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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
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Title:
2012 Susitna River water temperature and meteorological field study
SuWa 52
Author(s) – Personal:
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Prepared by URS Corporation [and] Tetra Tech, Inc.
AEA-identified category, if specified:
2012 Environmental Studies
AEA-identified series, if specified:
Series (ARLIS-assigned report number):
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 52
Existing numbers on document:
Published by:
[Anchorage, Alaska : Alaska Energy Authority, 2013]
Date published:
February 2013
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Prepared for Alaska Energy Authority
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[Main report]
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Document type:
Pagination:
53 p.
Related work(s):
Appendix A (SuWa 53), Appendix B (SuWa 54)
Pages added/changed by ARLIS:
Notes:
All reports in the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document series include an ARLIS-
produced cover page and an ARLIS-assigned number for uniformity and citability. All reports
are posted online at http://www.arlis.org/resources/susitna-watana/
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
(FERC No. 14241)
2012 Susitna River Water Temperature and
Meteorological Field Study
Prepared for
Alaska Energy Authority
Prepared by
URS Corporation
Tetra Tech Inc.
February 2013
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page i February 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary .........................................................................................................................................v
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................7
2. Study Objectives.................................................................................................................7
3. Study Area ..........................................................................................................................8
3.1. Installation and Monitoring Protocol .......................................................................8
3.1.1. Water Temperatures .................................................................................... 8
3.1.2. Meteorological Station Data Collection.................................................... 10
3.2. Deviations from Study Plan ...................................................................................11
4. Results ...............................................................................................................................12
5. Discussion and Conclusion ..............................................................................................12
6. References .........................................................................................................................13
7. Photos ................................................................................................................................14
8. Figures ...............................................................................................................................15
9. Tables ................................................................................................................................48
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.1. 2012 Susitna River Basin Temperature Monitoring Sites ........................................... 48
Table 5.1. Susitna-Watana 2012 Meteorological Stations ............................................................ 49
Table 5.2. 2012 Susitna River Basin Temperature Monitoring Sites and Installation Types ....... 50
Table 5.3. Thermistor Installation and Downloads ....................................................................... 51
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4.1. June to September stream temperature data collection stations 1980 to 1982 for
the APA Susitna Hydroelectric Project ................................................................................. 16
Figure 5.1. 2012 Stream temperature data collection sites for the Susitna-Watana
Hydroelectric Project ............................................................................................................ 17
Figure 5.2. Lower Susitna River continuous temperature monitoring sites (blue and green
triangles) and meteorological stations (red triangles). .......................................................... 18
Figure 5.3. Lower and Middle Susitna River continuous temperature monitoring sites
(blue and green triangles) and meteorological stations (red triangles). ................................ 19
Figure 5.4. Middle and Upper Susitna River continuous temperature monitoring sites
(blue and green triangles) and meteorological stations (red triangles). ................................ 20
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page ii February 2013
Figure 5.5. Upper Susitna River continuous temperature monitoring sites (blue and green
triangles) and meteorological stations (red triangles). .......................................................... 21
Figure 5.6. Bank-mounted temperature logger housing schematic .............................................. 22
Figure 5.7. Anchor and buoy temperature monitoring buoy system ............................................ 23
Figure 5.8. Anchor and buoy temperature monitoring buoy system ........................................... 24
Figure 6.1. Temperature Data RM 83.8 ....................................................................................... 25
Figure 6.2. Temperature Data RM 83.9 ....................................................................................... 26
Figure 6.3. Temperature Data RM 98.1 ....................................................................................... 27
Figure 6.4. Temperature Data RM 103.3 ..................................................................................... 28
Figure 6.5. Temperature Data RM 113 ........................................................................................ 29
Figure 6.6. Temperature Data RM 120.7 ..................................................................................... 30
Figure 6.7. Temperature Data RM 120.7 ..................................................................................... 31
Figure 6.8. Temperature Data RM 126.1 ..................................................................................... 32
Figure 6.9. Temperature Data RM 129.2 ..................................................................................... 33
Figure 6.10. Temperature Data RM 130.8 ................................................................................... 34
Figure 6.11. Temperature Data RM 136.5 ................................................................................... 35
Figure 6.12. Temperature Data RM 138 ...................................................................................... 36
Figure 6.13. Temperature Data RM 138.7 ................................................................................... 37
Figure 6.14. Temperature Data RM 140 ...................................................................................... 38
Figure 6.15. Temperature Data RM 140.1 ................................................................................... 39
Figure 6.16. Temperature Data RM 142 ...................................................................................... 40
Figure 6.17. Temperature Data RM 148 ...................................................................................... 41
Figure 6.18. Temperature Data RM 148.8 (Susitna at Portage) .................................................. 42
Figure 6.19. Temperature Data RM 148.8 (Susitna above Portage) ............................................ 43
Figure 6.20. Temperature Data RM 180.3 ................................................................................... 44
Figure 6.21. Temperature Data RM 206.8 ................................................................................... 45
Figure 6.22. Temperature Data RM 233.4 ................................................................................... 46
Figure 6.23. Temperature Data all sites ....................................................................................... 47
LIST OF PHOTOS
Photo 5.1. Example of a completed MET Station at the Watana Dam site (RM 184.1) .............. 14
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page iii February 2013
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Photographs and Site Information
Appendix B: Water Quality Modeling Study: Model Selection
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page iv February 2013
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND SCIENTIFIC LABELS
Abbreviation Definition
AEA Alaska Energy Authority
APA Alaska Power Authority
°C degrees Celsius
EFDC Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
ILP Integrated Licensing Process
LB Left bank of the river looking downstream
MET Meteorological
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
Project Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
RB Right bank of the river looking downstream
RM
River Mile(s) referencing those of the 1980s APA Project. These were the
distance of a point on a river measured in miles from the river's mouth
along the low-water channel.
SNTEMP Stream Network Temperature
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page v February 2013
SUMMARY
The objective of this study was to provide a foundation for development of reservoir and riverine
temperature models for the Project. This work include a review of the previous temperature
model studies performed on the river, installation of temperature monitoring stations, and
installation of meteorological (MET) monitoring stations.
The 1980s temperature model using Stream Network Temperature (SNTEMP) was reviewed and
considered for use; however the newer Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) model
appears to be better suited for evaluating this Project.
Water temperature monitoring and meteorology stations were established in select locations
throughout the proposed Project area. Temperature sensors were deployed at 33 of 37 sites on the
river (RM 15.1 through 233.4). Four sites could not be installed due to access issues. If
possible, two types of temperature monitoring installations were deployed at each site: 1) buoy
systems with thermistor probes attached at three locations (surface, mid, and bottom) along a
cable, and 2) a bank-mounted system with a single thermistor at the bottom of a steel pipe that
served as a stilling well and could be used for a longer time period with a lower maintenance
cost. Only 15 suitable sites for the bank mounted system could be found in the river. The purpose
for installing two systems was to evaluate similarity of data collected between the two strategies.
The bank installation system was found to be safer and more efficient to operate under different
scenarios, especially during flooding, as occurred in September 2012. Loss of monitoring
equipment was greater with buoy monitoring systems set in the main channel than were those
permanently mounted on bedrock or other stable objects on the river bank. Approximately 10
percent of the 2012 temperature monitoring equipment was either moved or lost during the
September 2012 flood event. These data will be replaced with continuing temperature
monitoring efforts at all of the thirty-seven sites during 2013 field studies.
Temperature data collection began at the earliest installed sites in June 2012 with data collected
at 15-minute intervals retrieved from sites through October 2012. In October 2012, bank-
mounted system were winterized with data retrieval beginning after ice breakup. The buoy
systems were removed from the river, and replaced with an overwinter buoy system at some
suitable locations. Data retrieved from the overwintering monitoring will be used to document
when the freeze began and when the thaw begins. The information used here will b e
incorporated into the EFDC temperature model and used in the Ice Processes model as boundary
conditions at either end of the winter season.
The temperature data collected during 2012 studies was used to calibrate the thermal imaging
project in the Middle River. This digital imagery was collected to determine if the resolution was
high enough to identify thermal refugia important for life stages of the resident and migrating
anadromous fisheries. The results of the thermal imaging pilot study are contained in a separate
report.
Three new MET stations were installed at the following locations: Susitna River and Indian
River (RM 138.5), at the Watana Dam site (RM 184.1), and Susitna River above Oshetna River
(RM 233.4). The stations have been recording the following meteorological data at 15-minute
intervals since August 2012 and transferred by telemetry system to a server in Talkeetna.
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page vi February 2013
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 7 February 2013
1. INTRODUCTION
This report provides the results of the 2012 Water Temperature and Meteorological Field Study,
based on the work outlined in the 2012 Existing Water Temperature Model Results and Data
Collection Study plan: http://www.susitna-watanahydro.org/wp-
content/uploads/2012/05/2012_WaterTemp_Final_2012-05-02.pdf.
The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) is preparing a License Application that will be submitted to
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project (Project) using the Integrated Licensing Process. The Project is located on the Susitna
River, an approximately 300-mile-long river in Southcentral Alaska. The proposed Project dam
site is located at river mile (RM) 184.
This study provided information to serve as the basis for the 2013–2014 formal study program,
for preparing Exhibit E of the License Application, and for use in FERC’s National
Environmental Policy Act analysis for the Project license. The Project's operations will modify
the flow and water temperature in the Susitna River downstream of the proposed reservoir.
Reservoir operation and storage levels will affect water temperature in the reservoir and
influence outflow water temperatures. Alteration of the water temperature in the Susitna River
could modify river ice conditions, which in turn could impact channel morphology and riparian
vegetation, as well as the suitability and productivity of aquatic habitats.
The 2012 data collection sites were selected in accordance with water temperature data
collection in the 1980s, as well as the current water temperature modeling needs. The collected
data will be used in the 2013-2014 Water Temperature Modeling Study (RSP Section 5.7).
2. STUDY OBJECTIVES
The collective goal of the water quality studies program (see RSP Section 5) is to assess the
effects of the proposed Project and its operations on water quality in the Susitna River basin.
The objective of this study is to provide a foundation for the 2013-2014 water temperature
modeling study of reservoir and stream temperatures. The specific objectives are as follows:
Evaluate the 1980s water temperature model results and determine the applicability of the
past results to the currently proposed Project.
Initiate collection of stream temperature and meteorological data that will be needed for
the 2013 and 2014 studies.
This report presents the results of 2012 Water Temperature and Meteorological Field Study.
This portion of the overall study program begins collection of stream temperature and
meteorological data that will be needed for the 2013 and 2014 studies (RSP Sections 5.5 and 5.6)
and be used to calibrate riverine and reservoir models.
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 8 February 2013
3. STUDY AREA
The study area includes the Susitna River from the Oshetna River confluence (RM 233.4),
located above the proposed Watana Reservoir, downstream to RM 10.1, above the Alexander
Creek confluence (Table 4.1 and Figure 4.1).
4. METHODS
The 1980s water temperature data and monitoring locations (Figure 5.1) were evaluated to
determine which of the historic locations should be monitored in 2012. Replicating the 1980s
monitoring locations helps to determine if conditions have changed and how this impacts thermal
refugia. Locations were selected for monitoring based on (1) adequate representation of locations
throughout the Susitna River and tributaries; (2) preliminary consultation with licensing
participants; (3) safety, and (4) the needs of studies (e.g., fisheries, instream flow, ice processes).
Of the 1980s sites, 37 sites were selected for installation of water temperature data loggers
(Figure 4.1, Table 4.1). Of these sites, 32 were replicates of sites monitored in the 1980s, and
five of these sites represented new or relocated sites from the 1980s data set. Temperature data
logger locations were either mainstem, tributary, or slough locations.
New MET stations were installed at three locations between RM 138.5 and RM 233.4 (Table 5.1,
Figures 5.4 and 5.5). Three additional locations have been identified that are generating useable
data for constructing the riverine model (Table 5.1, Figure 5.3).
Greater detail of continuous temperature monitoring sites and MET station locations is provided
in Figures 5.2 to 5.5. Locations of other monitoring program sites are included in these figures
to demonstrate the linkages between information collection and how these data may be used by
more than one study.
4.1. Installation and Monitoring Protocol
4.1.1. Water Temperatures
Water temperatures were recorded in 15-minute intervals using Onset TidbiT® v2 water
temperature data loggers during July to September of 2012. The TidbiT® v2 has a precision
sensor for ±0.2°C (degrees Celsius) accuracy over an operational range of -20° to 70°C (-4° to
158°F). Data readouts were available in less than 30 seconds via an Optic USB interface. The
loggers were situated in the river to record water temperatures which were representative of the
mainstem or slough being monitored, avoiding areas of groundwater upwelling, unmixed
tributary flow, direct sun exposure, and isolated pools that may have affect the quality of the
data.
Summaries of all thermistor sites complete with photos, GPS coordinates, aerial images, and
installation field notes are included in Appendix A. Once installed, data was downloaded
monthly during the ice free period (July through October).
To reduce the possibility of data loss, redundant data logger systems were used at each site. In
general, three different methods of installing sensors were used, depending on site
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characteristics, a bank mounted pipe system, a summer anchor and buoy system, and a winter
anchor and buoy system. Table 5.2 summarizes which types of temperature monitoring
installations were deployed at each site. Table 5.3 summarizes the download dates for the
thermistors. The installation types are described below.
4.1.1.1. Bank-Mounted Pipe System
The bank-mounted temperature recorders were installed to withstand the rigors of ice forces at
locations where large, stable structures (rocks or bedrock) could be used to anchor the
assemblies.
The thermistor protection and steel pipe housing assembly contained:
• An approximately 8 foot long by 2-inch internal diameter, partially perforated steel pipe,
threaded at both ends with threaded end caps. Half the length of the pipe was perforated,
consisting of 0.25-inch holes, spaced approximately 7.5 inches apart;
• A bottom end cap with a 0.25-inch hole to allow for fine sediment drainage; and
• An upper end cap with an adequate-sized hole to accommodate the eyebolt to which the
thermistor suspension cable was attached.
The perforated side of the pipe, when installed, was face-down. A schematic of the bank-
mounted installations is depicted in Figure 5.6.
The steel pipe housing assembly was bolted to a rock surface by means of three 0.25 -inch thick
pipe brackets about 1.25 inches wide and long enough to accommodate mounting the steel pipe
housing at a level surface and six 0.38-inch rock anchor bolts. Two mounting bracket holes were
drilled 1.5-inches from each end, able to accommodate the concrete anchor bolts which had a
slightly wider expansion head (approximately 0.44-inches).
The TidbiT sensor(s) was attached to the end of a 0.25-inch diameter metal cable which was
inserted into the steel pipe housing. The cable was then withdrawn from the steel pipe housing to
download data (Figure 5.6).
4.1.1.2. Anchor-and-Buoy System (summer)
The second type of temperature monitoring installation consisted of data loggers that were
suspended on a cable between an anchor and buoy. The anchor was a 2-foot section of steel rail
weighing approximately 60 pounds. The anchor was attached to either a tree or large boulder on
the shore using a 0.25-inch diameter steel cable secured to the upstream end of the anchor
(Figure 5.7).
Because a 2-foot to 5-foot daily fluctuation in water level was possible, buoy systems deployed
for monitoring used a 1:2.5 or 1:3 ratio to determine cable length that was attached to each buoy.
This ensured that the buoys could rise and fall with fluctuating water level and be completely
submerged only periodically.
The temperature monitoring system was equipped with three to four temperature loggers
positioned near the bottom, mid-water column, and water surface to record continuous
temperature conditions throughout the water column.
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While effective, these anchor and buoy systems could not survive the winter, and were removed
prior to freeze up (October 15).
4.1.1.3. Anchor-and-Buoy System (winter)
The summer anchor and buoy system as replaced with a winter version that consisted of the same
steel rail anchor and shore cable system, but with a single data logger encased in a protective
PVC casing and suspended on a two-foot section of cable buoyed by two small commercial
fishing net floats (Figure 5.8). This type of system was mainly used at monitoring locations
where deployment of a bank-mounted pipe system was not possible or at locations at which the
bank-mounted pipe system would be dry during reduction in winter flows.
The 15 sites selected for overwinter monitoring were based on locations where the sensors might
survive winter conditions, where deep water and good anchor locations were present. They will
not be recovered until the river is ice free again.
4.1.1.4. Pressure Transducers
To provide data for the Open Water HEC-RAS Flow Routing Model (R2 et al. 2013), pressure-
transducers, or water-level loggers, with temperature recording capability were installed at 12 of
the temperature monitoring sites (Table 4-1). A redundant string of TidbiT v2 temperature
loggers (measuring bottom, mid, and surface conditions), were deployed at these sites to
complement the full deployment of equipment installed at all other temperature monitoring sites.
4.1.2. Meteorological Station Data Collection
Newly installed MET stations consisted of, at a minimum, a 3-meter tripod with mounted
monitoring instrumentation to measure and record wind speed and direction, air temperature,
relative humidity, barometric pressure, incident solar radiation, and water-equivalent
precipitation in 15-minute intervals (Photo 5.1). The station loggers had sufficient ports and
programming capacity to allow for the installation of instrumentation to collect additional
meteorological parameters as required. Such installation and re-programming occurred at any
time without disruption of the data collection program.
A MET station was established along the Susitna River near RM 138.5, immediately
downstream of the mouth of the Indian River (Figure 5.4, Table 5.1). This MET station, referred
to as the Indian River MET Station, was installed September, 2012. The site was located upland
from the river above areas that had recently flooded. Because of vegetation at this location, the
anemometer for measuring wind speed and wind gust direction was mounted on a nearby tree.
A second MET station was installed in the uplands at about the 2,300 foot elevation on the north
side of the river near the Watana Dam site (RM 184). The location of this MET station was
determined by the Project design engineers as well as the water quality modelers.
The third MET station was installed on the Susitna River immediately above the Oshetna River
confluence. It is located on a low bench. This MET station was established within low-growing
shrub vegetation to better represent conditions that will influence dynamics in the upper
reservoir.
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Campbell Scientific CR1000 data loggers were used to record data at each of the sites. The
archiving interval for all meteorological parameters was 15 minutes, with a storage capacity to
log up to two (2) years of data before filling the memory. The meteorological stations were
powered by a 12 Vdc 8 amp-hour battery and a 20-watt solar panel complete with charge
regulator.
To protect the stations from wildlife intrusion and to discourage any potential vandalism the
stations were protected by fencing as appropriate.
4.2. Deviations from Study Plan
Field reconnaissance of the 1980s sites was conducted by boat or viewed from the air during the
2012 field season. It was determined that four of the 1980s historical study sites were either no
longer accessible due to changes in the river channel (2 sites), or unsafe to access due to high
water (2 sites). Attempts were made to relocate these monitoring sites to accessible areas close
by to the original location. However, weather-related conditions (flooding, storms, and early ice)
prohibited the final installation of the remaining four temperature monitoring sites.
Due to the access issues, only 33 of the originally proposed 37 temperature monitoring stations
were installed during the 2012 field season.
Other minor deviations occurred during the installation of bank-mounted systems. The original
intent was to install more such systems on the river. However, there were some sites where only
a buoy system could be installed due to the steepness of the bank, the lack of stable anchoring
material, or shallowness of the river. The number of temperature loggers deployed on each buoy
cable varied depending on the depth of the water at each location.
Downloading of temperature loggers was scheduled monthly during the ice-free period, however
due to extreme flooding of the river in 2012, and the onset of ice, some sites could not be
accessed monthly for downloads. The sensors are capable of recording temperatures throughout
the winter without maintenance, and redundancy of the sensors should ensure that adequate data
is available.
Three MET stations were installed. One location was moved from the proposed site above the
dam, to above the Oshetna River confluence since this was a more stable and accessible location.
Snow gauges will be installed in 2013.
Some minor temperature gauge losses occurred during flooding in September, however the
systems were immediately replaced after the river flows subsided. This also delayed deployment
of some of the systems until late fall. These systems were designed for winter deployment and
data will be collected from them in the spring.
Late in the season, some of the sensors became frozen in ice, and recorded 0ºC consistently.
Occasionally changes to river stages would lead to sensors being above the water line. Both of
these issues were anticipated. Redundant sensors were able to continue measuring temperature.
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5. RESULTS
Results from the temperature monitoring sites are presented in Figures 6-1 to 6-23. Some of the
temperature monitoring sites were set up late in the fall, and no data has been collected yet.
Overall the thermistors and the MET stations have been successful in recording data from the
river. At this time, the available data set is too small to draw conclusions regarding the
temperature profile of the river.
6. DISCUSSION
The field effort during the 2012 study season resulted in deployment of 33 of the 37 sites
identified in the 2012 Study Plan. The locations not installed had substantial challenges for
access, including flooding and accessibility. The study team is currently developing plans for
different installation mechanisms at these locations or alternative locations in preparation for the
2013 field effort. The locations selection will be based on the needs of the project, access, and
safety.
Data for other sites where installation of monitoring equipment was possible will undergo
rigorous evaluation for data quality according to the procedures outlined in the Quality
Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) prepared for this study.
Provisional results from the 2012 field monitoring effort (Figures 6-1 to 6-23) show distinct
patterns in monthly average values and the same for variation based on minimum and maximum
observations. These data will eventually be used by the water quality model developers (RSP
Section 5.6) to calibrate the reservoir and riverine models constructed using EFDC.
In most cases the temperature data for the different installations (bank mounted and buoy and
anchor) were identical, with very little variation in temperature (Figures 6-1 to 6-22). It also
appeared that the depth at which the thermistor was placed in the river did not result in
significant differences in temperature. This suggests that the river is well mixed at most
locations. The only location where there appeared to be a discrepancy between deeper and
shallower sensors was at RM 130.8. The cause of this variation is under investigation.
Looking at a plot of all the data together (Figure 6-23) it becomes apparent that there is little
variation in surface water temperature along the mainstem Susitna River. The few anomalous
locations were as follows:
RM 83.9 was located in an eddy near a bridge abutment. It is not clear why this
thermistor showed colder temperatures than the rest of the mainstem Susitna.
RM 98.1 was located in the Chulitna River, which is typically colder than the mainstem
Susitna.
RM 142 was located in Slough 21. The stable temperatures over time, and lack of
tracking with the mainstem Susitna temperatures, suggest groundwater may be a
significant contributor to this water body.
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RM 126 was located in Slough 8A, which was consistently warmer than the mainstem
Susitna.
RM148.8 and RM 148 were located at Portage Creek, which appears to run slightly
colder than the mainstem Susitna.
7. REFERENCES
AEA (Alaska Energy Authority). 2011. Pre-Application Document: Susitna-Watana
Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241. December 2011. Prepared for the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission by the Alaska Energy Authority, Anchorage, Alaska.
URS. 2011. AEA Susitna Water Quality and Sediment Transport Data Gap Analysis Report.
Prepared by Tetra Tech, URS, and Arctic Hydrologic Consultants. Anchorage, Alaska.
62p.+Appendixes.
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8. PHOTOS
Photo 5.1. Example of a completed MET Station at the Watana Dam site (RM 184.1)
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 15 February 2013
9. FIGURES
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 16 February 2013
Figure 4.1. June to September stream temperature data collection stations 1980 to 1982 for the APA Susitna Hydroelectric
Project
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 17 February 2013
Figure 5.1. 2012 Stream temperature data collection sites for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
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Figure 5.2. Lower Susitna River continuous temperature monitoring sites (blue and green triangles) and meteorological
stations (red triangles).
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 19 February 2013
Figure 5.3. Lower and Middle Susitna River continuous temperature monitoring sites (blue and green triangles) and
meteorological stations (red triangles).
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Figure 5.4. Middle and Upper Susitna River continuous temperature monitoring sites (blue and green triangles) and
meteorological stations (red triangles).
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 21 February 2013
Figure 5.5. Upper Susitna River continuous temperature monitoring sites (blue and green triangles) and meteorological
stations (red triangles).
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Figure 5.6. Bank-mounted temperature logger housing schematic
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Figure 5.7. Anchor and buoy temperature monitoring buoy system
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Figure 5.8. Anchor and buoy temperature monitoring buoy system
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Figure 6.1. Temperature Data RM 83.8
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Figure 6.2. Temperature Data RM 83.9
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Figure 6.3. Temperature Data RM 98.1
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 28 February 2013
Figure 6.4. Temperature Data RM 103.3
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 29 February 2013
Figure 6.5. Temperature Data RM 113
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 30 February 2013
Figure 6.6. Temperature Data RM 120.7
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 31 February 2013
Figure 6.7. Temperature Data RM 120.7
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 32 February 2013
Figure 6.8. Temperature Data RM 126.1
Data lost
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 33 February 2013
Figure 6.9. Temperature Data RM 129.2
Data lost
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 34 February 2013
Figure 6.10. Temperature Data RM 130.8
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 35 February 2013
Figure 6.11. Temperature Data RM 136.5
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 36 February 2013
Figure 6.12. Temperature Data RM 138
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 37 February 2013
Figure 6.13. Temperature Data RM 138.7
Data lost
Sensor frozen
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 38 February 2013
Figure 6.14. Temperature Data RM 140
Sensor exposed to air due to changes in water levels
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 39 February 2013
Figure 6.15. Temperature Data RM 140.1
Sensor frozen
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 40 February 2013
Figure 6.16. Temperature Data RM 142
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 41 February 2013
Figure 6.17. Temperature Data RM 148
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 42 February 2013
Figure 6.18. Temperature Data RM 148.8 (Susitna at Portage)
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 43 February 2013
Figure 6.19. Temperature Data RM 148.8 (Susitna above Portage)
Sensor periodically out of water due to stage changes
in river
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 44 February 2013
Figure 6.20. Temperature Data RM 180.3
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 45 February 2013
Figure 6.21. Temperature Data RM 206.8
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 46 February 2013
Figure 6.22. Temperature Data RM 233.4
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 47 February 2013
Figure 6.23. Temperature Data all sites
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 48 February 2013
10. TABLES
Table 4.1. 2012 Susitna River Basin Temperature Monitoring Sites
Susitna
River Mile Description
Latitude
(decimal
degrees)
Longitude
(decimal degrees)
15.1 Susitna above Alexander Creek 61.4391 -150.4851
25.83 Susitna Station 61.5454 -150.516
28.0 Yentna River 61.5876 -150.4831
29.5 Susitna above Yentna 61.5759 -150.4270
40.63 Deshka River 61.7095 -150.3248
55.01 Susitna 61.8622 -150.1844
83.83 Susitna at Parks Highway East 62.1748 -150.1732
83.93 Susitna at Parks Highway West 62.1811 -150.1679
95.8 LRX 1 62.3063 -150.1087
97.2 Talkeetna River 62.3424 -150.1122
98.1 Chulitna River 62.5676 -150.2379
103.3 Talkeetna 62.3972 -150.1373
113.02 LRX 18 62.5252 -150.1144
120.72,3 Curry Fishwheel Camp 62.6178 -150.0136
126.0 Slough 8A 62.6704 -149.9029
126.12 LRX 29 62.6739 -149.8991
129.23 Slough9 62.7025 -149.8412
130.82 LRX 35 62.7136 -149.8089
136.5 Susitna near Gold Creek 62.7673 -149.6935
136.83 Gold Creek 62.7675 -149.6919
138.01 Slough 16B 62.7802 -149.6853
138.63 Indian River 62.8009 -149.664
138.72 Susitna above Indian River 62.7854 -149.6484
140.0 Slough 19 62.7939 -149.6143
140.12 LRX 53 62.7945 -149.6129
142.0 Slough21 62.8163 -149.576
148.0 Susitna below Portage Creek 62.8303 -149.3827
148.82 Susitna above Portage Creek 62.8304 -149.3803
148.8 Portage Creek 62.8267 -149.3693
165.01 Susitna 62.7916 -148.997
180.31 Susitna below Tsusena Creek 62.8134 -148.6568
181.33 Tsusena Creek 62.8217 -148.6068
184.51 Susitna at Watana Dam site 62.8226 -148.533
194.1 Watana Creek 62.8296 -148.259
206.8 Kosina Creek 62.7822 -147.94
223.73 Susitna near Cantwell 62.7052 -147.538
233.4 Oshetna River 62.6402 -147.383
1 Site not sampled for water quality or temperature in the 1980s or location moved slightly from original location.
2 Proposed mainstem Susitna River temperature monitoring sites for purposes of 1980s SNTEMP model evaluation.
3 Locations with overlap of water quality temperature monitoring sites with other studies, including pressure transducers.
Locations in bold represent sites which were not installed during the 2012 sampling year.
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 49 February 2013
Table 5.1. Susitna-Watana 2012 Meteorological Stations
Susitna
River
Mile
Description Station Status
(New / Existing)
Latitude
(Decimal
degrees)
Longitude
(Decimal
degrees)
Date
Installed
or
Modified
Period of
record
Parameters measured
44.3 Willow Creek Existing (Willow Airport:
NOAA RWIS) 61.7650 -150.0503 N/a 6/05 to present Wind speed, visibility, temperature, relative
humidity, barometric pressure, precipitation
80.0 Susitna River near
Sunshine Gage
Existing (Talkeetna
RWIS: Parks Highway @
Talkeetna Rd. MP 98.7)
62.1381 -150.1155 N/a Unknown start
date to present
Wind speed and direction, temperature,
relative humidity, precipitation, dew point,
pavement temperature, subsurface
temperature
97.0 Susitna River at
Talkeetna
Existing (Talkeetna
Airport: FAA/NOAA
Station)
62.3200 -150.0950 N/a 1/05 to present
Wind speed, visibility, temperature, relative
humidity, barometric pressure, precipitation,
wind chill, heat index
138.5 Susitna River at
Indian River New 62.7842
-149.6633
09/27/12 09/27/12 to
present
Wind speed and direction, temperature,
relative humidity, barometric pressure,
precipitation, wind gust and direction, solar
degree days
184.1
Susitna River at
Watana Dam
(upland on bench)
New 62.8295
-148.5518
08/29/12 08/29/12 to
present
233.4 Susitna River above
Oshetna New 62.6388
-147.3781
09/28/12 09/28/12 to
present
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 50 February 2013
Table 5.2. 2012 Susitna River Basin Temperature Monitoring Sites and Installation Types
Susitna
River Mile Description Bank-Mounted
Installation
Anchor-and-
Buoy System:
Thermistor
String
Anchor-and-Buoy
System: Winter
Single Thermistor
15.1 Susitna above Alexander Creek N Y N
25.83 Susitna Station N N N
28.0 Yentna River N Y N
29.5 Susitna above Yentna N Y N
40.63 Deshka River N Y N
55.01 Susitna Y Y N
83.83 Susitna at Parks Highway East Y Y Y
83.93 Susitna at Parks Highway West Y Y Y
95.8 LRX 1 Y Y N
97.2 Talkeetna River Y (Lost) Y (Lost) Y
98.1 Chulitna River Y Y Y
103.3 Talkeetna Y Y Y
113.02 LRX 18 N Y (removed) N
120.72,3 Curry Fishwheel Camp Y Y N
126.0 Slough 8A N Y N
126.12 LRX 29 N Y Y
129.23 Slough 9 N Y (removed) N
130.82 LRX 35 N Y Y
136.5 Susitna near Gold Creek N Y Y
136.83 Gold Creek N Y (Lost) Y
138.01 Slough 16B N Y (removed) N
138.63 Indian River N N N
138.72 Susitna above Indian River Y Y Y
140.0 Slough 19 N Y (removed) N
140.12 LRX 53 N Y Y
142.0 Slough 21 N Y (single thermistor)
148.0 Susitna below Portage Creek Y Y N
148.82 Susitna above Portage Creek Y Y N
148.8 Portage Creek N Y (single thermistor)
165.01 Susitna N N Y
180.31 Susitna below Tsusena Creek N Y Y
181.33 Tsusena Creek N N Y
184.51 Susitna at Watana Dam site N N Y
194.1 Watana Creek N N N
206.8 Kosina Creek N Y Y
223.73 Susitna near Cantwell N N N
233.4 Oshetna River N Y Y
1 Site not sampled for water quality or temperature in the 1980s or location moved slightly from original location.
2 Proposed mainstem Susitna River temperature monitoring sites for purposes of 1980s SNTEMP model evaluation.
3 Locations with overlap of water quality temperature monitoring sites with other studies.
N = not installed, Y = installed
Locations in bold represent sites which were not installed during the 2012 sampling year.
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 51 February 2013
Table 5.3. Thermistor Installation and Downloads
Thermistor # Site Name
Date
Installed
River
Mile Month Downloaded
10174233
Susitna at Parks Highway
East 20-Jul-12 83.8 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174234
Susitna at Parks Highway
East 20-Jul-12 83.8 Oct-12
10174235
Susitna at Parks Highway
East 20-Jul-12 83.8 Oct-12
10174236
Susitna at Parks Highway
East 20-Jul-12 83.8 Oct-12
10174229
Susitna at Parks Highway
West 20-Jul-12 83.9 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174230
Susitna at Parks Highway
West 20-Jul-12 83.9 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174231
Susitna at Parks Highway
West 20-Jul-12 83.9 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174232
Susitna at Parks Highway
West 20-Jul-12 83.9 Aug-12 Sep-12
10174243 Alternative to LRX 1 28-Sep-12 95.8 Sep-12
10174244 Alternative to LRX 1 28-Sep-12 95.8 Sep-12
10174245 Alternative to LRX 1 28-Sep-12 95.8 Sep-12
10174246 Alternative to LRX 1 28-Sep-12 95.8 Sep-12
10174180 Chulitna River 23-Jul-12 98.1 Oct-12
10174181 Chulitna River 23-Jul-12 98.1 Oct-12
10174182 Chulitna River 23-Jul-12 98.1 Oct-12
10174209 Chulitna River 23-Jul-12 98.1 Oct-12
10174228 Chulitna River 23-Jul-12 98.1 Oct-12
10174254 Chulitna River 23-Jul-12 98.1 Oct-12
10174258 Chulitna River 23-Jul-12 98.1 Oct-12
10174247 Talkeetna 20-Jul-12 103.3 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174249 Talkeetna 20-Jul-12 103.3 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174250 Talkeetna 20-Jul-12 103.3 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174251 LRX 18 20-Jul-12 113 Aug-12
10174252 LRX 18 20-Jul-12 113 Aug-12
10174253 LRX 18 20-Jul-12 113 Aug-12
10174266 Curry Fishwheel Camp 21-Jul-12 120.7 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174267 Curry Fishwheel Camp 21-Jul-12 120.7 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174268 Curry Fishwheel Camp 21-Jul-12 120.7 Aug-12
10174269 Curry Fishwheel Camp 21-Jul-12 120.7 Aug-12
10174263 Slough 8A 20-Jul-12 126 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174264 Slough 8A 20-Jul-12 126 Aug-12 Oct-12
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
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FERC Project No. 14241 Page 52 February 2013
Table 5.3. Thermistor Installation and Downloads
Thermistor # Site Name
Date
Installed
River
Mile Month Downloaded
10174265 Slough 8A 20-Jul-12 126 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174216 LRX 29 21-Jul-12 126.1 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174217 LRX 29 21-Jul-12 126.1 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174218 LRX 29 21-Jul-12 126.1 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174219 Slough 9 21-Jul-12 129.2 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174220 Slough 9 21-Jul-12 129.2 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174307 Slough 16B 26-Aug-12 130 Oct-12
10174308 Slough 16B 26-Aug-12 130 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174221 LRX 35 21-Jul-12 130.8 Aug-12
10174222 LRX 35 21-Jul-12 130.8 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174223 LRX 35 21-Jul-12 130.8 Aug-12 Sep-12
10174262 LRX 35 21-Jul-12 130.8 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174293 Susitna near Gold Creek 26-Aug-12 136.5 Sep-12
10174295 Susitna near Gold Creek 26-Aug-12 136.5 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174224 Susitna Above Indian River 22-Jul-12 138.7 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174225 Susitna Above Indian River 22-Jul-12 138.7 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174226 Susitna Above Indian River 22-Jul-12 138.7 Aug-12
10174227 Susitna Above Indian River 22-Jul-12 138.7 Aug-12
10174189 Slough 19 22-Jul-12 140 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174190 Slough 19 22-Jul-12 140 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174191 LRX 53 22-Jul-12 140.1 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174282 LRX 53 22-Jul-12 140.1 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174283 LRX 53 22-Jul-12 140.1 Aug-12 Oct-12
10174302 Slough 21 26-Aug-12 142 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174163 Susitna Below Portage Creek 22-Jul-12 148 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174164 Susitna Below Portage Creek 22-Jul-12 148 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174165 Susitna Below Portage Creek 22-Jul-12 148 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174166 Susitna Below Portage Creek 22-Jul-12 148 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174169 Susitna Above Portage Creek 24-Jul-12 148.8 Sep-12
10174192 Susitna Above Portage Creek 24-Jul-12 148.8 Aug-12 Sep-12
10174193 Susitna Above Portage Creek 24-Jul-12 148.8 Aug-12 Sep-12
10174194 Susitna Above Portage Creek 24-Jul-12 148.8 Aug-12 Sep-12
10174271 Susitna Above Portage Creek 24-Jul-12 148.8 Aug-12 Sep-12
10174301 Portage Creek 26-Aug-12 148.8 Sep-12 Oct-12
10174286 Susitna below Tsusena Creek 26-Aug-12 180.3 Oct-12
10174280 Kosina Creek 26-Aug-12 206.8 Sep-12
10174279 Oshetna River 26-Aug-12 233.4 Sep-12
2012 WATER TEMP & METEOROLOGICAL FIELD STUDY
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 53 February 2013