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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
ARLIS Uniform Cover Page
Title:
SuWa 233
Characterization and mapping of aquatic habitats (Study 9.9), 2013 and
2014 aquatic habitat mapping field season completion progress, technical
memorandum
Author(s) – Personal:
Author(s) – Corporate:
R2 Resource Consultants, Inc.
AEA-identified category, if specified:
September 17, 2014 technical memorandum filings
AEA-identified series, if specified:
Series (ARLIS-assigned report number): Existing numbers on document:
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 233
Published by: Date published:
[Anchorage, Alaska : Alaska Energy Authority, 2014] September 2014
Published for: Date or date range of report: Prepared for Alaska Energy Authority
Volume and/or Part numbers:
Final or Draft status, as indicated:
Attachment E
Document type: Pagination:
Technical memorandum ii, 15 p.
Related work(s): Pages added/changed by ARLIS:
Cover letter to this report: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project, FERC Project no. 14241-000; Initial filing of September
2014 technical memoranda. (SuWa 228)
Attachments A-D and F-J (SuWa 229-232 and S34-238)
Added cover letter
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/
September 17, 2014
Ms. Kimberly D. Bose
Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20426
Re:Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project, Project No. 14241-000
Initial Filing of September 2014 Technical Memoranda
Dear Secretary Bose:
By letter dated January 28, 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(Commission or FERC) extended the procedural schedule for the preparation and review
of the Initial Study Report (ISR) for the proposed Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project,
FERC Project No. 14241 (Project).1 In particular, the Commission’s January 28 letter
established a deadline of June 3, 2014 for the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) to file the
ISR, and provided a 120-day period for licensing participants to review the ISR prior to
the ISR meetings, which are scheduled to begin the week of October 13.2 The purpose of
this filing is to provide several technical memoranda to Commission Staff and licensing
participants prior to the ISR meetings.
As required by the Commission’s January 28 letter, AEA filed the ISR with the
Commission on June 3. Among other things, the ISR detailed AEA’s planned work
during the 2014 field season.3 As AEA was preparing this 2014 work plan, it recognized
that data gathered during the 2014 field season, together with other study work conducted
prior to the October 2014 ISR meetings,could assist Commission Staff, AEA, and other
licensing participants in developing the Project’s licensing study program for 2015. For
this reason, the ISR provided for AEA to prepare certain technical memoranda and other
information based on 2014 work.
AEA recognizes that Commission Staff and licensing participants need a
reasonable amount of time prior to the ISR meetings to review this additional
information. AEA and licensing participants consulted with Commission Staff on this
1 Letter from Jeff Wright, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, to Wayne Dyok, Alaska Energy
Authority, Project No. 14241-000 (issued Jan. 28, 2014)[hereinafter, “January 28 letter”].
2 The full schedule for the ISR meetings appears in Section 1.5 of the ISR, as well as on AEA’s
licensing website, http://www.susitna-watanahydro.org/meetings/.
3 E.g., Initial Study Report §1.3 & Table 3, Project No. 14241-000 (filed June 3, 2014) [hereinafter,
“ISR”].
2
matter, and Staff directed that any additional information should be filed with the
Commission and made available to licensing participants no later than 15 days prior to
the ISR meetings, consistent with the typically applicable deadline under the
Commission’s Integrated Licensing Process regulations.4
With this letter, AEA is filing and distributing the first set of technical
memoranda and other information generated during the 2014 study season, as described
below. As part of its continued implementation of the study plan, AEA expects to file
certain additional technical memoranda prior to October 1, 2014, in accordance with
Commission Staff direction.
This first set of technical memoranda and other information consists of the
following:
Attachment A: Proposal to Eliminate the Chulitna Corridor from Further
Study. As explained in the ISR, throughout the licensing process AEA has
continually evaluated its proposal for Project development based on
environmental review, technical feasibility, practical considerations, and other
factors. As part of this iterative process, AEA notified the Commission and
licensing participants in the ISR that it was evaluating whether to continue
study of the Chulitna Corridor.5 Attachment A details AEA’s conclusion that
development of the Chulitna Corridor is not a reasonable alternative, and
therefore AEA proposes to eliminate the corridor from further study. AEA
seeks any comments or information on this proposal from federal and state
resource agencies and other participants in the licensing process.
Attachment B: Ice Processes in the Susitna River Study (Study 7.6),Detailed
Ice Observations October 2013 –May 2014 Technical Memorandum. The
ISR indicated that AEA would provide a summary of the 2014 break-up
observations.6 This technical memorandum describes all field activities and
observations between October 16, 2013 and May 15, 2014 for the Ice
Processes in the Susitna River Study (Study 7.6).
Attachment C: Study of Fish Distribution and Abundance in the Upper
Susitna River (Study 9.5), Proposed 2015 Modifications to Fish Distribution
and Abundance Study Plan Implementation Technical Memorandum. Based
on AEA’s experience in implementing the study plan for the Study of Fish
Distribution and Abundance in the Upper Susitna River (Study 9.5)during
2014, this technical memorandum proposes to continue certain modifications
to the implementation of this study during 2015.
4 See 18 C.F.R. §5.15(c)(2).
5 See ISR, ISR Overview §1.4.
6 See id., Ice Processes in the Susitna River Study,Study Plan 7.6, Part C §7.2.
3
Attachment D: Study of Fish Distribution and Abundance in the Middle and
Lower Susitna River Study (Study 9.6), 2013-2014 Winter Fish Study
Technical Memorandum. At the time the ISR was filed, AEA was still in the
process of conducting data entry, quality control, and analysis of winter
sampling for this study. AEA reported in the ISR that it would develop plans
for completing this study in a technical memorandum to be filed with the
Commission.7 This technical memorandum fulfills this commitment and sets
forth AEA’s proposal for winter efforts, including proposed methodologies
and modifications.
Attachment E: Characterization and Mapping of Aquatic Habitats (Study
9.9), 2013 and 2014 Aquatic Habitat Mapping Field Season Completion
Progress Technical Memorandum. In the ISR, AEA reported that its 2014
activities for the Characterization and Mapping of Aquatic Habitats Study
(Study 9.9) would consist of various ground-truthing surveys and collection of
habitat information for the 12 lakes within the potential reservoir inundation
zone.8 This technical memorandum reports on these activities.
Attachment F: Eulachon Run Timing, Distribution, and Spawning in the
Susitna River (Study 9.16), 2015 Proposed Eulachon Spawning Habitat Study
Modifications Technical Memorandum.After reviewing the 2013 and 2014
results from the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Study (Study 9.17) and discussing
the results with the National Marine Fisheries Service, AEA has determined
that additional data are needed regarding eulachon spawning habitats. This
technical memorandum describes a proposed modification to the Study of
Eulachon Run Timing, Distribution and Spawning in the Susitna River (Study
9.16)to include an assessment of eulachon spawning habitats.
Attachment G: Fish and Aquatics Instream Flow Study (Study 8.5),
Evaluation of Relationships between Fish Abundance and Specific
Microhabitat Variables Technical Memorandum. Consistent with the
Commission’s study plan determination,9 this technical memorandum
provides a detailed evaluation of the comparison of fish abundance measures
with specific microhabitat variable measurements where sampling overlaps.
This memorandum is used to determine whether a relationship between a
specific microhabitat variable and fish abundance is evident.
Attachment H: Fish and Aquatics Instream Flow Study (Study 8.5), 2013-
2014 Instream Flow Winter Studies Technical Memorandum.In the ISR,
AEA reported that it would distribute its finding concerning the 2013-2014
7 See id., Study of Fish Distribution and Abundance in the Middle and Lower Susitna River Study,
Study Plan 9.6, Part C §7.1.2.5.
8 See id., Characterization and Mapping of Aquatic Habitats, Study Plan 9.9, Part C § 7.1.
9 See Study Plan Determination on 14 Remaining Studies for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project,
Appendix B at B-84 to B-86, Project No. 14241-000 (issued Apr. 1, 2013).
4
winter activities in 2014.10 This technical memorandum describes the
methods applied, and data and information collected, as part of the Instream
Flow Study 2013-2014 winter studies.
Attachment I: Geomorphology Study (Study 6.5), Susitna River Historical
Cross Section Comparison (1980s to Current) Technical Memorandum. As
specified in Revised Study Plan Section 6.5.4.1.2.3, this technical
memorandum describes changes within the main and side channels of the
Susitna River by comparing historical survey data from the 1980s with survey
data from the current Project.
Attachment J: Geomorphology Study (Study 6.5), 2014 Update of Sediment-
Transport Relationships and a Revised Sediment Balance for the Middle and
Lower Susitna River Segments Technical Memorandum. The purpose of this
technical memorandum is to update the sediment load rating curves and
preliminary estimates of the overall sediment balance in the Middle and
Lower River segments under pre-Project conditions that were initially
provided in “Development of Sediment-Transport Relationships and an Initial
Sediment Balance for the Middle and Lower Susitna River Segments,” (Tetra
Tech, Inc. 2013a). This update is based on additional data collected by the
U.S. Geological Survey in 2012 and 2013.
AEA appreciates the opportunity to provide this additional information to the
Commission and licensing participants, which it believes will be helpful in determining
the appropriate development of the 2015 study plan as set forth in the ISR. If you have
questions concerning this submission please contact me at wdyok@aidea.org or (907)
771-3955.
Sincerely,
Wayne Dyok
Project Manager
Alaska Energy Authority
Attachments
cc: Distribution List (w/o Attachments)
10 See ISR, Fish and Aquatics Instream Flow Study, Study Plan 8.5, Part C §7.5.2.
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
(FERC No. 14241)
Characterization and Mapping of Aquatic Habitats
(Study 9.9)
2013 and 2014 Aquatic Habitat Mapping
Field Season Completion Progress
Technical Memorandum
Prepared for
Alaska Energy Authority
Prepared by
R2 Resource Consultants, Inc.
September 2014
2013 AND 2014 AQUATIC HABITAT MAPPING
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM FIELD SEASON COMPLETION PROGRESS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Background ........................................................................................................................1
2. Study Element Completion Update ..................................................................................1
2.1. Upper River Mainstem Surveys .........................................................................1
2.2. Middle River Mainstem Surveys .......................................................................2
2.3. Upper River Tributary Surveys ..........................................................................2
2.4. Middle River Tributary Surveys ........................................................................2
2.5. Focus Area Surveys ...........................................................................................3
2.6. Lake Surveys ......................................................................................................3
3. Ground-Truthing Analysis ................................................................................................3
3.1. Macrohabitat Variation ......................................................................................3
3.2. Single Main Channel Mesohabitat Variation .....................................................4
4. Summary .............................................................................................................................4
5. References ...........................................................................................................................4
6. Tables ..................................................................................................................................5
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1-1. Randomly selected Upper River mainstem habitats outside of Focus Areas, mapped
and characterized during 2013 and 2014.* ............................................................................. 6
Table 2.2-1. Randomly selected Middle River mainstem habitats mapped and characterized
during 2013 and 2014. ............................................................................................................ 7
Table 2.3-1. Upper River (UR) tributary table showing all tributary geomorphic reaches,
gradient, basin area, private land ownership, and 2013 survey status. ................................... 8
Table 2.4-1. Middle River (MR) tributary geomorphic reaches selected for field-survey, basin
area, private land ownership, and 2013 survey completion status. ....................................... 11
Table 2.6-1. Lakes in the Upper River located within the inundation zone, and habitat metrics
obtained from the Project GIS database. ............................................................................... 14
Table 3.1-1. Total number of macrohabitat units and special mesohabitat units ground-truthed
both inside and outside of Focus Areas during 2013 field surveys. ..................................... 15
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
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TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM FIELD SEASON COMPLETION PROGRESS
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND SCIENTIFIC LABELS
Abbreviation Definition
AEA Alaska Energy Authority
ARRC Alaska Railroad Corporation
BW Backwater
CIRWG Cook Inlet Region Working Group
CWP Clearwater Plume
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
ft feet
GIS
Geographic Information System. An integrated collection of computer software and
data used to view and manage information about geographic places, analyze spatial
relationships, and model spatial processes.
ha hectare
HW headwaters
ILP Integrated Licensing Process
ISR Initial Study Report
km kilometer
m meter
MR Middle River Segment of the Susitna River
NHD National Hydrography Database
NI No Information
NS No Survey
PRM Project River Mile
Project Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project (FERC No.14241)
QC Quality Control
RSP Revised Study Plan
TM Technical Memorandum
UR Upper River
ZHI Zone of hydrologic influence
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
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1. BACKGROUND
The Initial Study Report (ISR) for Study 9.9 (Part C Section 7.1), the Characterization and
Mapping of Aquatic Habitats, outlined six activities required to complete the Study Plan (AEA
2014). This Technical Memorandum (TM) presents an update on completion of those activities
originally described in the RSP Section 9.9.5 (AEA 2012) including: (1) ground-truthing surveys
by macrohabitat type in the Upper River mainstem; (2) ground-truthing surveys by macrohabitat
type in the Middle River mainstem; (3) ground surveys of select Upper River tributaries; (4)
ground surveys of select Middle River tributaries; (5) ground-truthing surveys to complete 100
percent coverage of mesohabitat mapping within Focus Areas; and (6) collecting relevant
additional habitat information on a lake-by-lake basis for the 12 lakes identified within the
potential reservoir inundation zone.
During preparation of the ISR, preliminary examination of the 2013 data suggested that although
target flows were not universally achieved during ground surveys, conflicts between remote-line
mapping or videoed habitat calls and ground-survey habitat calls were infrequent. Results of this
analysis are presented in this TM for all 2013 ground-surveyed macrohabitats; a final revision
including 2014 ground-surveys will be presented in the Updated Study Report (USR).
2. STUDY ELEMENT COMPLETION UPDATE
Remote line mapping of habitats for the study area was completed in 2012 using a hierarchically-
nested habitat typing system that was adapted to the identification levels deemed feasible based
on the available aerial imagery (ISR Table 9.9.1.1-1, Appendix A). During 2013 and 2014, field
surveys were conducted in Upper River (UR) and Middle River (MR) tributaries and mainstem
habitats. Habitat surveys were also planned in 12 lakes known to be located within the Project
inundation zone (ISR Section 5.1.3; AEA 2014). Following additional data quality control (QC),
the status of surveys conducted in 2013 has been updated from the ISR and is combined in this
TM with a description of the completion of this study element in 2014.
2.1. Upper River Mainstem Surveys
For all mainstem ground-surveys, AEA implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan,
with the exception of the variances described in ISR Section 4.2.4 (AEA 2014). For each
macrohabitat category, seven habitat units were selected, or all habitat units if less than seven
existed or were accessible. Within single main channel habitat, field crews identified seven of
each mesohabitat for ground-truthing and characterization, or all habitat units if less than seven
existed or were accessible. In 2013, FERC determined that clearwater plumes and backwaters be
moved from macrohabitat category Level 3 to mesohabitat category Level 4 and be given
“special consideration” (April 1, 2013, FERC SPD). Accordingly, seven of each of these
mesohabitats were selected for ground-truthing and characterization, or all habitat units if less
than seven existed or were accessible.
Thirty habitat units were fully or partially mapped during 2013. This included seven main
channel riffles, six main channel glide/runs, six split main channels, six side channels, three side
sloughs, and two upland sloughs. In 2014, field crews surveyed one main channel glide/run, one
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
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split main channel, one side channel, four upland sloughs, four side sloughs, seven tributary
mouths, and one backwater habitat. The surveys conducted during 2014 completed all targets for
ground-truthing in mainstem habitats in the Upper River (Table 2.1-1). Multiple split main
channel habitats and main channel pools did not occur above Devils Canyon and both backwater
and clearwater plume habitats were scarce in the Upper River. So, even though seven replicates
were not completed, all available habitat units have been surveyed. Single main channel rapids
were judged unsafe to access and these habitats were not surveyed.
2.2. Middle River Mainstem Surveys
The random selection of habitats in the Middle River mainstem paralleled that in the Upper
River (see Section 2.1 above). In addition to randomly selected habitats, all macrohabitat
segments identified within Focus Areas were to be ground-mapped and characterized. For all
ground-surveys, AEA implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan with the
exception of the variances described in ISR Section 4.2.4 (AEA 2014).
In the Middle River, all survey targets for habitat units have been met (Table 2.2-1), with the
exception of the special mesohabitat backwater for which only six habitat units were available
and accessible (one additional backwater was located but was judged unsafe to access by boat
operators).
2.3. Upper River Tributary Surveys
The Study Plan provided that a total of 25 tributaries within the proposed reservoir inundation
zone and three tributaries located upstream of the inundation zone would be ground-surveyed
according to the methods summarized in the ISR in Section 4 (AEA 2014). By the end of the
2013 field season, nine tributaries were fully habitat mapped with partial surveys in an additional
two tributaries. The tributary mapping effort in the Upper River was completed in 2014, with
ground surveys in 16 tributaries as well as the two tributary surveys begun in 2013. A single
small primary tributary (unnamed tributary at PRM 226.2) and two geomorphic reaches within
other tributaries (Unnamed Tributary 206.3-2 and Unnamed Tributary 194.8-2) that had been
selected for surveying were determined to be inaccessible for safety reasons and were excluded
from the survey population. Thus, 27 tributaries in total were surveyed in the Upper River with
surveys for two of these spanning the 2013 and 2014 field seasons (Table 2.3-1).
2.4. Middle River Tributary Surveys
In the Middle River segment, a total of eight tributaries within and upstream of Devils Canyon
were selected for ground mapping. These tributaries were also among those that were
videographed in 2012. An additional 20 tributaries known to contain populations of anadromous
and resident fishes were selected within the zone of hydrologic influence (ZHI) of the Project
below Devils Canyon; nine of these occurred within Focus Areas and 11 were outside of Focus
Areas. In total, 28 Middle River tributaries were identified for survey in the Study Plan.
During 2013, field crews fully surveyed seven tributaries and partially surveyed one tributary
according to the methods outlined in ISR Section 4 (AEA 2014). In 2014, field crews fully
mapped 20 tributaries and completed one tributary survey begun in 2013 using these same
methods (Table 2.4-1). Thus, ground-truthing was completed in all 28 targeted tributaries.
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
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2.5. Focus Area Surveys
The Study Plan provided that 100 percent of line-mapped arcs within Focus Areas would be
ground-truthed as part of the Habitat Study. In 2013, 108 macrohabitat units within Focus Areas
were mapped, and this effort was completed during 2014 with an additional 25 macrohabitat
units mapped within Focus Areas.
2.6. Lake Surveys
There are 12 lakes currently known to be within the zone of reservoir inundation, according to
the National Hydrography Database (NHD). These lakes were located, mapped, and identified in
the Project GIS database (Table 2.6-1); elevation, surface area, and perimeter were calculated,
and the presence or absence of surface water connection to the Susitna River was noted.
Over the 2014 field season, surveys of additional limnological parameters were made in each of
these 12 lakes. For each survey, a crew of two surveyed transects both along and across the long
axis of each lake. Five stations were established on each transect (start and end, plus three
equally spaced points along each transect). Measurements of pH, water clarity, percent dissolved
oxygen, temperature, average and maximum depth, and percent littoral area were completed
along depth profiles with measurements at the surface and every 0.5 m (1.6 ft). The lakes
surveyed are shown by number in ISR Figure 9.9.4.2-1 and in ISR Table 9.9.4.2-2. Summaries
of lake habitat characteristics will be presented in the USR.
3. GROUND-TRUTHING ANALYSIS
A determination of whether remote line mapping is sufficiently accurate depends upon the
degree and magnitude of difference between mesohabitat calls made during ground-truthing field
surveys and remote calls. An interim assessment of the accuracy of the remote line mapping was
conducted using data from 2013 field surveys. A full assessment based on 2013 and 2014 field
surveys in combination will be presented in the USR.
3.1. Macrohabitat Variation
Over the 2013 field season, survey crews classified habitats in a total of 175 habitat segments,
including Focus Area and randomly selected mainstem macrohabitats (Table 3.1-1). Field
macrohabitat calls for these segments were subsequently compared with the classifications made
during the remote line mapping exercise to identify possible variations. Of these 175
comparisons, there were four survey lines (three in the MR and one in the UR) where field crew
habitat calls were judged more valid than the original line mapping call. These included one side
channel that field crews identified as a split main channel, and three side channels identified by
field crews as side sloughs. A desktop review of these variations concluded that these
represented instances where the field survey assessment was made closer to target flows than
occurred with the imagery underlying the original line mapping macrohabitat call. Thus, four
variations out of 175 macrohabitat calls represent the current error rate associated with the
comprehensive remote line mapping.
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
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3.2. Single Main Channel Mesohabitat Variation
Single main channel habitats were selected separately from other mainstem macrohabitat types to
adjust for indeterminacy of practical survey start and end points in these habitats. Nineteen of
the 36 single main channel habitats surveyed across the Upper and Middle River segments were
classified with a different mesohabitat than had been assigned during the 2012 remote line
mapping. In all but two instances, this discrepancy was an artifact of field crews using finer
habitat divisions resulting in the identification of sequences of riffles and runs where remote line
mapping had identified a single mesohabitat. The remaining two cases were a glide and a riffle
determined by field crews to be a riffle and a glide, respectively. AEA judged this kind of
habitat difference between remote line mapping and field calls to be due to the inherent
subjectivity of distinctions between these mesohabitat types in combination with flow variation
and localized channel change in the two years between remote mapping and field surveys. Thus,
no revisions to line mapping were needed.
4. SUMMARY
The intent of the field mapping effort was to ground-truth a random sample of habitat
classifications from the remote line mapping database across both the Upper and Middle River,
to provide classifications in habitats that were difficult to survey using remote line mapping
methods (e.g., tributaries and off-channel habitats), and to provide detailed habitat
characterization of Focus Areas.
All Habitat Mapping field tasks described in the Study Plan have been completed. AEA expects
to complete the FERC-approved Study Plan through the filing of the Updated Study Report by
February 1, 2016, in accordance with the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) schedule issued by
FERC on January 28, 2014. AEA expects the USR will be filed in February 2016 and will
contain an updated ground-truthing comparison of habitat classification from remote line
mapping that is comprehensive of both 2013 and 2014 ground-surveys; characterization of
macro- and mesohabitats using measured habitat metrics; and a complete and updated set of
photographic base maps for all mapped locations.
5. REFERENCES
Alaska Energy Authority (AEA). 2012. Revised Study Plan: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project FERC Project No. 14241. December 2012. Prepared for the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission by the Alaska Energy Authority, Anchorage,
Alaska. http://www.susitna-watanahydro.org/study-plan.
Alaska Energy Authority (AEA). 2014. Characterization and Mapping of Aquatic Habitats
Study Plan Section 9.9. Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241.
Prepared for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by the Alaska Energy
Authority, Anchorage, Alaska.
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 4 September 2014
2013 AND 2014 AQUATIC HABITAT MAPPING
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM FIELD SEASON COMPLETION PROGRESS
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Office of Energy Projects. 2013. April 01,
2013. Study Plan Determination for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project No 14241-
000.
6. TABLES
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
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Table 2.1-1. Randomly selected Upper River mainstem habitats outside of Focus Areas, mapped
and characterized during 2013 and 2014.*
Habitat UR-3 UR-4 UR-5 UR-6
2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 TOTALS
Main Channel - Riffle 5 1 1 7
Main Channel - Glide or Run 4 2 1 7
Split Main Channel 4 1 1 1 7
Multiple Split Main Channel 0
Side Channel 3 1 3 7
Side Slough 1 2 2 2 7
Upland Slough 2* 3 1 6
Tributary Mouth 3 1 2 1 7
Special mesohabitats
Backwater 1 1
Clearwater Plume 0
Notes:
*One partial survey completed in 2014
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
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Table 2.2-1. Randomly selected Middle River mainstem habitats mapped and characterized during 2013 and 2014.
Habitats MR-2 MR-3 MR-4 MR-5 MR-6 MR-7 MR-8
2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 TOTALS
Main Channel – Riffle 1 1 1 1 1 2+ 7
Main Channel - Glide or Run 1 2 1 1+ 1 1 7
Split Main Channel 1 1 1 3 1 7
Multiple Split Main Channel 2 1 4 7
Side Channel 1 2 1 1 2 7
Side Slough 3 2+ 1* 1 7
Upland Slough 1 3 1 2 7
Tributary Mouth 2 2 2 1+ 7
Special mesohabitats
Backwater 1 NS 1 2 1 1 6
Clear Water Plume 2 1 3+ 1+ 7
Notes:
NS: No Survey. Habitat was judged not accessible by boat operators – Inside Devils Canyon
+survey in progress, September 2014
*One partial survey, completed in 2014
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Table 2.3-1. Upper River (UR) tributary table showing all tributary geomorphic reaches, gradient, basin area, private land ownership, and 2013 survey status.
Mainstem
Geomorphic Reach Tributary Name Selection Category Tributary Order2
Tributary
Geomorphic Reach or Site ID
Project River Mile
End of
Survey Elev. (ft)
Approx.
Drainage Area (km2)
Approx.
Length (km)
Total
Grad.
(%)
Ground
survey
2013
Ground
survey
2014
UR-2 Oshetna River1
Above
Inundation
Zone
1
Oshetna-1
235.1 3,000 885.1 89.48
Y
Oshetna-2 Y
Oshetna-33 Y
UR-2 Black River1
Above
Inundation
Zone
2
Black-1
12.6 (LB) 3,000 NI NI
Y
Black-2 Y
Black-33 Y
UR-3 Goose Creek1
Above
Inundation
Zone
1
Goose-1
232.8 3,000 167.2 40.56
Y
Goose-2 Y
Goose-33 Y
Proposed reservoir full pool (2050’ NAVD88) upper extent
UR-3 Unnamed 230.8 small primary 1 H230.8-22H 230.8 2,200 1 2.19 11 Y
UR-3 Unnamed 230.2 small primary 1 H230.2-22H 230.2 2,200 0.4 0.72 19 Y
UR-3 Unnamed 230.1 small primary 1 H230.1-22H 230.1 2,200 4.3 5.39 7 Y
UR-3 Unnamed 228.5 small primary 1 H228.5-22H 228.5 2,200 75.1 25.39 5 Y
UR-3 Unnamed 226.2 small primary 1 H226.2-22H 226.2 2,200 5.9 4.50 10 NS
UR-4 Unnamed 219.6 small primary 1 H219.6-22H 219.6 2,200 8.4 7.28 8 Y
UR-4 Unnamed 214.4 small primary 1 H214.4-22H 214.4 2,200 1.7 2.44 23 Y
UR-4 Jay Creek1 Inundation
Zone 1
Jay-1
211.0 3,000 99.5 31.54
Y4
Jay-2 Y4
Jay-3 Y4
Jay-43 Y
UR-4 Kosina Creek1 Inundation
Zone 1
Kosina-1
209.1 3,000 644.1 63.57
4
Kosina-2 Y4
Kosina-3 4
UR-4 Tsisi Creek1 Inundation
Zone 2 Tsisi-13 7.2 (LB) 3,000 NI NI
Y
Tsisi-23 Y
UR-4 Unnamed 208.6 small primary 1 H208.6-22H 208.6 2,200 5.0 7.52 8 Y
UR-5 Unnamed 207.4 small primary 1 H207.4-HW1 207.4 HW 1.1 2.50 14 Y
UR-5 Unnamed 207.4
RB-1 small primary 2 H207.4-HW2 207.4 HW NI Y
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 8 September 2014
2013 AND 2014 AQUATIC HABITAT MAPPING
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM FIELD SEASON COMPLETION PROGRESS
Table 2.3-1. Upper River (UR) tributary table showing all tributary geomorphic reaches, gradient, basin area, private land ownership, and 2013 survey status.
(continued)
Mainstem
Geomorphic Reach Tributary Name Selection
Category
Tributary
Order2
Tributary
Geomorphic
Reach or Site ID
Project
River Mile
End of
Survey
Elev. (ft)
Approx.
Drainage
Area (km2)
Approx.
Length (km)
Total
Grad.
(%)
Ground
survey
2013
Ground
survey
2014
UR-5 Unnamed 206.3 Inundation
Zone 1
206.3-1
206.3 2,200 49.9 11.96
Y
206.3-2 NS
206.3-3 Y
UR-5 Unnamed 204.5 Inundation
Zone 1 204.5-1 204.5 2,200 49.9 9.98
* Y
204.5-2 * Y
UR-6 Unnamed 198.9 small primary 1 H198.9-22H 198.9 2,200 1.2 3.36 13 * Y
UR-6 Unnamed 198.4
LB -1 small primary 2 H198.4-HW 198.4 HW NI * Y
UR-6 Unnamed 197.7 Inundation
Zone 1
197.7-1
197.7 2,200 49.9 8.69
* Y
197.7-2 * Y
197.7-3 * Y
UR-6 Unnamed 197.7
RB-1 small primary 2 H197.7-22T 197.7 2,200 NI * Y
UR-6 Watana Creek1 Inundation
Zone 1
Watana-1
196.9 3,000 281.3 43.29
Y4*
Watana-2 Y4
Watana-33 Y
UR-6 Watana RB-1 small primary 2 H196.9-HW1 196.9 HW NI Y
UR-6 Watana LB-1.1.1 small primary 4 H196.9-HW2 196.9 HW NI Y
UR-6 Watana Tributary1 Inundation
Zone 2 Watana Trib-13 8.7 (RB) 3,000 NI NI
Y
Watana Trib-23 Y
UR-6 Unnamed 194.8 Inundation
Zone 1
194.8-1
194.8 HW 199.6 11.43
* Y
194.8-2 * NS
194.8-3 Y
194.8-4 Y
UR-6 Deadman Creek1 Inundation
Zone 1
Deadman-1
189.4 3,000 281.8 67.43
* Y
Deadman-2 * Y
Deadman-3 Y
Deadman-4 Y
Deadman-5 Y
Deadman-6 Y
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 9 September 2014
2013 AND 2014 AQUATIC HABITAT MAPPING
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM FIELD SEASON COMPLETION PROGRESS
Table 2.3-1. Upper River (UR) tributary table showing all tributary geomorphic reaches, gradient, basin area, private land ownership, and 2013 survey status.
(continued)
Notes:
1 Tributary mapped using aerial videography.
2 Tributary Category indicates ranked distance from the mainstem Susitna River (i.e., 1 = primary tributary to the Susitna River, 2 = tributary to a number 1
tributary)
3 Tributary Geomorphic Reach only partially video-mapped or not video mapped. See ISR Table 4.1-3 for spatial range of videography survey.
4 All or part of tributary geomorphic reach survey conducted during 2012
NI: No information available at this time.
NS: No survey
* private land CIRWG
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2013 AND 2014 AQUATIC HABITAT MAPPING
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM FIELD SEASON COMPLETION PROGRESS
Table 2.4-1. Middle River (MR) tributary geomorphic reaches selected for field-survey, basin area, private land ownership, and 2013 survey completion status.
Mainstem
Geomorphic Reach
Tributary
Name (ID)
Tributary
Order2
Tributary
Geomorphic Reach or Site ID
Project
River Mile
End of
Survey Elev. (ft)
Approx.
Drainage Area (km2)
Approx.
Length (km) Focus Area
Ground
survey 2013
Ground
survey 2014
MR-2 Tsusena
Creek1 1 Tsusena-1 184.6 ZHI 145.3 49.41 NA * Y
Tsusena-2 NA NS
MR-2 Unnamed
184.01 1 184.0-1 184.0 ZHI <31 16.74 NA * Y
184.0-2 NA * NS
MR-2 Fog
Creek1 1
Fog-1
179.3 3,000 147.2 44.74
NA * Y
Fog-2 NA * Y
Fog-3 NA * Y
Fog-43 NA Y
MR-2 Unnamed
173.8 1 H173.8-ZHI 173.8 ZHI NI NI
FA-173
(Stephan Lake
Complex)
Y*
MR-2 Unnamed
174.3 1 H174.3-ZHI 174.3 ZHI NI NI
FA-173
(Stephan Lake
Complex)
* Y
Devils Canyon Upper Extent (PRM 166.1)
MR-4 Devil
Creek1 1 Devil-1 164.8 ZHI 74.8 25.43 NA * Y
MR-4 Chinook
Creek1 1 Chinook-1 160.5 3,000 24.7 17.06 NA Y*
Chinook-23 NA Y
MR-4 Cheechak
o Creek1 1 Cheechako-1 155.9 barrier 36.4 17.22 NA * Y
Devils Canyon Lower Extent (PRM 153.9)
MR-5 Portage
Creek 1 H152.3-ZHI 152.3 ZHI 178.6 0.31 FA-151
(Portage Cr) * Y
MR-6 Jack Long
Creek 1 H148.3-ZHI 148.3 ZHI NI 0.05 NA * Y
MR-6 Unnamed
144.6 1 H144.6-ZHI 144.6 ZHI NI 0.02 FA-144
(Slough 21) Y
MR-6 Indian
River 1 H142.1-ZHI 142.1 ZHI 86.2 0.23 FA-141
(Indian River) Y
MR-6 Gold
Creek 1 H140.1-ZHI 140.1 ZHI 23.7 0.24 NA Y
MR-6 Fourth of
July Creek 1 H134.3-ZHI 134.3 ZHI NI 0.19 NA Y
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Table 2.4-1. Middle River (MR) tributary geomorphic reaches selected for field-survey, basin area, private land ownership, and 2013 survey completion status.
(continued)
Mainstem
Geomorphic
Reach
Tributary
Name (ID)
Tributary
Order2
Tributary
Geomorphic
Reach or Site ID
Project
River
Mile
End of
Survey
Elev. (ft)
Approx.
Drainage
Area (km2)
Approx.
Length
(km)
Focus Area
Ground
survey
2013
Ground
survey
2014
MR-6 Sherman
Creek 1 H134.1-ZHI 134.1 ZHI NI 0.03 NA Y
MR-6 Skull
Creek 1 H128.1-ZHI 128.1 ZHI NI 0.06 FA-128
(Slough 8A) **
ARRC –
in
progress
MR-6 Fifth of
July Creek 1 H127.3-ZHI 127.3 ZHI NI 0.02 NA Y
MR-6 Deadhorse
Creek 1 H124.4-ZHI 124.4 ZHI 6.5 0.29 NA Y
MR-7
Little
Portage
Creek
1 H121.4-ZHI 121.4 ZHI 2.4 0.19 NA **
ARRC –
in
progress
MR-7 McKenzie
Creek 1 H120.2-ZHI 120.2 ZHI 2.3 0.03 NA Y
MR-7
Lower
McKenzie
Creek
1 H119.7-ZHI 119.7 ZHI NI 0.26 NA **
ARRC –
in
progress
MR-7 Lane
Creek 1 H117.2-ZHI 117.2 ZHI 10.4 0.18 NA Y
MR-7 Unnamed
115.4 1 H115.4-ZHI 115.4 ZHI NI 0.19 FA-115
(Slough 6A) Y
MR-7 Gash
Creek 1 H115.0-ZHI 115.0 ZHI NI 0.02 FA-113
(Oxbow 1) **
ARRC –
in
progress
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2013 AND 2014 AQUATIC HABITAT MAPPING
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM FIELD SEASON COMPLETION PROGRESS
Table 2.4-1. Middle River (MR) tributary geomorphic reaches selected for field-survey, basin area, private land ownership, and 2013 survey completion status.
(continued)
Mainstem
Geomorphic
Reach
Tributary
Name (ID)
Tributary
Order2
Tributary
Geomorphic
Reach or Site ID
Project
River
Mile
End of
Survey
Elev. (ft)
Approx.
Drainage
Area (km2)
Approx.
Length
(km)
Focus Area
Ground
survey
2013
Ground
survey
2014
MR-7 Slash
Creek 1 H114.9-ZHI 114.9 ZHI NI 0.03 FA-113
(Oxbow 1) **
ARRC –
in
progress
MR-7 Unnamed
113.7 1 H113.7-ZHI 113.7 ZHI NI NI FA-113
(Oxbow 1) **
ARRC –
in
progress
MR-7 Chase
Creek 1 H110.5-ZHI 110.5 ZHI NI 0.27 NA Y
MR-8 Whiskers
Creek 1 H105.1-ZHI 105.1 ZHI 17.2 0.53 FA-104
(Whiskers Slough) Y
Notes:
1 Tributary mapped using aerial videography
2 Tributary category indicates ranked distance from the mainstem Susitna River (i.e., 1 = primary tributary to the Susitna River, 2 = tributary to a number 1
tributary)
3 Tributary geomorphic reach only partially video-mapped or not video-mapped. See ISR Table 4.1-3 for spatial range of videography survey.
NI No information available at this time
NS No Survey. Tributary reach is above the elevation of the study area; accordingly, data were not collected.
* private land: CIRWG** private land: ARRC
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2013 AND 2014 AQUATIC HABITAT MAPPING
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM FIELD SEASON COMPLETION PROGRESS
Table 2.6-1. Lakes in the Upper River located within the inundation zone, and habitat metrics obtained from the Project
GIS database.
Lake ID1 Perimeter (m) Elevation (m) Area (ha) Surface water connection
Lake 1 260 534 0.23 Yes
Lake 2 543 533 0.68 Yes
Lake 3 1001 547 3.37 Yes
Lake 4 441 622 1.15 No
Lake 5/Sally Lake 3009 620 22.99 Yes
Lake 6 399 612 0.89 No
Lake 7 467 487 1.48 Indeterminate
Lake 8 211 619 0.30 No
Lake 9 419 543 1.15 Yes
Lake 10 144 597 0.16 No
Lake 11 198 621 0.20 No
Lake 12 391 612 0.72 No
Notes:
1 Lakes are numbered from upstream to downstream.
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CHARACTERIZATION AND MAPPING OF AQUATIC HABITATS
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 2013 AND 2014 FIELD SEASON COMPLETION PROGRESS
Table 3.1-1. Total number of macrohabitat units and special mesohabitat units ground-truthed both inside and outside of
Focus Areas during 2013 field surveys.
Macrohabitat Focus Area Random Selection
outside of FA Grand Total
Middle River 108 37 145
Single Main Channel 15 8 23
Multiple Split Main Channel 10 6 16
not assigned - BW 2 1 3
not assigned - CWP 1 1
Side Channel 40 6 46
Side Slough 12 4 16
Split Main Channel 11 7 18
Tributary Mouth 2 2
Upland Slough 15 5 20
Upper River 30 30
Single Main Channel 13 13
Side Channel 6 6
Side Slough 3 3
Split Main Channel 6 6
Upland Slough 2 2
Grand Total 108 67 175
Notes:
BW = Backwater
CWP = Clearwater Plume
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