected major tributaries to
Kosina Creek.
Kosina Creek is a relatively large clearwater stream which originates in
steep mountainous terrain just south of the Tal keetna Mountains.It
flows generally north for approximately 35 miles from its source to its
confluence with the Susitna River and has a drainage basin size of 400
square miles.Several major tributaries drain into Kosina Creek along
its course.Two of the more important tributaries,Terrace (TRM 15.5)
and Gi"1 bert (TRM 5.8)creeks drain 1a rge 1ake systems whi ch presently
support populations of Arctic grayling and lake trout.Several other
lakes are located on the tundra plateau above the valley floor and are
drained by small high gradient outlet streams which do not appear to be
accessible to fish.
The stream habitat in Kosina Creek varies considerably along its course.
The upper reaches are characterized by broad valleys of glacial origin
v.Jith relatively n,odera-ce streamflovJ velocities.Meandering braided
channels are common in this area.Approximately ten miles upstream from
the mouth the gradient increases and the stream is more confined to a
V-shaped valley.Long,fast flovlirg riffle areas are the dominant
habitat type in this middle reach of the stream.
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The reach of stream below its confluence with Gilbert Creek is charac-
terized by long stretches of high velocity riffle areas interspersed
with numerous large,deep slow-flowing pools (Plate 5-3-2).These pools
are located against cliffs,high banks or in areas behind large
boulders.The pools are as large as 50 by 150 feet in area and up to
8-10 feet in depth.Substrate in the pools consists of varying
proportions of cobble,rubble and boulder usually embedded in sand.
Substrate in the riffle e.reas consists mainly of cobble and boulder.
The stream channel is frequently braided in this reach.Stream widths
are often in excess of 200 feet and depths average 3-5 feet.
Jay Creek
Jay Creek enters the Susitna River from the north at river mile 208.5
approximately 23 miles upstream of the proposed Watana dam site
(Appendix Figure 5-8-9).It would be inundated upstream for 3.5 miles
by the proposed impoundment.
Sampling was conducted monthly during the season on the habitat eval-
uation location..A.dditional sampling was conducted twice on the first
mile of stream located immediately above the PIE.Aerial surveys were
conducted upstream from the mouth to approximately TRM 8.0.
Jay Creek is a clearwater stream originating in a gently sloping region
of open tundra just north of the Susitna River.It flows in a general
northwest direction for approximately 12 miles and then flows southwest
for 8 miles to its confluence with HiE Susitna River.It has a rela-
:'3$IJ.!:!":.;'.
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Plate 5-3-2 A tvpical,large,deeD COOl
Impound~p"t Elev2tion (PIE)
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located below the Propnsed
4f1 Krc:;ini'l Creek .
DRAFT
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tively small drainage basin of approximately 62 square miles.One major
unnamed fork,approximately 9 miles in length enters the stream eight
miles upstream from the mouth of Jay Creek.The stream habitat of Jay
Creek is characterized by moderate streamflows and alternating pool
/riffle areas.Lentic environments in the drainage basin are limited to
a few very small tundra ponds scattered throughout the area.
The reach of stream which would be inundated is confined mostly to a
deep,narrow canyon with a stream gradient of 143 feet per mile.
Streamflows are moderate and the habitat consists mainly of riffle areas
interspersed with numerous small pools mostly situated behind boulders
or against cl iff areas.Stream widths are between 40 -60 feet with
average depths of 2-3 feet.Substrate consists of gravel,cobble and
rubble often embedded in sand.Although the stream is generally clear,
unstable soils in upstream areas often result in landslides during
periods of moderate to heavy precipitation and can rapidly increase the
turbidity of the stream.The stream channel itself is stable.The
channel spl its approximately 100 feet above its confluence with the
Susitna River resulting in the formation of two distinct channels at the
mouth.Due to the low discharge of the stream the clear water plume
area which extends into the Susitna is confined to the immediate prox-
imity of the mouth.
Goose Creek
Goose Creek drains into the Susitna River from the south at river mile
231.3 approximately 47 miles upstream of the proposed viatana dam site
DRAFT
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(Appendix Figure 5-B-1O).The stream would be inundated upstream for
1.2 miles by the proposed impoundment.
Sampling was conducted monthly on the habitat evaluation location.A
one mile section of stream immediately above the PIE was also sampled
once during the season.The stream was not surveyed beyond this point.
Goose Creek is a relatively small clearwater stream with a drainage
basin area of 104 square miles.The stream originates in a steeply
sloping region of open turdra south of the Susitna River and flows in a
general north direction for approximately 20 miles to its confluence
with the Susitna River.The stream habitat consists mainly of long
riffle areas of moderate streamflow velocity and few pools.The stream
is generally confined to one channel,although braided channels some-
times occur in the upper reaches.Busch Creek,the only major tributary
to Goose Creek,enters the stream approximately 15 miles upstream from
the mouth.Numerous smaller tributaries drain into the creek along its
course to the mouth.Several small lakes are located in the upper
reaches of the drainage basin.
The stream channel below the PIE is narrow and shallow throughout most
of the reach and has a gradient of 114 feet per mile.Stream widths are
between 30 arid 50 feet ane.:Gepths avel'age 2 to 3 feet.Long,ri ffl e
areas dominate the habitat although deeper runs with lower streamflow
velocities occur in a few areas.Substrate consists mainly of rubble,
cobble and boulder in the riffle areas.Deeper areas with slower flows
have substrates consisting mainly of gravel and rubble.
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Oshetna River
The Oshetna River drains into the Susitna River from the south at river
mile 233.4 approximately 50 miles above the proposed Watana dam site
(Appendix Figure 5-B-11).It is the uppermost tributary habitat
evaluation location within the proposed impoundment study areas.The
stream woul d be inundated upstream for 2.2 mil es by the proposed im-
poundment.
Sampling was conducted monthly on the habitat evaluation location.
Ground surveys were conducted on the first mile of stream located
immediately above the PIE.Aerial surveys were conducted from the mouth
upstream to approximately TRM 7.0.
The Oshetna River originates in steep mountainous and glacial terrain
east of the Susitna River at elevations approaching 7,000 feet.It
drains an area of 555 square miles.It is the only tributary to be
influenced by glacial activity which gives the water a blue-green
appearance due to the light load of glacial flour present in the stream
during the summer months.The mainstem Oshetna River flows in a general
north direction for approximately 50 miles from its source to its
confluence with the Susitna River.
There are three distinct drainages in the upper reaches of this rela-
tively large drainage basin.These ccnsist of the Black River,the
Littl e Oshetna Ri ver,and the ree.ch of the Oshetna Ri ver above its
confluence with the Little Oshetra River,hereafter referred to as the
·IL
DRAFT
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Upper Oshetna.These three streams are similar in morphology due to
their glacial origin.They all flow through relatively flat,U-shaped,
gl aci ated valleys with frequently braided stream channel s.All three
drainages are presently affected to some extent by glacial activity.
Two major lakes are located in this area,Black Lake and Crater Lake,
both of them within the Black River drainage.Several smaller lakes are
present along the Little and Upper Oshetna drainage.
The reach of stream below the confl uence of the Bl ack Ri ver and the
Oshetna River is characterized by a relatively high stream gradient and
the stream channel is confined to a V-shaped valley with steeply rising
valley \'/alls.Several large lakes are situated on the tundra plateau
above the valley floor in this area with small,high-gradient outlet
streams connecting them to the Oshetna River.
Stream gradient begins to decrease approximately five miles above the
mouth and the stream channel becomes meandering.The stream habitat in
this reach consists mostly of long riffle areas (Plate 5-3-3)with
moderate streamflow velocities.Several large,rather shallow pools are
present in the lower two mil es of stream and many small pool type habits
are located behind boulders in the stream.Substrate consists mainly of
cobble and boulder in the riffle areas with rubble and gravel found more
often ir pool type habitats.Stream widths t'0nge from 1CO to 125 feel:
with average depths of 3 to 5 feet.
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DRAFT
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3.1.1.2 Water Quality
3.1.1.2.1 Instantaneous Water Quality
Instantaneous water qual ity and air temperature data for all tributary
habitat evaluation sites are presented in Appendix Tables 5-C-1 to
5-C-17.Graphical representations of the range,mean and median values
for each parameter at each habitat evaluation site are presented in
Figures 5-3-2 to 5-3-7.
Instantaneous water temperature observati ons for all tri buta ry eva 1-
uation sites ranged from O.l°C in the Oshetna River on May 5,1982 to
14.8°C recorded in Goose Creek on July 28,1982.Lowest mean and median
instantaneous water temperature were observed in Fog Creek while highest
mean and medi an temperature occurred in the Oshetna Ri ver and Goose
Creek respectively.
The lowest instantaneous dissolved oxygen concentration of 9.6 mg/l was
observed in Goose Creek and Watana creeks on JUlie 24,1982 ar.d in the
Oshetna Ri ver on July 19,1982.Correspondi ng instantaneous surface
water temperatures for those streams were at their highest at the time
of this sampling.Highest dissolved oxygen concentrations,14.2 mg/l,
occurred in Deadman Creek on May 5,lSJ82 whell water temperature was only
0.8°C.Mean and median concentrations were highest in Deadman Creek,
12.5 mg/l and 12.2 mg/l respectively.Lowest mean concentrations
occurred ln Cheechako Creek,10.4 mg/l,while lowest median concentra-
tion,10.3 mg/l,occurred in the Oshetno River.
TEMPERATURE(OC)o01I I I I I II IoI IIII01IIIIINoI II-n=7• In=e• In=5n=4n=5n,=8n=6...I...I---+1"--n=3n=4n=4n=4n=4...I.,-I...II -• n=II_n=7n=39n=15n=7n=5n=en=7...I------.I_J----I_I...,-----'1Cl7eecl1akoCr.-0.8/6-8/11toc-tDevilCr.8/22,ro::0FogCr.5/5-9/12v"l-ICDC.vTstJsenaCr.•c5/5-9/12",)-t:t>DeadmanCr.5/5-9/11IJ1.......-sIf)~::0(f)w'3OJ;::m-<WatanaCr.5/5-9/20QJ"'Jv,OJ1>LI10-0.,t,~KosinaCr.3:5/4-9/14oeM-OJU>:=i~OJn,........-00-ri'ro.....JayCr.--,'3•r5/5-9/19::i(0--'ITt-II~.CD~,~U.JayCr.51.Z5/29-9/15L;;;ri";uU>G>;OJ_.roOJGooseCr.5/14-9/10"·'irD'C'~,roi:lJl.OOsl7etnaCr.-0:::::lOJM-ro5/5-9/9c::-I.c-tITt3il2~---"o-c.-J--o_::0rD,ro-.-s-I.)-U>FogCr.a6/21-9/12:::::lLI1OJC')'.0_.J.l-tOJCa"i)rl'C~U>TStJsenaCr.6/19-9/12".(D,0-0"-.,VlrP-i,.....,~Co(,1'3ZDeadmanCr.-6/19-9/1IwroCl.:t>tD""""5__1:£)......4WatanaCr.CO6/23-9/15..::...>.')-0.roOJ::0~(X)M-n~N-0.['0':::Y0<KosinaCr.....-6/27-9/14o~----J.}.--.....ITt::io::iQ1VlDro::0U.JoyCr.51.5/29-9/5-.-CD0_...--U>::ic+':::Y-0......GooseCr.5/14-9/10~m~~QJ'VlI'T1Osl7etnaR.5/27-9/9c+;;U>roOJl~',;DM-o-'OJ-i)0co~SallyLake6/23-9/8-0,0nroroU),~0--'tUrocCl..Cl.Cl..Vl
DISSOLVEDOXYGEN(mgtI ).to(JItJ)-.jCD100=N~~(JI(]l""Tl---'.'.0;CheechakoCr.816-81IIin=3,1)In-.,DevilCr.8/22•n=II:::0~CDFogCr.5/5-9/12I•n=6wc-.,TsusenoCr.5/5-9/12I.n=7p.:::lCLroa.~::0DeadmanCr.5/5-9/11I.n=6§;~~~-<cr:::.~D::::lWafanaCr.CJ)5/5-9/19.1n=37~.o~~CJ):t:-o,~~-.,KosinoCr.~5/4-9114•In=15::'hrl;:::;.ntilrr1'1J::::J":Jaro::::l~~(j)JoyCr.r5I5 -9/15I·n=7vV"ln~Zf.:~~~~;oUJayCr.SI.(j)5/29-9/15•In=5""'\cororlOJ:;;NV"l~5GooseCr.5/5-9/10I •n=8c+<,-torn'1J---'.g::-;.C;.OshelnaR.ITI5/5-9/9I.n=7~'0~::::l,~:::0V"l::::l_••V"l_0~::::l,"\~(j)0OJ~roCFogCr._6/21-9/12•In=4~1)8cu(j)->'.:J13--.,TsusenaCr:~6/19-9112I•n=3-h3~3ZDeadmanCr.N6/19-9/11Ien=3---'.0roP-rna0.--,V"lOJ---'.WofanaCr.6/23-9/15~n=40.ro<'+OJ:::00..::l-4V"lV"l-<KosinoCr.6/27-9/14~n=rn---'.mrr1e;~ro"~1:::0UJoyCr.51.5/29-9/15•In=5aun::::l3;;~CJ)GooseCr.5/14-9/1aI•n=8/_~'jf0.,~.-.,::::lrg::::J-::,·rr10shetnaR.5/27-9/9,n=6rlOJV"l(j)IIere=>~---J.----J-;-""'\rl<I'Sll)OJrnSallyLake6/23-9/8-t-n=5lDOJrlCL
DISSOLVEDOXYGENSATURATION(°/0).l>UIa0~n = 6fn=7-+n= 6+-n =37t---n=15+--n=7n=5-t-n=84---n=7I--n=4--+n=4---+n=3-.+n=3-~.HI-n=5.-+--n=8_In=6-~_t---+In=4--""".1---+1n=5I-(]'I-..jCDID0-NVI00000000II II II----.+-n=3•n=I~VI00l-"--'.cOCneechakoCr.8/6-8/11c-;--iDevilCr.n:l8/22U1::0IOJFogCr.5/5-91120JIC-Po--iTsusenaCr.5/5-9/12::::lO..n:lO:::::~DeodmanCr5/5-9/11cc<::)(rD-<Wo/anaCr=J-;OJ'<OJ(j)515 - 9II9CT............_,Jt.Cl~»rP::lCn:l(j)KosinaCr'""i.ClQJ::l~5/4-9114,+.-----...~'?i)c+C;'~•"'U•..Y::::5r+,__ITIJayCr.r5/5-9/15o11)C(j)~5/29-9/15CTVl-<;U.JayCr.SI.Ij)_I-J.OJCD'.0,-r,-+;u.l-<$CDiU_J.f))GooseCr.5/5-9110<~0{f),~.:JOJ::l'0Oshe/naR."'Ul-t.E.CD1T15/5-9/9....J.O_.J.<o'~,-+OJ•.~::0::(::r-..l0Ul::J-..J.e_::lCD(j)FogCr.06/12-9/12:.::(j)-CUrtCrGrif~;u(j)TsusenaCr.--sn::1<.06119-9/12DOC!..;iDtlodmanCr.~6/19-9/11,--;-<$-".J0..=<--"'""1rPm».......~00..o.Wa/anaCr.6123-91150...~wp;'~KosinaCr.6/27-9/140..'.-+::1(j)\D......J.'f)~U.JoyCr.5/29-9/150).3,:>~~'grc~IenGooseCr.5/14-9/10::lCn~::lrtO.rD~Oshe/naR5/27-9/9'~3O_;l::liD--'.~..:r'..'1(j)IIct·~_;~OJ~•..........JSollyLakert-<;rt<6/23-9/8":Y"InOJrD'00))c~0..
"TlOJ~ct---n=6n=5(Xlon=6n=7n=5n=8-rn=7n::6n;:;38n=15~II_I --I_I-I~-I•1----,• In=4~n=4iJ.• In=8• In=4+--n::3n=3.I•• In=6n=5~1I_.--pH;-..II0-..lII I IUII I In;:;3•n=I(]lUI5/5-9/128/6-S/II8/226/23-9/S6I27-9/14O'Jo5/5-9/115/5-9/20(f)5/4-9/14P~5/5-9/15l)r5/29-9/15zG>5/5-9/l0l)5/5-9/9fll::0g6121-9/12~6/19-9/12<..06/19-9/11CDN6I23- 9IIs'5/29-91155/14-91105/27-9/95/5-9/12DeadmanCr.TsusenaCrDeadmanCr.FogCr.TsusenaCr.(.f)cFogCr.(.f)-lzl>SollyLokeGooseCrOshetnaR.OshetnoR.CheechakoCr.WolanaCr.~Kos/naCr.--jfllJoyCr(f)UJayCr51;0<:WolonoCr.rn.::tJKosmoCr~UJoyCr51-i~GooseCr,-iDevilCr::0rnc--jl>::0-<:£.rt,._.OJ::T,1)(I)rt(l)"OJ(I)0~-;,-.(0-0-8'0C-;(I)<.nIWIU,)"0'-11.,_J._'J(I).:J~:J~til~CDtil0-,l)VI::oOJ.....I.('0OJVI=.J_...,~n:J(1),0~,')n,l)c:r+--.:.:JrD~0..O-.~:3II'D::T~OJrtrtV::T-'.CDOJ,;-'?'()J_..1~-;c+O.,DCOJ'3(I)3v-':::(1)tDC,-OJ0).r:::-J.....I:-;COJo~·OJ~-+,:::::lrt.0~.oO~vr+:::lIVI-.J'1)(!\-;"'1)~-----"'S.....I.<c;--;U-....(1)0c+'PVlI.....I.\_0oI'>.~-~:3.;;VI0,-t.-J-~·O:.;yC(I)~.(I)~.:ltil
r-n=5SPECIFICCONDUCTANCE(..umhos/cm)UI0;;;~~~~~t.g;0000000000tI I I I ItI I I I I I I I I 1III-n0~.COC.....,CIle8chokoCr.ro8/6-S/11Ul-tO~vilCr.S/22Iw::0I[DFogCr.Q)5/16-9112=iTSUS8noCr.5/15-9112-:-l-OJ(Dt1-~::r....,<C)(D;;08admonCr.5/16-9/11,1)(0.)JJOJOJ~CL~::::l{/lCC-<WofonoCr.5/17-9117C;0.'n3ilrtrt~crC".....J.cuKosinoCr.en5/13-9/14([).....,0~•}-J.:::jn__en»~ro<,-tJayCr.:iC:5/16-9/J5;,coUl.....1<<-srnu.JoyCr.51."UOrtrtoJ0Jr5/29-9/15!a-::rm~::::len~5/14-9/10Ulrol'lC'n(;00S8Cr.rororo.....,~V><'.0;':.OshefnoR."U5/27-9/9OJCD....1.~rti'\.)c+)-J.:::::Y"(D-rn::l0.....J·n__::0~·o~0(J)Ulro....,cFogCr.a6/21-9112~~0..OJ•rtro~(J)0:>::::[0-0..-lTsusenoCr._6/19-9/12OJ-,.,-\-3Z~6/19-9/11mDOJrol:>08odmonCr......,.~rtD-o~.WofonoCr.N6/23-9/15-+,'0OJ~.0Ul~::0-fDV>CD<KosinoCr.6/27-9/14------J([)------JCLo..~~rnV>rtl::0U.JayCr.51.5/29-9/15ro_I,~•..--0.1.=1(J)GooS8Cr.5/14-9110{/l'8UloC;:)-'0~Osh~fn(lR.5/27- 9 / 7~::::lOJco0..crn(J)-"--"'::3---..I.....J.~CDr+-t,:J('oJ.....J.II-rrtnSallyLo*~6/23-9/S-f-n=3• n = Ijo-------n=6•In=7+-n=6-t-t--n=9I------+-n = 7+-n=6--t-n=4.-+n=4---+-n=4-I--n=4--+-n=4I--n=54-n=84--n=6n=38n=6I.n=5
~.::;:,+,•.»:5rD:.Z(I)()__.....0•"""'0,,j.,0..._Oro'---t,00...~_•.0 ...0'0VlClJro~ro:;-0...0..Vl,--V1~.~_<DDroill.:):,~VlC.~o::lInill::lp...0...~:30-~:5---...~OJ::-~~'CT~---J.(n:;IT~.IIrojj)~ClJd'~Vl(j)~1.CL..:..:~cIIIIro~,,-.J....__~ClJ~:..0M-e---J.cr:3rt0crr----r~,roroCT}L'1---J.----I_I.C'L'-..0.--1----.J."CO\1>''!-I)NVl.....'"~,,(".-):),TOJ)('0'i)~~-n~.LlC,:0wIUlI'----J~.-__hOJiT>IT_.....IOJ:5C,::l~·ro~VlTURBIDITY(NTU)(.01""(1l.....lD-N(.01VIUi000UI0UI0UI0UI0IIIIIIIIIIIIICheecIJoJoCr8/11I-n=/~DevilCr.-NoDataCollected[DFogCr.5//6-9/12C-iTsusenoCr.5/15-9/12»Cr.:::0Deadman5/16-9/11~Cr.5/17-9/171n = 8WatanaI •enK.Cr.~5"5-9/14-ioSlnarr1JayCr.~5/16-9/15JI•n = 6enU.JayCr.51r5/29-9/15GooseCr.2G)5//4-9//0OshetnaR.5/27-9/91I•n=5\JI'TJen::0cFogCr.a6/21-9/121•n = 4en0-iTsus~noCr.6/19-9/12tn = 4~DeadmanCr.-W6//9-9/11~n=4:::0WatanaCr,~6/23-9/15,n = 4----<KosinoCr.6/27-9/14•In = 4rrJ:::0U.JayCr.SI.~129-9/15•In=5~GooseCr.5/14-9//0I•n=6-irr1OshetnoR.5/27-9/9•In = 5enSollyLake-INoDataCollected
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
Percent dissolved oxygen saturation in surface water at all tributary
habitat evaluation sites ranged from 77%in Watana Creek to 108%in Fog
Creek.Individual site means ranged from 97%recorded at Cheechako
Creek to 100%in Tsusena,Deadman,Kosi na,and Goose Creeks and the
Oshetna River.
Values of pH in all tributary evaluation sites ranged from 6.7 in Watana
Creek to 8.1 in Jay Creek.Mean pH values for all sites range from 7.1
in Cheechako Creek to 7.6 in Jay Creek.
Observed turbidities,expressed in NTUs,ranged from less than 1 NTU in
at least one site on each tributary to 25 NTUs in vJatana Creek.Mean and
medi an turbi dity values were hi ghest in vJatana Creek,12 and 8 NTU
respectively,and lowest in Goose Creek,1 NTU.
Specific conductances,expressed in umhos/cm,were measured in all
tributary habitat evaluation sites.Values ranged from 22 umhos/cm ir.
Cheechako Creek to 212 umhos/cm in Watana Creek.Lowest mean and median
observations occurred in Cheechako Creek,25 and 23 umhos/cm respective-
lye Highest mean and median values were observed in Watana Creek,158
and 169 umhos/cm,respectively.
3.1.1.2.1 Continuous Surface
Water Temperature
Continuous surface water temperatures \,'ere recorded in five selected
clearwater tributaries to the Susitna River at sites located immediately
DRAFT
FIVE/3.a
above the respective tr"ibutary mouth from June 19,1982 through October
16,1982.Because of occasional thermograph malfunctions,several gaps
in the data occur.Mean monthly temperatures were calculated for all
streams for the sampling months,but only those means which were
calculated from at least 75%of the total possible observations during
the sampling period were compared.
Tributary surface water temperature ranged from O°C to 16.5°C during the
sampling period.Mean monthly surface water temperatures were lowest in
Tsusena Creek in June (6.4°C),July (8.2°C),August (8.4°C),and Septem-
ber (5.5°C),and in Kosina Creek in October (O.7°C).Highest mean
monthly surface water temperatures occurred in Watana Creek in June
(8.7°C),in Goose Creek in July (5.5°C)and August (lO.8°C),in the
Oshetna River in September (6.2°C)and in Watana (6.2°C)and Tsusena
Creeks (1.2°C)in October (Figure 5-3-8).Daily minimum,maximum and
mean values for each stream during the sampling period are graphically
presented in Figures 5-3-9 through 5-3-13.A comparison of temperature
values among streams is presented in Figure 5-3-8.Tabular continuous
surface water temperatures are listed in Volume 4,Part 1,Appendix 4C
(ADF&G,1983a).
3.1.1.3 Discharge
Discharge measurements on selected tributaries were taken during the
months of August and September,1982.Fog,Tsusena,Watana,Jay and
Goose Creeks were sampled once during each sampling period,August 12
N....'"'"...."lD'"c:NlD1"IN....'"c:I'"1;;;1601"q1q..Ic:I~0c:I'"NI~NI......NIII~..1<:'";::.....c:'",..,I'"!II14.0-1""I~!I1II~c:lDI~....I-1201I~I I..~Vij<Xl<:'"IitrVff~-U-Iill~~ftY11:~10001lD1w'"a::"1•=>c:...8.0IIII-II!IIIlD<tI....a::-wI..c:a..::E6.0WIIIII-rr~IIIrrl.•...II0...~II:;:I~~1u40-1II:;1..., I:;-I:;-I.J:;-1.J<:I<:I0~!uAi1i«20-1I,-1-,1I~«00• 1z00IIiIiI1 IIIIIIIIIiIA5oIJJASoIJJA SoIJ JASoIJJAS0TSUSENACR.WATANACR.KOSINACR.GOOSECR.OSHETNAR.HABITATEVALUATIONSITESFiSlUre5-3-8~'1onthlythermoqrnphdatasummary,Mean(.),range(I)and25th,50th(median),and75thpprccntiles(-8-),forselectedhahitatevaluationsiteswithintheproposedimpoundmentareafromJunethrouqhOctober,1982(n=thenumberoftwohourintervnlobservationstakeneachmonthat~achsite).
18.0TSUSENACREEK16.0-·_·-MAXIMUMTEMFoERATURE----MEANTEMPERATIJRE-----MINIMUMTEMFoERATURE2.0u14.00~Wa::}.:::>12.0......\«I·a::.,wI .Q.0.'\i\.:::t10.0WI\f1.I'.......Va::\Iw,.1\......e.o\I«~~Iv\yIt.,LJ\I>(\~6.0.r-JIIL.-l\III'It.l.La:::::>(f)4.010/159/309/158/308/15DATE7/307/156/300.0fiiiiiii\I,,»)i6/20Fiqure5-3-qnai1ythermoqraphdatasummaryforTsusenaCreek,RM181.3,GCS32N04E36ADB,June20throughOctober15,1982.
18.0WATANACREEK16.014.0~U0~WIX120='.-q:IXW10.0Cl.~W.-IX8.0w.-«~6.0w0q:u..IX~4.0(J)2.01/..\,..\!i\, ii\,;\~!Iv~".'\'f\".I·i\j'..'j\1f\I \.\.I'J}.'\I.i \,MAXIMUMTEMPERATUREMEANTEMPERATUREMINIMUMTEMPERATURE•10/159/308/300.0I ,,iiiIII6/206/307~157/308715DATEFicjure5-3-10DailythermographdatasummaryforWatanaCreek,RM194.1,GCS32N06E25CCA,June21throughAuqust14,September9throughSeptember18andSeptember28throughOctober15,1982.
18.0KOSINACREEK-·_·-MAXIMUMTEMPERATURE---MEANTEMPERATURE----MINIMUMTEMPERATURE9/157/156/30~\~0.0iiiiiiIi6/202.016.0........140U0-wa:::12.0::>.-«a:::wa...10.0~w.-a:::8.0\W.-«~6.0wIU«LLa:::::>4.0enFiqure5-3-11DailythermnqraphdatasummaryforKosinaCreek,RM206.8,GCS31N08E15BAB,June28throughAugust17andSeptember20throughOctober15,1982.
)t18.0GOOSECREEK16.0u14.0oW0::::::>120.....<t0:::Wa..~10.W.....0:::W.....8.0<t~wU60<tlL..0::::::>en4.02.0\\,~y\\t,~\I\I~:-'\,"I."l./\',-.,-'-'-MAXIMUMTEMPERATUREMEANTEMPERATURE----MINIMUMTEMPERATURE10'/159/309/158/308/15DATE,.,-0.01-iiiiiiiI5i6/206/307/157/30Fiqure5-3-1?nil.i1ythermorjrF\PhdatasummaryforGooseCreek,RI'1231.3.GCS30N11E320BC,,lune28throughOctober15,1982.
)18.016.0OSHETNARIVERMAXIMUMTEMPERATUREMEANTEMPERATUREMINIMUMTEMPERATURE~14.0u0---W0:::12.0\::)I-\q0:::\~wa.1.,1~W\\l-II,(')V\0:::W80I-q~w6.0UqI.L.0:::::J(f)4.02.010/159/309/158/308/15DATE7/307/156/3000'IIiiIIII6/20FiCjllre5-3-1JDailythermoqraphdatasummaryfortheOshetnaRiverRf1233.4,GC30NllE34CCD,June28throuqhJuly1andJuly9throughSeptember26,1982.
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
through August 21,1982 and September 10 through September 19,1982.
Discharge on Deadman Creek was measured only during the August sampling
period.Frequency of sampl ing on all streams was 1imited because of
personnel constraints and difficult sampl ing conditions due to high
water.
Discharge increased in all streams measured from the August to the
September sampling periods.Discharge among streams ranged from 61 cfs
in Jay Creek to 330 cfs in Tsusena Creek in August,and from 150 cfs in
Goose Creek to 557 cfs in Watana Creek in September.Individual stream
discharge measurements are presented in Table 5-3-3.
3.1.2 Resident Fisheries Investigations
3.1.2.1 Arctic Grayling
Distribution and Abundance
Arctic grayling (Thy~allus arcticus Pallas)were captured at all
tributary habitat evaluation locations during the 1982 Aquatic Studies
of the proposed impoundment areas.
Four thousand three hundred and sixty-seven Arctic grayling over 135 m~
fork length were captured.Table 5-3-4 1 ists the grayl ing catch by
location and month.Only hook and line catches are listed as other gear
types contributed less than 1%(33)of the total catch.
Table 5-3-3.Discharge data on selected tributaries within the impoundment
study area,1982.
Discharge
Tri butarya Oa te (1982)(ft 3/sec)
Fog Creek 8/15 269
9/12 307
Tsusena Creek 8/16 330
9/12 363
Deadman Creek 8/21 228
Watana Creek 8/15 229
9/19 557
Jay Creek 8/12 61
9/19 154
Goose Creek 8/19 79
9/10 150
a All discharges were taken in proximity of the mouth with the exception
of Deadman Creek where it was taken approximately three miles upstream
from the mouth.
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 1
0802087M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-4.Arctic grayling hook and line catch by location and month,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
Location May June Llul y August September Total
Oshetna River 10 288 243 172 113
Goose Creek 38 91 76 2 207
Jay Creek 3 79 130 108 4 324
Kosina Creek 37 232 491 604 320 1684
Watana Creek 128 175 208 36 547
Deadman Creek 1 40 51 110 1 203
TsusenrJ Creek 7 10 29 26 7 79
Fog Creek 1 5 17 '")25(.
Totals 58 528 1260 1392 544 3782
Others in
Proposed
Impoundments 7 4 2 13
Sally lake 3 33 36
a/Om)428 50 25 503A.P.LE.-
(5 Creeks)
Totals 55 h';lh 1688 1477 569 4334"";v"";
a/Above proposed iJT!poundment elevation.
Vo15/TABlES/PAGE 2
080208/M.Stratton
TABl5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-5.Arctic grayling hook and line catch and effort by tributary
and month for the mouths of the eight tributarY habitat
evaluation location,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
location May June July August Sept.Total
Catch 6 12 20 6 44
Oshetna Hours 1.5 0.75 1.0 1.5 4.75
River Catch/Hours 4.0 16.0 20.0 4.0 9.3
Catch 12 13 2 a 27
Goose Hours 1.0 1.0 0.75 0.25 3.0
Creek Catch/Hours 12.0 13 .0 ?.7 0.0 9.0
Cn-t:ch 3 17 25 2 a 47
,Jay Hours 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.25 0.5 3.25
Creek Ca tch/Hours 2.5 17.0 25.0 8.0 0.0 14.5
Catch 21 38 74 54 46 233
Kosina Hours 3.0 2.5 2.5 2.25 5.0 15.25
Creek Catch/Hours 7.0 6.5 29.5 24.0 9.2 15.3
Catch
l'/atana Hours
Creek Catch/Hours
Catch 1 38 11 47 1 98
Deadman Hours 1.0 5.0 0.75 1.75 0.25 8.75
Creek Ca tch/Hou rs 1.0 7.6 14.7 26.9 4.0 11.2
Catch 7 10 29 26 7 79
Tsusena Hours 2.0 5.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 13.0
Creek Ca tc h/Hou rs 3.5 2.0 9.7 13.0 7.0 6.1
Catch 0 0 1 0 0 1
Foq !kurc:.0.5 1.0 0.(5 0.5 0.5 ?75
Creek Catch/Hours 0.0 0.0 4.0 0.0 0.0 0.4
Catch 38 115 165 151 60 529
TOTAL Hour~8.5 15.5 9.25 8.5 9.0 50.75
Catch/Hours 4.5 7.4 17.8 17.8 6.7 10.d
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 3
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-6.Arctic grayling hook and line catch and effort by tributary
and month for the eight tributary habitat evaluation
locations in their entirety,Proposed Impoundment Areas,
1982.
Location May June July August Sept.Tota 1
Catch 10 288 243 172 713
Oshetna Hours 2.5 21.25 22.0 18.25 64.0
River Catch/Hours 4.0 13.60 11.1 9.4 11.1
Catch 38 91 76 2 207
Goose Hours 8.75 6.75 12.75 7.0 35.25
Creek Catch/Hours 4.3 13.5 6.0 0.3 5.9
Catch 3 79 130 108 4 324
<Jay Hours 0.5 10.5 12.0 9.5 2.75 35.25
Creek Catch/Hours 1.5 7.5 10.8 11.4 1.5 9.2
Catch 37 232 491 604 320 1684
Kosina Hours 11.5 28.75 31.5 38.0 52.75 162.5
Creek Ca tch/Hours 3.2 8.1 15.6 15.9 6.1 10.4
Catch 128 175 208 36 547
Watana Hours 18.5 18.0 13.5 16.75 66.75
Creek Catch/Hours 6.9 9.7 15.4 2.2 8.2
Catch 1 40 51 110 1 203
Deadman Hours 1.5 9.0 4.5 11.75 2.25 22.0
Creek Catch/Hou rs 0.7 4.4 11.3 23.1 0.4 9.2
Catch 7 10 29 26 7 79
Tsusena Hours 2.0 5.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 13.0
Creek Ca tc h/Hou rs 3.5 2.0 9.7 13.0 7.0 6.1
Catch 0 1 5 17 2 25
Fog Hours 0.5 3.0 1.25 1.5 2.5 8.75
Creek Catch/Hours 0.0 0.3 4.0 11.3 0.8 /.9
Catch 58 528 1260 1392 544 2782
TOTAL Hours 8.5 83.5 98.25 104.0 103.25 407.5
Catch/Hou rs 4.5 6.3 12.8 13.4 5.3 9.3
~,Aug.Sept.NSTrlb.CPUE20:!16S10"~6O •.MayJuneJulyAug.Sept..'Trlb.CPUEI2Aug.Sept.MayJuneJuly20;:15e"10"•Q60'c-=1p..?ii'(:,-~'I''..'..~.1t,•,"2015G10010oCJo,JuneJulyAug.Sept.(-MayJuneJulySept.MayJuneJuly20:!15•~10•'r't-'.b51-,'.,, ,0-'•2016~10..,2015"cS10~50',,, ,,, ,,, ,2016CIo10u..'6'j'till'0'0 0,~0lO.0MayJuneJulyAug.Sept.May.kinedulyAug.Sept.Figure5-3-14.ArcticgraylinghookandlineCPUEforthemouthsoftheeighttributaryhabitatevaluationlocations,proposedImpoundmentAreas,1982.
CPUE20205'"15c:-~10IIIo5oNSJuneSept.+0+~15IIIGi10~oINSI I II IMayJuneJuly2015CD~10oc:J5oNSMayJuneJulySept.+0+20c:III15E~10CDo5oIC"'JI'I I,-.;.;.,,:y::,MayJuneJuly'-.JuneJulyIII15c:CD~1010to-50', ,In...-,I I , ,!20Aug.Sept.+0+MayJuneJUly20155oI I I , , I ,"WOO,[--::1' ,>.Cll10..,5o0MayJuneJulyAug.Sept.+0+21g10II.+0+-Aug.MayJunoJuly5O.,J ",J , ,IJI I152'"c:;;;10o:lCFigure5-3-15.ArcticgraylinghookandlineCPUEfortheeighttributaryhabitatevaluationlocationsintheirentirety,ProposedImpoundmentAreas,1982.
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 4
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-7.Arctic grayling age-length composition,Proposed Impoundment
Areas,1982.
Total No.~1ean Ranqe %of
Age Fish Sampled Length(mm)(mITt)Sample
I 5 147 115 -170 2
II 12 202 170-230 4
III 26 255 220-295 9
IV 55 292 270-335 20
V 88 320 280-345 31
VI 59 344 310-360 21
VII 25 367 345-395 9
VII I 9 393 375-395 3
IX 3 415 410-420 1
,.-..Total 282 313 115-420 100
--_.--------
3530\.25>-<.>zUJ~20UJcru.~1525I:ITm17'7nlmWI:IXXAGES(yrs)Figure5-3-16.Arcticgraylingagefrequencycomposition,proposedImpoundmentAreas,1982.
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 5
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-8.Arctic gr?vling length-frequency by tributary,Proposed
Impoundment Areas,1982,catch data.
Fork Oshetna Goose Jay Kosina Watana Deadman Tsusena Fog Total
Length River Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek
(mm)
less
than 200 1/0a /10/0 11/4 12/1 10/1 15/8 3/8 1/4 53/1
200-209 5/1 2/1 6/2 8/1 2/0 3/2 0/0 0/0 26/1
210-219 2/0 1/0 1/0 11/1 2/0 9/5 1/1 O/G 27/1
220-229 10/1 4/1 2/1 27 /2 5/1 9/5 1/1 0/0 58/1
230-239 20/2 2/1 6/2 31/2 11/2 16/8 1/1 0/0 87/2
240-?49 25/3 8/3 12/4 38/2 4/1 13/1 1/1 3/12 104/3
250-259 29/3 8/3 9/3 52/3 11/2 15/8 3/3 2/8 129/3
260-269 36/4 8/3 5/2 56/3 10/2 11/6 2/2 3/9 131/3
270-279 35/4 5/2 18/6 77 /4 15/3 15/8 2/2 0/0 167/4
280-289 56/6 14/5 16/5 102/6 18/3 13/7 2/2 0/0 221/5
290-299 76/9 25/9 12/4 125/7 32/6 14/7 2/2 0/0 286/7
300-309 86/10 29/11 25/8 147/8 33/6 6/3 0/0 2/8 328/8
310-319 111/13 29/11 38/12 202/11 43/8 12/6 9/9 1/4 445/11
320-329 96/11 30/11 34/11 196/11 67/12 18/9 10/10 5/20 456/11
330-339 92/11 27/10 37/12 180/10 67/12 11/6 12/12 1/4 427/10
340/349 63/7 30/11 27/9 172/10 74/14 4/2 12/12 2/8 384/9
350-359 41/5 22/8 21/7 123/7 53/10 4/2 15/15 0/0 279/7
360-369 44/5 16/6 12/4 92/5 29/5 5/3 11/11 0/0 209/5
370-379 19/2 9/3 5/2 58/3 20/4 2/1 5/5 3/12 121/3
380-389 7/1 6/2 6/2 29/2 23/4 1/0 4/4 1/4 77 /2
390-399 17/2 1/0 4/1 17/1 10/2 0/0 4/4 1/4 54/1
over400 8/1 0/0 ?/1 10/1 6/1 1/0 2/2 C/O ?g/1
n=879 276 309 1765 545 197 102 25 4098
mear=315 320 317 319 332 271 311 1 322 320
range=190-420 200-395 140-420 175-420 120-420 130-400 180-410 175-395 120-420
a/Catch data (numbers/percer.t)
mean :315
n:4098
C
III
III
E
10...
(l)
200 220 240 260 280 300 320 340 ·380 380·400
Length(mm)
Figure 5-3-17.Arctic grayling length frequency composition for all tributaries
combined, Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
420
420
400 420
KOSINA
n=1765
OSHETNA
n=874
GOOSE
n=276
JAY
n=306
340 360 380
"I;0)
0.._~
I·i<),....,-
220 240 260 2BO 300 320
16
14
tl2z
l&J10~
~8
a::
u.6
~0 4
2
0
16
14
t 12z
~IO
a
l&J 8
0::
U.
6
~0 4
2
0
16
14>-
~12
l&J
~IO
0l&J
a::B
u.
~6
4
2
0
200
16
>-14
(.)
z 12l&J
~IO
l&J
~8
~6
4
2
0
300 320 420
Length
Figure 5-3-18.Arctic grayling length frequency composition by tributary,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
i..:
16 c
III
III
I e
It)>-C'lu/2 (I)z
ILl
:::>1O Watan-a
0
ILl
0::8 n=545.
I&.
:J!6
0
4
14
>-12
(.)
~10
:::>a
ILl
0::
I&.
~
~I
CD
E Deadman
n=197
Fog
n=25
n=102
Tsusena
260 2
14
>-12
u::z:1OILl
:::>
0 8ILl
a::
I&.6
:J!40
2
°2 0 220 240
14 t
>-I c ~I
IIIUCD~IO E
:::>CX)
0 0
ILl (')
a::
I&.
:J!0
Figure 5-3-18.(continued).
I
40
I
350
300
-E
E 25-.c-C)
c:
Q)
-I
200
150
I-range
10
I
.~mean
Age
Figure 5-3-19.Arctic grayli~g age-length relationship for all tributaries
combined,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
-------~--_._,_."...
'j4OCHOshetna..!..400Goose400jJay-......-..-350~••-350"'T350--•---••-•_300300......::!:300-•-IE---E250•E250E250......--EoS.r;....-...200:S200.r;2UV1......Q....C01CD.4>150c150c:150"1•-IQ)4>--I-I1001001005~i50-f50010iI IititIiii iIIiiIioI234567890I2:34 567890I2345678 9AGE(yrs)AGE(yrs),AGE(yrs)".~,~400-1Kosina.....WatanaDeadmana:400'l:.--.!.---350-350-..-••-..---•300-__300.-•3-•_.-------•E250•~250E•-E--E•----:S200-5200....~200••...Q-CDCDc150;150c150-.Q).4>•-I-I;-110010010050505002345678 90i23456t890I2:3456789AGE(yrs)I \AGE(yrs)AGE(yrs)Figure5-3-20.Arcticgraylingage-lengthdistribution,ProposedImpoundmentAreas,1982.
420
•
•X
•
x
-E ci'meanE-,•.e-Lmean_'_a xc310-Q)
..J 300 •
X
290
280
27 X
260 •
250
240
230
220
170
•
n=:257
.=>males
X¢females
JZIlI IX][:III
i F
~~1m
"Age (yrs)
Figure 5-3-21.Arctic grayling age-length relationship,males vs females,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
------_.-------_._...._---------
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
The total habitat evaluation location catch was 3782 Arctic grayling in
408 angler hours,giving a catch rate of 9.3 Arctic grayling per angler
hour for the entire summer study.Arctic grayling catches,angler hours
and catch rates are listed in Tables 5-3-5 and 5-3-6 and illustrated in
Figures 5-3-14 and 5-3-15.Arctic grayling catch per hour ranged from a
low of 0.0 to a high of 29.6.
Age,Length,Sex
Two hundred and eighty-two Arctic grayling taken by hook and line were
aged by scale analysis.These fish ranged from Age I to Age IX.Age V
Arctic grayling were dominant,comprising 31%of the total sample (Table
5-3-7 and Figure 5-3-16).
Lengths VJere taken from all Arctic grayling sampled.Lengths ranged
from 120 mm to 420 mm,VJith the 310 mm to 329 mm Arctic grayling occur-
ring most frequently (22%)(Table 5-3-8 and Figures 5-3-17 and 5-3-18).
The age-length relationship shown in Figure 5-3-19 is calculated from
the ages and lengths taken from a subsample of 282 Arctic grayling.
Age-length comparisons between the tributaries themselves and against
the overall combined sample were also made.No apparent differences
Viere found (Figure 5-3-20).From the same subsample,an age-length
comparison of males versus females was calculated (Figure 5-3-21).
Other than the 17 mm difference in mean lengths (males 328 mm versus
females 311 mm)no other differences were apparent.
MAYJUNEJULYAUG.SEPT.TOTAL2637311829141-male2530331618122-female1.041.230.941.131.611.16-male/female150140130120110100z90§C"80~702-60!I(I)50~40302010o4035J::..~30u.....25o~20L~15femeles___,::JzI~J,,malesioiiMAYJUNEJULYAUGSEPT.rna1esfemalesTOTALFigures5-3-22.Arcticgraylingsexcompositionbymonth,ProposedImpoundmentAreas,1982.
n=IO
Jl.
320
n=9 y.
310
300
TI[
El
280
420 n=16
IX
410
400
n=[53901ZIII
"WI
380-WE370E-or:mean 1ZII-Cl 360c
CI)
-'
mean
350
1lI 1ZI
340
non-spawning
males
spawning
males
Sex
non-spawning spawning
females females
Sex
Figure 5-3-23.Arctic grayling length vs.sexual maturity relationship by
sex,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
__________0_.__..--.
0:3316
slope =-.043
survival rate,~95.8%Jmm
or
40.5'l6Jyr
x
xxx
x
x
x
400
"0
G)
Q.eas 0en x
'"...40G)
.Q
E 30~
Z 0:184
x
0
slope =-.942
survival rate :.39.2%Jyr.
3 o
III IV v
Age
VI VII VIII IX
__Figure 5-3-24.Arctic grayling instantaneous survival rate curves,Proposed
Imoundment Areas,1982.
'/c
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 6
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TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-9.Arctic grayling tagged by location and month,Proposed
Impoundment Areas,1982.
Location May June July August September Total
Oshetna River 0 0 275 233 154 662
Goose Creek 0 34 87 76 1 198
Jay Creek 0 53 123 105 4 285
Kosina Creek 16 207 479 589 300 1591
\~atana Creek 1 103 163 205 36 508
Deadman Creek 0 33 45 102 1 181
Tsusena Creek 0 10 28 26 2 66
Fog Creek 0 1 5 17 2 25
Others \~i th in
Impoundment 4 4 0 2 0 10
Sallv Lake 0 3 0 31 0 34
Total 21 448 1205 1386 500 3560
APTE ~
(5 creeks,
1 mile each)0 0 382 50 24 456
Total 21 448 1587 1436 52.1 4016
a/Above proposed impoundment elevetions.
1'1
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
Two hundred sixty-three Arctic grayling were sampled for sex composi-
tion.Males comprised 53.6%of the sample and the overall ratio of
males to females was 1.2 males:1 female (Figure 5-3-22).
During the upstream spawning migration,50 Arctic grayling were
necropsied for sex determination and sexual maturity;26 males and 24
fema 1es.All males 330 mlTl and over and females 320 ITIm and over were
found to be sexually mature,while inversely,all males under 330 mm and
females under 320 mm were found to be nons pawners or sexually immature.
No overl ap occurred when 1engths of spawni ng versus nonspawni ng fi sh
were compared.However,age classes of spawning fish did overlap.Both
Age IV and V grayling were found sexually mature and immature depending
on their length (Figure 5-3-23).
The instantaneous survival rate was calculated by two methods,using age
versus catch and length versus catch.the resulting rates were very
similar,being 39.2%and 40.5%,respectively (Figure 5-3-24).
Tagging/Recapture (Migration)
Four thousand sixteen Arctic grayling were tagged during 1982 studies,
3,560 within the proposed impoundment areas and 456 in selected tribu-
tary streams above the proposed impoundment elevation (Table 5-3-9).Of
these 4,016 tagged Arctic grayling,320 (8%)were subsequently re-
captured within the same stream where they were tagged.The majority
(67%)were recaptured at their initial point of tagging from 1-100 days
later.Movement both upstream and downstream followed the expected
---------~------,~.~._-_.----,--,------
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 7
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-10.Arctic grayling intrastream movement by tributary and
month as demonstrated by recoveries of 1982 tagged fish,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
-----_.-_~_-_..~.-
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 8
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-11.Arctic grayling interstream movement by location as
demonstrated by recoveries of 1982 tagged fish,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
Re-Total
Tagging Tagging Date Days at Recovery covery Miles
Location TRM Tag No.Tagged Large Location TRM Moved
Oshetna R.1.7 11727 9/9 2 Kosina Cr.1.9 30.2
Goose Cr.0.0 007405 6/18 102 Kosina Cr.0.0 24.5
Goose Cr.0.0 007408 6/18 38 Kosina Cr.0.1 24.6
Jay Cr.Slough 007021 5/29 86 Kosina Cr.2.6 4.4
Jay Cr.Slough 007023 5/29 123 Watana Cr.8.5 23.0
Jay Cr.0.0 007478 6/24 34 Watana Cr.4.3 18.7
Jay Cr.3.0 009405 7/27 49 Kosina Cr.0.0 4.7
Jay Cr.2.1 009438 7/27 49 Kosina Cr.0.6 4.4
Kosina Cr.0.0 04852 6/23 34 Jay Cr.0.0 1.7
Kosina Cr.2.0 009162 7/24 3 Jay Cr.0.8 4.5
~'Jatana Cr.8.5 009656 7/28 44 Tsusena Cr.1.5 22.8
Watana Cr.0.4 007414 6/28 49 Tsusena Cr.0.1 13.3
Deadman Cr.0.0 007061 6/19 29 Tsusena Cr.0.0 5.4
Deadman Cr.0.0 007067 6/19 85 Fog Cr.0.4 10.4
Deadman Cr.0.3 007437 7/18 28 Tsusena Cr.0.1 5.8
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 9
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TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-12.Arctic grayling interstream movement by location as
demonstrated by recoveries of 1981 tagged fish during 1982,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
Tagging Recapture Numbers
Location to Location Recaptured
Oshetna River Oshetna River 65
Goose Creek Goose Creek 36 /
Goose Creek Jay Creek 5 ~
Goose Creek Oshetna River 1 a/Goose Creek Kosina Creek 1 -
Jay Creek Jay Creek 36 /
Jay Creek Goose Creek 3 ~
Jay Creek Kosina Creek 8
Jay Creek \~a tana Creek 1 a/Jay Creek Tyone Lake 1 -
Kosina Creek Kosina Creek 124
Kosina Creek Deadman Creek 5 a/Kosina Creek Goose Creek 1 -
Kosina Creek Watana Creek 1
Kosina Creek Kosina Slough 1
Kosina Slough Kosina Slough 1
Kosina Slough Kosina Creek 3
Kosina Slough Watana Creek 1
Deadman Creek Deadman Creek 7
Deadman Creek Kosina Creek 1
Deadman Creek Fog Creek 1
Deadman Creek Oshetna River 1 ~/
Deadman Creek Tsusena Creek 1
Tsusena Creek Tsusena Creek 20 a/Tsusena Creek Oshetna River 1 -
Tsusena Creek Jay Slough 1
Tsusena Creek Kosina Creek 2
Tsusena Creek vJatana Creek 1
Fog Creek Fog Creek 3
Fog Creek Goose Creek 1~
350
308 returned to same stream
42 changed streams
a/through Vee Canyon
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
pattern with most of the upstream movement occurring in early summer and
the downstream movement occurring in the early fall (Table 5-3-10).
Fifteen Arcti c grayl i ng were recaptured withi n tributary streams other
than the stream where they were originally tagged,two moving to another
stream up the Susitna River and 13 to another stream down the Susitna.
These fish were at large from 2-123 days and moved from 1.7-30.2 miles
with averages of 50 days and 13.2 miles (Table 5-3-11).
Of the 2,619 Arctic grayling tagged during 1981 studies,350 (13.4%)
were recaptured during 1982 studies.Three hundred and eight (88%)of
these fi sh returned to thei r ori gi na 1 taggi ng stream.Forty-two (12%)
of the 1981 tagged grayling recaptured were found in streams other than
those in which they were tagged,25 moving to another stream down the
Susitna and 17 moving to another stream up the Susitna (Table 5-3-12).
One Arctic grayling tagged on June 21,1981 in Jay Creek (RM 208.5)was
recaptured by a sportfisherman on June 22,1982 in Salt Creek,a small
tributary to Tyone Lake.This represents an upstream movement of
approximately 75 miles in one year.
Population Estimates
Population estimates based on data collected in July and August were
calculated for each of the eight tributary habitat evaluation locations.
Recapture information indicates that grayling movement is at a minimum
duri ng these months;1,205 grayl i ng were tagged and only 2 of the 185
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 10
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-13.Arctic grayling population estimates by tributary habitat
evaluation location,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
Population ~Confidence !V Grayling/Grayling/
Location Estimate Interval Mile Acre
Oshetna River 2426 1483-4085 1103 56
Goose Creek 949 509-1943 791 90
Jay Creek 1592 903-3071 455 101
Kosina Creek 5544 3792-8543 1232 69
C:,~"'
Watana Creek 3925 1880-6973 324 44
Deadman Creek ~/734 394-1502 1835 273
Tsusena Creek '1/1000 743-1530
Fog Creek !Y 176 115-369 440
Totals 16,346 9,819-28,016 664
~correction factor included.
E./95%.
c/Includes only that part of Deadman Creek below falls
'1/1981 estimates.
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 11
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-14.Data used for Arctic grayling population estimates,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
No. No.No.
Marked Recaptured Caught
Stream Reach July (M)August (R)August (C)
Oshetna River Pools 82 15 115
Riffl es 184 16 108
Mouth 7 1 20
Goose Creek all 87 8 74
Jay Creek all 123 10 108
Kosina Creek Pools 209 32 337
Riffl es 195 24 213
Mouth 73 13 82
Watana Creek East Fork 28 6 58
West Fork 73 13 82
Middle Section 61 8 68
Deadman Creek all 45 8 110
Tsusena Creek all 28 1 26
Fog Creek all 5 0 17
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 12
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-15.Arctic grayling population estimates by age class,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
No.No.
Recaptured Caught
No.Marked in in
in %August August
Age Length (mm)July (M)R/M (R)(C)N
I (1 ess than 175)5 0 2
3.3 1955
II (176-231)86 3 82
III (232-278)226 4.4 10 222 4602
IV (279-307 )263 8.8 23 263 2904
V (308-331)321 13.7 44 342 2454
VI (332-356)204 23.5 48 270 1134
VII (357 -377)81 19.8 16 107 521
VII I (378-399)27 7 41
25.7 180
IX (more than 400)8 2 8
13 ,750
Totals 1221 153 1337 10,617
total each aqe estimate 13,750 =1.2951 correction factor'-=total estimate 10,617
'1.'7
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
recaptured had moved out of their original habitat evaluation location
by August.
The population estimates provided in Table 5-3-13 are for the eight
tributary habitat evaluation locations in their entirety,with the
exception of Deadman Creek where only the section studied below the
falls is included.Insufficient data were obtained at Tsusena and Fog
Creeks during 1982,so the 1981 population estimates have been used.
(Actual data used for population estimates is listed in Table 5-3-14).
Population estimates range from a low of 176 Arctic grayling in the Fog
Creek habitat evaluation location to a high of 5,544 Arctic grayling in
the Kosina Creek habitat evaluation location,with a total estimate of
16,346 for the eight tributary habitat evaluation locations combined.
Estimates of numbers of Arctic grayling per mile range from a low of 324
in Watana Creek to a high of 1,232 in Kosina Creek,with an average of
664 for the 24.5 miles of tributary waters to be impounded.Densities
ranged from 44 to 273 Arctic grayling per acre of stream.
Population estimates were also calculated for each age class present in
the sample.The capture/recapture probability for Arctic grayling Age
IV and less was found to be significantly lower than for the older fish,
Age V-IX (Table 5-3-15).A correction factor of 1.2951 was calculated
based on the ratio of the sum of the population estimates for each age
class versus the population estimate for all age classes combined.
\'
------_._-------,......··,'''-".._.•--'0--·.__-
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
Spawning
The first Arctic grayling were observed at the mouths of tributaries on
May 13,but none were observed upstream until May 26.Surveys were not
comprehensive,but spawning Arctic grayling were found in four
locations;three pools at TRM 1.4,1.2 and 0.1 on Kosina Creek,and one
pool at TRM 2.1 on the Oshetna River.Characteristics of these pools
were similar,including low water velocity,three to six foot depth,and
a large area of small (sand to 111 gravel)substrate.Arctic grayling
were also observed at this time in the tributaries below these pools,
but none were found further upstream.
Juveniles
Juvenile Arctic grayling were observed in all of the eight tributaries
sampled,both above and below the proposed impoundment elevation.
Scattered i ndi vi dua 1s and small schools (1 ess than 25)were observed
along the banks of the tributaries in side channels,backwater areas,
pool edges and small sloughs.Characteristics of these areas were low
water velocity,shallow (less than one foot)depth and abundant cover
consisting of large rocks and vegetation.Large concentrations of
juveniles were found early in the summer at tributary mouths and
throughout the summer in clear water sloughs off the mainstem Susitna
River just above and below Jay Creek at RM 208.7 and 208.1 and below
Watana Creek at RM 193.9.These sloughs generally have springs as their
source and periodically are completely cut off from the Susitna.
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
3.1.2.2 Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden were found to be more widely distributed in the proposed
impoundment areas than past studies have shown,with observations being
made in Cheechako,Devil,Watana,Jay and upper Deadman Creeks.Habitat
occupied by Dolly Varden in these streams varied significantly
from that occupied by Arctic grayling,with most observations occurring
in IIplunge poolll type habitats.
A total of 16 Dolly Varden were captured.All were of the resident
stunted or dwarf variety with lengths ranging from 120 mm to 205 mm
{Plate 5-3-4}.
3.2 Mainstem Habitat and Fisheries Investigations
3.2.1 Aquatic Habitat Investigations
Aquatic habitat investigations during 1982 on the mainstem Susitna River
within the proposed impoundment study area were limited to obtaining
general water quality data at designated sites,mapping the general
habitat characteristics at selected habitat evaluation sites,and
identifying slough habitats within the study area.Aerial surveys were
conducted on the entire mainstem study reach to generally evaluate the
habitat characteristics of this area.Time and personnel constraints,
and study priorities did not permit a more in depth assessment of this
habitat during 1982.
II,III!i...i)'}Dolly
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
3.2.1.1 General Characteristics of Mainstem Study Area
The mainstem Susitna River habitat evaluation location consists of the
reach of the Susitna River within the impoundment study area (RM 152 to
RM 239).The Devil Canyon section extends for 32 miles from the Devil
Canyon dam site (RM 152.0)to the Watana dam site (RM 184.0).This
reach of the river has a gradient of approximately 18 feet/mile.The
Watana study section extends for 55 miles from the Watana dam site (RM
184.0)to a point approximately five miles above the confluence of the
Oshetna and Susitna Rivers (RM 239.0).The gradient in this reach is
approximately 13 feet/mile.Due partly to the lower gradient of the
stream channel this reach is not as confined as in the Devil Canyon
section and often splits into two or more channels.Streamflow
velocities are generally lower than those in the Devil Canyon reach.
The seven mainstem sites where fish sampling was conducted were mapped
to show the general characteristics of these sites.These maps are
presented in Appendix Figures 5-D-2 to 5-D-8.No other aquatic habitat
data was collected at these sites.
3.2.1.2 Water Quality
Instantaneous water qual ity and air temperature data for all mainstem
and slough sites are presented in Appendix Tables 5-C-18 to 5-C-27.
Graphical representations of the range,mean and median values for each
water quality parameter for each habitat evaluation site are presented
in Figures 5-3-2 to 5-3-7.
-------,--------_._-,.....~--_._.~--_._--........_._------------,-------
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
The lowest instantaneous surface water temperature recorded in the
Susitna River was O.l°C above Goose Creek on May 14,1982,while the
highest temperature of 13.6°C was observed above Jay Creek Slough on
June 24,1982.Mean and median instantaneous surface water temperatures
ranged from 7.1°C and 7.9°C respectively above Goose Creek to 9.9°C and
11.1°C respectively above the Oshetna River.
Ma instem instantaneous di ssol ved oxygen concentrati ons ranged from 9.0
mg/l above Fog Creek on August 15,1982 to 13.5 mg/l above Goose Creek
on May 14,1982.Dissolved oxygen mean values for individual sites
varied from 10.3 mg/l above Fog Creek to 11.2 mg/l above Goose Creek.
Median dissolved oxygen values ranged from 10.3 mg/l above Tsusena Creek
to 10.7 mg/l above Fog Creek and Deadman Creek.
Percent dissolved oxygen saturation values at Susitna River evaluation
sites varied from 83%above Fog Creek to 105%above Goose and Watana
Creeks.Mean dissolved oxygen saturation values ranged from 90%above
Fog Creek to 100%above Watana Creek.Medi an values ranged from 92%
above Fog Creek to 100%above Kos ina Creek and the Oshetna Ri ver.
Overall mean and median percent dissolved oxygen saturation values for
the Susitna River are 97%and 98%respectively.
Observed pH values ranged from 6.6 above Goose Creek to 8.1 above
Deadman Creek.Individual mean values ranged from 7.2 above Fog Creek
and Goose Creek to 7.6 above Deadman Creek.Median Susitna River pH
values ranged from 7.2 above Fog Creek to 7.6 above the Oshetna River.
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
Turbidities for the mainstem varied considerably over the course of the
sampling period and among sampling sites.Observed turbidities varied
from 14 NTUs above Goose Creek on May 14,1982 to 150 NTUs recorded
above Watana Creek on August 16,1982 and Tsusena Creek on July 26,
1982.Mean values ranged from 53 NTU above Fog Creek to 100 NTUs above
Watana Creek.Median turbidity values varied from 51 NTU above Fog
Creek to 110 NTUs above the Oshetna River.
Specific conductance observations at all mainstem Susitna River eval-
uation sites ranged from 73 umhos/cm above Tsusena Creek to 144 umhos/cm
above Oshetna River.Mean specific conductance values ranged from 104
umhos above Fog Creek to 127 umhos/cm above Jay Creek Slough.Specific
conductance median values varied from 101 umhos/cm above Fog Creek to
126 umhos/cm above Deadman Creek.
3.2.1.3 Discharge
Daily USGS provisional discharge data for the mainstem Susitna River at
gaging station No.15291500 near Cantwell (USGS,1982)was used to
construct a corresponding Susitna River hydrograph (Figure 5-3-25).
During the open water field season,minimum discharge,14,000 cfs,
occurred on May 1,1982,while maximum discharge,24,100 cfs,occurred
on June 21,1982.Mean discharge for this period was 12,400 cfs.
~'-'\24222018<316oo)(14enll-l)12w(,!)10a::oct::x:l)8eno642)PROVISIONALUSGS1982DISCHARGEDATAoIIii,IIiiIi5/155/306/156/307/1571308/158/309/159/30DATEFigure5-3-25SusitnaRiverhydrographatVeeCanyon,RM223.3(USGSgagingstationNo.15291500),fromMay1throughSeptember30,1982(USGS,1982).
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
3.2.1.4 Mainstem Slough Habitats
Aquatic habitat investigations during the 1982 field season in the
proposed impoundment areas have identified four major mainstem slough
areas.These four areas are referred to as Watana Creek Slough (RM
193.5),Kosina Creek Slough (RM 205.6),Lower Jay Creek Slough (R~1
208.1),and Upper Jay Creek Slough (RM 208.7).All are adjacent to the
mainstem Susitna River.Limited water quality data was collected only
at Upper and Lower Jay Creek sloughs and is presented in Appendix Tables
5-C-23 and 5-C-24.
In addition to the slough areas identified in the field,six additional
areas which may classify as mainstem slough habitats were identified
from color aerial photos (scale 111 =2000 1
)of the proposed impoundment
areas.Four of these sites are located 3-4 miles below the mouth of Fog
Creek;one site is located approximately five miles below the mouth of
Kosina Creek;and the last site is located approximately three miles
above the mouth of Jay Creek.These slough habitats have not been
verified by ground surveys at present.
3.2.2 Resident Fisheries Investigations
3.2.2.1 Burbot
Distribution and Abundance
Burbot (Lota lota L.)were captured at all of the seven mainstem habitat
sites.One hundred and eighty-five trotline sampling days produced a
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 13
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-16.Burbot catch and catch per trotline day by mainstem site
and month,Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
Mainstem Catch (numbers/(catch per trotline day)
Site May June July August September Total
1 ·--.--3/(0.8)6/(1.5)7/(1.8)16(1.3)
2 --.--.3/(0.8)1/(0.3)0/(0.0)4/(0.3)
3 ·8/(2.0)3/(0.8).--.--111(1.4)
3A --.----.--6/(1.5)7/(1.8)13/(1.6)
4 ·5/(1.3)10/(2.5)7/(1.8)2/(0.5)24/(1.5)
5 ·4/(1.0)2/(0.5)4/(1.0)2/(0.5)12/(0.8)
Watana
Creek
Mouth 7/(3.5)17/(0.6)9/(0.3)13/(0.4)9/(0.4)55/(0.5)
,,,...-..Total 7/(3.5)34/(0.8)30/0.6)37/(0.7)27/(0.6)135/(0.7)
91
xIXVIIIVII
Age
VIIV
15
1
Figure 5-3-26.Burbot age-frequency composition,Proposed Impoundment
Areas,1982.
>-.
(J.-c
Q)
::J
0'
Q)
'-
LL
~
1
mean ~438
n =135
cca
CD
E
co
(I)..
O..L..-......
<30-0'-a~6~376 ':h6 -"476"'628 '-678~:-6-26'-676 726
Length(mm):
Figure 5-3-27.Burbot length frequency composition,Proposed Impoundment
Areas,1982.
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 14
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-17.Burbot age,length and sex frequency,P~oposed Impoundment
Areas,1982.
Total No.Mean Range of r~a 1es Females
Age Fish Sampled Length(mm)Lengths No./%No./%
IV 10 361 330-385 6/60 4/40
V 27 388 290-445 12/44 15/56
VI 14 444 340-540 7/50 7/50
VII 7 471 420-575 3/43 4/57
VIrI 4 611 55-670 2/50 2/50
XI 0
X 1 675 1/100 0/0
Total 63 424 290-670 31/49 32/51
jl!)O
&:.-CD
C
CD
..J
I
-
260,;"r,----r---,..--'"T""--~---"---"'--_----
IV V VI VII VIII
Age
IX X
Figure 5-3-28.Burbot age-length relationship,Proposed Impoundment Areas,
1982.(.=mean,I =range)
I 0 I
.c-Cl
C
CD
..J
•
x
•
•
•
x x
x
•
•males
x females
25()-L---.,.....-._,......-_--......--~-._,_-.....---
IV V VI VII VIII
Age·
IX x
Figure 5-3-29.Burbot age-length relationship,males vs.females,Proposed
Impoundment Areas,1982.
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 15
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-18.Burbot tagged by mainstem site and month,Proposed
Impoundment Areas,1982.
Mainstem Catch
Site ~1ay June July August Sept.Total
1 3 5(1)3 11
2 1 1 0 2
3 3 2 5
3A 5 3 8
4 1 8 2 0 11
5 3 4 1 2 10
Watana
Creek 1 6 2(1)9(1)4 22
Mouth
Total 1 13 20 23 12 69
( )number of recaptures
\03
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
total catch of 135 burbot.Burbot catches per trotline day ranged from
0.6 to 3.5 with the mean being 0.7.Table 5-3-16 lists the burbot catch
and catch rates by mainstem site and month.
Age,Length,Sex
A subsample of 63 burbot were aged by otolith analysis.These fish
ranged from age IV to age X.Age V was the dominant age class,compris-
ing 43%of the sample (Figure 5-3-26).
Lengths were taken from all burbot captured.Lengths ranged from 178 mm
to 740 mm with the 350 mm to 450 mm burbot occurri ng most frequently
(59%).The mean and median lengths were 438 mm and 415 mm respectively
(Figure 5-3-27).
Of the sixty-three burbot that were examined for sex determination;31
were males and 32 were females (Table 5-3-17).The age-length relation-
ships shown in Figures 5-3-28 and 5-3-29 are calculated for the entire
subsample and as a comparison between males and females.
Tagging/Recapture
Sixty-nine burbot were tagged at mainstem sites during 1982 studies,the
majority at the Watana Creek site (Table 5-3-18).Three of these burbot
were recaptured from 27-42 days 1ater at thei r ori gi na 1 poi nt of tag-
ging.Of the 23 burbot tagged during 1981 studies,four were recaptured
during 1982 studies.All were at large from 11-13 months and were
captured at their original point of tagging .
-----~_._.._,.-_.__._,.....,.,.._--_.__._---
Vo15/TABLES/PAGE 16
080208/M.Stratton
TABL5/Tables/Stratton
Table 5-3-19.Longnose sucker catches by mainstem site and month,Porposed
Impoundment Areas,1982.
Mainstem Catch
Site May June July August Sept.Total
1 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
3A 2 0 2
4 0 0 7 0 7
5 0 0 4 0 4
Watana
Creek 11 12 21 3 6 53
Mouth
TOTAL 11 12 21 16 6 66,-
/OS"
mean=395n=5810(I)~CIII•E<.200 210230260:210290'310330360·370H30'O"410'430460470490LengthFigure5-3-30.Longnosesuckerlengthfrequencycomposition,ProposedImpoundmentAreas,1982.....\)>-s·0c:Q):)0'Q)'-lL1~
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
3.2.2.2 Longnose Sucker
Distribution and Abundance
Longnose suckers (Catostomus catostomus Forster)were captured at four
of the seven mainstem habitat sites.All of the 66 suckers were
captured by gillnets.The majority (53)were taken at the ~'Jatana Creek
site.Longnose sucker catches by month and site are given in Table
5-3-19.
Age,Length,Sex
Lengths were taken from 58 longnose suckers.These lengths ranged from
210 mm to 495 mm \'Ii th the 410 mm to 429 mm suckers occurri ng most
frequently (31%)(Figure 5-3-30).
Due to the limited sample size,no age or sex determinations were made.
Spawning
Longnose suckers in spawning condition were captured at the Watana Creek
mainstem site during May and early June.By late June,all suckers
sampled had already spawned.
\0'1
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
Tagging/Recapture
Fifty longnose suckers were tagged during 1982 studies,the majority
(41)at the Watana Creek mainstem site.Two of these fish were subse-
quently recaptured at their original point of tagging.
Of the 97 suckers tagged during 1981 studies,two were recaptured in
1982.Both were captured at their original point of tagging.
3.2.2.3 Other Species
In additi on to burbot and longnose suckers,three other speci es of
resident fish were captured by gillnets at mainstem sites,including 21
Arctic grayling,five round whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum Pallas)
and one humpback whitefish (Coregonus pidschian).The grayling were
captured throughout the summer at the Watana Creek mainstem site only.
The single humpback whitefish was captured in July at RM 208.1.The
five round whitefish were captured at the Watana Creek mainstem site in
July and August and were all sexually mature and in a prespawning
condition.
3.3 Lake Habitat and Fisheries Investigations
3.3.1 Aquatic Habitat Investigations
Due to limited time and personnel,lake sampling efforts during 1982
were limited to Sally lake,the largest lake within the proposed im-
,-----------------....,."._--_._---------
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
poundment boundaries.Morphometric date for Sally Lake is presented in
Table 5-3-20.A contour map of the lake is presented in Figure 5-3-31.
Depth area and depth volume curves are presented in Figures 5-3-32 and
5-3-33 respectively.
3.3.1.1 General Characteristics of Sally Lake
Sally Lake,a clear,oligotrophic tundra lake,is situated on a plateau
approximately two miles east of the mouth of Watana Creek at an ele-
vation of 2025 feet {Plate 5-3-5}.The lake is irregular in shape with
a total surface area of 63 acres and a maximum depth of 27 feet.It
appears to be spring-fed as there are no streams of significant size
entering it.The lake drains from the north end into a stream which
empties into Watana Creek approximately two miles away.The entire lake
would be inundated by the proposed Watana Reservoir.
The lake can be divided into two geomorphologically distinct areas.The
southern end of the lake {approximately 20 acres}is a shallow bowl
shaped basin with average depths of four feet.This is an area of
relatively high littoral productivity and is characterized by extensive
growths of submerged aquatic vegetation.Some emergent macrophytes are
present near the shoreline areas.The northern section of the lake,
approximately 40 acres,is in a deep V-shaped basin which slopes steeply
from the shoreline resulting in a poorly developed littoral zone.Water
depths toward the middle of this section are in excess of twenty feet.
Submerged aquatic vegetation grows sporadically throughout the shallower
depths of this area.Emergent macrophytes are limited to the littoral
areas.
\0"
Table 5-3-20.Sally Lake morphometric data,1982.
Morphometric Parameter
Surface area
Volume
Maximum depth
Mean depth
Shoreline length
Maximum length/orientation,main axis
Maximum width/orientation
\\0
Estimate
63 acres
736 acre-feet
27.0 feet
11.6 feet
10,450 feet
3,100 feet/NW-SE
950 feet/NE-SW
DEPTH CONTOUR:FEET
SHORELINE
CONTOUR LIN ES
a 400
SALLY LAKE
MORPHOMETRIC MAP
AUGUST 18and 19,1982
Geographic Code:S32N07E29
Water Surface Area =63 Acres
Lake Volume =736 Acre·Feet
ALASKA DEPT OF FISH AND GAME
S'J HYDRO AQUA TIC STUDIES PROGRAM
Figure 5-3-31 Sally Lake.morphometric map.GC S32N07E29.
Hi
1020SURFACEAREA(acres)30405060oIIIIIII748----~::12........:::I:I-~1602024o10203040506010BOPERCENTSURFACEAREA90100Figure5-3-32Hypsographic(depth-area)curveofSallyLake,GCS32N07E29,(August,1982).
o100200VOLUME(ocre-feet)30040011008007008004812~---CICI..-~:::t:I-16a..WCl202428o102030401108070PERCENTVOLUME8090Figure5-3-33Depth-volumecurveofSallyLake,GCS32N07E29(August,1982).
OJ
~
1'0
-J
>,..-..-
1'0
V")
4-o
3
OJ.....
>
1'0.....
!>-
OJ«
L!'l
I
M
I
L!'l
OJ
~
rt:l..-c..
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
3.3.1.2 Water Quality
General water quality data were collected on a monthly basis at a site
located at the west end of the lake.These data are presented in
Appendix Table 5-C-28.Ranges of individual parameters are presented in
Figures 5-3-2 through 5-3-7.
3.3.2 Resident Fisheries Investigations
3.3.2.1 Lake Trout
Thirty-two lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush Walbaum)were captured by
hook and line,hoop nets and gillnets at Sally Lake.Lengths ranged
from 260 mm to 490 mm with the mean bei ng 419 mm.No age or sex
determinations were made with this limited sample size.
Due to the high incidence of mortality associated with even the most
mi nima 1 handl i ng,only 20 of these 1ake trout were tagged •.One tagged
1ake trout was subsequently recaptured,however thi s di d not provi de
enough data to allow a viable population estimate.
3.3.2.2 Arctic Grayling
Forty-two Arctic grayling were captured by hook and line and hoop nets
at Sally Lake.Lengths ranged from 220 mm to 325 mm with the mean being
263 mm.No age or sex determinations were made with this limited sample
size.
1/5
DRAFT
FIVE/3.0
Thi rty-five grayl i ng were tagged of whi ch two were subsequently re-
captured.No population estimate was made due to the insufficient
recapture data.
"Iv
DRAFT
FIVE/4.0
4.DISCUSSION
4.1 Tributary Habitat and Fisheries Investigations
4.1.1 Water Quality
4.1.1.1 Instantaneous Water Quality
Ranges of water qual ity parameters monitored in tributaries in the
proposed impoundment areas during 1982 are comparable to values observed
during the 1981 season (ADF&G 1982b).With the exception of turbidity
levels,no major differences are apparent in the range of water quality
parameters among tributary sampling sites.Preliminary water quality
data collected above the PIE of selected tributaries indicates that
there is no significant difference in water quality above and below the
PI E.
Of the water quality parameters which were monitored,only turbidity
appeared that it might influence the distribution and abundance of fish
among tributaries.Turbidity levels in most tributaries remained
relatively low during the open water season.Arctic grayling were found
throughout these clearwater habitats and were generally not found in the
turbid water of the mainstem Susitna River.Other fish species such as
sucker,burbot and whitefish,which are present in most turbid water
areas were not found to reside in the clearwater tributaries.These
preferences in habitat may be associated with differences in turbidity
levels between mainstem and tributary habitats.
---_.~_._--~.
~'~"_'.__..~."-~_._'---~--~-~'~~---~~---"<"'~'
.-
DRAFT
FIVE/4.0
Relatively high turbidity levels were recorded in the lower reaches of
Watana Creek during most of the sampling season.These turbid water
conditions,resulting from melting permafrost in upstream areas,reduced
the effectiveness of hook and 1i ne samp 1i ng for Arct ic grayl i ng.The
low catch rates associated with these turbid water conditions resulted
in the suspension of grayling sampling efforts in this area.These low
catch rates may be attributed to the ineffectiveness of the sampl ing
technique or a reduced population of grayling due to the turbid water
environment.
4.1.1.2 Continuous Surface Water Temperatures
Lowest mean monthly surface water temperatures during most of the 1982
open water field season occurred in Tsusena Creek.These low tempera-
tures,combined with the general infertility of the water may partially
explain why fewer fish were captured from this stream during the field
season.Low surface water temperatures may reduce catch per unit effort
and may also be a contributing factor for the seemingly low populations
of grayling in this stream.
As expected,the degree of fluctuation in diel and seasonal water
temperatures was found to be partially dependent upon volume and depth
of water among individual streams.In streams with low discharge,such
as Goose Creek,diel and seasonal surface water temperature fluctuations
are relatively large when compared with the buffered temperature pat-
terns of a larger volume,deeper stream such as the Oshetna River.
Stream surface water temperatures in the study area may also be
"g
-_.._------.._.__._----------
DRAFT
FIVE/4.0
significantly affected by contr'ibuting lakes,glaciers,residual
snowpacks,local precipitation and topography.
4.1.2 Discharge
The hydrograph of the Susitna River at RM 233 (Figure 5-3-25)indicates
that the Susitna River discharge was declining when low discharge levels
were recorded at tributary sites during August.Dry ground conditions
prevailed throughout the impoundment areas during the August sampl ing
period,resulting in inconsequential runoff from the 1ight,infrequent
precipitation that occurred during this time.Tributary discharges
taken during this period are therefore considered to be good estimates
of the August base flows of these streams.
The mean discharge for the Susitna River for August 1982 was determined
to be 66%of the mean,historical August discharge for the years 1962
through 1972 and 1980 through 1982,inclusive (USGS 1978,1980,1981 in
press,and 1982 provisional data in press).Therefore,tributary
discharges measured in August,1982,may be much lower than the histor-
ical August mean discharge for these tributaries.
September stream discharge levels increased in all tributaries over
levels recorded during the August sampling period.Percent increase of
discharge ranged from 110%in Fog Creek to 253%in Watana Creek.The
variable degree of percent increase among streams measured is due to the
timing of individual stream sampling during the period (Table 5-3-3)and
differential stream runoff resulting from the local ized precipitation
\\9
DRAFT
FIVEj4.0
falling within the impoundment areas (R&M Consultants,1982).General-
ly,September stream discharges taken later in the sampling period had a
hi gher percent increase over thei r August di scha rge measurements than
those taken earlier in September.This was mainly due to increased
precipitation over the duration of the September sampling period and an
increased proportion of the precipitation reaching the stream as runoff
as the ground became saturated.
The fluctuations at the Susitna River hydrograph during the period which
parallels the September tributary discharge sampling period corresponds
to the increase of the September tributary measurements over the August
measurements.The large percent increase in stream discharges recorded
in Goose,Jay and Watana Creeks,were taken at a corresponding peak or
on a rising arm of the Susitna River hydrograph,while small discharge
increases recorded in Fog and Tsusena Creeks were taken at a
corresponding low point.
Low discharge levels,such as those recorded in August,contribute to
hook and line sampling success for Arctic grayling by:1)increasing
the proportion of stream accessible to sampling;2)concentrating fish
in a reduced number of deeper areas;3)decreasing overall stream
velocities;and 4)in some cases,reducing stream turbidities.However,
the poor sampling efficiency of hook and line techniques for the younger
age cl ass grayl i ng,precl ude the accurate assessment of the abundance
and distribution of these age classes.Therefore,it is unknown if the
decrease in utilizable habitat resulting from decreased discharge,
combined with the territorial nature of the Arctic grayl ing (Vascotto
DRAFT
FIVE/4.0
and Morrow,1973),cause displacement of the smaller,less territorial
grayling during these periods.Younger.age class grayling displaced
into submarginal habitat during low flow periods,may be more suscep-
tible to disease and predation,possibly affecting year class strength.
Preliminary data indicates that the Susitna River hydrograph near
Cantwell combined with precipitation data of the impoundment areas,can
be used to determine relative changes in tributary discharge.Stage
discharge relationships on tributaries should be evaluated in the future
to more accurately define the relationship of these streams to the
mainstem Susitna river and to estimate their individual contribution to
the proposed Devil Canyon and Watana Reservoirs.
4.1.3 Effects of Gradient on Stream Habitat
General habitat evaluations of tributaries within the impoundment study
area indicates that stream gradient is the most important topographical
feature affecting the lotic habitats.Stream characteristics,including
channel morphology,water velocities and substrate type are directly
influenced by stream gradient.High gradient streams in the impoundment
study areas generally have larger substrates,more narrow and shallow
stream channels,higher water velocities and are more likely to contain
fish passage barriers than low gradient streams.
An evaluation of the gradient of individual streams indicates that there
is relatively little change in gradient between the reach of stream
below the PIE and a five mile reach immediately above the PIE on most
1","1
.....~.",."._._.._-_..._----,_._-----
DRAFT
FIVE/4.0
streams within the impoundment study area.Accordingly,the habitat of
these individual tributary reaches is also similar except for obvious
habitat differences due to changes in gradient which occur within
Deadman and Kosina Creek above and below the PIE.
The greatest difference in stream gradient above and below the PIE,
along with the greatest change in habitat,occurs in Deadman Creek.The
stream abruptly changes from a meandering,low gradient (62 feet/mile),
relatively slow flowing,wide,deep stream with many pools above the PIE
to a high gradient (253 feet/mile)stream characterized by high velocity
whitewater areas with·very few pool areas below the PIE.The low
gradient section above the PIE supports some of the largest grayling in
the impoundment study area,while the habitat below is more suited for
the smaller,younger age classes of grayling.
Kosina Creek,unlike Deadman Creek,has no abrupt change in stream
gradient but does have substantial habitat differences in the stream
reaches above and below the PIE due to an inconspicuous change in
gradient pattern.The section of Kosina Creek from five miles above the
PIE downstream to the PIE is characterized by a constant increase in
stream gradi ent resulti ng ina uni form riffl e type habitat interspersed
with a few shallow pools.The contrasting,step-like,decreasing stream
gradient below the PIE to the mouth results in an alternating pool
/riffle pattern of habitat types.Large deep pools are formed in the
low gradient sections while riffle areas dominate,the higher gradient
reaches.This diversity in the habitat below the PIE probably provides
the best overall grayling habitat within the impoundment study area.
---------------,-,.-
DRAFT
FIVE/4.0
Impoundment pool elevation,stream gradient below the PIE and tributary
mouth elevation will determine the extent to which an individual stream
will be inundated by the proposed reservoirs.Since pool levels of the
proposed Devil Canyon and Watana impoundments will annually vary 105 and
28 feet respectively,a drawdown zone of varying size will occur around
the perimeter of each reservoir.
This area will be in a constant state of flux between flooding and
dewatering depending upon the reservoir water level.The length of a
tributary stream affected by the drawdown zone will depend on the depth
of the drawdown and the tributary reach gradient within the elevation
limits of the drawdown.Affected tributary lengths within the proposed
Watana impoundment will be longer than those in the proposed Devil
Canyon reservoi r because of deeper drawdowns and the lower overall
stream gradients of tributaries associated with the proposed Watana
impoundment.
Grayling eggs spawned within this drawdown zone in early springs,when
reservoir pool levels are rising,may be adversely affected by the
flooding of this habitat.Conversely,whitefish and burbot eggs spawned
during the autumn and winter months of the year may be dessicated due to
receding reservoir water levels during this period.
4.1.4 Barriers to Fish Migration
Exi sti ng waterfalls withi n the proposed impoundment study area whi ch
constitute a barrier to upstream fish migration have been identified in
I :t3
..._-----------_._---
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the steeper,more narrow sections of Cheechako,Chinook,Devil,Tsusena
and Deadman Creeks.Areas where possible barriers may occur due to high
stream velocities have been identified on Cheechako,Chinook,Fog,
Watana and Jay creeks.These stream velocity barriers may be temporary
or permanent depending on discharge.
The only complete barrier to upstream fish migration identified below
the PIE is the approximately 100 foot waterfall located on Deadman Creek
at TRM 0.6.The proposed Watana impoundment would permanently inundate
the falls and allow fish migration between the upper areas of Deadman
Creek,Deadman Lake and the Susitna River.A population of relatively
large grayling presently exists in the reach of Deadman Creek immediate-
ly above the falls.If fish from the Susitna River gain access to the
habitat above the falls it may have an adverse effect on the large
grayling above the falls due to increased competition.This could
result in a gradual reduction of the age class structure and size of
grayling in this area.
High waterfalls exist above the PIE on Tsusena and Devil creeks at TRM
2.1 and 3.1 respectively.These falls will not be inundated by the
proposed Devil Canyon impoundment therefore limiting the amount of
stream habitat available to Susitna River fish utilizing the lower
reaches of these streams.The 1ength of free-fl owi ng stream habitat
which would be accessible to Susitna River fish will be reduced 71 and
13 percent on Tsusena and Devil creeks respectively.This would leave
0.6 and 2.7 miles of stream accessible to Susitna River fish on Devil
and Tsusena creeks respectively.Aerial surveys on Devil Creek revealed
....._-----------------
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that fish species,probably Arctic grayling,are present above the
fa 11 s.It is not known if fi sh are present above the fall s on Tsusena
Creek.
Prel"iminary aerial surveys of Cheechako and Chinook creeks indicate that
several possible fish migration barriers may exist in the steep,exten-
sive whitewater reaches of each stream above and below the PIE.Al-
though some of these barriers would be inundated by the proposed Devil
Canyon impoundment,several barriers to fish passage may still exist
immediately above the PIE on each stream.It was not determined if fish
a re present in the upper reaches of these streams.Therefore,the
affects of the inundation of these barriers on the resident fish popu-
lations are not known.
Possible fish migration velocity barriers in Fog Creek are restricted to
the turbulent,whitewater areas located within a steep,narrow canyon
one to two mil es above the PI E.It is not known if fi sh in the lower
reach of this stream have access to the habitat above this canyon.
Although grayling and Dolly Varden have been found above the canyon in
the Fog Lakes system,these fish are probably part of a resident lake
popul ati on and thei r presence above the canyon does not necessari ly
indicate that Susitna River fish are able to migrate above the canyon.
A small waterfall located approximately one mile up the east fork of
Watana Creek may be a periodic fish passage barrier depending upon
discharge.Grayling were found above this falls during the summer when
discharge was relatively low.However,the falls appeared to be a
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barrier to upstream fish migration at this time.It is possible that
these fish may be permanent residents in the area above the falls or
they may have ascended the falls during a period when discharge would
permit upstream migration beyond the falls.
A deep,narrow canyon immediately above the PIE on Jay Creek may inhibit
upstream movement of fish during periods of high stream velocities
resulting from high discharge.This condition was evidenced by ADF&G
personnel during 1981 when no fish were observed in this area.However,
adult grayl ing were sighted above this canyon during this years study
indicating that the canyon is not a permanent barrier to all fish.
Si nce there are no apparent overwi nteri ng habitat areas for grayl i ng
within the Jay Creek basin,these sightings indicate that the apparent
velocity barriers in the canyon identified in 1981 are not permanent and
that Susitna River fish at least have periodic access to the reach of
stream above the canyon.
No other apparent barriers to fish migration were identified on those
portions of tributaries in the proposed impoundment study areas which
were surveyed during the 1982 season.
4.1.5 Salmon Spawning Habitat
Cheechako and Chinook creeks,located within lower Devil Canyon are the
only two tributaries within the proposed impoundment areas that are
presently known to be utilized by spawning salmon.Studies conducted by
ADF&G during 1981 and 1982 indicate that salmon do not have access to
"....-....
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areas above Devil Canyon (ADF&G 1981b,1983b).The constricting river
channel of Devil Canyon apparently creates velocity barriers to salmon
which inhibit further upstream migration of these fish.Salmon in the
Susitna River have presently been documented as far upstream as RM
157.0.
The best salmon spawning habitat on either of these streams was located
in the clearwater plume of Cheechako Creek which extended downstream of
its mouth into the Susitna River.This area,approximately 60 feet long
and 10 feet wide,provided excellent,although limited salmon spawning
habitat.Substrate consisted mainly of gravel,and streamflow veloc-
ities were moderate.Limited numbers of king salmon utilized this
habitat for spawning during late summer.
Preliminary surveys on Cheechako and Chinook creeks indicate that salmon
util ize only a small portion of the habitat above the mouth.Most of
the lower reach on each of these streams is characterized by turbulent,
high velocity whitewater areas and spawning habitat appears to be
limited.Access to upper reaches of the stream is limited due to fish
passage barriers which result from the steep gradients in this area.
Additional information on salmon utilizing these streams is presented in
the ADF&G Adult Anadromous Report (1983b).
During construction of the Watana Dam at RM 184.0,river velocities in
the Devi 1 Canyon area are expected to decrease suffi ci ently to allow
salmon to migrate upstream of Devil Canyon (Acres 1982).Adult salmon
p..'7
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wi 11 subsequently have access to Devi 1,Fog and Tsusena Creeks.Of
these three streams,Fog Creek has the greatest potential for providing
new salmon spawning habitat.The Fog Lakes system may support a large
number of sockeye and coho salmon fry if adults are able to gain access
into this area.Salmon spawning habitat on Tsusena and Devil Creek is
more 1imited.
4.1.6 Arctic Grayling Population Estimates
During the course of the 1982 Aquatic Studies,biases and assumptions
related to the population estimates of Arctic grayling were identified.
These biases fall into two general categories,those caused by behavior
or other attributes of the biology of the fish and those caused by the
sampling technique.Table 5-4-1 lists the major biases.
The major bias associated with the behavior and biology of Arctic
grayling,and probably the largest bias in the population estimate,is
heterogeneity,the variance in individual capture probab"i1ities.The
smaller fish (less than 230 mm)have a much smaller probability of
capture than the larger fish.One reason for this is that hook and line
methods are more selective for the larger fish.Another closely related
reason is an aspect of Arctic grayling behavior,strong territoriality.
The largest and strongest fish occupy the most advantageous positions at
the head of the pool while the smaller fish are pushed farther
downstream to the extreme foot of the pool or even out of the pool
(r~orrow,1980).Our observati ons confi rm thi sand,additi ona lly,have
found that the larger grayling in each area are caught first,raising
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the probab"ility of recapture for larger fish even more.This bias tends
to greatly underestimate the population estimates for the smaller age
classes.Therefore,by stratifying our data as to age class,a relative
correction factor based on this bias can be calculated and applied to
the population estimates,as the age class structures of the eight
tributaries is similar.This alleviates most of the bias for age
classes with a sufficient sample size.A method to sample all segments
of the population sufficiently to assign probabilities of capture and
recapture to the age cl asses under Age IV wi 11 be requi red if thi s
portion of the population is to be included in the overall estimates.
Table 5-4-1.
Bias:
"C"CiITection:
Assumption:
Bias:
Correction:
Assumption:
Bias:
"C"CiITe ct ion:
Assumption:
Bias:
Correction:
Assumption:
Biases,corrections and assumptions which affect the 1982
arctic grayling population estimates,Proposed
Impoundment Areas,1982.
Lack of randomness of mark or recapture effort.
Stratification of habitat location by habitat type.
Random mark and recapture effort.
Unequal recapture probability due to time between
censusing.
Use of single census estimator.
Time does not affect recapture probability.
Population is open geographically.
Use of July and August data only;period of minimal
movement.
Population is closed geographically.
Heterogeneity;variance in,the probability of capture and
recapture between age classes.
Stratification by age class for entire population,
develop correction factor for populations.
Population estimates limited to Age IV and older fish
due only to insufficient sample sizes of smaller fish.
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One of the sampling technique biases concerns time between censusing.
Varying envi ronmenta 1 factors such as temperature,turbi dity and flows
may alter the probabilities of recapture.By using a single census
estimator as opposed to a multiple census estimator,these variances can
be reduced.Minimal variations in flow and turbidity were encountered
during censusing in July and August and temperatures were similar,all
being in the normal summer range.No differences in capture probability
versus temperatures in the normal range have been observed.
Time also affects the degree to which the Arctic grayling population is
open or closed geographically.Tag return data shows maximum movement,
both within and between streams,occurs during May and June as Arctic
grayling are entering the tributaries and in September when they are out
migrating.By using data from July and August,the period of minimal
movement,this bias is also greatly reduced.
Another of the sampling technique biases is lack of randomness of mark
and recapture effort whi ch affects the probabi 1i ty of recapture.More
effort was expended in areas suspected of harboring high densities of
Arctic grayling (pool habitat)as opposed to areas suspected of harbor-
ing few fish (riffle habitat).This tends to raise the recapture
probabilJty in the pool habitat which in turn lowers the total popula-
tion est.imate of pools and inversely,lowers the recapture probability
in the riffle habitat,which raises the total population estimate.
Therefore,by stratifying the habitat location into pool and riffle
habitat types,the amount of this bias is reduced.However,some bias
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may still occur between strata due to non-random differences in sampling
effort.
Sampling problems associated with the individual tributary habitat
locations which bias the population estimates are discussed on a stream
by stream basis along with the estimates generated and their relative
accuracy.
1.'3 I
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Oshetna River
The Oshetna River,one of the two largest tributaries in the proposed
impoundment areas,presented sampling problems due to its size.
Stratification of the river into pool and riffle habitat types allowed
all seven of the pools (all located along the east bank)to be sampled
in their entirety.Sampling was conducted from both banks,however,due
to the width (100-125 feet)of the stream,sampling of the entire riffle
reaches was not possible.
The relatively low gradient (41 feet/mile)and the presence of numerous
boulders in midstream allow for abundant areas of util izable habitat
that are outside hook and line effective sampling range.The average
depth of 3-5 feet combined with the higher flows in the riffle reaches
also reduces hook and line effectiveness.For these reasons,the
population estimate generated for the riffle reaches reflect the abso-
lute minimum,which in turn means the total population estimate for the
Oshetna River should be regarded as being substantially low.
Population estimates for the 2.2 miles of the Oshetna River to be
impounded are:
Arctic grayling population estimate =2426
95%Confidence interval =1483-4085
Arctic grayling/mile =1103
Arctic grayling/acre =56 (pools =1759,riffles =36)
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Goose Creek
Goose Creek,one of the small er streams in the proposed impoundment
areas,presented few sampling problems.With a width of 30-50 feet and
an average depth of 2-3 feet,the entire stream could be sampled effec-
tively from either bank.High velocities in some riffle reach~s,
associated with Goose Creeks relatively steep gradient (114 feet/mile),
slightly lowered sampling efficiency,but for the majority of the stream
this was not a problem.No stratification of the stream into pool and
riffle habitat types was deemed necessary as clear delineation between
the two types was impossible.Since the entire stream was of a similar
habitat type,index points were chosen and data was kept for the reaches
between these points.Catches and catch rates confirm that Arctic
grayling population were similar between the index reaches.For these
reasons,population estimates generated for Goose Creek should be
regarded as accurate.
Population estimates for the 1.2 miles of Goose Creek to be impounded
are:
Arctic grayling population estimate =949
95%Confidence interval =509-1943
Arctic grayling/mile =791
Arctic grayling/acre =90
133
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Jay Creek
Jay Creek,the smallest stream studied in the proposed impoundment
areas,also presented few sampling problems.With a width of 30-50 feet
and average depths of 2-3 feet,the entire stream could be effectively
sampled from either bank.A gradient of 143 feet/mile and the resultant
hi gher velocity lowered the effi ci ency in samp 1i ng some of the pocket
water habitat.Extreme fluctuations in turbidity,common in this
stream,also lowered sampling efficiency.No stratification by habitat
types could be accomplished as even minimal fluctuations in discharge
would alter an areas classification.Index points were chosen and data
was kept for the reaches between these points.Catches and catch rates
were comparable between the index reaches.For these reasons,popu-
lation estimates generated for Jay Creek should be regarded as being
slightly low.
Popu1ation estimates for the 3.5 miles of Jay Creek to be impounded are:
Arctic grayling population estimate =1592
95%Confidence interval =903-3071
Arctic grayling/mile =455
Arctic gray1ing/acre =101
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Kosina Creek
Kosina Creek,one of the two largest tributaries in the proposed im-
poundment areas,presented numerous sampling problems.With an average
width of 125-150 feet,much of the stream could not be sampled.Average
depths of 3-6 feet and high flows associated with a relatively steep
gradient (114 feet/mile)combined to further lower our sampling effec-
tiveness.Sampling could only be conducted from the west bank as much
of the east bank is sheer rock cliffs.The stream is also braided with
numerous large islands and sidechannels.Stratification by pool and
riffle habitat type was deemed necessary and easily accomplished.Pool
areas are easily distinguished from riffle areas in this stream based on
flow and area.The pools are extremely large,in some cases reaching
completely across the stream channel.Effective sampling of the entire
pool area was not always possible.For these reasons,the population
estimate generated for both the riffle and pool areas of Kosina Creek
should be regarded as being the absolute minimum,with the correct
estimate possibly being many factors higher.
Population estimates for the 4.5 miles of Kosina Creek to be impounded
are:
Arctic grayling population estimate =5544
95%Confidence interval =3792-8543
Arctic grayling/mile =1232
Arctic grayling/acre =69 (pools =2985,riffles =28,
mouth =770)
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Watana Creek
Watana Creek,the stream with the longest reach to be inundated by the
proposed impoundment (11.9 miles),presented sampling problems associ-
ated with this length.As it was not feasible to sample this entire
reach,visual surveys were conducted and based on width,depth,pool-
/riffle ratios and turbidity,three distinct habitat reaches were
identified:from the mouth upstream to the forks,the East Fork and the
West Fork.By sampling representative sections of each habitat reach,
the corresponding population estimate generated could be extrapolated to
the entire reach.Limited sampling conducted outside the study areas
produced comparable catches and catch rates.
Widths ranging from 40-60 feet and depths from 2-4 feet allow effective
sampling from both banks.The East Fork and the reach of Watana Creek
below the Forks has the unique characteristic of daily turbidity fluctu-
ations caused by areas of thawing permafrost resulting in very unstable
soil conditions.As the day progresses,rising turbidity levels greatly
reduce sampling effectiveness.Velocities have little effect on sam-
pling effectiveness as Watana Creek has a low gradient (60 feet/mile)
and velocities are relatively low.
For these reasons,the population estimate generated for the West Fork
(2.1 miles,low turbidity)should be regarded as accurate,while the
East Fork and the reach below the Forks (9.8 miles,high turbidity)
should be regarded as being quite low.Therefore,Watana Creeks total
population estimate should be regarded as being quite low.
13~
.-._.._-------
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Population estimates for the 11.9 miles of Watana Creek to be inundated
are:
Arctic grayling population estimates =3925
(Below forks =2615,Westfork =994,East fork =316)
95%Confidence interval =1880-6973
Arctic grayling/mile =324
Arctic grayling/acre =44
----------_.--_..
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Deadman Creek
Deadman Creek,an average sized stream relative to the other streams in
the proposed impoundment areas,presented sampling problems due to its
size and gradient.Thick underbrush and rock cliffs on the west bank
allowed sampling from the east bank only.With an average width of
60-80 feet and depth of 3-6 feet,the entire stream cannot be effective-
ly sampled from one bank.Extremely high velocities and turbulent water
conditions,the result of the steep gradient (253 feet/mile),also
limits hook and line effectiveness.The Arctic grayling are limited to
one large pool and scattered pocket water areas.Also,during August,
the majority of our catch (approximately 90%)was of small Arctic
grayling (less than 275 mm)that were not present in the stream in these
numbers during July.Recapture information from 1981 and 1982 indicate
a significant amount of migration both into and out of Deadman Creek
occurs throughout the summer.For this reason,the population estimate
generated for Deadman Creek should be regarded as being high.
Population estimates for the 0.3 mile study area on Deadman Creek below
the fa 11 s are:
Arctic grayling population estimates =734
95%Confidence interval =394-1502
Arctic grayling/mile =1835
Arctic grayling/acre =273
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Tsusena Creek
Tsusena Creek,another average sized stream relative to the other
streams in the proposed impoundment areas,presented few sampling
problems.Although excellent habitat is present within the 0.4 miles of
stream to be impounded,few Arctic grayling utilize this area.Almost
all of the Arctic grayling are found at the mouth and in the extensive
clearwater plume extending down the Susitna River.Both of these areas
can be sampled effectively in their entirety.This year,with the low
discharges,the plume was greatly reduced in size and depth and few fish
were captured.With only one recapture occurring,a population estimate
could not be generated.
/39
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Fog Creek
Fog Creek,another average sized stream in the proposed impoundment
areas,presented few sampling problems.With an average width of 50-70
feet and depth of 2-3 feet,the stream could be effectively sampled from
either bank.The entire reach sampled contained no large pools and is
basically one long riffle.Very little Arctic grayling habitat is
present which is reflected by the total summer catch of 25 Arctic
grayling.With this small of a sample,a population estimate could not
be generated.
/t../0
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The 1982 total population estimate for Arctic grayling in the 24.6 miles
of tributary streams to be impounded is 1.6 times higher than the 1981
estimate (16,346 vs.10,279).Although,the 1981 estimate gave a good
preliminary indication of the relative abundance of Arctic grayling,the
estimate itself contained many of the biases previously discussed which
have been eliminated from the 1982 estimate.
The 1982 estimates generally encompass a larger area of each stream and
more effort than the 1981 estimates.For exampl e,in 1981,the fi rst
mile of Kosina Creek was sampled in its entirety and the upper 3.5 miles
was sampled only at selected sites.The population estimate generated
by this data (2,787)was applied to the entire 4.5 miles.In 1982,the
entire 4.5 miles was sampled and the population estimate of 5,544
reflects this increased effort.For this reason,many of the 1982
estimates are higher than the 1981 estimates.
In 1981,large concentrations of grayl ing were found at the mouths of
Goose,Deadman,and Tsusena Creeks,where the high water levels of the
Susitna and the tributaries created large areas of prime habitat.The
low water levels encountered in 1981 reduced and,at times,completely
eliminated this habitat,resulting in lower catches and lower estimates.
Table 5-4-2 compares the 1981 and 1982 total population estimates and
estimates by stream.
/'-!/
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Table 5-4-2.Arctic grayling population estimates,1981 versus 1982,
Proposed Impoundment Areas,1982.
Tributary 1981 1982
Oshetna 2017 2426
Goose 1327 949
Jay 1089 1592
Kosina 2787 5544
Watana 3925
Deadman 979 734
Tsusena 1000
Fog 176
Total Estimate 10,279 16,346
The values generated for population estimates (numbers/mile)are reflec-
tive of the relative abundance of Arctic grayling in the stream and can
be used in this sense as a relative comparison between streams.They do
not take into account the surface area of the stream and,therefore,
cannot be used alone to compare the streams.Examination of the density
of fish expressed as numbers per unit area of streambed available may
provide an indication of habitat quality and availability.For example,
the Arctic grayling/mile values generated for Kosina and Jay Creeks of
1,232/mile and 455/mile,respectively,can be compared as to the rela-
tive abundance of Arcti c grayl i ng in the two streams.Thi s does not
take into account the fact that the average width of Kosina Creek is
four times larger than Jay Creek (146 feet vs.37 feet).Therefore,
when the surface area is taken into account,the density of Arctic
grayling in Jay Creek is 1.5 times that of Kosina (101/acre vs.
69/acre).Although Kosina Creek has the large pools with excellent
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habitat,this lower density is indicative of the large reaches of poor
habitat in the riffles.Inversely,Jay Creek does not have the large
pools that Kosina Creek has but instead has a larger proportion of bank
cover and "edge"conditions which contribute to this larger density.
4.1.7 Spawning and Juveniles
In 1982,the majority of spawning occurred during late May and early
June,about two weeks later than in 1981.This corresponds with a two
week difference in breakup which reflects that water temperatures and
spring flooding may be key factors in initiating Arctic grayling spawn-
ing.Spent and spawning grayling were captured in streams where water
temperatures ranged from 2.3°C to 5.8°C.This coincides with the
findings of Tack (1973)and Alt (1976)who feel that temperatures around
4°C trigger Arctic grayling spawning in interior and western Alaska.
Observations of the violent nature of ice-out in 1982 in these
tributaries indicate that it is very doubtful that Arctic grayling enter
the streams and spawn before ice-out.
Newly hatched Arctic grayling (20-30 mm)were first observed in mid June
and were found both above and below the proposed impoundment elevation.
Although no Arctic grayling were observed above the proposed impoundment
elevation while spawning was occurring,the presence of newly hatched
fish in these areas would tend to confirm that spawning does take place
there.
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Small schools (less than 25)of young of the year Arctic grayling were
observed in the tributaries throughout the summer,from the mouth to the
upstream 1imit of our studies.They frequently occupi ed areas of low
water velocity with abundant cover.Large concentrations of both newly
hatched and young of the year Arctic grayling were observed in mainstem
slough areas immediately below the mouth of Jay,Kosina and Watana
Creeks.The presence of young of the year Arctic grayl ing can be
attributed to the fact that the sloughs are all spring fed and are
excellent rearing habitat.These sloughs are generally sidechannels of
the Susitna River during May and early June.Although spawning may
occur here,the presence of newly hatched Arctic grayling may be because
juvenile Arctic grayling are helpless in water currents for two weeks
after hatchi ng (Nelson,1954)and probably have been washed down from
the tributaries.
4.1.8 Arctic Grayling Migration
Through analysis of tagging/recapture data,it appears that the majority
of Arctic grayl ing return to the same stream year after year,in many
cases returning to the same specific area within the stream.A small
but significant number (12%of the 1982 recaptures of 1981 tagged fish)
have been found to migrate to the other streams within the impoundment
areas.This migration seems to be random in direction as similar
numbers of fish migrate to other streams both up and down the Susitna
River.
-------,-----,-----
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Interstream movement of Arctic grayling during the 1982 sampling season
differs from that found between years with the predominant direction of
movement (90%of the recaptured fish)being down the Susitna River.The
majority of these fish were recaptured at the mouths of other tributary
streams,so the total extent of this movement may be even larger.
The reasons for these interstream movements are not known at this time.
Territorial displacement may be a major factor,suggesting that the
population is limited by available summer habitat.Continued sampling
for recaptures both within and outside the proposed impoundment areas
will help determine the actual extent of these movements.
Intrastream migration is generally a seasonal event.After spawning in
late May,a large number of Arctic grayling move up the tributaries to
their summer habitat.During mid-summer,movement of Arctic grayling is
at a minimum with the majority of the fish being sedentary.Finally,an
outmi grati on of Arcti c grayl i ng begi ns in 1ate-August or September.
This migration was observed earliest in the smaller streams.Extremes
of physical factors (i .e.,late breakup,discharge,temperatures)may
alter this basic time schedule,but the pattern of mainstem to tributary
and intrastream movement has remained the same.
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4.2 Mainstem Habitat and Fisheries Investigations
4.2.1 Water Quality
Ranges of water quality parameters monitored at Susitna River mainstem
sampling sites during 1982 are comparable to values observed during the
1981 season (ADF&G 1982b).No major differences are apparent in the
range of water quality parameters among the various sampling sites.
Of the water quality parameters monitored,only turbidity appeared that
it might influence the distribution and abundance of fish species in the
mainstem.High turbidity values in the mainstem during the warmer
months may selectively exclude some fish species such as Arctic grayling
which prefer to reside in the clear water tributaries.However,it is
generally assumed that grayling utilize the mainstem habitat for over-
wintering when turbidity levels have decreased significantly.
4.2.2 Mainstem Slough Habitats
Mainstem slough habitats in the proposed impoundment areas are relative-
ly small compared to sloughs in the lower Susitna River.They generally
flow clear except during periods of high water when they are affected by
the turbid flow of the Susitna River.Water quality data collected at
slough sites was limited to Upper and Lower Jay Creek Slough.These
data show that conductivity levels are significantly higher in these
slough habitats compared to levels in the mainstem or tributaries
(Appendix 5C,Tables 1-27).
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These four mainstem sloughs appear to be the preferred habitat of
resident juvenile fish in the area.Juvenile Arctic grayling,sucker,
and whitefish have been found to utilize these sloughs during the summer
months.Burbot have also been found in some slough habitats on occa-
sion.Few adult fish have been observed in these slough habitats.
4.2.3 Resident Fish Species
One element of the 1981 Plan of Study for the mainstem habitat location
was to identify and determine the relative abundance of the fish species
that inhabit the mainstem Susitna River at the tributary mouths.In
1982,the allocation of a riverboat to the impoundment studies greatly
increased sampling mobility.An attempt was made to document the
relative abundance of species which utilize those areas of the Susitna
River not affected by the tributaries.This was accomplished by select-
ing mainstem sites away from the tributary mouths and utilizing trot-
lines and gillnets.Five species of fish were captured including
burbot,longnose sucker,arctic grayling,round whitefish and humpback
whitefish.
Burbot could be captured at almost any point along the banks of the
Susitna River.The major limiting factor was water velocity,with the
burbot preferring the low velocity areas associated with back eddies and
side channels.Limited recapture information tend to confirm findings
of Morrow (l980)that these fish generally are sedentary and do not
migrate during the summer months.
/'-17
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Longnose suckers were captured in the mainstem Susitna River at large
pools and at the mouths of tributary streams.While mature adults were
caught exclusively at the mouths of suspected spawning streams,only
subadults and juveniles were captured at mainstem sites and sloughs not
affected by the tributaries.Although recapture data on longnose
suckers was limited,the findings generally agree with other studies of
Alaskan longnose sucker populations in alaska.The juveniles apparently
drift out of the tributaries,rear in the mainstem,and then return as
adults to the tributaries to spawn.The adults often remain in the
vicinity of the tributary mouth for much of the summer (Morrow,1980).
Large concentrations of juvenile fish were observed in the mainstem
sloughs.
Both round and humpback whitefi sh were captured duri ng the fall at or
near the mouths of tributary streams.No information on their summer
range in the proposed impoundment area has been collected.Juvenile
whitefish have been observed at the mouths of tributary streams and in
mainstem sloughs.
Arctic grayling were captured in the mainstem Susitna only near the
mouths of tributary streams.These fish were generally subadults which
were not large enough to defend a territory in the stream itself.
DRAFT
FIVE/4.0
4.3 Lake Habitat and Fisheries Investigations
Thirty one lentic habitats (lakes or small ponds)have been identified
within the boundaries of the proposed Devil Canyon and Watana impound-
ments (Acres,1982).Twenty seven of these habitats are less than five
acres in size.Due to the small size and shallow depths of the majority
of these habitats it is assumed that most are not capable of supporting
fish populations.Preliminary aerial surveys of many of these habitats
support this assumption.Due to limited time and personnel,lake
sampling efforts during 1982 were l"imited to Sally Lake,the largest
lake within the proposed impoundment boundaries.More effort should be
directed toward other lentic habitats in 1983 to verify the presence or
absence of fish in these areas.
4.3.1 Resident Fish Species
In 1982,an attempt was made to estimate the fish population of Sally
Lake.The original study plan was to utilize large hoop nets and hook
and line sampling to capture fish.Gill nets were excluded as a 67%
mortality rate was encountered during 1981 gill net sampling.
The hoop nets were not as effective as had been anti ci pated with an
average catch rate of only 0.68 lake trout per day.The trap itself was
found to be 1a rge enough but the 25 foot 1eads (wings)were much too
short.Traps with 100 foot leads may have been more effective.In
addition,the mesh size used in the trap was too large to effectively
capture Arctic grayling;individuals were occasionally gilled.
----------_.._-_....
DRAFT
FIVEj4.0
Hook and line sampling was the most effective method with a catch rate
of 0.76 lake trout per hour.The use of this method allows the entire
lake to be sampled,as opposed to the stationary hoop nets.The major
drawback of hook and line sampling is the time involved;hoop nets can
be set and then checked daily whereas hook and line sampling requires
the actual presence of biologists for extended lengths of time.
Experimental use of a wide angle sonar vertical proved that fish could
be distinguished and counted,but because of the shallow depth,the area
of the lake which could be sampled by a transect is extremely small,
necessitating a large number of transects to be made.Also,a large
portion of the bottom of Sally Lake is covered with large aquatic plants
extending,in some cases,all the way to the surface.These plants
effectively mask any recording of fish present.Therefore,in 1982,a
study program util izing more hoop nets with longer 1eads and more
sampling time should result in a large enough sample size to generate a
population estimate.In addition,the use of side scan sonar as an
alternative method will be tested.
The recapture of 2 of 35 tagged lake trout provides an idea of the order
of magnitude of the population.It is generally believed that the
population of lake trout is below 1,000 fish.The Arctic grayling
population is believed to be somewhat larger,possibly in the vicinity
of 5,000 fish.These estimates are based on observations of large
schools and the small size of the fish.
ISO
1it cited/rapup
LITERATURE CITED
Acres American,Inc.(Acres).1982.Susitna hydroelectric project draft
FERC license application,exhibit E.Anchorage,Alaska.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)1978.Preliminary environmental
assessment of hydroelectric development of the Susitna River.
Anchorage,Alaska.
1981a.Aquatic habitat and instream flow,phase 1 final draft
subject report.ADF&G Su Hydro Aquatic Studies Program.
Anchorage,Alaska.
1981b.Adult anadromous phase 1 final species/subject report.
ADF&G Su Hydro Aquatic Studies Program.Anchorage,Alaska
1982a.Procedures manual.ADF&G Su Hydro Aquatic Studies
Program.Anchorage,Alaska.
1982b.Aquatic studies program phase 1 final draft report.ADF&G
Su Hydro Aquatic Studies.Anchorage,Alaska
1983a.Su Hydro draft basic data report,volume 4,part 1.
ADF&G Su Hydro Aquatic Studies Program.Anchorage,Alaska.
1983b.Su Hydro draft basic data report,volume 2.ADF&G Su
Hydro Aquatic Studies Program.Anchorage,Alaska.
A1t,K.1976.Inventory and cataloging of North Slope waters.Alaska
Dept.of Fish and Game.Federal Aid in Fish Restoration,Annual
Report of Progress,1975-1976,Project F-9-8,17(G-1-0):129-150.
Armstrong,R.H.1982.Arctic grayling studies in Alaska,draft.
Alaska Cooperative Fishery Research Unit.University of Alaska,
Fairbanks,Alaska USA.(unpublished)
Lind,a.T.1974.Handbook of common methods in limnology.
The C.V.Mosby Co.,Saint Louis,Mo.
Morrow,J.E.1980.The freshwater fishes of Alaska.Alaska Northwest
Publishing co.Anchorage,Alaska.
Nelson,P.H.1954.Life history and management of the American grayling
(Thymallus signifer tricolor)in Montana.J.Wild.r~anage.
18:324-342.
R&M Consultants,Inc.1982.Provisional metero10qica1 data for the Susitna
River Hydroelectric proposed impoundment -area to be published
in:Field data collecting and processing.R&M Consultants,
December 1982.
Tack,S.L.1973.Distribution,abundance,and natural history of the Arctic
grayling in the Tanana River drainage.Alaska Dept.of Fish and Game,
Federal Aid in Fish Restoration,Annual Report of progress,1972-1973,
Project F-9-5,14(R-I).
lit cited/rapup
lITERATURE CITED (Continued)
U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service.1952.A preliminary statement of fish
and wildlife resources of the Susitna Basin in relation to water
development projects.
1954.A progress report on the fishery resources of the Susitna River
Basin.Juneau,Alaska.
1957.Progress report,1956 field investigations Devil Canyon
Damsite,Susitna River Basin.Juneau,Alaska.-
1959a.Progress report,1957 field investigations Devil Canyon
Damsite and reservoir area,Susitna River Basin.Juneau,Alaska.
1959b.1958 field investigations Denali and Vee Canyon Damsites
and reservoirs areas,Susitna River Basin.Juneau,Alaska.
1960.A detailed report on fish and wildlife resources affected by
the Devil Canyon Project.Bureau of Commercial Fisheries.Juneau,
Alaska.
1965.A detailed report on fish and wildlife resources affected by
the Vee Project.Juneau,Alaska.
U.S.Geological Survey (USGS).1978.Surface water records of Cook Inlet
Basin.Alaska,through September,1975.Open file report.Number
78-498.Anchorage,Alaska.
1981.Provisional discharge and water quality data to be published
in:Water Resources Data for Alaska,water year 1981.
Anchorage,Alaska.
1982.Provisional discharge and water quality data to be published
in:Water Resources Data for Alaska,water year 1982.
Anchorage,Alaska.
Vascotto,G.l.and J.E.Morrow.1973.Behavior of the Arctic grayling,
Thymallus arcticus,in McManus Creek,Alaska.Biological Papers
University of Alaska.No.13.p 29-38.
Wetzel,R.G.1975.limnology.W.B.Sanders Company.Philadelphia,
london and Toronto.
APPENDIX SA
Statistical Analysis
VOLV/TABLES/PAGEI
830209/Stratton
TABLS/Statistical Analysis
VOLVjTABLESjPAGE2
830209jStratton
TABL5jStatistical Analysis
POPULATION ESTIMATES
Adjusted Petersen Single Census Method (Ricker,1975 pg.78)
N = (M+1)(C+1)
R+l
where:
N size of population at time of marking
M number of fish marked
C catch or sample taken for census
R number of recaptured marks in the sample
~;J-/
VOLV/TABLES/PAGE3
830209/Stratton
TABL5/Statistical Analysis
CONFIDENCE LIMITS
Confidence Limits For Variables (x)Distributed In a Poisson
Frequency Distribution,For Confidence Coefficients (=l-P)of 0.95.
(Ricker,1975 pp.78,343)
For 1-P =0.95 x+1.92±1.960 /x+1.0
MORTALITY AND SURVIVAL
MORTALITY (EVERHART ET AL.1976,pp.104-109)
and
Z =-lnS or alternatively S =l/eZ
where:
Nt is number of fish at time t
VOLV/TABLES/PAGE4
830209/Stratton
TABL5/Statistical Analysis
No is number of fish at time equal 0
Z is the force of total mortality
and
Sis surv i val
APPENDIX 58
Maps of the proposed impoundment area of
selected tributaries and the adjacent
Susitna River within the impoundment
study area.
EXISTING
LAKES
o
I
PROPOSED
"';-IMPOUNDMENT
AREA
TRM _TRIBUTARY
RIVER MILE
.-
.~
.'--TRM I.7
o EVIL CANYON
DAM SITE
.-
Fi qure 5-11-1 Proposed Devil Canyon impoundment area of Cheeckako
Creek,RM 152.4,and adjacent Susitna River.
~
(,)
..-r
()
()
",""-.c:....
<:
~
mile
o
I
TRM -
EXISTING
,LAKES
PROPOSED
IMPOUNDMENT
AREA
TRIBUTARY
RIV ER MILE
Fi oure 5-8-2.,Proposed Devil Canyon impoundment area of Chi nook
Creek,RM 157.0,and adjacent Susitna River.
:)-R -1.
mile
III -EXI STING
LAKES
PROPOSED
IMPOUNDMENT
AREA
TRM _TRIBUTARY
RIVER MILE
o
I
Figure 5-B-3 Proposed Devil Canyon impoundment area of Devil
Creek,RM 161.4,and adjacent Susitna River.
oIIImileEXISTINGLAKESPROPOSEDIMPOUNDMENTAREATRIBUTARYRIVERMILE~~,-.1~~ty.(,e;',,0IIIIIITRM-~0:sr'*Figure5-B-4ProposedDevilCanyonimpoundmentareaofFogCreek,RM176.7,andadjacentSusitnaRiver.
TRM
a
I
mile
111 _EXISTING
LAKES
PROPOSED
-IMPOUNDMENT
AREA
TRIBUTARY
-RIVER MILE
Figure 5-B-5 Proposed Devi 1 Canyon impoundment area of Tsusena
Creek,RM 181.3,and adjacent Susitna River.
-----,------_._--_._---_.'-,.._-_.',,,"
o
I
mile
PROPOSED
-IMPOUNDMENT
AREA
TRM _TRIBUTARY
RIVER MILE
Figure 5-B-6
----------------..
Proposed Watana impoundment area of Deadman Creek,RM
186.7,and adjacent Susitna River.
Figure 5-B-7
o
I
mile
!.··ilil~h%~~~~~ENT
TRM -TRI BUTARY
RIVER MILE
HABITAT
--EVALUATION
SECTIONS
Proposed Watana impoundment area of Watana Creek,RM
194.1,and adjacent Susitna River.
)-/3-7
Figure 5-B-8
4.5
o
I
mile
~_EXISTING
~LAKES
ti!fl-~:;;~~:~~ENT
_POOLS (POOL C
A- N WAS ELIM INAT ED)
TRM -TRI BUTARY
RIVER MILE
Proposed Watana impoundment area of Kosina Creek,RM
206.8 and adjacent Susitna River.
o
I
mile
__EXISTING
LAKES
I;~~\,~;\;i'-~~~3~~~EN T
TRM -TRIBUTARY
RIVER MILE
,
Fiqure 5-8-9 Proposed Watana impoundment area of Jay Creek.RM
298.5.and adjacent Susitna River.
,~--B-9
o
I
mile
111 -EXISTI NG
LAKES
PROPOSEDt~\t;f;l!I~t-~M~OAU NDMEN T
TRIBUTARY
TRM -RIVER MILE
Fiaure 5-8-10 Proposed Watana impoundment area of Goose Creek,RM
231.3,and adjacent Susitna River.
~B-/{-}:~-"~
Figure
2.2
o
I
mile
_-EXISTING LAKES
PROPOSED~,t;;G;~[,,;;;i-~~~~UNDMENT
A-G·POOLS
TRM-TRIBUTARY
RIVER tit ILE
Proposed Watana impoundment area of the Oshetna
River,RM 233.4,and adjacent Susitna River.
~/)J-//
APPENDIX 5C
Selected water quality data for habitat
evaluation sites within the impoundment
study area.
VYTABLES/PAGE1830209/JOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-1.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovethemouthofCheechakoCreek,RM152.4,GCS32N01E33CCB,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)P.!!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)82080615259.8947.030----11.6820808155510.4987.223----10.8820811143011.11007.02217.09.4<,1~'"--Dataavailable'"I....---Table5-C-2.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovethemouthofDevilCreek,RM161.4,GCS32N02E34AAC,1982.DODO(mg/l)(%sat)Temp.-°CTurbidityAirWater(NTU)Date820822Time093011.297pH7.3Spec.Condo(umho/cm)579.67.4--Dataunavaila~le
VC)TABLES/PAGE2830i09/JOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-3.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatleyabovethemouthofFoqCreek,RM176.7,GCS31N04E16DBB,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDate.Time(mg/l)(%sat)pH(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820505153013.2977.4--4.71.1820516134513.5977.53711.00.44820528163011.8937.1636.03.53820621113011.6946.95010.84.52\)'f820718113011.51007.26514.87.5.c18208151300------- ---9915.89.4<1\820912115512.41087.5838.13.6<I("-,,--Dataunavailable...Q...~\Table5-C-4.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatleyabovethemouthofTsusenaCreek,RM181.3,GCS32N04E36ADB,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)£!!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820505150014.01047.3---4.71.4820515170513.81007.41217.80.35820528142012.2946.9967.02.6<1820619114011.4957.03318.25.32820718143011.61037.25715.87.9<1820728160011.31057.261----9.98208161210----------9715.87.9<1820912141511.6987.48710.25.9<1--Dataunavailable
VC)TABLES/PAGE3830l09/JOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-5.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatleyabovethemouthofDeadmanCreek,RM186.7,GCS32N05E26CDB,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)£!:!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820505143014.21047.3--4.80.8820516124513.81007.461----0.57820528133012.7947.0535.80.92820619131011.2957.02817.86.17820718101011.11037.55910.69.618208161645----------7516.813.9<1U'\_820911122511.71007.1669.16.6<1\(.:J--Dataunavailable\,~--\jTable5-C-6.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedonemileabovethePIEonDeadmanCreek,TRM3.7,GCS32N05E13BBB,1982.DODO(mg/l)(%sat)Temp.-°CTurbidityAirWater(NTU)Date820720Time091010.3104£!:!6.8Spec.Condo(umho/cm)5619.411.9<1
VC)TABLES/PAGE483lU09/lJOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-7.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatleyabovethemouthofWatanaCreek,RM194.1,GCS32N06E25CCA,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)£!!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820505142014.11027.5---4.80.1820517120013.11007.4828.01.917820525213010.1776.71014.72.28205261620·11.3937.110411.54.9258206201800l1.7997.06312.85.7882062318309.9977.410821.811.97".:'\82062418009.6997.411424.112.7820628091510.4947.410318.28.5820718170010.81027.6151----9.820f~820726095012.11057.212213.87.08820729120011.01007.616315.09.1',·t820811070012.51057.31698.06.2"820812080012.81047.51914.84.0<1820813074011.9997.51956.45.4820814070011.01007.6194----8.3820815073012.21057.62009.67.08208160720----------2067.06.0820817082010.4907.41849.06.8820818070011.91007.31866.85.9820819061512.51047.41881.65.1820820073012.01017.51917.66.0820821073011.5997.41918.46.5820822065011.7987.51982.85.4820823073010.1907.520211.48.0820824074011.3997.5206----7.1--Dataunavailable
Table5-C-7.Continued.VO~ABLES/PAGE5830,09/,lOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityDODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)£!i.(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820825070011.0977.22118.47.7820826073011.4997.42127.16.6820909064511.8987.11646.45.1\'}'>1820910073011.9977.21724.84.7820911073013.21027.21763.63.1I820912073013.21047.21831.83.0(~820913080012.51007.31694.83.9\"-l\820914073012.11007.01186.44.7~)\820915074511.8987.21049.65.0820916080011.4957.31055.8 5.3820917073012.41007.21243.24.09820918074512.71007.11343.03.6820919074510.4857.21477.14.68209200745-------7.31474.23.8--Dataunavailable
<..1rI(~If\"'-VO~ABLES/PAGE6830t09/JOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-8.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedwithinthetwomilestudysectionofWatanaCreek,TRM5.0,GCS32N07E17BAD,1982.DODOSper:oCondoTemp.-°cTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)£!!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)82062616009.9957.49626.010.9820729130011.41057.214214.59.0820825124011.11027.6184----8.5--DataunavailableTable5-C-9.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedintheEastForkWatanaCreek,TRM9.2,GCS33N07E34CCA,1982.DODO(mg/l)(%sat)Date820825Time120010.798pH7.6Spec.Condo(umho/cm)80Temp.-°cTurbidityAirWater(NTU)8.1--DataunavafTa6le
VC)TABLES/PAGE7830t09/IJOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-10.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedintheWestForkWatanaCreektTRM9.6tGCS33N07E34CCAt1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)£!!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820825123511.21027.7193----8.2--Dataunavailable,\J"tt.\(Table5-C-11.Selectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovethemouthof(.....,KosinaCreektRM206.8tGCS31N08E15BABt1982.\'-'i"'-"-J.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)pH(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820504163014.11087.2--4.71.8820504180014.11077.1------1.5820505113014.11047.6--4.30.8820505]23013.51007.5------1.1820505163013.81047.6------1.4820505193014.01047.5--0.41.0820513120013.4977.4892.80.6820515120012.6947.3797.81.52820516120013.2987.568----1.2820526140011.8916.84312.02.32820623120010.1937.33721.09.0382062710309.9947.13920.110.0820726120511.01067.36817.811.2<1820812113011.01007.37013.28.4<1820914133511.91047.26211.86.8. 1--Dataunavailable
VOltABLES/PAGE8830~09/JOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-12.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedonemileabovethePIEonKosinaCreek,TRM5.5,GCS30N08E04CBD,1982.DODO(mg/l)(%sat)Temp.-°CTurbidityAirWater(NTU)~)\l'\(\......Date820724Time094511.0106pH7.2Spec.Condo(umho/cm)6115.810.12\"-X!Table5-C-13.Selectedtributa~ywaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovethemouthofJayCreek,RM208.5,GCS31N08E13BCC,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)£!!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820505131513.91007.8---4.80.3820516110013.4987.67710.00.614820529100012.0947.16010.02.93782062416009.9988.110327.212.119820726112511.71058.015819.28.12820812120011.3997.717814.46.9<1820915151010.7977.912015.88.23--Dataunavailable
lTable5-C-14.v'YTABLES/PAGE983u209/lJOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualitySelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovethemouthofGooseCreektRM231.3,GCS30N11E32DBC,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)E!!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820505134513.31007.4--4.90.5820514080013.81007.1472.50.21820618143011.2976.83411.06.12820621163010.01047.36517.014.0<182062712009.6967.24822.312.0\.A.82072815009.71037.377----14.8II82081816459.71007.46917.213.0<1820910142511.2987.26810.66.6<1C'\I--Dataunavailable~~Table5-C-15.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedonemileabovethePIEonGooseCreek,TRM2.2,GCS29N11E07CCA,1982.DODO(mg/l)(%sat)Temp.-°CTurbidityAirWater(NTU)Date820621Time185010.2107E!!7.2Spec.Condo(umho/cm)5915.4 13.2<1
JV()TABLES/PAGElO83lJt09/JOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-16.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovethemouthoftheOshetnaRiver,RM233.4,GCS30N11E34CCD,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)~(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820505140014.31057.7---4.90.1820527140011.4927.25610.83.45820627113510.2947.35019.68.74282071916509.61017.59923.014.46820728144010.21067.5115----13.9820820180510.41067.811419.212.828209091540.11.0987.4128.10.27.1<1\)',\\--Dataunavailable(~I""'.,\","-.JTable5-C-17.SelectedtributarywaterqualitydatacollectedonemileabovethePIEontheOshetnaRiver,TRM3.2,GCS29N11E16ACC,1982.DODO(mg/l)(%sat)Temp.-°CTurbidityAirWater(NTU)Date820719Time17009.9105pH7.6Spec.Condo(umho/cm)9824.814.52
\).'11('\-...JI"-..~...........V()TABLES/PAGEll83uZ09/JOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-18.SelectedmainstemwaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovetheconfluenceoftheSusitnaRiverandFogCreek,RM176.7,GCS31N04E16DBB,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)£!!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820621113510.7937.08410.87.366820718114010.6947.29214.68.63682081513159.0837.211015.89.785820912115011.0917.41288.15.724Table5-C-19.SelectedmainstemwaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovetheconfluenceoftheSusitnaRiverandTsusenaCreek,RM181.3,GCS32N04E36ADB,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)£!!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820619120010.2937.27318.88.838820718144010.3997.512216.611.01408208161200----------11915.810.3150820912141011.71007.512710.26.225--Dataunavailable
VC)rABLES/PAGE12830~09/JOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-20.SelectedmainstemwaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovetheconfluenceoftheSusitnaRiverandDeadmanCreek,RM186.7,GCS32N05E26CDB,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)Eli(umho/cm)Air~Jater(NTU)820619131510.2937.38017.88.738820718100010.7988.113610.69.01358208161650---------11616.810.8140820911122011.5977.41369.15.833~--DataunavailableI',\......I"3<.:......Table5-C-21.SelectedmainstemwaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovetheconfluenceoftheSusitnaRiverandWatanaCreek,RM194.1,GCS32N06E25CCA,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)Eli(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820623100010.3987.29217.010.648820726101011.51056.811716.09.0150820812103010.8997.513812.49.1100820915164510.7967.612813.08.2100
~}l\(~:""(jjvctrABLES/PAGE13830209/JOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-22.SelectedmainstemwaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovetheconfluenceoftheSusitnaRiverandKosinaCreek,RM206.8,GCS31N08E15BAB,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-DCTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)pH(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)82062711009.5957.410821.013.0130820726105511.01027.311617.69.4130820812113010.0987.213313.29.580820914133011.3977.313411.86.328Table5-C-23.SelectedwaterqualitydatacollectedinLowerJayCreekSlough,RM208.1,GCS31N08EIIDCD,1982.DODO(mg/l)(%sat)Date820814Time11306.470pH7.3Spec.Condo(umho/cm)358Temp.-DCTurbidityAirWater(NTU)16.5--Dataunavailable
\·-,tIr-...,"'"."l::I.II!VCJTABLES/PAGE1483lJL09/aOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-24.SelectedwaterqualitydatacollectedinUpperJayCreekSlough,RM208.7,GCS31N08E13BCD,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°cTurbidityf1ateTime(mg/l)(%sat)£!i(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)82052914304.8596.845210.66.6182062416206.3657.039827.213.682072611108.7776.747319.27.5782081211458.3726.839614.06.6482091514559.9917.140115.88.73--DataunavailableTable5-C-25.SelectedmainstemwaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovetheconfluenceoftheSusitnaRiverandUpperJayCreekSlough,RM208.7,GCS31N08E13BCD,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°cTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)pH(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820529151510.8917.08910.25.34282062416159.6997.59627.213.946820726112011.01017.711519.39.0130820812114511.5987.013914.09.4140820915145010.7967.712415.08.098
VChABLES/PAGEI5830t09/,JOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-?6.SelectedmainstemwaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovetheconfluenceoftheSusitnaRiverandGooseCreek,RM231.3,GCS30NIIE32DBC,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°cTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat).P.!!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820514093013.5987.3102.50.114820514120013.0947.2833.50.266820618144010.6957.09511.07.13382063012459.5947.49322.011.4820721164010.41057.511617.012.4125A820728150010.51027.7124----11.2\~820818165010.3956.611317.28.7110I820910144011.4997.213810.66.032r~(--Dataunavailable~\/'\Table5-C-27.SelectedmainstemwaterqualitydatacollectedimmediatelyabovetheconfluenceoftheSusitnaRiverandtheOshetnaRiver,RM233.4,GCS30NIIE34CCD,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°cTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat).P.!!(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)820527140511.1937.15911.04.73682062711309.5997.612219.613.4140820719J.645,10.21047.5128.23.012.6140820728144510.51037.7125----11.6820820181010.41007.712219.210.5110820909155011.1966.714410.26.343--nataunavailable
VO.ABLES/PAGEI6830Z09/JOETABL5/SelectedWaterQualityTable5-C-28.SelectedwaterqualitydatacollectedinSallyLake,GCS32N07E29,1982.DODOSpec.CondoTemp.-°CTurbidityDateTime(mg/l)(%sat)pH(umho/cm)AirWater(NTU)82062315008.0907.3111----16.982072912408.1897.512215.216.082081916007.5827.511418.815.782082213308.0917.711320.617.482090817107.6757.01139.811.3i'"1--DataunavaTTa6le.\(~-.\I~
APPENDIX 50
Planimetric maps of selected Susitna
River habitat evaluation sites within
the impoundment study area.
~:.:•..:.."'....::.:::.;.~.
Silt
Sand
Gravel
Rubble
Cobble
IIUtl'
River Mile (RM)
Eddy
Study Area Boundary
Mixing Zone
Small Tributary
Boulder
Figure 5-0-1
~True North
Planimetric map symbol legend for selected mainstem
Susitna River habitat evaluation sites,Proposed
Impoundment Areas,1982.
III((r\':J\Z,I,-".!(IcobblearubbleTr...900'\;.~._.SUSlrNANIVERSub.trateUnknownTn..Tre..''-'',,-..:---;-_.;.o2~OIIFEETFigure5-0-2MainstemSusitnaRiverhabitatevaluationsiteNo.1,RM189.0,GCS32N06E31ABC.
JMainstemSusitnaRiverhabitatevaluationsiteNo.2,RM191.5,GCS32N06E28CAC.Ef)191.5R/V E RSubstrateUnknownSUS/TNATrees750'TreesFigure5-D-3o250IIFEET~~\W
~.~\~•l_--------)AREAill194.0-<_SUS/TNAR/VERTr...300'Sub.frateUnknowno250IIFEETFigure5-0-4~~ainstemSusitnaRiverhabitatevaluationsiteatWatanaCreek,RM194.1,GCS32N06E25CCA.
~•••I/.11t2250'Tr...~~:~:{;";':'"i';"'.~I":~~;:::~'",.~~.":-lpn._.,..,~..,STUDY~-• _ •...JAREA""h_~PgrOVll/rubbl.Jf~'~Tr•••1\RiVERrN'"US'U~~~O~~S\(o,es~~'/grov.i/rubbl.~tll1ff{lJ?Tr..,o!SOOIIFEET~tJii.A\Figure5-D-5MainstemSusitnaRiverhabitatevaluationsiteNo.3,RM197.8,GCS32N07E33DBC.
'--~ItyIG"-SubstrateUnknownTreeso250IIFEET201.0EB~sus/rNARIV£R---TreesFigure5-0-6MainstemSusitnaRiverhabitatevaluationsiteNo.4,RM201.2,GCS31N07E12BCB.
Tr•••Tr•••E9201.2250'STUDYAREA\_-r-SubstrateUnknown---sus/rNAR/VER--__Q)\.~\\:JI"'JII-Tr••so250IIFEETFigure5-D-7MainstemSusitnaRiverhabitatevaluationsiteNo.3A,RM201.6,GCS31N07E12BDB.
uot::Ji~)EB208.0800'Tr..'AREAsus/rNA'~Tn..RIVERFigure5-0-8Sub.trateUnknowno2!iO,IFEETt1ainstemSusitnaRiverhabitatevaluationsiteNo.5,RM208.1,GCS31N08EllOCO.